The negotiator takes the coins, counts them, looks up at the chief, then says to Varielky quietly, “you will be well taken care of.” He then pockets the platinum, and spurs his mount. The hyena trots past Varielky and the carriage and past the two riders behind you, and continues on and away. Amistan clicks his tongue and the carriage begins to move forward as your six fresians begin to pull. The remaining hyena riders in the canyon stand still. you move forward some 5 yards, then the chief drops his fist. All the orcan riders on the canyon wall notch arrows to their bows and take aim at the carriage. Amistan yells, “get on!” to Varielky and anyone else standing. The horses begin to gallop as the orcan arrows begin to fly. What do you do?
With a swift movement, Varielky's hand draws her sword and as she points it at the Orcs' leader, the symbol appears on her forehead and her eyes illuminate. Not because she couldn't see, but rather to show the Orcs she wasn't lying when she said the gods are with her (Intimidation? 9). "The gods don't take kindly for those who try to steal their property away!" Her voice echoes between the canyon's walls. "If you want to have me, you'll have to beat me in a fair duel! Otherwise, we won't both leave here alive!" Her sword Ready in an offensive stance, Varielky will slash at the first Orc to come into her reach, the moment they do, unless it is the Orcs' leader coming for a duel.
If the trigger happens, Varielky will use her reaction and Attack: 12 Damage: 10.
Seeing Varielky try to challenge the Orcs to a duel, Ednyss shouts to her, "They have no honor! We paid the tribute in platinum and they still attacked us. They will not fight a fair duel no matter what they pretend. We must make haste." With that, he hops onto the back of the carriage, holding his hand out to help Varielky jump on as well. As he rushes around though, he casts a quick spell on one of the horses, giving it some additional protection from any arrows that might be fired at it.
Arrows fly from the canyon edge, targeting the people on the carriage -- almost all of them aimed at its driver. Four hit Amistan, and he gasps and is down. The carriage is now out of control.
2 arrows arc up and slam into Auger for 13HP, just as, in answer to his inquiring eyes, he notices that the canyon edge is weak throughout. A few pebbles are sliding down under the area where the hyena riders are perched along the escarpment.
In response to Varielky’s threat, you all hear a rumbling of thunder from the top of the cliff, and you clearly hear one of the Orcan Hands shouting in a magically magnified voice, feral, controlled, “Your gods are weak in this land. Ellosh gives us power to take what we need.” The orc chief’s eyes are fully on Varielky.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Crying out in pain and dismay Auger assesses the situation and decides things look very bad. Seeing nowhere to hide Auger yells, "We cannot survive this! Get on the carriage! We must run!"
Realizing Amistan is down yet having no experience with driving a carriage Auger hopes another can take the reigns. Auger sets his sights on a likely cliffside spot and sends his twisting blast up into the rocks beneath the orc archers.
Py, see what you can do about the big one.
Auger
Move: none, stays on the carriage
Action: Casts Eldritch Blast targeting the loose rocks under T18.Attack: 15 Damage: 4
Py
Move: To Y12, 30' up
Action: Becoming visible in the process (though still Tiny), attacks the Orc Chief's Hyena at range: Attack: 20 Damage: 1.
If there is a hit then: Sleeping Spell. Ranged Spell Attack:+6 to hit, range 40/160 ft., one target. Hit: 1 piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 1 minute. If its saving throw result is 5 or lower, the poisoned target falls unconscious for the same duration, or until it takes damage or another creature takes an action to shake it awake.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"If the gods which you call mine are weak, why don't you come over here and prove it? If Ellosh is truly with you, what reason have you to be afraid?" Varielky continues, ignoring her companions' warnings. "You shot arrows and you called me weak. You said Ellosh gives you the power to take what you need! Yet, at this moment, not even one of you dares to approach. Cowards is all you bunch are!"
Varielky actually wants to run and simply attack them for insulting the gods, but all of the Orcs are too far away. Instead, she tries to provoke them. However, seeing they prefer using arrows, Varielky puts her shield in front of her, ready to block incoming arrows.
Provocation? 6 (Didn't know what to add so didn't add any bonuses.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ednyss sees Amistan fall and touches his shield to send a word of healing to the downed driver. Seeing Varielky's adamance in standing their ground, Ednyss makes one last plea, "Child. There is no honor in dying to the arrows shot by these brigands. We must at least regroup or we will not survive. Let us return when we have the upper hand so we can show these brigands the power of our gods." He then tries to climb up to the top of the carriage and shield Amistan from the Orc's arrows with his shield.
Bonus Action: Cast Healing Word on Amistan (From the Shield - Level 1) Amistan heals for 6 HP
Auger’s Eldritch Blast strikes the loose rocks under T18, and they explode away, clattering down the canyon’s edge, but the result is not enough to cause structural damage to the canyon wall. The hyenas there reflexively jump back from the attack, yipping angrily.
Py shoots its tiny spore at the Chief’s hyena. It strikes and does 1HP damage, causing it to snarl, but with no other effect.
Edynss draws divine energy from the shield which shoots into Amistan like a bright bolt. The Shian's eyes pop open, he grasps the reins in his hand, and salutes Ednyss thanks. Ednyss climbs atop the carriage next to Auger, where the shield’s defensive magic may encompass both Auger and Amistan.
Varielky’s challenge to the orc chief remains unanswered, but he glances down the canyon in the direction you’re moving, meets Varielky’s eyes again, as if to say ‘I’ll meet you there.’ He says a few words to the Hands on either side of him, and then shouts a loud command in Orcish to the line of hyena-riders as he nudges his mount back from the precipice and towards the far end of the canyon. Varielky sees that the escarpment slopes downward further on.
Benita jumps atop the lead horse, and, an excellent rider, hangs off its left side, protected there from arrow attacks. She yells “Varielky! Come on bruiser, they’re not as dumb as you think!! Hurry up!”
The carriage’s passenger panel slides open, and Tuff’s arm pops out and places a small flat stone on Amistan’s shoulder and taps it with his index finder, and any desire to attack the ranger now requires a force of will to execute.
Flint & Wad hop onto the carriage’s rear bucket as it picks up speed, load their crossbows, and fire on the right hyena rider. One bolt hits a glancing blow, slicing the rider’s arm.
Granophyre’s golden sparrow flits out of the passenger panel and flies up 20’ above the carriage.
Amistan pulls back on the reins, slowing enough for Varielky to reach the carriage next turn.
The hyenas move along the canyon wall, yipping and growling, keeping up with the carriage. The orcs fire another volley of arrows. The pair in front turn, running parallel to the carriage along the canyon walls, maintaining distance ahead. The pair behind do the same thing, and all four fire their bows. You notice that not a single shot is aimed at Benita or Varielky.
5 arrows arc up and crash around Ednyss, all of them missing or deflecting off of his shield. The war cleric sees one flying toward Amistan, but the shield seems to have a life of its own, extending down and deflecting it.
3 orcs aim at Amistan but change their mind due to the Tuff’s sanctuary, choosing other targets, but one arrow zips in and strikes the weakened ranger beyond Ednyss’ reach, and the Shian once again lolls back, in shock and bleeding.
5 arrows fly at Auger and 3 hit for 19HP damage. The sorcerer loses consciousness and his body threatens to roll off of the carriage but Ednyss grabs his belt and pulls him back on.
2 arrows hit Wad for 9HP damage, while 4 more deflect off of his and Flint’s armor.
"I never thought they are." Varielky says as she reluctantly climbs onto the carriage. When she sees the arrows aren't aimed at the women, she understands what's goin on. "Come close! They won't try to hit you if one of us Humans are next to you. They want us alive to "make Jenghen"" Varielky says with disdain. "Someone make sure Sharp-Eyes and the driver don't die, I'll try to steer us. Might be a bumpy ride."Varielky takes the reins and tries to lead the carriage. She wasn't an expert, but she did learn how to control vehicles back in the day.
If a check is needed, Varielky is proficient with Vehicles (land), but I don't know what else to add, if at all, so: 14 +something if deemed needed.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
No! There is too much for you to do! Do not fall here!
Hearing nothing in response Py forgets about the Orc Chief and flies back to Auger, landing upon him. Ednyss hears a voice in his head he realizes must be coming from the small wooden figurine, Heal him. Heal him now.
Auger's head rolls back and he is overcome by the pain, not even realizing how close he came to falling off the carriage.
Py
Move: To Auger and the carriage
Auger
Death Save: 2
Note: Auger was at 11hp, so I am thinking that arrow #3 probably hit while he was already down, pinning him with a failed Death save already.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ednyss heaves a sigh of relief as the shield-maiden joins them on the carriage and just as he is about to heal Amistan again so that the ranger can continue driving, Varielky takes the reins herself and seems to be steering the carriage well enough. Hearing a voice in his head, Ednyss looks around confused for a second before identifying the source to be a small wooden figurine. Cocking his head to the side, a little confused, Ednyss touches his shield and sends another mote of healing out of it and into the warlock, now that the carriage is being steered. He then continues using his shield to try and guard both the warlock and the fallen ranger. Adding on he says to the unconscious Amistan, "Hold on! Just a few more seconds!"
Bonus Action: Cast Healing Word on Auger (From the Shield - Level 1) Auger heals for 8 HP
Edynss heals Auger for 7HP and continues to defend his human companions.
Varielky sprints for the carriage, and can barely leap for the driver’s bucket. She keeps the reins from spilling down into the undercarriage, and, as any adult in Yurreali knows how to do, holds them firmly and shouts “Hiya!”. The horses continue ahead and pick up the pace.
