Since uncovering the scarred beholder within the Lonely Tower, the city of Sundabar has been under an invisible siege; traitors and informants allied with the mysterious force mentioned by the beholder are thick within the city. Captain Roccar, the de facto Watchblade since Rowan's betrayal at Devilsfall, has called upon the party to assist with the unfolding events, working with them separately to conduct his hidden war.
The forces of Sundabar are led by two: Ser Mary Glendale, the Warblade, in charge of the city's martial forces, and Captain Roccar, the de facto Watchblade, responsible for identifying hidden threats from without and within. Roccar has replaced the traitor Rowan, who was responsible for an assassination attempt during the recent Devilsfall Pact.
The Tower of the Shieldsar looms high over the Master's Hall, a familiar airship floating moored to the highest point. From the windows of the tower, the fortress-like city of Sundabar sprawls below. It is here that the party waits to meet with Captain Roccar. It has been quite some time since Roccar has asked the party to meet as a whole, rather than individually; it has been months since the party was last gathered in full. Oddly, Roccar specifically requested that Ser Mary Glendale not be informed of the meeting.
Our Party:
Aradurk: Half-Orc Fighter (Battle Master) Karst: Scourge Aasimar Paladin (Oath of Vengeance) Rycider Pillerton: Human Bard (College of Lore) Tanakir Dreiden: Fire Genasi Paladin/Warlock (Oathbreaker/The Celestial) Wes Fiddletum: Rock Gnome Wizard (School of Transmutation)
OOC: Take a moment to re-introduce your characters to each other and talk about what your characters have been up to (everyone has been assisting Roccar with various things in and out of Sundabar, feel free to flavor it up however you think your character would be utilized).
Rycider is wearing the elaborate dress of a Sundabar noble, that with her dominant height and large frame, must have been made to order. (Think Christina Hendricks and Gwendoline Christie had a child)
She greets each of you with a warm kiss on the cheek.
Y'all look well. Ah see you been workin' on your brooding Master Tanny. She crouches down next to Wes;
And where is mah Precocious Petunia? Should she appear she will give her vigorous pats.
You all see the grizzled half-orc form stepping into the room. He smiles wistfully at the faces in the room, pausing longer on Karst and Tanakir, gauging their expressions.
"Glad to see everyone is still alive. Anyone hear much about why Roc called us in?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A) Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter -Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5) Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
"Good to see you too, my friends." Karst smiles, the effect as always made strange by the pure white eyes taking any warmth from the act. "It has been a long time, has it not? My road has been full of danger and adventure, I have done much and yet I feel there is still much to do." The paladin stands easily battle axe in easy reach, dark splint mail and his shield with the faces looking in opposite directions showing his service to Hoar, God of Vengeance. The pack on his back looks like he has just returned from the road and his clothes seem a little travel stained. He still radiates the Divine power of his god and now seems to give of a feeling of strength the others can draw from too, bolstering them.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
The stumpy gnome grumbles something under his breath, not angrily so but the months of working alone hasn’t done anything good for his social skills. A grease mark across his face. A jingle of nuts and bolts erupt as Petunia flies out the his chest pocket of his cloak. Now an owl, bright orange feathers form a mane down towards the brown/copper body. Two white legs stick out to land on Rycider’s arm. Hooting and nestling into her friend. “Why yes, Petunia isn’t the only one to see old friends.” As he pats Rycider after the kiss. Then Looking at Aradurk “I think I’ll hide behind you this time, Ha!”
"Given my penchance for injuries, you might want to reconsider that", pulling up his armor and displaying the criss-cross of burns and scars, Aradurk retorts to Wes. "You had any sunlight lately, my friend?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A) Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter -Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5) Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
Tanakir looks at Rycider and gives her a small smile, "Ah yes, I've actually been working on the opposite. This city has many troubles and a smile might alleviate some of them. Perhaps I could take a few pointers from your cheery attitude."
As he considers for a second, "But only a few."
He looks around the room and nods, "It is good to see you all again, although I fear that this meeting means that things are coming to a head. We will probably have much strife in the days to come."
Tanakir looks more or less the same aside from his equipment. His previous weapons are still on his person, but he also bears a club and quarterstaff, as well as a shield with the symbol of Helm painted on it. The demonic brand on his forehead appears untouched, but at moments it appears to flicker and disappear before reasserting its presence.
“Hmm yes, the sun. I’ve scheduled time outside from four twenty three to five seventeen every evening to give Petunia here tome to spread her wings daily.” As he climbs up onto a stool to sit down.
OOC: Each character has received 100 XP for the introductions, which serve as the first "social encounter" of the adventure, small sections within these adventures where the direction the story leads is particularly affected by character responses.
Suddenly a massive explosion rocks the fortress. The walls shake, loosening dust from the rafters that falls upon the party, pestering your eyes and lungs.
A metallic voice speaks, "Denorian." Multiple voices echo, "Denorian."
When the dust settles, you see a large hole in the side of the tower that reveals five Large metal constructs bashing through Captain Roccar's guards in the courtyard. They chant "Denorian" repeatedly, and they are not alone. From the side of the tower, five more metal constructs climb up, intoning "Denorian" as they lift themselves into the room with you.
The constructs are nearly ten feet tall, and covered in metallic armor. Whatever voices they are speaking with originate from somewhere hidden in the shadows of large helmets.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ricky was petting the pretty owl when the explosion rocks the tower. Out of instinct, Rycider covers Purtunia with her arm to protect her from the falling debris, but of course the familiar has already disappeared into her pocket dimension.
Rycinder tries to recall if she knows the name Denorian from her recent adventures in the courts and hidden parties of Sundabar.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(OOC: are they clustered together? How far apart are they?).
Seeing a group of at least 2-3 enter the window of the room. Wes runs behind Aradurk, but on his way pulls out his wand and taps it on his “body guards” armor sending the spell shatter ringing out at the constructs.
Shatter at 3rd level for 4d8 damage. Con save of 16 at disadvantage for them being constructs. 12 thunder damage, half on save.
"Well it's nice to see you all again, back to business as usual I guess". Karst pulls the battleaxe from it's harness and takes a defensive stance (Dodge) in a central position while the creatures are entering "Stay close, Hoar will protect us all."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Aradurk sighs heavy, steps up into a defensive posture, set into a line about 5 feet from Karst and Tanakir, shield and long sword at the ready.
“Who has sent you and for what? What are you creatures and what are the Denorians you seek”, Aradurk asks the strange creatures, hoping to ger them talking while he uses Know Your Enemy to learn something about them.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A) Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter -Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5) Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
OOC: I know they're a pain but could we possibly get a grid map for encounters like this? Just so we have an idea where everything is. I'm a visual type ;)
OOC: I'm a fan of grids myself in person, but they create a little too much overhead for me in PbP; it gives everyone another place to check and update for every post, and when I have tried it, it's actually tended to cause more confusion and turn combat into a slog, because questions that can be answered quickly in person can take up to an entire day to be sorted up.
DM Screen:
126 150 139 141 147
135/146 108/131 141/141 134/134 149/149
Shield Guardian CON Save:5 Shield Guardian CON Save:11 Shield Guardian CON Save:14 Shield Guardian CON Save:9 Shield Guardian CON Save:5(OOC: I'm dumb, these things are Large, shatter is only big enough to hit two.)
Rycider remembers that "Denorian" had been mentioned by Fumbles and the beholder in the Lonely Tower. "What is Denorian's real plan?" "Both Denorians prepare for the descent."
Wes has just enough time before the constructs finish their ascent to send a shattering blast of sound in their center. Tanakir imbues his club with magical energy.
The first two constructs to enter the tower are rocked, nearly being sent back out of the tower by the force of Wes's spell. They continue to advance at the same pace, responding to no questions, still repeating, "Denorian".
The massive constructs fill most of the room with their bulk. They fully block the new hole created in the side of the tower. The only other exit to the room is the door you came in through, which leads down a long 10-foot wide hallway.
Round 1 Order: Players <===== Enemies
Tracking: Five shield guardians have entered the tower. Two are slightly wounded. All participants are within range of one another.
Rycider will cast Invisibility on herself and disappear. She makes her way to the hallway and as she passes Tanakir she whispers in his ear with a voice made of flame.
"Hold them here, protect the others." Karst stands shoulder to shoulder with Tanakir at the entrance to the corridor channeling a divine spark and bolstering Tanakir and Aradurk as well as himself.
Since uncovering the scarred beholder within the Lonely Tower, the city of Sundabar has been under an invisible siege; traitors and informants allied with the mysterious force mentioned by the beholder are thick within the city. Captain Roccar, the de facto Watchblade since Rowan's betrayal at Devilsfall, has called upon the party to assist with the unfolding events, working with them separately to conduct his hidden war.
The forces of Sundabar are led by two: Ser Mary Glendale, the Warblade, in charge of the city's martial forces, and Captain Roccar, the de facto Watchblade, responsible for identifying hidden threats from without and within. Roccar has replaced the traitor Rowan, who was responsible for an assassination attempt during the recent Devilsfall Pact.
