Snow keeps his eyes on the two smaller snake creatures, making an effort to hear their conversation over the music as he carries on playing. They seemed totally obsessed by magic.
“Who is controlling the magic which is lowering the level of the river? Is it one of you? And to what purpose? Why this obsession with magic?”, he calls over to them.
He flicks his eyes across to see how Varielky is doing, seeing her static and the larger creature some way away. He focusses once again on inspiring her in her fight, assuming that to do more would likely not be appreciated.
To Snow’s question, the first snake bows snakishly and replies. “That would be me.” The second snake, peeved, answers, “Actually, me.”
“But it was my idea.”
“Hardly!”
“Sssssssoooo jealoussss…”
“Did he ssssay obsssessssion?” “Yes.” “Hassss he ssstoped playing the violin?” “No.”
“A drunk telling a wino they hassss a drinking problem.” “Yesssss. ‘Have’. A drinking problem.”
To Snow, the first, replies, “It is not an obsesssssion. I am an aficionado.” The other, with a confidential wink, replies, “You’re right. He’ssss totally obsssesssed…”
As Varielky shakes off the mind-numbing effects of the giant snake’s poisonous bite with the help of Snow’s musical inspiration, Auger’s lights shift position and his attack’s full effects come into play..
The enormous snake, following its instinct, waits for its poison to take effect, then closes for the kill. It disappears under the surface of the river once again, swims to Varielky, then lashes its lower body around the shield-maiden’s legs, rises up in front of her, and its head and beady black eyes flash suddenly down at her, its jaw wide open, long teeth glistening and wet. At that moment, Auger’s spell penetrates its pebble-sized brain, and it recoils in pain, its lower body squeezing tighter and pulling Varielky down to splash under the shallow waters, and the two roll in a deadly embrace.
(This is mostly RP. Varielky is not grappled or prone. The snake missed its save and its bite attack missed Varielky too, who is free to act normally.)
Seeing Varielky is certainly okay, Auger leaves her to her fight again. He cannot help but notice that the first two snakes did not appear to perceive his attack on Chiss, despite it being as magical as anything else. Auger plays close attention to the snake's response to Snow's question. They were magically keeping the boat from proceeding? They are obsessed with magic? One or both are the caster? Perhaps a demonstration would be helpful.
Auger calls out, "You call my little lights simple, but they are an important part of my magic. Let me show you."Auger brings all of his violet lights over to the talking snakes where they hover over them and then in a flash they brightly explode in their midst. The snakes are not blinded, instead they are now painted in the same violet light. Auger again calls out, trying to sound friendly, "Perhaps an aficionado of magic appreciates being part of the show!"
Actions:
Py: Continues watching invisibly
Move: None
Bonus Action: Moves Dancing Lights as described. (This is mostly for RP)
Action: Casts Faerie Fire in a 20' cube encompassing #1 and #2 and extending 10' down into the water beneath them as well as 10' above them. Upper left corner of cube is located at the intersection point in the middle of the M, N, columns and the 7, 8 rows. Saving throw is DC18 DEX or they shed dim purple light, present advantage to attacks and cannot become invisible.
Status reminders:
Chiss: #3/Chiss subtracts 1d4 from its next saving throw if it happens before Auger's turn ends.
Concentration: Was Dancing Lights at beginning of turn, is Faerie Fire at end of turn.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Snow watches the two smaller creatures and frowns. They were testing his patience now, but he was loathe to act whilst Varielky was still off the boat. The last thing he wanted was for the river water to flood back in catching her unawares.
The best he figured he could do was to carry on distracting them until she was back aboard. He carries on playing.
“You realise once our friend there has finished dealing with this Chiss of yours, it will be your turn. I suggest you have a think about whether you really want to die today”, he calls to them matter of factly, but with an underlying threat that not even they could miss.
“You have one chance and one chance only to stop this madness, and that is to let our friend get back on this boat and to leave us be on our way”.
Action: Intimidation: 17
Reaction:
Same as last round, if the two smaller snakes attempt to attack or use an ability that would negatively effect us he will use Cutting Words on whichever acts first - 1+2=3
”Be careful cold blood, if we choose we can make short work of a spineless creature like yourself!”
Varielky clearly isn't used to fighting in these conditions. Especially, being held underwater in this way. Should she try to kill it first or try to reach above water to breathe first? She wasn't sure, not at first. However, as she quickly realises, the snake coiled itself around her in a manner that doesn't leave any options. The only way to get herself free would be to cut through. Fortunately, her arm is free enough to do so.
Varielky stabs on the snake's body with her sword. As the snake's grip on her loosens, Varielky can rise to standing, taking a deep breath. However... before she acts... does Chiss even live?
Reaction (previous round): Riposte manoeuvre against #3. Attack: 17. Damage: 19 (14 + the superiorty die, which rolled a 5). I think the snake is dead, if it had 75 hp. Varielky's actions would depend on whether or not it's alive, so I'll hold these for now.
Varielky takes a deep breath. "Slippery thing! I'm sending you to wherever snakes go after they draw their terminal breath!" She than hacks at the snake's body twice more.
However, as she does, her own words start echoing in her mind, nearly causing her to miss the first strike. What does happen when a snake dies? If it were a normal snake, she would not ponder this question, but these snakes - the other two, at least - have shown intelligence. Moreover, if snakes could go to Hallvala, would this snake go there? It uses poision, but that's his natural and only weapon, not much of a choice. Moreover, though they could have attacked all three at the same time, they snakes chose to conduct a duel. Whether that's because the other two aren't as strong or because they had respect to duelling traditions? Varielky couldn't know.
Finally, if the large snake still lives Varielky pushes it down into the water. It may or may not have an effect on it, as it could just swim back up, but it's a force of habit, more than anything.
Attack 1: Attack: 13, Damage: 16.
Attack 2: Attack: 29, Damage: 10.
BA: Shield Shove. Athletics: 23.
Varielky would not redirect her attacks/shove if the snake dies, rather just forgoe using them for the round.
The roiling bubbles at the sailboat's prow now froth with dark blood, as Varielky’s red-steel blade splits open the giant snake, mortally wounding it. Not dead but defeated, it spasms on the riverbed where the shield-maiden smashed it for a moment before. It painfully and haltingly extends to the surface again.
“Chisss…,” says the first snake, “go home.”
The huge snake disengages and swims away eastward, back toward the cage-like vines, its blood staining the river water a dark red.
‘There’s something… under those vines it is swimming toward,’ sends Py, ‘like a… dead person. Under the reeds. I can’t quite make it out.’
The snakes stop talking for a moment when Snow attempts to intimidate them. Then they pick up again.
“He is a good sssspeaker.”
“What he said gave me sssshivers.”
To Auger, the first snake responds, “Oooh! Aaah!, yessssss, thessse are ssssplendid.”
“The lights make it easier to hit you. Ssssee?,” observes the second, smacking the first with its tail.
“Yessss!!!, I will think on thisss spell”
“Perhapssss there are more?”
“I shall sssee.”
The second snake says a magic word, and its mother of pearl scales float away from its head, twirling slowly up to form arcane sigils in a subtly-colored ring of rotating ivory, blue, and silver immediately above the creature. Suddenly the air is filled with static, a piercing sound builds, and then a bolt of lightning shoots out from the ring aimed at Auger and Snow. Snow and Auger please roll DEX 14 saving throws. Failure: take 42HP lightning damage. Success: ½ damage. The bolt also continues past them to tear a smoldering hole in the Animu Borongo’s sail.
If you attack them, you’ll find that the First Snake is AC18. The second (which just cast the lightning bolt) is AC15. They each have over 75HP.
Granophyre’s head pops out of the cabin door at the sound of the bolt. He looks east, sees the snakes and shouts to Auger & Snow, “They are Nagas, powerful spell casters which lure unsuspecting prey, enslaving them or worse! You must be careful!!”
You are now situated like so. The black circle indicates the area where Py sees something under the water, and where Chiss is headed.
Auger sees the eldritch magic forming and thinks there must be a way to stop such a thing from doing true ha--. At that point the lightning bolt strikes sending searing energy into Auger, and Snow, he sees. Auger is able to dodge some of its effect due to the benefits his coat offers (14 on Advantaged saving throw) and, amazingly, he maintains his concentration (18) on the violet lights bathing the two Naga.
Several things happen in close succession. Almost before he can think about what he is doing, Auger reaches into the Sea of Stars and finds heat and flame. The Naga who cast the lightning bolt is bathed in it (Reaction to taking damage).
"Get in the boat Varielky!"Auger yells as he attacks, hoping to disrupt the concentration of whichever Naga was holding the waters at bay. Taking a breath and taking up his rod, Auger finds his twisting energies and sends them spiraling into each of the violet-glowing Naga, hitting each and sending them 10 feet further away. Auger taps into the Sea of Stars, letting its energies flow into him.
Details
Reaction (to previous round attack): Casts Hellish Rebuke (Level 1) on #2, for 5 points of damage or 2 points if it makes its DC18 DEX save.
This round
Py: Flies forward, Dashing to Y8. Reports back to Auger if it sees anything more.
Status: Maintaining concentration on Faerie Fire
Action: Casts Eldritch Blast with each beam targeting one of the Nagas.
Beam 1 targets Snake 1, attacking with Advantage. 22 to hit. 10 damage and it is pushed 10' to Q10 or Q11.
Beam 2 targets Snake 2, attacking with Advantage. 29 to hit. 15 damage and it is pushed 10' to Q8.
Bonus Action: Auger spends 2 spell points and recovers a Level 1 spell slot.
Varielky doesn't chase people - or snakes, this time - who flee from a fight. When the outcome is known, sometimes death can be avoided so that a fighter will have a chance to become stronger in the future. After all, it is the fighting itself that is sacred, not the act of killing.
Snakes who summon a bolt of lightning? Now that's a different story. Varielky remembers the Dreyen slides, instantly charred by Mittens' similar looking magic. When the flash is gone, and Varielky can lower her shield - used to cover her eyes from the bright light - she almost starts sprinting towards the snakes, when Auger's beams fly above her head. Then, she hears his call. In hopes that he has a plan, Varielky follows Auger's directions and climbs up the boat. However, from this distance, there is not much else she can do, other than hold her shield ready to protect from any lightnings. Perhaps she could provide cover for the others?
Snow watches a little transfixed as the snakes scales float up and form the circle. Too late he realises the purpose of that circle, and he is caught flat footed as the lightning bolt hurtles towards Auger and him.
He takes the full force in the chest, staggering back and dropping to one knee, feeling the terrible burning sensation across his skin.
Instinctively he raises the violin once more, and through the agony draws the bow across the strings.There is no melody this time, just a noise that mirrors the pain he feels.
He reaches into the magic that is focussed within the violin, frantically searching for something that might help them, and finds at it’s core a sense of peace and warmth. A sense of healing.
He eagerly grabs for it, and sends the healing energy forth to his companions, not knowing if they are ok or not, and into himself.
Saving Throw: 13 (8+5) failed
Action: Cast Mass Cure Wounds on the three of them, healing all for 27 (8+7+7+5) each.
Py sends to Auger, ‘From this high up I still cannot see. Whatever it is, it is underwater.’
Auger’s flames are almost completely sucked into the arcane circle, and do only 2HP damage to Naga #2. “Oooohhh! Fassssscinating!,” it hisses.
Both snakes take damage from Auger’s beams, and both are pushed back. Nothing changes as regards water level in the area.
“Look!,” shouts the first Naga, “The musician is playing again!”
“So beautiful!”
“Takal Demesh, give them strength!,” utters Granophyre. You three now enjoy the effects of a bless spell. “Snow, look out!,” he then adds, urgently, retreating back down the steps for cover.
The second Naga’s circling scales shriek again, and a second lightning bolt blasts Auger and Snow again, and punctures a second hole in the Animu Borongo’s sail. Snow and Auger please roll DEX 14 saving throws. Failure: take 38HP lightning damage. Success: ½ damage. Thanks to Granophyre’s flash of genius, Snow may add +5 to his saving throw.
The first Naga’s head reappears above water as it slides forward again, focused on Auger. Its scales, in shades of blue and gold, now circle in a shining ring above its head, and from it, a thin lick of blue flame shoots out to engulf Auger. Auger, please make a DC 16 DEX save or take 15HP fire damage. ½ damage with a successful save.
“Show ussss something better!,” the first Naga demands.
Despite the protective properties of his coat, Auger is seared by lightning and then he cooks in the blue flames. While being buffeted by the forces Auger is unable to continue concentrating on his spell and the violet lights fade away.
Auger yells, "If you want to see something then look to yourself!" As he had done before, Auger reaches into the Sea of Stars and through it into the mind of the first snake. In its mind, a huge water snake attacks it, holding it helpless, unable to concentrate (OOC: I hope) and unable to get away from it.
Regardless of what happens next, Auger decides to not make himself such an easy target and lets himself into the water, still trying to hold on to the boat's gunwale as he lets the Animu Borongo act as cover.
Details:
Saving throws: I forgot to roll the Bless benefit for each saving throw but the 1d4 would not have made the difference in any case. First save made so Auger takes 19 points of damage and then fails his concentration on Faerie Fire. Auger fails his save on the second attack and takes 15 points of damage.
Py: Flies to B5 at 15', looks around and reports.
Action: Auger targets #1 with Phantasmal Force. If the Naga fails its saving throw (DC 18 INT) it takes 6 points of Psychic damage.
Move: Auger moves to I7, holding the boat, as described. DEX saving throw = 7, if needed.
Status: Now concentrating on Phantasmal Force, if it works.
If needed Auger will use his Strength of the Grave ability to attempt to stay up, should he go down during the monster's turn.
Snow is just clearing his head from the first lightening bolt when he hears Strewn’s warning and manages to avoid some of the blast this time, although it still causes a flair of pain in his hip where it strikes.
He plucks a string on the violin quietly and focusses on the the magic inside, consuming it and allowed it to decorate his words. He turns to the creature throwing lightening bolts, leans out over the side of the boat and speaks seductively, “Stop diverting the river and allow us on our way in peace”.
Seeing Auger move from the boat, he speaks words of encouragement softly, “Be safe my friend, we will prevail”.
Save: 26 (15+5) (Bless:+1) (Flash of Genius:+5)
Move: Looking at the grid I am hoping by leaning out over the side of the boat he is within range of the spell. Action: Casts Suggestion on #2, DC 18 Wis Save Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration for Auger (Remember Varielky still has one) Movement: Moves behind the cabin and kneels down, the music has stopped.
Reaction:
Same as before, if the two smaller snakes attempt to attack or use an ability that would negatively effect us he will use Cutting Words on whichever acts first - 6+2=8
”Your beast has been driven off, your test is passed, what more is there!”
Varielky sees the second lightning blast the ship. This won't be good if it continues. However, Varielky prefers to fight where she can hold her footing. Fighting while sweeming is... something she'd rather avoid.
"Take care of the lightning-caller, I'll make sure the second doesn't bother you!" Varielky calls before jumping off the ship. She runs towards the snake closer to the sand, where she could still stand while trying to sever its head, despite the water.
Varielky manages to fight much better than expected. The water proving no obstacle for the first strike, Varielky cuts a large wound into the snake's body. "You should have retreated when you had the chance!" She calls before slashing again. Her second attack, however, a strike boosted with a bit too much confidence, hits the water in a bad angle and, like a rock, skips off the water's surface. Slightly frustrated, Varielky tries to shove the snake down, where she hopes it will stay.
Attack 1: Nat 20! Damage: 27 (added SD for Menacing Attack manoeuvre. #1 must succeed a DC 16 Wisdom save or be freightened of Varielky until the end of her next turn).
Attack 2: Nat 1!
BA: Shield Shove to knock the naga prone. Athletics: 26.
Py sends, ‘I think there are bodies under the water. I would have to set down on the water and put my face underwater to see them clearly, master.’
Auger, when he casts phantasmal force, senses, in the Naga he targets, a vast and ancient intellect which at first contains and blocks off his incursion through the sea of stars, by erecting chains and a harbor wall against which the rip tides of the southerner’s spells smash and dissipate. The Naga then opens a portal to the warlock’s spell, allowing it to take effect and then closing the portal again. The Naga takes 6HP damage. The spell then fails.
What Snow and Varielky see: stopped in its tracks for a moment, the Naga shivers in terror and agony, witnessing the illusion Auger created – with focused curiosity – then it pulls itself back into reality with dagger-fangs showing and forked tongue lashing as it senses Varielky’s approach.
Seeking cover, Auger stumbles under the sail’s boom and the smoldering ash from the lightning blasts, ungracefully flipping over the gunwale, but he ends up where he wants to be, half above water, standing on the sandbar, his legs underwater.
Granophyre removes a tiny vial from his vest, and peeking around the cabin, sends it flying to Auger with a flick of his wrist. It tumbles open, healing vapors spill through the air to be inhaled by the warlock who regains 13HP as the vial then disappears.
Snow likewise takes cover behind the cabin’s edge.
Varielky’s red-steel blade sprays blood after her brutal attack, and her shield smashes the first Naga down into the river water. Its circle of glowing sigils disappears as it plunges, also succumbing to the shield-maiden’s menacing attack and now suffering the frightened condition. It disengages from Varielky and ends the round hidden from view underwater as twilight continues to deepen.
The water level now slowly returns to normal, rising, lifting and freeing the Animu Borongo from the sandbar. Varielky ends the round swimming at water level or submerged on the riverbed, her choice.
As the water rises, Naga #2’s mystic circle shines brightly as it battles Snow’s spell. But it too fades away as the creature succumbs to the bard’s suggestion. “I have sssseen enough, and I wish to consult my tomes. You may go in peaccccccce,” it says, then disappears underwater too, leaving hardly a ripple.
You are now situated like so, the water having shifted both Varielky and the Animu Borongo slightly as it returned to normal.
"Some kind of test? The -- the naga that Varielky attacked. It -- it let me produce an illusion. It wanted to feel it. Let's get out of here." Auger clambers back into the boat as the water rises and sits down on the deck. Then he passes his senses into Py.
Well, this is disturbing. Their feeding ground perhaps? Their refuse? Get closer for that look underwater. I will snatch you back to me as soon as we get that look.
Details:
Move: Auger moves to J7, back on the boat.
Action: Pass senses to Py.
Py: Lands on the water at b4. Looks under water with Auger directly seeing and hearing everything that Py experiences. Py is Dodging if that action is available while looking underwater.
Intentions: To bring Py to pocket dimension in the next round, then bring back in the round following, assuming the Animu Borongo is moving away smoothly.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Snow breathes a little sigh of relief as his spell catches and the lightning bolts stop flying.
“These creatures are powerful, I get the feeling they are toying with us. Do not harm the one who went to consult it’s tomes, I am not certain the other is done with us though”
He makes his way to the stern and prepares to cast his gust charm as soon as Varielky is on board, hoping the damage to the sail is not too bad for them to get any momentum. Kneeling down for cover, he watches to see what Varielky is doing, preparing to help if needed.
“Varielky, I think we will need your strength on the oars when it is safe to do so, the sail might not be functional in this state”.
Seeing Auger hurt, he sings a few words of power, willing good health to him.
Movement: To tiller of boat (J10), kneeling down for cover Bonus Action: Healing Word - 6 (1+5) Action: Held for reaction Reaction: Cast Gust charm when Varielky is on board.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Varielky swims at first, but cannot shake some strange feeling. Just that? The nagas somehow knew about the magical powers of Auger and the captain, wanted to see them and then went away after a short fight? Too strange. ["Odur, may your light reveal any who try to hide in the shadows in order to attack unnoticed!"]Varielky prays in Dreyen, neither silently nor particularly loudly. A moment after, as if she were holding a torch, light appears in front of her, illuminating the dark water as she searches for the snake. No, not like a torch. The light is too focused for a torch. Rather than a sphere of light, these are two beams, similar to those of a bullseye lantern, though not reaching as far as those either...
"Just a moment! I want to make sure the second snake has gone away as well!" Varielky replies. As she turns to face him for a moment, Snow can see that the light is actually emitted from her eyes.
Varielky then turna back to where the snake was, searching for it. If needed, she'll dive underwater for a moment to see if she can find it that way.
BA: Cast Light through Dreygaard.
Action: Search for the naga she just fought. Perception: 23.
Granophyre replies to Auger, lending an arm to help pull him aboard. “They are ancient, mysterious creatures, whose thirst for knowledge is far greater than their desire for blood.”
Varielky’s lights barely touch upon both snakes, where they have partially surfaced to the southeast, at the riverbank. They seem to be whispering heatedly between themselves, almost entirely concealed in the water among the vines and organic detritus along the shore.
Py, the Fey alyasub, lands on the water, spread-eagles to float on the river’s surface tension here at the bank where the water is still, and dips its face under. Auger, looking through Py’s eyes, sees — as the surface reflection of the twilight sky disappears — through clouds of diaphanous lichen, the clarifying image of three human forms on the riverbed, lying face up on their backs, 5’ underwater, motionless. Py would have to go closer to see more details, or to know if they are dead or alive.
Snow keeps his eyes on the two smaller snake creatures, making an effort to hear their conversation over the music as he carries on playing. They seemed totally obsessed by magic.
“Who is controlling the magic which is lowering the level of the river? Is it one of you? And to what purpose? Why this obsession with magic?”, he calls over to them.
He flicks his eyes across to see how Varielky is doing, seeing her static and the larger creature some way away. He focusses once again on inspiring her in her fight, assuming that to do more would likely not be appreciated.
Action: Persuasion: 13
Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration - 1d8 for Varielky.
Reaction:
If the other two snakes attempt to attack or use an ability that would negatively effect us he will use Cutting Words on whichever acts first - 6+2=8
”Be careful cold blood, if we choose we can make short work of a spineless creature like yourself!”
Round 2 results
To Snow’s question, the first snake bows snakishly and replies. “That would be me.”
The second snake, peeved, answers, “Actually, me.”
“But it was my idea.”
“Hardly!”
“Sssssssoooo jealoussss…”
“Did he ssssay obsssessssion?”
“Yes.”
“Hassss he ssstoped playing the violin?”
“No.”
“A drunk telling a wino they hassss a drinking problem.”
“Yesssss. ‘Have’. A drinking problem.”
To Snow, the first, replies, “It is not an obsesssssion. I am an aficionado.”
The other, with a confidential wink, replies, “You’re right. He’ssss totally obsssesssed…”
As Varielky shakes off the mind-numbing effects of the giant snake’s poisonous bite with the help of Snow’s musical inspiration, Auger’s lights shift position and his attack’s full effects come into play..
The enormous snake, following its instinct, waits for its poison to take effect, then closes for the kill. It disappears under the surface of the river once again, swims to Varielky, then lashes its lower body around the shield-maiden’s legs, rises up in front of her, and its head and beady black eyes flash suddenly down at her, its jaw wide open, long teeth glistening and wet. At that moment, Auger’s spell penetrates its pebble-sized brain, and it recoils in pain, its lower body squeezing tighter and pulling Varielky down to splash under the shallow waters, and the two roll in a deadly embrace.
(This is mostly RP. Varielky is not grappled or prone. The snake missed its save and its bite attack missed Varielky too, who is free to act normally.)
You are now situated like so
Please post round 3 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Seeing Varielky is certainly okay, Auger leaves her to her fight again. He cannot help but notice that the first two snakes did not appear to perceive his attack on Chiss, despite it being as magical as anything else. Auger plays close attention to the snake's response to Snow's question. They were magically keeping the boat from proceeding? They are obsessed with magic? One or both are the caster? Perhaps a demonstration would be helpful.
Auger calls out, "You call my little lights simple, but they are an important part of my magic. Let me show you." Auger brings all of his violet lights over to the talking snakes where they hover over them and then in a flash they brightly explode in their midst. The snakes are not blinded, instead they are now painted in the same violet light. Auger again calls out, trying to sound friendly, "Perhaps an aficionado of magic appreciates being part of the show!"
Actions:
Status reminders:
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Snow watches the two smaller creatures and frowns. They were testing his patience now, but he was loathe to act whilst Varielky was still off the boat. The last thing he wanted was for the river water to flood back in catching her unawares.
The best he figured he could do was to carry on distracting them until she was back aboard. He carries on playing.
“You realise once our friend there has finished dealing with this Chiss of yours, it will be your turn. I suggest you have a think about whether you really want to die today”, he calls to them matter of factly, but with an underlying threat that not even they could miss.
“You have one chance and one chance only to stop this madness, and that is to let our friend get back on this boat and to leave us be on our way”.
Action: Intimidation: 17
Reaction:
Same as last round, if the two smaller snakes attempt to attack or use an ability that would negatively effect us he will use Cutting Words on whichever acts first - 1+2=3
”Be careful cold blood, if we choose we can make short work of a spineless creature like yourself!”
Varielky clearly isn't used to fighting in these conditions. Especially, being held underwater in this way. Should she try to kill it first or try to reach above water to breathe first? She wasn't sure, not at first. However, as she quickly realises, the snake coiled itself around her in a manner that doesn't leave any options. The only way to get herself free would be to cut through. Fortunately, her arm is free enough to do so.
Varielky stabs on the snake's body with her sword. As the snake's grip on her loosens, Varielky can rise to standing, taking a deep breath. However... before she acts... does Chiss even live?
Reaction (previous round): Riposte manoeuvre against #3. Attack: 17. Damage: 19 (14 + the superiorty die, which rolled a 5). I think the snake is dead, if it had 75 hp. Varielky's actions would depend on whether or not it's alive, so I'll hold these for now.
Varielky
The Snake still lives!
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky takes a deep breath. "Slippery thing! I'm sending you to wherever snakes go after they draw their terminal breath!" She than hacks at the snake's body twice more.
However, as she does, her own words start echoing in her mind, nearly causing her to miss the first strike. What does happen when a snake dies? If it were a normal snake, she would not ponder this question, but these snakes - the other two, at least - have shown intelligence. Moreover, if snakes could go to Hallvala, would this snake go there? It uses poision, but that's his natural and only weapon, not much of a choice. Moreover, though they could have attacked all three at the same time, they snakes chose to conduct a duel. Whether that's because the other two aren't as strong or because they had respect to duelling traditions? Varielky couldn't know.
Finally, if the large snake still lives Varielky pushes it down into the water. It may or may not have an effect on it, as it could just swim back up, but it's a force of habit, more than anything.
Attack 1: Attack: 13, Damage: 16.
Attack 2: Attack: 29, Damage: 10.
BA: Shield Shove. Athletics: 23.
Varielky would not redirect her attacks/shove if the snake dies, rather just forgoe using them for the round.
Varielky
Round 3 results
The roiling bubbles at the sailboat's prow now froth with dark blood, as Varielky’s red-steel blade splits open the giant snake, mortally wounding it. Not dead but defeated, it spasms on the riverbed where the shield-maiden smashed it for a moment before. It painfully and haltingly extends to the surface again.
“Chisss…,” says the first snake, “go home.”
The huge snake disengages and swims away eastward, back toward the cage-like vines, its blood staining the river water a dark red.
‘There’s something… under those vines it is swimming toward,’ sends Py, ‘like a… dead person. Under the reeds. I can’t quite make it out.’
The snakes stop talking for a moment when Snow attempts to intimidate them. Then they pick up again.
“He is a good sssspeaker.”
“What he said gave me sssshivers.”
To Auger, the first snake responds, “Oooh! Aaah!, yessssss, thessse are ssssplendid.”
“The lights make it easier to hit you. Ssssee?,” observes the second, smacking the first with its tail.
“Yessss!!!, I will think on thisss spell”
“Perhapssss there are more?”
“I shall sssee.”
The second snake says a magic word, and its mother of pearl scales float away from its head, twirling slowly up to form arcane sigils in a subtly-colored ring of rotating ivory, blue, and silver immediately above the creature. Suddenly the air is filled with static, a piercing sound builds, and then a bolt of lightning shoots out from the ring aimed at Auger and Snow. Snow and Auger please roll DEX 14 saving throws. Failure: take 42HP lightning damage. Success: ½ damage. The bolt also continues past them to tear a smoldering hole in the Animu Borongo’s sail.
If you attack them, you’ll find that the First Snake is AC18. The second (which just cast the lightning bolt) is AC15. They each have over 75HP.
Granophyre’s head pops out of the cabin door at the sound of the bolt. He looks east, sees the snakes and shouts to Auger & Snow, “They are Nagas, powerful spell casters which lure unsuspecting prey, enslaving them or worse! You must be careful!!”
You are now situated like so. The black circle indicates the area where Py sees something under the water, and where Chiss is headed.
Please post Round 4 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
I'm busy Py, go take a look. Stay safe.
Auger sees the eldritch magic forming and thinks there must be a way to stop such a thing from doing true ha--. At that point the lightning bolt strikes sending searing energy into Auger, and Snow, he sees. Auger is able to dodge some of its effect due to the benefits his coat offers (14 on Advantaged saving throw) and, amazingly, he maintains his concentration (18) on the violet lights bathing the two Naga.
Several things happen in close succession. Almost before he can think about what he is doing, Auger reaches into the Sea of Stars and finds heat and flame. The Naga who cast the lightning bolt is bathed in it (Reaction to taking damage).
"Get in the boat Varielky!" Auger yells as he attacks, hoping to disrupt the concentration of whichever Naga was holding the waters at bay. Taking a breath and taking up his rod, Auger finds his twisting energies and sends them spiraling into each of the violet-glowing Naga, hitting each and sending them 10 feet further away. Auger taps into the Sea of Stars, letting its energies flow into him.
Details
This round
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky doesn't chase people - or snakes, this time - who flee from a fight. When the outcome is known, sometimes death can be avoided so that a fighter will have a chance to become stronger in the future. After all, it is the fighting itself that is sacred, not the act of killing.
Snakes who summon a bolt of lightning? Now that's a different story. Varielky remembers the Dreyen slides, instantly charred by Mittens' similar looking magic. When the flash is gone, and Varielky can lower her shield - used to cover her eyes from the bright light - she almost starts sprinting towards the snakes, when Auger's beams fly above her head. Then, she hears his call. In hopes that he has a plan, Varielky follows Auger's directions and climbs up the boat. However, from this distance, there is not much else she can do, other than hold her shield ready to protect from any lightnings. Perhaps she could provide cover for the others?
Varielky
Snow watches a little transfixed as the snakes scales float up and form the circle. Too late he realises the purpose of that circle, and he is caught flat footed as the lightning bolt hurtles towards Auger and him.
He takes the full force in the chest, staggering back and dropping to one knee, feeling the terrible burning sensation across his skin.
Instinctively he raises the violin once more, and through the agony draws the bow across the strings.There is no melody this time, just a noise that mirrors the pain he feels.
He reaches into the magic that is focussed within the violin, frantically searching for something that might help them, and finds at it’s core a sense of peace and warmth. A sense of healing.
He eagerly grabs for it, and sends the healing energy forth to his companions, not knowing if they are ok or not, and into himself.
Saving Throw: 13 (8+5) failed
Action: Cast Mass Cure Wounds on the three of them, healing all for 27 (8+7+7+5) each.
Concentration Check: 16 (14+2) fail against 21
Round 4 Results
Py sends to Auger, ‘From this high up I still cannot see. Whatever it is, it is underwater.’
Auger’s flames are almost completely sucked into the arcane circle, and do only 2HP damage to Naga #2. “Oooohhh! Fassssscinating!,” it hisses.
Both snakes take damage from Auger’s beams, and both are pushed back. Nothing changes as regards water level in the area.
“Look!,” shouts the first Naga, “The musician is playing again!”
“So beautiful!”
“Takal Demesh, give them strength!,” utters Granophyre. You three now enjoy the effects of a bless spell. “Snow, look out!,” he then adds, urgently, retreating back down the steps for cover.
The second Naga’s circling scales shriek again, and a second lightning bolt blasts Auger and Snow again, and punctures a second hole in the Animu Borongo’s sail. Snow and Auger please roll DEX 14 saving throws. Failure: take 38HP lightning damage. Success: ½ damage. Thanks to Granophyre’s flash of genius, Snow may add +5 to his saving throw.
The first Naga’s head reappears above water as it slides forward again, focused on Auger. Its scales, in shades of blue and gold, now circle in a shining ring above its head, and from it, a thin lick of blue flame shoots out to engulf Auger. Auger, please make a DC 16 DEX save or take 15HP fire damage. ½ damage with a successful save.
“Show ussss something better!,” the first Naga demands.
You are now situated like so.
Please post Round 5 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Fly closer and have a look.
Despite the protective properties of his coat, Auger is seared by lightning and then he cooks in the blue flames. While being buffeted by the forces Auger is unable to continue concentrating on his spell and the violet lights fade away.
Auger yells, "If you want to see something then look to yourself!" As he had done before, Auger reaches into the Sea of Stars and through it into the mind of the first snake. In its mind, a huge water snake attacks it, holding it helpless, unable to concentrate (OOC: I hope) and unable to get away from it.
Regardless of what happens next, Auger decides to not make himself such an easy target and lets himself into the water, still trying to hold on to the boat's gunwale as he lets the Animu Borongo act as cover.
Details:
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Snow is just clearing his head from the first lightening bolt when he hears Strewn’s warning and manages to avoid some of the blast this time, although it still causes a flair of pain in his hip where it strikes.
He plucks a string on the violin quietly and focusses on the the magic inside, consuming it and allowed it to decorate his words. He turns to the creature throwing lightening bolts, leans out over the side of the boat and speaks seductively, “Stop diverting the river and allow us on our way in peace”.
Seeing Auger move from the boat, he speaks words of encouragement softly, “Be safe my friend, we will prevail”.
Save: 26 (15+5) (Bless:+1) (Flash of Genius:+5)
Move: Looking at the grid I am hoping by leaning out over the side of the boat he is within range of the spell.
Action: Casts Suggestion on #2, DC 18 Wis Save
Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration for Auger (Remember Varielky still has one)
Movement: Moves behind the cabin and kneels down, the music has stopped.
Reaction:
Same as before, if the two smaller snakes attempt to attack or use an ability that would negatively effect us he will use Cutting Words on whichever acts first - 6+2=8
”Your beast has been driven off, your test is passed, what more is there!”
Varielky sees the second lightning blast the ship. This won't be good if it continues. However, Varielky prefers to fight where she can hold her footing. Fighting while sweeming is... something she'd rather avoid.
"Take care of the lightning-caller, I'll make sure the second doesn't bother you!" Varielky calls before jumping off the ship. She runs towards the snake closer to the sand, where she could still stand while trying to sever its head, despite the water.
Varielky manages to fight much better than expected. The water proving no obstacle for the first strike, Varielky cuts a large wound into the snake's body. "You should have retreated when you had the chance!" She calls before slashing again. Her second attack, however, a strike boosted with a bit too much confidence, hits the water in a bad angle and, like a rock, skips off the water's surface. Slightly frustrated, Varielky tries to shove the snake down, where she hopes it will stay.
Attack 1: Nat 20! Damage: 27 (added SD for Menacing Attack manoeuvre. #1 must succeed a DC 16 Wisdom save or be freightened of Varielky until the end of her next turn).
Attack 2: Nat 1!
BA: Shield Shove to knock the naga prone. Athletics: 26.
Varielky
Round 5 results.
Py sends, ‘I think there are bodies under the water. I would have to set down on the water and put my face underwater to see them clearly, master.’
Auger, when he casts phantasmal force, senses, in the Naga he targets, a vast and ancient intellect which at first contains and blocks off his incursion through the sea of stars, by erecting chains and a harbor wall against which the rip tides of the southerner’s spells smash and dissipate. The Naga then opens a portal to the warlock’s spell, allowing it to take effect and then closing the portal again. The Naga takes 6HP damage. The spell then fails.
What Snow and Varielky see: stopped in its tracks for a moment, the Naga shivers in terror and agony, witnessing the illusion Auger created – with focused curiosity – then it pulls itself back into reality with dagger-fangs showing and forked tongue lashing as it senses Varielky’s approach.
Seeking cover, Auger stumbles under the sail’s boom and the smoldering ash from the lightning blasts, ungracefully flipping over the gunwale, but he ends up where he wants to be, half above water, standing on the sandbar, his legs underwater.
Granophyre removes a tiny vial from his vest, and peeking around the cabin, sends it flying to Auger with a flick of his wrist. It tumbles open, healing vapors spill through the air to be inhaled by the warlock who regains 13HP as the vial then disappears.
Snow likewise takes cover behind the cabin’s edge.
Varielky’s red-steel blade sprays blood after her brutal attack, and her shield smashes the first Naga down into the river water. Its circle of glowing sigils disappears as it plunges, also succumbing to the shield-maiden’s menacing attack and now suffering the frightened condition. It disengages from Varielky and ends the round hidden from view underwater as twilight continues to deepen.
The water level now slowly returns to normal, rising, lifting and freeing the Animu Borongo from the sandbar. Varielky ends the round swimming at water level or submerged on the riverbed, her choice.
As the water rises, Naga #2’s mystic circle shines brightly as it battles Snow’s spell. But it too fades away as the creature succumbs to the bard’s suggestion. “I have sssseen enough, and I wish to consult my tomes. You may go in peaccccccce,” it says, then disappears underwater too, leaving hardly a ripple.
You are now situated like so, the water having shifted both Varielky and the Animu Borongo slightly as it returned to normal.
Please post round 6 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Some kind of test? The -- the naga that Varielky attacked. It -- it let me produce an illusion. It wanted to feel it. Let's get out of here." Auger clambers back into the boat as the water rises and sits down on the deck. Then he passes his senses into Py.
Well, this is disturbing. Their feeding ground perhaps? Their refuse? Get closer for that look underwater. I will snatch you back to me as soon as we get that look.
Details:
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Snow breathes a little sigh of relief as his spell catches and the lightning bolts stop flying.
“These creatures are powerful, I get the feeling they are toying with us. Do not harm the one who went to consult it’s tomes, I am not certain the other is done with us though”
He makes his way to the stern and prepares to cast his gust charm as soon as Varielky is on board, hoping the damage to the sail is not too bad for them to get any momentum. Kneeling down for cover, he watches to see what Varielky is doing, preparing to help if needed.
“Varielky, I think we will need your strength on the oars when it is safe to do so, the sail might not be functional in this state”.
Seeing Auger hurt, he sings a few words of power, willing good health to him.
Movement: To tiller of boat (J10), kneeling down for cover
Bonus Action: Healing Word - 6 (1+5)
Action: Held for reaction
Reaction: Cast Gust charm when Varielky is on board.
Varielky swims at first, but cannot shake some strange feeling. Just that? The nagas somehow knew about the magical powers of Auger and the captain, wanted to see them and then went away after a short fight? Too strange. ["Odur, may your light reveal any who try to hide in the shadows in order to attack unnoticed!"] Varielky prays in Dreyen, neither silently nor particularly loudly. A moment after, as if she were holding a torch, light appears in front of her, illuminating the dark water as she searches for the snake. No, not like a torch. The light is too focused for a torch. Rather than a sphere of light, these are two beams, similar to those of a bullseye lantern, though not reaching as far as those either...
"Just a moment! I want to make sure the second snake has gone away as well!" Varielky replies. As she turns to face him for a moment, Snow can see that the light is actually emitted from her eyes.
Varielky then turna back to where the snake was, searching for it. If needed, she'll dive underwater for a moment to see if she can find it that way.
BA: Cast Light through Dreygaard.
Action: Search for the naga she just fought. Perception: 23.
Varielky
(OOC: We are no longer in initiative.)
Granophyre replies to Auger, lending an arm to help pull him aboard. “They are ancient, mysterious creatures, whose thirst for knowledge is far greater than their desire for blood.”
Varielky’s lights barely touch upon both snakes, where they have partially surfaced to the southeast, at the riverbank. They seem to be whispering heatedly between themselves, almost entirely concealed in the water among the vines and organic detritus along the shore.
Py, the Fey alyasub, lands on the water, spread-eagles to float on the river’s surface tension here at the bank where the water is still, and dips its face under. Auger, looking through Py’s eyes, sees — as the surface reflection of the twilight sky disappears — through clouds of diaphanous lichen, the clarifying image of three human forms on the riverbed, lying face up on their backs, 5’ underwater, motionless. Py would have to go closer to see more details, or to know if they are dead or alive.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer