(IC) Calm Before The Storm

[Spore]

Kriv tries to remember the archery lessons he was taught. It was easier said than done to aim with claws like his. He did not struggle with the might pull of the longbow but aiming was another topic entirely. Concentrating on aiming, Kriv feels a sharp pain in his side. A fiery pain jolts through his pierced side.

He finally realizes his bow can reach this bandits, and they're much more dangerous than the wolf pups. He fires at the archer furthest away. I will teach you how archery is done, you dirty bastards! he shouts as loud as he can. With a new sense of bravado, Kriv tries to aim for its weak point for massive damage.

Spoiler

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Bardic inspiration on self, immediately burning it
(1d20+4)[15] + (1d6)[5]
(1d8+2)[4]
Moving to BS 23

[AvatarVecna]

One of the archers just barely avoids taking an arrow to the neck, cursing as the head digs into his shoulder.

[Alias_Trench]

Markas Ordmund Lvl 1 Tempest Cleric//Giant Soul Sorcerer Markas saw the wolf dodge the bolt of radiant energy he sent. Markas still had his whip in his hand and moved to stay next to Lugglug so that should he need to switch tactics, he could. He prepared himself to attack yet again. Spoiler: OOC Show Spoiler: Stats Show Strength Save +2 HP Dexterity Save +0 18 Constitution Save +5 AC Intelligence Save +0 18 Wisdom Save +5 Move Charisma Save +4 30ft Buffs/Conditions Details Duration Fog Cloud 20ft fog cloud centred between BS8 and BT7 Concentration up to an hour Fey Ancestry Advantage on saves against being charmed Cannot be put to sleep magically indefinite Warcaster Advantage on Concentration checks to concentrate on spells indefinite Spoiler: Actions Show Roll Damage Type Special DM move to stay next to lugglug (Between him and kriv) unless he dashes or moves out of Markas' movement range Action - ready action to cast a spell. Trigger: if a creature makes it towithin 10ft of Markas, cast booming blade. If a creature is >10ft but <60ft then cast Sacred flame (1d20+6)[22] or dexterity save DC 13 please (1d4+3)[7] (1d8)[8] slashing damage Radiant/Thunder damage

[miinstrel]

Lugglug Gutripper Lvl 1 Paladin / Celestial Warlock "Those bandits are gonna run when the wolves are dead... best advance a bit so we can catch 'em when the time comes." The bugbear takes a few steps forward, firing more eldritch energy at the wolves to thin their pack further. Spoiler: OOC Show EB on Wolf 5: (1d20+5)[16] Damage: (1d10)[4] Move to BN26

[Earth Traveler]

Zora dodges the two arrows fired her way, then weaves behind Rook and Markas to regain her spot on the line. Seeing that wolves are now quite close, she moves in front of the cleric to shield him and draws her sword in preparation for dealing with the wolves at very close range. As she knew from experience, protecting healers is very important. Slightly behind her, Lugglug slings a bolt of energy toward the nearest wolf. Zora decides to try to finish it off with her own spell, repeating her invocation for the third time and shooting a mote of fire at it.

Spoiler: OOC

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Zora moves to BO 22

Fire Bolt on W5: (1d20+5)[13]
Damage: (1d10)[9] ((1d10)[1] if crit)

[Illven]

Wha. Why. Why would you move closer? Nina replied affronted.

GENERAL. SALADHEAD graciously has chosen to gift us the yuletide gift of overwhelming tactical advantage in the face of adversity. And you spit in his goddamn face.

You heathens. She remarks. as she hypocritically moves forward.

Already got a bard kill, time to start a dirge! She comments Before firing a finger gun.

Spoiler

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Move to BO7
Ready Eldritch blast on wolf 5
Attack (1d20+6)[21]
Damage (1d10)[5] Crit (1d10)[3]

[Orsik Vondal]

Rook Shekten - Recently Sober, Soon-to-Be Wolf Pelt Salesman

Rook looses a final arrow before stepping forward and switching weapons. The wolves would be upon them soon. He calls out to the archers down the road, "This might go a lot better for you if you surrender now. If not, well...there a few in our group who like to stab and crush pesky highwaymen."

Rook takes a calming breath and tries to place the scouts' garb. Once a city guardsman, always a city guardsman.

Spoiler: Actions

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Attack W5 with shortbow (1d20+6)[14]
Damage - (1d6+4)[5] + if crit - (1d6)[6]
Move to BP22

[AvatarVecna]

Another wolf falls to the adventurers. The remaining two wolves split apart and circle around Lugglug carefully, while the archers continue their barrage.

Spoiler: OoC

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W5 is down. W4/W7 move, and Dodge. Archers approach, and fire off their arrows at Lugglug.

Attack: (1d20+4)[17] or (1d20+4)[8]
Damage: (1d8+2)[3] (+(1d8)[5] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[13] or (1d20+4)[19]
Damage: (1d8+2)[7] (+(1d8)[3] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[9] or (1d20+4)[13]
Damage: (1d8+2)[5] (+(1d8)[3] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[15] or (1d20+4)[13]
Damage: (1d8+2)[4] (+(1d8)[5] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[18] or (1d20+4)[17]
Damage: (1d8+2)[6] (+(1d8)[5] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[7] or (1d20+4)[5]
Damage: (1d8+2)[10] (+(1d8)[3] if crit)

[AvatarVecna]

Despite dodging, another wolf is brought down by Nina and Markas' tactical thinking.

[Illven]

The second most important tactic is psychological warfare.

That was the core tenet of General Saladhead, and it was high time Nina applied leaping forward she called out to the dodging wolf.

Hey, Wolf! You're dodging cause you mother's a bitch. You hear me a bitch! She jeered.

Before she leaped into the fog the retreating figure of General Saladhead calling out.

And your father smells of Elderberries.

Spoiler

Show

Move to BO12.
Action Cast Vicious mockery on Wolf 4, it must make a DC 14 Wis saving throw or take (1d4)[4] psychic damage and know the shame of disadvantage on it's next attack roll.

Move to BP13

[Orsik Vondal]

Rook Shekten - Recently Sober, Wolf Butcher

As the wolf attempts to flank the group Rook meets it head on with an arcing slash of his sword and a swift kick for good measure. He looks to Lugglug wishing he could snatch those arrows out of the air before they hit his companion. He'd have to work on that when he got a chance. "Lugg! Wolves incoming at your twelve, one, and three! I have your nine!"

Spoiler: Actions

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Finally! They're in melee range!
Move to BQ27
Attack w/ shortsword - (1d20+6)[25]
Damage SS - (1d6+6)[11] + if crit - (1d6)[4]
Bonus Action Unarmed Strike - (1d20+6)[19]
Damage UAS - (1d4+4)[8] + if crit - (1d4)[4]

[miinstrel]

Lugglug Gutripper Lvl 1 Paladin / Celestial Warlock He was wearing out, but another arrow wasn't going to stop him. Snapping off the shaft with a grunt, Lugglug steps off the path away from Rook toward the last remaining wolf and takes a wide swing at it with his glaive. This was the first thing he intended to hurt with the weapon for close to a year now. It felt heavy and awkward in his hands, and he misjudged the distance of his great reach, coming up short as the wolf slowed its momentum for a moment to dodge his blow. Spoiler: OOC Show Move to BK23 Attack wolf 4: (1d20+7)[9] Damage: (1d10+5)[6] BA Attack: (1d20+7)[9] Damage: (1d4+5)[7] 2, 1, 2, 2.... the dice hate me this turn lol.

[Spore]

Despite realizing his tactical advantage Kriv cannot resist charging into the fray and crushing wolf skulls. C'mere, doggies! he shouts as he charges the first wolf.

Spoiler

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Item interaction: Switch from bow to Polearm
Attack wolf 7 with Polearm: (1d20+6)[18]
Dmg Polearm: (1d20+5)[14]

[Earth Traveler]

Zora sees Lugglug take yet another arrow and notices that he seems to be racking up some nasty wounds as he swings and misses at a nearby wolf. "I'll take care of this wolf, Lugglug! You should fall back for healing!" she advises as she moves toward the wolf. She takes her blade in both hands, swinging awkwardly with the intent to cleave the beast in two.

