Zombies The Zombies shamble out of the tower and surround Brun, some of them move towards the group, but none reach anyone but Brun this round. 5 Zombies attack Brun... Only the first strike hits Brun and he soaks the damage. When the next one misses he strikes back with a riposte strike. He injures the zombie badly, leaving it wobbling on its feet.
Walter Walter moves back towards the path and then sends an arrow at one of the zombies close to Brun. He uses his sharpshooter ability to do more damage. He then takes a bonus action to hide. His strike hits the one Brun just used riposte on, taking it down. This zombie falls, unable to resist the damage done to it.
Mylene will act from her current position then move north to P37.
If one of the zombies within her range without cover have already taken damage, she prioritizes that target for the shot, between Z10, 7, 3 and 5. If none of those clear targets have been injured, or she cannot tell, Mylene simply fires on Z10 as her target.
She fires her Longbow this round, and uses her Bonus action to give Brun Bardic Inspiration. With a wink she blows a kiss to the man, shouting "Be strong, my brave lieutenant!" He has 1d6 of Bardic inspiration now to use as needed.
Longbow Attack roll: 26
Longbow Damage roll, non magical piercing, if a hit: 8
Leto: Sends a blast of power in at the zombies as they start to emerge from the tower. His blast strikes zombie9 for damage.
brun Moves towards the zombies then throws 2 handaxes at the one Leto hit. Both strikes hit, but the zombie manages to stay on its feet.
Zombies The Zombies shamble out of the tower and surround Brun, some of them move towards the group, but none reach anyone but Brun this round. 5 Zombies attack Brun... Only the first strike hits Brun and he soaks the damage. When the next one misses he strikes back with a riposte strike. He injures the zombie badly, leaving it wobbling on its feet.
Walter Walter moves back towards the path and then sends an arrow at one of the zombies close to Brun. He uses his sharpshooter ability to do more damage. He then takes a bonus action to hide. His strike hits the one Brun just used riposte on, taking it down. This zombie falls, unable to resist the damage done to it.
Mylene Shoots a zombie (#10) and then blows a kiss to Brun, who gives a grin of appreciation.
Mage The tent rustles and a figure steps out. He is a stout, red-robed figure with sallow skin, a shaved scalp, and a black tattoo on his forehead. "What is the meaning of this?" He asks, glancing at the battle-in-progress with a frown.
(Will pause to see if Mylene or Leto want to respond...)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mylene Durza - et al
When Mylene sees the mage emerge from the tent, she calls out, “Magus, if these undead are under your control then call them off and we can parlay. If not, then I recommend aiding in the battle or getting out of the way. The zombies attacked as soon as we approached, and we are defending ourselves accordingly.”
"Hold." The mage says in a clear voice. The undead cease their attacks and stand motionless. The mage nods to Mylene. "I was not expecting visitors..." He says, glancing over the group. "What can I help you with?"
"My name is Myelne Durza, this is Leto, a comrade of mine, and these are the Redbrands, a local militia under the leadership of the mage Glasstaff," Mylene says by way of introductions. "It's a bit of a strange situation, but Leto and myself are among a group of people whose memories were tampered with, we were evidently held in some kind of stasis for some years, and items of power that we possessed in our former lives seem to retain our lost memories. I know it is far-fetched sounding, but consider, if I were spinning a tale I would surely concoct something less outlandish. Each of us have felt, at different times, a sort of psychic 'pull' towards different locations. The last time it led me to Leto, and an object that once belonged to me that I reclaimed, along with the memories it carried within it. Now, I and Leto felt such a pull from this area, mine towards the tent, and Leto towards that tower. Might I ask your name, magus, and your business here in these ruins? Perhaps you could assist us in this task. Otherwise, we will simply stay out of one another's way."
"Hamun Kost at your service." The mage says with a bow of greeting. he straightens up. frowning. "Items that pull you, I would guess magical in nature then." He glances towards his tent, then back to Mylene. "I do have a few things I have found here so far." His eyes shift to the tower, thoughtfully. "And I am guessing there will be more then in the tower, where I have only begun to search." He nods to Mylene then. "I am willing to share what I have found, if you will do two tasks for me in return. First I wish to have the orcs East of here taken care of, as they have scouted my camp here more than once now. Secondly, i would like someone to travel to Conyberry and ask the Banshee there a question for me. If you will agree to this, then I will open my tent to you and help you search the tower for other items of interest."
"A pleasure, master Kost," Mylene answers, full of nobility and manners, but positioning herself in the midst of her well armed and armored group as a non-verbal reminder of respective bargaining positions, as they speak. "It would seem we have already done you a service, if those are your needs, at least on the former. We came from east of here and encountered a group of orcs. We slew over a dozen of them just yesterday. I would imagine that even if that doesn't mean the whole tribe is wiped out, they are certainly weakened, and less likely to probe this way for some time. In exchange for this, I'll begin search of your tent to see if there is an item that belonged to me in my former life, which would be mine to reclaim. That's a fair trade."
"As to your second proposal, I have a different proposition. We don't have time to backtrack to Coynberry to play messenger to any Banshees, we have business of our own elsewhere, but the items here were worth a detour. For the slaying of the orcs, I will simply take the item that calls to me in the tent. Regarding the items within the tower, our only real interest is the one that contains Leto's lost memory. Together my forces and your undead can clear this tower of threats much more efficiently than either of our groups working alone, and certainly more efficiently than if either of us were to waste our soldiers, living or dead, in a pointless skirmish. I propose we work together to clear this tower, at least until we recover Leto's item, then we will take our leave. Anything else you find is yours to keep."
"Do you agree to the terms of my counter-proposal? It's quite a reasonable exchange for all parties. For our slaying of a large number of the orcs that have been harassing you, I will reclaim a single item from the tent that is mine to begin with, and contains one of my lost memories. In exchange for Leto's single item within the tower, we join forces to clear whatever dangers the tower holds, and agree to take only Leto's item, leaving you to whatever else you were searching for here. Beyond that, there is some long term gain to think of - Hamun Kost has made a friend of The Redbrands, and Mylene Durza, and the Redbrands of magus Kost. All partnerships begin with simple acts of compromise and mutual benefit, after all."
As an afterthought, Mylene adds, "Walter is a skilled trapsmith, and if the tower has such nuisances he can likely eliminate them without the need to send your undead footsoldiers wastefully through them. Such soldiers surely do have their value, but consider how much more efficient this tower expedition can be if we simply work together."
Mylene allows her earlier casual mention of "slaying a dozen orcs," along with her companions' clear readiness to deal with the undead assembled here, as an unspoken reminder of their prowess, and an indication that the bargain actually favors Kost, but that they are people in a hurry, willing to deal generously in this manner if it allows them to get what they need and move on more efficiently.
Leto, about to throw another blast from his hand pauses, allowing the energy to dissipate slightly, but keeping it ready. About to speak he sees Mylene approach the mage and bargain. Immediately he is surprised at how much she volunteered of who they are, and of their condition, and does not hide his reaction, but knows that now is not the time to show discontent to any outsiders. After she speaks he waits to see Kost's reaction, aware that Mylene certainly doesn't appear ready to become this fool mage's errand boy.
"Hmm, well that is good news." The mage replies in reference to the orcs. "I think you misjudge the requirements of the tower though, there are no traps or dangers to clear out, just a lot of drudgery and digging up of stones to see what lay beneath them. I brought forth my zombies to aid against the orcs if they decided to strike against me, not for any dangers to be found inside the tower. It is but one open area, no roof or tunnel system that I have found so far." He holds Mylene's eyes. "You offer me nothing then, in exchange for what you ask of me. You fought, and slew, the orcs on your own, and thus pretending it is something to trade for what you seek is simple foolishness. Yes, you, and your companions, can probably take out my zombies, but please don't make this a battle, as I have no wish to display my own powers." He looks around at the group again, before his eyes settle back on Mylene. "You ask me to give you something I have worked long and hard to find in these ruins, and are not even willing to make a short half-day journey in exchange for it. I am sorry but I will have to answer you in the negative then. As I have no wish to fight you, you can either leave on your own, or agree to my terms, which, frankly, are quite generous. A simple small trip to a nearby place, in exchange for that which you seek."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mylene - Leto - Hamun Kost
"We ask you to give us our property, my item in the tent, and access to Leto's in the tower," Mylene says. "As you have no wish to fight us, you can give us only those items that belong to us and contain our memories, and we won't seize the entire trove you've collected by force, as well as whatever remains in tower, Kost," Mylene says, her voice taking on an icier edge. She gives Leto a sidelong glance. It's plain to see she is growing tired of people failing to agree with her proposals. "We are not adventurers and we are not errand boys. We are reclaiming what is ours. Now, we can take those two items, and we will be on our way, leaving you and your minions unharmed and free to continue your business here. That would be my preference. You understand the alternative. What is your answer?"
"We ask you to give us our property, my item in the tent, and access to Leto's in the tower," Mylene says. "As you have no wish to fight us, you can give us only those items that belong to us and contain our memories, and we won't seize the entire trove you've collected by force, as well as whatever remains in tower, Kost," Mylene says, her voice taking on an icier edge. She gives Leto a sidelong glance. It's plain to see she is growing tired of people failing to agree with her proposals. "We are not adventurers and we are not errand boys. We are reclaiming what is ours. Now, we can take those two items, and we will be on our way, leaving you and your minions unharmed and free to continue your business here. That would be my preference. You understand the alternative. What is your answer?"
Mylene uses the prearranged hand signals with Walter and Leto during their travels to note for them to be ready to attack on her signal, should the magus not agree to their proposal.
Leto: Sends a blast of power in at the zombies as they start to emerge from the tower. His blast strikes zombie9 for damage.
brun Moves towards the zombies then throws 2 handaxes at the one Leto hit. Both strikes hit, but the zombie manages to stay on its feet.
Zombies The Zombies shamble out of the tower and surround Brun, some of them move towards the group, but none reach anyone but Brun this round. 5 Zombies attack Brun... Only the first strike hits Brun and he soaks the damage. When the next one misses he strikes back with a riposte strike. He injures the zombie badly, leaving it wobbling on its feet.
Walter Walter moves back towards the path and then sends an arrow at one of the zombies close to Brun. He uses his sharpshooter ability to do more damage. He then takes a bonus action to hide. His strike hits the one Brun just used riposte on, taking it down. This zombie falls, unable to resist the damage done to it.
Mylene Shoots a zombie (#10) and then blows a kiss to Brun, who gives a grin of appreciation.
Mage The tent rustles and a figure steps out. He is a stout, red-robed figure with sallow skin, a shaved scalp, and a black tattoo on his forehead. "What is the meaning of this?" He asks, glancing at the battle-in-progress with a frown.
After speaking and getting intimidated, the mage casts fireball, taking out the redcloaks and injuring Walter.
Zombies
The Zombies shamble out of the tower and surround Brun, some of them move towards the group, but none reach anyone but Brun this round. 5 Zombies attack Brun... Only the first strike hits Brun and he soaks the damage. When the next one misses he strikes back with a riposte strike. He injures the zombie badly, leaving it wobbling on its feet.
Walter
Walter moves back towards the path and then sends an arrow at one of the zombies close to Brun. He uses his sharpshooter ability to do more damage. He then takes a bonus action to hide. His strike hits the one Brun just used riposte on, taking it down. This zombie falls, unable to resist the damage done to it.
Mylene will act from her current position then move north to P37.
If one of the zombies within her range without cover have already taken damage, she prioritizes that target for the shot, between Z10, 7, 3 and 5. If none of those clear targets have been injured, or she cannot tell, Mylene simply fires on Z10 as her target.
She fires her Longbow this round, and uses her Bonus action to give Brun Bardic Inspiration. With a wink she blows a kiss to the man, shouting "Be strong, my brave lieutenant!" He has 1d6 of Bardic inspiration now to use as needed.
Longbow Attack roll: 26
Longbow Damage roll, non magical piercing, if a hit: 8
Leto:
Sends a blast of power in at the zombies as they start to emerge from the tower. His blast strikes zombie9 for damage.
brun
Moves towards the zombies then throws 2 handaxes at the one Leto hit. Both strikes hit, but the zombie manages to stay on its feet.
Zombies
The Zombies shamble out of the tower and surround Brun, some of them move towards the group, but none reach anyone but Brun this round. 5 Zombies attack Brun... Only the first strike hits Brun and he soaks the damage. When the next one misses he strikes back with a riposte strike. He injures the zombie badly, leaving it wobbling on its feet.
Walter
Walter moves back towards the path and then sends an arrow at one of the zombies close to Brun. He uses his sharpshooter ability to do more damage. He then takes a bonus action to hide. His strike hits the one Brun just used riposte on, taking it down. This zombie falls, unable to resist the damage done to it.
Mylene
Shoots a zombie (#10) and then blows a kiss to Brun, who gives a grin of appreciation.
Mage
The tent rustles and a figure steps out. He is a stout, red-robed figure with sallow skin, a shaved scalp, and a black tattoo on his forehead. "What is the meaning of this?" He asks, glancing at the battle-in-progress with a frown.
(Will pause to see if Mylene or Leto want to respond...)
Redcloaks ... on deck.
Map:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/hrgzgup3h85pxcj/DL Old Owl Well map.xlsx?dl=0
Mylene Durza - et al
When Mylene sees the mage emerge from the tent, she calls out, “Magus, if these undead are under your control then call them off and we can parlay. If not, then I recommend aiding in the battle or getting out of the way. The zombies attacked as soon as we approached, and we are defending ourselves accordingly.”
Persuasion, if needed, to facilitate diplomacy:
14
"Hold." The mage says in a clear voice. The undead cease their attacks and stand motionless. The mage nods to Mylene. "I was not expecting visitors..." He says, glancing over the group. "What can I help you with?"
Mylene - Mage?
"My name is Myelne Durza, this is Leto, a comrade of mine, and these are the Redbrands, a local militia under the leadership of the mage Glasstaff," Mylene says by way of introductions. "It's a bit of a strange situation, but Leto and myself are among a group of people whose memories were tampered with, we were evidently held in some kind of stasis for some years, and items of power that we possessed in our former lives seem to retain our lost memories. I know it is far-fetched sounding, but consider, if I were spinning a tale I would surely concoct something less outlandish. Each of us have felt, at different times, a sort of psychic 'pull' towards different locations. The last time it led me to Leto, and an object that once belonged to me that I reclaimed, along with the memories it carried within it. Now, I and Leto felt such a pull from this area, mine towards the tent, and Leto towards that tower. Might I ask your name, magus, and your business here in these ruins? Perhaps you could assist us in this task. Otherwise, we will simply stay out of one another's way."
To Mylene and her group.
"Hamun Kost at your service." The mage says with a bow of greeting. he straightens up. frowning. "Items that pull you, I would guess magical in nature then." He glances towards his tent, then back to Mylene. "I do have a few things I have found here so far." His eyes shift to the tower, thoughtfully. "And I am guessing there will be more then in the tower, where I have only begun to search." He nods to Mylene then. "I am willing to share what I have found, if you will do two tasks for me in return. First I wish to have the orcs East of here taken care of, as they have scouted my camp here more than once now. Secondly, i would like someone to travel to Conyberry and ask the Banshee there a question for me. If you will agree to this, then I will open my tent to you and help you search the tower for other items of interest."
Mylene - Hamun Kost
"A pleasure, master Kost," Mylene answers, full of nobility and manners, but positioning herself in the midst of her well armed and armored group as a non-verbal reminder of respective bargaining positions, as they speak. "It would seem we have already done you a service, if those are your needs, at least on the former. We came from east of here and encountered a group of orcs. We slew over a dozen of them just yesterday. I would imagine that even if that doesn't mean the whole tribe is wiped out, they are certainly weakened, and less likely to probe this way for some time. In exchange for this, I'll begin search of your tent to see if there is an item that belonged to me in my former life, which would be mine to reclaim. That's a fair trade."
"As to your second proposal, I have a different proposition. We don't have time to backtrack to Coynberry to play messenger to any Banshees, we have business of our own elsewhere, but the items here were worth a detour. For the slaying of the orcs, I will simply take the item that calls to me in the tent. Regarding the items within the tower, our only real interest is the one that contains Leto's lost memory. Together my forces and your undead can clear this tower of threats much more efficiently than either of our groups working alone, and certainly more efficiently than if either of us were to waste our soldiers, living or dead, in a pointless skirmish. I propose we work together to clear this tower, at least until we recover Leto's item, then we will take our leave. Anything else you find is yours to keep."
"Do you agree to the terms of my counter-proposal? It's quite a reasonable exchange for all parties. For our slaying of a large number of the orcs that have been harassing you, I will reclaim a single item from the tent that is mine to begin with, and contains one of my lost memories. In exchange for Leto's single item within the tower, we join forces to clear whatever dangers the tower holds, and agree to take only Leto's item, leaving you to whatever else you were searching for here. Beyond that, there is some long term gain to think of - Hamun Kost has made a friend of The Redbrands, and Mylene Durza, and the Redbrands of magus Kost. All partnerships begin with simple acts of compromise and mutual benefit, after all."
As an afterthought, Mylene adds, "Walter is a skilled trapsmith, and if the tower has such nuisances he can likely eliminate them without the need to send your undead footsoldiers wastefully through them. Such soldiers surely do have their value, but consider how much more efficient this tower expedition can be if we simply work together."
Mylene allows her earlier casual mention of "slaying a dozen orcs," along with her companions' clear readiness to deal with the undead assembled here, as an unspoken reminder of their prowess, and an indication that the bargain actually favors Kost, but that they are people in a hurry, willing to deal generously in this manner if it allows them to get what they need and move on more efficiently.
Leto, about to throw another blast from his hand pauses, allowing the energy to dissipate slightly, but keeping it ready. About to speak he sees Mylene approach the mage and bargain. Immediately he is surprised at how much she volunteered of who they are, and of their condition, and does not hide his reaction, but knows that now is not the time to show discontent to any outsiders. After she speaks he waits to see Kost's reaction, aware that Mylene certainly doesn't appear ready to become this fool mage's errand boy.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
To Mylene, Leto, and others.
"Hmm, well that is good news." The mage replies in reference to the orcs. "I think you misjudge the requirements of the tower though, there are no traps or dangers to clear out, just a lot of drudgery and digging up of stones to see what lay beneath them. I brought forth my zombies to aid against the orcs if they decided to strike against me, not for any dangers to be found inside the tower. It is but one open area, no roof or tunnel system that I have found so far." He holds Mylene's eyes. "You offer me nothing then, in exchange for what you ask of me. You fought, and slew, the orcs on your own, and thus pretending it is something to trade for what you seek is simple foolishness. Yes, you, and your companions, can probably take out my zombies, but please don't make this a battle, as I have no wish to display my own powers." He looks around at the group again, before his eyes settle back on Mylene. "You ask me to give you something I have worked long and hard to find in these ruins, and are not even willing to make a short half-day journey in exchange for it. I am sorry but I will have to answer you in the negative then. As I have no wish to fight you, you can either leave on your own, or agree to my terms, which, frankly, are quite generous. A simple small trip to a nearby place, in exchange for that which you seek."
Mylene - Leto - Hamun Kost
"We ask you to give us our property, my item in the tent, and access to Leto's in the tower," Mylene says. "As you have no wish to fight us, you can give us only those items that belong to us and contain our memories, and we won't seize the entire trove you've collected by force, as well as whatever remains in tower, Kost," Mylene says, her voice taking on an icier edge. She gives Leto a sidelong glance. It's plain to see she is growing tired of people failing to agree with her proposals. "We are not adventurers and we are not errand boys. We are reclaiming what is ours. Now, we can take those two items, and we will be on our way, leaving you and your minions unharmed and free to continue your business here. That would be my preference. You understand the alternative. What is your answer?"
Intimidation: 18
If it would help, Leto staying behind listening implies that he agrees, and will help if possible for her persuasion/intimidation ^^
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
If advantage applies, second roll to factor in advantage, higher of the two, the prior 18 intimidate or: 15
Mylene - Leto - Walter
Mylene uses the prearranged hand signals with Walter and Leto during their travels to note for them to be ready to attack on her signal, should the magus not agree to their proposal.
The mage frown, looking truly concerned. He glances to the force arrayed against him and, clearly frightened, casts a spell.
fireball
Everyone but Brun is in the area of affect.
DC 16 Dex save for half, or take 26 fire damage.
"Attack." The mage calls to his zombies, then the mage steps back into his tent.
Walter save: 22
All of the redcloaks are down. Brun was not hit and Walter takes half-damage.
Leto:
Sends a blast of power in at the zombies as they start to emerge from the tower. His blast strikes zombie9 for damage.
brun
Moves towards the zombies then throws 2 handaxes at the one Leto hit. Both strikes hit, but the zombie manages to stay on its feet.
Zombies
The Zombies shamble out of the tower and surround Brun, some of them move towards the group, but none reach anyone but Brun this round. 5 Zombies attack Brun... Only the first strike hits Brun and he soaks the damage. When the next one misses he strikes back with a riposte strike. He injures the zombie badly, leaving it wobbling on its feet.
Walter
Walter moves back towards the path and then sends an arrow at one of the zombies close to Brun. He uses his sharpshooter ability to do more damage. He then takes a bonus action to hide. His strike hits the one Brun just used riposte on, taking it down. This zombie falls, unable to resist the damage done to it.
Mylene
Shoots a zombie (#10) and then blows a kiss to Brun, who gives a grin of appreciation.
Mage
The tent rustles and a figure steps out. He is a stout, red-robed figure with sallow skin, a shaved scalp, and a black tattoo on his forehead. "What is the meaning of this?" He asks, glancing at the battle-in-progress with a frown.
After speaking and getting intimidated, the mage casts fireball, taking out the redcloaks and injuring Walter.
Mylene and Leto still need to make saves.
Map:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/hrgzgup3h85pxcj/DL Old Owl Well map.xlsx?dl=0
Leto is up.