HotDQ - Marpenoth 23, 1489 DR

This time Cyanwrath was more prepared for the Paladin's attack and easily sidesteps it. This time he counter strikes, making two swipes with his Great Sword. The first one landing, almost knocking the wind out of Bartholomew, the second glancing of the Paladin's shield.

"That’s more like it" offers the paladin. He does not add ‘Sah’ as he has no respect at all for this creature. He responds with a prayer to Bahamut to deliver a thunderous smite on this creature. (Ooc: bonus action).

BOOOM

A loud clap of thunder is heard as Bart strikes at Langdedrosa. The blade hitting the half-dragon's arm, causing him to stumble back 10' feet and fall to the ground. A cheer erupts from those watching atop the keep.

Now with his pride bruised, along with his body, Langdedrosa climbs back to his feet and charges at Bartholomew with a roar and fury as he unleashes a surge of attacks.

The swiftness in which Langdedrosa moves catches Bartholomew off guard as the first strike catches him and causes a nasty wound to open up in the Dragonborn's side. Bart is able to parry and dodge the other attacks. Breathing heavily and bleeding badly now, our hero is looking rough.

Bartholomew is now shocked at the abilities of this creature. That flurry of blows was like what his master used to use. This time it seems there is nothing Bahamut can do about it. He mutters a quick prayer of thanks to Bahamut for his support and attacks once more, hoping to send a message to the village and his companions that no matter what the odds, never give up.

Bloodied and battered, Bartholomew proudly counterattacks and slips through Cyanwrath's defenses, thrusting his sword and causing blood to emerge from beneath his armor. Now injured himself, Langdedrosa swings his Great sword two more times...

The first strike connects and Bartholomew's eyes roll back in his head as he slumps motionless to the ground, the second swing catching only air.

Breathing heavily, Langdedrosa takes a few steps back now and motions for the kobolds to release the prisoners, who immediately run towards the keep.

Thank you Greenest, its been a pleasure. With that the last of the raiders retreat en masse from the town into the darkness, marching away toward the southeast.

Immediately rushing out, Bertram and his brother Oliver stabilize and heal Bartholomew, bringing him back from the brink of death.
(+11 Hit points)

Once back on his feet Governor Nighthill approaches Bartholomew, Thank you son, you saved those peoples lives at risk of your own. Its not much but please take these as a personal thank you. The Governor hands Bartholomew Two (2) potions of Healing.

The sun will be up soon and we will need to morn our losses, bury our dead. You and your friends, come find me after you have rested. There are many questions that will need to be answered. For now though, you've more than earned a breather.

The Governor walks off and begins talking with Escobert and other town leaders on the task of picking up the pieces of what is left.

Bartholomew thanks Nighthill for the potions. "Don’t thanks me, thank Bahamut, Sah. You and Greenest are most welcome. This whole episode is very puzzling. What exactly were their intentions here?"

Even after some of his wounds being healed Bartholomew is still wounded so lays hands on himself. "I really must rest. It has been a long day, Sah."

He seeks out his comrades. "I need to sleep..." He turns to Harold. ...and you need to turn yourself in to Governor Nighthill like we agreed."

He heads off to find somewhere to rest.

Actaeon stands up, and walks over to the Dragonborn, Bart! Holomew.. he clears his throat, and stretches out his hand, You did a fine job, Sah. I would be honored if you were to join me in pursuing this cult- I have business to finish with them, and I need a strong ally.

Harold says, That was a badass fight, Sir Bart! Glad you survived. He then finds a nice collection of hay somewhere, lies in it, and sleeps.

At Actaeon’s comment Bartholomew shakes his hand as offered. "I would be honored, Sah. The events of today shall not be ignored. Although I know little about you, I think we can become staunch allies in this battle against this inexplicable evil."

Actaeon smiles, then sighs, Let's get some rest yeah? I'm exhausted.

The Ranger will be taking a nice long rest.

Kel finds a quiet place and attempts to get a complete (long) rest, to recover his spells.

You all receive the effects of a long rest. Your level of exhaustion is removed Hit points/spells and other abilities restored. You however only restore a max of 1 of your used Hit die.

As a side note...moving forward I'm going to apply a level of exhaustion for anyone that has to make a death saving throw...you will receive 1 level of exhaustion for each incident in which you go unconcious and are required to roll at least 1 death saving throw. This will make getting knocked unconcious have a little more impact in the game. If we find that it becomes to have too much of an impact on the game I will consider removing the home brew rule. For now we will be testing it out...I'm going to be applying it to all games I'm running for the foreseeable future.

You all stir shortly before midday. The town is full of activity as people are cleaning up from the raid. Word reaches you that over 500 people were killed in the raid. Sadness and despair is a common sight.

What do you do?

Harold typically is not one to succumb to the authority of a hard ass like Bart, but due to his display of heroics the precious night, he walks himself quickly to the governor and explains the situation about slitting the throat of the sleeping cultist. His voice reveals no remorse or qualm.

Depending on what that man decides, he will (hopefully) go and replenish his arrows again, get some provisions, and then approach the group again to determine how they will pursue these assholes to exact revenge for their mass carnage.

Bartholomew rises, grateful for the rest. He walks the village as the sun rises, and helps people where he can. If something heavy needs lifting or moving he will assist, if someone is crying he will give them a hug, if something is damaged he’ll try to repair it. He asks around for the location of a temple or church, preferably dedicated to Bahamut.