(So sorry for the slow pace of late, team. Things will be picking up now.)
Mola exits the tower; Rixtonand Aralea are close behind. Looking first at Gwin (who motions with a nod of her head to the east and then to the west), they see the five unexpected guests. That they are members of the Tree Ghost tribe is without question. The two barbarians to the east wield spears and appear ready to use them. Two of the three to the west hold greataxes in their hands; the third carries a spear. All five are silent, their eyes alert and their faces fierce. They are assessing the situation before them, wondering how many others will exit the tower.
Aralea begins to draw an arrow from her quiver as she whispers, "They will show no mercy."
(Assuming Mola may opt NOT to speak with plants at this time...)
A soft but clear rustling sound reaches Mola's ears; the nearby trees are answering the druid's questions. "Three others are nearby. All of them have been lurking among the trees for a quarter of an hour."
The five Tree Ghosts offer Mola no reply. One of the barbarians to the west (#4) shouts something in Bothii, the Uthgardt tongue. The other Tree Ghosts respond by taking one step forward; their stances and faces remain focused and war-like as they do so.
"Mola, have you unblocked the rooftop door?Aralea, you'll have a better shot from the roof. Two half-circles against one gets you to the top floor.Dendros, do not fight them if you are not attacked. They are after us.Gwin, Mola, draw them to the entrance here and we won't be surrounded."
Mola thanks the vegetation for the information. He asks if the other three are humans like the five moving or if they are more like yaks. He also asks them to start moving branches and tendrils threateningly and pointedly at the advancing attackers. “Trying to avoid bloodshed - assume you don’t want that either,” he thinks at them. He turns his head and replies to Rixton.
“Little tree told me there are more hidden in there staying still. What’s our play here? If the three get away after a fight, the whole tribe will know. Guess there was no hope to sneak up them, now that I think about it. Any chance we can work with them? They’re not taking the bait of us looking for the shaman, which is honestly true. The door wasn’t a openable from the outside by a spider, but she can probably handle it from the inside.”
Aralea gives a quick nod of her head before turning and disappearing into tower. Dendros emits an eerie, creaking noise and then echoes Rixton's sentiments. "The conflicts between men I cannot judge, Rixton. I am grateful that you understand this."
The rustling of the trees continues, conveying to Molaa bit more information. "Humans. The same as the others."
Mola watches the lower branches of the tree to the north (its trunk located at H21) begin to reach out, anticipating the opportunity to impede the barbarians to the east.
(The plant life in the immediate vicinity of the Tree Ghosts is too distant for Molato speak with/influence; so, for now, the barbarians sense no threat from the trees and shrubs nearby)
Gwin steps out in the direction of the Tree Ghosts to the east and calls out to them in Common. We have defeated foes far more intimidating than you! If you surrender now, we will show you mercy, otherwise, you don't have a ghost of a chance! Gwin looks up at Dendros expecting to see him smile at her little joke but treants and dwarves clearly don't have the same sense of humor because he returns her gaze with puzzlement rather than bemusement.
Pulling an iridescent Pearl of Power from her cloak she holds it in the palm of her hand and whispers words nearly imperceptible. (This will restore a third level spell slot)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Aralea's voice suddenly penetrates the tense silence. "I see three more. To the south."
Whether it is Aralea's abrupt appearance atop the tower or some pre-coordinated sign among the Tree Ghosts that sets things in motion, the barbarians spring forward...
Initiative:
Tree Ghosts: 18, 9, 12, 7, 7, 21, 18, 14
Party members: Aralea 15 | Gwin6| Mola4 | Rixton 15
Dendros: 9
Average initiative for Tree Ghosts = 11.125; for members of the party = 10.75
The five Tree Ghosts that are visible to Gwin, Mola, and Rixton make their intent all too clear. They rapidly close distance, and do so in such a way to avoid the arrows that Aralea might rain down upon them. One of the spear-wielders comes within range of Gwin, and with a a guttural roar thrusts its spear at the cleric...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Okay, here we go," Rixton mutters. Louder, he says, "Stay together and try to push them, pin them, or otherwise keep them out in Aralea's line of fire."
He darts over next to Gwin(L20) and swings at Tree Ghost 1 with his shortsword, following it with a kick to knee.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rixton's well-aimed shortsword leaves the barbarian with only the faintest hope of surviving this battle. A moment later, Rixton's martial arts strike ends that hope. The overwhelmed Uthgardt falls to the ground in a lifeless, awkward heap.
The twang of Aralea's bow can be heard by everyone below her. Twice, in quick succession, an arrow zips through the air...
1st longbow attack: 22 | 12 piercing damage
2nd longbow attack: 15 | 11 piercing damage
... and twice her arrows find their target. A Tree Ghost (3) to the west takes his final steps and falls face first into the forest floor.
Seeing Tree Ghost 1 fall to Rixton's graceful, but lethal, maneuvers she turns her attention to Ghost 2. Creeping around the southern side of Dendro's trunk (O22), the targeted Ghost hears mournful bells ring above his head as the wee cleric casts Toll the Dead. (9 necrotic damage on a failed WIS 16 save)
Rixton feels protective energy surge through him and he recognizes it as Gwin's Sanctuary spell.
Shouting up to Aralea Gwin asks, Are there others? What can you see?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Saving throws:
DEX (Tree Ghost 5) versus Mola's spell: 20
WIS (Tree Ghost 2) versus Gwin's spell: 11
Mola's sphere of flame catches the barbarian completely off guard, but the sound of Gwin's spell falls on deaf ears. The spear-wielding Tree Ghost responds by thrusting its blade at the cleric...
Melee spear attack: 17 | 5 piercing damage
...piercing the dwarf's armor and sending the spear tip into her abdomen.
The axe-wielding Tree Ghost (4) before Mola refrains from attacking altogether and sprints into the tower, but his comrade (5) closes distance on Mola and aims a violent swing of his axe at the druid...
Greataxe attack: 25 | 10 slashing damage
From atop the tower, Aralea's bow can be heard twice more, but the sound is fainter this time. She's clearly moved to the southern side of the tower. In response to Gwin, the wood elf calls out, "Forty feet south of the tower! At least three more!"
1st longbow attack: 25 | 10 piercing damage
2nd longbow attack: 22 | 6 piercing damage
Mola may take an opportunity attack on Tree Ghost 4 as it ran past him and into the tower. Then all players may take their next action.
Molabear's three-inch claws slice through the Tree Ghost's hide armor, but the barbarian seems unfazed as he sprints toward the tower.
Only seconds behind the barbarian is Rixton, who runs through the door and catches a glimpse of the Tree Ghost ascending the stairs. Covering three or four steps with each stride, Rixtoncatches the barbarian just past the halfway point between the first and second floor. His shortsword pierces the barbarian's left leg, causing him to falter briefly. A moment later, Rixton bludgeons the same leg with an open-handed strike.
Actions for Gwin and Molaare next. Dendros will follow. Then the Tree Ghosts.
Molabear's head cocks to one side as the barbarian barely reacts to a solid hit. But he figures Rixton has things covered, so he tries to get a read on the other three Tree Ghosts.
OOC: does speak with plants still work when wildshaped? It doesn't seem to say it stops. If so, Molabear asks what the other barbarians are doing. The flaming sphere moves 30 feet south to V13. Molabear moves around the tower. 30 feet of movement seems to get him to S13, and assuming he doesn't see anyone, he keeps going, I think he can get as far as S16 with a dash if he doesn't see anyone at all. But if after his move he does see someone, and they appear to see him, he'll pause to ready an attack. Assuming he doesn't see anyone though, move-dash-spheremove bonus action.
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(So sorry for the slow pace of late, team. Things will be picking up now.)
Mola exits the tower; Rixton and Aralea are close behind. Looking first at Gwin (who motions with a nod of her head to the east and then to the west), they see the five unexpected guests. That they are members of the Tree Ghost tribe is without question. The two barbarians to the east wield spears and appear ready to use them. Two of the three to the west hold greataxes in their hands; the third carries a spear. All five are silent, their eyes alert and their faces fierce. They are assessing the situation before them, wondering how many others will exit the tower.
Aralea begins to draw an arrow from her quiver as she whispers, "They will show no mercy."
(Assuming Mola may opt NOT to speak with plants at this time...)
Mola still casts, and asks the plants, "how long have they been here? Anyone else apart from the five humans?"
Out loud he says, "Hi, we were looking for a Tree Ghost shaman who attacked some orcs he didn't mean to attack. Ring a bell?"
Rixton calls back into the empty tower, "We've got company!!!"
Deception: 20 (and another roll if helped: 8)
(Edit: Ha! Rixton doesn't need help selling his lies!)
A soft but clear rustling sound reaches Mola's ears; the nearby trees are answering the druid's questions. "Three others are nearby. All of them have been lurking among the trees for a quarter of an hour."
The five Tree Ghosts offer Mola no reply. One of the barbarians to the west (#4) shouts something in Bothii, the Uthgardt tongue. The other Tree Ghosts respond by taking one step forward; their stances and faces remain focused and war-like as they do so.
"Mola, have you unblocked the rooftop door? Aralea, you'll have a better shot from the roof. Two half-circles against one gets you to the top floor. Dendros, do not fight them if you are not attacked. They are after us. Gwin, Mola, draw them to the entrance here and we won't be surrounded."
Mola thanks the vegetation for the information. He asks if the other three are humans like the five moving or if they are more like yaks. He also asks them to start moving branches and tendrils threateningly and pointedly at the advancing attackers. “Trying to avoid bloodshed - assume you don’t want that either,” he thinks at them. He turns his head and replies to Rixton.
“Little tree told me there are more hidden in there staying still. What’s our play here? If the three get away after a fight, the whole tribe will know. Guess there was no hope to sneak up them, now that I think about it. Any chance we can work with them? They’re not taking the bait of us looking for the shaman, which is honestly true. The door wasn’t a openable from the outside by a spider, but she can probably handle it from the inside.”
Aralea gives a quick nod of her head before turning and disappearing into tower. Dendros emits an eerie, creaking noise and then echoes Rixton's sentiments. "The conflicts between men I cannot judge, Rixton. I am grateful that you understand this."
The rustling of the trees continues, conveying to Mola a bit more information. "Humans. The same as the others."
Mola watches the lower branches of the tree to the north (its trunk located at H21) begin to reach out, anticipating the opportunity to impede the barbarians to the east.
(The plant life in the immediate vicinity of the Tree Ghosts is too distant for Mola to speak with/influence; so, for now, the barbarians sense no threat from the trees and shrubs nearby)
(Do we have any more options to do things/communicate before combat?)
Waiting for Gwin before I advance the story...
Gwin steps out in the direction of the Tree Ghosts to the east and calls out to them in Common. We have defeated foes far more intimidating than you! If you surrender now, we will show you mercy, otherwise, you don't have a ghost of a chance! Gwin looks up at Dendros expecting to see him smile at her little joke but treants and dwarves clearly don't have the same sense of humor because he returns her gaze with puzzlement rather than bemusement.
Pulling an iridescent Pearl of Power from her cloak she holds it in the palm of her hand and whispers words nearly imperceptible. (This will restore a third level spell slot)
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Aralea's voice suddenly penetrates the tense silence. "I see three more. To the south."
Whether it is Aralea's abrupt appearance atop the tower or some pre-coordinated sign among the Tree Ghosts that sets things in motion, the barbarians spring forward...
Initiative:
Average initiative for Tree Ghosts = 11.125; for members of the party = 10.75
The five Tree Ghosts that are visible to Gwin, Mola, and Rixton make their intent all too clear. They rapidly close distance, and do so in such a way to avoid the arrows that Aralea might rain down upon them. One of the spear-wielders comes within range of Gwin, and with a a guttural roar thrusts its spear at the cleric...
Melee spear attack: 5 | 5 piercing damage
All players may act, in any order. Updated map:
"Okay, here we go," Rixton mutters. Louder, he says, "Stay together and try to push them, pin them, or otherwise keep them out in Aralea's line of fire."
He darts over next to Gwin (L20) and swings at Tree Ghost 1 with his shortsword, following it with a kick to knee.
Shortsword Attack: 27 Damage: 12
Unarmed Attack: 21 Damage: 6
Sneak attack damage if either hit: 6
More sneak attack damage for the crit: 5
Rixton's well-aimed shortsword leaves the barbarian with only the faintest hope of surviving this battle. A moment later, Rixton's martial arts strike ends that hope. The overwhelmed Uthgardt falls to the ground in a lifeless, awkward heap.
The twang of Aralea's bow can be heard by everyone below her. Twice, in quick succession, an arrow zips through the air...
... and twice her arrows find their target. A Tree Ghost (3) to the west takes his final steps and falls face first into the forest floor.
Actions for Mola and Gwin are next.
Mola casts flaming sphere, sending it rolling along the tower wall from R13 to hit #5 (9 fire damage on a failed DEX 15 save, half on success).
"Well, we tried!" he says before shifting to Molabear and rushing #4.
Seeing Tree Ghost 1 fall to Rixton's graceful, but lethal, maneuvers she turns her attention to Ghost 2. Creeping around the southern side of Dendro's trunk (O22), the targeted Ghost hears mournful bells ring above his head as the wee cleric casts Toll the Dead. (9 necrotic damage on a failed WIS 16 save)
Rixton feels protective energy surge through him and he recognizes it as Gwin's Sanctuary spell.
Shouting up to Aralea Gwin asks, Are there others? What can you see?
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Saving throws:
Mola's sphere of flame catches the barbarian completely off guard, but the sound of Gwin's spell falls on deaf ears. The spear-wielding Tree Ghost responds by thrusting its blade at the cleric...
Melee spear attack: 17 | 5 piercing damage
...piercing the dwarf's armor and sending the spear tip into her abdomen.
The axe-wielding Tree Ghost (4) before Mola refrains from attacking altogether and sprints into the tower, but his comrade (5) closes distance on Mola and aims a violent swing of his axe at the druid...
Greataxe attack: 25 | 10 slashing damage
From atop the tower, Aralea's bow can be heard twice more, but the sound is fainter this time. She's clearly moved to the southern side of the tower. In response to Gwin, the wood elf calls out, "Forty feet south of the tower! At least three more!"
Mola may take an opportunity attack on Tree Ghost 4 as it ran past him and into the tower. Then all players may take their next action.
Updated map (w/ flaming sphere):
Rixton will run into the tower (40'...+ dash if necessary) after #4 and, in this order of preference:
If Rixton catches up to the Tree Ghost, he will attack.
Shortsword Attack: 15 Damage: 6
Unarmed Attack: 20 Damage: 8
Molabear definitely still wants to play.
Opportunity Attack: 25 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Molabear's three-inch claws slice through the Tree Ghost's hide armor, but the barbarian seems unfazed as he sprints toward the tower.
Only seconds behind the barbarian is Rixton, who runs through the door and catches a glimpse of the Tree Ghost ascending the stairs. Covering three or four steps with each stride, Rixton catches the barbarian just past the halfway point between the first and second floor. His shortsword pierces the barbarian's left leg, causing him to falter briefly. A moment later, Rixton bludgeons the same leg with an open-handed strike.
Actions for Gwin and Mola are next. Dendros will follow. Then the Tree Ghosts.
Molabear's head cocks to one side as the barbarian barely reacts to a solid hit. But he figures Rixton has things covered, so he tries to get a read on the other three Tree Ghosts.
OOC: does speak with plants still work when wildshaped? It doesn't seem to say it stops. If so, Molabear asks what the other barbarians are doing. The flaming sphere moves 30 feet south to V13. Molabear moves around the tower. 30 feet of movement seems to get him to S13, and assuming he doesn't see anyone, he keeps going, I think he can get as far as S16 with a dash if he doesn't see anyone at all. But if after his move he does see someone, and they appear to see him, he'll pause to ready an attack. Assuming he doesn't see anyone though, move-dash-spheremove bonus action.