This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The first 6 blights that charge in are instantly incinerated, becoming glowing marble-ash, their muffled, airless screams filling the room. Though the throng behind them presses in immediately, and 9 push through it, just barely surviving the radiant force only to be met by another net of death at the frame.
And much like a blender, those that had survived the light, fell painfully to the razor sharp foliage.. Ironically enough becoming part of it themselves.
The remaining 15 blights hesitate, after watching their kin become so much mulch under the onslaught of the combined zoning spells. 5 of them however, believe the key to it lies in simply moving through the gauntlet faster, dashing towards the glowing knight, malice in what little could be seen of their 'faces.'
All of the five seem barely phased by the light, an evil smirk forming as they believe they had discovered the trick, only to be once more shredded one by one as they entered the blender, adding to it with their bodies.
The remaining 10 seemed furious, but even as stupid as they might be... they're not going to all rush headfirst into death. Each of the 10 form a line as they ratchet their arms back like a pitcher. Next, their arms snapped forward, and from what would normally be a hand, came a torrent of needles directly towards Beren.
Most of the attacks either miss, thus hitting the far back wall, or break if not deflect off his armor. Two attacks however, land firmly in the gaps of his armor in various places (Total damage taken 15)
Players turns.
The blights are in a jagged line straight outside the door, staggered like so
(Sorry for the multitude of posts, but i did NOT want any dice manip warnings)
Nivi & Jack all hear the beginnings of noise from within the Winery, more cracking limbs, though above them they hear the heavy footsteps of something else. All others fail to notice.
"What the... Beren!" Nivi hisses as the armored knight stands resolutely in the line of fire rather than move to a spot with full cover like everyone else.
"I mean, you want to stay put and look like a bloody porcupine with all those needles, that's your call," she sighs quietly. "Don't like our chances if you do, though, so take cover, maybe? Hearing other things moving inside the winery. Cooking up a welcome feast for us, I'm sure."
With the remaining ten needle blights waiting outside her companions' spell effects, Nivi chews her lip. She attempts to judge whether her Mage Hand is strong enough to close the exterior door, since closing the door herself would cause her to enter those same spell effects.
Flying above Arugal's head at B19, Shiv readies the help once more on any blight making it through the door (presumably to B20).
Arugal once again readies a dagger attack on any blight making it through the door (presumably to B20), remaining where he is at B19: Arugal's readied dagger with advantage thanks to Shiv'shelp (rolling as Nivi's Survival, same +6): 21 Arugal's readied dagger plus Sneak Attack damage: 1d4 + 3 + 4d6 = 1 + 3 + 14 = 18 (piercing)
IF Nivi thinks her Mage Hand is strong enough (10 pounds force) to close the exterior door to the winery:
Action: Nivi casts Mage Hand, summoning the invisible arcane hand 15-20' away at the exterior door. Free Action: Nivi closes the exterior door with her Mage Hand. Bonus Action: Nivi attempts to hide in place once more, out of sight of the blights (Cunning Action). Stealth: 29 (Nat. 20... overkill) Movement: (none)
OTHERWISE, IF Nivi does NOT think her Mage Hand is strong enough (10 pounds force) to close the exterior door to the winery:
Bonus Action: (Same as above) Nivi attempts to hide in place once more, out of sight of the blights (Cunning Action). See Stealth roll of 29 above. Action: Nivi inspects the door immediately to her left (west) for any traps or hazards, and to check if it is locked. Nivi'sPerception: 18, or if Investigation is more appropriate, then 12 Free Action: If the door to the left (west) appears un-trapped and unlocked, Nivi cracks it open and peeks through. Movement: (none)
Jack's grin at the sight of the Blights turning into so much purified mulch turned into a scowl as far too many needles found their way between the crooks of Beren's armor. "The nerve of those cretins! But nothing a little-" He hissed out, but then abruptly froze for a second before looking up towards the ceiling. "The youngling is right! Seems the new 'tenant' has started to notice something is up, haha! Good... Better they know their end is coming and the folly of their actions."
With a quick gesture towards the doorway, the leaves whirlwind of death suddenly freezes for a precious few seconds, then turn to ash that falls to the ground. But depending on whether the door was closed or not, anyone willing to risk a glance would see the whirlwind of death reappear from a plume of harmless embers. The leaves themselves remained anything but, and for the unfortunately blight closest to the door, they are ripped apart by the whirlwind. "Even closed, they've been clever enough to back off, so I doubt a wooden barrier would stop them for long. So, I'd emphasize again relocating! Olamoira? You have Sir Beren, yes?" He asks. As this is happening, Bluto only hunkered down more behind his table.
Action of Jack: Teleport Razor Leaf Whirlwind to A20 and doing an immediate 9 slashing damage to any creature in new space.
Movement of Bluto: Fall [condition]prone[/condition[/action].
A creature also takes this damage if it enters the Cube or ends its turn there or if the Cube moves into its space. A creature takes this damage only once per turn.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Beren takes Nivi's words silently, barely flinching as some of the spines embedded in the gaps of his armor snapped off as he moved. Perhaps cover would be a good idea after all...
"I'd rather not leave an enemy behind us,"he says in response to the mention of relocating. "Better we end this now to ensure a way out if needed." He has no intention of retreat, but the idea of being trapped between these blights and whatever waits further in does not sit well. He hesitates, moving to B19 (if possible) as he thinks back on their conversations prior to attempting to sneak their way in. Perhaps ending the summoners should be their priority, and he should ignore the fact that they'd be allowing themselves to be trapped for now...
Light flickering, he says, "Unless we are certain that whoever is responsible for summoning these creatures is upstairs, and that ending them would result in these things disappearing."
He readies another swing of his sword, briefly wondering if these constructs can feel fear as he brings his blade down on whatever makes it past Jack's whirlwind of leaves.
Action:
Attack: 25 (natural 20) Damage: 17 (not sure what rules we are using for critical hits... so that's just a regular roll)
As the crunch and whir of leaves and disentegrating blights swirl around them, Ola spares a glance for Beren's not-quite-flinch, but then returns her attention to the deadly Moonbeam sitting just outside the doorway, wary of dodging incoming attacks.
Action: Dodge Maintain concentration on Moonbeam in the same place.
Nivi summons her mage hand, though it is unseen by everyone else. It easily flies over the whirling blades, as most doors exceed 5 feet in height, the hand would easily be able to handle the door as the hinges diffuse most of the weight, unfortunately, as the Mage Hand enters the area of the moonbeam, the hand passing unharmed through the moonbeam, taking the handle just after Jack moves his blades. The door closing with a soft thud.
However, Nivi takes an extra few seconds to crack open the door, peeking out of it as the door is just a door, and though she doesn't see anything on the other side except for a large room, and another set of doors, double doors to be specific. Rows of new barrels fill this room. A narrow stone staircase spirals upward in the southwest corner, but the room is otherwise empty. However, with the door cracked, the sounds grow louder to her ears, telling her that she may not see what is there, but it is somewhere in that direction, and the heavy footsteps from above grow louder as well.
Jack moves his Bulbasaur impression further out, nearly shredding another, but it manages to hold on through gritted bark to its false life. It's wicked maw opening in a mockery of the words 'you will pay for that.' or was that just Jack's imagination running wild? Meanwhile, Bluto squirms like the coward he is. The door closes Just after Jack moves his spell leaving the blights blockaded outside.
(Since both spells say it can be moved to a location the caster can see I interperate this as it basically teleports. So you can't relocate it outside anymore... but you CAN relocate it INSIDE to a SPACE YOU CAN SEE. SO if you want to maintian concentration or move the spell for any reason, you can, except for outside atm)
@beren, and all:
"(not sure what rules we are using for critical hits... so that's just a regular roll)"
I like crits to feel strong, but this is something I will leave to the party to vote on:
A) Crits are normal. Basically you roll your damage with the extra dice rolls.
B) Crits deal maximum possible damage for the weapon or spell.
This choice will be permanent, and effect both players and enemies.
Beren moves out of the line of sight, though Nivi's mage hand made that become a moot point. Beren readies an attack just in case. (I will allow this attack to be held for up to 1 more round, same rolls/damage) But for now, there is nothing to strike. Looking around the room that is basked in the soft glow of his light.
Moira maintains her concentration, and her movements to protect herself.
Sitrep:
No player has moved. One enemy has taken non fatal damage. The door is closed. The sounds of other creatures coming can be heard by Nivi and Jack from within. Nivi has confirmed there are no enemies in the next room.. yet.
Outside: The blights would move away from the leaves, and attack the door to minimal effect. The door holds for now, though the sound of hundreds of thuds hit it, like before.
Within the winery, more footsteps could be heard rushing about in a frenzy, though still none appear where Nivi can see them, and it is clear they are not trying to hide, so they are simply 'somehwere else' at the moment.
Players turns again. New enemies will be visible soon.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The moment Nivi so much as hints at the cost in the other room being clear, Bluto scrambles to his feet and bolts into the other room, nearly tackling and taking out anyone in his path. It didn't matter in the moment that the elves picked up on someone hurrying about upstairs in the moment, because he saw what a few lucky shots had done to Beren! To his credit, he hadn't yelled or screamed as he bolted, though even the short burst of exertion left him breathless and needing to lean against some nearby barrels just to catch his breath.
Movement and Action: Bluto stands up and dashes to E14.
Meanwhile, Jack says to Beren, "Given the story we've been told and from what I know from... let's say 'personal experience'! Getting rid of their beckoner should at least keep more from being drawn in from the surrounding environs. Otherwise, we'll long exhaust ourselves before seeing the horde thinned any time soon. Or, well, be die trying!" He lets out a hearty chuckle. "So, no more wasting time here, my radiant friend, as we have some long overdue punishment to mete out!" The warlock then -- unless physically barred in some way -- proceeded to slip into the adjoining the room, and after taking but a brief moment to assess the new area, headed for the stairs, holding position with his weapon poised to strike any would be foe entering through the nearby entryways.
Movement: To F15.
Action: Ready to Strike w/ Scimitar. To Hit: 22 For: 5 slashing damage.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
For the second time in a row, Nivi hisses "What the...," this time as Bluto blunders past her into the barrel room that she is eyeing through the gap in the opened door. She proceeds to hold the door open with her extended toe, making a slightly sardonic after you gesture to Jack as he follows after, softened somewhat by warmth in her green eyes. Her whisper remains quiet but carries to her companions, as one might expect from an experienced thief.
"Everyone get through, no lounging. You spell slingers hold the magic at the choke point, yeah? That and the shut door - might buy us all time to deal with these lovelies we hear coming from further in to welcome us. And yeah, we see some dark druid, we focus fire on them. No holding back."
And I guess ol' Ruby here serves as a nice fat stalking horse target to draw the eyes of anyone who sees him (Nivi thinks, but does not say).
Suiting her actions to words, she scampers into the next room and conceals herself among the northern barrels, nocking an arrow on her longbow. Ready to shoot potential foes who enter the room through the stairwell or the double doors to the south, prioritizing druid-looking humanoids as targets. Arugal leaves his post next to the exterior door and follows, situating himself between the stairwell and the double doors, ready to shank entrants from either end with his dagger (melee or thrown), while Shiv mirrors him, flying above his head and preparing to flap her wings in the face of the same foe:.
Nivi's Movement: W - N - NW from E19 to C17 among barrels. Nivi's Bonus Action: Nivihides among the barrels (Cunning Action). If her prior Nat. 20 Stealth roll of 29 does not apply, then she gets: 14 Nivi's Action: Nivireadies a longbow attack on an enemy threatening the room, prioritizing humanoids who look like druids, but otherwise any enemy. Longbow to hit, at advantage from being hidden, 3d20s due to Elven Accuracy: 21 (or 10 if no advantage) Longbow plus Sneak Attack damage: 11 + 11 = 22 (piercing)
Shiv's Movement (60' fly speed): tracking Arugal, above his head, S - S - S - W - W - SW, from B19 to F16 Shiv's Action: Shiv readies the help on an enemy threatening the room, prioritizing humanoids who look like druids, but otherwise any enemy.
Arugal's Movement: S - S - S - W - W - SW frm B19 to F16, underneath Shiv. Arugal's Action: Arugal readies a melee or throwndagger attack on the same enemy Shivhelps against. Dagger to hit, at advantage thanks to help (rolled as Survival, +6 on Nivi's sheet): 26 (Nat. 20) Dagger plus Sneak Attack crit damage: 2d4 + 3 + 8d6 = 6 + 3 + 23 = 32 (piercing)
As the door swings shut and Nivi inspects the new room--only encouraging the terrified Bluto, it seems, to make a run for it--Ola smiles and shakes her head, before following Jack and Nivi into the room full of stacks of casks. She stays close to Jack while Nivi hides, ready to make a strike herself if anyone comes up to attack them.
Action: Ready an unarmed strike. If needed: To hit: 11 Damage: 5
Beren stays silent, just giving Jack a nod as he feels words are unnecessary at this time. He glances at the door, briefly debating on whether or not it would be worth the time to push a table in front of it to help barricade them in, but that too seems pointless. Might as well focus on getting further in.
So, he continues to hold his attack, moving quickly to follow the others as they make their way into the next room. Part of him wants to take the lead, after all their cover is already blown so why not just let him take point in spite of his visibility? On the other hand if there is any element of surprise to be had, taking the lead would definitely blow that. So he just follows the others in, staying on high alert (moving to E17).
Jack rushes in, taking a point between the door and Bluto as he does his best to protect the man. However the staircase just behind them proved to be another entry point, Jack, as perceptive as he was, Managed to catch one blight, slashing the monster with his weapon. Unfortunately, his attack was not enough to stop the horrific creature. It hissed at him, but it had seen the cowering Bluto just to the right. And sensing weaker prey, eyed the tubby man with a hunger for blood to sate its lust. More footsteps could be heard on the staircase, though luckily, the space was too small for more to get by easily.
Nivi moves between the massive barrels, which gives her a mostly clean line of sight towards the doors, but not in the direction of the stairwell in the south west corner of the room. Blights begin rushing in towards the door, one crumpling lifelessly to the floor the moment its head comes into her range, and pinning it against the vat due to the sheer force of the arrow. However, like a horde, or a hydra, the moment it falls, another comes to take it's place, filling in the gap.
Unfortunately for it, the moment the hole was filled, Arugals dagger would find its way deep into the creatures neck, slicing it off cleanly. Another filled the gap. Shiv dove in just enough to cause a distraction to help Moira land her strike, the creature suffering slightly from the punch, but failing to fall as shive moved back out of reach safely.
Beren finding his way between his two allies, muscles tensed rom before as he easily cleaves one in half, his sword hitting the floor with enough force to shatter the stone in a small area. The gap is filled by yet another as the blights pour in.
More and more blights pour down the staircase, just barely visible, while others clamor in the spiral staircase behind Jack. Finally deigning to show himself near the back of the blights, the druid finally shows himself. Spotting Olamoira, he casts Shadowy Entanglement, and sickly black vines burst forth in the area.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Olamoira and Beren shrug the effects off, however, Arugal and Jack suddenly find themselves rooted in place. The druid points a grotesque looking staff at Arugal. Swarm him. End him. Drink of his blood so your roots might grow strong! Arugals expression shifts, he doesn't panic, but he realizes he's in a very bad situation now. The blights move across the entanglement as though it is not there. The two closest swing their arms at him, needle sharp claws raking in his direction.
The ones too far to do so launch a volley of needles at the man.
All at advantage except 2nd ranged & Staircase Blight who cannot see Arugal.
Melee1 Attack: 21 Damage: 7
Melee2 Attack: 23 Damage: 13
Ranged Attack: 22 Damage: 9
Ranged (normal due to jack adv/dis cancel) Attack: 22 Damage: 8
Staircase Blight @ Bluto (bluto +2AC half cover from the wall) Attack: 10 Damage: 7
All at advantage except 2nd ranged & Staircase Blight who cannot see Arugal.
Melee1 Attack: 18 Damage: 7
Melee2 Attack: 16 Damage: 7
Ranged Attack: 10 Damage: 10
Ranged (normal due to jack adv/dis cancel) Attack: 23 Damage: 18
Staircase Blight @ Bluto (bluto +2AC half cover from the wall) Attack: 17 Damage: 10
The ones closest to him score hits, slashing at the mans exposed flesh in the gaps of his armor. The blight in front of the door that is too far to hit normally sends needles flying into the room, but they all sink deep into the barrels, harming no one. However, despite Jacks distraction and proximity, the one near him launches a volley of needles that hit Arugal harshly, tiny spines sticking out of his ribs as the man gasps for air suddenly, gritting his teeth.
The blight in the stairwell can just barely see one of Bluto's legs, but can't see Arugal from his position. A volley of needles sinks deep into his leg, rupturing his artery in several places. Blood pours from the sods leg as if his gut had been split open, the floor soaking with crimson in the darkness. His world fading to black in a matter of seconds as a few warm tears stream from his eyes. Jack and Nivi, both of whomst ears are on high alert, hear the last whisper of the man. "I'm sorry...I never.." before his body ceases to move, his leg little more than shredded meat. Jack himself would then see something that most never do. A grey-white sphere emerged from Bluto, rising from his corpse, but as it began its ascension, the ever present fog swarmed around it like shadowy fingers, dragging it to the floor, and then.. beneath it. Gone from sight. The druid moving back behind the safety of the upper floor, disappearing from sight.
At the moment, no other creatures have any way to attack or move to the party (due to the tight spaces)
Sitrep:
3 Blights have died. (due to the angle and height, Nivi, from her position, wouldn't have had a chance to hit the druid from where she was)
many more blights seem to be pouring down from both the central staircase and the spiral one.
Bluto has died, and what appears to have been his soul was forcibly imprisoned and dragged away.
The party is up. Remember, you can move your blades/moonbeam to a space you can see.
I hope i didn't mess up anyone's actions, i went through this ONE post at a time to avoid doing so.
Jack and Arugal are entangled. (DC 12 STR save - A creature restrained by the plants can use its action to make a Strength check against your spell save DC. On a success, it frees itself.)
The first 6 blights that charge in are instantly incinerated, becoming glowing marble-ash, their muffled, airless screams filling the room. Though the throng behind them presses in immediately, and 9 push through it, just barely surviving the radiant force only to be met by another net of death at the frame.
Razor Leaf Damage: 15
Occassional Dungeon Master.
And much like a blender, those that had survived the light, fell painfully to the razor sharp foliage.. Ironically enough becoming part of it themselves.
The remaining 15 blights hesitate, after watching their kin become so much mulch under the onslaught of the combined zoning spells. 5 of them however, believe the key to it lies in simply moving through the gauntlet faster, dashing towards the glowing knight, malice in what little could be seen of their 'faces.'
Saves and Damage:
6
14
11
3
21
Damage:
MB: 5
Razor: 9
Occassional Dungeon Master.
All of the five seem barely phased by the light, an evil smirk forming as they believe they had discovered the trick, only to be once more shredded one by one as they entered the blender, adding to it with their bodies.
The remaining 10 seemed furious, but even as stupid as they might be... they're not going to all rush headfirst into death. Each of the 10 form a line as they ratchet their arms back like a pitcher. Next, their arms snapped forward, and from what would normally be a hand, came a torrent of needles directly towards Beren.
Beren AC 16, Attacks below:
Attack: 10 Damage: 9
Attack: 11 Damage: 6
Attack: 12 Damage: 6
Attack: 17 Damage: 10
Attack: 20 Damage: 5
Attack: 5 Damage: 9
Attack: 6 Damage: 9
Attack: 15 Damage: 3
Attack: 12 Damage: 8
Attack: 6 Damage: 7
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Most of the attacks either miss, thus hitting the far back wall, or break if not deflect off his armor. Two attacks however, land firmly in the gaps of his armor in various places (Total damage taken 15)
Players turns.
The blights are in a jagged line straight outside the door, staggered like so
B
B
B
B
Occassional Dungeon Master.
(Sorry for the multitude of posts, but i did NOT want any dice manip warnings)
Nivi & Jack all hear the beginnings of noise from within the Winery, more cracking limbs, though above them they hear the heavy footsteps of something else. All others fail to notice.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"What the... Beren!" Nivi hisses as the armored knight stands resolutely in the line of fire rather than move to a spot with full cover like everyone else.
"I mean, you want to stay put and look like a bloody porcupine with all those needles, that's your call," she sighs quietly. "Don't like our chances if you do, though, so take cover, maybe? Hearing other things moving inside the winery. Cooking up a welcome feast for us, I'm sure."
With the remaining ten needle blights waiting outside her companions' spell effects, Nivi chews her lip. She attempts to judge whether her Mage Hand is strong enough to close the exterior door, since closing the door herself would cause her to enter those same spell effects.
Flying above Arugal's head at B19, Shiv readies the help once more on any blight making it through the door (presumably to B20).
Arugal once again readies a dagger attack on any blight making it through the door (presumably to B20), remaining where he is at B19:
Arugal's readied dagger with advantage thanks to Shiv's help (rolling as Nivi's Survival, same +6): 21
Arugal's readied dagger plus Sneak Attack damage: 1d4 + 3 + 4d6 = 1 + 3 + 14 = 18 (piercing)
IF Nivi thinks her Mage Hand is strong enough (10 pounds force) to close the exterior door to the winery:
Action: Nivi casts Mage Hand, summoning the invisible arcane hand 15-20' away at the exterior door.
Free Action: Nivi closes the exterior door with her Mage Hand.
Bonus Action: Nivi attempts to hide in place once more, out of sight of the blights (Cunning Action). Stealth: 29 (Nat. 20... overkill)
Movement: (none)
OTHERWISE, IF Nivi does NOT think her Mage Hand is strong enough (10 pounds force) to close the exterior door to the winery:
Bonus Action: (Same as above) Nivi attempts to hide in place once more, out of sight of the blights (Cunning Action). See Stealth roll of 29 above.
Action: Nivi inspects the door immediately to her left (west) for any traps or hazards, and to check if it is locked.
Nivi's Perception: 18, or if Investigation is more appropriate, then 12
Free Action: If the door to the left (west) appears un-trapped and unlocked, Nivi cracks it open and peeks through.
Movement: (none)
Tanis (Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian (Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Ophelia (Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Dyson/Eleo (Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren (Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Nivi (Rogue4): Raiketsu's CoS
Joren (Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha (Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court
Jack's grin at the sight of the Blights turning into so much purified mulch turned into a scowl as far too many needles found their way between the crooks of Beren's armor. "The nerve of those cretins! But nothing a little-" He hissed out, but then abruptly froze for a second before looking up towards the ceiling. "The youngling is right! Seems the new 'tenant' has started to notice something is up, haha! Good... Better they know their end is coming and the folly of their actions."
With a quick gesture towards the doorway, the leaves whirlwind of death suddenly freezes for a precious few seconds, then turn to ash that falls to the ground. But depending on whether the door was closed or not, anyone willing to risk a glance would see the whirlwind of death reappear from a plume of harmless embers. The leaves themselves remained anything but, and for the unfortunately blight closest to the door, they are ripped apart by the whirlwind. "Even closed, they've been clever enough to back off, so I doubt a wooden barrier would stop them for long. So, I'd emphasize again relocating! Olamoira? You have Sir Beren, yes?" He asks. As this is happening, Bluto only hunkered down more behind his table.
Action of Jack: Teleport Razor Leaf Whirlwind to A20 and doing an immediate 9 slashing damage to any creature in new space.
Movement of Bluto: Fall [condition]prone[/condition[/action].
Action of Bluto: Squirm nervously.
A creature also takes this damage if it enters the Cube or ends its turn there or if the Cube moves into its space. A creature takes this damage only once per turn.
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 takes Nivi's words silently, barely flinching as some of the spines embedded in the gaps of his armor snapped off as he moved. Perhaps cover would be a good idea after all...
"I'd rather not leave an enemy behind us," he says in response to the mention of relocating. "Better we end this now to ensure a way out if needed." He has no intention of retreat, but the idea of being trapped between these blights and whatever waits further in does not sit well. He hesitates, moving to B19 (if possible) as he thinks back on their conversations prior to attempting to sneak their way in. Perhaps ending the summoners should be their priority, and he should ignore the fact that they'd be allowing themselves to be trapped for now...
Light flickering, he says, "Unless we are certain that whoever is responsible for summoning these creatures is upstairs, and that ending them would result in these things disappearing."
He readies another swing of his sword, briefly wondering if these constructs can feel fear as he brings his blade down on whatever makes it past Jack's whirlwind of leaves.
Action:
Attack: 25 (natural 20) Damage: 17 (not sure what rules we are using for critical hits... so that's just a regular roll)
(I will pdate by or before midday saturday depending on how busy things get friday)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
As the crunch and whir of leaves and disentegrating blights swirl around them, Ola spares a glance for Beren's not-quite-flinch, but then returns her attention to the deadly Moonbeam sitting just outside the doorway, wary of dodging incoming attacks.
Action: Dodge
Maintain concentration on Moonbeam in the same place.
Nivi summons her mage hand, though it is unseen by everyone else. It easily flies over the whirling blades, as most doors exceed 5 feet in height, the hand would easily be able to handle the door as the hinges diffuse most of the weight, unfortunately, as the Mage Hand enters the area of the moonbeam, the hand passing unharmed through the moonbeam, taking the handle just after Jack moves his blades. The door closing with a soft thud.
However, Nivi takes an extra few seconds to crack open the door, peeking out of it as the door is just a door, and though she doesn't see anything on the other side except for a large room, and another set of doors, double doors to be specific. Rows of new barrels fill this room. A narrow stone staircase spirals upward in the southwest corner, but the room is otherwise empty. However, with the door cracked, the sounds grow louder to her ears, telling her that she may not see what is there, but it is somewhere in that direction, and the heavy footsteps from above grow louder as well.
Multi page, continuing.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Jack moves his Bulbasaur impression further out, nearly shredding another, but it manages to hold on through gritted bark to its false life. It's wicked maw opening in a mockery of the words 'you will pay for that.' or was that just Jack's imagination running wild? Meanwhile, Bluto squirms like the coward he is. The door closes Just after Jack moves his spell leaving the blights blockaded outside.
(Since both spells say it can be moved to a location the caster can see I interperate this as it basically teleports. So you can't relocate it outside anymore... but you CAN relocate it INSIDE to a SPACE YOU CAN SEE. SO if you want to maintian concentration or move the spell for any reason, you can, except for outside atm)
@beren, and all:
"(not sure what rules we are using for critical hits... so that's just a regular roll)"
I like crits to feel strong, but this is something I will leave to the party to vote on:
A) Crits are normal. Basically you roll your damage with the extra dice rolls.
B) Crits deal maximum possible damage for the weapon or spell.
This choice will be permanent, and effect both players and enemies.
Beren moves out of the line of sight, though Nivi's mage hand made that become a moot point. Beren readies an attack just in case. (I will allow this attack to be held for up to 1 more round, same rolls/damage) But for now, there is nothing to strike. Looking around the room that is basked in the soft glow of his light.
Moira maintains her concentration, and her movements to protect herself.
Sitrep:
No player has moved. One enemy has taken non fatal damage. The door is closed. The sounds of other creatures coming can be heard by Nivi and Jack from within. Nivi has confirmed there are no enemies in the next room.. yet.
Outside: The blights would move away from the leaves, and attack the door to minimal effect. The door holds for now, though the sound of hundreds of thuds hit it, like before.
Within the winery, more footsteps could be heard rushing about in a frenzy, though still none appear where Nivi can see them, and it is clear they are not trying to hide, so they are simply 'somehwere else' at the moment.
Players turns again. New enemies will be visible soon.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
The moment Nivi so much as hints at the cost in the other room being clear, Bluto scrambles to his feet and bolts into the other room, nearly tackling and taking out anyone in his path. It didn't matter in the moment that the elves picked up on someone hurrying about upstairs in the moment, because he saw what a few lucky shots had done to Beren! To his credit, he hadn't yelled or screamed as he bolted, though even the short burst of exertion left him breathless and needing to lean against some nearby barrels just to catch his breath.
Movement and Action: Bluto stands up and dashes to E14.
Meanwhile, Jack says to Beren, "Given the story we've been told and from what I know from... let's say 'personal experience'! Getting rid of their beckoner should at least keep more from being drawn in from the surrounding environs. Otherwise, we'll long exhaust ourselves before seeing the horde thinned any time soon. Or, well, be die trying!" He lets out a hearty chuckle. "So, no more wasting time here, my radiant friend, as we have some long overdue punishment to mete out!" The warlock then -- unless physically barred in some way -- proceeded to slip into the adjoining the room, and after taking but a brief moment to assess the new area, headed for the stairs, holding position with his weapon poised to strike any would be foe entering through the nearby entryways.
Movement: To F15.
Action: Ready to Strike w/ Scimitar.
To Hit: 22 For: 5 slashing damage.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
For the second time in a row, Nivi hisses "What the...," this time as Bluto blunders past her into the barrel room that she is eyeing through the gap in the opened door. She proceeds to hold the door open with her extended toe, making a slightly sardonic after you gesture to Jack as he follows after, softened somewhat by warmth in her green eyes. Her whisper remains quiet but carries to her companions, as one might expect from an experienced thief.
"Everyone get through, no lounging. You spell slingers hold the magic at the choke point, yeah? That and the shut door - might buy us all time to deal with these lovelies we hear coming from further in to welcome us. And yeah, we see some dark druid, we focus fire on them. No holding back."
And I guess ol' Ruby here serves as a nice fat stalking horse target to draw the eyes of anyone who sees him (Nivi thinks, but does not say).
Suiting her actions to words, she scampers into the next room and conceals herself among the northern barrels, nocking an arrow on her longbow. Ready to shoot potential foes who enter the room through the stairwell or the double doors to the south, prioritizing druid-looking humanoids as targets. Arugal leaves his post next to the exterior door and follows, situating himself between the stairwell and the double doors, ready to shank entrants from either end with his dagger (melee or thrown), while Shiv mirrors him, flying above his head and preparing to flap her wings in the face of the same foe:.
Nivi's Movement: W - N - NW from E19 to C17 among barrels.
Nivi's Bonus Action: Nivi hides among the barrels (Cunning Action). If her prior Nat. 20 Stealth roll of 29 does not apply, then she gets: 14
Nivi's Action: Nivi readies a longbow attack on an enemy threatening the room, prioritizing humanoids who look like druids, but otherwise any enemy.
Longbow to hit, at advantage from being hidden, 3d20s due to Elven Accuracy: 21 (or 10 if no advantage)
Longbow plus Sneak Attack damage: 11 + 11 = 22 (piercing)
Shiv's Movement (60' fly speed): tracking Arugal, above his head, S - S - S - W - W - SW, from B19 to F16
Shiv's Action: Shiv readies the help on an enemy threatening the room, prioritizing humanoids who look like druids, but otherwise any enemy.
Arugal's Movement: S - S - S - W - W - SW frm B19 to F16, underneath Shiv.
Arugal's Action: Arugal readies a melee or thrown dagger attack on the same enemy Shiv helps against.
Dagger to hit, at advantage thanks to help (rolled as Survival, +6 on Nivi's sheet): 26 (Nat. 20)
Dagger plus Sneak Attack crit damage: 2d4 + 3 + 8d6 = 6 + 3 + 23 = 32 (piercing)
Tanis (Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian (Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Ophelia (Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Dyson/Eleo (Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren (Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Nivi (Rogue4): Raiketsu's CoS
Joren (Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha (Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court
As the door swings shut and Nivi inspects the new room--only encouraging the terrified Bluto, it seems, to make a run for it--Ola smiles and shakes her head, before following Jack and Nivi into the room full of stacks of casks. She stays close to Jack while Nivi hides, ready to make a strike herself if anyone comes up to attack them.
Action: Ready an unarmed strike.
If needed:
To hit: 11
Damage: 5
Beren stays silent, just giving Jack a nod as he feels words are unnecessary at this time. He glances at the door, briefly debating on whether or not it would be worth the time to push a table in front of it to help barricade them in, but that too seems pointless. Might as well focus on getting further in.
So, he continues to hold his attack, moving quickly to follow the others as they make their way into the next room. Part of him wants to take the lead, after all their cover is already blown so why not just let him take point in spite of his visibility? On the other hand if there is any element of surprise to be had, taking the lead would definitely blow that. So he just follows the others in, staying on high alert (moving to E17).
Jack rushes in, taking a point between the door and Bluto as he does his best to protect the man. However the staircase just behind them proved to be another entry point, Jack, as perceptive as he was, Managed to catch one blight, slashing the monster with his weapon. Unfortunately, his attack was not enough to stop the horrific creature. It hissed at him, but it had seen the cowering Bluto just to the right. And sensing weaker prey, eyed the tubby man with a hunger for blood to sate its lust. More footsteps could be heard on the staircase, though luckily, the space was too small for more to get by easily.
Nivi moves between the massive barrels, which gives her a mostly clean line of sight towards the doors, but not in the direction of the stairwell in the south west corner of the room. Blights begin rushing in towards the door, one crumpling lifelessly to the floor the moment its head comes into her range, and pinning it against the vat due to the sheer force of the arrow. However, like a horde, or a hydra, the moment it falls, another comes to take it's place, filling in the gap.
Unfortunately for it, the moment the hole was filled, Arugals dagger would find its way deep into the creatures neck, slicing it off cleanly. Another filled the gap. Shiv dove in just enough to cause a distraction to help Moira land her strike, the creature suffering slightly from the punch, but failing to fall as shive moved back out of reach safely.
Beren finding his way between his two allies, muscles tensed rom before as he easily cleaves one in half, his sword hitting the floor with enough force to shatter the stone in a small area. The gap is filled by yet another as the blights pour in.
More and more blights pour down the staircase, just barely visible, while others clamor in the spiral staircase behind Jack. Finally deigning to show himself near the back of the blights, the druid finally shows himself. Spotting Olamoira, he casts Shadowy Entanglement, and sickly black vines burst forth in the area.
DC 12 STR save, or become entangled.
Moira 22
Jack 1
Beren 21
Arugal 1
3 blights dead.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Olamoira and Beren shrug the effects off, however, Arugal and Jack suddenly find themselves rooted in place. The druid points a grotesque looking staff at Arugal. Swarm him. End him. Drink of his blood so your roots might grow strong! Arugals expression shifts, he doesn't panic, but he realizes he's in a very bad situation now. The blights move across the entanglement as though it is not there. The two closest swing their arms at him, needle sharp claws raking in his direction.
The ones too far to do so launch a volley of needles at the man.
All at advantage except 2nd ranged & Staircase Blight who cannot see Arugal.
Melee1 Attack: 21 Damage: 7
Melee2 Attack: 23 Damage: 13
Ranged Attack: 22 Damage: 9
Ranged (normal due to jack adv/dis cancel) Attack: 22 Damage: 8
Staircase Blight @ Bluto (bluto +2AC half cover from the wall) Attack: 10 Damage: 7
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Manual copy of rolls incase manip.
All at advantage except 2nd ranged & Staircase Blight who cannot see Arugal.
Melee1 Attack: 18 Damage: 7
Melee2 Attack: 16 Damage: 7
Ranged Attack: 10 Damage: 10
Ranged (normal due to jack adv/dis cancel) Attack: 23 Damage: 18
Staircase Blight @ Bluto (bluto +2AC half cover from the wall) Attack: 17 Damage: 10
The ones closest to him score hits, slashing at the mans exposed flesh in the gaps of his armor. The blight in front of the door that is too far to hit normally sends needles flying into the room, but they all sink deep into the barrels, harming no one. However, despite Jacks distraction and proximity, the one near him launches a volley of needles that hit Arugal harshly, tiny spines sticking out of his ribs as the man gasps for air suddenly, gritting his teeth.
The blight in the stairwell can just barely see one of Bluto's legs, but can't see Arugal from his position. A volley of needles sinks deep into his leg, rupturing his artery in several places. Blood pours from the sods leg as if his gut had been split open, the floor soaking with crimson in the darkness. His world fading to black in a matter of seconds as a few warm tears stream from his eyes. Jack and Nivi, both of whomst ears are on high alert, hear the last whisper of the man. "I'm sorry...I never.." before his body ceases to move, his leg little more than shredded meat. Jack himself would then see something that most never do. A grey-white sphere emerged from Bluto, rising from his corpse, but as it began its ascension, the ever present fog swarmed around it like shadowy fingers, dragging it to the floor, and then.. beneath it. Gone from sight. The druid moving back behind the safety of the upper floor, disappearing from sight.
At the moment, no other creatures have any way to attack or move to the party (due to the tight spaces)
Sitrep:
3 Blights have died. (due to the angle and height, Nivi, from her position, wouldn't have had a chance to hit the druid from where she was)
many more blights seem to be pouring down from both the central staircase and the spiral one.
Bluto has died, and what appears to have been his soul was forcibly imprisoned and dragged away.
The party is up. Remember, you can move your blades/moonbeam to a space you can see.
I hope i didn't mess up anyone's actions, i went through this ONE post at a time to avoid doing so.
Jack and Arugal are entangled. (DC 12 STR save - A creature restrained by the plants can use its action to make a Strength check against your spell save DC. On a success, it frees itself.)
Occassional Dungeon Master.