This message was deleted by the player at 11:37, Thu 08 July 2021.

Another reckless use of magic to call out to Snoric, that must have waken up half the block. Another illusion, this time of the gnome mooning the group and a retaliation with an actual attack spell! And when Snoric showed up, covered in white powder, Allura actually challenged him with weapon drawn!

Oh, by the merciful tears of Selune, it's too early to have drama like that!

Seeing that the stubborn tiefling would just not listen to any kind of reason, Amalia turned to her hopefully more level headed sister.

Yana, I know we just met, but it's obvious to me that Allura has a massive chip on her shoulder. While I can understand that she probably has a good reason for her anger, we are not responsible for her state and should not have to take the brunt of her bad temper. We have been hired, all of us, by Gundren to do a short job, and we can't be threatening and attacking each other before the journey even starts!

She did a little smile, trying to soften her lecturing.

Maybe it would help if we knew the source of this pain she is feeling?

The flour covered gnome offered a freshly baked muffin and the cleric accepted with a smile.

Sir Snoric, you seem to have had a fight in a bakery, may I help you clean up? A simple spell, and I am asking your permission to use it on you.

While she was focusing her intent on the gnome, the real message was for the rest of the party, to not use spells without permission, or real need... she wouldn't ask if a healing spell was needed!

Snoric looked at Amalia confused for a second then looked down and himself and grinned.  He spent so much time in the bakery he often overlooked the flour.  It didn't bother him, but he thought the example the cleric was setting by asking for consent was worth being enforced.

"I worked in a bakery to pay my board while in town.  After a while you forget about it.  Still it's better than if I worked in an abbatoir."  He smiled at his own weak joke.  He nodded at Amalia.  "You have my permission. . .and my thanks."

Amalia put the fresh and tasty looking muffin on the bench and left the cart, to be closer to the gnome. While she didn't need to do it, her spell could be cast at a short distance, she wanted to proximity to talk to the gnome.

Your muffin is smelling really good, Sir Snoric, I'm looking forward to taste it. I have dabbled in the kitchen also, while doing my chores for the temple, but I don't think the skill of peeling potatoes and carrots will be very useful in this adventure.

Exaggerating the motions for the spell, she willed the flour to detach itself from the gnome's clothing, making it drop in a small pile on the ground. Looking at him she spotted another stain that she could clean up and she casted her cantrip again.

There, that's better. Have you known our employer for long? I just met him yesterday, I would like to know him a little more.

Climbing back on the driver's seat, she extended a hand towards the gnome to help him climb up.

And she sank her teeth in the pastry, clearly enjoying it.

Cast Prestidigitation on Snoric to clean him up
This message was last edited by the player at 12:53, Thu 08 July 2021.

Settling into the seat beside Amalia, Snoric lays out the rest of his muffins.  "They won't keep long so we should enjoy them.  I have other goods that will last longer, though at the expense of taste."

He follows his own advice and picks up a muffin, this one dotted with raisins and chunks of apple.  As he munches he talks.  "I don't know Gundren that well, in truth I barely know him.  I met him one day on my way to Neverwinter from further south.  His cart was damaged and I helped repair it.  Broken axle, quite simple really.  Still he thought a lot of it and he gave me the tome of a gnomish inventor in payment.  I'm not sure why he was so generous.  His thanks was enough, a good meal a bonus."

"In reality we spent less than a day together.  I shared supper and his fire for a night.  I never saw him again.  When I get the letter asking for my help I thought it was a hoax and nearly didn't come.  I was so suspicious I came disguised."

With people testing the limits of each other as they come, It appears the tenseness between the fiery Allura and unique Yulin seemed to reach a stale mate just as Snoric arrived. With the group at the ready, people set off on the road to phandevin.

With the frost clearing early, the trail became soft as the oxen moved along slowly, and though a pleasent journey, the going was slow. The first day went by quickly, and you found a campsite about 9 hours later in which to stay. The group as a whole found it aquard in finding their rythum, but each found a pace in which to do things....some more than others, so when dusk arrived, a warm fire outlined the wagon, the oxen eating and resting and a cool night.

The next moring dawned with no problems, and warmer than the last, so when all awoke to a warm meal, spirits were high as the group set off.

This was short lived after being on the the Triboar Trail for about half a day on the second day. As you come around a bend, you spot two dead horses sprawled about fifty feet ahead of you, blocking the path. Each has several black-feathered arrows sticking out of it. The woods press close to the trail here, with a steep embankment and dense thickets on either side.

Amalia was half awake in the front seat of the chariot, having spent most of the previous night basking in the moon's rays, praying, and volunteering for shift duty in the middle of the night. Everyone could see that her eyes glowed blue in the dark, and she readily answered the questions, saying that she was able to see in the dark, a gift of her goddess. She actually explained that she preferred the night, no surprising Osmon, who knew her as a night owl.

Suddenly the chariot stopped, fully waking her up. Seeing the horses carcasses, she frowned, suspicious. Whistling softly, she called the snow owl to her and it perched itself on her shoulder, playfully picking at her hairs.

Ophelia, go fly over the woods around those horses, something does not seem right here. Let me know if you see any creatures.

With a hoot, the owl took flight.

Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 21,18 using 1d20+3,1d20+3 with rolls of 18,15.  Ophelia perception check (advantage).

"Keep the Oxen well back from that sister."

Unstows her shield setting it on her arm.

"Those that can fight up close with me." She slips out of the cart.

Gundren came ahead of us. I wonder

Looks to Solgran, "Off to the side of the road, rather then in the open ?"


I think the speech to Ophelia is personal not aloud
 ?
If so will continue with above actions

This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Thu 08 July 2021.

Yana stopped the wagon,  readying her crossbow, just in case.

Snoric had been walking beside the wagon, a chance to stretch and enjoy the min-morning sun.  When the potential trouble was spotted he moved to the treeline to the left of the wagon, trying to use the trees for cover and partial concealment.  He notched a bolt in his crossbow and watched, waiting to provide ranged support if needed.

Perception - 17
This message was last edited by the player at 02:02, Fri 09 July 2021.

Solgran retrieved his sword from the wagon bed without saying a word. He did it carefully, knowing full well that if this were an ambush they'd have already been spotted, and if not there was no need to make unnecessary noise to draw attention back to the road.

~Black arrows? Probably goblin in these woods. Surely there are no Underdark...~ He stopped his analysis when Allura spoke, so he could listen to her questions.

He nodded his agreement while motioning to the two sides of the road, and spoke softly, "Arrows came from both sides. You on one, me on the other. Anyone else on the road between us."

19:47, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:47, Fri 09 July 2021.

Allura nodded and took to the right side of the road. Keeping her shield up and interposed between herself and whatever forces may be in the woods if there were indeed still forces in the area. "Get low sister." She said. Calmly waiting to see what the owl might report on it's return.


18:49, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 16 using 1d20.  Perception.

This message was last edited by the player at 00:49, Fri 09 July 2021.

Extremely bad timing! Having flown much of the day, Edgar is resting face down in the wagon bed while I take my turn walking beside the wagon as we round the corner to find the dead horses.

Shit!

As the others prepare and Amalia's Snowy Owl, she may regret that colouring, takes off to investigate the road ahead I pull myself into the bed of the wagon and begin re-arranging items to create myself some cover I can fight from. Hopefully Angry and Solgran can keep whatever is out there away from the wagon and all I will need to worry about are arrows.

Only need to worry about arrows. I think I have made some poor choices recently!

Edgar sits up and looks my way in response to my soft whistle. As he meets my eyes, I gesture towards the trees near the likely ambush point and extend my will causing him to launch into the air and circle the area twice before settling down in the upper branches of a tree south of the road.

Satisfied with my position, I murmur a minor spell and an chest, slightly larger than Miss Scalesong's, appears propped over my position, resting on the goods to either side.

Now all I can do is wait and see what happens.

Summary
Edgar
Move: Flies from the wagon and takes cover in the upper branches of the trees immediately south of the dead horses, assuming top of the image as north.
Action: Dash if necessary
Action: Perception - 19 (if allowed)

Osmon
Moves: Climbs into the back of the wagon.
Interaction: Moves items to create a spot where he has cover to the front and both sides.
Action: Cast Minor Illusion to create an illusionary chest immediately over his position, bridging the cover to either side (my intent is to block him from sight, including from above but not to the rear).
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Fri 09 July 2021.

Behind her shield with her free hand she motioned so those in the cart could see. She pointed Northward then held up two fingers.

To her sister she imparted a more clear message.

Solgran gave a single head nod in response, held up one finger, and pointed to the north as well.

The morning of the group’s departure Yulin spent in the back of the carriage with the burrow-creature and the hatchling. The gnome’s breakfast cakes were surprisingly good and while Yulin was not a fan of the sugary sweetness she did appreciate the fruits and berries buried within the muffins. She said as much to Snoric, complimenting him on his bakery and not so subtly requesting if he would continue his craft while on the road together. Yulin emphasised her requirement for no meat in her dishes, explaining that she had been forced to devour so much raw flesh as a hatchling that she never wanted to taste it again. Yulin gladly continued her previous evening’s conversation with the purple haired hatchling, happy to explain the importance of homogeneity and hierarchy in society and while Amalia may have disagreed and their views were at an impasse the young human gave her much to consider.

Surprisingly, even for Yulin, following the midday meal she took to foot. This time she spent the afternoon beside the wild human. She continued playing her lyre as she walked and while she knew little about the human she did notice his big sword. So that was what she discussed, she was curious and questioned the practicality of the weapon but did comment on the blade suiting Solgran. She mentioned her own blades, only recently purchased, and her reluctance to wield them in combat having never drawn blood before.

As the group made camp that evening Yulin set up her tent with great difficulty and frustration and, after taking much longer than it should have, she retired early and did not rise until breakfast had almost passed. This morning was spent with Amalia and her not-mate human. She recalled the human mage's comments on the night they met on her illusion and his appreciation of it, if not the intent. Yulin leaned into discussing the arcane and while no expert herself she certainly ended the morning with an appreciation for Osmon and his knowledge of the arcane arts.

She was seated back on the tail board of the wagon and in the middle of a song when it stopped after the mornings travel on the Triboar Trail. Hopping down off the wagon to look for the reason for the delay Yulin frowned at the two pin cushioned corpses on the road and then looked overhead as the two owls of the party took to the air. She looked between the group, now alert and looking into the trees. "Is there trouble?" She asked hesitantly, her eyes followed the gaze of the others looking along the tree line before she moved back to the rear of the wagon.

As it appeared something had been sighted to the north Yulin kept close to the rear of the wagon, an ambush? Until more was known she was not about to leap into a fight. Her armor and weapons were in her chest, she hadn't even considered the need for them during the travel. She crouched down behind the wagon.

Yana looked around at the group still around the wagon.
"Well, there seems to be goblins hiding in the bushes, at least two."
She looked around, though the sun was in her eyes.
OOC:20:36, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  Perception.

Ophelia shared her vision with the cleric and the young woman nodded. Taking her shield and warhammer, she went first to Solgran, guarding the north side.

2 goblins, a little after the horses, in the bushes.

Trying to not do too much noise, she moved towards Allura and told her,

There are 3 goblins between us and the horses on this side. Selune, guide us!

Hefting her heavy warhammer, she decided to stay beside the teifling, as Ophelia as seen more goblins on this side.

Speaking to the group around her Yulin asked, "What do we do? Are there more?"

She peeked around the end of the cart towards the corpses of the horses. "Perhaps an illusion?" She asked seriously. Despite the suggestion there was no tone of mockery or any insinuation regardless of her recent history with the spell. "I can send one of us out to inspect the horses. It may draw them out, or reveal their numbers. It may buy us some time to get into a better position."

She had no mind for martial tactics and had survived out in the world so far by her guile and charm. As charm would be unlikely on a pack of goblins perhaps she could trick them. She shook slightly as she crouched behind the cart, her pulse raced, the excitement and fear in anticipation of the coming fight reaching her. She didn't really want anyone in the group to be hurt and by the looks of those horses the goblins were not only a reasonable shot with a bow but had no hesitation in taking the lives of other creatures.

Solgran asked "How far?", and drew a javelin from his quiver. He waited a moment for a reply, then drew in a deep breath, locked eyes with Allura, and nodded.

He looked at Amelia with a side-eyed glance, "Stay close." This encounter was inevitable, he knew, and the chance for surprise on either side was now gone. The only thing left was to go to it.

Getting this out of the way:
23:25, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

even as Amalia moves around, the edge of teh forest launches into action as arrows come flying out. Most miss the targets entuirely, with one hitting one of teh oxen, the otehr hitting amalia's shield with a ping. The arrows are noteworthy as being the same color (black) and poor quality as what killed the horses.

<OOC: Ok At this point i am going to ask for iniative from you all as well as combat moves. Also everyone can reroll perception rolls, amalia with advantage as you know where the two main groups are thanks to the vision with your owl.

You have no more than 48 hours people.....welcome to your first battle>

As the forest came alive and arrows flew, Solgran stood tall and looked for the goblins. He judged distances to those he saw and threw the javelin before closing with the greatsword in hand.

Combat was an exciting time. Nerves. Fear. Thrill. Adrenaline. Uncertainty. It was scary, but you felt a certain level of alive that you couldn't easily find otherwise. Some people went mad with it, others couldn't handle it and shut down completely. For Solgran, the world simply became sharper, colors more intense, sounds oddly much quieter, by voices more clear. For Solgran, it lead to the comfort of memories from his childhood. He didn't see things, or imagine them, he simply felt them, as though all of that potential made him love and appreciate life and the people he shared it with, that much more.

As the attacks began, a smile of contentment appeared on Solgran's face.

Perception: 12 (original 14)
Initiative: 12
00:57, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Perception.
23:25, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Bonus: Rage for 1 minute (+2 dmg, resistance, Str advantage)

IF - I act before goblins reach melee with me
Action: Throw Javelin at a ranged target I can see (sent contingencies in Discord DM)
Result: Hit AC 18 for 5 Piercing damage (don't think Rage adds to thrown)
Move: close to melee with another target I can reach, (drawing greatsword)
01:03, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 18,5 using d20+5,d6+3.  Attack: Javelin.

IF - I'm already in melee by my turn in initiative
Free: drop the javelin
Action: Attack with Greatsword, Miss AC 8 for 14 damage
01:20, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 8,12 using d20+5,2d6+3.  Attack: Greatsword.

Reaction: Greatsword attack, Miss AC 10 for 8 damage
If one of them triggers an opportunity attack, either by attacking an ally when they're within 5 ft of me, or trying to disengage or move out of my range:
01:22, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 10,6 using d20+5,2d6+3.  Attack: Greatsword.

Round 2
Move: into melee with another target if needed
Action: Dash if required - OR -
Action: Greatsword attack, hit AC 24 for 13 slashing damage
08:03, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 24,11 using d20+5,2d6+3.  Attack: Greatsword.

If no target is within even 60 feet, but they are within 150
Move: 30 ft closer, draw Javelin
Action: Throw Javelin, Miss AC 8 for 6 piercing
08:09, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 8,6 using d20+5,d6+3.  Attack: Javelin.

This message was last edited by the player at 13:10, Fri 09 July 2021.

Snoric, spotting a pair of the goblins crept forward through the trees at the edge of the road, closing the distance a little more.  Then he stopped and drew Ultio from it's holster.  This was the first time he'd ever fired the weapon at a living being.  He'd dissassembled and reassembled it hundreds of times, fired it scores, but never at a living being.  All this passed through his mind in the moment it took him to cock, aim and fire.

A load roar emerged from the weapon along with a puff of smoke.  Snoric barely had time to see his bullet strike a tree near the goblins before he fell into his reloading action.


Initiative - 14
Movement - Close to within 30ft of nearest goblin he spots.
Ranged Attack - 8 (Assuming I miss)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:33, Fri 09 July 2021.

Yana fired her crossbow at the closest good target


OOC:
08:08, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 7 using 1d8.  Damage .
08:08, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Crossbow 2nd shot
03:55, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Crossbow. 1st shot
03:56, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 4 using 1d8.  Damage
03:55, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  Perception .
03:54, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Initiative

This message was last edited by the player at 13:09, Fri 09 July 2021.

Osmon
Initiative: 16
Perception: 15

Alright this is fine, Dad and Minna prepared me for this. A black-fletched arrow sprouts from the side of the wagon bed behind me with a loud thud, the point of its crude iron head just piercing through the wooden plank, and I drop to the floor of the wagon bed. Do not freak out.

With a deep, shaking breathe I raise my head up into my illusion, the chest appearing wispy and transparent to my knowing eyes, and gazing out while mentally directing Edgar to search for any more ambushers. Where can I do the most good?

Turn 1 Option 1 (there are a group of 3 Goblins within 90 ft and a 20 ft radius of each other that I can affect without catching any allies in the AOE)
Seeing a cluster of attackers I draw a quartz crystal from an inner pocket in my jacket and holding it tight in my right hand whisper the words and move my hands in a pattern that I have thought about but never used in anger, The black smoke within the otherwise transparent crystal swirls and twists within the crystalline structure as the spell is released and I drop back into my cover.

Turn 1 Option 1 Summary
Move: Stand up from prone, staying within my cover and not leaving the area shielded by my Minor Illusion.
Action: Cast Sleep at the largest cluster of Goblins (at least three) that I can affect without hitting any allies in the AOE for a total of 16 HP.
Move: Drop out of site behind my cover (dropping prone if necessary)
Reaction: Cast Shield if I am hit with an attack.
(My intent is to maximise my cover getting either half (+2 AC) or three-quarters (+5 AC cover) while either physically or with my minor illusion getting out of any attackers line of sight (giving them disadvantage on the attack roll)

Turn 1 Option 2 (there are no good targets for Sleep, see above)
With the enemy spread out like this my options are limited. Seeing a single target I whisper an oft practiced spell  pointing my right index finger at the lone attacker causing a two inch tongue of flame to flash down it and streak towards the target before I duck back down

Turn 1 Option 2 Summary
Move: Stand up from prone, staying within my cover and not leaving the area shielded by my Minor Illusion.
Action: Cast Firebolt at a lone Goblins (preferably one that is already injured) rolling 6 (20 if I am unseen by my target thanks to Minor Illusion) to hit for 4 damage
Move: Drop out of site behind my cover (dropping prone if necessary)
Reaction: Cast Shield if I am hit with an attack.
(My intent is to maximise my cover getting either half (+2 AC) or three-quarters (+5 AC cover) while either physically or with my minor illusion getting out of any attackers line of sight (giving them disadvantage on the attack roll)

Turn 2
With my magical reserves already waning I need a target I can remove with a minor spell. Taking aim at one of the attackers I call on Edgar and wait for the owl to strike.

Turn 2 Summary
Move: Stand up from prone if needed, staying within my cover and not leaving the area shielded by my Minor Illusion.
Action: Ready Firebolt for after Edgar completes the Help action on a target.
Move: Maximise use of cover while holding my spell.
Reaction: Cast Firebolt at the target of Edgar's Help action (gaining advantage) rolling 20 to hit for 8 damage or casting Shield if I am hit with an attack first.
(My intent is to maximise my cover getting either half (+2 AC) or three-quarters (+5 AC cover) while either physically or with my minor illusion getting out of any attackers line of sight (giving them disadvantage on the attack roll)

Either turn option HIGHEST PRIORITY (if an enemy is within Melee range of Osmon)
Move: Stand up from prone if necessary
Action: Dodge like a motherfucker.
Reaction: Cast Shield if hit with an attack.

Edgar
Initiative: 8

Turn 1
As the combat breaks out Edgar takes a careful look around for any other Goblins trying to sneak up on the party passing on the info to Osmon if he sees any.

Action: Perception 19

Turn 2
Swooping down at lone Goblin, Edgar slashes towards its face with his talons and flies around its head before swooping back into the trees to maximise his cover.
Move: Fly up to 40 ft to close with target
Action: Take the Help action targeting a Goblin (preferably one already injured)
Move: Fly up to 20 ft back into the tree tops to maximise his cover.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:54, Sat 10 July 2021.