Seeing they have a moment's reprieve, Serge looks to the others. "Shall we retreat back upstairs? We can let the giant lizards out first... add to the confusion a little and maybe get a few more frogs eaten?"
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
The 4 bullywugs that left are heading towards A If no one gives chase or stops the bullywugs then it is end of combat.
The Outer Ward is empty as far as you can tell while in the stables.
Ixsas was in the giant lizard stall, and he wouldn't feel safe dashing out. If the bullywugs fled on their turn, then they are beyond the reach of Ixsas's Spiritual Weapon this round. Ixsas leaves the radiant spear, hovering menacingly in the open doors of the stables (area F). Unless the other party members chase the bullywugs, Ixsas would not pursue them out of the the stables. As soon as the fight started, he knew that the only way out was to start a full-on riot between the bullywugs and the lizardfolk. Those 4 bullywugs alerting the other guards at the castle entrance and outside will the real start of that. He wonders how many bullywugs there are.
Ixsas says, "We probably don't have much time before the 4 who fled return with a whole mob of bullywugs! We need to do what we can to make sure that the lizardfolk take up the fight when the bullywugs return in force." If Serge wants to try releasing the remaining Giant Lizards, Ixsas thinks that it's a good idea. If the lizardfolk see 1 giant lizard dead and another 3 (I think?) wandering around the Outer Ward (C), it'll be easier for Zeds to lie that the party caught Pharblex trying to kill the giant lizards as part of his plot against the lizardfolk and Dralmorrer. In this case, Ixsas will cast Guidance on Serge and help Serge so that they can release the other giant lizards faster without having them attack the party members. He suggests that Zeds and Krackle could help by cutting open the bag of food that was near the door and dragging it outside so that there's a trail of food for the giant lizards to follow that would lead them out to the Outer Ward (C). Once the giant lizards are loose, Serge has a good idea bout going back to Pharblex's "base" (building G) and keeping out of the giant lizards' way until their lizardfolk handlers are there to control them.
Ixsas suggests, "Pharblex seemed like a greedy, vulgar sort of creature. I bet he carried some treasure or hid something valuable or whose power he didn't fully understand somewhere next door (building G) in his headquarters."
((OOC:
Q: Did we have a chance to search Pharblex earlier? If not, we should do that first.
I don't think that we'll get a Short Rest before the next fight. Not sure how much we can get done each round, but Ixsas's priorities are:
Make a plan with the party.
Maybe release the Giant Lizards -> he would help Serge and use Guidance
Then, help with the search of building G while he uses Aura of Vitality to heal Serge and Zeds (unless we find a powerful healing potion among Pharblex's things.)
It'll take Ixsas ~1 minute to heal Zeds and Serge (and Krackle?) fully, using concentration and his bonus action each round. No idea when we're going to see the next bullywugs or find ourselves trying to convince the lizardfolk that they need to take up arms against the bullywugs.
Zeds would be quick about searching the body of Pharblex once there was a moment of non-combat. This guy being the leader of the bullywugs would suggest he just may have some goodies on him and if not then he may at least have some symbolic things upon him which could help motivate further brawling betwixt the two camps. (I think pic had him with a staff? a hat? may be worth checking out of at least taking to prove to others he is dead...)
"Hopefully the lizardfolk get word to the outside," Zeds says while searching the body. "More than enough of each group inside but there was loads of them outside. Whichever group out there storms the castle first may decide our fate..." It's a bit of a depressing thought but Zeds is feeling a bit down and out at the moment. (and likely will be until healed a bit.)
"Not sure I like camping upstairs. Two ways in and out and the bullywugs know them. Could get trapped. Surrounded. I'd rather run toward the lizardfolk to try to make our stand with them?" Even as he says this he realizes that the lizardfolk aren't definitely on their side. They could turn on the party at any moment. Still, the Bullywugs were already against them. "But yeah, releasing the lizards seems like a good idea... if we're sure they won't just immediately attack us."
(We could even release the giant lizards into the stables but not the whole castle. We could then go upstairs, if that's the decision, and at least have one entry to that area guarded a bit...)
"Anyone able to make anything of this?" Zeds asks holding up the book and then tossing it to either Krackle or Ixsas - whichever is closer. He adds the pouch with the gems to his own things, he'll worry about splitting up the haul if they make it out alive.
Whichever group out there storms the castle first may decide our fate..."
Ixsas reassures him, "I'm sure that if the lizardfolk see all of the bullywugs rushing into the castle, they will follow. We just have to convince the lizardfolk to fight against the bullywugs instead of joining them against us!"
"Not sure I like camping upstairs. Two ways in and out and the bullywugs know them.
"Well," Ixsas reasons, "two ways out is better than one: it makes them split their forces. And we wouldn't camp upstairs. We just need a couple of minutes so that we can search Pharblex's quarters, and I can invoke the fire that heals for you and Zeds. Then we can head toward the lizardfolk." Ixsas is hoping that Pharblex kept a few healing potions up in his quarters because he's worried about whether he'll be able to fight their other enemies in this castle and keep the whole party on their feet.
"But yeah, releasing the lizards seems like a good idea... if we're sure they won't just immediately attack us."
((OOC: We aren't, but we can try. We'd send Zeds up to the 2nd floor for safety first, and he could get started searching. Then Ixsas and Serge can try to release the giant lizards before joining the others upstairs.))
((OOC: If we're in basic agreement to release the giant lizards, Zeds and Krackle could go upstairs, back to where we first found Pharblex, and search for any treasures in Pharblex's headquarters while Serge and Ixsas handle opening the giant lizard stalls. I'll have Ixsas go ahead and implement Serge's suggestion so that @Weathervision can move us along if he wants...))
Ixsas prays for Guidance and then, with Serge's help, he tries to open the remaining giant lizard stalls without getting either of them attacked. Ixsas wouldn't try to guide the giant lizards anywhere or keep them in building F. He'd just open their stalls and let them wander off wherever they want. (He figures that having a few giant lizards loose would add to the upcoming chaos in the Outer Ward (C) as the bullywugs return and would help turn the lizardfolk against the bullywugs if the bullywugs attacked the lizards.)
Serge indeed does his best to help Ixsas, speaking calmly to the lizards and giving then reassuring pats on their scaley rumps as they emerge from the stalls.
"So... upstairs then? And we hope for a war between lizard and frog, whilst preparing in the event they join forces against us? Whatever happens, my life is pledged to see this cult brought to justice, and I will fight to the end if that is what comes."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
((OOC: I'm just going to continue assuming that we're going with this plan: Zeds and Kracklehead upstairs to start searching Pharblex's headquarters up on the 2nd floor of G, and Sergeand Ixsasrelease the Giant Lizards before joining them.))
(Assuming that they were successful in releasing the Giant Lizards without being attacked...) As they release the last Giant Lizard, Ixsas says fervently, "When we are in need, Kossuth's fire lights the way!" He sounds pleased: after the long fight with the bullywugs, their success reaffirms his faith that what they're doing here is Right and Just.
Whatever happens, my life is pledged to see this cult brought to justice, and I will fight to the end if that is what comes."
Ixsas's eyes widen at that declaration, and his eyes seem to glow green in the dim lighting deep in the stables and away from the doors to the Outer Ward. He bows his head solemnly to acknowledge the knight's dedication. Serge may not be a follower of Kossuth, but he has his own sort purpose and faith. Ixsas says, "I pray that it will not come to that. Kossuth sent me here to fulfill a purpose, and I do not believe that we will meet our end before we stop whatever the dragon cult is doing here!"
Realizing that Serge might not actually aspire to a martyr's death, Ixsas pats his broad shoulders and tries to reassure as they head upstairs to join Krackle and Zeds, "Between Zeds' honeyed words and the powers of my cursed ancestors, I believe that we will sway the lizardfolk to our side. Now, quickly, I would heal you all before we face another foe!"
(OOC: I'm just going to continue assuming that we're going with this plan...)
Once Ixsas and Serge hurriedly release the Giant Lizards and then go upstairs to the stable loft (2nd floor of F), Ixsas listens for any sound of fighting ahead. Assuming that they're not actively under attack (i.e., all of the surviving bullywugs emptied out of building G during the fight), Ixsas casts Aura of Vitality and spends the next 1 minute helping with the search of Pharblex's headquarters while using his bonus action to provide healing to everyone everyone, assuming that the party is not interrupted or attacked before then.
(OOC: @drumdigby - are there any windows or other ways to see the Outer Ward from inside building G other than by looking out the door?) Once Krackle is at max HP, Ixsas suggests that the kobold keeps watch on the Outer Ward, either through a window or by going down to the ground floor and peeking out the door.
(OOC: That's sufficient healing that everyone will be at Max HP if we get a full 1 minute without interruption of Ixsas's concentration.
Just in case we're interrupted before Ixsas can do that, I'll show where everyone would be round-by-round. Ixsas's plan was to rotate the healing like this: Zeds, Zeds, Serge, and maybe healing Krackle once or twice. I wanted to provide Serge some healing early on since he's the one who'd have to rush into melee to hold off any bullywugs. Zeds could presumably use his bow and stay back, closer to Ixsas, until he's fully healed. Krackle's sheet shows him at fully HP, but I thought that one of the bullywugs hit him for 9 HP damage despite his Shield.
Zeds is at 5/39.
Serge is at 23/44.
Krackle is either at 23/32 or Max HP.
If Krackle was at 23:
Heal | For | Current HP ----- | --- | ---------- Zeds | +9 | 14 Zeds | +4 | 18 Serge | +12 | 35 Krckle| +8 | 31 (That's close enough to Max HP until Zeds is fully healed.) Zeds | +12 | 30 Zeds | +6 | 36 Serge | +2 | 37 Zeds | +5 | 39 (Max HP) Serge | +7 | 44 (Max HP) Krckle| +8 | 32 (Max HP)
Like I said, Ixsas can get everyone to Max HP if we're not interrupted for 1 minute. If something happens before then, that the table above shows what everyone's HP would be at the point we're interrupted. Ixsas would still try to continue the healing for as long as he can the concentration and range requirements of the spell.)
Perception / Investigation: 24 - searching the bullywug headquarters while he heals the party
With calming words, the giant lizards are released 3 in total into the Outer Wards. Without riders 1 stands in the outer ward while the other 2 start moving towards the entrance as they have done many times before.
There are no windows overlooking the Outer Ward. Just the stable doors.
1-minute passes without interruption
Zeds you head back upstairs and start searching through the room with the dilapidated furniture.
Zeds shoves this book into his backpack with the other he found. Zeds nor Ixsas seemed too interested in the first one so he sees no reason to make bringing the second one to their attention a priority. The hat he throws on his head mostly just to store it somewhere. The fact that it is hidden suggests it may be something and maybe the frog-people will react to it in some way, he supposes... But mostly it's just a place to put it.
(So Ixsas' healing goes off without a hitch? Zeds back to full health?)
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The lizardfolk made it into the dining hall and you can hear the sound of yelling and loud hisses or croaks.
The 4 bullywugs that left are heading towards A
If no one gives chase or stops the bullywugs then it is end of combat.
The Outer Ward is empty as far as you can tell while in the stables.
Seeing they have a moment's reprieve, Serge looks to the others. "Shall we retreat back upstairs? We can let the giant lizards out first... add to the confusion a little and maybe get a few more frogs eaten?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Ixsas was in the giant lizard stall, and he wouldn't feel safe dashing out. If the bullywugs fled on their turn, then they are beyond the reach of Ixsas's Spiritual Weapon this round. Ixsas leaves the radiant spear, hovering menacingly in the open doors of the stables (area F). Unless the other party members chase the bullywugs, Ixsas would not pursue them out of the the stables. As soon as the fight started, he knew that the only way out was to start a full-on riot between the bullywugs and the lizardfolk. Those 4 bullywugs alerting the other guards at the castle entrance and outside will the real start of that. He wonders how many bullywugs there are.
Ixsas says, "We probably don't have much time before the 4 who fled return with a whole mob of bullywugs! We need to do what we can to make sure that the lizardfolk take up the fight when the bullywugs return in force." If Serge wants to try releasing the remaining Giant Lizards, Ixsas thinks that it's a good idea. If the lizardfolk see 1 giant lizard dead and another 3 (I think?) wandering around the Outer Ward (C), it'll be easier for Zeds to lie that the party caught Pharblex trying to kill the giant lizards as part of his plot against the lizardfolk and Dralmorrer. In this case, Ixsas will cast Guidance on Serge and help Serge so that they can release the other giant lizards faster without having them attack the party members. He suggests that Zeds and Krackle could help by cutting open the bag of food that was near the door and dragging it outside so that there's a trail of food for the giant lizards to follow that would lead them out to the Outer Ward (C). Once the giant lizards are loose, Serge has a good idea bout going back to Pharblex's "base" (building G) and keeping out of the giant lizards' way until their lizardfolk handlers are there to control them.
Ixsas suggests, "Pharblex seemed like a greedy, vulgar sort of creature. I bet he carried some treasure or hid something valuable or whose power he didn't fully understand somewhere next door (building G) in his headquarters."
((OOC:
Q: Did we have a chance to search Pharblex earlier? If not, we should do that first.
I don't think that we'll get a Short Rest before the next fight. Not sure how much we can get done each round, but Ixsas's priorities are:
It'll take Ixsas ~1 minute to heal Zeds and Serge (and Krackle?) fully, using concentration and his bonus action each round. No idea when we're going to see the next bullywugs or find ourselves trying to convince the lizardfolk that they need to take up arms against the bullywugs.
))
Zeds would be quick about searching the body of Pharblex once there was a moment of non-combat. This guy being the leader of the bullywugs would suggest he just may have some goodies on him and if not then he may at least have some symbolic things upon him which could help motivate further brawling betwixt the two camps. (I think pic had him with a staff? a hat? may be worth checking out of at least taking to prove to others he is dead...)
"Hopefully the lizardfolk get word to the outside," Zeds says while searching the body. "More than enough of each group inside but there was loads of them outside. Whichever group out there storms the castle first may decide our fate..." It's a bit of a depressing thought but Zeds is feeling a bit down and out at the moment. (and likely will be until healed a bit.)
"Not sure I like camping upstairs. Two ways in and out and the bullywugs know them. Could get trapped. Surrounded. I'd rather run toward the lizardfolk to try to make our stand with them?" Even as he says this he realizes that the lizardfolk aren't definitely on their side. They could turn on the party at any moment. Still, the Bullywugs were already against them. "But yeah, releasing the lizards seems like a good idea... if we're sure they won't just immediately attack us."
(We could even release the giant lizards into the stables but not the whole castle. We could then go upstairs, if that's the decision, and at least have one entry to that area guarded a bit...)
Zeds search reveals
"Anyone able to make anything of this?" Zeds asks holding up the book and then tossing it to either Krackle or Ixsas - whichever is closer. He adds the pouch with the gems to his own things, he'll worry about splitting up the haul if they make it out alive.
Krackle would take the book a look as Zeds tossed it his way.
Arcana 14
ooc: I will be on vacation and won't be back until next Saturday. I may not be able to post so please feel free to bot me as needed.
Krackle's arcane knowledge tells him it's a wizard's spellbook
"I think this is a spell book.... I never reallyearned to read spells.." He says as he hands the book to zeds.
Ixsas reassures him, "I'm sure that if the lizardfolk see all of the bullywugs rushing into the castle, they will follow. We just have to convince the lizardfolk to fight against the bullywugs instead of joining them against us!"
"Well," Ixsas reasons, "two ways out is better than one: it makes them split their forces. And we wouldn't camp upstairs. We just need a couple of minutes so that we can search Pharblex's quarters, and I can invoke the fire that heals for you and Zeds. Then we can head toward the lizardfolk." Ixsas is hoping that Pharblex kept a few healing potions up in his quarters because he's worried about whether he'll be able to fight their other enemies in this castle and keep the whole party on their feet.
((OOC: We aren't, but we can try. We'd send Zeds up to the 2nd floor for safety first, and he could get started searching. Then Ixsas and Serge can try to release the giant lizards before joining the others upstairs.))
((OOC: If we're in basic agreement to release the giant lizards, Zeds and Krackle could go upstairs, back to where we first found Pharblex, and search for any treasures in Pharblex's headquarters while Serge and Ixsas handle opening the giant lizard stalls. I'll have Ixsas go ahead and implement Serge's suggestion so that @Weathervision can move us along if he wants...))
Ixsas prays for Guidance and then, with Serge's help, he tries to open the remaining giant lizard stalls without getting either of them attacked. Ixsas wouldn't try to guide the giant lizards anywhere or keep them in building F. He'd just open their stalls and let them wander off wherever they want. (He figures that having a few giant lizards loose would add to the upcoming chaos in the Outer Ward (C) as the bullywugs return and would help turn the lizardfolk against the bullywugs if the bullywugs attacked the lizards.)
Animal Handling: 22, rolled with advantage from Serge's help and including a bonus from Guidance.
Serge indeed does his best to help Ixsas, speaking calmly to the lizards and giving then reassuring pats on their scaley rumps as they emerge from the stalls.
"So... upstairs then? And we hope for a war between lizard and frog, whilst preparing in the event they join forces against us? Whatever happens, my life is pledged to see this cult brought to justice, and I will fight to the end if that is what comes."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
((OOC: I'm just going to continue assuming that we're going with this plan: Zeds and Krackle head upstairs to start searching Pharblex's headquarters up on the 2nd floor of G, and Serge and Ixsas release the Giant Lizards before joining them.))
(Assuming that they were successful in releasing the Giant Lizards without being attacked...) As they release the last Giant Lizard, Ixsas says fervently, "When we are in need, Kossuth's fire lights the way!" He sounds pleased: after the long fight with the bullywugs, their success reaffirms his faith that what they're doing here is Right and Just.
Ixsas's eyes widen at that declaration, and his eyes seem to glow green in the dim lighting deep in the stables and away from the doors to the Outer Ward. He bows his head solemnly to acknowledge the knight's dedication. Serge may not be a follower of Kossuth, but he has his own sort purpose and faith. Ixsas says, "I pray that it will not come to that. Kossuth sent me here to fulfill a purpose, and I do not believe that we will meet our end before we stop whatever the dragon cult is doing here!"
Realizing that Serge might not actually aspire to a martyr's death, Ixsas pats his broad shoulders and tries to reassure as they head upstairs to join Krackle and Zeds, "Between Zeds' honeyed words and the powers of my cursed ancestors, I believe that we will sway the lizardfolk to our side. Now, quickly, I would heal you all before we face another foe!"
((Zeds agrees to the going upstairs plan. He doesn't love it but he doesn't have a better idea at the moment...))
(OOC: I'm just going to continue assuming that we're going with this plan...)
Once Ixsas and Serge hurriedly release the Giant Lizards and then go upstairs to the stable loft (2nd floor of F), Ixsas listens for any sound of fighting ahead. Assuming that they're not actively under attack (i.e., all of the surviving bullywugs emptied out of building G during the fight), Ixsas casts Aura of Vitality and spends the next 1 minute helping with the search of Pharblex's headquarters while using his bonus action to provide healing to everyone everyone, assuming that the party is not interrupted or attacked before then.
(OOC: @drumdigby - are there any windows or other ways to see the Outer Ward from inside building G other than by looking out the door?)
Once Krackle is at max HP, Ixsas suggests that the kobold keeps watch on the Outer Ward, either through a window or by going down to the ground floor and peeking out the door.
Total healing:
(OOC: That's sufficient healing that everyone will be at Max HP if we get a full 1 minute without interruption of Ixsas's concentration.
Just in case we're interrupted before Ixsas can do that, I'll show where everyone would be round-by-round. Ixsas's plan was to rotate the healing like this: Zeds, Zeds, Serge, and maybe healing Krackle once or twice. I wanted to provide Serge some healing early on since he's the one who'd have to rush into melee to hold off any bullywugs. Zeds could presumably use his bow and stay back, closer to Ixsas, until he's fully healed. Krackle's sheet shows him at fully HP, but I thought that one of the bullywugs hit him for 9 HP damage despite his Shield.
If Krackle was at 23:
Heal | For | Current HP
----- | --- | ----------
Zeds | +9 | 14
Zeds | +4 | 18
Serge | +12 | 35
Krckle| +8 | 31 (That's close enough to Max HP until Zeds is fully healed.)
Zeds | +12 | 30
Zeds | +6 | 36
Serge | +2 | 37
Zeds | +5 | 39 (Max HP)
Serge | +7 | 44 (Max HP)
Krckle| +8 | 32 (Max HP)
If Krackle was actually at Max HP:
Heal | For | Current HP
----- | --- | ----------
Zeds | +9 | 14
Zeds | +4 | 18
Serge | +12 | 35
Zeds | +8 | 26
Zeds | +12 | 38
Serge | +6 | 41
Zeds | +2 | 39 (Max HP)
Serge | +5 | 44 (Max HP)
N/A | +7 |
N/A | +8 |
Like I said, Ixsas can get everyone to Max HP if we're not interrupted for 1 minute. If something happens before then, that the table above shows what everyone's HP would be at the point we're interrupted. Ixsas would still try to continue the healing for as long as he can the concentration and range requirements of the spell.)
Perception / Investigation: 24 - searching the bullywug headquarters while he heals the party
With calming words, the giant lizards are released 3 in total into the Outer Wards. Without riders 1 stands in the outer ward while the other 2 start moving towards the entrance as they have done many times before.
There are no windows overlooking the Outer Ward. Just the stable doors.
1-minute passes without interruption
Zeds you head back upstairs and start searching through the room with the dilapidated furniture.
Please roll Investigation
Nat 20…
Zeds discovers hidden under a loose floorboard
Zeds shoves this book into his backpack with the other he found. Zeds nor Ixsas seemed too interested in the first one so he sees no reason to make bringing the second one to their attention a priority. The hat he throws on his head mostly just to store it somewhere. The fact that it is hidden suggests it may be something and maybe the frog-people will react to it in some way, he supposes... But mostly it's just a place to put it.
(So Ixsas' healing goes off without a hitch? Zeds back to full health?)