DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post Forums Fantasy SKT: The Storm King's Thunder 3R - Things that go Bump in the Night

DM

The party finishes their various conversations, with the occasional guard moving around or exchanging duties with another. The guards seem uninterested in the party, and occasionally stoke the fire. It seems it's someone's job (or several someones) to stay up overnight as part of this town's attempt to assure safety of its occupants, their goods, and the local agriculture.

Most of the inn's rooms -- and all available for the party -- are in the basement level, accessed by a set of stairs going down from the northwest corner of the common room.

[OOC: Feel free to assume you're in any of the rooms. It matters little; we'll start grid play at the top of the stairs.]


The flickering light of lanterns casts long shadows across the hallways. Soft snores and the occasional mumbled word can occasionally be heard behind some of the closed doors. It's the perfect place to catch up on some rest.

Suddenly, in the darkest hours in the middle of the night, the tranquility is shattered by a piercing scream, the desperate cry of a familiar voice that echoes through the wooden beams of the inn. It's the young stable girl, the same one who had met the party around the stables earlier in the day. The scream is filled with terror and pain, carrying an urgency that cuts through the veil of sleep and commands immediate attention.

The wooden floor above creaks beneath the weight of footsteps, hurried movements of guards and those few with rooms upstairs as they scramble to their feet. The innkeeper's wife, a stout woman with worry etched on her face, appears at the top of the stairs, calling down loudly, desperately hoping for help from anyone willing. "Something's happening in the stables!" she exclaims, her voice trembling with fear.

OOC: Roll for initiative.

Pavel

Pavel looked back to Jaliera after he filled up the tankard of ale. She'd said a lot more that should be addressed but he doubted the rest of the group was very receptive at the moment due to the late night and drink. He also noticed that it seemed the rest of the party had headed to bed.

" We might need to pick up the conversation in the morning. Seems we won't be heading to the Great Forest in the morning anyway. I have some business here. In fact it seems to be pumpkin time."

He looks sadly at the untouched tankard. "Sad to waste this though." He says as he offers the fresh tankard to the man seeming to guard the common room.

"I am off to bed myself." He tells the remaining members of the party.

He heads to his room tired from a long day of waiting for the party to arrive. He lays there thinking of the conversations from the evening. Just as he is drifting off to sleep he hears the scream.

Dressing quickly he rushes into the hallway sword in hand.

Pavel Initiative
Miales rolled 1d20 and got 7

Forgot he was +3 on Initiative so a 10

Zhu

As normal, she sits on the floor of her room, cross-legged, in Reverie, so when the scream occurs she is instantly up, dressed and armed and heading to the stairs.


Zhu Initiative
Zeim rolled d20+8 and got 14

[[ Bern Init MikeD rolled d20+3 and got 4 ]]

Zindra
She had been nursing her drinks, trying to stay awake and alert. But it was getting late and there was no need to further the discussions. They would wait until morning. So she went to her room and began to prepare for bed when the commotion started. She grabbed her weapons and went to see what was going on.

Zindra Initiative
Neptune rolled 1d20+3 and got 7

Jaliera

She had assisted Davroar downstairs and into bed and he had fallen into a deep sleep. She wakes suddenly in th middle of the night by a scream.. and then a woman calling out about trouble in the stables.

Gypsy Initiative
Gypsy rolled 1d20+4 and got 11

Davroar

He leans on Jaliera for support to their room, and promptly goes to sleep. He is not a large man, so it does not take too much to get drunk, but the scream is enough to pierce his grogginess as he sits up mumbles "What the hell!" as he pulls on his boots, grabs his staff, and will head up stairs with Jaliera.

Davroar Initiative
Dugan rolled 1d20 and got 19

DM

Davroar manages to reach the stairs first, and emerges into the dimly lit common room next to the bar. A long corridor leads straight from there toward the stables, where the anguished scream of Lily, the young stable girl, is now eerily amplified by the corridor's acoustics and beckons anyone willing to rescue. It is a desperate cry for help, but it is abruptly cut short, replaced by a sickening thud that resonates through the wooden structure.

Horses, usually silent companions in their stalls, now join in the chorus of making their fear known. Their panicked neighs and the vibrations of their hooves pounding against the stable floor paint a scene of chaos unfolding in the stables.

A decision presents itself to Davroar: the hallway leading to the stables or the exit door that opens to the outside chaos. The hallway is the faster route to possible rescue, but a more confined approach to whatever the threat is.

A bell rings out an alarm from an unseen room above, awakening all in the town. Some may arrive to help, but certainly not soon enough to help the stable girl or the horses...

Davroar

Hearing the cry and then the obvious thud of probably her falling to the floor, he will go dashing towards the double-doors at the end of the hallway so that he can get to the stables as fast as possible.

Aubric

The elf cleric winces at the thud sound, knowing immediately that he needs to reach the young victim as quickly as possible, regardless of the threat. He races after Davroar down the hallway, overtaking him with his speed... faster than any doppelganger.

Zhu

Seeing two of the group heading down the hallway, she decides that some coming from a different direction could be helpful and so she pivots and heads outside.

Jaliera

She races after Davroar, drawing her bow and grabbing an arrow as she does so.

Zindra
The hunter races into the taproom, spots Zhu and follows her out the back way.

Sindar

As he comes down the stairs, he too decides to head towards the outside to potentially try and catch those fleeing that way.

DM

Davroar, Aubric, and Jaliera are headed down the hallway, while Zhu, Sindar, and Zindra are headed toward the outside entrance (and whatever chaos is happening outside).

OOC: Since we're all just starting out heading in one direction or another, it's ok if we skip initiative order, but once combat starts we'll need to keep it strict.

Speaking of order, Pavel and Kriv can decide who goes first.


Initiative order
Pavel 10 or Kriv 10 (your choice)
Sindar 9
Zindra 7
Arus 6
Bern 4
NPCs 2
Davroar 19
Aubric 18
Zhu 14
Jaliera 11

Kriv

How typical.

Trust a human settlement to get sloppy in its defences. Having swiftly redonned his armor, the Dragonborn recalled the Glasstaff to hand with a thought, and set it ablaze with light with a guttural syllable, all as he hustled from his lodgings and ascended to where the action was. Outside seemed a better option for the moment.

<Bern>

He considers and decides that there is greater need outside where there is more ground to cover.

Pavel

At the bottom of the stairs he spies Davroar and Jaliera. He follows them down the hallway.

DM

The party has split into two groups, with Davroar, Jaliera, Aubric, and Pavel headed the fastest route directly to the stables.



One hopes the indoor group can arrive in time to rescue Lily. The horses are still stomping and neighing in panic, with crashing sounds like the breaking of stall doors clearly audible.

Lily Death Saving Throw
AquaDyne rolled 1d20 and got 2
S=0, F=1

The remainder of the party is headed outside. The first to open the door will see -- and allow those behind them to also see -- two Trolls at the entrance to the stables, where two guardsmen are trying to distract the creatures, throwing rocks at them while calling for reinforcements. Unfortunately, they're hired to keep humanoids in check and are no match for these giant attackers so they're staying well outside of melee range.

Davroar

He will continue to run as fast as he can to get to the far doors leading to the stables.

[ooc: Is there a limit to how many rounds you can dash? ]

Jaliera

She will run after Davroar and Aubric.

(OOC - Zhu could use some Sorcery points to Dash and still cast a spell as a Bonus Action, but she'll save them for now. I moved her on the Roll20 map to be adjacent to the well.)

Aubric

Aubric continues to race down the hallway, clearly a bit faster than the others.

[Would our characters know if trolls are giantkind?]

Arus

Trolls. A fearsome foe with legendary regenerative powers.

"Bring burning brands!" Arus yells to the room.

The triton has a more chilling course of action in mind, casting Armour of Agathys has he approaches the fray.

[Casting Armour of Agathys using 2nd level spell slot, so a foe takes 10 cold damage when it hits him with melee attack. Grants 10 temp hp to Arus and damage effect ends when temp hp are depleted.]

Kriv

Speed was clearly of the essence here, as was getting the attention of their foe. Both were entirely within the Dragonborn's purview, as he invoked his mastery of the Art to keep pace with the rest of the group whilst getting a cantrip shot away.


Bonus Action: Cast Expeditious Retreat. As part of the casting, dash action, in combination with move action, moving to just west of Zhu.
Action:
Kriv fire bolt at nearest troll, damage
AJ rolled 1d20+6,2d10 and got 22, 13

<Bern>

The others seemed to be in a 'rush' to 'catch up' with the attackers. He would have preferred getting the foes to attack them, but that didn't seem to be a choice at the moment.

He followed his companions.

Zindra
She races outside the door with the others, bow in hand.
ooc: I moved Zindra 60. I'm curious how Zhu, Kriv and Arus moved up so fast? They are 30 feet ahead of her. Remember you cannot use a move in place of a bonus action unless you have a special ability.
I assume that Bern is 5 feet behind Zindra? I can move his MikeD's token.

(Originally Dash + Fey Step, but decided not to use Fey Step so moved her back 30 feet.)

Pavel

He keeps running.

Ooc: keeping token with Davroar to be safe on distances. Each square is what? 5ft?

And Jaliera who hates/fears fire!

DM

The group in the hallway continues their eastward sprint, racing against time to save Lily.

Lily Death Saving Throw
AquaDyne rolled 1d20 and got 11
S=1, F=1

The trolls in the stables have each, by this time, chosen an equine treat for dinner, breaking into two of the stalls and clawing the creatures to death. Fortunately they are leaving the stable girl alone for now.

Outdoors, the guards who had been trying to distract the trolls see that help is on the way, with magical fire. They do the brave thing, running away... er... getting out of the way to allow those big flaming fireballs to work without singing their beards. They heard the call for torches and run to collect some.

Kriv does a good deal of damage to the nearest outdoor troll, who glares at him and growls loudly, but the party is still too far away to chase after his attacker so he does the sensible thing, barelling inside the stables through what's left of the door to nurse his wounds, and join the other pair enjoying some tasty equine.

The other troll picks up a large piece of the door and flings it toward the party. It travels less than the hundred-or-so feet, harming no one. Much less. Seeing that a ranged attack with a door is out of the question, this troll also moves inside, taking up more of a guarding-the-door position.

[OOC: Given the movement confusion I've just moved all the players in each group to the locations that they should have generally been in. Top of initiative order again, with the outdoor group able to do a bit more tactics, while the hallway group probably wants to move and Dash again...]

Jaliera

She will run just behind the others. Her main aim is that she could maybe stop and fire as soon as she can see a target. Or maybe cast a spell?

Pavel

Pavel is doing all he can do for the next two rounds which is Move and Dash.

Aubric

The elf continues sprinting, gaining ground on the others, making it to the doorway... hopefully close enough to reach the girl and have time to heal her before the trolls notice his presence.

Davroar

He continues to run even though he does not know what they might be running into. He hears Arus yelling about bringing torches, but is still unsure what they might be facing. Aubric is fast, as he reaches door well ahead of him. Davroar says to him, "Hey, take a peek and let us know what's there."

Zhu

Seeing the town guards run off and the sounds from the door to the stables she surmises the Trolls have moved inside. With little else to do she runs towards the stable doors.

(OOC - Aqua - I presume she doesn't have LOS to the Trolls now? Also, any windows in the horse stalls that can be used to see inside or is it all solid walls?)

<Bern>

He saw Zhu heading towards the stables and that confirmed it for him as well. He turned and ran after her. Not only were their horses in there, it sounded like to stable girl was as well.

Sindar

The bard slips his weapon of choice, his lute, into position. He begins to play an upbeat melody on the instrument.

In the realm of shadows where darkness creeps,
A tale unfolds of warriors bold, their secret keeps.
Through misty moors and ancient woods they tread,
In search of trolls, where nightmares are bred.

With armor gleaming, and swords drawn bright,
They march as one, a valiant sight.
The moonlit sky, a silver hue,
Guiding them forward, steadfast and true.

Beneath the stars, a fearsome sight,
Trolls arise with eyes of blight.
But courage surges, a fiery tide,
In hearts of heroes, no place to hide.

A bard's song echoes, a melody strong,
Defying fear, they charge along.
In the dance of battle, a rhythmic clash,
The trolls recoil, their courage dashed.

Through the fray, a victory won,
As dawn breaks with the morning sun.
The heroes stand, triumphant and free,
Defenders of dreams, in unity.

So, heed this tale, you brave and true,
Face your fears, let courage imbue.
For in the heart's battlefield, you'll find,
The strength to conquer, in you entwined.

[OOC: Toss a Bardic Inspiration to Zindra for her use when she desires. Remember 1d8.]

[OOC: Sindar will also move 30 feet in addition to singing his song.]

Kriv

As the trolls moved inside, Kriv tried to keep them in sight, angling away from the stable to do so. The light he'd cast on the glassstaff back in his room was proving its worth now, as he raced across the unfamiliar ground at mystically enhanced speed. Unleashing the energy so inimical to their foes was as natural to the Dragonborn as breathing.


Maintain concentration on Expeditious retreat.
Move action move 30. Bonus action dash 30.
Unobstructed line to the troll just inside the stable doors.
Kriv fire bolt at nearest troll, damage
AJ rolled 1d20+6,2d10 and got 16, 4

Jaliera

She needs to be able to see a target to either shoot an arrow or to cast a spell so she will continue to dash.

[OOC Thanks!]

(OOC - No real reason to tweak her move as she can't cast a spell now without using Metamagic so she will wait til next turn. I asked about the window as she can Fey Step, as a Bonus Action, to any spot that she can see, and so she could teleport up to the second floor now, to a spot right above the horse in the lower left stall, if there was an open window she can see into near there.)

Zindra
The scout hurries along with the group headed to the stable doors but heads further to her right so that she can see the door and not run alongside the barn wall. The trees would make for decent cover, she surmised. She's not sure if trolls use projectile weapons or not. Seeing the troll, she calls upon ranger magic to target that troll.

OOC: One would think that the scout would know, but the dice were not that kind.

Zindra knowledge about trolls (advantage)
Neptune rolled 1d20,1d20 and got 2, 12


I moved Zindra on the map. It was a double-move from next to Sindar. Once she gets there, she'll cast "Hunter's Mark", a bonus action targeting the troll. Then, as soon as she can, she'll fire her arrows.

(OOC - OK, as Bern is right next to her she will ask him if he wants to be teleported to the second floor of the stable, using the 'Spring' effect, which seems to be a very nice archery position. If he declines she will go herself. Am choosing the option to land on the floor of the second story and not fall 10' for either. Just need MikeD to let me know.)

[[ Bern will nod his willingness ]]

[It's a dash from Arus as he closes in on the front doors to the stables.]

DM

Lily remains unconscious where she was unceremoniously tossed against a wall by the troll wanting to eat the horse she was trying to guard. She's clinging to life...

Lily Death Saving Throw
AquaDyne rolled 1d20 and got 20
Regains 1 HP!

But it's her lucky day, as she awakens! She looks wide-eyed at the trolls and has learned her lesson... she struggles to her feet and runs as fast as she can to the door, opening it as she passes through.

[Speed 20; uses 10 movement to stand, using dash to add 20 movement; moves 30 to get through the door. Has 1 of 2 available HP.]

Seeing the party rushing down the hallway, she gives them vital information, clearly scared... yet relieved to be alive. "Trolls! Four of 'em! Attacking the horses!" She huddles up against the wall to stay out of the way of the party as they approach. She's clearly hurt, and scared... but alive.

DM

The trolls who have entered the horse stalls are too hungry to care about the small and crunchy human child fleeing the room, and ignore her exit. They also don't like their food moving on their plate, and set about to immobilizing it.

Troll 1 Bite + 2x Claw Horse (AC10)
AquaDyne rolled 1d20+7,1d6+4,1d20+7,2d6+4,1d20+7,2d6+4 and got 19, 7, 22, 15, 22, 9

Troll 2 Bite + 2x Claw Horse (AC10)
AquaDyne rolled 1d20+7,1d6+4,1d20+7,2d6+4,1d20+7,2d6+4 and got 20, 5, 18, 12, 9, 13

Both trolls' bite and first of two claw attacks end their targets' lives.

The troll previously hit by Kriv's fire bolt is nursing his wounds, but is hungry enough to ignore the pain for now, breaking down the door into another horse's stall.

Finally, the troll guarding what used to be a doorway is the target of Kriv's second firebolt, which hits just enough to singe some troll skin. He remains in place, but picks up the remaining door piece from the ground to use as an improvised shield since his previous attempt to use it as a weapon failed gloriously. He shouts a challenge to the attackers in trollspeak. Those in the party who understand the Giant language can pick out maybe 2 or 3 of the words as "puny" and "snack" and "run".

[OOC: using the troll's action to pick up the door, applying "half cover" rule: +2 bonus to AC (15->17) and Dexterity saving throws.]

Davroar

Lily looks as though she was hurt so he stops and quickly says, "Lily, remember me? I healed the horse. Be still and let me check you."

Davroar will quickly assess her condition and see that she is going to live he quickly says, "Go hide behind the bar. Don't go outside ok?"

Davroar Examine Lily Medicine skill
Dugan rolled 1d20+7 and got 11

DM

Davroar's assessment shows that Lily is stable and safe to move on her own. Nothing's broken, but she'll have a lot of bruises later from blunt force trauma. [OOC: She has 1HP of 2 total; abstract that as you will.]

Aubric

Aubric had been racing to try to save the girl, having heard her scream cut short, and was relieved to see her on her own two feet. Noting that Davroar is speaking to her and has indicated healing skill, he turns his attention toward combat. Four trolls. He looks through the open door and sees one of the trolls, but not the other three. He sees an empty stall across from where he is, deciding to sprint there and eyeball the battlefield en route.

But before he goes, he quickly turns around to offer some assistance to the three others racing right behind him, who he hopes will be taking care of more of the combat duties.

Bless
1st-Level Enchantment (as 1st level)

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, S, M (a sprinkling of holy water)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

You bless up to three creatures of your choice within range. Whenever a target makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, the target can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the atta⁠ck roll or saving throw.

After reaching his spot, he calls back to the others. "Three trolls in horse stalls and one at the other doorway!"

Zhu

The first thing she does (as a Bonus Action) is to finish the plan and use her Fey Step to teleport Bern into the second story of the stable. Then, moving at an angle to get a better line of sight, she cast a spell to affect three of the monsters.

(OOC - Should be able to place a 40 foot cube in the midst of the three trolls at the bottom to get all 3 of them. DC 15 Wisdom Save each.)

Slow
3rd-level (as 3) transmutation
Zhuirentel Elendaril
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 120 feet
Components: V, S, M (a drop of molasses)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You alter time around up to six creatures of your choice in a 40-foot cube within range. Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be affected by this spell for the duration.
An affected target’s speed is halved, it takes a −2 penalty to AC and Dexterity saving throws, and it can’t use reactions. On its turn, it can use either an action or a bonus action, not both. Regardless of the creature’s abilities or magic items, it can’t make more than one melee or ranged attack during its turn.
If the creature attempts to cast a spell with a casting time of 1 action, roll a d20. On an 11 or higher, the spell doesn’t take effect until the creature’s next turn, and the creature must use its action on that turn to complete the spell. If it can’t, the spell is wasted.
A creature affected by this spell makes another Wisdom saving throw at the end of each of its turn. On a successful save, the effect ends for it.
vsTroll
DC 15 Wisdom saving throw

DM

Zhu's clever plan to put an eye-in-the sky has multiple benefits. Bern is obviously set up to take pot-shots at melee-only targets from the safety of the loft walkway. But Bern also can serve as targeting assistance. Up until his relocation, the outdoor party was only aware of the two outdoor trolls and some more unknown threats inside. Bern is able to quickly convey enough targeting information for Zhu to choose the three targets and an ideal center point for her spell.

Troll 2, Troll 3, Troll 4 Wisdom save DC15
AquaDyne rolled 1d20-1,1d20-1,1d20-1 and got 8, 17, 14

The troll that was wise enough to run inside after getting hit by Kriv's firebolt is wise enough to avoid the spell's affect, but the troll in the doorway and the one on the west side are impacted.

Jaliera

Seeing Lily alive is a joy. She trusts Davroar to help her where needed and follows Aubic looking for a target for her bow, her intention to shoot and then hide. Trolls are big!

She lines up her arrow now that she has a target. And watches as it hits. Aware of Pavel at her side, she ducks down behind the doorway and hides.

Jaliera Shoot, bless, Damage, Hide
Gypsy rolled 1d20+7,1d4,1d6+4,1d20+10 and got 24, 2, 9, 14

So that's 26 to hit, 9 damage and 14 to hide.

Pavel

Seeing that the stable girl is being helped, Pavel runs up to the door next to Jaliera. Gauging where an enemy is by wheree she is shooting. He is already casting a spell as he comes up to the doorway. Seeing the troll she shot at he casts.


Pavel Cast Fire Bolt
Miales rolled 1d20+4,1d4 and got 11, 2

13 to hit

(In Case)
Pavel Fire Bolt Damage
Miales rolled 2d10 and got 7

DM

Jaliera's bolt hits true. Wiser creatures may have figured out where the bolt came from, but the troll isn't that perceptive and she easily hides behind the door frame.

Pavel also approaches the doorway, close enough to see the closest troll through the opening. Unfortunately, his mote of fire misses the troll, hitting the door to the adjacent stall instead. The wood briefly glows red, but fades quickly to a star-shaped char mark. A wisp of smoke curls upward from the point of impact.

Sindar

He moves forward, and with a quick flick of his right wrist, twin bolts of green eldritch energy launch toward the one troll he can see.

OOC: For when he can use his init. 11 and 8 to hit, 8 is a nat 1 roll, don't think damage matters.
Sindar Eldritch Blast
Pandemonium rolled 1d20+7,1d20+7,1d10,1d10 and got 11, 8, 9, 8

Maybe I should have tossed out another inspiration.

Kriv

The Dragonborn moved up and aimed more fire at the troll in the doorway, heedless of the makeshift shield. If it got in the way, the intent was to catch it on fire.

It didn't.


Bonus action Dash 30. Move 30.

Kriv fire bolt at nearest troll, damage
AJ rolled 1d20+6,2d10 and got 25, 8

DM

Kriv's firebolt hits nearly on target, despite the troll's best attempts to block it. Perhaps punching a hole in the door before trying to use it as a shield would have been a better plan.

Sindar follows up with a non-fiery attempt, with less accuracy. The first blast lands harmlessly on the stone wall of the stables. The second... literally couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, sailing over the roof and fading harmlessly into the night sky. A child awakened by all the commotion does appreciate the free firework show outside his window.

Zindra
Her prey was in the threshhold of the barn. Her bow aimed right at the filthy troll. Her arrows flew.

Zindra Arrow #1, hit and damage if it hits
Neptune rolled 1d20+8,1d8+3 and got 18, 10

Zindra Arrow #2, hit and damage if it hits
Neptune rolled 1d20+8,1d8+3 and got 14, 7

Zindra Hunter's mark damage
Neptune rolled 1d6 and got 2

OOC: Extra attack. if only 1st one hits: 12 points damage. If both arrows hit, 19 points of damage. Assuming target is not done. If it has died, will move Hunter's mark when she sees another troll. I moved Zindra on the map.

DM

Zindra's first arrow hits the troll squarely in the chest. The creature attempts to move to avoid the second shot, but thanks to Zhu's Slow spell, it fails to move enough. However, its choice to use the door as a shield proves helpful as the arrow impales itself in the door. The troll is still very much alive, and still loudly calling the attacking party various expletives in trollspeak.

<Bern>

He has a good vantage and uses that to assess his 'target'. The troll on the right ... attacking a horse ... seemed like a good target. He aims and fires ...

[[ Bern: shoot troll MikeD rolled d20+9,d8+4 and got 12, 5 ... if he gets the second shot: Bern second shot (if appicable) MikeD rolled d20+9,d8+4 and got 18, 6 ]]

DM

OOC: Looking at Bern's DnDBeyond sheet to try to sort out these attacks.
1. Not sure where the +9 comes from. I see +8 for the longbow with 2 attacks, and a +2 bonus for Archery fighting style(+3 dex +3 proficieny +2 fighting style), so I think it should be +10. So adding +1m to subtracting 1 from the d20s.
2. Not sure where the +4 comes from. I see 1d8+3 for the longbow, so subtracting 1 from the damage.
So I'm changing these results to 11,4 and 17,5 in my tracking.

From the perspective of trying to save a still-alive horse, Bern's choice seems sound. Unfortunately, his chosen target is unaffected by the Slow spell and is moving just enough that the first shot misses. The second shot, however, hits the troll squarely in his shoulder.

Lily

The stable girl doesn't have to be told twice to go and hide, nodding to Davroar's instructions and running as fast as she can down the hallway. While Jaliera's arrows and Pavel's fire might be exciting to watch, she's had enough excitement for one evening, and leaves defending horses from trolls to the experts.

Troll 1 - Dig

The troll closest to the hallway, who happens to be named Dig, had previously removed the small screaming obstacle to his supper, and was happily settling in for his midnight snack when he felt the impact of Jaliera's arrow in his left shoulder. He turns to see who would dare interrupt him but Jaliera has cleverly hid and he doesn't see her.

But another foe presents himself, throwing fire in his direction. Dig doesn't like fire. Dig doesn't like people throwing fire. Dig decides to try to stop the fire-throwing.

Dig runs, lumbering, across the stables hallway, able to get just in reach of Pavel, completely unaware of the hidden rogue on his flank.

And as he runs, an amazing thing happens. He pulls the arrow out of his shoulder and the wound seems to magically heal itself, the green skin regenerating to the point where it doesn't look like he was hurt at all.

And then, Dig attacks the only human he's in reach of that he can see. He uses his three best weapons, his mouth and two claws. Teach that interloping adventurer some manners!

Troll 1 Bite + 2x Claw Pavel
AquaDyne rolled 1d20+7,1d6+4,1d20+7,2d6+4,1d20+7,2d6+4 and got 18, 10, 8, 7, 25, 13
(first claw was nat 1, automatic miss)

Dig forgets to drop the arrow with his left hand and his claw attempt fails gloriously... Jaliera can even feel the wind from the miss.

However, his teeth and right arm are rather effective in injuring the puny human. [OOC: 10 piercing damage, 13 slashing damage = -23 HP]

Troll 2 - Zoktik

Free so far from any interruptions, the second of the original two trolls in the stable is enjoying the fine taste of horsemeat. He hasn't noticed Bern starting to take potshots at the group nor the drama to his north, and doesn't really even notice that the last 6 seconds only seemed like 3 seconds to him.

Troll 2 Wisdom save DC15
AquaDyne rolled 1d20-1 and got 19
Nat 20, not that it matters.

But time returns to normal for him (not that he noticed) and he munches away.

And like a wolf who will bite you if you interrupt its meal, he remains watchful of anyone interfering with his supper. (Ready action: melee vs. any enemy in range)

Troll 3 - Rer

Rer still hasn't killed his dinner, and getting hit by Bern's arrow was a brief distraction.

But he yanks that arrow out of his shoulder, the green skin magically closing up behind it. Even the burn marks from Kriv's fire bolt that was the initiation of combat seems to have started healing itself, although only partially so far.

Seeing Bern out of reach to attack, he turns back to the very-much-alive creature next to him, dispatching the horse.

Troll 3 Bite + 2x Claw Horse (AC10)
AquaDyne rolled 1d20+7,1d6+4,1d20+7,2d6+4,1d20+7,2d6+4 and got 14, 9, 22, 11, 17, 14

Trolls: 3. Horses 0.

Troll 4 - Kag

Kag has been guarding the doorway with ... well, the door, which has collected an arrow so far. Kag has collected a few burn marks from fire bolts and another arrow, and finally decides that the doorway is not the safest place to be, especially as he feels a bit sluggish.

Troll 4 Wisdom save DC15
AquaDyne rolled 1d20-1 and got 6

Still able to only move at about half the speed he's used to, he drops the door where it is and heads toward the nearest horse to claim his own spot at dinner.

Davroar

As Lily runs to find a safe place to hide, he turns around to see the large troll come up and attack Pavel. Davroar figures it is best to push the troll out of the barn using his flame sphere, which he casts 10 feet in front of Pavel and then moves the sphere south right into the trolls path to burn it and hopefully it will back away from Pavel.


Davroar Flame sphere (cast as level 3) ram into Dig the Troll
Dugan rolled 3d6 and got 11

DM

What is it with these humans and their obsession with fire?! Dig the Troll is burned by the sphere, but whether he moves when it's his turn is conditional on whether he's still alive...

Aubric

Aubric winces when he sees the troll attack Pavel, but chooses to save his healing magic for a more dire situation. Davroar's attack inspires him to go all in on injuring the troll.

He remains where he is, hoping not to draw attention to himself with movement, and with a twist of his wrist and a brief prayer, calls upon his deity.

Sacred Flame

Evocation Cantrip

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous

Flame-like radiance descends on a creature that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 radiant damage. The target gains no benefit from cover for this saving throw. The spell’s damage increases by 1d8 when you reach 5th level (2d8).

It looks like flame, but it's not. Still, it's gotta hurt.

Troll 1 Dex saving throw DC15
AquaDyne rolled 1d20+1 and got 11

Aubric Sacred Flame damage
AquaDyne rolled 2d8 and got 8

Not content with the damage so far, Aubric does his best to further inflict pain on this vile green creature, gesturing toward the spot just opposite the troll as Davroar's sphere.

Spiritual Weapon

2nd-Level Evocation

Casting Time: 1 bonus action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: 1 minute

You create a floating, spectral weapon within range that lasts for the duration or until you cast this spell again. When you cast the spell, you can make a melee spell attack⁠⁠ against a creature within 5 feet of the weapon. On a hit, the target takes force damage equal to 1d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier.

As a bonus action on your turn⁠, you can move the weapon up to 20 feet and repeat the attack⁠ against a creature within 5 feet of it.

The weapon can take whatever form you choose.

A thick, thorny, twisted vine springs into existence, swirling and scratching the troll with its thorns, tendrils trying to wrap around his neck.

Aubric Melee Spell attack
AquaDyne rolled 1d20+7,1d8+4 and got 13, 5

Unfortunately, the vine does little more than scratch.

[OOC I will need to know how close the troll is, the one that attacked Pavel. Also, how bad is Pavel looking? Thanks! ]

[[

I show: Proficiency 3
Stat (Dex) 3
Archery feature 2
Magic 1
]]

Zhu

Moving towards a better visual vantage she can now see down the length of the stables and sees the furthest Troll engaged with Davroar and others. Trying to focus fire she casts a spells at it. Three missiles shoot down the length of the stables and impact into the far Troll.

Zhu Magic Missile
Zeim rolled 3d4+3 and got 10

You are in an adjacent square. Yes, you can sneak attack.

Jaliera probably thinks Pavel is pretty good looking, but not as sexy as Davroar.

Oh, wounds? You'd need to expend an action for a Wisdom (Medicine) check for a more accurate answer than "he got bit and slashed by a troll".

thanks

Jaliera

The troll is very close but fortunately doesn't seem to be aware of her. She is not keen on the flaming sphere but knows it is Davroar's and trusts him to keep it away from her. In a sneak attack, she lets fly another arrow.

Jaliera Shoot, bless, damage, sneak attack, hide
Gypsy rolled 1d20+7,1d4,1d6+4,3d6,1d20+10 and got 16, 3, 10, 8, 25
Adding on advantage, replacing shoot damage, adding sneak attack damage
Gypsy rolled 1d20,1d8,1d6 and got 11, 4, 1


So 20,19 to hit, 18 damage and 25 to hide again.

Pavel

That hurt... hurt a lot. As The sharp sting of the trolls bite went up his arm. The raking of the creature's claws did not help matters. Pavel knew two things.

1. He had to hurt the beast and get away again...

And

2. He had no idea if he'd get the stench of troll slobber out of his armor.

With both swords drawn he attacks with wild abandon hoping to return the favor of the pain the foul beast just put him through.


Pavel Dual Wield Attack
Miales rolled 1d20+6,1d20+6 and got 16, 11
(Bless roll on 2nd attack 1d4=2 so still a miss vs AC15)

Pavel Dual Wield Attack Damage
Miales rolled 1d8+3 and got 8

Using an Action Surge to attack again

Pavel Action Surge (attack)
Miales rolled 1d20+6 and got 16

Pavel Action Surge (attack damage)
Miales rolled 1d8+3 and got 8

Spending three Superiority Dice for Disarming attacks on all the attacks, rolling for extra damage on the hits

Pavel Superiority Dice
Miales rolled 1d8,1d8 and got 3,3

So Damage of 11 and 11 or total of 22 and the troll has two saving throws

DM

Jaliera has managed to remain undetected by the troll as it comes within melee range. She switches to use her rapier, making a well-placed stab at the creature. Now that Dig is aware of her presence, it would have been more difficult for her to hide again, but Pavel being right there keeps him distracted enough that she is able to sneak back into a hiding spot behind the edge of the door frame.

OOC: Note hiding in combat when enemies are alert is very difficult; normally hiding in the same spot is at disadvantage. Since the enemy has another ally adjacent it's not disadvantage, and there's alos the option to move south a square (no opp attack) and hide and move back.

Pavel goes after the troll with swords swinging, attempting to literally disarm the troll.

OOC: Technically the disarming strike works with objects but since the claws are the weapons being weilded I made a DM call to let the troll's arms be... arms to be dis-'d.

He's effective with his first strike with his strong hand, but his offhand attempt misses. Undeterred, he makes a second strong hand attack, which is equally effective as the first strike.

Noting that the hardest hits he took were from the troll's claws, Pavel had targeted all three swings at Dig's arms.

Troll 1 (Dig) Str Saving Throws DC14
AquaDyne rolled 1d20+4,1d20+4 and got 14, 17

The first hit almost severed the appendage, and the second created a deep gash in the green skin, but Dig still has both arms and their attached claws available for his next attack.

Between the flaming sphere, the flames from the divine, the magic missiles, and three sword wounds, Dig is definitely hurting... but he's still swinging.

Initiative order

Kriv 10
Sindar 9
Zindra 7
Arus 6
Bern 4
Trolls 2
Davroar 19
Aubric 18
Zhu 14
Jaliera 11
Pavel 10