The situation could become the most dire possible, but Xanrym, though freed from mind control, is now physically restrained, so it would be difficult for him to escape by himself... and Khessa won't simply abandon him there.
I think I know what our blonde arcane warrior's next move will be (unless the monster's actions on its turn drastically change the situation). ]]
if she can touch Xanrym without entering the water
(OOC: I think that she should be able reach Xanrym. He's in the water but in the square adjacent to the Oceanbridge. Since we know that the Oceanbridge is no more than 2-ft above the water level, that should put him within the the 5-ft reach of anyone on the Oceanbridge who's in one of the squares adjacent to his.)
No attacks then, he has no ranged weapons, and heavy armor doesn't do well in water
(@Aaggie - Since Xanrym is in the water right next to the Oceanbridge, he should also be close enough for Avery to try to grab and drag out of the water without getting in the water himself. As long as Xanrym is Charmed by the monster, he'll probably need to be physically restrained to prevent him from going to welcome the thing with open arms.)
Avery will try to do that: Strength: 11, athletics: 20
(@Aaggie - Since Xanrym is in the water right next to the Oceanbridge, he should also be close enough for Avery to try to grab and drag out of the water without getting in the water himself. As long as Xanrym is Charmed by the monster, he'll probably need to be physically restrained to prevent him from going to welcome the thing with open arms.)
Avery will try to do that: Strength: 11, athletics: 20
(OOC: @Aaggie - Sorry, it might be too late for that since I already posted for Xanrym's turn in round 3. But since the DM paused for a moment after the party's turn, I guess it's up to @drumdigby whether Avery can still try to grab Xanrym before he's out-of-reach in round 3.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Theldrin anxiously scans the murky water to see if he can spot any sign of where Xanrym is now located. He also tries to get a sense of if Xanrym had really returned to his normal self before disappearing underwater or if whatever had taken control of him is possibly attempting some type of deception.
(OOC: Not really sure what's happening but hoping Avery was able to restrain Xanrym)
(OOC: I think that it's the opponent's turn at the moment. But before the real Aboleth arrives, I think that the DM just wanted to give everyone some time to read the thread, think about how to handle an overwhelming opponent, and maybe coordinate a little.
Against a monster this deadly, we'll need good tactics to avoid a "death spiral." For example, if the remaining healer goes down, there won't be anyone to get an unconscious PC back on their feet with a simple Bonus Action. If the Aboleth successfully dominates anyone else, the action economy gets really bad as the party has to fight off both the Aboleth and one of their own companions. etc.
Unfortunately, Xanrym isn't in a position to help at the moment.)
Xanrym was holding onto Syllen when they fell in the water, just north of the Oceanbridge, and splashing noisily. But then Syllen suddenly just wasn't there.
Xanrym's face looses some of its frenzied mania as he looks around in confusion for a moment. He spots Syllen up on the Oceanbridge again, and while he treads water, he says, "Oh! I'm sorry, Syllen...what came over me?" But then his eyes go wide as he tries to look down into the dark water, "Wha..?! Something touched my leg!" And then his head suddenly goes under the water. His hands splash above the water for moment, and ....
Avery is able to grapple Xanrym before he jumps into the water. Now that we’ve retconned that, Xanrym can take his turn again.
Round 3: Xanrym (continued...)
When Avery grabs Xanrym, his demeanor changes. He drops his performance of fear of what's in the water, and the frenzied, manic look returns. Avery pulls Xanrym from the water, but he's actively struggling against the knight. He thrashes around and shouts hysterically, "No! We must do what it commands! Let me go! We must join it in the water!" Xanrym attempts to get free of Avery and jump back into the water.
(OOC: It would now be clear to The Company that Xanrym was lying in post #4324 and still under the Aboleth's control.)
Action: Attempting to slip free from Avery's grapple. Acrobatics: 9 According to the new rules on Unarmed Strike and [Tooltip Not Found], I think that the escape DC is 14 Movement: If that attempt failed, Xanrym is currently grappled by Avery. His speed is 0-ft, and he is stuck on the Oceanbridge, raving about joining the endless, dark depths. If that attempt succeeds, the wiry bard manages to wriggle free from Avery's grip. As soon as he's free, he leaps into the water again, shouting, "I'm coming, Master!", and swims toward the protected image of the Aboleth. (5-ft movement north to jump in the water. Then use 20-ft of movement to swim 10-ft.) Free Action: Frenzied shouting.
Action: Attempting to slip free from Avery's grapple. Acrobatics: 9 According to the new rules on Unarmed Strike and Grappling, I think that the escape DC is 14 Movement: If that attempt failed, Xanrym is currently grappled by Avery. His speed is 0-ft, and he is stuck on the Oceanbridge, raving about joining the endless, dark depths. If that attempt succeeds, the wiry bard manages to wriggle free from Avery's grip. As soon as he's free, he leaps into the water again, shouting, "I'm coming, Master!", and swims toward the protected image of the Aboleth. (5-ft movement north to jump in the water. Then use 20-ft of movement to swim 10-ft.) Free Action: Frenzied shouting.
Avery maintains his grip on the wildly-flailing bard despite Xanrym's best efforts to get back into the water. Both Avery and Xanrym should end their turns at the north edge of the Oceanbridge just next to where Xanrym had jumped in last round.
When Avery pulls Xanrym from the water, and Xanrym is unable to escape his hold, the apparition above you stops it's upward swimming through midair. It looks about at you all, especially Coriana, who feels yet another surge of familiarity with the monster. Both her and Xanrym feel the creature coldly give up, the apparition disappears and Xanrym's mind is let go. Coriana's feeling of existential dread quickly dissipates. The battle is over.
Khessa keeps an eye on Xanrym, seemingly sharing, if only through a silent gaze, Coriana's question about how he feels.
The blonde arcane warrior, however, comments: "The protection I've bestowed on our friend will prevent the mind control from be re-established... but we'd better move on quickly. We can speak later about what happened. We've been sorely tested — one more encounter could be our last."
And to set a good example, the tall adventuress leads the way, possibly beyond the damaged section of the bridge — if nothing happens to prevent it.
Theldin nods, giving Xanrym a concerned look. "Yes... that was close...too close. Let's move to get past this bridge as quickly as we can." With a wary look towards the water, he falls back into position as the party moves forward,
After making sure all her gear is intact, Coriana says, "I checked the stones, they are out of place but still look secure, so if we watch our step, we should be able to make it across." She will then lead the way.
[[I should have mentioned that she left her backpack on the bridge when she dove in.]]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards. DM - The Old Keep
As the eldritch threat receded, Xanrym finally stopped fighting against Avery and basically went limp. If Avery releases him, Xanrym just sinks to the ground, trembling and crawls south to get as far away from the water as he can. He sits on the ground, water dripping from his hair and clothes, with a haunted look on his face as he stares out into the darkness. He's visibly trembling, but it's impossible to say whether it's from fear or from being in water that's cold from never being warmed by the sun.
"Hey Xan, you feeling okay now?" she says to the bard.
The usually-talkative bard is initially unresponsive. He does not join the conversation about what to do next, and he either doesn't hear or doesn't comprehend Coriana's question about how he's doing. He seems unwilling to move at first until someone convinces him that the sooner they move, the sooner they can get off the bridge and away from the water. That seems to unblock his body, at least, and he gets up and follows the others, accepting Avery's help. Unlike usual, Xanrym prefers not to scout ahead nor to walk rear guard. If Avery walks at his side, Xanrym frequently reaches out a hand to touch Avery's arm just to reassure himself that the knight is still there.
As he gets up, Xanrym looks around The Company without really meeting anyone's eyes and mutters a brief, "Thank you. Sorry, I couldn't...you can't imagine..." He glances toward the Sullen Sea again but then looks quickly away from it. "Just...Thank you. Everyone. Yes, we should get away from here. With all the haste we can manage!"
(OOC: Xanrym is back and under Khessa's protection, but he's was clearly shaken by the experience and disturbed his contact with the aberrant mind of the Aboleth.)
[[ OOC: Thank you, ready when you are, then.
The situation could become the most dire possible, but Xanrym, though freed from mind control, is now physically restrained, so it would be difficult for him to escape by himself... and Khessa won't simply abandon him there.
I think I know what our blonde arcane warrior's next move will be (unless the monster's actions on its turn drastically change the situation). ]]
Avery will try to do that: Strength: 11, athletics: 20
(OOC: @Aaggie - Sorry, it might be too late for that since I already posted for Xanrym's turn in round 3. But since the DM paused for a moment after the party's turn, I guess it's up to @drumdigby whether Avery can still try to grab Xanrym before he's out-of-reach in round 3.)
Theldrin anxiously scans the murky water to see if he can spot any sign of where Xanrym is now located. He also tries to get a sense of if Xanrym had really returned to his normal self before disappearing underwater or if whatever had taken control of him is possibly attempting some type of deception.
Perception: 18
Insight: 17
(OOC: Not really sure what's happening but hoping Avery was able to restrain Xanrym)
If Avery was unable to grab Xanrym: Syllen will look at Coriana.
"We need to get Xanrym! Can you swim after him?"
Syllen will cast Enlarge on Coriana if she goes after Xanrym.
(OOC: I think that it's the opponent's turn at the moment. But before the real Aboleth arrives, I think that the DM just wanted to give everyone some time to read the thread, think about how to handle an overwhelming opponent, and maybe coordinate a little.
Against a monster this deadly, we'll need good tactics to avoid a "death spiral." For example, if the remaining healer goes down, there won't be anyone to get an unconscious PC back on their feet with a simple Bonus Action. If the Aboleth successfully dominates anyone else, the action economy gets really bad as the party has to fight off both the Aboleth and one of their own companions. etc.
Unfortunately, Xanrym isn't in a position to help at the moment.)
Coriana already spent her action for the round.
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Let’s retcon for a moment and see if Avery can get a hold on Xanrym.
Contested Athletics check DC 11: 18
Avery is able to grapple Xanrym before he jumps into the water. Now that we’ve retconned that, Xanrym can take his turn again.
(OOC: Xanrym was already in the water at the end of last round, but I'll take it to mean that Avery pulled him back onto the Oceanbridge.)
Round 3: Xanrym (continued...)
When Avery grabs Xanrym, his demeanor changes. He drops his performance of fear of what's in the water, and the frenzied, manic look returns. Avery pulls Xanrym from the water, but he's actively struggling against the knight. He thrashes around and shouts hysterically, "No! We must do what it commands! Let me go! We must join it in the water!" Xanrym attempts to get free of Avery and jump back into the water.
(OOC: It would now be clear to The Company that Xanrym was lying in post #4324 and still under the Aboleth's control.)
Action: Attempting to slip free from Avery's grapple. Acrobatics: 9
According to the new rules on Unarmed Strike and [Tooltip Not Found], I think that the escape DC is 14
Movement: If that attempt failed, Xanrym is currently grappled by Avery. His speed is 0-ft, and he is stuck on the Oceanbridge, raving about joining the endless, dark depths.
If that attempt succeeds, the wiry bard manages to wriggle free from Avery's grip. As soon as he's free, he leaps into the water again, shouting, "I'm coming, Master!", and swims toward the protected image of the Aboleth. (5-ft movement north to jump in the water. Then use 20-ft of movement to swim 10-ft.)
Free Action: Frenzied shouting.
Conditions: Charmed by the Aboleth
Avery maintains his grip on the wildly-flailing bard despite Xanrym's best efforts to get back into the water. Both Avery and Xanrym should end their turns at the north edge of the Oceanbridge just next to where Xanrym had jumped in last round.
Updated status
Conditions: Charmed by the Aboleth and Grappled by Avery
Spells: Benefitting from Khessa's Protection from Evil and Good
When Avery pulls Xanrym from the water, and Xanrym is unable to escape his hold, the apparition above you stops it's upward swimming through midair. It looks about at you all, especially Coriana, who feels yet another surge of familiarity with the monster. Both her and Xanrym feel the creature coldly give up, the apparition disappears and Xanrym's mind is let go. Coriana's feeling of existential dread quickly dissipates. The battle is over.
Coriana inspects the skewed blocks under the water before getting out, looking to make sure they aren't unstable or trapped.
Perception: 18; Investigation: 0
She will then emerge from the water, shaking out her hair. "Hey Xan, you feeling okay now?" she says to the bard.
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
The blocks seem like they still would support your weight.
Khessa keeps an eye on Xanrym, seemingly sharing, if only through a silent gaze, Coriana's question about how he feels.
The blonde arcane warrior, however, comments: "The protection I've bestowed on our friend will prevent the mind control from be re-established... but we'd better move on quickly. We can speak later about what happened. We've been sorely tested — one more encounter could be our last."
And to set a good example, the tall adventuress leads the way, possibly beyond the damaged section of the bridge — if nothing happens to prevent it.
Avery will stay next to Xanrym and follows Khessa, while keeping a watchful eye out for any more threats
Theldin nods, giving Xanrym a concerned look. "Yes... that was close...too close. Let's move to get past this bridge as quickly as we can." With a wary look towards the water, he falls back into position as the party moves forward,
After making sure all her gear is intact, Coriana says, "I checked the stones, they are out of place but still look secure, so if we watch our step, we should be able to make it across."
She will then lead the way.
[[I should have mentioned that she left her backpack on the bridge when she dove in.]]
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
As the eldritch threat receded, Xanrym finally stopped fighting against Avery and basically went limp. If Avery releases him, Xanrym just sinks to the ground, trembling and crawls south to get as far away from the water as he can. He sits on the ground, water dripping from his hair and clothes, with a haunted look on his face as he stares out into the darkness. He's visibly trembling, but it's impossible to say whether it's from fear or from being in water that's cold from never being warmed by the sun.
The usually-talkative bard is initially unresponsive. He does not join the conversation about what to do next, and he either doesn't hear or doesn't comprehend Coriana's question about how he's doing. He seems unwilling to move at first until someone convinces him that the sooner they move, the sooner they can get off the bridge and away from the water. That seems to unblock his body, at least, and he gets up and follows the others, accepting Avery's help. Unlike usual, Xanrym prefers not to scout ahead nor to walk rear guard. If Avery walks at his side, Xanrym frequently reaches out a hand to touch Avery's arm just to reassure himself that the knight is still there.
As he gets up, Xanrym looks around The Company without really meeting anyone's eyes and mutters a brief, "Thank you. Sorry, I couldn't...you can't imagine..." He glances toward the Sullen Sea again but then looks quickly away from it. "Just...Thank you. Everyone. Yes, we should get away from here. With all the haste we can manage!"
(OOC: Xanrym is back and under Khessa's protection, but he's was clearly shaken by the experience and disturbed his contact with the aberrant mind of the Aboleth.)