The Tower of the Shieldsar looms high over the Master's Hall, a familiar airship floating moored to the highest point. From the windows of the tower, the fortress-like city of Sundabar sprawls below. It is here that the party waits to meet with Captain Roccar. It has been quite some time since Roccar has asked the party to meet as a whole, rather than individually; it has been months since the party was last gathered in full. Oddly, Roccar specifically requested that Ser Mary Glendale not be informed of the meeting.
Our Party:
Aradurk: Half-Orc Fighter (Battle Master)
Karst: Scourge Aasimar Paladin (Oath of Vengeance)
Rycider Pillerton: Human Bard (College of Lore)
Tanakir Dreiden: Fire Genasi Paladin/Warlock (Oathbreaker/The Celestial)
Wes Fiddletum: Rock Gnome Wizard (School of Transmutation)
OOC: Take a moment to re-introduce your characters to each other and talk about what your characters have been up to (everyone has been assisting Roccar with various things in and out of Sundabar, feel free to flavor it up however you think your character would be utilized).
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Well if it ain't mah beautiful boys!
Rycider is wearing the elaborate dress of a Sundabar noble, that with her dominant height and large frame, must have been made to order. (Think Christina Hendricks and Gwendoline Christie had a child)
She greets each of you with a warm kiss on the cheek.
Y'all look well. Ah see you been workin' on your brooding Master Tanny. She crouches down next to Wes;
And where is mah Precocious Petunia? Should she appear she will give her vigorous pats.
How have y'all fared?
"Your charms are working overtime as always Ry."
You all see the grizzled half-orc form stepping into the room. He smiles wistfully at the faces in the room, pausing longer on Karst and Tanakir, gauging their expressions.
"Glad to see everyone is still alive. Anyone hear much about why Roc called us in?"
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
"Good to see you too, my friends." Karst smiles, the effect as always made strange by the pure white eyes taking any warmth from the act. "It has been a long time, has it not? My road has been full of danger and adventure, I have done much and yet I feel there is still much to do." The paladin stands easily battle axe in easy reach, dark splint mail and his shield with the faces looking in opposite directions showing his service to Hoar, God of Vengeance. The pack on his back looks like he has just returned from the road and his clothes seem a little travel stained. He still radiates the Divine power of his god and now seems to give of a feeling of strength the others can draw from too, bolstering them.
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
The stumpy gnome grumbles something under his breath, not angrily so but the months of working alone hasn’t done anything good for his social skills. A grease mark across his face. A jingle of nuts and bolts erupt as Petunia flies out the his chest pocket of his cloak. Now an owl, bright orange feathers form a mane down towards the brown/copper body. Two white legs stick out to land on Rycider’s arm. Hooting and nestling into her friend. “Why yes, Petunia isn’t the only one to see old friends.” As he pats Rycider after the kiss. Then Looking at Aradurk “I think I’ll hide behind you this time, Ha!”
"Given my penchance for injuries, you might want to reconsider that", pulling up his armor and displaying the criss-cross of burns and scars, Aradurk retorts to Wes. "You had any sunlight lately, my friend?"
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
Tanakir looks at Rycider and gives her a small smile, "Ah yes, I've actually been working on the opposite. This city has many troubles and a smile might alleviate some of them. Perhaps I could take a few pointers from your cheery attitude."
As he considers for a second, "But only a few."
He looks around the room and nods, "It is good to see you all again, although I fear that this meeting means that things are coming to a head. We will probably have much strife in the days to come."
Tanakir looks more or less the same aside from his equipment. His previous weapons are still on his person, but he also bears a club and quarterstaff, as well as a shield with the symbol of Helm painted on it. The demonic brand on his forehead appears untouched, but at moments it appears to flicker and disappear before reasserting its presence.
“Hmm yes, the sun. I’ve scheduled time outside from four twenty three to five seventeen every evening to give Petunia here tome to spread her wings daily.” As he climbs up onto a stool to sit down.
OOC: Each character has received 100 XP for the introductions, which serve as the first "social encounter" of the adventure, small sections within these adventures where the direction the story leads is particularly affected by character responses.
Suddenly a massive explosion rocks the fortress. The walls shake, loosening dust from the rafters that falls upon the party, pestering your eyes and lungs.
A metallic voice speaks, "Denorian." Multiple voices echo, "Denorian."
When the dust settles, you see a large hole in the side of the tower that reveals five Large metal constructs bashing through Captain Roccar's guards in the courtyard. They chant "Denorian" repeatedly, and they are not alone. From the side of the tower, five more metal constructs climb up, intoning "Denorian" as they lift themselves into the room with you.
The constructs are nearly ten feet tall, and covered in metallic armor. Whatever voices they are speaking with originate from somewhere hidden in the shadows of large helmets.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Ricky was petting the pretty owl when the explosion rocks the tower. Out of instinct, Rycider covers Purtunia with her arm to protect her from the falling debris, but of course the familiar has already disappeared into her pocket dimension.
Rycinder tries to recall if she knows the name Denorian from her recent adventures in the courts and hidden parties of Sundabar.
History: 12
(OOC: are they clustered together? How far apart are they?).
Seeing a group of at least 2-3 enter the window of the room. Wes runs behind Aradurk, but on his way pulls out his wand and taps it on his “body guards” armor sending the spell shatter ringing out at the constructs.
Shatter at 3rd level for 4d8 damage. Con save of 16 at disadvantage for them being constructs. 12 thunder damage, half on save.
"Well it's nice to see you all again, back to business as usual I guess". Karst pulls the battleaxe from it's harness and takes a defensive stance (Dodge) in a central position while the creatures are entering "Stay close, Hoar will protect us all."
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
Aradurk sighs heavy, steps up into a defensive posture, set into a line about 5 feet from Karst and Tanakir, shield and long sword at the ready.
“Who has sent you and for what? What are you creatures and what are the Denorians you seek”, Aradurk asks the strange creatures, hoping to ger them talking while he uses Know Your Enemy to learn something about them.
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
"Denorian... That's the name that Fumbles was asking the creature for. He obviously knew something important that he didn't tell us."
Tanakir prepares to face off against the constructs, shield in one hand and shillelaghed club in the other.
OOC: I know they're a pain but could we possibly get a grid map for encounters like this? Just so we have an idea where everything is. I'm a visual type ;)
OOC: I'm a fan of grids myself in person, but they create a little too much overhead for me in PbP; it gives everyone another place to check and update for every post, and when I have tried it, it's actually tended to cause more confusion and turn combat into a slog, because questions that can be answered quickly in person can take up to an entire day to be sorted up.
DM Screen:
126
150
139
141
147
135/146
108/131
141/141
134/134
149/149
Shield Guardian CON Save: 5
Shield Guardian CON Save: 11
Shield Guardian CON Save: 14Shield Guardian CON Save: 9Shield Guardian CON Save: 5(OOC: I'm dumb, these things are Large, shatter is only big enough to hit two.)Rycider remembers that "Denorian" had been mentioned by Fumbles and the beholder in the Lonely Tower. "What is Denorian's real plan?" "Both Denorians prepare for the descent."
Wes has just enough time before the constructs finish their ascent to send a shattering blast of sound in their center. Tanakir imbues his club with magical energy.
Initiative:
Aradurk: 19
Karst: 11
Rycider: 19
Tanakir: 10
Wes: 5
Average: 12.6
Shield Guardian: 14
Shield Guardian: 5 (-5)
Shield Guardian: 11
Shield Guardian: 15
Shield Guardian: 8
Average: 7.2
Wes Shatter: 16
The first two constructs to enter the tower are rocked, nearly being sent back out of the tower by the force of Wes's spell. They continue to advance at the same pace, responding to no questions, still repeating, "Denorian".
The massive constructs fill most of the room with their bulk. They fully block the new hole created in the side of the tower. The only other exit to the room is the door you came in through, which leads down a long 10-foot wide hallway.
Round 1 Order:
Players <=====
Enemies
Tracking:
Five shield guardians have entered the tower. Two are slightly wounded.
All participants are within range of one another.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Wes will use is action to disengage and run down the hall. Petunia appearing on his shoulder as he creates some distance between him and the machines.
“Retreat into the hall, we will force them through the choke.”
Tanakir brings his hands together and covers the shield guardians in a sheet of flame
(DC 15 Dex save for half of 15 fire damage)
(Tanakir will move to the front of the formation if he needs to, to avoid hitting his allies)
Rycider will cast Invisibility on herself and disappear. She makes her way to the hallway and as she passes Tanakir she whispers in his ear with a voice made of flame.
Burn Them All
Bardic Inspiration as a bonus action
"Hold them here, protect the others." Karst stands shoulder to shoulder with Tanakir at the entrance to the corridor channeling a divine spark and bolstering Tanakir and Aradurk as well as himself.
Casts Aid
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales