Khorzik keeps his guard disguise active ad waits outside the door. When he sees 9, he puts his finger to his mouth to indicate silence. He then casts prestidigitation and makes the name Khorzik appear written on his hand.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PbP Lost Mines of Phandelver -Squelch (Kenku Grave Cleric)
What Lies Between - Cragworm (Goblin Oathbreaker Paladin)
Embers in the Dark - Martin "Uncle" Flintmore (Human Rogue)
Adventures in Esyldien - Khorzik Fume (Hobgoblin Transmuter) - retired
A Machine's Ambition- Canavar (Shifter Zealot Barbarian) - retired
What Lurks Below - Urmdir Volsung (Human Fighter) - retired
She sees it too late, a darkened form shifting in the background through the shadows, it's upon you before you can react. By the time Sora noticed the assassin they were already standing behind the princess, whose expression went wide with shock before slumping down to the ground.
Now only the assassin was standing there before her, with a bloody dripping dagger in hand. They wore black cloth to cover the lower half of their face, but otherwise had been dressed in the armor of the Royal Guard. Possibly stolen to infiltrate the castle easier? Or were they planted or bought out by a rival all along? Sora had no way of knowing.
Combat has begun. This is a much simpler combat since there are fewer people who can get involved right now.
Sorait's now your turn.
9and Khorzikcan try to make a perception check to see if they heard anything from the other side of the closed bedroom door.
Elaran raised a long slender eyebrow as he considered Moira's information,"That's quite interesting. If what you say regarding Lady Linthe's involvement with the Queen's murder is true, it would make sense that she would not be fond of additional investigators. But if that's the case then she must also be keeping this from her own allies. Seems she might be trying to play them to her own benefit. Which brings us to an important point you brought up. What does she have to gain in all this? What are her true goals? Unlikely we'll easily learn such things easily. First we should uncover What her plans are before we worry too much about the Why."
Krin laughed out loudly to Nemeia's confession."Oh my dear you have no idea how much I agree with everything you said. Gods this party must be insanely dull if you're used to the parties back in Gearglow. Then we'd be both dancing AND mixing combustible compounds. But it sounds like you're here on a serious job instead. Can't say I envy that, personally. Still, I'm pleased as punch you love the dress. Fabricated a custom automated stitching machine just to get the fine precision in the pattern to work out right. Had I known I probably would have offered to let you borrow it. Though it only has this single pattern programmed into it at the moment so doubt it would scale up properly."She looked like she had to physically stop herself from talking lest she dive deep into every minor detail of automated artificer stitching design. "Anyway, party's about what I expected so can't say I'm really enjoying myself. Though I did meet a very nice halfling fellow earlier. Really kind and charming he was, about the only other decent person I've met here tonight to be honest."
Witt at the time was still back with the other servants in the rest area behind the kitchen. They looked at each other with measured glances when he started asking about the Queen's and her sister's father. "Oh you wouldn't know about that huh?"One of them finally spoke up,"Yeah kinda supposed to be a secret, again it was due to some political BS or another. Not sure we should be talking about it to be honest. Don't wanna make things more difficult for the queen."More somberly another servant adds,"Yeah, poor girl's been through enough already."
Nemeia smiles as Krin tells of her creation. Nemeia knew exactly how passionate people in her trade could get when discussing things they've made. She listens intently trying to understand the design process that Krin went through hoping to one day be able to craft a similar device. The group would love to be able to wear garments more fitting of the locations they visited. One day Nemeia will have time to work on more superfluous machines. "I have to make me one of those!,"she says with a grin.
At news about the halfling, Nemeia looks about the room trying to discern who she may have met. "I've yet to meet a halfing that treats me poorly. One of my traveling companions is actually a halfling and he's saved my life already in the short time I've known him. His name is Witt and is most easily the kindest person I've met since leaving home."
Soracried out loudly in response to the attack before her, angered both by the assault itself, and by being unable to prevent it. That rage passed through her body as she rushed forward to the Princess's body. Trying to force her way between the assassin and the Princess. In her rage, she released something she had promised never to use ever again, but in the end, this girl's life was worth breaking her promise.
As her body seemed to grow larger, her eyes turned completely black, and huge skeletal wings began to form from shadow and grow out from her back. Desperate to save the princess she reached down and touched her body, allowing the once divine spark inside her to flow out for a moment in the hopes of reviving her.
Move: To princess, next to the assassin
Bonus Action: Giant Might (I stay medium sized if the room is too small)
Action: Necrotic Shroud - assassin needs CHA save DC14 or be frightened for a turn
Action Surge: Healing Hands - Princess is healed for 4 hp
The Assassin's eyes go wide seeing Sora's transformation, but they just barely manage to maintain their ground and their sanity. In fact, they become more determined once they realize their target isn't as dead as they hoped. The gruesome stab wound they left behind quickly closes under Sora's touch. While the princess is still seriously injured, it is still enough as she coughs up blood from her once punctured lungs, her eyes barely opening.
It's clear they want to finish the job quickly but Sora is currently in the way, standing over the princess's body defensively. Hoping to finish things quickly, they stab Sora with their deadly dagger.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As soon as 9 heard the loud shifting and a following shout from the other end of the hallway, she cursed in Elvish under her breath and leaped out of the room with a frustrated frown on her scarred face. She slides trough the hallway tapping Khorzik and pointing at the door as she passes him, and noticing the door being closed she starts whispering a prayer to the Lady and tries to observe any available free space in the room.
If she gets inside and is in melee with the assassin she will cast Inflict wounds at 2nd level, if she is further away, she will cast Hold Person Wis 15.
Bonus Action: Grapple with Tavern Brawler (Advantage through Giant Might) 21
Relief fell across Sora's features as she saw 9 rush into the room to attack the assassin. Capitalizing on the opportunity she was making, Sora rushed the assassin. She struck out with a powerful uppercut which she immediately followed by trying to lock the assassin into a head lock with her other arm.
"I am staying at the..." Lynn-Marie replies, pausing for a moment as she tries to recall the name, "The Sturdy Unicorn is the name, I believe. I look forward to hearing from you." With that, she gracefully excuses herself and wanders a ways away from the table to check in with Kal again.
"No update on my end just yet, just a Royal claiming things will settle down, that this business is not such a major concern. Not for her, at least. If nobody needs my services, I will simply enquire further." She says to the man, then starts looking around for another royal she can introduce herself to.
"Hopefully my friends are learning more about her goals and plans. They are still at the gala with her. Or so I assume. I had hoped that I might be able to track down where she has been staying or else frequenting in the city to learn more myself but have so far not found much. Though it was nice to have met you and learned that she is suspicious from other points of view as well. I think I might continue my search. If you think of something else or learn more my friends and I are staying at the sturdy unicorn. Perhaps I will see if I can spot her leaving the gala and try to follow her."
Oh, well, I don't want to make you uncomfortable,says Witt, a little abashed. I understand if you don't want to talk about it, some things can be painful or uncomfortable. Well, I think I've disturbed you fine folks long enough. I think the night is getting long enough for me, and I might head back to the inn to see if my friends are there. He bids goodbye to the servants and wanders, thoughtful on matters of political secrets and intrigue, slowly back towards the gala.
The assassin will disengage and attempt to run away.
There is a mist of shadow and black feathers as 9's form fades from existence as it travels though the keyhole of the door a moment before Khorzik opens it with a curse.
9 reappears behind the assassin, immediately she reaching out to him with a mass of dark energy forming around her finger tips. However the assassin proves too agile and manages to twist away from her grasp. Sora jumps on the opportunity and tries to hit him as well but the assassin reacts quickly and steps back just in time to avoid the blow. She follows up with a headlock attempt but again the assassin is just too elusive.
Assassin Turn:
Seeing more allies arriving and the tables slowly turning against him, with a muffle unintelligible curse the assassin clearly makes the decision to flee. Using a quick acrobatic leap he moves beyond the reach of Sora and 9 before turning around and running deeper into the bedroom. He makes it just to the edge of an open window, possibly the path he took to sneak into the room.
Bonus Action: Tavern Brawler Grapple once more: 15
Seeing the assassin trying slipping out of her grasp caused Sorato growl in frustration. She was relentlessly determined to catch this guy for many reasons, only one of which was to ensure he didn't get the chance to attack her later. Rushing without care next to the webbed area before her, she moves up to the assassin once more, attempting to subdue him in much the same way she did before.
9 will move in melee with the assassin, once more reaching her hand towards them, but this time it seems as if spectral chains start slithering aroundthem, attempting to bind their feet and hands and neck.
Before Lynn can move to her next prospect among the royals, Kal leans close to her side. "It has been some time since I was able to contact Sora, Khorz or 9. Perhaps you can feign an illness or some other excuse to leave this room so that I might get in range of them? Though I would be subtle with the ruse, too over the top would draw too much attention and we would probably be happily escorted out." The Eladrin stays close for her reply but he doesn't seem concerned or conspiratorial in their proximity.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Lynn-Marie smoothes over a pained expression before turning back to Kal. She is just getting in the groove of the gala, and such a dangerous play could very well have her thrown out, no matter how subtle. However, she had agreed to join the group, and she was not one to go back on her word. "Of course. Let me think of something. Feigning an illness might get us escorted to a physician outside of the castle, I do not know how this place is being facilitated. I could attempt to get a small tour of the castle by one of the guards, or I could pretend to be a guest of the queen and try to have me escorted to my chambers. That might be too bold, actually. Give me a moment, but stay close, and try to look concerned."
With that, she makes her way over to a guard."Excuse me, sir?" she asks, making her voice appear a bit sickly, "I am feeling a little unwell. Is there a healer within the castle? I would be loathe to leave the gala for a mere temporary illness, and I am certain the queen employs quality priests or physicians, yes? Escort me there, sir, please."
(I know I'm trying to play the system a bit, could Kal be helping to get advantage on the Deception roll?) (Persuasion to convince the DM: 9, if successful secondary Deception roll: 20)
Assassin spent his action trying to break free of Sora's grapple. He is now considered grappled
The black spectral chains at 9's command try to lock down the assassin, but through great effort he manages to escape their grasp. He expends even more effort trying to avoid the sudden explosion of magical web before him, just barely managing to avoid the silvery sticky threads by a hair's breath. However the distraction of having to avoid both spells left him wide open for Sora's assault. The fighter came upon him from behind and slammed a fist against his head, which led to easily locking his limb in an arm bar. The assassin struggled against his restraints but in the end was firmly caught in Sora's powerful grip.
Khorzik keeps his guard disguise active ad waits outside the door. When he sees 9, he puts his finger to his mouth to indicate silence. He then casts prestidigitation and makes the name Khorzik appear written on his hand.
She sees it too late, a darkened form shifting in the background through the shadows, it's upon you before you can react. By the time Sora noticed the assassin they were already standing behind the princess, whose expression went wide with shock before slumping down to the ground.
Now only the assassin was standing there before her, with a bloody dripping dagger in hand. They wore black cloth to cover the lower half of their face, but otherwise had been dressed in the armor of the Royal Guard. Possibly stolen to infiltrate the castle easier? Or were they planted or bought out by a rival all along? Sora had no way of knowing.
Combat has begun. This is a much simpler combat since there are fewer people who can get involved right now.
Sora it's now your turn.
9 and Khorzik can try to make a perception check to see if they heard anything from the other side of the closed bedroom door.
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Khorzik Perception: 12
Meanwhile...
Elaran raised a long slender eyebrow as he considered Moira's information, "That's quite interesting. If what you say regarding Lady Linthe's involvement with the Queen's murder is true, it would make sense that she would not be fond of additional investigators. But if that's the case then she must also be keeping this from her own allies. Seems she might be trying to play them to her own benefit. Which brings us to an important point you brought up. What does she have to gain in all this? What are her true goals? Unlikely we'll easily learn such things easily. First we should uncover What her plans are before we worry too much about the Why."
Krin laughed out loudly to Nemeia's confession. "Oh my dear you have no idea how much I agree with everything you said. Gods this party must be insanely dull if you're used to the parties back in Gearglow. Then we'd be both dancing AND mixing combustible compounds. But it sounds like you're here on a serious job instead. Can't say I envy that, personally. Still, I'm pleased as punch you love the dress. Fabricated a custom automated stitching machine just to get the fine precision in the pattern to work out right. Had I known I probably would have offered to let you borrow it. Though it only has this single pattern programmed into it at the moment so doubt it would scale up properly." She looked like she had to physically stop herself from talking lest she dive deep into every minor detail of automated artificer stitching design. "Anyway, party's about what I expected so can't say I'm really enjoying myself. Though I did meet a very nice halfling fellow earlier. Really kind and charming he was, about the only other decent person I've met here tonight to be honest."
Witt at the time was still back with the other servants in the rest area behind the kitchen. They looked at each other with measured glances when he started asking about the Queen's and her sister's father. "Oh you wouldn't know about that huh?" One of them finally spoke up, "Yeah kinda supposed to be a secret, again it was due to some political BS or another. Not sure we should be talking about it to be honest. Don't wanna make things more difficult for the queen." More somberly another servant adds, "Yeah, poor girl's been through enough already."
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Nemeia smiles as Krin tells of her creation. Nemeia knew exactly how passionate people in her trade could get when discussing things they've made. She listens intently trying to understand the design process that Krin went through hoping to one day be able to craft a similar device. The group would love to be able to wear garments more fitting of the locations they visited. One day Nemeia will have time to work on more superfluous machines. "I have to make me one of those!," she says with a grin.
At news about the halfling, Nemeia looks about the room trying to discern who she may have met. "I've yet to meet a halfing that treats me poorly. One of my traveling companions is actually a halfling and he's saved my life already in the short time I've known him. His name is Witt and is most easily the kindest person I've met since leaving home."
Sora cried out loudly in response to the attack before her, angered both by the assault itself, and by being unable to prevent it. That rage passed through her body as she rushed forward to the Princess's body. Trying to force her way between the assassin and the Princess. In her rage, she released something she had promised never to use ever again, but in the end, this girl's life was worth breaking her promise.
As her body seemed to grow larger, her eyes turned completely black, and huge skeletal wings began to form from shadow and grow out from her back. Desperate to save the princess she reached down and touched her body, allowing the once divine spark inside her to flow out for a moment in the hopes of reviving her.
Move: To princess, next to the assassin
Bonus Action: Giant Might (I stay medium sized if the room is too small)
Action: Necrotic Shroud - assassin needs CHA save DC14 or be frightened for a turn
Action Surge: Healing Hands - Princess is healed for 4 hp
Initiatives:
9 - 18
Khorzik - 11
Sora - 13
Assassin's initiative is at the top of the round
Assassin CHA save - 19
The Assassin's eyes go wide seeing Sora's transformation, but they just barely manage to maintain their ground and their sanity. In fact, they become more determined once they realize their target isn't as dead as they hoped. The gruesome stab wound they left behind quickly closes under Sora's touch. While the princess is still seriously injured, it is still enough as she coughs up blood from her once punctured lungs, her eyes barely opening.
It's clear they want to finish the job quickly but Sora is currently in the way, standing over the princess's body defensively. Hoping to finish things quickly, they stab Sora with their deadly dagger.
Assassin Attack: 26 Damage: 8
Sora: Take 5 damage and make a CON save
Take 16 poison damage
Players Turn
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
As soon as 9 heard the loud shifting and a following shout from the other end of the hallway, she cursed in Elvish under her breath and leaped out of the room with a frustrated frown on her scarred face. She slides trough the hallway tapping Khorzik and pointing at the door as she passes him, and noticing the door being closed she starts whispering a prayer to the Lady and tries to observe any available free space in the room.
If she gets inside and is in melee with the assassin she will cast Inflict wounds at 2nd level, if she is further away, she will cast Hold Person Wis 15.
”Shit, we’re too late”
Perception: 18
Inflict Wounds Attack: 10 , adv 18Damage: 19 necrotic
CON save: 14
On her turn Sora will:
Action: Attack: 24 Damage: 11 + 4 necrotic damage
(assuming Advantage through Flanking)
Bonus Action: Grapple with Tavern Brawler (Advantage through Giant Might) 21
Relief fell across Sora's features as she saw 9 rush into the room to attack the assassin. Capitalizing on the opportunity she was making, Sora rushed the assassin. She struck out with a powerful uppercut which she immediately followed by trying to lock the assassin into a head lock with her other arm.
"I am staying at the..." Lynn-Marie replies, pausing for a moment as she tries to recall the name, "The Sturdy Unicorn is the name, I believe. I look forward to hearing from you."
With that, she gracefully excuses herself and wanders a ways away from the table to check in with Kal again.
"No update on my end just yet, just a Royal claiming things will settle down, that this business is not such a major concern. Not for her, at least. If nobody needs my services, I will simply enquire further." She says to the man, then starts looking around for another royal she can introduce herself to.
Lynn-Marie Verine-Wintercleaver, Human Bloodhunter - Adventures in Esyldien
Finan Caible, Human Bard - Joys of Balance
Yroc Grumbak, Orc Fighlock - Pizazz's ToA
Arell Peroan, Half-Elf Warlonk - Scattered Gods
ESC! | 10|33|5~
Moira
"Hopefully my friends are learning more about her goals and plans. They are still at the gala with her. Or so I assume. I had hoped that I might be able to track down where she has been staying or else frequenting in the city to learn more myself but have so far not found much. Though it was nice to have met you and learned that she is suspicious from other points of view as well. I think I might continue my search. If you think of something else or learn more my friends and I are staying at the sturdy unicorn. Perhaps I will see if I can spot her leaving the gala and try to follow her."
Oh, well, I don't want to make you uncomfortable, says Witt, a little abashed. I understand if you don't want to talk about it, some things can be painful or uncomfortable. Well, I think I've disturbed you fine folks long enough. I think the night is getting long enough for me, and I might head back to the inn to see if my friends are there. He bids goodbye to the servants and wanders, thoughtful on matters of political secrets and intrigue, slowly back towards the gala.
Khorzik curses in goblin and opens the door. "Daan Molaar!"
Assassin grapple counter check: 17
The assassin will disengage and attempt to run away.
There is a mist of shadow and black feathers as 9's form fades from existence as it travels though the keyhole of the door a moment before Khorzik opens it with a curse.
9 reappears behind the assassin, immediately she reaching out to him with a mass of dark energy forming around her finger tips. However the assassin proves too agile and manages to twist away from her grasp. Sora jumps on the opportunity and tries to hit him as well but the assassin reacts quickly and steps back just in time to avoid the blow. She follows up with a headlock attempt but again the assassin is just too elusive.
Assassin Turn:
Seeing more allies arriving and the tables slowly turning against him, with a muffle unintelligible curse the assassin clearly makes the decision to flee. Using a quick acrobatic leap he moves beyond the reach of Sora and 9 before turning around and running deeper into the bedroom. He makes it just to the edge of an open window, possibly the path he took to sneak into the room.
Player Turn
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Khorzik throw a small vial towards the base of the windows while speaking arcane words as he casts web.
(the spell is centered to where the assassin would be directly within the edge and the opening of the window will be completely. covered in webbing)
Assuming the Assassin is still up by Sora's turn she will rush him, even if it means getting stuck in the web as well.
Move: Next to the assassin.
Dex Save for the Web: 19
Action: Attack: 18 ( 11 if disadvantaged ) Damage: 11 + 4 necrotic
Bonus Action: Tavern Brawler Grapple once more: 15
Seeing the assassin trying slipping out of her grasp caused Sora to growl in frustration. She was relentlessly determined to catch this guy for many reasons, only one of which was to ensure he didn't get the chance to attack her later. Rushing without care next to the webbed area before her, she moves up to the assassin once more, attempting to subdue him in much the same way she did before.
9 will move in melee with the assassin, once more reaching her hand towards them, but this time it seems as if spectral chains start slithering aroundthem, attempting to bind their feet and hands and neck.
9 will cast Hold Person, DC 15 Wis.
Before Lynn can move to her next prospect among the royals, Kal leans close to her side. "It has been some time since I was able to contact Sora, Khorz or 9. Perhaps you can feign an illness or some other excuse to leave this room so that I might get in range of them? Though I would be subtle with the ruse, too over the top would draw too much attention and we would probably be happily escorted out." The Eladrin stays close for her reply but he doesn't seem concerned or conspiratorial in their proximity.
Lynn-Marie smoothes over a pained expression before turning back to Kal. She is just getting in the groove of the gala, and such a dangerous play could very well have her thrown out, no matter how subtle. However, she had agreed to join the group, and she was not one to go back on her word.
"Of course. Let me think of something. Feigning an illness might get us escorted to a physician outside of the castle, I do not know how this place is being facilitated. I could attempt to get a small tour of the castle by one of the guards, or I could pretend to be a guest of the queen and try to have me escorted to my chambers. That might be too bold, actually. Give me a moment, but stay close, and try to look concerned."
With that, she makes her way over to a guard. "Excuse me, sir?" she asks, making her voice appear a bit sickly, "I am feeling a little unwell. Is there a healer within the castle? I would be loathe to leave the gala for a mere temporary illness, and I am certain the queen employs quality priests or physicians, yes? Escort me there, sir, please."
Mechanics:
Once more where applicable:
Deception: 2
Persuasion: 7
(I know I'm trying to play the system a bit, could Kal be helping to get advantage on the Deception roll?)
(Persuasion to convince the DM: 9, if successful secondary Deception roll: 20)
Lynn-Marie Verine-Wintercleaver, Human Bloodhunter - Adventures in Esyldien
Finan Caible, Human Bard - Joys of Balance
Yroc Grumbak, Orc Fighlock - Pizazz's ToA
Arell Peroan, Half-Elf Warlonk - Scattered Gods
ESC! | 10|33|5~
Assassin Wis Save: 8
Assassin Dex Save: 13
Assassin Grapple Counter (Acrobatics): 14
Assassin Escape Attempt: 14
Assassin spent his action trying to break free of Sora's grapple. He is now considered grappled
The black spectral chains at 9's command try to lock down the assassin, but through great effort he manages to escape their grasp. He expends even more effort trying to avoid the sudden explosion of magical web before him, just barely managing to avoid the silvery sticky threads by a hair's breath. However the distraction of having to avoid both spells left him wide open for Sora's assault. The fighter came upon him from behind and slammed a fist against his head, which led to easily locking his limb in an arm bar. The assassin struggled against his restraints but in the end was firmly caught in Sora's powerful grip.
Player Turn
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn