Iron Crisis Pt3 IC

[Amnestic]

Caelyn's shifted moonbeam scorches the shape changer, and with a roar of agony it succumbs to its injuries, writhing as it does so. She doesn't do so uncontested though. The dopplegangers leap past their civilian prey and split, one approaching the elemental and the other - unable to reach Sam - smashing its arms into Caelyn with full force, threatening to crack her skull.

Senna shifts slightly, trying to catch more of their targets in her spirits even as she calls out a holy word that blasts those around her with radiant light. Combined with her persistent spirits, another doppleganger falls victim. Aldeth focuses on evasion as another moves in towards Grok, slamming an arm into his armour with unnatural strength.

Spoiler: Map

Show

Grok hits twice, injuring the Dread Doppleganger but not yet bloodying it.
Caelyn's moonbeam kills the injured doppleganger and Bokono crits for 18, bloodying its target.

Senna casts Word of Radiance; the dread doppleganger makes its save but the doppleganger doesn't. It then dies from a failed spirit guardians save.
Aldeth dodges, not willing to leave the safety of the party nearby.

One of of the Dopplegangers moves in and hits Grok for 10.
One hits Bokono for 8.
One crits Caelyn for 16, and then hits for a further 5.
One misses Senna twice.

Anri, Grepha, Sam, and Leaf are up.

Initiative:
Anri: [19]
Brandilar: [18] BLOODIED
Grepha: [18]
Sam: [17]
Leaf:[12]

DD: [10]

Grok:[9]
Senna: [4]
Caelyn:[4]
Aldeth: [4] LEADERSHIP ACTIVE

D: [4]

[Bobthewizard]

Leaf Tabaxi Ranger 4/Rogue 3 AC: 17 HP: 41/60 PP: 18 PIv: 12 PIs: 14 HD: 4/4d10, 4/4d8, Conditions: none Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3 LR Favored Foe: 3/3 LR Restrain: 2/3 Dawn Leaf stays by the piano, using it to hide from the doppelgängers. He ducks down, loads an arrow, and then pops up and shoots at the one one of the doppelgängers that doesn't have magic mirror up. Spoiler: OOC Show Leaf Reaction: will use scout reaction every turn if able Move: none, resets feline agility Bonus Action: Hide (1d20+11)[25] Attack, (try to target one so I get both sneak attack and colossus) maybe with with Elven Accuracy: (1d20+12)[20], (1d20+12)[30], (1d20+12)[14] Damage: (1d8+7)[9] = 11 from piercer below. Colossus: (1d8)[3] Sneak attack: (2d6)[1][6](7) = 21 total If Crit (1d8)[8] base + (1d8)[7] piercer + (1d8)[5] colossus + (2d6)[6] sneak attack Piercer reroll lowest d8 if roll 3 or less: (1d8)[4] replaces 2 on damage roll. If no d8 at 3 or less, reroll lowest d6 2 or less (1d6)[6] Spoiler: notes Show Commander Scar, Flaming Fist Dabron Sashenstar, Merchant's League Infiltrate the League's headquarters and investigate. Seek out any documents or people. Ragefest, wizard Abela, nymph Ramazith, wizard that Ragefest doesn't trust. Aldeth Sashenstar, Dabron's brother

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock/Bard | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 38/55 | AC: 13 HP: 26/26 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 Disguised (Elf) | Spider Form Seeing a small window of opportunity to save one of the civilians as the doppelgangers' numbers dwindle, Sam leaps forward and rolls over the chair at the table in front of him, pushing off with his wings - though it looks like the elven merchant just sails through the air like a gliding monk. As he flies through the air he releases blasts 'below' him to throw the dread away and moves in the way of the doppelganger and the civilian. Though he's left with no chance to heal the injured man yet. Hang on just a little longer... Crawling onto Caelyn's foot, Grepha releases a tiny trickle of shadow that slithers up her leg and sinks into her bruises, beginning to knit together broken blood vessels from the beating the doppelganger is pounding into her chest. With a few legs she sketches a tiny red sigil and kicks it between several feet, where it lands under Grok and expands into a glowing circle. Ready to spur him to the next foes once those nearby are felled. Spoiler: Rolls Show Sam Bonus: Tumble, dash/disengage 2 S. Cast Eldritch Blast on the dread near the south civvies. (1d20+6)[17] to hit Blast 1 +(1d4)[3] Aldeth bonus (1d10)[7] force damage +(1d4)[2] bump damage into the table (1d20+6)[10] to hit Blast 2 +(1d4)[2] Aldeth bonus (1d10)[9] force damage +(1d4)[2] bump damage into the table Move between the dread doppelganger and the dying merchant. Grepha Using Cult Dice to heal Caelyn for (2d4+2)[4]. Bonus action to cast Sigil of Alacrity beneath Grok.

