J-H
 OOC thread. 
 
 Spoiler: The Map &amp; Key 

   

The Order
Home of the Belmonte Order

Order Graveyard
A Warded and hallowed graveyard where the Order’s dead are safely buried and memorialized.

Yomi
A small village near the order that supports it.

Dona
An overland travel point for cargoes portaging past the rapids from Yomi.

Wicked Ditch
Dry badlands in the rain shadow of the Deborah Mountains.  Home to valuable gems, wild beasts, and dangerous plants.

Brahms’ Castle
A castle built atop a cliff overlooking the river southward.  A strong-point against invasion from the north.  Sits atop Yuta’s Path

Yuta’s Path
A tunnel beneath the river and the Carpathian range that emerges near the western edge of Cieresor Swamp

Cieresor Swamp
A wet and heavily treed swamp, full of fish, valuable herbs, and other forms of life.

Cieresor Castle
Home seat of the Cieresor family, and a fortress to which the fisher-folk of the swamp can retreat to in times of trouble.

Alba Plains
Green, well-watered farmland on the east, fading slowly to grassy lands suitable for herding near the mountains.

Alba
A farming and trade town.

Laruba Monastery
A monastery for the encouragement of the contemplation of each and every step and its meaning in life.  Laruba monastery can be reached by boat, or by an underground passage.

Dwarven Road
A still-functional underground passage connecting Alba to Veros.

Veros
An iron-mining town.

Holmwood Tower
A small keep guarding a choke-point on the road from Veros to the Order.

Jova
A farming town.

Arcane Tower
A place for a wizard to get away and do some research in peace.  Currently owned by Archaeus, head wizard of the Belmonte Order.

Belasco Marsh
A marshland, known to have many insects in warm weather.

Alja
A river-port, the last one leading from the west before the waterfall that creates Misty Lake.

Ondol
A town of woodsmen.  Trans-shipment point and overwintering location for sheepherders occupying the Jam Hills

Jam Fort
A fortress built into the cliff itself.

Strigoi Graveyard
An old graveyard where dead things are warded to stay dead.  Not in current use, but the Order monitors it regularly.
 

Hexmap squares with roads take 1 hour to traverse per road hex.  Leaving the roads doubles travel time as the party traverses rough terrain of various sorts.  Double these travel times if the party is traveling Stealthily.  The mountains are functionally impassable (travel time 8 hrs per hex).  River travel is 2 hours per hex if traveling northeast, or 4 hours per hex if going southwest.  Traveling by boat requires finding a suitable boat, having proficiency to operate it, and dealing with any other risks.  There are a number of rapids on the map, so travel by river is uncommon aside from shipments in and out of Veros to the south.
J-H
It has been 130 years since Dracula was defeated.  Upon the ruins of his great magical castle, the Belmont Order established a fortress, a base of operations from which to hunt down the monsters left behind, and to train new generations of soldiers to ward against the return of Dracula or other dark forces.

Some claim Dracula can return to the Material Plane every 100 years, like the fiend others claim he is.  The order spent the centennial on high alert… but nothing happened.

You are children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of those who have battled the forces of Evil in the world.  You have studied and trained since you were young, and each of you stand to inherit an ancestral item of power and history.

The leadership of the Order has come together to discuss this, and to plan for succession.  Succession means family ties, and that means spouses and children come along as well… after all, marriage ties keep alliances strong.

Some of you have arrived at the Order over the last few days, but one or two may have just arrived this morning.   The meeting begins with a few short speeches and prayers to appropriate deities, but they are stuffy and not very interesting.  After the invocation is a large buffet-style cookout, held outdoors in the walled front courtyard.  Animals are roasted, roasted, vegetables are toasted, and cheeses, desserts, and drink are available for everyone.  The official business starts tomorrow.  Today is for rebuilding social connections.  You know that sometimes, this is when important political decisions are discussed and decided on – but that’s for the elders to handle.  As a group of up-and-coming scions, you’ve been told to visit and spend time together, so you will.  Most of you have been here before, but it’s been ten years and you were much younger then.

You are free to eat, drink, and wander about.  You can explore the Order freely, and there are also important people you’ve been told you should make yourselves known to.

 
 Spoiler: Map of the Order 

 Ground Floor 
   
The stairs behind the Great Hall lead down to the Seal protecting the ruins of Dracula’s castle.
The Barracks area contains several sets of bunkrooms for the Order’s troops and guards.

 Second Floor 
   
Small balconies extend from the Guest Quarter access halls into the two-story Great Hall.
The Armory contains armor, weapons, and equipment for the Order’s troops.
The Officer’s area also contains a meeting room.

 Third Floor 
   
The Barracks on this floor is not currently in use.
The door to the Hall of History is locked, and concealed behind a bookcase.
 

 
 Spoiler: List of Notables 

Captain Dana Ciora, leader of the Belmonte Order's formal military forces
Irene Valhoven, chief wizard
Kravchuk Rostov, Seneschal
Karol Draus, Chief Cleric
Ioan Ioanneson, head cook
Casamir Reed, Diplomat
Adrian Beltane, Historian
 


You begin in the Courtyard:
The courtyard is ordinarily a place people pass through rather than go, but today, trestle tables have been pulled out of the Great Hall and set up in front of it and along the northwestern corner of the Hall.  Near the kitchens, a line of tables groan under the weight of numerous dishes, foods, and drinks.  People move past the tables in a line, taking or being served what they wish, as the scents of roast pork, candied fruits, fresh-cooked fish, and innumerable herbs drift across the courtyard.  Two hired entertainers wearing brightly colored shirts striped with red, yellow, and green appear to be entertaining some of the children by juggling, playing music, and doing things like standing on their heads.

The main gates are shut, and the archery butts in the southwest corner are left alone, aside from a few younger teenagers who are alternating eating and shooting a shortbow.

Not too far from the kitchen exit is a low fence surrounding a training yard.  Against the east wall of the yard are storage racks containing wooden training weapons, as well as a few sets of wood armor sized for children and teenagers not old enough to have their own sets.  After the meal, it’s likely a few people will take advantage of this to practice, exercise, or show off.  The stable building, made of stone with a wood roof, lie south of the training yard, against the front corner.  It is two stories high, with the second floor being used for hay and feed storage.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Chloé keeps her head down as she piles her own plate with food. She'd much rather be in the lab, experimenting and practicing. She understands  why  she has to be here, that much was made extremely clear to her by Bishop Fontaine, but that didn't make it any easier for her. She'd spent the better part of a decade studying and practicing in relative solitude. Socialising, making small talk, being someone to whom a marriage of convenience would be  more  than just convenience? These are all practically unthinkable to her. She is no great beauty, and the sole attribute that would make her a prospect for such a  connection  is her mind - her mind which is being wasted on this instead of being allowed to stretch freely.

It's not like producing an heir is any task worthy of a brilliant intellect - anyone of age could do it with a moderate amount of coaxing, no matter how brilliant or...not.

No, Chloé finds herself distinctly unsatisfied by the party, forcing a paper thin smile while trying to ignore how those with power and position turned their heads away to murmur gossip quietly as she passed. Those who  couldn't  perform, who  weren't  the chosen few who were destined for the holy relics would sit and scheme for what power they could grasp, instead of applying themselves to being more. It was all so tiresome.

She steps away from the table, taking up an unassuming position near the archery butts. Perhaps if people believed she was simply watching the children (though she was still a child herself) she could avoid conversations with adults she didn't wish to speak to.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik came to the meeting with his parents, Draven and Clarita, and his older brother, Lucas. For Vidrik's whole life, he thought it would be his brother who would inherit the family's longsword and represent the family with the Order. His parents had always been very strict and domineering with Vidrik, and had always been supportive of his brother, encouraging him to enter jousting contests and training him for high society. Vidrik, on the other hand, was sent to help the staff with the hunting. The family's lead hunter, Oren, had taught Vidrik how to hunt, track, and hide. They had once caught the trail of a pair of zombies and Oren had let him take the first shot.

However, a few days before the journey to the Order, their parents sat them both down and explained that it would be Vidrik, and not Lucas, who would represent the family. Their father pulled out a chest containing an engraved crossbow and a quiver of 20 thick, wooden bolts, telling Vidrik that this would be a better weapon to fight the devils than a sword, and that Vidrik's skills would be more useful to the Order than Lucas' abilities. In Lucas' defense, he was disappointed but accepted and supported his brother, but Lucas had always been kind to Vidrik, unlike their parents.

Vidrik still isn't sure if his parents really believe in him or if they just think this expedition is doomed and don't want to lose their favorite son. He's not a big fan of the high society of the elders here and he's not sure of the other young potential applicants, but he sees another elf, a high elf who he remembers seeing 10 years ago, but never talked to her then. He approaches her and introduces himself.

  "Hello, I am Vidrik Oakheart. It's nice to see another elf family here. Are you representing your family?"  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Chloé wasn't too surprised to be approached, but it did take her a moment to place the face. She'd been barely a child, and a sea of faces had entered and exited her life since. Still, there was a twinge of recognition in the back of her memory. They  had  met at some point in the past, but beyond that it was a cloudy mist rather than clear memory.

 "Chloé Clement. More for the Church than my family though I'm sure both will benefit."  She pauses, and realises that the extent of her conversational skill has now been exhausted.   Excellent work Chloé, you made it through two sentences! Perhaps with some practice you'll make it to three.   She racked her brain for conversational topics that she could recall other people enjoying. Weather? Banal. Food? Bland - as a topic, though not in taste. Their futures? Something that would go nowhere, she doubts Vidrik had any more idea than she does.

She settles on something that might at least offer her a bit more insight on the others, before she's forced to face them herself.  "Have you met any of the influentials yet?" 
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 13
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 3/3
Bladesongs: 2/2  
 
  

"I-I think we're mostly elves," Cassandra says suddenly to the man who introduced himself as Vidrick Oakheart, although whether he even noticed her standing beside him is another matter entirely, "...b-but it's... an honour to meet you. I'm Ca-"
Before Cassandra can finish introducing herself, however, a much, much larger elf introduces himself by placing an arm on both Vidrick's and Cassandra's shoulders and saying "This is my amazing little sister Cassie. One day she's going to be the matriarch of the Hartdegen clan so you'd best get in there quick, eh Vid?"

A glare from Cassandra, the sort of glare of disapproval siblings would instantly recognise, and the elf steps back. "Well it was nice meeting you both," he says with a wink, "but I'll leave you to get acquainted." With that he disappears, leaving Cassandra to breathe a sigh of relief.

"My brother means well but he tends to act before he thinks. I guess my whole family is like that." Cassandra says in a way that suggests she wishes she were more like that herself, "I'm Cassandra Hartdegen."
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian lowers down, in a pouncing position, his eyes darting back and forth. His gaze recedes, losing focus on what's before him, instead taking the full periphery of his vision in. He is surrounded, enemies moving back and forth around him. He turns his head this way, then that, letting them know he is aware of their presence, his long black hair whipping back and forth with each movement. Then he hears it, the attack is coming. Before he can respond, he feels tiny arms wrapping around his legs and the excited cries of children. He reaches down to pull a small boy from gripping his leg, only for the whole group of them to swarm him in the Training Yard. He makes of show of falling down but continues to wrestle the kids off of him, tossing them into piled hay as they squeal with joy and exhilaration. He makes monsters noises and starts tickling the kids and throwing hay over them when he spots his grandmother watching from the other side of the fence. He smiles back.

 Again!  the children cry out.

  You lot beat me fair and square,   Sabian says in his deep baritone, walking toward the fence,   Only fair to give someone else a chance.   The children whine but then Sabian snaps back to face them, arms up and fingers bent into claws,   But don't let down your guard! You won't know when I return!   They scream and laugh and run back into the hay piles. Sabian nimbly hops the fence to join his grandmother and then looks back to the kids with an exaggerated look of disappointment,   I can't believe these new recruits coming to the Order,   he says. His grandmother chuckles and pats his hand before brushing hay off of him,  You are so good with them Sabian. You'd make a good father; strong and tough, you'd discipline them and mold them, but with that sense of humor and that warmth. 
  Nona, please, isn't that why we're here?  

She points a finger at him,  No one here is going to get you to do what you must do! You need to know it and want it yourself. You are the last Skellegue that can sire children. If I still could bear children I would do my duty to my house. 
  Ugh Nona please!  
 You have a duty and you are forsaking it. 

Sabian's smile melts away; they were easily passed the playful jaunting.   Nona, the Skellegues are warriors, the best in the lands.  
 Don't think you have to tell me boy, I know more about it than you do. 
  Well then you know that I have to go out there and continue that legacy. I can't be the only Skellegue not to face the monsters of the world and make safe these lands. How can I teach my children to be brave and bold and deadly in battle against the enemy if I will never be able to do it?  
 Sabian, no one is saying you won't perform for the Order. But right now there are other priorities. 

Sabian sighs, he hates disappointing his grandmother. He looks around and spots a couple of familiar faces,   I think that's Chloe and Vidrik, wow. Um, I'll be back.   He regrets leaving just as soon as he does, but would rather not continue a conversation he's had with Nona too many times. Neither of them will convince the other.

He jogs over to the group,   Hi Cassandra, Sabian Skellegue at your service,   he gives a formal bow.   Chloe, Vid, is that you guys?  
 
 Spoiler 
Seemed like Chloe and Vidrik knew each other so I thought Sabian would jump into that group as well. Let me know otherwise and I'll amend my post.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Chloé manages only the slightest of embarassed waves.  "Hello. Yes, it's me. Chloé. Hello."  Is the intervention of two more faces an aid to her? Only insomuch as it might mean she doesn't need to contribute as much to a conversation. Perhaps she might be able to concoct a potion that will allow her to merge with the stone wall and vanish entirely. Stretching her conversational muscles as best she can, she manages  "You all look well. Not sick at all. That's good. Meetings like this can be terrible for spreading diseases." 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik loks at the half-orc as he approaches, unsure if he is the same one as the teenager he met 10 years ago. Those humans and orcs grow old so quickly. His suspicions are confirmed when Sabian introduces himself. Vidrik looks up towards the half-orc's face.

  "Sabian. It's great to see you again. You already towered over me 10 years ago and now you've filled out even more."  

He then turns to Chloe after failing to answer her question before their old friend arrived.   "I don't really want to meet all the important people. But the cook might be interesting. Should we go see what the cook is doing? Maybe we can get a free meal."  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

The young alchemist glances down at her plate, still mostly full of food that she's barely picked at. She considers scarfing the entire thing down quickly, to make room for another meal, because otherwise they wouldn't have a reason to go, but she knows her limits better than that. They might have some spices or herbs that she could use though, even if the meal was off the table.  "Sure, that sounds good." 
 
 
  
J-H
The four of you cross the courtyard, heading towards the northeastern corner, where a line of tables have been set up bearing all sorts of food.  You've been here earlier and filled your plates... but now it's time for a refill with the main crowd having gone through.

You seek out Ioan Ioanneson, the head cook.

     
On the tall and heavy side for a dwarf, Ioan is wearing a broad-brimmed hat today to keep the sun out of his eyes.  His apron is still tied about his waist, but you can tell that he's standing near one end of the tables.  Apparently most of his work is done, for now, and it looks like he has a few moments to socialize, although he's frequently glancing across the tables to make sure nothing needs a refill, and that no children are doing anything silly like trying to use a roast chicken as a hat (something like that  may  have happened 10 years ago).
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Chloe says,  "You all look well. Not sick at all. That's good. Meetings like this can be terrible for spreading diseases."  Sabian blinks and looks from Chloe to Vidrik and back to Chloe,   Er,   he smiles and then recovers from the awkward comment,   Yeah well, not for lack of trying rolling around in the hay with those kiddos over there,   he says, pointing to the training yard.

  "Sabian. It's great to see you again. You already towered over me 10 years ago and now you've filled out even more."   Vidrik says.

He then turns to Chloe after failing to answer her question before their old friend arrived.   "I don't really want to meet all the important people. But the cook might be interesting. Should we go see what the cook is doing? Maybe we can get a free meal."
  
Sabian leans over conspiratorially,   You've learned my secret, frequent meals! Come on, let's go see what Ioan's cooked up and we'll all be filled out in no time! Maybe we can find out what's in store for us while we're at it.  

The four cross the courtyard and find the dwarf near where the food is spread out,   Ho there Ioan! Looks like it's time for the main course.   He gestures to the others,   I ran into some friends, old and new.   Sabian begins to load up a plate,   Hey Ioan, you've been through these formal ceremonies before right? What should we expect?  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 10 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Mustafa wasn't the most communicative of creatures, but he had been prepared for this event his entire life and was determined to make it count. Each of his numerous brothers and sisters had split up to a different part of the castle, and though Mustafa was technically on duty, there was something VERY important he just had to see to: the pies, cakes, puddings and custards he remembered from his childhood visits to the headquarters of the Order. Eastern European sweets that were just so different from the desserts he was used to have, that he just had to taste again.

The Turkish man was leaning by the table, chatting with the cook and picking out which of the sweets he would try next. He wore a fine  kaftan , a long robe with wide sleeves made from the finest silk in the whole Ottoman Empire. It was a symbol of his high social standing, and the design and color indicated his rank and affiliation: the governor of a province back in his homeland. There was no obvious signs that the nobleman was a priest of any kind besides a golden moon-and-star that hung from his neck.

 Outfit 
  " Merhaba , brothers and sisters."   Said Mustafa. He remembered some of the faces from previous visits to the headquarters, but still made sure to address them formally.   "I greet you in this blessed day, and invite you to try the lemon cakes. They're a delight."  

The man smiled brightly, revealing his sense of humor. His Romanian was flawless, but his dark skin, unusual accent and exotic clothes betrayed his origins.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Another scion. This really did seem to be everyone who was even remotely important to the Order's continuation into the next generation. It was simultaneously them at their strongest, and their most vulnerable. She would have to just hope that those on guard were up to the task.  "Hello. It's nice to meet you."  Chloé replies with the standard forced politeness. Should she also recommend a food at this stage?  "You should..uh...try the chicken? It's also good."  Perhaps that compliment would earn her some brownie points with the head chef.

She glanced around, before adding to Sabian's question to Ioan:  "They're not going to make us do a speech are they?"  She might quite literally die if they did.
 
 
  
J-H
      Ioan Ioanneson 
"Good afternoon, young ones.  You are enjoying all of the hard work and spices that went into this, I hope?"
 
"Today, young Skellegue and young Clement, the speech-making is done.  I'm sure there will be more tomorrow, although I usually don't attend the decision-making meetings.  Today, people mix and knead the dough with discussions that go into the bread-making of the next few days... and by the time anything goes to a vote or formal process, all that's left is to brush the top with the details." 

He looks out at the crowd again.   "Good number of kids here, but fewer adults or younger adults like you than I'd have expected.  Where are all the people who were here thirty or forty years ago... ah, maybe some people are running late."   He turns back to the group.   "If you ever cook for a big group like this, remember to wake up early.  You can't afford to have anything run late.  I've been up since three hours before sunrise, and my assistants too.  Had to hire extra help due to the amount of cooking.  Irene hasn't invented any magics that help a man grow extra arms, you know!" 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik walks over with the others to say hello to the cook. It's Vidrik's 3rd time here and he has always enjoyed the food, so it's time to let the cook know.

  "Ioan, it's good to see you again. Great job on the food today. The hard work really shows. It's even better than I remember it and your cooking is always the highlight of my visit. It looks like this time they have more in store for me than just eating and visiting though. Any news from the court?"  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 10 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  
  "Master Oakhart."   Mustafa bowed slightly. He remembered the elf from previous visits to the headquarters, and his family had a good opinion about the Oakheart clan: true monster hunters used to the wild, untethered from the luxury or stubbornness that so so often blinded those of noble birth. The elf next to him, though, he didn't know or didn't remember the face.   "My lady, you must forgive me, for I don't know your name."   He addressed   Chloé  .   "But if you say so, I  must  try the chicken. Indeed my fingers are starting to turn into honey after so much sugar."  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  
 "Oh! Sorry, I'm Chloé Clement of the...well, Clements,"  comes Chloé's hurried reply. Stupid of her to forget to introduce herself properly. Too many people all at once was getting to her.  "Just Chloé is fine." 

When Ioan mentions the lack of arm growing magic, she perks up though. It was, after all, her area of (intended) expertise.  "Is that something they're working on? Limb-growing magic?"  It wasn't out of the realm of possibility. If magic could patch wounds, regrow skin, or even go beyond and regrow entire limbs, then why not grow new ones too? And if she could bottle such a thing...Her mind raced with the possibilities, even if it would make tailoring clothes drastically more awkward.
 
 
  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Ioan says,  "Today, young Skellegue and young Clement, the speech-making is done. I'm sure there will be more tomorrow, although I usually don't attend the decision-making meetings. Today, people mix and knead the dough with discussions that go into the bread-making of the next few days... and by the time anything goes to a vote or formal process, all that's left is to brush the top with the details." 

He looks out at the crowd again.  "Good number of kids here, but fewer adults or younger adults like you than I'd have expected. Where are all the people who were here thirty or forty years ago... ah, maybe some people are running late." 
  Let's hope,   Sabian says, adding another roll to the heap on his plate,   Wouldn't be fair to put all that pressure on just the four... five, of us,   he says, just noticing the man leaning on the table.

  "Merhaba, brothers and sisters."   says Mustafa. He remembers some of the faces from previous visits to the headquarters, but still makes sure to address them formally.   "I greet you in this blessed day, and invite you to try the lemon cakes. They're a delight."  
  "Master Oakhart."   Mustafa bows slightly. He remembers the elf from previous visits to the headquarters, and his family had a good opinion about the Oakheart clan: true monster hunters used to the wild, untethered from the luxury or stubbornness that so so often blinded those of noble birth. The elf next to him, though, he doesn't know or doesn't remember the face.   "My lady, you must forgive me, for I don't know your name."   He addresses Chloé.   "But if you say so, I must try the chicken. Indeed my fingers are starting to turn into honey after so much sugar."  
  Yeah, it'd be a shame to get all those fine clothes sticky,   Sabian says. His hands are full with two plates, so he nods to the man,   Not sure we're acquainted, Sabian Skellegue. You are?  
J-H
      Ioan Ioanneson 
 
"The court, Mr. Oakheart?  I wouldn't know about that... you could always try Casamir.

Arm-growing magic?"   Ioan smiles.   "That was a joke, lass. I don't think such a thing is within the bounds of... well, anyone's magic, but Irene's usually busy with wards and scrolls and such."  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

If no one was working on it, then maybe she would be the first. Breaking new ground by growing new arms. That would surely be enough to earn her more time away from people and in the lab instead, wouldn't it?  "Maybe I should see Miss Irene then..."  She mumbles quietly, glancing at the other scions. She didn't want to go alone, and she didn't want to  say  they should come with her,  and  it sounded like Casamir was someone they might also want to speak to. Sometimes it'd just be easier if she didn't care about causing problems, but then where would she be? Probably...causing problems.
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 13
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 3/3
Bladesongs: 2/2  
 
  

Cassandra's ears visibly perk up at the mention of Irene's name.

"I haven't seen Lady Irene in some time. I learned a lot from her and I've wanted to talk to her about the application of sigils to absorb the latent magical energies inherent in physical and mystical trauma to negate destructive outcomes."

Before you know it she's mumbling to herself, "Some spells protect you against certain types of attack and others can make you harder to hit, but what if you could directly convert magical energy into a sigil that prevents you from taking damage...? It would take less time to perform, there would be no incantation... It would revolutionise the defensive uses of magical energies."
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 10 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

 
 Originally Posted by Dr.Samurai 
   Yeah, it'd be a shame to get all those fine clothes sticky,   Sabian says. His hands are full with two plates, so he nods to the man,   Not sure we're acquainted, Sabian Skellegue. You are?   
 

  "All you need is some warm ash to break the stickiness, and the honey will come off easy. As a fan of all things sweet, I have learned that trick early in life. My dear mother would hit me whenever she found honey stains in my robes."   He smiled again.   "I am Mustafa Hanim of Constantinople. Indeed we haven't met, but my family told me great things about the name  Skellegue . It is an honor to meet a fellow warrior of the Order."  

 
 Originally Posted by Infernally Clay 
 "I haven't seen Lady Irene in some time. I learned a lot from her and I've wanted to talk to her about the application of sigils to absorb the latent magical energies inherent in physical and mystical trauma to negate destructive outcomes." 
 

His eyes spotted  Cassandra  when she spoke.   "Ah! Lady Hartdegen. I was told I might see you here."   Mustafa said with contained excitement.   "You might not know me, but I know of you. My family taught me all about the  Spellblades  of the Belmont Order. It is a pleasure to share this ceremony with you."  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

When Mustafa arrives, Vidrik smiles and shakes his hand. It's good to see so many old friends here, and the others he's met seem nice too.

  "Mustafa, it's always good to see you again. How are things in Constantinople? How is your family?"  

He takes a pastry from Ioan, nodding thanks for both the food and the information before turning to the others.

  "So Casamir or Lady Irene. Who should we go see next?"  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian remembers his courtesy and bows back,   The honor is mine, Mustafa Hanim of Constantinople.  

Vidrik asks which way to go, and seeing that Chloe and Cassandra both have an interest in Lady Irene, Sabian makes that suggestion,   I myself am trying to stay away from the politics and intrigue of the Order as much as I can tonight. Why don't we say hello to Lady Irene and see what she's working on?
  
He leads the group to Lady Irene, calling out behind him,   Thank you for the fine victuals Ioan!  
J-H
 If anyone wanted to talk more to Ioan, post it and we'll resolve... didn't have that sense via Discord though. 
     Irene Valhoven is a short woman with dark skin and hair.  Today, her hair is pulled back into a bushy pony-tail, and she’s wearing an orange robe.  A miniature book of some sort appears to be affixed to one end of the yellow sash tied around her waist, which she also has her wand tucked into.  She's sitting at one of the tables eating, while manipulating a minor illusion to look like a stuffed wyvern toy for the amusement of a couple of the children nearby.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Though she lurks at the back of the group, when she sees the magic on display she can't help but be interested, and want to contribute herself. She tugs a small vial from a hidden pocket and uncorks it. The silvery liquid inside gives off the faint smell of wine, though it doesn't look anything close to it. She takes a single droplet of the vial onto her fingertip, rubs her fingers together to cover it, and then blows on them. Invisible winds carry the remnant to the illusionary wyvern, right up to its mouth, which suddenly bursts with a shower of sparks that mimic a fire breath. Even if wyverns don't normally breathe fire, it still makes a fine spectacle.

 "H-Hello, Miss Irene,"  the young alchemist stutters out after her little display.  "Is your research going well?" 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC  

Prestidigitation - Shower of Sparks
 
J-H
 "Whoa, cool!"   The children are amused, although a nearby teenager rolls his eyes and comments,  "Actually, wyverns don't breathe fire." 
     Irene shoots the boy a glare, but he doesn't seem to notice.   "Oh, hello there miss...?

I really need to take a couple of years off and visit some places with larger libraries.  Archaeus' notes disappeared when he and his tower did three years ago, and he was the last one around who helped with the wards.  Are you a student of magic yourself?" 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Once again, her introduction goes awry. Stupid Chloé. She bows her head in deference, and to hide the disappointment she feels at herself.  "Chloé Clement, of the Clements. Alchemy is my primary focus but I'll learn anything that's useful, if I can."  She's not familiar with the tower disappearance, but it strikes her as a little reckless to have only man with knowledge of the wards.  "You don't have any apprentices or students who can help?"  Not that she was trying to find a new position, but studying beneath the Order's foremost arcanist  could  only be beneficial for her.
 
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 10 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Mustafa's curiosity peaked at the name, and then at the story. Towers weren't something that usually disappeared. Unless that, in the last few years, his  Qatholik  brothers had produced engineers capable of such marvel. Well, Constantinople was a capital of culture, where people brought inventions and discoveries from everywhere around the world (and hopefully sold them to the rich); If a "Vanishing Tower" sort of spell had been invented, he thought he would have heard of it.

  " Merhaba , my lady. Apologies for the interruption, I am Mustafa Hanin"   He introduced himself rather quickly and selflessly, as a mere obstacle in the way of the actual conversation to be had.   "Did you say the tower... disappeared? May I ask how come? Even the ruins of a fortress can be fortified and used for defense. Did they need the stones for a different building?"  
J-H
   
 Irene Valhoven 

Irene shakes her head.   "No apprentices right now... I  was  the apprentice.  I understand most of the wards, but they just don't seem to hold up as well as they should.  You know, we do have an alchemy lab inside.  It's locked, but if you promise to be responsible, I can let you borrow my key.  No pranks though, all right? 
 "Mr. Hanin... yes, it did.  Literally vanished off the face of the earth.  The foundation is still there, but you can walk right across it and there's no tower.  There were plenty of traces of conjuration magic, but not enough that we could figure out what happened or where it went.  It was south of here, not too far from Jova.  Unfortunately Archaeus had our Rod of Resurrection and his notes, and probably some of the books I need from the library.  He was pretty quiet about what he was researching, but whatever it is seems to be lost to us."   She frowns, sadly.   "Even the books are replaceable.  He is - or was - a good man. I wish I knew what happened to him." 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 10 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  
  "I wonder how could he have fueled such a powerful spell. The amount of energy necessary to vanish an entire tower... Lords and generals would certainly want this power to attack their rivals and "vanish" their towers. Or perhaps, if the spell transported the tower to a different location, towers could be dropped inside enemy territory without any warning!"   Mustafa knew he was overthinking, but the mere possibility of one day waking up to an enemy castle at your doorstep was terrifying. He had been raised in palaces and very much respected the power of a square of stone walls.   "Is there anyone else who might know more about what happened?"  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 13
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 3/3
Bladesongs: 2/2  
 
  

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you," Cassandra says to Irene, "I'm sorry if my letters have been getting longer. I know I ramble but my family isn't exactly the sort to have long attention spans and it's nice to talk to someone who understands the difference between sigils and runes."

She then sits down and listens to Irene's concerns about the tower. "Archaeus and the Mystery of the Missing Tower has a nice ring to it, though. Perhaps once we find him or he finds his way back to us a bard will tell grand stories about it."
J-H
   
 Irene Valhoven 
 "Know more about it?  Unfortunately, that's my job.  Karol didn't have any other ideas, and if you wanted to ask him yourself, I'm afraid you're a bit late."   You all recognize the name of Karol, the head cleric of the Order.   "I really don't think it was moved anywhere else in the world, or we'd have heard something." 
 "Oh Cassandra, it's nice to meet you in person!  We may have met a decade ago, but that has been a while.  I know I mentioned that the Seal and other wards keep needing to be re-powered more and more often.  Feel free to go take a look at the Seal if you want.  I have appreciated the letters back and forth.  Not everyone likes all the writing and studying, you know."   Irene grasps the book at her waist, undoes a couple of catches to open it, and removes a couple of loose sheets from the front, handing them to Cassandra.  They are made of the flexible, durable vellum favored by wizards for spell scrolls.   "Here you go.  The basics, in case you don't have them.  If you get bored later, the library has the inks you'd need to copy them into your book." 
(Cassandra gets spell scrolls of Magic Missile and Mage Armor)
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

The suggestion that Chloé would use the valuable chance to look at her alchemy lab up close to pull pranks mortifies the young woman, though her denial of it is held on the tongue only by the realisation it would, in turn, make her look guilty. Instead she settles for a polite  "I would love a chance to observe the arrangements in the lab and see what I could learn from it."  The prospect is, in fact, intensely exciting, and it's only needing to remain proper that stops her from dashing off with the key to immediately go poke around and see what wonders they have available.

Any platitudes she might have about the lost man and tower die in her throat before she can speak them aloud, all feeling intensely not-useful.  "Will you be staying for the entire meeting? It sounds like you're quite busy." 

Mostly she just doesn't want to lose access to her 'borrowed' key too quickly.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik follows along with the others to meet this Irene. He does not remember talking to her last time he was here but he knows who she is. He's not terribly excited to discuss magical seals and disappearing towers, it all seems a little beyond his skills to help with that. He is usually more comfortable hunting than solving magical mysteries, but it is exciting to see his companions dig into the puzzle. He asks Irene and the others, especially Cassandra and Chloe.

  "Do you think we would be more helpful investigating the tower or the seals?"  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian stretches back, yawning, two empty plates stacked in one hand,   The tower would get us out of here,   he says to the others suggestively,   If we were looking to... you know, avoid the pomp and ceremony.  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 13
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 3/3
Bladesongs: 2/2  
 
  

"I have wanted to check out the location of the former tower myself," Cassie muses, "and with my brother here I'm sure nobody will even notice I'm gone. So I'm in."
J-H
   
 Irene Valhoven 
 "I live here, so yes, I'm staying for the entire meeting. Remember, families like yours are what make up the Order.  You are a part of it just as much as I am.  Archaeus' tower has been missing for years, and..."  She thinks for a moment, trying to be diplomatic,  "...we've done everything we can think of already.  If you want to go look at it on your way home, I might come with you, but we'll see what the elders decide. "

"I know Casamir has been really talking about how important this meeting is, and how we need stronger ties within the order and to the courts in the nations around us.  If any of you get asked to travel somewhere far off, send books." 
This reminds some of you of social expectations.  You are pretty sure that leaving the once-a-decade meeting on the first day for a four day trip is not what is expected of you.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian smiles sheepishly,   Yeah, I suppose nona would be upset if I took off. Well, where are the seals located then? Below the Great Hall right? Let's check 'em out!  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Given all the talk about far-off problems Chloé doesn't feel like her question was  that  out of order, but she bites her tongue on a reply. If she was misunderstood, maybe that was her fault, not Irene's.  "The Seals  do  sound like they might be interesting,"  she agrees with Sabian, wanting to move on. She could check out the alchemy lab later, at her leisure.
 
 
  
J-H
Taking your plates with you, the five members of the group enter the Great Hall.   It is indeed quite large, with a high ceiling and four balconies overlooking it from the second floor.  It is well-lit by everburning torches, and decorated with colorful tapestries depicting triumphs of the forces of good over the forces of evil, particularly fiends and undead.  Several fireplaces on the east side are shared with the Kitchen, and appear to be heavily used today.  Numerous doors lead out of the Hall to other places on the ground floor.

Although it normally holds many tables and benches, it is mostly bare today, as the majority of the furniture was dragged outside to enjoy the good weather and allow more space for people to mingle.

You proceed through it, your footsteps echoing slightly off the bare stone floor, to a door located at the rear.  It's not locked, as a mere lock would not have a point here.  Opening it, you find a spiral staircase descending into the rock below, lit by  Continual Flame  torches (hereafter referred to as "magical torches" or simply "torches").

These stairs spiral down to a tall room located beneath the great hall.  One end of the room appears to be the top of a damaged tower, sunken into the rock below.  The doorway in the tower is blocked by an iron door, obviously added later, and the tower itself is carved with a spiderweb-like tracery of runes that glow gold and silver.  All members of the order know that this Seal was designed and placed upon the most intact portion of Dracula’s castle, specifically to prevent the castle from being magically rebuilt or re-summoned should Dracula return to the material plane.

More of the castle lies beneath, but as far as everyone knows, it has been silent and empty for over a hundred years.

Anyone who wishes to analyze the Seal should make an Arcana check.
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik continues to follow along. His parents would of course be disappointed in him for leaving the ceremonies above and going to explore, but they were probably going to be disappointed in him no matter what, so he might as well do what he wants to do.

He is excited to see the tower at first. He is in awe that he is looking at Dracula's castle. But then it hits him that this is  Dracula's  castle, and suddenly he realizes that he doesn't have any bow with him and wants to leave.

  "I'll wait for you all to take a quick look, but we should get back upstairs. I'd rather be more prepared before we go investigating Dracula."  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 13
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 3/3
Bladesongs: 2/2  
 
  

Cassie nods in agreement with Vidrik, it would indeed be unwise to go any further when she is herself dressed in a beautiful but impractical dress, but she can't help but get a closer look at the seal. Such complex and powerful magic is a rare sight and one would not waste such an opportunity.

 
 Spoiler 
Arcana check:  (1d20+5)[ 17 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Chloé barely hears the warning, eyes already darting over the glyphs and runes, wondering just how they'd managed to arrange this - it must have been no small feat, likely the work of multiple ritualists all working in tandem. It probably wasn't something the Order could manage anymore, especially if those who did have the knowledge vanished with their tower without a trace.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Arcana:  (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 
 
J-H
It's very complex, with multiple wards interwoven, and is designed to be recharged by having magical energy [spell slots] fed into it.  It looks like the set of wards is undamaged and functional, and you don't see any way to improve it.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Chloé sniffs for a moment, tasting the understanding on the air.  "Looks like it just needs a bit of energy to refill it. I can't make it better, but..."  She tugs another vial from her bag - this one filled with a deep blue liquid - and chugs it. The taste is raw and electric, suffusing her with energy that sets the ends of her hair sharp and pointed - energy that she expends by placing a hand on the glyph and letting it flow out of her and into the ward. It was a small gesture, but maybe it'd help, a little.  "I can do that much." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Expending one spell slot to give the ward a recharge.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian shrugs,   Well, as a time killer, this didn't work too well. But at least we got to see the seals. Pretty remarkable stuff. Nice work Chloe. Let's head back. Who else haven't we seen in some time?  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 10 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Mustafa was awfully quiet the whole trip downstairs. While he had been to the headquarters a few times in the past, he had never ventured so deep into its catacombs. For his own surprise, he was struck by the realization that Dracula was  real . For Mustafa, the legendary vampire lord had been a menace of the past, an ancient evil destroyed by his great-grandfather, the first  Vampiralgietch . He had been destroyed for good, and the new generations merely had to keep the flame of Good burning throughout the years. But the active seal made him uncomfortably aware of the dark castle that lay below them, the very living heart of Dracula. Perhaps, if they remained quiet, they might even hear it pumping, pumping, pumping through the stone walls.

He shook his head, waving off the bad thoughts.  "Lady Clement, as much as I believe in your talent, wasn't this seal formulated by the best conjurers in our Order? Perhaps, instead of adding to the spell, we could study from it. I am not a scholar of the arcane arts, but I'm an avid learner, and fascinated with the unknown. I would gladly join you in your studies if you would have me."   He was interested in the seal, but the whole unnerving atmosphere had settled quite heavily on his shoulders, and Mustafa didn't feel like spending much more time down there. He turned to the group:   "In the meantime, perhaps we should rejoin the party? I have learned a few steps in the ballrooms of Constantinople, and you can teach me those strange dances you have here in the West."  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 13
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 3/3
Bladesongs: 2/2  
 
  

"I do love a good dance, so I'll take you up on that offer,," Cassie says with a mischievous grin, "My family is so terrible at it so I never end up having a good partner. I love them dearly but they've all got two left feet."
J-H
The seal glows faintly brighter after Chloe imbues it with more magical energy.

The group leaves it behind, returning to the brighter and warmer climate of the remainder of the Order...
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik follows everyone back upstairs. It was exciting to see the seals that he had heard so much about, but there wasn't much for us to do about them right now, other than adding a little Cassandra's magic to them. Once back upstairs, he declines any requests to join the dancing, knowing that he has more important work to do here.

  "Would anyone like to come with me to talk to Casamir? I'd like to find out what has been going on in court these past 10 years."  
J-H
You emerge from the Great Hall and look over the crowd.  It doesn't take long to spot Casamir, as he's standing close by, engaged in an animated conversation with a couple of the older adults.  As you walk up, you hear the tail end of it.
 "... and that's why I'm pushing for more formal agreements with our neighbors, as well as the more personal ties between families.  I know you'll want to think about this and talk with other representatives here.  Once you do, please let me know how I can help." 
   
Casamir is in charge of the Order’s foreign correspondence, and spends several weeks each year visiting the neighboring noble families, towns, and cities.  If any agreements need to be made, or ruffled feathers soothed, he’s the man.  He is an unassuming looking human man of middling height with grey streaks in his brown beard and hair, and an easy, calm demeanor.  He is dressed a bit more formally than most of the others.

As you approach, he turns to you.   "Ah, are you all having a good time?" 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Before returning to the surface, she can't hold her tongue back when Mustafa sees fit to  lecture  her about her actions.  "I understand it well enough to know that if I can do something  now  I should do. Study's all well and good but if we're not applying it then what's the point?"  Theory is fine, but too many arcanists seemed to treat it as the be all and end all. Chloé would rather see it put to practice. She wasn't brewing potions just so they could look pretty on a windowsill (even if they did, and they do).

She's met Casamir before a few times, briefly, when he came to visit at the Church, so it's not that surprising she's  slightly  more comfortable around him than some of the others they might have met.  "Hello again. Chloé Clement, if you don't remember me."  She bows slightly. This time she had remembered to introduce herself properly.  "Everyone has been...very nice,"  is her diplomatic way of saying she's not having fun but also not being rude about it.  "How are things with your work?" 
 
 
  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian's eyebrows pop up and a smirk plays on his lips when Chloe gives a bit of a retort to Mustafa's suggestion that she leaves matters to her betters.

He chuckles and nods to Vidrik,   Uh, yeah, I'll go with you to see Casamir. Maybe my Nona will think I'm doing something useful tonight.  

When they find Casamir, Sabian is content to simply listen and let Chloe and Vidrik speak. He gives a polite smile but it's clear he is restless and would rather be doing something else.
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik shakes Casimir's hand in the appropriate greeting for a superior. They have met several times - 10 years ago here, and a few times when Casamir came to the Oakheart house, most recently just a few years ago - but they had not interacted much. Vidrik's father was always trying to make sure Vidrik stayed out of the way so his brother could get the political exposure he would need to succeed. Vidrik usually left to go hunting, which he greatly preferred over this socializing. He does his best.

  "Good evening, sir. Yes. The party is lovely."  

But Vidrik is not one for small talk, and moves on to more information gathering.

  "Any news of the court? Or what our task might be?"  

He assumes Casamir knows that Vidrik was selected to represent the Oakheart family for this excursion.
J-H
   
 Casamir Reed 

To Chloe:   "I hope you have a lovely time.  If this is a little too many people for you, you can do as you want and explore - perhaps the library on the third floor? There are many people here to meet, but you don't have to do it all at once."   He smiles at her gently.

Responding to Vidrik.   "Many of our older members have passed on in the last couple of decades, which has reduced the number of personal ties we have to the nations around us.  It has been more than a hundred years since Dracula last returned, and I've received more than a few letters asking if we are considering changing our mission given the dearth of vampires.  Anyone will support a militant order that they can point at their enemies, but one that prepares to fight something that is not there is not such a prestigious ally, and donations and volunteers for our cause have lessened greatly." 
 "Some of our members have moved away, or their heirs have sought to make their mark in other places, doing other things.  This is individually good, but thinking back to two decades ago when I was young, there were a lot more people at the gathering.  We need to strengthen the ties between the founding and member families - perhaps some of you are working on that?"
 He looks to see if any couples have formed amongst your small group.   "No?  Well, we also need to support the neighboring keeps and castles and families allied with us.  The rapids and waterfalls along the river limit the region to overland trade and travel, as each of you came on your way here.  Major centers of wealth and trade always have a river or sea port.  Improving the roads may help, but the best thing would be reshaping the river to flow more smoothly.  That will be a major investment in time, labor, and magical talent... and if done incorrectly, could cause flooding.  In the absence of vampires, we do need to find things to do." 

He glances again at the group.   "But I'm sure you're not hear to listen to discussions of investments and trade, are you?  What can I help facilitate for you and your families?" 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 13
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 3/3
Bladesongs: 2/2  
 
  

"A sword without an enemy to cut is of no use to anyone," Cassandra ponders, "But swords can indeed be used for other things. Like opening very large letters." She tilts her head and raises her eyebrows, waiting for any reactions.

"Ahem," she clears her throat, "But what else could an order such as ours offer? We cannot rely on the existence of evil to exist ourselves. Are we at a crossroads where we may no longer need to exist at all? Our ancestors joined together to defeat Dracula, after all. If he isn't coming back, maybe the oath, the purpose of the Order, is fulfilled."

She pauses a moment. "That's not to say we shouldn't prepare for any worst case scenarios, mind. Better to have and not need than need and not have. That's why I'm developing this protective magic, so those who cannot defend themselves will be able to do. Perhaps that's the best we can offer in future - prevention and protection, the sword becoming a shield."
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian listens to both Casamir and then Cassandra. He lets out a resigned sigh, his hands clasped behind his head,   Wow. This whole time I've been arguing with Nona about how to help the Order. She keeps telling me I have all of these duties to fulfill, but none of them seem to involve actually killing monsters, which is what my family is known for. I just keep telling her I have to continue the legacy, I have to be as renowned a warrior as my parents, and our ancestors. But I guess...   he looks to Casamir,   Well, it doesn't sound like that's happening anytime soon. Which I guess is a good thing.  

He straightens up, his arms come down and to his sides,   Well, what do you suggest I can do to help Casamir? I mean... I don't know what else I'm good at other than fighting.  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

The logic of what Casamir says is sound and infallible, but the idea that the Order might no longer be dedicated to safeguarding against Dracula can't help but fill her with concern. Any healer could tell you that an ounce of prevention was worth a pound of cure. Divesting their attention only made sense so long as their core mission remained intact and supported.

But, in turn, resting on their laurels was no good either. If they could put their skills to work helping people elsewhere, then they should. It would keep them sharp, if nothing else. One can only slap a training dummy so many times before it ceases to help.

 "My family is still seeking matches for my cousins and half-brother."  And Chloé. She left that part out. She has better things to do with her time.  "Guil has some aptitude for magic and an interest in the natural sciences. If you can find him a wife, I expect they'd be more than happy to donate his skills to your river project."  She doesn't expect the Clement name will ever rise up to rival any of the greats, certainly not in a time of peace, but if they could put their name on a major project then perhaps it would go someway to increasing their influence.

Even she could play at politics, when there was something in it for her.
 
 
  
J-H
   
 Casamir Reed 
 "The future of the Order is one of the things to discuss.  There's still the Seal on the ruins of Dracula's castle below, and vampires do still exist.  I don't think we'll ever abandon our roots fully, but a re-direction of our main efforts may be required.  I'm sure you'll get a different answer from everyone you talk to; Irene wants more research, Captain Ciora would probably favor deploying some of our few soldiers somewhere to face battle, and so on.  Every family no doubt has one or two things that best align with their particular interests.  Whatever is decided, I'll do my best to see it through.

Perhaps you'll get an answer this week, Vidrik. I encourage you to attend the council meetings if you wish to have a voice, or insight into what may happen.  As for Guil, yes, looking for matches is certainly something that happens.  Within the order, it's usually up to the families involved, but if there's an external match that can be made, I will certainly let your parents know." 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 10 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  
Mustafa drank the words with attention. As Casamir and the others spoke, he went back to the things his parents taught him about the Order. He raised his voice to ask:   "Master Casamir, does the order know if some regions are more or less afflicted by vampires than others? Do we have scouts for that kind of work?"   He looked from Casamir to the others.   "My younger siblings think vampires are scarcely around... My lord father sees one at every corner. Which one is the truth? Did we have any success to exterminate these creatures after a hundred years of hunting them down?"  
  "In other words... do we know where the evil things are? Or are we hunting their shadows and puppets?"  
J-H
   
 Casamir Reed 
 "From what I know, it's difficult to confirm whether they have been wiped out in an area or not.  They are, after all, just as intelligent as any of us.  The smartest ones no doubt leave or go into hiding if they find out they are being hunted, unless they feel they can turn the tables in the hunters." 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

They were crossing important names off the metaphorical list at a solid pace. At this rate she'll have introduced herself to everyone in a single day and can spend the rest of the meeting holed up in the lab or library.  "Thank you for the information, Mr Reed, I hope your work goes well."  She says, signalling none-too-subtly that she has nothing further to add to this or any other questions. Even if she does have half a mind for them, the intricacies of logistics aren't exactly a topic that catches her interest.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik continues his conversation with Casamir. He would rather poke his own eyes out than sit through council meetings, but he tries not to show his distain for them to Casamir. Casamir is nice enough, but politics is grating. Vidrik doesn't understand how anyone could be drawn to it.

  "Thank you for the information, sir. The order is lucky to have you looking over things. I will suggest that you not send your forces away too far. The wolf has an easier time if the sheep are scattered. I wouldn't be surprised if the vampires are sowing some of this discontent."  

He then follows Cassandra wherever she is going, suggesting a contact if she has no specific plans.   "Let's go find Adrian Beltane, the Historian. He might be able to tell us more about the last time Dracula was defeated."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
   We're  the wolves, Vidrik,   Sabian says with a wink and a devilish grin.   You guys go on ahead, I think I'm going to look for the captain.   He nods to Casamir,   Thank you Casamir, you have given me something to consider.  

Sabian then goes to find Captain Ciora, along with any of the group that decides to go with him.
J-H
Casamir bids you farewell and moves elsewhere, obviously with a full list of people he'd like to speak with today.

   
 Captain Dana Ciora 
An incredibly fit half-elf with long blonde hair, an upright bearing, and a face hard enough to sharpen a knife on, Captain Ciora does not look like someone to play pranks on.  Today, she’s clad in a formal uniform rather than armor, but despite that still carries a pair of shortswords at her waist.

You find her over at the training yard.  Her plate is balanced on one of the posts, and she's eating while watching some of the teenagers - including some around your age or a bit younger - show off their proficiency, tricks, talent, and sometimes lack thereof, with blunted wood weapons and padded armor.  Apparently some people didn't feel a need to get a plate of seconds.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 10 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  
  "Combat training during a party?"   Mustafa was almost tempted by the idea, but he was having a great time gorging himself with the food, and he wanted to save his energy for the dancing!   "At least the Order isn't lacking brave warriors.  Merhaba , Captain, it is a pleasure to see you after all these years."   He greeted hr and stepped aside so Sabian could take the lead in the conversation.
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik decides to stick together and goes with Mustafa and Sabian to see the Captain.

  "Greetings, Captain Ciora. Fine looking recruits you have here."  

He knows it was just his last visit when he was one of these youngsters. He continues the conversation with small talk, letting the others ask their questions as well. When he gets a chance, he asks her about her take on the court.

  ""What are your thoughts the upcoming council meetings? Do you expect anything interesting?""  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian walks up to the captain and gives a proper greeting, then asks,   Captain, do you have a moment?  
  We were just speaking with Casamir, and he was making note of the needs of the Order. He mentioned the need for more soldiers, and... well, I'm wondering if there is a way to fulfill my duty to my family and the Order, while doing something that I excel at.  
J-H
   
 Captain Dana Ciora 

Captain Ciora turns her head to look at you as you approach her and nods,  "A good afternoon to you.  It is good to see you again.  These meetings bring a many people back who otherwise do not participate."  
 "There are a few potential recruits in there, although some need more work than others."   She winces slightly as a thirteen year old trips over her own feet and tumbles head over heels while trying some overly fancy footwork.   "We actually don't have as many formally enrolled soldiers as we used to.  There are better ways to make a name for oneself or a fortune, and with our main foes gone or in hiding, those we do have lack combat experience unless they're above a certain age... and of course humans can't afford to put in a 30 or 40 year term of service perfecting their skills.  Lifespan, you know.  Although plenty who live longer lifespans like myself and the elves and dwarves seem to have met their ends as well.  It doesn't matter what your ears look like or how long you'll live if your ship sinks or your horse slips and you bash your head open against a rock" 
 "We're rapidly approaching a time of change, both in the Order and in our leadership.  No offense to some of your storied ancestors, but a lone warrior with a holy weapon still has to eat, sleep, and repair his armor, and is much more likely to be surprised than several properly-equipped, trained, and led squads with less flashy weapons and plenty of holy water.  If you want to help, consider exercising your leadership skills.  Find something that needs to be done, start doing it, and inspire and help other people to do the same.  Seek the glory for those you lead instead of for yourself.  I'm hoping the meetings will help us figure out what needs to be done.  Maybe we should range farther afield since Dracula is gone, and work on moving from being a regional organization to one with smaller operations in every nation in the area... but that would be a discussion for Casamir.  Not every king, emperor, or lord is willing to let other people operate small private armies in their demense, and it would be expensive." 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Being a leader is the furthest thing from Chloé's mind, and for all of the Captain's talks of branching out she couldn't imagine every taking point on anything except labwork. At least her discoveries were universally useful, whether it be against Dracula or elsewhere. She couldn't say the same for soldiers, though she expects there would always be bandits and other ne'er-do-wells to handle.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik listens to the Captain. He probably shouldn't question her military tactics since he is a hunter, not a true soldier, but he sees some correlation between hunting and war.

  "I think spreading out the forces could work, if you have a plan to quickly consolidate them for any threat. It might lure the vampires into a false sense of security so they are more likely to show themselves. A flushed rabbit is easier to kill. Do you have any other advice for us? Anyone here we should particularly trust or avoid?"  
J-H
   
 Captain Dana Ciora 
 "Everyone attending here is already related to the order.  The wards should alert us if any undead enter the manor or cross the walls, and I don't think they've gone off.  The order isn't a political power, so I think you'll find most of the differences come from family ambitions or disagreements about the future.  The challenge would be making vampires feel safe enough to make their presence known.

Or maybe we're just successful." 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian slowly nodded at Dana's words. Feeling confused and a bit defeated, he doesn't know what more to say. He smiles and says   Thank you Captain, I will think on that.  

It seems Sabian's preoccupation with the feats and merits of his ancestors is misguided, but he doesn't know where to go from here. He lingers around while the others continuing speaking.
J-H
A crunching sound from the practice yard swiftly distracts you.  Two boys, brothers and maybe twins by the look of them, were using full-sized wooden swords that were, for them, heavy two-handed swords.  One of them is now down, clutching at an area between his neck and shoulder, while the other has dropped his sword and is kneeling by his brother.

Captain Ciora vaults over the fence and crosses to them with swift strides (anyone who wants to can join her).  "Move your hand... hold still."
"Ooooow!"

She turns back to you or anyone who is near.  "Broken collarbone.  Fetch his parents or aunt or uncle or whoever's with him.  Brahms, right?"
He nods, teary-eyed.

"Also, get a healing potion.  Kid, you're going to be off sword duty and wearing a sling for the next two weeks.  After that, whoever's teaching you is going to work on your footwork for dodging, or shield use, or both.  I'll talk to your brother later about controlling his swings."

 
 Spoiler: Medicine DC 10 

Wound-curing magic can reset bones easily enough, but it tends to repair them to a "fixed" state, which can hinder future growth.  Healing potions draw on the body's own resources, and can be applied in small amounts over time so that the ability of a growing body to continue growing isn't hindered.
 

 =&gt;What do you do? 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian leaps over the fence alongside the captain and squats down beside the boy. He peers at the site of the break when the Captain exposes it,   Doesn't look too bad.   Sabian pulls down his own collar and reveals a scar on his own collar bone,   Looks close to mine. You're lucky. Training isn't only about how to hit, but also how to take a hit. So this was a full practice session.   He smiles reassuringly at the boy,   I know it hurts, but you're still okay, right?  
  Captain's right, after a couple of weeks in a sling you'll be back to training, and teaching your brother how to properly control his blade,   he gives the brother a stern look.

He looks to the others in the group,   If we can get that healing potion, that will help.   He turns to the boy,   If you sip the potion and take it over time, it will help your body knit back together in proper form. If you drink it all too fast, the bones will knit together as they are and then,   he picks up his brother's wooden sword and starts rotating at the waist, arm and torso stiff and not moving,   you'll be moving around like this.   His movements are exaggerated and comical.

 
 Spoiler: Medicine Check 
 (1d20+1)[ 17 ]  To see if Sabian can provide some insight on the healing potion.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

since it looks like the Captain has her hands full and Sabian has already given them good advice, Vidrik lets them handle it. He could give the child some healing berries, but if they have healing potions, he'll let them take care of it. Once Sabian is ready, Vidrik suggests we leave the captain to her work here.

  "Shall we go find the historian. Have a good day, Captain."  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 10 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Chloé frowns at the injury, but finds she has no great insights to offer that Sabian didn't already give - other than that healing potions can have cinnamon added to them to boost the taste without hindering their efficacy, but that's probably not important in the here and now. Her own potions - of which she has just one on hand - would be far too potent and fast-acting to deliver the necessary healing.  "Anyone have anything..."  A glance around answers that question well enough - that there is not.  "I'll see if there's anything in the lab."  It wasn't far away, after all. Just a quick trip through the Great Hall. She tries to hurry, without looking like she's running, which amounts to a rather ridiculous looking half-trot.

It wasn't quite how she wanted to be looking at the lab, but time made enemies of them all - at least until she worked out how to bottle time. Rumour (and it would always be a rumour) had reached her of an ancient alchemist who had managed to do just that, and though it had allowed him immortality, he had not retained his youth. Now little more than a skeletal master of potions, he garbed himself in thick Eastern clothing to hide his face from the world, lest they look upon his visage and strike him down as an abomination. Personally, she'd much rather have both time  and  youth but- What was she doing again? Right, healing potion.
 
 
  
J-H
The Alchemical lab is a long, narrow room lined with workbenches, cabinets, and shelving full of components and tools.  There’s enough room down the center for two people to pass each other without bumping, but not much more than that.

Chloe is easily able to find the storage areas, and retrieves a healing potion.  She notes that there are a number of other healing potions inside, as well as several vials of alchemist's fire, holy water, acid, and a couple of other potions - but she's on a mission.  She returns with the potion and helps apply a few drops to the boy's collarbone while the others hold his shoulder straight.  Someone has retrieved a strip of cloth, and his arm is put in a sling.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Chloé's ministrations prove successful - not that there was much actual medical knowledge required once the potion was applied.  "There. A little bit at a time, thrice a day until it's all healed or all gone, right as rain in no time."  Her words were  almost  delivered with confidence, but her stance and occasional stutter ruined that. Too many eyes on her at once.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

I'm not overly fussed for next steps, happy to move on to  drama  or meet new people, but I'll tie break towards  drama  if it's needed.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 10 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

As some of his new associates seemed to disperse organically after they came back from the catacombs, Mustafa found himself tasting another glass of wine - O, the wines of Romenia! - and swinging his way to the grand hall.

He joined the ongoing communal circle dance, clapping his hands on the right tempo and mostly following along what he saw other people doing. Often he included quirks and spins from his own style, or from dances of distant kingdoms he had witnessed in the ballrooms of Constantinople.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
At this point, you can consider Mustafa will tag along with the group if we decide to gather or go talk to someone. He just be vibing.
 
J-H
 Hitting the fast-forward button a bit 
Mustafa joins in the dance and is having a good time.  Some of the rest of you are less comfortable jumping into social situations, and watch from the sidelines like the awkward young adults you are.

   
After a few minutes, a wizened and stooped half-elf with grey-white hair and mischevious eyes approaches you.  He appears quite old, but still carries a dagger in addition to his cane, and a vest with a number of bulging pockets.   “Hey, are you guys bored talking to stuffy old folks yet?  I could tell you about the time I spider-climbed up a wall and shot at dancing ghosts from a chandelier… orrr do you want to go look at some really powerful magical artifacts that your ancestors used?” 
 
 Spoiler: Perception 14 or Arcana 12 

His vest is probably a Vest of Holding based on the fact that it appears to have no weight despite the pockets being quite full.
 


You've heard of your ancestral weapons, but haven't gotten to see them - at least, not in a decade - and readily agree.  Mustafa notices you leaving and joins when he finds out where you're going.  He leads the party up to the third floor via the northwestern staircase, although his pace on the stairs is about a third as fast as what you could make.

Anyone who wants to stop on the way back and take a quick peek into one area on the way can do so (please specify).

Your route takes you through the Great Hall, then to the back corridor, which ends in a pair of staircases.   "And there's the secret exit... but it's a secret,"  he comments as you pass through that corridor (Active Perception or Investigation check needed to find it; this counts as your one "stop and look" on the way).

The stairs on the second floor open onto a U-shaped perimeter hallway close to the Armory.   “You know, I wasn’t too much older than you when I decided to get really rich looting…I mean slaying Dracula.” 

Finally, you reach the third floor, where the perimeter hallway, lit by windows all around, takes you past the vacant barracks (you know these are empty) and into the Library.  The massive library slopes up to a high ceiling underneath the peak of the manor’s roof.  It contains thousands of books.  Many are historical and general tomes, as well as books on spellcasting.  It also contains seating areas, and a workbench used for copying architectural plans and spell scrolls.  Those of you who have visited before know that there is also a collection of books compiled by the Order about how to identify and defeat different types of monsters, especially the undead.

Leading you into the library, Adrian walks over to a bookshelf and reach behind some books, manipulating something out of sight of the party (Perception DC 22 to identify how he does it).  The bookcase swings back into the wall, and he escorts the group into the Hall of History.

This wood-paneled room is lit by mage-lights on the ceiling, each focused to shine on a particular plinth, table, or weapons rack where items are mounted on display.  The artifacts associated with each of your heritages are on display... The Decanter of Holy Water, a large silver flask that never fully runs out. The Mithril Holy Symbol, shining in the light.  The Stake Launcher, a powerful darkwood heavy crossbow.    The Shield of the Unyielding, coated in dark adamantium and marked with many holy symbols.  The Vampire Killer, a thin mithril chain coiled up.

There are also several empty weapon cases.  Adrian points out a bow rack as having held a bow that belonged to an elf who disappeared a few years back… he can’t recall how long.  In addition to weapons, the room also holds a hand-illuminated holy book over 400 years old, the severed hand of a mummy, the skull of what was apparently a black dragon, a statue made of manticore spikes, a beholder eyestalk in a jar of alcohol, and other trophies of battle.

 “Those are for looking at and admiring, not for touching.  They aren’t yours, yet." 

(What did you talk about on the way? What did your character stop and look at or briefly explore?)
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Chloé breaks off almost immediately into their little walkup, taking a second chance to look around the alchemy lab, check its contents, and see if she could identify any of the potions (or how  she  would have made them if they're ones she's already familiar with). Time is still against her though, and she finds her visit cut short a second time, trotting out with her tied hair bouncing to the rhythm of her steps.

Her conversational skills are still distinctly lacking, but she does at least manage a bit of small talk about what she can do - read and brew potions. And draw maps. And pick locks. And write calligraphy. And she's a surprisingly deft hand with a bow, even if she doesn't look like the type. Potions are her main thing though - magic in a bottle, ready to be dispensed at a moment's notice in weird and wonderful ways. As if to emphasise the point, she opens her bag an coaxes out a small floating cloud of white that swirls in her palm, at the centre of which is a gleaming orb swirling with a golden liquid.
 "You can even crystallise facsimiles of life,"  she says proudly. This was  her  creation, one that she'd researched herself, formulated herself, and created herself, without anyone's guidance or instruction. It was fragile, still, but the animating magic allowed it to serve as at very least a watchdog for her.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Flubbed both her Arcana and her Perception rolls for the vest and the secret way to open the room.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik follows along with the others, trying to stay observant, looking for the secret door and then for whatever mechanism Adrian used at the bookshelf.

When the weapons are shown, he approaches the crossbow. His father had shown it to him once before and demonstrated how it used the oversized bolts. He was in awe then and is in awe now. He thinks he could take down a bear with that weapon.

He looks to others to see if they know anything about the others.

  "This crossbow shoots stakes, which could come in handy with Dracula. I'll just need to hit him in the heart. Tell me about the other weapons."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Perception for secret door  (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
for bookcase  (1d20+6)[ 15 ] 
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 10 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Mustafa was a magician and a man of faith, so the holy symbol naturally drew his attention -- but not so much as the Vampire Killer. The beautiful chain enchanted to kill vampires and night creatures, the legendary Belmonte weapon from which he had heard so much. And now... Was he listening right? That weapon could be his one day?

He looked around to his peers. Reality came down on him as he noticed several others who would be more suitable to wield the Vampire Killer. And none of them seemed worthy of a powerful Holy Symbol. Perhaps it was meant to be. Perhaps it was better this way.

  "Old Master, may I ask a personal question? Did you ever have the privilege to wield these treasures? To study them, observe them, and learn their history?"   He finally raised his eyes from the Vampire Killer.   "Who  made  them? I have never heard of anyone capable of forging weapons like these in neither side of the Mediterranean."  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 13
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 3/3
Bladesongs: 2/2  
 
  

The Vampire Killer. It called to Cassandra, as if it was as restless as she was. As if it  understood . To dance and, in dancing, to slay the undead. It shouldn't be surprising that a weapon called the Vampire Killer would almost hum with a desire to hunt and some part of Cassandra, like many of her family, was drawn to that desire.

Even so, Cassandra wasn't like most of her family. They could lose themselves in a bloody frenzy, tearing through the forces of darkness to sate their thirst for death, but the only thing Cassandra must allow herself to become lost in is the dance. That was the true strength of the Hartdegen family.

 
 Spoiler 
Perception check for secret exit:  (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Perception check for bookshelf:  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 

Lulz those were both terrible.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik approaches the crossbow,   "This crossbow shoots stakes, which could come in handy with Dracula. I'll just need to hit him in the heart. Tell me about the other weapons."  

Sabian is standing at the Shield,   Not a weapon, but a shield; the Shield of the Unyielding. We Skellegues are known for our fury and ferocity in battle, but what I told the youngster downstairs is true; fighting is just as much about taking hits as doling them out. And not only taking those hits; resiliency is nothing if you can't keep fighting. Skellegues train to have skin of steel, bones of stone, and an iron will. No matter how hard the enemy strikes, a Skellegue will keep fighting as if he was swinging his sword the first time that day.

Unyielding. Holding back the horde, so when it comes time for you to make that shot Vidrik, you'll have the space to do it. So long as a Skellegue is fighting before you, you'll have your shot.  

Sabian speaks proudly about his ancestral relic, but it fades quickly. Inwardly he wonders if he will ever wield the shield, or have reason to. He smiles sheepishly at Vidrik,   Well, that's the idea anyways.  
J-H
As you travel upstairs, nobody manages to spot the secret door.  It probably won't matter, anyway, or maybe you can come back later and look for it in more detail.  You're pretty sure you're old enough to know about it.

   
 "Young Mustafa, I once fought Dracula himself, along with a group of close friends.  You may not recall, but I was one of those who founded the Order some... few...years ago.  We made our way through the castle, battling minotaurs, skeletons, and even a couple of other vampires, plus many other servants of evil.  So many, created by him, or called to his will from sleep, the dark places of the world, or from beyond this world..." 
 "But the weapons, yes. It is true that weapons, and shields, and the like are enchanted.  Some things wear out as they get old, like my memory and my knees.  Magic doesn't work that way.  Take a sword with an ordinary enchantment.  Then put it in the hands of a devoted holy warrior who uses it to fight and smite evil for decades, channeling divine power through it hundreds of times, or a shield used to resist thousands of blows and sprayed with the blood of friend and foe alike.  If only a tiny"  (he holds his fingers very close together)  "Amount of that magic is left behind each time, that is still enough to alter and increase the magic of the weapon.  These items were not created at once, by the will of a wizard or cleric; they were created over time, through blood, battle, grit, devotion, and will.  That is also why they tend to stay within families." 


The floor shakes with the audible vibration of a heavy thump.  Adrian pulls out a lens on a chain from one of his many pockets.   “Huh.”   He puts it to one eye and squints, then looks around and up and down and around.   “I wonder what fell over?  The ability to see through walls, quite han--.” 

He pauses, then his voice goes serious as he stares through the walls at something only he can see.  He starts speaking with more focus and energy.

 “Ignore what I said.  Pick up your ancestors’ tools.  You’re not ready to wield them, but you don’t have a choice.  There’s a dragon in the courtyard, one wreathed in shadow, and I see a fiendish wizard with him… Yugoloths? They’ve blanketed the courtyard with poisonous clouds.” 

He touches his shirt.  It shifts its appearance, revealing it to be a black set of leather armor adorned with spiderwebs, and pulls a bow out from one of his vest pockets.   “My generation are all about dead now, and they’ll be expecting to find me.  The wards on the building may hold them outside for a few minutes, but not more than that, and everyone else who could fight them was probably outside.” 

He points at the five of you.   “You, take these weapons and make sure they don’t fall into the hands of evil, whatever it is.  You probably have time to stop and grab some supplies on your way out, but don’t take too long.  Stay low, get away, and try to get help.  If no help is to be found, get some vengeance instead.  Here’s a key to the door in the back hallway on the ground floor, if you don’t want to go out the back windows.”   He tosses a key to Sabian.

He leads the way out the door from the Hall of History, then walks as quickly as he’s able to one of the windows in the perimeter hall.  Following, you see him kick it open.  He steps out onto the side of the building as he nocks an arrow.

 You  now have to decide how much time you want to spend gathering supplies, and from where, versus how quickly you want to escape.
Time will be tracked increments of 1 minute.
Checking a room for and retrieving specific supplies takes 2 minutes unless otherwise noted.
Moving between rooms on the same floor takes 1 minute.
Moving to a room on a different floor takes 2 minutes.
 Map link for convenience. 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik hears the thump. He listens to the old elf describe the situation.

  "We aren't doing the hunting here, we are the ones being hunted. If they are trying to flush us to chase us down, we need to make sure it at least hurts."  

He panics for a second. His family was out in the courtyard. He wants to go save them. But he knows protecting these weapons is more important. He grabs the crossbow and all the stakes he can carry.

  "I'm going to the armory to get some armor and a sword. Let's meet there. If anyone needs to go somewhere else, do you need me to find you anything in the armory? Don't worry about food. I can keep us fed. We need waterskins though. Hopefully there are some adventuring supplies in the armory, but if you see backpacks and waterskins, grab them."  

With that, he runs down the stairs to the armory.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 
Amnestic
]      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 12 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Chloé didn't hesitate in acting, swiftly grabbing up the Decanter and strapping it over her shoulder, right next to her satchel of pre-made potions. Even just having it close seems to fill her with an inner will of strength, and a readiness to act. She's quietly glad that her family isn't in attendance, but the knowledge that others she knows and cares about are now in danger doesn't reassure her any. They needed to help, but they needed to be smart about it. There was no sense in getting themselves killed through rushing.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 13
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 3/3
Bladesongs: 2/2  
 
  

With the Vampire Killer in hand, the familiar weight of its metal chain giving off a faint warmth, Cassandra becomes more focused. She flourishes the whip, getting a sense of its balance and turns to the others. "We are the hunters, not the hunted. Once we've ensured everyone else is safe, it's about time we stepped up to the plate. Holding the line isn't enough. We must push back against the darkness."

She turns to Vidrick, "I'll come with you. There's no sense in any of us going anywhere alone. Strength in numbers and all that."
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Lost in his thoughts, the heavy thump and shaking floor startles Sabian. A look of confusion passes over his face as Adrian peers around with a, presumably, magic lens.

The half-elf pauses, then his voice goes serious as he stares through the walls at something only he can see. He starts speaking with more focus and energy.

 “Ignore what I said. Pick up your ancestors’ tools. You’re not ready to wield them, but you don’t have a choice. There’s a dragon in the courtyard, one wreathed in shadow, and I see a fiendish wizard with him… Yugoloths? They’ve blanketed the courtyard with poisonous clouds.” 

He touches his shirt. It shifts its appearance, revealing it to be a black set of leather armor adorned with spiderwebs, and pulls a bow out from one of his vest pockets.  “My generation are all about dead now, and they’ll be expecting to find me. The wards on the building may hold them outside for a few minutes, but not more than that, and everyone else who could fight them was probably outside.” 

He points at the five youngsters.  “You, take these weapons and make sure they don’t fall into the hands of evil, whatever it is. You probably have time to stop and grab some supplies on your way out, but don’t take too long. Stay low, get away, and try to get help. If no help is to be found, get some vengeance instead. Here’s a key to the door in the back hallway on the ground floor, if you don’t want to go out the back windows.”  He tosses a key to Sabian.

Sabian catches the key and as Adrian kicks open a window, Sabian calls out   Adrian!... Godspeed!  

Sabian grabs the shield and can immediately feel the connection to the implement. The others are also grabbing their legacy items. Vidrik, crossbow and stakes in hand, says   "I'm going to the armory to get some armor and a sword. Let's meet there. If anyone needs to go somewhere else, do you need me to find you anything in the armory? Don't worry about food. I can keep us fed. We need waterskins though. Hopefully there are some adventuring supplies in the armory, but if you see backpacks and waterskins, grab them."  

Sabian responds,   I think we need to stick together Vidrik. Let's grab anything here in the library that could be of use. Then I agree, the armory should be our next stop. It doesn't sound like we have much time.  
 
 Spoiler: Search the library 
Sabian (and others?) will search the library for anything useful.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 10 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Mustafa was looking forward to hear more from Master Adrian when he felt the world shake under his feet.
  "Fear not, brothers and sisters. Our Order is still strong! Our walls are massive and our courage is unwavering."   Mustafa wished he could believe his words. With all they had learned about the current state of the Belmonte Order tonight, and Adrian's permission to take on these legendary treasures, it was clear the situation was dire. He immediately thought about his numerous siblings, probably already fighting and risking their lives out there in the courtyard.

He picked up the Holy Symbol that once had been wielded by his ancestors, a Mithral scepter with a Moon-and-Star on the top, and forced himself to stop admiring it for now. Without wasting any more time, he started searching the Library for other useful treasures, throwing books around without any care.   "Do we know what we're looking for? Master Adrian, are there more treasures stored here in the Library?"  
J-H
As the old man rushes to the window, he calls back  "Spell scrolls, books..." then seems to forget what he was answering.  "What do I have in here, twenty-five enchanted arrows?  That's plenty." 
 Minutes 1-2:  Check the library 
Checking the spells and arcana section, Cassandra and Chloe find the following:
Spell scrolls:  Cure Wounds, Mass Healing Word, Divine Favor, Grease, Magic Missile, Gentle Repose, Flaming Sphere,  Magic Circle
Scroll copying inks and tools worth 525gp.

Looking at other areas, you do find the Monster Encyclopedias of the Order.  Each is a collection of books, and is thus heavy and bulky.  Do you take them?  If so, who will carry and study them?
 Encyclopedia of Undead: Auto-pass checks to identify undead immunities and vulnerabilities by type. 10 lbs.
Encyclopedia of Monsters:  Auto-pass checks to identify dragon and monstrosity immunities and vulnerabilities by type.  10 lbs.
 
 Minutes 3-4:  Move down to the Armory 
The hallways are clear as you jog out of the library, down the stairs, and into the armory on the second floor.

 Minutes 5-6:  Pick up items from the Armory 
The armory is a large L-shaped room, lit by yellow mage-lights attached to the ceiling.  It includes not just storage for arms and armor, but also a large maintenance and repair area.  A suit of full plate is currently disassembled on a table in this area, with the gauntlets pulled completely apart and soaking in a bath of oil.

Storage cabinets along the wall also contain useful equipment for soldiering, including picks, shovels, rope, tents, healer’s kits, equipment packs, and other tools.

The armory contains at least two of every type of mundane armor or weapon that the party could desire aside from full plate.

It also contains:
Healer’s Kits (5) (3lbs each)
Caltrops (15)
Ball Bearings (6)
Hunting traps (4) (25lbs. ea)
Explorer’s Packs (as per PHB)
Tents, torches, tinderboxes, etc.
+1 Shortsword
+1 Spear
400 arrows
200 crossbow bolts
Wyvern Hide Armor (Hide +1, resist poison, no attunement)
Half Plate of Cold Resistance (no attunement)
Shield of Fire Resistance (no attunement)

It takes 1 minute to put on light armor, 5 to put on medium armor, and 10 to put on heavy armor.  If everyone puts on light armor, I need to add 1 minute to the timer for that.
 
Who takes what?  Be sure to update your character sheets, and possibly post OOC for future reference.
=&gt; Party feedback before proceeding 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik waits for everyone to gather what they need from the library and then leads the way to the armory. He grabs a explorer pack, happy to have the rations instead of having to eat goodberries every day. He gathers as many more large crossbow bolts as he can carry. If no one else wants them, he takes the caltrops and ball bearings. Finally, he finds a nice set of dark leather armor with protective studs sown inside it that looks exactly his size. He'll still be able to move quickly in this.

  "We should take the time to put on the armor?"  

It's statement, but with just a little bit of doubt as he waits for the others' responses. If no one objects, he puts on the armor while the others continue to search the room.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 15
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 3/3
Bladesongs: 2/2  
 
  

From the library, Cassandra packs both encyclopedias and all the spell scrolls and materials for copying them into a backpack for study later. It would take far too long for her to peruse any of it right now but all of it will be valuable nonetheless.

When the party reaches the Armoury, Cassandra grabs some studded leather armour for herself and a healing kit but leaves the rest for the others. She can't use any of the more unique armour and with the Vampire Whip in hand she doesn't need another weapon. She then puts on the armour.

 
 Spoiler 
Cassandra acquires the following:
 Spell scrolls: Cure Wounds, Mass Healing Word, Divine Favor, Grease, Magic Missile, Flaming Sphere, Magic Circle
Scroll copying inks and tools worth 525gp.
Encyclopedia of Undead: Auto-pass checks to identify undead immunities and vulnerabilities by type (10 lbs)
Encyclopedia of Monsters: Auto-pass checks to identify dragon and monstrosity immunities and vulnerabilities by type (10 lbs)
Healer’s Kit (3lbs)
Studded Leather Armour (13lbs) 
36lbs in total (Cassandra can carry up to 135lbs)
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Chloé hesitates for only a moment, but works quickly to follow the others, grabbing what she can fling into her bag. She hesitates for a moment while looking at the armour - Wyvern Hide wasn't exactly the style she'd have chosen for herself, but now wasn't exactly the time to be picky. She straps herself into the thick scaly leather, and then quickly moves on to gathering the rest of their gear.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Acquired:-
Wyvern Hide Armour
Mundane Shield
Ball Bearings (6)
Caltrops (15)
Healer's Kit (as many as aren't claimed by others - 4 currently)
One Hunting Trap
One Explorer's Pack
A tent (for herself)
A second dagger

Sheet updated.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 14 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian helps Cassandra load the books that she identifies into her pack, and the group makes off to the armory. The hallways are empty, and Sabian hopes to the gods that nona and the others were not in the courtyard, but were elsewhere, and made it out okay.

Once in the armory, the group takes stock of what's available.   We should each carry a healing kit. Everyone grab a tent and some packs, no telling when and where we will be able to stop.   He moves along, grabbing tools and other items, and finds himself standing before a suit of enchanted half-plate. The reality of their situation, of the plight of the Order, seems to fall on him, having been suspended in the air through the urgency. They will have to fight, one way or another, and there was no telling who from the Order would be able to help them. As if the same thought occurred to him, Vidrik says,   "We should take the time to put on the armor?"   It's not a question, but a realization, like Sabian's.

Sabian nods,   Yes, we have to,   he looks to the others,   There's no telling what we're going to face out there.   He puts the other items down,   This will take me a moment to put on,   he says, stripping down to his undergarments,   maybe you guys can find some other stuff in the guests quarters or officers quarters? While the halls are still clear.  
 
 Spoiler: Sabian grabs... 
Half-Plate of Cold Resistance
+1 Spear
Healer's Kit (x1)
Tent (x1)
Explorer's Pack (x1)
Warhammer (x1)
Dagger (x2)
50ft Rope (in addition to Explorer's Pack)
Longsword (x1)
Whetstone (x1)
Hunter's Trap (x1)

Is there a portable ram here? If so, Sabian nabs it.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Donning his armor quickly, Vidrik doesn't fault Sabian for taking longer. He knows the half-orc needs better protection and will hopefully keep the enemies from getting to a back line. He nods at Sabian's suggestion.

  "Yes. We'll go check the officer quarters. Maybe there's something helpful there."  

He goes out in the hall to move towards the officer quarters.
J-H
 Minutes 7-11 
While Chloe, Sabian, and Mustafa strap into heavier armors, Vidrik and Cassandra move to check through the officer's quarters (1 minute move/4 minutes to search since only ~ 1/2 the part, so it works out well timing wise).  The six individual bedrooms of the Officer’s Quarters are locked, as is the common area.  Vidrik carries thieves tools and unlocks several of the doors, but unfortunately it appears that the whatever personal weapons or tools those who lead the order's troops carry are with them.  The common area has comfortable chairs and an area that hosts small meetings, games of strategy, and the like, but nothing of use to you.

Around minute 10, there's a thumping and vibrations from below, as though something large has walked into the Great Hall.  Both parts of the group emerge into the hall at minute 11, only to come face to face with animated skeletons.  Their bones are yellow-grey with age, but the skeletons do bear weapons, and move to attack...
J-H
Chloe and Cassandra swing open the doors, and are the first to spot the skeletons.  The Order has been invaded!  Worse, there's a thumping and thudding sound of clumsy movement in the side hallways.  Any of you who have dealt with zombies recognize the eerie groans made by air being forced in and out of inactive lungs by movement.

 
 Spoiler: Map &amp; Initiative 

It turns out that the RPGMap Maker's habit of making walls go in the middle of squares has caused a minor map mismatch that I can't replicate in Excel.
   
Initiative:
Cassandra
Skeletons (both)
Chloe
Sabian
Vidrik
Zombies (letters)
Mustafa
Zombies (numbers)
 

 =&gt;Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 18
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 3/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

When the skeletons approach, Cass does not shrink. She holds her ground, unclasps the Vampire Killer and pulls it taut. The humming of the whip intensifies, almost as if it's singing. "Come on Vid, it's time to to see what the forces of darkness are made of. We make for the others."

She then steps out into the hallway and unleashes her whip towards the skeleton ahead.

 
 Spoiler 
 Bonus:  Cassandra uses Bladesong (AC becomes 18)
 Move:  To within 5ft of S4.
 Action:  Vampire Killer attack against S4. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 
J-H
The Vampire Killer smashes into the skeleton, knocking it to pieces with a single blow.

The two skeletons close by advance into melee with their short swords and attack the wizard.

Meanwhile, near the western edge of the hallway, one advances into the room to attack Chloe, while the other two shoot through the open door at Mustafa with their shortbows.
 
 Spoiler 

Skeletons have vulnerability to bludgeoning damage, so the whip hit for 12+1=13 damage.

S4 short sword vs Cassandra
 (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  damage

S6 short sword vs Cassandra
 (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]  damage

S2 short sword vs Chloe
 (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  damage

S3 bow vs Mustafa
 (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  damage

S1 bow vs Mustafa
 (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]  damage
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe, Sabian, Vidrik 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --  

Chloé deftly and carefully blocks the extremely deadly looking sword swing - mostly by luck rather than actual skill, but luck is a  kind  of skill too. The skeletons also nicely lined themselves up for her. She steps back and uncorks her Decanter. Intuition and raw knowledge imparted by the artifact fill her mind as she utters a command word, spraying a jet of silvery holy water over the approaching undead.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:   1SE to put them in a line. If her attacks clear out all the enemies, she'll move into S1's current spot, otherwise she'll return to where she was to start with.
 Action:  Decanter - Line.  (3d6)[ 12 ]  Radiant Damage, DC15 Dex save for half.
S1:  (1d20)[ 15 ] +mods
S2:  (1d20)[ 17 ] +mods
S3:  (1d20)[ 7 ] +mods

 Bonus Action:  If any skeletons still up, homunculus command to attack it, focusing on the most damaged.
Attack Roll:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 13 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik steps north to get a better line of sight and shoots stake at the skeleton west of Cassandra. He then exits the room to stand next to Cassandra. He yells to the others.

  "We'll come to you. Finish the skeletons and hold off the zombies so we can get down the stairs."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move 1 N, shoot S4
Crossbow attack  (1d20+9)[ 24 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 7 ] 

Move 2N
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
No sooner had Sabian grabbed the warhammer to loop it on his belt, than the sounds of combat ring out. He turns to find skeletons at the door. Warhammer and shield in hand, he moves to engage the enemy.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Bonus Action   - Rage
  Move   - Move directly in front of the skeleton at the door.
  Action   - Attack S2 (w/Advantage due to Reckless)
Attack -  (1d20+5)[ 17 ] ,  (1d20+5)[ 17 ] 
Damage -  (1d8+5)[ 8 ]  Bludgeoning
  Move   - If S2 goes down, step into it's space.
 
J-H
Chloe's spray of holy water causes cracks to appear in the skeletons, and her homunculus finishes off the one that took the brunt of the blow.  Sabian finishes off the one in the door.  Vidrik launches a heavy bolt that impacts one of the skeletons near Cassandra, but doesn't kill it.

The zombies move towards the sound of fighting and flesh and living people (moving both sets since nobody on the east side goes before they do).

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
Damage:
S1 6
S2 6
S4 9
 

 =&gt; Mustafa, Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 18
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 3/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

Cass hits another skeleton, then circles around the other to flank it.

 
 Spoiler 
 Action:  Vampire Killer attack against S6. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 23 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 Move:  To the opposite side of S4.
 
dangelo
The  Vampiralgietch  couldn't see all the battlefronts his brothers and sisters-in-arms were fighting on, but he could hear the loud crack of the Vampire Killer. Even the sound of such weapon inspired courage in his spirit, and he charged at the skeleton right outside the armory.

  "We press on!"   Mustafa cried out loud, his armor clanking with every step. He had gotten rid of his fine silks -  What a waste!  - and thrown a thick padded gambeson over his smallclothes, before he donned the chainmail and plates that composed his suit of armor.   "For the joy of killing is in our hearts! We slay them! We kill them!"  

Move up to S1 and attack with my Holy Symbol
 (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  for  (1d4+3)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage
J-H
Mustafar charges forward and smashes the other skeleton outside the armory.  Cassandra similarly slays a skeleton, leaving only one standing.  Those in the hall can see the zombies coming towards them.  Unlike the skeletons, these look fresh, very fresh.  A few look passingly familiar, although thankfully no faces you actually recognize.

The last skeleton attempts to stab Cassandra, but she skips out of the way easily.
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 
 


The only skeleton left on the map is S4.  Cassandra is in AH225, Mustafar is in G226.
 =&gt;Chloe, Sabian, Vidrik 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik draws his shortsword and attacks the last skeleton. He then moves west to get even with Cassandra.

  "Let's retreat and keep the zombies from surrounding us."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Shortsword attack  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] , damage  (1d6+4)[ 10 ] 
Move 2W
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  

With the skeletons down, Chloé moves to continue the attack, darting past Sabian, tugging a flask of bubbling orange liquid from her satchel. She launches it at the nearest undead, trying not to look at its face. The flask shatters in midair, and the liquid immediately ignites when it make contact with the air, raining down over it, and then piling up at its feet, burning away still. Her tiny cloud adds a little puff of magic to it, to add insult to injury.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:   1E, 1N, cast Create Bonfire+Homunculus attack, then one NE, three E, should end up 4 squares right of where S1  was  on the map if I counted correct.
 Action:  Create Bonfire beneath ZA. DC14 Dex or  (1d8)[ 7 ]  fire damage.
ZA Dex Save:  (1d20)[ 3 ] +mods
 Bonus Action:  If any skeletons still up, homunculus command to attack it, focusing on the most damaged.
Attack Roll:  (1d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (1d4+2)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian moves out into the hall and sees that the others are also besieged by the undead,   Vidrik, Cassandra!   The corridor lights up behind him and he turns to see that Chloe has created a large fire to slow the zombies. He glances around and sees no other skeletons. Dropping the warhammer, he pulls forth the enchanted spear and moves up to block the zombies from going around the fire,   Let's bottleneck them here! They'll either go through the flames or they won't get passed me!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 

  Move   - Move to the space NE of ZA.
  No Action   - Drop Warhammer.
  Item Interaction   - Draw +1 Spear.
  Action   - Attack ZA
Attack -  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Damage -  (1d6+6)[ 8 ] 
 
J-H
One of the zombies is scorched by Chloe's summoned flames, but not enough to stop it from moving.  Sabian moves up near the flames and stabs at the zombie with his spear.  Vidrik chops at the skeleton near Cassandra with his sword, finishing it off.

On the west side:
The zombies push forward.  One is shoved out of the flames, only for two more to pass through it as they try to crowd forwards and devour the living.
 
 Spoiler 

The only way to maximize the number of zombies attacking is for several of them to get burned.
Bonfire damage to
ZB  (1d8)[ 4 ]  Dex save  (1d20-2)[ 5 ] 
ZC  (1d8)[ 2 ]  Dex save  (1d20-2)[ 6 ] 
ZD  (1d8)[ 5 ]  Dex save  (1d20-2)[ 6 ] 

Vs Mustafar
ZA  (1d20+3)[ 11 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 

Vs Sabian
ZB  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 
ZC  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 
ZD  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
 


On eastern side, the zombies pursue but can't quite reach Cassandra and Vidrik.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Mustafar, Cassandra, Chloe, Sabian, Vidrik 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 18
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 2/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

Seeing the zombies gathering at either end of the hallway, she says to Vidrick, "We'd best start thinning them out as we regroup."

The Vampire Killer then begins to glow red hot as Cassandra sweeps it towards the cluster of zombies and a wave of flame engulfs them all.

,"This thing is  amazing !" she exclaims, before regaining her composure and heading towards the others, keeping an eye on Vidrick to ensure he remains close behind.

 
 Spoiler 
Action: Burning Hands cast at Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4, dealing  (3d6)[ 9 ]  fire damage to any that fails a DC 13 dex save.
 Z1 dex save:  (1d20-2)[ 1 ] 
Z2 dex save:  (1d20-2)[ 6 ] 
Z3 dex save:  (1d20-2)[ 1 ] 
Z4 dex save:  (1d20-2)[ 15 ]  Move: 40ft to Z225
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik watches in awe as Cassandra engulfs the zombies in fire. He stows his sword, and retreats alongside her, firing a stake from his crossbow at the nearest one.

  "Let's get to the others."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Crossbow attack Z2  (1d20+9)[ 23 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 10 ] 
Move 35' west.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  

They seemed to be dispatching these ghastly undead well enough. Holding her position behind her fellow scions, she tugs a sickly green vial out and lobs it over their heads towards the back row of enemies - all the better to weaken them before they get close.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:   None
 Action:  Acid Splash on ZD and ZC.  (1d6)[ 1 ]  acid damage, unless DC14 dex save.
ZD Dex Save:  (1d20)[ 17 ] 
ZC Dex Save:  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
 Bonus Action:  ZD, since he's in the fire. If he goes down from Acid Splash, switch to ZB.
Attack Roll:  (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 
Damage: (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  force damage.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian nods in grim satisfaction as the zombies stumble through Chloe's bonfire. He stabs the one he already wounded, hoping to bring it down.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Action   - Attack ZA
Attack -  (1d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Damage -  (1d6+6)[ 7 ] 
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

As Mustafa burst through the wall, he glimpsed the holy inferno that Cassandra unleashed at the enemies. Inspired by that might, he raised his new holy symbol and cried the ancient words of an incantation that couldn't be translated without butchering the meaning, but roughly meant  "Return to hell, creatures of the night." 

Move one square north and one square west to  F-225 
Action: Cast  Burning Hands  facing south, aiming at ZB and ZA.

 (3d6)[ 10 ]  fire damage (Dexterity half, DC 13)
ZB Dexterity save  (1d20)[ 18 ] 
ZA Dexterity save  (1d20)[ 7 ] 
J-H
In the east,
Cassandra's flames wash over the zombies, then Vidrik shoots one before retreating.

In the west,
Chloe and her construct do a small amount of damage.  One of the zombies lurches at the right time, and dodges the acid.  Sabian stabs the zombie in front of him, almost killing it... but it's not ready to die yet (ZA succeeded on Undead Fortitude save).  Mustafar burns two of them, but again, they don't go down (ZA passes Undead Fortitude save; ZB saved for half damage).

The eastern zombies lurch after Cassandra and Vidrik.

The western zombies crowd around Sabian and Mustafar.
 
 Spoiler 

ZE takes  (1d8)[ 2 ]  bonfire damage, Dex DC 14 negate
Dex  (1d20-2)[ 14 ] 
ZC, ZE, ZD Vs Sabian
 (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 7 ] 
 (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ] 
 (1d20+3)[ 17 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 3 ] 
ZB, ZA Vs Mustafar
 (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 3 ] 
 (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Party, resolving in same order as before 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
Sabian stays hunkered behind his shield as the zombies clamber by, the relic making it nearly impossible for the zombies to strike him. Chloe and Mustafar throw acid and fire at the undead. One almost goes down but continues shambling forward. Sabian strikes with his spear before stabbing another one moving by.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 Reaction 
  Reaction   - Opportunity Attack vs ZA
Attack -  (1d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Damage -  (1d6+6)[ 11 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 
  Action   - Attack ZD
Attack -  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Damage -  (1d6+6)[ 12 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 18
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 2/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

Seeing Mustafa and Sabian surrounded and their position overrun by zombies, Cassandra continues towards them and with a crack of the Vampire Killer a surge of flame shoots forth and assails one of the zombies.

"Get in here!" she calls out, pointing to the door next to her, "They're less of a threat if we only have to deal with them one at a time!"

 
 Spoiler 
Move: To R225
Action: Cast Firebolt at ZB. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 20 ] , to damage:  (1d10)[ 6 ]  fire damage.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik shoots another bolt at the front zombie to the south and continues to retreat. He looks back over his shoulder.

  "How's it going on your end?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Crossbow attack Z2  (1d20+9)[ 18 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 12 ] 
Move 35' west.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 "We're fine! Just...a bit surrounded, but we're fine!"  Chloé yells back, tossing out another green of scorching vial from her seemingly endless stock of them.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Acid Splash on ZA and ZB.  (1d6)[ 2 ]  acid damage, unless DC14 dex save.
ZA Dex Save:  (1d20)[ 14 ] 
ZB Dex Save:  (1d20)[ 20 ] 
 Bonus Action:  ZA, since he's in the fire. If he goes down from Acid Splash, switch to ZB, or whichever one there is left!
Attack Roll:  (1d20+5)[ 23 ] 
Damage: (1d4+2)[ 4 ]  force damage.
 Move:   To N225.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Mustafa adjusted his position to cover Sabian's flank and stepped into the zombie's attack, raising his shield to throw its blow out of the way. The other zombie got through his stance, but not through the millimeters of steel that protected his shoulder. Mustafa immediately swung his Holy Symbol back at it.

Attack ZA:  (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  for  (1d4+3)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage
J-H
The power of the holy symbol wielded by Mustafar causes the zombie he strikes to instantly de-animate and be at rest again.  Cassandra hits another zombie with some flame.

Chloe's acid splash targets ZB &amp; ZD, and her homonculus hits ZD, leaving it barely functioning (1hp).  Sabian's strike also leaves another zombie quite near destruction.  Vidrik's shot cleanly destroys his target's head.

The eastern zombies shamble in pursuit.

The western zombies continue to try to bring down the meals so close in front of them, slamming bodily into them and knocking them to the ground.  Their armor still holds!
 
 Spoiler 

Bonfire ZE  (1d8)[ 6 ] , save  (1d20-2)[ 18 ]  vs DC 14.

ZB &amp; ZD shove Mustafar.  If he goes down, switch to an attack.
Shove 1  (1d20+1)[ 20 ]  vs M  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]   success, prone 
Shove 2  (1d20+1)[ 5 ]  vs M  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  or attack  (1d20+3)[ 14 ]  for  (1d20+1)[ 4 ]   forgot the adv, 16, miss  

ZE &amp; ZC shove Sabian.  They don't realize he is mad enough to be strong.
Shove 1  (1d20+1)[ 21 ]  vs S  (1d20+7)[ 15 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 14 ]   success, prone 
Shove 2  (1d20+1)[ 2 ]  vs S  (1d20+7)[ 21 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 12 ]  or attack  (1d20+3)[ 11 ]  for  (1d20+1)[ 10 ]   forgot the adv, miss 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafar, Cassandra, Chloe, Sabian, Vidrik 
(post in any order, I'll resolve in order)
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  

While she is keenly aware of the zombies at their back pursuing the other scions, it just meant she needed to clear out the ones already in melee all the faster. To that end, more acid soars through the air and shatters over the shambling undead.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:   To L225.
 Action:  Acid Splash on ZD and ZB.  (1d6)[ 4 ]  acid damage, unless DC14 dex save.
ZD Dex Save:  (1d20)[ 4 ] 
ZB Dex Save:  (1d20)[ 1 ] 

In the event ZD goes down, she'll move closer to hit ZC+ZE to take advantage of the double hit.

 Bonus Action:  ZB, but otherwise going closest to furthest to Chloé
Attack Roll:  (1d20+5)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]  force damage.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik turns and shoots at the western zombies. His friends there are in melee and seem to be getting overrun, and he thinks that he and Cassandra can keep their distance from the eastern ones, at least for a while.

  "Cassandra, let's help out the other side first."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Crossbow attack ZB  (1d20+9)[ 26 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 8 ] 
If ZB dies, then the stake also hits ZD, and possibly ZE too.
Move 20' west.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 18
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 2/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

“Okay, change of tactics,” Cassandra says, agreeing with Vidrick as another torrent of flame erupts from the Vampire Killer, “I’ll end this as soon as we get there.”

 
 Spoiler 
Move: To J225
Action: Cast Firebolt at ZB. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] , to damage:  (1d10)[ 4 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: --  
 
  
In the blink of an eye, the zombies switch from bashing the shield to gripping it and reaching around it. Sabian can feel them pulling and dragging at him before he falls to the ground under their weight. He continues lashing out with the spear and is able to stand back up before impaling another zombie.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 5 
  Move   - Stand up from Prone.
  Action   - Attack ZB
Attack -  (1d20+6)[ 8 ] 
Damage -  (1d6+6)[ 12 ] 
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Stand up from prone and attack ZB
 (1d20+5)[ 10 ]  for  (1d4+3)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning +  (1d4)[ 4 ]  radiant
J-H
Mustafar stands and smites the zombie next to him, destroying it with a flash of light.  With it falling, Cassandra launches a bolt of fire at the zombie standing next to it, killing it.  Chloe then flings acid on the other 2 (each hit for 4), her homonculus following up with a bolt of force.  Sabian stabs the zombie next to him, but it doesn't quite go down (Undead Fortitude nat 20'd).  Vidrik shoots the one in the fire.

Both zombies attack Sabian, without success.
 
 Spoiler 

ZE
Bonfire  (1d8)[ 2 ]  Dex DC 14 negate  (1d20-2)[ 6 ] 
Possible Undead Fort  (1d20+3)[ 15 ] 

ZC
Shove  (1d20+1)[ 12 ]  vs  (1d20+7)[ 10 ]  or   (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 

ZE attack  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 3 ] 
Possible advantage  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
 

 =&gt; Party 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik keeps approaching his friends and shoots another stake at the zombies. He's not sure whether we should kill these zombies or flee. Is anyone else even alive, here?

  "Should we try to finish off all of the zombies here, or leave the others and go downstairs?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Crossbow attack ZE (or ZD, or Z4)  [roll]1d20+9   11 in OOC , damage  (1d10+5)[ 13 ] 
If target dies, then the stake also hits any zombies behind it.
Move 20' west.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  

Loathe as she is to leave any zombies running around, they probably have more important things to be doing than fighting the shamblers.  "Other people might need our help, we should go while we can!"  Chloé yells, uncertainty at even this minor moment of 'taking charge' creeping into her voice, even as sure that she is of being right.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Minute 11, fight zombies (that was around 5 combat rounds / 1/2 minute) -&gt; Minute 12
Descending the stairs, you see a group of four skeletons (three normal skeletons and one bearing a staff) starting to come up it as you reach the landing to the rear hall.  Looking down the hall, whoever is in the front of the party can see four more skeletons ascending the stairs at the east end.

There are also 6 more zombies in the hall, and the doors to the Great Hall and Barracks stand open ( map here ).  Although you're not near them, you can hear scraping and rasping sounds as though something large is moving around inside the Great Hall.  Wisps of yellow-green fog trail out of the Barracks door.
In the far distance, you hear an animalistic voice chanting in a rising crescendo.  It ends with a sound like that of a pane of glass shattering into a hundred pieces.
 
 Spoiler: Perception DC 15 to hear + Arcana DC 15 to identify 

It sounds like someone shattering some wards.  Maybe on the chapel?
 

 =&gt; Party 
 (You can turn and run, or stay and fight your way down the stairs, but fighting means that sneaking down will be impossible) 
J-H
You don't hesitate, pressing forwards.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

Sabian is in front.  Whoever is second in line is on the landing, and has line of sight.
Everyone else (map line 248/249) is still coming down the stairs and has no line of sight or line of effect to the first floor yet.
   
Full init:
Sabian
Cassandra
Mustafar
S1-3
Vidrik
Chloe
Z1-6
SH
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Cassandra, Mustafar 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/2  
 
  
Sabian turns the landing and comes face to face with a skeleton warrior. His shield comes up immediately, and a quick glance beyond reveals more skeletons and zombies down the hall, and others going up the far stairs to the second level.   More of 'em, in the corridor and heading up on the far side. And one of 'em is carrying a staff,   Sabian calls to the others before brandishing his warhammer.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Action   - Attack S1
Attack -  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 
Damage -  (1d8+3)[ 11 ]  Bludgeoning
  Move   - If S1 goes down, move to D-250.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 12/12, AC: 15
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 2/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

Impressed by Sabian’s display, Cassandra moves forward and stands by his side with a nod of acknowledgement of his warnings. She then flicks the Vampire Killer towards the skeleton wielding a staff and says “Leave the spells to me, Bones.”

 
 Spoiler 
Move: to d249
Attack: Hit SH with Vampire Killer. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
Move: to c249
 
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;25924500]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Move up to d249, Attack S2 and cast Healing Word on Cassandra
Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  for  (1d4+3)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning +  (1d4)[ 2 ]  radiant
Healing word:  (1d4+3)[ 5 ] 
J-H
Sabian's hammer smashes the first skeleton in line.  Cassandra, just behind him, hops down into the hall and lashes out at the staff-bearing skeleton before backing up.  One of the skeletons in the front line slashes at her successfully as she fails to disengage cleanly, drawing blood.  Mustafar blocks any follow-up attacks, smashing the offending skeleton to smithereens and healing her with a word.

The other skeleton slashes out at Mustafar with its sword, drawing blood.  Down the hallway, the group of skeletons at the other stairs turn, and launch arrows at the party's front line.  Sabian barely deflects one with his shield.  Mustafar isn't as lucky, and one finds its way past his armor.
 
 Spoiler 

S3 shortsword
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]   hit vs AC 17. Warding Flare?? 

S4-S6, attacking with shortbows with disadvantage due to range
vs Sabian
 (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]   barely missed! 
 (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]   missed 
vs Mustafar
 (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]   hit vs AC 17 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Vidrik, Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:  

Chloé rushes down the stairs to follow the others, lobbing another pair of acid flasks over their heads to strike at the undead. Her throwing arm was getting more workout today than it had in weeks, but at least she could be sure she was putting it to good use. They had to close to the staff-wielder, in case it was some sort of spellcaster.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  Downstairs. In the event both SH1 and S3 are down after her attack+BA resolve, she'll spend the rest of her movement heading as far east as possible. If either are still up, she'll instead stay in C250, without risking the OA.

 Action:  Acid Splash on SH1 and S3.  (1d6)[ 1 ]  acid damage, unless DC14 dex save.
SH1 Dex Save:  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
S3 Dex Save:  (1d20)[ 4 ] 

Bonus Action: Servant Force Strike SH1 or S3, whichever is still standing, but otherwise following Chloé's attacks.
Attack Roll:  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]  force damage.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik stays on the bottom landing of the stairs, unhappy about being in the back, but ok with guarding the rear in case any more zombies come down the stairs. He shoots at the nearby skeleton with the staff.

  "I think we might need to all go in the Alchemist room before those zombies all get here."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Crossbow attack SH  (1d20+9)[ 22 ] , damage  (1d10+7)[ 9 ] 
Stay at B250
 
J-H
Vidrik's heavy stake strikes home.  Chloe's acid hits both skeletons, but just barely.  Alas, quality consistent ingredients can be hard to get.  Her homonculus also scores a blow.

The zombies shamble down the hall.

The staff-bearing skeletons reveal your fears to be true.  The closer one casts a spell, and time warps around the group as the air becomes thick and movement slowed.  It backs away from you, and then with a *pop* switches places with one of the approaching zombies.  The one at the far end of the hall moves closer and casts a spell.  The stones under your feet warp with a cracking, sucking noise into razor-sharp spikes.
 
 Spoiler: Slow &amp; Spike Growth 

SH1 Slow:
Wis or half speed, -2 to AC &amp; Dex saves, lose reaction and bonus action, only 1 attack per turn, 50% chance delayed spellcasting. Wis end of each turn to break free.  Spell save DC 13
Sabian  (1d20)[ 2 ]  + mods
Cassandra  (1d20)[ 3 ]  + mods
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 18 ]  + mods
Vidrik  (1d20)[ 18 ]  + mods
Chloe  (1d20)[ 13 ]  + mods

SH2 Spike Growth:
The area becomes difficult terrain for the duration. When a creature moves into or within the area, it takes 2d4 piercing damage for every 5 feet it travels.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Cassandra, Mustafar 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: Slowed 
 Rages: 1/2  
 
  
Sabian's eyes go wide as a lethargy washes over him and the skeletons seem to move much faster. Spikes grow out of the stonework around him, but he can't move past the skeleton in front of him, and he isn't sure how far he could make it moving so slowly. He raises the warhammer and tries to bring it down with as much force as he can, despite the magical effect on him.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Action   - Attack S3
Attack -  (1d20+5)[ 11 ] 
Damage -  (1d8+3)[ 5 ] 
  Wisdom Save vs Slow   -  (1d20+1)[ 17 ]  vs DC 13
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 10/12, AC: 15
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 2/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

After thanking Mustafa for his help, Cassandra notices everything to slow down. “I… don’t… feel… so… good…” Cassandra says as the words struggle to leave her mouth. The skeleton she had struck before was now casting some surprisingly high level magic, so Cassandra tries to focus on it and attack it with a spell despite the fact she doesn’t know if she can do it fast enough. With all these thorns surrounding the group, however, she can’t move closer.

 
 Spoiler 
Action: Cast Firebolt at SH1. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 23 ] , to damage:  (1d10)[ 5 ]  fire damage. Chance of delayed spellcasting:  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
Save to end Slow effect:  (1d20+1)[ 7 ] 
 
dangelo
[[QUOTE=dangelo;25924500]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 17 HP: 3/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Mustafa didn't know how much longer he would last in battle, but he knew his duty was simple: to hold the frontline while the artillery lay fire on the enemies. With that and only that in mind, he raised his shield and focused on parrying the blows away.

Action: Cast Sanctuary
J-H
Sabian strikes out at the skeleton in front of him, but it deflects his blow with its sword.  Cassandra's jet of flame brings down the closer skeleton wizard, ending the Slow effect on the group.  Mustafar, badly injured, casts a spell of warding on himself.

Unfortunately for Mustafar, the skeleton facing the party seems to overcome the spell, and attacks him.  The cleric manages to interpose his shield.
Whether by spell or by chance, all the arrows fly at Sabian, and none of them pierce his defenses.
 
 Spoiler 

Rolled in Discord, random targeting, then rolled the Wis save and it got a 19 on the dice.
Shortsword  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 

S4 attacks Mustafar unless it fails the save or unless he's down.
Wis save  (1d20+2)[ 6 ]  on a failed save it retargets to Sabian
Long range disadvantage on S4-S6 attacks

S4 shortbow   (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 

Vs Sabian
S5 shortbow   (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 8 ] 
S6 shortbow   (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 7 ] 
 


Nothing on the map has changed except SH being gone, and S4-S6 moving closer (AE/AF columns).
 =&gt; Vidrik, Chloe 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

With nowhere to go, and surrounded by spikes, Vidrik stays where he is and shoots at the skeleton in front of Mustafar, hoping this stake also go through it and to the zombies behind.

  "No one move."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Crossbow attack S3  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] , damage  (1d10+7)[ 17 ] 
if S3 drops, then it should also hit Z4
Stay at B250
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:  

They needed to disrupt the spikes at their feet, but the annoying undead was too far for her to reach. She settled for a flask of flame at one of the approaching zombies, warily keeping her feet in step as much as possible.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None

 Action:  Create Bonfire under S1.  (1d8)[ 8 ]  Fire damage, unless DC14 Dex Save.
S1 Save:  (1d20)[ 2 ] +mods.

Bonus Action: Servant Force Strike S3
Attack Roll:  (1d20+5)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  force damage.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Vidrik aims his shot perfectly at the skeleton's body, only to watch the crossbow bolt pass between the ribcage and pelvis, hitting nothing but air on its way through.

Chloe burns one of the oncoming zombies, and her animated servant damages the skeleton in front of Sabian.

The zombies advance forward, one walking onto the spikes, and another through the flames.  The skeletal spellcaster behind advances, casting another spell.  Grains of sand fall to the floor.  Mustafar falls asleep, slowly dropping to the floor.
 
 Spoiler 

Z2 is only prevented from reaching your line because Spike Growth is difficult terrain.
Spike growth damage to Z2  (2d4)[ 5 ] 
Z3 bonfire  (1d8)[ 4 ] , Dex save  (1d20-2)[ 4 ]  to negate

SH casts Sleep.  He's 90' away, but it has a 20' radius.
 (5d8)[ 14 ]  hp fall asleep, starting with the lowest and working upwards.  Mustafar 3hp, Cassandra 10hp.... but elves are immune to magical sleep.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Cassandra, Mustafar (asleep) 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 10/12, AC: 15
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 2/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

Now that the other skeleton mage is within range, Cassandra cracks the Vampire Killer and shoots a bolt of flame towards it. "Someone needs to help Mustafa. If this keeps up he won't make it."

Turning her attention to the skeletons ahead, she says "Spells like this require intense concentration," referring to the spikes surrounding them, "So let's see if we can break it. Can anyone else hit it from here?"

 
 Spoiler 
Action: cast Firebolt at SH2 (I believe it's 115ft away). To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 6 ] , to damage:  (1d10)[ 1 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
[QUOTE=Dr.Samurai;25926329]      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/2  
 
  
Sabian reaches over and shakes Mustafar out of the magical sleep,   What are we doing?   he calls out to the group.   Can't reach the mage, and the spikes will shred us if we retreat or advance. The door to the lab is right there!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Action   - Shake Mustafar awake.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 17 HP: 3/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Mustafa clinged desperately to his conscience, but even his iron will wasn't enough to keep him awake. Next thing he noticed was Sabian's face waking him up, and the sudden feeling of having his body laying against the wall, completely vulnerable. He jumped to his feet and raised his holy symbol only partly aware of his surroundings

Stand up from prone
Attack S3:  (1d20+5)[ 8 ]  for  (1d4+3)[ 5 ]  bludgeoning +  (1d4)[ 1 ]  radiant damage
J-H
Sabian shakes Mustafar awake.  Cassandra launches a Fire Bolt at the enemy spellcaster, but misses, merely scorching stone.  Mustafar stands up and swings his holy symbol in a wide arc that hits nothing.  His  Sanctuary  spell went away when he fell asleep.

The nearby skeleton attacks Sabian, but merely finds armor.  Down the hall, the other three skeletons move closer and unleash more arrows that clatter against the stonework.
 
 Spoiler 

S3 short sword
 (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 

Archers are still over 80' away and have disadvantage.
S4 vs Mustafar
 (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 

S5 vs Sabian
 (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 3 ] 

S6 vs Chloe
 (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 5 ] 
 


The only map changes are S4/S5/S6 moving up to catch up with SH2.
 =&gt; Vidrik, Chloe 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik doesn't have an answer for Sabian right now. We can't advance or retreat while the spikes are up. But hopefully the spikes injure the zombies as they approach.

  "Let's just try to keep them off of us."  

He tries to take out the skeleton in front of him, hoping the stake goes through and hits the next zombie too.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Crossbow attack S3  (1d20+9)[ 29 ] , damage  (1d10+7)[ 12 ] 
If it drops go to Zombie directly behind.
Stay at B250
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:  

With Vidrik's devastating crossbow clearing the way, Chloé takes the opportunity to lob one more flask at the closest zombie and then dart away towards the lab, hoping that the restless dead had yet to reach and ruin it.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Acid Flask on Z2. Don't think he's got anyone adjacent to him.  (1d6)[ 4 ]  acid, or half as much on a DC14 dexsave.
 [roll]1d20+mods[/roll]  Botched the roll. Rolled it as  12 +mods in discord.

Bonus Action: Servant Force Strike Z2
Attack Roll:  (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]  force damage.

 Move:  Into the alchemy lab.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Vidrik's heavy bolt shatters the skull of the skeleton in front of Sabian, and continues on down the hallway in a course that must have been blessed by Pelor, beheading two more zombies before cracking bones on the enemy spellcaster.  The spikes fade away into the floor.

Chloe tosses acid on the nearby zombie, then runs past it to the alchemy lab as her homonculus fires a bolt of magic at it.
The undead, recently-made, follows after her and attacks again.
The other zombies follow, one managing to step past the flames in the hall.

The spellcasting skeleton approaches, and casts another spell.  A cloud of horrendously smelly gas comes into existence, obscuring vision.
 
 Spoiler 

Zombie takes damage.
Z2 OA
 (1d20+3)[ 11 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ]   miss 
Conc checks  (1d20)[ 5 ]  for Bonfire

Z2 attack
 (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ]   miss 
Conc checks  (1d20)[ 8 ]  for Bonfire

Z5 moves through fire  (1d8)[ 5 ] 
Dex  (1d20-2)[ 15 ]  to negate  saved 

Stinking Cloud, DC 13
20' radius opaque yellow gas spreads around corners; creatures completely within cloud at start of turn make Con save, losing action on a failure
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Sabian, Cassandra, Mustafar 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/2  
 
  
Sabian feels a surge as the spikes vanish,   Yes! Nice shot Vidrik!   Chloe darts into the lab but the zombies are on her in an instant,   Chloe they're right after you!   Before he can engage, a poisonous cloud begins to manifest all around them. Sabian tries to hold his breath, but there's no time.

 
 Spoiler: Con Save 
Constitution Saving Throw vs Stinking Cloud  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  vs DC 13
 

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 
  Move   -  Move to G249 (no OAs due to Stinking Cloud obscuring vision)
  Action   - Attack Z1 (Advantage and Disadvantage are canceled out)
Attack -  (1d20+5)[ 9 ] 
Damage -  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 10/12, AC: 15
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 2/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

Cassandra starts coughing from the smell so she can't launch an attack against their enemies, so she runs inside the alchemy lab behind the others.
J-H
Sabian ignores the smell and charges in, attacking one of the zombies.  (note: houserule 22 means it's made with disadvantage as both of you are flailing around blind; still hits).  Cassandra runs towards the lab, but is blocked by one of the zombies, which she nearly runs in to.  Mustafar holds his position as he tries to deal with the overwhelming stench.

The skeletons down the hall all launch arrows at where they think the fleshy humans are.  One arrow almost scores a lucky hit on the half-orc.
 
 Spoiler 

Disadvantage vs Sabian's AC, +2 from cover
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]   for  (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]   for  (1d6+2)[ 8 ] 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]   for  (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Vidrik, Chloe 
Bobthewizard
[QUOTE=Bobthewizard;25928366]      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

From his slightly elevated perch, Vidrik tries to shoot the closest zombie, hoping that it again goes through at the spellcaster. He can't see the zombie, but he can hear where it is.

  "Bleh. This stinks."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Con save  (1d20+2)[ 22 ] 
If he passes the save, then attack zombie in front of Cassandra.
 (1d20+9)[ 24 ] , disadvantage  (1d20+9)[ 20 ] , damage  (1d10+7)[ 12 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  

Retching and with her eyes stinging, Chloé still manages to fumble a bag of acid from her bag and toss it at where the zombies sound like they're still stumbling, before making a quick exit from it.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Acid Splash - somehow doesn't need a target you  can see on Z1 and Z2.  (1d6)[ 2 ]  acid, or half as much on a DC14 dexsave.
Z1: (1d20)[ 14 ] 
Z2:  (1d20)[ 1 ] 

Bonus Action: Servant Force Strike Z2, or Z1 if Z2's down.
Attack Roll:  (1d20+5)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  force damage.

 Move:  One SE, out of the stinky cloud.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Vidrik manages to hit the moaning zombie, despite not being able to see it.  His bolt travels down the hall and injures the skeleton spellcaster, although he can't see that either.  Chloe splashes the zombie with acid, and her homonculus strikes it with a bolt of magic.  She steps out of the cloud.

Vidrik hears zombies reaching the stairs on the second floor. With the noise of battle, it's likely they will be on him shortly.

The zombies on the first floor do what zombies do, but can't get past Sabian's or Chloe's armor.  The skeletal spellcaster sends another spell at the party, and Mustafar falls asleep again.

 
 Spoiler 

Z2 follow Chloe and attack...but he's in the cloud because he's too dumb to step out.
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 

Z3 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 

Z5 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ] 

Sleep  (5d8)[ 21 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Cassandra, Mustafar 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 10/12, AC: 15
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 2/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

Hearing a thud and realising the skeleton once again tried to put her to sleep, Cassandra knows Mustafar must have fallen under the spell once again. She shakes him awake and playfully chides him "I know it has been a long day but this really isn't the place for a nap."

She then disappears from his view and calls out "Quick! In here!" before diving through the doorway and trying to get out of the cloud obscuring her vision. She runs straight into the wall on the other side of the room and then, hearing the zombie nearby, she finally exits the cloud and sees Chloe.

"Fancy meeting you here."

 
 Spoiler 
Succeeded on the con save (check OOC thread).

Move: To E249
Action: Shake Mustafar awake
Move: First to F253, then to G253
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/2  
 
  
Sabian grits through the stinking fumes and calls out to the others,   Get inside! I'm right behind you!   He keeps up the attack on the zombies in front of him.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 5 

  Action   - Attack Z5
Attack w/Disadvantage -  (1d20+5)[ 25 ] ,  (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 
Damage -  (1d8+3)[ 8 ] 
 
J-H
Sabian scores a hit on the zombie, cutting through muscle, but not a killing blow on the previously-uninjured undead.  Cassandra awakens Mustafar, who  coughs and cautiously moves inside the room (dodge action since no post).

The three skeletons fire arrows at Sabian as they advance, nimbly bypassing the bonfire.
 
 Spoiler 

S4  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]   for  (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 
S5  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]   for  (1d6+2)[ 7 ] 
S6  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]   for  (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 
S4 bonfire  (1d8)[ 6 ]  dex save  (1d20+2)[ 19 ]   save 
S5 bonfire  (1d8)[ 5 ]  dex save  (1d20+2)[ 15 ]   save 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

Zombies upstairs will reach Vidrik on the next zombie turn.
   
 

 =&gt; Vidrik, Chloe 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Hearing the zombies behind him, Vidrik, still choking on the stench, moves forward, shooting an arrow blindly at the zombie in front of him before ducking into the Alchemy lab.

  "Yuck!  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Con save  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
If he passes the save, then move forward and attack Z5
 (1d20+9)[ 11 ] , disadvantage  (1d20+9)[ 21 ] , damage  (1d10+7)[ 14 ] 
Move full 35' into the room.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  

Chloé continues to retreat, slipping away from the arms that reach out of the cloud, while still staying close enough to safeguard her allies. Confidence in tossing another flame flask is limited while the cloud conceals her allies, so she sticks to acid.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Acid Splash - somehow doesn't need a target you can see on Z2.  (1d6)[ 6 ]  acid, or half as much on a DC14 dexsave.
Z2:  (1d20)[ 16 ] +mods

 Bonus Action : Servant Force Strike Z2 - nothing if it dies.
 Attack Roll:   (1d20+5)[ 6 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 6 ]  force damage.

 Move:  One East
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Vidrik rushes down the stairs (difficult terrain), firing a shot at the bottom.  The heavy stake goes through the chest and upper spine of the zombie in front of him, and continues on to shatter the lower backbone of another skeleton down the hall (Z5, S6 destroyed).

Chloe's acid hisses and bubbles, but the zombie doesn't go down (Undead fortitude saved).  It lurches out of the cloud and tries to bring her down.  The other zombie in front of Sabian tries to knock him over unsuccessfully.  Other zombies begin coming down the stairs clumsily, and a ray of cold reaches out at Sabian, but doesn't come particularly close.
 
 Spoiler 

Z2
 (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
Z3
Athletics  (1d20+1)[ 14 ]  vs Sabian  (1d20)[ 18 ]  + mods.

SH2 Ray of Frost
 (1d20+5)[ 9 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  for  (2d8)[ 4 ]  cold damage and a 10' speed reduction.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Cassandra, Mustafar 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 10/12, AC: 15
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 2/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

Cassandra chants a few words and the the hum of the Vampire Killer intensifies briefly before she swings it at the zombie she's sure is still next to her. She then moves further into the room, standing beside Chloé. "We need to find Mustafar, he hasn't been doing so well."

 
 Spoiler 
Action: Cast Booming Blade on Z2. To hit (disadvantage):  (1d20+7)[ 18 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If Z2 moves at all in the next round, it takes an additional  (1d8)[ 2 ]  thunder damage.
Move: To I253.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/2  
 
  
Sabian inhales more of the noxious gas but powers through the instinct to retch. He hears Vidrik come down the stairs and let loose a bolt. Sabian follows behind him and they both shuffle into the room, Sabian closing the door to the lab behind them,   We need to barricade the door!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 6 

  Move   - Move to F250
  Action   - Grab Vidrik
  Move   - Move to F252, Vidrik to E252
  Object Interaction   - Close the door
  Move   - Move to F251
 
J-H
Cassandra kills the last zombie in the room.  With the door shut, you have a moment or two to breathe, although the description is more figurative than not, as a quarter of the room is still full of noxious gas, albeit a lighter colored gas than what you saw seeping out of the barracks when you first descended the stair (Arcana check to know the difference).

You hear zombies banging on the door, but it's not until the skeletons arrive that you have foes that will consider opening it.

 =&gt; Everyone gets 2 rounds of actions 
It's normally 2 minutes to loot a room, but Chloe was here earlier and knows where the potions are, so she can shovel them into her Bag of Holding within this time.  Inspecting the room for anything else will take more time than you have before battle starts.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 10/12, AC: 15
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 1/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Round 1. 
Move: to M253.
Action: Listen through door to determine what’s on the other side. Perception check:  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Round 2. 
Move to G251.  (constitution save to act:  (1d20+1)[ 6 ] ) 
Action: Ready Burning Hands, aimed at F250, to trigger immediately after the door is opened.  (3d6)[ 11 ]  fire damage on a failed DC 13 dex save.
 
J-H
Cassandra rushes over to the door leading into the great hall.  It's sturdily made and designed to prevent fumes from leaking out, but there's no disguising the noises and rumbles she hears.

 
 Spoiler: Cassandra 

You hear the thuds and scraping of a huge creature moving around on the stone floor, followed by a rumbling yet high pitched voice with a hollow echo:
 "Someone's behind that door." 

Draconic Frightful presence, Wis DC 19 or frightened for 1 minute, repeating the save at the end of each turn.
Ad hoc advantage on your save since you can't see it.
 (1d20)[ 11 ]  or  (1d20)[ 10 ]   + modifiers

Notes:
You don't have languages filled in on your sheet, but wizards normally speak Draconic so whether she's speaking in Common or Draconic, you'd understand it, and dragon voices reverberate and carry.
Frightful presence is, in combat statblocks, something that the dragon "uses" for free every round, but it's not really something the dragon switches on or off... it's just always on because it's a big terrifying dragon.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 "Leave the potions to me!"  Chloé yells, rushing around and grabbing everything as fast as possible while still taking care not to shatter them against one another. Part of her wants to take some of the instruments as well - the alembics and mortars and other items - but restraint holds her hand. If they survived, they could always come back for it, and she might need the space for other treasures later.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Two Turns 


Grabbing them potions!
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 10/12, AC: 15
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 1/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

"Uh, guys?" Cassandra says, visibly shaken as she retreats from one door to stand near the other, "We need to find another way out. Someone went and invited a bloody dragon."

Now she's more worried than ever about her brother. He's strong, far stronger than her, but a dragon just parading around the great hall is a terrible sign.  What if there are more? What happened to everyone else? What if they're all dead? 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik throws up and stumbles out of the stinking cloud and prepares for the assault by the skeletons and zombies.

  "If you need anything here, be quick. They're coming."  

He points his crossbow at the door, ready to shoot whatever comes through, listening for footsteps after the sound of the door opening.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Round 1: Con save  (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 
Move southeast to H253, just out of cloud
 Hide:  (1d20+7)[ 19 ]   Edit: failed CON save, so no action 1st round.

Round 2: Ready action to shoot the first thing through the door.
 (1d20+9)[ 27 ] , disadvantage  (1d20+9)[ 23 ] , damage  (1d10+7)[ 14 ] 
 
J-H
 
 Spoiler: potions 

8 healing potions
2 potions of greater healing
4 alchemist’s fire
2 acid vials
4 holy water
1 potion of clairvoyance
2 potions of growth
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/2  
 
  
The noxious fumes finally overwhelm Sabian and he begins coughing and retching within the cloud, but he doesn't leave it. Regaining control, he recovers and braces against the door to stop anyone from getting in.   What's the plan?   he calls out to the others.

 
 Spoiler: Saves 
First round save rolled OOC - 12 vs 13, FAIL
Second round save rolled Discord - 14 vs 13 PASS
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  

Looking at them now, how they'd been slowly whittled away at by zombies that - even if they hadn't done that much - had still held them back, Chloé doesn't fancy her chances against a dragon of all things. She wants to save others, but throwing their lives away on a suicidal charge would be...well, suicidal. Her hand goes to the Decanter at her side, a holy relic she was charged not just with using, but protecting.  "We should not fight the dragon, we'll have to find another way." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Readying an Acid Flask with her 'spare' turn. Dice rolls in Discord:-
Damage:  1 
Saves (DC14 Dex).
 11 +mods
 7 +mods

Only using the first save if there's one enemy in range instead of tow.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Finding himelf suddenly awake, Mustafa immediately starts thinking about his family out there, and how many of his siblings might have fallen already. Still, if they managed to take on the thick of the invasion, maybe the others could be saved.

 If they're still alive. 

He shook his head vigorously, finally letting go of Cassandra's shoulder and standing up on his own. The adrenaline of battle immediately came back to his blood once the sleeping charm wore off, as he didn't waste any time before chugging two of the healing potions Chloe had just gathered. With the strength returning to his muscles, he grabbed his shield and ran to the door.   "If there's really a dragon on the other side, you better stay clear from its breath. Time to find out how powerful is the magic of this shield."  
 
 Spoiler 
15 HP recovered from the 2 health potions, back to 17.
 
J-H
Sabian holds the door shut despite the scratching and thumping of zombies and skeletons on the far side.  When everyone is ready, he yanks it open and steps to the side.
Cassandra steps up and fires a cone of flame towards the stairs, hoping to clear their way out (hits the most enemies), while Chloe flings a flask of acid and Vidrik fires another heavy bolt.  The flames wash over the enemies, mostly zombies, and Vidrik's bolt shatters the sternum of the skeleton in front of the door before destroying a zombie.  Chloe's acid splash hits a pair of zombies, creating an acrid scent of melted flesh.

 
 Spoiler: actions 

You are readying actions, so Sabian is using the object interaction on his turn and stepping to the side.
I'm fudging things a bit in that Cassandra is getting to step up to the door as Sabian sidesteps, but I think it's reasonable.
Sabian:  Open door, sidestep, still has action left.
Mustafar:  No readied action prepared.
Cassandra: Step up, Burning Hands  (3d6)[ 8 ]  fire damage, Dex DC 13 half
S4  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
ZA  (1d20-2)[ 8 ] 
ZB  (1d20-2)[ 2 ] 
ZC  (1d20-2)[ 10 ] 
ZD  (1d20-2)[ 12 ] 
 everyone failed 
Vidrik, readied attack, 23 with disadvantage, 14 damage.  Hits whatever is in line and not killed by Burning Hands.  hit and killed S4, ZC was closest to straight line, did exactly the damage needed to kill it, failed save to stay at 1hp 
Chloe Acid Splash, 1 damage, saves are failed.  Hits whatever two are not killed.  hit ZA &amp; ZB 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Cassandra (frightened by dragon fear), Mustafar 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 10/12, AC: 15
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 1/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

Overcome by the smell of the cloud, it is all Cassandra can do to move out the way so the others can advance.

 
 Spoiler 
Move To E251.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/2  
 
  
Everyone acts almost as a single unit, and Sabian can hear the corpses drop to the floor outside.   Well don---   he begins to cough and retch. Despite being sickened by the cloud of gas, he moves to the doorway to stop enemies from coming in.

 
 Spoiler 
Failed save vs Stinking Cloud
  No Action  
  Move   to F251
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Letting out a battle cry that considerably more desperate than the last one, the Vampiralgietch rushed forward and raised his scepter, still glowing with his previous spell.   "Kill me! Kill me if you can, creatures of the night! I'm here waiting for you!"  

Intimidation: [Roll]1d20+3[roll]

OOC:
If intimidation doesn't cost an Action, I'll also Dodge. But if spending the action will raise the chances of the creatures to target Mustafa, I'd rather use it to Intimidate
J-H
Sabian inhales at the wrong time and ends up spending his turn trying to get a good breath instead of swinging his weapon, and Cassandra has similar luck.

Mustafar advances into the hall, challenging the undead to attack him.  The skeleton attempts to oblige, but then finds itself confused and does nothing.
 
 Spoiler 

Must pass Wis save to attack.
Wis  (1d20-1)[ 4 ]   fail 
Then disadvantage from being blinded.
S4 Attack  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]   or  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Vidrik, Chloe 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik listens as his friends rush out into the hall instead of letting the zombies and skeletons come to us.

  "Why are you all standing in the stinking cloud? Wait for them to come to us."  

He hears the zombie in the hall and can hear Sabian's and Mustafar's armors rattling, so he steps to the side and shoots a stake at the zombie against the far wall.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move 1 West
Shoot ZB
 (1d20+11)[ 26 ] , disadvantage  (1d20+11)[ 23 ] , damage  (1d10+8)[ 18 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   

From outside the cloud, Chloé tried to guess the angle of her acid flask based on what she could hear, as best she could, and then threw it essentially blind, hoping against hope that it would end up where it should be.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 Move:  Down to G253, action+BA, then move back to original space. Net change: Zero.
 Action:  Acid Splash ZB+Z3  (1d6)[ 5 ]  Acid damage. DC14 Dex
ZB:  (1d20)[ 13 ] 
Z3:  (1d20)[ 4 ] 
 Bonus Action: 
Command Servant to attack ZB.
Force Strike:  (1d20+5)[ 9 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 4 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Vidrik's stake launcher deanimates another zombie.  Chloe holds her breath, ducking into the cloud while she flings acid, then moves back out.
 
 Spoiler 

ZB killed by crossbow bolt.
Changed Chloe's move slightly to retarget Z3 &amp; S5.  Z3 is hit for 4, S5 saves with the 13+2.  Homunculus hits Z3.  She still has the speed to move back.
 


All of the undead in the hallway try to attack Mustafar, who has so obviously offered himself up.  Fortunately, either his ward prevents them from attacking, or they miss, although a jet of cold does briefly freeze some of the stinking cloud right in front of his eyes.
 
 Spoiler 

DC 13
Z3
Wis save  (1d20)[ 4 ]   fail 
Attack with disadvantage  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  or   (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 

ZA
Wis save  (1d20)[ 12 ]   fail 
Attack with disadvantage  (1d20+3)[ 19 ]  or   (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 

ZD
Wis save  (1d20)[ 13 ]   pass, miss 
Attack with disadvantage  (1d20+3)[ 4 ]  or   (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 

S5
Wis save  (1d20-1)[ 5 ]   fail 
Attack with disadvantage  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 

SH2
Wis save  (1d20+1)[ 19 ]   pass, miss 
Ray of Frost  (1d20+5)[ 15 ]  or   (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  for  (2d8)[ 11 ]  cold damage and a -10' speed if it hits.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Cassandra (dragon fear), Mustafar 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 10/12, AC: 15
Conditions: None
Spells: 1st - 1/3
Bladesongs: 1/2  
 
  

Still unable to breathe in the cloud, Cassandra leaves it to try to catch some air.

 
 Spoiler 
Move To D253
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Sanctuary (4 rounds left)  
 Concentrating: --   
 
  
Whether for sheer luck or for the mercy the gods, Mustafa stood unharmed at the door of the Lab. Blows glanced off his blessed shield, attacks were repelled by the law of Sanctuary he had evoked and that still cloaked him against any harm; Part of him didn't even believe it was real, still in denial and hoping, madly, he might still be able to save his family from the attack.


 
 Originally Posted by Bobthewizard 
   "Why are you all standing in the stinking cloud? Wait for them to come to us."   
 

It was only when Vidrik's voice broke through the darkness that Mustafa stepped out of his frenzy. His vision was red, his blood rushing with adrenaline. A mad laugh escaped from his lips after another glow glanced off his shield.   "How can I step back, Vidrik?"   He was interrupted by a violent cough, and his voice grew gruffier under the effect of the smoke.   "When I brings me so much pleasure to  humiliate  them?"  

But the attack didn't stop. Mustafa was one, and the monsters were many, and more and more would come. He stepped back, always holding his shield forward, bashing it against their blows and keeping his position even in retreat.   "Come, then, fiends! You cannot kill me! You cannot harm me!  You do not exist! "   He banged his crescent moon scepter against his shield. He wasn't sure whether zombies could see in the dark, but damn it, they would hear him.

Move to 251-H
Action: Intimidation  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/2  
 
  
Sabian calls out,   Vidrik is right. We can let them in and sneak past them through the cloud!   He swings at the skeleton at the door and then retreats out of the gas cloud.

 
 Spoiler 
Con Save vs Stinking Cloud - 24 (rolled in Discord)
 

 
 Spoiler 
  Action   - Attack S5
Attack -  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] ,  (1d20+5)[ 12 ]  (Disadvantage due to Cloud)
Damage -  (1d8+3)[ 9 ]  Bludgeoning
  Move   - H-252
 
J-H
Sabian's swing in the fog misses.  Cassandra retreats into the room.  Taunting the foe once more, Mustafar retreats into the room.

The skeleton follows him in, swinging its sword though the fog, but failing to even come close to hitting any living being.
 
 Spoiler 

Wis save vs DC 13  (1d20-1)[ 6 ]  on a failed save, it targets Sabian, who is adjacent.
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 
 


Something scrapes loudly against the south door of the alchemy lab.

 =&gt;Vidrik, Chloe 
 (S5 is the only enemy that's moved since the last map.  It's in G251 adjacent to Mustafar and NW of Sabian) 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   

Whispering as loudly as she dares to make it, Chloé hisses  " I think the dragon is at the door!"   But with the undead in their path, she can't muster a way past, so she relocates away from any potential shadowflame breaths, darting through the cloud while tossing another flask of acid.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 Move:  Down to D253
 Action:  Acid Splash S5  (1d6)[ 6 ]  Acid damage. DC14 Dex
Z5:  (1d20)[ 2 ] +mods


 Bonus Action: 
Command Servant to attack S5.
Force Strike:  (1d20+5)[ 22 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik moves to the east, al little concerned by the shaping noises coming from the southern door, but needing to line up his shot so the bolt might hit a zombie if it goes through the skeleton.

  "We need to hurry. Something's coming from the courtyard."  

He lets a stake loose at the skeleton.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move 3 east so a through shot will hit ZA or ZD
Shoot skeleton
 (1d20+8)[ 20 ] , disadvantage  (1d20+8)[ 10 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 14 ] 
 
J-H
Vidrik's shot into the yellow fog goes wide.  Chloe has better luck, but the previously untouched skeleton doesn't go down.

You all hear more shuffling and thumping noises from the hall and the doorway as the zombies move in.  One actually emerges from the cloud next to Sabian ans another slams against his shield, but nobody gets hurt.

 
 Spoiler 

ZA attempts to shove Sabian prone
Athletics  (1d20+1)[ 6 ]  vs Sabian's  (1d20)[ 17 ] +mods  no 
Z3 attack, possible advantage from prone?
 (1d20+3)[ 19 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ]   miss 

ZD vs Chloe, disadvantage due to fog
 (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ]   miss 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Sabian, Cassandra (dragon fear), Mustafar 
If someone takes down S5, Vidrik &amp; Chloe can go too
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 23/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/2  
 
  
Sabian takes a deep breath of clean air and turns to the one enemy he can see, a zombie shambling against the wall to his left.

 
 Spoiler 

  Action   - Attack Z3
Attack -  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 
Damage -  (1d8+3)[ 8 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 10/12, AC: 15
Conditions: Bladesong (+10ft movement, +3 AC)
Spells: 1st - 1/3
Bladesongs: 0/2  
 
  

Cass calls out to the others "I'm going after that bloody skeleton and get rid of this damn cloud!" before heading to where she remembers it last being, out in the hallway. With it clearly in sight, she lashes the Vampire Killer right at its head.

 
 Spoiler 
Bonus activate Bladesong, lasts one minute.
Move to I249.
Attack SH2 with Vampire Killer. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.

Save vs fear:  (1d20+1)[ 17 ] 
 
J-H
Sabian strikes the zombie on front of him, but can't disable it.  Cassandra dashes through the cloud, coiling her whip and lashing out as soon as she reaches the far side, and destroys the skeletal caster.  The stinking cloud disappears.
Mustafar, protected by his spell, dodges.

The skeleton tries to attack him anyway, but the ward redirects the skeleton's attack to Sabian, who doesn't manage to dodge the sudden redirection.
 
 Spoiler 

Wis save DC 13
 (1d20-1)[ 3 ]  or it targets Sabian instead  fail, it does 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  or    (1d20+4)[ 5 ]   for  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]   hit 
 

A pair of scimitar-sized claws wreathed in shadow stab through the south door with a crunching noise.
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Vidrik, Chloe 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik shoots the zombie right in front of him. He repeats his warning to the others.

  "We need to hurry! Something's coming!"  

He then moves west to get away from the breaking door.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Shoot Z3
 (1d20+8)[ 27 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 15 ] 
Move to H253, or G253 if Z3 died.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   

They'd been split by the undead, and now boxed away from the exit away from the swiftly oncoming dragon. She tries to slide past the nearest shuffling corpse that she desperately didn't want to recognise, tossing another flask at the pair by Mustafar and Sabian, hoping to open up an exit for them all.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 Bonus Action: 
Command Servant to attack ZD.
Force Strike:  (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  Disadv from melee:  (1d20+5)[ 13 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 6 ] 
 Action:  Acid Splash S5+ZA  (1d6)[ 2 ]  Acid damage. DC14 Dex
ZA:  (1d20)[ 13 ] 
S5:  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
 Move:  Down to F251, risking the OA from ZD if it's still up.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Vidrik's shot is true, and the zombie collapses like a puppet with its strings cut.  Chloe's magic damages three separate enemies, but doesn't bring any of them down.  The zombie closest to her claws at her as she moves past it.
 
 Spoiler: OA 

ZD OA  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 
 


It pursues Chloe and attacks her again, while the other turns its hunger on Vidrik unsuccessfully.
 
 Spoiler 

ZD vs Chloe  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ] 
ZA vs Vidrik  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Cassandra, Mustafar 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 2
HP: 10/12, AC: 18
Conditions: Bladesong (+10ft movement, +3 AC)
Spells: 1st - 1/3
Bladesongs: 0/2  
 
  

"Come on, we have to go!" Cassandra calls to her allies in the other room as she makes for the stairs, flame leaping from the Vampire Killer towards the skeleton next to them.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to E249.
Attack S5 with Vampire Killer. To hit  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
Move to B249.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 20/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/2  
 
  
Sabian turns to the sound of the door behind him splintering; no enemies coming through, but the massive claws of the dragon. He turns back and brings his hammer to bear against the skeleton.

 
 Spoiler 
  Action   - Attack S5
Attack -  (1d20+5)[ 22 ] 
Damage -  (1d8+3)[ 8 ]  bludgeoning
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Sanctuary (3 rounds left)  
 Concentrating: --   
 
  
He could  breathe  again. Even the sight of dragon claws breaking through the stone wall of the fortress wasn't enough to kill his spirit, because Mustafa could breathe again. His eyes were full of tears, which he wiped away with the back of a gloved hand.

Action: Disengage
Movement: F-250
J-H
Sabian destroys the skeleton in front of him, smashing it to pieces, and Cassandra does the same to the spellcaster out in the hall.  The cloud of noxious gas disappears.  Mustafar runs out into the hallway, although the zombies swipe at him as he passes.
 
 Spoiler 

OAs from ZA &amp; ZD
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 
 


The claws clench on the door and pull it outwards.  It bursts asunder, and you hear heavy breathing as the room becomes warmer...and also darker...near the doorway.
 =&gt; Vidrik, Chloe 
ZD &amp; ZA are still left in the room.
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik looks at the door and fear washes over him.

  "Sabian, Chloe. We need to get out of here now!"  

He then moves past the zombies, waving his crossbow to distract them and keep them from attacking him. He weaves through their clutches, leaves the room, and turns left to start up the stairs.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Action: Disengage
Move to C250
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   

Chloé didn't need to be told twice. She rummages in her bag for another long-burning fire-flask, launches it at the nearest zombie next to Sabian, and then follows Vidrik.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 Action:  Create Bonfire on ZA.  (1d8)[ 5 ]  fire on a failed DC14 Dexsave
ZA:  (1d20)[ 16 ] 
 Move:  North one, bonus action, then up the stairs to follow/get past Vidrik.

 Bonus Action: 
Command Servant to attack ZA. Retarget if it dies.
Force Strike:  (1d20+5)[ 14 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 4 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
The zombie dodges the initial jet of flame, then seems to forget about it, as both undead in the room focus on Sabian.  It gets burned, but is not dead.
 
 Spoiler 

ZA
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ] 
ZD
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 

ZA Bonfire  (1d8)[ 4 ]  Dex DC 14
 (1d20-2)[ 7 ] 
Expected Undead Fort save  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
 

 =&gt; Party 
If everyone is just exiting the first floor as fast as possible (no more fighting/attacking), please discuss/specify where you're going.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 18/23 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/2  
 
  
Once everyone is out, Sabian moves past the zombies, shield held up to protect him, and leaves the room, shutting the door behind him.   That won't hold them for long. What are we doing? I have the key Adrian gave us, but I don't know where the door is. It should be somewhere around here.  
 
 Spoiler 

  Action   - Disengage
  Move   - Move outside the room with the others
  Object Interaction   - Shut the door
 
J-H
The five of you rush up the stairs, your noses running and the faint stench of the undead caster's spell still in your sinuses.  Behind you, you hear two zombies thumping at the doorway of the alchemy room, the rumble of the dragon's growl, and the clattering sound of more skeletons entering the hallway.  Emerging on the top floor with a clatter of armor and the thumping of your boots, you are already in the northwestern corner.  You knock two of the windows open on the north side, facing away from the courtyard, and leap to the ground, Cassandra's magic allowing you to land safely.  A turned ankle or broken leg at this stage would have been disastrous in terms of slowing you down.

The open windows will likely give away what direction you fled, so you immediately move downhill and away to get out of range.  You have done as you have been told, and you have kept powerful weapons away from the foes of the Order, but it is a bitter victory.  Many of your friends and family have died today.  Who could be behind the attack?

Where will you go next?

 
 Spoiler: The Map &amp; Key 

   

The Order
Home of the Belmonte Order

Order Graveyard
A Warded and hallowed graveyard where the Order’s dead are safely buried and memorialized.

Yomi
A small village near the order that supports it.

Dona
An overland travel point for cargoes portaging past the rapids from Yomi.

Wicked Ditch
Dry badlands in the rain shadow of the Deborah Mountains.  Home to valuable gems, wild beasts, and dangerous plants.

Brahms’ Castle
A castle built atop a cliff overlooking the river southward.  A strong-point against invasion from the north.  Sits atop Yuta’s Path

Yuta’s Path
A tunnel beneath the river and the Carpathian range that emerges near the western edge of Cieresor Swamp

Cieresor Swamp
A wet and heavily treed swamp, full of fish, valuable herbs, and other forms of life.

Cieresor Castle
Home seat of the Cieresor family, and a fortress to which the fisher-folk of the swamp can retreat to in times of trouble.

Alba Plains
Green, well-watered farmland on the east, fading slowly to grassy lands suitable for herding near the mountains.

Alba
A farming and trade town.

Laruba Monastery
A monastery for the encouragement of the contemplation of each and every step and its meaning in life.  Laruba monastery can be reached by boat, or by an underground passage.

Dwarven Road
A still-functional underground passage connecting Alba to Veros.

Veros
An iron-mining town.

Holmwood Tower
A small keep guarding a choke-point on the road from Veros to the Order.

Jova
A farming town.

Arcane Tower
A place for a wizard to get away and do some research in peace.  Currently owned by Archaeus, head wizard of the Belmonte Order.

Belasco Marsh
A marshland, known to have many insects in warm weather.

Alja
A river-port, the last one leading from the west before the waterfall that creates Misty Lake.

Ondol
A town of woodsmen.  Trans-shipment point and overwintering location for sheepherders occupying the Jam Hills

Jam Fort
A fortress built into the cliff itself.

Strigoi Graveyard
An old graveyard where dead things are warded to stay dead.  Not in current use, but the Order monitors it regularly.
 

Hexmap squares with roads take 1 hour to traverse per road hex.  Leaving the roads doubles travel time as the party traverses rough terrain of various sorts.  Double these travel times if the party is traveling Stealthily.  The mountains are functionally impassable (travel time 8 hrs per hex).  River travel is 2 hours per hex if traveling northeast, or 4 hours per hex if going southwest.  Traveling by boat requires finding a suitable boat, having proficiency to operate it, and dealing with any other risks.  There are a number of rapids on the map, so travel by river is uncommon aside from shipments in and out of Veros to the south.

 You are currently at The Order.
=&gt; Where do you go? 
J-H
The five of you recall the geography of the area, and decide to head towards the town of Yomi.  You're not sure what you'll find, but it's worth checking out.  You have to take a slightly circuitous route through the woods around the Order to avoid becoming plainly visible.... the cloud of darkness around the front of the building is still visible, and you don't want to have to escape from a dragon again today.

In quiet tones you speak to each other about what it was like to face evil in true life or death combat, and what you learned... and you take time to reflect.  There's more yet to do today.
Upon reflection, you realize that you've got plenty of grit to push on with.

 =&gt; Everyone levels up to 3!
Any new hit points, spell slots, or other resources that you gain upon reaching level 3 are immediately available and ready for use. 
 Tying them to long rests would be to your disadvantage, as will become apparent later... 

At around 4pm, you reach Yomi.

Yomi is a small village which grew up around the Order’s riverside port.  It had a population of fewer than 100 people, and was mostly focused around gardening, fishing, and producing lumber and firewood for the Order.  A couple of buildings are smoldering, and you only see a couple of figures moving about at a distance.  They aren't moving normally...  You can head somewhere else, check the town out in more detail up close, or circle around the edge of town to reach the East Bridge.

There are about 2 hours of daylight left.
 =&gt; Party 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Av.)   


Chloé looks out at the ruined town and clutches her potion satchel.  "We...we should see if there are any survivors." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Sheet updated. She's now a real alchemist.

Rolling Experimental Elixir:  (1d6)[ 2 ] 

Also not got discord for like 12 hours, but I'll toss in a next step vote of "investigating the town".
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3
HP: 15/17, AC: 15
Conditions:
Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 2/2
Bladesongs: 0/2  
 
  

"We just passed through here on the way to the keep," Cassandra says in disbelief, "We ate here, laughed here... My brother said something smelled and I said it was him... He never did like the smell of fish..."

Her voice trails off.  Did he escape or did I leave him to die? No, no, don't think like that. Rudgar is much stronger than me... He can handle just about anything and if anything  could  kill him I wouldn't have been able to save him. He will have survived and even if he had been bested, he would have died with a smile on his face, just like everyone else in our family... wait... our family... 

"Yes, let's try to save anyone we can. We can't keep running."

 
 Spoiler: Level up info 
Taking a third level in wizard, gaining 5 max hit points and two 2nd level spell slots. Adding Invisibility and Misty Step to the spellbook.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 
 AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14  
 Conditions: --  
 
  

Vidrik nods along at Chloe's suggestion, but frowns when he sees the survivors moving like zombies in the distance.

  "This is more powerful than just a dragon. What can turn people into zombies this quickly? Let's be quick ourselves. We need to get over the bridge before the dragon comes out looking for us. We can't search every house, but we can call out at a few houses as we pass through the edge of town."  

He keeps his crossbow ready and moves towards the village.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3  
 
  
Sabian bonds with the others on the way to Yomi. The Skellegues are border lords, ruling over shield lands between the frontier of the civilized world and the greater wild. As an outlander, Sabian is at home off the beaten path, and helps the others get to Yomi through the wilderness. What they find when they arrive is not surprising, but still devastating.

  How could this happen?   Sabian asks in disbelief.

He nods grimly at the others,   Yomi is--- was, a small town. The bulk of this evil army would have gone to the Order to make sure their assault was a success. I agree we should inspect, and see not only if there are any survivors, but if there are clues as to who is behind this.  
 
 Spoiler 
Level up to 3. Taking Zealot subclass. Gain 9hp, 1 rage/day, Survival proficiency, and Divine Fury/Warrior of the Gods class features.
 
J-H
As you approach the village of Yomi, you can tell that not all is right.  It doesn't smell of death, but it lacks the life and noise of speech and movement you'd expect.  By 120' away, Vidrik can see that those moving around are the dead, risen again through foul necromancy.   If you approach closer, all of you can tell the same.  The few doors you can see from your vantage point near the edge of the village all appear to be broken, or otherwise standing open.

Do you go into town?  If so, how are you approaching, and what is your intended goal?
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Av.)   

The situation seems dire, and the chance of anyone surviving seems unlikely, but Chloé isn't willing to give up hope just yet. She offers her 'experimental' elixir (all alchemy is experiments, really) to Vidrik.  "If you're going, this will help you go...faster. Roughly twenty to thirty percent faster. On your legs, not your hands." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

It's a +10ft speedboost for an hour.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --  
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

(Assuming Vidrik returned and fed us that information)

  "We better head south. We need allies, right? Powerful and wealthy allies who can offer us resources, weapons, recruits, magic... I recall some high-ranking members of the Belmonte Order were part of local nobility."   He raised his eyes to the others.   "Did anyone catch an important family name that  could  reside in one of the nearby castles?"  
  "So our options are Cierestor Castle, Jam Fort, Laruba Monastery, Holmwood Tower, Arcane Tower."   Mustafa counted on his fingers, leaving them raised in the air, then went back counting the opposite way.   "Some of us are interested in the Arcane Tower already. Plus, Holmwood Tower is located in a choke-point in the mountains, which means whoever rules that holdfast must be quite powerful, at least locally. Third, the Monastery is the most likely place we can get help without payment or exchanging of favors."  
  "We'd need to start by crossing the bridge to the Denis Woods... But something bothers me. Whoever is commanding the invasion is certainly powerful enough to send flying spies to scout the bridges. Perhaps we should keep away from the road and swim across the river. Might be dangerous, but safer."  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: +10' speed, invisible  
 
  

Vidrik sighs. He's not keen on wasting time looking for survivors when he's sure there aren't any. But the others want to check and he'd rather do it then have them walking around making noise and attracting all of the undead roaming the streets.

  "Fine. I'll look. I'll knock on some doors and run when the zombies come out. Thanks, Chloe. I'm going to stay on this western side of town. You all stay hidden in the woods but move north alongside me."  

He drinks the elixir, lets Cassandra turn him invisible, and moves in towards the village, keeping hidden as best he can. He knocks on the doors or windows, whichever is on the side of the house where he can keep in view of the rest of the party. At each house, he calls out softly - loud enough that someone inside could hear, but not so loud that someone next door could.

  "Hello. Anyone in there?"   He waits only a few seconds before going on to the next house.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Stealth:  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Perception:  (1d20+6)[ 12 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian puts a hand on Vidrik's shoulder,   Be careful. Maybe there are some here we can save, where we couldn't at the Order. But if there are, don't be a hero Vidrik. Call for us or come get us if things get grim, we'll be moving alongside you.  

He nods at Mustafa,   You might be right, and I wouldn't be surprised if the bridge is already destroyed to prevent anyone from fleeing or help from arriving. We'll see once we're closer.   
 
  
J-H
Vidrik's calls and movement produce some shuffles, and, after he has moved on, some puzzled zombies who follow his noise... but no signs of living people.  At his knocks on the third building, he's met with a bunch of squeaking and fluttering noises, followed by a mass of bats flying out the window.  He freezes and waits until they lose interest.

 
 Spoiler 

1 lower on the stealth check and you'd be rolling initiative against a bat swarm.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian is glad to see Vidrik returned unharmed, but disheartened that the town is empty of survivors,   It is likely they are at the Order now, under the thrall of whatever necromancer has attacked. We need to get across the river, and stay off the road as Mustafa says.  
 
 Spoiler 
Vidrik is the ranger so it makes sense for him to lead. And Sabian also has the Outlander background as well if that helps.
 
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Av.)   

The young alchemist makes a small sign with her hands, a quiet prayer for the dead, and those not even granted the peace of the grave. They were too late, for so many. They'd have to make up for it, somehow.

 "There's no way we could swim across the river. Especially at night."  Chloé shudders at the thought of it. She's definitely not built for such things.  "I don't mind where we go next, but lets please keep our feet dry." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: +10' speed, invisible  
 
  

Vidrik freezes as the bats fly past him. The invisibility wouldn't have helped much against them. After he knocks on the windows and doors of the houses in the village and gets no response, he returns to the others.

  "There is no one left. Did you see the bats fly out of that house? My mentor used to tell me not to trust rats, bats, or wolves. They all work for the vampires.  Whether those bats report us or not, I suspect our escape has been discovered by now and they are likely to come after us. Stay hidden and let's move away more quickly."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 
J-H
You circle around Yomi, staying on the forest side of town rather than walking in the open near the river.  The main road is a few minutes' walk north, as the eastern bridge off the Order's island was built in a spot where the opposite shore comes closer.

A half-burned wagon partially blocks the road about 40’ inland from the bridge.  Two dead horses stand in front of it, with another couple of zombies visible on your side of the wagon.

Focused more on staying out of sight of the path, Cassandra and Chloe are a bit loud, and by the time you reach the edge of the road, the undead are looking in your direction...

The road is about 15’ wide, surrounded by moderately dense woods that provide cover and difficult terrain.  You're about 30' away from the road, and 50' away from the wagon (ahead and to your right).
 =&gt;Vidrik, Chloe 
(map later, feel free to go ahead and post)
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.)   

She quietly cursed her clumsy footsteps and rattling satchel. She'd practiced moving silently among the library's shelves, sure, but in acolyte's robes and soft woolen slippers, not in full battle dress and gear. There was nothing to it. The wagon was already burning, a bit more fire wouldn't go amiss. Chloé flips up a flask, catches it, and then lobs it overarm at the closest undead, spreading a burning flame all over.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Create Bonfire beneath the nearest zombie, ideally in a way where any behind it will also cross through.  (1d8)[ 7 ]  fire, unless DC14 Dexsave.
Smelly Zombie Save:  (1d20)[ 17 ] +mods

 Move:  Towards the dense woods that provide cover, ideally so I'm within ~70ft of the closest zombie.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: +10' speed  
 
  

Since the zombies are out in the open, Vidrik maneuvers himself to make sure he has a good shot. He takes careful aim and shoots a bolt at the nearest zombie.

  "Make them come to us. Keep your distance from the zombies and they can't hurt us."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
BA Hunter Prey
To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 16 ]  (I really need to check my sheet before I post. He has +9 to hit so it's a 17)
Damage  (1d10+7)[ 15 ]  +  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 
J-H
The zombie somehow lurches away from the bonfire, but not away from Vidrik's heavy stake, which sends it reeling for a moment.  All three zombies begin moving towards the group as fast as they can (dash).

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3
HP: 15/17, AC: 15
Conditions:
Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 1/2
Bladesongs: 0/2  
 
  

"I hope whoever was in the caravan was able to escape," Cassandra says quietly, almost to herself. She then heeds Vidrik's suggestion and opts to attack the zombies at range with a streak of flame erupting from the Vampire Killer, although admittedly the trees were making it a little difficult.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Firebolt at Z1. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 7 ] , to damage:  (1d10)[ 8 ] .
 
J-H
Cassandra's Fire Bolt goes awry, scorching a streak of grass at the zombie's feet.  The horses plunge through the undergrowth, their long legs and long stride making them much faster as they rush towards the group.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

Dash to close the distance, but no time to attack.

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Mustafa, Vidrik, Chloe 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: +10' speed  
 
  

Vidrio maneuvers around the approaching undead horses in order to line up a shot. He gets them in a line and tries to put a stake through both of them.

  "Ahh! Undead Horses!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move 1 south and 2 west
BA Hunter Prey
To hit:  (1d20+9)[ 18 ] , disadvantage  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
Damage  (1d10+7)[ 13 ]  +  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.)   

Of course the horses were also zombies. And of course they'd dodged around her fire. She tosses acid over the heads of her fellows at the rotting equines. Though fire might be more efficient, she doesn't want to risk setting the forest ablaze, for a number of reasons.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Acid Flask the two horses, or just one if only one is left.  (1d6)[ 5 ]  Acid on DC14 dexsave fail.
H1:  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
H2:  (1d20)[ 19 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike.  (1d20+5)[ 8 ]  Targetting the weakest looking horse.
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 6 ] 
 Move:  None
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 23 (cover from foliage) HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Fighting in the thick overgrowth with limited mobility and right against the slope is not ideal, so Sabian lashes out recklessly with his spear to finish the horses as quickly as possible and take the fight closer to the road.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Action   - Reckless Attack vs H2
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 7 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 25 ] 
 Damage  -  (1d6+4)[ 9 ] 
 
 
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --  
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Growing more and more familiar with the weight his new Holy Symbol in his hand, Mustafa rises it in the air and cries an ancient incantation of banishment. A bright golden light shone from his crescent moon staff, briefly bathing the battlefield with actual Dawn.

Radiant damage:  (2d10+3)[ 20 ] 
 
 Spoiler 
As an action, you present your holy symbol, and any magical darkness within 30 feet of you is dispelled. Additionally, each hostile creature within 30 feet of you must make a Constitution saving throw. A creature takes radiant damage equal to 2d10 + your cleric level on a failed saving throw, and half as much damage on a successful one. A creature that has total cover from you is not affected.

Constitution saves DC 13
H1  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
H2  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
Z1  (1d20)[ 9 ]  (not sure if Z1 will be considered "within" 30 ft cause it's a diagonal but either way here it goes)
 
J-H
Sabian Reckless attacks H2, hitting for 9 damage
Mustafa's holy symbol emits golden light, burning the horses and the closest zombie.  The closest humanoid zombie is destroyed.
Vidrik moves Southwest and misses due to the undead horse jostling him while he shoots.
Chloe hits H1 with Acid Splash for  5 dmg, servant misses, H2 makes save

The other zombies head straight towards the party, but struggle to make much speed through the undergrowth (dash, difficult terrain).
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cassandra 
J-H
Cassandra casts Burning Hands, severely burning both of the zombie horses, yet they somehow remain standing.  One of them bites at her, acting unusually carnivorous for a horse, and the other takes a chunk out of Vidrik.

 
 Spoiler 

Both are at 1hp!  H2 passed its Undead Fortitude save.
H1 vs Ca
Bite  (1d20+6)[ 18 ]  for  (2d4+4)[ 7 ] 
H2 vs Vi
Bite  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  for  (2d4+4)[ 8 ] 
 


no map changes.

 =&gt;Sabian, Mustafa, Vidrik, Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.)   

The worst part about zombies was how long it took to put them down. They just didn't seem to die! Chloé tosses another acid vial. Eventually she had to burn through all their spines and what was left of their brains.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Acid Flask the two horses, or just one if only one is left.  (1d6)[ 1 ]  Acid on DC14 dexsave fail. Chances are one or both will be dead and it'll need retargetting, but we might roll poorly.
H1:  (1d20)[ 5 ] 
H2:  (1d20)[ 5 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike.  (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  Targetting the weakest looking horse.
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 Move:  None, unless it's required to get within 30ft of her servant strike.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: +10' speed  
 
  

Vidrik leans a little bit to his left in order to line up both of the horses and one of the zombies. He then tries to shoot the nearest horse point-blank in the head.

  "Let's hope this works."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

BA Hunter Prey
Aim shot in a line to hit H2, then H1 and Z2
To hit:  (1d20+9)[ 14 ] , disadvantage  (1d20+9)[ 11 ] 
Damage  (1d10+7)[ 8 ]  +  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
Then move 1S and 5W
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --  
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Hoping to clear the battlefield for his shield-brothers, Mustafa strikes the undead horse closest to him.

 
 Spoiler 
If H2 is already down, move one square north-east and hit H1 instead
 

 (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  for  (1d4+3)[ 5 ]  blugeoning +  (1d4)[ 4 ]  radiant damage
J-H
Sabian strikes the undead horse, but lacking vital organs, even a well-aimed blow isn't enough to kill it this time.  Mustafa strikes down the one next to him with a flash of light from his holy symbol as it burns away the necromantic energies inhabiting the equine.  Vidrik's crossbow bolt lodges in the next horse; Sabian can see it poking out the other side... but unfortunately the undead remains undead (Undead Fortitude vs DC 18: 20).  Chloe further burns it with acid, and somehow a bolt from her homonculus finds its way to an important bone, and the creature collapses to the ground after absorbing far more killing blows than it should have!

 
 Spoiler 

Undead fortitude saves passed against:
Sabian's attack
Vidrik's attack
Chloe's Acid Splash
 


The two remaining zombies approach.  One claws clumsily at Sabian, while the other merely shoves its way through the undergrowth.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
Adv. Reckless
 


Z2 is just northeast of Sabian
Z3 is north of Vidrik, NE of Mustafa, E of Cassandra, SE of Sabian
 =&gt;Cassandra, Sabian, Mustafa, Vidrik, Chloe 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 23 (cover from foliage) HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
  Two down, two to go!   Sabian calls out. He retaliates against the zombie that grabbed at him, trying to pluck its head off its neck with his spear.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Action   - Attack Z2, Advantage from Reckless
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 25 ] 
 Damage  -  (1d6+4)[ 8 ] 
 
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3
HP: 8/17, AC: 15
Conditions:
Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 0/2
Bladesongs: 0/2  
 
  

"My opinion of horses has taken a drastic fall," Cass sighs before moving closer to Sabian and helping him with his undead friend.

 
 Spoiler 
Move adjacent to Sabian and attack Z2 with the Vampire Whip. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.)   

Chloé launches another flask over Sabian's head and moves back towards the road, eyes peeled for any other shambling shamblers they hadn't noticed.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Acid Flask Z2  (1d6)[ 3 ]  Acid on DC14 dexsave fail.
Z2:  (1d20)[ 16 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike. Z2  (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 Move:  North, if it matters, to look back at the road in case of any more incoming zomboys.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: +10' speed  
 
  

Vidrik again maneuvers around to try to line up a shot that might hit both zombies.

  "Come on crossbow. Let's see what you can do."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to get in position
BA Hunter Prey
Aim shot in a line to hit both zombies
To hit:  (1d20+9)[ 26 ] 
Damage  (1d10+7)[ 12 ]  +  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
then move away as far as he can
 
J-H
Cassandra and Sabian focus on one zombie.  Mustafa dodges.  Vidrik shoots at the other one that's closer to him, hitting it hard but not hard enough to kill it.  The ranger then backs away.  Chloe doesn't have much luck with her attacks.
 
 Spoiler 

OA  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 
 


The zombies attack... one trying to bite Sabian, and the other Cassandra.  Neither meets with success.
 
 Spoiler 

Z2 vs Sabian
  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
Z3 vs Cassandra
  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 7 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Party 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: +10' speed  
 
  

Vidrik moves forward and shoots again at the closest zombie. He then moves back to his current position.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move N 2 squares
BA Hunter Prey
Aim shot in a line to hit both zombies
To hit:  (1d20+9)[ 20 ] 
Damage  (1d10+7)[ 16 ]  +  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
then move back to his current location
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3
HP: 8/17, AC: 15
Conditions:
Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 0/2
Bladesongs: 0/2  
 
  

"These zombies sure are stubborn," Cassandra says, attacking the one in front of her.

 
 Spoiler 
Vampire Killer attack against Z3. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.)   

She still felt confident that they were on top of things, even if her last throw had been a bit...unimpressive.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Acid Flask Z2  (1d6)[ 1 ]  Acid on DC14 dexsave fail.
Z2:  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike. Z2  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 5 ] 
 Move:  None
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
J-H
The two remaining zombies fall before your attacks, the foul magics that desecrate the bodies of the dead unable to hold them together.

 =&gt; What do you do? 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3
HP: 8/17, AC: 15
Conditions:
Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 0/2
Bladesongs: 0/2  
 
  

Cassandra will approach the carriage to see if anything is inside, any sort of sign of survivors or at the very least what happened to the occupants. Even though they had made enough noise to wake the dead, pun intended, she approaches cautiously and silently.

 
 Spoiler 
Stealth check:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
 


Regardless of what she finds, she will suggest to the group that they find somewhere to rest for the night. It has been a long day, Cassandra is tired and hurt, she has spell scrolls she'd like to learn from and copy into her spellbook as well as the encyclopedias that could help them prepare for future battles. Most importantly they need to figure out their next steps instead of just blindly walking into danger every five minutes. There's also the matter of the Order.
J-H
Cassandra approaches the wagon, finding no threats.  Surviving contents include food, (not preserved, but enough can be taken to provide food for 3 days), 150’ of rope, cooking equipment, and several large bundles of completed fabric, not yet cut and sewn into garments.
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: +10' speed  
 
  

Vidrik follows Cassandra to the cart. He looks in and sees nothing worth taking the time to gather, since we have our own supplies. He is shocked to hear Cassandra talk about resting so soon, in the middle of all of these undead.

  "Let's leave all this and keep moving. We need to get away. If we try to rest here, we will be overrun. We had planned to get across the bridge before it gets dark. It's less than an hour to the bridge, so let's keep going."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian says,   Vidrik, let's at least take the food. I can supplement our rations by foraging, but we don't know what the road ahead has in store for us. And I think Vidrik is right Cassandra, we should at least get to the other side of the bridge and try to find some shelter before we stop for the night.    
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.)   
 "I can keep going, and I'd feel safer if we found somewhere slightly more defensive to rest."  Chloé says, rummaging in her bag for one of her home-grown potions. They didn't last long, but they were as potent as anything that  did . In the heat of battle she'd just smash the thing over the wounds, but given the time they have she's able to pour it gently over Cassandra's injuries, knitting back skin and beating back bruises.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Expending a spell slot to Cure Wounds Cassandra for  10  (rolled in discord).
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
After you're done salvaging food from the wagon, a brief discussion ends with a consensus to carry on at least until sunset.

Following the road, you reach the east bridge off the island with no further issues.  The bridge is 15’ wide and made of sturdy wooden planks laid across long logs, which are supported every 30’ by stone piles coming out of the river.  It’s about three hundred feet across to the far shore.

Nothing looks dangerous or out of place, so you walk up the ramp and start to cross the bridge.

As you reach the mid-point, a large humanoid with fish-like features and scales, and a lower body that appears to be a moving column of water, rises out of the river 20’ upstream of the bridge.  It’s clad in damp, but well-made silk clothing that uses seashells as buttons.  It speaks with a deep and clear, but slightly gurgly voice.

 “Woe, woe upon you travelers, for I am Ghussam the Gregarious, and my siblings and I have been contracted to prevent travel in this region.  I, specifically, am to prevent the travel of any living mortals across this bridge.”
 
 
 Spoiler: Arcana DC 12 
 Ghussam the Gregarious is a Marid, an aquatic type of genie.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3
HP: 17/17, AC: 15
Conditions:
Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 0/2
Bladesongs: 0/2  
 
  

"Well I  feel  dead so..." Cassandra sighs quietly to herself, before addressing the being in front of them.

"Ghussam the Gregarious," she says with a bow, "Why don't we just... sit and talk for a while? We have travelled far and the roads have been dangerous, so some fine company would be nice."
J-H
 
 Spoiler: Cassandra 

You can go look up the Marid statblock if you want.  As far as this particular individual, you wouldn't have heard of him probably.
Marids on the Prime Material Plane is unusual, but he did mention being hired.  Genies of all sorts can choose, or be forced, to serve for a contracted amount of time.  They have a reputation for being extremely good at parsing the letter of the contract vs. the spirit of the contract if they are not happy with their instructions, or if they dislike their master / boss.
 

 "If you wish to sit and talk for a while, let us do so.  I regret that I am unable to offer you tea or refreshments.  The current situation makes it untenable for me to forge the bonds of hospitality with those whom necessity may force me to harm." 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: +10' speed  
 
  

Vidrik sighs at the marid stopping us. We were so close. But we are not powerful enough to fight a water geinie.

  "Mr. Ghussam, may I ask who you have been employed by? And what were the specific terms of the contract? Do you need to keep us from crossing the river, or just keep us from using the bridge? Do you know if there are others blocking the bridges over the other rivers?"  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3
HP: 17/17, AC: 15
Conditions:
Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 0/2
Bladesongs: 0/2  
 
  

"That is a shame," Cassandra says, "A powerful and wise being such as yourself should not be kept from doing what they enjoy just because of a contract. Whomever this contract was made with must not appreciate the company of the living, but I can't imagine the undead we've met thus far make for good conversation."

She ponders for a moment. "You say you cannot allow any living mortal to cross  this  bridge, correct? So what if we crossed this river  elsewhere ? My friends and I are too weary to traverse such a strong current ourselves, but if you were to help us cross at a different point with your immense mastery over water then nothing would prevent us from enjoying each other's company a while."
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian studies the strange creature ahead of them, a weird fish like person whose body is partially a water spout. He offers a curt smile then turns to the others and speaks softly,   I don't know what this is, but with our numbers, we can defeat it. If not, I can shove it back over the edge of the bridge and we advance as far as we can before it returns. I think once we've made it across, it would be outside the bounds of his contract to give chase, as we've already crossed the bridge.  

Fighting is always an option for a Skellegue, especially when the alternative is fording 300ft of river at night with an army of undead at your back. 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.)   
 "I'd like to avoid another fight. This one's talking, it's more than we can say for the zombies."  Chloé hisses at Sabian under her breath.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
J-H
 
 Spoiler: Summary 

Vidrik:  Persuasion 14.  Who is the employer?  Terms of the contract?  River, or bridge? Other bridges?
Cassandra:  Persuasion 3 What if we crossed elsewhere?
Sabian:  We can kill it!
Chloe:  Let's not.
 

 
Ghussam looks at Vidrik, who appears to recognize the genie's power.   "You may ask who I am employed by.   I, in my turn, may choose to not answer, as a matter of professional courtesy.  Although currently dead, he is rather powerful, and offending him would not be something done lightly.  Exceptions were made for his servants, of course.  I understand that he has placed a powerful curse on the region; you may be the last living mortals to come this way for some time." 

Ghussam looks around.   "I guard the bridge and passage across it.  Just the bridge.  It's a nice enough bridge for one built by the unlearned, but I have seen many better ones.  I suppose the location does have a certain... quaint charm.  It must be important for some reason though, as my brothers are instead moving along the rivers to prevent travel.  If you see Hussham or Fasshuum, pass along my courteous greetings." 

Unfortunately for Cassandra, Ghussam perceives her comments as insincere flattery, which works against her earlier success.  He continues in his deep voice, which gurgles with watery sounds.   "I chose to make this contract.  The pay, which I shall not disclose, is good, and comes with the favor of a powerful entity should his plan succeed.  In the meantime, I am not here to solve the problems of mortals for them.  If you've heard any stories about genies held captive in bottles granting wishes or randomly fixing the needs of flesh-based life forms out of a sense of unwarranted generosity, I assure you that they range from outright lies to exaggerations spread through excessively numerous re-tellings where the truth is stretched farther and farther in the pursuit of coin or drink." 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.)   

While she can't say she knows much about the creature in front of her, Chloé at least knows a little about binding magical creatures - they tend to be magical, and this one is clearly water-oriented.  "Did...did your contract come with any exclusivity clause? What would the cost be for your assistance in our crossing the river?"  She's still stammering a bit, though this is more for fear of being smote than social anxiety - talking with a fish genie doesn't make her quite as antsy as some of those in the Order.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Persuasion 

 (1d20)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3
HP: 17/17, AC: 15
Conditions:
Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 0/2
Bladesongs: 0/2  
 
  

"It was wrong of me to ask for help. You are right, this..." she motions vaguely, referring as much to the bridge as the dangers beyond it, "...our problem to solve. I apologise, I did not mean to offend," Cassandra says politely, "It has been a long and difficult day and there has been far too much death to process."

When Ghussam mentions his brothers, Cassandra chokes up a little.  Rudgar...  "I have a brother too, but I don't know where he has gone. I don't even know if he's still alive. We got separated in the chaos. You would like him, though. He could talk the ears off of an elephant."

She chuckles a little as she wipes away a tear. "I wish he were here. He'd know what to do, what to say."

 What would Rudgar say? "Use their strength against them." 

"This bridge... As you say, it is nice enough for the unlearned... but you could do better, couldn't you? If you were to build a greater bridge than this, your talent would be immortalised. Just imagine how many would cross the Great Ghussam Bridge. Architects all over the world would come here to learn from and honour your skill."
J-H
(to Chloe) "As I said, I am not here to solve the problems of mortals.  Were you not listening?"

 "Hmmm... I could certainly build a better bridge, but it would take some time to retrieve the stones from the nearby cliffs and riverbeds.  Perhaps after my duty here is completed.  At that point, this may become a rather dreary place not worthy being adorned with a great bridge.  I will keep the idea in mind, mortal." 
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;25943089]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --  
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Mustafa had refrained from interacting with the spirit, hoping his companions would be more articulate than him. However, as the conversation progressed, the way forward became foggy, and so he spoke his mind:   "This spirit seems civilized enough that it warned us before attacking. Perhaps we can expect the same courtesy from his brothers who guard the river, and perhaps they will be more open to negotiation, or at least telling us what's going on. If that also fails, then we must regroup, determine our options and vote for the least worse of them."  
J-H
Ghussam waves goodbye to you as you elect to swim across the river.   "I see you have some insight.  It will serve you well.  I would bid you safe travelers, polite mortals, but it would be an empty gesture to do so." 

Although the area around the bridge is not turbulent and full of rapids, it is an area where the river is narrower, and thus deeper and faster.  You don't simply need to swim across the river - you also need to swim quickly enough to not be swept downstream a ways.
 
 Spoiler: Athletics checks 

DC 15 to avoid being swept 1 hex downstream, still landing on the side of the river you want to.
Vidrik  (1d20+1)[ 5 ] 
Sabian  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
Chloe  (1d20-1)[ 17 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20-1)[ 2 ] 
Mustafa  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] 

Vidrik &amp; Cassandra are  being swept downstream.
Mustafa, Sabian, and Chloe succeed on your checks.  Do those of you who succeeded want to roll a 2nd time to aid Vidrik or Cassandra?  If so and if you fail the DC 15 on this roll, you're also carried downstream by the current.
If the party is separated, you simply land in 2 different hexes and have to spend 2 hours getting back together.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 "I'd like to avoid another fight. This one's talking, it's more than we can say for the zombies."  Chloé hisses at Sabian under her breath. Sabian shakes his head and hisses back,   It's talking to let us know it will  kill us  if we try to cross the bridge. Better to strike first.   He looks around behind them,   We don't have time for pleasantries.  

The party continues to try to negotiate with the marid, but to no avail. Seeing no sign of its "brothers" near the river, they decide to cross where they are. As they leave the bridge, Sabian turns with some parting words for the marid,   In my experience, everything I've crossed blades with is  mortal , no matter how long lived.  

The water is cold, though the armor shields Sabian from the worst of it. The river moves quickly here, and they have to swim hard and fast. Before the group reaches the end, Vidrik and Cassandra begin to get swept away. Sabian reaches for Cassandra to try and get her to the other side.

 
 Spoiler: Swim! 

Athletics  (1d20+7)[ 20 ]  vs DC 15
 
 
 
  
J-H
Vidrik and Cassandra begin to get swept away by the current.  Mustafa and Sabian move to help them.  Sabian is able to grab Cassandra and help pull her to shore more quickly.  Burdened by his armor, Mustafa tires quickly.  He and Vidrik both drift downstream.  Unfortunately, the river widens swiftly - the bridge was built at a narrow spot specifically to take advantage of the unusually close distance between the two banks.  The cleric and the ranger both make it to the eastern shore, but the broadening of the stream and the swift current means they are a couple of miles downstream.  The sun is beginning to set in the west as they land.  Everyone is wet from the swim, and the night is growing cool.

Between Vidrik and Sabian's familiarity with navigating in the woods, and their natural darkvision, the two halves of your group are able to re-unite after not too much time, despite the moonlight being mostly blocked by wispy clouds streaming overhead. It is now around 8:00pm.

=&gt; Party
You are in the northernmost full hex of Denis woods on the map (one north from the bend in the road).
Will you continue traveling, or make camp for the night (if so, how, what kind of spot do you try to find, watchstanding, etc.)?
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian and the others plunge into the woods, out of sight. Cold, wet, and tired, he says to the others,   We have to find a place to hunker down and rest for the night.   
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Vidrik follows the others back to the shore, unsure if this swimming plan will work. First, will the marid attack us anyway, and second, he's not the greatest swimmer. He can keep his head above water, but may not be able to swim faster than the current.

While the marid seems to leave us alone, sure enough, Vidrik is swept downstream. He finds himself drifting further and further away from the others.

Cassandra was with him for a moment, but he sees Sabian grab the woman and pull her to safety. Then, fortunately, Mustafa comes and rescues Vidrik too, but they both get swept downstream before making it to the other side. Once on dry land on the other side, Vidrik coughs out a little water, leaving a little of his pride on the ground as well.

He leads Mustafa back to the others and then agrees that we should set up camp and a watch rotation.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.)   

Chloé's quietly surprised that she manages to swim her way through, but she puts it down to luck and a  desperate  desire to not be wet anymore.  "I can make a fire. Rest...rest would be good." 

Part of her wants to keep going. Not through any real plan or want to move, but more the desire to not fall still, because then she has to think about what's happened, about the faces she'd seen at the Order who were now almost all certainly dead. About how close they'd come to ending up the same weight. The Decanter at her side feels heavier at her waist, as the burden properly begins to settle in on her shoulders and heart.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
 High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3
HP: 17/17, AC: 15
Conditions:
Spells: 1st - 0/3, 2nd - 0/2
Bladesongs: 0/2  
 
  

"We should probably avoid drawing attention to ourselves with fire and smoke," Cassandra says, "But we can use a little...  prestidigitation ... to keep the group warm for a little while."

She then turns to Vidrik, "You'd be the best for finding a secluded place to rest, so do you have any ideas?"
Amnestic
]      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Swiftness (Exp.)   

Chloé hadn't really considered that fire might give them away. She mostly just wanted to dry herself. Her prestidigitation amounted to a box of cleansing powders for the most part, a small container of minor tricks that had never graduated to being actual concoctions, just the components of them. But if they were useful, that'd be enough. Desperate as she is to sit by a toasty fire (especially one she made herself, to be useful) the caution against it makes sense.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
You make camp for the night.  It is a dark night, and surprisingly quiet.  The wind rustling in the dry treetops of fall makes intermittent noise, but you're all also tired.  Thanks to magic, you're all dry, and warm enough to pass, despite the lack of a fire.  If anything is hunting you this night, it does not find you.

At least, not physically.
   During the night, each of you has a dream...  a vision of Dracula lounging upon his throne.  You recognize him from the books you've all studied.  The rest of the room is full of shadows, but the tall, sharp-fanged vampire with pale skin, red eyes, and black armor is clearly visible.  He smirks at them.   “Did you really think that being dead would stop me?  I am the Prince of Shadows, and my reach extends beyond mere flesh.  My agents have worked to kill off those who can oppose me for decades, and now move to bring me back to the land of the living.  This land is  mine , and none who oppose me will find no rest here.” 

The dream is unsettling, but your courage and grit sees most of you through.  You're pretty sure that it's not directed just at you, but probably everyone in the area that he has claimed and cursed.

  Dracula's Curse 
Anyone who wishes to gain the benefits of a Long Rest must succeed on a Constitution save.  The DC begins at 10, and increases by 1 for each night that passes.  On a failed save, a character only gains the benefits of a short rest, plus enough downtime to prevent accumulating exhaustion.

Only sacred and holy places such as temples provide an aura of shelter against this effect.
 
Most villages do have a temple that would be  Hallowed  ground, assuming they survive.

 DC 10 Constitution save to benefit from a long rest:  Only Vidrik fails this time. 

As scions of the Order, you have studied enough to recognize that Dracula is likely on the Plane of Shadows, an intermediate plane between death and the living world.  You have no means of planar travel, but as Dracula is “dead,” resurrecting him would force him back to the material plane, where he could be fought while weak from being restored to flesh.  This would kill him, banishing him for another century. Bringing back him against his will would require gathering things to act as a material focus.  You know that the remnants left behind last time were placed in sealed containers, soaking in holy water, and were dispersed to various locations around the area (the different towers and castles) specifically to make bringing him back difficult.  You even know where to find them.  Of course, you would also need a more powerful spell than  Raise Dead  to bring him back.

Or you could wait until whatever plan he has in motion brings him back to the Material Plane on his own terms...
 
 Spoiler 

Not a huge fan of what I've seen of Netflix CV, but it was the best picture I could find.

Long rest 8 hrs + 2 hours meals/camp set up = 10 hrs.  Starts at 9pm, ends at 7am (or maybe my chart is 1/2 hr off in numbering).  1 hour of darkness remains.  It's late fall, so days are only 11 hours long, and nights are 13 hours.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  17/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

During the night, while she kept watch, Cassandra copied Flaming Sphere from the spell scroll she had found. The scroll did not survive the transcription, but Cassandra was happy nonetheless. A spell like that would save lives. Then the nightmare came, the visage of Dracula himself. When she finally awoke, Cassandra felt the Vampire Killer was warm to the touch, like heated metal cooled by time. Did it know about the vision Dracula sent out? Legends spoke of how the whip was sentient in some way, but if it could talk nobody had managed to get it to.

Watching the others stir, Cassandra organises her bag and prepares her spells for the day. She gives the spell scrolls of Cure Wounds and Mass Healing Word to Vidrik and Mustafar respectively and, when the group is settled, she broaches the subject she imagines is on all their minds.

“What are we going to do about Dracula? I was not yet born when Dracula threatened these lands last, but in my youth I felt the impact nonetheless. It took decades for my family to recover from the losses Dracula and his forces inflicted upon them. If he can come back again and again, we-“ she looks at Vidrik and Chloé, “-will have to fight him again and again. We know how to bring him back prematurely, but defeating him like that would only buy us another century and to our kind that is no time at all. I think we need a more… permanent solution, but to find one we would need knowledge. We would need a deeper understanding of what Dracula is and what binds him to this world, what motivates him to try to claim it for himself. Someone must know how to destroy him entirely.”
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Av.)   
 "I...I don't think we have the luxury of searching for a permanent solution right now."  Chloé stammers, words unsure, but fingers carefully working their way through her supplies to create another experiment. It helped to relax her, give her something to rely on.  "We should focus on getting rid of the immediate problem, to save the lives here and now, and then worry about the next hundred years while we have them to worry about." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 32/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 

Sabian pauses from his morning weapon drills,   We're all in this together, elf or not,   he says.   I think we continue to Holmwood Tower and see if anyone there can help. Then we figure out what to do next.   
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  17/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Of course defeating Dracula and his forces now is the most important goal," Cassandra says, "I just would like for us to... expand our options. I can't imagine that, in the last hundred and thirty years, no one else has researched Dracula's potential resurrection and ways to stop it. Perhaps the Laruba Monastery or the missing Arcane Tower might hold the clues we seek? My own family may yet reveal answers we could use. Even if we must travel to the Plane of Shadows itself and destroy Dracula there, if that is the key to a more permanent solution, then I would explore it, even if there would be no return."

She pauses for a moment. "I'm sorry for being so forward. For a Hartdegen, to die old and to die well are two different things. I may not be as brazen as my family members are but I still believe as they do. I would drag Dracula's soul to Hell even if it meant my own damnation."
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Av.)   
 "I don't know - it sounded like most of the Order was happy to rest on their laurels,"  Chloé frowns, trying not to speak ill of the dead while still being honest with her feelings.  "But Sabian's right. We can't plan too far ahead with how little we know. The tower's closest, we should probably make that our first destination. Hopefully they're doing better there than Yomi." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Vidrik takes his turn at watch and is relieved that there are no attacks. Unfortunately, he doesn't sleep well, nightmares haunting his sleep. In the morning, he gets ready and carves a few more stakes for his crossbow. During the discussion of our long-term plans, he agrees that we should go to the tower.

  "Perhaps the monastery could be our next destination. But our plans might change before then. Let's see if anyone is alive in the tower, first."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Fortunately, he hadn't used any resources yesterday
 
J-H
After breaking camp, you head south towards Holmwood Keep.  Sunlight is a welcome sight, shining over the Carpathian range to the east, although the mountains block your direct view of the sunrise, and the large trees filter it out further.  Shortly before reaching the road, Vidrik's keen eyes catch sight of a pair of blue-white spiders among the trees about 60 feet away.  The spider's bodies are at least four feet long, and their legs span a space at least seven feet wide.  They appear to be watching the party, but before he can act, they vanish from sight.
 
 Spoiler: Nature DC 13 

Phase spiders are known to go "invisible" by transporting themselves to the adjacent ethereal plane, from which they can attack
 


Terrain:  The Denis Woods are hilly, and difficult to navigate when off the path or away from the river.  The proximity to the river, rain, and runoff from the mountains has given plenty of moisture to fuel the growth of large trees, as well as brambles, bushes, and saplings in their shadow.  Visibility is limited to short distances, aside from the straight lines of the road from the bridge to Holmwood Tower.

What do you do?
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Av.)   
 "Phase spiders."  Chloé whispers.  "We should try to avoid unnecessary battles if we can, but if they do spot us, they can slip in and out of reality, so it's hard to maintain distance." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  17/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"As if regular giant spiders weren't bad enough," Cassandra chuckles nervously, "We should circle around, moving quickly and quietly. Spiders rarely stray far from their nest, so these ones shouldn't follow us very far."
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Vidrik picks whichever side of the path seems safest, probably uphill, and leads the others into the woods, trying to get past the spiders without disturbing them.

  "Everyone be quiet in case they don't want trouble. But be ready in case they are hunting us."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Survival for best route  (1d20+4)[ 13 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 32/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 

Sabian is mostly quiet as the group travels through the woods. He isn't sure what the vision of Dracula meant, or what they should do, or if everyone at the Order is really gone. He wants to talk with the others, but they have to get to safety first. Suddenly, Vidrik stops the group. He spotted phase spiders ahead, but Sabian didn't get to see them before they shifted away. The group decides to try and maneuver around them, giving the area Vidrik saw them in a wide berth.

 
 Spoiler 
  Help Action   --&gt; Vidrik Survival check  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] 
  Stealth (Disadvantage)   -  (1d20+4)[ 14 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] 
 
 
 
  
J-H
The party turns and moves away, with Vidrik giving directions quietly.  Unfortunately, even with Mustafa's prayers, it's not enough.  It's hard to move quickly and presence-concealing way through the woods when your pursuers can simply travel  through  the trees and bushes in a straight line to catch up to you.  With a slight crunching of leaves as it fades back into the Material Plane, one of the spiders appears next to Chloe, its mouthparts already in motion and close to her skin.  Luckily, that's just enough, and she manages to duck away from the large predator

 
 Spoiler 

Bite  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  for  (1d20+2)[ 4 ]  piercing, plus  (4d8)[ 19 ]  poison damage, Con DC 11 half on the poison damage.
Chloe Con  (1d20)[ 18 ] +mods
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Vidrik 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Vidrik moves to get a better angle, and shoots a stake at the spider.

  "Let's go everyone. We need to hit it quickly before it phases out again!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move 5 west 1 north
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 15 ] ,  (1d10+5)[ 13 ] , + BA MH  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 
J-H
Vidrik's bolt flies true and deep, causing a deep wound that spurts blue ichor.
Another spider appears in view, this one attempting to bite the apparently unarmored Cassandra.  Its pincers close on her neck, injecting poison.  She falls to the ground, unconscious and rigid with paralysis.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  for  (1d10+2)[ 5 ]  piercing damage, and  (4d8)[ 25 ]  poison damage, Con DC 11 half.
Cassandra Con save  (1d20)[ 4 ] +mods
 


PS1 is in P294:Q295
 =&gt;Chloe, Mustafa, Cass, Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 32/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: 9/10 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

One of the spiders appears and attacks Vidrik. Sabian, covering the rear, looks around for another spider attack. He hears a commotion behind him in time to see Cassandra slump to the ground, unmoving, and a massive spider looming over her.   Cassandra, no!!   The Skellegue fury rises in him and he moves to engage the spider.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Item Interaction   - Draw +1 Spear
  Bonus Action   - Rage!
  Move   - Move to Q-293, adjacent to spider.
  Action   - Attack (Recklessly of course)
Attack -  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Damage -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 7 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
 
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Av.)   

Chloé holds no special fear from spiders. Though many other acolytes at the Church found them disquieting or terrifying, she has a great deal of respect for the venoms they can produce as ingredients.

She'd just really prefer it if they weren't being brought to bear against her and hers. Cassandra falls, but Chloé doesn't have room to intervene or aid. She uncorks a flask and sprays flame at the massive magical spider's feet, aiming to see it gone from her.

 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Action:  Create Bonfire under the spider.  (1d8)[ 8 ]  fire vs DC14 Dex
PS2:  (1d20)[ 3 ] +mods

 Bonus Action:  Servant STRIKE!  (1d20+5)[ 23 ]  Disadv from melee:  (1d20+5)[ 23 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --  
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Despite his formal education in philosophy, theology, algebra and medicine, when it came to hunting monsters, the Vampiralgietch was a soldier first and a scholar second. Dangers like curses, mind tricks or poison not only escaped his understanding, but also terrified him. The mere sight of a monstrous spider sinking its fangs on a comrade was enough to inject a good dose of adrenaline in his blood.

In the heat of battle, Mustafa summoned the most powerful spell he had mastered so far, a spell of fire and destruction and death for all creatures of the night. He raised his Holy Symbol, and from the crescent moon burst a tongue of fire, a scorching ray that flew straight at the spider...

 (1d20+5)[ 13 ]  for  (2d6)[ 7 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  for  (2d6)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  for  (2d6)[ 4 ] 
J-H
Chloe stands her ground, her flames burning the spider as it presents a target that her metallic servant can't help but hit.  Mustafa's holy magic flies true, as three bolts of flame slam into the other spider, badly injuring it (all 3 hit for 20 damage).

Cassandra lies on the ground, unable to move, but Sabian moves to protect her and stabs his spear, glowing with holy flame, right into the spider's head.  Only one remains, the one near Chloe.  It is badly injured.  In an act of spite, it again attempts to bite her, and does so, stabbing its mouthparts past her armor like a pair of poison-injecting short swords before returning to the Ethereal plane, leaving behind a strong stench of burnt chitin and a puddle of blue blood.  Chloe falls to the ground, unmoving.

 
 Spoiler 

PS2 vs Chloe
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  for  (1d10+2)[ 8 ]  piercing damage, plus  (4d8)[ 25 ]  poison damage, Con DC 11 halves the poison.
Chloe Con  (1d20)[ 15 ] 

PS1 is dead.  PS2 goes Ethereal.  It has 1 hit point left, so you're pretty sure it's not going to be dumb enough to return for round 2.
 

 Chloe and Cassandra are both at 0hp and stable, but poisoned &amp; paralyzed for 1 hour 
 =&gt; Party 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 0/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Av.)   

Being able to experience the spider's venom firsthand was  also  not on Chloé's list of desired experiences.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3
Goodberreis: 8/10
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Vidrik pulls some berries out of his pouch, says a short family prayer over them, and feeds one each to Chloe and Cassandra. Normally, these berries would revive someone who is unconscious, but neither of the women stirs.

  "The spider's must have a potent poison. I don't know how long it lasts, but we should probably wait here for a bit to see if they wake up."  

While the others decide what to do with our poisoned friends, Vidrik goes over to the dead spider and tries to dissect out the poison glands.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Survival to harvest poison.  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  17/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Was almost someone's lunch  
 
  

Cassandra is paralysed!
She can't move!
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 32/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Once the group confirms that Chloe and Cassandra are still alive, Sabian is able to relax a little.   Nice work everyone,   he says to the others, including Chloe and Cass.   I've heard of these spiders, but have never faced them before.  

He picks up both Chloe and Cassandra and moves them closer together to a space the others can easily defend them, and makes sure they are comfortable.   Let's stay alert, with a back to a tree, in case there are any more.   
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Av.)   

Between a goodberry, a single potion, and an hour's rest, Chloé's remarkably feeling back to full strength, albeit her clothes have a little tear in them that might need sewing shut later.  "I...I'm sorry for getting caught out. I'll try to do better next time."  And there would be a next time, she knew.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 32/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
  Chloe, we'll hear nothing of it. Those spiders are designed to catch any of us unaware. I'm just glad you're both okay, I was worried there at the beginning. If you're both up for it, we should continue on to the Tower.   The optimism in Sabian's voice wavers,   Hopefully there will be help there.    
 
  
J-H
After everyone is feeling better, you move south, getting on the road to Holmwood Tower.  At one point not too far along (first hex) there's a rocky, steep hillside over the road.  Vidrik spots a pointy rock near the top that catches his eye.  The rocks around it look wrong, with strange contiguous ridges that don't match the pattern of normal erosion.  It's about 120' away, and 35' above the road.
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3
Goodberreis: 8/10
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Vidrik continues to lead the party south. When he spots the unusual rocks at the top of the hill he calls for a halt to the marching and describes what he sees to the others, pointing out the discrepancies from the surrounding rocks.

  "Something's not right up there. Let's loop around and check it out from above."  

He recommends we back up a little, go off the road, and approach the rocks from the other side.
J-H
You circle around it and re-emerge back on the road to the south without any incident.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 32/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian looks back up to the top of hillside as they move away from it,   Any idea what it might be?   
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3
Goodberreis: 8/10
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Guiding the others past the strange rock formation, once they reach the road again, Vidrik doesn't want to backtrack just to investigate it.

  "Let's keep going. I'd rather those rocks stay a mystery and all of us survive the day. There's no point looking for trouble when there's so much around us already."  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Av.)   

The slight burn in Chloé's veins still hasn't gone away, a painful reminder of her own fragility.  "I won't argue, if we can get by without a fight against...whatever it is."  It could just be a pile of rocks, but she doesn't know, and doesn't really  want  to know.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
J-H
You proceed along the road without incident for about another hour.  The sun climbs in the sky, but the presence of trees means you're in shadow almost all of the time.  It's still cool, and the dew hasn't yet evaporated fully.  You proceed down the road at a good pace, hoping to find help at Holmwood Tower.  Chloe and Vidrik spot grey shapes in the undergrowth ahead, but it seems they aren't the only ones to be paying attention!  Canine shapes hop to their feet, startled.  There are two that stand man-high, and a number of others who are more normal-sized, although it's hard to get an exact count due to the trees and underbrush.

 
 Spoiler: Map &amp; Initiative 

   

Cass
Dire Wolves
Chloe
Sabian
Wolves
Mustafa
Vidrik
 

 =&gt; Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  17/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cassandra strafes to her right and flings a bolt of flame from the Vampire Killer at the direwolf nearest the road, hoping to scare them into the forest and making it harder for them to surround the group.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to T294.
Cast Firebolt at D1. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] , to damage:  (1d10)[ 4 ]  fire damage.
 
J-H
Cassandra's bolt of flame scorches fur.  With an angry snarl, the dire wolves move forwards and apart.  One moves to your left to flank the party.  The other crosses the road and circles to your right and forward, a path that lets it reach Cassandra.  It snarls at her again and bites with dagger-sized teeth, its jaws snapping shut in front of her face.  Up close, you can see anger in its eyes.  It's easy to recall tales of wolves and bats serving vampires...
 
 Spoiler 

Bite  (1d20+5)[ 13 ]  for  (2d6+3)[ 9 ] 
Str DC 13 or prone
Cass Str save  (1d20)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe, Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 32/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian curses as the wolves appear and begin circling around them. One of the dire wolves reaches Cassandra and bites at her.   Cass I'm right behind you,   shouts Sabian as he charges forth, fury rising, and thrusts at the wolf with his spear.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Bonus Action   - Rage
  Move   - Move to S-293 (X291 --&gt; U291 --&gt; T292 --&gt; S293)
  Action   - Attack D1 with Reckless Attack
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 26 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 8 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Slashing  - (1d6+6)[ 9 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+1)[ 3 ] 
 
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Av.)   

Chloé doesn't fancy becoming wolf chow, so she swiftly tugs the vial she concoted from earlier, empties it onto her hand, and then slaps Vidrik on the back of his neck, letting the unguent do its work, before getting slightly closer to the massive beast menacing Cassandra and unleashing a small burst of magic against it.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Expending Experimental Elixir on Vidrik. He's now BOLD. - +1d4 to saves+attack rolls for 1 minute.
 Move:  Two south.
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike on D1.
Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d4+2)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Chloe's homonculus strikes accurately, although not as accurately as Sabian with his spear.  He strikes deep between the wolf's ribs, causing a torrent of blood to spill out as the beast staggers.
The rest of the wolves charge forth from the brush, snarling and dashing close.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Vidrik, Cassandra 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3
Goodberreis: 8/10
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Vidrik moves away from the nearest wolf, trying to line up a shot to take out a few of the wolves next to Chloe.

  "We need to take out the wolves. If they gang up on you, they're even more dangerous than the dire wolves."  

He shoots at the wolves and then ducks behind the tree.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to U290, shoot W8 (aiming so W0 and W7 are in the line), then move to S289
BA Hunt Prey
Shoot W8 (then W0,W7)  (1d20+9)[ 20 ] , Damage  (1d10+5)[ 8 ] , plus  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
J-H
As Vidrik ducks away, the wolf closest to him snaps at his leg.
 
 Spoiler: W3 OA 

Attack  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 10 ]  piercing; if hit, DC 11 Str save or be knocked prone
Str save (1d20)[ 12 ] + (1d4)[ 1 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  18  | HP:  17/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Clearly surrounded, Cassandra instead focuses inward. She hears the wind blow, leaves drifting in their embrace, and she begins to sway as well. Her movements are graceful and, more importantly, evasive.

"Their numbers will work against them," she says, her voice oddly calm, "But first let's make some breathing room."

 
 Spoiler 
Cassandra activates a Bladesong as a bonus action (+3 AC)
Vampire Killer attack against D1. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: --  
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Gods curse him! Even the animals, creatures pure of heart, had been turned against them. Mustafa didn't know too much about the animal Kingdom, but he knew these creatures were rather simple-minded, and taking himself bigger would affect the beast's confidence, so he ran with his arms up:    "-rrrAAAAGHHH!!" 
  
Attacking D2
 (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  for  (1d4+3)[ 4 ]  bludgeoning +  (1d4)[ 1 ]  radiant
J-H
Mustafa charges east to engage the biggest wolf, hoping to draw it away from his allies.  He tries to hop through the brush between two wolves, but the beasts take advantage of his distractions.  It's hard to walk, or even stand, with jaws locked around both ankles.  He falls to the ground with both legs bleeding, but gets back up.
 
 Spoiler: OAs 

W4
Advantage due to pack tactics
 (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 4 ] , on hit Str DC 11 or prone
Str save  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
W9
 (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ] , on hit Str DC 11 or prone
Str save  (1d20)[ 6 ] 
2 hits.  You still have your movement left, so you can get up after each hit, but getting up from prone twice uses all your movement.
 


Vidrik's bolt goes through one wolf and lodges in the side of the next (killed W8, W0 takes 8 damage).

Cassandra finishes off the first Dire Wolf with the Vampire Killer.
J-H
The large wolf comes to Mustafa, snarling at him.  He hits it with his holy symbol, and it lunges at him in turn, but his armor protects him

 
 Spoiler 

Mustafa hit for 5.
D2 attack, advantage from Pack Tactics
 (1d20+5)[ 12 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  for  (2d6+3)[ 8 ] , DC 13 Str save or prone
Str save  (1d20)[ 4 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe, Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 32/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian moves to flank one of the wolves and stabs out at it with divine fury.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Move   - Move to T292.
  Action   - Attack W2 Recklessly.
 Attack  - [roll]1d20+6[roll],  (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 8 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
  Move   - If W2 dies, move to S291.
 
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: --   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.)   

With one hand Chloé tosses a potion at Mustafar, one that shatters above his head. The aerosolised liquid immediately dissolves the glass, causing a gentle rain of healing liquid to coat him. With her other hand, she uncorks her Decanter, and blasts the wolves with the holiest of waters. It wasn't made for animal control, but beggars couldn't be choosers.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  1 square North, risking the OA from the wolf she moves away from. If it knocks her prone, she'll stand up again.
 Action:  Decanter (Cone). Pretty sure that hits all four wolves next to her.  (3d6)[ 10 ]  Radiant or half on  successful DC15 Dexsave.
W9:  (1d20)[ 6 ] 
W1:  (1d20)[ 2 ] 
W0:  (1d20)[ 20 ] 
W4:  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Healing Word on Mustafar for  (1d4+3)[ 4 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
 
 Spoiler: OA 

W1 OA
Advantage from Pack Tactics
 (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 10 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  looks like a hit 
Str save  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
 


The holy water burns over the furred creatures, burning them...they do serve Dracula, after all.  The one with a stake lodged in its side collapses.  Sabian's spear does in another.

The two wolves next to Cassandra snap at her, trying to bring her down, joined by a third.  They draw blood, but she keeps her balance.  The others circle Mustafa and Chloe, trying to knock them down as well.  Chloe takes another bite wound.  Mustafa isn't so lucky.  One leg is jerked out from under him, and another wolf hops on top of him to keep him from getting up easily, while snarling in his face and dripping blood from holy water burns.
 
 Spoiler 

Cassandra W5, W6, W7
W5
Advantage from Pack Tactics
 (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 9 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Str save  (1d20)[ 15 ] 

W6
Advantage from Pack Tactics
 (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  hit, not proned 
Str save  (1d20)[ 17 ] 

W7
Advantage from Pack Tactics
 (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  hit, not proned 
Str save  (1d20)[ 15 ] 
 or 
 If already proned, will try to grapple to hold down,  (1d20+1)[ 16 ]  vs  (1d20)[ 17 ]  vs Athletics or Acrobatics 

Chloe
W1
Advantage from Pack Tactics
 (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Str save  (1d20)[ 14 ] 

W9
Advantage from Pack Tactics
 (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  hit, not proned 
Str save  (1d20)[ 17 ] 
 or 
 If already proned, will try to grapple to hold down,  (1d20+1)[ 19 ]  vs  (1d20)[ 9 ]  vs Athletics or Acrobatics 

Mustafa
W3
Advantage from Pack Tactics
 (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 9 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  hit, prone 
Str save  (1d20)[ 3 ] 

W4
 Advantage from Pack Tactics
 (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 10 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Str save  (1d20)[ 3 ]  
 or 
If already proned, will try to grapple to hold down,  (1d20+1)[ 20 ]  vs  (1d20)[ 14 ]  vs Athletics or Acrobatics  Looks like a successful grapple 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

W1, W4, and W9 are visibly very badly burned and close to death
   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa (grappled by W4, prone), Vidrik, Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  18  | HP:  17/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cassandra is able to dodge the first wolf but the second and third are able to take advantage of her evasion and are certain to sink their teeth into her skin... until the Vampire Killer seems to come alive in her defense and both wolves' teeth find purchase only in holy metal.

Cassandra then lashes out at the wolf with the Vampire Killer and backs off, ducking in behind Sabian and leaning against the tree to catch her breath. "Sorry but this feels like it's more your forte than my own," she offers as a weak apology to him.

 
 Spoiler 
Use her reaction to cast Shield to increase AC to 23 until the start of her next turn, negating both hits.

Vampire Killer attack against W7. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.

Move to S290.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3
Goodberreis: 8/10
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Vidrik sees Cassandra surrounded by three wolves and thinks she needs the most help, despite Mustafa being pinned to the ground. Hopefully Sabian can get over to help Chloe and Mustafa.

  "Sabian! Help Mustafa. I'll try to take out the wolves around Cass."  

He shoots at the wolves to the south and then ducks back behind the tree. In his rush to find cover again, his bolt goes wide, missing both of the wolves.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to U289, shoot W6 (through to W5), then move back to to S289
BA Hunt Prey
Shoot W8 (then W6,W5)  (1d20+9)[ 11 ] , Damage  (1d10+7)[ 17 ] , plus  (1d6)[ 5 ]  only to W6
 
J-H
Mustafa, bitten 4 times, is unconscious.  Vidrik lines a shot up, shaving some hair off of one of the wolves next to Cassandra, but not quite drawing blood.  The bladesinger slashes at one of the wolves, then moves away...
 
 Spoiler 

3 OAs, with advantage from Pack Tactics.
W5
 (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ]  and Str DC 11 or Prone
Str save  (1d20)[ 12 ] 

W6
 (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ]  and Str DC 11 or Prone
Str save  (1d20)[ 8 ] 

W7
 (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 9 ]  and Str DC 11 or Prone
Str save  (1d20)[ 8 ] 
 Looks like 2 hits unblockable by Shield for 14 damage, and either Shield the 2nd attack or get knocked to 0? 
 
J-H
Cassandra is brought down to the ground by the wolf bites, unable to escape from them.

The large wolf charges right at Sabian, the biggest and heaviest-armored foe.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+5)[ 23 ]  for  (2d6+3)[ 8 ] , Str DC 13 or prone
Str save  (1d20)[ 18 ]  or  (1d20)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe, Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 28/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian can barely react before the other dire wolf is on him, barreling into him and biting down on his shield arm. It wrenches down, causing him pain, but Sabian keeps his feet and remains standing. He frees his arm from the wolf, and though it has clearly targeted him for its next kill, Sabian keeps his shield between him and the dire wolf, and stabs at the injured wolf near Cassandra.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Move   - Move to S292.
  Action   - Attack W7 Recklessly.
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Slashing  - (1d6+6)[ 10 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+1)[ 3 ] 
  Move   - If W7 dies, move back to S291.
 
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  18  | HP:  3/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  1/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

The Vampire Killer yet again curls to Cassandra's defense but this time it isn't enough. She is still knocked off her feet, but she quickly flips gracefully back up and moves away from the wolves towards Sabian.

 
 Spoiler 
Use reaction to cast Shield (AC &gt; 23)
Use remainder of movement to stand up from prone, then move 20ft to R293.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 9/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    

She was injured. Cassandra was injured. Mustafar was down. A pack of wolves looked to be spelling their end, all she could do was keep trying. She unleashes another blast from her Decanter, and tosses another vial at the unconscious Mustafar, hoping it would grant him some measure of protection against being torn asunder.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Action:  Decanter (Line).  (3d6)[ 11 ]  Radiant or half on  successful DC15 Dexsave.
W1:  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
W7: [ (1d20)[ 17 ] 
D2:  (1d20)[ 10 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Healing Word on Mustafar for  (1d4+3)[ 7 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Cassandra manages to pull herself away.  Chloe's holy water burns two of the wolves badly enough that they collapse to the ground, and Sabian kills another with his weapon (retargeted to W6, W7 got killed by Chloe).

The wolves pursue their targets hungrily; one move towards Vidrik, leaping on him and knocking him down as it bites the ranger.  One chases Cassandra, but its attack is blocked by her magically conjured Shield, and the two flanking Chloe attack her.  One misses, but gets behind her knees, and the other one bites and trips her.
 
 Spoiler 

W3 vs Vidrik
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  and DC 11 Str save or prone  hit/prone 
Str save  (1d20)[ 4 ] 

W5 vs Cassandra
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 4 ]  and DC 11 Str save or prone  shield cast on her turn blocks this  
Str save  (1d20)[ 13 ] 

W4 w/ Pack Tactics vs Chloe
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  or Attack  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 8 ]  and DC 11 Str save or prone  miss 
Str save  (1d20)[ 8 ] 

W9 w/ Pack Tactics vs Chloe
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  or Attack  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ]  and DC 11 Str save or prone  hit/prone 
Str save  (1d20)[ 2 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   

Mustafa now has 1 level of exhaustion from going to 0.  So do Chloe and Cassandra from going to 0hp earlier, I just forgot about it until now.
W4 is still standing on Mustafa (grappling).
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Vidrik, Cassandra 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 11/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3
Goodberreis: 8/10
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Vidrik stands up and maneuvers around the wolf, shooting at it point blank in order to try to clear his way. He aims his shot so that if it goes through the wolf, it continues to hit the ones surrounding Chloe.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to S287, shoot W3 (through to W9 and W4)
BA Hunt Prey
Shoot shoot W3 (through to W9 and W4)  (1d20+9)[ 14 ] , Disadvantage  (1d20+9)[ 19 ] , Bless  (1d4)[ 1 ] , Damage  (1d10+7)[ 11 ] , plus  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 7/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1, Prone 
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Mustafa didn't know who had brought him back to his senses, but he could feel one of the wolves dragging him away. Knowing he would die fast if that wolf leapt to his neck, he raised his scepter in the air and cast a cone of flames at the single target in front of him.

Burning hands
 (3d6)[ 14 ] 

W4's dex save:
 (1d20)[ 11 ]  + modifiers (DC 13)
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  18  | HP:  3/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  1/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cassandra moves beside Sabian, gives him a nod and whips the large wolf before them. "Let's get this over with."

 
 Spoiler 
Move to R291.
Vampire Killer attack against D2. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 
J-H
Mustafa's spell kills the wolf holding him down.
Vidrik moves north and lines up a shot that kills one wolf, thenn goes on through to kill the next one by Chloe.  Cassandra's whip lashes out at the large wolf, but she fails to connect.  The large wolf lunges at Sabian once again, but he interposes his shield.
 
 Spoiler 

D2, advantage from Reckless
 (1d20+5)[ 9 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  for  (2d6+3)[ 8 ]  and Str DC 13 or prone
Str save  (1d20)[ 11 ]  or   (1d20)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
   
 

 =&gt;Chloe, Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 28/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

In a matter of seconds, the party has managed to turn the tide of the encounter, and there are only two wolves remaining; one dire, snapping at Sabian, and the other a regular wolf, still deadly and biting at Cassandra.

Sabian digs his feet into the ground and holds his own against the dire wolf, the creature furiously trying to find purchase somewhere on his shield or arm to drag him to the ground. He keeps moving his shield where he needs to to frustrate the beast, each time taking a measured step closer to Cassandra. Finally, when in reach, he stabs at the other wolf, looking to impale it in the side and finish it.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 
  Move   -  Move to S293.
  Action   - Attack W5 Recklessly
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 8 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Slashing  - (1d6+6)[ 12 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 
  Move   - If W5 dies, move to S292.
 
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 9/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    

Thankfully, finally, freed from being surrounded by deadly evil wolves, Chloé's able to return to her standard battle tactic of throwing flasks until everything falls over. This one is made out of liquid fire.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Action:  Create bonfire on D2  (1d8)[ 4 ]  Fire vs. DC14 Dex
D2:  (1d20)[ 19 ] +mods

 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike  (1d20+5)[ 9 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
The big wolf nimbly dodges Chloe's attacks.  Sabian takes advantage of this to hop to the side, dropping his guard to skewer the last normal beast with his spear.  Only the large, red-eyed wolf remains.

 =&gt;Mustafa, Vidrik, Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  18  | HP:  3/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  1/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cassandra continues to attack the direwolf.

 
 Spoiler 
Vampire Killer attack against D2. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 15 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 11/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3
Goodberries: 8/10
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Vidrik turns his crossbow to the last remaining wolf, knowing we need to the out this threat before we can tend to the wounded, including himself

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

BA Hunt Prey
Shoot it  (1d20+9)[ 14 ] , Bless  (1d4)[ 3 ] , Damage  (1d10+7)[ 8 ] , plus  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 
J-H
Mustafa lurches over to the last wolf, swinging his holy symbol into its spine.  It collapses to the ground, mouth frothing, and is easily finished off.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 9/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    

With the last wolf dead, Chloé flops to the ground, strength in her legs momentarily giving out.  "Should we take another rest? We're still a ways away from the keep, and if it's not friendly it...might be better to rest away from it instead of at it." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3
Hit Dice: 1/3
Goodberries: 8/10
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Vidrik collects his stakes, pulling them out of the dead wolves and gathering the ones that missed for went through their last target. He bandages his won wounds and then responds to Chloe.

  "Yes. We need to rest."  

He tries to find the group a safe, secluded, sheltered spot out of view of the road. After the rest, he offers goodberries to anyone who needs them before we use any more of our healing potions.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Hit Dice until above 22
 (1d10+2)[ 5 ] 
 (1d10+2)[ 12 ] 
  (1d10+2)[ 6 ]   did not need
 
J-H
The group short rests without any problems.  It's around noon now, and the Goodberries and the food you found in the wagon make for a decent meal.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  8/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

Cass is somewhat amused that the sun is only now reaching its apex given how long the day has felt already, but begins recovering her physical and mental energy for whatever comes next. There's no knowing what they'll have to face before they have a chance to rest again.

 
 Spoiler 
Arcane Recovery to regain two 1st level spell slots.
Spend last hit die to recover  (1d6+1)[ 4 ]  hit points.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 7/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1, Prone 
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Mustafa remained awfully quiet for the duration of their long rest. Humbled by shame, he started a quick fire with his magic to heat up a bone needle, then doused it in spirit, and started the long, arduous process of sewing up his wounds. Magic healing had its perks, but the Vampiralgietch was a soldier as much as he was a priest, and had been taught about honor and discipline. He must feel the pain from his wounds not to make the same mistake in the future again.

 
 Spoiler 
Short rest rolls on discord:
3+2=5
3+2=5
8+2=10
maxed out at 24
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 28/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian looks over the corpses,   The land is already feeling Dracula's influence. A pack this size has no business being this close to the road or the tower.   
 
  
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;25952133]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Once Mustafa chewed on Sabian's words, he asked the group:   "Should we burn them?"  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    
 "I can help with fire."  Chloé says, taking a breather proper, and handing Cassandra her last home-grown potion for the day. Once she's finished resting, she douses the wolf corpses in liquid flame, one after another. They didn't have time for a full pyre, but at least burning them mostly through should hopefully keep them from rising again.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Chloé spends her last hit dice for  10  (rolled max!)
She also expends her last spellslot on Cure Wounds on Cassandra for  9 .
Create Bonfiring on the wolf bodies.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
The black smoke rises up, thick and greasy.  Once you're sure you aren't going to cause a forest fire, you get back on the road and head south.  You meet no other traffic before you reach Holmwood Tower.

Built as an outer defense covering one of the two overland paths to the Order, Holmwood Tower is not a large castle.  It is a relatively small, at about 50’ in diameter and six floors high, capped off in a moderately pointed roof covered in clay tiles.  It is built of large blocks of locally-sourced grey stone, held together through good workmanship with minimal mortar.  It was raised over 100 years ago, but the grey stones have been kept polished and clean, especially on the lower floors.

The craggy mountains come close to its east side, and the land falls away to the river to the west.  With the area around the tower cleared of trees, it possesses a commanding view of a narrow choke point.  The road passes only 50' away from its  door.

There are no windows below the third floor.
 
 Spoiler: Perception 14+ 

Although you wouldn't expect to see lights from the inside in the pale sunlight of late fall, you would expect to hear the sounds of life, or the smell of baking bread.  Instead, it's completely silent.
 


The exterior door is made of thick planks of wood reinforced with iron on both sides, and has an iron ring attached to it to serve as a handle.  It is closed.
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3
Hit Dice: 1/3
Goodberries: 2/10
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Vidrik lets the others have goodberries until they feel well. Cass takes one and perks up, but it takes Chloe 5 before she starts to feel better.

When Chloe starts to light the fire, Vidrik asks her to pause for a second.

  "I understand that if we don't burn these bodies, they might rise tonight as zombies, but if we burn them, the smoke will be seen for dozens of miles, including by whoever is still at the Order, or anyone who they sent out to look for us."  

At the castle, he looks around for more signs of danger.

  "There should be more noise inside. Either everyone is gone, or dead, or they know what's happening and are hiding. Let's go knock on the door and find out."  

If the others agree, he loads his crossbow and moves towards the front gate.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  1717
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

“I don’t like how quiet it is. Does anyone know if there are any other ways inside?” Cass whispers, not wanting to draw attention in the silence.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 28/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian shakes his head,   Let's not knock. Better we get the jump on whatever might be inside.   
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  1717
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

Cassandra will attempt to see or recall anything related to alternative entry routes into the building.

 
 Spoiler 
Perception:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
History:  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 
 
J-H
Cassandra does not find any secret doors or back entries.  She does recall that one of the relics left behind by Dracula is here, hidden behind a false stone on the top floor.
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;25952133]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

 
 Originally Posted by Bobthewizard 
 [TABLE][TR] [TD=Width:120]  "I understand that if we don't burn these bodies, they might rise tonight as zombies, but if we burn them, the smoke will be seen for dozens of miles, including by whoever is still at the Order, or anyone who they sent out to look for us."   
 

  "It might be a little too late for that. Both spirits of the river must have seen us, so the Enemy already knows we've crossed to the Denis Woods. Unless we can find a way through the Carpathian,"   He pointed at the mountain range to the East.   "the tower is the only way we can go. Smoke or no smoke, they know where we're going."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 28/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
  I say we open the front door and let ourselves in. Hopefully we find allies hiding inside.   
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    
 "The front door does seem the best plan."  Chloé agrees, taking a step back.  "After you." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  1717
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

"Let's try to be quiet, eh?"

Cass will open the door and walk inside, as quietly as possible.

 
 Spoiler 
Stealth check (disadvantage):  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
 
J-H
The front door swings inwards with no hesitation when Cassandra pulls on it.  It has brackets mounted on the doorframe for a heavy bar, but the bar is apparently not in use.  Beyond it is a narrow hall around 20’ deep, with a bend to the right at the end. It is unlit.  The inner walls are wood, except for the end of the hallway, which is a stone wall.

Cassandra sees a number of narrow slits in the right side of the wall, placed between waist and chest height.  They're about 4" wide and 12" high each.
 =&gt; Party 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 28/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian's eyes are drawn to the murder holes. If they crawl to the other side, they can avoid any traps or tower defenders. He gazes up to the ceiling to look for any other hidden dangers. If he sees none, he will crawl down the corridor to the bend and peer around.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
  Perception  - (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 

Intent is to crawl to remain below the slits in the wall. A double move should get Sabian to the end and to peer around the corner. I don't know if Stealth is possible here given the rolls to open the door and the light coming in, but if so here's a roll with Disadvantage from armor:   Stealth  - (1d20+4)[ 11 ] ,   Stealth  - (1d20+4)[ 12 ] 
 
 
 
  
J-H
Sabian checks the ceiling and doesn't see anything.  He crawls down the hall, but before he reaches the end, a pike blade jabs down through the slits at him.  He hears the slight clatter of bone on armor as the blade is withdrawn, and then stab down again.

 
 Spoiler 

Advantage from being prone, disadvantage from attacking a prone target through a narrow slit being really awkward, straight roll.
The pikemen step back after attacking, but the hall is still in their range.
P1
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 8 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 8 ]  piercing
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 13 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 11 ]  piercing
 

 
 Spoiler: init 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 9 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 1 exh
Mustafar  (1d20+3)[ 11 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 1 exh
Vidrik  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 17 ]  or  (1d20+2)[ 9 ] 1 exh
Skeletal pikes  (1d20+2)[ 9 ] 
 

 sneaky   (1d20)[ 16 ]  
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Vidrik, Cassandra, Mustafa, Sabian, Chloe 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  17/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

Cassandra sees Sabian get poked by a sharp looking stick and, despite her better judgement, follows after him, and readies herself for whatever awaits them. Someone needs to create a safe path for the others.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to K19.
Ready a Vampire Killer attack for anything that enters her reach. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 14 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 1/3
Hit Dice: 1/3
Goodberries: 8/10
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Vidrik moves into the hallway. As he passes the arrow slit that the attacks on Sabian came from, he pauses, places the tip of his crossbow in the lower part of the slit, uses the top half to view his target, and shoots at one. In case they are human, he calls out.

  "Stop attacking us. We are allies."  

After he shoots, he moves past Sabian and peers around the corner.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move into hall, shooting through an arrow slit as above, ending at J19
BA Mark Prey
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 20 ] , damage  (1d10+7)[ 8 ]  +  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    

She hadn't really expected the keep to be safe but...there'd been a little bit of foolish hope, now dashed. She moves to follow the others, acid flask in hand, ready to burn anyone who gets close.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  To I19 if available, otherwise H19. Not sure if I19 will be free depending on movements since she's last in initiative.

 Action:  Acid Splash P1+P2.  (1d6)[ 4 ]  acid, DC14 Dex
P1:  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
P2:  (1d20)[ 17 ] 

In the event that she can't get to I19 'cos it's occupado, she'll  Ready  the above spellcast for any enemies entering her line of sight instead.

 Bonus Action:  (only if I19) Servant Strike  (1d20+5)[ 19 ] 
 Damage   (1d4+2)[ 5 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Everything hurt. Whenever Mustafa moved, his flesh pulled around the stitches and his recently sewed-up wounds threatened to reopen. He couldn't fight properly, and so he resorted to the a spell he didn't have to aim: a sacred flame of pure light shot from the top of his crescent moon staff. He targeted whichever pikeman looked more damaged.

 
 Spoiler 
Sacred Flame:  (1d8)[ 6 ]  radiant damage
 (1d20)[ 7 ]  + modifiers to negate, DC 13. The target gains no benefit from cover for this saving throw.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 28/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Vidrik moves into the hallway. As he passes the arrow slit that the attacks on Sabian came from, he pauses, places the tip of his crossbow in the lower part of the slit, uses the top half to view his target, and shoots at one. In case they are human, he calls out.

  "Stop attacking us. We are allies."  

Sabian calls out from the floor,   They're skeletons!  

As the others file in, Sabian leaps to his feet and throws his spear through the murder hole. He moves back out of the tower to avoid retaliation, and pulls the warhammer of his belt loop as he does,   Keep out of that corridor until we can make it around!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Move   - Stand up (15ft)
  Action   - Throw Spear at P1
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] 
 Damage  -  (1d6+4)[ 7 ] 
  Move   - Move to G19
  Object Interaction   - Draw Warhammer
 
 
 
  
J-H
Vidrik's crossbow bolt hits with a heavy clang and a splintering sound as bone cracks (hit for 10).  Cassandra moves in, seeking to flank the enemy, but runs into another skeleton just around the corner, this one with a shield which it interposes as she tries to attack it with her whip.
Mustafar moves in and leans over Sabian just enough to call down holy flame upon the pikeman that he can see (hit for 6).  Sabian throws his spear, then moves back out.  Chloe takes his place, splashing acid through the slits and hitting one (hit for 4).  Her construct servant shoots a bolt of magic, but the narrow slits make it hard to score a hit.

Taking advantage of the group being crammed in the front hall, the pikemen use the tower's defenses as they were intended to be used, stabbing at Chloe and Vidrik with their pikes.
 
 Spoiler 

P1 &amp; P2 each have taken 10 damage.
P1 vs Chloe
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 7 ] 
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 10 ] 
P2 vs Vidrik
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 9 ] 
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 11 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Vidrik 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 1/3
Hit Dice: 2/3
Goodberries: 3/10
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

While he would love to take out the injured pikemen, vidrik thinks the one in front of us is the bigger threat, keeping us bottled up here. He steps into Cass' space, and tries to maneuver point blank shot at the skeleton in front of her.

  "Let's go Cass. It's up to us to clear this bottleneck."  

After he shoots, he moves back to his current position.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move one square east, squeezing, shoot at disadvantage but no cover, then return to current location.
BA Mark Prey
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 23 ] , disadvantage  (1d20+9)[ 12 ] , damage  (1d10+7)[ 15 ]  +  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
J-H
Vidrik leans to the side, shooting past the corner in the hallway at the guard and putting a hole through its armor and ribcage.
 
 Spoiler 

There's a clear path from some of your square to some of its square.  No squeezing needed.  +2 to AC from cover, you still hit for 18 damage.
It is below half health.
 


The skeleton's sword stabs out twice from behind its shield, seeking to spill Cassandra's lifeblood.  One jab slips past her armor.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cassandra, Mustafa, Sabian, Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 2/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    

Pain shoots through her from the dual blows, and Chloé is forced to retreat.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike  (1d20+5)[ 23 ] 
 Damage   (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 Action:  If we saw the pikemen getting OA's, she'll Disengage. If they're not, she'll chug a healing potion for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  HP.

 Move:  To F19
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  10/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

The cramped corridor may make it difficult for Cass to evade the slashes from the skeletal warrior before her but, with any luck, the same is true for her own strikes. With a nod to Vidrik, she strikes.

 
 Spoiler 
Vampire Killer attack against SG. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.

If SG dies, move to L21.
If SG doesn't die, tumble through SG's space then move to L21. Contested Acrobatics check.

Cass (disadvantage):  (1d20+5)[ 12 ]   (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
Skeleton Guard:  (1d20)[ 13 ]  plus mods.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 28/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
  Get out of the corridor, don't stand in front of their pikes!   Sabian says, waiting for the corridor to clear.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Action:   Dodge
 
 
 
  
J-H
Cassandra's strike knocks the skeleton back, causing it to collapse as the magic holding the bones together is pushed beyond the breaking point.  Mustafa calls down holy flame on one of the pikemen.
 
 Spoiler 

Sacred Flame  (1d8)[ 4 ]  radiant damage, Dex save half, DC around 14ish, will look up if needed.
P1 Dex save  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
 


Chloe retreats to safety, although her homonculus shoots at one of the pikemen and strikes it on the way out.

The pikeman in line with Vidrik stabs at him twice, punching its blade through his armor easily.  The other one keeps its blade by the slits, ready to attack.
 
 Spoiler 

P1 readies its attacks.
P2 attacks Vidrik twice
Pike  (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 6 ]   crit for 12 
Pike  (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 10 ]   hit 
 


Cassandra, having moved forward, can see that the hall widens and continues, with three closed oak doors leading to other rooms, as well as a staircase at the far side.  The hall is unlit.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Vidrik, Cass, Mustafa, Sabian, Chloe 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 6/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 1/3
Hit Dice: 2/3
Goodberries: 3/10
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions:   
 
  

Two slices to the ribs! That's going to take some time to heal properly. Vidrik winces in pain but keeps his head about him.

  "Watch out for the slits everyone!"  

He shoots the least wounded of the pikemen. After he shoots, he moves around the corner after Cass.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

BA Mark Prey
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 28 ] , damage  (1d10+7)[ 11 ]  +  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
Move to K20
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 2/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    

Injuries don't give Chloé free reign to sit out the fight. She moves back in, hoping to finish off the skeletons.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Exact turn's going to depend a little on other people's positioning, unfortunately.

 Move:  To I19, Acid Splash+Strike, then move away from the slots.

 Action:  Acid Splash P1+P2  (1d6)[ 5 ]  DC14 Dex to negate
P1:  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
P2:  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] 
 Damage   (1d4+2)[ 5 ] 

In the event that both I+J19 are occupied by the time she'll just stay put and chug the potion that she didn't get to do last time.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  10/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

The rest of the building can wait. The two pikemen are getting too many easy hits on her allies, so Cassandra opens the door between them and her and lashes at the closest skeleton with the Vampire Killer.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to K21, open door.
Vampire Killer attack at P2. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 26 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 
J-H
 
 Spoiler: P2 OA vs Vidrik 

Attack  (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 11 ] 
 
J-H
Vidrik shoots the pikeman through the slots again, pressing his crossbow up close for a clear shot.  As he moves away, the pikeman stabs him in the side again, and he collapses.
Cassandra kicks open the door and slashes at the pikeman with the whip, beheading it.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21(Dodge) HP: 28/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Noticing one pike has still not stabbed out, Sabian moves down the corridor with caution, unsure if the creature has been destroyed or is waiting for someone to pass by. He loops his warhammer back on his belt and reaches down to grab Vidrik, moving him out of the way of the murder hole so the skeleton can't finish him off.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Object Interaction   - Stow Warhammer
  Action   - Dodge
  Move   - Move to K20
  Bonus Action   - Grab Vidrik as Sabian walks by and drag him to K19
 
 
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

From the safe spot he had positioned himself, Mustafa cast another burst of white flames at the remaining skeleton soldier.

 (1d8)[ 3 ] 
Dex save DC 13 negates:  (1d20)[ 6 ] 

Between one spell and another, Mustafa managed to swing his scepter on Vidrik's direction and cry:    "None shall fall! We press on!"   

Healing word: 5 HP
J-H
Mustafa's holy flame scorches the skeletal pikeman, and his magic revives Vidrik (1 exhaustion now, though).
Sabian moves past the pikeman cautiously, but it still manages to skewer him.  He drags Vidrik farther to safety.  The skeleton dodges Chloe's acid (barely), but not the force bolt from the metal creature on her shoulder.
 
 Spoiler: OA vs Sabian 

Readied attack with disadvantage
 (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 11 ] 
 


Withdrawing its pike from the slot, the badly damaged skeleton turns to face Cassandra, who just downed the other one like it.  It stabs at her twice from its position, but she dodges.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack twice. Both of you have reach weapons.
 (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 13 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 9 ]  for  (1d10+3)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Everyone 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  10/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

"We have a bone to pick with your master," Cassandra says as she swings the Vampire Killer once more, "But you'll do for now."

 
 Spoiler 
Vampire Killer attack against P1. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 18 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 
J-H
The last Pikeman clatters to the ground, and the area is silent save for the party's breathing, some of which is labored due to the wounds taken entering Holmwood tower.  Apparently, it is enemy territory.

The room that the pikemen (1C) were in contains a table with chairs, two decks of cards, and several cups of various dice.  Three lanterns hang on hooks along the wall, along with three flasks of oil.  Two of the lanterns are mundane, but the other is clearly of better make.
The other two rooms on the floor are food-related:
Room 1A is quite plainly the kitchen.  It has a large hearth, multiple tables, pots, pans, spits, knives, trays, and other food-related utensils, as well as some moldy bread and other food sitting out.  Room 1B is the pantry.
If you wish, you can try to gather more food for your travels.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  10/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

Cassandra will check the kitchen for any signs of prepared foods, such as warm meals or used ovens. Recent signs of life that might tell them how long the tower has been occupied by the undead, who do not cook themselves lunch.
J-H
Survival: 11+1=12
Nothing's warm or particularly fresh.  There's some food on the floor that has attracted a few flies, but nothing more.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  10/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

“It doesn’t look like the tower was taken today,” Cassandra ponders out loud to herself, “Perhaps a simultaneous attack with the one against the Order last night?”

She then turns to the others. “Assuming the noise we made already didn’t warn whoever is upstairs of our arrival, I would suggest one of us is cloaked in magic and goes to the next floor to see what they can spot without drawing attention to themselves. Remember that a vestige of Dracula’s is here. He may have sent some dangerous foes her to collect it.”

If anyone wishes to search another room while the group decides on the next course of action, Cassandra will help.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 17/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian helps Vidrik to his feet,   You alright?   He moves into the room where the pikemen were and grabs the flasks of oil and the lantern of superior make. After searching the room for signs of what might have happened to the defenders, Sabian heads back down the corridor, takes one more look outside, and closes the door behind them, barring it from entry from outside.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sabian takes the lantern, does it appear magical or just nicer quality?

If there is a bar to bar the front entrance door Sabian will do that as well.
 
 
 
  
J-H
The better lantern is a hooded lantern with a crystalline lens that resembles an eye.  It appears to still need oil to light, so if it's magic, it's not obvious magic.

Sabian finds the bar for the door.  When he closes the door, he notices that a thin layer of a tarry substance is smeared on the inner handle, but it wipes off his hand easily enough.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 17/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Once the front door is secure, Sabian lights the lantern so Mustafa can see,   I think we should hole up in one of these rooms and lick our wounds before heading up.   
 
  
J-H
The lantern lights like a normal one; nothing particularly special seems to happen.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 2/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    
 "I took some things we could use to slow anyone down if they come down the stairs while we're resting - I agree, we should take another break."  Though she'd managed to stay on her feet, that wasn't saying much, grand total.


 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Hunting Trap, Caltrops, and Ball Bearings up for use as things we could drop down and then recover once rest is done.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 11
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik wakes up to Mustafa's healing light. He's not sure what happened but the skeleton pikemen seem to have been disabled.

  "Thanks. I'm really tired though."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Last Hit Die  (1d10+2)[ 11 ] 
5+3 goodberries + cast again for 10 (use 9)
 
J-H
Everyone feels a bit better - or at least less injured - after taking the time to bandage your wounds, and perhaps eat.  It's now around 3pm.

The stone stairs going up are narrow and cool, but not as dark.  The hallway on the second floor cuts straight across the tower, slightly off-center, to stairs going up on the far side.  One door leads to the right, and two to the left.  The hall is dimly lit by a couple of Continual Flame torches.
     
J-H
While the party rests, Sabian plays with the lantern.  He's eventually able to determine that it projects a weird kind of light that he can barely perceive, in addition to regular light.  Sabian is pretty sure that this light would make even invisible items show up.
(it's a Lantern of Revealing)
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  10/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

"Let's check this room on our left first," Cassandra says, heading to 2B and opening the door to it.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Mustafa took a moment to munch on dry goat and nuts from his rations, drink some fresh water and apply another dose of spirit to his stitches. It stung like hell, but it was the best way to ensure they wouldn't get infected as they traveled through dirty roads and damp towers.

Halfway through their short rest, the Vampiralgietch devoted a at least ten minutes to silent meditating and praying, during which he searched the position of the sun in sky and knelt down facing East. Once he was done, he offered Chloe half a minute of a mumbled prayer; Knowing his comrades came from different parts of the world and followed other gods than his own, he kept the words to himself. Three times he chanted the ancient words of healing, and three times his new scepter shone like a star.

To the whole party, he confessed:   "I don't think I ever felt this tired, even when we marched through the countryside back in my homeland. I had no idea my magic reserves could be...  exhausted ."   He looked at his own hands, realizing he couldn't keep casting so many spells throughout one day. He had simply never needed to.
J-H
Cassandra opens the door to reveal an unoccupied room.  Several trestle tables with benches occupy this room.  A magical light in the middle of the room illuminates it with a cheery, slightly off-white color. Straw and rushes scattered about the floor swish underfoot as the she walks on them.  A table near the door holds a stack of plates, apparently waiting to be cleaned.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Mustafa confesses,    "I don't think I ever felt this tired, even when we marched through the countryside back in my homeland. I had no idea my magic reserves could be... exhausted."  

Sabian nods,   A lot has happened in the last day, and I fear we will be tested even further still. But I'm glad we're at least all together.  

"Let's check this room on our left first," Cassandra says, opening the first door. Sabian walks over, his spear tucked between his chest and arm so he can bring the lantern forward,   Hang on, let me go first. This is a Lantern of Revealing. It will reveal anything invisible.   
 
  
J-H
Nothing invisible is revealed within the room.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian moves the lantern around, pointing the light around the room,   Seems clear of anything invisible. Let's see if there's anything of use in here. Someone should keep watch by the door here.  

Sabian moves in and sets the lantern down near the middle of the room. 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik gives 4 goodberreis to Cassandra and 4 to Sabian, keeping his last 3 for an emergency.

  "Take these. They'll help a little bit."  

As they go upstairs, he keeps to the back, ready to shoot any more undead that jump out at us.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Keep left is fine with me
 
J-H
Sabian looks around the room.  It appears to have been a dining or eating area.  The stack of dirty dishes implies chores left un-done, and there are no signs of violence here.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian looks around but sees nothing notable,   Looks like they were caught in the middle of work, but no fighting took place here.   He picks up the lantern, spear tucked under his arm, and crosses the corridor to the other door. He steps to the side of the frame and pushes the door open, shining the light in.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Open door to 2A. If the door pushes in, Sabian is attempting to push it without standing directly in front of the doorway to provide himself some cover.
 
 
 
  
J-H
Sabian crosses the hall to a broader door.  Pushing it open, he observes a room stacked with crates along the curved outer wall, and pegs and hooks on the hall-side.  It appears to be a storage room.  If you have any supplies you're looking for (excluding potions/magic items/etc.), you may be able to find them here, if you're willing to take the time to search for them.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    

Remembering keenly how they might not get many more opportunities to pick up supplies, Chloe searches out for any tools that might be helpful in the near or far future. While they weren't in any immediate danger it would be best for them to take the time they had.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Looking for Climber's Gear and any/all of the following:-
Calligraphy Tools
Cartography Tools
Thieves Tools
Tinker's Tools
Herbalism Kit

Roll if required:  (1d20)[ 13 ] 
+3 if Perception, +5 if Investigation.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
You all take about 10 minutes to search the supply room, keeping an ear out for anything trying to sneak up on you.  Here's what you find.

 
 Spoiler: List 

 Found 
Climber's Gear 2 sets
Grappling Hook 2
Rope 200ft
Block and Tackle x 1
Crowbar x 2
Fishing Tackle x 2
Hammer x 2
Healer's Kit x 1
Iron Spikes (would these be usable as stakes?) Tent stakes yes. 10.
Jugs/Buckets Two wooden buckets around 2 gallons capacity, several waterskins.  There are probably more buckets in the kitchen downstairs.
Portable Ram Yes at the Order
Oil (in addition to what we just found) 4 flasks
Pouches/Sacks
Shovel


 Not Found 
Spyglass
Calligraphy Tools
Cartography Tools
Thieves Tools
Herbalism Kit
Scroll cases (in case the scrolls we got from the library didn't come in any)
Extra sets of clothes
 
J-H
Sabian opens the door to the next room and cautiously peers inside.  This room is plainly the chapel, with a religious icon at the far end, a small altar area slightly off-center opposite the door, and a few rows of short pews.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --   
 
  
  "Could Dracula's forces have desecrated this chapel?"   He offered in a low whisper.   "Or have it remained a safe place for us?"  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    
 "It doesn't  feel  safe."  Chloé murmurs, briefly making a prayer symbol with her free hand.  "There might still be some blessed water, but...it might have been corrupted like everything else seems to have been."  She steps a bit further into the chapel, keeping a keen eye on the shadows, looking for anything that might be even slightly of use to them before they move on.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian walks into the chapel with the Lantern of Revealing and looks about the room, shining a light to each side.   You're probably right Chloe, but still worth a look. Let's check to see.  
 
 Spoiler: Items Grabbed 
Sabian takes the following items from the Storage Room:

1x Climber's Kits
2x Grappling Hooks
1x Rope 50ft (Sabian already has 100ft of rope, so this brings him to 150ft)
1x Block and Tackle
2x Crowbars
2x Fishing Tackle
2x Hammers
1x Healer's Kit
10x Iron Spikes
1x Bucket
Pouches/Sacks
1x Shovel
 

 
 Spoiler: Chapel 

Sabian will Help an Investigation check by bringing the light over and shining it in the area if possible.
 

 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik cautiously follows after Sabian into the chapel, keeping his crossbow ready in case anything dangerous tries to ambush us again.

  "Let's make sure it's safe so nothing comes up behind us, but then let's keep going."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Perception  (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 
 
J-H
The altar’s top contains an inset bowl of holy water, with its characteristic silvery sheen.  You don't find anything else of particular interest.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
  They didn't have time to use this either,   Sabian says as they bottle the holy water to take with them.

When everyone is ready, Sabian pauses at the bottom of the steps and listens for any noise coming from the third floor.

 
 Spoiler: Perception Check 
  Perception  - (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  +   Guidance  - (1d4)[ 3 ]  (assuming Mustafa casts it in the chapel to avoid anyone upstairs from hearing the verbal components)
 
 
 
  
J-H
Sabian doesn't hear anything upstairs, so you proceed upwards.

The hall on the third floor twists and turns several times, never providing a sight line longer than 20’.  A magical torch at each corner provides adequate lighting.  A window also allows in outside light at the top of the staircase down, and the base of the staircase up.  There are a total of four doors as the party moves through the hall, two on each side.  It's quiet.

   
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 31/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian doesn't hear anything, so he gives the "quiet" signal to the others and attempts to creep up the stairs. At the top, torches have the corridors lit, so Sabian puts out the lantern and stows it to more comfortably hold on to his spear. He moves the short distance to where the corridor turns, and looks to the left. He pushes the door to his right open and peers inside the room.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
  Stealth  - (1d20+4)[ 20 ] ,   Disadvantage  - (1d20+4)[ 14 ] 

Sabian opens the door to 3D.
 
 
 
  
J-H
The single narrow window leaves this room dimly illuminated.  It’s relatively small.  The walls are lined with shelves holding linens, candles, curtains made to be hung in the windows, and, near the window, a barrel of arrows for use repelling an attack.
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik cautiously follows after Sabian checking the southern room for danger.

  "Let's make sure it's safe so nothing comes up behind us, but then let's keep going."  

If he sees nothing, then he recommends we move on to the next room. On the way, he takes one of the magical torches and gives it to Mustafa.

  "Take this. It might come in handy."  

If the torches produce light but no heat, he takes a few himself and puts them in his own pack.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Stealth  (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 
Perception  (1d20+6)[ 26 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 31/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
  Candles here if you need them,   Sabian whispers to the spellcasters, he stuffs some arrows into his pack,   Just need to find a bow, I forgot to grab one at the armory.   He moves further down the corridor, peeks around the corner, and if nothing is there, opens the door in front of him.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move down the corridor and open the door to 3A, assuming he sees nothing around the corner.
 
 
 
  
J-H
(3A)
This room is dark, save for outside light from the window.  A table near the door contains several candles with holders and a striker to light them with.

Several beds occupy this room, each with a table and storage chest next to them.  Most are bare of bedding, and the room doesn’t show signs of extensive use.  It looks like a set of guest quarters for travelers.

 
 Spoiler: Stealth rolls 

Sabian 14, Vidrik 20-something

Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  or   (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  1 exh
Mustafar  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]   or   (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  1 exh
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 14 ]   or 1 exh
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  17/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

"We should search these chests," Cassandra says, "Maybe someone left something inside them?"
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    

Though she doesn't expect to find much, and doesn't relish the idea of going through another's personal belongings, Chloé nevertheless searches through each of the storage chests, just in case - they were not in such a powerful position that they could afford to give up any and every advantage they could find.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
The chests that go with each of the beds are, unfortunately, as empty as the beds themselves.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    

Tutting with only the slightest disappointment, she keeps the room nevertheless in memory. While she'd prefer to rest somewhere sanctified, if worst came to worst at least there might be comfortable beds.


 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Sabian places a grappling hook at the window, ready to be used as an escape route.  It won't be fast, as the windows are quite narrow.

He hears some scraping sounds, like stone on stone, outside.  It's hard to tell where they come from.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 31/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

After placing the grappling hook in place, Sabian tries to peer through the narrow window,   Something out there is making noise, like stone scraping against stone,   he whispers.

After checking, he makes sure everyone is ready, and opens the final door in the corridor. 
 
  
J-H
Like the other small room on this floor, this is a storage area for linens and other daily needs, and also includes a barrel of arrows near the narrow window.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 31/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian listens out again at the bottom of the stairs, and heads up if nothing is heard.

 
 Spoiler: Perception 
  Perception  - (1d20+3)[ 10 ]  +   Guidance  - (1d4)[ 4 ] 
 
 
 
  
J-H
Sabian hears nothing from upstairs, although there's still that intermittent noise from outside.  He heads upstairs.

The hall on the fourth floor twists and turns several times, never providing a sight line longer than 20’, similar to the 3rd floor.  A magical torch at each corner provides adequate lighting.  A window also allows in outside light at the top of the staircase down, and the base of the staircase up.  There are a total of four doors as the party moves through the hall, two on each side.

   
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 31/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian frowns, unsure why there were a few tower skeletons left at the entrance, but no one on the upper floors. This time he continues slowly and quietly down the corridor to get eyes on the other side. Seeing the stairs going up, he moves back to make sure the rooms are not hiding enemies, or possibly tower defenders that managed to hide when the tower fell. He opens the door closest to the group and peers in.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sabian walks the length of the corridor and then walks back and opens the door to 4A (N31).
 
 
 
  
J-H
This room appears to be an irregularly-shaped L extending the width of the tower.  You can only see part of it from the hall.  Lit by one of the windows, you can see a couple of sword-practice dummies along the right wall, a  as well as what looks like floor markings for an archery range that extends out of sight.  There's also a rack of wooden practice weapons.
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik follows along after Sabian into each of the rooms. He helps with any exploration and investigation in the rooms, but mostly tries t figure out what the scraping noise is.

  "That doesn't sound good."  

He looks out windows in each direction, trying to be stealthy about it.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Stealth  (1d20+7)[ 18 ] ,  (1d20+7)[ 17 ] 
Perception, assuming help to offset disadvantage  (1d20+6)[ 15 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 31/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
  Looks like this is where they trained,   Sabian whispers to the others before moving in and peeking around the corner.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sabian moves to O29.
 
 
 
  
J-H
Sabian advances into the room, with Cassandra behind him.  Vidrik moves up to help explore as well.  As Sabian moves deeper into the room, more of it is revealed.  Standing against the far wall is a suit of full plate armor, out of place in this room.  As soon as Sabian moves into its line of sight, the eyeslit glows red, and it advances towards him, bringing its longsword up from a resting position with a hiss of metal-on-metal.  Its feet touch the ground as it move, but they seem almost a formality, as the upper parts of it don't move up and down like a walking person wood.

Acting quickly, it slashes twice at Sabian.
 
 Spoiler 

Longsword  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  for  (1d8+4)[ 5 ]  slashing
Longsword  (1d20+6)[ 13 ]  for  (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  slashing
 

 
 Spoiler: Arcana DC 15 

The floating and red glow indicate that this is likely a Helmed Horror, an advanced form of animated or cursed armor that is more intelligent, and which resists some forms of magic.
 
 Spoiler: Arcana DC 20 

Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren't adamantine
Damage Immunities force, necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, stunned
Senses blindsight 60
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Sabian, Mustafa 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 26/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

The armor comes to life and catches Sabian by surprise, landing a hit against him. But the Skellegue warrior recovers quickly and is able to block the second strike. He attempts to grab the creature and drive it further into the room to make space for the others,   In here! Some type of construct!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Object Interaction   - Stow Spear
  Action   - Attack Helmed Horror
 Attack  - Grab  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
  Move   - If Horror is grabbed, move 2 squares directly up, carrying the Helmed Horror 2 squares directly up, in front of the window.
 
 
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Eager to show himself useful to the group, Mustafa puts away his holy symbol and launches himself at the animated armor to join forces with Sabian and push it off the window - or at least he assumes that's his plan.

[spoiler]Free action to put the holy symbol away, 4 squares to reach the armor, attack action to grab it. If successful, will drag it 1 square to the north.

 (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  (Athletics)
J-H
Sabian grabs the Helmed Horror and drags it to the window.  Mustafa helps, and the two of them push it out the window.  It's a tight fit, but the two of them make it work, leaving the suit of armor floating outside the window.
 
 Spoiler 

Second grapple check also succeeds, or I could read it as an Athletics check to push. Either way, two successes let you squeeze it out the window.
Unfortunately, Helmed Horrors fly.
 


Thumping and thudding sounds come from the room across the hall (4B) as something, or somethings, try to break down the door.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 7 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ] 
Door has AC 15 and 18hp
 


The sound of stone scrabbling on stone echoes through the western window.  With a scraping sound, what looks like a statue of a winged, horned dragonborn pulls itself through, with an ugly expression on its face.  It hops a bit closer to Sabian and Mustafa, then opens its mouth and breathes a cloud of fire at them before backpedaling to the window.

 
 Spoiler: Arcana DC 12, if you can see it 

It looks like a Gargoyle, a type of elemental creature that flies and is pretty tough.  Gargoyles aren't known to normally breathe fire, though.
 
 Spoiler: DC 17 

Despite not being familiar with this creature, it's reasonable to assume that it's immune to fire damage, since it's breathing fire.
 

 

 
 Spoiler: Fire breath 

15' cone,  (2d6)[ 9 ]  fire damage, Dex DC 13 half
Sab  (1d20)[ 6 ] 
Mus  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cass, Chloe, Vidrik 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    
 "There's something coming from behind too!"  Chloé calls out, tossing an acid flask past Mustafar and then rushing away down the stairs - a tactical retreat to get them all into one line.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  To N32, cast, then back to P30.
 Action:  Acid Splash HH. DC14 Dex  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
 (1d20)[ 13 ] +mods
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 28/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik moves forward just enough to see the Gargoyle. He shoots a stake at it and then retreats to follow Chloe.

  "Everyone, back to the stairs!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move forward 1 square, Hunt Prey, shoot, then retreat. I think that gets him to about Chloe's old position.
 (1d20+9)[ 20 ]  to hit,  (1d10+7)[ 12 ]  Piercing,  (1d6)[ 1 ]  Hunt Prey
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  17/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

Cassandra flicks the Vampire Killer, sending a stream of flame towards the helmed horror, then backs into the hallway since that seems to be what everyone else is doing.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Firebolt at the Helmed Horror. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 24 ] , to damage:  (1d10)[ 8 ] .
Move to N32.
 
J-H
Cassandra's jet of flame hits, despite people being in the way and the small window.  Chloe's acid misses as she pushes past Cassandra (note: she can't stop in N32 since Cassandra stopped there, so she doesn't get quite as far).  Vidrik shoots the gargoyle and retreats.  With stealth abandoned (for now), a second gargoyle appears at the window behind Vidrik and sends a spray of fire down the hall.  It then climbs up and over, out of sight (5' north, 10' up).

 
 Spoiler 

15' cone, but with the narrow window Chloe has cover from it.
 (2d6)[ 3 ]  fire damage, Dex DC 13 half.
Cassandra  (1d20)[ 13 ] 
Vidrik  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
 


The Helmed Horror attacks Mustafa twice, stabbing through the window with its longsword.
 
 Spoiler 

The window gives +2 AC from cover going both ways.
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 22 ]  for  (1d8+4)[ 12 ] 
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 17 ]  for  (1d8+4)[ 8 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Mustafa 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 (Dodge) HP: 22/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 

Mustafa comes charging in and grabs the moving armor along with Sabian. Together, they force the creature through the window. Sabian frowns as he realizes whatever magic is animating the creature also allows it to fly. The sound of stone on stone, though much closer, reveals itself to be some sort of gargoyle squeezing in through the arrow slit. It moves forward and breathes a stream of fire at Mustafa and Sabian. Sabian's shield comes up, deflecting most of the heat. Something is also breaking down the door in the room across the hall. Vidrik calls for the retreat, and Sabian nods to Mustafa,   He's right, we don't want to get surrounded in here. I'll block whatever's coming through the other door!   He takes another look at the gargoyle and runs through the second door, moving down the hall and taking position in front of the damaged door, ready to defend against whatever is coming through.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 

  Bonus Action   - Rage
  Move   - Move to M32
  Object Interaction   - Open door at M28 to get through
  Action   - Dodge
 
 
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 3/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --   
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Disengage and move to O31
 
J-H
You hear a scraping of stone as the gargoyle apparently pulls itself back out the window.

The pounding on the door intensifies... it cracks, but doesn't break yet.
 
 Spoiler 

Gargoyle Hide  (1d20)[ 6 ] 

Door attacks.
3  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
2  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 
1  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cass, Chloe, Vid 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  17/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

"Where to?" Cassandra asks the others as she sends another streak of flame at the Helmed Horror before moving just past Sabian. If anything comes through the door next to him she'll be ready to help.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Firebolt at the Helmed Horror. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 10 ] , to damage:  (1d10)[ 8 ] .
Move to M31.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    

Enemies on every side with seemingly no safe place, since even the outside was being assailed by firebreathing gargoyles. They didn't have much of a choice but to keep struggling. And throwing acid.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  To N32, cast, then back to O32.
 Action:  Acid Splash HH. DC14 Dex  (1d8)[ 8 ] 
 (1d20)[ 6 ] +mods
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 27/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik leans out the window and sees the gargoyle up above him. He reaches out with his crossbow, takes aim, and shoots a stake up in the air. He calls out to the others.

  "Don't get trapped between them! We need to move."  

He then moves slightly down the stairs, waiting for the others to follow him.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
lean out window, Hunt Prey, shoot, then retreat 10' north down the stairs, but making sure not to stop next to a window, ending at P30.

(if he can't shoot up out the window, instead have him move over, shoot the helmed horror and then move around the corner to M30).

 (1d20+9)[ 28 ]  to hit,  (1d10+7)[ 9 ]  Piercing,  (1d6)[ 6 ]  Hunt Prey
 
J-H
Cassandra's bolt of flame misses.  Chloe has more luck with her acid (hit for 8).  Vidrik manages a shot out the window, shooting up and across the tower to hit one of the gargoyles.

It rasps something back in a clattering language and moves elsewhere on the tower.
 
 Spoiler: Primordial 

"I'll throw you out the window, I will!"
 

Stealth  (1d20)[ 6 ] 

The Helmed Horror turns itself sideways, floating through the window and advancing on the nearest foe - Mustafa.  It attacks twice with its sword, striking him down.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+6)[ 22 ]  for  (1d8+4)[ 9 ] 
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]  for  (1d8+4)[ 7 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Mustafa 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 22/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 

Sabian turns to see the Helmed Horror strike down Mustafa. He draws his spear and moves forward to engage it,   The armor is back and Mustafa is down, I'm going back in!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Move   - Move to N31
  Action   - Attack Helmed Horror (Recklessly)
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 8 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 7 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 11 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 
  
J-H
Sabian's two stabs go wild, not even scraping the creature's armor.
Mustafa lies beside him on the ground, unconscious.

The pounding continues on the door.

 
 Spoiler 

3 Attack  (1d20+3)[ 4 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ]  damage
2 Attack  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ]  damage
1 Attack  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ]  damage
If the door goes down, move out and attack  (1d2)[ 2 ]  1 Sabian 2 Chloe
 


The gargoyle hops through the window behind the Helmed Horror, its mouth glowing slightly.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cass, Chloe, Vidrik 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    

With Mustafar down, Chloé launches to remedy the situation with a...well, remedy. She uncorks a potion, sloshes it over the man in a scientifically haphazard manner, and tries not to look important enough to hit.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  To N32, action+BA, move to M32, unless occupied, in which case further up the 'M' column.
If can't potion around a corner, then move to N32, BA, then move to O30, action.
 Action:  Greater Healing Pot Mustafar.  (4d4+4)[ 10 ]  healing.

 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike G1.
 (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  (vs. cover?)
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 27/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik shakes his head. Mustafar is down so it looks like we're not running down the stairs. This could be a huge mistake to fight these things all together, but we don't have a choice.

  "I'm coming!"  

He runs back to the others, shooting at the Helmed Horror from the doorway before running past Sabian and over Mustafar.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to N32, shoot, then to O30
BA Hunt Prey
 (1d20+9)[ 18 ]  to hit,  (1d10+7)[ 12 ]  Piercing,  (1d6)[ 1 ]  Hunt Prey
 
J-H
Cassandra throws open the door and attacks the Gargoyle, hitting it (9 damage).  Chloe tosses a healing potion on Mustafa, and her homunculus shoots the gargoyle before she moves down the hall.  Vidrik fires his crossbow at the Helmed Horror, but the possessed armor deflects the stake with its shield.

One of the gargoyles outside moves around.
Stealth  (1d20)[ 4 ] 

The Helmed Horror divides its attacks among the weapon-wielding threats, missing Sabian but stabbing Vidrik
 
 Spoiler 

Sabian
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 8 ]  for  (1d8+4)[ 9 ] 
Advantage from Reckless  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] 

Vidrik
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 20 ]  for  (1d8+4)[ 9 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Mustafa 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 22/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 

Sabian is pushing back against the moving statue when he hears the now familiar sound of the gargoyle's wing beats approaching,   That other gargoyle is coming back! We're sitting ducks here,   he says to Mustafa and Vidrik.   Chloe, that gargoyle is coming back. I've got to close the door, join up with Cassandra, there's another way into this room!   He stabs out at the statue and then closes the door and braces against it.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 

  Action   - Attack Helmed Horror (Recklessly)
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 18 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 8 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 10 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
  Object Interaction   - Close the door
 

 
 
  
[/QUOTE]
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;25958725]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

Unable to get out of the tight spot he had backed himself into, Mustafa gets up and casts a Sacred Flame at point blank range.

 (1d8)[ 3 ]  radiant damage
Helmed Horror's dex save:  (1d20)[ 9 ]  plus modifiers
J-H
Sabian misses with his spear, perhaps distracted as he closes the door as a barrier against flames from behind.

Cornered, Mustafa calls down holy flame, which damages the construct in front of him.

The zombies attack the door, breaking it down and then attacking Chloe.

The gargoyle Cassandra attacked sprays her with fire, then hops back out the window (OA provoked!).
 
 Spoiler 

Door has AC 15, 3hp left.
Any remaining attacks will go against Chloe if they can.
 (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ]   miss 
 (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ]   destroys door 
 (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ]   hits Chloe 

G1 breath  (2d6)[ 6 ]  fire damage, Dex DC 13 half
Cass Dex  (1d20)[ 2 ] +?  looks like a fail? 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cass, Chloe, Vidrik 
Amnestic
[QUOTE=Amnestic;25959548]      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 1/3    

Though she doesn't want to risk further injuries, she needs the zombies ideally lined up in a neat row. She steps back, tossing a flask of flame behind her.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  5ft North
 Action:  Create Bonfire under Z1.  (1d8)[ 7 ]  fire
 (1d20)[ 5 ]  Dex DC14

 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike Z1.
 (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Keeping his crossbow in his right hand, he pulls out his shortsword and tries to stab the helmed horror in front of him.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] ,  (1d6+6)[ 11 ] , hunt prey  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  11/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

Cassandra lashes out at the gargoyle as it flees, then moves to help the others deal with the Helmed Horror.

 
 Spoiler 
Opportunity attack. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning damage.

Move to N29.
Attack Helmed Horror with Vampire Killer. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 
J-H
Cassandra strikes the gargoyle as it retreats, its form showing cracks in a few places (below 1/2 hp), then turns the corner and attacks the Helmed Horror (hit for 12), putting herself in range of its attacks so it can't escape as easily.

As Chloe backs up, one of the zombies attacks her; she creates a bonfire under it, scorching it, and her homonculus strikes it.
 
 Spoiler 

Z1 OA
 (1d20+3)[ 19 ]  for  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
Bonfire hits for 7, Homunculus hits for 6.
 


Vidrik slashes at the Helmed Horror, but misses.

One of the gargoyles moves around outside.
Stealth  (1d20)[ 20 ] 

The animated suit of armor attacks Sabian and Vidrik.
 
 Spoiler 

Sabian
 (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  or  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]  for  (1d8+4)[ 5 ] 
Vidrik
 (1d20+6)[ 7 ]  for  (1d8+4)[ 9 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Mustafa 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 22/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 

Emboldened by Mustafa being healed and Cassandra joining the fray, Sabian keeps up the offensive against the armor.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 5 

  Action   - Attack Helmed Horror (Recklessly)
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 18 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 10 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
 
 
 
  
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;25958725]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --   
 
  

As he collected himself, Mustafa noticed another battlefront breaking out in the hallway. The stench of corpses reached his nostrils, and he instantly knew he would be more useful over there.

  "I command you to die!"   He cried, raising his holy symbol high in the air.

Turn Undead
Z1 Wis save  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
Z2 Wis save  (1d20)[ 4 ] 
Z3 Wis save  (1d20)[ 14 ] 
J-H
Sabian stabs recklessly, but misses again.
Divine power washes over the zombies.  Two of them recoil in fear (Z1 &amp; Z2), and run away on their turns.
The last one moves through the bonfire to attack Chloe, but misses right after getting burned.

The Gargoyle on the north side of the tower peeks in the window, then moves around the tower a bit.
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d8)[ 7 ]  fire damage, Dex save negate
Dex save  (1d20-2)[ 2 ] 

Attack  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 
Concentration  (1d20)[ 9 ] +?

Gargoyle Stealth  (1d20)[ 8 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cass, Chloe, Vidrik 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik knows that using his sword is not the best option when he has the heirloom crossbow, but he also can't use it this close to such a heavily armored foe.

  "I'm going to help Chloe."  

He moves away from the Helmed Horror, using his sword to ward off any last attacks. Once he is in the hallway with Chloe, he sheathes his sword and readies his crossbow.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
disengage. move to M29.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    

She'd been hoping for more zombies getting burned, but this was fine too. Fully aware of the undead's weakness to holy water, she unleashes the last of her torrent from her decanter upon them, hoping to put them down for good.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Action:  Decanter (Cone)  (3d6)[ 15 ]  Radiant
Dex Saves (DC15 half)
Z1:  (1d20)[ 3 ] 
Z2:  (1d20)[ 2 ] 
Z3:  (1d20)[ 14 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike Z3, or another Z if it dies.
 (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  Disadv Melee (if Z3)  (1d20+5)[ 6 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  11/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

Cass attacks the Helmed Horror once more.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack Helmed Horror with Vampire Killer. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 
J-H
Cassandra's whip bounces off the heavy armor of the Helmed Horror.  Chloe's holy water spray causes two of the zombies to suddenly combust and collapse.
J-H
Vidrik moves into the hallway.
You don't hear a gargoyle moving around outside.

The Helmed Horror slashes at Cassandra and Sabian, spinning rapidly since it doesn't need to take steps to turn around.
 
 Spoiler 

Cass
 (1d20+6)[ 23 ]  for  (1d8+6)[ 8 ] 

Sab
 (1d20+6)[ 20 ]  for  (1d8+6)[ 10 ] 
 (1d20+6)[ 11 ]  Adv
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Mustafa 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 22/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 

It appears that Mustafa and Chloe have the zombies nearly destroyed. Sabian wonders if the gargoyles only mean to spit fire at them and retreat until they can form another blast of flame. He continues his focus against the armor.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 6 

  Action   - Attack Helmed Horror (Recklessly)
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 22 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 7 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
 
 
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa casts another Sacred Flame, this time aiming at the zombie that insisted in fighting despite his command. (Z3)

 (1d8)[ 8 ]  radiant damage
 (1d20)[ 14 ]  Z3 dex save (DC 13]
J-H
Sabian stabs the Helmed Horror, finally scoring a good blow that dents it.  Mustafa opens the door and leans around the corner to call down fire on the zombie (iffy line of sight, but good enough), burning it.  It disappears into ash.

The gargoyle outside moves around.  You lose track of it.
Stealth  (1d20)[ 19 ] 
 =&gt;Cass, Chloe, Vidrik 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  3/17
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

Cass attacks the Helmed Horror again

 
 Spoiler 
Attack Helmed Horror with Vampire Killer. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik sees that he is a little late helping with the zombies, so he leans back around the corner and shoots at the helmed horror, making sure the angle keeps the stake from going through to hit one of his allies.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
move to get a good shot, shoot, return to M29.
Attack  (1d20+9)[ 21 ] ,  (1d10+7)[ 9 ]  piercing, hunt prey  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 19/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire   
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    

The gargoyles were still menacing them, but with the zombies dispatched, Chloé rushes to aid the efforts against the suit of armour, lobbing another flame flask from her endless satchel.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  N28
 Action:  Create Bonffire  (1d8)[ 3 ]  Fire on HH.
 (1d20)[ 3 ]  DC14 Dexsave

 Bonus Action:  None
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Vidrik finishes off the Helmed Horror, as everyone on the team gets used to fighting the beast and figures out how to harm it!

You don't hear anything from outside, although one gargoyle is certainly not far from the northeast window.
 =&gt;Sabian, Mustafa 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 22/32 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
  Nice work everyone!   Sabian calls out as his allies take down the zombies and the helmed horror,   One of those gargoyles is still near the window,   he says, nodding at the northeast window,   I'll try and grab it so you can all hit it and ti can't get away.   He lopes over, trying to remain quite, and prepares to grab anything that comes through.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 7 
  Object Interaction   - Stow spear.
  Move   - Move to M-26.
 Stealth  -  (1d20+4)[ 13 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  Disadvantage from Armor
  Action   - Ready an Attack action vs anything that comes through the window
 Grab  -  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
 
 
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "For all the gods of light, I feared this would be the end. Whoever of you who has healed me back to the fight, I thank you!"   He raised his crescent moon staff in the air.   "Together we press on. No darkness shall befall on our souls."  

Action: Cast Aid on Sabian, Cassandra and himself
Bobthewizard
[QUOTE=Bobthewizard;25960912]      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik turns towards the outer wall and prepares for the gargoyle to come in one of the windows.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Ready action to shoot if gargoyle looks in one of the windows to the north
Attack  (1d20+9)[ 14 ] ,  (1d10+7)[ 12 ]  piercing
 
J-H
The Gargoyle at the end of the hall (#1) pops in; Chloe shoots acid at it, and it breathes fire at her before scuttling back outside.
 
 Spoiler 

Acid Splash  (1d6)[ 6 ]  Dex save negate
FG Dex  (1d20)[ 3 ] 
Fire breath  (2d6)[ 3 ]  Dex DC 13 half
Chloe Dex  (1d20)[ 2 ] 
 

You hear them move away, and eventually, they manage to be quiet enough you can't pinpoint them.  You are reasonably sure that the gargoyles are going to wait until you are otherwise engaged before attacking.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 (27/37 Aid) 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
  Everyone okay?   Sabian claps Mustafa on the shoulder as a thank you for the healing spell.   Those gargoyles will return when we're fighting upstairs again. What if we go back outside of the tower and try to take them down now? We have a couple of grappling hooks, I could hook one and drag it down to destroy it, then the other if it hasn't engaged us by then.   
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  14/22
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Aid
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

"We could give it a try if you'd like," Cass nods, "It would be better than having them attack us when we're busy fighting something worse."
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 16/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    
 "We could try it?"  Chloé says, a little apprehensive from her singed sleeves.  "They seemed pretty eager not to fight us direct so they might just run and hide, but if we can get them out of cover then...sure." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik starts down the stairs, leading the others while moving quietly.

  "Let's try this plan. I'm happy to fight them from a distance if we can."  

As he goes, he tries to determine where the gargoyles are.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Stealth  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Perception  (1d20+6)[ 8 ] 
 
J-H
You head down and outside, spreading out in a semi-circle.
 
 Spoiler 
Init
Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 22 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 14 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 14 ]   1 exh
Mustafar  (1d20+3)[ 4 ]  or  (1d20+0)[ 4 ]  2 exh
Vidrik  (1d20+2)[ 20 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  1 exh
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 3 ]  or  (1d20+2)[ 20 ]  1 exh
Gargoyle 2  14 
 

You do catch one of the gargoyles still hanging on the side of the tower.  It starts scampering up the side, its wings fluttering, and eventually reaches the top - but not before you get a change to hurt it.

The gargoyle starts at a height of 40'.  Everyone gets one round of attacks against it.
Anyone whose initiative beats its' roll (Sabian, Cassandra) gets a second round of attacks at a distance of about 70' before it disappears over the lip of the roof to safety atop the tower.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 (27/37 Aid) 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 

The gargoyle spots the group just as soon as they see it and begins to clamber up the tower wall to safety. With Cass' help, Sabian swings the grappling hook around and sends it towards the gargoyle, hoping to hook it to bring it down.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Grappling Hook Attack   -  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Strength-based attack, no proficiency, Help from Cass negates Disadvantage
 
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 16/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    

It's a long shot, especially throwing almost vertical, but Chloé nevertheless throws a acid flash overarm, right at the nearest gargoyle.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Acid Splash  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
 (1d20)[ 4 ] +Mods vs. DC14 Dex
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik looks up at the gargoyle and gets one shot off before it scrambles over the edge of the roof.

  "What do we do now?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 17 ] , piercing  (1d10+7)[ 16 ] , hunt prey  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
J-H
Sabian tries to drag it down, but can't manage to land his grappling hook.  Chloe injures it with acid (hit for 5); Vidrik shoots it (hit for 19).  Cassandra doesn't have anything that can hurt it, and Mustafa casts Sacred Flame  (1d8)[ 1 ] , save  (1d20)[ 2 ] .

The gargoyle scrambles up to the top of the roof.  When you circle the tower, you can't find the other.  Maybe it did the same thing.

 =&gt; Party 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 16/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    
 "Well that should have weakened it but..."  Chloé glances around warily.  "I'd rather not stay out here all night waiting for them to come down again. We might just have to deal with them as they come."  Unfortunately, gargoyle hunting is not in Chloé's list of expertises.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "Perhaps our best option is to press the advantage. Give them no time to recover, and give the Enemy no time to send reinforcements."   The struggle was noticable in his voice, but Mustafar breathed through the pain.
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik moves back into the tower, leading the others while moving quietly.

  "Do we keep exploring up, or secure ourselves in that skeleton room for the night so we can recover?"  

As he goes inside, he tries to determine where the gargoyles might be in case they come back down.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Stealth  (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 
Perception  (1d20+6)[ 16 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 (27/37 Aid) 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
  Nice work everyone. The gargoyle will be that much easier to destroy next time it tries to ambush us.   Sabian coils up the rope as they head back for the entrance,   That might be a good idea,   he says to Vidrik. 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  14/22
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Aid
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

"Let's finish clearing out the tower first," Cassandra suggests, "We can rest once we're certain there are no enemies lurking around nearby."

With that she returns inside the tower and the floor they were previously on.
J-H
You return to the fourth floor.  The large, irregularly shaped training room doesn't contain any specific magic items, although the Helmed Horror would serve as a source of a set of full plate mail, should anyone need it.  There's also a rack of wooden training weapons.

The other room - the one the zombies came out of - was the infirmary. This is made obvious by the four beds wedged along the wall.  A narrow portion of the room extends towards the central stone column of the room; this is a working area containing several reference books on medicine, sewing supplies,  (1d4+1)[ 5 ]  healing potions, 2 antitoxins, and 1 potion of Remove Curse.

The other room on the floor is clearly the armory, containing numerous racks with breastplates, swords, bows, daggers, and other weapons, as well as oils, whetstones, and basic metalworking tools.  It’s not likely that armor was made here, but there’s enough to repair armor if needed.
If you are looking for any specific martial weapons or armor (except for half plate/full plate), you can find it here.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  14/22
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Aid
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

Acutely aware that her current spells aren't especially useful against creatures that are resilient to fire, Cass picks up a longbow and a bunch of arrows.

"Now we have a better chance against the gargoyles."
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 (27/37 Aid) 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 

Sabian makes sure to scoop up the potions and antitoxins, handing them to whoever wants them.

In the armory, he looks around for what will be useful.   That's a good idea,   he says to Cassandra, and he also takes a longbow and some quivers, both of which he overlooked in his hurry to armor up and escape the Order. Sabian also takes some javelins, for when he has his shield equipped and needs to throw something, and a few more daggers. Finally, he adds a scabbard and longsword to his belt.

Once everyone else is ready to continue, Sabian will move toward the stairs and head up.

 
 Spoiler: Stealth, to move on 
  Stealth  - (1d20+4)[ 20 ] ,   Disadvantage  - (1d20+4)[ 23 ] 
 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik waits patiently while the others collect more weapons and replace any armor if they need to. He keeps alert for the potential return of the gargoyles. Once everyone is ready, he suggests we keep going.

  "Let's keep moving."  

This time, he lets Sabian take the lead.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 
J-H
After picking up your new weapons, Sabian leads the way up the stairs to the 5th floor.   The layout seems to mirror that of the third floor.  The hall twists and turns several times, never providing a sight line longer than 20’.  A magical torch at each corner provides adequate lighting.  A window also allows in outside light at the top of the staircase down, and the base of the staircase up.  There are a total of four doors as the party moves through the hall, two on each side.

 
 Spoiler: 3rd floor map 

   
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  14/22
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Aid
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

"Let's go clockwise," Jessica suggests, opening the door to her right first.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to AG21, open the door to 3D. Enter if it's safe to do so.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 16/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    
 "The construction of this place is annoyingly efficient."  Chloé remarks at the design of the winding halls as she follows behind.  "Perfect for making our lives more difficult." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 (27/37 Aid) 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 

Sabian creeps down the corridor, and to head off any further attacks by zombies, or the ambushing gargoyles, he ties the circular door knockers from the two doors at the end of the hall together, pulling the rope taut so neither door can be opened. That leaves only the other two rooms as avenues of attack while the group searches.

 
 Spoiler: Precautions 

Tie the door handle from room 3B to door handle of room 3C and make sure the rope is taut so neither door can be pulled open from inside. Then return to the group.
 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik stays to the back of the group and keeps his Stakelauncher ready in case any undead or other creepy things jump out at us. He'd prefer we move quickly so we can get to the roof.

  "Let's keep moving."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Perception  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] 
 
J-H
Sabian quietly sneaks ahead, tying two door-handles together.  As he returns to the group, Cassandra opens a door, coming face to face with a zombie.
 
 Spoiler 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Z  (1d20-2)[ 0 ] 
Disadvantage
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]   (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  1 exh
Mustafar  (1d20+0)[ 11 ]   (1d20+0)[ 5 ]  2 exh
Vidrik  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]   (1d20+3)[ 4 ]  1 exh
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 18 ]   (1d20+2)[ 7 ]  1 exh
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
   
 

Initiative:
 =&gt;Sabian
Cassandra
Chloe
Mustafa
Vidrik
Zombie
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa wasted no time. As soon as the stench of death found his nose, he raised his scepter in the air and cried:    "Die!"   

Cast Sacred Flame.
Dex save:  (1d20)[ 19 ] 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik quickly and hopefully quietly tries to put a stake through the zombie's head, maneuvering just enough to get a clean shot.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
BA Hunt Prey
Attack  (1d20+9)[ 28 ] ,  (1d10+7)[ 10 ] , +  (1d6)[ 1 ]  piercing
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 (27/37 Aid) 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 

Unable to reach the zombie, Sabian draws a dagger and throws it at the zombie in the doorway.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Object Interaction   - Draw a dagger
  Action   - Throw dagger at Zombie
 Attack  -  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 
 Damage  -   Piercing  - (1d4+3)[ 5 ] 
  Movement   - Move back to allow others to move behind Cassandra for a shot at the zombies
 
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 16/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    

Tight though the fit is, Chloé darts forward to slip past the others and tosses a fireflask over her shoulder at the singular zombie, risking a back attack in the process.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None if she can attack the zombie from current position - don't think she can though, so heading to V31 (25ft movement), provoking an OA.
 Action:  Create Bonfire  (1d8)[ 5 ]  fire
 (1d20)[ 15 ]  DC14 dexsave

In the event she can't move through, she'll just Ready the above for "enemy entering her line of sight"

 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike  (1d20+5)[ 9 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  Force
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  14/22
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Aid
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

"Should we not be worried about how many undead there are here?" Cassandra says, clearly concerned about whether these were the people stationed here, before moving back so the sturdier members of the group can take point.

 
 Spoiler 
Vampire Killer attack vs Z1. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
Move to V29.
 
J-H
Sabian's thrown dagger hits his target (5).  Cassandra whips it (12), then moves back while it swipes at her.  Chloe finishes it off with a burst of flame.
 
 Spoiler: OA vs Cassandra 

Attack  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 
 


Pounding starts on the other doors.
 
 Spoiler 

5A
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 14 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 

5B
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 7 ] 

5C
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 15 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 3 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 
 

 =&gt; Party 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/32 (27/37 Aid) 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 

The party makes short work of the lone zombie, but the commotion has alerted the rest on this floor, and by the sounds of it each room has zombies in it. Sabian's precautions with the rope won't mean much once the zombies break down the doors.   I'll hold position here,   he says,   Stay behind me. We'll take them out one by one. Watch your backs, those gargoyles might be heading to the windows right now.  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 

  Movement   - Move to V29
  Object Interaction   - Open door to room 5A
  Action   - Dodge
  Movement   - Move to V31
 
 
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Hearing the banging on the doors, Mustafa entered the roomwhere the first zombie had been and readied another spell.

Move to V31 (or V34 or V3 if V31 will block others)
Action: Ready action to cast Sacred Flame at the first enemy to appear in my line of sight.
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik moves into the southern room, leans his head out the window and looks around to make sure the gargoyles aren't clamoring down the walls already.

If the outer wall seems clear, he takes up a position in line and waits for the zombies.

  "I'm ready. Whoever is right behind Sabian might want to open the first door so we can get this over before the gargoyles arrive."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to U34 and look out window. If he sees a gargoyle, shoot it. If not, move to V34 and wait for the zombies with a readied attack.

 (1d20+9)[ 19 ]  to hit,  (1d10+7)[ 11 ]  piercing,  (1d6)[ 4 ]  hunt prey
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  14/22
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Aid
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  

Hearing the noises on the other side of the door grow more intensely, Cassandra focuses on getting out of the way of any would-be assailants.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to U32.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 16/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    

Chloé follows suit, lining up with her allies and readying another flask-throw over everyone's heads.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Free action: Dropping concentration the moment the zombie dies.
 Move:  Anywhere along the V31/32/33/34 line that's 'free'.
 Action:  Create Bonfire on V29 once it's free - Readying if it's not yet.
DC14 Dexsave or 1d8 fire damage to anyone entering it.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Sabian opens the door and steps back, dodging.  Several of the party members attack the zombies as they become visible.
 
 Spoiler 

OA vs Sabian, disadvantage due to dodging
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  or   (1d20+3)[ 4 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 7 ] 

Cassandra: No readied action or attack posted
Chloe: Bonfire  (1d8)[ 4 ] , Dex  (1d20-2)[ 8 ] 
Mustafa, Sacred Flame  (1d8)[ 7 ]  vs Dex  (1d20-2)[ 9 ] 

Vidrik shoot (hit) for 15, if kill, 11 damage to next one.

Attack  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  or   (1d20+3)[ 15 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 
 
J-H
One zombie goes down, and another moves up towards Sabian, managing to dodge the flames.  You continue to hear the sound of banging and splintering wood from farther down the hall.
 
 Spoiler: Z2's bonfire damage 

 (1d8)[ 7 ]  Dex  (1d20-2)[ 15 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Door attacks 

 (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 7 ] 
 (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Cassandra, Chloe, Mustafa, Vidrik 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik moves over to look out the window and make sure no gargoyles are coming. If they are he shoots at them. If he doesn't see any, he returns to his current location and shoots again at the zombies, trying to take them out before they manage to land a hit on Sabian, and grateful that the barbarian will stand in the front and absorb these hits for us.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Attack  (1d20+9)[ 21 ] ,  (1d10+7)[ 8 ]  +  (1d6)[ 4 ]  piercing
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 16/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire 
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    

Their plan seemed to be going well, so far, which seemed a rarity for today given how banged up they all were. Chloé tosses another acid flask, aiming it beyond the ones in melee to weaken them before they got in close.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  Anywhere along the V31/32/33/34 line that's 'free'.
 Action:  Acid Splash Z3+Z4 to soften them up before they get into melee.  (1d6)[ 3 ]  acid, DC14 Dexsave
Z3: (1d20)[ 10 ] 
Z4:  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike Z3, or Z2 if it does first.  (1d20+5)[ 13 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  Force.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  14/22
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Aid
 Conditions:  Exhausted (half speed, disadvantage on skill checks)  
 
  
 
 Spoiler 
Cast Firebolt at nearest zombie. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 20 ] , to damage:  (1d10)[ 4 ]  fire damage.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Action: Ready action to cast Sacred Flame at the first enemy to appear in my line of sight.
J-H
Sabian dodges.
Cassandra hits the next zombie in line with a fire bolt (4), Chloe hits the next two with acid (3 each; can't hit the one she can't see), and her homonculus contributes a hit (3).  Mustafa finishes it off with a Sacred Flame.  Vidrik then shoots the next one in line (Z3 hit for 12).
It advances into the flames, and attacks Sabian.
 
 Spoiler 

Bonfire  (1d8)[ 2 ]  Dex save  (1d20-2)[ 8 ] 
Disadvantage attacks
 (1d20+3)[ 6 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Door attacks 

5B
 (1d20+3)[ 15 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 

5C
 (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ] 
 (1d20+3)[ 6 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 
 
J-H
It takes some time, but with Sabian guarding the front as an impenetrable wall, you finish off the zombies.  Five more spill out of the rooms ahead, but the hall is narrow, so you successfully bottle them up.

Checking the rooms on the floor, you find two barracks or bunk rooms for the tower guards (5A &amp; 5C), which had obviously seen a lot of use before becoming occupied by zombies.  Each room contains several bunk beds, chests, and a table and chairs.

There are also two smaller officer’s quarters (5B &amp; 5D).  Each contains a nicer bed, a wardrobe, a writing table and chair.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  15  | HP:  14/22
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Aid
 Conditions:  Exhausted (disadvantage on ability checks)  
 
  

Cass will check the officer's quarters for any sort of correspondence or note that might give them some insight into what happened here.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 16/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire 
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    

Chloé makes sure to scatter a few sets of caltrops around the stairs up ahead of them while they search, just in case someone happens to come down to them. She doesn't expect to find much in the way of notes, but maybe the officers had a secreted potion or coinpurse they could use.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik keeps up watch while Cassandra looks through the quarters. He occasionally looks out the windows and up to see if the gargoyles are mounting an attack, but mostly watches the stairs up to see if any more undead are coming down for us, drawn by the noise as we cut down the zombies.

After a few moments, he moves into the other officer room and looks for any clues.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Perception for danger  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] 
Investigation for clues  (1d20+1)[ 19 ] 
 
J-H
You take around 20 minutes to thoroughly search the floor.  Searching the chests in the bunkrooms nets you  (20d10)[ 104 ]  gp.  In the officer's quarters, you find a number of documents relating to the tower and its supplies, plus a personal journal, but nothing that sheds any light on the situation.  You also locate a Dagger +1 strapped under the top of a small table next to one of the officer's beds.  The other officer has a Veteran's Cane (XGTE) leaning in one corner of his room.
J-H
Sabian leads the way up the stairs after Chloe collects her caltrops.  Opening the door at the top of the stairs, you cna see that the top floor of the tower is substantially more open.  The ceiling overhead is much higher, with thick, sturdy beams coming to a point over the central column as they support the pointed roof of the tower.

The edge of the room is left clear, save for a few racks of arrows placed by the eight windows.  Near the middle of the room are several bookshelves and a desk, as well as a grey humanoid with stringy hair and faintly glowing eyes, which you recognize as a Wight.  The drawers have been pulled out of the desk and thrown to the floor, and the bookshelves being tipped over and empty.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 

**Initiative**
Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 4 ]  1 exh  (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20+0)[ 19 ]  2 exh  (1d20+0)[ 14 ] 
Vidrik  (1d20+3)[ 4 ]  1 exh  (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 18 ]  1 exh  (1d20+2)[ 10 ] 

Wight  (1d20+2)[ 21 ] 
 
J-H
The wight is quick off the mark, and looses two arrows at Sabian before retreating behind the central pillar.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Mustafa, Chloe, Vidrik, Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  18  | HP:  14/22
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Aid, Bladesong
 Conditions:  Exhausted (disadvantage on ability checks)  
 
  

“On your guard guys,” Cass warns, “The gargoyles could return at any time.”

 
 Spoiler 
Bonus action Bladesong (AC &gt; 18)
Move to AG29.
Attack with Vampire Killer. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 18/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Hearing the arrows whistle through the air and stick either in Sabian or the wall, Vidrik runs up the stairs, turns the corner and shoots the wight as soon as he gets a clear shot.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to AK29 (if he can't get a clear shot on the way there, move towards AI34 instead)
BA Hunt Prey
Shoot Wight  (1d20+9)[ 21 ] ,  (1d10+7)[ 13 ]  +  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 16/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire 
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    

Chloé is still keenly aware of the gargoyles, but the vile wight is the more dangerous foe for now. She curves up the stairs, throwing (possibly) blessed flame towards the undead.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  To AK30, or AJ30 if it's occupied.
 Action:  Create Bonfire under the Wight  (1d8)[ 6 ]  Fire
DC14 Dexsave:  (1d20)[ 7 ] +mods

 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike  (1d20+5)[ 24 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 5 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa gripped his trusted shield right in front of his body, only peeking over the edge as they marched up the staircase. When he noticed the creature was sly and kept hiding behind the central pillar, he wanted to strafe sideways and circle the creature, so to flank it -- but he was in terrible condition, and feared what other booby traps might be waiting for him out in the open. Deciding for a cautious approach, he waited til the creature projected its body out of cover to shoot it with another missile of sacred energy. It was the only magic he could cast at the moment, but at least it was consistent.

Action: Ready an Action to shoot a Sacred Flame at the Wight when it steps out of cover to shoot at us.
J-H
Sabian cautiously moves forward, ready to dodge any attack.  Mustafa moves off the stairs and readies a spell.  Chloe lights a fire, which the Wight fails to dodge, its movements taking it into a blast from her homunculus.  Vidrik follows up with a heavy bolt from his crossbow.  Cassandra dashes past Sabian, but her hasty strike is easily dodged.

Claws scrape and scrabble on the stone as both gargoyles scramble through the windows, although they are noticeably cracked, chipped, and injured.  One comes through the window near Vidrik and Chloe, turning the corner and apparently being quite surprised at being next to Vidrik. It reflexively blows a weak cone of flame at them, while Mustafa calls down flames against it.
 
 Spoiler 

15' cone hits Vidrik, Chloe, Sabian.  Sabian is dodging and has advantage.
 (2d6)[ 3 ]  fire damage.
Vidrik  (1d20)[ 3 ] 
Chloe  (1d20)[ 6 ] 
Sabian  (1d20)[ 16 ]  or   (1d20)[ 8 ] 

Sacred Flame  (1d8)[ 5 ]  radiant to FG2, Dex DC 14ish negates  hit 
FG2 Dex  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
 


The Wight leaps out of the bonfire, dropping its bow and pulling out a longsword, which it swings at Cassandra.  In lieu of a backswing, it removes a hand from the hilt and tries to grab her as its hand glows with a reddish light.
 
 Spoiler 

Longsword  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  for  (1d10+2)[ 10 ]  slashing damage.  hit unless Shielded 
Life drain  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  necrotic damage.   miss, barely! On hit, DC 13 con save or HP max is reduced by this amount until a long rest is completed.  This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
A humanoid slain by this attack rises 24 hours later as a zombie under the wight's control, unless the humanoid is restored to life or its body is destroyed.
Cassandra Con save  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
 

The other gargolye climbs through the window behind it, moving to the side and inhaling, its eyes glowing as it holds flames ready to exhale at an opportune time.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Sabian, Mustafa, Chloe, Vidrik, Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  18  | HP:  14/22
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Aid, Bladesong
 Conditions:  Exhausted (disadvantage on ability checks)  
 
  

Perhaps due to the extended battles they have faced Cass's fluid dance isn't quite up to it's usual standard as the wight almost hits her. The Vampire Killer quickly parries the blow in her stead, however, before humming once more. Cass then unleashes the energy upon the wight before forming a circle around herself with the Vampire Killer and disappearing from her spot and returning next to the others.

"Seems we have some new guests!"

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Shield as a reaction.
Cast Booming Blade against the Wight. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack lands and the Wight moves before the start of Cassandra's next turn it takes an additional  (1d8)[ 7 ]  thunder damage.
Bonus action Misty Step to AJ30 (or the nearest square possible).
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 13/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire 
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    

Fearing another burst of fire, Chloé throws a vial of acid at the nearest stone monstrosity, and then ducks away, trying to stay out of yet another cone of fire.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Chances are create bonfire won't matter again this fight, but just in case, concentration:  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  vs DC10

 Action:  Acid Splash G2  (1d6)[ 5 ]  Acid
 (1d20)[ 14 ] +mods DC14 Dex save

 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike G2  (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 Move:  To AL31
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 15/28
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik turns as the Gargoyle breathes fire right in his face. He can't move away without risking an attack from the gargoyle, so does the only thing he thinks he can. He circles around the gargoyle and tries to shoot it at point blank range.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to AL28 so if the shot kills the gargoyle it hits the wight too.
BA Hunt Prey
Shoot Wight  (1d20+9)[ 22 ] , disadvantage  (1d20+9)[ 27 ] ,  (1d10+7)[ 15 ]  +  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;25972060]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Action: Dash to AJ-27.
J-H
Sabian moves out of cover, tossing a dagger at the wight.  As he emerges, the gargoyle exhales its readied breath weapon.
 
 Spoiler 

 (2d6)[ 9 ]  fire damage, Dex DC 13 half
Sabian  (1d20)[ 2 ]  or   (1d20)[ 1 ]  + ??
Cass   (1d20)[ 7 ] 

Dagger throw  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  for  (1d4+3)[ 4 ] 
 


Mustafa dashes forward, hoping to make himself a better target instead of his allies.  Chloe's bonfire gutters out, and her conjured acid goes awry, but her pet still manages to hit with a blast of energy.  Vidrik fires a heavy crossbow bolt that causes the gargoyle in front of him to shatter.  It continues on, striking the wight and killing it.
Cassandra attacks the final gargoyle, then teleports away from it.

It inhales, ready to breathe again, but as it moves closer to the party, the residual energy she left behind detonates, causing it to crumble.

All of your enemies are suddenly dead.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 13/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire 
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    

Chloé sighs with relief that the enemy were all dead. Or...re-dead, in the case of the Wight. She leaves searching to the others while she incinerates the Wight's corpse with another flame flask. She'd heard that powdered gargoyle horns were used as an active ingredient in some potions of flight and defense, so after the wight is definitely incinerated she takes her new dagger to task, hacking at the other's horns, toes, fangs, and eyes. It is a gruesome spectacle, but she carries it out with a quiet, methodical approach.

Even if they weren't all viable ingredients for her potions, she expected a gargoyle fang necklace to fetch a few gold coins at market, and some collector would probably want a pair of eyes to display on a coffee table as a display peace and icebreaker.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 3 
 AC:  18  | HP:  14/22
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Aid, Bladesong
 Conditions:  Exhausted (disadvantage on ability checks)  
 
  

Remembering this place from her vision and certain she knows the wight was after the same thing they are, Cassandra sets about finding the false stone and the object it hides.
J-H
As an heir to the Order, know where to look, and easily find a false stone in the central column.  When you remove it, you can see that the inside end of the stone itself is carved with runes that subtly deflect the attention of fiends and undead - perhaps why it hadn't been found.  Behind the false stone are two flasks of holy water, and a clay jar full of holy water, inside which floats Dracula's signet ring.

The ring may have some magical power... you'd have to remove it and study it to determine what they are, though.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 3 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa was rather interested in how Chloe got around to extract parts and ingredients from the gargoyle's corpse. He stood by her and watched, never bothering her with questions, as he had been taught to, but fascinated by the possibilities that entailed.

  "Where do all these monsters come from, after all?"   He asked the group.   "The Enemy can make the dead rise and fight for him, but what about these stone beasts? Who summoned them?"  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 13/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire 
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    
 "Gargoyles function off the same principle as golems. Stick a bunch of magic into an object until it comes to life."  Chloé says, quite confident in how she's dumbed it down.  "Thinking about it, it's not too far off how some undead work either. Zombies don't usually have a soul or mind attached, they're just puppets with magic instructions in their head."  She holds up one of the gargoyle's eyes, quite happy with its sheen. It's not hard to see she's a bit more confident when talking about something she knows.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  18  | HP:  23/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  2/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Aid, Bladesong
 Conditions:  Exhausted (disadvantage on ability checks)  
 
  

With a flash of inspiration due to the battles they've faced so far, Cass sets about identifying the ring and its properties.

 
 Spoiler 
Cass hits level 4! She gains the Crusher feat, boosting her constitution score to 14 and she learns the Identify and Web spells.

Also she casts Identify as a ritual on the ring.

  You choose one object that you must touch throughout the casting of the spell. If it is a magic item or some other magic-imbued object, you learn its properties and how to use them, whether it requires attunement to use, and how many charges it has, if any. You learn whether any spells are affecting the item and what they are. If the item was created by a spell, you learn which spell created it.  
 
J-H
 Signet Ring 
This signet ring bears the insignia of the Dracul family, a serpentine dragon.
Someone who attunes to this ring has advantage on Deception, Intimidation, and Persuasion checks.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 24/41 (24/46 Aid) 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 

After checking on the others, Sabian moves to the windows and checks for any other potential threats. As the others inspect the room, he checks the equipment of the wight, and remains vigilant near the stairs for any other intruders.

 
 Spoiler: Level Up 
  HP:   Sabian lost a total of 12hp during this last encounter (7 from wight crossbow bolt, 1 from successful dex save vs fire breath, 4 from failed dex save vs fire breath with Fire Resistance). That took him to 15 from 27, but he gains 9 on level up, so he's now at 24hp.

  ASI:   Not sure yet 😦
 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger
AC: 15 HP: 23/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIst: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 0/3
Hit Dice: 0/3
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: Exh. 1  
 
  

Vidrik takes the ring and holds it, trying to determine its properties and see if he can make use of them. He hopes it's not cursed but knows we need to take it with us either way.

  "We should barricade ourselves in the arrow slit room and rest for the night. We all look pretty beat up."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Attune to ring
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 13/24 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1)   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire 
 Experimental Elixir: Boldness (Exp.). Decanter: 0/3    
 "I won't say no to rest instead of traipsing around the forest..."  Chloé agrees.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 24/41 (24/46 Aid) 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
Sabian nods in agreement with Vidrik and Chloe.

  Mustafa, are you able to make use of the chapel to head off the curse tonight? If not, then I think Vidrik's got the right idea to stay hunkered down in the room near the entrance.  
 
 
  
J-H
You barricade yourselves in the chapel, hoping that it will provide some added protection, and take time to bandage your wounds, stretch, and relax.  It has been a harrowing day.

 
 Spoiler: Time 

It's around 5pm.  Your last long rest was 9pm-7am (10 hrs with the schedule we figured out).
You can't benefit from a LR more than once every 24 hrs but there's also a pretty clear preference to not hit the road again...  so you short rest/kill time until people are ready to go to sleep.  Let's say 2 hours, and you start your long rest at sundown (7pm).  You end your long rest around 5am, with about 3 hours until the sunrise.
 

 
 Spoiler: Dracula's Curse rolls 

Anyone who wishes to gain the benefits of a Long Rest must succeed on a Constitution save.  The DC begins at 10, and increases by 1 for each night that passes.  On a failed save, a character only gains the benefits of a short rest, plus enough downtime to prevent accumulating exhaustion.
Current DC:  11

Chloe  (1d20+4)[ 14 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+2)[ 19 ]  note: You need to update the save on your character sheet.
Vidrik  (1d20+2)[ 12 ] 
Mustafa  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Sabian  (1d20+4)[ 11 ] 
 

Maybe it's the chapel, or the exultation of making progress in your quest so quickly, or perhaps a divine blessing, or luck...but all of you manage to resist the effects of the curse and recover.
(although Mustafa still has 1 level of exhaustion after getting rid of one by long resting).

 =&gt; Party 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 

Despite feeling weary from the day's travel and combat, Sabian occupies a corner of the room once they are barricaded in and works on weapon drills. Or rather, shield drills. He picks up on lessons he had nearly mastered before the trip to the Order, that allow him to protect himself better with the shield, but also use it to knock enemies around on the battlefield.

After a couple of hours, he sets up his bedroll, removes his armor and goes to sleep. The night passes uneventfully, no visions, and no trouble from the vampire's curse. In the morning, he wakes up and starts his normal routine of stretching and warm-up exercises, before getting into his weapon drills. Eventually, he dons his armor, packs his things, and is ready to venture forth once again, not taking a meal or touching his rations.

  Remind me,   he says to the others,   where these other relics are located. I think for now our best choice is to head south to Veros. But we should plot a course to the next relic.  
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  3/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Glad to have some extra time for academic pursuits, Cassandra spends it transcribing most of the remaining spell scrolls in her possession into her book. When she goes to pick up the Vampire Killer once more after she's finished, she notices it feels... heavier... yet it is not any more difficult for her to wield.

 How can it feel heavier but not weigh more? Is this weapon growing more powerful as I do? 

When the others awake and prepare for the day ahead, she nods in agreement with Sabian. "Veros would seem the sensible next step on our journey," she pauses for a moment, "the people of Veros are hardy and strong, so there's a chance they have fared better than Yomi."
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    
 "It's our next closest destination either way, whether to save people, or hopefully find a place for a brief respite." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Experimental Elixir Roll 

 (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+5) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik sleeps better this night than he did the one before, but his rest is not without nightmares. He can't tell iff they are supernatural or just due to the stress of the previous day. In the morning, he nods at Sabian's suggestion

  "Unless someone has a better idea, Veros sounds like a good plan to me."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 

Alright, then let's going. As Sabian and the others move to leave the tower, he asks,   Vidrik, how long do you think it will take to get to Veros if we keep off the roads?  
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik gives his best guess as far as how long it will take to get to Veros.

  "Of course, that doesn't include getting attacked, resting, bandaging our wounds, rescuing any refugees, or negotiating with any more extraplanar beings."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Survival  (1d20+4)[ 16 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  3/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"I think we should wait until sunrise though," Cassandra suggests, "Since not all of us can see so well in the dark and we don't know what's lurking out there."

If the others agree, Cass will spend the next three hours going through the tower with a fine tooth comb for any items of value they may have missed yesterday, but she'll spend as much time as she needs to tidy up the top floor. No library should be left in that state and there could be valuable information up there. When she reaches the top floor she will cast Detect Magic as a ritual to see if anything extremely useful has been hiding among the mundane tomes.

Otherwise she'll follow where they go next.
J-H
You pass the time until the sun begins to crawl above the Carpathian range to the east.  It's not fully light, but at least it's not dark.  Heading south, you choose to proceed through the woods, rather than along the road.  It's slower, but if anyone is chasing you, maybe you'll be hard to find.  Travel time to Veros should be around 6 hours, given your choice.

The woods around Veros are moderately hilly, but not as full of underbrush as the Denis woods. Visibility is limited to short distances, aside from the straight lines of the roads.  The trees are also relatively thick, which is why nobody spots the bulky shapes in the trees until you're relatively close, about 30' away.  There are a number large spiders in the trees, 20-40' off the ground, in a rough line slightly diagonal to your path of travel.


 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

All of the spiders have partial cover (+2 AC) from the tree branches and leaves in the way.  The ones with a tree trunk in between them and the party have 3/4ths cover (+5 AC).
 =&gt;Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 

Everyone pauses as the shapes in the canopies materialize into giant spiders.   Great,   Sabian mutters. He looks around at the creatures in view, and behind them.   Hit them with what you can but let's fall back, maybe there where the trees thin out.
  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Movement   - Move to AA-294
  Action   - Dodge
  Object Interaction   - Stow spear

Sabian points towards AA-AI region as a possible place to retreat to. Thinking being we may get an additional turn of ranged attacks before most spiders can engage. But if anyone thinks differently, by all means.
 

 
 
  
J-H
Sensing potential prey... juicy, large prey... the spiders begin to close in, crawling and hopping from branch to branch like malignant octopodal squirrels.  Two of them launch nets of webbing at you from above, but neither one hits.
 
 Spoiler 

S5 &amp; S7 dash
S1 &amp; S3 move closer and launch webs.
S1 web vs Chloe
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 13 ] , on hit the target is restrained by webbing. As an action, the restrained target can make a DC 12 Strength check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage).

S3 web vs Sabian
disadvantage due to dodge
Attack   (1d20+5)[ 10 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 25 ] , on hit the target is restrained by webbing. As an action, the restrained target can make a DC 12 Strength check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage).
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Vidrik, Cassandra, Chloe, Mustafa 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik jumps when he first sees the spiders. Seeing them move through the trees, he moves away from the spiders towards the clearing to his north.

  "Crap. Let's try to drop them before they get to us."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
move to Z285
Shoot S3  (1d20+10)[ 26 ] ,  (1d10+8)[ 16 ]  +  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

Chloé doesn't need to be told twice to retreat away from spiders, even as she ducks away from a set of webbing. She throws a fire flask into one of the treetops and darts away.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Create Bonfire  (1d20)[ 16 ] +dex vs DC15
 (1d8)[ 2 ]  fire damage
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike  (1d20+6)[ 7 ] 
 Damage:  (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 Move:  AA288
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  3/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"I agree," Cass says, "They'll be easier to deal with when they're not hiding in the trees."

She follows the others, firing an arrow at the spider to her left as she does.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to Z289.
Longbow attack Vs S3. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 20 ] , to damage:  (1d8+3)[ 4 ] .
 
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;25973574]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  

Damn these cursed beasts! Mustafa knew vampires had powers over the animal kingdom, especially wolves and bats and other creatures of the night, but could Dracula have also corrupted such simple-minded beings like spiders? If so, what was the limit of his powers? He didn't care about the answer at the moment. For his relief, there was enough room in those woods for the party to fall into formation, and that was something Mustafa could do. Finding his place in a line slightly ahead of Chloe and Vidrik and looking to share the frontline with Cassandra and Sabian, he raised his crescent moon scepter and gathered holy energy for a missile, as soon as any of the spiders approached them.

Move to AA-289
Ready Sacred Flame
J-H
Vidrik moves back, firing a shot with his crossbow that generates a chittering squeal (hit for 21).  Cassandra fires an arrow at the same spider, hitting it.  Chloe retreats, missing her target.

Three of the spiders move closer.  Mustafa invokes radiant flames upon the first to close in on Sabian.  It skitters out of the way, but misses with its web.
 
 Spoiler 

Sacred Flame  (1d8)[ 4 ]  Dex save  (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
S2 Web vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 20 ]  or   (1d20+5)[ 16 ] , disadvantage

S4 &amp; S6 Dash
 

 =&gt; Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 

Sabian thinks to throw a dagger, but the spiders are still a distance away and obscured by the foliage. He backs up with the others and takes a defensive stance.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Action   - Dodge
  Move   - Z290
 
 
 
  
J-H
One spider crosses in front of the party as it gets nearer.  The injured one dodges and backs away.  Two others launch webs bundles of webbing, using their rear legs like upside-down catapults, at Cassandra and Mustafa.  When they impact, the bundles unfold outwards, entangling them both.
 
 Spoiler 

S5 vs Mu
 (1d20+5)[ 23 ] 

S7 vs Ca
 (1d20+5)[ 22 ] 
 two hits! 
 The target is restrained by webbing As an action, the restrained target can make a DC 12 Strength check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage). 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Vidrik, Cassandra, Chloe, Mustafa 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik retreats a little further. Hopefully the spiders focus on the restrained party members so he can continue to pick them off from far away, or at least wound them enough that they run away. A smart enemy would chase after him, but hopefully the spiders are more intent on an apparently easy snack.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
move to AB293
Shoot S7  (1d20+10)[ 20 ] ,  (1d10+8)[ 18 ]  +  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Ew..." Cass complains, teleporting herself out of the web before freeing Mustafar from them too. She retreats a little further back, "I'm going to have to burn these clothes."

 
 Spoiler 
Bonus action Misty Step to Z297.
Firebolt vs the web on Mustafar. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] , to damage:  (1d10)[ 8 ] 
Move to AD296.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

Chloé continues to beat a hasty retreat, tossing acid at the spiders that seemed to be closest together.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Acid Splash S5+S4  (1d6)[ 6 ]  Acid, DC15 Dex
S5 (1d20)[ 6 ] 
S4 (1d20)[ 13 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike S3  (1d20+6)[ 21 ] 
 Damage:  (1d4+2)[ 4 ] 
 Move:  AA296
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  6  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  
  "Fall to the left!"   Mustafa waved his arm in the air to make sure his shield-brothers and shield-sisters would understand his suggestion.   "They're trying to flank us!"  .

As he moved through the battlefield, Mustafa cast another Sacred Flame at the nearest spider.

Move to AE-298
Cast Sacred Flame on S1
 (1d8)[ 1 ]  Radiant damage
S1 dex save:  (1d20+3)[ 15 ] 
J-H
Vidrik's crossbow bolt strikes deep as he falls back.  Cassandra blinks out of the webbing, then burns it off Mustafa.  Chloe splashes one of the spiders with acid, while her servant almost hits the retreating spider.  Mustafa retreats, missing with his spell.

One of the spiders scuttles through the trees, ready to dodge (S2 dodges).  The other two pursue fleeing prey, one launching a web at Mustafa and the other at Vidrik before ducking partly behind a tree truck.  Both webs hit, binding them in sticky spider-silk.
 
 Spoiler 

S4 vs Mu  (1d20+5)[ 19 ] 
S6 vs Vi  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] 
 

 =&gt; Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 
  Nice work Cass!   Sabian calls out as she frees herself and Mustafa from the webbing. The others are doing a good job of keeping the offensive up as they retreat from the trees and canopies. As soon as the spiders come down, Sabian will be ready to engage. For now, he continues to fall back, and cuts the new webbing that has bound Mustafa.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Move   - AD298
  Item Interaction   - Draw Spear
  Action   - Attack web on Mustafa
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 22 ] 
 Damage  -  (1d6+4)[ 7 ] 
 
 
 
  
J-H
Sabian slices the web off Mustafa.

The spiders move forward, pursuing the party.  One dashes closer to Vidrik, while another moves forward cautiously (S5, dodging).  You lose sight of the two most badly injured ones (S3, S7 retreat out of sight).

 
 Spoiler 

   
 

 =&gt;Vidrik, Cassandra, Chloe, Mustafa 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass fires off another arrow at the spider that seems to be trying to get behind the group.

 
 Spoiler 
Longbow attack vs Spider #1. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 10 ] , to damage:  (1d8+3)[ 6 ]  piercing damage.
Move to AC293.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik finds himself encased in sticky webs. He can no longer retreat, but can still shoot. The webs hinder his movement but he's still able to load his crossbow and take a shot, launching a stake at the spider trying to flank us.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Shoot S1  25  from OOC, disadvantage  (1d20+10)[ 18 ] ,  (1d10+8)[ 15 ]  +  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

Chloé keeps running and keep throwing.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Create Bonfire S6  (1d8)[ 6 ]  Fire, DC15 Dex
 (1d20)[ 7 ] +mods
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike S6  (1d20+6)[ 23 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 Move:  AA290
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
J-H
Vidrik manages a shot despite the restraining webs (hit S1 for 19).  Cassandra shoots at the same target, but misses, then moves next to Vidrik.  Chloe manages to injure another spider with flames and force.    Mustafa dodges.

One spider moves closer, throwing another ball of webbing at Sabian.  Another repositions (S4 move, dodge).  The last one, close to Vidrik, drops down and tries to bite him, but misses.
 
 Spoiler 

S2
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 

S4 moves &amp; dodges

S6 moves down and bites Vidrik.
Advantage due to restraint
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 10 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 6 ]  plus  (2d8)[ 10 ]  poison damage, Con DC 11 half.
Vidrik Con  (1d20)[ 6 ] +mods
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 

Sabian hears the commotion of contact behind him and turns to see one of the monstrous spiders has descended to attack the restrained Vidrik. He moves to engage, slicing the webbing on Vidrik and bashing the spider to the ground with his shield.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 

  Movement    - Move to AA294
  Action   - Attack Webbing on Vidrik, Recklessly
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 8 ] 
 Damage  -  (1d6+4)[ 7 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove S6 --&gt; Prone   Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 14 ] 

Prone won't impact the cantrips that call for a saving throw, and will give the construct servant and Cassandra advantage on their melee attacks (if they close in). It will also cancel out Vidrik's Disadvantage for being next to the spider. Since Vidrik deals more damage, I figured better to free him than go for the spider.
 
 
 
  
J-H
Sabian slices the webbing off Vidrik, then knocks the big spider down with a well-placed shield bash.  Another of the spiders retreats through the trees, badly injured, while another circles around cautiously (S1 retreats, S5 move and dodges)

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Vidrik
Cassandra
Chloe
Mustafa
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire   
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

Slowing her pace due to Vidrik's restrained form, she nevertheless keeps tossing flasks, confident that their aggressive retreat strategy had put the dastardly eight legged beasts to rout.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Create Bonfire S6  (1d8)[ 2 ]  Fire, DC15 Dex
 (1d20)[ 3 ] +mods
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike S6  (1d20+6)[ 15 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 5 ] 
 Move:  None, unless she needs to move to within 30ft of a spider to get her Servant Strike off, in which case she'll move towards the necessary target.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass drops her bow, pulls out the Vampire Killer and attacks the spider next to Vidrik, the whip humming as it arcs through the air.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to AB292.
Cast Booming Blade with the Vampire Killer. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 23 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. Push the spider back 5ft (to Y292) due to Crusher and if the target moves at all before Cassandra's next turn it takes an additional  (1d8)[ 7 ]  force damage.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik nods at Sabian for removing the webs, but the spider lands right next him before he gets a chance to move. He shoots the spider right in front of him. He'd love to move away, but it's not worth exposing himself to an attack from the spider.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Shoot S6  (1d20+10)[ 20 ] , disadvantage  (1d20+10)[ 17 ] , piercing  (1d10+8)[ 12 ]  +  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 
J-H
Cassandra strikes with her whip, knocking the prone spider back.  Chloe blasts it with fire and force, leaving it close to dead, and surrounded by energy that will finish it off when it attempts to stand.
Mustafa dodges.

One spider throws another web at Sabian, while the second attempts to ensnare Cassandra.  Both webs are dodged.  The prone spider attempts to stand, and Cassandra's spell
detonates, killing it (S6 is dead).
 
 Spoiler 

S2 vs Sabian  (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 
S4 vs Cassandra  (1d20+5)[ 14 ] 
 


With over half their number gone, the remaining three spiders take little time to either kill or put to flight.
 =&gt; Combat over 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Nothing like a little light exercise to get you going in the morning," Cass says with a smirk as she gathers her bow and joins the others on their path towards the town, "But I do hope the rest of the trip is a bit more uneventful."
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire   
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    
 "When they're not teleporting around they're at lot easier to handle,"  Chloé remarks, earnestly - both she and Cassandra had more reason than others to fear the spiders of Dracula, but they'd all escaped unscathed, this time.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik stabs the downed spiders with his rapier and rips off their legs, so even if Dracula raises them as spider zombies, they won't be a threat. He then collects his stakes and prepares to keep moving.

  "Now that we have put a little distance between us and the keep, maybe we can return to the road. It's not like the woods are any safer."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 

Sabian helps Vidrik make the corpses less useful as undead. At the suggestion he says,   I leave it to you to decide Vidrik, as you are our pathfinder. But though both paths may be dangerous, what we face on the road may be different than we find out here.   
 
  
J-H
You travel on southwards for the woods for another hour or so before you hear the sound of movement, coming basically towards you, at high speed.  Branches cracking, leaves thrashing, and even a few growls and yips.

They come into view suddenly, brown humanoid shapes in the distance with wolf-like heads.
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Vidrik, Sabian 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik moves away from the oncoming werewolves, maneuvering to get a good shot at the closest one. He moves away, but does not break out into a run.

  "If we retreat, maybe we can buy a few seconds to hit them before they are upon us."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Moves 3 NW, shoots, and then 4 North
Shoot W1  (1d20+10)[ 16 ] ,  (1d10+8)[ 9 ]  (too far for Hunters Prey)
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 

Sabian follows after Vidrik, stowing his spear, and keeping his shield at the ready and the foliage between him and the creatures.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Movement   - Move to AB292
  Object Interaction   - Stow spear
  Action   - Dodge (or Nature check)

Nature Check -  (1d20)[ 15 ]  [If this would invalidate Cass' attempt, then ignore it, even if it's a 20 lol.]
 
 
 
  
J-H
Vidrik moves back, firing a crossbow bolt that hits, producing a yipe.  Sabian backs up, hoping to shield the group during a fighting retreat.  Nature:  These don't look like werewolves... they're more animalistic, but still similar to werewolves.

The creatures rush forwards, running hunched-over and using their arms and legs to close the distance quickly (dash, 80' each), clearing patches of underbrush and bushes by simply leaping over them.  They'll be on you pretty soon.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Chloe, Cassandra, Vidrik, Sabian 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire   
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

Facing a half dozen werewolves head on isn't Chloé's fondest idea. She darts back to follow Vidrik, holding a flask at the ready for any enemies who get within tossing range.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  Retreat to AA287
 Action:  Ready Action: Create Bonfire for target entering 60ft range.
 (1d20)[ 11 ] +Mods DC15 Dex or  (1d8)[ 4 ]  fire, leaving bonfire in the space they were in when spell was cast.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  18  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Concentrating:  Flaming Sphere
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Oh sure just leave me to deal with the wolf people!" Cass calls out to the retreating Vidrik and Sabian, "I was always more of a cat person anyway."

She begins her signature dance, swaying from side to side, as the. Vampire Killer begins to spiral to her left. A small spark in the air nearby erupts into a ball of flame.

"If you want me, come and get me!" she shouts at their approaching foes.

 
 Spoiler 
Bonus action activate Bladesong (AC &gt; 18).
Cast Flaming Sphere at AD296.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  
  "They're closing in!"   Mustafa cried to Vidrik, but making sure the whole party could hear him.   "I think I only got two shots before impact! Less, if they're fast!"  

Move to X-290
Ready action: Sacred Flame at the first enemy to get within 60 ft
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik maneuvers to get a better shot and chooses a different target this time.

  "These things are fast. They'll be on us quickly."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Moves to AD282, shoots W4
Shoot W1  (1d20+10)[ 12 ] ,  (1d10+8)[ 11 ]  (too far for Hunters Prey)
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 

As Sabian is jogging back, he calls out   They aren't werewolves but closely related.   He sees that Cass is holding her ground, and turns back to stand beside her.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Movement   - Move to AB296
  Action   - Dodge
 
 
 
  
J-H
The group falls back and prepares; Vidrik takes a shot, but misses.

The creatures lope forwards, slowing slightly on approach and spreading out.
 
 Spoiler 

W1 dodges and approaches, as it can't reach and attack.
That triggers the readied Sacred Flame,  (1d8)[ 8 ]  radiant, Dex DC around 14, advantage from dodging
 (1d20+1)[ 7 ]  or  (1d20+1)[ 13 ] 
W2 dashes, takes 4 damage from Create Bonfire
W3 dodges and moves
W3 dodges and moves
W5 dashes
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

W1, W3, W4 are Dodging
   
 

 =&gt;Mu, Ch, Ca, Vi, Sa 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  18  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Concentrating:  Flaming Sphere
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass focuses on evading any incoming attacks, allowing the ball of fire to soften these kinda-sorta-not-werewolves.

 
 Spoiler 
Dodge action.
Bonus action move Flaming Sphere to AG295. It stops at AG296 and deals  (2d6)[ 8 ]  fire damage to W5 if it fails the dex saving throw and takes half damage on a success (DC 13):  (1d20)[ 12 ]  plus mods.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik moves back to his last position, shooting at the nearest wolf man as he goes.

  "We don't want to get too split up."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
From AD282, where he ended last turn, he moves forward, marks W5, shoots them, and then returns to X284
Shoot W5  (1d20+10)[ 20 ] ,  (1d10+8)[ 17 ]  +  (1d6)[ 6 ]  Hunters Prey
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: Rage Benefits 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian sees Cass preparing to take on the incoming beastmen after sending her flaming sphere to the scraggler on the side trying to flank them. Vidrik hits it with a stake-bolt, and Sabian rushes over to try and finish it off.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Movement   - Move to AF294
  Bonus Action   - Rage
  Action   - Attack Recklessly
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 7 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 26 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 9 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire   
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

Much as she'd like to continue their retreat, she couldn't - and wouldn't leave anyone behind. Instead she focuses on the closest enemy, darting in and out again.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  Forwards 10ft, servant strike back 10ft. No net change.
 Action:  Acid Splash W5.
 (1d20)[ 17 ] +mods dex or  (1d6)[ 4 ]  acid.
 Bonus Action:   (1d4+2)[ 6 ]  Force
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  
  "Werewolves or not, I don't like them."   Mustafa hustled forward and cast another holy missile at the one in their flank.   "Begone, creature of hell!"  

Move to AB-294 (green square)
Cast Sacred Flame at W5 (DC 13)
 (1d8)[ 1 ]  radiant damage
Dex save:  (1d20+1)[ 7 ]  (cover bonus don't apply)
J-H
Mustafa moves into some underbrush, and calls holy flame to burn the creature to the west (7 damage to W5).  Chloe misses the same creature with acid, but does tag it with a ball of force from her servant (6 damage).

Cassandra prepares to dodge the incoming attacks, while directing her flaming sphere at the same target; it dodges, but fur still burns (4 damage).  Vidrik contributes a solid hit with his crossbow (23), and Sabian rushes at it.  Burned twice, blasted, and shot, it can't get out of his way, and Sabian's spear takes it through the throat.  It collapses to the ground; as it dies, it turns from a humanoid wolf-man into a simple wolf with multiple injuries and a gaping wound in its throat.

The rest of the pack snarl and yip in anger.  Two of them charge at Sabian, running straight at him and then leaping to the attack in a flurry of claws and teeth, drawing blood twice.  One jumps at Cassandra, but she agilely twists out of the way of both attacks. The last flanker goes for Chloe, as she's closest, but she sees it coming and is able to keep it from hitting her.
 
 Spoiler 

W1 &amp; W4 go for Sabian
Advantage from Reckless attack.
If any of the attacks made during the leaping charge hit, DC 12 Str save or be knocked prone. Advantage from rage, so unlikely.
1  (1d20)[ 2 ]  or  (1d20)[ 16 ]   w1 bite passed 
2  (1d20)[ 11 ]  or  (1d20)[ 5 ]   w2 bite passed 
 3  (1d20)[ 14 ]  or  (1d20)[ 20 ] 
4  (1d20)[ 6 ]  or  (1d20)[ 14 ] 
 If a claw attack hits a prone target, the attacking W can grapple it for free, gaining advantage on attack rolls against it (although this is redundant as it already has adv. vs prone, and grapple prevents a creature from leaving prone)
W1
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  piercing  miss 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  piercing  hit, str save passed 

W4
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  piercing  miss 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 4 ]  piercing  hit, str save passed 

W2 goes for Chloe, but does not get the leaping benefit because there's a tree in the way of straight-line movement, so she doesn't risk getting bowled over.
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  piercing  miss 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  piercing  miss 

W3 goes for Cassandra, Disadvantage due to Dodging
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  piercing  miss 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  piercing  miss 

If hit, Str DC 12 save or prone
 1  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
2  (1d20)[ 16 ]  
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Chloe, Cassandra, Vidrik, Sabian 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  18  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Concentrating:  Flaming Sphere
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"It's okay I can multitask," Cass says to the humanoid wolf before her. Unleashing attacks upon the enemy before her and the enemies ganging up on Sabian, Cass heads back over to her half orc buddy to give him a hand.

 
 Spoiler 
W4 ended its turn within 5ft of Flaming Sphere so it takes  (2d6)[ 8 ]  fire damage on a failed DC 13 dex save (12 plus mods rolled in the Discord), or half as much on a successful one.

Cast Booming Blade on W3. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. Push W3 to Y298 and if it moves before Cassandra's next turn it takes an additional  (1d8)[ 7 ]  force damage.

Bonus action move Flaming Sphere to AF295.  It stops at AF296 and deals  (2d6)[ 4 ]  fire damage to W4 if it fails the dex saving throw and takes half damage on a success (DC 13):  (1d20)[ 13 ]  plus mods.

Move to AE294.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire   
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

She knows she can't outrun the monster, so her best bet, unfortunately, is standing her ground and throwing fire at her feet until it fell over.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Action:  Create Bonfire W2  (1d20)[ 11 ] +mods DC15 Dex,  (1d8)[ 7 ]  fire.
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike:  (1d20+6)[ 10 ]  (1d20+6)[ 9 ]  (disadv)
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  

Mustafa continued to advance, briefly glancing over his shoulder to make sure his comrades weren't overwhelmed with wolves behind him.   "Chloe! You okay back there?!"   He asked while he hustled, not waiting for her reply as he positioned himself in a way to align the two wolves that attacked Sabian. A tongue of flames erupted from the moon-and-star on his holy symbol and burned a 15-foot cone in front of him.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to AD-295 (green square)
Cast Burning Hands on W1 and W4
 (3d6)[ 15 ]  fire damage
Dex save: W1  (1d20)[ 5 ]  and W4  (1d20)[ 1 ]  plus modifiers

"The fire ignites any flammable objects in the area that aren’t being worn or carried." Not sure if those bushes count as objects? Possibly clearing the area of green squares?

Area of effect:
 

Edit: Perhaps AD-294 would be more plausible for this cone?
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik continues back south, this time shooting at the wolfwere next to Chloe. He doesn't know that these aren't full werewolves so he incorrectly calls out to his friends.

  "Don't let them bite you!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to W291, mark W2
Shoot W2  (1d20+10)[ 30 ] ,  (1d10+8)[ 17 ]  +  (1d6)[ 2 ]  Hunters Prey
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: Rage Benefits 
 Rages: 2/3 

The forest is suddenly very warm as both Cassandra and Mustafa unleash their fire magic on the wolf creatures attacking Sabian. He impales the nearest one with his spear.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 

  Action   - Attack W4 Recklessly
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 18 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 12 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 
  Movement   - If W4 dies, move to AD294 through Cass' square to avoid an OA
  Bonus Action   - Knock W1 Prone
 Athletics w/ Advantage  -  (1d20+7)[ 26 ] ,  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
 

 
 
  
J-H
Mustafa's flames wash over both wolfweres, causing them to howl in pain, and lighting some bushes on fire (15 damage x 2).  Chloe catches the one near her with flames, as well.
Cassandra hits the wolfwere in front of her, knocking it back and setting up a charge of energy, then guides her Flaming Sphere into another one (4 at end of turn to W4; then 2 to W4 and W1 each).

Vidrik shoots the one next to Chloe, striking it in the kidneys (CRIT for 38).
Sabian stabs the wolfwere in front of him (18), then knocks it prone.

The wolfwere Cassandra had struck yelps, but chases after the newly-appeared Vidrik, leaping at him.  The in front of Chloe turns and leaps over the bushes  (Chloe OA if wielding melee weapon) , to join him.

The other two scatter away from the flaming sphere, one moving between Mustafa and Cassandra (Sabian OA), attacking each once, and the other going after Sabian (Cassandra OA), who just stabbed it.
 
 Spoiler 

Odds go first from init and it matters on this one, although I'm going to divide the post between east and west geographically.
W3 takes 7 damage from Booming Blade.  It runs at Vidrik and jumps at him.
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ]  slashing damage.  Str save  (1d20)[ 12 ]   miss 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  piercing damage. Str save  (1d20)[ 7 ]   miss 
Either or both of these hitting require a DC 12 Str save or prone

W2 joins him.
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  slashing damage  miss 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]  piercing damage.  hit 
 Possible prone advantage,  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]   

W1 (provokes Sabian OA)
vs Mustafa Claws  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  slashing damage  hit 
vs Cassandra Bite  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]  piercing damage  miss 

W4 (stands, moves, provokes Cassandra OA), advantage vs reckless
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 9 ]  slashing damage  hit 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  piercing damage. miss 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa
Chloe
Cassandra
Vidrik
Sabian
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  18  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Concentrating:  Flaming Sphere
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass hits the wolf as it runs past her, then strikes at the wolf that failed to bite her. She then directs the ball of flame to attack the same wolf it did before.

"I'm going to help Vidrik!" she calls out to Mustafar and Sabian, who can handle these two wolves, before heading over.

 
 Spoiler 
Opportunity attack vs W4. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 8 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.

Cast Booming Blade vs W1. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 18 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. Push W1 to AC294 and if it moves before Cassandra's next turn it takes an additional  (1d8)[ 8 ]  force damage.

Bonus action move Flaming Sphere to AG294. It stops at AH294 and deals  (2d6)[ 5 ]  fire damage to W4 if it fails the dex saving throw and takes half damage on a success (DC 13):  (1d20)[ 11 ]  plus mods.

Move to AE292, then to Y292.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire   
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

As appreciative as she was that the wolf had left her side, it didn't help if it went biting one of her fellow scions. She keeps up her flames, shifting it between them to keep the wolves on their toes and - hopefully - force them away.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Action:  Create Bonfire W2  (1d20)[ 14 ] +mods DC15 Dex,  (1d8)[ 4 ]  fire.
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike:  (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 4 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik maneuvers away from one of the wolves to try to set up a better shot. He then tries to get both of the wolves with one stake.

  "Apparently they are much smarter than wolves."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Move to X289, taking AOO from W3, shoot W2 through to W3
Shoot W2  (1d20+10)[ 24 ] , disadvantage  (1d20+10)[ 20 ] ,  (1d10+8)[ 13 ]  +  (1d6)[ 6 ]  Hunters Prey
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 32/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: Rage Benefits 
 Rages: 2/3 

The wolf creatures are tenacious and getting passed his defenses, but Sabian keeps up the offensive.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 Reaction 

  Reaction   - Opportunity Attack vs W1
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 22 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 10 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Turn 5 
  Action   - Attack W4 Recklessly
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 22 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 10 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 
  Movement   - If W4 dies, move to AD293
  Bonus Action   - Shield Master Shove W1 to AB295
 Athletics  -  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] ,  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
  Movement   - If Shove fails, stay in place, if shove succeeds, move to AA291
 

 
 
  
J-H
Sabian's opportunity attack hits (10).  Mustafa swings his holy symbol at the wolfwere (hit for 7).  Chloe isn't as lucky, not managing to cause any injury... but at least nothing's trying to kill her right now.

Cassandra's opportunity attack against #4 hits (8).  Her whip cracks out, knocking the other wolf away from her (9), and her flaming sphere hits the earlier wolf (4).

Vidrik circles around, risking a blow to line up a shot.  It's a good shot though, his stake killing the wolfwere in front of him and carrying on to the one behind him (13 damage to W3).
 
 Spoiler: W3 OA 

Claws  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  slashing damage
 


Sabian finishes off the burnt wolf behind him, then rams his shield into the wolf near Mustafa and pushes it farther back before moving closer to the middle of the battlefield.

The shoved and pushed-around werewolf lunges after Sabian, but dies as the magical resonance left behind by Cassandra kills it.  Only one wolf is left, and it circles to the side before rushing at Vidrik.  It bites him, but the bite isn't very bad.
 
 Spoiler 

Move around so it gets a 20' straight-line runup.
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 4 ]  slashing damage
If hits, Str DC 12 or prone  (1d20)[ 19 ] 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  slashing damage
Possible advantage  (1d20)[ 4 ] 
If hits, Str DC 12 or prone  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
 

Outnumbered 5-to-1, it doesn't last much longer.
 =&gt; Combat over 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 33/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 1
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik looks to make sure the others are still doing well. He looks to be the most injured and he thinks he's ok for now. He will be fine once he catches his breath. He pulls out some berries from his pouch and offers 6 of them to Sabian.

  "Here Sabian. Eat these. Then let's keep going."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Casts Goodberry. With his previous 3, he gives 6 to Sabian and eats 6 himself, keeping one for an emergency.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
  Thank you,   Sabian says to Vidrik, taking the berries and eating them. He examines the corpses around them,   Looks like these were wolves that then turned into man-wolves.   He looks at the wounds they took,   Do you think we are cursed now?  
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Concentrating:  Flaming Sphere
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"You'll be fine," Cassandra reassures Sabian, "It's the ones that were human and became wolves you need to be wary of. These are nothing but imitations."
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  
Mustafa sighed in relief when Cassandra explained how the werefolf curse actually worked.   "Imitations, you say? As in,  produced  imitations? Someone cursed these poor animals and forced them to fight us?"   He shook his head in disgust.   "Animals are pure creatures, untouched by sin. It is a crime against the gods of light to use them as disposable weapons."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian nods at Mustafa's declaration,   Then let's arrange a meeting between Dracula and the gods, and they can sort it out.   He follows after Vidrik to keep moving.
 
 
  
J-H
Continuing your travels through the woods, you reach Veros around 1pm after 6 hours of travel.

Veros is a mining village located in the foothills of the Carpathian Range.  The mountain nearby used to hold a corresponding dwarven city, complete with a tunnel under the mountains that passed by the gates of the dwarven city.  Unfortunately, the underground city was destroyed in an earthquake over 100 years ago, killing its inhabitants.  The nearby path survived – somehow – but Veros itself never recovered from the immediate region losing 3/4ths of its population and the bulk of its expert miners.

A long straight path leads through the woods to the riverside southwest of Veros, where refined ores can be loaded onto barges, which are then towed upstream.

The outskirts of the village show signs of damage, and even fire in a few places.  However, an interior perimeter has been completely fortified using logs, planks, and furniture to build a ten foot high wall with firing positions behind it.  The guards on it - mostly humans - spot you as you arrive.  They appear to have spears and bows at the ready.

 "Hello!  If you are not servants of the unholy, approach and be recognized!" 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

Talking? To other people? Chloé doesn't think so. Happy as she is to see people who aren't undead and trying to kill them - and the potential to rest in a place that isn't threatening death - she takes up position behind the others. She's sure that they'd be better at speaking anyway.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik steps forward to address the guards. He keeps his crossbow unloaded and dropped at his side, pointed at the ground. He speaks out and tells the truth, ready to flee if that turns out to be a bad idea.

  "Hello. We come from the Order. We were supposed to be this year's champions, but the Order was destroyed before we could be inducted. We escaped and are traveling south to find allies before returning to hunt Dracula once again."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 
J-H
 "You're from the Order?  You're the second group of people 'here to help' today."   A couple of other guards are heading this way, and you can hear someone in the background calling for more.

One of them tosses something down.   "Hold this in your bare hand for a minute where we can see it... then each of you do the same." 
It's a silver coin.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian steps forward and picks up the coin, displaying it for everyone to see in his palm, and then gripping it.   We've been waylayed the entire way here. Zombies, skeletons, spiders, wolves, and worse. We tried for Holmwood Tower, but it fell. We hoped by the Light that Veros was far enough away to have fared better.   After they tell him the time is up, Sabian passes the coin to someone else.
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cassandra takes the coin from Sabian and presses it firmly against her bare skin. "We are no shapeshifters trying to sneak our way in," she reassures the guards, "We were there when the forces of darkness attacked the Order. I don't even know how we survived this long, but I am glad to see you have too."

She passes the coin onto someone else and then lifts the Vampire Killer for the guards to see. "Do you recognise this weapon? Only a Hartdegen may wield it, only a servant of the Order. Now that I know you have survived, know I would lay down my life for any of yours. We all would. Such is our duty."
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 3/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik takes his turn with the silver coin.

  "Who was the other group? Were they from the Order too?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
  I get the sense they were imposters,   Vidrik, Sabian says under his breath.
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    
 "Wait, really?"  Chloé replies to Sabian, doubtful.  "Why wouldn't he just say that then?" 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
  I heard it... the way he said  "here to help" . And they just called for more back up.   Sabian looks around at the surrounding wilderness,   Something came here and attacked them. Let's just be cautious; these guys suspect us.  
 
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  
Mustafa was genuinely happy at the sight of people - actual people! He could barely contain himself.   "I will gladly undergo your test."   He let the silver coin rest on his palm, visible to the guards.   "However I am sorry bear these dark words, but you mustn't rely on this for the sake of your safety. There are plenty of shapeshifters and tricksters in these dark nights that can endure the touch of silver. If you're to judge our intentions, I beg you do it by our deeds, our spirits, our intentions."  

He raised his holy symbol alongside Cassandra and the Vampire Killer.   "We bring a light in the dark, the fire that burns the Enemy, a spark of hope for those who are still willing to fight! Break bread with us, and we shall heal your wounded, secure your defenses, and enlighten your village against the forces of hell that have taken over this province."  
J-H
One of the other guards, a woman, answers.   "Wolves in the shape of men, or men in the shape of wolves.  Or both.  We drove them off, but it was a close thing.  We've seen them at a distance all day long... they'll be back tonight."   She turns.
 "Father." 

Another face peers over the edge, this one a round face with a beard and salt-and-pepper hair, and a symbol of Lathander at his neck.   "They say you're from the Order?" 
(and to those on the wall)  "And none of them reacted to the coin?" 
His eyes glow slightly for a moment as he uses some sort of magic to assess you.
 "Welcome, welcome!  Get the ladder please." 

After a minute or two, a wooden ladder is levered over the wall until it touches the ground on your side.  You can go up it... but it looks like it might not handle more than one at a time.

You climb up, and the man greets you, although the guards are all paying attention to the conversation as well.  "Welcome!  I am Father Anatolie, the priest of Lathander in this village.  Things went mad about two nights ago.  We've been attacked by were-wolves, and even by the undead, skeletons and zombies.  It's like the bad days from over a hundred years ago are back!  Not that I was here then."  Anatolie looks like he'd normally be a jolly person, but his eyes are tight and there are dark circles underneath.  He's tired.

He leads you farther into the fortified area.   "You can come to the temple if you'd like, but that's where we have the worst-injured and elderly and children.  It's more of a place of healing and safety now, rather than of worship or prayer.  The undead at least don't seem to want to come too near it, which is why the inner part of the village is walled off."   He speaks more quietly as you move away from others.   "I know you all seem a bit young, but I'm sure you are experts at such things.  Are you scouting ahead as part of a relief force coming to save us?  We'll need to get Emanuel if you are going to coordinate an evacuation." 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian waits for the others to climb up before giving the surrounding area one final look and ascending the ladder himself.

Father Anatolie asks if Sabian and the others are a scouting vanguard for relief troops. The half-orc frowns and looks at the others, unsure what to say.
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cassandra speaks in an equally hushed tone so only Anatolie can hear her. “You are the first living people we’ve seen in days,” she says, “We’ve been on our own since the attack on the Order two days ago and we haven’t seen any other survivors of it. I fear we may be all that’s left of the Order…” she trails off.

Understanding that this is not what Father Anatolie wanted to hear, she stops for a moment, gathers her composure and continues, “I’m sorry we aren’t what you were hoping for. It can’t have been easy, surviving this long against such reckless hate, but we must persevere not just for our own sakes but for those that look to us for strength. If you’re expecting another attack tonight, we will fulfil our duty as members of the Order. How well does this Emanuel know the region? Does he know where you might evacuate to or where the monsters are coming from?”
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;25983727]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  
Mustafa held his tongue and gave his comrades a confident look.   "The details of our travels are grim. We will tell you everything, but I don't wish to bring these people any more dark words."   He indicated the guards that surrounded them. Maybe it wouldn't be the best idea to spread fear and despair by revealing that no one was coming to save them.   "Perhaps we should head to the church and talk there? I am a servant of Allah and all the gods of light, and studied under a physician back in my homeland. I'm sure there must be something I can do to help. Do you have Whisperleaf and honey? Maybe some Dreamroot?"  *

 
 Spoiler 
I'm making up these names on the fly. Meant to be generic healing herbs that one might carry in their Healer's Kit, instead of asking "Hey NPC, do you have Healer's Kits?"
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    
 "We...probably can't stay, but we could help out, just for a bit."  Chloé offers, finally speaking up properly.  "I'm sure your sick and wounded could do with another pair of hands or two." 

It might not be the best way they could spend their time. As bearers of the relics, they had a job to do, like it or not, but she struggled to look away at a town barely hanging on to life.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Anatolie frowns at your news, his face dropping.  You get the feeling he sort of expected it, though.   "Emanuel's the mayor.  He's handling most of the organization, while I try to help keep everyone's spirits up, heal, encourage, and of course stand guard at night, when it's worse.  We've discussed evacuating, but we'd have to do it on foot.  We have a few wagons used for ore, but the stables were on the outskirts of town, so we don't have any horses or oxen left to pull them.  Some may have run off, but catching them now, with wolves hunting, isn't something Emanuel thinks is worth pursuing.

Unless a barge comes down the river, it'd have to be overland to Jova and then south, or east through Alba.  With close to a hundred people, it'd be very difficult.  A few of our people were napping outside the area of the temple a couple of nights ago.  All of them told me the same dream.  The Lord of Shadows, on his throne, claiming the region.  This is widespread, isn't it?"

"If you wish to come to the temple and help, absolutely do so.  You are also welcome to stay the night here and help once you've rested a while.  Travinka's working on some better weapons to help keep enemies farther away, if any of you know much about building."

We have food and arrows for a couple of weeks, but that's all.  Are you... working on a longer term solution?  Or going to bring back help?" 
You get the idea he hasn't had anyone to discuss these worries with except perhaps the mayor.
Bobthewizard
      
       Vidrik Oakheart     
 Wood Elf Ranger 4
AC: 16 HP: 36/36
PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14
Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3
Hit Dice: 3/4
Goodberries: 3
Speak with Animals: 1/1
Conditions: none  
 
  

Vidrik discusses options with the group. Part of him wants to stay and help these people but he knows it would be futile.

  "We should not stay here long. Whatever preparations you make will be destroyed eventually unless we can somehow defeat Dracula. We must take the fight to him. But for a day, we will help you as best we can."  

Once the others make their way to the temple, Vidrik will join them and feed most of his available Goodberries to the injured.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"We don't truly yet know how far this has spread," Cassandra explains, "But we intend to find out and we  will  put a stop to it."

When Antenolie asks about bringing back help, she assures him that "When we find more survivors, and we must believe others have survived as we have, we will do what we can to send help or try to move everyone somewhere safer. While we're here, though, please do tell us what you feel are the most urgent matters to attend to. What you're doing is vitally important and I feel you would find it easier to keep everyone's spirits up if your own were raised."

Once the group arrives at the temple, Cassandra will search for a teleportation circle and if she finds one she'll write the sigils down for later. She doesn't want to get anyone's hopes up by explaining what she's doing, though, because she can't yet use these circles herself.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

Chloé knows the importance of their mission in her bones, but she'll do what she can, while she can.  "I can't help make new weapons but I can do patch jobs on any ones you already have. In the meantime, I'll be in the temple tending to the sick and wounded."  She nods to the others.  "Fetch me when it's time to leave."  She wastes no more time, leaving it up to the others to determine when they go, and gets to work brewing up relief tinctures, painkillers, and feverbreakers. They were the patchwork solution that she'd offered to do to their weapons as well: a temporary fix, rather than a root solution. That was Dracula, and he was a rather larger problem to tackle.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian's frown deepens. He understands where Vidrik is coming from, and the elf is probably right. But the Skellegue's are shield bearers, and it is his instinct to protect others. Either way, the group doesn't have to make a choice right this moment. Sabian sighs,   I'm no good at healing, or building really, but I know weapons. I'll see if I can lend Travinka a hand. Father Anatolie, we should speak with you and Mayor Emanuel as soon as possible.   He waves to the others and heads in the way the Father points him.
 
 
  
J-H
Most of you make your way to the temple.  It's a bit crowded, and you can tell that a lot of people seem to have unexpectedly spent the night here.  They do seem to have plenty of blankets, and the temple itself has a holy feel about it that's quite a relief after the time you've spent moving through the trackless woods full of hostile creatures.

Cassandra does not locate a Teleportation Circle.  Unfortunately, that magic is beyond almost all of the spellcasters in this region.

Sabian, meanwhile, seeks out Travinka Vadimovna. She turns out to be a sturdy dwarven woman with short-cropped grey hair and pale skin, marking her as both old (and thus respectable) and probably still a miner (given the lack of sun-tan).  Although she has a spear, shield, and hauberk nearby, she's spending most of her time using lumber and spare parts building some Scorpions (bow-like weapons mounted on tripods).   "Yes, young man?  If you want to help, you can move these timbers around, then hold this while I tighten the mounting..." 
Sabian helps move a few heavy things around, but in order to really help her move faster, he'd need to know something about siege weapons, woodworking, working with rope, or other relevant topics.

After the rest of you have been at the temple for an hour or so, you see a a man in his early 30s enter.  Several people immediately come over, and the temple is small enough that you can hear him greeted as Mayor Emanuel.He has blonde hair, with a slightly receding hairline and a well-groomed beard.  A blonde girl, maybe 13, is following him around with a stack of slates and some chalk, and seems to be taking notes.  At one point, she leaves, and comes back two minutes later with an answer to some question.  There's enough of a resemblance that you're pretty sure she's his daughter.

You move over and introduce yourselves to him.  (recapping some discussion from Discord) You ask about evacuating, and determine that there are two overland routes, both of which will require multiple days on foot to reach - a difficult task.  If they had some oxen or horses, they could go somewhat faster with wagons, but they don't.  Ore barges coming from upstream might be an option, but they have to be towed upstream by mules, and you'd be tied up escorting the mules for several days - assuming that the curse and monsters are confined only to this immediate area.  It would definitely be a major delay in achieving your particular goals with Dracula.

If you want to talk to the mayor and ask more questions, now's your chance.

Also: Figure out if you are handling overnight in shifts, watches, or all at once with potentially very interrupted sleep.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian helps Travinka as he can,   I wish I could do more but I'm not so familiar with this part of war,   he says sheepishly while hoisting a log in place. He looks around from the vantage point,   How many attacks have you held off so far, and what sort of defenders do you have?   He squints,   Can you feed yourselves from within the walls, or are the fields all out there?   
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

One thing becomes clear to Chloé as she works among those huddling in the town: They can't save them. Not by staying, at least. The darkness was vast, its evils thick, and they couldn't stay in one town hoping to forge it as a beacon when others would be in similar situations.
She can't bring herself to tell the others to move on though. Her heart is no harder or softer than theirs. Leaving these people means that some of them, maybe all of them, will die, but not leaving them will means far more will lose their lives. She just hopes that they come to the same conclusion she does.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Travinka's voice is harsh and precise.   "Just us... miners, farmers, and workers.  We have muscle and know how to swing tools, but some of the wolf-creatures don't seem to feel the bite of a pick or an axe as much as they should.  We have some bows, but they only shoot so far.  Some of the skeletons stay farther away and shoot arrows, or even magic at us.  These should let us shoot back at them more effectively... or at least kill more of them if they start making coordinated attacks." 

If the party questions the Mayor about food, he'll quietly tell them that they have about two weeks worth of food.

Is the party going to ask for any supplies?
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: -- 
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  


It was at this moment, that a young half-elf stepped forward from among the huddled temple dwellers. His blond hair disheveled and his blue eyes half hidden behind spectacles. Unremarkable travelling clothes adorned him - with one exception: We wore a remarkable belt with a large belt buckle, showing of a paladin stabbing down on a serpent.

  "Excuse me? Are you... are you from the order? Finally. I knew that not everyone could be lost.
I'm Titus. Titus Malvallée, at your service, proud carrier of the Bellmonté Order Belt."
  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian grimaces as he listens to Travinka; the people of Veros were not ready to stand against Dracula's forces for long. He continues lashing two logs together,   The walls will work well enough to repel most attackers. It's a good setup. The risk is in the village getting surrounded; you won't be able to man all the wall at the same time. We'll help take watch tonight, but me and the others have to speak with the Mayor about the coming days.   After assisting Travinka as best he can, Sabian gets up and goes to find the others and the mayor,   I'll be back.  
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass is busy teaching basic maneuvers to the best able to fight, drawing on her experiences in recent days and the strategies of old that were employed in the battle against Dracula before that might help them better survive the monster attacks they can expect in the days ahead.

 
 Spoiler 
History check:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] 
 


When she hears a familiar voice she tells everyone to take a break.

"Titus!" Cass yells with excitement and relief as she runs over and gives him an immense hug, "I thought we were the only ones left, that everyone else... How did  you  manage to survive this long on your own? Did you ask the monsters nicely to let you past?" she laughs as she gently pokes fun at him.

Seeing Titus alive and well rekindles Cassandra's hope her brother is out there, somewhere. She knows she must prioritise the duty in front of her but she would only be lying to herself if she didn't admit she wanted to scour every inch of the land until she found him. He would do no less for her in turn. Maybe he is doing that even now. One day they'll meet again, Cassandra was sure of it.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: -- 
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  
  "CASSANDRA!"  
Titus returned the hug with great enthusiasm.
  "Thank Lathander and his angels, I never thought I'd see you again. I barely survived as it was - fell from a balcony. Next thing I remember, I was in the woods. I'd have died for sure if not for the grace my divine sponsor bestowed on me. I had to take a lot of risks and rests and moved cross country until I finally arrived here - malnourished and feverish. These good folks here took care of me and restored my health. I've been helping out around here ever since.

Where are you headed to next? We need to end this curse, before the rations are gone and people start to starve."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian arrives at the temple and catches the end of the Mayor's explanation before Cass recognizes Titus. Sabian can't believe it. He walks over and embraces Titus and Cassandra,   How? I can't believe it!   He listens as Titus explains how he survived and made it this far.   You've had better luck than us, we were nearly killed several times on the way here, but I can't believe we're all together now.  

Titus asks,   Where are you headed to next? We need to end this curse, before the rations are gone and people start to starve.  

Sabian nods,   We have a plan for that, but for Veros,   he addresses the Mayor,   if it hasn't been done already, you should organize everyone into several groups. Those most familiar with the woodlands should be sent out to get food for the village, whether hunting, foraging, or fishing. It will be risky, but you have no other choice, and it needs to be done soon before these creatures kill or chase off everything out there.  
  The defenses are good, and will be better once the scorpions are built. A group should go and collect the barges, bring them back here and cover them near the docks. That way if you have to evacuate, you can. Forget the mules though, they will be killed and you will want to leave the shoreline anyway. Oars should be crafted so that those on board can move the barges themselves. You'll want to be away from the arrows as much as you can.  
  What is the condition of the mines? I am wondering if a rotating team can tunnel a way to the river. If the village is surrounded and under siege, you can escape through the tunnel to the water and leave by way of the barges. You should stay here, with the hallowed grounds nearby, as long as you can, but if it comes to it, that could be your way out.

It's a lot of work but... I don't know what else can be done.  
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

Chloé had been listening quietly, monitoring the discussion without active participation, right up until the suggestion of digging comes up.

 "Digging by pickaxe gains you roughly one to two feet of distance forward every 8 to 12 hour shift,"  she notes, rattling off the numbers that have for some reason stuck in her head. The library truly did have everything, it was just a matter of how much she retained.  "Assuming a rotating shift you'd be looking at an average of 4 to 5 feet of progression per full day, assuming people rotated, and that would be fast. It would take roughly 3 years to dig a mile long tunnel." 

She only realised how put-down it must sound  after  she finished speaking. A pink tint entered her cheeks, and a hurried apology as she turned away followed.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: -- 
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  



Titus shook his head:
  "Evakuation won't do much good - where is a safe place to run too?
Investing in the stronghold is a much better idea - digging a vault to keep the vulnerable people safe and storing food. As long as the monsters don't bring siege weapons, this should work out well. If you have some rangers food supply should also be secure.

I'm sorry - this won't get better until Dracula is once more banished from this plane."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
  Easy to say now, when the walls aren't being overrun,   Sabian says to Titus,   We don't know what it looks like anywhere else. But if this village is under siege, they will need a way out. It doesn't matter how long it takes. So long as they have capable people, they have to prepare. That means getting food, shoring up defenses, getting the barges and,   he turns to Chloe,   figuring out a plan B. I don't know anything about mining or digging or tunnels. Maybe that's not the right way to do it. But Veros needs a plan if the walls don't hold.  
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: -- 
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  



Titus shrugged:
  "I'm not saying that a siege won't be a problem - I'm saying leaving a fortified position in favor of going on the run while you are facing creatures capable of flying, running tirelessly and seeing in the dark might not be the best option.

But that decision lies ultimately with the mayor - I think we agree that gathering whatever supplies can be found is a good idea, as well as setting up heavy weaponry on the walls. Fortifying the temple and fire proofing it might also be a good idea."  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"We can worry about helping these people gather food tomorrow," Cassandra muses, "The guards are worried of another attack tonight and we should prepare for that first."

Looking at the gathered group, she says "It isn't just about whether we can evacuate these people somewhere safer right now. We should consider the viability of this town as somewhere we can work  from . We've been on the run for days and having somewhere safe to return to is vitally important. These people have survived two days, which means this is a defensible position, even if only temporarily. We can travel to Laruba Monastery to seek other survivors and return here within a day or two, or we can travel to Jova but that's further away and will take longer to return from. Whichever way we go, we should make an effort to return here as quickly as we can. These people will feel safer knowing we are never too far away and it'll benefit us to have somewhere safe to return to."
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: -- 
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  



Titus nodded:
  "Agreed. Take your rest while you can. My cot is back there. Let me know if you need any help - especially when you need someone standing watch with you."  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  

 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
   "Excuse me? Are you... are you from the order? Finally. I knew that not everyone could be lost.
I'm Titus. Titus Malvallée, at your service, proud carrier of the Bellmonté Order Belt."
   
 

Mustafa, who had taken some time to kneel and pray in the chapel, finally regrouped with the rest of the party. The sight of Titus lifted his spirit even further.   "Today is a good day, Titus Malvallée. We had little hope of finding other survivors, let alone fellow members of the Order. I have no option but to believe the gods of light have taken pity on us, and sent you our way "   He shook his hand and patted his shoulder, a new breath of courage filling his lungs.

In a lower voice, away from the eyes and ears of the locals, he asked Titus:   "This mayor - Can we trust him? You've been here longer than we have, so you might know better. Is he loved by his people? Is he a despot? If the worst happens and the town is overran, will he be out here fighting, or will he hide in his manor? Is he noble by birth, or was he chosen among the locals to rule?"  

To the mayor himself, Mustafa only showed gratitude and an eagerness to help.   "Brother Emanuel, we thank you for your hospitality and your trust. I must ask - do you have a master-at-arms or captain of the guard to lead your men? Or do you do it yourself? We have gathered some knowledge on the creatures sent by the Enemy, and it is vital that your soldiers learn and apply that knowledge. For example, if we can craft slings, they should work best against skeletons than bows and arrows, for the projectiles often fly through their bony structures, while stones will shatter them more easily. And the same applies for other weapons, spears and swords are less effectively than maces and hammers."  
  "The wolf creatures you mentioned may look like werewolves, but they're only cursed wolves. Fire should scare them, hopefully. What else has been attacking your village?"  
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d20+3)[ 11 ]  Insight on Emanuel. Mustafa fears he might be willing to let his men die in his place while he cowers in the chapel or another fortified place like a manor or tower.
 
J-H
Titus was here for the initial attack.  The Mayor and Father Anatolie worked tirelessly through the night rallying people to fight.  Once the undead showed themselves unwilling to approach the temple, it was 'all hands on deck' with everyone helping build up the defensive wall.  Both seem tired but honest.  The mayor has taken a few turns on the wall, but is not a gifted warrior.  He has managed an above-average hit rate with flasks of holy water, though.  Veros has plenty of iron, so there are enough weapons (improvised or not), and as long as there's a priest, they have access to holy water as well.

Goodberries and healing spells are cast, greatly lessening the number of badly injured at the temple.  Most don't leave, though... it's the safe place to spend the night.

Emanuel frowns at Sabian's suggestion of digging a tunnel, then nods when Chloe points out the practical difficulties.   "I'm not a miner myself, but I think Travinka already had someone suggest that to her.  Thank you for helping with the healing.  Father Anatolie is already running himself ragged, and I expect we'll have yet more injured tonight.  Perhaps your turn on the walls will let him take a break and get some rest, or at least get caught up on healing." 
 "It's been mostly skeletons, zombies, and these were-wolves, some of which seem more intelligent than others.  I don't know what you've faced, but the skeletons do have some magic-users among them and they see quite well in the dark.  They know enough to wait until it's night to attack when we can't see them clearly.  I will pass along the tip about slings, although most of us haven't used one since we were children." 
 "--except me!"   pipes in his 13 year old daughter who's been following him around.
 "Daria, then... you can use it if they break through.  You are not going on the walls as a guard.  Who would keep track of things here in town for me?" 
He sighs.  A couple of you are reminded of conversations with your parents... none of you have children, not yet.

 
 Spoiler: night schedule 

Sabian:  awake 7pm to midnight, sleep until about 8am
Cassandra: All night, trance from about 5am to 9am
Chloe:  Trance 7pm to 11pm, awake after this
Titus:  Sleep about 4pm midnight, awake after this
Mustafa:  Didn't specify, I'll say same shift as Sabian.
That puts three on the walls or available at all times.

Vidrik:  Manning the defenses somewhere off-screen.
 
J-H
You prepare for the night, helping reinforce the walls further.  You occasionally hear barks and howls, and a few random arrows fly out of the woods, shot from long range - but nothing that's easy to chase down.

At this point, you are protected by a 8-10' high wall with a narrow ledge to stand on behind it, which leaves everyone covered up to about armpit height (3/4ths cover).  Where there's a building, it blocks the continuity of the wall, and just acts as a blank spot unless it has a window.  However, the buildings are made of stone, so they are pretty sturdy, and harder to climb than the hodgepodge wooden wall.
There are also buildings outside the walls, so the enemy has plenty of cover to approach from, being exposed only in the roads and alleys.

The sun sets, and almost immediately a set of howls go up from around the village in every direction, echoing and yowling and making the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.  There could be as few as twelve wolves, or two hundred.

The howling goes on for some time.
Clouds obscure the moon.  It's hard to see things outside of darkvision range.

 
Currently awake:
Sabian, Cassandra, Mustafa
60' DV on Sabian &amp; Cassandra 
Assume you are together on one section of walls, allowing guards to move to another area or rest.
 =&gt; Any preparations you are making, Light/Dancing Lights, etc.? 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  2/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cassandra will use the time to rest a little (one hour short rest) and recover some of her arcane energies and then copy Magic Missile to her spellbook (two hours). She will spend the remaining hour keeping a keen eye and ear out for movement and trying to do what she can to rally the people she will be fighting alongside.

 
 Spoiler 
Arcane Recovery to regain a second level spell slot.
Copy Magic Missile into spellbook (225gp of ink remaining).
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  
Mustafa stood at his post on the wall, the night breeze greeting his face. Seeing the fields around Veros and the woods beyond, he felt even sadder for those people, forced to abandon their farms, their homes outside the walls, their normal lives.

  "In a way, they are suffering more than us."   Mustafa offered the thought to his peers.   "They might still have their loved ones, their homes, their land... But they're helpless. They're hostages of chaos."  

He gripped his magic shield and his mithral holy symbol, a beautiful scepter decorated with the moon-and-star of Allah. In a attempt to shake off the grief, he climbed on the battlements and turned to the soldiers:    "Warriors of Veros! Hear my voice! The night is dark and full of terrors. Beyond these walls lie fields abandoned, homes left empty, and a land cursed by the Enemy.

But in our hearts burns a fire of determination, a fire that will not be extinguished by fear or uncertainty. For every hardship our people endure, let us be their beacon of hope, their shield against the darkness. Let us march forward with courage in our hearts and steel in our hands, knowing that we fight not just for ourselves, but for all who call Veros home."   

Mustafa says the name of everyone who has died over the last few nights.

   "Let us say their names! Loud and clear! And when those monsters reach our walls, we'll say it again! Hear me when I say that destroying the Enemy is the ultimate goal... living through it is just a luxury! We shall fight tonight, and if we die, so be it! The gods of light will welcome us in Olympus, where we will find eternal life. Fear not! Show me the glimmer in your blades and the fire in your hearts, for IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO FIGHT! TOGETHER WE SHALL PREVAIL!"   
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian helps to bring supplies to the makeshift wall; quivers, stones, javelins, to make sure defenders are equipped to fend off a serious attack. He relieves a defender for an hour, then another when the other returns. Taking position, he makes sure there are some quivers and javelins nearby as he tries out the longbow he was given. The Shield of the Unyielding is strapped to his back, and he still has his spear and warhammer in case the fighting gets close.

He looks out into the surrounding lands. His vision only goes so far in the dark. He wonders if pyres would make sense, or only draw more attention to Veros. It's hard to know without knowing what's really out there in the wilderness. Those spiders that could phase would be disastrous if they attacked the village in numbers, or more gargoyles that could simply fly over and repel many of the defenders' attacks. A commotion distracts him from his thoughts, and he turns to see Mustafa rallying the others. The man is passionate, and Sabian appreciates that. He is used to simply soldering on, and doing what has to be done, and not thinking too much about it, or feeling too much about it for that matter. He raps his spear against the wall as the climax of Mustafa's speech as others cheer and holler.

He turns back to the outside, and hopes that the previous attacks on Veros were simply happenstance, and not what he really feared; advance forces testing the settlement's defenses for a larger attack.
 
 
  
J-H
Mustafa encourages the guards in their section, while Sabian is a silent bulwark in his own way.  You're guarding the north edge of town.  Sabian and the bulk of the guards are on the longest stretch of wall, while Mustafa and one guard are posted atop the wall blocking the northern road.

An hour passes, then another half-hour.  Out of the darkness, arrows fly at Sabian's large wall section, as well as at Mustafa's.  All of them pass over the wall, or strike the wall and stick.  A cold skeletal hand appears next to Mustafa, attempting to strangle him, but with the wall giving him less room to guard, he's able to block it. A spectral wolf appears a moment later, and attempts to leap at him, but instead falls to the ground silently.

 
 Spoiler 

Shortbow attacks, Disadvantage from long range

Vs Mustafa  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] 
Vs G1  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 7 ] 

Vs Sabian   (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 
Vs G5   (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] 

Chill Touch vs Mustafa  (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  for  (2d8)[ 7 ]  necrotic damage, and he can't heal.  miss by 1 thanks to +5 AC from cover 
Hound appears on the wall, Acrobatics check to not fall  (1d20+2)[ 5 ]   falls prone 
 If it doesn't fall, attack  (1d20+5)[ 20 ]  for  (2d6+3)[ 9 ]  piercing and DC 13 Str save or be knocked prone
Str save  (1d20)[ 6 ] 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Initative 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 19 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Mustafa  (1d20+0)[ 16 ]  or  (1d20+0)[ 3 ]  1 exh
Enemies, an arbitrary number of dice that tell you nothing. Some of these may be not needed!
1  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
2  (1d20)[ 10 ] 
3  (1d20)[ 17 ] 
4  (1d20)[ 6 ] 
5  (1d20)[ 6 ] 
 Results: Block initiative: Sabian &amp; Cassandra, then enemies, then M,S,C, then enemies...etc. 
 

You all stare out into the darkness, hoping to figure out where the arrows came from.  Mustafa is successful, despite the hound behind him.
 
 Spoiler: Perception checks 

Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 
Mustafa  (1d20+3)[ 14 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]  1 exh
Sabian  (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

Mustafa knows locations but can't actually  see  the skeletons unless he has a way to illuminate them.

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Cassandra, then enemies 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian remains behind the cover of the wall, looking for the slightest sign of movement at the limits of his darkvision. He remains prepared for any attack,    Look sharp!    he says to the others on the wall with him.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Action   - Dodge Action
 

 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cassandra summons forth a ball of flame to provide additional light and will move it around to scout out the darkness beyond their range of vision.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Flaming Sphere at AG261. It sheds bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet and ignites flammable objects adjacent to it (are the outhouses flammable?).
If no enemies are visible within 40ft of the flaming sphere, bonus action move the Flaming Sphere to AM261.
 
J-H
Cassandra summons a glowing ball of flames, but it doesn't illuminate anything moving that she can see.
The guards near Sabian and Cassandra dodge.  The one near Mustafa drops his spear and grabs a bow-quick-firing an at the spectral wolf and striking deep into its shoulder.   "Magic wolf! Inside the walls!" 
 
 Spoiler: G1 attack 

Attack  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 7 ]   hit for 7! 
 


The undead spellcaster grows a little closer, and Mustafa feels himself become a little clumsier, and another spectral hand tries to grasp him, this time getting him around the neck.  He feels cold all over and almost passes out.  The archer skeletons move up into shortbow range and fire some arrows (two being dimly illuminated by the flaming sphere), while the hound rises from the ground and jumps through and onto the firing ledge before solidifying and attacking again.  Two of the guards have arrows stick in the wall just inches below them in a pair of close calls.
 
 Spoiler 

Hex:  Mustafa has disadvantage on Dexterity-based ability checks, which he mostly already has due to exhaustion.
Chill Touch  (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  for  (2d8)[ 10 ] + (1d6)[ 4 ]  necrotic damage.  Crit for 28! Cannot heal until the skeletal caster takes its next turn. 

Hound acrobatics check  (1d20+2)[ 17 ]  vs DC 10  pass 
Hound  (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  for  (2d6+3)[ 10 ]  and DC 13 Str save or prone  (1d20)[ 13 ]  save  miss 

S1 vs Mustafa
 (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 4 ]   miss 

S2 vs G1
 (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 4 ]   hit for 4 

S3 vs G3 dodging
 (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 

S3 vs G5 dodging
 (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Sabian, Cassandra 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  
Mustafa gasped for air as the spectral hand choked him. Freezing cold filled his lungs, and he immediately wondered what the soldiers would think if he fell so fast. Where was the fire that burned in his heart, after all? That dark magic kept him from calling upon his healing magic, which scared him much more than any mundane wound.

Raising his scepter high in the air, Mustafa summoned his remaining strength to conjure the biggest fire his god allowed him to. Once the spell was cast, he ducked behind the battlements.

 
 Spoiler 
Action: Cast  Flaming Sphere  60 ft away (N-258)
Bonus Action: Move the Flaming Sphere 25 ft north (N-253)
Lie prone behind cover (If that doesn't grant Full Cover, will instead move to Q-270. Assuming the wolf won't be granted an Opportunity Attack because of the height - if it does, I'll stay where I am.)

SC dex save:  (1d20)[ 17 ]  for half the damage:  (2d6)[ 3 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian can hear a commotion at the other end, but no sounds of a losing battle. The others should be able to handle a single wolf behind the wall. He peers back out across the way and tells the guards,   Put out the torches near you. Makes no sense to be a target while they remain outside of our view. Either they'll come closer where we can hit them, or they'll stay out there. Once I can see them, I'll give you the go ahead to relight the torches.   He thinks to himself that for the next night, they should have torches outside the wall, to illuminate the way to the wall, but not necessarily the defenders on the wall. He snuffs out the torch nearest him and remains behind cover on the wall.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Action   - Douse a torch.
 

 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cassandra moves the flaming sphere further to the east so Sabian can see better with it nearby, then moves west to try to help Mustafar.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to S277.
Cast Firebolt at the spectral wolf. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] , to damage:  (1d10)[ 1 ]  fire damage.
Bonus action move Flaming Sphere to AR258.
 
J-H
Mustafa's flaming sphere hits the skeletal caster, although it dodges out of the way (save-1).  He retreats to the eastern edge of the wall.
Sabian douses a torch.  It's now very dark for them, although Cassandra's sphere does light up one skeleton for them to attack next round.  Cassandra tags the hound with a bit of flame (1 damage).

The skeletal caster dashes away from the flaming sphere and out of your sight.  The hound pursues Mustafa, hopping back up on the wall to attack him.  It snaps at him with shadowy jaws, but he manages to interpose his shield.

The other two skeletons fire arrows and move slightly away from the flaming sphere, almost hitting the guard; both arrows are caught or deflected by his light armor.

The skeletons facing Sabian spread out, firing at the guards, and deal a minor injury to one.
 
 Spoiler 

G1 does not get an OA because he is holding a bow.

Hound attacks!
Acrobatics  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] , advantage prone   (1d20+5)[ 10 ] , for  (2d6+3)[ 11 ]   misses, barely. 

S1, S2 Attacks vs G1, who has AC 13, +5 AC from the wall.
 (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 7 ] 

S3 vs G3
 (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ] 

S4 vs G5
 (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 
 


The guard near Mustafa moves to the side, away from the hound, and shoots an arrow at it.
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+3)[ 15 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ]   hit! 
 

The other guards near Sabian cover the torches, plunging that area of the wall into darkness.
One of the other guards (G2) calls out.   "I heard something in front of my position!" 
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Sabian, Cassandra 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
  There!   Sabian directs the guards,   In the light of Cass' flaming sphere! Loose!   He draws back and lets loose an arrow.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Action   - Attack S4, illuminated by Flaming Sphere
 Attack  -  (1d20+4)[ 18 ] 
 Damage  -  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
 
 
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 3/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  
Mustafa pulled his holy symbol towards him, as if dragging the flaming sphere closer.   "The mage retreated! Right wing, take cover! Mind the central lane!"   In between sidesteps and shield bashes against the hound's snapping teeth, Mustafa waved to the soldier on his right (G2) to make sure he was being heard:   "I said  take cover! "   He cried at the top of his lungs.

The spellcaster was their priority, and Mustafa wouldn't allow it to play in the shadows anymore. His House was known for their fire magic, the most volatile and destructive of the elements, but a bigger flame wasn't always what one needed to hunt creatures of the night. That's why the Hanim developed other techniques, more subtle spells to deal with more specific situations.

He raised his scepter, ready to cast a follow-up spell.

 
 Spoiler 
Bonus Action: Move the Flaming Sphere to P-260.
Action: Cast  Faerie Fire  on a 20 ft. radius area centered on W-257.

Will spend the Reaction to use Warding Flare if the hound attacks.

 
 Spoiler: Warding Flare 
At 1st level, you can interpose divine light between yourself and an attacking enemy. When you are attacked by a creature within 30 feet of you that you can see, you can use your reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll, causing light to flare before the attacker before it hits or misses. An attacker that can't be blinded is immune to this feature.
 

Edit: I just realized Faerie Fire is also Concentration based, so I'll use the Bonus Action first (just to get a glimpse of the illuminated area) and then cast Faerie Fire, ending the duration of Flaming Sphere.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  Flaming Sphere
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cassandra closes in on the wolf and attacks, drawing the Flaming Sphere closer to Sabian.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to P271 (or P272 if she doesn't need to get that close to be within 10ft of the wolf)
Vampire Killer attack vs spectral wolf. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 15 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
Bonus action move Flaming Sphere back to AR264.
 
J-H
Mustafa moves the Flaming Sphere back, but it doesn't illuminate anything new closer to the wall that he can see.  He casts Faerie Fire, but the 20' cube doesn't appear to create lights that stick to anything.

Sabian fires an arrow at one skeleton, striking it.

Cassandra attacks the hound, striking it with her whip, as she calls the flaming sphere closer to the wall.

A spectral hand appears, attacking one of the guards close to Sabian, but it misses.
The hound attacks Mustafa, who flares bright magic in its face, causing the spectral beast to miss.
The two archers in front of Mustafa's section of the wall shoot arrows at him, then move farther back.  He's not able to see them coming, so one hits; Mustafa collapses.
The two skeletons in front of Sabian's section of the wall do likewise, and one of the guards staggers back, bleeding heavily, then collapses.
The guard Cassandra left alone gives a shout of fright.  You hear scrabbling noises and thumps as something climbs the wall.   "Wolf-men!" 
 
 Spoiler 

Chill touch vs AC 19 with cover vs G3  miss 
 (1d20+5)[ 6 ]  for  (2d8)[ 8 ]  necrotic
Hound attack with disadvantage  (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 13 ]  for  (2d6+3)[ 12 ]  and Str DC 13 or prone, Str save  (1d20)[ 4 ]   saved by Warding Flare! 
Arrows vs Mustafa, advantage for being unseen attackers
S1  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 7 ]   hit, pretty sure he's at 0 
S2  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ]   miss 

S3 vs G3, also unseen
 (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ]   hit 
S4 vs G5
 (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 

Wolfweres dash/jump/climb
 


The guards shoot at the foes they can see with their shortbows, and the badly injured one begins to retreat towards the temple for healing (he has 2hp left).  The one near Mustafa scores a minor hit.
 
 Spoiler 

G1 vs Hound  (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ]   hit 
G2 Spear vs Wolfwere   (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  for  (1d8+1)[ 3 ] , half damage for being non-magic/non-silver
G3 vs S4  (1d20+3)[ 11 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 7 ] 
G4 vs S4  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] 
 G5 vs S4  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ]   no shooting at 0hp  
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Sabian, Cassandra 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
  Watch it!   Sabian calls out as a spectral hand appears near one of the guards. He hears a thud beside him and turns to see one of the other guards lying motionless on the wall with an arrow in him.   Damn!   He takes aim at the only enemy he can see and lets loose another arrow.   You, move to his other side and stop the bleeding. You, help him! Stay down behind the wall and take cover while you're doing it.   Sabian orders to the two guards to hunker down and help the dying guard. Looking back to the front, his arrow had gone wide,   Cass, northeast! Move the sphere northeast!   he shouts to his comrade.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 

  Action   - Attack S4
 Attack  -  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] 
 Damage  -  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 
  Move   - Move to AN273

The order is for 1 guard to use the Help action to assist the other making the Medicine check to stabilize G3. And also to hunker down behind the wall so they can't be seen from below.
 

 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  Flaming Sphere
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cassandra, upon hearing Sabian's call, does as she is bade as she runs back to the other guard. She isn't going to leave him alone against multiple enemies. "I'm sorry Mustafar! I'll be back in a second!" As she gets the right angle, she conjures a large pool of grease on the wolfweres and yells at the guard to get out of there.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to T227.
Cast Grease (10ft square, W272 to X273). DC 13 dex save or fall prone (W1:  (1d20)[ 14 ]  plus mods, W2:  (1d20)[ 2 ]  plus mods) and it's considered difficult terrain.
Bonus action move Flaming Sphere to AU258, dealing  (2d6)[ 2 ]  fire damage to S4 (half if it succeeds DC 13 reflex save:  (1d20)[ 7 ]  plus mods).
 
J-H
 
 Spoiler: Mustafa's Death save 

He goes first so it may be relevant
 
 Spoiler: Only dangelo can look 

 (1d20)[ 9 ] 
 

 

Sabian fires an arrow at the skeleton, but misses.

Cassandra Greases the area under the wolfweres, and one of them falls down.
J-H
The spectral hound vanishes.
One of the skeletons fires an arrow at Sabian before moving away from the wall.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]   miss due to AC +5 from cover 
 


The wolfweres stand and snarl, charging at Cassandra.  One does so directly, while the other one circles around and takes more of a running charge before leaping at her.

 
 Spoiler 

The prone one still has enough movement to get to her.
W2  both hit, but shieldable 
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ] 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 

W1
Leap attack - on first hit, DC 12 Str save  (1d20)[ 1 ]   both miss 
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ] 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 
advantage if prone  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] 
 


The guards get busy trying to bandage wounds, except for the one who just had two wolfweres leap past him.  He shoots at one of them and hits, although their skin seems resistant.  The guards don't seem to be very effective at providing medical care.
 
 Spoiler 

G2 attack
 (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 7 ]  halved by DR.
G1 medicine check to stabilize Mustafa  (1d20+1)[ 7 ] 

G4/G5 medicine check to stabilize G3  (1d20+1)[ 8 ]  or  (1d20+1)[ 4 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Mustafa? Sabian, Cassandra 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 33/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian gasps as the arrow strikes him, more from surprise than pain,   They can see further than I can!   he snarls in frustration. He nocks another arrow, takes aim and draws at the skeleton archer retreating from the wall, and looses another arrow. He waits to see if he strikes before crouching down behind the wall.   How is he?   He says to the guards,   Keep trying.   Then he calls out to the others,   How are you doing over there? We've got skelly archers, and one guard down!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 5 
  Action   - Attack S4, illuminated by the flaming sphere
 Attack  -  (1d20+4)[ 11 ] 
 Damage  -  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
  Move   - Crouch down behind wall.
 

 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  1/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  Flaming Sphere
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Mustafar needs help and I'm trying to stop these bloody wolfweres from getting to him!" Cass shouts back to Sabian, unleashing the Vampire Killer upon her nearest foe.

 
 Spoiler 
Cassandra casts Shield, negating the damage from W2.

Cast Booming Blade vs W1. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 18 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage, plus +1 fire damage. Push W1 to V227 and if it moves before Cassandra's next turn, it takes  (1d8)[ 6 ]  thunder damage.

Bonus action move Flaming Sphere from AU258 directly south towards Sabian, stopping at AU252 and hitting S4 for  (2d6)[ 6 ]  fire damage (DC 13 reflex save half  (1d20)[ 12 ]  plus mods).
 
J-H
 
 Spoiler: Mustafa Death save 

 (1d20)[ 6 ] 
 


Sabian fires an arrow, but misses.  Cassandra's whip knocks her foe back.
J-H
The skeletal archers withdraw out of sight - for now.

The wolfweres attack Cassandra, her spell triggering on one and damaging it further.  They draw blood, slashing at her with their claws, although she deflects their slavering jaws.
 
 Spoiler 

W1
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 10 ] 
Claw  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 

W2
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ] 
Claw  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
 


The guards work to stabilize the wounded... except for the one closest to Cassandra, who shoots at the wolfwere.
 
 Spoiler 

G2  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 3 ]  halved

G1 Medicine  (1d20+1)[ 5 ] 

G3+5 Medicine  (1d20+1)[ 2 ]   (1d20+1)[ 20 ]   stable! 
 


You hear the sound of running feet.  Help is coming...
 
 Spoiler: Map 

 W1 is actually back next to Cassanrda 
   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa? Sabian, Cassandra 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
  I don't see any enemies,   Sabian says to the other guards. He nods at one of them,   Stay here and keep watch, call out anything you see.   To the other he says,   You and I will go help the others.   With that he hops off the wall and runs to the other side,   Hang on Cass, we're coming!   To the guard he says,   Let me know when you've opened the second door!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 6 
  Move   - Move to AH277, open first door
  Action   - Ready to Dash when guard opens the second door. Dash to AD276 (including difficult terrain for guard square)
 

 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  18  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  1/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  Flaming Sphere
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Hang in there Musty! I'll be there in a minute!"

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Booming Blade vs W1. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 16 ]  to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  bludgeoning damage, plus +1 fire damage. Push W1 to V227 and if it moves before Cassandra's next turn, it takes  (1d8)[ 1 ]  thunder damage.

Bonus action activate Bladesong (AC becomes 18).
 
J-H
Sabian starts running through the house to get to Cassandra.  She knocks one of the wolfweres back.  It takes a bit more damage as it starts running, but vaults up over the wall and out.  The other one, less injured, leaps up on the wall to attack the guard, but loses its balance
=&gt; Cassandra OA W1
 
 Spoiler 

Grease keeps it from being able to do a straight line jump attack.
Failed acrobatics check!
 Claws  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ] 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 
 
 
J-H
The guard tries to stab the wolf with his spear, but misses.  Sabian completes his run outside.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  for  (1d8+1)[ 4 ] 
 


W2 is prone next to the grease in Y272.  Both Cassandra and Sabian can reach it.  No other enemies are in sight except W1 running away.
 =&gt;Mustafa, Sabian, Cassandra 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian rushes towards the downed wolfwere to finish it off, dropping the bow and drawing his spear in two hands.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 7 

  Move   - adjacent to wolfwere.
  Bonus Action   - Rage
  Action   - Attack
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d8+6)[ 7 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 5 ] 
 

 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  18  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  1/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  Flaming Sphere
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"They're clearly running away from me, not you," Cass jokes to Sabian, relieved to see him.

 
 Spoiler 
Opportunity attack vs W2. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 8 ]  bludgeoning damage, plus +1 fire damage.

Move to Y273.

Cast Booming Blade vs W2. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 15 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage, plus +1 fire damage. Push W2 to X272 and if it moves before Cassandra's next turn, it takes  (1d8)[ 7 ]  thunder damage.

Bonus action move Flaming Sphere to AO253.
 
J-H
The wolfwere disengages with a snarl of pain and vaults over the wall, running away swiftly.
 =&gt; It has 18hp left, if you think you can kill it, take your shots...otherwise combat over 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

The wolfwere takes off, scrambling over the wall before Sabian can stab out. The longbow is on the ground behind him. Sabian climbs up the wall but the wolfwere is nearly out of sight. He moves over to Mustafa and helps him sit up,   Hey, how're you doing? Hey Cass, you alright?  
 
 
  
J-H
Father Anatolie arrives just after Sabian.   "We heard yelling.  Do you need help?" 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian helps Mustafa off the wall,   Mustafa may need some attention, and I have another defender on the far side that needs help. I'll bring him over.  

Sabian jogs back to where he left the other defenders. He loops his shield over his back and then picks up the unconscious defender and carries him back to Father Anatolie. 
 
  
J-H
Father Anatolie accepts Sabian's help, and they get the wounded guard patched up - but he has the rest of the night off, as does Mustafa.  Titus is awoken to take the cleric's place.

 How do Titus, Cassandra, and Sabian re-arrange your guard positions for the rest of the first half of the night? 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: -- 
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  



Titus awoke when the hurt guards were helped into the temple.
  "Seems like it's time for my shift on the walls."  

Putting on his armor, he hurried out into the night, making sure to pick up a bunch of stones he could use to cast light on. When he reached his position, he called out to the guards:
 
"Take the eastern portion in force. We'll make sure to hold the middle and the western walls."

He greeted his cousins and explained what he had in mind: "I'll take the middle between you two, ready to light up where its needed. In general we'll want to hide behind the palisades and let them come close enough to see them. I'll try to support you with healing and ranged attacks." 

Then he kept a stone with light in his pocket, renewing the magic on it periodically.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
  Get some rest,   Sabian says to Mustafa as he retires for the night. To the other guards, he says   Relight your torches. Stay under the cover of the palisade. Peek over periodically and shoot anything in the torchlight, but don't stay revealed for long; these undead can see in the dark from a long ways off and you won't see the arrow coming until it's in the side of your neck. Everyone, call out anything you see or hear so the rest of us know.

Good to have you here Titus!   
 
  
J-H
Another couple of hours pass with only a few arrows arcing in from long range.  Titus and Cassandra hear footsteps at a distance, but they close in fast.  More wolfweres, running straight down the road!

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Titus, Cassandra, Guards, Sabian 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: -- 
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  



Titus opened up with a lance of brilliant energy, targeting one of the wolfweres, before ducking into cover.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack W2 Eldritch Blast
 (1d20+7)[ 11 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 12 ] 

Drop prone into full cover.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  1/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  Web
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass holds onto Vampire Killer and whispers "Don't fail me now."

Then, ahead of her, chains that look just like the Vampire Killer erupt from the walls of the buildings and ensnare the wolfweres. She then drops behind cover, just as Titus did.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Web, 20ft square from M256 to P259. Each creature that starts its turn in the webs or that enters them during its turn must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 13). On a failed save, the creature is restrained as long as it remains in the webs or until it breaks free. A creature restrained by the webs can use its action to make a Strength check (DC 13). If it succeeds, it is no longer restrained.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian prepares to loose an arrow if he sees any attackers.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Action   - Ready to attack an enemy that comes into sight.
 Attack  -  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] 
 Damage  -  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
 
 
 
  
J-H
Titus' magical attack misses.  Sabian and the guards ready their bows, hearing the crackle and seeing the light of spellfire, while Cassandra tries to enmesh the werewolves in a web.
 
 Spoiler 

DC 13
W1  (1d20+1)[ 18 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 2 ] 
W2  (1d20+1)[ 5 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 4 ] 
W3  (1d20+1)[ 21 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 
J-H
One of the wolves (W2) is caught in the webs, while the other two leap out of the way, racing forward and leaping, easily grabbing the top of the wall and pulling themselves over.  The stuck one snarls and manages to yank itself free, but is behind the others.

The one in the back moves around one of the buildings.
 
 Spoiler 

W1, W3 dash.
W2 strength check to escape  (1d20+2)[ 14 ]  vs DC 13.

W4 moves 40'.  I do not think there's line of sight generated through the narrow alley.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Titus, Cassandra, Sabian 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration (Hex) 
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  


Having an opponent right next to him, Titus got up quickly, brandishing his large blade. without hesitation, he charged it with green flames and slashed at the creature before him, but not before cursing it.

 
 Spoiler 

Get up from prone
Bonus action Hex
Green Flame Blade attack
 (1d20+8)[ 13 ] , damage  (2d6+6)[ 12 ] fire+ (1d6)[ 1 ] necrotic
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  1/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  Web
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Seeing the wolfwere closing in on Titus, Cass attempts to wrap the tip of the Vampire Killer around its neck and drag it towards her to give her ally some breathing room.

 
 Spoiler 
Vampire Killer attack vs W3. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 13 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack lands, push W3 to O270.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

Sabian hears the snarling on the other side and bounds up and over the roof, calling back to the guard,   Call out anything you see!   Once on the roof, he moves over to the other side, takes aim, and looses an arrow at the wolfwere on Cassandra.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 

  Move   - Move to R271 if possible.
  Action   - Attack W3
 Attack  -  (1d20+4)[ 14 ] 
 Damage  -  (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 
 
 
 
  
J-H
Titus and Cassandra both hit the same wolfwere, scorching it and pulling on it; Sabian scrambles onto the roof and looses an arrow as well (hits for 13 &amp; 11, non-magic arrow resisted, 5).

The wolfweres around Cassandra both move to attack her.  Off-balance, they fall to the ground, but roll right back up and claw and bite at her legs.  The last one pulls itself over the wall to attack Titus, but loses its balance, falling on the inside of the wall and getting back up.

 
 Spoiler 

W1 vs Cass Acrobatics  (1d20+1)[ 3 ]  vs DC 10, if it falls, attack from ground.
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 18 ] + (1d4)[ 4 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 4 ] 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] + (1d4)[ 3 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 6 ] 

W3 vs Cass Acrobatics  (1d20+1)[ 7 ]  vs DC 10, if it falls, attack from ground.
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] + (1d4)[ 4 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ] 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 12 ] + (1d4)[ 3 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 
 4 hits total 20 points damage 
W2 vs Titus  Acrobatics  (1d20+1)[ 9 ]  vs DC 10, if it falls, it has to Dash to stand from prone, and can't attack Titus.
 Claws  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] + (1d4)[ 1 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ] 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] + (1d4)[ 3 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
 
W4 dashes.
 


Arrows fly at the eastern wall from two skeletons, just barely in view.
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;T,C,S 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  11/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  1/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  Web
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Badly injured from the attacks, Cass pushes back the one to her right with the intense humming of the Vampire Killer before moving next to Titus. "Fancy meeting you here!" she says with a weary smile.

 
 Spoiler 
Concentration check to maintain Web:  (4d20)[ 20 ][ 20 ][ 19 ][ 2 ](61)  (add +2 to each)
Acrobatics check to not fall over:  (1d20+7)[ 8 ] 

Cast Booming Blade vs W1. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 19 ]  to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack lands, push W1 to M272. If W1 moves before Cassandra's next turn, it takes an additional  (1d8)[ 6 ]  thunder damage.

If Booming Blade misses, don't move. Otherwise move to P270.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration (Hex) 
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  


Titus attacked the Wolfwere next to him and then withdrew to the roof.

At least, that was the plan. With the swing of his weapon, he lost his balance and landed among the beasts on the ground.

  "Oh, oh."  
 
 Spoiler 


Attack W3 with Green Flame Blade
 (1d20+8)[ 12 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 10 ] 

W2 also gets hit if with flame if hit  (1d8+6)[ 10 ] + (1d6)[ 1 ] 

I'll than draw an opportunity attack and move up on the roof next to Sabian to T271
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: Resistance to B, P, S, Radiant Damage 
 Rages: 0/3 

Sabian hops down to the wall and then ground level, drops the longbow, and pulls out his spear, attacking with a zealous fury.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Move   - Move to O272, hopping to wall first if it avoid checks.
  Bonus Action   - Rage
  Action   - Attack W3, recklessly.
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 7 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 18 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 11 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 
 
 
 
  
J-H
Titus' strike misses the wolfwere, and he falls to the ground, standing back up quickly.  Cassandra strikes one of the wolfweres (hit for 8), but also lands on the ground, leaving the wall unmanned.  She kips back up, but doesn't go anywhere.

Sabian stabs the most-injured wolfwere, leaving it badly injured (hit for 15).

The most badly injured wolfwere (W3) retreats, while the late arrival climbs over the wall and takes its place.  This one has a thin layer of frost-like armor on its fur (W4).

The wolf that Cassandra attacked strikes back, but is stymied by her magical shield, while the other one goes after Sabian, drawing blood.
 
 Spoiler 

W3 disengage.

W1 vs Cassandra
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 3 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 8 ] 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 2 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 

W3 vs Sabian
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 3 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 4 ]   adv dice 15 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 4 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]   adv dice 5 
 

Over on the east, the guards exchange arrows with the skeletons, ducking behind the walls after firing.
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;T,C,S 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration (Hex) 
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  


Undeterred by his continuous bad luck, Titus hacked at the foe in front of him, hoping the flames jump over to the newcomer

 
 Spoiler 

Attack W2 with Green Flame Blade
 (1d20+8)[ 28 ] , damage  (2d6+6)[ 11 ] 

W4 also gets hit if with flame if hit for 5 damage
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  11/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  0/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass clambers back up to the wall and pulls out her bow to strike the fleeing wolfwere. These things are too dangerous to leave alive. "Don't let it escape!"

 
 Spoiler 
Move to O270.
Longbow attack Vs W3. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 17 ] , to damage:  (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: Resistance to B, P, S, Radiant Damage 
 Rages: 0/3 

The injured wolfwere scrambles up the wall and away. Sabian immediately moves his attention to the one engaged with Titus,   Cass be careful!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 

  Move   - Move to P272.
  Action   - Attack W2, recklessly.
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 18 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 9 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 3 ] 
 
 
 
  
J-H
Titus and Sabian both attack the same wolfwere.  It yelps and whines and is clearly about to flee.
Cassandra takes a minor wound (5) from one of the wolves as she clambers up onto the wall and shoots at the fleeing wolfwere, striking it (hit for 6, resisted down to 3 since it's not magic or silver).

The badly injured wolf (W3) sprints out of sight.  The one hit by Titus and Sabian leaps backwards onto the wall, then off it as it runs away.  You can hear reinforcements coming.  The frost-furred one snarls something, and the other wolfwere attacks Sabian  (Sabian OA) , then goes out over the wall.  The last one?  It attacks.

 
 Spoiler 

W1 attacks Sabian
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 1 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ] 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 4 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 

W4 attacks Sabian
Claws  (1d20+5)[ 15 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 6 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 3 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 8 ] 
Bite  (1d20+5)[ 18 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 23 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 1 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 8 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;T,C,S 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration (Hex) 
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus immediately fired at the remaining wolfweres, trying to take down it's deadly protection

 
 Spoiler 

EB at W4
 (1d20+7)[ 23 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 13 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  6/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  0/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass moves to the side and attacks with the Vampire Killer once more, then clambers up the building and lies down for a rest. "I'll let you guys handle the rest," she says, clearly exhausted.

 
 Spoiler 
Drop bow on the ground. Move to P270.

Acrobatics check:  (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 

Cast Booming Blade vs W4. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. Push W4 to N271 and if it moves before Cassandra's next turn it takes an additional  (1d8)[ 5 ]  thunder damage.

Move to R270 and drop prone.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 17 HP: 16/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: Resistance to B, P, S, Radiant Damage 
 Rages: 0/3 

Sabian strikes at the wolfwere getting away, then piles on the remaining one with the others.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 Reaction 
Opportunity Attack vs W1 -  (1d20+6)[ 23 ] 
Damage -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 11 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Turn 5 

  Action   - Attack W4, recklessly.
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 18 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 9 ]  +  (1d6+2)[ 5 ] 
 
 
 
  
J-H
Sabian's strike hits.
Titus' blast blows away the rest of the frost covering the wolfwere shaman.  Cassandra knocks it back, then Sabian stabs it again.  The creature slashes twice at Sabian, then withdraws over the wall, retreating like the others did.
 
 Spoiler 

Claw  (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 3 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 9 ] 
Bite  (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 3 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 4 ] 
 

 =&gt; Sabian OA 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 17 HP: 8/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: Resistance to B, P, S, Radiant Damage 
 Rages: 0/3 

Sabian stumbles from the vicious attacks but keeps his footing and stabs at the retreating wolfwere.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 5 Reaction 
Opportunity Attack vs W4 -  (1d20+6)[ 26 ] 
Damage -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 12 ] 
 
 
 
  
J-H
The last wolfwere collapses as Sabian stabs it in the back during its departure.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration (Hex) 
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus moved over to Cassandra and put his hand on her shoulder.
Healing energy flowed out of him and closed some of the wounds she had sustained.

 "Give me an hour and I can have another go at helping you both" 

Titus appeared quite relaxed as he strolled forward to look over the the dead wolfwere, trying to learn anything he could about its magic abilities.

 
 Spoiler 


Cure Wounds for 11 hp to Cas

Looking at the W4 for loot/knowledge arcana  (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 17 HP: 8/41 HD: 3/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 

Sabian catches his breath, then leaves the longbow propped against the wall for the next defender, and slings his shield over his shoulder,   That was a tougher fight than in the woods, these wolf creatures had special powers. Be careful Titus and Chloe, and send for help if you need it, we'll be here in an instant.  

With that, he retires back to whatever measures had been taken for their lodging, and gets some much needed rest.
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

Roused from her trance for the second watch, Chloé - stifling a bit of a yawn, and wishing dearly she could be in the warmth of home - takes up a quiet watch on the walls, hoping that it would  remain  quiet and that all the action she has decidedly missed stays missed.

 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
 
 Spoiler: Init 

Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 20 ] 
S  (1d20+2)[ 9 ] 
S  (1d20+2)[ 21 ] 
S  (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 
 
J-H
Arrows come out of the darkness at the guards along the east wall.  You can hear the skeletons moving, but can't see them.  The guards, luckily, have been staying behind the wall, only peeking over, so they aren't hit.
Another skeleton advances down the main road, by itself.  It walks into the light of Titus' spell without seeming to notice it, although its left arm, the bones of which have grown and warped into a shield, is held between it and the wall.  Its bones also appear to have sprouted spikes.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Titus, Cassandra 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration (Hex) 
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus stood up, fired and went into cover again, hoping to cause enough damage to halt the undead in its tracks

 
 Spoiler 


Eldritch blast

 (1d20+7)[ 25 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 11 ] 

Go prone after attack
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  0/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass fires an arrow at the approaching skeleton. Even without much magical energy left she still has some tricks up her sleeve.

 
 Spoiler 
Longbow attack vs SO. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 9 ] , to damage:  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
Drop prone behind cover.
 
J-H
Titus stands, striking the approaching skeleton with a blast.  Cassandra hops up onto the wall and fires an arrow at one of the skeletons she can hear, but misses.

The spiky skeleton with the shield approaches (moves 30' closer, 90' from Titus/Chloe), its bones shining yellow-white in the light.
 =&gt; Chloe 
J-H
A chunk of bone comes flying at Chloe as she stands on the wall.
 
 Spoiler 

Catapult spell  (3d8)[ 16 ]  bludgeoning damage, Dex DC 13 to dodge.
 (1d20)[ 14 ] +??
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

The chunk of bone soaring past her puts her on goard, but not enough to make her run. She tosses a fire flask as far as she can throw it, and then ducks behind the wall out of sight, but hopefully not out of mind.

 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Create Bonfire at max range (60ft) in the likely path the skeleton will be taking. DC15 Dex or 1d8 fire if it moves into it.
 Move:  Ducking prone.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Chloe create a bonfire.  The guards rise and attack the skeletons with their bows.
 
 Spoiler 

Disadvantage due to not seeing them.
G5 vs S1
 (1d20+3)[ 6 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ] 

G4 vs S2
 (1d20+3)[ 19 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ] 

G1 vs S2
 (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 
 


The skeletons shoot back.
 
 Spoiler 

[roll]
S1 vs G5
 (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 

S2 vs G4
 (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 4 ] 
 


Each side scores a single hit as the arrows fly back and forth in the darkness.

 =&gt; Titus, Cassandra 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration (Hex) 
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus repeated the maneuver, getting up to fire and hiding again immediately after.

 
 Spoiler 


Eldritch blast
 (1d20+7)[ 19 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 8 ] 

Go prone after attack
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  0/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass fires another arrow.

 
 Spoiler 
Stand up from prone.
Longbow attack vs S2. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 19 ] , to damage:  (1d8+3)[ 4 ]  piercing damage.
Drop prone behind cover.
 
J-H
Cassandra's arrow hits.

The skeleton on the road stays where it is.
 =&gt; Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

Chloé peaks her head up, but since the skeleton hasn't gotten any closer, she can't do much about it, so she ducks back down again, and waits.

 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Dodge.
 Move:  None.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
The damaged skeleton retreats out of range, firing an arrow from far away.  The other one shoots an arrow at a guard.  Both arrows hit, and one of the guards goes down (G5 reduced to 0hp).
 
 Spoiler 

S2 moves back, fires arrow at long range.
 (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ] 

S1 moves closer, fires at G5
 (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Titus, Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  0/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Don't let him die!" Cass calls out to the guard on her right, pointing to the one that just fell. She then hops over the barricade and gets a clear line of sight on skeleton ahead as her eyes glow a dull blue. The skeleton hears the words "You're going to die here," as a chill runs up its spine.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to AH272.
Cast Chill Touch on S1. To hit:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] , to damage:  (1d8)[ 6 ]  necrotic damage and it's successful then the skeleton has disadvantage on attacks against Cassandra until the start of her next turn.
 
J-H
Cassandra hops outside the barrier and sends a ghostly hand after the skeleton.  She knows about where it is, but has a hard time hitting it because it's beyond Darkvision range (rolled disadvantage, miss).
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration (Hex) 
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus continued his barrage

 
 Spoiler 


Eldritch blast
 (1d20+7)[ 26 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 7 ] 

Go prone after attack
 
J-H
As Titus stands, another bone comes flying towards him at high speed.
 
 Spoiler 

Readied Catapult,  (3d8)[ 11 ]  bludge, Dex DC 13 to dodge.
Titus Dex  (1d20)[ 14 ] +?
 


The bone-shielded skeleton advances closer, standing next to Chloe's bonfire 60' from the wall (N258).
 =&gt; Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

She had briefly hoped that the skeleton would be too stupid to move around the fire - mindless undead's ability to evade hazards always seem to be a bit of a cointoss as to whether 'muscle memory' took over. Not that skeletons had muscles. The thoughts weren't really important, but kept her occupied just long enough to toss another fire flask directly at the approaching boneman. Or bonewoman. It was really impossible to tell.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Create Bonfire on the skeleton again!  (1d20)[ 6 ] +mods DC15 dex or  (1d8)[ 1 ]  fire.
 Move:  Stand+Prone, no net change.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Chloe manages to slightly scorch the skeleton, and there's a flicker of light as the magical energy of a held spell is disrupted.
Two of the guards move to try to stabilize the one who is down.
 
 Spoiler 

G5 dashes
G1  (1d20+1)[ 4 ]  Medicine check
 


The other moves slightly to the side and takes a long shot in the direction of the remaining skeletal archer, which in turn backs up slightly shoots at Cassandra.
 
 Spoiler 

G2 vs S1  (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 7 ] , skeleton has +2 AC from the corners

S1 vs Cassandra, advantage from being unseen, outside of DV range.
 (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  or   (1d20+3)[ 15 ]   for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ] , skeleton has +2 AC from the corners
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Titus, Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  26/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  0/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Realising she isn't going to be able to get a solid hit on these skeletons right now, Cass dashes to the guards so she can help keep the fallen among them alive.

 
 Spoiler 
Dash to AP275 (I think she can get there with 60ft movement)
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration (Hex) 
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus exposed as little of himself as possible when he fired back at the mage skeleton.

 
 Spoiler 


Eldritch blast  (1d20+7)[ 16 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 7 ] 


Go prone after attack
 
J-H
Cassandra moves back to help the fallen guard.

Titus fires another energy blast, but it's deflected by the bone shield (did not hit target AC).

Another piece of bone flies at Chloe, hitting her with a heavy thud.  The skeleton moves out of sight behind a building as it retreats due to heavy damage.
 
 Spoiler 

Catapult  (3d8)[ 17 ]  Dex DC 13
Chloe Dex  (1d20)[ 4 ] +?
 

 =&gt; Combat over 

The rest of the night passes without any major issues on your area of the wall, although Titus is briefly pulled away to help heal a couple of other injured guards somewhere else.

Cassandra comes off the walls around 4am to trance, and by 8 in the morning, the sun is up, and everyone is rested and ready to depart.
 Anything final before you head out from Veros?  Do you request any supplies from them?  Where do you go? 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: 
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus looked just a little bit tired the next day. His capability to cast only a few spells, but to cast them again and again had kept him from getting more than an hour of sleep at a time. Despite that, he radiated a nervous energy of barely contained enthusiasm.

So it came to pass, that his fellow vampire hunters were greeted with extra packs of warm clothing in the morning, each held together with a sturdy rope.

 "It's going to get a lot colder soon. I can keep my clothes warm as well as those of two others, but only for an hour or so. So it would certainly be better to have some suitable gear on hand." 

He looked at his new comrades:  "So, where are we going next?"

 
J-H
Mayor Emanuel, accompanied by his daughter, is there to see you off in the morning.  Father Anatolie is asleep, with a couple of boys guarding his door to keep anyone from disturbing him.  He passed out around 3am from exhaustion.
 "Thank you for your help last night.  With your ability, and the healing you were able to provide, nobody died.  That was a lot better than the night before!  I think we're starting to get a bit better at this... but whatever you're doing to get rid of these monsters, please do hurry." 

The mayor unlocks the door to the underground passage, and helps pull the stone door open.  Bells on strings ring and clang as he does.   "If you come back this way, yell through the window in the door and we'll hear you."   He frowns a moment, as if thinking to himself  assuming we're still alive.   There is indeed a small 8" round window in the stone door, letting a small amount of light and sound through.

You proceed down the tunnel, Mustafa casting  Light  upon his shield so he can see.  Behind you, the door is shut, and you hear the scrape of bars being put back in place across it, and the distant clatter of the bells as the alarms are re-placed.

The passage through the old transit tunnel is broad, and professionally cut into the stone.  Ceilings are 15’ high, and the passage is 25’ wide, enough to allow two large wagons to pass each other.  There are nearly no natural cave features, and much of the passage is ruler-straight.  This was clearly crafted by expert stonemasons.

However, in places, the walls and floor are cracked and fractured, a relic of the earthquake that destroyed the dwarven city.   In those areas, you do have to step around boulders, and your feet crunch upon gravel.

 
 Spoiler: checks 

Chloe  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]   DV
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 11 ]   DV
Titus  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]   DV
Mustafa  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  1 exh
Sabian  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]   DV
 
J-H
Chloe sniffs, her nose trained to identify different odors and chemicals.  She smells some type of guano ahead - bird or bat excrement.  It's fairly strong.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/31 (4/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    

Silently, Chloé tugs her elixir from her bag and hands it off to Sabian, while miming wings flapping with her hands, followed by wafting away a foul smell, and then spreading out. The message is clear: Flying poop, don't stand together. She might not be able to conjure fireballs, but she well knows what goes into one.

She decidedly, however, does not take the lead.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 10+31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: 
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus watched a bit bewildered what was going on, but decided that it couldn't hurt to make himself extra sturdy. A thin film of ice coated his form while he made his longsword glow with the power of his patron. Seeing that Sabian was still a bit unsteady, he stepped to his side in front of the group.


 
 Spoiler 


Armor of Agathys for 10 temporary hp

Also Light cantrip on the sword
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 

Sabian catches up with the others about how their watch went. He walks the outer village in front of the wall with those that have the time and inclination, and goes over the defenses of the village. If the priest is able to cast Continual Flame, he points out where in the outer village they should place torches so that the skeletons are not loosing arrows outside of their field of view.

Once in the tunnel, Sabian takes the lead, shield before him, and the group creeps down the shaftway. Chloe alerts them of a strange smell, and the potential for danger. She hands him an elixir and he nods in thanks, then mouths back   "could be bats?"   
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/3  | 2nd:  3/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"I've got your back," Cass says to Sabian, patting him on the shoulder and sticking by his side as they descend into the darkness, "The rest of you stay close. We don't know what's down here."
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 

Sabian lights a torch, walks out to the distance of Titus' light spell, then tosses the torch down the tunnel as far as he can. 
 
  
J-H
A sudden chittering and shrieking sound erupts, and you can see a huge mass of tiny bats flying towards you (multiple swarms).  You have 1 round before they reach Sabian.
 =&gt; Party 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian grimaces and calls over his shoulder as he retreats backward toward the group,   Bats, lots of 'em, get ready!   Once he is closer to the group, he plants his feet, brings up his shield and summons his righteous fury.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Move   - Move back toward party.
  Bonus Action   - Rage.
  Action   - Ready an Action to attack first swarm that enters threatened range.
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 23 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 8 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 8 ] 
 

 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  3/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

The Vampire Killer glows white hot, yet it does not burn Cassandra’s hands. The warmth is inviting, inspiring, and eager to be unleashed upon their enemy.

 
 Spoiler 
Ready an action to cast Burning Hands as soon as multiple swarms are within range, dealing  (3d6)[ 6 ]  fire damage to any bat swarm that fails a DC 13 dex save, half as much on a success.

Cassandra should be able to see how many swarms there are so she’ll wait for the opportune moment to maximise the damage.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 10+31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: 
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus stepped in the Frontline, readying his blazing fiery sword.

 
 Spoiler 

Ready green flame blade
Since the effect is that any adjacent opponents are also burned, I'd ask to consider making swarms vulnerable to that attack

Attack  (1d20+8)[ 25 ]  damage  (2d6+6)[ 14 ] 

5 damage to all adjacent opponents
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/31 (4/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    

Chloé stands back a bit, tugs an acid flask from her bag, and holds it over her head, ready to throw.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None, so long as she's not on the frontline.
 Action:  Ready Acid Splash.
Trigger: Either two creatures adjacent entering her (60ft) range for double effectiveness  or  a singular creature getting within 30ft of them.
 Damage:   (1d6)[ 2 ] 
Saves:  (1d20)[ 9 ]  (1d20)[ 19 ] 
+mods vs DC15
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  

Mustafa mostly kept to himself after his fiasco the previous night. Between his morning prayers and tending to his wounds, while otherwise he would have made conversation and exchanged strategies on what to do next, the Vampiralgietch munched on his own thoughts in silence.

The magic words were the first to come out of his mouth that day: a spell of protection and aid, one that would remain useful no matter what.

Action: Cast  Aid  on Sabian, Cassandra and himself.
J-H
The five swarms sweep closer, and meet the party's blades and spells.
 
 Spoiler 

Chloe, acid splash, damages B5 (2), B2 saves.
Cassandra's Burning Hands hits B1, B3, B4 6 damage, Dex DC 13 half
B1  (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 
B3  (1d20+2)[ 13 ] 
B4  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Titus strikes 2 with GFB, dealing 14 slashing (resisted to 7).  B5 takes 5 damage.  The spell text specifies "a different creature" and "the second creature", not all enemies.
Sabian hits B1 for 8 piercing (resisted to 4) &amp; 8 radiant
 
J-H
 
 Spoiler: Init 

Bats  (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20+0)[ 17 ]  or  (1d20+0)[ 10 ]   1 exh
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 9 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 13 ] 
 

 =&gt; Party 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian keeps his shield moving to try and deflect as many of the bats as he can as they swarm over him and the others. He lashes out with his radiant spear in wide arcs.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 

  Move   - Stay put.
  Action   - Attack B1, Recklessly
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 12 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 25 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 12 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 7 ] 
 

 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/31 (4/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    

She'd been right about the bats, at least. She didn't take any pleasure in downing providers of such a valuable spell component, but the choice was clear - it was her or them. She throws another acid flask.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None, so long as she's not on the frontline.
 Action:  Acid Splash again, whichever weakest looking targets that are adjacent to each other. DC15 dexsave,  (1d20)[ 2 ]  (1d20)[ 6 ]   Damage:   (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike Attack weakest looking target:  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  3/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass attacks the bats with the Vampire Killer.

 
 Spoiler 
Aiming for the nearest swarm. If they're 5ft away, cast Booming Blade. Otherwise a standard attack.

To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. Push swarm 5ft back on a successful hit and if Booming Blade was cast, deal an additional  (1d8)[ 2 ]  thunder damage if they move before Cass's next turn.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 10+31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Armor of Agathys 10  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus swept his sword around for a second time, trying to burn the bats around them

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+8)[ 18 ]  damage  (2d6+6)[ 13 ] 

5 fire to adjacend foe
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  

Mustafa casts Sacred Flame at the nearest swarm, prioritizing targets that have already taken damage.

Dex save  (1d20)[ 14 ]  (DC 13) to avoid  (1d8)[ 1 ]  sacred damage
J-H
Cassandra knocks a swarm (B1) back and damages them, while Titus damages more of them, flames leaping to the group of bats behind (B2, secondary B5).  The bats dodge around the bright flame of Mustafa's spell.  Chloe's spray of acid finishes off one swarm (B1) and damages another (B3).  Sabian's spear cuts through more bats (redirected to B2).

The bats move forward, swarming around the group and biting at them with shrill shrieks.
 
 Spoiler 

Bat swarms can only target enemies whose space they are in.  The swarms can apparently only share space with one other creature. So everyone except Chloe (in back) gets a swarm!
B2 is below half.  The others are not.

B2 Sabian, advantage  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  for  (1d4)[ 3 ]  piercing damage  terrible rolls! 
B3 Cassandra,  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  for  (1d4)[ 3 ]  piercing damage  miss 
B4 Mustafa,  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  for  (1d4)[ 3 ]  +4 rolled in Discord, forgot to update to 2d4  piercing damage
B5 Titus  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  for  (1d4)[ 2 ]  +4 rolled in Discord, forgot to update to 2d4  piercing damage
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Party 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
  Keep it up!   Sabian encourages the others as they thin out the swarms. He continues swinging his spear around wildly, desperately trying to catch the violent bats as they fly around. In the moment the swarm coalesces around him he uses the legendary Shield of the Unyielding to force the swarm back.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Action   - Attack B2, Recklessly
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 12 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 7 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Use Shield Master to Shove B2 to L267 (not sure if you can Shove a swarm but I was provided with a map so I'm going for it, idea is to force an opportunity attack from either Sabian or Titus if B2 wants to attack)   Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 25 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
 

 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/31 (4/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    

Part of her wants to get more range on the bats, but the darkness at their backs puts that thought to rout. Better to stay close together for now. She tosses another flask towards the ones harassing Sabian and Cassandra.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  5ft west. Since they can only attack into their own square, this should mean no OA?
 Action:  Acid Splash again, B2+B3, prioritising B2. DC15 dexsave.  Damage:   (1d6)[ 1 ] 
B2:  (1d20)[ 2 ] 
B3:  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike Attack B2-&gt;B3-&gt;B4-&gt;B5  (1d20+6)[ 25 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 4+31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Armor of Agathys 10  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus felt his ice armor discharge into the mob of ravenous bats.
Confident, that there was enough juice for another discharge, he stepped back and to the side so he could attack Sabian's swarm as well.
 
 Spoiler 

Move to L268
 (1d20+8)[ 25 ]  damage  (2d6+6)[ 12 ] 

5 fire to adjacend foe
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  3/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

The Vampire Killer hums once more as it moves to repel the swarm surrounding Cass.

 
 Spoiler 
Booming Blade vs Swarm #3. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. Push swarm to I268 on a successful hit and deal an additional  (1d8)[ 7 ]  thunder damage if it moves before Cass's next turn.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 29/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  

Seeing the swarm attacking them all, Mustafa decides it was wiser to protect the spellcasters first. He targets the swarm attacking Chloe.

Dex save  (1d20)[ 10 ]  (DC 13) to avoid  (1d8)[ 5 ]  sacred damage
J-H
Cassandra swipes at the bats around her, but misses.  Titus swings his flaming sword, cutting down the bats attacking him.  Unfortunately, there's no adjacent swarm for the flames to jump to.  Mustafa burns the swarm attacking himself a bit, and Chloe and her servant finish off the swarm assailing Sabian.  Sabian in turn stabs the swarm around Cassandra with his glowing spear, and knocks the bats off of her.

They return immediately, biting and chittering.
 
 Spoiler 

B3 vs Cassandra
 (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  for  (1d4)[ 3 ] 
B4 vs Mustafa
 (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  for  (2d4)[ 5 ] 
 

 =&gt;Party 
B3 is below half health and on Cassandra, 5' from Sabian &amp; 10' from Titus.  B4 is on Mustafa, 10' from Titus, Cassandra, and Chloe.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian lunges at the remaining swarm.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 

  Move Action   - Move to B4 if needed
  Action   - Attack B3 if it somehow manages to survive, or B4, Recklessly either way
  Reckless Attack  - (1d20+6)[ 7 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+6)[ 25 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 8 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 4+31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Armor of Agathys 10  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus sent a force lance at the swarm surrounding Cassandra, trying to spear the remaining creatures.

 
 Spoiler 


EB at B3

 (1d20+7)[ 26 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 8 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/31 (4/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    

With the bats falling, Chloé continues doing what worked before!
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 


Move: None
Action: Acid Splash again, prioritising weakest looking target. DC15 dexsave. Damage:  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 (1d20)[ 11 ] 

Bonus Action: Servant Strike Attack  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d4+2)[ 5 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  3/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Tenacious little gits aren't you?"

 
 Spoiler 
Booming Blade vs Swarm #3. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 17 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. Push swarm to I268 on a successful hit and deal an additional  (1d8)[ 3 ]  thunder damage if it moves before Cass's next turn.
 
J-H
Cassandra knocks the bats back and Titus blasts them.  They fall out of the ground from the effects of residual magic when they try to move (B3 destroyed).
Sabian and Chloe both strike the bats fluttering around Mustafa.
 =&gt;Mustafa's turn is left.  Bat swarm 3 is the only enemy, and has 7hp left. 
J-H
Mustafa calls down bright flames around himself, burning some of the bats.  Any normal animals would have long since fled, but they continue trying to bite at his hands, face, and the backs of his legs where armor doesn't cover him.
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  for  (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 


Still, you finish them off quickly...
(4hp, they'll be dead)
 =&gt;Combat over.  Short rest?  Heal up? Proceed as is? 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 4+31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Armor of Agathys 10  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus looked around:  "Does anyone need healing, or should we press on? I've got a bit of energy left to help out." 
 
 Spoiler 


Lvl 2 Cure Wounds

 (2d8+5)[ 15 ]  HP for whoever has the most damage
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  3/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  2/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Chloé took some nasty bites but I think the rest of us are okay to keep pressing on. The sooner we get through this cave the better. I doubt bats are the only thing calling this place home."
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/31 (4/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating:   
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    
 "I'll be fine on the backline, Mustafar's more in need than I am."  Chloé confirms. Her injuries from the skeletons the morning earlier still linger, but as long as Sabian and Cassandra continue to heroically stand in the way, they can better portion their healing resources.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 4+31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Armor of Agathys 10  
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus nodded and went over to Sabian to administer what healing he could  "There. I'll need an hour or so to regain my spells. But we should probably rest somewhere more defensible and light. Let's press on then." 
J-H
You press onwards, eventually passing an area where the path broadens, turning into a pile of rubble that reaches from floor to ceiling.  This must have been the main entry to the dwarven city.  Now, it's just a reminder that not all bad things are caused by Dracula.

About two hours after you descended into the dwarf road, you see sunlight ahead of you.  The path ascends, then flattens, then takes a slight downwards grade, perhaps to keep rainwater from flowing down it.  You reach the surface, and see the brightness of daylight again.  It is a welcome sight!
Before you lays a cleared dirt road, wide enough for a single wagon, running east-northeast.

You follow the road into the Alba Woods.  They are well-watered and lush, but curiously dim.  Even during the day, the areas under the boughs of the trees are dimly illuminated, and sound seems to be absorbed quickly, making it harder to perceive things in the distance.

You travel for a couple of hours, eating as you move.  Around the third hour, about 1pm in the afternoon, Sabian spots some wolves bedded down adjacent to the path ahead.  One of them leaps up and barks, a call quickly taken up by others around it.

 
 Spoiler: Init 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20+0)[ 18 ]   (1d20+0)[ 3 ]   1 exh
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 

Odd wolves 18+2 = 20
Even wolves 6 + 2 = 8
 
J-H
The wolves begin to move towards you - and there are more than were initially visible, movement on both flanks as they dash forwards.

 
 Spoiler: Map &amp; Init 

Ignore the differing colors of green.  These appear to be ordinary medium-sized wolves.
If one or more green squares is fully between your space and an enemy's space, 3/4ths cover (+5 AC); if only partially, half cover (+2 AC).

   
 Initiative 
Odd wolves
Chloe
Even wolves
Titus
Cassandra
Sabian
Mustafa
 


=&gt; Chloe
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 30/31 (4/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:   
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    

More snarling wolves. Chloé retreats back a bit, and tugs out a fire flask, holding it ready to toss at any wolf that got too close.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  R309, one south of Titus.
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike 23  (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+2)[ 4 ] 
 Action:  Ready Action Create Bonfire. Trigger: A wolf moving into adjacent to any ally.  (1d20)[ 19 ] +mods DC15 Dex to negate  (1d8)[ 1 ]  fire.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: spider climb  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus saw the wolfs and scrambled up the nearest tree


 
 Spoiler 

Casting spider climb to go up the tree without check
 
J-H
Chloe tries to climb a tree, but isn't able to get a good grip and drops back to the ground.  She readies a flask of fire, but when a wolf moves close, it misses (servant miss, save made on bonfire).  The remainder of the wolves charge in.
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Titus , Cassandra, Sabian, Mustafa 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  

Again, Mustafa saw his party surrounded. Hoping Dracula hadn't given his wolves the power of flight, he retreated towards Chloe while reaching for the rope he always kept on the side of his backpack. Just a quick knot at the end of its extension gave it the weight necessary for him to swing it around and throw it up a branch, allowing it to fall on the other side. He quickly launched himself up the rope and held it firmly so the others could climb it too.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to T-308
Interaction with an object to put away the Holy Symbol
Action: Throw the rope up the branches of the tree in T-309 [12]
Failed to climb the rope [3]
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 

Sabian spots wolves up ahead,   Wolves!   he hisses to the others. One lets out a bark and a full two dozen wolves pop up from the grass,   Lots of them!   With too many to take on directly, the group makes for the trees. Sabian is immediately surrounded, but keeps his shield moving to keep the wolves at bay. There's a group charging straight for Chloe, so Sabian breaks away and heads straight for them, hoping to give her time to get up the tree.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Action   - Disengage
  Move   - Move to X310
 

 
 
  
J-H
Titus casts a spell, climbing the tree.  Cassandra follows Mustafa, climbing up the rope he's thrown into the tree, both eluding the wolves snapping at their heels.  Sabian retreats into the forest.
 
 Spoiler: OAs 

Mustafa
#8 Attack  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 8 ] , Str DC 11 or prone.
Save  (1d20)[ 14 ] 

Cassandra
#2 Attack  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ] , Str DC 11 or prone.
Save  (1d20)[ 17 ] 

#12 Attack  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 8 ] , Str DC 11 or prone.
Save  (1d20)[ 7 ] 
 
J-H
The wolves move in closer, snarling and growling, leaping at you.  Mustafa is bitten once.  Chloe has two of them latch on to her, but stays upright, while Sabian is born to the ground and bitten four times.
 
 Spoiler 

Attackers:  1,3,7,9,13,19,21,23,27
Move only 5,11,15,17,25
All have advantage from Pack Tactics

1 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ] , Str DC 11 or prone.  hit, prone 
Pack tactics: rolled 18 = 22, hit
Save  (1d20)[ 2 ] 

3 vs Chloe
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ] , Str DC 11 or prone.  hit, damaged, saved 
 Pack tactics: rolled 15 = 19, hit 
Save  (1d20)[ 20 ] 

7 vs Mustafa
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ] , Str DC 11 or prone.  miss 
 Pack tactics, rolled 1 
Save  (1d20)[ 16 ] 

9 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 8 ] , Str DC 11 or prone.  hit, damaged, already prone 
Possible advantage  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] 
Save  (1d20)[ 10 ] 

13 vs Mustafa
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ] , Str DC 11 or prone.   hit, damaged, saved 
Possible advantage  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Save  (1d20)[ 20 ] 

19 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ] , Str DC 11 or prone.  miss 
Possible advantage  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Save  (1d20)[ 13 ] 

21 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ] , Str DC 11 or prone.  hit, damaged, already prone 
Possible advantage  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Save  (1d20)[ 5 ] 

23 vs Chloe
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ] , Str DC 11 or prone.  hit, damaged, saved 
Possible advantage  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Save  (1d20)[ 12 ] 

27 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 10 ] , Str DC 11 or prone.  hit, damaged, already prone 
Possible advantage  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Save  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
 Total damage
Sabian 5+8+6+10=29 &amp; prone
Mustafa 5
Chloe 7+6=13
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 17/31 (2/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Sanctuary  
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 2/3    

Surrounded, Chloé tosses one vial of acid at the nearest wolves, and then douses herself in wolf-repellent. Why she happened to have this in her bag is anyone's guess, but truly the young alchemist is prepared for nearly any situation.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Create Bonfire: If a wolf ended their turn in the space it ended up in, they needed to make another save vs. damage, since Chloé made her concentration saves it'll still be active.

 (1d20)[ 15 ]  vs DC15 Dex  (1d8)[ 7 ]  fire

 Move:  None
 Action:  Acid Splash 3+11  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
3:  (1d20)[ 8 ] 
11:  (1d20)[ 5 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Cast Sanctuary on self.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Chloe's acid burns two wolves.
More move in, forming quite a crowd around your outnumbered group.  Mustafa is born down to the ground with a wolf's fangs in his belly, while Chloe's spray isn't as effective as she'd like.
 
 Spoiler 

Attacks 2,4,6,8,
The rest move.
2 vs Mustafa
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 10 ]  and DC 11 Str save or prone  miss 
Str save  (1d20)[ 1 ] 

4 vs Chloe, Wis save  (1d20)[ 15 ] 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  and DC 11 Str save or prone  pass, hit for 6 
Str save  (1d20)[ 14 ] 

6 vs Mustafa
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  and DC 11 Str save or prone  crit! for 12; failed save, prone 
Str save  (1d20)[ 4 ] 

8 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 9 ]  and DC 11 Str save or prone  miss 
Str save  (1d20)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

Mustafa &amp; Sabian are currently prone.  Cassandra is 10' up and Titus is 25' up.
 =&gt;Titus, Cassandra, Sabian, Mustafa 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  18  | HP:  31/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  2/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  1/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Realising the herd must be thinned or they're in a lot of trouble, Cass leaps from the tree into the pack of wolves and past them before unleashing a wave of flame from the Vampire Killer.

 
 Spoiler 
Bonus action activate Bladesong.

Tumble through wolf #13.
Cass' contested acrobatics check:  (1d20+7)[ 23 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 24 ]  (advantage) vs wolf's acrobatics check:  (1d20)[ 18 ]  plus mods.

Move to V305.

Wolf #2 AoO:  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  (advantage), [roll],  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  damage. Strength save:  (1d20-1)[ 10 ]   hit and failed saving throw 
Wolf #3 AoO:  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  (advantage), [roll],  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  damage. Strength save:  (1d20-1)[ 14 ]   Miss 
Wolf #6 AoO:  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  (advantage), [roll],  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  damage. Strength save:  (1d20-1)[ 17 ]   Miss 
Wolf #7 AoO:  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  (advantage), [roll],  (2d4+2)[ 8 ]  damage. Strength save:  (1d20-1)[ 16 ]   Miss 
 Wolf #13 AoO:  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  (advantage), [roll],  (2d4+2)[ 5 ]  damage. Strength save:  (1d20-1)[ 18 ]  

Use reaction to cast Shield if any of the above attacks hit.

Cast Burning Hands at second level, hitting  Wolf #18, Wolf #10, Wolf #16, Wolf #7, Wolf #13 and Wolf #2  15, 14, 27, 19 and 9 for  (4d6)[ 18 ]  fire damage. DC 13 dex save for half.

 (1d20)[ 16 ]  plus mods.
 (1d20)[ 17 ]  plus mods.
 (1d20)[ 19 ]  plus mods.
 (1d20)[ 16 ]  plus mods.
 (1d20)[ 9 ]  plus mods.
 (1d20)[ 20 ]  plus mods.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Despite his best efforts, Sabian is savaged by the pack of wolves and dragged to the ground, numerous gashes bleeding where the wolves found flesh through his armor. He fights back to his feet, and attempts to climb the tree out of the reach of their jaws.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 

  Move   - Stand up (15ft)
  Action   - Disengage
  Move   - Climb Tree (15ft --&gt; climb up 7 1/2 ft)
 Athletics  -  (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 
 
 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 5/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: spider climb  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus used his new secure vantage point to keep an eye on his companions, ready to send out healing rays to keep them going. Meanwhile he sent out hurting rays to the wolf below him.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack on Wolf 11 w/ high ground advantage

 (1d20+7)[ 24 ] / (1d20+7)[ 11 ]   damage  (1d10+5)[ 8 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 12/41 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

The wounds he has sustained summons forth the Skellegue fury, and Sabian, cornered against the tree, fights back with a fervor.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 

  Move   - Stand up (15ft)
  Bonus Action   - Rage
  Action   - Attack W1
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 8 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 5 ] 
 
 
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 20/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

Too many wolves surrounded him. Between snaps and gnarls and bites, Mustafa stood his ground by bashing with his shield and evoking quick flashes of blinding golden light, but it was only a matter of time until he was overwhelmed and one of the beasts grabbed his leg, and the earth rose to greet him. Mustafa knew what happened next: each wolf would grab a piece of him and he would be torn apart. Not an honorable death, he thought.

He rolled backwards, twisting his whole body so the wolf would have to let him go, but they were too many to dodge. He would be tripped again and again and again. Reaching for his moon-and-star scepter, Mustafa cried the magic words that summoned flames that were bigger than they were powerful, a spell designed to deal with hordes of (hopefully fragile) enemies.

 
 Spoiler 
Spent one Warding Flare last round
Interaction with an object to draw Holy Symbol
Action: Cast  Burning Hands  at 2nd level for  (4d6)[ 15 ]  fire damage

DEX saves for half (DC 13)
Wolf #18  (1d20)[ 2 ] 
Wolf #10  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
Wolf #16  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
Wolf #7  (1d20)[ 6 ] 
 
J-H
Titus kills one of the wolves with his blast, the first to fall (#11).  Cassandra takes a hit and gets tripped, but her magical shield saves her from other attacks as she kips up and blasts flame over five wolves, slaying one (#9) and badly burning four of them, as well as lighting some underbrush on fire.  Sabian slays one of the wolves attacking him (#1).  Mustafa stands, blasting flames in front of him in holy fury, slaying four wolves outright.

The wolves counterattack, even though a few of their number have fallen.  There is madness in their eyes, along with reflected flames from the burning bushes.  Sabian and Mustafa are each bitten, while Cassandra collapses to the ground with jaws locked on her in two places.
 
 Spoiler 

Attackers 3, 5, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27

#3 vs Mustafa
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  warding flare, miss 
Save  (1d20)[ 1 ] 

#5 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 9 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Save  (1d20)[ 1 ] 

#13 vs Mustafa
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  hit for 7, saved 
Save  (1d20)[ 19 ] 

#15 vs Cassandra
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 10 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  crit, possibly at 0, maybe prone 
Save  (1d20)[ 8 ] 

#17 vs Cassandra
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Save  (1d20)[ 12 ] 

#19 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  crit for 12-&gt;6 
Save  (1d20)[ 20 ] 

#21 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 8 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Save  (1d20)[ 1 ] 

#23 vs Chloe
Sanctuary Wis save  (1d20+1)[ 18 ] 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone saved but missed 
Save  (1d20)[ 5 ] 

#25 vs Cassandra
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  crit and prone, Cassandra's definitely at 0 
Save  (1d20)[ 3 ] 

#27 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 4 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Save  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
 Attack  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 8 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Save  (1d20)[ 17 ] 

Attack  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Save  (1d20)[ 15 ] 

Attack  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 9 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Save  (1d20)[ 10 ] 

Attack  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 9 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Save  (1d20)[ 18 ] 

Attack  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 4 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Save  (1d20)[ 14 ] 

Attack  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Save  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

=&gt; Chloe
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 11/31 (2/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Sanctuary  
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/3    

Though her wolf repellent was only partially effective, she still focuses more on her allies, uncorking a healing flask and dousing Mustafar in it.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

CB Concentration:  (1d20+4)[ 7 ] 
 Move:  None
 Action:  Cure Wounds Mustafar
 (1d8+4)[ 11 ] 
 Bonus Action:  None
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Chloe heals Mustafa, and the wolves continue to attack.
 
 Spoiler 


#2 vs Mustafa
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  hit 
Str save  (1d20)[ 20 ] +?

#4 vs Chloe, Wis save  (1d20+1)[ 14 ]  vs DC 13?  fail, no attack 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Str save  (1d20)[ 2 ] +?

#6 vs Mustafa
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  hit, prone 
Str save  (1d20)[ 4 ] +?

#8 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Str save  (1d20)[ 12 ] +?

#12 moves

#14 vs Mustafa
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone   hit 
Str save  (1d20)[ 5 ] +?

#20 moves

#22 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 10 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  hit, need a reroll due to rage giving advantage on str save 
Str save  (1d20)[ 5 ] +?

#24 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 10 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Str save  (1d20)[ 2 ] +?

#26 readies an attack against Titus
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Titus, Cassandra, Sabian, Mustafa 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 1/41 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 

More claws and fangs gash him; the children of Dracula are ferocious. Sabian fights off the wolves and gets back to his feet somehow and continues his assault, impaling another wolf, and bashing another one into the burning underbrush with his shield.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Move   - Stand up (15ft)
  Action   - Attack W21 Recklessly
 Attack  - [roll]=1d20+6[/roll],  (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 7 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 3 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shield Master Shove W5 to Y308
 Athletics w/Rage Advantage  -  (1d20+7)[ 8 ] ,  (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 
 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 4/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: spider climb  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus saw Cassandra go down and send directly a ray of invigorating energy - it wasn't much, but it would keep her going for a few seconds longer.
In the same movement, he aimed at one of the wounded wolves, trying to take it out of the fight for good.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack on Wolf 14 w/ high ground advantage

 (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
 (1d20+7)[ 14 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 13 ] 

Healing light on Cassandra
 (1d6)[ 2 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  18  | HP:  2/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Getting back on her feet thanks to the healing from Titus, Cass unleashes a torrent of flame at the wolves between her and Mustafar.

 
 Spoiler 
Bonus action activate Bladesong.

Ready Burning Hands at second level, hitting W3, W14, W13, W2 and W6, dealing  (4d6)[ 10 ]  fire damage (DC 13 dex save for half), to cast after Mustafar is safely up the tree.

Dex saving throw, W3:  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Dex saving throw, W14:  (1d20+2)[ 19 ] 
Dex saving throw, W13:  (1d20+2)[ 6 ] 
Dex saving throw, W2:  (1d20+2)[ 9 ] 
Dex saving throw, W6:  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 4/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

Mustafa fell again, and the whole world turned red. Whether from blood or the flames spreading over the battlefield, he didn't know. A deeper instinct of survival drove him, and soon the soldier-priest was on his feet.    "Cass! Over here!"    He cried, leaping as high as he could and grapping the rope to escape the flames he prompted her to cast.    "Die, monsters! You don't belong to this world!"   
 
 Spoiler 
15 ft of movement to get up
Action to cast  Word of Radiance 
Interaction with an object to put away the Holy Symbol
10 ft of movement to climb 5 ft up
Bonus Action to cast  Healing Word  on Sabian (Verbal components only, doesn't require the Holy Symbol)

Healing Word:  (1d4+3)[ 5 ] 

Word of Radiance:  (1d6)[ 4 ] 

CON saves to negate Word of Radiance (DC 13)
Wolf #3  (1d20)[ 10 ] 
Wolf #13  (1d20)[ 7 ] 
Wolf #2  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
Wolf #6  (1d20)[ 16 ] 
Wolf #23  (1d20)[ 7 ] 
Wolf #14  (1d20)[ 8 ] 
Wolf #? (whichever is below Chloe, can't make out the number)  (1d20)[ 13 ] 
 
J-H
Titus fires a bolt of energy at one of the wolves, but misses (there is no advantage, just "not cover;" 12 misses); he does heal Cassandra, though.  She promptly stands.  Sabian misses with his stab, but pushes one of the wolves into the flames (on the start of its turn it takes  (1d6)[ 6 ]  damage).  Mustafa heals Sabian, burns the wolves with a word, and climbs slightly up the rope as Cassandra sends fire under his feet.
 
 Spoiler 

Dead wolves:  14, 3, 13, 2.  11 wolves are now dead.
 


The remaining wolves snarl and attack.  Chloe is knocked down, and Cassandra takes another incapacitating wound.  Sabian is bloodied but still stands.
 
 Spoiler 

5 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 8 ] , Str DC 11 or prone  hit, forgot the advantage on Str save 
Str save  (1d20)[ 6 ] 

15 vs Cass
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 10 ] , Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Str save  (1d20)[ 8 ] 

17 vs Cass
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ] , Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Str save  (1d20)[ 5 ] 

21 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ] , Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Str save  (1d20)[ 17 ] 

23 vs Chloe, Wis save  (1d20+1)[ 18 ] 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ] , Str DC 11 or prone  saved, hit, prone 
Str save  (1d20)[ 1 ] 

25 vs Cass
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 4 ] , Str DC 11 or prone  hit for 4, possibly prone 
Str save  (1d20)[ 8 ] 

27 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 9 ] , Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Str save  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 4/31 (2/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Sanctuary  
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Still safeguarded by her repellent, Chloé takes the only action she can see as viable, which is to dunk another healing potion on Mustafar.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Action:  Cure Wounds Mustafar
 (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 
 Bonus Action:  None
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
The wolves continue to jump, bite, and snarl, although there are fewer than before.  Sabian is bitten once more, and a wolf manages to jump up and bite Mustafa.

 
 Spoiler 

4 vs Chloe Wis save  (1d20+1)[ 14 ]   fail 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Str save  (1d20)[ 4 ] 

6 vs Mustafa
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 10 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  hit, prone 
Str save  (1d20)[ 4 ] 

8 vs Sabian
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 10 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  hit 
Str save  (1d20)[ 9 ]  or  (1d20)[ 14 ] 

12, 20, and 26 ready actions in case Titus falls out of the tree

22 vs Sabian
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Str save  (1d20)[ 12 ]  or  (1d20)[ 8 ] 

24 vs Sabian
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone  miss 
Str save  (1d20)[ 2 ]  or  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Titus, Cassandra, Sabian, Mustafa 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: spider climb  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus repeated his actions, trying to get Cassandra up and killing the wolves

 
 Spoiler 

Attack on Wolf 15

 (1d20+7)[ 20 ]  damage if all hit  (1d10+5)[ 6 ] 

Healing ray on Cassandra  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 1/41 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Sabian nearly collapses from another bite, but somehow manages to stay on his feet. He retreats up the tree, knowing the wolves will tear him apart if he remains on the ground any longer.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 

  Action   - Disengage
  Move   - 30ft to Climb 15ft up the tree
  Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 11 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
 
  
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  18  | HP:  2/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (2)  
 
  

Up and down, up and down, Cass just wants to get out of there so she hits a nearby wolf with the Vampire Killer before flicking it towards the tree to her east and pulling herself to safety.

 
 Spoiler 
Vampire Killer attack vs W25. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 26 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
Misty Step 30ft up the tree at Z306.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 1/41 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian nearly collapses from another bite, but somehow manages to stay on his feet. He tries to climb the tree but fails, flagging from his wounds. He stabs out at one of the wolves and bashes another back into the flaming underbrush.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 

  Action   - Attack W21
 Attack  -  (1d20+6)[ 12 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 25 ] 
 Damage  -   Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 11 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 7 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shield Master Shove W5 to Y308 burning bush
  Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 11 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 
 
 
 
  
J-H
Titus heals Cassandra and kills one of the wolves next to her with a pair of blasts.  She whips one of the wolves, injuring it badly, then teleports into a nearby tree.
Sabian slays one of the wolves with a single blow, then shoves the burnt wolf back into the burning, dry shrubs.  It takes  (1d6)[ 1 ]  fire damage.
Mustafa lays on the ground unconscious.
J-H
The wolves that had been harrying Cassandra move to join those around Chloe and Sabian.  Sabian deflects all their blows, and those who would attack Chloe are diverted by her repellent and turn away at the last moment.

 
 Spoiler 

#5 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 20 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 10 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Save  (1d20)[ 2 ]  or  (1d20)[ 15 ] 

#17 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 9 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 9 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Save  (1d20)[ 18 ]  or  (1d20)[ 6 ] 

#19 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 10 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 5 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Save  (1d20)[ 1 ]  or  (1d20)[ 12 ] 

#27 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 10 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 4 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Save  (1d20)[ 3 ]  or  (1d20)[ 9 ] 

#23 vs Chloe, Wis save  (1d20+1)[ 14 ] 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 22 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Save  (1d20)[ 7 ] 

#25 vs Chloe, Wis save  (1d20+1)[ 3 ] 
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 7 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  and Str DC 11 or prone
Save  (1d20)[ 4 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 12/31 (2/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Sanctuary  
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Taking a moment, Chloé chugs a healing potion while making herself look as big as possible for the wolves.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Action:  Healing Potion:  (2d4+2)[ 8 ] 
 BA:  Servant Strike, 18 to hit (12+6 in discord),  6  force damage (4+2).
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Chloe heals herself, while her construct hovers overhead and finishes off one of the injured wolves.

With half their number killed, four badly injured and their enemies still standing, the wolves cautiously retreat from the battlefield.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: spider climb  
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus carefully walked down the tree, looking around suspiciously:  "Well, that nearly turned out very bad. I guess a rest is in order. Here, have some healing." 
With that, he touched Sabian lightly and let flow his remaining magical energy as healing into the barbarian.

 
 Spoiler 

 (2d8+5)[ 18 ]  cure wounds for Sabian.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 19/41 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian claps Titus on the shoulder,   Many thanks. That was a close one.   He jogs over to vampiralgietch and kneels beside him, checking for signs of life,   Mustafa? Chloe, I think he needs a potion.  
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 12/31 (2/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Sanctuary  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Still nursing more than a few injuries herself, Chloé nevertheless steps over to the fallen priest and pours the healing liquid into his throat.  "We're not exactly in a safe place, but should we find somewhere to rest before continuing on?" 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Potion of Healing on Mustafar:  (2d4+2)[ 9 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;26003694]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 9/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

Mustafa woke up of a sudden, gaping for a breath of life. He had taken plenty of wounds in his experience with the battlefield, but never one that put him so close to death. The soldier priest was startled, and thinking the battle still raged on, sprawled back to his feet and raised his scepter to attack. Only he was only surrounded by allies, and his body collpased in relief.   "We did it..."   He managed to say, his vision blurring as he was suddenly struck by the pain of all his injuries.   "Cursed be these wolves... I underestimated them..."  

He looked up, trying to collect himself.   "Who else has fallen? Who else have I failed to protect?"   Despite the pain, he leaned on his scepter to pull himself up, and soon it was glowing with golden healing energy.   "Does anyone require healing?"  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  2/31
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (2)  
 
  

At that moment Cass falls out the tree and weakly raises her hand.
J-H
As you administer potions and healing, you spy remains near where the wolves were resting.  Little remains of it aside from scattered bones and clothing, and a torn leather bag.  Within the bag are a few bottles, and a small leather-bound folio containing a few pages describing the newly-devised potions which the bearer apparently intended to sell.
 
 Spoiler: Contents 

2 healing potions
1 greater healing potion

3 potions of restfulness - each removes one level of exhaustion when drunk.  There is a note that drinking more than one at a time can cause internal upset.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 9/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

While the others search the spot the wolves were resting, Mustafa administers healing magic on his allies by holding his scepter between his hands and saying an ancient prayer that begged for divine intervention. Followers of the Gods of Light had kept that knowledge for centuries, the first spell he had ever learned and the most important of them all. A spell to save lives that weren't supposed to be taken just yet.

2x Cure Wounds on Cass for 9 and 6
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Cass thanks Mustafar for his help and takes a breather, recovering her physical and mental stamina.

 
 Spoiler 
Spend two hit die to gain 15 hit points (rolled in Discord).
Spend Arcane Recovery to regain one 2nd level spell slot.
Consume one Potion of Restfulness to reduce exhaustion to level 1.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 9/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 2 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

During their break, Mustafa doused a bone needle in spirit and sewed up his wounds. It was an arduous task, but important to the healing process.

 
 Spoiler 
Spent 3 hit dice to heal 6+7+10 during the short rest, rolled on discord. Back to 31/31.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus spent the short break in silent contemplation, but rose when he felt his magic restored.
 "I can offer some more healing if you are willing to wait another hour. Though I guess you are all looking forward to a real good nights sleep. So maybe it's better to press on until we find a secure enough location to spend the night." 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    
 "I'm sure the way things are going, something will jump out at us again if we wait too long."  Chloé gripes a little. Her collection of special concoctions had been exhausted for the day, but she still pockets the healing potions to spread out later.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Chloé expending her last two hit dice to regain  16  HP (in discord)
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
The road has been gradually veering towards the lake.  After you're done treating your injuries, you travel for no more than about 15 minutes before reaching an outrcropping of rock that juts up from the ground.  Underneath an almost arch-like overhang is a dark doorway that, according to the sign carved above it, leads to the Laruba Monastery.

Next to the door is a rack holding some torches and a few candles, as well as a flint and a piece of metal to strike it against to throw sparks and light something if needed.  You know that it will be about a two hour underground journey.

It's currently about 3 o'clock (3 hours of sunlight left).  You have spent 5 hours traveling so far today.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  
 "Alright, we made it - now all we have to do is survive the tunnels. Cloe, we could send your servant ahead with a light stone. That should give us enough warning in case there are more bats around. I'll take point, seeing that I'm the least banged up." 

As he spoke, his weapon formed again into a great sword.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

The sight of Lake Laruba under the afternoon sky might have been beautiful were the circumstances different. Now, the faintest red that threatened to paint the sky reminded Mustafa of the blood of his loved ones, and of every innocent soul that was suffering under Dracula's Curse. He was glad to leave the Carpathian behind, though its open arms still bothered him from the corner of his eyes, stretching infinitely north and south of the Alba Woods, hugging him, reminding him they were never really free of its grasp. Even if the fellowship survived whatever evil lurked on this side of the mountains, the headquarters of the Belmonte Order were on the other side of the Carpathian. Until then, the Curse would only grow stronger.  Evil remembers , her whispered in despair. Gods of light, send for us. A ray of sunlight. A spark of guidance. Anything.

While his companions analyzed their surroundings, Mustafa set up a small fire and retrieved a delicade packett from his baggage. It contained special herbs he had brought from his temple in Constantinople, far to the East. When burned, these dry herbs produced sweet-scented smoke that billowed in thick clouds. The fire grew, the special herbs burning fast and bright. Mustafa stood and waved his arm across the smoke left, and right, and left.   "Shall we cross this tunnel immediately, o Gods of Light? Those of you who listen, and those who wish to help. Show us a glimpse of the future, of the path we're bound to travel, for there is only destiny, and there is no true freedom, as evil things are evil and good things are good. Our only choice is to fight our true nature or accept it, and embrace it. Help us destroy the evil things that roam this world, o Gods of Light, and protect the good things that remain."  

He looks for shapes in the smoke. Riding knights, monsters and ghosts, ruined castles, ships and sea serpents, any glimpse or comments on legends and myths, symbols that could tell him about the future.

 
 Spoiler 
Casting  Augury  (2nd level) about the course of action "Enter the tunnel in our current state"
 
J-H
His spell returns a result of nothing - no visions or feelings.  It appears that at least the first 30 minutes of travel in the tunnel will be uneventful.  Beyond that is beyond the reach of the magic to tell.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

A servant it might be, but she's still loathe to put it in danger. Still, given the circumstances it would be better for it to fall than any of them.  "So long as we aren't too far behind to it." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Servant is no more than 60ft ahead of the party, decidedly still in line of sight/effect.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
  "If evil awaits us inside, it won't reveal itself until we reach the middle of the tunnel. The first half hour of our trip should be uneventful."   Mustafa shared his visions with the group.   "In our current condition, if the Curse has reached the Monastery, we might not survive the trip. Especially if it won't attack until we're deep enough escape will be impossible."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 
 Spoiler: Short Rest 
Sabian spends two hit dice during the Short Rest (unless the results indicate another hit die is needed).

Hit Die 1 -  (1d12+2)[ 12 ] 
Hit Die 2 -  (1d12+2)[ 13 ] 
 


At the entrance to the tunnel, Sabian grabs the torches and candles and flint and steel,   I don't think anyone will be following behind us that will need these,   he says.

As they prepare to enter, Sabian nods quietly at Mustafa's revelation from his divinatory magic.   Titus, if you want to lead the way until then, that's okay. But you have healing magic, so I think you should let me take the lead beyond what Mustafa is able to see.  
  If anything should be waiting for us in there, we'll need all the magic we have to survive,   he says grimly.
 
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "I appreciate your bravey, master Skellegue, but allow me to elaborate."   Mustafa might be wounded, cursed, muddy and exhausted, but he remained polite. Dracula couldn't take away his etiquette.   "Let us assume there  is  some evil hidden in this tunnel. That Dracula's Curse  has  spread towards the lake. If that is the case, we can only expect the monastery to be overtaken by creatures of the night, as it happened in Holmwood Tower."   The name sounded like a bad omen in his speech.   "If that is the case, than it's best we rest here, under the moon and stars."  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  
 "Resting here and now likely won't give us an advantage - as long as the sun is out, Dracula's influence in the world is reduced - but once the sun goes down I suspect his servants will no longer flee from combat.

As for movement order: Alright, I'll stay right behind you. But we need to be ready to let our arcane and divine specialists do their flame thrower thing if we are accosted by another swarm." 
J-H
You descend the stairs and proceed through the tunnel.  It is narrow and very straight, and tool-marks are few and far between.  It seems that it may have been dug partly or wholly by magic.

It is dark aside from Chloe's light-bearing servant, but not particularly dank despite going under a lake.  Specially cut channels in the roof and floor seem to carry a constant breeze in from the door above, and out from the far end below, keeping the air fresh.  There are reinforcing supports every so often.

About an hour into the journey, the Light spell ahead washes over two dark wolf-like forms crouching behind support beams on either side, obviously pressing themselves against the wall to hide.  You don't see actual fur - more shadow in the shape of a wolf.  They are already into the Bright area of the light spell.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Chloe, Mustafa 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Everyone comes to a halt as the light of the construct illuminates wolf-like creatures attempting to hide behind two pillars.   Can't tell if they're wolves, or wolf-weres, or something else,   Sabian says to the others in hushed tones. He creeps forward in a defensive position.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Action   - Dodge
  Movement   - Move to L267
 

 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Silently Chloé urges her construct back and up, to present as small a target as possible. At the same time she readies a throw of fire, aiming for just over Sabian's head.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Actions:  Ready Action: Create Bonfire
Trigger: Enemy moving adjacent to Sabian.
 (1d8)[ 2 ]  Fire on failed  (1d20)[ 7 ] +mods DC15 dexsave. Hopefully they stay in the fire square for repeat damage!
 Bonus Action:  Command Servant to move to ceiling in L263 and  Dodge 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;26007080]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: --  
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "We won't fall for your tricks, fiends! Come out of the shadows and face your end!"   Mustafa raised his scepter and evoked a battlefield bless onto his shield-brothers.

 
 Spoiler 
Action: Cast  Bless  (1st level) on Sabian, Cass and Titus
No movement
 
J-H
Sabian cautiously moves forward, while Chloe prepares a spell and Cassandra casts one.  The light moves back slightly, and up to the low (10') ceilling.

One of the wolves runs forwards, leaping into the air and trying to bite Chloe's light-carrying Servant.  Its eyes reflect the light with a red glow, but otherwise it appears to be made of living shadow, somehow.  It jaws close around the servant, but fail to kill it.
 
 Spoiler 

Jump calculator says it can reach up to 10.5'H with a running start given its stats.
Shade Bite  (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]   crit! definitely a kill *forgot disadvantage from dodge, not a crit*
 Servant Con save if needed  (1d20+1)[ 14 ]  
 
Hide check if available   (1d20+5)[ 12 ]   bad enough that most of the party probably knows where it is 
 

It lands 10' in front of Sabian, but not very quietly.
 As soon as the light goes out, something else moves forwards, a humanoid shadow with large horns, no taller than a human.  It must have been waiting for the darkness. 
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cassandra 
J-H
Cassandra dodges.  The other shade wolf moves up, also leaping at the light source and destroying it before landing next to its cohort.

The humanoid figure now moves closer.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+5)[ 20 ]  or   (1d20+5)[ 18 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ] 
disadvantage due to Dodge
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Titus, Sabian, Chloe 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  
 "It fears the light." 

Titus moved forward and touched Sabian's shield to give it a bright glow, while hiding behind the barbarian.

 
 Spoiler 

Casting Light cantrip on Sabian
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

The loss of her homunculus is a temporary setback, but she has bigger wolves to burn at the moment. She moves forward slightly and throws the fireflask near to Sabian, hopefully limiting the space the wolves can get in close to attack him.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  L272
 Actions:  Create Bonfire in M266 - currently unoccupied. DC15 for 1d8 fire if someone moves into it and/or ends their turn there.
 Bonus Action:  None
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

A dark form moves forward when the light from the construct vanishes,   There is someone else there,   Sabian hisses. He keeps his shield forward and mid-level with his body, and waits for the creatures to engage.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Action   - Dodge
 

 
 
  
J-H
Titus moves up, imbuing Sabian's shield with light to replace that of Chloe's destroyed construct.  Sabian takes a defensive stance, and Chloe creates a flame next to him to guard his flank.

The humanoid figure steps into the light, shielding its eyes, and claws at Sabian.  It appears to have several claw marks across its chest - fairly fresh injuries.
 
 Spoiler: Religion DC 15 

It is a shadow demon, vulnerable to light and immune to cold, lightning, and poison.
 

 
 Spoiler: rolls 

Attack  (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  or   (1d20+5)[ 20 ]  for  (2d6+3)[ 9 ]  psychic damage
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Mustafa 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: Bless 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "I don't recognize this creature!"   Mustafa told the others as he advanced to Sabian's side.   "Be cautious!"  

From his moon-and-star, he released a wave of golden energy that took the form of a double-bladed scimitar.    "Zulfiqar!"    He cried, and the spiritual weapon spun in the air and went flying towards the enemy.

He cast another Sacred Flame and hustled up to assume his position on the frontline, beside Sabian.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast  Spiritual Weapon   (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  on SD for  (1d8+3)[ 8 ]  force damage
Cast  Sacred Flame  for  (1d8)[ 3 ]  radiant damage, Dex save (DC 13)  (1d20)[ 19 ]  to negate
Move to M-267
 
J-H
Mustafa's strike lands, although the creature dodges his burst of radiant flame.  One of the wolves charges into the flame to attack Mustafa, but misses due to the burning flames.
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d8)[ 8 ]  fire damage, Dex DC 15
Shade Wolf Dex  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 

Attack w/ pack tactics  (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 11 ]   for  (2d4+2)[ 6 ]  piercing damage. The target must make a DC 11 Con save or lose 1 point of dexterity and 5’ of speed.  The debilitating effects go away after a short or long rest is completed.  This is in testing. May be un-fun.
Con save  (1d20)[ 3 ] +??
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

“Not a fan of the light, huh?” Cassandra muses as she follows the others, “then lets  really  ruin your day.”

 
 Spoiler 
Move to M269.
Cast Flaming Sphere on L265.
 
J-H
The second Shade Wolf retreats 5' (W2 moves to M263), its path blocked.
 =&gt;Titus, Sabian, Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 2/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

She'd hoped to catch all three with her decanter, but two out of three wasn't bad. She steps forward, uncorks her sacred artifact and unleashes a burst of radiant water that both leaves flames and those who harbour no evil untouched.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

W1 appears to have ended its turn in create bonfire, prompting a second dex save:
 (1d20)[ 8 ] +mods vs DC15 for  (1d8)[ 8 ]  fire

 Move:  M269
 Actions:  Decanter (Line)  (3d6)[ 11 ]  radiant or half on DC15 dex
W1:  (1d20)[ 15 ] 
W2:  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
 Bonus Action:  None
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus peeked up behind Sabian and sent a lance of force towards the shadow wolf already on fire, but missing it through the press of the melee

 
 Spoiler 

EB on W1

 (1d20+7)[ 11 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 6 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian keeps the attack up on the burning wolf, and tries to shove the shadow creature into Cass' flaming sphere.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Religion  - (1d20)[ 15 ]  - If Sabian makes the check, he'll impart any information to the party this turn.

  Action   - Attack W1
  Attack  - (1d20+6)[ 12 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 2 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove Shadow Demon into Flaming Sphere
  Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
 

 
 
  
J-H
Titus misses.  Sabian hits one of the wolves with his spear, then shoves the shadow demon.  It dodges most of the flame, and doesn't seem very burned by the rest (saved, resisted).  Chloe's flame burns the wolf further, then she sprays a line of holy water.  Both shade wolves dodge some of the spray, but it burns them heavily (save: success; vulnerable: double damage; total 11 dmg each).
 
 Spoiler: Flaming sphere shove 

 (2d6)[ 10 ]  fire damage, Dex DC ?? half
Dex save  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
 
J-H
The Shadow Demon steps to the side (Sabian: OA), disappearing into the wall and appearing next to Titus and Chloe.  It claws at the warlock, but can't see very well due to the brightness of the Light spell.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+5)[ 8 ]  or   (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  for  (2d6+3)[ 14 ]  psychic damage
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Mustafa 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: Bless 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
 
 Spoiler 
Bonus Action: Move Spiritual Weapon towards SD and attack  (1d20+5)[ 7 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 9 ]  force damage
Cast  Sacred Flame  at SD for  (1d8)[ 7 ]  radiant damage, Dex save (DC 13)  (1d20)[ 2 ]  to negate
 
[/QUOTE]
J-H
Mustafa's spiritual weapon misses, but the shadow demon shrieks as the flames burn it (14 damage).  Fenced in by flame, the Shade Wolf in front of Mustafa tries to bite him, then retreats (Mustafa: OA).
 
 Spoiler 

Bite  (1d20+5)[ 7 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 8 ]  piercing damage. The target must make a DC 11 Con save or lose 1 point of dexterity and 5’ of speed.  The debilitating effects go away after a short or long rest is completed.  This is in testing. May be un-fun.
Con save  (1d20)[ 14 ] 

W1 retreats to L262
 

 =&gt;Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Cass attacks the Shadow Demon and directs the Flaming Sphere ahead. "Push forward!"

 
 Spoiler 
Move to M268.
Vampire Killer attack vs Shadow Demon. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
Bonus action move Flaming Sphere to M264, dealing  (2d6)[ 12 ]  fire damage to W2 (dex save  (1d20)[ 15 ]  plus mods for half).
 
J-H
Cassandra's strike hits the shadow demon.  The shade wolf partly dodges the flaming sphere, but still gets injured.  It leaps forwards at Sabian, but can't get past his shield.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+5)[ 17 ]  for  (2d4+2)[ 9 ] , Con save or bad stuff
Con save  (1d20)[ 19 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Titus, Sabian, Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Scooting around the side, Chloé unleashes a second blast of holy water from her Decanter.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  L270
 Actions:  Decanter (Line)  (3d6)[ 14 ]  radiant or half on DC15 dex
SD:  (1d20)[ 3 ] 
W2:  (1d20)[ 4 ] 
 Bonus Action:  None
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
Pyrophilios
[QUOTE=Pyrophilios;26011153]      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus' sword gleamed in the light and the weapon bestowed upon him by an avenging angel nearly screamed in his ears for the essence of this shadow demon.

With a wide swing, he sought to catch the fiend, but his overenthusiastic strike only left a gauge along the tunnel wall.
 
 Spoiler 

Great Sword attack on SD

 (1d20+8)[ 9 ]  damage  (2d6+6)[ 10 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

The shadowy creature begins to phase through the wall, and Sabian stabs at it before it can vanish.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 Reaction 

  Opportunity Attack  - (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+4)[ 6 ] 
 


He hears a commotion behind him and turns to see the shadowy figure emerge behind Titus. The others engage, and Sabian has to focus on the wolf in front of him, attacking as the other retreats.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 
  Action   - Attack W2
  Attack  - (1d20+6)[ 23 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+4)[ 7 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove W2 to M265
  Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
  Move   - If W2 is Pushed, move to L266, otherwise remain in place.
 

 
 
  
J-H
Sabian and Mustafa's OAs hit.
Titus swings and misses, but Sabian stabs the shade wolf in front of him, but fails to knock it back.
Chloe's blast of holy water hits both the Shadow Demon and the Shade wolf by Sabian full-force.  They both melt away into nothing, leaving behind only a bitter, acrid scent.

The final shade wolf is easily dealt with (it had 1hp left).
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: Bless 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "Everyone alright?"   Mustafa cast a Light spell on his shield and checked on the others. His double-bladed scimitar floated beside him for a minute before it vanished in golden particles of light.   "We press on, then. Let's keep backup lights in he rear from now on, in case the enemy manages to snuff one of them out."  
Pyrophilios
[QUOTE=Pyrophilios;26011153]      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus nodded:  "The little homunculus died valiantly. I think from now on I'll pick up stones to light them and throw them forward - that should give us some warning if there is another ambush. In any case let's press on while there is daylight outside - there's no telling what might awake after sundown in here." 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
  Well done everyone,   Sabian says to the others. He takes the lead again, his lit shield lighting the way.
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

With Sabian taking the lead, Cass once again follows behind the others and watches the other way in case anything tries to sneak up behind them.
J-H
Leaving nothing but ash behind, you proceed down the dark tunnel with the company of only each other, your magical lights, and the slight breeze.

Some of you know that Laruba monastery is a fortified place of contemplation, prayer, and meditation.  Shaped out of rock in the middle of Laruba Lake, it’s reachable only by boat, a long swim in cold waters the very passage you're in.  The monks there purchase grain from the mainland, fish, and are rumored to practice meditations that help their bodies require much less food and water.

The monastery itself is solidly built of stone, a square fortress-like structure standing forty feet high and one hundred forty feet on a side.  There are narrow arrow-slit windows on the second and third floors.  The roof is flat, protected by a crenellated wall.  If used as a fortification, it would be hard to take by storm.

Eventually, you reach the end of the tunnel.  A long set of stairs hewn into the rock ascend upwards, terminating at a sturdy wooden door, which is closed.

 =&gt; Party 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "Could the Enemy have infiltrated the tunnel, but not the monastery?"   Mustafa shared his thought with the others.   "More shadows could have slithered under this door."  

He moves closer to inspect the door.   "Those with better eyes than me, look closer. Does it look like this door has been opened recently?"  

He casts a Guidance spell on whoever inspects the door.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

"Let's have a peek, then," Cass says.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Detect Magic as a ritual, checking the door for any traces of residual magic.

If nothing comes up, make an investigation check:  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] , plus  (1d4)[ 4 ] .
 
J-H
Cassandra inspects the door thoroughly, finding nothing unusual about it.  It does not appear to be locked or barred.
J-H
Cassandra opens the door.  On the far side is a narrow hall, which opens to a 25’x25’ room carved out of solid grey rock, and lit by four Continual Flame torches.

A horrible-looking mix of man and wolf, stronger and more upright than the wolfweres the party may have already faced, is looking at the her.  However, rather than being poised to leap and attack, it is sitting in a wooden chair near the door in the far corner of the room.  A heavy tome sits on a table next to it, with a bookmark somewhere near the middle.  The creature's ears are swiveled towards the party, and it inhales their scents before licking its lips.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian moves to the fore, shield and spear ready to deal with the beast in the room,   Can you speak, creature? Do you have any last words?  
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

"Hello there," Cass says, as cordially as she can as she enters the room so the others can too if they want, before pointing at the tome on the table, "I like to get a bit of time to myself for reading too."

She taps the spellbook she is never seen without. "What is it you're reading, anyway?"
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus looked on with amazement - both for the apparent book learned monster as well as the reactions of his fellow hunters.

With as much grace as he could muster under the circumstances, he stepped forward, making a slight bow and said:

 "Excuse our unannounced entrance, but we had a rather rough journey getting here. We are the descendants of the Belmonte Clan. This is Cass, Cloe Mustafa, Sabian and my name is Titus.

Might we inquire, who you are?"
 
 
 Spoiler 

Trying to charm him with persuasion

 (1d20+7)[ 14 ] 
 
J-H
He speaks with a guttural voice.   “I am Brother Iorghu.  I don’t know who you are, and fair-seeming strangers have done great harm recently.  You should leave.  It is not safe.” 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus took this information at face value and continued:

 "We are travelers and shadow hunters - on our way to end the curse of Dracula that has befallen the land. Can you tell us more about those strangers? If there is a way to prove our good intend let us know, we do not fear such a challenge." 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
  No,   Sabian says,   it is not our good intent that needs proving. We have fought wolves, dire wolves, wolfweres, and shade wolves all the way to get here. Why should he be no different?   Sabian points his spear at the creature with a threatening smile,   You are an agent of Dracula, are you not?  
 
 
  
J-H
 “Not long ago, there were forty of us.  Now there are many less, and those of us who remain are changed into this accursed form.  A servant of evil came among us, disguised as a wandering priest seeking respite from the world.  When the curse of the vampire – you’ve seen him when you’ve tried to sleep? – came upon us all, he struck, turning into a ravening beast in the night and attacking many in their sleep.”

“We fought back, and slew him in the end, but many were… changed, as I am.  With becoming a werewolf comes a hunger for flesh and blood, and bouts of madness.  Those who are not as we are smell like prey.  They - you - make it harder to resist the beastly nature forced upon us.

All who remain at Laruba Monastery have fallen prey to this curse.  We have decided to isolate ourselves here, that we may not accidentally spread it to others.  Suicide is a sin, but there are plenty of fish in the lake.  We shall not starve to death.  But you should leave.” 

His eyes linger on Chloe and he sniffs again.  He tries to cover it, but isn't very good at concealing his attention.  She realizes she's the only person who has injuries that are still bleeding [everyone else is at full HP].
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
  You said you were forty, but now many less. How many of you remain?  
 
 
  
J-H
His eyes narrow under his bestial brow.   "Enough to stop any who seek to take this place for their own." 
Pyrophilios
[QUOTE=Pyrophilios;26012121]      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus shook his head:

 "Just such tragic events happen all over - we are here to help, not to aggravate. Is the body of the infiltrator still around? There are legends about the tainted blood also being the key to salvation from the curse." 

With a casual step, Titus moved in front of Cloe to break the brother's line of sight.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Cass approaches the werewolf without fear and kneels before him, looking up to him as she speaks.

"What a horrible night to have a curse," she says sympathetically, "But don't lose hope. It's what he wants. We'll find a way to break the curse, together."

 
 Spoiler 
Cass will try to recall any information that might help her figure out how to break a lycanthropic curse. If the encyclopaedias do not contain the knowledge, she will attempt a check.

History or religion check, whichever is more relevant:  (1d20+5)[ 6 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Recognising that the wolfman seems interested in her, she makes herself smaller - taking a position behind the rest of them, staying silent, and dabbing a few droplets of solution on her belt. She didn't anticipate it would save her from any concerted effort, diluted as it was, but it might help mask the scent of her injuries.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Magical Tinkering: Odor (Wolfsbane)
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
 "Yes, the body of the infiltrator is upon the roof, with the other bodies.  There is nothing here to help with whatever quest you are on.  Again, you should leave.  It is not safe.  We are not safe." 

You can safely infer that Brother Iorghu doesn't know anything about a relic of Dracula being stored here.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian's heart does not stir at the werewolf's story; he is a trained warrior, and others are suffering under the shadow of Dracula's looming return. This creature is tainted, and nearly ready to strike.

  We are trained monster hunters of the Order, wolf-beast. Do not think you are the only predator here. We seek entry into the monastery, and we will gain it one way or another. Using this refuge to waste away as tainted monsters is the true sin here. If you cannot do what needs to be done and rid the world of your corruption, I offer you this; gather all that remains of your order to a remote part of the island. Allow us entry into the monastery to complete our mission. Once we leave, you can return to your comfort, though what comfort you can gain safe behind these walls while others die defending their villages I do not know.  
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  
 "Killing each other if we don't have to, will only help Dracula. But yes, please, gather your brothers somewhere discreet, so we can take a look at the curse bringer - and maybe, we can help you. It's getting dark and going back is as dangerous as staying here.

Please, you have to see that this is the best option for all involved."
 

Titus pleaded, though he could feel the impending violence, while he discreetly manifested his weapon as a doublebladed sword.


 
 Spoiler 
Persuation
 (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

"Do you know what this is?" Cass says, holding up the Vampire Killer, "Like you, we survived the vampire's attack but, like you, we lost so much. We aren't giving up. We're going to help everyone we can and we're going to find that bloody vampire and make him pay for the suffering he has caused. Our ancestors did it once before. We'll do it again."

She looks at her allies, "We don't want to hurt you, we want to help you and then perhaps you can in turn help others. This place is the perfect refuge for everyone fleeing from the creatures of the night and you must be a good person to wait here and warn others away. Dracula seeks to isolate us, to drive us apart and make us believe we are alone and must suffer and die alone. We must not allow him to."

"So why don't we try to do something about this curse of yours?"
J-H
 Brother Iorghu 

The werewolf monk stands.  His claws are extended, and his balance shifts, for a moment... but the moment passes.   "I do not think you can do anything, or at least not quickly, but the Order is well-known, and I've heard of that whip.  I can take you to the rooftop to inspect the remains.  I'll walk in front and warn others away.  A moment." 

He goes through the door, and up some stairs, calling back down  "Oh, and bind your wounds so they don't smell of blood please." 

You hear a short conversation echo down the stairs.
 
 Spoiler: Passive Perception 16 or higher 

There are two others up there.  Brother Boros asks if Iorghu thinks the group that just arrived can just kill him honestly.
Brother Viktor doesn't think they need help and can take all comers, but is interested in the prospect of a cure.

Doors open and close.
 


He calls down:   "Come on up.  Follow at a distance, but be careful.  The madness is a constant temptation with you around.  Try not to bleed or do anything that would provoke unnatural instincts.  Words of encouragement might help.  Aside from our faith, each of us fights our own battle moment by moment.” 

You follow up the stairs to a small room.  It’s about 20’x20’, with a narrow, easily blocked tunnel to the docks, stairs going down, and doors on the east and north side leading out to the rest of the monastery.  There are cushions on the floor that appear recently sat-on.  The north door is shut, but the eastern door is open, revealing a dimly lit storage area.  Iorghu is inside, about 40' ahead of you.  The storage area seems to run the rest of the length of the building, then turns north.  There are neat stacks of un-used lumber, bags of flour, barrels of salted pork, extra fishing tackle, and other similar bulk supplies here.

Eventually, you reach stairs in the opposite corner from where you came up.  It seems the structure is designed to make you go the long way around each floor if you wish to go up - and the center area doesn't have any access from here that you can see.

The staircase up from the first floor emerges at the junction between the kitchen and the refectory.  A stool and podium with a holy book on it stands near the juncture between kitchen and dining area, allowing someone to sit and read to everyone during a meal.  Narrow windows allow plenty of light in during the day, and sconces on the walls hold candles at night.  The fire in the kitchen hearth is nothing but smoldering embers.  The benches are stacked on top of the tables currently
Two werewolves stand at the far end of the refectory from you, one holding a mop and another a broom.

You go the other way.  The remainder of this floor seems to be devoted to the monks’ individual cells.  Thin stone walls separate them from each other.  Each is lit by a single narrow window, and contains a basic sleeping pallet, as well as cushions to sit or kneel on, a chair, a small table with candle-holder, and perhaps a small tapestry or other minor personal possessions.

The stairs up to the third floor are in the southwest corner.

The third floor exterior ring is entirely composed of the monks’ cells, just as on the second floor.  You do another trip around half of the building, following Iorghu at a distance.   "It takes many steps to get anywhere here.  Time for contemplation of intent and actions." 
 
 Spoiler: Passive Perception 15+ 

You hear snoring coming from one of the cells.
 


Near the stairs up to the roof is an open doorway.  There is a door-frame, but it is very scratched up and the door appears to have been ripped off of it.  Beyond it is a doorway.  You take the stairs up.

The rooftop is nearly flat, sloped just enough for rain to run off to the edge and out small drains cut in the crenellations.  Today, the roof is stained red, and smells of death.

The bodies of over two dozen monks are laid out on the roof, exposed to the sun and the elements.  Off to the side is also the body of a larger person with wolfish features, perhaps the size of a Goliath, impaled with a silvered sword through the heart.

Iorghu steps off to the side, although he seems unusually alert, perhaps due to all the blood.  “ When we die, we are judged and all secrets are laid bare.  So with the body as well.  When the bones are clean, we take them to the ossuary.  Except the false wolf-man.  His bones will be given to the lake once we are sure there is no life left in them. Until then, the sword stays where it is.  Do not remove it..” 
 =&gt; Party 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Cassandra kneels by the corpse and begins to investigate it, taking care not to touch the sword keeping it in stasis.

"We are deeply grateful for your help, Iorghu," she says to the werewolf, "Now lets see what we can learn."

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Detect Magic and Identify as rituals.

Religion check:  (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  (disadvantage, rolled 24 in Discord)
Arcana check:  (1d20+5)[ 23 ]  (disadvantage, rolled 23 in Discord)
Investigation check:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  (disadvantage, rolled 13 in Discord)
Nature check:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]   (disadvantage, rolled 13 in Discord)

Just covering all my bases. Does the Encyclopedia of Monsters contain any relevant information on lycanthropes?
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus touched Cloe's arm and let flow another measure of healing energy to close the open wounds while following the monk through the maze up to the roof.

Once there, he nodded respectfully:  "We will do what we can - is there somewhere, where we can shelter in safety while we do our research?" 
 
 Spoiler 


Cure Wounds
 (2d8+5)[ 11 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

When the werewolf goes ahead to prepare the way, Sabian turns to the others and whispers,   Their tale is tragic, but remember, it's not just that any of these wolves can kill us. A single bite can taint us just the same and leave us trapped here with them. We must be very careful, the entire mission is at stake here. The monks were harmed by Dracula, but now they are extremely dangerous, and we should not forget that.  

Iorghu calls down: "Come on up. Follow at a distance, but be careful. The madness is a constant temptation with you around. Try not to bleed or do anything that would provoke unnatural instincts. Words of encouragement might help. Aside from our faith, each of us fights our own battle moment by moment.”

Sabian eyes the others before taking the lead with his shield ready before him. He wants to offer words of encouragement, but his nerves are high and he is tense, ready for violence. He remains silent instead, and on alert. He makes an effort to remember the turns they take on their way to the roof.

Once outside, he takes in the scene of the battle. Several questions come to mind, but he says,   Is that the only way up or down from the roof?  
 
 
  
J-H
Cassandra is able to verify that the creature is a werewolf, apparently a natural one...and quite large.  It must have arrived in a disguise - probably before Dracula made his move on the Order, if what you've been told is correct.  It looks like it was quite strong and tough.  It doesn't appear to have any lingering signs of life, so it's probably safe to remove the sword, although you've been told not to.

Lycanthropy is a mix of a curse and a disease.  The body may reject it, although it may be harder to fight off if it comes from a natural werewolf or if someone's under the effects of some other sort of curse or debuff.  There's no lingering evidence of that, but it's entirely possible that Dracula's curse empowered the initial attacker in some way.
If caught early on, a  Remove Curse  or  Remove Disease  spell should end it.  However, once lycanthropy has fully taken root, reversing the effect would require  Greater Restoration  or another spell of similar nature and power.

--
The interior stairs are the only way up to the roof aside from climbing the exterior or flying.
The view across the lake is quite nice, although a breeze makes it a bit chilly.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Waiting for flesh to rot and slough from bone seemed a waste to her. Even 'dead' was it was, it could have been harvested for parts. Werewolf teeth had their place in numerous elixirs - when powdered, they served as a potent catalyst for anything that used moonwater as a base. Its blood, when properly treated, could induce enraging effects similar to those Sabian used. Its brains...she hadn't actually read of any uses for them, yet, but maybe if she'd had the opportunity and time she might be able to discover some. Werewolf brains were in short supply for experimental purposes, and some people frowned on the ethics of using them (as if teeth and blood were acceptable but brains weren't - hypocrisy at its finest).

But she was in even shorter supply of time. And she didn't really want to draw any more attention to herself. She maintains her distance, and despite her desire to take a few 'souvenirs' holds back. There'd probably be more to come, ones that didn't have a monk warning her away from it.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

The monastery brought Mustafa a distant feeling of familiarity. While he had never been to Laruba itself before, the soldier-priest had spent long winters cloistered in mosques, and monasteries and temples devoted to other gods of light, huddled up in their libraries taking lessons on theology, medicine, algebra, philosophy, logic, law and, of course, magic and creatures of the night. The silence brought him peace, even though danger seemed to lurk at every corner.

Glimpsing the lake under the evening sky, Mustafa whispered back to Sabian and the others, making sure the monk wouldn't overhear them:   "It would be an evil deed to slay peaceful monks, even if they're cursed. After all, they  are  doing their best to keep the world safe from their claws and fangs."   He looked at the mountains to the north.   "I say we barricade ourselves in one their cells for the night, and leave this place on the morrow. We can come back for the sword later, if we need it. Either way, we'll have to backtrack through here on our way back to the headquarters, when we finally gather the other relics on this side of he valley. What do you think?"  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian nods as Mustafa speaks, and then says   If I thought they would remain like this forever, I might agree Mustafa. But who knows how much longer they will resist their bloodlust? The curse that Dracula has blanketed the lands with may affect them worse. When we return, we may find a monastery full of starving ravenous werewolves. I say we find the skull now, while we seem to have the opportunity.  
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus nodded:  "I have to agree. I don't like the idea of harming them. But we need the relics. If they can't be saved, all we can do is try to find it and find somewhere safe to spend the night. The roof isn't the worst place to stay, though a bit cold and unfortunately open to bat incursions. Still, we should collect blood from the patient 0 werewolf. Maybe we can find someone who can use sympathetic magic to undo the curse remotely. When we fight the monks, I'd ask you to be merciful and only subdue them if possible in close combat. We can put them in cells then. I hope to proof worthy to my patron and gain another measure of his grace after we are done with this task. If we can take them out one by one, without alerting the whole bunch - or better yet evade them while we search - we might even survive this place."  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa gave a subtle tilt of his head.   "I suppose  beating up  and  imprisoning  innocent monks won't be as much of a sin as  slaughtering  them."   He haggled with himself, weighing the importance of his vows against the material reality he was living right now. Attacking monks would be wrong, yes, but what if it makes the difference between saving the people of this land or allowing Dracula to consolidate his power?

He detatched himself from the discussion, so all that whispering wouln't look weird to the weremonk.   "Brother Iorghu. I understand our presence here is a burden, but I am a man of faith, and I believe in the power of these walls. We are under the ancient law of Sanctuary. No harm shall befall us."   He gave a courtly nod.   "Is there a place I can withdraw to and pray to my god? Somewhere I can see the sky and face East. Of course I would much rather join the other monks in prayer, but I understand if you think this would be too much."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian glances at the werewolf and then seems to decide that he doesn't mind if it hears him,   I don't think going off to pray with these... monks, is a wise idea Mustafa. We should stay together.  

To Iorghu he says,   We require access to your relics. We are endowed with the artifacts of our families,   he motions with his shield,   but our mission requires other items to prevent Dracula from fully taking hold. Can you lead us there?  
 
 
  
J-H
 "I don't know anything about relics.  The Abbot and the older monks didn't survive.  There was so much blood..."   He shivers, then leaps at Sabian with a snarl, overcome by the evil working in his flesh.
 
 Spoiler: Attack 

Claw  (1d20+6)[ 20 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 9 ]  slashing damage

Claw  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 6 ]  slashing damage

Bite  (1d20+6)[ 21 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 11 ]  piercing damage
If the bite hits:  Con DC 13 or infection.
Sabian Con save  (1d20)[ 19 ] 

BA: Stunning blow:  If one of his claw attacks hits, DC 13 Con save or stunned for 1 round.
Sabian Con save  (1d20)[ 2 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]   Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  1 exh
Mustafar  (1d20+0)[ 20 ]  Mustafar  (1d20+0)[ 3 ]  1 exh
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 13 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 10 ] 

Brother Iorghu  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
 
J-H
Iorghu's claws skitter off Sabian's armor, but he does manage to take a mouthful of bloody flesh.   "Oh, that's delicious..."  he rasps out.

Before anyone can react, he continues his assault, raking his claws across Sabian's arms and face.
 
 Spoiler 

Claw  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 5 ] 
Claw  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 5 ] 
Bite  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 

Bite: Con save against infection  (1d20)[ 5 ] 
BA Stunning blow:  If a claw hits, Con save against stun  (1d20)[ 14 ] 
 

 Initiative 
Brother Iorghu
Sabian
Chloe
Titus
Cassandra
Mustafa

 =&gt; Party is up 
Sabian is adjacent to Iorghu.
Mustafa is within 10'
Everyone else is within 40'
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 16/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian shouts in alarm as Iorghu attacks. He manages to fend off the claws with his shield, but the monk savagely bites down on the warrior's neck, taking a chunk of flesh. The pain and surprise prevent Sabian from fending off the next flurry of claws and he is raked across the face. Bloodied and furious, the Skellegue rage boils forth and Sabian stops Iorghu's advance and presses the attack, stabbing out with his spear,   Your sin was hubris that you could live with this curse!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Bonus Action   - Rage
  Action   - Reckless Attack vs Iorghu
  Attack  - (1d20+6)[ 7 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 11 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 
 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus was shocked how suddenly this had turned violent. But when it did, he didn't hesitate to go into melee.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+8)[ 10 ]  damage   (2d4+6)[ 12 ] 
Bonus action attack doublebladed sword
  (1d20+8)[ 27 ]  damage   (1d4+6)[ 9 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

"Come to your senses, Iorghu!" Cassandra calls out to the monk, "Don't let Dracula's schemes rob you of who you are!"

She cannot, however, allow him to kill Sabian so she steps in.

 
 Spoiler 
Move within 10ft of Iorghu.
Vampire Killer vs Iorghu. To hit:  (1d20+7)[ 18 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack is successful, push Iorghu 5ft away from Sabian.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Chloé mildly regrets her considerations for taking parts of the wolfman, but not enough to not throw a fireflask at him.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Bonus Action:  None
 Action:  Create Bonfire  (1d8)[ 1 ]  fire, DC15 dex  (1d20)[ 13 ] +mods
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Sabian flies into a rage at the sudden attack, stabbing the monk.  Titus advances, swinging his magical greatsword, but misses.  Cassandra strikes with the Vampire Killer, knocking him back slightly.  Brother Iorghu dodges Chloe's fire flask.  Mustafa, caught by surprise, does nothing.

Damage inflicted 15+0+7+0 = 22.

Iorghu crouches, jumping forward and attacking Sabian, then weaving to the side and trying to bite the lighter-armored Titus, but none of his attacks land.  The monk's wounds close slightly.
 
 Spoiler 

Regenerate 5hp.  Anyone have the appropriate check to figure out why?  Total damage 17 after regen

Claw attacks both go to Sabian
Claw/kick  (1d20+6)[ 20 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 7 ] 
Claw/kick  (1d20+6)[ 17 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 6 ] 

Bite  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
If bite hits, DC 13 Con save or be infected
 (1d20)[ 15 ] +?

BA: If a claw attack hits, Stunning Blow DC 13 or stun until end of monk's next turn.
Con save  (1d20)[ 1 ] +?
 

 =&gt; Party 
Brother Iorghu is next to Titus and Sabian.  Cassandra and Mustafa are 10' away, and Chloe is farther.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus called out to Sabian:  "Shove him to the ground - you are way stronger than him!"  
Waiting for the Barbarian to act, Titus readied his own strike - hopefully against an easier target

 
 Spoiler 

Readied action for after Sabian acts:
  (1d20+8)[ 17 ] (if advantage   (1d20+8)[ 13 ] ) damage   (2d6+6)[ 17 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Closing in on Iorghu, Cass pushes him away from her allies once more and tries to discourage him from approaching them. ‘You are stronger than this curse! Don’t let Dracula win!”

 
 Spoiler 
Move adjacent to Iorghu.
Cast Booming Blade vs Iorghu. To hit:  roll]1d20+7[/roll   17 ,  to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack is successful, push Iorghu 5ft away from everyone else, and if Iorghu moves before Cassandra’s next turn he takes another  (1d8)[ 6 ]  thunder damage.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 16/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian holds his position against Iorghu, straining under the creatures weight and strength. He says to Titus through gritted teeth,   Thanks for the vote of confidence...   He defends against another flurry of kicks before stabbing out with his spear. He smashes Iorghu to the ground with the Shield of the Unyielding, hoping to limit the werewolf's mobility.   He's healing!   Sabian shouts, and Cass calls out that only silver will prevent him from regenerating. Sabian's eyes dart to the silver sword in the werewolf corpse.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Action   - Reckless Attack vs Iorghu
  Attack  - (1d20+6)[ 9 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+6)[ 13 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 8 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 8 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove to knock Iorghu Prone
  Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 11 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
 
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Hoping that the wolfman would stay in her fire was never going to be likely, but perhaps her allies knocking the man to the ground would change that. Regardless, another fireflask flies the monk's way.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Bonus Action:  None
 Action:  Create Bonfire  (1d8)[ 4 ]  fire, DC15 dex  (1d20)[ 10 ] +mods
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "Stay your hand, brother, I beg you!"   Mustafa strode forward to heal Sabian, his crescent moon scepter at hand.   "We evoke the law of Sanctuary! We are your guests!"  
 
 Spoiler 
Bonus action: Channel Divinity (1st level)
Action: Cast Cure Wound  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
 
J-H
The werewolf dodge's Sabian's spear, but not the shield slam, and is knocked prone.  He dodges Chloe's flask of fire (saved), but not Titus' blade or Cassandra's whip, which sends him sliding back.  Mustafa cures some of Sabian's injuries.

 
 Spoiler: tracking &amp; init 

Iorghu 17 damage
Sabian
Chloe
Titus 17
Cassandra 11 + 6 when he gets up = 17
Mustafa

New total damage 51
 

Iorghu leaps back up,  jumping forward and attacking Sabian, who deflects his blows.  He tries again to  to bite the lighter-armored Titus, this time drawing blood, and leaving something behind in Titus' bloodstream...
 
 Spoiler 

Heals 5hp, he's back out of single digits...barely.
Claw/kick  (1d20+6)[ 10 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 8 ] 
Claw/kick  (1d20+6)[ 8 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 4 ] 

Bite  (1d20+6)[ 25 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 10 ] 
If bite hits, DC 13 Con save or be infected
 (1d20)[ 7 ] +2  fail 

BA: If a claw attack hits, Stunning Blow DC 13 or stun until end of monk's next turn.
Con save  (1d20)[ 9 ] +?
 

 
 Spoiler: Medicine DC 15 

The target must make a DC 13 Constitution save or the bite wound becomes infected with Lycanthropy.  If the target does not receive magical healing within 1 minute, it must make a DC 13 Constitution save at the end of each round.  If it accumulates 3 successful saves, the effects end.  If it accumulates 3 failed saves, it is transformed into a Dire Wolf for 24 hours.  If a curse-breaking or disease-curing effect is not used on it during this time, the character becomes a werewolf, reverting to a hybrid form (normal form, plus claws dealing 1d4 damage and bite dealing 1d8 damage, resist non-magic weapon damage, vulnerable to silver weapons, +2 str/dex), and must make a DC 16 Wisdom save at the beginning of every combat to avoid attacking its allies as it falls under Dracula’s thrall.  The effect can only be removed by Greater Restoration.
 

 
=&gt;Sabian
Chloe
Titus
Cassandra
Mustafa 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian curses as Titus is bitten,   He needs magical healing now, within the next minute!   the warrior calls out as he moves back into melee with Iorghu and stabs the werewolf, following up with another shield bash to knock him down.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Medicine Check   -  20  (rolled in Discord)

  Movement   - Move to Iorghu if necessary
  Action   - Reckless Attack vs Iorghu
  Attack  - (1d20+6)[ 16 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+6)[ 16 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 8 ]  +   Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove to knock Iorghu Prone
  Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 8 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+7)[ 20 ] 
 
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    
 "Just stand still would you?"  Chloé mutters under her breath from the backline, throwing yet another fireflask.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Bonus Action:  None
 Action:  Create Bonfire  (1d8)[ 2 ]  fire, DC15 dex  (1d20)[ 16 ] +mods
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 21/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus suppressed a scream, as the werewolf bit down on his shoulder. Still, he pressed on, striking at the monk on the ground with all his might.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+8)[ 28 ] ,   (1d20+8)[ 24 ]  damage   (2d6+6)[ 10 ] 
 
J-H
Titus strikes the monk with his sword, causing a mortal wound.  The werewolf collapses to the ground, dead, his body slowly shifting back into that of a reasonably healthy man in his 30s.

What do you do now?
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus looked on in horror what he had just done. "I didn't mean too..."
But the pulsing pain in his neck reminded him that he had to act to prevent himself from joining the monk in his descent into madness. With a gesture, calming healing light suffused his body, erasing the mark the beast had left on him

 
 Spoiler 

Cure Wounds on Titus

 (2d8+5)[ 13 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    
 "It would have been us if it wasn't him."  Chloé says grimly.  "Try...try to think of it as releasing him from the curse?"  It was a slim comfort, and one she didn't truly have the heart to believe in herself. The monk was - she presumed - a good person before Dracula. He didn't deserve this. None of them did.

Ridding herself of the thoughts required she busy her mind with cleansing the blood as much as possible, using a scentless solvent she'd devised. It wasn't so effective (or pleasant) on skin but proved more than capable for almost all inorganic objects.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Prestidigitation - Clean Objects on as much as possible to get rid of the blood. Out, damned spot; out, I say.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa helps out with a  Mending  spell, fixing up any signs of battle in Sabian and Titus's clothes.   "Might be that we can slip under their noses without them ever learning what happened."   He doubled checks if anyone has claw marks on their armors, or anything else that would make it obvious that they fought a werewolf just now.   "But I don't think it's safe to stay at Laruba anymore. Let's leave the monastery now, while the brothers sleep."  
  "Or... We could pretend it never happened, barricade ourselves in a room to sleep, then leave at first light. But if they find this corpse, they're likely to set up a trap for us, or straight up attack us during the night. What shall we do?"  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus shook his head:  "We need to rest. Most of us are exhausted. Setting up in a save place is our best chance. A small defensible position should see us through." 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
  Chloe is right. Iorghu almost turned you into a werewolf Titus. We can grieve them when we're gone from this place, but until then... they are monsters, and we are monster killers.   As Chloe is cleaning the area, Sabian grabs Iorghu's corpse and begins to drag it toward the other corpses,   Let's move him under the others so that their odor masks the fresh kill.  
  We are low on resources, but need to find Dracula's skull before we leave here. Maybe the other monks are still secluded knowing that Iorghu is leading us through the place? Now may be the time to act.
   
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa nodded, convincing himself that those monks never gave them another option...  Right?    "Titus, you say we must sleep before we act. Sabian, you say we should act before we sleep."   He scratched his thin beard, thoughtful.   "Hear me on this: Come the morning, the monks ought to realize something happened, because brother Iorghu will be gone and we will have retreated to a defensible position to rest. We'll have to fight our way out."  
 [COLOR="#4B0082"]"We can either find a defensible position and get ready for a bloody battle on the morrow, or take them by surprise and go looking for the skull  now . We can't hope to take them by surprise tomorrow... If we go to bed, they'll find Iorghu and there  will  be violence. My opinion is that we act now - without silver weapons, I doubt we'll survive an open battle. Not without being bitten."[COLOR] 

He raised his mithral scepter.   "Aye, I can fight alright, but at this point I cannot protect us nor heal our wounds with magic, not until we rest properly and I can pray to my god again."  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus frowned:  "Do we have any idea at all where the skull could be? I'd assume it to be in some kind of ossuary or crypt. Basically at the opposite side of this building." 

He pointed down with his thumb.

 "I need at least an hour to get a bit of power back. Meanwhile Cloe could take a look at the silver blade - I'd assume it's magical, so it would be a real help against the building full of werewolves. Though we should make sure to dismember patient 0 before we take it - don't want him to come back now. Better burn him too." 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/41 HD: 2/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
  Not sure, we may have to go room to room. Let's rest here but I don't think we should burn the corpses. The smell may lure the others to come investigate.   
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

 
 Originally Posted by Dr.Samurai 
   Let's rest here but I don't think we should burn the corpses. The smell may lure the others to come investigate.   
 


  "Agreed, and more: Even if they don't realize Brother Iorghu is dead, why would we need a silver blade in a monastery full of weremonks? We already have powerful weapons, the Vampire Killer itself. They will assume, correctly so, that we plan use it on them."

"And if they do realize Brother Iorghu is gone, I'm afraid they will immediately blame us. And if they have divinatory magic..."   Mustafa shuddered.   "Well, no need to dwell on more  ifs  and  maybes ."  
J-H
After thinking about the matter, Cassandra decides that mind-altering spells would probably help calm the wolves, as would sufficiently well-phrased encouragement (Persuasion DC 16).
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Meanwhile, Titus looked closely at the silver sword. He called Cloé over:  "Can you tell me, if the sword is magical as well as made of silver? It might be worth it for me to bind - a magical silver blade could be of great help against Dracula's minions. Though I'd like to avoid binding a cursed weapon."
 

To Mustafa he said: " Where else if not a place full of werewolf would you want a silver blade? I can store it in heaven while I'm not needing it and call it with a thought to my side." 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

 
 Originally Posted by Pyrophilios 
 " Where else if not a place full of werewolf would you want a silver blade? I can store it in heaven while I'm not needing it and call it with a thought to my side."  
 

  "Pray, the blade is invaluable... But I fear them  wolves   will turn hostile as soon as they see us wielding silver. It's the only thing that can harm them, and suddenly we're waving it around the halls of their monastery? It will come to violence - which is inevitable, I agree, but timing is crucial. We need to optimize this small window of time that we have to wander freely around the monastery without them knowing we killed Brother Iorghu. Carrying a silver blade would spoil that advantage."  
  "Assuming we take the silver blade now and conceal it, could we place an illusion here, making it look like we never touched it? This way we can still explore the monastery and search for the scroll discreetly. Who knows, with the power of that rings, they might even agree to lead us there."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 27/41 HD: 1/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
  I agree with you both,   Sabian says,   Let's take the sword, but Titus keep it out of sight until we need it. Sound good?  
  We need to get moving, I don't like sitting here with those things moving about down there. Titus, we will need you to do the talking. With your natural skill, and the power of the ring, hopefully we can get the skull and leave. Does anyone have mind altering magic like Cass mentioned? Otherwise it's just Titus' silver tongue.  
 
 Spoiler: Short Rest 
  Hit Die  - (1d12+2)[ 7 ] 
 
 
 
  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "My magical energy is depleted. But I have courage and steel, and a fire that burns in my heart."  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus nodded and called his weapon. With five strokes, he dismembered the werewolf body, cutting of the head last and scattering the parts.

Only then did he pull the silver sword out of the torso.

That done he sat down, meditating over the blade.
When he was done, the it vanished
 
 Spoiler 

Using the short rest to turn the silver blade into my pact weapon
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "Wherever we go in this monastery, it will be a long, quiet walk. It was built that way. I say we go straight to the catacombs, and ask the monks how to get there if we can't find the way ourselves."  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus agreed:  "Let's go to the ground floor and take a look at the chappel first - usually the crypt entrance is close to the altar." 

Joining the priest, Titus marched down the stairs, not showing the slightest sign of the attack, after a thorough application of his magic trick to clean up the clothes of the party.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Chloé makes sure to burn the remnants of the bodies. The monks beliefs were not her own, and she'd rather guarantee nothing got back up again.  "Let's just...stay on guard. The monks might understand, but another fight's probably on the way."  Without any other suggestions on their next path, the chapel did seem the ideal first step. There might be offices nearby that had documents, even if there was no one there that could or would guide their way.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
After an hour and a half, you descend down into the monastery again.  The third floor exterior ring is entirely composed of the monks’ cells, just as on the second floor.  You're pretty sure two of the cells are occupied based on snoring.

An open doorway in the northeast corner leads into the library area.  You haven't been there yet.  There is a door-frame, but it is very scratched up and the door appears to have been ripped off.

If you wish to go back the way you came, you can work your way around to the southwestern corner of the floor.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa whistled softly, so the party could stop without making a lot of noise. Once they huddled closer, he whispered:   They might have scrolls..."  [/QUOTE]
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    
 "Even if they don't, we don't want someone coming out from there behind us,"   Chloé whispers back. If the monks found then ransacking their library any hope for a peaceful negotiation would be out of the window.

But, silently, she doesn't expect such a negotiation will be possible anyway.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

"I'm not missing an opportunity to gather more spells," Cass whispers plainly, "If things hadn't gone south I'd have asked them for access anyway.*

She then quietly enters the library and searches for anything useful to her or the other spellcasters in the group.

 
 Spoiler 
Investigation or Perception check:  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus whispered back:  "I'll keep watch and if necessary keep them occupied." 
J-H
Titus remains outside, while Cassandra and the others go into the library.  The interior section of the monastery is approximately 80’ x 80’.  A 10’ wide corridor winds its way through the library and past a couple of smaller rooms to stairs in the southwest.

On the third floor, approximately 50% of the inner space is devoted to a library.  Shelves and scroll-racks stand eight feet high under a slightly arched ceiling that goes up to about 20’ at the center.  There is some damage near the door, but it’s minor.  The shelves are only partway full, and have relatively broad aisles between them that allow two people to pass each other comfortably.  It’s well lit by magical lights attached to the ceiling.

About 10 minutes pass as you search the library.  Most of the items in the library are texts related to theology or the development of virtue; unfortunately, ascetics tend to not pen numerous thousand-page tomes like academics would.  The scroll-racks do contain a few clerical scrolls.
 
 Spoiler: Scrolls 

	Cure Wounds x 5
	Water Breathing x  2
	Shield of Faith x 2
	Aid x 2
	Revivify x1
	Beacon of Hope x 1
 


Two other rooms occupy the southern part of the inner core, with the hall running between them and then turning towards stairs in the southwestern corner.

The larger room's doors are shut, but the smaller one's door, which faces towards the library, appears to have been broken open.  There are weapons on racks inside.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa's eyes gleam as he beholds the variety of scrolls.   "Marvelous,"   he exclaims in a low whisper, gathering them and rolling them up neatly into his backpack.   "I can't believe them monks didn't offer us these scrolls to aid in our crusade. This could mean the difference between life and death."  

He glances at the weapon rack.  "Now what could have happened here...?" 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 0/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian creeps into the room with the weapon racks to see if there is anything in there that can be of use to them.
 
 
  
J-H
The room Sabian enters appears to be an armory.  There are racks and holders along the wall and round the room, but some have gaps where weapons are apparently missing.  A number of quarterstaffs, short swords, and throwing knives remain.  On a table in the middle lie a couple of items that seem to have been thrown there:  A black rod with a ruby tip and an ivory wand, on top of a pair of small cloth bags.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

"Let's see what these things are." Cass says as she prepares a ritual.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Identify as a ritual, first on the wand then on the rod. If we have time Cass will also cast Detect Magic as a ritual to see if anything else in the room is worth checking.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Chloé carefully poked at the bags, before searching her own for the pearl magisolution that helped in analysis. The search takes time, as she is unaware she has misplaced her pearl three weeks ago.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Cassandra identifies a Rod of the Pact Keeper +1 and a Wand of Secrets.  As she begins to study one of the bags, Chloe starts to smell food, and the sound of a gong or bell reverberates through the monastery.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus looked inside and whisper-called to his closest companion:  "They are calling everyone to Vesper. It won't be long before they miss their brother. But it's also a unique chance for us to quickly move through the building - finish up in there and let's move" 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa snatches some light book on theology, something for him to read on the road, and returns to the entrance of the library.   "Aye. Let's move."  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

While the others finished up in the library, Titus listened. Once he could no longer hear footsteps closing in on the refectory, he nodded at his companions and moved out and down towards the center of the monastery, to find the chapel.



 
 Spoiler 


Perception

 (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 
 
J-H
Hearing what you assume is a call to dinner, the group decides to wait in the library.  It doesn't take very long to hear someone ascending the steps in the southwestern corner of the core, beyond the room you haven't explored yet.  You hear panting and see a very sweaty werewolf monk turn the corner.  He seems very surprised to see you, his ears involuntarily perking up.   "What?  Who are you?" 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa keeps his head low and his hands joined piously as they walk, murmuring long prayers to the Gods of Light. He doesn't even look up to the werewolf monk when he runs into them.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus looked at the werewolf with a frown:
 "Weren't you informed by Brother Iorghu? We are the Belmonte delegation. We are investigating and fighting against Dracula's Curse.
Our mission is of utmost importance. Hopefully, we can reverse your curse as well.
But since you are here right now, would you mind giving us directions to the chapel? We don't want to disturb you and your brothers or keep you from your well earned meal, but we are all in need of the salvation that it holds. Unfortunately, Iorghu left us in a hurry when he felt his hunger." 
 
 Spoiler 


Persuasion
 (1d20+7)[ 9 ] ,  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
 
J-H
He looks puzzled for a moment.   "Down these stairs.  Did he not tell you?  There is only one right path to walk, and all must walk it through the many twists, turns, and steps of life.  Brother Simion and Brother Adam should be down there.  They come late to meals now.  Please respect their silence if they are still praying when you arrive.

I'll step aside here in the Scriptorium for a moment while you pass.  It's not like I'll distract anyone.  It's too hard to write like this."   He sounds frustrated.

The monk enters the door near the stairs of the large room that you haven't investigated yet.

 
 Spoiler: 3rd floor map 

   
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa peeks under his low gaze.    "I feel tempted to explore this floor. Maybe one of us can keep that monk busy while the others sneak around."    He whispers.    "On a second thought, though, we should take the win and leave. This can go very badly very fast. Let's make straight for the chapel."   
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 0/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian begins to move as soon as he realizes the diplomacy has worked. However, he feels a sudden pang of sympathy at the monk's parting words, that it is too difficult for the monks to write in this form. He stops just as abruptly, and says to the departing monk,   Thank you brother. We will do everything we can to defeat Dracula and restore you.   Leaving the werewolf to the scriptorium, Sabian leads the group down the stairs toward the chapel.
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Chloé quietly nods.  "The sooner we're done here the better."  Every moment they stayed increased the chance of fang-attached problems.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus nodded, careful not to smile or otherwise to bare his teeth:
 "Thank you. We'll be out of your hair momentarily." 

Then he hurried after the others down the stairs.
J-H
 
 Spoiler: Scriptorium, general knowledge everyone knows 

A scriptorium is a room used for copying and illuminating books, manuscripts, and spell scrolls.  Supplies for doing these things are likely inside.
 

 Second Floor - Interior 
Stairs in the southwest corner descend from the third floor, while another set in the northeast lead down to the ground floor.  The area is well-lit with magical lights in the ceiling.

The floor has two open areas, separated by an intermittent dividing wall, and one walled-off room with double doors.  The double doors are closed.

On your right as you follow the path northeast to the stairs down is an area where the stone is covered with scuffed and worn carpets and cushioning.  Several rectangular areas are marked on the floor for martial arts practice.  Several heavy canvas bags stuffed with wool are suspended from the ceiling with ropes near the wall.  One of them is swinging back and forth gently, and has some dents in it.

On the left is an area that takes up about half the interior space.  Wooden walls divide it from the rest of the floor, but with several gaps for easy passage in and out.  The walls also seem to provide a convenient place to hang tools and supplies.  Within the workshop, a number of large work tables are set with different pieces of equipment and projects in process.  Nothing appears disturbed or damaged, and you see evidence or tools for alchemy, brewing, candle-making, carpentry, leather-working, and weaving.

 =&gt; Go down stairs to first floor?  Or explore? 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus looked longingly at the work benches, but shook his head:
 "We've committed enough sins against our hosts for the moment. No need to steal things that will be obviously missing." 
J-H
You take the stairs without further delay.  The stairs from the second floor lead down to a chapel, lit with a solemn golden light by everburning torches mounted on lampstands along the walls.

The northwestern corner of the room is fenced off with a wall that appears to be composed of bones, although there is an arched opening.  The ossuary is a storage area for the bones of past Brothers.  It is more space-efficient, artful, and safer in terms of necromancy prevention, as the bones are individually blessed before being added to it.  Long bones make up the walls and support posts, while smaller bones are used as joints (with glue) and to make patterns and even spell out simple prayers.  Skulls, meanwhile, line the walls.
 
 Spoiler: visuals 

Sedlec Ossuary, Prague, Austria
 

Skull Chapel, Poland
 
 


The chapel contains a number of unpadded wooden benches, each with a cushion on the floor in front of them for kneeling.  At the front is an simple wooden altar, adorned with a golden holy symbol.  Atop it rests a thick book of scriptures.

Two more lupine brothers are here, kneeling.  One has large patches of grey throughout the hair in his body, and his robes are secured with an unusually thick belt of ornate black leather.

 
 Spoiler: Map of ground floor 

   
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus followed Sabian and the others, but stopped short when he saw the two brothers in prayer. At first he thought, they were screwed. But then he realized that this was in fact an opportunity.

Boldly and with more confidence than he actually had, Titus stepped towards the grey haired brother and whispered:

 "Honorable brother, we have come here in the name of the Lord of Light to receive the artifact. Are you the key master that the prophecy speaks of?" 


As the wolf monk looked at him in confusion, Titus continued:

 "I'm sorry, I mistook you for someone else - hard to tell with all the transformations around here. Sorry for the interruption. May Lathander's light shine upon you." 

With that, he hurried back to the others to enter the ossuary.

 
 Spoiler 

Persuasion

  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] ,  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] ,
 
J-H
The older one stands and looks for a moment.   "You...what?  Who are you?"   His voice drops and goes more and more guttural, and he seems to be getting angry quickly.   "Who are you?  Nobody should be here.  More attackers?  I'll eat you! "  He vaults over the pew towards the group.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 4 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]   1 exh
Mustafar  (1d20+0)[ 12 ]  or  (1d20+0)[ 16 ]  1 exh
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 19 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Brother Simion  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Brother Adam  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] 
 
J-H
The grey-furred monk reaches Titus before he can react, hitting him with a slashing attack that leaves him disoriented and temporarily stunned, then clawing at him again.  Luckily, he mis-judges and is unable to sink his teeth into the warlock.
 
 Spoiler 

Claw/kick  (1d20+8)[ 21 ]  for  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]   hit, stunned 
Claw/kick  (1d20+8)[ 14 ]  for  (1d6+5)[ 8 ]   advantage rolled in Discord, hit 

Bite  (1d20+6)[ 9 ]  for  (1d8+5)[ 6 ]   still a miss 
If bite hits, DC 13 Con save or be infected
 (1d20)[ 4 ] +?

BA: If a claw attack hits, Stunning Blow DC 13 or stun until end of monk's next turn.
Con save  (1d20)[ 1 ] +?
 

The other monk stands and turns.   "Brother Simion, no!" 

He attempts to grab the mad monk and drag him back, but the older werewolf bats him aside.
 
 Spoiler 

Athletics  (1d20+5)[ 7 ]  vs Simion  (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Subbed in his other 2 attacks for grapple checks, both failed to land vs Simion.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
BS = Brother Simion, attacking
BA = Brother Adam, attempting to grapple
 

 =&gt;Chloe
Sabian
Mustafa
Titus
Cassandra
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

"Don't hurt him he's not in control of himself!" Cass calls out to the others as she tries to help Adam restrain Simian, "We just need to get him somewhere where he can't hurt anyone."

 
 Spoiler 
Move to AD105.
Use action to help Adam, granting him advantage on his next grapple attempt.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

She's not eager about putting down another monk, but at least maybe her fires could weaken or urge him away. Clearly, words weren't going to work. Overarm, she tosses a fireflask, but she does at least regret this one, a little bit.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move : None
 Action:  Create Bonfire under the angry wolf.  (1d20)[ 18 ] +Dex vs DC15,  (1d8)[ 6 ]  fire.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 0/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian leaps into action, attacking the werewolf that has raked Titus. He tries to grab the creature and force it to the ground, looking for a place to lock it away,   Where is there a door that locks?!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Move   - Move to AE105 (assumed 2 squares of difficult terrain, should have enough speed to go over pew)
  Action   - Attack Brother Simion
 Attack  - Grapple
  Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove Prone with Shield Master
  Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
 

 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Stunned  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus stood there, unable to move as little stars danced in front of his eyes.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa looks from Titus to the werewolves and to his allies and back to Titus. This can go bad real quickly, but still might be their best chance... Their only chance, even.

  "Brother, no! Fight back! Remember who you are!"   Mustafa cried, but immediately retreated to the ossuary.   "Gods forgive me..."   he whispered as he began his search for the relic, realizing he might be defiling a place of power.  The stakes are too high,  Mustafa told himself.  I will atone for these sins when the time is right. 
J-H
Chloe's flask of flames is easily dodged.  Sabian is able to grab the werewolf monk, but isn't able to shove him to the ground.  Mustafa steps into the Ossuary, realizes how much there is to search, and comes back out.  Cassandra moves to help Adam restrain Simion.

The older werewolf turns on Sabian, snapping and clawing at him, but doesn't draw any blood.
 
 Spoiler 

Claw/kick  (1d20+8)[ 11 ]  for  (1d6+5)[ 10 ] 
Claw/kick  (1d20+8)[ 16 ]  for  (1d6+5)[ 11 ] 

Bite  (1d20+8)[ 9 ]  for  (1d8+5)[ 10 ] 
If bite hits, DC 13 Con save or be infected
 (1d20)[ 8 ] +?

BA: If a claw attack hits, Stunning Blow DC 13 or stun until end of monk's next turn.
Con save  (1d20)[ 19 ] +?
 


Adam tries to grab onto Simion as well, but isn't able to overpower him even with Cassandra's Help.
 
 Spoiler 

Athletics  (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  with advantage Athletics  (1d20+5)[ 6 ]  vs  (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 
2nd Athletics  (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  vs  (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 
3rd Athletics  (1d20+5)[ 7 ]  vs  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

Simion is currently grappled by Sabian.
 =&gt;Chloe
Sabian
Mustafa
Titus
Cassandra 
Amnestic
[QUOTE=Amnestic;26021931]      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Why were wolves so agile? Chloé repositions and readies another flask, seeing Sabian get equally ready to drag.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

BS ended turn inside her bonfire, so  (1d20)[ 16 ] +mods vs DC15 for  (1d8)[ 2 ] 
 Move : AD101
 Action:  Ready Action Create Bonfire again  (1d20)[ 5 ] +mods vs DC15 for  (1d8)[ 4 ] 
Trigger to activate after Sabian moves him (if he does, otherwise just throw it)
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 0/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian can't see a door anywhere to try and lock the monk in, so he drags him away from the others and attempts to beat him into submission.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Move   - Move to AH105, dragging Brother Simion to AG105.
  Action   - Attack Brother Simion (improvised shield bash)
  Improvised Attack  - (1d20+3)[ 10 ] ,   Reckless Attack  - (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 
  Damage  - (1d4+3)[ 6 ]  (Is this considered magical bludgeoning because the shield is magical, or just bludgeoning because it's technically not a weapon?)
  Bonus Action   - Shove Prone with Shield Master
  Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
 

 
 
  
J-H
Sabian drags the monk away and uses his shield to bash him to the ground.
 
 Spoiler 

Defender roll  (1d20+7)[ 18 ]  vs 27
Bonfire and shield bash both miss.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 
 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 
 Conditions: Exhausted 1 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "Gods forgive me again..."   Mustafa says as he takes his own magic shield in his hands and joins Sabian in the attempt to throw the werewolf off his feet.   "I am so sorry!"   He calls out between strikes.   "I beg your pardon!"  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Stunned  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Finally able to move again, Titus raised his hand and fired a lance of energy at the struggling monk werewolf.

 
 Spoiler 


Disadvantage firing into melee
 (1d20+7)[ 18 ] / (1d20+7)[ 13 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 14 ] 
 
J-H
Chloe's new flame catches Brother Adam after Sabian knocks him to the ground.   Mustafa moves over to help ( (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  vs defender  (1d20+7)[ 27 ]  to join in grapple).  Titus fires a blast of magic that misses.  Cassandra does nothing.
J-H
Simion tries to break free, snapping at Sabian.  His burns heal rapidly, and he manages to pull himself out of Sabian's grasp and vertical.
 
 Spoiler 

Regenerate 5hp
Athletics  (1d20+7)[ 9 ]  vs Sabian  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
Athletics  (1d20+7)[ 24 ]  vs Sabian  (1d20+7)[ 9 ]   success 

Bite  (1d20+8)[ 17 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 8 ]   miss 
If bite hits, DC 13 Con save or be infected
 (1d20)[ 9 ] +?
Disadvantage to hit? Bite  (1d20+8)[ 11 ] 

Bonfire  (1d8)[ 7 ]  damage, save  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
 
J-H
Adam tries to grab Simion again.   "Get his belt off!  It's giving him extra strength.  Do you have any magic to calm him down with?  Come on Simion, you've given me plenty of advice over the years, now listen and be at peace!"   Unfortunately, he's unsuccessful in landing a blow.
 
 Spoiler 

Claw/kick  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 7 ] 
Claw/kick  (1d20+6)[ 15 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 9 ] 
Stun DC 13, if the stun fails he won't punch any more
Con save  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 

Shove/grapple  (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  vs  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 

And Persuasion  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
 

Simion is currently not grappled or prone or damaged.
 =&gt;Chloe
Sabian
Mustafa
Titus
Cassandra
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Stunned  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus heard the monk and tried to undo the belt buckle, despite the flying fists

 
 Spoiler 


Sleight of hand

 (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
 
Amnestic
[QUOTE=Amnestic;26022670][QUOTE=Amnestic;26021931]      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Chloé lacks both the natural agility to disrobe a wolfman, or any spells that might help at range. All she really has is fire and acid.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move : None
 Action:  Creating another bonfire, since it does slightly more damage than acid splash.
 (1d20)[ 5 ] +mods vs. DC15 dex,  (1d8)[ 2 ]  fire.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/41 HD: 0/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian curses but grabs at the werewolf again, trying to keep Simion from moving.   If we're going to restrain him,   he grunts between his efforts,   grab rope and tie him up while I hold him. Titus, talk him down!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Action   - Attack Simion to Grab him
  Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 14 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove Simion Prone with Shield Master
  Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
 
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Cass tries to get the belt off the werewolf, hoping it makes things easier to handle.

 
 Spoiler 
Sleight of Hand check:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
 
J-H
Chloe's flames do a slight amount of damage.  Sabian tries to grab the werewolf, but is unable to get a firm grip or shove him down.  Mustafa gets into position to help him on his next attempt (Help action).  Titus and Cassandra try grabbing for the belt, but it's basically impossible while he's standing and moving around and attacking.

Simion's slight burns heal rapidly, and he claws and bites at Sabian instinctively, this time getting inside the half-orc's guard and landing several savage blows, including one to the head that stuns him.  Adam takes advantage of his distraction, punching Simion in the head and dazing him before knocking him to the ground.
 
 Spoiler 

 Simion   3 hits vs Sabian, ouch! 
Claw/kick  (1d20+8)[ 24 ]  for  (1d6+5)[ 11 ] 
Claw/kick  (1d20+8)[ 26 ]  for  (1d6+5)[ 11 ] 

Bite  (1d20+8)[ 23 ]  for  (1d8+5)[ 11 ] 
If bite hits, DC 13 Con save or be infected
 (1d20)[ 13 ] +?

BA: If a claw attack hits, Stunning Blow DC 13 or stun until end of monk's next turn.
Con save  (1d20)[ 4 ] +?  stun 
 Adam 
Punch  (1d20+6)[ 8 ]  for  (1d6+5)[ 8 ]   miss 
2nd one if first misses
Punch  (1d20+6)[ 20 ]  for  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]   hit 

Con save  (1d20+2)[ 9 ]  or stun

Adam grapple/shove
 (1d20+5)[ 17 ]  vs  (1d20+7)[ 9 ]   shoved 
  (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  vs  (1d20+7)[ 10 ]  
 

 Brother Simion is stunned and prone.  His belt can be removed as an action, and now might be a time to try anything else you want to try to calm him down. 
 =&gt;Chloe, Sabian (stunned), Mustafa, Titus, Cassandra 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Stunned  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus heeded Sabian's call and tried his best to soothingly talk to the enraged monk:

 "Shh, it's ok, listen to the sound of my voice. Everything is ok, you are safe, no-one got hurt badly, you can rest now. Everything is going to be alright..." 
 
 Spoiler 


Persuation
 (1d20+7)[ 24 ] / (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Chloé doesn't think it likely they will be able to calm him, but she does her part - darting into to de-belt the man-wolf.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Drop concentration on the fire
 Move : Into melee, and then away again after action if there's movement left.
 Action:  Remove belt
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 8/41 HD: 0/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Stunned 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

As the group tries to hold Simion down and remove his belt, the monk lashes out furiously, slashing Sabian and stunning him.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 
  STUNNED!  
 
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Now that Brother Simion is stunned and his strength-granting belt has been removed, Cass moves into to restrain him with the Vampire Killer.

 
 Spoiler 
Dexterity check:  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  (disadvantage)
 
J-H
Chloe successfully undoes the belt and whips it off of him.  Titus speaks calming words, but the madness does not abate.  Simion's wounds close somewhat.  Sabian's stun wears off. Adam punches Brother Simion in the head again.
 
 Spoiler 

 Advantage rolled in discord 
Claw/kick  (1d20+6)[ 16 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 9 ]   hit 
Claw/kick  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 9 ]   miss 

BA: If a claw attack hits, Stunning Blow DC 13 or stun until end of monk's next turn.
Con save  (1d20+2)[ 17 ]   saved 
 

 =&gt;Chloe
Sabian
Mustafa
Titus
Cassandra
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Stunned  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus, now a bit more frantically, tried to sooth the monk:

 "Pss, pss, pss, come on, you can do it, you are more than a beast, you are a sapient and can chose what to do. Hey, hey, now, I know there is peace within you." 
 
 Spoiler 


Persuation
 (1d20+7)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 8/41 HD: 0/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian recovers and sees an opportunity to keep Simion on the ground.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 5 
  Action   - Grab Simion
  Athletics  - (1d20+7)[ 8 ] 
 

 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Chloé tosses the belt aside, and goes to stomp on a limb, if only to help Sabian with his grapple.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move : Into melee.
 Action:   Help  action on Sabian's grab to give it advantage.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
With Chloe's help, Sabian is able to pin Brother Simion on the ground (grappled).  Titus tries to talk him down, but doesn't succeed (check results just a bit too low).

Uncertain of what to do, Cassandra and Mustafa dodge.

Simion's wounds close (regen 5).  He snarls and snaps at Sabian, but can't do more than scratch his armor.
 
 Spoiler 

Claw/kick  (1d20+6)[ 20 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 8 ] 
Disadvantage   (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Claw/kick  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 8 ] 
Disadvantage   (1d20+6)[ 12 ] 

Bite  (1d20+6)[ 18 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 4 ] 
Disadvantage   (1d20+6)[ 7 ] 
If bite hits, DC 13 Con save or be infected
 (1d20)[ 9 ] +?

BA: If a claw attack hits, Stunning Blow DC 13 or stun until end of monk's next turn.
Con save  (1d20)[ 5 ] +?
 

Adam punches and kicks him in the head, stunning him.   "Sorry!" 
 
 Spoiler 

Claw/kick  (1d20+6)[ 17 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 8 ] 
advantage   (1d20+6)[ 14 ] 
Claw/kick  (1d20+6)[ 8 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 7 ] 
advantage   (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 

BA: If a claw attack hits, Stunning Blow DC 13 or stun until end of monk's next turn.
Con save  (1d20)[ 3 ] +?
 

Brother Simion is stunned, prone, and grappled.
 =&gt;Chloe
Sabian
Mustafa
Titus
Cassandra
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Chloé continues as she is, aiding Sabian's efforts as best she can.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move : Into melee.
 Action:   Help  action on whatever Sabian opts to do - her grappling and punching is less useful than making sure his works.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Stunned  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus, knew he was close, so he contiued talking, smoothly and calmly at the stunned wolf monk.

 
 Spoiler 


Persuation
 (1d20+7)[ 24 ] ,  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
 
J-H
Brother Simion's breathing calms, and from what you can tell, his muscles are relaxing.  He's stunned, so that's about all you can tell at this point.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 8/41 HD: 0/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian can feel Simion relaxing in his grip. He turns to Titus and nods, and slowly lets the monk go and takes a step back, hand open in an amelioratory gesture.
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/31  | HD:  2/4
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web

 Bladesongs:  0/2
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

"Phew..." Cass said with a sigh of relief, before looking at the rest of the group, "We should find what we came for and leave. We're putting these poor souls in danger just being here and we need to find a way to break the curse. We need to push on."
J-H
Simion sits up.   "What... what are you looking for?  I agree, it is manifestly unsafe for you to stay here.  I don't think getting rid of the weakness of my muscles and all the aches and pains of old age is worth the price." 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 8/41 HD: 0/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian says,   The belt? I can make use of it if you no longer want it.   He moves to pick the belt up from where Chloe tossed it.   This will help, but what we need is Dracula's skull. We need to break his curse and prevent his return, and the skull will help us do that. Is it here?  
 
 
  
J-H
Adam looks on in surprise, and also backs away from the party a little bit for safety.  Simion remains on the floor for now.   "Dracula's...skull?  I do recall being told about it in passing a decade or two ago, at least that it's here - I assume in the ossuary.  Its location would be something the Abbot would know, but he has gone on to meet the Lord, as did his likely successors.  I am the oldest of those who survive, but was never a leader, at least until now." 
 "Perhaps you should check the ossuary, and we... Adam, are we late for the evening meal?" 

.

Unless you have a magical way to locate an object (Locate Object, Divine Sense, etc.), the party may make an investigation check at advantage.  It will take you a number of minutes equal to 22 minus the check result to locate it.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/5 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Stunned  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus stepped back, bowing:  "Thank you, we'll look for it and remove ourselves as soon as possible." 

He then began his search, using the opportunity to heal himself

 
 Spoiler 


Cure Wounds
 (2d8+5)[ 18 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Barbarian 
 AC: 21 HP: 8/41 HD: 0/4 
 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

As Sabian is putting on the belt, he says to Adam and Simion,   You gave me quite a beating. Do you have anything to restore some of these wounds? I'm afraid it will make it more difficult for your brothers to master themselves when we try to leave.  
 
 Spoiler: Fashion 
Sabian puts on the belt.
 

 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/31 (0/4 HD) 
 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/3    

Chloé stands up, dusting herself off. That had gone better than expected. Mostly. No one had turned into a werewolf anyway. She was quite ready to be done with the monastery though - too many kindly monks suddenly turning rabid would only test their capacity. It would be easier if they were all just villains, rather than sympathetic foes turned bad by corruption.  "No time like the present then."  She says, immediately heading to the Ossuary without a further thought to seek out the skull.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Investigation Roll: 15+6 (from Discord)=21. If Guidance, then 22-25, meaning an instant location?
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  9  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  2  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
It takes about a quarter of an hour to find Dracula's skull, despite the ossuary not being a very large room.  It is inside is in a small sealed wooden box, lined with oilskin and filled with holy water.  The box is in the northwestern corner of the room, obscured in a corner where bones have been placed to deliberately conceal it from all but the most detailed search.  Once you locate it, it's simple enough to retrieve, and to replace the bones in their original places.

 Level up to 5!  New hit points, abilities, spells, and spell slots are immediately available, but you do not regain any expended resources as this is not a rest of any sort. 

While you searched, Adam and Simion have left the room, proceeding up to the refectory - which is right on your path out, and will probably have most of the monks in it at this hour.  How do you handle this?
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 35/38 (1/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Resilience (Sabian) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 2/2   

Chloé feels lightly refreshed by the activity, somehow, and struck by a flash of genius on some new concoctions. But demonstrating them would have to wait.  "Should we move now, while most of them will all be sat down eating?" 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Level up completed
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 17/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
  Nice work everyone. Adam mentioned all the monks will be gathered at the refectory now, and we have to pass through there to leave. It may be best to wait until they finish with their meal, then we sneak out of here. What do you all think?  
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  37/37  | HD:  2/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web
3rd - None

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

"Yeah," Cass agrees, "We should leave before we cause them any more distress. Once we find a way to cure these people we can return."
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 4/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus felt the power of his patron flooding his mind as he picked up the box "What's inside the box? Oh now I understand. Thank you, my patron and thank you, Lord of Light. You grant me wings and the power to slay our foes." 

He then manifested the silver blade, securing it at his belt, and strapped the shield to his arm, that he had been carrying on his back for so long.
 
"I can now fly us down from the roof one by one, if need be. But we should look for an unoccupied room somewhere and rest for a while to regain our strength." 
 
 Spoiler 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 17/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
  In my condition, I'm worried the smell of my blood will be too much for all the monks to fight their curse. And a room with all of them present is the last place I want to be when that happens. Maybe we should return to the roof and find some other way down, maybe they'' have a boat lashed to a small pier somewhere.  
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
[QUOTE=Pyrophilios;26032153]      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 4/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus touched the warrior.
 "At least for that I have as solution." 
Healing energy, followed by a cleaning effect swept over Sabian, closing wounds and removing blood from his clothes

 
 Spoiler 


Cure Wounds  (3d8+5)[ 21 ] 

Prestidigitation to remove dirt/blood from clothing.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 4/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  
 "Right, time for some rest. I saw some sturdy cell doors upstairs. And if our local guide says so, I'm sure we can take one of them for the night." 
With a little gesture, Titus' form blurred and reformed into their late guide. With a little harumph, even his voice sounded like that of the monk:

 "Bed time, my friends. Follow me."  

Confident in his ability to mislead the whole monastery, Titus walked up the stairs as he had seen Iorghu do.

When they reached the third floor again, he went for one of the cells, listened for any occupancy and opened the door. If it was locked, he produced lockpicks to open it.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  Lockpicking
 (1d20+5)[ 20 ]  advantage if someone assists.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian nods in appreciation at the healing spell,   Thank you Titus, that helps a lot.   He watches as Titus changes his form to look like Brother Iorghu. Then Titus speaks and sounds just like the werewolf monk.

  That's... creepy,   Sabian says, but he follows behind Titus.   Hide the skull,   he calls back behind him to whoever is holding the relic.
 
 
  
J-H
Titus leads the group up out of the chapel, through the inner second floor area past the workshops, infirmary, and training area, and then back into the library, past the scriptorium (which you haven't explored) and the armory.  He picks out one of the corner cells, not too far from the stairs up to the roof.  The doors on the monks' cells are well-built of solid wood, enough to allow for a decent amount of isolation.

There are no locks though, so if you want to block the door, you'll have to move the single small table and chair over.  They're light, so they won't do a lot of good.
The only other items in the empty room are a shelf and some hooks on the wall.  A cloth sleeping pad hangs from a hook in the ceiling, no doubt to keep it from mouldering while not in use.

The narrow window lets you see the darkening of the sky as the sun sets.  It's too small for you to climb out through.

You set up camp for the night, but after half an hour or so, you hear footsteps outside.  They pass, but return after a few minutes.  Perhaps your trail has been scented.  A voice rumbles through the door.   "Visitors, are you in there?" 
Pyrophilios
Titus had taken the chair and used his short sword to cut it into wedges to keep the door secured shut.

When the voice asked he answered in his normal voice:  "Yes we are. Please keep it down, we are trying to rest." 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian's eyes open at the sound of someone at the door. He had nodded off; Titus' magic helped close many of his wounds, but he still needed rest. One of the monks asks if they are in the room. Sabian slowly stands up, shield still equipped, and moves to the door. Quietly, he replies,   We are. We need to rest for the night, then we will be out of your hair and you will not see us again. We thought sequestering ourselves out of sight of everyone else would be the best for us all.
   
 
  
J-H
 "Yes, Brothers Adam and Simion told us what you were here for.... but where is Brother Iorghu?" 
You're pretty sure there are at least two people outside.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 38/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian glances at Titus, then instinctively looks around the small cell for another way out, though there is none. He says,   Did Brothers Adam and Simion tell you what happened in the chapel?    
 
  
J-H
 "Yes, although they were reticent about exactly why you felt it necessary to go all the way through the monastery and endanger yourselves - and us - so much.  Are you implying...?" 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 4/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus composed himself, remembering what they saw on the roof.
 "Brother Iorghu took us to the roof. He warned us about the evil still lurking within false priest. He seemed to imply, that dislodging the silver sword might be enough to bring the creature back. And it seems true - in its presence, Iorghu suddenly had to fight his dark urges and we had to part ways. We haven't seen him since. I'm sure he is in a safe place now, where he regains his spiritual peace.
I'm sure you'll find him come the sunrise.
I in his stead would have wanted to be left in peace and not have witnesses to my lapse in restraint.

So please, let this matter rest until tomorrow. More agitation now certainly isn't good for us or your brothers." 
 
 Spoiler 

Persuasion/Deception (no difference in stats)

 (1d20+8)[ 12 ] / (1d20+8)[ 21 ] + (1d4)[ 2 ]  Guidance
 
J-H
 "We'll probably find him somewhere with a book as his pillow, then."   There's a pause, and faint discussion.   "Take the leftmost path on each floor when you leave in the morning.  We'll leave a bell near the guardroom, and you can ring it to let them know that you're coming so those on watch can remove themselves from your path.  We'll pray for success in your quest." 
 
 Spoiler: Long Rest 

On a failed save, a character only gains the benefits of a short rest, plus enough downtime to prevent accumulating exhaustion.

DC 13
Chloe  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 
Titus (1d20+2)[ 12 ] 
Mustafa  (1d20+2)[ 19 ] 
Sabian  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] 
 


You rest overnight, eating a cold meal out of your packs.  A small bucket serves for your biological needs, although there's little privacy or space in the room.  In many ways, camping under the stars would be better - although less safe.

 
 Spoiler: Chloe, Cassandra, Titus 

Each of you remember fragments of dreams when you awaken - of a dwarf leaning on a staff while chanting under the starlight, conducting some sort of ritual over a coffin covered with silvery traces of wards.  It looks like it's taking place in some sort of graveyard, so at least it's not someone trying to resurrect Dracula yet.  There's not enough detail for you to recognize any specific location.
 

 
 Spoiler: Items 

From the armory:
Rod of the Pact Keeper +1
Wand of Secrets
Bag of Tricks (rust)
a bag of Dust of Disappearance.

From Brother Simion:
Belt of Hill Giant Strength (attunement, sets str to 21)

Dracula's Skull:
The bones of Dracula’s fanged skull are grey, rather than yellow.
Someone who attunes to this skull can magically attempt to draw on the vast knowledge of an immortal vampire, and can cast the Contact Other Plane spell once every three days.
 


You are ready to go around 3 hours before sunrise.  If you take the tunnel back to the mainland, you'll get there just before the sun comes up.
 =&gt;What do you do? 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 50/50 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 

Sabian wakes up, feeling rested enough from his sleep. He is quick to don his armor, equip the new belt that he attuned to, and don his shield. He creaks the door to the cell open and peaks outside, whispering to the others,   When you're ready...  
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 4/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus was a lot less rested - but fortunately, the Lord of Light bestowed his power to him even when he was less than well rested - with the exception of his healing powers. But there was nothing he could do about it, so he got up as Sabian woke them.

 "Good Morning, yes let's go immediately, before they find Brother Iorghu's resting place." 

Following the instructions of the monk, he tried to be very quiet.

Once they reached the tunnel, he once again cast light for the group, his silver sword proudly on display.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

Chloé mumbles herself awake, trying to snatch the last fragments of the dream she'd had before they dissipate fully into the mists of memory. A dwarf in a cemetery? A coffin covered in wards? She hoped it was a literal vision, rather than symbolic - she could spend forever and a day guessing as to what it would mean if it were the latter.
 "No time like the present. Lets be off through the tunnel before anyone finds us and asks a question."  With Dracula's skull stashed safely in her bag of holding, away from prying hands and prying eyes, she combines a few quick elixirs while everyone else is getting dressed.

 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
You finish resting a couple of hours before sunrise, and proceed as quietly as possible out of the monastery, following the directions. On the ground floor, you find the bell easily enough, and ring it, then wait for the sound of movement to fade before entering the guardroom and descending into the passage under the lake.  As before, it is quite dark and slightly humid.  By the time you emerge back on the mainland, the eastern sky has gone from grey to yellow, and the sun will soon rise.  You proceed along the road heading east-northeast towards Alba.

The sun rises over the lake, glistening and illuminating the multi-colored leaves of the Alba Woods.  In the clean morning sunlight, you could almost forget how dark the current times are - save that there are fewer birds about than there should be, and more than once you encounter a few scattered bones.  As the sun starts to rise, the woods dim as the foliage blocks the light, but you soon break east out of the woods onto the Alba Plains.

5 hours of movement have passed.

The Alba plains are broad, flat, and well-watered. Fields of grain are common, guarded by scarecrows and cats.  The grain is tall, sometimes towering overhead.  The road is a dirt track about 10’ wide, with a 10’ wide border of grass on either side.  Beyond that, it’s fences and fields of grain or pasture, dotted with houses and barns.  You check the first few, and find them empty, with signs of a quick departure at most.  In one case, you find bloodstains and a broken door - signs of a departure delayed too long.

Another hour or so into your trek, and it's definitely getting towards lunchtime...
(11am)
Pyrophilios
[QUOTE=Pyrophilios;26035310]      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 4/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus looked with worry on the grain. With no-one around to harvest, the coming winter would be very hard.

 "We should stop at the next farm house for a rest and rations. I have a bad feeling about these fields. Scarecrows are no longer to be trusted." 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

Chloé knows that most who fled probably didn't make it, and that even those who did probably wouldn't be back before their foodstuffs have rotted. Even so, there's a twinge of uneasiness about robbing them blind.  "Just so long as we don't wait around too long. We need to keep on the move." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
You continue on after a brief stop at another house.  The standing grain is a bit taller than head-height, and visually impenetrable past about 5 feet.  Suddenly, forms seem to simply emerge from it whole, emerging onto the dry grass flanking the road.   Scarecrows, animated, with eyes that glint with a fell light, and elongated wooden claws.

All nine of them look identical.
 
 Spoiler: art 

 
 

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 

Surprise is ill-handled in 5e.  I'm giving them an action of surprise, which they use to move next to you.

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 11 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  1 exh
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 8 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 6 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 

1-6  (1d20+1)[ 16 ] 
A-C  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
 
J-H
Catching everyone by surprise, some of the scarecrows give of strange raspy shrieks, and glare at you... an unnatural, hollow glare.  The others attack with splintery claws.
 
 Spoiler 

 Terrifying Glare 
The scarecrow targets one creature it can see within 30’ of it.  If the target can see the scarecrow, the target must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw, or be Paralyzed with fright until the end of the scarecrow’s next turn.

 1 uses terrifying glare on Sabian 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 9 ] +? vs DC 11  +1 paralyzed? 
 3 uses terrifying glare on Cassandra 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 7 ] +? vs DC 11  +4 pass 
 5 uses terrifying glare on Chloe 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 2 ] +? vs DC 11  fail 
 6 uses terrifying glare on Titus 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 7 ] +? vs DC 11  +4 pass 
 Sabian &amp; Chloe paralyzed 
 2 attacks Sabian twice 
Claws  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 6 ]  slashing damage.  DC 11 Wisdom save or frightened until end of the scarecrow's next turn .
Possible advantage  (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 9 ] +? vs DC 11  miss 

Claws  (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 8 ]  slashing damage.  DC 11 Wisdom save or frightened until end of the scarecrow's next turn.
Possible advantage  (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 10 ] +? vs DC 11  miss 
 4 attacks Chloe twice 
Claws  (1d20+3)[ 19 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 4 ]  slashing damage.  DC 11 Wisdom save or frightened until end of the scarecrow's next turn.
Possible advantage  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 20 ] +? vs DC 11  hit for 4 damage, saved vs fear 

Claws  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 8 ]  slashing damage.  DC 11 Wisdom save or frightened until end of the scarecrow's next turn.
Possible advantage  (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 10 ] +? vs DC 11  hit for 8, saved vs fear 
 A uses Terrifying Glare AND makes 2 claw attacks against Sabian 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 4 ] +? vs DC 13 or paralyzed until the end of the scarecrow's next turn  already paralyzed 

Claws  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 9 ]  slashing +  (1d6)[ 3 ]  psychic damage.  DC 13 Wisdom save or frightened until end of the scarecrow's next turn.
Possible advantage  (1d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 4 ] +? vs DC 11  hit for 12 and frightened 

Claws  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 6 ]  slashing +  (1d6)[ 2 ]  psychic damage.  DC 13 Wisdom save or frightened until end of the scarecrow's next turn.
Possible advantage  (1d20+6)[ 12 ] 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 16 ] +? vs DC 11  hit for 8 
 B uses Terrifying Glare AND makes 2 claw attacks against Mustafa 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 12 ] +? vs DC 13 or paralyzed until the end of the scarecrow's next turn  pass 

Claws  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 6 ]  slashing +  (1d6)[ 2 ]  psychic damage.  DC 13 Wisdom save or frightened until end of the scarecrow's next turn.
 Possible advantage  (1d20+6)[ 20 ]  
Wis save  (1d20)[ 5 ] +? vs DC 11  miss 

Claws  (1d20+6)[ 22 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 7 ]  slashing +  (1d6)[ 5 ]  psychic damage.  DC 13 Wisdom save or frightened until end of the scarecrow's next turn.
 Possible advantage  (1d20+6)[ 11 ]  
Wis save  (1d20)[ 10 ] +? vs DC 11  hit for 12, passed save 
 C uses Terrifying Glare AND makes 2 claw attacks against Titus 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 11 ] +? vs DC 13 or paralyzed until the end of the scarecrow's next turn  saved vs paralysis 

Claws  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 7 ]  slashing +  (1d6)[ 3 ]  psychic damage.  DC 13 Wisdom save or frightened until end of the scarecrow's next turn.
Possible advantage  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 8 ] +? vs DC 11  hit for 10, saved vs fear 

Claws  (1d20+6)[ 23 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 10 ]  slashing +  (1d6)[ 4 ]  psychic damage.  DC 13 Wisdom save or frightened until end of the scarecrow's next turn.
Possible advantage  (1d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 14 ] +? vs DC 11  hit for 14, saved vs fear 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 
 
=&gt;Cassandra
Mustafa
Chloe (paralyzed)
Titus
Sabian (paralyzed) 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  37/37  | HD:  2/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3  | 3rd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web
3rd - Haste

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Cass is still worn out from the last two days but she stifles any grumbling and when the scarecrows attack it's like a shot of adrenaline to her mind.  This is exactly what Dracula wants, to wear us down and then pounce when we're at our weakest. 
 
 Spoiler 
Bonus action Bladesong (AC becomes 18);
Move to O14, casting Shield as a reaction if necessary to avoid attacks of opportunity;

Cast Web (K11 to N14), DC 14 dex save or restrained:
- Sabian automatically fails due to paralysis.
- A dex save:  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
- 1 dex save:  (1d02+1)[ 2 ] 
- 2 dex save:  (1d02+1)[ 3 ] 
- 3 dex save:  (1d02+1)[ 3 ] 

All creatures inside the web may make a DC 14 strength saving throw as an action on their turn to attempt to break free.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

Chloé is paralyzed.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 14/38 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 4/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus reeled from the hits - too slow to do anything against them. But at least he kept his wits about him.
With a flick of his wrist, he ignited his sword and lashed out against his attacker in front of him.

Then with another flick, he disappeared to the south and ran until he had 60ft between himself and the attackers.

 "Darn, I told you those scarecrows couldn't be trusted." 
 
 Spoiler 

Green flame blade vs.5 if hit flames advance to 4
 (1d20+9)[ 20 ]  damage  (1d8+6)[ 7 ] + (1d8)[ 5 ]  fire
Damage to 4  (1d8+6)[ 8 ]  fire

Misty step 30ft South
Move another 30ft South
 
J-H
 
 Spoiler: Cassandra's knowledge check 

Scarecrows can be animated by evil spirits, magic, wizards, or a variety of other sources.  As magically animated constructs, they tend to resist non-magical weapon damage, and are immune to poison, charm, fear, paralysis, and sleep.  They can see in the dark, and move noiselessly through their native terrain of fields of crops, and have the ability to terrify foes.
Being made of wood and dry straw, they are vulnerable to fire damage, taking twice as much damage from it as a normal creature would.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 10/50 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Paralyzed, Restrained, Frightened 
 Rages: 3/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 

Before he can react, Sabian and the others are surrounded by malevolent scarecrows, and Sabian is paralyzed, rooted in place by a supernatural fear.
 
 
  
dangelo
  "Damn these cursed creatures!"   Mustafa bellowed, raising his scepter to conjure a tongue of flames towards the scarecrows south of him (4 and 5).

2nd level Burning Hands:  (4d6)[ 9 ]  fire damage, Dex save for half
4  (1d20)[ 7 ] 
5  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
J-H
Cassandra backs up, moving fluidly and easily avoiding the swipes of two scarecrows before covering them (and Sabian) in a conjured web, restraining all but one of them (#1).
Mustafa's flames wash over two more scarecrows (18 damage each) from the north, while Titus attacks with his sword, sending green flames over both, leaving them nearly burned to a crisp (4 &amp; 5 have 2hp and 1hp respectively) before retreating.

The one un-entangled scarecrow near Cassandra lurches towards her, swiping with its claws and possibly drawing blood.  The others stand still, unleashing the force of their hate for the living against her.  She freezes.
 
 Spoiler 

#1
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 7 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or be frightened  miss 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 2 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 6 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or be frightened  hit, unless shielded? 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 10 ]   probably a pass 
A, 2, 3
Terrifying Glares as actions, Wis save or paralysis.
A DC 13
Wis save  (1d20)[ 3 ]   fail 
2 DC 11
Wis save  (1d20)[ 5 ]   fail 
3 DC 11
Wis save  (1d20)[ 14 ]   save 
 


The Fell Scarecrow next to Mustafa attacks him, its eyes glowing again.  It's joined by one from the south that he'd burned.  The other burned one attacks Chloe, while the two southernmost pursue Titus.
 
 Spoiler 

 Mustafa 
B
Shrug off Terrifying Glare, already saved against this one.
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 12 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 11 ]  slashing, and DC 13 Wis save or be frightened  miss 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 15 ] 
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 23 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 7 ]  slashing, and DC 13 Wis save or be frightened  hit, frightened? 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 6 ] 

4  not sure, passed his saves but he may have been hit twice here 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 9 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or be frightened
Wis save  (1d20)[ 17 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 4 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or be frightened
Wis save  (1d20)[ 17 ] 
 Titus 
C can't glare Titus, already saved. Don't think these guys are smart enough to split attacks.
 Attack  (1d20+5)[ 18 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 6 ]  slashing, and DC 13 Wis save or be frightened  miss 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 2 ] 
Attack  (1d20+5)[ 7 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 9 ]  slashing, and DC 13 Wis save or be frightened  miss 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 3 ]  chasing
 
 5 attacks Chloe - advantage rolls double 14, makes a pair of 17s to hit 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 14 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 5 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or be frightened  miss 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 8 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or be frightened  miss 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
 6 chases Titus 
 Attack  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 6 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or be frightened  hit 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 16 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 5 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or be frightened  hit 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 14 ] 
 
 

Sabian and Chloe's paralysis wear off.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cassandra (paralyzed)
Mustafa (frightened?)
Chloe
Titus
Sabian 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 0/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

Chloé is on the verge of death.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Failed Death Saves: 2/3 (From being hit while downed)
Successful Death Saves: 1/3 (19 rolled in discord)
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 14/38 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus muttered to himself:
 "It's the damn wolves all over again." 
Stepping away from the two scarecrows hunting him, taking the attacks in stride, he cast his last spell and took to the air, flew back and sent a healing ray to Chloé.
 
 Spoiler 

Move to L29 out of reach of the two scare crows, taking opportunity attacks
 (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  damage  (2d4+3)[ 8 ] + (1d4)[ 1 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 8 ]  damage  (2d4+3)[ 11 ] + (1d4)[ 3 ] 

Fly 60ft up and back to L20 50ft up
Healing ray for Chloé  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 10/50 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 

Just as quickly, the fear wears away and Sabian can move again. He ignores the pain from the deep gashes the scarecrows carved out of him, and summons his Skellegue fury. Light flashes from the tip of his spear as he fights back,   Come on and finish the job then!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Bonus Action   - Rage
  Action   - Recklessly Attack Scarecrow 2
  Spear Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 13 ] ,   Reckless  - (1d20+9)[ 16 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 9 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 29 ] ,   Reckless  - (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 12 ] 
  Zealot Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 3 ] 
 

 
 
  
dangelo
Feeling like his knees could fail him any time, Mustafa didn't dare approach the scarecrows. While his own heart told him to run away and find cover, he forced himself to stand his ground and conjure a  Sacred Flame  at the scarecrow close to him, and a  Healing Word  on Chloe.

Healing Word:  (1d4+3)[ 5 ] 
Sacred Flame on scarecrow 4  (1d8)[ 1 ]  dex save:  (1d20)[ 13 ] 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 7/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Bolstered by the sudden influx of healing, Chloé stumbles to her feet and conjures her latest trick - a sphere of flame that responds to her commands.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  Stand up.
 Action:  Flaming Sphere in K18.
 Bonus Action:  Ram it into 4 or 5 - whichever one is more damaged. I confess I've lost track.
DC16 Dex Save  (1d20)[ 7 ]  or  (2d6+4)[ 11 ]  fire damage.
Creatures who end their turn within 5ft of the sphere (currently 4+5) must make the same save+damage calc.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Mustafa summons cleansing flame on the closest scarecrow, which it barely dodges.  He heals Chloe, who summons a flaming sphere, lighting one of the scarecrows on fire.  Titus takes to the air, evading attacks, and Sabian attacks the scarecrow next to him, slaying it in two blows.

One scarecrow each attacks Sabian and Cassandra, injuring the bladesinger twice., while another tries to break free, one attacks Chloe after moving away from the Flaming Sphere, scratching her, and the other moves back to the fight.

 
 Spoiler 

1 attacks Cassandra
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 5 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or frightened until end of scarecrow's turn
Advantage  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]   Crit, 10 damage 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 3 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or frightened until end of scarecrow's turn
Advantage  (1d20+3)[ 19 ]   hit, auto crit, 6 damage 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 7 ] 

2 attacks Sabian, disadvantage due to Web
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 11 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 6 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or frightened until end of scarecrow's turn
Disadvantage  (1d20+3)[ 20 ]   miss 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 7 ] 

Attack  (1d20+3)[ 15 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 9 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or frightened until end of scarecrow's turn
Disadvantage  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]   miss 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 11 ] 

3 tries to break free
 (1d20)[ 17 ]   success 

4 is dead

5 moves and attacks Chloe
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 8 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or frightened until end of scarecrow's turn  miss 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 19 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 3 ]  slashing, and DC 11 Wis save or frightened until end of scarecrow's turn  hit for 3 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 12 ] 

6 dashes
 

Cassandra's paralysis wears off.

Another scarecrow tries to break free, while one attacks Mustafa, dealing a serious injury (9 damage) and the last tries to chase Titus down, accidentally putting itself next to the flaming sphere.
 
 Spoiler 

A Str check  (1d20)[ 6 ]   fail 

B vs Mustafa
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 9 ]  slashing+  (1d6)[ 5 ]  psychic, and DC 13 Wis save or frightened until end of scarecrow's turn  miss 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 18 ] 
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 8 ]  slashing+  (1d6)[ 1 ]  psychic, and DC 13 Wis save or frightened until end of scarecrow's turn  hit for 9 damage 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 19 ] 

C Dashes back
Dex save  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  or take  (2d6+4)[ 12 ]  fire damage  fail, 24 damage 
 

Mustafa's fear effect wears off.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cassandra, Mustafa, Chloe, Titus, Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 10/50 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 

Sabian's spear strikes true and the scarecrow before him is destroyed. He turns to the one behind him and thrusts his glowing spear ahead, then drives the creature away from him, hoping to create space so he can cover Cassandra's flank.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 
  Action   - Recklessly Attack Scarecrow A
  Spear Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 23 ] ,   Reckless  - (1d20+9)[ 29 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 14 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 25 ] ,   Reckless  - (1d20+9)[ 11 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 9 ] 
  Zealot Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 3 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove Scarecrow A to J10
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 19 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+11)[ 25 ] 
  Move Action   - If Scarecrow A is Pushed, move to N14, otherwise stay in place
 

 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 14/38 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration Fly (60ft)   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus aimed a force lance at the wounded scarecrow, trying to take it out before aiming for the next in line.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+8)[ 20 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 28 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 7 ] 

Targeting SC4 then which ever other one is already damaged - if there is none, I'll target SC 6
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  18  | HP:  15/37  | HD:  2/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3  | 3rd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web
3rd - Haste

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

The paralysis wears off but Cass has taken a beating. Despite this she turns to the scarecrow next to her and unleashes an attack of her own.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Booming Blade vs S1. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 28 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack hits, deal an additional  (1d8)[ 6 ]  thunder damage and push S1 to O12. If it moves before Cassandra's next turn, deal another  (2d8)[ 8 ]  thunder damage to it.

Move to O16.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 4/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Wincing, Chloé swings the flames around at another, while tossing acid at a pair next to one another.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Action:  Acid Splash 6+5
6:  (1d20)[ 16 ] +Dex vs. DC16
5:  (1d20)[ 19 ] +Dex vs. DC16
Damage:  (2d8+4)[ 15 ] . Half is Acid, half is Radiant.
 Bonus Action:  Move Flaming Sphere to J17, ram B.
 (1d20)[ 11 ] +Dex vs. DC16 or  (2d6+4)[ 9 ]  fire damage
Creatures who end their turn within 5ft of the sphere (currently 4+5) must make the same save+damage calc.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 29/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  

Holding the staff in the air, Mustafa aims another Sacred Flame at the scarecrows between Chloe and Titus.

 (1d8)[ 2 ]  radiant damage, DEX to negate:  (1d20)[ 5 ] 
 
 Spoiler 
Targeting C, 6 or 5, whichever looks more damaged after Titus shoots at them
(Will use Warding Flare is any of them attack me physically)
 
J-H
Cassandra strikes a telling blow with the Vampire Killer, causing the scarecrow to stagger back awkwardly (30 damage).  She takes advantage of this to retreat a little.
Mustafa's Sacred Flame kills one of the scorched scarecrows near Chloe.
Chloe flings acid but only succeeds in scorching the mud.  She has better luck with her Flaming Sphere, which rams into the scarecrow next to Mustafa (18 damage).
Titus then blasts one of the scarecrows (6) near Chloe.
Sabian stabs the scarecrow closest to him twice (43 damage) and shoves it back, moving to a guard position near Cassandra and Mustafa.

The scarecrow Cassandra hit collapses when it tries to chase her (8 damage from BB).  The next one in line moves up to Sabian, attempting to terrify him, while the other tries to lock down Chloe.
 
 Spoiler 

3 uses Terrifying Glare, Wis DC 11 or paralyzed, on Sabian
Wis  (1d20)[ 19 ] +?
6 uses Terrifying Glare, Wis DC 11 or paralyzed, on Chloe
Wis  (1d20)[ 5 ] +?
 
J-H
The other 3 scarecrows attack.  Sabian is momentarily frozen, but endures.  Mustafa takes a hit.  Chloe, frozen, is knocked unconscious.

 
 Spoiler 

A vs Sabian
Terrifying Glare, DC 13 or paralyzed
Wis save  (1d20)[ 9 ] +??  fail, paralyzed until end of A's next turn 

Attack  (1d20+6)[ 21 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 9 ] + (1d6)[ 5 ]  psychic, Wis DC 13 or frightened  hit, auto-crit for 28; Relentless Endurance puts Sabian at 1hp instead 
Adv from Reckless  (1d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Wis  (1d20)[ 16 ] 

Attack  (1d20+6)[ 20 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 7 ] + (1d6)[ 1 ]  psychic, Wis DC 13 or frightened  miss 
Adv from Reckless  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] 
Wis  (1d20)[ 8 ] 

B vs Mustafa *warding flare

Attack  (1d20+6)[ 10 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 8 ] + (1d6)[ 3 ]  psychic, Wis DC 13 or frightened  miss 
Disadvantage (warding flare)?  (1d20+6)[ 7 ] 
Wis  (1d20)[ 6 ] 

Attack  (1d20+6)[ 22 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 7 ] + (1d6)[ 1 ]  psychic, Wis DC 13 or frightened  Warding Flare didn't help, 8 damage 
Disadvantage (warding flare)?  (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 
Wis  (1d20)[ 17 ] 

C vs Chloe
 Terrifying Glare DC 13, rolled in Discord because I didn't paste it here.  5, fail; also she was already paralyzed by 6. 
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 15 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 6 ] + (1d6)[ 1 ]  psychic, Wis DC 13 or frightened
 advantage roll in discord, 16+6=22, auto crit vs paralysis makes this 14 damage and frightened 
Wis  (1d20)[ 2 ] 

Attack  (1d20+6)[ 13 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 10 ] + (1d6)[ 2 ]  psychic, Wis DC 13 or frightened
 9+6=15 with advantage, miss 
Wis  (1d20)[ 19 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cassandra, Mustafa, Chloe (paralyzed, frightened, unconscious), Titus, Sabian (paralyzed until the end of scarecrow's next turn) 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 21/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

Mustafa feels the impact of the attacks as the scarecrow lashes at him. Each strike hurts him badly, but he considers it a victory that he is the one to suffer these wounds, instead of his comrades.

Conjure Burning Hands (1st level) northwards, on scarecrows A and 3
Damage: 14. Enemy saves: 20, 2. (DC 15, rolled on discord)

(Will use Warding Flare)
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 14/38 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration Fly (60ft)   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus saw Cloe go down and sent her a ray of positive energy, before turning again towards the scarecrows to send them rays of force

 
 Spoiler 

Healing ray  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 27 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 15 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 11 ] 

Targeting the most hurt scarecrows - at the moment that's 6 and A, but if anyone before me in ini manages to take them out, I'll focus on 3
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  18  | HP:  15/37  | HD:  2/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/3  | 2nd:  0/3  | 3rd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web
3rd - Haste

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Seeing Chloé go down, Cass rushes to her side and swings the Vampire Killer at the more threatening foe.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to L18.

Cast Booming Blade at SC. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 16 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 8 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack hits, deal an additional  (1d8)[ 3 ]  thunder damage and push SC to K20. If it moves before Cassandra's next turn, deal another  (2d8)[ 11 ]  thunder damage to it.
 
J-H
Cassandra wields the whip with accuracy, knocking the scarecrow back (hit for a total of 24 damage including the damage it will take when it moves).  Mustafa's flames wash over the two scarecrows near Sabian, causing them to twitch and jerk oddly as they try to dodge (14 &amp; 28 damage respectively).
Chloe is paralyzed and unconscious.
Titus blasts one of the scarecrows near Sabian (Fell Scarecrow A hit for 20, destroyed; it was either that or finish one weaker one and leave another at low hp).
Sabian is paralyzed.

The scarecrows attack, silent and jerky.
 
 Spoiler 

3 attacks Sabian pair of misses 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 8 ]  damage and Wis DC 11 or frightened
Advantage  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 19 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 19 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 6 ]  damage and Wis DC 11 or frightened
Advantage  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
Wis save  (1d20)[ 15 ] 

6 attacks Cassandra  pair of misses 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 5 ]  damage and Wis DC 11 or frightened
Wis save  (1d20)[ 20 ] 
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  for  (2d4+1)[ 6 ]  damage and Wis DC 11 or frightened
Wis save  (1d20)[ 19 ] 

B attacks Mustafa
Mustafa's already saved against its glare.  pair of missses 
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 15 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 8 ]  damage +  (1d6)[ 4 ]  psychic and Wis DC 13 or frightened
Wis save  (1d20)[ 17 ] 
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 10 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 10 ]  damage +  (1d6)[ 2 ]  psychic and Wis DC 13 or frightened
Wis save  (1d20)[ 2 ] 

C moves up and attacks Cassandra, her magic discharging with a noticeable vibration.
I don't think it's glared at her before.
DC 13 Wis save or paralyzed  (1d20)[ 18 ]   saved 
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 21 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 6 ]  damage +  (1d6)[ 2 ]  psychic and Wis DC 13 or frightened  hit unless Shielded 
 Advantage?  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]  
Wis save  (1d20)[ 15 ]   passed 
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 11 ]  for  (2d4+3)[ 9 ]  damage +  (1d6)[ 5 ]  psychic and Wis DC 13 or frightened  miss 
 Advantage?  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  
Wis save  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
 


Chloe &amp; Sabian's paralysis and fear wears off.
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Ca
Mu
Ch
Ti
Sa
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 21/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

Mustafa downs the crescent moon scepter at the Scarecrow closest to him.

 (1d20+6)[ 16 ]  for [roll]1d6+3[/rol] damage

Messed up the roll, so rolled on discord. Final result [ 8 ]

(I'm assuming this is more like a construct than an undead creature, so my mitral holy symbol doesn't get its extra damage)
(Warding Flare reaction is up)
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 14/38 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration Fly (60ft)   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus saw with satisfaction one scarecrow go down and concentrated fire on the one menacing Sabian

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+8)[ 21 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 15 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 25 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 13 ] 


Targeting 3
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 1/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (2) 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire 
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Another fight on the brink. Chloé struggles to throw out a flask of fire as she stumbles back to her feet for a second time.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  Stand up
 Action:  Create Bonfire under 6.
 (1d20)[ 3 ] +dex, DC16
 (2d6+4)[ 11 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Companion Blast 6, or the next nearest enemy if it's dead.
 (1d20+7)[ 12 ]  Disadv from melee enemy:  (1d20+7)[ 15 ]   Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 5 ]  force
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  18  | HP:  15/37  | HD:  2/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  1/3  | 2nd:  0/3  | 3rd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web
3rd - Haste

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

"It's a good thing these scarecrows are pretty stupid, huh?" Cass says to the others before assailing the same scarecrow again.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Shield as a reaction to negate the last hit.

Cast Booming Blade at SC. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 8 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack hits, deal an additional  (1d8)[ 4 ]  thunder damage and push SC to K20. If it moves before Cassandra's next turn, deal another  (2d8)[ 8 ]  thunder damage to it.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 21/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

Mustafa bashed the scarecrow away, and whatever attacks made past the shield were stopped by his armor. Feeling confident, he threw a Sacred Flame at the scarecrow surrounding Chloe.

 (2d8)[ 7 ]  sacred damage, negated by dex save  (1d20)[ 8 ] 
J-H
Cassandra knocks the fell scarecrow back, her magic leaving it nearly falling apart.  Mustafa strikes the one next to him.  Chloe stands, spraying a flask on the scarecrow next to her.  It disintegrates in fire.  Titus fires a blast into the scarecrow nearly below him, leaving it so weak that when it tries to move, Cassandra's spell tears it apart.
Sabian then moves up next to Mustafa, stabbing at the final scarecrow.  It doesn't last long at five to one odds.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 14/38 HD: 5/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration Fly (60ft)   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus slowly descended from above, folding his spectral wings:

  "To reiterate: Don't trust the scarecrows. I think we should take a moment to rest and restore ourselves. You all look very beaten up. Maybe two hours even, so I can help out with the injuries."  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  26/37  | HD:  0/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web
3rd - Haste

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

"Sounds like a plan to me," Cass says, planting herself firmly on the ground, "Were these scarecrows animated remotely or is there something on them that's giving them life?"

 
 Spoiler 
Spend two hit dice to recover  (2d6+4)[ 11 ]  hit points.
Use Arcane Recovery to recover one second level spell slot.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 22/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
  Well, they came out of nowhere,   Sabian offers in reply to Titus,   Seems like they make no noise moving through the crop fields.   He rests along with others, recovering his strength for whatever the day has left to bring them.
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 35/38 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

After a bit of rest, Titus managed to help Cloe back on her feet, before resting some more, so he was ready for the next trick that Dracula would throw at them.

  "Onward then, we'll need to find shelter before nightfall."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian thanks Chloe for the elixir and downs it, immediately feeling its healing effects,   Thank you Chloe.   He nods to Titus in agreement as the group prepares to continue the journey. Despite the harrowing fight against the scarecrows, Sabian is glad it is he and the others facing these dangers together. The group has proved quite capable so far, and they have already retrieved several relics.
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (2) 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Chloé's still feeling worse for wear, but nothing but a good night's sleep will fix that. Until then, she's forced to keep on as she has been.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
After spending a couple of hours bandaging your wounds by means magical and mundane, you get moving again.  The sun reached its zenith, and now it is moving to the west as you walk east along the track to Alba, still flanked by fields of grain and hay that ought to be harvested soon.

The hairs on Mustafa's neck prickle, as though he's being watched.  He turns his head, and glimpses a shadow out of the corner of his eye - movement, behind and above, coming out of the sun.

Approximately 120' above and to the west, five flying creatures are approaching, probably having spotted the party as a snack while flying about higher up:
 
 
 Spoiler: Nature DC 12 

These are Perytons, flying predators.  They normally live only in the mountains, and it's rare to see them near civilized areas.
 
 Spoiler: DC 15 

They're pretty smart, and also pretty savage.  A strong showing will drive them off, but apparent weakness will make them stick around for easy prey.
They like to hit and run, and possess no melee attacks.
Their feathers are slightly magical, giving them a degree of resistance against damage from non-magical weapons.
 

 

 Initiative 
The Perytons have a dash speed of 80'.  Their first round will be spent dashing/diving towards the party.
Chloe (2 turns of actions)
Mustafa (2 turns of actions)
Peryton Evens
Titus (1 turn)
Cassandra (1 turn)
Peryton Odds
Sabian (1 turn)
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  26/37  | HD:  0/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web
3rd - Haste

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Cass hasn't fully recovered from the last fight, yet she remains vigilant and with a crack of the Vampire Killer sends a streak of flame towards the bird... things... to gauge their aerial agility.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Firebolt. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 18 ] , to damage:  (2d10)[ 13 ]  fire damage.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Sabian responds to the reactions of his allies, looking up to spot a group of monstrous bird creatures swooping down at them. He prepares to engage them once they're within reach,   Up high!   he calls out.

 
 Spoiler: Turn... 1? 
  Action   - Ready an Action to Shove Prone a peryton that comes within reach of Sabian.
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 23 ] 
 

  
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 35/38 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus saw the creatures and in a flash of inspiration remembered what he had learned long ago about them:
 "Perytons! Smart and vicious predators - we need to scare them. If they think the cost to themselves is too high they will retreat. Sabian, I lend you my wings." 

With a touch, spectral wings unfurled from the barbarian's back.

Calling out to the creatures he cried:
  "Be warned! Come closer and you'll be destroyed!"  
 
 Spoiler 

Casting Fly on Sabian

Intimidation on Perytons
 (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian doesn't know how, but the magic that Titus has imparted on him lets him know how to fly, and he wills himself straight up to the incoming creatures. He engages the one that Cass hit with the fire, lashing out with his spear. Then attempts to knock it out of the sky with a well placed shield bash.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 

  Move   - Move to engage the Peryton that Cass hit.
  Action   - Attack Peryton.
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 22 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 11 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 19 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 7 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove Prone
 23  rolled in previous post, or   Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 13 ]  if JH prefers a new roll
  Move   - Fly away 20ft (if movement doesn't provoke an OA
 
 
 
  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (2) 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Fast fliers weren't kind to her throwing arm, especially since she's tired, but she still grabs up acid flasks and readies their volley.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Turn 1: 
Ready Action Acid Splash DC16 Dex, which should trigger after they finish dashing (40ft distance). Damage:   (2d8+4)[ 13 ] . Half acid, half radiant.
Enemy 1)  (1d20)[ 2 ] +mods
Possible Enemy 2)  (1d20)[ 10 ] +mods

 Turn 2:  Move back 20ft (60ft distance)
Acid Splash DC16 Dex, aiming for two enemies. Damage:  (2d8+4)[ 9 ]   Half acid, half radiant.
Enemy 1)  (1d20)[ 13 ] +mods
Possible Enemy 2)  (1d20)[ 2 ] +mods
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

First round: Mustafa will let out a war cry in an attempt to intimidate the birds
Intimidation roll, if allowed:  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] 

Second round: Ready action to Grapple as soon as one of the birds fly-by.
Mustafa Athletics roll  (1d20+5)[ 25 ] 
Peryton Athletics roll  (1d20)[ 17 ] 

(Warding Flare if they attack)
J-H
Recap:
Chloe's first and second acid splash hits two Perytons as they dive in close order, dealing 22 damage to each of them as they fail to dodge.
Mustafa gives a loud shout (intimidate 20) and prepares to grab one if it comes near him.
Titus grants Sabian the power of flight.
Cassandra launches a fire bolt at the middle of the formation.  Between it and the acid, one Peryton is dead.
Sabian flies up at the end of turn 1 (after they have dashed closer), and strikes the other acid-burned one, slaying it, then stabs another before trying to smash it out of the sky.

Between the loud noises, the blasts of magic, the intimidating display, and the fact that two of the five Perytons are dead, the survivors fold their wings to dive and spin before flapping away at a lower altitude.
 =&gt;Combat over 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
  Nice work!   Sabian calls to the others. He looks around,   Titus, should I get a little higher and see what's around?  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sabian will fly higher and survey the surrounding area for signs of trouble or shelter, once Titus confirms he won't stop concentrating on the spell 😛
 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 35/38 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus sent two lances of force after the retreating monsters and nodded at his companions
  "Let's move on, we don't need them trying to follow us from a distance. So, yes, get up in the air and look around. The sun isn't getting any higher and we need to find a defensible shelter. We all need some serious rest and the night at the monastery wasn't really that refreshing."  
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+8)[ 24 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 17 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 6 ] 
 
J-H
Sabian flies up, and sees buildings ahead - you are close to Alba.  There is a faint cloud of smoke rising from chimneys, and movement, although that's about all he can make out.

You press on, and less than an hour later, you reach the outskirts of Alba around 2pm.

Alba is a farming town with rich farmlands to the west and north, located near Laruba Lake.  In better times, carts of wheat and barley travel west to Veros and Laruba Monastery, north to the borders of Cieresor Swamp where they are cross-loaded to flat-boattomed boats, and east across the stone causeway to parts more distant.  It is fairly prosperous, featuring a large smithy, a mayor and town council, several stores, and a number of artisans.  Although it lacks serious walls, it does have a timber watch-tower atop the toll-booth that sits beside each of the three stone roads going in and out of town.  Most of the buildings are made of brick – or at least their ground floors are.

The southwestern watch tower is damaged, but has been patched up.  Wooden bridges go from roof to roof across the outskirts, and an glimpse down the road shows you that the inner area of the town has been blocked and fortified with carts and barrels.

Your approach is noted with a shout from the damaged watchtower while you are still at least a quarter-mile away.  By the time you reach the watchtower, there are close to a dozen men and women with bows present on rooftops, plus a couple of others with wooden shields, and a halfling bearing a golden-headed mace in the style of Lathander.

One of the archers calls down in a rough voice.   "Halt, and make yourselves known!" 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 35/38 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus stopped, made sure Mustafa had blessed him and raised his empty hand in greeting:
  "Hello there. We are the surviving members of the Belmonte Clan, Shadowhunters by profession, on a mission to fight and prevent the rise of Dracula. We have traveled long and seek shelter in your fine town."  
 
 Spoiler 

Persuation

 (1d20+8)[ 16 ] ,  (1d20+8)[ 24 ]  + (1d4)[ 4 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian eyes the fortifications that the people of Alba have managed to put together, including the watchtowers. He thinks back to Veros, where Vidrik remained, and hopes that they are still faring well, as well as anyone can in these times. He waits for the guards to respond to Titus' entreaty.  
 
  
J-H
 "That's great!"   One of the archers responds. 
"Hold on--"
"Wait, let's--"
You can't hear most of the rest of the discussion, but after some back and forth, the halfling speaks louder than anyone else "-Enough!

"Approach and be recognized!  I assume you have proof?" 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  26/37  | HD:  0/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web
3rd - Haste

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

With a wave of her hand, Cass makes the symbol of the order appear on the ground before them. “My name is Cassandra Hartdegen, of Clan Hartdegen,” she says with firm determination, just as her brother would have, lifting the Vampire Killer for all to see, “My family has fought against the forces of darkness long before any of us first drew breath and I will live up to that legacy until I draw my last.”

After a moment, she sighs, “Also I’m just  really  knackered… can we do this from the inside of a hot bath?”
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian steps forward as well,   Would you recognize the relics of The Order? I am Sabian Skellegue, and this is the Shield of the Unyielding, ready to stand fast against the the Dark One's horde and turn back the darkness!   
 
  
J-H
The halfling stares for a moment, then a few moments more.  His eyes turn golden for a bit.   "By Lathander, actual help!  Great, great, come on in!" 

He disappears from view, but comes out of a gap between buildings as you walk into the town, having presumably climbed down a ladder somewhere.   "I'm Iulian, Iulian Rusu.  We've had to fight off all sorts of skeletons and wolfweres, and even a few monsters that shouldn't be bold enough to come this close to town.  You must be pretty tough to have made it through in such a small group unscathed!" 
 =&gt;What do? Pick next 3 activities in order 
-Talk with the priest of Lathander
-Get the layout of the town
-Find a place to eat and wash up
-Find/talk to mayor or leader
-Talk to head of the guards
-Find/talk to other spellcasters
-Find out what resources are available
-Find out what help they need
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (2) 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   
 "Unscathed is a generous assessment."  Chloé mutters, loud enough for everyone to hear. Still, she'd be glad for time off her feet. And maybe a hot bath or two.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Suggesting priorities are
-Find/talk to mayor or leader
-Find out what resources are available
-Find out what help they need

But open to other options.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
 Iulian 
The priest leads you deeper into the town.  A few of the buildings show signs of damage, and in at least one case, scratch marks and gouges in the wood from something climbing.

Iulian notices you looking.   "We've been holding out okay here.  Very few horses are left, though.  We won't be shipping any grain.  What's going on?  We all saw the same dream - the evil Dracula is back... but no news has come through.  It's like we're on an island." 
 Observations on the town 
The central area possesses two temples, one to Lathander and another to Chauntea; it's likely that there is a second priest somewhere, if he or she hasn't been killed.  The positioning of the temples creates a larger Hallowed area that should keep out the undead, although not wolves and wolfweres.

Several buildings are partly deconstructed, and you see a couple of stockpiles of planks ready for use.  Chickens run about in several areas, and near the center of town you hear the pinging sound of a silversmith's hammer.

 Mayor 
... a little while later, he introduces you to the mayor, Elena Vlaicu. She’s an old woman, apparently in her sixties.  She has a hunched back and walks with a cane, but her steely gaze and firm voice shows that she puts up with no foolishness.  For those of you with formal schooling, she reminds you of a strict teacher.  A couple of ten-to-twelve year olds accompany her; there is some family resemblance.  Another one walks past shortly after your conversation started, carrying a bundle of arrows that look freshly-made.
 "What news do you bring of the outside world?  Are you here to help us?  You look like you've been in a few fights yourselves." 
 Rest 
A hot bath isn't available as firewood is being rationed, but one of the inns has several baths available.  As the word spreads that monster-hunters from the outside have arrived, you're allowed to use it to get clean.  One of the staff even offers to launder your clothing, although this would leave you waiting for your clothes to dry.

 Help they need 
From talking to the mayor and Iulian, you gather that they are stable and have plenty of food, but are isolated and facing attack every night, although nothing they haven't been able to handle so far.  The first night was the most difficult, and the priest of Chauntea was almost killed by a disguised werewolf.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

As Iulian leads them through the village, Sabian takes in the obvious signs of attacks and fighting. Iulian says,  "We've been holding out okay here. Very few horses are left, though. We won't be shipping any grain. What's going on? We all saw the same dream - the evil Dracula is back... but no news has come through. It's like we're on an island."
 
  You may be one of the few remaining,   Sabian says solemnly.   The night of the dream we were at the Order. It was attacked, a dragon smashing through the grand hall and undead overrunning the place.   He pauses,   We believe we are the only ones left, though,   he glances at Titus,   there may be others out there we don't know about. From there we made out way to Holmwood Tower, fighting through undead, spiders, wolves and more. The Tower was taken, but we destroyed those within.  
  The people at Veros still fight. We left them two days ago. They are in a similar plight, though perhaps not as food secure, but fending off attacks each night.  

As they go by the temples, Sabian asks,   Do you know to sleep on hallowed ground? It will protect you from the curse that has blanketed the lands. We have not been able to avoid it, though have fended off its effect to some degree. But we are kept from receiving a full night's rest when the curse takes hold.
  
When they meet the mayor, Sabian repeats much of what he's already told Iulian, but also recounts their time traveling to Laruba, the events of the monastery, and their encounters on the road to Alba.
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 35/38 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus nodded at the mayor's questions:
  "It's been a rough few days, but with the help of Lathander and his angels we made it so far. The curse of the werewolf seems to be a pretty big problem around here. The whole monastery succumbed to just one infected. Luckily it seems, that a swift application of healing magic can prevent the transformation from occurring. Do you have enough silver around to test everyone once in a while with it?"  

At the inn, Titus declined the service of washing clothes - instead he spend a few minutes casting his little spell over and over to clean everyone's possessions. Afterwards, he heated the water with the spell to be perfectly relaxing. Having the opportunity, he healed Cassandra, before relaxing to regain his power

 
 Spoiler 

18 hp for Cass
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (2) 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   
 "I'd like to say we could stay and help,"  Chloé says to the mayor,  "but we can't. We're trying to put an everything going wrong, and we won't be able to stay and do that. We'll do what we can while we're here though. If there's hallowed ground to rest within, I can offer some of my flasks to the townspeople, patch up some injuries maybe." 

When the time does come for a bath, Chloé makes no secret of using a bit of liquid flame, dripped on a minute-to-minute basis, to keep herself warm and relaxed. She'd take the comforts of civilisation where she could get them. Even if she had to make some of them herself.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
 Iulian 
 "Yes, most of the town has started sleeping in the temples.  It feels safer, and undead daren't enter the holy ground." 
 Mayor 
The mayor cackles.   "Yes, young Artur found that out.  A werewolf in disguise attacked him, but his ceremonial sickle is coated in silver and proved to be longer than the wolf's claws!  He has some scars and a bite mark on his arm now, but scars just make a man look more handsome.  We've a silversmith in town, and he's been hard at work turning forks and spoons into arrowheads and weapon inlays.  He stopped arguing about it being an offense to his art after the second night." 

To Chloe, she responds,  "More healing is always a good thing, but our two priests have mostly kept up with things.  Constantin has been a brick despite losing the  guard captain, and he's been careful about leaving paths to retreat." 
 Resource:  You may request a reasonable number of non-magical silvered weapons. 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 35/38 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  


Once he was clean, Titus went out to learn the lay of the town stopping by the church to pray and to maybe help out a bit as well as talk to the priest of Lathander

 
 Spoiler 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (2) 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

It was encouraging that they didn't need her healing, at least. Perhaps the town was in better state than she'd initially given it credit. Once she adds a single silver dagger to her belt, she goes off in search of any local spellcasters, in case they can offer or require help while they're in town.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Requisitioning 1 Silvered Dagger
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

The resilience of the people at Veros, and now Alba, fill Sabian with hope, and a renewed strength.   So long as they can keep fighting, we can keep fighting,   Sabian says quietly to no one in particular.

At the bath, Sabian has no magic to warm the water, but he prefers it cold.   Cold water helps the blood to flow, which helps with recovering from wounds,   he says with his eyes closed.

Once he's dallied in the bath for too long, he armors up and requisitions a silver dagger, and a silver mace, both thonged to his belt. Afterwards, he looks for the head of the guard, to go over the town's defenses.
 
 
  
J-H
After finishing your conversations and your baths, you split up. It's late enough in the day that those who stay up at night to help guard the town are mostly awake and available.

 Finding Spellcasters (Chloe &amp; Cassandra) 
Chloe and Cassandra ask around, and are directed to Aurica Balarau.  Around 40 years old, she's a human, and has dark hair shot through with streaks of silver pulled back into a bun, and wears a leather cape and bracers over her traditional green dress.  She's accompanying her husband, who is slighty older, heavier, and has a small pin with scales on it that indicates he's the head of the merchant's association.

 "Hello there!  I heard we had some guests in town.  It's nice to see someone has been able to get through.  I'm afraid I've had to trade my usual occupation of spotting thieves and dishonest measures for battle spells.  Do sit and tell me about your adventure, young ladies." 
 Temple of Lathander (Titus + ?) 
Iulian the halfling is here.  Across the square is the temple of Chauntea, which is much less ornate.   "Titus, right?  I know you're young, but you look like you've seen some fights.  All I've done is stand around looking confident, and burning undead with holy light.  What's going on that we haven't seen?" 
 Head of the Guard (Sabian + ?) 

Sabian finds a dwarf, Constantin Kazaku.  His blonde beard was once neatly braided, but now seems a bit frazzled.  He appears to have just woken up, apparently already being used to a nocturnal sleep schedule.   "Aye, another warrior.  I thought I heard you came in with a priest and a bunch of wizardly types.  It must be tough keeping them alive, eh?  But life and death both come whenever they will.  Are you looking to help out tonight, young fellow?"   He looks up at you.  Sabian is definitely younger, but also substantially taller, although Constantin's shoulders are just as broad.

 After this is wrapped up, it will be... 
It's taken a couple of hours, and suppertime and sunset are swiftly approaching.  By the time you're done with your conversations, it's time for a meal - at this point, most people are eating a commonly-cooked meal in the center of town.  Blankets and sleeping pallets are stacked inside a couple of nearby buildings.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 35/38 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus inclined his head towards the priest:
 "It's true, it's been quite a few adventures before we made it here. I was fortunate enough to be reunited with the other survivors from the Belemonte castle..." 

Titus spend about half an hour to fill in the priest about what had happened to the group - at least as far as he knew it first hand.
Finally, he pulled the magic silver sword from thin air.
 "Do you know this blade? I took it with me from the monastery. It contains magic and is made from pure silver. Though I wonder if there is more to it than just that. Here, touch the blade, you can feel the power contained within." 

Titus watched very attentively if the priest would actually touch the silver and his reaction. It wasn't that he distrusted the priest, but with Dracula on the rise you never knew just who had taken the form of someone else. Case in point - he himself would have been able to infiltrate this town easily enough.

Once it was time to eat, he looked around for the others to learn what they had done and found out.

 
 Spoiler 


Perception
 (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (2) 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   
 "Calling them adventures..."  It was 'accurate', and yet it felt like a lofty, light term for what had been and still was a fight for their lives. And so many other lives already lost.  "I'll try to relay what I can."  And so she does. Her tone is perhaps more dour than intended, touching on the lives lost at the Order, their struggles in the river, the dead tower, and the cursed monastery. There's little joy to be found in it.
 "Even so,"  she finishes grimly.  "We haven't given up. We have claimed two artifacts towards our mission of solving this crisis once and for all, and we'll keep going. No matter what. We have to." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Requisitioning 1 Silvered Dagger
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  26/37  | HD:  0/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web
3rd - Haste

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Cass is a little more optimistic than Chloé, occasionally adding her own details and trying to make light of them as Chloé fills Aurica in. Once their journey thus far has been recounted, she says "We've been through a lot but all that matters is we're alive and as long as we're alive we have hope."

After a moment to allow their news to sink in, Cass pulls out her spellbook and shows it to Aurica. "I've collected some spells of great use on our journey you may not yet possess and I have scrolls and encyclopaedias with knowledge that may help you, so... want to trade notes?"
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

Men at work! Women and children, and elderly and teenagers running around and labourers and artists and the smell of horsesh*t! Mustafa was in delight. His morale hadn't been this high since before the mountains.

Where were these mountains now? He constantly glanced over his shoulder, looking to the West and the many leagues between the Clan headquarters and them. At some point, they would have to return.

But for now, they had found  people .   "I feared we would never find more survivors. Gods be good. This people might need us more than we need them, but they can offer us a roof and warm beds, and a bowl of porridge instead of rations. I am a simple man with simple needs. We're at war, for god's sake. We deserve some dignity!"   He raised his hand dramatically, like a champion in an arena or an actor in a play.   "They might have a bathhouse, and an alehouse. Let us rest."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian finds a dwarf, Constantin Kazaku. His blonde beard was once neatly braided, but now seems a bit frazzled. He appears to have just woken up, apparently already being used to a nocturnal sleep schedule. "Aye, another warrior. I thought I heard you came in with a priest and a bunch of wizardly types. It must be tough keeping them alive, eh? But life and death both come whenever they will."

Sabian smiles,   They can be a little reckless at times but... they are formidable in their own way. All warriors of the Order. I would not have made it this far if not for them. They are my family now.  

Constantin looks up at Sabian. Sabian is definitely younger, but also substantially taller, although Constantin's shoulders are just as broad. "Are you looking to help out tonight, young fellow?" he says.

  Yes, I am. We ran afoul of the monks at Laruba Monastery.   Sabian looks off toward the island,   They all are werewolves now, under Dracula's curse. They have been fighting the curse with prayer and meditation. But when we arrived two of them went mad. I don't think they will pursue us but... I think we are the first to test their mettle against the curse. If it's broken their will, they can track us by scent. I would feel comfortable mustering a larger guard tonight if you can, including my spear and shield.  
 
 
  
J-H
 Finding Spellcasters (Chloe &amp; Cassandra) - Talking to Aurica 
 "Yes, I think we have time for a bit of that.  Not a lot of wizards come through here.  I saw that whip and thought you might be more of the fighting type."   To Chloe.   "If there's anything we can do to help, let us know.  I'm afraid my adventuring days are long gone.  Do you need any food for your journeys?" 
 
 Spoiler: Aurica's Spellbook 

o	1st level:  Catapult, Grease, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, Protection from Evil/Good, Silent Image, Thunderwave
o	2nd level:  Blur, Darkvision, Gentle Repose, Invisibility, Locate Object, Earthen Grasp, Phantasmal Force, Shatter, Spider Climb
o	3rd level:  Dispel Magic, Flame Arrows, Lightning Bolt, Melf’s Minute Meteors, Sleet Storm
 

 Temple of Lathander (Titus + ?) - Talking to Iulian 
Iulian looks at Titus strangely, but touches the sword.   "It's magical, but I don't see any deeper enchantments on it.  Magical weapons aren't my specialty though.  Warmaking in general isn't.  Any suggestions about how to fight werewolves and undead more effectively?" 
 Guard Captain (Sabian + ?) - Talking to Constantin 
 "We've seen some wolf-men.  Is that the same thing?  Silvered weapons seem to work better against them."   Constantin relays more information about what they've faced... nothing you haven't seen.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
  I'm not sure. We've fought wolves, wolf-weres, werewolves. The others might know the differences but yeah, silver will work just fine. I just wonder if we're looking at a whole monastery of werewolf monks coming after us tonight, that's all. Hopefully it won't be anything.  
 
 
  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  26/37  | HD:  0/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web
3rd - Haste

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Cass laughs as she furiously scribbles down arcane formula. "I'll have you know this whip is a  very  powerful magical weapon!" she retorts in a not particularly serious voice, "My family has trained for generations to wield both sword and sorcery to equal effect. I would not be living up to the family name if I could not fight as well next to my allies as I can supporting them from afar."

After she has finished transcribing a particularly useful spell, realising she is running low on ink, Cass asks "Would you happen to have any materials spare I can use or know where I might find some? We have a long journey ahead of us and it is, as you can understand, vitally important to keep adding to my repertoire."

When Aurica asks Chloé if there's anything they need, Cass asks if there's anything  she  needs that the two could help her with. Research, procuring supplies, Cassandra is happy to help with anything. Aurica has already been a welcome sight and a great help, after all.

 
 Spoiler 
Cass will add Earthen Grasp to her spell list, spending 100gp of materials to do so. She has 125gp of materials left.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 35/38 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus thought for a moment before answering the priest:
 "Well, there are a few tacticts that I try to use in our fights:
1) Most of our enemies are strickly close combat oriented. Find a defensible position and/or high ground like a tree and use arrows and bolts to your advantage. Take cover after each shot, should there be skeletal archers - for some reason, those seem to be always ready with a short bow.
2) Provide light to the battlefield - most of our enemies can see well in the dark and some like the shadow demons even thrive there.
3) Gang up on single foes and use your silver and radiant attacks after everyone else has hit - that prevents them from quickly healing the sustained injuries. My patron granted me a powerful spell, that creates a field of radiant energy around me. It amplifies the damage I can cause and prevents them from regenerating.
If you have them, use doorways and other small gaps by having one man with a shield concentrate on deflecting blows, while someone with a halberd attacks from behind and retreats for others to do the same. This minimizes your risks and maximizes your potential damage - even against superior numbers.
4) Hold your divine healing in reserve if someone's bitten. The infection can be stopped if it's healed quickly afterwards.
5) Check everyone once in a while with silver if they have been infected and now are a thrall for Dracula. " 

Titus shrugged:  "That's all that I could learn in the field so far."  
J-H
Iulian and Constantin thank Titus and Sabian (respectively) for their advice.

 Finding Spellcasters (Chloe &amp; Cassandra) - Talking to Aurica 
Aurica doesn't know where any new magical inks could be found - she's already used up all that was available in town.  She could use any spare scrolls or wands of course, but any spellcaster would benefit from those.

 =&gt;Jump to evening? 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/50 HD: 1/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 

Sabian meets with the others for supper, and shares with them the little he's learned. By all accounts, Alba seems in better straights than Veros. He lets them know there are silver weapons available, and he shares his concern that the monks may track them here if their visit to the monastery broke their will against the curse.   I'm going to man the wall for a bit before retiring for the evening, just to be on the safe side.  
 
 Spoiler 
As before, Sabian will man the wall until around midnight, then rest for his full long rest.
 

 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 35/38 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 3/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus yawned
 "I'd help you out, but I wasn't able to refill my healing energies - and I don't want to miss the opportunity to sleep on holy ground. Let me know though if you need my support. I'll fly over directly." 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  26/37  | HD:  0/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Burning Hands
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web
3rd - Haste

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Exhaustion (1)  
 
  

Cass decides to keep Sabian company and meet the people protecting the town as well. She is pretty exhausted but, on some level, she feels as though just being there for these people so they can see others have survived as well will bring them some small comfort in the cold and dark nights ahead.

After a while she heads in to the hallowed ground to rest, knowing this might be the last good night of sleep she'll get for some time.
J-H
You help defend Alba overnight.  With better defenses, and much better lines of sight, it's not nearly as hair-raising or noteworthy as the battle in defense of Veros was.  Everyone manages to get enough sleep, without any nightmares or curses interfering.  You head out at dawn the next day, traveling north along the road towards the Cieresor Swamp.  The plains are still mostly flat and full of crops, currently untended.  On a small rise, you can occasionally see the glint of water to the east from the river that flows south out of the swamp into Lake Laruba.  It's quiet, and peaceful.

After about 3 hours of travel, you turn a slight bend as the road works its way around a mountain.  There are people on the road in front of you.  Yellowish-white people, lacking flesh.  Mustafa and Sabian can see that four of them bear manufactured shields, one has a shield of yellowed bone, and the last carries a staff.  They're approximately 120' away.

 
 Spoiler: rolls 

**Perception mods**
Chloe  (1d20+3)[ 6 ]   DV 1 exh  (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]   DV
Titus  (1d20+3)[ 6 ]   DV
Mustafa  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Sabian  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]   DV

**Initiative**
Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 8 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 9 ]  or  (1d20+2)[ 21 ]  1 exh
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 10 ] 
G  (1d20+2)[ 22 ] 
O  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
S  (1d20+2)[ 10 ] 
 
J-H
The undead react inhumanly quickly.  Two of the ones carrying shields advance, shields raised and ready to defend (Dodging).  The other two stay farther back, guarding the staff-wielding skeleton.  The skeleton with the bone shield then comes up behind the first pair, pulling a bone off its ribcage (readying an action to do something).
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Titus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus' eyes widened. At once he saw the danger and remembered the very tactics he had described to the priest yesterday.
 "We have to take out the skeleton with the staff. If it manages to hit us with a fireball, we are toast!" 

That said, he cast a spell and took to the air, increasing the distance to their opponents my retreating up and back

 
 Spoiler 

Cast Fly
Move 60ft up and to the south
 
J-H
Titus takes flight, moving to open distance.  The skeleton holding the staff raises it, and the light dims around everyone but Titus.  A low rumble is the only warning before a bolt of lightning crashes down on Sabian and Cassandra.
 
 Spoiler: Call Lightning 

 (3d10)[ 12 ]  lightning damage, Dex DC 13 half.
Sabian  (1d20)[ 8 ] , advantage from Barbarian class feature  (1d20)[ 16 ] 
Cass  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
 

 =&gt;Chloe, Mustafa, Sabian, Cassandra 
(as a reminder, the skeletons with regular shields are dodging)
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  3/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass isn't able to avoid the full brunt of the bolt of lightning but she is able to interpose an arcane shield that lessens the sting. "A Fireball? I like the sound of that!" she shouts triumphantly.

She then flicks the tip of the Vampire Killer into the air, where it suspends itself and  seems to roar  as it is engulfed in flames. In the distance there is a small spark, which erupts into a blast of flame.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Absorb Elements as a reaction, reducing the damage to 6.
Cast Fireball at the point of intersection between 6L/6M/7L/7M (which will hit all six targets), dealing  (8d6)[ 29 ]  fire damage, or half to any enemies that make the DC 14 dex save.

W reflex save:  (1d20)[ 9 ]  plus mods
S1 reflex save:  (1d20)[ 8 ]  plus mods
S2 reflex save:  (1d20)[ 1 ]  plus mods
S3 reflex save:  (1d20)[ 1 ]  plus mods
S4 reflex save:  (1d20)[ 8 ]  plus mods
O reflex save:  (1d20)[ 19 ]  plus mods
 
Amnestic
[QUOTE=Amnestic;26042243]      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1) 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Chloé doesn't really want to be running  at  the skeletons, but  they can't very well run with lightning falling down on them. She darts forward and tosses her fiery sphere concoction overarm. It crashes down a little in front of the skeletons, balloons into a ball of flame, and then leaps over the skeletons to ram itself into the important looking one behind the less important looking ones.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  M25
 Action:  Cast Flaming Sphere
 Bonus Action:  Move the sphere, jumping over S4, to hit O, and end in M9
 (2d6+4)[ 11 ]  damage fire, or half as much on a successful DC16 Dex save  (1d20)[ 15 ] +mods

Any creature that ends their turn within 5ft of the sphere makes the same save vs. the same damage.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 50/50 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 

A bolt of lightning comes streaking at Sabian, but he is able to duck behind the Shield of the Unyielding and avoid it's magical charge.

 
 Spoiler: Round 1 
  Reaction   - Avoid all damage with Shield Master.
 


Sabian moves forward and throws his spear at the nearest skeleton. Then draws a dagger and throws it as well.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Move   - Sabian moves to L20 (Fast Movement)
  Action   - Throw Spear at S3 (Disadvantage due to Dodge/Long Distance)
  Spear Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 27 ] ,   Disadvantage  - (1d20+9)[ 12 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 8 ] 
  Item Interaction   - Draw Dagger
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 10 ] ,   Disadvantage  - (1d20+8)[ 14 ] 
  Piercing  - (1d4+5)[ 9 ] 
 

 
 
  
J-H
Chloe advances, and manages to dodge the bone chunk that comes flying at her.  She retaliates with a Flaming Sphere, which deals a bit of damage (5).

Mustafa casts Bless on himself, Sabian, and Cassandra.  Sabian moves up, throwing his spear and a dagger.  Both are deflected by the skeleton's armor (miss, even with Bless).

Cassandra's fireball detonates.  The weathercaster in the back shields himself and his two guards from some of the brunt of the blow, but the two closest skeletal guards simply disintegrate in the blast.
 
 Spoiler: results 

29 damage, Dex DC 14.

W (Concentrating on Call Lightning) casts Mass Absorb Elements as a reaction, halving the damage for himself, S1, and S2 (15' radius).
Failed save, 29 damage - &gt; 14
Concentration check  (1d20+2)[ 6 ]  vs DC 10
O fails, takes 29 damage, leaving it pretty badly hurt.

S1-4 have advantage from dodging.
All failed initially.
On their advantage rolls, only S1 passed.  S1, S2 have resistance.
S1 29 / 4 7 damage
S2 29/2 14 damage
S3 29 damage, destroyed
S4 29 damage, destroyed
 
J-H
The two shield-bearers move up in a defensive stance, while the one with the bone shield clatters its jaw and points at Sabian before retreating behind the defensive line.  Sabian's bones twitch, sending stabbing pains through his muscles as they try to grow new protrusions inside his body.  He clenches his muscles and resist, and the magically-created bones vanish, leaving only ephemeral pain behind.
 
 Spoiler: Skeletal Sprouting 

(60’; 20’ cube, up to 3 targets which possess skeletons; 4d6 slashing damage &amp; Restrained, Con save half/negate Restraint.  Save at end of turn to end restraint effect)
 (4d6)[ 14 ]  damage
Sabian Con  (1d20)[ 10 ] +?? vs DC 13
 

 =&gt; Titus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus targeted the lone bone throwing for first, as it appeared to be the bigger threat at the moment.

 
 Spoiler 

Fire at O
 (1d20+8)[ 28 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 15 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 27 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 6 ] 
Move back another 60 ft.
 
J-H
Titus destroys his target with the first blast, then misses with his second shot at one of the dodging shield-bearers.  The other spellcaster then raises a cloud of fog, obscuring everyone's vision of the skeletons.


 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe
Mustafa (C Bless)
Sabian (Bless)
Cassandra (Bless) 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1) 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Chloé had spent half her childhood around gases of a suspect nature. A small amount of fog isn't going to stop her. She dives into the obscurement, tossing her acid flask at where she  thought  the skeletons were. Her fire sphere continues its bounding advance, crashing down towards the weather wizard.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  M19
 Action:  Acid Splash - doesn't require sight of target! Damage:  (2d6+4)[ 9 ] . Half acid, half radiant.
S1 Save:  (1d20)[ 7 ] +mods vs DC16 Dex
S2 Save:  (1d20)[ 6 ] +mods vs DC16 Dex

 Bonus Action:  Move the sphere, jumping over S2, to hit W, and end in M6
 (2d6+4)[ 16 ]  fire, half as much on DC16 dex save.  (1d20)[ 4 ] +mods

Any creature that ends their turn within 5ft of the sphere makes the same save vs. the same damage.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 43/50 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian feels a power come over his body and threaten to wrench his bones from his flesh. He grits his teeth to fight it off just as a fog manifests around him and the others on the road. He moves forward, grabs his spear, and throws it directly ahead of him, hoping the skeletons haven't moved from their position.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Movement   - Move to L12
  Object Interaction   - Pick up Spear
  Action   - Attack S1 (presumably, Sabian is just throwing spear forward)
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 22 ] , [roll=Disadvantage]1d20+9] +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 4 ] 
  Damage  - (1d6+6)[ 12 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  3/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"What is it with bloody skeletons and bloody fog spells!?" Cass laughs out loud. She does not, however, voice her concerns about the skeleton protecting itself and its allies from her own spell.  That's extremely advanced magic. It's a shame I won't have time to study it. 

She then flicks the Vampire Killer forward, sending out a streak of flame towards the skeleton mage's last position.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Firebolt. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 10 ]  or  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]  (disadvantage), to damage:  (2d10)[ 20 ]  fire damage.
 
J-H
Chloe runs ahead into the fog, conjuring a blob of acid that hits one skeleton, and sending her flaming sphere forward, although the enemy spellcaster manages to cast a brief ward again.

Mustafa prays, focusing on his Bless spell.

Sabian hurls his spear forward, and hears a clatter as it strikes bones and rattles them.

Cassandra's fire bolt doesn't connect with anything.

The two shield-carrying skeletons advance into the fog in unison, getting away from the flaming sphere, and attack Sabian, but aren't able to connect due to the fog.
 
 Spoiler 

Disadvantage due to fog
S1
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  slashing
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  slashing
S2
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  slashing
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 8 ]  slashing
 

 =&gt; Titus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Now that line of sight was broken, Titus flew lower and closed in again on the action. Firing blind, he targeted the spellcaster

 
 Spoiler 

Move down to 30ft height and 60ft forward, to X30

Fire at Mage skeleton
 (1d20+8)[ 10 ] / (1d20+8)[ 14 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 10 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 27 ] / (1d20+8)[ 28 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 14 ] 
 
J-H
Titus blasts the fog-caster with a single hit.  It moves into the fog and attacks Sabian with a wave of force, which he endures.
 
 Spoiler: Thunderwave 

 (2d8)[ 9 ]  thunder damage, 10' pushback, Con DC 13 half.
Sabian  (1d20)[ 18 ] + (1d4)[ 2 ]  + ?
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe, Mustafa, Sabian, Cassandra 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1) 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Some might question how a bouncing sphere, conjured by a broken flask of glass, could turn around and bounce back into the fog. Some people shouldn't ask so many questions, because it doesn't matter how, really, just that it does. Chloé throws another acid flask at the same time though.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Action:  Acid Splash - doesn't require sight of target! Damage:  (2d6+4)[ 12 ] . Half acid, half radiant.
S1 Save:  (1d20)[ 14 ] +mods vs DC16 Dex
S2 Save:  (1d20)[ 12 ] +mods vs DC16 Dex

 Bonus Action:  Move the sphere, jumping over the spear, to hit W, and end in L11
 (2d6+4)[ 10 ]  fire, half as much on DC16 dex save.  (1d20)[ 2 ] +mods

Any creature that ends their turn within 5ft of the sphere makes the same save vs. the same damage.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  31/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  3/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bless
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass is somewhat grateful that one of their enemies seemed to have no issue making such noise. She hones in on the source of the thunderous boom and blasts it with fire once more.

 
 Spoiler 
Target the skeleton mage with Firebolt. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  or  (1d20+6)[ 9 ]  (disadvantage), plus Bless  (1d4)[ 4 ] , to damage:  (2d10)[ 14 ]  fire damage.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 39/50 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Suddenly the skeletons are on Sabian within the fog. He is able to defend himself against their attacks, but a blast of thunder nearly overwhelms him. He remains as unyielding as his shield, and keeps his feet. He can hear and see flashes of light in the fog where his allies are throwing magic. He aims for the skeleton directly in front of him.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Action   - Attack S1, Recklessly (Advantage cancels out Disadvantage)
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 26 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 4 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 12 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 26 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 4 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 8 ] 
  Move   - Move to J11 (Heavy Obscurement prevents OAs)
  Bonus Action   - Shove W
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 14 ] 

Ok... if my attacks kill S1, then Sabian will move to J11 and Shove W to L11.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  

Like a soldier would hustle forward and hurl a spear at the enemy troops, Mustafa advanced (30 ft) and cast a Guiding Bolt spell at one of the skeletons. (S1)

 (1d20+7)[ 24 ]  for  (4d6)[ 19 ]  radiant damage

  "Damn these cursed soldiers!"   He cried as the holy missile flew across the battlefield. Ever since his fiasco at Veros, Mustafa had developed a particular hatred for animated skeletons.
J-H
Both skeletons dodge Chloe's Acid Splash, but the Flaming Sphere overcomes the final ward cast by the stormcaller.  With its destruction, the fog fades.
Mustafa's Guiding Bolt obliterates one of the two skeletons in front of Sabian, letting him focus on and kill the other.
All of the skeletons have been reduced to scattered and burnt bones.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus landed and asked:   "Anyone badly hurt, I've got one more healing here."  
 
 Spoiler 

15 hp cure wounds, rolled in discord
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 39/50 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
The flaming sphere takes down the skeleton mage and the fog drops. Mustafa blasts the skeleton in front of Sabian into oblivion, and Sabian strikes down the last remaining undead.

  Well done everyone,   he calls out. Titus floats down, offering healing. Sabian nods,   They did something to my... bones. Felt like I was going to come apart. They wield foul magicks.  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus was happy enough to lend Sabian aid:   "Alright, a short stop to regain our strength and onward then?"  

When the majority agreed, Titus got comfortable and waited for his magical strength to reappear.

 
 Spoiler 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 50/50 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 3/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
  Thank you Titus,   Sabian says, moving his limbs around and feeling the pain has now gone after the healing magic. Sabian rummages through what is left of the creatures and finds nothing of real use to them. He sits as the others recover their magic and says to no one in particular,   Evil has truly captured these lands. They have the roads and bridges prowled by skeletons and worse, while the wilderness is choked with wolf creatures and spiders. Each town or village is just a point of light in the darkness, forced to withstand Dracula's forces on their own.  
J-H
After curing your wounds with magic, and your grumbling stomachs with food, you proceed under the light of the noon-day sun.  Shadows are close to non-existent, and it's about as bright as it gets, although the late fall sun is still dimmer and paler than you'd prefer given the circumstances.

 
 Spoiler: Perception 

Chloe  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]   DV 1 exh  (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]   DV
Titus  (1d20+3)[ 14 ]   DV
Mustafa  (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Sabian  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]   DV
 
J-H
You continue on...
 
 Spoiler: Perception 

Chloe  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]   DV 1 exh or  (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]   DV
Titus  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]   DV
Mustafa  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Sabian  (1d20+3)[ 4 ]   DV
 
J-H
A shadow passes overhead - a shadow closer to the size of a horse than a bird.  Looking up, you see four creatures, like great cats with wings, flying overheard.

 

One of them calls down in a mocking growl.   "Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide!  It's my belly you'll get inside!"   The other three roar with laughter.   "No, no:  My teeth will be red, after I eat your head!"  offers another one.  This couplet is met with more rumbling chuckles.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative, for when we get there 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 20 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 5 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 8 ]  or  (1d20+2)[ 21 ]  1 exh
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 22 ] 
Manticore 1 &amp; 3  (1d20+3)[ 18 ] 
Manticore 2 &amp; 4  (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
 

The manticores, for you recognize them, are approximately 120' overhead and slightly to the west (your left).
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  37/37  | HD:  4/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  3/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bless
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Your rhymes might be clever but you aren't very wise," Cass shouts back, clearly getting carried away, "What kind of fools expose themselves in the skies?"

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Firebolt at the closest manticore. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 20 ] , to damage:  (2d10)[ 13 ]  fire damage.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus had opened his mouth to answer, but Cassandra was quicker and now hostilities were starting:   "We need cover, they can throw their spikes."  

With no good alternative, he focused fire on the same one Cassandra had targeted and dropped prone.

 
 Spoiler 

Eldridge Blast on wounded Manticore
Dropping prone against ranged attacks

 (1d20+8)[ 25 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 14 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 14 ] 
 
J-H
Cassandra rhymes back at the manticores, and she and Titus target the one closest to the road, both hitting with all of their magical blasts (33 damage).  They dive down, parallel to your course, and whip their tails, flinging spikes back, each scoring a single hit with the bone javelins.

 
 Spoiler 

M2 vs Cassandra
Tail spike  (1d20+5)[ 8 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 5 ] 
Tail spike  (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 10 ] 
Tail spike  (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 7 ] 


M4 vs Titus
Tail spike  (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 
disadv  (1d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Tail spike  (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 10 ] 
disadv  (1d20+5)[ 25 ] 
Tail spike  (1d20+5)[ 18 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 8 ] 
disadv  (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 
 

 =&gt; Sabian 
M2 &amp; M4 are now at altitude 70'.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 50/50 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Dodge, Half-Cover 
 Rages: 3/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian gauges the distance between them and the attacking manticores. Even with his best throw, he's sure he couldn't hit them.   Into the grass!   Sabian calls out, keeping the Shield of the Unyielding between him and the manticores.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Move   - Move to waist-high grass for half-cover.
  Action   - Dodge
 
J-H
Sabian moves into the grass, and two more of the big cats fling spikes down as they circle down, turning across your path.

 
 Spoiler 

M1 vs Cassandra
 (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 8 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 8 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 5 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 10 ] 

M3 vs Titus (disadvantage, prone)
 (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
Disadvantage  (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 
Disadvantage  (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
Disadvantage  (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cassandra, Chloe, Mustafa, Titus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 22/38 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus cried out when the two spikes pierced his shoulder, where his shield didn't provide cover.
  "They are turning me into a pincushion!  

Still, he got up, fired and dropped again, next to Sabian in the grass.

 
 Spoiler 

Get up, move 15 ft to K13
Eldridge Blast on wounded Manticore
Dropping prone against ranged attacks

 (1d20+8)[ 24 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 11 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 10 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 6 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  29/37  | HD:  4/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  3/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bless
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?," Cass shouts at the manticores, with a nod to Sabian as she moves into the grass, "Your food fights back and now it's no fun?"

 
 Spoiler 
Move to N13 (AC is now 17 due to half cover).
Cast Firebolt at the same manticore as the previous turn. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] , to damage:  (2d10)[ 17 ]  fire damage.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1) 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 3/4 2nd: 1/2   

The flying manticores are still out of range of most of Chloé's concoctions, so she resolves to be of use elsewhere, quickly dousing Titus in a healing solution before ducking down into the grass.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  Adjacent to Titus, cast spell, then prone in N15
 Action:  Cure Wounds Titus  (1d8+8)[ 11 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Cassandra steps into the grass and sends a jet of flame somewhere near one of the Manticores.  Chloe heals Titus, then makes herself a smaller target next to Cassandra.  Mustafa blasts the injured Manticore with a bolt of sunlight, causing it to glow against the sky.  Titus fires more magic at it, striking the manticore and leaving it near death (1 hit/1 miss).

The injured Manticore (M4) flings spikes at Titus with a final  "pfaugh!"  while flapping its wings laboriously to gain height and move away.  The other circles down.   "Why, oh why do I come down low?  Because I know something you don't know!  My eyes up high, they do not lie!"   It flings spikes at Mustafa, peppering the cleric with javelin-like bone projectiles.
 
 Spoiler 

M4 vs Titus (prone, disadvantage)
 (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 24 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 

M2 vs Mustafa
 (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 7 ]   warding flare: reduced to a 21, no longer a crit 
 (1d20+5)[ 17 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 10 ] 
 

 =&gt;Sabian 
 (M2 is now altitude 30' in OP 10-11) 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 50/50 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Rage 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Frustrated, Sabian calls out   All those fangs, claws, and spikes, but you keep your distance like cowards. I've only got the one,   he says, holding up his spear,   and I'm not afraid to fight the lot of you!   One begins to descend lower and his allies drive another away. It circles down.  "Why, oh why do I come down low? Because I know something you don't know! My eyes up high, they do not lie!"  Sabian moves to keep the lower manticore between him and the higher two, but scans the area to find what the manticore might be referring to.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 

  Action   - Perception in response to Manticore taunt
  Perception  - (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  (If successful, Sabian will call out whatever he sees, if anything.)
  Move   - Move to where M2 is between Sabian and M1/M3 (N9?)
  Bonus Action   - Rage
 
J-H
The other two manticores circle lower.   "A tooth, a tooth, a single tooth has the snack.  Let's give him a good whack!"   They all fling their spikes at Sabian.
As Sabian glances down the road, he sees the forms of five Dire Wolves emerging from the tall grasses and rushing down the road towards the party from where they'd apparently been stealthily following.

 
 Spoiler: Spikes 

 rolled these with disadvantage, then realized Sabian isn't dodging 
M1
 (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
 or  (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  
for  (1d8+3)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 21 ] 
 or  (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  
for  (1d8+3)[ 10 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 22 ] 
 or  (1d20+5)[ 10 ]  
for  (1d8+3)[ 8 ] 

M3
 (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
 or  (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  
for  (1d8+3)[ 7 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 24 ] 
 or  (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  
for  (1d8+3)[ 4 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 
 or  (1d20+5)[ 8 ]  
for  (1d8+3)[ 4 ] 

The dire wolves dash.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

**Sabian is actually in N9
   
 

 =&gt;Cass, Chloe, Mustafa, Titus 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1) 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 3/4 2nd: 0/2   

Chloé rushes to her feet, tossing another flaming sphere flask over her shoulder as she goes. It bounces right into one of the encroaching wolves.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  Stand up, move to M12
 Action:  Flaming Sphere
 Bonus Action:  Ram it into W2, in M20.
 (1d20)[ 2 ] +mods vs DC16 Dex,  (2d6+4)[ 13 ]  fire, half on success.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
[QUOTE=Pyrophilios;26049044]      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 33/38 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

From his prone position, Titus whispered to Sabian:
  "I lend you my wings, drop these spiky kitties.  

That done, he got up, moved further north and dropped prone again in the grass.

 
 Spoiler 

Cast Fly on Sabian
Get up, move 15 ft to K13, drop prone
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 15/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  
  "Damn wolves are flanking us!"   Mustafa bellows to the others.   "I'm taking the rear! Don't let them break our formation!"  

The  vampiralgietch  claps his hands together and whispers a prayer of punishment. When he extends his hands forwards, a tiny flame is hurled from his fingertips and explodes upon impact, unleashing inferno on the direwolves.

Casting Fireball on WW1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
 (8d6)[ 23 ]  fire damage, Dex save for half
WW1  (1D20)[ 8 ] 
WW2  (1D20)[ 6 ] 
WW3  (1D20)[ 2 ] 
WW4  (1D20)[ 9 ] 
WW5  (1D20)[ 6 ] 

Move 2 squares south (just so Mustafa is closer to them than Chloe)
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  29/37  | HD:  4/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  1/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  3/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Oh great, wolves have come to play," Cass sighs, not entirely sure why she's still rhyming, "They won't intrude if I have my say."

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Fireball on the direwolves, dealing  (8d6)[ 32 ]  fire damage (DC 14 dex save for half).

W1:  (1d20)[ 18 ] 
W2:  (1d20)[ 9 ] 
W3:  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
W4:  (1d20)[ 5 ] 
W5:  (1d20)[ 15 ] 
 
J-H
Chloe creates a flaming sphere that rams into the first wolf.  Cassandra and Mustafa contribute their own balls of fire, except theirs explode detonate just after each other, leaving little of the dire wolves behind, and lighting the grass and dry grain on fire.

Titus enchants Sabian with flight.

A manticore flings spikes down at Cassandra, ascending slightly.
 "That's a lot of magic.  If you were to die now, it'd be tragic." 
 
 Spoiler 

M2
 (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 8 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 5 ] 
 


The badly injured Manticore (M4) continues to fly away.

 =&gt;Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 50/50 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Rage 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
  Wolves!   Sabian calls out as the pack of dire wolves materializes from the fields. He looks up at the manticores and back at the wolves, but Titus makes the decision making easy,  "I lend you my wings, drop these spiky kitties."  Sabian nods, as he takes flight, Chloe, Mustafa, and Cass obliterate the pack of wolves in an instant conflagration. He looks back to the nearest manticore,   Hang on Chloe, I'll give you another target!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Move   - Fly up 30ft, adjacent to M2
  Action   - Attack M2, Recklessly
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 12 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 24 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 14 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 13 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 19 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 13 ] 
  Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove M2 with Shield Master to Knock Prone
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 20 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+11)[ 31 ] 
  Manticore  - (1d20)[ 12 ] 
  Fall Damage  - (3d6)[ 13 ] 
  Move   - Fly upward another 20ft
 
J-H
Sabian stabs the manticore twice, then fouls its wings, causing it to fall to the ground (44 damage).  The other two snarl and dive towards him.   "We're supposed to be free to hunt, die little runt!" 
They bite and claw at him as they close.
 
 Spoiler 

M1, Advantage (Reckless)
Bite  (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  or   (1d20+5)[ 23 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 7 ]  piercing
Claws  (1d20+5)[ 20 ]  or   (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 4 ]  slashing
Claws  (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  or   (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 4 ]  slashing
M3, Advantage (Reckless)
Bite  (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  or   (1d20+5)[ 18 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 4 ]  piercing
Claws  (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  or   (1d20+5)[ 8 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 4 ]  slashing
Claws  (1d20+5)[ 20 ]  or   (1d20+5)[ 10 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 4 ]  slashing
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cass, Chloe, Mustafa, Titus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 33/38 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus got up and moved toward the fallen monster, but couldn't reach it in time, so he instead fired at one of the Manticores accosting Sabian.

 
 Spoiler 

Get up, move to N14
 (1d20+8)[ 28 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 12 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 22 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 9 ] 
Firing at the more damaged one - if no damage, then M3
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1) 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 3/4 2nd: 0/2   

Quietly thankfuly for the assist, she sends her bouncing ball of fire back at the fallen manticore, and follows up with a globule of shining holy acid.  
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Should be in M12 standing up, map isn't correct for her.
 Move:  None
 Bonus Action:  Ram it into M2, ending in...Q15 I think?
 (1d20)[ 12 ] +mods vs DC16 Dex,  (2d6+4)[ 10 ]  fire, half on success.
 Action:  Acid Splash M2 if it's still alive, otherwise the most injured of the remaining two.
 (1d20)[ 13 ] +mods, otherwise  (2d6+4)[ 10 ] , half radiant half acid.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  13/37  | HD:  4/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  0/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  3/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"If you thought we would just be a snack," Cass says, "You should have been more careful who you attack!'"

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Firebolt on the manticore that looks the most injured. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 22 ] , to damage:  (2d10)[ 14 ]  fire damage.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 15/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

Mustafa points his index finger to the skies and unleashes a tongue of flames at the Manticores.

Scorching Ray on M3. If it dies, (or if Cassandra killed it) aim the next ones at M1.
 (1d20+7)[ 14 ]  for  (2d6)[ 10 ]  fire damage
 (1d20+7)[ 16 ]  for  (2d6)[ 7 ]  fire damage
 (1d20+7)[ 23 ]  for  (2d6)[ 5 ]  fire damage
J-H
Cassandra shoots a ray of fire at the Manticore nearly above her, Mustafa joining in with three more fiery rays, all of which hit.  Chloe assails the downed manticore with fire as well, although it manages to roll out of the way of her acid.  Titus blasts the same one that the others have fired at.  It's badly injured and close to death.

The fire spreads...

The prone manticore rolls over and flings itself into the air, flapping away at low altitude (10') as it flings spikes behind it.   "Time to fly away, and find some easier prey!" 
 
 Spoiler: M3 

It is below 25% health.

Chloe  (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 4 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 
Titus  (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 5 ] 
 

 =&gt; Sabian 
 Altitude 60', adjacent to M3 (single digit HP), M1 (unhurt) 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 21/50 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Rage 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Suddenly Sabian feels the magic power Titus instilled in him leave, and he falls with a surprised shout. He is able to twist around and put the shield beneath him before he hits the ground, landing with a loud thud.   Titus, what happened?   he groans, standing up. He spots the manticore trying to flee and throws his spear.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 
Sabian was at 50' (flew up 30ft to knock M2 Prone, then flew up an additional 20ft)
  Fall Damage  - (5d6)[ 19 ]  Cut in half by Resistance

  Move   - Stand up
  Action   - Attack M2
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 19 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 9 ] 
If attack misses, draw Javelin and throw
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 13 ] 
  Piercing  - (1d6+7)[ 8 ] 
  Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 7 ] 
 
J-H
Sabian plunges to the ground as Titus cries out and loses concentration on his spell of flight.  He picks himself up, chasing after the low-flying manticore, and hurls his spear.  Glowing with holy light, it takes the flying cat in the side and causes it to collapse to the ground, dead.

"Now you can't fly, time to die!"  Roars one of the manticores.  The injured one flings spikes and climbs, while the other remains lower, a more tempting target.  All six spikes are aimed at Sabian.
 
 Spoiler 

M1
 (1d20+5)[ 13 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 8 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 20 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 8 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 
M3
 (1d20+5)[ 7 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 4 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 11 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 7 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 9 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 5 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cass, Chloe, Mustafa, Titus, Sabian 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 15/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  
  "You like poetry? Here's one for you!"   He called to the beasts in the sky, casting more Scorching Rays at them.   “You're going nowhere, you're done! By the light, your fate is spun!"  
 (1d20+7)[ 17 ]  for  (2d6)[ 3 ]  fire damage
 (1d20+7)[ 14 ]  for  (2d6)[ 5 ]  fire damage
 (1d20+7)[ 22 ]  for  (2d6)[ 7 ]  fire damage

(aiming at M3, then M1 if M3 falls)

Move 30 feet east.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 28/38 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus had cried out when another spike hit him. It was painful enough that he lost for a moment concentration on his spell. With painful consequences for Sabian.

 "Sorry, the damn thing hit me in the elbow. Hurts like a mother. Speaking of which, time to teach them some manners." 
Titus fired another pair of energy bolts at the fleeing monsters
 
 Spoiler 

If M1 is still alive, I'll fire at it, otherwise concentrate on M3

 (1d20+8)[ 22 ] , damage  (1d8+5)[ 7 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 21 ] , damage  (1d8+5)[ 10 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1) 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 3/4 2nd: 0/2   

With one too high, Chloé flings acid at the one that isn't.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  T14
 Action:  Acid Splash M1
 (1d20)[ 6 ] +mods,  (2d6+4)[ 9 ]  half-acid half-radiant.
 Bonus Action:  Roll the flaming sphere 30ft east. Just in case
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  13/37  | HD:  4/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  0/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  3/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"With their ambush failed, look how they flee!" Cass laughs, "They just look like scaredycats to me."

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Firebolt on the manticore that looks the most injured. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] , to damage:  (2d10)[ 14 ]  fire damage.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 21/50 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Rage 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian throws his dagger at the injured manticore, then moves to his spear, grabs it, and throws it as well. Then he falls back and hunkers down.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 5 
  Action   - Attack M1, Long Range
  Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 12 ] ,   Disadvantage  - (1d20+8)[ 22 ] 
  Piercing  - (1d4+5)[ 8 ] 
  Move   - Move to T16
  Object Interaction   - Grab Spear
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 25 ] ,   Disadvantage  - (1d20+9)[ 29 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 9 ] 
  Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 5 ] 
  Move   - Move 30ft back
 Drop Prone 
 
J-H
Cassandra's fire bolt misses.  Chloe lands some acid on the lower manticore, and her flaming sphere moves east, starting another fire in the grain.  Mustafa's 3 scorching rays kill the more wounded Manticore outright.  Titus shoots two blasts of magic that hit the remaining Manticore.  Sabian throws a dagger and misses, but scores a hit with his spear, which falls back to the ground.

The manticore launches three spikes at the closest foe, Chloe, drawing blood with one.  It flies another 50' east and up.
 
 Spoiler 

Spike  (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 9 ] 
Spike  (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 9 ] 
Spike  (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  for  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
 

 =&gt;Everyone 
Manticore height: 110'
Distance:  About 95' laterally from the road where most of the group is.

There are two 5' squares of fire from the Flaming Sphere.  There is one half-circle of flames on either side of the path; each half-circle of fire has a radius of 25'.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 21/50 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Rage 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
  The manticore is out of the reach of my spear,   Sabian calls out to the others,   I'll try and stop the fire from spreading.   He runs over to the edge of the fire and begins ripping and cutting the plants at the edge to create a barrier to the fire spreading.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 6 
Not trying to take any fire damage, so Sabian will start as close as he can get without burning.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 27/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1) 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 3/4 2nd: 0/2   

Chloé can't reach the flying creature anymore, but she could still serve as a distraction while the others could. She stomps through the crops, making herself seem a bigger target, all while taking care to watch for further attacks.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Dropping Concentration on Flaming Sphere either way, so not gonna bother with the save.
B]Move:[/B] Eastward to follow the Manticore.
 Action:  Dodge
 Bonus Action:  None
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  13/37  | HD:  4/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  0/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  3/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass tries to shoot at the fleeing manticore.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Firebolt on the fleeing manticore. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 16 ] , to damage:  (2d10)[ 13 ]  fire damage.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 28/38 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus fired a few more rays after the retreating enemy, while also hurrying back to support Sabian with clearing a part of the field before it can catch on fire as well.


 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+8)[ 23 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 14 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 26 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 14 ] 
 
J-H
The magical rays from Titus and Cassandra are enough to cause the final manticore on the battlefield to crash to the ground, dead.
dangelo
Mustafa raises his scepter into the air.   "Praised be Allah and all the Gods of Light!"   He cries at the top of his lungs.   "Do we have time to skin these cursed creatures? Their coat might make fine cloaks."  

But his attention was brought to the fire he had started with his magic. He had burned through his reserves of divine magic way too fast, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Especially after the  Vampiralgietch  had fallen in combat so many times already.   "Can we cut a ring around this fire? I don't have a sword!"  

Mustafa tries to use his magic-resistant shield to trample or smash the burning wheat stalks.
Athletics check if applicable:  (1d20+5)[ 23 ]  plus Guidance  (1d4)[ 4 ] 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 28/38 HD: 4/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions: Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus had his sword out and began hastily cutting swaths around the fire. At least there were no strong winds right now, making the rescue attempt actually possible.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 27/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1) 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 3/4 2nd: 0/2   

Considering the double danger, Chloé's surprised they weren't more injured, though they had expended a significant amount of spell resources on the fight. She turns now to the flames, and begins blasting silvery liquid as fast as possible at the worst parts, trying to keep the flames at bay while the others worked.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Prestidigitation can snuff out "a small campfire" so I'd guess she's going to spam that to help keep it at bay/work it down?

If the Decanter's blasts would be useable here, she'll also expend one of those.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Between smothering the fire, snuffing the flames with repeated casts of  Prestidigitation , and cutting some firebreaks, you manage to get it under control fairly quickly.  The smell of a grass fire is harsher and more acrid than that of woodsmoke, a fact you all become aware of as your clothing and hair acquires the odor.

It's around 2pm, and you've been traveling for about 6 hours, and the humidity has been increasing slightly over the last hour or so.  You are close to the edge of Cieresor Swamp.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 32/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus slapped himself on the forehead for not thinking about dousing the flames with his own cantrip. Still, now that he thought of it, he made sure to clean his gear of the smoke smell as well as that of his companions.

Cassandra looked the worst for wear, so he invested his remaining energy into healing her.

 "I could do with a little rest, before we are heading into the swamp." 
 
 Spoiler 

spend 1 hd for 4 hp back
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 39/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Rage 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian and the others find a spot to rest, and he dozes off for a bit.

 
 Spoiler: Short Rest 
Spend 2 HD, rolled in Discord, for 18hp healed.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1) 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 3/4 2nd: 0/2   

Chloé would much rather not stop into the swamp at all! But she will. Once she takes a brief breather.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 


Two HD expended for  6  total, 33/38.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
After taking the time to rest and heal your injuries, you continue heading north.  The cultivated fields trail off as the ground dips and becomes more moist, and trees become more and more common.  Within the next hour, you are within what you recognize as the bounds of Cieresor Swamp.

If the land upon which Cieresor swamp sits was dry, the terrain would be described as rolling hills, but it is instead very, very wet.  Hilltops form solid islands among waters ranging from a foot or two deep to twenty feet or more in depth.  The waterlines are crowded with reeds and aquatic plants.  The dry patches are thick with hardwood trees, many bearing nuts, and with their foliage now red and yellow as autumn has arrived.  The water is still warm enough that fish, frogs, and all sorts of insects are active and about.

The road - or perhaps better put, the path - runs from dry place to dry place rather than in a straight line.  When crossing the water, the road is typically a simple set of planks laid across a pair of beams, often supported by pillars driven down into the muck.  Your boots get wet pretty swiftly, as the road surface is a couple of inches underwater in a number of places.  If your footwear isn't waterproof, your socks or footwraps are soaked and squishing with every step as well.

Still, you don't see anything threatening, and about an hour before sunset, need to make the decision to push on or not.  You have traveled for 8 hours today.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 33/38 (3/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Exhaustion (1) 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 3/4 2nd: 0/2   
 "Night travel in the swamp sounds like a fast way to end up in a sinkhole or much,  much  worse."  Chloé says quietly.  "We should dedicate what light we have left to finding a defensible place to rest for the evening." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
You find a dry hill and camp for the night.  It's warm enough that the bugs make plenty of noise, and there are also splashes and plops and creaks, and the sound of the wind.  The air has a heavy feeling from the humidity, and smells of life and decay at the same time - the smells of the swamp.

The road curves around the top of the little hill you're on, avoiding the extra work of climbing too high.  The edges of the hill are muddy near the water, and there are plenty of trees, plus some undergrowth - especially around the edges.  You place two hunting traps and 15 bags of caltrops in likely approach points, including along the road.

 
 Spoiler: DM rolls 

Chloe long rest vs DC 15
 (1d20)[ 14 ]  + con mod  success 
Everyone else is still finishing their sleep.

Chloe Perception
Chloe  (1d20+3)[ 11 ]   DV
 Maybe still exhausted?  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]  
 
 Spoiler: don't look 

sneaky sneaky
D  (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
I  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] 
1  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
2  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
 Initiative 
Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 13 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 22 ]   or  (1d20+2)[ 19 ]  1 exh? 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 

D  (1d20+6)[ 25 ] 
I  (1d20+3)[ 15 ] 
1  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 
2  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] 
 

 
J-H
Chloe hears a thud and a muffled yelp, but can't see anything.  Whatever happened must have been blocked by vegetation, or out of range of darkvision, but the voice sounded almost familiar.
 =&gt;Chloe 
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

The noise sounding familiar was a concern, but she wagered it was more likely a deception than someone following behind them. She tosses a fire flask in its direction to give her some extra illumination. She's not quite ready to rouse the sleepers from their rest. Not yet. It could still be nothing.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action : Create Bonfire in an empty square that she can see, in the direction of the noise.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
The magical flame Chloe creates (O22) illuminates a figure standing up from within some bushes (O25).  The figure looks to be between five and five and a half feet tall, and is wearing some kind of robes.  Its eyes reflect the light with a reddish shine... (Chloe's move action &amp; BA remain).
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

Chloé stands her ground, and though she calls out to the man she makes no other movement to wake the others. Not yet.  "Stay where you are! Who are you? Why are you following us?" 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

No more actions, other than speaking.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 32/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus awoke and looked around groggily, not sure if he had dreamed or if Cloé had really called out. Very carefully, he got up and pulled the straps on his cuirass closed, while his silver sword materialized in his hand.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 39/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Rage 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian seems to stir at the commotion, but turns on his side, pulling his foot under the blanket and remaining fast asleep.

 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 

Reminds me of that time in Firefly when the spaceship is taken over by a bounty hunter while everyone else is asleep, and Simon, the doctor and a non-combatant, tries heroically to defeat the bounty hunter by himself and save his little sister from being taken. Obviously the fight is not going in his favor and he's been shot. The commotion wakes up Jayne, the big hired gun on the team. He quickly pulls the blanket down off the wall, revealing his rack of many guns... and promptly pulls it over himself and falls right back to sleep lol.

 
 
J-H
Chloe calls out, waking Titus.  The figure walks forward, up to the bonfire and around it.  You see a bloodstained orange robe... she's short, and has her hair loose instead of tied back in a bun. Her skin is still dark, but her lips look much darker.
   
It's Irene.

 "Oh, hi there Chloe.  We had to come a long way to find you.  Did you know I don't have to worry about the wards any more?  I just do what I'm told and I get to go to new places and eat new people." 
Her form becomes indistinct as she  Blur s.

 =&gt;Mustafa &amp; Sabian are asleep.  Cassandra is trancing and presumably aware and is now up. 
Irene is in O21.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  15  | HP:  37/37  | HD:  4/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  3/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  0/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  3/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Hey there, Irene," Cass says, solemnly, as she stands beside Chloe, her hand resting on the Vampire Killer, "It's been a bit rough going, huh?"

After a moment of silence, Cass bows. This hurts. Everything else, Cass could deal with. The wolves, the skeletons, the death, but this? Dracula was just  toying  with them. She'd make him suffer for that. Dracula doesn't know the meaning of pain yet. "...I'm sorry you didn't make it out safely."

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Earthen Grasp on Irene. DC 14 strength save or restrained ( (1d20)[ 12 ]  plus mods). Irene may use her action to attempt to break free.
 
J-H
Irene puts her hands out, visibly struggling to hold the earthen hand open long enough to slip out of it - but she succeeds.
 =&gt; Titus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 32/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

When Titus stood up, he didn't bother to be silent. Instead he called out   "Vampire attack! ancestors preserve us."  

At once radiant spirits began to dance around him, filling the air with their deadly and deathly presence.

Not enough with that,he fired two rays of power at the intruder

 
 Spoiler 

Get up and move to L12
Cast spirit shroud as a bonus action (radiant damage)
 
 Spoiler: spirit shroud  


Spirit Shroud
TCE
p108
3rd-level necromancy
Casting Time: 1 bonus action
Range: Self
Components: V, S
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You call forth spirits of the dead, which flit around you for the spell's duration. The spirits are intangible and invulnerable.

Until the spell ends, any attack you make deals 1d8 extra damage when you hit a creature within 10 feet of you. This damage is radiant, necrotic, or cold (your choice when you cast the spell). Any creature that takes this damage can't regain hit points until the start of your next turn.

In addition, any creature of your choice that you can see that starts its turn within 10 feet of you has its speed reduced by 10 feet until the start of your next turn.
 

Cast Eldridge Blast at vampire
 (1d20+8)[ 18 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 7 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 20 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 6 ] 
 
J-H
Titus scores a hit with one blast of magic, but the other one passes through the illusionary double created by Irene's blur spell.

 "No respect for their betters?  Let's teach these kids a lesson."   A sharp female voice calls out, although you're not sure where from.
 
 Spoiler: Perception 15 

You're pretty sure it's Dana Ciora's voice... the guard captain from the order.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map update 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

She had given up everyone in the order for dead, and she supposed that...Irene was. A monster now. Regrettable. The most she could do now was put her down, so that she couldn't harm anyone else.  "I am sorry we couldn't save you."  Chloé says quietly.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  To N15, cast+bonus action, and then back again. No net change in position.
 Action:  Create Bonfire on Irene.  (1d20)[ 10 ] +Dex vs. D16 or  (2d6+4)[ 14 ]  fire.
 Bonus Action:  Homunculus Force Strike.  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] ,  (1d4+3)[ 4 ]  force damage.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Irene fails to dodge the bonfire, and gives a cry as it burns her... but retains concentration on her Blur spell.

 "That's not  funny! "  comes a male voice.  Four daggers come flying from the direction of the road, revealing the position of a thin elven man with fangs showing.  By his over-the-top clothes, he was probably one of the pair of brothers juggling and acting as entertainment back at the feast.
 
 Spoiler: Dagger Toss 

Two daggers at Chloe, two at Cassandra.  Disadvantage due to range.
Chloe
 (1d20+7)[ 22 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 23 ]  for  (1d4+4)[ 7 ]  piercing damage
 (1d20+7)[ 19 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 19 ]  for  (1d4+4)[ 6 ]  piercing damage

Cassandra
 (1d20+7)[ 11 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 9 ]  for  (1d4+4)[ 8 ]  piercing damage
 (1d20+7)[ 23 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 22 ]  for  (1d4+4)[ 5 ]  piercing damage
 


Irene moves closer, out of the bonfire and past the earthen hand, as her wounds close some.  She incants a spell, and a fireball detonates among the group.
 
 Spoiler: Fireball 

 (8d6)[ 20 ]  fire damage, Dex DC 14 half
Cassandra  (1d20)[ 10 ] +? and Concentration check
Sabian   (1d20)[ 17 ]  or   (1d20)[ 7 ]  + ?
Titus   (1d20)[ 3 ] +? and Concentration check
Mustafa   (1d20)[ 16 ] +?
Chloe   (1d20)[ 18 ] +? and Concentration check
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Sabian, Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  18  | HP:  22/37  | HD:  4/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/4  | 2nd:  2/3  | 3rd:  0/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

The blast of flame knocks Cass back but not before she's able to lessen the blow, but the earthen fist crumbles all the same.

"The only thing funny here is the oh-so powerful vampires skulking about in the shadows," Cass says defiantly, "The Irene I remember wasn't as much of a coward as you."

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Absorb Elements as a reaction.

Bonus action Bladesong (AC is now 18).

Cast Firebolt at Irene. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 15 ] , to damage:  (2d10)[ 10 ]  fire damage.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Rage 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
A sudden call jolts Sabian from his sleep; it's Titus,   Vampire attack! ancestors preserve us!   Sabian's eyes open in time to see the glowing orb of heat and fire approaching. With no time to move, he grabs the Shield of the Unyielding, never far from his reach, and covers himself as the magical fireball washes over the party. Leaping to his feet, he sees the party facing southward, and referring to Irene. Sabian dons the shield and grabs his spear, and moves past the others, leaping over the underbrush and taking cover behind a tree,   Irene! Who told you where to find us?   he calls out.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Move   - Stand up (4 squares)
  Action   - Don Shield of the Unyielding
  Object Interaction   - Grab Spear
  Move   - Move to K11, Jump over J12 into I13, Move to J14 (4 squares)
  Bonus Action   - Rage
 
dangelo
Mustafa gets up from Prone and moves ahead of the group, donning his fire-resistant shield. (Action)
Movement: South through allies (difficult terrain) as further as possible
Current AC: 12
J-H
Mustafa moves south.  Sabian follows just behind him.  Cassandra launches a firebolt, which Irene blocks with a hastily conjured  Shield .
 =&gt;Titus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 12/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus screamed as the fireball engulfed him, losing the connection to the ancestors.
Still, he was somewhat alive and would try to keep it that way. So he conjured radiant celestial fire at their former friend, before diving for cover from another fireball.


 
 Spoiler 


Sacred flame on Irina

 (2d8)[ 6 ]  radiant damage

Dex save  (1d20)[ 8 ] +x vs DC 16

Move to cover at G8
 
J-H
Irene yells as the flames engulf her for a moment; she loses concentration on her Blur spell.   There's movement to the east, and the clack of a trap shutting.
   
 "How many traps did you set out?  Well, it won't help!" 
It's Captain Ciora... and she just stepped on one of the traps.  She still has her armor, and her pair of short swords... and you know she's got to be quite good with them.
 
 Spoiler 

 (1d4)[ 2 ]  initial damage
Str check  (1d20+3)[ 4 ]  vs DC 13.
 

Captain Dana Ciora is in O11, just around the tree from Chloe.
 =&gt; Chloe 
Amnestic
]      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 15/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Heat Metal 
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Dual pain of scorch and steel don't stop Chloé from dousing the newly arrived Ciora in a scorching liquid of her own, one that sets her armour ablaze.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Action:  Heat Metal on Ciora's armour  (2d8+4)[ 14 ]  fire damage. Consave unnecessary since she can't drop her armour.
 Bonus Action:  Force Strike Ciora  (1d20+7)[ 12 ]  (1d20+7)[ 8 ]   Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
The metal of the trap rapidly becomes red-hot as she tries to pull it apart (14 damage).

The entertainer moves closer.  "We're doing it openly now?  Fine, but let's... stack the deck!"  He casts a spell (from Q13), and an aura of unluck falls over Cassandra and Chloe, then he moves out of sight.
 
 Spoiler 

Bane, Cha DC 14 or -1d4 to attack rolls and saves until spell ends; Concentation)
Chloe  (1d20)[ 1 ] +?
Cassandra  (1d20)[ 2 ] +?
BA hide  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Passive Perception 12+ 

E1 is in Q12
 


Irene moves closer, looking gaunt and hungry.  She points at Titus, and three purple bolts of magic fly unerringly at him.  (Magic Missile  (1d4+1)[ 5 ]  x 3).
 
 Spoiler: Insight DC 15 

Good chance she's going to melee next turn and try to bite.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Sabian, Cassandra, Titus 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  18  | HP:  22/37  | HD:  4/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  2/4  | 2nd:  2/3  | 3rd:  0/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Dracula may have taken you from us, but we'll beat him out of you if we have to!" Cass says, closing the gap to Irene, "Sabian, on me!"

 
 Spoiler 
Move to M15.
Cast Booming Blade vs Irene (w/ Vampire Killer). To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 22 ]  minus  (1d4)[ 4 ]  (bane), to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack is successful, deal an additional  (1d8)[ 4 ]  force damage and push Irene to O15. If Irene moves before Cassandra's next turn she takes another  (2d8)[ 14 ]  force damage.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

Mustafa struggled to keep his hands from shaking. He could bear killing a thousand men if he was fighting for his honor, for his family, for the Gods of Light... But these had been his betters, members of the Belmonte Order and his shield-brothers and shield-sisters by right. The  Vampiralgietch  was taken back to a particularly hot summer he had spent in the headquarters, just half a man grown, visiting from Constantinople with his numerous household of vampire killers. He had met other fighters of the Order that summer, Captain Ciora, Titus and Sabian among them. How could he raise his hand to any of them?

There was no answer to this question, Mustafa knew. He meant to lament and protest, yet a battle was upon them. As the last remnants of the Belmonte Order, it was their duty to fight. His soldier instincts kicked in, but the pain remained in his gut, a sharp stab of guilt and grief.   "I am sorry, masters."   He cried, tears sprouting from his eyes and running down his bearded face.   "I am sorry we must turn you to ashes!"  

Mustafa raises his moon-and-star scepter above his head. It casts a golden light upon Cassandra, Chloe, Sabian and Titus.   "Gods, let this be quick."   He begged.

Upcast  Bless  (2nd level) slot: Cassandra, Chloe, Sabian, Titus
Movement: H12 (difficult terrain to move through Sabian's square)
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Rage 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Mustafa turns to Sabian and tells him Titus is down and he has to go to him. Before he does, the Vampiralgietch blesses them all with a holy prayer. Sabian peeks around the tree to see that the vampire was indeed Irine, and she had moved closer to the group. There's another spawn that looks familiar behind a tree near the group and Sabian calls it out,   Chloe! Another spawn between the tree and the footpath!   He then charges for Irene with spear and shield, his Skellegue fury driving him forward,   How did you know where to find us!  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Move   - Move to M15
  Action   - Attack Irene, Recklessly
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 12 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 18 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 2 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 9 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 29 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 20 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 1 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 12 ] 
  Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove Irene Prone
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 13 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+11)[ 20 ] 
 
J-H
Mustafa invokes his spell over everyone but himself.  Sabian charges forwards, stabbing Irene twice.  She doesn't bleed like a living person would.  He slams his shield forward, but finds that she's stronger than she was as a living being, and is able to resist being knocked down.  Cassandra follows him in, knocking Irene back and pinning her with magical energy.

Titus makes a death save, having been blasted to unconsciousness by Irene's  Magic Missiles .

Dana attempts to free herself from the trap.  She fails.
 
 Spoiler 

Strength check  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  vs DC 13, take 1 damage on a failed attempt.
 

 =&gt;Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 15/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Heat Metal 
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Chloé carefully takes stock of positions, angles, and does something very silly: She runs towards Irene and unleashes a burst of holy water from her decanter, drenching two of their foes in the process.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Bonus Action:  Heat Metal on the trap  (2d6+4)[ 10 ]  fire damage.
 Move:  M16
 Action:  Decanter Blast (Line). DC15 dex,  (3d6)[ 11 ]  radiant, half on save.
I: (1d20)[ 11 ] 
D:  (1d20)[ 20 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Irene disintegrates under the spray of holy water, which also slightly damages the gaudily-dressed vampire beyond her.  The creature snarls, then dashes to Cassandra, attacking her.  She blocks it with a magical shield.   "Fine, next time I'll tell you a joke before we dance,"  he says.
 
 Spoiler 

Claws  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] , if hit, grapple instead of dealing damage.  shield 
If not,
Claws  (1d20+7)[ 15 ]  again for  (2d4+4)[ 10 ]  damage  miss 
If grappled,
 Bite  (1d20+7)[ 27 ]  for  (1d6+4)[ 5 ]  piercing and  (2d6)[ 11 ]  necrotic damage.  The target's hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken, and the vampire regains hit points equal to that amount. The reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Sabian, Cassandra 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Rage 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Irene falls under Chloe's holy water, but the other spawn comes out of hiding and nearly grabs Cass. Captain Dana is still caught in the burning trap. Sabian moves forward and stabs at the entertainer, trying to push him back off of Cass.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Move   - Move to L14
  Action   - Attack Entertainer, Recklessly
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 13 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 19 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 1 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 14 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 23 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 21 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 1 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 13 ] 
  Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 7 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove Entertainer to M12
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 24 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+11)[ 31 ] 
  Move   - Move to K12 if Shove is successful, otherwise stay in place
 
Infernally Clay
[QUOTE=Infernally Clay;26054329]      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  18  | HP:  22/37  | HD:  4/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  1/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  0/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bless, Bane (?)
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"A joke? We had enough of  those  from the from the rhyming cats," Cass sighs, "I'm starting to think becoming Dracula's bitch is the biggest joke of all."

 
 Spoiler 
Move to M13.

Cast Booming Blade on E1. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 22 ]  plus  (1d4)[ 4 ]  (if he fails his concentration save to maintain Bane), to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack is successful, deal an additional  (1d8)[ 5 ]  thunder damage, push the target to M11 and if the target moves before Cassandra's next turn they take another  (2d8)[ 9 ]  thunder damage.

Move to H8, avoiding squares adjacent to E1 of course.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 28/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

Mustafa raises his scepter again, but this time the light is much stronger than a mere glow. He casts Daylight on Sabian's shield.

Movement: Remain close to Titus to heal him back next round
J-H
Mustafa casts  Daylight  next to Sabian, illuminating most of the island in bright daylight.  Sabian stabs the juggler twice, shoving it back.  Cassandra follows up with a thunderous hit, and the anti-luck effects of the Bane spell go away.

The other entertainer who had been sneaking up the west side of the island throws his daggers at Mustafa and then jumps into the water with a snarl as the sunlight burns him.  You can hear him swim away.
 
 Spoiler 

E2, disadvantage from Daylight.
Dagger toss 1
 (1d20+7)[ 10 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 13 ]  for  (1d4+4)[ 5 ] 
 (1d20+7)[ 27 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 23 ]  for  (1d4+4)[ 7 ] 
Dagger toss 2
 (1d20+7)[ 12 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 27 ]  for  (1d4+4)[ 8 ] 
 (1d20+7)[ 17 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 12 ]  for  (1d4+4)[ 8 ] 
 


Titus makes a Death save.
Captain Ciora tries to free herself from the trap again.
 
 Spoiler 

20 damage from sunlight.
Disadvantage on ability checks  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  or   (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  vs DC 13, 1 damage on a failure
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 15/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Heat Metal 
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

With Mustafar heading towards Titus, Chloé deploys her decanter again, repositioning to blast them with yet another line of holy water, that steams up against Ciora's burning leg.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Bonus Action:  Heat Metal on the trap  (2d6+4)[ 13 ]  fire damage.
 Move:  K11
 Action:  Decanter Blast (Line). DC15 dex,  (3d6)[ 10 ]  radiant, half on save.
E1:  (1d20)[ 20 ] 
D: (1d20)[ 7 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
 "I wanted to tell a joke, but now you've lightened up too much!  Goodbye Captain my... you were never my captain!"   He runs off, taking damage from Booming Blade.  Chloe finds this incredibly funny for some reason and collapses to the ground laughing.
 
 Spoiler: Hideous Laughter 

C, 30’, Wis or prone &amp; incapacitated; save at end of each turn and each time it takes damage)
Chloe Wis save  (1d20)[ 5 ] +??

Hide  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa (concentration checks from dagger toss? damage?, Sabian, Cassandra, Titus 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Rage 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Thinking it dangerous to give chase to the other vampires and leave the circle of holy light Mustafa called down, Sabian confronts the captain, still trapped and burning from both the light and Chloe's alchemical weapons,   How quickly the hunters have become the hunted.  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 
  Move   -  Move to N-11
  Action   - Attack Captain, Recklessly
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 12 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 22 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 11 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 11 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 15 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 9 ] 
  Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 
  Move   - Move to N9

Knocking her Prone might interfere with other attacks, and I don't want to push her and potentially break the chain. So will not Shove this turn.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 12 HP: 5/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

The moon-and-star glows again, this time with a bright white light, so white it looks almost blue.   "We press on, brother!"   Mustafa says as he heals Titus.

Cure Wounds  (1d8+4)[ 10 ] 

He feels the magica energy vanishing from his muscles. From now on, Mustafa would have to rely on his simpler spells to get the work done.

Movement: Take cover from potential knife throws behind a tree bark
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  18  | HP:  22/37  | HD:  4/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  1/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  0/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bless
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Seems you're all on your own now, captain," Cass says as she stands beside Sabian, "I had hoped you of all people might have survived the attack, but I guess it really was a miracle we were able to escape with our lives..."

After a brief moment of contemplation, she just sighs. "We'll avenge you. We'll avenge everyone. If there's any part of the woman we once knew still inside there somewhere, give us something we can use... something to make Dracula pay for what he has done."
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 10/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus awoke with a start. Disoriented for a moment he looked around until he saw the remaining vampire spawn and fired lances of energy at it, before taking cover behind a tree again.

 
 Spoiler 

Move to J10
Fire at Dana
 (1d20+8)[ 11 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 23 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 13 ] 

Move to H11
 
J-H
Mustafa heals Titus.  Sabian moves up and stabs Dana, although she parries away some of the damage (hit for 17, reduced by  (1d8+6)[ 11 ]  as a reaction).  He steps away while she recovers from her parry.  Cassandra circles around and speaks to the Captain, but sees only a mad hunger in response.  She's been badly injured, and that makes vampires hungrier...especially young ones.

Titus fires two bolts of magic, striking her with one (hit for 13).
J-H
She lunges towards Sabian, jerking the chain straight as she gets just close enough to reach him, but collapses from the burning daylight.  It's too much.  Her flesh begins to smoke, and she disintegrates under holy light.
J-H
Irene wasn't carrying a spellbook, just a basic wand.  If she had better gear, it was left behind, or perhaps taken by another.  Captain Ciora was still wearing her Studded Leather +1, and carrying a pair of +1 short swords.
dangelo
Mustafa kneels by the ashes, tear rolling down his face. His hands hand limpy on his lap, his mithral scepter rolling away on the ground.   "Our masters died that night."   He told the others and himself.   "When Dracula turned them into his Spawns, they died. These were but their shells, cursed and deformed and wicked copies. They had their faces, but not their valor. A man is nothing if not his duty. Why do I still cry, then? Why does it rip my heart do spread their ashes?"   He let his head hang against his chest.

He produces a leather satchel and collects a handful of their mixed ashes. From now on, Mustafa will carry them as a reminder of everything they have lost, of how much the Enemy has taken from these innocent people, and the stakes of their crusade.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian squeezes Mustafa's shoulder as the priest gathers the ashes up. He does his best to push thoughts of his abuelita being turned to some form of undead, and says to the others,   Adrian didn't know that we would pursue this quest, he only told us to grab the weapons and flee. If he has been turned, he would have told them that we have these relics and they would know we escaped. After that pack of wolves, and now Irene and the Captain, we have to assume we're being spied on and tracked somehow.  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 10/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 6/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted  
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus nodded to Cloé:  "Thank god you were awake. Here, let me fix that cut." 

He touched her shoulder and sent the remaining energy into her body, before yawning

 "Sorry, I need to lie down again. I'm even more tired than before going to bed." 
 
 Spoiler 

Cure Wounds

 (3d8+5)[ 14 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
 
 Spoiler 

Forgot about healing light:

 (1d6)[ 2 ] 
 (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 (1d6)[ 2 ] 
 (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 (1d6)[ 2 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  18  | HP:  22/37  | HD:  4/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  1/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  0/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bless
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

With a little magic, Cass cleans the armour the former captain once wore before folding it up neatly. She determined she would wear the armour in memory of their fallen ally.

"You think we're being spied on? You think  he's  watching us even now?" Cass says to Sabian before looking up at the night sky and shouting out "WE'RE COMING FOR YOU DRACULA! WE'LL NEVER STOP! SEND YOUR WORST! THEY'LL JUST BE WAITING IN HELL FOR YOU TO JOIN THEM!"
dangelo
Mustafa appreciates that Sabia turned to more urgent matters; Tears would win them nothing. Only blood would. He forced himself to get up, retrieving the holy symbol that had belong to his ancestors and used to fight Dracula a hundred years ago, and trusted to the Order to be kept safe through the ages.

He truly snaps out of when Cassandra raises her voice. Despite the mix of tears and mud that covered him, Mustafa found it in himself to smile. Raising his scepter in the air, he casts Thaumaturgy to make her voice boom three times louder than normal.

  "Now, I believe we should move. This light will draw the attention of the entire swamp."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian looks around,   We're not in any shape to travel through the swamp now in the dark.   He looks to Titus who is already yawning since the adrenaline has worn off, and he looks at Mustafa, who was nearly killed by the spawn that was lying in wait,   We're all pretty banged up. Besides, the spell will help illuminate any other ambushers before they reach us, and we have the hilltop defended with caltrops and hunting traps. I say we take our chances here, and get moving as soon as we're fit to.  
dangelo
  "I guess I'm just paranoid."   Mustafa admits.   "I had never considered how being ambushed could hurt a man's spirit. You are right, Sabian. My idea was of a craven. Of course we must stay under the light."  

He kneels besides whatever remains of the ashes, faces the general direction to the east, and produces a book of prayers and a  tespih  from his satchel.   "I will pray until the light is dispelled in about an hour. I will be available to take a watch afterwards."  

For the next hour, Mustafa recites a variation of  dhikr  in worship to Allah and all the Gods of Light.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 29/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Healing (Exp.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Chloé quietly nods in thanks for the healing magic. They'd said what she was thinking: that the fallen remnants of the Order had been hunting them, and quite directly too, given how fast they'd caught up. She forces herself to burn the bodies left behind after they'd been stripped. It was a poor grave for ones that had served so long, but she couldn't afford anything else.  "Roaming the swamp at night won't go well. Even if they know where we are now, better than being set upon by...whatever's out there at night." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
The last couple of hours of the night pass with sleep that is lesser and lighter, but when the sun rises, you are ready to continue on your travels...
 
 Spoiler: Con saves 

Cassandra  (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Titus (1d20+2)[ 8 ]   fail 
Mustafa  (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Sabian  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]   fail 
 
J-H
You cautiously make your way through the swamp.

 
 Spoiler 

**Perception mods**
Chloe  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]   DV
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 19 ]   DV
Titus  (1d20+3)[ 15 ]   DV
Mustafa  (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 
Sabian  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]   DV

**Initiative**
Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 14 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 10 ]   3 with exh 
Odds  (1d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Evens  (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 
 


Cassandra is the first one to notice the dark spots in the trees as she looks up.
 
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  16  | HP:  37/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  3/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Of course it would have to be giant spiders," Cass says quietly, "Perhaps I'll write a guidebook called  Horrible Monsters And Where To Find Them ."

Still, the path is forward and the spiders are in the way. The Vampire Killer hums to life like an engine ready to roar and a blast of flame is sent towards the nearest spider.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Firebolt vs S4. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 10 ] , to damage:  (2d10)[ 8 ]  fire damage.

Move to M21.
 
J-H
Cassandra's Firebolt misses.  The spiders crawl and hop closer through the branches, using their back legs to fling nets of webbing at Sabian, Cassandra, and Titus before climbing back up into the trees.  The webbing traps Cassandra, but Sabian and Titus are able to dodge or cut their way out of it.
 
 Spoiler 

S1 Cass
 (1d20+6)[ 18 ] 

S3 Titus
 (1d20+6)[ 8 ] 

S5 Sabian
 (1d20+6)[ 11 ] 

On a hit:
The target is restrained by webbing. As an action, the restrained target can make a DC 12 Strength check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage).
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Mustafa 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
  Backup!   Sabian rushes back to Cass and throws his spear at the spider above her, then draws his dagger and tries to cut her free.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Move   - Move to N21
  Action   - Attack S1, Attaack Web
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 18 ] ,   Disadvantage  - (1d20+9)[ 11 ]  (Long Range on Spear)
  Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 9 ] 
  Object Interaction   - Draw Dagger
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 16 ]  (Vs Web)
  Piercing  - (1d4+5)[ 6 ] 
  Move   - Move to O22
 
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;26054773]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  

Move to O-18
Action: Dodge*

  "Come at me!"   Mustafa bashes his scepter against his shield, bellowing at the many spiders.   "Give me your worst!"  

Intimidation roll, if applicable at all:  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 

*Edit: Meant Dodge, not Dash.
J-H
Sabian's hurled spear misses the spider and falls in the bushes.  He slices the webbing off of Cassandra.  Mustafa dodges, daring the spiders to attack him.
They oblige, flinging webs at him, and he is enmeshed in a sticky net of grey webbing.
 
 Spoiler 

S2
 (1d20+6)[ 21 ]  or  (1d20+6)[ 20 ]   hit! 

S4
 (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  or  (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 

On a hit:
The target is restrained by webbing. As an action, the restrained target can make a DC 12 Strength check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage).
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe, Titus, Cassandra 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 21/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted, fly 
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus felt awful - he knew he was not at his best right now and he couldn't afford to fall again. So he took the cowardly option, called his wings and made sure to gain some distance to the action, before engaging at range.

 
 Spoiler 

Cast fly, retreat 60ft back and up to a theoretical P31
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 29/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Chloé shifts, firing off a minor strike at the webs while tossing acid at one of the nearest spiders.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  N20
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike on the restraining webs - attack roll 26, damage roll 7 force, rolled in discord.
 Action:   Acid Splash S1  (1d20)[ 20 ] +Dex vs. DC16,  (2d6+4)[ 15 ]  acid.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  16  | HP:  37/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  3/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

With a quick nod of gratitude to Sabian, Cass fires back at the spiders.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Firebolt vs S4. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] , to damage:  (2d10)[ 11 ]  fire damage.

Move to S24.
 
J-H
Chloe's homunculus cuts Mustafa free, but her acid only splashes on a tree limb, causing it to fall to the ground with a crash.   Titus flies up and back.  Cassandra doesn't have much better luck, her fire bolt being intercepted by a tree limb.

Perhaps mistaking him for a giant, succulent fly, one of the spiders moves to the edge of the island and throws a web at the flying Titus.
 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+6)[ 13 ] 
On a hit:
The target is restrained by webbing. As an action, the restrained target can make a DC 12 Strength check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage).
 

The other two cautiously descend lower (S3, S5 dodging)
 
 Spoiler: Map 
 

 =&gt;Sabian, Mustafa 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  
   "Thanks, Chloe!"    Mustafa cries over his shoulder, without ever taking his eyes from the numerous spiders around him.    "Creatures of the night, prepare to be judged! For all that is good in this world, I smite thee!"   

Channel Divinity: Radiance of the Dawn  (2d10+5)[ 15 ] 
Constitution save for half damage
S2  (1d20)[ 16 ] 
S3  (1d20)[ 2 ] 
S4  (1d20)[ 2 ] 
S5  (1d20)[ 18 ] 

Move to N-14
Drop Prone

Channel Divinity: Radiance of the Dawn
 
 Spoiler 
Starting at 2nd level, you can use your Channel Divinity to harness sunlight, banishing darkness and dealing radiant damage to your foes.

As an action, you present your holy symbol, and any magical darkness within 30 feet of you is dispelled. Additionally, each hostile creature within 30 feet of you must make a Constitution saving throw. A creature takes radiant damage equal to 2d10 + your cleric level on a failed saving throw, and half as much damage on a successful one. A creature that has total cover from you is not affected.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
  Titus, one on you!   Sabian flips the dagger in his hand for a throw, moves up to Mustafa's position, and throws the knife at one of the spiders hit by the Vampiralgietch's holy light. He then recovers his spear and returns back to Mustafa and throws the spear as well.   I'm not sure how far these spiders will move from their webs, maybe we should just run for it!   Sabian says to the others.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Move   - Move to O19
  Action   - Attack S3 (Disadvantage)
  Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 16 ] ,   Disadvantage  - (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
  Piercing  - (1d4+5)[ 9 ] 
  Move   - Move to M21 (jump over Difficult Terrain)
  Object Interaction   - Retrieve Spear
  Move   - Jump back to O19, Move to P19
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 20 ] ,   Disadvantage  - (1d20+9)[ 21 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 11 ] 
 
J-H
Sabian's second hurl of his spear catches one of the spiders, injuring it.  It chitters at him.
Mustafa's holy symbol erupts in light, burning four of the spiders.  He moves down the road and drops prone.
Two of the spiders, seeing one of their prey apparently fallen over, climb down to attack him.
 
 Spoiler 

S2 &amp; S4 descend. Advantage from prone.

S2  (1d20+6)[ 11 ]  or  (1d20+6)[ 15 ] 
Damage  (1d8+3)[ 7 ]  piercing damage
+  (2d8)[ 5 ]  poison damage, Con DC 11 half. Mustafa Con save  (1d20)[ 2 ] +?


S4  (1d20+6)[ 16 ]  or  (1d20+6)[ 23 ] 
Damage  (1d8+3)[ 8 ]  piercing damage
+  (2d8)[ 7 ]  poison damage, Con DC 11 half. Mustafa Con save  (1d20)[ 8 ] +?
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

 
 

 =&gt;Chloe, Titus, Cassandra 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 29/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Chloé tosses a fire flask under the nearest spider, and repositions.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Should be in N20.
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike on S4.  (1d20+7)[ 27 ]   (1d4+3)[ 7 ] 
 Action:   Create Bonfire under S4.  (1d20)[ 9 ] +mods vs. DC16,  (2d6+4)[ 7 ]  on failed save.
 Move:  Move to Q17.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 21/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted, fly 
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus climbed another 60ft so he was sure to be out of range of the webs, before opening fire at the spiders attacking Mustafa

 
 Spoiler 

Climb to 120ft, attack S4
 (1d20+8)[ 13 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 8 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 20 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 7 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  19  | HP:  37/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass charges forward to help Mustafar out, the Vampire Killer assailing one of the spiders and pushing it back.

 
 Spoiler 
Activate Bladesong (AC becomes 19) and move to P16.

Cast Booming Blade vs S4. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 26 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack is successful, deal an additional  (1d8)[ 2 ]  thunder damage and push the target to M17. If the target moves before Cassandra's next turn they take another  (2d8)[ 14 ]  thunder damage.
 
J-H
Chloe's flames and magical blast are enough to kill her target, causing it to collapse next to Mustafa.  Titus damages the one on the other side of the cleric.
J-H
Cassandra's fire bolt finishes off the other spider next to Mustafa.  With two dead and one heavily wounded, the spiders retreat.  This prey is too much for them.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 21/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted, fly 
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus saw the spiders retreat and came down to the others:

 "Let's get out of the swamp and take a little break then - it's not far as far as I could make out." 
 
 Spoiler 

Once we take a short rest, I'll spend my other spell slot on healing

 (3d8+5)[ 21 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian recovers his dagger and spear and moves ahead with the others.
J-H
Leaving the spidery hill behind, you move forward for a while, sloshing through sucking mud, up and down and past bugs, frogs, and fish.  Finding another dry spot, you stop to rest and wring out your socks and foot-wraps for a while.

You know that Cieresor Castle, located amongst the swamps, was built on a foundation of stone raised and reinforced by magic.  Its walls rise 30 feet high, and the central keep another twenty feet beyond that.  The Cieresor family and the people they govern and protect are skilled fishers, hunters, and herbalists.  They travel by boat more than by horse or foot.

Unfortunately, when you reach the Castle around noontime, your knowledge is proven to be outdated.  The castle is far shorter than it should be!  Portions of the curtain wall around the front gate remain, as does the gatehouse, but the walls are cracked and sloped backwards to the main tower, which seems to have sunken nearly all the way under the water.

 
 Spoiler: History or stonework related check DC 12 

The foundations of the tower must have been destroyed somehow.
 
 Spoiler: DC 18 

One straightforward explanation would be the use of the Earthquake spell.
 

 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
As they approach the castle, it becomes obvious that retrieving the relic will be no easy feat, if even possible. A majority of the castle has sunk under the swamp and is now underwater.

As Sabian sees the cracks and sloping of the walls, he concludes,   This isn't merely the castle sinking into the swamp over time, something destroyed the foundations here.  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted, fly 
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  
 "So, what do we expect? Lot's of slimy things living there now, waiting to draw us into the depts? I don't have any diving expertise - just so you know." 
Titus looked at the water with slight revulsion
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  19  | HP:  37/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"If we're going for a swim I can help with that," Cass says, waving the scroll of waterbreathing they got from the monastery, "but we should probably secure the area first."
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

If the party allows Mustafa to ritual cast Augury, he will burn a handful of special herbs and incenses in a small fire, and look for signs and shapes in the billowing smoke.

Course of Action: Assault Cierestor Castle now.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
 "So, what do we expect? Lot's of slimy things living there now, waiting to draw us into the depths? I don't have any diving expertise - just so you know."  Titus looks at the water with slight revulsion.

  Yeah, this certainly complicates things. Skellegues train in all type of combats, so I've run combats in water before. The difficulty is sight, especially in murky waters, and weapon types. My spear and dagger will be good to thrust under water, but the sword and whip will have difficulty.   He frowns,   None of that really matters though if the relic is beyond how long we can hold our breath for.  

"If we're going for a swim I can help with that," Cass says, waving the scroll of waterbreathing they got from the monastery, "but we should probably secure the area first."

Sabian nods,   Well then, that covers that. I agree with Cass. We can check the perimeter, then secure one of the upper portions of a tower as a redoubt to return to. We have plenty of rope, we can anchor a line in the tower and drag it with us so we find our way back. Once we come in contact with Dracula's minions, it will be easy to get turned around down there.  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  
 "Alright, we should probably start clearing this place while we have daylight to help us. But just in case, I'll give you a bit of light to carry into the darkness." 

With that Titus touched Sabian's shield, making it blaze with light

 
 Spoiler 


casting Light
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
  Thank you Titus,   Sabian says.   We also have this,   he mentions, setting down the Lantern of Revealing and lighting it,   I don't think it will work underwater, but it might be useful in clearing the ground level and tower first. I am going with my spear, can someone else carry it?  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 29/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   
 "I can always drop it if we get into trouble."  Chloé offers, taking the lantern. She needed a free hand for her flasks or decanter, but the likelihood she'd need to use both at the same time seemed slim.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Mustafa's spell returns a mixed result of  Weal and Woe .
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian nods at Mustafa's divination,   That's about as good as it's been, and we've made it this far.  
  I think we're going to have to enter through the tower. Looks like the same distance to swim whether we walk around or go through the gatehouse. But I don't like the idea of anyone waiting for us in the tower as we're coming up from the water, and Dracula seems to have spies everywhere. It might make sense to clear the gatehouse first before swimming to the tower and entrenching ourselves there. What do you think?   he asks the others.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 29/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   
 "Anything that keeps us dry for longer is where my vote goes."  She hadn't forgotten the issues last time they'd gone for a swim. This time, at least, they  probably  didn't have to worry about any sudden currents washing them away.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  
 "My suggestion would be, I lend Sabian my wings and he carries us over to the main building onto a balcony. That way we can clear the place from upstairs down to the cellars and face the things lurking in the water last and after we found some shelter where we can retreat." 

Titus replied with a smile.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  

Mustafa retrieves his 50-foot bundle of rope from his pack.   "Just for safety, what you say we tie ourselves to one another at the waist? If one of us falls, the others can pull him up. And not too tight, so we don't get in each other's way."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
  I like the idea Titus, but I still say we clear the gatehouse first. It's a smaller space, and I'd feeler safer about securing the tower knowing that the gatehouse has been cleared out. Also, we don't know where the relic will be anyways. Could be the tower, but may be the gatehouse as well.  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted, Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  
 "No sense wasting daylight then. Let's head over there." 

With that, Titus cast his spell to turn Sabian once again into a beefy angel.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian nods to Titus when he feels the magic come over him. The warrior looks at their surroundings,   This would be a perfect time to strike us, while we're separated. Keep alert, and let's make this fast.   With that, he picks up Cass and beckons Chloe's construct to climb on his shoulder, and carries both of them over to the wall, setting them both down halfway between where the wall turns toward the keep, and the gatehouse. He then returns to bring Mustafa over, then Chloe, and finally Titus. Once he rejoins the others on the roof, he dons his shield,   Let's keep Titus from harm so we can fly to the Tower when we're finished here. It will be easier than swimming over and will avoid us getting our gear wet.  
J-H
Sabian's arcing flight takes him high enough that, when he's about halfway there, he can see a ballista mounted atop the gatehouse, and three lizardmen lying on the stone in the sunlight.  They do not appear to be bloody, injured, or dead.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 3/3  
 
  

Edit]: Put a pin on this:
 
 Spoiler 
The ruined remainings of Cierestor Castle gave Mustafa the chills, but still there was something comforting in walking the battlements of a fortress again. Although his entire family had been trained to hunt creatures of the night of all kinds, this is what they excelled that: The Hanim family was a clan of soldier-priests, governors of their own province under the rule of Sultan Ahmed of Constantinople. Defending villages had its own flavor, but there was nothing like the square-thinking of an assault like this. The sight of a ballista mounted on the gatehouse was almost a relief - although the weapon was deadly enough, it was something made of iron and wood, operated by soldiers with mundane power. Amid this nightmare of dark magic and curses, it was reassuring to face an obstacle his mortal mind could fully understand.

  "Seems like we've made the right choice. Ballistas can fling bolts over a hundred yards away. If they used that thing while you were flying us to the top of the tower, we would have suffered serious damage."   Mustafa dons his shield after Sabian.   "Some ballistas can shoot flaming projectiles. Let me take the vanguard - My shield is enchanted against fire.  
 


Edited post:

After hearing Sabian's report, Mustafa suggests:   "Would it help to cake Sabian in mud and twigs and have him float slightly above water level as he carries us? He could drop us off at the base of the wall, instead of on top of it, and the first to climb can throw a rope down. Or those fallen sections of the wall look sloped enough that we could walk them."  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted, Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  
 "I think that makes taking the main tower now a priority. The ballistae likely will have trouble firing at the higher ground of the tower. If we take the higher structure - preferably with a cleansing fireball - we can control the entrance to below, as anyone coming up will have to move through a pretty narrow entrance. A flaming sphere could be used to render the siege weapons inoperable.
Two simultaneous Fireballs on both locations would be ideal. Remember, you can target a point above the tower and let the sphere do it's work towards the ground. " 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  
  "We could circle round the castle and sneak behind the keep from the north, opposite of the gatehouse."   Mustafa adds with renewed confidence, pointing vaguely to the swamp ahead.   "I agree that both units, gatehouse and keep, must be eliminated at the same time. If a fight breaks out at the keep, the gatehouse garrison may sound an alarm, and vice-versa."  
  "Once we're all up there, Titus and I can take down the gatehouse garrison from afar while the rest of you focus on the sentinels at the top of the Main Keep. Judging by the distance, I'd say my Fireballs can still reach the gatehouse from all the way up there."  
 (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  Perception for anything relevant to what Mustafa is examining

Fireball Range (OOC)
 
 Spoiler 
According to J-H's map, the main keep is about 100 ft north and stands 20 ft taller than the gatehouse. So as long the caster is near the southern edge of the keep, they can aim a Fireball at the gatehouse (range 150 ft)
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian drops Cass off at the main tower, and returns to the others, flying low and keeping out of sight of the sleeping lizardfolk at the gatehouse. One by one he brings them all to the roof of the tower keep, giving the gatehouse a wide berth.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

The ruined remainings of Cierestor Castle gave Mustafa the chills, but still there was something comforting in walking the battlements of a fortress again. Although his entire family had been trained to hunt creatures of the night of all kinds, this is what they excelled that: The Hanim family was a clan of soldier-priests, governors of their own province under the rule of Sultan Ahmed of Constantinople. Defending villages had its own flavor, but there was nothing like the square-thinking of an assault like this. The sight of a ballista mounted on the gatehouse was almost a relief - although the weapon was deadly enough, it was something made of iron and wood, operated by soldiers with mundane power. Amid this nightmare of dark magic and curses, it was reassuring to face an obstacle his mortal mind could fully understand.
J-H
It takes some time, but you're able to shift around to the east of the castle, and Sabian quietly shuttles you to atop the keep.  It's not sitting quite straight, but it doesn't feel unstable either.

The top battlements are protected by crenellations, which alternate between waist-high and head-high.  Two ballistas are mounted on low platforms. They are just high enough to be aimed down at the top of the gatehouse (although anyone doing so has no cover from spells or arrows from the gatehouse).  There are a nine ballista bolts next to each engine, protected by a heavily roped-down oilcloth cover.  Uncovering the ballista bolts requires 4 player actions (simultaneous or sequential) untying knots or cutting ropes.  You can't see the lizardmen atop the gatehouse, but if they're still lying down, that's not a surprise.

A heavy wooden trapdoor with an oilcloth rain cover is located in the northwest corner of the top of the keep, leading down to the spiral stairs that run up and down that corner of the keep.  The door is propped open and the oilcloth thrown to the side.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted, Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus looked around the empty tower roof.
 "Alright, no alert so far. We should ready those ballistae just in case. Last thing we need is the attack of a swamp dragon.
If anyone needs healing, I can give out another round. Then a quick rest and I'll turn into a lizard man and scout ahead, while you follow somewhat close-ish. That way we should be able to get the drop on whoever else hangs out here." 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 29/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian nods at Titus,   I can use some healing unless someone else needs it more,   he says.   I'm fine with a rest before we go down, you need to recover your strength, but first...   he moves over to the open trapdoor in the roof floor and gestures for Chloe's construct to bring over the lantern. Sabian peers in to make sure nothing is lurking in the room below.
J-H
Peeking down, Sabian sees a stairway descending in a tight spiral.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 49/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian does not see anything down the spiraling stairs in the lantern light,   Hmm... strange,   he mutters,   something opened this trapdoor, so something must be down there, waiting for us.   He slowly and quietly closes the trapdoor. If anything wants to come up while the group is resting, it will need to open the door.
J-H
You quietly uncover the ballista bolts, making them more accessible if you need to put the siege weapons into use.

The keep is approximately 95’ x 65’, and built of thick grey stone slabs of stone.  Unless otherwise noted, all surfaces are made of 5’ thick stone slabs.  Ceilings are 7’ to 10’ high (treated as 10’ high for movement purposes).

Descending the stairs, you find yourselves in a spiral staircase that appears to go down to the floors below.  The stairs on the stairwell are cracked, but solid enough, although topped with mud and muck.
 
 Spoiler: Passive Perception 12+ 
A mere 12 Passive Perception is enough to reveal tracks, although they are smeared.
 

 
 Spoiler: Survival DC 16 if you passed the passive Perception check 

A DC 16 Survival check is required to determine that they belong to lizard-like feet of various sizes, and include drag marks from tails.
 


The top floor is flooded, with water standing some two feet deep.  All movement on this floor is difficult terrain for those without swim speeds.  The stairs on this floor open out to a very brief T intersection ending in a pair of doorframes, although both doors appear to be broken or missing.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

 
 

 =&gt;Party 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  
  "Are there tracks going in and out?"   Mustafa asks the group in general, although mostly expecting an explanation from their tracker Sabian.   "It could just be that they use these stairs often. Depending on how organized these creatures are, they might know that there wasn't supposed to be anyone up here... That might ruin Titus' disguise. Titus, if another lizard asks why you were up here, you mustn't tell them you were standing guard. Make up something else. We will be just around the corner, ready to jump in if any of them makes you."  
  "Lying is not something that the Gods of Light approve, but given the stakes, I offer thee their blessing."   Mustafa casts Guidance on Titus.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 29/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 2/4 2nd: 1/2   

Chloé taps a shoulder, gesturing towards the tracks and silently miming what she thinks they are - which isn't a whole lot. Footprint examination wasn't exactly on her standard curriculum. She also dispenses two quick healing potions for Sabian to fix the injuries - good as new!
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Two Cure Wounds, for 14+13 respectively, on Sabian.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted, Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus changed his appearance with a flick, turning into an average lizardman. Than he made sure all his companions were able to pierce the illusion, so they could see him without confusing him for their enemies.

He nodded towards his friends:
 "I'll make enough noise for you to hear - keep out of sight, unless I call out "Orolunga". That's the sign, I'am in immediate danger. Or a blood curdling, girlish scream - that one means that I'm one step further on the danger scale. 

He moved through the water until he reached the doorways and proceeded east heading into the building.

 
 Spoiler 


Moving toward 306 I to J
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 49/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
  Be careful,   Sabian says as Titus walks by him in his new disguise. He is not comfortable with others going before the Shield of the Unyielding, but his comrades are all trained monster killers.    Orolunga,    he says, testing the word. Then a thought occurs to him and he turns to the others,   Does Titus speak the tongue of lizardfolk?  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted, Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  
 "Not in the slightest, but I'm good at imitating voices. If anyone talks to me I'll repeat their sentence with a questioning sound. That should give me a second or two for you all to come and help me. 

Titus smiled - a facial expression that looked a lot more aggressive on his illusion with it's bared teeth.
dangelo
  "No light spells from now on."   Mustafa suggested.   "Titus should carry a torch, and we can sneak in the shadows behind him. Ideally we should wait for Titus to turn a corner before we advance."  
  "It might be better if I stay even further behind. My armor is noisy, and if a fight breaks out, I can give support with long range spells while I close the distance."  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 29/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Chloé knows well enough that her armour make all the noise she needs - she keeps her mouth shut, and just silently nods, staying back with Mustafar.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Titus, clad in the false form of one of the lizardmen, peers around at the intersection.  He can see that the room to the south
contains a large desk, a book-case, and numerous hooks and pegs on the wall which have been stripped of their contents.  Most of the furniture has been knocked over and searched thoroughly.
There's a door in the back corner leading to his left.

Also to his left is a room is furnished with several tables, sofas, chairs, and numerous tapestries, as well as storage cabinetry.  It looks like a well-appointed sitting room, although most of the furniture has been knocked over or flung open, and he can perceive some scratches that probably aren't part of the intended decor.  A doorway on the right-hand wall of the sitting room goes somewhere, and it appears that the door that used to be in the far wall goes into a hallway of some sort.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted, Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  


Titus decided to visit the sitting room first, giving the contents only a cursory glance - for the moment it was more important to secure this level of the tower first, before going on a search for treasure.

 
 Spoiler 


moving to N306 to look south into Column O, move on to S and look up and down to column T
 
J-H
Titus heads east, sloshing through the water.  The clank of his armor must have awakened someone, for he hears a raspy voice ask a question from the room to the southeast (the one south of O307).  He repeats the question back, and it's called back to him a bit louder.  There's a splashing sound from the room.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted, Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  


Titus grimaced to himself.
'I really should have learned more languages when I had the chance. Or at least ask my patron for a simple spell.'

Gesticulating to his companions to follow, he moved into the southeastern room, making sure his own noise would cover that of his companions.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 49/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian follows Titus' order and gestures to the others to move forward quietly.

 
 Spoiler: Stealth 
  Stealth  - (1d20+5)[ 24 ] ,   Disadvantage  - (1d20+5)[ 23 ] 
 
J-H
Titus splashes into the room.  He's able to keep the lizardmen - who are unarmored but carry spears, javelins, and nets, although one also has an amulet around his neck - confused for a little while.  The confusion ends when a half-orc walks up behind him and the lizardfolk realize they've been tricked.  At this point, they're standing in the water looking at the Titus-lizardman, although it's apparent that they'd been resting atop the large four-poster bed that dominates the room.  This was likely the bedroom of the Cieresor duke at one point.  Now it's flooded two feet deep, and the bedding is a bit torn from the claws and spines of the lizardmen.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 6 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 10 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 10 ]  or  (1d20+2)[ 7 ]  1 exh

 (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 
 (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
 

Cassandra is actually the quickest off the mark when she hears the croak of surprise.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cass 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  19  | HP:  37/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  3/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Oh geeze we're having a regular party here, huh?" Cass says, peeking over Sabian's shoulders. She can just about see into the room, given how much taller he is.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to O306.
Cast Web, from O310 to R312.

Each creature that starts its turn in the webs or that enters them during its turn must make a DC 14 dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is restrained as long as it remains in the webs or until it breaks free. A creature restrained by the webs can use its action to make a DC 14 strength check. If it succeeds, it is no longer restrained.

L1 dex saving throw:  (1d20)[ 15 ]  plus mods
L2 dex saving throw:  (1d20)[ 16 ]  plus mods
 
J-H
The two lizardfolk leap aside as webs fill the space around them, just as agile in the water as they would be on land.  One pulls a tightly-folded net off a strap at its waist and makes a circular movement to unfurl and hurl it at Titus with its left hand, while stabbing at him with its right hand.  The other one grabs its spear and stabs at the disguised half-elf twice.
 
 Spoiler 

L2
Net attack  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
A large or smaller creature hit by a net is Restrained.  To free a creature restrained by the net, the restrained creature or an adjacent ally must use an action to make a DC 10 Strength check.  Alternatively, dealing 5 points of slashing damage to the net ends the effect and destroys the net.
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 4 ]  one handed
Advantage?  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] 

L1
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 5 ]  two handed
Advantage?  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  two handed
Advantage?  (1d20+4)[ 7 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

 
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Titus, Sabian, Chloe 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted, Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  


Titus cried out, with a flash he made green fire dance across his sword and lashed out at the net so that the fire jumped over to the other lizard man with the amulet.

 
 Spoiler 


Attacking the Net with green flame blade w/disadvantage

 (1d20+9)[ 28 ] / (1d20+9)[ 13 ]  damage  (1d8+6)[ 14 ] + (1d8)[ 2 ]  Fire

Auto fire damage on Lizardman  (1d8+5)[ 6 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 49/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
  There's a way around too,   Sabian calls out to the others, indicating a side entrance into the room. He moves past Titus and attacks the same lizardfolk that Titus burned with his magic. He bashes the other one into the webbing that Cassandra conjured up.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Move   - Move to P308
  Action   - Attack L2, Recklessly
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 29 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 19 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 7 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 21 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 21 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 11 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove L1 to P310
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 23 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 29/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

With battle upon them, Chloé dispenses the need for stealth, maneuvering around and tossing an acid flask at the lizards.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  O309
 Action:  Acid Splash L1+L2.  (2d6+4)[ 6 ] , half radiant, half acid.
L1:  (1d20)[ 11 ] +mods vs. DC16
L2:  (1d20)[ 7 ] +mods vs. DC16
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike L2:  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 5 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 38/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

Picking up Sabian's words among the sounds of battle, Mustafa hustles down the side entrance to flank the lizardmen.

Action: Dash
Move to 9-310
J-H
Mustafa runs through the office to flank the lizardmen, while Titus struggles against his bonds, burning through them with flames that scorch even the lizardman. Sabian shoves past him, capitalizing on this to stab the creature twice, shoving him back into Cassandra's conjured webs.  Chloe splashes acid on them both.
J-H
Chloe barely has time to notice that not all of the ripples in the water are from the party before a huge set of jaws grabs her from behind.  Something else slips past her in the water, opening long, lean jaws and locking them around Cassandra.
 
 Spoiler: Crocodile mounts 

Nobody had the passive perception to spot them in the murky, dim water where they were sleeping.
C2 advantage on bite attack vs Chloe from being unseen.
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  for  (1d10+2)[ 5 ]  piericng damage, and grappled &amp; restrained (escape DC 12).  hit 

C1 advantage on bite attack vs Cassandra from being unseen.
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  for  (1d10+2)[ 4 ]  piericng damage, and grappled &amp; restrained (escape DC 12).  Crit! 

Web Concentration?  (1d20)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cassanrda 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  16  | HP:  29/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  2/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

The crocodile clamps its jaws on Cass but she teleports a short distance away to stand with Chloé, "This is why nobody likes swamp lizards," she sighs before asking, "Are you okay Chloé?"

She then attacks the crocodile that bit her, pushing it back.

 
 Spoiler 
Bonus action cast Misty Step, teleporting to N304.
Cast Booming Blade vs C1. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 28 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack is successful, deal an additional  (1d8)[ 7 ]  thunder damage, push the target one square right and deal an additional  (2d8)[ 8 ]  thunder damage if it moves before Cassandra's next turn.
 
J-H
Cassandra teleports out of the crocodile's mouth, then attacks it with her whip with a thunderous boom that breaks its spine (dead).
The lizardman shoved by Sabian turns on Mustafa, attacking the cleric and even trying to bite him, but only managing a single stab.  The other one flings his net at Sabian, then tries to stab him, but can't land any blows as Sabian wards him off.
 
 Spoiler 

L2 (heavily injured) vs Mustafa  only 2nd attack hits, assuming if Warding Flare were used it'd be on the first attack since it's made before you know if you get hit or not 
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
BA Bite  (1d6+2)[ 4 ]  and if hits, gain 3 temp HP

L1 vs Sabian
Net  (1d20+6)[ 14 ] , if hits, Sabian is Restrained.
Advantage, Reckless.  Net  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 

Spear  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 8 ] 
Advantage  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] 

BA Bite  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  and if hits, gain 3 temp HP
Advantage  (1d20+4)[ 16 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Titus, Sabian, Chloe 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted, Concentration on Fly  
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  


Titus - now free again - stepped forward and slashed with his sword once more, coating it in flames what spread to the other lizard as well. But his swing went wide and left him with nothing to show for his effort.

 
 Spoiler 

Step to O309
Greenflame Blade vs. L2

 (1d20+9)[ 14 ]  damage  (1d8+6)[ 8 ] + (1d8)[ 1 ]  fire

auto spreading flame if hit to L1  (1d8+5)[ 10 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 24/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

She hadn't expected crocodiles, but then nothing had been really as expected for the past week or two. Struggling, she tugs a fireflask and tosses it at the crocs belly.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:   None
 Action:  Create Bonfire under the croc.  (1d20)[ 13 ] +Dex vs DC16, fail  (2d8+4)[ 12 ]  fire.
 Bonus Action:   (1d20+7)[ 15 ]  (1d20+7)[ 10 ]   Damage:  (1d4+3)[ 6 ]  force.
 

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  O309
 Action:  Acid Splash L1+L2.  (1d20)[ 13 ] , half radiant, half acid.
L1:  (2d8+4)[ 12 ] +mods vs. DC16
L2:  (1d20+7)[ 15 ] +mods vs. DC16
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike L2:  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian grunts as the spear strikes him, but he pushes forward and dispatches one of the lizardfolk, slamming the other one again with his spear to make space.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Move   - Move to O309
  Action   - Attack L2 Recklessly
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 25 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 11 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 11 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 29 ] ,   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 22 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 11 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove L1
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 21 ] 
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 2/3  
 
  

Move to O-309 and cast  Word of Radiance 

Con save to negate  (1d6)[ 6 ]  radiant damage
L1  (1d20)[ 3 ] 
L2  (1d20)[ 5 ] 
 
 Spoiler 
You utter a divine word, and burning radiance erupts from you. Each creature of your choice that you can see within range (5 feet) must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or take 1d6 radiant damage.
 
J-H
A bright light flashes out from Mustafa.  One of the two lizardmen drops to the ground, slain by the holy fire.  Titus swings his sword at the other, but misses (No move to O309, Mustafa got there first).  The lizardfolk's relief doesn't last long, though, as Sabian's spear goes in his front and out the back via the heart and spine.
Chloe throws flame on the crocodile, but its body being mostly underwater cools her fire quickly (resist: half damage); her mechanical servant contributes a blast.  The crocodile clenches its jaws around her, pulling her farther into the corner.
 
 Spoiler 

Advantage because she's restrained in its mouth. Why is this even an attack roll instead of auto-damage?
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 18 ] 
damage  (1d10+2)[ 7 ] 
 


With only one foe left, the five of you quickly dispatch it.

 =&gt; Combat over 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "Everybody in one piece?"   Mustafa lowers his Holy Symbol and scans their surroundings. His attention is drawn to the dead lizardmen.   "Let's check their stuff. See is they're carrying anything relevant."  
J-H
You don't find any documents, but one of them was wearing a magical amulet centered around a small, blood-red ruby.  It appears that they each carry a net, a spear, and a few javelins.  The lizardfolk don't wear armor, just straps and slings to carry things with, but they do have very tough, scaly skin.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 41/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Once the second lizardman falls, Sabian and the others rush back into the seating room and help Chloe and Cass take down the remaining giant crocodile.

  "Everybody in one piece?"   Mustafa lowers his Holy Symbol and scans their surroundings. His attention is drawn to the dead lizardmen.   "Let's check their stuff. See is they're carrying anything relevant."  
  Good idea,   Sabian replies,   One nicked me with its spear but other than that I'm okay. What about you Chloe? That croc got you pretty good.   Cass offers to identify the magical amulet they find, which gives everyone a moment to gather themselves after the melee. Sabian takes the lantern and cautiously checks the other rooms for anything else that might be useful, or enemies still lurking in the water.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sabian will move through the other rooms (the three rooms that are not the bedrooms) with the Lantern of Revealing to see if there's anything to be found. There's ten minutes of Cass' ritual casting, so I think Sabian can take the Dodge action while he's moving through the rooms. Otherwise, he'll Dash if time requires it.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  


Titus was a bit shocked how fast everything went by. But at least he would be able to heal his companions once more. So he went by Cass and Cloe, quickly touching them for a bit of healing.

 
 Spoiler 

Cure Wounds:
Cass:  (3d8+5)[ 15 ] 
Cloe:  (3d8+5)[ 17 ] 
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  
One nicked me with its spear but other than that I'm okay.
  
  "The Gods of Light heal all wounds, big or small."   He conjured a healing spell on Sabian  (1d8+4)[ 5 ]  and another on himself  (1d8+4)[ 8 ] .   "We press on, then."  
  "Titus, I have an idea for when you run into another lizard."   He offers his idea to the party.   What if you pretended to be drunk, or extremely sick? You can just stumble around and mumble nonsense, and maybe they'll ignore you and let you walk past them."   Mustafa palms his fist.   "Then we jump them."  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 36/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Chloé dusts herself off, nodding in thanks for the healing spell.  "Anything to help us get a jump on them, I suppose..."  Though she's not terribly convinced the deception would work.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  O309
 Action:  Acid Splash L1+L2. [roll0], half radiant, half acid.
L1: [roll1]+mods vs. DC16
L2: [roll2]+mods vs. DC16
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike L2: [roll3]
 Damage:  [roll4]
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Searching the rest of the floor, you don't find much of use.  The eastern three bedrooms appear to have been for other members of the family.  The furniture has been thoroughly searched.  The north-eastern bedroom’s floor has collapsed in one section.  A bed-frame is lodged in the gap, halfway on the fourth floor and halfway into the third floor.  You'd have to move it if you wanted to descend that way instead of using the stairs.  Either way, it's apparent that the lower floors are flooded.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian sets the lantern down,   Hey Mustafa, give me a hand here. Let's do it quietly. Whatever is down there waiting for us will be expecting we go down the tower stairs. This collapsed entry might give us an advantage. Anyone know if the lizardfolk are amphibious?  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  


Titus looked around:

 "We shouldn't try to fight them under water. Rather let's try to lure up as many as we can close up any entrances as we can and create an ambush at the remaining one. That way, we can reduce the opposition on our terms. We still have traps and can set snares." 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
  You think there are more lizardfolk down there? They can't hold their breath indefinitely, not even half a bell. Do you have a familiar we can send to investigate?   Sabian asks Titus.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  


Titus replied:

 "There could be a lot of air pockets down there, not to mention priests and sorcerers that allow them to breath under water. I can't really imagine that this was their whole occupying force. At least some more crocodiles, I'd imagine.
Unfortunately, I was not blessed with an angelic companion. But it's a good idea should I get the chance for one." 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian considers Titus' words,   Yeah you're right, I hadn't thought of that. So then maybe we shouldn't move this furniture. How do you think we should lure them?  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  


Titus replied:

 "Noise and light. Cloe, you are an alchemist Can't you create little noisemakers and glow lights that work under water? Your homunculus could scatter them near the stairs to attract attention." 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "There are two entrances to the floor below. If the layout there is the same as here, which is likely but not certain, they are connected."   Mustafa casts  Light .   Chloé and I can both submerge our lights, each from one entrance. If there are enemies waiting to attack, we might confuse them."  
  "Hopefully this will draw other crocodiles from their hideouts, but the lizardmen won't be so dumb. At some point we're just gonna  have  to take a dive. When that happens, are we sending someone ahead of us? With a piece of rope tied to their waist so we can pull them back if they're ambushed? Titus, do your wings work underwater?"  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  


Titus replied:

 "That's why we should block of all but one entrance to this floor - we don't want them to get into our rear. And yes, I also can cast light, so we only need noise makers.
Alas my wings are made to fly, not swim. There is a gift from my patron that could help us, though he hasn't chosen to bestow it on me yet." 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "I volunteer to be bait. I'll splash around as I dive in, holding my Light underwater, and you can pull me back if a crocodile grabs me. If nothing does, we can try the other entrance."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian frowns,   I don't like it. I think we go down there and strike first. I'm fine sending the homunculus as a scout, but one of our healers bobbing around waiting for a croc to strike?   He shakes his head,   I don't like it.  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "I am a soldier as much as I am a healer, Sabian."   Mustafa insists, but sighs in resignation.   "Although I understand we are far stronger if we keep together."  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian goes to retort and then stops himself. He walks over to Mustafa,   Of course brother, I did not mean to suggest otherwise. I trust each of you to stand against the forces of Dracula. If we think luring them up is the right approach, then let's do so.
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  


Titus looked at their female companions:

 "Any suggestions, improvements or alternatives from your side? Otherwise let's secure the other entrance and start trying to lure them in." 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 36/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   
 "If it's light and sound you need, I've got a few brews."  She's not a tactically minded creature, so the benefits of luring creatures or diving in to them? She only has the bluntest of thoughts on it. She defers to the rest.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Magical Tinkering can offer:-
 
     The object sheds bright light in a 5-foot radius and dim light for an additional 5 feet. 
     Whenever tapped by a creature, the object emits a recorded message that can be heard up to 10 feet away. You utter the message when you bestow this property on the object, and the recording can be no more than 6 seconds long. 
     The object continuously emits your choice of an odor or a nonverbal sound (wind, waves, chirping, or the like). The chosen phenomenon is perceivable up to 10 feet away. 
     A static visual effect appears on one of the object's surfaces. This effect can be a picture, up to 25 words of text, lines and shapes, or a mixture of these elements, as you like.

which should do its job at being a lure. Can toss it on any object that's tiny - so coins, scraps of cloth, that sort of stuff.  
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Chloe's homunculus disappears down the stairs, bobbing up and down as it swims through the water with a glowing light attached to it.  You wait with bated breath, but nothing happens.  It follows its orders and proceeds down the most obvious route on the floor below, eventually emerging through the hole in the corner bedroom's floor, and paddling back up to you.  Nothing seems to have attacked it or chased it.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian waits a moment, but when nothing emerges behind the homunculus, he lets out a breath,   Well there's that. Either there's no one below, or they're more cunning than we thought. Now what?
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  


Titus shrugged:

 "Now we go down and see what's there - provided the scroll works." 
J-H
Cassandra casts  Water Breathing  from the scroll, and the group descends down the stairs, with Sabian in the lead.  The water is turgid and murky, and you can't see more than about 30' in front of you even with Darkvision.  You exit the stairwell on the third floor, although the stairs do continue to spiral on downwards.

The intersection outside the stairs is similar to that of the floor above, but opens into a hallway that runs the length of the floor, with doors on either side.

The door to the room directly in front of you  appears to have been a barracks for soldiers, with four triple-stack bunk beds, and plenty of shredded bedding floating in the water.  Cabinets with locking drawers flanked the bunk beds at one point, but they have all been smashed thoroughly.

The floor of the barracks has partly given way near the middle, and you could probably swim down to the floor below through the hole if you wished.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 36/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Desiring not to be the one who first dives down further, Chloé makes herself look busy by investigating the beds and debris, just in case there might be anything that left behind. It seems unlikely, all things considered.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian sees the barracks, furniture smashed and shredded, as well as the hole leading below,   Let's clear the rest of the floor, confirm nothing is here, and then we can explore below.   He leads the group further down the corridor and stops at the door on his right, peering into the room.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  


Titus once again took the appearance of a lizardman - this time the one he had seen with the amulet.

He also began to snoop around, looking for any indication of an armory, treasury or other save space, where a relic would be stored.
When Sabian calls to move on, he ends the investigation and moves on.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20)[ 13 ]  Investigation
 
J-H
Chloe doesn't find anything useful in the other bedrooms.  Personal clothing, sewing projects, and knick-knacks... but nothing helpful in battle.

Titus takes the lead, still in the form of a lizardman.  The next room on the right also appears to be a barracks, and has been similarly ransacked.

The next doorway in the hall is on the left.  That doorframe actually has a door in it, apparently propped back into place from the outside.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  


Titus waited for the others to congregate, before trying to open the door.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian nods to Titus, who is still disguised as a lizardfolk, and waves to the others to remain out of sight of the room, just to the side of the door frame. Sabian grabs the door and pulls it away, keeping it in front of him so he can't be seen either. Only Titus will be visible to anyone waiting in the room.
J-H
Titus peers through the murky water.  He can make out the outlines of shelves, cabinetry, and tables, and bundles of what look like leaves and roots hanging from the ceiling.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  


Titus explained what he saw:

"Careful, I don't trust these plants - could be a malicious plant monster - or a camouflaged undead octopus."

Just to be on the save side, he fired a lance of force at the supposed roots.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+8)[ 16 ] ,damage  (1d10+5)[ 15 ] 
 
J-H
The water swirls around Titus' bolt of magic, and a collection of tubers flies apart, then drifts down through the water.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  
 
"Alright, seems save enough - let's see if we can find a relic here. Maybe a moment for a detect magic ritual?" 
Titus asked the others.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
  Strange that they put this door back to rest on the frame. Let's clear the rest of the floor first, and we can come back.     Mustafa, can you give us a light?   Sabian swims back toward the barrack and rests the door against that frame,   It won't do anything to stop someone, but maybe we'll hear them moving it if they come down this way. Your lead Titus.  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus just nodded and continued the search of the flooded floor.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  16  | HP:  29/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  2/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"The range isn't especially great," Cass sighs, "But I can try. Y'never know..."

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Detect Magic as a ritual, looking for anything that might point to a relic.
 
J-H
Proceeding down to the end of the hall, the other door on the left leads into a bedroom.  Part of the ceiling has collapsed onto the bed, with the opening above blocked by the bed you had re-placed there.

A doorway also leads directly into the room with the plants, and the door is also wedged into that doorway.

The final room (bottom right) is larger, and is obviously the castle library; there is a chalk board along one wall, and rows of shelving along the other three sides of the room.  The floor has collapsed near the eastern edge, and the water near the collapse has a strange swirl to it.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 2/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
  That's weird,   Sabian whispers,   What do you all make of that? Magic?  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 36/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Chloé shrugs - it could just be a natural suction due to the underwater currents. Regardless, she sends her homunculus into the swirls first. Better that it trigger whatever trap it may or may not be than one of them.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus picked up a piece of stone lying around put a light spell on it and tossed it somewhat awkwardly towards the swirl in the library to see what would happen.
J-H
 
 Spoiler: DM rolls 

Str save  (1d20)[ 18 ] 
bludgeoning  (2d8+4)[ 11 ] 
 

The homunculus flies towards the swirl of water, and is suddenly knocked aside, obviously struggling against the current before breaking free.  The swirling water moves towards it.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 36/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

She's surprised the little construct survived whatever...that was. If scouting didn't fix it though, maybe scalding would. She calls her homunculus back, and tosses a fire flask at the swirl instead.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Fully aware this might trigger Initiative.
Casting create bonfire on the nearest surface to the water whirling.
 (1d20)[ 6 ] +dex DC16?
 (2d8+4)[ 10 ]  fire?
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Homie's and Cloé's action confirmed that they were dealing with a hostile creature. Titus didn't hesitate: he fell back and opened fire at the swirl.

 
 Spoiler 

Ini  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] / (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 

Eldridge Blast
 (1d20+8)[ 26 ] / (1d20+8)[ 25 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 10 ] / (1d20+8)[ 12 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 11 ] 

Moving to the back of the central room.
 
J-H
 
 Spoiler: init 

**Initiative**
Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 21 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 16 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Titus already rolled 13
 
J-H
The swirl dives out the door towards Chloe, swirling and shoving her, and Sabian next to her.  A hammer of dense water appears inside it and tries to slam into each of them.
 
 Spoiler 

Initiative is started by their actions; Everyone else had a few days and so I'm taking it as a partial round started by those who go right before the creature.
It takes damage from 1 EB and half damage from Bonfire (water means everything has fire resistance), then moves through the door and into Chloe and Sabian's space; it stops there, taking up the whole height of the hall.

Slam vs Chloe  (1d20+7)[ 10 ]  for  (2d8+4)[ 12 ]  bludgeoning
Slam vs Sabian  (1d20+7)[ 18 ]  for  (2d8+4)[ 10 ]  bludgeoning
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
You can roll an Arcana check to figure out what it is.
 

 =&gt;Sabian
Chloe
Mustafa
Cassandra
Titus 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 36/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 1/2   

Chloé shifts back, and douses water with acid.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  One east, outside of its body.
 Action:  Acid Splash  (1d20)[ 2 ] +Dex DC16,  (2d6+4)[ 14 ]  damage (half acid, half radiant)
 Bonus Action:  Homunculus Force Strike  (1d20+7)[ 17 ]  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] 
 Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 4 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus continued to fire from the back, using the aquatic environment to stay beneath the ceiling to keep a free line of sight:

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+8)[ 14 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 11 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 26 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 13 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  16  | HP:  29/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  2/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass is close enough to hit the water creature but she has never used a whip underwater before. It's a bit of a novel experience.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to R324.

Cast Booming Blade. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 26 ]  or  (1d20+8)[ 17 ]  (disadvantage), to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack is successful, the target takes an additional  (1d8)[ 4 ]  thunder damage, is pushed 5ft away from Cassandra and takes another  (2d8)[ 9 ]  thunder damage if it moves before her next turn.

If the attack landed, move back to P324.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian can feel the creature trying to slam into him, even though all that is around him is only water. He glances back and sees the others behind him. He summons his wrath and stabs at the creature, then attempts to retreat into the room so as not to block the others from attacking.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Bonus Action   - Rage
  Action   - Recklessly Attack Elemental
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 20 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 15 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 11 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 26 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 12 ] 
  Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 7 ] 
  Move   - Swim to T-326
 
Pyrophilios
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa raised his hand and called a pillar of searing light onto the elemental, before retreating down the corridor to leave the others with a clear line of sight.

 
 Spoiler 


Sacred Flame

 (2d8)[ 12 ]  radiant damage

Dex Save vs DC 15  (1d20)[ 2 ] +mods

Move to M324
 
J-H
Sabian's blows strike home, as does Chloe's attack, although the acid fizzles away quickly.  Mustafa scorches it, then retreats to just out of sight in the murky water.  Cassandra hits, knocking it back onto Chloe, who had just moved out of it a bit, and Titus blasts it.

It counterstrikes at Sabian and Chloe with hammer-like spurts of dense water, then spins in place; wherever it goes, something is hurting it.  The five of you finish it off quickly.
 
 Spoiler 

Slam vs Chloe  (1d20+7)[ 19 ]  for  (2d8+4)[ 13 ]  bludgeoning

Slam vs Sabian, advantage from Reckless,   (1d20+7)[ 19 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 24 ]  for  (2d8+4)[ 19 ]  bludgeoning

It has 6 hit points left, and also takes 9 points from Booming Blade if it moves.
 

 =&gt; Combat over! 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus looked around, but the water elemental seemed to have been destroyed. He turned to the others and tried to say as clearly as he could with a mouth full of water:

 "And that's why you don't jump into holes to get from one level to the other.
How are you by the way? Anyone in need of healing?" 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 37/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
The battle is over too quickly and his Skellegue fury has not been satiated. Ignoring the warning from Titus, Sabian swims through the water down into the hole from which the elemental creature emerged, looking for another threat.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Move   - Move to hole
  Action   - Dash into lower room
 
J-H
Swimming down into the room below, Sabian's darkvision pierces through the murk.  He appears to have entered a small bedroom area shared by one or two people - likely servants.  A pile of fallen rocks and debris covers the half of the room closest to the wooden west wall.  A cracked and broken door to the north leads out to a hallway, but the hall is blocked by more fallen rocks.  There's just one door before the rockfall, and it leads into a more intact set of servant's quarters.  Going any farther on the floor by this route will involve carving or smashing through the sturdy wooden walls which divide the servant's quarters.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 37/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian frowns at the obstacles in his way and returns to the upper floor where the others are. The fury leaves him,   Looks like servants quarters down below but the way through the hallway to the rest of the floor is blocked by rubble. It's either the stairs or that other hole in the barracks.  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus removed the hand he had slapped across his face and said:

 "Good to know. Though let's search this level first. I'll start with that room here." 
Picking up a blessing from Mustapha, he began picking through the soggy remains of the shelves.

 
 Spoiler 

Investigation
 (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  + guidance  (1d4)[ 3 ] 
 
J-H
Although the library has not been ransacked, many of the shelves were half-emptied when the keep sunk beneath the water.  Whatever organization was present a week ago is gone.  Titus spends a quarter of an hour searching and trying not to breathe in the little bits of paper that float freely in the water.
He finds a few scroll cases carved from bone whose oiled seals survived the water intact:   Alarm ,  Floating   Disk ,  Acid   Arrow ,  Spider   Climb ,  Remove   Curse ,  Cure   Wounds  (x2), and  Blight .
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 3/4 2nd: 1/2   

Chloé follows behind Titus, if only to make sure that if another water elemental jumped out at them they'd be ready and together, but she lets him take the lead on investigation, if only so as not to step on his figurative toes. Once they're confident that they've found what there is to be found, she gestures to the door.  "Fire or axe?"  She asks - breaking through seemed the next best step. It'd be noisy either way, she imagined.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Cure Wounds on herself, for  14 .
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  16  | HP:  29/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  2/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass' eyes shine at the scrolls and while the others decide how best to break through the door, she casts Detect Magic as a ritual just to make sure nothing too dangerous might be lurking on the other side.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus showed the prices he found to the others and readied himself for whatever would come out of the room with the barred door.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

The presence of a  Blight  scroll among the treasure makes Mustafa anxious.   "Whoever kept these scrolls here, did it for a reason. Security spells, healing spells, the kind of magic that keeps someone safe. That  Blight  one is rather... specific, I'd say. Whoever owned these scrolls in the past thought it was important to be ready to fight cursed plant creatures."  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus shrugged at Mustafa's explanation:

 "Let's not interpret too much into that. Scrolls are valuable, no matter the spell on it. Even without a purpose for blight, I can see a collector keeping it around. Just remember that we have one now and use it when appropriate.
Speaking of which, let's finish this floor and move on to the next. I want to get out of the water before I start to evolve into a triton." 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 37/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian's eyes go wide,   Can that happen?   He thinks on it and suspects Titus was being loose with his language,   Well, I agree otherwise, let's finish this floor. There was that weird room with the plants in it. Then I think we take either the stairs or that hole in the barracks down. Going down this way would require making a lot more noise.
  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 37/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
The group swims back to the room with the plants in it and Sabian says,   Do you think those plants are aggressive? They left this room barred for some reason. Maybe one of you lob magic at them and see if there is a reaction, like with that swirl of water back there.  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus shrugged:

 "A force lance didn't get any reaction, but maybe some holy fire will." 
 
 Spoiler 

Sacred flame on the plant's square
DC 16 Dex save or
 (2d8)[ 9 ]  radiant damage
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa casts a  Light  spell on his scepter, making it shine gloomingly through the murky waters they are in. He propels himself around the room with firm swings of his legs, leaving both his hands free to hold onto his shield and his holy symbol; The soldier-priests of the Hanin clan of Constantinople train their body as much as they train their minds, and Mustafa reveals himself to be a strong swimmer.   "How come Evil can taint even the purest of beigns?"   He offers his thoughts to the party as he inspected the  Blight  scroll in Cassandra's hands.   "Plants were made by God to make our woods beautiful, to feed us fruit and grain, and to feed other animals, even worms and vermin. Plants are incapable of sin. And yet the Enemy has turned them into monsters that must be destroyed. Another creature of the night for the family's bestiary."   Mustafa sighs, suddenly exhausted.
J-H
Titus burns another dangling bundle hanging from the ceiling with Sacred Flame.  Nothing happens.
J-H
Swimming into the room, Mustafa's  Light spell makes it easier to see.

The walls are lined with shelves, and the plant-like objects dangling from the ceiling and swaying in the water are actually hundreds of bundles of dried herbs.  They appear to be disintegrating into the water, which has strange swirls of colors in it as a result.
In fact, as you breathe the water, you realize it has a strange, pungent mix of flavors in it.

 
 Spoiler: saves 

DC 12 Constitution save.  On a failed save, you acquire the Poisoned condition for 1 minute.  If you fail by 5 or more, you fall asleep until roused by someone taking an action to shake you awake.
Sabian  (1d20)[ 9 ] +??
Cassandra  (1d20)[ 7 ] +??
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 15 ] +??
Chloe  (1d20)[ 16 ] +??
Titus  (1d20)[ 4 ] +??
 

Several tables and stools are also in the room, although tipped over.  It appears to be a herbalist's workshop, and you can likely find something useful here if you can tolerate breathing the water.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 3/4 2nd: 1/2   

Shirking off any attempts to force her asleep by virtue of her elven nature, Chloé gesture for Cass to take care of the others while she puts her native intellect to work.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Save passed and also an elf.

Gonna be alchemically gathering things.
 (1d20)[ 5 ] . +4 for Nature, +7 for Arcana or Investigation.
Possible advantage for having both alchemist's supplies  and  herbalism kit proficiency?  (1d20)[ 19 ] . No disadv since she didn't get poisoned.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

Mustafa feels his senses threatening to leave him, which triggers his fighter instincts and unleashes a good dose of adrenaline into his blood.

Seeing that Chloé, Cassandra and Titus are unaffected by the toxin, he makes himself useful by dragging Sabian out of the room and allowing him to breathe "fresh" water. If he wakes up soon, Mustafa says   "I was wrong, after all. A relief. The weird plants were nothing more than sleep-inducing herbs. Chloé is investigating the room now."  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  16  | HP:  29/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  2/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Poisoned  
 
  

Cass will check the shelves for anything of value.

 
 Spoiler 
Investigation check:  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
 
J-H
A sturdy cabinet is easily found and unlatched, containing several potions.  Chloe is also able to assemble all the parts of a Herbalist's kit, although it takes a couple of minutes.  Swimming out of the room, those who stayed inside and drank/breathed it feel like you'll be smelling and tasting that chaotic mix for the next three days.

 
 Spoiler: Loot 

Herbalist's kit
Potions:
1 Dimunition
1 Gaseous Form
1 Heroism
2 Antitoxins
2 Superior Healing
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus spat in the water around him and immediately regretted it, as he now would be breathing it shortly again:

 "Great haul, but I'm not sure I can get that taste out ever again. Let's move down the stairs - the sooner we find the relic, the better." 

With that Titus swam again in the direction of the staircase, renewing his disguise.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 37/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian smirks at the grimacing looks,   Hey, I was expecting a lot worse than rotted herbs down here. Let's count ourselves lucky, it's a good haul you all found.   He follows the disguised Titus down the stairs.
J-H
Swimming down the stairs, you descend to the next level.  The muddy water means you can't see very far ahead.  It appears that the stairs are clear down to the level below.

The doorway exactly opposite the exit from the circular stairwell is blocked with rubble and debris.  You'd have to go back up to enter it from above.
The hallway has openings on the left and right, then continues beyond the limited distance you can see.
 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus took a quick look, went back up to inform the others about the situation, before moving down again and peeking around the corner into the hallway to the east.

 
 Spoiler 


Stealth w/disadvantage

 (1d20+5)[ 18 ] / (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 37/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian nods at Titus' findings,   Okay, so like this floor, we'll clear what we can and then try the blocked rooms.   He follows Titus back down, doing his best to swim quietly as well.

 
 Spoiler: Sneaky sneaky? 
  Stealth  - (1d20+5)[ 13 ] ,   Disadvantage  - (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 3/4 2nd: 1/2   

Though she's not fond of the tastes and smells, she does appreciate the minor haul received, and when following the others ensures she keeps a little bit of distance, to not make the attempted sneak even worse.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Potions added to Chloé's sheet.

Stealth if needed:
 (1d20+2)[ 10 ]  Disadv: (1d20+2)[ 19 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Moving up to the intersection, Titus and Sabian can see the following:

On the right, a hallway branches off and appears to continue east.  There are several doors along it, indicating a number of narrow rooms.

Straight ahead, the hallway continues to a debris pile near the end.  There's one door on the left just a little before the fallen stones.

On the left, an arched opening leads into a larger room.  Damp tapestries wave slowly in the water, like some strange form of seaweed.  A remarkably lifelike statue of a young remorhaz catches your eye in the nearest corner, as do a couple of racks that appear to be designed to hold things, although the racks are empty.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 37/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian is startled by the sudden appearance of a large maw on a serpentine body, his shield arm coming up and his spear going forward. But as his vision clears, he realizes it is only a statue. He swims forward,   Never seen something like this. You think it's some sort of underwater serpent or... I guess a serpent with bug legs?   He prods it with the spear.
J-H
The statue does nothing as Sabian pokes it with the tip of his spear.  It's heavy enough that it doesn't even rock... apparently it is quite solid.  Looking around the rest of the room, he can see a statue of a gauth beholder in one corner, and in the other corner, the statue of a hook horror.  A dead lizardfolk lies on the ground with a dark cloak attached to its back, fluttering gently in the water.

 
 Spoiler: art 

 
 
 
 


Sabian knows that one of the items he's seeking is Dracula's cloak.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus held up a hand:  "Careful. It looks like a cloak, but it could be a monster that usually dwells in caves - I think they are called cloakers. Better prod it with your spear as well." 
 
 Spoiler 

Readying eldritch blast, should the cloak be a monster.

Dice Maiden
APP
 (1d20+8)[ 11 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 10 ] 
[1d20+8] Roll: [18] Result: 26
[1d10+5] Roll: [7] Result: 12
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 37/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: -- 
 Reckless: -- 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
  That's rock solid,   Sabian says of the large statue. He admires the craftsmanship as the other statues come into view,   What do you guys make of this room? A gallery of some kind?   He then notices the lizardfolk corpse, and Titus raises a hand,  "Careful. It looks like a cloak, but it could be a monster that usually dwells in caves - I think they are called cloakers. Better prod it with your spear as well." 

Sabian gives the words some thought but then says,   Yeah, but this isn't a cave. So unless this is some special kind that learned to breathe water, I think we're okay. Besides, we're looking for Dracula's cloak, and this might be it.   He reaches down and grabs the cloak.
J-H
   
Sabian pulls the cloak off the lizardfolk, causing a wand to roll slight to the side on the ground.  Before he can do anything about that, the cloak bends and twists unnaturally, revealing a flattened head and a fanged mouth.  It tries to bite him and wrap itself around him, but he's able to ward it off with his shield and quick reactions.
 
 Spoiler 

First attack with advantage!
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 16 ]  or  (1d20+6)[ 18 ]  to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit:   (2d6+3)[ 7 ]  piercing damage, and if the target is Large or smaller, the cloaker attaches to it. If the cloaker has advantage against the target, the cloaker attaches to the target's head, and the target is blinded and unable to breathe while the cloaker is attached. While attached, the cloaker can make this attack only against the target and has advantage on the attack roll. The cloaker can detach itself by spending 5 feet of its movement. A creature, including the target, can take its action to detach the cloaker by succeeding on a DC 16 Strength check.

Tail. Melee Weapon Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]  to hit, reach 10 ft., one creature. Hit:  (1d8+3)[ 7 ]  slashing damage.
Possible advantage  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: initiative 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 12 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 21 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 22 ]  or  (1d20+2)[ 15 ]  1 ex
Swamp Cloaker  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Nature DC 15 

Cloakers don't like bright light and have disadvantage on attack rolls while in it.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
   
Remember, everyone's underwater.  If you don't have a swim speed, you are only moving at half speed.
 

 =&gt; Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 3/4 2nd: 1/2   

Swimming up to close the gap, Chloé's throwing arm proves surprisingly still effective even underwater.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  K338.
 Action:  Create Bonfire in M335.  (1d20)[ 14 ] +Dex vs DC16 or  (2d8+4)[ 15 ]  fire damage (Halved 'cos underwater)
 Bonus Action:  Force Strike:  (1d20+7)[ 20 ]   Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 4 ]  force.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
The cloaker rolls and twists, dodging the flames but not the force strike, then surges past Sabian and tries for Chloe.
 
 Spoiler 

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 16 ]  to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit:   (2d6+3)[ 12 ]  piercing damage, and if the target is Large or smaller, the cloaker attaches to it. If the cloaker has advantage against the target, the cloaker attaches to the target's head, and the target is blinded and unable to breathe while the cloaker is attached. While attached, the cloaker can make this attack only against the target and has advantage on the attack roll. The cloaker can detach itself by spending 5 feet of its movement. A creature, including the target, can take its action to detach the cloaker by succeeding on a DC 16 Strength check.

Tail. Melee Weapon Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 10 ]  to hit, reach 10 ft., one creature. Hit:  (1d8+3)[ 4 ]  slashing damage.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
Underwater!
 

 =&gt;Titus
Sabian
Cassandra
Mustafa
Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 17 HP: 37/38 (5/5 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 2/4 2nd: 1/2   

Undaunted by the creature swarming her, Chloé splashes it with some point blank acid.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None.
 Action:  Caustic Brew.  (1d20)[ 13 ] +Dex vs DC16,  (2d4+4)[ 7 ]  acid at the start of each of its turns until either it spends an action to scrape it off or concentration drops or a minute goes by.
 Bonus Action:  Force Strike:  (1d20+7)[ 15 ]  (1d20+7)[ 20 ]  (disadv in melee)  Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 5 ]  force.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  10  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

With no magic to speak of left, Titus drew his sword and and began slashing at the billowing monster, muttering under his breath:  "Must. Resist. To. Say... I told you so." 
 
 Spoiler 


Attack with silver +1 sword

 (1d20+9)[ 24 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 18 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 12 ] 
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 5 
 AC: 21 HP: 37/50 HD: 2/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: Yes 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing, Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/3 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian shouts in surprise,    Gah!    The creature's bite clangs against his shield and its tail whips around but runs into Sabian's armor,   I hate it when you're right Titus, especially about monsters!   His surprise turns to fury as he summons forth his rage. Chloe and Titus attack it with magic and sword, and it surges forward to retaliate against Chloe. Sabian stabs it with his glowing spear.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Bonus Action   - Rage
  Action   - Attack Swamp Cloaker, Recklessly
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 15 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 13 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 23 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 12 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+8)[ 13 ] 
 First Hit    Radiant  - (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 5 
 AC:  16  | HP:  29/37  | HD:  5/5
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  2/2
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  Poisoned  
 
  

With a gesture akin to a hand clawing at the water itself, Cassandra summons a fist of stone from the floor itself to grab the cloaker and keep it in place.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Earthen Grasp at K335. The creature must make a strength saving throw (DC 14) or it takes  (2d6)[ 3 ]  bludgeoning damage and becomes restrained. To break out, the restrained target can use its action to make a strength check (DC 14).

Cloak strength save:  (1d20)[ 4 ]  plus mods.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  
  "For all gods that are... This thing is huge."   Mustafa raises his holy symbol above his head and conjures a split-tip scimitar made of pure light.    "Zulfiqar!"    He cries, and the sword flies in a deadly circle towards the cloaker. As a follow-up, Mustafa bombards it with a  Sacred Flame  spell.

Move Mustafa to J-339
Bonus Action:  Spiritual Weapon   (1d20+7)[ 18 ]  for  (1d8+4)[ 10 ]  force damage
(Move Spiritual Weapon to J-337)
Action:  Sacred Flame , Cloaker Dex save:  (1d20)[ 5 ]  plus modifiers, DC 15
J-H
The water flares and flashes with glowing green acid, white holy flame, purple force bolts, and the motion of slashes and stabs for the next few seconds.  The lights and movement fade as you realize the Swamp Cloaker has been burned and sliced apart into three large chunks of varying size.  Its blood darkens the room, making it even harder to see.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  
 "We are getting better at this. Quick, let's check the next room, while we have the momentum going." 

Titus made way for Sabian to recklessly enter the room south of their position.
J-H
Checking the rest of the floor, you find that the doors all lead to small bedrooms, sometimes for a single person and sometimes shared.  These appear to be more quarters for servants.  A chasm has opened up in a couple of the bedrooms, leading down to the floor below.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 34/38 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/6 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  
 "Lucky us - only one monster capable of mimicry - unless something is hiding in the armory. Let's see if there is anything useful for us to be found in this little museum and the servants quarters, before we break into the armory." 

Titus was still pumped from the quick fight, despite feeling dead tired otherwise.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 5 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/1 
 Warding Flare: 1/3  
 
  

The Spiritual Weapon vanishes.   "Agreed. One of those trophies could be something of value."   Mustafa swims back to the trophy room to investigate it with the group.
J-H
It appears that anything of value from the trophy room has been looted.  You do note that a couple of wooden supports leaning against the south wall would have been in about the right size and place to hold a statue of a cloaker.

The dead lizardfolk has a wand on the ground near it (needs to be identified).  Inside a sack at its belt is a large stoppered clay urn.  Under Mustafa's light, you're able to read markings indicating that it contains Dracula's Cloak, soaking in holy water.

 =&gt; Level up!
Any new hit points, spell slots, and other resources are immediately available.  You do not gain any Resting-type benefits, though. 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/59 HD: 3/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
  We are, Titus, good work everyone.  

Sabian stands guard as the others search, and nods when Dracula's cloak is found.   We found other items of use in the other rooms. I know we have the cloak now, but should we clear the rest of this place out? We can use the resources,   he pauses in thought,   We're headed for mountains, then across the river.  
 
 Spoiler: Level Up 

Gained:

+1 Rage/Day
+1 HD/+9 HP
+1 Divine Fury damage
Fanatical Focus subclass feature
 
Pyrophilios
[QUOTE=Pyrophilios;26080246]      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 41/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus looked around with large eyes:
 "Hey, I just got a blessing from my patron. I no longer can disguise myself, but my force lance packs a punch now. And I can destroy spells now." 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  16  | HP:  35/43  | HD:  6/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  3/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (2):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

If recent battles had taught Cassandra anything it was to attack quickly and efficiently, striking enemies many times before they can launch even one of their own. She had also, after days of research, perfected a spell that would keep them safe at night while they rest, an opaque dome to hide them in the darkness.

With the mysterious wand and Dracula's cloak within reach, Cass settles down to identify both.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Identify as a ritual on both the wand and the cloak.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 44/45(6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating:  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 1/2   
 "Should we smash the other statues? If one was a Cloaker, the others could come to life too."  Chloé says quietly.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Level up:-
Tool Expertise
1 more Experimental Elixir per day
+2 Infusions known, +1 active (Active: Enhance Defense on her shield, for +1 AC).
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  11  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Cassandra spends about 20 minutes identifying the Wand, which is a Wand of Magic Detection, as well as the magical powers of Dracula's Cloak.  The heavy black cloak has a crimson interior liner, and functions as a  Cloak of the Bat  for an attuned user.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/59 HD: 3/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Titus looks around with large eyes:  "Hey, I just got a blessing from my patron. I no longer can disguise myself, but my force lance packs a punch now. And I can destroy spells now." 

Sabian smiles,   We're on the right path indeed. Someone take the wand and cloak. Let's move back up to get into the armory, then we can finish this level, and see what else is below.
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 41/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus nodded:
 "If no-one minds, I'll take the wand. Let's see what shinies we can find in the armory." 

Titus moved up the stairs, picked up a stone on the way and enhanced it to shine in bright light, before dropping it into the armory below, so he could take a careful look inside before going in.
J-H
Titus goes up and investigates the armory.  Unfortunately, the weapons and armor once stored here have been thoroughly looted.  In the watery darkness, only vacant armor-stands and broken equipment remain.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 41/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus called out:
 "Sabian, do you want to go in first? It looks like everything was looted, but maybe they overlooked something?" 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 HP: 46/59 HD: 3/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
  No, I trust you were thorough enough. The question now is do we clear the lower levels or leave now that we've secured the relic.  
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  
  "Cierestor Castle holds more secrets besides the Cloak. I can feel it."   Mustafa suggests as he casts a round of  Cure Wounds 

Sabian:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ] 
Cass:  (1d8+4)[ 6 ] 

(Might need to cast more depending on the results)
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  16  | HP:  41/43  | HD:  6/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  3/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  2/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"If you believe we might still find more here," Cass nods, "Then let's keep looking."
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 HP: 58/59 HD: 3/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian claps Mustafar on the shoulder in thanks for the healing,   I trust you Mustafar, let's clear the tower.   Sabian descends through the large hole in the servants' quarters.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

The immediate support from the party makes Mustafa anxious - if everything went wrong and they died here, would his suggestion have an impact on the fate of this province? Of the entire world? He does his best to keep composure, however, and casts a third healing spell on himself for good measure.

 (1d8+4)[ 11 ] 
  "We press on."   He agrees, following Sabian and Titus deeper into the flooded castle.
J-H
Descending through the large crevasse in the servant's quarters, you swim down and emerge in a large room, probably the Great Hall of the keep.  Slightly asymmetrical, it is approximately 50’ x 50’.  Overturned tables and benches take up much of the space, which could seat perhaps a hundred people.  Several support pillars that appear to have mostly survived the earthquake intact, although the ceiling has collapsed in one place near the door, leaving a pile of rubble on the ground and a passage to the Second Floor.  A raised dais provided a place for a high table where the Cieresors could judge or lead a feast in view of everyone in attendance.

Aside from furniture, you don't see anything of use or value in the room.  Double doors lead out to, you presume, the courtyard.  The path to the stairway and to whatever room is closest to it has been completely blocked by fallen blocks and debris.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 41/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus looked around:
 "Seems like there isn't anything more of value here. Let's head up to the roof and take another break, so I regain my spells and Sabian can fly us back to the road." 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 HP: 58/59 HD: 3/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian nods in agreement and leads the way back up to the roof level where they entered.
J-H
Deciding that there's nothing else to find in the keep, the five of you swim or walk your way back through the dark, muddy waters.  Mustafa's  Light  provides the only hint of color, and that mostly in browns.  It's a bit of a shock to emerge back into to the open air and dim light of the top floor of the keep.  The magic of Cassandra's spell takes care of clearing your lungs of water.  Proceeding up the stairs to the roof with water dripping off of you, you're quite ready to get dried off.

Sabian is the first to emerge from the trap door, to the tune of a couple of high-pitched "thunk" noises and two spear-like projectiles aimed and fired at him by the pair of lizardmen operating each ballista.  One projectile slams into him, poking through his armor and striking hard.  The other misses, impacting against the crenellations behind him, which sends the bolt flipping up and over and into the water below.

 
 Spoiler: Ballista rolls 

Left  (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  for  (3d10)[ 14 ]  damage
Right  (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  for  (3d10)[ 26 ]  damage
 

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 10 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 20 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 14 ]  or  (1d20+2)[ 10 ]  1 ex
??  (1d20+2)[ 10 ] 
??  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
??  (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 
??  (1d20+2)[ 12 ] 
?? (1d20+4)[ 7 ] 
Perception
Chloe  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]   DV
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]   DV
Titus  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  DV 1 ex
Mustafa  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Sabian  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]   DV
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 44/45(6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Chloé speeds up through the trap door, slithering her way past her party to get out in front, and throws a bouncing fire-sphere flask as far as it'll go. It goes quite far, lodging itself on the far side of the ballista, right next to the enemies.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  U219.
 Action:  Flaming Sphere in AF223
 Bonus Action:  Make it jump over the ballista, into AH225, and slam into H2.
 (1d20)[ 12 ] +Mods vs DC16 Dex.  (2d6+4)[ 14 ]  fire damage, or half on a successful save.
Creatures (and objects) must make the same save if they end their turn adjacent to the sphere.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  11  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
[/QUOTE]
J-H
The flaming sphere burns the hunter, who gives a guttural cry.  He and his companion hack at the ballista with their spears, snapping its cable, and then retreat, dropping over the edge of the crenellations and landing with a splash in the water.

 
 Spoiler 

Fall damage  (2d6)[ 7 ] , DC 15 athletics to halve it
H2 Athletics  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] 
H2 Athletics  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 
 

 H2 &amp; H4 are in the water somewhere below now
Ballista takes 14 fire damage &amp; they make 4 attacks on the string, seems reasonable to break it.
  =&gt;Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  41/43  | HD:  6/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  3/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass enters once more into her trance-like dance, then rushes past Sabian and into the fray.

 
 Spoiler 
Use bonus action to activate Bladesong (AC is now 19), then move to V224.
Cast Booming Blade against H3. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 14 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack is successful, the target takes an additional  (1d8)[ 5 ]  thunder damage, is pushed to U226 and if they move before Cassandra's next turn they take an additional  (2d8)[ 10 ]  thunder damage.
Extra Attack vs H3. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 12 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. If the attack is successful, the target is pushed to U227 (or U226 if the first attack misses).
 
J-H
Both of Cassandra's attacks miss, just barely, as the lizardman ducks, dodges, and twists out of the way.  There's a splashing noise from the water in front of the keep.
 
 Spoiler: Cassandra 

If you have time to notice it, you can see the top of the gatehouse from the ballista platform.  There are 3 lizardmen around a ballista there, and it's aimed in your general direction.
 

 =&gt;Titus 
no changes on the map except Cassandra is in
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 41/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus peaked out between Sabian's legs, firing two force lances at the lizard man standing at the trigger of the ballista, before ducking down again into the safety of the stairs.
 
 Spoiler 

Eldridge Blast w/ repelling blast vs. H3

 (1d20+8)[ 25 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 13 ]  push back 10ft.
 (1d20+8)[ 17 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 13 ]  push back 10ft.
 
J-H
Titus strikes with both blasts, sending the lizardman staggering backwards.  He bumps into the crenellated wall, but twists and allows himself to go over the edge.
The other one chops at the ballista, slicing through firing cable and disabling it until it's repaired, then retreats into the water himself with a loud splash.  =&gt;Cassandra OA on H1 

Across the courtyard, the two lizardmen aim the ballista at Cassandra and fire, but miss.  The spear-sized bolt goes whizzing past, lost somewhere in the swamp behind her.

 
 Spoiler 

H3 takes 26 damage and wants to go over the edge, so he cooperates.
 (2d6)[ 8 ]  fall damage, Ath DC 15 half
 (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 

H1
 (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 
 (2d6)[ 7 ]  fall damage, Ath DC 15 half
 (1d20+4)[ 10 ] 

H3 Hides as an action  (1d20+4)[ 14 ] 

H5 &amp; H7 Aim &amp; Fire
 (1d20+5)[ 10 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  (disadvantage due to long range)  should have been +6. Why does it not have a longer short range than a longbow? 
Damage  (3d10)[ 7 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Sabian, Chloe  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 44/45(6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Chloé feels a little perplexed as to their next actions, given that her throwing arm is definitely not good enough to reach the distant ballista. Her fireball continues to bounce, chasing a lizard over the edge, and she retreats out of sight for the time being.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Bonus Action:  Make it jump over the cliff into H2, AK227
 (1d20)[ 11 ] +Mods vs DC16 Dex.  (2d6+4)[ 14 ]  fire damage, or half on a successful save.
Creatures (and objects) must make the same save if they end their turn adjacent to the sphere.

 Move:  Back down the trapdoor, out of ballista range.
 Action:  None
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  11  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 HP: 44/59 HD: 3/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian says to the others,   It will take all three of them to loose at a decent rate. Take one down they'll get slower loading and aiming. I don't have anything that can reach them. Alternatively we drop into the drink, but the other lizards are down there waiting.   He dashes forward and drops down at the parapet.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Dash   - Move to T-227, hunker down for Total Cover.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  
   "Don't let them get away!"    Mustafa hustled up the stairs. Once he's out onto the roof, he sprints towards the battlements and leaps over them, charging after the hunters.

Action: Dash
Athletics check, if necessary  (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 

OOC: If possible, I'd like to aim for H1. Tasha has rules for creatures falling on other creatures and splitting the fall damage. But if that's not possible, I'm fine with just ending my movement adjacent to H1, so it triggers an OA to move away.
J-H
Mustafa charges out, fueled by holy wrath, and tries to bodily drop on one of the lizardmen.  It manages to get out of his way, leaving him to hit the water in an armored belly flop, taking  (2d6)[ 5 ]  damage.
Sabian moves to cover behind the crenellations.
Chloe sends her ball of fire after the lizardman.  It lands on him, but the water protects him from some of the injury he'd have otherwise taken (7 damage).  Chloe retreats to just below Titus on the stairs.

The burned lizardman (H2) dives under the water and out of sight, while his less-injured companion (H4) swims along the edge of the keep.

Across the water, a ballista bolt is loaded into place (H6).

 
 Spoiler: Map 

 Map Erorr:  There are not, in fact H1 and H3 next to the Ballista and Cassandra 
   
 

 =&gt; Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  41/43  | HD:  6/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  2/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"A ballista?" Cass yells to the lizardmen across the courtyard, "If you're going to try to kill me, you'd best bring something BIGGER."

With that she swings the Vampire Killer and its tip glows brightly, almost like a miniature sun. In an instant another identical ball of flame appears right next to the ballista and erupts, burning everything around it.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to AC227.
Cast Fireball centered on AC254.  (8d6)[ 20 ]  fire damage to all targets within 20ft. DC 14 dex save for half. Flammable objects go up in smoke.

H5 dex save:  (1d20)[ 3 ]  plus mods.
H6 dex save:  (1d20)[ 8 ]  plus mods.
H7 dex save:  (1d20)[ 4 ]  plus mods.
 
J-H
Cassandra's fireball catches all three, and leaves the ballista smoldering - but not destroyed yet.  Looking towards the gatehouse, she sees a door open onto the walls from the level below the battlements.  A lizardman walks out glares out and points his spear at her; suddenly she's cast in shadow, looking up just in time to see a wall of water crashing into her from above, knocking her down.  It retreats back into the gatehouse after casting its spell.
 
 Spoiler: Tidal Wave 

 (4d8)[ 10 ]  bludgeoning damage, Dex DC 14 half.  Prone on a failed save.
Cassandra Dex  (1d20)[ 3 ] +??
 

 =&gt; Titus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 41/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus cursed when he heard the fifth splash of four enemies.

He ran out quickly again, looking over the parapet, seeing Mustafa treading water down there, he quickly grabbed the rope from his backpack and tossed one end over, while busily tying a sling for the rest of the team to haul him up again.
 
 Spoiler 

Move to S222
Use Item to lower rope
Use action to ready Titus to pull Mustafa up.
 
J-H
The lizardman next to Mustafa flings his net at the cleric, entangling him.  Mustafa's armor deflects the follow-up stab, but not the sharp-toothed bite.
 
 Spoiler 

Net  (1d20+6)[ 24 ] .  If it hits, a large or smaller creature hit by a net is Restrained.  To free a creature restrained by the net, the restrained creature or an adjacent ally must use an action to make a DC 10 Strength check.  Alternatively, dealing 5 points of slashing damage to the net ends the effect and destroys the net.
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]   miss 
Possible advantage   (1d20+4)[ 15 ] 

Bite  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 7 ]   hit, gain 3 temp hp 
Possible advantage   (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 
 


The badly injured lizardman dives below the water, out of sight.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Sabian, Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 44/45(6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Chloé climbs back up and tosses an acid flask over the edge at one of the few targets that weren't totally out of range.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Bonus Action:  Flaming Sphere move 30ft towards the gatehouse.
 Move:  R223
 Action:  Acid Splash H1  (1d20)[ 1 ] +mods vs DC16, hit deals  (2d6+4)[ 7 ] , half acid half radiant.
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  11  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 31/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

Mustafa keeps fighting, unbothered by the net that keeps him from swimming properly. He summons  Zulfiqar  again, then casts a  Sacred Flame  at point blank range.

Action: Sacred Flame  (2d8)[ 5 ]  at H1, Dex save to negate  (1d20)[ 2 ]  plus modifiers

Bonus Action: Spiritual Weapon attacking H1  (1d20+7)[ 9 ]  for  (1d8+4)[ 7 ] 

Will use Warding Flare reaction at any attacks
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 HP: 44/59 HD: 3/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian moves over to Titus and begins to pull the rope to help lift Mustafa back up to the roof.

 
 Spoiler: Athletics Check 
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 27 ] 
 
J-H
Mustafa's holy flames strike the lizardman, although his spiritual weapon misses.  He grabs Titus' rope, but the warlock isn't strong enough to pull him up.  Sabian, however, is, and Mustafa is pulled onto the wall with a few mighty heaves, still wrapped up in a net.  Chloe hops up onto the crenellations to drop  acid on the lizardman.  However, this extra altitude makes her visible, and the lizardmen on the gatehouse send a ballista bolt towards her.  It misses, going high and overhead.
 
 Spoiler 

Chloe has +5 AC from 3/4ths cover.  Ballista operators have readied actions.
Ballista  (1d20+6)[ 13 ]  for  (3d10)[ 11 ]  piercing damage.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  31/43  | HD:  6/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Okay that much water  was  a little bit bigger than a ballista, I'll give you that," Cass says, standing up and brushing herself off, "But let's see who runs out of juice first."

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Fireball centered on AC254.  (8d6)[ 34 ]  fire damage to all targets within 20ft. DC 14 dex save for half. Flammable objects go up in smoke.

H5 dex save:  (1d20)[ 11 ]  plus mods.
H6 dex save:  (1d20)[ 19 ]  plus mods.
H7 dex save:  (1d20)[ 15 ]  plus mods.
 
J-H
The lizardmen duck and dodge away from Cassandra's fireball (all saved  for half).  The ballista does not, and is destroyed.

Two more lizardmen carrying spears run out of the gatehouse, one on each side.  They hop down from the walls and swim closer.  One plunges underwater and out of sight, although Cassandra sees some colored lights appear underwater, flickering and dancing back and forth in some kind of signal.  The other stays above water, conjuring a wave of water atop the keep that slams inwards, hitting Sabian, Chloe, Mustafa, and Titus.
 
 Spoiler: Tidal Wave 

30’x10’x10’ area,  (4d8)[ 23 ]  bludgeoning damage &amp; knock prone, Dex DC 14 half
Sabian  (1d20)[ 2 ] +? or  (1d20)[ 9 ] +?
Chloe  (1d20)[ 5 ] +?
Mustafa  (1d20)[ 17 ] +?
Titus  (1d20)[ 15 ] +?
 


Map changes: Ballista destroyed, S1 in U249

 =&gt;Titus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 30/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Wet and pretty furious, Titus looked over the parapet and sent a few force lances into the foes in the water while calling to the others:

 "We are probably going to get swarmed from below. They'll send half their force through the water from below, while the others keep us occupied. At least, that's how I'd do it. We better block the trapdoor. Maybe we can pull the defunct ballista over." 
 
 Spoiler 


Eldritch Blast on whatever enemy is in reach and preferably already injured

 (1d20+8)[ 21 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 12 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 19 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 9 ] 
 
J-H
Titus blasts the lizardman who'd caught Mustafa in a net, killing it (H1: Dead)
Two of the three lizardmen who had been operating the ballista disappear into the gatehouse, badly burned (H5 &amp; H7).

 =&gt;Mustafa, Sabian, Chloe 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 20/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

Mustafa scampers and stumbles up the stone wall, trying to synchronize his climbing steps with the mighty heaves that pull him upwards. He finally lands on the battlements, rolling over his shield to recover.    "AHAHA! I feel so alive!"   

He casts a  Thaumaturgy  spell to make his voice boom across the water:    "Fly, wicked creatures! Servants of the Enemy! And you better come back fierce, or we shall burn every single one of you! Run and hide in the shadows like your master! Cowards!"   

(Intimidation 16, rolled on Discord)
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 21/45(6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Chloé pats herself 'dry' and moves away from the group, her bouncing ball continuing its over-water path south.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Bonus Action:  Flaming Sphere move 30ft towards the gatehouse. Again.
 Move:  Stand and 15ft east.
 Action:  Dodge
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  11  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 HP: 21/59 HD: 3/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Just as soon as he pulls Mustafa back up onto the tower roof, Sabian is blasted by a torrent of water and knocked off his feat. He braces against the parapet to stop himself from going over. Clambering back up, he spots the lizardfolk at the gatehouse retreating down below. The half-orc growls,   We're sitting ducks up here. They'll just keep blasting us with magic and bolts. We need to do something, cause this aint working!   He throws one of his two daggers at a lizardfolk down below, then ducks down below the parapet again.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Movement   - Stand up (20ft)
  Action   - Attack (throw dagger)
  Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 15 ] ,   Disadvantage  - (1d20+8)[ 14 ]  (not sure if at long range, but including just in case)
  Piercing  - (1d4+5)[ 8 ] 
  Movement   - Drop back behind parapet.
 
J-H
Mustafa shouts out a challenge, his voice carrying a great distance.  He's still wrapped up in the net.

Sabian moves to the front of the tower, leaning over to throw a dagger down.  In return, the lizardman hurls a javelin up at him, missing by several yards.
 
 Spoiler 

Javelin  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  piercing, Sabian has +5 AC from 3/4ths cover so this only hits on a nat20.
 


The last ballista operator flees down into the gatehouse.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  31/43  | HD:  6/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"If you think hiding underwater will protect you," Cass says, "You have no idea how stubborn we can be."

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Chill Touch on H4. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 8 ] , to damage:  (2d8)[ 9 ]  necrotic damage. If the attack is successful the target cannot heal until the start of Cassandra's next turn.
 
J-H
Cassandra's magic misses.

The one above the water, which had previously cast Tidal Wave, disappears under the water as it swims closer (S1 not visible).

 =&gt; Titus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 30/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  
 "We should retreat inside and hole up in the south eastern room. Only one entrance and anyone trying to get in gets blasted and burned from four of us. Quick, before the other lizards get to that level first." 
Titus opened the trap door and cast light on his shield while descending.
J-H
Titus starts down the spiral staircase.  Two lizardmen exit the gatehouse along the wall and dive into the water, disappearing underwater as they head your way.

 =&gt;Mustafa, Sabian, Chloe 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 HP: 21/59 HD: 3/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
  More on the way!   Sabian calls out. He moves to follow Titus through the trapdoor.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Action   - Dash
  Move   - Move

Going as far into the tower as Sabian can, with 80ft of movement.
 
dangelo
Mustafa ends his challenge with a grunt that evolves into a roar as he frees himself of the net.    RrrraaaAAAAGH!    (Strength roll 16). Although his battle spirit still rages, his soldier instincts wouldn't allow Mustafa to ignore a call to formation, and the soldier-priest hustles after the others.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 21/45(6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere 
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

She hadn't really wanted to stay up top to begin with, and follows Sabian down.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Bonus Action:  Flaming Sphere move 30ft towards the gatehouse. Again. She can't really see it at this point but no reason to drop it...
 Move:  Follow Sabian
 Action:  Dash
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  11  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
J-H
Most of the group runs into the trapdoor, committing themselves to defending the keep from the inside.  Mustafa is just barely in the trap door, as he had to break out of the net restraining him.  Cassandra remains near the battlements, and can see the last ballista operator dive into the water and below the surface, headed towards the keep.

The only lizardman visible is H4, just over the wall.

 =&gt; Cassandra 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  31/43  | HD:  6/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass follows the others down and she begins looking for a space in a corner or a part of the room that's similarly out of the way. "You guys need to stick within ten feet of me, but whatever you do don't let anything else get that close. I just need a minute."

 
 Spoiler 
Cassandra will cast Leomund's Tiny Hut with a spell slot so it takes one minute, or ten rounds. It will be coloured to blend in with the surroundings, making it more difficult to see.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 HP: 21/59 HD: 3/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian takes position to stop any lizardfolk from entering the sitting room, ready to leap into the spell effect when Cass is finishing up the casting.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 
  
Action   - Dodge
 
Pyrophilios
[QUOTE=Pyrophilios;26086870]      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 30/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  
 "We need to barricade one entrance, Quick, help me to move the table from the next room into position." 
Titus indicated towards the room where the battle with the web had happened.
J-H
You barricade the door from the office, making it hard to get in.  As Cassandra begins to cast, the light in the room changes briefly as a lizardman's head partly blocks one of the two windows.  He dives away with a splash, presumably to let others know where you are.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 30/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

With the entrance done, Titus turned to the narrow windows:
 "They know where we are. Let's cram their dead friends into the window slits so we don't get a spear in the back." 
He hurriedly dragged over one of the bodies and used it as a makabre block for the window.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 21/45(6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

With their location discovered, Chloé tosses a fire flask at one of the ways the lizards might enter from - it would serve as a beacon to them, of course, but also narrow their ways of entry and burn any who thought to pass through it.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Create Bonfire (DC16, 2d6+4) on one of the entryways the lizard could use - lasts a minute, but she can refresh it as needed/
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  11  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 HP: 21/59 HD: 3/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian moves with haste to assist Titus. As they work, he says   I think we should hunker down on the upper level. Let them try us single file in the stairs. I worry they will surround us with spears, nets, and magic once the Hut comes down.  
 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 
  Action   - Helping barricade the windows.

RP - Just having Sabian give his thoughts, not trying to persuade anyone to switch directions.
 
J-H
Titus uses the corpse of one lizardman to mostly block a window, while Sabian blocks the other.  Chloe starts a fire burning in the north entrance from the sitting room.  Seconds pass...

 
 Spoiler: rerolling initiative 

We're into a new combat thanks to the pause, and I think it'll be good to shake up initiative accordingly.

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 8 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 18 ]  or  (1d20+2)[ 9 ]  1 ex

S  (1d20+2)[ 20 ] 
H  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
C  (1d20+2)[ 16 ] 
 
J-H
The small amount of light at the window by Titus is suddenly blocked.  The lizardman corpse he stuck in the window twitches, and is dragged outside.  Titus briefly gets a glimpse of a very large crocodile holding the body in its mouth, before the crocodile's rider stabs at him with a lance.  The stabs are powerful, and the rider doesn't seem to be giving much thought to protecting himself as his powerful muscles drive the wooden weapon forward.

Two rocks are thrown past the lizardman at Titus as well.

 
 Spoiler 

Titus has +5 AC from 3/4ths cover.
Reckless attack
 (1d20+5)[ 12 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 10 ]  for  (1d12+5)[ 13 ] 
 (1d20+5)[ 7 ]  or  (1d20+5)[ 24 ]  for  (1d12+5)[ 10 ] 

H4 Magic Stone  (1d20+6)[ 15 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 9 ] 
H5 Magic Stone  (1d20+6)[ 17 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 9 ] 
 


There's also a noise of movement from the stairs up, although you can't tell exactly how many creatures are emerging and walking through the water.

 
 Spoiler: map 

   
Note:  Map shows only what you've been able to see or sense.
 

 =&gt;Sabian
Chloe
Mustafa
Titus
Cassandra
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 HP: 21/59 HD: 3/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 1/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian sees the stones come through the window, and the lance strike Titus. He can hear the splashing of lizardfolk approaching from the stairs,   Here they come!   He flips the bed up against the wall and slides it to cover the window so the stones can't come through,   Cass get down to the ground!   He then moves over to the wall by the corridor, waiting for foes to enter.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Action   - Flip bed/move bed against window
  Move   - Move to Y202
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 20/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus groaned as the lance pierced through his armor, but he kept his wits about him and retaliated immediately with two lances of his own, before moving out of the line of fire.

 
 Spoiler 

Firing at the reckless attacker to turn the advantage against him
 (1d20+8)[ 19 ] ,  (1d20+8)[ 9 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 20 ] ,  (1d20+8)[ 13 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 14 ] 

Move aside into the corner (Y206) of the room to get to cover
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 21/45(6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Chloé manages to toss an acid flask through the window as she repositions.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  Z203, action, then Y203.
 Action:  Acid Splash C+G, DC16 or  (2d6+4)[ 11 ]  half acid half radiant
C: (1d20)[ 19 ] +mods
G:  (1d20)[ 15 ] +mods
 Bonus Action:  Homunculus Force Strike C  (1d20+7)[ 17 ]   Damage   (1d4+3)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  11  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 20/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 10 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

Mustafa moves to Y-204 and readies a Sacred Flame at any creature that breaks into their room.    "Let's end their sorry existence!"    He pushes his back against the wall to keep a wide field of vision.
J-H
Sabian starts moving the bed to block the opened window.  Chloe's force servant's shot and acid fly out and Titus shoots, then Mustafa helps put the bed into place.  Cassandra continues chanting.
 Resolved slightly out of order; technically Sabian blocked the window first so I just changed it to a readied action to flip it up. 

You hear sloshing as lizardmen continue to move.  The table blocking the entrance from the office starts to shift as a lizardman pushes against it, but Titus pushes back, keeping it in place!
Each of the other two doors is filled with a lizardman.  One flings two flings javelins in Cassandra from beyond the flames, both of which miss.  Mustafa counters with a burst of holy flame, but the lizardman ducks aside.
 
 Spoiler 

H2 dashes

H3 uses his full movement and throws javelins at the best target, Cassandra, from beyond the bonfire that's magically floating on the water.
Javelin  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 
Javelin  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 3 ] 

H6 tries to shove the barricade aside, DC 15 (moderate difficulty, hasty barricade).  If he succeeds, Titus can use a reaction to make an opposed Athletics check to push it back.
Athletics 1  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  vs DC 15
Athletics 2  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  vs DC 15
IF he gets through on first try, Javelin vs Titus
 
 Spoiler 

Javelin  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 7 ] 
 

 
J-H
You faintly hear a rasping chant from outside.
 
 Spoiler: Arcana or Religion DC 12 

Magic Stone
 


The giant crocodile moves over to the other window, grasping and pulling the body out of it.  Its rider peers inside and then moves back out of the way.  Outside, one of the lizardmen releases a readied spell as it gazes through the window, causing a wave of water to crash across the room.  Cassandra, Mustafa, and Sabian all dodge part of the blow.
 
 Spoiler 

Tidal Wave, 30' x 10' strip, hits Cassandra, Sabian, Mustafa.
 (4d8)[ 12 ]  bludge damage, Dex DC 14 half; prone on a failed save.
Ca  (1d20)[ 20 ] +?
Mu  (1d20)[ 15 ] +?
Sa  (1d20)[ 14 ] +? or  (1d20)[ 9 ] +?
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Sabian
Chloe
Mustafa
Titus
Cassandra
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 21/45(6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Though they are somewhat surrounded, Chloé continues throwing out her flasks through the window.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None
 Action:  Acid Splash C+G, DC16 or  (2d6+4)[ 12 ]  half acid half radiant
C: (1d20)[ 13 ] +mods
G:  (1d20)[ 1 ] +mods
 Bonus Action:  Homunculus Force Strike H3  (1d20+7)[ 25 ]   Damage   (1d4+3)[ 7 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  11  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 20/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Since the spell failed, Titus called out:  "Fall back up the stairs. We need to get away from this caster." 
He gave up on shoring up the door he stood against and instead let it fall inwards, following up directly with a double swing of his sword against the lizard man on the other side



 
 Spoiler 

Get out of the way of the barricade and let it drop, attack H6 from X206 in melee

 (1d20+9)[ 28 ]  damage  (1d8+6)[ 10 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 11 ]  damage  (1d8+6)[ 8 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  25/43  | HD:  6/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

With her spell ruined, Cass decides to vent her frustrations on the enemies nearby.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to AE202.
Cast Booming Blade vs H2. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 10 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  bludgeoning damage, plus  (1d8)[ 1 ]  thunder damage and +1 fire damage.
Extra Attack: To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 20 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.

On a successful attack push the target to AE200 and if it moves before Cassandra's next turn it takes an additional  (2d8)[ 11 ]  thunder damage. On two successful attacks also push the target to AE199 and move to AC200.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

Mustafa casts a  Sacred Flame  at the spellcaster, finding a clear shot now that the window is clear. His missile strike the target from above, ignoring the cover provided by the stone walls of Cierestor Castle. He follows up with a  Spiritual Weapon :    "Zulfiqar!"   

S2 Dex save  (1d20)[ 16 ] 
Spiritual Weapon (upcast 3rd level) BA attack [roll]1d20+7[/rolll] for  (2d8+4)[ 14 ] 

(27 crit, rolled on Discord)

Warding Flare is ready.
J-H
Sabian charges forward, downing the lizardman at the door of the room with a single blow before moving farther out to challenge the next one.
J-H
Chloe moves over to the window to splash acid on the lance-wielder and the crocodile.  She hits, but three stones fly at her from lizardmen who'd been waiting for a target.  Her homunculus shoots at H3, killing the lizardman.
 
 Spoiler 

Magic Stones from H4, H5, H7 (the last two are in Z212 and AC212 as of Chloe's turn).  She has +5 AC from cover.
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 8 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 9 ] 
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 8 ] 
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 25 ]  for  (1d6+3)[ 4 ] 

Concentration checks?  (1d20)[ 4 ]   (1d20)[ 12 ]   (1d20)[ 4 ] 
 

Mustafa's sacred flame is dodged, but his conjured weapon strikes hard at the shaman (crit, 28 damage).

Titus lets the barricade fall, choosing instead to step forward and slay the lizardman on the other side.
J-H
Cassandra moves up to the window and sends a fireball out.  Two lizardmen are killed outright, their bodies sinking into the water, and the others are injured.
 
 Spoiler 

20 damage
Lizardmen have +2 Dex saves from partial cover
C  (1d20+6)[ 20 ] 
G Croc  (1d20-1)[ 7 ]  but is submerged so it has resistance.
S2  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
H4  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] 
H5  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] 
H7  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 
 
J-H
The one remaining hunter swims east after a few growled commands.  The two spellcasters each swim up long enough to peer through the window and briefly call upon their most powerful curses before swimming out of sight.
 
 Spoiler 

Flesh to Stone (C, 60’, 1 creature; Con save, on failure, restrained; target saves at end of turns.  3 successful save ends the spell; 3 failed saves causes it to be petrified for the condition; if concentrated on for 1 minute, petrification is complete).
DC 14
S1 casts it on Chloe
S2 casts it on Cassandra
Chloe Con save  (1d20)[ 18 ] +??
Cassandra Con save  (1d20)[ 7 ] +??
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 9/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Though she shirked off the would-be petrification (and one of the stones), she sees Cassandra isn't quite so lucky, and she knows she has to act fast. She darts back to the window, tosses a flask, and then ducks away again.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  Up to the window, then back away again.
 Action:  Acid Splash C+G, DC16 or  (2d6+4)[ 13 ]  half acid half radiant
C:  (1d20)[ 10 ] +mods
G:  (1d20)[ 2 ] +mods
 Bonus Action:  Homunculus Force Strike C  (1d20+7)[ 27 ]   Damage   (1d4+3)[ 5 ]   Crit  for  10 
 

 
 Spoiler: Servant Statblock 

PB=3

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points:  11  (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR 	DEX 	CON 	INT 	WIS 	CHA
4 (-3) 	15 (+2) 	12 (+1) 	10 (+0) 	10 (+0) 	7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+7) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 +  3  (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  
   "I won't allow it!"    Mustafa raises his holy symbol and shoots a fiery projectile just the size of an olive at a spot above the water where Cassandra had aimed her own  Fireball . It explodes upon impact, unleashing a 20-foot radius inferno on the invading enemies.

 (8d6)[ 20 ] 

Dex saves (DC 15)

S1  (1d20)[ 14 ] 
S2  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
H4  (1d20)[ 16 ] 
G  (1d20)[ 20 ] 
C  (1d20)[ 18 ] 

BA Spiritual Weapon moves do AG-209 and attacks S2
 (1d20+7)[ 15 ]  for  (2d8+4)[ 13 ] 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 20/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus stepped to the window to his right and fired at the crocodile rider, trying to push him out of the saddle.
That done, he moved back into cover.


 
 Spoiler 

move one square right, fire at crocodile rider

 (1d20+8)[ 17 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 12 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 24 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 7 ] 

pushing him 10 ft with every hit.
move back into cover
 
J-H
Sabian sprints up the stairs, almost emerging onto the rooftop.  Chloe's magic brings down the lizardfolk champion, who hits the water with a splash as he falls off his crocodile.  Mustafa's fireball kills the shaman concentrating on Flesh to Stone, freeing Cassandra, and he directs his spiritual weapon towards the lizardman outside the window, striking a killing blow against H4.

Titus fires two blasts, knocking the crocodile backwards.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  25/43  | HD:  6/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"I owe you one," Cass says to Mustafar with a nod of appreciation as she heads to attack the remaining shaman.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to AH206 (if S2 is still alive) or AC206 (if S1 is still alive).
Cast Chill Touch against S1 or S2. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 16 ] , to damage:  (2d8)[ 7 ]  necrotic damage and the target can't regain hit points until the start of Cass' next turn.
 
J-H
Cassandra's spell fails to connect with the enemy spellcaster, as it barely deflects the grasping hand with its wooden shield.  Badly injured, it grabs the crocodile's back, and directs the beast to dive under the murky water, causing you to lose track of it.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

Mustafa barely identifies that Cass was talking to him - seeing he enemy trying to flee, he runs at full speed to the window, ready to jump.

His senses get the better out of the soldier-priest, however, and he stops at the window, casting another Thaumaturgy spell to boom his voice:    "Is that all you got?! Come back here and finish what you started, wicked creatures! Scum! Cursed! Damn you all!   

When his energy is all spent, he finally turns around to Cassandra.   "By all the Gods of Light, what kind of curse was that? For a moment I thought we had lost you."   He hugs her tight in relief, as if making sure she wasn't still turning into stone.   "Are you alright? Can you still cast that Hut?"  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 20/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus slumped down the wall. The adrenaline of the fight had let him forget for a few moments how exhausted he was. He needed true, unimpeded sleep. Or baring that at least a few hours of naps to refill his magic and heal their various wounds.

 "Wouldn't mind if you did set up a warm and dry place here..." 

With some effort he got up to search the other lizard man - they still needed diamonds after all, and maybe those guys here had stolen some jewelry
J-H
Reality ripples for a moment, so subtly that you don't notice it.  The next breath each of you takes is in the slightly different world of  IC Thread 2 .