This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(@Drache: Thanks for the reminder. For this round, Drazzim will go after Utar. Starting next round, I'll make sure he goes in his proper turn.)
Fully committed to the fight, Grimrushes through the darkness almost in a straight line, appearing on the other side of it right in front of Neya. He attempts to stab at her with the piton he was playing with until a moment ago, but something seems to hold him back. The stab is strangely aimed, and Neya doesn't even have to dodge it. Then, for a moment, it looks like Grim will try to grab the monk's neck following the failed stab, but he never even tries.
A few feet away, Utar brings forth his Spiritual Weapon. The lit up warhammer appears next to Graxx and immediately swings at Matthis, who takes 3 force damage.
Utar then aims the swing of his magical mace at Elias, the fellow half-orc that attempted to harm him with a spear. Elias takes 8 magical bludgeoning damage.
With an opponent just about 10 feet away from him, Drazzim doesn't even have to move in other to let his long-staffed blade taste battle again:
-> Glaive vs. Elias: Attack: 16Damage: 13 slashing.
Elias sees it coming, despite facing away from the blade swing while fighting Utar. The half-orc raises his shield and prevents the blade from cutting into his back.
Despite not being one of his men, Aravele seems to follow Grim's order without hesitation. She hugs the wall and contours around the darkness bubble. Although she is looking for Neya as commanded, as soon as she sees a first potential target appear from behind the bubble, she cannot contain her instincts and lets loose the nocked arrow she has been holding for some time now. Almost too quick to even notice, her experienced hands shoot a follow-up arrow as well:
-> Longbow vs. Drazzim: Attack: 6 Damage: 5 piercing.
-> Longbow vs. Drazzim: Attack: 14 Damage: 4 piercing.
Both arrows sink into the dwarf's shoulder, almost at the same exact point. He curses loudly in pain!
NOTE: Remember that a thin layer of mud on the ground makes it slippery. The squares where dead zombies or skeletons lay are considered difficult terrain.
"You heard 'im! Hem 'm in!" Elias calls. In response the guards most caught in the darkness find their way out, waving at the air as if the disperse the darkness about them like some fog. Spears are once more leveled upon the party as Naru(AG-74), Shana(AF-74), and Mathis(AG-76) take up new positions and almost as one again attempt to strike down Graxx and Utar: Two spears for each.
Ever since hearing the word "Devil", Naru's expression had finally hardened like the rest. Glaring one last time at Neya, she goes to stab at Utar with far less relunctance. "On your knees, or lose them fiends!" She commands.
Matthis: Spear vs Graxx Attack: 9 Damage: 3 piercing.
Shana: Spear vs Graxx Attack: 10 Damage: 7 piercing.
Elias: Spear vs Utar Attack: 4 Damage: 2 piercing.
Naru: Spear vs Utar Attack: 12 Damage: 2 piercing.
BACKTRACKING JUST A BIT (end of Grim's turn in round 1)
The dragonborn struggles to keep his balance. Speeding to his target has proven tricky in the slick, muddy stone floor.
-> At the end of his turn, Grim falls prone. (OOC: I updated the initiative tracker above.)
BACK TO GUARDS' TURN (beginning of round 2)
At Grim's command, the guards move away from the darkness and around their foes. Four spear thrusts follow the coordinated movement, but their opponents are ready this time. Graxx blocks the two attacks coming at him with a single swooping motion of his greatsword. Utar simply raises his shield and turns as the attacks come.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Drazzim breaks off the two arrows poking out of his shoulder (very non-surgically... it's definitely going to get infected). Picking up his glaive once more, the dwarf sees an opening in Elias' stance as the guard hits Utar's shield with his spear.
-> Glaive vs. Elias: Attack: 7Damage: 10 slashing.
Drazzim's own stance is flawed and the arc of the attack is all wrong. He curses loudly again and decides to change target, encircling Matthis from behind. Drazzim ends up at the steps {AF78}, avoiding to fallen zombie nearby as to not be slowed down while moving.
