Owlbear 1 gets stuck in the web, its' feathery legs caught in a tangle. [[ Owlbear 1 is restrained ]]
But Owlbear 2 is able to avoid getting caught like a fly, slashing at the few strands that tried to ensnare it.
[[ Did a quick note of two options (so could definitely be more). If Fenric moves 35' N he'd have a clear shot on OB1 without 1/2 or 3/4 cover. Moving 15' E would give a clear shot on OB2. ]]
Initiative Order Fenric, Lyra (expeditious retreat), YugJug, Zephyr (web, z=+10) <----------- currently up Owlbear 1 (14 damage, restrained), Owlbear 2 (7 damage)
Seeing the second owlbear avoid Zephyr's sticky webbing, and being within sixty feet of it, Lyra extends her hand and jagged shadows tinged with silver shoot forth to distract the thrashing monstrosity, making it more difficult for it to escape.
Lyra casts Silvery Barbs as a reaction to owlbear 2's successful save against Web, forcing a re-roll and granting advantage to a d20 roll by Fenric.
The Owlbear seems to snarl at Lyra as it avoids the rerolls of fate. Though she knows it has bestial intelligence, she can almost get a sense as if it harbors a vengeance.
In his years of fending off groups of goblins, bandits, and the like, Fenricfound that he was quick enough with his bow to strike two targets back to back should they be standing right next to each other. Lyra'sblast, while it may have been redundant for Zephyr's web, had set Fenricup perfectly to perform the maneuver. As he drew back his bowstring, he made a mental note to thank Lyra after the battle was won.
Movement: Fenric will move 20' E and 5' SE, which should give him a clear shot on both owlbears. After his action, he will move 5' SE and 5' S
Action: Fenric will first attack owlbear 2 with advantage from silvery barbs, then take 2 attacks on owlbear 1.
Fenric's arrow fly from his bow, piercing through feathers and hide. The restrained owlbear cries out, now looking a lot worse for wear. While the other gets a violent bloodlust in its eyes.
As Fenric unleashes his blows, YugJug repositions himself and looses a rock from his sling at the free owlbear, perhaps hoping to whittle down a slight bit more.
Sling @ Owlbear 2 //disadvantage from range, +2 AC to owlbear from half-cover Attack: 18 Damage: 3
As the owlbears respond, the first tries to break free from its restraints.
STR Check DC 16: 12
//and since it's taken a bit of damage, gonna roll to see if it thinks it's time to flee or if hunger means it still wants to give it a go; DC 15 to stay in fight 11
Sling @ Owlbear 2 //disadvantage from range, +2 AC to owlbear from half-cover Attack: 18 Damage: 3STR Check DC 16: 12
//and since it's taken a bit of damage, gonna roll to see if it thinks it's time to flee or if hunger means it still wants to give it a go; DC 15 to stay in fight 11
[[ quoting for some posterity ]]
Owlbear 2 lets out a roar, charging towards the wood elf that wounded it. It thrashes out with claws and beak.
Beak @ Fenric Attack: 8 Damage: 13
Claws @ Fenric Attack: 18 Damage: 10
Initiative Order Fenric, Lyra (expeditious retreat), YugJug (8thp), Zephyr (web, z=+10) <----------- currently up Owlbear 1 (35 damage, restrained), Owlbear 2 (18 damage)
As the onrushing owlbear charges Fenric, one might be forgiven for not noticing the change which overcomes Lyra's eyes. Once again, her warm brown irises flash to inky black like her pupils, and this time, they remain that way. Like the arm of a sea anemone, undulating in soft unseen currents, a thin shadowy tendril wafts from her dark harmonica, reaching... reaching... and alighting on the forehead of the nearest owlbear. So gently.
Two more dull black beams of shadowy eldritch energy shoot from her free hand at the creature, one of them hitting and hurling it back northward ten feet. Lyra herself then lopes right up to the monstrosity, a strange expression on her face, darkened eyes staring it down as if curious.
(Lyra's reaction resets at the start of her turn.)
Bonus Action: Lyra places her Hexblade's Curse on owlbear 2, 30' range, +3 damage on all hits, crit on 19 or 20, Lyra heals 6hp if the target dies.
Action: Lyra attacks owlbear 2 with Eldritch Blast (2 beams):
Zephyr is pleased to see what their little group works well together and cheers on his companions: "Stupendously synergistic strategies!" (He may be small, but Zephyr has always loved BIG words!)
Despite the fact that he's hovering 10-ft in the air, Zephyr lets out a brief shriek when he sees the Owlbear charging toward them. It stops to maul Fenric, but Zephyr realizes that this monster is tall enough to reach him even at his current altitude. He again gestures to the Protector Cannon, directing it to help Fenric and Lyra. Once it sends another wave of fortifying energy through the group, he flies higher, trying to remain completely out of the owlbear's way. (It's not just purely cowardice or self-preservation. Zephyr figures that no one wants him to lose concentration on the spell that's keeping the other owlbear away.)
Once Zephyr is high enough to have a clear shot at owlbear 2 over Lyra's head, he aims his rod at the monster and uses it to draw energy from the cool night air. A blue-white beam streaks from the end of the rod toward the owlbear.
Movement: 30-ft movement. 10-ft NW and then 10-ft N before he attacks. Then flying 10-ft straight up. Altitude: 20-ft Bonus Action: Triggering the Protector Eldritch Cannon. The cannon moves 10-ft NE and then triggers. (I think that puts everyone except for Zephyr in range of the Eldritch Cannon.) All allies within 10-ft gain 8Temporary Hit Points if they currently have fewer THP than that. Action: Cast spell Ray of Frost at owlbear 2, 10, Damage: 12 (cold), includes extra 1d8 damage from Arcane Firearm. On a hit, the owlbear's speed is also reduced by 10-ft until the start of Zephyr's next turn (no saving throw). Free Action: Talking
Round 3: Zephyr Once Zephyr is high enough to have a clear shot at owlbear 2 over Lyra's head, he aims his rod at the monster Movement: 30-ft movement. 10-ft NW and then 10-ft N before he attacks. Then flying 10-ft straight up. Altitude: 20-ft
[[ FYI - description is wrong. I wrote parts of the post both before and after a meeting. It looks like I forgot to go back and change the description after I changed the action. With the stated movement, Lyra is not between Zephyr and the owlbear. ]]
The owlbear's claws smack connect with Fenric's torso, nearly knocking him to the ground. For a second, he felt certain this monstrosity would over power him. Then, he felt two bursts of power rush past him, sending the owlbear flying back. He felt a wave of strength wash over him from Zephyr's protective cannon, and only then realized how grateful he was for his friends' presence. Under his breath, he mutters, "Nowhere to run," and marks the owlbear as his prey. In an instant, he understands the beast inside and out. He knows its scent, its tracks, and where to strike to deal the most damage. He lets two arrows fly at the beast, aiming to kill.
Laura's hits OB2. Both Fenric's hit Owlbear 2. (55 damage total if my head math is right. IIRC that puts the owlbear very very much on its last legs.)
OB1 STR Check: 21
And both will be running away. (Unless I greatly misremember the owlbear hp in which case 9 for OB2 vs 15 or runs.)
IIRC Fenric's long rest was in the middle, but Lyra and Zephyr will be finishing theirs after the fight. (Unless the plan is to track down and finish off the owlbears, in which case enough activity to break a long rest will occur.)
Lyra's irises remain pits of black shadow as her feet fly in implacable pursuit of only one of the owlbears. The one which had attacked her and Fenric. Yet perhaps more importantly, the one connected to her dark harmonica by the thin, inky tendril of her Hexblade's Curse.
Two more beams of matte black energy overtake the fleeing monstrosity (owlbear 2). IF they slay the owlbear, the thin black tendril pulses hungrily, as if... drinking away the creature's life force, healing Lyra its wash and leaving the large corpse somehow.... less. Her voice calls out through the tree-line, still melodious as always, yet somehow different. With a slight guttural timbre, yet almost bemused in its tone.
"Neither mortal nor beast, but arcane-arisen, blood and bone, feather and claw that fuel this life. Something old, yet of this world? Crafted by mortal minds, yet precessing through the ages like a top, once set spinning. Sibilant the savor, yet bitter the aftertaste. Yes."
The black tendril snaps back to the dark harmonica and Lyra's irises return immediately to their warm brown. Her posture relaxes and she stands breathing for a moment, then returns to smile uncertainly at her companions, looking distracted. Utterly ignoring the retreating owlbear 1.
Bonus Action and Movement: dash 70' in pursuit of fleeing owlbear 2 thanks to Expeditious Retreat.
Action: With Hexblade's Curse still active on owlbear 2, Lyra sends two more jet black Eldritch Blast beams (range 120') at owlbear 2:
Lyra's curse comes upon owlbear 2. Despite not being a sentient creature you can almost see a hint of fear come into its bestial face as the second eldritch blast makes contact.
As Zephyr's cannon bolsters the group his frosty ray goes awry. A puff of frost can be seen in the owlbear's fur but nothing damaging.
And then Fenric brings down his archery prowress to bear, striking two expert blows into the owlbear.
During all this YugJug seems to be taken aback at the skillful ways at the party and their collaboration. Lost in his mind trying to figure out what Zephyr meant by "stupendously synergistic strategies" he can do no more than dodge.
Owlbear 1 breaks free of the webbing, roaring out towards the woods in retreat and Owlbear 2 close behind.
[[ Round 4 with Lyra's actions ]]
With her speed the owlbear has no chance to outrun Lyra's pace as she quickly brings her magic upon it once more, felling it where it stands.
(Hopefully that one extra turn is not the difference in breaking Lyra's long rest.)
Nope you're good. It's more if you'd gone into a chase/tracking that took up a chunk of time. But one extra round is A-OK.
[[ Note with map: A transparent token if often off the map. If I swap to player view it wouldn't be visible, but I stayed with DM view out of simplicity in this encounter. Whether or not I use DM/Player view is mostly a function of if there's anything I *need* to hide. (Ex: a dungeon crawl with unexplored areas or hidden enemies, etc.) So Owlbear 2 is dead. ]]
Initiative Order Fenric (hunter's mark, Lyra (expeditious retreat), YugJug (8thp), Zephyr (web, z=+10) <----------- currently up Owlbear 1 (35 damage)
If you're cool letting owlbear 1 run with its tailfeathers between its legs you're out of initiative. I'd also say there's enough time for Fenric to get a short rest while Lyra and Zephyr finish their long rests.
//assuming out of initiative
YugJug looks at the party impressed, "A mighty coordinated group you are. Expert bowmanship. Sticky webs. And that pushy thing you did with your magic shadow tendrils doohickeys is quite nifty." He looks appreciative and perhaps more confident in the party's abilities.
After a little while going back to rest you smell frying eggs with YugJug finishing them in a pan over the fire. "I always find eggs a good way to start the morning. Fry up some potato and onions first before adding them in and it's grand ol' meal." He serves you all and chats, "About a half-day more to where we got ambushed. Not sure how fresh a trail there might be, but here's to hoping." He looks up at the clouds as they get grey. "Weather might not be too kind though."
Abmush Location: 12 miles away (30 miles away initially, travelled 6 hours yesterday for 18 miles so 12 remaining)
Weather Temperature: reasonable, not too hot, not too cold (say in the 70s / 80s) Wind: none Precipitation: heavy rainfall [[ area is lightly obscured, -5 penalty to perception checks based on sight/sound ]] //rolled a d12 for duration
things to decide Travel Pace: Fast/Normal/Slow Any order of march? (not too important here, but want to make sure I give space for any additional preparations you want to make)
Seeing his spell do nothing to the owlbear, Zephyr is initially focused on fiddling with his Arcane Firearm, adjusting some settings. He hears the owlbears run off, one of them finally tearing free from the webs. Zephyr shouts, "Yeah! You'd better run!", and ends concentration Web, the webbing quickly melting away like cotton candy in a rainstorm.
Cackling and whooping wildly, Zephyr zips through the trees and fading webbing to get a clear view of owlbear#1. He can see the big thing lumbering into the twilit forest through his goggles. Zephyr fires a parting shot at it as it runs away, saying, "Keep running, ya' big bully!"
Movement: 30-ft of movement. 5-ft NE and then 25-ft N., ending directly south of owlbear 1 Altitude: 20-ft Action: Cast spell Ray of Frost at owlbear 1, 21, Damage: 9 (cold), includes extra 1d8 damage from Arcane Firearm. On a hit, the owlbear's speed is also reduced by 10 ft until the start of Zephyr's next turn (no saving throw). Free Action: Talking
Concentration: None
--- Eldritch Cannon
AC 18, HP 30, THP 8 Immune to poison and psychic damage
If you're cool letting owlbear 1 run with its tailfeathers between its legs you're out of initiative.
[[ After that parting shot, Zephyr lets the last owlbear get away. ]]
Precipitation: heavy rainfall [[ area is lightly obscured, -5 penalty to perception checks based on sight/sound ]
Dripping with water, Zephyr plods along on the ground. The heavy weather makes him too glum to want to fly.
