IC Ljonarian Enigma: Tournament Chaos

[CWater]

Aerin backs away to hide behind the corner, not sure if the sneak saw her or not.

Spoiler: OOC

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Make a new Listen check please, others can make them too. Note that distance affects your DC.

[CWater]

Spoiler: Kish only

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First Aerin hears nothing, then after a moment the sound of footsteps going away, slowly.

[Kish]

Aerin beckons the others forward and starts toward the door again.

Spoiler

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She looks to the right as she walks past the big open area, and her sword is still drawn; if she sees a sneak or dragonspawn she'll charge.

[CWater]

When Aerin steps around the corner, she sees two sneaks down the corridor. They are holding crossbows aimed to her direction and are walking backwards towards the front hall. The sneak on the right has a bandage wrapped around his chest, where Aerin cut him earlier.

Spoiler: Initiative

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Rolling them all here for simplicity's sake.
Aerin: (1d20+6)[11]
Sn1: (1d20+3)[9]
Sn2: (1d20+3)[11]

Since the others would not know about the enemy before either they or Aerin has reacted, one of the three above will always go first, any others that roll higher will be delayed after that person.

Eglantine: (1d20+4)[6]
Rowan: (1d20+2)[17]
Vindal: (1d20+4)[22]
Theréon: (1d20+3)[15]
Guards: (1d20+1)[9]

Initiative:
Aerin
Vindal
Rowan
Theréon
Sneaks
Guards
Eglantine

I'll probably have the NPCs eventually delay their turn to move their spot in the initiative order to form more convenient blocks. However, right now Aerin is up.

Spoiler: Map

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Sn1 and Sn2 are the enemy. The latter is wounded.

[Kish]

"Enemies!" Aerin says sharply. Then she runs toward the sneaks. "Hello again! I believe we have some unfinished business! Would you like to see the two-with-one-slash move again?" She shows the injured sneak her teeth.

Spoiler

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Using a run action to move to Q7.

[CWater]

The moment Aerin shouts, Vindal steps past Sandra drawing a second dagger and peers around the corner. "Two enemies, she's engaging them."

Spoiler: OOC

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Vindal moves to F9.
Aerin is in Q7, otherwise the map is the same.

Rowan is up.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Rowan looks worried and trots forward, pulling up the crossbow that Eggy had given him, but he never thought he'd actually have to use.

Spoiler: Actions

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1.) Move action to E10
2.) Move action to draw a weapon not previously held.

[CWater]

Rowan looks worried and trots forward, pulling up the crossbow that Eggy had given him, but he never thought he'd actually have to use.

Spoiler: Actions

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1.) Move action to E10
2.) Move action to draw a weapon not previously held.

Spoiler: Axe

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Since Rowan's BAB is ≥1 he can draw a weapon as part of a move action. But you could use the second move action for loading the crossbow? Unlike bows, for a light crossbow it is a move action (standard action for heavy crossbows).

"Vile enemies!" Theréon shouts and runs forward swinging wildly with his sword before he is even close to the enemy. Vindal jumps out of his way, to avoid contact with the sharp point of the madman's blade.

The sneaks snarl when Aerin charges too quick for them to aim and then she is too close to give them time for it. Almost in unison both free their right hand and each draws a single blade to strike, but both miss. One turns his head to shout towards the entrance hall.

Spoiler: Draconic

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"A dangerous humankin encountered! We need assistance!"

About in the middle of the hall, you see the bodies of two more guards lying on the floor.

Behind the corner and down the other hall, the Lieutenant shouts an order, "We'll avenge our comrades, slay these monsters!" All three guards run forward.

Spoiler: OOC

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PCs turn, you are all up. (Vindal will delay, so he'll go after Rowan.) The default assumption is that you'll act in the order that you post, if you are specifically waiting for someone else to go, please let them know OOC.

Spoiler: Attacks against Aerin

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Sn1: (1d20+4)[5]
Damage: (1d4)[1]

Sn2: (1d20+4)[15]
Damage: (1d4)[2]

Forgot to add sneak attack damage, but since neither hit, it doesn't matter.

Spoiler: Party HP

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Aerin: 45/45
Eglantine: 31/31
Rowan: 23/31

Spoiler: Map

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Sn1 and Sn2 are the enemy.
I drew some more of the entrance hall, since it occurred to me you've all seen it on your way in.
You can assume the rooms are furnished, I've just not cared to draw them in detail unless you go into them. The corridor has some decorations (wall hangings and statues), but nothing that would interfere with your movement or would easily work as cover.