[Awful]

"Anri" High Elf Eldritch Knight. Darkvision: 60ft Blindsight: 10ft AC: 17 HP: 63/72 PP: 15 PIv: 12 PIs: 12 Conditions: Concentrating on: 7 / 7 d8 HD Second wind 1d10+7 1/1 Action surge 1/1 Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 2/2 2nd Flaring her shield to avoid the enemy, Anri scowled fearsomely at the enemy. She raised her axe and, wreathed in smouldering green flames, swung back at her attacker. "Not enough," she said, irritation tinging her tone. "Try harder!"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move : None
BA: attack: (1d20+8)[25] to hit, (1d12+5)[8] slash, (2d6)[8] fire
Action: GFB:(1d20+8)[27] to hit, (1d12+5)[17] slash, (1d8)[7]+(2d6)[6] fire
(1d8+1)[8] fire damage leaps to adjacent enemy, no hit roll or save, if applicable
Reaction: shield if struck

[/QUOTE]

[Amnestic]

Sam continues his one-two beam punch, with one slamming into the doppleganger and the other going wide. When he swoops down, the creature slips behind him, slamming his fists into the half-dragon's back. Anri and Leaf in turn deliver potent blows of their own, bloodying their respective opponents with arrow and flame. Brandilar tries to follow suit, and though he delivers some strong blows he's also not able to fully fell his enemy.

The dopplers retaliate, one hitting past Senna's defences even as her spirits assail them, one twisting his fist against Anri once more, and two others again incanting mind-arresting spells. Anri manages to shrug it off, but Leaf is less lucky, and suddenly finds his vision filled with terrifying visions.

Spoiler: Map

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Sam hits with one beam, misses with the other.
Grepha heals and throws down a Sigil; it will activate on Grepha's next turn, so not active yet.
Leaf hits with their bowshot, bloodying the doppleganger next to Senna.
Anri hits twice, bloodying their target.

Brandilar hits three times, dropping the doppleganger next to Caelyn to 1hp.

The two dopplegangers in spirit guardians fail their saves vs. spirit guardians, taking 24 damage each, though they're still hanging on - barely. One steps out and swings at Anri. One hit for 9, assuming she doesn't shield.
One hits Senna once for 5 (47 remaining). She maintains concentration on Spirit Guardians.
One hits Sam twice for 4 and 8.

The two formerly Commanded dopplers get back into the fight by casting Phantasmal Killer again on Anri and Leaf. Anri makes her save, Leaf doesn't. He's Frightened on his turn and needs to make a DC14 wis save at the end of each turn to end it, otherwise takes 4d10 psychic damage.

Grok and Caelyn are up.

Initiative:
Anri: [19]
Brandilar: [18] BLOODIED
Grepha: [18]
Sam: [17]
Leaf:[12]

DD: [10]

Grok:[9]
Senna: [4]
Caelyn:[4]
Aldeth: [4] LEADERSHIP ACTIVE

D: [4]

[Archmage1]

Grok Dwarf Paladin 7 AC: 19 HP: 61/77 PP: 10 PIv: 9 PIs: 10 HD: 7/7d10, Conditions: none Seizing on the opportunity presented by the attack on Anri, Grok's glaive rewards it's attack with a swift thrust to the chest, quickly followed by a couple more, just to make sure the message really reaches it's evidently slow mind. Spoiler: OOC Show Reaction vs the one that attacked Anri: (1d20+9)[12] Attack (1d10+6)[8] Damage If it is still up, continue attacking it. Otherwise, redirect to the most adjacent injured ganger within range (1d20+9)[10] Attack (1d10+6)[14] Damage (1d20+9)[24] Attack (1d10+6)[13] Damage

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 14/54 PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 7 d8 HD Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/3 3rd, 0/1 4th 0/2 Wildshape Caelyn curses and holds in a shout of pain as the doppleganger smacks her around with it's club like appendages. Summoning her will, she lifts her staff, summoning the elements from the local area. Water from behind the bar began to spiral outward, seeking wounds and healing them. Meanwhile, the fire of the local lamps rushes outward as a lancing bolt of fire at the creature fighting Bokono. Bokono, for his part, fired at the enemy menacing Caelyn.

