(OOC: they currently look to be about 100ft away) As soon as the scream emanates from the Druid, Ioben freezes. It would not be smart to get any closer. His bow comes up and he trains as quickly as he can on the source. Glancing over his shoulder he can see most of the others clearly shaken by what they were witnessing, none had moved yet to even try and defend themselves. Judging the distance, Ioben thought he had a few moments before they would be under direct attack, so instead he thought it best to regroup.
Ioben steps back beside Valerie. “Hey, what are you doing? I need you. Call on your god for strength. Do something.” As he does this he keeps his bow trained on the group ahead of him, ready to shoot at the first target that comes within range. (Looking at the 80ft mark)
Dormark goes back to shake Baern saying, "Strengthen your spirit little brother it is time to face are foes!" Dormark casts shield of faith on Baern as a bonus action and moves forward to stand with Valerie.
((Sorry should have clarified - I tried to work out 100ft (roughly) from the Druid. Each square is 5ft.))
Ireena's turn
Ireena springs into action, identifying the immediate threat. She screams at her brother,"Ismark! Snap out of it... we MUST defend ourselves!". Her face softens seeing fear in his eyes, "Please brother, I need you."She attempts to help Ismark ((a bonus action due to her sidekick class)). She then dashes forward to stand beside Ioben,"Stand firm friend."she barks encouragingly.
Vine Blight's (#1) turn
In the undergrowth, behind the Driud, a segment of the mass of vines starts to form into a vaguely humanoid being. As it stands tall, separate from the rest of the vegetation, it lets out an anguished howl before shambling towards the party.
Ismark's turn
Ismark looks down to his hands flexing them slightly. He had been born in Barovia, lived here all his life, had even heard tales of the crazed wild-men that lived in the area... but nothing had prepared him for the sight that he had seen - a grown man throwing-up a swarm of tiny black insects - he did not want anything to do with this.
Wisdom Saving Throw (with advantage): 18
Snapping out of his fear-filled state, Ireena's words had resonated with Ismark. He must be strong, for her. Moving forward he took the heavy crossbow from his back and levelled it at the druid, waiting for his chance to loose it's deadly bolt at the enemy.
Ready Action - Heavy Crossbow Shot: Attack: 18 Damage: 8
Swarm of Insects turn
The swarm of blackness belched up by the druid flies towards the party, their wings buzzing in the air. As they come in range Ioben shoots an arrow at the swarm but, whether due to nerves or a break in concentration, it misses and sails wide. Ismark's crossbow bolt, however, rings true and pierces into the heart of the swarm, killing a number of the creatures.
Baern - You currently stand, rooted to the spot in fear, Dormark has just cast shield of faith on you. It is your turn, please make a Wisdom Saving Throw with advantage - should you beat its DC (12) you may continue your turn as normal, otherwise you stay frightened.
Baern looks up at Dormark, nods and swallows hard. He then tries to take a step forward and succeeds, bolstered by the encouragement of his friend.
The little dwarf rushes forward as far as his short legs will take him, finding himself amidst Ismark and Ireena. With anger and determination in his voice at yet another threat thrown at the group by this strange land, he says with almost a snarl "give me space when enough of them get here." His thick hand grips his holy symbol and starts to crackle with the energy of a thunderstorm just a tiny bit as he prepares an attack. In the meantime he points the other hand at the approaching swarm and mutters a word in dwarvish. The deep sound of a bell tolling can just faintly be heard on the night air.
Toll the Dead DC12 WIS vs. 6 necrotic damage, 7 if it was already damaged
Reminder mostly to self: AC = 18 with Shield of Faith Bless buff still active on Ioben, Valerie and Dormark
The sound of deep ringing fills the air as Baern casts his spell. A large number of the flies fall to the ground dead, the swarm is now less than half of it's initial size.
Twig Blight (#1) turn
Hopping-up one of the Twig Blights springs into action, it's little legs dart back and forth as it tries to manically run towards the party - charging 40ft.
Sandu - It now falls to you to overcome your fear and join the battle; please make a Wisdom Saving Throw, unfortunately this is without advantage. If you succeed your turn can be undertaken as normal, however should you fail you must adhere to the rules of frightened.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Wisdom Save: 16
Sandu swallowed back a scream. It was not enough that the stranger acted like a feral mad man, he had to shriek like one too. Sandu did not have the time to plug his ears and as the inhumanly scream cut through flesh and bone, a cold shiver ran done his spine. It felt like more than just a scream, like the sound was actively trying to lock up his limbs.
It might even had succeeded at it were it not for all that Sandu had gone through over the past couple of days. Snippets of past conversations played out in his mind, a veritable maelstrom playing around in his head, when one arose louder than the others. What I’m trying to do is protect us. So I’m trusting you to do the same.
Sandu shook his head. The cold resided and he could feel his own will taking control of his body. He planted his feet, vaguely remembered a guardsman talking about concentrated fire and lined his hand up with the swarm of insects coming towards them. The word, now almost familiar to him, rolled off his tongue like an ancient battlecry.
Out of sequence but I didn't want to hold the play up if Galqarin was still frightened: Wis save 17, so he will be able to act on his turn (after the druid).
Sandu's Eldritch Blast tears through the remnants of the swarm, dispatching the last of them ((rolled the exact damage required!)).
Druid's turn
The Druid appears unfased by the death of the swarm in front of him. Instead he holds his staff skywards and lets out a wicked chuckle. His skin starts to take on the appearance of bark; instead of healthy the bark looks diseased and twisted, knotted with sickly black amber oozing from parts. He then draws a buckler from his back and walks towards the party, limbs creaking as he moves. "END THEM!" his maniacal voice crackles out over the silence.
Galqarin - You currently stand hiding among the shadows of a great tree. You find yourself now drawn into a combat with one of feral Druids of the Old Svalich Wood, the likes of which you would normally seek to avoid entirely. However, it would seem your new found travelling companions are in need of your assistance. Will you fight alongside your new allies or slink off into the shadows and hide yourself away? It is your turn to decide.
Valerie - Ioben shouts imploring you to snap out of your fright and come to your senses. The ungodly sight that you witnessed mere moments before still replaying in your mind - surely these creatures standing before you were twisted and unnatural, an affront to nature itself. Currently you are frightened, please make a Wisdom Saving Throw with advantage to see if you can overcome your initial fear. If not, then you shall remain frightened. It is your turn.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(OOC: Things often happen while I am asleep here in NZ, so here is my next move to run after Valerie so things don't get held up)
Mechanics: Ioben moves to the north, hoping to use some of the rocks as cover. He will uses his bonus action hide (class feature cunning action). From there he fires his shortbow at at the closest Twig Blight if it is within 80ft or holds his shot until one is. Rolls: Shortbow - Attack: 18 Damage: 9 (Bless: 2) Hide (Stealth Roll): 8 Sneak Attack Damage: 9
Description: Although initially startled, most of the group appear to have roused themselves and start reacting to the incoming threat. Relieved to have a few shields between himself and the blights, Ioben decides his best contribution would be to pick off the threats as they arrive. Looking around he spots the rocky outcroppings to the north and heads off quickly in that direction. They should limit the direction the enemy can attack him and also provide some cover.
As he arrives, he tries to make it look like he is running past the rocks, trying to escape, instead, he quickly doubles back, trying to stay out of sight, before lining up the closest blight with his short bow. As soon as they are within range he lets the bow fly, hoping to catch them by surprise.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Wisdom Save: 14
Valerie is on her knees grabbing her head and her eyes are widened. Many fearful thoughts come rushing over her. "Why am I here? Those things are so scary... Why do I have to fight them? I should run!..."
Just as she is on the verge of break down. The thought of her parents and the shout from Ioben pull her back to reality.
She readjusts herself and stands up. She looks at Ioben with a smile and nods to him. "Thank you." Then she walks to the front of the group and does what she was trained to do. She raises her shield and ready for herself for the assaults.
(Move 30ft forward and take dodge, I also have a fighting style: interception. I can use my reaction to reduce 8 damage from an ally within 5ft of me if they are hit by an attack.)
As the initial stages of the battle come to a conclusion the party resolves their initial fright and prepare to meet the oncoming Druidic forces; quickly dispatching of the insect swarm.
Ioben - Managing to successfully hide himself near the rocks to the North of the road, you let off a shot at the nearest Twig Blight (#4). The arrow finds its target with unwavering accuracy, thudding into the blight and causing it to topple over, arrow protruding from it's 'head'. It lies still on the floor, whatever 'life' which had existed now extinguished.
Dormark - You watch on as you seen Ioben creep into position and take out the nearest Twig Blight with ease. The rest of the party seem to have come to their senses and start taking up positions to best deal with the offending creatures. It is your turn to act.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dormark walks forward to stand behind a small stone by the pathway. Looking towards the druid, Dormark sees that his line of sight is blocked by one of the plant monsters. Raising his hand Dormark says. "Moradin lend me the power to strike down these evil beings!" In his hand a flaming hammer appears. He throws it at the twig blight to either destroy it, or to make it easier to hit next time.
(Dormark casts guiding bolt at the twig blight standing in front of the druid.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dormark - You unleash the flaming hammer towards the Twig Blight (#1) standing in front of the druid. As the fiery hammer meets its target it obliterates it completely, clearing the path between you and the Druid.
((I've taken a 'best guess' at where Dormark is currently standing based on your description))
Ireena's Turn
((Just realised I moved Ireena instead of Valerie during Valerie's last turn - I have updated the map to reflect this!))
Ireena moved next to Valerie and takes the dodge action, waiting for the oncoming foe.
Vine Blight (#1) Turn
Plodding (dash action) forward the Vine Blight stands protectively next to it's Master, the Druid.
Ismark's Turn
Moving behind his sister, Ismark takes up a position along the road, just behind some rocks. Aiming his heavy crossbow at the southern-most Twig Blight (#3) he looses a bolt.
Heavy Crossbow Shot: Attack: 7 Damage: 6
Similarly to Ioben's shot, the bolt whistles through the air and finds it's target with a dull THUNK! The Twig Blight topples over as a large portion of it's body is chipped off by the bolt.
(OOC: they currently look to be about 100ft away) As soon as the scream emanates from the Druid, Ioben freezes. It would not be smart to get any closer. His bow comes up and he trains as quickly as he can on the source.
Glancing over his shoulder he can see most of the others clearly shaken by what they were witnessing, none had moved yet to even try and defend themselves. Judging the distance, Ioben thought he had a few moments before they would be under direct attack, so instead he thought it best to regroup.
Ioben steps back beside Valerie. “Hey, what are you doing? I need you. Call on your god for strength. Do something.” As he does this he keeps his bow trained on the group ahead of him, ready to shoot at the first target that comes within range. (Looking at the 80ft mark)
Shortbow - Attack: 8 Damage: 6
Dormark goes back to shake Baern saying, "Strengthen your spirit little brother it is time to face are foes!" Dormark casts shield of faith on Baern as a bonus action and moves forward to stand with Valerie.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
((Sorry should have clarified - I tried to work out 100ft (roughly) from the Druid. Each square is 5ft.))
Ireena's turn
Ireena springs into action, identifying the immediate threat. She screams at her brother, "Ismark! Snap out of it... we MUST defend ourselves!". Her face softens seeing fear in his eyes, "Please brother, I need you." She attempts to help Ismark ((a bonus action due to her sidekick class)). She then dashes forward to stand beside Ioben, "Stand firm friend." she barks encouragingly.
Vine Blight's (#1) turn
In the undergrowth, behind the Driud, a segment of the mass of vines starts to form into a vaguely humanoid being. As it stands tall, separate from the rest of the vegetation, it lets out an anguished howl before shambling towards the party.
Ismark's turn
Ismark looks down to his hands flexing them slightly. He had been born in Barovia, lived here all his life, had even heard tales of the crazed wild-men that lived in the area... but nothing had prepared him for the sight that he had seen - a grown man throwing-up a swarm of tiny black insects - he did not want anything to do with this.
Wisdom Saving Throw (with advantage): 18
Snapping out of his fear-filled state, Ireena's words had resonated with Ismark. He must be strong, for her. Moving forward he took the heavy crossbow from his back and levelled it at the druid, waiting for his chance to loose it's deadly bolt at the enemy.
Ready Action - Heavy Crossbow Shot: Attack: 18 Damage: 8
Swarm of Insects turn
The swarm of blackness belched up by the druid flies towards the party, their wings buzzing in the air. As they come in range Ioben shoots an arrow at the swarm but, whether due to nerves or a break in concentration, it misses and sails wide. Ismark's crossbow bolt, however, rings true and pierces into the heart of the swarm, killing a number of the creatures.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Feral Druid Battle - Round #1 - Baern's Turn
Baern - You currently stand, rooted to the spot in fear, Dormark has just cast shield of faith on you. It is your turn, please make a Wisdom Saving Throw with advantage - should you beat its DC (12) you may continue your turn as normal, otherwise you stay frightened.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
WIS save: 19
Baern looks up at Dormark, nods and swallows hard. He then tries to take a step forward and succeeds, bolstered by the encouragement of his friend.
The little dwarf rushes forward as far as his short legs will take him, finding himself amidst Ismark and Ireena. With anger and determination in his voice at yet another threat thrown at the group by this strange land, he says with almost a snarl "give me space when enough of them get here." His thick hand grips his holy symbol and starts to crackle with the energy of a thunderstorm just a tiny bit as he prepares an attack. In the meantime he points the other hand at the approaching swarm and mutters a word in dwarvish. The deep sound of a bell tolling can just faintly be heard on the night air.
Toll the Dead DC12 WIS vs. 6 necrotic damage, 7 if it was already damaged
Reminder mostly to self: AC = 18 with Shield of Faith
Bless buff still active on Ioben, Valerie and Dormark
The sound of deep ringing fills the air as Baern casts his spell. A large number of the flies fall to the ground dead, the swarm is now less than half of it's initial size.
Twig Blight (#1) turn
Hopping-up one of the Twig Blights springs into action, it's little legs dart back and forth as it tries to manically run towards the party - charging 40ft.
Sandu - It now falls to you to overcome your fear and join the battle; please make a Wisdom Saving Throw, unfortunately this is without advantage. If you succeed your turn can be undertaken as normal, however should you fail you must adhere to the rules of frightened.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Wisdom Save: 16
Sandu swallowed back a scream. It was not enough that the stranger acted like a feral mad man, he had to shriek like one too. Sandu did not have the time to plug his ears and as the inhumanly scream cut through flesh and bone, a cold shiver ran done his spine. It felt like more than just a scream, like the sound was actively trying to lock up his limbs.
It might even had succeeded at it were it not for all that Sandu had gone through over the past couple of days. Snippets of past conversations played out in his mind, a veritable maelstrom playing around in his head, when one arose louder than the others. What I’m trying to do is protect us. So I’m trusting you to do the same.
Sandu shook his head. The cold resided and he could feel his own will taking control of his body. He planted his feet, vaguely remembered a guardsman talking about concentrated fire and lined his hand up with the swarm of insects coming towards them. The word, now almost familiar to him, rolled off his tongue like an ancient battlecry.
'Pleacã!'
OOC: casting Eldritch Blast targeting the swarm.
Attack: 14 Damage: 13
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Out of sequence but I didn't want to hold the play up if Galqarin was still frightened: Wis save 17, so he will be able to act on his turn (after the druid).
Sandu's Eldritch Blast tears through the remnants of the swarm, dispatching the last of them ((rolled the exact damage required!)).
Druid's turn
The Druid appears unfased by the death of the swarm in front of him. Instead he holds his staff skywards and lets out a wicked chuckle. His skin starts to take on the appearance of bark; instead of healthy the bark looks diseased and twisted, knotted with sickly black amber oozing from parts. He then draws a buckler from his back and walks towards the party, limbs creaking as he moves. "END THEM!" his maniacal voice crackles out over the silence.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Feral Druid Battle - Round #1 - Galqarin's Turn
Galqarin - You currently stand hiding among the shadows of a great tree. You find yourself now drawn into a combat with one of feral Druids of the Old Svalich Wood, the likes of which you would normally seek to avoid entirely. However, it would seem your new found travelling companions are in need of your assistance. Will you fight alongside your new allies or slink off into the shadows and hide yourself away? It is your turn to decide.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
(Since Galqarin is out of sight, I have PM'd the DM with his action.)
Galqarin goes skulking out of sight from the party.
Twig Blights (#2 & #3) and Vine Blight (#2) turn
The remaining Vine Blight and two of the Twig Blights press on towards the party - dashing forward.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Feral Druid Battle - Round #1 - Valerie's Turn
Valerie - Ioben shouts imploring you to snap out of your fright and come to your senses. The ungodly sight that you witnessed mere moments before still replaying in your mind - surely these creatures standing before you were twisted and unnatural, an affront to nature itself. Currently you are frightened, please make a Wisdom Saving Throw with advantage to see if you can overcome your initial fear. If not, then you shall remain frightened. It is your turn.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
(OOC: Things often happen while I am asleep here in NZ, so here is my next move to run after Valerie so things don't get held up)
Mechanics: Ioben moves to the north, hoping to use some of the rocks as cover. He will uses his bonus action hide (class feature cunning action). From there he fires his shortbow at at the closest Twig Blight if it is within 80ft or holds his shot until one is.
Rolls:
Shortbow - Attack: 18 Damage: 9 (Bless: 2)
Hide (Stealth Roll): 8
Sneak Attack Damage: 9
Description: Although initially startled, most of the group appear to have roused themselves and start reacting to the incoming threat. Relieved to have a few shields between himself and the blights, Ioben decides his best contribution would be to pick off the threats as they arrive. Looking around he spots the rocky outcroppings to the north and heads off quickly in that direction. They should limit the direction the enemy can attack him and also provide some cover.
As he arrives, he tries to make it look like he is running past the rocks, trying to escape, instead, he quickly doubles back, trying to stay out of sight, before lining up the closest blight with his short bow. As soon as they are within range he lets the bow fly, hoping to catch them by surprise.
Wisdom Save: 14
Valerie is on her knees grabbing her head and her eyes are widened. Many fearful thoughts come rushing over her. "Why am I here? Those things are so scary... Why do I have to fight them? I should run!..."
Just as she is on the verge of break down. The thought of her parents and the shout from Ioben pull her back to reality.
She readjusts herself and stands up. She looks at Ioben with a smile and nods to him. "Thank you." Then she walks to the front of the group and does what she was trained to do. She raises her shield and ready for herself for the assaults.
(Move 30ft forward and take dodge, I also have a fighting style: interception. I can use my reaction to reduce 8 damage from an ally within 5ft of me if they are hit by an attack.)
Twig Blight (#4) turn
As with the other blights, the Twig Blight uses a dash to move forward 40ft.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Feral Druid Battle - Round #2
Initiative Order:
Overview:
As the initial stages of the battle come to a conclusion the party resolves their initial fright and prepare to meet the oncoming Druidic forces; quickly dispatching of the insect swarm.
Ioben - Managing to successfully hide himself near the rocks to the North of the road, you let off a shot at the nearest Twig Blight (#4). The arrow finds its target with unwavering accuracy, thudding into the blight and causing it to topple over, arrow protruding from it's 'head'. It lies still on the floor, whatever 'life' which had existed now extinguished.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Feral Druid Battle - Round #2 - Dormark's Turn
Dormark - You watch on as you seen Ioben creep into position and take out the nearest Twig Blight with ease. The rest of the party seem to have come to their senses and start taking up positions to best deal with the offending creatures. It is your turn to act.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dormark walks forward to stand behind a small stone by the pathway. Looking towards the druid, Dormark sees that his line of sight is blocked by one of the plant monsters. Raising his hand Dormark says. "Moradin lend me the power to strike down these evil beings!" In his hand a flaming hammer appears. He throws it at the twig blight to either destroy it, or to make it easier to hit next time.
(Dormark casts guiding bolt at the twig blight standing in front of the druid.)
Attack: 15 Damage: 10
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Dormark - You unleash the flaming hammer towards the Twig Blight (#1) standing in front of the druid. As the fiery hammer meets its target it obliterates it completely, clearing the path between you and the Druid.
((I've taken a 'best guess' at where Dormark is currently standing based on your description))
Ireena's Turn
((Just realised I moved Ireena instead of Valerie during Valerie's last turn - I have updated the map to reflect this!))
Ireena moved next to Valerie and takes the dodge action, waiting for the oncoming foe.
Vine Blight (#1) Turn
Plodding (dash action) forward the Vine Blight stands protectively next to it's Master, the Druid.
Ismark's Turn
Moving behind his sister, Ismark takes up a position along the road, just behind some rocks. Aiming his heavy crossbow at the southern-most Twig Blight (#3) he looses a bolt.
Heavy Crossbow Shot: Attack: 7 Damage: 6
Similarly to Ioben's shot, the bolt whistles through the air and finds it's target with a dull THUNK! The Twig Blight topples over as a large portion of it's body is chipped off by the bolt.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)