current chapter Chapter 1: Greenest

[Vladim]

Leaving behind the caravan and most of its members, Alexandra rushed to join the side of her companions, sprinting as fast as her legs could carry her to reach them. She could only hope and pray that the caravan-master would not do anything foolish, but that was entirely out of her hands.

 

As she approached, she noted the cries of anguish and the rising flames with growing alarm. This... looked bad. Really bad. She wondered if they had simply been too late, but dismissed the thought as useless.

 

"Anyone know the lay of the land?" she asked her companions. She had heard tales about Greenest, but never actually been here before, and had no inkling about the best way to approach it.

 

(OOC: I don't think she knows much about this place, so she'll follow whatever others propose. But in the case that she's asked to choose, I'll roll, as her choice would be random. 1=northernmost road, 2=middle, 3=southernmost).

[Colin]

As the group moved toward the third road, the sounds of fighting became louder and it became clear that most of the flames were coming from hay bales and wood piles, the buildings themselves charred in many places but not burning, likely thanks to rain earlier in the day. 

 

Without warning, five humans dash out from the road to the right from around a pair of buildings. One is a man, limping from an injury, and two young girls and a young boy follow as he lead the way into more shadows created by the half moon above. Behind the four is a woman carrying a shield and what looks like the upper half of a broken spear, and she turned to face the direction they had come from with bared teeth. Six kobolds burst out from around the building in clear pursuit of the humans, high pitched yips to each other sounding out as they began to form a half circle around the woman. She raised the shield, seeming prepared for a bitter fight to the end.

OOC

Party has a surprise round, the kobolds have not seen the new arrivals!

 

[SerakHawk]

Priest was silent, as he frequently is, at the question for the lay of the land. He had never been here before, and eventually timing won out and the group picked a direction.

 

With the fleeing human's arrival Priest tried to get a good look to check for wounded but they disappeared too quickly and the kobolds started approaching before he could get their attention. Now the woman, standing valiantly against the encroaching kobolds. Priest seeing an opportunity pulls out his prayer book and gives his party a look "We can help!"

 

With that he starts intoning in a deep melodic voice, something the others may have overheard some snippets from his morning prayers if they ventured close to him.

"Blessings of the Father of Light, Healing and Warmth shine on all children of the Sun!"

Priest then sprinkles some water from the flask at his side out and gestures towards the woman holding her ground, Kavene and Gurruk. A wave of divine energy flows forth and rests on their shoulders.

 

OCC

AC: 12 (I think) | HP: 13/13 | Spells L1: 2/3 | 2/2 SP

 

Stay Right where I am, 20ft away from the woman. Casting Bless (30 ft range) on the woman, Kavene and Gurruk. @Colin @Ironblaze @Veradux

 

> Whenever a target makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, the target can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the attack roll or saving throw.

 

Edited September 13, 2022 by SerakHawk (see edit history)

[Veradux]

  

Kavene -- HP:16/16 -- AC: 16 -- AttacksDagger: +4, (1d4+2)
Light Crossbow: +4 (1d8+2)

Sneak Attack: +1d6 -- Active EffectsPassive Perception: 11 -- ResourcesSpell Slots:
1: 2/2

---

Kavene is busy hemming and hawing over direction to choose. He was thinking about the last path due to the probably safety of walls on one flank, but he didn’t want to impose. But his shuffling towards that direction eventually took them all there. He certainly didn’t know this town anyway.

 

He finally speaks up when the lone woman stands half-surrounded by kobolds.

”Well that’s hardly… fair? You know, I don’t think I’d see it as unfair were I kobold. Or if there was just one surrounded by us. Perspective is weird.”

 

Unslinging his crossbow from his back, he plops a bolt in the groove and levels it at the edgemost kobold, holding to open a flank in the semicircle. If others were casting magic and had apparently decided to help this woman, so be it. With a thump of the trigger, he fires.

”You ever wonder why divine magic always feels like someones touching you? Because I do.”

OoC

Draw crossbow, shoot crossbow.

[Dmitri_Ravenoff]

Kai

 

Kai  --  HP: 17/17  --  AC: 16  --  Ki Points: 2

Having no knowledge of the area, Kai had kept quiet and kept pace with the rest of the rest of the group. He didn't want to rush headlong into anything unknown.

"It is good that the town is not badly on fire. If we are quick, we may help these people."

Upon seeing the Kobolds rounding the corner of the house, he grasped his staff firmly and dashed forward and to the left side of the threatened woman to intervene.

As he approaches the fighter, he announces himself as to not startle the combatant. "Warrior woman. Do not fear. We are here to help."

Kai hauls back with his staff and attempt to apply some solid wood to a Kobold skull.

 

 

[Vladim]

Alexandra -- HP: 18/18 -- AC: 15 -- Wild Shape uses: 1/2 -- Guiding Bolt uses: 1/2 -- Spell slots: 3/3 -- Sorcery points: 2/2 -- Current form: Archer constellation

 

Entering the town at last, Alexandra grows increasingly concerned and wary with each new sight of destruction. What had happened here? Where were her parents? And where were the survivors?

 

The last question is answered, at least in part, when the five townsfolk suddenly appear before them, soon followed by kobolds. She only has a moment to think, briefly entertaining the idea of an Entangle spell, but she realizes that it could hinder as much as help. Instead, she mutters an incantation and instantly her physical form fades, and she shifts into a shimmering constellation. Then, a spell is cast, and hurled towards one of the foes nearest the woman with the sundered spear.

 

Actions

Move: If necessary, get into range, but probably she just stays where she is (as Guiding bolt's range is 120 ft).

Bonus action: Assume Starry Form (Archer).

Action: Cast Guiding bolt against one of the kobolds threatening the woman; a different one from that which Kai hit. Ideally one of the meatier ones, if they are distinct.

 

Edit: Looks like a miss, so I won't bother rolling damage!

[AbsentWizard]

Tun Eraldishmuab -- HP 25/25 AC16

 

Tun has stayed angry since leaving the caravan (which isn't really any accomplishment if you knew how dwarf anger works) and with all the running and huffing in the last hour he hasn't managed to get at his frog pills (which is somewhat of a problem if you knew how frog pills work). He hasn't seen that green thief even once, which makes him angrier. The thought of his guild-awarded rolling pin being lost up here has been bouncing around inside his skull nonstop, which makes him angrier. And worst of all, there's been a small rock that's tumbled into his boot and pokes him in the foot every other step.

 

Therefore it is with a tremendous act of self-control that he slows down his roll and yells out, (Draconic) "Hey-hey! You people! STOP stabbing-biting! I ask you big question. NOW! I IS ANGER."

 

Actually, he isn't angry at the kobolds. Yet.

 

Actions

Move towards kobolds and use shouty Intimidation to force either a pause or a flee.

 

Edited September 18, 2022 by AbsentWizard (see edit history)

[Ironblaze]

Gurruk doesn't slow her run as the civilians appear so much as rush around them with the practice of an arena fighter dodging fleeing teammates while still getting into the fight. She does a small jump spear-first into the front kobold, her handaxe following up with a chop from below.

[Colin]

Priest's blessing washed out to the rest of the party, followed by Kavene raising his crossbow and taking a shot at the outermost kobold. The bolt zipped past the lizard, which gave a hiss of surprise, alerting its companions. Kai had more luck as he dashed to the woman's side and struck out with his quarterstaff, catching one of the kobolds in the skull with a meaty crunch that snapped its body into the ground. Alexandra's bolt spell sailed past past another target by a small margin, the flash of the passing magic illuminating the shocked look on the reptile's face.

 

Before the kobolds could start to process this new threat they were confronted by an angry, screaming dwarf, and that was one too many surprises to deal with at this point. All the kobolds but one turned and began to flee, with the one that remained threatening the woman catching Gurruk's spear through the chest. The glancing blow from the handaxe was clearly unnecessary as the kobold slumped dead against the shaft. The other four run all out away from their ambushers, yipping and hissing as they vanish into the darkness.

 

The woman grounds the but of her spear in the dirt and partly slumps against the shaft as she looks at their rescuers, saying, "My thanks... If you hadn't come along I fear we would have been slaughtered by those savages. I'm Linan, this is my husband Cuth, and our children. We were trying to make it to the keep, it looks like they've been able to hold out against the attackers."

 

Combat Tracker

Initiative Order
1	Wounded Man
2	Gurruk (Iron)
3	Tun (Absent)
4	Kai (Dmitri)
5	Kobolds
6	Kavene
7	Woman
8	Alexandra (Vladim)
9	Priest (Serak)

 

Battle Tracker
Init.	Character	Health		Init	Character	Health
6	Linan	Bleeding		8	Kavene (Vera)	16
9	Kobold 1	Ran		11	Kai (Dmitri)	17
9	Kobold 2	Ran		4	Alexandra (Vladim)	18
9	Kobold 3	Ran		18	Gurruk (Iron)	20
9	Kobold 4	Dead		4	Priest (Serak)	13
9	Kobold 5	Ran		13	Tun (Absent)	25
9	Kobold 6	Dead		19	Cuth	Limping, bleeding badly

 

 

[Vladim]

Alexandra -- HP: 18/18 -- AC: 15 -- Wild Shape uses: 1/2 -- Guiding Bolt uses: 1/2 -- Spell slots: 3/3 -- Sorcery points: 2/2 -- Current form: Archer constellation

 

Thankfully, imminent danger had passed as quickly as it had manifested. Alex thought that chasing after the kobolds would be a waste of time, especially when these survivors were in dire need of aid. And although she was as curious as any other about what had happened here, and how Greenest had suddenly found itself under attack, seeing to the injured was her first priority.

 

But though the danger had momentarily passed, they were not out of the woods yet. She remained vigilant and attentive, fearing another ambush, and maintained her star-form. If there were other kobolds about, she wouldn't be caught by surprise a second time.

 

She approached Cuth, who seemed to be in a bad shape. "Name's Alexandra." she said succinctly, by way of introduction, whilst searching into her pouches. Soon enough, she was able to produce a small, fragrant bag of herbs, of which she had many. "Some herbs for the pain. Lavender and rosemary." They wouldn't work wonders, but the sweet scent might relax him, and distract him from any prodding she was about to do. "You seem in a bad way. Let me have a quick look. Perhaps I can help." 

 

She whispered a word in druidic and touched herself. She wasn't quite sure why she had to touch herself, but the spell always failed if she didn't. Perhaps one of those druids at Elmhaven ought to work at an improved version that didn't need any touching. It always felt awkward, that particular bit.

 

OOC

Casting Guidance on self and then attempting a Medicine check to examine Cuth's wounds, and, if possible, treat them, or at least determine if he is in need of any magical healing. Adding a +2 from her Herbalism kit, but that's in her backpack, so not sure if it got left behind with the caravan. If so, just subtract 2 from my d20 roll!

 

[Veradux]

  

Kavene -- HP:16/16 -- AC: 16 -- AttacksDagger: +4, (1d4+2)
Light Crossbow: +4 (1d8+2)

Sneak Attack: +1d6 -- Active EffectsPassive Perception: 11 -- ResourcesSpell Slots:
1: 2/2

---

Having fired a single shot before the enemies flee, Kavene mumbles to himself more about the nature of divine magic. Slinging his crossbow back onto his pack, he trudges over to the ongoing first aid, rummaging through his bandolier. Producing a few thin strips of cloth and a compact pestle and mortar, he starts helping Alex almost mindlessly.

 

“I like garlic oil with my lavender and rosemary. It tastes as good as it cleans wounds, so watch for ants.”

 

Pulling out a thin vial and pouring it into the contents into the mortar, he brusquely borrows some of Alex’s herbs and quickly makes a greasy poultice for her. Reserving a portion for himself, he shuffles over to the combat-ready woman, quickly adding a bit of extra bits of inedible - but alchemical valuable - powder to speed the wound closing along.

“And you seem like you could be more combat ready, considering things are still actively on fire.”

Realizing what he just said, he turns back to the husband and others.

“I have a spare knife. Do one of you need it for self-defense? Oh, and a crowbar if you like bludgeons.”

OoC

Kavene is carrying his Herbalism Kit and will gladly loan it to Alex.
Thus, he is doing Help, then moving to Linan and “casting” Cure Wounds.

[AbsentWizard]

"NO RUN AWAY! I QUESTION-" Tun is extremely disappointed that the kobolds have left, and would have run away after them except that there are other people to talk to right here, right now. He stomps to a halt in front of the... whatever their names were. Are. Then proceeds to fail to introduce himself, sound not at all reassuring, and make demands that can't possibly be satisfied.

 

"YOU," Tun points, "Did you see rolling pin? It's this big, and made of - you do not have words for this. BAH. It is dark blue. Goblin. GREEN Goblin. Maybe had it. It is IMPORTANT that you remember, understand? Bagel." Tun tears the last two bagels off of his rope-baldric-bandolier and thrusts it out at whatever these humans are. "Eat. BUT ANSWER!"

[Colin]

Cuth gave Alex a grateful look as she started to tend to him, and while he definitely needed a healer she was still able to stop the active bleeding from his various cuts and punctures with Kavene’s assistance. Linan sighed gratefully as the cure wounds took away the few cuts she had received, and she stood a touch more confidently… At least until the barbarian baker dwarf started being himself. She took the bagels in confusion and ripped them up to pass to the children, saying, “I…no, I did not see a goblin with a rolling pin… We’ve been running from those kobolds for the last few minutes though.”

 

Cuth brushed his longer, loose black hair back from his eyes and focused on Kavene at the question about the knife, shaking his head and saying, “I wouldn’t be of much use, Linan is the one that did some training with the guard contingent as an auxiliary. I’m just a weaver normally.”

 

Linan shot her husband a fond smile as he spoke, then focused back on the group in front of her. “We’re not far from the keep, and before we ran into those kobolds it looked like there weren’t many forces around the gate. Between the archers on the walls and guards at the portcullis, the…army or whatever they are seem to be content to focus on raiding the town instead. With everything going on we might be able to get to the keep quietly, with help from the rest of you. Will you come with us?” She asked hopefully.

 

OOC

All party members can assume they grabbed any backpacks and similarly portable items from the caravan before charging off towards the town.

 

[Dmitri_Ravenoff]

Kai  --  HP: 17/17  --  AC: 16  --  Ki Points: 2

Kai nodded vigorously at the idea of going to help more people. 

"Yes good weaver. Please take us to where we can be of help. I would lothe to see anything more happen to this town and these people."

Kai seemed lithe on his feet and ready to head off behind the lady whenever she is ready. 

 

[Vladim]

Alexandra -- HP: 18/18 -- AC: 15 -- Wild Shape uses: 1/2 -- Guiding Bolt uses: 1/2 -- Spell slots: 3/3 -- Sorcery points: 2/2 -- Current form: Archer constellation

 

Somewhat taken aback by the dwarf's questions, Alexandra thought at first that he was joking. He must have been. But no-the intensity of his pleas and the seriousness of his tone made it swiftly clear that he was not. And though the circumstances were dire, she had to suppress a grin. Here Greenest was burning and Tun was thinking of that pin.

 

"I will come with you too." she said at length to Linan. "If the enemy has decided to focus on raiding, then we must go to the keep, and tell the leaders there that it is time for a counter-attack. That may prove enough to scatter them."

 

She waited a little, eager to see the responses of her companions. Perhaps things were not as bleak and hopeless at they had initially seemed. But she still has countless questions.

 

"Can you tell us what happened here?" she continued. "How is it that Greenest's defenses were so quickly overwhelmed? And what are these kobolds even doing here?"