Darien curses at the rat’s sudden appearance behind him and draws his scimitar, slashing wildly at the beast (21 to hit, 3 slashing). Behind him in the tunnel, Zrava’s flames brighten and in a sudden explosion of heat, the two of them vanish and reappear closer to Don-Jon and Nigel (5 fire, rat J makes DEX 13 for none. Zrava is above rat H, Darien is below rat J).
The ball of acid strikes true and you watch as the giant rat begins to bubble up and disintegrate, leaving behind bones and innards exposed and a foul smell.
Don-Jon goes "Woah! I get it, I get it! I'll get outta yer way! But no way In hell am I leavin' without a fight!"
Giant Rats: [They have Pack Tactics, which means they can attack with advantage if an ally is 5ft close to their target. ]
Grikiltha takes 6 points of damage from Giant Rat B's bite. [ Rolled a 16 to hit. ]
Drako takes 5 points of damage from Giant Rat G biting him from behind. [ Rolled a 23 to hit. ]
Nigel:
I'm not certain of the positioning you intended by 'pulling' Don-Jon to the southern tunnel, so you decide if these next two bites hit you or Don-Jon:
[ First bite is a 14 to hit, dealing 6 points of damage. Second bite is a 17 to hit, dealing 5 points of damage. ]
[ If there are any reactions in response to these attacks, do them. ]
Initiative
1- Adventurer's Turn (now)
2- Giant Rats
Map:
(Yes this is basically what I expected. Just trying to prevent us from being surrounded. Nigel will shield the first hit and take the second. Sorry for the slow responses been busier than usual. )
As the two rats snap Nigel he calls out "clipeoThe first rats teeth are stopped just before puncturing Nigels leg. A faint shimmer revealing the shield spell. The second rat is able to latch onto the wizards foot, the protective barrier exhausted by the first strike.
Nigel counters with flourish of his fingers combined with the command word "congelationis"
White frost starts to form on rat h. ( DC 13 for no damage or take 3 and disadvantage on next attack.
(Yes this is basically what I expected. Just trying to prevent us from being surrounded. Nigel will shield the first hit and take the second. Sorry for the slow responses been busier than usual. )
Pinja:
The shortsword slash cuts the Giant Rat in two. [ Rat J is dead. ]
Since your darts and unarmed strikes do the same amount of damage, I'll say that Pinja could have thrown one at Rat H, dealing the 5 damage.
Nigel:
If you agree with the positioning, Don-Jon would have taken the damage, not Nigel. Since the rats can't reach you, you can take back the spell slot for shield (and the hp you lost) or change positions with Don-Jon.
After Pinja pierces the rodent with a dart, Nigel freezes it, ending its life. [ Giant Rat H is dead. ]
Don-Jon:
He takes three swings with his combat knife, only striking true once and dealing 3 points of damage. [ Giant Rat I (i) is not bloodied yet. ]
Giant Rats:
Giant Rat I (i) takes a bite at Don-Jon, dealing 6 points of damage.
Rat A lunges at Grikiltha to bite her. [ 19 to hit, dealing 3 points of damage. ]
Rat E follows up to aid Rat A. [ 15 to hit, dealing 4 points of damage. ]
"Let's finish these blighters off." smiles Drako to Grikiltha. The ever-dwindling size of the rat pack fills his resolve and spirits with the thrill of the fight.
Grikiltha will look to finish Rat E. She takes a brief moment to steady her feet and take a breath (second wind BA to regain 10hp) and strikes with the pike again: Hit16, Damage 6 piercing. "Thats more like it".
(Yes this is basically what I expected. Just trying to prevent us from being surrounded. Nigel will shield the first hit and take the second. Sorry for the slow responses been busier than usual. )
Pinja:
The shortsword slash cuts the Giant Rat in two. [ Rat J is dead. ]
Since your darts and unarmed strikes do the same amount of damage, I'll say that Pinja could have thrown one at Rat H, dealing the 5 damage.
Nigel:
If you agree with the positioning, Don-Jon would have taken the damage, not Nigel. Since the rats can't reach you, you can take back the spell slot for shield (and the hp you lost) or change positions with Don-Jon.
After Pinja pierces the rodent with a dart, Nigel freezes it, ending its life. [ Giant Rat H is dead. ]
Don-Jon:
He takes three swings with his combat knife, only striking true once and dealing 3 points of damage. [ Giant Rat I (i) is not bloodied yet. ]
Giant Rats:
Giant Rat I (i) takes a bite at Don-Jon, dealing 6 points of damage.
Rat A lunges at Grikiltha to bite her. [ 19 to hit, dealing 3 points of damage. ]
Rat E follows up to aid Rat A. [ 15 to hit, dealing 4 points of damage. ]
Initiative
1- Adventurer's Turn (now)
2- Giant Rats
Map:
(Sorry my bad. Easiest retcon is Nigel pushed him into the hall instead of pulled. Nigel would have had to maneuvered around him to cast the orb anyway so a push was more likely. That swaps their positions keeping everything else intact and maintains my goal of having Nigel protect Don-Jon.)
Nigel yanks his foot from the jaw of the rat. Grabbing his spell book with both hands, his arms shake as he focuses the weave to create his bidding. Sparks crackle in his eyes and from his gaping maw he screams, "ABHORENT!!!"
Blue energy streaks out to the last rat 8n sight. (Spell attack on sheet: 21)
The energy crackles and pops as it flows between Nigel and the rat.
"Aaaaarrrghhh!!!" he screams as the power and concentration required to manipulate the weave deals 10 points to the rat.
Seeing Nigel's burst of electricity fry the rat in front of them, Darien rushes past to help the rest of his party with Zrava close on his heels. He summons another ball of flame and hurls it past Drako at the final rat left standing (from the tile just above 'M1' 11 to hit, 2 fire damage. I know this is probably like 1/2 or 3/4 cover for the rat but that's as far as he can get with having to move through Zrava's space). Zrava slithers past him, rearing up to spit another stream of fire from her fangs (8 to hit :/, 7 fire damage).
Drako stows away his flail and charges the rat to see if he can end it with his fist.
To-Hit: 19+5 = 24 Damage: 4 bludgeoning
With the battle over he asks, "Everyone alright? That was some good fighting from all of you." looking over the injuries received during the combat. "Wererats. Of course they'd enjoy having such vermin around."
“Nice coup de grâce, Drako.” Pinja states approvingly with a firm nod of her head. She glances down at her disheveled and bloodied clothes, her lips curling into a small frown. Then she goes about searching for the three darts she threw to try to recover them.
"Ahermmm..." Nigel coughs clearing his throat. His voice is a little hoarse after the screaming. "Yes well done everyone. Now let's c9ntinue our pursuit.
It’s evident from the emaciated state of the corpses that the miners had been starving long before they were murdered. The wear and tear on their clothing and tools suggest a desperate attempt to fight back against the wererats, pushing themselves beyond their limits in a final, stubborn stand.
If anyone looks for loot or explores beyond:
A thorough inspection of areas M14 and M15 reveals no significant loot, only more signs of the mine's recent turmoil. The tunnel leading to the eastern entrance shows evidence of being traversed in a hurry, likely by Zeleen and her gang as they made their escape. Despite their thorough search, there’s no trace of Zeleen or her wererats.
Don-Jon, his usual bravado subdued, looks around at the emaciated bodies of the dwarven miners. He sighs deeply, his eyes reflecting genuine sadness.
"It's a damn shame what happened to these poor souls," he says, his voice heavy with regret. "They didn't deserve to go out like this, starving and fighting to their last breath. Once we've made sure there ain't no more surprises or threats lurking around, I want to give these folks a proper burial. It's the least we can do for 'em."
He glances at the group, his expression somber. "But before we move on, I reckon we should take a bit of a rest. We've been through a lot, and we need to be at our best if we're gonna finish exploring this place and make sure it's safe. Let's catch our breath, then we'll get back to it."
[ You may all take a short rest in the sleeping quarters of are M12. I'll say that nothing happens while you rest. Obviously, you can continue to roleplay as you see fit. ]
As the party catches their breath after the last of the rats is dead, Zrava quietly vanishes in a small burst of flame, reappearing as the deep red snake tattoo on Darien's unscarred arm. He looks to Don-Jon and says, "I'm sorry we had to find them like this. I'd hoped that rat Zeleen was telling the truth about them fleeing, but from the looks of it they were struggling even before she and her gang arrived. No doubt thanks to our scaly friend in the skies." He looks to the rest of his companions. "I'm uninjured but I agree with Don-Jon, it seems like several of you could do with a rest. I can keep watch in case these murderers decide to come back in the meantime."
[[ Short rest taken. 1 hit die spent, got a 3 + 2 CON for 5. ]]
Drako nods at Nigel's statement. "Indeed, pursuing them will be desired." Assuming Darien was the one taking a look around while the others rested, "I do wonder why they left this way. Perhaps the other passage just goes underground?"
Darien curses at the rat’s sudden appearance behind him and draws his scimitar, slashing wildly at the beast (21 to hit, 3 slashing). Behind him in the tunnel, Zrava’s flames brighten and in a sudden explosion of heat, the two of them vanish and reappear closer to Don-Jon and Nigel (5 fire, rat J makes DEX 13 for none. Zrava is above rat H, Darien is below rat J).
Drako:
Darien:
Initiative
1- Adventurer's Turn (now)
2- Giant Rats
Map:
Currently DMing:
Pinja growls and flashes her fangs. She moves up to rat J and swipes with her short sword, then gives it a resounding butt of her head.
[short sword 12 to hit, 8 damage; headbutt 15 to hit, 5 damage]
(Yes this is basically what I expected. Just trying to prevent us from being surrounded. Nigel will shield the first hit and take the second. Sorry for the slow responses been busier than usual. )
As the two rats snap Nigel he calls out "clipeoThe first rats teeth are stopped just before puncturing Nigels leg. A faint shimmer revealing the shield spell. The second rat is able to latch onto the wizards foot, the protective barrier exhausted by the first strike.
Nigel counters with flourish of his fingers combined with the command word "congelationis"
White frost starts to form on rat h. ( DC 13 for no damage or take 3 and disadvantage on next attack.
**This Space for Rent**
Grikiltha will continue to take on the rats in M14, aiming at Rat A she will swing her pike down at it:
Hit:7 Damage:10
"Blasted varmint, stay still!"
Pinja:
Nigel:
Don-Jon:
Giant Rats:
Initiative
1- Adventurer's Turn (now)
2- Giant Rats
Map:
Currently DMing:
"Let's finish these blighters off." smiles Drako to Grikiltha. The ever-dwindling size of the rat pack fills his resolve and spirits with the thrill of the fight.
Flail attack on Rat-E
To-Hit: 19+5 = 24
Damage: 3+3 = 6 bludgeoning
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Drako:
Currently DMing:
Grikiltha will look to finish Rat E. She takes a brief moment to steady her feet and take a breath (second wind BA to regain 10hp) and strikes with the pike again: Hit16, Damage 6 piercing. "Thats more like it".
Pinja narrows her eyes in focus as she rushes behind Grikiltha and throws a dart at rat A.
[16 to hit, 3 damage]
(Sorry my bad. Easiest retcon is Nigel pushed him into the hall instead of pulled. Nigel would have had to maneuvered around him to cast the orb anyway so a push was more likely. That swaps their positions keeping everything else intact and maintains my goal of having Nigel protect Don-Jon.)
**This Space for Rent**
Nigel yanks his foot from the jaw of the rat. Grabbing his spell book with both hands, his arms shake as he focuses the weave to create his bidding. Sparks crackle in his eyes and from his gaping maw he screams, "ABHORENT!!!"
Blue energy streaks out to the last rat 8n sight. (Spell attack on sheet: 21)
The energy crackles and pops as it flows between Nigel and the rat.
"Aaaaarrrghhh!!!" he screams as the power and concentration required to manipulate the weave deals 10 points to the rat.
**This Space for Rent**
Seeing Nigel's burst of electricity fry the rat in front of them, Darien rushes past to help the rest of his party with Zrava close on his heels. He summons another ball of flame and hurls it past Drako at the final rat left standing (from the tile just above 'M1' 11 to hit, 2 fire damage. I know this is probably like 1/2 or 3/4 cover for the rat but that's as far as he can get with having to move through Zrava's space). Zrava slithers past him, rearing up to spit another stream of fire from her fangs (8 to hit :/, 7 fire damage).
[ Sorry, I'm a bit disoriented today. I believe Don-Jon hasn't gone yet. ]
Grikiltha:
Pinja:
Nigel:
Darien:
Don-Jon:
Rat A's Turn:
Whoever rolls a 12 to hit the rat will automatically kill it. And that will end the encounter.
Currently DMing:
Drako stows away his flail and charges the rat to see if he can end it with his fist.
To-Hit: 19+5 = 24
Damage: 4 bludgeoning
With the battle over he asks, "Everyone alright? That was some good fighting from all of you." looking over the injuries received during the combat. "Wererats. Of course they'd enjoy having such vermin around."
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
“Nice coup de grâce, Drako.” Pinja states approvingly with a firm nod of her head. She glances down at her disheveled and bloodied clothes, her lips curling into a small frown. Then she goes about searching for the three darts she threw to try to recover them.
"Ahermmm..." Nigel coughs clearing his throat. His voice is a little hoarse after the screaming. "Yes well done everyone. Now let's c9ntinue our pursuit.
**This Space for Rent**
If anyone inspects the bodies:
It’s evident from the emaciated state of the corpses that the miners had been starving long before they were murdered. The wear and tear on their clothing and tools suggest a desperate attempt to fight back against the wererats, pushing themselves beyond their limits in a final, stubborn stand.
If anyone looks for loot or explores beyond:
A thorough inspection of areas M14 and M15 reveals no significant loot, only more signs of the mine's recent turmoil. The tunnel leading to the eastern entrance shows evidence of being traversed in a hurry, likely by Zeleen and her gang as they made their escape. Despite their thorough search, there’s no trace of Zeleen or her wererats.
Don-Jon, his usual bravado subdued, looks around at the emaciated bodies of the dwarven miners. He sighs deeply, his eyes reflecting genuine sadness.
"It's a damn shame what happened to these poor souls," he says, his voice heavy with regret. "They didn't deserve to go out like this, starving and fighting to their last breath. Once we've made sure there ain't no more surprises or threats lurking around, I want to give these folks a proper burial. It's the least we can do for 'em."
He glances at the group, his expression somber. "But before we move on, I reckon we should take a bit of a rest. We've been through a lot, and we need to be at our best if we're gonna finish exploring this place and make sure it's safe. Let's catch our breath, then we'll get back to it."
[ You may all take a short rest in the sleeping quarters of are M12. I'll say that nothing happens while you rest. Obviously, you can continue to roleplay as you see fit. ]
Map:
Currently DMing:
As the party catches their breath after the last of the rats is dead, Zrava quietly vanishes in a small burst of flame, reappearing as the deep red snake tattoo on Darien's unscarred arm. He looks to Don-Jon and says, "I'm sorry we had to find them like this. I'd hoped that rat Zeleen was telling the truth about them fleeing, but from the looks of it they were struggling even before she and her gang arrived. No doubt thanks to our scaly friend in the skies." He looks to the rest of his companions. "I'm uninjured but I agree with Don-Jon, it seems like several of you could do with a rest. I can keep watch in case these murderers decide to come back in the meantime."
[[ I'll forgo the rest just for rp reasons. ]]
[[ Short rest taken. 1 hit die spent, got a 3 + 2 CON for 5. ]]
Drako nods at Nigel's statement. "Indeed, pursuing them will be desired." Assuming Darien was the one taking a look around while the others rested, "I do wonder why they left this way. Perhaps the other passage just goes underground?"
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary