This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zephyr can't help but clap along with Lyra's song, and he joins Fenric in applauding at the end. He says in a carrying voice to his companions, "It's too bad that these fey won't show themselves! If they could help us locate the bandits, we could have shared some of that kelpvine liqueur with them later when we're on our way back to Birakruut."
Now that Zephyr has discerned the illusion, the gaudily-dressed dancer appears translucent to him. The shadow-touched artificer can practically see the shadow-stuff that was oven into together to make the illusion seem real. But while he talks, he looks at the bubbling, purple bog. While a levitating lizardfolk dancer seemed unlikely, unexpectedly boggy ground is certainly possible. He wonders whether the illusion wasn't just fairy nonsense but an attempt to draw attention to the hazard.
Zephyr examines the purple, boiling bog, trying to discern whether the color, the boiling, and/or the bog itself are illusory. Investigation26
[[ For Zephyr, going to assume the investigation is against the dancer. Examining other things to see if they're illusions would be separate checks. ]]
[[ Yes, good assumption. That's the part that tipped off Zephyr that there was some sort of illusion at work. ]]
[[ It took me longer to figure out Lyra's song than I'd like to admit... xD ]]
The giggling in the foliage reaches a height as Lyra sings her ditty. And little sounds imitating her lyrics can be heard playing, perhaps favorites of the listeners.
Perhaps to Fenric's relief, it's revealed that the yet-unseen pranksters are not drunken satyrs but rather little tiny dragons with iridescent hues and butterfly wings. One of them, with red scales seeks a perch on Fenric's shoulders while another three, two with yellow scales and another with orange, flutter around Lyra. Finally two others, acting like leaders of the group, with violet colors, dance around in the air, merry from excitement.
[[ Side note, the thought of having to deal with a drunken satyr fills me with dread. They're known for partying and huge indulgences so how bad does it have to be for one of them to get drunk? ]]
The younger ones have a host of questions, speaking in Sylvan, "Did you like my violins? How'd you like the dancer? Do the pointy ears give you sharp hearing? How can I learn to play like that? Would shooting me from a longbow make me go super fast? What the final rhyme?" and so on.
Zephyr's focus on the bog reveals to him that it too, like the dancer, is an illusion. As he starts to see through it the road forward appears to be normal. At his mention of kelpvine liqueur the tiny dragon horde perks up with its interest piqued, "What's kelpvine liqueur? What bandits? Where does it come from? What's it taste like? Does it go good with sweets? When will you be back for the liqueur party?"
[[ For sake of pacing, will assume for you the additional info is auto-supplied for descriptions of bandits. ]]
One of the violet faerie dragons thinks about bandits. After a moment she says, "I think we've seen them! They weren't too fond of our little pranks." she giggles. "Living in a small meadow in the forest!" She then goes into some more details of what the path is like.
[[ With the info, advantage on survival checks to find the bandits. ]] [[ Note to self: Fenric gets double-proficiency bonus in favored terrain for INT/WIS checks. So +9 survival not +6. ]]
Other dragons chime in, "One of them had a lute! Not as good at singing though. I saw one look like a lizard. Didn't they all look like lizards? But this one looked even more like one! One of them threw a javelin at me. I dodged it! The big one had a shiny spear." And other chatter.
[[ If there's any lingering details you want to check, lemme know. Otherwise I'm good to go to your nightime preparations. What's your camp setup like? Who's taking which watches? ]]
Zephyris delighted to meet the little dragons! (He was expecting pixies or sprites or some other Fey cousins of his own fairykind.) Their silly illusion didn't harm anyone, so he sees no reason to be upset about the prank. He flies around with them, tries to humor the younger ones' questions, and peppers them with questions of his own. That "conversation" always seems to have at least 3 creatures talking at once and is filled with non sequiturs, random questions, and non-sensical answers. Therefore, it's unclear whether any information was actually exchanged, but they all seem to have a good time!
[[ If there's any lingering details you want to check, lemme know. Otherwise I'm good to go to your nightime preparations. What's your camp setup like? Who's taking which watches? ]]
Zephyr tries asks the older faerie dragon whether they any idea how many bandits live in the meadow in the forest? ("Just a few bandits? Or a few dozen? Or is it a whole village in the meadow?") He also tries to figure out from their answers whether the bandits really are all lizardfolk, other humanoids disguised as lizardfolk, or just a bunch of humanoids who ride giant lizards, assuming that the faerie dragons paid enough attention to notice.
Lyra smiles beatifically at the fey dragon-butterflies as a visiting adolescent cousin might at younger children, jogging around in circles to give them someone to chase. She does her best to answer their questions playfully but thoughtfully, save for two of them.
1. She puts a sly finger to her dark-stained lips and winks when asked about the final word of her song. In Sylvan: "Some mysteries are best resolved with time. Supposing we survive our rendezvous with these lizard-bandits, perhaps you can convince me to reveal the secret ending if we return this way with the liqueur. In return, I ask that you keep watch for them from hiding in case they come back this way. For them or any other large or unusual creatures. Careful you don't get hit with a flying javelin or spear, though!"
(Lyra'sPersuasion if necessary, still at advantage, through hour-long concentration on Enhance Ability and Eagle's Splendor: 24)
2. She grows more somber when one of them asks if they can learn to play like that. Also in Sylvan: "I did enjoy your violins, truly. Perhaps you may learn my style in time, with enthusiasm, which you have in abundance, patience and practice, which is up to you. But not with this. This is mine alone while I draw breath." She holds her dark harmonica up to the dappled afternoon light, as if examining it for the first time. The shadowy instrument seems to drink the sun's rays. Her voice drops to a murmur. "Mine alone. More's the pity, perhaps..."
As for the rest, Lyra listens on as Zephyr and the others ask most of the questions, contenting herself with playful discourse among the tiny pranksters.
She leaves decisions related to the eventual evening camp up to Fenric, but volunteers to take first watch.
She leaves decisions related to the eventual evening camp up to Fenric, but volunteers to take first watch.
[[ To be clear, we were planning to continue south on the road at a normal pace for about 6 hours. That is, after the party finishes our conversation with the Faerie Dragons in the "early afternoon," we still have another 4 hours of travel to go before we stop to set up camp about 12 miles south of where we met the Faerie Dragons. ]]
Zephyr was not expecting to leave Birakruut so soon, so he did not prepare [Tooltip Not Found] today. He doesn't have much experience with setting up / breaking camp. As a specialist / sapper with the Gildaran army, other people handled those types of logistics. He helps however he can and would prefer to take 3rd watch shift. ("YugJug should take the 4th watch shift so that he can make breakfast before we all have to wake up!")
Zephyr can help rig a type of tripwire trap with a bell or something, but he only has enough supplies to protect one or two narrow paths. That is, he cannot encircle the camp, but if they want to get an alarm when someone approaches their camp along a specific trail, he could set that up. He can also use his Magical Tinkering to create 3 items that would cast light as bright as a candle, if that's helpful.
During the second half of his watch, Zephyr mixes a concoction with his All-Purpose Tool to help "stimulate the senses." Enhance Ability - Owl's Wisdom
Perception3 (or for the 2nd hour of his watch, max(3, 12) because of advantage from Enhance Ability)
Fenricwas quite thrilled at the tiny dragon perching on his shoulder, but did his best to play it cool on the outside. He pulls his day's worth of rations out and gives the red-scaled dragon a bit of jerky, trying to be as stealthy as he can to avoid catching the attention of the others. He does his best to answer their questions, as silly as they seem to him.
"Yes actually, I've got quite good hearing! I can't say if it's because of how pointy my ears are though." He wiggles his ears a bit, showing them off to the tiny dragons. "I'm afraid you'll be a bit too heavy for one of my arrows. And kelpvine liqueur tastes... spicy. Very spicy. You wouldn't like it." Despite having never tasted it, Fenric tries to discourage the flying balls of energy from trying to drink it.
Fenricproposed that he should take first watch. Then he could take the last watch too, so long as Lyraand Zephyrstood watch during his meditative trance. He hoped to avoid leaving YugJug to watch over the party, given his lack of combat ability.
"Around a couple dozen of them!" replies the violet faerie dragon to Zephyr. "Living in small wooden huts."
The faerie dragons find Lyra and Fenric's answers amusing. Anticipation of learning the final lyric on the party's return. Mild disappointed they can't be fired like an arrow. And the red faerie dragon nibbles on Fenric's jerky with delight. "More. More!" he seems to say with his eyes. And despite Fenric's warning the mention of kelpvine liqueur having a spicy taste seems to only pique their interest all they more!
The rest of the journey for the day is rather uneventful. Mostly trees and forest fauna. As the day draws to a close with the setting sun you're able to make camp. Zephyr sets up his bells and you're able to take watches. YugJug settles in for the night after making a simple, yet flavorful, one-pot meal of veggies and meat.
Watch Order 1st: Fenric 2nd: Lyra 3rd: Zephyr 4th: Fenric
As a city girl, Lyra's skills lie elsewhere, but she does not mind putting her back into it as directed, nor getting dirt between her fingers as she helps Fenric and Zephyr set up camp. While she works, she sings a soft tune, subtle and almost melancholy, with no dark harmonica for accompaniment.
"Fey forest fine, our campfire shine shall light our wandering way To yet divine, Yug's lost Kelpvine And recover it well, we pray My watch or thine, soon comes the time To break our bright new day."
The way she draws out the word break in the final line hints at a secondary meaning and regret at the blood that will likely be shed on the morrow.
Lyra agrees to take second watch after Fenric's first watch, assuming Zephyr takes third. In her own way, she too casts Enhance Ability once more, sounding her dark harmonica softly so as not to wake anyone, Owl's Wisdom for advantage on WIS checks.
Also on 2nd thought, 4th watch seems reasonable to be getting into early dawn. (still disadvantage with perception beyond your darkvision radii, but normal light within it) Light Level: Dim Light
Fenric's all seeing eyes are able to pierce through the forest as he's well rested from his trance. In the distance, 70ft away, he's able to make out two owlbears approaching the party. Each trying to make themselves stealthy. The one to the North (Owlbear 1) doesn't seem to be having a good go at it, snapping branches and rustling against the leaves. But the one to the Northeast (Owlbear 2) would've easily sneaked up on the less perceptive. (Stealth: 18).
Initiative Order OB1: Dice rolls not yet available for this section. OB2: Dice rolls not yet available for this section. Fenric: Dice rolls not yet available for this section. Lyra: Dice rolls not yet available for this section. Zephyr: Dice rolls not yet available for this section. YugJug: Dice rolls not yet available for this section.
After the edit to try fixing that I saw this real quick.
Let's get Zephyr with the rest. Eh, move him up. (If OB1's was higher probably would've moved him down and then he'd join the rest in the same block come R2.)
[[ Green circles are trees. To the South is the road with more open land. For ranged attacks, remember the trees may provide 1/2 or 3/4 cover depending on the angle of the shot. ]]
Initiative Order Fenric, Lyra, YugJug, Zephyr <----------- currently up Owlbear 1, Owlbear 2
Through the trees and foliage, Fenric spots the approaching owlbears. A switch flips in his mind, and he becomes immediately aware of his surroundings. Time slows in his mind as he decides what to do next. First, he thinks, he must wake his allies. He tosses some pebbles on the ground at them and calls to them in a loud whisper to wake them. "Lyra, Zephyr! Wake yourselves and prepare for battle! Two owlbears approach the camp. Wake YugJug too, if you can."
Once he is sure they've been alerted, he focuses his attention on the owlbear to the north. He sprinted to a point he was confident he could take the shot, almost gliding across the ground and silent as a mouse. He nocks an arrow on the string, and takes aim. Before he shoots, he asks the trees and the grass and the flowers for assistance, as he always had. He stood there, hoping, begging for a response. Nothing. No matter; he would have to take the shot on his own, as he always had. He released the arrow, aiming straight for the owlbear's eye.
Fenric moves to the spot 2 squares to the right of the tree directly to his north, then shoots Owlbear 1 with his longbow.
Zephyr wakes from a pleasant dream where he was flying around with a bunch of faerie dragons when one of them suddenly hit him and urgently said, "Two owlbears approach." The dragon spoke using Fenric's voice, and in the dream, he had the sense that the faerie dragon was Fenric. Zephyr sits up, looking around confusedly, but the sound of Fenric's bow wakes him up and brings him immediately into the present!
Zephry generally sleeps in his armor when he's "on the job." He hops up, grabs his gear and does some quick estimation in his head. Fenric, Lrya, and him versus two owlbears. He's not tooooo concerned, but they're probably going to need to hold the creatures off for a while. Zephyr uses his All-Purpose Tool to summon a Small-sized device that looks like a wooden sculpture of marigold flowers in a sort of flower pot with little geared legs. He loads it with a few drops of some tincture, and sends it off, its geared legs walking slowly over to the center of the group where it then puffs out a pleasant-smelling scent that's fortifying to everyone within 10-ft.
As he works, Zephyr thinks back to the message board. He remarks, "An owlbear to the northeast of Birakruut. Owlbears 20 miles south of Birakruut. This area is just filthy with Owlbears!" His voice is calm and casual as though there are not two owlbears bearing down on the group!
Then he moves over to YugJug to wake him up. Zephyr does that by lightly stepping across YugJug as he lifts off into the air.
Zephyr tells Lyra, "See whether you can draw them together. I might be able to restrain them if they're close enough to each other."
Movement: Use 30-ft of movement. Half of his movement to stand up from prone. Once Zephyr creates his Eldritch Cannon and triggers it, he moves 10-ft over to (and on!) YugJug and then flies 5-ft up in the air. Altitude: 5-ft Action: magically create a Small-sized Protector Eldrtich Cannon in the square to his north, which is basically at the center of the three others. Bonus Action: Trigger Protector Eldritch Cannon - the cannon moves 10-ft to its east and emits a pulse. All allies within 10-ft gain +8Temporary Hit Points [[ I think that puts us all within the protector cannon's range this turn. ]] Free Action: Talking. Item interaction: pick up his gear.
Eldritch Cannon (Protector)
AC 18, HP 30, THP 8 Immune to poison and psychic damage Speed: 15-ft
Lyra awakes suddenly at Fenric's warning, her eyes bleary and hair disheveled and unbraided (yet somehow still on the stylish side), having slept with her studded leather on, her black warhammer at her hip and her dark harmonica around her throat. "Thanks, Fen!" Hopping up and feeling momentarily strengthened by Zephyr's fortifying contraption, she favors the fairy with a sardonic grin.
"As it happens, Zeph, my magic can push yet not pull. So I see no other way to draw two owlbears together, and keep them well away from old Yug, than to rely on nothing but my charming, magnetic persona. Whether you dub me naturally irresistible or just bait is up to you."
She plays a quick, bright chord on her dark harmonica, and her already quick feet blur, flying over the forest floor, sprinting north-northeast. As she arrives in a clearing, in plain view and charging distance of both owlbears, she readies her small shield and balances on the balls of her feet like a dancer to avoid incoming assault. Her body seems to affect the posture of a damsel in distress, goading converging attacks from the prowling monstrosities.
Bonus Action: Lyra uses a pact slot to cast Expeditious Retreat (no concentration), letting her dash as a bonus action, including this turn. See below.
Movement: (including Expeditious Retreat and 35' move speed x 2 = 70'), Lyra uses 15' of her movement to stand up, then 55' more as part of her Bonus Actiondash. 20' NE, ' 30' N, then 5' NE again. Making herself a direct target for both owlbears to converge on as they charge.
Action: Lyra takes the dodge action. All attacks against her have disadvantage and she has advantage on DEX saves.
Upcoming: Lyra has Reaction spells, Shield and Silvery Barbs, and may use them.
[[ If I got any of your positioning wrong, please let me know. @Tybard, which feature is allowing the casting of Expeditious Retreat without concentrating? Trying to figure out what I'm missing. ]]
Fenric's first arrow is able to strike true, landing a solid punch on the owlbear though it doesn't seem to mind too much yet. The second seems to almost thud into the owlbear's eye when it lowers its head, narrowly causing the arrow to miss.
YugJug grunts away as Zephyr's wings flit in his face. "Wha- uh?" His eyes go wide as he realizes the situation. Quickly he gets up and takes out his sling, hiding behind a nearby tree to try getting at least somewhat of an advantage.
[[ not enough for him to get out of their detection via the keen senses ]]
Lyra is able to dash into the center of the owlbears' charge distances. Tempted by the prospect of easy food the first charges due Southeast while the second makes a slight bend around some trees to come on her opposite side. They thrash at her with claw and driving beak towards her, angered all the more by her dodging pose. Their screeching hoots fill the early dawn air.
Owlbear 1
Claws @ Lyra Attack: 8 Damage: 19
Beak @ Lyra Attack: 12 Damage: 9
Owlbear 2
Claws @ Lyra Attack: 11 Damage: 17
Beak @ Lyra Attack: 17 Damage: 9
[[ forgot to mention for Fenric
Were normal rolls. Owlbear did not have 1/2 cover due to at least one clear route from Fenric to the Owlbear. ]]
Initiative Order Fenric, Lyra (expeditious retreat), YugJug, Zephyr (z=+5) <----------- currently up Owlbear 1 (14 damage), Owlbear 2
Only one of the four attacks from the two owlbears (the final beak attack for 6 damage) hits.
Lyra's DC10 CON Save to maintain concentration on Expeditious Retreat: 19 (success)
"Well," Lyra admits between her (mostly successful) evasive maneuvers between the two rampaging monstrosities, "That really did not bring them together as neatly as I had envisioned. In retrospect, I should not have let one get behind me. Let us see if I can nudge it into place a little closer..."
She whispers an Elven word and vanishes in a shadowy grey mist, re-appearing to the south-southeast. Dull black beams of eldritch energy extend from her free hand at the southernmost owlbear, one of them hitting and knocking the creature back (north-northeast) ten feet before Lyra retreats further.
Bonus Action: Lyra casts Misty Step without a spell slot (Fey Touched feat), reappearing 15' south and 15' southeast from her current spot.
Action: Lyra sends two Eldritch Blast beams at the southernmost owlbear, one beam hitting doing a little damage and pushing the creature north-northwest 10'. (Note that it is allowed to cast a cantrip as an action after a leveled bonus action spell on the same turn).
Lyra'sEldritch Blast beam 1 to hit southern owlbear: 10 (miss, I think)
Lyra'sEldritch Blast beam 2 to hit southern owlbear: 25 Lyra'sEldritch Blast beam 2 damage: 7 (force) Repelling Blast - target pushed away from Lyra 10' north-northwest - (ideally 5' north and 5' northwest since she is SSE of it), closer to the other owlbear.
Movement: Lyra moves her full 35' move speed, 10' west and 25' southwest, finishing 15' east of Zephyr and the cannon, 5' south of the cannon.
"Alright then, doc," she pants at Zephyr, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Is that close enough together for you?"
Whether you dub me naturally irresistible or just bait is up to you."
Round 2: Zephyr
Zephyr laughs at the joke but is still surprised when Lyra sprints through the forest, offering herself as bait for the owlbears! It has the desired effect, luring them both to the same area. (And even closer after Lyra's repelling blast.) "Well done, Lyra. Not even owlbears can resist your charms!", he cries.
Zephyr waves his All-Purpose Tool at his Eldritch Cannon, triggering it again, and then fits the tool into the intricately-carved rod that he carries. He flies northeast to get closer to the owlbears, and the Eldritch Cannon follows after him, marching along on its spindly legs.
Once he's close enough to the owlbears, Zephyr loads a pellet into the rod, aims it at the owlbears, and casts a spell. A small, luminous silvery ball shoots from the hollowed-out end of the rod and explodes into a mass of sticky webs right between the two owlbears.
Movement: Move 30-ft: 15-ft NE and then 10-ft N, flying 5-ft higher as he goes. (He should end just to the NE of the tree south and a bit east of Fenric.) Altitude: 10-ft Bonus Action: trigger the Protector Eldritch Cannon before he moves. The Cannon, Zephyr, and YugJug gain 10Temporary Hit Points (if that's higher than the 8 THP they already have). The Cannon moves 15-ft: 10-ft E and then 5-ft NE, ending 10-ft south of Zephyr. Action: Cast spell (LVL 2 slot) Web, Sticky webbing fills a 20-ft cube, extending among the trees from the ground to 20-ft up into the canopy. If Lyra was able to push the one owlbear 5-ft N + 5-ft NE, then Zephyr should be able to position the AoE so that both owlbears are entirely within the 20-ft cube. The webbing is difficult terrain and lightly obscures that area. Each creature that starts its turn in the webs or that enters them on its turn must succeed on a DC 16 DEX saving throw or be restrained by the webs. A stuck creature can use its action to make a DC 16 STR check, and if it succeeds, it is no longer restrained. Free Action: Talking/cheering Lyra.
Zephyr can't help but clap along with Lyra's song, and he joins Fenric in applauding at the end. He says in a carrying voice to his companions, "It's too bad that these fey won't show themselves! If they could help us locate the bandits, we could have shared some of that kelpvine liqueur with them later when we're on our way back to Birakruut."
Now that Zephyr has discerned the illusion, the gaudily-dressed dancer appears translucent to him. The shadow-touched artificer can practically see the shadow-stuff that was oven into together to make the illusion seem real. But while he talks, he looks at the bubbling, purple bog. While a levitating lizardfolk dancer seemed unlikely, unexpectedly boggy ground is certainly possible. He wonders whether the illusion wasn't just fairy nonsense but an attempt to draw attention to the hazard.
Zephyr examines the purple, boiling bog, trying to discern whether the color, the boiling, and/or the bog itself are illusory.
Investigation 26
[[ Well, now it's two! Zephyr is a fairy: "Creature Type: You are a Fey." ]]
[[ Yes, good assumption. That's the part that tipped off Zephyr that there was some sort of illusion at work. ]]
[[ Nice! These rolls are really helping with the frivolous and smart characterization that I'm going for with Zephyr. ]]
[[ It took me longer to figure out Lyra's song than I'd like to admit... xD ]]
The giggling in the foliage reaches a height as Lyra sings her ditty. And little sounds imitating her lyrics can be heard playing, perhaps favorites of the listeners.
Perhaps to Fenric's relief, it's revealed that the yet-unseen pranksters are not drunken satyrs but rather little tiny dragons with iridescent hues and butterfly wings. One of them, with red scales seeks a perch on Fenric's shoulders while another three, two with yellow scales and another with orange, flutter around Lyra. Finally two others, acting like leaders of the group, with violet colors, dance around in the air, merry from excitement.
[[ Side note, the thought of having to deal with a drunken satyr fills me with dread. They're known for partying and huge indulgences so how bad does it have to be for one of them to get drunk? ]]
The younger ones have a host of questions, speaking in Sylvan, "Did you like my violins? How'd you like the dancer? Do the pointy ears give you sharp hearing? How can I learn to play like that? Would shooting me from a longbow make me go super fast? What the final rhyme?" and so on.
Zephyr's focus on the bog reveals to him that it too, like the dancer, is an illusion. As he starts to see through it the road forward appears to be normal. At his mention of kelpvine liqueur the tiny dragon horde perks up with its interest piqued, "What's kelpvine liqueur? What bandits? Where does it come from? What's it taste like? Does it go good with sweets? When will you be back for the liqueur party?"
[[ For sake of pacing, will assume for you the additional info is auto-supplied for descriptions of bandits. ]]
One of the violet faerie dragons thinks about bandits. After a moment she says, "I think we've seen them! They weren't too fond of our little pranks." she giggles. "Living in a small meadow in the forest!" She then goes into some more details of what the path is like.
[[ With the info, advantage on survival checks to find the bandits. ]]
[[ Note to self: Fenric gets double-proficiency bonus in favored terrain for INT/WIS checks. So +9 survival not +6. ]]
Other dragons chime in, "One of them had a lute! Not as good at singing though. I saw one look like a lizard. Didn't they all look like lizards? But this one looked even more like one! One of them threw a javelin at me. I dodged it! The big one had a shiny spear." And other chatter.
[[ If there's any lingering details you want to check, lemme know. Otherwise I'm good to go to your nightime preparations. What's your camp setup like? Who's taking which watches? ]]
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion | Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Karl Erikson, No Guts No Glory | Chipper, Curse of Strahd
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
Zephyr is delighted to meet the little dragons! (He was expecting pixies or sprites or some other Fey cousins of his own fairykind.) Their silly illusion didn't harm anyone, so he sees no reason to be upset about the prank. He flies around with them, tries to humor the younger ones' questions, and peppers them with questions of his own. That "conversation" always seems to have at least 3 creatures talking at once and is filled with non sequiturs, random questions, and non-sensical answers. Therefore, it's unclear whether any information was actually exchanged, but they all seem to have a good time!
Zephyr tries asks the older faerie dragon whether they any idea how many bandits live in the meadow in the forest? ("Just a few bandits? Or a few dozen? Or is it a whole village in the meadow?") He also tries to figure out from their answers whether the bandits really are all lizardfolk, other humanoids disguised as lizardfolk, or just a bunch of humanoids who ride giant lizards, assuming that the faerie dragons paid enough attention to notice.
[[ Huh. I would swear that the tooltip / monster image was working when I first saw the post yesterday. ]]
Lyra smiles beatifically at the fey dragon-butterflies as a visiting adolescent cousin might at younger children, jogging around in circles to give them someone to chase. She does her best to answer their questions playfully but thoughtfully, save for two of them.
1. She puts a sly finger to her dark-stained lips and winks when asked about the final word of her song. In Sylvan:
"Some mysteries are best resolved with time. Supposing we survive our rendezvous with these lizard-bandits, perhaps you can convince me to reveal the secret ending if we return this way with the liqueur. In return, I ask that you keep watch for them from hiding in case they come back this way. For them or any other large or unusual creatures. Careful you don't get hit with a flying javelin or spear, though!"
(Lyra's Persuasion if necessary, still at advantage, through hour-long concentration on Enhance Ability and Eagle's Splendor: 24)
2. She grows more somber when one of them asks if they can learn to play like that. Also in Sylvan:
"I did enjoy your violins, truly. Perhaps you may learn my style in time, with enthusiasm, which you have in abundance, patience and practice, which is up to you. But not with this. This is mine alone while I draw breath." She holds her dark harmonica up to the dappled afternoon light, as if examining it for the first time. The shadowy instrument seems to drink the sun's rays. Her voice drops to a murmur. "Mine alone. More's the pity, perhaps..."
As for the rest, Lyra listens on as Zephyr and the others ask most of the questions, contenting herself with playful discourse among the tiny pranksters.
She leaves decisions related to the eventual evening camp up to Fenric, but volunteers to take first watch.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
[[ To be clear, we were planning to continue south on the road at a normal pace for about 6 hours. That is, after the party finishes our conversation with the Faerie Dragons in the "early afternoon," we still have another 4 hours of travel to go before we stop to set up camp about 12 miles south of where we met the Faerie Dragons. ]]
Zephyr was not expecting to leave Birakruut so soon, so he did not prepare [Tooltip Not Found] today. He doesn't have much experience with setting up / breaking camp. As a specialist / sapper with the Gildaran army, other people handled those types of logistics. He helps however he can and would prefer to take 3rd watch shift. ("YugJug should take the 4th watch shift so that he can make breakfast before we all have to wake up!")
Zephyr can help rig a type of tripwire trap with a bell or something, but he only has enough supplies to protect one or two narrow paths. That is, he cannot encircle the camp, but if they want to get an alarm when someone approaches their camp along a specific trail, he could set that up. He can also use his Magical Tinkering to create 3 items that would cast light as bright as a candle, if that's helpful.
During the second half of his watch, Zephyr mixes a concoction with his All-Purpose Tool to help "stimulate the senses." Enhance Ability - Owl's Wisdom
Perception 3 (or for the 2nd hour of his watch, max(3, 12) because of advantage from Enhance Ability)
Fenric was quite thrilled at the tiny dragon perching on his shoulder, but did his best to play it cool on the outside. He pulls his day's worth of rations out and gives the red-scaled dragon a bit of jerky, trying to be as stealthy as he can to avoid catching the attention of the others. He does his best to answer their questions, as silly as they seem to him.
"Yes actually, I've got quite good hearing! I can't say if it's because of how pointy my ears are though." He wiggles his ears a bit, showing them off to the tiny dragons. "I'm afraid you'll be a bit too heavy for one of my arrows. And kelpvine liqueur tastes... spicy. Very spicy. You wouldn't like it." Despite having never tasted it, Fenric tries to discourage the flying balls of energy from trying to drink it.
Fenric proposed that he should take first watch. Then he could take the last watch too, so long as Lyra and Zephyr stood watch during his meditative trance. He hoped to avoid leaving YugJug to watch over the party, given his lack of combat ability.
"Around a couple dozen of them!" replies the violet faerie dragon to Zephyr. "Living in small wooden huts."
The faerie dragons find Lyra and Fenric's answers amusing. Anticipation of learning the final lyric on the party's return. Mild disappointed they can't be fired like an arrow. And the red faerie dragon nibbles on Fenric's jerky with delight. "More. More!" he seems to say with his eyes. And despite Fenric's warning the mention of kelpvine liqueur having a spicy taste seems to only pique their interest all they more!
The rest of the journey for the day is rather uneventful. Mostly trees and forest fauna. As the day draws to a close with the setting sun you're able to make camp. Zephyr sets up his bells and you're able to take watches. YugJug settles in for the night after making a simple, yet flavorful, one-pot meal of veggies and meat.
Watch Order
1st: Fenric
2nd: Lyra
3rd: Zephyr
4th: Fenric
Nighttime Encounter: 11
Whose watch: 4
[[ Interestingly it's still working on my end. ]]
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion | Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Karl Erikson, No Guts No Glory | Chipper, Curse of Strahd
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
As a city girl, Lyra's skills lie elsewhere, but she does not mind putting her back into it as directed, nor getting dirt between her fingers as she helps Fenric and Zephyr set up camp. While she works, she sings a soft tune, subtle and almost melancholy, with no dark harmonica for accompaniment.
"Fey forest fine, our campfire shine
shall light our wandering way
To yet divine, Yug's lost Kelpvine
And recover it well, we pray
My watch or thine, soon comes the time
To break our bright new day."
The way she draws out the word break in the final line hints at a secondary meaning and regret at the blood that will likely be shed on the morrow.
Lyra agrees to take second watch after Fenric's first watch, assuming Zephyr takes third. In her own way, she too casts Enhance Ability once more, sounding her dark harmonica softly so as not to wake anyone, Owl's Wisdom for advantage on WIS checks.
Lyra's Perception during her watch, at advantage due to Enhance Ability and Owl's Wisdom: 19
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Quick Perception for Fenric: 25 | [skill]1d20+9[/roll]
//two numbers to account for disadvantage in darkness beyond the light of Zephy'rs candles
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion | Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Karl Erikson, No Guts No Glory | Chipper, Curse of Strahd
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
derped out on that second roll
19
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion | Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Karl Erikson, No Guts No Glory | Chipper, Curse of Strahd
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
[[ 25 and 19, not too shabby :D ]]
Also on 2nd thought, 4th watch seems reasonable to be getting into early dawn. (still disadvantage with perception beyond your darkvision radii, but normal light within it)
Light Level: Dim Light
Fenric's all seeing eyes are able to pierce through the forest as he's well rested from his trance. In the distance, 70ft away, he's able to make out two owlbears approaching the party. Each trying to make themselves stealthy. The one to the North (Owlbear 1) doesn't seem to be having a good go at it, snapping branches and rustling against the leaves. But the one to the Northeast (Owlbear 2) would've easily sneaked up on the less perceptive. (Stealth: 18).
Initiative Order
OB1: 2
OB2: 3
Fenric: 13
Lyra: 13
Zephyr: 13
YugJug: 6
.
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion | Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Karl Erikson, No Guts No Glory | Chipper, Curse of Strahd
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
After the edit to try fixing that I saw this real quick.
Initiative Order
OB1: 11
OB2: 9
Fenric: 13
Lyra: 22
Zephyr: 10
YugJug: 16
So,
[[ spoiler where I work it out ]]
First Ordering
Lyra
YugJug
Fenric
OB1
Zephyr
OB2
Let's get Zephyr with the rest. Eh, move him up. (If OB1's was higher probably would've moved him down and then he'd join the rest in the same block come R2.)
[[
Green circles are trees. To the South is the road with more open land.
For ranged attacks, remember the trees may provide 1/2 or 3/4 cover depending on the angle of the shot.
]]
Initiative Order
Fenric, Lyra, YugJug, Zephyr <----------- currently up
Owlbear 1, Owlbear 2
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion | Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Karl Erikson, No Guts No Glory | Chipper, Curse of Strahd
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
Through the trees and foliage, Fenric spots the approaching owlbears. A switch flips in his mind, and he becomes immediately aware of his surroundings. Time slows in his mind as he decides what to do next. First, he thinks, he must wake his allies. He tosses some pebbles on the ground at them and calls to them in a loud whisper to wake them. "Lyra, Zephyr! Wake yourselves and prepare for battle! Two owlbears approach the camp. Wake YugJug too, if you can."
Once he is sure they've been alerted, he focuses his attention on the owlbear to the north. He sprinted to a point he was confident he could take the shot, almost gliding across the ground and silent as a mouse. He nocks an arrow on the string, and takes aim. Before he shoots, he asks the trees and the grass and the flowers for assistance, as he always had. He stood there, hoping, begging for a response. Nothing. No matter; he would have to take the shot on his own, as he always had. He released the arrow, aiming straight for the owlbear's eye.
Fenric moves to the spot 2 squares to the right of the tree directly to his north, then shoots Owlbear 1 with his longbow.
Attack 1: To Hit: 20 (20, 23) Damage: 14
Attack 2 (Extra Attack): To Hit: Nat 1 :( (10, 16) Damage: 8
Round 1: Zephyr
Zephyr wakes from a pleasant dream where he was flying around with a bunch of faerie dragons when one of them suddenly hit him and urgently said, "Two owlbears approach." The dragon spoke using Fenric's voice, and in the dream, he had the sense that the faerie dragon was Fenric. Zephyr sits up, looking around confusedly, but the sound of Fenric's bow wakes him up and brings him immediately into the present!
Zephry generally sleeps in his armor when he's "on the job." He hops up, grabs his gear and does some quick estimation in his head. Fenric, Lrya, and him versus two owlbears. He's not tooooo concerned, but they're probably going to need to hold the creatures off for a while. Zephyr uses his All-Purpose Tool to summon a Small-sized device that looks like a wooden sculpture of marigold flowers in a sort of flower pot with little geared legs. He loads it with a few drops of some tincture, and sends it off, its geared legs walking slowly over to the center of the group where it then puffs out a pleasant-smelling scent that's fortifying to everyone within 10-ft.
As he works, Zephyr thinks back to the message board. He remarks, "An owlbear to the northeast of Birakruut. Owlbears 20 miles south of Birakruut. This area is just filthy with Owlbears!" His voice is calm and casual as though there are not two owlbears bearing down on the group!
Then he moves over to YugJug to wake him up. Zephyr does that by lightly stepping across YugJug as he lifts off into the air.
Zephyr tells Lyra, "See whether you can draw them together. I might be able to restrain them if they're close enough to each other."
Movement: Use 30-ft of movement. Half of his movement to stand up from prone. Once Zephyr creates his Eldritch Cannon and triggers it, he moves 10-ft over to (and on!) YugJug and then flies 5-ft up in the air.
Altitude: 5-ft
Action: magically create a Small-sized Protector Eldrtich Cannon in the square to his north, which is basically at the center of the three others.
Bonus Action: Trigger Protector Eldritch Cannon - the cannon moves 10-ft to its east and emits a pulse.
All allies within 10-ft gain +8 Temporary Hit Points
[[ I think that puts us all within the protector cannon's range this turn. ]]
Free Action: Talking. Item interaction: pick up his gear.
Eldritch Cannon (Protector)
AC 18, HP 30, THP 8
Immune to poison and psychic damage
Speed: 15-ft
Lyra awakes suddenly at Fenric's warning, her eyes bleary and hair disheveled and unbraided (yet somehow still on the stylish side), having slept with her studded leather on, her black warhammer at her hip and her dark harmonica around her throat. "Thanks, Fen!" Hopping up and feeling momentarily strengthened by Zephyr's fortifying contraption, she favors the fairy with a sardonic grin.
"As it happens, Zeph, my magic can push yet not pull. So I see no other way to draw two owlbears together, and keep them well away from old Yug, than to rely on nothing but my charming, magnetic persona. Whether you dub me naturally irresistible or just bait is up to you."
She plays a quick, bright chord on her dark harmonica, and her already quick feet blur, flying over the forest floor, sprinting north-northeast. As she arrives in a clearing, in plain view and charging distance of both owlbears, she readies her small shield and balances on the balls of her feet like a dancer to avoid incoming assault. Her body seems to affect the posture of a damsel in distress, goading converging attacks from the prowling monstrosities.
Bonus Action: Lyra uses a pact slot to cast Expeditious Retreat (
no concentration), letting her dash as a bonus action, including this turn. See below.Movement: (including Expeditious Retreat and 35' move speed x 2 = 70'), Lyra uses 15' of her movement to stand up, then 55' more as part of her Bonus Action dash. 20' NE, ' 30' N, then 5' NE again. Making herself a direct target for both owlbears to converge on as they charge.
Action: Lyra takes the dodge action. All attacks against her have disadvantage and she has advantage on DEX saves.
Upcoming: Lyra has Reaction spells, Shield and Silvery Barbs, and may use them.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
[[
If I got any of your positioning wrong, please let me know.
@Tybard, which feature is allowing the casting of Expeditious Retreat without concentrating? Trying to figure out what I'm missing.
]]
Fenric's first arrow is able to strike true, landing a solid punch on the owlbear though it doesn't seem to mind too much yet. The second seems to almost thud into the owlbear's eye when it lowers its head, narrowly causing the arrow to miss.
YugJug grunts away as Zephyr's wings flit in his face. "Wha- uh?" His eyes go wide as he realizes the situation. Quickly he gets up and takes out his sling, hiding behind a nearby tree to try getting at least somewhat of an advantage.
stealth: 14
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion | Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Karl Erikson, No Guts No Glory | Chipper, Curse of Strahd
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
[[ not enough for him to get out of their detection via the keen senses ]]
Lyra is able to dash into the center of the owlbears' charge distances. Tempted by the prospect of easy food the first charges due Southeast while the second makes a slight bend around some trees to come on her opposite side. They thrash at her with claw and driving beak towards her, angered all the more by her dodging pose. Their screeching hoots fill the early dawn air.
Owlbear 1
Claws @ Lyra
Attack: 8 Damage: 19
Beak @ Lyra
Attack: 12 Damage: 9
Owlbear 2
Claws @ Lyra
Attack: 11 Damage: 17
Beak @ Lyra
Attack: 17 Damage: 9
[[
forgot to mention for Fenric
Were normal rolls.
Owlbear did not have 1/2 cover due to at least one clear route from Fenric to the Owlbear.
]]
Initiative Order
Fenric, Lyra (expeditious retreat), YugJug, Zephyr (z=+5) <----------- currently up
Owlbear 1 (14 damage), Owlbear 2
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny
Eggo Lass, Bone and Oblivion | Tendilius Mondhaven Paxaramus, Drakkenheim
Karl Erikson, No Guts No Glory | Chipper, Curse of Strahd
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
Only one of the four attacks from the two owlbears (the final beak attack for 6 damage) hits.
Lyra's DC10 CON Save to maintain concentration on Expeditious Retreat: 19 (success)
"Well," Lyra admits between her (mostly successful) evasive maneuvers between the two rampaging monstrosities, "That really did not bring them together as neatly as I had envisioned. In retrospect, I should not have let one get behind me. Let us see if I can nudge it into place a little closer..."
She whispers an Elven word and vanishes in a shadowy grey mist, re-appearing to the south-southeast. Dull black beams of eldritch energy extend from her free hand at the southernmost owlbear, one of them hitting and knocking the creature back (north-northeast) ten feet before Lyra retreats further.
Bonus Action: Lyra casts Misty Step without a spell slot (Fey Touched feat), reappearing 15' south and 15' southeast from her current spot.
Action: Lyra sends two Eldritch Blast beams at the southernmost owlbear, one beam hitting doing a little damage and pushing the creature north-northwest 10'. (Note that it is allowed to cast a cantrip as an action after a leveled bonus action spell on the same turn).
Lyra's Eldritch Blast beam 1 to hit southern owlbear: 10 (miss, I think)
Lyra's Eldritch Blast beam 2 to hit southern owlbear: 25
Lyra's Eldritch Blast beam 2 damage: 7 (force)
Repelling Blast - target pushed away from Lyra 10' north-northwest - (ideally 5' north and 5' northwest since she is SSE of it), closer to the other owlbear.
Movement: Lyra moves her full 35' move speed, 10' west and 25' southwest, finishing 15' east of Zephyr and the cannon, 5' south of the cannon.
"Alright then, doc," she pants at Zephyr, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Is that close enough together for you?"
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Round 2: Zephyr
Zephyr laughs at the joke but is still surprised when Lyra sprints through the forest, offering herself as bait for the owlbears! It has the desired effect, luring them both to the same area. (And even closer after Lyra's repelling blast.) "Well done, Lyra. Not even owlbears can resist your charms!", he cries.
Zephyr waves his All-Purpose Tool at his Eldritch Cannon, triggering it again, and then fits the tool into the intricately-carved rod that he carries. He flies northeast to get closer to the owlbears, and the Eldritch Cannon follows after him, marching along on its spindly legs.
Once he's close enough to the owlbears, Zephyr loads a pellet into the rod, aims it at the owlbears, and casts a spell. A small, luminous silvery ball shoots from the hollowed-out end of the rod and explodes into a mass of sticky webs right between the two owlbears.
Movement: Move 30-ft: 15-ft NE and then 10-ft N, flying 5-ft higher as he goes. (He should end just to the NE of the tree south and a bit east of Fenric.)
Altitude: 10-ft
Bonus Action: trigger the Protector Eldritch Cannon before he moves.
The Cannon, Zephyr, and YugJug gain 10 Temporary Hit Points (if that's higher than the 8 THP they already have).
The Cannon moves 15-ft: 10-ft E and then 5-ft NE, ending 10-ft south of Zephyr.
Action: Cast spell (LVL 2 slot) Web, Sticky webbing fills a 20-ft cube, extending among the trees from the ground to 20-ft up into the canopy.
If Lyra was able to push the one owlbear 5-ft N + 5-ft NE, then Zephyr should be able to position the AoE so that both owlbears are entirely within the 20-ft cube.
The webbing is difficult terrain and lightly obscures that area.
Each creature that starts its turn in the webs or that enters them on its turn must succeed on a DC 16 DEX saving throw or be restrained by the webs.
A stuck creature can use its action to make a DC 16 STR check, and if it succeeds, it is no longer restrained.
Free Action: Talking/cheering Lyra.
Concentration: Web, round 1 of 600
---
Eldritch Cannon
AC 18, HP 30
Immune to poison and psychic damage