[IC] D&D 5e - The Lost Lands

[Cu Chulainn]

Cesar Lorenzo Tidesong Bolivar
The Vale, Ah, great... more of them.

@The Harbinger of Ferocity@Hekazu

(will write shortly, action detailed in hider)

Cesar's turn

HP: 17/21
Bardic Inspiration: 1/3

Cesar uses his free action to draw his longsword before using his Bardic Inspiration feature to grant Theodore one Bardic Inspiration die, suggesting to Theodore that he should wait to get a clear shot of one of them. Cesar then uses his action to make a Dash forward, using all 60 ft of his movement to move East

[Hekazu]

Theodore didn't take long to notice the situation on the streets. While usually one of the fastest on the draw, this time he dropped his mask on the ground accidentally and wasted a precious half-second to get it back, noticing everybody else had already had a moment to move forward. Darn. It felt bad to be the last, but at least the shadows were even slower. The mask was snapped onto the side of his bolt case with routine and another bolt was drawn and prepared as he rushed for cover. The others had chosen much more open locations. Good for the shock value for sure, but Theodore preferred to rely on his tactics.

While others used their time to taunt the shadows and otherwise get themselves further to position, Cesar giving him a few words of instruction and motivation as he dashed by. Theodore smiled. To wait for a good shot? He had one from right here. Before committing to his attack, he gauged his enemy from afar, the divines themselves granting him knowledge a lesser hunter could never hope to achieve with such a brief look. To him, it was clear as day that these enemies were resistant to the darkness they were built of, giving them resistance against necrotic forces in magic. In other ways, they were much like common bandits, unremarkable.

"Companions, they don't seem to have any weakness to the radiance our hearts carry. Let us put the fear of Light into them, since they do not understand it in their nature which only fortifies them against the darkness they have built themselves of!" Having shouted those words into the air, he readied his crossbow and prepared to act on his own words. "Steadyyy...", he muttered as he took careful aim. Happy with what he had before him, he let the bolt loose, the projectile happily delivering death to its target. And this bolt struck true, as in a mere second after impact the Shadow vanished from this realm. "The bigger they are, the easier they fall", Theodore said with a smirk, satisfied at his strong start.

Mechanics&Rolls

Theodore advances the 30 feet his speed allows, seeking cover behind the nearby empty market stall. From this point, he uses Slayer's Eye on the single shadow that was left behind on the road, gaining knowledge of their resistance against Necrotic damage. Beginning his actual offence against the lone enemy, he deals a critical hit against the creature with a nat 20, the damage from the attack (including Slayer's Eye) totals 16. This kills the Shadow.

HP: 28/28 AC: 16 Concentrating: Not
Radiant Consumption: Available
Slayer's Eye: Briefly active, inactive again at the end of turn.

Spells expended:
0/3 1st

@The Harbinger of Ferocity - Next up
@Big Dread@Cu Chulainn@JBRam2002@Zverda@Gordian Nought - The enemies have a resistance, no weaknesses

[The Harbinger of Ferocity]

The Vale

The Town,
Currently

With all the noise they drummed up, it was no surprise they conjured a stampede of the armed shadows. Like a tide, they washed in and over the heroes, clattering the entire way as though they were armored in chain and steel despite the utterly unremarkable qualities they seemed to have. As with the lesser shadows they had seen, these soldiering sorts were quite swift albeit probably none too resilient if history was any indication. This accounted for, their advantage of numbers had to be managed lest they get the better of the group as they did in one case; the elven abjurer got more than he bargained for as one of the shadows rushed right past him and cut back in from behind. Still a bit dazed from such an unexpected maneuver, one swiped at Haemar with a pitch sword and would have surely cut if it were not for the oddities of this place.

Thea however, faired better for as a gaggle of the black soldiers rushed her, she had enough time to narrowly draw up her sword and fight them off - rather by chance than pure skill. The whole line had erupted into chaos as the swaying black figures even bumped into one another, lashed out mindlessly, and even went about taking swipes at the cat upon the roof. Now, Katia was in no danger, being out of the attacker's reach, but that never stopped one who furiously leapt up and attacked, time and time again. Of course, this was before the purple wizard appeared again and returned the favor.

Running back out of the lane he disappeared down earlier, he set his tiny hands alight with silvery glitter and sparks, some of which bounced across the ground and all of which fizzled wildly in sound. Before his robed person, he evolved his gesturing and muttering until his hands now shown more bright, speaking aloud after to his newfound friends.

"Nah-uh! No way am I letting them get the best of you! Time to even the odds!" His cheery, albeit determined voice came as he cocked back an arm and then hurled a speeding magic dart from his finger as if he had thrown it, "Take this!"

"And this!", two shadows beside the young wayward paladin vanished into a puff of black smoke and dispersed when they were struck. Except for the third, who was hit by the glittering bolt only to have it explode into a fountain of plinking sparks and crackling, seemingly uninhibited by the attack it received. Blinking a few times, the gnome's smug expression of confidence in his magic temporarily vanished, and he hastily added a bit more comment before adjusting the brim of his large, unruly purple hat.

