Responding to: "The young man standing in cells drops to his knees and sobs , looking more a boy than a man. "He killed Nilsa's pa...I-I didn't nothin to stop him...Now he's gonna kill her, too...and I just stood there!" He looks at the blade in his hand, turning it so he's looking straight down at the point "...I ain't worth savin'..." he says in a hopeless voice."
Serwa stays to resolve this, and slaps the blade aside, grabbing the man by the collar and pulling him in close. "No. Everyone dies. Everyone belongs to Kelemvor in the end. Death doesn't absolve you of you poor choices. It just means you won't get to make any more. You have regrets? Go do some good in the world. Right wrongs. Fix things. I am a paladin of Kelemvor, Lord of Death. I'm telling you right now, death is not your escape route. Death isn't your absolution. Your death doesn't undo your crimes, or anyone else's. Death is the inevitable end, for all of us. Make your life worth something. You'll die when Kelemvor wills it. Now, drop that damn blade and get these cells open. Now."
OOC: The above is assuming the soldier is not a "combatant" anymore and that part has switched to a social encounter. Both have, really, it seems. If I misread, then obviously Serwa cannot mechanically easily slap blades aside and grapple people without rolls.
OOC: The above is assuming the soldier is not a "combatant" anymore and that part has switched to a social encounter. Both have, really, it seems. If I misread, then obviously Serwa cannot mechanically easily slap blades aside and grapple people without rolls.
(Totally doable, he is not resisting in any way. Awesome speech, btw!)
(Asters intention was to "disguise" himself as Glassstaff. could he not make a deception check?)
(It was a good idea, but Dag is too familiar with Glasstaff to be fooled without Aster disguising his face somehow with disguise kit or disguise self spell. Plus he already saw through Xianon's deception. It may have caused some confusion with the bugbears)
Serwa deals with the hostages inside, working to obtain the keys and free the prisoners within, after talking the remaining surrendering Redbrand down from self-harm. She will go to aid the others outside after that has been dealt with, but I would assume she will be occupied for it a bit, so realistically they will need to resolve that on their own for a bit.
(I'm pushing ahead, so if there is something simple that Aster wants to do retroactively, let me know)
Serwa - The young man seems to come back to reality, the blade in his hand clatters to the ground and he runs to follow your orders. he fumbles around looking for the keys that Dag had discarded carelessly earlier. Once found, he unlocks the padlocks securing the cells.
Filthy straw lines the floor of the cells. A disheveled , middle-aged woman is confined in the north cell while a boy cowers in the corner of the cell to the south. Both are dressed in a plain gray tunics and have iron collars fitted around their necks. The woman looks at you in surprise, not sure what to make of the red cloak on your shoulders, "You're not...? You're letting us go? My daughter...he took her..." She breaks out in sobs again.
Xianon - As you come skidding up behind Dag, his face distorts into uncontrolled anger. Spittle sprays from his mouth as he shouts "I WARNED YOU GNOME! I TOLD YOU WHAT WOULD HAPPEN!..." He is shaking in rage, and for a moment it seems certain he is going to kill the girl. However, your words seem to persuade him and he regains control of his anger.
Pulling the girl around so she is between you, he fixes you with an unflinching stare, "Test me again, gnome, and and I will kill this girl! You hear me?! I ain't no fool...certain as the nine hells, I ain't stupid enough to trust your mercy. I've made my choice. The choice is now yours! Either you get out of my way, and me and the lil' miss here walk out alive. Or you come finish it - she'll go greet Kelemvor and we'll figure out which one of us gets to escort her! Am I clear?" He looks very ready to act on his threat (ready action).
His demeanor suddenly shifts drastically and he is grinning at you with black and broken teeth. He continues in a friendly, bantering tone, "Come on now, I ain't so cold hearted. Tell you what...if you'll back up to that rock slide behind you and let me over that bridge...I'll let her go. I swear it! Dag don't lie, friend."