Benita crits her Acrobatics save (27), and manages to flip herself onto the galloping horse’s back, leaps back to land on the 3rd horse, then, rebounding off of the singletree beside it, leaping up onto the 6th horse, onto the lip of the driver’s bucket, and pulls herself up and over the top passenger bucket. She lands on top of the carriage, where the luggage chests are tied down on its roof behind Ednyss and Auger.
Tuff opens the left side passenger door and tells Auger to change places with him. Tuff succeeds in helping Auger down (if he agrees - this is an interact with object for Tuff, who is strong enough to carry Auger. Auger can look out of the window and cast spells from the passenger compartment), and pulling himself up onto the roof.
Flint & Wad ready crossbow discharges until orcs are within range. The riders oblige, and when they do, Orc c is hit by another bolt which leaves a bloody line across its chest for 4HP damage.
Granophyre’s hand now reaches through the little panel behind the driver’s bucket and sprinkles the contents of a tiny vial on Amistan. The arrows stuck into and through him suddenly drop off, and his skin reconstitutes itself where he was hit.
Amistan regains 11HP, takes a deep breath once again, and uses ranger magic to heal himself further as dark moths seem to appear, cover him, then fly off, leaving him revivified for another 9HP healing.
The Hyenas leap forward to keep step with the carriage, and the mounted Orcs continue to fire their bows. Arrows arc up and drop on Amistan, Ednyss, Tuff, Flint, and Wad. Most deflect with a dry click against the carriage walls, a few deflect off of armor or stick into the carriage walls, and some strike home.
Amistan is hit for 6HP, but Ednyss drops his shield down (reaction) and intercepts it. The arrow rebounds and snaps.
A rain of arrows come down on Ednyss, and one strikes him for 9HP.
Wad is hit twice, including a crit, for 16HP damage.
3 arrows strike Flint, including 1 crit, for 21HP.
You note that a rocky outcropping atop the canyon’s edge will block the orcs from firing, but the canyon edge is also slowly descending to the creek bed in the direction you’re galloping. The hyenas can keep up with the carriage at top speed, but based on their leaping gait, you don’t think the orcs can fire their shortbows while mounted and dashing at top speed.
Ednyss touches his shield again, outputting some healing in Tuff's direction. He then continues to shield the other's bodies as best as he can. "The canyon is descending! If we try and outrun them, the Orc's on the canyon will eventually catch us and then we will be penned in. We need another plan."
Bonus Action: Cast Healing Word on Tuff (From the Shield - Level 1) Tuff heals for 9 HP
Free Action: Talking
Move: None
Action: Improvise (Shield Amistan/Varielky/Tuff/Benita/Anyone else on the top?)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Glad to accept the help from Tuff, Auger proceeds into the passenger compartment, gathers himself and takes action. Lets concentrate on these close ones Py.
Reaching into the Sea of Stars Auger summons a deathly rose shaded dragonfly which inexorably flies into the hyena that Orc A is riding. The animal begins struggling to stay coordinated. Auger then gathers energies and compresses and twists and compresses and twists them until, he [spell[eldritch blast;releases these energies[/spell], violet with aqua curling around, into that same hyena.
Py sends Thank youto Ednyss, flies up, sights Orc B's hyena and sends a tiny spore flying into it.
If there is a hit then the target must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 1 minute. If its saving throw result is 5 or lower, the poisoned target falls unconscious for the same duration, or until it takes damage or another creature takes an action to shake it awake.
Auger
Move: Settles himself in the carriage.
Bonus Action: Casts Hex, targeting Orc A's Hyena. This Hyena now has Disadvantage on Dex-based ability checks.
Action: Casts Eldritch Blast, targeting Orc A's Hyena. Attack: 18 Damage: 7. On a hit the hyena will be pushed 10' (OOC: Your call if the rider stays with it, or if the Hyena keeps its feet with Dex-based disadvantage affecting it).
Varielky continues to concentrate on driving. Luckily, she seems to remember what she's doing. Unfortunately, there really isn't much she can do to help the others in this scenario. "Plan? Kill them before they kill you! What is this different than any of the battles you fought before? If you manage to kill a few before they close in on us, that will greatly improve our chances."
Auger’s combined spells blast into Hyena a, which is thrown 10’ north, trips and tumbles, spraining one of its legs. The rider is pummeled and pinned, and takes 10HP bludgeoning damage. The hyena takes an additional 7HP bludgeoning damage, for 14HP total. Both are knocked prone.
Py’s tiny spore strikes hyena b and does 1HP damage. The beast yips and snaps instinctively, but there is no other effect.
Edynss heals Tuff and remains vigilant on the defensive.
Varielky keeps the carriage in motion.
Benita pulls her light crossbow from the luggage rack, winds it and releases, but her timing is off and the bolt is deflected by the branches of a passing shrub. She cusses under her breath, reloading.
Tuff says, “Thank you Ednyss. But save your powers for the others. I will be fine.” He unhitches his hand axe and, holding until Orc b is in range, flings it expertly a moment later, and the weapon whirls, strikes the orc soundly for 9HP damage, then spins on and arcs back, landing in Tuff’s hand.
Flint’s crossbow bolt connects with Orc c for 2HP, barely penetrating its armor.
Wad’s bolt misses.
Granophyre opens his window and, at Orc d, shouts “FLEE!,”. The orc pulls up immediately, dust flying, turns, and kicks his mount into a dead run in the opposite direction.
Amistan casts a ranger incantation, and a thorny vine snakes up and out from his hand, then whips around Orc b’s waist and yanks back, ripping him out of his saddle to fall and tumble in a crumpled heap. Hyena b stops and pads over to orc b, nudging the motionless rider with its muzzle. Amistan releases the vine, then takes the reins from Varielky. “Better if I do this,” he says.
Orc c aims and fires its short bow at Wad at close range for another 5HP damage, then pulls up and appears to be heading to orc b’s side, pulling herbs from a pocket.
You can see the others above you and to your right as they pass clefts in the rocks which don’t allow clean bow shots, but you see that they are keeping up with you as they ride along the canyon’s ridge.
Amistan yells “We must head for the bridge and beat them to it!”
Tuff pulls out his spyglass, does some quick calculations, yells “I see the canyon opening up in a quarter mile. We’ll beat them onto the plain. Granophyre! Do you see a bridge?,” the answer to which Auger already knows. The golden sparrow flits up to look at your surroundings, and reconfirms Py’s findings. It’s about one mile away. “I can use a bolt of acid to destroy the bridge supports after we pass,” says Granophyre. “The orcs will have to go miles back and around to reach us then. Also, Varielky, I see the fight in your eyes. If you allow, I can enlarge you. At that size, you will be able to keep up with the carriage on foot, discouraging enemies hand-to-hand."
Looking back, you see that Orcs a and c are out of view as the canyon has turned somewhat northward, but they are at least 30 seconds behind you. The mass of riders is keeping up with you but unable to cut you off.
You see that in Round 10, you will reach a spot where you will pass over the creek, which is quite shallow with firm footing under it. The canyon ends there, and the orcs will also have to cross the creek before it cuts down and to the right of the merchant’s path in white water cascades, while the plain gently rises before you.
Please post any actions or RP you wish to do before the CHASE begins.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Varielky nods and hands over the reins. She sits for a few moments, discontent and irritated at the lack of things she can do. Even if there were any enemies close enough, and even if she had a bow to use, she never liked using those. She trained with bows of all kinds for a time, but it wasn't to her liking. Granophyre's plan, however, was very much so.
She grins, remembering how tall the priest of Idiwala was. "If I allow? You needn't ask me! Tell me when and I'll jump off. The Orcs are going to find their prey can bite back, and with long, sharp fangs! I'm ready!"Varielky pulls her sword out again and dons her shield, ready to jump at a moment's notice. Hopefully, the spell will take effect before she needs to make a hard landing.
Ednyss nods to Tuff and relaxes a bit no longer seeing the masses of archers up on the canyon. In response to Varielky, he says, "A battle is better won than lost, and a good strategy can be the key to that, I was just seeing if we could coordinate efforts."
Now noticing Varielky's excitement, Ednyss also rushes over to her before she jumps off and says, "Show them the might of our gods." He then intones deeply and Varielky feels the protection of Takal Demesh supplementing her shielding as the protective barrier around the horses vanish. As Varielky jumps off he also summons a spectral shield defensively near her in case any of the Orc's get any ideas to flank her.
(Assuming during rounds 5 - 9 is preparation time)
(OOC: Auger sits in the forward facing passenger bucket seat. Py is invisible and 90-100' up.)
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
The negotiator takes the coins, counts them, looks up at the chief, then says to Varielky quietly, “you will be well taken care of.” He then pockets the platinum, and spurs his mount. The hyena trots past Varielky and the carriage and past the two riders behind you, and continues on and away.
Amistan clicks his tongue and the carriage begins to move forward as your six fresians begin to pull. The remaining hyena riders in the canyon stand still.
you move forward some 5 yards, then the chief drops his fist. All the orcan riders on the canyon wall notch arrows to their bows and take aim at the carriage.
Amistan yells, “get on!” to Varielky and anyone else standing. The horses begin to gallop as the orcan arrows begin to fly.
What do you do?
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger reaches into the Sea of Stars and through it to a distant lake. Absorbing energy from the lake, he covers himself in a shimmering mist.
Py, the canyon edge under those archers... does any of it look unstable to you?
Py
Move: Still invisible, flies over to examine the canyon edge, avoiding any obvious bowshot angles if he can.
Perception (if needed): 7
Auger
Action: Casts Mage Armor. Auger's AC is 15.
Auger also looks to the canyon edge for any weak spots. Perception (if needed): 20
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
With a swift movement, Varielky's hand draws her sword and as she points it at the Orcs' leader, the symbol appears on her forehead and her eyes illuminate. Not because she couldn't see, but rather to show the Orcs she wasn't lying when she said the gods are with her (Intimidation? 9). "The gods don't take kindly for those who try to steal their property away!" Her voice echoes between the canyon's walls. "If you want to have me, you'll have to beat me in a fair duel! Otherwise, we won't both leave here alive!"
Her sword Ready in an offensive stance, Varielky will slash at the first Orc to come into her reach, the moment they do, unless it is the Orcs' leader coming for a duel.
If the trigger happens, Varielky will use her reaction and Attack: 12 Damage: 10.
Varielky
Seeing Varielky try to challenge the Orcs to a duel, Ednyss shouts to her, "They have no honor! We paid the tribute in platinum and they still attacked us. They will not fight a fair duel no matter what they pretend. We must make haste." With that, he hops onto the back of the carriage, holding his hand out to help Varielky jump on as well. As he rushes around though, he casts a quick spell on one of the horses, giving it some additional protection from any arrows that might be fired at it.
Move: To the back of the carriage
Free Action: Talking
Bonus Action: Cast Shield of Faith on one of the horses
Action: Climbing onto the carriage (If this is free, then Ednyss will Dodge)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Arrows fly from the canyon edge, targeting the people on the carriage -- almost all of them aimed at its driver. Four hit Amistan, and he gasps and is down. The carriage is now out of control.
2 arrows arc up and slam into Auger for 13HP, just as, in answer to his inquiring eyes, he notices that the canyon edge is weak throughout. A few pebbles are sliding down under the area where the hyena riders are perched along the escarpment.
In response to Varielky’s threat, you all hear a rumbling of thunder from the top of the cliff, and you clearly hear one of the Orcan Hands shouting in a magically magnified voice, feral, controlled, “Your gods are weak in this land. Ellosh gives us power to take what we need.” The orc chief’s eyes are fully on Varielky.
Here is where you are right now, as the carriage has started to accelerate forward and the orcs are reloading their short bows.
Initiative Order:
Auger & Py
Edynss
Varielky
Benita
Tuff
Flint & Wad
Granophyre
Amistan
Orcs
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Crying out in pain and dismay Auger assesses the situation and decides things look very bad. Seeing nowhere to hide Auger yells, "We cannot survive this! Get on the carriage! We must run!"
Realizing Amistan is down yet having no experience with driving a carriage Auger hopes another can take the reigns. Auger sets his sights on a likely cliffside spot and sends his twisting blast up into the rocks beneath the orc archers.
Py, see what you can do about the big one.
Auger
Move: none, stays on the carriage
Action: Casts Eldritch Blast targeting the loose rocks under T18.Attack: 15 Damage: 4
Py
Move: To Y12, 30' up
Action: Becoming visible in the process (though still Tiny), attacks the Orc Chief's Hyena at range: Attack: 20 Damage: 1.
If there is a hit then: Sleeping Spell. Ranged Spell Attack: +6 to hit, range 40/160 ft., one target. Hit: 1 piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 1 minute. If its saving throw result is 5 or lower, the poisoned target falls unconscious for the same duration, or until it takes damage or another creature takes an action to shake it awake.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
"If the gods which you call mine are weak, why don't you come over here and prove it? If Ellosh is truly with you, what reason have you to be afraid?" Varielky continues, ignoring her companions' warnings. "You shot arrows and you called me weak. You said Ellosh gives you the power to take what you need! Yet, at this moment, not even one of you dares to approach. Cowards is all you bunch are!"
Varielky actually wants to run and simply attack them for insulting the gods, but all of the Orcs are too far away. Instead, she tries to provoke them. However, seeing they prefer using arrows, Varielky puts her shield in front of her, ready to block incoming arrows.
Provocation? 6 (Didn't know what to add so didn't add any bonuses.)
Varielky
Ednyss sees Amistan fall and touches his shield to send a word of healing to the downed driver. Seeing Varielky's adamance in standing their ground, Ednyss makes one last plea, "Child. There is no honor in dying to the arrows shot by these brigands. We must at least regroup or we will not survive. Let us return when we have the upper hand so we can show these brigands the power of our gods." He then tries to climb up to the top of the carriage and shield Amistan from the Orc's arrows with his shield.
Bonus Action: Cast Healing Word on Amistan (From the Shield - Level 1)
Amistan heals for 6 HP
Free Action: Talking
Move: Climb to the top of the carriage
Action: Improvise (Shield Amistan?)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Round 1 Results
Auger’s Eldritch Blast strikes the loose rocks under T18, and they explode away, clattering down the canyon’s edge, but the result is not enough to cause structural damage to the canyon wall. The hyenas there reflexively jump back from the attack, yipping angrily.
Py shoots its tiny spore at the Chief’s hyena. It strikes and does 1HP damage, causing it to snarl, but with no other effect.
Edynss draws divine energy from the shield which shoots into Amistan like a bright bolt. The Shian's eyes pop open, he grasps the reins in his hand, and salutes Ednyss thanks. Ednyss climbs atop the carriage next to Auger, where the shield’s defensive magic may encompass both Auger and Amistan.
Varielky’s challenge to the orc chief remains unanswered, but he glances down the canyon in the direction you’re moving, meets Varielky’s eyes again, as if to say ‘I’ll meet you there.’ He says a few words to the Hands on either side of him, and then shouts a loud command in Orcish to the line of hyena-riders as he nudges his mount back from the precipice and towards the far end of the canyon. Varielky sees that the escarpment slopes downward further on.
Benita jumps atop the lead horse, and, an excellent rider, hangs off its left side, protected there from arrow attacks. She yells “Varielky! Come on bruiser, they’re not as dumb as you think!! Hurry up!”
The carriage’s passenger panel slides open, and Tuff’s arm pops out and places a small flat stone on Amistan’s shoulder and taps it with his index finder, and any desire to attack the ranger now requires a force of will to execute.
Flint & Wad hop onto the carriage’s rear bucket as it picks up speed, load their crossbows, and fire on the right hyena rider. One bolt hits a glancing blow, slicing the rider’s arm.
Granophyre’s golden sparrow flits out of the passenger panel and flies up 20’ above the carriage.
Amistan pulls back on the reins, slowing enough for Varielky to reach the carriage next turn.
The hyenas move along the canyon wall, yipping and growling, keeping up with the carriage. The orcs fire another volley of arrows. The pair in front turn, running parallel to the carriage along the canyon walls, maintaining distance ahead. The pair behind do the same thing, and all four fire their bows. You notice that not a single shot is aimed at Benita or Varielky.
5 arrows arc up and crash around Ednyss, all of them missing or deflecting off of his shield. The war cleric sees one flying toward Amistan, but the shield seems to have a life of its own, extending down and deflecting it.
3 orcs aim at Amistan but change their mind due to the Tuff’s sanctuary, choosing other targets, but one arrow zips in and strikes the weakened ranger beyond Ednyss’ reach, and the Shian once again lolls back, in shock and bleeding.
5 arrows fly at Auger and 3 hit for 19HP damage. The sorcerer loses consciousness and his body threatens to roll off of the carriage but Ednyss grabs his belt and pulls him back on.
2 arrows hit Wad for 9HP damage, while 4 more deflect off of his and Flint’s armor.
You are now situated like so.
Please post Round 2 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"I never thought they are." Varielky says as she reluctantly climbs onto the carriage. When she sees the arrows aren't aimed at the women, she understands what's goin on. "Come close! They won't try to hit you if one of us Humans are next to you. They want us alive to "make Jenghen"" Varielky says with disdain. "Someone make sure Sharp-Eyes and the driver don't die, I'll try to steer us. Might be a bumpy ride." Varielky takes the reins and tries to lead the carriage. She wasn't an expert, but she did learn how to control vehicles back in the day.
If a check is needed, Varielky is proficient with Vehicles (land), but I don't know what else to add, if at all, so: 14 +something if deemed needed.
Varielky
No! There is too much for you to do! Do not fall here!
Hearing nothing in response Py forgets about the Orc Chief and flies back to Auger, landing upon him. Ednyss hears a voice in his head he realizes must be coming from the small wooden figurine, Heal him. Heal him now.
Auger's head rolls back and he is overcome by the pain, not even realizing how close he came to falling off the carriage.
Py
Move: To Auger and the carriage
Auger
Death Save: 2
Note: Auger was at 11hp, so I am thinking that arrow #3 probably hit while he was already down, pinning him with a failed Death save already.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Ednyss heaves a sigh of relief as the shield-maiden joins them on the carriage and just as he is about to heal Amistan again so that the ranger can continue driving, Varielky takes the reins herself and seems to be steering the carriage well enough. Hearing a voice in his head, Ednyss looks around confused for a second before identifying the source to be a small wooden figurine. Cocking his head to the side, a little confused, Ednyss touches his shield and sends another mote of healing out of it and into the warlock, now that the carriage is being steered. He then continues using his shield to try and guard both the warlock and the fallen ranger. Adding on he says to the unconscious Amistan, "Hold on! Just a few more seconds!"
Bonus Action: Cast Healing Word on Auger (From the Shield - Level 1)
Auger heals for 8 HP
Free Action: Talking
Move: None
Action: Improvise (Shield Amistan and Auger?)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Round 2 Results
Auger (death save)
Py (messages to Ednyss)
Edynss heals Auger for 7HP and continues to defend his human companions.
Varielky sprints for the carriage, and can barely leap for the driver’s bucket. She keeps the reins from spilling down into the undercarriage, and, as any adult in Yurreali knows how to do, holds them firmly and shouts “Hiya!”. The horses continue ahead and pick up the pace.
Benita crits her Acrobatics save (27), and manages to flip herself onto the galloping horse’s back, leaps back to land on the 3rd horse, then, rebounding off of the singletree beside it, leaping up onto the 6th horse, onto the lip of the driver’s bucket, and pulls herself up and over the top passenger bucket. She lands on top of the carriage, where the luggage chests are tied down on its roof behind Ednyss and Auger.
Tuff opens the left side passenger door and tells Auger to change places with him. Tuff succeeds in helping Auger down (if he agrees - this is an interact with object for Tuff, who is strong enough to carry Auger. Auger can look out of the window and cast spells from the passenger compartment), and pulling himself up onto the roof.
Flint & Wad ready crossbow discharges until orcs are within range. The riders oblige, and when they do, Orc c is hit by another bolt which leaves a bloody line across its chest for 4HP damage.
Granophyre’s hand now reaches through the little panel behind the driver’s bucket and sprinkles the contents of a tiny vial on Amistan. The arrows stuck into and through him suddenly drop off, and his skin reconstitutes itself where he was hit.
Amistan regains 11HP, takes a deep breath once again, and uses ranger magic to heal himself further as dark moths seem to appear, cover him, then fly off, leaving him revivified for another 9HP healing.
The Hyenas leap forward to keep step with the carriage, and the mounted Orcs continue to fire their bows. Arrows arc up and drop on Amistan, Ednyss, Tuff, Flint, and Wad. Most deflect with a dry click against the carriage walls, a few deflect off of armor or stick into the carriage walls, and some strike home.
Amistan is hit for 6HP, but Ednyss drops his shield down (reaction) and intercepts it. The arrow rebounds and snaps.
A rain of arrows come down on Ednyss, and one strikes him for 9HP.
Wad is hit twice, including a crit, for 16HP damage.
3 arrows strike Flint, including 1 crit, for 21HP.
3 arrows penetrate Tuff’s chainmail, for 15HP.
You are now situated like so.
You note that a rocky outcropping atop the canyon’s edge will block the orcs from firing, but the canyon edge is also slowly descending to the creek bed in the direction you’re galloping. The hyenas can keep up with the carriage at top speed, but based on their leaping gait, you don’t think the orcs can fire their shortbows while mounted and dashing at top speed.
Please post Round 3 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Ednyss touches his shield again, outputting some healing in Tuff's direction. He then continues to shield the other's bodies as best as he can. "The canyon is descending! If we try and outrun them, the Orc's on the canyon will eventually catch us and then we will be penned in. We need another plan."
Bonus Action: Cast Healing Word on Tuff (From the Shield - Level 1)
Tuff heals for 9 HP
Free Action: Talking
Move: None
Action: Improvise (Shield Amistan/Varielky/Tuff/Benita/Anyone else on the top?)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Glad to accept the help from Tuff, Auger proceeds into the passenger compartment, gathers himself and takes action. Lets concentrate on these close ones Py.
Reaching into the Sea of Stars Auger summons a deathly rose shaded dragonfly which inexorably flies into the hyena that Orc A is riding. The animal begins struggling to stay coordinated. Auger then gathers energies and compresses and twists and compresses and twists them until, he [spell[eldritch blast;releases these energies[/spell], violet with aqua curling around, into that same hyena.
Py sends Thank you to Ednyss, flies up, sights Orc B's hyena and sends a tiny spore flying into it.
Py
Move: To D5, 25' up
Action: Ranged spell attack on Orc B's hyena. Attack: 22 Damage: 1
If there is a hit then the target must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 1 minute. If its saving throw result is 5 or lower, the poisoned target falls unconscious for the same duration, or until it takes damage or another creature takes an action to shake it awake.
Auger
Move: Settles himself in the carriage.
Bonus Action: Casts Hex, targeting Orc A's Hyena. This Hyena now has Disadvantage on Dex-based ability checks.
Action: Casts Eldritch Blast, targeting Orc A's Hyena. Attack: 18 Damage: 7. On a hit the hyena will be pushed 10' (OOC: Your call if the rider stays with it, or if the Hyena keeps its feet with Dex-based disadvantage affecting it).
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky continues to concentrate on driving. Luckily, she seems to remember what she's doing. Unfortunately, there really isn't much she can do to help the others in this scenario. "Plan? Kill them before they kill you! What is this different than any of the battles you fought before? If you manage to kill a few before they close in on us, that will greatly improve our chances."
