Tauzen continues to listen to the exchange between his companions and this hobgoblin captain. Not having much to add to the discussion, he studies this captain as he speaks, trying to get a hint of why he might be parlaying with them. (Plus trying to get a read on if he's up to anything - Insight: 23; 2nd Insight if those things need 2 separate rolls: 19)
Tauzen could sense that the hobgiblin captain was evaluating the party. This militia lived a life of subsistence, and face an existential threat. This hobgoblin's shoulders bear a heavy weight. He is leading his troops to their deaths, about a half dozen so far today, not for glory or prosperity, but for survival. It doesn't make him noble, but it does speak to his sense of responsibility and community and his desperation.
Calner will use spend 2 sorcery points and his Psionic Sorcery to cast a spell without any V, S, or M components so it is unnoticed and unable to be counterspelled.
He will cast Calm Emotions to turn hostilities within a 20 foot radius to indifference instead.
If the leader succeeds on the save, Calner will spend another sorcery point to use Subtle Spell to cast Silvery Barbs on the leader, again this will be unnoticed and unable to be counterspelled.
Captain Cha save: 15 (he's the deciding voice, here)
<sorry I've been busy lately and responding sporadically. Think we've got a good stretch now; fingers crossed.>
The captain sees the offer of gold and considers his options. He speaks freely, not feeling menaced by the adventurers, but as one might speak to a peer in competition for some prize that can be claimed by just one victor, a friendly rivalry. Calmly, but loud enough to be heard acroas the field, he speaks: "If I let you go and you're met at the gate by any of the Iron Lions, they will know that we have let you pass. You've already spoken your intent to confront the Cobalt Mage. His retaliatory actions could spell our demise. I can see you are not mercenaries. They are not so quick to offer gold - unless, of course, you plan to slaughter us and reclaim your gift." He pauses, then continues, "But I don't think that's your intent. Ever tangled between eldritch forces, we. Vampiric mists haunt these moors, you know. They keep the undead at bay, but do little to abate the scaly threats of these mountains. To the north we find no refuge. The undermoor offers no peace. These moors are our home and every castle and keep ever constructed on these lands has fallen as another in an endless line of dominoes. The Cobalt Mage, it is said, can raise a keep as lightly as waving his hand. In a land if constant change, of oppressive destruction, a man who can build such strongholds alone might soon become the dominant force. We know we will not be accepted in the towns and we know we can no longer thrive on the moor if the Mage raises armies to march south from Highstar Lake. If we cannot curry his favor, and we cannot take refuge in these hills," he gestures to the low rocky hills to his left, which mount as they fade in the distance to the south, "then we will be crushed under the weight if the mage and his armies."
The captain nods his consent to the offer and had his troops fall back to where the archers wait. The captain himself ascends the foothill along with his remaining warlock and the disguised hobgoblin, once resembling a half elf with blond hair. Darkness falls over the next few minutes.
The bodies of fallen goblins are dragged off the field. Though never mentioned, the tragic fact is: they will be the blood meal demanded by the crimson mist this evening.
<Is Calner really about to make the hobgoblons a castle over the course of 2 hours?>
"You did great, Calner! We, the Hybsils will be honored to have you as our guest once we get the opportunity"- Marlyth is impressed by the quick-witted performance of her companion. She will move near Angus to boost his confidence too... blushing furiously when she finds herself overwhelmingly excited. Finally, she will bend over the unconscious body of Walks in order to apply healing salve.
Angus smiles at Marlyth as he also tends to each of his companions, laying on hands and casting cure wounds (Who needs it?). After everyone is healed or he is out of divine energy, he will also take a short rest.
In the darkness, you see s9me dim lights dotting the distant hills to the south. They are standing stones thst shed dim light. If you squint at the mountainside in the dying light, you might imagine you can see the outline of a smiling draconic visage in the stone terrain.
A swamp rat makes its way through your temporary encampment as you rest.
The formerly disguised hobgoblin makes her way to the hobgoblin encampment to the north. Soon, the horse approaches, bearing a rider holding a torch. They approach cautiously in the darkness, )the horse has no darkvision, though the rider does). It is the war chanter in the saddle. As she nears, she hails you, entreating a response before coming any nearer than 60ft.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The warchanter cast enhance ability (cat's grace) on the hobgoblin, heretofore referred to as the lioness, in truth a hobgoblin iron shadow assassin.
Following behind the horse, she waits until it had moved within the typical range of darkvision of the gnome, then the assassin creeps to within 30ft of Calner, (stealth 21) and waits for a signal from the war chanter.
The warchanter speaks again the chant if cunning, then casts hold person on Calner, quite loudly.
On hearing the words of the familiar spell, the hobgoblin shadow jaunts and attempts to grab the stone of creation! 23 then tries to shove the gnome to the ground: 15 before moving away at speed (I think we're all still in the thick plant growth, but Ill let the PCs decide that. The assasins speed ia 40ft.) If in heavy plant growth, she hides 28, otherwise she dashes away, (either one as a bonus action granted by the chant of cunning)
Suddenly, a familiar cloud of noxious fumes descends from the hillside. The remaining warlock has made use of the hour for a short rest and cast stinking cloud. The area around Calner is heavily obscured. Through the fog, you think you can hear the faint sound of ethereal sounds if tubular bells and the melody of an ocarina.
<Calner, make a perception check to see if you spot the assassin, a str check against the assassins attempt to steal the artifact, and a roll to contest being knocked prone.
In the event you spot the assassin, add 5 to the attempt to retain control of the stone.>
<reminder: if effected by the heavily obscured area, vision based checks fail automatically>
Also, DC13 Wis save vs hold person or become paralyzed for the duration, with another save attempt at the end of each turn.
<let's wait to see what the results of this attempt are before we consider rolling for initiative. I was going to wait until someone addressed the war chanter on horse, but 7 hours (realtime) seemed long enough to wait for a reply. I'm not planning to post a map at this time.>
(ooc: do I roll a perception check or fail automatically, it was unclear in your post?)
<I set it so the warlock's spell takes effect after the actions of the other two hobgoblins, so you would have a chance to spot the assassin, granting a 'static advantage' +5 to the contested effort to retain the artifact (the assassin got a 13 on that one).
It is dark, but it's within 30ft. With darkvision, Calner could see pretty normally at this point. Still not sure if this attunement and usage of the artifact is in the plant growth area or not, that's up to you. The tall grass should provide partial cover, but if you are short resting for an hour, maybe you've found or made a small clearing, etc. Either way, I'd say treat it as a normal perception check, no cover.>
(During the short rest) Tabaqui made his way back to the others cautiously, and used his hit dice to regain 64 hp. He requests about 30 hp of healing from some of the others.
Upon noticing the War Chanter, he would have been suspicious and kept an eye on them, although he did not verbally answer them. Upon hearing Calner's cry he would nock an arrow and let fly at the Lioness HG.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Before the short rest, Angus will use his second wind feature to regain 2 hp. He will then lay hands on Tabaqui for 30 hp. Then he will take the rest, using 3 HD for 30 extra healing.
After the rest, seeing the assassin wrest the Stone from Calner, he will ask Hamish to pick him up and throw him at the assassin, or even ahead of her.
Note 1: I'm going to say you've made a campfire so the radius of light (not defined by any rule I am aware of) is sufficient for bright light to cover the war chanter, the assassin (lioness) and all PCs. If you want your PC outside this radius, you may state something to that effect at your discretion.
Note 2&3: I am also assuming we are outside the area of plant growth. This puts any hobgoblins to the north effectively out of combat range, hundreds of feet away in darkness. If you csn reach them, you may, but they will not be able to reach you. The csltsin and warlock remain on the hillside upwards of 60ft east of where all this is taking place. They are already engaged in the actions taking place.
Hamish, though taken aback by the request, ultimately nods in agreement and grabs Angus, tossing him toward the hobgoblin assassin.
<Not actually checking the range of Boulder throw attack, which should commute to this new. He can reach, but accuracy might be imperfect. I'm rolling it as an attack and a miss puts Angus 10ft away, DC10, as AC won't apply. If it's 10 or better, he's within 5ft of the assassin>
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Does Angus need to roll any damage from his landing? Angus probably wants to seize the stone back, so is that a melee weapon attack, or a simple athletics check contested vs dex? Or maybe he'll just grapple the assassin...)
Tauzen could sense that the hobgiblin captain was evaluating the party. This militia lived a life of subsistence, and face an existential threat. This hobgoblin's shoulders bear a heavy weight. He is leading his troops to their deaths, about a half dozen so far today, not for glory or prosperity, but for survival. It doesn't make him noble, but it does speak to his sense of responsibility and community and his desperation.
Captain Cha save: 15 (he's the deciding voice, here)
No, but they're not
<sorry I've been busy lately and responding sporadically. Think we've got a good stretch now; fingers crossed.>
The captain sees the offer of gold and considers his options. He speaks freely, not feeling menaced by the adventurers, but as one might speak to a peer in competition for some prize that can be claimed by just one victor, a friendly rivalry. Calmly, but loud enough to be heard acroas the field, he speaks: "If I let you go and you're met at the gate by any of the Iron Lions, they will know that we have let you pass. You've already spoken your intent to confront the Cobalt Mage. His retaliatory actions could spell our demise. I can see you are not mercenaries. They are not so quick to offer gold - unless, of course, you plan to slaughter us and reclaim your gift." He pauses, then continues, "But I don't think that's your intent. Ever tangled between eldritch forces, we. Vampiric mists haunt these moors, you know. They keep the undead at bay, but do little to abate the scaly threats of these mountains. To the north we find no refuge. The undermoor offers no peace. These moors are our home and every castle and keep ever constructed on these lands has fallen as another in an endless line of dominoes. The Cobalt Mage, it is said, can raise a keep as lightly as waving his hand. In a land if constant change, of oppressive destruction, a man who can build such strongholds alone might soon become the dominant force. We know we will not be accepted in the towns and we know we can no longer thrive on the moor if the Mage raises armies to march south from Highstar Lake. If we cannot curry his favor, and we cannot take refuge in these hills," he gestures to the low rocky hills to his left, which mount as they fade in the distance to the south, "then we will be crushed under the weight if the mage and his armies."
The captain nods his consent to the offer and had his troops fall back to where the archers wait. The captain himself ascends the foothill along with his remaining warlock and the disguised hobgoblin, once resembling a half elf with blond hair. Darkness falls over the next few minutes.
The bodies of fallen goblins are dragged off the field. Though never mentioned, the tragic fact is: they will be the blood meal demanded by the crimson mist this evening.
<Is Calner really about to make the hobgoblons a castle over the course of 2 hours?>
"You did great, Calner! We, the Hybsils will be honored to have you as our guest once we get the opportunity"- Marlyth is impressed by the quick-witted performance of her companion. She will move near Angus to boost his confidence too... blushing furiously when she finds herself overwhelmingly excited. Finally, she will bend over the unconscious body of Walks in order to apply healing salve.
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Angus smiles at Marlyth as he also tends to each of his companions, laying on hands and casting cure wounds (Who needs it?). After everyone is healed or he is out of divine energy, he will also take a short rest.
In the darkness, you see s9me dim lights dotting the distant hills to the south. They are standing stones thst shed dim light. If you squint at the mountainside in the dying light, you might imagine you can see the outline of a smiling draconic visage in the stone terrain.
A swamp rat makes its way through your temporary encampment as you rest.
The formerly disguised hobgoblin makes her way to the hobgoblin encampment to the north. Soon, the horse approaches, bearing a rider holding a torch. They approach cautiously in the darkness, )the horse has no darkvision, though the rider does). It is the war chanter in the saddle. As she nears, she hails you, entreating a response before coming any nearer than 60ft.
The warchanter cast enhance ability (cat's grace) on the hobgoblin, heretofore referred to as the lioness, in truth a hobgoblin iron shadow assassin.
Following behind the horse, she waits until it had moved within the typical range of darkvision of the gnome, then the assassin creeps to within 30ft of Calner, (stealth 21) and waits for a signal from the war chanter.
The warchanter speaks again the chant if cunning, then casts hold person on Calner, quite loudly.
