Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower

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Len

Mar 3, 2021 6:30 pm
Mar 3, 2021 6:30 pm
Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The party rests well at the Summerspring Inn and wake up to a piping hot breakfast. Amanda informs you the sheriff cleared the fallen log and the wagon of prospectors got through alright. They stopped over to change horses and made their way to Deepfathom well with an escort of local militia, so the sheriff is rather short-handed at the moment.

While eating breakfast, the party discusses their next plans!
OOC:
We have a few plot hooks that are dangling right now! The Night Blades are the most pressing concern but perhaps the party is interested in exploring the town a bit more. So far, you've seen the odd tunnel that goes straight below the hot springs, the strange hand statue with rumours about a door in the wrist. You might have other business.

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 4, 2021 9:40 pm
Mar 4, 2021 9:40 pm
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
From what I hear we have a lot to talk about but can we decide on the farmhouse first? Hilmar and Alfrey were quite keen about it when I met them last night.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 5, 2021 12:52 am
Mar 5, 2021 12:52 am
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
"Absolutely! It's a fine farmhouse but I'm sure you'll want to see it for yourselves. And it's very close to the town as well." He proceeds to tell them of his first impressions of it.
[ +- ] lenpelletier says re: the farmhouse
"We'd have to share it with its current occupier - it comes with a sitting tenant. A very friendly black cat."

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 5, 2021 12:37 pm
Mar 5, 2021 12:37 pm
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
Euphoria was a bit late for breakfast, she stretched and yawned. Good morning everyone! What did I miss?

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Mar 5, 2021 4:02 pm
Mar 5, 2021 4:02 pm
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
Kaa was also quite late for breakfast, and he is still rubbing his eyes a lot when he joins them.

"So yesterday I met these kids and they wanted to play with my axe, but only three of them could lift it. Anyway, one of them stalked a bandit going back to their tower, and when he got to an area of strangleroot, the guy poured some yellow liquid on his shoes to pass unhindered. He could have just looked too deep into a bottle and have bad aim, but maybe that's somekind of potion trick? Or both?" he smirks.

"I am good with picking the house if you all are. Is it as creaky as this one? Will it stand for a year? Can any of you farm? I really do not like to." he says while happily enjoying his meal.

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 5, 2021 8:23 pm
Mar 5, 2021 8:23 pm
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
To Euphoria: 'Nothing really, Euphoria, we were discussing the merits of the farmhouse we've been offered.'

To Kaa 'I'm no farmer either but I am grateful for their toil.' - she smiles.
OOC:
Len - what do I know of strangleroot?
Last edited March 5, 2021 8:26 pm

Len

Mar 5, 2021 10:03 pm
Mar 5, 2021 10:03 pm
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
[ +- ] What Naeris knows about Strangleroot

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Mar 5, 2021 10:19 pm
Mar 5, 2021 10:19 pm
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
Alfrey was so early for breakfast that he had already finished eating, taken a brief stroll around town, and returned just in time to hear Naeris' summary of the group's discussion.

"The farmhouse? It's a home of excellent construction, to be sure — indoor plumbing and everything. I find it quite charming."
OOC:
We've been describing the home as a "farmhouse", but is there an actual farm associated with it?

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 5, 2021 10:35 pm
Mar 5, 2021 10:35 pm
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
"We might be able to find out from the sheriff, how much land comes with it and if anyone's farming it at the moment," suggests Hilmar in response to Kaa's comment about not wanting to do farm work. "I've heard of this 'strangleroot'. Nasty stuff that lashes out against anything that brushes past it and poisonous. I don't know what this yellow liquid can be. Did any of these children say where this tower was?"

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 6, 2021 7:32 am
Mar 6, 2021 7:32 am
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
(When Kaa mentions strangleroot) I know what that yellow liquid was! She chuckles. My mother knows all about this plant. She says it grows in a place far away that she’s visited. I guess that could even be around here - I’ve never been so far from home. She says it’s a very vicious plant but that it’s rendered harmless by animal urine. Poor lad.

She taught me how to recognise the plant.

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Mar 6, 2021 9:17 pm
Mar 6, 2021 9:17 pm
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
"Huh..." Kaa muses "So I was almost right? What makes animal urine special? Is mine not good enough?" he makes a dissapointed face.

"A, I did not ask the location. Didn't we talk about the tower before, sheriff, captives, was I imaginng? I thought someone knows." he shrugs.

Len

Mar 6, 2021 9:52 pm
Mar 6, 2021 9:52 pm
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
OOC:
Sentient people are animals too!
Amanda overhears your discussion and fills you in on the location of the Lonely Tower - an old Arkasian watchtower that's about two hours' walk from town heading northeast. The tower itself has mostly fallen over, its subterranean component is probably the location of the gang's hideout.
OOC:
Having discovered the location of the Night Blades' hideout, you may level up your characters to LEVEL 2! Congratulations everyone! You might have some questions about this, so feel free to post in the OOC or Character Building threads :)

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 7, 2021 1:19 am
Mar 7, 2021 1:19 am
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
Impressed by Naeris' knowledge Hilmar grins, "Many a true word spoken in jest - Kaa's joke wasn't wide of the mark then!"

Hilmar also tells the party about the visit he and Alfrey made to the huge hand. He produces some parchment from one of his scroll cases and shows them his charcoal sketches of the hand and his notes about the depth of the excavation pit, taking them through his observations "Truly amazing, a prehistoric monument which might have magical properties. Amanda says the Shanka are deterred by it. I couldn't locate the legendary secret door. What's more there's what I'm sure is an excellent tavern beneath, which we haven't visited yet."
Last edited March 7, 2021 5:29 pm

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 7, 2021 10:44 pm
Mar 7, 2021 10:44 pm
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
Hmm. Well I do want to know more about this giant hand or statue but I don't know what to make of it as yet. I think we need to work with Sherriff Willowmane against the bandits. I'd like to learn everything I can about them from her - her experiences so far and what else she knows. And we might need the town's militia when it comes to fighting them.

Amanda - did Ruth go herself to Deepfathom well or is she in town?

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 8, 2021 5:40 am
Mar 8, 2021 5:40 am
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
"You're right. Hopefully we can see her today and ask her this when we confirm we want to help," agrees Hilmar with Naeris. Then Amanda's words remind him of something he heard earlier.
[ +- ] lenpelletiers says
"Didn't Artur say they had been ordered to intercept the waggon coming from the mining camp and take all its gear? Why would Ralavaz want mining gear? Could it be that he needs it for the for the underground part of the Lonely Tower? Perhaps he's aware of something down there and needs to dig to get to it."

Len

Mar 8, 2021 6:13 am
Mar 8, 2021 6:13 am
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
"She'll be in town, over yonder in the Constabulary!" Amanda responds. She shrugs her shoulders when Hilmar brings up the subject of mining equipment. "Your guess is as good as mine, Hilmar."

Once you go to see Ruth, she is able to tell you the following new information about the Night Blades:

* Exact directions to Lonely Tower. She is surprised they ended up there as the place is crawling in strangleweed. In addition, there is a huge plant monster (a "shambling mound" she calls it) that prowls the strangleweed fields, so she doesn't understand how they get in and out.
* She estimates that there are 15-20 Night Blade bandits as well as Ralavaz himself.
* She finds an old drawing of the tower and presents it to you:

https://i.imgur.com/NhaVmjq.jpg

She also signs over the deed to the farmhouse while you're there. There isn't much of a farm there - just a hobby farm. It served as a quaint lodging for guests of honor visiting the town, and apparently "the farmhouse" was its nickname. It was owned by the Whitesparrow family, the noble family that once occupied the keep and abandoned the town years ago.

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Mar 8, 2021 8:52 am
Mar 8, 2021 8:52 am
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
Quote:
Why would Ralavaz want mining gear?
"Maybe a wizard turned them into diligent dwarves, that would be a sight, hah."
Quote:
What's more there's what I'm sure is an excellent tavern beneath, which we haven't visited yet.
Kaa nods along to the idea of visiting a tavern. "That would be good for our next evening. Especially if we work on them bandits."

After hearing about the monster prowling around the tower, he comments to Naeris: "Do you think the milita would fight that with us? Is it not better to sneak again? Maybe stalk them as they come or go and then ... " he is grinning and plays out a scene with his fingers as people: they spot bandit, follow it, and then jump it. For him sneaky tactics work, so he seldom thinks about other approaches.

Then he is looking at the map while the others are talking about the house, when he needs to sign he just scribbles his name there.
"Or maybe some ghost dwarves did possess the bandits. There are so many tunnels here I would not be surprised." he chuckles and starts counting on his fingers. "There is the one under the hot springs, the secret stuff in the statue, and now the tower also has some and a well and another spring or something." he then gets lost in his imagination of ghost dwarves.
OOC:
My hunch is that these will be all connected. I guess the bandits started digging for that, and that might have caused the dry up at the springs too. If so it is also unwise to leave that and the town undefended. Also, the mask of Ralavaz could be an artifact from the statue? Would explain how he came to such an item, and why he is coming back here once he got out of prison.
Last edited March 8, 2021 8:53 am

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 8, 2021 9:08 am
Mar 8, 2021 9:08 am
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
Wow you people are smart! It didn't occur to me Ralavaz might want the mining equipment to dig for something. I assumed his goal was to make the town go poor without working mines,- Euphoria spoke, munching on an apple. Maybe there are some magic artifacts there, or better yet, some gold,- one could see her infernal eyes lit up when she mentioned the precious metal, she put the apple back on the table. When we deal with him, we might want to borrow the equipment and try to dig under that giant hand, what do you people think? What if there is a full body down there, maybe it is some sort of an ancient god? That sure would have been a cool story to tell in a tavern!,- the tiefling giggled and bit an apple again and proceeded to speak with a full mouth: Speaking of the tavern, we should go have a drink some time. I hope there are a lot of people there, I love the atmosphere of a tavern!
Last edited March 8, 2021 11:18 am

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 8, 2021 11:24 am
Mar 8, 2021 11:24 am
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
Pitrio says:

After hearing about the monster prowling around the tower, he comments to Naeris: "Do you think the milita would fight that with us? Is it not better to sneak again? Maybe stalk them as they come or go and then ... " he is grinning and plays out a scene with his fingers as people: they spot bandit, follow it, and then jump it. For him sneaky tactics work, so he seldom thinks about other approaches.
I was wondering how we could get some information by snooping around the tower. The place isn't wooded but there are other ways to hide. I thought we could see how they got past the monster and what sort of a thing it is. I was wondering how many of us should go on the scouting mission and how often the bandits come and go. Maybe we're waiting all day and night outside and see no-one, though.
Last edited March 8, 2021 11:32 am

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Mar 8, 2021 6:22 pm
Mar 8, 2021 6:22 pm
Re: Chapter 3: Working Title
Pitrio says:

"Do you think the milita would fight that with us? Is it not better to sneak again? Maybe stalk them as they come or go and then ... "
I would agree that a stealthy approach is better than a head-on one. Fifteen to twenty bandits is a lot to take on, and who knows what sort of magic Ralavaz has access to. And think — what if a lot of the bandits are under his spell, like Artur’s group was? We may have trouble taking them in unharmed if we start a huge fight. Catching them a few at a time should be the goal.
Astroloma says:

I was wondering how many of us should go on the scouting mission and how often the bandits come and go. Maybe we're waiting all day and night outside and see no-one, though.
Well, I’m not much for stealth, as you know. If I were to go without armor, that would help a bit, but then perhaps a smaller group is better when the goal is to not be seen.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 9, 2021 3:12 am
Mar 9, 2021 3:12 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar makes an exact copy of the drawing of the tower and the map of the dungeons beneath, while listening to the observations of his friends. He asks Ruth Willowmane to keep her copy. "I wouldn't want to lose your only copy."

"I think you're right. They outnumber us and they're in a strong point. Maybe if we carry out some stealthy reconnaissance first we can learn of their comings and goings and about that shambling mound thing. Then we might be in a position to ambush small groups of them. It's a difficult one - if only a couple of us go, then although there's less chance of being seen, if those scouting get into trouble they've no back-up. Perhaps we should all go but most hang back, while the best scouts go a bit closer. Then if there's trouble they can call for help and the rest of us could back them up," he says, thinking aloud and looking to the others, most of whom have had more experience than him of moving stealthily.

Astroloma

Mar 9, 2021 4:19 am
Mar 9, 2021 4:19 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Maybe I could take a look at the terrain from a distance first to see what opportunities there are for cover?

Ruth - do the Night Blades usually only attack at night as their name suggests? And do they mostly cause trouble near the town?
Last edited March 9, 2021 4:22 am

Len

Mar 9, 2021 5:16 am
Mar 9, 2021 5:16 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Ruth responds to Naeris's question "In the two months they've been here, they've attacked day and night. Never the afternoon though, come to think of it. Guess they aren't early risers."

"It's safe to say the town is their focus. Keeping us pinned down though, so I'm not 100% sure if they've been up to anything else out there."

Len sent a note to Mike

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Mar 9, 2021 8:51 am
Mar 9, 2021 8:51 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa hmfs and grunts at the conversation. "Alright, no need to think too much I think. Let's stroll there, and when we are closer a few of us scouts around." he glances at each of his companions. "If it's bad we run away, if we are good can nab at them."

"Either way will earn us a nap and drinks." he smirks, his eyes get drowsy, but shakes his head a bit to wake himself.

He gets going unless there are objections. He will leave his tambouras behind at the inn, and he has bit of a bed hair, but is otherwise all ready.
Last edited March 9, 2021 8:52 am

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 9, 2021 10:59 pm
Mar 9, 2021 10:59 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
[ +- ] Astroloma says
"Sounds like a good idea."
[ +- ] Pitrio says
"We could start on our reconnaissance today." He rolls out the parchment on which he copied Ruth's map. "Just another thought, I noticed while copying this out that there is a drainage pipe leading from the pit under the Tower," he says pointing to the drawing of the pipe at the lower end of the cave. "This map does not show where it leads to. But this might be another way in - if we are able to find where it comes out. Another option, not available to us at the moment until we locate it. But if we do find it, it would get round the problem of the shambling mound and the strangleroot."
OOC:
Am I right in saying that this is the pipe leading to the cave, which has a passage sloping up to the first room under the tower, rather than the vertical shaft that appears in the room on the right of the map?
Last edited March 13, 2021 8:16 am

Len

Mar 9, 2021 11:04 pm
Mar 9, 2021 11:04 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
That's true, the pipe is separate. The vertical shaft is likely a well shaft to provide the defenders with fresh water in the old times.

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 10, 2021 2:40 am
Mar 10, 2021 2:40 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Mike says:
"This map does not show where it leads to. But this might be another way in - if we are able to find where it comes out.
And it might be how the bandits get in and out.

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 10, 2021 10:27 am
Mar 10, 2021 10:27 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Drainage pipe? Eww. Maybe we should just enter the main entrance, using their black cloaks? Talk to them in person, ask for any details, I'm sure they will tell us a lot if they don't suspect we aren't a part of the Night Blades,- the tiefling spoke. Although, on the other hand, sneaking close to the tower to observe before we do anything is a good idea too. I volunteer!
OOC:
A lazy post from lazy me. Was doing a lot of monotonous file-sorting recently and am tired as hell. Sorry!
Last edited March 10, 2021 10:28 am

Len

Mar 10, 2021 11:31 pm
Mar 10, 2021 11:31 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The party sets out for the Lonely Tower. Just before they leave, Matthew arrives and hands you a warm glass bottle of yellow liquid. Ruth speaks for him "Oh, I asked my brother to go fetch some pig urine from the Yamamoto farm. Y'know, saves you from having to tinkle on your own boots. Hmm, not sure if this is better, but hey, it's an option now."

You make your way across the hilly terrain. The weather is cooler with a lot more cloud cover today, which makes for a more pleasant walk under an open sky.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5e/10/56/5e10560905f09da513663044f12e62d7.jpg

The sparse tree cover wouldn't hide a large party, but with Naeris's experience with nature as your guide, the party plots a path from copse to gully to hill that should stay unnoticed from afar. You spot the tower a ways off, and manage to get within 500 feet of it, approaching from the backside of a hill. The tower looks as it did in Ruth's map but the child was right - the top of the hill is awash in thick green vines. The shambling mound can be seen on the other side of the hill, motionless, basking in the sun. It is nearly half the size of the tower, and if you didn't know to look for it you would have thought it was a big vine-covered boulder. There isn't much action that you can see from inside the tower, but its hard to say, since its all arrow slits for windows.

It is now midday. What would you like to do?
OOC:
Based on the information gained thus far, it looks like the Night Blades use the front entrance but use the pee pee trick to bypass the strangleroot. The boy also never said anything about a Shambling Mound, so either the trick works for it as well or it wasn't around at the time.

The finding the drainage pipe will require some snooping about. Whatever team wants to attempt to locate it will require a stealth roll and a perception roll.

Feel free to think of other ideas, questions, and actions!
https://i.imgur.com/NhaVmjq.jpg

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 11, 2021 2:58 am
Mar 11, 2021 2:58 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar sits behind a bush, wanting to keep hidden, aware from Naeris' guidance that this is probably as close to the tower they can get without being seen. Any further approach is going to require stealth. Observing as much as he can of the tower and its surroundings from this vantage point, he looks out for any streams on the hill the tower stands. He murmurs, "I can see that shambling mound that Ruth warned us about. If I didn't know it was there, I'd have assumed it was a boulder covered in weeds. It seems to be only the top that's covered in the strangleroot, so we might just want to get the lie of the land first and save the Yamamoto bottle for later." He remembers Euphoria volunteering to sneak closer to the tower, but is unsure if she intends to go on her own or if Naeris or Kaa are thinking of doing the same. He gets out the signal whistle he bought in Hope and says quietly, "Whoever is going to sneak closer, you might want to take this. If you get into trouble, can't get away and need our help, blow this and we'll run over and help."
Last edited March 13, 2021 8:17 am

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Mar 11, 2021 6:46 am
Mar 11, 2021 6:46 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Alfrey speaks up, keeping his voice lower than is probably necessary given the group's distance from the tower. "Right, I think it's best that I hang back as well, but I'll be watching and listening in case I'm needed." He looks from one companion to the next and gives a smile that he hopes will be encouraging.

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 11, 2021 10:37 am
Mar 11, 2021 10:37 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris feels uncomfortable that everyone tagged along. She was hoping to observe how the bandits get in but she's not sure how likely it is that the party will see bandits coming or going. Now that she's here, it looks still worse because she doesn't want to tell the others to wait around for hours just hoping to see something. Maybe looking for the drainage pipe isn't as crazy as she secretly thought it was.

She says 'How about a couple of us have a scout around and see if we can find where the pipe comes out? More eyes mean we're more likely to find it but too many and we might be seen. Euphoria, you said you wanted to do it.'

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Mar 11, 2021 4:41 pm
Mar 11, 2021 4:41 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"Ooo, looking for the drainage pipe is good! It would be so nice to surprise them through it!" Kaa approves of Hilmar's idea, and grins at the discomfort of Euphoria at it. He lets someone else carry the pig urine.

As they are hiking he feels satisfied and happy with the guidance of Naeris, and comments on it too. "Mmm, we are both alike with how we like the wild, but I think you are even better. If I am like a tiger than maybe you are an owl, or a lnyx, or Maaybe a raccoon dog, I really like those, clever animals."

He looks at the shambling mound, softly whistles, and quietly listens to the others plan making. He doesn't mind waiting while the others scout at all. "Alright, while you two go look I will just circle on our spot here and wait, maybe watch." he yawns.

When they get going, indeed he will circle around a bit to know better the layout of the land around them, but otherwise will just sit down lazily and wait. Alfrey did say he would keep watch, so he deems that its enough.
OOC:
Hah that landscape is from where Siberia meets its southern mountains? It looks nice, and I learned something today.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 11, 2021 6:48 pm
Mar 11, 2021 6:48 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"Take your time and be careful. Make sure you take the whistle," he says offering it to Naeris and Euphoria.

He will settle down behind the bush watching the tower and observing where Euphoria and/or Naeris go.

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 11, 2021 8:27 pm
Mar 11, 2021 8:27 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Where do you suggest we look Hilmar? Based on your drawing, where do you think the pipe is most likely to emerge?

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 12, 2021 5:50 am
Mar 12, 2021 5:50 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"Looking at the drawing, which I copied as exactly as I could - and I'm not sure it is to scale - you would need to be looking at the tower so that entrance to it is on your left, like the drawing. Then you would have the same vantage point as the person who created the original drawing.

The stairs lead down directly beneath the tower with the first room beginning roughly on the right of the circumference of the tower. The 'dungeons' beneath the tower seem to be roughly as deep as the tower is high. The tunnel leading to the cave where the drainage pipe is appears to be on this side - by that I mean the same side of the tower as viewed by the original artist of the drawing of the tower.

The tunnel slopes down to the cave. According to the drawing, the cave and drainage pipe seem to be underground by a further tower's depth, so two towers deep - twice as deep as the tower is high. The drainage pipe seems to be situated at a depth of two towers down and roughly a bit more to the right than the width of the tower.

Water can't flow uphill, so if there is an outlet for the drainage pipe - and it's not a 'soakway' or doesn't flow into another cave system - then I would guess that it comes out on that same side of the hill as the artist's viewpoint. It wouldn't be higher than 'two towers deep' and could be anywhere below that.

There are a lot of variables there. It is possible that the drainage tunnel might snake about a bit. But at least you you would hopefully not need to get too close to the tower and it shouldn't be near the strangleroot, which is on the top of the hill."

Hilmar unrolls another sheet of parchment. On this he copies the top drawing of the hill with the cross-section showing the steps down, the first room and the cave beneath with drainage pipe.
OOC:
As per Len's drawing of the tower in his post of 10/3/21.
Beneath that he draws a dotted horizontal line across the section of the hill, where he thinks the depth of the drainage tunnel is about 'two towers' deep.

"It could be anywhere below that dotted line. Likely to be on the same side of the hill as seen from the vantage point of the original artist, but again, not necessarily."

He points out the different features as he draws the map, with his observations and estimates.

"Take this copy with you - and the whistle," he says passing these to Naeris.
Last edited March 13, 2021 8:18 am

Len

Mar 12, 2021 6:08 am
Mar 12, 2021 6:08 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Based on Hilmar's excellent deductions, the scouting party now has advantage on their perception checks to find the end point of the drain.

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 12, 2021 9:37 pm
Mar 12, 2021 9:37 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris thanks Hilmar and says to Euphoria 'I think we should move separately - that way we're less likely to be seen and can cover more ground in our search.'

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Perception (1) - (1d20+4)

(19) + 4 = 23

Perception (2) - (1d20+4)

(3) + 4 = 7

Len

Mar 12, 2021 10:41 pm
Mar 12, 2021 10:41 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
I'll wait for Euphoria's roll before adjudicating the situation :) Nice perception roll!

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 13, 2021 6:53 pm
Mar 13, 2021 6:53 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Euphoria yawns while Hilmar thoroughly describes the tower's layout, and, munching on her last apple, says: Damn, all this walking around makes me hungry,-she throws what's left of the apple again and replies to Naeris. I agree, let's separate.
OOC:
I will also include another perception roll because Naeris did 2 I don't know if it is needed but just to be sure

Rolls

Stealth (Expertise +6) - (1d20+6)

(16) + 6 = 22

Perception (+3) - (1d20+3)

(9) + 3 = 12

Astroloma

Mar 13, 2021 9:29 pm
Mar 13, 2021 9:29 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Jusika says:
OOC:
I will also include another perception roll because Naeris did 2 I don't know if it is needed but just to be sure
OOC:
Naeris did two because we have advantage on these particular perception rolls - so we can add a second perception roll and take the better one.

You did way better on stealth than I did - hopefully I haven't raised the alarm!
Last edited March 13, 2021 9:40 pm

Len

Mar 13, 2021 9:45 pm
Mar 13, 2021 9:45 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris and Euphoria make their way from boulder to boulder, trying to stay quiet. At one point, the Shambling Mound rises and looks down in your direction but then settles back down as you freeze in place.
[ +- ] Shambling Mound
The drainage pipe is well hidden at the base of the hill by overhanging vegetation, but erosion has revealed some of the metal, which glints in the light at the right angle. It is definitely large enough for full-sized people to squeeze through single file. Even Kaa will fit. However, it is blocked off with a rusted metal grate. If you test it with a bit of force, you can see that the bars have some give but are still pretty solid (DC 15 Str check to break open)

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 14, 2021 1:27 am
Mar 14, 2021 1:27 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris tries to wrench the grate off.

Rolls

Strength - (1d20+1)

(4) + 1 = 5

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 14, 2021 1:34 am
Mar 14, 2021 1:34 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
She decides that she needs Kaa's help or maybe Hilmar's. She signals Euphoria over and shows her the grate. But now she wonders 'This is too rusted on for my strength but what if we pull together?'
OOC:
Is there a mechanism for pulling together in D&D?

Len

Mar 14, 2021 2:05 am
Mar 14, 2021 2:05 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Astroloma says:
Is there a mechanism for pulling together in D&D?
OOC:
Yes, two can fit into the space to pull on it. If you want to work together with someone, the stronger of the two characters would roll with advantage.

I'm open to outside-the-box ideas too. Some kind of spell, item, or clever plan might do the trick or at least lower the number you need to roll over.

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 14, 2021 6:03 am
Mar 14, 2021 6:03 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
This is Euphoria and Naeris pulling together. It seems a bit cheesy getting a second attempt at a strength check so, if I should just be adding one die to my previous roll to roll with advantage, the first die is the one that counts.

Rolls

Strength with advantage - (1d20+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Strength with advantage (die 2) - (1d20+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Astroloma

Mar 14, 2021 6:05 am
Mar 14, 2021 6:05 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Oops, that’s +1 but it doesn’t matter.

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 14, 2021 6:11 am
Mar 14, 2021 6:11 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris looks up anxiously to see if they were heard. She whispers ‘This is stuck fast. We’d best get back to the others.’

Rolls

Stealth if needed - (1d20+5)

(17) + 5 = 22

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 14, 2021 10:38 am
Mar 14, 2021 10:38 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Yes, we should. But let's split again. See you there! The tiefling sneaked away.
OOC:
stealth check if needed

Rolls

Stealth (Expertise +6) - (1d20+6)

(14) + 6 = 20

Len

Mar 15, 2021 1:02 am
Mar 15, 2021 1:02 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
You reunite with the others without rousing any suspicion.
OOC:
Kaa has the best chance of pulling off that grate with his bare hands, unless you can come up with an alternative plan! The Guidance spell could be useful here as well - Bahamut is known for strength of all kinds. There is always the main entrance through the strangleroot if don't mind using the yellow bottle. The Shambling Mound is around, of course, but so far has not been hostile and appears pretty lazy.

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 15, 2021 1:23 am
Mar 15, 2021 1:23 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
We found it! The infernal looks at Naeris, expecting her to tell the party more.

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 15, 2021 3:17 am
Mar 15, 2021 3:17 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
'Yes, we found the drain and it looks like a good way to get in because the bandits don't use it. There's a rusty, metal covering over the opening and we couldn't get that off but I'm sure it could come off with enough strength. Or maybe there's some other way of doing it? Naeris pauses, considering what to say next, but someone else is quicker...

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 15, 2021 3:52 am
Mar 15, 2021 3:52 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"Well done! It certainly sounds worth a try." Hilmar looks towards Kaa, thinking the muscular bugbear is the strongest in the party.

Len

Mar 15, 2021 7:02 am
Mar 15, 2021 7:02 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
With Naeris and Euphoria having already scouted out a route, it is much easier for Hilmar, Kaa, and even Alfrey to make their way to the concealed drainpipe.
OOC:
Naeris and Euphoria did such a good job stealthing i'm going to waive the stealth rolls for the rest of the party.
Kaa gives the grate a good yank, assisted by Alfrey and the guidance of Bahamut. The bars refuse to budge, but through Bahamut's guidance, Alfrey sees a weakness in the rusted metal which gives Kaa the angle he needs to pull off the bars.
OOC:
Phew, just barely! I hope nobody minds me moving things forward but it sounds like this was the plan and I figured we can jump ahead a bit :)

Rolls

Athletics (adv), guidance - (1d20+5, 1d20+5, 1d4)

1d20+5 : (6) + 5 = 11

1d20+5 : (4) + 5 = 9

1d4 : (4) = 4

Len

Mar 15, 2021 7:42 am
Mar 15, 2021 7:42 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
With the grate free, you are able to move freely up the tunnel. It is slippery and smells of fetid water, but it isn't a hard a climb. Those who choose to go eventually reach a dugout cave brightly lit with torches. Water drips down from roof and seeps from the walls. The drainpipe is just at the lip of a wide, deep mud pit.

Just ahead, a knotted rope hangs from an iron hook hammered into the natural stone wall. Dangling from the rope is a middle-aged male prisoner (P), who has a good view of the drainpipe and sees you coming up it. He makes no sudden movements to give you away, but he subtly gestures to two Night Blade guards (NB1 and NB2) in black uniforms that stand at the edge of the solid ground, crossbows slung over their shoulders. One smokes a pipe while the other is carving his initials into the soft mud walls with a short sword.

https://otfbm.io/14x11/f7k-NB1/f8-NB2/L5w-P?bg=https://i.imgur.com/uaUM91k.png
OOC:
The mud pit will be difficult terrain (costs double movement) and you can only go up the drainpipe in single file. The guards sounding the alarm may be a concern.

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Mar 15, 2021 9:49 am
Mar 15, 2021 9:49 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa blinks a few at Hilmar's look, but then grins and nods.

He is suspiciously eyeing the shambling mound as they all move to the grate, but glad that the two girls got them a good path.
OOC:
"Naeris and Euphoria did such a good job stealthing i'm going to waive the stealth rolls for the rest of the party." - Lenient Pelletier 😋

I do not mind the jump ahead, I just assumed it would be more difficult.
After clearing the way he goes first into the pipe. At the sight of the prisoner and his gestures, he crouches and peeks a bit out to take a look at the guards. This way if someone else leans on his shoulders can peek too. He whispers to the others:

"There are two guards there, not very alert. Do you want to cast your lullaby on them?" he asks Hilmar. "Or do the three of us try to sneak there and hope to knock them out before they start shouting?" he looks at the other two sneakers. He is glancing at his pike, thinking that he only needs to take a few steps to reach them with it, but he is not confident in taking both out just by himself quickly enough.

"Or I sneak up to the piper, and you two shoot the other from the entrance when I strike?" he shrugs, eager to go, since one way or another they have to go forward.
Last edited March 15, 2021 9:51 am

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 16, 2021 1:25 am
Mar 16, 2021 1:25 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
As Kaa yanks open the grate assisted by Alfrey with the guidance of Bahamut, Hilmar rolls up his green cloak, puts it in his pack and puts on his Night Blade 'uniform' - black cloak and black mask.
[ +- ] Pitrio says
Hilmar creeps up as quietly as he can and peers out of the entrance. Once he has seen the prisoner and the two Night Blades, he withdraws from the entrance. He indicates to the others that he will cast a sleep spell on the two Night Blades. He cuts two lengths of rope for tying them up and hands one to Kaa. He creeps back to the mouth of the pipe and draws his wand. He casts the sleep spell.

Rolls

Sleep spell - (5d8)

(13446) = 18

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Mar 16, 2021 5:29 pm
Mar 16, 2021 5:29 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
As Hilmar cast his spell Kaa rushes out (to J9), with a javelin in hand and hurls it at the one still standing.

Edit: not just initative. I also assumed Hilmar made way for them (as Len suggested in ooc he should), but if that is not so, I will edit it again :)
Last edited March 16, 2021 7:31 pm

Rolls

Initaitve - (1d20+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Attack roll, damage roll - (1d20+5, 3d6+3)

1d20+5 : (11) + 5 = 16

3d6+3 : (444) + 3 = 15

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 16, 2021 7:28 pm
Mar 16, 2021 7:28 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Rolling Initiative

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Len

Mar 16, 2021 10:36 pm
Mar 16, 2021 10:36 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
One of the guards goes down from Hilmar's sleep spell, while the second goes down to Kaa's javelin. You have obtained a foothold in the underbelly of the Night Blade's lair.

The prisoner watches on, and makes a quiet comment that barely registers over echoes of the loud dripping water: "Not bad. I would be much obliged if you could get me out of these manacles."
OOC:
Combat is over. The Night Blade that Kaa nailed with the Javelin will die unless somebody take action such as apply life-saving measures via a medicine check, use a healer's kit to bandage them up, or cast a healing spell.

Unless you come up with some idea to avoid it, everyone must pass through the mud pit and gets covered up to the waist in slick brown slime.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 16, 2021 11:34 pm
Mar 16, 2021 11:34 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
As soon as he has cast the spell he jumps down to the mud below to create space for the others. He struggles through the mud as quickly as possible, heading for the Night Blade guards, intent on securing the sleeping guard before the spell wears off. He waves acknowledgement to the prisoner when he hears him.
OOC:
Subject to anything else happening he intends to tie up Night Blade 2 and gag him, before seeing if he can stabilise Night Blade 1.

The mud will mean it will take twice as long to get there. Please let me know how much of the one minute duration of the spell he has left by the time he reaches NB2.
Last edited March 16, 2021 11:35 pm

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Mar 17, 2021 1:48 am
Mar 17, 2021 1:48 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Wow, you guys resolved that encounter pretty quick! I didn't even get a chance to roll initiative :)
Alfrey’s eyes meet the Prisoner’s, and though he wants to help the man, concern for the dying Night Blade overtakes him. He calls back towards his companions "This man needs help", gesturing towards the prisoner. He then moves towards the injured bandit as quickly as he can through the mud. At the man’s side, he tries his best to keep the mud now covering his lower half away from the open wound and removes his gloves just in case they are contaminated as well. "No time to clean off" he mutters to no-one in particular as he begins to apply first aid.
Last edited March 17, 2021 1:49 am

Rolls

Medicine - (1d20+5)

(17) + 5 = 22

Len

Mar 17, 2021 2:54 am
Mar 17, 2021 2:54 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Callan expertly stabilizes the dying Night Blade while Hilmar ties them up. When the sleeping Night Blade awakes he is at first furious but seeing all the weapons quickly changes his tune to compliance.

Len

Mar 17, 2021 3:08 am
Mar 17, 2021 3:08 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The Night Blades each have the following gear:

Black Uniform
Leather Armor
Sword sword
Crossbow
6 bolts & quiver

The pipe smoker also has:

A pipe (still lit)
A brass key
A burlap sack that is squirming and weighs roughly 20 lbs - something is clearly alive inside.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 17, 2021 4:55 pm
Mar 17, 2021 4:55 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
With his rudimentary knowledge of medicine Hilmar is impressed with Alfrey's first-aid skills, "Neatly done," he remarks with respect, but in a low voice "and swift as well, he should be fine now." He ties both prisoners' wrists behind their backs, binds their ankles together and gags them. He moves the weapons away and removes the leather armour and uniforms. "I wonder if this key might unlock the manacles from the prisoner," he whispers. He sees that something in the sack is moving. He lifts the burlap sack carefully, placing it down gently. "Too heavy for a cat. Could be a dog," he murmurs. Overome by curiosity he carefully opens the top of the burlap sack, peeking inside but keekping his face at arm's length from the opening of the bag.
OOC:
Am I right in saying that the uniforms consist of a black cloak and a mask? Also do the masks cover the eyes, like a Lone Ranger mask or just the nose and mouth like a 'Covid' mask?
Last edited March 17, 2021 5:00 pm

Len

Mar 17, 2021 6:12 pm
Mar 17, 2021 6:12 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The uniforms consist of black hooded cloaks and black bandanas that you would tie over your mouth and nose (like a train robber in a western movie to use a modern reference). Neither were wearing their mask when you attacked, but let it hang loosely around their necks.

Halimar opens the sack carefully, and immediately a swarm of rats tries to climb free, clutching and clawing over top of each other to escape! Unfortunately he is not fast enough, and dozens of rats begin pouring out of the bag!
OOC:
Halimar rolls a dexterity saving throw to see if his reflexes are fast enough to close the bag. you do this by rolling 1d20 and adding his dex saving throw bonus, which is +2.

Rolls

Halimar dex save (DC 12) - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Len

Mar 17, 2021 6:33 pm
Mar 17, 2021 6:33 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
https://otfbm.io/14x11/f7k-NB1/f8-NB2/L5w-P/E6r-Rats/E7o-H/F9w-A/J8p-E/h7r-K/j9g-N?bg=https://i.imgur.com/uaUM91k.png

The rats scratch and bite at Halimar (4 damage)!

INITIATIVE ORDER

14 - Alfrey
13 - Kaa
10 - Rats
8 - Naeris
7 - Euphoria
3 - Hilmar
OOC:
Alfrey and Kaa can take their turns!

Rolls

Swarm attack on Halimar - (1d20+2, 2d6)

1d20+2 : (15) + 2 = 17

2d6 : (22) = 4

Initiative rolls for PCs in alpha order - (1d20, 1d20, 1d20, 1d20, 1d20)

1d20 : (14) = 14

1d20 : (5) = 5

1d20 : (1) = 1

1d20 : (11) = 11

1d20 : (5) = 5

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 18, 2021 3:27 am
Mar 18, 2021 3:27 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris had suggested returning another day with back up from the town militia but the opportunity to sneak right into the Night Blades’ lair was too good for the party to pass up. Who knows what they would find.

After crawling through a putrid drain, Naeris finds something more unpleasant - a foul, slimy pool. She‘a surprised to find the thought of bathing in the hot springs attractive! She’ll rinse off in the river after this but a hot soak would be welcome too.

But first, so much is happening. She’s a bit late out of the drain but no thought of avoiding the mud because they must subdue the guards and now rats! She’s not used to thinking of animals as enemies but these seem changed by their awful surroundings. They’re a mangy and aggressive pack, not shy foragers. She’ll have to help kill them if they don’t run away like any sensible creature.
Last edited March 18, 2021 3:29 am

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Mar 18, 2021 5:15 am
Mar 18, 2021 5:15 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Seeing the living wave of creatures suddenly swarming over his friend, Alfrey instinctively snaps into a spell-casting stance. A searing light flashes through the swarm, which he hopes will impede their attack somewhat. Then, in an effort to draw their attention away from Hilmar, Alfrey moves up the muddy tunnel to the west. As he steps past the Night Blade who originally carried the bag he hisses indignantly, "Rats? What possessed you to carry such things?!", but he does not wait for an answer.
OOC:
Moving to D7

Rolls

Sacred Flame damage (assuming target fails save) - (1d8)

(4) = 4

Len

Mar 18, 2021 6:42 am
Mar 18, 2021 6:42 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The rats narrowly dodge out of the way of the holy flames!

https://otfbm.io/14x11/f7k-NB1/f8-NB2/L5w-P/E6r-Rats/E7o-H/D7w-A/J8p-E/h7r-K/j9g-N?bg=https://i.imgur.com/uaUM91k.png

INITIATIVE ORDER

14 - Alfrey✅
13 - Kaa
10 - Rats
8 - Naeris
7 - Euphoria
3 - Hilmar

Rolls

Dex save - (1d20+0)

(13) = 13

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Mar 18, 2021 10:12 am
Mar 18, 2021 10:12 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa chuckles at the rats swarming out from the bag.

"Don't let them run up will you?" He says to Alfrey, then grabs his axe and hurls himself at the rodents.
OOC:
Edit: wow the dices really shine on Kaa so far. Knock knock.
Last edited March 18, 2021 10:14 am

Rolls

Greataxe hacking - (1d20+5, 1d12+3)

1d20+5 : (18) + 5 = 23

1d12+3 : (12) + 3 = 15

Len

Mar 18, 2021 3:24 pm
Mar 18, 2021 3:24 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa hacks at the rats but finds his axe hits mud as often as vermin. He adapts quickly, and still manages to quash many.
OOC:
Kaa discovers that Rat Swarms have reistance to non-magical weapon damage on account of being made up of many small creatures. This means they take half damage from non-magical weapons
The rats continue to bite and scratch at Hilmar, but quick thinking on the wizard's behalf helps him to clear the creature's from his robes.

INITIATIVE ORDER

14 - Alfrey✅
13 - Kaa✅
10 - Rats✅ AC 10, taken 7 damage
8 - Naeris
7 - Euphoria
3 - Hilmar
OOC:
Next up are Naeris, Euphoria, and Hilmar in any order! Then back to Alfrey and Kaa in any order.

Rolls

Who to attack? 1-Alfrey, 2-Hilmar, 3-Night Blade 1 - (1d3)

(2) = 2

Rat Swarm Attack - (1d20+2, 2d6)

1d20+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

2d6 : (43) = 7

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 18, 2021 5:41 pm
Mar 18, 2021 5:41 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar stifles a scream as the rats bite - trying not to alert other Night Blades with any noise - with just a groan of revulsion. He casts Mage Armour on himself.
OOC:
This will give him AC13 + 2 making AC15. This also activates the Arcane Ward - the ward will have 7 HP.

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 19, 2021 2:25 am
Mar 19, 2021 2:25 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Sorry I don’t have reference material in front of me so I don’t know if Naeris can reach the rats in one round and also attack. I think not. If she can reach them she stabs at the nearest with a throwing knife. If not, and she can safely throw a knife, she does that. Otherwise she just moves as fast as possible. Sorry for the lousy post.

Rolls

1d20

(19) = 19

Len

Mar 19, 2021 2:36 am
Mar 19, 2021 2:36 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Although shooting a swarm of rats with an arrow seems odd, the rules of the game don't make it any different than any other weapon attack, so you are welcome to fire an arrow and roll that damage (1d8+3). All weapon damage is halved right now, so best to use your highest damage attack.

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 19, 2021 3:38 am
Mar 19, 2021 3:38 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
In the next round would it be possible to use a firebolt cantrip on the swarm of rats, as opposed to just one of them? (Gets round the problem of damage from non-magical weapons being halved.)
Last edited March 19, 2021 3:56 am

Len

Mar 19, 2021 4:08 am
Mar 19, 2021 4:08 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Mike says:
OOC:
In the next round would it be possible to use a firebolt cantrip on the swarm of rats, as opposed to just one of them? (Gets round the problem of damage from non-magical weapons being halved.)
Spells do not count as non-magical weapons. Firebolt will do full damage!

Here's the bad news: because Firebolt is a ranged attack and the rats are right up next to you, you will have to roll the attack with disadvantage. You could back out of the way first, but then the rats get an "Attack of Opportunity" which happens when you leave a creature's immediate space. Basically it's a free attack for them.

Alfrey's cantrip - Sacred Flame - won't get disadvantage even if he is right next to the creature because it didn't involve rolling to hit. Instead, it requires the monster to make a saving throw. This is an advantage of his spell - it can be use at long or short range. But, it does slightly less damage than Firebolt (1d8 instead of 1d10).

Len

Mar 19, 2021 4:53 am
Mar 19, 2021 4:53 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Maybe I should also mention that Swarms are a type of creature that make running many small creatures simpler. Mechanically it is just a single.monster, so you are always targetting the entire swarm, but it has rules that help support the fiction that it is a writhing mass of smaller creatures.

Len

Mar 19, 2021 4:58 am
Mar 19, 2021 4:58 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris skewers a rat with a single ranged attack and sends three others running away into the walls (4 damage)
OOC:
I'll just roll your damage here Astroloma. I left it vague if it were an arrow or thrown dagger.
https://otfbm.io/14x11/f7k-NB1/f8-NB2/L5w-P/E6r-Rats/E7o-H/D7w-A/J8p-E/g6r-K/h8g-N?bg=https://i.imgur.com/uaUM91k.png

INITIATIVE ORDER

14 - Alfrey✅
13 - Kaa✅
10 - Rats✅ AC 10, taken 11 damage
8 - Naeris✅
7 - Euphoria
3 - Hilmar

Rolls

Naeris damage - (1d8+3)

(6) + 3 = 9

Len

Mar 19, 2021 5:02 am
Mar 19, 2021 5:02 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Okay, Hilmar and Euphoria are up! Alfrey and Kaa can take their 2nd round actions now if they like too.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 20, 2021 5:26 am
Mar 20, 2021 5:26 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar will move back (to E8). The rats will get an attack of opportunity on him. If he gets a chance he will then fire the Fire Bolt cantrip at the swarm.
OOC:
Please let me know what I have to roll. Ranged attack - does he get the +2 dexterity modifier for this? What proficiencies do I add? Then there is the D10.

Len

Mar 20, 2021 6:43 am
Mar 20, 2021 6:43 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The rats try to sink their teeth into Hilmar as he pulls back, but Hilmar is too quick.
OOC:
Mike, thanks for asking! Your attack bonus for spells is +5 (+3 from INT, + 2 from proficiency bonus). Because you pulled away successfully you roll 1d20+5 for attack and 1d10 for fire damage.

Rolls

Opportunity attack - (1d20+2, 2d6)

1d20+2 : (5) + 2 = 7

2d6 : (35) = 8

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 20, 2021 3:50 pm
Mar 20, 2021 3:50 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
As the party quickly dealt with two bandits, Euphoria did not pay much attention to her surroundings, she seemed to be very interested in who the prisoner is, but was distracted by a swarm of rats suddenly emerging from the sack.
The infernal dashes toward the struggling wizard, as Kaa smashes the swirling mess of rats with his greataxe and Alfrey seems to cast some sort of a spell, sending some light bouncing between dozens of rat bodies. SHWING!,- the tiefling takes the rapier out of its sheath, its thin blade gleaming in what little light the cave has to offer. Go to hell, you gross things!,- she screams, poking the weapon into the swarm of little, filled with madness, beasts.
OOC:
So the idea is, I have a speed of 30, and each square is 5 feet, I need to move the equivalent of 60 feet in all this mud. So I use the Cunning action to make a Dash. Do I need to make a roll for that? It says I have proficiency in cunning action, too. Idk if roll is needed, if I made the wrong one feel free to make one for me, Len!
Last edited March 20, 2021 4:00 pm

Rolls

Attack (+4) - (1d20+4)

(13) + 4 = 17

Damage (Rapier) - (1d8+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Cunning action?? - (1d20+2)

(8) + 2 = 10

Len

Mar 20, 2021 8:56 pm
Mar 20, 2021 8:56 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Euphoria dispatches four rats with swift strikes (4 damage) while Hilmar blasts them with fire (8 damage).
OOC:
Jusica, no roll required for dashing or disengaging with cunning action. Everything looks good!

Mike, I've added your firebolt rolls here.
https://otfbm.io/14x11/f7k-NB1/f8-NB2/L5w-P/E6r-Rats/E7o-H/D7w-A/F6p-E/g6r-K/h8g-N?bg=https://i.imgur.com/uaUM91k.png

INITIATIVE ORDER

14 - Alfrey✅
13 - Kaa✅
10 - Rats✅ AC 10, taken 24 damage
8 - Naeris✅
7 - Euphoria✅
3 - Hilmar✅

Rolls

Hilmar's firebolt - (1d20+5, 1d10)

1d20+5 : (13) + 5 = 18

1d10 : (9) = 9

Len

Mar 20, 2021 9:03 pm
Mar 20, 2021 9:03 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The rat swarm is decidedly defeated and dispersed!

"That was satisfying watching you kill those things, not going to lie," says the prisoner. "He used to threaten to dunk my head in that bag."
OOC:
Victory! What next?

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Mar 20, 2021 9:44 pm
Mar 20, 2021 9:44 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Are you going to be alright, Hilmar? I think I saw a few of them get their teeth into you.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 20, 2021 11:37 pm
Mar 20, 2021 11:37 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"Yes," he says in a low voice, holstering his wand and checking the bites. He nervously looks up the sloping tunnel, listening for any signs of more Night Blades coming to investigate the commotion. "At least I think so. I'm more worried about disease than the bites themselves," he says as he pours some water on to the cuts, cleans them and applies a bandage. "Save your spells for later. Erm, thanks." He looks around, embarassed and annoyed with himself at what his curiosity caused. "Sorry about that! But I didn't think someone'd be carrying around a sack full of rats!" he says glaring at the Night Blade prisoners, having heard what the prisoner just said. "We need to get him down as soon as possible," he says returning to the task in hand before he let the rats out of the bag, producing the key he found on one of the guards. "One of us had better keep a watch in the tunnel, while we're getting him down."
Hilmar looks across to see how the prisoner is secured to the wall and how high up, thinking how they are going to get him down. He places the key carefully in his pouch, fearing he might accidentally drop it in the mud. He starts to move towards the edge, trying to work out the best route to the prisoner.
"We're going to get you down. Anything we should know first, my friend?" he hisses towards the prisoner, wanting him to hear but not wanting to shout.
Last edited March 20, 2021 11:51 pm

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Mar 21, 2021 12:46 am
Mar 21, 2021 12:46 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"I understand." Alfrey replies. "I would be worried about disease too. This isn’t the most sanitary of places." He watches the wizard clean and bandage his wounds and nods his approval once he sees that the job has been done properly. "That will do for now. Unfortunately there’s not much I can do about disease beyond ordinary medical care. There is a spell I can use for diagnosis, if that would put your mind at ease. However, I would need time to prepare it."

When Hilmar asks that someone keep watch, Alfrey automatically glances over his shoulder at the tunnel behind him. "I can do that." he volunteers. He readies his shield and spear then turns to face whatever might emerge from the hideout above.

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 21, 2021 1:28 am
Mar 21, 2021 1:28 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The tiefling searches bandits' possessions for snacks. Do you have any apples?,- she gives the Night blades an impatient look. I really want some apples right now. Gold would do fine as well. Euphoria smiled devilishly, showing her sharp teeth. You would surely give me your apples if you had them, wouldn't you? The infernal's eyes twinkled, as she tried to make a friendly expression.
OOC:
I wanna have their snacks!!! hahaha

Rolls

Persuasion (+3) - (1d20+3)

(15) + 3 = 18

Len

Mar 21, 2021 5:36 am
Mar 21, 2021 5:36 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Alfrey stands watch in the tunnel. He can hear a little bit of chatter coming from above and can see the place is well-lit, but not much else without risking a peak.

Reminder of the layout of the Lonely Tower
https://i.imgur.com/NhaVmjq.jpg

Euphoria has some fun with the Night Blades. Although they are clearly harder men than the group you encountered on the road, her devilish charms clearly make them uncomfortable. Being tied up probably doesn't help. As it turns out they have no apples or snacks of any kind - the pipe is the closest thing you find, still smoking with southern tabaco in the bowl. The key to the prisoner's shackles is also in the smoker's pockets.
[ +- ] All the things in the night blades' pockets
The prisoner responds to Hilmar's question: "Probably should tell you up front who I am so you don't think I was tricking you later on and get some steel between my ribs on account of the misunderstanding. My name's Ralavaz."

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 21, 2021 9:03 am
Mar 21, 2021 9:03 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris was still in the pool when the rats were dispersed and, when Hilmar mentions the prisoner, she moves towards him to help Hilmar get him down.

When he reveals that his name is Ralavaz, she looks to Hilmar and then asks Ralavaz 'You mean that you're the one they're looking for in town? Not his brother or something like that?'
Last edited March 21, 2021 9:04 am

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Mar 21, 2021 10:09 am
Mar 21, 2021 10:09 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
As the last of the rats kick the bucket Kaa nods and grunts approvingly at the others for the strikes. He climbs out from the mud and shakes his legs to get most of it off, although not really careful to spare those nearby from the splatter.

He peeks into the tunnel Alfrey is watching and pats his shoulder roughly. Then he grins at the two night blades and takes the pipe up to continue smoking it himself (Unless Euphoria took it first, as she was the first one with her hands on their belongings, if so then just asks for a round of it). "Of course they don't have apples. Don't you know an apple a day keeps the bugbear away?"

He curiously watches as the wizard approaches the prisoner, and whistles when he drops that he is Ralavaz. He kicks one of the night blades in a so-so friendly manner. "Isn't he supposed to be your boss? What is up with that? Who is the masked fellow then?" he asks, riding the mood of the rogue's ... rapport with them.
OOC:
Also, just out of curiosity, how high is the ceiling in the tower? Does he need to walk around hunched?
Last edited March 21, 2021 10:14 am

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 21, 2021 1:45 pm
Mar 21, 2021 1:45 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The tiefling laughs at Kaa's joke, but then gets a bit more serious. And if you are the Ralavaz, where is your gold mask?

Len

Mar 21, 2021 3:23 pm
Mar 21, 2021 3:23 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
https://i.imgur.com/LDbNN27.jpg

Ralavaz explains that indeed he was the leader of the Night Blades those many years ago. He confesses he wore the gold mask and ordered men to kill men for money. He was one of the few that were captured and sent to prison.

"I worked for years in the Katagian Salt Mines. The work was brutal, but I sobered up and, in a way, I found peace. Bless the Gods for taking mercy on a wretch like me."

He goes on to explain that when he was released from prison, he tried to seek out his younger brother, Gardren, who was his second in command. He had heard Gardren had died in the fire, but when he heard rumours that the Night Blades were back with a golden-masked leader, he knew it was his brother.

"I came to talk him out of it. I figured I owed it to him l, I owed it to the people of Hope, and I owed it to the Gods to do what was right. Turns out Gardren's not the same man I knew. He was horribly burned in the fire, and blames the people of Hope. He is consumed by hate. He wants to see the town destroyed, and he threw me down here to rot."

"When I say he's different ... I'm saying something unnatural happened to him. He is strong, and has the Hells in his eyes. I think he made a pact with devils or some such unholy creature. Do not underestimate him."

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 21, 2021 9:29 pm
Mar 21, 2021 9:29 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
'Well, perhaps you can help us?' She looks to the others.
Last edited March 21, 2021 9:29 pm

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 22, 2021 12:22 am
Mar 22, 2021 12:22 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar with Naeris' help cuts the rope suspending Ralavaz from the wall and lowers him. However, he does not unlock the manacles - yet.
"I think we should all agree if we decide to free him," he says thinking of how opening the sack didn't end well. He moves over to the tunnel and calls Alfrey, quietly, so that he is aware of what all the others know, before heading back to Ralavaz.
"What would you have us do - apart from releasing your manacles?" he asks Ralavaz.
Last edited March 22, 2021 12:23 am

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 22, 2021 12:32 am
Mar 22, 2021 12:32 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
I think we should release the guy. He clearly isn't a threat to anyone now, besides, he could help us locate his mas... brother. His brother. The tiefling nodded to herself, the gold chains on her horns tinkling.

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Mar 22, 2021 1:28 am
Mar 22, 2021 1:28 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Having verified that the tunnel doesn't hold any immediate danger, Alfrey returns to the group with Hilmar.

"I agree with Euphoria. I don't believe Ralavaz here would have any reason to lie about what he was saying. Revealing his identity like that doesn't benefit him at all."

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 22, 2021 3:22 am
Mar 22, 2021 3:22 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Once Ralavaz is down, Naeris helps Hilmar to bring him to dry ground and gets out of the mud. She glances at the tunnel and at the prisoners nervously, concerned that trouble might appear at any moment. She takes over from Alfrey watching the tunnel, ready to fire an arrow if necessary.

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 22, 2021 3:48 am
Mar 22, 2021 3:48 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Seeing as we now have enough Night Blades cloaks for everyone... Euphoria put a hand on her chin, pondering. Two of us could actually go up there and talk to the other bandits. They would probably think they're talking to the two who were guarding the prisoner. We could talk to them and ask for any useful information without having to fight. Taking a pause to observe the party's reaction, she continues. We could do that while the rest of us are busy interrogating Ralavaz to save time. Besides, we'd at least learn how many of them there are. What do you guys think about it? Any volunteers?
Last edited March 22, 2021 3:52 am

Len

Mar 22, 2021 4:10 am
Mar 22, 2021 4:10 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"I appreciate the vote of confidence," Ralavaz says to the party as they pull him down from the manacles.
Mike says:
"What would you have us do - apart from releasing your manacles?" he asks Ralavaz.
He rubs his sore wrists and replies "I ask that you don't kill my brother. Look, if any of us die, even the other bandits, well, we might have some repenting to do but we'll get to the Elysium eventually. My brother however, he's made a deal with the Betrayer Gods. If he dies now, his soul will burn in the Hells for all time. Maybe I can get him to an archpriest in the east or a witch in the south who can undo this mess. I owe him to at least try."

Len

Mar 22, 2021 4:14 am
Mar 22, 2021 4:14 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Regarding scouting out the next level in disguises, this is a good plan. Just to give you an idea of the level of danger, even in a disguise a conversation with one of the Night Blades is going to require some deception rolls and/or good roleplaying :)

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 22, 2021 7:04 am
Mar 22, 2021 7:04 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
On hearing of the tiefling's plan, Naeris is quick to respond, first moving away from the tunnel so that her voice doesn't carry up it.

'Let's hear what Ralavaz has to say first. He can tell us much of what we're to expect and then, maybe, we can try this plan with the rest of us waiting to provide back up. Don't forget that we're all covered in mud, so the ruse might be a bit obvious.'

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 22, 2021 7:09 am
Mar 22, 2021 7:09 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
After checking the tunnel again, she asks Ralavaz 'We hear that your brother is quite dangerous - that he can charm people. Is this true? Do you have any ideas for how we could capture him alive and not be charmed?'

She returns to watching the tunnel.
Last edited March 22, 2021 7:10 am

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Mar 22, 2021 3:18 pm
Mar 22, 2021 3:18 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"Aaa, that is a funny idea" Kaa says at the idea of disguised scouting "But I might stand out a bit too much."

"As for the new drama bandit leader, I understand brotherly love but usually my own hide will take priority over such, no promises."
OOC:
If disguised scouting is succesful, later we could pretend to be prisoners with easily removable ropes and snipe the leader by presenting us to him as prisoners. I am assuming we want least casualities, but there are other interesting options too: smoking them out, aggroing the shambling mound onto them, poisoning their water or food with something (preferably to make everyone sleep)...

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 23, 2021 1:47 am
Mar 23, 2021 1:47 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar nods in agreement at hearing his companions say Ralavaz should be released. "I agree." Then looking towards Ralavaz as he unlocks the manacles with the brass key, he says, "Perhaps we can help eachother."
[ +- ] Naeris says
"Me too, I think he can help us - and we can help him. My Night Blade Cloak is a bit muddy now but there are two more there. Also unless they have a bugbear and a tiefling in their ranks the uniforms for Euphoria and Kaa might not be appropriate.
OOC:
I think I am right in saying that Hilmar is the only one in the party at the moment wearing a uniform - unless I missed this.
[ +- ] Naeris says
"Can you tell us how many there are? And also can you tell us what that golden mask does?"
Last edited March 23, 2021 1:48 am

Len

Mar 23, 2021 5:42 am
Mar 23, 2021 5:42 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"Yes, the rumours are true that Gardren has some kind of mind control powers. He never once used it on me, so it's hard to say how he does it. But I've seen the way he talks to these bandits. They treat him more like a messiah than a crime boss."

"I think there are about 20 Night Blades altogether. Most of them are lackluster fighters like these two, but 20 of anything can be a problem if you're not ready for it. Mind you there are two you need to watch out for: two dwarf sisters, fight with great, cruel maces and carry heavy crossbows on their backs. They look mean and fast."

"Gardren himself is tougher than I've ever known him to be. Unnaturally strong."

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 23, 2021 7:44 am
Mar 23, 2021 7:44 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"Well under the circumstances you might want to put on some of the leather armour and take some weapons."
Hilmar shows Ralavaz the map he has of the complex and asks where he believes Gardren is and the other Night Blades.
"In addition, do you know why he might want mining equipment?"

Len

Mar 25, 2021 7:31 am
Mar 25, 2021 7:31 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Ralavaz concurs about the weapons and armor. He's clearly not in great health (5/20 hp) but that doesn't seem to deter him.

"Mining equipment? No, I'm not too sure about that. I did overhear one of the Night Blades talking about a mining company called Deepwater. He told a new recruit to 'thank Deepwater' for their shiny new weapons."

He holds up one of the Night Blades' fine steel scimitars. "These are awfully good steel for backwater bandit gang."

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 27, 2021 1:19 am
Mar 27, 2021 1:19 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"It might be an idea if we scout ahead in the tunnel first to see if there are any more guards at the top of the tunnel," Hilmar says, thinking aloud.
OOC:
Is it the case that the cloaks have hoods?
OOC:
"Some of us could wear the cloaks and masks and pretend to have Kaa and Euphoria as 'prisoners'. If there are about 20 of them in total, even with the masks they would be likely to know eachother, so our disguises won't stand up to close inspection. But in the dimly lit corridors and with surprise, it might be enough to get past some guards and get to Gardren. Also I wonder if all of the Night Blades are here at the moment."
Hilmar shows Ralavaz the map he has of the complex and asks where he believes Gardren is and the other Night Blades.
"Do you think this could work Ralavaz? Also - are you fit enough after being suspended from that rope? Alternatively we could retreat back down the drainage tunnel, taking these prisoners with us back to Hope. Of course if we do that we'll have completely lost the element of surprise and won't be able to use this route again when we come back." He looks to the others to see what ideas they might have.
Last edited March 27, 2021 10:58 pm

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 27, 2021 1:54 am
Mar 27, 2021 1:54 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
I would prefer to stay on course. It might be our best bet - to strike while they aren't prepared. The infernal plays with a dagger in her hand, spinning it around. If things go sideways, I'm sure we can fight our way to their masked chief. She notices the look Alfrey gives her. Trying to be gentle with them, of course. Euphoria grins.
Also, I might try and make some disguises for you people. Maybe I could manage to make two of you look more similar to those guys. She points at the bandits.

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Mar 27, 2021 8:46 pm
Mar 27, 2021 8:46 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa is nodding along. "Indeed, let's strike now, whatever way we do it. The fake captives sounds good too haha! I want to see the surprise on their faces."

He is still not too trusting of Ralavaz, and eyes his conversation with Hilmar.

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Mar 27, 2021 8:58 pm
Mar 27, 2021 8:58 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"Indeed, we’d have a better chance of catching them unaware now than if we waited for them to discover these two missing." He gestures to the bound Night Blades. "On the other hand, taking these ones back to town now may also be wise. If we find ourselves having to make a quick escape, we may not be able to take them in later, and we would miss this opportunity to chip away at their numbers." Alfrey tilts his head in a thoughtful expression. "I suppose we could split up — have one or two of us escort the prisoners and the others infiltrate the hideout. Though it could be dangerous to go in without our group’s full strength. I’m unsure what to do, honestly."

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 27, 2021 11:11 pm
Mar 27, 2021 11:11 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
While waiting for Ralavaz's response he listens to the comments made by Euphoria, Kaa and Pitrio. He looks at Naeris, interested to learn what her views are as to their next course of action.

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 28, 2021 12:30 am
Mar 28, 2021 12:30 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris has heard enough and now has a clear opinion.

We mustn't split up - our numbers are so few already. Our options are to go for the surprise attack now or to return to town intending to bring the militia. I don't like the militia plan so much anymore. We still don't have a way to get such a large group past the plant monster and we've already worsened the plan by entering here and raising the alarm.

Let's try the fake captives idea. Even if it only buys us a little time, it's better than nothing.
Last edited March 28, 2021 12:30 am

Len

Mar 28, 2021 12:42 am
Mar 28, 2021 12:42 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Ralavaz throws his two cents in while loading a crossbow.

"Well, since you're asking me, I believe that now is the time to strike. I don't think we're getting a better shot than this."

"The fake prisoner idea is solid. Even if it fails, it'll buy us a few seconds to get into position."

"And I understand if we can't save my brother. First priority is to end the threat to Hope, and going all out on the bandits is the best way to make that happen. But if the chance comes, please ... show him mercy."

Len

Mar 28, 2021 12:44 am
Mar 28, 2021 12:44 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Ralavaz doesn't look like he's in great combat condition, but it also looks like he isn't going to let that stop him. If anyone comments on that, he'll wave away any concern and assure them that he'll be fine.

Len

Mar 28, 2021 12:46 am
Mar 28, 2021 12:46 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Making a disguise is a d20 roll. Euphoria can add INT modifier plus proficiency bonus for a total of +2. The roll will determine the effectiveness of the disguise. I think you're making 2 disguises? So that's two rolls.

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 28, 2021 12:56 am
Mar 28, 2021 12:56 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
So the rolls should be 1d20+2, a roll + int modifier as proficiency, or 1d20+2+2, a roll + int mod + prof?
OOC:
The idea is to disguise 2 of us as 2 of those bandits, making their faces look similar. Would that work? Also, who should get them? Hilmar and Alfrey are both humans, right? So I'm assuming they get better chances to have convincing looks of human bandits?
Last edited March 28, 2021 12:58 am

Rolls

Disguise 1 - (1d20+2)

(14) + 2 = 16

Disguise 2 - (1d20+2)

(19) + 2 = 21

Len

Mar 28, 2021 1:07 am
Mar 28, 2021 1:07 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Looks good! You rolled correctly. To answer your question, disguising non-humans would be at disadvantage.

Len

Mar 28, 2021 5:34 am
Mar 28, 2021 5:34 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Euphoria spends about 20 minutes with her disguise kit getting Alfrey and Hilmar to match the two brigands they already captured.

Ralavaz, who has spent some time listening to the Night Blades while in their custody, informs you of their names: "The one with the pipe is named Klive Yellowriver. They call the one with the rats Pelpe."

By the end, Euphoria has produced pretty decent disguises for both of them!
OOC:
Next step?

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 28, 2021 6:52 am
Mar 28, 2021 6:52 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
There! Now you look like you're ready to rob some travelers! The tiefling smiles, proud of her work. Also, try speaking less classy, I guess? You're criminals now, remember? Especially Hilmar, speak like you barely know how to read, otherwise, your intelligence might be showing through too much! Her grin becomes wider as she speaks. And you, Alfrey, don't mention any dragon gods, will you? Remember, stay in character, you're supposed to be simple-minded bandits. She turns around to the disarmed Night Blades. No offense, pals.

Alright, now to us, prisoners? I have these manacles,- Euphoria spins them around playfully,- I could probably put them on without locking them. Also, you may take my whip as well, if you're into that. She's now barely able to hold back her laughter, chuckling softly.

She then turns her jolly visage to the bugbear. Sorry, Kaa, I have only one set of manacles. You may have to use the rope. Or, maybe, you wanna share these with someone pink and charming, one manacle for you, one for me?
And you, Naeris, you could probably get away with covering your face using the mask and staying a bit behind us all? And make sure you cover your adorable pointy ears with a hood! At this point the infernal became more serious, trying to keep a clear judgment before the encounter. Now, any objections?
OOC:
I actually wanted to make a post of me making those disguises, but I'm glad you did it for me, Len. God, I'm so tired these weekends, I barely get enough sleep because I had to shift my schedule around. But I'm in a very good mood!! :>
Last edited March 28, 2021 7:08 am

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 28, 2021 9:50 am
Mar 28, 2021 9:50 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
We can tell!
Naeris grins in spite of herself because Euphoria's mood is infectious. She says 'Yes, I'll stay at the back and keep hidden at first.'

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Mar 28, 2021 11:17 am
Mar 28, 2021 11:17 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"If you don't mind being close to the fire when the spark goes off... Sharing is caring ehh?" Kaa chuckles too, enjoying to good mood. "Someone take my weapons and throw me the axe as soon as the teeth need to start flying." He is pressuring Alfrey with his glances to take that responsibility.

He lets himself be put in position into their stage performance and excitedly looks around to see if everyone is ready and that the captives are bound and gagged properly. He would hate if they spoil their surprise. He is obviously excited and has to keep himself from being fidgety and from smiling. He tries to remind himself to look beaten so wipes some mud onto his face too.

"Ready? Let's go!"
Last edited March 28, 2021 11:17 am

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 28, 2021 11:43 pm
Mar 28, 2021 11:43 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Himar nods to Euphoria's instructions about mode of speech.
"Nice work," says Hilmar admiring Euphoria's make-up work in his steel mirror. "Can I suggest Kaa that you act like you're wounded? Perhaps a limp when we encounter Night Blades. Might make it more plausible that we're able to restrain a 7ft bugbear!"
OOC:
Ralavaz said one is called Clive Yellowriver and the other is Pelpe (who had the rats). Please let us know which ones Alfrey and Hilmar are playing.

Len

Mar 28, 2021 11:45 pm
Mar 28, 2021 11:45 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Feel free to pick one! If you don't care either way, roll a d2 to decide ;)

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Mar 29, 2021 12:35 am
Mar 29, 2021 12:35 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Alfrey nods along as the group discusses the disguise plan. "Alright, this may work." he offers, cautiously. "I’m not much of an actor, but I’ll try my best."

He sits patiently as Euphoria applies his new face. He twitches only slightly at the unfamiliar sensation. When she finishes, he touches his face gingerly so as not to damage the tiefling’s work. "My, this is fine stuff. I didn’t know you had such skills. Oh, and if you need another pair of manacles, don’t forget the one that ones that used to be on Ralavaz."

Alfrey then picks up on Kaa’s not so-subtle hint regarding the bugbear’s weapons. "I can help with that." he offers, taking the axe that the bugbear hands him. He hefts it for a moment, impressed with its weight — easily double that of his own weapon. "I’ll try to stick close by you. I wouldn’t want to throw this further than necessary."

callanInactive for 1 months

Mar 29, 2021 12:54 am
Mar 29, 2021 12:54 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
As for which of us is playing which bandit — were we ever able to get a sense of which of the two is the more senior member? I'm thinking that we might plan on having Hilmar do most of the talking, with him being the higher charisma character between the two of us, in which case he'd want to portray whichever one is more likely to be in charge — unless Mike objects of course.

Naeris

Astroloma

Mar 29, 2021 6:07 am
Mar 29, 2021 6:07 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris also puts on a cloak and mask hoping that, after the others have made an entrance, one more "night blade" won't be noticed.

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 29, 2021 11:22 pm
Mar 29, 2021 11:22 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
I'll be Pelpe - the one who had the rat bag.
I don't mind doing the talking initially.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 29, 2021 11:25 pm
Mar 29, 2021 11:25 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar picks up the now empty burlap sack as part of his disguise, giving it a good shake to make sure no rats are still inside.
"I remember you said he threatened to dunk your head in this bag. Have you any idea why this man was carrying a sack full of rats in the first place?" he asks Ralavaz.
Last edited March 29, 2021 11:29 pm

Len

Mar 29, 2021 11:43 pm
Mar 29, 2021 11:43 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Alfrey and Hilmar (in Night Blade disguises) lead Euphoria and Kaa up the path as their faux prisoners while Naeris and Ralavaz hang back just out of sight in the tunnel.

Cracked wooden support beams hold up the crumbling stone ceiling of this new chamber, whose walls are lined with hammocks and bedrolls. Several beams have collapsed and are rotting in the floor.

Four Night Blades are stationed here and immediately stir as you come into view. "What the fuck is this?" calls out one of the Night Blades in front of heavy stone doors to the east as he gestures with a scimitar to the prisoners.

Two armored dwarves rise from their bunks in the north to see what the fuss is about.

https://otfbm.io/15x15/d7k-NB1/e11-NB2/n10k-NB3/n9k-NB4/m3k-D2/l3k-D1?bg=https://i.imgur.com/WTebFrg.png

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 30, 2021 12:09 am
Mar 30, 2021 12:09 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"Caught these two sneaking around below," replies Hilmar in a low voice jerking his head towards Kaa and Euphoria. "Got to take them to the Boss quick."

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Mar 30, 2021 7:09 am
Mar 30, 2021 7:09 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa is pulling his left foot a bit, hunches his posture and pulls his shoulders together to seem less threatening, and glares at Hilmar and at people with the gaze of a wounded dog. He mumbles some cursing in goblin, involving their mothers and a pack or rats.

Rolls

Captive performance - (1d20+3)

(13) + 3 = 16

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Mar 30, 2021 9:44 am
Mar 30, 2021 9:44 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Yes, you better take me to the one in charge and quick! I represent Ori the Alchemist. You see... The tiefling paused for a moment, trying to sound a bit dramatic. He sent me to deliver the package to some guy named Gardren. Ten small stoppered bottles with the essence of fire. This stuff is precious and really, really fragile! Ori's Flame they call it. So anyway, my bodyguard and I,- she makes a gesture with her head toward the bugbear, we've been trying to find a way in, but my god your main entrance is in bad shape! So we found this weird pipe and figured it would lead us inside. And then these two,- Euphoria grimaced, pointing at disguised Alfrey and Hilmar,- they didn't even listen, they've beat this guy up, Kaa is his name. Poor fella's a pacifist, wouldn't hurt a fly, he's here just for the looks, and they've hurt him for no reason! That's just unacceptable! I'm telling you that's your last day on duty! ,- she almost screamed, scolding the "captors". Now, will someone free me and let me deliver my package?! I imagine your boss would be furious if he found out how you treat us, just imagine if we'd drop one of the bottles, that flame would be burning for decades, impossible to put out!
OOC:
Tell me if that's too much, haha! Don't want to ruin anyone's immersion with my stupid jokes!
I'm alright with changing stuff or deleting the post entirely if you guys don't feel it fits the narrative!
Also, should I make any rolls?
OOC:
Figured I'd need a deception check, here's my roll
I'm also up to using the inspiration on this, maybe for critical effect or something xD
Assuming everyone's OK with me fooling around, feel free to make that reroll for me if it'd improve the situation or something.
Last edited March 30, 2021 4:46 pm

Rolls

Deception (+5) - (1d20+5)

(10) + 5 = 15

Len

Mar 30, 2021 5:21 pm
Mar 30, 2021 5:21 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Nice acting by Kaa and Euphoria! You've really sold your prisoner status, which grants Hilmar and Alfrey advantage on their required deception rolls.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Mar 31, 2021 2:01 am
Mar 31, 2021 2:01 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"Yadda, yadda, yadda - save it for the boss," rumbles Hilmar into his chest.

Rolls

Deception roll - (1d20)

(11) = 11

Deception roll (advantage) - (1d20)

(6) = 6

Len

Mar 31, 2021 4:21 am
Mar 31, 2021 4:21 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Oof, a bit of a low roll ... I guess Hilmar's just too honest for his own good! We'll wait and see how Alfrey's deception roll (with advantage) turns out.

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Mar 31, 2021 5:15 am
Mar 31, 2021 5:15 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hearing a hint of uncertainty in Hilmar's voice, Alfrey attempts to distract by addressing the assembled Night Blades directly. "My, this little girl's got a big mouth on her, doesn't she?" He grins, feigning amusement. "We'll see in a minute if the boss knows anything about this 'Ori the Alchemist' character."

Rolls

Deception - (1d20-1)

(13) - 1 = 12

Deception (advantage) - (1d20-1)

(18) - 1 = 17

Len

Mar 31, 2021 4:31 pm
Mar 31, 2021 4:31 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The Night Blades consider the situation.

Rolls

Night Blades consider the story - (1d20+0, 1d20+0)

1d20+0 : (8) = 8

1d20+0 : (12) = 12

Len

Mar 31, 2021 4:45 pm
Mar 31, 2021 4:45 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
One of the Night Blades pulls a key from his belt and goes to open the door, but the second one stops him.

"Alright, good work. Hey, wait a second - this one's a Tiefling!" He gestures to Euphoria. "She might be a spellcaster. Devil's blood and all. We should blind and gag her so she can't cast any spells. The big one too, just in case."

He signals over to the other two Night Blades in the front of the room, who are busy cleaning their weapons. "Hey! Look what crawled through the pipe down in the pit! Grab some rags, might be a mage."

The others slice up some of the bedding and approach with strips of cloth.
OOC:
You have achieved a partial success. The good news is that the Night Blades don't specifically doubt your identities but they're not cooperating 100%. What next?

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 1, 2021 12:56 am
Apr 1, 2021 12:56 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar will 'hold' the 'captives' while the Night Blades blindfold and gag them.
OOC:
They will be able to remove the blindfolds and gags quickly when the time comes.
Last edited April 1, 2021 12:57 am

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 1, 2021 1:34 am
Apr 1, 2021 1:34 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The infernal resists, trying to convince Night Blades she isn't a caster, pointing out her fancy clothes and non-wizard looks. Come on, the only enchantment I could ever produce in my life was the feeling of disenchantment people get if they try to rely on me too much!
OOC:
I mean, my character is wearing a set of fine clothes, so they probably could pass as some merchant? Right?
Also I don't know if you can really tell if someone's a magic-user by their equipment..
OOC:
I see, the universe itself wants the tiefling to shut her mouth! hahaha
Last edited April 1, 2021 1:34 am

Rolls

Persuasion (+3) - (1d20+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

Naeris

Astroloma

Apr 1, 2021 2:50 am
Apr 1, 2021 2:50 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris is very concerned about the situation but decides to stay hidden for now. Maybe the others will get an audience with Gardren after all.

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Apr 1, 2021 8:59 am
Apr 1, 2021 8:59 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa speaks some overblown gibberish "spells" and laughs at them thinking he might be a threat that way. Otherwise he will let them do it. The blindfold will be annoying, but he expects they will get taken off if the so called boss wants to speak with them anyway. He is mostly just amused at the antics of the bandits.

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Apr 1, 2021 9:02 am
Apr 1, 2021 9:02 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Alfrey considers objecting, but decides not to press his luck any further. "Just be careful of the big one's teeth." he offers.

Len

Apr 2, 2021 1:20 am
Apr 2, 2021 1:20 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The Night Blades blindfold and gag Euphoria and Kaa.
OOC:
Kaa and Euphoria can no longer speak and are temporarily suffering from the blinded condition: A blinded creature can’t see and automatically fails any ability check that requires sight. Attack Rolls against the creature have advantage, and the creature’s Attack Rolls have disadvantage.

It will take an action to remove the blindfold and an action to remove the gag (if your hands are free).
The resuming unlocking the door and open it up. They begin leading the four of down a short staur with another pair of double doors at the end.

Meanwhile, Ralavaz and Naeris are still in the tunnel. It seems difficult for them to sneak past this many Night Blades in plain sight unnoticed.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 2, 2021 10:30 pm
Apr 2, 2021 10:30 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Are these the doors on the right of the last diagram?
How many Night Blades are going into the short hall with the four of us?
Hilmar makes a mental note of his surroundings. He also tries to note which of the Night Blades has the key to the double doors.
Last edited April 2, 2021 10:52 pm

Len

Apr 2, 2021 10:41 pm
Apr 2, 2021 10:41 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Oops, it should be a short stairway you're going down, not a short hall. I've made the correction in the above post. There are double doors at the top of the stairs and double doors at the bottom of the stairs.

There are two Night Blades following. These are the ones that were guarding the door. There are others about, making it difficult for Naeris and Ralavaz to join up.

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 2, 2021 10:52 pm
Apr 2, 2021 10:52 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
I've amended Hilmar's post accordingly.
OOC:
Have they locked the double doors behind them or just walked through leaving them unlocked?
Last edited April 2, 2021 10:54 pm

Len

Apr 3, 2021 2:26 am
Apr 3, 2021 2:26 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Doors are unlocked.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 3, 2021 11:48 pm
Apr 3, 2021 11:48 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Once the doors are shut behind them Hilmar will wait for an opportunity to use his sleep spell on the two Night Blades following them. Then he will cast it.

Rolls

Sleep spell - (5d8)

(87868) = 37

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 4, 2021 12:08 am
Apr 4, 2021 12:08 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
I'm assuming that roll was sufficient to affect both Night Blades!
Tearing the blindfolds from Kaa and Euphoria he puts his finger to his lips and gestures for them to help him tie up the two Night Blades.

He quickly binds their hands and feet with rope and gags them with strips cut off from their uniforms, stripping them of weapons. He also takes the key to the double doors from the night Blade who unlocked the double doors.

He whispers"That was my last spell - I've only two cantrips left. We wait for a bit to make it look like we've had enough time to talk to Gardren. Then I'll put my head round the double doors and tell them Gardren's ordered them up to the top to guard the entrance at the tower. Then if that works we can get Naeris and Ralavaz to join us. If it doesn't work, well then we're gonna have to fight them. The dwarves will come charging at the door. We fight them. They won't expect anyone behind them and Naeris and Ralvaz will see what's going on and attack them from behind. The way I see it, that's better odds then before - two tough dwarves and two not so tough Night Blades against all of us."
Last edited April 4, 2021 12:11 am

Len

Apr 4, 2021 5:19 am
Apr 4, 2021 5:19 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
On the stairs behind the closed doors, both Night Blades fall unconscious to Hilmar's signature spell before they can sound an alarm or reach for steel. They are tied and gagged almost as quickly as Kaa and Euphoria are freed.

Hilmar's plan to 'order' the Night Blades to go up top to guard the tower makes perfect sense. They are all a little on edge having caught intruders in their midst likely sent to murder them and nobody felt like napping right now. Going up top required almost no convincing whatsoever.

Naeris and Ralavaz are free to move forward now that the coast is clear.
OOC:
You've undone the Night Blades' defenses from within! Declare any last preparations you might have before heading down into Gardren's sanctum!

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 4, 2021 7:28 am
Apr 4, 2021 7:28 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Euphoria nods and shakes off the blindfold that got stuck onto her horns. She then helps to tie up the bandits.
Nice work!,- she quietly addressed the wizard, as Nightblades were leaving. Do you think there are more of them behind this door?,- the tiefling wonders, pointing.

Naeris

Astroloma

Apr 4, 2021 11:26 am
Apr 4, 2021 11:26 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris is relieved when the night blades leave and impressed by Hilmar's courage and clever plan but is unwilling to speak just yet. She's sure that fighting is inevitable and just wants to get it over with. Waiting uncertainly in the tunnel built a lot of tension..

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 4, 2021 9:50 pm
Apr 4, 2021 9:50 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"Thanks - and quite possible," responds Hilmar quietly, "so maybe if we revert back to you and Kaa being 'prisoners' again, pretending to be bound but this time with no blindfolds or gags. If Alfrey and I enter 'holding' both of you with Naeris and Ralavaz 'holding' you both from behind. If we see Gardren, I'll start off saying how we found you sneaking around. Then if you start telling him your story about wanting to sell him your incendiary liquid. That'll give us a chance to see who and what is in there. If possible try and keep your weapons on you but concealed - behind you or under clothing. Ralavaz said that Gardren has incredible strength, so maybe we should spread out, not get too close to him and strike simultaneously with missiles and spells, until hopefully we subdue him. He's got to be our priority. I doubt any other Night Blades will be so inclined to fight on if we neutralise Gadren. If we can overcome him, we need to bind him with manacles and remove that mask. I don't know if the mask gives him powers or some demonic bargain. He seems to have some sort of power over people. Hopefully none of us will succumb to it, but it's a risk we have to take." He looks around at the others while getting equipment ready and passing Euphoria her weapons for concealment "What do you think?"

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Apr 5, 2021 9:13 am
Apr 5, 2021 9:13 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa lets out a soft whistle at the events unfolded. He says quietly:
"Woow, good job, very nice!"
He grins and streches his arms a bit. He listens to the next phase of the plan, which is still the old plan, just with the complications that came up got out of the way due to Hilmar's resourcefulness. All his weapons are quite large, and he does not actually have clothes to him them under anyway, so he leaves them as previously agreed upon.

"Alright, let's get this over with ..." he puts himself back into the role of a prisoner.

Naeris

Astroloma

Apr 5, 2021 10:02 am
Apr 5, 2021 10:02 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris offers: 'Yes, we need to focus on Gardren but the ruse won't work for long this time. Don't wait too long to attack.' She puts an arrow on the string and hides the bow beneath the Night Blade cloak as best she can.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 5, 2021 9:48 pm
Apr 5, 2021 9:48 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
[ +- ] Pitrio says
OOC:
Am I right that Alfrey has Kaa's weapons? If not please advise before the fighting starts.
I understand Euphoria has her weapons concealed.
Hilmar checks he has got his wand and sling with bullets handy. He looks round to the others, "Ready?" he whispers before preparing to knock on the double doors and open the entrance to Gardren's inner sanctum.

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Apr 6, 2021 2:07 am
Apr 6, 2021 2:07 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Yeah, I think the idea is that I have everything is concealed — Kaa's weapons and Alfrey's — unrealistic as that might be.
"Indeed, the less time we spend in here, the better. And thank you for all the quick thinking, Hilmar." Alfrey whispers. "Now, I'm ready if you all are."

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 6, 2021 11:27 am
Apr 6, 2021 11:27 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Alfrey could carry Kaa's weapons unconcealed - having confiscated them from the prisoner or put the axe and javelins in the burlap sack that contained the rats. Just an idea and I don't propose to hold up play.

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 6, 2021 7:00 pm
Apr 6, 2021 7:00 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Alright, let's go and meet this charming guy, shall we?,- the infernal said, putting restraints on her hands.

Len

Apr 6, 2021 11:50 pm
Apr 6, 2021 11:50 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar's knuckles rap against the inner doors, echoing in the confined staircase. After a short pause, an iron slot in the door slides open with a screech of grinding metal. Behind are a pair of eyes that squint at Hilmar.

A male voice addresses Hilmar: "Brother, how fares your watch today?"

It stares at Hilmar, waiting for a response.

PitrioInactive forever!

Apr 7, 2021 5:52 am
Apr 7, 2021 5:52 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Mike says:
Alfrey could carry Kaa's weapons unconcealed - having confiscated them from the prisoner or put the axe and javelins in the burlap sack that contained the rats. Just an idea and I don't propose to hold up play.
Yep, I do not think "confiscated" weapons need to be concealed.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 7, 2021 1:40 pm
Apr 7, 2021 1:40 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"We caught these two sneaking around down below. We thought we'd best bring them to the master quick."

Len

Apr 7, 2021 10:37 pm
Apr 7, 2021 10:37 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
There is a hesitation in the bandit's eyes, and then the iron slot slams shut. A long, uncomfortable pause is followed the sound of iron latches unlocking and a raspy voice that roars: "ENTER!"

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 7, 2021 11:00 pm
Apr 7, 2021 11:00 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar enters 'holding' Euphoria's arm, with the others. He tries to take in as much of his surroundings as quickly as possible. He looks to see where the bandit who opened the door is and whether there are any other Night Blades he can see. His eyes search for the man in the golden mask.

Len

Apr 8, 2021 10:16 pm
Apr 8, 2021 10:16 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
https://i.imgur.com/T0HfaWM.png

The party enters with Hilmar leading the "prisoners." Here, some of the splendor of builders of this tower has survived. Two hulking statues of faceless armored knights kneel in the corners of the room, facing the center of the chamber and a well there that leads down into the shadowy depths. A stone throne sits upon a raised dais opposite the door.

Five men in Night Blade cloaks are arrayed around the well, one of whom wears a gold mask. On his shoulder sits a hideous winged creature, which looks like a cross between a large bat and an oversized mosquito. You notice the Night Blades have their hands on their weapons. The man in the golden mask beckons you inside and speaks with a rasp.

"Intruders? In my home? How disrespectful. Kick them into the well."

You can feel his eyes scanning over you through his mask. Ralavaz hides behind the prisoners, his hood up and head down.

https://i.imgur.com/koXRy8R.png

https://otfbm.io/19x13/m4k-NB1/o5k-NB2/o10k-NB3/m11k-NB4/p7y-G/p8k-H/i7r-K/i8p-E/i9o-H/i6w-A/h7g-N/h8k-R?bg=https://i.imgur.com/vEteqFA.png
OOC:
I approximated your positioning based on what you wrote but also made some assumptions. Let me know if you want to make some changes.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 9, 2021 5:36 am
Apr 9, 2021 5:36 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Is 'H' next to Gardren the winged creature on Gardren's shoulder?
Mindful of Naeris' comment not to delay the attack, Hilmar assesses the situation and sees nothing to be gained by conversing further. He fires a firebolt cantrip at Gardren hoping for the best.

Rolls

Firebolt cantrip - (1d20+5)

(17) + 5 = 22

Damage if the cantrip strikes - (1d10)

(10) = 10

Naeris

Astroloma

Apr 9, 2021 10:07 am
Apr 9, 2021 10:07 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
As soon as she sees Hilmar's attack, Naeris raises her bow and fires at the nearest bandit (NB1).
OOC:
I'm rolling for the attack since she's likely near the top of the initiative order.
Last edited April 9, 2021 10:12 am

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+5)

(17) + 5 = 22

Longbow attack - (1d20+5)

(16) + 5 = 21

Damage on a hit - (1d8)

(5) = 5

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Apr 9, 2021 1:04 pm
Apr 9, 2021 1:04 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa thought there would be some talk done first, but o well he is not one to shy away from action, he takes quick glances at Alfrey and is readying himself to pounce.
OOC:
Just rolling initiative now.

Rolls

Initaitve - (1d20+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 10, 2021 5:06 am
Apr 10, 2021 5:06 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Initiative roll for when the round starts.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+2)

(8) + 2 = 10

Len

Apr 10, 2021 5:33 am
Apr 10, 2021 5:33 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Three more initiatives!
https://otfbm.io/19x13/m4k-NB1/o5k-NB2/o10k-NB3/m11k-NB4/p7y-G/p8k-H/i7r-K/i8p-E/i9o-H/i6w-A/h7g-N/h8k-R?bg=https://i.imgur.com/vEteqFA.png

ROUND 1 INITIATIVE ORDER

A) Naeris

B) NB1 - AC: 12
B) NB2 - AC: 12
B) NB3 - AC: 12
B) NB4 - AC: 12
B) Heartseeker - AC: 14
B) Gardren - AC: 15

C) Hilmar
C) Alfrey
C) Kaa
C) Euphoria
C) Ralavaz

Rolls

Alfrey Initiative - (1d20)

(8) = 8

Euphoria Initiative - (1d20+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Ralavaz Initiative - (1d20+3)

(6) + 3 = 9

Len

Apr 10, 2021 5:55 am
Apr 10, 2021 5:55 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
You spring into action, but the Night Blades are ready!

"You should have chosen your words more carefully at the door! Looks like you'll all drink" Gardren taunts as his Night Blades fly into action.

The ever swift Naeris manages to loose her arrow before they arrive, but it isn't a fatal blow. He keeps coming.
OOC:
to be continued ... !

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Apr 10, 2021 7:35 am
Apr 10, 2021 7:35 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
As the fight begins, Alfrey shrugs off his Night Blade cloak. It falls to the floor revealing the comical array of weaponry strapped to his body. He readies Kaa's weapons, so that the bugbear may grab them as quickly as possible.
OOC:
Not sure if this requires an action. If not, I'll throw a cheeky sacred flame at Gardren.

Rolls

Sacred Flame damage (if applicable) - (1d8)

(6) = 6

Len

Apr 10, 2021 8:40 pm
Apr 10, 2021 8:40 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The first Night Blade comes at Alfrey as his cloak drops. He comes at him sideways, kicks off the back wall, and spins through the air, his blades slicing at Alfrey! But, his acrobatic antics cause him to swing wide.

The second Night Blade also comes for cleric of Bahamut. He runs at him with his sword in a blur of spinning motion and lands a strike on Alfrey, his scimitar finding a gap in his armor! (5 damage)

The third Night Blade comes for Euphoria, looking to take her head off with a vicious roundhouse kick! But Euphoria easily dodges her spurred heel.

The fourth Night Blade flanks Hilmar and slashes at his throat, his eyes flashing with murder. The attack bounces harmlessly off of Hilmar's invisible magic armor with a loud "chink", denting the Night Blades' blade.

"Heartseeker! Drink!" Gardren commands and his pet flying creature takes flight. It comes down on Naeris, its barbed proboscis seeking her blood! Naeris is good and ready for it, and evades the creature's attack.

Gardren himself rushes into the fray, coming straight for the biggest of the party - Kaa. Gardren moves with the speed and strength of demon! He flashes a scimitar in one hand and a dagger in another. "Or maybe I should burn you alive like they did to me!" His blades find their mark twice (16 damage).

https://otfbm.io/19x13/h5k-NB1/j6k-NB2/j9k-NB3/h9k-NB4/j7y-G/h6k-H/i7r-K/i8p-E/i9o-H/i6w-A/h7g-N/h8k-R?bg=https://i.imgur.com/vEteqFA.png

Rolls

NB1 attack on Alfrey - (1d20+3, 1d6+1)

1d20+3 : (1) + 3 = 4

1d6+1 : (2) + 1 = 3

NB2 attack on Alfrey - (1d20+3, 1d6+1)

1d20+3 : (18) + 3 = 21

1d6+1 : (4) + 1 = 5

NB3 attack on Euphoria - (1d20+3, 1d6+1)

1d20+3 : (3) + 3 = 6

1d6+1 : (4) + 1 = 5

NB4 attack on Hilmar - (1d20+3, 1d6+1)

1d20+3 : (4) + 3 = 7

1d6+1 : (5) + 1 = 6

Heartseeker attack on Naeris - (1d20+5, 1d4+3)

1d20+5 : (3) + 5 = 8

1d4+3 : (2) + 3 = 5

Gardren's 3 attacks on Kaa - (1d20+5, 1d20+5, 1d20+5, 1d6+3, 1d4+3, 1d4+3)

1d20+5 : (18) + 5 = 23

1d20+5 : (15) + 5 = 20

1d20+5 : (6) + 5 = 11

1d6+3 : (6) + 3 = 9

1d4+3 : (4) + 3 = 7

1d4+3 : (2) + 3 = 5

Len

Apr 10, 2021 8:47 pm
Apr 10, 2021 8:47 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Will add in the players' actions in shortly and then summarize the round. I think we just need Euphoria's action as well as Ralavaz (which I can do, unless somebody is looking for more action and wants to run his actions too).

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Apr 10, 2021 10:00 pm
Apr 10, 2021 10:00 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Ouch, that hurts. Well I thought about using weapons, but the positioning gave me a different idea.
Kaa tries to avoid the worst, but is gashed badly by the attacks of his masked foe. His normally chill spirit turns inside out: he lets out a roar. [enters rage]

He attempts to grab onto Gardren, carry him over the well, and drop him into it.
OOC:
If i understand grappling right, if he succeeds on an athletics check against him (which has advantage due to him raging), he can carry his victim up to half his speed, and releasing is free. But correct me if this is not feasible and i will think of something else.

Rolls

Athletics for grapple - (1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (16) + 5 = 21

1d20+5 : (11) + 5 = 16

Len

Apr 11, 2021 12:47 am
Apr 11, 2021 12:47 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar's bolt of fire and Alfrey's sacred flame streak towards the man in the golden mask, but only Hilmar's bolt finds its mark (10 damage)

Gardren strives to resist Kaa's great strength! But Kaa is too powerful. He lifts him off his feet and walks forward. Gardren's pet snipes at his heels as he moves but fails to sink its teeth in! Kaa drops Gardren into the well, and he falls into the blackness with a sickening crunch at the unseen bottom.

Rolls

Saving throw vs. Sacred Flame - (1d20+5)

(18) + 5 = 23

athletics - (1d20+6)

(7) + 6 = 13

Heartseeker opportunity attack - (1d20+5, 1d4+3)

1d20+5 : (6) + 5 = 11

1d4+3 : (1) + 3 = 4

Len

Apr 11, 2021 1:09 am
Apr 11, 2021 1:09 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Ralavaz slashes at the closest Night Blade, then watches helplessly as Kaa carries his brother to the edge of the well and let go.

"You bastard, you didn't even try to save him!" he screams in anguish.

Rolls

ralavaz attack on NB4 - (1d20+4, 1d6+2)

1d20+4 : (13) + 4 = 17

1d6+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

Len

Apr 11, 2021 1:10 am
Apr 11, 2021 1:10 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
ROUND 1 INITIATIVE ORDER

✅ A) Naeris

✅ B) NB1 - AC: 12; 5 damage
✅ B) NB2 - AC: 12
✅ B) NB3 - AC: 12
✅ B) NB4 - AC: 12; 6 damage
✅ B) Heartseeker - AC: 14
✅ B) Gardren - AC: 15; Dead

✅ C) Hilmar
✅ C) Alfrey
✅ C) Kaa
✅ C) Euphoria
✅ C) Ralavaz

https://otfbm.io/19x13/h5k-NB1/j6k-NB2/j9k-NB3/h9k-NB4/h6k-H/k7r-K/i8p-E/i9o-H/i6w-A/h7g-N/h8k-R?bg=https://i.imgur.com/vEteqFA.png
OOC:
Next up is Euphoria!

Naeris

Astroloma

Apr 11, 2021 5:01 am
Apr 11, 2021 5:01 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
As Naeris watches Heartseeker fly towards her, she realises she'll need one of her daggers and so grabs it from her belt. Then, ducking out of the creature's attack but always focused on her foe, she utters the words of the Hunter's Mark spell and stabs at the batlike parasite.

Rolls

Dagger attack - (1d20+5)

(5) + 5 = 10

damage if attack successful - (1d4)

(3) = 3

damage from Hunter's Mark if successful - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Len

Apr 11, 2021 5:30 am
Apr 11, 2021 5:30 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
In this case, they were ready for you. Gardren is a paranoid type and there's a specific phrase you are supposed to say when the guard asks 'How fares your watch, brother?' So, your initiative roll determined the order of actions for round 1. Because you had a low initiative roll, it's like you were slow on the draw so your action went after the Night Blades.

You can keep your new action, but like Naeris, a ranged attack with someone right beside you will be at disadvantage. You can decide to keep or change your action when the time comes.

Len

Apr 11, 2021 5:32 am
Apr 11, 2021 5:32 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Astroloma, it won't matter this round, but you get to add your dex modifier to dagger damage (+3) because it is a 'finesse' weapon.

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 11, 2021 1:19 pm
Apr 11, 2021 1:19 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The tiefling girl watches the fight unfold before her eyes, struggling to take the restraints off her hands. She dodges the spiked heel, and is finally able to take the stuck pair of manacles off, as badly hurt bugbear pushes the bandit chief down a well, him and his precious, shiny gold mask...

Euphoria follows the mask with her eyes, she then focuses her attention on the bandit in front of Alfrey, strikes his leg with a whip, and tries to get him off his feet, pulling with all of her strength.
OOC:
So an attack onto Bandit 4 Correction - Bandit 2!, since whip is a reach weapon the distance should be ok? If not, please correct me and I'm gonna change the post.
Last edited April 13, 2021 10:09 am

Rolls

Whip attack - (1d20+4)

(17) + 4 = 21

Whip damage - (1d4+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Athletics - (1d20-1)

(16) - 1 = 15

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 12, 2021 1:41 am
Apr 12, 2021 1:41 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
[ +- ] lenpelletier says
OOC:
Thanks - noted. I will decide when the time comes.

Len

Apr 12, 2021 9:44 pm
Apr 12, 2021 9:44 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
in progress... DONE!

Euphoria's whip lashes out and strikes the Night Blade beside Alfrey, ripping (11 damage) and pulls his legs from underneath him. He falls on his back, prone.
OOC:
Did you mean Bandit #2? Bandit #4 is behind you. I like the creativity of the whip attack. You can either do damage with it OR try to yank him off his feet, but not both. If you choose to do damage, you'll also get to do 1d6 sneak attack damage (since he is beside one of your allies, you can use it). I'll assume you want to do the damage and roll your sneak attack, but correct me if I'm wrong.
Naeris slips out a dagger but the stirge dodges her slashes.

The Night Blades are appalled to see their leader thrown down the well! They double their efforts, coming at you hard.

Alfrey keeps the one attacking him at bay fairly, letting his shield take the brunt of their attacks.

Euphoria draws the ire of the Night Blade that she ignored while whipping someone else. They pull out a long dagger from a boot sheath and stab Euphoria in the side, partial getting past her armour. (5 damage) "That'll teach you to ignore me," they say with a smug grin.

Naeris is distracted by Heartseeker's wing and the creature manages to get its blood-sucking proboscis in her arm! (4 damage)

Ralavaz has drawn the attack from Hilmar and parries the Night Blade's blow.

ROUND 2 SO FAR...
[ +- ] Combat summary

Rolls

euphoria's sneak damage - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Nb1 vs. Alfrey - (1d20+3, 1d6+1)

1d20+3 : (3) + 3 = 6

1d6+1 : (2) + 1 = 3

Nb3 vs. Euphoria - (1d20+3, 1d6+1)

1d20+3 : (15) + 3 = 18

1d6+1 : (4) + 1 = 5

Nb4 vs. Ralavaz - (1d20+3, 1d6+1)

1d20+3 : (7) + 3 = 10

1d6+1 : (6) + 1 = 7

NB2 dead saving throw - (1d20)

(4) = 4

Heartseeker vs. Naeris - (1d20+5, 1d4+3)

1d20+5 : (10) + 5 = 15

1d4+3 : (1) + 3 = 4

Len

Apr 12, 2021 10:07 pm
Apr 12, 2021 10:07 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
As the battle rages, you start to hear cackling laughter echoing from the well. It is not a jolly sound; it is disturbing and evil.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 12, 2021 10:41 pm
Apr 12, 2021 10:41 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar had fired his firebolt cantrip at Gardren and then was trying to avoid Night Blade 4's attack, when he saw Kaa out of the corner of his eye with Gardren by the well. Then he heard Ralavaz's anguished cry and realised that Kaa must have cast him into the well. Seeing that Ralavaz has engaged Night Blade 4 and that Night Blade 3 has attacked Euphoria, he jumps back to [to square I10] and throws a throwing knife at Night Blade 4. At that point he hears the evil cackling from the well. Is Gardren still alive or is it something else?
"Ralavaz! Hear that! From the well!"
OOC:
Please ignore the damage roll of d20+2 a typo!
Last edited April 12, 2021 10:43 pm

Rolls

Throwing knife - (1d20+4)

(19) + 4 = 23

Damage - (1d20+2)

(8) + 2 = 10

Damage - Throwing knife - (1d4+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Len

Apr 12, 2021 10:57 pm
Apr 12, 2021 10:57 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar's dagger catches in the man's chest and the Night Blade falls to the ground in a gurgle of blood.

As the cackling gets louder, even the Night Blades are getting a bit creeped out. Ralavaz responds: "Oh gods, my worst fears are coming true ..."

ROUND 2 SO FAR...

✅ A) Naeris

✅ B) NB1 - AC: 12; 5 damage
✅ B) NB2 - AC: 12; 6 damage, Prone
✅ B) NB3 - AC: 12
✅ B) NB4 - AC: 12; 12 damage Unconscious, Dying (0/0)
✅ B) Heartseeker - AC: 14
✅ B) Gardren - AC: 15; Dead

✅ C) Hilmar
C) Alfrey
C) Kaa
C) Euphoria
C) Ralavaz

https://otfbm.io/19x13/h5k-NB1/j6k-NB2/j9k-NB3/h9a-NB4/h6k-H/k7r-K/i8p-E/i10o-H/i6w-A/h7g-N/h8k-R?bg=https://i.imgur.com/vEteqFA.png
OOC:
Alfrey, Kaa, and Euphoria up to take their round 2 actions!

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Apr 13, 2021 12:59 am
Apr 13, 2021 12:59 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
With chaos on all sides, Alfrey can hardly keep his wits about him. As the Night Blade before him falls, he turns to face the opponents to the rear. He swings with his mace at the creature harassing Naeris. As he does this he shouts back to Ralavaz. "What is it? Tell us what’s happening."

Rolls

Mace attack - (1d20+3)

(7) + 3 = 10

Mace damage - (1d6+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Apr 13, 2021 6:50 am
Apr 13, 2021 6:50 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa blinks at the voice from the well, then glances at Ralavaz hinting he knows something about this.

He growls, turns at the guy threatening Euphoria and Hilmar, steps one closer to him and with a sudden grab and thug yanks him into the pit as well, hoping he falls onto whatever laughed and shuts it up.

He gazes down into the well: "Still talkative?!"
Last edited April 13, 2021 9:08 am

Rolls

Athletics for grapple - (1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (15) + 5 = 20

1d20+5 : (10) + 5 = 15

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 13, 2021 10:06 am
Apr 13, 2021 10:06 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Quick OOC - yes, I meant bandit 2, and also I would rather get him off his feet and not do damage, that was kind of the intention (I didn't know it would be either damage or that).

Yeah, well, I thought of leaving it as it is, but nope, just doesn't feel right. So let's remove the damage. "That's not what my character would do". *shrugs*

Also, wow, spooky laughter!!
Gonna make my post today
Last edited April 13, 2021 10:16 am

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 13, 2021 11:10 am
Apr 13, 2021 11:10 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
A loud shriek could be heard clearly, reverberating off the high ceilings of the throne room, as the infernal was stabbed by one of the bandits. Thankfully, her leather armor took most of the damage. Euphoria instinctively grabs the handle of the dagger and pulls it out, when she sees Kaa's large arms threatening to grab the guy. She understands what he's intending to do right away, maliciously grins at her assailant, and violently returns the dagger to its owner, piercing his hand with it like a canapé with a skewer. Bye!,- is all she says, jumping to the side and running away, straight at Alfrey who's busy with the flying creature. The pink woman moves so fast, the clicking of all the gold rings and chains on her persona is silenced by the chaotic noise of the battle. It seems like it's impossible for her to stop now and she's gonna crash into the Dragon worshiper! But then, the tiefling jumps and, grimacing in pain, she uses the cleric's chain mail as footing to jump over him and confront the last standing bandit.
OOC:
Using the Cunning action - Disengage!
Rolling attack with the long dagger using my own dagger's stats, assuming all daggers are the same in that regard.
I don't care if the bandit gets any damage. Is it the same as with a whip? I roll for it anyway.
Then, a blank roll if any is needed to see if Euphoria manages to pierce his hand. Not sure what would you want me rolling for that so just a 1d20 for you to modify for bonuses and penalties.
And then Acrobatics for... well, acrobatics :D Not sure I described that jumping action well enough though, any tips on that?
OOC:
Alright I rolled pretty low. Guess she's gonna land on her face haha! :D Which would make sense, don't do acrobatics when ur injured, haha!
I do have an inspiration though, so I'd like to use it to make sure I get a nice new opening in that bastard's body xD
Last edited April 13, 2021 11:17 am

Rolls

Attack (Long dagger) - (1d20+4)

(2) + 4 = 6

Damage (Long dagger) - (1d4+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

A blank roll - (1d20)

(13) = 13

Acrobatics (ExperTEASE +6) - (1d20+6)

(2) + 6 = 8

Len

Apr 14, 2021 7:38 pm
Apr 14, 2021 7:38 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Jusika says:
Quick OOC - yes, I meant bandit 2, and also I would rather get him off his feet and not do damage, that was kind of the intention (I didn't know it would be either damage or that). Yeah, well, I thought of leaving it as it is, but nope, just doesn't feel right. So let's remove the damage. "That's not what my character would do". *shrugs*
OOC:
No problem! Damage removed and he's flat on his back. Posts editted.

Len

Apr 14, 2021 7:53 pm
Apr 14, 2021 7:53 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
in progress... Done!

Euphoria slices open the Night Blade's hand with their own dagger, wiping the smirk from their face. The pain doesn't last long, as Kaa grabs them from behind and tosses them down the well, ending them in a sickening crunch.

Euphoria ends up beside Alfrey, but fails to stick the tricky landing in the chaos of battle and falls prone.

Meanwhile, Alfrey is trying to land a blow. His mace crunches into the wall as his opponent ducks, showering bits of stone onto the Night Blade's head.
OOC:
Both rolled a 20, but ties are broken by highest stat, which is Kaa.
I applied the roll of 13 as Jusika's use of inspiration which will salvage her acrobatics.
Ralavaz moves to intercept Heartseeker and pull the proboscis from Naeris's arm, preventing the vile creature from doing more damage. He responds to Alfrey's question: "He's made a deal with a demon and died before he could free himself. The demon has claimed his soul. I never imagined it would claim his flesh as well."

As if in response, a burst of flame erupts from the well. Gardren, or what remains of him emerges in the flame, floating above the well. The temperature in the room rises sharply, and all the torches explode into gouts of flame. Gardren's golden mask has fallen away, revealing a hideously burned face and eyes filled with inky black. His Night Blade cloak is catching fire.

https://i.imgur.com/1hyK88o.jpg

"POWER BEYOND MY DREAMSSS!" the Once-Gardren hisses, but it isn't his voice anymore. "ALL SHALL REJOICE IN FLAME!"

It lashes out at Kaa with Gardren's blades!
OOC:
One of the attack hits for 5 damage, rage reduces it to 2 damage.
ROUND 3

A) Naeris

B) NB1 - AC: 12; 5 damage
B) NB2 - AC: 12; Unconscious, Prone
B) NB3 - AC: 12; Dead
B) NB4 - AC: 12; 12 damage Unconscious, Dying (0/0)
B) Heartseeker - AC: 14
B) Gardren - AC: 15; Dead

C) Hilmar
C) Alfrey
C) Kaa
C) Euphoria; prone
C) Ralavaz

D) Gardren Reborn - AC: 15

https://otfbm.io/19x13/h5k-NB1/j6k-NB2/h9a-NB4/L7y-G/h6k-H/k7r-K/i5p-E/i10o-H/i6w-A/h7g-N/h8k-R?bg=https://i.imgur.com/vEteqFA.png

Rolls

Resist grappling - (1d20+0)

(20) = 20

Once-Gardren attack #1 - (1d20+5, 1d6+3)

1d20+5 : (15) + 5 = 20

1d6+3 : (2) + 3 = 5

Once-Gardren attack #2 - (1d20+5, 1d4+3)

1d20+5 : (3) + 5 = 8

1d4+3 : (3) + 3 = 6

Once-Gardren attack #3 - (1d20+5, 1d4+3)

1d20+5 : (5) + 5 = 10

1d4+3 : (4) + 3 = 7

falling body hits gardren? - (1d4)

(3) = 3

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 14, 2021 8:42 pm
Apr 14, 2021 8:42 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
I'd rather have her mess up the jump but succeed with the dagger. If 13 is enough for that? Or would that be suboptimal i.e. get the character killed?

Len

Apr 14, 2021 8:48 pm
Apr 14, 2021 8:48 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Jusika says:
OOC:
I'd rather have her mess up the jump but succeed with the dagger. If 13 is enough for that? Or would that be suboptimal i.e. get the character killed?
OOC:
Ah gotcha. That works. Fixed!

Naeris

Astroloma

Apr 14, 2021 9:33 pm
Apr 14, 2021 9:33 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris barely registers other events in her focus on Heartseeker but the new demon version of Gardren disturbs her. Still, she continues to stab at the vile creature.

Rolls

Dagger attack - (1d20+5)

(12) + 5 = 17

Damage if a hit - (1d4+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

Damage from Hunter's Mark if a hit - (1d6)

(4) = 4

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 15, 2021 4:32 am
Apr 15, 2021 4:32 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar fires his last firebolt cantrip at the demon.

Rolls

Firebolt - (1d20+5)

(19) + 5 = 24

Damage in case it hits - (1d10)

(2) = 2

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Apr 15, 2021 7:10 am
Apr 15, 2021 7:10 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Alfrey turns his head to see the demonic form emerge from the well. "Bahamut , preserve me! he says, half in prayer and half in exclamation. His gaze focuses on Kaa, standing at the edge of the well. As the wounded barbarian looks up at the fiery figure hovering above, his massive bugbear form seems somehow not so large anymore. Alfrey’s holy symbol glows as he calls on his god, and divine healing energy flows through the cleric.
OOC:
I’m using Channel Divinity - Preserve Life. I’ve got 10 hp to give out, so I want to give Kaa the maximum I can — enough to restore him to half his total — then give the rest to the dying Night Blade. That is, unless another party member drops below half hp between now and my turn.

callanInactive for 1 months

Apr 15, 2021 7:18 am
Apr 15, 2021 7:18 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Wait, when did NB2 become unconscious? I thought he was just knocked down. Was that a mistake, or did I miss something?

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Apr 15, 2021 8:54 am
Apr 15, 2021 8:54 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Since Kaa's weapons are still with Alfrey he got himself into a tricky situation, but the healing helps a lot! 23-16-2+7 puts him at 12 hit points currently.

Would his long-reach be applicable to grab his axe from where he stands? Would it be an action or bonus action? If it is out of reach, he will just grab the scimitar from the knocked out nightblade next to him. I am also not sure how it got unconscious though.
Kaa is at first surprised at the new Gardren flying up, but then quickly looks for a tool to fight it with. He grabs the best weapon he can reach, and attacks his fiery foe with a grunt.
OOC:
I forgot I should be using my inspiration too eheh, is it too late to add? I know its fishy after I already saw the roll 😶
Edit 2: Not that it helps hahaha, o well it is fine if it is spent anyway.
Edit 3: healing is to half hp.
Last edited April 17, 2021 7:56 am

Rolls

Attack roll, Greataxe or Scimitar damage - (1d20+5, 1d12+5, 1d6+5)

1d20+5 : (4) + 5 = 9

1d12+5 : (4) + 5 = 9

1d6+5 : (2) + 5 = 7

Inspiration roll, maybe? - (1d20)

(6) = 6

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 15, 2021 9:26 am
Apr 15, 2021 9:26 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The tiefling does her jump but has her heel stuck in the chain mail, only for a split second, but that's enough for her to come spinning towards the ground. The landing is rough, she hits her knee pretty bad but is more or less alright. A large gold ring falls off her horn and rolls over the stone flooring, jumping a bit on every small bump, until it hits a black leather boot. Euphoria looks up, and looks the Night Blade right in the face, trying to predict their next move.
OOC:
I can't really act before the NB1 does so :>
Last edited April 15, 2021 9:27 am

callanInactive for 1 months

Apr 16, 2021 3:04 am
Apr 16, 2021 3:04 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
I was also unsure how the weapon handoff would work. But, if Alfrey needs to move over to Kaa, I can do that, since I'm not using the move action on my turn for anything else. If I get opportunity attacked, so be it.

Len

Apr 16, 2021 10:01 pm
Apr 16, 2021 10:01 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris strikes a mighty blow against the winged monster attacking her, dropping it to the ground in a bloody heap.

The final standing Night Blade loses his calm and runs for the door. The other lies on the ground, slowly bleeding out (1 failed death save).
OOC:
Euphoria, Naeris, and Alfrey can take a free weapon attack against NB1 as he runs away, if they wish.
Hilmar flings a fire bolt at the rising demon, singing it (2 damage).

Alfrey's healing power surges new life into Kaa! He tosses the axe to Kaa, who swings at the floating demon, but deflects the mighty strike with a shrug.

ROUND 3

✅A) Naeris

✅B) NB1 - AC: 12; 5 damage
✅B) NB2 - AC: 12; Unconscious, Prone
✅B) NB4 - AC: 12; 12 damage Unconscious, Dying (0/1)

✅C) Hilmar
✅C) Alfrey
✅C) Kaa
C) Euphoria; prone
C) Ralavaz

D) Gardren Reborn - AC: 15

https://otfbm.io/19x13/h5k-NB1/j6a-NB2/h9a-NB4/L7y-G/k7r-K/i5p-E/i10o-H/i6w-A/h7g-N/h8k-R?bg=https://i.imgur.com/vEteqFA.png
OOC:
Euphoria is up next!

Rolls

Night Blade death saving throw - (1d20)

(2) = 2

Naeris

Astroloma

Apr 17, 2021 1:07 am
Apr 17, 2021 1:07 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris lets the Night Blade go.

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 17, 2021 8:09 am
Apr 17, 2021 8:09 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
As the Night Blade runs for his life, Euphoria gets on her feet and turns around to look at the demon-possessed body. You should've kept that mask on, you big ugly!,- she laughs, but then gets serious again, when she sees how seemingly easily he deflects bugbear's mighty strike. She gets her whip ready and runs towards the middle of the room, stands slightly beside Kaa and tries to get the whip around the demon's neck to choke him and pull him into the floored part of the room so he won't be able to use his flying over the well to his advantage too much.
OOC:
Euphoria moves to J8!

So getting up costs half of the movement points, 30:2=15, so I'm left with 15 but then 15x2=30 because of Dash. Right?

Never thought my first nat ones would be two in a row! HAHAHAHA :D Expecting critical failure!
Last edited April 21, 2021 7:28 pm

Rolls

Attack (+4) - (1d20+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

Athletics - (1d20-1)

(1) - 1 = 0

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 18, 2021 12:22 am
Apr 18, 2021 12:22 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar feels bad about Night Blade 4 but cannot do anything to help while they have to fight the demon. He gets ready to hurl another firebolt.
OOC:
All being well he will do this in the next round.
It also crosses his mind that Night Blade 1 might bring back reinforcements, in particular the dwarves. He focuses on trying to defeat the demon.
Last edited April 18, 2021 12:28 am

Len

Apr 21, 2021 3:54 am
Apr 21, 2021 3:54 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
in progress... DONE!

Euphoria lets her whip fly at Gardren and it wraps around his arm, but against his hellish flesh the leather cord catches on fire! Its tip burns away, leaving it half as long as it was before (the whip no longer has the finesse or reach properties. However, it does 1d4 fire damage in addition to the 1d4 slashing damage while it is on fire).

Tears streaking his eyes, Ralavaz advances forward and attacks the demon that wears his brother's flesh. The demon rebuffs him with ease. The demonic Gardren strikes back, and in his weakened state Ralavaz is no match for the demon's ferocity. (11 damage and Ralavaz falls unconscious)

Meanwhile, the Night Blade on the ground receives Alfrey's gift of healing! He immediately leaps to his feet and runs for the door, not even bothering to pick up his scimitar or pay thanks to Alfrey or his god.

ROUND 4

A) Naeris
A) Hilmar
A) Alfrey
A) Kaa
A) Euphoria; prone
A) Ralavaz - dying, prone (0/0)

B) Gardren Reborn - AC: 15, 2 damage

https://otfbm.io/19x13/L7y-G/k7r-K/j8p-E/i10o-H/i6w-A/h7g-N/k6k-R?bg=https://i.imgur.com/vEteqFA.png
OOC:
All players can go!

Rolls

death saving throw for NB4 - (1d20)

(3) = 3

Ralavaz attack on Gardren - (1d20+5, 1d6+3)

1d20+5 : (3) + 5 = 8

1d6+3 : (6) + 3 = 9

Gardren attack 1 vs. Ralavaz - (1d20+5, 1d6+3)

1d20+5 : (14) + 5 = 19

1d6+3 : (1) + 3 = 4

Gardren attack 2 vs. Ralavaz - (1d20+5, 1d4+3)

1d20+5 : (16) + 5 = 21

1d4+3 : (4) + 3 = 7

Gardren attack 3 vs. Kaa - (1d20+5, 1d4+3)

1d20+5 : (8) + 5 = 13

1d4+3 : (2) + 3 = 5

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 21, 2021 4:10 am
Apr 21, 2021 4:10 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar fires a further firebolt cantrip at the demon.

Rolls

Firebolt - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Damage in case it hits - (1d10)

(7) = 7

Len

Apr 21, 2021 4:12 am
Apr 21, 2021 4:12 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The demon bats Hilmar's firebolt out of the air with his sword!

Naeris

Astroloma

Apr 21, 2021 6:18 am
Apr 21, 2021 6:18 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
With the demise of the stirge, Naeris puts the hunter's mark on the demon and, drawing her bow again, fires at them.
Last edited April 21, 2021 6:19 am

Rolls

Longbow attack - (1d20+5)

(19) + 5 = 24

Damage if a hit - (1d8+5)

(8) + 5 = 13

Damage from hunter's mark if a hit - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Apr 21, 2021 6:57 am
Apr 21, 2021 6:57 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa does not really pay attention to the running night blades, and just gives a quick glance at what the others are up to. He swirls his axe and hacks at Gardren again in his rage, determined to bring him down.

Rolls

Attack, damage - (1d20+5, 1d12+5)

1d20+5 : (19) + 5 = 24

1d12+5 : (9) + 5 = 14

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 21, 2021 8:17 pm
Apr 21, 2021 8:17 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Euphoria gets up, throws the whip away in disappointment, gets her shiny silvery-looking rapier out of its sheath and rushes toward Gardren's animated carcass, and, using her best swordsmanship techniques, vigorously pokes at the demon with the pointy end.

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+4)

(8) + 4 = 12

Damage - (1d8+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Apr 22, 2021 3:38 am
Apr 22, 2021 3:38 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Alfrey opts to keep his distance for the time being and calls down holy radiance again, hoping that Gardren will not be so nimble this time.

Rolls

Sacred Flame damage (if applicable) - (1d8)

(6) = 6

Len

Apr 23, 2021 4:14 am
Apr 23, 2021 4:14 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
in progress... Done!

Naeris's arrow flies true, striking the demon in the face. It lets out a horrid scream that you will remember to the end of your days. (19 damage!)

Kaa's whirling axe strikes the demon in the side with a force that would have killed any mortal man. (14 damage!) The torches in the room explode in a burst of flame.

But the demon is not deterred. It intercepts Euphoria's blade and hisses. Next it sidesteps Alfrey's holy flame, wisely avoiding the damning power of Bahamut.

The demon lashes out at Euphoria and one of his blades manages to slip through her defenses (5 damage).

Meanwhile, Ralavaz slips closer to the grave. (fails first death save).

ROUND 5

A) Naeris
A) Hilmar
A) Alfrey
A) Kaa
A) Euphoria
A) Ralavaz - dying, prone (0/1)

B) Gardren Reborn - AC: 15, 36 damage

https://otfbm.io/19x13/L7y-G/k7r-K/k8p-E/i10o-H/i6w-A/h7g-N/k6k-R?bg=https://i.imgur.com/vEteqFA.png
OOC:
All players are up! Finish him!

Rolls

wisdom save dc 13 - (1d20+2)

(17) + 2 = 19

Attack 1 - (1d20+5, 1d6+3)

1d20+5 : (17) + 5 = 22

1d6+3 : (2) + 3 = 5

Attack 2 - (1d20+5, 1d4+3)

1d20+5 : (8) + 5 = 13

1d4+3 : (4) + 3 = 7

Attack 3 - (1d20+5, 1d4+3)

1d20+5 : (3) + 5 = 8

1d4+3 : (4) + 3 = 7

ralavaz death save - (1d20)

(3) = 3

Naeris

Astroloma

Apr 23, 2021 9:29 am
Apr 23, 2021 9:29 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris is astonished that the body of Gardren still fights back. She's more determined to combat this terror.
OOC:
It looks like I forgot to mark inspiration on my character sheet. I can't find a roll since we got the inspiration where I used it so I'm using it here.
Last edited April 23, 2021 9:50 am

Rolls

Longbow attack - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Damage on a hit - (1d8+5)

(1) + 5 = 6

Damage from hunter's mark on a hit - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Longbow attack (reroll using inspiration) - (1d20+5)

(13) + 5 = 18

Astroloma

Apr 23, 2021 9:51 am
Apr 23, 2021 9:51 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Do I need to reroll damage since, otherwise, I knew what the damage would be?

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Apr 23, 2021 11:57 am
Apr 23, 2021 11:57 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa is also baffled that the demon is still flying, and not in the ways he would prefer.

"Piece of ifrit shit!" he curses at it while continuing his barrage on it.
OOC:
I think we are Supposed to say if we want to use inspiration before we see any rolls? Since it works the same way as advantage. 😅 Edit: I messed up with it when I used it as well.

Also, doesn't your archery fighting style give +2 to attack rolls? So you would have +7 to it, not like it matters since the reroll is high, just an off comment.

Edit 2: wow a critcal hit! How do we do that? Roll again for damage dice, double the one rolled, or max out the dice? I will roll a d12 for it, at worst it won't be needed.
Last edited April 23, 2021 12:03 pm

Rolls

Axing - (1d20+5, 1d12+5)

1d20+5 : (20) + 5 = 25

1d12+5 : (5) + 5 = 10

Critical hit! - (1d12)

(3) = 3

Len

Apr 23, 2021 1:27 pm
Apr 23, 2021 1:27 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
No need to reroll damage, and I am pretty sure you haven't used it yet.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 23, 2021 8:23 pm
Apr 23, 2021 8:23 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar runs to square L13 and fires his Firebolt cantrip again, desperately hoping it is more effective than the last one, which the demon effortlessly batted away with his sword.

Rolls

Firebolt - (1d20+5)

(17) + 5 = 22

Damage if it hits - (1d10)

(8) = 8

Astroloma

Apr 23, 2021 8:36 pm
Apr 23, 2021 8:36 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Pitrio says:
OOC:
I think we are Supposed to say if we want to use inspiration before we see any rolls? Since it works the same way as advantage. 😅 Edit: I messed up with it when I used it as well.

Also, doesn't your archery fighting style give +2 to attack rolls? So you would have +7 to it, not like it matters since the reroll is high, just an off comment.
OOC:

I'll look into inspiration.
Also, re fighting style - thanks, I'd forgotten about that.

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 23, 2021 8:50 pm
Apr 23, 2021 8:50 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Annoyed, Euphoria swings her rapier from side to side, considering repeating the attack. She doesn't blink, focused, her eyes fixed on the demon's face. She is sure he can deflect another attack of her piercing sword.
The tiefling lunges forward, her rapier in front of her, but at the very last moment she throws a dagger with her free hand, trying to surprise the demonic bandit chief.
OOC:
Aaand my first ever nat 20? Haha! Cool!
Last edited April 23, 2021 8:51 pm

Rolls

Attack (dagger) - (1d20+4)

(20) + 4 = 24

Damage (dagger, piercing) - (1d4+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

roll 1 - (1d4)

(3) = 3

roll 2 - (2d6)

(61) = 7

Len

Apr 23, 2021 8:56 pm
Apr 23, 2021 8:56 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Although technically the rules say you should use Inspiration before you roll the dice, I've said in this game you can use inspiration after you roll the dice. It makes it more valuable / powerful, but not overly powerful. This is pretty common house rule in play-by-post D&D.

As for crits, in 5e the rule is you reroll your damage dice and add that on to the first roll. This includes any dice added from rider effects like smites or sneak attacks. A lot of people house rules that too, because they prefer the way it works in older editions.

Len

Apr 23, 2021 8:59 pm
Apr 23, 2021 8:59 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Crits are flying left and right! Euphoria gets to add another 1d4 to your damage (the dagger's damage die), add 1d6 for sneak attack, and roll another 1d6 for the crit sneak attack! So, roll 1d4, 2d6 and add the resulting numbers to your first roll (a 3)

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 24, 2021 3:30 pm
Apr 24, 2021 3:30 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Alright, so the attack stays the same, 20+4=24.
The damage roll is 3 (1d4+2) + 3 (another 1d4) + 7 (1d6 sneak attack, twice) for a total of 13.
Did I get it right? Any way to make those calculations as a new roll?
Last edited April 24, 2021 3:31 pm

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Apr 24, 2021 5:44 pm
Apr 24, 2021 5:44 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Alfrey’s attention shifts from their adversary to the dying Ralavaz. He resolves to end this fight as soon as possible and summons all the magical power he can. Alfrey speaks the word of power necessary to bring Ralavaz back from the brink. He then performs the rite of blessing, granting Bahamut’s favor to his companions in their efforts.
OOC:
So that’s healing word cast on Ralavaz as a bonus action. Then Bless is cast on Euphoria, Kaa, and Naeris, so that will be 1d4 added to your attack rolls and saving throws for up to a minute — or until Alfrey loses concentration.

Len

Apr 26, 2021 3:54 am
Apr 26, 2021 3:54 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
OOC:
Wow, 43 damage is a single turn! Fantastic for a 2nd level party!
The team is moving in full concert now, playing each other's attacks to each others' advantage like a pack of wolves. Naeris hits it in the face with another arrow. As it roars in defiance, Kaa capitalizes on its distraction, plowing through it with his axe. Hilmar sends a firebolt into its open wound left by Kaa's mighty axe, exploding inside its body. Finally, Euphoria triumphantly skewers it on her rapier's point. Fire erupts from the demon's eyes, and it falls backward into the well. A swirling fire ignites at the bottom of the well and the hall fills with the smell of brimstone. The Nine Hells is welcoming its newest denizen.

Alfrey revives Ralavaz just as his brother's body is being sucked into hell. He crawls to the edge of the well and watches helplessly as the inescapable contract is fulfilled. His quest to save his brother ends in utter failure.
OOC:
Congrats! Gardren is defeated!

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 26, 2021 8:30 am
Apr 26, 2021 8:30 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Phew! Euphoria sits down on the cold floor, gets her breathing under control and just sits there for a moment, watching the well. She then touches her clothing, feels the blood on it, leaking from where the armor didn't save her.
CLACK, CLACK, CLACK, CLACK,- the tiefling's undoing the snaps on her leather chest piece, she then takes it off and pulls up her clothes to take a look at her wounds.
Last edited April 26, 2021 8:31 am

Naeris

Astroloma

Apr 26, 2021 9:48 am
Apr 26, 2021 9:48 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris shrinks back against the door as the fire erupts but, when it soon dies down, she bolts the door instead of escaping so that the party aren't disturbed before they can collect themselves. She glances at Alfrey and walks over to those standing at the well, asking with a shudder 'Is it gone?' Then she sees how distraught Ralavaz is.
Last edited April 26, 2021 9:52 am

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 26, 2021 10:10 pm
Apr 26, 2021 10:10 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar rushes over to where Night Blade 4 fell after being hit with his throwing knife. He was unable to do anything earlier as he had to concentrate his attentions on the demon. He finds that the man's body has gone. He was preoccupied with the demon and did not see that Alfrey had healed him, after which he fled. He feels relieved that he did not kill the Night Blade after all. He finds his throwing knife, cleans it and move over towards the others, peering into the well as he does so.
Last edited April 27, 2021 10:35 pm

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Apr 27, 2021 7:12 am
Apr 27, 2021 7:12 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Alfrey relaxes as the demon falls and the immediate danger leaves the room. "Yes, I think we did it.", he replies to Naeris, hazarding a small smile. Alfrey walks, still somewhat cautiously, to the edge of the well to take a peek at anything that might be left down there.

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Apr 27, 2021 11:40 am
Apr 27, 2021 11:40 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa looks at the demon dropping and then covers his face as the flame bursts up. He glances around quickly, surveying if there is any danger left, his whole posture is still alert and ready. He slowly calms his heavy breathing, and let's out the tensions from his limbs.

"Well damn." he lets out. "He is damned I guess." he turns to the revived Ralavaz. "Sorry, he came on quite hard and I would not have lasted much longer."

"You guys think the puppetry wore of from the rest of the bunch? That would save us a lot of effort to beat or disperse them." he scratches at his scabs left after Alfrey's healing, he is still aching a bit.

Naeris

Astroloma

Apr 27, 2021 10:36 pm
Apr 27, 2021 10:36 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
To Ralavaz she says "I'm sorry about your brother", only thinking of his death. We weren't gentle. It seemed a hard fight and we feared for our lives.
Pitrio says:

"Well damn." he lets out. "He is damned I guess." he turns to the revived Ralavaz. "Sorry, he came on quite hard and I would not have lasted much longer."
"I guess we really should have tried to save him." She looks ashamed. "But just stopping this band of thugs is more than I was expecting we could manage."
Last edited April 27, 2021 10:44 pm

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 27, 2021 10:50 pm
Apr 27, 2021 10:50 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
He levels his gaze at Ralavaz. "I am sorry we were unable to take him alive. I am sorry for your loss."

Looking to Kaa and the others he says, "Let's hope 'the puppetry' will have worn off from the rest of the Night Blades. I don't like the idea of having to fight those dwarves. I see Naeris has bolted the door. Maybe we should see what we can take from this room - and the well. Then try and get out as quickly as possible. If the Night Blades challenge us on our way out, we might be able to negotiate. If Kaa is right and the demonic magic is no longer a factor they might not feel so inclined to fight. A couple of them saw the demon before they fled and will probably have told the others. If they realise we vanquished the demon, then they may be reluctant to tangle with us."

Len

Apr 28, 2021 1:07 am
Apr 28, 2021 1:07 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Ralavaz looks sternly ahead. Through gritted teeth he says:

"I understand. His fate wasn't your fault, and his life wasn't your responsibility. It was mine."

A search of the room reveals nothing of value. Lowering a torch down the well, you can see that both Gardren and the other Night Blade's bodies are gone, probably consumed by the gate that pulled Gardren into the underworld.

No sound comes from the other side of the door the entire time.

Naeris

Astroloma

Apr 28, 2021 5:43 am
Apr 28, 2021 5:43 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris recovers one arrow - the demon took the others with it. She discards the night blade cloak and mask she was wearing and prepares to leave.

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 28, 2021 9:13 am
Apr 28, 2021 9:13 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
GLUG, GLUG, GLUG, GLUG,-that's the pink infernal drinking from her waterskin, the sound echoing through the large stone hall. She then spills some on her wounds, tears off a piece of her clothing, and makes a makeshift bandage.
Sorry for your brother,- Euphoria says through pain, tightening the bandaging around her ribcage. Shame that's how it ended.

She puts her armor back on, gets up, and adjusts all the straps and belts on her gear. Hilmar is right. We should take all we can and leave before we get into more trouble. All of us could use some rest...,- the tiefling glances at Ralavaz, still looking down a well, and adds: And alcohol.

Euphoria looks around the empty throne room. Doesn't look like we can find anything of value here though. Only stone and dust... However... Her eyes jump towards the well, one could almost see the sparkles behind her eyeballs, as her mind exploded in a mix of emotions, all of them overpowered by greed. There is one more place worth checking out...
The infernal takes a grappling hook out of her bag, quickly attaches the rope to it, and comes closer to the pit. What if the mask didn't disappear with the bodies? Chances aren't high, but I wanna know for sure. She attaches the hook to a large stone on the edge of the well, tugs on it a couple of times, and, satisfied with the result, carefully starts climbing down the well.
OOC:
I'm assuming an acrobatics skill check? I'm not sure, feel free to add a proper roll yourself if needed.
Last edited April 28, 2021 9:16 am

Rolls

Acrobatics (Expertise +6) - (1d20+6)

(4) + 6 = 10

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 28, 2021 11:54 pm
Apr 28, 2021 11:54 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar keeps an eye on the grappling hook and watches Euphoria descend into the hole. He is ready to provide covering fire with his cantrip or help pull her up, should either become necessary.

Len

Apr 29, 2021 5:01 am
Apr 29, 2021 5:01 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Ralavaz turns to Alfrey as Euphoria goes down the well.

"You're a man of Bahamut, yes? May I ask for your counsel? I pledged my oath to the Platinum One while in prison. Bahamut's teachings showed me that I needed to right my wrongs, so I came here looking to set things right. But I accomplished nothing. I failed to disband the Night Blades, and I failed to save my brother. How can I make amends?"

Alfrey recalls his vision that sent him on the path to Hope. Could Ralavaz be the one Bahamut spoke of?

"My son, there is another like you — a follower of mine, worshipping in solitude. Go to the town of Hope and find this person. Your destiny will meet you there."

Len

Apr 29, 2021 5:09 am
Apr 29, 2021 5:09 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Euphoria descends into the well, 60 feet down. You wave a torch around the bottom and see that it is dry as a bone, the sandstone badly fractured where bodies smash into it. The bodies do not remain, nor even a single drop of blood or scrap of cloth. You are about to leave when you see, out of the corner of your eye, a glint of gold. Something is lodged in a crack along the edge of the well's floor. Lo and behold, you pull out Gardren's golden mask. Your torch's fiery light dances with wild abandon in the reflections on its smooth surface, making the mask seem alive.

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

Apr 29, 2021 6:32 am
Apr 29, 2021 6:32 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Folks, I think I found it!,- the tiefling screams in childlike joy, looking up the long shaft, the throne hall looks like a small bright spot from down here. Still hearing her voice bouncing around the dark round walls, she gets her eyes back on the mask, observing the curvy reflection of her face. Something inside of her is drawn towards the thing, she hesitates for a moment, and slowly puts it on her face, trying it on.

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

Apr 29, 2021 6:40 am
Apr 29, 2021 6:40 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Despite the somber tone of Ralavaz’s question Alfrey’s face lights up with excitement. He faces the former bandit leader and grabs him by the shoulders, stopping just short of embracing the man. "So it was you, all this time! Our lord told me of you, and commanded me to seek you out in Hope! For years I thought I was the only human serving him, but now…" He trails off and averts his eyes as the joy on his face became tinged with an old pain finally coming to the surface. He takes a moment to compose himself, seemingly holding back tears. He continues "We can be certain Bahamut was watching us and guiding us from the beginning of this ordeal. He wanted us to meet for a reason. So pray, my brother, and he will show you the way. You may not have achieved your goal, but I believe our lord has grander plans for the both of us!" As his outpouring of emotion subsides, Alfrey’s demeanor becomes more more serious. "And as for your brother, it is not my place to judge him, but what I can say is that whatever power that fiend had over him extended only as far as his body. His soul is the same as it ever was, and that soul is now free."

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

Apr 29, 2021 10:16 pm
Apr 29, 2021 10:16 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Distracted by Alfrey's excitement at Ralavaz's words, Hilmar looks across and is astonished by what appears to have been a kind of miracle.

Then he hears the tiefling's excitement from the bottom of the well. He did not think the mask would be there, assuming it would have been taken down to the lower planes when the demon was vanquished. He has a bad feeling about the mask. He didn't articulate these thoughts earlier, having concluded that it had gone where the demon went. He looks down into the well and is filled with consternation on seeing Euphoria trying it on. "No! Take it off Euphoria! Be careful! At least let me try an identify spell on it before you try it out."

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

Apr 30, 2021 7:27 am
Apr 30, 2021 7:27 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa gathers the rest of his belongings from Alfrey and starts humming a tune about kings and mountains. He sat down at a wall lazily while the others gather themselves, although when Euphoria shouts about finding the mask he looks up with a surprised face and crawls to the pit to see it.

Len

May 1, 2021 10:40 pm
May 1, 2021 10:40 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Euphoria picks up the mask, tries it on. Nothing seems special about. She doesn't feel different or tingly or anything when she puts it on.

Len sent a note to Jusika

Len

May 1, 2021 10:44 pm
May 1, 2021 10:44 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Tears roll down Ralavaz's cheeks as he says to Alfrey: "There is no greater solace than that which you offer me now. Please, I pledge my life to Bahamut and his infinite justice. And I pledge myself as your man, brother Alfrey. Lead, and I shall follow."

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

May 2, 2021 2:25 am
May 2, 2021 2:25 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar anxiously peers down into the well. He is relieved that nothing bad seems to have happened to Euphoria, as far as he can tell.

His attention returns to Alfrey and Ralavaz, amazed by what he is witnessing.

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

May 2, 2021 6:09 am
May 2, 2021 6:09 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
That... Was disappointing,- the tiefling turns the mask around, and looks at its shiny surface from the front. Nothing else here, I'm coming up!,- she says loudly, making sure everyone hears her from down there. She then puts the mask in her bag and gets ready.

Euphoria has to jump to reach the rope, as it's just a bit shorter than the pit's depth. Her boots firmly press against the stone wall of the well as she walks up. When she is finally at the top, she struggles a bit to get herself out of it and to a horizontal surface, clearly worn off by the long day. The infernal lies down on her back to take a short rest, her eyes closed, and smiles. Can't wait till we get back to those hot springs,- she says, stretching her arms.

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

May 3, 2021 1:16 am
May 3, 2021 1:16 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Alfrey stops holding back and embraces his spiritual bother. "You honor me, truly. Praise Bahamut for bringing our paths together!" He lets go of Ralavaz, but the joy in his eyes remains. "One man worshiping on his own is just a mystic — a hermit, but two men worshipping together — that can be called a church. Think of it — a real church to The Platinum Dragon among humankind!"

Naeris

Astroloma

May 3, 2021 9:46 am
May 3, 2021 9:46 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris is anxious while these things are happening. Is there anything down the well?...is the mask dangerous and was it ever?...Should they find out what the other night blades are doing?...Will Euphoria be safe climbing out of the well?...Will Ralavaz be joining their party?...What will they find when they leave this place?

Who knows what will happen after today if the night blades are disbanded - or will some of the bandits remain a problem? Will Alfrey and Ralavaz cease adventuring? Will Ralavaz be accepted in town? What will the party do after this?

Experience tells her that focusing on the moment is best because there could still be dangers behind the exit door. She puts these thoughts aside and wonders that Euphoria can rest so peacefully at a time like this.
Last edited May 3, 2021 9:47 am

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

May 4, 2021 12:19 am
May 4, 2021 12:19 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"Let's get ready to leave as soon as possible," says Hilmar, moving towards the doors. He listens at the door for any noises. If there are no noises he will quietly slide back the slot in the door. He will stand back from this, in case any Night Blades are waiting to shove a sword through the aperture. Then he will peer out.
Last edited May 4, 2021 12:19 am

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

May 4, 2021 1:51 pm
May 4, 2021 1:51 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
As Hilmar's moving towards the door, Euphoria opens her eyes and gets up, quickly getting her posessions off the floor as well. She doesn't untie the grappling hook and just attaches the rope with it to her bag as is, throwing the mask inside the backpack as well. Ready here!,- she smiles as usual.

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

May 4, 2021 9:17 pm
May 4, 2021 9:17 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa gets on his feet and dusts himself off a bit, ready to go. "Let's see how the rest of the tower is, then food, bath and drinks?" he grins.

Len

May 7, 2021 6:02 am
May 7, 2021 6:02 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
The party emerges from the throne room, black cloaks discarded. You climb the stairs to see what fate befell the other Night Blades. In the stairway you find only severed rope remains where once you had tied up sleeping Night Blades. Their comrades must have freed them in during their flight from the throne room. You climb back to the surface, and the light streaming through the broken roof of the Lonely Tower feels heavenly on your face after tangling that demonic monstrosity, as if washing away some unseen taint.

It becomes clear that the remaining Night Blades have run off to the surrounding hills. The big green shambling mound is quiet as ever, shuffling around in its wide patch of strangleweed. It seems oblivious to your presence.

Ralavaz chats with Alfrey, happy to have something to distract himself from the horrors of just moments ago.

"I don't know if you noticed it, but there's a temple in Hope. Its that circular stone building, you seen it? The folks in town keep it clean and have ceremonies and such there, but they haven't had a spiritual leader for a long time. Maybe the town would be open to you taking over the place?"
OOC:
Is there anything else you'd like to do before returning to Hope?

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

May 7, 2021 5:53 pm
May 7, 2021 5:53 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
On the way out, Hilmar will quickly check down the tunnel that leads to the pit, where we came in and found Ralavaz, in order to see that the two Night Blades we tied up got out as well and are no longer tied up.
[ +- ] lenpelletier says
OOC:
Only ensure we pour the Yamamoto bottle over our boots and lower leggings to make sure we can get past the strangleweed!
Last edited May 7, 2021 5:59 pm

Naeris

Astroloma

May 8, 2021 7:02 am
May 8, 2021 7:02 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Once it's clear that the bandits are no longer around, Naeris says 'I guess they'll be back but there's not much we can do about it. I don't want to stay here any longer.'

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

May 8, 2021 8:36 am
May 8, 2021 8:36 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Pleased to have found a new comrade, Alfrey carries on his conversation with Ralavaz "It would certainly be an honor, if the town were to allow such a thing. It seems that the folk in Hope are not very… well… hopeful." He chuckles, noticing the irony in the statement. "At least not when it comes to the future of their town. It is a humble place, to be sure, but even a humble temple is more than I’ve ever had the honor of presiding over before. And who knows? Perhaps it could be the seed of something greater."

As the party makes their final preparations to leave the tower, it occurs to Alfrey to make another inquiry of Ralavaz. "Are you coming back into town with us? I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but the sheriff is looking for you. She seems to believe that you’ve gone back to your old ways. We will vouch for you, of course, but I can’t say for sure that there won’t be any trouble for you back there."

Naeris

Astroloma

May 9, 2021 1:33 am
May 9, 2021 1:33 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
'I've recently learned a way to talk to beasts' she tells the others 'so I'd like to try talking to our leafy friend over there.'

She ensures that they can head to the safety of the tower if it attacks, then casts 'Speak with Animals', forming the sounds and gestures that she's learnt.

She tries to get its attention: 'Hi there! Can you hear me?'

Len

May 9, 2021 3:07 am
May 9, 2021 3:07 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
To an outside observer, Naeris's attempts at communication sound like rustling leaves and creaking wood. The hulking creature responds:

"Hmm? What's this? A little one that knows the old language of wind and leaf? I thought your kind was gone forever."

The creature lumbers toward Naeris, the ground shaking as it walks.

Naeris

Astroloma

May 9, 2021 4:24 am
May 9, 2021 4:24 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris is exhilarated to be understood by the creature but not afraid of it.
‘I confess I don’t know this language except by magical means. I’m just a humble wood elf. I wanted to check that the folks living in this tower didn’t trouble or confine you when they were here.
Last edited May 9, 2021 4:25 am

Len

May 9, 2021 5:12 am
May 9, 2021 5:12 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
"The tower had folks in it, yes. They were not the best neighbors, truth be told..."

Now that you are closer, you see some scorch marks where the shambling mound was hit by flaming arrows.

"But you needn't worry about old Strangleberries. We came to an arrangement..."

Some vines reach out from the mass of vegetation and show where large chunks of the stone tower had been torn down.

"In my younger days I handled much bigger thorns than those little pricks! But I have lost the taste for flesh in my advanced age. Now I wish only to tend my garden."

"By the way, If you ever wish to learn it I would be interested in teaching you the language of wind and leaf."

Naeris

Astroloma

May 9, 2021 7:13 am
May 9, 2021 7:13 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
’You have a thriving garden here, though I think few other people would see it that way. I’m glad to hear that you’re doing well. I would love to learn the language of wind and leaf. I’ll come and visit you whenever I can.’

Naeris

Astroloma

May 9, 2021 9:47 pm
May 9, 2021 9:47 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Naeris remembers to be inclusive...
'As you probably saw, I'm not here alone. My companions should know that they needn't be afraid of you, though I don't know if they'll be coming this way again.'
OOC:
I'm referring to Strangleberries as 'they' here since flowering plants are often both genders.
She calls the others over in Common: 'Come and meet Strangleberries. They are friendly and mean you all no harm. You can talk to them if you like and I'll translate - they're quite intelligent - but no need to say anything if you don't want to.'

To Strangleberries she says 'We're quite a diverse bunch. I'm Naeris, an elf, and we are also three humans, a bugbear and a tiefling.' and she introduces them.
Last edited May 9, 2021 9:55 pm

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

May 10, 2021 3:22 am
May 10, 2021 3:22 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar looks up at the great shambling mound, relieved that - thanks to Naeris - it isn't hostile. He smiles towards the shambling mound and waves a hand in greeting. "Greetings Strangleberries. Hopefully, those 'neighbours' won't trouble you again," he says, given that Naeris has offered to translate, while her spell lasts.
Last edited May 10, 2021 11:23 pm

Euphoria

JusikaInactive forever!

May 10, 2021 1:00 pm
May 10, 2021 1:00 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Euphoria observes the magic dialogue attempt, intrigued but clearly a bit nervous, ready for a fight-or-flight response. She quietly sighs in relief when it becomes obvious Naeris succeeded.

Strangleberries?,- the infernal casually shows her teeth in a broad smile,- What a lovely name! Yes, tell them that, a lovely name! Euphoria waits for Naeris to communicate the message, all the while she smiles and nods, very glad they won't have to go through another fight today.
OOC:
I love they/them pronouns and use those on any occasion I can myself, especially in such situations or when telling a story where gender is irrelevant. :}
To clarify - they/them aren't my pronouns, I just enjoy using these. x)
Last edited May 10, 2021 1:01 pm

Alfrey Whiteheath

callanInactive for 1 months

May 11, 2021 9:52 am
May 11, 2021 9:52 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
When introduced to the creature (or is it a plant, he wonders), Alfrey bows awkwardly, unsure of what etiquette is expected of him.

Kaa

PitrioInactive forever!

May 11, 2021 8:52 pm
May 11, 2021 8:52 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Kaa is happy at getting introduced. "Well you are ever bigger than I am!" he pats it on the shoulder, or somewhere appropriate where he can reach.

"You would get along well with my mother, she likes gardens too! Not working it tho, always made us kids to it ... " he won't mind a little chit chat with an interesting fellow like that, since it is interesting, almost more interesting than a crazy masked man. But all in all, he won't keep up the group and will be happy to enjoy his well earned rest and leisure back in town.

Hilmar Tomenius

MikeInactive for 6 months

May 11, 2021 8:53 pm
May 11, 2021 8:53 pm
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Hilmar looks for any kind of trail through the strangleweed, or at least where he can put his feet so as as to avoid treading on Strangleberries' 'garden' plants. He will try to walk between plants, where possible as opposed to treading on them. He pours some liquid on his footwear from the Yamamoto farm bottle and help the rest of the party with it on their footwear.

He turns towards Strangleberries, smiles and waves farewell. He then faces in the direction of Hope and begins to walk carefully trying not to tread on their 'garden' plants.

Naeris

Astroloma

May 12, 2021 3:56 am
May 12, 2021 3:56 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
callan says:

As the party makes their final preparations to leave the tower, it occurs to Alfrey to make another inquiry of Ralavaz. "Are you coming back into town with us? I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but the sheriff is looking for you. She seems to believe that you’ve gone back to your old ways. We will vouch for you, of course, but I can’t say for sure that there won’t be any trouble for you back there."
OOC:
This conversation is either before or after talking with Strangleberries.
Perhaps Ralavaz could wait just out of town while we talk to the sheriff about what's happened. Then she'd be less inclined to arrest him and we'll know if it's safe for him to make himself known.
Last edited May 12, 2021 3:57 am

Len

May 12, 2021 4:40 am
May 12, 2021 4:40 am
Re: Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower
Strangleberries seems pleased to have made more friendly acquaintances than before. He tries to understand the difference between bugbears, humans, and tieflings, especially since the words for them are clumsy in their language. "I'm sure they are all very nice." they say. "Ooh, this one is a big little one!" he says about Kaa.

"Til we meet again, my new friends. I will guard this old tower so those meanies can't return."
Ralavaz is fine with waiting outside the edge of town.

"I've paid my dues for what I did for the town in the past, but I wouldn't blame them if they want nothing to do with me. Appreciate you putting in a good word, of course."
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