Elias watches as Paqen’s moonlight sears into the hag’s green flesh and Mival delivers brutal, decisive strikes—his doubts from before now hardened into resolve.
“You hide behind illusions because even you can’t stand the truth of what you are,” Elias calls out, his voice sharp with disgust as he traces a subtle arcane pattern in the water. “No wonder you wore another’s face—you couldn’t bear your own.”
As he finishes speaking, the Dissonant Whispers surge into her mind—an echoing, psychic barrage laced with cruel truths and twisted mockery. The words seem to reverberate with more than sound—clawing, gnawing phantasms that no one else can hear, tailored just for her.
Elias glares, unflinching now. “Let’s see what’s left when the mask is gone.”
((6 damage and she must use her reaction to flee from Elias. Wis 13 save for half damage and she doesn't flee))
Old Green screams as if the bard's words were frying her mind and begins to swim upwards, the only direction that can allow her to get away from Elias...
By doing so, she exposes herself to attacks from those around her, such as Elias and Mival
[[ OOC: Both Mival and Elias are entitled to an Attack of Opportunity ]]
As Old Green thrashes and bolts upward, Elias seizes the moment.
“Not so fast!” he snaps, pivoting in the water and driving his staff upward in a swift arc—aimed not to kill, but to punish her retreat with a solid, ringing blow.
The water swirls with the force of the strike, and his eyes burn with a mix of anger and conviction. “You don’t get to slink away that easily.”
((Elias rolls an 19 to hit with a whopping 1 point of damage with his staff))
Maybe it's my fault for not remembering, but according to the rules of Underwater Combat the Quarterstaff attack should have been made with Disadvantage.
2014 Rules for "Underwater Combat":
When making a melee weapon attack, a creature that doesn't have a swimming speed (either natural or granted by magic) has disadvantage on the attack roll unless the weapon is a dagger, javelin, shortsword, spear, or trident.
A ranged weapon attack automatically misses a target beyond the weapon's normal range. Even against a target within normal range, the attack roll has disadvantage unless the weapon is a crossbow, a net, or a weapon that is thrown like a javelin (including a spear, trident, or dart).
Creatures and objects that are fully immersed in water have resistance to fire damage.
Old Green cries out in pain as Mival hits her butt, but the bard's Quarterstaff is too slowed by the water to cause any real damage to the tough skin of her thigh.
But Paqen's burning light does its part, causing burns in various places on the tough green skin. At which the monstrous crone stares into her eyes, eyes that are probably ancient rather than old, with an almost physical hatred: "Now I come for you!" - and the next moment she is gone. Where did she go? Her last words do not bode well... Especially since the furniture continues to move to actively hinder the characters in the room - without causing any real damage, but certainly annoying and distracting them quite a bit.
Now, Tarysaa, Zevriel, Ardana and Paqen up! Any order!
Zevriel glances at Ardana, nodding with grim determination. “Together, then,” he says, planting his feet and readying himself.
He times his effort to match hers, throwing his shoulder against the stubborn door in sync with the paladin’s push. Muscles straining, Zev lets out a short grunt, putting everything he’s got into forcing it open—his focus absolute, no thought left for the chaos inside except the urgent need to reach his new companions.
Action: help Ardana to break down the door. Bonus: might go for a dash if they open the door and he learns that the creature escaped. (Only if you'd allow us to split turns, I understand if you think that this is stretching it too much.)
Ardana nods at Zevriel, and they try the door together. (2,20, nat 20 with advantage, +5 = 25). To their surprise, the Hag is nowhere in evidence. Ardana stays in the doorway as Zavriel rushes in, her spear at the ready to attack if the hag reappears.
OK, yes indeed it is as Tordon narrated, the combined effort of the two heroes causes the door to collapse, which finally falls into a thousand pieces. But Old Green is nowhere to see now!
Zevirel can take his Dash Bonus Action, if he likes. Tarysaa and Paqen can also take their Turn! Any order!
As the door splinters under their combined effort, Zevriel wastes no time—he slips inside, dagger drawn instead of his heavier blade for speed and control in the cramped space. His eyes sweep the room, searching for any sign of the creature.
Not spotting it immediately, Zevriel acts on instinct. He dashes upwards in the center of the room, hoping to catch Old Green if she’s lurking above, invisible or hiding among the debris or in the shadows near the ceiling. His stance stays low and ready, eyes darting for any movement as he prepares to react.
Bonus: dash Free: draw dagger (if allowed as free action, I believe RAW it needs to be part of an attack action.) NOTE: Zevriel has 10ft Blindsight in case Old Green turned invisible, he has no darkvision beyond that, though.
Tarysaa stands at the intersection and watches as Ardana and Zevriel brute stength the door in a coordinated effort. When the door yields and they charge into the room, Tarysaa will hang back to keep the 'doorway' open and watch the hallway she just passed through. Just in case the apparent sea elf tries to appear behind the group.
Zevriel with his move manages to sense Old Green, which, invisible and without leaving any traces, has taken advantage of the collapse to rise above Elias (probably to pass over him and reach Paqen, whom she had threatened).
[[ OOC: If Zevriel wants to issue a brief warning - just a few words, I'll allow it. For the rest, let's wait for Paqen's Turn... ]]
Zevriel’s eyes narrow as he catches a strange shift in the water just above Elias—training takes over. He snaps out, voice urgent but steady, “Elias above! Paqen—Watch out!” His tone is simple and direct, concern for his new companions clear in every word.
Paqen looks about with concern. He backs into the corner and grabs his staff. Muttering incantations vine like lines wrapping around it begin to illuminate. “Alright…let her come…” he says trying to muster as much confidence as he can.
As Paqen prepares to face the invisible threat, Mival approaches him, keeping his senses on high alert. The Doppelganger hero also seems ready to strike... something, if that something appears somewhere close enough to him!
Elias’ eyes flick toward the space where Old Green vanished, tension pulling at the corners of his mouth. That last threat still hangs heavy in the water—directed at Paqen.
He doesn’t hesitate.
“Watch your back, my friend,” Elias murmurs as he gestures toward the kenku. Faint arcane sigils shimmer briefly around his fingers, then sink into Paqen’s form like ripples over still water.
A protective shimmer clings to Paqen’s feathers—Blade Ward taking hold.
“Let her try. She’ll find you harder to harm than she expects.”
"You are all ready to protect your friend, huh!?" Old Green sneers, suddenly appearing... next to Elias!"But who will protect then... you!?"
The monstrous crone's incredibly long and sharp claws snap towards the bard's chest, while the furniture rolls between his legs, distracting and annoying him...
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Elias watches as Paqen’s moonlight sears into the hag’s green flesh and Mival delivers brutal, decisive strikes—his doubts from before now hardened into resolve.
“You hide behind illusions because even you can’t stand the truth of what you are,” Elias calls out, his voice sharp with disgust as he traces a subtle arcane pattern in the water. “No wonder you wore another’s face—you couldn’t bear your own.”
As he finishes speaking, the Dissonant Whispers surge into her mind—an echoing, psychic barrage laced with cruel truths and twisted mockery. The words seem to reverberate with more than sound—clawing, gnawing phantasms that no one else can hear, tailored just for her.
Elias glares, unflinching now. “Let’s see what’s left when the mask is gone.”
((6 damage and she must use her reaction to flee from Elias. Wis 13 save for half damage and she doesn't flee))
Old Green's Wis 13 save: 17
Round 2
Old Green screams as if the bard's words were frying her mind and begins to swim upwards, the only direction that can allow her to get away from Elias...
By doing so, she exposes herself to attacks from those around her, such as Elias and Mival
[[ OOC: Both Mival and Elias are entitled to an Attack of Opportunity ]]
Mival's Attack of Opportunity: 10 Damage: 5 (bludgeoning)
It's a hit! Waiting for Elias' Attack of Opportunity, then narrating the outcome
As Old Green thrashes and bolts upward, Elias seizes the moment.
“Not so fast!” he snaps, pivoting in the water and driving his staff upward in a swift arc—aimed not to kill, but to punish her retreat with a solid, ringing blow.
The water swirls with the force of the strike, and his eyes burn with a mix of anger and conviction. “You don’t get to slink away that easily.”
((Elias rolls an 19 to hit with a whopping 1 point of damage with his staff))
Maybe it's my fault for not remembering, but according to the rules of Underwater Combat the Quarterstaff attack should have been made with Disadvantage.
2014 Rules for "Underwater Combat":
When making a melee weapon attack, a creature that doesn't have a swimming speed (either natural or granted by magic) has disadvantage on the attack roll unless the weapon is a dagger, javelin, shortsword, spear, or trident.
A ranged weapon attack automatically misses a target beyond the weapon's normal range. Even against a target within normal range, the attack roll has disadvantage unless the weapon is a crossbow, a net, or a weapon that is thrown like a javelin (including a spear, trident, or dart).
Creatures and objects that are fully immersed in water have resistance to fire damage.
So, to keep things moving, here is another attack roll, we consider the lowest of the two: 13
Round 2
Old Green cries out in pain as Mival hits her butt, but the bard's Quarterstaff is too slowed by the water to cause any real damage to the tough skin of her thigh.
But Paqen's burning light does its part, causing burns in various places on the tough green skin. At which the monstrous crone stares into her eyes, eyes that are probably ancient rather than old, with an almost physical hatred: "Now I come for you!" - and the next moment she is gone. Where did she go? Her last words do not bode well... Especially since the furniture continues to move to actively hinder the characters in the room - without causing any real damage, but certainly annoying and distracting them quite a bit.
Now, Tarysaa, Zevriel, Ardana and Paqen up! Any order!
Combat Stats (those interested can peek):
Initiative Name Status
24 Mival 12 Damage
17 Elias Undamaged
12 Old Green 47 Damage, Wounded, Disappeared?
11 Tarysaa 11 Damage
8 Zevriel Undamaged
8 Ardana Undamaged
7 Paqen Undamaged
Zevriel glances at Ardana, nodding with grim determination. “Together, then,” he says, planting his feet and readying himself.
He times his effort to match hers, throwing his shoulder against the stubborn door in sync with the paladin’s push. Muscles straining, Zev lets out a short grunt, putting everything he’s got into forcing it open—his focus absolute, no thought left for the chaos inside except the urgent need to reach his new companions.
Action: help Ardana to break down the door.
Bonus: might go for a dash if they open the door and he learns that the creature escaped. (Only if you'd allow us to split turns, I understand if you think that this is stretching it too much.)
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Ardana nods at Zevriel, and they try the door together. (2,20, nat 20 with advantage, +5 = 25). To their surprise, the Hag is nowhere in evidence. Ardana stays in the doorway as Zavriel rushes in, her spear at the ready to attack if the hag reappears.
OK, yes indeed it is as Tordon narrated, the combined effort of the two heroes causes the door to collapse, which finally falls into a thousand pieces. But Old Green is nowhere to see now!
Zevirel can take his Dash Bonus Action, if he likes. Tarysaa and Paqen can also take their Turn! Any order!
Combat Stats (those interested can peek):
Initiative Name Status
24 Mival 12 Damage
17 Elias Undamaged
12 Old Green 47 Damage, Wounded, Disappeared?
11 Tarysaa 11 Damage
8 Zevriel Undamaged
8 Ardana Undamaged
7 Paqen Undamaged
As the door splinters under their combined effort, Zevriel wastes no time—he slips inside, dagger drawn instead of his heavier blade for speed and control in the cramped space. His eyes sweep the room, searching for any sign of the creature.
Not spotting it immediately, Zevriel acts on instinct. He dashes upwards in the center of the room, hoping to catch Old Green if she’s lurking above, invisible or hiding among the debris or in the shadows near the ceiling. His stance stays low and ready, eyes darting for any movement as he prepares to react.
Bonus: dash
Free: draw dagger (if allowed as free action, I believe RAW it needs to be part of an attack action.)
NOTE: Zevriel has 10ft Blindsight in case Old Green turned invisible, he has no darkvision beyond that, though.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Tarysaa stands at the intersection and watches as Ardana and Zevriel brute stength the door in a coordinated effort. When the door yields and they charge into the room, Tarysaa will hang back to keep the 'doorway' open and watch the hallway she just passed through. Just in case the apparent sea elf tries to appear behind the group.
Passive Perception: 13
Zevriel with his move manages to sense Old Green, which, invisible and without leaving any traces, has taken advantage of the collapse to rise above Elias (probably to pass over him and reach Paqen, whom she had threatened).
[[ OOC: If Zevriel wants to issue a brief warning - just a few words, I'll allow it. For the rest, let's wait for Paqen's Turn... ]]
Zevriel’s eyes narrow as he catches a strange shift in the water just above Elias—training takes over. He snaps out, voice urgent but steady, “Elias above! Paqen—Watch out!” His tone is simple and direct, concern for his new companions clear in every word.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Paqen looks about with concern. He backs into the corner and grabs his staff. Muttering incantations vine like lines wrapping around it begin to illuminate. “Alright…let her come…” he says trying to muster as much confidence as he can.
BA - Shillelagh
Hold action to attack if she appears in range.
Round 2
As Paqen prepares to face the invisible threat, Mival approaches him, keeping his senses on high alert. The Doppelganger hero also seems ready to strike... something, if that something appears somewhere close enough to him!
Now Elias is up!
Combat Stats (those interested can peek):
Initiative Name Status
24 Mival 12 Damage
17 Elias Undamaged
12 Old Green 47 Damage, Wounded, Invisible
11 Tarysaa 11 Damage
8 Zevriel Undamaged
8 Ardana Undamaged
7 Paqen Undamaged
Elias’ eyes flick toward the space where Old Green vanished, tension pulling at the corners of his mouth. That last threat still hangs heavy in the water—directed at Paqen.
He doesn’t hesitate.
“Watch your back, my friend,” Elias murmurs as he gestures toward the kenku. Faint arcane sigils shimmer briefly around his fingers, then sink into Paqen’s form like ripples over still water.
A protective shimmer clings to Paqen’s feathers—Blade Ward taking hold.
“Let her try. She’ll find you harder to harm than she expects.”
((Elias casts Blade Ward on Paqen))
Round 2
"You are all ready to protect your friend, huh!?" Old Green sneers, suddenly appearing... next to Elias! "But who will protect then... you!?"
The monstrous crone's incredibly long and sharp claws snap towards the bard's chest, while the furniture rolls between his legs, distracting and annoying him...