Siryuu

Interested, please let me know the details. Thanks!

Cool, if the others want to play, I'm up!

Hey there! As this game comes to a close, I want to express my gratitude for the dedication and effort invested in our collective journey. I've relished the opportunity to immerse myself in D&D and explore its depths, and for that, I am thankful. Delving into the world of PBP gaming has been a rewarding venture too, the shared moments of triumph made for an unforgettable adventure and helped craft friendship. Reflecting on our journey, it's clear that the recent slowdown stemmed from the module’s systemic issues, particularly evident within the gnome's cave; the stark contrast in complexity posed unforeseen challenges… sensory impairments, wild magic, indifferent NPCs and whatnot; the abrupt shift in atmosphere may have contributed to the struggle. Moving forward, I intend to delve deeper into the mechanics of this system, armed with newfound insights gleaned from our experiences. Should I find myself running the essential kit, I will be better equipped to navigate potential pitfalls. In offering feedback, I would suggest fostering proactive communication amongst players. Not only does this aid in clarifying rules and mitigating misunderstandings, but it also fosters collaboration and camaraderie, enriching the overall gaming experience. If feasible, I kindly request keeping the thread accessible for consultation purposes. I foresee the need to revisit my character template in the future, and having continued access to it would greatly facilitate any future endeavors or reference needs. Your consideration in this matter would be greatly appreciated. Once again, thanks for your investment throughout this adventure. Though our journey together may be ending, the memories forged and lessons learned will endure.

Sounds about right! Changing topics, Happy Easter to those that celebrate it. Cheers!

Sviga lævi - Vala Hel | ᚢᚨᛚᚨ∶ᚺᛖᛚ ᚺᛖᛚ - Paladin II (Vengeance) "" AC (18) Initiative (+2) Speed (30 ft.) HP (22/22) PP (9) LH (10/10) Status: Normal Saves & Abilities Vala Saving throws: Str (3) Dex (-1) Con (2) Int (-1) Wis (1) Cha (5). Unarmed attack: 1d20+5, (4). Abilities: Divine sense, divine smite, dueling fighting style (+2 to damage), lay on hands, spell-casting (DC 15) or (+7), spell-casting focus (decade/valknut). Mule & Cart Saving throws: AC (10) HP (11) Str (2) Dex (0) Con (1) Int (-4) Wis (0) Cha (-3). Attack (hooves): 1d20+2, (1d4+2). Abilities: Speed (40 ft. | 4.5 mph | 7.2 kph) Capacity (300 lbs. + 1900 lbs.) In the dim-lit labyrinthine corridors of the dungeon, as the clamor of battle echoed off the cold stone walls, Vala, the stalwart paladin, found herself at a crossroads. With a determined glance back at her comrades, she realized her duty lay in clearing a path for their escape. Yet, before she could enact her plan, a sudden surge of primal energy burst forth as Katya, the enigmatic shapeshifter, transformed into a towering bear and charged headlong at the gnome and his menacing turret. Vala's heart swelled with admiration for her companion's fearless charge. In that pivotal moment, she knew that to abandon Katya was to abandon a valiant ally. With a resolute nod at Makaria, Vala forged a new path —one of unwavering sorority. "No one is left behind!" she roared, her voice a thunderous declaration that reverberated through the dungeon's depths. With righteous fury coursing through her veins, she charged alongside Katya, her spear gleaming with divine purpose. In perfect synchrony, they closed in on the gnome (flanking), a whirlwind of steel and fur. With each strike of her spear, Vala carved through the air, creating openings for Katya's ferocious assaults. Vala's voice rang out once more, a clarion call to victory on the horizon. "For honor and glory!" she cried, her resolve unyielding as she lunged forward with two swift and precise strikes of her spear, with righteous fury. Flanking with the spear, and delivering two strikes with polearm mastery.

I am impressed by such a bold action, shapeshifters are quite imposing. Oh that is right.

Thanks, Vala has maintained a vigilant stance throughout our journey through the caves, keeping her guard up and adopting a defensive posture whenever potential threats arose. If you believe we should provide more technical descriptions, I'm completely open to adjusting our approach. Regarding the recent encounter, we were forewarned about the possibility of traps and informed about the gnomes' security measures against intruders. Thus, when you emphasized that "actions have consequences," apart from approaching a gnome stationed on a turret as a complete stranger, I would have suggested a more cautious approach, gathering the group to assess the situation carefully. However, Gilavar initiated contact with Faktore, the gnome. At this point, Vala made way for Gilavar and inspected the turret before assuming a defensive stance, which I explicitly mentioned before combat ensued. The gnome's reaction to Gilavar, pointing his turret at the party, initiated combat. And according to the initiative order, here's a breakdown of events: Pre-Combat: - Gilavar approached the gnome and engaged in conversation (Vala allowed Gilavar to approach). - Vala inspected the turret from afar, and prepared defensively. - The gnome reacted to Gilavar, initiating combat. Combat Round 1: - Makaria attempted to persuade the gnome to redirect his aim. - Faktore attacked. - Gilavar attempted to retreat. - Katya transformed into a spider. - Vala utilized the dodge action and moved away (following the girls). To clarify, I'm not suggesting that Faktore should or shouldn't have attacked Gilavar. Rather, if Vala was the intended target, she should benefit from both her dodge advantage and partial cover, given Gilavar's initial positioning at the front. Regarding the direction Vala proposed during our retreat, I indicated it in our Out of Character communication. I suggested navigating towards the right corridor, and marked it with a line, whilst leaving a note with Vala's name in OBR (it shows in your screenshots). I was waiting for Makaria and Katya to confirm the direction they chose after the retreat order, prioritizing their safety without neglecting the group's cohesion. Since my actions are aimed at safeguarding the entire party, I would move following the group.

AFAIK Gilavar was at the front, provided he called into the room, doing move and talk: But even if he retreated, his turns comes after the Gnome in the initiative bracket. Vala even let him move and talk, and she took her defensive stance before combat started:

Since Vala took a defensive stance from the moment Gilavar talked to the gnome mounted on a turret, I believe both attacks must be rolled with disadvantage. On the other hand, Vala is not in the line of sight or immediately visible.

Sviga lævi - Vala Hel | ᚢᚨᛚᚨ∶ᚺᛖᛚ ᚺᛖᛚ - Paladin II (Vengeance) "" AC (18) Initiative (+2) Speed (30 ft.) HP (22/22) PP (9) LH (10/10) Status: Normal Saves & Abilities Vala Saving throws: Str (3) Dex (-1) Con (2) Int (-1) Wis (1) Cha (5). Unarmed attack: 1d20+5, (4). Abilities: Divine sense, divine smite, dueling fighting style (+2 to damage), lay on hands, spell-casting (DC 15) or (+7), spell-casting focus (decade/valknut). Mule & Cart Saving throws: AC (10) HP (11) Str (2) Dex (0) Con (1) Int (-4) Wis (0) Cha (-3). Attack (hooves): 1d20+2, (1d4+2). Abilities: Speed (40 ft. | 4.5 mph | 7.2 kph) Capacity (300 lbs. + 1900 lbs.) Seeing the party started to retreat, and observing the vicious disposition of the gnome, the Paladin shouted at the group "Get back! I will cover you!". Vala stood with her shield up, moving backwards whilst closing the gap between her and the group. "I don't think it'd be wise killing him", she concluded with a moderate tone. Taking a defensive stance (dodge action).

So, the Gnome is not scared/persuaded to stop his attack, right? I am awaiting the other's actions or comments to define my next move.

If your plan works, I am OK with ignoring this gnome, as long as we don't fall victim of an attack of him!

Given the current positions, it might be possible to flank him. Hopefully he's on a fixed spot.

Done (14)

Sviga lævi - Vala Hel | ᚢᚨᛚᚨ∶ᚺᛖᛚ ᚺᛖᛚ - Paladin II (Vengeance) "" AC (18) Initiative (+2) Speed (30 ft.) HP (22/22) PP (9) LH (10/10) Status: Normal Saves & Abilities Vala Saving throws: Str (3) Dex (-1) Con (2) Int (-1) Wis (1) Cha (5). Unarmed attack: 1d20+5, (4). Abilities: Divine sense, divine smite, dueling fighting style (+2 to damage), lay on hands, spell-casting (DC 15) or (+7), spell-casting focus (decade/valknut). Mule & Cart Saving throws: AC (10) HP (11) Str (2) Dex (0) Con (1) Int (-4) Wis (0) Cha (-3). Attack (hooves): 1d20+2, (1d4+2). Abilities: Speed (40 ft. | 4.5 mph | 7.2 kph) Capacity (300 lbs. + 1900 lbs.) Maintaining her steadfast defense with shield raised, the Paladin gracefully retreated as the elf, extending a friendly greeting, found himself at the vanguard, engaged in conversation with the gnome. Contemplating whether this encounter bore the hallmarks of the warned trap, Vala honed her senses to a keen edge. "Is this the snare they cautioned us about? The elf's camaraderie seems a precarious foothold. Yet, perhaps his openness may unveil hidden truths. I must remain vigilant, for danger may lurk in the most unsuspecting guise". Taking a defensive stance, how many bolts do I see?

OOC: Cool!!!! How many crossbows? Is this the trap that was mentioned earlier? Can Vala hijack the vehicle? (jump and kick the gnome out of it)

I'm OK with that. Vala is still marching with her guard up.

Sviga lævi - Vala Hel | ᚢᚨᛚᚨ∶ᚺᛖᛚ ᚺᛖᛚ - Paladin II (Vengeance) "" AC (18) Initiative (+2) Speed (30 ft.) HP (22/22) PP (9) LH (10/10) Status: Normal Saves & Abilities Vala Saving throws: Str (3) Dex (-1) Con (2) Int (-1) Wis (1) Cha (5). Unarmed attack: 1d20+5, (4). Abilities: Divine sense, divine smite, dueling fighting style (+2 to damage), lay on hands, spell-casting (DC 15) or (+7), spell-casting focus (decade/valknut). Mule & Cart Saving throws: AC (10) HP (11) Str (2) Dex (0) Con (1) Int (-4) Wis (0) Cha (-3). Attack (hooves): 1d20+2, (1d4+2). Abilities: Speed (40 ft. | 4.5 mph | 7.2 kph) Capacity (300 lbs. + 1900 lbs.) As it seemed there was nothing left to do, Vala added. "Perhaps we should get going?" No OOC comments.

Sviga lævi - Vala Hel | ᚢᚨᛚᚨ∶ᚺᛖᛚ ᚺᛖᛚ - Paladin II (Vengeance) "" AC (18) Initiative (+2) Speed (30 ft.) HP (22/22) PP (9) LH (10/10) Status: Normal Saves & Abilities Vala Saving throws: Str (3) Dex (-1) Con (2) Int (-1) Wis (1) Cha (5). Unarmed attack: 1d20+5, (4). Abilities: Divine sense, divine smite, dueling fighting style (+2 to damage), lay on hands, spell-casting (DC 15) or (+7), spell-casting focus (decade/valknut). Mule & Cart Saving throws: AC (10) HP (11) Str (2) Dex (0) Con (1) Int (-4) Wis (0) Cha (-3). Attack (hooves): 1d20+2, (1d4+2). Abilities: Speed (40 ft. | 4.5 mph | 7.2 kph) Capacity (300 lbs. + 1900 lbs.) The paladin looked at Katya with surprise as she continued talking to the gnomes. She couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration when the redhead kept the conversation going… yet she admired her determination. "Katya," she said softly, patting her back as to give her companion some solace. Her eyes widened as she caught a whiff of the freshly baked bread. "That bread looks delicious mind if I have a piece?" Vala turned to the gnomes and raised an eyebrow in disbelief, "So, you think a bit of water and a few trinkets can stop a dragon's cunning and his might? We easily got here, sound and safe. Dragon aside, other creatures could find your disposition alluring, for you make interesting prey for things like manticores and whatever had to flee the dragon to stay alive; what would you do if they get here?" Then she sighed and shook her head. "You're not taking this seriously enough. I understand that you feel safe, but dragons aren't predictable creatures. You should be ready to face any danger at a moment's notice." "Should we expect any traps in our way to Fibblestib and Dabbledob?" Concluded Vala, trying to refocus their conversation on the path ahead whilst glancing at the gnomes and her companions. When this conversation is over, Vala advances with her companions to the next area.

Warning the gnomes, collecting useful items.

Sviga lævi - Vala Hel | ᚢᚨᛚᚨ∶ᚺᛖᛚ ᚺᛖᛚ - Paladin II (Vengeance) "" AC (18) Initiative (+2) Speed (30 ft.) HP (22/22) PP (9) LH (10/10) Status: Normal Saves & Abilities Vala Saving throws: Str (3) Dex (-1) Con (2) Int (-1) Wis (1) Cha (5). Unarmed attack: 1d20+5, (4). Abilities: Divine sense, divine smite, dueling fighting style (+2 to damage), lay on hands, spell-casting (DC 15) or (+7), spell-casting focus (decade/valknut). Mule & Cart Saving throws: AC (10) HP (11) Str (2) Dex (0) Con (1) Int (-4) Wis (0) Cha (-3). Attack (hooves): 1d20+2, (1d4+2). Abilities: Speed (40 ft. | 4.5 mph | 7.2 kph) Capacity (300 lbs. + 1900 lbs.) The recent absence of the sound of the waterfall echoing within the caves had brought her a sense of relief, a sign that perhaps the dragon's threat hadn't yet reached these lands. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion for a moment... Baking bread? It seemed like such a simple task compared to the looming threat of a Cryovain. Yet, as she glanced around at the faces of the gnomes, she realized that to them, this was more than just a frivolous pastime... In that moment, she had a feeling that protecting these gnomes wasn't going to be just about fending off dragons or reinforcing walls. And just as her companions asked before, she added: We could not depart without ensuring that you had everything you need to face this threat. Is there anything else we can do to assist you? No OOC comments.

Hey there, just letting you know I'm still up; I plan to post later today.

Sviga lævi - Vala Hel | ᚢᚨᛚᚨ∶ᚺᛖᛚ ᚺᛖᛚ - Paladin II (Vengeance) "" AC (18) Initiative (+2) Speed (30 ft.) HP (22/22) PP (9) LH (10/10) Status: Normal Saves & Abilities Vala Saving throws: Str (3) Dex (-1) Con (2) Int (-1) Wis (1) Cha (5). Unarmed attack: 1d20+5, (4). Abilities: Divine sense, divine smite, dueling fighting style (+2 to damage), lay on hands, spell-casting (DC 15) or (+7), spell-casting focus (decade/valknut). Mule & Cart Saving throws: AC (10) HP (11) Str (2) Dex (0) Con (1) Int (-4) Wis (0) Cha (-3). Attack (hooves): 1d20+2, (1d4+2). Abilities: Speed (40 ft. | 4.5 mph | 7.2 kph) Capacity (300 lbs. + 1900 lbs.) Good, said Vala whilst looking at the rogue. And once the others arrived, she smiled and spoke to the gnomes. Well met, my name is Vala, and we hail from Phandalin in the North*. We are here to warn you of ensuing danger… she made a brief pause as to allow for introductions. * IIRC Phandalin is North from the gnome's town, if it isn't please assume she mentioned the correct cardinal point.