Azaka says to Gotur "My friend. Thank you. I would not be able to make these climbs without this magic." she then looks at the rest of you all. "You won't have to worry about these birds once I get close them. The cursed things. Evo, I will rush them once we get up there. You need not put your body in direct harm's way."she lets out a growl and then makes her way up to the 3rd level with ease thanks to the magic. She is getting used to the feeling, but still never looks down. Ever.
(thank you for making all of those pre-emptive rolls and RP, it helps the game along during these times in my life when I am slower than normal with posts. The climb mechanics for this particular climb are a bit different, but given PbP and my slow posting and the rolls/results you've already done, we will say that the climb is successful. It is windy up here, and Alton almost falls. It is a particularly scary moment as there are no ropes holding him this time (correct?) and so he might've seen his life flash before his eyes, but in the end he manages to hang on and makes it up. Got-ipede climbs with ease even with the wind, and Eku flies and weaves through the wind like it is nothing. Phillip pads up the cliff wall (yep, no problem there) and Evo is able to climb the ladder with no real scary moments. The guidance spell helps and he might feel lucky that he had cast that!)
You all make it up to level 3 of the tower. I still have to get the map together. I will post it later this morning!
Ok, as noted it is very windy up here. The wind creates a lot of noise which allows all of you to make it up on the ledge of the 3rd level without being noticed by the pterafolk in their nest. I have added the third level map to the google sheets. The pterafolk you see are the ones that Eku saw. "Yes. There. These are the ones I saw. It seems this is a nest. There are likely more at the pinnacle of this tower as well." she telepathically says to Evo.
It seems there are 4 pterafolk in this nest on the 3rd level, and there also seems to be an aarakocra deep in the east section of the nest. (Eku would've explained these creatures earlier during the trip due to her affiliation with the arakocra of Kir Sabal if you recall).
Two of the pterafolk are around the arakocra and they seem to be picking at it. The other two pterafolk are in a smaller nest area where there is a fire lit.
Both of the creatures have been added to the 'Bestiary' tab.
In mere moments, the pterafolk are going to notice the party standing on the ledge. Also in mere moments, Azaka is about to dash forward and fight these things.
Please let me know what you might want to do here and if I have all of the icons placed properly before combat potentially starts. If one or some of you would've remained on the tower wall or ladder after seeing the pterafolk, that is also ok just let me know. Eku is hovering by the ledge.
If Azaka charges them, it will initiate combat and the nest dwellers will be surprised during round 1. If one of you do something else, the nest dwellers will also likely be surprised for round 1.
Maybe roll for initiative as well as it is likely going to be needed. There isn't going to be enough time for the party to make a big plan here as the pterafolk will notice the party if they don't do something right when they get to the top, so when I process the next post I will take that into consideration depending on how much stuff you all try and do.
There is also an option to climb back down to level 2 after seeing what is up here which would allow you to have time to plan.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Phillip’s initiative: 17
As Phillip sees Azaka dash forward ((and on his own turn)), he will shuffle round, and forward a little, just until he gets a clean shot...
He’ll quietly draw his bow and an arrow. ((Can I assume we are all in the dark, and get advantage, as unseen attackers? I’ll roll with advantage, but just use the first dice if not: eg if they have darkvision)). As he draws the arrow, he gives the tip a lick, coating it in poison. Then he fires at the nearest pterafolk..
Grung poison: on a hit, the target must succeed on a DC12 CON save or take 6 (poison damage).
Favored foe: on a hit, bow damage increased by 2 (piercing damage)
Favored foe:
When you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can call on your mystical bond with nature to mark the target as your favored enemy for 1 minute or until you lose your concentration (as if you were concentrating on a spell).
The first time on each of your turns that you hit the favored enemy and deal damage to it, including when you mark it, you can increase that damage by 1d4.
"Oh no ye don't Azaka. Aye know ye got a magic hide but aye'm not letting ye run in yerself."
Evo goes, more or less, with Azaka. He is trying to put himself as close to as many He runs to the pterafolk in front of him, stopping 5 feet short so Azaka can get in there if she wants. He will then cast spirit guardians (excluding non-pterafolk).
As Phillip licks his arrow-tip, and just before lining up his shot, he sees Evo surge forward after Azaka. And through the darkvision (that Evo himself gifted him), he sees something truly miraculous...
Painted in darkvision’s shades of grey, he sees the spectral forms of angelic-valkyries appear, from nowhere, around Evo, surrounding him. The sight both invigorates Phillip and somehow calms him at the same time...
For a second, Phillip stands, midway through preparing his shot and his mouth falls into a large “O” shape again. “Wow!... uh huh, uh huh!....”, he whispers before coming back to the moment and moving again to re-aim his shot...
((Azaka still has spider climb right? How high is the ceiling in here? Can she run up the wall and fight above Evo? If so, Evo will suggest she do that while he takes the ground so they can double team that pterafolk and he can take a step forward to be in melee with it too!))
((the fire in this level is providing a good amount of light inside, although in the rear or east sections of the cave it is a bit darker. So the party won't be unseen, except Alton. I mean Phillip's going to be pretty hard to see given where he is, but he won't get the unseen advantage like Alton will get.))
In the moment before combat starts, the following things happen: Phillip moves into position to be able to fire an arrow. Got-ipede hangs back, Alton successfully hides around the entrance wall, completely hidden from the occupants. (not sure if you've seen the movie 'Predator', but Alton is blending into the tower wall just like Arnold did in that muddy cave wall when he was hiding from the predator!) Azaka is bounding in to attack in blind rage due to her mask being stolen by these beasts along side Evo who is also rushing forward, about to let his magic moon themed valkyries loose! Eku remains flying around.
Evo's spell will be cast in round 1 as the pterafolk heard Evo and Azaka running forth and turn around at the last moment. Azaka kind of blew the spell from being cast pre-combat by running in. Although given Evo's initiative, it won't matter. The pterafolk and the aarakocra are all surprised for round 1. Will try by best to remember that. haha.
Evo's angels appear! They flit about in the tower mini-cave, weaving through the air and into the various sections of the cave with ease. They flutter around Azaka, not harming the weretiger. Given the 15ft distance of this spell I'm going to assume those first 3 pterafolk are going to be affected. Especially given there's 5ft of extra space that you could move to ensure this. Effects to commence on the pterafolk's turn (surprised).
Azaka growls and runs forward. She doesn't get to pounce as it takes a moment to get by Evo, but she pushes forward towards the cave with the fire and begins her assault on the SW pterafolk using her claws on both hands in an attempt at revenge. If she kills, she will focus the other claws at the S pterafolk.
Attack: 18 Damage: 11
Attack: 8 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
"RRROOOOAAAARRRRR!!! WHERE IS MY MASK!!!!!" She obliterates the SW pterafolk, ripping it apart very brutally.
(Alright. Gonna try doing this without messing up the rolls.)
Alton will step out from behind the crevice in which he was hiding, brandishing two daggers. With a smirk, he throws them both at the S Pterafolk (bottom most one on the map? Whichever one Azaka didn’t take out) once he has a clear vantage point of the creature (will move closer if need be. He has 25 feet of movement).
(Now, the rolls.) The creatures are surprised, which means Alton will have advantage on the rolls, and sneak attack and assassinate will both trigger on the first dagger if it hits (just correct me if I’m wrong). Also, both are +1 daggers.
In order for Alton to hit the south pterafolk, he's going to have to move in front of Evo. Azaka is between Alton and the pterafolk, so it gets half cover, although it doesn't matter one bit. Alton is deadly accurate at long distances with his daggers, let alone when he's in close range. He throws the dagger with his usual precision and it whizzes by Azaka's head and embeds itself in the pterafolk's skull, killing it instantly. The second dagger was likely then thrown at the other pterafolk but it missed. Alton is then able to disengage from the surprised pterafolk and returns against the wall. The other pterafolk would see him now, but...
Phillip, the pterafolk has half cover as well due to Evo being in the way, but it also doesn't matter. You're accurate with the arrow as it sticks into the surprised winged creature. The initial damage doesn't seem to quite kill it, but as the grung poison surges through the creatures bloodsteam, you can see it becomes paralyzed and starts to choke. It then falls dead.
Eku flies 5ft forward and says "Still no sign of danger out here. May your attacks strike true!" and she casts bless which affects Phillip, Alton and Evo.
Azaka says to Gotur "My friend. Thank you. I would not be able to make these climbs without this magic." she then looks at the rest of you all. "You won't have to worry about these birds once I get close them. The cursed things. Evo, I will rush them once we get up there. You need not put your body in direct harm's way." she lets out a growl and then makes her way up to the 3rd level with ease thanks to the magic. She is getting used to the feeling, but still never looks down. Ever.
(thank you for making all of those pre-emptive rolls and RP, it helps the game along during these times in my life when I am slower than normal with posts. The climb mechanics for this particular climb are a bit different, but given PbP and my slow posting and the rolls/results you've already done, we will say that the climb is successful. It is windy up here, and Alton almost falls. It is a particularly scary moment as there are no ropes holding him this time (correct?) and so he might've seen his life flash before his eyes, but in the end he manages to hang on and makes it up. Got-ipede climbs with ease even with the wind, and Eku flies and weaves through the wind like it is nothing. Phillip pads up the cliff wall (yep, no problem there) and Evo is able to climb the ladder with no real scary moments. The guidance spell helps and he might feel lucky that he had cast that!)
You all make it up to level 3 of the tower. I still have to get the map together. I will post it later this morning!
Fresh darkvision and spidercimb noted as well.
Ok, as noted it is very windy up here. The wind creates a lot of noise which allows all of you to make it up on the ledge of the 3rd level without being noticed by the pterafolk in their nest. I have added the third level map to the google sheets. The pterafolk you see are the ones that Eku saw. "Yes. There. These are the ones I saw. It seems this is a nest. There are likely more at the pinnacle of this tower as well." she telepathically says to Evo.
It seems there are 4 pterafolk in this nest on the 3rd level, and there also seems to be an aarakocra deep in the east section of the nest. (Eku would've explained these creatures earlier during the trip due to her affiliation with the arakocra of Kir Sabal if you recall).
Two of the pterafolk are around the arakocra and they seem to be picking at it. The other two pterafolk are in a smaller nest area where there is a fire lit.
Both of the creatures have been added to the 'Bestiary' tab.
In mere moments, the pterafolk are going to notice the party standing on the ledge. Also in mere moments, Azaka is about to dash forward and fight these things.
Please let me know what you might want to do here and if I have all of the icons placed properly before combat potentially starts. If one or some of you would've remained on the tower wall or ladder after seeing the pterafolk, that is also ok just let me know. Eku is hovering by the ledge.
If Azaka charges them, it will initiate combat and the nest dwellers will be surprised during round 1. If one of you do something else, the nest dwellers will also likely be surprised for round 1.
Maybe roll for initiative as well as it is likely going to be needed. There isn't going to be enough time for the party to make a big plan here as the pterafolk will notice the party if they don't do something right when they get to the top, so when I process the next post I will take that into consideration depending on how much stuff you all try and do.
There is also an option to climb back down to level 2 after seeing what is up here which would allow you to have time to plan.
Maps are updated!
Phillip’s initiative: 17
As Phillip sees Azaka dash forward ((and on his own turn)), he will shuffle round, and forward a little, just until he gets a clean shot...
He’ll quietly draw his bow and an arrow. ((Can I assume we are all in the dark, and get advantage, as unseen attackers? I’ll roll with advantage, but just use the first dice if not: eg if they have darkvision)). As he draws the arrow, he gives the tip a lick, coating it in poison. Then he fires at the nearest pterafolk..
