Jove speaks telepathically to them. "My familiar counts 11 of them. I am not much for combat, but I can fire from a distance. Abraxas's choke point idea isn't so bad. I think Aisha should lead. She and her cat friend could probably get the jump on them. But it is up to you all. I will follow with covering fire and illusions if need be."
"Aisha," Abraxas says, "if you'll draw them down the stairs, we might be able to surprise them, significantly reducing their threat to us. Of course, if they are not hostile, we can learn what they know about the orb. But either course begins with you conversing with them. What are your thoughts?"
Aisha smiled, patting Jove on the shoulder, like one would someone questioning a champion in a specific field about how capable they are. You need a demonstration then? she said, parting the group to make sure she had a clear path in the direction they came from before, so as to not risk the noise drawing the attention of their quarry needlessly.
With all-but no preperation. No special posing, or stance, Aisha's eyes focused on the path ahead of her, as she Dashed, with her own natural Feline Agility .. Aisha was so fast, she covered the space of 120 feet in less than six seconds. If she fired an arrow, she could probably get ahead of it and catch it herself. Aisha stood there for just a few moments, before repeating the feat back towards the group, with only a few seconds of recovery between each burst of speed. This time however, barreling into Abraxis on purpose, (Acrobatics? : 23)
The roll so smooth, it doesn't even feel like an impact, as she rolls over him, her left hand on the ground beside him, her right claw softly tracing down his chest as she locks her eye to his and presses very close. Mrr....Satisfied? A playful sparkle in her eye, before she blows him a kiss, rolling off him with ease as she gets back to her feet. helping him back up with a wink.
So if nyo one continues to doubt Aisha's ability to flee as needed, shall we prrroceed? Aisha will attempt to speak to them, and see if we can come to amibable... amicale? Amicable... outcomes yes. That would be preferred... And if nyot, We shall see, yes? Aisha even has a spell prepared for dealing with large numbers of enemies.... So if there are no more concerns, let us proceed.
If the party inevitably is ready to go forward, the below is how she will proceed. otherwise, ignore this.
Stealth once near the temple for 26. Tsavi waiting outside the Ziggarat, also in stealth 25.
Aisha would proceed up the stairs, and attempt to talk to the Kobolds, saying Hello, this one comes in peace in all of her known languages as fast as she can.
if they seem amiable, and willing to talk, she will. but I can't reply to that yet.
If they seem hostile, Aisha's readied actions will trigger. before they can get into melee range, she will feline agility run away, towards the door, on the first floor. Waiting for them all to be more or less on the stairs, casting Spike Growth in the center of the Kobolds. And if she has enough movement left she will then take cover behind the wall on the outside.
OOC: So using the entrance to the ziggurat, rather than the stairs, as a choke point? Sounds good because it is probably smaller.
"I am," Abraxas says, "convinced of our feline friend's speed. We should proceed with our plan." He moves outside the building, within 60 feet of the door and 30 feet of Olive, assuming she is willing to have Haste cast upon her. Abraxas tries to perceive geographical features he can hide behind for partial cover (a dune? sandstone formation?), but only within the distances already mentioned.
OOC: There isn't much for cover outside of the ziggurat for Abraxas, the landscape here has been flat so far.
Aisha creeps back into the ziggurat while T'savi crouches low beside the entrance.
For Aisha:
The kobolds barely react to your presence when you approach from the stairs. If they know any of your languages, they don't show it, and remain silent. Most of them shrink away from you, sharing glances of pure fear between you and the stairs to the third level. None show any signs of aggression.
Harmony looked and saw as the first floor was all barren, but hearing the grumbles and shuffling from upstairs and seeing Aisha go up there. She waited until the other got back, telling them all about the 12 kobolds and how they could all stay at the bottom while she goes and approaches them openly, to try to speak with them. But if they were hostile, she could run away and bring them into a trap like strategically placing pittons for them to step on. She wanted to speak up about how she has abilities and new spells that could help with talking with the kobolds. But it seemed that they would go with that plan, Abraxas talking about using the stairs as a choke-point for if the kobolds chase after her. "Oh, yeah that works. I can shoot a bow too and provide support." Harmony had said back with a nod, watching Aisha now dash so fast and speedy before rolling over Abraxas so smoothly. She quietly clapped at that, amazed at how she did that. Then she heard as Aisha asked if they should proceed with her attempting to speak with the kobolds to get a good outcome, even having a spell to deal with a large number of enemies. Harmony nodded back, taking a position on the bottom steps of the staircase, waiting and hoping that Aisha is still able to speak with the kobolds peacefully.
Aisha swallows hard, licking her lips. So far so good. Clearly, they were afraid of something but she did not yet know what. Keeping one of her ears focused intently on staircase (Hearing perception: 16) She got down on her hands and knee's making her already small frame, smaller. Trying to make herself look as unimposing as possible (Fill in proper +/- 18)
Feeling she was doign a rather good job overall. She coo's and smiles at the nearest one. Putting her fingers over her lips in a 'shhh' and then placing her hands in an 'its ok, I'm not here to harm' manner, like patting the air with both palms. Carefully, in all of her languages, one last time, she would say slowly Aisha is nyot here to hurrt you. Waiting just long enough to see if anything she said triggered a reaction. Aisha is still ready to bolt away at a moments notice.
If they are not receptive in any fashion, she will inform the party that the Kobolds seem non-hostile, and that they are afraid of something on the third floor. But also beware, passing them will mean if whatever they fear controls them, we will then be trapped with a small army behind us.. Just a consideration to rremember.
If the kobolds suddenly do get hostile, she will do what was planned before.
If they seem receptive, she will continue trying to talk to them
Jove is still watching intently with Caiphon. He is "readying" to notify Aisha telepathically if something is off that she isn't aware of, such as one in the back drawing a weapon that she cannot see. Perception: 10 or Investigation: 11
The kobolds shrink away from Aisha, grouping up in the corners of the room. The few that were sleeping have awakened now, and are similarly cautious. They still look more confused and afraid than receptive. Only one offers, "Duun ack draal," in an unfamiliar language.
Asha sighs, and casts Goodberry. Making 10. And leaving them on the floor as she heads back to bring the rest of the group with her. Telling them that we should probably head upstairs, cautiously.
If/when we get to that point, of some form of combat hasn't started before the stairs, she will check for traps as she goes slowly in stealth.
S-Aisha 15
S-Tsavi 12
Invest: Active (eyes) 10 - Passive 14
Tsavi will keep an eye on the Kobolds as we go up, if we do.
Abraxas isn't sure exactly what is going on, but it seems the kobolds are not a threat. He will cautiously move within hearing distance and greet them in every language he knows: Common, Elvish, Gith, Primordial, Sylvan.
As he moves towards them, he watches for traps and other dangers: 24
Harmony waited until Aisha came back, telling them that the Kobolds seem non-hostile and apparently afraid of something on the third floor. But she said to be careful since if they pass them, they could end up with a small army behind them as she nodded. So she will follow the others up the stairs, giving a friendly smile and wave to the Kobolds, greeting them in Common and Infernal.
The kobolds within the room on the second floor avert their eyes and keep to the corners of the room as Aisha leads the party past them and up the stairs to the third floor.
The third floor shrinks to a 60 foot square, with another set of stairs above you leading to a fourth floor. This room has also been kept clear of debris, but one wall has a large hole in its side, displaying the red land of Vandyr beyond. Within the room are two snake-like creatures. Their lower halves are that of a snake, long and serpentine, and their scaled arms and head are humanoid, with long fangs and frills. Except for the arms, they resemble small versions of Toril's naga.
Without hesitation, they hiss, drawing shortbows and preparing to assault the intruders.
Tracking: Two naga, one on each side of the room, are 20 feet away from Aisha and T'savi at the top of the steps.
