Kroneker stomps away from the group in a hurry. When the dagger claps upon him, he stops. His hand rubs the back of his head quickly, then looks at his palm. He turns to see Selthar's dagger, then glares at Selthar, shaking his head slowly. "Tsk, big mistake. Kroneker will give Tin-Man better sense with a good beating!"
He slinks away with a nimble duck and run while disengaging, and pulls out the crossbow, Sigerdrifa, jamming a bolt into the back. He wildly cranks the handle as he raises it, its coils and cables creaking with the first use in years. Aiming low and firing, the weapon punches into his shoulder, making him stumble a step back from the recoil. The bolt hits Selthar's lower left leg, throwing bits of his body flying as the bolt blasts a through. (Attack vs Selthar: 17, 12 damage)
Throwing the crossbow onto his shoulder, he points at the three of you. "Now Kroneker is boss! You listen, or you die!"
Badrizar takes a few steps forward, half-tempted to reason with the goblin. "Nevermind," he mutters to himself.
The dragonborn says a few quick words while pretending to strike an invisible bell with his right hand. The cleric's Toll the Dead cantrip creates the eerie sound of a bell that fills the air momentarily around Kroneker (8 necrotic damage on a failed DC 13 WIS save).
Not waiting to see the result of his first spell, Badrizar summons a spiritual weapon that materializes over Kroneker's head. (Melee attack: 15 | 10 bludgeoning damage, if successful)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Koric will move adjacent to Kroneker cursing as he does so (literally: 1BA - Hex, and imposes disadvantage on Wisdom saves).
He then fires his hand crossbow twice:
Attack: 18 Damage: 5
Attack: 20 Damage: 8
At least one bolt, probably two, finds its mark, necrotic energy crackling around the wound.
Finally he says, "It's still not too late to surrender.", his face resolute, but offering hope (Is persuasion or Intimidation possible?)
Note: he's moved close to help the rogue, and to force K to use an action to disengage, if he wants to, which will prevent him from trading his 1d6 damage abilities again, since they take a bonus action. Assuming he made 2 concentration rolls and the Hunters Mark spell hasn't run out.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
[[ If he's looking doubtful or seems to be faltering in his resolve, then: ]]
"I'm fresh, and ready for a fight and there are three of us..."
[[ If he looks defiant and his usual angry self, then: ]]
"I'm fresh and I've wanted to knock some sense into you from the day I met you. I haven't even started yet, so...last chance surrender, or die. Your choice."
Selthar remains where he is at and draws Wind and Style. Selthar uses his action to Ready an attack against Kroneker. The trigger will be when Koric or Badrizar get withing the melee range of Kroneker.
Selthar calls "Close with him. Do not let him attack others."
At Selthar's directive, Koric moves close while cursing and firing his crossbow. (1 hit, 9 damage) The toll of necrotic energy grips on Kroneker, who winces and growls. (WIS save, disadvantage: 6, 8 damage) The spiritual hammer thrums loud as it comes close to Kroneker, whom ducks and slips out of the arcing path. (Miss) As the goblin takes the crossbow in both hands, glaring at Koric comes close, he fails to notice Selthar swing his staff, the bullet whipping and cracking into Kroneker's head. (Hit, 16 damage) He straightens out and falls back, crossbow dropping to his feet.
He groans half-consciously, gritting his teeth as he slowly writhes on the ground. Koric is the first to speak.
""I'm fresh and I've wanted to knock some sense into you from the day I met you. I haven't even started yet, so...last chance surrender, or die. Your choice."
Kroneker's eyes spin and he struggles with a couple breaths. "Kron...eker... knows... when... to quit."
((The ranged damage is lethal, but he stabilizes right away.)
Selthar moves quickly to bind and gag the goblin in rope from Kroneker's pack. "Kroneker, you are a capable ally but your anger is jeopardizing the mission here."
Selthar searches Kroneker's pack for the map and the stolen cloak the blue-skinned elf mentioned. While doing that he says "We are still in a strange position here. Should we fight, flee, or attempt to talk with the residents?"
Selthar secures the map in his pack while waiting for feedback from Koric and Badrizar. He then inspects the cloak while waiting to hear what the others say.
Koric frowns, picking up the crossbow Kronecker dropped, then turns to Selthar, "Making unnecessary enemies straight away... They may warn everyone else. All it takes is for them to touch another, it seems... It might make our job much harder."
He looks around, sees the stable boy and nods to him reassuringly, then speaks more loudly, "I think the journey here unhinged him -- he was always fragile -- at least none was hurt."
Badrizar looks at Selthar and Koric and says, "Unfortunately, I lack the strength to create anaugurythat might divine our best course of action, friends. I am confident, however, that a fight will not serve us well. What think you of sending the cloak back to its owner by way of this boy while we spur these horses?"
The stable boy, standing with a hand on a saddle at rest and watching, nods once after a moment and responds in a similarly raised voice. "It's not my trouble." He continues staring.
Koric leaves him with his own gear, taking the crossbow, whip and cloak.
"He may be an evil, paranoid, and scheming bastard. But...he does not deserve to be stripped and thrown back into the world. Otherwise we are no better than him."
OOC: Selthar has the cloak from Kroneker's pack already so Koric could get the strange crossbow, whip, potions, and any bolts he wants.
Selthar responds to Koric's question about Kroneker's bolts in his normal deadpan tone "I have not inspected the bolts myself. My understanding of Kroneker's statements is that some of them may have names on them. Others may be capable of inflicting severe pain. Some may even be some sort of seeking bolts capable of going 'where the sun does not shine' and various bodily cavities."
Selthar answers Badrizar's earlier comment about using the stablehand to send the cloak back "I do not think half measures will be effective if we intend to ensure enemies are not at our backs or blocking our return. If we return the cloak we should do it without an intermediary. We can take measures to ensure positive outcomes. Inform the guards and insist Sir Razgerah meet us at the entrance to the estate so we do not enter it and have escape routes cut off. With the unforeseen and the added difficulty of the slimes, we could also use the opportunity to extort more from them as well. Koric should probably lead these discussions." Selthar has noticed how Koric always seems to have people smiling and happy around him. Selthar still does not quite get why people seem to be so upset with him a lot of the time. Even when he is being so helpful by doing things like showing them how insecure their coin-purses are.
OOC: If the party does go forward with returning the cloak Selthar will use his remaining healing potions. If not I will hold off on using them.
Koric stifles a laugh at Selthar's comments and busies himself looking the the blots while trying, but failing, to keep a straight face. Finally he manages to say "I see".
He btakes a deep breath, then continues. "I do like travelling with you, Selthar. Your insights are unique."
He glances at the assortment of gear on the ground, "Well...I suppose we had best leave his special bolts with him -- I shudder to think where they've been. But perhaps it would be appropriate for you to take enough of his potions to heal yourself. He is the author of a lot of your woes, after all."
Kroneker stomps away from the group in a hurry. When the dagger claps upon him, he stops. His hand rubs the back of his head quickly, then looks at his palm. He turns to see Selthar's dagger, then glares at Selthar, shaking his head slowly. "Tsk, big mistake. Kroneker will give Tin-Man better sense with a good beating!"
He slinks away with a nimble duck and run while disengaging, and pulls out the crossbow, Sigerdrifa, jamming a bolt into the back. He wildly cranks the handle as he raises it, its coils and cables creaking with the first use in years. Aiming low and firing, the weapon punches into his shoulder, making him stumble a step back from the recoil. The bolt hits Selthar's lower left leg, throwing bits of his body flying as the bolt blasts a through. (Attack vs Selthar: 17, 12 damage)
Throwing the crossbow onto his shoulder, he points at the three of you. "Now Kroneker is boss! You listen, or you die!"
((Initiative: the party, then Kroneker.))
Badrizar takes a few steps forward, half-tempted to reason with the goblin. "Nevermind," he mutters to himself.
The dragonborn says a few quick words while pretending to strike an invisible bell with his right hand. The cleric's Toll the Dead cantrip creates the eerie sound of a bell that fills the air momentarily around Kroneker (8 necrotic damage on a failed DC 13 WIS save).
Not waiting to see the result of his first spell, Badrizar summons a spiritual weapon that materializes over Kroneker's head. (Melee attack: 15 | 10 bludgeoning damage, if successful)
Koric will move adjacent to Kroneker cursing as he does so (literally: 1BA - Hex, and imposes disadvantage on Wisdom saves).
He then fires his hand crossbow twice:
Attack: 18 Damage: 5
Attack: 20 Damage: 8
At least one bolt, probably two, finds its mark, necrotic energy crackling around the wound.
Finally he says, "It's still not too late to surrender.", his face resolute, but offering hope (Is persuasion or Intimidation possible?)
Note: he's moved close to help the rogue, and to force K to use an action to disengage, if he wants to, which will prevent him from trading his 1d6 damage abilities again, since they take a bonus action. Assuming he made 2 concentration rolls and the Hunters Mark spell hasn't run out.
[[ If he's looking doubtful or seems to be faltering in his resolve, then: ]]
"I'm fresh, and ready for a fight and there are three of us..."
[[ If he looks defiant and his usual angry self, then: ]]
"I'm fresh and I've wanted to knock some sense into you from the day I met you. I haven't even started yet, so...last chance surrender, or die. Your choice."
Roll for the attempt: 24
Selthar remains where he is at and draws Wind and Style. Selthar uses his action to Ready an attack against Kroneker. The trigger will be when Koric or Badrizar get withing the melee range of Kroneker.
Selthar calls "Close with him. Do not let him attack others."
Attack: 20 Damage: 16
At Selthar's directive, Koric moves close while cursing and firing his crossbow. (1 hit, 9 damage) The toll of necrotic energy grips on Kroneker, who winces and growls. (WIS save, disadvantage: 6, 8 damage) The spiritual hammer thrums loud as it comes close to Kroneker, whom ducks and slips out of the arcing path. (Miss) As the goblin takes the crossbow in both hands, glaring at Koric comes close, he fails to notice Selthar swing his staff, the bullet whipping and cracking into Kroneker's head. (Hit, 16 damage) He straightens out and falls back, crossbow dropping to his feet.
He groans half-consciously, gritting his teeth as he slowly writhes on the ground. Koric is the first to speak.
""I'm fresh and I've wanted to knock some sense into you from the day I met you. I haven't even started yet, so...last chance surrender, or die. Your choice."
Kroneker's eyes spin and he struggles with a couple breaths. "Kron...eker... knows... when... to quit."
((The ranged damage is lethal, but he stabilizes right away.)
Selthar moves quickly to bind and gag the goblin in rope from Kroneker's pack. "Kroneker, you are a capable ally but your anger is jeopardizing the mission here."
Selthar searches Kroneker's pack for the map and the stolen cloak the blue-skinned elf mentioned. While doing that he says "We are still in a strange position here. Should we fight, flee, or attempt to talk with the residents?"
Selthar secures the map in his pack while waiting for feedback from Koric and Badrizar. He then inspects the cloak while waiting to hear what the others say.
When you open Kroneker's pack, the fine green embroidered cloak is softly glowing, but when you touch it, the glow fades gently.
Koric frowns, picking up the crossbow Kronecker dropped, then turns to Selthar, "Making unnecessary enemies straight away... They may warn everyone else. All it takes is for them to touch another, it seems... It might make our job much harder."
He looks around, sees the stable boy and nods to him reassuringly, then speaks more loudly, "I think the journey here unhinged him -- he was always fragile -- at least none was hurt."
Badrizar looks at Selthar and Koric and says, "Unfortunately, I lack the strength to create an augury that might divine our best course of action, friends. I am confident, however, that a fight will not serve us well. What think you of sending the cloak back to its owner by way of this boy while we spur these horses?"
Koric Persuasion: 13
The stable boy, standing with a hand on a saddle at rest and watching, nods once after a moment and responds in a similarly raised voice. "It's not my trouble." He continues staring.
Persuasion: 19
Koric nods, "No, it's ours. But the horses will be needed soon, so it's probably best you keep on about your business."
He turns back to the other, but keeps a wary eye on the boy.
Perception: 10
The young man regards Koric for another moment, and reminded of the urgency of the task before him, returns to it.
Koric bends down to retrieve his crossbow bolt from Kronecker, and looks to see if he can find the second [[ OOC: 50% recovery? ]]
He has 33 bolts, perhaps finding the other given a minute to search for it while discussing the next move.
[[ Checking: Kronecker has 33 bolts, so if I wanted to, that's 33 on top of what Koric had...probably too much to carry. ]]
Koric examines the bolts, do any of them look better crafted than his own? Perception: 8
He also asks if Selthar thinks any of them are special.
Aside from potions, the cloak, the whip, and the crossbow, the only notable gear he has is his custom-fitted half-plate armor.
Koric leaves him with his own gear, taking the crossbow, whip and cloak.
"He may be an evil, paranoid, and scheming bastard. But...he does not deserve to be stripped and thrown back into the world. Otherwise we are no better than him."
OOC: Selthar has the cloak from Kroneker's pack already so Koric could get the strange crossbow, whip, potions, and any bolts he wants.
Selthar responds to Koric's question about Kroneker's bolts in his normal deadpan tone "I have not inspected the bolts myself. My understanding of Kroneker's statements is that some of them may have names on them. Others may be capable of inflicting severe pain. Some may even be some sort of seeking bolts capable of going 'where the sun does not shine' and various bodily cavities."
Selthar answers Badrizar's earlier comment about using the stablehand to send the cloak back "I do not think half measures will be effective if we intend to ensure enemies are not at our backs or blocking our return. If we return the cloak we should do it without an intermediary. We can take measures to ensure positive outcomes. Inform the guards and insist Sir Razgerah meet us at the entrance to the estate so we do not enter it and have escape routes cut off. With the unforeseen and the added difficulty of the slimes, we could also use the opportunity to extort more from them as well. Koric should probably lead these discussions." Selthar has noticed how Koric always seems to have people smiling and happy around him. Selthar still does not quite get why people seem to be so upset with him a lot of the time. Even when he is being so helpful by doing things like showing them how insecure their coin-purses are.
OOC: If the party does go forward with returning the cloak Selthar will use his remaining healing potions. If not I will hold off on using them.
Koric stifles a laugh at Selthar's comments and busies himself looking the the blots while trying, but failing, to keep a straight face. Finally he manages to say "I see".
He btakes a deep breath, then continues. "I do like travelling with you, Selthar. Your insights are unique."
He glances at the assortment of gear on the ground, "Well...I suppose we had best leave his special bolts with him -- I shudder to think where they've been. But perhaps it would be appropriate for you to take enough of his potions to heal yourself. He is the author of a lot of your woes, after all."