When Anafora lenna Volubelle enters the plaza, people look up, yelling “Hellos” to her. A passing guildsman, entering the keep, smiles and doffs his hat, grinning his best smile and accidentally bumping into the doorframe. Ednyss can see that half the town is smitten with its mayor, and after speaking with her for a few minutes, he can see why. Her company is warming, beguiling, charming. Ednyss believes that the governor of Ishi Ammah -- even Tuff and Granophyre -- could not exceed her in self-possession and social graces. And looking her in the eye, he himself feels an attraction he never has for a chimp woman.
“Well Mr. Ednyss Graybeard,” she says in parting, “if you are all still here tomorrow night, perhaps your party would join me in the keep for dinner. I love to hear of the goings on outside of Hyewush.” And with that, and one last smile, she moves away, toward the construction on the far wall, to speak with the foreman.
When Auger & Varielky arrive a few minutes later to the barn, they see that smoke is billowing from windows in the wall facing them. A woman chimp is outside, struggling with the windlass at a well, which she doesn’t seem to be able to turn. She says, “Good girl, Innie!,” then to the newcomers, “PLEASE! My little ones are stuck up at the top, and fires are below, and Garther is in the corral, bull’s got him cornered! I been trying to draw water to put out the flames, don’t know how they started, but the windlass is broke. GARTHER!!! I TOLD YOU IT WAS RUSTING!”
“I know ya did!” you hear from the other side of the smoke, perhaps from the corner of the corral closest to the barn. You can’t see the little children on the second story, but you can hear crying coming from above where you heard Garther’s voice.
Initiative Order: Auger, Varielky (any order) - Kotashin - Pa (Garther), Ma, Innie - Little Ones - Bull - Fire
You’re situated like so. The barn has a second story. There are doors at the North and South ends of the barn. The entry to the corral is beside the barn, and it is now closed.
Rescue the kids so that their safety is ensured? Force the windlass to spin or just pull up water by directly pulling the rope, in order to put the flames out? Go and subdue the bull so that the man can help them with the tasks? So many options and Varielky didn't know which was best. She decides more hands could work faster, so rescuing the man should be first priority. "Send your pet to check on the kids and go save them if the situation is dire." She says to Auger. "Otherwise, get that windlass working!" By the time she had finished talking, she is already sprinting away. Oh, how great is the relief of the ill-fitting armour. Even on her short legs, Varielky dashes forward at a great speed. Given the situation must be solved quickly, she sprints as fast as she can to the corral.
(Depending on how you manage these things, there are multiple options here. Is moving diagonally allowed? Can Varielky cross the gate without spending an action to open it? Mechanically, I want to use Action Surge to dash twice, making her speed for the turn 90 feet, and try to get as close as possible to the bull.)
(Depending on how you manage these things, there are multiple options here. Is moving diagonally allowed? Can Varielky cross the gate without spending an action to open it? Mechanically, I want to use Action Surge to dash twice, making her speed for the turn 90 feet, and try to get as close as possible to the bull.)
(OOC: diagonal movement is allowed. Just try to keep movement within your movement allowance. In other words, diagonal movement is about x1.4 distance, right. I don't really care if it's exact, but try to "keep it real." I think using the double dash, Varielky can just make it to the corral gate? On her next turn, Varielky can jump over the gate, it's about 4' high. I'd count it as difficult terrain (so an additional 5' movement) + make an acrobatics or athletics save, DC10, or lose an additional 5' to jump it.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hearing Varielky speak and then run away before he can respond Auger decides to follow her instructions as best he can. Knowing he has ways to calm a raging bull, Auger is less sure that he is on the best task but nonetheless he does the best he can. Well Py, did you hear her? Go see how much help the children need.Py sends his mental shrug and flies off at full speed towards the barn.
Knowing how handy a third hand can be at times, Auger summons his spectral dragonfly, and moves to help figure out the windlass and rope as best as he can.
To Ma he says, "Yes we will help as much as we can. My little friend is checking on the children. Perhaps I can help you with the water?" While examining the windlass, he says to Kotashin, "Here is a true test Knight-Defender. Perhaps you can assist Varielky?"
Py
Move intention: To enter the barn on the 2nd floor and then seek out the children. If able to enter through the windows(?) on the west side of the barn Py will enter there ending up at about Q11 (or so) and on the same floor as the window. If nothing is obviously open Py will head to the North entrance and end at Q1.
Auger
Action: Casts Mage Hand centered on the Windlass at C9. The Mage Hand begins attempting to assist with turning the drum of the windlass. Any maneuver to move the windlass (by someone else, Auger is out of actions) may be undertaken with some Help, based on DM ruling.
Move: To the Windlass, D9
Free interaction: Examines the windlass with his carpenter's eye. Roll here is Investigation +Proficiency bonus for Carpentry. Is this something he can quickly set or will he have to pull up the rope by hand? Investigation: 18
Varielky dashes to the corral fence, and once there, feels the heat from the fires in the evening light, and she coughs as smoke fills her lungs. Varielky sees the bull stomping its hooves and lunge forward toward Garther, who dodges, barely evading the creature’s horns as it then retreats a few steps back from the flames. But he can’t seem to escape from where the bull has him cornered, and he crashes into the barn door, then doubles over in a fit of coughing from the smoke. Varielky hears children crying from above, and farm animals bleating in fear from within the barn.
Py flits into the barn window. ‘It’s smoky in here,’ it messages to Auger. ‘There’s a hayloft against the barn’s southern wall, and stalls for farm animals on the ground floor. I will continue up to the hayloft.'
Auger’s spectral dragonfly grasps the windlass, and the warlock discovers that it turns roughly, winding the rope hanging into the well too freely back onto the attached cylinder. Auger sees that the mechanism is hanging at an angle and in danger of falling loose. It seems the locking mechanism is also broken. Auger thinks he could fix it with the right tools, but it would take time. For the moment, someone needs to hold the mechanism in place and someone else turn the windlass. Also, it seems that the rope, if it ever had a bucket attached to it, no longer does.
Ma says, “I’ll hold up the windlass it if you let down the rope some. Innie, you gotta climb down and tie it on the bucket, girl!” She pushes the mechanism in place as Innie’s eyes bug out with a look of terror. Ma looks at the little elephant-person. “Tayshin? Kin you do’t?!”
Kotashin looks over the edge of the well as Auger turns to look behind his shoulder and point toward Varielky when he suggests the creature assist her. When the warlock looks back a moment later, Kotashin is nowhere to be seen -- in his place is nothing but a puff of dandelion seeds drifting away in the evening breeze. The rope is now unravelling into the well, and then there is a splashing sound from below.
(Well, the most realistic option is counting diagonal movement as 7 feet. It should be sqrt(50), which is quite close. 7.05... or smth like that. The problem with that is that unless you move five diagonals in a turn (35 feet), you'll end up between squares.)
Athletics: 13. Varielky pulls herself up and climbs over the corral's gate with not much of an effort, despite it being about the height of her shoulders. She continues to run, donning her shield in her left hand as she does, using it to protect her from the heat of the flames as she passes near them. "Be ready!" She calls to the father, even though she cannot see him at the moment. "When I get to you, I'll handle the bull so you can run away and help save your children!"
Seeing that Kotashin has opted to jump into the well is surprising but Auger cannot help but note that Kotashin has taken a smart option, assuming the little creature can swim of course. And tie a knot.
Understanding the danger, Py continues looking for the children. I will attempt to calm them and lead them to safety if I can. Perhaps the children can follow down the stairs. Or if the 2nd floor layout works, perhaps they can jump down on to some stacked hay. It is quite smoky.
Getting a sense for what Ma is asking Auger prepares to turn the crank himself while keeping the spectral dragonfly on the windlass to help as needed. Sensing it will be a moment before he should start turning the crank, Auger looks around. Seeing Varielky is almost to the corral he hopes the bull will not be too much trouble for her. Bringing his attention back to the well he makes a quick count of the various beings here and realizes he may not be needed. "Innie, can you turn this crank once Kotashin has the bucket attached? I can help but the children upstairs might need me in a moment."
In the back of Auger's mind a sense of frustration manifests. All these powers and I am turning a crank while a family is in danger. Most of what I can do is damage or destroy things, he thinks. There must be other ways to use this connection to the Sea of Stars!
Py
Move: Continues upstairs and looks for the children.
Free interaction: If he finds them he will speak to them and say out loud, "I know a safe route. Follow me out of here to your mother!"
Auger
Action: Improvise. If Kotashin gets the knot tied, Auger will begin turning the crank while Ma holds the windlass. Meanwhile he is also assisting Innie to get into place on the crank, assuming she comes. Use of the Mage Hand takes its own action, so it should be present and assisting something simple that does not take a full action, perhaps guiding the rope to curl properly on to the windlass, once the crank starts turning.
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky hops the fence at a run, and continues on toward the bull and Garther. She sees that he is bleeding and his clothes are quite dirty. His eyes are a bit wild, and he can’t bring himself to stand up yet with the bull so close. He hears Varielky and nods weakly. Varielky can see that the fire is not out of control, but is burning bundles of hay and the evening breeze is funneling through the barn, feeding the flames. So close to the fire at the barn door, the shield maiden can feel its heat, and a few tiny embers land on her skin, stingingly hot. Looking up, she sees a 2nd-story window or door is open. Two chimp children’s heads are poking out, under a loading pulley on a beam projecting from the wall above them. Py is there in front of them.
The bull retreats from Varielky, then turns and lowers its horns, prepared to charge, its eyes wild.
Py messages to Auger, ‘I found them and said what you asked. They’re not following me, they’re looking at their father. I don’t think they can go the way I came. It would be dangerous.’
Auger helps Innie onto a stool next to the crank. Nothing seems to be happening down in the well, except that the rope is fairly taut, and is moving around a bit. Ma has climbed atop the low wall of the well, doing her best to keep the windlass in place. She’s strong and sturdy, and is managing well, but her attention is on her family.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Auger says to Ma, "I think I need to go help with the children."Making sure Innie is steady, Auger moves away as quickly as he can towards the south side of the barn, the spectral dragonfly fading away behind him.
Py, stay with them. Can you see any other way to get them down? Maybe help Varielky while I head your way.
Perhaps I can weaken the bull.
Py
Looking around at the surrounding area he will send a description to Auger so that he now knows about the loading pulley and any other details in the next turn.
Move: After attacking will fly into the barn to make sure he has a good look at everything around the children and then he will return to where he is at X16.
Action: Ranged spell attack on the bull. Attack: 10 Damage: 1.
+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.
Auger
Move and Action: Dashes to the fence at the closest spot then getting over it moves along the fence line towards the barn. I think he can make it to G17.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Varielky runs towards the bull, gaining momentum for more force when she strikes. Her shield in front of her, she runs straight in front of the bull but then breaks sharply to its side and leaps onto its neck. With her free right hand, she tries to grab the bull's neck, while her shield-wielding left hand, backed by her shoulder and whole weight, tries to push it prone. Such a strong beast is hard to subdue, but she hopes to do it without drawing her sword. Even if it's for protecting others, drawing the blade just to kill a domesticated animal seemed wrong.
Move: To R-23. Action: Grapple. Athletics: 14. BA: Shield Shove (I believe we discussed this back when we fought the sleds in Lokimorra, and came to agree that Grapple and Shove may both trigger the BA shove). Athletics: 8.
Py tells Auger that the fires at T14 and Q14 are reaching up to the 2nd story, and blocking the children’s way to the stairs. The fey alyasub shoots its little spore down to the bull, which strikes it and does 1HP damage, but causes no other effects, except that the damage throws the already angry bull into a Rage.
Auger dashes to the fence, and (I rolled),clambers over it easily. He makes it to G17.
As the bull stands flat-footed, seeing red, Varielky leaps upon it, her arm grasps its neck, and her shield slams its forelegs out from under it. Twisting sharply, the shield maiden barely avoids being pinned under its weight as the creature falls prone.
But the bull is raging, and though immobilized by Varielky’s grasp, whips its upper body upwards, then slams it down upon Varielky, doing 10HP damage. (OOC: The attack was at disadvantage since it is prone.)
Pa, coughing, leaps into the flaming barn toward the stairs. Py does not see him reach the top of the stairs.
Auger sees Ma, with a full bucket of water, running toward the fire.
Auger moves quickly through the corral, his attention divided between the children and seeing Varielky getting slammed to the ground. When looking to the children he also examines the barn to see if he can understand the pulley mechanism near the window where the children are. Perhaps there is a ways to get them down using that?
Py, is there a rope up near the children? And can you see what happened to their father?
"Varielky! I may close this door here and then we can leave the bull to the corral!"
Py
Moves into the barn, looking for Pa and assisting him if possible.
Auger
Status: If the bull attacks, his Mage Armor is still active, making his AC 15.