Spoiler: OOC

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Invoke elements- (1d20+7)[27] + (1d4)[1] to hit, (9d8)[58] fire damage( doubled on crit to116 total), including an extra d8 from enhanced bond. Caelyn, Senna, Aldeth, and his bodyguard heal for (3d8)[10] hps. Then Bokono fires a seed at the one in melee with Caelee- (1d20+7)[9] and (1d6+3)[4] fire damage.

[Amnestic]

Grok's cleaver cuts twice, slashing through the enemy beyond him and finishing the job Anri started, dropping yet another doppleganger.

When Caelyn encants her fire, her foe swings at her but she ducks away. Already feeling the pure energy at her command she thrusts it at a otherwise unharmed foe that stands in Grok's path. The fireball looses, but there is no immolation, only incineration. In a flash of fire it leaves a seared, cauterised hole where the creature's head and upper torso had previously been. The arms - bereft of shoulders - flop to the ground beside its lower half.

The doppleganger locked inside Senna's gleaming spirits fares little better, the spell searing it from all sides. It becomes too much, and the creature flops to the floor lifeless at Senna's feet. She conjures a mind-spell of her own, striking at the doppleganger beside her, trying to wrest its faculties away - and succeeding with a jolt of pain. Aldeth, seeing the fight swinging to your advantage, steps in and finishes off the foe you've already weakened for him, taking the killing blow for himself.

Seeing so many of his allies cut down, the doppleganger that swung at Bokono (and struck it!) opts to flee, focusing on evasion as he makes for the stairs.

Spoiler: Map

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Grok hits twice (the leadership saves the reaction attack), and drops the guy next to Anri.
Caelyn crits the doppleganger (on full health) next to Grok, taking it from 100% to 0 in a single blow, with another kill in the chamber of overkill. Her movement provokes an OA that misses.
Bokono's movement also provokes an OA, but that one hits for 5.
Senna's at 57, Brandilar is no longer bloodied.

Senna targets the mirror image DD with mind sliver; it fails its save for 4 psychic damage, and -1d4 on its next save.
Aldeth steps in to kill steal the 1hp doppler, missing his first hit but clutching it with the second.

The remaining normal doppleganger in Spirit Guardians dies due to a failed dexsave.

The one that was near Bokono Dodges and flees toward the stairs.

Five enemies remain - one by Sam, one in Spirit Guardians (mirror image), two behind the bar, and one retreating to the stairs.

Anri, Grepha, Sam and Leaf (frightened) are up.

Initiative:
Anri: [19]
Brandilar: [18]
Grepha: [18]
Sam: [17]
Leaf:[12] Frightened

DD: [10]

Grok:[9]
Senna: [4]
Caelyn:[4]
Aldeth: [4] LEADERSHIP ACTIVE

D: [4]

[Bobthewizard]

Leaf Tabaxi Ranger 4/Rogue 3 AC: 17 HP: 41/60 PP: 18 PIv: 12 PIs: 14 HD: 4/4d10, 4/4d8, Conditions: none Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3 LR Favored Foe: 3/3 LR Restrain: 2/3 Dawn Leaf looks up to see the scariest doppelgänger of all charging towards him from behind the bar. He suddenly realizes that he's on his own and overmatched. His hands are shaking and he can't even figure out how to draw an arrow to put in his bow. All he knows is that he needs to get away and get somewhere safe. Running out of the room on his own doesn't seem safe. Staying here is definitely not safe. Then he sees Grok. The stable, solid dwarf cutting down the enemy with ease. He knows he needs to get to Grok. So he runs. He runs faster than he's ever run before, making sure to never get any closer to the the source of his fear, climbing over furniture, up and down walls, and around any other doppelgängers. He runs in a quarter circle from where he is, starting west and then turning north, ending next to Grok. He curls up, and chatters as he points back to the bar. "Help me. That one is killing me!" Spoiler: OOC Show Dash to end up 1 square west of Caelyn. I think he can make that with just dash, but if he needs to use feline agility, he will. DC14 Wis save (1d20+3)[23] including Grok's aura. If fails, takes (4d10)[19] psychic damage. Spoiler: notes Show Commander Scar, Flaming Fist Dabron Sashenstar, Merchant's League Infiltrate the League's headquarters and investigate. Seek out any documents or people. Ragefest, wizard Abela, nymph Ramazith, wizard that Ragefest doesn't trust. Aldeth Sashenstar, Dabron's brother

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock/Bard | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 26/55 | AC: 13 HP: 26/26 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 Disguised (Elf) | Spider Form "Live," Sam commands the merchant on the floor, through tensely clenched teeth as the doppelganger slams into his arms, held protectively in front of his face. Knowing his chances of taking it on in melee are low, he holds his ground and conjures flames beneath Senna's foe, hoping to free her attention. "Senna, the lady under the table needs help!" Slipping off of Caelyn's foot as she steps aside, Grepha gives merciless chase to the shapeshifter attempting to flee. Spoiler: Rolls Show Sam Move 1 E Bonus action Healing Word on KO'd merchant, healing him for (1d4+3)[5] Cast Create Bonfire under the mirrored doppler by Senna (2d8)[7] fire damage if it fails (1d20)[3] Dex vs DC 14 Grepha Move 3 NW, 1 N. Green-Flame Bite (1d20+5)[11] to hit +1 from Aldeth in the discord, probably not enough to hit (1d20+5)[16] Disadvantage (1d4+3)[5] damage +(1d8)[1], (3d6)[13] poison with (1d20)[10] Con vs DC 11 to half

[Awful]

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move : Move NE on top of the bar to that enemy
BA: attack: (1d20+8)[21] to hit, (1d12+5)[9] slash, (2d6)[9] fire
Action: GFB:(1d20+8)[20] to hit, (1d12+5)[13] slash, (2d6)[8]+(1d8+1)[7] fire
no adjacent enemy
Reaction:

[Amnestic]

Anri leaps atop the bar to strike at her doppleganger foe, and delivers two scorching hits, though it hits back just as hard, slamming its fists past any magical defense she may have conjured. Its blows delivered, it then moves towards the stairs to follow alongside its ally, nursing its wounds as it goes. The remaining doppleganger behind the bar conjures a magical aura, that vanishes, to seemingly no effect whatsoever. It then hops over the counter and moves around the edge of the spirit guardians towards Sam, though it has no need to do so.

Though Sam's flames do scorch the doppleganger in the spirits, they are snuffed out almost as quickly, as the remaining creature in his face slams its arms into the dragon with punch after punching, including a critical slam that may well have broken his snout - or at least clogged it up. He drops to the ground from the force of the impact. Brandilar leaps forwards to try to rescue his ally of chance, but only manages to land one slice on the evasive grey creature.

Despite flames and spirits, the doppleganger beside Senna holds fast, standing as best he can. He must see no escape for him other than through the cleric, and so he keeps swinging fist after fist. One makes it through, but Senna holds her spell active still.

Spoiler: Map

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Brandilar hits once only, but it is enough to bloody the creature next to Sam.
Sam heals a man, and damages the mirrored DD with his flames. Grepha indeed misses.
Anri hits twice, reducing the enemy to low hit points.
Leaf breaks their fear.

The DD in spirit guardians makes his save, allowing him to survive one more turn - almost certainly his last.

Sam gets hit twice for 7 and 8, and crits for 14. Assuming the health total is correct, this downs him.
Senna gets hit once, for 9 (48/61). She maintains concentration.
Anri gets hit three times - for 8, 7, and 6. A shield spell removes the 7 damage, but not the other two.
The doppleganger by the bar casts a spell(?) and then moves. There is no visible effect of the spell.

Grok and Caelyn are up.

Initiative:
Anri: [19]
Brandilar: [18]
Grepha: [18]
Sam: [17]
Leaf:[12]

DD: [10]

Grok:[9]
Senna: [4]
Caelyn:[4]
Aldeth: [4] LEADERSHIP ACTIVE

D: [4]

[Archmage1]

Grok Dwarf Paladin 7 AC: 19 HP: 61/77 PP: 10 PIv: 9 PIs: 10 HD: 7/7d10, Conditions: Concentrating Noting Sam get knocked out by one of the shapeshifters, Grok looks away, to the north, noting the fleeing enemies, and the potential for reinforcements. There were plenty of other people who could heal the downed Sam, and he'd keep. Probably. Instead of moving to help, he charges the shapeshifter trying to escape via the stairs using his glaive like a lance, attempting to impale the creature, and bull past to occupy the stairs, while keeping the window within his reach, so he could prevent the other one from fleeing. Spoiler: OOC Show Move: Charge! (Should end movement one square to the west of the doppleganger on the stairs, which should allow Grok to prevent it from passing him, and put him in position to make an AoO against the other one, and stop it from moving via Sentinel. Action: Stab the stair-ganger on the way. If it survives, repeat the process. Otherwise, slice at the ankles of the other seemingly fleeing doppleganger. Bonus: Ah, if only paladins got many of those... (Note: Leadership rolls done in discord) (1d20+9)[24][26, including leadership] Attack 1 (1d10+6)[7] Damage 1 (1d20+9)[14][18, including leadership] Attack 2 (1d10+6)[13] Damage 2 Opportunity attack(Looking to prevent either one from fleeing, if possible.) (1d20+9)[16][20, including leadership] (1d10+6)[7]

