D&D 5th Edition - Dark Lands IC Thread

[eternaldarkness]

In the far east, beyond the forbidding Demonspine Mountains lies the land of Eden, said to be the source of all life and the place from which mortal races and monsters originally sprang. For the past two years a strange delirium has gripped all the lands west of Eden, and many people have been driven made by the dark dreams which urge those afflicted to travel east, seeking something they cannot name but know that they must acquire. At the same time, monsters have flowed out of this forbidding eastern land to ravage the other countries, seeming to spread a foul taint of madness in their wake that affects all living things and even warps the land itself. Noone knows what causes this terrifying curse, and even the gods have ceased to speak to their faithful, but everyone knows that the answer to this curse lies in Eden, and so like many others you have been drawn to that land, braving the dangers of the monster-infested lands along the way and crossing the Demonspines to reach the bed of life. Now you have arrived in the forest-shrouded town of Antioch, where a few other brave travelers, and the usual residents of the forest town, have gathered. You know that you cannot go back west, for there is only chaos and death to be found there, and now as you sit in Engla's Hearth, the towns sole tavern with other sullen wanderers drawn by the curse, you must decide: What will you do next?

As always, Englas Hearth was busy. Being the more popular of the towns two taverns and the one most welcoming to adventurers and other non-locals, it did a brisk business, and today the proprietor - an older human woman and a retired adventurer herself, Engla was behind the bar, serving patrons their drinks and looking worried whilst her bouncer and assistant, a huge and rather handsome half-orc named Aengus sat on a barstool, trying to cheer her up.

"He'll turn up before long, Engla. August knows his way around th' forest better'n anyone. He's probably just gone t' brood like he always does, or more likely knowin' him he's found himself an elf maid an' isnae in a hurry t' come back anytime soon."

That did nothing to improve the old adventurers mood. Engla's son had gone into the duskwood three days ago to see why the nearby elven village had gone silent, and had yet to return, nor had any of the elves been seen since - not that anyone dared walked the forests. It took everyone in town being on a constant vigil to keep the old adventurer from going to look for her son herself, and everyone who set foot in her tavern was immediately asked if they'd seen him.

A bard is playing, and the low murmur of conversation fills the room while the drink flows. make your entrances, pc's

[LuciferOs]

Lady Enna Siannodel

Enna was used to the luxurys of being born noble and although her horse, Nina, was well trained and behaved beautifully it didn't stop the pains of being new to riding dominating her mind. Enna was thankful to be stopping at last and so did her horse Nina. After giving the stable boy some coppers to take care of Nina, Enna stretched and admired the sky.

"Mitlophen swella" The high elf muttered. A elvish comment that roughly translated to "long journeys rest", before walking to a well nearby and refilling her water skins. Meanwhile Nina was ushered into the stables where she immediately drank deeply from the water trough. Minutes later, on entering the tavern, the elf mage looked around carefully. Other adventurers mainly, who have noticed the changes and were not happy to sit back and let others fathom its mysteries.

"Olleyah Rembreth" Enna murmured, meaning Im not alone

Enna needed allies, her elven background did provide her with skills with the sword at her hip as well as with the bow but that was nothing compared to a proper armored warrior and companions. Most of her spells were support spells, specialized in helping strange circumstances life through ones way, not war. And whatever strange forces were lurking in Eden, Enna felt it would require everything a group could manage, perhaps that wasn't enough, but then fate was like that.

The mage placed yet a few more coppers on the bar, and nodded her head towards Engla when she was finished attending other customers

"For any Fruit-drink you have for a parched throat my good patron" The elf nodded to her coins.

"I couldn't help but overhear your missing someone called August. If you can tell me what he looks like and where you best think he is, I may have cause to inquire after him, loosing close ones is something that hasn't happened to me yet, but I do want to help those who find destiny has dealt them such harsh cards. If you can provide me with a map it would help your chances, a good map of these parts would be highly useful, and would be payment enough for my help. Give me a chance to find others willing to join me and you may get your wish. "

[Stephie613]

“I can’t believe you just did that! AGAIN!” a human male said as he ran down the street slightly behind a cloaked figure that seemed to be beating her own path as she ran down alleyways and dodged in and out of darkness muttering “nope” as she passed each new door. Finally, she rounded the corner and spotted the tavern, exclaiming a loud “Yes!” to her partner before settling down to a normal pace as she headed toward the door. “Of course I did it again” she finally replied once she was halfway through the doorway, “He was unfortunate looking.” The man, who was actually winded, placed his hands on his knees just inside the doorway, gasping out his sentence to her as she looked around. “Unfortunate looking? He’s rich, Dessa. It doesn’t matter if he looks like the backside of a hobgoblin with those earrings he was trying to give you.” The girl, who was much shorter than he huffed, throwing the hood of her cloak back as she plopped down at a table and ordered them both a drink. “Do I look like I need earrings that big? I only would have need of them if I actually courted him. One would need earrings that big to stifle the sound of his mindless prattle. Every single time he opened his mouth, I wanted to stuff one of my socks in there to make the atrocious sound stop!”

