Throne of Unearthly Wonders (Group 2) IC

[Aardvark 001]

The Emir of the Pearl cities had a daughter whose beauty surpassed that of any woman in those fair lands. Her eyes were like those of a wondrous gazelle, her lips like blood red anemone and when she spoke the poets of the state beat their breasts in despair at the loveliness of her voice. The Sultan of Shayar, when he met her in her father’s house, was so smitten by her that he proposed marriage to her then and there. She too was much struck by him and accepted his offer immediately.

The marriage was the cause of much rejoicing but it met with a bitter end when she died a few weeks ago of some strange affliction which puzzled even the greatest of physicians. Yet there was something about the manner of her death which made her father the Emir most anxious. He tells you this as you ride alongside him on the road to Shayar.

You were hired by the Emir to protect his caravan as you traversed the endless desert. Impressed by your abilities and your bearing, he relates to you the story of his daughter that you may know the true reason for his visit. Under the pretext of visiting the Sultan after his momentous announcement, he wishes to investigate the death of his daughter and know what befell her. He entreats you to help him in his quest and promises you great rewards if you do.

As the Emir tells you this story, there is a sudden commotion from the caravan. With a piercing cry, two large shapes fall from the sky and snatch away two of the wondrous cattle you lead behind you as a gift for the Sultan. As the herd stampedes, three more shapes descend onto the caravan, circling your group. Desert gryphons, their beaks glinting wickedly in the noonday sun.

Spoiler: Characters

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Player	Character	Race	Class	Background
Aéquitas	Saiph Ar-Raqis	Human	Wizard (Bladesinger)
Ramsus	Waning Crescent	Tiefling	Mystic (Order of the Avatar)	Sage/Hermit
TankLaser007	Dhulanar al-Yateem	Human	Monk	Urchin
Alimack	Kom Ombos	Lizardfolk	Cleric	Desert Prophet
Jalase	Nazla Parisa Hakim	Half-elf	Sorcerer (Sahr, wind)	Outlander

Spoiler: Posting convention

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Normal D&D rules.
If you want to do anything specific like attack or look around or try to figure out if a character is lying, roll the appropriate check in a spoiler. If you don't roll but I think a roll would apply in that situation, I'll roll myself to save time and post the outcome.

Also, please put your character name in bold at the beginning of every post.

[Ramsus]

Waning Crescent Level 3 Tiefling Mystic (Order of the Avatar) Waning Crescent waits just until one of the gryphons is close enough and then attempts to knock it out of the air with a grasping motion of her hand. Spoiler Show You didn't say anything but I still assume we're rolling Initiative?: (1d20+3)[23] Using Mind Slam on a gryphon when it gets within 60 feet. It has to make a Constitution save or take (1d6)[4] force damage and be knocked prone. Being knocked prone should cause it to fall out of the air and take 1d6 bludgeoning damage for every 10 feet. So that'd be 60 feet and thus 6d6 damage. Using Bonus action to change Psychic Focus to Psionic Restoration.

[TankLaser007]

Dhulanar al-Yateem

The spry boy rolls over the cart and stands up on its back looking at the griffons circling, keeping an eye out for any who dip down to grab another of the cattle. He is humming a camel drivers tune to himself as he watches those magnificent and free beasts soar in the air. As splendid as they were he readied himself to strike should one dip down.

Spoiler

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Initiative - (1d20+4)[22]
Take the Ready Action to use Fangs of the Fire Snake if one of the Griffons dives within 15' of the cattle near me.

[Aardvark 001]

Even as the gryphons descend, a cry rings through the desert. A woman appears on the dune to your left. Her clothes are of rich silks and finely dyed and her hair seems to fame in the wind though only the slightest breeze cools the desert air.

The gryphons are afeared at her cry and rise a bit higher but descend once more. The woman approaches you group.

Spoiler: OOC

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That's you Jalase

[Jalase]

Nazla Parisa Hakim

She looks over what is happening, and, seeing that a few cattle are already lost, decides to prevent more loss rather than attempt any reclamation, she runs as close as the cattle as she's able and prepares to cast color spray when one of the griffins approaches within range of her spell.

Spoiler

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She also prepares initiative, (1d20+1)[8], if she's able to cast her spell, she's using a second level spell slot and she does the following: She pulls out a multitude of strangely colored sand, shouts, Registaan ret tum andha!, and throws it before her effecting up to (8d10)[48] hp of creatures. Regardless of its effect, this will end up being a great flash of color that will most likely distract the griffins, and probably paint her a target.

[Alimack]

Kom Ombos

The Lizard prophet stays close by the Emir, surveying the scene with apparent calm. He grips his quarterstaff tightly and hisses a few words of prayer, preparing to call down sacred flame upon any of the beasts that dares to approach.

Spoiler: Spoiler

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Rolling initiative - (1d20+3)[13] - and preparing to cast Sacred Flame against any of the gryphons that approaches within 60 feet, which will inflict (1d8)[3] radiant damage on a failed Dexterity saving throw

[Aéquitas]

Saiph Ar-Raqis Saiph eyes the creatures circling the caravan. He wasn't expecting this. Bandits maybe but Gryphons? What could have attracted these creatures? As he jumps of the cart, he hears a piercing cry, which not only shocks him, but the creatures as well. "Who is that person? Did she attract them here? Or is she coming to our aid?" He reaches for his rapiers, but then remembers he tucked them away earlier as they were not the ideal weapons to fight with in the closed confinements of a cart. They would have been perfect for these creatures though. Their longer reach being very helpful against these flying beasts. "Why is it that every time disaster strikes I find myself without a proper blade?" he yells, grabbing the two short swords. Saiph puts his back to the cart, and keeps a close eye on the creatures and the woman coming towards them. He tries to slow his breathing, calming his mind, bringing him into focus. As he does so he starts to flow slowly through different fighting stances, muttering words of power under his breath. He goes from 'the flowing leaves', through 'cat on hot sand' to 'the moon rises over the desert'. Multiple sword forms pass, each one flowing into the next as if Saiph was performing a dance. His body starts to shimmer and his eyes start to glow while he prepares himself for battle... Spoiler: Action+Bonus Action Show Bonus Action: start Bladesong Action: cast Mage Armor Combat stats: 40ft movement, 15 hp, 18ac, Iniative (1d20+3)[15]

[Aardvark 001]

The gryphons circle the caravan, looking for an easy target. A stray cow breaks from the herd. A gryphon swoops. With a lightning-fast movement, Dhulanar strikes his hand out. The hand flares as it moves, a tongue of flame issuing forth and hitting the creature in its chest. It screeches in agony and flies up slightly, glaring at Dhulanar with a venomous rage. It swoops down again, this time aiming for the boy. Before either of them can attack, a blast of energy emanates from Waning Crescent. The gryphon screeches again as it is sent tumbling away by the blast. It slams into the desert sand as Saiph starts his elven bladesong, casting protective wards to protect him in the coming fray.

The larger of the remaining gryphons cries out at its companion’s plight. It flies straight for Waning Crescent, striking with its beak. It scratches the tiefling in her arm but her armour takes most of the damage. She rolls under the oncoming attack and dodges the gryphon’s talons. With a sharp guttural word, Kom raises his reptilian hand and a bolt of sacred flame flies towards the Gryphon. It lets out another shrill cry and rises into the air once more.

The gryphon which was knocked to the ground stirs. Getting to its feet, it stumbles slightly and spreads its wings, preparing to take flight. A bright flash of light comes from its side as the mysterious half-elf woman throws a spell at it. It doesn’t seem to do much damage, but she’s certainly got its attention now.
The last gryphon makes a dash for Dhulanar but the boy easily ducks under its blows, still whistling his song.

Spoiler: Damage taken

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Waning Crescent takes 8 damage
Your initiative rolls were modified by +2 to account for Waning Crescent's Avatar of Battle.

[Ramsus]

Waning Crescent Level 3 Tiefling Mystic (Order of the Avatar) Waning Crescent winces at the claw but slashes out with her dagger at it moves away and takes a moment to try and pull another one of the griffon's out of the air. Spoiler Show Thanks for remembering my Avatar feature! Sorry for forgetting about it myself. >_< I'm not 100% sure if I get an opportunity attack or not. Maybe the griffon's have flyby attack or such or maybe they don't. If not, just ignore the opportunity attack I'm rolling. Opportunity attack: (1d20+5)[21] damage: (1d4+3)[4] if crit: [roll]1d4[/roll Mind Slam on whichever Griffon is the highest up, but within 60 feet. DC 14 Con save or take [roll]1d6 force[/roll] damage and knocked prone.

[Jalase]

Nazla Parisa Hakim

She looks at the griffin, holding her staff before her defensively, awaiting just the right moment to strike with a second spell.

Spoiler

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When the giffin approaches 15 feet away from her, she shouts, Pavan kee gadagadaahat, meree aavaaz sun! casting Thunderwave with a first level spell slot, dealing (2d8)[13] damage and pushing it back 10 feet. DC13 Constitution saving throw halves the damage and negates the push.

[TankLaser007]

Dhulanar al-Yateem

"Laysh?!" he says looking up at the circling predators, Placing both hands at the ready should they dive again. He watches the women display impressive abilities.

Spoiler: OOC

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As before:
Take the Ready Action: Use Fangs of the Fire Snake if one of the Griffons dives within 15' of the cattle near me.

Attack Action:
Fangs of the Fire Snake - (1d20+6)[26]
Damage - Fire - (1d4+6)[9]

Bonus Action:
Fangs of the Fire Snake - (1d20+6)[9]
Damage - Fire - (1d4+6)[8]

So if the Griffon comes into range I should be able to hit it twice. In the same round.

The Critical Damage and extra Damage From Fangs of teh Fire Snake are here for 28 Total Damage on the first attack.

[Alimack]

Kom Ombos

Seeing the gryphons press their attack, apparently unfazed by the magical attacks going off all around them, Ombos raises a claw to the sky and implores his god to bless his companions in their struggle.

Spoiler

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Kom Ombos uses a 1st-level spell slot to cast Bless, giving Dhulanar, Saiph and Waning Crescent +d4 to their attack and saving rolls for the spell's duration (1 minute or concentration). This is assuming they're within 30 feet, he might move up to 15 feet if it helps him get more of them but is otherwise sticking near the Emir.

[Aéquitas]

Saiph Ar-Raqis Saiph, starts to hum a soft melody as he goes through the forms ever moving closer to the Gryphons. His swords start to vibrate in the same pulses as his songs hauntful melody. As soon as a Gryphon comes into range he lashes out with his sword transfering the booming energy to the creature... Spoiler: Ready Action Show Cast Booming Blade: (1d20+5)[14] Damage: (1d6+3)[7] + when it moves away (1d8)[4](Thunder)

[Aardvark 001]

As he ducks under the gryphon’s classes, Dhulanar readies himself. His hands glow with fiery power. With a swift movement he strikes the creature with blows so fast that they appear as mere glowing arcs in the air. The flames strike the gryphon in the chest and it staggers back in pain. With a panicked flap of its wings, it takes to the air and races away, disappearing into the cloudless heavens.

Waning crescent regards the gryphon which struck her as it rises into the air. She stretches out a hand. The gryphon cries out in surprise but it manages to keep control. Now enraged, it dives down once more onto the tiefling but this time she’s ready, dodging both blows with ease. The gryphon screams its disappointment and takes to the air once more.

Meanwhile, as the last gryphon advances on your unknown half elf ally, Saiph uses his bladesong. With the graceful fluid movements of a dancer he swings his sword at the creature. It strikes true, and where it strikes the air vibrates with a powerful energy.

The woman uses this time to cast her own magics. With a thunderous noise the gryphon is sent tumbling through the sands. With a slow movement it spreads its wings and attempts to escape the combat. As it does so, the vibrations of the elven bladesong wrack its body. It falls to the ground unmoving.

Spoiler: Combat info

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If the gryphon attacking Waning crescent is not killed in the next round, it will attempt to escape without using an Attack action

If the downed gryphon is not stabilised, it will die in the next round

[Ramsus]

Waning Crescent Level 3 Tiefling Mystic (Order of the Avatar) Waning Crescent again tries to slash at the griffon as it moves away from her and then pull it to the ground. As she does so, she speaks to the others in general (though her focus is still on the griffon) and asks, "Does anyone have particular skill with beasts? If they could be tamed, these griffons would make excellent mounts perhaps?" Spoiler Show Didn't get a response on if I get an opportunity attack or not last round so just doing this again in case I do. If not, just ignore the opportunity attack I'm rolling. Opportunity attack: (1d20+5)[12] + 3 from bless = 15 damage: (1d4+3)[7] if crit: (1d4)[2] Mind Slam on the Griffon that's moving. DC 14 Con save or take (1d6)[2] force damage and knocked prone. If someone says yes to the ability to maybe keep a griffon under control somehow, Waning Crescent will run over and stabilize the dying griffon as a bonus action.

[Jalase]

Nazla Parisa Hakim

She looks over and sees the Waning Crescent attempting to pull down a griffin, and she decides to help, running for the griffin while pulling out a grasshopper's leg before hesitatingly eating it, she chants, Havaen mujhe letee hain!

Spoiler

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I am casting "jump" which will triple my jump height of 5 feet to 15 feet (meaning she can reach around 22 feet up with her hands). If possible, I would like to run, jump, and try to grab on to the griffin or, if at all possible, jump onto its back. I assume acrobatics or athletics (1d20)[3] if acrobatics, add 1 to the roll; if athletics, add 4 to the roll.

[Aéquitas]

Saiph Ar-Raqis When he sees the Gryphon falling to the ground, Saiph quickly scans the battlefield for the other Gryphons. He sees Waning Crescent trying to pull one down not far from where the other Gryphon went down. He increases his pace and jumps towards the dying gryphon, twisting in the air aiming to plant his hand on the creatures back to launch him completely over it. As he is running Saiph begins to chant.... Rista imya i' heart, ringwe ar' , pelekta ten' mela ar', pelekta ten' gorga elea i' vanim maeg ar' ....small bits of frost starts to collect on his arm, moving down, encasing his hand, forming a blade of ice... The moment he is about to hit the dying Gryphon he vanishes in midair, appearing on top of the other Gryphon plunging his blade of ice in and out of the creatures back before his momentum tumbles him over it. He hits the sand, breaking most of the fall with a roll, then turns around still in a crouch to see the result of his attack. Spoiler: Bonus Action + Action Show Move towards the dying Gryphon Bonus Action: Cast Misty Step as I close in on the other Gryphon Action: Cast Ice Knife (1d20+4)[8], Damage: (1d10)[2] (piercing damage). All creatures within 5ft of the creatures then need to pass Dexterity test (hit or no hit), on a fail they take an additional (2d6)[5] (cold damage) Rolling for Bless: (1d4)[3] Fall damage from my jump and tumble (1d6)[1]

[Alimack]

Kom Ombos

As the feathered beasts begin to break and flee, Kom Ombos bares his teeth in a reptilian grin.

"How quickly the hunter becomes our prey! But there is no respite beneath the Sun. Sacred flame embrace you!"

Spoiler

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Casting Sacred Flame on the fleeing gryphon, causing [roll0] radiant damage on a failed DEX save.

Messed up my damage roll, hopefully this is it instead: (1d8)[3].

[TankLaser007]

Dhulanar al-Yateem

The griffons no longer a threat to the cattle, Dhulanar sits cross-legged on the cart. And watches the others and the newcomer. Such a waste he thinks to himself as these beautiful, wild and free beasts are slain. Yet that is the desert. Both majestic and merciless. He continues humming the camel driver's song as he waits for their caravan to set out again.

[Aardvark 001]

Waning crescent strikes at the gryphon as it flies up, then reaches out with her mind, casting a psionic blow so that it too falls to the ground.

As she does this, both Saiph and Kom attempt to attack the gryphon. The bladesinger uses his magic to strike at the creature with a deadly blade while the cleric uses his radiant powers. When the gryphon drops, however, both misjudge is position and miss their mark.

The gryphon stands wearily. The fight has left its eyes. Spreading its wings, it takes to the skies, weaving past the mysterious woman as she leaps at it with arms outstretched. Soon it is but a dark shape against the heavens.

The woman lands easily on the hot sand, then stands to look at your group.

Spoiler: Gryphon status

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The escaping gryphon is now 40 feet in the air. You can still take a shot at it if you want. In the sand nearby, the third gryphon draws its last breath and is still.

[TankLaser007]

Dhulanar al-Yateem

The boy rolls off of the cart and onto the ground. He saunters over into the direction of the slain griffon while keeping an eye and the new woman who had appeared from the vast emptiness of the desert.

"Should we take the carcass? It might make a splendid curio for some amir in the city, and fetch a fair amount of gold, even while dead. Barring that it could feed a family or two."

The wayward monk keeps his eyes on how the others interact with the new comer walking around the fallen beasst so as to put it between him and her.

[Jalase]

Nazla Parisa Hakim

I look up at the boy standing behind a dead griffin and say, Might I ask what you are doing? I did not intend harm upon you; if one of my spells went awry, I apologize greatly. I bow, bending at the waist and keeping my arms to my side, At any rate, if we wish to butcher the corpses, I can assist with this, or lead it if none here are skilled in the arts of survival. She looks over the people, resting lightly on her staff.

[TankLaser007]

Dhulanar al-Yateem

The boy smiles a big toothy grin, "Who me? Just examining this fine specimen. Perhaps it could be presented to the Emir as a gift, even dead it would make a splendid trophy if properly preserved."

"How did you come to be all along in the desert? Are you the scout for your people’s caravan? Is there maybe a camp nearby?"

[Ramsus]

Waning Crescent just keeps her gaze fixed on the woman, watching to see what she'll do.

((Unless someone speaks directly to her. I'm not 100% sure if Dhulanar was addressing the entire group or not.))

[Jalase]

Nazla Parisa Hakim

She looks at the boy, now a bit confused, Scout? Caravan? I... Er... Unfortunately, I do not know. I awoke on the sands, the winds whispering my name; and found I had powers. She looks at the tiefling nearby up and down, smiling a bit before returning her attention to the boy, I show you! She looks down at her hand, extends it before her, and says, Aakaash ka prakaash, meree kol sunen. and allows the sparks of her shocking grasp spell to dance across her hands, their light shining in her eyes as she smiles.

She looks once more at the tiefling and says, Your skin is beautiful, by the way.

[Ramsus]

Waning Crescent Level 3 Tiefling Mystic (Order of the Avatar) Psychic Focus: Mantle of Courage Concentrating On: -- Waning Crescent looks over to the woman addressing her and replies somewhat stiffly, "Thank.... you." She looks the woman up and down, unsure on the custom but guessing that the appropriate response is responding with a compliment of her own. She settles on, "Your attire compliments your appearance." She completely forgets to say this with a smile as her attention is still half on the fleeing griffin. After a moment she realizes she forgot and attempts to make a point of smiling at Nazla.

[Jalase]

Nazla Parisa Hakim

She smiles back, entertained by the response, You cast spells too, no? I am happy to meet someone who I may learn from, as... Mine are an instinct, though I'd like to develop them into an art.

[Ramsus]

Waning Crescent Level 3 Tiefling Mystic (Order of the Avatar) Psychic Focus: Mantle of Courage Concentrating On: -- Waning Crescent shakes her head in the negative in response and replies, "No. What I do is not magic. Or if it is it is some kind very different from what you do. It requires an.... awakening of the mind. I am not sure if it is something I could teach. To me what I do is about as opposite of instinct as it could be. It is careful, deliberate, thought made into forms that effect the world and people around me."

[Jalase]

Nazla Parisa Hakim

She wrinkles her face in disappointment and thinks a moment, sighing, This is fine, I suppose. I will develop it in time, with practice. She looks around a bit before continuing with, I hate to be a bother, but, might I travel with you? I know not where you go, or why, though I also do not know why I am out here, or how, either. If you need ask more about me, to help yourselves be comfortable, please do. She looks up, putting on a friendly smile for the last part.

[TankLaser007]

Dhulanar al-Yateem

Dhulanar looks back and forth between the two women before finally strolling back towards the cart, whistling the tune of the camel driver once again as he climbs back on top, looking around to see if there are any other mysterious women lost in desert.