Ok, recap after life taking over again for a bit… ;)
1st round, PCs surprise the bad guys through clever deception:
Grzak and Alarion run through the cavern and up the stairs before the goblins or Yeemik can react.
So, here’s a rough idea of the lay-out/distances:
You can get to the top of the stairs using 30’ movement and then also have an action. Yeemik is lounging 15’ back from the top of the stairs. You can use your action to dash right up to him or to a point between him and Sildar (chained to a wall 15’ behind Yeemik), but unless you have an ability giving you a bonus action, as Gabriel said, that’s end of round 1.
Nonetheless, once initiative kicks in for round 2, Alarion and Grzak rolled higher than Yeemik, so they will get their action first! (It would be possible to do ranged attack at end of round 1 movement, then normal movement to Yeemik, and attack on round 2)
To confirm, I think Gabriel is attacking the closest goblin on the ‘ground’ floor? Yes, they are within reach for you to move forward normally and attack.
After what I hope is clarification of the situation, if everyone can confirm what they’re doing during this surprise round, that would be great.
I can compile initiative and attack rolls you’ve already made and apply them.
Kathrine is staying back by the entrance to the room, out of view for ranged attacks. She will move forward once battle is joined, wanting to be able to aid her friends with the few spells she has left. (No healing spells left, just spare the dieing, guidance, and mending.)
Alarion is going to dash to Yeemik on surprise round, then try to tackle him on round 2, hoping that the goblin's smaller build will let him be more successful and he'll be able to stop Yeemik from getting to Sildar.
"FOR TORM!" The Paladin cries, charging at the nearest goblin. (attack 18, damage 11)
With a great sweeping arc, his sword cleanly cleaves the head of the goblin from its body.
(Also, just mentioning, there is enough light from campfires to see normally in this cavern. Ranged attacks from around the corner would be under partial cover, from where Katherine is standing. Yeemik is out of sight on top of the ledge but the other 2 goblins are in view.)
Hmm, Alarion picking on someone his own size just might succeed!
Before moving into round 2... I’ll give a bit more time in case Grzak and Kath want to alter action since the lay-out/distance clarification, then go with what they posted
Grzak will indeed use his action to extend his sprint past the steps and take up a position defending Sildar from Yeemik and hopefully providing a shield for him from any ranged atacks from the three goblins below.
(Now that he’s turned his back to Sildar and focuses on Yeemik, the most imminent threat. Does Grzak recognize/remember Yeemik? Does he remember this cave layout as his previous torture chamber?)
I always look forward to this game, which is saying something as I am in a lot of them. You are doing a great job.
I would be willing to control a rogue-version of Cringer if that is wished by others. Just let me know. I would wish to build them out though.
I think our party could use a little more help. Seeing Rowen gone from the campaign, I would very much appreciate you rolling for Cringer
who could also possibly encourage Pie-face, Yeeter (if that was it?), and any other goblin that we bothered to have swear loyalty from, begin aiding with at least ranged attacks
Grzak’s 8 intelligence thought he had properly counted our available resources before charging in.
18: the 2 goblins near Gabriel screech as their companion’s head bounces into the campfire. Roasting goblin mixes into the already pungent aroma of the cavern, and a new waft of smoke hazes the air.
They unsheath scimitars and swing at Gabriel.
Attack: 21 Damage: 3
Attack: 23 Damage: 5
On the upper ledge, Alarion has wrestled Yeemik back down, grappling the goblin’s arms and trying to get a knee onto its chest.
14: Grzak has flashbacks of pain and helpless fury as he runs towards the wrestling pair and puts himself between them and the chained prisoner. There is another set of shackles bolted into the stone wall, now empty but all too familiar.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Grzak’s world collapses. The sounds of the goblins chittering as he sprints past the three below. The sight of his own stained blood on the floor where he had been chained for so many days. The face of his tormentor rising to meet him. All were spinning away in a blood-red fade which was replaced with the pounding of his own heartbeat in his ears. The distant but internally audible screams of pain from his own youth when he had been abused and tortuously cut by his own orc father and his intoxicated friends. Even the face of Yeemik is replaced by the hideous and horrifying face of his laughing father approaching with yet another blade.
Grzak strikes hard at the head of his tormentor while screaming in a voice that cracks, seemingly channeling the defeated voice from his youth,
”NO MORE!”
Attack: 19 Damage: 10
Plus Emboldening Bond on the to hit roll: 2
(We’ll use our inspiration here, just to fish for the crit. It’s that important to Grzak)
(Glad I tried out heavy armor master) still on his feet but feeling the pain from several small wounds, his ability to block with the best parts of his armor keeping the wounds minimal, Gabriel will channel the last of his healing energy into himself , doing lay on hands for 4 hp.
14: Grzak's cry of "NO MORE" echoes through the cavern. At the last minute the goblin moves just enough to prevent the morning star from crushing his skull, but takes an ugly wound across the side of his head.
(Alarion may be getting nervous as the morning star crashes down a little close for comfort?)
13: Katherine's bolt pierces the neck of a goblin near Gabriel, and it falls.
7: Gabriel is faced with one last goblin near him, but has been both hacked and slashed somewhat badly...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Yeemik (nat 1!) tries to yank his arms free from Alarion by twisting his body around to spin away… giving Alarion the perfect opportunity to thrust a knee down hard between the goblin’s shoulder blades while pulling one arm back into a hammerlock!
Round 3…
Alarion Last goblin standing with scimitar (I'll roll for his attack against Gabriel now, he's basically cornered and freaking out and that's his only target Attack: 11 Damage: 6 then bonus action disengage looking for an escape route) Grzak Katherine Gabriel
(Yeemik is prone and grappled at very much of a disadvantage)
Grzak is still lost in his (non-rage) rage. He would later swear he saw the Morningstar hit his father squarely in the forehead, that disgusting ridge of putrid skin above his eyes. In reality, Yeemik’s quick movement and much smaller skull avoided most of the blow. Grzak’s hatred, however, is not quelled.
”NO MORE!” Grzak shouts again, this time in a deeper, more mature and possibly controlled voice. But now tears are beginning to well up in his eyes. The Morningstar is raised again and aimed with deadly force at this avatar of his father.
Attack: 18 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Emboldening Bond added to hit: 1
(If Alarion has made Yeemik prone then the advantage on to hit: 25
Ok, recap after life taking over again for a bit… ;)
1st round, PCs surprise the bad guys through clever deception:
Grzak and Alarion run through the cavern and up the stairs before the goblins or Yeemik can react.
So, here’s a rough idea of the lay-out/distances:
You can get to the top of the stairs using 30’ movement and then also have an action. Yeemik is lounging 15’ back from the top of the stairs. You can use your action to dash right up to him or to a point between him and Sildar (chained to a wall 15’ behind Yeemik), but unless you have an ability giving you a bonus action, as Gabriel said, that’s end of round 1.
Nonetheless, once initiative kicks in for round 2, Alarion and Grzak rolled higher than Yeemik, so they will get their action first! (It would be possible to do ranged attack at end of round 1 movement, then normal movement to Yeemik, and attack on round 2)
To confirm, I think Gabriel is attacking the closest goblin on the ‘ground’ floor? Yes, they are within reach for you to move forward normally and attack.
After what I hope is clarification of the situation, if everyone can confirm what they’re doing during this surprise round, that would be great.
I can compile initiative and attack rolls you’ve already made and apply them.
(OOC thanks again for the encouragement guys!)
That sounds right to me, Gabriel slashes the goblin he can attack, Grazk and Alarion can handle Yemmick.
Kathrine is staying back by the entrance to the room, out of view for ranged attacks. She will move forward once battle is joined, wanting to be able to aid her friends with the few spells she has left. (No healing spells left, just spare the dieing, guidance, and mending.)
Alarion is going to dash to Yeemik on surprise round, then try to tackle him on round 2, hoping that the goblin's smaller build will let him be more successful and he'll be able to stop Yeemik from getting to Sildar.
Athletics: 10
"FOR TORM!" The Paladin cries, charging at the nearest goblin. (attack 18, damage 11)
With a great sweeping arc, his sword cleanly cleaves the head of the goblin from its body.
(Also, just mentioning, there is enough light from campfires to see normally in this cavern. Ranged attacks from around the corner would be under partial cover, from where Katherine is standing. Yeemik is out of sight on top of the ledge but the other 2 goblins are in view.)
Hmm, Alarion picking on someone his own size just might succeed!
Before moving into round 2... I’ll give a bit more time in case Grzak and Kath want to alter action since the lay-out/distance clarification, then go with what they posted
Grzak will indeed use his action to extend his sprint past the steps and take up a position defending Sildar from Yeemik and hopefully providing a shield for him from any ranged atacks from the three goblins below.
(Now that he’s turned his back to Sildar and focuses on Yeemik, the most imminent threat. Does Grzak recognize/remember Yeemik? Does he remember this cave layout as his previous torture chamber?)
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
I think our party could use a little more help. Seeing Rowen gone from the campaign, I would very much appreciate you rolling for Cringer
who could also possibly encourage Pie-face, Yeeter (if that was it?), and any other goblin that we bothered to have swear loyalty from, begin aiding with at least ranged attacks
Grzak’s 8 intelligence thought he had properly counted our available resources before charging in.
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
I also am greatly enjoying the game.
I have no objection to having Cringer as a party member, either under DragonDenn's control, general control between all of us, or DM control.
Back into initiative, Round 2:
20: Alarion leaps at the muscular (for a goblin) leader who is just rising from piles of animal skins.
(Since Alarion goes before Yeemik who will need round 2 to grab sword and get to his feet, he won’t be using dex but strength check…)
The half-elf tackles the goblin and succeeds in just barely overcoming him. (Grapple or shove intended?)
(Grapple.)
18: the 2 goblins near Gabriel screech as their companion’s head bounces into the campfire. Roasting goblin mixes into the already pungent aroma of the cavern, and a new waft of smoke hazes the air.
They unsheath scimitars and swing at Gabriel.
Attack: 21 Damage: 3
Attack: 23 Damage: 5
On the upper ledge, Alarion has wrestled Yeemik back down, grappling the goblin’s arms and trying to get a knee onto its chest.
14: Grzak has flashbacks of pain and helpless fury as he runs towards the wrestling pair and puts himself between them and the chained prisoner. There is another set of shackles bolted into the stone wall, now empty but all too familiar.
After Grzak's attack/action:
13: Katherine
7: Gabriel
3: Yeemik
Kathrine lifts her crossbow as she moves into the chamber. She sights on one of the goblins fighting Gabriel, then lets loose...
Attack: 21 Damage: 10
Grzak’s world collapses. The sounds of the goblins chittering as he sprints past the three below. The sight of his own stained blood on the floor where he had been chained for so many days. The face of his tormentor rising to meet him. All were spinning away in a blood-red fade which was replaced with the pounding of his own heartbeat in his ears. The distant but internally audible screams of pain from his own youth when he had been abused and tortuously cut by his own orc father and his intoxicated friends. Even the face of Yeemik is replaced by the hideous and horrifying face of his laughing father approaching with yet another blade.
Grzak strikes hard at the head of his tormentor while screaming in a voice that cracks, seemingly channeling the defeated voice from his youth,
”NO MORE!”
Attack: 19 Damage: 10
Plus Emboldening Bond on the to hit roll: 2
(We’ll use our inspiration here, just to fish for the crit. It’s that important to Grzak)
12
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
(In case I didn't make it clear, Grzak can still take his turn this round. His dash from round 1 brought him to his current position)
Below, Katherine's bolt is released with deadly accuracy...
(Glad I tried out heavy armor master) still on his feet but feeling the pain from several small wounds, his ability to block with the best parts of his armor keeping the wounds minimal, Gabriel will channel the last of his healing energy into himself , doing lay on hands for 4 hp.
(nvm, posts overlapped!)...
14: Grzak's cry of "NO MORE" echoes through the cavern. At the last minute the goblin moves just enough to prevent the morning star from crushing his skull, but takes an ugly wound across the side of his head.
(Alarion may be getting nervous as the morning star crashes down a little close for comfort?)
13: Katherine's bolt pierces the neck of a goblin near Gabriel, and it falls.
7: Gabriel is faced with one last goblin near him, but has been both hacked and slashed somewhat badly...
(overlapping posts again lol)
Gabriel glows with Torm's grace... (and yes that 'heavy armor master' feat is pretty sweet!)
Yeemik desperately attempts to Acrobatically twist out of Alarion's hold: 3
Yeemik (nat 1!) tries to yank his arms free from Alarion by twisting his body around to spin away… giving Alarion the perfect opportunity to thrust a knee down hard between the goblin’s shoulder blades while pulling one arm back into a hammerlock!
Round 3…
Alarion
Last goblin standing with scimitar (I'll roll for his attack against Gabriel now, he's basically cornered and freaking out and that's his only target Attack: 11 Damage: 6 then bonus action disengage looking for an escape route)
Grzak
Katherine
Gabriel
(Yeemik is prone and grappled at very much of a disadvantage)
(OOC afk a while now)
Grzak is still lost in his (non-rage) rage. He would later swear he saw the Morningstar hit his father squarely in the forehead, that disgusting ridge of putrid skin above his eyes. In reality, Yeemik’s quick movement and much smaller skull avoided most of the blow. Grzak’s hatred, however, is not quelled.
”NO MORE!” Grzak shouts again, this time in a deeper, more mature and possibly controlled voice. But now tears are beginning to well up in his eyes. The Morningstar is raised again and aimed with deadly force at this avatar of his father.
Attack: 18 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Emboldening Bond added to hit: 1
(If Alarion has made Yeemik prone then the advantage on to hit: 25
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain