This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The first arrow strikes the giant vulture, and it vanishes. Calner, still clutching the stone, falls from the sky (he takes 8 fall damage and lands prone). Following the war chanter's shot, the captain runs over to the fallen sorcerer (movement up to speed, LA) and swings at the gnome with his greatsword 9 for 11 (LA, after Angus's turn).
The warchanter, relieved to have avoided the captains wrath and at redeeming her worth to the tribe smiles broadly, before Angus, now sat astride her horse charges at her, weapon drawn, compelling her to fight him. She knows she should join the captain and help him draw the stone from the sorc, but that is her horse, dammit!
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Nobody rides Buttercup, but me !" shouts the warchanter as she drops the bow and draws her sword
<(mechanically, I don't really think she can do this, but I don't think its going to matter and it felt cooler, so I'm doing it. Formally I think she could do it on her turn which it isn't, but she can as a result of the captain's feature use its reaction to make a melee attack. So, to be clear, this is breaking the rules and I know it. make your peace with it however you wish)>
longsword 20 for 12.
As she slices at the mounted paladin, his sword cuts the war chanter down, her body slumping into the shallow mud of the moor as she whispers, "Buttercup.." then falls silent.
<tail end of round 3: PCs are up, still. You did manage to retrieve and hold the stone. Good job.>
Marlyth watches the fall of Calner with an expression of absolute horror and cringes at the view of rough landing. Meanwhile, Fivepoint leaps out of the shelter of Walk's armor and lands on the wounded body of the sorcerer. Calner disappears out of the plain sight of the combatants when magical shadow engulfs him. The Riding Horse conjured by Marlyth disappears too.
(Maybe there was a misunderstanding? Angus wasn't riding the warchanter's horse, he was riding the fey horse summoned by Marlyth. (Posts #1976, 1985) Which hopefully did not disappear abruptly without warning as he was galloping toward a target. Although, I guess your way makes the story better, so we can go with that :)
(ooc: I am not letting go of the stone. On my last turn I won the contest and moved the stone 30 feet upward and into my hands. I am holding the stone, and it is affected by my 5th level Telekinesis spell. I can only move it 30 feet each round and not beyond the range of the spell. Calner cannot fly and needed the vulture to get over them and snatch the stone away with the Telekinesis spell. Now that I am holding the stone and I am in control of my spell, why do I fall?)
<My understanding is that Calner was held aloft by a fey in the form of a giant vulture which vanished once it's hp were depleted. (Javelin, arrow and 2 eldritch blasts all hit, its AC is 10, 22hp). If he can remain aloft on his own power, disregard anything happening to Calner on or after ground impact. If he was already on the ground, greatsword attack remains but no fall damage. I also think Calner continues to hold the stone and marked the exercise a victory for the party in my last post.
I am still running round 3 for any PCs who still wish to act.>
The warlock and captain are still in the fight. The other hobgiblkns are far north opposite the field of plant growth and might retreat in the absence of their captain, but either way, they are certainly not an immediate threat
(Maybe there was a misunderstanding? Angus wasn't riding the warchanter's horse, he was riding the fey horse summoned by Marlyth. (Posts #1976, 1985) Which hopefully did not disappear abruptly without warning as he was galloping toward a target. Although, I guess your way makes the story better, so we can go with that :)
<I could say the war chanter mistook one horse for the other. Given that there was only one horse present rhe last she saw, but she's battle hardened and has had that horse since she was a girl; she wouldn't mistake it unless maybe it was intended ro look like the other one. Anyhow, mechaniaslly moot now.
Note: being prone, the captain's attack on Calner should have had advantage, but honestly I just missed it. For narrative sake, since he's invisible now, apparently, let's say it happens just as the captain swings at the sorcerer and that will negate the advantage of prone target (though again, mechanics woukd have the spell cast after all the hobgoblin moves. This 3 round burst is intended to be more cinematic than usual, with unfolding action blending story and mechanics. I hope it was not too objectionable.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The darkness of thr night sky conceals the outline of a large figure circling overhead, hundreds of feet in the air. The remnants of the warlock's stinking cloud dissipate as a faint wind becomes more powerful, beating in pulses. As you look skyward you observe the descent of the adult copper dragon who has just arrived on the scene. It lands quite near the hobgoblin captain, making no effort to spare anyone from the effects of its wings.
<Anyone within 10ft (you decide if it includes your PC) make a DC 19 Dex save or take 14 bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone.>
captian Dex save: 9
"I thought I smelled something foul rising off the moors. I might have known it was you, Vralvrezarg." The dragon chides the hobgoblin with palpable condescencion in her voice. "I thought I told you to keep your toy soldiers away from my doorstep; yet here you are," she sneers.