(DM note: If Dag does happen to kill the girl with his dagger, it will be a fatal wound - lower level magic wont save her. And for the record :) I really hope Dag doesn't kill her...But I do want to put you in a difficult narrative choice, so it is a possibility.)
(Also, to support a friendly game space, if anyone is ever uncomfortable with with the conversation or narrative that is happening, just post a line of Xs (XXXXXXXXXXX) or send me a note and It will stop immediately)
Responding to: "Serwa - The young man seems to come back to reality, the blade in his hand clatters to the ground and he runs to follow your orders. he fumbles around looking for the keys that Dag had discarded carelessly earlier. Once found, he unlocks the padlocks securing the cells.
Filthy straw lines the floor of the cells. A disheveled , middle-aged woman is confined in the north cell while a boy cowers in the corner of the cell to the south. Both are dressed in a plain gray tunics and have iron collars fitted around their necks. The woman looks at you in surprise, not sure what to make of the red cloak on your shoulders, "You're not...? You're letting us go? My daughter...he took her..." She breaks out in sobs again."
Serwa tears off the red cloak, displaying her armor and sigil of Kelemvor - which might not be much more comforting to some, but still better than the Redbrands in this case - and says to the woman, "You're free, and you're safe. My friends are trying to get your daughter back right now. Take the boy and go wait outside. The rest of the guards have been dealt with, and this one won't stop you." Serwa takes the surrendered guard's discarded sword, mainly to avoid him changing his mind, and adds, "I'd recommend you tear off that cloak as well. If you're really determined to 'give yourself over to death' do it in the productive way. Volunteer at a temple of Kelemvor. There's always work needed in such places. Or find your own way to balance the scales, and give back to the world. Just know if we cross paths again, and you're engaged in acts of kidnapping and banditry, you'll probably end up like them -" she gestures with her glaive to the dead "Not many people get a second chance. Make good use of it. Go."
Xianon believes "Dag don't lie" about as much as he believes "friend", but he's in a spot he's never been in before. "Back where I came from," he says, thinking out loud, "We knew that when a thief takes a hostage, they've already lost. That's why I always told my crew it's better to bolt." He starts idly tapping the butt of his spear on the ground, making certain not to make any threatening moves. "...so they avoid situations like this. Cornered, with no viable options." He keeps tapping for a moment, letting the anger and adrenaline ebb. He cocks his head slightly, giving Dag a thoughtful look. "Are you originally from Phandalin, Dag?"
Serwa will walk out (after how ever much time has passed to be reasonable) with the woman, the boy, and the Redbrand who surrendered. Seeing that they do spare those who surrender, or seeing the family of the girl, could be a tipping point in the negotiation with Dag, but as they took some time resolving the events inside, it may be a bit before they emerge (timing would be up to the DM).
Serwa - The young man looks at you with a sort of dumb founded look on his face. "Kelemvor..." he says as if hearing the name for the first time. He then looks down at the cloak he is wearing and, with disgust, he rips it off his shoulders, throwing it to the ground. The woman rushes to collect her son, thanking you profusely (I imagine Aster would be helping as well and they all find comfort in a familiar face). As a group you begin to make your way out (to the cavern?).
(Meanwhile) Xianon - You see a range of emotions cross Dag's face in a short span of time but something you said seems to effect him "Hun? Am I from...? No, I ain't from that pisspot...I'm from Neverwinter...are you...?" he looks at you curiously and he begins to say something but then shakes his head as if trying to get you out of it. Anger reappears in his eyes. "Oh, I've still got options!" Suddenly he shoves the girl at you and she screams as she falls forward (you can catch her or dodge out the way and let her hit dirt). With cat like grace, Dag takes a step back and then bolts forward, springing over crevasse. You realize this man is not like the other Redbrands, he has the speed and skills of a true rogue. He hits the ground running and quickly disappears down the long tunnel, dropping and shattering the lantern on ground at the entrance. (using Cunning Action, Dag has the same dash speed as Xianon, so if you choose to pursue, we'll do some sort of chase challenge)
Tomora comes out of hiding and rushes to see if the girl is injured or needs healing.
As the girl comes toppling his way, the little elf realizes that his choice isn't between dodging or catching her, but dodging and being flattened by her. He spins out of the way just in time to see Dag clear the crevasse. With a grin and a glint in his eye, Xianon pursues. Dag is good...but doesn't know who he's dealing with. Summoning the power of his ki, he steps like the wind, easily clearing the gorge himself and dashing off after the fleet Redbrand. (Step of the Wind -You can spend 1 ki point to take the Disengage or Dash action as a bonus action on your turn, and your jump distance is doubled for the turn. )
(Am I adding this up right? Does Xianon get a poke at this guy?)
(Nevermind. Yeah, his move+bonus=90)
Xianan sprints down the tunnel and finds himself on Dag's heels. Gripping his spear, he lashes out in a two-handed jab at the fleeing man's back. As he does so, he realizes that he's alone and probably in over his head. He desperately hopes someone saw where he went, and is coming to help.
(Nice! Yes you would roughly be at the same location with your normal movement and a dash, so by using a Ki point to move you would still have your action to make an attack with. Very cinematic :)
Serwa would have been leading the woman and the boy to where she saw the man go with the girl, out that direction towards Xianon and Tomora. Although her usual habit is to ask “Is she dead,” and assume someone dead, she holds back and simply asks the first one she sees, likely Tomora, as Xianon ran off in pursuit of Dag, “What happened?”
(I imagine Aster would be helping as well and they all find comfort in a familiar face) Absolutly! He would also apply bandages if neccessairy (especially if they are missing hp) He also takes out his water skin and a ration. I can only assume you got barely enough. We are in town, so really, take what you need!
While going to the exit, when aster sees the girl face first in the dirt, he goes into a quick sprint and slides down next to her into a cross-legged sitting position. He turns her on her back, checks pulse, breath, etc and scans for any life-threatening wounds, also applying bandages if required (or it has a "mechanical" effect) . Medicine: 14
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Aster and Serwa - When the woman, Mirna, first sees Aster, her eyes widen in recognition, "Aster...!" she throws her arms around his neck but then begins to sob "They Killed Thel, Aster..." He is able to calm her down and she stays close to him as group exits the cells. The young man, Davin, recognizes Aster as well, but tries hard to avoid his notice, slinking at the back of the group with his head bowed in shame.
When you reach Tomora and the young woman, Nilsa, you find the girl alive but with a nasty cut on her neck. She seems traumatized.
Xianon - Glancing over his shoulder, Dag tries to dodge the spear but the point slices a gash along his side ribs. He deftly spins, slashing his dagger at your throat (Attack #1: 20 Damage: 7 | Attack #2: 11 Damage: 5). Side stepping to avoid any retaliation (disengage, bonus action), he continues sprinting down the tunnel (30 ft.). As he does so he calls over his shoulder, "Back in Neverwinter...when I was a kid...there was fool just like you, gnome!...He had a spine though!...not soft like you!"
(Party has initiative, Dag is approximately 120 ft away from the rest of the party. 60 ft to get into line of sight. We'll do approximate, distances at this point)
Already starting to run, Tomora responds to Serwa, "He chased after him...Come on!" She dashes across the bridge towards the tunnel (50 ft)
The elf parries the first swing with his speartip but misses the second. Only a quick flinch away from the blade keeps his throat intact. Instead, he gets a nasty gash along his cheekbone. Xianon grits his teeth in pain. "And I knew an orc just like you," he hisses, "But prettier."
Xianon can easily keep pace with the Dag, but he hangs back, well out of the Redbrand's reach (15'). Holding the spear in his left hand, he whips a dart through the air.
Responding to: "The young man standing in cells drops to his knees and sobs , looking more a boy than a man. "He killed Nilsa's pa...I-I didn't nothin to stop him...Now he's gonna kill her, too...and I just stood there!" He looks at the blade in his hand, turning it so he's looking straight down at the point "...I ain't worth savin'..." he says in a hopeless voice."
Serwa stays to resolve this, and slaps the blade aside, grabbing the man by the collar and pulling him in close. "No. Everyone dies. Everyone belongs to Kelemvor in the end. Death doesn't absolve you of you poor choices. It just means you won't get to make any more. You have regrets? Go do some good in the world. Right wrongs. Fix things. I am a paladin of Kelemvor, Lord of Death. I'm telling you right now, death is not your escape route. Death isn't your absolution. Your death doesn't undo your crimes, or anyone else's. Death is the inevitable end, for all of us. Make your life worth something. You'll die when Kelemvor wills it. Now, drop that damn blade and get these cells open. Now."
OOC: The above is assuming the soldier is not a "combatant" anymore and that part has switched to a social encounter. Both have, really, it seems. If I misread, then obviously Serwa cannot mechanically easily slap blades aside and grapple people without rolls.
(Totally doable, he is not resisting in any way. Awesome speech, btw!)
(Asters intention was to "disguise" himself as Glassstaff. could he not make a deception check?)
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
(It was a good idea, but Dag is too familiar with Glasstaff to be fooled without Aster disguising his face somehow with disguise kit or disguise self spell. Plus he already saw through Xianon's deception. It may have caused some confusion with the bugbears)
That makes sense to me. But at least aster got himself a new coat.
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
Serwa deals with the hostages inside, working to obtain the keys and free the prisoners within, after talking the remaining surrendering Redbrand down from self-harm. She will go to aid the others outside after that has been dealt with, but I would assume she will be occupied for it a bit, so realistically they will need to resolve that on their own for a bit.
(I'm pushing ahead, so if there is something simple that Aster wants to do retroactively, let me know)
Serwa - The young man seems to come back to reality, the blade in his hand clatters to the ground and he runs to follow your orders. he fumbles around looking for the keys that Dag had discarded carelessly earlier. Once found, he unlocks the padlocks securing the cells.
Filthy straw lines the floor of the cells. A disheveled , middle-aged woman is confined in the north cell while a boy cowers in the corner of the cell to the south. Both are dressed in a plain gray tunics and have iron collars fitted around their necks. The woman looks at you in surprise, not sure what to make of the red cloak on your shoulders, "You're not...? You're letting us go? My daughter...he took her..." She breaks out in sobs again.
Xianon - As you come skidding up behind Dag, his face distorts into uncontrolled anger. Spittle sprays from his mouth as he shouts "I WARNED YOU GNOME! I TOLD YOU WHAT WOULD HAPPEN!..." He is shaking in rage, and for a moment it seems certain he is going to kill the girl. However, your words seem to persuade him and he regains control of his anger.
Pulling the girl around so she is between you, he fixes you with an unflinching stare, "Test me again, gnome, and and I will kill this girl! You hear me?! I ain't no fool...certain as the nine hells, I ain't stupid enough to trust your mercy. I've made my choice. The choice is now yours! Either you get out of my way, and me and the lil' miss here walk out alive. Or you come finish it - she'll go greet Kelemvor and we'll figure out which one of us gets to escort her! Am I clear?" He looks very ready to act on his threat (ready action).
His demeanor suddenly shifts drastically and he is grinning at you with black and broken teeth. He continues in a friendly, bantering tone, "Come on now, I ain't so cold hearted. Tell you what...if you'll back up to that rock slide behind you and let me over that bridge...I'll let her go. I swear it! Dag don't lie, friend."
(DM note: If Dag does happen to kill the girl with his dagger, it will be a fatal wound - lower level magic wont save her. And for the record :) I really hope Dag doesn't kill her...But I do want to put you in a difficult narrative choice, so it is a possibility.)
(Also, to support a friendly game space, if anyone is ever uncomfortable with with the conversation or narrative that is happening, just post a line of Xs (XXXXXXXXXXX) or send me a note and It will stop immediately)
Responding to: "Serwa - The young man seems to come back to reality, the blade in his hand clatters to the ground and he runs to follow your orders. he fumbles around looking for the keys that Dag had discarded carelessly earlier. Once found, he unlocks the padlocks securing the cells.
Filthy straw lines the floor of the cells. A disheveled , middle-aged woman is confined in the north cell while a boy cowers in the corner of the cell to the south. Both are dressed in a plain gray tunics and have iron collars fitted around their necks. The woman looks at you in surprise, not sure what to make of the red cloak on your shoulders, "You're not...? You're letting us go? My daughter...he took her..." She breaks out in sobs again."
Serwa tears off the red cloak, displaying her armor and sigil of Kelemvor - which might not be much more comforting to some, but still better than the Redbrands in this case - and says to the woman, "You're free, and you're safe. My friends are trying to get your daughter back right now. Take the boy and go wait outside. The rest of the guards have been dealt with, and this one won't stop you." Serwa takes the surrendered guard's discarded sword, mainly to avoid him changing his mind, and adds, "I'd recommend you tear off that cloak as well. If you're really determined to 'give yourself over to death' do it in the productive way. Volunteer at a temple of Kelemvor. There's always work needed in such places. Or find your own way to balance the scales, and give back to the world. Just know if we cross paths again, and you're engaged in acts of kidnapping and banditry, you'll probably end up like them -" she gestures with her glaive to the dead "Not many people get a second chance. Make good use of it. Go."
Xianon Lathalas
Xianon believes "Dag don't lie" about as much as he believes "friend", but he's in a spot he's never been in before. "Back where I came from," he says, thinking out loud, "We knew that when a thief takes a hostage, they've already lost. That's why I always told my crew it's better to bolt." He starts idly tapping the butt of his spear on the ground, making certain not to make any threatening moves. "...so they avoid situations like this. Cornered, with no viable options." He keeps tapping for a moment, letting the anger and adrenaline ebb. He cocks his head slightly, giving Dag a thoughtful look. "Are you originally from Phandalin, Dag?"
Serwa will walk out (after how ever much time has passed to be reasonable) with the woman, the boy, and the Redbrand who surrendered. Seeing that they do spare those who surrender, or seeing the family of the girl, could be a tipping point in the negotiation with Dag, but as they took some time resolving the events inside, it may be a bit before they emerge (timing would be up to the DM).
Serwa - The young man looks at you with a sort of dumb founded look on his face. "Kelemvor..." he says as if hearing the name for the first time. He then looks down at the cloak he is wearing and, with disgust, he rips it off his shoulders, throwing it to the ground. The woman rushes to collect her son, thanking you profusely (I imagine Aster would be helping as well and they all find comfort in a familiar face). As a group you begin to make your way out (to the cavern?).
(Meanwhile) Xianon - You see a range of emotions cross Dag's face in a short span of time but something you said seems to effect him "Hun? Am I from...? No, I ain't from that pisspot...I'm from Neverwinter...are you...?" he looks at you curiously and he begins to say something but then shakes his head as if trying to get you out of it. Anger reappears in his eyes. "Oh, I've still got options!" Suddenly he shoves the girl at you and she screams as she falls forward (you can catch her or dodge out the way and let her hit dirt). With cat like grace, Dag takes a step back and then bolts forward, springing over crevasse. You realize this man is not like the other Redbrands, he has the speed and skills of a true rogue. He hits the ground running and quickly disappears down the long tunnel, dropping and shattering the lantern on ground at the entrance. (using Cunning Action, Dag has the same dash speed as Xianon, so if you choose to pursue, we'll do some sort of chase challenge)
Tomora comes out of hiding and rushes to see if the girl is injured or needs healing.
Xianon Lathalas
As the girl comes toppling his way, the little elf realizes that his choice isn't between dodging or catching her, but dodging and being flattened by her. He spins out of the way just in time to see Dag clear the crevasse. With a grin and a glint in his eye, Xianon pursues. Dag is good...but doesn't know who he's dealing with. Summoning the power of his ki, he steps like the wind, easily clearing the gorge himself and dashing off after the fleet Redbrand. (Step of the Wind -You can spend 1 ki point to take the Disengage or Dash action as a bonus action on your turn, and your jump distance is doubled for the turn. )
(Am I adding this up right? Does Xianon get a poke at this guy?)
(Nevermind. Yeah, his move+bonus=90)
Xianan sprints down the tunnel and finds himself on Dag's heels. Gripping his spear, he lashes out in a two-handed jab at the fleeing man's back. As he does so, he realizes that he's alone and probably in over his head. He desperately hopes someone saw where he went, and is coming to help.
Attack: 15 Damage: 5
(Nice! Yes you would roughly be at the same location with your normal movement and a dash, so by using a Ki point to move you would still have your action to make an attack with. Very cinematic :)
Serwa would have been leading the woman and the boy to where she saw the man go with the girl, out that direction towards Xianon and Tomora. Although her usual habit is to ask “Is she dead,” and assume someone dead, she holds back and simply asks the first one she sees, likely Tomora, as Xianon ran off in pursuit of Dag, “What happened?”
(I imagine Aster would be helping as well and they all find comfort in a familiar face)
Absolutly! He would also apply bandages if neccessairy (especially if they are missing hp) He also takes out his water skin and a ration. I can only assume you got barely enough. We are in town, so really, take what you need!
While going to the exit, when aster sees the girl face first in the dirt, he goes into a quick sprint and slides down next to her into a cross-legged sitting position. He turns her on her back, checks pulse, breath, etc and scans for any life-threatening wounds, also applying bandages if required (or it has a "mechanical" effect) . Medicine: 14
Olloray Dim - Limbo's Pit
Gunther Korroden - Nightmares in the Mist
Serwa notices one missing, and asks, “Where did Xianon go?”
Aster and Serwa - When the woman, Mirna, first sees Aster, her eyes widen in recognition, "Aster...!" she throws her arms around his neck but then begins to sob "They Killed Thel, Aster..." He is able to calm her down and she stays close to him as group exits the cells. The young man, Davin, recognizes Aster as well, but tries hard to avoid his notice, slinking at the back of the group with his head bowed in shame.
When you reach Tomora and the young woman, Nilsa, you find the girl alive but with a nasty cut on her neck. She seems traumatized.
Xianon - Glancing over his shoulder, Dag tries to dodge the spear but the point slices a gash along his side ribs. He deftly spins, slashing his dagger at your throat (Attack #1: 20 Damage: 7 | Attack #2: 11 Damage: 5). Side stepping to avoid any retaliation (disengage, bonus action), he continues sprinting down the tunnel (30 ft.). As he does so he calls over his shoulder, "Back in Neverwinter...when I was a kid...there was fool just like you, gnome!...He had a spine though!...not soft like you!"
(Party has initiative, Dag is approximately 120 ft away from the rest of the party. 60 ft to get into line of sight. We'll do approximate, distances at this point)
Already starting to run, Tomora responds to Serwa, "He chased after him...Come on!" She dashes across the bridge towards the tunnel (50 ft)
Serwa moves and Dashes to close, following and then slightly outpacing Tomora, with a total of 60 movement.
Xianon Lathalas
The elf parries the first swing with his speartip but misses the second. Only a quick flinch away from the blade keeps his throat intact. Instead, he gets a nasty gash along his cheekbone. Xianon grits his teeth in pain. "And I knew an orc just like you," he hisses, "But prettier."
Xianon can easily keep pace with the Dag, but he hangs back, well out of the Redbrand's reach (15'). Holding the spear in his left hand, he whips a dart through the air.
Attack: 18 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.