Varielky
Round 3 Results
Auger’s combined spells blast into Hyena a, which is thrown 10’ north, trips and tumbles, spraining one of its legs. The rider is pummeled and pinned, and takes 10HP bludgeoning damage. The hyena takes an additional 7HP bludgeoning damage, for 14HP total. Both are knocked prone.
Py’s tiny spore strikes hyena b and does 1HP damage. The beast yips and snaps instinctively, but there is no other effect.
Edynss heals Tuff and remains vigilant on the defensive.
Varielky keeps the carriage in motion.
Benita pulls her light crossbow from the luggage rack, winds it and releases, but her timing is off and the bolt is deflected by the branches of a passing shrub. She cusses under her breath, reloading.
Tuff says, “Thank you Ednyss. But save your powers for the others. I will be fine.” He unhitches his hand axe and, holding until Orc b is in range, flings it expertly a moment later, and the weapon whirls, strikes the orc soundly for 9HP damage, then spins on and arcs back, landing in Tuff’s hand.
Flint’s crossbow bolt connects with Orc c for 2HP, barely penetrating its armor.
Wad’s bolt misses.
Granophyre opens his window and, at Orc d, shouts “FLEE!,”. The orc pulls up immediately, dust flying, turns, and kicks his mount into a dead run in the opposite direction.
Amistan casts a ranger incantation, and a thorny vine snakes up and out from his hand, then whips around Orc b’s waist and yanks back, ripping him out of his saddle to fall and tumble in a crumpled heap. Hyena b stops and pads over to orc b, nudging the motionless rider with its muzzle. Amistan releases the vine, then takes the reins from Varielky. “Better if I do this,” he says.
Orc c aims and fires its short bow at Wad at close range for another 5HP damage, then pulls up and appears to be heading to orc b’s side, pulling herbs from a pocket.
You can see the others above you and to your right as they pass clefts in the rocks which don’t allow clean bow shots, but you see that they are keeping up with you as they ride along the canyon’s ridge.
You are now situated like so.
Rounds 5-8 Overview
During Round 5-8, the horses gallop forward.
Amistan yells “We must head for the bridge and beat them to it!”
Tuff pulls out his spyglass, does some quick calculations, yells “I see the canyon opening up in a quarter mile. We’ll beat them onto the plain. Granophyre! Do you see a bridge?,” the answer to which Auger already knows. The golden sparrow flits up to look at your surroundings, and reconfirms Py’s findings. It’s about one mile away. “I can use a bolt of acid to destroy the bridge supports after we pass,” says Granophyre. “The orcs will have to go miles back and around to reach us then. Also, Varielky, I see the fight in your eyes. If you allow, I can enlarge you. At that size, you will be able to keep up with the carriage on foot, discouraging enemies hand-to-hand."
Looking back, you see that Orcs a and c are out of view as the canyon has turned somewhat northward, but they are at least 30 seconds behind you. The mass of riders is keeping up with you but unable to cut you off.
You see that in Round 10, you will reach a spot where you will pass over the creek, which is quite shallow with firm footing under it. The canyon ends there, and the orcs will also have to cross the creek before it cuts down and to the right of the merchant’s path in white water cascades, while the plain gently rises before you.
Please post any actions or RP you wish to do before the CHASE begins.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky nods and hands over the reins. She sits for a few moments, discontent and irritated at the lack of things she can do. Even if there were any enemies close enough, and even if she had a bow to use, she never liked using those. She trained with bows of all kinds for a time, but it wasn't to her liking. Granophyre's plan, however, was very much so.
She grins, remembering how tall the priest of Idiwala was. "If I allow? You needn't ask me! Tell me when and I'll jump off. The Orcs are going to find their prey can bite back, and with long, sharp fangs! I'm ready!" Varielky pulls her sword out again and dons her shield, ready to jump at a moment's notice. Hopefully, the spell will take effect before she needs to make a hard landing.
Acrobatics for the landing, if needed: 21
Varielky
Ednyss nods to Tuff and relaxes a bit no longer seeing the masses of archers up on the canyon. In response to Varielky, he says, "A battle is better won than lost, and a good strategy can be the key to that, I was just seeing if we could coordinate efforts."
Now noticing Varielky's excitement, Ednyss also rushes over to her before she jumps off and says, "Show them the might of our gods." He then intones deeply and Varielky feels the protection of Takal Demesh supplementing her shielding as the protective barrier around the horses vanish. As Varielky jumps off he also summons a spectral shield defensively near her in case any of the Orc's get any ideas to flank her.
(Assuming during rounds 5 - 9 is preparation time)
Cast Shield of Faith on Varielky
Summon Spiritual Weapon near her to cover her flank
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”