Boyd runs stands next to Erma, creating a frontline that the plant things hopefully can't pass. He readies his skinning knife to hew the head off the first thistling that comes close.
Attack: 13 Damage: 6
(1d6 only if sneak attack applies from ally proximity)
You take a moment to study the closest thistling, in the hopes that you may better understand the creature's strengths and weaknesses. It looks like Meresaa and Faila had the right idea, the thistlings seem to be vulnerable to fire. In addition, you believe that it is likely that the vine-like creature will attempt to constrict and coil around its victims.
Boyd
You rush next to Ermasnietsz, your skinning knife in hand. Plunging the weapon forward you believe you have struck the creature, only to see that your attack has missed by the finest of margins.
Basement Bash! - Round #1 - Thistlings' Turns
Thistling #1
The thistling nearest to Ermasnietsz totters and sways toward her. When she is within striking distance, it lashes out, its small thistly head attempting to latch onto her.
'Locked Bite' Attack: ((Post above mucked up - Attack was a 21, damage was a 4,this has been deducted from your character sheet))
Ermasnietsz - Please make a Dexterity Saving Throw.
Thistling #2
Thistling #2 staggers forward towards Boyd, walking directly through Faila's fire.
Fire Damage to Thistling #2: ((this was rolled as a max 4 damage, which is doubled due to vulnerability))
The fire shoots up its frame and blackens its body, most of its leaves burn away. Still, it stumbles forward, whipping itself around at Boyd and attempting to scratch at his face.
Claw Attack: ((Post above mucked up - Attack was a 21, damage was a 6,this has been deducted from your character sheet))
Thistling #3
Following Thistling #2's lead, Thistling #3 attempts to make its way toward Boyd. However, this time, aware of the fire beginning to build, it attempts to avoid the flames.
Thistling #3 Dexterity Saving Throw: ((this was rolled as a 12, which was a margin fail))
Fire Damage to Thistling #2: 1
However, it fails to avoid the growing flames, which singe its leaves. It proceeds to attempt to latch onto Boyd.
'Locked Bite' Attack: Attack: 11 Damage: 2
Fortunately, it lunges wide, missing Boyd.
Thistling #4 & #5
The last two thistlings will move with uncanny speed towards the target they perceive to be the biggest threat - Meresaa. Both choosing to slither and slide across the floor. Thistling #4 will invoke attacks of opportunity from both Ermasnietsz and Boyd ((the first moving into range is Thistling #4, if for whatever reason it perishes, Thistling #5 will also invoke an attack of opportunity as it moves passed)).
They lunge at Meresaa, attempting to snare her in their thistly 'mouths'.
Boyd & Ermasnietsz - Please make any attacks of opportunity you wish to make. Should you slay thistling #4 it will obviously not be able to attack Meresaa. ((Ermasnietsz - even if you fail the above Dexterity Saving Throw, you are still able to attack))
Meresaa - Assuming thistling #4 survives, please make a Dexterity Saving Throw to avoid becoming ensnared by thistling #4.
Thistling #5 completely misses Meresaa and instead barrels into the nearby wall.
Nikita - The thistlings have descended upon your fellow party members. It appears that they are attempting to ensnare and wrap themselves around their victims. Both Ermasnietsz and Boyd have cuts and lacerations from the creatures' attacks. It is your turn to act.
Nikita knows her magic is limited. Certainly not enough to turn Boyd into a newt, she thinks with a quick smile.
But circumstances seem dire enough with the hostile plants injuring and attempting to restrain her allies, and Esther Freyn apparently in urgent need of aid past the attackers. If that isn't just another trick in this strange abode.
Holding her weapon in one hand, Nikita pulls out a pinch of sand and quietly utters a word in Elvish. Casting Sleep centered on a point west down the hallway so that its area includes Thistlings 1, 2 and 3, as well as the animated Shrub emerging to the west, but stops just short of all her allies, barely short of the westernmost two, Boyd and Ermasnietsz.
(HP of targets put to Sleep, in ascending order of current HP: 17)
Nikita strides west a few steps to stand with Boyd and Ermasnietsz, stopping before she incurs any fire damage or an attack of opportunity from any Thistlings. Her owl, Thumbtack, makes another sortie before returning to Nikita's shoulder, distracting, flying by and helping the next attack against Thistling 4 (if it is still alive) or otherwise against Thistling 5.
"We have to free ourselves and get past these vines, the shrub and the fire to Esther if we can," she manages, thinking easier said than done!
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Boyd recoils from the stinging lash of the thistling. "Ack! Little bugger got me. Are those needles?!" He puts a hand to his face, where nettles like cactus needles stick out of a red and quickly enflaming lesion. As one plant runs past him in a hurry, Boyd hopes to take advantage of its unawareness and lop its little head off.
AoO on 4 (or 5 if 4 is dead... without advantage since Erma's turn came after)
Attack: 22 Damage: 9 (1d6 = sneak attack, if applicable)
The thistling jolts and jerks from side to side passed both Ermasnietsz and Boyd. Ermasnietsz's attack, unfortunately, sails over the top of the thistling, finding only air. Boyd does not fare much better, his dagger slicing the thistling but only causing superficial damage.
Snared
Meresaa - The thistling (#4) latches onto you and proceeds to tangle itself around your body, becoming tightly entwined with you. You get the sense that any attacks made against the creature will have to be accurate or risk causing you harm ((this does not count as the grappled condition and as such you are free to move, but it does infer certain advantages to the thistling)).
Ermasnietsz - You deftly avoid the creature's attempts to wrap around you.
Nikita's Turn
No sooner as Nikita utters the word in Elvish, thistlings #1, 2 & 3 stop swaying, turn rigid, and drop to the ground. Seemingly, whatever consciousness that resided within them is asleep. Unfortunately, the shrub to the west still shows signs of movement, though it is more lethargic than before.
Nick Nack's Turn
Attempting to overcome his fear, Nick Nack shakily stretches out his arm towards Meresaa. "Watch out Faila!"he calls out before unleashing an eldritch blast towards thistling #4.
Eldritch Blast: Attack: 26 Damage: 10
With unerring accuracy, the bolt strikes the thistling, somehow completely missing Meresaa, and obliterates it. Tiny pieces of plant matter fly through the air, covering the wall and everyone in the immediate vicinity. Meresaa, however, is unscathed and freed from the thistlings grip.
Meresaa - You stand covered in dead thistling. Mere feet away Nick Nack has a triumphant-looking grin on his face. Sure, the Eldritch Blast achieved its desired purpose, however, you cannot help but feel that, had Nick missed, it might currently be yourself decorating the walls. The thistlings (1-3) to the west have succumb to Nikita's sleep spell. Thistling #5 stands dazed but uninjured next to you, swaying on the spot.
Meanwhile, the shrubs seem to have removed a great deal of the mud, debris, and broken tiles around them, though they remain rooted to the spot. It's time to decide how to proceed, it is your turn.
Battlemap:
Initiative Order:
Meresaa - 22 - Dark Blue Gun Symbol
Faila - 19 - Pink Staff Symbol
Ermasnietsz - 13 - Orange Infinity Symbol
Boyd - 11 - Tan Dagger Symbol
Thistlings (4/6 remaining) - 8 - Small Green Shield
Cocking her head to one side quizzically, Meresaa quickly retrieves a small sack from one of her pockets and flicks the dagger from her sleeve into her awaiting hand. She takes a deft step in toward the conscious thistling (#5) and attempts to bifurcate it to obtain a sample for later study.
"This one seems resilient. If anyone else might lend a hand, it would be most appreciated."
Faila leaps to help her tall blue friend. She reaches for the harvesting sickle strung to her belt---perfectly hammered to cut down grass and weeds. But as she approaches the thistling, her adrenaline seems to get the best of her, and her shaking hands miss grasping her homely weapon, sprouting vicious claws instead. Although she perfectly mimes a sickle swipe, it is her dastardly claws that lash out at the thistling.
With surgical precision, Meresaa manages to slice the thistling (#5) in two. Half of the creature's viny body drops onto the ground, a thick sap covers the severed plant-limb, it smells like rotting vegetables. The living half of the creature continues to sway on the spot, seemingly unphased by the loss of half of its mass.
((In case it was not abundantly clear - you dealt exactly half its HP in damage. Amusing given that was pretty much your goal!))
Faila's Turn
Overcome by the urgency of the situation, Faila lashes out with her claws and swipes at the thistling. Unfortunately, the attack is mistimed and wild, finding only air as the thistling dodges her claws.
The fire Faila previously set continues to rage, feeding off of dead flora in the vicinity of the flames. Still lying inactive next to the building fire are thistlings #2 & #3 ((I'll roll, even though minimum damage would be enough)).
Thistling #2 - 3x2 Fire Damage
Thistling #3 - 1x2 Fire Damage
A putrid, spiced smell fills the air as both thistlings are consumed by the fire. It crackles and spits as their dead plant-bodies become a part of the building inferno. It seems the fire is having the intended effect, though it is a little concerning how rapidly it is building given the abundance of fuel.
Ermasnietsz - It seems like the battle has turned in your favour. Only two thistlings now remain; thistling #1 is currently lying inactive at your feet, thistling #5 has been carved in two. That being said, you get a sense that, should the shrubs free themselves from their footings, they will likely pose a far greater threat than a few thistlings. How will you proceed? It is your turn.
Ermasnietsz will press the palm of hand on her wounded area while trying hard to maintain a straight face. She traces her fingers to draw sigils on her body as a part of casting Blade Ward. She's turning pale gradually, and doesn't have the spirit to engage in a combat that might get her killed.
Thus, she will leap forward to cover as much distance as possible and move towards the opening of the next room.
Acrobatics(To maintain balance after long jump) 19
Successfully leaping past the fire, Ermasnietsz moves towards the opening of the next room. The door is slightly ajar, inside the room there appear to be several crates; these seem to be a relatively new addition, save for the plant growth already starting to overwhelm them. Two desks sit to the north covered with all manner of charts and scrolls. Further to the north, the passageway continues. To the northeast ((denoted by the red cross)) sits a heavy-set door with a large iron handle.
Boyd's Turn
Boyds distracts the thistling (#5) and sprints past the fire to the door."I'm in here,"Esther's voice says from behind the door, "helllppp!" This is followed by several anguished sounds, as though Esther is finding it hard to talk.
Thistling #1 continues to remain inactive, lying very still among the thick vegetation.
Thistling #5
Thistling #5 attempts to latch on to the nearest target, Meresaa.
'Locked Bite' Attack: Attack: 7 Damage: 2
Fortunately, it is unable to take hold and ineffectually scrapes against her armour.
Nikita - It seems like both Boyd and Ersmasnietsz have dashed past the fire and are currently on the edge of the next room. The fire is starting to become increasingly less controllable as it burns through the vegetation; including two very charred thistlings. Smoke begins to billow and fill the air. You get the sense that it either needs to be dealt with or the area vacated. It is your turn.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Boyd and Ermasnietsz are right. With that fire, we need to move to the next room while we can."
She sends Thumbtack to distract the last active Thistling (5) (taking the help action and using Flyby to avoid AoO) and then curve north of the fire and south of the shrub to the western door. Nikita herself looses an arrow at the same Thistling, attempting to free Meresaa from melee. She then follows her owl, NW by the sleeping Thistling 1, then SW between the fire and the shrub, then finally W to join Boyd and Ermasnietsz, presenting a shoulder for Thumbtack to land on. With a free action, she stows her longbow so that she is ready to either pull it back out or draw her shortsword next turn.
As Thumbtack distracts the nearby thistling (#5), Nikita darts past the inactive thistling (#1) and the shrub struggling to free itself. Turning and letting loose a shot at thistling #5, her aim is true and the arrow thunksinto the creature's side. It topples over, the arrow protruding from its vine-like body, never to move again ((thistling #5 is no more)).
Observing that the thistling has perished, Nikita stows her longbow and draws her shortsword, ready for any future aggression.
Nick Nack's Turn
Spotting his chance, Nick Nack dashes past the raging fire, the remaining thistling, and the shrub. He barges between the other members of the party and through the double doors to the small office room. "What are you waiting for?" he shrieks at his companions, a look of intense fear on his face.
The shrubs to the east and west continue to struggle to free themselves; you can tell that it will not be long until they are free. The remaining thistling is still currently inactive, as the fire continues to build.
Meresaa - A fearful Nick Nack has just dashed past you. It appears that most of your companions are looking to leave the corridor and are currently huddled around the double doors to the west. The only immediate threat you see is the growing fire, though you are certain the shrubs will soon join the fray. It is your turn to act.
Battlemap:
Initiative Order:
Meresaa - 22 - Dark Blue Gun Symbol
Faila - 19 - Pink Staff Symbol
Ermasnietsz - 13 - Orange Infinity Symbol
Boyd - 11 - Tan Dagger Symbol
Thistlings (1/6 remaining) - 8 - Small Green Shield
Boyd runs stands next to Erma, creating a frontline that the plant things hopefully can't pass. He readies his skinning knife to hew the head off the first thistling that comes close.
Attack: 13 Damage: 6
(1d6 only if sneak attack applies from ally proximity)
((Thanks DnDB))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Basement Bash! - Round #1 - Ermasnietsz & Boyd's Turns
Ermasnietsz
You take a moment to study the closest thistling, in the hopes that you may better understand the creature's strengths and weaknesses. It looks like Meresaa and Faila had the right idea, the thistlings seem to be vulnerable to fire. In addition, you believe that it is likely that the vine-like creature will attempt to constrict and coil around its victims.
Boyd
You rush next to Ermasnietsz, your skinning knife in hand. Plunging the weapon forward you believe you have struck the creature, only to see that your attack has missed by the finest of margins.
Basement Bash! - Round #1 - Thistlings' Turns
Thistling #1
The thistling nearest to Ermasnietsz totters and sways toward her. When she is within striking distance, it lashes out, its small thistly head attempting to latch onto her.
Ermasnietsz - Please make a Dexterity Saving Throw.
Thistling #2
Thistling #2 staggers forward towards Boyd, walking directly through Faila's fire.
The fire shoots up its frame and blackens its body, most of its leaves burn away. Still, it stumbles forward, whipping itself around at Boyd and attempting to scratch at his face.
Thistling #3
Following Thistling #2's lead, Thistling #3 attempts to make its way toward Boyd. However, this time, aware of the fire beginning to build, it attempts to avoid the flames.
However, it fails to avoid the growing flames, which singe its leaves. It proceeds to attempt to latch onto Boyd.
Fortunately, it lunges wide, missing Boyd.
Thistling #4 & #5
The last two thistlings will move with uncanny speed towards the target they perceive to be the biggest threat - Meresaa. Both choosing to slither and slide across the floor. Thistling #4 will invoke attacks of opportunity from both Ermasnietsz and Boyd ((the first moving into range is Thistling #4, if for whatever reason it perishes, Thistling #5 will also invoke an attack of opportunity as it moves passed)).
They lunge at Meresaa, attempting to snare her in their thistly 'mouths'.
Boyd & Ermasnietsz - Please make any attacks of opportunity you wish to make. Should you slay thistling #4 it will obviously not be able to attack Meresaa. ((Ermasnietsz - even if you fail the above Dexterity Saving Throw, you are still able to attack))
Meresaa - Assuming thistling #4 survives, please make a Dexterity Saving Throw to avoid becoming ensnared by thistling #4.
Thistling #5 completely misses Meresaa and instead barrels into the nearby wall.
Nikita - The thistlings have descended upon your fellow party members. It appears that they are attempting to ensnare and wrap themselves around their victims. Both Ermasnietsz and Boyd have cuts and lacerations from the creatures' attacks. It is your turn to act.
Battlemap:
Thistling Status Update:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Nikita knows her magic is limited. Certainly not enough to turn Boyd into a newt, she thinks with a quick smile.
But circumstances seem dire enough with the hostile plants injuring and attempting to restrain her allies, and Esther Freyn apparently in urgent need of aid past the attackers. If that isn't just another trick in this strange abode.
Holding her weapon in one hand, Nikita pulls out a pinch of sand and quietly utters a word in Elvish. Casting Sleep centered on a point west down the hallway so that its area includes Thistlings 1, 2 and 3, as well as the animated Shrub emerging to the west, but stops just short of all her allies, barely short of the westernmost two, Boyd and Ermasnietsz.
(HP of targets put to Sleep, in ascending order of current HP: 17)
Nikita strides west a few steps to stand with Boyd and Ermasnietsz, stopping before she incurs any fire damage or an attack of opportunity from any Thistlings. Her owl, Thumbtack, makes another sortie before returning to Nikita's shoulder, distracting, flying by and helping the next attack against Thistling 4 (if it is still alive) or otherwise against Thistling 5.
"We have to free ourselves and get past these vines, the shrub and the fire to Esther if we can," she manages, thinking easier said than done!
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
Dex save: 4
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Ermasnietsz: Dexterity Saving Throw
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
Reaction: Attack of Opportunity [Dagger] x Thistling 4: Attack: 6 Damage: 6
(Ermasnietsz will let Boyd roll with advantage from the help action.)
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
Boyd recoils from the stinging lash of the thistling. "Ack! Little bugger got me. Are those needles?!" He puts a hand to his face, where nettles like cactus needles stick out of a red and quickly enflaming lesion. As one plant runs past him in a hurry, Boyd hopes to take advantage of its unawareness and lop its little head off.
AoO on 4 (or 5 if 4 is dead... without advantage since Erma's turn came after)
Attack: 22 Damage: 9
(1d6 = sneak attack, if applicable)
Basement Bash! - Round #1 - Nikita & Nick Nack's Turn
Attacks of Opportunty
The thistling jolts and jerks from side to side passed both Ermasnietsz and Boyd. Ermasnietsz's attack, unfortunately, sails over the top of the thistling, finding only air. Boyd does not fare much better, his dagger slicing the thistling but only causing superficial damage.
Snared
Meresaa - The thistling (#4) latches onto you and proceeds to tangle itself around your body, becoming tightly entwined with you. You get the sense that any attacks made against the creature will have to be accurate or risk causing you harm ((this does not count as the grappled condition and as such you are free to move, but it does infer certain advantages to the thistling)).
Ermasnietsz - You deftly avoid the creature's attempts to wrap around you.
Nikita's Turn
No sooner as Nikita utters the word in Elvish, thistlings #1, 2 & 3 stop swaying, turn rigid, and drop to the ground. Seemingly, whatever consciousness that resided within them is asleep. Unfortunately, the shrub to the west still shows signs of movement, though it is more lethargic than before.
Nick Nack's Turn
Attempting to overcome his fear, Nick Nack shakily stretches out his arm towards Meresaa. "Watch out Faila!" he calls out before unleashing an eldritch blast towards thistling #4.
With unerring accuracy, the bolt strikes the thistling, somehow completely missing Meresaa, and obliterates it. Tiny pieces of plant matter fly through the air, covering the wall and everyone in the immediate vicinity. Meresaa, however, is unscathed and freed from the thistlings grip.
Thistling #4 is no more.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Basement Bash! - Round #2
Meresaa - You stand covered in dead thistling. Mere feet away Nick Nack has a triumphant-looking grin on his face. Sure, the Eldritch Blast achieved its desired purpose, however, you cannot help but feel that, had Nick missed, it might currently be yourself decorating the walls. The thistlings (1-3) to the west have succumb to Nikita's sleep spell. Thistling #5 stands dazed but uninjured next to you, swaying on the spot.
Meanwhile, the shrubs seem to have removed a great deal of the mud, debris, and broken tiles around them, though they remain rooted to the spot. It's time to decide how to proceed, it is your turn.
Battlemap:
Initiative Order:
Thistling Status Update:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Cocking her head to one side quizzically, Meresaa quickly retrieves a small sack from one of her pockets and flicks the dagger from her sleeve into her awaiting hand. She takes a deft step in toward the conscious thistling (#5) and attempts to bifurcate it to obtain a sample for later study.
"This one seems resilient. If anyone else might lend a hand, it would be most appreciated."
Action: Dagger - Attack: 18 Damage: 5
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Faila leaps to help her tall blue friend. She reaches for the harvesting sickle strung to her belt---perfectly hammered to cut down grass and weeds. But as she approaches the thistling, her adrenaline seems to get the best of her, and her shaking hands miss grasping her homely weapon, sprouting vicious claws instead. Although she perfectly mimes a sickle swipe, it is her dastardly claws that lash out at the thistling.
Attack: 7 Damage: 10
Basement Bash! - Round #2 - Meresaa & Faila's Turns
Meresaa's Turn
With surgical precision, Meresaa manages to slice the thistling (#5) in two. Half of the creature's viny body drops onto the ground, a thick sap covers the severed plant-limb, it smells like rotting vegetables. The living half of the creature continues to sway on the spot, seemingly unphased by the loss of half of its mass.
((In case it was not abundantly clear - you dealt exactly half its HP in damage. Amusing given that was pretty much your goal!))
Faila's Turn
Overcome by the urgency of the situation, Faila lashes out with her claws and swipes at the thistling. Unfortunately, the attack is mistimed and wild, finding only air as the thistling dodges her claws.
The fire Faila previously set continues to rage, feeding off of dead flora in the vicinity of the flames. Still lying inactive next to the building fire are thistlings #2 & #3 ((I'll roll, even though minimum damage would be enough)).
A putrid, spiced smell fills the air as both thistlings are consumed by the fire. It crackles and spits as their dead plant-bodies become a part of the building inferno. It seems the fire is having the intended effect, though it is a little concerning how rapidly it is building given the abundance of fuel.
Ermasnietsz - It seems like the battle has turned in your favour. Only two thistlings now remain; thistling #1 is currently lying inactive at your feet, thistling #5 has been carved in two. That being said, you get a sense that, should the shrubs free themselves from their footings, they will likely pose a far greater threat than a few thistlings. How will you proceed? It is your turn.
Battlemap:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Ermasnietsz: Round 2
Ermasnietsz will press the palm of hand on her wounded area while trying hard to maintain a straight face. She traces her fingers to draw sigils on her body as a part of casting Blade Ward. She's turning pale gradually, and doesn't have the spirit to engage in a combat that might get her killed.
Thus, she will leap forward to cover as much distance as possible and move towards the opening of the next room.
Acrobatics (To maintain balance after long jump) 19
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
"Oi! This fire's spreadin', and quick! Let's get out of here or we're never getting to Esther."
Boyd kicks a carpet of foliage at #5 and sprints past the fire to the door at the far end of the hall. (disengage action)
Basement Bash! - Round #2 - Ermasnietsz & Boyd's Turns
Ermasnietsz's Turn
Successfully leaping past the fire, Ermasnietsz moves towards the opening of the next room. The door is slightly ajar, inside the room there appear to be several crates; these seem to be a relatively new addition, save for the plant growth already starting to overwhelm them. Two desks sit to the north covered with all manner of charts and scrolls. Further to the north, the passageway continues. To the northeast ((denoted by the red cross)) sits a heavy-set door with a large iron handle.
Boyd's Turn
Boyds distracts the thistling (#5) and sprints past the fire to the door. "I'm in here," Esther's voice says from behind the door, "helllppp!" This is followed by several anguished sounds, as though Esther is finding it hard to talk.
Battlemap:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Basement Bash! - Round #2 - Thistling's Turns
Thistling #1
Thistling #1 continues to remain inactive, lying very still among the thick vegetation.
Thistling #5
Thistling #5 attempts to latch on to the nearest target, Meresaa.
Fortunately, it is unable to take hold and ineffectually scrapes against her armour.
Nikita - It seems like both Boyd and Ersmasnietsz have dashed past the fire and are currently on the edge of the next room. The fire is starting to become increasingly less controllable as it burns through the vegetation; including two very charred thistlings. Smoke begins to billow and fill the air. You get the sense that it either needs to be dealt with or the area vacated. It is your turn.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Boyd and Ermasnietsz are right. With that fire, we need to move to the next room while we can."
She sends Thumbtack to distract the last active Thistling (5) (taking the help action and using Flyby to avoid AoO) and then curve north of the fire and south of the shrub to the western door. Nikita herself looses an arrow at the same Thistling, attempting to free Meresaa from melee. She then follows her owl, NW by the sleeping Thistling 1, then SW between the fire and the shrub, then finally W to join Boyd and Ermasnietsz, presenting a shoulder for Thumbtack to land on. With a free action, she stows her longbow so that she is ready to either pull it back out or draw her shortsword next turn.
Longbow attack on Thistling 5: 26 Damage: 12
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
Basement Bash! - Round #2 - Nikita & Nick Nack's Turns
Nikita's Turn
As Thumbtack distracts the nearby thistling (#5), Nikita darts past the inactive thistling (#1) and the shrub struggling to free itself. Turning and letting loose a shot at thistling #5, her aim is true and the arrow thunks into the creature's side. It topples over, the arrow protruding from its vine-like body, never to move again ((thistling #5 is no more)).
Observing that the thistling has perished, Nikita stows her longbow and draws her shortsword, ready for any future aggression.
Nick Nack's Turn
Spotting his chance, Nick Nack dashes past the raging fire, the remaining thistling, and the shrub. He barges between the other members of the party and through the double doors to the small office room. "What are you waiting for?" he shrieks at his companions, a look of intense fear on his face.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Basement Bash! - Round #3
The shrubs to the east and west continue to struggle to free themselves; you can tell that it will not be long until they are free. The remaining thistling is still currently inactive, as the fire continues to build.
Meresaa - A fearful Nick Nack has just dashed past you. It appears that most of your companions are looking to leave the corridor and are currently huddled around the double doors to the west. The only immediate threat you see is the growing fire, though you are certain the shrubs will soon join the fray. It is your turn to act.
Battlemap:
Initiative Order:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)