Chapter 3: The Darklake

is it ok if we talk about a strategy for this real quick?

dm is there any way I can increase my defense by focusing mainly on shield blocking? Like instead of taking my action to attack I take it to prepare to block.

Yes, you can take the Dodge action instead of attacking. It makes all attacks against you be at disadvantage.

The way I'm going to work this is that you all aren't in the vortex YET. You've been pulled 10 feet toward it. Anyone tending to poles and tiller (max 5) will be able to partake in a group Athletics check. If the check succeeds, you can change your speed by up to 30 feet per round in any direction. Currently you are moving toward the vortex at 40' per round. So if you were to want to come to a full stop and then head backwards, you'd need 2 rounds of successful checks. Alternatively, you can change your movement and position to shoot at an angle and try to outrun the vortex. Right now, that's also 2 rounds of successful checks from where you are now. You have Francis, Eldreth, Shuushar, Georges, and Stool that could fill all boat positions if you wanted to focus on the troll. Or you could move people like Stool and Francis (who are physically weaker) into combat and have you heavier hitters STR wise onto the poles to better succeed. Your choice.

ok if like to try that unless anyone has a better idea.so for my turn I will move in front of the beast and action dodge with bonus action buff ac with +2 on myself.... fee action I'll say I bet you can hit me you dumb troll.

a little upset with myself that I dropped the taunt from my spell list right now but I'll just try to antagonize them into fighting me.

I was gone say Dustin that I could just as easily give you the ac buff and you can solo the troll and I will focus on getting the boat out of the vortex. It's up to you.

I dont have the health to stand up to the troll. I am much better tag teaming with a melee combatant.

There's not really anywhere to move him to on the boat. Ignoring the names in the image below, the red area is where the troll is. The white spaces are the only areas it could conceivably stand in. Now, you could try getting him to shift the 5 feet, but it's not like you have a ton of space to work in. Remember also, this creature has fins on both legs and arms and appears to have gills. ;)

As for your plan, since I don't think you have a potion belt or anything like that, it'd be an action to find your potion and a free action to consume it (so you'd have to forgo your dodge for one round to find the potion, and then you can freely drink and try manhandling him or something of that nature).