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PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow.

Posted by Dungeon MasterFor group 0
Dungeon Master
GM, 64 posts
Wed 23 Jun 2021
at 00:49
  • msg #17

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

The halfling looked up with genuine fear in his eyes, his attempt as escape having been so thoroughly foiled. "Wha..a..ah?" He stammered through his fingers. "Ah, Sh.. Shor-thuff..." He cast a panicked gaze further down the alley running deeper east into the Warrens.

Taking his hands away from his mouth he muttered in a language Aethia did not recognise. He sighed and visibly sagged, "Fine. Le' me go yeah?"  He pointed further down the alley, "Down fere. Fen go lef'. Affer a bi' he'll be in a building on fe right."

He raised his hands, he had stopped bleeding but a few of his front teeth were broken and one missing. "I can go?"
Aethia Redbow
player, 16 posts
The Huntress
Wed 23 Jun 2021
at 17:02
  • msg #18

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

For a few long moments Aethia weighed the garbled words the halfling managed to sputter for truth as she held on to him.

"If you cause trouble for me.." She left the threat hanging, her intent clear, then she brusquely let go.

"I don't want to see you again. Sod off."
With those parting words she once again took hold of her halberd and left for the indicated building.
Dungeon Master
GM, 70 posts
Thu 24 Jun 2021
at 01:22
  • msg #19

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

The halfling scampered off down the alley that Aethia had just arrived from, heading back into the town. Aethia turned and headed towards the direction indicated by the halfling and she was almost near to entering the northern tunnel when the alleyway behind her was filled with light as a door opened and a hesitant, feminine voice asked, "Hello?"
Aethia Redbow
player, 17 posts
The Huntress
Thu 24 Jun 2021
at 20:43
  • msg #20

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

Say of kobolds and goblins what you want, at least they have the decency not to nag to a hunter about her job. Aethia was hardly in a mood to talk to some woman who had to stick her nose in her business. Still, she could raise the alarm and that meant another headache. So she turned around, the glass eye of the lion's head reflecting the light before Aethia's own did. She held her halberd, scanning alleys and rooftops as she turned, watchful for another trap.

"Best you stay out of my business, woman. Go inside."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Thu 24 June 2021.
Dungeon Master
GM, 74 posts
Fri 25 Jun 2021
at 02:04
  • msg #21

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

The woman seemed to listen to Aethia and wordlessly closed the door behind her as she stepped back into the building. No other movement was within the alley.

Following the alley east along the back of the guild hall Aethia looked to the north as the halfling directed. Aethia noticed the alleyway turned into a tunnel carved out of the mountain, one of the proper entrances to the Warrens. The tunnel disappeared into darkness almost immediately. A faint light could be seen coming from an opening on the right about 60ft ahead.
Aethia Redbow
player, 18 posts
The Huntress
Fri 25 Jun 2021
at 14:34
  • msg #22

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

Seeing the light, Aethia guessed that was where she was supposed to be. The darkness didn't bother her too much even though it posed its own risks. But the light gave her something to aim for, so she took a firm hold of her halberd and slowly paced forward to avoid raising the alarm.
Dungeon Master
GM, 79 posts
Sat 26 Jun 2021
at 23:31
  • msg #23

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

Aethia crept down the tunnel, aware of every clink and rattle her chain armor made as she moved into the darkness. The tunnel floor was uneven and she had to carefully watch her step but managed to navigate deeper into the tunnel. As she approached the light voices could be heard.

".. stabbed him and he ran."

A female voice laughed roughly, "Served 'im right. Scum shoulda died."

Aethia reached the corner and with one eye carefully looked around and into the light. The room was 20ft x 20ft and roughly hewn from the stone, it looked as though construction of whatever building was to be placed here was abandoned halfway through. The room was sparse except for rubble in the corners and a few stone blocks lying around, the largest of which was about 3ft tall. A campfire was near the back wall of the room and three figures sat around it.

Three halflings; one a woman, one a plump man in a robe and the last a skinny bald one with a peg leg were seated around a campfire drinking and talking amongst themselves. They had not seemed to noticed Aethia and were carousing loudly without any care of being heard or found.

Studying the group closer Aethia could make out their finer details. The woman stood against the back wall and faced the entrance, she had two shortswords sheathed over her back and beneath a loose fitting tunic wore studded leather armor, a light crossbow was on the ground beside her. The fatter halfling in a robe sat beside the fire on the left and looked between the others, he had a staff resting against a block of stone beside him, a small white lizard sat on his shoulder and occasionally flicked a tongue into the air. Shortstuff himself was sitting by the left of the fire, he was dressed in a dark tunic and pants but was armored in chain mail similarly to Aethia, a longsword was sheathed at his hip and a shield was resting against his stool. While still unaware of Aethia the group looked well prepared and well armed.
Aethia Redbow
player, 19 posts
The Huntress
Sun 27 Jun 2021
at 00:16
  • msg #24

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

What a mess. The fat one with the lizard probably was a mage of some sort, and that made him unpredictable as hell in a fight. The other two had equipment pricey enough to suggest they knew what they were doing, whatever that was. Most gangs didn't run about in chain armor.

She retreated to load up her crossbow and think on her next steps. She decided to wait a little. Perhaps one would step out to take a piss from all the drinking. Them filling up on booze could also only work in her favor. Perhaps they would even go to sleep at some point. Yeah, she decided to use the darkness of the alley to hide, and keep tabs on what was happening. They had no other exits. This was a good spot for now..
Dungeon Master
GM, 82 posts
Tue 29 Jun 2021
at 09:47
  • msg #25

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

The night dragged on as Aethia sat outside the abandoned building and listened to the three halflings talk tales of old glory, kills and thefts. There was no story in particular that she was familiar with and it seemed that the thee were very well acquainted with each other. As they spoke to each other the names of the three were mentioned numerous times, Shortstuff the others mentioned by name or simply 'Shorty', the woman with the two swords was referred to as 'Sparrow' and the fat mage was called Kaynon. From their discussions Aeitha did gather some information about their operation; they seemed to operate strictly within the city, streets buildings and addresses were mentioned throughout their reminising. They were primarily involved in shaking down merchants and the occasional banditry and theft from new travellers into the city. By the mentions of the amount of jobs and number of members required their crew totalled over thirty and the three of them were the leaders.

It was just past midnight as the woman with the two swords looked towards the entrance, "Where in the hells is Sal?"

The two others looked towards the entrance before looking back, Shortstuff spoke. "Hmm. You're right."

An older voice spoke, the mage. "I'll see."

Arcane chanting started in a language unfamiliar to Aethia.
Aethia Redbow
player, 20 posts
The Huntress
Tue 29 Jun 2021
at 20:38
  • msg #26

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

Aethia listened dispassionately to the three little scumbags. They were real pieces of work and sure deserved to be hung up by their freak toes. But they were no worse then goblins. Nah, goblins would up the ante on these three. And so she kept listening and waiting for her chance.

It was then that they became aware of their missing man and the mage was going to do something about it. Into the blazing hells with mages and their magic. What was that fat little licker trying to do? Was it a spell that gave him view of their missing guard? Or the whole alley? Either way they'd be on the alert once they figured out their guy was missing.

It was a good thing then that these little bastards were criminals, and no one was going to miss the other two. Aethia got up, crossbow in her right hand, halberd in the left, stepped up to the doorway and fired at the distracted wizard. She hardly waited to see what happened as she dropped the crossbow and grasped her halberd to make short work of the woman.


OOC: Do you want to run this as combat?
Dungeon Master
GM, 89 posts
Wed 30 Jun 2021
at 11:07
  • msg #27

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

The crossbow bolt silently flew through the air and hit Kaynon just under the ribs on his right side. Whatever spell he was casting was lost to him as he recoiled in pain with a yell of pain, putting his hand to the wound he exclaims, "I've been shot!"

Sparrow snarls, "Shit, Sal must be dead."

"Take cover!" Shortstuff yells to the others.

Roll for initiative.
Over 19 Aethia acts first.