Attack action (shortbow): Attack: 19 Damage: 10 (piercing damage).
Grung poison: on a hit, the target must succeed on a DC12 CON save or take 6 (poison damage).
Favored foe: on a hit, bow damage increased by 2 (piercing damage)
Favored foe:
When you hit a creature with an attack roll, you can call on your mystical bond with nature to mark the target as your favored enemy for 1 minute or until you lose your concentration (as if you were concentrating on a spell).
The first time on each of your turns that you hit the favored enemy and deal damage to it, including when you mark it, you can increase that damage by 1d4.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Initiative: 16
((Gotur is hanging back in the reserves for now, he'll join in if it looks like he's needed, but trying to keep form and spider climb up.))
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Alton Initiative: 8
Before combat, he will simply do his best to hide in the nearby shadows to guarantee surprise, and draws a dagger in each hand.
Stealth: 16
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Initiative: 19
"Oh no ye don't Azaka. Aye know ye got a magic hide but aye'm not letting ye run in yerself."
Evo goes, more or less, with Azaka.
He is trying to put himself as close to as manyHe runs to the pterafolk in front of him, stopping 5 feet short so Azaka can get in there if she wants. He will then cast spirit guardians (excluding non-pterafolk).Damage, DC 15 wisdom save: 16
((
Exact placement will depend on the map!))((Map is up.))
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
((OOC: OMG spirit guardians looks epic!! Can everyone see the phenomenon?? @Rod, are yours fey or angelic? What does it all look like?!))
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
((It is weird the map doesn't always show up for me, just the text. Switching from night to day mode sometimes helps.
Edited action above and added the damage.
@Grwobert, angels, moon themed valkyries!))
As Phillip licks his arrow-tip, and just before lining up his shot, he sees Evo surge forward after Azaka. And through the darkvision (that Evo himself gifted him), he sees something truly miraculous...
Painted in darkvision’s shades of grey, he sees the spectral forms of angelic-valkyries appear, from nowhere, around Evo, surrounding him. The sight both invigorates Phillip and somehow calms him at the same time...
For a second, Phillip stands, midway through preparing his shot and his mouth falls into a large “O” shape again. “Wow!... uh huh, uh huh!....”, he whispers before coming back to the moment and moving again to re-aim his shot...
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
((Azaka still has spider climb right? How high is the ceiling in here? Can she run up the wall and fight above Evo? If so, Evo will suggest she do that while he takes the ground so they can double team that pterafolk and he can take a step forward to be in melee with it too!))
((the fire in this level is providing a good amount of light inside, although in the rear or east sections of the cave it is a bit darker. So the party won't be unseen, except Alton. I mean Phillip's going to be pretty hard to see given where he is, but he won't get the unseen advantage like Alton will get.))
In the moment before combat starts, the following things happen: Phillip moves into position to be able to fire an arrow. Got-ipede hangs back, Alton successfully hides around the entrance wall, completely hidden from the occupants. (not sure if you've seen the movie 'Predator', but Alton is blending into the tower wall just like Arnold did in that muddy cave wall when he was hiding from the predator!) Azaka is bounding in to attack in blind rage due to her mask being stolen by these beasts along side Evo who is also rushing forward, about to let his magic moon themed valkyries loose! Eku remains flying around.
Evo's spell will be cast in round 1 as the pterafolk heard Evo and Azaka running forth and turn around at the last moment. Azaka kind of blew the spell from being cast pre-combat by running in. Although given Evo's initiative, it won't matter. The pterafolk and the aarakocra are all surprised for round 1. Will try by best to remember that. haha.
Round 1: Evo, Azaka, Got-ipede, Aarakocra (surprised), Pterafolk (surprised), Alton, Phillip, Eku
Evo's angels appear! They flit about in the tower mini-cave, weaving through the air and into the various sections of the cave with ease. They flutter around Azaka, not harming the weretiger. Given the 15ft distance of this spell I'm going to assume those first 3 pterafolk are going to be affected. Especially given there's 5ft of extra space that you could move to ensure this. Effects to commence on the pterafolk's turn (surprised).
Azaka growls and runs forward. She doesn't get to pounce as it takes a moment to get by Evo, but she pushes forward towards the cave with the fire and begins her assault on the SW pterafolk using her claws on both hands in an attempt at revenge. If she kills, she will focus the other claws at the S pterafolk.
Attack: 18 Damage: 11
Attack: 8 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
"RRROOOOAAAARRRRR!!! WHERE IS MY MASK!!!!!" She obliterates the SW pterafolk, ripping it apart very brutally.
Got-ipede is up! Map is updated.
((Double crits? She was mad!))
Got-ipede scuttles in on a wall, taking the Dodge Action.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Got-ipede does just that. His centipede-y body scuttling around making it a difficult target against the rock wall.
The aarakocra is surprised. (I remembered. lol)
The pterafolk are also surprised! However, 2 of them will make the WIS save as the valkyries flit around their bodies. 14 18
The north pterafolk takes the full burning radiant damage, and the south takes half. (8) They both make the same screech of pain though.
Alton is up! You are currently hidden and unseen.
Phillip could also queue up his turn.
No changes to maps.
(Alright. Gonna try doing this without messing up the rolls.)
Alton will step out from behind the crevice in which he was hiding, brandishing two daggers. With a smirk, he throws them both at the S Pterafolk (bottom most one on the map? Whichever one Azaka didn’t take out) once he has a clear vantage point of the creature (will move closer if need be. He has 25 feet of movement).
(Now, the rolls.) The creatures are surprised, which means Alton will have advantage on the rolls, and sneak attack and assassinate will both trigger on the first dagger if it hits (just correct me if I’m wrong). Also, both are +1 daggers.
1st Dagger (Action): (Attack: 15 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.)
2nd Dagger (Bonus Action): (Attack: 28 Damage: 6)
Sneak Attack (Doubled for assassinate): 20
Crit Damage for first hit: 1
For a total of 35 magical piercing damage (assuming the second dagger misses).
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
((OOC: Phillip described an action with rolls in post #443. Can we use that one, or do you need anything else or new rolls etc? Let me know. Thanks)).
Phillip moves, just enough to get a clear line-of-sight on the first Pterafolk he sees, and then attempts to fire a poison arrow...
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
((yes! sorry, I had forgotten about that, ok perfect I will process these as well as Eku's turn ASAP!))
In order for Alton to hit the south pterafolk, he's going to have to move in front of Evo. Azaka is between Alton and the pterafolk, so it gets half cover, although it doesn't matter one bit. Alton is deadly accurate at long distances with his daggers, let alone when he's in close range. He throws the dagger with his usual precision and it whizzes by Azaka's head and embeds itself in the pterafolk's skull, killing it instantly. The second dagger was likely then thrown at the other pterafolk but it missed. Alton is then able to disengage from the surprised pterafolk and returns against the wall. The other pterafolk would see him now, but...
Phillip, the pterafolk has half cover as well due to Evo being in the way, but it also doesn't matter. You're accurate with the arrow as it sticks into the surprised winged creature. The initial damage doesn't seem to quite kill it, but as the grung poison surges through the creatures bloodsteam, you can see it becomes paralyzed and starts to choke. It then falls dead.
Eku flies 5ft forward and says "Still no sign of danger out here. May your attacks strike true!" and she casts bless which affects Phillip, Alton and Evo.
Round 2: Evo, Azaka, Got-ipede, Aarakocra, Pterafolk, Alton, Phillip, Eku
Evo is up! Map is updated.
Evo moves to the spot two west from the aarakocra, just putting the pterafolk in the spiritual guardians, and sacred flames the remaining pterafolk.
He calls to the aarakocra,
"Are ye with them? If not, ye best get over here!"
Sacred flame, DC 15 dex save for no damage: 13
Guardians, DC 15 wis save for half damage: 16