((Serge and Zeds need to move more than 5-feet away from the (FlS) on their turn to avoid damage, but that should be easy now that we're down to just the 1 lizardfolk.))
((Was Zeds conscious when you advised us of this? lol... But sure, he has some movement left I guess.))
((OOC: Well, Zeds was conscious after Krackle's turn, so even if he's still groggy, I trust that Zeds will notice when a 5'-diameter BALL OF FIRE rolls past him, slams into the lizardfolk spearman, and then parks itself right next to Zeds! 😜
I imagine that the flaming sphere is so hot that it's obvious to the characters that they need to move at least 5 feet away from it, but it might not be obvious to the players unless you've looked at the spell description carefully. The ball of fire itself just occupies one square, but it also deals damage to anything that ends its turn in one of the 8 squares adjacent to it.
I just thought that I'd mention it to make sure that you and @bartjeebus take it into account on your turns in round 7.))
Serge turns to the last lizardfolk. He repeats, though less enthusiastically than before, "No quarter."
Longsword Attack: 16 Slashing Damage: 9
Longsword Attack: 18 Slashing Damage: 9
If the combat is over, he will wipe lizardfolk gore from his blade as he cajoles his companions. "We'd best hurry on. If they get that hatch open behind us, they'll be here soon. I, for one, am not spoiling for another fight."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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 not sure how long searching the bodies takes, but I'll post actions for Ixsas for the next 2 minutes.))
Ixsas sends the Flaming Sphere south, back by the hatch to slow down anyone who may try to follow them. As soon as Flaming Sphere expires (in another 30 seconds), Xanrym intends to cast Aura of Vitality to heal everyone's wounds in case they face more cultists.
Ixsas provides additional Light for the search of the bodies. Ixsas is disappointed: "It seemed like this sorcerer was their leader, and I hoped that we would find some additional information on him that would reveal where the stolen goods were headed. I pray that this search isn't a dead end and that Kossuth illuminates the path that we should follow."
When they're ready to move on, he dismisses his Light so that Zeds can continue scouting ahead without a backlight, but he figures that they won't meet any other opposition. He says, "If there were more lizardfolk or cult members in the tunnel ahead, wouldn't they have come to assist the lizardfolk in the fight? Or at least raised an alarm of some sort?"
((OOC: Healing from Aura of Vitality, assuming that Ixsas can maintain concentration for the full 1 minute. He first heals Zeds so that Zeds can start scoring ahead. Then Serge, himself, and finally Kracke.
I went ahead and rolled the healing in the game log. Assuming that everyone's sheets are up to date, that should get everyone back to full HP:
"So that's what it feels like to be yesterdays chili,' Zeds grumbles to himself as he sits for a moment and tries to recollect himself after the ordeal. He listens closely to both ends of the tunnel to try to make out if there is anyone coming their way but also just sits there and basks in the healing aura of Ixsas with a subtle but sincere "Thanks."
Once they get around to picking amongst the corpses it doesn't take Zeds long to see there is nothing amongst them he is much interested in. "Can't expect them to carry notes indicating their sinister plans, I suppose," he replies to Ixsas with a shrug. "But there certainly could be more ahead. We don't know how long the tunnel is or if it leads to a hideout or a full blown lair... We need to stay careful."
When everyone is ready Zeds will indeed start scouting ahead, doing his best to be stealthy and observant for any dangers...
Serge thanks Ixsas for the healing and then moves closer to Zeds.
"That was a rough one. You all good?" he asks quietly.
With a thoughtful look, Serge will grab the longsword from one of the fallen lizardfolk and takes it with them.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
"Feeling right proper now," Zeds answers Serge, assuming that comes after Ixas' healing. "Ready to get unstuck from the middle of two unknowns, anyway..." At least they has some suspicion of what may be waiting if they return to Bog Luck's place. Who knew how many lizardlings, if any, were still waiting the other way.
Zeds has little use for what the lizardfolk were carrying except maybe the arrows. He will see if any of those can work with his shortbow as well as retrieve any salvageable arrows of his own that he shot off... But otherwise he is in a hurry to move on before more surprises come at the group.
