[incidentally, each PC owes 8 SP which covers the room, dinner, and breakfast]
[OOG] subtracted 8 SP from Gong's character sheet.
Gong listens to Frederick's greeting and ponders for a moment. He offers his assent with a nod and a grunt and then waits for his comrades to voice their decisions.
Glancing about, Mirage says, "I know these sands well and we all are experienced in various means of combat. But you - you could help us how?”
Frederick nods. “I have knowledge of ancient languages and traps, skills that might prove valuable in navigating and understanding the temple. My travels have taken me to many ancient sites, and I’ve deciphered old texts that could provide insights into how these kinds of temples are designed, including secret rooms. Moreover, I have a personal interest in preserving history and knowledge; I ask for no share of any treasure, only the opportunity to study the artifacts and texts we may find. As for combat, I understand your caution - you have no wish to babysit one who cannot fend for himself. I am not only a scholar but also trained in the art of swordsmanship.”
As if for emphasis, he tilts forward at an angle, revealing the longsword hilt protruding from the side of the pack strapped to his back.
After some brief discussion and deliberation, the party decides to accept Frederick's request to join them. His knowledge of ancient religious sites and his claim of writing a treatise on lost temples in the region seem to align with their mission. With a new companion in their midst, they make arrangements for desert transport and supplies, utilizing funds and contacts provided by their employer.
The bustling market square provides all they need. The party hires sturdy camels from a local handler, known for his dependable beasts well-suited to the harsh desert terrain. They stock up on essential supplies, including ample water skins, dried rations, and cloth to shield them from the relentless sun.
With their preparations complete, they gather at the town's edge as dawn breaks, the horizon painted in hues of orange and pink. They mount their camels, the animals snorting and shifting under the weight of their packs. Depon, who had been busy in his shop, comes to see them off, offering a final, heartfelt thank you for their aid against the sunwolves.
Setting off, the party leaves the familiar bustle of Shihen behind. The town quickly fades from view, replaced by the vast, undulating dunes of the desert. The air grows hotter as the sun rises, its rays reflecting off the golden sands. Despite the harsh environment, there is a sense of determination among the group as they follow the directions marked on Depon's map, heading toward the first landmark.
Their initial trek is arduous but steady, with Mirage's experienced guidance keeping them clear of several pitfalls of the region. The camels prove their worth, navigating the shifting sands with ease. The party maintains a steady pace, guided by the distant, rocky outcropping that serves as their first waypoint. The desert stretches endlessly around them, the monotony broken only by the occasional twisted shrub or distant mirage.
Hours pass, the sun climbing higher in the sky. Just as the heat becomes almost unbearable, they approach the landmark—a cluster of weathered stone pillars jutting from the sand, remnants of an ancient structure long forgotten by time. The sight brings a welcome sense of progress, marking the first step on their journey to the lost temple.
As they pause to rest and rehydrate, the silence of the desert is suddenly broken. An ominous rumbling grows louder, the ground beneath them beginning to tremble. The source soon becomes apparent: a massive ankheg, its chitinous body gleaming in the sunlight, bursts from the sand with a deafening roar. Its mandibles clack menacingly as it eyes the party, ready to defend its territory.
The time for rest is over; the party must prepare for battle against this formidable foe!
Everyone roll initiative. You have one round to prepare before the beast is upon you.
Frederick readies an attack with his sword, adopting what looks to be a very practiced and oddly formal stance.
Mirage readies an attack with his bow and calls out, "Beware, my friends! This creature can heat and throw sand to disorient it's prey! It often grabs one target and retreats to its burrow to eat."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Grigor readies his scimitar and studies the creature intently, almost as if simultaneously searching for a weakness and seeking to read whatever mind it might possess.
The desert sun beats down as the giant Ankheg, a monstrous insect with chitinous armor and mandibles large enough to cleave a man in two, emerges from the sands. It surfaces 60 feet away from the party, its segmented body shimmering with heat waves. The creature's uncharacteristic charge through the open sands sets the party on high alert.
Gong steps forward, closing the distance by 20 feet. His hands weave intricate patterns in the air as he calls upon the divine power of his faith, casting *Sacred Flame*. A brilliant flame descends upon the Ankheg, but with surprising agility, it dodges the radiant fire, leaving Gong to grip his weapon tightly in anticipation.
Frederick takes a deep breath, drawing his longsword with a smooth, practiced motion. His stance shifts, revealing the formal training of a duelist. He stands ready, every muscle poised to strike with precision as soon as the Ankheg is within reach.
Grigor readies his scimitar, his eyes narrowing as he focuses intently on the approaching threat. His connection to nature and knowledge of beasts allows him to assess the creature’s movements, sensing its pain and confusion. He looks for any sign of weakness in its exoskeleton, his druidic intuition guiding him to prepare for an opportune strike.
The Ankheg, undeterred, continues its headlong charge toward the party, closing the distance even more rapidly now.
Mirage positions himself slightly behind the frontline, nocking an arrow and drawing his bowstring taut. He calls out a warning to his companions, his voice steady despite the tension. "Beware, my friends! This creature can heat and throw sand to disorient its prey! It often grabs one target and retreats to its burrow to eat." He tracks the Ankheg’s movements, ready to release his arrow at the perfect moment.
Adrimar mutters an incantation, casting *Blade Ward* upon himself. A faint, protective aura surrounds him, shimmering in the sunlight as he prepares to face the imminent threat head-on.
The Ankheg's mandibles clack menacingly as it barrels forward, a dust cloud trailing behind it. Its beady eyes lock onto the group, driven by a frenzied energy and deep hunger. The distance between the creature and the party shrinks with alarming speed, every second bringing it closer to a deadly confrontation.
The moment hangs heavy in the air, the tension palpable. The party stands ready, their diverse skills and strategies poised to clash with the formidable desert predator. The sun blazes overhead, casting long shadows on the sands as the Ankheg draws nearer, the clash between adventurers and beast inevitable.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
If the creature is outside of melee range but within 30 feet on Grigor's turn, Grigor will use Produce Flame to hurl a glob of fire at it. If the creature is more than 30 feet away on Grigor's turn, Grigor will ready an action to use Produce Flame to hurl fire at the creature as soon as it comes within 30 feet of him.
To hit: 25
Damage: 7
If the creature is within melee range on Grigor's turn, Grigor will attack with his scimitar.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Adrimar will try to get between the Ankheg and its primary target if he ends his turn out of range and renew Blade Ward. If he's in range, he'll attack on this turn.
[OOG] subtracted 8 SP from Gong's character sheet.
Gong listens to Frederick's greeting and ponders for a moment. He offers his assent with a nod and a grunt and then waits for his comrades to voice their decisions.
Glancing about, Mirage says, "I know these sands well and we all are experienced in various means of combat. But you - you could help us how?”
Frederick nods. “I have knowledge of ancient languages and traps, skills that might prove valuable in navigating and understanding the temple. My travels have taken me to many ancient sites, and I’ve deciphered old texts that could provide insights into how these kinds of temples are designed, including secret rooms. Moreover, I have a personal interest in preserving history and knowledge; I ask for no share of any treasure, only the opportunity to study the artifacts and texts we may find. As for combat, I understand your caution - you have no wish to babysit one who cannot fend for himself. I am not only a scholar but also trained in the art of swordsmanship.”
As if for emphasis, he tilts forward at an angle, revealing the longsword hilt protruding from the side of the pack strapped to his back.
After some brief discussion and deliberation, the party decides to accept Frederick's request to join them. His knowledge of ancient religious sites and his claim of writing a treatise on lost temples in the region seem to align with their mission. With a new companion in their midst, they make arrangements for desert transport and supplies, utilizing funds and contacts provided by their employer.
The bustling market square provides all they need. The party hires sturdy camels from a local handler, known for his dependable beasts well-suited to the harsh desert terrain. They stock up on essential supplies, including ample water skins, dried rations, and cloth to shield them from the relentless sun.
With their preparations complete, they gather at the town's edge as dawn breaks, the horizon painted in hues of orange and pink. They mount their camels, the animals snorting and shifting under the weight of their packs. Depon, who had been busy in his shop, comes to see them off, offering a final, heartfelt thank you for their aid against the sunwolves.
Setting off, the party leaves the familiar bustle of Shihen behind. The town quickly fades from view, replaced by the vast, undulating dunes of the desert. The air grows hotter as the sun rises, its rays reflecting off the golden sands. Despite the harsh environment, there is a sense of determination among the group as they follow the directions marked on Depon's map, heading toward the first landmark.
Their initial trek is arduous but steady, with Mirage's experienced guidance keeping them clear of several pitfalls of the region. The camels prove their worth, navigating the shifting sands with ease. The party maintains a steady pace, guided by the distant, rocky outcropping that serves as their first waypoint. The desert stretches endlessly around them, the monotony broken only by the occasional twisted shrub or distant mirage.
Hours pass, the sun climbing higher in the sky. Just as the heat becomes almost unbearable, they approach the landmark—a cluster of weathered stone pillars jutting from the sand, remnants of an ancient structure long forgotten by time. The sight brings a welcome sense of progress, marking the first step on their journey to the lost temple.
As they pause to rest and rehydrate, the silence of the desert is suddenly broken. An ominous rumbling grows louder, the ground beneath them beginning to tremble. The source soon becomes apparent: a massive ankheg, its chitinous body gleaming in the sunlight, bursts from the sand with a deafening roar. Its mandibles clack menacingly as it eyes the party, ready to defend its territory.
The time for rest is over; the party must prepare for battle against this formidable foe!
Everyone roll initiative. You have one round to prepare before the beast is upon you.
Grigor's initiative: 17
Adrimar's initiative: 17
Gong's initiative: 7
Mirage's initiative: 12
Frederick's initiative: 21
Giant Desert Ankheg's initiative: 5
Turn order:
Gong
Frederick
Grigor
Ankheg
Mirage
Adrimar
Frederick readies an attack with his sword, adopting what looks to be a very practiced and oddly formal stance.
Mirage readies an attack with his bow and calls out, "Beware, my friends! This creature can heat and throw sand to disorient it's prey! It often grabs one target and retreats to its burrow to eat."
Grigor readies his scimitar and studies the creature intently, almost as if simultaneously searching for a weakness and seeking to read whatever mind it might possess.
Perception: 7.
Adrimar casts blade ward on himself
Gong will close the distance by 20ft. and attempt to cast Sacred Flame (60ft spell range, Dex save DC 13).
Radiant damage: 9
Saving throw: 17
The desert sun beats down as the giant Ankheg, a monstrous insect with chitinous armor and mandibles large enough to cleave a man in two, emerges from the sands. It surfaces 60 feet away from the party, its segmented body shimmering with heat waves. The creature's uncharacteristic charge through the open sands sets the party on high alert.
Gong steps forward, closing the distance by 20 feet. His hands weave intricate patterns in the air as he calls upon the divine power of his faith, casting *Sacred Flame*. A brilliant flame descends upon the Ankheg, but with surprising agility, it dodges the radiant fire, leaving Gong to grip his weapon tightly in anticipation.
Frederick takes a deep breath, drawing his longsword with a smooth, practiced motion. His stance shifts, revealing the formal training of a duelist. He stands ready, every muscle poised to strike with precision as soon as the Ankheg is within reach.
Grigor readies his scimitar, his eyes narrowing as he focuses intently on the approaching threat. His connection to nature and knowledge of beasts allows him to assess the creature’s movements, sensing its pain and confusion. He looks for any sign of weakness in its exoskeleton, his druidic intuition guiding him to prepare for an opportune strike.
The Ankheg, undeterred, continues its headlong charge toward the party, closing the distance even more rapidly now.
Mirage positions himself slightly behind the frontline, nocking an arrow and drawing his bowstring taut. He calls out a warning to his companions, his voice steady despite the tension. "Beware, my friends! This creature can heat and throw sand to disorient its prey! It often grabs one target and retreats to its burrow to eat." He tracks the Ankheg’s movements, ready to release his arrow at the perfect moment.
Adrimar mutters an incantation, casting *Blade Ward* upon himself. A faint, protective aura surrounds him, shimmering in the sunlight as he prepares to face the imminent threat head-on.
The Ankheg's mandibles clack menacingly as it barrels forward, a dust cloud trailing behind it. Its beady eyes lock onto the group, driven by a frenzied energy and deep hunger. The distance between the creature and the party shrinks with alarming speed, every second bringing it closer to a deadly confrontation.
The moment hangs heavy in the air, the tension palpable. The party stands ready, their diverse skills and strategies poised to clash with the formidable desert predator. The sun blazes overhead, casting long shadows on the sands as the Ankheg draws nearer, the clash between adventurers and beast inevitable.
Please state your character's actions (and rolls) for this first round of combat!
Gong will keep his distance for now and cast Sacred Flame once again. (60ft spell range, Dex save DC 13).
Radiant damage: 10
If the creature is outside of melee range but within 30 feet on Grigor's turn, Grigor will use Produce Flame to hurl a glob of fire at it. If the creature is more than 30 feet away on Grigor's turn, Grigor will ready an action to use Produce Flame to hurl fire at the creature as soon as it comes within 30 feet of him.
To hit: 25
Damage: 7
If the creature is within melee range on Grigor's turn, Grigor will attack with his scimitar.
To hit: 20
Damage: 8
Adrimar will try to get between the Ankheg and its primary target if he ends his turn out of range and renew Blade Ward. If he's in range, he'll attack on this turn.
Attack 22
Damage 3
Saving Throw: 22