Stability across the continent is in free-fall as chaos runs rampant. To Cerinn's north, the Kingdom of Rhidium has buckled under the weight of a foreign invasion and domestic rebellion in the east. Emperor Tynne has deployed a defensive military force to the Empire's northern border to ease the minds of his citizens, while also deploying a relief force carrying aid supplies to deal with the massive influx of refugees at the border.
Outwardly, the political class of the Cerinn Empire maintains an image of calm collection, to show the common folk that they're in control. Insiders however, and those privy to gossip, hear rumors of panic among the upper echelons of the royal government. Although it hasn't been said, many members fear that the madness which has overtaken the continent will turn towards the Empire next.
Chapter I The North
In venturing north, you have found that life has changed for Cerinn's denizens. While the emperor has deployed a small imperial force - mostly consisting of men conscripted from the populations south of the capital - to the border, local highborn families have recalled most of the men under their personal command to their own keeps, finding comfort in having armed forces close by. Normally these men and women would be out among the smaller villages and settlements, keeping the roads clear of bandits or acting as townsguard. But paranoia has clouded the minds of many, and so the roads remain mostly unguarded.
Some of you might have traveled with supply caravans, carrying things like food, blankets, and medicines to handle the influx of refugees at the border. Others perhaps joined along with a company of imperial soldiers. Or maybe you made your way in solitude, taking great care to avoid the prying eyes of others. In any case, you were able to safely reach your destination, the border town of Teilorin.
Sandwiched between the evergreens of the Pygmy Redwoods, this moderately sized town is the first stop for those traveling to the Cerinn Empire by foot. In more peaceful times, it functioned as a waystation for merchant caravans exiting and entering the empire. Few merchants have made their way through in recent months however, leaving the townsfolk anxious of the war raging in the kingdom north of them. While a refugee camp is set up further north close to the border, a steady stream of people have made their way south through the town, having been approved for entry by imperial magistrates working in the camp. The camp itself is about a half-week walk from Teilorin, and some have noted that it's been almost a week since they've seen someone come from up north.
The sun was on its way below the horizon when you made your way into town, and had almost completely dipped down by the town you found a place to stay. On the far north edge of town you found it, The Puzzled Yew. In times past, it served as a middle-of-the-pack inn for some of the wealthier merchants coming through. Lately however, most have been too poor to afford it, instead filling up the cheaper establishments further in town. Luckily, the inn was plenty large, and it seemed you would only be sharing it with five or so other people. With your room paid for, and the hunger of a long final day of travel starting to bite, you stopped in the inn's dining area for a meal before settling into what was looking to be a peaceful night...
The innkeeper stands behind the bar, quietly cleaning up as he himself prepares to settle in for the night. There is no musician in the inn tonight, and the fireplace is cold and dark. So far, the only sounds to break the silence are the clinks of metalware on plates as the people around you dig into their own meals. There are six of you in total, each a dangerous looking individual in their own right. Harrin - the innkeeper - was a little nervous at first, especially when you all claimed to be traveling separately. But, money was money, and the gods knew, it had been awhile since he had a good night.None of you have spoken to one another, evidently being the solitary type of folk, and are sprinkled throughout the inn at different tables or places at the bar top.
Outside, you can faintly hear what sounds like yelling, perhaps a few young fools in a lover's quarrel. As you finish your food, you might notice a slight change in the air. There was a tense heaviness that wasn't there before, as if the world itself braced for the hells to break loose.
And it did.
BOOM. BOOM.The windows to the inn rattle, threatening to shatter as the air reverberates from two explosions in quick succession. Harrin screams darts through a door on the side, leaving the six of you alone. As the ringing in your ear fades, you can hear screams of agony and terror in the streets outside. Angry firelight filters in through the windows now, casting shadows as figures run wildly through the streets. You hear yelling in an imperceptible language just outside before the door bursts open. Three figures emerge through the opening, longswords drawn as they shout orders in an unfamiliar language. Each wears well made chainmail, and bears a red cloak and tunic that look nothing like an imperial uniform you would recognize. For a moment they seem surprised to at the sight of you, but the surprise quickly turns to hatred as they tighten their swordgrips and advance.
For the Players:
Welcome to the beginning the campaign! Here's a quick rundown of things. On the map below, you'll notice there is a grid. Each square is the standard five feet(and yes you can move diagonally. I get this question sometimes). It has an alphanumeric ruler around it, so in your post I need you to let me know at some point where you want to move to. So you can describe running up to a bad dude or what have you, but in spoilers say something like "move to H8 and slap the bad dude in H7".I'll update the mapstate in each of my posts, which will always be in a spoiler tag to save space. Initiative order will also be included.
I tried to put all your characters in positions I think would be advantageous to their archetype. From here on out I'll typically let you place your own people on the map (I'll show you the map, and ask "where would your character be?" within reason of course.)
There is going to be "DM Screen" spoiler tag, where I do my rolls. I can't keep you from looking at it(I wish you wouldn't), but just realize that it will only show dice rolls, not modifiers - so you still aren't getting all the information.
That covers about everything I can think of. So without further ado...Roll Initiative!
Artorias pushed the near-empty plate away from him, chewing the last bit of food before taking a sip from the tankard near him. It was a quiet night, his eyes coming to rest on the other individuals inside the inn. He studied them each for a few moments, catching any suspicious mannerisms or ticks. So far, they just seemed as grizzled as he was, exhausted from what seemed like a long day. Then his ear twitched as the faint echoes of a quarrel outside emanated through the air. Then...
Quiet.
Stillness.
The air shifted abruptly as the explosions rocked the entirety of the structure. Instinctively, Artorias pushed the bench he was sitting on backward with the back of his legs, his knees coming to bend as he tried to use the table as a makeshift cover. His hands rocketed to the hilts that rest at his side, each arm crossing the other as his right grasped at his left hip and his left to his right. Momentarily dazed at the sudden concussive force, he drew his blades as three men burst in. Then realization crept across their faces.
Bertren tired and glad to be off the road was already a bit annoyed. He failed so far to meet with his contacts or he had arrived much earlier than them. Wary of the stoically quiet inn populace he inwardly wish for a busker or music of some sort just to lighted the dire atmosphere that seemed to have settled over this northern town. When the first scream lit the air he was on his feet. That sound was not a typical argument or lovers spat! Then the explosion rocking the tavern set all thoughts of overreaction aside. Regaining his footing and shrugging his shield from its place on his shoulder he unleashed his mace from the leather tie hold on the side just as the door of the tavern Berst open but as lady luck was apparently not on his side he slips on the ale spilled right near the floor in front of his position.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Alkanos thoroughly enjoyed his meal after he spent the whole day on the road. The man, who was well into his thirties, had shaved blonde hair and icy blue eyes. He devoured what was on the plate in front of him, since today he didn't find the opportunity to eat beforehand. The paladin wanted to make it to Teilorin before nightfall and he did. He was on a rather time-sensitive mission and after a good night's sleep, he would have used the next day to make his inquiries throughout the city. At least, that was his plan. Sitting there in the Puzzled Yew's dining room, Alkanos was about to retire when suddenly three man clad in armor busted through the main entrance. They didn't look like the friendly lot, and instinctively he reached for his warhammer and shield, bracing for what surely seemed to end in violence.
August finally arrived in Teilorin as the sun was about to set. He had taken shelter in The Puzzled Yew because it seemed like the most quiet and remote inn in town. The perfect place to avoid unwanted attention.
The road had been a long one. He had traveled as fast as he could to reach his destination. What she expected him to find in this kind of town, he was still uncertain of. But the urgency of her voice had made August worry.
During the evening, he had payed close attention to the other patrons of the inn, while also trying to remain inconspicuous. They were well equipped, or at the very least, better equipped than the rest of the villagers. They weren’t just your regular commoners.
When the explosion occurred, August immediately rose from his seat. The screaming earlier in the evening had put him on his guard, but hearing the commotion, he knew trouble was afoot. When the three men entered the inn, weapon in hand, he knew this could only end one way. He rose his hand and started to gather the eldritch energies around it in preparation for combat.
19
OoC: Sorry for the delay guys. This morning has been a little hectic.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
A flash of fire streaks across the inn, striking the center swordsman in the chest. He lets out a surprised yelp of pain as the flame burns through his tunic, splashing across the chain mail underneath. As pufts of smoke rise from the ruined fabric on his chest his eyes angrily snap towards the eladrin. He pats the smoldering tunic out and advances on the elf quickly.
Anger still burning in his eyes, he swings his sword underhanded across Rhys' chest, who pulls back in time as the blade whiffs past his torso. Changing his grip, the swordsman slashes down diagonally and catches him in the leg, leaving a long gash across his thigh. Damage to Rhys:10
DM Screen
19 19
5
Mapstate
Initiative Order
Rhys H6 August* Alkanos Artorias Nico H7 H5 Bertren
With the hostilities under way, August decides to take cover. He runs over to the counter to his right and attempts to jump over it.
Once he has a clear view of one of the aggressors, he points his hand in the man's direction and a bright beam of eldritch energy shoots forth as he releases Eldritch Blast
Move to K7. Shoot man in H7.
Acrobatics roll to jump over the counter (if necessary): 4
August slaps his hand on the counter and vaults over it, straightening up once on the other side. Pulling his hand up, a silvery globe of energy bursts to life in his hand. It stretches out, shooting a beam towards one of the men. He ducks his head just in time, and the eldritch energy explodes on the wooden door frame behind him, sending splinters of wood flying through the air.
Notes to Players
No acrobatics/athletics required for moving around the tables or counters. They're not very high. If you want to go over a counter or table, I would just count it as difficult terrain, so half movement. Unless you're actually trying to do some acrobatic shit.
Mapstate
Initiative Order
Rhys H6 August Alkanos * Artorias Nico H7 H5 Bertren
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Before Alkanos knew it the inn was embroiled in serious fighting. Bringing up his shield in one hand and his trusted warhammer in the other, the paladin closed in on the nearest opponent. Usually, he wasn't a man that punched first and asked questions later but this situation was forced upon him, like it was on the others dining inside this tavern. Some of them already were engaged with the aggressors when Alkanos attempted to strike his first blow. He called upon Laurus to guide his weapon as he brought it down on his first target. "You will pay for this transgression.", Alkanos exclaimed as he joined the fight.
After a short prayer to Laurus, the vague shape of a wolf's shadow flitted across the room from a dark corner, disappearing in the man's own shadow. His eyes went wide as Alkanos bore down on him, hefting a warhammer. Just in time, he sidestepped the paladin's hammer as it came down, smashing the wood planks of the floor.
Mapstate
Initiative Order
Rhys H6 August Alkanos Artorias * Nico H7 H5 Bertren
Almost immediately the aggressors and the patrons closed the distance. Within seconds he saw one of them unleash a streak of flame, slamming into one of the men, as another threw eldritch energy at another. Wood exploded behind the man not finding it's mark while the massive patron, closest to where Artorias is, slams down with a mighty warhammer. Unfortunately, the warhammer found no purchase as the head cracked and splintered the wood where the enemy once stood. Using this as his opportunity, Artorias lept onto the table in front of him. His lithe form slipped across without so much as disturbing the half-finished tankard of ale, closing the distance to the enemy nearest him.
Blades in hand, Artorias side-stepped to the right a foot, aligning himself with the man's spine. The short sword in his right hand flew forward with incredible speed, the steel looking for purchase in between the armored slats. Just as quickly, the weapon in his left hand came down to carve toward the man's trapezius muscle.
Move H2 to H4, Attacking H5
Main Attack: 16 Damage (Piercing): 9 If Sneak Attack: 4
Thrown off balance after dodging the warhammer, the man was wholly unprepared for the vicious attack from his side. His shield arm was too slow, the flat edge of Artorias' blade sliding across the top of it as he tried to raise it. The blade point contacted the man's chainmail, tearing through the links and slipping between his ribs. His anguished cry was cut short, with blood clogging his throat. He crumpled to the floor as his attacker withdrew the blade, unmoving.
Notes
Another enemy within 5 feet, so that's sneak attack damage. Also as a point of clarification - because earlier I messed something up and then edited it - the man who just died, and the one in H7 both have shields out. The one in H9 carries no shield.
Mapstate
Initiative
Rhys H6 August Alkanos Artorias Nico * H7 H5 Bertren
With chaos erupting around him, Nico considered trying to finish his meal first. It wasn't to be however, things were getting quite serious. Stuffing a final piece of bread in his mouth, he stood and turned around, drawing his sword in the same motion. "Alright then, let's make this quick you bleeding morons." He mumbles through the piece of bread, muffling the words as they come out. Ignoring the now fallen man, he advances on the other standing by the door. Not bothering with his shield, he raises the sword above his head and swings it down with a two-handed slash.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The other remaining sword wielder shouts foreign words at the one engaged with Rhys upon seeing their comrade fall, batting the downward swing of Nico's sword out of the way with his shield as he does so. For a split moment, it seems as if he might abandon his other ally before his resolve steel. He weaves his blade back and forth in front of Nico a few times before launching two quick overhand strikes at him. The maneuver seems to confuse him as the strikes find their marks both times, catching him on the upper sword arm and across the side of his ribs.
Damage to Nico: 18
DM Screen
11 10
11 2
Map State
Initiative
Rhys H6 August Alkanos Artorias Nico H7 H5 Bertren *
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Bertren annoyed at his own miss step watches the skirmish and finally regaining his footing charges forward to the side of the patron who just took a very painful blow with his mace held high he swings down on the assailant and as the blow falls the mace in his had starts to give off an angry red light of burning embers!
Moving to I8 and attacking H7! Bonus action: Searing Smite
Attack: 9
if hit
Damage: 10
Fire Damage: 3
and Con save at top of turn DC14 for extra d6 unless he uses and action to stop drop and roll!
Fiery sparks fly through the air as the heavily armed cleric swings his mace, arcing behind the head the of the weapon. The target brings his shield up, sending an even greater flurry of red-hot sparks into the air as he bashes the mace away.
Mapstate
Initiative
Rhys * H9 August Alkanos Artorias Nico H7 H5 Bertren
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Narrowly avoiding a burning attack just moments ago, getting singed by the eladrin before, the man now screamed in equal parts frustration and pain as the mote of flame slammed into the side of his head. The stench of burned hair and flesh fills the air as parts of his face burn and blacken. In desperation and fury, he wildly swings his blade twice towards the cleric next to him. The pain and frustration made him sloppy however, and his wild attacks go far too wide and miss.
Damage to Bertren: 0
DM Screen
83 94
Mapstate
Initiative
Rhys H9 August * Alkanos Artorias Nico H7 H5 Bertren
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
August had first been wary of the other patron of the inn. But now, these strangers and himself were caught in the same mess. One of them, an elf it appeared, had been injured by the enemies. A large gash on his leg was spewing blood. Turning his gaze on the wounded man, he focused as a warm soothing light seal the wound to at least stop the bleeding.
BA: Healing Light 12 points of healing to Rhys
He then turned his gaze again on the assailant that had previously avoided his attack. He took a sidestep to the right and released in his direction a mote of bright white flame than lit up an otherwise lightless room.
Stability across the continent is in free-fall as chaos runs rampant. To Cerinn's north, the Kingdom of Rhidium has buckled under the weight of a foreign invasion and domestic rebellion in the east. Emperor Tynne has deployed a defensive military force to the Empire's northern border to ease the minds of his citizens, while also deploying a relief force carrying aid supplies to deal with the massive influx of refugees at the border.
Outwardly, the political class of the Cerinn Empire maintains an image of calm collection, to show the common folk that they're in control. Insiders however, and those privy to gossip, hear rumors of panic among the upper echelons of the royal government. Although it hasn't been said, many members fear that the madness which has overtaken the continent will turn towards the Empire next.
Chapter I
The North
In venturing north, you have found that life has changed for Cerinn's denizens. While the emperor has deployed a small imperial force - mostly consisting of men conscripted from the populations south of the capital - to the border, local highborn families have recalled most of the men under their personal command to their own keeps, finding comfort in having armed forces close by. Normally these men and women would be out among the smaller villages and settlements, keeping the roads clear of bandits or acting as townsguard. But paranoia has clouded the minds of many, and so the roads remain mostly unguarded.
Some of you might have traveled with supply caravans, carrying things like food, blankets, and medicines to handle the influx of refugees at the border. Others perhaps joined along with a company of imperial soldiers. Or maybe you made your way in solitude, taking great care to avoid the prying eyes of others. In any case, you were able to safely reach your destination, the border town of Teilorin.
Sandwiched between the evergreens of the Pygmy Redwoods, this moderately sized town is the first stop for those traveling to the Cerinn Empire by foot. In more peaceful times, it functioned as a waystation for merchant caravans exiting and entering the empire. Few merchants have made their way through in recent months however, leaving the townsfolk anxious of the war raging in the kingdom north of them. While a refugee camp is set up further north close to the border, a steady stream of people have made their way south through the town, having been approved for entry by imperial magistrates working in the camp. The camp itself is about a half-week walk from Teilorin, and some have noted that it's been almost a week since they've seen someone come from up north.
The sun was on its way below the horizon when you made your way into town, and had almost completely dipped down by the town you found a place to stay. On the far north edge of town you found it, The Puzzled Yew. In times past, it served as a middle-of-the-pack inn for some of the wealthier merchants coming through. Lately however, most have been too poor to afford it, instead filling up the cheaper establishments further in town. Luckily, the inn was plenty large, and it seemed you would only be sharing it with five or so other people. With your room paid for, and the hunger of a long final day of travel starting to bite, you stopped in the inn's dining area for a meal before settling into what was looking to be a peaceful night...
The innkeeper stands behind the bar, quietly cleaning up as he himself prepares to settle in for the night. There is no musician in the inn tonight, and the fireplace is cold and dark. So far, the only sounds to break the silence are the clinks of metalware on plates as the people around you dig into their own meals. There are six of you in total, each a dangerous looking individual in their own right. Harrin - the innkeeper - was a little nervous at first, especially when you all claimed to be traveling separately. But, money was money, and the gods knew, it had been awhile since he had a good night. None of you have spoken to one another, evidently being the solitary type of folk, and are sprinkled throughout the inn at different tables or places at the bar top.
Outside, you can faintly hear what sounds like yelling, perhaps a few young fools in a lover's quarrel. As you finish your food, you might notice a slight change in the air. There was a tense heaviness that wasn't there before, as if the world itself braced for the hells to break loose.
And it did.
BOOM. BOOM. The windows to the inn rattle, threatening to shatter as the air reverberates from two explosions in quick succession. Harrin screams darts through a door on the side, leaving the six of you alone. As the ringing in your ear fades, you can hear screams of agony and terror in the streets outside. Angry firelight filters in through the windows now, casting shadows as figures run wildly through the streets. You hear yelling in an imperceptible language just outside before the door bursts open. Three figures emerge through the opening, longswords drawn as they shout orders in an unfamiliar language. Each wears well made chainmail, and bears a red cloak and tunic that look nothing like an imperial uniform you would recognize. For a moment they seem surprised to at the sight of you, but the surprise quickly turns to hatred as they tighten their swordgrips and advance.
For the Players:
Welcome to the beginning the campaign! Here's a quick rundown of things.
On the map below, you'll notice there is a grid. Each square is the standard five feet(and yes you can move diagonally. I get this question sometimes). It has an alphanumeric ruler around it, so in your post I need you to let me know at some point where you want to move to. So you can describe running up to a bad dude or what have you, but in spoilers say something like "move to H8 and slap the bad dude in H7". I'll update the mapstate in each of my posts, which will always be in a spoiler tag to save space. Initiative order will also be included.
I tried to put all your characters in positions I think would be advantageous to their archetype. From here on out I'll typically let you place your own people on the map (I'll show you the map, and ask "where would your character be?" within reason of course.)
There is going to be "DM Screen" spoiler tag, where I do my rolls. I can't keep you from looking at it(I wish you wouldn't), but just realize that it will only show dice rolls, not modifiers - so you still aren't getting all the information.
That covers about everything I can think of. So without further ado...Roll Initiative!
DM Screen
17
20
13
Mapstate
Initiative - 14
#edbd00 - Gold
Artorias pushed the near-empty plate away from him, chewing the last bit of food before taking a sip from the tankard near him. It was a quiet night, his eyes coming to rest on the other individuals inside the inn. He studied them each for a few moments, catching any suspicious mannerisms or ticks. So far, they just seemed as grizzled as he was, exhausted from what seemed like a long day. Then his ear twitched as the faint echoes of a quarrel outside emanated through the air. Then...
Quiet.
Stillness.
The air shifted abruptly as the explosions rocked the entirety of the structure. Instinctively, Artorias pushed the bench he was sitting on backward with the back of his legs, his knees coming to bend as he tried to use the table as a makeshift cover. His hands rocketed to the hilts that rest at his side, each arm crossing the other as his right grasped at his left hip and his left to his right. Momentarily dazed at the sudden concussive force, he drew his blades as three men burst in. Then realization crept across their faces.
Initiative: 14
Bertren tired and glad to be off the road was already a bit annoyed. He failed so far to meet with his contacts or he had arrived much earlier than them. Wary of the stoically quiet inn populace he inwardly wish for a busker or music of some sort just to lighted the dire atmosphere that seemed to have settled over this northern town. When the first scream lit the air he was on his feet. That sound was not a typical argument or lovers spat! Then the explosion rocking the tavern set all thoughts of overreaction aside. Regaining his footing and shrugging his shield from its place on his shoulder he unleashed his mace from the leather tie hold on the side just as the door of the tavern Berst open but as lady luck was apparently not on his side he slips on the ale spilled right near the floor in front of his position.
initiative: 3
Alkanos thoroughly enjoyed his meal after he spent the whole day on the road. The man, who was well into his thirties, had shaved blonde hair and icy blue eyes. He devoured what was on the plate in front of him, since today he didn't find the opportunity to eat beforehand. The paladin wanted to make it to Teilorin before nightfall and he did. He was on a rather time-sensitive mission and after a good night's sleep, he would have used the next day to make his inquiries throughout the city. At least, that was his plan. Sitting there in the Puzzled Yew's dining room, Alkanos was about to retire when suddenly three man clad in armor busted through the main entrance. They didn't look like the friendly lot, and instinctively he reached for his warhammer and shield, bracing for what surely seemed to end in violence.
Initiative: 15
August finally arrived in Teilorin as the sun was about to set. He had taken shelter in The Puzzled Yew because it seemed like the most quiet and remote inn in town. The perfect place to avoid unwanted attention.
The road had been a long one. He had traveled as fast as he could to reach his destination. What she expected him to find in this kind of town, he was still uncertain of. But the urgency of her voice had made August worry.
During the evening, he had payed close attention to the other patrons of the inn, while also trying to remain inconspicuous. They were well equipped, or at the very least, better equipped than the rest of the villagers. They weren’t just your regular commoners.
When the explosion occurred, August immediately rose from his seat. The screaming earlier in the evening had put him on his guard, but hearing the commotion, he knew trouble was afoot. When the three men entered the inn, weapon in hand, he knew this could only end one way. He rose his hand and started to gather the eldritch energies around it in preparation for combat.
19
OoC: Sorry for the delay guys. This morning has been a little hectic.
A flash of fire streaks across the inn, striking the center swordsman in the chest. He lets out a surprised yelp of pain as the flame burns through his tunic, splashing across the chain mail underneath. As pufts of smoke rise from the ruined fabric on his chest his eyes angrily snap towards the eladrin. He pats the smoldering tunic out and advances on the elf quickly.
Anger still burning in his eyes, he swings his sword underhanded across Rhys' chest, who pulls back in time as the blade whiffs past his torso. Changing his grip, the swordsman slashes down diagonally and catches him in the leg, leaving a long gash across his thigh.
Damage to Rhys: 10
DM Screen
19
19
5
Mapstate
Initiative Order
Rhys
H6
August *
Alkanos
Artorias
Nico
H7
H5
Bertren
With the hostilities under way, August decides to take cover. He runs over to the counter to his right and attempts to jump over it.
Once he has a clear view of one of the aggressors, he points his hand in the man's direction and a bright beam of eldritch energy shoots forth as he releases Eldritch Blast
Move to K7. Shoot man in H7.
Acrobatics roll to jump over the counter (if necessary): 4
Spell attack roll: 14
Spell damage roll: 13
August slaps his hand on the counter and vaults over it, straightening up once on the other side. Pulling his hand up, a silvery globe of energy bursts to life in his hand. It stretches out, shooting a beam towards one of the men. He ducks his head just in time, and the eldritch energy explodes on the wooden door frame behind him, sending splinters of wood flying through the air.
Notes to Players
No acrobatics/athletics required for moving around the tables or counters. They're not very high. If you want to go over a counter or table, I would just count it as difficult terrain, so half movement. Unless you're actually trying to do some acrobatic shit.
Mapstate
Initiative Order
Rhys
H6
August
Alkanos *
Artorias
Nico
H7
H5
Bertren
Before Alkanos knew it the inn was embroiled in serious fighting. Bringing up his shield in one hand and his trusted warhammer in the other, the paladin closed in on the nearest opponent. Usually, he wasn't a man that punched first and asked questions later but this situation was forced upon him, like it was on the others dining inside this tavern. Some of them already were engaged with the aggressors when Alkanos attempted to strike his first blow. He called upon Laurus to guide his weapon as he brought it down on his first target. "You will pay for this transgression.", Alkanos exclaimed as he joined the fight.
Move to I5. Attack man H5.
BA: Hunter's Mark
Attack: 9 Damage: 9 + 3
After a short prayer to Laurus, the vague shape of a wolf's shadow flitted across the room from a dark corner, disappearing in the man's own shadow. His eyes went wide as Alkanos bore down on him, hefting a warhammer. Just in time, he sidestepped the paladin's hammer as it came down, smashing the wood planks of the floor.
Mapstate
Initiative Order
Rhys
H6
August
Alkanos
Artorias *
Nico
H7
H5
Bertren
Almost immediately the aggressors and the patrons closed the distance. Within seconds he saw one of them unleash a streak of flame, slamming into one of the men, as another threw eldritch energy at another. Wood exploded behind the man not finding it's mark while the massive patron, closest to where Artorias is, slams down with a mighty warhammer. Unfortunately, the warhammer found no purchase as the head cracked and splintered the wood where the enemy once stood. Using this as his opportunity, Artorias lept onto the table in front of him. His lithe form slipped across without so much as disturbing the half-finished tankard of ale, closing the distance to the enemy nearest him.
Blades in hand, Artorias side-stepped to the right a foot, aligning himself with the man's spine. The short sword in his right hand flew forward with incredible speed, the steel looking for purchase in between the armored slats. Just as quickly, the weapon in his left hand came down to carve toward the man's trapezius muscle.
Move H2 to H4, Attacking H5
Main Attack: 16
Damage (Piercing): 9
If Sneak Attack: 4
BA Attack: 16
Damage: 6
Thrown off balance after dodging the warhammer, the man was wholly unprepared for the vicious attack from his side. His shield arm was too slow, the flat edge of Artorias' blade sliding across the top of it as he tried to raise it. The blade point contacted the man's chainmail, tearing through the links and slipping between his ribs. His anguished cry was cut short, with blood clogging his throat. He crumpled to the floor as his attacker withdrew the blade, unmoving.
Notes
Another enemy within 5 feet, so that's sneak attack damage.
Also as a point of clarification - because earlier I messed something up and then edited it - the man who just died, and the one in H7 both have shields out. The one in H9 carries no shield.
Mapstate
Initiative
Rhys
H6
August
Alkanos
Artorias
Nico *
H7
H5Bertren
With chaos erupting around him, Nico considered trying to finish his meal first. It wasn't to be however, things were getting quite serious. Stuffing a final piece of bread in his mouth, he stood and turned around, drawing his sword in the same motion. "Alright then, let's make this quick you bleeding morons." He mumbles through the piece of bread, muffling the words as they come out. Ignoring the now fallen man, he advances on the other standing by the door. Not bothering with his shield, he raises the sword above his head and swings it down with a two-handed slash.
Move to I7, attack H7.
Attack: 11
Damage: 14
#edbd00 - Gold
The other remaining sword wielder shouts foreign words at the one engaged with Rhys upon seeing their comrade fall, batting the downward swing of Nico's sword out of the way with his shield as he does so. For a split moment, it seems as if he might abandon his other ally before his resolve steel. He weaves his blade back and forth in front of Nico a few times before launching two quick overhand strikes at him. The maneuver seems to confuse him as the strikes find their marks both times, catching him on the upper sword arm and across the side of his ribs.
Damage to Nico: 18
DM Screen
11
10
11
2
Map State
Initiative
Rhys
H6
August
Alkanos
Artorias
Nico
H7
H5Bertren *
Bertren annoyed at his own miss step watches the skirmish and finally regaining his footing charges forward to the side of the patron who just took a very painful blow with his mace held high he swings down on the assailant and as the blow falls the mace in his had starts to give off an angry red light of burning embers!
Moving to I8 and attacking H7! Bonus action: Searing Smite
Attack: 9
if hit
Damage: 10
Fire Damage: 3
and Con save at top of turn DC14 for extra d6 unless he uses and action to stop drop and roll!
Fiery sparks fly through the air as the heavily armed cleric swings his mace, arcing behind the head the of the weapon. The target brings his shield up, sending an even greater flurry of red-hot sparks into the air as he bashes the mace away.
Mapstate
Initiative
Rhys *
H9
August
Alkanos
Artorias
Nico
H7
H5Bertren
Narrowly avoiding a burning attack just moments ago, getting singed by the eladrin before, the man now screamed in equal parts frustration and pain as the mote of flame slammed into the side of his head. The stench of burned hair and flesh fills the air as parts of his face burn and blacken. In desperation and fury, he wildly swings his blade twice towards the cleric next to him. The pain and frustration made him sloppy however, and his wild attacks go far too wide and miss.
Damage to Bertren: 0
DM Screen
8 3
9 4
Mapstate
Initiative
Rhys
H9
August *
Alkanos
Artorias
Nico
H7
H5Bertren
August had first been wary of the other patron of the inn. But now, these strangers and himself were caught in the same mess. One of them, an elf it appeared, had been injured by the enemies. A large gash on his leg was spewing blood. Turning his gaze on the wounded man, he focused as a warm soothing light seal the wound to at least stop the bleeding.
BA: Healing Light 12 points of healing to Rhys
He then turned his gaze again on the assailant that had previously avoided his attack. He took a sidestep to the right and released in his direction a mote of bright white flame than lit up an otherwise lightless room.
Move to K6 and Attack man in H7
Sacred Flame
Dex save DC: 15
Damage if hit: 6 radiant damage