For whatever reason, for whatever purpose, you each have found your way to the Rising Moon Inn, a rowdy establishment but one much beloved by the locals. It is run by a retired adventurer, a warrior named Gorstag, famed for his skill with the battle axe that hung over his mantle in the inn proper. While few would dare to make trouble in the inn, no few of the locals have looked upon his daughter and wondered her origins. His daughter Shandril is known to be a dreamer, wanting to leave the city of Highmoon for adventures in the real world.

Tonight there is a small crowd of customers, partaking of their evening ales and food, after a long day of work. This is unusual for this time of year, when trade caravans are plentiful from the East and West, but rumors of late have told of raiders and slavers in the lands of the Dales, with shadowy rumors of the dark elves and worse lurking within the deep darkness of the forests.

"Good evening Gorstag," Jarsali greets the innkeeper with a smile, "it seems busy tonight. I would love some of that stew and a glass of the house wine when you can get to it."

She surveys the patrons and the available tables, hoping to find a clear table that is well lit and close enough to the fire for warmth but not so close as to be smoky. Failing that, she'd settle for sharing a table with a familiar face.

Seated at one of the tables a stern-looking half-elf man of middle age in heavy mail adorned with etched eyes watched the room with measured gaze while eating a simple stew. Watcher Aelendil was a staple for the locals, tirelessly patrolling the streets of Highmoon. He often took a simple meal at one of the inns and taverns rather then return all the way to the fortress-temple of Helm. That way he could keep an eye on the comings and goings of the travelers and caravans that would visit the capitol of Deepingdale. The town had its own miscreants, but it was often visitors who thought they could try something and then quickly depart without consequence. It was the town guard who was responsible to keep Highmoon safe from such never-do-wells. That one of them was a Watcher of Helm, the Eternal Guardian, only added to their efficiency. For Armat Aelendil's eye was sharpened by the divine will of The Vigilant One. He was well respected in the town for his unswerving commitment to his duty, and known to be stern but reliable, if a bit humorless..

Elinor wasn't a stranger in the Rising Moon Inn. Not that she came terribly often, but it was a nice enough place to conduct some of her side business. And since it was perfectly legal - no matter what some grumpy people might think about it - she could do so while staying warm, out of the rain, and with a nice meal to boot.

That evening was one such time, though as often she hadn't been paid in gold for her products - her last two smoke bombs in fact - but with a couple of "special" ingredients she had been hoping to put her hands on for some time now. She was now grinning, her eyes twinkling mischievously, almost gleefully rubbing her hands while she thought about what she was going to be able to do with it.

Well, until she noticed Armat anyway. When she did, her expression became a lot more neutral - she might even be 'innocently' whistling - as if she had nothing untoward in mind. Probably not feeling too confident, the young elf looked around then noticing someone she knew, she headed to Jarsali's table and sat. “Hello Jarsali, how are you?”

After a quick glance at Armat, she whispered, “Is he still looking?”

Jarsali looks up to see the elf sitting across from her, "Oh, hello Elinor, I am well thank you. How are you?"

Watching the young elf furtively glance over towards her right, Jarsali overtly turns in her seat to see the Watcher eating his humble meal, the legs of her chair scraping slightly against the floor.

"I do not think that he saw you, but likely he was not looking," a smile crosses her face when he looks up momentarily and she gives him a friendly wave before turning back in her seat.

"Armat is a good man, helped to pull me out of a tough situation once or twice, or did you mean someone else?"

Sariel had been gone the past two weeks. It wasn't uncommon for her to vanish without explanation now and again. It also wasn't uncommon that she often made light on returning, as if she'd never gone. Not always, though. Once or twice she returned in dour spirits and those occasions had her heading straight for a tavern on getting in. Today, it seemed, was such an occasion.

She strolled into the Rising Moon with the weary sense of the road still on her shoulders and the mud fresh on her boots. She politely kicked them out at the door so as not to track her burden through the place. Then made a line straight for the bar. En route she did take note of the pious lawman, which did not brighten her already low spirits.

"Constable," she offered Armat a nod and polite smile in passing.

At the bar she heaved a sigh as she dropped herself heavily into an empty stool. Sariel leaned both arms onto the bar, even laying her head upon them. It had been a long two weeks she was eager to put behind her. Bad timing off bad information. Not that no good came of it. She salvaged some from her efforts. They just fell far short of the goal.

"Gorstag, I'll have a draft of your worst Dwarven ale," she said, then her head popped up a little. "Actually, make that two. And some of that lovely, meaty stew you make. Aaand then a third ale."

Every drink had it's purpose. If she were drinking for pleasure and cheer, she certainly wouldn't turn to the Dwarven rotgut she'd just ordered. That was the sort of drink you ordered to bury a memory or some frustrations. Frustrations, she decided, as she may need to recall the memory in case she ever pulled information from the same source again. Or ran into that lot again. Not that they knew her face, but she knew theirs.

One of the more common figures sat at a table behind the elf and half elf with a smile, her eyes on the troublesome Armat. In truth, she liked the man, but his constant morales often put a kink in the views of her employee's - and he looked at her more often than not in the same light. When he looked at her, she smiled and winked.

In truth, none of them had seen Celeste for a few weeks, and even since she'd been back, there was a change - she seemed more thoughtful, cautious and a bit more fearful....of something. She, unusually, had what looked like bandages down her arms, stopping at her hands.

The half orc woman sighed as she heard Elinor and Jarsail - not as subtle as her, but in this place, that was hard.

When Sariel entered, she smiled, and let out a whistle. Nodding, she smiled, the slight point of her lower tusks popping out. "SAR - While your at it, get me an ale!"

“Great!” The young elf was almost bouncing, though she quickly bent over on the table, trying to disappear. “_Shh! After a glance in Armat's direction, Elinor relaxed a bit, then grumbled. “No no, I meant Watcher Armat, follower of He Who Is Ever Watchful.” One could almost hear the capitals in there, and it was said in a sing-song voice as if she was repeating someone who had told her to call him by his proper title. And if Elinor didn't roll her eyes…it probably was a close thing. Probably due to whom she was talking to more than anything else in fact.

“I'm not saying he's bad.” Though she did pause there as if the question deserved to be thought about for a bit. “Just a bit, uh, rigid, you know? I'd just rather he didn't come to ask questions. Again.” This time, she did roll her eyes and wrinkled her nose. The latter might have been caused by a snif of the wine glass though. She grumbled, “His questions are never fun.” Which, as far as she was concerned, might be the worst thing of it all.

Jarsali laughs gently, "Yes, his questions can make you think about our thoughts and actions which might be uncomfortable but does help learn..."

Her ears tweak a little at hearing Celeste call out "Sar", perhaps initially hearing it as "Jar". Looking over, she gives Celeste a nod of acknowledgement when she meets her gaze, remembering her from the market.

The half-elf makes an arcane gesture over her food and wine when it arrives for about 18 seconds, apparently causing the scent of the wine to shift from the almost vinegary smell to the fruity bouquet of a much finer elven wine. Her eyes twinkle was satisfaction as she tastes it and picks up her spoon to make a start on her stew.

"Have you eaten Elinor? The food is basic but quite filling."

Gorstag nods to Jarsali as she enters, sending a tavern maid over with the wine. As more arrive, Gorstag yells into the back room. "Shandril, get another bowl of stew, and two ales for our guest!" He said, wiping mugs for use later.

Shandril rushes forward, a bowl of stew in one hand, the handle of two mugs in her other, to serve Sariel. Her curly blonde hair is wild and free, with her simple blue dress and apron swishing through the inn. "Sorry, sorry, cook's feet are like lead tonight! I swear, how hard is it to fill a bowl of stew and fill a few mugs!" She spoke, blowing a strand of hair out of her eyes.

As you meet up with acquaintances, you begin to notice the inn room filling up with travelers in darkish cloaks. It must have really been a busy day on the roads, as they all start ordering ale and stew.

Gorstag begins counting the amount of people in his inn, his face looking pale for a moment as five robed and hooded figures step through the door. He moves towards the mantle quickly, laying his hand on the shaft of the battleaxe as the middle-hooded figure speaks up.

"Get the girl, kill the rest!" It hissed its orders, causing a wave of movement from the travelers around the room as daggers, shortswords, and clubs are drawn. The five robed figures remain at the door.


OOC: Roll your initiative, Armat, Jarsali, and Sariel are able to act in the surprise round. The room is about forty feet by forty feet, with tables, chairs, and other patrons providing difficult movement. Your group is on the opposite side of the building. There is only the door to the kitchen to your left to escape.

Surprise Round! Go!
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:13, Wed 06 July 2022.

Jarsali stands up immediately, causing her chair to fall over and add to the sudden chaos of sound and movement in the inn.

"Get behind me!" she calls to the other patrons while her hand takes her whip from the loop on her belt and unfurls it.

The half-elf's pupils shift to the telltale silvery colour as she concentrates on a blessing, "Angharradh guide us."

Whip at the ready, Jarsali moves towards the apparent threat, putting herself between them and the door to escape through the kitchen.

OOC: AC is 15 without her shield, Casting Bless on Elinor, Armat and Jarsali.
12:22, Today: Jarsali Galendodel rolled 6 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 3.  Initiative.

Sariel lifted her head enough to wave in Celeste's direction. It dawned that she saw other faces she knew. One more so than the other, but she hadn't truly come for cheer. She'd come to drown the past two weeks. Or some of them, at least. She feared she would only be bad company in the moment if she joined her friend Jarsali. And any wisdom she might have for that precocious youth with her today would likely be far too dim and grim as to be unwarranted. Celested was someone she could perhaps drown her sorrows with.

These were thought barely processed and fully unrealized as the night took a turn in line with her mood. She counted five as they strode in and all at once caught the entire inn tense to their presence. As if they'd been expecting it. Sariel knew this tune. She'd once been a key instrument in it's symphony. Her eyes counting the blades being drawn perhaps dulled her response. Had she lost a step in her absence from the craft, a blink of an elve's life though it was?

As everyone else was springing to their feet and simply drawing arms Sariel was moving with purpose. She spun from her stool, spinning it away to the floor. One smooth motion all, her bow was in hand with arrow notched just as she came to face the door. Her arrow flew before her eyes even came round to track her target. A strike, deadly and true, would have been a delightful and decisive result but it was not the point of the effort nor the display.

Sariel's arrow flew with such speed and force that it whistled threw the air as if to pierce the ears of all who listened. She doubted it would connect with the man who gave the order that set off the chaos. She had not fired for accuracy, but for effect. If it struck, no ordinary man would remain on his feet from the blow. If not, it would deliver the message intended as her arrow struck the door beside the man. Struck and drove through the thick heavy door near to the fletching as if she'd been shooting cloth targets.

The message was clear. To cross her bow was to court death. She stared the man who gave the arrow down, eyes narrowed. He had picked a poor day to cross her path.

OOC: guessing I don't have advantage vs the guy who gave the order to kill everyone.
01:41, Today: Sariel Iilphelkiir rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  initiative roll.
01:46, Today: Sariel Iilphelkiir rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  attack vs leader.
01:47, Today: Sariel Iilphelkiir rolled 22 using 1d8+14.  sharpshooter damage.

Little escaped the notice of the Watcher of Helm. He had stopped spooning his stew when the hooded men had begun to file in and Gorstag's seemed alarmed. His trained eye saw the tension in the visitors. There seemed to be trouble brewing. He readied himself. Thus, when the men in charge bellowed their order, he stood quickly and drew his shield. Unfortunately, the crowd was in the way. The miscreants were brutal however. An order to kill innocents? Such vileness was normally only seen in the Drow.

"GUARD! STOP IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OF DEEPINGDALE!"

He turned to the window, drew his horn, and blew the alarm to the city guard in a long blasting note.

---

09:35, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 12 using 2d20+1, dropping the lowest dice only.  Initiative (Vigilant Blessing advantage).
This message was last edited by the player at 07:46, Wed 06 July 2022.

Celeste sat down, her eyes always moving with the people coming in. As the robed men came in, the half orc groaned. "Ahh...damnit." she whispered to herself. She stood as others did, reaching for a dagger at her hip. "HEY.....Assholes Ye think it will be that easy, you got another thing coming."

 She grimaced, but stood there, dagger in hand. "SAR....Back here!" she called. She stepped up beside Jarsail, glaring at the enemy

---

<OOC: Celeste rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Iniative.

....when the time comes>

While usually pretty quick on the uptake, Elinor took a long while to even notice that something was going on, much less that it was actually dangerous and quite personal.

So of course... She froze, eyes wide and her sword forgotten.

Sure, she knew how to fight, she even had quite a few techniques entirely dedicated to that very activity, but she had never needed to, or at least never with her life on the line, and it showed.

---

00:49, Today: Elinor Moonshard rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

The various armed travelers break into groups of three, three, and four. The group of four rush Gorstag, while the remaining two groups begin to strike at inn patrons seemingly at random, though they appear to be looking before striking each one. The five robed figures glare around the room, though the middle one moves slightly as the arrow imbeds itself into the door. Hissing, it raises a blue scaled, clawed hand to grip the arrow, and throws it back at Sariel, blue lightning crackling along its shaft as it hits the Elven archer.

"Your authority is not recognized by our higher power, worm!" It replies to Armat's statement. The other four robed figures each point at various points in the room, causing flames to sprout and begin to burn the building.

Gorstag swings his battleaxe at one of the approaching cultists, cutting deep into the man's torso, while swinging the axe around and sinking it into the skull of another. "Get out of here while ye can! Save me daughter!" He roared in defiance at the figures. One of the travelers sinks a short sword into the side of Gorstag while the others fail to hit him.

Around the room, the other travelers bash and slash their way through patrons, making their way towards the back of the building searching each potential victim's face before ending their life.

In the distance, you can just barely hear shouts of panic and the blare of horns along the city's newly built walls.

"OOC: 8 Damage to Sariel (piercing).

New Round.

Initiative Order-
Celeste 20
Sariel 14
Robed Figures and Travelers and Gorstag 14
Armat 12
Elinor 7
Jarsali 6
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:50, Sat 09 July 2022.

Celeste grimaces as she see's both Gorstag, a man who had fed her when no one else did, and Sariel, her friend. Her amber eyes flair for a moment, then seemed to split into two irises in each eye. Runes flaired on her cheeks in a purple arcane tracing, and four linen bandages seemed to unfurl and waved behind her, like a cloak billowing in the wind.

She spoke with her own voice, but it almost sounded like it had an echo to it, like someone was repeating it as she spoke, but a deeper, older voice. "You think you can stop US so easily....you think us worms? Your nothing but dust!"

Her hand shot out as a dagger flew from her hand, hitting the one who spoke.

---

<OOC: Action - Attack using dagger

Celeste rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Attack - Dagger

Celeste rolled 6 using 1d4+3.  damage - Dagger.
Celeste rolled 1 using 1d6.  sneak attack .

Bonus Action - Activate form of dread

Celeste rolled 2 using 1d10.  temp hit points.

Gain 3 temp HP

Attacked person needs to make a DC 12 wis. If failed, they are frightened until the end of next round. Immune to frightened.>

Sariel sees the scales of his blue hand. The flitter and crackle of lightning as her arrow is return, flung back with considerable force for lack of a bow. Added to the fire bursting at the command of their commander's tight escort. She knew to exhale just as it struck. Take the hit but lessen the blow. Her gaze narrowed.

Yes, Sariel knew this tune and her keen ears heard the distant change of tempo. Her eyes swept once across the inn's tavern in a blink to track everything in motion. Count the threats, mark the exits, number your assets. Her gifts had dulled but they came back to her swiftly. A heartbeat was all needed to know how this must play out. How she loathed having such decisions thrust upon her again.

It was not her wish to lead, but the only other likely to take charge was the guardsmen. Were all things right and fair, she would stand by and let him. This was not a symphony played to his experience as she knew it. The necessary decisions also cast against his character. That left her. So some shadow of the Phantom Arrow must fly.

A deep breath and Sariel pushed her wound out of mind. As if it were nothing she took the arrow lodged in her breast and snaps it clean mid-shaft, leaving the head and two inches in to be dealt with later and discarding the rest without blinking. The melody afforded her no time for pain or proper removal, so it was tended just enough it would not be in the way.

"Patrons, fall back behind the bar. Flee and exit the rear. We shall cover you as best we can," she called out.

This was not the voice of the kind and playfully wise Sariel some present had come to know. Her tone was sharp and commanding. It brooked no question. Sariel spoke and was to be obeyed. There was a hardness none present had ever heard either. In an instant it became clear, this was not new to her. Sariel knew violence and death.

Another arrow nocked and fired, this time accuracy considered although still fired in haste with her mind racing through so many variables. She knows their kind and intimidation rarely dissuades. The fever tempo raised from afar further made the threat of her bow pointless. With luck dropping or at least wounding further their commander would lessen their advantage.

"Guardsmen, aid is not coming. Jarsali, join the guarsman and form a wall the patrons may retreat behind. Elinor, take up to guard their flank and I shall guard the other. Celeste, behind the bar and let that steel continue to fly," further commands without hesitation.

The inn was lost. Many of the patrons would be lost with it. They might save a small number if everyone heeded her orders, though. Retreat was their only option. Retreat and leaving those they cannot save. Though one they might, her eyes swiftly scan again for Gorstag's daughter. She knows the girl. Had seen her on multiple occasions. From Gorstag's reactions it struck her the girl might have some significance in this. She also slung her bow across her back. Her instinct was to roll herself across and behind the bar to continue to fire from a position of cover. The quarters were too close and the enemies too numerous though. They would need another capable blade to guard the flank.

OOC: attack action to attack the leader, bonus action to use second wind, move action to stow her bow properly on her person.
02:52, Today: Sariel Iilphelkiir rolled 10 using 1d10+1.  second wind.
03:07, Today: Sariel Iilphelkiir rolled 16 using 1d20+8.  attack vs leader.
03:08, Today: Sariel Iilphelkiir rolled 7 using 1d8+4.  damage.
03:08, Today: Sariel Iilphelkiir rolled 6 using 1d6.  sneak attack.

The leader's hood falls back as Celeste's dagger strikes it in the shoulder. The blue dragonborn recoils in horror by the presence revealed by Celeste, gesturing towards his companions. "Kill it! Burn the inn down but kill it! It can ruin the Masters' plans!" It hissed, pointing at the half-orc possessed. As it shivers from the attack, Sariel's second arrow hits the same spot as the dagger, burying itself into the shoulder. It howls in pain, narrowing its gaze upon the two beings who had struck it.

Taking a deep breath, the blue dragonborn unleashes a line of lightning across the bar, striking patrons, travelers, and Sariel and Celeste. Four patrons and one traveler get scorched by the line, badly, while one traveler narrowly avoids the brunt of the blast.

The four robed figures turn their attention on Celeste, one launches a sickly green ray of energy at her, but it misses, hitting a wall behind her. Another launches a knife made of ice, which just misses the possessed thief, though it shatters around her. The third launches three motes of energy at the group, each one striking a different member. The final one pulls out a burnt twig and points it at the possessed half orc, an arc of lightning strikes Celeste, connecting the two in an arcane battle.

The two groups of travelers continue to kill patrons as they make their way towards the group, the majority of patrons have either fled or fallen from the weapons of the travelers. Gorstag continues to swing his axe against his own foes, cutting two in half, leaving one left upon him. He looks pissed and is considering the figures on the other side of the room. "I can handle the bastards here, but I can't be in two places at once! Protect Shan and get your arses out of here!" He shouts, roaring as he moves towards the robed figures to engage them.

OOC: Celeste and Sariel, Dexterity save dc 14 for 6 lightning damage, half on a successful save. Celeste and Elinor, Dexterity save dc 12 for 9 cold damage, half on a successful save. Celeste 4 points of force damage, Jarsali 5 points of force damage, Elinor 4 points of force damage. Celeste, 9 points of lightning damage, and you are connected to the lightning caster unless you can break contact between the two of you.

In seconds the inn had turned to pandemonium. Patrons fell left and right. The guard was alarmed, but by all accounts it would seem it would be too late. But Armat pressed such thoughts from his mind. The people needed him. He was a Watcher of Helm. He would be the last to leave this room in order to protect all others. Gorstag wanted him to leave to save his daughter. But he could not. People here needed him too. To abandon them would be a betrayal for all he stood for. He rushed forward, interposing himself between Celeste and the group of magi, catching the lightning arc on his shield even if it meant he had to bear the brunt of the assault, and in passing placed his hand on her to give the cold healing hand of Helm to her so her watch might continue. It passed through her like iron, taking away the searing pain. Then his warhammer was in his hand, and he struck at their attackers, plowing forward to take away the attention from the fleeing patrons.

"I AM THE SHIELD AGAINST THE DARKNESS! HELM! GRANT ME STRENGTH!"

---

Armat is unable to retreat due to his Bond: "I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves."

Bonus: Healing Word on Celeste heals 7 hp.
Move: forward to melee range, placing himself as much as possible between the attackers and the patrons.
Standard: Attack. To hit: 13, Damage: 13.

16:02, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  Healing Word
16:03, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 12 using 1d20+6.  Attack (Warhammer).
16:03, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 13 using 1d8+6.  Damage.
16:06, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 1 using 1d4.  To hit Bless bonus.

Spell slots remaining:
1st: 1/2

16:02, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  Healing Word.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:07, Tue 12 July 2022.

As she saw attacks fly in all directions, and even more so in her general direction, Elinor yelped and threw a shield up...then closed her eyes for a second, her head in her shoulders. She yelped once more when the cold from the shattered dagger still managed to impact her despite managing to avoid most of it. More by pure chance than because she had managed to really get out of the way, but, well...

After a brief pause, the young elf glanced at Sariel, then at Gorstag, and decided she was going to follow his instructions. Granted, 'follow' might be insinuating she was thinking more than reacting whereas at that point, she was probably latching on the first thing that might allow her to get out of the way. Which she very gladly did. Not that she would run away afterwards, she fully intended to go find Shan, but she had no intention of staying around when it was obvious she was way out of her depths.

Not losing time, she scrambled to her feet while keeping low - thankfully, she really wasn't tall - and rushed towards the exit. On the way, she tightly gripped her sword in one hand and an orb in the other and mumbled a few words. As she did the frost that had still been clinging to her seemed to detach from her skin and spread all around her.

---

18:37, Today: Elinor Moonshard rolled 12 using 1d20+1d4+3.  Reflex Save.
Uh... Well, without the Bless that would have been failed, thanks Jarsali...
So with that and the Shield, that's 4 HP lost.

The spell cast is Armor of Agathys for +5 temp HP.

Elinor's shield winks into existence for the briefest of moments, absorbing the magic missiles before shatter into arcane energy around the group as more spells pound into it. The ice dagger's explosion gets partially reflected back upon its point of origin, and the lightning from the robed figures burnt twig barely passes through to connect to Celeste.

Elinor invokes her blade magic to create a barrier around her form, of the thinnest of ice.

The guardsman Armat steps forward, breaking the connection between robed caster and Celeste, the divine energy of Helm flowing from his voice as it heals Celeste in her time of need, keeping her from falling from the damage. He swings with his mighty warhammer, smashing the head in of the nearest traveler to the group, felling the fool who thought to challenge the Law!

OOC: No Magic Missile Damage for that round, so no damage. Ice Shard Damage is Halved (5 on failed, 2 on successful save)  as is Witch Bolt's damage (4). Celeste is now at 3 HPs after damages and saves and current healing.

As the situation rapidly escalates Jarsali takes in what she can of the mayhem and what resonates most is Gorstag's pleas to get out with his daughter.

Elinor had cleared most of the danger so that was one fewer person to worry about...

"Armat, it is time to fall back, a dead man protects no one!" she calls out to the Helmite whilst reaching out with her mind to yank him back and out of reach of his foe's weapons.

With a nod to Celeste beside her she ducks and weaves through the fray, following after Elinor towards the door in a fighting retreat.

---

OOC: Bonus Action to Telekenetic Shove Armat (pulls 5 feet towards me on a failed DC14 STR save, you can choose to fail this save or add the 1d4 Bless bonus if you want to fight it). The idea is to pull him out of range of opportunity attacks so we can retreat.
Action to Disengage if she is threatened with Opportunity Attacks otherwise Dodge
Move up to 30 feet (15 due to difficult terrain) towards the exit, keeping herself physically between the enemy and Elinor
Jarsali is still concentrating on Bless and has 1 spell slot left.

Celeste felt the hits solidly, and was burnt and bleeding from various wounds. The half orc stumbled as she was injured and watched the guard intervene between herself and the Dragonborn. She frowned, but in her mind, she was thankful for the help. Gorsarg fought well, and as much as she liked him, in her condition, she couldn’t take another hit.

Seeing the other two woman make for the exit, she nodded, and stumbled towards the exit herself, sparing a glare at the Dragonborn. “We’re not finished yet lizard.” She muttered as she stood at the door. “ARMAT….MOVE IT!” She yelled

Magic continued to fly about the place. Lightning lanced out and caught her square on. She felt the searing tingle run down her frame as Sariel gritted teeth but cast her eyes as the battle unfolded. They needed coordination to extract themselves from the fire and not all assets were working to the melody.

Elinor had taken a brunt of the magics cast. Diverted her focus towards the exit while doing what she could to defend. Sariel couldn't fault her for that, though the open flank might cost seconds for some poor patron. It had been much to ask of the girl and kind words would follow should they find time, but for now the symphony was playing and crescendo rising.

Jarsali, reliable Jarsali, had the right of things. Do what you could. Guard others as they fled. Also withdrew to make an escape. There was one asset Sariel could rely on without question or thought. No wall could be formed but the intent of her order was heeded in the heat of things. She was sharp for battle and didn't need direction to see the way this symphony flowed.

Celeste took a lion's share of attention as well. Without the intervention of others it might have been rather ugly. There was no fault to lay in her seeking the exit more swiftly. She could do no one any good as a target bleeding out on the floor if they continued to focus her so.

That left the guardsman. Sariel understood his quandary. He had oaths not only as a guardsman but to his faith. There was noble sacrifice and there was damn foolishness, though. Too many of his type threw their lives short for failure to see the difference.

"Armat! You save no one dead! The inn is lost and the whole blasted city is under siege! WITHDRAW! This is not the fight to give your life for!" Sariel called sharply to the man, pleading him listen.

For herself, Sariel drew steel and shield. She moved to guard the retreat of those still able to flee that rear exit. Her curved blade struck out swift but wild as she tried to ward away the robed travelers so that perhaps at least one or two more innocents may yet escape. She was close enough she could make the exit herself in a rush the moment Celeste and the others were through.

OOC: attack nearest robed traveler
19:03, Today: Sariel Iilphelkiir rolled 13 using 1d20+6.  attack vs nearest enemy.
19:04, Today: Sariel Iilphelkiir rolled 6 using 1d6+4.  damage.
19:04, Today: Sariel Iilphelkiir rolled 1 using 1d6.  sneak attack.

Celeste flees to the doorway to the kitchen, promising revenge upon the dragonborn.

Sariel flicks her blade, cutting down the traveler who was burned by lightning as she makes her way to the doorway as well.

Elinor as well as Jarsali made their way to the exit, moving as swiftly as they could to avoid their closest foes.

Gorstag engages the robed figures, swinging his battleaxe to cut down the casters. With two swings he brings down the closest robed figure. The robed figures ignore their previous order, turning their spells upon the warrior before them. Prismatic orbs strike the warrior, burning, chilling, and shocking the old warrior, weakening him greatly. The leader shakes off the supernatural fear, and reaches forward, grabbing Gorstag by the throat. "We will have use for you, old man, one way or another." It hissed, its hand glowing a sickly green. Gorstag's eyes widens as his face goes slack, his battleaxe dropping to the ground. "Finish off the scum and let the inn burn to the ground, we will have the girl for the Masters!" It laughed slightly, exiting the main door and dragging Gorstag by the throat with the three robed figures.

The fire begins to really rage within the inn, the two groups of travelers begin to move forward to search the back through the group if they have to. Surrounding the cleric of helm, two of them strike the priest, cutting with shortsword and smashing with a club.

OOC: 11 points of damage, mixture of slashing and bludgeoning. The fires are spreading through the inn, and if the group does not leave soon, you may soon begin to suffer fire damage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:43, Fri 15 July 2022.

As soon as she got out, Elinor sent Pixie to find Shandril, Gorstag's daughter while she protected herself a bit more thoroughly by casting yet another spell.

While she hadn't fled the inn even a moment too soon, she didn't intend to keep running forever. She was in fact feeling a bit...maybe not quite ashamed, but... it certainly didn't leave a good taste in her mouth, even though she didn't exactly know hat was happening inside or that if she paused to think about it for a minute, she would agree there was nothing she could have done.

None of that however changed how she felt...or how she intended to at least do something.

---

Elinor casts Mage Armour on herself and sends her familiar to go look for Snadril.

"Gorstag!" Armat bellowed as he got pummeled from all sides. His indignation at being unable to stop the attackers from escaping infuriated him and gave him strength to carry on. But he kept a cool head. Helm guided him. He knew he had done what he could, the patrons who could escape had done so and the flames rapidly spreading. Thus he raised his shield and swung hard as he began his fighting retreat.

---

Armat uses second wind, attacks one of his attackers and begins his retreat.

Bonus: Second Wind heals for 10 hp. Current hp: 11/12
Standard: Attack. To hit: 24, damage 11.
Move: Slowly backwards, not provoking.

23:45, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 10 using 1d10+1.  Second Wind.
23:48, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Attack (Warhammer).
23:49, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 11 using 1d8+6.  Damage.

Celeste, sorely wounded stumbled out of the inn beside Elinor, an unusual look on her face. In her anger she let the power control her and though it’s power felt good, it scared her too. She looked at Elinor. “We gotta find that girl and get her to safety.”

Seeing that Armat is now making his own fighting retreat, Jarsali once again reaches out with her telekinetic power to pull him back towards her and out of reach of some of the short blades and clubs that are swung at him.

She finally brings up her shield and retreats into position beside Sariel to cover the final escape from the room.
"Sariel, I need to keep eyes on the Guardsman to heal him if he falls. Go after the others, we will be right behind you."

OOC: Bonus Action to Telekinetic Shove Armat and pull him 5 ft towards me, this does not provoke OAs and Armat can choose to fail the save WIS DC 14 or still has the +1d4 to saves from Bless if not. The aim is to help him retreat without being cut down.
Action: Equip shield, AC is now 17
Move up to 30 ft (15ft difficult terrain) to end up beside Sariel guarding the door with the intent to go through after Armat reaches it.
Still concentrating on Bless
HP is still at 12/12 and Jarsali has 1 spell slot remaining
This message was last edited by the player at 22:46, Sun 17 July 2022.

The man seemed to listen this time, beginning to pull himself from the skirmish. Not as swiftly as she might like but they were all in retreat now. Two out with anyone who was able to manage, one fighting their way free with one more holding the door for them. She hesitated for but a heartbeat. If it had been anyone else she might have thought to hold a moment longer herself. But...

"Do not make me come back for you, Jarsali," she gave the woman a knowing nod.

She would trust her friend to guard the rear, but she wouldn't leave her to her fate if the pair of them didn't come along behind them quickly. For that instant though, she slipped past and beyond to join Elinor and Celeste. Her mind still raced, covering all that had and was still transpiring. So much at play and only a sliver within their view. What was so important about Gorstag and his daughter.

"They're right behind us or I'll go back for them. Have you any sign of Shan?" she asked Elinor and Celeste.

As you enter the kitchen, you notice the back door wide open, and no one within.

Elinor casts a protective ward around herself, then mentally sends Pixie to search for the missing girl. The white owl with stary eyes flies out the door, searching.

Armat bashes in another traveler's head, felling the man. Taking a deep breath and focusing himself, Armat withdraws from the room into the kitchen warding against foes who would surely follow as the fires grew stronger.

Jarsali covers Armat with her whip, tugging at Armat with her mind to pull him into the kitchen, but not before readying her shield should it come to melee.

Sariel removes herself from the fray, seeking information about Shandril.

The five foot doorway is soon blocked by the mass of travelers, trying to push their way through to remove you and continue their mission. The fires are building up behind them, smoke beginning to pour through into the kitchen.

In the distance, you can hear more horns of the city watch go up, loud explosions, cries of pain and screams of terror fill the night.

“I'm looking.” Answered Elinor to Sariel... Though she very obviously wasn't doing any such things. She was in fact turned towards the door leading to the main room.

After a brief hesitation - and a glance at the exit door - she pointed her sword towards the group of assaillants and uttered a harsh Draconic word accompanied by a small gesture from her left hand.

Following that, a beam of purplish energy lanced from the tip of her sword towards the attackers at the door. Then, not waiting - much - to see the result, she went out the back door, figuring it was going to be everyone's goal anyway.

---

So Elinor casts Eldritch Blast, and her move action is to exit the inn.
0:04, Today: Elinor Moonshard rolled 20,6 using 1d20+5,1d10.  Eldritch Blast (attack, damage).

I'll come up with a proper status next time, but for now she's at 16AC with 6+5 HP.

Seeing the room empty, Jarsali takes a quick look about for something appropriate to jam the door closed with, "Someone get the door closed for me to buy us some time, I will help you."

If she could close off the door even for 10 seconds that would be enough to cover their retreat into the night and perhaps weaken or discourage their foes as the flames lick at their heels and the smoke chokes their lungs.

OOC: Jarsali will look for anything appropriate to jam the door closed for a round or two to cover their escape and use the Help action for anyone closing the door. If there are no suitable objects around she will use and leave behind a piece of her equipment such as her some of her rope, her crowbar, her manacles etc depending on how the door might be secured.

The Watcher stood in the door, swinging his hammer while warding off attacks, using the bottleneck to his advantage so his attackers could not get to him. He could hear the panic outside. An attack? That changed his priorities.

"We can take these! Don't let them loose into the town to kill more people!"

---

Attack: 10, damage 14.

10:53, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 8 using 1d20+6.  Attack (Warhammer).
10:55, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 2 using 1d4.  To hit Bless bonus.
10:54, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 14 using 1d8+6.  Damage.

Elinor's beam of purple energy strikes the traveler in the doorway, blasting him into his comrades, but not bringing the man down.

As Jarsali look for some way to jam the doorway, she notices there is no door, being an impediment for the servers, it looks like it was removed years prior.

Armat becomes a living door, a pile of armor and muscle to defend the others against a rush of enemies. He swings his warhammer to keep the travelers back, barely missing connecting with the one in the doorway.

The travelers begin pushing the one in the front, causing him to rush forward to push Armat out of the way.

OOC: Opposed Athletics check, DC 18 or you get pushed out of the doorway.

Elinor grumbled under her breath.

With no one having followed, Elinor peaks through the door to see what the hold-up was. After a brief hesitation, she decided to send another one of her purplish beams: it might not be enough to take down one of the aggressors - how could they be that tough!? - but maybe it would slow them down a bit.

After that, she focused outside to see what was happening...and make sure no one was about to attack from that side too.

---

23:52, Today: Elinor Moonshard rolled 27,5 using 1d20+1d4+5,1d10.  Eldritch Blast (attack, damage).

Celeste, outside looked around the crowd for the innkeepers daughter, her orcish features a look of work. “C’mon Damnit…where are ya” She muttered to herself as she scanned the crowd.

---

<OOC:  Celeste rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Investigation check. >

Armat cannot hold against the might of the men pushing against his shield and slides back into the kitchen. But this progress came at the price of a mighty blow delivered at the front man.

"Hurry! For Highmoon!"

---

Armat fails his Athletics check and is pushed back.
He attacks: To hit: 23, Damage: 10.

23:52, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 7 using 1d20+6.  Athletics.
23:53, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 19 using 1d20+6.  Attack (Warhammer).
23:53, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 4 using 1d4.  To hit Bless bonus.
23:53, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 10 using 1d8+6.  Damage.

Celeste begins to search outside of the building, looking for possible hiding spaces for Gorstag's daughter.  You do notice Elinor's familiar Pixie flying overhead, darting its eyes back and forth.

Armat is pushed back away from the doorway, allowing for the armed travelers to pour through. There is little room for them, so only three are able to be in the kitchen currently. Swinging his warhammer once more, he strikes at the closest one who was previously injured by Elinor, causing the traveler to fall to the ground in a heap.

Elinor unleashes another purple beam of energy from her blade, striking another of the travelers near Armat, injuring them but not bringing them down.

"For crying out loud," Jarsali exclaims in her frustration, lifting her hand as green flames lick along the length of her whip before she brings it down with an impressive crack on Elinor's most recent target. Some of the flames jump towards the the other that remains standing before she gives him a telekenetic shove back out through the doorway.

"Let's go!" she says and retreats to the outside.

OOC: Action to Green-Flame Blade vs more damaged enemy hits AC 24 for 7 slashing damage. The other standing "traveller" takes 4 fire damage.

Bonus Action: to Telekinetic Shove second "traveller" 5 ft back through the doorway. DC 14 Strength save to negate.

Moving outside after the others, up to 30 ft.

11:02, Today: Jarsali Galendodel rolled 7 using 1d4+3 with rolls of 4.  Whip Damage Roll.
11:01, Today: Jarsali Galendodel rolled 24 using 1d20+1d4+5 with rolls of 15,4.  Whip Attack Roll w/Bless.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Wed 27 July 2022.

Celeste, from outside, looked around, and smiled as she saw something. The woman went over to the woodpile to look for the signs of movement

Celeste notices the unusual stacking of the woodpile, but with further investigation, cannot see how a young woman could be hiding in there.

Pixie begins to hoot wildly over the woodpile, circling around it.

Jarsali lashes out with her whip, green flames rolling along it as she strikes the traveler in the doorway, burning the enemy and bringing him down. Green flames jump from the strike, hitting the foe behind him, followed by a telekinetic thrust from the Paladin's mind, sending him into his fellows into the inferno behind the doorway. Smoke and heat begin to flow through into the kitchen as the fire spreads.

Matters were dire inside the inn. Anger gripped Armat's heart at the grave injustice and dark deeds done here. But he mastered his anger to remember his duty. He had to get the people helping him get to safety.
"Out! Out!" Armat bellowed as he guessed the smoke would soon choke them all. Already his lungs burned from hot air as the blaze hungrily devoured the building.

"Get ready to bar the door!"
The Watcher had no patience left for these murderers, nor mercy to give. He swung his hammer hard in parting as he retreated..

---

Move: Towards exit without provoking AOO.
Standard: Armat attacks: To hit: 27, Damage 10.

23:43, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 23 using 1d20+6.  Attack (Warhammer).
23:43, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 4 using 1d4.  To hit Bless bonus.
23:43, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 10 using 1d8+6.  Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:49, Fri 29 July 2022.

Celeste looks at the pile of wood with a frown, sure she saw movement within it. She looked up and saw the owl hooting over the pile and frowned. "Yeah, yeah....i'm here ya nighttime turkey." she mumbled as she knelt down.

She inspected the woodpile closer.

---

<OOC: Celeste rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  investigation check.>

Elinor approached the stack of wood, obviously a bit surprise by Celeste's actions. Shaking her head, she quickly focused on what was urgent, and hurriedly whispered. “Shandril, get out of here, we have to go! Now, it's not safe!”

After a second, she added, “And it's not really difficult to find you under that wood...”

Jarsali readies to slam and hold the door shut at Armat's request, waiting just long enough for the last of their party to squeeze through.

Hearing the more distant screams now that the ones from inside were muffled she looks to the others, "Sariel, Celeste, do either of you know a hidden way out of the walls?"

She has set her entire weight towards keeping the door closed and would be unable to move from her position without releasing it. She would be unlikely to hold it long unless the smoke and flames from the inside were to weaken and consume the pursuers.

Having no satisfactory target for his attack, Armat retreats from the kitchen, helping to close the door with Jarsali.

Celeste and Elinor are both at the woodpile behind the inn, Elinor shouting into the woodpile. An odd shift in the pile occurs, revealing a well-crafted door hidden into the pile. Out steps Shandril, her skirt and blouse disheveled, her blonde hair wild in the night air. "Cook told me to run and hide, but father told me about the safe place he had made, so I ran there. Is father okay? I heard screaming and cries of fire out here, so I made sure to stay quiet. By the Earthmother, no!" She said, her eyes going wide as flames are licking her home, and the look of two warriors holding the door closed to the kitchen.

Celeste smiled at the creativity of the hiding spot and crouched towards the young girl. "Shandril....you may recognize me. I've eaten in the inn a few times. Your father was always nice to me."

She placed a hand on the girls shoulder. "I'm Celeste. I may look scary but i'm not. My father was an orc." She looked around at the burning inn, losing her smile, then back again. "Your father asked myself and my friends to watch out for you. Those men - those bad men, were coming to find you for some reason. He stayed behind to make sure you and the others were safe."

She looked in her eyes, completely sincere. "I won't let anyone hurt you....as long as you trust me and my friends, i'll make sure those bad men come nowhere near you."

Shandril looks nervous for a few moments, but nods, emerging from the pile and looking worried and scared. You have found the girl, but the night air is still filled with the distant sounds of battle, occasionally bolts of flame erupting into the sky, and the war horns calling from both attackers and guards. Overhead, a massive black form flies overhead, spectral blue flames running the length of its skeletal form, a massive undead dragon that breaths fire upon the town, sowing chaos within.

While blocking the door Armat's heart skipped a beat as the terrible dragon raised from the dead came overhead to rain destruction. He knew in his heart that many of the people he had sworn to protect would perish during this night of woe. And he was powerless to stop it for that beast was a power far beyond him.

"Helm protect us.."

Beside Armat Jarsali follows his gaze, and her eyes widen and her stomach clenches, at the terrifying sight combined with the flares of firelight and the distant percussive booms and screams.

"We have to go, right now. If no-one has a way out then I'll take the lead, if we stay here we won't last."

It was clear that she did not have a clue on which direction they should head but that she would start moving if no one else took charge.

Elinor congratulated Pixie for a job well done, then simply listened without adding anything for a time. Telling the girl that her had been captured, which meant that they wanted him alive, was likely not going to help for the time being. Something that would beed to be said at some point obviously, but right there and then it didn't serve any purpose.

But when she saw that giant thing fly above their heads, she blanched. “Mom! Dad!” It seemed pretty obvious which direction she was going to run to...

Armat looked at Jarsali but shook his head while bracing the door.
"Go. I must save who I can."

Celeste held the girls hand with a smile and nod, despite the sounds of battle around. Then the sound and sight of the dragon in the air and she lost her smile. "Oh, come on!" she groaned. Looking at the girl, she forced a smile on her face. "Take my hand and keep up."

She looked around and saw the others, and with girl in hand made for them quickly. "I found the girl....we gotta go - NOW!" she heard the foolish man in the doorway, and groaned. Damn men and their honor she thought to herself. "Armat - This girl needs you ....WE need you. So stop stalling and move your holier-that-thou ass!"

The undead dragon over the city roars, though it is cut short as meteors of blue starlight begin striking it from the night sky. Each one appears to disrupt the undead essence of the creature. After a moment, it veers off, flying away from the city, breathing fire upon the woodlands as it passes over them, setting the forest ablaze.

As you watch, a group of guardsmen rapidly approach the Rising Moon Inn, two archers, two spear and shield bearers, and a captain armed with a greatsword. They look concerned at the flames rising from the tavern but focus on the group. "You there! What is going on here?". The captain asks, pointing his hand at the group.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 21:35, Mon 08 Aug 2022.

Armat was relieved to see the support that his horn had summoned. He had worried that they could not spare the men once he noticed the extent of the attack.
"Captain! The attackers started killing people and set the place on fire. Some of the murderers are in here still! Others ran off, they abducted the innkeeper!"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:25, Mon 08 Aug 2022.

Celeste stayed with the girl, an arm around her protectively. "it was some cult - they targeted the inn specifically for..." she paused. her hand shifting around the girl a little. "...a certain item. The innkeeper stayed to protect the people fleeing them." She had a tinge of sorrow in her voice - she liked the man.

"There were a few - maybe ten hired thugs. The concern were the robed men - five in total. The leader was a blue dragonborn." She smiled, but flinched, the wounds from the brief battle still fresh. "I gave him a good scare before he set his cronies to beaking the living snot outa me."

He looked at the girl. "This is Shandril, Gorstaag's daughter. He asked me to protect her before we fled."

The guards react with recognition at the name Gorestag and Shandril, moving forward swiftly. Their body language is all wrong, their attention focused almost exclusively on Shandril.

OOC: Everyone but Elinor recognizes the intentions of these guardsmen as being off, too focused on the names and Shandril herself. Elinor is too distracted by the dragon's attack on the city, her choice to remain or leave.

Initiative is back in play.

Everyone but Elinor, then Guardsmen, then Elinor, new round!

Sensing the veiled menace of these would-be guardsmen, Jarsali charges from her position blocking the door alongside Armat to place herself in front of Celeste and the young Shandril.

Her whip flashes with a bright green flame as she brings it down on the nearest apparent foe, causing a harsh cracking noise to reverberate down the alleyway beside the inn.

The half-elf's attack, along with the raised and ready shield, is a clear challenge and threat to anyone who might try to move past her.

---

HP: 12/12 | THP: 0 | AC: 17 | Spd: 30ft.| Fav.btG 1/1 | S1 1/2 | Adv vs Charm | Immune Sleep | LoH :5/5 |
Concentration: Bless
Move: Between Celeste and enemy
Action: Green-Flame Blade vs Enemy hits AC 20 for 6 slashing damage, an enemy within 5 ft of them takes 4 fire damage.
Bonus: Telekinetic Pull on an archer to bring 5ft closer, preferably adjacent to one of the party. DC 14 Str Save to resist.
18:02, Today: Jarsali Galendodel rolled 6 using 1d4+3 with rolls of 3.  Whip Damage Roll.
18:01, Today: Jarsali Galendodel rolled 20 using 1d20+5+1d4 with rolls of 14,1.  Whip Attack Roll w/Bless.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:05, Wed 10 Aug 2022.

Seeing the men come upon the girl, the woman pushed her behind her, her eyes took an orange hue and separated, becoming two distinct pupils. Again the bandages came from her armor like four separate billowing cloaks. She glares at one of the men approaching as purple glyphs ignite on her skin.

She locked eyes with the closest archer, her head tilted as she held her hand out and a bolt of energy flew from it.

---

<OOC: Bonus Action - Activate form of dread

Celeste rolled 8 using 1d10+1.  temp hp.

8 Temp HP

Action - Cast Eldritch Blast at closest archer

Celeste rolled 19 using 1d20+4.
Celeste rolled 5 using 1d10.

Wisdom save DC 12 or become frightened>

"No! Traitors! OATHBREAKERS!"
There were few things worse in the all-seeing eye of Helm than those who betrayed their sacred oath to protect their charge. Armat knew not what had made these men abandon their post, but that was not for him to question. He would enact justice by confronting them. And woe for those who died, for in the hereafter a terrible fate awaited them.

Without hesitation he charged the nearest man.

---

To hit: 12, damage 13.

18:04, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 10 using 1d20+6.  Attack (Warhammer).
18:05, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 2 using 1d4.  To hit Bless bonus.
18:04, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 13 using 1d8+6.  Damage.

Armat charges at the treacherous guardsmen, noting that they did not wear the holy symbols of Helm like he chose to do. He swung with his warhammer at the captain but fails to connect as the captain expertly dodges the attack.

Jarsali moves to interpose herself between the guards and Celeste/Shandril. Her whip cracks like thunder in the alley as they move closer, striking on of the shield bearers. Green flames jump from her foe to one of the archers behind him, scorching them. With the power of her mind, Jarsali then pulls the other archer forward, knocking him into the back of the other shield bearer, knocking them down.

Celeste manifests once more her dark patron's power, aiming her dark power against the already injured archer, dispatching the rogue guardman.

Sariel knocks an arrow, her eyes narrowing as it flies to strike the other archer, impaling the man through the chest.

The guard captain, seeing his archers fall in rapid succession, swings his great sword against Armat, the foe closest to him. The great blade strikes true against the cleric of Helm, knocking the wind from the priests body (12 points of slashing damage). The spearman who is knocked prone moves to stand, then aims at Jarsali, the paladin's whip representing a fearsome weapon apparently. The other spearman moves in tandem, moving to flank the holy warrior. The injured spearman is unable to hit the paladin, but other strikes true against the paladin (8 points of piercing damage).

As she was about to run home, Elinor stops, her mouth open as she watched the dragon being snipped out of the skies. Or at least, 'convinced' to go see elsewhere. Which meant she was less in a hurry to rush to her family.

Should she have stopped a second or two, she'd have realised it didn't make any sense obviously: she wouldn't have been able to make any sort of difference against a dragon, whereas she might be able to do something about...Well, about whatever was happening in town. On the other hand, the situation being what it was, she'd likely have run into troubles long before she reached her destination.

All of that to say that, once again, Elinor was pretty damn slow to react when combat started around her and it took her quite some time to finally react. When she finally did, she simply rushed to attack the spearman who had downed Armat: she may not be all that found of the man, but still!


HP: 06/12 | THP: 5 | AC: 16 | Spd: 30ft.
Move: get in melee to the spearman
Action: Booming blade, 14 to hit, dealing 6. Should spearman decide to move, he takes 2 thunder damage.

10:43, Today: Elinor Moonshard rolled 14,6,2 using 1d20+5,1d8+3,1d8.  Attack, damage, thunder damage.

Watching Armat take that massive blow, she calls out, "Get back up Armat, it is not your time yet!"
The green flames flicker along her whip once more and she lashes it towards one of the foes now surrounding her and causing the emerald conflagration to jump across to another.

---

HP: 4/12 | THP: 0 | AC: 17 | Spd: 30ft.| Fav.btG 1/1 | S1 0/2 | Adv vs Charm | Immune Sleep | LoH :5/5 |
Bonus Action: Healing Word on Armat for 7 Hit Points
Action: Green-Flame Blade against an enemy in range hits AC 23 for 4 slashing damage. If this hits then another enemy within 5ft of the target takes 4 fire damage
21:20, Today: Jarsali Galendodel rolled 7 using 1d4+4 with rolls of 3.  Healing Word .
21:20, Today: Jarsali Galendodel rolled 4 using 1d4+3 with rolls of 1.  Whip Damage Roll.
21:19, Today: Jarsali Galendodel rolled 23 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 18.  Whip Attack Roll.

Celeste, still standing protectively in front of the girl, turned her gaze on the captain. She spoke, but her voice had an echo to it, like someone speaking in unison. "You fools will find nothing but death here!" Her eyes (all four irises) locked on the man as she again held her hand up, purple energy coalescing down her arm to her hand, sending a bolt of energy towards the man.

---

<OOC: Action - Cast Eldritch Blast

Celeste rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  attack - eldrich blast.
Celeste rolled 9 using 1d10.  damage - eldrich blast (If hit).

Bonus Action - None>

Elinor charges into the fray, thunder reverberating down her blade as she strikes the Captain facing off against Armat. The man absorbs the impact with practiced ease, swinging his blade in a defensive arch between Armat and Elinor.

Jarsali's words bring Armat from the brink of seeing Helm on a much more permenant basis, catching him before he fell. Jarsali's whip cracks against the injured Spearman, killing him while green flame jumps to the other, biting the man with emerald flame.

Celeste's eldritch power burns into the Captain, but the man resists the power of her Patron's influence.

Armat gasped. For a moment the world had gone dark before he was brought back to his senses. He barely had a moment to collect his thoughts as he was still in battle so he brought his shield up to block purely by instinct as his feet struggled to keep him upright. But it was his sense of duty that kept him going even in the face of oblivion. He would not face Helm and be found wanting, so he swung again at the traitor with all his might!

---

Current hp: 6/12
Attack: 24, Damage 11

13:05, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Attack (Warhammer).
13:05, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 11 using 1d8+6.  Damage.

Elinor hissed, obviously displeased. Well, not about Armat somehow staying in the action obviously, but at the fact that her impact was less than visible.

Hoping her opponent was distracted by Armat's incoming blow, she stroke at relatively the same time...with even less success than previously.

---

HP: 06/12 | THP: 5 | AC: 16 | Spd: 30ft.
Move: N/A
Action: Booming blade, 11 to hit.

19:16, Today: Elinor Moonshard rolled 11,8,7 using 1d20+5,1d8+3,1d8.  Attack, damage, thunder damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:10, Fri 26 Aug 2022.

Sariel knocks another arrow, aiming to pierce the Captains neck with her bow, but the arrow flies and hits the man's great sword, ricocheting off into the distance.

Armat strikes true against the last foe, not yet felling the man but he does not look like he will be winning at this rate.

The Guard Captain swings down against Elinor to remove the weak looking girl but failing to hit the nimble little elf. Obviously frustrated, the man seems to tap into some inner power, his blade blazing with blue fire as he swings at her again, his blade biting into the ground next to her as he struggles to return it to a defensive position. "The Eternal Ones shall prevail! The Prophecy will be fulfilled! The future is Theirs!" He spoke with religious conviction, his eyes beginning to glow purple.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:00, Fri 26 Aug 2022.

Celeste, the bandages flowing from her back like miniature capes flapping in the breeze, looked at the captain and recognised he had an inner power - not the same as hers but similar none the less.she focused the influence she channeled towards the captain and held her hand out. The shadows seemed to spring to life as they grasped at the captain.

She stepped in, dagger in hand and swiped at the man, her dagger bouncing off armor.

---

<OOC: Bonus action - cast hex. Disadvantage in strength checks

Action - attack with dagger

Celeste rolled 13 using 1d20+5 - attack dagger

Form of dread fear effect against captain. Wisdom save dc 12 or be frightened>

This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Sat 27 Aug 2022.

"One more, then we can get out of here," she encourages the others whilst cracking her whip at the captain that remained, "we need to get out of the city."

---

HP: 4/12 | THP: 0 | AC: 17 | Spd: 30ft.| Fav.btG 1/1 | S1 0/2 | Adv vs Charm | Immune Sleep | LoH :5/5 |
Action: Whip attack hits AC 8 (19 if has advantage) for 5 slashing damage.
17:41, Today: Jarsali Galendodel rolled 5 using 1d4+3 with rolls of 2.  Whip Damage Roll.
17:41, Today: Jarsali Galendodel rolled 19 using 2d20+5 with rolls of 11,3.  Whip Attack Roll w/adv.

Elinor was feeling dejected. She had trained with her sword quite a bit, but it was becoming obvious - or maybe, even more obvious - that she had a long, long way to go.

Still, it wasn't like she could afford to take time to think things through, ask for a pause or anything of the sort. Instead, she attacked once more, hoping to get it right this time.

Instead, she started to slip on something left on the ground. She managed to not fall but it was the best that could be said.

HP: 06/12 | THP: 5 | AC: 16 | Spd: 30ft.
Move: get in melee to the spearman
Action: Booming blade, 8 to (not) hit.

20:20, Today: Elinor Moonshard rolled 8,9,2 using 1d20+5,1d8+3,1d8.  Attack, damage, thunder.

The frenzy of battle had taken Armat, and he kept on fighting, breathing heavily, his mace swinging over and over to land with murderous intent..

---

An 8 is not a 6. :/
21:00, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 10 8 using 1d8+8 6.
21:00, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 13 11 using 1d20+8 6.  Attack (Warhammer).

Fighting against the false Guard Captain to bring him down proves to elude the party's ability. The man swings his greatsword with a deftness that is surprising. Snarling, he begins to chant, driving his blade into the ground as the blue flame spreads across his body. The very air begins to ripple as the energy he is emitting in waves begins to build to a crescendo. The ghostly imagine of the undead dragon cloaks his form as he continues, built of the strange fire.

OOC:You may take attacks of opportunity, or you may move to disengage. This feels like it is a final strike attempt against the group, so it may be an area of effect.

Seeing the wind up for what seems like some devastating magical strike and unable to be sure that their ward would react and make it out in time should Jarsali disengage, she opts instead to gamble on a pre-emptive strike in order to halt the threat in its tracks.

If she was able to take the focus of the attack while Shandril fled, it simply meant better odds of her survival.

First coiling the whip back over her shoulder, she rapidly extends her arm around and forwards while adding a flick of the wrist to bring the striking end hurtling at the guard captain's face. The resulting whistling crack punctuates the cacophony of chaotic noise surrounding the group's position.

OOC: Jarsali will make the Opportunity Attack rather than try to disengage.
Hits AC 19 for 7 slashing damage.
18:07, Today: Jarsali Galendodel rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  Whip slashing damage.
18:07, Today: Jarsali Galendodel rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Whip Attack Roll.

The half orc desperatly wanted to finish this foe, but her mind begged for the girls saftey.

She pulled in her power of fear, and with the flowing bandages, she turned and picked up the girl. "Do not fear me....My powers will protect you" Even as she spoke, there was the tell-tale sign of an echo, like two people spoke, but unlike the meanacing sound from earlier, this sounded protective and warm.

She grabbed the girl, and almost like instinct, the flowing bandages seemed to wrap like a cloak around them, as she turned her back and made her way to take the girl away from this man and his spell.

---

<OOC: Action - Grab the girl

Bonus Action - Disengage and take her somewhere safe (Behind a barrier, etc)>

Watcher Armat had no idea what foul magic the traitor-captain was attempting, but it was clear he had to be stopped. Who knew how many would fall victim if he managed to complete his spell? This was the Guardian's path. To stand between the innocent and evil, even at the risk of one's one life. With a shout Armat swung his warhammer one last time..

---

20:18, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  Attack (Warhammer).
20:18, Today: Armat Aelendil rolled 11 using 1d8+6.  Damage.

Assuming Elinor flees with Shandril and Celeste, Armat and Jarsali attempt to bring down the Captain before the man can finish his casting. Sariel knocks her arrow to strike the captain, hoping to bring the man down before his spell ends, but the arrow flies wide from its mark. As the spell nears its completion, the blue flame image of the dragon roars up into the night sky, only to come back down to incinerate the Captain. All that remains of the man is ashes, a smoldering crater where he once stood.

Watcher Armat had held up his shield to protect him from the blast, and now regarded the crater.
"Such foulness." he remarked bitterly.
"These men swore oaths to protect this town and its people. May the Eternal Watcher consign their souls to oblivion."

He looked around, wondering what to do next. The child needed to be brought to safety, but there were scores of others in similar need. But the dragon remained an enormous threat. Every building might become a funeral pyre. Though it pained him, leaving the town to hide in the woods might save the most lives.

"We must evacuate the city. Gather what survivors we might, and take them to safety in the woods."

Celeste watched as the man was engulfed in flame and turned to ash, hiding the girl close, her altered form fading, the bandage appendages withdrew and her eyes returned to normal. She breathed heavily and with Armat's words, she nodded, never thinking she'd agree with the man.

"We have to go, and fast. I'll protect the girl - we'll get as many as we go along the way." She looked at the pile of ash. "But we have to be careful of any other bastards who'll deceive us."

Celeste looked at the girl with a smile, warm despite her orcish heritage. "Your a brave girl, but i need you to be brave a little longer, ok?"

The woman looked around and made for the cover of the trees.

Elinor was more than ready to run, and didn't hesitate to do so as soon as someone else did so as it was very obvious she was way out of her depth here. Still, that wasn't to say she was all that eager to leave the city.

“Flee the city?” she protested. “There's a dragon out there! And who knows what else. I'd much rather go to whatever convinced the dragon to go elsewhere. And I must find my family!”

Jarsali didn't have much time to let the trembling and cold sensation of shock get to her with the adrenaline rush waning in the aftermath of their combat.
Bleeding from various cuts and gashes, she has little choice but to push on and crash later when the threat of cataclysm no longer loomed over them.

"I'm sorry Elinor, but they are right, we should flee the city for now. Hopefully your family will have done the same and we can reunite you with them. From what little I know of your father I think he would want you to be safe first and foremost."

Jarsali takes a few steps after Celeste, indicating her intent, but turns back to extend a hand to Elinor with an imploring look and says in elvish, "Come, sister, we will get through this together," then thinks silently to herself "or not at all."

Sariel whistles quickly, getting your attention. "Listen, the town is still under attack, if not by the dracolich, then by its forces. We are greatly injured, I know of a place to hide that we can defend if we must!" She speaks loudly if she needs to, then gestures for the group to follow as she navigates the closest alleyway.

Celeste looked at Elinor, pointing up. "If your family is smart, they'd be halfway to the mountains by now....a dragon! They wouldn't hang around, so why we talking about this- lets move" She looks at Sariel and nods "Lead the way - If that damn fool Armat wants to stay and kill himself, let him, but perhaps his 'noble spirit' will settle for protecting the girl."

“But the dragon fled the city! For all we know, we're going straight towards wherever he went!” Elinor protested vehemently. Though, granted, and while she may not want to admit it, that didn't change the fact that there were more than the dragon attacking the city.

While very obviously not happy about it, the young elf followed, grumbling.

"Alright, let's go," Jarsali agrees, following behind Elinor and Celeste.

Celeste looked at Elinor. "My opinion - dragon's don't flee anything. It may be circling back around, even i don't know. What i do know is this - there is a dragon, undead or otherwise. Their's some faction and they're after something." she held the girl closer, suspecting it may be her.

Her tone was serious. "Anyone with sense will be hiding or running, from the soldiers or the dragon, your parents included. You want to stay, you stay....i'm following with the girl - i promised i'd keep her safe, and i will"