Chapter Four And A Half

Artimus took a slow steady breath into his tired lungs, his shoulders raising as his chest filled with air. pPressed to the expanding breast he held the heavy crossbow light as a feather.  

His eyes shut he thought of Ara, and shattered people of Esmelteran. He thought of Jehuty and the siege at Imnescar. Finally his thoughts floated to the moonlit face of his maiden- his matron- Selune and the beast that stalked him from beyond the pale of this material realm.

Slowly he loose the air from his lungs waiting for the signal from Kellar signal - but it was Custer's voice instead that released the Mariner "For Esmelteran"

Artimus strode manfully, pivoting around the corner, emerging into the room flanked by tables and stupefied faces, levying the launched are he stepped.  

making sure his eyes locked with Kesians, just in time to send him a wink in concert with Custer's deadly arrows.

"BONJOUR MOzHERFUCKERz!" Artimus bellowed loosing his own quarrel.

Artimus searched the room and saw Kesian and four lieutenants.

He focused his ire on Grol, a large and dangerous target, Artimus' fresh linen shirt billowing with in the concussive wind from Gimbles fingers.

1d20 perception 13 to see Daste. FAIL
1d20 14+6=20 vs ac (HIT) against grol damage plus dc vs poison Con dc10 or be paralyzed

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 8, 8

Kellar opened the doors to the chamber and hurled Custer forward in a stutter step. The disguised Custer sailed through the air and found Keisan. "For Esmeltaran!" Kellar moved to the left with Valeria to his left. "HEAR ME GROL! I WILL KILL YOU WITH THE AXE YOU CARRY!"

Ice began to form and the ground became treacherous. "Dwan! Keep it up! Attack them at range," he commanded. He unlocked his crossbow from his back and tossed it to Valeria. The Dragon's Maw was heavy and inlaid with gold and gems. The decoration did nothing more than make it look fierce, but it would knock an enemy down in one or two shots. "Use it, bolts on the sides, six shots," he said while he summoned a javelin made of fire. Kellar hurled it in the direction of Grol. Attack Roll= 4+8=12; MIss! The sleet and rain doused the javelin as it flew toward Grol. The few embers trickled through the air and landed softly on Grol's armor and fizzled out.

Maybe not fire in a sleet storm...

"Where did the other one go? Custer! Eye's up!"

Orbaugh, I need your eyes, look for a shadow that doesn't belong. I look! I look! Perception Roll= 17+4= 21; Success! Master! I see it! The one don't belong!

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 4

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#2 'D10' : 2

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#3 'D20' : 17, 11

Val’s eyes quickly scan over the various people in the room, counting their numbers and noting what weapons each person possesses. Her attention is drawn away from the enemies to Custer sailing through the air and somehow managing to injure Kesian- before he promptly ends up on his back. If it wasn’t a life or death situation she would have burst out laughing at the spectacle.

“Hey, weren’t there…..aw shit.” She groans as she realizes there’s now one less enemy visible to her. Somebody trained in stealth. It just has to be somebody trained in stealth. And here I am with the ability to stare straight at something and not see it. Her inner bitching is interrupted by Kellar throwing a crossbow at her and instructing her to use it. A quick glance back at the icy mess ahead and Custer on his back is more than enough motivation to take Kellar’s advice and not rush into the middle of things.

Swiftly loading the crossbow and offering a quick prayer to Sune, Val brings it up and focuses on the seven foot man. Both shots pitifully miss. Embarrassingly so.

The member 'Valeria Thaemor' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 7

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#2 'D10' : 4

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#3 'D20' : 1

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#4 'D10' : 10

As the fire from the brilliant dragon subsides, the clap of Dwan’s sleet storm punctuates the moment, and your skin prickles while the temperature plummets icily. Even as your heart pounds, breath turns to fog and sweat chills upon your brow.

[Keisan, Dex save vs. Gimble’s spell: Failed!]
[Grol, Dex save vs. Gimble’s spell: Success!]
[Alshaquiz, Dex save vs. Gimble’s spell: Failed!]
[Y1, Dex save vs. Gimble’s spell: Failed!]
[Y2, Dex save vs. Gimble’s spell: Failed!]

Frozen droplets spill like marbles across the polished dark wood, splintering the tabletop and sending Keisan and his men scrambling.

The poisoned woman screams out once more, the chilling exclamation leaving her chest like a banshee as the very flesh upon her face seems to writhe and bleed.

Orbaugh’s words echo in Kellar’s mind, just in time for the dragoon to shout at Artimus -

[Orbaugh, perception vs. Daste]

Artimus spins round just in time to see the assassin spring from the shadows, two jagged dirks extended as the fiend descends upon him…

[Daste, Assassinate vs. Artimus]
[Sneak attack failed]
[Attack 1, hit! 9 damage to Artimus!]
[Attack 2, miss!]

Artimus feels the bite of the dagger against his wrist, the captain bringing the crossbow around to parry the second attack.

Daste sneers, his nondescript face contorting angrily.

[Daste, Cunning Action - Disengage]

With an agile backstep, he springs off his foot and lands upon a leather upholstered chair, perched and ready to strike again…

[Daste, engage Silhouette]

[…]

Alshaquiz kicks over the heavy wooden chair in front of him, jumping onto the tabletop and dragging his broadsword behind him. The man’s musculature ripples as his eyes gleam, the dark-skinned warrior twisting his face into a smile.

Chains dangle at his him, jingling with ornamental charms and talismans. With surprising grace, he brings the heavy sword around and utters…

“You’ve broken down the wrong door, warrior.”

Through the air he sails, descending upon Kellar with his ornamental blade. The dragoon catches a flash of the dark inscriptions written into the side of it, glowing softly as the light shines upon them…

[Alshaquiz, Attack vs. Kellar - Miss!]
[Attack vs Kellar - Miss!]
[Action Surge]
[Attack vs. Kellar - Miss!]

*CHINK*

Kellar extends his weapon, parrying the pummelling blow from the Chultean warrior as he grinds into the stone floor, swinging his broadsword again and again.

Patiently, the dragoon turns aside each of the blows, locking eyes with the man.

Alshaquiz smiles, recognizing the mettle of an equal foe...

[…]

On the east flank, the elite orcs maintain their footing upon the slippery ground as they barrel into the form of Emelious. The cleric watches as Artimus turns aside the blades of the assassin, pursuing his quarry into the sitting area...

The beasts heft battle axes, their shining breastplates flashing in the hearthlight -

[X3 and X4, vs. Emelious]
[Attack X3 - Hit!]
[11 damage to Emelious]
[Attack X4 - Miss!]

The cleric turns aside the first orc, feeling the second axe cracking off his shoulder armour. The pain bites deep, but the cleric brings his shield up, and readies himself for another approach…

[…]

Custer wheezes, the breath knocked from his gut as he slips through Dwan’s storm. Sleet batters his eyelids, but his attention is drawn to the dramatic shape of Keisan to the north.

The cleric is sliding out of control, slipping perilously as he turns to move! To the north, the twin acolytes suffer a similar fate, crashing down onto the ground and clutching at their sides.

[Keisan, Dex save is horrid. He rolls a natural 1!]
[Retainers also failed their Dex Saves]

The laughing mask loses his feet from beneath him, sailing through the air.

*CRASH!!!!!!!*

The sound is deafening, cold wind instantly whipping through the interior of the chamber, rifling through the halflings hair. Glass shatters to the ground, and Custer can see Keisan has broken through the towering stained window, landing on the balcony outside!

[…]

Val looks down at her crossbow, disbelieving her eyes. The last bolt she shot was loaded cock-eyed, and the drawstring has broken irreparably.

[Kellar’s crossbow is broken]

She looks up just in time to see Grol brandishing his axe and barreling down upon her!

[Grol, CON save vs. Artimus’ poison]
[FAILED, CRITICAL]

The enormous orc leaps at her viciously, but there is something unnatural about his cadence. Suddenly, his body jerks horrifically, and he falls completely prone in front of her, his axe twitching in his hands…!

There isn’t much time to consider this, however, as two more orcs in shining plate spring into action, swinging their battle axes down upon her in unison-

[X1 and X2 vs. val]
[Hit, and Hit!]
[14 damage to val!]

The paladin stumbles back as the furious barrage cracks against her armour, bruising her flesh and biting into her left leg. She cries out involuntarily in pain, desperately trying to repel the blows!


=======================

Seriously? Keisan rolls a ‘1’ the first round of combat? WTF RNG, not cool man. And Grol too? Major, major bullshit.

[Keisan is prone outside on the balcony]
[Two acolytes are both prone]
[Alshaquiz is engaged with Kellar near the table]
[X3 and X4 are engaged with emelious near the east end of the room]
[Artimus is pursuing Daste on the east side of the room]
[Val is closer to the west, with Grol at her feet and X1 and X2 attacking her]

Artimus - Daste has Disengaged backward toward the hearth on the west side of the room. You can close the distance, but Daste is hard to read and has engaged his special ability, Silhouette. Unless you make a DC 14 Wis check to anticipate his movements, you get disadvantage on any attacks against him this round.

Custer - Keisan is outside on the balcony so you don’t have LOS right now. But he’s prone, and will not be able to take an action this turn.

Val - You can go ahead and attack Grol while he’s prone and paralyzed. I’m happy to give you both advantage, and automatic critical damage…but…both orcs will have advantage to attack you this round if you do…!

Gimble - I calculated all of the Dex saves for enemies above. Don’t know if you applied damage yet, but you can see who halved damage and who didn’t, as well as everyone that was affected by the spell.

MVP: Artimus. Bonjour Mozerfuhckerz! Classic.

Kellar engaged in combat with Alshaquiz and parried the incoming attacks. Each time he parried, his golden scales shimmered, ready to deflect an incoming hit. He back pedaled and twirled his battleaxe and swung it with an upward arc.

Attack Roll= 7+8= 15; Miss!

Kellar's battleaxe was short of Alshaquiz. He leaned back, the swing barely missing the mark. "Nice dodge, let's go again," said Kellar. He shifted to the left of Alshaquiz to keep himself in between him and Valeria. Grol is down. Paralyzed... He glanced over his shoulder to Valeria. "What in hells? What happened to using the crossbow?!?" Kellar waved his weapon in front of himself to keep Alshaquiz at bay for a split second. "Kick that axe over here or pick it up!"

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 7

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#2 'D12' : 5

Pain temporarily blinds Val as the two orcs descend on her with their weapons. Having nothing to combat the blows other than a broken crossbow, she is forced to endure the savage attacks. Most of the damage is superficial bruises caused by the blows against her armor, but one of the orcs catches her already blistered ankle and the axe bites into the armor just enough to slice through the skin up her calf. Val cries out against her will as waves of pain make her stagger back. The orc who had dealt the blow smiles in cruel satisfaction.

Through the haze of pain that is slowly starting to dull after the initial shock, she discards the now useless crossbow and switches to her trusty longsword. As she swings at the two orcs in front of her, kellar's voice rings out from nearby, "What happened to using the crossbow?! Kick that axe over here or pick it up!”

"Uh yeah. The crossbow had a problem. Just a second!" She says between gritted teeth, focused on her attacks. While the two orcs are distracted by her blade, she casually kicks the axe in the direction of Kellar. Seeing that both of her attacks miss, she calls back out to Kellar, "A little help when you get a chance would be appreciated!"

attack against orc 1: 2 + 6 = 8 miss
attack against orc 2: 5 + 6 = 11 miss

The member 'Valeria Thaemor' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 2

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#2 'D8' : 5

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#3 'D20' : 5

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#4 'D8' : 3

Emelious squared off against the Orc warriors, “Let’s dance.”

The Half-Elf’s armor clad opponents charged forward, scrambling on the slick coat of ice covering the chamber’s floor, but managing to stay upright. The cleric lazily blocked the first blow and stepped out of the way of the second, “Step, step, turn, and step. Good,” The sailor deftly slipped between the Orcs and continued past them and on to the ice.

[Dexterity Save: 15 + 6 = 21]

The Waterdeepian gracefully slid across its surface, turning himself to face his dance partners with a flourished spin.

“My family often vacationed in the Dale."

----

Emelious uses the Dodge Action again.

Emelious slides out onto the ice like an Olympic figure skater.

The member 'Emelious Storm' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 15, 2

.Fire and Ice bursted around the room, spaying warm water droplets and cool buffets of air- chaos erupted.

Artimus felt the cool hand of his Moonmaiden carress the nape of his neck- or perhaps it was the minute disturbances in the air as the assassin manoeuvred behind him. (Wisdom Passed)

**Reaction Swordsman** Parry Interrupt!

Alerted, the Mariner spun around- wheeling his crossbow with him as he whirled. It sailed, with ease and grace catching the deadly fangs of Daste as he struck from behind.

Artimus found himself face to face with plain, grey eyed man, his face contorted into scowling consternation at his twarted interdiction.

"Tzk tzk tzk" Artimus scolded- "you've made your grave miztake Mon ami- I am not the man to be znuck upon"

The tip of one of guttersnipes blades snuck by the barrier of wood and chain, peaking through his flesh, just barely breaking the skin(damage reduced to 1 dmg)

The ease of the crossbow was a blessing it's feathery touch allowed Artimus brace the slight frame of Daste. He held this viper at bay supported only by one hand. leaving his off-hand free to grip the sentient, mouthy longsword he'd plucked from the armoury.

**Riposte expend swordsman die** 1d20 CRIT

The Blade relented still plied from his words in the hall. It moved with the sound of steel on steel and audible sigh, like an old man standing from from a deep recliner- old bones protesting..

The Blade fliped up deftly, cleaving into Dastes exposed underbelly. A spill of bile an blood gushing from the wound- the sneak would be easier to track now.

(Critical strike 39 damage!)

Artimus pressed the brutal attack launching a front kick at the Black Addler still splayed across the ravens mast (crossbow)- trickling blood on the floor-the evasive man had shifted position before the boot could find it's mark.

7+6= 13 miss

As Daste retreated Artimus moved toward him, robbing him of any room to position.
==========
Wisdom Check passed
Reaction Parry reduced damage to 1dmg
Riposte CRIT 39 dmg
Boot miss

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 15, 20, 7

Gimble giggles and claps his hands together as he watches his fireball expand and swallow the majority of Keisan's officers. "I best make it back to Silverymoon in time for the academy graduations. I haven't seen a fireball that pretty in three years!

As the fight draws itself into the room, Gimble moves as far as his short legs will carry him, practically bouncing down the hall. Catching a glimpse of the violence from the doorway, he calls out to the others that have placed themselves by the entrance. "You keep them at bay from here! I, uh... it'd be best for old Gimble to stay out here and not break too many bones." A bit of nervous laughter escapes him as he hobbles closer to the door frame. He peeks inside with lips pulled back into a grimace, showing a row of large, white teeth. After a few seconds of quickly sweeping his head back and forth and causing his hat to wiggle about, he points a finger at one of the orc guards who has flanked Valeria. "You there! Yes, you! Uhh-" Gimble darts his eyes over to the still convulsing orc on the ground, the one named "Grol". "Your captain is, uh, weak and powerless. Yes! Felled by some hot soup! An ambitious orc like you should dispose of him and the rest of the weakling officers. Keisan would definitely be impressed by your intellect and skill, and could not help but promote you when this is all finished." Gimble winks and flashes him a wide-toothed smile before ducking back behind the doors.

X1 has to make a DC 15 Wis save or become suggested to follow Gimble's command: "An ambitious orc like you should dispose of him and the rest of the weakling officers."

His eyes sting and water from the sleet.  His face turns a shade of blue from the bitter cold of Dwan's spell fed by the brisk air blowing in through the broken window, the shattering glass and pitter patter of sleet making for a rhythmic background to singing of steel striking steel.

Through the pain, Cuss grinned.  There was no mistaking the panic in Kesian's eyes as fire, ice, and Cuss's bolts bit into the evil man's flesh.  "The coward's trying to run again, yeah?"

He rolled over, rising to his knees underneath the table, launching himself into a crouched sprint.  The cover of the table allowing his feet to dig into the stone and reach his top speed before he starts skidding across the ice.

[Cuss uses his Cunning Action to dash, doubling his speed.  He gets up and tries to get to Kesian.]

[Dex save +6]
14 Passsss

.....
Will continue with a second post after save results... might be a couple hours depending on work.

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 8

Cuss drops to his knees, the hardened leather covering them sliding along the ice, a dull screech following his hasty approach to the broken window.  Broken class cracks and crumbles as he slides through it.  Cuss not considering that it might cut into him.  

As he neared the window, he slings his two hand-crossbows across the floor in front of him and reaches for his father's light crossbow slung across his back.  

He heaves the loaded weapon ready.  

Olc and Maith tumble and slap against the wall as they come to a rest just before he does.

Kesian's prone form comes into view.

Cuss holds his breath, and squeezes the trigger on the old worn weapon.

The string sings, Twing!  The poisoned missile Artimus gave him whistles across the short distance.

[Light Crossbow, normal attack against prone target. +6]
11

But the missile wasn't made for a crossbow, and as such, it bent and turned, striking the stone just to the right of Kesian's head, breaking in two pieces as it ricocheted into the darkness beyond the edge of the balcony.

And so it was that Cuss had a long way yet on his journey to understand fate.

Kesian's head rose, and looked at Cuss as the Halfling lowered the crossbow. Their eyes met. Tears in both, albeit from the sting of sleet.

Cuss's mouth opened first, and he said in Halfling, "Aon ionsaithe duine Meiritin le saoirse ó phionós." (No one attacks Meiritin with impunity.)

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 1

Halfling's Luck.
Waukeen guide my arrow and claim your VENGEANCE!

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 5

Forgot I have advantage against a prone target. One more chance! ONE MORE CHANCE!

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 1

Custer looks at Keisan as the Cleric rises to his feet, glass showering from his robes. Despite the cuts and bruises across his flesh, his unbroken smile mocks the halfling. Keisan’s eyes scan the room, his brow furrowing slightly.

He raises his hands, and suddenly disappears from sight!

[Keisan invokes Cloak of Shadows]

As Dwan’s storm dissipates, the halfling watches the two acolytes rise to their feet in front of the windows. They are looking at Custer, whose crossbow is still extended.

In one smooth movement, they both extend their hands, the force of Cyric’s will immediately burdening Custer’s mind and body.

[Y1 casts Hold Person on Custer]
[Y2 casts Hold Person on Custer]
[Custer must succeed at 2 DC 13 Wis checks or be paralyzed!]

[…]

Grol’s muscles twitch, the orc chieftain’s fingers flexing as Valyria kicks his axe away from his grasp.

[Grol, Con save vs. Poison = failed again!]

As the Paladin steps over Grols body, the two orcs close in with their attacks.

[X2 attacks Valyria, Miss!]

She easily turns the first blow aside, spinning to counter the other orc in shining plate. But her defensive posture is unnecessary, as the other orc has turned away from her…

A sidelong glance at Gimble behind her, confirms her suspicions.

[Gimble, compel vs. X1 = success]

The orc sneers at his fallen leader, raising his axe high. Grol’s eyes widen, the brute’s neck bulging as he strains to move.

*SCHUNPMF*

The sound is sickening, as the elite orc buries his battle axe deep into Grol’s neck, the blade striking stone beneath him. The war chief’s head rolls away slowly, a petrified look of horror to match the uncanny squelching of the decapitation.

[X1 kills Grol]

[…]

Alshaquiz bares down upon Kellar, his broadsword flitting as if it were catching the wind. The half-djinn flourishes his hand in between strikes, his topknot whipping about in ritual fashion.

His eyes glow a magnificent yellow, and he lifts his hand to his lips and blows upon it as if scattering sand to the wind.

[Alshaquiz uses Whisper of the Djinn, Free Action]

Kellar hears a horrific screaming in his mind, as a violent storm of colours and sounds rushes through his head.

[Kellar must succeed at a DC10 Will Save or take 3d6 Psychic damage]

Alshaquiz steps back into swordsman form flawlessly, pressing the assault as the dragoon does battle in his mind.

[Alshaquiz, attack vs. Kellar = Miss!]
[Alshaquiz, attack vs. Kellar = CRIT!]

Kellar parries the first blow aside, but the tricky Djinn spins around effortlessly, planting the sword edge of his weapon in between the cracks of Kellar’s breastplate. The blow knocks him backward, blood drawn and pouring warm down the front of his torso!

[18 Damage to Kellar!]

Suddenly, the dragoon can feel his legs slowing beneath him. The tribal inscriptions on Alshaquiz’s sword glow a burning purple, and it’s as if a boulder has been fastened around Kellar’s neck!

[Kellar, movement is slowed by 50% for the next 4 rounds. Disadvantage on any Dex-related checks!]

“I have you now, warrior.” smiles the Djinn.

[…]

Daste stumbles, Artimus’ blows slowing the trickster as blood pools in the corner of his mouth. The man lengthens himself, responding like a cornered animal as he strikes out with his dirks, looking for purchase…

[Daste vs. Artimus, Miss!]
[Daste vs. Artimus, Hit!]

His dominant hand brings a blow that is easily parried, but the cunning assassin strikes underhand with his offhand, catching Artimus on the chin and staggering him slightly.

[6 Damage to Artimus]

The mariner feels his eyes watering, blinking quickly as his muscles tense up involuntarily. A rush of adrenaline pumped his heart, and he could feet a burning sensation at the back of his tongue.

Undoubtedly the strike was poisonous. He knew the sensation - Olundaweed. A crippling paralytic toxin that would worsen over time…The last time he’d been dosed, it had been 15 hours before he could stand again.

[Artimus, CON save DC 16 or enemies get Advantage on all attacks against you next round, and you suffer Disadvantage on any dex-related checks]

[…]

Emelious slips elegantly across the magically frozen ground, sliding gracefully as the Orc’s frustrated attacks find no group whiff past him uselessly.

The first orc brings his axe down too hard, losing his feet from under him and face planting onto the ground!

[X3 falls prone, critical failure on attack and failed dex check]

The second effects a long, sweeping strike that bounces harmlessly off Emelious’ shield, as the orc barely manages to keep aloft atop the frozen surface.

[X4 vs. emelious - missed!]

=====================================

Ok guys,

Keisan has disappeared out onto the balcony. Emelious is dancing around with X3 and X4, Alshaquiz is locked with Kellar and Artimus with Daste.

Custer, you may be at the mercy of Hold Person this round. Some checks required!

Valyria, you watched as X1 decapitates Grol at the mercy of Dwan’s enchantment.

I don’t typically play with Coup-De-Grace rules, but in this case I made an exception for the coolness factor of Dwan’s spell (and the fact that Grol failed two easy Con checks in a row. So dumb.]

MVP: Have to give it to Emelious. “My family often vacationed in the Dale” is t-shirt worthy haha.

A foreign whisper echoed in Custer's mind, 'I've been watching you, Thickett.'

Closing his eyes, he thinks back, 'Oiy, well me hopes ya avert ya eyes when I shyte, yeah?'

[Wisdom Save 1]
Natural 21 Really?  Now that you're no fooking help?

[Wisdom Save 2]
12 Hissss

The voice laughed as it said, 'I've got you now.  Don't move.'

......

Held

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 20

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#2 'D20' : 11

The power of nature ebbs and flows through Dwan's body, he can feel the energy forming in the center of the storm,  

You're hindering your allies, its time to let go. He thinks to himself, and with an exhale the storm dissipates and his body grows weak.  The ice on the floor melting away into shallow puddles.

Still not used to harnessing that kind of power...

Dwan watches as the battle unfolds, Most of the group appears to be dueling with Keisan's lieutenants.  Emelious and Val appear to be holding off a few at a time.

Strong fighters, I'm glad they're on our side

Dwan spies a clear path along the west side of the room and makes his way towards the table.  Once there he situates himself a few feet away from one of the acolytes (A1) and two of the fallen orcs (X1 X2), the branches flowing in a new pattern.

Cover your ears he shouts out while assessing the distances.

BOOOM

The deafening sound of a lightning strike fills the room as a shock wave emanates from the dwarf and strikes the orcs in range, The chairs situated behind him fly into the wall and shatter to pieces. (Thunderwave)

-------------------------------------------------------
Dwan positions himself to hit a few orcs and casts thunderwave.
Acolyte and two orc guards must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw.
Failed throws will result in full damage 13 and they will be pushed 10 feet away from me.
Successful saves will result in half damage 7
2d8 --> 7+6 13 damage

The member 'Dwan Bolduum' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D8' : 7, 6

[Cuss, feel free to take an action. You got a natural 20, eff that shit]

-Ao

The voice laughed as it said, 'I've got you now.  Don't move.'

Cuss opened his eyes as he thought, 'Yeah, sure.  I'll wait right here for ya.'

He throws the light crossbow over his shoulder as he fetches his one-handed twins from the floor in front of him.  Turning, he sticks his tongue out at one of the hooded Orcs, and then darts under the table for cover.

[Cunning Action: Stealth +9]
24

Hopeful he is safe for a moment, Cuss starts to reach for the Fist around his neck to let his friends know that Kesian got away, but as his eyes dart around the room, he observes Kellar's bleeding.  

Blue man!

Without hesitation, his hands dance over Olc, loading a poisoned bolt, then loosing it at smiling swordsman taunting his friend.

[Possible Advantage/Assassinate +7]
19 Assuming he can't beat a 24 stealth roll, Assassinate!

The bolt zips up from under the table, catching the smug bastard in the jaw. Popping as it snapped deep into the bone.

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 15

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#2 'D20' : 4, 12

The blade pierced Kellar's armor and he slid back on the wet floor. Blue tinted blood began leaking and washed out the golden scales that tried to protect him (Blade Ward expired- 1/2 DMG). "Hurrkh!"

Alshaquiz laughed as Kellar's mind was filled with screams. At first they were distant, and then increased in volume and recognition. The horror of Shorjahl played back in his mind. The horrid screams of his friend as he burned alive. That was followed by the screams of the hunters in his clan. Kellar's hand went to his head and he tried to shake the screams away but he couldn't. "I can hear them! I... can... hear..."

Kellar dragged his battleaxe along the floor as he trudged forward with the weight of the dead in his mind and on his shoulders. He lazily raised it to his side and then... TWHIP! A bolt hit Alshaquiz. Custer... Kellar buried the battleaxe in Alshaquiz's side. Attack Roll= 17+8= 25; DMG= 17! "I don't hear you laughing now," he said.

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 6

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#2 'D20' : 17

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#3 'D12' : 9

Gimble flinches a bit as he watches the orc guard free Grol's head from his body. "Dear me.. What a pity, that one." He twists his face around to watch the whirlwind of steel and flesh that is Kellar and Alshaquiz. A dull thud sounds as Cuss's bolt buries itself into the behemoth's jawline. Gimble winces and bites at his fingernails. He raises his hand at Alshaquiz and mutters a quick incantation, sending another fiery bird at the foe. The red and orange avian sails through the air, only to meet the face of a cold steel greatsword. It sizzles the trickle of blood that has collected on its surface.

1d20+7 = 9

1d10 = 1

The member 'Gimble Nabisco Raulnor' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 2

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#2 'D10' : 1

The Mayham of melee and magic persistaed behind Artimus as he and his kin waged into the room. The slurping of ax slipping slipping straight through grols neck and meeting the stone floor could be heard above the din of battle. The voices of Valeria, Kellar and Emelious could be heard in the periphery aswell.

The Mariner's focus was centered on Daste - "The trickster "as Artimus tightened the noose around the black addlers throat.

As the Captain Delonde Stepped and positioned Artimus felt the breath of Selune breath into him- Images of a black cloaked man cutting the throat of a azure and white linened woman - her back to him, she knew he was there- she trusted him- she was his sister.

The power of the vision flashing in his min caused a stutter in his conciousness- Daste capitalized on the moment and struck, sinking his blades into Artimus' flesh- a flood of warmth and vitrol as toxin threatened to take control.

A legion of Cormyrian bloodcells and lipids raged against the pathogen- winning out against the interlopers (CON check passed)

Daste lunged again, offering a taste of his blades. The mariner spied the attack, stepping asside, bringing his blade down hard on the wrists of the lithe man-

"The Moonmaiden has zeen your zinz tu cockroach sale (you filthy coachroach). you owe her a debt- I believe your blood zhall zettle zhingz"

-He followed the accusation with astrike with stern pommel strike, that split the Daste's chin wide with a vermilian shine, contining to back Daste into a corner.
=============================
Hey folks! little skype call from Selune!
I asked AO if we could set some context for Daste before we off him-

1d20 con 18+2 20 pass
1d20 to hit 10 +6 miss
1d20 to hit 24 Hit
2d8 +6= 12 dmg

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 16

The Orcs charged toward the dance floor.

The first swinging in a wide arc with its axe.

THUNK.

Unsure footing from the ice throws his timing off and the blow clatters uselessly against the Cleric’s shield. The extra momentum causing the warrior to go sailing by.

The Half-Elf turns his attention to his next opponent, a fierce orc with fire in his eyes and a brutal-

WHUMP.

The armor-clad warrior crashes face first into the ice.

Emelious lets out a laugh, but abruptly stops as the storm subsides, the magical ice melting away, and then-

KRAKOOOOM.

A thunderous blast echoes through the chamber. Bodies fly, silverware and dishes are thrown from the table, and chairs are overturned.

“Sorry, Gents. It appears playtime’s over.”

KOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM.

----

Emelious casts Thunderwave.

Emelious uses Destructive Wrath for full damage.

X3 & X4 must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be pushed 10 feet and take 16 Thunder damage. Half damage on save.

The member 'Emelious Storm' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D8' : 4, 8

Valeria stares incredulously at the orc guard as he beheads Grol with one swift swing of his axe. Beside her, the other orc guard is also staring with a look of surprise and confusion. Gimble. I’ll buy him some old tome or something to thank his quick thinking. The crazed orc turns his eyes to his former friend, his axe dripping with Grol’s blood.

“Cover your ears!” Val isn’t sure where the command comes but she’s quick to respond- not that it does much good. A loud crack of thunder reverberates throughout the room and leaves her ears ringing momentarily. Chairs and other small items go flying from the force, the orcs who were just in front of her now pushed back several feet.

“Hey Kellar I don’t need that help afterall!” She calls out happily, spinning around to see the dragoon looking damn near collapse and bleeding heavily; His opponent doesn’t look anywhere near as injured. Without giving a second thought to the orcs she had been fighting, she rushes over beside Kellar and grabs onto his arm much like she had done with Cuss earlier.

Her fingers tingle as the magical energy granted to her by Sune flows from her and into Kellar, providing him with a respite. Her lips move wordlessly as she calls on even more energy than she had used earlier; the wounds stitching back together in response to her touch. Finally she pulls away, tired but content, her appearance slightly more otherworldly as her skin glows ever so subtly and her silver eyes shine brightly. The pure elation of doing Sune’s work evaporates in an instant as she turns wrathful eyes to the very tall man in front of Kellar.

“You stay away from him you ugly motherfucker! Or are you afraid to fight a girl?”

---

cure wounds at a second level slot 4 + 6 + 4 = 14

The member 'Valeria Thaemor' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D8' : 4

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#2 'D8' : 6

*CRACK!*

Shockwaves rip through the room, shattering glass and splintering furniture as Keisan’s minions go flying.

The acolyte on the west side of the room flies backward, his back cracking against the wall behind him. He slumps to the ground, dazed and contorted. [A1 Fail, please update HP]

Before Valyria, her assailant is similarly thrown from his feet. The orc’s pristine armour clangs across the stone floor, the orc thrown into an armoire that buckles and groans. [X2 fail, please update HP...]

Only the charmed minion of Gimble remains standing, his jaw clacking as he charges after his flailing compatriot. [Failed Will save]

“GROSH ANGRO!” screams the bedazzled greenskin, raising his axe high and burying it in his prone ally’s gut. The brute screams out again, a wave of blood pouring out from beneath his polished armour as his head lolls to the ground, the life fading from his eyes.

[X1 coup-de-grace against the fallen X2. X2 dies.]

Valyria has scarcely a moment to observe the madness, as the still-standing acolyte comes barreling towards her from across the room. The man’s robes flow haphazardly behind him, his hands glowing with burning, dark divinity!

[A2 charges Valyria, using Inflict Wounds!]
[Hit!]

The Paladin stumbles backward as the crazed cleric wraps his hands around her, dark energy combusting upon her armour as a wave of intense, psychotic pain rips through her body. His face deepens into an unholy, impossible grin as the pain continues to wrack her bones!

[4d10 damage to Val!]
[24 damage to Val!!!]

[…]

Alshaquiz spins round, his topknot twirling elegantly as he strikes with that biting sword. The djinn’s eyes glow brightly, the elaborate patterns of attack growing increasingly complicated.

Kellar turns aside a strike, and then another. Despite the burning pain in his head, and the bloody wounds he’s sustained, his guard does not falter.

[Alshaquiz vs. Kellar, Miss and Miss! (rolled two 9’s…sigh)]

“Oh ho ho!” mocks the warrior. But his lack of additional quipping proves to the dragoon that his attention is just as dedicated upon each stroke as his own.

[…]

Daste frowns as Artimus’ attention does not waiver, the poison not responding as quickly as the assassin had hoped.

He leaps to the left, cartwheeling and striking out with his dirks simultaneously. Both blows cut along Artimus’ torso viciously, dragging long lines of blood as he lands in a defensive posture…

[Daste vs. Artimus]
[Hit and Hit!]
[13 damage to artimus]

[…]

Alongside the mariner, Emelious watches his quarry escape the ferocity of his blast…

[X3 and X4 save vs. Thunderwave]

Beneath his boots, Dwan’s magical ice has faded away. Now, the cleric watches as the two orcs leap forward, their blasted faces contorted into murderous gazes…

[X3 and X4 vs. Emelious]
[Miss and Hit!]

Valkur’s chosen turns aside the first attack, his shield parrying the blow aside as he spins to counter the other. But he is too slow - the axe breaches his defences, burying itself in his breastplate with a disorienting CLANG!

[10 damage to Emelious]

[…]

Custer peers out from under the table, his eyes hunting through the shattered window for any signs of Keisan.

Could the mad cleric have dipped into the room, ready to assail his companions?

[Custer, Perception]

A glimmer of armour out on the balcony catches his eyes. Out near the railing, he can scarcely see the form of Keisan materialize from invisibility. The laughing mask turns once back towards the room, raising his hand and casting a healing spell.

[Keisan recovers 10 HP]

The halfling is about to alert his companions, when another element comes into sight.

An enormous span of batwings suddenly swoops up the balcony, landing on the railing alongside the cleric. A long, scorpion tail drapes onto the stone floor, the beast coming to rest and presenting its’ back to Cyric’s agent.

With one swift, fluid movement, Keisan begins to mount the creature -

============================|

Ok lads, A1 is knocked over, and A2 is tangled with Valyria.

X1 seems to still be under Gimble’s compelling. We’ll see about another save next round.

Emelious is once again, tangled with X3 and X4

Alshaquiz and Kellar are going at it in the middle of the room.

Artimus and Daste are engaged in a battle of ruffians.

And Keisan - Keisan is mounting a manticore near the balcony railing outside. Custer is really the only one in range (Keisan is about 50 feet north of him) that could potentially move to assail him or move and shoot at him. Let me know how you want to handle that one!

MVP: Val - love the taunt. Swagger!

[Custer was convinced that Kesian used teleport or something.  He doesn't know magic well enough to guess that Kesian just turned invisible.]

His hands move to reload both of his bows, but a glimmer of light catches his attention from the corner of a sideways glance.  Kesian is still here?

His body turns behind the swivel of his head, the rest of the room fading to silence as his attention refocuses on his obsession.  Unconscious will pump his feet into a dash, and he soon burst out from under the table, running onto the balcony as a hideous flying beast lands before him.  Its tail whips left and right, cutting a pattern into the air before his face as the beast lowers itself and Kesian throws a leg over the saddle.  No, no, no!

[Cunning Action, Dash]

His legs never slowing and his thoughts lacking logic, Cuss drops his hand crossbows as he yanks Nerghull's shiv from his belt.  He ducks his head to avoid the tail of the manticore and he mounts the beast behind the cleric. He leans forward, leading with the point of the shiv, hoping to shove its point deep into Kesian's back to deliver the Orc poisoner's potent toxin.

[Melee with Shiv, +6]
16 $%&#!!!!

The weapon slides into a fold of Kesian's thick robe, but whatever he wore underneath was too strong, and the metal of the shiv buckled and bent rather than sliding deep.  As the mask turned to look back at him, Cuss whispered up to him.  "I'll traverse all nine of the hells to have me retribution, no?"

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 10

Valeria's hand rested on Kellar's arm, the divine energy was met by shimmering golden scales. They seemed to merge and move toward the wound in Kellar's chest. "That feels better," he said while keeping his focus on Alshaquiz. The half-djin was a whirling dervish. The blade danced and feinted attacks. Kellar shifted and angled around Alshaquiz. "No more words," asked Kellar. The pain of his wound and the echoes of friends deceased still ringing in his mind.

Kellar raised his battleaxe overhead and brought it down on Alshaquiz. Attack Roll= 12+8= 20; Hit! Damage= 5+8= 13 The half-djinn raised his weapon to slowly to parry the attack. The edge crashed into Alshaquiz's armor and sank into his collarbone. Kellar twisted the axe as he removed it, hoping to hear his foe scream.

Through the cacophony of thunder nearly deafened Kellar, he glanced toward the windows and saw a large beast land, ready to take its master away. "Don't let him escape! Target the beast!"

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 12

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#2 'D12' : 5

A wave of thunderous force rolls out from Emelious and crashes into his Orc opponents. One of them, prone, scrapes at the tile with his fingernails as he attempts to resist; crying out in agony as some of them are ripped from his fingertips. The standing brute, having seen what happened to his allies across the table, quickly braces himself for the impact and only slides but a few inches.

That’s certainly gone better before.

But Emelious didn’t have much time to ponder his failure, the Orc’s were upon him. Scrambling to his feet the first orc swung wildly at the cleric, but the pain in his hands caused the blow to lose momentum and was blocked.

The Half-Elf turned to block the next, but was too late. The axe cut into the chest of his armor, burying it into the cleric’s flesh.

The orc pulls the axe out to ready another swing, the blade glistening with crimson.

The air around Emelious grows warm as electricity crackles about him.

“Nobody makes me bleed my own blood. Nobody!”

A bolt of lightning strikes out and slams into the wide eyed orc.

----

WHOOSH. WHOOSH.

Emelious glanced to the balcony. A manticore. And Keisan was heading straight for it.

The Half-Elf took off toward the broken window. Up ahead he could see Custer struggling with the fleeing cleric, and to his left he could hear Kellar’s voice cry out, “Don't let him escape! Target the beast!"

The beast…

Gears began turning, and as the half-cocked scheme started developing in the Half-Elf's mind, an anger filled command erupts from his mouth, "No one touches the Manticore!"

Emelious bursts onto the balcony, “Stop! I am Keisan! I’ve used my powers granted by Cyric to alter our forms. Kill the impostor!”

---

Emelious reacts with Wrath of the Storm.
X4 must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or take 9 lightning damage. Half damage on successful save.

Emelious uses the dodge action.

Emelious attempts to convince the Manticore that he is Keisan and that Keisan is an impostor.
Deception: 16 + 6 = 22.

The member 'Emelious Storm' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D8' : 8, 1

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#2 'D20' : 16

Reeling from the pain and feeling more than a little woozy, Val swings her sword at the acolyte in front of her. A little bit of divine magic seeps into the blade as it makes contact with soft flesh, the metal almost humming with radiance as it burns deep within the man. She yanks the weapon back and slashes again, delivering a killing blow to the acolyte.

attack 1: hit; 24 damage (used divine smite)

attack 2: hit