Tendilius takes the offered jerky from Hadrian. "No matter," he says, gaining more confidence as he speaks. "Just wasn't something I expected to hear. Smuggling and espionage you say? Interesting topics. You don't often meet people willing to mention such matters." He files it away in his mind, hoping to possibly get some tales from Hadrian later on.
In response to Dabbert he says, "Never been there. Grew up in Todesfeld myself. As for escorts, they're a way to get paid for going where you already wanted to. Pretty useful in my opinion. How about you? If you saw all the war I'm guessing people pay a pretty penny for your help."
The Thri-Kreen stands at about 5’10” but his abdomen extends about two-three feet behind him, especially the way his legs seem bent backward, at least by vertebrate standards.His compound eyes glitter in the sun, with a dark spot in the center that seems to follow you.(a Nature check of 12 realizes that the facets directly facing someone absorb light from that direction, which looks like…)
His “skin”, a chitinous exoskeleton that seems a stiff carapace in some places and flexible in others seems mostly a tan color that would be easy to hide in deserts or dry grassland, but once in a while he backs off for some quiet and it seems to change color a bit.He wears straps and packs for his gear but doesn’t seem to wear a lot of clothing.Just practical gear.Like the 6 crystalline triangular objects strapped to bandoliers.He carries a spear with a shaft of bone and similar crystal for points at each end.
As people greet him and ask questions, he bows and answers politely. As a voice in your minds.
“I am Ka-Cha Khan.From our language meaning “Seeker of Knowledge”, and the drasna who live near us place importance on the name Khan.”
The voice in their head from Ka-Cha Khan surprised them when Eren first when to shake his hand. They wondered if everyone else noticed it too and assumed to they did. They wondered if they could hear them back if they thought something. 'Nice to meet you' they tried to mentally convey, which of course did not work. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Khan."They said out loud anyways.
Once greetings were done and over with, Eren just leans back on their seat, nonchalantly listening in to your conversations. "Is was there before, yep. My pop's place was right in Drakkenheim and my ma's was in good ol' Emberwood. Was always a back and forther. Was staying at my ma's place that September though. Nows you can'ts pay me nos amount of money to go on backs to that city."
They shake their head, "But there ares some peoples who's willing to risk it... for the right price. And sos those peoples gots to eat, and us honest folk can makes a goods amounts of money feeding 'em. Still, there’s 'em bastards who just wanna take it. Like ya said 'Bloodshed = Money'." They shrug, then wink.
"So that’s where you lots comes in.”
The breeze and birds from Altberg give you all a warm goodbye as you gone off and set for Emberwood Village, heading on a smooth dirt road nearby a cascading river for a three week journey.
After two weeks and about 100 miles travelling on the road, the countryside turns dreary and desaturated. You pass many abandoned villages with dilapidated homes, crumbling farmsteads with sallow empty fields, and forests of dead trees. Thorny brambles and harsh scrubgrass are all that grow along the mud-slick road. Drizzling rain fills most days, and the wind howls at night. Aside from the creaking wagon wheels, you only hear the cawing of crows.
"That's what a happens when weird magic and water don't mix. Yalls seeing some down right nasty contaminated soil up in 'ere. Nothin' grows 'bout round here anymore. Thats whys I gots to import everythin' into the village." They click their tongue, "Ands that's why everythin's upped a much higher price."
"At least Flamekeeper Hana, yall knows of the Sacred Flame, helps keeps us a comin'. She's a always providin' us caravaners some seed money to up and keep ours businesses to be stayin' afloat."
Eren Marlowe keeps up good conversation the rest of the way there. They almost always don't stop talking. It isn't until when... you two (Heiboros and Juniper), first spot the trouble up ahead. You are only a few days away from Drakkenheim when...
A dragonborn thug on a riding horse calls out to you, Heiboros specifically, throwing a rock by you that purposefully misses. Four other men follow haughtily up behind him. "Oi, bird-man! Let yous and yours friends know you're travelling on a royal road, eh?" Eren taps the side of the caravan three times (your secret codeword) to let the rest of you inside know that trouble's coming.
Heiboros glares down from the sky at the thug. "Join me in the air, if you dare. We will pass by here over your corpses or by your side, your choice. If you don't wanna leave us alone, I'll kill you. From the darkness." He uses two sorcery points to cast darkness centered on Heiboros.
As they talk, Hadrian glances at the young druid a couple of times, curiosity flickering in his eyes. He wonders what could possibly draw her to Drakkenheim. The others, he gets—more or less—but she seems out of place, doesn’t fit in with the looming horrors and dangers of the city. But then again, there’s always surprises to be had.
Hearing Dabbert’s comment, the corner of Hadrian’s lips lifts into a grin. “That’s a fair judgment. He’s never been one to win popularity contests.” He remarks, a hint of dry humor in his voice. He takes another absent-minded bite of the jerky, then claps his hand on his knee with a smack.
“Ah. So you must be the Dabbert Haft. The constable (or whatever rank Dabbert has).” He continues, with genuine interest. “I heard you’re very good with a spear.” Hadrian eyes the spear Dabbert’s holding appreciatively, the craftsmanship, the worn grip, and the finely honed point. “So I might finally get to see that skill in action.”
Hadrian watches Tendilius take the offered jerky, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Given where we’re heading,” He says, “I think we’re going to hear a lot more about those things.”
As they continue their journey, the caravan comes to a halt, blocked by the thugs on the road. Hadrian climbs out of the caravan. Eyeing the thugs, he crosses his arms in front of his chest, muscles bulging under the sleeves, the gleaming greatsword on his back. His eyes flick upwards to Heiboros, perched ominously in the sky, shrouded in a swirling and pitch black darkness. “I’d listen to him if I were you,” He says, equal parts of amusement and threat. “If you still want to keep your heads.”
"Bloody e'ffing mages." The dragonborn growls and winces at the 'in air' part, looking back at himself for nonexistent wings. Somehow that struck a cord with him, and he grunts, nudging one of the bandits, a tabaxi. "Mudface, keep an eye on that one will ya." Mudface, the tabaxi, gulps and looks at stares the darkness emanating from Heiboros, but does not back down.
The tabaxi is flanked by three other men, two elves and a bugbear, all of which have weapons at their side.
"Looks we just need a fee that's all. So let's keep its civil, why don't we."Brodan, the dragonborn, turns to look at Hadrian then instead and sneers. "The money or your lives."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
<---- me irl slow reader, even slower writer easily jumpy thanks for being patient
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
From the caravan Tendilius takes notice of the ongoing situation and stands up. He casts a quick mold earth to take the earth out from under the lead thug's horse to hopefully cause it to stumble a little.
"Threats of violence are seldom what I've call civil. And in my opinion you're on no ground to be making demands." he smirks, "I'd reckon there's a decent reward for thugs such as yourselves. Perhaps enough to make a fight worth it. So if I may make a counterproposal: peace or your lives, eh?"
Intimidation: 5+6 = 11 //definitely not as good as Heiboros', but also saw Hadrian rolling a persuasion right as I doing my roll so maybe a bit of good cop bad cop?
//and since I've got a feeling it'll be needed, Initiative: 6+3 = 9
A hand slowly went to Juniper's belt as the threats were tossed back and forth. She tooled her expression to match the bravado of her compatriots, but kept quiet for the time being, letting those more experienced in dealing with brigands to confront the ones barring their path.
Eyes narrowed and hardened, lips pulled into a thin, faintly snarling smile as she studied each of the bandits in turn. The only tell of the half-elf's nerves then was the faint tremble in her fingers as they settled not on the newly made scimitar, but on the carved yew wand nestled beside it at her waist.
Juniper Summers in Drakkenheim - Mind and Matter Delphine Bennett in TheDark Below Ilmrae Zolier in Dragon Heist - One Hell of a Summer Loralai Darkleaf in The Storm King's Thunder Eris Tourmaline in An Adventure in the Mountains Circe Somerset in Candlekeep Mysteries
The horse neighs as it stumbles, its front feet kick the air as it tilts back with Brodan tight on the reins, steadfast on keeping it from going lose. "You little--"He doesn't finish, just growls. He doesn't even care to play with your rules. He eyes you Tendilius up and down and then squints hard at Juniper. He purses his lips. "Sack the 'van. Take everythin'. No plank unturned." He orders his men and they all do what he says.
They all avoid you and make a straight b-line towards the inside of the caravan and start grabbing as much stuff as they can including salt, dried fruits, preserved meats, and several jars of sauerkraut and loading it up onto their cart, to which makes Eren shout. "Hey!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
<---- me irl slow reader, even slower writer easily jumpy thanks for being patient
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Heiboros flies down to ground level in front of the thugs and casts burning hands, targeting all the thugs if possible. The darkness follows me, enveloping the thugs with the 15 ft radius. Dex saving throw, DC 14. 9 damage on a failed save. 5 on a success. "You should have listened. Now you're gonna burn." Initiative 9.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dab nods to Tendilius.
"Plenty of escorts." He says. "Used to live outside Drakkenheim. Nothing special about that, really. Just relocated after things got bad."
He shrugged, then winced when the voice of the bug-man invaded his mind. It took him a moment, and he'd had some pretty weird experiences before, so tried to shake it off quick and regain his composure. He nods though when Hadrian addresses him as Lieutenant (more fitting?).
"That's me." He says, a dry, half-assed smile on his face. "I'm just uh..."
He takes a moment to think about what he's going to say next. Unable to get his words out, or perhaps reluctant, he cuts it short.
"...uh. Yeah."
He tries not to elaborate further. His eyes meet Hadrian's, trying to say it all. That's not who I amor I try to not be that person or...or whatever he's thinking. And yet here he is with the spear in his hand...
He gets comfortable in the uncomfortable silence...
Things turn into a shitshow fast. Dabbert hasn't even had time to respond before the bandits rush for the caravan. He doesn't try to talk. There's only one way to deal with people like this, and the world is always better off afterwards. In his opinion, anyway.
"Kill 'em!" He shouts as he exits his seat, shield slipping down over his left arm, spear in his right hand. He thrusts out as he drops toward the ground, striking for the closest brigand that is grabbing for supplies. "Kill the horses, bust their wagon wheels, whatever you have to do! Don't let them escape!"
Dabbert dances back, disengaging, trying to place himself between the brigands raiding the caravan and the leader. His spear comes up, ready for anything that gets within his reach...
Turn Summary
Movement: Drops from the cart, then moves 5 feet toward the front to position himself between the Brigand Leader and the front of the caravan Action- Attack w/ Spear: Targeting closest brigand. Attack: 7 Damage: 9 Bonus Action- Disengage: Dabbert moving away from the brigand does not trigger Attacks of Opportunity Held Reaction- Polearm Master Opportunity Attack: Triggered if any badguys come within 5 feet of Dabbert. Attack: 20 Damage: 5
Hey, indeed. A cry of protest left Juniper as the bandit's started for the caravan's goods, the yew wand now secured in her still shaking grip. This was part of the agreement, she reminded herself, protect the caravan, its goods, and its people. Bolstered by her companions' quick call to action, she shot up from her seat, grabbed the shield where it rested in front of her, and uttered a command in Sidhe.
"Stars, guide us," She beseeched in the foreign tongue, and with it a wash of dazzling constellations enveloped the druid. One in particular stood out, a bow and arrow twinkling with malign intent. A miniature star shot forth with its appearance, aimed at the back driver's wheel of the bandits' carriage. Nearly in tandem, Juniper raised her wand a snapped its tip towards the closest charging thug, from which a shard of ice sliced through the air.
Bonus Action: Starry Form, Archer Mode. 23 to Hit the wagon wheel, 7 radiant damage Main Action: Frostbite, DC 14 CON Save on the closest bandit for 3 cold damage, and DIS on their next attack.
Juniper Summers in Drakkenheim - Mind and Matter Delphine Bennett in TheDark Below Ilmrae Zolier in Dragon Heist - One Hell of a Summer Loralai Darkleaf in The Storm King's Thunder Eris Tourmaline in An Adventure in the Mountains Circe Somerset in Candlekeep Mysteries
In a split second, Hadrian draws the greatsword from his back with one hand. The steel gleams ominously as he holds it out between the bandit and the wagon, blocking the thug’s path before they can lay a hand on the supplies. He makes eye contact with the bandit, with a grin, white flames ignite along the length of the sword, cascading down the blade like a river of fire and light in the darkness. He grips the hilt with both hands, swings the sword sideways across the bandit’s midsection.
Greatsword Attack: 8 (Okay, bad… he’ll use his channel divinity to get +10 to the attack roll to make it 18) Damage: 16
The brigands descend upon the cart, stealing as much as their grubby hands can handle- except for Mudface, the tabaxi, who was too busy observing Heiboros's every move with mischievous eyes. He smiles and bats the air with his claws. "Oh, my sweet songbird. Please don't hide. Won't you ever come down for me?"He whistles. "Wouldn't you play a song for me?"
Meanwhile, Eren is caught up in a shakedown by one of the elves, grappling them. The elf, Hosh, shoves his hands into all their pockets, then stops.
"Catch!" A potion of healing flies through the air towards the tabaxi. "Wha-" Mudface goes to turn but its too late. It falls, breaking hard on a rock and spilling everywhere. The potion's contents soaking into the soil. "Oops."Mudface's face changes from one of surprise to smugness and shrugs, grinning wide at those of you closest.
Hosh facepalms at this, but then-
"Kill the horses, bust their wagon wheels, whatever you have to do! Don't let them escape!" They hear Dabbert yell.
Guess that was provoking enough. The bandits draw arms.
Round 1 begins...
Initiative Order
(21) Juniper (24/24 HP)
(Action) Attack with Frostbite @Mildred 4 + 1 = 5 < DC 14 Con Save. Failure ----> Mildred takes 3 cold damage (9/11 HP) + Disadvantage on next attack
Move 30 ft (this is to get into range of wagon wheel)
(Bonus Action) Starry Form, Archer Mode; Intent to hit wagon wheel 17 + 6 = 23 > DC 10 Save for the wheel ---> Wheel takes 7 damage and falls off, rolling 15 feet, spooking one of the horses, which spooks the horse Brodan was on, causing Brodan to go catch the horse and move 20 ft diagonally south east to catch his horse
End of Round: Starry Form Countdown: 9:54 minutes
End of Round: Juniper (19/24 HP)
(20) Brodan (32/32 HP)
Moves 20 ft diagonally south east to catch his horse
(Action) Attack with Light Crossbow @Juniper with Advantage as Mudface is within 5 ft ((First Roll 11 + 2 = 13; Second Roll 14 + 2 = 16)) 16 = Juniper AC 16 ---> A Hit. ----> Juniper takes 5 damage ---> current Juniper HP (19/24 HP)
(19) Dabbert (29/29 HP)
Attempt to move in front of Brodan, but Brodan is too far away. Moves 30ft near Mudface instead
(Action) Attack with spear @Mudface 19 > 12 A Hit. ---> Mudface takes 4 damage ----> current Mudface HP (7/11 HP)
(Bonus Action) Disengage
(Held Reaction- Polearm Master Opportunity Attack) Triggered if any badguys come within 5 feet of Dabbert. Attack: 23 Damage: 6
(19) Mildred (Bandit 1) (11/11 HP)
(Action) Attack with Light Crossbow @Juniper 1+ 3 = 4 < 16 Juniper AC. A Critical Miss. ----> Juniper takes no damage
Move 30 ft away and off main road.
(16) Ka-Cha Khan (21/21 HP)
(Action) Attack with C'hatkcha @Sanna 13 > 12 A Hit. ----> Sanna takes 4 damage. ----> current Sanna HP (7/11 HP)
(Action) Attack with light Crossbow @Dabbert 7 + 3 = 10 < 18 A Miss. ---> Dabbert takes no damage
Move 30 ft northwest
(11) Mudface (Bandit 3) (11/11 HP)
Was knocked unconscious by Hadrian ---> Death saving throw 7 + 1 = 8 < DC 10 Con Save. Failure.
End of Round: Dead (0/11 HP)
(9) Tendilius (30/30 HP) ---> No Action (Dodge)
(9) Heiboros (23/23 HP)
(Action) Attack with Burning Hands @Mudface DC 14 Save as Mudface is unconscious then Mudface takes all 9 damage ---> Mudface (- 18/11 HP) ---Mudface dies
End of Round: Darkness countdown: 9:54 minutes
(9) Sanna (Bandit 4) (11/11 HP)
(Action) Attack with Light Crossbow @Ka-Cha 1 + 3 < 19 A Critical Miss. ----> Ka-Cha takes no damage
Run 30 ft to behind caravan
End of Round: Sanna HP (7/11 HP)
Juniper leaps out of the cart from her shotgun seat. Following the cry of Eren, she casts Frostbite onto the nearest target, the thieving bugbear, Mildred. Mildred roars, getting covered in the stinging icy blast.
Seeing her bravery, the forces of nature come to Juniper's call. They surround her, even in this dead barren land, the druid still can feel the lull of wind's light breeze and the pull of stars that moves hundreds of light years away. She gets up, goes out, and stands tall. Her Starry Form envelops the half-elf, the constellations align with her aim and it hits. The nocturnal arrow flying forth through the sky and into the bandit's cart. The wheel breaks off with a satisfying crunch and rolls away.
... And it rolls away and to spook the bandit's horse. The horse whinnies and kicks. This causes the thug's horse to kick and snort, pulling away from its masters' reins and kicking up dust as its wake. "Stop!" Brodan, the thug, hollers and tries to pull on the reins. The horse tugs back, pulling the dragonborn further from his goal as he runs to go stop it. "Down, girl."He puts his hand up her face, calming down the horse then focuses his attention back on the perpetrator who caused it.
Snickering behind his crossbow, the dragonborn lets go. The arrow then flies, sending back the same message to the druid. The feathered arrow sticks right through her shoulder, piercing through her armor. He shoots. He scores. He laughs.
Dabbert joins the fray, standing guard with a spear and driving it right into side of Mudface, the tabaxi. He blinks and keels down, staring down at the dirt before coughing up blood. Struggling, he gets up. "Perhaps I was wrong." He says to no one in particular.
Mildred, who was watching the commotion between his leader and the druid takes the cue. He points his crossbow and... it misses. Completely. The arrow flies over and past Juniper's head. It was any higher maybe it would have actually shot a real star. Mildred grunts, then looks back. Bet everyone saw that. Eyeing the mantis-man who has just stepped out of the carvan, he backs away.
Stepping out with clicks and chittering, Ka-Cha Khan arrives out in no haste. He stands tall, motion quick and precise. He turns his head to get one good look at the elf bandit who was poking out from behind the cart. In a second, a three-sided weapon darts out from his hand and slices through the air and slashes through Sanna's hand, leaving a gaping wound as the elf gasps and goes to close his hand from the blood. The tri-keen says nothing. It knows it is silent but deadly.
Hadrian moves over near Dabbert to finish what he started. With a greatsword in hand, he approaches the sneering tabaxi. "Oh what does he think he got?" Chides Mudface, sloppily scratching and punching at the air, "Let's go!"The taunt is answered with a strike and the foolish tabaxi falls unconscious, lying on the floor. "Aw ****"is all he gets to say before his eyes close.
Shaking his head, Hosh, the other elf, sees his fallen companion and takes out his own crossbow. "Surprise." He whispers, then shoots. It completely misses his target. The arrow falls to the floor. Dabbert was none the wiser.
"****"The bugbear curses, "Mudface!"On instinct, he reaches out to his fallen partner.
"Keep going!" Shouts Brodan, with his eyes and arms up still on the crossbow. "They took one of us. Then they get all of us."
Mildred first averts his gaze down, then at the second part of the sentence, blinks and looks up a bit confused and frowns. Brodan sees this and yells, waving his arm. "Go take 'em down!" Sanna and Hosh exchange looks.
Tendilius, anticipating the attack, dodges, but nothing happens. Heiboros on the other hand, throws hands. Flying down, he sends his burning hands out in front of him. The only one in the way, Mudface, is engulfed. Mildred watches with wide eyes. His partner is being enveloped by flames from a shadowy darkness. He looks up at the ominous dark cloud that is the aarakocra. He backs up, eyes darting everywhere on where to go.
Sanna tries to take vengeance, blood dripping from his hand onto his own crossbow. Must of gotten into his eyes too as he completely misses. The arrow flies, barely getting to Ka-Cha's knees. The tri-keen's many eyes just a watching. Sanna gulps, looks behind him, then runs to follow Hosh's lead behind the other side of the caravan.
"What are you doing?!"Brodan shouts. The two elves don't answer.
[[ Hadn't realized you were looking for those Round 1 actions yet. Was waiting until an initiative order was posted before making any actions.
For this round will there be some staggering of actions? Or do you want everything all at once? (Mainly thinking that positioning or the effects of other people's prior actions can influence things.) ]]
Heiboros is taking advantage of his sorcerous power. Twinning ice knife he targets Brodan and Mildred. Against Brodan: 14 to hit for five piercing damage, and DC 14 dev save for him and the horse to avoid 5 cold damage. Against Mildred, 14 to hit for 7 piercing damage and DC 14 Dec save or take 8 cold damage. Heiboros cackles and swoops back into the sky.
Tendilius takes the offered jerky from Hadrian. "No matter," he says, gaining more confidence as he speaks. "Just wasn't something I expected to hear. Smuggling and espionage you say? Interesting topics. You don't often meet people willing to mention such matters." He files it away in his mind, hoping to possibly get some tales from Hadrian later on.
In response to Dabbert he says, "Never been there. Grew up in Todesfeld myself. As for escorts, they're a way to get paid for going where you already wanted to. Pretty useful in my opinion. How about you? If you saw all the war I'm guessing people pay a pretty penny for your help."
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
The Thri-Kreen stands at about 5’10” but his abdomen extends about two-three feet behind him, especially the way his legs seem bent backward, at least by vertebrate standards. His compound eyes glitter in the sun, with a dark spot in the center that seems to follow you. (a Nature check of 12 realizes that the facets directly facing someone absorb light from that direction, which looks like…)
His “skin”, a chitinous exoskeleton that seems a stiff carapace in some places and flexible in others seems mostly a tan color that would be easy to hide in deserts or dry grassland, but once in a while he backs off for some quiet and it seems to change color a bit. He wears straps and packs for his gear but doesn’t seem to wear a lot of clothing. Just practical gear. Like the 6 crystalline triangular objects strapped to bandoliers. He carries a spear with a shaft of bone and similar crystal for points at each end.
As people greet him and ask questions, he bows and answers politely. As a voice in your minds.
“I am Ka-Cha Khan. From our language meaning “Seeker of Knowledge”, and the drasna who live near us place importance on the name Khan.”
The voice in their head from Ka-Cha Khan surprised them when Eren first when to shake his hand. They wondered if everyone else noticed it too and assumed to they did. They wondered if they could hear them back if they thought something. 'Nice to meet you' they tried to mentally convey, which of course did not work. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Khan." They said out loud anyways.
Once greetings were done and over with, Eren just leans back on their seat, nonchalantly listening in to your conversations. "Is was there before, yep. My pop's place was right in Drakkenheim and my ma's was in good ol' Emberwood. Was always a back and forther. Was staying at my ma's place that September though. Nows you can'ts pay me nos amount of money to go on backs to that city."
They shake their head, "But there ares some peoples who's willing to risk it... for the right price. And sos those peoples gots to eat, and us honest folk can makes a goods amounts of money feeding 'em. Still, there’s 'em bastards who just wanna take it. Like ya said 'Bloodshed = Money'." They shrug, then wink.
"So that’s where you lots comes in.”
The breeze and birds from Altberg give you all a warm goodbye as you gone off and set for Emberwood Village, heading on a smooth dirt road nearby a cascading river for a three week journey.
After two weeks and about 100 miles travelling on the road, the countryside turns dreary and desaturated. You pass many abandoned villages with dilapidated homes, crumbling farmsteads with sallow empty fields, and forests of dead trees. Thorny brambles and harsh scrubgrass are all that grow along the mud-slick road. Drizzling rain fills most days, and the wind howls at night. Aside from the creaking wagon wheels, you only hear the cawing of crows.
"That's what a happens when weird magic and water don't mix. Yalls seeing some down right nasty contaminated soil up in 'ere. Nothin' grows 'bout round here anymore. Thats whys I gots to import everythin' into the village." They click their tongue, "Ands that's why everythin's upped a much higher price."
"At least Flamekeeper Hana, yall knows of the Sacred Flame, helps keeps us a comin'. She's a always providin' us caravaners some seed money to up and keep ours businesses to be stayin' afloat."
Eren Marlowe keeps up good conversation the rest of the way there. They almost always don't stop talking. It isn't until when... you two (Heiboros and Juniper), first spot the trouble up ahead. You are only a few days away from Drakkenheim when...
A dragonborn thug on a riding horse calls out to you, Heiboros specifically, throwing a rock by you that purposefully misses. Four other men follow haughtily up behind him. "Oi, bird-man! Let yous and yours friends know you're travelling on a royal road, eh?" Eren taps the side of the caravan three times (your secret codeword) to let the rest of you inside know that trouble's coming.
<---- me irl slow reader, even slower writer easily jumpy thanks for being patient
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Player: Dragonlance
Heiboros glares down from the sky at the thug. "Join me in the air, if you dare. We will pass by here over your corpses or by your side, your choice. If you don't wanna leave us alone, I'll kill you. From the darkness." He uses two sorcery points to cast darkness centered on Heiboros.
[A paper drops out of a flash of light and drifts to the ground at your feet] -(extended sig)-
As they talk, Hadrian glances at the young druid a couple of times, curiosity flickering in his eyes. He wonders what could possibly draw her to Drakkenheim. The others, he gets—more or less—but she seems out of place, doesn’t fit in with the looming horrors and dangers of the city. But then again, there’s always surprises to be had.
Hearing Dabbert’s comment, the corner of Hadrian’s lips lifts into a grin. “That’s a fair judgment. He’s never been one to win popularity contests.” He remarks, a hint of dry humor in his voice. He takes another absent-minded bite of the jerky, then claps his hand on his knee with a smack.
“Ah. So you must be the Dabbert Haft. The constable (or whatever rank Dabbert has).” He continues, with genuine interest. “I heard you’re very good with a spear.” Hadrian eyes the spear Dabbert’s holding appreciatively, the craftsmanship, the worn grip, and the finely honed point. “So I might finally get to see that skill in action.”
Hadrian watches Tendilius take the offered jerky, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Given where we’re heading,” He says, “I think we’re going to hear a lot more about those things.”
As they continue their journey, the caravan comes to a halt, blocked by the thugs on the road. Hadrian climbs out of the caravan. Eyeing the thugs, he crosses his arms in front of his chest, muscles bulging under the sleeves, the gleaming greatsword on his back. His eyes flick upwards to Heiboros, perched ominously in the sky, shrouded in a swirling and pitch black darkness. “I’d listen to him if I were you,” He says, equal parts of amusement and threat. “If you still want to keep your heads.”
Persuasion: 9
"Bloody e'ffing mages." The dragonborn growls and winces at the 'in air' part, looking back at himself for nonexistent wings. Somehow that struck a cord with him, and he grunts, nudging one of the bandits, a tabaxi. "Mudface, keep an eye on that one will ya." Mudface, the tabaxi, gulps and looks at stares the darkness emanating from Heiboros, but does not back down.
The tabaxi is flanked by three other men, two elves and a bugbear, all of which have weapons at their side.
"Looks we just need a fee that's all. So let's keep its civil, why don't we." Brodan, the dragonborn, turns to look at Hadrian then instead and sneers. "The money or your lives."
<---- me irl slow reader, even slower writer easily jumpy thanks for being patient
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Player: Dragonlance
From the caravan Tendilius takes notice of the ongoing situation and stands up. He casts a quick mold earth to take the earth out from under the lead thug's horse to hopefully cause it to stumble a little.
"Threats of violence are seldom what I've call civil. And in my opinion you're on no ground to be making demands." he smirks, "I'd reckon there's a decent reward for thugs such as yourselves. Perhaps enough to make a fight worth it. So if I may make a counterproposal: peace or your lives, eh?"
Intimidation: 5+6 = 11
//definitely not as good as Heiboros', but also saw Hadrian rolling a persuasion right as I doing my roll so maybe a bit of good cop bad cop?
//and since I've got a feeling it'll be needed,
Initiative: 6+3 = 9
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
A hand slowly went to Juniper's belt as the threats were tossed back and forth. She tooled her expression to match the bravado of her compatriots, but kept quiet for the time being, letting those more experienced in dealing with brigands to confront the ones barring their path.
Eyes narrowed and hardened, lips pulled into a thin, faintly snarling smile as she studied each of the bandits in turn. The only tell of the half-elf's nerves then was the faint tremble in her fingers as they settled not on the newly made scimitar, but on the carved yew wand nestled beside it at her waist.
(I, too, have a feeling we'll be needing it soon)
(Iniative: 18+3 = 21)
Juniper Summers in Drakkenheim - Mind and Matter
Delphine Bennett in The Dark Below
Ilmrae Zolier in Dragon Heist - One Hell of a Summer
Loralai Darkleaf in The Storm King's Thunder
Eris Tourmaline in An Adventure in the Mountains
Circe Somerset in Candlekeep Mysteries
The horse neighs as it stumbles, its front feet kick the air as it tilts back with Brodan tight on the reins, steadfast on keeping it from going lose. "You little--" He doesn't finish, just growls. He doesn't even care to play with your rules. He eyes you Tendilius up and down and then squints hard at Juniper. He purses his lips. "Sack the 'van. Take everythin'. No plank unturned." He orders his men and they all do what he says.
They all avoid you and make a straight b-line towards the inside of the caravan and start grabbing as much stuff as they can including salt, dried fruits, preserved meats, and several jars of sauerkraut and loading it up onto their cart, to which makes Eren shout. "Hey!"
<---- me irl slow reader, even slower writer easily jumpy thanks for being patient
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Player: Dragonlance
Heiboros flies down to ground level in front of the thugs and casts burning hands, targeting all the thugs if possible. The darkness follows me, enveloping the thugs with the 15 ft radius. Dex saving throw, DC 14. 9 damage on a failed save. 5 on a success. "You should have listened. Now you're gonna burn." Initiative 9.
[A paper drops out of a flash of light and drifts to the ground at your feet] -(extended sig)-
Dab nods to Tendilius.
"Plenty of escorts." He says. "Used to live outside Drakkenheim. Nothing special about that, really. Just relocated after things got bad."
He shrugged, then winced when the voice of the bug-man invaded his mind. It took him a moment, and he'd had some pretty weird experiences before, so tried to shake it off quick and regain his composure. He nods though when Hadrian addresses him as Lieutenant (more fitting?).
"That's me." He says, a dry, half-assed smile on his face. "I'm just uh..."
He takes a moment to think about what he's going to say next. Unable to get his words out, or perhaps reluctant, he cuts it short.
"...uh. Yeah."
He tries not to elaborate further. His eyes meet Hadrian's, trying to say it all. That's not who I am or I try to not be that person or...or whatever he's thinking. And yet here he is with the spear in his hand...
He gets comfortable in the uncomfortable silence...
Things turn into a shitshow fast. Dabbert hasn't even had time to respond before the bandits rush for the caravan. He doesn't try to talk. There's only one way to deal with people like this, and the world is always better off afterwards. In his opinion, anyway.
"Kill 'em!" He shouts as he exits his seat, shield slipping down over his left arm, spear in his right hand. He thrusts out as he drops toward the ground, striking for the closest brigand that is grabbing for supplies. "Kill the horses, bust their wagon wheels, whatever you have to do! Don't let them escape!"
Dabbert dances back, disengaging, trying to place himself between the brigands raiding the caravan and the leader. His spear comes up, ready for anything that gets within his reach...
Turn Summary
Movement: Drops from the cart, then moves 5 feet toward the front to position himself between the Brigand Leader and the front of the caravan
Action- Attack w/ Spear: Targeting closest brigand. Attack: 7 Damage: 9
Bonus Action- Disengage: Dabbert moving away from the brigand does not trigger Attacks of Opportunity
Held Reaction- Polearm Master Opportunity Attack: Triggered if any badguys come within 5 feet of Dabbert. Attack: 20 Damage: 5
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
(OOC: Forgot to roll for Initiative!
Dabbert Hahft Initiative: 8)
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Hey, indeed. A cry of protest left Juniper as the bandit's started for the caravan's goods, the yew wand now secured in her still shaking grip. This was part of the agreement, she reminded herself, protect the caravan, its goods, and its people. Bolstered by her companions' quick call to action, she shot up from her seat, grabbed the shield where it rested in front of her, and uttered a command in Sidhe.
"Stars, guide us," She beseeched in the foreign tongue, and with it a wash of dazzling constellations enveloped the druid. One in particular stood out, a bow and arrow twinkling with malign intent. A miniature star shot forth with its appearance, aimed at the back driver's wheel of the bandits' carriage. Nearly in tandem, Juniper raised her wand a snapped its tip towards the closest charging thug, from which a shard of ice sliced through the air.
Bonus Action: Starry Form, Archer Mode. 23 to Hit the wagon wheel, 7 radiant damage
Main Action: Frostbite, DC 14 CON Save on the closest bandit for 3 cold damage, and DIS on their next attack.
Juniper Summers in Drakkenheim - Mind and Matter
Delphine Bennett in The Dark Below
Ilmrae Zolier in Dragon Heist - One Hell of a Summer
Loralai Darkleaf in The Storm King's Thunder
Eris Tourmaline in An Adventure in the Mountains
Circe Somerset in Candlekeep Mysteries
Init. 16 on sheet
C hatkcha 13 to hit 4 dam if it does on the leader
Initiative: 15
In a split second, Hadrian draws the greatsword from his back with one hand. The steel gleams ominously as he holds it out between the bandit and the wagon, blocking the thug’s path before they can lay a hand on the supplies. He makes eye contact with the bandit, with a grin, white flames ignite along the length of the sword, cascading down the blade like a river of fire and light in the darkness. He grips the hilt with both hands, swings the sword sideways across the bandit’s midsection.
Greatsword Attack: 8 (Okay, bad… he’ll use his channel divinity to get +10 to the attack roll to make it 18) Damage: 16
Casting divine favor for extra 2 radiant damage
The brigands descend upon the cart, stealing as much as their grubby hands can handle- except for Mudface, the tabaxi, who was too busy observing Heiboros's every move with mischievous eyes. He smiles and bats the air with his claws. "Oh, my sweet songbird. Please don't hide. Won't you ever come down for me?" He whistles. "Wouldn't you play a song for me?"
Meanwhile, Eren is caught up in a shakedown by one of the elves, grappling them. The elf, Hosh, shoves his hands into all their pockets, then stops.
"Catch!" A potion of healing flies through the air towards the tabaxi. "Wha-" Mudface goes to turn but its too late. It falls, breaking hard on a rock and spilling everywhere. The potion's contents soaking into the soil. "Oops." Mudface's face changes from one of surprise to smugness and shrugs, grinning wide at those of you closest.
Hosh facepalms at this, but then-
"Kill the horses, bust their wagon wheels, whatever you have to do! Don't let them escape!" They hear Dabbert yell.
Guess that was provoking enough. The bandits draw arms.
Round 1 begins...
Juniper leaps out of the cart from her shotgun seat. Following the cry of Eren, she casts Frostbite onto the nearest target, the thieving bugbear, Mildred. Mildred roars, getting covered in the stinging icy blast.
Seeing her bravery, the forces of nature come to Juniper's call. They surround her, even in this dead barren land, the druid still can feel the lull of wind's light breeze and the pull of stars that moves hundreds of light years away. She gets up, goes out, and stands tall. Her Starry Form envelops the half-elf, the constellations align with her aim and it hits. The nocturnal arrow flying forth through the sky and into the bandit's cart. The wheel breaks off with a satisfying crunch and rolls away.
... And it rolls away and to spook the bandit's horse. The horse whinnies and kicks. This causes the thug's horse to kick and snort, pulling away from its masters' reins and kicking up dust as its wake. "Stop!" Brodan, the thug, hollers and tries to pull on the reins. The horse tugs back, pulling the dragonborn further from his goal as he runs to go stop it. "Down, girl." He puts his hand up her face, calming down the horse then focuses his attention back on the perpetrator who caused it.
Snickering behind his crossbow, the dragonborn lets go. The arrow then flies, sending back the same message to the druid. The feathered arrow sticks right through her shoulder, piercing through her armor. He shoots. He scores. He laughs.
Dabbert joins the fray, standing guard with a spear and driving it right into side of Mudface, the tabaxi. He blinks and keels down, staring down at the dirt before coughing up blood. Struggling, he gets up. "Perhaps I was wrong." He says to no one in particular.
Mildred, who was watching the commotion between his leader and the druid takes the cue. He points his crossbow and... it misses. Completely. The arrow flies over and past Juniper's head. It was any higher maybe it would have actually shot a real star. Mildred grunts, then looks back. Bet everyone saw that. Eyeing the mantis-man who has just stepped out of the carvan, he backs away.
Stepping out with clicks and chittering, Ka-Cha Khan arrives out in no haste. He stands tall, motion quick and precise. He turns his head to get one good look at the elf bandit who was poking out from behind the cart. In a second, a three-sided weapon darts out from his hand and slices through the air and slashes through Sanna's hand, leaving a gaping wound as the elf gasps and goes to close his hand from the blood. The tri-keen says nothing. It knows it is silent but deadly.
Hadrian moves over near Dabbert to finish what he started. With a greatsword in hand, he approaches the sneering tabaxi. "Oh what does he think he got?" Chides Mudface, sloppily scratching and punching at the air, "Let's go!" The taunt is answered with a strike and the foolish tabaxi falls unconscious, lying on the floor. "Aw ****" is all he gets to say before his eyes close.
Shaking his head, Hosh, the other elf, sees his fallen companion and takes out his own crossbow. "Surprise." He whispers, then shoots. It completely misses his target. The arrow falls to the floor. Dabbert was none the wiser.
"****" The bugbear curses, "Mudface!" On instinct, he reaches out to his fallen partner.
"Keep going!" Shouts Brodan, with his eyes and arms up still on the crossbow. "They took one of us. Then they get all of us."
Mildred first averts his gaze down, then at the second part of the sentence, blinks and looks up a bit confused and frowns. Brodan sees this and yells, waving his arm. "Go take 'em down!" Sanna and Hosh exchange looks.
Tendilius, anticipating the attack, dodges, but nothing happens. Heiboros on the other hand, throws hands. Flying down, he sends his burning hands out in front of him. The only one in the way, Mudface, is engulfed. Mildred watches with wide eyes. His partner is being enveloped by flames from a shadowy darkness. He looks up at the ominous dark cloud that is the aarakocra. He backs up, eyes darting everywhere on where to go.
Sanna tries to take vengeance, blood dripping from his hand onto his own crossbow. Must of gotten into his eyes too as he completely misses. The arrow flies, barely getting to Ka-Cha's knees. The tri-keen's many eyes just a watching. Sanna gulps, looks behind him, then runs to follow Hosh's lead behind the other side of the caravan.
"What are you doing?!" Brodan shouts. The two elves don't answer.
Continue with Round 2...
<---- me irl slow reader, even slower writer easily jumpy thanks for being patient
DM: Drakkenheim Mind and Matter + Blood Secrets + What's in the Here and Now;
Player: Dragonlance
[[
Hadn't realized you were looking for those Round 1 actions yet. Was waiting until an initiative order was posted before making any actions.
For this round will there be some staggering of actions? Or do you want everything all at once? (Mainly thinking that positioning or the effects of other people's prior actions can influence things.)
]]
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
for the current round 21 to hit rolled in OOC thread
If the 1st hits then 3 + 3 +3
(If a second attack 18 to hit & 1 + 3 +3)
(I had a question & posting now before I'm stuck at work)
Heiboros is taking advantage of his sorcerous power. Twinning ice knife he targets Brodan and Mildred. Against Brodan: 14 to hit for five piercing damage, and DC 14 dev save for him and the horse to avoid 5 cold damage. Against Mildred, 14 to hit for 7 piercing damage and DC 14 Dec save or take 8 cold damage. Heiboros cackles and swoops back into the sky.
[A paper drops out of a flash of light and drifts to the ground at your feet] -(extended sig)-