"Ah... hello, Maggwyn. Yes the haze bothers me a bit, though likely not as bad as further into the city. I see now - you mean a race against our limited time in the haze. Well, if it is delerium you seek, I think I can help you against whatever these 'haze husks' are, if you'll have me. Do you seek it for profit, then, as... Jordgubb does (I think)? If so, are you willing to say who is buying it from you?"
Xarian does not sound particularly judgmental asking any of this. More as if he is trying to piece things together into a big picture in his mind.
"As for fighting the clawed shadows before they ambush us as the green-hooded scouts said they will..."
The big man considers the lurking shadows that the green-hooded men had warned of. Wondering whether they can be attacked through normal means.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Fazil glanced around once more, his unease deepening with each passing moment. The shadows seemed to linger longer, and the silence felt heavier, amplifying his sense of anxiety.
"Luckily, he has magic to defend himself. He was never one for physical fights, not since he first started learning magic at the academy.
Thuribula waits to allow Maggwyn to answer Xarian's questions, but she responds to Xarian's inquiry for herself. "I have no interest in profit... nor do I want anything to do with delerium. But the problem is, it's here, it's infecting the minds and hearts of thousands, and a nation has been put to ruin by this scourge."She sighs. "I am ostensibly after a piece of delerium to prove the favor of the Silver Order, and that is to destroy it, not to sell it. But what I really seek, in the ruins, is some way to stop the corruption. Stop it, reverse it, find the source of it to eliminate it... Drakkenheim has become a blight on the world... nothing grows, animals die, corpses do not rot, and terrible things happen to unwitting people. It's unholy, unnatural. Many see short-term power and profit in it, but this is a distraction, and I fear what will happen if the delerium and whatever creates it is not dealt with in a swift and appropriate manner... if that is even possible. I crave the guidance of Saint Vitruvio and all the patrons of this city, and bear always the suffering of the corrupted in my prayers. I am here for the truth, nothing more nor less."
With an uneasy glance at the shadows, she continues, raising her voice enough so that everyone can hear her. "I remember learning about haze husks back in Elyria, though I've never seen one. They're very dangerous. When people die in the haze, they can get... ah... animated as corpses by the corruption, somehow. They can be destroyed, but they explode when they do, and it's extremely harmful to anyone standing near them. I've heard... that if the last blow is one of holy light...that it will stop the explosion. But, it's very risky to get close to attack them."
"It's nice to meet you, Jordgubb,"she says, noticing the dragonborn's sudden relaxation after she casts Light. "My name is Thuribula, I am a Flamekeeper of the Sacred Flame."A mageborn himself, of some sort, then? She watches as he pulls out the staff. Hmm, perhaps he doesn't know what Divine magic is... I know Paladins so blessed who are also zealous witch-hunters. But, fortunately, that is not me. My magic is granted for a different purpose. She smiles ruefully looking around at mageborn, now two, around her. Only to look back again, startled, as the green creature rushes the waiting shadows...
Maggwyn raises her eyebrow as the newcomer starts asking questions. "Nosey fella ain't ya? Help is always appreciated, but you're getting no info from me." she doesn't respond with any menace, just matter of fact.
Turning to Thuribula as she talks, the tiefling finally listens to the woman. In Emberwood, they hadn't spent much time together so she was not around for much of the woman's ramblings, but as the paladin continues on Maggwyn gives a slight nod to what she is saying and then loses focus once she starts talking about Saints.
She smiles as she watches the dragonborn take action and waits to see the reaction.
The big man was not expecting to charge into a fight unnecessarily without first assessing the situation, since the shadows were leaving us alone for now.
(Also see above 24, Nat. 20, on Investigation of clawed shadows and whether conventional attacks might be effective against them).
As Jordgubb comes to show clear intent of attacking them while in sight, casting a cantrip the Shadows prop themselves up unsurprised and had been rather prepared to fight before he can close that distance to give them a "bonk" (Rolling for initiative instead without a surprise round)
OOC Xarian would know that conventional damage without any magical source isn't useless but HALF as effective (resistant to physical attacks)
I shall put the battle map for Owlbear Rodeo in our group chat ^^
Also to the untrained eye Jordbudd would certainly appear as a Mageborn.
But Druids can gain power from the old gods of the elements and even the Phantom Queen Morgana. The Edicts can be a bit muddy toward Druids but most of the time if they can prove their faith even to strange gods aside from the Sacred Flame are not considered "Mage Born" as they don't have to be born with that power genetically and like Clerics and paladins can be learned by ordinary people with enough training. (Weirdly enough Wizards require training and being born with the right genes in the world of Drakkenheim)
OOC I added an extra bit of Roleplay for Fazil's bit in the group chat.
One of these shadows lunges forward and stops.. as they become even more... Mist like (Dodge action all attacks have disadvantage against them and they have advantage on Dex saves)
I shall PM Xarian more on these things weakness's and such as he got such a high roll.
Now it's Thuribula's turn! (The initiative tracker is on the Owlbear)
As Jordgubb rushes towards the shadows and one of them rushes to meet him, and a strange taunting voice reverberates from Fazil's bag somewhere, Thuribula lets her holy symbol, still glowing with Light, fall back to where it hangs from around her neck, and quickly readies her shield and her hammer. She then backs up to stand in front of Fazil, ready to protect him. Strange tricks these mageborn must contend with, but as the little green creature said, this is a mageborn's fight, and if I can do little against shadows on my own, the Light can do much more...
Fazil steps to the left, about 10 feet, creating space for a better view with a quick wave of his wand. At the same time, the letters in his spellbook start shining brightly in white.
"Set. Load. Burst." He cast Fire Bolt. Then, move back to his original position before to not let the enemy take a hit on him.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jordgubb rushes up and attempts the book with his Shillelaghed staff. (21 to hit 3 magical bludgeoning rolled in post #401 if still applicable)
As he strikes out a halo of spores wafts off of his staff and surprisingly also his body surrounding him in a faint haze, (reaction halo of spores, 10 ft radius, one creature starting it's turn within this circle must make a DC 12 con save or take 4 extra necrotic damage)
Jordgubb wheezes and grunts as he attacks betraying a slight lack of strength or practice in the lethargic looking dragonborn
Jordgubb's attack fazes through mist as it dodges. His spores seem to be swallowed by the shadow... Necrotic a negative energy this seems to be.. Made of it? It's clear that any sorta necrotic attack is even less useful than a physical one. (Immune)
Fazil's own firebolt fizzles out in a moment not most common for the young mageborn as the book clears it's "throat" in a sense.
"Err... my bad sir! We'll get em next time!"
The other shadow had begun to creep about 40 feet closer to the party. Also taking a misty like state (Dodge.)
(Posting Xarian speaking some words now, but will wait to post Xarian's actual turn in order after Maggwyn).
Suddenly, Xarian rouses from his intense contemplation and observation of the clawed shadows, well after battle has already started. Looking abashed, the big man shouts for the benefit of those engaging with the shadows, both hesitant and terse, as if delivering a report to a superior.
"They look undead to me, no surprise. That necrosis you are using won't work at all, Jordgubb, as you saw. Though your magical staff will, if you hit with it. I expect ordinary weapons like my maul to be only partially effective, along with elemental damage, since they are not fully... ah, corporeal? But I think they do not like the light one bit." He glances uncertainly at Thuribula, wondering if what he has heard about paladins' battle skills holds true.
"In fact, I think they will be particularly damaged by radiance. Being shadows and all. Force damage, such as from Magic Missile should work normally too, though I do not know that spell." (The big man addresses this last bit to Fazil in case the other mage does know it).
Maggwyn heads in, looking forward to rid themselves of this tail. Moving swiftly around the first one to flank with the newly found dragonborn, Maggs strikes out with her shortsword.
Attack: 13, Damage: 7
She sees what her fist can do next as she attempts to give it a jab..
After his first view of the city, Xarian sense deep down that they will never destroy enough shadows. More will arise. Yet it might best to deal with these first if they have already seen us and are waiting for us to be weakened before ambushing as the green-hooded men warned?
Perhaps it is this sense of futility that slows the swing of his maul and Booming Blade cantrip attack as he moves to engage the closest clawed shadow (1), flanking with Maggwyn and Jordgubb. The tiny soot-colored owl on his shoulder sorties forth to flap her wings at the shadow (1), taking the help action, granting advantage. Returning to Xarian's shoulder when done using Flyby.
Xarian'sBooming Blade attack with his maul, advantage from help canceling disadvantage from the target taking dodge action: To hit: 10 (guessing that misses) Damage on hit: 9 bludgeoning Crusher Feat: on a hit, large or smaller creature is moved 5' in any direction... Xarian would choose north. Booming Blade secondary damage (only on a hit), target takes damage if they move voluntarily on their turn: 5 thunder damage
"Ah... hello, Maggwyn. Yes the haze bothers me a bit, though likely not as bad as further into the city. I see now - you mean a race against our limited time in the haze. Well, if it is delerium you seek, I think I can help you against whatever these 'haze husks' are, if you'll have me. Do you seek it for profit, then, as... Jordgubb does (I think)? If so, are you willing to say who is buying it from you?"
Xarian does not sound particularly judgmental asking any of this. More as if he is trying to piece things together into a big picture in his mind.
"As for fighting the clawed shadows before they ambush us as the green-hooded scouts said they will..."
The big man considers the lurking shadows that the green-hooded men had warned of. Wondering whether they can be attacked through normal means.
Xarian Investigation: 24 (Natural 20)
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Fazil glanced around once more, his unease deepening with each passing moment. The shadows seemed to linger longer, and the silence felt heavier, amplifying his sense of anxiety.
"Luckily, he has magic to defend himself. He was never one for physical fights, not since he first started learning magic at the academy.
Perception Check: 18
Thuribula waits to allow Maggwyn to answer Xarian's questions, but she responds to Xarian's inquiry for herself. "I have no interest in profit... nor do I want anything to do with delerium. But the problem is, it's here, it's infecting the minds and hearts of thousands, and a nation has been put to ruin by this scourge." She sighs. "I am ostensibly after a piece of delerium to prove the favor of the Silver Order, and that is to destroy it, not to sell it. But what I really seek, in the ruins, is some way to stop the corruption. Stop it, reverse it, find the source of it to eliminate it... Drakkenheim has become a blight on the world... nothing grows, animals die, corpses do not rot, and terrible things happen to unwitting people. It's unholy, unnatural. Many see short-term power and profit in it, but this is a distraction, and I fear what will happen if the delerium and whatever creates it is not dealt with in a swift and appropriate manner... if that is even possible. I crave the guidance of Saint Vitruvio and all the patrons of this city, and bear always the suffering of the corrupted in my prayers. I am here for the truth, nothing more nor less."
With an uneasy glance at the shadows, she continues, raising her voice enough so that everyone can hear her. "I remember learning about haze husks back in Elyria, though I've never seen one. They're very dangerous. When people die in the haze, they can get... ah... animated as corpses by the corruption, somehow. They can be destroyed, but they explode when they do, and it's extremely harmful to anyone standing near them. I've heard... that if the last blow is one of holy light...that it will stop the explosion. But, it's very risky to get close to attack them."
"It's nice to meet you, Jordgubb," she says, noticing the dragonborn's sudden relaxation after she casts Light. "My name is Thuribula, I am a Flamekeeper of the Sacred Flame." A mageborn himself, of some sort, then? She watches as he pulls out the staff. Hmm, perhaps he doesn't know what Divine magic is... I know Paladins so blessed who are also zealous witch-hunters. But, fortunately, that is not me. My magic is granted for a different purpose. She smiles ruefully looking around at mageborn, now two, around her. Only to look back again, startled, as the green creature rushes the waiting shadows...
Initiative (if needed): 15
Maggwyn raises her eyebrow as the newcomer starts asking questions. "Nosey fella ain't ya? Help is always appreciated, but you're getting no info from me." she doesn't respond with any menace, just matter of fact.
Turning to Thuribula as she talks, the tiefling finally listens to the woman. In Emberwood, they hadn't spent much time together so she was not around for much of the woman's ramblings, but as the paladin continues on Maggwyn gives a slight nod to what she is saying and then loses focus once she starts talking about Saints.
She smiles as she watches the dragonborn take action and waits to see the reaction.
Initiative: 10
(initiative if needed 15)
(OOC: Wait, we're going into a fight?)
Initiative: 13
Xarian's Initiative (if needed): 4
The big man was not expecting to charge into a fight unnecessarily without first assessing the situation, since the shadows were leaving us alone for now.
(Also see above 24, Nat. 20, on Investigation of clawed shadows and whether conventional attacks might be effective against them).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
As Jordgubb comes to show clear intent of attacking them while in sight, casting a cantrip the Shadows prop themselves up unsurprised and had been rather prepared to fight before he can close that distance to give them a "bonk" (Rolling for initiative instead without a surprise round)
OOC
Xarian would know that conventional damage without any magical source isn't useless but HALF as effective (resistant to physical attacks)
I shall put the battle map for Owlbear Rodeo in our group chat ^^
Also to the untrained eye Jordbudd would certainly appear as a Mageborn.
But Druids can gain power from the old gods of the elements and even the Phantom Queen Morgana. The Edicts can be a bit muddy toward Druids but most of the time if they can prove their faith even to strange gods aside from the Sacred Flame are not considered "Mage Born" as they don't have to be born with that power genetically and like Clerics and paladins can be learned by ordinary people with enough training. (Weirdly enough Wizards require training and being born with the right genes in the world of Drakkenheim)
OOC
If I forgot anything to respond to feel free to let me know ^^
OOC
I added an extra bit of Roleplay for Fazil's bit in the group chat.
One of these shadows lunges forward and stops.. as they become even more... Mist like (Dodge action all attacks have disadvantage against them and they have advantage on Dex saves)
I shall PM Xarian more on these things weakness's and such as he got such a high roll.
Now it's Thuribula's turn! (The initiative tracker is on the Owlbear)
As Jordgubb rushes towards the shadows and one of them rushes to meet him, and a strange taunting voice reverberates from Fazil's bag somewhere, Thuribula lets her holy symbol, still glowing with Light, fall back to where it hangs from around her neck, and quickly readies her shield and her hammer. She then backs up to stand in front of Fazil, ready to protect him. Strange tricks these mageborn must contend with, but as the little green creature said, this is a mageborn's fight, and if I can do little against shadows on my own, the Light can do much more...
Fazil pulled out his wand, with his spellbook in the other open on its own, with an unexpected yawn, then spoke loudly as it taunted the enemy.
"Yes, we shall show them what a true mageborn is..." Fazil replied to his spellbook.
OOC
Jorbudd and Fazil's turns! ^^
Fazil steps to the left, about 10 feet, creating space for a better view with a quick wave of his wand. At the same time, the letters in his spellbook start shining brightly in white.
"Set. Load. Burst." He cast Fire Bolt. Then, move back to his original position before to not let the enemy take a hit on him.
Hit: 6
Damage: 8
Jordgubb rushes up and attempts the book with his Shillelaghed staff. (21 to hit 3 magical bludgeoning rolled in post #401 if still applicable)
As he strikes out a halo of spores wafts off of his staff and surprisingly also his body surrounding him in a faint haze, (reaction halo of spores, 10 ft radius, one creature starting it's turn within this circle must make a DC 12 con save or take 4 extra necrotic damage)
Jordgubb wheezes and grunts as he attacks betraying a slight lack of strength or practice in the lethargic looking dragonborn
Edit:
7 to hit as the shadow uses dodge action, 3 magical bludgeoning. Halo of spores still in effect.
Jordgubb's attack fazes through mist as it dodges. His spores seem to be swallowed by the shadow... Necrotic a negative energy this seems to be.. Made of it? It's clear that any sorta necrotic attack is even less useful than a physical one. (Immune)
Fazil's own firebolt fizzles out in a moment not most common for the young mageborn as the book clears it's "throat" in a sense.
"Err... my bad sir! We'll get em next time!"
The other shadow had begun to creep about 40 feet closer to the party. Also taking a misty like state (Dodge.)
(Maggwyn and Xarian's turn now!)
(Posting Xarian speaking some words now, but will wait to post Xarian's actual turn in order after Maggwyn).
Suddenly, Xarian rouses from his intense contemplation and observation of the clawed shadows, well after battle has already started. Looking abashed, the big man shouts for the benefit of those engaging with the shadows, both hesitant and terse, as if delivering a report to a superior.
"They look undead to me, no surprise. That necrosis you are using won't work at all, Jordgubb, as you saw. Though your magical staff will, if you hit with it. I expect ordinary weapons like my maul to be only partially effective, along with elemental damage, since they are not fully... ah, corporeal? But I think they do not like the light one bit." He glances uncertainly at Thuribula, wondering if what he has heard about paladins' battle skills holds true.
"In fact, I think they will be particularly damaged by radiance. Being shadows and all. Force damage, such as from Magic Missile should work normally too, though I do not know that spell." (The big man addresses this last bit to Fazil in case the other mage does know it).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Maggwyn heads in, looking forward to rid themselves of this tail. Moving swiftly around the first one to flank with the newly found dragonborn, Maggs strikes out with her shortsword.
Attack: 13, Damage: 7
She sees what her fist can do next as she attempts to give it a jab..
Attack: 20, Damage: 4
After his first view of the city, Xarian sense deep down that they will never destroy enough shadows. More will arise. Yet it might best to deal with these first if they have already seen us and are waiting for us to be weakened before ambushing as the green-hooded men warned?
Perhaps it is this sense of futility that slows the swing of his maul and Booming Blade cantrip attack as he moves to engage the closest clawed shadow (1), flanking with Maggwyn and Jordgubb. The tiny soot-colored owl on his shoulder sorties forth to flap her wings at the shadow (1), taking the help action, granting advantage. Returning to Xarian's shoulder when done using Flyby.
Xarian's Booming Blade attack with his maul, advantage from help canceling disadvantage from the target taking dodge action:
To hit: 10 (guessing that misses)
Damage on hit: 9 bludgeoning
Crusher Feat: on a hit, large or smaller creature is moved 5' in any direction... Xarian would choose north.
Booming Blade secondary damage (only on a hit), target takes damage if they move voluntarily on their turn: 5 thunder damage
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk