Sword Coast Rambling

Outside, Brots takes in his surroundings. Without having had time to explore the town now seems as good a time as any to have a quick look around. He heads to the towns main square, hustling with the daily activity. It is nearing lunch time and those who are not eating at the inn are either heading home or standing talking in the square. The town seems peaceful enough despite the troubling rumours he has heard. To the south of the square, a store house with a distinctive sign - a blue lion on a wooden shield. The Lionshield Coster. Brots has heard Beetle talking about Linene who works here and the armour and weaponry she sells. To the west of the square sits the village green. Children play together in the lush grass. An elderly elf sits petting his dog quietly watching the world go by. Suddenly, a man cloaked in red shoves Brots aside as he walks through the square. "Watch it shrimp! Or that rat is lunch!". Another three red cloaked men follow. Their identities hidden by the hoods covering their faces. The walk with an arrogant swagger. Townsfolk step away as they make a beeline towards the main street leaving from the east of the square. 

Turning sharply around in reaction to Beetle, the four red cloaked men notice Brots following them closely. One laughs at their stealthy companion, "Look at this boyos! We have a little puppy doggie following us! Come here little puppy. We'll take good care of you promise!" A second cloaked figure steps up to Beetle, getting into the paladins face, "And what's yer problem? You trying to get yerself killed tin man? Why dun you and yer li'l baby fren' here get lost before things get messy?" 

The group stand in the centre of the square squaring up to each other. The townsfolk stand around bewildered. Some run in panic, some hide themselves while others watch the scene unfold.

"Such hostilities you must be very unhappy people." Beetle says. "I was not looking for a fight but practice is always welcome."  Beetle laughs a little, "Even if you could manage to kill me...lol... and that is amusing....I have plenty to talk about with Tyr, not to mention he might even send me back in that case just to teach rude people a lesson."

If they make any hostile move Beetle will use his reaction from his War Caster ability (uses my reaction to make opportunity spell attack that costs 1 action)  to cast Eldritch Blast before initiative round begins.

The red cloaked figures continue to laugh. One addresses the shout that comes from behind them "This is no concern of yours woman! Look at the crying little baby boys! Perhaps we should catch this little puppy and take him home? You'd like that wouldn't you boys? Another friend to play with?"

The red cloak standing in Beetles face merely laughs, "What are you even supposed to be tin man? Are you playing pretend to be a knight from waterdeep. You certainly talk the talk, but I doubt you fight as good as you speak!" In a swift motion the red cloaked figures draw their blades, ready for a fight.

Initiative Rolls:
To try and keep combat moving, I'll group you PCs together and take an average result for initiative order. If anyone rolls a nat 20 or 1 they will automatically put the group first or last in the order. If this doesn't work for anyone let me know, just trying this out while we have a smallish fight going on.

Beetle: 20
Brots: 17
Redcloaks: 6

OOC: Pretty obvious who goes first here!

Beetle and Brots you guys attack first, in order of your posts. Redcloaks will follow when you have both made your actions. 

Preemptive strike from Beetle against the nearest Redcloak. 2

If you guys need a battle map I'll draw one up in a few mins

Brots pulls his daggers out and begins to slice them at the cloaked figure.

Attack 1: 13, Damage 1: 5
Attack 2: 9, Damage 2: 6.

[OOC: I apologize about that, it is my first time using spoilers and I wasn't sure when they should be used. I got it now!] 

OOC: God Beetle that was a complicated attack sequence. Think I've got a handle on it and I'll update the battlemap for round 2. 

Beetles attacks bring forth the power of both Tyr and his inner demon. With a blast he strikes the red cloaked figure in front of him, causing him to misstep and delay slightly in his attack. A second later, the paladin strikes out with his longsword, slashing a sliver of fabric from his foe. A bright flash of green flame shoots outwards and hits the central redcloak squarely in the face. He screams in agony as he face begins to burn. Darkness descends on the square. An unholy force emanates from the paladin. A dark cloud hangs over the central red cloak.

Drawing both of his blades, Brots seizes his moment to attack the nearest cloaked man. He slashes wildly. Right blade, Left blade, right blade left blade, but doesn't make contact. He feels pressure on his forehead. His adversary simply holds him at arms length, laughing out loud at the gnomes attacks.

The lead redcloak calls out, "Redbrands! Attack NOW!"

Steel rings out across the square as the Redbrands attack. Their faces pulsate with anger. 

The first Redbrand swipes back at Beetle with his sword ferociously, forehand then a swift backhand.

Redbrand 1 Attack 1: 11
Redbrand 1 Attack 2: 18

Off balance from the paladins pre-emptive strike, both of the Redbrands attacks are merely glancing blows against chain mail armour. 

The second Redbrand, blade in hand charges forwards towards Beetle. His sword slashing back and forth against his foe.

Redbrand 2 Attack 1: 14
Redbrand 2 Attack 2: 10

The forearm swing is easily avoided by Beetle as he takes a half step backwards. The backswing however hits him cleanly across the chest.

Redbrand 2 Damage 2: 3

Rings of chain mail fall to the floor as Beetles armour absorbs the hit. A bruise forms on the inside of Beetles armour, but he is largely unhurt.

The third Redbrand, seeing his allies advantage take hold, charges forward at the paladin as well. Attacking in a similar manner.

Redbrand 3 Attack 1: 16
Redbrand 3 Attack 2: 21

The inexperience of the cloaked man shines through as both attacks miss their mark. His snarling face growls at Beetle through the crowd of his allies. The darkness that has infiltrated him blackens his eyes, giving them a supernatural glow.

The fourth and final Redbrand, steps forward threateningly towards Brots. He rubs his hands together, intending to capture the gnome. Drawing his sword, he slashes it recklessly around.

Redbrand 4 Attack 1:18
Redbrand 4 Attack 2: 14

The gnomes height deceives the Redbrand as he attacks. Both swords swing harmlessly above Brots' head, slicing the air in two but causing now damage to the short statured creature. Townsfolk look on, gasps and screams ring out with each blow as the fight continues.

ROUND 2

Beetle again brings his sword down on R1 casting Green-Flame Blade so on a hit the flame once again jumps to another for 3 damage.

Attack: 18 Damage: 11

he also prepares to use his reaction to any attack that hits next round to cast shield