Sword Coast Rambling

ROUND 3

Zyltris:

OOC: I can see there's going to be alot of inspiration points given after this one! Zyltris... I'm actually gutted that didn't work out for you man.

That's all the weakened orcs gone then, the plan didn't go so badly. 

Zyltris is going to swing with all he has at O4. As he does he yells out, “Be ready all! I hear more, larger steps coming!”

Attack: 14

Damage: 7

Syna from his position worries about what is coming, so holds back his most potent magic, and once again sends cold at O3

Dmg: 5

Serak: Plucking an arrow from the ground, Serak steps toward the cave as he draws his bow. He takes aim at the Orc below him and releases the arrow.

Attack: 19 Damage: 6

OOC: If you'll allow Advantage for high ground, that roll is below.

Attack: 14

Critical Damage: 2

OOC: Sorry Serak, I cant give you advantage here - despite you’re crit roll!

Thought about it and if terrain would give adv for attack rolls, then there’s a case for DAdv for the lower party as well. I think it’ll open a whole can of worms and over complicate things in future. In this case too the realistic advantage you would have had would have been pretty negligible as you’re quite close to the target so wouldn’t really justify a full dice reroll.

Your advantage from the terrain comes from movement speed - I’ll give slight boosts to speed heading downhill and treat going uphill as difficult terrain - as well as further range with ranged weapons and a wider field of view.

Just Brots to go before the next orc turn

With both his daggers still out, Brots is going to charge at the remaining Orc, jabbing his daggers into the front (or back) of his enemy.

Attack 1: 23 Damage: 6

Attack 2: 13 Damage: 6

(OOC: They would both be critical low damages....)

OOC: Advantage for terrain is listed, but it is DM's discretion. Most cases I'd agree, no Ad/Dis for high ground for normal situations. Here though, Serak is basically standing right over the guy with his back to him. 

Edit: I agree, it is a can of worms. Would Brots also get Adv? I'm cool with whatever.

Also, just read Cutting Words doesn't work on saving throws. Only Attack, Damage and Ability Checks.

OOC: I realise that mate. But at the same time, the orcs now know that you’re all up there so would be prepared for an attack from all sides. 

There’s so many variables for archers at height and a lot of advantages at longer range or in melee - but you’re so close and high above the orc that your target area is reduced as well.

I’ll have to stick with the decision, otherwise it’ll end up having to break down all encounters where terrain plays a part.

Not sure where the advantage would come for Brots. He gets the boost for speed off the hill but then has vines to get through. Flanking bonus maybe although I’ve avoided bringing that set of rules in just yet. Perhaps later on in the campaign when I’ve taken a closer look at them 

OOC: I assumed Brots would shoot. Didn't see his attack until after I posted. 

I'm fine with not getting Advantage this round for the reasons you listed. This Orc is about dead I think anyway. Height Advantage is huge for Ranged attackers though. We can't flank, prone gives Disadvantage, cover penalties from allies, all so we can enjoy that sweet height advantage. I'm surprised the rules aren't more clear about it.

OOC: I guess you're right. Although being ranged has advantages in itself in that you are set back from any melee and have no opportunity attacks against you. Its probably an effort to simplify combat. I'll look into it, although I don't see any instances of where height will play a huge roll any time soon. Promise I'll look into it for the future though. Doubt it'll come into play much in this campaign, but will likely be useful if you guys are intending to stick around. 

Clambering over the dead orc, Brots charges down the hillside towards Zyltris. His clumpy feet dance lightly through the grass as he skips over the small pile of boulders at the foot of the slope and through the tangle of vines. Daggers drawn, he launches himself towards the huge orc, jabbing manically at anything he can reach.

Brots Attack 1: 7

Brots Attack 2: 15 
Damage: 4

The orc slaps the first strike away easily, allowing the gnome to slam a second into his unguarded flank. With a roar the orc pushes Brots away, reaching for the wound in his side a it runs red.

(Syna I'll use your attack for O4 as the other orc is dead)

A sense of dread comes across Syna as the battle continues. For now the tunnel into the cave seems empty although he knows rightly that something big lurks within. Hoping to clear the cave mouth quickly, he thrusts his hands outwards towards the orc, sending an arctic wind his direction.

Orc 4 Constitution Save: 14
Spell Save DC: 13

Damage: 6

Zyltris and Brots suddenly feel a chill pass them and watch as the air around the orc suddenly turns a hazy blue. Flecks of white form across the beasts skin as winter takes hold. Its movement dramatically slowed as ice crystals harden its skins and cramp its muscles. The fire that fed its fury, suddenly extinguished.

High above, Serak pulls another arrow from the ground. With several dead orcs already littering the field his choice of targets is limited to a single foe. Taking care to aim his bow, he inhales deeply before firing downwards towards the cave opening.

Attack: 11 

Catching the bank with his shot, Seraks arrow deviates its course. Spinning helplessly end over end it shatters into the fallen rocks below.

Splinters of wood spray over the bodies littering the cave entrance as Zyltris dodges the slowly outswinging arm of the orc. The elf swings his morningstar back in retaliation, hoping to clear the cave entrance.

Attack: 17
Damage: 9

As he weapon strikes, the footsteps within the cave suddenly drawn nearer. A terrifying roar echoes through the tunnel, followed by an orcs voice, "Der Gog! Kjani ku tog atigat!" Heavy footsteps boom his way, too close for comfort. Warning the others Zyltris calls out, “Be ready all! I hear more, larger steps coming!”

 
While the elf yells, the frozen orc takes an opportunity to swing his greataxe again. 

Orc 4 Attack: 9
Damage: 8

With a heavy swing, the orc slashes his blade across Zyltris chest. Raising an arm and beating it against its chest, the beast leans over and roars into the elfs face.

Suddenly a single javelin soars out of the depths of the cave towards Zyltris.

Orc 5 Attack Roll:17

Prepared for the onslaught, Zyltris manages to duck in the nick of time avoiding the blow. The responsible orc stomps through the tangled mess of vines beside him, tusk like teeth bared.

A second javelin follows suit from the darkness as the relentless march of footsteps echoes from within the cave. This spear sails directly towards Brots as he continues to engage the orc guarding the cave entrance.

Orc 6 Attack Roll: 11
Damage: 4

Taking another direct hit from an orc missile, Brots staggers backwards. The javelin buries itself deep into his leg forcing a high pitched squeak out of the gnomes lungs. Glancing down the tunnel, Brots can just make out the menacing orc beginning his ascent out of the dark. Another follows behind. All the while, loud heavy footsteps continue to grow louder. Now no more than a few yards away but still hidden from view from the cave entrance.

Beetle:

Direct view into the cave: - Zyltris, Brots, Beetle if you move:

Beetle, hearing Zyltris warn of more will move around south of Brots and southeast of O4.....With a bonus action Beetle casts Hex on O4 causing disadvantage of dex saves and empowering his strikes against it......he then casts Green-flame blade and strikes O4...

Attack: 13 Damage: 8 on hit Green Flame with jump to any in range for 3 damage...

If O4 is still alive

 -- Syna will cast Frostbite at O4, DMG 2 then move back to original position and cast Healing Word on Brots 4

-- else I will take the Ready action until something comes out of the tunnel

OOC: Hmm. Beetle I'm not sure you have enough movement to get there. With the vines counting as double movement you're about 5ft short - even if you took the most easterly squares of the vines and I only counted half the squares (as half of those squares are vined)

You could make it to the square North of Brots, similar position and range for your attack?

...That attack would down O4 so if you were so inclined you could use the additional movement to take its position alongside Zyltris

ok that works

Longsword in hand, Beetle rushes south, intending to back up his friends fighting in the mouth of the cave. Eyes firmly fixed on his target, the paladin crushes vines under his feet as his demons awaken once more. A force of intense evil descends over him, before suddenly rushing outwards towards the orc currently engaging his two comrades. A bright flash of green, and Beetle strikes.

Attack: 13 
Damage: 8 

Green Flame on O5:  3

An orc erupts into bright green flame while another furiously pats away the sparks that spread following the strike. The burning orc falls into the debris. A crisp blackened corpse, emerald embers still flickering. Pushing his way through, Beetle stands alongside Zyltris, holding the line against whatever evils plan to burst forth from the dark.

ROUND 4

Brots, Zyltris, Beetle:

(Internal cave view - Syna and Serak need to reposition to get direct line of sight)

Serak: Sprinting down the hill, Serak notices Zyltris' wounds for the first time. He shouts, "Vitala!" as he passes, coming to a halt behind Brots, his back to the campfire.

Bonus Action: Healing Word Target: Zyltris

HP Healed: 6

Hoping to distract the beast engaging Zyltris, the bard shouts, "Is it just me, or are the enemies we face becoming progressively uglier?"

Action: Vicious Mockery Target: Orc(05)

Damage: 3

Zyltris is going to attack O5 and use his bonus attack this turn as well. That will go towards O5 it any other enemy it can reach if O5 is gone. 

First attack: 11 Damage: 5

2nd attack: 14 Damage: 9

Syna is going to move NE 2, N 2.  This should put him in positon to see inside the cave.

If so, I will cast Frostbite(4) on O5.