Threnody's eyes shine a deep burgundy as they linger pensively on the seats the two men vacated. This damned city was full of gossips and informants, and she was half tempted to shadow the rats back into the holes they were surely scurrying back to. But she'd never been gifted at sneaking around, and gussied up in her chainmail, she'd jingle like a sack of stolen cutlery within a matter of paces.
"Now that you're feeling chatty, you can also tell us the names of those two men and who they work for." The tiefling says to Tarina, tilting her head towards the staircase.
Threnody seems largely disinterested in the elven ballad that magically permeates the tavern until Liatris mentions 'Elturel'. "Presumably some kind of homage or lament... if the rumours from the East are true."
Wendyl scurries to a place where he can keep his back against a wall while still keeping an eye on Tarina and her companions. His eyes pass over the crowd, gauging to see whether they're all as nonchalant about the phenomenon as Tarina.
"She usually just sings about her lost lover," Tarina replies, her mouth drawn into a puzzled frown.
Wendyl notices that a few of the patrons below have reacted to the change in lyrics, mainly the elven patrons. The innkeeper himself looks perplexed, and he glances around the common room, as if expecting the spectral singer to appear at any moment. While watching the patrons, Wendyl overhears two dwarves at a nearby table murmuring to each other. "I’ll bet my last copper piece that those so-called refugees are advanced scouts for an army that’s preparing to attack Baldur’s Gate!" says the redheaded one. "Don't be daft," says the bald dwarf.
"Fair enough," Tarina finally responds to Liatris. "There's eight men in total, led by a scoundrel called Dead-Eye Cadavrus. He shivved the Captain nigh on six months ago now. Now, I might have relieved Dead-Eye and his louts of some of their booty before making my escape, and he didn't take too kindly to that. I've been eluding him for months, but Nine-Fingers was kind enough to warn me he's finally found my trail."
Tarina glances at Threnody. "Oh, those two? Just a couple of cutpurses who have aspirations beyond their station. They want to join the Guild, but they've got about half a brain between them."
"I said I'd tell you a bit and the rest later so listen up," Tarina says, lowering her voice. "There's a public bathhouse with a walled garden and frolicking nymphs carved into its front gates. Followers of the Dead Three have been seen coming and going from the bathhouse, and I’m told there’s a secret door inside that leads to a dungeon. That’s where the killers are hiding. Now I happen to know exactly where this bathhouse is and how to find the secret door. That's what I'll tell you if you help me with my old mates."
"Was that on the back of the menu?" Kester asks, wondering how Liatris knew so much of the tavern. "Anyway, what did the song say?"
Bees jumps down from the chair he was standing on and walks over to Kester, "No clue." Bees continues to puff on the cigar purchased from the nearby bar while leaning against the wall. He's already agreed to help defend this pirate gal from her pals and intends to do so to gain additional information. Confident he can escape the encounter should it turn bad, he waits and listens for the rest of the group to discuss.
While waiting, Bees is taking in the layout of the room. How many doors, windows, stairways, and other points of interest. He wants to be prepared for when the pirates arrive and intends to use anything and everything to his advantage.
The tiefling seems unsatisfied by the incomplete disclosure, and distaste for Tarina's conduct slowly curdles the sweet smile she's been wearing. She weighs the options - at least by Tarina's account of the conflict, the Captain certainly seemed the party most wronged. If that was the case, she was duty-bound to grant the deceased a measure of retribution.
"Why did this Dead-Eye turn to mutiny?" Threnody inquires as she prepares for battle. Her fingers find the haft of her spear, secured diagonally across her back with a collection of other polearms. The round shield embossed with the image of a laughing skull is retrieved in one fluid motion, her arm sliding through the straps.
While she awaits an answer, she turns to the unarmoured and more delicate among her companions. "Trouble's on its way. Think about finding somewhere that offers you some cover from stray knives or arrows. Even ducking behind a table you've knocked over in the fray is better than nothing."
Threnody turns back to Tarina, one eye on the stairs.
Kester turns from one person to the other, his attention easily drawn to the slightest noise. It sounds like violence is about to go down any moment and he cannot help but wonder if it's too late for him to sneak downstairs and avoid it entirely... Perhaps to go check on Ralph. Nobody could complain if he went to check on Ralph, could they?
Looking face to face to face, Kester was pretty sure they could. So it was with a large gulp that he backed his way to the closest wall to him and tried to be as small as possible...
(@Kaemgen: Not sure how, but I missed your last post. Sorry about that.)
In brief answer to Kester's question before, Liatrist has but one word to say without so much as a glance in the halfling's direction: "No."After which, Liatris took to breaking out a little notepad -- really a bundle of papers held together crudely with some sort of metal hoop fastenings and other bits and bobs -- and a pencil, before then recording Tarina's words. Although if anyone took a look at her writings the words were not remotely in common...
"Hmm... At the increase risk of being discovered and assassinated well before reaching the correct location these details you provided would suffice for the continuation of our investigation. However, a deal is a deal."Liatris commented in equally hushed tones, before then proceeding to activating some artifice that caused a sort of buckler-like shield contraption. From there, she let her eyes grow half-lidded as she waited for the inevitable...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Wendyl won't understand the words of the song, but he'd likely make note of the word Elturel. He'll continue to sweep his eyes around the room, looking to see if the changed lyrics seems to be eliciting any particular flavor of reaction from various patrons... distress, anger, sentiment...
Bees takes in the layout of the upper floor of the tavern and looks over the railing to study the floor below as well. There's only one staircase that leads to the upper floor and no windows nearby, but there are doors that lead to other rooms. On the first floor, there are several windows and a staircase that presumably leads down into the cellar.
Samosh takes up a position closer to the stairs and stands ready. Threnody asks Tarina more about the mutiny before giving her companions some strategic advice.
"Dead-Eye didn't agree with the Captain's principles, I suppose you could say," Tarina replies, her expression seemingly unconcerned. "Captain had some rules when it came to our pillaging and plundering, and Dead-Eye never liked that. Captain didn't like needless killings or some other things Dead-Eye and his crew liked to do. Dead-Eye figured he could run the Uncivil Servant better so one day he up and offs the Captain, quick as you please. Unfortunately for Captain Murosko, more of the crew preferred Dead-Eye's ways, and those loyal were outnumbered two to one."
Kester backs up against a wall and tries to prepare himself for the inevitable violence to come. Liatris also prepares for the fight, activating a strange shield. Wendyl scans the crowd for their reactions to the song. Most just seem puzzled by the change in lyrics. The innkeeper is the most confused. There are a few patrons who seem moved by the tribute to the fallen Elturel, but no one looks angry or disturbed.
Just then the tavern doors burst open and eight motley humans saunter into the tavern. The leader is a brawny man with a cloudy right eye, a cruel sneer, and a pirate’s swagger. The others are an unsavory, rowdy bunch who act as if they own the place.
“We’re looking for an old friend of ours,” says the dead-eyed man. He sniffs the air. “Goes by the name ‘Tarina,’ or so I’m told. Loves to cheat at Baldur’s Bones.”
At this pronouncement, most of the patrons immediately shift their gazes away and pretend to be very interested in anything but the newcomers. The innkeeper's expression changes from one of confusion to one of fear, and he takes a step back behind the bar, watching the pirates nervously.
Bees steps over to the railing that looks over the first floor of the tavern to get a better look at the newcomers. Bees is looking at their weaponry, sizing them up for the inevitable battle to come. The gruff halfling continues to puff on his cigar, watching and waiting with his shortbow at the ready.
"Yoikes!" Kester calls out uncontrollably when he hears Tarina's name called out and tries to melt into the wall he is standing with his back to. It doesn't work.
"Right on cue.."Liatris spoke softly, took a deep, calming breath, and then finally regard Therondy. No, she stood up and readily tried to grab a shoulder to intercept the tiefling had she a mind to go towards the railing or stairs. "A man who hardly respects the authority of his captain is unlikely to bow to flaming fist conscripts. But perhaps some encouraging words from a brave soul might aid a bystander or three in finding their own courage... Just a suggestion."She said as much just softly enough for Therondy's ears.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Wendyl, jumpy as can be and unable to handle the anticipation, immediately casts Mind Sliver on the dead eyed man before taking cover behind a table or whatever he can find close at hand.
DC 13 Intelligence Save vs 2 Psychic Damage and -1d4 to next saving throw
Threnody leans in as Liatris offers her counsel, nodding in agreement. Before she can act on it, she catches Wendyl out the corner of her eye, incanting something in a tongue she doesn't comprehend. "Charging the dragon before it's even landed." She grins and then shrugs. "Well, I suppose there's no need to bandy words if we know we're coming to blows. As long as they don't freeze up at the sight of bare steel, that's all that matters."
The black-cloaked hellspawn takes a step closer towards Kester, twirling the spear in her palm with an unperturbed nonchalance. "I've done this a thousand times." A firm hand comes to rest on his shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly. "I know it's scary if you're not used to it, but I promise you... we're going to get through this. You're going to get through this. Just keep your wits about you and keep fighting."
She raises her voice for the benefit of Wendyl, but speaks to both skittish, unseasoned adventurers. "If things get a bit hairy and you feel you have to run, run towards me. I'll protect you." A gentle smile passes over her face, before she walks over to the railing, bouncing on her feet in preparation for battle.
Bees looks over the railing and assesses the situation below. Dead-Eye looks like the most dangerous combatant. He has a scimitar and a dagger belted to his waist. His men are similarly armed with scimitars and crossbows slung across their backs. From what he can tell of Dead-Eye's demeanor, the pirate captain is out for blood.
Kester tries to melt back into the wall, but it doesn't quite work. Threnody tries to calm his nerves and prepare him for the coming battle.
Samosh takes position at the head of the stairs, preparing to block anyone from coming up.
Wendyl unleashes a spell at Dead-Eye before retreating to hide behind the table. The pirate captain glances upward toward the second floor and glares, but he no longer sees the halfling. (He just made his save, 11+2).
"Someone's up there!" he growls to his men. "Get 'em!"
Dead-Eye rushes toward the stairs and just manages to get almost all the way up before he runs into Samosh. Samosh tries to kick him back down the stairs (prepared action) but will need to make a contested STR check (Dead-Eye: 18).
(If it's all right with everyone, I've rolled for everyone's initiative. Please see the map below for movement. The numbers are a little wonky at the top but should still work. The red line denotes the railing and line of sight. There are four bandits still visible from the railing, but Dead-Eye and some of his men are moving toward the stairs. I edited the map a bit so that's why it's like that, haha. Also, you can open the image in a new tab to view it larger.)
Bees sees Wendyl cast a spell to pop things off. 'Well, that's one way to get their attention,' he thinks as he aims with his bow. He hears the pirate captain yell about storming up to the second floor. He hesitates for a moment, but it's enough for the Dead-Eye to leave his field of fire. He redirects his aim at the pirate (Pirate G) taking up the rear and lets loose.
Attack: 14
Damage: 9 piercing
Bees then moves as close as he can to the back of the stairwell (O47 I believe). He looks over to Samosh as the burly man wrestles with Dead-eye and says, "Good idea blocking the stairwell. Let's hold them here."
Bees unleashes an arrow at one of the pirates he can see on the first floor, and it sinks deep into the ruffian's chest. The pirate howls with pain and just barely manages to keep his feet. Then he moves to the back of the stairwell so he can get a good line of sight on the ruffians attempting to come up the stairs.
Unfortunately, Dead-Eye manages to dodge Samosh's kick and leers up at him, revealing yellowed teeth, half of which are missing. "I know the wench is up there! I'll gut all of ye if I have to!" he growls.
The rest of Dead-Eye's men, a little slower on the uptake than their leader, rush to follow him, except for four men who withdraw their crossbows and point them toward the second floor, including the seriously injured pirate. They each back up a little bit so they can see a bit more of the second floor, but their shots will be at a serious disadvantage.
Pirate A - moves behind Dead-Eye and attempts to shoot Samosh with his crossbow, 16 to hit, 5 piercing damage
Pirate B - Dashes to get behind Pirate C
Pirate C - moves to the bottom of the stairs and attempts to shoot Samosh with his crossbow, 9 to hit, a miss!
Pirate D - attempts to shoot Wendyl at disadvantage (Wendyl has +2 bonus to AC from half cover), 4 to hit, miss!
Pirate E - attempts to shoot Tarina, who he can just barely see, at disadvantage, 5 to hit, also a miss!
Pirate F - attempts to shoot Threnody at disadvantage, 11 to hit, miss!
Pirate G - attempts to shoot Wendyl at disadvantage, 12 to hit, miss!
Tarina unslings her own crossbow strapped to her back and goes over to the railing. She takes aim at the already wounded pirate (4 to hit, miss), but the shot just barely grazes past him and the bolt thunks harmlessly into the wall behind.
Threnody's eyes shine a deep burgundy as they linger pensively on the seats the two men vacated. This damned city was full of gossips and informants, and she was half tempted to shadow the rats back into the holes they were surely scurrying back to. But she'd never been gifted at sneaking around, and gussied up in her chainmail, she'd jingle like a sack of stolen cutlery within a matter of paces.
"Now that you're feeling chatty, you can also tell us the names of those two men and who they work for." The tiefling says to Tarina, tilting her head towards the staircase.
Threnody seems largely disinterested in the elven ballad that magically permeates the tavern until Liatris mentions 'Elturel'. "Presumably some kind of homage or lament... if the rumours from the East are true."
Wendyl scurries to a place where he can keep his back against a wall while still keeping an eye on Tarina and her companions. His eyes pass over the crowd, gauging to see whether they're all as nonchalant about the phenomenon as Tarina.
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Wendyl - L1 Halfling Wizard - Owlbear's Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
"She usually just sings about her lost lover," Tarina replies, her mouth drawn into a puzzled frown.
Wendyl notices that a few of the patrons below have reacted to the change in lyrics, mainly the elven patrons. The innkeeper himself looks perplexed, and he glances around the common room, as if expecting the spectral singer to appear at any moment. While watching the patrons, Wendyl overhears two dwarves at a nearby table murmuring to each other. "I’ll bet my last copper piece that those so-called refugees are advanced scouts for an army that’s preparing to attack Baldur’s Gate!" says the redheaded one. "Don't be daft," says the bald dwarf.
"Fair enough," Tarina finally responds to Liatris. "There's eight men in total, led by a scoundrel called Dead-Eye Cadavrus. He shivved the Captain nigh on six months ago now. Now, I might have relieved Dead-Eye and his louts of some of their booty before making my escape, and he didn't take too kindly to that. I've been eluding him for months, but Nine-Fingers was kind enough to warn me he's finally found my trail."
Tarina glances at Threnody. "Oh, those two? Just a couple of cutpurses who have aspirations beyond their station. They want to join the Guild, but they've got about half a brain between them."
"I said I'd tell you a bit and the rest later so listen up," Tarina says, lowering her voice. "There's a public bathhouse with a walled garden and frolicking nymphs carved into its front gates. Followers of the Dead Three have been seen coming and going from the bathhouse, and I’m told there’s a secret door inside that leads to a dungeon. That’s where the killers are hiding. Now I happen to know exactly where this bathhouse is and how to find the secret door. That's what I'll tell you if you help me with my old mates."
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf - Lvl. 4 Halfling Rogue (The Shattered Obelisk) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan - Lvl. 10 Half-Elf Sorcerer (Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick - Lvl. 4 Aasimar Paladin (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Selene Albion - Lvl. 12 Human Ranger (In-Person Homebrew Campaign) ♦ Phaerdra Tor'viir - Lvl. 3 Drow Wizard (Exandria Sandbox Campaign)
Bees jumps down from the chair he was standing on and walks over to Kester, "No clue." Bees continues to puff on the cigar purchased from the nearby bar while leaning against the wall. He's already agreed to help defend this pirate gal from her pals and intends to do so to gain additional information. Confident he can escape the encounter should it turn bad, he waits and listens for the rest of the group to discuss.
While waiting, Bees is taking in the layout of the room. How many doors, windows, stairways, and other points of interest. He wants to be prepared for when the pirates arrive and intends to use anything and everything to his advantage.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
"Well kids, looks like things are going to get interesting."
He moves closer to the stairs and takes up a casual stance, his clubs close at hand.
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
The tiefling seems unsatisfied by the incomplete disclosure, and distaste for Tarina's conduct slowly curdles the sweet smile she's been wearing. She weighs the options - at least by Tarina's account of the conflict, the Captain certainly seemed the party most wronged. If that was the case, she was duty-bound to grant the deceased a measure of retribution.
"Why did this Dead-Eye turn to mutiny?" Threnody inquires as she prepares for battle. Her fingers find the haft of her spear, secured diagonally across her back with a collection of other polearms. The round shield embossed with the image of a laughing skull is retrieved in one fluid motion, her arm sliding through the straps.
While she awaits an answer, she turns to the unarmoured and more delicate among her companions. "Trouble's on its way. Think about finding somewhere that offers you some cover from stray knives or arrows. Even ducking behind a table you've knocked over in the fray is better than nothing."
Threnody turns back to Tarina, one eye on the stairs.
Kester turns from one person to the other, his attention easily drawn to the slightest noise. It sounds like violence is about to go down any moment and he cannot help but wonder if it's too late for him to sneak downstairs and avoid it entirely... Perhaps to go check on Ralph. Nobody could complain if he went to check on Ralph, could they?
Looking face to face to face, Kester was pretty sure they could. So it was with a large gulp that he backed his way to the closest wall to him and tried to be as small as possible...
(@Kaemgen: Not sure how, but I missed your last post. Sorry about that.)
In brief answer to Kester's question before, Liatrist has but one word to say without so much as a glance in the halfling's direction: "No." After which, Liatris took to breaking out a little notepad -- really a bundle of papers held together crudely with some sort of metal hoop fastenings and other bits and bobs -- and a pencil, before then recording Tarina's words. Although if anyone took a look at her writings the words were not remotely in common...
"Hmm... At the increase risk of being discovered and assassinated well before reaching the correct location these details you provided would suffice for the continuation of our investigation. However, a deal is a deal." Liatris commented in equally hushed tones, before then proceeding to activating some artifice that caused a sort of buckler-like shield contraption. From there, she let her eyes grow half-lidded as she waited for the inevitable...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Wendyl won't understand the words of the song, but he'd likely make note of the word Elturel. He'll continue to sweep his eyes around the room, looking to see if the changed lyrics seems to be eliciting any particular flavor of reaction from various patrons... distress, anger, sentiment...
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Wendyl - L1 Halfling Wizard - Owlbear's Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
Bees takes in the layout of the upper floor of the tavern and looks over the railing to study the floor below as well. There's only one staircase that leads to the upper floor and no windows nearby, but there are doors that lead to other rooms. On the first floor, there are several windows and a staircase that presumably leads down into the cellar.
Samosh takes up a position closer to the stairs and stands ready. Threnody asks Tarina more about the mutiny before giving her companions some strategic advice.
"Dead-Eye didn't agree with the Captain's principles, I suppose you could say," Tarina replies, her expression seemingly unconcerned. "Captain had some rules when it came to our pillaging and plundering, and Dead-Eye never liked that. Captain didn't like needless killings or some other things Dead-Eye and his crew liked to do. Dead-Eye figured he could run the Uncivil Servant better so one day he up and offs the Captain, quick as you please. Unfortunately for Captain Murosko, more of the crew preferred Dead-Eye's ways, and those loyal were outnumbered two to one."
Kester backs up against a wall and tries to prepare himself for the inevitable violence to come. Liatris also prepares for the fight, activating a strange shield. Wendyl scans the crowd for their reactions to the song. Most just seem puzzled by the change in lyrics. The innkeeper is the most confused. There are a few patrons who seem moved by the tribute to the fallen Elturel, but no one looks angry or disturbed.
Just then the tavern doors burst open and eight motley humans saunter into the tavern. The leader is a brawny man with a cloudy right eye, a cruel sneer, and a pirate’s swagger. The others are an unsavory, rowdy bunch who act as if they own the place.
“We’re looking for an old friend of ours,” says the dead-eyed man. He sniffs the air. “Goes by the name ‘Tarina,’ or so I’m told. Loves to cheat at Baldur’s Bones.”
At this pronouncement, most of the patrons immediately shift their gazes away and pretend to be very interested in anything but the newcomers. The innkeeper's expression changes from one of confusion to one of fear, and he takes a step back behind the bar, watching the pirates nervously.
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf - Lvl. 4 Halfling Rogue (The Shattered Obelisk) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan - Lvl. 10 Half-Elf Sorcerer (Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick - Lvl. 4 Aasimar Paladin (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Selene Albion - Lvl. 12 Human Ranger (In-Person Homebrew Campaign) ♦ Phaerdra Tor'viir - Lvl. 3 Drow Wizard (Exandria Sandbox Campaign)
Bees steps over to the railing that looks over the first floor of the tavern to get a better look at the newcomers. Bees is looking at their weaponry, sizing them up for the inevitable battle to come. The gruff halfling continues to puff on his cigar, watching and waiting with his shortbow at the ready.
Perception: Nat 20+4=24
Insight: 16
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
"Yoikes!" Kester calls out uncontrollably when he hears Tarina's name called out and tries to melt into the wall he is standing with his back to. It doesn't work.
Samosh moves to block the stairs and when whoever is halfway up, he says "Sorry guys, private party up here. You'll have to drink downstairs."
If they get closer, he tries to kick them in the teeth!
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
"Right on cue.." Liatris spoke softly, took a deep, calming breath, and then finally regard Therondy. No, she stood up and readily tried to grab a shoulder to intercept the tiefling had she a mind to go towards the railing or stairs. "A man who hardly respects the authority of his captain is unlikely to bow to flaming fist conscripts. But perhaps some encouraging words from a brave soul might aid a bystander or three in finding their own courage... Just a suggestion." She said as much just softly enough for Therondy's ears.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Wendyl, jumpy as can be and unable to handle the anticipation, immediately casts Mind Sliver on the dead eyed man before taking cover behind a table or whatever he can find close at hand.
DC 13 Intelligence Save vs 2 Psychic Damage and -1d4 to next saving throw
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Wendyl - L1 Halfling Wizard - Owlbear's Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
Threnody leans in as Liatris offers her counsel, nodding in agreement. Before she can act on it, she catches Wendyl out the corner of her eye, incanting something in a tongue she doesn't comprehend. "Charging the dragon before it's even landed." She grins and then shrugs. "Well, I suppose there's no need to bandy words if we know we're coming to blows. As long as they don't freeze up at the sight of bare steel, that's all that matters."
The black-cloaked hellspawn takes a step closer towards Kester, twirling the spear in her palm with an unperturbed nonchalance. "I've done this a thousand times." A firm hand comes to rest on his shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly. "I know it's scary if you're not used to it, but I promise you... we're going to get through this. You're going to get through this. Just keep your wits about you and keep fighting."
She raises her voice for the benefit of Wendyl, but speaks to both skittish, unseasoned adventurers. "If things get a bit hairy and you feel you have to run, run towards me. I'll protect you." A gentle smile passes over her face, before she walks over to the railing, bouncing on her feet in preparation for battle.
Bees looks over the railing and assesses the situation below. Dead-Eye looks like the most dangerous combatant. He has a scimitar and a dagger belted to his waist. His men are similarly armed with scimitars and crossbows slung across their backs. From what he can tell of Dead-Eye's demeanor, the pirate captain is out for blood.
Kester tries to melt back into the wall, but it doesn't quite work. Threnody tries to calm his nerves and prepare him for the coming battle.
Samosh takes position at the head of the stairs, preparing to block anyone from coming up.
Wendyl unleashes a spell at Dead-Eye before retreating to hide behind the table. The pirate captain glances upward toward the second floor and glares, but he no longer sees the halfling. (He just made his save, 11+2).
"Someone's up there!" he growls to his men. "Get 'em!"
Dead-Eye rushes toward the stairs and just manages to get almost all the way up before he runs into Samosh. Samosh tries to kick him back down the stairs (prepared action) but will need to make a contested STR check (Dead-Eye: 18).
(If it's all right with everyone, I've rolled for everyone's initiative. Please see the map below for movement. The numbers are a little wonky at the top but should still work. The red line denotes the railing and line of sight. There are four bandits still visible from the railing, but Dead-Eye and some of his men are moving toward the stairs. I edited the map a bit so that's why it's like that, haha. Also, you can open the image in a new tab to view it larger.)
Initiative:
23 - Dead-Eye Cadavrus
19 - Bees
18 - Pirates
14 - Tarina
12 - Liatris
6 - Samosh
6 - Wendyl
6 - Threnody
4 - Kaster
Bees is up!
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf - Lvl. 4 Halfling Rogue (The Shattered Obelisk) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan - Lvl. 10 Half-Elf Sorcerer (Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick - Lvl. 4 Aasimar Paladin (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Selene Albion - Lvl. 12 Human Ranger (In-Person Homebrew Campaign) ♦ Phaerdra Tor'viir - Lvl. 3 Drow Wizard (Exandria Sandbox Campaign)
Bees sees Wendyl cast a spell to pop things off. 'Well, that's one way to get their attention,' he thinks as he aims with his bow. He hears the pirate captain yell about storming up to the second floor. He hesitates for a moment, but it's enough for the Dead-Eye to leave his field of fire. He redirects his aim at the pirate (Pirate G) taking up the rear and lets loose.
Attack: 14
Damage: 9 piercing
Bees then moves as close as he can to the back of the stairwell (O47 I believe). He looks over to Samosh as the burly man wrestles with Dead-eye and says, "Good idea blocking the stairwell. Let's hold them here."
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
OOC: Samosh was planning to do a kick (unarmed strike) with Crusher Feat (move target 5 feet on a hit) off the steps.
Kick! Attack: 10 Damage: 6
or STR roll if needed 18
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
(@Wysperra, oh sorry, I see!)
Bees unleashes an arrow at one of the pirates he can see on the first floor, and it sinks deep into the ruffian's chest. The pirate howls with pain and just barely manages to keep his feet. Then he moves to the back of the stairwell so he can get a good line of sight on the ruffians attempting to come up the stairs.
Unfortunately, Dead-Eye manages to dodge Samosh's kick and leers up at him, revealing yellowed teeth, half of which are missing. "I know the wench is up there! I'll gut all of ye if I have to!" he growls.
The rest of Dead-Eye's men, a little slower on the uptake than their leader, rush to follow him, except for four men who withdraw their crossbows and point them toward the second floor, including the seriously injured pirate. They each back up a little bit so they can see a bit more of the second floor, but their shots will be at a serious disadvantage.
Pirate A - moves behind Dead-Eye and attempts to shoot Samosh with his crossbow, 16 to hit, 5 piercing damage
Pirate B - Dashes to get behind Pirate C
Pirate C - moves to the bottom of the stairs and attempts to shoot Samosh with his crossbow, 9 to hit, a miss!
Pirate D - attempts to shoot Wendyl at disadvantage (Wendyl has +2 bonus to AC from half cover), 4 to hit, miss!
Pirate E - attempts to shoot Tarina, who he can just barely see, at disadvantage, 5 to hit, also a miss!
Pirate F - attempts to shoot Threnody at disadvantage, 11 to hit, miss!
Pirate G - attempts to shoot Wendyl at disadvantage, 12 to hit, miss!
Tarina unslings her own crossbow strapped to her back and goes over to the railing. She takes aim at the already wounded pirate (4 to hit, miss), but the shot just barely grazes past him and the bolt thunks harmlessly into the wall behind.
Initiative:
23 - Dead-Eye Cadavrus19 - Bees18 - Pirates14 - Tarina12 - Liatris
6 - Samosh
6 - Wendyl
6 - Threnody
4 - Kaster
Everyone is up except Bees!
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf - Lvl. 4 Halfling Rogue (The Shattered Obelisk) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan - Lvl. 10 Half-Elf Sorcerer (Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick - Lvl. 4 Aasimar Paladin (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Selene Albion - Lvl. 12 Human Ranger (In-Person Homebrew Campaign) ♦ Phaerdra Tor'viir - Lvl. 3 Drow Wizard (Exandria Sandbox Campaign)