Cassian is at the man’s side in an instant, his heart pounding against his ribs. “H-how is she?” he asks urgently, his voice firm but edged with worry. “Does she need healing? Who f-found her?” His fingers twitch at his sides, aching to reach for his shield and emblem, to call upon whatever light he can muster—if there’s still time. But the man’s pale, stricken expression, and the fact that the searchers aren't hurrying Luna into the inn gives him a sinking feeling in his stomach.
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
Chromir doesn't wait for anyone else. As soon as the words have left the mans mouth, he is sprinting to the sawmill, not even waiting for the parties questions to be answered. He makes a quick check as he runs to see if he can see Darin anywhere.
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
The heroes rushed out of the Weeping Willow and made their way toward the sawmill!
The scent of freshly cut lumber and river mist hung thick in the early evening air as the heroes arrived. Over the sounds of the river, the rhythmic creak of the waterwheel, joined by the steady grind of machinery within. Overhead, a full moon was rising, its pale light casting long shadows across the hillside.
From inside the mill, muffled voices rose in heated argument — angry, frantic, and raw with emotion. Though the words were lost beneath the noise of the saw and rushing water, the tone was unmistakable ... something inside was coming to a breaking point.
We will now begin tracking things round-by-round. Roll init!
The areas marked in orange depict an elevation change of ten feet. The area to the east side of the map is essentially zero feet in elevation, and the area on the western side of the map is twenty feet in elevation.
The yellow arrows depict entrances to the sawmill. The doors on the east and west of the building are closed. The large doors on the north side of the building are like 'barn doors' and are open.
Chromir would recall that the doors on the east side accessed an office and a tool room, these passed through to the main area. The northern door accessed the main area of the sawmill, and the western door accessed the upper level of the building which had a cat walk along the interior of the building. He would also recall that these are the only doors the building possessed ... meaning, that once someone was inside, the path between rooms were just simple arches with no doors.
Cassian barely spares a glance at the looming moon before pressing forward, his grip tightening on the hilt of his longsword. The tension in the air is thick, charged with something volatile, and the raised voices from within the mill send a shiver of unease down his spine.
Chromir has seen the full moon rising, and has thoughts running through his normally quite calm mind. He is thinking back to the fortunes heard, and although he is by no means smart, he can spot patterns. This is a bit different to patterns in terrain he uses to navigate, but there is still very much a pattern emerging. Luna - from his times with the druids he was aware of being a reference to the moon. Shadows howling. Wolves, full moon. Werewolf? Fuelled by betrayal. Luna's fiancé was cheating on her with her best friend. That fits there. As he comes to that conclusion (while still on his way to the mill so yet to hear what was inside) he gets a bit worried for the safety of everyone involved. He looks behind him to see how far the rest of the party is as they approach the mill (Chromir has a 35ft speed, and would have been dashing at full speed so faster than half the party. Navrine would be able to keep up or overtake Chromir though).
As he gets to the mill and hears the escalation, he realises that if his hunch is correct, at least one person inside could be in much more danger than they realise and so he prepares to barge in, though his reflexes are not as fast as normal due to his thoughts racing. (Init 6)
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
In the case of a tie between PC and NPC ... I say PC wins. So Doc's 14 is better than my 14.
In the case of a tie between PC's ... you guys get to determine who goes. Up to you ... Navrine then Chromir, or Chromir then Navrine. If you have no opinion on the matter, I will default to Navrine first due to a higher init modifier.
The two other as-yet-unknown participants have taken their actions 'off-screen' as it were.
Doc doesn't know what they will encounter in the sawmill, but decides to improve their chances now they are all close by.
Doc casts Bless on his friends and uses stonecunning to gain Tremorsense again, to hopefully get a lay of the land from outside already.
((No movement I think?, otherwise he would move towards the catwalk Chromir talked about, to get a high point view.))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
The map has no grid so I am not sure exactly how far I can get with my movement, however on Chromir's turn he will rage, tapping into the primal power of an eagle (including the bonus action to rage, on each turn he can take the disengageand dash as one bonus action. Using this increased mobility, he will (BA) dash (60ft total movement left taking into account the 10ft needed to be on the map), aiming to barge through the nearest door. He doesn't check if it is unlocked first or not. He just wishes to get through it as quick as possible, which ends up being sprinting at it with his full weight shouldering through it. (if that takes an athletics check, I got 23). Any additional movement left after hopefully opening the door, he will continue heading through the mill until he finds Luna (and I assume Darin)
Cassian cautiously casts shield of faith on himself with his bonus action after noticing how serious Chromir in particular seems. He then uses his action to dash his full movement after the goliath, figuring the barbarian knows his way around the mill after working there during his downtime.
"I don't understand. Is Luna alright...? B-but, she s-shouldn't be alone with Darin if he...Why d-did he ask us to look for her, i-if he doesn't really love her...?"
Navrine bolts after Chromir not sure exactly what she will find trying to be ready for anything To Cassian she says “It’s definitely a puzzlement, I just hope we are not too late.” She flexes her muscles preparing for anything, “Love makes people do crazy things, we better be ready for anything.”
Doc cast his spell over the Heroes of Hope's End as they charged toward the sawmill. Cassian, too, cast a defensive charm.
Chromir and Navrine were the first to arrive. Bursting through the sawmill doors, the scent of blood and sawdust was thick in the air. The great saw in the center of the room roared, the blade driven by the steady churn of the waterwheel outside. Lanterns flickered against the wooden beams, casting jagged shadows across the room as the machinery rattled and groaned.
Near the center of the mill, Baron Thorne and Darin were locked in a furious exchange, their voices raised to compete with the grind of the saw. Thorne’s expression was dark, his stance commanding, while Darin trembled with rage and grief, his hands smeared red as he knelt beside the small and broken form of a horribly wounded person.
It was Luna! Her lifeless body lay sprawled on the sawmill floor, her once-delicate frame marred by vicious wounds. Blood stained the wooden planks beneath her, pooling thickly in the dim light. Darin’s breath came in ragged gasps, his wide, desperate eyes snapping toward the intruding adventurers.
Thorne turned sharply at the sound of the doors opening, his expression tense but composed. "Thank the gods you’re here." He called over the din, gesturing toward Darin. "This madman has lost all reason — he just pushed her into the saw! Look! He's covered in her blood!"
Darin rose, and grabbed his woodsman's axe. "He’s lying — Luna was already dead when I found her!"
Init - PC [HP]; Conditions & Effects; Actions 14 — Doc [27 / 27hp]; Concentrating (Bless); Cast Bless, Activate Stonecunning 06 — Chromir* [43 / 43hp]; Move and BA:Dash 06 — Navrine [24 / 24hp]; Move and Dash, Ready melee attack 01 — Cassian [33 / 33hp]; Concentrating (Shield of Faith); Dash and cast Shield of Faith *Chromir did not spend an action in round 1. He may spend an additional action on this next round as long as it occurs prior to any actions/movement declared for round 2.
There is a section of 5' squares in the middle of the room occupied by a large saw. Dex save (DC15) or 2d8 slashing damage if you enter or start your turn there.
There is a section of 5' squares along the western wall of the sawmill occupied by large wooden gears. Dex save (DC15) or 2d8 bludgeoning damage if you enter or start your turn there.
[I'll indicate which squares the next time I update the map]
Cassian is at the man’s side in an instant, his heart pounding against his ribs. “H-how is she?” he asks urgently, his voice firm but edged with worry. “Does she need healing? Who f-found her?” His fingers twitch at his sides, aching to reach for his shield and emblem, to call upon whatever light he can muster—if there’s still time. But the man’s pale, stricken expression, and the fact that the searchers aren't hurrying Luna into the inn gives him a sinking feeling in his stomach.
Doc is immediately ready to head to the sawmill.
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
Chromir doesn't wait for anyone else. As soon as the words have left the mans mouth, he is sprinting to the sawmill, not even waiting for the parties questions to be answered. He makes a quick check as he runs to see if he can see Darin anywhere.
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
Doc follows Chromir.
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
Cassian too follows the others' lead once he sees them dash out, deciding to find out the answers for himself.
Navrine jumps up after the others, but looking back at Cora, she whispers “Take heart, I will do what I can.” then she darts off after the others.
敬意をこめて,
ジョニー.
Keii o komete,
Johnny.
The heroes rushed out of the Weeping Willow and made their way toward the sawmill!
The scent of freshly cut lumber and river mist hung thick in the early evening air as the heroes arrived. Over the sounds of the river, the rhythmic creak of the waterwheel, joined by the steady grind of machinery within. Overhead, a full moon was rising, its pale light casting long shadows across the hillside.
From inside the mill, muffled voices rose in heated argument — angry, frantic, and raw with emotion. Though the words were lost beneath the noise of the saw and rushing water, the tone was unmistakable ... something inside was coming to a breaking point.
We will now begin tracking things round-by-round. Roll init!
The areas marked in orange depict an elevation change of ten feet. The area to the east side of the map is essentially zero feet in elevation, and the area on the western side of the map is twenty feet in elevation.
The yellow arrows depict entrances to the sawmill. The doors on the east and west of the building are closed. The large doors on the north side of the building are like 'barn doors' and are open.
Chromir would recall that the doors on the east side accessed an office and a tool room, these passed through to the main area. The northern door accessed the main area of the sawmill, and the western door accessed the upper level of the building which had a cat walk along the interior of the building. He would also recall that these are the only doors the building possessed ... meaning, that once someone was inside, the path between rooms were just simple arches with no doors.
Init 14
敬意をこめて,
ジョニー.
Keii o komete,
Johnny.
If it wasn't clear, here is a different depiction that shows the elevation change I was referring to.
Cass init: 1
Cassian barely spares a glance at the looming moon before pressing forward, his grip tightening on the hilt of his longsword. The tension in the air is thick, charged with something volatile, and the raised voices from within the mill send a shiver of unease down his spine.
Chromir has seen the full moon rising, and has thoughts running through his normally quite calm mind. He is thinking back to the fortunes heard, and although he is by no means smart, he can spot patterns. This is a bit different to patterns in terrain he uses to navigate, but there is still very much a pattern emerging. Luna - from his times with the druids he was aware of being a reference to the moon. Shadows howling. Wolves, full moon. Werewolf? Fuelled by betrayal. Luna's fiancé was cheating on her with her best friend. That fits there. As he comes to that conclusion (while still on his way to the mill so yet to hear what was inside) he gets a bit worried for the safety of everyone involved. He looks behind him to see how far the rest of the party is as they approach the mill (Chromir has a 35ft speed, and would have been dashing at full speed so faster than half the party. Navrine would be able to keep up or overtake Chromir though).
As he gets to the mill and hears the escalation, he realises that if his hunch is correct, at least one person inside could be in much more danger than they realise and so he prepares to barge in, though his reflexes are not as fast as normal due to his thoughts racing. (Init 6)
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
Init: 6
((Navrine you want to swap init or you want to be at the top of the order?))
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
Alright, gang. Init has been set.
In the case of a tie between PC and NPC ... I say PC wins. So Doc's 14 is better than my 14.
In the case of a tie between PC's ... you guys get to determine who goes. Up to you ... Navrine then Chromir, or Chromir then Navrine. If you have no opinion on the matter, I will default to Navrine first due to a higher init modifier.
The two other as-yet-unknown participants have taken their actions 'off-screen' as it were.
Action's on you guys!
Doc doesn't know what they will encounter in the sawmill, but decides to improve their chances now they are all close by.
Doc casts Bless on his friends and uses stonecunning to gain Tremorsense again, to hopefully get a lay of the land from outside already.
((No movement I think?, otherwise he would move towards the catwalk Chromir talked about, to get a high point view.))
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
The map has no grid so I am not sure exactly how far I can get with my movement, however on Chromir's turn he will rage, tapping into the primal power of an eagle (including the bonus action to rage, on each turn he can take the disengage and dash as one bonus action. Using this increased mobility, he will (BA) dash (60ft total movement left taking into account the 10ft needed to be on the map), aiming to barge through the nearest door. He doesn't check if it is unlocked first or not. He just wishes to get through it as quick as possible, which ends up being sprinting at it with his full weight shouldering through it. (if that takes an athletics check, I got 23). Any additional movement left after hopefully opening the door, he will continue heading through the mill until he finds Luna (and I assume Darin)
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
Cassian cautiously casts shield of faith on himself with his bonus action after noticing how serious Chromir in particular seems. He then uses his action to dash his full movement after the goliath, figuring the barbarian knows his way around the mill after working there during his downtime.
"I don't understand. Is Luna alright...? B-but, she s-shouldn't be alone with Darin if he...Why d-did he ask us to look for her, i-if he doesn't really love her...?"
Navrine bolts after Chromir not sure exactly what she will find trying to be ready for anything To Cassian she says “It’s definitely a puzzlement, I just hope we are not too late.” She flexes her muscles preparing for anything, “Love makes people do crazy things, we better be ready for anything.”
Bonus action: Dash
敬意をこめて,
ジョニー.
Keii o komete,
Johnny.
Doc cast his spell over the Heroes of Hope's End as they charged toward the sawmill. Cassian, too, cast a defensive charm.
Chromir and Navrine were the first to arrive. Bursting through the sawmill doors, the scent of blood and sawdust was thick in the air. The great saw in the center of the room roared, the blade driven by the steady churn of the waterwheel outside. Lanterns flickered against the wooden beams, casting jagged shadows across the room as the machinery rattled and groaned.
Near the center of the mill, Baron Thorne and Darin were locked in a furious exchange, their voices raised to compete with the grind of the saw. Thorne’s expression was dark, his stance commanding, while Darin trembled with rage and grief, his hands smeared red as he knelt beside the small and broken form of a horribly wounded person.
It was Luna! Her lifeless body lay sprawled on the sawmill floor, her once-delicate frame marred by vicious wounds. Blood stained the wooden planks beneath her, pooling thickly in the dim light. Darin’s breath came in ragged gasps, his wide, desperate eyes snapping toward the intruding adventurers.
Thorne turned sharply at the sound of the doors opening, his expression tense but composed. "Thank the gods you’re here." He called over the din, gesturing toward Darin. "This madman has lost all reason — he just pushed her into the saw! Look! He's covered in her blood!"
Darin rose, and grabbed his woodsman's axe. "He’s lying — Luna was already dead when I found her!"
There is a section of 5' squares in the middle of the room occupied by a large saw. Dex save (DC15) or 2d8 slashing damage if you enter or start your turn there.
There is a section of 5' squares along the western wall of the sawmill occupied by large wooden gears. Dex save (DC15) or 2d8 bludgeoning damage if you enter or start your turn there.
[I'll indicate which squares the next time I update the map]