This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As Kramyra heads up to help with the refuges, she congratulates Khessa on her use of spells. "You're really getting the hang of it! I gotta say, I'm really proud of you and so glad my teachings have helped. It has definitely made us a stronger unit." as she says these words, they hear the sounds of the bats approaching.. Kramyra turns around and faces the cavern the bats are in and readies burning hands for when they all appear within view before getting into melee range.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Khessa is horrified at what was about to happen and wants to end this threat very quickly: that predator has really too many helpless victims to choose!
"I can not allow that monster one more attack..." the arcane warrior says to herself (maybe she did not even realize she was thinking aloud) "I have to take him down NOW"
Then, she switches to the language of magic, as elegant gestures accompany mysterious words of power. In a matter of seconds, three glowing darts of magical force appear out of nowhere and unerringly strike the beast.
Damage: 9
If the monster is still alive, Khessa (cursing for a moment between her clenched teeth) unsheats her two-handed sword and runs to engage the bat, determined to NOT let it fly away to attack someone other.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As soon as Khessa pointed him in the direction of the oil the ranger too the flask with his right hand and hurled it at the dark ooze, his dexterity allowing for an easy hit. I should have done that earlier, instead of the torch, he thought as the newly taught wizard followed his offensive with a mote of flames that strengthen by the fuel burnt the enemy to death.
“No cabbages so I think this cooking experiment was somewhat of a failure.” Sorjen told the blonde as he took his bow and prepared another arrow. He followed as Pojo guided the party to the incarcerated villagers, half expecting for a new monster to appear for behind every larger stone. Fortunately, not of the sort happened and they reached the prisoners. He felt the smell of the bats and their waste before he could see the beasts sleeping and instinctively the half-elf knew another battle was coming.
There was a reason why the chiropters hunted in the night. Their ability to detect presence around them was unmatched and had nothing to do with their eyes that contrary to popular belief were not blind. They will notice us and attack, he though moments before the swarm moved against the he and his companions. Spells and attacks hit the flying creatures and before long a giant of bat showed himself. This is it, Sorjen decided taking aim and firing an arrow. Before knowing if his hit was true the archer focused in avoiding any attacks coming in his direction.
Notes: Sorjen makes an attack the giant bat with his longbow and soon after takes the dodge action.
Ev’alish tells of what they had seen back in town. “Hordes of goblins hath swarmed forth into the town, taking advantage of the chaos left by the giants. A group of mercenaries likewise desired to take over Nightstone. We hath defeated them both, and we shall recover the Nightstone for thee!”
As the villagers are being escorted back to Nightston, Ev’alish takes Morak aside so as not to induce panic in the rest of the villagers.“Sire… I must regretfully inform thee that Lady Velrosa Nandar hath perished in the attack. She lies in the keep as of now. I offer my sincerest condolences to the and thy people.”
“No cabbages so I think this cooking experiment was somewhat of a failure.” Sorjen told the blonde as he took his bow and prepared another arrow. He followed as Pojo guided the party ...
Before the bat fight:
"Indeed, Shadow Stalker!" smiles Khessa, grateful that the half-elf somehow manages to amuse her even in such a dangerous situation "I have never seen cabbage-based food come to life, turn to evil and start trying to EAT people instead of being eaten by them. This jelly was probably a failed cooking experiment by some crazy drow alchemist. I will not miss it."
As Kramyra heads up to help with the refuges, she congratulates Khessa on her use of spells. "You're really getting the hang of it! I gotta say, I'm really proud of you and so glad my teachings have helped. It has definitely made us a stronger unit." as she says these words, they hear the sounds of the bats approaching.. Kramyra turns around and faces the cavern the bats are in and readies burning hands for when they all appear within view before getting into melee range.
DEX save of 12 for full or half: 12 fire damage.
Khessa is really relieved that her spell worked and sealed the fate of the bat before anyone getting hurt. She is also deeply touched by Kramyra's words: "Thank you, mistress Kramyra!" her voice is warm, while she helps the villagers to climb down to freedom "I'll always try to make you proud of me. Mixing weapon and magic tactics, I will never be able to match your mastery of the Weave; I'll always be only an apprentice, compared to you, but I will struggle to be the best apprentice you ever had! And remember the spellbook you helped me to read, the one that is my spellbook now: as I told from the start, you will of course always be allowed to study it, should you ever be willing to copy some of those spells into your own".
The Bat is killed by Khessa's darts. You are out of combat. The villagers begin to climb down with help of the rope, thanking you profusely and introducing themselves.
In the absence of a true leader, Morak Ur’gray (LG male shield dwarf commoner), the owner and proprietor of the Nightstone Inn, speaks on behalf of the villagers. Morak is an optimist, and he’s counting on Lady Velrosa Nandar coming to the rescue. Morak breathes a sigh of relief. "You must have been hired by Lady Nandar. Thank you so much."
Other noteworthy prisoners trapped in the cavern include Hiral Mystrum (LG male Tethyrian human commoner), the village’s priest of Lathander, and six unarmed guards (LN male and female guards of various ethnicities). They are a bit wounded, though, they must have been hurt while captured.
The other prisoners found here are surviving members of local families. All the adults are unarmed commoners, and all the children are noncombatants. They let Morak speak on their behalf. The families are as follows:
...
Nesper Family. The Nespers are Tethyrian human pumpkin and squash farmers. None of them were killed in the giant attack, but three of them died at the hands of the goblins and ogres in the Dripping Caves. The remaining family members are Yondra (age 15) and her brother Sarvin (age 11). They lost both of their parents and an older sister named Sylda.
...
Khessa listens carefully to each of the ex-prisoners, comforting them as best she can and trying to cheer them up: "Take heart! You have been through terrible moments, but now we are with you, we will help you to overcome today's problems and have better days tomorrow".
He is horrified to hear that the goblins have eaten some of the villagers and takes off his helmet for a moment to allow Boss Pojo to see the deadly determination deep in his blue eyes: "Of course, Boss Pojo, when you'll have the lead of the goblins, no villager will ever be harmed by goblins, or... " and his hand rises and charges itself with electricity, crackling ominously "... I'll take personal care to fry you and your people, slowly, one by one".
The she let's tre cantrip wear off and puts her helmet back.
She then thinks about the guards. Six new guards in the army. But we do NOT have six more crossbows, for the Zhents had 7, 2 of the 7 had their string snapped during the fight, so total working crossbows left were 5. 4 we gave to the 4 guards in the keep... so... only 1 left. Khessa urges one of the new guards to take the remaining crossbow, advising the other 5 guards to try the short bows of the dead goblins: "You may or may not be familiar with this weapon, but having a ranged weapon will help you anyway to fight much better... and safer! Ask Sydiri, Torem or Kaelen here if you don't believe it".
On the way back, she keeps speaking wiht the villagers. She is especially concerned with the survivors of Nesper family... poor Yondra (age 15) and her brother Sarvin (age 11), who are now alone: "Yondra... Sarvin... I'm so sad that you lost your family. I also lost mine, you know? You could become my adopted children, if you like... You would have a family again... and me too. I could teach you how to grow cabbage... What do you think? Well," she seems a bit embarassed, she does not know what the ight words might be "I've never been a mother... I can not promise I'll be very good at that... but... if you like.. I'll try".
Nonchalantly, during the trip back to Nightstone, Khessa also quickly executes the last goblin prisoner. He captured and ATE the villagers. And Pojo says he can not be trusted. The village does not have a prison and does not need additional concerns. She beheads him. Period.
She takes the heads of some goblin and of the two ogres as well. If some of the villagers or of her companions look puzzled, she explains: "I know, it might seem a bit gruesome, but those could be of use later".
She also informs the people of their current lack of guide (she is unaware that Ev'alish was trying NOT to spread that news): "Alas, I also have to inform you all that Nightstone ruler, Lady Velrosa Nandar, perished during the attack of the giants. So you will not be able to count on her lead... but fear not, my companions and I will not let you down. We will help you to organize and to survive. Nightstone is here to stay and WILL flourish again".
If we reach Nightstone without other hostile encounters - like Asmodeus or something ;-) there are a few things that a visibly tired but nevertheless determined Khessa tries to accomplish.
Dispose of the bodies of the enemies: Enemies may rot in the Abyss, as far as she is concerned... but for sure NOT rot in the village, where they are not a good sight and might spread diseases! The village has a river (or at least flowing water), right? So Khessa starts throwing the bodies of the enemy in the river, assuming that the bodies will be taken away from the current. Eventual weapons or armor are kept and brought to the keep, in case they will be needed by the army in the future; even those of not good quality: in case of need (more recruits, or some guard losing a weapon...), they will still be better than no weapon at all.
Try to discourage future troublemakers: Khessa takes the heads of the 2 ogres, the 2 worgs, some of the goblins and some of the Zhents and, outside of the village's gate, she plants them on some low poles. She hangs a sign on the foremost pole, written in Common: "Peaceful (but determined) citizens live here. If you come in peace, you can come inside... If you don't, you'll soon Rest In Peace outside"
Take care of the dead villagers: The deceased villagers MUST NOT be left unattended. Khessa tries to get all the dead villagers ready for a funeral (compose bodies and bring them to Lathander temple). She assumes that Hiral, the Lathander priest, will see to proper funeral in the next days.
Give some advice about security: Khessa organizes with the guards watch turns for every part of the day. She assumes that wounded guards will need some rest to recover and tries to divide turns among the others so that there will be always, at any time of night or day, two guards on watch on the towers near the drawbridge. Given that there are still hostile goblins at the caves, the drawbridge should be left up and lowered only when needed.
Khessa does not ask anyone to help, because she does not want to ask something from people that have endured already that much. But she welcomes and thanks everyone that helps.
If she gets finally all of this done... then she tries to relax, to take a bath, to eat something... and to prepare for the night.
Ev’alish assists Khessa with all of her tasks, bar one - he gently but firmly speaks against the ‘heads on pikes’ idea. “These art civilized peoples. Hanging heads - especially the human ones - signals barbarism and a lust for blood. Other travelers will see this and see Nightstone as savages! They art better than that. THY art better than that, madam Khessa!”
He would also speak to making a hole for the invaders bodies, rather than dumping them in the river. (“-lest it contaminate another’s water, or wash the bodies to some other poor town!”)
"What's wrong with barbarism, Ev'alish?" Is a bit surprised Khessa "You ARE a barbarian - and still you are one of the best persons I ever met. My intent would be to make raiders think twice before attacking Nightstone... You would attack a village that defeated ogres and worgs? Do you fear it would scare eventual traders also? Oh, well, no heads then. The village will need trade. And will have to cope with the occasional raiders. But for sure I won't dig a grave for those bastards. Let's make a heap and burn them, if you don't like the river. But they don't deserve a single drop of my sweat. That's the way I see it"
As Kramyra heads up to help with the refuges, she congratulates Khessa on her use of spells. "You're really getting the hang of it! I gotta say, I'm really proud of you and so glad my teachings have helped. It has definitely made us a stronger unit." as she says these words, they hear the sounds of the bats approaching.. Kramyra turns around and faces the cavern the bats are in and readies burning hands for when they all appear within view before getting into melee range.
DEX save of 12 for full or half: 10 fire damage.
Ev'alish is too slow to move quickly as he hears the bats, but whispers loudly for the villagers to hear: "Take cover! The bats are coming forth!"
Khessa is horrified at what was about to happen and wants to end this threat very quickly: that predator has really too many helpless victims to choose!
"I can not allow that monster one more attack..." the arcane warrior says to herself (maybe she did not even realize she was thinking aloud) "I have to take him down NOW"
Then, she switches to the language of magic, as elegant gestures accompany mysterious words of power. In a matter of seconds, three glowing darts of magical force appear out of nowhere and unerringly strike the beast.
Damage: 9
If the monster is still alive, Khessa (cursing for a moment between her clenched teeth) unsheats her two-handed sword and runs to engage the bat, determined to NOT let it fly away to attack someone other.
Ev'alish growls. "Foul thing; begone!" With silvery fury, he lunges into the air with his pike and stabs at the bat. Attack: 18 Damage: 18
As soon as Khessa pointed him in the direction of the oil the ranger too the flask with his right hand and hurled it at the dark ooze, his dexterity allowing for an easy hit. I should have done that earlier, instead of the torch, he thought as the newly taught wizard followed his offensive with a mote of flames that strengthen by the fuel burnt the enemy to death.
“No cabbages so I think this cooking experiment was somewhat of a failure.” Sorjen told the blonde as he took his bow and prepared another arrow. He followed as Pojo guided the party to the incarcerated villagers, half expecting for a new monster to appear for behind every larger stone. Fortunately, not of the sort happened and they reached the prisoners. He felt the smell of the bats and their waste before he could see the beasts sleeping and instinctively the half-elf knew another battle was coming.
There was a reason why the chiropters hunted in the night. Their ability to detect presence around them was unmatched and had nothing to do with their eyes that contrary to popular belief were not blind. They will notice us and attack, he though moments before the swarm moved against the he and his companions. Spells and attacks hit the flying creatures and before long a giant of bat showed himself. This is it, Sorjen decided taking aim and firing an arrow. Before knowing if his hit was true the archer focused in avoiding any attacks coming in his direction.
Notes: Sorjen makes an attack the giant bat with his longbow and soon after takes the dodge action.
Attack: 25
Damage: 6
Ev’alish tells of what they had seen back in town. “Hordes of goblins hath swarmed forth into the town, taking advantage of the chaos left by the giants. A group of mercenaries likewise desired to take over Nightstone. We hath defeated them both, and we shall recover the Nightstone for thee!”
As the villagers are being escorted back to Nightston, Ev’alish takes Morak aside so as not to induce panic in the rest of the villagers. “Sire… I must regretfully inform thee that Lady Velrosa Nandar hath perished in the attack. She lies in the keep as of now. I offer my sincerest condolences to the and thy people.”
Before the bat fight:
"Indeed, Shadow Stalker!" smiles Khessa, grateful that the half-elf somehow manages to amuse her even in such a dangerous situation "I have never seen cabbage-based food come to life, turn to evil and start trying to EAT people instead of being eaten by them. This jelly was probably a failed cooking experiment by some crazy drow alchemist. I will not miss it."
Khessa is really relieved that her spell worked and sealed the fate of the bat before anyone getting hurt. She is also deeply touched by Kramyra's words: "Thank you, mistress Kramyra!" her voice is warm, while she helps the villagers to climb down to freedom "I'll always try to make you proud of me. Mixing weapon and magic tactics, I will never be able to match your mastery of the Weave; I'll always be only an apprentice, compared to you, but I will struggle to be the best apprentice you ever had! And remember the spellbook you helped me to read, the one that is my spellbook now: as I told from the start, you will of course always be allowed to study it, should you ever be willing to copy some of those spells into your own".
Khessa listens carefully to each of the ex-prisoners, comforting them as best she can and trying to cheer them up: "Take heart! You have been through terrible moments, but now we are with you, we will help you to overcome today's problems and have better days tomorrow".
He is horrified to hear that the goblins have eaten some of the villagers and takes off his helmet for a moment to allow Boss Pojo to see the deadly determination deep in his blue eyes: "Of course, Boss Pojo, when you'll have the lead of the goblins, no villager will ever be harmed by goblins, or... " and his hand rises and charges itself with electricity, crackling ominously "... I'll take personal care to fry you and your people, slowly, one by one".
The she let's tre cantrip wear off and puts her helmet back.
She then thinks about the guards. Six new guards in the army. But we do NOT have six more crossbows, for the Zhents had 7, 2 of the 7 had their string snapped during the fight, so total working crossbows left were 5. 4 we gave to the 4 guards in the keep... so... only 1 left. Khessa urges one of the new guards to take the remaining crossbow, advising the other 5 guards to try the short bows of the dead goblins: "You may or may not be familiar with this weapon, but having a ranged weapon will help you anyway to fight much better... and safer! Ask Sydiri, Torem or Kaelen here if you don't believe it".
On the way back, she keeps speaking wiht the villagers. She is especially concerned with the survivors of Nesper family... poor Yondra (age 15) and her brother Sarvin (age 11), who are now alone: "Yondra... Sarvin... I'm so sad that you lost your family. I also lost mine, you know? You could become my adopted children, if you like... You would have a family again... and me too. I could teach you how to grow cabbage... What do you think? Well," she seems a bit embarassed, she does not know what the ight words might be "I've never been a mother... I can not promise I'll be very good at that... but... if you like.. I'll try".
Nonchalantly, during the trip back to Nightstone, Khessa also quickly executes the last goblin prisoner. He captured and ATE the villagers. And Pojo says he can not be trusted. The village does not have a prison and does not need additional concerns. She beheads him. Period.
She takes the heads of some goblin and of the two ogres as well. If some of the villagers or of her companions look puzzled, she explains: "I know, it might seem a bit gruesome, but those could be of use later".
She also informs the people of their current lack of guide (she is unaware that Ev'alish was trying NOT to spread that news): "Alas, I also have to inform you all that Nightstone ruler, Lady Velrosa Nandar, perished during the attack of the giants. So you will not be able to count on her lead... but fear not, my companions and I will not let you down. We will help you to organize and to survive. Nightstone is here to stay and WILL flourish again".
Kan tries to lead the people out, playing it off as plucky, but mostly just am excited to get out of these caves and back to relative safety
Paladin - warforged - orange
If we reach Nightstone without other hostile encounters - like Asmodeus or something ;-)
there are a few things that a visibly tired but nevertheless determined Khessa tries to accomplish.
Dispose of the bodies of the enemies:
Enemies may rot in the Abyss, as far as she is concerned... but for sure NOT rot in the village, where they are not a good sight and might spread diseases!
The village has a river (or at least flowing water), right? So Khessa starts throwing the bodies of the enemy in the river, assuming that the bodies will be taken away from the current.
Eventual weapons or armor are kept and brought to the keep, in case they will be needed by the army in the future; even those of not good quality: in case of need (more recruits, or some guard losing a weapon...), they will still be better than no weapon at all.
Try to discourage future troublemakers:
Khessa takes the heads of the 2 ogres, the 2 worgs, some of the goblins and some of the Zhents and, outside of the village's gate, she plants them on some low poles.
She hangs a sign on the foremost pole, written in Common:
"Peaceful (but determined) citizens live here.
If you come in peace, you can come inside... If you don't, you'll soon Rest In Peace outside"
Take care of the dead villagers:
The deceased villagers MUST NOT be left unattended. Khessa tries to get all the dead villagers ready for a funeral (compose bodies and bring them to Lathander temple). She assumes that Hiral, the Lathander priest, will see to proper funeral in the next days.
Give some advice about security:
Khessa organizes with the guards watch turns for every part of the day.
She assumes that wounded guards will need some rest to recover and tries to divide turns among the others so that there will be always, at any time of night or day, two guards on watch on the towers near the drawbridge.
Given that there are still hostile goblins at the caves, the drawbridge should be left up and lowered only when needed.
Khessa does not ask anyone to help, because she does not want to ask something from people that have endured already that much.
But she welcomes and thanks everyone that helps.
If she gets finally all of this done... then she tries to relax, to take a bath, to eat something... and to prepare for the night.
Ev’alish assists Khessa with all of her tasks, bar one - he gently but firmly speaks against the ‘heads on pikes’ idea. “These art civilized peoples. Hanging heads - especially the human ones - signals barbarism and a lust for blood. Other travelers will see this and see Nightstone as savages! They art better than that. THY art better than that, madam Khessa!”
He would also speak to making a hole for the invaders bodies, rather than dumping them in the river. (“-lest it contaminate another’s water, or wash the bodies to some other poor town!”)
"What's wrong with barbarism, Ev'alish?" Is a bit surprised Khessa "You ARE a barbarian - and still you are one of the best persons I ever met. My intent would be to make raiders think twice before attacking Nightstone... You would attack a village that defeated ogres and worgs? Do you fear it would scare eventual traders also? Oh, well, no heads then. The village will need trade. And will have to cope with the occasional raiders. But for sure I won't dig a grave for those bastards. Let's make a heap and burn them, if you don't like the river. But they don't deserve a single drop of my sweat. That's the way I see it"