Quivering Corruption (DM Lerus)

Moneus decides not to risk getting much closer this time, accepting that his thrown knives might lose some of their potency at this distance:

-> Moneus' stealth check: 23

-> Flying Knife vs Werebat #4: Attack: 21 Damage: 8 magical piercing.

-> Flying Knife vs Werebat #4: Attack: 10 Damage: 7 magical piercing.

Both knives disappear into thin air a bit prematurely, never reaching their target. Moneus then momentarily retreats and hides behind the nearby wall {AW-64} (stealth check rolled above).

While Moneus hides, Utar orders his floating hammer to approach and attack the injured werebat with an upward swing. The weapon does not make a fully clean connection, but bruises the creature nonetheless. (Werebat #4 takes 4 force damage.)

Utar then tries to finish the job by calling on Torm's Sacred Flame:

-> Werebat's DEX saving throw {DC 14}: 7

The slashed and battered creature finally succumbs after being burned by holy fire. (Wererat #4 takes 12 radiant damage and is DEFEATED.)

(@MB: Your originally selected target for the spell was killed by Graxx, so I redirected it to the same werebat you attacked with the spirit weapon.)

(Werebats go next.)

The three remaining werebats swoop in and concentrate their attacks on Graxx:

-> Scimitar vs. Graxx: Attack: 13 Damage: 6 slashing.

-> Scimitar vs. Graxx: Attack: 13 Damage: 9 slashing.

-> Bite vs. Graxx: Attack: 25 Damage: 12 piercing.

Trying to maintain his balance on the table takes away at least part of the barbarian's attention. He is cut and furiously bit, his blood being quickly sucked by the werebat's fangs. As she does so, some of the flying goblin's wounds heal at impressive speeds. (Graxx takes 12 slashing and piercing damage, already halved by Rage.)

The hybrid bats then fly to the southeast corner, after making sure Graxx can't immediately retaliate.

END OF INITIATIVE ROUND 4

@Ori:

From the corner of their eyes, Neya and Utar both notice the familiar silhouette of a halfling approaching from the northern passage. He is clearly severely hurt and dirty, considerably under armed, and sporting no armor whatsoever.

ROLLING INITIATIVE:

AN AMBUSH - INITIATIVE ROUND 5

• 21. Graxx - Rage;
• 20. Neya - 
• 20. Wererats - 
• 14. Moneus - Hidden
• 13. Utar - Spiritual Weapon (counter: 8);
• 10. Doozey - 
• 05. Werebats - 15 feet from the ground;
• 03. Weremutts - 

MAP:

 

NOTES: It's dim light everywhere unless you are right next to a torch. If you have no special sense like darkvision your perception checks and search actions are done at disadvantage. It does not affect attack rolls.

(Graxx, Neya, Utar and Doozey can all go.)

Gruxx steps over move to AV,67 and readies his halberd trying to utilize the chokepoint against the werebats.  If any of them come within range he will let loose a ready attack with his halberd.

Attack: 21 Damage: 6

Utar's spiritual warhammer advances on another werebat and swings. (Going to say the one at BA,71 but that can change if Neya kills it.)

Attack: 24 Damage: 15

Catching sight of a shadow over his shoulder, Utar spins in place ready to face a new werebeast, only to drop his shield when he notices a familiar face.

"I thought..." Utar's sentence fades away too nothing as he suddenly worries about what werebeasts might be following the stoutling. Advancing to AS,62, he beckons Doozey behind him and similar to Graxx gets an attack with Lightbringer ready.

Attack: 22 Damage: 10

(OOC Not going to matter with rolls like that!)

Neya will teleport to the nearest werebat and strike the same as before (first attack after shadow step is with advantage, using slow fall as reaction).

Unarmed Attack: 23 Damage: 9

Extra Unarmed Attack: 26 Damage: 6

Also like before she will retreat back (to AU-62)

In place of relief, Doozey seemed to only take in the scene with an almost cool, analytical glint in his eyes. The third figure lurking is of particular interest. And yet, after getting up the steps to follow Utar's motion, the stoutling fought back the temptation to ready a shot for it. "Those bats are but a distraction, Utar. Disposables. Mama and the elites are back the way I came. They're... We need to get to them. Fast. Kill them all before they've all taken of my blood.Before they are strengthened." He beseeches, but with noteable coldness to his voice. "Mind that other one lurking in shadows too."

