Hoard of the Dragon Queen [IC. 2014 rules]

Thistlewick helps move the bodies.  He can also help in returning them to the cycle of life and death by liberally spraying spore on each of the bodies to accelerate their decay.   To ice the cake, he joins with Draylin to kick dirt and leaves on the bodies to make them less likely to be 'casually seen' by a patrol.

Once completed, he will join back up with Tam and Montar.  "Let us hope we do not have to fight our way through the whole bloody army before reaching the Temple of Chauntea."

He spends a moment looking his companions up and down.     Medicine Check: 12

"Do either of you need a bit of healing?"

Montar helps with the bodies as well, then shakes his head in response to Thistlewick's question. "Thank you, friend, but I am fine." 

Draylin

"No, friend.  The blood that stains my sleeves is not my own, but your kindness is well received," he replies softly before slinking off into the shadows. 

Tam shakes her head as well. "I'm fine as well. Surprised to say I'm getting used to all of this battle. Never thought I'd say such a thing. Shall we head to the temple?" Tam looks around for the proper direction, her eyes finally adjusting to the darkness of the evening.

The temple is one of the largest buildings in Greenest, made of fieldstone with a peaked slate roof, and square in shape. It is taller than most other buildings in town and the party soon spots it. Draylin creeps in closest, quickly noting several enemies ahead. The rest of the party follows shortly after.

Feel free to give me a perception roll.

Thistlewick -- Passive Perception:  15

Rolled Perception ('active perception'):  18

Draylin

***perception  12  <passive 15>***

As soon as Draylin has an idea of what the strength of the enemy force is, be drifts back to share the intel.

***perception  12  <passive 14>***

[26 perception roll]

A good reporter always keeps her eyes open. Tam's heightened awareness is on high alert as they approach the church.

Between all of you, you discern that the force outside the temple is split into three groups. One (A) is battering at the front doors, another (B) is circling the temple in a screeching mob, and the third (C) is heaping burning straw against a rear door. 

Tam and Thistlewick, however, notice more details:
- the group (A) battering at the front door consists of two cultists that are handling the ram while a bunch of kobolds stand guard nearby. A more dangerously-looking black-clad raider with a dragon's black mask barks orders on the side and you recognise her as one of the higher-order raiders from the camp. 
- the second group (B) is much larger and contains two ambush drake besides the crowd of cultists and kobolds. They all strung out in a mob that stretches 50 feet. This procession with leaping and whirling kobolds circles the temple every few minutes.
- the third group (C) consists of four cultists and four kobolds who are clustered tightly around the temple's back door trying to make a fir. The burning straw produces little flame, but thick clouds of smoke.

Are group a and group c within sight of each other?

No, as I explained they are at opposite directions of the building. Group B circles the building every few minutes so they have a sight of both other groups.

Quote from 1mpe7us >>

No, as I explained they are at opposite directions of the building. Group B circles the building every few minutes so they have a sight of both other groups.

 [OOC sorry, missed that part. I guess Tam is more observant than me, lol. And there are only the two entrances? Front and back? Or is there a side door? Tam will examine the structure with her spyglass. Any roof openings? Hatches, skylights, stained glass, or even chimney?]

The temple is built of field stones arranged in a square, with a sloping roof made of slate. There are no other entrances. 

Draylin

The team met briefly, discussing the various options, or choices most likely to result in death (theirs, indeed, some enemies as well, but most certainly theirs).  The straight on frontal assault looked daunting before the horde of circling cultists and kobolds jumped in.  The back door seemed the obvious play.  

As soon as things were set, the monk settled into the shadows.  He watched and waited, timing the mob that circled the temple.  He observed for a few loops, making sure that the companions would know exactly how long they had to take care of business and gain entry.

***OoC: stealth:  15     perception:  18  ***

Draylin, you spend some time in the shadows to observe that it takes the mob around 10 minutes to circle the temple, spending approximately 2-3 minutes at each side of the building. 

Draylin

The monk watches the horde circle one last time, following them from a very safe distance back to the group.  He quickly explains the pattern that he noticed, and the time it takes them to make a full lap.  When all are ready, he guides them through the smoky haze.  Stopping safely back from the wall and finding a spot to hide.  He does not want to give them any chance of seeing the group.  "We will hear them pass from distance, I suggest we hold back and move when we hear them go by."

Montar nods. :Good work, friend. I fear stealth is not one of my skills, so maybe I should bring up the rear as we approach." 

Map of the back entrance:

Please consider each of the enemies to be occupying a 5 ft square.

[initiative roll 7]

Surprise round

Tam sneaks in and positions herself between the small cart and the shed, hoping to maintain cover and a hiding spot during the battle. Her plan is to shoot from cover, knowing she can slide from one side of the shed to the other and still get shots, keeping the enemies guessing. 

Their plan starts off well. Tam let's a bolt fly from her hand crossbow, striking the nearest cultist with a deadly shot in the back of the leg. He falls to his knees, clutching the wound. Tam hopes he won't get back up.

[Attack roll 20  Damage: 6 + Sneak attack 6;  Target = C4 ]

She then backs up and moves around the shed, hoping to get to the other side and find another hiding spot. As she's getting into position, she trips and reveals herself before pulling back behind partial cover. "Damn," she says, cursing her bad luck. "I need to do better. We can't afford to mess this up."

[Stealth roll to move to the north corner of the shed and use Cunning action to Hide after shooting 5]

First Round

Tam shakes off her nerves and fires off another shot at one of the kobolds, striking the creature in the neck. A spray of blood erupts fro the wound. 

[Attack roll Attack: 15 Damage: 4 Sneak attack 8 Target = K4]

 (in case I need to use my Insightful fighting ability to get sneak attack 16)

After her shot, Tam moves again, going back to her first position by the cart. This time, she's able to find a better hiding spot, fairly certain the cultists won't see her.

[Stealth roll to move back to the area between the shed and the cart and use Cunning Action to Hide after shooting 22]