Travel Pace: Fast/Normal/Slow
First 6 miles: Normal pace
After that: Slow pace
Even at a Slow pace, the party should find the bandits before the end of the day, but Zephyr says, "The sooner to be out of this weather, the better!" As we approach the bandits' territory, we could slow down. We're not the stealthiest group, but no one is wearing heavy armor, so the party as a whole should be reasonably good at using stealth.
Fenric returns to the camp, and sits down to enjoy the breakfast prepared by YugJug. He had never minded the rain, and even found it refreshing at times, but he understood why others less accustomed to the outdoors found it bothersome. Once Lyra had returned to the came, he thanked her for repositioning the owlbears."Lyra, my thanks to you for pushing the owlbear back when it attacked me. It's a wonder you can move such a massive creature with your magic."
Even at a Slow pace, the party should find the bandits before the end of the day, but Zephyr says, "The sooner to be out of this weather, the better!" As we approach the bandits' territory, we could slow down. We're not the stealthiest group, but no one is wearing heavy armor, so the party as a whole should be reasonably good at using stealth.
Fenric agrees that it's best if the party continues on a normal pace and slows down as they approach.
Lyra glances over as Zephyr sends his parting shots at the surviving owlbear, an unreadable look on her face. Introspective for once.
Returning to the campsite, she gives Fenric a hug (and Zephyr too, once he's back).
"Lyra, my thanks to you for pushing the owlbear back when it attacked me. It's a wonder you can move such a massive creature with your magic."
"A wonder, aye..." Lyra trails off as if lost in thought, bringing her dark harmonica to her lips and singing softly with her Minor Illusion as she often does.
"And all should cry, Beware! Beware! Her flashing eyes, her floating hair! Weave a circle round her thrice, And close your eyes with holy dread For she on shadows dark hath fed, And drained the dregs of Paradise."
As her poetry comes to a close, she shakes herself from her reverie and beams at both of her companions in more typical Lyra fashion, her eyes back to their usual warm brown. "Indeed, a team effort all around. You with your tracking and your bow, Fen, and you with your ingenious multi-purpose inventions, Zeph. I believe that even Yug here has discerned the wisdom in trusting us. Let us see whether we can continue to exceed his expectations."
Lyra settles into the marching order, direction and pace suggested by her companions, moving as stealthily as that pace allows through the downpour, padding along the rain-slicked forest floor. As the party draws near the ambush point, she even quiets her usual chatter.
Returning to the campsite, she gives Fenric a hug (and Zephyr too, once he's back)....
"Indeed, a team effort all around. You with your tracking and your bow, Fen, and you with your ingenious multi-purpose inventions, Zeph. I believe that even Yug here has discerned the wisdom in trusting us. Let us see whether we can continue to exceed his expectations."
Zephyr lands lightly and is initially jubilant that their little group scared off the owlbears with barely a scratch. He's surprised by the hug and looks slightly embarrassed by the compliments, mumbling, "Oh, all in a day's work." Zephyr pats his little Protector Eldritch Cannon when it comes tottering over, saying, "Good job, little guy!" Then he quickly dismantles it for parts. Finally, with a giant yawn, he realizes that the excitement cut short his rest: he lies down and quickly falls back asleep until breakfast is ready.
During breakfast, Zephyr eats entirely too fast, talking the entire time. At the same time, he seems to have a few different projects going at once, tinkering with various arcane devices and a separate set of alchemical concoctions. (You hope that he manages to keep his tinctures and his breakfast separate!) Zephyr is optimistic after how well the three of them handled the owlbears, but he still asks for advice and conjectures about what they'll face when they find the bandit camp. "When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail! But I'd hate to have nothing but a hammer when it turns out that I need a rope-and-pulley!"
[[ I'll put some questions in the OOC thread if anyone wants to provide some input. ]]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Lyra's first blast falters against the hide of the owlbear but the second hits. The owlbear shrieks in confusion as it's pushed back by the blast.
With that the owlbears are suddenly thrown into the midst of the web as Zephyr's little ball does its work.
DEX Saves vs web
OB1: 6
OB2: 21
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 |
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
Owlbear 1 gets stuck in the web, its' feathery legs caught in a tangle. [[ Owlbear 1 is restrained ]]
But Owlbear 2 is able to avoid getting caught like a fly, slashing at the few strands that tried to ensnare it.
[[ Did a quick note of two options (so could definitely be more). If Fenric moves 35' N he'd have a clear shot on OB1 without 1/2 or 3/4 cover. Moving 15' E would give a clear shot on OB2. ]]
Initiative Order
Fenric,
Lyra (expeditious retreat), YugJug,Zephyr (web, z=+10)<----------- currently upOwlbear 1 (14 damage, restrained), Owlbear 2 (7 damage)
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 |
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
Seeing the second owlbear avoid Zephyr's sticky webbing, and being within sixty feet of it, Lyra extends her hand and jagged shadows tinged with silver shoot forth to distract the thrashing monstrosity, making it more difficult for it to escape.
Lyra casts Silvery Barbs as a reaction to owlbear 2's successful save against Web, forcing a re-roll and granting advantage to a d20 roll by Fenric.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | 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
Owlbear 2's reroll
20
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 |
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
The Owlbear seems to snarl at Lyra as it avoids the rerolls of fate. Though she knows it has bestial intelligence, she can almost get a sense as if it harbors a vengeance.
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 |
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
In his years of fending off groups of goblins, bandits, and the like, Fenric found that he was quick enough with his bow to strike two targets back to back should they be standing right next to each other. Lyra's blast, while it may have been redundant for Zephyr's web, had set Fenric up perfectly to perform the maneuver. As he drew back his bowstring, he made a mental note to thank Lyra after the battle was won.
Movement: Fenric will move 20' E and 5' SE, which should give him a clear shot on both owlbears. After his action, he will move 5' SE and 5' S
Action: Fenric will first attack owlbear 2 with advantage from silvery barbs, then take 2 attacks on owlbear 1.
Attack 1: To Hit: 27 (18, 14)+9 Damage: 8
Attack 2 (Horde Breaker): To Hit: 17 (8, 4)+9 Damage: 7
Attack 3 (Extra Attack): To Hit: 24 (6, 15)+9 Damage: 14
[[ Yep, clear shots from that firing location. ]]
Fenric's arrow fly from his bow, piercing through feathers and hide. The restrained owlbear cries out, now looking a lot worse for wear. While the other gets a violent bloodlust in its eyes.
As Fenric unleashes his blows, YugJug repositions himself and looses a rock from his sling at the free owlbear, perhaps hoping to whittle down a slight bit more.
Sling @ Owlbear 2 //disadvantage from range, +2 AC to owlbear from half-cover
Attack: 18 Damage: 3
As the owlbears respond, the first tries to break free from its restraints.
STR Check DC 16: 12
//and since it's taken a bit of damage, gonna roll to see if it thinks it's time to flee or if hunger means it still wants to give it a go; DC 15 to stay in fight
11
//owlbear turns upcoming
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 |
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
The first Owlbear struggles against the web, turning its head back towards the woods. But the sticky strands hold it in place.
Despite the odds, YugJug lands a small blow on the second owlbear's forehead, doing a dint of damage to it.
[[ quoting for some posterity ]]
Owlbear 2 lets out a roar, charging towards the wood elf that wounded it. It thrashes out with claws and beak.
Beak @ Fenric
Attack: 8 Damage: 13
Claws @ Fenric
Attack: 18 Damage: 10
Initiative Order
Fenric, Lyra (expeditious retreat), YugJug (8thp), Zephyr (web, z=+10) <----------- currently up
Owlbear 1 (35 damage, restrained), Owlbear 2 (18 damage)
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 |
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
As the onrushing owlbear charges Fenric, one might be forgiven for not noticing the change which overcomes Lyra's eyes. Once again, her warm brown irises flash to inky black like her pupils, and this time, they remain that way. Like the arm of a sea anemone, undulating in soft unseen currents, a thin shadowy tendril wafts from her dark harmonica, reaching... reaching... and alighting on the forehead of the nearest owlbear. So gently.
Two more dull black beams of shadowy eldritch energy shoot from her free hand at the creature, one of them hitting and hurling it back northward ten feet. Lyra herself then lopes right up to the monstrosity, a strange expression on her face, darkened eyes staring it down as if curious.
(Lyra's reaction resets at the start of her turn.)
Bonus Action: Lyra places her Hexblade's Curse on owlbear 2, 30' range, +3 damage on all hits, crit on 19 or 20, Lyra heals 6hp if the target dies.
