|
Post by Greyling on Dec 12, 2021 9:41:51 GMT -5
Looking down at the hole again, the hin scratches his head. "How to..."
He lets out a heavy sigh, "how did I allow myself to agree to this job."
Heading back out into the swamp, he looks for a rock, or heavy log.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 14, 2021 18:09:45 GMT -5
Rocks are harder to come by than heavy logs. However, most of the wood in the swamps comes from old trees that have fallen and rotted where they lay. After a while you do manage to find two new bug bites, a sizable rock and a sturdy enough branch that should suit your purposes. You return to the snake head, and descend down the hole once more without incident.
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Dec 15, 2021 14:55:03 GMT -5
He pulls the sizable rock five feet from the vertical hole. Then secures his makeshift rope around the rock, and his hempen rope to the other end of the makeshift. Leaving the ropes coiled up beside the hole.
Placing the old dead branch at the edge, Venos tries lighting it with his torch before rolling it over the edge.
Sheathing his sword, puts out his torch and starts slowly climbing down.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 15, 2021 21:47:39 GMT -5
You gather your supplies and light the stick on fire. Kicking it off the edge you watch it spin and rotate down the shaft. It descends over a hundred feet before suddenly blinking out casting the depths back into darkness. You take your torch in your teeth and begin climbing down the long shaft.
After a long climb your light begins to reflect back off of the slightly shimmery surface of water below. The shaft opens up about ten feet above the water, and the room extends about thirty feet in every direction before ending in a wall. The above water corners are rounded toward the chute opening. In each of the cardinal directions there is a ten foot wide tunnel extending off into darkness.
You find yourself at the literal end of your rope, suspended just outside the chamber itself. About fifteen feet below you the water still ripples slightly from the stick you kicked over the edge. What now?
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Dec 16, 2021 22:16:36 GMT -5
After examining the room walls for hand or footholds, and seeing none, Venos considered his course of action. He could return to the guild and claim they were dead? No. If they were somehow alive and returned, some guild members might take offense. He was new, and best not to burn bridges that were still being built.
The water was ten feet below him. More than three times his height. He wasn't going to be able to jump out of the water to grab it. Maybe with the humans' help, but for all he knew they were drowned at the bottom of that water. He needed more supplies, or another way down.
Venos started climbing back up. He'd return with supplies.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 17, 2021 17:33:56 GMT -5
The climb up is a lot worse than the climb down was. By the time you pull yourself over the side of the upper lip your arms are aching. You also notice that the rock that has been supporting your weight has slid almost a foot closer to the chute. Good thing you climbed back up when you did, it definitely would not have supported the weight of a Human, let alone four.
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Dec 18, 2021 16:38:01 GMT -5
Venos smiles and rests against the rock, now only 4 feet from the chute. Taking a moment to reflect on the good fortune Tymora continued to bestow. When his arms quiet their aching, he'll pull up the rope and coils it beside the rock.
Stepping out of the snake cave, he smears fresh mud over himself to avoid some new bug bites. Then starts his trek back to town to grab a few more supplies.
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 20, 2021 6:59:17 GMT -5
Hauling up a hundred feet of rope is arduous after such a climb. You actually wrap the rope around the rock a couple times to give your arms a break. With your preparations settled, you head out of the snake shaped cave.
About halfway back to the city you hear the sounds of combat ahead. What do you do?
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Dec 20, 2021 12:31:55 GMT -5
Pausing for a moment, he pulls out his crossbow. Taking the time to pull back the string, and load a bolt. As he starts moving again, loaded light crossbow in one, he unsheathed his short sword in the other. Venos switches to stealth mode as he moves forward toward the sounds of combat.
((Mechanics: Stealth-trained 26[=18+8] Perception-untrained 14[=12+2] ))
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 20, 2021 14:11:33 GMT -5
The sounds of combat are easy to follow, and before long you find yourself crouched behind a fallen log. Ahead of you about thirty feet you are a squad of four green and orange striped lizard folk surrounded by a half dozen brown scaled lizard folk with shields marked with a black scale. They also have several scales on their body that are painted black. From what you can see the first group has clearly been attacked by the second group.
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Dec 22, 2021 13:11:06 GMT -5
Black scales, Venos recalls the guard from town mentioning them, and to avoid them. The smart move would be to just go,... but sometimes better to roll the dice. Steadying the crossbow against his other forearm, Venos aims at the back of one of the Black Scaled Lizardfolk and squeezes the trigger.
((Mechanic: Crossbow sneak attack 14[=8+6] 15[=9+6] 2nd roll from advantage
Damage 10[=8+2] ))
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 27, 2021 14:42:31 GMT -5
The Black Scales have the other Lizard Folk surrounded. Each of the other Lizard Folk is being attacked by a Black Scale, and one of them is being attacked by three. The fighting is savage, with heavy clubs and spiked shields on one side and javelins and biting on the other. You line up your shot against one of the three fighting one and take a steadying breath. Your bolt flies true, striking the creature between the shoulder blades. He staggers forward only to be impaled by the outnumbered Lizard Folk. Blows are exchanged and two Lizard Folk are wavering on their clawed feet after the initial assault, one from either side. The one you shot happens to be the worst off on the Black Scale's side.
You're up! (Init: You, Black Scales, Not Black Scales)
Game Mechanics: Black Scales HP: 14/22 17/22 19/22 <22/22 22/22 5/22> Not Black Scales HP: 18/22 22/22 14/22 3/22
Black Scale Attacks (Heavy Club): 6+4=10 8+4=12 13+4=17 <5/7+4=11 12/18+4=22 8/19+4=23> Black Scale Damage (Heavy Club): Miss Miss 1+2=3 <Miss 3+2=5 2+2=4> Black Scale Attacks (Spiked Shield): 19+4=23 1+4=5 16+4=20 <11/5+4=15 1/8+4=12 8/17+4=21> Black Scale Damage (Spiked Shield): 2+2=4 Nat 1! 3+2=5 <5+2=7 Miss 1+2=3>
Not Black Scales Attacks (Javelin): 15+4=19 14+4=18 10+4=14 15+4=19 Not Black Scales Damage (Javelin): 6+2=8 3+2=5 Miss 5+2=7
Not Black Scales Attacks (Bite): 1+4=5 10+4=14 18+4=22 1+4=5 Not Black Scales Damage (Bite): Nat 1! Miss 1+2=3 Nat 1!
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Jan 4, 2022 12:04:30 GMT -5
Smiling when his bolt struck true. Of course, he was a little short sighted to not have his hand free to load another bolt. He shrugged, choosing to make use of the dagger. He moves 10 feet closer, and throws the dagger at the black scaled lizardman.
__________ Game mechanics: Dagger, ranged vs same lizardfolk 18[=12+6]
Damage 12[=2+4+6]
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 4, 2022 18:44:58 GMT -5
Your dagger flies true, striking the creature in the throat while he tries to bash the other Lizardfolk senseless. The badly wounded Lizard Folk is now only being double teamed, instead of having three versus one. Unfortunately, two versus one severely wounded creature is still more than enough, and though one misses the other smashes him with a heavy club. Both Black Scales move off to attack the next closest one slamming it between their spiked shields. As they pull back to ready their next attacks the second one collapses to the ground. The side you're fighting for rallies well despite their losses, stabbing and biting as if their lives depend on it. Likely because their lives definitely do depend on their success here.
From what you can tell, the Black Scales are aware of your existence but are more focused on killing their kin right now.
Game Mechanics: Black Scales HP: 2/22 5/22 19/22 22/22 22/22 Down/22-Pass Not Black Scales HP: 10/22 14/22 Down/22-Stable Down/22-Fail
Black Scale Attacks (Heavy Club): 14+4=18 18+4=22 6+4=10 <9/6+4=13 12/9+4=16> Black Scale Damage (Heavy Club): 3+2=5 6+2=8 Miss <Miss 2+2=4>
Black Scale Attacks (Spiked Shield): 11+4=15 6+4=10 16+4=20 15/9+4=19 5/6+4=10 Black Scale Damage (Spiked Shield): 1+2=3 Miss <6+2=8 4+2=6 Miss>
Not Black Scales Attacks (Javelin): 20+4=24 19+4=23 Not Black Scales Damage (Javelin): 6+4+2=12 2+2=4
Not Black Scales Attacks (Bite): 5+4=9 19+4=23 Not Black Scales Damage (Bite): Miss 5+3=8
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Jan 4, 2022 23:14:04 GMT -5
Continuing to wager on the long odds, Venos unsheathed his rapier. Moving closer to the grossly outnumbering group of four. Whispering to his goddess, "Tymora, please tip the dice in our favour." He lunged in an attempt to impale a savage brute. _______ ((Mechanics: Rapier, melee sneak attack 16[=10+6] Damage 14[=4+4+6]))
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 5, 2022 8:08:14 GMT -5
Your blade sinks deep into one of the creatures as it moves to assault one of the two remaining Lizard Folk. It hisses in pain, and rounds on you. The creature is almost seven feet tall, well muscled and covered in thick scales. The heavy club it's wielding is almost the size of you, and if you were to stand behind his shield you would disappear. It growls out something you don't understand, but from his body language and tone it sounds threatening. Then he swings his heavy club in your direction, but it goes well over your head. Clearly he's used to fighting larger enemies. He stabs the sharpened edge of his shield down at you, but again you easily step aside. His attacks are so clearly telegraphed that he leaves himself open to a counterattack.
(You can use your reaction to make an opportunity attack. Two Nat 1's. Seriously.)
The last remaining Lizard Folk hisses out a battle cry and throws himself into his enemies. Stabbing one through the eye and ripping out the throat of another with his teeth. The creature stands there covered in the blood of his enemies, wavering on his feet from the wounds he has suffered. One of his previously dropped companions is stirred by this display of ferocity and staggers to his feet.
Game Mechanics: Black Scales HP: Down-Pass/22 Down-Pass/22 (5/22 Vs You) 12/22 22/22 Down/22-Pass, Pass Not Black Scales HP: 1/22 Down-Pass/22 Down/22-Stable 1/22 (Nat 20ed back into the fight!)
Black Scale Attacks (Heavy Club): 13+4=17 <8/18+4=22 (1+4=5 @you) 19/6+4=23 8/13+4=17> Black Scale Damage (Heavy Club): 3+2=5 <5+2=7 (Nat 1!) 4+2=6 3+2=5>
Black Scale Attacks (Spiked Shield): <4+4=8 16/15+4=20 (1+4=5) 15/20+4=24 4/10+4=14> Black Scale Damage (Spiked Shield): <Miss 1+2=3 (Nat 1!) 3+1+2=6 Miss>
Not Black Scales Attacks (Javelin): 13+4=17 12/12+4=16 Not Black Scales Damage (Javelin): 6+2=8 1+2=3
Not Black Scales Attacks (Bite): 18+4=22 13/2+4=17 Not Black Scales Damage (Bite): 6+2=8 5+2=7
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Jan 5, 2022 11:37:21 GMT -5
Seizing the opportunity that their rage left open, Venos stabs his rapier at exposed creature.
__________ ((Mechanics: Rapier, melee 22[=16+6] Damage 9[=5+4] +3 if sneak attack still applies
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Jan 5, 2022 21:55:22 GMT -5
Pulling his rapier out as much as helping the body fall off of it, Venos turns to face the two remaining Black Scale Lizardfolk with the two remaining green scaled. Their chances were still unsure, but Lady Luck had given them a fighting chance. He danced the blade from side to side a bit, to give more the appearance of being confident on the outcome. Then lunged at the next Black Scale.
__________ ((Mechanics: Rapier, melee 15[=9+6] Damage 9[=5+4]))
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 6, 2022 7:37:49 GMT -5
Your blade sinks into the creature that left himself exposed. At first there is tough resistance, and then your blade glides through the softer organs and flesh. You rip your blade free as the creature collapses, a perfectly seized opportunity. Your wounded enemy whirls, slamming his club into the shoulder of one creature and stabbing his shield into the recently recovered Lizard Folk. Both collapse from their wounds, leaving you standing alone surrounded by Lizard Folk bodies, and two enemy Black Scales. The healthy creature bares it's teeth at you, approaching slowly to savour your fear before attacking. He spins stabbing his shield at you and you roll to the side. In the middle of your roll he pivoted to bring his club down across your back. It was only a glancing blow, but any blow at this point is a problem.
Game Mechanics: Black Scales HP: 12/22 22/22
Black Scale Attacks (Heavy Club): 13+4=17 (16+4=20) Black Scale Damage (Heavy Club): 6+2=8 (1+2=3)
Black Scale Attacks (Spiked Shield): 18+4=22 (10+4=14) Black Scale Damage (Spiked Shield): 4+2=6 Miss
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Jan 6, 2022 12:25:30 GMT -5
Venos smirks back at the savage's bared teeth. Years at the gambling tables, not to mention the hin race's natural trait of bravery. The smirk takes a dash of grimace when the club hits.
He could feel his heart pounding. It had been a while since he had bet such high stacks. Knowing he'd likely need to shift his position whenever he could to try to keep one enemy between him and the second. He continued his attack.
__________ Mechanics: HP 6/9
[Rapier, melee 23[=17+6] Damage 10[=6+4]
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 6, 2022 15:13:11 GMT -5
You circle to the best of your ability, then double back to stab the wounded one once again. As you circle they circle too, trying to get themselves into a flanking position, which you barely manage to avoid. As your blade slams into the creatures gut, it shoves you backward with it’s spiked shield.
Things are not looking good for Venos.
Game Mechanics: Black Scales HP: 2/22 22/22 Your HP 3/9
Black Scale Attacks (Heavy Club): 9+4=13 10+4=14 Black Scale Damage (Heavy Club): Miss miss
Black Scale Attacks (Spiked Shield): 13+4=17 10+4=14 Black Scale Damage (Spiked Shield): 1+2=3 Miss
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Jan 6, 2022 18:42:32 GMT -5
Shifting again, he wonders if maybe he'd pushed his lucky too far this time. No good deed goes unpunished. An old contact used to say that from time to time. Refocusing, he pushes his attacks. Stabbing at the injured beastie.
__________ Mechanics: HP 3/9
Rapier, melee 7[=1+6] *using the halfling lucky trait 16[=10+6] Damage 5[=1+4]
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 7, 2022 7:32:45 GMT -5
You dodge to the side and stab the wounded creature. He looks at you stunned for a moment before falling forward toward you. You hop back to buy yourself some space, and stumble on a submerged rock. You land on the muddy ground, and your momentum slides you out of reach of the heavy club that slams into the ground right between your legs. Sensing his victory at hand the Lizard Folk strides forward and stumbles over that same rock. To avoid pitching forward on his face he jams his shield into the ground, and as he stands back up the shield remains half submerged in the mud.
Game Mechanics: Black Scales HP: 22/22 Your HP 3/9
Black Scale Attacks (Heavy Club): 1 (Nat!)+4=5 Black Scale Damage (Heavy Club): (Nat 1)
(I swear Tymora is buying you time to get away from this fight. I rolled on my critical fail table and got roll twice. First roll, loose your next attack. Second roll, disarm.)
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Jan 7, 2022 21:50:36 GMT -5
Aa he stands, Venos grimaces. He'd have bruises from the hits he sustained already. Keeping the last remaining Black Scale in sight, the hin uses his peripheral vision to scout he could use to block the savage's visibility. He'd only need a moment to hide from him. Maybe he could even have the creature hunt for him in the wrong direction.
__________ Mechanics: Perception 17[=15+2]
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 8, 2022 10:13:33 GMT -5
There is a sizable bog to one side. A gnarled tree surrounded by a bushy thicket of thorns to the other. Ahead is a fallen log that’s been hallowed out by the passage of time and the work of bugs. Behind the path you took to get here, mostly open spaces back that way. Suddenly a blue skinned woman gestures, and a swirling glob of swamp water floats up and engulfs the Lizard Folk's head. You know they can hold their breath for a long time, so this won't stop it from attacking. She runs toward you and the Lizard Folk, quarterstaff in hand ready to attack.
This creatures attacks are looming, what are you doing with this turn?
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Jan 15, 2022 12:41:26 GMT -5
A trained opportunist, the Hin takes what has been given. The tree seems large enough to provide sufficient cover, and once out of the savage's vision he could skillfully remain hidden. Venos dashes for the gnarled tree.
__________ Mechanics: Venos HP 3/9 15[=7+8]
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 16, 2022 4:52:27 GMT -5
You take the creatures moment of distraction to disengage from combat. Darting behind the obscuring thorn bushes you scan for a spot to actually hide. There is a small hallow in the bush, but to get there you would have to crawl through the thorns. Otherwise, you’re obscured as long as your enemy doesn’t circle the tree.
As you disengaged from combat, you saw the blue skinned woman charge into combat. This should give you your opportunity to strike weak points.
The Black Scale swings his heavy club, but with the water around his face the blue skinned woman parries easily. He thrusts his shield forward, and she side steps the blow easily enough.
(If you’re hiding, I’ll need a dex save.)
Black Scale Heavy Club 8+4=12 Black Scale Spiked Shield 4+4=8
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Jan 16, 2022 10:00:37 GMT -5
A sigh escapes him. He had considered that he might have to hide within the thorns, though had hoped he was wrong. Before he fully made the decision, the sounds of combat draws his attention. Poking his head out just enough to see a blue skinned woman now in combat with the savage Black Scale.
Shoulders slouching for a moment, "Just when I thought I was put,..." He let's out a heavy groan. Cursing that tiny heroic part of him that was already pulling him back into the battle. One day it'd be the death of him. He just hopes that wasn't today.
Rounding the tree once again, Venos charged at the Black Scale.
__________ Mechanics: HP 3/9
Rapier, melee 16[=10+6] Damage 11[=6+4+1] sneak attack
|
|
|
Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 16, 2022 13:33:28 GMT -5
The blue woman slams her staff across the creatures scales again. It hisses at her, swinging it’s heavy club into her thigh with a smack. Her leg buckles, but you don’t think it’s broken. Not so light on her feet after that hit, she fails to dodge to the side fast enough to avoid the shield bash that follows. The impacts leave her dazed, and barely standing. That’s when you make your move, dodging in and stabbing the Black Scale in the back.
The three of you stand there swaying in place, barely able to stand.
Black Scale Heavy Club Attack 17/17+4=21
Black Scale Heavy Club Damage 4+2=6
Black Scale Spiked Shield Attack 18/15+4=19
Black Scale Spiked Shield Damage 1+2=3
Black Scale HP 3/22
|
|
|
Post by Greyling on Jan 16, 2022 14:14:37 GMT -5
A thought occurs, if she drops there will be no distraction next time. All in for sure this time. Venos continues the attack. Stabbing at the beast.
__________ Mechanics: Rapier, melee 26[=20+6] Damage 7[=2+4+1]
|
|