Once Ixsas is done with the Flaming Sphere and has finished healing everyone with the Aura of Vitality, he will grant Zeds Guidance on his Stealth. Ixsas would follow with Serge, lagging 120 ft or so behind so that they don't ruin Zeds's stealth. Since Krackle is quieter, he's free to hang back with Ixsas and Serge or move up ahead with Zeds.
As they go, Ixsas suggests that Serge keeps his shield Light pointed behind them. That way, he can keep watch back the way the came in case Bog Luck sends anyone through the hidden door and down into the tunnel after them.
Krackle would scoop up the arcane focus and slip it In to a pocket. as his wounds close he would smile and thank Ixsas before scanning his egg to ensure it is unharmed. "Zeds,do you want me to Tage along with you or hang back here?... you're a little sneaker than me but I don't want you getting in trouble on your own." The kobold asks with a look of concern.
Zeds stealthily scouts ahead and finds no other enemies. The tunnel continues onwards for another 500 yards exiting in an obscure wooded area away from prying eyes. Besides the woods Zeds sees deep rutted tracks that belong to a heavy-laden wagon and more lizardfolk footprints.
It seems the lizardfolk in the tunnel had already finished loading the last crate and their companions on the wagon has left already. The wagon tracks wind their way in a roughly northward direction.
Once he is sure the tunnel and the immediate area outside it are clear, Zeds double back and whistles for the others to hurry up. It is easy enough to point out the ruts left by the heavy wagon and hypothesize that there must be more lizardfolk... "Someone drove the wagon away. Probably at least two or three on it with the goods, probably more wherever they are taking it," Zeds surmises, thinking this is back like the hideout after Greenest. He's still not sure how they got out of there alive.
"I suppose we go after them though, eh?" he asks but really hopes someone has a better idea.
Hearing Zeds, Krackle rushes forward towards his companion. "Well.. I guess we better get going... " He says before pausing. "What... What about Jr... and my house?" the kobold asks with concern.
((OOC: I'm assuming that the deep-rutted tracks are following some hidden trail and don't just immediately rejoin the main road a short distance from Carnath House. If they do, we must follow them tonight before they're covered by all of the regular Trade Way traffic. Ixsas would prefer to get a Long Rest before the party risks another difficult fight. Serge no longer has the advantage of his Shield, and I believe that both Krackle and Ixsas have already used half of their spell slots.))
Ixsas is unsure. He says, "We wanted to discover where this dragon cult was taking the stolen goods, and I guess following the tracks would lead us there...or at least to the next hand-off. On the other hand..." Thinking about the fight with the lizardfolk, Ixsas continues, "I expected more of an 'investigation' tonight, not a desperate fight. If we follow now, we will arrive tired and unrested wherever the tracks lead us. I am not confident that we could survive another such fight in our current state. If we could sneak back into Carnath House or make camp nearby, we could at least rest until morning. That would give them a big head start, but I believe that tracks this deep will still be there in the morning."
Zeds looks to Krackle without answers to his questions. It seems attachments are problematic in this new adventuring life they've taken on since Greenest.
Hearing Ixsas, Zeds shrugs. "One thing turns to another," he replies almost apologetically. "We could do both. I could try to follow the trail, or someone else if they're a better tracker, and the rest could try to return to Carnath and act like they know nothing of events. Seems dangerous though..."
Serge purses his lips and taps his boot as he thinks. "I feel fine for another scrap tonight if it comes to it."
He looks at Krackle. "I appreciate your concern for your... pet? Mount? I am also concerned about those two lads with the hag problem. I don't see any way we go back to Carnath and it doesn't end in a fight."
He smiles. "Though, as I said... I'm still up for a fight it that's what's in the cards."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
He looks at Krackle. "I appreciate your concern for your... pet? Mount? I am also concerned about those two lads with the hag problem. I don't see any way we go back to Carnath and it doesn't end in a fight."
Ixsas tries to solve some of their problems. He points out, "The carriage and Krackle Jr. were kept out in the courtyard, outside of the Carnath House building itself, right? Maybe we could go back overland and get Krackle's carriage without attracting any attention from Bog Luck...or his guards...or the other dragon cultists."
Ixsas isn't confident than even Zeds could bluff his way through a story about how someone else used the diversion to break into the store room and Zeds and Krackle just followed to stop them. The one positive aspect is that the cult's stolen goods apparently made it out of Carnath House. Maybe Zeds could say that the "other intruders" killed the lizardfolk, but then Zeds and Krackle arrived in time to drive them off. No one would be able to check their story until whomever carted the crates away returns to tell a different story.
Ixsas is even more concerned about the Mire brothers. He says, "Yes, I am torn. Two paths before us, and neither one is clear. If we don't follow these tracks now, we could lose our best lead to find the cult's headquarters. But if we leave now, we abandon Toren and Bay to the hag, and she will certainly drain the life from at least one of them! Before the business with the lizardfolk, I had hoped that maybe Zeds could convince Bog Luck to attain more power by taking the hag's deal. That would free the Mire brothers, and it would ensure that the cult eventually loess its ally at Carnath House."
Ixsas proposes a half-measure: "We could follow the ruts for one hour tonight. If there's no sign of their end, we stop and camp in the wilderness. In the morning, at least some of us could double back to Carnath House in the morning to get Krackle Jr. and possibly the carriage. Maybe we could even do something for the Mire brothers before we continue following the trail of the stolen goods." He gestures north, in the direction that the deep ruts lead.
He smiles. "Though, as I said... I'm still up for a fight it that's what's in the cards."
((OOC: To be clear, Ixsas still has half of his spell slots, but he was expecting to spend more time dealing the hag and quietly investigating the cult's dealings around Carnath House. His spell selection isn't ideal for combat, and he won't be able to change his selected spells until he finishes a Long Rest.))
After listening to the discussion about our next move, Krackle nods. "I am ok to continue pushing forward.... Maybe we can still find someone willing to replace Toren... when we get to the end of these tracks." The kobold says as he holds the egg tight to his chest.
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((Was Zeds conscious when you advised us of this? lol... But sure, he has some movement left I guess.))
((OOC: Well, Zeds was conscious after Krackle's turn, so even if he's still groggy, I trust that Zeds will notice when a 5'-diameter BALL OF FIRE rolls past him, slams into the lizardfolk spearman, and then parks itself right next to Zeds! 😜
I imagine that the flaming sphere is so hot that it's obvious to the characters that they need to move at least 5 feet away from it, but it might not be obvious to the players unless you've looked at the spell description carefully. The ball of fire itself just occupies one square, but it also deals damage to anything that ends its turn in one of the 8 squares adjacent to it.
I just thought that I'd mention it to make sure that you and @bartjeebus take it into account on your turns in round 7.))
[If the lizardfolk swordsman is still kicking...]
Serge turns to the last lizardfolk. He repeats, though less enthusiastically than before, "No quarter."
Longsword Attack: 16 Slashing Damage: 9
Longsword Attack: 18 Slashing Damage: 9
If the combat is over, he will wipe lizardfolk gore from his blade as he cajoles his companions. "We'd best hurry on. If they get that hatch open behind us, they'll be here soon. I, for one, am not spoiling for another fight."
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 lizardfolk swordsman falls dead with his sword clattering to the floor.
Combat is over
Looting does not reveal anything of note besides there weapons, leather armor, and an arcane focus.
Weapons
((OOC: I'm not sure how long searching the bodies takes, but I'll post actions for Ixsas for the next 2 minutes.))
Ixsas sends the Flaming Sphere south, back by the hatch to slow down anyone who may try to follow them. As soon as Flaming Sphere expires (in another 30 seconds), Xanrym intends to cast Aura of Vitality to heal everyone's wounds in case they face more cultists.
Ixsas provides additional Light for the search of the bodies. Ixsas is disappointed: "It seemed like this sorcerer was their leader, and I hoped that we would find some additional information on him that would reveal where the stolen goods were headed. I pray that this search isn't a dead end and that Kossuth illuminates the path that we should follow."
When they're ready to move on, he dismisses his Light so that Zeds can continue scouting ahead without a backlight, but he figures that they won't meet any other opposition. He says, "If there were more lizardfolk or cult members in the tunnel ahead, wouldn't they have come to assist the lizardfolk in the fight? Or at least raised an alarm of some sort?"
((OOC: Healing from Aura of Vitality, assuming that Ixsas can maintain concentration for the full 1 minute. He first heals Zeds so that Zeds can start scoring ahead. Then Serge, himself, and finally Kracke.
I went ahead and rolled the healing in the game log. Assuming that everyone's sheets are up to date, that should get everyone back to full HP:
))
"So that's what it feels like to be yesterdays chili,' Zeds grumbles to himself as he sits for a moment and tries to recollect himself after the ordeal. He listens closely to both ends of the tunnel to try to make out if there is anyone coming their way but also just sits there and basks in the healing aura of Ixsas with a subtle but sincere "Thanks."
Once they get around to picking amongst the corpses it doesn't take Zeds long to see there is nothing amongst them he is much interested in. "Can't expect them to carry notes indicating their sinister plans, I suppose," he replies to Ixsas with a shrug. "But there certainly could be more ahead. We don't know how long the tunnel is or if it leads to a hideout or a full blown lair... We need to stay careful."
When everyone is ready Zeds will indeed start scouting ahead, doing his best to be stealthy and observant for any dangers...
Serge thanks Ixsas for the healing and then moves closer to Zeds.
"That was a rough one. You all good?" he asks quietly.
With a thoughtful look, Serge will grab the longsword from one of the fallen lizardfolk and takes it with them.
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
"Feeling right proper now," Zeds answers Serge, assuming that comes after Ixas' healing. "Ready to get unstuck from the middle of two unknowns, anyway..." At least they has some suspicion of what may be waiting if they return to Bog Luck's place. Who knew how many lizardlings, if any, were still waiting the other way.
Zeds has little use for what the lizardfolk were carrying except maybe the arrows. He will see if any of those can work with his shortbow as well as retrieve any salvageable arrows of his own that he shot off... But otherwise he is in a hurry to move on before more surprises come at the group.
Once Ixsas is done with the Flaming Sphere and has finished healing everyone with the Aura of Vitality, he will grant Zeds Guidance on his Stealth. Ixsas would follow with Serge, lagging 120 ft or so behind so that they don't ruin Zeds's stealth. Since Krackle is quieter, he's free to hang back with Ixsas and Serge or move up ahead with Zeds.
As they go, Ixsas suggests that Serge keeps his shield Light pointed behind them. That way, he can keep watch back the way the came in case Bog Luck sends anyone through the hidden door and down into the tunnel after them.
Krackle would scoop up the arcane focus and slip it In to a pocket. as his wounds close he would smile and thank Ixsas before scanning his egg to ensure it is unharmed. "Zeds,do you want me to Tage along with you or hang back here?... you're a little sneaker than me but I don't want you getting in trouble on your own." The kobold asks with a look of concern.
"I'll try to wait or head back before engaging,' Zeds tells Krackle. "We don't want to risk your egg on the front line..."
Truthfully Zeds wouldn't mind if the egg was a bit scrambled but he certainly doesn't want to tell Krackle that.
Zeds stealthily scouts ahead and finds no other enemies. The tunnel continues onwards for another 500 yards exiting in an obscure wooded area away from prying eyes. Besides the woods Zeds sees deep rutted tracks that belong to a heavy-laden wagon and more lizardfolk footprints.
It seems the lizardfolk in the tunnel had already finished loading the last crate and their companions on the wagon has left already. The wagon tracks wind their way in a roughly northward direction.
Once he is sure the tunnel and the immediate area outside it are clear, Zeds double back and whistles for the others to hurry up. It is easy enough to point out the ruts left by the heavy wagon and hypothesize that there must be more lizardfolk... "Someone drove the wagon away. Probably at least two or three on it with the goods, probably more wherever they are taking it," Zeds surmises, thinking this is back like the hideout after Greenest. He's still not sure how they got out of there alive.
"I suppose we go after them though, eh?" he asks but really hopes someone has a better idea.
Hearing Zeds, Krackle rushes forward towards his companion. "Well.. I guess we better get going... " He says before pausing. "What... What about Jr... and my house?" the kobold asks with concern.
((OOC: I'm assuming that the deep-rutted tracks are following some hidden trail and don't just immediately rejoin the main road a short distance from Carnath House. If they do, we must follow them tonight before they're covered by all of the regular Trade Way traffic. Ixsas would prefer to get a Long Rest before the party risks another difficult fight. Serge no longer has the advantage of his Shield, and I believe that both Krackle and Ixsas have already used half of their spell slots.))
Ixsas is unsure. He says, "We wanted to discover where this dragon cult was taking the stolen goods, and I guess following the tracks would lead us there...or at least to the next hand-off. On the other hand..." Thinking about the fight with the lizardfolk, Ixsas continues, "I expected more of an 'investigation' tonight, not a desperate fight. If we follow now, we will arrive tired and unrested wherever the tracks lead us. I am not confident that we could survive another such fight in our current state. If we could sneak back into Carnath House or make camp nearby, we could at least rest until morning. That would give them a big head start, but I believe that tracks this deep will still be there in the morning."
Zeds looks to Krackle without answers to his questions. It seems attachments are problematic in this new adventuring life they've taken on since Greenest.
Hearing Ixsas, Zeds shrugs. "One thing turns to another," he replies almost apologetically. "We could do both. I could try to follow the trail, or someone else if they're a better tracker, and the rest could try to return to Carnath and act like they know nothing of events. Seems dangerous though..."
Serge purses his lips and taps his boot as he thinks. "I feel fine for another scrap tonight if it comes to it."
He looks at Krackle. "I appreciate your concern for your... pet? Mount? I am also concerned about those two lads with the hag problem. I don't see any way we go back to Carnath and it doesn't end in a fight."
He smiles. "Though, as I said... I'm still up for a fight it that's what's in the cards."
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 tries to solve some of their problems. He points out, "The carriage and Krackle Jr. were kept out in the courtyard, outside of the Carnath House building itself, right? Maybe we could go back overland and get Krackle's carriage without attracting any attention from Bog Luck...or his guards...or the other dragon cultists."
Ixsas isn't confident than even Zeds could bluff his way through a story about how someone else used the diversion to break into the store room and Zeds and Krackle just followed to stop them. The one positive aspect is that the cult's stolen goods apparently made it out of Carnath House. Maybe Zeds could say that the "other intruders" killed the lizardfolk, but then Zeds and Krackle arrived in time to drive them off. No one would be able to check their story until whomever carted the crates away returns to tell a different story.
Ixsas is even more concerned about the Mire brothers. He says, "Yes, I am torn. Two paths before us, and neither one is clear. If we don't follow these tracks now, we could lose our best lead to find the cult's headquarters. But if we leave now, we abandon Toren and Bay to the hag, and she will certainly drain the life from at least one of them! Before the business with the lizardfolk, I had hoped that maybe Zeds could convince Bog Luck to attain more power by taking the hag's deal. That would free the Mire brothers, and it would ensure that the cult eventually loess its ally at Carnath House."
Ixsas proposes a half-measure: "We could follow the ruts for one hour tonight. If there's no sign of their end, we stop and camp in the wilderness. In the morning, at least some of us could double back to Carnath House in the morning to get Krackle Jr. and possibly the carriage. Maybe we could even do something for the Mire brothers before we continue following the trail of the stolen goods." He gestures north, in the direction that the deep ruts lead.
((OOC: To be clear, Ixsas still has half of his spell slots, but he was expecting to spend more time dealing the hag and quietly investigating the cult's dealings around Carnath House. His spell selection isn't ideal for combat, and he won't be able to change his selected spells until he finishes a Long Rest.))
After listening to the discussion about our next move, Krackle nods. "I am ok to continue pushing forward.... Maybe we can still find someone willing to replace Toren... when we get to the end of these tracks." The kobold says as he holds the egg tight to his chest.