Action: Lyra attacks owlbear 2 with Eldritch Blast (2 beams):
Lyra's Eldritch Blast beam 1 to hit owlbear 2: 9 (miss)
Lyra's Eldritch Blast beam 2 to hit owlbear 2: 20 (dirty)
Lyra's Eldritch Blast beam 2 damage: 6 + 3 from HBC = 9 (force)
Repelling Blast: owlbear 2 is pushed north 10' (no save).
Movement: Lyra moves up into melee with owlbear 2 after it was pushed north: 5' NE, then 20' N, then 5' NE again.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | 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 3: Zephyr
Zephyr is pleased to see what their little group works well together and cheers on his companions: "Stupendously synergistic strategies!" (He may be small, but Zephyr has always loved BIG words!)
Despite the fact that he's hovering 10-ft in the air, Zephyr lets out a brief shriek when he sees the Owlbear charging toward them. It stops to maul Fenric, but Zephyr realizes that this monster is tall enough to reach him even at his current altitude. He again gestures to the Protector Cannon, directing it to help Fenric and Lyra. Once it sends another wave of fortifying energy through the group, he flies higher, trying to remain completely out of the owlbear's way. (It's not just purely cowardice or self-preservation. Zephyr figures that no one wants him to lose concentration on the spell that's keeping the other owlbear away.)
Once Zephyr is high enough to have a clear shot at owlbear 2 over Lyra's head, he aims his rod at the monster and uses it to draw energy from the cool night air. A blue-white beam streaks from the end of the rod toward the owlbear.
Movement: 30-ft movement. 10-ft NW and then 10-ft N before he attacks. Then flying 10-ft straight up.
Altitude: 20-ft
Bonus Action: Triggering the Protector Eldritch Cannon. The cannon moves 10-ft NE and then triggers. (I think that puts everyone except for Zephyr in range of the Eldritch Cannon.)
All allies within 10-ft gain 8 Temporary Hit Points if they currently have fewer THP than that.
Action: Cast spell Ray of Frost at owlbear 2, 10, Damage: 12 (cold), includes extra 1d8 damage from Arcane Firearm.
On a hit, the owlbear's speed is also reduced by 10-ft until the start of Zephyr's next turn (no saving throw).
Free Action: Talking
Concentration: Web, round 2 of 600
---
Eldritch Cannon
AC 18, HP 30, THP 8
Immune to poison and psychic damage
[[ FYI - description is wrong. I wrote parts of the post both before and after a meeting. It looks like I forgot to go back and change the description after I changed the action. With the stated movement, Lyra is not between Zephyr and the owlbear. ]]
The owlbear's claws smack connect with Fenric's torso, nearly knocking him to the ground. For a second, he felt certain this monstrosity would over power him. Then, he felt two bursts of power rush past him, sending the owlbear flying back. He felt a wave of strength wash over him from Zephyr's protective cannon, and only then realized how grateful he was for his friends' presence. Under his breath, he mutters, "Nowhere to run," and marks the owlbear as his prey. In an instant, he understands the beast inside and out. He knows its scent, its tracks, and where to strike to deal the most damage. He lets two arrows fly at the beast, aiming to kill.
Movement: Fenric will move 5' SW and 5' S
Bonus Action: Cast Hunter's Mark on owlbear 2
Action: Fenric shoots at owlbear 2
Attack 1: To Hit: 21 Damage: 14
Attack 2: To Hit: 22 Damage: 14
[[ Quick things, will get a real post later. ]]
Laura's hits OB2. Both Fenric's hit Owlbear 2. (55 damage total if my head math is right. IIRC that puts the owlbear very very much on its last legs.)
OB1 STR Check: 21
And both will be running away. (Unless I greatly misremember the owlbear hp in which case 9 for OB2 vs 15 or runs.)
IIRC Fenric's long rest was in the middle, but Lyra and Zephyr will be finishing theirs after the fight. (Unless the plan is to track down and finish off the owlbears, in which case enough activity to break a long rest will occur.)
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 |
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
Lyra's irises remain pits of black shadow as her feet fly in implacable pursuit of only one of the owlbears. The one which had attacked her and Fenric. Yet perhaps more importantly, the one connected to her dark harmonica by the thin, inky tendril of her Hexblade's Curse.
Two more beams of matte black energy overtake the fleeing monstrosity (owlbear 2). IF they slay the owlbear, the thin black tendril pulses hungrily, as if... drinking away the creature's life force, healing Lyra its wash and leaving the large corpse somehow.... less. Her voice calls out through the tree-line, still melodious as always, yet somehow different. With a slight guttural timbre, yet almost bemused in its tone.
"Neither mortal nor beast, but arcane-arisen, blood and bone, feather and claw that fuel this life. Something old, yet of this world? Crafted by mortal minds, yet precessing through the ages like a top, once set spinning. Sibilant the savor, yet bitter the aftertaste. Yes."
The black tendril snaps back to the dark harmonica and Lyra's irises return immediately to their warm brown. Her posture relaxes and she stands breathing for a moment, then returns to smile uncertainly at her companions, looking distracted. Utterly ignoring the retreating owlbear 1.
Bonus Action and Movement: dash 70' in pursuit of fleeing owlbear 2 thanks to Expeditious Retreat.
Action: With Hexblade's Curse still active on owlbear 2, Lyra sends two more jet black Eldritch Blast beams (range 120') at owlbear 2:
Lyra's Eldritch Blast beam 1 to hit owlbear 2: 13
Lyra's Eldritch Blast beam 1 damage: 6 + 3 from HBC = 9 (force)
Lyra's Eldritch Blast beam 1 to hit owlbear 2: 20 (dirty)
Lyra's Eldritch Blast beam 1 damage: 10 + 3 from HBC = 13 (force)
(Not using Repelling Blast - no forced movement.)
If owlbear 2 dies, Lyra heals 6hp (which she does not need) and Hexblade's Curse ends (as described above).
(Hopefully that one extra turn is not the difference in breaking Lyra's long rest.)
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | 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 3 Summation ]]
Lyra's curse comes upon owlbear 2. Despite not being a sentient creature you can almost see a hint of fear come into its bestial face as the second eldritch blast makes contact.
As Zephyr's cannon bolsters the group his frosty ray goes awry. A puff of frost can be seen in the owlbear's fur but nothing damaging.
And then Fenric brings down his archery prowress to bear, striking two expert blows into the owlbear.
During all this YugJug seems to be taken aback at the skillful ways at the party and their collaboration. Lost in his mind trying to figure out what Zephyr meant by "stupendously synergistic strategies" he can do no more than dodge.
Owlbear 1 breaks free of the webbing, roaring out towards the woods in retreat and Owlbear 2 close behind.
[[ Round 4 with Lyra's actions ]]
With her speed the owlbear has no chance to outrun Lyra's pace as she quickly brings her magic upon it once more, felling it where it stands.
Nope you're good. It's more if you'd gone into a chase/tracking that took up a chunk of time. But one extra round is A-OK.
[[ Note with map: A transparent token if often off the map. If I swap to player view it wouldn't be visible, but I stayed with DM view out of simplicity in this encounter. Whether or not I use DM/Player view is mostly a function of if there's anything I *need* to hide. (Ex: a dungeon crawl with unexplored areas or hidden enemies, etc.) So Owlbear 2 is dead. ]]
Initiative Order
Fenric (hunter's mark,
Lyra (expeditious retreat), YugJug (8thp), Zephyr (web, z=+10) <----------- currently upOwlbear 1 (35 damage)
If you're cool letting owlbear 1 run with its tailfeathers between its legs you're out of initiative.
I'd also say there's enough time for Fenric to get a short rest while Lyra and Zephyr finish their long rests.
//assuming out of initiative
YugJug looks at the party impressed, "A mighty coordinated group you are. Expert bowmanship. Sticky webs. And that pushy thing you did with your magic shadow tendrils doohickeys is quite nifty." He looks appreciative and perhaps more confident in the party's abilities.
After a little while going back to rest you smell frying eggs with YugJug finishing them in a pan over the fire. "I always find eggs a good way to start the morning. Fry up some potato and onions first before adding them in and it's grand ol' meal." He serves you all and chats, "About a half-day more to where we got ambushed. Not sure how fresh a trail there might be, but here's to hoping." He looks up at the clouds as they get grey. "Weather might not be too kind though."
Abmush Location: 12 miles away (30 miles away initially, travelled 6 hours yesterday for 18 miles so 12 remaining)
Weather
Temperature: reasonable, not too hot, not too cold (say in the 70s / 80s)
Wind: none
Precipitation: heavy rainfall [[ area is lightly obscured, -5 penalty to perception checks based on sight/sound ]]
//rolled a d12 for duration
things to decide
Travel Pace: Fast/Normal/Slow
Any order of march? (not too important here, but want to make sure I give space for any additional preparations you want to make)
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 |
Silverwood Group 1 | Silverwood Group 2 | Hacking the Hackett
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 51, 10/23/25, Viva La Vida
Round 4: Zephyr
Seeing his spell do nothing to the owlbear, Zephyr is initially focused on fiddling with his Arcane Firearm, adjusting some settings. He hears the owlbears run off, one of them finally tearing free from the webs. Zephyr shouts, "Yeah! You'd better run!", and ends concentration Web, the webbing quickly melting away like cotton candy in a rainstorm.
Cackling and whooping wildly, Zephyr zips through the trees and fading webbing to get a clear view of owlbear#1. He can see the big thing lumbering into the twilit forest through his goggles. Zephyr fires a parting shot at it as it runs away, saying, "Keep running, ya' big bully!"
Movement: 30-ft of movement. 5-ft NE and then 25-ft N., ending directly south of owlbear 1
Altitude: 20-ft
Action: Cast spell Ray of Frost at owlbear 1, 21, Damage: 9 (cold), includes extra 1d8 damage from Arcane Firearm.
On a hit, the owlbear's speed is also reduced by 10 ft until the start of Zephyr's next turn (no saving throw).
Free Action: Talking
Concentration: None
---
Eldritch Cannon
AC 18, HP 30, THP 8
Immune to poison and psychic damage
[[ After that parting shot, Zephyr lets the last owlbear get away. ]]
Dripping with water, Zephyr plods along on the ground. The heavy weather makes him too glum to want to fly.
Even at a Slow pace, the party should find the bandits before the end of the day, but Zephyr says, "The sooner to be out of this weather, the better!" As we approach the bandits' territory, we could slow down. We're not the stealthiest group, but no one is wearing heavy armor, so the party as a whole should be reasonably good at using stealth.
Fenric returns to the camp, and sits down to enjoy the breakfast prepared by YugJug. He had never minded the rain, and even found it refreshing at times, but he understood why others less accustomed to the outdoors found it bothersome. Once Lyra had returned to the came, he thanked her for repositioning the owlbears. "Lyra, my thanks to you for pushing the owlbear back when it attacked me. It's a wonder you can move such a massive creature with your magic."
Fenric agrees that it's best if the party continues on a normal pace and slows down as they approach.
Lyra glances over as Zephyr sends his parting shots at the surviving owlbear, an unreadable look on her face. Introspective for once.
Returning to the campsite, she gives Fenric a hug (and Zephyr too, once he's back).
"A wonder, aye..." Lyra trails off as if lost in thought, bringing her dark harmonica to her lips and singing softly with her Minor Illusion as she often does.
"And all should cry, Beware! Beware!
Her flashing eyes, her floating hair!
Weave a circle round her thrice,
And close your eyes with holy dread
For she on shadows dark hath fed,
And drained the dregs of Paradise."
As her poetry comes to a close, she shakes herself from her reverie and beams at both of her companions in more typical Lyra fashion, her eyes back to their usual warm brown. "Indeed, a team effort all around. You with your tracking and your bow, Fen, and you with your ingenious multi-purpose inventions, Zeph. I believe that even Yug here has discerned the wisdom in trusting us. Let us see whether we can continue to exceed his expectations."
Lyra settles into the marching order, direction and pace suggested by her companions, moving as stealthily as that pace allows through the downpour, padding along the rain-slicked forest floor. As the party draws near the ambush point, she even quiets her usual chatter.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | 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
Zephyr lands lightly and is initially jubilant that their little group scared off the owlbears with barely a scratch. He's surprised by the hug and looks slightly embarrassed by the compliments, mumbling, "Oh, all in a day's work." Zephyr pats his little Protector Eldritch Cannon when it comes tottering over, saying, "Good job, little guy!" Then he quickly dismantles it for parts. Finally, with a giant yawn, he realizes that the excitement cut short his rest: he lies down and quickly falls back asleep until breakfast is ready.
During breakfast, Zephyr eats entirely too fast, talking the entire time. At the same time, he seems to have a few different projects going at once, tinkering with various arcane devices and a separate set of alchemical concoctions. (You hope that he manages to keep his tinctures and his breakfast separate!) Zephyr is optimistic after how well the three of them handled the owlbears, but he still asks for advice and conjectures about what they'll face when they find the bandit camp. "When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail! But I'd hate to have nothing but a hammer when it turns out that I need a rope-and-pulley!"
[[ I'll put some questions in the OOC thread if anyone wants to provide some input. ]]