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Chapter 4: Still in the Dark


Eagleheart

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Rogue1a.jpeg.4698554afb6f993aefb0b1f5fe017d0b.jpegSyhlas Yaeder (Character sheet) Human Rogue 3
HP: 37/41 | AC: 20 | Perc +7 | Fort +9 | Ref +11 | Will +11 | Speed: 30 ft. | Abilities: Deny advantage
Active Conditions: Panache

Syhlas gives Vharag a smile and a nod as the orc approaches him and the surrendering hobgoblin. "Impressive escape artist skills." He says before turning his attention back to the mercenary leader.
 
He sheathes his own weapons and picks up Dmiri's rapier and inspects it while he addresses her. "Go sit over there." He points at one of the chairs against the inner wall of the cabin with the rapier. "This is a nice, balanced blade..."
 
"Anyway, we are searching for an elven woman named Voz. A sorcerer or wizard perhaps. Do you know anything about her? We heard she might have come this way recently."
 
He turns to look at Vharag and his orc companion while still talking to the Dmiri. "And why do you keep these two as captives?" The orcs might be able to answer that themselves but he wanted to hear the mercenary's explanation.
 
 

OOC

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Action 2:

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Edited by Bearlord (see edit history)
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Vharag.jpg.a377ae16c32065385c1aa4e5c41b3749.jpg

Vharag Mor'Guldur, Arcane Shaman

AC: 16 | HIT POINTS: 39 | CURRENT: 39 | HERO POINTS: 1

FORTITUDE: +8 | REFLEX: +6 | WILL: +11 | PERCEPTION: +6

FOCUS POINTS: 1 | CURRENT: 1 | SPELL SLOTS:  1st: 4/4 | 2nd: 3/3

ACTIVE EFFECTS: None.

CONDITIONS: None.


Vharag, nodded at Syhlas' comment, "Mostly Verjigorm, the wyrmling likes to chew things." He looked to Dmiri with a cold chuckle, "Even flesh." He leaned upon his staff, listening as the swordsman asked their questions. Grunting, and slowly stroking his coarse, grey beard, however, at mention of Voz, his brows furrowed. "Voz you say?" Verjigorm moved it's sinous body along the orc's shoulder, to curl around the head of the staff, it's head resting on the ursine skull that topped it. "Smelled like elf," it hissed in draconic.

"The wyrmling thinks she was an elf, yes?" The broad shouldered orc inquired. "Elf meat, tender." The shaman shook his head, before continuing, "She likely employed Dmiri and her rag tag mercenaries to delay you." He looked down at the defeated woman, "But she was supposed to return wasn't she? You were expecting, what? Orders? Payment?" A harsh, bark of a laugh.

"Saw her through the back window there, ventured into those caves. Tarn and I came from the West, so I've no idea what lies beyond."

As Syhlas' comment about captives, Vharag chortled, and thumped Tarn on the head with the butt of his staff, "Because this one confuses bravado for courage, and foolishness for fearlessness." He glared at the young orc, "He thought to prove himself a warrior by signing up with this sorry lot, and would have nothing of my counsel."

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Rogue1a.jpeg.4698554afb6f993aefb0b1f5fe017d0b.jpegSyhlas Yaeder (Character sheet) Human Rogue 3
HP: 37/41 | AC: 20 | Perc +7 | Fort +9 | Ref +11 | Will +11 | Speed: 30 ft. | Abilities: Deny advantage
Active Conditions: Panache

Syhlas raises his eyebrows, further impressed by the big orc as he answers the questions directed to Dmiri. "Very perceptive." He nods and looks through the back window at the cave entrance Vharag points out. Somehow he had missed that when he made his invisible recon of the meadow. His focus had been to count the number of guards though.
"Answer his questions!" He demands of Dmiri. "And what do you know about this cave? Why did Voz enter it?"

When the situation is under control he relaxes a little and introduces himself to the orcs. "My name is Syhlas Yaeder. Me and my companions come from Breachill searching for Voz as she has committed murder there and we have reason to believe she has plans to do much worse things." He lets his friends introduce themselves and add information about their quest as they like.
 
He then looks puzzled at Verijgorm sitting on Vharag's shoulder. "What is that? A wyrmling you said?" Then he switches to Draconic as he had heard him speak earlier "You must be some kind of familiar then?" he asks the tiny creature directly.
 

OOC

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Vharag.jpg.a377ae16c32065385c1aa4e5c41b3749.jpg

Vharag Mor'Guldur, Arcane Shaman

AC: 16 | HIT POINTS: 39 | CURRENT: 39 | HERO POINTS: 1

FORTITUDE: +8 | REFLEX: +6 | WILL: +11 | PERCEPTION: +6

FOCUS POINTS: 1 | CURRENT: 1 | SPELL SLOTS:  1st: 4/4 | 2nd: 3/3

ACTIVE EFFECTS: None.

CONDITIONS: None.


Vharag shrugged off the compliment, "I am Vharag Mor'Guldur, of the Shattered Skull clan, or, at least, what remains of it. This is Tarn, a brave, but foolish, boy, who had the wisdom to flee Belkzen with his kith and kin." However, as he sees the swordsman's attention drift to Verjigorm on his shoulder, he raises his left hand to his throat, and makes a motion as if cutting off the conversation. Then Syhlas switches to Draconic and addresses Verjigorm directly, and as the wyrmling hisses its response, the big orc's eyes roll in exasperation.

"No mere familiar, meat," it hisses, thick strands of spittle spraying from its tiny, tooth-lined maw, "I am an aspect of the Starless Shadow, the great Void-between-Stars, ancient beyond keen, powerful beyond knowing. A sensor through which She-who-Sleeps experiences the great multiverse that exists within her endless coils. I am--," a low rumbling cough from the orc. "Possessed of an ego much larger than belies your size, yes, Verjigorm we know. We tremble at She-who-Sleeps' vast power and limitless knowledge." The wyrmling, looking offended, coils back onto Vharag's shoulder with a huff.

The orc offers a toothy grimace, "I apologize; enduring capture bruised the creature's ego," another shrug, "I, however, have endured worse, and, thanks to you and your companions, at least my kith," a look to Tarn, "are safe." He rapped the bottom of his staff against the mercenary leader's prone form, "Hobgoblins are possessed of a keen, structured mind. If I were to make a wager, it would be that Dmiri here kept meticulous records, likely inventories of supplies, employers, contracts. It may be that if this Voz were her employer she kept record of her orders." With that, the big, cloaked orc turned and began to rummage through the contents of the cottage, looking specifically for ledgers, journals, or contracts.

Out of Character

Free Action:

Reaction:


Action 1: Seek to Search the Cabin for clues or information relating to Voz.

Action 2:

Action 3:

Name
Seek (Perception)
15
1d20+6 9
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Posted (edited)

spacer.pngDmiri glares at all of you, but especially at Syhlas and Alak. "Look, I don't know anything about the cave or why Voz went in there. All I know is that she hired us to keep anyone from going after her. Said she was expecting trouble, but she didn't say they'd be skilled fighters."

When Vharag suggests that she might have records of what Voz has been doing, she laughs. "I'm a mercenary, not an accountant. The only thing she gave me is gold, and it's in there." She nods to the chest at the foot of the bed. If Syhlas opens it, he finds a variety of items - rope, two grappling hooks, four potions, and an everlight crystal. He also finds a silk pouch containing 24 gold pieces.

"So I guess we're done here, right? Hurry up and kill me, I don't want to rot in jail."

Edited by Eagleheart (see edit history)
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Arionne Amata - Itinerant Scholarimage.png.6158122ad895e3badf8c1e1661802be9.png

checked-shield.svg AC: (21) | health-normal.svg HP: 29/44 |halloween_outline-23-512.png Fortitude: +11 | sprint.svg Reflex: +8 | calm, peace, yoga, serene, serenity, mind, meditate, meditation, peaceful Will: +8 | awareness.svg Perception: +5


Unaware of the dialogue occurring within the main structure, Arionne was focused on the two surviving Half-Orcs.

"You, both of you, kick your bows to the ground now!"

She shouted, the tremor in her voice loud and clear. Though her face was as serene as it usually was, her inner emotions were a roil. Images flashed through her head, a time when she could not summon the flames and the scales. A time when she was younger, smaller, weaker. She heard the howl of Wargs long faded, the cruel laughs of the Goblin scourts, she felt the wind rush by her face from arrows long spent. She was not that scared child anymore. The obsidian chain wrapped about her without touching, a coiled snake ready to strike.

Mechanics

Main Hand: Empty
Off Hand: Empty
Conditions: Channel Elements, Armor in Earth


Action 1: spacer.png

Action 2: spacer.png

Action 3: spacer.png

ACTIONS
IMPULSES - DC 18, +8
  • Channel Elements spacer.png raise aura, can combine with 1 action stance or 1 action elemental blast
  • Base Kinesis spacer.png 30' light bulk, generate, move or suppress
  • Elemental Blasts spacer.png or spacer.png 30' bludgeoning or piercing d8, 60' fire d6
  • Flying Flame spacer.png 30' line of 1d6 fire damage. Basic Reflex
  • Weapon Infusion image.png.4807a787a4171fe706d255ca10a57a7f.png shape blasts into a weapon, add a trait
  • Armor in Earth spacer.png raise AC to 2

 

Edited by TheRaconteur (see edit history)
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image.jpeg.1bf506b13d468944173e567920351b56.jpegMatilde Canossa (Sheet) Human Cleric 3
HP: 41/41 | AC: 22* | Perception: +9 | Fort: +11 | Ref: +9 | Will: +7 | Speed: 25 ft.
Active Conditions: Shield 12/12,

Matilde stepped back away from the ladder, after hearing Arionne's command and also the mercenary head's call for a cessation of combat. She did keep her blade ready though, just in case they thought to break the brief truce. She also didn't want a tossed bow to accidentally land on her head. She did continue to silently glower, unsure if the mercenaries would indeed surrender, though considering how quickly their companions had broken away from the battle, perhaps they really were just here for the easy coin. She supposed she couldn't particularly begrudge them that, even if her faith looked down on the idea of waging battle for mere coin. It wasn't inherently evil though, so she could only stare at them disapprovingly.

 

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Rogue1a.jpeg.4698554afb6f993aefb0b1f5fe017d0b.jpegSyhlas Yaeder (Character sheet) Human Rogue 3
HP: 37/41 | AC: 20 | Perc +7 | Fort +9 | Ref +11 | Will +11 | Speed: 30 ft. | Abilities: Deny advantage
Active Conditions: Panache

Syhlas looks at Verjigorm with an astonished frown as the strange creature spoke.
"A pleasure to meet you all." He just says giving the two orcs a Quick Look each. Then he goes to check the chest Dmiri is indicating. He takes out the most its contents and puts them on the table. "I'm no going to kill you, Dmiri." He turns to look at the older orc. "Vharag, since you have been captive here I think you should decide the fate of this one."
 
"Keen to join us in a cave hunt?" He added with a smile. "She-who-Sleeps you said? Is that some kind of goddess you follow?"
 

OOC

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Vharag.jpg.a377ae16c32065385c1aa4e5c41b3749.jpg

Vharag Mor'Guldur, Arcane Shaman

AC: 16 | HIT POINTS: 39 | CURRENT: 39 | HERO POINTS: 1

FORTITUDE: +8 | REFLEX: +6 | WILL: +11 | PERCEPTION: +6

FOCUS POINTS: 1 | CURRENT: 1 | SPELL SLOTS:  1st: 4/4 | 2nd: 3/3

ACTIVE EFFECTS: None.

CONDITIONS: None.


Vharag surveys the situation with a calculating gaze, his mind processing the options laid before him. As Syhlas directs his attention to Vharag for a decision regarding Dmiri's fate, the orc wizard's brow furrows in thought. Even as he responds, he realizes he is avoiding the question about She-who-Sleeps, largely because he hasn't yet discerned his patron's motives.

"We are not executioners," Vharag begins, his voice carrying a weight of authority. "To kill a prisoner in cold blood is a coward's act, unworthy of honor or respect." Though Vharag's words ring with conviction, a subtle twitch in Verjigorm's body language betrays the wyrmling's dissenting opinion, its tiny form shifting uncomfortably on Vharag's shoulder.

Turning his gaze towards Dmiri, Vharag's eyes bore into hers with a mixture of disdain and resolve. "You will face justice for your crimes, but it will be delivered by the proper authorities in Breachill."

With a gesture, Vharag instructs Alak, the Hellknight, to escort Dmiri and the remaining mercenaries to Breachill to stand trial. "See to it that they are secured and brought to face the consequences of their actions," he commands Tarn, his tone brooking no argument. "And listen to the Hellknight in all matters that do not directly concern our kith and kin."

As Syhlas suggests joining forces to search the cave for Voz, Vharag nods in agreement. "Aye, I will join your hunt," he declares, his voice resonating with determination. "But know this, we do not do so out of blind allegiance. Our goal is to ensure the safety of our people and to aid Breachill in uncovering the truth behind Voz's actions."

With that, Vharag moves to arm Tarn with the gear taken from the mercenaries, ensuring the young orc is adequately prepared for the journey ahead. As preparations are made and plans solidify, Vharag's gaze lingers on the horizon, his mind already focused on the challenges that lie ahead in the depths of the cave.

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Posted (edited)

spacer.pngThe mercs kick their weapons down to Matilde and Arionne.

Meanwhile, Alak has been a bit tense, but he visibly eases up when Vharag reaches his decision. "I agree. We must follow due process, otherwise we are no different from the savages." He gives Dmiri a pointed look.

She glares back at him. "Go to Hell."

"I'll see you there, I imagine," he answers, then says "Very well. I will deliver her to Breachill. Carry on without me - I'll rejoin you later."

As Vharag hands him a weapon, Tarn frowns. "How can you still trust me... I was going to join them, you know. I probably would've been fighting you if they hadn't tied me up."

The cave entrance is somewhat hidden by a thick sheet of mossy vines, but it is most certainly there. If you proceed inward, you enter a cavern with a layer of dirt and mud strewn about its floor. Two tunnels lead farther in - one to the north, one to the south.

Edited by Eagleheart (see edit history)
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Arionne Amata - Itinerant Scholarimage.png.6158122ad895e3badf8c1e1661802be9.png

checked-shield.svg AC: (21) | health-normal.svg HP: 44/44 |halloween_outline-23-512.png Fortitude: +11 | sprint.svg Reflex: +8 | calm, peace, yoga, serene, serenity, mind, meditate, meditation, peaceful Will: +8 | awareness.svg Perception: +5


Arionne collected the bandit's weapons, searching for rope to bind them. Eventually she rejoined the others in the main structure, and that was when she first got eyes on Vharag and Tarn. She hadn't realized there had been so many within the hut. Shylas was dangerous indeed to have overcome a Hobgoblin and two full blooded Orcs, all on his own. She'd not seen all of the fight from where she'd been standing, and did not know that Vharag's frost had been what what struck the Hobgoblin.

"Why are those two not bound? Are we out of rope? We can hold a trial here if we are, surely?"

Her attention was mostly focused on Dmiri though, her amber eyes locked on the Hobgoblin. Had it not been, she might of realized that Corwyn was gone, and there was none among them who could summon ice. One of the Orcs, or perhaps both of them, must have aided them. She was distracted though, focused on the source of so much of her suffering. She'd dispelled the obsidian chain, but her companions could see flickers of flame forming at the edge of her perception. The urge was to strike now, to kill. But no. The had an Armigier with them. He would see to it that Chelaxian justice was done. A swift cut of his halberd was all it would take.

Mechanics

Main Hand: Empty
Off Hand: Empty
Conditions: Channel Elements, Armor in Earth


Action 1: spacer.png

Action 2: spacer.png

Action 3: spacer.png

ACTIONS
IMPULSES - DC 18, +8
  • Channel Elements spacer.png raise aura, can combine with 1 action stance or 1 action elemental blast
  • Base Kinesis spacer.png 30' light bulk, generate, move or suppress
  • Elemental Blasts spacer.png or spacer.png 30' bludgeoning or piercing d8, 60' fire d6
  • Flying Flame spacer.png 30' line of 1d6 fire damage. Basic Reflex
  • Weapon Infusion image.png.4807a787a4171fe706d255ca10a57a7f.png shape blasts into a weapon, add a trait
  • Armor in Earth spacer.png raise AC to 2

 

Edited by TheRaconteur (see edit history)
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Rogue1a.jpeg.4698554afb6f993aefb0b1f5fe017d0b.jpegSyhlas Yaeder (Character sheet) Human Rogue 3
HP: 37/41 | AC: 20 | Perc +7 | Fort +9 | Ref +11 | Will +11 | Speed: 30 ft. | Abilities: Deny advantage
Active Conditions: Panache

"Those two are with us, Arionne!" Syhlas nods at the two orcs. "Well three." He gives the familiar a quick look to indicate them as well. "We would not have been able to defeat the leader as quickly without the aid of Vharag. So he is definitely on our side."
 
The swordsman has nothing to object about Alek and Tarn bringing the mercenaries to Breachill for justice. That would have been his suggestion too and when Vharag thinks the same he starts to like the orc even more. Syhlas has no prejudice based on race or ancestry and there had been a few half-orcs and orcs fighting against Thrune back in Kintargo so he certainly doesn't think they are bad on sight. There are other groups of people though that he has strong feelings against. He was actually happy to have Alak leaving the group.
 
"Voz went into that cave back there so let's prepare and go after her." He updates Arionne and Mathilde.
 

OOC

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Vharag.jpg.a377ae16c32065385c1aa4e5c41b3749.jpg

Vharag Mor'Guldur, Arcane Shaman

AC: 16 | HIT POINTS: 39 | CURRENT: 39 | HERO POINTS: 1

FORTITUDE: +8 | REFLEX: +6 | WILL: +11 | PERCEPTION: +6

FOCUS POINTS: 1 | CURRENT: 1 | SPELL SLOTS:  1st: 4/4 | 2nd: 3/3

ACTIVE EFFECTS: None.

CONDITIONS: None.


Vharag listens to Tarn's words with a solemn expression, understanding the weight of the young orc's remorse. "It is earned, Tarn," he replies, his voice firm but not unkind. "Though, now, with iron and steel, you may regain that which you have squandered. You are both clan, and blood, one does not abandon blood because of their choices, no matter how erroneous they are."

Turning his attention to Arionne as she enters the main structure, Vharag's gaze meets hers with a mixture of respect and caution. "'twas Dmiri's bonds which bound us," he responds calmly to her inquiry, noting her fiery demeanor. "Your ally, Syhlas, gave us the distraction to slip them, and thereby earned a measure of thanks. Neither my charge, nor I, will allow ourselves to be bound." As Arionne's attention remains fixated on Dmiri, Vharag steps forward, positioning himself between Tarn and the kineticist, raising his staff and summoning arcane energies. The air around him crackles with power as a shimmering barrier coalesces in front of him, a silent but unmistakable display of his determination. His broad chest rose and fell as he exhaled, continuing in a calmer, measured tone. "Such a conflict would cost you precious time, allowing this Voz, whom you pursue, to elude justice for her crimes against Breachill."

Out of Character

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Arionne Amata - Itinerant Scholarimage.png.6158122ad895e3badf8c1e1661802be9.png

checked-shield.svg AC: (21) | health-normal.svg HP: 44/44 |halloween_outline-23-512.png Fortitude: +11 | sprint.svg Reflex: +8 | calm, peace, yoga, serene, serenity, mind, meditate, meditation, peaceful Will: +8 | awareness.svg Perception: +5


Arionne paused, considering the Orc who spoke before her. He was even more formal in his speech than she was, sounding more like a character pulled from the pages of some epic tale than a creature of flesh of blood. The last flickers of flame about her quieted, though the scales on her face remained. She looked human enough, either of Iger of Chelaxian stock, save for those curiosities. A deep ruddy hue, Vharag could see matching scales on the back of her hands before they disappeared beneath a set of mithral bracers that positively gleamed in the sun. She already looked fierce, but the scales made her look positively ferocious. Then again, to an Orc's perceptions, perhaps the effect was lost.

"My apologies, then."

She said with a slight bow of her head and the restrained politeness she also employed with Armiger Alak.

"If they are accepted, well met. I am Arionne Amata, a scholar of Breachill."

Her amber eyes shifted, seeking the Hellknight out.

"You have what you came for then, Sir Armiger?"

A question, seeking. Would he be leaving them?

Mechanics

Main Hand: Empty
Off Hand: Empty
Conditions: Channel Elements, Armor in Earth


Action 1: spacer.png

Action 2: spacer.png

Action 3: spacer.png

ACTIONS
IMPULSES - DC 18, +8
  • Channel Elements spacer.png raise aura, can combine with 1 action stance or 1 action elemental blast
  • Base Kinesis spacer.png 30' light bulk, generate, move or suppress
  • Elemental Blasts spacer.png or spacer.png 30' bludgeoning or piercing d8, 60' fire d6
  • Flying Flame spacer.png 30' line of 1d6 fire damage. Basic Reflex
  • Weapon Infusion image.png.4807a787a4171fe706d255ca10a57a7f.png shape blasts into a weapon, add a trait
  • Armor in Earth spacer.png raise AC to 2

 

Edited by TheRaconteur (see edit history)
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Posted (edited)

spacer.png"You have what you came for, then, Sir Armiger?"

"Not quite," answers Alak. "I'm looking for a certain item, which should be in the possession of Voz Lirayne. It should not be in non-Hellknight hands... but I will trust you to bring it to me, should you recover it. Farewell for now." He bows his head to you, then leaves with Dmiri in tow.

Inside the cave, you see muddy footprints leading to the south. Following these tracks you find what appears to be someone's camp site, with a bedroll, a small fire pit, a stack of books and papers, and a curious array of equipment covered with a tarp.

You also find a group of charau-ka, who immediately attack when they see you. The two in the back cast spells, haranguing you with creeping vines and sonic energy. One of the casters also throws his spear at Matilde, and another charges forward to attack Matilde with his hatchet.

Round 1

Acolyte 1
:OneAction:Guidance on Warrior
:TwoActions:Sound Burst vs all PCs - please roll Fort saves. DC 17

Acolyte 2
:OneAction:Spear Strike vs Matilde
:TwoActions:Entangle - marked on the map. Please roll Reflex saves. DC 17

Warrior
:OneAction:Stride
:TwoActions:Hatchet Strike x2 vs Matilde


Party turn. @TheRaconteur @Zen Gypsy @crazncanuck @Bearlord
 

Map

spacer.png

 

Edited by Eagleheart (see edit history)
Name
Initiative (Perception) for charau-ka
14
1d20+8 6
Initiative (Perception) for CK Warrior
22
1d20+8 14
Initiative (Perception) for CK Acolytes
28
1d20+8 20
Initiative (Perception +1) for Arionne
15
1d20+6 9
Initiative (Perception +1) for Vharag
18
1d20+7 11
Initiative (Perception +1) for Syhlas
15
1d20+8 7
Initiative (Perception +1) for Matilde
20
1d20+10 10
Sound Burst damage
10
2d10 9,1
Spear Strike vs Matilde
27; 6
1d20+10;1d6+5 [17]; [17,1]
Hatchet Strike vs Matilde
13; 11
1d20+9;1d6+5 [4]; [4,6]
Hatchet Strike 2 vs Matilde
22; 6
1d20+5;1d6+5 [17]; [17,1]
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