A new volley of slinged stones travels over the northwester set of palisades. They land near the center of the villager, hurting many of the Folk. Some CRAPers are also in the danger zone:
-> Slinged Stones vs Doozey: Attack: 19Damage: 3 bludgeoning.
-> Slinged Stones vs Neya: Attack: 20Damage: 5 bludgeoning.
-> Slinged Stones vs Edith: Attack: 15 Damage: 4 bludgeoning.
The recently left behind mare is unable to avoid the falling pebbles (Edith takes 6 bludgeoning damage). She neighs in pain but her master is single-minded at the moment.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The Kobolds facing the northwestern defenses continue to bash on the palisades, some of which are also on fire. A couple of the Kobolds happen to step on the traps set near those palisades too (no save, but the trap has a 20% chance of failing based on Neya roll when setting them up):
-> Trap on {CK5} {DC 5}: 6 - a Naked Kobold is restrained;
-> Trap on {CN3} {DC 5}: 6 - a Kobold Grunt is restrained;
-> Club vs. Palisade {CM4}: Attack: 12 Damage: 0 bludgeoning.
-> Hooked-net damage on the two traps above, in order: 3, 4 piercing.
-> Claw vs. Net {CK5}: Attack: 4Damage: 3 slashing.
-> Dagger vs. Net {CN3}: Attack: 21 Damage: 5 slashing (attack supposed to have disadvantage: 17).
A Naked Kobold steps onto the net trap at {CK5} and springs it. The net encases the creature and pricks it slightly (Naked Kobold #1 takes 1 piercing damage). This Kobold tries to use its claw to slash the net open, but doesn't get too far. Something similar happens to the Kobold stepping up to {CN3}. It springs a separate net trap and the hooks painfully snag its skin (Kobolt Grunt #4 takes 4 piercing damage). This Kobolt has a dagger which comes in handy in destroying the net and freeing the creature. Separately, another Kobold invader bring a club to the palisade section at {CM4} and begins cracking it.
In the southwestern section of the defense line, the Kobold invaders also continue to bash on the palisades:
-> Club vs. Palisade {CT4}: Attack: 18Damage: 1 bludgeoning.
-> Dagger vs. Palisade {CU6}: Attack: 23 Damage: 6 piercing.
-> Dagger vs. Palisade {CU6}: Attack: 10 Damage: 6 piercing.
The weaker Kobold struggles in finding a good spot to hit the already very damaged palisade section at {CT4}. Its brethren are more efficient at fully destroying the palisade section at {CU6}. They have now opened a way into the village down here, and begin to move in. Two Kobolds are now at {CP8} and {CQ7}.
A few feet away from this scene, a more courageous Kobold steps up to {CT14} and attacks Graxx:
-> Dagger vs. Graxx: Attack: 7 Damage: 6 piercing.
-> Attack on Graxx was supposed to be rolled with advantage: 17 - nothing changes.
The short blade sinks into the barbarian's leg, but fails at distracting him from his original target (Graxx takes another 5 piercing damage).
With the southeast defenses overrun, the Kobolds advance to {CR22}, {CR23}, and {CR24}. The are now fully engaged in combat with Warsh's fisherfolk, and are slowly gaining on the untrained humans. Those the Kobolds defeat and are not killed, are instead dragged away from the village. Among the screams and cries of battle, you all now notice that a few Kobolds begin to drag weakened villagers back towards the landing.
Throughout the battlefield, torch flames begin to flicker more vigorously as the rain picks up. Ulburto orders a few villagers near him to go lend some aid to Warsh's fisherfolk but they are not quite engaged in that battle just yet. The crones continue their strange ritual around the boiling water and fire pit at {CL22} and {CM23}.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"You will not be making anymore victims!" Neya yells as she rides to the eastern part of the village {CQ23} and starts attacking the kobolds on the road (one each, going from kobold on CU22 to CU24) with her quarterstaff (one-handed) and kicking from her horse.
Quarterstaff Attack: 22 Damage: 6
(Extra) Quarterstaff Attack: 18 Damage: 10
(Bonus) Unarmed: Attack: 10 Damage: 5
Being so close, Garnet is acting a little skittish (dodge).
Hearing a full skirmish break out in the eastern part of the village, Neya turns Garnet around and rides the beast towards danger. Warsh's team is about to break and make a run for it just as Neya makes a right turn into the southbound path leading to the skirmish. The long-bearded ferryman even cracks a smile in this most dire of times.
Neya arrives swinging her quarterstaff at the Kobolds at the flank, before shiftingGarnet just enough to crack a kick at the Naked Kobold in the center. The Kobold at {CR22} manages to duck out of the way of the staff, but the one at {CR24} is not as quick. It's ribs snap painfully and the creature hugs its side. It manages to keep hold of its dagger, ready to fight for a bit longer (Kobold Elite #2 takes 5 bludgeoning damage).
When the kick comes, it lands right at the Naked Kobold's snout. The well-placed kick breaks its nostrils' bones and cartilage all together, and the Kobold asphyxiates on its own blood a few seconds after hitting the floor (Naked Kobold #4 takes 8 bludgeoning damage and is DEFEATED).
The more resourceful Kobolds try a different approach to best the palisades. They reach for a different flask this time:
-> Acid vs. Palisade {CL5}: Attack: 17 Damage: 6 acid.
-> Acid vs. Palisade {CT7}: Attack: 9 Damage: 6 acid.
-> Alchemist's Fire vs Palisade {CL5}: Attack: 13 Damage: 4 fire (the attack roll was unnecessary here).
The palisade section at {CL5} continues to burn down due to the Kobold's strange alchemical fire. Impatience gets the best of one of the Kobolds as it splashes some acid onto this same palisade section, which is then almost entirely eaten away by the corrosive mixture. The palisade at {CT7} receives a similar treatment, but the Kobold there drops most of the acid on the ground.
A third one of these Kobolds carrying a ridiculous amount of supplies steps onto the corpse of the Naked Kobold that Neya just kicked to death. From its new position, it grabs a five-foot pole from its back and points it at the monk. Strangely, it touches the end of this stick to Neya's skin somewhat gingerly. It is also careful not to touch the stick to Garnet first.
-> Scorpion on a stick vs. Neya: Attack: 6Damage: 1 piercing.
Neya notices the arachnid strapped to the end of the stick just in time to kick it out of the way.
One of the more armored Kobolds steps forward to {CL12} and launches one of his short spears at Doozey, whom he saw take down one of his winged allies earlier.
It is successful in doing so, and though it can't manage another spear thrust just yet, this Kobold too joins the attack against Neya by moving to {CQ24}.
Skirmishes continue to break out throughout the village. Some of the more courageous villagers manage to bring down a fleeing Kobold in the distance, though more of these creatures seem to be succeeding in dragging away villagers to whence they came.
Warsh stands up and helpsNeya in fighting the Kobolds in the southeast. His remaining fighting fishermen and fisherwomen take a step back, uncertain on whether to help or run for their lives.
Ulburto cleaves another Kobold in half somewhere near where Edith is standing and turning in circles. The butcher has an immense grin on his face!
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Elsewhere....?
Doozey felt paralyzed to the spot as the nightmare unfolded itself. From some shadowed corner of a stone chamber, he could only watch as a far younger looking self, along with three other companions, fought against a small horde of black scaled kobolds; both living and undead. Yet he and his crew -- a female copper scaled dragonborn in half-plate, a half-naked male goblin that refused to wield anything smaller than himself, and a male goliath dressed flamboyantly like a noble -- all laughed and jest throughout the debacle. As if the whole fight was routine.
'A few months... no... closer to a year we were together.... Felt as if it were never end....' Doozey thought as he watched the four in almost perfect synergy dispatched foe after foe, dancing between moments of being back to back, to fighting apart briefly as the need arose. The more he saw, the more he wanted to puke. To look away, and not think on what would come next. But he could not turn away. Some other 'force' saw to that fact. So, he tried to focus on smaller, less inconsequential details, and eventually found himself frowning. 'Blades? Where's... no... nono -- this cannae be right. I hardly knew how to wield those back then... Where's me bow? Where's Gravey? I've always... haven't always fought with 'er?'
As he started to think more along the confusing thought, there's another crack of thunder followed by a flash of lightning, blinding and deafening the Halfling...
Outwardly...
The halfling turns to the spellcasting kobold like a marionette on strings. "Threat... sighted..." He levels the crossbow at the sorceress. His movements in the moment made more with mechanical precision than jerky one before. "Marked." A bloodshot eye narrows down the sights, eliminating in mind most obstacles and other targets on the field. Despite all apparent points to the contrary, he shifted on the spot at a moment's notice, so that not only the spear missed but glanced off the meat of his armor without risk of splintering into his face. A tactic seen more in trained melee combatants than archers; who often were reliant on being able duck behind cover maneuvers.
Without missing a beat, another bolt streaks through the air again, its form lightly illuminated by the electricity coursing over and through it, defying all natural laws in its deadly arc towards the caster.
Doozey calmly loads another shot. Yet the words the come out from his mouth -- though draconic, as far as Neya and the Kobolds can tell for sure -- doesn't match his expression. It was too passionate. Too filled with the heat of hatred.
Draconic: "Welches ... Wer von euch weiß, wo Balasar ist ?! SAG MIR!" Translation:
Which one... Which one of you know where Balasar is?! TELL ME!
Meanwhile, Biiscuit was loyal and dedicated good boy. But even he could not keep turning a blind eye to all the death happening around, let alone some kobold throwing more sticks at his master! So with all the fury he could muster, he howls then leaps into a running charge at the kobold miscreant.
Movement: To CJ-15.
Bonus Action: Casts (1st level) Hunter's Mark on Sorceress Kobold..
Action: Light Crossbow - Attack: 23 Damage: 10 non-magical piercing and magical lightning damage on CW-23(Kobold Sorceress).
(@Lerus: You said last he saw her, though map makes it difficult for me to confirm. If he cannot actually see her, but after moving, if he can either see the one that shot Graxx with fire, that's target of both attack and Slayer's prey. And if not that, then.. the one that tried to poke Neya with a scorpion on a stick... freaking kobold inventions. XD)
(@Ori: I'm hoping there is more to this story, but am already enjoying it. DM's Inspiration token to you too!)
The stout halfling is perhaps surprisingly light-footed. After regaining his focus, Doozey skips to the other end of the roof he is standing on and takes his time aiming at the distant but quite distinct Kobold Sorceress. Knowing he was probably to only one who could see over the holey roofs and catch a glimpse of the sorceress producing fire from her fingers a moment ago, Doozeymarks her for the hunt. The lightning-filled crossbow bolt that hits her chest a second later sends sparks across her entire diminutive body. She shakes involuntarily for a bit, before smoke escapes her snout and ear-holes (Kobold Sorceress takes 18 piercing and lightning damage and is DEFEATED).
A few of the nearby Kobolds look distraught for a moment, but soon return to pillaging. Meanwhile, Biscuit abandons his search and rescue mission and runs back to protect his master.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The Kobold Wizard sees that Graxx has approached with a ferocious look on his face and decides to boost its own speed. It releases the flame it has been holding in one hand on its own feet, casting Expeditious Retreat in the process. Then, with a smirk, it spits some poison on Graxx's face.
-> Graxx CON saving throw vs. Poison Spray {DC 12}: 21
The smirk disappears once the Kobold sees that the poison has no effect on the barbarian. The Kobold Wizard runs away in fear at double speed, ending up inside the barn at {CY28}. This opens up the Kobold Wizard to a opportunity attack from Graxx.
Around the fire pit, the crones continue their chanting. Some villagers have dropped their weapons and gathered around the crones, chanting their own strange language verses:
Il oury vorv kdaav siw jylqyilty oarqyv. il oury zmyh kfrlyv, al kdaav sy qarqyv. alv zmafqm zmy odipyw vory kfz il ypkyr, zmy zmryy rypiul, zmy zmryy rypypkyr.
As the verse ends, three creatures make their way out of the woods. They resembles a molten mass of flesh with a vaguely humanoid head and torso. A permanent expression of anguish twists across their faces, their feeble mouths babbling incoherently. They approach the battle field slowly; their intentions unknown.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Utar pauses momentarily, these... creatures of the forest... sure seem to be a lot less arboreal... sylvan... twiggy than he imagined. Knowing this is not the time to question a potential ally, he wheels Glühoof around, directing the horse towards another kobold.
Tugging on the reins, as the swing of the weapon loops back up, they disengage from the fray, Glühoof's path taking them away to select another target.
Utar's Attack: 18 Damage: 8
Keeping the spectral warhammer within the same group of kobolds, he has it attack again.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Utar pulls on Glühoof's reigns making it circle in place to keep the enemies guessing. While doing so, the cleric brings down his magical mace on the weakened Kobold who had been trapped in one of Neya's net traps until recently. In case there were any doubts left, the fact that Utar's mace doesn't explode in radiant light upon hitting the Kobold confirms their bones and dirt are really just for show (Kobold Grunt #4 takes 11 magical bludgeoning damage and is DEFEATED).
Utar's Spiritual Weapon follows its master's movement. It cracks the head of a particularly skinny Kobold that has been attacking the palisades (Naked Kobold #2 takes 7 force damage and is DEFEATED).
Graxx manages to cut the Kobold Wizard's back open as it runs away expeditiously (Kobold Wizard takes 11 magical slashing damage). As the human gives chase, he leaves his own back open for an attack from the Kobold that had just nicked him.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The Kobolds continue to wreak havoc. The trapped Kobolds tries to slip out, while another tries to finally break through a piece of palisade.
-> Claw vs. Net {CK5}: Attack: 21 Damage: 4 slashing.
-> Club vs. Palisade {CT4}: Attack: 9Damage: 2 bludgeoning.
The net is damaged, the palisade is not, and neither are yet totally destroyed. Separately, two Kobolds advance further into the village {CO9} and {CN10} in order to avoid getting too close to the gray horse circling in place. Nonetheless, they still aim their sling stones at its rider:
-> Sling vs. Utar: Attack: 17 Damage: 3 bludgeoning.
-> Sling vs. Utar: Attack: 21 Damage: 5 bludgeoning.
Not paying attention to this particular duo, Utar is hit on the back of the head by two flying pebbles. The refreshing feeling he got from drinking the crone's water finally leaves him (Utar takes a total of 8 bludgeoning damage).
Not far away from the slingers, another Kobold rushes into the village {CN12} through the broken walls of the home near the large dead tree. This one aims its slinged stone at the halfling on the roof:
-> Sling vs. Doozey: Attack: 22 Damage: 5 bludgeoning.
The stone hits Doozey's left knee and it hurts quite a bit (Doozey takes 6 bludgeoning damage). The halfling winces and forget for a moment that he was focusing on a spell.
On the eastern part of the village, two other Kobolds attempt to stab Neya's feet, which are swinging by Garnet's side. They seem bolstered by the fact they outnumber the monk and her mount:
-> Dagger vs. Neya: Attack: 19 Damage: 4 piercing.
-> Dagger vs. Neya: Attack: 17 Damage: 5 piercing.
Neya's feet begins to bleed (Neya takes 11 piercing damage). She swears she hears one of the Kobolds say "I want to see her kick now" in Draconic.
You all then notice that the bones and dirt disguises the Kobolds are wearing seem to be having an effect on some of the villagers, who have started running indoors and shouting "Undead Dragonlings!"
Reeling from the attacks to her feet, Neya refocuses her attention back to the kobolds surrounding her and replies in Draconic, "Odd request, but it's your funeral..."
She then strikes at the four kobolds around her in a clockwise fashion (starting from {CQ24}).
Quarterstaff Attack {CQ24} (advantage with Warsh's help): 19 Damage: 7
Quarterstaff Attack {CR24}: 12 Damage: 5
Bonus: Flurry of Blows (1 ki point)
Unarmed Attack {CR23}: 11 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Unarmed Attack {CR22}: Unable to parse dice roll. Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Neya distributes swift strikes to each of the Kobolds surrounding her. While one of them falls (Kobold Elite #2 takes 7 bludgeoning damage and is DEFEATED), the other three still seem up for a fight (Armored Kobold #2 takes 9 bludgeoning damage; Kobold Inventor #3 takes 8 bludgeoning damage; Kobold Elite #3 takes 6 bludgeoning damage).
In fact, two of them react immediately. The resourceful Kobold brings its stick back around while the armored one thrusts its spear at the monk twice:
-> Scorpion on a stick vs. Neya: Attack: 13 Damage: 1 piercing (see additional rolls below).
-> Each of these attacks is supposed to have advantage, so here is a second roll for each, in order: 8, 16, 20
-> Neya's CON saving throw {DC 9}: 4
-> Additional poison damage on that scorpion sting (not yet halved to account for the successful save): 6
Neya focuses on avoiding the crooked spear being jabbed at her in rapid succession. In doing so, she inadvertently backs up Garnet and the scorpion on a stick pricks the monk's arm. She feels the spot burn for a second or two (Neya takes 3 piercing and poison damage).
Elsewhere, a piece of palisade continues to burn while other Kobolds persist at dismantling them:
-> Dagger vs. Palisade {CL5}: Attack: 18 Damage: 6 piercing.
-> Dagger vs. Palisade {CT7}: Attack: 21 Damage: 6 piercing.
Both pieces of palisade fall to the ground following relentless attacks from the Kobolds. Their assailants then move to {CK7} and {CT5}, respectively.
Now much closer to the action, Biscuit tries to lend a paw to his master. The armored Kobold right in front of the tundra Mastiff recognizes the beast as a worthy opponent:
-> Spear vs. Biscuit: Attack: 13 Damage: 2 piercing.
-> Spear vs. Biscuit: Attack: 13 Damage: 7 piercing.
The Kobold finds the dog's flesh within the thick bundle of fur. All of the sudden, Biscuit is not looking so good (Biscuit takes 4 piercing damage).
Ulburto shoves another naked Kobold out of the way and turns to see a fair number of its brethren arrive near the palisades located at {CM9} and {CL10}. The butcher then approaches and begins swinging his cleaver at this batch of invaders (help action to the first person to attack one of the Kobolds at {CO9}, {CN10}, {CN12}, or {CL12}.)
Warsh is hurt, but continues to swing his own fishing spear from side to side with one hand (help action to Neya).
Somewhere to the north, those shambling creatures of the woods continue to approach the battle. They are slow but are not too far now.
Even as Doozey felt the light dim the stoutling's eyes stayed squeezed shut. At least until something wet splashed against his cheeks a few times. Wet, but somehow more viscious than mere water. What he cracked open his eyes to see lead to both being open wide at the sight of a bloodied skeletal just inches away from his face. Before he can even make fully sense of the scene, the hand draws back through the body of another, metal plates and all. It is only after the body collapsed to the side that he began to realize what just happen.
"Ya fook'in serious mate?! For this minger!? Are ya fook'in serious!?!"Another spoke nearby in a simultaneously angry, cockney accent, but with a faint hint of Doozey's accented Draconic beneath it all. More had been spoken, but Doozey heard none of it. He could only stare over and up in horror as it became clear a blow meant to kill him while downed... had been taken by his dragonborness compatriot. Just as he started to hyperventilate from watching the light slowly dim in her eyes, lightning once erupts in his ears, and in a blinding flash, the world changed again! Perspectives changed. And in the new moment...
He is staring up into the face of what might've been a dragonborn a time ago; but, now they were more skeleton than flesh and scales from what could be seen past the -- in contrast -- were fine, black and blue robes. As his focus is inheritely drawn not to the dead eye in one socket, but the burning blue embers in the other... lightning flashes once more.
"Fook'in 'ell. Drum it up to 'afling luck I s'pose I could. Jus' leaves fix'n it all right 'n pretty now..." Doozey heard just before before the light finally fades in his eyes.
And over and over the cycle repeated. Sometimes it was the previous moments. Sometimes he was alone with his savior, either remniscing over past adventurers, or his being personally admonished for being too reckless at one point. There were moments in between flashes of a people and place far disconnected from the main stay events. Though most of their faces.... he could not make them out within the moments. As if they were more half-remembered dreams than memory. In each of them, he came to realize, not a bow had been held in hand. But biscuit was there in the vast majority as clear as day.
Until the visions began to wind down to moments within a dark cavern. Flashes of unbelievable pain tore through his mind whenever his thoughts lingered on this place. But whether it was obsession or in seeking a solution for the memories of biscuit that grew ever fainter, he pushed past the pain, remembering....
Reality...
The arrival of the three creatures from the woods hardly even seems to register to Doozey. He only had eyes for Kobolds, as if driven by an all consuming obsession in the heat of the moment. And even then, only those that -- perhaps to due to honed instincts -- registered as either dangerous... or worthy prey. Even after being struck and losing focus on the spell, halfling head snapped back into a searching pattern like a machine. Out of everything going on, it is the sound of biscuits whimpering in pain that finally draw his attention at least downward. "Bis ... Keks? ... diesen? Das ist derjenige, der weiß ... wo Balasar ... ist?"He said monotonously in draconic as he glared down at the Kobold offender.
A question by the underlying tone, and yet... the crossbow is leveled in the focus for the question, and a faded light grew in the archer's eyes, marking it in eye as prey. "Nein ... Ablenkung ... Beseitigung von Ablenkungen ... Muss Balasar finden ..."Another bolt cuts the air on a deadly arc towards an armored kobold. Invigorated by the attempt at least, Biscuit musters together all his good boy spirit in what may be a final biting of draconic bodies!
Loose Translations:
"Bis... cuit?... That one? That is the one that knows.... where Balasar... is?" "No.... Distraction.... Eliminating Distractions... Must find... Balasar..."
Bonus Action: Activate Slayer's Prey on Armored Kobold(CL-12).
Action: Light Crossbow - Attack: 16 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. non-magical piercing and magical lightning damage on Armored Kobold(CL-12).
--- Action(Biscuit): Bite - Attack: 16 Damage: 5 non-magical piercing on Armored Kobold(CL-12) if alive, or Kobold(CN-12) if armored one deaded.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Doozey drifts in his past a while longer before refocusing on the combat at hand. The hunter then marks his next prey, innately this time as opposed to through the Weave, and squeezes his trigger. The crossbow bolt flies a short difference before sinking into the Kobold's hip. Biscuit follows that up with a glancing bite at the other side of the Kobold's hip (Armored Kobold #1 takes a combined 15 magical piercing and lightning damage).
At the barn, the Kobold Wizard seems a bit surprised that Graxx has been able to keep with its speed. It tries to defend itself by whatever means it can. Its eyes glow a bright red as it calls forth a Heightened Spell version of Charm Person (canceling the advantage Graxx would have on the saving throw):
-> Graxx's WIS saving throw {DC 12}: 16
Graxx: Your sword is raised and you are ready to kill this tricky Kobold Wizard in front of you... Then, a voice in your head forces you to hesitate. It gets a bit louder and you notice it is your own voice. Your conscience. The village is under attack. Everyone is in danger. You must save them from these invading Kobolds. They are trouble, the lot of them... Except this one in front of you. This wizardly little guy has its heart in the right place. You know a good Kobold when you see one.
(@Grx: I'll say that being charmed temporarily suppresses the effects of your Greatsword of Vengeance. Once you are no longer charmed, the effect would return as if it had never left. That is, unless you are enticed to enact your vengeance on another enemy by the time that happens.)
The crones appear to have reached the final verse of their chant:
Alv iw sy dulqyr, wzudd sy oylv ofr juqud myry wmidd lyjyr ylv.
As they deliver the final syllable, the shambling creatures of the wood arrive at the village at {CF7}, {CF16}, and {CF22}.
In the distance, two more villagers (two adult women this time) are dragged alive and kicking towards the landing. The sounds of their screams mix in the air with those already in the wind, as well as the clanking of the bone ornaments all the Kobolds are wearing.
LUCK: 80 -> BAD LUCK
A new volley of slinged stones travels over the northwester set of palisades. They land near the center of the villager, hurting many of the Folk. Some CRAPers are also in the danger zone:
-> Slinged Stones vs Doozey: Attack: 19
Damage: 3 bludgeoning.-> Slinged Stones vs Neya: Attack: 20
Damage: 5 bludgeoning.-> Slinged Stones vs Edith: Attack: 15 Damage: 4 bludgeoning.
The recently left behind mare is unable to avoid the falling pebbles (Edith takes 6 bludgeoning damage). She neighs in pain but her master is single-minded at the moment.
END OF INITIATIVE ROUND 1
BATTLE OF THE ISLET:
Note: Pink triangle signifies restrained in this battle.
(Wave goes next).
The Kobolds facing the northwestern defenses continue to bash on the palisades, some of which are also on fire. A couple of the Kobolds happen to step on the traps set near those palisades too (no save, but the trap has a 20% chance of failing based on Neya roll when setting them up):
-> Trap on {CK5} {DC 5}: 6 - a Naked Kobold is restrained;
-> Trap on {CN3} {DC 5}: 6 - a Kobold Grunt is restrained;
-> Club vs. Palisade {CM4}: Attack: 12 Damage: 0 bludgeoning.
-> Hooked-net damage on the two traps above, in order: 3, 4 piercing.
-> Claw vs. Net {CK5}: Attack: 4
Damage: 3 slashing.-> Dagger vs. Net {CN3}: Attack: 21 Damage: 5 slashing (attack supposed to have disadvantage: 17).
A Naked Kobold steps onto the net trap at {CK5} and springs it. The net encases the creature and pricks it slightly (Naked Kobold #1 takes 1 piercing damage). This Kobold tries to use its claw to slash the net open, but doesn't get too far. Something similar happens to the Kobold stepping up to {CN3}. It springs a separate net trap and the hooks painfully snag its skin (Kobolt Grunt #4 takes 4 piercing damage). This Kobolt has a dagger which comes in handy in destroying the net and freeing the creature. Separately, another Kobold invader bring a club to the palisade section at {CM4} and begins cracking it.
In the southwestern section of the defense line, the Kobold invaders also continue to bash on the palisades:
-> Club vs. Palisade {CT4}: Attack: 18
Damage: 1 bludgeoning.-> Dagger vs. Palisade {CU6}: Attack: 23 Damage: 6 piercing.
-> Dagger vs. Palisade {CU6}: Attack: 10 Damage: 6 piercing.
The weaker Kobold struggles in finding a good spot to hit the already very damaged palisade section at {CT4}. Its brethren are more efficient at fully destroying the palisade section at {CU6}. They have now opened a way into the village down here, and begin to move in. Two Kobolds are now at {CP8} and {CQ7}.
A few feet away from this scene, a more courageous Kobold steps up to {CT14} and attacks Graxx:
-> Dagger vs. Graxx: Attack: 7 Damage: 6 piercing.
-> Graxx's WIS saving throw vs. Greatsword of Vengeance {DC 15}: 10
-> Attack on Graxx was supposed to be rolled with advantage: 17 - nothing changes.
The short blade sinks into the barbarian's leg, but fails at distracting him from his original target (Graxx takes another 5 piercing damage).
With the southeast defenses overrun, the Kobolds advance to {CR22}, {CR23}, and {CR24}. The are now fully engaged in combat with Warsh's fisherfolk, and are slowly gaining on the untrained humans. Those the Kobolds defeat and are not killed, are instead dragged away from the village. Among the screams and cries of battle, you all now notice that a few Kobolds begin to drag weakened villagers back towards the landing.
Throughout the battlefield, torch flames begin to flicker more vigorously as the rain picks up. Ulburto orders a few villagers near him to go lend some aid to Warsh's fisherfolk but they are not quite engaged in that battle just yet. The crones continue their strange ritual around the boiling water and fire pit at {CL22} and {CM23}.
(Neya is up next).
"You will not be making anymore victims!" Neya yells as she rides to the eastern part of the village {CQ23} and starts attacking the kobolds on the road (one each, going from kobold on CU22 to CU24) with her quarterstaff (one-handed) and kicking from her horse.
Quarterstaff Attack: 22 Damage: 6
(Extra) Quarterstaff Attack: 18 Damage: 10
(Bonus) Unarmed: Attack: 10 Damage: 5
Being so close, Garnet is acting a little skittish (dodge).
Extended Signature
Hearing a full skirmish break out in the eastern part of the village, Neya turns Garnet around and rides the beast towards danger. Warsh's team is about to break and make a run for it just as Neya makes a right turn into the southbound path leading to the skirmish. The long-bearded ferryman even cracks a smile in this most dire of times.
Neya arrives swinging her quarterstaff at the Kobolds at the flank, before shifting Garnet just enough to crack a kick at the Naked Kobold in the center. The Kobold at {CR22} manages to duck out of the way of the staff, but the one at {CR24} is not as quick. It's ribs snap painfully and the creature hugs its side. It manages to keep hold of its dagger, ready to fight for a bit longer (Kobold Elite #2 takes 5 bludgeoning damage).
When the kick comes, it lands right at the Naked Kobold's snout. The well-placed kick breaks its nostrils' bones and cartilage all together, and the Kobold asphyxiates on its own blood a few seconds after hitting the floor (Naked Kobold #4 takes 8 bludgeoning damage and is DEFEATED).
(Wave goes next).
The more resourceful Kobolds try a different approach to best the palisades. They reach for a different flask this time:
-> Acid vs. Palisade {CL5}: Attack: 17 Damage: 6 acid.
-> Acid vs. Palisade {CT7}: Attack: 9 Damage: 6 acid.
-> Alchemist's Fire vs Palisade {CL5}:
Attack: 13Damage: 4 fire (the attack roll was unnecessary here).The palisade section at {CL5} continues to burn down due to the Kobold's strange alchemical fire. Impatience gets the best of one of the Kobolds as it splashes some acid onto this same palisade section, which is then almost entirely eaten away by the corrosive mixture. The palisade at {CT7} receives a similar treatment, but the Kobold there drops most of the acid on the ground.
A third one of these Kobolds carrying a ridiculous amount of supplies steps onto the corpse of the Naked Kobold that Neya just kicked to death. From its new position, it grabs a five-foot pole from its back and points it at the monk. Strangely, it touches the end of this stick to Neya's skin somewhat gingerly. It is also careful not to touch the stick to Garnet first.
-> Scorpion on a stick vs. Neya: Attack: 6
Damage: 1 piercing.Neya notices the arachnid strapped to the end of the stick just in time to kick it out of the way.
One of the more armored Kobolds steps forward to {CL12} and launches one of his short spears at Doozey, whom he saw take down one of his winged allies earlier.
-> Spear vs. Doozey: Attack: 7
Damage: 2 piercing.The spear flies above and beyond the halfling, though he is not sure if it may have hit a villager on the other side of the building.
Down at the southeast, a trapped Kobold tries to slash the net open in order to free itself.
-> Spear vs. Net: Attack: 8 Damage: 9 piercing.
It is successful in doing so, and though it can't manage another spear thrust just yet, this Kobold too joins the attack against Neya by moving to {CQ24}.
Skirmishes continue to break out throughout the village. Some of the more courageous villagers manage to bring down a fleeing Kobold in the distance, though more of these creatures seem to be succeeding in dragging away villagers to whence they came.
Warsh stands up and helps Neya in fighting the Kobolds in the southeast. His remaining fighting fishermen and fisherwomen take a step back, uncertain on whether to help or run for their lives.
Ulburto cleaves another Kobold in half somewhere near where Edith is standing and turning in circles. The butcher has an immense grin on his face!
(Doozey is up next).
Elsewhere....?
Doozey felt paralyzed to the spot as the nightmare unfolded itself. From some shadowed corner of a stone chamber, he could only watch as a far younger looking self, along with three other companions, fought against a small horde of black scaled kobolds; both living and undead. Yet he and his crew -- a female copper scaled dragonborn in half-plate, a half-naked male goblin that refused to wield anything smaller than himself, and a male goliath dressed flamboyantly like a noble -- all laughed and jest throughout the debacle. As if the whole fight was routine.
'A few months... no... closer to a year we were together.... Felt as if it were never end....' Doozey thought as he watched the four in almost perfect synergy dispatched foe after foe, dancing between moments of being back to back, to fighting apart briefly as the need arose. The more he saw, the more he wanted to puke. To look away, and not think on what would come next. But he could not turn away. Some other 'force' saw to that fact. So, he tried to focus on smaller, less inconsequential details, and eventually found himself frowning. 'Blades? Where's... no... nono -- this cannae be right. I hardly knew how to wield those back then... Where's me bow? Where's Gravey? I've always... haven't always fought with 'er?'
As he started to think more along the confusing thought, there's another crack of thunder followed by a flash of lightning, blinding and deafening the Halfling...
Outwardly...
The halfling turns to the spellcasting kobold like a marionette on strings. "Threat... sighted..." He levels the crossbow at the sorceress. His movements in the moment made more with mechanical precision than jerky one before. "Marked." A bloodshot eye narrows down the sights, eliminating in mind most obstacles and other targets on the field. Despite all apparent points to the contrary, he shifted on the spot at a moment's notice, so that not only the spear missed but glanced off the meat of his armor without risk of splintering into his face. A tactic seen more in trained melee combatants than archers; who often were reliant on being able duck behind cover maneuvers.
Without missing a beat, another bolt streaks through the air again, its form lightly illuminated by the electricity coursing over and through it, defying all natural laws in its deadly arc towards the caster.
Doozey calmly loads another shot. Yet the words the come out from his mouth -- though draconic, as far as Neya and the Kobolds can tell for sure -- doesn't match his expression. It was too passionate. Too filled with the heat of hatred.
Draconic: "Welches ... Wer von euch weiß, wo Balasar ist ?! SAG MIR!"
Translation:
Which one... Which one of you know where Balasar is?! TELL ME!
Meanwhile, Biiscuit was loyal and dedicated good boy. But even he could not keep turning a blind eye to all the death happening around, let alone some kobold throwing more sticks at his master! So with all the fury he could muster, he howls then leaps into a running charge at the kobold miscreant.
Movement: To CJ-15.
Bonus Action: Casts (1st level) Hunter's Mark on Sorceress Kobold..
Action: Light Crossbow - Attack: 23 Damage: 10 non-magical piercing and magical lightning damage on CW-23(Kobold Sorceress).
(@Lerus: You said last he saw her, though map makes it difficult for me to confirm. If he cannot actually see her, but after moving, if he can either see the one that shot Graxx with fire, that's target of both attack and Slayer's prey. And if not that, then.. the one that tried to poke Neya with a scorpion on a stick... freaking kobold inventions. XD)
Action(Biscuit): Dash to CK-13.
(Doozey's Maneuvering Check: 16.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@Ori: I'm hoping there is more to this story, but am already enjoying it. DM's Inspiration token to you too!)
The stout halfling is perhaps surprisingly light-footed. After regaining his focus, Doozey skips to the other end of the roof he is standing on and takes his time aiming at the distant but quite distinct Kobold Sorceress. Knowing he was probably to only one who could see over the holey roofs and catch a glimpse of the sorceress producing fire from her fingers a moment ago, Doozey marks her for the hunt. The lightning-filled crossbow bolt that hits her chest a second later sends sparks across her entire diminutive body. She shakes involuntarily for a bit, before smoke escapes her snout and ear-holes (Kobold Sorceress takes 18 piercing and lightning damage and is DEFEATED).
A few of the nearby Kobolds look distraught for a moment, but soon return to pillaging. Meanwhile, Biscuit abandons his search and rescue mission and runs back to protect his master.
(Wave goes next).
The Kobold Wizard sees that Graxx has approached with a ferocious look on his face and decides to boost its own speed. It releases the flame it has been holding in one hand on its own feet, casting Expeditious Retreat in the process. Then, with a smirk, it spits some poison on Graxx's face.
-> Graxx CON saving throw vs. Poison Spray {DC 12}: 21
The smirk disappears once the Kobold sees that the poison has no effect on the barbarian. The Kobold Wizard runs away in fear at double speed, ending up inside the barn at {CY28}. This opens up the Kobold Wizard to a opportunity attack from Graxx.
Around the fire pit, the crones continue their chanting. Some villagers have dropped their weapons and gathered around the crones, chanting their own strange language verses:
As the verse ends, three creatures make their way out of the woods. They resembles a molten mass of flesh with a vaguely humanoid head and torso. A permanent expression of anguish twists across their faces, their feeble mouths babbling incoherently. They approach the battle field slowly; their intentions unknown.
(Graxx and Utar are up next.)
Utar pauses momentarily, these... creatures of the forest... sure seem to be a lot less arboreal... sylvan... twiggy than he imagined. Knowing this is not the time to question a potential ally, he wheels Glühoof around, directing the horse towards another kobold.
Tugging on the reins, as the swing of the weapon loops back up, they disengage from the fray, Glühoof's path taking them away to select another target.
Utar's Attack: 18 Damage: 8
Keeping the spectral warhammer within the same group of kobolds, he has it attack again.
Spectral warhammer bonus Attack: 24 Damage: 10
Opportunity Attack:
Graxx takes a whack at the fleeing Kobold Wizard hoping to get cut him before the scaly creature can run away.
Attack: 13 Damage: 15
OOC: Edit - Graxx doesn't do any cool stuff.
Graxx gives chase to the Wizard. Graxx will Dash to CX,27.
Graxx Movement: Graxx will move to CS,23Action: From left to right Graxx will begin to cut down the attacking Kobolds recklessly for all attacks.Attack: 19 Damage: 14Attack: 16 Damage: 13The first Kobold to be struck would take an extra 8 Radiant Damage from Tempus!Bonus Action: If one Kobold dies Graxx will use Great Weapon Master to make an additional attack.Attack: 26 Damage: 11Edith will dodge and move to CR,21 coming to her master's call.Utar pulls on Glühoof's reigns making it circle in place to keep the enemies guessing. While doing so, the cleric brings down his magical mace on the weakened Kobold who had been trapped in one of Neya's net traps until recently. In case there were any doubts left, the fact that Utar's mace doesn't explode in radiant light upon hitting the Kobold confirms their bones and dirt are really just for show (Kobold Grunt #4 takes 11 magical bludgeoning damage and is DEFEATED).
Utar's Spiritual Weapon follows its master's movement. It cracks the head of a particularly skinny Kobold that has been attacking the palisades (Naked Kobold #2 takes 7 force damage and is DEFEATED).
Graxx manages to cut the Kobold Wizard's back open as it runs away expeditiously (Kobold Wizard takes 11 magical slashing damage). As the human gives chase, he leaves his own back open for an attack from the Kobold that had just nicked him.
-> Dagger (opportunity attack) vs. Graxx: Attack: 9
Damage: 5 piercing.The Kobold doesn't react fast enough to land a hit. Graxx then gives chase and catches up to the Kobold Wizard.
Edit: I forgot the concentration save for the Kobold Wizard (DC 10): 10
(Luck roll is next).
LUCK: 14 -> BAD LUCK
One of the palisade's structures seems to have been made of a particularly rotten piece of deadwood. It collapses to the ground.
-> Random palisade is destroyed by fate: 11 -> palisade at {CI24}.
END OF INITIATIVE ROUND 2
BATTLE OF THE ISLET:
Note: Pink triangle signifies restrained in this battle.
(Wave goes next).
The Kobolds continue to wreak havoc. The trapped Kobolds tries to slip out, while another tries to finally break through a piece of palisade.
-> Claw vs. Net {CK5}: Attack: 21 Damage: 4 slashing.
-> Club vs. Palisade {CT4}: Attack: 9
Damage: 2 bludgeoning.The net is damaged, the palisade is not, and neither are yet totally destroyed. Separately, two Kobolds advance further into the village {CO9} and {CN10} in order to avoid getting too close to the gray horse circling in place. Nonetheless, they still aim their sling stones at its rider:
-> Sling vs. Utar: Attack: 17 Damage: 3 bludgeoning.
-> Sling vs. Utar: Attack: 21 Damage: 5 bludgeoning.
Not paying attention to this particular duo, Utar is hit on the back of the head by two flying pebbles. The refreshing feeling he got from drinking the crone's water finally leaves him (Utar takes a total of 8 bludgeoning damage).
Not far away from the slingers, another Kobold rushes into the village {CN12} through the broken walls of the home near the large dead tree. This one aims its slinged stone at the halfling on the roof:
-> Sling vs. Doozey: Attack: 22 Damage: 5 bludgeoning.
-> Doozey's concentration check {DC 10}: 6 -> Hunter's Mark drops.
The stone hits Doozey's left knee and it hurts quite a bit (Doozey takes 6 bludgeoning damage). The halfling winces and forget for a moment that he was focusing on a spell.
On the eastern part of the village, two other Kobolds attempt to stab Neya's feet, which are swinging by Garnet's side. They seem bolstered by the fact they outnumber the monk and her mount:
-> Dagger vs. Neya: Attack: 19 Damage: 4 piercing.
-> Dagger vs. Neya: Attack: 17 Damage: 5 piercing.
Neya's feet begins to bleed (Neya takes 11 piercing damage). She swears she hears one of the Kobolds say "I want to see her kick now" in Draconic.
You all then notice that the bones and dirt disguises the Kobolds are wearing seem to be having an effect on some of the villagers, who have started running indoors and shouting "Undead Dragonlings!"
(Neya is up next).
Reeling from the attacks to her feet, Neya refocuses her attention back to the kobolds surrounding her and replies in Draconic, "Odd request, but it's your funeral..."
She then strikes at the four kobolds around her in a clockwise fashion (starting from {CQ24}).
Quarterstaff Attack {CQ24} (advantage with Warsh's help): 19 Damage: 7
Quarterstaff Attack {CR24}: 12 Damage: 5
Bonus: Flurry of Blows (1 ki point)
Unarmed Attack {CR23}: 11 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Unarmed Attack {CR22}: Unable to parse dice roll. Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Extended Signature
Neya distributes swift strikes to each of the Kobolds surrounding her. While one of them falls (Kobold Elite #2 takes 7 bludgeoning damage and is DEFEATED), the other three still seem up for a fight (Armored Kobold #2 takes 9 bludgeoning damage; Kobold Inventor #3 takes 8 bludgeoning damage; Kobold Elite #3 takes 6 bludgeoning damage).
In fact, two of them react immediately. The resourceful Kobold brings its stick back around while the armored one thrusts its spear at the monk twice:
-> Scorpion on a stick vs. Neya: Attack: 13 Damage: 1 piercing (see additional rolls below).
-> Spear vs. Neya: Attack: 10
Damage: 3 piercing.-> Spear vs. Neya: Attack: 8
Damage: 3 piercing.-> Each of these attacks is supposed to have advantage, so here is a second roll for each, in order: 8, 16, 20
-> Neya's CON saving throw {DC 9}: 4
-> Additional poison damage on that scorpion sting (not yet halved to account for the successful save): 6
Neya focuses on avoiding the crooked spear being jabbed at her in rapid succession. In doing so, she inadvertently backs up Garnet and the scorpion on a stick pricks the monk's arm. She feels the spot burn for a second or two (Neya takes 3 piercing and poison damage).
Elsewhere, a piece of palisade continues to burn while other Kobolds persist at dismantling them:
-> Alchemist's Fire continued fire damage vs. Palisade {CL5}: 1
-> Dagger vs. Palisade {CL5}: Attack: 18 Damage: 6 piercing.
-> Dagger vs. Palisade {CT7}: Attack: 21 Damage: 6 piercing.
Both pieces of palisade fall to the ground following relentless attacks from the Kobolds. Their assailants then move to {CK7} and {CT5}, respectively.
Now much closer to the action, Biscuit tries to lend a paw to his master. The armored Kobold right in front of the tundra Mastiff recognizes the beast as a worthy opponent:
-> Spear vs. Biscuit: Attack: 13 Damage: 2 piercing.
-> Spear vs. Biscuit: Attack: 13 Damage: 7 piercing.
The Kobold finds the dog's flesh within the thick bundle of fur. All of the sudden, Biscuit is not looking so good (Biscuit takes 4 piercing damage).
Ulburto shoves another naked Kobold out of the way and turns to see a fair number of its brethren arrive near the palisades located at {CM9} and {CL10}. The butcher then approaches and begins swinging his cleaver at this batch of invaders (help action to the first person to attack one of the Kobolds at {CO9}, {CN10}, {CN12}, or {CL12}.)
Warsh is hurt, but continues to swing his own fishing spear from side to side with one hand (help action to Neya).
Somewhere to the north, those shambling creatures of the woods continue to approach the battle. They are slow but are not too far now.
(Doozey is up next).
Elsewhere...?
Even as Doozey felt the light dim the stoutling's eyes stayed squeezed shut. At least until something wet splashed against his cheeks a few times. Wet, but somehow more viscious than mere water. What he cracked open his eyes to see lead to both being open wide at the sight of a bloodied skeletal just inches away from his face. Before he can even make fully sense of the scene, the hand draws back through the body of another, metal plates and all. It is only after the body collapsed to the side that he began to realize what just happen.
"Ya fook'in serious mate?! For this minger!? Are ya fook'in serious!?!" Another spoke nearby in a simultaneously angry, cockney accent, but with a faint hint of Doozey's accented Draconic beneath it all. More had been spoken, but Doozey heard none of it. He could only stare over and up in horror as it became clear a blow meant to kill him while downed... had been taken by his dragonborness compatriot. Just as he started to hyperventilate from watching the light slowly dim in her eyes, lightning once erupts in his ears, and in a blinding flash, the world changed again! Perspectives changed. And in the new moment...
He is staring up into the face of what might've been a dragonborn a time ago; but, now they were more skeleton than flesh and scales from what could be seen past the -- in contrast -- were fine, black and blue robes. As his focus is inheritely drawn not to the dead eye in one socket, but the burning blue embers in the other... lightning flashes once more.
"Fook'in 'ell. Drum it up to 'afling luck I s'pose I could. Jus' leaves fix'n it all right 'n pretty now..." Doozey heard just before before the light finally fades in his eyes.
And over and over the cycle repeated. Sometimes it was the previous moments. Sometimes he was alone with his savior, either remniscing over past adventurers, or his being personally admonished for being too reckless at one point. There were moments in between flashes of a people and place far disconnected from the main stay events. Though most of their faces.... he could not make them out within the moments. As if they were more half-remembered dreams than memory. In each of them, he came to realize, not a bow had been held in hand. But biscuit was there in the vast majority as clear as day.
Until the visions began to wind down to moments within a dark cavern. Flashes of unbelievable pain tore through his mind whenever his thoughts lingered on this place. But whether it was obsession or in seeking a solution for the memories of biscuit that grew ever fainter, he pushed past the pain, remembering....
Reality...
The arrival of the three creatures from the woods hardly even seems to register to Doozey. He only had eyes for Kobolds, as if driven by an all consuming obsession in the heat of the moment. And even then, only those that -- perhaps to due to honed instincts -- registered as either dangerous... or worthy prey. Even after being struck and losing focus on the spell, halfling head snapped back into a searching pattern like a machine. Out of everything going on, it is the sound of biscuits whimpering in pain that finally draw his attention at least downward. "Bis ... Keks? ... diesen? Das ist derjenige, der weiß ... wo Balasar ... ist?" He said monotonously in draconic as he glared down at the Kobold offender.
A question by the underlying tone, and yet... the crossbow is leveled in the focus for the question, and a faded light grew in the archer's eyes, marking it in eye as prey. "Nein ... Ablenkung ... Beseitigung von Ablenkungen ... Muss Balasar finden ..." Another bolt cuts the air on a deadly arc towards an armored kobold. Invigorated by the attempt at least, Biscuit musters together all his good boy spirit in what may be a final biting of draconic bodies!
Loose Translations:
"Bis... cuit?... That one? That is the one that knows.... where Balasar... is?"
"No.... Distraction.... Eliminating Distractions... Must find... Balasar..."
Bonus Action: Activate Slayer's Prey on Armored Kobold(CL-12).
Action: Light Crossbow - Attack: 16 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. non-magical piercing and magical lightning damage on Armored Kobold(CL-12).
---
Action(Biscuit): Bite - Attack: 16 Damage: 5 non-magical piercing on Armored Kobold(CL-12) if alive, or Kobold(CN-12) if armored one deaded.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Doozey drifts in his past a while longer before refocusing on the combat at hand. The hunter then marks his next prey, innately this time as opposed to through the Weave, and squeezes his trigger. The crossbow bolt flies a short difference before sinking into the Kobold's hip. Biscuit follows that up with a glancing bite at the other side of the Kobold's hip (Armored Kobold #1 takes a combined 15 magical piercing and lightning damage).
At the barn, the Kobold Wizard seems a bit surprised that Graxx has been able to keep with its speed. It tries to defend itself by whatever means it can. Its eyes glow a bright red as it calls forth a Heightened Spell version of Charm Person (canceling the advantage Graxx would have on the saving throw):
-> Graxx's WIS saving throw {DC 12}: 16
Graxx: Your sword is raised and you are ready to kill this tricky Kobold Wizard in front of you... Then, a voice in your head forces you to hesitate. It gets a bit louder and you notice it is your own voice. Your conscience. The village is under attack. Everyone is in danger. You must save them from these invading Kobolds. They are trouble, the lot of them... Except this one in front of you. This wizardly little guy has its heart in the right place. You know a good Kobold when you see one.
(@Grx: I'll say that being charmed temporarily suppresses the effects of your Greatsword of Vengeance. Once you are no longer charmed, the effect would return as if it had never left. That is, unless you are enticed to enact your vengeance on another enemy by the time that happens.)
The crones appear to have reached the final verse of their chant:
As they deliver the final syllable, the shambling creatures of the wood arrive at the village at {CF7}, {CF16}, and {CF22}.
In the distance, two more villagers (two adult women this time) are dragged alive and kicking towards the landing. The sounds of their screams mix in the air with those already in the wind, as well as the clanking of the bone ornaments all the Kobolds are wearing.
(Graxx and Utar are up next).