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 14/54 PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 7 d8 HD Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 2/3 3rd, 0/1 4th 0/2 Wildshape Caelyn sees Sam go down, which causes her eyes to dilate and her flames to leap to her staff as she blasts out a bolt at the creature who struck her brother down. Taking a deep breath, she focuses her will on NOT combusting, NOT going into a rage, to keeping control. For Sam's sake. Releasing a slow breath, she summons her rabbit spirit to nuzzle him, refreshing his wounds and healing the worst of his cuts. It wasn't much, but it would get him up.

Spoiler: OOC

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Firebolt at the one over Sam- (1d20+7)[17] for (2d10)[3] (plus 1 for elemental adept) fire damage. Bonus action healing spirit summoned on Sam, which will heal him for (1d6)[3] HP, plus (1d8)[8] for enhanced bond with Bokono.

[Amnestic]

With a charging leap, Grok's glaive cuts off the enemy's escape, by impaling it through the chest. When he swings towards the other one fleeing though, its evasive nature allows it to slip under the long weapon - and away from Aldeth's rapier stabs. Its exit blocked, it rushes Grok with its fists, delivering two crushing blows despite the thick armour and stalwart dwarf inside it.

Caelyn's flame spell strikes the creature menacing Sam, but it stays standing. It goes to turn to deliver a killing blow and undo the healing that the druid just granted, but before it can do so, Senna's barked command "APPROACH!" rings out through the hall, calling the monster to come closer to her, and her waiting spirits.

Spoiler: Map

Show

Grok kills the fleeing DD, but the other doppleganger was Dodging - I rolled the disadvantage and got a nat 1, so he misses the second blow. No reaction attack either.
Caelyn hits with firebolt and heals Sam back to consciousness before he can miss a turn.

Senna casts Command (1): Approach on the DD next to Sam; on its next turn it will move towards Senna and do nothing else.
Aldeth rushes in but the disadvantage from Dodge stops him from hitting the doppleganger. Sadly he does not benefit from his own Leadership.

The doppleganger moves to strike at Grok, and free up an exit from the stairs. He hits, twice, for 10 and 9 before reductions.

Anri, Grepha, Sam, and Leaf are up.

Initiative:
Anri: [19]
Brandilar: [18]
Grepha: [18]
Sam: [17]
Leaf:[12]

DD: [10]

Grok:[9]
Senna: [4]
Caelyn:[4]
Aldeth: [4] LEADERSHIP ACTIVE

D: [4]

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock/Bard | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 11/55 | AC: 13 HP: 26/26 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 Disguised (Elf) | Spider Form A fist collides with Sam's face. He feels the world swim, and falls to the ground but doesn't feel the impact. His vision is a blur and flickers in and out. Before it can go fully black and send him to wallow in that place above the dark water, he feels a heat nuzzling the side of his face. Unpleasant, for most. For a half-dragon with scales of flame, much more bearable. His vision comes back into focus and he scrambles up to his feet in time to see the doppelganger freeze mid-swing, frozen by Senna's command. "Live," he shouts another command across the room, at the woman curled up and bleeding beneath one of the tables. Grabbing his dagger from the floor, he summons flames beneath his foe and readies the blade clumsily. Grepha had turned and prepared to fly to the boy's aid, but sees that the druid sister has done well enough. Satisfied that he is no longer in mortal peril, she turns and applies her needle fangs to the ankles of the panicking doppelganger. Spoiler: Rolls Show Sam Stand up. Bonus action healing word on the escort for (1d4+3)[7] healing. She's just within 60 feet if I counted right. If not, he'll move 2 E to get in range without provoking. Action to cast a new Bonfire beneath the doppelganger next to him. (1d20)[16] Dex vs DC 14, or (2d8)[14] fire. When the doppelganger moves away from Senna's spell, he'll use his reaction for a dagger stab. (1d20+4)[12] to hit, think he's out of range of Aldeth's buff though (1d4+1)[5] poke damage on the off chance he hits Grepha Green-Flame Bite on doppel-g (1d20+5)[19] to hit +1 from Aldeth in Discord (1d4+3)[5] damage +(1d8)[3] fire, (3d6)[9] poison with (1d20)[15] Con vs DC 11 to half

[Bobthewizard]

Leaf Tabaxi Ranger 4/Rogue 3 AC: 17 HP: 41/60 PP: 18 PIv: 12 PIs: 14 HD: 4/4d10, 4/4d8, Conditions: none Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3 LR Favored Foe: 3/3 LR Restrain: 2/3 Dawn Leaf shakes off the fear. The horrible images in his mind giving way to the clear vision of the room. The doppelgängers are still pretty scary, but just normal scary now, and normal scary is something that Leaf has gotten used to. He moves northeast over all of the dead doppelgängers and jumps over the bar, looking like he is abandoning the fight and hiding. But he suddenly pops up and shoots a single arrow at the one that caught him with its magic. Spoiler: OOC Show Moves northeast and jumps over bar. Hides, then pops up and shoots at the SE doppelgänger. Leaf Hide (1d20+11)[14], (1d20+11)[27] (they have disadvantage to see him due to his cloak) Attack with Elven Accuracy: (1d20+12)[13], (1d20+12)[17], (1d20+12)[15] Damage: (1d8+7)[8] 13 with Piercer Colossus if injured: (1d8)[6] +6 if injured Sneak attack: (2d6)[1][5](6) +6 if SA works If Crit (1d8)[2] base + (1d8)[7] piercer + (1d8)[8] colossus + (2d6)[9] sneak attack Piercer reroll lowest d8 if roll 3 or less: (1d8)[6] Spoiler: notes Show Commander Scar, Flaming Fist Dabron Sashenstar, Merchant's League Infiltrate the League's headquarters and investigate. Seek out any documents or people. Ragefest, wizard Abela, nymph Ramazith, wizard that Ragefest doesn't trust. Aldeth Sashenstar, Dabron's brother

[Amnestic]

Leaf, Anri, and Grepha descend on the fleeing doppleganger, surrounding it both close and afar. A solid arrow shot, an anklebit, and a flameblade all combine to cut the creature down from healthy to dead in swift order.

The commanded doppleganger still holds enough sway over its movements to dodge away from Sam's flames and dagger, but not Brandilar's steel, nor Senna's gleaming spirits. A slice across its back and an assault of divine magic bring the pair inside Deneir's chosen's aura low, scorching their forms.

When you turn your attention to the last surviving creature at the south end of the room, your attacks seem to flicker past it. Again and again and again. It proves to be an illusion, a deeply well crafted one at that, capable of 'evading' and moving, giving off the perfect semblance of an appearance. It even swings its arms to 'strike' at you, though never quite seems to make contact. The doppleganger doesn't reappear, nor does a comprehensive search of the area locate it. It appears to have slipped away, invisible, leaving only an illusory decoy in its wake, and you are left with a pile of bodies - of both foes and...well, not 'friends', exactly to deal with.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I took Anri's turn. They hit with one attack and missed with the other.

Leaf, Grepha, and Anri finished off the doppleganger to the north. Sam's offensive spells unfortunately didn't land, nor did the reaction attack.
Senna's command baited the DD into spirit guardians, which hit for 26. The mirror image guy rolled a nat 20 on his save, but even reduced the damage finished him off. Brandilar then got a hit for 11 on an opportunity attack, killing it.

The final target still living proves to be an illusion, combat concluded.

Experience Gained:
15 for Deadly Fight
8 for keeping Brandilar and Aldeth alive (4 each)
2 for saving two civilians (1 each)
Total: 25

[Archmage1]

Grok Dwarf Paladin 7 AC: 19 HP: 42/77 PP: 10 PIv: 9 PIs: 10 HD: 7/7d10, Conditions: Concentrating With the revelation that the last of the shapeshifters was an illusion, Grok doesn't hesitate to run to the various fallen civilians, and attempts to heal them. "If one's gotten away, more will be coming. We need to get ready, and see if any of the innocents here can be saved. Is anyone not up for another fight? Because we need to get to the bottom of this." Spoiler: OOC Show Grok's going to go to the various downed civilians, and try to use 1 point of lay on hands on them, in an attempt to save them, if possible.

[Bobthewizard]

Leaf Tabaxi Ranger 4/Rogue 3 AC: 17 HP: 41/60 PP: 18 PIv: 12 PIs: 14 HD: 4/4d10, 4/4d8, Conditions: none Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3 LR Favored Foe: 3/3 LR Restrain: 2/3 Dawn Seeing that the last doppelgänger is just an illusion, Leaf doesn't wait to catch his breath. He runs over to the woman he was talking to at the bar, dragging her out from under the table. Hopefully, she is still alive. He tries to stabilize her and calls out for Grok. "Over here. Help me with her." Spoiler: OOC Show Stabilize: (1d20+1)[11] Spoiler: notes Show Commander Scar, Flaming Fist Dabron Sashenstar, Merchant's League Infiltrate the League's headquarters and investigate. Seek out any documents or people. Ragefest, wizard Abela, nymph Ramazith, wizard that Ragefest doesn't trust. Aldeth Sashenstar, Dabron's brother

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock/Bard | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 11/55 | AC: 13 HP: 26/26 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 Disguised (Elf) | Spider Form The last doppelganger vanishes, an illusion. "Guess they would have known their attack failed eventually..." he laments. Grok has a point though, these might not be the only shapeshifters in the building. And any one shapeshifter loose in the city is a big deal. They'd have to figure out some kind of system to identify each other. Sam tucks his dagger back into its scabbard for now, and helps up the man whose wife was killed. With his other hand he nurses several nasty bruises, and an aching head. "I'm sorry. I didn't get there in time to save her," he apologizes. "Aldeth, is there anywhere secure we can hide the civilians until we clear the place of doppelgangers?" Grepha crawls up Caelyn's leg and up to her shoulder. "Well fought," she whispers. "We will need to begin developing anti-doppelganger protocols..." her thoughts, it seems, have gone to the same worries. "In addition to looking out for rat assassins, and normal assassins. Lovely." Spoiler: Doppelganger Knowledge Show (1d20+3)[5] for Sam (1d20)[11] for Grepha I'm guessing Arcana is most appropriate, so the modifiers are for that. Sam's a +8 if History applies.

[Amnestic]

Those who have fallen are dead, save the two saved by Sam's healing spells - the married(?) merchant and the over-dressed woman, whose decision to hide beneath the table may have granted her unconscious form some additional 'soft' protection. They are slow to rouse, and slower to gain their senses back. It becomes clear that neither of them expected anything like this. The merchant is inconsolable - the loss of his wife and the transformation of his 'brother' leaves him weeping. The woman handles it better, though admittedly not by much. She is more shocked than upset, though clearly still thankful for the rescue, albeit nursing some nasty bruises. She at least has herself together enough to offer thanks to Leaf, and promise a repayment.

Spoiler: OOC

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No LoH healing required; they're already up due to Healing Word.

"What you see is what we have." Aldeth says in response to the question. "There are storage rooms that are more secure in the cellar, but you'd have to go through the building to get there, I fear they would ill serve the purpose right now." A whispered word from Brandilar causes him to nod. "Brandilar and I could remain here with them while you clear the rest of the building, or at least until the exit."

Spoiler: Sam - Doppleganger Knowledge

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Sometimes called mirrorkin, the doppleganger is known far and wide for their impeccable shapeshifting abilities, being able to easily blend into any humanoid society. Frequently amoral, the only reason dopplegangers aren't more of a threat on a societal level is an almost genetic laziness. Though many have the skills and intellect to usurp control of nations, for most dopplegangers it seems to be too much effort.

Though they can duplicate the appearance of the original, they do not gain access to their mannerisms or memories; for this reason a doppleganger may keep captives for weeks or even months, utilising their thought reading abilities to learn how to better imitate their copied target.

Though you know letter else of them, this move with the Merchant's League does seem out of character for most dopplegangers - both because of the numbers involved and the extent of their operation.

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 14/54 PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 7 d8 HD Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 2/3 3rd, 0/1 4th 0/2 Wildshape Caelyn is directs her healing spirit to come over to her and heal her wounds, and slowly, through the painful heat, her bruises begin to disappear. Should anyone else need healing she will help them after she makes herself ready for the next fight. She looks over the rescue efforts with a sad frown- not many survived, and those that did appear to be traumatized by the experience of watching people they thought they knew change, rise up, and attempt to beat them to death. Silently, Caelyn made the promise to herself that she would purge any deceptive shapeshifters who crossed her path... but how would she know them? Turning to Grepha, Caelyn tilted her head to listen to the imp before brightening up for a moment. "A little bit of time with some druidic and some temporary ink could mark each of us to be sure that we are who we say we are. Perhaps on the back of the hand? We'd want it somewhere that can be displayed without getting close, it's little help to ink someone's earlobe if you need to get close to check and a monster guts you for your strict observance of our policy..."

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock/Bard | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 11/55 | AC: 13 HP: 26/26 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 Disguised (Elf) | Spider Form "Good idea. They should be unable to copy the properties of even basic magical ink," Grepha murmurs on Caelyn's shoulder. After his attempts to console the grieving husband, Sam stands, holding his hands together. Even having saved two of them, he feels a sting of guilt at not reaching the wife in time. "I'll stay up here with Aldeth," he offers. "If any more slip past and get up here I'll let you guys know." He'd probably be able to communicate with Grepha from anywhere in the building, and she's in better shape than him for a fight right now.

[Archmage1]

Grok Dwarf Paladin 7 AC: 19 HP: 62/77 PP: 10 PIv: 9 PIs: 10 HD: 7/7d10, Conditions: none Disappointed in the lack of survivors, Grok's hand glows slightly as he heals some of his injuries while he walks towards the stairs down, pausing at Caelyn's suggestion. "That's a good idea. It could work. The best defense, though, would be us not getting separated. Sam, you Aldeth, and Brandilar should try to move quietly behind us, rather than isolating yourselves. That way, if you are attacked, we can do something about it."

[Bobthewizard]

Leaf Tabaxi Ranger 4/Rogue 3 AC: 17 HP: 41/60 PP: 18 PIv: 12 PIs: 14 HD: 4/4d10, 4/4d8, Conditions: none Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3 LR Favored Foe: 3/3 LR Restrain: 2/3 Dawn Leaf helps the well-dressed woman to stand up, staying the perfect gentleman in doing so. "No need to repay me, ma'am. Grok is right, you should stay with us until we can get you someplace safe. You'll be safer with us for now than here on your own. Is there any reason these doppelgängers would be after you specifically? I wonder why would they hire an escort if it was a trap." He says the last part with curiosity, not in any way accusing the woman of being part of the plot. Spoiler: OOC Show Spoiler: notes Show Commander Scar, Flaming Fist Dabron Sashenstar, Merchant's League Infiltrate the League's headquarters and investigate. Seek out any documents or people. Ragefest, wizard Abela, nymph Ramazith, wizard that Ragefest doesn't trust. Aldeth Sashenstar, Dabron's brother

[Awful]

"Anri" High Elf Eldritch Knight. Darkvision: 60ft Blindsight: 10ft AC: 17 HP: 42/72 PP: 15 PIv: 12 PIs: 12 Conditions: Concentrating on: 7 / 7 d8 HD Second wind 1d10+7 1/1 Action surge 1/1 Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 2/2 2nd With a click of her tongue, Anri extingushed the flames licking around the head of her axe. She curiously prodded one of the bodies with the toe of her boot. "I can see them if they go invisible," she volunteered. "If they're close. I can go first." Having been whallopped a few times, Anri padded over to Caelyn for healing. The pain didn't seem to bother her, but a nice bruise was already forming around the little elf's eye.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

[Amnestic]

To Leif's question no adequate answer is given, though not for lack of trying. Perhaps they made a mistake, and purchased services outside of the norm? She doesn't know.

After collecting yourselves, doing a bit of spot healing and generally making sure you're all okay, the party descends back to the ground floor and finds...nothing. No guards standing at alert, no army of dopplegangers arrayed against you. The building is deathly quiet and seemingly absent entirely of life. Your senses find nothing, no matter how you might peer or sniff. It appears that those who were here before have since left, whether fleeing from the sounds above, or being directed out. A check of the offices finds them similarly empty and quiet. It doesn't seem like anything has been taken, nor any last minute sabotage or thieveries accomplished. Haste made no waste.

The front door is available to you, and ajar, should you wish to exit - you have, after all, strictly met the criteria of your agreement. There remains the supposed cellar as well that Aldeth spoke of.

[Archmage1]

Grok Dwarf Paladin 7 AC: 19 HP: 62/77 PP: 10 PIv: 9 PIs: 10 HD: 4/7d10, Conditions: none Grok, knowing that evil so often liked to hide underground, in poorly lit and maintained tunnels, doesn't hesitate to continue down the stairs to the cellar, ready to anything.

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 14/54 PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 5 / 7 d8 HD Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 2/3 3rd, 0/1 4th 0/2 Wildshape Caelyn and Bokono follow Grok. Let them clear this building before they take the war to the street, assuming their foes were still around.