Artemis Initiative: 17

Initiative
Lilly | M | Arty | KD | Onu | Deme

Lilly was more than ready to kick start things from KD’s prompt! The halfling flings a wildly accurate fire bolt. It streaks through the sky, pelting the creature in the rump.

Initiative
Lilly | M | Arty | KD | Onu | Deme

A lion like head rears in your direction and lets out an angry roar, echoeing through the field. It’d huff with its eyes darting amongst you all. Digging its claws into the ground, the catlike creatures tail would begin to flick back and forth. It was ready to play.

One scuff. Two scuff. It was not going anywhere. Fortifying its stance, the feline rounds up and then with a full body motion it whips it’s tail, snapping it in your direction. Harbouring a cluster of deadly spikes, it releases three towards you!

Attacks (3 Tail Spikes)

On Lilly: 16 Damage: 9 
On KD: 6 Damage: 11 
On Onu: 21 Damage: 8 

Initiative
Lilly | M | Arty | KD | Onu | Deme

Roll call: Arty > KD (keeping previous post) > Onu > Deme

(‘Meredith’(Nemo): 6 Will apply if/when we hear from them)

Onu continues his implacable advance, resisting the urge to wince as the spike slammed into the ground 20 feet in front of him.  Instead, he strolled forward at his normal walking pace, advancing 30 feet or so on the foul creature.  He made no attempt to zig or zag, just calmly walked forward with his walking stick at his side.

His eyes were neither calm nor as focused.  They darted this way and that, desperately seeking out any bit of cover he might be able to find, anything at all he could use to his advantage, anywhere he might be able to hide when the next round of missiles came at him.

(Posting to provide a map update)

Initiative
Lilly | M | Arty | KD | Onu | Deme

Roll call: Arty > KD (keeping previous post) > Onu > Deme

(‘Meredith’(Nemo): 18 Will apply if/when we hear from them)

Map Update
(Note: Reflects Onu's turn/move. Other positions assumed. Correct me if needed.)

Not having any way to attack the creature from this far of a distance, Demetrios will advance along side Onu, keeping his shield forward as to catch or deflect any possible spikes the feline-like creature might try to throw at them once again.

Movement - Max 30ft - Beside Onu
Action - Dodge if need be!

Seeing that the others are all intent on finding trouble, Artemis stares at the beast, squeezes his quarterstaff tight, and then begins marching forward (30ft).  (Dodge action for this turn.)

(Mobile)

Initiative
Lilly | M | Arty | KD | Onu | Deme

Ready to meet the challenge, Artemis calmly marches forward, quarterstaff in hand.

Initiative
Lilly | M | Arty | KD | Onu | Deme

KD reaches an arm out, firing her own unique fiery pot shot down the field. It streaks passed Arty without a threat, striking it’s intended target square in the back. It’s snarl confirms it was felt.

Initiative
Lilly | M | Arty | KD | Onu | Deme

Onu and Deme stride forward stoically. Advancing with the old man, the two prepare themselves for a taste of what could be coming.

Initiative
Lilly | M | Arty | KD | Onu | Deme

Roll call: Lilly!

That went surprisingly well! Sure, she was a hair away from the deadly needle (at least it looked quite deadly or will be in the story later) but she lived. And even burned the horrible creature a bit! With even more confidence Lilly sent another bolt of fire:

Action: Fire Bolt Attack: 16 Damage: 9

Wild Magic: 3

Initiative
Lilly | M | Arty | KD | Onu | Deme

Lilly's excitement was infectious and her focus kept her aim true. The bolt soared the length of the field straight for it's intended target. Though, by the time it reached, it fizzled to a little kiss. She still hit! And it knew it was her.

Initiative
Lilly | M | Arty | KD | Onu | Deme

The creature had raised its front legs to the door when it was gently reminded it was not alone. It's attention was brought back to the field behind it. Annoyed snarls emitted from the lion-like creature as it'd catch glimpse of three beginning to advance on it. Deciding to turn around to face those who dare challenge it, a low growl begins to rumble steadily from the depths of it's core. The hair on its back rose, from it's neck, down it's spine, all the way to its tail. Those moving in could now clearly see it was lined with a fair supply of spikes.

It'd scuff the ground once more. The same sun that danced amongst the trail and revealed hidden natural gems to you, now highlighted the deadly claws of this natures wonder. Shifting its weight to its powerful back legs, it'd lift its front legs and torso. With a warning growl, it's large vaguely humanoid head would bare it's razor-sharp teeth as it'd flare out it's massive dragon like wings to their full width.

Piercing yellow eyes look at you one by one, resting on Lilly in a moment of consideration before finally moving to settle on the beings who dare continue their advance. It'd let out a roar prior to slamming its paws back into the dirt to ground itself. Using it's momentum, the creature thrashes with its long tail, once again launching three deadly spikes from its cluster.

Attack: Tail Spike

On Arty: 18 Damage: 11 
On Onu: 25 Damage: 7 
On Deme: 16 Damage: 4

(Side note, DM totally forgot DA for dodge. Good news, I believe all of those didn't hit. But will roll second DA attacks just in case:
A: 18 O: 11  D: 12 Dice gods 2/3 comitted to them numbers lol.)

Initiative
Lilly | M | Arty | KD | Onu | Deme

Roll call: Arty > KD > Onu > Deme > Lilly

Map Update

 Onu strides forward confidently, now twirling his walking stick in front of him like he's leading a parade.  The spike came right at him, but he managed to duck and roll under it a the last moment, watching as it slammed into the ground a good 30 feet wide this time.  Clearly, the monster didn't want them moving in any closer.

Nothing to it at this point but to keep advancing and trust to his instincts to keep him alive.

Demetrios was surprised at how adamant the creature was in holding its ground where it had been. Its spike attacks didn't cause the paladin to flinch though at their miss. He was confident that they would be okay as long as they took their time advancing forward, hoping to continue to draw the attention of the creature to allow the casters to slowly chip away at the beast.

Movement - Following the ringleader Onu 30ft forward
Action - Dodgey Dodge

Artemis ducks the creature's attack and is pleased to see that the others are advancing in a uniform fashion rather than rushing into the fray.  He thus continues advancing (30ft), ready to Dodge more spike attacks.

KD moves forward and to the west a bit, trying to spread out the creature's attention, and also not get too far from those advancing (move 20 feet south and 10 feet SW).

She aims her metal contraption again, closing one eye and sticking out her tongue just a bit, and before firing, tries to get a look at how many spikes are in that tail! (Perception if applicable: 6)

Fire Bolt Attack: 17 Damage: 2

Lilly did the same as KD, though moving east - even she understood that it's better to spread now. Then she repeated her move (the magic of that one proved surprisingly reliable and she would not risk changing to anything else now).

Action: Fire Bolt Attack: 10 Damage: 2

Wild Magic: 4

As each individual continued their advance, the tension in the air only grew thicker with each inch gained. Low grumbling elevated to full growling and snarls to hisses when the girls released their flames. KD’s shot landed, singing a patch on its shoulder while Lilly‘s shot fired wide, missing this time. 

It didn’t take long for the feline to rear up its tail in preparation for another wave of spikes against the group. From this far, KD just can’t quite make out how many remain in its arsenal. Piercing eyes continue stare down the three who challenge it’s space, and with its signature flick, the natural daggers fly!

Attack: Tail Spike

On Arty: 11 Damage: 4 
On Onu: 9 Damage: 4 
On Deme: 23 Damage: 11 
(Remembered to roll with DA today! 🤓 On mobile, map update when at home on PC.)
[Edited to see what happens with the rolls]

Initiative
Lilly | M | Arty | KD | Onu | Deme

Roll call: Arty > KD > Onu > Deme > Lilly

Artemis is too slow to dodge and catches a spike right in the heart.  He gasps and drops with a thud.

Death Save: 14

Onu winces as the spike buries itself into Artemis' chest but keeps up his relentless advance on the fell creature.  He didn't have the skill needed to help the old man but maybe he could draw it's ire while someone else kept him from deaths door.

Walking stick firmly in hand, he advanced.

Artemis' gasp catches the paladin's attention, turning his head to look in the old mans direction, before letting out a bark in pain himself. The creature managed to lodge a spike deep within his shoulder, just where the plates met, a weak point. "Of course," He hisses under his breath. He thought things like that only happened in books! However, he pushes past the pain to carefully make his way over to where Artemis had fallen unconscious. 

"Sorry," He murmurs, just before yanking the spike out of the old mans chest, quickly throwing it off to the side and pressing a palm to his wound.

Action - Lay on hands on the old man for 4hp!

When Artemis awakens, Demetrios will assist him back up (had he accepted the assistance).

KD breathes in a wince breath past her bared teeth as Arty gets hit, goes down, and then Demetrios gets hit before bringing him back up. She begins to get closer to the injured members of the group in case they needed further medical care, but she narrows her eyes and seethes at the beast menacing first the tower and now these well-meaning people. Her arm goes up again, aims, and fires. 

Fire Bolt Attack: 16 Damage: 2

It was not clear through the tall grass why Onu suddenly fall. Lilly's first thought was the safety - it was logical after all, to lay down and become a smaller target. She sent another bolt of fire towards the monster and fell prone too - let the dragon attack her now!

Action: Fire Bolt Attack: 6 Damage: 7  (attack with DA)

Wild Magic: 2

(Prone for making range attacks against her with disadvantage)