Spoiler: OOC

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Zora moves to BI 24
Attack with Longsword in both hands w/ disadv: (1d20+5)[15] or (1d20+5)[14]
Damage: (1d10+3)[6] ((1d10+3)[13] if crit)

[Alias_Trench]

Markas Ordmund Lvl 1 Tempest Cleric//Giant Soul Sorcerer Arrows continued to rain down his compatriots, wearing the fortitude of his companions thin. Markas knew his inital attempt at protecting them was now past its usefulness. Kitted out in heavy armor, a shield and the option to add abjuration magic to his raiment, Markas decided to take point and draw their fire. "Friends I'm going to draw the fire of those archers. We'll need to close ranks with them anyway if we want this combat to end. The cloud I conjured is going to disappear as I do this so you'll want to take cover in other ways if you need it. Also I'm not going to have any more healing magic available to me after this so you'll want to either see Grin or use your own spells if you have it. " As he walked down the road Markas evoked another bolt of sacred energy to fall upon the wolf engaged in melee with zora and Lugglug before focussing on the archers down the road and beginning to he began casting, armouring himself in a shimmering field of holy magic. Spoiler: OOC Show Spoiler: Stats Show Strength Save +2 HP Dexterity Save +0 18 Constitution Save +5 AC Intelligence Save +0 20 Wisdom Save +5 Move Charisma Save +4 30ft Buffs/Conditions Details Duration Shield of Faith +2 bonus to AC Concentration up to 10 minutes Fey Ancestry Advantage on saves against being charmed Cannot be put to sleep magically indefinite Warcaster Advantage on Concentration checks to concentrate on spells indefinite Spoiler: Actions Show Roll Damage Type Special DM move to BL27 Action to cast sacred flame at W4 Dexterity saving throw DC 13 (1d8)[3] radiant If W4 is no longer standing then target W7. If neither are standing Action to dash to BK33 bonus action - cast Shield of Faith. +2 to AC

[AvatarVecna]

As both wolves fall, Grin rushes forward to help engage the archers...who aren't retreating, but rather doubling down on "shoot them 'til they're dead".

Spoiler: OoC

Show

Both remaining wolves are dead, and none of them ever got to actually attack. Oh, and archers are close enough now to not need disadvantage. Each one focuses a particular target with their attacks: two attacks each on Kriv, Markas, and Rook.

Kriv
Attack: (1d20+4)[5]
Damage: (1d8+2)[3] (+(1d8)[1] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[18]
Damage: (1d8+2)[3] (+(1d8)[8] if crit)

Markas
Attack: (1d20+4)[15]
Damage: (1d8+2)[10] (+(1d8)[4] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[18]
Damage: (1d8+2)[5] (+(1d8)[3] if crit)

Rook
Attack: (1d20+4)[15]
Damage: (1d8+2)[5] (+(1d8)[6] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[11]
Damage: (1d8+2)[10] (+(1d8)[2] if crit)

[Spore]

Here comes daddy! Kriv shouts and charges down the fields, dodging the archer's attacks.

Spoiler

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Move to BS 32, dodge action.

[Earth Traveler]

Zora hears the bowstrings twang from down the road and watches as several arrows fall over her eastward allies. Most missed, but Kriv was clipped by an arrow and ran down the hill down their new targets. Zora moves down the hill as well, knowing that the archers would tear them to pieces if they stayed at range, but she straps on her shield first as added protection from the onslaught.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Zora equips her shield
Zora moves to BI 30

[Orsik Vondal]

Rook Shekten - Recently Sober, Bandit-Snatcher

Rook takes a cue from his dragonborn sparring partner and advances on the scouts to the south. As he moves toward them he bobs and weaves making it difficult to get a bead on his position.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move to BO33
Dodge

[Illven]

Now! Close to melee and give the bandits your weapons! In their bodies! Fatally! General Saladhead offered, as Nina rushed forward, firing her shortbow.

Spoiler

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Move to Bp19

Action

Fire shortbow at bandit 1
Attack (1d20+4)[5]
Disadvantage (1d20+4)[17]
Damage (1d6+2)[6]

[Alias_Trench]

Markas Ordmund Lvl 1 Tempest Cleric//Giant Soul Sorcerer It seemed the wolves had been neutralized and everyone was starting to advance on the archers. The arrows kept coming, and out of the corner of his eye Markas spotted Kriv get clipped by another one. Weighing up the choices in his head he thought about how to mitigate the damage they were doing. Coming to a decision Markas decided getting to them sooner, though foolhardy, was the better bet. The others seemed to be advancing cautiously but it would be a while before they would all get into melee. In the distance Markas could vaguely hear Nina yelling something to a similar tune to what he was thinking, albeit in what he now came to know as General Saladhead's voice. Throwing caution to the wind Markas raced down the hill, shield raised and whip trailing by his side. Spoiler: OOC Show Spoiler: Stats Show Strength Save +2 HP Dexterity Save +0 18 Constitution Save +5 AC Intelligence Save +0 20 Wisdom Save +5 Move Charisma Save +4 30ft Buffs/Conditions Details Duration Shield of Faith +2 bonus to AC Concentration up to 10 minutes Fey Ancestry Advantage on saves against being charmed Cannot be put to sleep magically indefinite Warcaster Advantage on Concentration checks to concentrate on spells indefinite Spoiler: Actions Show Roll Damage Type Special DM dash to BH39

[AvatarVecna]

Lugglug and Grin both approach carefully, keeping an eye out to avoid shots.

Spoiler: OoC

Show

Both move forward at their speed, and Dodge.

The archers focus-fire on the running Markas, sending six arrows his way as they start backing up, switching to Kriv if Markas goes down.

Spoiler: OoC

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Attack: (1d20+4)[12]
Damage: (1d8+2)[8] (+(1d8)[6] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[21]
Damage: (1d8+2)[6] (+(1d8)[8] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[8]
Damage: (1d8+2)[4] (+(1d8)[1] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[23]
Damage: (1d8+2)[8] (+(1d8)[7] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[22]
Damage: (1d8+2)[7] (+(1d8)[4] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[8]
Damage: (1d8+2)[3] (+(1d8)[4] if crit)

[Spore]

Wake up, you big baby and keep your nose down! Kriv barks at the dying Markas. He approaches the wounded comrade.

Spoiler

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bonus action Healing Word directed at Markas. (1d4+3)[6]
movement: Moving to BO 36.
action: dodge
item interaction: switching to bow

[Alias_Trench]

Wake up, you big baby and keep your nose down! Kriv barks at the dying Markas. He approaches the wounded comrade.

Spoiler

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bonus action Healing Word directed at Markas. [roll0]
movement: Moving to BO 36.
action: dodge
item interaction: switching to bow

Markas Ordmund Lvl 1 Tempest Cleric//Giant Soul Sorcerer Markas' entire world was pain at that moment. He was charging down the hill hoping to divert arrows from his comrades and thinking this was a fool hardy decision and the next moment an arrow whizzed by followed by searing pain in his chest. Another arrow missed followed by two more arrows in his arm and leg respectively. Pain, darkness and then the sound of Kriv yelling brought him back. His eyes fluttered open. Markas had fallen forwards and managed to push the arrow in his chest clean through. Breathing in the smell of dirt, Markas gave a groan of acknowledgement before beginning to cast a spell, one that he hoped would give him some cover from those archers. Looking to his right he saw the grass on the side of the road, growing tall enough to hide the wolves to a degree. No sooner than he had the image in his head, a patch of grass that matched the rest in the field popped up surrounding where he was. Markas made sure sure to make it mesh with the grass on the side of the road. Spell completed markas crawled from his newly made cover to the actual grass on the side of the road and did his best to hide. Spoiler: OOC Show Spoiler: Stats Show Strength Save +2 HP Dexterity Save +0 6/18 Constitution Save +5 AC Intelligence Save +0 18 Wisdom Save +5 Move Charisma Save +4 30ft Buffs/Conditions Details Duration Prone Ranged attacks against Markas are made at a disadvantage Fey Ancestry Advantage on saves against being charmed Cannot be put to sleep magically indefinite Warcaster Advantage on Concentration checks to concentrate on spells indefinite Spoiler: Actions Show Roll Damage Type Special DM Action - cast minor image field of grass matching the grass on the side of the road with divet to make it look like a person is in there in BH39 DC 14 crawl to BG38-BF38-BE39

[Orsik Vondal]

Rook Shekten - Recently Sober, Recently Angered Bandit-Snatcher

Watching the half-elf go down under a hail of arrows snapped something in Rook. In that moment he didn't see a potential spy or a lying envoy from the beasts who killed his best friend. He saw a brave brother-in-arms putting himself in the line of fire to advance the party's position. Reckless and foolhardy. But brave nonetheless. The same type of emotions that welled up in him over Drezlin's death fought for the surface right now. Rook suppressed the impulse to charge the archers. That would only get him into the same situation as Markas.

The bandits were keeping them at range hoping to whittle them down. The grass might provide him with some cover. He could use his shortbow then drop to hide from easy view, but that might allow the brigands to escape. Full out charging the archers would probably net him several arrows in the chest. What if I combined the two? I might be able to avoid their attacks long enough to close the distance.

Rook makes up his mind and takes off running. Just as the arrows fly toward him, he dives into the grass hoping they sail over as he rolls to keep him momentum going.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Move to BL39
Dash to BJ45
Drop prone/roll in grass
Acrobatics to roll and keep moving after arrows have passed - (1d20+6)[23]

[Earth Traveler]

As Markas ran down the road, the archers fired a volley... all of which looked targeted at the cleric. A few flew wide and landed in the dirt, but the rest landed square on Markas, who promptly fell.

Zora watches this happen and a wave of emotions come over her, both grave concern for Markas' life and anger over how stupid running straight into a volley of arrows was. She's torn by what to do next until she hears Kriv speak some magic words and realizes he must be healing Markas. At the same time, some long grass sprouts around Markas as he rolls on the ground, obviously the work of a spell he himself cast. With the cleric apparently not in immediate danger of dying, Zora gathers her thoughts to consider what to do. Okay, the main healer was just taken out of the fight, Lugglug's badly wounded and too far away to help. So me, Kriv, and Rook have to form a front line... that leaves... She yells out, "Nina! Get down here! We need your help!" Zora thinks for a moment and elects to check to make sure Markas is okay before going fully after the archers. However, she realizes she won't be able to reach him before the next volley is fired. So she sheathes her sword, and tosses another bout of spellfire at the nearest archer, doing her part to keep that volley from being fired.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Zora moves to BH 36 and sheathes her sword
Fire Bolt on S1: (1d20+5)[16]
Damage: (1d10)[3] ((1d10)[10] if crit)

[Illven]

"Oh Nina, please save us from the consequences of ignoring General Saladhead's brilliant tactical advice earlier leaving us all spread out." Nina muttered annoyed to herself.

Yeah, yeah, coming Zora! She called out.

Rushing forward, Markas saw puppet Markas riding in Nina's bag. Staring firm. The face of adversity met with equal stoic felt.

The sight, of Puppet Markas standing firm in the face of arrow wounds. Gave Markas just a little bit more hope that they'd get out of it.

Spoiler

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Double move to BI 31

Bonus action Inspire Markas!

[AvatarVecna]

Lugglug moves forward carefully, mindful of his injuries, while Grin approaches more quickly to get into close range. Meanwhile, the archers focus-fire on Rook as they back away, glancing nervously at each other as the party grows closer

Spoiler: OoC

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Lugglug Dodges and moves closer. Grin Dashes closer.

Scouts make 6 attacks at disadvantage on the prone Rook. If they manage to take him out, shots beyond what's necessary

Attack: (1d20+4)[10] or (1d20+4)[16]
Damage: (1d8+2)[9] (+(1d8)[3] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[9] or (1d20+4)[22]
Damage: (1d8+2)[3] (+(1d8)[5] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[20] or (1d20+4)[12]
Damage: (1d8+2)[6] (+(1d8)[6] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[13] or (1d20+4)[18]
Damage: (1d8+2)[5] (+(1d8)[5] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[7] or (1d20+4)[20]
Damage: (1d8+2)[9] (+(1d8)[2] if crit)

Attack: (1d20+4)[19] or (1d20+4)[17]
Damage: (1d8+2)[3] (+(1d8)[3] if crit)

[Illven]

Nina leaped from the woods, to emerge on cold hard trail ground.

Lo! You thought you outnumbered us, but now it is you that are the outnumbered. Nina proclaimed dramatically.

And soon you shall be outnumbered even more, as your bodies fall to the ground covered in arrows, and arrows, and finger gun wounds! Your only hope for survival, is to throw down your weapons and surrender. Plead. Plead for lives and General Saladhead will show mercy! Nina continued.

Spoiler

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Move to BI 37
Action Persuade to surrender. (1d20+8)[19]

[Spore]

Give up and you may yet live! Kriv exclaims!

Spoiler

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Going to BL 41 while dodging.