The human tried to hold back a grin, feigning upset. “I suppose it’s for the better. I thought your cousin was going to blow a gasket that your father sent yet another man to try and win your finicky heart.” She clapped a tattooed hand over her heart, dramatically acting wounded. “Faeron, you wound my heart! Finicky? Me?  Hardly. I just have standards unlike many women in this place.”

With a glance around the room, the girl’s eyes fell on those talking at the bar and she took a moment’s pause. “You know, they’re going to come looking for you, and I don’t want to be here when they do.” The man called Faeron said. Interrupting her thoughts. She gave him what could only be described as a dismissal wave, “Fine, go home then. That way you can honestly say you are not with me. I’ll see you tomorrow. I think I may stay in the inn tonight.” She then grinned, “I wonder how long it will take that baffoon to realize that I’m not in the bathroom.” Faeron shrugged, “My guess would be a longer time than it will take Darius. Farewell, Dessa.” He then stood and made his way back to the door, looking back and her and shaking his head in exasperation before making his way back onto the street.

All things considered the half-elf that was left sitting alone at the table looked fairly common save for the sizable signet ring on her finger. Long white hair was tied up in a messy bun at the base of her neck, and a bit of dirt was present on the back of her wrists. She looked almost as if she were trying to impersonate nobility in a way, but the way she carried herself even without meaning to said otherwise. With a wave to a server she ordered a drink, sitting back in her chair with a satisfied grin and muttered to herself. “I’ll get married when I’m dead.”

[eternaldarkness]

Engla was just opening her mouth again to start in on Aengus yet again in giving the many reasons why both she and every able-bodied person in the town should be out looking for her missing son, when Enna made her offer and the aging tavernkeeper looked her over, frowning slightly "See? Someone at least is willing to go and look after my baby boy." the worry was plain in her voice.

Aengus groaned at that. "August isnae a baby, Engla. He's a man of nearly twenty-five years, an' he knows how t' handle himself. But if ye insist on talkin' people intae goin' out there, m' gonna tag along an' make sure nobody else gets killed tryin' tae calm yer worries."

About then was when Iryadessa came in with her sidekick, and Engla shook her head at the two, managing to smile a little at them even as upset and worried as she was.

"Dezzy, if you keep up the way you're going you may well get your wish, and I bet you won't like it as much as you think. It's like my mother used to tell me - there's plenty of things worse than being single, but nothing worse than being lonely. Choose a nice young man and quit fighting happiness, you silly girl. Goodness knows you've got your pick of them. And let me just say, it won't break my heart if you happen to fall for my hardheaded son."

And that got her worried about the missing August all over again. "Speaking of...have you seen August out in your wanderings, Dezzy? Or maybe one of the elves from the village who might have caught sight of him?"

[Stephie613]

She grimaced and stood, taking both the drink she had ordered for Faeron, and the one she was drinking herself and heading to the bar, leaning over it and kissing the old adventurer's cheek before settling herself on a stool. "Posh, Auntie. I will never be lonely. I will always have you and your fine drink to keep me company. It has neither a penis to annoy me with or a tongue to wag." She took another sip and then cocked her head to the side, "Is he still courting what's her face? If he's still with that crazy biddy then I'm sure the only trouble he's in is tied to her bed in the enclave." She giggled for a moment, "But no, I haven't seen him in a time, then again, I've been sequestered a lot lately for my last disappearing act."

Placing the drink on the bar, she reached out and took the woman's hand, who despite very different lineage, she considered more of an Aunt than those with her own blood, "We'll find him. Worry not though, I'm sure he's fine. I'll go with Aengus and the lady to look for him. I'm telling you though, don't expect me to drag him back if he's somewhere blissfully happy."

[RubySlippers]

Emma Moon comes in her ma gone with the last caravan, well they had a couple whores so one more wasn't bad to add on, and they were heading to join an army and now she is thinking she should have left and not stayed in this place. Business has been slow she isn't opposed to thieving but won't steal seriously from locals, the caravan travel is down so can't rob them and the mountain men are not due down for a few months. So is not in the best shape with coin.

Walking in she peace bonds her sword and most of locals know their pouches are safe not the new people, whom she is eying over to see who might be worth lifting the purse of then seeing the bouncer nods she won't do so in here, but outside they are fair game, and no one will stay here forever in the building.

Sitting down she moves her Lyre-guitar around and is by the elven woman and takes in the news then speaks to the bartender. I would like a local ale, and some food a chunk of beef rib and whatever the soup is with some bread and an apple cut up. I need to find some money damned trade route is sealing up tighter than a scared virgins quim. Bad for my purse. But don't worry I'll be a good girl.

She strums her instrument an elven instrumental piece not knowing the language kind of quietly not to offend the performing bard not thinking likely with the elven woman there its just natural to play it.

[Kuroshu]

Two human men walk down from the eastern road. One dressed like a soldier and the other in an adventurer's clothes.
"Sir are you sure?" the soldier asked.
"Of course," He placed his hand on the soldier's shoulder, "take care of things while I'm away."
"Yes sir." The Soldier lowers his head and turns back east.
Left alone in front of the tavern the adventurer makes his way inside. Opening the doors was greeted with laugher and merriment of some patrions. He spots an empty stool and sits on it. He says does nothing but watched the tavern with a smile on his face.

[eternaldarkness]

Engla smiled at Emma when she came in, and had a tall, foaming mug of ale set on the bar before she even reached it. "Good eve, Emma. Is your mother safely away on the caravan?"

And then someone Engla didn't recognize - a human man she knew was Shou instantly by his dress and mannerisms, and a shou military officer at that - entered her tavern and sat at the bar, and as always she greeted the newcomer warmly "Welcome to Antioch. You are a long way from home indeed, samurai."

Aengus nodded his agreement with her from his own barstool "We dinnae see many of yer kind in these parts, an' i'm guessin' if ye've come here ye have nae a lord. Lord Darius, the ruler'a this land, would probably hire ye t' do knights work."

[Kuroshu]

Shu bowed his head, "Indeed I am, if what you call the land I was given birth to my home," he takes out a small letter and stares at it for a moment, "But home to me is with the people who served me and my family."
Tucking away the letter he looks at man who told him of the Lord, "I will not swear my blade to him, He has yet proven himself. I however will take the work if it is just."

[RubySlippers]

"Might this Lord need a scoundrels work I'm loyal as long as the reward is good and the risk acceptable, and it would get me out of this dump of an inn.," Emma said smiling with a wink at the owner her orcish teeth showing a bit.

"Anyway while your being all honorable in any fighting I won't we could make a nice team if in the same mercenary band, this fired from behind at close range can be most effective.," she takes out an unloaded hand crossbow pretending to shoot it not at anyone then returns to her meal when it arrives.

Her table manners have a lot to be desired as she tears her sharp teeth into a beef rib after paying her coin with a girlish snort well half-orcs might appreciate her more than a human at that.

[BlueBeetle]

Quietly, a tall, hooded man stepped into the tavern. His robes hung over him, cloaking a body covered hand and foot with cloth wrappings. His face was covered in a dark shade beneath his hood, the only features peering from within being his glowing red eyes and the bridge of a blood-red nose. Slowly, quietly, he stepped forward, ignoring the chatter of those around him, distinctly aware of the eyes that followed him, the people scowling at him from the corners of the room, the way some patrons stooped closer to their bowls of stew, as if he were interested in stealing from them.

At the counter, the stranger gently placed a gold coin down, whispering oddly that he'd like a flagon of ale and a hot bowl of stew to be taken outdoors. "If you'd be so kind."

[LuciferOs]

Lady Enna Siannodel

Lady Enna wasn't used to be ignored, but it seemed the barkeeper was occupied with juggling many things, and this half-elf with strange symbols over her body was familiar to the barkeeper, it made sense she would be the center of focus, especially if Engla was hoping she would marry her missing son.

If Enna couldn't get her hands on a map, the only option left was explicit directions, or someone with her that knew the local area. The mage noticed a few more entering the tavern and was quietly impressed. There was more than enough would be heros to take on a search for a missing person.

Enna waited until the banter died down and then approached the patron again, Engla, apparently.

"Mss Engla, I am sorry I didn't introduce myself properly. Im Lady Enna Siannodel of Larona" The elf said in perfect common while flashing her signet ring, accompanied with a curtsy. Perhaps the patron would recognize the Larona symbol from its well known apothecary exports.

"I feel that many are here are itching for an opportunity to change matters for the better, and maybe company also after the long journeys many seem to have had to find themselves here. Perhaps if you make a public announcement about your missing son, and offer what you can in exchange for help, a group would rally, we all have our prices, but what you can offer, no matter how humble, may be good enough. I certainly would join the effort and many others are better than I"

[Kuroshu]

"Would I then expect you to do the same if we are not in the same band?" He asked the orc, "with out honor words would be as useless as paper with no writing on it."

He watches the orc eat, and a small grin formed followed by a short chuckle. His expression however changed quickly at the mention of a missing son. "Where was this boy last seen or heading?" He asked, already preparing to depart.

[BlueBeetle]

The robed man watched carefully as an elf woman approached the bar, speaking in loud, clear tones. Eyeing the signet ring on her finger carefully, he fingered the gold coin on the table cautiously. Her manner was something wholly foreign to him, and he immediately took an interest in the figure, not because he thought she was anything impressive--despite the smell of magic on her--but because he couldn't fathom why any stranger would want to flaunt her identity or status in such a place as this. He seemed to retreat into his hood even further, casting a doubtful glance about the place.

[RubySlippers]

"I'm a quarter orc my papa is a mountain man knows lots of elves and other folk, my mama was a whore who he kept a winter and became habit she came back with me growing in her belly. (belch) That's why I'm so pretty. As for killing someone I do business with I don't shit where I sleep that is why the good folks here that live in the village don't mind me I won't steal anything valuable or hurt them without cause, they don't give me cause. Even if the pay is good. (chomp, rip, chew, belch). You are likely higher born than me but how many battles or wars were ended by a blade in the dark not armies or bands of heroes just one scoundrel with guts to go for it. Your lands must have scoundrels they are everywhere.," she says.

She drinks some ale.

"But if not together and I was ordered to gut you, I would do it, likely when you were not in armor and near a weapons being asleep preferable to you awake, your likely good at fighting fair, so take your advantage away but fighting as unfair as possible in fact elven folk don't defend their homes fair. In fact the more unfair the fight on my side the better. Let me ask if you had a choice as a commander if you could fire arrows from strong cover or charge out with blades and fight in close combat, which would you do if the former has the far less risk to your men and women? I would use the archers. So is a scoundrel with a short sword killing the commander of the enemy preventing either of those not the best option risking one life over say a hundred.," Emma asked she has a brain in her head after all.

[Kuroshu]

"If one kill can solve the issue then I would have challenged them to a fight, the army of who ever falls will surrender." He answered, "Giving that warrior a warriors death is how I will honor him. Both of our methods only take one life yet one can be said as honorable while the other not." He fixes his luggage, "And excuse my previous reaction to your manner of eating. It's just that," he paused for a moment to watch her again, "you are not afraid to be your self with out care that it's refreshing to see." He bows his head slightly, "I do mean that as a compliment."

[Stephie613]

Looking the ones that gathered at the bar around the upset Engla, Dessa was growing rather bored rather quickly. They all seemed like adventurers that she had seen many of before passing through, and she figured they would be gone at tops by a year's end so she doubted she would be making many friends tonight in this group. Instead of making a big deal out of it though, she simply sat quietly, sipped and listened. She had to give the lady from Lerona some props though, she was rightr, everyone did have a price. Dessa's price was just the happiness of her adopted auntie and cousin along with a strong mug of drink. She may not have looked like it from a first glance, but Dessa had money and the ability to get nearly anything she desired.

None of that mattered right now though, someone that she was fairly close to was missing. 

Finally finishing her drink, she started on the second one before her that had been ordered for her friend and looked over the others for a longer time before letting her gaze wander over Aengus. He was pretty handsome for an orc, and freakin' huge to boot, she decided then that he could definitely stay in her tent anytime he wanted to but she never would be able to promise him actual sleep. That thought amused her enough for her to grin to herself as she looked around at the others one by one, truthfully she wouldn't kick any of them out of bed either, but that simply wasn't polite conversation to tell them in public either.

[eternaldarkness]

Engla's mind was quite made up "Well then, all there's left to do is get out there and find my August! he was supposed to be going to the elves' village just a few miles into the duskwood, near the Garden of Nessine, but he isn't back yet. I don't have much to offer as a reward, though.." the woman frowned, and Aengus piped up "reward or nae, i'll go an' look for august, darlin'. Won't get any peace 'til I do anyhow."

And with that, the gigantic half-orc went behind the bar and reached under, rattling around for a moment before coming back from behind it with a concave, circular steel shield and a few javelins, along with a leather harness that he strapped them into..

"I'm goin' now, it'll be easier t' move quiet in th' dark. Anyone's comin' along, i'm not fer waitin'."

The sun was setting outside, for all that it mattered in the gloom-shrouded Antioch.

[Kuroshu]

"Of course," He picks up his bags, "I need no reward, your gratitude is enough." He bows his head then makes his way out of the tavern to wait for the half orc and who ever decides to come.

While waiting he Whistles loudly, a short distance from the tavern two horses pulling a wagon trots towards the Tavern.

[LuciferOs]

Lady Enna Siannodel

"That's the spirit Engla !" The high elf sighed "Ask and you shall recieve ! Well sometimes anyway"

"I will definitely help too"

A human wearing leather armor and two scimitars seemed to pipe up at the request also, he moved like a swordsman and was whistling, a good sign. Something active to do admist the dispair of growing unease.

Enna immediately went to her horse, mounted it then looked about for Aengus and the leather-clad swordsman, The elf's darkvison helped at night, keeping up with them on a horseback should be easy. The half-orc didn't ask questions, seemed to know what this August looked like, and where the location was. Following him sounded like the best plan.

"Sorry for the short rest Nina" the elf patted the side of her Horses neck once they were in motion "I will promise to get you apples at the next opportunity"

[Stephie613]

She sighed, downing the last bit of her drink before standing.
"We'll be back soon, Auntie. Oh, and if Darius comes looking for me? I wasn't here and I definitely am not going on an adventure. Tell him I...went across the border to catch a fish or something" she said with a grin before heading toward the door.

Once outside, she looked around. She hadn't ridden her horse here and there wasn't exactly time to go get it either. "Well, this should be an adventure" she said to no one in particular before heading into the shadow of an alleyway nearby and waiting for the perfect moment.

[Kuroshu]

He hops onto the wagon and takes the reins and looks at the Half Elf, "If you need a ride I have some room," He points at the back of the wagon, "i don't mind." He smiles at the elf and waits for an answer.

[RubySlippers]

Emma looks at the tavern mistress and says plainly ,"I don't work for free, I know your not wealthy I'll go for a really awesome meal, hot bath and a room. I'm good and have ample skills I might be of use. Deal lady?"

Its the local deal she is not a complete bitch but can't just work for free it would be to her - offensive.

[eternaldarkness]

Engla smiled at Emma "It's not like I charge anyone much anyhow, hah. Now you kids be careful, and please find my august. "

And then their expedition was cut short as a cry rose up outside "To arms! To arms! The town is under attack! man the walls!"

[RubySlippers]

"What the hell is going on now!," Emma says and thankfully always is armed and has her leathers on but is no warrior. Still its HER HOME and no one attacks HER HOME but her.

"We have terms lady, I'll take that earlier smile as a yes. Now we have killing to do.," she heads out to see what is going on and whether she may need to run or not. She gets her pack on just in case.

[Kuroshu]

"A battle before we leave," He hops out of the wagon, "a good as time as any to gauge how we do fighting together."

Shu unsheaths his swords and runs off to the sound of the cry.

[LuciferOs]

On hearing the strange battle cry,  Lady Enna frowned. This wasn't good, towns raided didn't last long or do that well as a general rule, castles and cities being sieged was different, small villages ? They didn't often have anything to repel a force. That needed infrastructure.

Still not everything was over yet.

The mage casts "Mage armor" then "shield" on herself before urging her horse towards the call to arms.

[eternaldarkness]

Out in the streets of Antioch, people were running to and fro, drawing weapons and donning armor, whilst the town's militia - which consisted of most of its permanent citizenry - made for their posts. The town had two gates : the mountain gate which was on a direct path from the pass leading through the Demonspines, and the Dusk Gate on its eastern end that opened onto a quarter-mile of open field before passing Steiner Manor, the home of lord Darius the silver mines to the north and the silver mines to the north, with the Duskwood directly east. It was the latter where all the commotion seemed to be coming from. But the group leaving englas didn't have a chance to see any of that, as another cry went up and the sounds of battle filled the streets to the north, and a group of five fleeing militiamen came into sight at the end of the street, clearly in retreat, and a moment later a pair of man-sized monsters with thick red skin studded with spines and clawed hands and feet, and a single huge eye in the center of their heads come into view, and levels its gaze on one of the retreating militiamen, the unfortunate man dying instantly as his body seems to implode messily, his arms and armor clattering to the ground.

"They're through the gates!"

DC 13 Intelligence (Arcana) check to identify the monsters.  The creatures are 70 feet away from the front door of Engla's Hearth, the four remaining militiamen are 40 feet away. this street is 30 feet wide, and there are side-alleys you can duck into as well as barrels and a wagon filled with horse dung 15 feet ahead that would make excellent cover. Also, everyone roll initiative.

[Kuroshu]

Initiative: 2
Intelligence Check: 18

"Well now," He laughs nervously, "those two have faces only their mothers can love."
Shu Immediately slipped into an alleyway, he calms himself for a moment to recall what monster the two he saw are.

[Stephie613]

Arcana: 6
Initiative: 15

Dessi had been just about ready to turn into a bird of some sort when all manner of hell broke loose and people were fleeing monsters. She had no idea what type, but now wasn't exactly the time to consider it too closely either. She had to think fast, and skin and teeth turned to fur and fangs as she took her wild shape, that of a dire wolf with fur as white as the snows and her prominent bright red eyes showing true. She then lept out into the fray, it was definitely time to attack anything that moved that wasn't a comrade.

[eternaldarkness]

The large-eyed creatures leveled their deadly gazes on the militiamen, but do not adfvance any further. They are fighting intelligently, that much is clear.

Aengus readied his weapon and shield, staying out on the main street in front of the tavern and moving up behind the dung cart, wincing as he saw the militiaman - likely someone he knew - slain horribly and instantly. Feel free to post your actions out of turn, and we can resolve them in order, with changes made as-necessary. I'll update initiatives as we get them and resolve the round when everyone's acted.

"I dinnae know what these things are, but i'm tae be knowin' a gaze attack when I see it!"

Arcana: 11
Init: 6

Inits
Nothics 19  Nothic 1: HP 20/45 Nothic 2: HP 25/45
Militia 16
Dessi 15
Emma 11
Aengus 6
Shu 2

Combat Status: Aengus is 15 feet from the tavern entrance taking cover behind the dung cart. Desi moved up 20 ft and is now 50 ft. away from the Nothics. Shu ducked into the alley across from the tavern and made his check to identify the monsters. The nothics are using their deadly gaze on two of the militiamen, one of whom seems unaffected and the other is almost at death's door as her flesh is withered by the second nothic's gaze (she took 10 damage out of her 11 hp), but she fires her crossbow despite the pain and hits one of the nothics (dealing 6 damage) and the militiamen all back up 30 feet and prepare to reload and fire again. Thankfully, the creatures had already taken some damage before this.

Arcana 13+: These are creatures that in your land are called ahriman, but in these lands are better known as Nothics. They are Aberrations created from the souls and corpses of evil spellcasters and magical beings or summoned forth from extraplanar locations such as the Far Realm by magic or sometimes odd celestial convergences. They are extremely dangerous, especially their flesh-rotting gaze which can slay a man near-instantly. It is best to engage them at a distance if possible; their gazes have a range of about 30 feet, and keeping your distance also keeps you out of range of their claws.

[RubySlippers]

ROLLS

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

Roll Result: DianeK rolled: 1d20, adding 4 to the total
Comment: Intelligence Arcana
Result: 13,
Total: 17

Roll Result: DianeK rolled: 1d20, adding 2 to the total
Comment: Initiative
Result: 9,
Total: 11

Roll Result: DianeK rolled: 1d20, adding 4 to the total
Comment: Stealth
Result: 2,
Total: 6

Emma will bravely skulk down an alley, and work her way around the creatures using all the cover she can, and pace herself, taking a decent amount of time to get into position. Keeping her hand on her Short Sword.

GM EYES ONLY

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

As in will wish to avoid the actual fight, if she can will be rolling Stealth each round to try to not be notice while looking like she is just being a sneaky scoundrel. With luck she can get a shot on one critter when its almost dead and if they are winning can retreat to "help secure an escape route".

[eternaldarkness]

Inits
Nothics 19  Nothic 1: HP 20/45 Nothic 2: HP 25/45
Militia 16
Dessi 15
Emma 11
Aengus 6
Shu 2

Combat Status: Aengus is 15 feet from the tavern entrance taking cover behind the dung cart. Desi moved up 20 ft and is now 50 ft. away from the Nothics. Shu ducked into the alley across from the tavern and made his check to identify the monsters. The nothics are using their deadly gaze on two of the militiamen, one of whom seems unaffected and the other is almost at death's door as her flesh is withered by the second nothic's gaze (she took 10 damage out of her 11 hp), but she fires her crossbow despite the pain and hits one of the nothics (dealing 6 damage) and the militiamen all back up 30 feet and prepare to reload and fire again. Thankfully, the creatures had already taken some damage before this. Emma made her way through the alleys opposite the one Kuro had ducked into, circling around to get behind the nothics (who failed their perception rolls badly thanks to disadvantage from her having tons of cover and them being distracted). Emma will, however, need two whole rounds (this one and second) to get into position.

[LuciferOs]

Lady Enna Siannodel

rolls

Initiative
Comment: initiative
Result: 12, +
Total: 12
+ dex 2 = 14

Arcana Check
Comment: arcana
Result: 7,
Total: 7
+ 6 Arcana = 13

Intelligence Check
Comment: intelligence
Result: 1,
Total: 1
+ int bonus = 5

Comment: dc
Result: 15,
Total: 15
Base spell dc (Im not sure what I add to this )

When Enna sees the monsters and the milita with ranged weapons she instinctively casts the main combat spell she knows.
Web. She will try and position the web so it only effects the monsters allowing all the militia and adventurous freedom.
Hopefully this gives the militia more time to retreat and reload. Before ending their miserable lives.

[eternaldarkness]

End of Round 1 Combat Status: Aengus is 15 feet from the tavern entrance taking cover behind the dung cart. Desi moved up 20 ft and is now 50 ft. away from the Nothics. Shu ducked into the alley across from the tavern and made his check to identify the monsters. The nothics are using their deadly gaze on two of the militiamen, one of whom seems unaffected and the other is almost at death's door as her flesh is withered by the second nothic's gaze (she took 10 damage out of her 11 hp), but she fires her crossbow despite the pain and hits one of the nothics (dealing 6 damage) and the militiamen all back up 30 feet and prepare to reload and fire again. Thankfully, the creatures had already taken some damage before this. Emma made her way through the alleys opposite the one Kuro had ducked into, circling around to get behind the nothics (who failed their perception rolls badly thanks to disadvantage from her having tons of cover and them being distracted). Emma will, however, need two whole rounds (this one and second) to get into position. Enna casts her Web spell from afar, snaring the uninjured Nothic whilst the one that had been struck by a militiaman was caught fast in the field of sticky webbing and unable to get free.

Round 2: Nothics are up, followed by the Militia.
The Nothic that had been webbed struggled against its bonds, but its efforts were futile as it could not escape the webbing and its enemies were too far away to be affected by its deadly gaze. The other, slightly injured nothic saw that it was severely outnumbered, and decided discretion was the better part of valor, running toward the nearby alley - the same one Emma was using to circle around behind it and its companion. It had barely gotten to the alley entryway when the militiamen fired another volley of crossbow bolts at it, three of them scoring solid hits that nearly put it down (13 damage).

Dessi is up, followed by Enna again.


Inits
Nothics 19  Nothic 1: HP 7/45 Nothic 2: HP 25/45 (Webbed)
Militia 16
Dessi 15
Enna 14
Emma 11
Aengus 6
Shu 2

[Stephie613]

Dessi looked around thought quickly, trying to determine her best course of action. The decision was made in a split second, the huge direwolf bounding to the non-webbed creature as she snarled and her massive jaws lunged out as she came sliding to a stop behind it  in the alleyway and she bit hard, shaking her head to and fro after she'd gotten her jowls hold of it. Only to slip on something that was in the alleyway as she missed completely.

(Missed.)

[LuciferOs]

On seeing one entangled thoroughly Enna smiled. That's how the spell should work.
She then maneuvers her horse to follow the fleeing monster and when in sight of the creature notices that a huge wolf of some-kind is trying its luck with the horrid creature.

In as quick succession as possible, casts firebolt followed by an icebolt.

Rolls

Comment: dc1
Result: 3,
Total: 3
spell dc (not sure what I add to this ? My intelligence bonus ?)

Comment: dc2
Result: 17,
Total: 17
spell dc (not sure what I add to this ? My intelligence bonus ?)

Spell damage 1d3
Comment: firebolt
Result: 3,
Total: 3

Spell damage 1d3
Comment: icebolt
Result: 1,
Total: 1

[Kuroshu]

Shu takes his bow out and notches and arrow on to the string. He leans out of the corner as he pulls the arrow back.  He aims for the healthier looking Nothic, he figured that the rouge can take care of it herself.

Rolls

Roll Result: Shujin rolled: 1d20
Comment: Bow Hit
Result: 17,
Total: 17

Roll Result: Shujin rolled: 1d8
Comment: Superiority Die
Result: 4,
Total: 4

Roll Result: Shujin rolled: 1d8, adding 4 to the total
Comment: Bow Damage + Distracting Strike
Result: 4,
Total: 8

He lets his arrow loose, (Hit)it hits the healthy looking Nothic on the knee. (Miss) the arrow flyby the Nothic's head.

(Doesn't have to be the knee, I just thought it'd be funny if it did hit there)

[RubySlippers]

Sneaking and will try to hide better.

As she heroically moves to a good position, even if it takes longer, as she covers the sneaky spots for threats. Well someone has to guard the shrubbery.

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

Roll Result: DianeK rolled: 1d20, adding 4 to the total
Comment: Stealth
Result: 4,
Total: 8
*kicks dice roller*  :-\

[eternaldarkness]

Enna's firebolt slammed into the webbed nothic and scorched its large central eye as Aengus charged into melee with the webbed nothic, face to face with the horriffic creature. "they're almost downed! Dinnae let up on 'em!"

End of round 1:
Aengus: Dash Action to close to melee with the webbed nothic.
Nothic 1: Attack Dessi with ts claws for 7 and 13 vs AC. Damage 6 per hit.
Nothic 2: Str save to escape webs. Failed.

Round 2:
The nothic trapped in Ennas webs struggled again to escape, but it was still held fast, whilst the second took an arrow from Shu's bow and swiped at the dire wolf-shaped Dessi, failing to score a solid hit thanks to the thick fur and tough hide of her dire wolf form then screeched in pain as it took an arrow to the knee, ending any hopes it might ever have of being an adventurer as it fell dead, whilst the militiamen fired a volley of crossbow bolts at the webbed nothic, only one of them scoring a solid hit that thumped into the creature.

Dessi is up, followed by Enna again.


Inits
Nothics 19  Nothic 1: HP /045(DEAD) Nothic 2: HP 17/45 (Webbed)
Militia 16
Dessi 15
Enna 14
Emma 11
Aengus 6
Shu 2

[Stephie613]

Dessi thought quickly before taking a running leap toward the gnothic that was webbed. She knew that she could easily get tangled if she wasn't careful, and that was something she definitely didn't need in direwolf form, web in her fur. She leapt into the air, biting at it's head as she jumped over it before landing on the other side on her feet.

Rolls

17 to hit

13 damage

[LuciferOs]

Enna's firebolt seemed to work the last time she tried it, not a powerful spell but then again combat was not what her magic was for mainly.

It was the lowest level spell she had but if it worked, there was a place for it.

Enna casts firebolt again at the same creature.
----- OOC -----
Roll Result: LuciferOs rolled: 1d20
Comment: firebolt dc
Result: 17,
Total: 17 + 4 (int) + 2 (profficency bonus) = 23

Roll Result: LuciferOs rolled: 1d3
Comment: firebolt damage
Result: 2,
Total: 2

I really need more oomphy combat spells doing 2 damage is pathetic.
Firebolt is mainly to camp light fires.
----- ----- -----

[eternaldarkness]

Aengus slams his hammer into the webbed nothic as Enna's firebolt scorches it, but still the creature won't fall. Then the battle ends abruptly as the already-gloomy day becomes darker still, and coming from the direction of the gate, you see a most curious sight - a masked humanoid figure in an elegant dress, with dozens of snake-headed tentacles sticking out from beneath it, writhing in the air around her..or him..it was hard to tell.

This humanoid being speaks with an oddly androgynous voice that seems to carry across the twon, echoing in everyones' ears.

"Who are these pathetic mortals that oppose me and kill my servants?"

Initiative ended unless someone attacks again.

[LuciferOs]

Lady Enna Siannodel

The mage's attention abruptly turned to the new enigmatic figure that appeared. Snakes from its dress ? what ? It talked too, and in common which was helpful. The servants of his or hers were powerful creatures indeed, especially due to what their gaze could do and were tough, taking them down needed the entire militia, if more could come things were doomed.

The only way to overcome the problem seemed to lie in this overlord changing their orders.

"I am lady Enna Siannodel, but I speak for myself. We are but humble residents and visitors of this village, we seek only what most people do ! Hope for the future, interest in what is elsewhere, and to further what situation we may find ourselves in. Your servants assaulted this village, it was not us that lay siege to lands elsewhere. What deaths have already occurred would mainly be due to your servants attacking innocents or those employed to protect this village ! Who YOU are and what YOU want, if you command them is much more to the topic ! I beg you call off your assault and resolve this peacefully ! "

[Kuroshu]

"It is only common courtesy to introduce one's self before asking another." He keeps his arrow notched and ready to draw, as he peaks from the corner of the alley.