The Burning Tavern

Complication roll (1 or 2 are a complication): 2

Wisdom checks on the commoners across the bar with a path to the exit to see if they are frozen in fear (DC 12): 1

Wisdom checks on the commoners in the back to the exit to see if they are frozen in fear (DC 12): 9

Bardic inspiration on the two commoners visible by Bell and Cal: 4

The Burning Tavern

In a brave act of heroism, Cal ventured first into the raging fire, his mastery over flames guiding his path without the need for spoken words.

Within the searing heat and thick smoke, Cal reestablished his telepathic link with Zyzix, known as "Drax." His mental plea sought assistance amidst the fiery turmoil: "I'm heading in; can you get to the well, or slow the flames?"

On the other side of this blazing ordeal, Bell, the scholarly magician with a penchant for the dramatic, prepared himself for the daunting task ahead. He discarded his belongings, wielding a shovel as a potential lifeline. Leaping over the bar, he became a beacon of hope, urging those lost in the smoky chaos to follow his voice. "Come to my voice! You must exit with me now! Before the flames cut you off!" With the inn groaning ominously, he pressed onward, understanding that his magical cantrips would be insufficient if the inn succumbed to the fire's relentless advance.

Zyzix, masked as Drax, feigned surprise at the intrusion of telepathic communication, though it was a familiar method to him. "Oh, uh, I can help with the fire. Please do be careful in there," he responded, all the while dismissing the perilous idea of fetching water under sniper's watch. Nevertheless, he ventured into the fiery abyss, using his magic to extinguish flames that threatened to consume the inn's structural integrity. Amidst the chaos, he grumbled about the potential ruin of his clothes, a minor concern given the surrounding devastation.

Together, the trio united in purpose and pushed back against the relentless advance of the flames. Their efforts created a temporary sanctuary within the heat and smoke. It was then that a father and his small daughter emerged from the haze, their fear-driven inertia broken by Bell's cries. With the path to safety cleared, they fled to freedom, their lives no longer in imminent danger.

To the east, the situation took on a darker turn. A young couple found themselves trapped by a fallen, blazing beam, thwarted in their escape attempts by the merciless heat. Beyond them, the agonized screams of others pierced through the roaring flames, a stark reminder of the lives still hanging in the balance.

Outside, the scene had also changed. Observing the heroes storming the building and with the archers momentarily silenced, the militiamen had rallied to take action. They were now making their way to the well, forming a makeshift bucket brigade to fetch water and combat the blaze.

Despite their determined efforts, the temperature within the tavern continued to rise ominously as the fire spread relentlessly through the rest of the building. The heroes knew that time was running out, and the challenges they faced were far from over.

It is the Players Turn. The archers will begin firing in 3 turns

Streetside Skirmish Rolls:

Opportunity Attack on Taya by Goblin: 

• to hit: 12
• damage: 6

Morale Checks for the mercenaries: 11 2

Morale Check for the goblin: 18

Morale Check for the remaining orc: 20

Enemy attacks (pending morale checks):

Orc attacks southern guard: 

• to hit: 7
• damage: 14

Goblin attacks southern guard

• to hit: 8
• damage: 3

Mercenaries attack caravan guards

• to hit: 22
• damage: 5
• to hit: 10
• damage: 8

Guard opportunity attack against fleeing mercenary:

• to hit: 7
• damage: 3

Zyzix, still playing the role of the bumbling merchant, coughs into his handkerchief as he looks around the inferno about him. Seeing the large bonfire blocking the hall that leads deeper into the tavern, he points it out to Cal. Between coughs, he manages to wheeze out in his lordly voice, "It appears that fire is obstructing our way if we intend to delve deeper into this edifice. Shall we extinguish that one together? It's a bit too large for my magicks."

Zyzix draws a deep breath, imitating a dragonborn about to unleash their native elemental energies in a destructive exhalation. He "aims" towards the large fire raging in the hallway, and then he forcefully releases pent up arcane energy. The magic washes over the fire, dampening its flames. Regardless if he successfully puts it out or not, he tries to climb over counter, clumsily knocking over the silverware and cups strewn across its surface. Acting strained by the effort, he heaves himself over with a grunt. "This is the last time I go into a burning building to help someone," he grumbles. Ironically, one of Zyzix's brethren had also dived into a burning building to rescue someone while playing Drax. Zyzix could only hope that this wouldn't become a recurring theme for this persona.

Shadowdale Streets

Taya, with the resolve of a seasoned warrior, launched a final blow at the beleaguered goblin to the south. The strike, swift and true, nonetheless missed its mark, allowing the creature a moment's reprieve. Without hesitation, Taya pivoted on her heel, her armor clanking with the urgency of battle as she raced westward to reinforce the caravan and city guards.

The western front, now a maelstrom of fear and steel, teetered on the brink of collapse for the enemy. Witnessing the fall of their orcish comrade and finding themselves encircled by the town's defenders, panic took root. A goblin, its eyes wide with the instinct to survive, scrambled away to the north, with a mercenary close on its heels. Their flight was a desperate gambit to evade the justice of steel that sought them.

As they fled, a caravan guard, seizing the moment, lunged forward with a swift strike meant to halt the mercenary's escape. But fortune favored the fleeing, and the blade cut only through the cold night air, granting the mercenary another breath, another chance to run.

On the western flank, the fray grew fiercer. The remaining orc, caught in the fray, swung his weapon with reckless abandon, the fear of encroaching death fueling his arm. His attack, wild and unguided, found no target, the town guard nimbly sidestepping the clumsy arc of his blade.

Beside him, the last mercenary engaged with a caravan guard, their dance of battle a clash of offense and defense. With a vicious strike aimed to maim, the mercenary found his effort thwarted, his blade meeting the immovable force of the guard's steel shield with a resounding clang.

To the north, more screams emanated from the houses of the townfolk. The goblins so engrossed in their bloodlust and cruelty that they couldn't hear the plight of their comrades... yet. 

Behind the lines of the western guards, the commoners made progress preparing the boat for departure and began to pile in.

The battle in the streets of Shadowdale raged on, with Taya joining the ranks of the defenders, her presence a bolstering force. The guards, emboldened by her arrival, stood firm against the chaos, their shields and swords a bulwark against the darkness that sought to engulf their town.

It is Horros Turn

The Wizard's Tower

Galdric's towering presence cast a long shadow over the wounded mercenary sprawled at his feet. His voice, a deep rumble, commanded the air itself. "Mercy? My goddess's mercy isn't freely given. It is EARNED," he intoned. "Speak the truth now, and it may yet save you. Who has sent you, and what vile purpose drives you to this desecration?" Under Galdric's piercing gaze, the mercenary's eyes flickered with the fire of fear.

His lips parted, trembling as he weighed his words against the threat of his own shadowy commander. "We're the Black Serpent Brigade," he whispered, a hint of fatalism in his voice. "Sent by Riggs, we were... said to search the tower while he dealt with the militiamen in the square. B-bring back everything with a whiff of magic." His words dripped with a mix of reluctance and resignation, knowing too well the cost of his confession. Galdric immediately recognized the names from his travels. A truly vile band of miscreants, hired by "civilized" folk for the uncivilized reality of kingly politics. 

As Galdric absorbed the mercenary's reluctant admission, the tower door cracked open with a hesitant groan. Two figures emerged, their robes adorned with the subtle, intricate sigils of the Arcane Brotherhood. Their expressions were guarded, their eyes flickering with the remnants of spells recently cast. "Who are you? Please, let us be in our way. We are but seekers of knowledge," one began, his voice steady but laced with caution.

My name is Galdric, a simple caravan guard who happened upon this chaos. I came seeking Elminster in hopes that his power can end this conflict. Your turn. What is the Arcane Brotherhood doing in Shadowdale? These people are in dire straits. I assisted you by removing the threats from out here, so can you help these people?

If a Persuasion check is needed: 19

Also I’d like to do an Insight check to try and determine these wizards’ intentions and check for any deceit: 13

Galdric, his stature unyielding amidst the turmoil, extended a hand not in threat but in parley to the emerging wizards. "My name is Galdric, a simple caravan guard who happened upon this chaos. I came seeking Elminster in hopes that his power can end this conflict," he declared, his voice a bastion of sincerity. "Your turn. What is the Arcane Brotherhood doing in Shadowdale? These people are in dire straits. I assisted you by removing the threats from out here, so can you help these people?"

The acolytes, taken aback by Galdric's forthrightness and the gravity of his presence, exchanged a glance—a silent conversation passing between them. It was clear they were measuring the weight of his words, the cost of truth against the currency of trust.

"We were sent by the Brotherhood, on whispers that Elminster's Tower holds remnants of his research—clues to the strange happenings in Anauroch," the first acolyte admitted, his voice betraying a sliver of hope that perhaps Galdric was the ally they needed. "But Elminster himself has long departed these halls," he continued, a note of reverence threading his words.

The second acolyte, her gaze piercing, added, "Our mission is one of knowledge, not conflict. Yet, the plight of these people has not escaped our notice."

Galdric, with a keen eye sharpened by years of discerning the truths of the road, sought the honesty in their claims. The dice of fate rolled in his favor, as his insight gleaned the sincerity behind their guarded demeanor—they were scholars, not soldiers, caught in a maelstrom they were ill-prepared for.

With a persuasive plea that touched upon the honor and reciprocal nature of their situation, Galdric implored, "You have knowledge and magic at your disposal—tools that could save lives this day. I ask you, on behalf of those who suffer, lend us your aid."

His words seemed to strike true, igniting a sense of purpose within the acolytes. They nodded to each other, a silent accord reached. Turning back to Galdric, they spoke in unison, "We will do what we can."

In that moment, an alliance was forged in the crucible of chaos. Galdric and the acolytes of the Arcane Brotherhood, each driven by different quests, found their paths intertwined in the defense of Shadowdale.

“The village inn is ablaze with people trapped inside. I think I have some companions attempting to extract them. I have other companions trying to protect the citizens in the streets and bolster the castle’s defenses. I don’t know what your abilities are so I don’t the best way to use you. Would it be possible to try and clear a path to the castle so that civilians can flee to safety? If not I'm going to have to trust you to use your power however you feel is best. I believe one of my allies has attempted to engage the apparent leader of this rabble. I think I will go and attempt to assist and cut the head off the snake.”

Without waiting for a response from his new allies, Galdric takes off running towards Haj’s position to support him.

Seeing Drax handling one patch of flames, he decides to fight the ither. Cal moves up to and extinguishes the flames at Q14, then rushes through to the people trapped behind. He extends his hands, signaling to them to come with him, to escape, grabbing their hands and leading them himself if need be. 

Town Square

Morale for the mercenaries near the building: 20 18

Morale for the orc: 20

Town Square

Remaining Mercenary crossbowman shooting at haj: 

• to-hit: 2 (half cover)
• damage: 6

Goblin Archer shooting at haj:

• to-hit: 11 (half cover)
• damage: 4

Guards attacking Goblin archer:

• to-hit: 9
• damage: 3

• to-hit: 10
• damage: 2

• to-hit: 23
• damage: 2

Guards attacking mercenary crossbowman:

• to-hit: 10
• damage: 9

• to-hit: 7
• damage: 8

Mysterious Figure Attacking Guard

• to-hit: 10
• damage: 9

• to-hit: 14
• damage: 9

• to-hit: 23
• damage: 5

Updated Initiative: 

Galdric's Initiative: 13

Castle Keep:

Surprise Round:

Mercenary Strength Saves: 10  6  20  2  1

Militia attacking southernmost mercenary: 

• to-hit: 17
• damage: 3

• to-hit: 21
• damage: 2

• to-hit: 23
• damage: 7

Militia attacking guard in entangle spell:

• to-hit: 14  17 (advantage in case hes ensnared)
• damage: 8

• to-hit, magic stone: 22  12 (advantage in case hes ensnared)
• damage: 4

Castle Keep - Aridove, archers, and the militia:

Aridove's sling:normal pebbles Attack: 10 Damage: 6

Archers against the two militia:

• to-hit 5
• damage 9

• to-hit 8
• damage 5

• to-hit 11
• damage 4

• to-hit 15
• damage 5

Militia against entangled mercs:

• to-hit: 11  7
• damage: 6

• to-hit: 18  4
• damage: 4

• to-hit: 15  4
• damage: 7

• to-hit, magic stone: 22  14
• damage: 3

Castle Siege defenders, firing at the entangled mercs: 

• to-hit: 11  18
• damage: 7

• to-hit: 21  15
• damage: 3

• to-hit: 23  10
• damage: 3

• to-hit: 15  24
• damage: 4

Castle siege - ballista mercenary morale save (disadvantage)

12

Castle siege ballista mercenary attack militia

• to-hit: 19
• damage: 5