With the warnings delivered, Doozey was able to focus more on slipping the empty vial in hand over readying a shot, distrusting of Biscuit's ability to harm the jackals extended to the bats as well. Or so paranoia demanded of him. Just as it urged him to strike out at the third figure.

Movement: To AR-61.

Action: Ready to Sleight of Hand a potion vile down the throat of the first goblin to get in melee and trie to bite either him or Utar.
(I assume since we more actively in combat, this will be at disadvantage, assuming its even possible. If not reasonable, Doozey takes the Dodge for now.)

(@Grx: Who's Gruxx? Also, don't sabotage your own rolls. Your attack bonus is +6, not +5.)

Graxx shifts to the other end of the table and prepares to whack any passing werebat {AV-67}.

Neya performs her usual trick for battling flying creatures, landing another two magically infused punches at an opponent. This werebat had no injuries previous to these strikes. (Werebat #1 takes 15 magical bludgeoning damage.)

The monk then retreats {AU-62} (Slow Fall reaction used.)

(Moneus goes next.)

Moneus stays hidden for now, also waiting for any approaching target for one of his flying daggers.

Utar does not wait. He orders his own flying weapon to once again follow up Neya's attack. The weapon follows its orders, but the targeted werebat flaps a wing just at the right moment to avoid the attack. Utar shifts priorities at this point, walking towards Doozey and inviting the halfling to find protection behind his large shield. Lightbringer rises, ready to descend on any nearby threats.

Dozzey welcomes Utar's invitation, quickly approaching the half-orc. He delivers two warnings. The first consists of the stronger members of the shapeshifter family potentially getting stronger after consuming the blood hunter's own blood. The second is simpler, pointing out an unfamiliar sneaky figure hiding in the nearby shadows. The stoutling then prepares to defend himself with whatever little supplies he has at hand, curiously bypassing the shortbow slung across his right shoulder.

(Werebats go next.)

The werebats advance as a single swarm once again, dodging the rising flames from the larger of the two tables in this chamber. As a group, they descend on Graxx:

-> Scimitar vs. Graxx: Attack: 12 Damage: 4 slashing.

-> Scimitar vs. Graxx: Attack: 15 Damage: 4 slashing.

-> Bite vs. Graxx: Attack: 23 Damage: 7 piercing.

Graxx's calmer stance (read no Reckless Attack last turn) pays off, in that only a single attack manages to break his skin this time. (Graxx takes 3 slashing damage, already halved by Rage.)

The barbarian immediately retaliates, smacking one of the werebats across the ear. (Random target: 3; Werebat #2 takes 6 slashing damage.) 

Moneus also sees a chance to throw one of his ethereal daggers from his hiding spot:

-> Flying Knife vs Werebat #1: Attack: 17 Damage: 9 magical piercing.

-> Sneak Attack damage: 8

The knife finds the closest target, puncturing its toe, foot, ankle, leg, and likely some intestines. (Werebat #1 takes 26 magical piercing damage and is DEFEATED.) 

The werebats retreat safely yet again, biding their time until another opportunity for a swarm attack is presented.

END OF INITIATIVE ROUND 5

AN AMBUSH - INITIATIVE ROUND 6

• 21. Graxx - Rage;
• 20. Neya - 
• 20. Wererats - 
• 14. Moneus - 
• 13. Utar - Ready, Spiritual Weapon (counter: 7);
• 10. Doozey - Ready
• 05. Werebats - 15 feet from the ground;
• 03. Weremutts - 

MAP:

 

NOTES: It's dim light everywhere unless you are right next to a torch. If you have no special sense like darkvision your perception checks and search actions are done at disadvantage. It does not affect attack rolls.

(Graxx, Neya, Utar and Doozey can all go.)

Utar retains his protective positioning in front of Doozey, "The one in the shadows is with us. How many are down that tunnel and are you in for state to fight?"

Ready Attack: 19 Damage: 9

His spiritual warhammer attempts to put right its earlier miss and swings at a werebat.

Bonus Action Attack: 10 Damage: 7

Neya will teleport and assault the nearest werebat (using slow fall to break her fall).

Unarmed Attack: 15 Damage: 10

Extra Unarmed Attack: 9 Damage: 10

She then falls back (to AV-62)

OOC:  Ah yes, Gruxx the evil version of Graxx is now gone thanks to breaking the swords bind!

GRAXX looks back and sees the halfling.

"Doozey!"

Graxx who was beginning to feel week from the damage he has taken feels emboldened knowing that the halfling. Graxx moves back to AS,61 helping to guard his escaped friend.

Graxx will ready an attack  with this halberd against any Werebats that come into range.

Attack: 15 Damage: 10

"I will fight." Doozey affirms immediately, and without hesitation. "And there are at least 6; including another werebat. We need to finish this. Now. Before they run off as entertainers again." As if either to further press this point, the stoutling, despite misgivings about his own options, stride further forward, risking himself just to fire for a clean shot. Utar and Neya would notice that as he drew the string back, a few fingers were misaligned, and the very motion itself visibly strained him.

As the string became bloodied, Doozey re-positions it to re-open a finger wound and in muttering a word, the storm within is leaked into the next shot.

Movement: To AV-64.

Bonus Action: Activate Crimson Rite, taking (see below) damage on short bow.

Action: Attack: 25 Damage: 5 non-magical piercing plus 2 lightning damage.

(Rite Damage to Doozey: 4.)

Graxx hops down the table and runs toward his halfing friend. He joins Utar in providing some coverage for Doozey, raising his halberd in preparation for any approaching enemies.

Conversely, Neya goes on the offensive. She once again teleports, strikes, lands, and retreats {AV-62}. (Slow Fall reaction used.) Only one of her attacks hits this time, as a more aware werebat manages to avoid the second attempt. (Werebat #5 takes 10 magical bludgeoning damage.)

(Moneus goes next.)

Moneus moves and hides behind the corner of the table Graxx just vacated.

-> Moneus' stealth check: 21

There is not enough space for him to quickly find an appropriate spot behind the table. He fumbles a bit and does the best he can at that moment. Despite this hurdle, the tiefling decides to attack if given the appropriate opportunity.

-> Flying Knife vs Werebat #2: Attack: 28 Damage: 11 magical piercing.

(I'll resolve Utar's and Doozey's turns next.)

Seeing Moneus move, Utar explains to Doozey that the sneaky tiefling is on their side. He asks about their enemy's numbers, to which Doozey guesses a response.

Like Graxx, Utar prioritizes defending his under-equipped friend by assuming a ready to strike sort of pose. Utar also sends his Spiritual Weapon on the offensive, but it would seem the hammer is having difficulties finding its target.

Without much ceremony, Doozey abandons the protection offered to him by Utar and Graxx and advances toward the werebats {AV-64}. The blood hunter fights through the pain of pulling on his bowstring and adding some of his own blood to it. (Doozey take 4 damage.) Finally, he lets an arrow fly. It hits one of the enemies right on the belly, but it never punctures it. Instead, it delivers a light shock and falls to the ground. (Werebat #2 takes 1 lightning damage.)

(Werebats go next.)

Keeping their distance from the ground, the two surviving werebats fly towards and past the party, dashing in the direction Doozey came from. They are very fast in their retreat, even faster than a non-teleporting Neya. Catching up to them would be quite hard.

Moneus does give one of them a parting gift, however. Another flying knife hits the runaway goblin on the side of his body. (Werebat #2 takes 6 magical piercing damage.)

Graxx and Utar try to also "say goodbye," but their targets are too high up to be stricken down. Failing to hit or be hit, Graxx's Rage subsides.

The flame height on that one table is starting to diminish. In fact, there is no table anymore but the flames have passed on to the two nearby chairs. Some of the smoke is escaping, but some of it is also accumulating within the eastern room. That process is likely to continue. The torch that started it all is nothing but ash now. 

(@Drache: That torch was one of yours. If you hadn't done so already, please remove a torch from your inventory.)

(OOC: Your enemies retreated and you have lost sight of them, so we are now out of initiative.)

YOU ARE OUT OF INITIATIVE. DO AS YOU WILL.