Move and Action: Dashes to S18.
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.
(Well, AC 13 isn't great, so I wasn't expecting much.)
Varielky raises her shield hand and smacks it on the bull's head, trying to knock it out. She doesn't have the time to be dealing with domesticated animals. Varielky knows she can control her power, but the bull might not, and it might not know whether or not she is trying to kill it. If she doesn't manage to knock it out, it might at least fear for its life. It's only a bull, after all. If she manages to knock it out, she'll stand up and breathe for a moment before running back towards the corral's gate.
Okay, there are some ruling here I'm not quite sure about, so... Action: Attack using the shield as an improvised weapon, trying to knock the bull unconscious. Attack: 23 Damage: 9. (Attack is with advantage, yes?) Now, I'm not sure if it qualifies or not, so I didn't add the Dueling +2 damage. Searching online didn't yield a satisfying result, as answers to similar questions refered to a situation where the character is holding another weapon in their other hand. Also not sure about this, but if it qualifies, and the attack hits, Varielky will use the Menacing Attack manoeuvre for 4 bonus damage and, in case the bull isn't knocked out yet, it must make a DC 13 Wis save or be Frightened of Varielky until the end of her next turn.
If, after that, the bull is still conscious, Varielky ends her turn here. Otherwise: She'll use her Bonus Action for Second Wind, healing 9. Then, she'll use all her movement to get as close as she can to the corral's gate.
Py must dash in order to find Pa, who is at the top of the stairs, barely conscious and gulping for breath.
Auger dashes to S18, and sees that a rope from the pulley hangs directly down to the ground, where it is tied off. The other end seems to be tied off just where the children are. If the children were in a basket tied to that rope, say, Auger could lower them down from the ground. There is a suitable receptacle nearby, a sort of harness for loading hay bales.
Varielky attacks the bull with her shield. (I’m going to rule that her shield is an improvised weapon, but not a melee weapon, so battle master tactics apply, but Dueling does not. Due to its enraged status, the bull gains +2 bonus to WIS saves, and it makes its save and is not frightened; its Rage gives it bonus HP.) The bull takes 11HP damage and is still conscious. Its body writhes and it flips onto Varielky, crushing her under its half-ton weight for 12HP damage (attacking with disadvantage, remaining prone and grappled).
Ma throws water on the nearest fire, extinguishing it, then runs back toward the well.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Auger yells to Varielky, "The fire will scare the bull! Just leave the corral - maybe try to help the kids from below - I need to help their father!"Turning towards where Py indicates, Auger takes a deep breath, reaches into the Sea of Stars and through it to where Py is, yes on the other side of the flames there. Without moving Auger steps through and is suddenly at the bottom of the stairs. Still holding his breath he moves up to Pa and attempts to assist him to his feet and then determine what to do next.
Thank you Py, keep an eye on the children and maybe help Varielky with them.
Py
Move: To W14
Auger
Free action: Tries to convince Varielky to leave the bull behind.
Action: Whatever is required to assist Pa. Improvise, Help, Grapple, etc. He needs to get Pa out of the smoky zones. Auger tries to get him moving up or down, whichever way appears better, carrying if he must. A few rolls to represent possibly actions (if needed)... Athletics: 5 to lift Pa. Perception: 2, to determine if there is a better path to travel from where he is now.
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.
Varielky hears Auger but cannot comply. She will not be remembered as one who ran away from a fight... with a bull. Moreover, being remembered as one who lost to a bull sounds even worse. Filled with new determination, Varielky stands up, though the bull remains down, and she crushes her shield on the bull's head once again, making sure the bull's eye can see the attack before it happens. "If you force me to, I will kill you!" She shouts as the shield hits the bull's head.
Move: In case being crushed wasn't only RP, Varielky stands up, though she keeps holding the bull down. BA: Second Wind healing for 6. Action: Menacing Attack using the shield, trying to knock the bull unconscious: 13 Damage: 12. When you hit with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to add the total to the damage roll and the target must make a WIS saving throw (DC 13). On failure, it is frightened of you until the end of your next turn.
Auger disappears and reappears atop the steps beside Pa, Garther, who is unconscious. He notices he has been injured by the bull and a wound in his belly is bleeding slowly. Auger can pick him up without issue and carry him over his shoulder down the stairs, which seems like the best way -- it’s smoky on the 2nd story.
Varielky’s shield blow brings the bull down to 1HP. Now, dominated by the shield maiden and frightened, the huge creature closes its eyes, its rage leaves it, and it slips in and out of consciousness.
Ma runs back for more water, which Kotashin has brought her in a second bucket.
Just then, a beam over the barn’s south entry falls, throwing embers around it and blocking the doorway. The children above scream in fear.
Py messages, ‘some of the hayloft has fallen through.’
Ednyss
When Anafora lenna Volubelle enters the plaza, people look up, yelling “Hellos” to her. A passing guildsman, entering the keep, smiles and doffs his hat, grinning his best smile and accidentally bumping into the doorframe. Ednyss can see that half the town is smitten with its mayor, and after speaking with her for a few minutes, he can see why. Her company is warming, beguiling, charming. Ednyss believes that the governor of Ishi Ammah -- even Tuff and Granophyre -- could not exceed her in self-possession and social graces. And looking her in the eye, he himself feels an attraction he never has for a chimp woman.
“Well Mr. Ednyss Graybeard,” she says in parting, “if you are all still here tomorrow night, perhaps your party would join me in the keep for dinner. I love to hear of the goings on outside of Hyewush.” And with that, and one last smile, she moves away, toward the construction on the far wall, to speak with the foreman.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger & Varielky
When Auger & Varielky arrive a few minutes later to the barn, they see that smoke is billowing from windows in the wall facing them. A woman chimp is outside, struggling with the windlass at a well, which she doesn’t seem to be able to turn. She says, “Good girl, Innie!,” then to the newcomers, “PLEASE! My little ones are stuck up at the top, and fires are below, and Garther is in the corral, bull’s got him cornered! I been trying to draw water to put out the flames, don’t know how they started, but the windlass is broke. GARTHER!!! I TOLD YOU IT WAS RUSTING!”
“I know ya did!” you hear from the other side of the smoke, perhaps from the corner of the corral closest to the barn. You can’t see the little children on the second story, but you can hear crying coming from above where you heard Garther’s voice.
Initiative Order: Auger, Varielky (any order) - Kotashin - Pa (Garther), Ma, Innie - Little Ones - Bull - Fire
You’re situated like so. The barn has a second story. There are doors at the North and South ends of the barn. The entry to the corral is beside the barn, and it is now closed.
Please post actions for Round 1.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Rescue the kids so that their safety is ensured? Force the windlass to spin or just pull up water by directly pulling the rope, in order to put the flames out? Go and subdue the bull so that the man can help them with the tasks? So many options and Varielky didn't know which was best. She decides more hands could work faster, so rescuing the man should be first priority. "Send your pet to check on the kids and go save them if the situation is dire." She says to Auger. "Otherwise, get that windlass working!" By the time she had finished talking, she is already sprinting away.
Oh, how great is the relief of the ill-fitting armour. Even on her short legs, Varielky dashes forward at a great speed. Given the situation must be solved quickly, she sprints as fast as she can to the corral.
(Depending on how you manage these things, there are multiple options here. Is moving diagonally allowed? Can Varielky cross the gate without spending an action to open it? Mechanically, I want to use Action Surge to dash twice, making her speed for the turn 90 feet, and try to get as close as possible to the bull.)
Varielky
(OOC: the girl had to lead the way to the right path.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
(OOC: Auger’s Arcana knowledge tells him it is Fey magic, confirming what Py suggested earlier.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
(OOC: diagonal movement is allowed. Just try to keep movement within your movement allowance. In other words, diagonal movement is about x1.4 distance, right. I don't really care if it's exact, but try to "keep it real." I think using the double dash, Varielky can just make it to the corral gate? On her next turn, Varielky can jump over the gate, it's about 4' high. I'd count it as difficult terrain (so an additional 5' movement) + make an acrobatics or athletics save, DC10, or lose an additional 5' to jump it.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Hearing Varielky speak and then run away before he can respond Auger decides to follow her instructions as best he can. Knowing he has ways to calm a raging bull, Auger is less sure that he is on the best task but nonetheless he does the best he can. Well Py, did you hear her? Go see how much help the children need. Py sends his mental shrug and flies off at full speed towards the barn.
Knowing how handy a third hand can be at times, Auger summons his spectral dragonfly, and moves to help figure out the windlass and rope as best as he can.
To Ma he says, "Yes we will help as much as we can. My little friend is checking on the children. Perhaps I can help you with the water?" While examining the windlass, he says to Kotashin, "Here is a true test Knight-Defender. Perhaps you can assist Varielky?"
Py
Move intention: To enter the barn on the 2nd floor and then seek out the children. If able to enter through the windows(?) on the west side of the barn Py will enter there ending up at about Q11 (or so) and on the same floor as the window. If nothing is obviously open Py will head to the North entrance and end at Q1.
Auger
Action: Casts Mage Hand centered on the Windlass at C9. The Mage Hand begins attempting to assist with turning the drum of the windlass. Any maneuver to move the windlass (by someone else, Auger is out of actions) may be undertaken with some Help, based on DM ruling.
Move: To the Windlass, D9
Free interaction: Examines the windlass with his carpenter's eye. Roll here is Investigation +Proficiency bonus for Carpentry. Is this something he can quickly set or will he have to pull up the rope by hand? Investigation: 18
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky & Auger
Round 1 Results
Varielky dashes to the corral fence, and once there, feels the heat from the fires in the evening light, and she coughs as smoke fills her lungs. Varielky sees the bull stomping its hooves and lunge forward toward Garther, who dodges, barely evading the creature’s horns as it then retreats a few steps back from the flames. But he can’t seem to escape from where the bull has him cornered, and he crashes into the barn door, then doubles over in a fit of coughing from the smoke. Varielky hears children crying from above, and farm animals bleating in fear from within the barn.
Py flits into the barn window. ‘It’s smoky in here,’ it messages to Auger. ‘There’s a hayloft against the barn’s southern wall, and stalls for farm animals on the ground floor. I will continue up to the hayloft.'
Auger’s spectral dragonfly grasps the windlass, and the warlock discovers that it turns roughly, winding the rope hanging into the well too freely back onto the attached cylinder. Auger sees that the mechanism is hanging at an angle and in danger of falling loose. It seems the locking mechanism is also broken. Auger thinks he could fix it with the right tools, but it would take time. For the moment, someone needs to hold the mechanism in place and someone else turn the windlass. Also, it seems that the rope, if it ever had a bucket attached to it, no longer does.
Ma says, “I’ll hold up the windlass it if you let down the rope some. Innie, you gotta climb down and tie it on the bucket, girl!” She pushes the mechanism in place as Innie’s eyes bug out with a look of terror. Ma looks at the little elephant-person. “Tayshin? Kin you do’t?!”
Kotashin looks over the edge of the well as Auger turns to look behind his shoulder and point toward Varielky when he suggests the creature assist her. When the warlock looks back a moment later, Kotashin is nowhere to be seen -- in his place is nothing but a puff of dandelion seeds drifting away in the evening breeze. The rope is now unravelling into the well, and then there is a splashing sound from below.
You’re now situated like so.
Please post Round 2 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
(Well, the most realistic option is counting diagonal movement as 7 feet. It should be sqrt(50), which is quite close. 7.05... or smth like that. The problem with that is that unless you move five diagonals in a turn (35 feet), you'll end up between squares.)
Athletics: 13.
Varielky pulls herself up and climbs over the corral's gate with not much of an effort, despite it being about the height of her shoulders. She continues to run, donning her shield in her left hand as she does, using it to protect her from the heat of the flames as she passes near them. "Be ready!" She calls to the father, even though she cannot see him at the moment. "When I get to you, I'll handle the bull so you can run away and help save your children!"
(Donning a shield takes an action. Oof.)
Varielky
Seeing that Kotashin has opted to jump into the well is surprising but Auger cannot help but note that Kotashin has taken a smart option, assuming the little creature can swim of course. And tie a knot.
Understanding the danger, Py continues looking for the children. I will attempt to calm them and lead them to safety if I can. Perhaps the children can follow down the stairs. Or if the 2nd floor layout works, perhaps they can jump down on to some stacked hay. It is quite smoky.
Getting a sense for what Ma is asking Auger prepares to turn the crank himself while keeping the spectral dragonfly on the windlass to help as needed. Sensing it will be a moment before he should start turning the crank, Auger looks around. Seeing Varielky is almost to the corral he hopes the bull will not be too much trouble for her. Bringing his attention back to the well he makes a quick count of the various beings here and realizes he may not be needed. "Innie, can you turn this crank once Kotashin has the bucket attached? I can help but the children upstairs might need me in a moment."
In the back of Auger's mind a sense of frustration manifests. All these powers and I am turning a crank while a family is in danger. Most of what I can do is damage or destroy things, he thinks. There must be other ways to use this connection to the Sea of Stars!
Py
Move: Continues upstairs and looks for the children.
Free interaction: If he finds them he will speak to them and say out loud, "I know a safe route. Follow me out of here to your mother!"
Auger
Action: Improvise. If Kotashin gets the knot tied, Auger will begin turning the crank while Ma holds the windlass. Meanwhile he is also assisting Innie to get into place on the crank, assuming she comes. Use of the Mage Hand takes its own action, so it should be present and assisting something simple that does not take a full action, perhaps guiding the rope to curl properly on to the windlass, once the crank starts turning.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky & Auger
Round 2 Results
Varielky hops the fence at a run, and continues on toward the bull and Garther. She sees that he is bleeding and his clothes are quite dirty. His eyes are a bit wild, and he can’t bring himself to stand up yet with the bull so close. He hears Varielky and nods weakly. Varielky can see that the fire is not out of control, but is burning bundles of hay and the evening breeze is funneling through the barn, feeding the flames. So close to the fire at the barn door, the shield maiden can feel its heat, and a few tiny embers land on her skin, stingingly hot. Looking up, she sees a 2nd-story window or door is open. Two chimp children’s heads are poking out, under a loading pulley on a beam projecting from the wall above them. Py is there in front of them.
The bull retreats from Varielky, then turns and lowers its horns, prepared to charge, its eyes wild.
Py messages to Auger, ‘I found them and said what you asked. They’re not following me, they’re looking at their father. I don’t think they can go the way I came. It would be dangerous.’
Auger helps Innie onto a stool next to the crank. Nothing seems to be happening down in the well, except that the rope is fairly taut, and is moving around a bit. Ma has climbed atop the low wall of the well, doing her best to keep the windlass in place. She’s strong and sturdy, and is managing well, but her attention is on her family.
You are now situated like so.
Please post Round 3 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger says to Ma, "I think I need to go help with the children." Making sure Innie is steady, Auger moves away as quickly as he can towards the south side of the barn, the spectral dragonfly fading away behind him.
Py, stay with them. Can you see any other way to get them down? Maybe help Varielky while I head your way.
Perhaps I can weaken the bull.
Py
Looking around at the surrounding area he will send a description to Auger so that he now knows about the loading pulley and any other details in the next turn.
Move: After attacking will fly into the barn to make sure he has a good look at everything around the children and then he will return to where he is at X16.
Action: Ranged spell attack on the bull. Attack: 10 Damage: 1.
+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.
Auger
Move and Action: Dashes to the fence at the closest spot then getting over it moves along the fence line towards the barn. I think he can make it to G17.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky runs towards the bull, gaining momentum for more force when she strikes. Her shield in front of her, she runs straight in front of the bull but then breaks sharply to its side and leaps onto its neck. With her free right hand, she tries to grab the bull's neck, while her shield-wielding left hand, backed by her shoulder and whole weight, tries to push it prone. Such a strong beast is hard to subdue, but she hopes to do it without drawing her sword. Even if it's for protecting others, drawing the blade just to kill a domesticated animal seemed wrong.
Varielky
Auger & Varielky
Round 3 Results
Py tells Auger that the fires at T14 and Q14 are reaching up to the 2nd story, and blocking the children’s way to the stairs. The fey alyasub shoots its little spore down to the bull, which strikes it and does 1HP damage, but causes no other effects, except that the damage throws the already angry bull into a Rage.
Auger dashes to the fence, and (I rolled),clambers over it easily. He makes it to G17.
As the bull stands flat-footed, seeing red, Varielky leaps upon it, her arm grasps its neck, and her shield slams its forelegs out from under it. Twisting sharply, the shield maiden barely avoids being pinned under its weight as the creature falls prone.
But the bull is raging, and though immobilized by Varielky’s grasp, whips its upper body upwards, then slams it down upon Varielky, doing 10HP damage. (OOC: The attack was at disadvantage since it is prone.)
Pa, coughing, leaps into the flaming barn toward the stairs. Py does not see him reach the top of the stairs.
Auger sees Ma, with a full bucket of water, running toward the fire.
You are now situated like so.
Please post Round 4 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger moves quickly through the corral, his attention divided between the children and seeing Varielky getting slammed to the ground. When looking to the children he also examines the barn to see if he can understand the pulley mechanism near the window where the children are. Perhaps there is a ways to get them down using that?
Py, is there a rope up near the children? And can you see what happened to their father?
"Varielky! I may close this door here and then we can leave the bull to the corral!"
Py
Moves into the barn, looking for Pa and assisting him if possible.
Auger
Status: If the bull attacks, his Mage Armor is still active, making his AC 15.
Move and Action: Dashes to S18.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
(Well, AC 13 isn't great, so I wasn't expecting much.)
Varielky raises her shield hand and smacks it on the bull's head, trying to knock it out. She doesn't have the time to be dealing with domesticated animals. Varielky knows she can control her power, but the bull might not, and it might not know whether or not she is trying to kill it. If she doesn't manage to knock it out, it might at least fear for its life. It's only a bull, after all.
If she manages to knock it out, she'll stand up and breathe for a moment before running back towards the corral's gate.
Varielky
Varielky & Auger
Round 4 Results
Py must dash in order to find Pa, who is at the top of the stairs, barely conscious and gulping for breath.
Auger dashes to S18, and sees that a rope from the pulley hangs directly down to the ground, where it is tied off. The other end seems to be tied off just where the children are. If the children were in a basket tied to that rope, say, Auger could lower them down from the ground. There is a suitable receptacle nearby, a sort of harness for loading hay bales.
Varielky attacks the bull with her shield. (I’m going to rule that her shield is an improvised weapon, but not a melee weapon, so battle master tactics apply, but Dueling does not. Due to its enraged status, the bull gains +2 bonus to WIS saves, and it makes its save and is not frightened; its Rage gives it bonus HP.) The bull takes 11HP damage and is still conscious. Its body writhes and it flips onto Varielky, crushing her under its half-ton weight for 12HP damage (attacking with disadvantage, remaining prone and grappled).
Ma throws water on the nearest fire, extinguishing it, then runs back toward the well.
You are now positioned like so.
Please post Round 5 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger yells to Varielky, "The fire will scare the bull! Just leave the corral - maybe try to help the kids from below - I need to help their father!" Turning towards where Py indicates, Auger takes a deep breath, reaches into the Sea of Stars and through it to where Py is, yes on the other side of the flames there. Without moving Auger steps through and is suddenly at the bottom of the stairs. Still holding his breath he moves up to Pa and attempts to assist him to his feet and then determine what to do next.
Thank you Py, keep an eye on the children and maybe help Varielky with them.
Py
Move: To W14
Auger
Free action: Tries to convince Varielky to leave the bull behind.
Status: Holding his breath
Bonus Action: Casts misty step arriving at R12
Move: To top of stairs at Q7
Action: Whatever is required to assist Pa. Improvise, Help, Grapple, etc. He needs to get Pa out of the smoky zones. Auger tries to get him moving up or down, whichever way appears better, carrying if he must. A few rolls to represent possibly actions (if needed)... Athletics: 5 to lift Pa. Perception: 2, to determine if there is a better path to travel from where he is now.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky hears Auger but cannot comply. She will not be remembered as one who ran away from a fight... with a bull. Moreover, being remembered as one who lost to a bull sounds even worse. Filled with new determination, Varielky stands up, though the bull remains down, and she crushes her shield on the bull's head once again, making sure the bull's eye can see the attack before it happens. "If you force me to, I will kill you!" She shouts as the shield hits the bull's head.
Varielky
Auger & Varielky
Round 5 Results
Py moves back to the children.
Auger disappears and reappears atop the steps beside Pa, Garther, who is unconscious. He notices he has been injured by the bull and a wound in his belly is bleeding slowly. Auger can pick him up without issue and carry him over his shoulder down the stairs, which seems like the best way -- it’s smoky on the 2nd story.
Varielky’s shield blow brings the bull down to 1HP. Now, dominated by the shield maiden and frightened, the huge creature closes its eyes, its rage leaves it, and it slips in and out of consciousness.
Ma runs back for more water, which Kotashin has brought her in a second bucket.
Just then, a beam over the barn’s south entry falls, throwing embers around it and blocking the doorway. The children above scream in fear.
Py messages, ‘some of the hayloft has fallen through.’
You are now situated like so.
Please post Round 6 actions.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer