Re: Chapter Five

[Custer Thickett]

Custer pushes himself to the front of the entourage following Sim back to the guest chambers, where he seeks the attention of the Lord Justice.  "Me Lord, forgive me, but it seems that we have been swept up into your affairs.  Might be that I can take the man's attire and a replica of the tomb, and then seek out his masters before the night is through."

Cuss looks ahead, "Oiy, me thinks I'd rather sleep, but surely they are expecting his delivery before the morn."

He turns to the group, "We can spare a few hours of light to let me catch up, yeah?"

...

With or without Sim's blessing or the thief's attire, Cuss excuses himself from the keep to return to the Cordwainter's tent and fetch his and Brahms armor.  He takes the boy with him so that they could don the armor and test its fit.  

He asks the Cordwainter of his meeting in the Hammams, but as the younger assistant is not in the tent when he arrives at this late hour, the attempt at communication only served to frustrate them both to the point the old man waved him away with a flush red face.

...

[Ao or others, if you are interested in pursuing some cloak and dagger staking out of the thief's masters, maybe we can do it in a side post?]

...

Later, in his chamber, Cuss puffs on a pipe as he regales Brahm with stories of his youth in Esmeltaran.  The boy asks questions and begs for more detail at times.  Others he interrupts with his own stories from his family farm in Tethyr.  When the conversation hits a lull, Cuss sighs and tells the boy what he knew would not be well received.  

"We'll be leaving in the morn, but ya'll be staying here."  Cuss holds up a hand, "Before ya object, hear me out, yeah?"

"Ya no padfoot or soldier.  Ya just a farmer's boy turned chamber servant.  No doubt you think serving Kesian his meals prepared you for battle, but ya lack the training or discipline for what we face.  Might be ya'll do fine, but more like one of us will get harmed trying to keep ya safe.  That can't happen."

"Be that as it may, I do have a task for ya while ya await our return.  This Naeema blah blah," Cuss mimics the hand motion the Calimshan use to shorten their titles, "al-Sutani.  We need know more about him.  Is he a Lord or just a well to do merchant?  Is he from here, or elsewhere?  What drives him?  Why does he hate Harpers?  All this we need know, yeah?"

Cuss leans forward as he stares at Brahm, "I'm not going to suggests how you gather this information and stay away from harm.  Call it a test, no? "

"Well?"

[Persuasion ]
15
...

[Provisional Disguise and Stealth for possible side mission]
Disguise 25
Stealth 19
......................

Cuss suggests seeking out the theif's hideout tonight before his tardiness becomes reason for alarm.
Cuss gathers his plain fitted armor, and gifts Brahm his Tickett embroidered black studded leather.
Cuss suggests that Brahm stay behind for this trip, and attempt learning more about his new friend from the bath house.

[DiceMaster]

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

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#1 'D20' : 1

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#2 'D20' : 19, 10

[Custer Thickett]

Halfling's Luck

[DiceMaster]

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

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'D20' : 7

[Valeria Thaemor]

“Well I didn’t exactly mean to crush him quite so badly…. It’s the armor. Really adds quite a bit of weight,” Val explains sheepishly. “Hopefully you are able to get more out of him than we were. He certainly isn’t a chatty fellow.”

Once they are all back where the guest rooms are located, Val approaches Marietta with a sly smile. “There appears to be a small problem with my room I was hoping you could resolve for me. Please, allow me to show you the issue.” Her voice is soft and seductive- only a moron wouldn’t be able to read between the lines. With a wink to her fellow party members, Val leads Marietta into her guest room for naked happy fun times.

[Dwan Bolduum]

Dwan stands by watching as the injured man is tied up and questioned by Sim. He'll most likely live out the rest of his days using a cane to drag is legs around... That is of course if Sim doesn't kill him. He thinks to himself.

He sees Sim step away from the prisoner to address the group. Dwan's eyes linger on the prisoner as Sim's guards get to work on him. The man cries out, the noise deafening his ears to Sim's message. His focus goes back to the screams, they sound melodic now. The man's yells are only part of it; they are the chorus, warm and beckoning ; the volume shifting in an intricate pattern, in anticipation of the crescendo. The dripping blood pattering on the floor plays a subtle melody which is only enhanced by the playful rhythm that the crunching of shattered bones are making in the body. All of this is held together by the deep throbbing of his heart;

a wonder it must be to lay eyes such an instrument. he thinks as his fingers close around his skinning knife.

Dwan licks his lips in anticipation before a hand on his shoulder mutes the song.

No... what have you- he says as he spins around. A quick thud hits his arm causing the knife to drop from his hands. The red mist lifts from Dwan's vision as he takes in the scene. He is now merely feet away from the prisoner, his friends further back in the room watch in silent knowing. More guards are in the room and have their hands on the pommels of their swords. Kellar stands at his side, hand still on his shoulder as he slides the knife away from Dwan with his foot. Are you with me? he asks cautiously.

Dwan looks at him, shame filling the dwarf's eyes and nods.

Please excuse me...

Dwan exits the room and makes his way up to his quarters. He downs another potion and lies down to sleep. It would be full of nightmares.
-----------------------------------------------
Dwan has another attack of red plague

[Ao]

[Morning, Faeressar]

A breakfast of eggs and charred meat sits in your belly, the aromatic spices of clove and cinnamon still coating your teeth. The sky is pink and orange, rays of the sun beginning to peak out over the distant tips of the Marching Mountains.

All about you, Faeressar is beginning to waken.

Outside of the citadel’s gates, you watch merchants wheel their wagons slowly towards waiting stalls, stifling yawns and sipping on hot teas and coffees. Even in this early morning setting, you can see the determination and stalwart nature of these folk. There are many races and subraces of Calishite - some dark skinned, some light. But all of them are hardheaded and determined, walking in front of one another unapologetically and carrying on to their own mission without hesitation.

From behind you, Marietta trots in slowly upon a beautiful white-maned horse. Her flowing robes cover the lower half of her face as she stops the beast, waiting for your departure.

The rest of you are well-adorned on your own horses, leant to you from Sim’s stables. They are flawlessly manicured and cared for, and clearly of superior stock. The Lord Justice had departed many hours ago, and his stablehand had escorted you to the meeting space shortly after breakfast.

Now, it is time to leave.

Marietta guides you through the quiet streets of Faeressar, towards the northern gate. The streets wind beneath shady bridges and along wide, shallow laneways with sandstone fences and gates, leading up into larger dwellings.

It is a beautiful peaceful place. And, it is not long before you have left it for the road, once again.

[…]

The heat of the day is stifling, though your body is less incensed than it was previously. The mounts and the garb that Sim supplied you help wick away the sweat, and keep the sand from your eyes. It is at least, tolerable.

By midday, you find yourselves in the foothills of the Marching Mountains. Sand still permeates nearly every crevice and crag that your surefooted horses traverse, jagged brush and blossoming hedges growing wildly in these southern hills.

The sun burns high above, and at one point you slow along a ridge, watching as a pack of desert cats slink in the shadows of a cliff-face. The slender beasts play in the sun, dodging with blinding speed through the splintered, weathered trees.

They disappear off into the hills, chasing their prey. Your horses carry on swiftly, moving you with uncanny speed over the unfamiliar terrain.

After a time, you find yourselves at a small oasis. Looking up, the Marching Mountains loom high overhead, keeping you in shadow as they dwarf the sun.

The oasis is beautiful, and tranquil. No larger than a small pond, it is crowned with delicate palm trees and enormous, exotic pink flowers that shudder in the breeze. A vibrant blue bird floats on the surface of the water, taking flight as you approach.

Your horses begin to drink from the pond, when you hear something -

To the east a short ways, deep, baritone voices seem to be echoing through the craggy ledge. The lightfooted among you dismount quickly, stalking perhaps 100 feet towards the noise. The smell of fire reaches your nose, and you can see a thin wisp of smoke rising up in the distance.

Looking out over an outcropping of boulders, you can see three hulking trolls sitting around a fire. A big, black cauldron bubbles over it, evidently prepped for an evening supper. The trolls are bantering to one another loudly, one of them smoking a grotesquely large pipe, while another cuts a strange looking vegetable into the pot.

Behind them, two men are lashed to a wooden pole. Their faces are drawn into a look of panic, as they stare at the trolls desperately. They are stripped to their smallclothes, and both of them are bald with enormous hoop earrings adorning their ears. You can see a little ways off, their clothes have been discarded in a heap, while several weapons - two whips, and a pair of manacles - are hung across a narrow cord…

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

Ok folks - it’s nearing evening, however you need not stop at this oasis. You could continue to press on - however if you do, your horses will tire, and if you need to move/retreat quickly I’ll have to give them disadvantage. They’ve had a long day.

That said, there’s no way you can stay at the oasis without eventually attracting the attention of these trolls, who also seem to have human captives.

How will you handle the situation?

MVP: Dwan - loved the red mist scenario

[Kellar]

"Trolls. What can you tell us about the men hanging there," Kellar asked their guide. He removed his axe from his belt and removed his shield from his back. He tapped the side of his helmet and his visor closed. "Valeria, you with me?"

Kellar rolled his shoulders and tapped his shield with his axe and began jogging forward. As he ran forward, plumes of lightning began tracing lines to form shimmering scales. (Blade Ward used).

Actions:
Kellar asked Valeria to mix it up with him.
Kellar used Bladeward.
Let's do this.

[Valeria Thaemor]

“An opportunity to hit something? You know me too well.” Val gives Kellar a wide grin and pulls out her sword, the steel at home in her grip. “Oh wait! Before we do this….How do I look? I want their last sight to leave an impression, you know?” Much lower she adds, “Plus I got people to impress.” She gives a subtle nod towards Marietta.

Her worries were for naught as even though they had all been traveling a decent portion of the day, Val still somehow manages to look attractive- even with fading bruises on her face.

[Gimble Nabisco Raulnor]

Over the course of their journey, Gimble keeps himself delightfully cool through his magic, suffering not even a shimmer of sweat on his brow or the stray particulate of sand.

The old gnome perks up at the commotion coming from over the boulders. "Trolls?" He sneaks up with the other to take a look. "Dear me. What a conundrum we have here. Are those manacles? Are those men slave traders?" He turns back to Marietta, expecting her input on the matter.

1d20+4 = 13 Nature on trolls

[Gimble Nabisco Raulnor]

Nature check

[DiceMaster]

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

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'D20' : 9

[Kellar]

"Oh wait! Before we do this….How do I look? I want their last sight to leave an impression, you know?”

Kellar grinned while jogging forward. "You look rough in the right spots," chuckled Kellar while tapping his visor (where his eye would be). He twirled Anna's Axe in his hand and continued forward. "I have no doubt you'll make an impression, just use your sword (no crossbows)."

[Ao]

Marietta slinks down beside Gimble, nodding as the gnome speaks.

"Yes, they look like slavers, old one."

The white-robed woman crouches over the ledge, peering down at the trolls.

"Those are rock trolls. Strong and tough as oxen. Not easy prey."

She looks back towards the oasis, where the rest of the fellowship is tending to the horses.

"I suggest we move on. We've little to gain here. The lives of these miscreants is already forfeit.

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

Troll stats up in the lair!
A

[Osvald Hale]

Osvald leers over the edge of the ridge at the trolls.

Kellar and Val snap into action, sliding down the face of the dune towards trouble.

Osvald shrugs to Gimble and Marietta; unslinging his bow from his shoulder and pointing to the armor-clad Warriors charging forward. "Looks like we're in this one already. " moving with sudden urgency, Osvald snatches a fistful of Arrows from his quiver and stabs them in the sand.

"We need to focus on them one at at time, beat them and burn them so they can't regenerate," Pulling his cloak around, he whips up his boot knife in a spinning motion and slices free a two-inch strip from the ragged cloaks base. "Any trick you've got to stir up that fire and get embers in their eyes--do it! They're piss poor fighters when they're blind." The ranger takes a full mouthful from his battered flask, holds up the strip of his cloak and sprays the caustic rot-gut down the cloth. Wiping his mouth he rips a section of strip free, and takes a knee to show the gnomes the simple motion of tying a knot around the shaft just behind the arrowhead.

Looking to both gnomes and Marietta he continues,

"I'm going to start plugging these damn trolls just before Kell and Val reach them, and I need as many of these as you have free seconds to make between spells. Now, if it's not too much trouble, can I get a light?"

=====


Osvald asks the gnomes and Marietta to help him whip up some fire arrows through prestidigitation for the fight ahead!

[Dwan Bolduum]

Once the scouts come back to inform the rest of the group of what the source of the commotion is, Dwan speaks up.

Rough way to go, eaten by trolls. he pauses, Lost a few good men that way.  Criminals or not, I don't think I can just walk on by like some kind of monster... our help is needed

Dwan approaches the area with the rest of the group, quickly whispering his plan.

I can summon a fireball in the middle of the three, to start things off.  Osvlad is right, you should focus the attack, one at a time.  If any of them are armed, focus them first.   Wait for my signal before the attack.  

As they line up on the other side of the hill, Dwan pulls out his scepter and starts channeling his power through it.  

Whispering in druidic he nods to the others.

He pops up and aims his scepter toward the middle of the group.  The cook fire intensifies and embers quickly flow from the fire and form into a small ball floating in front of the trolls.  Before the Trolls can comprehend what is happening the ball erupts into flame, the tendrils of fire lick at their skin as they scream out in horror.  

==================================================
Dwan casts Flaming Sphere with a lvl3 slot in the center of the trolls.  All trolls have to make a DC 14 Dex roll to save.

Troll1 'Cavanag': 3+? < 14 Failed (full damage)
Troll2 'Sdur': 19+? >14 success (half damage)
Troll3 'Bongad': 17+? > 14 success (half damage)

14 fire damage on full damage
7 fire damage on half

[DiceMaster]

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

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#1 'D20' : 3

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#2 'D20' : 19

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#3 'D20' : 17

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#4 'D6' : 6, 3, 5

[Custer Thickett]

Cuss was far from comfortable, but he was far better equipped for this trip through the dessert than he was for his last.  He had become accustom to the long white Thwarb he wore over his black leather armor, itself wrapped in thin white cloth to keep it from holding the heat of Sune's light.  The Keffiyeh he wore wrapped around his head and down around his face kept the sand from digging pits into the skin of his face.  This he considered the best of the improvements to his Calminshan wardrobe.  His pale skin hidden beneath the attire, he could pass for a native atop his white stallion trotting behind Marietta and Val.

Something was different between those two.  He was glad they could not see his grin beneath the Keffiyeh.  Surely Val would wipe it off if she could.

If they were to stay here for a time, he'd need to learn the native tongue, that much he was sure of.  He hoped for time to do so as much as he hoped for the time to continue getting good sleep.  The most recent trek through the small teeth had him yearning for the sway of a hammock in Tris Pistoles at the least, or his plush bed at the manor back in Esmeltaran at best.  He thanked Waukeen for the accommodation of the Janissar, but in truth their bed nearly stole away his morning, which had made him late for their departure.

At the oasis, atop the dune, Cuss held his father's old crossbow by his side.  He judged the distance to the trolls and decided he was well within range from here.  As his steel armored friends descended the dune and Osvald began sticking arrows into the sand, he turned to look again at the shape of the dune they stood upon.  He could easily use it to cover a flank and then their combat as a distraction to free the men.  Would they help or run?  

He turned to Marietta as he drew back the string on the crossbow to load a quarrel.  "If they be slavers, then were be their slaves?"

He considered what the trolls may do to the prisoners when they realized they were under attack.  Surely they weren't smart enough to use threats against them to stay his friend's assault, but in truth he knew little of Trolls. He didn't learn much about those they faced in the portal chamber.

"Me thinks I'll free them and will ask them to flank if they understand common, no?  Might be they would trade information on the Rundeen for their lives."

He slid down the backside of the dune, and then began to stalk around the fight to get to the captives.

[Cuss will dash and use cunning action for stealth] +9
21

[DiceMaster]

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

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'D20' : 12

[Valeria Thaemor]

As val and Kellar approach, Val slows her pace and puts a hand on Kellar’s shoulder to signal him to stop before they get to close to the trolls. “You know, I’m in a good mood. I think we should give them one chance to do the right thing before we hack them to death.” She nods to herself, sets her shoulders, and saunters off towards the group without a care in the world. The idea that they might not speak common doesn’t even occur to her and she’s already calling out to the trolls before Kellar can stop her.

“Hello there! You really shouldn’t eat people and my friends and I will be forced to put a stop to it if you do not release them at once and accept a vegetarian lifestyle!” She points at them with her sword to make her point before continuing, “There are plenty of other things to eat that aren’t people!” Finished addressing the trolls, she turns an angry glare to the captives. “And you two. I hear that you’re slavers. I suggest you abandon that profession or you’ll be freed just to find your way to the gallows.”

Intimidation on the off chance they understand a word of what she's saying: 12

[DiceMaster]

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

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'D20' : 8

[Kellar]

"A little late to be talking to them," exclaimed Kellar. The fireball from Dwan washed over the three trolls as Valeria tried to reason with them. Kellar sprinted past her and brushed her shoulder. Kellar began his assault.

"Si mi gethrisjir ekess svent wux!" (Translated: I am going to kill you)

Kellar lunged toward Cavanag and slashed across the troll's knees. Attack Roll= 13+9= 22; DMG= 7+6= 13; SD= 7; Total DMG: 20 The axe cut deep into the troll's knees, causing it to scream out in pain. Kellar circled to the right and twirled Anna's Axe in his hand. "Anytime you're ready Valeria!"

Actions:

Kellar sprinted past Valeria.
Kellar used 1 Superiority Die for Lunge Attack.
Bladeward is still active.

[DiceMaster]

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

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#1 'D20' : 13

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#2 'D8' : 7

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#3 'D8' : 7

[Ao]

Rocks slide as the dragoon charges towards the camp, Valeria's words echoing behind him. The sun glints across his armor, a wave of heat exploding before him as Dwan's conflagration lands, exploding amidst the trolls.

The dwarf stands atop the mountainside, watching as his handiwork takes root.

"RAAAAAGH!" Scream the ragged beasts, their flesh singed and blistered as they stumble backward. The biggest of them kicks over the soup pot, sending boiling hot water pouring across the clearing as its' feet step upon the hot coals.

HISSSSSSSSSSSS

The sound of fire on flesh is disgusting, the trolls screeching in rage and surprise.

Valeria watches from atop the rocky outcropping, observing the slavers as they startle at the calamity. Her words carry across the clearing, and their gaze swings in her direction. Like men finding salvation in hell, they grovel with their eyes before the Paladin of sune. It is an ugly, pleading glance.

[...]

Kellar's axe bites deeply, the harsh steel of Anna Maul's family heirloom drawing blood from the fatty, grotesque legs of the rock troll. The beast sneers, his chest heaving as it barrels towards the dragoon, carried by the weight of its immense mass...

[Cavanag vs. Kellar: Bite/Claw/Claw: miss/hit/miss]

Kellar feels the impact on his sword arm, the unclean fingernails of the ogre swiping across his forearm and drawing blood.

[6 damage to Kellar!]

The assault barely registers upon the seasoned warrior - Kellar parrying and attacking with impunity.

[Dwan, perception]

From above the combat, Dwan's brow furrows. They had fought Trolls before. Ugly beasts, most notable for their vulnerability to fire. The lousy gits regenerate if you don't burn them.

But between the coals, and the flaming sphere...something wasn't right. Their flesh is knitting itself together as he watches, the vitality of the brutes seemingly unbroken.

It seems, this lot wasn't vulnerable to cleansing flame...

[All trolls regenerate 5 HP]

[...]

From the outskirts of the valley clearing, Custer skulks through the sand and underbrush to find a vantage point. He watches Kellar engage the enormous trolls, settling into a crevice amidst the limestone where his boots jam comfortably into a dark, shady spot.

He watches the other two trolls reach for weapons: a great club, and an enormous battle axe.

Game on.

=========================
Ok folks! Get in the battle!

MVP: Custer

[Kellar]

REACTION!

Kellar anticipated the lumbering movement of the ogre and swung his shield upward to deflect the dirty clawed attack. (Superiority Die expended to PARRY.) The ogre shifted its weight to account for the glancing blow, leaving it's belly exposed. Kellar raised his axe and slashed, hoping to spill it's guts. Attack Roll= 18+9= 27 Hit!; Damage= 5+6= 11

"Anytime you guys wanna jump in it would be helpful," said Kellar.

Actions:
Kellar parried (3+3 DEX MOD= 6) 6 DMG nullified. No damage taken.
Kellar counterattacked.

[DiceMaster]

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

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#1 'D8' : 3

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#2 'D20' : 18

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#3 'D8' : 5

[Custer Thickett]

Cuss's eyes dart back and forth as he observes the unfolding fight.  Kellar would soon have his hands full, but it was not the first time he'd watch the blue dragoon charge into such a melee.  

Looking to the prisoners, Cuss picks out his path and continues his approach.  

[Dash with Cunning Action for Stealth]
17

Only yards from the wooden pole, Cuss has to lower himself to his belly and crawl in the sand, scooting his crossbow along beside him.  He crept behind the prisoners, to slide alongside their pile of garments and the weapons tied across the cord.  He carefully ran his finger along the cord, inspecting it for a trap before pulling the whips down.  

[Investigation]
14

...

Cuss keeps sneaking to the prisoners, and checks their weapons on the cord for a trap.

[DiceMaster]

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

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#1 'D20' : 8

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#2 'D20' : 13

[Dwan Bolduum]

THE FIRE IS NOT WORKING! THEY ARE STILL REGENERATING! Dwan yells to the others.  HIT THEM HARD

Dwan wills the fireball to slam in the back of the Troll dueling with Kellar as he dashes behind the two.  While the troll has arched it's back in pain, Dwan pivots on his feet and channels a sprays of poison from his hand that covers the troll's face. It's mouth open from the wails, cause the creature to ingest the poison directly.

(Troll Constitution save 6+? < 14? damage in lair. Ao let me know if the troll is able to save.)

Dwan keeps his eyes peeled for the approach of the other two trolls.

==================
Free action to move fireball
Poison spray once Dwan gets within 10 feet of the troll

[DiceMaster]

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

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'D20' : 6

[Valeria Thaemor]

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Val grumbles, annoyed at her very botched and very late attempt to resolve things without violence. She rushes over to Kellar’s side, leaping into the fray and slashing angrily at the same troll he is working on. “One at a time, right?”

Attack 1: 24; 12 damage

Attack 2: 24; 9 damage

---

Actions: Val will move to Kellar's side and attack the same troll he's attacking twice.

[DiceMaster]

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

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#1 'D20' : 18

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#2 'D20' : 18

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#3 'D8' : 7

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#4 'D8' : 4

[Gimble Nabisco Raulnor]

"Fire resistant trolls? Dear me. Well I'll see what I can do." Gimble puts down the arrows that he was helping with and stands up. He gazes down at the two trolls and raises his staff. A string of words tumble out, and the magic that forms begins to seep into the mind of the troll Bongad. A portal opens above it, spewing forth a bright purple beholder. It gazes at Bongad and bares its teeth before firing off a beam of energy.

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Gimble casts phantasmal force (beholder); DC 15 Int save.

1d6 psychic damage from beholder =

[DiceMaster]

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

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'D6' : 2

[Ao]

Embers from the cookfire flare into the air as Kellar and Valeria form a phalanx, pushing against the grey-skinned trolls as they assemble their assault.

“Whozzis AMBUSHIN us?” screeches the troll hefting a great axe, its distended belly wobbling furiously as it charges towards the pair of warriors.

The third troll laughs, lifting his club off the ground.

“Ain’t no one AMBUSHIN. They wolked into the wrong crossing, Im thinkin. Oh well, more flesh for the soup!”

The trolls charge into battle.

[…]

Marietta stands perched above the valley with Osvald, Artimus and Pimli. The three have not yet mobilized, watching as their fellows maneuver into position.

The white robed woman stares down, and then you hear her speak in a hushed tone…

“Those men…”

She stares further at the captives, and then abruptly cups her hands to her mouth, shouting below…

“THE SLAVERS! TAKE THEM ALIVE. YOU MUST!”

[…]

"GRRRRAGH!"

Cavanag lunges for Kellar, swinging madly as Dwan’s fireballs streak across the clearing. From behind the towering giant, he can see the other two crossing the campsite quickly towards them. Trouble.

The dwarf drops in on them, Dwan creeping around the flank of the troll and blasting it with a stream of poison...!

[Dwan, the troll does not save]

[Cavanag vs. Kellar; miss, hit, miss(crit!)]
[6 damage to Kellar]

The troll swipes at the dragoon, gnashing his teeth as his fist cracks loudly against Kellar’s helmet. He reaches his other arm out to grab Kellar’s neck, but the warrior effortlessly dodges the strike, fixated on the exposed belly the foolish move made room for.

[Kellar has advantage to hit Cavanag next turn]

Valeria digs her boots in, fighting alongside the warrior as he fends off the troll with his axe. Her blade cuts deeply, drawing blood from their quarry as the other troll barrels in from her flank. The paladin turns to meet him, her red locks whipping through the air…

[Sdur vs. Valeria, hit, miss, hit]
[19 damage to Valeria!]

The breath is knocked from her chest as the battle-axe comes crashing down from an overhead blow, staggering her backward and popping a bone in her shoulder. Valeria's breath is stolen by pain, the snarling troll bringing the axe around again in a sideswipe, catching her in the shoulder and drawing her sword down clumsily…!

[…]

Gimble watches as his illusion births into being. He can always tell when one of his spells has ensconced his quarry… the look of confusion, and horror that appears on their faces…

The third troll digs his heels into the ground comically, nearly dropping his club as the beholder appears before him. The troll pauses for a moment, unsure of what to do…

…and then…

[Bongad, int save failed]

Fiercely, it raises its club and runs in a suicide streak towards the illusion…

[…]

Custer’s head whips around, and he watches the troll [Bongad] charge towards he and the prisoners with his club raised high. The halfling grabs the whips that are hanging, ducking down behind a boulder as the troll shouts loudly, swinging its weapon down…

“SQUELCH”

The sickening liquefaction of skull and brain is an unmistakable sound, a fountainous spray of blood and cranial matter misting through the air and coating the rocks around Custer with a disgusting squish.

The halfling peers over the crimson, slick boulder, watching as the troll brutally drops his club down again and again and again over the corpse of one of the prisoners. As if possessed by a helldemon, the troll crushes the man’s body into an unrecognizable mash, the former human’s companion screaming in such terror and shock that it was doubtable his mind would survive the torment.

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

Ok guys, here’s the situation:

A) Cavanag and Sdur crushing down on Val and Kell, in the middle of the campsite. Dwan is closeby
B) Custer is about 25 feet away, hidden amidst boulders
C) Bongad is attacking his phantasmal beholder. Unfortunately, the phantasmal creature is present over the prisoners, and he has successfully slaughtered one of them (Svek) already.

D) Marietta, Artimus, Ozzy and Pimli are standing atop the cliff, perhaps 80 feet away to the west.


Game on!

[Valeria Thaemor]

Val reels back from the force of the hits and lets out a yelp of pain. Her shoulder throbs and she has a nagging suspicion that at the very least something is fractured. Always one for talking during fights, her brain is in too much pain to form anything witty to say. Instead she throws herself into an attack once more, biting the inside of her cheek to keep from crying out as each movement makes her shoulder throb worse.

attack 1: 10

attack 2: 9

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Actions: Attacking twice again despite lots of pain

[DiceMaster]

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

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#1 'D20' : 4

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#2 'D8' : 5

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#3 'D20' : 3

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#4 'D8' : 7

[Custer Thickett]

Cuss clutched his crossbow hard, his knuckles turning white from the effort.  Frustration simmered inside him, and he thought of the Silver Fox's words about plans in a fight.  Surely he could have been smarter than what brought him nearly face to face with this angry troll and a panicked prisoner.  

He glanced around the crimson sprayed boulders.  They may offer him cover and give him an opportunity to confuse the beast.  

They could also make for his tomb, but he would not dwell on that thought.

He pulled the crossbow up in front of him, and carefully aimed for the center of the troll's massive head only ten yards from his own.  

The string of the weapon sang a familiar song as he loosed the bolt.  Thwing!

[Assassinate, Advantage from surprise.]
18, 39 damage in lair.

Cuss immediately ducked behind his boulder and scooted to another several yards away, but he heard the bolt struck true with a squelch.  As he took cover, he leaned the light crossbow to the side while he started loading Olc, K'Tesh's former black hand-crossbow.  He stuck quarrels between his knuckles for quick reloading, and then looked for the Troll again.

[Move then Cunning Action for Stealth.]
24

[DiceMaster]

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

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#1 'D20' : 2, 10

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#2 'D20' : 15

[Kellar]

Kellar bobbed and wove his way through the attacks by Cavanag. Kellar's golden scales converged on his helmet and met the force of the blow. (Blade Ward consumed, 3 Damage only) Kellar rolled forward to absorb the energy and prepare his axe for the exposed belly left by Cavanag's over-extension. Attack Roll= 9+9= 18 HIT!; Damage= 8+6= 14

"Turalisj baclax,"snarled Kellar. (Translation: Big mistake).

[DiceMaster]

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

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#1 'D20' : 5, 9

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#2 'D8' : 8

[Artimus DeLonde]

The scent of warm cinnamon lingered still from the mornings breakfast, swirling in the nostrils of the mariner as the breached the camp. The fond remembrances of waking meats was stolen, shook loose by the stench of troll bile, vile trundling and simple creatures. The of sight of the men chained and bound was equally sobering - men plucked from who knows where and headed to ill fates.

-It'z time to go to work old man- Artimus whispered to the willful blade on his hip- (Persuasion fail)

"No I will certainly not- thief brigand!"
The blade answered, resisting his drawing hand.

"Zhis izn't over ztubborn old fool" he threatened the blade pulling his reliable foil from his opposing hip.

Artimus strode hastily down the craggy rock face into a flanking position to the trolls engaged with Valeria and Kellar

The Mariner pressed their exposed formation cutting cruelly over and again.
HIT 12 Dmg 'Cavanag'
HIT 13 Dmg 'Cavanag'

[DiceMaster]

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

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'D20' : 6, 11, 12

[Ao]

[Bongad, Int check failed!]

The troll sneers, his body covered in a fine coat of blood as he continues to bring his club down again and again upon the ethereal beholder, Gimble's illusion fixating the hulking troll.

*SCHNNNIP*

Custer's crossbow bolt embeds itself into the creature's cheek, a spurt of blood erupting forth as the troll opens its' mouth in pain. The bolt is embedded in the gum, functionally pinning the right side of its' mouth shut.

It stares with renewed fury at the beholder's phantasm, countering mercilessly into the squelching mound of flesh and blood and bone to avenge the misdirected crossbow bolt.

The slaver next to them, nearly unrecognizable under his coverings of crimson meat chunks, screams pitifully beside them.

[...]

Cavanag grunts in pain at Artimus' affront, turning to meet the assailant as Kellar presses his advantage.

[Cavanag vs. Artimus, Hit, Miss, Hit!]
[21 damage to Artimus]

The troll carries his momentum round, oblivious to the impending assault from the dragoon as his fist cracks off of the mariner's chest, driving Artimus backward and crunching bone through his chain shirt.

The captain reels, out of breath and slipping through the sand as he struggles for purchase!

Cavanag cries out as Kellar strikes him again, the Troll clumsily looking to parry with leatherbound forearms...

"FOOLS!" the Troll shouts, blood on his lips.

[...]

Valeria breathes heavily, Sdur pressing the attack with his greataxe held high.

"TINY WOMAN! You've not enough flesh on your bones to kill for meat. Best do it for sport!"

The axe falls...

[Sdur vs. Valeria, miss, hit, hit]
[17 damage to Valeria]

Again the blow drives her back, the harrowing CLCHINK of the falling weapon crushing armor and battering flesh..

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

[Kellar]

Kellar removed the blood slicked axe and prepared to attack again. He heard the soft crunch of metal on flesh as Valeria was hit by the other troll. Artimus joined the fold, only to be requited in kind for his assault. "Osvald! Open fire! Quit standing there!" Kellar brought his axe down on Cavanag's achille's tendon. Attack= 13+9= 22 HIT!, Damage= 6+6= 12

[DiceMaster]

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

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#1 'D20' : 13

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#2 'D8' : 6

[Custer Thickett]

Custer peers over his new boulder, Olc ready and in hand.  A smile creeps upon the corner of his sneer as he sees the troll was clueless to his presence.  It wasn't even looking for him as it smashed into the crushed corpse still tied to the wooden post.  His quarrel protruded from the beasts face, quivering as the thing grunted with every downward swing.  

He rested his black hand crossbow upon the rock, and reached for the light crossbow he had discarded for possible close combat.  He turned his gaze to the weapon as he locked it ready to fire with expert ease, then pulled it up and over the boulder to level another shot for the thing's large head.

Again the string sang a familiar song.

[Assassinate, advantage from surprise.]
28 NATTY!!!

In practiced routine, he grasped Olc and pulled himself from view behind be boulder just as the sound of the hit sang back at him.  He scooted back through cover to his first perch, and set up for another attack.

[Move and Cunning Action Stealth.]
10 CRIT FAIL!!!

[DiceMaster]

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

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#1 'D20' : 8, 20

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#2 'D20' : 1

[Custer Thickett]

Halfling's Luck

[DiceMaster]

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

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'D20' : 1

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