[Game Thread] Chapter III: Dragon Hatchery

[Sassafrass]

Looking at the place, there is no illusion about it: that much Visverax knows. And there doesn't appear to be much of a trick, except for the bait-and-switch. But where was the switch? Where was anything, really? Rhokax thinks hard. It is not impossible that an army could move so quickly, but they'd need to be well-supplied with horses and knowledge. And they may yet, from what he saw and what he knows. It's not impossible, but it is difficult. The bounty the Cult had gathered... moving that would be the difficult part. If the mercenaries dispersed, it is entirely conceivable that the entire army might have just disappeared overnight.

What a maddening prospect.

Above, the three armored souls, covered in some kind of dark cloak that obscures who they are or what their exact allegiances are, head onward, and do not yet notice the three that they charge towards, up the hill, in the deluge. That is their chance, and they take it. The spells come quickly, whether from the gods or woven from beyond, and they slam hard into the three brigands, charging up the hill.

Rhokax's blast hits the first brigand in the chest, and though the sacred fires of Bahamut burn, they do not scorch enough; the cloak burns for a moment, before the rain puts it out. The Eldritch Blast and Firebolt come hard, strong and destructive, but they do not fall themselves. The trio from Greenest stand firm and have the high ground, and have announced in no uncertain terms their intention before those who stand with the Cult of the Dragon, no matter if for faith or coin. "Who's got the horn!? Garrick!? Armand!? Sound the alarm!"

Neither of the other two soldiers, drawing their twisted Amnish scimitar while the other draws a curved shortbow, produce a horn. Nor does their leader, whose blade is altogether more impressive, as is his dagger. "Blast it all, Henrietta has it, don't she!? Aw well, we'll make quick work o' these." They step forward, charging towards the group that has slighted them. "Take'em down!" roars the leader, while the other two follow after, their eyes on the Dragonborn: they haven't seen the Goliath and the Elf yet, given the deluge. The leader slams into Rhokax, attacking with his dagger first that goes wide sliding against his armor, while the scimitar misses and Dagger: 7, Scimitar: 14cuts only rain. At the Dragonborn's shoulder comes one of the two brigands, bearing blade. He counts himself fortunate, the bandit's scimitar, held in two hands, slicing wildly to Attack vs. Rhokax: 5the left of him. The other stands behind his leader and companion, bearing the shortbow, aims at the Dragonborn. Notched and aimed, the arrow flies, hitting Rhokax but bouncing right off of his pauldron, enough to make the Dragonborn wonder if he'll Attack vs. Rhokax: 15have to fix it later. If he's not careful, he'll be surrounded soon, but then, the hidden Elf and Goliath haven't been revealed... yet.

Below, the group has the advantage of surprise still, and kept a careful look out.

The group does not realize what is happening, nor do they hear the sound of battle above them. Puma, in cat form, heads onward, going to get a better look beyond the crates while Sora and Dane wait behind, and the owl gets a look about things. The link to the Elf above is strong, and look, the owl has Dane looking in the right direction while Puma heads onward, towards the cave. The owl's sight is exceptional and the directionality it provides gives Dane all he needs to see. Three cloaked figures make the corner and head towards them, armed with bows and scimitars, moving quicker than allowing for silence but without seeing them. Sora and Dane are hidden well enough, and even moving, Puma is a ghost, a small dark thing in a small, dark, wet place. The owl's sight looks onward, towards the cave. No cave should have any kind of light, and yet, there is something, something that changes every so often, about the way the light reflects off of the cliffside, both wet and dry. Something shines within, appearing every so often.

The area isn't unoccupied, the remaining troops just moved into the caves. And they're not alone. The trio of brigands appear, two women and a Halfling male, looking about, trying to determine if they should have seen something. Poor Puma, not seeing too much in the rain, doesn't realize what he's done to himself, and looks just as they see him: the three bandits. Each face looks confounded, and the Halfling steps forward, scratching his bearded chin with the hand that holds the knife. Not a particularly intelligent move, that. "Poor puss out in the rain, innit? Reckon we oughta take it in? Might be sport for th' lady's beasties." The two woman scoff. "You're cruel, Daughtrin. A cat ain't sport for a drake like that, just a snack. Aside's, 's bad luck t' hurt a thing like that, eh kitty kitty?" One of them, a not unattractive black haired woman with a twist in her nose not unlike a a zigzag, offers Puma a gloved hand. The redhead beside her, swarthy and devil-may-care, looks genuinely affectionate.

Oh, what fools these cultists be.

 

Out of Character Initiative 14.667Bottom Group 13.5Brigands 12.667Top Group Enemies Brigand 1-(-2 total)/?? HP, 15 AC (17 AC if Rhokax attacks) Brigand 2-(-5)/?? HP, 12 AC Brigand 3-(-8)/?? HP, 12 AC Brigand 4-??/?? HP, 12 AC Brigand 5-??/?? HP, 12 AC Brigand 6-??/?? HP, 12 AC Begin Round I! Top group, you've got Brigands 1-3, which I allowed each of you to hit one of each. I'll take an Intelligence roll to recognize them and then I'll give their stats accordingly. Bottom group, well... You have fun with this.

[MontageManiac]

Rhokax Soulreader Male Dragonborn (Silver) War Cleric   Sheet Level 3 Cleric medium Dragonborn (silver), neutral good Armor Class 16 Hit Points 15/15 Speed 30' Hit Dice 2d8 Initiative +0 Condition Normal Inspiration No Proficiency Bonus +2 Str 15 (+2) | Dex 10 (+0) | Con 13 (+1) | Int 12 (+1) | Wis 15 (2) | Cha 11 (0) Saving Throws Wis +4, Cha +2 Skill Proficiencies History +3, Religion +3, Insight +4, Persuasion +2 Passive Perception 12 Draconic Ancestry Silver Dragon Dragon Breath You can use your action to exhale destructive energy. Cold 15' cone (CON Save). When you use your breath weapon, each creature in the area o f the exhalation must make a CON saving throw. The DC for this saving throw equals 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus ( ). A creature takes 2d6 damage on a failed save, and half as much damage on a successful one. The damage increases to 3d6 at 6th level, 4d6 at 11th level, and 5d6 at 16th level. After you use your breath weapon, you can’t use it again until you complete a short or long rest. Damage Resistance Cold War Priest (2/2) From 1st level, your god delivers bolts o f inspiration to you while you are engaged in battle. When you use the Attack action, you can make one weapon attack as a bonus action. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Wisdom modifier (a minimum of once). You regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest. Channel Divinity (1/1)   Spells Spell Level Spell Slots Prepared Spells Cantrips Infinite Guidance, Sacred Flame, Spare the Dying Level 1 4/4 Divine Favor*, Guiding Bolt, Healing Word, Shield of Faith* Level 2 2/2 Lesser Restoration, Magic Weapon•, Prayer of Healing, Spiritual Weapon• Notes *War Domain Spells always prepared.   Rhokax knew the risks at this point… the danger was very real of being overwhelmed. At this point, Bahamut saw fit to aid the warrior’s movements and position his shield where it needed to be, and place an armor piece just in the right spot to deflect any damage. But all things would come to an end, and Rhokax knew he had to focus his attention where it counted the most. The dragonborn saw how the other brigand next to him go hit a little harder than the leader, and Rhokax sought to capitalize on this injury. Twirling the battleaxe in his hand, feinting a blow towards the leader, Rhokax instead slashes upward, and then down on the Dice Rhokax vs Brig 2: 1d20+4sch12 (8)+4 ✔ Total = 12 → 1d8+2g (2)+2 Total = 4 unsuspecting combatant at his shoulder. It appeared as though the brigand might just maneuver out of the way, but Rhokax poured all his frustration over his capture into the swing and brought it down a half-second faster, slicing into an exposed bit of flank that drew blood from the hurt brigand. Twirling his battleaxe in his hand, the blood spinning away, slick from the rain he brought it up in a readying position, eyes trained on the brigand engaged with him, hoping his comrades could take advantage of the situation.

OOC Actions Move: Staying in place to tie up the cultists. Standard: Battleaxe vs Brigand 2. Bonus: Dice Intelligence Check to recognize brigands: 1d20+1 (4)+1 Total = 5 Rhokax attacks Brigand 2 for 4 damage.

[Aethera]

Puma
Black Tomcat

 

Cat (SRD) | HP 2/2 | AC 12
Level 3 Wildshaped Circle of the Moon Druid, Tiny
Speed: 40 ft, climb 30 ft
Initiative: +2 | Senses: Passive Perception 13, Keen Smell | Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +4
Weapons: Claws +0 (1 damage)
Bonus action to change shape on my turn.

---

Such a poor puss out in the rain, indeed! Puma takes in the three bandits with a blink and promptly processes the various options here. As much fun as startling them with a tiger might be, while their attention is on him, his companions have the element of surprise. What's more, they just offered free information about "the lady's beasts", assuming he was naught but what he appeared. More fool they.

With a plaintive meow that eloquently bemoaned his wet fate, the tomcat approached the offered hand hesitantly, sniffing at the gloved fingers before rubbing his cheek against them. There was not much he could smell in the rain, after all, but eliciting attention was easy enough. Poor brigands, they'd likely develop a cat complex after this, but he would wait for someone else to make a move first lest he be left to his own devices. His tiger might be large, but it wasn't going to beat three armed bandits or whatever more reinforcements might appear from the very occupied caves.

He gave the dark-haired woman plenty of time to react to his tentative gesture then made to rub wetly against the next woman's leg, including her in his show of kitty affection. He didn't need to give the halfling much thought, the two women were clearly more interested and that was the sort of thing cats pick up on quickly enough. It would be nice if he could convince them to let him into somewhere dry, but that seemed less likely with the topic of drakes having already been brought up. With less choice, he moved to stand under the friendly redheaded lady and hopefully stay dry for a few moments while his companions chose their move.

[Maskain]

Bannerless Dane Male Human Assassin   Bannerless Dane Level 3 Rogue Assassin Medium Human, Chaotic Neutral Armor Class: 14 Hit Points: 22/22 Speed: 30' Hit Dice: 3d8 Initiative: +8 Condition: Normal Inspiration: No Proficiency Bonus: +2 Str 12 (+1) | Dex 16 (+3) | Con 12 (+1) | Int 11 (0) | Wis 14 (+2) | Cha 10 (0) Saving Throws: Dexterity +5, Intelligence +2 Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics +5, Athletics +3, Flaw: I would like to think that lying comes naturally to me, but it's obvious my lies are terrible to any outside observer.Deception +2, Perception +6, Slight of Hand +5, Stealth +5, Survival +4 Tool Proficiencies: Brewer's Supplies, Disguise Kit, Poisoner's Kit, Thieves' Tools (Expertise) Damage Resistances: -- Senses: Passive Perception 16, Immune Surprise (Alert) Alert (Feat). You gain a +5 bonus to initiative (already applied). You can't be surprised while you are conscious. Other creatures don't gain advantage on attack rolls against you as a result of being unseen by you. Assassinate. You have advantage on attack rolls against any creature that hasn't taken a turn in the combat yet. In addition, any hit you score against a creature that is surprised is a critical hit. Sneak Attack. Once per turn, you can deal an extra 2d6 damage to one creature you hit with an attack if you have advantage on the attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon. You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll. Actions Cunning Action. You can take a bonus action on each of your turns in combat. This action can be used only to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action. The owl was perched on his shoulder still. A sentry (otherwise known as a spy) for the elf to watch their movements when he'd talk to it later. Like an elf did. Four eyes in a row stared forward at the scene taking place at the mouth of the cave. Dane thought would be amusing to see things develop and seemingly the owl agreed as it's talons dug into his jacket. Ow, no.. no. That wasn't agreement. Dane turned slightly to see the face of the creature as it stared ahead, though it's vision was a bit off. The direction of it's gaze fell forward, but it seemed to look past the bandits after it had it's ally spot them. Those yellow orbs stared further forward in the cave almost seeking something that Dane hadn't a clue about. An odd creature. Though it gave off a comforting warmth that had the mercenary not sweep it away. Giving a couple hand signals over to Sora, he tried to tell her to sneak up and sucker punch them. He was too used to dealing with skulker types that had a grip on the hidden tongue though. Maybe she knew it, maybe she'd learn today. Dane didn't change for nobody. Instead, the man just made a knocking gesture and eyed the bandits cooing over the trickster cat. Then he set the barrel of his crossbow against the dirt. Plans were pretty shot currently since the others were still not there and things would be a mess soon. He clicked back the string with a soft suck in of air, forcing the barrel down with his boot. They would need to be here if he was to have the best shot of finding his way out safely, not that the cat and Sora were bad, but. He lifted his tool and wiped a wet leaf off the front, leveling it at the group. Dane couldn't have anybody mentioning they were there just yet. A bolt made its way into the chamber as Dane listened in on the conversation between hired bandits. They would be alright people probably. Seemed charming enough. Small halfling probably had a good sense of humor when you grew to it. The one with jet black hair even was a looker... Woah, woah, woah... hold on now, she was a looker. Battle-scarred and with that bent nose; oh she could probably could take and dish some good swings, fighting was probably how she got it. Straight hair, that voice... Puma went up to her and what was she doing? She began leaning over to pet the cat. He was making them look away from their position so... that damn beautiful bastard. Sshuk! There was a misfire. Immediately the bolt found itself in the dirt next to his new best friend Puma and the bandit choked on his tongue. Oh what fools indeed.

OOC   Standard: Light Crossbow vs Bandit 4 (ATK 11 | Miss)

[Aethera]

Puma
Tomcat / Tiger

 

Tiger (SRD) | HP 37/37 | AC 12
Level 3 Wildshaped Circle of the Moon Druid, Large
Speed: 40 ft
Initiative: +2 | Senses: darkvision 60 ft, Passive Perception 13, Keen Smell | Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +6
Weapons: Bite +5 (d10+3 P), Claws +5 (d8+3 S)
Special: Pounce - 20ft+ forward, hit with claws, DC 13 Str or prone; if prone, bonus action bite.
Bonus action to change shape on my turn.

---

A crossbow bolt landed in the dirt at his side. That was not the move he was hoping for, not by a long shot. The bandits definitely saw it, so the time for surprise was done. Even if they thought it was coincidence, the black cat crossing their path and the arrival of an opposing combatant, it wasn't a sure thing. Cats were familiars often enough that Puma knew his small (wet) body was in jeopardy as soon as the bandits unsheathed those scimitars. Best to beat them to it.

Having prepared his thoughts while playing at kitty attention, he was more than prepared to shift into something big enough to stand up to these three. It was the work of a moment to decide, yes, he wanted to shift; the cat backed up a pace and the eyes changed shape and color, almost luminescent amber even in the dark and the rain. He rose on his hind legs and the front paws kept coming up and up and up... his black fur rippled and seemed to split at the seams, lighter creamy tones filling in the widening gaps and growing more golden as the fur grew in. In all of a few seconds the tiny cat was suddenly big, and orange, and striped. Bigger than any of the bandits, and those upraised claws were no laughing matter. They came down hard on the redhead he'd been closest to, and he could feel the damage done, even if the tiger's vision showed him shades of gray; most of the bandits were already gleaming wetly from the rain, so the blood didn't make a huge difference. The new shape did, however, give him more detail and understanding of the sixty feet around himself, much of which the cat couldn't see due to either being six inches from the ground or unable to see in the dark.

His back was to the cave entrance, now, and he could only hope his allies Dane and Sora would warn him if something there changed, for instance the pet drakes the halfling had mentioned. Depending on how swiftly these three were taken down, there was a chance they might not be heard, but not a very big one. So much for the element of surprise.

Combat! Initiative: 21, delayed to attack on ally's turn Bonus Action: shift into tiger form Standard Action: attack the redhead with claws, hits 22 for 7 damage.

[G in Japan]

Sora Female Air Genasi Monk   Sora Level 3 Monk medium air genasi, chaotic good Armor Class 15 Hit Points 21/21 Speed 40 ft. Hit Dice 3d8 Initiative +3 Condition Normal Inspiration No Proficiency Bonus +2 Str 10 (0) | Dex 16 (+3) | Con 12 (+1) | Int 11 (0) | Wis 14 (+2) | Cha 12 (+1) Saving Throws Str +2, Dex +5 Skill Proficiencies Acrobatics +5, Insight +4, Perception +4, Stealth +5 Damage Resistances Senses passive Perception 14 Ki Points 2/3 • Flurry of Blows (1 ki point)After taking the Attack action, I can make 2 unarmed attacks as a bonus action • Patient Defense (1 ki point)As a bonus action, I can take the Dodge action • Step of the Wind (1 ki point)As a bonus action, I can either Dash or Disengage; My jump distance doubles when I do so • Gust (0 ki points) (as the spell) • Shape Water (0 ki points) (as the spell) • Fist of Unbroken Air (1 ki point) (Increase range of unarmed attack by 10 feet; If attack hits, spend 1 ki point to force target to make Strength save or be pushed back 10 feet and be knocked prone) • Fang of the Frost Wolf (1 ki point) (as the spell ice knife) Actions Mingle with the Wind: I can cast the Levitate spell once with this trait, requiring no material components, and I regain the ability to cast it this way when I finish a long rest. Constitution is my spellcasting ability for this spell. The appearance of the cultists causes Sora to hold her breath in anticipation. As the seconds drag on while the cultists talk to and about Puma, Sora continues to steady herself. It isn't until Dane takes his shot and Puma suddenly grows into a tiger that she springs into action. The muddy ground splish-splashes as Sora dashes across the space between where Sora and Dane were hiding and the group of cultists that have gathered around Puma. The staff in Sora's hand is gripped tightly as she closes in on the red-haired cultist that was just mauled by Puma. "Heads up!" she calls out as she swings the quarterstaff toward the cultist's noggin. While Puma's claws may leave some lasting wounds, Sora is simply trying to render the cultist unconscious. Maybe she can tell us something about what is inside the cave. As the quarterstaff strikes true, Sora pulls her staff up in front of herself, holding it out to help ward off any retaliatory strikes from any of the cultists. Hopefully, though, they will consider the tiger the bigger threat.

 

Move: Move adjacent to red-haired cultist
Action: Attack with Quarterstaff: 18 vs AC - Hit for 7 bludgeoning damage
Bonus: Patient Defence - Spend 1 ki point to take Dodge action

[benchly]

Gukan "Clawmarked" Titaniadaoro The Wandering Goliath Class HP/MAX AC SP PP Warlock 17/17 12 30 9 SSDC SAB L1 L2 L3 L4 12 +4 2/2 2/2 0/0 0/0 Clawmarked frowned. The cultist was still standing, and still hurting scaly ol' Rhokax. Or, trying to, at least. Usually things did not stay standing when the Goliath decided to hit them, especially things that were smaller than he was. The three of them seemed to be swarming the dragonborn, which means they had not spotted him, yet. The sound of the battle in the rain was a symphony to the Goliath's simple, yet complicated mind. There was a rhythm to it, and if he let himself, he could hear the drums of war beating with each boot in the mud, and every smack of a weapon on armor. It was hypnotic, in a way, and his native blood wanted to get lost in the dance. He resisted the temptation. Lady Titania would expect better of him...smarter of him. Still, that cultist was still standing. Clawmarked's frown drooped a bit more. Squaring his shoulders in defiance, he gripped his crystal, shrouding the green light with his meaty palm as he extended two fingers again, pointing straight at his chosen target. The energy bolted forth like an ethereal whip, cracking hard on the cultist's side.

 

Reaction: -
Movement: stay put, so long as the shot is clear
Action: Eldritch Blast to Cultist (22 to hit, 5 damage)

[Huhart]

Visverax Male High Elf Wizard   Name: Visverax | AC: 13 | HP: 17/17 Level: 3, Class: Wizard (Diviner) Race: High Elf Wizard Spells: Rituals: Detect Magic, Unseen Servant, Find Familiar Cantrips: Fire Bolt, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation Level 1: (4/4 slots) DC:13 Fog Cloud, Grease, Mage Armor, Hideous Laughter Level 2: (1/2 slots) DC:13 Mirror Image, Flaming Sphere Portents: 13, 14 Weapon: Quarterstaff +2, 1d6 (1d8), Dagger +5, 1d4+3, Sling +5, 1d4+3, Firebolt +5, 1d10 Speed: 30 | Inspiration: 0 | Prof Bonus: +2 Initiative: +3 | Senses: Passive Perception 13, Darkvision (60 ft) Resistances/Immunities: Sleep Immunity, Advantage on Charm saving throws. His flaming bolt scorched his target but did not bring him down. Visverax grimaced. Perhaps these were tougher foes than the cultists they had defeated in Greenest. The brigands surrounded Rhokax, but the dragonborn was holding his own for the moment. Visverax wondered if he had gone unnoticed. He pondered for a moment, thinking of a way to quickly defeat the mercenaries. In the back of his head, the link with Even'Dur persisted. The owl saw something in the cave, but with little detail. It saw something else as well. Something extremely disturbing. The cat, rubbing up against the leg of some cultists. Visverax put the pieces together. First the noisy decent down the cliff. Now, befriending the enemy. They had been betrayed! The wizard called back his familiar. He would not risk it being near the vile feline. Even'dur lept into the air, even as Dane launched his bolt, ruining his shot. Even'dur did not look back. It did not see the cat change into a tiger. It did not see the tiger rip the cultist to ribbons. It flew straight for its master. "Traitorous cat boy..." Visverax muttered. He would deal with Puma personally. A druid was no match for the wizard. Puma would pay dearly for his treachery. But first, the enemies nearby needed neutralized. Fortunately, Visverax had used his idle time wisely. He had studied and learned a new spell. It was a powerful and destructive spell. the high elf intoned the magic words. A ball of pure flame erupted around one of the cultists, burning him severely. Visverax laughed out loud at the sight of the blazing sphere of fire. He realized that he may have given away his position. Fortunately, there was a giant idiot standing nearby. Visverax slid in behind Gukan and took cover.   Flaming sphere deals Dice Roll: 2d6 2, 3 Total = 5 (5) damage to Brigand 1. DC 13 dex sav for half. Concentrating on flaming sphere (10 rounds)

[Sassafrass]

~Round I~

First blood, and first death, to the defenders from Greenest.

Pointing crystal and fingers at the same Cultist as his last attack, Gukan issues forth another eldritch blast that finds its mark, a shock that sends the fellow billowing backwards, down the hill in a roll. When the roll continues, the ragdoll nature of the departure becomes clear, weaponless, with a head that keeps hitting rock and cut tree trunk on the way down. The cultist is dead, and Clawmarked knows his. Rhokax goes for the other lesser-seeming of the cultists, attempting to identify which mercenary company this group belonged to, but there wasn't much to go off of, and he had no personal experience with this bunch, who seemed like they were from further south of here. Driving his blade into the fellow's shoulder, the brigand did not fall, though the bloodflow certainly changed the color composition of his face. The leader, expecting an easy blow, instead finds a flaming ball before him, and runs into it Save: 7unexpectantly, burning his chest and left arm with a howl that did not rise too far into the squall above. Moving away from the flaming sphere, not wanting to be anywhere near that thing, but without disengaging from Rhokax, instead stepping on the right. Rhokax now has one on his left and his right, and it is not a pleasant feeling.

The leader drives his blade into the Dragonborn's back, behind his pauldron with his dagger, while his scimitar deflects off of the Dagger: 18, 5 piercing damage
Scimitar: 15Dragonborn's midsection. The other brigand, nearly downed, attempts a similar hit with his scimitar but misses Rhokax, pushed back a slight bit by the scimitar strike from the Attack: 12leader that did not hurt him. "Bring'em down, Garrick! Come on!"

Below, a similar dispensing of fates occurs.

Cats are less pleasant when they are wet, a well-known maxim across Toril. Still, the affection of a cat is altogether not unwanted, and the two women share in that affection, the red-head looking genuinely gleeful at the interest Puma has taken in her. The black haired woman doesn't take offense, but the Halfling seems utterly put off at this business. "Reckon we oughta get back t' Casimir?"

And then suddenly, a Dane with a crossbow to the.... to the nothing.

He misses.

How could he miss?

"Is he with the cat?" asks the black haired woman; her companion pulling away from her and hiding Puma as best she can. "He attacked it! How can he be with it!" Standing, the two women draw their blades, while the Halfling draws his own crossbow, with all attention on the bannerless Dane. "You made a mistake, comin' back here." An odd statement, to be sure, and the two women begin to move when suddenly, there is a flurry of furry movement, and something large, and wet, appears beside the red head.

And then, a flurry of claws.

And then, blood.

Puma, now a tiger, has appeared, and the red-headed woman screams, her blade unprepared for what has appeared. Everyone cries out, the red-headed woman going for the horn at her side, which would give them away. Then, another outlander: Sora, appearing with her quarterstaff, gets the red-head's attention just enough to put the quarterstaff to her head, knocking her listless and to the ground, the horn going side past Puma, toward the entrance. The black-haired woman, scimitar now at the ready, cries out and gets ready to defend herself, but strikes as she can. The excitement prevents that, and her blow goes wide, making it unclear if she was going after Puma or after Sora.

Daughtry, the one whose cruelty might have spelled his salvation, points the crossbow at Dane. "Bloody longshanks. Bloody cats. Bloody bunch of misfits." Pulling the trigger, the bolt catches Dane in the shoulder, drawing his blood. The Halfling gives a wry grin, and a wink.

First blood indeed, but who will draw last?

 

Out of Character Initiative 14.667Bottom Group 13.5Brigands 12.667Top Group Enemies Brigand 1-(-7)/?? HP, 15 AC (17 AC if Rhokax attacks) Garrick/Bandit 3-(-9)/?? HP, 12 AC Brigand 5-??/?? HP, 12 AC Daughtry/Bandit 6-??/?? HP, 12 AC Begin Round I! Begin Round 2! Great job folks! Lookin' solid. Next round's actions for the top group are provided above, and we're good now. Good work on everyone, had myself a giggle. Let's see what we can do here, and don't worry: we have a combat map from here on out, unless you lot like theater of the mind better.

[Aethera]

Puma
Tiger

 

Tiger (SRD) | HP 37/37 | AC 12
Level 3 Wildshaped Circle of the Moon Druid, Large
Speed: 40 ft
Initiative: +2 | Senses: darkvision 60 ft, Passive Perception 13, Keen Smell | Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +6
Weapons: Bite +5 (d10+3 P), Claws +5 (d8+3 S)
Special: Pounce - 20ft+ forward, hit with claws, DC 13 Str or prone; if prone, bonus action bite.
Bonus action to change shape on my turn.

---

Confusion was good for their chances, as far as Puma was concerned. As a tiger he didn't mind the rain as much, a difference that always amused him a little, but the tiger could swim and enjoyed doing so. Rain wasn't ideal, but there was no ingrained "ew" response that made the tiger want to flee to shelter. His claws did enough damage to the redhead that Sora's attack kept her from sounding the alarm, and when the horn slid toward him, he stepped on it, hoping it might break under the tiger's weight. If not, he could fight across it, keeping it under him where the other bandits couldn't reach. With the redhead down, he turned his attention to the black-haired woman who stood beside where the first had been, "protecting" the cat from the crossbow-wielding Dane. Too bad for her.

He lashed out again, this time with large teeth, but his attempt was foiled by her sidestep to try and take in the whole battle, not to mention the leather armor she wore. He would compensate better next time. He stood over the horn, a toothy tiger smile daring either of the two to come and try and get it from him.

Combat! Standard Action: attack the black-haired bandit 5 with bite attack, miss.

[MontageManiac]

Rhokax Soulreader Male Dragonborn (Silver) War Cleric   Sheet Level 3 Cleric medium Dragonborn (silver), neutral good Armor Class 16 Hit Points 18/23 Speed 30' Hit Dice 2d8 Initiative +0 Condition Normal Inspiration No Proficiency Bonus +2 Str 15 (+2) | Dex 10 (+0) | Con 13 (+1) | Int 12 (+1) | Wis 15 (2) | Cha 11 (0) Saving Throws Wis +4, Cha +2 Skill Proficiencies History +3, Religion +3, Insight +4, Persuasion +2 Passive Perception 12 Draconic Ancestry Silver Dragon Dragon Breath You can use your action to exhale destructive energy. Cold 15' cone (CON Save). When you use your breath weapon, each creature in the area o f the exhalation must make a CON saving throw. The DC for this saving throw equals 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus ( ). A creature takes 2d6 damage on a failed save, and half as much damage on a successful one. The damage increases to 3d6 at 6th level, 4d6 at 11th level, and 5d6 at 16th level. After you use your breath weapon, you can’t use it again until you complete a short or long rest. Damage Resistance Cold War Priest (2/2) From 1st level, your god delivers bolts o f inspiration to you while you are engaged in battle. When you use the Attack action, you can make one weapon attack as a bonus action. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Wisdom modifier (a minimum of once). You regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest. Channel Divinity (0/1)   Spells Spell Level Spell Slots Prepared Spells Cantrips Infinite Guidance, Sacred Flame, Spare the Dying Level 1 4/4 Divine Favor*, Guiding Bolt, Healing Word, Shield of Faith* Level 2 2/2 Lesser Restoration, Magic Weapon•, Prayer of Healing, Spiritual Weapon• Notes *War Domain Spells always prepared.   The dragonborn’s glance travelled between the leader of the duo, and the man he’d been dealing blows with at this point, Garrick. He’d been successful thus far at keeping their attention, but he also recognized his luck in avoiding many of the blows, the dagger to his back not being one of them. "Garrick, you’ve fought well this day… I shall grant you a warrior’s death!" With a sudden surge of speed, Rhokax launches himself towards Garrick and Dice Rhokax vs Garrick: 1d20+4sch12 (2)+4 ✘ Total = 6 slices at the man with his battleaxe, the glow of Bahamut’s symbol shining through the pouring rain. Where the attack may have missed, as Rhokax's footing seemed to slip slightly, the shining light of Bahamut's symbol seemed to lift the battleaxe Channel Divinity: Guided strike, +10 to the attackup to hit his target just under his armor's gaps, digging into Dice Battleaxe damage: 1d8+2 (5)+2 Total = 7 Garrick's ribs.

OOC Actions Move: Staying in place to tie up the cultists. Standard: Battleaxe vs Brigand 2. Bonus: Rhokax attacks Brigand 2, Garrick, using Channel Divinity for guided strike to make sure he hits.

[Maskain]

Bannerless Dane Male Human Assassin   Bannerless Dane Level 3 Rogue Assassin Medium Human, Chaotic Neutral Armor Class: 14 Hit Points: 17/22 Speed: 30' Hit Dice: 3d8 Initiative: +8 Condition: Normal Inspiration: No Proficiency Bonus: +2 Str 12 (+1) | Dex 16 (+3) | Con 12 (+1) | Int 11 (0) | Wis 14 (+2) | Cha 10 (0) Saving Throws: Dexterity +5, Intelligence +2 Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics +5, Athletics +3, Flaw: I would like to think that lying comes naturally to me, but it's obvious my lies are terrible to any outside observer.Deception +2, Perception +6, Slight of Hand +5, Stealth +5, Survival +4 Tool Proficiencies: Brewer's Supplies, Disguise Kit, Poisoner's Kit, Thieves' Tools (Expertise) Damage Resistances: -- Senses: Passive Perception 16, Immune Surprise (Alert) Alert (Feat). You gain a +5 bonus to initiative (already applied). You can't be surprised while you are conscious. Other creatures don't gain advantage on attack rolls against you as a result of being unseen by you. Assassinate. You have advantage on attack rolls against any creature that hasn't taken a turn in the combat yet. In addition, any hit you score against a creature that is surprised is a critical hit. Sneak Attack. Once per turn, you can deal an extra 2d6 damage to one creature you hit with an attack if you have advantage on the attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon. You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll. Actions Cunning Action. You can take a bonus action on each of your turns in combat. This action can be used only to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action. A scowl darkened Dane's face as he looked up to see the bandits attention fastened to him. Though Puma and Sora made quick work of drawing the female bandit's attentions away, the other watched him like a hawk. Little bastard. He couldn't skulk back into the shadows with the pest watching his every movement. And commenting on...! "Shut your mouth you little - hrk!" A bolt lodged itself in Dane's shoulder as the halfling gave a wink. Filled with anger, the mercenary jammed his lovely crossbow in the dirt and pulled back on the string once more. His eyes didn't leave the little rat, instead they looked for a prime spot to return his bolt. Copy the shoulder? Try for the eye and call him out for winking? Maybe there? Oh yeah, right there. Lifting the crossbow back up and loading a new bolt, the similarly scummy man slammed the stock into his shoulder for support. Yep, he was pissed. Pissed and stupid. Dane barely missed the wooden projectile in his shoulder and once more cringed from the pain, this time self inflicted. "You're in the wrong trade you limp-wristed Banite!" He fired his shot at full attention this time, lodging directly into the hand Daughtry was holding his trigger with. The hand was pushed off the weapon and slammed atop the icon of his faith. A necklace depicting Bane's hand, hovering right over his heart. Truly he could now see his tyrant god. Little bastard.

OOC   Free: Intelligence Check: Recognition (14, Noticed they have the symbol of Bane) Standard: Light Crossbow vs Bandit 4: Daughtry (ATK 18 | 12 Piercing DMG)

[Huhart]

Visverax Male High Elf Wizard   Name: Visverax | AC: 13 | HP: 17/17 Level: 3, Class: Wizard (Diviner) Race: High Elf Wizard Spells: Rituals: Detect Magic, Unseen Servant, Find Familiar Cantrips: Fire Bolt, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation Level 1: (4/4 slots) DC:13 Fog Cloud, Grease, Mage Armor, Hideous Laughter Level 2: (1/2 slots) DC:13 Mirror Image, Flaming Sphere Portents: 13, 14 Weapon: Quarterstaff +2, 1d6 (1d8), Dagger +5, 1d4+3, Sling +5, 1d4+3, Firebolt +5, 1d10 Speed: 30 | Inspiration: 0 | Prof Bonus: +2 Initiative: +3 | Senses: Passive Perception 13, Darkvision (60 ft) Resistances/Immunities: Sleep Immunity, Advantage on Charm saving throws. The brigands continued to ignore both Visverax and Gukan. Instead they hacked away at their dragonborn companion, Soulreader. "Two against one, eh?" Visverax scoffed, "We'll see about that..." A white streak appeared flying up from the depths of the cliff, an angry mass of feather and claw. Even'Dur had arrived. The owl menaced the leader of the brigands, temporarily distracting the man from the real threat before flying off to a safe distance. Visverax stepped out from behind the goliath to toss a flaming bolt of energy at the marauder. But, the wizard was not finished. Grasping at the mystical tendrils which connected him with his flaming construct, Vis directed the sphere to bash into the enemy. A moment later, the brigand was once again enveloped in flames.   Bonus action: Move flaming sphere to brigand 1, deals Dice Roll: 2d6 5, 1 Total = 6 (6) damage. DC 13 dex sav for half. Concentrating on flaming sphere (9 rounds) EvenDur: Flyby brigand 1, help action to give advantage to Visverax. Action: Cast Firebolt at brigand 1. Attack Dice Roll: 2d20+5kh1 (11, 6 (keeping 11) )+5 Total = 16 (16) Damage Dice Roll: 1d10 3 (3)

[G in Japan]

Sora Female Air Genasi Monk   Sora Level 3 Monk medium air genasi, chaotic good Armor Class 15 Hit Points 21/21 Speed 40 ft. Hit Dice 3d8 Initiative +3 Condition Normal Inspiration No Proficiency Bonus +2 Str 10 (0) | Dex 16 (+3) | Con 12 (+1) | Int 11 (0) | Wis 14 (+2) | Cha 12 (+1) Saving Throws Str +2, Dex +5 Skill Proficiencies Acrobatics +5, Insight +4, Perception +4, Stealth +5 Damage Resistances Senses passive Perception 14 Ki Points 2/2 • Flurry of Blows (1 ki point)After taking the Attack action, I can make 2 unarmed attacks as a bonus action • Patient Defense (1 ki point)As a bonus action, I can take the Dodge action • Step of the Wind (1 ki point)As a bonus action, I can either Dash or Disengage; My jump distance doubles when I do so • Gust (0 ki points) (as the spell) • Shape Water (0 ki points) (as the spell) • Fist of Unbroken Air (1 ki point) (Increase range of unarmed attack by 10 feet; If attack hits, spend 1 ki point to force target to make Strength save or be pushed back 10 feet and be knocked prone) • Fang of the Frost Wolf (1 ki point) (as the spell ice knife) Actions Mingle with the Wind: I can cast the Levitate spell once with this trait, requiring no material components, and I regain the ability to cast it this way when I finish a long rest. Constitution is my spellcasting ability for this spell. Bolts fly back and forth between the cultist and Dane as Sora manages to avoid the rather clumsy sword swipe from the black-haired woman. That second shot by Dane was much more effective than his initial attack and, hopefully, it would keep the halfling busy, or at least focused on Dane. Unfortunately, Puma was not as lucky with the black-haired cultist. No doubt she was being especially careful with the tiger. Sora certainly would be. Spinning her staff in her hands, moves around the woman until she is on the opposite side from Puma. The staff juts out toward the woman's abdomen but she manages to deflect the weapon with her sword. Sora moves with the weapon as it is knocked aside to follow it up with a roundhouse kick. The woman ducks under Sora's foot and she curses softly in her native tongue.

 

Move:
Action: Attack Brigand 5 with Quarterstaff: 8 vs AC - Miss
Bonus: Unarmed Strike on Brigand 5 : 7 vs AC - Miss

[benchly]

Gukan "Clawmarked" Titaniadaoro The Wandering Goliath Class HP/MAX AC SP PP Warlock 17/17 12 30 9 SSDC SAB L1 L2 L3 L4 12 +4 2/2 2/2 0/0 0/0 A grin washed over Clawmarked's face. The heat of battle felt good in his veins. Clawmarked took a deep breath, feeding his lungs with the air of war. The Goliath in him saught peace where it could be had, but war always loomed, casting any peace in the shadow of the inevitable. This is where the Goliath had made their lives, always knowing that fair weather was only temporary. The Lady's magic had served well, and their foes were now at the disadvantage. Clawmarked, seemingly still unnoticed from the sidelines, slipped his crystal back into his belt pouch, and grasped his spear, a heritage weapon of his tribe. Scaly ol' Rhokax was fairing well, but could use a hand, and Vis was powerful, but soft. The Goliath reasoned as best he could, but always came back to needing to feel the impact of weapon on armor...or better, weapon on flesh. It was not blood lust, but something just a visceral. Rhokax, a fellow warrior, probably understood, and Clawmarked decided the Dragonman needed a hand. Spear at the ready, he moved forward with surprising grace for a person of size, bringing the point around in a wide arc and thrusting forward to stab at the brigand Rhokax seemed to be ignoring. The Dragonman moved with ferocity at his target, and Clawmarked found himself driving the point of his spear into the armor of the other. It was a feast of grim satisfaction.

 

Reaction: Pumped up after that kill. Clawmarked is excited too.
Movement: Move into the battle, engage the brigand not named Garrick
Action: Poke things with spear (ATK: 12 DMG: 6)