Brevigmanages to catch Donir's bracelet behind his shield and snap it onto his right wrist. Holy runes continue to circle him, gaining speed and starting to blur as the Aasimar leaps forward at Gwin's side. Concealed from the troll by the paladin's body, his morning star's spiked steel spheres respond to Brevig's practiced movements and begin to spin in slow circles upon their chains as the warrior finds their rhythm. He messages to Ashento to 'protect the horses...and yourself.'
Action: dash to L9 or thereabouts.
Free Action: Telepathic instructions to Ashento: move to Q8 and prepare to charge. Also, 'relay' what Brevig sees, the troll, which the elk probably can't see due to darkness.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
Gwin remains in her spot and in a moment has produced from her cloak what appears to be a handful of dried flowers (on closer inspection, lavender). Muttering to herself she seems to be repeating the same words over and over again with the flowers clutched to her chest in both hands. Vanish, vanish, creature be banished. Vanish, vanish, creature be banished. Vanish, vanish, creature be banished. As she continues to repeat the incantation her arms gradually open and raise until they are parallel with her shoulders, palms upward, releasing the flowers to the elements and Tyr’s will. With a final "banished" the lavender is carried across the water until it's circling above the river troll's head. Turning to the others with a wink, the wee cleric brushes her hands together as if shaking off some dirt.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
CHA save for troll: 11
Gwin's voice falls silent and a momentary bit of suspense falls upon the party as they wait to behold the troll's fate. The grotesque giant takes one more step and suddenly vanishes altogether. The fish it had been carrying splash softly into the river, the only evidence that the troll had ever been there.
(No need to continue tracking melee rounds at this point because there are currently no combatants. The banished troll will return in 1 minute or when Gwin's concentration is broken, whichever occurs first)
Fargoth jogs out of the cave, bow at the ready, but sees nothing threatening in the vicinity, and lowers his weapon. He conveys his findings quietly to the group. “One troll, one hag-giant, no child. Both are unaware of our presence.”
The elf looks round the group for a plan of action.
Patrin spins to look at Gwin, looking somewhat aghast. ‘I hope you have more of those, because we’ll need it for the troll inside, not this one. Hags are truly challenging opponents, frequently able to shake off the most powerful spells - we will need to be able to concentrate our attention on it... Now please drop your spell once the warriors are in position, if you can, so we can dispatch this troll safely before we have to encounter the others.’
Brevigcalls Ashento to him, mounts the great elk, and prepares to charge the troll when it reappears. "The question now is how long it will take the creatures inside the cave to hear us battling." To Patrin, he continues, "if a silence spell is in your repertoire, now would be a good time."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
Patrin waves a hand in between him and the tunnel, and suddenly a slightly louder version of the river's burbling sound is emanating from that direction.
'That's the best I can do on that front - hopefully if will interfere with any sounds we, or the troll, makes.' he replies 'Umm, no battle cries please, let's make as little noise as possible...' he addresses to the group as a whole...
Patrin has cast Minor Illusion to interpose the sound of the river in between the imminent combat and the cave, in the hopes it will help mask any sounds...
"Take up positions, let's not give it a chance when it reappears." The wood elf makes his way south along the side of the hill, before taking up a position facing upstream (R12), and nocking an arrow to his bow.
Using Ready as an action, will fire on the troll as soon as it appears.
Donir stands not too far away from where the troll disappeared, and fumbles around in his bag again. He pulls out a flask of some greenish liquid and fits it into a slot in his left shoulder. He flips open a panel next to the slot and a small handle extends, which he begins vigorously pumping in and out, building up pressure. As he pumps, some of the liquid drains away into his suit, and after a few seconds he hides the handle again and puts away the flask. A small nozzle extends from his gauntleted hand, which he points at the empty space where the troll once stood, making sure to angle himself so he's not facing towards any party members.
"This'll sting 'im good! Just stay out of my way when I spring it, don't want to melt your eyes out."
(Readying tasha's caustic brew, standing around 10 feet from the troll(preferably in its path) and making himself the obvious target.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Gwin makes eye contact with her companions. As they each give a nod in readiness she drops her arms and draws the troll back to this plane while simultaneously backing up a bit (P10) to steer clear of Donir's attack.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ashento waits for Donir’s spell and Fargoth’s arrow to strike first, then charges the troll. Mounted upon the steed, when he is in range, Brevigleans forward, smashing away the troll’s right arm with his shield, and bringing his morning star up and over to pulverize its left arm. If the spiked steel spheres hit, divine radiance explodes from the impact.
Ashento
Move to I-7 or I-6 to Ram, and allow Brevig to attack while mounted.
Ram. +5 to hit (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning. Attack: 19 / Damage: 4 Charge damage (add): 8
Charge. If the elk moves at least 20 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a ram attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra (2d6) damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If knocked prone:
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Patrin launches his attack as soon as the troll reappears. Again, two crackling bolts of gold and silver coruscating energy leap out towards the troll.
Forgot I had Elven Accuracy, another attack roll (providing I had advantage):
8
Having not seen where the troll disappeared, Fargoth keeps an eye on the others, and manages to be aiming in roughly the right place when it materialises, releasing his arrow the moment he sees it.
The troll was banished in round 2, and I'm ruling that the five of you needed the remainder of that round and all of round 3 to collaborate and position yourselves for the troll's reappearance. Additionally, the troll will not take any actions in the round it reappears (the twelve-second round-trip to a harmless but incapacitating demiplane leaves it a bit unprepared for taking immediate action when it returns, in my estimation). So, the map below represents the locations of everyone at the beginning of round 4.
Round 4 actions for Fargothand Patrin are reflected in this post. Round 4 actions for Donir,Gwin, and Brevig remain. Brevig's and Ashento's actions, as stated above in post #111, will occur after Donir's. Although Donir's intent has been stated (casting Tasha's Caustic Brew, we need to see the level at which the artificer will be casting the spell). Gwin's action hasn't yet been declared; so she may attack whenever she sees fit.
NOTES:
The series of lines in the tunnel represent the location of Patrin's Minor Illusion, which is broadcasting those pleasant ambient river sounds.
The four oblong shapes represent horses. There's no marker for Ashento currently because he and Brevig are one, so to speak.
I've removed the markers for the other troll and the hag to reflect that the party doesn't truly know where those two creatures are.
I just realized the map has Fargoth at Q12, rather than R12, as requested. Sorry about that.
And let this be the longest spoiler I'll ever need to compose!
64 , 35
Entirely bewildered, the hapless troll reappears in the midst of the river. Before the giant can assess its circumstances, it is struck violently by an arrow from Fargoth's bow and another blast of crackling energy from Patrin. The creature's confusion gives way to fury, and its rage-filled eyes fall upon Donir, who stands a few feet away, and then upon Brevig, who sits astride Ashento, ready to charge...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As soon as the troll reappears, the cleric is ready. Wrinkling her nose with determination, Gwin's fingers produce light that speeds toward the angry monster. Seek your target fast and true!
Guiding Bolt: 19 If successful, radiant damage: 23
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Saving throws (and potential damage) for troll:
DC 17 DEX save vs Donir's spell: 21 (suffers 8 acid damage if unsuccessful)
DC 13 STR save vs. Ashento's charge: 11
57, 13
The ill intent the troll has for its foes is never realized. After the damage caused by Patrin and Fargoth, the troll is blasted in quick succession by spells from Gwin and Donir. Reeling from the combination of radiant energy and acid, the two-headed monster becomes an easy target for Ashento's horns and hooves. The troll slumps lifelessly into the river, and Brevig lowers his morning star as he realizes the battle has ended. The waters of the Rauvin are just deep enough to make the troll's body disappear from view.
Total damage to the troll was as follows:
11 force from Patrin's spell
21 piercing from Fargoth's arrow
27 radiant from Gwin's spell
12 acid from Donir's spell
27 bludgeoning from Ashento's ram, charge, and hooves
Brevig urges Ashento back toward the corridor entrance while praising the celestial steed. When he arrives to the elf, he asks, "Fargoth, is there room for Ashento where the other troll and the hag await us?" To all, he asks, arching an eyebrow down the corridor,"Shall we?"
If Fargoth answers yes, Brevig remains mounted. If no, he dismounts.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
Yes, yes, excellent question, Brevig. I also wonder, Fargoth, did you see a canyon exit on the other side of where the hag and other troll were? Given that I'm not exactly the stealthiest of dwarves I'm wondering if we can hedge them in on either side, while still maintaining an element of surprise. With these final words Gwin rubs her invisible beard in contemplation.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
The elf listens to the various questions as he produces another arrow from his quiver, strapped tightly to the small of his back at an angle, the arrow fletchings poking out from the side of his cloak.
"15-20ft across at its narrowest point, so the pair of you should fit. The path is a dog-leg, left then right, then a sharp right to where I last saw our quarry."
He shakes his head at Brevig's question. "It's a cave, that I could see. Perhaps we should not be entering the den of the beasts, so to speak, but instead luring them out to ambush? One of your illusions, Patrin, mimicking the cry of the troll?"
Brevig manages to catch Donir's bracelet behind his shield and snap it onto his right wrist. Holy runes continue to circle him, gaining speed and starting to blur as the Aasimar leaps forward at Gwin's side. Concealed from the troll by the paladin's body, his morning star's spiked steel spheres respond to Brevig's practiced movements and begin to spin in slow circles upon their chains as the warrior finds their rhythm. He messages to Ashento to 'protect the horses...and yourself.'
Action: dash to L9 or thereabouts.
Free Action: Telepathic instructions to Ashento: move to Q8 and prepare to charge. Also, 'relay' what Brevig sees, the troll, which the elk probably can't see due to darkness.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
Gwin remains in her spot and in a moment has produced from her cloak what appears to be a handful of dried flowers (on closer inspection, lavender). Muttering to herself she seems to be repeating the same words over and over again with the flowers clutched to her chest in both hands. Vanish, vanish, creature be banished. Vanish, vanish, creature be banished. Vanish, vanish, creature be banished. As she continues to repeat the incantation her arms gradually open and raise until they are parallel with her shoulders, palms upward, releasing the flowers to the elements and Tyr’s will. With a final "banished" the lavender is carried across the water until it's circling above the river troll's head. Turning to the others with a wink, the wee cleric brushes her hands together as if shaking off some dirt.
Banishment
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
CHA save for troll: 11
Gwin's voice falls silent and a momentary bit of suspense falls upon the party as they wait to behold the troll's fate. The grotesque giant takes one more step and suddenly vanishes altogether. The fish it had been carrying splash softly into the river, the only evidence that the troll had ever been there.
(No need to continue tracking melee rounds at this point because there are currently no combatants. The banished troll will return in 1 minute or when Gwin's concentration is broken, whichever occurs first)
Fargoth jogs out of the cave, bow at the ready, but sees nothing threatening in the vicinity, and lowers his weapon. He conveys his findings quietly to the group. “One troll, one hag-giant, no child. Both are unaware of our presence.”
The elf looks round the group for a plan of action.
Patrin spins to look at Gwin, looking somewhat aghast. ‘I hope you have more of those, because we’ll need it for the troll inside, not this one. Hags are truly challenging opponents, frequently able to shake off the most powerful spells - we will need to be able to concentrate our attention on it... Now please drop your spell once the warriors are in position, if you can, so we can dispatch this troll safely before we have to encounter the others.’
Patrin readies himself for the troll’s return.
Brevig calls Ashento to him, mounts the great elk, and prepares to charge the troll when it reappears. "The question now is how long it will take the creatures inside the cave to hear us battling." To Patrin, he continues, "if a silence spell is in your repertoire, now would be a good time."
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
Patrin waves a hand in between him and the tunnel, and suddenly a slightly louder version of the river's burbling sound is emanating from that direction.
'That's the best I can do on that front - hopefully if will interfere with any sounds we, or the troll, makes.' he replies 'Umm, no battle cries please, let's make as little noise as possible...' he addresses to the group as a whole...
Patrin has cast Minor Illusion to interpose the sound of the river in between the imminent combat and the cave, in the hopes it will help mask any sounds...
"Take up positions, let's not give it a chance when it reappears." The wood elf makes his way south along the side of the hill, before taking up a position facing upstream (R12), and nocking an arrow to his bow.
Using Ready as an action, will fire on the troll as soon as it appears.
Donir stands not too far away from where the troll disappeared, and fumbles around in his bag again. He pulls out a flask of some greenish liquid and fits it into a slot in his left shoulder. He flips open a panel next to the slot and a small handle extends, which he begins vigorously pumping in and out, building up pressure. As he pumps, some of the liquid drains away into his suit, and after a few seconds he hides the handle again and puts away the flask. A small nozzle extends from his gauntleted hand, which he points at the empty space where the troll once stood, making sure to angle himself so he's not facing towards any party members.
"This'll sting 'im good! Just stay out of my way when I spring it, don't want to melt your eyes out."
(Readying tasha's caustic brew, standing around 10 feet from the troll(preferably in its path) and making himself the obvious target.)
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Gwin makes eye contact with her companions. As they each give a nod in readiness she drops her arms and draws the troll back to this plane while simultaneously backing up a bit (P10) to steer clear of Donir's attack.
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Ashento waits for Donir’s spell and Fargoth’s arrow to strike first, then charges the troll. Mounted upon the steed, when he is in range, Brevig leans forward, smashing away the troll’s right arm with his shield, and bringing his morning star up and over to pulverize its left arm. If the spiked steel spheres hit, divine radiance explodes from the impact.
Ashento
Move to I-7 or I-6 to Ram, and allow Brevig to attack while mounted.
Ram. +5 to hit (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning. Attack: 19 / Damage: 4 Charge damage (add): 8
Charge. If the elk moves at least 20 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a ram attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra (2d6) damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If knocked prone:
Hooves. +5 to hit, (2d4 + 3) bludgeoning. Attack: 22 / damage: 7
Brevig
Move: (now at I-7 or I-6 mounted on Ashento)
Attack: Morning star. Attack 12 / Damage 7
Extra Attack: Morning star. Attack 19 / Damage 5
If either attack misses, then use 1 Luck die to reroll that attack. Here are the potential rerolls: 12 / 15
Free Actions: 2nd level Divine Smite for each attack which hits: Add to 1st hit damage (if applicable): 8 / Add to 2nd hit damage (if applicable): 16
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
Patrin launches his attack as soon as the troll reappears. Again, two crackling bolts of gold and silver coruscating energy leap out towards the troll.
Initiative, when needed: 18
Attack 1: 27 Damage: 14
Attack 2: 17 Damage: 8
Attack: 22
Damage: 6
Sneak: 15
Forgot I had Elven Accuracy, another attack roll (providing I had advantage):
8
Having not seen where the troll disappeared, Fargoth keeps an eye on the others, and manages to be aiming in roughly the right place when it materialises, releasing his arrow the moment he sees it.
The troll was banished in round 2, and I'm ruling that the five of you needed the remainder of that round and all of round 3 to collaborate and position yourselves for the troll's reappearance. Additionally, the troll will not take any actions in the round it reappears (the twelve-second round-trip to a harmless but incapacitating demiplane leaves it a bit unprepared for taking immediate action when it returns, in my estimation). So, the map below represents the locations of everyone at the beginning of round 4.
Round 4 actions for Fargoth and Patrin are reflected in this post. Round 4 actions for Donir, Gwin, and Brevig remain. Brevig's and Ashento's actions, as stated above in post #111, will occur after Donir's. Although Donir's intent has been stated (casting Tasha's Caustic Brew, we need to see the level at which the artificer will be casting the spell). Gwin's action hasn't yet been declared; so she may attack whenever she sees fit.
NOTES:
64 , 35
Entirely bewildered, the hapless troll reappears in the midst of the river. Before the giant can assess its circumstances, it is struck violently by an arrow from Fargoth's bow and another blast of crackling energy from Patrin. The creature's confusion gives way to fury, and its rage-filled eyes fall upon Donir, who stands a few feet away, and then upon Brevig, who sits astride Ashento, ready to charge...
As soon as the troll reappears, the cleric is ready. Wrinkling her nose with determination, Gwin's fingers produce light that speeds toward the angry monster. Seek your target fast and true!
Guiding Bolt: 19 If successful, radiant damage: 23
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Saving throws (and potential damage) for troll:
57, 13
The ill intent the troll has for its foes is never realized. After the damage caused by Patrin and Fargoth, the troll is blasted in quick succession by spells from Gwin and Donir. Reeling from the combination of radiant energy and acid, the two-headed monster becomes an easy target for Ashento's horns and hooves. The troll slumps lifelessly into the river, and Brevig lowers his morning star as he realizes the battle has ended. The waters of the Rauvin are just deep enough to make the troll's body disappear from view.
Total damage to the troll was as follows:
Brevig urges Ashento back toward the corridor entrance while praising the celestial steed. When he arrives to the elf, he asks, "Fargoth, is there room for Ashento where the other troll and the hag await us?" To all, he asks, arching an eyebrow down the corridor, "Shall we?"
If Fargoth answers yes, Brevig remains mounted. If no, he dismounts.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
"I see no reason why we ought to not! If the rest fall as easily as this one, we'll have no issues."
Donir begins trotting up to the entrance of the cave, waiting for the others to follow.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Yes, yes, excellent question, Brevig. I also wonder, Fargoth, did you see a canyon exit on the other side of where the hag and other troll were? Given that I'm not exactly the stealthiest of dwarves I'm wondering if we can hedge them in on either side, while still maintaining an element of surprise. With these final words Gwin rubs her invisible beard in contemplation.
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
The elf listens to the various questions as he produces another arrow from his quiver, strapped tightly to the small of his back at an angle, the arrow fletchings poking out from the side of his cloak.
"15-20ft across at its narrowest point, so the pair of you should fit. The path is a dog-leg, left then right, then a sharp right to where I last saw our quarry."
He shakes his head at Brevig's question. "It's a cave, that I could see. Perhaps we should not be entering the den of the beasts, so to speak, but instead luring them out to ambush? One of your illusions, Patrin, mimicking the cry of the troll?"