On hearing the words of the familiar spell, the hobgoblin shadow jaunts and attempts to grab the stone of creation! 23 then tries to shove the gnome to the ground: 15 before moving away at speed (I think we're all still in the thick plant growth, but Ill let the PCs decide that. The assasins speed ia 40ft.) If in heavy plant growth, she hides 28, otherwise she dashes away, (either one as a bonus action granted by the chant of cunning)
Suddenly, a familiar cloud of noxious fumes descends from the hillside. The remaining warlock has made use of the hour for a short rest and cast stinking cloud. The area around Calner is heavily obscured. Through the fog, you think you can hear the faint sound of ethereal sounds if tubular bells and the melody of an ocarina.
<Calner, make a perception check to see if you spot the assassin, a str check against the assassins attempt to steal the artifact, and a roll to contest being knocked prone.
In the event you spot the assassin, add 5 to the attempt to retain control of the stone.>
<reminder: if effected by the heavily obscured area, vision based checks fail automatically>
Also, DC13 Wis save vs hold person or become paralyzed for the duration, with another save attempt at the end of each turn.
<let's wait to see what the results of this attempt are before we consider rolling for initiative. I was going to wait until someone addressed the war chanter on horse, but 7 hours (realtime) seemed long enough to wait for a reply. I'm not planning to post a map at this time.>
<I set it so the warlock's spell takes effect after the actions of the other two hobgoblins, so you would have a chance to spot the assassin, granting a 'static advantage' +5 to the contested effort to retain the artifact (the assassin got a 13 on that one).
It is dark, but it's within 30ft. With darkvision, Calner could see pretty normally at this point. Still not sure if this attunement and usage of the artifact is in the plant growth area or not, that's up to you. The tall grass should provide partial cover, but if you are short resting for an hour, maybe you've found or made a small clearing, etc. Either way, I'd say treat it as a normal perception check, no cover.>
Short rest hit dice 45
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
(During the short rest) Tabaqui made his way back to the others cautiously, and used his hit dice to regain 64 hp. He requests about 30 hp of healing from some of the others.
Upon noticing the War Chanter, he would have been suspicious and kept an eye on them, although he did not verbally answer them. Upon hearing Calner's cry he would nock an arrow and let fly at the Lioness HG.
Initiative 17
Before the short rest, Angus will use his second wind feature to regain 2 hp. He will then lay hands on Tabaqui for 30 hp. Then he will take the rest, using 3 HD for 30 extra healing.
After the rest, seeing the assassin wrest the Stone from Calner, he will ask Hamish to pick him up and throw him at the assassin, or even ahead of her.
I think failing the perception check here means the surprised condition applies to Calner.
Note 1: I'm going to say you've made a campfire so the radius of light (not defined by any rule I am aware of) is sufficient for bright light to cover the war chanter, the assassin (lioness) and all PCs. If you want your PC outside this radius, you may state something to that effect at your discretion.
Note 2&3: I am also assuming we are outside the area of plant growth. This puts any hobgoblins to the north effectively out of combat range, hundreds of feet away in darkness. If you csn reach them, you may, but they will not be able to reach you. The csltsin and warlock remain on the hillside upwards of 60ft east of where all this is taking place. They are already engaged in the actions taking place.
Hamish, though taken aback by the request, ultimately nods in agreement and grabs Angus, tossing him toward the hobgoblin assassin.
<Not actually checking the range of Boulder throw attack, which should commute to this new. He can reach, but accuracy might be imperfect. I'm rolling it as an attack and a miss puts Angus 10ft away, DC10, as AC won't apply. If it's 10 or better, he's within 5ft of the assassin>
15. Angus lands beside the assassin.
Thank you. stinking cloud is a 20ft radius. I'm not forcing anyone else to be in that radius, but if they want to be, they can.
(Does Angus need to roll any damage from his landing? Angus probably wants to seize the stone back, so is that a melee weapon attack, or a simple athletics check contested vs dex? Or maybe he'll just grapple the assassin...)
Athletics check 12
Marlyth: Constitution Saving Throw x Poison: 9
Initiative: 10
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer