Sword Coast Rambling

Eyeing up the snarling zombie, Syna rounds the doorway once more.A small gap opens between Beetle and the doorway, allow the druid to briefly swing his quarterstaff towards the undead creature.

Attack: 13 
Damage: 5

Zombie 2 Undead Fortitude Constitution Save: 10
Constitution Save DC: (5+5) =10

The druids staff clouts the beast squarely on the head, sending chunks of rotting skull flying through the air. Somehow the zombie remains standing. Arms flailing furiously once more as it finally regains its movement.

Dodging Synas attack as he steps backwards, Beetle manages to regain his balance. With Talon in hand he retaliates. The blade bursts into bright green flame as he swings sharply downwards into the zombies shoulder.

Attack: 13 
Damage: 8 

Zombie Undead Fortitude Constitution Save: 7
Constitution Save DC: (5+8)=13

Green Flame to Z3: 3 

Zombie 3 Undead Fortitude Constitution Save: 20
Constitution Save DC: (5+3) = 8

As Talon cleaves the first zombie easily into two, a stream of green fire spurts out into the tavern. It explodes all around the approaching second zombie and for a moment the beast disappears. Withdrawing his sword from the severed corpse before him, Beetle squints into the firelight. On queue, the second zombie emerges, green embers harmless falling aside as it staggers forwards.

Watching the bar slowly burn, Jelenneth decides that perhaps it's best to leave offense to the professionals. Taking a position behind Syna, she places a hand on her students shoulder and closes her eyes. She whispers softly in Synas ear, "Eisys os si thysaer" and a strange sensation comes over him. The elfs fair skin darkens and becomes as hard as wood. Small blemishes become burls on his arms, fingers thin and twig like but incredibly dexterous. With his transformation complete, Syna feels stronger, wiser. Thick bark now protecting him from the elements. Inside the dark green vines witherin and burn in the heat. Opening her eyes once more and seeing Syna for the first time, Jelenneth smiles warmly, ".... just in case."

Behind the bar, Zyltris jumps at the sudden appearance of the burning zombie. With his morningstar held high, he swings it sharply downwards.

Zyltris Attack Roll: 19
Damage: 5

The spiked ball of the morningstar cracks ribs as it connects with the zombies side. Fiery embers splash from the burning corpse, quickly extinguished in the damp grass. The mindless beast continues to stumble forwards, arms reaching out before it. Zyltris tightens his grip and brings his weapon upwards for another swing.

If Z2 does not step into the bonfire, I will cast Create Bonfire on it: Dmg 4

If it does, I will stab at it with the quarterstaff: Attack: 17 Damage: 5 + Bonfire 2

OOC: Updated map for Serak. Thanks Syna, I'll keep your attacks in mind for the next round unless something changes before then!

Serak: Concerned for Zyltris' safety, Serak dashes around the building to assist him, taking position directly behind the warrior.

OOC: Did Zyltris have to make a Con save like Beetle did? Also, have you heard from him at all? I hope he returns. 

OOC: Good point. He’ll have a con save too, I’ll put it in before your turn. 

Havent heard anything at all from him since the end of March I think. Like Brots tho he’s welcome to come back any time

Zyltris Constitution Save: 21
Ash Puff DC: 10

Serak rounds the corner to find Zyltris coughing wildly barely able to raise his morningstar above his shoulder. As the ash blows away, the bard slides effortlessly across the grass, skidding to a halt behind the him. 

Back at the front door, Brots nocks another arrow into his longbow. With the doorway much emptier, the gnome aims through Beetles legs towards the zombie inside.

Brots Attack Roll: 19
Damage: (5 Attack) + (6 Hunters Mark) = 13

Zombie Undead Fortitude Constitution Save: 13
Fortitude Save DC: (5 + 13) = 18

Brots arrow soars past Beetle, tearing into the zombies standing leg. The undead creature stumbles sideways, falling headfirst into the doorway, loosening a burning wooden beam from the ceiling. The beam falls, its weight crushing the zombie beneath to a bloody rotten pulp.

The final burning zombie bursts from the rear of the bar. With the blinded Zyltris still staggering aimlessly before it, the zombie lashes out. Long clawed fingers slashing towards the elfs chest.

Zombie 4 Attack Roll: 22

Falling over the back step as it leaves the kitchen, the zombie falters, missing its blow. The zombie growls as it falls into Zyltris, harmlessly pushed away by the blinded elf. Smoke continues to pour out of the inn.

17

With a loud crash a large portion of the ceiling in the eastern room collapses, the floor now covered in dense flames. 

ROUND 5

OOC: Syna, you might want to change your move now that the easternmost zombies are all down.

Syna will break his concentration, and move east and north around the building to support Zyltris

OCC:  All.. I will be on vacation with my laptop from Monday to Thursday, but I should be able to make simple posts.  To those in America and Canada, have a wonderful holiday

OOC: No worries Kasian. I’ll be off laptop most of today so won’t have a chance to do a mapped update til tonight. But I’ll try to keep your moves up to date if I can

Beetle will move around the buildings west and north towards Zyltris as close as he can get with movement. He will use dash if it will get him closer for next round.

Serak: Sliding to a halt beside Zyltris, Serak yells at the zombie, "Just die already... again!"

Moving around Zyltris, Serak levels his crossbow and fires through the doorway.

Attack: 23 Damage: 9

 With the eastern room now impassable, Beetle and Syna take off, circling the burning building to assist the coughing Zyltris. Having pushed the zombie back, the blinded elf swings his morningstar erratically towards his attacker. With their weapons drawn, Beetle and Syna wait for an opening, taking positions around the entrance while Serak prepares another bolt in his crossbow.

 Placing a hand on Brots' head as he watches his two allies charge off, Jelenneth quietly whispers in his ear, "Kyr Maer". Knowing the spell well, Brots stretches his legs, ready to make his own sprint to join the action. 

 Blinded and barely able to breathe, Zyltris feels a rush of pure anger build inside him. His eyes burn from the smoke and ash, filling with tears as he tries to make out his target. A snarl in front of him gives him a rough target. He swings his morningstar out to meet the zombie.

Zyltris Attack Roll: 15
Damage: 5

Luck is evidently on the elfs side as a loud crack of ribs signals that his attack hits its target. The zombie stumbling forwards into the path of his morningstar. With a free hand, Zyltris tries once more to clear away the streaming tears and ash from his eyes.

Zyltris Constitution Save: 17
Save DC: 10

Regaining his vision, Zyltris wipes away a thick black layer away from his brow. The burning in his eyes slowly fades as he tightens his grip once more on his weapon. In front of him, the winded zombie growls at him, its skin still dripping with bright orange flame.

 A sudden shout from behind, catches the zombies attention. "Just die already... again!" The creature stands immediately upright, searching for the source of the cry.

Attack: 23 
Damage: 9

Zombie 4 Undead Fortitude Save: 14
Undead Fortitude DC: (5+9)= 14

Without warning, Seraks crossbow bolt strikes the undead beast in the head, knocking it off balance and backwards through the doorway. It falls awkwardly against the wall and is quickly engulfed by the raging inferno that continues inside. After a few seconds, the bard finally lowers his weapon, albeit temporarily as more footsteps echo from the western side of the inn. Brots arrives at a sprint much faster than gnomes were designed for. He struggles to stop himself, almost colliding with the others. Red faced, he stows his blades, turning his attention to the burning inn as its interior begins to collapse from the damage. "Well... I guess this place won't have any beds for the night!"

To the front of the burning inn, the road continues south east, splitting in two about 60ft away. To the east, the road heads towards the centre of the abandoned town, curling around the hill and towards the old town square. On the top of the hill stands a crumbling stone tower. To the south of the junction the road ends between two large farmhouses - one intact, the other derelict and overgrown. With the sun all but disappeared and the raging bonfire now providing most of the parties light, they plan their next movements.

OOC: Only 33xp each for these zombies!

Serak: Peering gravely at the crumbling tower on the hill, Serak says, "Excellent fighting, everyone! 

Catching his breath, the bard points northeast and says, "That watchtower looks ominous indeed... A likely stronghold for these kidnappers or perhaps the Necromancer that raised all these undead?"

Gesturing toward the conflagration behind him, he continues, "The fire has likely given away that we are here. Shall we explore the rest of the town or investigate the tower first?"

Excitedly Brots speaks up, “Perhaps Lucas can help? He can fly ahead and let us know if he spots anything?” Whistling sharply, the gnome summons the blood hawk out of the sky. Landing gently onto his shoulder, the oversized pet coos happily, rubbing its head against Brots face. 

"I think the tower should maybe be last," says Beetle, "and check out the rest of the town first."

Serak: Nodding his agreement, Serak says, "An excellent idea, Brots! We'll finish exploring these buildings while Lucas scouts the tower and village for any signs of danger."

With a shrill whistle, Brots launches his hawk into the air. Beaming he watches as Lucas shrinks away, circling around the ruined village in a high loop. “He’ll be back in a bit!”

Serak: Sure that the party's presence is now known to anyone nearby, Serak grows impatient and says, "I'll go have a look at that building to the South and make sure no one flanks us from that direction."

The bard raises is hood and slips silently through the shadows cast between the ruined buildings to the south. He slowly approaches the intact structure, circling it while listening for signs danger. If he hears nothing, he'll attempt to peek inside.

Perception: 18

Stealth: 10

Heading south, Serak creeps through the vines and towards the building on the western side of the road. This small house appears to be in better condition than the ruined and dilapidated structures nearby. Its doors, reinforced with heavy iron bands. The windows protected by thick shutters. Inside remains dark and silent. 

Circling around the south side of the building the bard searches for an entrance  along along the east wall. The door hangs awkwardly on its hinges, clearly kicked open in a rage. Inside, tables and chairs are thrown haphazardly around the room. 

Serak: Backing away slowly, Serak returns to the shadows between the two ruined buildings to the north. He waves his hand, signalling to the others that it is safe to approach. He motions for Beetle and Zyltris to take the lead.