"Guys, what's going on - is that who we are in here for? At least try and stick together, some of you may be in danger for being out at this time!"
- Yes, that is Twig! The one we came looking for! - Leeta yells for everyone to hear as she keeps running. Despite not being sure what everyone's intentions are, she tries at least to dissipate part of the confusion. Because, whatever happens from this point on, Rowarin is right, and they should better stick together - Please, come! - she adds, but as she's kept running, she's not sure that last part has been heard at all.
Mizu's eyes Mina when she comes over to Twig, then gives an approving nod when she casts her spell, still looking around for danger. He also gives Rixian an odd glance, as if not really understanding what the issue is with the fire genasi. When Leeta comes near enough to hear him he says, "She is safe."He seems genuinely relieved, but his tone hardens when he continues saying, "Now we have to keep her that way. I'm not letting her out of my sight." He eyes Twig, then straightens his posture as much as he can as if trying to compensate for the fact that he isn't really any taller than she is. He needs to make sure she feels protected. Nothing else matters right now. They found what they were looking for, and she is safe. Who cares about the creepy feeling the woods gave them. They just need to protect Twig at all costs.
The chase begins! Leeta immediately takes the lead. Laughing, the girl picks up speed somehow managing to stay ahead of the speeding little monk. It's almost as if she's moving at an impossible speed.
Eventually, you make it back to town and begin racing through several back alleys. This continues for a short while before you almost lose sight of her when she darts around a corner. Rounding the corner, you find that this alley is a dead end.
Twig stands at the end, facing you with her head down, "You found me." She says. Mina, Mizu, and Kullogal run to her without pausing. Mina lays a hand on the girl's arm casting her spell. Twig does not seem to notice.
Mina, Mizu, Kullogal:
You can make another save each time you take damage. If you succeed a 14 you are free of her spell. However, as long as it lasts, you must protect her at all costs, even against your own party members.
Mina, since she addressed you specifically you can make a save now.
Rowarin, as soon as you get a good look at Twig, you notice that something is off. The girl’s fingers are twitching, and her skin is pale, and almost phantom-like. Looking closer, you can see thorny vines twisting around her arms, and tangled in her hair. You also now have a strong feeling of being watched. (Rixi and Leeta, you can also make perception checks. If you succeed a 10 you also notice these things.)
After a moment, she lifts her head in a jerking motion and grins, her head cocked slightly to one side. “Nowhere to run.” Suddenly, the buildings behind the group erupt in a mass of vines which tangle together and block the party’s escape. Then Twig points strait at Mina. “She wants you. She will have you.”
The vines from the buildings continue to grow, some start to spill out of the windows above the party. As you watch, some thorny masses separate from the main body and fall to the street below. These masses shape themselves into animal-like shapes, each forming a bud at the front with several red petals opening around them while the remainder forms a sort of mouth. Each also has a whiplike tail with a large mass of barbed thorns at the end.
Mizu:
Lol wow a nat 20. To bad you have been blinded to the obvious. Right now, the biggest potential threat is Rixian. He wants to kill Twig! You cannot let that happen!
Rixian, who was slightly behind the others manages to enter the alley before the vines erupt from the cobbled street. Knowing the threat, he targets Twig with his vow.
Alrighty ya'll it's combat time! Roll Initiative! There are currently four plant dogs.
- You must be joking - Leeta says, not quite believing the water trio are have fallen that easily to Twig's deception. She's especially disappointed at Mizu, and to him she says - Open your eyes, Mizu, damn it! Don't you see who you're trying to protect? - Then she turns to the sea elf- Mina!! You at least ... DO WAKE UP!
At that precise the halfling monk seems like a little bomb about to go off. But that is not how she was trained to behave. She was better than this. And she was defintely not going to loose this fight. So she began to breath in ... and breath out. Letting out her inner turmoil, letting in peace and balance.
She adopted a fighting stance and focused entirely on the fight ahead.
Mizu points one saber at Rixian, staring daggers at the fire genasi, "Come no closer."He points his other saber at Leeta, "Don't... don't make me fight you too." He doesn't waver, standing firmly between his friend and comrade and the girl he must protect. "Don't you see? We found Twig and now the curse of the town wants to take her again. We can't let that happen." He is not joking, and will defiantly attack either one of them if they try to harm Twig. His eyes are mostly focused on Rixian, sensing the paladin's intent to attack Twig regardless.
"I'm warning you,"he narrows his eyes, briefly reliving a moment of his past. However, instead of growing distant like usual, he just tightens his grip on the hilt of his saber. He prepares to launch an attack on the fiery paladin.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Initiative 7
Mina stands by Twig, ready to make sure she is protected from anything, including the strange plant dogs that have now descended. As Twig states someone also wants her, she looks at the girl, confused.
This was it. The young paladin was about to reach his breaking point. He can feel the demon reawakening after almost 11 years of non-lethal combat. He nervously shuffles. Right now he's eyeing the plant dogs, ironicall focusing on eliminating them first instead of Twig, as he can sense that they're the main threats to be dealt with.
"Sorry... Leeta-san..." Rixi stutters, addressing her name for the very first time as he stands behind her and Rowarin, all the while using the last of his brain before his reasoning ceases to function. "Please... don't let them hit me... Aim for the plant dogs first. What if don't attack Twig but attack the plants? Or will it not make a difference?" It sounds vague but he's referring to the three waters. He must be careful, because if he accidentally kills the wrong person, his oath will instantly be broken. And yet... as he stares...