OOC: Since this is Aisha's first combat with us (and I believe even Olive's first combat, as peaceful as Rikirta has been thus far)...
To keep things flowing quickly, I roll initiatives in groups of players and enemies, using the groups' averages as their initiative count. Nat 20s and 1s are a +5 and -5 bonus to a group's initiative total, respectively.
When it is the players' turn, any character can act in any order, then I resolve actions in one go (barring special circumstances). If a player has not posted an action in a round and a full day has passed, I will typically bot them with a safe action to keep things moving (usually a dodge or the attack the character uses most often).
(OCC: I'm assuming that we all heard the Nagas hiss, knowing that snakes or something snake-like is up there and going to attack us, even if Aisha and T'savi are the only ones who can see them or do we all see them?)
Harmony was in the middle of the group as they went up the stairs before hearing and/or seeing what seemed to be snake-like creatures on the third floor ready to attack them. "Beat those things up quick!" she called out, using Mantle of Inspiration on everyone so that the others can be a bit healthier and quickly get within or out of range of the creatures. Then she will take the Dodge Action for herself.
Bonus Action: Mantle of Inspiration - As a bonus action, I spend one Bardic Inspiration to grant 8 temporary HP up to 4 creatures within 60 ft of me. Each creature can immediately use their reactions to move up to their speed without provoking opportunity attacks
As Aisha was in the lead for this, which may not have been the best place for a ranger, she still knew she had to do something before retreating behind the frontliners.
Once you have the Extra Attack feature, you can make one weapon attack yourself when you command the beast to take the Attack action.
Just had to make sure I could do what I was about to do.
Aisha lets out a sharp whistle, and T'savi bolts from her position next to Aisha at her Mistress' command, Charges, and then Pounces the Naga to the 'right' most side of the room using it's Claw attack Attack: 21 Damage: 11 And must succeed on a DC 12 STR save or be knocked Prone
IF if fails the save Tsavi follows up with its Bite attack as a bonus action for Attack: 25 Damage: 10
Pounce. If the panther moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the panther can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.
Aisha will then use her Extra Attack action, to shoot at the same Naga. Since I do not know the outcome of the Naga's save, the DM will have to Roll it's save, and then roll my attack based on whether or not the target is prone.
But regardless of whether it is prone or not, Tsavi being within 5 feet of it, adds in Sneak Attack to Aisha's damage for an Additional 1d6 IF the attack hits. And imposing disadvantage on "this" Naga's shots since an enemy is in melee range of a ranged attack
After that, Aisha will move back through the party, to the back of the party.
For DM
I was thinking about this as i was posting and making sure I was following the rules to the T.
Going forward, would you like me to check the save of the creature I'm attacking so we don't have to do this every time it becomes actionable? basically I roll the save to see if the creature passes or fails *for* you so I can roll my bow attack or spell if applicable.
Although, as a fellow DM, I can understand why you might say no. Throwing this out as an Idea to streamline my posts and save you work, but I also understand you wanting me to not see the enemy sheet.
(OOC - Also question, do Tsavi and I share a single bonus action, or do we each have our own?)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Olive is hasted, which I believe doubles her movement to 60 feet. She will use her first 30 feet to run up to where she can see the Nagas and take some shots at the Naga that wasn't attacked.
Attack: 18 Damage: 8
Attack: 25 Damage: 8
Hasted Action: Attack
Attack: 13 Damage: 6
Then she will use her other 30 feet to drop back to the rest of the party.
Jove speaks telepathically to them. "My familiar counts 11 of them. I am not much for combat, but I can fire from a distance. Abraxas's choke point idea isn't so bad. I think Aisha should lead. She and her cat friend could probably get the jump on them. But it is up to you all. I will follow with covering fire and illusions if need be."
--- --- We want Grung! --- ---
~https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=DragonbornDoug ~
I'm pretty good with a bow, so I can shoot them as well and I'm not too bad with a rapier.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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"Aisha," Abraxas says, "if you'll draw them down the stairs, we might be able to surprise them, significantly reducing their threat to us. Of course, if they are not hostile, we can learn what they know about the orb. But either course begins with you conversing with them. What are your thoughts?"
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Aisha smiled, patting Jove on the shoulder, like one would someone questioning a champion in a specific field about how capable they are. You need a demonstration then? she said, parting the group to make sure she had a clear path in the direction they came from before, so as to not risk the noise drawing the attention of their quarry needlessly.
With all-but no preperation. No special posing, or stance, Aisha's eyes focused on the path ahead of her, as she Dashed, with her own natural Feline Agility .. Aisha was so fast, she covered the space of 120 feet in less than six seconds. If she fired an arrow, she could probably get ahead of it and catch it herself. Aisha stood there for just a few moments, before repeating the feat back towards the group, with only a few seconds of recovery between each burst of speed. This time however, barreling into Abraxis on purpose, (Acrobatics? : 23)
The roll so smooth, it doesn't even feel like an impact, as she rolls over him, her left hand on the ground beside him, her right claw softly tracing down his chest as she locks her eye to his and presses very close. Mrr....Satisfied? A playful sparkle in her eye, before she blows him a kiss, rolling off him with ease as she gets back to her feet. helping him back up with a wink.
So if nyo one continues to doubt Aisha's ability to flee as needed, shall we prrroceed? Aisha will attempt to speak to them, and see if we can come to amibable... amicale? Amicable... outcomes yes. That would be preferred... And if nyot, We shall see, yes? Aisha even has a spell prepared for dealing with large numbers of enemies.... So if there are no more concerns, let us proceed.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
If the party inevitably is ready to go forward, the below is how she will proceed. otherwise, ignore this.
Stealth once near the temple for 26. Tsavi waiting outside the Ziggarat, also in stealth 25.
Aisha would proceed up the stairs, and attempt to talk to the Kobolds, saying Hello, this one comes in peace in all of her known languages as fast as she can.
if they seem amiable, and willing to talk, she will. but I can't reply to that yet.
If they seem hostile, Aisha's readied actions will trigger. before they can get into melee range, she will feline agility run away, towards the door, on the first floor. Waiting for them all to be more or less on the stairs, casting Spike Growth in the center of the Kobolds. And if she has enough movement left she will then take cover behind the wall on the outside.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
OOC: So using the entrance to the ziggurat, rather than the stairs, as a choke point? Sounds good because it is probably smaller.
"I am," Abraxas says, "convinced of our feline friend's speed. We should proceed with our plan." He moves outside the building, within 60 feet of the door and 30 feet of Olive, assuming she is willing to have Haste cast upon her. Abraxas tries to perceive geographical features he can hide behind for partial cover (a dune? sandstone formation?), but only within the distances already mentioned.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
OOC: There isn't much for cover outside of the ziggurat for Abraxas, the landscape here has been flat so far.
Aisha creeps back into the ziggurat while T'savi crouches low beside the entrance.
For Aisha:
The kobolds barely react to your presence when you approach from the stairs. If they know any of your languages, they don't show it, and remain silent. Most of them shrink away from you, sharing glances of pure fear between you and the stairs to the third level. None show any signs of aggression.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Harmony looked and saw as the first floor was all barren, but hearing the grumbles and shuffling from upstairs and seeing Aisha go up there. She waited until the other got back, telling them all about the 12 kobolds and how they could all stay at the bottom while she goes and approaches them openly, to try to speak with them. But if they were hostile, she could run away and bring them into a trap like strategically placing pittons for them to step on. She wanted to speak up about how she has abilities and new spells that could help with talking with the kobolds. But it seemed that they would go with that plan, Abraxas talking about using the stairs as a choke-point for if the kobolds chase after her. "Oh, yeah that works. I can shoot a bow too and provide support." Harmony had said back with a nod, watching Aisha now dash so fast and speedy before rolling over Abraxas so smoothly. She quietly clapped at that, amazed at how she did that. Then she heard as Aisha asked if they should proceed with her attempting to speak with the kobolds to get a good outcome, even having a spell to deal with a large number of enemies. Harmony nodded back, taking a position on the bottom steps of the staircase, waiting and hoping that Aisha is still able to speak with the kobolds peacefully.
Aisha swallows hard, licking her lips. So far so good. Clearly, they were afraid of something but she did not yet know what. Keeping one of her ears focused intently on staircase (Hearing perception: 16) She got down on her hands and knee's making her already small frame, smaller. Trying to make herself look as unimposing as possible (Fill in proper +/- 18)
Feeling she was doign a rather good job overall. She coo's and smiles at the nearest one. Putting her fingers over her lips in a 'shhh' and then placing her hands in an 'its ok, I'm not here to harm' manner, like patting the air with both palms. Carefully, in all of her languages, one last time, she would say slowly Aisha is nyot here to hurrt you. Waiting just long enough to see if anything she said triggered a reaction. Aisha is still ready to bolt away at a moments notice.
If they are not receptive in any fashion, she will inform the party that the Kobolds seem non-hostile, and that they are afraid of something on the third floor. But also beware, passing them will mean if whatever they fear controls them, we will then be trapped with a small army behind us.. Just a consideration to rremember.
If the kobolds suddenly do get hostile, she will do what was planned before.
If they seem receptive, she will continue trying to talk to them
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Jove is still watching intently with Caiphon. He is "readying" to notify Aisha telepathically if something is off that she isn't aware of, such as one in the back drawing a weapon that she cannot see. Perception: 10 or Investigation: 11
--- --- We want Grung! --- ---
~https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=DragonbornDoug ~
Abraxas waits, watching and listening for any disturbing sights or sounds: Perception 11
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
For Aisha and Jove:
The kobolds shrink away from Aisha, grouping up in the corners of the room. The few that were sleeping have awakened now, and are similarly cautious. They still look more confused and afraid than receptive. Only one offers, "Duun ack draal," in an unfamiliar language.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Asha sighs, and casts Goodberry. Making 10. And leaving them on the floor as she heads back to bring the rest of the group with her. Telling them that we should probably head upstairs, cautiously.
If/when we get to that point, of some form of combat hasn't started before the stairs, she will check for traps as she goes slowly in stealth.
S-Aisha 15
S-Tsavi 12
Invest: Active (eyes) 10 - Passive 14
Tsavi will keep an eye on the Kobolds as we go up, if we do.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"They don't seem hostile. Perhaps they just took refuge here? Does anyone speak... whatever they speak?" Jove shrugs.
--- --- We want Grung! --- ---
~https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=DragonbornDoug ~
Abraxas isn't sure exactly what is going on, but it seems the kobolds are not a threat. He will cautiously move within hearing distance and greet them in every language he knows: Common, Elvish, Gith, Primordial, Sylvan.
As he moves towards them, he watches for traps and other dangers: 24
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Harmony waited until Aisha came back, telling them that the Kobolds seem non-hostile and apparently afraid of something on the third floor. But she said to be careful since if they pass them, they could end up with a small army behind them as she nodded. So she will follow the others up the stairs, giving a friendly smile and wave to the Kobolds, greeting them in Common and Infernal.
DM Screen:
2
The kobolds within the room on the second floor avert their eyes and keep to the corners of the room as Aisha leads the party past them and up the stairs to the third floor.
The third floor shrinks to a 60 foot square, with another set of stairs above you leading to a fourth floor. This room has also been kept clear of debris, but one wall has a large hole in its side, displaying the red land of Vandyr beyond. Within the room are two snake-like creatures. Their lower halves are that of a snake, long and serpentine, and their scaled arms and head are humanoid, with long fangs and frills. Except for the arms, they resemble small versions of Toril's naga.
Without hesitation, they hiss, drawing shortbows and preparing to assault the intruders.
Initiative:
Abraxas: 9
Aisha: 12
Harmony: 22
Jove: 22 (+5)
Olive: 28 (+5)
Average: 20.6
Naga: 4 (-5)
Naga: 21
Average: 20
Round 1 Order:
Players <=====
Naga
Tracking:
Two naga, one on each side of the room, are 20 feet away from Aisha and T'savi at the top of the steps.
OOC: Since this is Aisha's first combat with us (and I believe even Olive's first combat, as peaceful as Rikirta has been thus far)...
To keep things flowing quickly, I roll initiatives in groups of players and enemies, using the groups' averages as their initiative count. Nat 20s and 1s are a +5 and -5 bonus to a group's initiative total, respectively.
When it is the players' turn, any character can act in any order, then I resolve actions in one go (barring special circumstances). If a player has not posted an action in a round and a full day has passed, I will typically bot them with a safe action to keep things moving (usually a dodge or the attack the character uses most often).
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
(OCC: I'm assuming that we all heard the Nagas hiss, knowing that snakes or something snake-like is up there and going to attack us, even if Aisha and T'savi are the only ones who can see them or do we all see them?)
Harmony was in the middle of the group as they went up the stairs before hearing and/or seeing what seemed to be snake-like creatures on the third floor ready to attack them. "Beat those things up quick!" she called out, using Mantle of Inspiration on everyone so that the others can be a bit healthier and quickly get within or out of range of the creatures. Then she will take the Dodge Action for herself.
Bonus Action: Mantle of Inspiration - As a bonus action, I spend one Bardic Inspiration to grant 8 temporary HP up to 4 creatures within 60 ft of me. Each creature can immediately use their reactions to move up to their speed without provoking opportunity attacks
Action: Dodge
As Aisha was in the lead for this, which may not have been the best place for a ranger, she still knew she had to do something before retreating behind the frontliners.
Once you have the Extra Attack feature, you can make one weapon attack yourself when you command the beast to take the Attack action.
Just had to make sure I could do what I was about to do.
Aisha lets out a sharp whistle, and T'savi bolts from her position next to Aisha at her Mistress' command, Charges, and then Pounces the Naga to the 'right' most side of the room using it's Claw attack Attack: 21 Damage: 11 And must succeed on a DC 12 STR save or be knocked Prone
IF if fails the save Tsavi follows up with its Bite attack as a bonus action for Attack: 25 Damage: 10
Pounce. If the panther moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the panther can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.
Aisha will then use her Extra Attack action, to shoot at the same Naga. Since I do not know the outcome of the Naga's save, the DM will have to Roll it's save, and then roll my attack based on whether or not the target is prone.
But regardless of whether it is prone or not, Tsavi being within 5 feet of it, adds in Sneak Attack to Aisha's damage for an Additional 1d6 IF the attack hits. And imposing disadvantage on "this" Naga's shots since an enemy is in melee range of a ranged attack
After that, Aisha will move back through the party, to the back of the party.
For DM
I was thinking about this as i was posting and making sure I was following the rules to the T.
Going forward, would you like me to check the save of the creature I'm attacking so we don't have to do this every time it becomes actionable? basically I roll the save to see if the creature passes or fails *for* you so I can roll my bow attack or spell if applicable.
Although, as a fellow DM, I can understand why you might say no. Throwing this out as an Idea to streamline my posts and save you work, but I also understand you wanting me to not see the enemy sheet.
(OOC - Also question, do Tsavi and I share a single bonus action, or do we each have our own?)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Olive is hasted, which I believe doubles her movement to 60 feet. She will use her first 30 feet to run up to where she can see the Nagas and take some shots at the Naga that wasn't attacked.
Attack: 18 Damage: 8
Attack: 25 Damage: 8
Hasted Action: Attack
Attack: 13 Damage: 6
Then she will use her other 30 feet to drop back to the rest of the party.
Extra damage because Champions crit on a 19: 1
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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