Zephyros nods to the robed elven wizard as he confirms he can provide a distraction at the main entrance but asks Eldrin a clarifying question, "Do you have to be 30 feet from the main entrance, or 30 feet from the back entrance?"
The battle hardened warrior turns his attention to the map Torrin created. He thinks on it for a moment before pointing out where the party met the leader of the ratfolk. "We were led to this room which appeared to be their base of operations. We saw eight of the ratfolk with at least four giant rat pets. Three of them followed us back to the main entrance. That leaves five in the main room. We have no idea what is in these tunnels between us and them. Torrin, can you tell us their numbers? Are there more we haven't seen?"
The bull of a man continues, "There are far too many approaches to cover them all. Sorry Torrin. It's unlikely we'll be able to prevent their escape if they choose to flee. Back in the army we were faced with a similar dilema. Here's what I suggest..." He begins to use the map to describe his plan.
"Eldrin provides his distraction at the entrance. When we engage the main force, this will at the very least delay the guards at the entrance from joining the battle. We then lure the ratfolk into our killbox where we can take them out one at a time. Then the dwarves can hit them from behind. This will keep us close enough we can reinforce each other if needed, while splitting us up enough to maneuver. Ultimately, we push them out of the mine through the front entrance." Ironheart takes a step back to ponder his idea and then looks to the others. "Thoughts?"
Gareth glances at Lyra again to see how she is taking these battle plans. He knows the cleric would prefer a path that didn't involve bloodshed, but Gareth wasn't sure the ratfolk would leave any other way.
"We did give the ratfolk a chance to resolve this in peace. In the end it seemed they were never willing to consider anything but violence. Surprise now may be one of our best weapons. I'm not sure how we'd even begin to ask them to leave."
Lyrareturns Gareth's glance, quietly grateful for the unspoken sentiment. Then she looks to Meira, listening intently, her expression thoughtful.
For a heartbeat, her eyes lift upward—toward the stone ceiling overhead, where the sky ought to be. If a silent conversation happened there, it ends with a small nod. She lowers her gaze again, sweeping it across the group—dwarves included.
"So there's no middle ground between asking nicely and slaughter?" she asks, her tone light—not mocking, nor critical. "No way to scare them off for good using our skills, or these fine masters' knowledge of the tunnels?" There's no bitterness in her voice—only a kind of wistful resignation, as if she already knows the answer. She shrugs faintly. "I guess not. Then… slaughter it is."
For the rest of the planning, Lyra listens carefully, taking in the strategies laid out. She does her best to understand them —and to make sure she doesn’t mess up her companions' plans.
Torrin finishes responding to Meira's question, "No particular place that I can think of..."He pauses as Zephyrosdraws out a battle strategy and then continues, "I believe eight is their number, though they do have more giant rat pets. Those descusting buggers chased us into this room. We barely managed to bar the door behind us. If I had to guess, I'd say they have at least 10 of them rats for pets. Most of these other rooms are stocked with supplies or are active mining sites." Torrin nods at Zephyros in approval as he finishes describing his strategy. "Aye, we can do that. Tell me when you're ready and we'll go."
Torrin looks at the conflicted halfling with something in between pity and empathy: "Those filthy rats gave my brothers no such option when they surprised us with their cold steel and sharp teeth." He walks over to Lyra: "They are unnatural abominations who care not for anything but themselves. It's best we send 'em to Moradin's forge, where they can't hurt anyone else."
Eldrin knelt near the edge of the makeshift map, his fingers tracing the lines Zephyros had drawn with practiced precision. The warrior’s plan was clear and methodical. Men used to wielding steel were always noteworthy for this sort of thing. Eldrin, though, saw the art in it. It was a good strategy. He would have said as much, but Zephyros’s question pulled his attention.
“Thirty feet from the illusion,” he said, voice steady. “Where I stand is what matters, so the illusion will need to be thirty feet or less from me. If we’re outside, I’ll need to get close to the mouth of the cave. If we’re inside, the same applies. I’ll need a line of sight… or at least a good guess.”
He rose quickly, brushing his fingertips clean against his robe. His eyes drifted toward Lyra, not with judgment, but quiet understanding. He didn’t miss the way she looked at the ceiling, as if expecting something, someone, to answer.
There were times Eldrin envied faith. Not the kind bound to temples or scrolls, but the kind Lyra carried in her eyes. It softened a world like this. Even now, with plans unfolding and blades being readied, she still sought another path. Still wondered if there was a way to end it without blood.
He glanced at Torrin, then Zephyros, then the crude map. The numbers weren’t in their favor if things turned chaotic.
Turning back to Zephyros he states, “It’s a good plan. You see the shape of things clearly. Most don’t.”
Then he steps back, already mentally preparing for his part of the plan. The illusion would be ready. And so would he.
Meira'seyes seem to linger on Lyra, especially as she asks for some other option. She's a bit quiet for a moment, then looks to Eldrin. "If I understand, your illusion requires you to be near the entrance and the casting is really more effective if done near the start of the fight? You will have to go around - and shouldn't go alone. I could go with you if that's your plan."
Her attention drifts back to Lyraagain and she speaks up, almost as though she just thought of something new. Quietly she says. "The dwarves work here with the forging gives me a thought. Could we smoke the ratfolk out of this place? It would have to be quite a bit. And we'd have to direct it towards the enemy." She pauses a moment, then muses. "Perhaps combined with a physical assault it would help encourage them out." She doesn't sound very confident in this plan. "I have some oil, but nothing really to burn that would smoke." She sighs, "And I'm not sure how much this would help. They flee this place, but to where? We leave and they're more likely than not to just come back and harass the miners again."
Gareth returns Lyra's glance with a sympathetic expression before turning his attention back to the battle plans. The ranger nods along as Zephyros outlines his plan. It seems like a sound strategy to the ranger, although he is still nervous about fighting in such close quarters. This may be a task more suitable to his dual blades, newly silvered. He expresses his gratitude to Torrin and the others for their hard work.
Gareth listens to Meira's idea and then volunteers one of his own. "This is a crazy idea, but what if we could get that carrion crawler to go after the ratfolk? We could lure it out somehow right into the path of the rats maybe. Hells, it could probably take down a few of them by itself. Crawlers are nasty beasts."
Torrin bows to Gareth as he expresses his gratitude. "Think nothing of it, and don't forget about those silver arrow heads. I made 10 of 'em for ya. It might be cramped in the mine, but I bet you could still get a few shots off here and there."
The dwarves continue to listen and wait for the party to decide the best course of action. The doorway has been cleared and the forge fire burns low.
You have laid out your plan (A good one I might add) to surprise attack the wererats. Did you want to further discuss strategy or dive right in? Are we splitting the party? Eldrin and Meira at the main entrance, Gereth, Lyra, and Zephyros in the caves with the dwarves attacking from the northern approach? Are you going to try and coax the carrion crawler out of its den? Let me know and we will proceed.
"Do you really think we can direct that carrion crawler towards the ratfolk and have it ignore the ratfolk and us?"Meiraasks Gareth. "Seems risky."
If nobody has any good ideas on creating smoke as she mentioned, she abandons that idea. She does wait for confirmation from Eldrinon his plan for the illusions. She does intend to go with him outside if that remains his plan. "I think otherwise we follow Zephyros' plan."
Gareth shrugs. "I did say it was a crazy idea. Better it attack the ratfolk than us though, but you're right, it probably won't care who it attacks. It would have to be lured out right into the ratfolk's path. It could be possible to do that. Let me think on it for a moment, but yes, let's go with Zephyros' plan. I'm ready."
The ranger takes his newly silvered short swords and arrows. He nocks one of the arrows on his bow but just holds it loosely at the ready, bow hanging down for the moment. As he waits for the rest of the party to enact the plan, he racks his brain for what he knows about carrion crawlers and if there would be any way to lure one out into attacking the ratfolk.
(Not sure what to roll so here are Survival, Nature and Animal Handling checks, haha.)
Unfortunately, nature combined with animal handling is the relevant skill here.
Your knowledge of carrion crawlers is limited, but you do know they scour putrid flesh from carcasses and gobble the slimy bones that remain. They aggressively attack any creature that trespasses on their territory or disturbs their feasting. They are not able to be tamed. However, it may be possible to lure the creature out of its lair using a rotting corpse.
Eldrin turns as Meira addresses him, her words measured and direct. She’s already thinking ahead, he respects that. She has a mind for the practical and understands what immeadiatly needs to be done. But even as she speaks, Eldrin feels the subtle weight of the small vial at his side, the one tucked securely into a pocket within his robes.
“I still have the potion,”he says, his voice steady but low. “The one Adabra gave me, true invisibility, if her craft holds.”
He doesn’t rush to say more. There’s a pause, as if even identifying its purpose requires consideration.
“If I use it, I can reach the main entrance unseen. Get close enough to cast the illusion exactly where it will do the most good.” He glances toward the map and then toward Zephyros, where the warrior stands tracing out the lines of his plan. “But…”
Eldrin exhales slowly, voice dropping further as he adds, “I’d hoped to study it first. Understand how something physical, a liquid, can mirror what we pull from the Weave with discipline and intent. Invisibility it bends light, muffles presence, alchemy like that is rare.”
Still, he lets go of the vial, fingers folding behind his back as his mind catches up to the situation.
“I’ll use it,”he says at last, eyes returning to Meira."I need to be within thirty feet of where the illusion lands. Close enough to see. To choose the right moment.”
Zephyrosconsiders the others as they contribute to the plan and then says to Gareth, "I think we should leave the crawler alone. Bringing more chaos into an already chaotic situation may do more harm than good."The armored bull of a man turns to Eldrin,"Very well, we'll wait for your signal and then engage. Once you draw them out, hide. Reengage if you see a tactical advantage. Meira, stay with Eldrin to ensure he's safe... strength in numbers. Then we'll draw their main force into our kill box. Torrin, wait twenty seconds after we engage to charge in. I'm ready when you are team."
Zephyros delivers orders as if he were back in the army. The thought crosses his mind he may be coming across as brash, but he wills the thought away, knowing the plan is sound and is ready to take swift action.
"I won't be invisible like Eldrin,"Meira reminds Zephyros. "But I hadn't planned on either of us being invisible in the first place." She nods in agreement with the plan. "I'll stick with Eldrin."
As you open the doors that lead into the mine, several giant rats converge on you. The dwarves see the brunt of the action as they swiftly dispatch them with silvered pickaxes. Finlie takes a pretty bad bite to the leg and stifles a cry of pain. Two giant rats scurry your direction as you move further into the mine. Everyone, please give me attack and damage rolls to finish off the rats and then a stealth check to get into position to sneak attack the wererats. The dwarves take the northern approach and disappear from view, while Zephyros, Lyra, Gareth, and Don-Jon continue west. Just past the northern tee, the four of you find a desiccated corpse of a miner. Eldrin and Meira walk outside and around to the main entrance together. The sun is starting to get low on the western horizon and a cold breeze blowing from the east chills your bones. A stark contrast from the warm/hot cave with a makeshift forge heating it up.
If I have anything wrong or you would like to change your positioning or plan, let me know. Otherwise, you may post your actions to start combat.
Eldrin,
Moving to the entrance, you spot two ratfolk guarding the cave.
Lyradoes not engage in direct attacks against the ratfolk, but instead reacts to their attacks on her companions and allies (I guess this means she will ready a harmfull spell instead of casting it directly, if that is possible?). Exception: when an ally gets a significant amount of damage, she will prioritize healing over attacking.
So, by your description, Abishai, I understand she will have performed some attack rolls (how many do we have to leave 1? 2? I'll leave two and can you please decide how many you need?). She will also cast healing magic on Finlie, before the dwarven group split from the party's.
Lyra will also kneel next to the desiccated corpse and mutter a quick prayer for them before advancing.
Damage Rolls (Holy Word). To Hit: 16/ Damage 7. To Hit: 13/ Damage: 8 Healing Roll (Level 1 Healing Word level 1): 8 Stealth Roll: 20 + 10 from PWT. = 30 Movement: I'd rather Zephyrosand Gareth choose the positioning first. Lyrawill follow closely behind them, covering them with Pass Without Trace. Special: Concentrating on Pass Without Trace.
PS: Despite what I said, am I able to change the chosen spells later? I was considering using a thougher spell once we're further into the fray.
You are not required to make any attacks if you don't want to. Finlie is grateful for your healing arts and feels much better as he follows his companions to the north. The attack rolls were just to finish off the giant rat's that attacked as soon as the door leading into the mine was opened. You may choose different spells once combat actually starts.
Meira,
Yes, you would have a chance to help dispatch the giant rats prior to moving outside with Eldrin.
Gareth chooses regular arrows to finish off the giant rats, saving the silvered ones for the wererats. He then tries to blend in with the shadows as they prepare for the attack on the wererats themselves.
The archers, Gareth and Meira make short work of the giant rats as they enter their field of vision before they have a chance to bite or claw anyone in the group. The group stealthily make their way to their positions and await Eldrin's distraction.
Lyra,
When you kneel to pray over the desiccated corpse, you immediately recognize the miner had been stabbed to death.
Zephyros nods to the robed elven wizard as he confirms he can provide a distraction at the main entrance but asks Eldrin a clarifying question, "Do you have to be 30 feet from the main entrance, or 30 feet from the back entrance?"
The battle hardened warrior turns his attention to the map Torrin created. He thinks on it for a moment before pointing out where the party met the leader of the ratfolk. "We were led to this room which appeared to be their base of operations. We saw eight of the ratfolk with at least four giant rat pets. Three of them followed us back to the main entrance. That leaves five in the main room. We have no idea what is in these tunnels between us and them. Torrin, can you tell us their numbers? Are there more we haven't seen?"
The bull of a man continues, "There are far too many approaches to cover them all. Sorry Torrin. It's unlikely we'll be able to prevent their escape if they choose to flee. Back in the army we were faced with a similar dilema. Here's what I suggest..." He begins to use the map to describe his plan.
"Eldrin provides his distraction at the entrance. When we engage the main force, this will at the very least delay the guards at the entrance from joining the battle. We then lure the ratfolk into our killbox where we can take them out one at a time. Then the dwarves can hit them from behind. This will keep us close enough we can reinforce each other if needed, while splitting us up enough to maneuver. Ultimately, we push them out of the mine through the front entrance." Ironheart takes a step back to ponder his idea and then looks to the others. "Thoughts?"
Lyra returns Gareth's glance, quietly grateful for the unspoken sentiment. Then she looks to Meira, listening intently, her expression thoughtful.
For a heartbeat, her eyes lift upward—toward the stone ceiling overhead, where the sky ought to be. If a silent conversation happened there, it ends with a small nod. She lowers her gaze again, sweeping it across the group—dwarves included.
"So there's no middle ground between asking nicely and slaughter?" she asks, her tone light—not mocking, nor critical. "No way to scare them off for good using our skills, or these fine masters' knowledge of the tunnels?" There's no bitterness in her voice—only a kind of wistful resignation, as if she already knows the answer. She shrugs faintly. "I guess not. Then… slaughter it is."
For the rest of the planning, Lyra listens carefully, taking in the strategies laid out. She does her best to understand them —and to make sure she doesn’t mess up her companions' plans.
(Lyra's status: Concentrating on Pass without trace)
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Torrin finishes responding to Meira's question, "No particular place that I can think of..." He pauses as Zephyros draws out a battle strategy and then continues, "I believe eight is their number, though they do have more giant rat pets. Those descusting buggers chased us into this room. We barely managed to bar the door behind us. If I had to guess, I'd say they have at least 10 of them rats for pets. Most of these other rooms are stocked with supplies or are active mining sites." Torrin nods at Zephyros in approval as he finishes describing his strategy. "Aye, we can do that. Tell me when you're ready and we'll go."
Torrin looks at the conflicted halfling with something in between pity and empathy: "Those filthy rats gave my brothers no such option when they surprised us with their cold steel and sharp teeth." He walks over to Lyra: "They are unnatural abominations who care not for anything but themselves. It's best we send 'em to Moradin's forge, where they can't hurt anyone else."
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Eldrin knelt near the edge of the makeshift map, his fingers tracing the lines Zephyros had drawn with practiced precision. The warrior’s plan was clear and methodical. Men used to wielding steel were always noteworthy for this sort of thing. Eldrin, though, saw the art in it. It was a good strategy. He would have said as much, but Zephyros’s question pulled his attention.
“Thirty feet from the illusion,” he said, voice steady. “Where I stand is what matters, so the illusion will need to be thirty feet or less from me. If we’re outside, I’ll need to get close to the mouth of the cave. If we’re inside, the same applies. I’ll need a line of sight… or at least a good guess.”
He rose quickly, brushing his fingertips clean against his robe. His eyes drifted toward Lyra, not with judgment, but quiet understanding. He didn’t miss the way she looked at the ceiling, as if expecting something, someone, to answer.
There were times Eldrin envied faith. Not the kind bound to temples or scrolls, but the kind Lyra carried in her eyes. It softened a world like this. Even now, with plans unfolding and blades being readied, she still sought another path. Still wondered if there was a way to end it without blood.
He glanced at Torrin, then Zephyros, then the crude map. The numbers weren’t in their favor if things turned chaotic.
Turning back to Zephyros he states, “It’s a good plan. You see the shape of things clearly. Most don’t.”
Then he steps back, already mentally preparing for his part of the plan. The illusion would be ready. And so would he.
Meira's eyes seem to linger on Lyra, especially as she asks for some other option. She's a bit quiet for a moment, then looks to Eldrin. "If I understand, your illusion requires you to be near the entrance and the casting is really more effective if done near the start of the fight? You will have to go around - and shouldn't go alone. I could go with you if that's your plan."
Her attention drifts back to Lyra again and she speaks up, almost as though she just thought of something new. Quietly she says. "The dwarves work here with the forging gives me a thought. Could we smoke the ratfolk out of this place? It would have to be quite a bit. And we'd have to direct it towards the enemy." She pauses a moment, then muses. "Perhaps combined with a physical assault it would help encourage them out." She doesn't sound very confident in this plan. "I have some oil, but nothing really to burn that would smoke." She sighs, "And I'm not sure how much this would help. They flee this place, but to where? We leave and they're more likely than not to just come back and harass the miners again."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Gareth returns Lyra's glance with a sympathetic expression before turning his attention back to the battle plans. The ranger nods along as Zephyros outlines his plan. It seems like a sound strategy to the ranger, although he is still nervous about fighting in such close quarters. This may be a task more suitable to his dual blades, newly silvered. He expresses his gratitude to Torrin and the others for their hard work.
Gareth listens to Meira's idea and then volunteers one of his own. "This is a crazy idea, but what if we could get that carrion crawler to go after the ratfolk? We could lure it out somehow right into the path of the rats maybe. Hells, it could probably take down a few of them by itself. Crawlers are nasty beasts."
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
Torrin bows to Gareth as he expresses his gratitude. "Think nothing of it, and don't forget about those silver arrow heads. I made 10 of 'em for ya. It might be cramped in the mine, but I bet you could still get a few shots off here and there."
The dwarves continue to listen and wait for the party to decide the best course of action. The doorway has been cleared and the forge fire burns low.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Adventurers,
You have laid out your plan (A good one I might add) to surprise attack the wererats. Did you want to further discuss strategy or dive right in? Are we splitting the party? Eldrin and Meira at the main entrance, Gereth, Lyra, and Zephyros in the caves with the dwarves attacking from the northern approach? Are you going to try and coax the carrion crawler out of its den? Let me know and we will proceed.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
"Do you really think we can direct that carrion crawler towards the ratfolk and have it ignore the ratfolk and us?" Meira asks Gareth. "Seems risky."
If nobody has any good ideas on creating smoke as she mentioned, she abandons that idea. She does wait for confirmation from Eldrin on his plan for the illusions. She does intend to go with him outside if that remains his plan. "I think otherwise we follow Zephyros' plan."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Gareth shrugs. "I did say it was a crazy idea. Better it attack the ratfolk than us though, but you're right, it probably won't care who it attacks. It would have to be lured out right into the ratfolk's path. It could be possible to do that. Let me think on it for a moment, but yes, let's go with Zephyros' plan. I'm ready."
The ranger takes his newly silvered short swords and arrows. He nocks one of the arrows on his bow but just holds it loosely at the ready, bow hanging down for the moment. As he waits for the rest of the party to enact the plan, he racks his brain for what he knows about carrion crawlers and if there would be any way to lure one out into attacking the ratfolk.
(Not sure what to roll so here are Survival, Nature and Animal Handling checks, haha.)
Survival - 18
Nature - 7
Animal Handling - 23
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
Gareth,
Unfortunately, nature combined with animal handling is the relevant skill here.
Your knowledge of carrion crawlers is limited, but you do know they scour putrid flesh from carcasses and gobble the slimy bones that remain. They aggressively attack any creature that trespasses on their territory or disturbs their feasting. They are not able to be tamed. However, it may be possible to lure the creature out of its lair using a rotting corpse.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Eldrin turns as Meira addresses him, her words measured and direct. She’s already thinking ahead, he respects that. She has a mind for the practical and understands what immeadiatly needs to be done. But even as she speaks, Eldrin feels the subtle weight of the small vial at his side, the one tucked securely into a pocket within his robes.
“I still have the potion,” he says, his voice steady but low. “The one Adabra gave me, true invisibility, if her craft holds.”
He doesn’t rush to say more. There’s a pause, as if even identifying its purpose requires consideration.
“If I use it, I can reach the main entrance unseen. Get close enough to cast the illusion exactly where it will do the most good.” He glances toward the map and then toward Zephyros, where the warrior stands tracing out the lines of his plan. “But…”
Eldrin exhales slowly, voice dropping further as he adds, “I’d hoped to study it first. Understand how something physical, a liquid, can mirror what we pull from the Weave with discipline and intent. Invisibility it bends light, muffles presence, alchemy like that is rare.”
Still, he lets go of the vial, fingers folding behind his back as his mind catches up to the situation.
“I’ll use it,” he says at last, eyes returning to Meira. "I need to be within thirty feet of where the illusion lands. Close enough to see. To choose the right moment.”
Zephyros considers the others as they contribute to the plan and then says to Gareth, "I think we should leave the crawler alone. Bringing more chaos into an already chaotic situation may do more harm than good." The armored bull of a man turns to Eldrin, "Very well, we'll wait for your signal and then engage. Once you draw them out, hide. Reengage if you see a tactical advantage. Meira, stay with Eldrin to ensure he's safe... strength in numbers. Then we'll draw their main force into our kill box. Torrin, wait twenty seconds after we engage to charge in. I'm ready when you are team."
Zephyros delivers orders as if he were back in the army. The thought crosses his mind he may be coming across as brash, but he wills the thought away, knowing the plan is sound and is ready to take swift action.
"I won't be invisible like Eldrin," Meira reminds Zephyros. "But I hadn't planned on either of us being invisible in the first place." She nods in agreement with the plan. "I'll stick with Eldrin."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Adventurers,
As you open the doors that lead into the mine, several giant rats converge on you. The dwarves see the brunt of the action as they swiftly dispatch them with silvered pickaxes. Finlie takes a pretty bad bite to the leg and stifles a cry of pain. Two giant rats scurry your direction as you move further into the mine. Everyone, please give me attack and damage rolls to finish off the rats and then a stealth check to get into position to sneak attack the wererats. The dwarves take the northern approach and disappear from view, while Zephyros, Lyra, Gareth, and Don-Jon continue west. Just past the northern tee, the four of you find a desiccated corpse of a miner. Eldrin and Meira walk outside and around to the main entrance together. The sun is starting to get low on the western horizon and a cold breeze blowing from the east chills your bones. A stark contrast from the warm/hot cave with a makeshift forge heating it up.
If I have anything wrong or you would like to change your positioning or plan, let me know. Otherwise, you may post your actions to start combat.
Eldrin,
Moving to the entrance, you spot two ratfolk guarding the cave.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Lyra does not engage in direct attacks against the ratfolk, but instead reacts to their attacks on her companions and allies (I guess this means she will ready a harmfull spell instead of casting it directly, if that is possible?). Exception: when an ally gets a significant amount of damage, she will prioritize healing over attacking.
So, by your description, Abishai, I understand she will have performed some attack rolls (how many do we have to leave 1? 2? I'll leave two and can you please decide how many you need?). She will also cast healing magic on Finlie, before the dwarven group split from the party's.
Lyra will also kneel next to the desiccated corpse and mutter a quick prayer for them before advancing.
Damage Rolls (Holy Word). To Hit: 16 / Damage 7. To Hit: 13 / Damage: 8
Healing Roll (Level 1 Healing Word level 1): 8
Stealth Roll: 20 + 10 from PWT. = 30
Movement: I'd rather Zephyros and Gareth choose the positioning first. Lyra will follow closely behind them, covering them with Pass Without Trace.
Special: Concentrating on Pass Without Trace.
PS: Despite what I said, am I able to change the chosen spells later? I was considering using a thougher spell once we're further into the fray.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
(OOC - I was also not clear whether Meira and Eldrin need to make the rolls against the giant rats? I'll go ahead anyway.)
(Shortbow Attack w/Steady Aim: 14, Damage: 5 piercing + 7 sneak attack)
(Stealth: 11)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Lyra,
You are not required to make any attacks if you don't want to. Finlie is grateful for your healing arts and feels much better as he follows his companions to the north. The attack rolls were just to finish off the giant rat's that attacked as soon as the door leading into the mine was opened. You may choose different spells once combat actually starts.
Meira,
Yes, you would have a chance to help dispatch the giant rats prior to moving outside with Eldrin.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Gareth chooses regular arrows to finish off the giant rats, saving the silvered ones for the wererats. He then tries to blend in with the shadows as they prepare for the attack on the wererats themselves.
Longbow Attack - 14 to hit for 10 damage
Stealth - 17 (includes Pass Without Trace bonus)
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
The archers, Gareth and Meira make short work of the giant rats as they enter their field of vision before they have a chance to bite or claw anyone in the group. The group stealthily make their way to their positions and await Eldrin's distraction.
Lyra,
When you kneel to pray over the desiccated corpse, you immediately recognize the miner had been stabbed to death.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.