"Uh... th- that was supposed to have worked! Never mind! Hit that one!"

Effects

The Shadow Soldier in front of Thea rushes forward and swings with its sword wildly, only narrowly missing, as does the one directly north of her. A different soldier rushes in at Haemar and attacks, successfully doing so. Haemar suffers 6 slashing damage from the short dark blade.

The purple gnome casts a spell, finishing off two of the Shadow Soldiers that Wick had weakened and doing piddling damage to the last.

Score
Countdown

Map
Town

@Big Dread, @Cu Chulainn, @Gordian Nought, @Hekazu, @JBRam2002, @Zverda

[JBRam2002]

Katia's strategy worked better than she could have expected. The shadows, now seemingly ignoring the gnome altogether, rushed forward in a veritable wave of darkness. As soon as one was within striking distance, she released the ball of radiant energy she was holding, sending it blasting towards one of the shadows that was ringed in holy light from Wick's earlier magic.

Her radiant blast was flanked by three arcane ones from the gnome as several of the shadows dissipated. "Nice shooting, Wiz!" Katia called out as the enemies fell. Whatever these things were, it seemed that they were perhaps soulless, as no soul crystals appeared to fall from them. The revelation made Katia feel a little better about taking them out. If these dark forms had no soul, then they were likely either creations by something sinister or had lost ownership of their souls previously. This was assuming, of course, that her intuition and the knowledge of her friends were correct.

Either way, this battle was more important than pointless musings. As the shadows had little hope of reaching her without gaining some intelligence first, Katia instead focused on taking down thosethat had surrounded Haemar and Thea. Not that her friends were incapable of protecting themselves, but Katia hoped to dispose of these formless masses of darkness posthaste so they could converse with the first being who spoke their tongue that the group had encountered thus far.

From her unhindered view on the rooftop, Katia held her stance, sending wave after wave after wave of ki energy at the shadows. Perhaps these weren't the most accurate attacks she had ever performed, but in Katia's defense, she was still leaarning this maneuver. Or perhaps it was the somewhat excessive flair she tossed into the attacks, sending one ball of ki behind her back towards a foe, then the next with her arms raised overhead and a foot lifted from the ground as if in a praying mantis pose, and the last with a leap and a twirl, sending the bolt of energy downwards with a flying kick. In any case, she was not exceptionally worried about the danger in this fight. Not until the shadows developed ladder technology, at least.

Mechanics

Katia Lei

Katia takes her prepared action, aiming towards one of the shadows that was weakened by Wick's spell. Radiant Sun Bolt attack roll: 13 for 6 radiant damage (doubled to 12).

Action: Attack w/ Radiant Sun Bolt: 14 for 5 radiant damage towards the enemy between Haemar and Thea.

Bonus Action: Radiant Flurry of Blows (1 ki)

Attack 2 w/ Radiant Sun Bolt: 17 for 5 radiant damage towards the same target.

Attack 3 w/ Radiant Sun Bolt: 13 for 7 radiant damage towards the same target.

Movement: None. Feline Agility is recharged.

HP: 20/20. AC: 15. Ki: 2/3 (Recharge Short Rest).
Feline Agility: Available. Golden Surge: Available.

@The Harbinger of Ferocity - DM
@Gordian Nought - Wick (next)

[Gordian Nought]

The shadowy swarm splashed amongst the warriors, flooding Haemar and Thea, on multiple tides, the wizard slightly inundated more than the paladin. Yet, this surge was stronger. It varied from the ilk of the fickle remnant that plagued Turyn; each rippling eclipse bore armor and blades, with an accompanying shield to accentuate their defenses, different from the naked shades that metastasized throughout the Kingdom of Lyranth. They were obviously well-equipped and trained, to hunt and destroy, similar to an ordered battalion sifting out opposing nemeses. These soldiers, though, beckoned rank and systematic organization.

Was this legion of darkness being orchestrated and commanded with a purpose? Why were they rigorously composing an active invasion throughout the many realms? Were multiple fiends underscoring this elaborate symphony? Or did one sole soul choreograph this bedlam behind the curtains?

So many questions. One little gnome.

These thoughts raced alongside the diviner sprinting backward to the original Gates, dreading that reinforcements would gallop inward to flank them within the town. While tearing upon the cobblestone rue, her thyrsus hastily measured an impotent injection into the dusky ambiance, misfiring upon the murky adversaries surrounding the veiled elf, further sailing inadvertently through a broken windowpane.

Focus, Wick.

However, she did not fret for the now distant abjurer, who rarely required assistance, already observing hints of an illuminating shroud beginning to cloak the mage, prepared destruction for the looming trio, if they dared to test the mettle of his arcane ward.

She cried out encouragement to the others. “Once we supply the squall, all will attest of the smoke these heralds slake.”

Effects:

Wick will employ Expeditious Retreat as a Bonus Action to run straight back to the Gates (60 feet). When she arrives at the Gates, she rolls a 2 for Perception to discern if there are any terrors beyond or within the city.

As a main action, she will cast Eldritch Blast with a spell attack of 9, likely missing. If it hits, it causes 2 damage.

Wick
HP: 17/17
AC: 17 (Breast Plate (14) + DEX Mod (1) + Shield (2))
Weapon: quarterstaff in dominant hand, others (sheathed)

Arcane Focus: Fleece Necklace
Concentration: Expeditious Retreat

Spell Slots:
Warlock (Level 1): 1/1 First Level used
Full Spell Caster (Level 2): 1/3 First Level used (recharged previously from Arcane Recovery)
Globe of Light Limit: 1/1 (used)

Spell Attack/DC:
Cleric: 3/11
Warlock: 6/14
Wizard: 4/12

Lesser Restoration: 1/Day after finishing a long rest (unused)
Arcane Recovery: 1/Day after finishing a short rest (used)
Fey Presence: 1/short rest (recharged; unused)

@Big Dread, @Cu Chulainn, @Hekazu, @JBRam2002, @Zverda, @The Harbinger of Ferocity

[Zverda]

Thea was rather pleased that the Shadows had missed her when they had attempted to attack, it just meant that she would be able to take care of them in her own way without having to worry about potential damage... or lack thereof. Turning her attention to the one by Haemar, she decided to try and get rid of that one first as her friend was very clearly being flanked at the moment and the last thing he needed to worry about was three shadowy soldiers trying to assist him in meeting his maker. Readying her Great Sword, she smiled gleefully as her Hunter's Mark transferred to her intended target, if he died she would just have to mark the next one when it was time to do so again. "علامة هنتر... once again... maybe this time we can have a little fun with it," she said to her opponent, the grin still on her face.

However, it seemed that the Shadow was far nimbler than she had expected, causing her sword to miss the Shadow and causing a string of curses to fall from the female's mouth. What good was she if she couldn't at least make sure her friend was safe? Apparently no good at all. While the enemy was marked, which was good, she was unable to utilize the benefit of that mark this turn. Hopefully, she would be able to take care of it... or another enemy, the next chance she was given. For now, it seemed she was just going to have to prepare herself for the pending attack she would potentially receive from the two creatures around her. While she would not be able to dodge, hopefully her armor would be enough to deter them... or they would just fail all together to even lay a hand on her. "يبدو أنني فشلت في الحصول على واحد منكم، وأنا اعتذر صديق," she called to Haemar with an apologetic look on her face, she had tried... but had failed and for that she was sincerely sorry that she could not help the man.

Actions

Bounced the Mark to the target South and Diagonal from her as a Bonus action

Failed attack roll with a 6 so I rolled with it... Sadly, these things happen even to the hardiest of Warriors... now where are the Javelins?

Translation for @Big Dread: It seems I have failed to get one off of you, I apologize friend.

Health: 28/28
AC: 18
Spells used: 2/2
Hunter's Mark: Active - Concentration 1hr

@The Harbinger of Ferocity
@Gordian Nought

[Big Dread]

Haemar was not shocked to see the shadows converge on him. He had done this before and it was exactly part of his plan. He knew that his Ward of magic would not hold forever and would need to refresh it as much as he could with the shreds of the powerful magic he wielded. Thea had been trained for the most direct and martial forms of combat but Haemar was no slouch in that regard. He had focused on his swordsmanship as much as she had and actually for longer than she had. While he new that his tendency to fixate on perfecting things and relying too much on his thoughts and not on instinct made him not as powerful of a close combatant, there were few who could match his weave between sword and spell. These creatures were new and clever, yet, they would fall the same. Whatever mind was pushing them on would break itself like waves over his rock. It was only what had always happened with these dark fiends.

As the foes closed and Thea shouted to him Haemar started by taking a blow on the magical armor he wore, causing it to flair to life in the phantom of shimmer blue platemail, before he danced back and received the other foes with deft and practiced hands. As before he wove his mind and finger work with his sword strokes as he parried and swayed. His body erupted with a shining light as he finished his spell, putting forth the extra energy from his own body to empower it. Hes stood against many and he would let them come to their deaths on the edge of his magic and blade.

"كل شيء على ما يرام. أنها سوف تقع قريبا بما فيه الكفاية عن طريق ربط أو المحتال." the abjurer called back to his old friend falling easily into the celestial tongue.

Mechanics

Heamar uses his illuminating shroud as a second level spell in order to both gain the benefit of the 10 temp hp provided as well as the increased damage from the Shroud. He stays where he is and does his best to fend off the shadows that encircle him.

Translating: "All is well. They will fall soon enough by hook or by crook."

Temp HP: 10
Ward: 7
AC: 15
Spell Slots:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 0/2
Illuminating Shroud: USED (Recharge on Short Rest)
Arcane Recovery: USED (Recharge on Long Rest)

@Zverda @Gordian Nought @The Harbinger of Ferocity

[Cu Chulainn]

Cesar Lorenzo Tidesong Bolivar
The Vale, Ah, great... more of them.

@The Harbinger of Ferocity@Hekazu

Cesar grinned as the shadows started pouring onto him and his allies, eager to clash with them, blade to blade.

Or, ah, blade- to-claw.

He began to notice, however, that a few of the shadows began to confound his companion, Haemar. One of the shadows, however, has its back partially turned on Cesar, to his favor. A newfound determination began to fill Cesar's very core as he rose his blade to strike down this Shadow, his sword taking on an almost mesmerizing aura of dazzling lights.

Cesar swung his enchanted blade down in a diagonal motion, the blade phasing through the shadow, with the light surrounding it burning away some of the darkness in its path. Despite the fact that his sword seemed to have went through his target, he knew well that his attack made a substantial hit on the Shadow.

Cesar's turn

HP: 17/21
1st Level Spell Slots: 2/4

Cesar first used his bonus action to cast his unique spell, Dazzling Blade, before using a Blade Flourish action to atttack the shadow adjacent to him, hitting and dealing 10 Slashing and 3 Radiant damage.

[Hekazu]

Theodore let the situation develop as he loaded his crossbow with its crank. By the time he had another bolt ready to fly, the Ranger had observed multiple attacks thrown about, both from his allies and the shadows alike, with even the gnome finding the moment to get back into the fray. Good, with this many of the opponents out there, the templar would welcome anyone willing to fight for the light to their side. He could not sit idly by however, so after a quick look at the situation he decided to go for the one shadow between Haemar and Thea, since it was not yet dead.

He sought a better position, not wanting to attempt a trick shot past Cesar since it always had the risk of the man moving unexpectedly and catching his bolt, finding his spot behind the very same stall but about ten feet or so to the side from his earlier position. He set his Slayer's Eye on the shadow between the two of his allies and raised his crossbow. But he hesitated. What if he was to hit either of them? His hands shook for a moment, adding some quite unneeded sway to his weapon. No, that could not happen. He was good enough of a shot to not make such a mistake. Besides, Cesar had trusted him earlier and somehow the words of the bard filled him with confidence. He took his shot, but it did not exactly go as had been hoped...

While his aim was true on its own, the sway that had existed momentarily had somehow managed to move the bolt a bit to the side, thus causing the shot to head just a bit to the right. Darn. Well, you cannot get them all. It was close though, and given how little these creatures showed in the way of pain, Theodore could not actually be sure whether he had hit them or not.

Mechanics&Rolls

Theodore moves once diagonally to the upper right square from his position on the map and then moves one more square straight to the right, remaining behind the stall. His crossbow attack roll ended up being a 10 and an attempt was made at padding it with the Bardic Inspiration that was given to him earlier. That was a 3 resulting in a grand total of 13.

If the attack hits, it deals 15 damage.

HP: 28/28 AC: 16 Concentrating: Not
Radiant Consumption: Available
Slayer's Eye: Active on the shadow between Haemar and Thea.

Spells expended:
0/3 1st

@The Harbinger of Ferocity - Next up

[The Harbinger of Ferocity]

The Vale

The Town,
Currently

Clopping along like a rickety mess, a bolt of shimmering magic courtesy of Wick flying by it and off into the town, the first agent of the dark rounded the corner and near skidded across the cobblestone pavers as it tried to find its way into the fray. For some reason or another, at least one that couldn't be discerned at this very moment, it seemed to have realized to break off from its futile efforts with Katia and paired up with the other combatant challenging Thea. While the actual challenger jabbed wildly with its sword, really flailing its blade at her with reckless abandon and not an ounce of fatigue, it was the one behind her who succeeded by chance. As she went to dodge the strikes and turn others aside, she took a fair blow from behind as the lightless sword grazed her side.

Meanwhile, but a few feet away, the blade dueled with one of the shadowy infantrymen, they danced as they did for a moment until the man's sword glimmered to life and completely voided the foe's defense from an angle above. For a moment, Cesar's smugness was well earned, until of course the reactionless shadow blinked its purple eyes and proceeded to smack him with the flat of its blade to his cheek. Did... did it have a sense of insult from that? Or was it just the most "reasonable" thing it thought to do? That was assuming it thought at all, but it did manage to break the surprise. Or maybe that was the rogue crossbow bolt that flew between them all with deadly precision, albeit slightly misplaced.

What hurt more for the bard, his pride or being smacked with a sword? In either case, his offender exploded into a puff of plum colored smoke and evaporated into nothingness, a familiar fizzling of magic buzzing in the ears and bits of twinkling sparks hitting the ground.

"Pow! Ha ha! We showed him!" The gnome gleefully cheered, the rest of his barrage of magic striking the enemy between the graceful feline monk perched atop the building and the armored paladin.

Haemar? As for Haemar he found his two foes more confused as to what to do. In some ways they seemed wary of his newfound ward, almost as though they realized the danger, but the other aspect of them seemed to want them to attack regardless. After some shimmying left and right, back and forth, the three traded blows between one another in a series of dodges, parries, blocks and deflections. At the end, nothing seemed to have been accomplished. Not for the shadowy figures at least - the elven sword-bearing wizard found himself not so harassed as he had earlier now.

Effects

The first Shadow Soldier that attacks rushes loudly to right behind Thea in the chaos, it succeeds on hitting her for 5 piercing damage with its sword. The second one that is flanking Thea misses both its attacks and sidesteps. The shadow which Cesar attacked returns an attack on him, inflicting 6 piercing damage with its black sword. The pair of Shadow Soldiers fighting Haemar miss him terribly, their attacks not close.

The absurdly dressed gnome lets fly a flurry of fizzling silver magic like he did before with his spell. Two hit the Shadow Soldier between Thea of Katia, the last strikes the shadow that hit Cesar; it vanishes into a puff of midnight smoke.

Score
Countdown

Map
Town

@Big Dread, @Cu Chulainn, @Gordian Nought, @Hekazu, @JBRam2002, @Zverda

[JBRam2002]

Well, that was a bit embarrassing. Katia watched as nearly every blow attempted by both her friends and the enemies was wide of their targets, including two of her own shots. Although there were several of these foes remaining, she felt the opposite of threatened up on the rooftop, unless the gnome decided to turn on his saviors inexplicably.

”Come on, everyone! Work together!” Katia shouted as she prepared another volley of radiant energy. She cartwheeled over the gable end of the roof to reach the other side and sent a holy blast towards the enemy peeking out behind Thea, but her attack crashed harmlessly into the armor it wore. ”Seven hells take you!” she called out angrily as another two blasts careened towards the shadow. One appeared to be aimed better than the other, but she wasn’t sure if it made contact, at least until it disappeared in a puff of smoke. Almost as embarrassing as the last volley, though... let’s hope my allies fair better.

Mechanics

Katia Lei

Katia moves left 15 ft to get a clear shot.

Katia’s first attack is a Radiant Sun bolt: 14, but misses.

--Radiant Flurry: 1 Ki. 1/3 Remaining--

Katia’s first attack is a Radiant Sun bolt: 16. If it hits, it deals 6 radiant damage to the enemy behind Thea.

Katia’s first attack is a Radiant Sun bolt: 13, but misses.

HP: 20/20. AC: 15. Ki: 1/3 (Recharge Short Rest).
Feline Agility: Available. Golden Surge: Available.

@The Harbinger of Ferocity - DM
@Gordian Nought - Wick (next)

[Gordian Nought]

Obvious failures, including that of the reborn sage, occurred from all fronts.

”Come on, everyone! Work together!”

Her Beloved spoke veracity. Collaboration mandated precision if the sentinels of luminosity desired to conquer this academy of ruinous silhouettes. The secrets of consistent partnership once wrought the greatest artifice ever realized. Now these dark, loitering crabs loot the rubble and people of this town to decorate their shells with weaponry and spiritual jewelry.

”Seven hells take you!”

In retaliation, the alliance with the cheery gnome yielded clouds of dust replacing a few of the foes’ footholds, as the Tabaxi loosed another bolt, resulting in another plume of ash. Katia tumbled, as an artist adept with radiance, painting the battlefield with the sun itself. Rapidly, these sentries became outnumbered and had fallen into their pit, now prisoners in this barren courtyard.

The jury established its verdict with the Feline’s ascension to the roof. All that remained was…

Execution.

Before concentrating once more on another Eldritch Blast, Wick poured her vision over their makeshift stage and beyond the gated curtains, striving to ever increase her knowledge, especially that of her surroundings. The rod of the diviner seemingly yawned a yolk of force, then crackled, breathing Hades itself out. A contagion of energy explosively erupted again from the staff, rinsing and repeating the cleric’s previous choice, moments earlier, hoping in this instance, for improved accuracy.

Alas. The mismatched distance annulled the betrothal of mark and intent, before it married needlessly past its intended target. Range was not the issue. Something else bothered the warlock’s aim.

The gnome boasted a taste for lavish dress for one who should crave stealth from such fiends. Why? Unless…

Effects:

Wick rolls a Perception of 16 to discern if any extraneous movement beyond the skirmish or the Gates.

As a main action, she will cast Eldritch Blast, to the most southern Shadow on the map, with a spell attack of 13, likely missing. If it hits, it causes 1 damage.

Wick
HP: 17/17
AC: 17 (Breast Plate (14) + DEX Mod (1) + Shield (2))
Weapon: quarterstaff in dominant hand, others (sheathed)

Arcane Focus: Fleece Necklace
Concentration: Expeditious Retreat

Spell Slots:
Warlock (Level 1): 1/1 First Level used
Full Spell Caster (Level 2): 1/3 First Level used (recharged previously from Arcane Recovery)
Globe of Light Limit: 1/1 (used)

Spell Attack/DC:
Cleric: 3/11
Warlock: 6/14
Wizard: 4/12

Lesser Restoration: 1/Day after finishing a long rest (unused)
Arcane Recovery: 1/Day after finishing a short rest (used)
Fey Presence: 1/short rest (recharged; unused)

@Big Dread, @Cu Chulainn, @Hekazu, @JBRam2002, @Zverda,@The Harbinger of Ferocity

[Zverda]

She had no idea what was going on with these shadows, or maybe it was her? As she swung her greatsword at the shadow, the blade seemed to glance off the creature, causing a string of curses to slip from her mouth. Her aggravation was clear and she found herself wishing to simply punch the creature before her. Why weren't her attacks working? Clearly someone out there was mocking her and making her purpose seem useless, unachievable or simply a joke and the thought that any higher power would do that caused her hold on the hilt of her blade to tighten. If she didnt hit next time there was no saying what she would do.

My Hider

Failed attack roll with a 15... Slowly making Thea extremely annoyed 😂

Health: 23/28
AC: 18
Spells used: 2/2
Hunter's Mark: Active - Concentration 1hr

@Big Dread - better hurry up 😂

[Big Dread]

The battle torn onward. Shouts were exchanged between his companions. Some were just exclamations or comments, most meant very little more than the sum of the sounds that came from their mouths. Battle was always like that though. People would often talk as much as they could while they were fighting. It gave them something to focus on and maybe a way to calm the nerves. What really mattered was that their foes were dwindling quickly enough make victory certain, at least for the time being. Thea might be getting angry now and letting that frustration turn her focus to ash, but, she would regain her composure quickly enough once the battle was ended.

Haemar's shields had gone untouched so far, much to his both glee and disappointment. He was facing a pair of the strange shadows and they had yet to be able to breech his defenses. It seemed as though they may understand the situation they found themselves in and that striking him would result in their own destruction. Yet, they must attack. The Abjurer thought he might have seen conflict in their faces. Pure fantasy. They were just creatures of darkness.

He struck back. His blade twisting with a sudden rush of lightning. The blade whirled into a sudden and blinding arch aimed at the shadow that was in striking range of both himself and Thea. It was not only his paladin friend who was having a hard time finding a path through their defenses. Haemar's crackling edge was turned aside with a quick parry and a crash of energy dispersing into the air around them. He gritted his teeth and turned his parried blow back into his sweeping defensive posture.

Mechanics

Haemar does not move and only tries to strike the shadow before him, the one also adjacent to Thea with a shocking grasp attack. The attack misses with a 14.

Ward: 7
Temp HP: 10
AC: 15
Spell Slots:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 0/2
Illuminating Shroud: USED (Recharge on Short Rest)
Arcane Recovery: USED (Recharge on Long Rest)

@Cu Chulainn @The Harbinger of Ferocity

[Cu Chulainn]

Cesar Lorenzo Tidesong Bolivar
The Vale, Showing everyone how it's done.

@Hekazu@The Harbinger of Ferocity

The Shadow that Cesar was facing took a good chunk out of him with that last hit... Cesar only faltered slightly from that hit, gripping his sword tightly as he planned to give that shadow a piece of his mind...

Well, before thar crazy dwarf blasted it to oblivion... that's a dwarf, right?

Cesar sighed, briefly, before taking a look at how his allies are doing. Well, they seem to be doing all fine and dandy, except for the part where they've all missed their attacks.

Looks like I have to take care of things myself, eh?

Cesar dashed towards the nearest Shadow, brandishing his dazzling blade as he ran it through with a quick slash. The attack caused the darkness of the Shadow to fade away, brightened by the light of his blade. Grinning at his kill, Cesar eagerly looked up to the two more Shadows harassing his allies, a surge of courage filling him as he proceeded forward.

"Have at me, putos! Cesar called to the duo of Shadows as he approached them, spinning his blade in his hands, making a dazzling display of deadly grace and undaunted prowess.

"There's only two of you, and one of me."

Cesar's turn

HP: 11/21
AC: 21
Bardic Inspiration: 0/3

Cesar moved south until he was adjacent to the nearest Shadow, using a Blade Flourish action to attack the Shadow, hitting with a 22 attack roll, dealing 8 Slashing and 2 Radiant damage, slaying his opponent. Next, he moved east until he was in between the reach of the two other Shadows, using a Defensive Flourish as part of his Blade Flourish and expending a Bardic Inspiration die to grant him 6 bonus Armor Class, to add up to a total of 21 Armor Class until the end of his next turn. Cesar finally uses his free action in an attempt to taunt the two Shadows in front of him.

[Hekazu]

Judging by the fact Wick wasn't shouting anything from the back, no more shadows were to appear from behind them. Coupled with the fact of the spellcaster focusing on combating the enemy with them instead of running further, it appeared these were the only ones currently in the town just as well. How they had made it in here was beyond Theodore's knowledge, but if they were the only ones here it would only make sense for them to be evicted as soon as possible. Maybe then they could ask the presumably local fellow where they were.

But as much as he would have preferred his efforts to succeed like Cesar's, he could not count himself among those fortunate. As he was about to load a bolt to his weapon, he accidentally pulled the trigger and made a blank shot. "Da...", he swallowed his words, biting his tongue to stop himself from cursing and began loading the weapon anew. A wasted opportunity, and in the career of a crusader, mistakes were all too often paid for in blood. Luckily enough they were getting the situation more and more under control with each passing moment, so there was no reason to panic yet.

Mechanics&Rolls

Theodore stands his ground, maintaining his Slayer's Eye and making an attack against the Shadow between Haemar and Thea. The attack misses on a natural 1. This has been reflavoured as the weapon firing prior to a bolt being set on it.

HP: 28/28 AC: 16 Concentrating: Not
Radiant Consumption: Available
Slayer's Eye: Active on the shadow between Haemar and Thea.

Spells expended:
0/3 1st

@The Harbinger of Ferocity - Next up

[The Harbinger of Ferocity]

The Vale

The Town,
Currently

The first blast of eldritch energy falling aside harmless, turned by one of the shadows' shields, the only thing it walked into then from the opening was the point of Cesar's blade - Wick, by accident, had helped facilitate the graceful stroke and allowed the swordsman's gleaming weapon to strike as true as ever. As the slash ended, the dark fiend disappearing into a plume of inky, fading smoke, more chaos continued as the remains dark defenders avoided wizard and paladin alike. Swiftly, upon their narrow feet, they dodged and weaved almost as quick as their lesser counterparts who, thankfully one might add, were not harrying the rest of the heroes and their gnomish assistant. Avoiding Thea, Haemar, and too a much lesser extent Katia, they maneuvered in and about for their actual attack.

Not impressed with the taunting, one of the remaining two circled around the young aasimar and brought out its weapon in the chaos that seemed to follow them; in a startling maneuver, under her guard, one of the shadow soldiers slipped a strike against Thea's armor and wounded her - an attack that would have regularly glanced off of plate stung now as though it were much more direct. Fortunately, the pain was brief and icy, rather than searing and bloody. Whatever this place was and its strange, discomforting qualities, they were good for something.

Haemar, in the midst of his sweep where the parried blow of lightning charged sword was turned aside, found an attack endured all on his own; in the wake of his defensive sweep, the point of the enemy's sword in all its blackness grazed him. Of course there was a violent flash of radiant light that leapt from the elven wizard's form outward and lashed violently at the shadow, stunning it for a moment as though it were uncertain if it were destroyed or whole still, but the point drove home. Unlike their lesser enemies, these creatures of the dark truly were soldiers or echoes of them; they knew enough of combat to prove they weren't totally mindless, just easily distracted as with any undisciplined guard.

Until it too was finished off by the gnome in a crackling burst of silver that followed the brilliant gold illumination. The small man, fingers arced out before him, seemed to be doing his best to mitigate the suffering the unexpected heroes were enduring, not quite aware that by any standard they were in far better condition than they appeared at this current moment. The positive news was, the overdressed smallfolk apparently had no awareness of this poor show - too busy hurling barrages of sizzling arcane magic.

"Don't worry friends, Birbin's magic will help you put out these no good shadows!"

The gnome then seemed to ready another spell only for it to immediately fizzle out in a cloud of argent dust and bits of crystalline light.

"Uh... on second thought, maybe Birbin is all out of magic."

Effects

The north most Shadow Soldier attacks and hits Thea for 7 piercing damage, having rolled unusually well on both its rolls. The other shadow attacks Haemar, succeeding in striking him as well for 4 piercing damage but suffering 10 radiant damage for its troubles - it remains standing despite the outburst of light.

The gnome casts another spell of silvery bolts, finishing off the shadow that was beside Haemar and presumably injuring the one Thea was skirmishing with using the other two flickering shots. He appears to be out of spells and instead hurries to help distract the last shadow.

Score
Countdown

Map
Town

@Big Dread, @Cu Chulainn, @Gordian Nought, @Hekazu, @JBRam2002, @Zverda

[JBRam2002]

This fight could be going better, and Katia was pretty sure everyone knew it, with the possible exception of the gnome. Katia climbed down from her perch once the majority of the foes had been dispatched, moving behind the shadow that seemed focused on Thea. “Just like old times, eh, Cesar?” Katia called out as she leveled her quarterstaff at the base of her enemy’s enshadowed skull. “I couldn’t hit the broadside of a schooner back then, either!”

To punctuate her comment, she spun around with a roundhouse kick, hoping to finish off the foe, but it seemed it was ready for her this time. “Perhaps, Birbin, if you lack in spells, you can pay us back later with bourbon!” she cried out with glee as her kick was deflected by the enemy’s shield. “Or at least regale us with a story of how you came to be chased by so many foes.”

Mechanics

Katia Lei

Katia climbs down from the building and moves to flank opposite Cesar, gaining advantage on attacks..

Katia’s first attack is with her quarterstaff, two-handed: 24 (second roll was lower), hitting for 5 bludgeoning damage.

Katia’s second attack is an unarmed strike: 13 with advantage, but misses.

HP: 20/20. AC: 15. Ki: 1/3 (Recharge Short Rest).
Feline Agility: Available. Golden Surge: Available.

@The Harbinger of Ferocity - DM
@Gordian Nought - Wick (next)

[Gordian Nought]

The cabal of shadows had finally diminished into one last murky musketeer, surrounded by two heroes of light and a gnome, who called himself, Birbin. The why to which these shadows descended like a plague of locusts, aiming to sow discord and reap agony, all to harvest the prized flesh of one glitzy wizard, remained, sadly, labyrinthine.

”… regale us with a story of how you came to be chased by so many foes.”

The rationale still eluded Wick. These wispy voids would never disclose suffering nor duplicity, as they were abominating forces, only to reckon wrath upon, for the reincarnated librarian never witnessed any such adversary ever communicate with another, nor demand verbosity from their victims. Yet, they employed a foul sort of teamwork, fluently.

It was always extinguish or be finished ourselves.

Yet, the mage sage sensed a resurgent premonition during the skirmish, that the battle was already won before our first weapon was even drawn. Though, she routinely never underestimated the strength, brutality, or, for that matter, the stupidity of their enemies, never barring full-on aggression towards this ashen evil. Anger and peace, unexpectedly, meshed like a raging river, into her soul, to only plummet as a euphoric waterfall into a serene valley. This mixture of antithetical emotions were peculiar to the cleric, to which she reflexively shrugged off, as her boots took flight.

Dashing back into the fray, the warlock eventually locked eyes, with her socketless nemesis. Yelling one word, she sought to strike opportunity amongst her comrades in finishing this conflict. The issued command bellowed as part rallying cry, part sermon, and hopefully undeniable to their sole opponent, in garnering an undefended tornado of swipes from the adjacent trio.

”FLEE!”

And not retreat from confusion.

Effects:

Using Expeditious Retreat, Wick dashes right 60 feet and casts COMMAND, with a Cleric DC of 11. She states, "FLEE!" hoping the Shadow would induce Attacks of Opportunity in his attempt to escape if possible.

She hopes her friends will not misunderstand her COMMAND, mistaking it as a cry to retreat from what's behind the gates.

Wick
HP: 17/17
AC: 17 (Breast Plate (14) + DEX Mod (1) + Shield (2))
Weapon: quarterstaff in dominant hand, others (sheathed)

Arcane Focus: Fleece Necklace
Concentration: Expeditious Retreat

Spell Slots:
Warlock (Level 1): 1/1 First Level used
Full Spell Caster (Level 2): 2/3 First Level used (recharged previously from Arcane Recovery)
Globe of Light Limit: 1/1 (used)

Spell Attack/DC:
Cleric: 3/11
Warlock: 6/14
Wizard: 4/12

Lesser Restoration: 1/Day after finishing a long rest (unused)
Arcane Recovery: 1/Day after finishing a short rest (used)
Fey Presence: 1/short rest (recharged; unused)

@Big Dread, @Cu Chulainn, @Hekazu, @JBRam2002, @Zverda,@The Harbinger of Ferocity

[Zverda]

As the Shadow that Thea marked died before her she let out a soft sigh and simply waved her hand in a dismissive manner, the mark bouncing to The last remaining Shadow'd creature. At this point she was simply aggravated with everything that had been going on, the luck factor of hitting one of the Creatures exceedingly low as if something simply did not wish for the creatures to be dispatched quickly. However, it seemed that luck had finally turned in her favor despite another successful hit being landed on her. While that alone was enough to make her blood boil, she brushed it off and hefted her Great Sword into a readied stance. "أنا مريض بدلا من وجودك الظل." she growled up before bringing her weapon down on the creature, the blade striking true for the first time in this battle.

'I find the chattiness during battle a bit wasteful,' the Aasimar thought to herself as she glanced over at Katia, 'Cat talks to much...' While the woman's thoughts were normally much kinder, she found that her thoughts had soured greatly, her mood darkening considerably as she glared at the shadow, there was something about this place that seemed to just infuriate her.

My Hider

Successful hit on Shadow with a 20
Greatsword dmg: 13
Additional 1d6 from Hunter's Mark: 3

Health: 16/28
AC: 18
Spells used: 2/2
Hunter's Mark: Active - Concentration 1hr

@The Harbinger of Ferocity@Big Dread