In response to Mizu as flaming tears start to form in Rixi's eyes: "You... you guys... You won't be spared... I... you three... your kind... they were all responsible... for my current state. For the loss of my family... for making me suffer... you were all behind this weren't you?! Now's a good time to avenge them... STARTING WITH YOU!" He takes out his double-bladed glaive again and spins it rapidly as he burns even brighter. The thing is, he hasn't fully succumbed to his insanity yet... because Twig and her dogs... Leeta and Rowarin... they're here. They are people he need to prioritize, the former two to protect under his wing. He has his friends in Neverwinter too. And so, as he prepares to fight he's hoping that plus his current curse will at least help retain the last of his unprotected senses to keep him stable... And then his eyes widen in horror over...
Wait... did he just... unconsciously blurt out... crap. He's an idiot. Why did he let his own rage get the better of him?!
Polearm Master OA: Since Rixi is wielding a glaive, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from him when they enter his reach. The first person that comes 5ft of Rixi's position will instantly be attacked.
Also, how he prepares to fight is the person on the left:
(OOC: As I haven't added my declaration in the previous post and I got a high initiative, I'll add it now. Hope you don't mind that I add a little more of dialogue, @Rynn. Also, @Pyro, sorry but it won't be plants nor Twig for me, at least for now)
Leeta, still as an undisturbed pond, does turn her head slightly towards Rixian when she hears him pronouncing her name. Her eyes don't leave the scene, though. They are particularly focused on Mizu's.
- Listen to me, Rixian. Once, long ago, I asked my mentor "why do people fight?", and he said: "To ask why we fight is to ask why the leaves fall. It is in their nature. Perhaps there is a better question... what is worth fighting for, Leeta?" - the halfling pauses -I now ask you: what is worth fighting for, Rixian? I know my answer - she says, still eyeing Mizu - Now please, let me handle the waters. Perhaps I can beat them back to their senses.
She then rushes towards Mizu and punches once. And twice. And thrice. Perhaps because it is him she's attacking, she fails a couple of times. But the third punch strikes true, hitting the water genasi's stomach, though not as hard as she would have hit had the target been a different one. (ooc: rolled a 1!)
Round 1.
Movement: towards Mizu (Leeta's movement is 35 feet).
Action: Unarmed strike: 10 to hit.
Bonus action: Leeta spends 1 ki point to Flurry of Blows Mizu. First Blow: 21 to Hit. Damage 6 / Second Blow: 11 to Hit. By Leeta's "Open Hand Technique" Mizu needs to do an STR ST DC 15 or be pushed up to 15 feet away.
I've many times thought of weaving this into a post, so I'm happy to finally be able to do it. Never will I ever get tired of World of Warcraft cinematic intros. This one is particularly beautiful. And fitting. ^^
"To ask why we fight is to ask why the leaves fall. It is in their nature. Perhaps, there is a better question.Why do we fight? To protect Home, and Family. To preserve Balance, and bring Harmony. For my kind, the true question is: What is worth fighting for?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Leeta shouts back at Rowarin and the group that this is indeed the girl. But why is she giggling as if this is some sort of game?
Rowarin quickens his pace but begins to notice the oddities surrounding the girl.. the pale skin, the twitching fingers, and... thorny vines! "Guys, stay back from the girl! Something's not right with her!"
Rowarin attempts to close in and point out the stark features but it is at this point the vines erupt from the buildings, forming and taking shape. "Guys, prepare yourselves!" And with this, Rowarin waves his hands and summons his trusted stave, twirling it and readying himself for combat.
Kulogall is one of the last to jog into the corridor, walking further into the dead end. He is confused by all of this, “Why is everyone fighting? We need to protect this girl, look at how sweet and innocent she is!”
He walks closer toward her, his chest puffing in and out, air swirling around him, he seems to be taking huge breaths of air in and out, and with a loud booming voice he says “Stand down! Everything is going to be fine! No harm will come to you young one! Rixi! Rowarin! Leeta! All is fine, there is no need for any of this fighting!” He holds his arms up, magical energies begin to swirl around him.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Mizu's eyes narrow at the fiery paladin, your kind... they were all responsible... for my current state. For the loss of my family... for making me suffer... The words thrust him back into his own memories, My kind... my people...He grits his teeth, remembering the carnage and the suffering--and so much more that he had been too young to understand. He lowers his saber slightly as his hand shakes. Could his once-clan really be responsible for whatever is causing Rixian's suffering? Could the plague that tore his family apart have spread this far? "I... they are no longer my people." He shakes his head, "They are nothing but monsters, created against their will."He raises his saber again, "I am sorry. ...I do not know how you avoided detection for so long, but allow me to free you from your suffering."
Yet before he has time to reach forward, Leeta comes at him, the first blow landing solidly yet softly.
Wis save: 19
He blinks, the world entering slow motion as he hangs suspended for a moment--his mind fighting... something. Something that feels wrong.
Leeta hears a gasp escape Mizu's lips just before he is flung backwards into the wall behind them (not sure if that is 15 feet or further), where he staggers and nearly drops his weapons. His breaths come quickly and he looks up with such shock filling his eyes as he has never shown before. He looks around, watery eyes taking in the scene and... the strange not-Twig that he'd been so intent on protecting just seconds ago.
