(sorry, ran out of time on my coffee shop internet before I could post the maps last night. And the DC to dodge the acid was 12, so all the PCs made it I do believe.)
l((light green is beginning and end of the still living grub trap zone. Outside of that area, the blank space between the maps represents an area of tall reeds and mucky ground that looks like an excellent place to either get your feet mired or stumble into a hidden pool of quicksand; and the green is a narrow path or opening between these, about six feet wide and ten feet long, flanked on either side by the fallen trees on which the two lines of thickly-sputtering web grubs hiss and gibber.)
I am looking forward to continuing! It's not my turn, right? I believe it is Uz's turn.
(That's correct. Hope Zelock's OK ... but then again, I've not always been the most frequent poster in the world as a player myself LOL. I'll check with him this Sunday (6/1) if he minds my botting Uz this turn, if we haven't heard by then)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
(Well, since Gwrgi's guiding bolt hit, the most injured bullywug is the cackling "bullywug bog sage" leader (actually a reduced-threat homebrew variant based off of the official stat block). It's a long shot for Uz's light crossbow, but the Advantage from guiding bolt offsets that; so thats a definite hit. I'll write out the description accordingly, but do let me know if you meant to target a different bullywug and I'll edit that in instead ... next most injured is the cove leader you shot last round, and I could also imagine a plausible strategy where Uz moves past him as if he meant to shoot someone else and then suddenly turns to try and surprise him with another shot)
The sharp-eyed hobgoblin warrior walks calmly past the frothing bullywug beside him as it whips its head back and forth between him and the eladrin goading it into a frenzy. It is too distracted even to take advantage of the opportunity of his proximity and strike at him before he is past it and out of reach once more. Once he reaches a firm spot of ground to fire from, he nocks another quarrel and sends it flying unerringly through the milling crowd of bullyugs, giant frogs and his own allies to pierce the mad leader's arm. The unexpected pain almost makes it drop its staff, and it lets out a wordless cry of fury, too overcome by pain and rage for the moment to think of another taunt. The archer beside it croaks, "I'll get him back for you, Glaar-Chronk!!!,", and moves forward until it can see where the quarrel came from. At first it seems as if its arrow will hit as effectively as Uz's quarrel did (first roll in Encounter Builder 20); but the range is just too great (Disadvantage, second roll 14), and before it can strike, a stray breeze from the river blows it off course just enough for a near miss. And between that, the new wound, and Arti's continuing taunts, you can see a brief flicker of doubt begin to darken Glaar-Chronk's eyes before it is able to conceal the moment of weakness.
Almost at the same time, the giant frogs follow their masters and leap to the attack. The one Zladark kicked returns the favor and bites him (6 piercing damage, Grappled - DC 11 STR save to escape) , while the steed of Tarton's attacker follows its master over the log to join in its assault on the halfling (3 piercing damage, Grappled - DC 11 STR save to escape, or frog will attempt to Swallow next turn). The remaining two jump towards Arti, though only one lands close enough to actually attack her (5 piercing damage, Grappled - DC 11 STR save to escape, or frog will attempt to Swallow next turn). The other ends up about ten feet away in a position where it's equally plausible that it intends to attack her next round or to leap past her in an attempt to get at Gwrgi.
Finally, the cove leader, unable to stand Artifex' taunts one moment longer, pulls the bloodied mesh from its side and charges the oddly tattooed eladrin with its slashing sword in one hand and net in the other! (5 slashing damage from sword; net missed). Its two trident-bearing followers are cooler headed and take a moment to assess the situation before splitting up. The one closer to Uz follows him to try and shut down his archery, but trips on a root and has to use its trident to keep from falling on its face instead (nat 1 attack roll in Encounter Builder). The second has now emerged from the water fully, and you see that it has a thin but tough-looking cord attached to the butt of its trident. It holds this in one hand while it flings the three-tined spear at Artifex. This would have hit if the leader had not cast its' net at the same target at the same moment; the tridenteer has to jerk its weapon away at the last moment to avoid getting it entangled, and though none of you understand bullywug the guttural noises emerging from its throat ... given both the circumstance and the sound of its croaks ... could be nothing else but some particularly foul-tongued curses. It starts to reel in its trident by the cord, glaring at its leader the while.
Artifex coughs up a little blood, looking surprised. "Oh... you actually hit me. That wasn't supposed to happen."
In a burst of light, all of their tattoos glow at once, and they vanish in a puff of light blue mist from around the sword, only to reappear near Gwirgi. Their landing is a bit unsteady, but they quickly take aim with their crossbow at the bullywug whose blade still drips with their blood, and fire. Unfortunately, they start coughing up more blood as they make their attack, and the shot goes wide.
They give a shaky thumbs up to Gwrgi, their smile flickering. "All good." They manage to force out through gritted teeth. "Completely under control. Just getting my iron for the day."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gwrgi regards the stumbling eladrin with one raised eyebrow. "Rrrrright ... ," she mutters, and then adds a single word Artifex does not understand. But as soon as it is uttered, they begin to feel a little stronger; and their coughs no longer bring up blood (B.A.: healing word for 3 healing)
===***===
(mxx9jkxtm4: do you want to keep the sacred flame spell attack that Arti rolled earlier, or switch actions based on events since then?)
(I'll do the same offer for Arti as gave Uz just now ... if I don't hear otherwise by this coming Sunday (6/15) I'll go ahead mwith the sacred flame from Arti and then start the next round)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Glaar-Chronk, most unamused at the archer's ill-success, takes a pace forward with some choicely vitriolic words on its mind to judge by the expression that twists its froggy face in a hideous snarl. No one will ever know what it was about to say though; as just at that moment, Arti raises her hands in invocation towards the mountains that dimly loom on the western horizon and calls upon her god. And her god answers, sending a swift bolt of fire streaking from the nearest peak. Before the bullywug shaman has a chance to dodge (DEX save in log: 5) it is engulfed in thick flames which cling and drip with the consistency of magma. It howls and tumbles head over tip on the wet ground; but before the flames are extinguished a significant part of its shoulder and chest are badly burned. Reeling, and enraged beyond bearing at this last mortal insult, it croaks out an invocation that even it clearly shudders to utter, an invocation to powers as dark as the ones Arti and Gwrgi serve are bright. All look on in horror as the corpse of the bullywug that Zladark previously felled staggers to its feet and, with a gurgling moan, begins to shamble towards him and Arti with a look of mindless hatred in its eyes. But it does not look quite like an ordinary zombie; small, thorny creepers seem to have enwoven themselves suddenly around the body, and these lash and twist about almost with a malevolence of their own. And as the creature rises, a putrid stench of marsh gas rises also: thankfully faint ... at the moment.
Meantime, the first tridenteer in the cove angrily follows Uz, trying to pin the agile hobgoblin down with its triple-barbed weapon. It holds the shaft in both hands and thrusts forward with all its strength and aim.
But the frothing creature is betrayed by its fury and thrusts just a bit too hard, sending it slightly off balance so the trident just barely misses Uz.
Round 3, initiative count 16:
Cove ambusher #2 initiative 20 - undamaged
Main (clearing) bullywug leader initiative 17 - 24 damage
Stepping nimbly to his right, Tarton avoids the spear thrown at him by the bullywug that jumped upon the log. "Hah! You'll have to be better than that to get me!" Taron says with a smirk, but his smugness doesn't last long as a frog mount immediately jumps over the log, landing right next to him and bites him.
As Tarton struggles to free his one arm and half of his upper torso from the frogs mouth, his legs and one arm holding his bow comically flailing in the air, he misses all that happened since his head entered the frogs mouth. Finally, after pushing against the frogs lips with his one arm and legs (STR save in log: 11) Tarton barely frees himself from the frog's mouth. "Gaa!" he says as he suddenly pops free of the frogs mouth. Using the momentum from suddenly getting free, Tarton moves 20 feet east, away from the frog (Cunning Action (bonus action) to disengage).
As he puts away his short bow in order to draw his dagger next round, he looks down and sees his new cloak has been utterly ruined. "Mother-in-law's burnt biscuits! I just got this!" Tarton curses at the frog.
As the giant frog’s slimy jaws clamped down on Zladark, he grunted in pain, the force of the bite jarring through his ribs. But the moment of pain was brief — fleeting — replaced by a surge of instinct. Gritting his teeth, he planted his feet against the inside of the creature’s mouth and strained to force the jaws apart. His muscles trembled with the effort, but brute strength was never his greatest tool, and the jaws held fast.
Then came the fetid stench — the reek of marsh gas and rot — and the sound of wet, unnatural movement behind him. One of the creatures he had already struck down was rising again. Zladark felt his heart race, but instead of giving in to fear or frustration, he centered himself.
He inhaled deeply, filtering out the stench as best he could, and shifted his focus from pain to purpose. Inside the beast’s maw, Zladark began to move with purpose — slow, deliberate motions. He adjusted his stance, angling his limbs and aligning his weight. Even in this impossible position, he attempted to adopt the defensive form of his monk order — a practice of readiness, awareness, and fluid reaction.
He couldn't move freely, not yet, but he would be ready. Every twitch of the frog’s jaw, every vibration in the ground, every movement of his allies would be felt, measured, and prepared for — because even inside the mouth of a monster, The Black Rose would not be caught unaware.
I’m assuming that since I have the same initiative, it’s okay for me to post now. Zladark will try to break free but fails, with only an 8 as the result of my Strength check. I also take the Dodge action using Patient Defense, so it only costs a bonus action.
I’m assuming that attempting to break free costs an action, but let me know if that’s not the case—then I’d still have one more action to use.
Also, could I attempt to use Dexterity next time? Maybe even Acrobatics? If not, maybe Athletics? Or do you prefer a Strength saving throw or a regular Strength check?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(oh yeah, it definitely costs an action to try and pull free -- 'at stuff STICKee!!! As far as Acrobatics or Dexterity, I'd say that once you're in the mouth there's not really room to maneuver in the way you would need to if you're just trying to use general agility to get free ... that needs STR too. However, a trained Acrobat would be familiar with contortionist and escape moves; so I'd say that if you succeed on an Acrobatics roll pf DC12 you can then proceed to roll a STR save with advantage to escape from the frog's mouth)
The nimble halfling pops loose from his slimy prison and quickly takes up a new position, though at the cost of some personal dignity and an absolutely ruined new velvet cloak. Zladark, though his greater height prevents him from being utterly engulfed, correspondingly presents a greater surface area of limbs and body for his amphibian assailant to wrap its tongue around, and consequently remains partially enveloped by the giant frog's mouth (Grappled [Condition]). Even so, his firmly planted feet and nimbly shifting body as he keeps his balance centered indicate that the monk is far from helpless.
The bullywug bullies in the clearing are apparently satisfied with the progress their side has made, though, despite being a little shaken initially when Arti's fire bolt engulfed their leader. They let out a ragged, croaking cheer before each moves to continue its attack on the target it selected last round; those who have spears clutch the shaft in both hands and thrust them forward with a good will. Gwrgi watches them approach with a critical sneer. "That's why most sentient beings prefer lizardfolk to bullywugs. No discipline." Quickly readying her crossbow, she sends a bolt at the shambling zombie as it stalks towards Zladark and Arti.
===***===
Bullywug # attack (short axe, vs. Tarton) 6; damage if hits 5 slashing
Bullywug #2 attack (spear, vs. Zladark) 7; damage if hits 9 piercing
Bullywug #3 attack (spear, vs. Arti) 19; damage if hits 3 piercing
Gwrgi's crossbow attack 4; damage if hits 1 piercing
(...and yes, you most probably will level up after this combat, and under the 2014 rules we've been sticking with its the all-important 3rd level where most of you get a chance to specialize to a subclass. So start thinking about how you want to grow your characters, Among other things, DragonHunters asked me a little while ago about using a feature from the new 2024 rules whereby eladrin have a 'season' that their mood and manifestation corresponds with {https://www.dndbeyond.com/species/1026386-eladrin}. I think this sounds interesting; the one thing I was concerned about is that it gives Artifex an extra magical effect added on to their fey step power, and I thought that for fairness' sake the other characters should also get an extra power that would be roughly equivalent in usefulness at the same time. I am not by any means saying I'll approve anything, but I thought I'd like to give you all some input as to what you think would be useful and fun for your character. Try and balance it power-wuse with the 3rd level season upgrade listed under 'fey step' in the eladrin entry ab ove.)
The bullywug tridenteer's furious snarl suddenly transforms into a look of pure shock; but the hatred in its eyes only redoubles as Uz's sword bites deep into its neck. For a moment he thinks he has killed the creature, but it manages to stay on its feet, though swaying badly. It calls out to its leader for help as it points to the hobgoblin, but that froganoid has finally been driven beyond reason and caution by reason of the taunts of Artifex, and it leaps after them furiously. The net it leaves behind in its rage, but charges with sword raised and mouth open as if it had a mind to chop the eladrin up and devour them whole and raw in one fell swoop.
The second tridenteer proves more help, crying out in alarm as it sees its companion's. plight and moving forward with its own weapon lowered in one hand to try and fend Uz off. It keeps hold of its net with the other but holds that in reserve for its defense in case of a counterattack by the agile hobgoblin warrior. Meantime, in the clearing, the archer sways back and forth between targets before deciding to take a shot at Gwrgi.
===***===
Bullywug cove leader vs. Artifex:
-kukri (shortsword) 5; damage if hits 5 slashing
- bite 12; damage if hits 5 piercing
Bullywug tridenteer vs. Uz 14; damage if hits 8 piercing
Bullywug archer vs. Gwrgi 19; damage if hits 7 piercing
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Meanwhile, the giant frogs are just beginning to process the updated situation through their slow amphibian brains. The one whose jaws envelop Zladark instinctively attempts to swallow him, only to find that he is too large to fit down its gullet (Swallow attack only works vs. Small and smaller creatures). Instead it digs its webbed toes into the marshy earth and slowly drags him towards its master's master .,. the croakling shaman ... despite his firm-footed stance. Even so, his training allows him to shift his weight from side to side to slow his adversary down as much as possible {GRAPPLED (CONDITION): While you have the Grappled condition, you experience the following effects." ... "Movable. The grappler can drag or carry you when it moves, but every foot of movement costs it 1 extra foot unless you are Tiny or two or more sizes smaller than it."} Consequently, it dots not even get as far as the archer's position, though the look of stupid stubbornness on its face clearly indicates its intent to try again. *(Zladark: you can roll another STR save, with or without a preliminary Acrobatics roll as per previous post, to try and break free from the frog's jaws at a position just in front of the bullywug archer)
The remaining two frogs have no intention of being deprived of a more easily consumable meal, and resume their attacks on Tarton and Arti. The nimble rogue's attacker, having actually gotten a taste of him, finds the savor of halfling sweet and enthusiastically leaps after him to try another bite. There is a brief staredown between the two frogs attacking Arti, but the quicker one is clearly dominant and soon resumes its assault on her while the disappointed gamma frog leaps towards Gwrgi in hopes to be in position to try a taste of silver dragonborn next turn.
===***===
Giant frog #1 bite attack vs. Tarton16; damage if hits 7 piercing and grappled unless succeed on DC11 STR save
Giant frog #2 bite attack vs. Arti11; damage if hits 5 piercing and grappled unless succeed on DC11 STR save
The frogman lunged with his crude spear, aiming for Zladark’s exposed side. Despite having assumed the defensive stance of his monk order, there was only so much he could do while trapped within the slimy, crushing jaws of the giant frog. He twisting his body in the confined space, but the tip of the spear pierced his side, drawing a sharp hiss of pain from his lips.
Zladark cursed beneath his breath. He could feel the frog’s powerful legs tensing and releasing as it began to hop, dragging him helplessly across the damp ground toward the frog shaman. Each bounce jarred his body, the stench of swamp gas and rotting vegetation clinging to every breath he took.
Refusing to give in, he summoned every ounce of focus and strength he could muster. Muscles tensed, he braced his feet against the inner curve of the creature’s mouth and tried once again to wriggle free, using his monk training and acrobatic finesse to slip from its grasp.
But it wasn’t enough.
The jaws held firm. His breath came hard now, frustration and desperation building in equal measure. He knew time was running short — the frog shaman loomed closer. Still, he would not give up. Not while his allies still fought.
Saorsirse init 6 if next will run 10ft out of forest, speak a blessing on Zladark using bless and then take an archer’s stance. “Please master Finnian, allow the monk to free himself from that frog! Mo ghile mear!
Where am I in relation to everyone else?
(sorry, ran out of time on my coffee shop internet before I could post the maps last night. And the DC to dodge the acid was 12, so all the PCs made it I do believe.)
l
((light green is beginning and end of the still living grub trap zone. Outside of that area, the blank space between the maps represents an area of tall reeds and mucky ground that looks like an excellent place to either get your feet mired or stumble into a hidden pool of quicksand; and the green is a narrow path or opening between these, about six feet wide and ten feet long, flanked on either side by the fallen trees on which the two lines of thickly-sputtering web grubs hiss and gibber.)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
------------------------------------------------------------------
I am looking forward to continuing! It's not my turn, right? I believe it is Uz's turn.
(That's correct. Hope Zelock's OK ... but then again, I've not always been the most frequent poster in the world as a player myself LOL. I'll check with him this Sunday (6/1) if he minds my botting Uz this turn, if we haven't heard by then)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Uz will move foward closer to the rest of the group and continue shooting his bow at the most injured bollywog.
Attack: 21
Damage: 10
The sharp-eyed hobgoblin warrior walks calmly past the frothing bullywug beside him as it whips its head back and forth between him and the eladrin goading it into a frenzy. It is too distracted even to take advantage of the opportunity of his proximity and strike at him before he is past it and out of reach once more. Once he reaches a firm spot of ground to fire from, he nocks another quarrel and sends it flying unerringly through the milling crowd of bullyugs, giant frogs and his own allies to pierce the mad leader's arm. The unexpected pain almost makes it drop its staff, and it lets out a wordless cry of fury, too overcome by pain and rage for the moment to think of another taunt. The archer beside it croaks, "I'll get him back for you, Glaar-Chronk!!!,", and moves forward until it can see where the quarrel came from. At first it seems as if its arrow will hit as effectively as Uz's quarrel did (first roll in Encounter Builder 20); but the range is just too great (Disadvantage, second roll 14), and before it can strike, a stray breeze from the river blows it off course just enough for a near miss. And between that, the new wound, and Arti's continuing taunts, you can see a brief flicker of doubt begin to darken Glaar-Chronk's eyes before it is able to conceal the moment of weakness.
Almost at the same time, the giant frogs follow their masters and leap to the attack. The one Zladark kicked returns the favor and bites him (6 piercing damage, Grappled - DC 11 STR save to escape) , while the steed of Tarton's attacker follows its master over the log to join in its assault on the halfling (3 piercing damage, Grappled - DC 11 STR save to escape, or frog will attempt to Swallow next turn). The remaining two jump towards Arti, though only one lands close enough to actually attack her (5 piercing damage, Grappled - DC 11 STR save to escape, or frog will attempt to Swallow next turn). The other ends up about ten feet away in a position where it's equally plausible that it intends to attack her next round or to leap past her in an attempt to get at Gwrgi.
Finally, the cove leader, unable to stand Artifex' taunts one moment longer, pulls the bloodied mesh from its side and charges the oddly tattooed eladrin with its slashing sword in one hand and net in the other! (5 slashing damage from sword; net missed). Its two trident-bearing followers are cooler headed and take a moment to assess the situation before splitting up. The one closer to Uz follows him to try and shut down his archery, but trips on a root and has to use its trident to keep from falling on its face instead (nat 1 attack roll in Encounter Builder). The second has now emerged from the water fully, and you see that it has a thin but tough-looking cord attached to the butt of its trident. It holds this in one hand while it flings the three-tined spear at Artifex. This would have hit if the leader had not cast its' net at the same target at the same moment; the tridenteer has to jerk its weapon away at the last moment to avoid getting it entangled, and though none of you understand bullywug the guttural noises emerging from its throat ... given both the circumstance and the sound of its croaks ... could be nothing else but some particularly foul-tongued curses. It starts to reel in its trident by the cord, glaring at its leader the while.
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Artifex coughs up a little blood, looking surprised. "Oh... you actually hit me. That wasn't supposed to happen."
In a burst of light, all of their tattoos glow at once, and they vanish in a puff of light blue mist from around the sword, only to reappear near Gwirgi. Their landing is a bit unsteady, but they quickly take aim with their crossbow at the bullywug whose blade still drips with their blood, and fire. Unfortunately, they start coughing up more blood as they make their attack, and the shot goes wide.
They give a shaky thumbs up to Gwrgi, their smile flickering. "All good." They manage to force out through gritted teeth. "Completely under control. Just getting my iron for the day."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BA: Misty step up to 30 feet away, so should end up somewhere near Gwrgi
A: Crossbow shot ; Attack: 9
Gwrgi regards the stumbling eladrin with one raised eyebrow. "Rrrrright ... ," she mutters, and then adds a single word Artifex does not understand. But as soon as it is uttered, they begin to feel a little stronger; and their coughs no longer bring up blood (B.A.: healing word for 3 healing)
===***===
(mxx9jkxtm4: do you want to keep the sacred flame spell attack that Arti rolled earlier, or switch actions based on events since then?)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
(I'll do the same offer for Arti as gave Uz just now ... if I don't hear otherwise by this coming Sunday (6/15) I'll go ahead mwith the sacred flame from Arti and then start the next round)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Glaar-Chronk, most unamused at the archer's ill-success, takes a pace forward with some choicely vitriolic words on its mind to judge by the expression that twists its froggy face in a hideous snarl. No one will ever know what it was about to say though; as just at that moment, Arti raises her hands in invocation towards the mountains that dimly loom on the western horizon and calls upon her god. And her god answers, sending a swift bolt of fire streaking from the nearest peak. Before the bullywug shaman has a chance to dodge (DEX save in log: 5) it is engulfed in thick flames which cling and drip with the consistency of magma. It howls and tumbles head over tip on the wet ground; but before the flames are extinguished a significant part of its shoulder and chest are badly burned. Reeling, and enraged beyond bearing at this last mortal insult, it croaks out an invocation that even it clearly shudders to utter, an invocation to powers as dark as the ones Arti and Gwrgi serve are bright. All look on in horror as the corpse of the bullywug that Zladark previously felled staggers to its feet and, with a gurgling moan, begins to shamble towards him and Arti with a look of mindless hatred in its eyes. But it does not look quite like an ordinary zombie; small, thorny creepers seem to have enwoven themselves suddenly around the body, and these lash and twist about almost with a malevolence of their own. And as the creature rises, a putrid stench of marsh gas rises also: thankfully faint ... at the moment.
Meantime, the first tridenteer in the cove angrily follows Uz, trying to pin the agile hobgoblin down with its triple-barbed weapon. It holds the shaft in both hands and thrusts forward with all its strength and aim.
===***===
Initiative for swamp zombie 13
Trident attack vs, Uz 15; damage if hits 9 piercing
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Stepping nimbly to his right, Tarton avoids the spear thrown at him by the bullywug that jumped upon the log. "Hah! You'll have to be better than that to get me!" Taron says with a smirk, but his smugness doesn't last long as a frog mount immediately jumps over the log, landing right next to him and bites him.
As Tarton struggles to free his one arm and half of his upper torso from the frogs mouth, his legs and one arm holding his bow comically flailing in the air, he misses all that happened since his head entered the frogs mouth. Finally, after pushing against the frogs lips with his one arm and legs (STR save in log: 11) Tarton barely frees himself from the frog's mouth. "Gaa!" he says as he suddenly pops free of the frogs mouth. Using the momentum from suddenly getting free, Tarton moves 20 feet east, away from the frog (Cunning Action (bonus action) to disengage).
As he puts away his short bow in order to draw his dagger next round, he looks down and sees his new cloak has been utterly ruined. "Mother-in-law's burnt biscuits! I just got this!" Tarton curses at the frog.
As the giant frog’s slimy jaws clamped down on Zladark, he grunted in pain, the force of the bite jarring through his ribs. But the moment of pain was brief — fleeting — replaced by a surge of instinct. Gritting his teeth, he planted his feet against the inside of the creature’s mouth and strained to force the jaws apart. His muscles trembled with the effort, but brute strength was never his greatest tool, and the jaws held fast.
Then came the fetid stench — the reek of marsh gas and rot — and the sound of wet, unnatural movement behind him. One of the creatures he had already struck down was rising again. Zladark felt his heart race, but instead of giving in to fear or frustration, he centered himself.
He inhaled deeply, filtering out the stench as best he could, and shifted his focus from pain to purpose. Inside the beast’s maw, Zladark began to move with purpose — slow, deliberate motions. He adjusted his stance, angling his limbs and aligning his weight. Even in this impossible position, he attempted to adopt the defensive form of his monk order — a practice of readiness, awareness, and fluid reaction.
He couldn't move freely, not yet, but he would be ready. Every twitch of the frog’s jaw, every vibration in the ground, every movement of his allies would be felt, measured, and prepared for — because even inside the mouth of a monster, The Black Rose would not be caught unaware.
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I’m assuming that since I have the same initiative, it’s okay for me to post now. Zladark will try to break free but fails, with only an 8 as the result of my Strength check. I also take the Dodge action using Patient Defense, so it only costs a bonus action.
I’m assuming that attempting to break free costs an action, but let me know if that’s not the case—then I’d still have one more action to use.
Also, could I attempt to use Dexterity next time? Maybe even Acrobatics? If not, maybe Athletics? Or do you prefer a Strength saving throw or a regular Strength check?
Sorry for all the questions—hope that’s okay.
(oh yeah, it definitely costs an action to try and pull free -- 'at stuff STICKee!!! As far as Acrobatics or Dexterity, I'd say that once you're in the mouth there's not really room to maneuver in the way you would need to if you're just trying to use general agility to get free ... that needs STR too. However, a trained Acrobat would be familiar with contortionist and escape moves; so I'd say that if you succeed on an Acrobatics roll pf DC12 you can then proceed to roll a STR save with advantage to escape from the frog's mouth)
The nimble halfling pops loose from his slimy prison and quickly takes up a new position, though at the cost of some personal dignity and an absolutely ruined new velvet cloak. Zladark, though his greater height prevents him from being utterly engulfed, correspondingly presents a greater surface area of limbs and body for his amphibian assailant to wrap its tongue around, and consequently remains partially enveloped by the giant frog's mouth (Grappled [Condition]). Even so, his firmly planted feet and nimbly shifting body as he keeps his balance centered indicate that the monk is far from helpless.
The bullywug bullies in the clearing are apparently satisfied with the progress their side has made, though, despite being a little shaken initially when Arti's fire bolt engulfed their leader. They let out a ragged, croaking cheer before each moves to continue its attack on the target it selected last round; those who have spears clutch the shaft in both hands and thrust them forward with a good will. Gwrgi watches them approach with a critical sneer. "That's why most sentient beings prefer lizardfolk to bullywugs. No discipline." Quickly readying her crossbow, she sends a bolt at the shambling zombie as it stalks towards Zladark and Arti.
===***===
Bullywug # attack (short axe, vs. Tarton) 6; damage if hits 5 slashing
Bullywug #2 attack (spear, vs. Zladark) 7; damage if hits 9 piercing
Bullywug #3 attack (spear, vs. Arti) 19; damage if hits 3 piercing
Gwrgi's crossbow attack 4; damage if hits 1 piercing
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
(...and Uz is up again!)
(...and yes, you most probably will level up after this combat, and under the 2014 rules we've been sticking with its the all-important 3rd level where most of you get a chance to specialize to a subclass. So start thinking about how you want to grow your characters, Among other things, DragonHunters asked me a little while ago about using a feature from the new 2024 rules whereby eladrin have a 'season' that their mood and manifestation corresponds with {https://www.dndbeyond.com/species/1026386-eladrin}. I think this sounds interesting; the one thing I was concerned about is that it gives Artifex an extra magical effect added on to their fey step power, and I thought that for fairness' sake the other characters should also get an extra power that would be roughly equivalent in usefulness at the same time. I am not by any means saying I'll approve anything, but I thought I'd like to give you all some input as to what you think would be useful and fun for your character. Try and balance it power-wuse with the 3rd level season upgrade listed under 'fey step' in the eladrin entry ab ove.)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Uz will drop his crossbow and switch to his long sword. He will strike at the frog with the trident.
Attack: 20
Damage: 13
Then, if he killed the frog man, he would continue to move closer to his allies.
The bullywug tridenteer's furious snarl suddenly transforms into a look of pure shock; but the hatred in its eyes only redoubles as Uz's sword bites deep into its neck. For a moment he thinks he has killed the creature, but it manages to stay on its feet, though swaying badly. It calls out to its leader for help as it points to the hobgoblin, but that froganoid has finally been driven beyond reason and caution by reason of the taunts of Artifex, and it leaps after them furiously. The net it leaves behind in its rage, but charges with sword raised and mouth open as if it had a mind to chop the eladrin up and devour them whole and raw in one fell swoop.
The second tridenteer proves more help, crying out in alarm as it sees its companion's. plight and moving forward with its own weapon lowered in one hand to try and fend Uz off. It keeps hold of its net with the other but holds that in reserve for its defense in case of a counterattack by the agile hobgoblin warrior. Meantime, in the clearing, the archer sways back and forth between targets before deciding to take a shot at Gwrgi.
===***===
Bullywug cove leader vs. Artifex:
-kukri (shortsword) 5; damage if hits 5 slashing
- bite 12; damage if hits 5 piercing
Bullywug tridenteer vs. Uz 14; damage if hits 8 piercing
Bullywug archer vs. Gwrgi 19; damage if hits 7 piercing
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Meanwhile, the giant frogs are just beginning to process the updated situation through their slow amphibian brains. The one whose jaws envelop Zladark instinctively attempts to swallow him, only to find that he is too large to fit down its gullet (Swallow attack only works vs. Small and smaller creatures). Instead it digs its webbed toes into the marshy earth and slowly drags him towards its master's master .,. the croakling shaman ... despite his firm-footed stance. Even so, his training allows him to shift his weight from side to side to slow his adversary down as much as possible {GRAPPLED (CONDITION): While you have the Grappled condition, you experience the following effects." ... "Movable. The grappler can drag or carry you when it moves, but every foot of movement costs it 1 extra foot unless you are Tiny or two or more sizes smaller than it."} Consequently, it dots not even get as far as the archer's position, though the look of stupid stubbornness on its face clearly indicates its intent to try again. *(Zladark: you can roll another STR save, with or without a preliminary Acrobatics roll as per previous post, to try and break free from the frog's jaws at a position just in front of the bullywug archer)
The remaining two frogs have no intention of being deprived of a more easily consumable meal, and resume their attacks on Tarton and Arti. The nimble rogue's attacker, having actually gotten a taste of him, finds the savor of halfling sweet and enthusiastically leaps after him to try another bite. There is a brief staredown between the two frogs attacking Arti, but the quicker one is clearly dominant and soon resumes its assault on her while the disappointed gamma frog leaps towards Gwrgi in hopes to be in position to try a taste of silver dragonborn next turn.
===***===
Giant frog #1 bite attack vs. Tarton 16; damage if hits 7 piercing and grappled unless succeed on DC11 STR save
Giant frog #2 bite attack vs. Arti 11; damage if hits 5 piercing and grappled unless succeed on DC11 STR save
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
The frogman lunged with his crude spear, aiming for Zladark’s exposed side. Despite having assumed the defensive stance of his monk order, there was only so much he could do while trapped within the slimy, crushing jaws of the giant frog. He twisting his body in the confined space, but the tip of the spear pierced his side, drawing a sharp hiss of pain from his lips.
Zladark cursed beneath his breath. He could feel the frog’s powerful legs tensing and releasing as it began to hop, dragging him helplessly across the damp ground toward the frog shaman. Each bounce jarred his body, the stench of swamp gas and rotting vegetation clinging to every breath he took.
Refusing to give in, he summoned every ounce of focus and strength he could muster. Muscles tensed, he braced his feet against the inner curve of the creature’s mouth and tried once again to wriggle free, using his monk training and acrobatic finesse to slip from its grasp.
But it wasn’t enough.
The jaws held firm. His breath came hard now, frustration and desperation building in equal measure. He knew time was running short — the frog shaman loomed closer. Still, he would not give up. Not while his allies still fought.
————————————
Acrobatics: 18
STR save: (7 and 5) 7
Saorsirse init 6 if next will run 10ft out of forest, speak a blessing on Zladark using bless and then take an archer’s stance. “Please master Finnian, allow the monk to free himself from that frog! Mo ghile mear!