Donlas easily finds his own kid(s) at one of the tables. The kids are happy to be set free, and inform you that all of the kids are here in this chamber.
Kosmos
As Kosmos goes to guard the door to the North...
A string of bright lights hangs next to the door. You must get inside and settle the score. The door is the color of a blue Christmas ball. It looks quite gaudy with those lights on the wall. "Don’t step near the door," a young child yells. "Behind that door is where the lich dwells."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kosmos, confused by the child’s warning, slowly and quietly approaches the door and holds his large ears next to it to see if he can hear anything beyond
Stealth. 20
Perception. 17
in case you’ll let me use advantage due to rabbit ears… 15
Donlas take the moment to check on his children, make sure they are okay, tell them everything is gonna be alright and apologizes for not having been there when they were taken.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
When you are subjected to an effect that allows you to make a DEX saving throw to take only half damage, you instead take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw, and only half damage if you fail.
As you step on the square just before the door, the sudden click makes you more annoyed than surprised. Easily stepping aside you let the crossbow bolt skim past you and shatter on the far wall.
Moving right up to the door, you press your ear to it and hear some cackling and other sounds, almost ranting, from the far side. You cannot hear words though, just enough to know someone is there.
Lyra says urgently via Rary's Telepathic Bond to Donlas and Kosmos, speaking quietly to Batair as needed:
"My thought is that we press our advantage. Our enemy is likely behind that door and may pursue us if we attempt to shepherd the children back down the mountain without defeating them first, putting them in danger regardless. Perhaps it's safest that they just hide here or run back to the village while we go in and attack, keeping our enemy's attention on ourselves. What say you all? Let us decide quickly one way or another and move."
"Whenever we do go in, I suggest everyone try to stay within 10' of the Batair. The paladin's very presence may protect us from some of the foul effects thrown at us." (She is talking about Batair's 3 Auras, +3 on all saves, immune to being charmed, immune to being frightened, all only if within 10').
"And Batair, good sir, do you perchance have divine favor you can call down on some of us just before we go in: Aid first, and then Bless, cast as powerfully as you can to protect all of us?" (To Batair, she is referring to casting Aid but also using a 2nd level slot to cast and concentrate on Bless on all of us just before we go through the door).
And just before the party does go in, in 2 prep bonus actions before, Lyra will give Bardic Inspiration to both Kosmos and Batair, with Donlas already having it for the next few minutes. Add 1d10 to any roll and you may as well use it since you keep it if you still fail/miss. Anytime within 10 minutes.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Appreciating the inspiration, Kosmos gives Lyra a nod. He quietly tries the door to see if it is locked. If it is, he pauses and looks to the group to see if Donlas or someone might have thieves tools?
If it is unlocked, he will silently as possible open the door and peer in.
Stealth 21
Perception 26
Those were not manipulated, I just deleted "Editing" that I added at the end in case I needed to use the inspiration. 21 for stealth and 26 for perception
The door is not locked, but you find that opening it silently is not possible...
The door slid wide open with a groan and a grind, And unveiled a strange scene unexpected to find. In one corner stood a tall Christmas tree Decorated with horrors that would make most folks flee. A stack of wrapped presents sat underneath. On the wall hung some bones in the shape of a wreath. A slim figure stood there in red Christmas clothes, White fur on his collar and bells on his toes.
This room is more dimly lit than the previous room, with only a single lit torch hanging from the walls. In the corner of the room rests a tree adorned with spiders, snakes, skulls, and other horrors. A solitary figure dressed in red and white holiday clothing stands with its back to the party.
The lich turned around with a glare and a grin, "Foolish mortals," he growled. "There's no way you can win!" His green grin grew wider as his yellow eyes glowed. His fists filled with fire about to explode. He cackled like crazy, he giggled with glee. "Once I claim your souls, you will never be free!" The tree tipped and knocked over the gifts that were stacked. As the bells on him jingled, the lich then attacked.
Please roll initiative. Kosmos is in the doorway, while the others are all still back in the previous chamber.
"Wait, Kosmos! What are you...? We were going to prepare! Bless or Aid or Channel Divinity or... or..." For once, the Eloquence Bard's words fail her as she gawks at the hasty rabbit-folk opening the fateful door.
Lyra sighs, smiles and shakes her head.
Harengon! The thought in Lyra's mind is an exasperated exclamation, but also tinged with some fondness.
"Wait, Kosmos! What are you...? We were going to prepare! Bless or Aid or Channel Divinity or... or..." For once, the Eloquence Bard's words fail her as she gawks at the hasty rabbit-folk opening the fateful door.
Lyra sighs, smiles and shakes her head.
Harengon! The thought in Lyra's mind is an exasperated exclamation, but also tinged with some fondness.
Up to you, but I considered Kosmos's action as after you did your prep work. he said it was after recieving the bardic inspiration from Lyra after all. Let's say you have 2 rounds of actions you can use as pre-combat prep. Will that work? Just tell me what you do in those two rounds before Kosmos opens the door.
((OOC: Lyra declared her own prep work with the Bardic Inspirations. But it's more that in post 187, she had also asked Batair, only if he wants to, to use those rounds to: - Cast Aid at 2nd or 3rd level to increase Max HP and HP for 3 of the PCs (no concentration). - Cast Bless at 2nd level to cover all 4 active PCs and keep concentration on it. Also, even before that, we'd want to tie up the surviving kobold, then all move up close, avoiding known trapped squares, so we are all within 10' of Batair and all of his auras. Probably ask all the kids to hide too.
But it's kind of funnier, and possibly more in character if we don't do all that and the frisky Harengon charges right in! And the Half-Elf so-called Eloquence Bard is left spluttering...))
(Oh yes, if Batair was tying up the kobold, that's great. But Kosmos is pretty geared up and not waiting on anyone. He wants answers and he just burst through the door...sorry for those that wanted to prepare... and carryon DM! I always find it funny when I leave an eloquent bard sputtering!!)
Right before the Kosmos opens the door Donlas' rapier of warning warns him that something is going to happen and he tells his kids and the other children to stay in this room, in one of the corners and that they will be back soon to take them home. Before he turns towards the door as Kosmos bursts through.
16
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
I'm giving Batter a bit longer to post initiative, then I'll move things onward regardless. I am staying with everyone having 2 rounds of actions to do whatever they wish, prior to the door opening. That is in line with what is going on, as Kosmos triggered the trap, listened at the door, then opened it, so about 2 rounds worth of actions there. Lyra has her actions specified, and Donlas seems to have his as well. Batter, if you wish to cast the spells Lyra mentioned, then you can do so, but that leaves the Kobolds untied, though likely to be unconscious for a couple hours at least. You do not have time to tie them all up, unless you are planning to spend the first rounds of combat doing that still.
I'm giving Batter a bit longer to post initiative, then I'll move things onward regardless. I am staying with everyone having 2 rounds of actions to do whatever they wish, prior to the door opening. That is in line with what is going on, as Kosmos triggered the trap, listened at the door, then opened it, so about 2 rounds worth of actions there. Lyra has her actions specified, and Donlas seems to have his as well. Batter, if you wish to cast the spells Lyra mentioned, then you can do so, but that leaves the Kobolds untied, though likely to be unconscious for a couple hours at least. You do not have time to tie them all up, unless you are planning to spend the first rounds of combat doing that still.
((Sounds good. One question on tying or not tying up the kobolds: 5 are dead and don't need tying up and 1 is unconscious, correct? The unconscious one I think is a dragonshield that Donlas knocked out non-lethally IIRC? Of course, up to you what you do @Battair. Lyra is asking for Aid and then Bless at 2nd level with concentration.))
The door is not locked, but you find that opening it silently is not possible...
The door slid wide open with a groan and a grind, And unveiled a strange scene unexpected to find. In one corner stood a tall Christmas tree Decorated with horrors that would make most folks flee. A stack of wrapped presents sat underneath. On the wall hung some bones in the shape of a wreath. A slim figure stood there in red Christmas clothes, White fur on his collar and bells on his toes.
This room is more dimly lit than the previous room, with only a single lit torch hanging from the walls. In the corner of the room rests a tree adorned with spiders, snakes, skulls, and other horrors. A solitary figure dressed in red and white holiday clothing stands with its back to the party.
The lich turned around with a glare and a grin, "Foolish mortals," he growled. "There's no way you can win!" His green grin grew wider as his yellow eyes glowed. His fists filled with fire about to explode. He cackled like crazy, he giggled with glee. "Once I claim your souls, you will never be free!" The tree tipped and knocked over the gifts that were stacked. As the bells on him jingled, the lich then attacked.
Please roll initiative. Kosmos is in the doorway, while the others are all still back in the previous chamber.
Batair...zoned out momentarily after the strike, memories of past wars flooding his mind as many children were failed. Glad to see the victory and that this time it was differently, he stayed uncharacteristically silent while reflecting on his odd behavior this quest.
Once the lich came in view, all other thoughts and feelings faded.
"You're why I'm here.." Batair rumbles in a serious tone.
He beats his battleaxe against his shield while walking toward the creature.
Does not sound like Batter cast aid or bless prior to combat.
Lich
As a note, the lich is under the affects of Foresight so all attacks against them have disadvantage. "Some new toys to come to play..." The lich cackles. "I'll drain your life away and become imortal at last..." It then casts fire shield Causing whispy flames to spring up around it. The lich then moves off to one side of the room. "Come on in, let us have some fun." He calls out.
Donlas
Donlas, you just sent your kids, as well as the rest of the village children, off to hide. Turning in time to see Kosmos open the door, you hear the lich's voice from inside, but do not have line of sight on him. It is your turn to act though.
Donlas and Lyra
Donlas easily finds his own kid(s) at one of the tables. The kids are happy to be set free, and inform you that all of the kids are here in this chamber.
Kosmos
As Kosmos goes to guard the door to the North...
A string of bright lights hangs next to the door.
You must get inside and settle the score.
The door is the color of a blue Christmas ball.
It looks quite gaudy with those lights on the wall.
"Don’t step near the door," a young child yells.
"Behind that door is where the lich dwells."
Kosmos, confused by the child’s warning, slowly and quietly approaches the door and holds his large ears next to it to see if he can hear anything beyond
Stealth. 20
Perception. 17
in case you’ll let me use advantage due to rabbit ears… 15
Donlas take the moment to check on his children, make sure they are okay, tell them everything is gonna be alright and apologizes for not having been there when they were taken.
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
Kosmos
Give me a dex save as you approach the door.
DEX save 23
Also, Kosmos has..
When you are subjected to an effect that allows you to make a DEX saving throw to take only half damage, you instead take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw, and only half damage if you fail.
Kosmos
As you step on the square just before the door, the sudden click makes you more annoyed than surprised. Easily stepping aside you let the crossbow bolt skim past you and shatter on the far wall.
Moving right up to the door, you press your ear to it and hear some cackling and other sounds, almost ranting, from the far side. You cannot hear words though, just enough to know someone is there.
Lyra says urgently via Rary's Telepathic Bond to Donlas and Kosmos, speaking quietly to Batair as needed:
"My thought is that we press our advantage. Our enemy is likely behind that door and may pursue us if we attempt to shepherd the children back down the mountain without defeating them first, putting them in danger regardless. Perhaps it's safest that they just hide here or run back to the village while we go in and attack, keeping our enemy's attention on ourselves. What say you all? Let us decide quickly one way or another and move."
"Whenever we do go in, I suggest everyone try to stay within 10' of the Batair. The paladin's very presence may protect us from some of the foul effects thrown at us." (She is talking about Batair's 3 Auras, +3 on all saves, immune to being charmed, immune to being frightened, all only if within 10').
"And Batair, good sir, do you perchance have divine favor you can call down on some of us just before we go in: Aid first, and then Bless, cast as powerfully as you can to protect all of us?" (To Batair, she is referring to casting Aid but also using a 2nd level slot to cast and concentrate on Bless on all of us just before we go through the door).
And just before the party does go in, in 2 prep bonus actions before, Lyra will give Bardic Inspiration to both Kosmos and Batair, with Donlas already having it for the next few minutes. Add 1d10 to any roll and you may as well use it since you keep it if you still fail/miss. Anytime within 10 minutes.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Appreciating the inspiration, Kosmos gives Lyra a nod. He quietly tries the door to see if it is locked. If it is, he pauses and looks to the group to see if Donlas or someone might have thieves tools?
If it is unlocked, he will silently as possible open the door and peer in.
Stealth 21
Perception 26
Those were not manipulated, I just deleted "Editing" that I added at the end in case I needed to use the inspiration. 21 for stealth and 26 for perception
Kosmos
The door is not locked, but you find that opening it silently is not possible...
The door slid wide open with a groan and a grind,
And unveiled a strange scene unexpected to find.
In one corner stood a tall Christmas tree
Decorated with horrors that would make most folks flee.
A stack of wrapped presents sat underneath.
On the wall hung some bones in the shape of a wreath.
A slim figure stood there in red Christmas clothes,
White fur on his collar and bells on his toes.
This room is more dimly lit than the previous room, with only a single lit torch hanging from the walls. In the corner of the room rests a tree adorned with spiders, snakes, skulls, and other horrors. A solitary figure dressed in red and white holiday clothing stands with its back to the party.
The lich turned around with a glare and a grin,
"Foolish mortals," he growled. "There's no way you can win!"
His green grin grew wider as his yellow eyes glowed.
His fists filled with fire about to explode.
He cackled like crazy, he giggled with glee.
"Once I claim your souls, you will never be free!"
The tree tipped and knocked over the gifts that were stacked.
As the bells on him jingled, the lich then attacked.
Please roll initiative. Kosmos is in the doorway, while the others are all still back in the previous chamber.
(that was so fun to read, thank you!)
Kosmos initiative 15
"Wait, Kosmos! What are you...? We were going to prepare! Bless or Aid or Channel Divinity or... or..." For once, the Eloquence Bard's words fail her as she gawks at the hasty rabbit-folk opening the fateful door.
Lyra sighs, smiles and shakes her head.
Harengon! The thought in Lyra's mind is an exasperated exclamation, but also tinged with some fondness.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Lyra's Initiative, at advantage due to Sentinel Shield: 14
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Up to you, but I considered Kosmos's action as after you did your prep work. he said it was after recieving the bardic inspiration from Lyra after all. Let's say you have 2 rounds of actions you can use as pre-combat prep. Will that work? Just tell me what you do in those two rounds before Kosmos opens the door.
((OOC: Lyra declared her own prep work with the Bardic Inspirations. But it's more that in post 187, she had also asked Batair, only if he wants to, to use those rounds to:
- Cast Aid at 2nd or 3rd level to increase Max HP and HP for 3 of the PCs (no concentration).
- Cast Bless at 2nd level to cover all 4 active PCs and keep concentration on it.
Also, even before that, we'd want to tie up the surviving kobold, then all move up close, avoiding known trapped squares, so we are all within 10' of Batair and all of his auras. Probably ask all the kids to hide too.
But it's kind of funnier, and possibly more in character if we don't do all that and the frisky Harengon charges right in! And the Half-Elf so-called Eloquence Bard is left spluttering...))
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
(Oh yes, if Batair was tying up the kobold, that's great. But Kosmos is pretty geared up and not waiting on anyone. He wants answers and he just burst through the door...sorry for those that wanted to prepare... and carryon DM! I always find it funny when I leave an eloquent bard sputtering!!)
Right before the Kosmos opens the door Donlas' rapier of warning warns him that something is going to happen and he tells his kids and the other children to stay in this room, in one of the corners and that they will be back soon to take them home. Before he turns towards the door as Kosmos bursts through.
16
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
I'm giving Batter a bit longer to post initiative, then I'll move things onward regardless. I am staying with everyone having 2 rounds of actions to do whatever they wish, prior to the door opening. That is in line with what is going on, as Kosmos triggered the trap, listened at the door, then opened it, so about 2 rounds worth of actions there. Lyra has her actions specified, and Donlas seems to have his as well. Batter, if you wish to cast the spells Lyra mentioned, then you can do so, but that leaves the Kobolds untied, though likely to be unconscious for a couple hours at least. You do not have time to tie them all up, unless you are planning to spend the first rounds of combat doing that still.
((Sounds good. One question on tying or not tying up the kobolds: 5 are dead and don't need tying up and 1 is unconscious, correct? The unconscious one I think is a dragonshield that Donlas knocked out non-lethally IIRC? Of course, up to you what you do @Battair. Lyra is asking for Aid and then Bless at 2nd level with concentration.))
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Batair...zoned out momentarily after the strike, memories of past wars flooding his mind as many children were failed. Glad to see the victory and that this time it was differently, he stayed uncharacteristically silent while reflecting on his odd behavior this quest.
Once the lich came in view, all other thoughts and feelings faded.
"You're why I'm here.." Batair rumbles in a serious tone.
He beats his battleaxe against his shield while walking toward the creature.
Initiative - 14
Does not sound like Batter cast aid or bless prior to combat.
Lich
As a note, the lich is under the affects of Foresight so all attacks against them have disadvantage.
"Some new toys to come to play..." The lich cackles. "I'll drain your life away and become imortal at last..."
It then casts fire shield Causing whispy flames to spring up around it.
The lich then moves off to one side of the room. "Come on in, let us have some fun." He calls out.
Donlas
Donlas, you just sent your kids, as well as the rest of the village children, off to hide. Turning in time to see Kosmos open the door, you hear the lich's voice from inside, but do not have line of sight on him. It is your turn to act though.
Updated Map