Had... something been controlling him? He shutters, recognizing the influence of fell magic. This... curse had been controlling his thoughts, his emotions, his actions. Is this what his cousins feel like every day since they fell to the devils that ravaged his home? His eyes flick upwards to Rixian, now unsure if anything he'd thought or said to the paladin is true or warranted. Were his assumptions based on the foolish need to protect this... devil child? Or was there some truth to what he saw in the fiery paladin?
He breaths, the world still lagging around him, as if time means nothing...
Insight on Rixian: 15 (He's trying to determine what really is going on with Rixi. Is the paladin just upset about the water folk? Or is there something else going on inside him?)
Then the world snaps back into normal time, and he rushes towards the source of that accursed magic--- TWIG!!!!
Whatever is going on with Rixian will have to wait until they get out of this mess. ...He'll also have to apologize to Leeta for letting his foolish emotions get in the way. They should have gone back to the inn when she'd recommended it.
Steel flashes as he rushes towards Twig, teeth clenched tight as he rushes forward, slashing with his twin sabers at the devil child.
Action 1:
Attack: 11 Damage: 9
Bonus action:
Attack: 17 Damage: 2
Then he flicks the point of his blade towards one of the plant dogs and a spiral of water turns to shards of ice as they careen towards his target. Right now, he doesn't see a child, or creatures made of vines. He sees demons--an image only heightened in his mind as he uses the last spell he ever saw his mother use. The spell she used to defend him from the beasts just before tossing him over the wall and into the snowdrifts below.
Ice Knife:
Attack: Attack: 3 Damage: 9
Twig must succeed a Dex save of 11 or take: 10 cold damage
It seems that the plant dogs also see Rixian as the biggest threat here. At first they seem a bit wary of the fiery youth, which gives him the time to converse with his watery rival. However, eventually it decides to attack. It strikes out first with it's claws then jabs it's barbed tail at the young paladin.
Claw To hit: 23
Damage: 7
Tail: 22
Damage: 3 and (make con save DC 16, if you fail you will take 10 each round)
Just as this plant dog lashes out, Leeta decides to force Mizu to snap back to his senses by flinging him into the back wall of the alley. (it was 10ft from Mizu) It works! Mizu is now freed from the spell. Convinced she is a demon, he lunges towards the pale thorny child with his blades...which pass right through her as if she was made of air. Her head snaps around stopping in an awkward cocked position, fixes the water warrior with a glassy eyed gaze, and grins.
The plant dogs nimbly dodge each shard of falling ice, perhaps Mizu's memories of childhood trauma have caused his aim to falter.
Plant dog 2 decides to avoid Rixian instead opting for Rowarin. It first circles the wizard, making odd clicking noises all the while before suddenly lashing out with it's claws.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(OOC: FIrst attack misses, second attack hits)
Rowarin sees the approaching plant dog and manages to deftly avoid the first claw, however being an alley he finds himself unable to find the room to maneuver out the way of the 2nd blow, being raked across his arm and taking the hit! "Damn it!"
Rowarin will in turn begin to glow, and you all watch as searing light eminates from his mouth and eyes, to bright to see. Doing this as bonus action his chosen revelation Radiant Consumption -
Celestial RevelationMotM, pg. 7 You choose between one of three revelation options: Necrotic Shroud, Radiant Consumption, or Radiant Soul. Once per long rest, you can use a bonus action to transform using your revelation which lasts for one minute or until you end it as a bonus action.
Radiant Consumption
While transformed:
- You shed bright light in a 10 ft. radius and dim light for an additional 10 ft.
- Once on each of your turns, you can deal an extra 3 radiant damage to one target when you deal damage to it with an attack or spell.
- At the end of each of your turns, each creature within 10 ft. of you takes 3 radiant damage.
With this revelation, Rowarin holds his stave and charges up a cantrip Green-Flame Blade, and strikes the plant dog!
To hit: 11 Damage: 1 bludgeoning damage + 7 fire damage + 3 radiant damage. Additional: If there is another plant dog within 5 feet of the one in front of me, green flames leap to that creature and it takes 14 fire damage!
(OOC: Now my turn has ended, each creature within 10 feet take 3 radiant damage.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Plant dog 2 yelps when Rowarin's flames light it up. Despite being unharmed by the blunt force of the stave, the flames seem to be really hurting it.
Unfortunately for plant dog 3, who would have been about to swipe at Leeta, it was standing a little to close to it's friend. It lets out a shrill shriek when the flames suddenly jump over to it. Within seconds, it shrivels into dust.
(Plant dog 3 is now dead)
Plant dog 4, who had been pacing in the back gauging the situation lets out a low clicking noise as it debates whether Rixi or Rowarin are the greatest threats. Sensing the death of it's comrade, it decides Rowarin is it's primary target. Racing forward it lashes it's tail at the wizard, then strikes out with a claw.
Tail: 7
Damage: 5(on a hit make a con save DC 16 or take 10 damage each round)
Claw: 20
Damage: 7
For anyone who fails the con save:
Your wound explodes in excruciating pain. It feels as if a thousand shards of glass are rushing through your bloodstream slicing you up from inside. Looking at the wound, you are horrified to see thorny vines swiftly growing out of your skin.
Mina doesn't even notice Rowarin's change. After Mizu attacks Twig, she only has eyes for the water genasi. Pulling out her longbow, she draws it back and sends an arrow towards him.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rixi’s just... frozen. What he sees right now is his past... how they left him to suffer... how they left him to grow up like this... and then he returns to reality when Leeta speaks...
Wait... What Leeta said... that sounded familiar. Didn’t that come from a game? He’s heard it before and... didn’t someone else say this too?! No... Rather...
Ethan- “When the Simic Combine forces that I fought with entered into combat situations, I was always reminded of this one scene in Warcraft as I ask myself: . Because... think about this thoroughly: If there’s nothing you intend to seek, what’s the point of letting your emotions control you and making you charge into the midst of danger or into anything that you want to fight against?”
Daisy- “Ever since you saved my butt and cuddled me for the first time without my consent, I always asked myself: ‘What is it that I... that you... the both of us... are fighting for?’ Now tell me you jerk: You have something that you desperately want to earn for yourself, right? Let me guess: You’re madly in love with me aren’t you? I’m the real reason why you fight for your own peace and quiet, am I right?”
Raiden- “I’m not expecting you to agree with what think about both Sword Coast and Japan, but... I always tell myself as I head out to hunt or travel: ‘What is it that I’m fighting for? What’s the thing I have to gain out of it? And why? Why should I follow through?’ It’s simple things like this that will help you find your path even when you’re in a state of turmoil.”
All of a sudden, his brain shifts from rage to sorrow and back; He wasn’t sure if that would be enough to cut off his growing anger for his past as he stands there for almost 10 seconds in place. What I’m fighting for... What I’m fighting for... My own vengeance... peace in the Sword Coast... Oath of Conquest... my love interest... Daisy... Ethan... everyone else that died fighting Tiamat...
Leeta’s words temporarily halted his anger from taking over his mind for now as he feels the demon slowly withdrawing but not fully. There’s still the residual bits left fuelling him, not to mention it’s only the start of the fight, so he shouldn’t get his hopes up. At least, that’s what it seems. Because that’s when it almost hits him: Leeta has already rushed out to face her comrade; Plant dog 2 immediately attacks his ally on his right, which is... what was his name again? He doesn’t know... and then he gets blinded as Rowarin changes forms. “HEY! WATCH IT!” but what he also knows is that Plant dog 1 almost caught him off guard if it wasn’t for him ducking to the left to avoid its claw, before following up with a quick parry against its tail using his massive weapon before retaliating back (OA:8 Damage: 10) (Non-lethal).
“You’re right, Leeta-san... I shouldn’t let that control me... Gomen nasai (御免なさい,I’m sorry)”Rixi replies in a lower, but much calmer tone as he opens his eyes, raises his double bladed glaive in the air and eyes Twig plus her dogs...“...And yes I agree. We must save Twig...” ...before he violently slams one of its blades into the ground, causing an eruption of lava to burst underneath in the direction of, not Twig, but the two plant dogs that confronted him and his flanking ally as he raises his voice again. “...FROM THEM!”(Plant dogs 1 and 2 must make a DC 16 DEX Save or be blasted with 9 Fire Damage (Non-Lethal))
Rixi’s curse: Every attack he makes against the plant dogs and Twig has to be non-lethal if he wants to keep his oath. If Rixi has to deal the final blow on any of the plants dogs or Twig, he can either at most drop them to 1hp or knock them unconscious.
For Mizu:
Even though he did his best to conceal his current state of mind, the water genasi can easily tell, just from Rixi’s tears on his face and unstable body language, that he’s really not okay. It seems that the unresolved horrors he endured in the past are the main cause for his unstable personality, as much as Mizu being haunted by his own past too. But he doesn’t know if he’s specifically yelling at him or everyone else in general. What he yelled sounded vague, as if he’s also yelling at Leeta, Rowarin and Twig too. Probably best not to ask him about it for now...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
The Wildland Shifters Daisy Ethalena- Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer) Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade) Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer(Clockwork Soul); Lancea Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance) Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars) Yurime Hanasaki- Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
“Stop, everyone just stop!” Kulogall bellows out, getting closer to Twig. He starts waving his hands, swirling and moving them back and forth. He creates a wall of water separating everyone else from himself and Twig, trying to use the water to protect her, shielding off the others and their attacks. He turns to her and says “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. No one will be able to penetrate through that.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Leeta watches as Mizu seems to have regained his senses, and though she's relieved this doesn't reflect on her face. Instead, three words seems to reach her eyes as she looks at the water genasi before turning her back to him."How could you?". They are unpronounced, and yet, somehow, the fighter can understand them very clearly.
The monk is about to choose a new target, another watery target, when two things happen all of a sudden. First, Rowarin reveals himself as ... what!? She doesn't know, but his form is so shiny! So beautiful? What is he?!
And yet, even that falls to background when the second thing happens: an arrow flying directly to her former target. The still pond she was second ago isn't that still anymore, and she's not that sure about the cause. Is it because she's deeply disappointed at Mizu? Or is it because Mina has shot him? Both? Either way, the halfling does not wait to think about this, and rushes towards the sea elf, saying:
- Wrong move, girl.
And she strikes at her with small but deft hands.
Round 2.
Action: Unarmed strike to hit: 27. Damage: another lucky 1. For a total of 6.
Movement/Bonus: @Rynn, could I use what remains of my movement and another ki point to Step of the Wind to dash (and I read, also doubles her jumps?), to jump the wall of water and reach Kulogall? Also, can Mina roll now or does she have to wait to her turn? If she can roll now, I will want to wait for that roll, because if she fails, I may want to punch her again instead of jumping.
(I'll leave the rolls for the Flurry of Blows in case Mina rolls and fails: 17 to hit and 10 damage. 26 to hit and 6 damage.) Didn't do any of this in the end.
- Yes, that is Twig! The one we came looking for! - Leeta yells for everyone to hear as she keeps running. Despite not being sure what everyone's intentions are, she tries at least to dissipate part of the confusion. Because, whatever happens from this point on, Rowarin is right, and they should better stick together - Please, come! - she adds, but as she's kept running, she's not sure that last part has been heard at all.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Mizu's eyes Mina when she comes over to Twig, then gives an approving nod when she casts her spell, still looking around for danger. He also gives Rixian an odd glance, as if not really understanding what the issue is with the fire genasi. When Leeta comes near enough to hear him he says, "She is safe." He seems genuinely relieved, but his tone hardens when he continues saying, "Now we have to keep her that way. I'm not letting her out of my sight." He eyes Twig, then straightens his posture as much as he can as if trying to compensate for the fact that he isn't really any taller than she is. He needs to make sure she feels protected. Nothing else matters right now. They found what they were looking for, and she is safe. Who cares about the creepy feeling the woods gave them. They just need to protect Twig at all costs.
The chase begins! Leeta immediately takes the lead. Laughing, the girl picks up speed somehow managing to stay ahead of the speeding little monk. It's almost as if she's moving at an impossible speed.
Eventually, you make it back to town and begin racing through several back alleys. This continues for a short while before you almost lose sight of her when she darts around a corner. Rounding the corner, you find that this alley is a dead end.
Twig stands at the end, facing you with her head down, "You found me." She says. Mina, Mizu, and Kullogal run to her without pausing. Mina lays a hand on the girl's arm casting her spell. Twig does not seem to notice.
Mina, Mizu, Kullogal:
You can make another save each time you take damage. If you succeed a 14 you are free of her spell. However, as long as it lasts, you must protect her at all costs, even against your own party members.
Mina, since she addressed you specifically you can make a save now.
Rowarin, as soon as you get a good look at Twig, you notice that something is off. The girl’s fingers are twitching, and her skin is pale, and almost phantom-like. Looking closer, you can see thorny vines twisting around her arms, and tangled in her hair. You also now have a strong feeling of being watched. (Rixi and Leeta, you can also make perception checks. If you succeed a 10 you also notice these things.)
After a moment, she lifts her head in a jerking motion and grins, her head cocked slightly to one side. “Nowhere to run.” Suddenly, the buildings behind the group erupt in a mass of vines which tangle together and block the party’s escape. Then Twig points strait at Mina. “She wants you. She will have you.”
The vines from the buildings continue to grow, some start to spill out of the windows above the party. As you watch, some thorny masses separate from the main body and fall to the street below. These masses shape themselves into animal-like shapes, each forming a bud at the front with several red petals opening around them while the remainder forms a sort of mouth. Each also has a whiplike tail with a large mass of barbed thorns at the end.
Mizu:
Lol wow a nat 20. To bad you have been blinded to the obvious. Right now, the biggest potential threat is Rixian. He wants to kill Twig! You cannot let that happen!
Rixian, who was slightly behind the others manages to enter the alley before the vines erupt from the cobbled street. Knowing the threat, he targets Twig with his vow.
Alrighty ya'll it's combat time! Roll Initiative! There are currently four plant dogs.
Plant dog initiative:
Plant dog 1: 15
Plant dog 2: 13
Plant dog 3: 20
Plant dog 4: 23
Initiative: 21
(Leeta's initiative: 21 (DEX +5. Vs Mizu's +3) / Perception: 19)
- You must be joking - Leeta says, not quite believing the water trio are have fallen that easily to Twig's deception. She's especially disappointed at Mizu, and to him she says - Open your eyes, Mizu, damn it! Don't you see who you're trying to protect? - Then she turns to the sea elf- Mina!! You at least ... DO WAKE UP!
At that precise the halfling monk seems like a little bomb about to go off. But that is not how she was trained to behave. She was better than this. And she was defintely not going to loose this fight. So she began to breath in ... and breath out. Letting out her inner turmoil, letting in peace and balance.
She adopted a fighting stance and focused entirely on the fight ahead.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Mizu points one saber at Rixian, staring daggers at the fire genasi, "Come no closer." He points his other saber at Leeta, "Don't... don't make me fight you too." He doesn't waver, standing firmly between his friend and comrade and the girl he must protect. "Don't you see? We found Twig and now the curse of the town wants to take her again. We can't let that happen." He is not joking, and will defiantly attack either one of them if they try to harm Twig. His eyes are mostly focused on Rixian, sensing the paladin's intent to attack Twig regardless.
"I'm warning you," he narrows his eyes, briefly reliving a moment of his past. However, instead of growing distant like usual, he just tightens his grip on the hilt of his saber. He prepares to launch an attack on the fiery paladin.
Initiative 7
Mina stands by Twig, ready to make sure she is protected from anything, including the strange plant dogs that have now descended. As Twig states someone also wants her, she looks at the girl, confused.
WIS save 11
This was it. The young paladin was about to reach his breaking point. He can feel the demon reawakening after almost 11 years of non-lethal combat. He nervously shuffles. Right now he's eyeing the plant dogs, ironicall focusing on eliminating them first instead of Twig, as he can sense that they're the main threats to be dealt with.
"Sorry... Leeta-san..." Rixi stutters, addressing her name for the very first time as he stands behind her and Rowarin, all the while using the last of his brain before his reasoning ceases to function. "Please... don't let them hit me... Aim for the plant dogs first. What if don't attack Twig but attack the plants? Or will it not make a difference?" It sounds vague but he's referring to the three waters. He must be careful, because if he accidentally kills the wrong person, his oath will instantly be broken. And yet... as he stares...
In response to Mizu as flaming tears start to form in Rixi's eyes: "You... you guys... You won't be spared... I... you three... your kind... they were all responsible... for my current state. For the loss of my family... for making me suffer... you were all behind this weren't you?! Now's a good time to avenge them... STARTING WITH YOU!" He takes out his double-bladed glaive again and spins it rapidly as he burns even brighter. The thing is, he hasn't fully succumbed to his insanity yet... because Twig and her dogs... Leeta and Rowarin... they're here. They are people he need to prioritize, the former two to protect under his wing. He has his friends in Neverwinter too. And so, as he prepares to fight he's hoping that plus his current curse will at least help retain the last of his unprotected senses to keep him stable... And then his eyes widen in horror over...
Wait... did he just... unconsciously blurt out... crap. He's an idiot. Why did he let his own rage get the better of him?!
Polearm Master OA: Since Rixi is wielding a glaive, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from him when they enter his reach. The first person that comes 5ft of Rixi's position will instantly be attacked.
Also, how he prepares to fight is the person on the left:
Perception: 14
Rixi Initiative: 6
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade)
Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer (Clockwork Soul); Lancea
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance)
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
(OOC: As I haven't added my declaration in the previous post and I got a high initiative, I'll add it now. Hope you don't mind that I add a little more of dialogue, @Rynn. Also, @Pyro, sorry but it won't be plants nor Twig for me, at least for now)
Leeta, still as an undisturbed pond, does turn her head slightly towards Rixian when she hears him pronouncing her name. Her eyes don't leave the scene, though. They are particularly focused on Mizu's.
- Listen to me, Rixian. Once, long ago, I asked my mentor "why do people fight?", and he said: "To ask why we fight is to ask why the leaves fall. It is in their nature. Perhaps there is a better question... what is worth fighting for, Leeta?" - the halfling pauses - I now ask you: what is worth fighting for, Rixian? I know my answer - she says, still eyeing Mizu - Now please, let me handle the waters. Perhaps I can beat them back to their senses.
She then rushes towards Mizu and punches once. And twice. And thrice. Perhaps because it is him she's attacking, she fails a couple of times. But the third punch strikes true, hitting the water genasi's stomach, though not as hard as she would have hit had the target been a different one. (ooc: rolled a 1!)
Round 1.
Movement: towards Mizu (Leeta's movement is 35 feet).
Action: Unarmed strike: 10 to hit.
Bonus action: Leeta spends 1 ki point to Flurry of Blows Mizu. First Blow: 21 to Hit. Damage 6 / Second Blow: 11 to Hit. By Leeta's "Open Hand Technique" Mizu needs to do an STR ST DC 15 or be pushed up to 15 feet away.
I've many times thought of weaving this into a post, so I'm happy to finally be able to do it. Never will I ever get tired of World of Warcraft cinematic intros. This one is particularly beautiful. And fitting. ^^
"To ask why we fight is to ask why the leaves fall. It is in their nature. Perhaps, there is a better question.Why do we fight? To protect Home, and Family. To preserve Balance, and bring Harmony. For my kind, the true question is: What is worth fighting for?"
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Leeta shouts back at Rowarin and the group that this is indeed the girl. But why is she giggling as if this is some sort of game?
Rowarin quickens his pace but begins to notice the oddities surrounding the girl.. the pale skin, the twitching fingers, and... thorny vines! "Guys, stay back from the girl! Something's not right with her!"
Rowarin attempts to close in and point out the stark features but it is at this point the vines erupt from the buildings, forming and taking shape. "Guys, prepare yourselves!" And with this, Rowarin waves his hands and summons his trusted stave, twirling it and readying himself for combat.
Initiative: 18
Kulogall wisdom save : 3
Kulogall initiative : 4
Kulogall is one of the last to jog into the corridor, walking further into the dead end. He is confused by all of this, “Why is everyone fighting? We need to protect this girl, look at how sweet and innocent she is!”
He walks closer toward her, his chest puffing in and out, air swirling around him, he seems to be taking huge breaths of air in and out, and with a loud booming voice he says “Stand down! Everything is going to be fine! No harm will come to you young one! Rixi! Rowarin! Leeta! All is fine, there is no need for any of this fighting!” He holds his arms up, magical energies begin to swirl around him.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Mizu's eyes narrow at the fiery paladin, your kind... they were all responsible... for my current state. For the loss of my family... for making me suffer... The words thrust him back into his own memories, My kind... my people... He grits his teeth, remembering the carnage and the suffering--and so much more that he had been too young to understand. He lowers his saber slightly as his hand shakes. Could his once-clan really be responsible for whatever is causing Rixian's suffering? Could the plague that tore his family apart have spread this far? "I... they are no longer my people." He shakes his head, "They are nothing but monsters, created against their will." He raises his saber again, "I am sorry. ...I do not know how you avoided detection for so long, but allow me to free you from your suffering."
Yet before he has time to reach forward, Leeta comes at him, the first blow landing solidly yet softly.
Wis save: 19
He blinks, the world entering slow motion as he hangs suspended for a moment--his mind fighting... something. Something that feels wrong.
Str save: 9
Leeta hears a gasp escape Mizu's lips just before he is flung backwards into the wall behind them (not sure if that is 15 feet or further), where he staggers and nearly drops his weapons. His breaths come quickly and he looks up with such shock filling his eyes as he has never shown before. He looks around, watery eyes taking in the scene and... the strange not-Twig that he'd been so intent on protecting just seconds ago.
Had... something been controlling him? He shutters, recognizing the influence of fell magic. This... curse had been controlling his thoughts, his emotions, his actions. Is this what his cousins feel like every day since they fell to the devils that ravaged his home? His eyes flick upwards to Rixian, now unsure if anything he'd thought or said to the paladin is true or warranted. Were his assumptions based on the foolish need to protect this... devil child? Or was there some truth to what he saw in the fiery paladin?
He breaths, the world still lagging around him, as if time means nothing...
Insight on Rixian: 15 (He's trying to determine what really is going on with Rixi. Is the paladin just upset about the water folk? Or is there something else going on inside him?)
Then the world snaps back into normal time, and he rushes towards the source of that accursed magic--- TWIG!!!!
Whatever is going on with Rixian will have to wait until they get out of this mess. ...He'll also have to apologize to Leeta for letting his foolish emotions get in the way. They should have gone back to the inn when she'd recommended it.
Steel flashes as he rushes towards Twig, teeth clenched tight as he rushes forward, slashing with his twin sabers at the devil child.
Action 1:
Attack: 11 Damage: 9
Bonus action:
Attack: 17 Damage: 2
Then he flicks the point of his blade towards one of the plant dogs and a spiral of water turns to shards of ice as they careen towards his target. Right now, he doesn't see a child, or creatures made of vines. He sees demons--an image only heightened in his mind as he uses the last spell he ever saw his mother use. The spell she used to defend him from the beasts just before tossing him over the wall and into the snowdrifts below.
Ice Knife:
Attack: Attack: 3 Damage: 9
Twig must succeed a Dex save of 11 or take: 10 cold damage
Initiative:
Plant dog 1
Leeta
Mizu
Plant dog 2
Rowarin
Plant dog 3
Plant dog 4
Mina
Rixian
Kullogal
It seems that the plant dogs also see Rixian as the biggest threat here. At first they seem a bit wary of the fiery youth, which gives him the time to converse with his watery rival. However, eventually it decides to attack. It strikes out first with it's claws then jabs it's barbed tail at the young paladin.
Claw To hit: 23
Damage: 7
Tail: 22
Damage: 3 and (make con save DC 16, if you fail you will take 10 each round)
Just as this plant dog lashes out, Leeta decides to force Mizu to snap back to his senses by flinging him into the back wall of the alley. (it was 10ft from Mizu) It works! Mizu is now freed from the spell. Convinced she is a demon, he lunges towards the pale thorny child with his blades...which pass right through her as if she was made of air. Her head snaps around stopping in an awkward cocked position, fixes the water warrior with a glassy eyed gaze, and grins.
The plant dogs nimbly dodge each shard of falling ice, perhaps Mizu's memories of childhood trauma have caused his aim to falter.
Plant dog 2 decides to avoid Rixian instead opting for Rowarin. It first circles the wizard, making odd clicking noises all the while before suddenly lashing out with it's claws.
Claw To hit: 18
Damage: 10
Claw To hit: 6
Damage: 5
Rowarin is now up!
(OOC: FIrst attack misses, second attack hits)
Rowarin sees the approaching plant dog and manages to deftly avoid the first claw, however being an alley he finds himself unable to find the room to maneuver out the way of the 2nd blow, being raked across his arm and taking the hit! "Damn it!"
Rowarin will in turn begin to glow, and you all watch as searing light eminates from his mouth and eyes, to bright to see. Doing this as bonus action his chosen revelation Radiant Consumption -
With this revelation, Rowarin holds his stave and charges up a cantrip Green-Flame Blade, and strikes the plant dog!
To hit: 11
Damage: 1 bludgeoning damage + 7 fire damage + 3 radiant damage.
Additional: If there is another plant dog within 5 feet of the one in front of me, green flames leap to that creature and it takes 14 fire damage!
(OOC: Now my turn has ended, each creature within 10 feet take 3 radiant damage.)
Plant dog 2 yelps when Rowarin's flames light it up. Despite being unharmed by the blunt force of the stave, the flames seem to be really hurting it.
Unfortunately for plant dog 3, who would have been about to swipe at Leeta, it was standing a little to close to it's friend. It lets out a shrill shriek when the flames suddenly jump over to it. Within seconds, it shrivels into dust.
(Plant dog 3 is now dead)
Plant dog 4, who had been pacing in the back gauging the situation lets out a low clicking noise as it debates whether Rixi or Rowarin are the greatest threats. Sensing the death of it's comrade, it decides Rowarin is it's primary target. Racing forward it lashes it's tail at the wizard, then strikes out with a claw.
Tail: 7
Damage: 5(on a hit make a con save DC 16 or take 10 damage each round)
Claw: 20
Damage: 7
For anyone who fails the con save:
Your wound explodes in excruciating pain. It feels as if a thousand shards of glass are rushing through your bloodstream slicing you up from inside. Looking at the wound, you are horrified to see thorny vines swiftly growing out of your skin.
Mina is up!
Mina doesn't even notice Rowarin's change. After Mizu attacks Twig, she only has eyes for the water genasi. Pulling out her longbow, she draws it back and sends an arrow towards him.
Attack: 18, Damage: 8
And another arrow...
Attack: 12... misses.
Rixi’s just... frozen. What he sees right now is his past... how they left him to suffer... how they left him to grow up like this... and then he returns to reality when Leeta speaks...
Wait... What Leeta said... that sounded familiar. Didn’t that come from a game? He’s heard it before and... didn’t someone else say this too?! No... Rather...
Ethan- “When the Simic Combine forces that I fought with entered into combat situations, I was always reminded of this one scene in Warcraft as I ask myself: . Because... think about this thoroughly: If there’s nothing you intend to seek, what’s the point of letting your emotions control you and making you charge into the midst of danger or into anything that you want to fight against?”
Daisy- “Ever since you saved my butt and cuddled me for the first time without my consent, I always asked myself: ‘What is it that I... that you... the both of us... are fighting for?’ Now tell me you jerk: You have something that you desperately want to earn for yourself, right? Let me guess: You’re madly in love with me aren’t you? I’m the real reason why you fight for your own peace and quiet, am I right?”
Raiden- “I’m not expecting you to agree with what think about both Sword Coast and Japan, but... I always tell myself as I head out to hunt or travel: ‘What is it that I’m fighting for? What’s the thing I have to gain out of it? And why? Why should I follow through?’ It’s simple things like this that will help you find your path even when you’re in a state of turmoil.”
All of a sudden, his brain shifts from rage to sorrow and back; He wasn’t sure if that would be enough to cut off his growing anger for his past as he stands there for almost 10 seconds in place. What I’m fighting for... What I’m fighting for... My own vengeance... peace in the Sword Coast... Oath of Conquest... my love interest... Daisy... Ethan... everyone else that died fighting Tiamat...
Leeta’s words temporarily halted his anger from taking over his mind for now as he feels the demon slowly withdrawing but not fully. There’s still the residual bits left fuelling him, not to mention it’s only the start of the fight, so he shouldn’t get his hopes up. At least, that’s what it seems. Because that’s when it almost hits him: Leeta has already rushed out to face her comrade; Plant dog 2 immediately attacks his ally on his right, which is... what was his name again? He doesn’t know... and then he gets blinded as Rowarin changes forms. “HEY! WATCH IT!” but what he also knows is that Plant dog 1 almost caught him off guard if it wasn’t for him ducking to the left to avoid its claw, before following up with a quick parry against its tail using his massive weapon before retaliating back (OA: 8 Damage: 10) (Non-lethal).
“You’re right, Leeta-san... I shouldn’t let that control me... Gomen nasai (御免 なさい,I’m sorry)” Rixi replies in a lower, but much calmer tone as he opens his eyes, raises his double bladed glaive in the air and eyes Twig plus her dogs... “...And yes I agree. We must save Twig...” ...before he violently slams one of its blades into the ground, causing an eruption of lava to burst underneath in the direction of, not Twig, but the two plant dogs that confronted him and his flanking ally as he raises his voice again. “...FROM THEM!” (Plant dogs 1 and 2 must make a DC 16 DEX Save or be blasted with 9 Fire Damage (Non-Lethal))
Rixi’s curse: Every attack he makes against the plant dogs and Twig has to be non-lethal if he wants to keep his oath. If Rixi has to deal the final blow on any of the plants dogs or Twig, he can either at most drop them to 1hp or knock them unconscious.
For Mizu:
Even though he did his best to conceal his current state of mind, the water genasi can easily tell, just from Rixi’s tears on his face and unstable body language, that he’s really not okay. It seems that the unresolved horrors he endured in the past are the main cause for his unstable personality, as much as Mizu being haunted by his own past too. But he doesn’t know if he’s specifically yelling at him or everyone else in general. What he yelled sounded vague, as if he’s also yelling at Leeta, Rowarin and Twig too. Probably best not to ask him about it for now...
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade)
Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer (Clockwork Soul); Lancea
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance)
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
“Stop, everyone just stop!” Kulogall bellows out, getting closer to Twig. He starts waving his hands, swirling and moving them back and forth. He creates a wall of water separating everyone else from himself and Twig, trying to use the water to protect her, shielding off the others and their attacks. He turns to her and says “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. No one will be able to penetrate through that.”
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Leeta watches as Mizu seems to have regained his senses, and though she's relieved this doesn't reflect on her face. Instead, three words seems to reach her eyes as she looks at the water genasi before turning her back to him."How could you?". They are unpronounced, and yet, somehow, the fighter can understand them very clearly.
The monk is about to choose a new target, another watery target, when two things happen all of a sudden. First, Rowarin reveals himself as ... what!? She doesn't know, but his form is so shiny! So beautiful? What is he?!
And yet, even that falls to background when the second thing happens: an arrow flying directly to her former target. The still pond she was second ago isn't that still anymore, and she's not that sure about the cause. Is it because she's deeply disappointed at Mizu? Or is it because Mina has shot him? Both? Either way, the halfling does not wait to think about this, and rushes towards the sea elf, saying:
- Wrong move, girl.
And she strikes at her with small but deft hands.
Round 2.
Action: Unarmed strike to hit: 27. Damage: another lucky 1. For a total of 6.
Movement/Bonus: @Rynn, could I use what remains of my movement and another ki point to Step of the Wind to dash (and I read, also doubles her jumps?), to jump the wall of water and reach Kulogall? Also, can Mina roll now or does she have to wait to her turn? If she can roll now, I will want to wait for that roll, because if she fails, I may want to punch her again instead of jumping.(I'll leave the rolls for the Flurry of Blows in case Mina rolls and fails: 17 to hit and 10 damage. 26 to hit and 6 damage.)Didn't do any of this in the end.Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra