A welcoming wave ushered Mercy towards the table. "No apology needed; our benefactor has yet to make it here, either. Ilmrae, good t'meet you."The warm smile vanished behind a drink- one that quickly turned into a good natured grimace directed at the taste. "That's certainly a flavor. Or just Immy to my friends." The sudden crash earned a wide-eyed stare, the aevendrow already halfway from her seat to help the fallen before the stranger beared further down onto the half-orc.
"Well, that's uncalled for." She stated to the tattooed man, tone more akin to a disappointed mother than anything aggressive. Even so, she muttered a quick word laced with the Weave in Undercommon, sending threads of protective magic across her torso. Just in case. And good thing, too, as the tabaxi in their newly founded party cut to the heart of the dispute with a flash of steel. Try as she might, she couldn't fault Lucky's reaction to the bully. She gave the tabaxi a curt nod, and with it an odd thread of thought connected the rogue and sorcerer. 'Following your lead, then.'
Initiative: 16 (+2 Dex, just in case of ties) Main Action: Casting Mage Armor on herself Bonus Action: Telepathic Speech with Lucky
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
With a sigh Dierdre stands up and looks at the disturbance "Some people, you just can't take them anywhere"
Heading into the fray she utters a word and casts Word of radiance targeting all those in range. As a precaution she also casts Shield of faith on Lucky.
Quickly standing with her friends against these bullies Mialee will cast Faerie Fire placing the spell so that it will only affect the bald man with eye tattoos, his four companions, and unfortunately the half-orc woman (can't avoid her and still get all the others).
Initiative: 10
Action: Cast Faerie Fire on the six involved in the struggle DC 14 DEX save.
"Stand down and release the woman!"shouts Mialee trying to imbue her voice with the authority of a mother chastising her misbehaving children.
Lucky will take a moment, seeing that he does have some backup, to brandish his blades and grin at the assailers in a manner that displays his pointy feline teeth. He’ll say:
“You can’t simply chuck a person down that hole. It ought to be a free choice, going down there. So back off!”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Lucky leaps into the fray, taking a wild swing with his shortsword that the thug manages to avoid. A quick follow up with the dagger does find purchase.
Dierdre'sradiant spell catches the thugs completely off guard, dealing 3 radiant damage to three of them, including the bald man. An aura of divine energy bolsters Lucky's defense.
Mialeebathes the thugs in radiant moonlight, but unfortunately most of them avoid the spell's effect. All the hooded thugs are unaffected, but the bald man and the Zhent half-orc are currently glowing with dim light.
The bald man grunts in pain as he's hit by Dierdre's spell. "The Hells?! Zhent backup, is it? Fine, we'll take the lot o' ya!"
Elagor stands and draws his swords. He steps forward to support the others. His intention is to cover Lucky from any flanking interference or to engage the bald man if he decides to fight.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
GM: Adventure in the Mountains GM: After The Breach PC: Elagor Tyreen, in Dragon Heist-Hell of a Summer
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Before Mercy can even enjoy the warm welcome she receives (which is unusual enough for her), a commotion breaks out. When she hears the words 'Zhent pig,' she immediately tenses up. The tattooed man must be a member of Xanathar's; the eye tattoos suggest as much. Mercy doesn't recognize the half-orc, but that doesn't mean she isn't a member of the Black Network. It's a big organization, especially in Waterdeep. Lucky jumps into the fray, intent on saving the woman from being thrown into the Well. Mercy is ashamed to admit that her first instinct is to avoid getting involved; she'd rather not draw attention to herself or advertise the fact that she is a Zhent herself. Yet she can't stand the thought of witnessing a woman being thrown to her death either.
"There's one of her and like five of you. We're just making it a fair fight!" Mercy declares, glaring at the bald man. A ball of dark energy forms in her hand, and she throws it at the bald man. It crackles and hits with a sound like a small peal of thunder in the confined space of the inn.
A crowd of spectators has now gathered in the vicinity, not so close that they are in danger of getting caught in the crossfire, but close enough they can see all the action. The barkeep Durnan sighs and begins making his way toward the throng, but he isn't exactly bursting with enthusiasm to break it up. Even if he was, he'd have some trouble getting through the crowd. This tavern brawl isn't getting stopped by the management anytime soon.
"Kill the Zhent, then beat these suckers to a pulp!"The Xanathar thugs push back, drawing their weapons and attacking the interlopers! The Zhent thug draws her own mace and gets ready to defend herself.
Thug 1 Attack vs. Lucky: 6 to hit, Miss! Thug 2 Attack vs. Elagor: 17 to hit, 4 Slashing damage! Thug 3 Attack vs. Zhent Thug: 8 to hit, Miss! Thug 4 Attack vs. Zhent Thug: 19 to hit, 7 Slashing damage! Bald Man Attacks vs. Dierdre: 10 and 10 to hit, Miss and Miss! Zhent Thug Attacks vs. Thug 3 & 4: 21 and 7, 4 bludgeoning damage and Miss!
The Zhent thug takes a bad hit and then dishes one back to her attackers, Elagor gets knicked by a thug's scimitar, and Lucky and Dierdre easily dodge the sloppy swings of these Xanathar goons.
Ilmrae's fingers snapped, and from the tips of which a trio of opaline threads of magic tethered themselves to Mia, Elagor, and the half-orc who'd garnered the bullies' unfortunate ire. "I think you'd find all of us much more reasonable if you cease your tirade," The command was similarly laced with the Weave, a spike of energy driven with intent into the tattooed man's mind.
Bonus Action: Quickening Bless on Mia, Elagor, and Zhent Thug
Main Action: Mind Sliver on Eyeball Tattoos, DC 14 Int Save for 4 psychic damage and a -1d4 on his next Saving Throw
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 Bald Man is completely caught off guard by Dierdre and Mercy's spells. The dolorous bell gave him a nasty headache, and the following eldritch blast knocks him off his feet entirely. He doesn't move once he's hit the ground. (Mercy struck the final hit - lethal or non-lethal?)
(Waiting for an update on Ilmrae and Mialee's actions, since they both targeted the Bald Man, but technically via initiative order Mercy would have taken him out before their turns.)
Mercy doesn't tend to pull punches, especially when she feels like she's in a situation where it's her life on the line. Her spell was lethal, unfortunately for the bald Xanathar man.
The Xanathar goons look on in shock as their boss is cut down. "Krentz, no!" One of them shouts. "Lads, let's get out of he-"
The gangster can't finish his sentence before Mialee's bolt strikes him right in the chest, knocking him into a nearby table. Just like the Bald Man, Krentz, he hits the ground and does not get back up.
Unfortunately for Ilmrae, the thug she targeted resisted her psionic spell. "We're out of our league here boys, time to scram!" One of the surviving Xanathar gangers shouts. They unhand the Zhent, disengage, and run for the door.
Before you can give chase, a strange sound and smell comes from the Well. Shortly after, a large green hand grips the edge of the wall, then another hand, as a wart-covered, stringy-haired giant pulls itself up out of the Portal. Clinging to the creature's back are five strange little creatures that look like a cross between a bat and a mosquito, their long sharp proboscises sticking into the hulking brute. Sticking out of the giant's mouth is a small hand clutching a wooden staff - it's the halfling from the party that just went down to Undermountain. The tavern erupts into chaos as everyone nearby flees or dives for cover - tables are overturned, drinks are spilled, quipper and chip plates fly through the air.
"Troll!" Durnan shouts, running back to the bar and grabbing a greatsword from behind it. He leaps into action, ready to take on the troll.
Lucky is shocked at the quick change of events. Thoughts swirl as he struggles to keep up: Troll, definitely antagonistic, halfling in his mouth. Can the little fellah be saved? What are those things in the troll’s back, are they hindering the troll at all? Would he be nicer if we got them off, I wonder? Nah, halfling in his mouth, that’s unlikely.
Would Lucky be allowed to make an insight check (in addition to his attack/move) regarding this troll’s issues? Has it come up seeking help against the sucking monsters, or is it here to cause havoc?
It does not take a master inquisitive to read the troll's intent: it appears angry and belligerent. It is certainly not here to sample the Shadowdark ale. It looks like it's about to crush one of the Xanathar goons.
Elagor doesn't hesitate - the halfling has little time and it would be unwise, he feels, to allow the troll time to size up its surroundings or any threat. Elagor leaps forward, both blades swing and strike the creature (for a total of 12 damage). Thick troll blood glistens on his blades as he braces for the inevitable retaliation. Hopefully those stirges will be content to drink troll blood, he muses, or this could get interesting very quickly.
Lucky isn’t confident in his ability to accurately read the troll, and besides, it has the halfling in its mouth, that is a pretty good indicator of its disposition. As such, he’s going to run up to the thing, jumping up on a nearby table (now vacated of its patrons due to all the ruckus) and attempt to stab the hideous thing in the face.
Elagor cuts deep into the troll's leg, but Lucky has trouble piercing its tough, warty skin. It roars in pain and frustration, glowering down at the two adventurers.
It is the Zhent Thug's turn!
The half-orc looks up at the troll and curses. "Just my damn luck!" She growls. The fleeing Xanathar thugs catch her eye, you can tell she desperately wants to show them what for, but there are bigger fish to fry. She reaches to her belt and pulls out a hand crossbow, then looses a bolt at the troll, but it bounces harmlessly off its hide. "Bloody Hells!"
It is the Stirges' turns!
The stirges peel off the troll as it starts flailing wildly in the taproom. There are many other tastier treats to enjoy here. The stirges separate, each one flying to a different target and attempting to needle them with their sharp proboscises. The Zhent, Elagor, and Dierdre avoid the nasty sting, one of the wounded Xanathar thugs is hit, and even with Dierdre's divine protection, Lucky is struck. The stirges make a sound like cackling as they attach to the thug and Lucky.
(While attached, the stirge moves with the target and can’t make Proboscis attacks. A creature who can reach the stirge can use an action to detach the stirge, shunting them into the nearest unoccupied space of the stirge’s choice. The stirge also detaches if they become grappled, incapacitated, prone, or restrained.)
It is the troll's turn!
The troll, already bloodied as it made its way up, is furious. But it seems to stagger on its feet, heavier and clumsier than the usual troll, its eyelids drooping somewhat. Still, any angry troll is a threat, regardless of how weakened it may be.
DC 10 Insight:
The troll is dazed and poisoned from being drained by the stirges.
DC 12 Perception:
The wounds on the troll aren't just limited to the stirge bites - there are injuries from weapons and magic, too. The party that just went down the Yawning Portal did a number on this thing. Also, the halfling's hand wriggles somewhat - it would seem she's still alive! For how long, though, who can tell...
The troll lashes out with its claws and bite. Elagor gets raked by one of the claws and is left bloodied, Lucky just manages to duck under the other one, and one of the stirges near the troll avoids getting snatched out of the air by its rancid teeth.
It is Durnan's turn!
"I'll distract the troll,"Durnan shouts to all of you, "You just make sure those stirges don't sting my customers!"
As he runs past the Xanathar goons, he shoots them a look that could kill."You set foot in here again, I'll be sure you take the pilgrimage yourself, you eyeball bastards!"
With his greatsword ready to go, Durnan engages the troll and makes four attacks in quick succession - even though his sword is incredibly sharp, it only manages to cut through the troll's thick hide after the fourth slash. The cut goes deep, right to the bone, but the troll is still standing.
Back to the top: It is Dierdre, Mercy, Ilmrae, and Mialee's turns!
Post from Mialee, should have posted this sooner, sorry:
Seeing the remaining Xanathar goons break and run fills Mialee with a sense of relief that the fighting was over as she absolutely abhors violence. The chance to end it quickly aligns with the tenets of her faith.
However this feeling is short lived as the troll climbs out of the well with what is probably the last survivor of the recent expedition currently meeting his end in the mouth of the troll. She immediately and instinctively calls out with her mind, invading the thoughts of Lucky with the singing voice of a soprano, using it's coloratura to showcase its agility and flexibility and thus convey those traits to the recipient of her message.
Lucky, it's Mialee. Good to see you have not forgotten your training in the art of Bautha z'hin and its applications. Warn the others to target the troll with fire if they can as this will end the fighting quickly. I have a plan to take out the small creatures on it's back.
A welcoming wave ushered Mercy towards the table. "No apology needed; our benefactor has yet to make it here, either. Ilmrae, good t'meet you." The warm smile vanished behind a drink- one that quickly turned into a good natured grimace directed at the taste. "That's certainly a flavor. Or just Immy to my friends." The sudden crash earned a wide-eyed stare, the aevendrow already halfway from her seat to help the fallen before the stranger beared further down onto the half-orc.
"Well, that's uncalled for." She stated to the tattooed man, tone more akin to a disappointed mother than anything aggressive. Even so, she muttered a quick word laced with the Weave in Undercommon, sending threads of protective magic across her torso. Just in case. And good thing, too, as the tabaxi in their newly founded party cut to the heart of the dispute with a flash of steel. Try as she might, she couldn't fault Lucky's reaction to the bully. She gave the tabaxi a curt nod, and with it an odd thread of thought connected the rogue and sorcerer. 'Following your lead, then.'
Initiative: 16 (+2 Dex, just in case of ties)
Main Action: Casting Mage Armor on herself
Bonus Action: Telepathic Speech with Lucky
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
With a sigh Dierdre stands up and looks at the disturbance "Some people, you just can't take them anywhere"
Heading into the fray she utters a word and casts Word of radiance targeting all those in range. As a precaution she also casts Shield of faith on Lucky.
Action: Word of Radiance
Bonus: Shield of faith
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Quickly standing with her friends against these bullies Mialee will cast Faerie Fire placing the spell so that it will only affect the bald man with eye tattoos, his four companions, and unfortunately the half-orc woman (can't avoid her and still get all the others).
Initiative: 10
Action: Cast Faerie Fire on the six involved in the struggle DC 14 DEX save.
"Stand down and release the woman!" shouts Mialee trying to imbue her voice with the authority of a mother chastising her misbehaving children.
Lucky will take a moment, seeing that he does have some backup, to brandish his blades and grin at the assailers in a manner that displays his pointy feline teeth. He’ll say:
“You can’t simply chuck a person down that hole. It ought to be a free choice, going down there. So back off!”
Lucky leaps into the fray, taking a wild swing with his shortsword that the thug manages to avoid. A quick follow up with the dagger does find purchase.
Dierdre's radiant spell catches the thugs completely off guard, dealing 3 radiant damage to three of them, including the bald man. An aura of divine energy bolsters Lucky's defense.
Mialee bathes the thugs in radiant moonlight, but unfortunately most of them avoid the spell's effect. All the hooded thugs are unaffected, but the bald man and the Zhent half-orc are currently glowing with dim light.
The bald man grunts in pain as he's hit by Dierdre's spell. "The Hells?! Zhent backup, is it? Fine, we'll take the lot o' ya!"
Elagor stands and draws his swords. He steps forward to support the others. His intention is to cover Lucky from any flanking interference or to engage the bald man if he decides to fight.
GM: Adventure in the Mountains
GM: After The Breach
PC: Elagor Tyreen, in Dragon Heist-Hell of a Summer
Feel free to check out my Period Fantasy novella: Storm on the Cathe
Before Mercy can even enjoy the warm welcome she receives (which is unusual enough for her), a commotion breaks out. When she hears the words 'Zhent pig,' she immediately tenses up. The tattooed man must be a member of Xanathar's; the eye tattoos suggest as much. Mercy doesn't recognize the half-orc, but that doesn't mean she isn't a member of the Black Network. It's a big organization, especially in Waterdeep. Lucky jumps into the fray, intent on saving the woman from being thrown into the Well. Mercy is ashamed to admit that her first instinct is to avoid getting involved; she'd rather not draw attention to herself or advertise the fact that she is a Zhent herself. Yet she can't stand the thought of witnessing a woman being thrown to her death either.
"There's one of her and like five of you. We're just making it a fair fight!" Mercy declares, glaring at the bald man. A ball of dark energy forms in her hand, and she throws it at the bald man. It crackles and hits with a sound like a small peal of thunder in the confined space of the inn.
Initiative: 11
Action: Eldritch Blast at bald man Attack: 20 Damage: 3
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
A crowd of spectators has now gathered in the vicinity, not so close that they are in danger of getting caught in the crossfire, but close enough they can see all the action. The barkeep Durnan sighs and begins making his way toward the throng, but he isn't exactly bursting with enthusiasm to break it up. Even if he was, he'd have some trouble getting through the crowd. This tavern brawl isn't getting stopped by the management anytime soon.
"Kill the Zhent, then beat these suckers to a pulp!" The Xanathar thugs push back, drawing their weapons and attacking the interlopers! The Zhent thug draws her own mace and gets ready to defend herself.
Thug 1 Attack vs. Lucky: 6 to hit, Miss!
Thug 2 Attack vs. Elagor: 17 to hit, 4 Slashing damage!
Thug 3 Attack vs. Zhent Thug: 8 to hit, Miss!
Thug 4 Attack vs. Zhent Thug: 19 to hit, 7 Slashing damage!
Bald Man Attacks vs. Dierdre: 10 and 10 to hit, Miss and Miss!
Zhent Thug Attacks vs. Thug 3 & 4: 21 and 7, 4 bludgeoning damage and Miss!
The Zhent thug takes a bad hit and then dishes one back to her attackers, Elagor gets knicked by a thug's scimitar, and Lucky and Dierdre easily dodge the sloppy swings of these Xanathar goons.
Initiative Order: (also present on Owlbear Rodeo)
Dierdre > Mercy > Ilmrae > Mialee > Xanathar Thugs > Elagor > Lucky > Zhent Thug
It is Dierdre's turn!
Seeing Bald man take damage Dierdre takes advantage of his mis-fortune and casts Toll the Dead.
The sound of a deep foreboding bell resonates about the bald man for a few seconds and he clasps his skull in anguish. 12 damage if he fails wis save.
(Re-rolled as I forgot Faerie fire gave advantage).
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Unimpressed with the results of her first spell, Mercy tries again, flinging another eldritch blast at the bald Xanathar goon.
Nat 20 for 18 damage! Rolled in game log with advantage from Faerie Fire
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
Ilmrae's fingers snapped, and from the tips of which a trio of opaline threads of magic tethered themselves to Mia, Elagor, and the half-orc who'd garnered the bullies' unfortunate ire. "I think you'd find all of us much more reasonable if you cease your tirade," The command was similarly laced with the Weave, a spike of energy driven with intent into the tattooed man's mind.
Bonus Action: Quickening Bless on Mia, Elagor, and Zhent Thug
Main Action: Mind Sliver on Eyeball Tattoos, DC 14 Int Save for 4 psychic damage and a -1d4 on his next Saving Throw
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 Bald Man is completely caught off guard by Dierdre and Mercy's spells. The dolorous bell gave him a nasty headache, and the following eldritch blast knocks him off his feet entirely. He doesn't move once he's hit the ground. (Mercy struck the final hit - lethal or non-lethal?)
(Waiting for an update on Ilmrae and Mialee's actions, since they both targeted the Bald Man, but technically via initiative order Mercy would have taken him out before their turns.)
Mercy doesn't tend to pull punches, especially when she feels like she's in a situation where it's her life on the line. Her spell was lethal, unfortunately for the bald Xanathar man.
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
It's the Xanathar Thugs' turn!
The Xanathar goons look on in shock as their boss is cut down. "Krentz, no!" One of them shouts. "Lads, let's get out of he-"
The gangster can't finish his sentence before Mialee's bolt strikes him right in the chest, knocking him into a nearby table. Just like the Bald Man, Krentz, he hits the ground and does not get back up.
Unfortunately for Ilmrae, the thug she targeted resisted her psionic spell. "We're out of our league here boys, time to scram!" One of the surviving Xanathar gangers shouts. They unhand the Zhent, disengage, and run for the door.
Before you can give chase, a strange sound and smell comes from the Well. Shortly after, a large green hand grips the edge of the wall, then another hand, as a wart-covered, stringy-haired giant pulls itself up out of the Portal. Clinging to the creature's back are five strange little creatures that look like a cross between a bat and a mosquito, their long sharp proboscises sticking into the hulking brute. Sticking out of the giant's mouth is a small hand clutching a wooden staff - it's the halfling from the party that just went down to Undermountain. The tavern erupts into chaos as everyone nearby flees or dives for cover - tables are overturned, drinks are spilled, quipper and chip plates fly through the air.
"Troll!" Durnan shouts, running back to the bar and grabbing a greatsword from behind it. He leaps into action, ready to take on the troll.
Updated initiative order:
Dierdre > Mercy > Ilmrae > Mialee > Xanathar Thugs > Elagor > Lucky > Zhent Thug > Stirges > Troll > Durnan
It is now Elagor and Lucky's turns!
Lucky is shocked at the quick change of events. Thoughts swirl as he struggles to keep up: Troll, definitely antagonistic, halfling in his mouth. Can the little fellah be saved? What are those things in the troll’s back, are they hindering the troll at all? Would he be nicer if we got them off, I wonder? Nah, halfling in his mouth, that’s unlikely.
Would Lucky be allowed to make an insight check (in addition to his attack/move) regarding this troll’s issues? Has it come up seeking help against the sucking monsters, or is it here to cause havoc?
If allowed, insight: 7
It does not take a master inquisitive to read the troll's intent: it appears angry and belligerent. It is certainly not here to sample the Shadowdark ale. It looks like it's about to crush one of the Xanathar goons.
Elagor doesn't hesitate - the halfling has little time and it would be unwise, he feels, to allow the troll time to size up its surroundings or any threat. Elagor leaps forward, both blades swing and strike the creature (for a total of 12 damage). Thick troll blood glistens on his blades as he braces for the inevitable retaliation. Hopefully those stirges will be content to drink troll blood, he muses, or this could get interesting very quickly.
GM: Adventure in the Mountains
GM: After The Breach
PC: Elagor Tyreen, in Dragon Heist-Hell of a Summer
Feel free to check out my Period Fantasy novella: Storm on the Cathe
Lucky isn’t confident in his ability to accurately read the troll, and besides, it has the halfling in its mouth, that is a pretty good indicator of its disposition. As such, he’s going to run up to the thing, jumping up on a nearby table (now vacated of its patrons due to all the ruckus) and attempt to stab the hideous thing in the face.
Short sword attack: 10
if it hits: 6 damage
bonus action (cunning action) disengage
then positions himself behind Elagor.
Elagor cuts deep into the troll's leg, but Lucky has trouble piercing its tough, warty skin. It roars in pain and frustration, glowering down at the two adventurers.
It is the Zhent Thug's turn!
The half-orc looks up at the troll and curses. "Just my damn luck!" She growls. The fleeing Xanathar thugs catch her eye, you can tell she desperately wants to show them what for, but there are bigger fish to fry. She reaches to her belt and pulls out a hand crossbow, then looses a bolt at the troll, but it bounces harmlessly off its hide. "Bloody Hells!"
It is the Stirges' turns!
The stirges peel off the troll as it starts flailing wildly in the taproom. There are many other tastier treats to enjoy here. The stirges separate, each one flying to a different target and attempting to needle them with their sharp proboscises. The Zhent, Elagor, and Dierdre avoid the nasty sting, one of the wounded Xanathar thugs is hit, and even with Dierdre's divine protection, Lucky is struck. The stirges make a sound like cackling as they attach to the thug and Lucky.
(While attached, the stirge moves with the target and can’t make Proboscis attacks. A creature who can reach the stirge can use an action to detach the stirge, shunting them into the nearest unoccupied space of the stirge’s choice. The stirge also detaches if they become grappled, incapacitated, prone, or restrained.)
It is the troll's turn!
The troll, already bloodied as it made its way up, is furious. But it seems to stagger on its feet, heavier and clumsier than the usual troll, its eyelids drooping somewhat. Still, any angry troll is a threat, regardless of how weakened it may be.
DC 10 Insight:
The troll is dazed and poisoned from being drained by the stirges.
DC 12 Perception:
The wounds on the troll aren't just limited to the stirge bites - there are injuries from weapons and magic, too. The party that just went down the Yawning Portal did a number on this thing. Also, the halfling's hand wriggles somewhat - it would seem she's still alive! For how long, though, who can tell...
The troll lashes out with its claws and bite. Elagor gets raked by one of the claws and is left bloodied, Lucky just manages to duck under the other one, and one of the stirges near the troll avoids getting snatched out of the air by its rancid teeth.
It is Durnan's turn!
"I'll distract the troll," Durnan shouts to all of you, "You just make sure those stirges don't sting my customers!"
As he runs past the Xanathar goons, he shoots them a look that could kill. "You set foot in here again, I'll be sure you take the pilgrimage yourself, you eyeball bastards!"
With his greatsword ready to go, Durnan engages the troll and makes four attacks in quick succession - even though his sword is incredibly sharp, it only manages to cut through the troll's thick hide after the fourth slash. The cut goes deep, right to the bone, but the troll is still standing.
Back to the top: It is Dierdre, Mercy, Ilmrae, and Mialee's turns!
Post from Mialee, should have posted this sooner, sorry:
Seeing the remaining Xanathar goons break and run fills Mialee with a sense of relief that the fighting was over as she absolutely abhors violence. The chance to end it quickly aligns with the tenets of her faith.
However this feeling is short lived as the troll climbs out of the well with what is probably the last survivor of the recent expedition currently meeting his end in the mouth of the troll. She immediately and instinctively calls out with her mind, invading the thoughts of Lucky with the singing voice of a soprano, using it's coloratura to showcase its agility and flexibility and thus convey those traits to the recipient of her message.
Lucky, it's Mialee. Good to see you have not forgotten your training in the art of Bautha z'hin and its applications. Warn the others to target the troll with fire if they can as this will end the fighting quickly. I have a plan to take out the small creatures on it's back.