As the tension in the town square reached its zenith, Haj made his move. With deft and silent movements, he ascended to the rooftop of the building where he had taken refuge. His keen eyes locked onto a nearby mercenary, and in the span of a heartbeat, he released two arrows with deadly precision.
The first arrow found its mark, piercing the mercenary's stomach and pinning him to the wall behind, his agonized cry muffled by the suddenness of his demise. The second arrow struck with ruthless efficiency, ending the mercenary's life as it punctured his head. The lifeless body slumped, held in place by the cruel arrows, and the orc standing beside the fallen mercenary let out a startled yelp before turning and fleeing in sheer terror.
Across the street, one of the two mercenaries who had been eyeing Haj's position also succumbed to panic, his instincts urging them to retreat from the perilous rooftop sniper. They hastily followed the orc in a his retreat.
But the enigmatic figure leading the attackers was unshaken. With a voice that reverberated with malice, he bellowed orders to his troops. "There he is, on the roof! Surround him! Bring him to me maimed if you can. I want to make this slow..." His words hung in the air, an ominous promise of cruelty, as he menacingly brandished a cruelly sharp Damascus steel broadsword.
The two remaining orcs, sensing the urgency of their leader's command, charged forward, crude javelins gripped tightly in their hands. Their intent was clear, but they held off on hurling their weapons just yet, preferring to close the distance first.
To the east of the square, the lone mercenary who had managed to maintain their composure pulled back, swiftly loading a crossbow and taking aim at Haj. However, their shot went wide, missing the agile archer. From a nearby house, a goblin archer emerged, a crude shortbow in hand. With a quick draw, it fired an arrow at Haj, but the shot missed its mark.
On the west side of the square, the looters, having heard the figure's chilling orders, began to emerge from their hiding spots. They moved purposefully, encircling Haj's building as they advanced.
Seeing opportunity amidst the chaos, the guards within the temple burst forth, determined to protect their besieged town. They launched an assault on the goblin archer and the crossbowman who had taken shots at Haj. The goblin met a swift demise under the onslaught of the guards' spears. However, the crossbowman managed to evade their attacks with nimble dodges, snarling defiantly. Surprised at the valor of the militia, the mysterious figure swung at the guards but missed, his frustration evident.
Inside the temple, the terrified villagers sought refuge, fleeing down side streets to safety.
Amidst the chaos, Haj found himself surrounded by enemies, the odds seemingly stacked against him. Yet, as hope seemed lost, his eyes locked onto a welcome sight—a figure emerging from the south, a greatsword in hand, its blade glistening with fresh blood. It was Galdric.
Aridove, driven by the urgency of the siege, knew that she had to act swiftly to silence the deadly siege weapons threatening the castle. Determined, she made her way toward the shortest path leading to the militiamen who still valiantly held their ground. With a clear directive in mind, she addressed them urgently, her voice carrying the weight of determination.
"I am here to help, and I can unleash the force of nature. Focus your fire on the enemies near the ballistas, then target the catapult," Aridove instructed. She hoped that the militiamen would heed her guidance.
As she spoke, Aridove used her magic to aid the militiamen as best as she could. With a wave of her hand and an incantation, she summoned forth vines that snaked their way toward four of the six ballista operators. The wicked vines ensnared them, rendering them immobile.
"Wait until the vines climb toward their feet. Then throw with all your might, if you can still fight," she instructed them as she launched a stone from her sling towards the ballistamen. One of the ballistamen was hit squarely in the shoulder, his cry of pain piercing signalling the beginning of Shadowdale's counterattack.
The militiamen, now infused with newfound purpose, surged forward, spears and stones at the ready. The ballistamen, caught off guard and ensnared, found themselves at a severe disadvantage. The southernmost operator was impaled by multiple spears before he could even turn around, while his comrade beside him was pelted with the deadly magic stones. Aridove followed closely behind the militiamen, ready to lend her support.
Meanwhile, the archers stationed below, witnessing their comrades under attack, retaliated with a volley of arrows. The projectiles found their marks, striking one militiaman in the shoulder and another in the leg. Though badly wounded, the militiamen remained determined to fight on.
Undeterred, the militiamen pushed forward once more. Another of the ballista mercenaries met a gruesome end, skewered by their spears. The wounded militiamen hurled the enchanted stones at yet another ballistaman, the impact resulting in a sickening crunch as bone met stone, and the mercenary slumped lifeless.
Across the battlefield, the catapult operators to the west cursed and began to rush toward the fray, their crude daggers drawn. However, they could do little more than watch helplessly as their comrades on the bridge were mercilessly cut down.
Above, the archers stationed on the castle walls unleashed another volley of arrows, bringing down two more of the ensnared ballistamen.
The last ballistaman, miraculously unbound, appeared to have lost his wits entirely. He charged recklessly at the militiamen, his incoherent babbling a testament to his broken spirit. The militiamen easily sidestepped his wild blows, rendering him ineffective in his mad assault.
From within the castle, the resounding bellow of a warhorn signaled a decisive moment. The portcullis was raised, and Shadowdale's battle-hardened veterans surged forth, seizing the opportunity now that the ballistas had been silenced. Ten of Shadowdale's finest charged onto the bridge, their determination unwavering as they joined the fray.
As the tension in the town square reached its zenith, Haj, ever the stealthy archer, made his move. With deft and silent movements, he ascended to the rooftop of the building where he had taken refuge. His keen eyes locked onto a nearby mercenary, and in the span of a heartbeat, he released two arrows with deadly precision.
The first arrow found its mark, piercing the mercenary's stomach and pinning him to the wall behind, his agonized cry muffled by the suddenness of his demise. The second arrow struck with ruthless efficiency, ending the mercenary's life as it punctured his head. The lifeless body slumped, held in place by the cruel arrows, and the orc standing beside the fallen mercenary let out a startled yelp before turning and fleeing in sheer terror.
Across the street, one of the two mercenaries who had been eyeing Haj's position also succumbed to panic, his instincts urging them to retreat from the perilous rooftop sniper. They hastily followed the orc in a his retreat.
But the enigmatic figure leading the attackers was unshaken. With a voice that reverberated with malice, he bellowed orders to his troops. "There he is, on the roof! Surround him! Bring him to me maimed if you can. I want to make this slow..." His words hung in the air, an ominous promise of cruelty, as he menacingly brandished a cruelly sharp Damascus steel broadsword.
The two remaining orcs, sensing the urgency of their leader's command, charged forward, crude javelins gripped tightly in their hands. Their intent was clear, but they held off on hurling their weapons just yet, preferring to close the distance first.
To the east of the square, the lone mercenary who had managed to maintain their composure pulled back, swiftly loading a crossbow and taking aim at Haj. However, their shot went wide, missing the agile archer. From a nearby house, a goblin archer emerged, a crude shortbow in hand. With a quick draw, it fired an arrow at Haj, but the shot missed its mark.
On the west side of the square, the looters, having heard the figure's chilling orders, began to emerge from their hiding spots. They moved purposefully, encircling Haj's building as they advanced.
Seeing opportunity amidst the chaos, the guards within the temple burst forth, determined to protect their besieged town. They launched an assault on the goblin archer and the crossbowman who had taken shots at Haj. The goblin met a swift demise under the onslaught of the guards' spears. However, the crossbowman managed to evade their attacks with nimble dodges, snarling defiantly. Surprised at the valor of the militia, the mysterious figure swung at the guards but missed, his frustration evident.
Inside the temple, the terrified villagers sought refuge, fleeing down side streets to safety.
Amidst the chaos, Haj found himself surrounded by enemies, the odds seemingly stacked against him. Yet, as hope seemed lost, his eyes locked onto a welcome sight—a figure emerging from the south, a greatsword in hand, its blade glistening with fresh blood. It was Galdric.
It is Galdric's Turn
Galdric takes in the scene at a glance. He has to figure out how to 1) draw hostiles away from Haj, 2) organize a retreat of the guards, and 3) take out the mysterious figure. He decides to attack the leader directly in hopes that are after Haj turn their attention towards him instead. This also brings him close to the group of guards so hopefully they can begin pulling back as a group. To that end, he’s going to run as far as he can (R, 18) and then as a bonus action he will use is Blessing of The Raven Queen ability to teleport another 30 ft so that he is within striking range of the hooded figure (R, 12). He’ll swing his sword at the figure, hoping to catch him somewhat off guard.
Attack: 17
Damage: 11
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Seeing Galdric charging into the fray, Haj changes course and heads west (X19) to give him support, bow still in hand. En route he takes a snapshot at the mercenary in his line of sight (Q20).
Attack: 22 Damage: 9
Next round. Hoping that the hit has done enough damage to keep the mercenary from taking any further interest in the fight, Haj decides it's time get up close and personal with the orc at V17 and draws his scimitars. If he can keep these orcs focused on him it gives Galdric the chance to ignore his right flank.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
1 (Damage from fire/ smoke inhalation- Constitution Save: 4)
Bell continues with the burning tavern rescue, quickly snatching up a number of woolen blankets from the beds, in the adjacent guest room. Wool, as the academic knows, is highly flame resistant; and while it would ultimately burn- for a brief, crucial period, it could mean the difference between life and death!
Draping one over his own shoulders, he passes through to the east, where his fellow rescuers have successfully suppressed the flames. The half elf drops two more blankets over the burning beam, blocking further progress, and proceeds to tamp down on it with his shovel, trying to smother the flames. The success of this is rather limited, under the circumstances, but might be just enough to encourage the young couple, to make their escape..?
”Courage, now! To me, and quickly, there is no time to spare!”
(Bardic Inspiration to the young couple. He prepares to drape a woolen blanket over the couple, if they muster their courage, and heed his beckoning).
Horros goes to swing at the remaining Goblin, ending it's life. Directing the two guards in the vicinity, "Clear out the buildings to the West! Let no civilian remain stranded, No Goblin left with breath in their lungs."
He swings at the Goblin at Q19 with all of his might: Attack: 13 Damage: 6
Bless Roll: 1
If he succeeds, he moves to the center of the intersection (about L11) to cover the retreat of the civilians.
As the ballistas fell silent, choked by magical vines, a momentous shift occurred. The castle's gates burst open, and the hardened veterans of Shadowdale, led by their fearless leader Sir Gavain Ironheart, charged forth with a ferocious battle cry. Their sudden and forceful emergence struck terror into the hearts of the remaining mercenaries. Realizing that the tide of battle had turned irreversibly against them, the mercenaries' resolve crumbled. Panic took hold, and they fled in fear, abandoning their positions in a disorderly retreat.
Aridove, the architect of this pivotal moment, watched with a mixture of relief and triumph as the veterans swept over the bridge, reclaiming the ground lost to the enemy. Sir Gavain, a towering figure clad in battle-worn armor, strode through the carnage straight toward her. His eyes, though weary from battle, shone with gratitude and respect.
"Without your courage and wity, his day might have ended in sorrow," Sir Gavain proclaimed, his voice carrying over the din of the battlefield. "You rallied the broken, turned the tide, and gave us the opening we needed. Shadowdale is in your debt. What may I call you?"
As the immediate rush of victory began to wane, Sir Gavain's gaze shifted, landing on the ragtag group of militiamen Aridove had rallied. His expression hardened, the sternness of a seasoned commander returning to his face. "But for some, this day's end will not be so triumphant," he said, his tone grave. "Desertion in the face of the enemy is a grave sin, one that is paid for with life. "
The militiamen, their faces a mix of fear and exhaustion, understood the unspoken threat in Sir Gavain's words. They had fled once, and though they had returned to fight under Aridove's leadership, the stain of their initial desertion remained.
Looking to Aridove, Sir Gavain returned to the matter at hand. "First though, we must bring order back to Shadowdale." With the exception of Gavain, the men who charged the bridge make their way into town.
In the throbbing heart of the Flaming Tavern, the desperate struggle for survival continued to unfold with an intensity as fierce as the fire itself. Zyzix, under the guise of the hapless merchant Drax, battled against the suffocating smoke, coughing into his handkerchief as he pointed out the major obstacle – a raging bonfire blocking the path deeper into the tavern. His voice, lordly despite his feigned ineptitude, suggested a joint effort to extinguish the flames that threatened to consume them all. With a dramatic imitation of a dragonborn's might, he unleashed a surge of arcane energy towards the fire, dampening its ferocity but not quite snuffing it out. Clumsily, he clamored over the counter, silverware and cups clattering in his wake, muttering complaints about his perilous predicament.
Cal, the sorcerer, moved with a determined grace amidst the chaos. Approaching the young couple trapped by the inferno, he quickly doused the flames that barred their escape. Extending his hands in a gesture of assurance, he beckoned them to follow him to safety, ready to lead them personally if necessary.
Meanwhile, Bell, the scholarly magician, had taken a more pragmatic approach. Snatching woolen blankets from the guest room, he knew these could serve as a temporary shield against the flames. Draped in one himself, he navigated through the east, where his companions had subdued the flames. Laying the blankets over the burning beam, he used his shovel in a desperate attempt to smother the fire. His actions, though limited in effect, were enough to embolden the young couple to flee towards safety.
As the couple heeded the party's words and made their escape with Cal, the scene was marred by the continued screams from the back of the tavern. The cries, full of terror and despair, indicated that more people remained trapped, paralyzed by fear amidst the raging inferno.
Zyzix, overwhelmed by the rising smoke, found himself succumbing to its asphyxiating embrace. His vision blurred, and his movements slowed as the toxic fumes began to take their toll. Meanwhile, Cal, with his focus intently set on the fire, remained unaware of his companion's worsening condition.
Amidst this harrowing rescue, a new peril emerged. From the shadows of the surrounding forest, the earlier snipers, thought to be temporarily subdued, rallied much sooner than expected. Their arrows, alight with flame, began to pierce the dusken sky once more, targeting the militiamen at the well and threatening to ignite new blazes across the already beleaguered tavern.
The situation within the Flaming Tavern had become a crucible of danger and desperation. With the lives of many still hanging in the balance, and the renewed threat from the snipers, the heroes faced not only the relentless advance of the fire but also the looming threat from without. The path ahead was fraught with peril, and their courage and ingenuity would be tested to their utmost limits.
The militiamen are taking cover from the snipers so the fire grows. Next turn they will take direct fire from the snipers
With a surge of resolve, Galdric makes his bold move. He focuses on the menacing, hooded figure, hoping to draw the attention of the attackers to himself, thus providing Haj and the guards a crucial window to act. Harnessing the powers, he teleports into the fray, appearing strikingly close to the hooded leader. His sword slices through the air, landing a heavy blow that wrenches a pained roar from the figure.
Observing Galdric's daring assault, Haj swiftly adapts his strategy. He maneuvers westward across the rooftop, aiming to offer support with his bow. In a fluid motion, he releases an arrow at a nearby mercenary, its tip slicing through flesh and drawing first blood.
The enemies react with lethal intent. The mercenary, clutching a crossbow, and a goblin archer retaliate fiercely. The mercenary's bolt grazes Haj, who, in a desperate dodge, exposes himself to the goblin's arrow. The sharp projectile impales his leg, the pain excruciating, as it tears through flesh and exits, leaving a gruesome trail.
Meanwhile, the other mercenary and a second goblin archer, startled by Galdric's sudden appearance, shift their aim towards him. The goblin's shot goes astray, but the mercenary's bolt flies unerringly, burying itself deep into Galdric's shoulder. The impact is devastating, a crippling blow that brings Galdric to the brink of collapse.
In the north, a melee ensues between a mercenary and a guard. The mercenary manages to wound the guard, but his victory is short-lived. Other guards swarm him, their spears mercilessly penetrating his flesh, ending his life amidst pitiful pleas for mercy. However, the remaining guards, engaging the hooded figure, find their opponent dauntingly skilled, their strikes parried with ease.
The orcs, witnessing their leader's peril, rejoin the battle with savage ferocity. One orc decapitates a guard with a single, brutal swing, while another takes a swing at Galdric, who barely evades the deadly arc.
The hooded figure, with a ruthless display of combat prowess, deflects a guard's spear thrust and counters with a vicious strike, slicing deep into the guard's side, leaving him grievously wounded and gasping for breath. His attention then turns to Galdric. With a bone-crushing strike to Galdric's arm, followed by a piercing stab from his stiletto dagger, the figure brings Galdric crashing to the ground, grievously wounded and incapacitated, his life hanging by a thread.
As Galdric lies defeated, the figure leans in, his breath foul, his voice filled with venom. "I don't know who you are," he sneers, "but you should've never gotten involved in this..."
The town square is now a scene of unbridled brutality, with each combatant locked in a desperate, potentially fatal struggle. The fate of the heroes hangs precariously in the balance, with death looming ever closer.
In the midst of the harrowing battle engulfing the streets of Shadowdale, Horros, embodying the fierce resolve of a true leader, sets his sights on the remaining goblin. With a commanding presence, he orders the nearby guards, "Clear out the buildings to the West! Let no civilian remain stranded, No Goblin left with breath in their lungs."
He swings mightily at the goblin to is south, but the creature, with a stroke of luck, narrowly dodges the lethal blow. Horros then moves to the center of the intersection, providing crucial cover for the civilians fleeing to safety down the street, away from the chaos.
To the north, the heart-wrenching screams echoing from three houses reach a crescendo of panic and pain before one is chillingly cut short. The goblin, hidden within, has silenced another villager, its savagery unrestrained.
Meanwhile, the remaining goblin, embroiled in combat to the south, manages to wound a guard, his sword finding its mark. However, the guard, fueled by a defiant roar, together with his fellow, retaliates with unyielding ferocity. Their spears pierce the goblin, ending its life in a display of determined justice.
To the west, the battle intensifies as the militiamen converge on the final orc. Like a pack cornering its prey, they thrust their spears with lethal intent, driving the orc against a market stall, trapping him like a caged animal.
In the same vicinity, two more guards engage in a fierce skirmish with the last remaining mercenary. One guard's strike misses, but the other lands a decisive blow with the butt of his spear, shattering the mercenary's nose and causing blood to cascade down his face.
Meanwhile, behind the front lines of the western guards, the commoners, having completed their desperate preparations, set the boat adrift. With swift and determined strokes, they paddle down the stream towards the safety of the castle, the waters carrying them away from the nightmare unfolding on the shores.
In this tumultuous scene, Taya, Horros, and the town guards stand as beacons of hope. The danger has not fully passed but their actions have turned the tide of battle in their favor.
Path now clear, Cal rushes in deeper into the building. "I'll find the others!" He thinks to Zyzix, as he barrels down the hallway towards the back of the building(P7). Looking around wildly he gets a crazy idea as he spots an external wall badly damaged by the fire, extinguishing the flames there(P3), he shoves against it with all his telekinetic might as he also rushes forward to bodily dive through, using his own body to widen the opening if his telekinesis fails. Praying this both works and the people here can make safe use of this exit to the north.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
Taya pushes with her shield against the mercenary to unbalance him and get passed the caravan guard towards the North (passing through his spot as difficult terrain to I10). During her manoeuvre, she tried to find an opening to strike with her sword but, unfortunately, she couldn't angle the sword sufficiently to get in a good hit. Still, now she is in a good position to protect the two guards. "Try to help the civilians," She suggests to Horros, "And you follow him after we take down this one! We must protect the innocent!" she commands the guards next to her.
Move: to I10 (difficult terrain because passing over other creature) Action: Attack mercenary H11, hit 22 (incl. Bless) for 3 damage Reaction: One of the two following whichever occurs first:
If any foe strikes a particularly heavy blow and is within 60 feet and visible to Taya, she will try to interfere with Silvery Barbs.
If someone within 5 feet of her is attacked (by ranged or melee) she will try and protect that person with her shield and ward off the attack (impose disadvantage on the attack roll)
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Town Square:
As the tension in the town square reached its zenith, Haj made his move. With deft and silent movements, he ascended to the rooftop of the building where he had taken refuge. His keen eyes locked onto a nearby mercenary, and in the span of a heartbeat, he released two arrows with deadly precision.
The first arrow found its mark, piercing the mercenary's stomach and pinning him to the wall behind, his agonized cry muffled by the suddenness of his demise. The second arrow struck with ruthless efficiency, ending the mercenary's life as it punctured his head. The lifeless body slumped, held in place by the cruel arrows, and the orc standing beside the fallen mercenary let out a startled yelp before turning and fleeing in sheer terror.
Across the street, one of the two mercenaries who had been eyeing Haj's position also succumbed to panic, his instincts urging them to retreat from the perilous rooftop sniper. They hastily followed the orc in a his retreat.
But the enigmatic figure leading the attackers was unshaken. With a voice that reverberated with malice, he bellowed orders to his troops. "There he is, on the roof! Surround him! Bring him to me maimed if you can. I want to make this slow..." His words hung in the air, an ominous promise of cruelty, as he menacingly brandished a cruelly sharp Damascus steel broadsword.
The two remaining orcs, sensing the urgency of their leader's command, charged forward, crude javelins gripped tightly in their hands. Their intent was clear, but they held off on hurling their weapons just yet, preferring to close the distance first.
To the east of the square, the lone mercenary who had managed to maintain their composure pulled back, swiftly loading a crossbow and taking aim at Haj. However, their shot went wide, missing the agile archer. From a nearby house, a goblin archer emerged, a crude shortbow in hand. With a quick draw, it fired an arrow at Haj, but the shot missed its mark.
On the west side of the square, the looters, having heard the figure's chilling orders, began to emerge from their hiding spots. They moved purposefully, encircling Haj's building as they advanced.
Seeing opportunity amidst the chaos, the guards within the temple burst forth, determined to protect their besieged town. They launched an assault on the goblin archer and the crossbowman who had taken shots at Haj. The goblin met a swift demise under the onslaught of the guards' spears. However, the crossbowman managed to evade their attacks with nimble dodges, snarling defiantly. Surprised at the valor of the militia, the mysterious figure swung at the guards but missed, his frustration evident.
Inside the temple, the terrified villagers sought refuge, fleeing down side streets to safety.
Amidst the chaos, Haj found himself surrounded by enemies, the odds seemingly stacked against him. Yet, as hope seemed lost, his eyes locked onto a welcome sight—a figure emerging from the south, a greatsword in hand, its blade glistening with fresh blood. It was Galdric.
It is Galdric and Haj's Turn
Castle Keep
Aridove, driven by the urgency of the siege, knew that she had to act swiftly to silence the deadly siege weapons threatening the castle. Determined, she made her way toward the shortest path leading to the militiamen who still valiantly held their ground. With a clear directive in mind, she addressed them urgently, her voice carrying the weight of determination.
"I am here to help, and I can unleash the force of nature. Focus your fire on the enemies near the ballistas, then target the catapult," Aridove instructed. She hoped that the militiamen would heed her guidance.
As she spoke, Aridove used her magic to aid the militiamen as best as she could. With a wave of her hand and an incantation, she summoned forth vines that snaked their way toward four of the six ballista operators. The wicked vines ensnared them, rendering them immobile.
"Wait until the vines climb toward their feet. Then throw with all your might, if you can still fight," she instructed them as she launched a stone from her sling towards the ballistamen. One of the ballistamen was hit squarely in the shoulder, his cry of pain piercing signalling the beginning of Shadowdale's counterattack.
The militiamen, now infused with newfound purpose, surged forward, spears and stones at the ready. The ballistamen, caught off guard and ensnared, found themselves at a severe disadvantage. The southernmost operator was impaled by multiple spears before he could even turn around, while his comrade beside him was pelted with the deadly magic stones. Aridove followed closely behind the militiamen, ready to lend her support.
Meanwhile, the archers stationed below, witnessing their comrades under attack, retaliated with a volley of arrows. The projectiles found their marks, striking one militiaman in the shoulder and another in the leg. Though badly wounded, the militiamen remained determined to fight on.
Undeterred, the militiamen pushed forward once more. Another of the ballista mercenaries met a gruesome end, skewered by their spears. The wounded militiamen hurled the enchanted stones at yet another ballistaman, the impact resulting in a sickening crunch as bone met stone, and the mercenary slumped lifeless.
Across the battlefield, the catapult operators to the west cursed and began to rush toward the fray, their crude daggers drawn. However, they could do little more than watch helplessly as their comrades on the bridge were mercilessly cut down.
Above, the archers stationed on the castle walls unleashed another volley of arrows, bringing down two more of the ensnared ballistamen.
The last ballistaman, miraculously unbound, appeared to have lost his wits entirely. He charged recklessly at the militiamen, his incoherent babbling a testament to his broken spirit. The militiamen easily sidestepped his wild blows, rendering him ineffective in his mad assault.
From within the castle, the resounding bellow of a warhorn signaled a decisive moment. The portcullis was raised, and Shadowdale's battle-hardened veterans surged forth, seizing the opportunity now that the ballistas had been silenced. Ten of Shadowdale's finest charged onto the bridge, their determination unwavering as they joined the fray.
The veterans will move on the militia turn
It is Aridove's turn.
Galdric takes in the scene at a glance. He has to figure out how to 1) draw hostiles away from Haj, 2) organize a retreat of the guards, and 3) take out the mysterious figure. He decides to attack the leader directly in hopes that are after Haj turn their attention towards him instead. This also brings him close to the group of guards so hopefully they can begin pulling back as a group. To that end, he’s going to run as far as he can (R, 18) and then as a bonus action he will use is Blessing of The Raven Queen ability to teleport another 30 ft so that he is within striking range of the hooded figure (R, 12). He’ll swing his sword at the figure, hoping to catch him somewhat off guard.
Attack: 17
Damage: 11
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
((due to group initiative it's also Haj's turn. I'll update the scene once he posts as well))
Seeing Galdric charging into the fray, Haj changes course and heads west (X19) to give him support, bow still in hand. En route he takes a snapshot at the mercenary in his line of sight (Q20).
Attack: 22 Damage: 9
Next round.
Hoping that the hit has done enough damage to keep the mercenary from taking any further interest in the fight, Haj decides it's time get up close and personal with the orc at V17 and draws his scimitars. If he can keep these orcs focused on him it gives Galdric the chance to ignore his right flank.
Attack: 23 Damage: 6
Bonus Attack: 9 Damage: 9
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
1 (Damage from fire/ smoke inhalation- Constitution Save: 4)
Bell continues with the burning tavern rescue, quickly snatching up a number of woolen blankets from the beds, in the adjacent guest room. Wool, as the academic knows, is highly flame resistant; and while it would ultimately burn- for a brief, crucial period, it could mean the difference between life and death!
Draping one over his own shoulders, he passes through to the east, where his fellow rescuers have successfully suppressed the flames. The half elf drops two more blankets over the burning beam, blocking further progress, and proceeds to tamp down on it with his shovel, trying to smother the flames. The success of this is rather limited, under the circumstances, but might be just enough to encourage the young couple, to make their escape..?
”Courage, now! To me, and quickly, there is no time to spare!”
(Bardic Inspiration to the young couple. He prepares to drape a woolen blanket over the couple, if they muster their courage, and heed his beckoning).
Horros goes to swing at the remaining Goblin, ending it's life. Directing the two guards in the vicinity, "Clear out the buildings to the West! Let no civilian remain stranded, No Goblin left with breath in their lungs."
He swings at the Goblin at Q19 with all of his might: Attack: 13 Damage: 6
Bless Roll: 1
If he succeeds, he moves to the center of the intersection (about L11) to cover the retreat of the civilians.
Castle Keep
As the ballistas fell silent, choked by magical vines, a momentous shift occurred. The castle's gates burst open, and the hardened veterans of Shadowdale, led by their fearless leader Sir Gavain Ironheart, charged forth with a ferocious battle cry. Their sudden and forceful emergence struck terror into the hearts of the remaining mercenaries. Realizing that the tide of battle had turned irreversibly against them, the mercenaries' resolve crumbled. Panic took hold, and they fled in fear, abandoning their positions in a disorderly retreat.
Aridove, the architect of this pivotal moment, watched with a mixture of relief and triumph as the veterans swept over the bridge, reclaiming the ground lost to the enemy. Sir Gavain, a towering figure clad in battle-worn armor, strode through the carnage straight toward her. His eyes, though weary from battle, shone with gratitude and respect.
"Without your courage and wity, his day might have ended in sorrow," Sir Gavain proclaimed, his voice carrying over the din of the battlefield. "You rallied the broken, turned the tide, and gave us the opening we needed. Shadowdale is in your debt. What may I call you?"
As the immediate rush of victory began to wane, Sir Gavain's gaze shifted, landing on the ragtag group of militiamen Aridove had rallied. His expression hardened, the sternness of a seasoned commander returning to his face. "But for some, this day's end will not be so triumphant," he said, his tone grave. "Desertion in the face of the enemy is a grave sin, one that is paid for with life. "
The militiamen, their faces a mix of fear and exhaustion, understood the unspoken threat in Sir Gavain's words. They had fled once, and though they had returned to fight under Aridove's leadership, the stain of their initial desertion remained.
Looking to Aridove, Sir Gavain returned to the matter at hand. "First though, we must bring order back to Shadowdale." With the exception of Gavain, the men who charged the bridge make their way into town.
Combat has ended, we are back in RP
Burning Tavern Rolls
Complication: 2
Wisdom save for young couple frozen in fear (DC 12): 17 + 2
Wisdom save for people in the back: 5
Con save for cal, as he is no longer trying to stop the fire more broadly and focusing on one area: 23
Con save for "Drax": 11
Smoke Damage: 4
The Flaming Tavern
In the throbbing heart of the Flaming Tavern, the desperate struggle for survival continued to unfold with an intensity as fierce as the fire itself. Zyzix, under the guise of the hapless merchant Drax, battled against the suffocating smoke, coughing into his handkerchief as he pointed out the major obstacle – a raging bonfire blocking the path deeper into the tavern. His voice, lordly despite his feigned ineptitude, suggested a joint effort to extinguish the flames that threatened to consume them all. With a dramatic imitation of a dragonborn's might, he unleashed a surge of arcane energy towards the fire, dampening its ferocity but not quite snuffing it out. Clumsily, he clamored over the counter, silverware and cups clattering in his wake, muttering complaints about his perilous predicament.
Cal, the sorcerer, moved with a determined grace amidst the chaos. Approaching the young couple trapped by the inferno, he quickly doused the flames that barred their escape. Extending his hands in a gesture of assurance, he beckoned them to follow him to safety, ready to lead them personally if necessary.
Meanwhile, Bell, the scholarly magician, had taken a more pragmatic approach. Snatching woolen blankets from the guest room, he knew these could serve as a temporary shield against the flames. Draped in one himself, he navigated through the east, where his companions had subdued the flames. Laying the blankets over the burning beam, he used his shovel in a desperate attempt to smother the fire. His actions, though limited in effect, were enough to embolden the young couple to flee towards safety.
As the couple heeded the party's words and made their escape with Cal, the scene was marred by the continued screams from the back of the tavern. The cries, full of terror and despair, indicated that more people remained trapped, paralyzed by fear amidst the raging inferno.
Zyzix, overwhelmed by the rising smoke, found himself succumbing to its asphyxiating embrace. His vision blurred, and his movements slowed as the toxic fumes began to take their toll. Meanwhile, Cal, with his focus intently set on the fire, remained unaware of his companion's worsening condition.
Amidst this harrowing rescue, a new peril emerged. From the shadows of the surrounding forest, the earlier snipers, thought to be temporarily subdued, rallied much sooner than expected. Their arrows, alight with flame, began to pierce the dusken sky once more, targeting the militiamen at the well and threatening to ignite new blazes across the already beleaguered tavern.
The situation within the Flaming Tavern had become a crucible of danger and desperation. With the lives of many still hanging in the balance, and the renewed threat from the snipers, the heroes faced not only the relentless advance of the fire but also the looming threat from without. The path ahead was fraught with peril, and their courage and ingenuity would be tested to their utmost limits.
The militiamen are taking cover from the snipers so the fire grows. Next turn they will take direct fire from the snipers
Drax takes 4 damage, Bell takes 3
Town Square
Goblin shoots at Haj: 14, 7
Mercenary shoots at Haj: 21, 2
Goblin shoots at Galdric: 15, 4
Mercenary shoots at Galdric: 22, 8
Mercenary attacks guard: 14, 7
Guards attack northern mercenary: 21 19 21, 6 7 7
Guards attack mysterious figure: 7 15 , 6 4
Town Square:
Orc attacks Galdric: 14, 14
Orc attacks guard: 23, 13
Total damage to Haj: 11
Total damage to Galdric: 20, next post is already included in this
Forgot the mysterious figure:
Mysterious figure vs Galdric: 7, 8
Mysterious figure vs oguard: 12, 6
Mysterious figure vs other galdric: 24, 5
Town Square
With a surge of resolve, Galdric makes his bold move. He focuses on the menacing, hooded figure, hoping to draw the attention of the attackers to himself, thus providing Haj and the guards a crucial window to act. Harnessing the powers, he teleports into the fray, appearing strikingly close to the hooded leader. His sword slices through the air, landing a heavy blow that wrenches a pained roar from the figure.
Observing Galdric's daring assault, Haj swiftly adapts his strategy. He maneuvers westward across the rooftop, aiming to offer support with his bow. In a fluid motion, he releases an arrow at a nearby mercenary, its tip slicing through flesh and drawing first blood.
The enemies react with lethal intent. The mercenary, clutching a crossbow, and a goblin archer retaliate fiercely. The mercenary's bolt grazes Haj, who, in a desperate dodge, exposes himself to the goblin's arrow. The sharp projectile impales his leg, the pain excruciating, as it tears through flesh and exits, leaving a gruesome trail.
Meanwhile, the other mercenary and a second goblin archer, startled by Galdric's sudden appearance, shift their aim towards him. The goblin's shot goes astray, but the mercenary's bolt flies unerringly, burying itself deep into Galdric's shoulder. The impact is devastating, a crippling blow that brings Galdric to the brink of collapse.
In the north, a melee ensues between a mercenary and a guard. The mercenary manages to wound the guard, but his victory is short-lived. Other guards swarm him, their spears mercilessly penetrating his flesh, ending his life amidst pitiful pleas for mercy. However, the remaining guards, engaging the hooded figure, find their opponent dauntingly skilled, their strikes parried with ease.
The orcs, witnessing their leader's peril, rejoin the battle with savage ferocity. One orc decapitates a guard with a single, brutal swing, while another takes a swing at Galdric, who barely evades the deadly arc.
The hooded figure, with a ruthless display of combat prowess, deflects a guard's spear thrust and counters with a vicious strike, slicing deep into the guard's side, leaving him grievously wounded and gasping for breath. His attention then turns to Galdric. With a bone-crushing strike to Galdric's arm, followed by a piercing stab from his stiletto dagger, the figure brings Galdric crashing to the ground, grievously wounded and incapacitated, his life hanging by a thread.
As Galdric lies defeated, the figure leans in, his breath foul, his voice filled with venom. "I don't know who you are," he sneers, "but you should've never gotten involved in this..."
The town square is now a scene of unbridled brutality, with each combatant locked in a desperate, potentially fatal struggle. The fate of the heroes hangs precariously in the balance, with death looming ever closer.
Galdric must make a death saving throw.
It is Haj's turn.
Streetside Skirmish
Southern Goblin vs Southern Guard: 6, 8
Guards vs southern goblin: 21 16, 4 7
Guards vs northern mercenary: 15 8, 9 6
Western Guards vs Last orc: 15 18 16, 4 2 8
Streetside Skirmish
In the midst of the harrowing battle engulfing the streets of Shadowdale, Horros, embodying the fierce resolve of a true leader, sets his sights on the remaining goblin. With a commanding presence, he orders the nearby guards, "Clear out the buildings to the West! Let no civilian remain stranded, No Goblin left with breath in their lungs."
He swings mightily at the goblin to is south, but the creature, with a stroke of luck, narrowly dodges the lethal blow. Horros then moves to the center of the intersection, providing crucial cover for the civilians fleeing to safety down the street, away from the chaos.
To the north, the heart-wrenching screams echoing from three houses reach a crescendo of panic and pain before one is chillingly cut short. The goblin, hidden within, has silenced another villager, its savagery unrestrained.
Meanwhile, the remaining goblin, embroiled in combat to the south, manages to wound a guard, his sword finding its mark. However, the guard, fueled by a defiant roar, together with his fellow, retaliates with unyielding ferocity. Their spears pierce the goblin, ending its life in a display of determined justice.
To the west, the battle intensifies as the militiamen converge on the final orc. Like a pack cornering its prey, they thrust their spears with lethal intent, driving the orc against a market stall, trapping him like a caged animal.
In the same vicinity, two more guards engage in a fierce skirmish with the last remaining mercenary. One guard's strike misses, but the other lands a decisive blow with the butt of his spear, shattering the mercenary's nose and causing blood to cascade down his face.
Meanwhile, behind the front lines of the western guards, the commoners, having completed their desperate preparations, set the boat adrift. With swift and determined strokes, they paddle down the stream towards the safety of the castle, the waters carrying them away from the nightmare unfolding on the shores.
In this tumultuous scene, Taya, Horros, and the town guards stand as beacons of hope. The danger has not fully passed but their actions have turned the tide of battle in their favor.
It is Taya's turn
Path now clear, Cal rushes in deeper into the building. "I'll find the others!" He thinks to Zyzix, as he barrels down the hallway towards the back of the building(P7). Looking around wildly he gets a crazy idea as he spots an external wall badly damaged by the fire, extinguishing the flames there(P3), he shoves against it with all his telekinetic might as he also rushes forward to bodily dive through, using his own body to widen the opening if his telekinesis fails. Praying this both works and the people here can make safe use of this exit to the north.
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
Taya pushes with her shield against the mercenary to unbalance him and get passed the caravan guard towards the North (passing through his spot as difficult terrain to I10). During her manoeuvre, she tried to find an opening to strike with her sword but, unfortunately, she couldn't angle the sword sufficiently to get in a good hit. Still, now she is in a good position to protect the two guards. "Try to help the civilians," She suggests to Horros, "And you follow him after we take down this one! We must protect the innocent!" she commands the guards next to her.
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||