Since it would still take Nivi a few moments to reach them, during the interim Jack waggles a finger and replied to fisherman, "You drive quite the hard bargain my friend, quite the hard bargain! Hmm... Though I most certainly at least have the coin for--" But that's about as much as he gets out before the rogues dashing return and subsequent urgings for haste. And yet despite it, Jack hardly appeared all too up in alarms about the news, and just looked out to the lake as the more quicker to act Olamoira rushed for the boat along with Nivi.
"Hmm~ So that's the Act we're on then." He mutters while fishing out his entire coin purse and handing it to the man, or practically shoving it into his chest if need be to intercept him should he had the mind to try and stop the duo from taking his boat. "There you are then. 15 gold pieces. Enough for three and pleasure doing business with you." He says in a bit of a hurry at last, before hurrying along at the duo and making sure they grabbed the right boat. Unfortunately, any inspection of the boat is something Jack sidelines for a bit in favor helping with preparations to shove off as fast as possible, if any are needed by that point. But although nimble of finger, any raw physical power he exerts in the effort will be negligible at worse, and only barely of any help at all at best.
Not that would stop him from helping! Although he could do without getting wet in the process, if such was not possible, then he'd quietly accept such a fate. But in the end, the eladrin had to leave it to the women to do the actual rowing once the time inevitably came to it. Unfortunately, short of the miracle that would be Beren's timely arrival after crossing thousands of feet to reach the party, then it is once they are underway that he'd start to make a suggestion, only to grow quiet again and save his words for once they drew forth close enough to flag Beren down and usher him to the boat.
If,on the other hand, Prince Sunshine HAD actually managed to make it in time, Jack just scoffs at the man and says, "None of that now. We'll need your strong arms if we're to have a hope of reaching her in time, so get in the boat and start rowing." Jack would go on to urge while trying and likely failing to get behind the paladin, trying in vain to force march the man towards their rented out boat. If the owner of which was at the time still watch as well, he'd call back promising to pay the other ten once they got back to shore.
Nivi quickly appraises the duo who remained at the pseudo-dock, without any docks in a manner that was very much like a certain Salarian Sientist. But even as she did, only pausing long enough to ask where Beren had gone before jetting to the nearest boat to the east-most part, forgoing manners, or even asking nicely, and with her speed, she easily makes it to them within only a few seconds.
Turning to face Moira, the uninterestingly -clad, unnamed man half-heartedly scoffed, saying I don't care. Pay me or don't. But hurry up. Not all of us have all night to waste on a fools errand. My price stands elf. though the 'elf' was said with indifference. You outsiders never understand. though the man perks up about as much as a man dying of thirst at the mention of salt when Jack pipes back in - though a sack containing what Jack claimed to be fifteen gold pieces hits his chest, and with his one free hand, grabs it with all the speed of a man on sedation. As Jack, and Moira head to the boat with Moira likely disappointed at her lack of success thus far with her few attempts at diplomacy and parley. Everyone would get used to Barovia eventually. Regardless, the man gave Jack the most half-hearted thanks he had ever heard, before unceremoniously walking off, 'pocketing' his coin and letting the group do as they pleased. Likely he wouldn't have cared if they took the boat without pay but they offered...
Nivi, Moira, and Jack slip into the same boat seeing as Jack apparently lacks the strength to, as well as other reasons (Plus no one said multiple boats/jack said got in with the others so I'm going to assume!)
Quickly, either Nivi by herself, or with Moira's help began rowing the boat with splintering oars. The oars didn't seem like they'd break but they seemed to lack any real maintenance.
Back with Beren, he's trudging along as best he can against the wet ground though his progress is hampered a bit, for every nine steps he takes, it would have been ten. Beren, to the party stands out like a beacon once they make it a few hundred feet out from the shore. It's then that Beren hears rustling from the tree's just barely within his hearing, and rushing directly for his position. It would seem that he was a beacon for more than just his allies, and based on how fast they were closing in, they would likely be upon him soon. before the party could get to him by at-least a hundred or more feet.
Meanwhile, the fate of the man in the boat and what Nivi assumed was Arabelle in the sack remained unknown other than what was last seen. (this taking the former option in breens and jacks posts of no verbal contact yet.)
(Beren, please roll initative. Everyone else, decide what you will do, leave Beren to fight alone, try to get to Beren and get him on the boat. Join him, but risk whatever fate lies in store for what is in the sack. Or some other option the DM hasn't thought of! If you plan to fight with or directly help Beren, also roll initiative. I will roll initiative in my next post.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(lol)
Initiative: 19
Beren draws his great sword from the scabbard on his back, keeping the blade across his shoulder to take on the Wrath guard. A brilliant light sweeps up the length of the blade as he prepares to Smite whatever comes for him from the woods. This was just wonderful, and it was all his fault as well. If he hadn't wandered away from the party thanks to his short temper, he wouldn't be alone right now. Not that he was really all that concerned with his own situation--better for the others to be away from combat anyways. Yet he has no clue what it is the owl saw, or if it has anything to do with the footprints he found. So there is really no point in worrying about whether or not this small venture was worth it. Right now, he just has to trust that the others will make the right call.
"Look at that. Prophet can hustle when she needs to," Nivi cracks as she and Olamoira jump into the boat, followed by Jack. She is vaguely aware and slightly annoyed that the whimsical Eladrin actually paid good coin to the half-comatose fisherman, but as she stated, doesn't really care much and shrugs it off. She begins to help row, but in fact it is the somewhat sturdier dark elf who ends up having to pull the oars for the most part.
As they embark, Nivi sends Shiv off to fly tight circles over the lake and back to her shoulder, gliding twenty feet above the water, trying to make sure that their quarry to the east does not slip past them further across the lake unseen. (Wanting to keep them "cornered" to the east if possible).
If and when Nivi spots the glowing Beren along the shoreline, and the fact that the paladin is under attack, she begins to pull her longbow from her back. A finely-crafted high elven weapon, yew-wood engraved minutely with what is apparently the winged sigil of House Farstrider. So it is a bit jarring when Nivi curses conversationally as the bow momentarily gets caught on one of the oars, discombobulating her usual quick reflexes in trying to draw it.
Nivi Initiative: 10 (or 13 if benefitting from advantage due to Olamoira'sVigilant Blessing).
"Could be not everyone's a Sun worshipper. Glow-knight's got company. Crew that doesn't look out for their own is no crew. On or off the job. If you take the oars, Prophet," (In reality, Olamoira probably already has the oars), "I think I got a shot on whatever is coming at him."
(Shiv continues to fly his sorties over the lake, keeping an eye out for the boat to the east with the wriggling sack).
Olamoira dutifully sets herself to rowing, keeping close to the shore as the dark water ripples out to either side of the boat. Despite her wiry strength, she is unused to the motion of rowing a boat, and her progress is not very fast. The young high elf, while apparently putting her back into it, isn't taking any of the lift off of the boat's drag, from what Olamoira can tell. And Jack, ephemeral and poignant staring out over the water at the prow, lifted no hand to the oars---can he even, Eladrin so slight in this realm, and in what else his strength must be---but he touches her briefly on the arm, and then she feels it. How he is helping. A kind of alien focus, a clarity of mind, as if dancing motes of light erupted green and flashing from the shadows around them. But her mind shrinks from them, uncertain of their portent, of the guidance and focus she feels. It reminds her of something, of the harmony and order of life growing, cycling, and dying, unfurling in the warmth of the sunshine, a natural world still alien to her, and leaving her cold in its embrace. Only the place at the edge of the otherworldly Light... that is the only place where I can stand. Not in the natural world of elves and men and... trees. Not anymore.
Ola pauses for just a moment to reach over and grasp Nivi lightly on the shoulder. "You look. I'll row..." As she takes her hand away, her own thought of light, too dark for that heavenly Light at the edge of her mind, lends Nivi the watchfulness of the dawn, yearning for the Sun.
That Sun, whom they soon see down the shore. Ola hastens to pick up the oars and row, aiming for the beacon on the sand. Far away, she sees him draw a blazing sword, stoically ready to meet whatever is coming towards him.
Olamoira keeps rowing. A line of moisture, then another, glistens at her temples and down the side of her face. Her thoughts blanking back and forth between confidence in the power of the Divine Light to prevail over all that threatens it, and a worried realization that they can't get there any faster. We should be standing at his side, yet we are out here... my arms fail...
In spite of the fisherman's apathetic view on things, and though Jack knew memory of the exchange would either slip from his mind or be twisted by proverbial rose colored glasses for some future telling, regret for not listening to the "lesser" fey within him and take more advantage of the fisherman never kindles in his heart. The rush of activity to follow never would allow for it anyways. But more than that, the loss of a bit of gold paled in comparison to projecting a certain character for a future performance brewing in mind....
Regardless, what was done was done, and as the party made their way on the boat, Jack struck up song that blended old elvish with hints of sylvan words for its lyrics, where lyrics were expressed at all! Much of it, however, was a simple, soft, and melodic tune that would resonate more with Nivi and Moira's more distant past lives, as feelings of familiarity might stir as a result. But as much as he appeared content to laze about in the boat and let Olamoira, a far smaller elf than he, do all the heavy lifting, at some point he had reached out to her during his song to pat her on the arm, perhaps halting her for a second, before smiling and relaxing again in his seat. A simple gesture of encouragement by most appearances, but Olamoira... Olamoira would sense more and then some. (OOC: See Constanctance post for a far more elegant descriptor than what I could put forth for guidance! Though I imagine to everyone affected by it, it can change)
His smile soon turned more wistful in seeing or misinterpreting Olamoira's pace to have slowed instead of increased with his encouragement. Yet just as he opened his mouth to speak, Nivi's words has Jack turning his head sharply to try and spy Beren. "Well that's a fine kettle of fish, innit? And no doubt if were to stay on our course that we'll wind up wrapped in something far too... engaging to see to the child." He comments on casually while absently running through a list of spells. "Such a shame, but-" He looks to Olamoira. "Nothing is changing your course anytime soon, no?" He asked despite knowing the answer. So ultimately, Jack mentally braced himself for the inevitable conflict with whatever it was that spooked Beren.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Initiatives:
A: 13
B: 2
C: -1
The rustling in the tree's grows louder as Beren stands ready to face whatever was coming his way. And whatever it was, was moving fast (Atleast comparably to what it would seem to be) as Moira was a mostly one-man-army when it came to rowing the boat as jack refused to assist beyond magical aid and Moira - likely still physically reeling from her entrance to Barovia - was forced to should most of if not all the burden herself, feeling her muscles tense and cramp from the effort, but her own inner guidance spurred her on to continue regardless.
Shiv is sent out to keep an eye on the would-be fisherman, and as Shiv knows his general location now, he is able to get there much faster than he had before -the lack of westwardly travel also helping!- and during this pass, he see's the man throwing the last contents of a smaller wine-cask into the lake after emptying it's belly into his own maw, before finally standing up. As Shiv is heading back before the man is out is sight, he seems to be hefting the sack up, and seems likely to toss it into the river in the next few moments, but vision is lost to the fog as Shiv rushes back for his first circuit to inform his mistress.
Meanwhile, Nivi easily spots Beren -a fact that she would likely both love, and realize the risks of- in that he was like a lighthouse in the fog. Even if he were visually obscured, his glow would be visible for quite a distance beyond it. But as the boat gets closer, slowly, thanks to Moira's efforts as Nivi takes up the bow, she is just barely able to see into the tree's as three shadowy figures charge towards Beren like moths to the flame.
Moira focusing then on the rowing to allow Nivi the ability to assist, if only from afar. Moira's arms burned from the work of rowing three figures, including the massively tall eladrin.
From Beren's perspective, a sudden burst through the tree's reveals three undead, not even the cloying fog can hide the stench of death that descends upon him. Something evil approaches, its footsteps betrayed by snapping twigs and gutteral, airy groans. These undead bore fading insignia's on their tabards, tattered and worn from years and years of wear and weathering but the insignia itself was still, if only barely, visible in Berens dim light. But Beren was ready this time, unlike with Strahd, Unlike with the needle creatures and the twisted man... and as the undead came from out of the treeline, Beren was able to strike first.
Initiative order: Beren, B, Nivi, A, Moira, C, (Jack unrolled)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As soon as the first undead breaks through the trees Beren swings his sword. The power inside him urges him forward, though the pain in his chest is nothing like what it had been when faced with Strahd--not in this weakened state. Still, even without its full power it flares and burns inside him, driving him to annihilate these atrocities.
He steps forward, swinging his sword downwards upon the undead--the blade blazing with power.
Attack: Attack: 17 Damage: 10
If the attack hits, he will activate Divine Smite: 14 + 7 (extra damage for undead)
"You have chosen the wrong opponent," he says sullenly. "Return to your grave."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jack's "Initiative:
Initiative: 14. (16)
-
"Keep at it, my dear. We're almost to him. Just a few more moments and then... uh... well, he can take care of himself well enough -- BUT, I'm sure even Mr. Sunshine over yonder would appreciate the support nonetheless." Jack assured his fellow elves, offering every bit of encouragement he could think of or muster. As words were all he could spare, having had not enough time to regain the strength to transform into more powerful forms, and knowing all too well the limitations of a coordinated effort when one side could not contribute as well as another.
(OOC: For whenever his turn comes up in initiative)
Berens chest ignites in pain momentarily, tensing his muscles and nearly causing him to miss, luckily for him, these are mindless undead, so they don't even try to dodge. His hit lands, just barely managing to land the hit, but the blow itself is solid, even without the divine light burning into it's limbs. (7 / 14)
His blade severing one of the undead's arms, the smiting power coursing through it's body rupturing like a shockwave down to the opposite leg, both limbs falling to the ground, though Beren notices that after only a moment that the severed parts continue moving on their own though... Towards him.
Zom-B presses forward despite its crippling loss, hopping the few inches more it needs to reach him, it's remaining arm slashing at his face (Claw: Attack: 21 Damage: 4 ) even as it tries to close its jaw around his neck (Bite: Attack: 10 Damage: 4 ) the severed hand crawling forward, fingers lacing around his ankle, the fetid nails trying to find purchase against flesh (Claw: Attack: 14 Damage: 2 )
Its swipe leaving a small trail of blood in its wake as the nails dig into his flesh, luckily, its attempt to feast on Beren's neck is thwarted by some part of his armor conveniently placed, and the severed arm is unable, for now, to find anything but his boot as it digs in, holding on (to no real effect).
Nivi is up, she can see all three zombies clearly as they are now in the open.
Initiative order: Beren, B, Nivi, A, Moira, C, (Jack unrolled)
Her longbow finally drawn, Nivi goes perfectly still as Shiv returns with his telepathic message.
Tymora's tits! Creep couldn't wait to off the girl? Next time a job goes to plan will be the first. But Nivi is no stranger to chaos. Thanks friend, she thinks back at her owl familiar, need you back out there. If he throws her in, you're the spotter for the center of the ripple circle. We'll need to get wet.
Attempting to shake off the distraction, she draws steady on the chest of the injured Zombie (B) that just attacked Beren.
Bonus Action: Steady Aim (advantage if Nivi does not move during her turn).
Action: Longbow attack at advantage on Zombie B: To Hit: 11 Damage: 17 (8 + 9 from Sneak Attack)
Movement: none
Loud enough for all to hear, she calls. "Got no time to tangle with these charmers longer than we have to. Shiv spied the lone boatman getting liquored up and looking to chuck our girl into the drink. Keep rowing, Prophet. And Sunshine, you climb aboard. Need to move double-time, NOW."
Nivi looks at the lanky, towering beanpole of an Eladrin reclining in the back of the rowboat. "What do you say, Shorty? Maybe your nature spirits keep guiding whoever is on the oars, and whoever dives in after the girl when we get there?"
Nivi lines down the sight of her shaft, but the boat is rocking just a bit too much, and her aim isn't quite as sharp as it would normally be, but regardless, her arrow strikes true, piercing its rotting body, and tattered armor, severing its spine by sheer chance, Beren feels the grip of the limb loosen as the un-life from it fades. Beren and Nivi can hear more rustling coming from the tree's, it seems more are coming.
Shiv flies back out for another scouting mission, only to return with bad news: The sack is no longer in the boat. And the man has resumed fishing, and is casually nursing on a wineskin this time.
Meanwhile, Zom-A presses forward to take B's place but he's at an awkward angle, placing him directly on the opposite side of Beren to Nivi (+2AC against ranged attacks from the boats perspective unless the boat moves 15 feet east, or west) Both it's claws flail at Berens body this time (Claw attacks: Attack: 8 Damage: 5 & Attack: 11 Damage: 6 )
However both fail to harm the man-on-fire, but the zombies jaws rush in, rotting, sharp teeth seeking to bite his neck as the other had before (Bite: Attack: 12 Damage: 2 )
But his armor once again saves him from harm.
Initiative order: Beren, B, Nivi, A, Moira, C, (Jack unrolled)
Almost there. Olamoira keeps her gaze fixed on the blazing greatsword as it flashes back and forth on the shore, hacking up zombies as they pile towards the armored man of light. Abominations. Unholy... the feast of all the broken laws of nature... Ola's lips part slightly in a whispered prayer that is more like a gasp for breath as she continues rowing hard, as fast as she can, trying to close the swimmingly slow distance between the boat and the paladin. Her dark eyes riveted on the battle. And they fell... like lightning... from heaven... under the swords... of the seraphim... The words are spinning through her mind in rhythm with her rowing. Almost there.
Ola is trying to use her movement and a Dash action, if that's applicable, to close the 30 feet, in hopes that Beren can get into the boat.
(He can if he so chooses, you can make it near the shore, still have to resolve zom-C's turn, will do so in a while, just got back from the auto shop/ starving.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Moira's arms feel the intense burn of strain of arms that while strong, are not used to raw exercise in the purest form, but for the glowing knight she pushes herself like someone running a marathon in sight of the finish line and doubles her pace. The boat pulls along the shore not quite hitting the land itself but enough that if Beren were to retreat, he could get in with only mild difficulty.
Zom-C rushes in to join in on the feast, the two newer zombies still just behind the tree-line but would be able to reach Beren on the next turn. Zom-C's jaws try to set upon Beren's face (Bite: Attack: 13 Damage: 5 ) before his claws both go for Beren's guts, tryign to rend his midsection in twain. (Claws: Attack: 8 Damage: 3 & Attack: 9 Damage: 6 )
However, it seems Tymore is showing Beren favor today, for despite the soft onslaught of limbs and jaws coming at him, only one has managed to find purchase so far, and even then, only minimally.
Initiative order: Beren, B, Nivi, A, Moira, C, (Jack unrolled)
Jack is up.
Been immediately after.
Beren must make a DC 10 athletics check to get onto the boat normally, getting a 9 or lower will result in him falling prone into the boat, and causing the other 3 players to make a DC 7 dexterity check to keep the boat from capsizing. Atleast two must pass.
My logic: This is a intense and rushed situation, and the boat already has several hundred pounds of people on it, Beren would logically be rushing into the boat so that the zombies couldn't simply start trying to get in themselves which would almost assuredly capsize it
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Although for a moment Jack looked alarmed at the news from Nivi, not that he wasn't already somewhat there seeing Beren attacked, he found himself all the same rubbing his chin, licking his lips once, and muttering, "Hope he didn't drink all the rum." Before then ultimately being drawn from his thoughts at Nivi's request. "Hm? Mn~ Yes, I think I can convince them to do just that. But first must reach that destination." He replied while finally straightening up more in the boat. A not so easy task with it still in motion, but the "beanpole" of an eladrin had been in far less comfortable straits in the past.
Once settled in, he took a deep, deep breath, expanding his chest to near cartoonish porportions, before expelling a green mist that flew as swiftly as the wind to Beren, smelling as sweet as various spring flowers and fresh cut grass. But more importantly, as the mist seeped into his armor and into his wounds, mending them and dulling old aches. "I'd best do as Miss Biggie Smalls has asked, dear Beren~ As we're quite late for a very important date!" Jack called out as he slipped out a wand and gave it a twirl, causing the earth beneath Beren and the zombies feet to begin faintly trembling.
And if Beren should do as asked and hop into the ship, then in the wake of his escaping the zombies, Jack fully releases his spell and cause roots, weeds, and the seeds of long ago scattered plant matter to rise up from the ground and start grasping at anything within reach.
Bonus Action: Using Balm of the Summer Court on Beren to heal 2 and grant 1 Temp HP to him.
Action: Readying to cast at 1st level a Entangle on Zombies and their parts once Beren is on the boat. Strength Save(DC 13) or they become Restrained and need to spend an action breaking free with a Strength Check(Same DC).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Beren, still engaged with the zombies, tilts his head slightly in their direction as Nivi calls out to him. Did she just call him Sunshine? Wait... the girl's drowning?! What are they doing wasting time here then? They shouldn't have bothered coming to pick him up knowing what they know. He nearly shouts at them to just keep going, but is cut off when the zombies start closing in again.
After dodging as many of the attacks as he can, and letting the armor take care of the rest, he manages a glance back towards the boat. Apparently they weren't going to do the smart thing and leave him to fend for himself. Yet at this point yelling at them to keep going would just waste time. Clearly they weren't just going to leave him, and perhaps he should be thankful for that. Except... the pain in his chest forces his attention back to the zombies. He can't just let these things keep living can he? It's his duty to destroy them. ...well it used to be. He'd never really had a choice before. This was his task set before him by the church, and pushed for by the blasted power inside. He could suppress the urge to destroy, painful as it might be. No one was here to keep him from abandoning this task. Yet, whether because of the power or not he hated these abominations.
With an irritated growl, he swings his sword at Zom-B, once more allowing the power to sweep up his blade to smite the creature as the mist from Jack's spell settles around him.
Greatsword: Attack: 22 Damage: 10
Smite: 15
Then, hearing Jack's words he turns, one hand clutching his chest as the power rebells against the idea of leaving these things alive. Growling in both pain and irritation, he forces himself to run for the boat--even though his instincts tell him not to turn his back on these creatures. As his feet hit the water, he hastily slips his great sword back into its scabbard before attempting to climb into the boat.
Athletics: 20
(OOC: I realize that attacking instead of disengaging will result in giving the zombies an opportunity attack. But this is what Beren would do anyways so I'm fine with it--especially considering they haven't been much successful hitting him so far lol. )
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
17 + 9
Claw OOA1: Attack: 14 Damage: 4
Claw OOA2: Attack: 8 Damage: 7
Beren's sword cleaves clear through one leg, his smite activating between the rotting legs of the corpse, and searing through it's other leg. The creature letting out a gutteral howl, as much as a creature without the ability to breathe can, as his other leg is severed as well, his body lingering in the air for a fraction of a moment before his torso collapses to the ground (Zom-A) the undead seeming not to heed it any longer than the divine energy lasts, nor do they seem to care about their losses. They continue to press in as he turns around to retreat -much to his own chagrin- and he feels the swipes of claws at his back just after the bandaid's worth of healing that was offered by the Eladrin who seems content to let everyone else do everything.
Apparently turning his back left some part of his armor exposed, and both of the creatures managed to land blows (original damages 5, and 6, with hits of 19 and 22) but Beren not only makes it into the boat, but likely with a grace and efficiency that would surprise Nivi considering his bulk.
In the treeline, more noise can be heard, as atleast one more zombie seems intent on being a moth to the flame.
Initiative order: Beren, B, Nivi, A, Moira, C, (Jack unrolled)
Nivi is up. Zombie A will have a chance to attack the boat before Moira can move it. The other two zombies will be coming in this round.
"Shining bright and light on his feet too," Nivi quips as Beren leaps onto the boat without capsizing it. "But the ladies want to know if he can row. Need to help the Prophet out before she tears a shoulder loose. Move fast to where our girl is sinking to the bottom. Follow the owl."
Telepathically, Nivi sends Shiv winging and angling just ahead of the boat, leading the rowers towards where he thinks the drunken fisherman jettisoned the wriggling sack. Trying to lead Olamoira and Beren on the shortest path possible to the spot. Staying in visual range.
She herself remains motionless, standing amidships, targeting the most threatening Zombie (A) with her bow (bonus action: Steady Aim for advantage).
Nivilongbow to hit Zombie A: 22 Nivilongbow plus Sneak Attack damage: 12 (8 + 4) piercing
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(I was planning to resolve it once the other two zombies came but I shall do so now)
STR-A: 3
STR-C: 16
Original rolls in case dice error: A -3, C-20
One of the Zombies is caught off guard and pulled halfway to the ground by invasive foliage, meanwhile, Zom-C whether due to his deathless state or simply being hungry for the living flesh right in front of him is completely, and utterly unphased by the vines and plants grasping at it, though it's progress is clearly, otherwise hampered. The other two zombies still in the foliage are too far behind to be effected by the spell.
Beren is no longer within range of Zom-A, but luckily, his attack had weakened it to the point that Nivi's attack by itself was enough to fell it, hitting through it's skull just right to stop whatever necromantic magic had kept its body moving.
Moira now finds herself in a full boat, just barely enough room to move and with Zom-C slowly approaching, thanks to the Eladrins spell.
Initiative order: Beren, B, Nivi, A, Moira, C, (Jack unrolled)
Since it would still take Nivi a few moments to reach them, during the interim Jack waggles a finger and replied to fisherman, "You drive quite the hard bargain my friend, quite the hard bargain! Hmm... Though I most certainly at least have the coin for--" But that's about as much as he gets out before the rogues dashing return and subsequent urgings for haste. And yet despite it, Jack hardly appeared all too up in alarms about the news, and just looked out to the lake as the more quicker to act Olamoira rushed for the boat along with Nivi.
"Hmm~ So that's the Act we're on then." He mutters while fishing out his entire coin purse and handing it to the man, or practically shoving it into his chest if need be to intercept him should he had the mind to try and stop the duo from taking his boat. "There you are then. 15 gold pieces. Enough for three and pleasure doing business with you." He says in a bit of a hurry at last, before hurrying along at the duo and making sure they grabbed the right boat. Unfortunately, any inspection of the boat is something Jack sidelines for a bit in favor helping with preparations to shove off as fast as possible, if any are needed by that point. But although nimble of finger, any raw physical power he exerts in the effort will be negligible at worse, and only barely of any help at all at best.
Not that would stop him from helping! Although he could do without getting wet in the process, if such was not possible, then he'd quietly accept such a fate. But in the end, the eladrin had to leave it to the women to do the actual rowing once the time inevitably came to it. Unfortunately, short of the miracle that would be Beren's timely arrival after crossing thousands of feet to reach the party, then it is once they are underway that he'd start to make a suggestion, only to grow quiet again and save his words for once they drew forth close enough to flag Beren down and usher him to the boat.
If, on the other hand, Prince Sunshine HAD actually managed to make it in time, Jack just scoffs at the man and says, "None of that now. We'll need your strong arms if we're to have a hope of reaching her in time, so get in the boat and start rowing." Jack would go on to urge while trying and likely failing to get behind the paladin, trying in vain to force march the man towards their rented out boat. If the owner of which was at the time still watch as well, he'd call back promising to pay the other ten once they got back to shore.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Nivi quickly appraises the duo who remained at the pseudo-dock, without any docks in a manner that was very much like a certain
Salarian Sientist. But even as she did, only pausing long enough to ask where Beren had gone before jetting to the nearest boat to the east-most part, forgoing manners, or even asking nicely, and with her speed, she easily makes it to them within only a few seconds.Turning to face Moira, the uninterestingly -clad, unnamed man half-heartedly scoffed, saying I don't care. Pay me or don't. But hurry up. Not all of us have all night to waste on a fools errand. My price stands elf. though the 'elf' was said with indifference. You outsiders never understand. though the man perks up about as much as a man dying of thirst at the mention of salt when Jack pipes back in - though a sack containing what Jack claimed to be fifteen gold pieces hits his chest, and with his one free hand, grabs it with all the speed of a man on sedation. As Jack, and Moira head to the boat with Moira likely disappointed at her lack of success thus far with her few attempts at diplomacy and parley. Everyone would get used to Barovia eventually. Regardless, the man gave Jack the most half-hearted thanks he had ever heard, before unceremoniously walking off, 'pocketing' his coin and letting the group do as they pleased. Likely he wouldn't have cared if they took the boat without pay but they offered...
Nivi, Moira, and Jack slip into the same boat seeing as Jack apparently lacks the strength to, as well as other reasons (Plus no one said multiple boats/jack said got in with the others so I'm going to assume!)
Quickly, either Nivi by herself, or with Moira's help began rowing the boat with splintering oars. The oars didn't seem like they'd break but they seemed to lack any real maintenance.
Back with Beren, he's trudging along as best he can against the wet ground though his progress is hampered a bit, for every nine steps he takes, it would have been ten. Beren, to the party stands out like a beacon once they make it a few hundred feet out from the shore. It's then that Beren hears rustling from the tree's just barely within his hearing, and rushing directly for his position. It would seem that he was a beacon for more than just his allies, and based on how fast they were closing in, they would likely be upon him soon. before the party could get to him by at-least a hundred or more feet.
Meanwhile, the fate of the man in the boat and what Nivi assumed was Arabelle in the sack remained unknown other than what was last seen. (this taking the former option in breens and jacks posts of no verbal contact yet.)
(Beren, please roll initative. Everyone else, decide what you will do, leave Beren to fight alone, try to get to Beren and get him on the boat. Join him, but risk whatever fate lies in store for what is in the sack. Or some other option the DM hasn't thought of! If you plan to fight with or directly help Beren, also roll initiative. I will roll initiative in my next post.)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
(lol)
Initiative: 19
Beren draws his great sword from the scabbard on his back, keeping the blade across his shoulder to take on the Wrath guard. A brilliant light sweeps up the length of the blade as he prepares to Smite whatever comes for him from the woods. This was just wonderful, and it was all his fault as well. If he hadn't wandered away from the party thanks to his short temper, he wouldn't be alone right now. Not that he was really all that concerned with his own situation--better for the others to be away from combat anyways. Yet he has no clue what it is the owl saw, or if it has anything to do with the footprints he found. So there is really no point in worrying about whether or not this small venture was worth it. Right now, he just has to trust that the others will make the right call.
"Look at that. Prophet can hustle when she needs to," Nivi cracks as she and Olamoira jump into the boat, followed by Jack. She is vaguely aware and slightly annoyed that the whimsical Eladrin actually paid good coin to the half-comatose fisherman, but as she stated, doesn't really care much and shrugs it off. She begins to help row, but in fact it is the somewhat sturdier dark elf who ends up having to pull the oars for the most part.
As they embark, Nivi sends Shiv off to fly tight circles over the lake and back to her shoulder, gliding twenty feet above the water, trying to make sure that their quarry to the east does not slip past them further across the lake unseen. (Wanting to keep them "cornered" to the east if possible).
Nivi Passive Perception: 17
If and when Nivi spots the glowing Beren along the shoreline, and the fact that the paladin is under attack, she begins to pull her longbow from her back. A finely-crafted high elven weapon, yew-wood engraved minutely with what is apparently the winged sigil of House Farstrider. So it is a bit jarring when Nivi curses conversationally as the bow momentarily gets caught on one of the oars, discombobulating her usual quick reflexes in trying to draw it.
Nivi Initiative: 10 (or 13 if benefitting from advantage due to Olamoira's Vigilant Blessing).
"Could be not everyone's a Sun worshipper. Glow-knight's got company. Crew that doesn't look out for their own is no crew. On or off the job. If you take the oars, Prophet," (In reality, Olamoira probably already has the oars), "I think I got a shot on whatever is coming at him."
(Shiv continues to fly his sorties over the lake, keeping an eye out for the boat to the east with the wriggling sack).
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
Olamoira dutifully sets herself to rowing, keeping close to the shore as the dark water ripples out to either side of the boat. Despite her wiry strength, she is unused to the motion of rowing a boat, and her progress is not very fast. The young high elf, while apparently putting her back into it, isn't taking any of the lift off of the boat's drag, from what Olamoira can tell. And Jack, ephemeral and poignant staring out over the water at the prow, lifted no hand to the oars---can he even, Eladrin so slight in this realm, and in what else his strength must be---but he touches her briefly on the arm, and then she feels it. How he is helping. A kind of alien focus, a clarity of mind, as if dancing motes of light erupted green and flashing from the shadows around them. But her mind shrinks from them, uncertain of their portent, of the guidance and focus she feels. It reminds her of something, of the harmony and order of life growing, cycling, and dying, unfurling in the warmth of the sunshine, a natural world still alien to her, and leaving her cold in its embrace. Only the place at the edge of the otherworldly Light... that is the only place where I can stand. Not in the natural world of elves and men and... trees. Not anymore.
Ola pauses for just a moment to reach over and grasp Nivi lightly on the shoulder. "You look. I'll row..." As she takes her hand away, her own thought of light, too dark for that heavenly Light at the edge of her mind, lends Nivi the watchfulness of the dawn, yearning for the Sun.
That Sun, whom they soon see down the shore. Ola hastens to pick up the oars and row, aiming for the beacon on the sand. Far away, she sees him draw a blazing sword, stoically ready to meet whatever is coming towards him.
Olamoira keeps rowing. A line of moisture, then another, glistens at her temples and down the side of her face. Her thoughts blanking back and forth between confidence in the power of the Divine Light to prevail over all that threatens it, and a worried realization that they can't get there any faster. We should be standing at his side, yet we are out here... my arms fail...
Athletics: 5 (+1 from Guidance if Jack cast)
Initiative: 7
Vigilant Blessing for Nivi (if DM allows) giving her advantage on her initiative roll.
In spite of the fisherman's apathetic view on things, and though Jack knew memory of the exchange would either slip from his mind or be twisted by proverbial rose colored glasses for some future telling, regret for not listening to the "lesser" fey within him and take more advantage of the fisherman never kindles in his heart. The rush of activity to follow never would allow for it anyways. But more than that, the loss of a bit of gold paled in comparison to projecting a certain character for a future performance brewing in mind....
Regardless, what was done was done, and as the party made their way on the boat, Jack struck up song that blended old elvish with hints of sylvan words for its lyrics, where lyrics were expressed at all! Much of it, however, was a simple, soft, and melodic tune that would resonate more with Nivi and Moira's more distant past lives, as feelings of familiarity might stir as a result. But as much as he appeared content to laze about in the boat and let Olamoira, a far smaller elf than he, do all the heavy lifting, at some point he had reached out to her during his song to pat her on the arm, perhaps halting her for a second, before smiling and relaxing again in his seat. A simple gesture of encouragement by most appearances, but Olamoira... Olamoira would sense more and then some.
(OOC: See Constanctance post for a far more elegant descriptor than what I could put forth for guidance! Though I imagine to everyone affected by it, it can change)
His smile soon turned more wistful in seeing or misinterpreting Olamoira's pace to have slowed instead of increased with his encouragement. Yet just as he opened his mouth to speak, Nivi's words has Jack turning his head sharply to try and spy Beren. "Well that's a fine kettle of fish, innit? And no doubt if were to stay on our course that we'll wind up wrapped in something far too... engaging to see to the child." He comments on casually while absently running through a list of spells. "Such a shame, but-" He looks to Olamoira. "Nothing is changing your course anytime soon, no?" He asked despite knowing the answer. So ultimately, Jack mentally braced himself for the inevitable conflict with whatever it was that spooked Beren.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Initiatives:
A: 13
B: 2
C: -1
The rustling in the tree's grows louder as Beren stands ready to face whatever was coming his way. And whatever it was, was moving fast (Atleast comparably to what it would seem to be) as Moira was a mostly one-man-army when it came to rowing the boat as jack refused to assist beyond magical aid and Moira - likely still physically reeling from her entrance to Barovia - was forced to should most of if not all the burden herself, feeling her muscles tense and cramp from the effort, but her own inner guidance spurred her on to continue regardless.
Shiv is sent out to keep an eye on the would-be fisherman, and as Shiv knows his general location now, he is able to get there much faster than he had before -the lack of westwardly travel also helping!- and during this pass, he see's the man throwing the last contents of a smaller wine-cask into the lake after emptying it's belly into his own maw, before finally standing up. As Shiv is heading back before the man is out is sight, he seems to be hefting the sack up, and seems likely to toss it into the river in the next few moments, but vision is lost to the fog as Shiv rushes back for his first circuit to inform his mistress.
Meanwhile, Nivi easily spots Beren -a fact that she would likely both love, and realize the risks of- in that he was like a lighthouse in the fog. Even if he were visually obscured, his glow would be visible for quite a distance beyond it. But as the boat gets closer, slowly, thanks to Moira's efforts as Nivi takes up the bow, she is just barely able to see into the tree's as three shadowy figures charge towards Beren like moths to the flame.
Moira focusing then on the rowing to allow Nivi the ability to assist, if only from afar. Moira's arms burned from the work of rowing three figures, including the massively tall eladrin.
From Beren's perspective, a sudden burst through the tree's reveals three undead, not even the cloying fog can hide the stench of death that descends upon him. Something evil approaches, its footsteps betrayed by snapping twigs and gutteral, airy groans. These undead bore fading insignia's on their tabards, tattered and worn from years and years of wear and weathering but the insignia itself was still, if only barely, visible in Berens dim light. But Beren was ready this time, unlike with Strahd, Unlike with the needle creatures and the twisted man... and as the undead came from out of the treeline, Beren was able to strike first.
Initiative order: Beren, B, Nivi, A, Moira, C, (Jack unrolled)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
As soon as the first undead breaks through the trees Beren swings his sword. The power inside him urges him forward, though the pain in his chest is nothing like what it had been when faced with Strahd--not in this weakened state. Still, even without its full power it flares and burns inside him, driving him to annihilate these atrocities.
He steps forward, swinging his sword downwards upon the undead--the blade blazing with power.
Attack: Attack: 17 Damage: 10
If the attack hits, he will activate Divine Smite: 14 + 7 (extra damage for undead)
"You have chosen the wrong opponent," he says sullenly. "Return to your grave."
Jack's "Initiative:
Initiative: 14. (16)
-
"Keep at it, my dear. We're almost to him. Just a few more moments and then... uh... well, he can take care of himself well enough -- BUT, I'm sure even Mr. Sunshine over yonder would appreciate the support nonetheless." Jack assured his fellow elves, offering every bit of encouragement he could think of or muster. As words were all he could spare, having had not enough time to regain the strength to transform into more powerful forms, and knowing all too well the limitations of a coordinated effort when one side could not contribute as well as another.
(OOC: For whenever his turn comes up in initiative)
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Berens chest ignites in pain momentarily, tensing his muscles and nearly causing him to miss, luckily for him, these are mindless undead, so they don't even try to dodge. His hit lands, just barely managing to land the hit, but the blow itself is solid, even without the divine light burning into it's limbs. (7 / 14)
His blade severing one of the undead's arms, the smiting power coursing through it's body rupturing like a shockwave down to the opposite leg, both limbs falling to the ground, though Beren notices that after only a moment that the severed parts continue moving on their own though... Towards him.
Zom-B presses forward despite its crippling loss, hopping the few inches more it needs to reach him, it's remaining arm slashing at his face (Claw: Attack: 21 Damage: 4 ) even as it tries to close its jaw around his neck (Bite: Attack: 10 Damage: 4 ) the severed hand crawling forward, fingers lacing around his ankle, the fetid nails trying to find purchase against flesh (Claw: Attack: 14 Damage: 2 )
Its swipe leaving a small trail of blood in its wake as the nails dig into his flesh, luckily, its attempt to feast on Beren's neck is thwarted by some part of his armor conveniently placed, and the severed arm is unable, for now, to find anything but his boot as it digs in, holding on (to no real effect).
Nivi is up, she can see all three zombies clearly as they are now in the open.
Initiative order: Beren, B, Nivi, A, Moira, C, (Jack unrolled)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Her longbow finally drawn, Nivi goes perfectly still as Shiv returns with his telepathic message.
Tymora's tits! Creep couldn't wait to off the girl? Next time a job goes to plan will be the first. But Nivi is no stranger to chaos. Thanks friend, she thinks back at her owl familiar, need you back out there. If he throws her in, you're the spotter for the center of the ripple circle. We'll need to get wet.
Attempting to shake off the distraction, she draws steady on the chest of the injured Zombie (B) that just attacked Beren.
Bonus Action: Steady Aim (advantage if Nivi does not move during her turn).
Action: Longbow attack at advantage on Zombie B:
To Hit: 11
Damage: 17 (8 + 9 from Sneak Attack)
Movement: none
Loud enough for all to hear, she calls. "Got no time to tangle with these charmers longer than we have to. Shiv spied the lone boatman getting liquored up and looking to chuck our girl into the drink. Keep rowing, Prophet. And Sunshine, you climb aboard. Need to move double-time, NOW."
Nivi looks at the lanky, towering beanpole of an Eladrin reclining in the back of the rowboat. "What do you say, Shorty? Maybe your nature spirits keep guiding whoever is on the oars, and whoever dives in after the girl when we get there?"
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
Nivi lines down the sight of her shaft, but the boat is rocking just a bit too much, and her aim isn't quite as sharp as it would normally be, but regardless, her arrow strikes true, piercing its rotting body, and tattered armor, severing its spine by sheer chance, Beren feels the grip of the limb loosen as the un-life from it fades. Beren and Nivi can hear more rustling coming from the tree's, it seems more are coming.
Shiv flies back out for another scouting mission, only to return with bad news: The sack is no longer in the boat. And the man has resumed fishing, and is casually nursing on a wineskin this time.
Meanwhile, Zom-A presses forward to take B's place but he's at an awkward angle, placing him directly on the opposite side of Beren to Nivi (+2AC against ranged attacks from the boats perspective unless the boat moves 15 feet east, or west) Both it's claws flail at Berens body this time (Claw attacks: Attack: 8 Damage: 5 & Attack: 11 Damage: 6 )
However both fail to harm the man-on-fire, but the zombies jaws rush in, rotting, sharp teeth seeking to bite his neck as the other had before (Bite: Attack: 12 Damage: 2 )
But his armor once again saves him from harm.
Initiative order: Beren, B, Nivi, A, Moira, C, (Jack unrolled)
Moira is up
One Zom-B is down
you are 30 feet from Beren.
Beren can see 2 more zombies coming, as can Nivi.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Almost there. Olamoira keeps her gaze fixed on the blazing greatsword as it flashes back and forth on the shore, hacking up zombies as they pile towards the armored man of light. Abominations. Unholy... the feast of all the broken laws of nature... Ola's lips part slightly in a whispered prayer that is more like a gasp for breath as she continues rowing hard, as fast as she can, trying to close the swimmingly slow distance between the boat and the paladin. Her dark eyes riveted on the battle. And they fell... like lightning... from heaven... under the swords... of the seraphim... The words are spinning through her mind in rhythm with her rowing. Almost there.
Ola is trying to use her movement and a Dash action, if that's applicable, to close the 30 feet, in hopes that Beren can get into the boat.
(He can if he so chooses, you can make it near the shore, still have to resolve zom-C's turn, will do so in a while, just got back from the auto shop/ starving.)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Moira's arms feel the intense burn of strain of arms that while strong, are not used to raw exercise in the purest form, but for the glowing knight she pushes herself like someone running a marathon in sight of the finish line and doubles her pace. The boat pulls along the shore not quite hitting the land itself but enough that if Beren were to retreat, he could get in with only mild difficulty.
Zom-C rushes in to join in on the feast, the two newer zombies still just behind the tree-line but would be able to reach Beren on the next turn. Zom-C's jaws try to set upon Beren's face (Bite: Attack: 13 Damage: 5 ) before his claws both go for Beren's guts, tryign to rend his midsection in twain. (Claws: Attack: 8 Damage: 3 & Attack: 9 Damage: 6 )
However, it seems Tymore is showing Beren favor today, for despite the soft onslaught of limbs and jaws coming at him, only one has managed to find purchase so far, and even then, only minimally.
Initiative order: Beren, B, Nivi, A, Moira, C, (Jack unrolled)
Jack is up.
Been immediately after.
Beren must make a DC 10 athletics check to get onto the boat normally, getting a 9 or lower will result in him falling prone into the boat, and causing the other 3 players to make a DC 7 dexterity check to keep the boat from capsizing. Atleast two must pass.
My logic: This is a intense and rushed situation, and the boat already has several hundred pounds of people on it, Beren would logically be rushing into the boat so that the zombies couldn't simply start trying to get in themselves which would almost assuredly capsize it
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Although for a moment Jack looked alarmed at the news from Nivi, not that he wasn't already somewhat there seeing Beren attacked, he found himself all the same rubbing his chin, licking his lips once, and muttering, "Hope he didn't drink all the rum." Before then ultimately being drawn from his thoughts at Nivi's request. "Hm? Mn~ Yes, I think I can convince them to do just that. But first must reach that destination." He replied while finally straightening up more in the boat. A not so easy task with it still in motion, but the "beanpole" of an eladrin had been in far less comfortable straits in the past.
Once settled in, he took a deep, deep breath, expanding his chest to near cartoonish porportions, before expelling a green mist that flew as swiftly as the wind to Beren, smelling as sweet as various spring flowers and fresh cut grass. But more importantly, as the mist seeped into his armor and into his wounds, mending them and dulling old aches. "I'd best do as Miss Biggie Smalls has asked, dear Beren~ As we're quite late for a very important date!" Jack called out as he slipped out a wand and gave it a twirl, causing the earth beneath Beren and the zombies feet to begin faintly trembling.
And if Beren should do as asked and hop into the ship, then in the wake of his escaping the zombies, Jack fully releases his spell and cause roots, weeds, and the seeds of long ago scattered plant matter to rise up from the ground and start grasping at anything within reach.
Bonus Action: Using Balm of the Summer Court on Beren to heal 2 and grant 1 Temp HP to him.
Action: Readying to cast at 1st level a Entangle on Zombies and their parts once Beren is on the boat. Strength Save(DC 13) or they become Restrained and need to spend an action breaking free with a Strength Check(Same DC).
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Beren, still engaged with the zombies, tilts his head slightly in their direction as Nivi calls out to him. Did she just call him Sunshine? Wait... the girl's drowning?! What are they doing wasting time here then? They shouldn't have bothered coming to pick him up knowing what they know. He nearly shouts at them to just keep going, but is cut off when the zombies start closing in again.
After dodging as many of the attacks as he can, and letting the armor take care of the rest, he manages a glance back towards the boat. Apparently they weren't going to do the smart thing and leave him to fend for himself. Yet at this point yelling at them to keep going would just waste time. Clearly they weren't just going to leave him, and perhaps he should be thankful for that. Except... the pain in his chest forces his attention back to the zombies. He can't just let these things keep living can he? It's his duty to destroy them. ...well it used to be. He'd never really had a choice before. This was his task set before him by the church, and pushed for by the blasted power inside. He could suppress the urge to destroy, painful as it might be. No one was here to keep him from abandoning this task. Yet, whether because of the power or not he hated these abominations.
With an irritated growl, he swings his sword at Zom-B, once more allowing the power to sweep up his blade to smite the creature as the mist from Jack's spell settles around him.
Greatsword: Attack: 22 Damage: 10
Smite: 15
Then, hearing Jack's words he turns, one hand clutching his chest as the power rebells against the idea of leaving these things alive. Growling in both pain and irritation, he forces himself to run for the boat--even though his instincts tell him not to turn his back on these creatures. As his feet hit the water, he hastily slips his great sword back into its scabbard before attempting to climb into the boat.
Athletics: 20
(OOC: I realize that attacking instead of disengaging will result in giving the zombies an opportunity attack. But this is what Beren would do anyways so I'm fine with it--especially considering they haven't been much successful hitting him so far lol. )
17 + 9
Claw OOA1: Attack: 14 Damage: 4
Claw OOA2: Attack: 8 Damage: 7
Beren's sword cleaves clear through one leg, his smite activating between the rotting legs of the corpse, and searing through it's other leg. The creature letting out a gutteral howl, as much as a creature without the ability to breathe can, as his other leg is severed as well, his body lingering in the air for a fraction of a moment before his torso collapses to the ground (Zom-A) the undead seeming not to heed it any longer than the divine energy lasts, nor do they seem to care about their losses. They continue to press in as he turns around to retreat -much to his own chagrin- and he feels the swipes of claws at his back just after the bandaid's worth of healing that was offered by the Eladrin who seems content to let everyone else do everything.
Apparently turning his back left some part of his armor exposed, and both of the creatures managed to land blows (original damages 5, and 6, with hits of 19 and 22) but Beren not only makes it into the boat, but likely with a grace and efficiency that would surprise Nivi considering his bulk.
In the treeline, more noise can be heard, as atleast one more zombie seems intent on being a moth to the flame.
Initiative order: Beren, B, Nivi, A, Moira, C, (Jack unrolled)
Nivi is up. Zombie A will have a chance to attack the boat before Moira can move it. The other two zombies will be coming in this round.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"Shining bright and light on his feet too," Nivi quips as Beren leaps onto the boat without capsizing it. "But the ladies want to know if he can row. Need to help the Prophet out before she tears a shoulder loose. Move fast to where our girl is sinking to the bottom. Follow the owl."
Telepathically, Nivi sends Shiv winging and angling just ahead of the boat, leading the rowers towards where he thinks the drunken fisherman jettisoned the wriggling sack. Trying to lead Olamoira and Beren on the shortest path possible to the spot. Staying in visual range.
She herself remains motionless, standing amidships, targeting the most threatening Zombie (A) with her bow (bonus action: Steady Aim for advantage).
Nivi longbow to hit Zombie A: 22
Nivi longbow plus Sneak Attack damage: 12 (8 + 4) piercing
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
(I was planning to resolve it once the other two zombies came but I shall do so now)
STR-A: 3
STR-C: 16
Original rolls in case dice error: A -3, C-20
One of the Zombies is caught off guard and pulled halfway to the ground by invasive foliage, meanwhile, Zom-C whether due to his deathless state or simply being hungry for the living flesh right in front of him is completely, and utterly unphased by the vines and plants grasping at it, though it's progress is clearly, otherwise hampered. The other two zombies still in the foliage are too far behind to be effected by the spell.
Beren is no longer within range of Zom-A, but luckily, his attack had weakened it to the point that Nivi's attack by itself was enough to fell it, hitting through it's skull just right to stop whatever necromantic magic had kept its body moving.
Moira now finds herself in a full boat, just barely enough room to move and with Zom-C slowly approaching, thanks to the Eladrins spell.
Initiative order: Beren, B, Nivi, A, Moira, C, (Jack unrolled)
Moira is up
Occassional Dungeon Master.