Nikita starts to say through her sinking feelings: "These are extraplanar fey - hobs. Blue Boggles. They are likely causing the paranoia and suspicion we may all be feeling. We can avoid them by going around... no wait!"
She looks on with dismay as Ermasnietsz fires a crossbow bolt at the feet of of the creatures, who are now rushing in to attack.
We could have tried to circumnavigate them. Or we could have attacked them with surprise. Instead we make the worst possible choice. Truly, we will be lucky to survive the day, let alone the week.
"Honestly!" Meresaa exclaims to Ermasnietsz. "How's a woman to level a proper accusation with you firing weapons at poor unsuspecting children? If I weren't already busy reprimanding Mr. Nilsson, I'd OH GODS WHAT ARE THOSE?!?!?!"
"We can still avoid them"- Ermasnietsz replies to the proposal tabled by Nikita, when she reloads the weapon with another bolt. The crossbow makes clicking noise that imitates the sound of a clock-work toy. Before taking further action, it is necessary to be certain about the true nature of the blue extraplanar fey creatures. But the sorcerer believes that these creatures are definitely driven by primal urges.
To Meresaa, she utters something unintelligible that sounds like the guttural noise of the fey creatures, followed by words that are spoken falteringly: "You can not accuse Boyd without decisive proof. If he was one of the spies of the evil society, I would have figured it out."
As the group walks past the children and everyone starts to get snappy, Faila feels the hair on the back of her neck raising, feeling deeply unsettled. Much more unsettled than one should feel walking with friends on a common mission past a group of children playing. She feels her teeth sharpening in her mouth and a tingle in her nails. Oh, no no no no.... This is strange, and she doesn't know what is causing it. Although she hears the others quabbling, accusing, fighting, she doesn't smell any hostility off of them, just fear... lots of fear. Why is everyone so scared? Faila is no exception; her heart is hammering. Her mind races as she turns her head around, glancing everywhere, trying to see or hear the source of the fear.
When the group recognizes the Boggles, Nikita says something about extra-planar, and Faila feels her insides go cold. All she can think of is spiny purple worms.
Boyd looks a mix of indignant and nervous at the blue woman's accusations, but most of all he looks distracted; he constantly looks between Meresaa and the group of blue sharp-tooths. After the magician finishes leveling her accusations, Boyd looks like he might just stand up for himself, but, perhaps affected by the fey magics, he pulls away from the conversation and shakes his head glumly and mutters something under his breath.
Perception: DC 13
"Procan, what'd I do to end up with these magic folk..."
Then, suddenly, he hears the clockwork whirr and click of gears and the snap-twang of a bolt. Instinctively, he ducks and covers his head, then assesses the situation. "Well if we're leaving, then let's leave. They don't look happy!"
((Assuming passive Perception 16 is enough to hear Boyd's spoiler)).
Knowing in her head, though not her heart, the effect the Boggles are having, Nikita murmurs quietly to the grizzled man, consciously fighting through her own fey-spurred suspicions:
"Remember what I said, Boyd. I have your back. Others here do too, I believe. This is a good test."
To Boyd and Ermasnietsz: "As for leaving, maybe. But with them coming at us now, it may not work. We don't want to be chased into an ambush. I hear others. Attack at range as we fall back, perhaps."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Whilst you ladies bicker among yourselves!" grunts Toska, drawing her great axe. "Some of us got some fightin' to do!" She dashes to the front of the group, pushing Boyd out of the way. Any closing observing would see that the orc's unnaturally large (enhanced) muscles are practically twitching, she seems bigger than previously.
"F-f-fight?" Claude stammer, "ain't sure 'bout no fightin'. Wha' y'reckon Maud?" The imp appendage on his neck rolls her eyes and facepalms. "Tha's right. bes' we stan' well back'n hurl some firebolts. Leave th' fightin' to fightin' to ol' Toska. Less y'd rather run? I'd be up f' tha' to."
Almost punctuating Toska's words, a number of the Blue Boggles jump up and down (almost comically) on the spot as they see the hulking orc advance towards them. They scream out their challenges in a language none of the party can comprehend.
Ermasnietsz & NickNack - 7 - Orange Infinity Symbol & Black Shooting-Star Symbol
Boyd - 5 - Tan Dagger Symbol
Toska - 4 - Dark Green Greataxe Symbol
Claude & Maud - 1 - Green Monkey Symbol
((I generally go left to right for mob numbering - so 1 starting top left through to 6 at the bottom right. There is a grid but it is a little hard to see at the size provided... each square represents 5ft and I use the 5,10 diagonal movement rule (5ft, 15ft, 20ft, 30ft for consecutive diagonal squares moved).))
After a brief moment of pause, one of the Blue Boggles steps forward, perhaps the more dominant one of the group. It creeps along towards the gate of the grove before bending down and touching the wooden gate frame. Moments later, a dark black and purple portal shimmers in the gate's frame and the boggle steps through only to reappear directly next to Toska.
Shouting what you can only assume to be profanities at the orc, it jumps at her. Up close it seems like, similar to the Sagacitas species, the boggle is excreting some form of viscous, oily fluid, which makes contact with Toska's skin.
Pummel: Attack: 19 Damage: 0
Constitution Save: 19
"Get this disgusting creature off me,"Toska roars with anger as she wipes some of the oil from her face and flicks it to the ground.
Faila - You watch in amazement as the little boggle materialises from its dimensional portal next to Toska. It seems the creature has, albeit unsuccessfully, attempted to strike at the orc. You get the sense that the creature was expecting its oil to have some effect on Toska, unfortunately, it had not counted on the orc's impeccable constitution. Nonetheless, the boggle has taken a hostile act against your companion, it is your turn.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Faila stands rooted in terror, but seeing the little boggle come through a portal after Toska, she forces herself to act, pulling out her sling and grabbing a frozen stone from the roadway. Her fear keeps her rooted to the spot. Don't let it out. Don't let it out. I can deal with this in a civilized way, and that's better, it's better if we don't touch them, what is that stuff? She puts the stone in the sling and flings it at the oily boggle.
The frozen stone whizzes from Faila's hand and clouts the boggle in the side of the head, momentarily dazing it. The boggle stares daggers at Faila, snarling at her. The stone, now slick with oil, sitting at the side of the creature.
Blue Boggle #1's Turn
The eastmost boggle dashes towards the gate, scuttling up and over with supernatural dexterity. It comes to a stop some 45ft away from Boyd.
Blue Boggle #2's Turn
Another boggle dashes after the first. Once more the creature is able to climb the fence without pause.
Blue Boggle #6's Turn
The boggle to the south, perhaps the smartest of the lot, darts towards the wheel of the wagon. Placing its hands along the wooden frame of the wheel, a small portal appears within the gap. Crawling and squeezing through the newly created portal, the boggle appears on the other side of the grove's fence (around 80ft south of Faila).
Meresaa - These strange, dimension-shifting creatures now appear to be blocking the road to the south. It seems like it would take quite a large diversion if you were to try and make your way around them, especially given their attention is currently fixated on the party. The closest boggle rubs at the side of its head, a rather large bump is beginning to form where Faila's shot struck the creature. The choice for fight or flight is now, it is your turn.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Don't mumble, Mr. Nilsson. No one likes a mumbler," Meressa says haughtily as she reaches for her tools. "We'll continue this discussion later!"
Turning sideways, she wiggles her way between her tightly-packed companions to get a clear view of the creature attacking Toska. She reaches a leather-clad hand into her cloak and removes a small pouch, stuffed full of something and tied tight with string. Deftly manipulating it with the tool in her other hand, the pouch ignites with a flash and she hurls the tiny ball of fire at the creature.
Action: Fire bolt - Attack: 25 Damage: 10 Movement: Somewhere near the NW (bottom left) corner of the fence.
As soon as the crackling fire bolt left Meresaa's hand she knew her aim was off. It flies through the air in the general direction of the boggle and Toska, missing the orc woman by inches and slightly singeing her hair.
"Not at me!" Toska roars in indignation. "The little blue creature standing in front of me!" she says, shaking her head in disbelief.
Blue Boggle #4's Turn
((Just realised I moved one too many Boggles previously! So I shall leave things be.))
Nikita - You watch as Meresaa darts towards the grove's fence and unleashes a fiery bolt that narrowly misses Toska. The incident flares up a level of paranoia within you; had Meresaa really intended to hit the boggle or Toska? You'd best ensure that your back is never turned to the Vedalken, who knows what she may be up to? You manage to temporarily put aside any questions you may have. Now is the time for action! It is your turn.
Nikita's mind is racing, trying to avoid paranoia. They are fey, so I am not sure whether my Sleep spell will work. Also, by my guess, the closest one will be finished off by the others in melee before it can cause any harm.
Her train of thought is interrupted by the Fire Bolt from Meresaa that nearly burns Toska. What in the world? She always seemed the logical researcher, but she would bear watching if this is how she was going to act during combat. As for the half-orc, Nikita did not know her. Who had invited her and the freakish looking Claude anyway? Hopefully they could hold their own (Toska certainly looks as if she can).
Nikita telepathically whispers to Thumbtack: That one. Before. ((indicating Boggle #1 45' away, see below)).
The owl takes her turn before Nikita, flying from Nikita's shoulder to the right (south?) 40' (8 squares) and diagonally and southeast 5' (1 square) to be so she is adjacent to next closest Boggle (#1?). There, Thumbtack takes the help, flapping her wings in the strange fey creature's vicinity to distract them before using the remaining 15' of her 60' regular movement to fly up into the air, out of reach and slightly back towards Nikita. Taking no attack of opportunity due to owls' Flyby feature.
((With full movement and action spoken for, I think there's not much more Thumbtack can do, so I won't say she looks around from this higher vantage for other boggles, but that's what she'd want to do if she had time)).
Nikita takes a few steps (10') back (left/north) and another 5' to her right (down/west). She nocks an arrow to her longbow and lets fly at the distracted boggle (targeting #1 at advantage due to above help). ((See attack roll in next post)).
Aloud, she simply says "It appears they can use the fence to fey step towards us, be wary of your flank." I hope that *I* am taking the same advice...
Ermasnietsz: Initiative 7
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Faila's Initiative: 8
Nature to see what they are: 19
Nikita starts to say through her sinking feelings: "These are extraplanar fey - hobs. Blue Boggles. They are likely causing the paranoia and suspicion we may all be feeling. We can avoid them by going around... no wait!"
She looks on with dismay as Ermasnietsz fires a crossbow bolt at the feet of of the creatures, who are now rushing in to attack.
We could have tried to circumnavigate them. Or we could have attacked them with surprise. Instead we make the worst possible choice. Truly, we will be lucky to survive the day, let alone the week.
Initiative: 10
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"Honestly!" Meresaa exclaims to Ermasnietsz. "How's a woman to level a proper accusation with you firing weapons at poor unsuspecting children? If I weren't already busy reprimanding Mr. Nilsson, I'd OH GODS WHAT ARE THOSE?!?!?!"
Initiative: 14
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
8 Nick Initiative
Initiative: 9
"We can still avoid them"- Ermasnietsz replies to the proposal tabled by Nikita, when she reloads the weapon with another bolt. The crossbow makes clicking noise that imitates the sound of a clock-work toy. Before taking further action, it is necessary to be certain about the true nature of the blue extraplanar fey creatures. But the sorcerer believes that these creatures are definitely driven by primal urges.
To Meresaa, she utters something unintelligible that sounds like the guttural noise of the fey creatures, followed by words that are spoken falteringly: "You can not accuse Boyd without decisive proof. If he was one of the spies of the evil society, I would have figured it out."
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
As the group walks past the children and everyone starts to get snappy, Faila feels the hair on the back of her neck raising, feeling deeply unsettled. Much more unsettled than one should feel walking with friends on a common mission past a group of children playing. She feels her teeth sharpening in her mouth and a tingle in her nails. Oh, no no no no.... This is strange, and she doesn't know what is causing it. Although she hears the others quabbling, accusing, fighting, she doesn't smell any hostility off of them, just fear... lots of fear. Why is everyone so scared? Faila is no exception; her heart is hammering. Her mind races as she turns her head around, glancing everywhere, trying to see or hear the source of the fear.
When the group recognizes the Boggles, Nikita says something about extra-planar, and Faila feels her insides go cold. All she can think of is spiny purple worms.
Boyd looks a mix of indignant and nervous at the blue woman's accusations, but most of all he looks distracted; he constantly looks between Meresaa and the group of blue sharp-tooths. After the magician finishes leveling her accusations, Boyd looks like he might just stand up for himself, but, perhaps affected by the fey magics, he pulls away from the conversation and shakes his head glumly and mutters something under his breath.
Perception: DC 13
"Procan, what'd I do to end up with these magic folk..."
Then, suddenly, he hears the clockwork whirr and click of gears and the snap-twang of a bolt. Instinctively, he ducks and covers his head, then assesses the situation. "Well if we're leaving, then let's leave. They don't look happy!"
((Assuming passive Perception 16 is enough to hear Boyd's spoiler)).
Knowing in her head, though not her heart, the effect the Boggles are having, Nikita murmurs quietly to the grizzled man, consciously fighting through her own fey-spurred suspicions:
"Remember what I said, Boyd. I have your back. Others here do too, I believe. This is a good test."
To Boyd and Ermasnietsz:
"As for leaving, maybe. But with them coming at us now, it may not work. We don't want to be chased into an ambush. I hear others. Attack at range as we fall back, perhaps."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"Whilst you ladies bicker among yourselves!" grunts Toska, drawing her great axe. "Some of us got some fightin' to do!" She dashes to the front of the group, pushing Boyd out of the way. Any closing observing would see that the orc's unnaturally large (enhanced) muscles are practically twitching, she seems bigger than previously.
"F-f-fight?" Claude stammer, "ain't sure 'bout no fightin'. Wha' y'reckon Maud?" The imp appendage on his neck rolls her eyes and facepalms. "Tha's right. bes' we stan' well back'n hurl some firebolts. Leave th' fightin' to fightin' to ol' Toska. Less y'd rather run? I'd be up f' tha' to."
DM Rolls (Toska & Claude's initiatives):
Claude & Maud: 5
Toska: 9
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Farmstead Fight (or Flight?)! - Round #1 - Initiative
Almost punctuating Toska's words, a number of the Blue Boggles jump up and down (almost comically) on the spot as they see the hulking orc advance towards them. They scream out their challenges in a language none of the party can comprehend.
"Look lively!" Toska bellows behind her. "Incoming!"
Battlemap:
Initiative Order:
Name - Initiative Roll - Symbol Used;
((I generally go left to right for mob numbering - so 1 starting top left through to 6 at the bottom right. There is a grid but it is a little hard to see at the size provided... each square represents 5ft and I use the 5,10 diagonal movement rule (5ft, 15ft, 20ft, 30ft for consecutive diagonal squares moved).))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Blue Boggle #3's Turn
After a brief moment of pause, one of the Blue Boggles steps forward, perhaps the more dominant one of the group. It creeps along towards the gate of the grove before bending down and touching the wooden gate frame. Moments later, a dark black and purple portal shimmers in the gate's frame and the boggle steps through only to reappear directly next to Toska.
Shouting what you can only assume to be profanities at the orc, it jumps at her. Up close it seems like, similar to the Sagacitas species, the boggle is excreting some form of viscous, oily fluid, which makes contact with Toska's skin.
"Get this disgusting creature off me," Toska roars with anger as she wipes some of the oil from her face and flicks it to the ground.
Faila - You watch in amazement as the little boggle materialises from its dimensional portal next to Toska. It seems the creature has, albeit unsuccessfully, attempted to strike at the orc. You get the sense that the creature was expecting its oil to have some effect on Toska, unfortunately, it had not counted on the orc's impeccable constitution. Nonetheless, the boggle has taken a hostile act against your companion, it is your turn.
Battlemap:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Faila stands rooted in terror, but seeing the little boggle come through a portal after Toska, she forces herself to act, pulling out her sling and grabbing a frozen stone from the roadway. Her fear keeps her rooted to the spot. Don't let it out. Don't let it out. I can deal with this in a civilized way, and that's better, it's better if we don't touch them, what is that stuff? She puts the stone in the sling and flings it at the oily boggle.
Sling: Attack: 14 Damage: 6
Farmstead Fight (or Flight?)! - Round #1 - Faila's Turn
The frozen stone whizzes from Faila's hand and clouts the boggle in the side of the head, momentarily dazing it. The boggle stares daggers at Faila, snarling at her. The stone, now slick with oil, sitting at the side of the creature.
Blue Boggle #1's Turn
The eastmost boggle dashes towards the gate, scuttling up and over with supernatural dexterity. It comes to a stop some 45ft away from Boyd.
Blue Boggle #2's Turn
Another boggle dashes after the first. Once more the creature is able to climb the fence without pause.
Blue Boggle #6's Turn
The boggle to the south, perhaps the smartest of the lot, darts towards the wheel of the wagon. Placing its hands along the wooden frame of the wheel, a small portal appears within the gap. Crawling and squeezing through the newly created portal, the boggle appears on the other side of the grove's fence (around 80ft south of Faila).
Meresaa - These strange, dimension-shifting creatures now appear to be blocking the road to the south. It seems like it would take quite a large diversion if you were to try and make your way around them, especially given their attention is currently fixated on the party. The closest boggle rubs at the side of its head, a rather large bump is beginning to form where Faila's shot struck the creature. The choice for fight or flight is now, it is your turn.
Battlemap:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Don't mumble, Mr. Nilsson. No one likes a mumbler," Meressa says haughtily as she reaches for her tools. "We'll continue this discussion later!"
Turning sideways, she wiggles her way between her tightly-packed companions to get a clear view of the creature attacking Toska. She reaches a leather-clad hand into her cloak and removes a small pouch, stuffed full of something and tied tight with string. Deftly manipulating it with the tool in her other hand, the pouch ignites with a flash and she hurls the tiny ball of fire at the creature.
Action: Fire bolt - Attack: 25 Damage: 10
Movement: Somewhere near the NW (bottom left) corner of the fence.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Farmstead Fight (or Flight?)! - Round #1 - Meresaa's Turn
As soon as the crackling fire bolt left Meresaa's hand she knew her aim was off. It flies through the air in the general direction of the boggle and Toska, missing the orc woman by inches and slightly singeing her hair.
"Not at me!" Toska roars in indignation. "The little blue creature standing in front of me!" she says, shaking her head in disbelief.
Blue Boggle #4's Turn
((Just realised I moved one too many Boggles previously! So I shall leave things be.))
Nikita - You watch as Meresaa darts towards the grove's fence and unleashes a fiery bolt that narrowly misses Toska. The incident flares up a level of paranoia within you; had Meresaa really intended to hit the boggle or Toska? You'd best ensure that your back is never turned to the Vedalken, who knows what she may be up to? You manage to temporarily put aside any questions you may have. Now is the time for action! It is your turn.
Battlemap:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Nikita's mind is racing, trying to avoid paranoia. They are fey, so I am not sure whether my Sleep spell will work. Also, by my guess, the closest one will be finished off by the others in melee before it can cause any harm.
Her train of thought is interrupted by the Fire Bolt from Meresaa that nearly burns Toska. What in the world? She always seemed the logical researcher, but she would bear watching if this is how she was going to act during combat. As for the half-orc, Nikita did not know her. Who had invited her and the freakish looking Claude anyway? Hopefully they could hold their own (Toska certainly looks as if she can).
Nikita telepathically whispers to Thumbtack: That one. Before. ((indicating Boggle #1 45' away, see below)).
The owl takes her turn before Nikita, flying from Nikita's shoulder to the right (south?) 40' (8 squares) and diagonally and southeast 5' (1 square) to be so she is adjacent to next closest Boggle (#1?). There, Thumbtack takes the help, flapping her wings in the strange fey creature's vicinity to distract them before using the remaining 15' of her 60' regular movement to fly up into the air, out of reach and slightly back towards Nikita. Taking no attack of opportunity due to owls' Flyby feature.
((With full movement and action spoken for, I think there's not much more Thumbtack can do, so I won't say she looks around from this higher vantage for other boggles, but that's what she'd want to do if she had time)).
Nikita takes a few steps (10') back (left/north) and another 5' to her right (down/west). She nocks an arrow to her longbow and lets fly at the distracted boggle (targeting #1 at advantage due to above help). ((See attack roll in next post)).
Aloud, she simply says "It appears they can use the fence to fey step towards us, be wary of your flank." I hope that *I* am taking the same advice...
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Nikita's longbow attack on Boggle #1 at advantage: Attack: 23 Damage: 5
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk