Rythnax's frustration infects his attacks. The dragon slashes and lunges wildly, giving Graxx more than enough time to duck and dodge.
The failure changes something in Rythnax's eye. The dragon starts flapping his wings and rises 25ft in the air.
-> Both Graxx and Obsben can perform opportunity attacks against Rythnax if they so choose.
(Graxx and Obsben are up next. Please recall that Graxx can only use Reckless Attack during his own turn, so the reaction attack would not benefit from it.)
Embolden in seeing the dragon ready to flee or at least seem about ready to do so, the binding compulsion of Graxx's divine words notwithstanding, Obsben sends another mental command to Sourpuss, earning a glare from the Tressym. Yet unable disobey her orders, Sourpuss fluttered up higher to start harassing the dragon further by fluttering about his face in the classic 'I'm not touching' maneuvers.
Meanwhile, Obsben turns into static and blips in and out of existence for a moment, shifting well out of reach of the dragon. "Don't let up on him, Graxx. And don't let the flesh wounds of yours get the better of ya. 'cause that's all they are."She further encourages warrior, mending his wounds as surely as she'd dull the pain with a few healing words before falling back further.
Movement(Sourpuss): 15ft further up, for a total of 30ft.
On your turn, when you score a critical hit with a melee weapon or reduce a creature to 0 HP with one, you can make one melee weapon attack as a bonus action.
Undisturbed by the missed opportunity to stab Rythnax as the dragon gained altitude, Graxx gives chase and sinks his pike into Rythnax thrice more. The dragon writhes in pain but maintains its tenuous grasp on life. (Rythnax takes 42 magical piercing damage.)
Seeing her winning ticket in this fight, Obsben works to empower Graxx even more. She sends Sourpuss to provide assistance in whichever attack comes next while making sure Graxx is not about to fall by injecting more energy into the barbarian. (Graxx recovers 7 HP.)
Obsben sees no reason why she should stay that close to the dragon.
Ellison presumably continues to run away as fast as he can.
NOTE: The entire area is lightly obscured by a constant layer of fog, so search actions and associated skill checks are rolled with disadvantage. HPs listed above include Aid bonuses, as per this post.
The cloud of biting insets forms around Graxx again: once more.
CON saving throw {DC 15} or take 12 (12) piercing damage (half on a success). The description for the Insect repellent-salve item specifically says it does not provide protection against swarms of insects, so we'll abide by it.
Graxx: 13 (13)
-> Graxx's concentration check {DC 10}: 17 (17)
The cloud of insects immediately dissipates afterwards.
Graxx's sole-minded focus on the dragon comes at a price when the biters reconvene. By the time Graxx shoos away the swarming insects, much of his energy has been sucked away. (Graxx takes 12 piercing damage.)
Sourpuss catches some collateral damage. (Sourpuss takes 6 piercing damage.)
Still wading through the swamp (to AY,44) but his vision less obscured, Utar calls out to Graxx "Tempus might be powering your arm, but don't forget that Torm has your back!"
Cast heal on Graxx to provide 70hp to the barbarian.
His spectral warhammer continues to approach Rythnax, but stays at ground level.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Neya slogs through the marsh towards Rynthrax. As she does, shadows crawl up her arm and into her hand. Solidifying into three darts. She holds onto them until she sees any movement from the dragon from the battlefield.
Both Utar and Neya brave the swamp water once more, gradually getting closer to the fight between Rythnax and Graxx. While Neyagets ready to release magical darts at the dragon should he show signs of an intended escape, Utar commands his spiritual weapon to get closer and joins Obsben in reinvigoratingGraxx. (Graxx recovers 70 HP.)
Rythnax's posture in this fight has clearly shifted. The dragon flies up and away as fast as he can. With the magical duel still controlling his senses, Rythnax has to tighten his mental grip on his own will. He does exactly that and "bravely" retreats.
Neya releases her readied spell but, despite its accuracy, it is not enough to stop the dragon. (Rythnax takes 10 force damage.);
-> Rythnax's intention is to fly 160ft away in the western direction (toward the bottom right corner of the map). Will Graxx stop him with an opportunity attack?
(Obeben and Graxx are up next. If Rythnaxx succeeds in completing his move, he'll be 150ft away from Graxx and 190ft away from Obsben. These are horizontal distances; actual distances may vary a little once you account for the dragon's increasing altitude as he moves.)
In the unlikely event Graxx' last attack failed to fell the dragon, or at the very least halts its movement, Obsben thoughtlessly appeared to give chase after the dragon. But anyone watching could see neither she, nor anyone else except perhaps a flying Neya had any hopes of catching up to the dragon. "Graxx!"She called out after seeming to finally give up the chase. "I'm gonna get in your closer, but it'll be UP to you to finish the job. Clip those wings, big guy! And show'em noone messes with Tempus' chosen!" She asserts encouragingly, before then thrusting out a hand towards him.
Graxx would feel a tugging sensation about the midsection as the space around him distorts for a moment, before stabilizing once more as a completely different area all together. Although her goal had been what she hoped was a thick enough tree branch to support the man's weight, such was the magic of her spell that next closest thing in her sight would've just as well sufficed. "UP!!"She shouts afterwards, hoping it to be enough.
As all of that is going on, Sourpuss alights atop the dragon's cave to finally catch its breath and lick the SEVERAL many hurts suffered over the course of the adventure.
Movement: 60ft Closer to the dragon, ascending as necessary to address previous concerns mention in PM.
Bonus Action: Grant Graxx Final Bardic Inspiration(d8), if previous one spent.
Action: Cast (3rd level)Vortex Warp on Graxx, teleporting him 120ft closer to the dragon/upon a sizeable tree(if alloted/possible).
Graxx pokes the dragon again as it flies away, hoping it would finally put an end to Rythnax. The pike sinks in but not quite deep enough, and the dragon gains speed quickly. (Rythnax takes 10 magical piercing damage.)
For a moment, it looks like like Rythnax has successfully left the battlefield. He is simply too fast in the air. However, Obsben has one last trick up her sleeve. She teleportsGraxx within flying distance of the dragon, encouraging him to finish the job with a few final words (Bardic Inspiration.)
Graxx rises to the challenge, literally, and catches up to Rythnax. A surprised dragon fails to grasp how the barbarian caught up to him, letting out a few final words: "NO... NOT like this. Not by these VERMIN!"Graxx sinks his pike almost entirely into the dragon's chest one last time. Rythnax's eyes go blank mid-flight, and the massive body of the creature begins dropping like a stone. It hits the ground like a small meteor might, lifting earth, dust, and mud. The thud scares the swamp fauna for miles. (Rythnax takes 16 magical piercing damage and is DEFEATED.)
Graxx stays afloat for now, breathing heavilly and exhausted. His body, much like his weapon, is covered in the black dragon's blood. Graxx feels the glory of Tempus wash his body and weapon as Rythnax's blood does the same. Graxx's vision goes completely red for a moment and, once the barbarian/paladin can see again, he notices he is holding a new weapon. No, it is his same pike but it has changed. It has evolved. Tempus has recognized his feat and reward his champion with a weapon that announces Graxx of the Sky Pony Tribe, he who has felled a Black Dragon!
-> Graxx no longer has a Vicious Pike. Instead, he now has a Stirring Black Dragon's Wrath Pike. He also auto-attunes to this weapon (dropping attunement to Tempus' Dogma). The new weapon's full description can be found in the spoiler below:
Stirring Black Dragon's Wrath Pike
Weapon (pike), rare (requires attunement)
This weapon's shaft gained Draconic runes upon being awash in a black dragon's dying blood spurts .
Slumbering (Uncommon). Whenever you roll a 20 on your attack roll with this weapon, each creature of your choice within 5 feet of the target takes 5 acid damage.
Stirring (Rare). The Stirring weapon has the Slumbering property. In addition, you gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made using the weapon. On a hit, the weapon deals an extra 1d6 acid damage.
Proficiency with a pike allows you to add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll for any attack you make with it.
(@Grx: I have already added this new weapon to your inventory and removed the vicious pike.)
WE ARE NOW OUT OF INITIATIVE. YOU MAY DO AS YOU WILL.
Obsben very narrowly loses concentration on her spell as the flood of relief hits her, eliciting a tired sigh and prompting her to subconsciously begin falteringly drift towards the ground again. "That was far, far more eventful than what I expected... And yet, there's still yet more to do." She says a little breathily herself, before then halting her "fall" and turning to address Utar and Neya. "We still got one loose end to see to 'fore this is all done. And I rather see to it now, rather than have our little rat scurry any deeper into this godforsaken swamp, so... Utar... Do you have the strength to channel more divine magic and find Ellison. Even going all out he couldn't have gotten far. Would've already done so via magic if he could at all." She requests while floating closer to the pair.
"That said... Don't want to risk losing what the dragon had on'em in the meantime as well. So... if you two don't mind a... a bit of divide and conquering, I can send Sourpuss with ya to help. Or weave another bit of graviturgy magic once Graxx lands, granting to oethers flight. Up to you all, but decide quick."
Rythnax's frustration infects his attacks. The dragon slashes and lunges wildly, giving Graxx more than enough time to duck and dodge.
The failure changes something in Rythnax's eye. The dragon starts flapping his wings and rises 25ft in the air.
-> Both Graxx and Obsben can perform opportunity attacks against Rythnax if they so choose.
(Graxx and Obsben are up next. Please recall that Graxx can only use Reckless Attack during his own turn, so the reaction attack would not benefit from it.)
Embolden in seeing the dragon ready to flee or at least seem about ready to do so, the binding compulsion of Graxx's divine words notwithstanding, Obsben sends another mental command to Sourpuss, earning a glare from the Tressym. Yet unable disobey her orders, Sourpuss fluttered up higher to start harassing the dragon further by fluttering about his face in the classic 'I'm not touching' maneuvers.
Meanwhile, Obsben turns into static and blips in and out of existence for a moment, shifting well out of reach of the dragon. "Don't let up on him, Graxx. And don't let the flesh wounds of yours get the better of ya. 'cause that's all they are." She further encourages warrior, mending his wounds as surely as she'd dull the pain with a few healing words before falling back further.
Movement(Sourpuss): 15ft further up, for a total of 30ft.
Action(Sourpuss): Distract Rhy.
Bonus Action(Obsben): Cast (1st level)Healing Word on Graxx, restoring 7 HP.
Action(Obsben): Disengage.
Movement(Obsben): To AX-30, 5ft in the air.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(REACTION)
Graxx takes another more precise stab at Rythnax before he flies out of range.
Attack: 10 Damage: 6
Graxx instead of the normal raging scream yells at Rythnax in more of a commanding voice.
"I have the power of Tempus and my warband behind men!" yells Graxx.
(Movement) Graxx will fly up directly 10 feet under the dragon!
(Action) Graxx will make two wild RECKLESS stabs at the Rythnax's stomach!
Attack: 25 Damage: 9
Attack: 27 Damage: 18
+7 Additional Damage from Vicious Pike on Crit!
Bonus Action:
Great Weapon Master Attack
On your turn, when you score a critical hit with a melee weapon or reduce a creature to 0 HP with one, you can make one melee weapon attack as a bonus action.
Graxx will make one more RECKLESS attack!
Attack: 18 Damage: 8
Undisturbed by the missed opportunity to stab Rythnax as the dragon gained altitude, Graxx gives chase and sinks his pike into Rythnax thrice more. The dragon writhes in pain but maintains its tenuous grasp on life. (Rythnax takes 42 magical piercing damage.)
Seeing her winning ticket in this fight, Obsben works to empower Graxx even more. She sends Sourpuss to provide assistance in whichever attack comes next while making sure Graxx is not about to fall by injecting more energy into the barbarian. (Graxx recovers 7 HP.)
Obsben sees no reason why she should stay that close to the dragon.
Ellison presumably continues to run away as fast as he can.
END OF INITIATIVE ROUND 8
(LAIR ACTION is up next.)
LAIR ACTION
The cloud of biting insets forms around Graxx again: once more.
The cloud of insects immediately dissipates afterwards.
Edit: Sourpuss needs a save too: 15
Graxx's sole-minded focus on the dragon comes at a price when the biters reconvene. By the time Graxx shoos away the swarming insects, much of his energy has been sucked away. (Graxx takes 12 piercing damage.)
Sourpuss catches some collateral damage. (Sourpuss takes 6 piercing damage.)
(Neya and Utar are up next.)
Still wading through the swamp (to AY,44) but his vision less obscured, Utar calls out to Graxx "Tempus might be powering your arm, but don't forget that Torm has your back!"
Cast heal on Graxx to provide 70hp to the barbarian.
His spectral warhammer continues to approach Rythnax, but stays at ground level.
Neya slogs through the marsh towards Rynthrax. As she does, shadows crawl up her arm and into her hand. Solidifying into three darts. She holds onto them until she sees any movement from the dragon from the battlefield.
If released: 13
Extended Signature
DM's Screen:
4 (4)
WIS save {DC 14}: 20
Both Utar and Neya brave the swamp water once more, gradually getting closer to the fight between Rythnax and Graxx. While Neya gets ready to release magical darts at the dragon should he show signs of an intended escape, Utar commands his spiritual weapon to get closer and joins Obsben in reinvigorating Graxx. (Graxx recovers 70 HP.)
Rythnax's posture in this fight has clearly shifted. The dragon flies up and away as fast as he can. With the magical duel still controlling his senses, Rythnax has to tighten his mental grip on his own will. He does exactly that and "bravely" retreats.
Neya releases her readied spell but, despite its accuracy, it is not enough to stop the dragon. (Rythnax takes 10 force damage.);
-> Compelled Duel ends as soon as Neya hits the dragon.
-> Rythnax's intention is to fly 160ft away in the western direction (toward the bottom right corner of the map). Will Graxx stop him with an opportunity attack?
(Obeben and Graxx are up next. If Rythnaxx succeeds in completing his move, he'll be 150ft away from Graxx and 190ft away from Obsben. These are horizontal distances; actual distances may vary a little once you account for the dragon's increasing altitude as he moves.)
In the unlikely event Graxx' last attack failed to fell the dragon, or at the very least halts its movement, Obsben thoughtlessly appeared to give chase after the dragon. But anyone watching could see neither she, nor anyone else except perhaps a flying Neya had any hopes of catching up to the dragon. "Graxx!" She called out after seeming to finally give up the chase. "I'm gonna get in your closer, but it'll be UP to you to finish the job. Clip those wings, big guy! And show'em noone messes with Tempus' chosen!" She asserts encouragingly, before then thrusting out a hand towards him.
Graxx would feel a tugging sensation about the midsection as the space around him distorts for a moment, before stabilizing once more as a completely different area all together. Although her goal had been what she hoped was a thick enough tree branch to support the man's weight, such was the magic of her spell that next closest thing in her sight would've just as well sufficed. "UP!!" She shouts afterwards, hoping it to be enough.
As all of that is going on, Sourpuss alights atop the dragon's cave to finally catch its breath and lick the SEVERAL many hurts suffered over the course of the adventure.
Movement: 60ft Closer to the dragon, ascending as necessary to address previous concerns mention in PM.
Bonus Action: Grant Graxx Final Bardic Inspiration(d8), if previous one spent.
Action: Cast (3rd level)Vortex Warp on Graxx, teleporting him 120ft closer to the dragon/upon a sizeable tree(if alloted/possible).
Movement(Sourpuss): Land atop the den.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx sees the Dragon start to flee and strikes out with his pike!
With the help of his Warband he hopes he strikes true! (Utilizing advantage from Sourpuss).
Attack: 18 Damage: 10
Using Bardic Inspiration to hopefully Ensure a Hit: 2
Graxx appears after being teleported closer to the Dragon.
(Bonus Action) Since his spell is over he no longer has no reason not to RAGE.
"TEMPUS!" Graxx screams in a rage as he flies to within range of the Dragon!
(Movement) Graxx will fly directly into the face of the dragon!
Graxx will make two RECKLESS strikes aiming to make a lethal stab through the eye of the dragon with his Pike.
Attack: 14 Damage: 7
Attack: 14 Damage: 7
Divine Radiant to first hit: 9
Bardic Inspiration to 1st attack! 1
Graxx pokes the dragon again as it flies away, hoping it would finally put an end to Rythnax. The pike sinks in but not quite deep enough, and the dragon gains speed quickly. (Rythnax takes 10 magical piercing damage.)
For a moment, it looks like like Rythnax has successfully left the battlefield. He is simply too fast in the air. However, Obsben has one last trick up her sleeve. She teleports Graxx within flying distance of the dragon, encouraging him to finish the job with a few final words (Bardic Inspiration.)
Graxx rises to the challenge, literally, and catches up to Rythnax. A surprised dragon fails to grasp how the barbarian caught up to him, letting out a few final words: "NO... NOT like this. Not by these VERMIN!" Graxx sinks his pike almost entirely into the dragon's chest one last time. Rythnax's eyes go blank mid-flight, and the massive body of the creature begins dropping like a stone. It hits the ground like a small meteor might, lifting earth, dust, and mud. The thud scares the swamp fauna for miles. (Rythnax takes 16 magical piercing damage and is DEFEATED.)
Graxx stays afloat for now, breathing heavilly and exhausted. His body, much like his weapon, is covered in the black dragon's blood. Graxx feels the glory of Tempus wash his body and weapon as Rythnax's blood does the same. Graxx's vision goes completely red for a moment and, once the barbarian/paladin can see again, he notices he is holding a new weapon. No, it is his same pike but it has changed. It has evolved. Tempus has recognized his feat and reward his champion with a weapon that announces Graxx of the Sky Pony Tribe, he who has felled a Black Dragon!
-> Graxx no longer has a Vicious Pike. Instead, he now has a Stirring Black Dragon's Wrath Pike. He also auto-attunes to this weapon (dropping attunement to Tempus' Dogma). The new weapon's full description can be found in the spoiler below:
Stirring Black Dragon's Wrath Pike
This weapon's shaft gained Draconic runes upon being awash in a black dragon's dying blood spurts .
Slumbering (Uncommon). Whenever you roll a 20 on your attack roll with this weapon, each creature of your choice within 5 feet of the target takes 5 acid damage.
Stirring (Rare). The Stirring weapon has the Slumbering property. In addition, you gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made using the weapon. On a hit, the weapon deals an extra 1d6 acid damage.
Proficiency with a pike allows you to add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll for any attack you make with it.
(@Grx: I have already added this new weapon to your inventory and removed the vicious pike.)
WE ARE NOW OUT OF INITIATIVE. YOU MAY DO AS YOU WILL.
Obsben very narrowly loses concentration on her spell as the flood of relief hits her, eliciting a tired sigh and prompting her to subconsciously begin falteringly drift towards the ground again. "That was far, far more eventful than what I expected... And yet, there's still yet more to do." She says a little breathily herself, before then halting her "fall" and turning to address Utar and Neya. "We still got one loose end to see to 'fore this is all done. And I rather see to it now, rather than have our little rat scurry any deeper into this godforsaken swamp, so... Utar... Do you have the strength to channel more divine magic and find Ellison. Even going all out he couldn't have gotten far. Would've already done so via magic if he could at all." She requests while floating closer to the pair.
"That said... Don't want to risk losing what the dragon had on'em in the meantime as well. So... if you two don't mind a... a bit of divide and conquering, I can send Sourpuss with ya to help. Or weave another bit of graviturgy magic once Graxx lands, granting to oethers flight. Up to you all, but decide quick."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx breathes in and out replaying the glory of the battle in his head.
He looks back in the direction of his companions and thinks of them and thanks them in his mind.
He looks down in awe as holds this magnificent gift of a weapon from Tempus. He slowly runs his hand over the intricate details...
"I thank Tempus.'', says Graxx.
Graxx pictures his homeland and his tribe.
"It is time." says Graxx calmly as his rage has subsided.
Graxx eyes look to where Rythnax fell and begins flying in that direction.
"Need to secure the body." says Graxx outloud as he flies.
Graxx will fly to the body of Rythnax hopefully before any Lizard people come.
Graxx approaches the body and gives it a poke with his new weapon to ensure it's really dead.
Graxx will then investigate and attempt to remove the steel-banded pack from the Dragon's belly and the Large Amulet from around it's neck.
Graxx will be sure NOT to put the amulet on as he is afraid of being cursed.