Aethia Redbow
player, 21 posts
The Huntress
Wed 30 Jun 2021
at 11:29
  • msg #28

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

The little bastard didn't go down, so Aethia stepped in to correct that. She suddenly filled the room, the white lion on her head the first thing to be revealed in the light of the fire before she swung her halberd horizontally though the flames, impacting the mage. She then stood ready to swipe at the other two, assuming the mage was finished.

"Give up now and live."  She hissed menacingly.


Aethia moves just inside the room (10ft from Kanyon) and attacks.
Initiative: 21 (dangit, my pretty reaction!)
Attack Kanyon: 17
Damage Kanyon: 5 (after reroll)
Polearm Master Reaction Attack: 11
Polearm Master Reaction Damage: 6
Intimidation: 12

13:17, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.
13:18, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Attack Kanyon.
13:18, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 5 using 1d10+3.  Damage.
13:19, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 5 using 1d10+3.  reroll damage (great weapon fighting).
13:21, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Polearm Master reaction attack.
13:22, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 6 using 1d10+3.  Polearm Master reaction damage.
13:28, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 12 using 1d20+1.  Intimidation.

This message was last edited by the player at 11:29, Wed 30 June 2021.
Dungeon Master
GM, 90 posts
Wed 30 Jun 2021
at 12:06
  • msg #29

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

Before any of the three halflings had a chance to say more than a few words Aethia stepped into the room, her halberd slashing through the flames and cutting into Kaynon. The halfling mage fell back off the rubble he was seated on, passing out from the wounds inflicted by Aethia's attacks.

Shortstuff and Sparrow looked between themselves and Shortstuff stood up first. Leaving his shield by the side of the stool he was sitting on Shortstuff drew his longsword and approached Aethia. He moved slower as the pegleg tapped on the ground but managed to parry her strike as he walked up beside her. "And who in the hells are you?" Her attempt at intimidation was ignored by the halfling.

Wielding the blade in two hands he lunged forward with a thrust as Aethia withdrew from her attack. Frighteningly accurate the sword pierced the chain of Aethia's armor, a wicked blow which sank four inches of steel into her stomach. He twisted the blade in the wound before withdrawing it. "Doesn't matter." He smirked up to Aethia.

Dizzy from the pain Aethia barely managed to track Sparrow as the halfling picked up the light crossbow by her feet and moved into the corner of the room behind the fire. She raised the weapon and fired at Aethia. Shaken by Aethia's threatening words or simply by Kaynon bleeding out in front of her Sparrow loosed the bolt but the shot went wide, hitting the wall of the tunnel behind Aethia. She cursed in a language unfamiliar to the bounty hunter.

Surprisingly the lizard which was sitting on Kaynon's shoulder crawled forward and bit towards Aethia, it's teeth pierced her trousers and tore into her leg.

Shortstuff deals 12 damage to Aethia.
Sparrow misses.
Lizard deals 1 damage to Aethia.
Kaynon is unconscious.

It is Aethia's turn.



This message was last edited by the GM at 12:07, Wed 30 June 2021.
Aethia Redbow
player, 22 posts
The Huntress
Wed 30 Jun 2021
at 14:32
  • msg #30

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

The viciousness of the halfling's attack took Aethia by surprise, as did the ease at which his sword pierced her armor. She felt cold steel piece her and twist even as she pulled back. Pain and adrenaline flooded her and wide-eyed she snarled. She had stood in hot fires before, and every time she knew that to give up was to die. So she rode her survival instinct to the fullest and rose, lashing out fast and viciously with her halberd at Shortstuff's legs, aiming to get the halfling down on the ground. Then she could deal with the cunt with the crossbow. The lizard was a pain in the ass, but hardly the biggest threat here.


Bonus: Action Surge - Heal 11 hp.
Attack Shortstuff: 14
Attack Shortstuff Damage: 12

Depending on whether Shortstuff is down or not she will attack him again using Action Surge, if he is she attacks Sparrow instead.
Action Surge Attack: 24
Action Surge Attack Damage: 12

HP: 20/22

16:23, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 11 using 1d10+2.  Second Wind.
16:26, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Attack Shortstuff.
16:27, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 5 using 1d10+3.  Attack Shortstuff Damage.
16:27, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 12 using 1d10+3.  Attack Shortstuff Damage Reroll.
16:27, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Action Surge Attack.
16:27, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 12 using 1d10+3.  Action Surge Attack Damage.

Dungeon Master
GM, 95 posts
Thu 1 Jul 2021
at 10:37
  • msg #31

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

Pushing through the pain Aethia swung towards Shortstuff with her first attack and, surprisingly nimble for a one legged halfling, he hopped back and out of the arc of the blade. What he was not expecting was the surge of energy which accompanied the second swing which struck his pegleg, shattering it and biting into his other leg.

Shortstuff hopped with one leg and moved into Aethia, deftly pushing himself off the cavern wall he slid beside her and stood behind her. Hopping on one leg he shouted out in a language unfamiliar to Aethia and took a defensive position.

Sparrow moves forward to pick up Kaynon, provoking a possible attack from Aethia, and drags him back into the corner of the room.

The lizard again strikes towards Aethia but expecting the creatures attack she steps out of the way.


Shortstuff takes the Dodge Action. (Attacks against him are at a disadvantage.)
Sparrow drags Kaynon out of reach of Aethia.
Lizard misses.
Kaynon is unconscious.

It is Aethia's turn.



Aethia Redbow
player, 23 posts
The Huntress
Thu 1 Jul 2021
at 16:57
  • msg #32

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

Aethia  was no fool. She knew what Shortstuff was planning by having her expose her back. So she spun her halberd and stepped away from him as he wormed past her, hurrying to the corner whilst swinging at Sparrow, who would have had a perfect shot at her back had she gone along with his plan, ignoring the persistent lizard and awaiting the return of the swordsman.


Aethia moves to the bottom right corner of the room and attacks Sparrow. She prepares a reaction against Shortstuff to disable. If he does not close she uses it on the lizard instead as lethal (matching initiative order).


Attack against Sparrow misses. (6)
Polearm Master reaction attack: 20
Polearm Master reaction damage: 10


18:55, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 6 using 1d20+5 ((1)).
18:55, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Polarm Master reaction attack.
18:56, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 10 using 1d10+3.  Polarm Master reaction damage.

Dungeon Master
GM, 96 posts
Thu 1 Jul 2021
at 22:33
  • msg #33

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

Aethia strikes out at Sparrow as she picks up Kaynon, striking the halfling deep in the side. It is a serious wound and blood covers the ground as Aethis withdraws the blade.

Shortstuff thrusts out towards Aethia as she moves away from him but the blow goes wide and misses.

As Aethia repositions herself the two halflings share a look and with a nod from Sparrow Shortstuff disappears around the corner, heading deeper into the Warrens.

The halfling woman holds her ground, casting a brief glance back to Kaynon behind her who remained unconscious. Looking back to Aethia she drops her crossbow and draws a shortsword, "C'mon ya lion-headed bitch. Can't take us all down."

The lizard follows Aethia and attempts to bite her again but misses.

Shortstuff is not visible.
Sparrow takes the Dodge Action. (Attacks against her are at a disadvantage.)
Lizard misses.
Kaynon is unconscious.

It is Aethia's turn.



Aethia Redbow
player, 24 posts
The Huntress
Fri 2 Jul 2021
at 15:24
  • msg #34

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

Shortstuff wasn't going fast on one leg, so Aethia wasn't concerned just yet. She had time to finish these two and their damn lizard.

"Watch me ya little cunt."

The hunter was about to show how a lifetime killing goblins paid off killing halflings..



Aethia attacks with her polearm, then uses her bonus action to attack again using Polearm Master. If the first attack downs Sparrow the second attack goes to the lizard.

Attack: 11
Damage: 11
Polearm Master bonus attack: 23
Polearm Master bonus attack damage: 7

17:18, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Attack Sparrow.
17:19, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 11 using 1d10+3.  Attack Sparrow Damage.
17:19, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  Polearm master bonus attack.
DMedit:08:32, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Disadvantage vs Sparrow.
17:20, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 5 using 1d4+3.  Polearm master bonus attack damage.
17:20, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  Polearm master bonus attack damage reroll.

This message was last edited by the GM at 08:11, Sat 03 July 2021.
Dungeon Master
GM, 99 posts
Sat 3 Jul 2021
at 08:21
  • msg #35

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

Taking a step back from Aethia's intitial blow with the blade of the halberd Sparrow stepped into position again. She seemed to have quickly picked up on Aethia's combat pace as she then stepped over the butt of the weapon as is stuck towards her legs. She was bleeding heavily from the single wound inflicted on her but grimaced as she pushed through the pain.

Sparrow took a step forward and stood alongside Aethia, "I'm watchin', you gonna do anythin'?" Drawing her second shortsword she resumed her defensive stance.

The lizard bit forward and sunk its teeth into Aethia's boot causing no damage.

Shortstuff is not visible.
Sparrow takes the Dodge Action. (Attacks against her are at a disadvantage.)
Lizard misses.
Kaynon is unconscious.

It is Aethia's turn.


Aethia Redbow
player, 25 posts
The Huntress
Sun 4 Jul 2021
at 00:26
  • msg #36

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

Just going on the defensive and buying more time. Was this little shit really so stupid to give up her life for the other one? Aethia kept stabbing and swiping with her halberd as she moved for position. A good swipe at her unconscious friend would probably make her give up this stupid plan.


Aethia keeps attacking:
Attack: 9 (miss)
Polearm Mastery attack: 12
Polearm Mastery damage: 7

Aethia moves into the lizard's space, clearly intending to kill Kanyon next.

22:45, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 9 using 2d20+5, dropping the highest dice only.  Attack Sparrow (Disadvantage).
22:45, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 12 using 2d20+5, dropping the highest dice only.  Polearm Master Attack Sparrow (Disadvantage).
22:46, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  Polearm Master damage.

Dungeon Master
GM, 101 posts
Mon 5 Jul 2021
at 03:34
  • msg #37

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

With Aethia on the move Sparrow struck forward with both her blades. She grimaced in pain, the wound in her side opening as she thrust her shortswords forward.

The blades flashed with deadly accuracy each one finding its mark. One stabbed into Aethia's hip, driving deep and Aethia could feel something rupture inside her as the blade was twisted and pulled out. As Aethia bowed from the pain the second blade took her in the neck, cutting a deep slice through the flesh but missing her throat.

The lizard again bit towards Aethia but missed then moved away from the fighter.

Shortstuff is not visible.
Sparrow deals 18 damage to Aethia.
Lizard misses.
Kaynon is unconscious.


-18HP/Currently 2 HP

It is Aethia's turn.


This message was last edited by the GM at 12:16, Mon 05 July 2021.
Aethia Redbow
player, 26 posts
The Huntress
Tue 6 Jul 2021
at 21:49
  • msg #38

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

Aethia had not expected the ferocity of the attack. She swung wildly to protect herself, but the halfling was too close. She panicked now, knowing the end drew near..

What a shit way to die.



23:40, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Polearm Master Attack Sparrow.
23:40, Today: Aethia Redbow rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Attack Sparrow.

Dungeon Master
GM, 105 posts
Wed 7 Jul 2021
at 09:50
  • msg #39

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

Sparrow's blade flashed forward one final time, opening another wound on Aethia's neck.
Aethia Redbow
player, 28 posts
The Huntress
Wed 7 Jul 2021
at 20:55
  • msg #40

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow

There was pain and shock. By long practice Aethia wanted to fight on but she found she could not lift her halberd any more. Instead it fell from limp hands. She tried bringing up her hand to the wound as darkness crawled in around her. The halfling's smile filled her vision. Fuck. This was it? After all the things she killed, some back-alley brigand would do her in? She felt blood in her mouth and fill her nose. Yeah, this was it. She tried to look defiant and spit at the toelicker, but instead the darkness got her as she slumped to the ground, and the candle of her anger finally blew out..
Dungeon Master
GM, 106 posts
Wed 7 Jul 2021
at 22:22
  • msg #41

PROLOGUE - Aethia Redbow


"Though we may tremble before uncertain futures
may we meet death with strength
and spit in the face of our fears"


In memorium
Aethia Redbow
13 June 2021 - 07 July 2021




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