Neya then gives up on keeping part of the battlefield enveloped in darkness, dropping the spell. Instead, she takes a more direct approach, unleashing two punches and a kick at Naru. The half-elf proves to be quite good with her shield, blocking the two high punches effectively. The low kick, on the other hand, catches her knee (Naru takes 4 bludgeoning damage).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
**Graxx Turn**
Graxx brings his Greatsword high and brings it down in a slashing motion towards Shana.
"TEMPUS" he cries out.
Attack: 9 Damage: 15
**Praxx Turn**
The Gnome sets his sights on Naru and says, "You couldn't hit the broad side of an Owlbear!" Casting Vicious Mockery WIS DC 13: DMG 2
He then sings out "Oh Neya you so fine you so fine you flurry of blows my mind hey Neya!" Granting Neya Bardic Inspiration of 1d6.
Bardic Inspiration
As a bonus action, a creature within 60 ft. that can hear you gains an inspiration die (1d6). For 10 minutes, the creature can add it to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw. This can be added after seeing the roll, but before knowing the outcome.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Invoking the battle glory of Tempus, the barbarian brings down his blade without hesitation. Graxx's greatsword opens Shana's cranium like a melon, splashing blood in all directions to the horror of her Black Fist companions (Shana takes 11 slashing damage and is DEFEATED).
The only one not to notice the gore of the kill, Praxx pokes his head out from behind the dead zombie and launches a magical insult at Naru:
-> Naru's WIS saving throw {DC 13}: 1
The guard is so shocked by her companion's sudden death that she doesn't even hear the insult. Undeterred, Praxx then launches a complement Neya's way (d6 Bardic Inspiration die).
Shaking the stars from his vision, the Guard Sargeant starts to rise ready to bark out another order. Shana's lifeless body hitting the ground robs him of the ability to say a word. His surprise soon turns to rage as Grim rises back to his full height.
"You've only dug your own graves with that little stunt, ***** of Tempus. Guards! Forget taking that one in. Kill him." He commands, jabbing a clawed finger at the barbarian. "As for you, sweet thing." He says sarcastically. "You will not vex me or my guard for another moment." As if drawn by some powerful force, Neya at least will feel time slow down as Grim finally takes up the greatsword -- more a bludgeon then a proper blade going by the with of its edge -- from his back. While not particular ornate, the ruby laden where hilt meets black blade stands out. Images begin assaulting Neya's mind in quick succession the moment her eyes fall on it. Some are too fast to get a clear picture. Others, however, are glimpses of battlefields covered with broken bodies, a screaming man made abruptly silent by being split right down the center, or soldiers locked in deadly embrace with an opposition of black armored knights.
In every image she sees, one thing remains a constant. Someone on a side wielded an ebony blade bearing a blood red ruby or several of them somewhere on its hilt. The point becomes fixated in her vision, drawing her closer... closer... and closer still, until finally the gem all but took up her entire vision. Then a deep, resounding voice echoes in mind, threatening to push her down by sheer force of will. "All. Will. Kneel."
In a flash of red light(from Neya's perspective), the world returns to normal. Though as the stench of death and images quickly fade from memory, the presence remains pressed against her every thought: watching... for something.
"Drakarus!!" Grim states. The black club of a greatsword explodes into a blood red flame as Grim brings the thing down hard on Neya.
Movement: Spending 1/2 to stand up.
Bonus Action:Reaper's Ire(Hexblade's Curse) on Nara.
With a furious expression on his face, Grim stands back up and wields his distinctive greatsword. With it's help, he curses Neya in a way that marks her as the sword's favored foe. In what looks like a part of the curse itself, at least at a glance, Grim's blade also comes alight with flame.
Neya feels the nightmarish vision take away part of her concentration in the fight, but her rigorous training keeps her in it. She manages to dodge the otherwise overwhelming strike of the sergeant's blade, which then proceeds to carve out a significant chunk of the stone floor. The flames that follow in the wake of the blade also lick the ground, drying and cracking the layer of mud around the newly carved hole.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Utar continues to do battle with Elias. Unlike the last exchange of blows, the cleric gives the Black Fist guard no chance at resistance this time. A crushed left arm later, the guard collapses to the ground in shock, unconscious but alive (Elias takes 11 magical bludgeoning damage and is DEFEATED).
The Spiritual Weapon travels through a fell allies in order to appear on Grim's other side. It swings at him but, noticing the lack of power behind this particular attack, the sergeant simply lets his armor absorb the blow while still focusing on battling Neya.
No longer in need of circumventing the darkness bubble, Aravele opts to move back near her original position and continue shooting her bow. A target once marked...
-> Longbow vs. Drazzim: Attack: 11 Damage: 10 piercing.
-> Longbow vs. Drazzim: Attack: 14Damage: 8 piercing.
Drazzim takes another arrow, this time on the small of his back. It stings...
The Idol of Dagon shines suddenly, its sickly-green light getting even more noxious. The broken tentacle with the burlap sack on Elias' unconscious body also flashes. Within a second or so, Shana's body begins to stir.
Even slowed, the sight alone incites clear terror in Naru's eyes. "No, no, no! NO! Not again!"She scrambles her way from melee, pushing past a distracted Grim to get to {AI-69}. Matthis is similarly affected, but manages to keep enough of his wits about him to maintain a defensive posture while moving to {AI-71}, drawing attacks of opportunity from Graxx, Neya, and Utar.
Fear takes over Naru as she makes it to the door after disengaging from combat. The weight of the door has forced it back to its ajar position, with enough space for a slender figure to squeeze by without the need to force it fully open again. She also notices a deep gnome shoddily trying to hide behind the fallen corpse of another Black Fist guard, whose death occurred during a separate but recent confrontation in this room.
Matthis follows, ending up also next to Praxx. The guard has to step over Elias to get there, and in doing so is a bit less aware of any potential incoming attacks.
(Drazzim, Graxx, Neya, and Praxx are up. Additionally, Drazzim (reach), Graxx, Neya, and Utar can use their reaction to get an opportunity attack on Matthis at disadvantage, since he dodged).
Praxx looks up concernedly at the larger person next to him. He will try to carefully move to AJ,73 provoking AoO.
Praxx looks to Grim and will cast Vicious Mockery saying, "It's so nice, we will get to kill you twice." WIS Save 13: Dmg: 2
Praxx will then look to provide Utar with some Bardic Inspiration[1d6] as he sings.
"Utar...My fiiii-re. My one desiiiii-er... Believe when I say, I want you to kill Grim that way...Do it now!"
**Graxx turn**
Seeing the Undead rise Graxx now realizes unconscious is the better option... Even if temporary. Graxx will now attack with the Flat of his sword. Graxx moves to AF,73.
Graxx will make a reckless attack using his Great Weapon Master Feat using his Greatsword on Grim.
Before you make a melee attack with a heavy weapon that you are proficient with, you can choose to take a -5 penalty to the attack roll to add +10 to the attack's damage.
While Grim may have brushed off Naru rushing past, and blatantly seemed to ignore the mocking, a direct threat is met with him reaching out as if to catch the blade. "No."He growls, as the same blood red flames explode into being, catching the greatsword as they had the mass of unyielding steel. "I will not be felled so easily by curs."
Reaction: Grim Casts Shield, raising his AC from 18 to 23 until the start of his next turn.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
BEFORE DRAZZIM'S TURN
Not one to let a free attack pass by, Drazzim swings at Matthis:
-> Glaive vs. Matthis: Attack: 12 Damage: 14 slashing.
In spite of the guard's carefulness, Drazzim manages to catch him with the end of his long blade. Taking a page from his companions' book, the dwarf aims at his foe's shins, as to only disable him. It is uncertain if Matthis' lower left leg will make it out of this place. The blood loss quickly forces the guard unconscious, but he is still alive (Matthis takes 14 slashing damage and is DEFEATED).
(@Drache & @MB: The potential target for your respective attacks of opportunity is now down. You may save your reactions.)
(@Lerus: Is Drazzim skipping his turn?)
Athletics (contested against Grim): 11Extended Signature
(@Drache: Thanks for the reminder. For this round, Drazzim will go after Utar. Starting next round, I'll make sure he goes in his proper turn.)
Fully committed to the fight, Grim rushes through the darkness almost in a straight line, appearing on the other side of it right in front of Neya. He attempts to stab at her with the piton he was playing with until a moment ago, but something seems to hold him back. The stab is strangely aimed, and Neya doesn't even have to dodge it. Then, for a moment, it looks like Grim will try to grab the monk's neck following the failed stab, but he never even tries.
A few feet away, Utar brings forth his Spiritual Weapon. The lit up warhammer appears next to Graxx and immediately swings at Matthis, who takes 3 force damage.
Utar then aims the swing of his magical mace at Elias, the fellow half-orc that attempted to harm him with a spear. Elias takes 8 magical bludgeoning damage.
With an opponent just about 10 feet away from him, Drazzim doesn't even have to move in other to let his long-staffed blade taste battle again:
-> Glaive vs. Elias: Attack: 16
Damage: 13 slashing.Elias sees it coming, despite facing away from the blade swing while fighting Utar. The half-orc raises his shield and prevents the blade from cutting into his back.
Despite not being one of his men, Aravele seems to follow Grim's order without hesitation. She hugs the wall and contours around the darkness bubble. Although she is looking for Neya as commanded, as soon as she sees a first potential target appear from behind the bubble, she cannot contain her instincts and lets loose the nocked arrow she has been holding for some time now. Almost too quick to even notice, her experienced hands shoot a follow-up arrow as well:
-> Longbow vs. Drazzim: Attack: 6 Damage: 5 piercing.
-> Longbow vs. Drazzim: Attack: 14 Damage: 4 piercing.
Both arrows sink into the dwarf's shoulder, almost at the same exact point. He curses loudly in pain!
END OF INITIATIVE ROUND 1
THE JADE TEMPLE MAP UPDATE:
NOTE: Remember that a thin layer of mud on the ground makes it slippery. The squares where dead zombies or skeletons lay are considered difficult terrain.
LEGEND: Matthis- yellow; Elias - red; Shana - blue; Naru - pink.
(The Guards are up next.)
Acrobatics: 6.
Ignore this.
"You heard 'im! Hem 'm in!" Elias calls. In response the guards most caught in the darkness find their way out, waving at the air as if the disperse the darkness about them like some fog. Spears are once more leveled upon the party as Naru(AG-74), Shana(AF-74), and Mathis(AG-76) take up new positions and almost as one again attempt to strike down Graxx and Utar: Two spears for each.
Ever since hearing the word "Devil", Naru's expression had finally hardened like the rest. Glaring one last time at Neya, she goes to stab at Utar with far less relunctance. "On your knees, or lose them fiends!" She commands.
Matthis:
Spear vs Graxx Attack: 9 Damage: 3 piercing.
Shana:
Spear vs Graxx Attack: 10 Damage: 7 piercing.
Elias:
Spear vs Utar Attack: 4 Damage: 2 piercing.
Naru:
Spear vs Utar Attack: 12 Damage: 2 piercing.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Seeing as the bubble of darkness has been effectively nullified by everyone being one side Neya stops her concentration on maintaining it.
"Devil? Cute. I've been called worse."
She then unleashes a series of blows on Naru in an effort to knock her out (her attacks will be nonlethal this fight until otherwise stated).
Unarmed Attack: 19 Damage: 5
(Bonus: Flurry of Blows)
Unarmed Attack: 22 Damage: 7
Unarmed Attack: 7 Damage: 4
Extended Signature
BACKTRACKING JUST A BIT (end of Grim's turn in round 1)
The dragonborn struggles to keep his balance. Speeding to his target has proven tricky in the slick, muddy stone floor.
-> At the end of his turn, Grim falls prone. (OOC: I updated the initiative tracker above.)
BACK TO GUARDS' TURN (beginning of round 2)
At Grim's command, the guards move away from the darkness and around their foes. Four spear thrusts follow the coordinated movement, but their opponents are ready this time. Graxx blocks the two attacks coming at him with a single swooping motion of his greatsword. Utar simply raises his shield and turns as the attacks come.
Drazzim breaks off the two arrows poking out of his shoulder (very non-surgically... it's definitely going to get infected). Picking up his glaive once more, the dwarf sees an opening in Elias' stance as the guard hits Utar's shield with his spear.
-> Glaive vs. Elias: Attack: 7
Damage: 10 slashing.Drazzim's own stance is flawed and the arc of the attack is all wrong. He curses loudly again and decides to change target, encircling Matthis from behind. Drazzim ends up at the steps {AF78}, avoiding to fallen zombie nearby as to not be slowed down while moving.
Neya then gives up on keeping part of the battlefield enveloped in darkness, dropping the spell. Instead, she takes a more direct approach, unleashing two punches and a kick at Naru. The half-elf proves to be quite good with her shield, blocking the two high punches effectively. The low kick, on the other hand, catches her knee (Naru takes 4 bludgeoning damage).
(Graxx and Praxx are up next.)
**Graxx Turn**
Graxx brings his Greatsword high and brings it down in a slashing motion towards Shana.
"TEMPUS" he cries out.
Attack: 9 Damage: 15
**Praxx Turn**
The Gnome sets his sights on Naru and says, "You couldn't hit the broad side of an Owlbear!" Casting Vicious Mockery WIS DC 13: DMG 2
He then sings out "Oh Neya you so fine you so fine you flurry of blows my mind hey Neya!" Granting Neya Bardic Inspiration of 1d6.
As a bonus action, a creature within 60 ft. that can hear you gains an inspiration die (1d6). For 10 minutes, the creature can add it to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw. This can be added after seeing the roll, but before knowing the outcome.
Invoking the battle glory of Tempus, the barbarian brings down his blade without hesitation. Graxx's greatsword opens Shana's cranium like a melon, splashing blood in all directions to the horror of her Black Fist companions (Shana takes 11 slashing damage and is DEFEATED).
The only one not to notice the gore of the kill, Praxx pokes his head out from behind the dead zombie and launches a magical insult at Naru:
-> Naru's WIS saving throw {DC 13}: 1
The guard is so shocked by her companion's sudden death that she doesn't even hear the insult. Undeterred, Praxx then launches a complement Neya's way (d6 Bardic Inspiration die).
(Grim is next up).
Bonus Action: Reaper's Ire(Hexblade's Curse) on Nara.
Action: Reaper's Touch vs Neya: Attack: 10 Damage: 21.
If Neya is hit, fire leaps to Utar, dealing 4 points of fire damage.
Reference Pic for the Sword:
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
With a furious expression on his face, Grim stands back up and wields his distinctive greatsword. With it's help, he curses Neya in a way that marks her as the sword's favored foe. In what looks like a part of the curse itself, at least at a glance, Grim's blade also comes alight with flame.
Neya feels the nightmarish vision take away part of her concentration in the fight, but her rigorous training keeps her in it. She manages to dodge the otherwise overwhelming strike of the sergeant's blade, which then proceeds to carve out a significant chunk of the stone floor. The flames that follow in the wake of the blade also lick the ground, drying and cracking the layer of mud around the newly carved hole.
(Utar is up next.)
Gritting his teeth, Utar turns his attention to the Black Fist guard behind Graxx, Elias.
Looking to land the mace on the shoulder or upper arm, he swings.
Attack: 23 Damage: 11
Glancing over his shoulder at Neya, he moves the spectral warhammer towards her and has it swing at Grim.
Attack: 17 Damage: 7
Utar continues to do battle with Elias. Unlike the last exchange of blows, the cleric gives the Black Fist guard no chance at resistance this time. A crushed left arm later, the guard collapses to the ground in shock, unconscious but alive (Elias takes 11 magical bludgeoning damage and is DEFEATED).
The Spiritual Weapon travels through a fell allies in order to appear on Grim's other side. It swings at him but, noticing the lack of power behind this particular attack, the sergeant simply lets his armor absorb the blow while still focusing on battling Neya.
No longer in need of circumventing the darkness bubble, Aravele opts to move back near her original position and continue shooting her bow. A target once marked...
-> Longbow vs. Drazzim: Attack: 11 Damage: 10 piercing.
-> Longbow vs. Drazzim: Attack: 14
Damage: 8 piercing.Drazzim takes another arrow, this time on the small of his back. It stings...
The Idol of Dagon shines suddenly, its sickly-green light getting even more noxious. The broken tentacle with the burlap sack on Elias' unconscious body also flashes. Within a second or so, Shana's body begins to stir.
She rises, her head still split in two...
DM's Screen:
initiative: 5
END OF INITIATIVE ROUND 2
THE JADE TEMPLE MAP UPDATE:
NOTE: Remember that a thin layer of mud on the ground makes it slippery. The squares where dead bodies lay are considered difficult terrain.
LEGEND: Matthis- yellow; Naru - pink.
(Undead-Shana up next.)
DM's Screen:
target: 2
Having no regard for her former companion, Undead-Shana grasps at Naru:
-> Slam vs. Naru: Attack: 6
Damage: 2 bludgeoning.Her slow hand movement is easily avoided.
(Naru and Matthis are up next.)
Hype Man's Screen:
Naru Resolve Save(DC 13): 8.
Matthis Resolve Save(DC 10): 6.
Even slowed, the sight alone incites clear terror in Naru's eyes. "No, no, no! NO! Not again!" She scrambles her way from melee, pushing past a distracted Grim to get to {AI-69}. Matthis is similarly affected, but manages to keep enough of his wits about him to maintain a defensive posture while moving to {AI-71}, drawing attacks of opportunity from Graxx, Neya, and Utar.
Naru's Action: Disengage to {AI-69}.
Matthis's Action: Dodge and move to {AI-71}.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Fear takes over Naru as she makes it to the door after disengaging from combat. The weight of the door has forced it back to its ajar position, with enough space for a slender figure to squeeze by without the need to force it fully open again. She also notices a deep gnome shoddily trying to hide behind the fallen corpse of another Black Fist guard, whose death occurred during a separate but recent confrontation in this room.
Matthis follows, ending up also next to Praxx. The guard has to step over Elias to get there, and in doing so is a bit less aware of any potential incoming attacks.
(Drazzim, Graxx, Neya, and Praxx are up. Additionally, Drazzim (reach), Graxx, Neya, and Utar can use their reaction to get an opportunity attack on Matthis at disadvantage, since he dodged).
Graxx will not take an AoO.
**Praxx turn**
Praxx looks up concernedly at the larger person next to him. He will try to carefully move to AJ,73 provoking AoO.
Praxx looks to Grim and will cast Vicious Mockery saying, "It's so nice, we will get to kill you twice." WIS Save 13: Dmg: 2
Praxx will then look to provide Utar with some Bardic Inspiration[1d6] as he sings.
"Utar...My fiiii-re. My one desiiiii-er... Believe when I say, I want you to kill Grim that way...Do it now!"
**Graxx turn**
Seeing the Undead rise Graxx now realizes unconscious is the better option... Even if temporary. Graxx will now attack with the Flat of his sword. Graxx moves to AF,73.
Graxx will make a reckless attack using his Great Weapon Master Feat using his Greatsword on Grim.
Before you make a melee attack with a heavy weapon that you are proficient with, you can choose to take a -5 penalty to the attack roll to add +10 to the attack's damage.
Attack: 18 Damage: 22
Wisdom Save vs Vicious Mockery(DC 13): 3.
While Grim may have brushed off Naru rushing past, and blatantly seemed to ignore the mocking, a direct threat is met with him reaching out as if to catch the blade. "No." He growls, as the same blood red flames explode into being, catching the greatsword as they had the mass of unyielding steel. "I will not be felled so easily by curs."
Reaction: Grim Casts Shield, raising his AC from 18 to 23 until the start of his next turn.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
BEFORE DRAZZIM'S TURN
Not one to let a free attack pass by, Drazzim swings at Matthis:
-> Glaive vs. Matthis: Attack: 12 Damage: 14 slashing.
In spite of the guard's carefulness, Drazzim manages to catch him with the end of his long blade. Taking a page from his companions' book, the dwarf aims at his foe's shins, as to only disable him. It is uncertain if Matthis' lower left leg will make it out of this place. The blood loss quickly forces the guard unconscious, but he is still alive (Matthis takes 14 slashing damage and is DEFEATED).
(@Drache & @MB: The potential target for your respective attacks of opportunity is now down. You may save your reactions.)