The hobgoblin scowls at the dragon, clenching his fists about his greatsword. He raises the weapon over his shoulder, refusing to humiliate himself before the dragon. Seeing this, the dragon warns, "Careful, now... we wouldn't need another reminder of the status quo marring that handsome face of yours, would we?"
The captain scowls, his scarred face dappled with sweat from the batlle and the heat of the fire wall the warlock had recently cast about him. "We are not in your territory, Carynnallerastis." The captain explains, "we have been seeing armies marching north and we stopped this group here, at the edge of the moor. Now, as we have done you no offense, I respectfully ask you take your leave of us, that we may settle the matter between us."
The female dragon recoils slightly, surprised by the goblinoid's boldness. The brow plates jutting over her eyes, extending back to the long horns that sweep back behind her head coupled with her backswept cheek ridges and jaw frills give her a pensive look. "What business," she responds, coolly, a hint of curiousity peeking through her words as her tone shifts higher in asking, "have you with this motley band?"
The swamp rat, noted earlier, scurries up to the dragon and softly speaks to it (anyone who made the Dex check, regardless of outcome, can make a perception (listen) check here).
"I see," the dragon responds, casting her eyes about the field, noting the posture and composition of the party. The rat draws her attention to the fallen war chanter, and Carynnallerastis' expression sours. "Klalzul. What folly. The sole redeeming facet of neighborship with your tribe, sundered in this foray." The dragon sighs as she casts her eyes down. Looking to Vralvrezarg, she demands, "With her loss, I fear I shall become quite bored. I don't suppose you might have any ideas for what sort of entertainment might be had in lieu of Kalzul's departure?" she looks across the small crowd of humanoids, evidently welcoming a response from anyone in the area.
<End of combat. I anticipate dialogue, but spells and other actions, movement, etc. are all fine, too. You are free to act, but consider carefully the consequences of either crossing or ingratiating yourself to a creature as fickle yet powerful as a copper dragon.>
"Well met, great Carynnallerastis. I am Angus Killburney, of the Knights of Myth Drannor. My companions and I(here he indicates the remainder of the party, sans Calner whom he cannot see) are engaged in an epic quest to save our world from a reckless and ruthless mage determined to subjugate or destroy all the realms of the land. For any other mortal, it would be presumptuous and foolhardy to think they could conquer one so great and beautiful as yourself. However, this Tyreus, or the Cobalt Mage as he has become known, is in possession of a powerful artifact which grants him vast power, and we believe the threat to our world to be legitimate.
"I do not pretend to know what would entertain one so enlightened as yourself, but perhaps it would at least amuse you to see him for yourself, and judge whether the threat is real or imagined."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Well, I don't pretend to know what the lot of you are fighting over here on my lawn," answers the dragon, but this little fellow has given me a taste of what it might be."
Detect (LA) Perception check: 17
"As far as I know," Carynnallerastis continues, "there is a new castle by the lake to the north. A wizard seems a plausible owner, as I haven't noticed any major construction efforts of late. Though, as has been noted, there have been some militia groups moving about the region. So long as they remain west of the Serpent Hills," she glares at Vralvrezarg, "their affairs are not my concern."
Turning to Angus, individually, she concludes: "As for you," she leans in close, "flattery will get you everywhere. Tell me, though, truly: Who is responsible for the shabby state of the moor at my door? Why does it look so unkempt?" She turns to highlight (as if obvious, despite the darkness) the sprawling pitch of overgrown greenery covering the moor just north of where you stand.
Calner quickly tucks the stone away in his backpack.
Once secured he moves to stand behind Marlyth or whoever else he might be close to.
Then, while still invisible, he calls out, "Oh mighty Carynnallerastis, that happened while we fought with the Hobgoblins."
"What is he doing?" Carynnallerastis asks Angus in a whisper, staring at Calner as he pockets the stone. (She has Blindsight to 60ft.)
"Well, I had an inkling that might be the case. It still isnt clear just who is responsible for it, though. So, I put it to you: who wrecked my garden, gnome? "
"As to the nature of our quarrel with your neighbors, we desired to pass through without violence on our way toward the mage's castle. They lured us into a trap by pretending to attack one of their own. Our deepest apologies for any damages to your property.
"I'm afraid we all share the blame for the state of our erstwhile battlefield. It's a bit difficult to avoid stepping on the flowers when we are ducking arrows, Great One. But, luckily we have a druid among us who is native to this region and familiar with the local flora. I'm sure she can set things right as rain for you, to your liking. Forgive us our trespass, we will cover our tracks and restore your lands to their original condition as far as we are able. Allow us to tidy up quickly now, and when we return from defeating the villain, we, I at least, will return to pay any remaining debt we owe." Angus inclines his head with respect to the dragon.
Tauzan walks over to where the others are speaking with the large dragon. He listens to the others trying to placate the creature, remaining quiet to see how Carynnallerastis reacts to the pleading thus far.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Marlyth attempts to figure out whether the creature is a disguised form of something else or not.... perhaps it's actually the dracolich that resides in the moorland with her family.
Marlyth is pretty certain this is a real copper dragon. From the U-shaped manta-ljke wings, mottled with red and green at the edges, right down to the stone smell of the dragon's hide, this dragon is the real deal.
Having heard the explanations and apologies of those before her, the copper dragon bears a stern expression. "I see," she replies, "Well, there's only one thing to be done about such transgressions. I'm afraid a clear message must be sent. The price for this misconduct shall be... death." She says with a grimace.
Seconds later, her mouth shifts to a configuration which gives the clear impression of a smile.
"By Hlal, I got you!" The dragon sighs with cheer, turning to a deep chuckle. She seems more amused by her joke than any reasonable soul would be. "Change is the only constant, and nowhere have I seen this truth more clearly than here on the moor. Just be glad that miserable old Aaronarra wasn't the one you bumped into. He'd lecture you for a ten-day if you did anything to his hunting grounds."
"Now where were we," her aloof demeanor vanishes as she recalls: "Ah, yes. The stone. My wee friend (referring to the swamp rat) says that's what you and the hobgoblins were quarreling over." Looking at the bag where Calner stowed it, she inquires "What, prey tell, is so very valuable about that stone, then? Do you even know? I could have a look, if you fancy. I am a bit of an expert in stonework, you know." With that, she effortlessly summons a self portrait into the surface of the hillside behind her, beautifully intricate, the poetrait wears a sly smile.
Angus releases the breath of air he had been holding while the dragon spoke with a wry chuckle. "You had me, all right, you clever girl! In fact I think Tabaqui over there might have wet himself. The stone has some deep magic within it, that can create or destroy. Tyreus has its mate, and plots to use them both to dominate the land. He is not worthy to wield such power."
Stonework? Marlyth wonders about the ability of the copper dragon and she decides to take advantage of the situation. She will suggest Tauzan that he should let the dragon inspect the chimes and sharp object so that the dragon might be able to forge a tuning fork.
The first arrow strikes the giant vulture, and it vanishes. Calner, still clutching the stone, falls from the sky (he takes 8 fall damage and lands prone). Following the war chanter's shot, the captain runs over to the fallen sorcerer (movement up to speed, LA) and swings at the gnome with his greatsword 9 for 11 (LA, after Angus's turn).
The warchanter, relieved to have avoided the captains wrath and at redeeming her worth to the tribe smiles broadly, before Angus, now sat astride her horse charges at her, weapon drawn, compelling her to fight him. She knows she should join the captain and help him draw the stone from the sorc, but that is her horse, dammit!
Wis save 17
"Nobody rides Buttercup, but me !" shouts the warchanter as she drops the bow and draws her sword
<(mechanically, I don't really think she can do this, but I don't think its going to matter and it felt cooler, so I'm doing it. Formally I think she could do it on her turn which it isn't, but she can as a result of the captain's feature use its reaction to make a melee attack. So, to be clear, this is breaking the rules and I know it. make your peace with it however you wish)>
longsword 20 for 12.
As she slices at the mounted paladin, his sword cuts the war chanter down, her body slumping into the shallow mud of the moor as she whispers, "Buttercup.." then falls silent.
<tail end of round 3: PCs are up, still. You did manage to retrieve and hold the stone. Good job.>
Marlyth watches the fall of Calner with an expression of absolute horror and cringes at the view of rough landing. Meanwhile, Fivepoint leaps out of the shelter of Walk's armor and lands on the wounded body of the sorcerer. Calner disappears out of the plain sight of the combatants when magical shadow engulfs him. The Riding Horse conjured by Marlyth disappears too.
Action: [Tooltip Not Found]: Invisibility
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
(Maybe there was a misunderstanding? Angus wasn't riding the warchanter's horse, he was riding the fey horse summoned by Marlyth. (Posts #1976, 1985) Which hopefully did not disappear abruptly without warning as he was galloping toward a target. Although, I guess your way makes the story better, so we can go with that :)
<My understanding is that Calner was held aloft by a fey in the form of a giant vulture which vanished once it's hp were depleted. (Javelin, arrow and 2 eldritch blasts all hit, its AC is 10, 22hp). If he can remain aloft on his own power, disregard anything happening to Calner on or after ground impact. If he was already on the ground, greatsword attack remains but no fall damage. I also think Calner continues to hold the stone and marked the exercise a victory for the party in my last post.
I am still running round 3 for any PCs who still wish to act.>
The warlock and captain are still in the fight. The other hobgiblkns are far north opposite the field of plant growth and might retreat in the absence of their captain, but either way, they are certainly not an immediate threat
Quote from rob88scps2 >>
(Maybe there was a misunderstanding? Angus wasn't riding the warchanter's horse, he was riding the fey horse summoned by Marlyth. (Posts #1976, 1985) Which hopefully did not disappear abruptly without warning as he was galloping toward a target. Although, I guess your way makes the story better, so we can go with that :)
<I could say the war chanter mistook one horse for the other. Given that there was only one horse present rhe last she saw, but she's battle hardened and has had that horse since she was a girl; she wouldn't mistake it unless maybe it was intended ro look like the other one. Anyhow, mechaniaslly moot now.
(And thanks 😊 )>
Note: being prone, the captain's attack on Calner should have had advantage, but honestly I just missed it. For narrative sake, since he's invisible now, apparently, let's say it happens just as the captain swings at the sorcerer and that will negate the advantage of prone target (though again, mechanics woukd have the spell cast after all the hobgoblin moves. This 3 round burst is intended to be more cinematic than usual, with unfolding action blending story and mechanics. I hope it was not too objectionable.)
Elite captain and Warlock of the Legion
The darkness of thr night sky conceals the outline of a large figure circling overhead, hundreds of feet in the air. The remnants of the warlock's stinking cloud dissipate as a faint wind becomes more powerful, beating in pulses. As you look skyward you observe the descent of the adult copper dragon who has just arrived on the scene. It lands quite near the hobgoblin captain, making no effort to spare anyone from the effects of its wings.
<Anyone within 10ft (you decide if it includes your PC) make a DC 19 Dex save or take 14 bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone.>
captian Dex save: 9
"I thought I smelled something foul rising off the moors. I might have known it was you, Vralvrezarg." The dragon chides the hobgoblin with palpable condescencion in her voice. "I thought I told you to keep your toy soldiers away from my doorstep; yet here you are," she sneers.
The hobgoblin scowls at the dragon, clenching his fists about his greatsword. He raises the weapon over his shoulder, refusing to humiliate himself before the dragon. Seeing this, the dragon warns, "Careful, now... we wouldn't need another reminder of the status quo marring that handsome face of yours, would we?"
The captain scowls, his scarred face dappled with sweat from the batlle and the heat of the fire wall the warlock had recently cast about him. "We are not in your territory, Carynnallerastis." The captain explains, "we have been seeing armies marching north and we stopped this group here, at the edge of the moor. Now, as we have done you no offense, I respectfully ask you take your leave of us, that we may settle the matter between us."
The female dragon recoils slightly, surprised by the goblinoid's boldness. The brow plates jutting over her eyes, extending back to the long horns that sweep back behind her head coupled with her backswept cheek ridges and jaw frills give her a pensive look. "What business," she responds, coolly, a hint of curiousity peeking through her words as her tone shifts higher in asking, "have you with this motley band?"
The swamp rat, noted earlier, scurries up to the dragon and softly speaks to it (anyone who made the Dex check, regardless of outcome, can make a perception (listen) check here).
"I see," the dragon responds, casting her eyes about the field, noting the posture and composition of the party. The rat draws her attention to the fallen war chanter, and Carynnallerastis' expression sours. "Klalzul. What folly. The sole redeeming facet of neighborship with your tribe, sundered in this foray." The dragon sighs as she casts her eyes down. Looking to Vralvrezarg, she demands, "With her loss, I fear I shall become quite bored. I don't suppose you might have any ideas for what sort of entertainment might be had in lieu of Kalzul's departure?" she looks across the small crowd of humanoids, evidently welcoming a response from anyone in the area.
<End of combat. I anticipate dialogue, but spells and other actions, movement, etc. are all fine, too. You are free to act, but consider carefully the consequences of either crossing or ingratiating yourself to a creature as fickle yet powerful as a copper dragon.>
"Well met, great Carynnallerastis. I am Angus Killburney, of the Knights of Myth Drannor. My companions and I (here he indicates the remainder of the party, sans Calner whom he cannot see) are engaged in an epic quest to save our world from a reckless and ruthless mage determined to subjugate or destroy all the realms of the land. For any other mortal, it would be presumptuous and foolhardy to think they could conquer one so great and beautiful as yourself. However, this Tyreus, or the Cobalt Mage as he has become known, is in possession of a powerful artifact which grants him vast power, and we believe the threat to our world to be legitimate.
"I do not pretend to know what would entertain one so enlightened as yourself, but perhaps it would at least amuse you to see him for yourself, and judge whether the threat is real or imagined."
"Well, I don't pretend to know what the lot of you are fighting over here on my lawn," answers the dragon, but this little fellow has given me a taste of what it might be."
Detect (LA) Perception check: 17
"As far as I know," Carynnallerastis continues, "there is a new castle by the lake to the north. A wizard seems a plausible owner, as I haven't noticed any major construction efforts of late. Though, as has been noted, there have been some militia groups moving about the region. So long as they remain west of the Serpent Hills," she glares at Vralvrezarg, "their affairs are not my concern."
Turning to Angus, individually, she concludes: "As for you," she leans in close, "flattery will get you everywhere. Tell me, though, truly: Who is responsible for the shabby state of the moor at my door? Why does it look so unkempt?" She turns to highlight (as if obvious, despite the darkness) the sprawling pitch of overgrown greenery covering the moor just north of where you stand.
Walks calls upon her faith and releases healing energies towards Calner and Tabaqui, healing each of them for 25.
"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
<although the dragon is addressing Angus, anyone else is free to chime in, too.>
"What is he doing?" Carynnallerastis asks Angus in a whisper, staring at Calner as he pockets the stone. (She has Blindsight to 60ft.)
"Well, I had an inkling that might be the case. It still isnt clear just who is responsible for it, though. So, I put it to you: who wrecked my garden, gnome? "
"As to the nature of our quarrel with your neighbors, we desired to pass through without violence on our way toward the mage's castle. They lured us into a trap by pretending to attack one of their own. Our deepest apologies for any damages to your property.
"I'm afraid we all share the blame for the state of our erstwhile battlefield. It's a bit difficult to avoid stepping on the flowers when we are ducking arrows, Great One. But, luckily we have a druid among us who is native to this region and familiar with the local flora. I'm sure she can set things right as rain for you, to your liking. Forgive us our trespass, we will cover our tracks and restore your lands to their original condition as far as we are able. Allow us to tidy up quickly now, and when we return from defeating the villain, we, I at least, will return to pay any remaining debt we owe." Angus inclines his head with respect to the dragon.
Tauzan walks over to where the others are speaking with the large dragon. He listens to the others trying to placate the creature, remaining quiet to see how Carynnallerastis reacts to the pleading thus far.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Marlyth attempts to figure out whether the creature is a disguised form of something else or not.... perhaps it's actually the dracolich that resides in the moorland with her family.
Investigation: 14
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
Marlyth is pretty certain this is a real copper dragon. From the U-shaped manta-ljke wings, mottled with red and green at the edges, right down to the stone smell of the dragon's hide, this dragon is the real deal.
Having heard the explanations and apologies of those before her, the copper dragon bears a stern expression. "I see," she replies, "Well, there's only one thing to be done about such transgressions. I'm afraid a clear message must be sent. The price for this misconduct shall be... death." She says with a grimace.
Seconds later, her mouth shifts to a configuration which gives the clear impression of a smile.
"By Hlal, I got you!" The dragon sighs with cheer, turning to a deep chuckle. She seems more amused by her joke than any reasonable soul would be. "Change is the only constant, and nowhere have I seen this truth more clearly than here on the moor. Just be glad that miserable old Aaronarra wasn't the one you bumped into. He'd lecture you for a ten-day if you did anything to his hunting grounds."
"Now where were we," her aloof demeanor vanishes as she recalls: "Ah, yes. The stone. My wee friend (referring to the swamp rat) says that's what you and the hobgoblins were quarreling over." Looking at the bag where Calner stowed it, she inquires "What, prey tell, is so very valuable about that stone, then? Do you even know? I could have a look, if you fancy. I am a bit of an expert in stonework, you know." With that, she effortlessly summons a self portrait into the surface of the hillside behind her, beautifully intricate, the poetrait wears a sly smile.
Angus releases the breath of air he had been holding while the dragon spoke with a wry chuckle. "You had me, all right, you clever girl! In fact I think Tabaqui over there might have wet himself. The stone has some deep magic within it, that can create or destroy. Tyreus has its mate, and plots to use them both to dominate the land. He is not worthy to wield such power."
Stonework? Marlyth wonders about the ability of the copper dragon and she decides to take advantage of the situation. She will suggest Tauzan that he should let the dragon inspect the chimes and sharp object so that the dragon might be able to forge a tuning fork.
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