[Kish]

Aerin swings her sword, slicing at both of the sneaks, and steps toward the east.

Spoiler

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Steel Wind: Sneak 1: (1d20+8)[9] Critical threat check (on 19 or 20): (1d20+9)[20] Damage: (2d6+4)[13] Critical damage: (2d6+4)[8]
Sneak 2: (1d20+8)[27] Critical threat check (on 19 or 20): (1d20+9)[24] Damage: (2d6+4)[12] Critical damage: (2d6+4)[10]
Five-foot to the east.

[CWater]

Aerin swings her sword, slicing at both of the sneaks, and steps toward the east.

Spoiler

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Steel Wind: Sneak 1: [roll0] Critical threat check (on 19 or 20): [roll1] Damage: [roll2] Critical damage: [roll3]
Sneak 2: [roll4] Critical threat check (on 19 or 20): [roll5] Damage: [roll6] Critical damage: [roll7]
Five-foot to the east.

Aerin swings in a wide arc, she starts it a little too far to even threaten the first, but cuts the head clean off from the second sneak.

Spoiler: OOC

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Sn2 is very dead. Sn1 is the only visible enemy.

Eglantine and Rowan's turn.

[Athedia]

Eglantine looked back at where they had come from and then realized that Rowan had dashed off ahead. She sprinted after him, keeping an eye on their back.

Spoiler: Movement

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Next to Rowan, going to stay there to protect him.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Rowan, of course, does not listen to his sister. Instead he runs on ahead and takes shaky aim at the beast threatening Aerin.

Spoiler: Actions

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1.) move to E6

2.) Attack the remaining sneak
Attack bonus is +0 to accommodate the -4 from firing into melee.

Attack: (1d20+0)[20]
Critical: (1d20+0)[5]
Damage: (1d8)[1]

[CWater]

Rowan, of course, does not listen to his sister. Instead he runs on ahead and takes shaky aim at the beast threatening Aerin.

Spoiler: Actions

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1.) move to E6

2.) Attack the remaining sneak
Attack bonus is +0 to accommodate the -4 from firing into melee.

Attack: (1d20+5)[7]
Critical: (1d6)[5]
Damage: [roll2]

Rowan's aim is good, but it's difficult for him to actually shoot another living being. At the last second he lowers his hand a little and the bolt only scratches the sneak.

Vindal moves forward, but is not too keen to rush into melee, unlike Theréon who happily charges at the remaining enemy, but seems like his wild swings are a greater danger to his allies than to the enemy.

Spoiler

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Vindal is in total defense.

Theréon's attack: (1d20+5)[7]
Damage: (1d6)[5]

To be continued.

[CWater]

With his comrade slain the other sneak turns around and runs towards the large hall, trying to move carefully so Aerin and the madman don't get an opening to strike. He shouts again in a squeaking voice.

Spoiler: Draconic

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"We need help! NOW!!"

Spoiler: OOC

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Sneak does a double move, trying to avoid AoOs.
Tumble: (1d20+3)[4], DC 15. If fails, Aerin and Theréon get an AoO.

[Kish]

"More dragonkin eager to die will arrive shortly," Aerin says, slashing at the sneak.

Spoiler

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Attack: (1d20+8)[21] Critical threat check: (1d20+8)[19] Damage: (2d6+4)[12] Critical damage: (2d6+4)[7]

[CWater]

The sneak stumbles and without hesitation Aerin runs him through. The body falls to the ground with a thump.

The guards continue to advance, but slow down when they see the enemy fall.

Suddenly they hear the sound of footsteps coming from a room to their right. "Aerin!", someone calls out, "You're alive!" The voice is familiar.

Spoiler: OOC

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Yes, it sounds like August.

Party's turn. No enemies currently in sight. Please make a Listen check.

Spoiler: Map

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[Athedia]

Eglantine put her arm on Rowan's trembling arm and gently helped him lower it. "Let me do the fighting. You don't have to hurt anyone." With a kind smile and an insistent tug on his arm she pulled him toward Aerin.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Rowan nods and lets Eggy lead him along, but he does fumble another crossbow bolt into place.

Spoiler

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Actions: Move action to follow Eggy, another move action to load the crossbow.

[Kish]

"Needing to fight is likely before this is over," Aerin says before moving toward August's voice.

Spoiler

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I'm not sure which passage on the map it was coming from, but Aerin will look down it and then quickly look back toward the entry hall.

[CWater]

Theréon pokes the dead sneaks with his sword. "Yes, vile spawn! Now you are dead, and cannot spawn any more!"

Eglantine put her arm on Rowan's trembling arm and gently helped him lower it. "Let me do the fighting. You don't have to hurt anyone." With a kind smile and an insistent tug on his arm she pulled him toward Aerin.

Rowan nods and lets Eggy lead him along, but he does fumble another crossbow bolt into place.

Spoiler

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Actions: Move action to follow Eggy, another move action to load the crossbow.

Vindal walks alongside them. "We will get out of here, fighting or not, but I fear the latter might prove difficult. It's good you learned how to use that weapon, Eggy, looks like your skill will now be really put to the test."

"Needing to fight is likely before this is over," Aerin says before moving toward August's voice.

Spoiler

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I'm not sure which passage on the map it was coming from, but Aerin will look down it and then quickly look back toward the entry hall.

August comes out of one of the rooms, almost bumping into Aerin. He looks still somewhat worse for wear, but his expression brightens when he sees them alive. He actually looks almost ready to hug Aerin, but thinks better of it. "I was sure you'd be dead! I'm glad I was wrong, should never have doubted you. And you found Rowan too!", he turns towards the healer, "It's good to see you got out." The Lieutenant who has come to stand close by, scoffs.

August hardly seems to notice him and keeps talking quickly, his voice finding a fearful tone. "I don't understand whatever is going on anymore. I saw something disturbing here just a while ago, not long before you came. Well, seeing all these corpses is already dreadful as is, but...", he has to stop to take a breath, "I was running from the lizardfolk (or whatever they are) and was about to hide in this room, when I saw two guards come in from the front door, I think they are the same that were guarding the drawbridge when we came in. With them was another man, not a guard, he was dressed in fancy robes. I was about to go over to them when suddenly two man-sized lizard things jumped on them from above! One of this kind", he gestures towards the sneaks, "was riding one of them. They knocked one guard down quickly and when the other tried to help him, the robed man shot her in the back with a ball of- I'm not sure, maybe acid!"

Spoiler: OOC

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August comes through the door in U9.

You've got a couple of rounds time here while August babbles, so you can position yourselves as you like on the map. (If you don't care to listen to the cleric talk himself out of breath, you can also move forward or explore the rooms.) It takes 4-5 rounds, nothing attacks you in the corridor during this time. I'm still counting rounds, but actual combat is 'on hold' for the moment.

[Kish]

"I'm glad you're okay too. Stay back, I want to know about what you're saying, but the fight here's not over yet." Aerin heads on into the entry hall.

[CWater]

The grown party enters the large hall that welcomes people to the castle, though it hasn't been a particularly hospitable place of late. The the massive wooden front doors are closed. Opposing them is a pair of stairs that flank a sort of inner balcony. Right below the balcony is a closed double door. Behind it are three doors and a hallway that continues in both directions. There doesn't appear to be anyone else around.

Sandra runs to check on the fallen guards at the center of the room, but it is clear from their wounds that there is nothing that can be done for them anymore without very powerful magic, except digging a grave.

The Lieutenant approaches the door. "The drawbridge is has been risen! You can see it from the side window. We can't get out!"

They hear noises coming from the corridor to the left, behind the balcony. Several footsteps, first distant, but getting closer fast.

Spoiler: Map

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I have positioned you in the room. If you move, please let me know to which square.

[Kish]

Aerin swings her sword through the air and takes up a position to one side of the corridor from which the footsteps are coming.

Spoiler

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Regaining maneuvers, and, if she has time, readying an action to attack anything reptilian that comes out of the corridor.

[Athedia]

"Where are the controls for the drawbridge? If we can get to them, make it release?" She pulled her axe out and gripped it tightly, standing between Rowan and the door.

[CWater]

"Where are the controls for the drawbridge? If we can get to them, make it release?" She pulled her axe out and gripped it tightly, standing between Rowan and the door.

"They're on the second floor", the Lieutenant replies, "And no direct route up there from here, for safety reasons." He swears. As the footsteps come closer, the three guards form a line in the middle of the room. The mad nobleman runs after Aerin.

Aerin swings her sword through the air and takes up a position to one side of the corridor from which the footsteps are coming.

Spoiler

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Regaining maneuvers, and, if she has time, readying an action to attack anything reptilian that comes out of the corridor.

Aerin runs up the stairs and positions herself right next to the corner. She doesn't need to wait for long. The first thing that charges into view is a blue scaled creature that runs on four legs. It has a large horn on its forehead and lighting crackles on its back. And it is not alone.

Spoiler: OOC

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Aerin can make her readied attack in a surprise round.
After that, initiative:

Spoiler: Rolls

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Aerin: (1d20+6)[25]
Eglantine: (1d20+4)[12]
Rowan: (1d20+2)[10]
Vindal: (1d20+4)[16]
Theréon: (1d20+3)[7]
August: (1d20+2)[20]
Guards: (1d20+1)[8]
A1: (1d20)[14]
A2: (1d20)[18]
A3: (1d20)[4]
W: (1d20)[19]
L1: (1d20+4)[16]
L2: (1d20+4)[6]
S: (1d20+3)[12]

Aerin
A2, W
Vindal, August
L1, A1
Eglantine, Rowan
Theréon, Guards
L2, A3, S (delayed)

Spoiler: Visual

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Everyone can see at least 1 blue, Aerin can see them all if she looks around the corner.

Spoiler: Map

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Clarification about the map: Rows 14-19 are at a higher elevation than the rest (about 10 ft.), but the ceiling in the room is high, so they are all part of the entrance hall. The darker grey squares are stairs between these two. I've separated the balcony from the ground floor with a line, it has a railing, but one can jump down from it. In the other direction, climbing up would be tricky (think pokémon).

Orange squares mark where the doors are, but they are otherwise normal squares.
Brown squares have a table, can't move through except by crawling.

A1 and A3 are blue quadruped dragonspawn. A2W is a blue ridden by a Small white scaled humanoid. L1 is a green quadruped dragonspawn, climbing on the wall like a spider. L2S is a similar one, ridden by a sneak.

[Kish]

Aerin steps forward, aiming a mighty blow at the first blue figure, then darts around the corner to follow up with a slash at two of the figures.

Spoiler

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First, she uses Stone Bones on A1. Then she'll move around the corner, to R18, and use Steel Wind, on A1 and if possible on W--failing that, on A2.
Stone Bones: (1d20+8)[13] Critical threat check (on 19 or 20): (1d20+9)[27] Damage: (2d6+4)[15] Critical damage: (2d6+4)[13]
Steel Wind on A1: (1d20+8)[10] Critical threat check (on 19 or 20): (1d20+9)[22] Damage: (2d6+4)[7] Critical damage: (2d6+4)[14]
Steel Wind on W or A2: (1d20+8)[22] Critical threat check (on 19 or 20): (1d20+9)[19] Damage: (2d6+4)[9] Critical damage: (2d6+4)[14]

[CWater]

Aerin steps forward, aiming a mighty blow at the first blue figure, then darts around the corner to follow up with a slash at two of the figures.

Spoiler

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First, she uses Stone Bones on A1. Then she'll move around the corner, to R18, and use Steel Wind, on A1 and if possible on W--failing that, on A2.
Stone Bones: (1d20+5)[17] Critical threat check (on 19 or 20): (1d4+4)[6] Damage: (1d20+5)[10] Critical damage: (1d4+2)[4]
Steel Wind on A1: (1d20+8)[12] Critical threat check (on 19 or 20): (1d8+4)[5] Damage: (1d20+8)[18] Critical damage: (1d8+4)[8]
Steel Wind on W or A2: (1d20+6)[17] Critical threat check (on 19 or 20): (1d6+2)[4] Damage: (1d20+10)[24] Critical damage: (1d6+3)[8]

Aerin's first two hits bounce off the blue beast's hide, but her second swing connects with the rider, tearing a cut to his chest. The rider howls and his eyes start to glow red and the scrawny hands holding the bone swords in each hand grow more muscular. The beast he is riding takes a step around Aerin and both attack, the beast rearing up and slashing with its front claws as well as pushing with its horn. The warrior is battered by the onslaught.

Spoiler: Attacks

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W:
Sword1: (1d20+5)[17]
Damage: (1d4+4)[6]

Sword2: (1d20+5)[10]
Damage: (1d4+2)[4]

A2:
Claw1: (1d20+8)[12]
Damage: (1d8+4)[5]

Claw2: (1d20+8)[18]
Damage: (1d8+4)[8]

Gore: (1d20+6)[17]
Damage: (1d6+2)[4]

"They're on the second floor", the Lieutenant replies, "And no direct route up there from here, for safety reasons." He swears.

"Then which way do we go, if we want to reach them anyway?", Vindal asks. He doesn't charge towards the enemies, but stays close to Eggy and Rowan. August stays with them as well.

The blue dragonbeast Aerin missed continues its charge leaping nimbly around the corner and down the stairs, trying to gore the next closest one in sight, which is Theréon the mad.

From behind the blue ones a more wiry looking green beast advances, moving by holding on to the wall with its long fingers that end in sharp claws. It leaps down to flank Aerin and bites her with very pointy teeth.

Last in the back is another green beast, ridden by a sneak.

Spoiler: OOC

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Spoiler: Attacks

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L1 attacks Aerin
Bite: (1d20+10)[24]
Damage: (1d6+3)[8]

A1 attacks Theréon
Gore: (1d20+8)[9]
Damage: (1d6+2)[6]

Spoiler: Visuals

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Spoiler: Blue

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Spoiler: Green

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Aerin takes 26 damage in total.

Rowan and Eglantine are up.

Spoiler: Map

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Clarification about the map: Rows 14-19 are at a higher elevation than the rest (about 10 ft.), but the ceiling in the room is high, so they are all part of the entrance hall. The darker grey squares are stairs between these two. I've separated the balcony from the ground floor with a line, it has a railing, but one can jump down from it. In the other direction, climbing up would be tricky (think pokémon).

Orange squares mark where the doors are, but they are otherwise normal squares.
Brown squares have a table, can't move through except by crawling.

A1 and A3 are blue quadruped dragonspawn. A2W is a blue ridden by a Small white scaled humanoid. L1 is a green quadruped dragonspawn, climbing on the wall like a spider. L2S is a similar one, ridden by a sneak.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Rowan runs forward and shoots at the blue creature as it comes down the stairs towards Thereon. He silently prays the madman is good with that silly wooden sword.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move action: to M7

Standard action: Shoot A1

Attack: (1d20+0)[5]
Crit: (1d20+0)[2]
Damage: (1d8)[4]

[Athedia]

"Are there any other passages? Sewers? Escape routes?"Eglantine ran up the stairs, putting herself in line with one of the green dragonspawn fighting Aerin.

Spoiler: Movement

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To H17

[CWater]

"Then which way do we go, if we want to reach them anyway?", Vindal asks. He doesn't charge towards the enemies, but stays close to Eggy and Rowan. August stays with them as well.
[/SPOILER]

"Any way that leads upstairs would be a start", the Lieutenant grunts, "Sandra, with me! Geff go around the other side!"

Rowan runs forward and shoots at the blue creature as it comes down the stairs towards Thereon. He silently prays the madman is good with that silly wooden sword.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move action: to M7

Standard action: Shoot A1

Attack: (1d20+5)[16]
Crit: (1d6)[6]
Damage: (1d20+3)[21]

Fearing he could hit the mad elf, Rowan misses his target.

"Are there any other passages? Sewers? Escape routes?"Eglantine ran up the stairs, putting herself in line with one of the green dragonspawn fighting Aerin.

Spoiler: Movement

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To H17

Geff runs after her. "Not that I know of, though I heard a rumour that the Duchess would have a secret passage out."

"Die, you vile beast!", Theréon shouts, stepping forward and swinging his sword at the creature before him. Lieutenant and Sandra move in, the latter reaching the fight first and attacks with her falchion.

Spoiler: Attacks on A1

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Theréon: (1d20+5)[16]
Damage: (1d6)[6]

Sandra: (1d20+3)[21]
Damage: (2d4+1)[5]

The madman's attack is a little more composed than before, but he still fails to do any damage; Sandra however scores a hit.

The sneak rider shouts something.

Spoiler: Draconic

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"Andur, Chakr! Fry the others, we'll deal with the brute!"

The other blue beast rushes past Aerin towards Eggy and Geff. The sneak and her mount charge at Aerin.

Spoiler: OOC

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Spoiler: Attacks on Aerin

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L2, bite: (1d20+10)[30]
Damage: (1d6+3)[9]

S, blade: (1d20+6)[17]
Damage: (1d4)[1]

The green dragonbeast lunges itself at Aerin, sinking its teeth deep into her flesh, tearing her side open. The sneak's blade scrapes her shoulder, but the hit is minimal.

Spoiler: Initiative order

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Aerin
A2, W
Vindal, August
L1, A1
Eglantine, Rowan
Theréon, Guards
L2, A3, S

Spoiler: Map

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A1, A3 are blue dragonbeasts.
A2W is a blue beast ridden by a white scaled humanoid.
L1 is a green dragonbeast.
L2S is a green dragonbeast ridden by a sneak.