[User]
 The Order of the Unicorn squares up against Team FUNGUS in an epic showdown of Capture the Flag!

 Spoiler: OOC
Your map is  here .

Take any position in your goal and roll initiative.

[User]
 GL HF!

Order of the Unicorn Initiatives:
Estron:  (1d20+2)[ 14 ]
Thumper:  (1d20+2)[ 15 ]
Caladan:  (1d20+2)[ 22 ]
Joshua:  (1d20+2)[ 4 ]

Joshua A3
Caladan B3
Thumper A2
Estron K3

Team Average: 13.75

[User]
 F: B19
N: F19
G: D19
S: H19

Rolls:

F:  (1d20+3)[ 15 ]
N:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]
G:  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]
S:  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]

avg: 15.75

[User]
 S: Inspire G. Move to H13. Faerie fire on 3 in upper part (J,C,T MAKE dc 15 dex save). Cover behind wall

F: Sleet storm covering 1st through 12th column. All MAKE dc 14 dex save at start of turn or fall prone

[User]
 Fairy fire saves:
Thumper: [roll]2d20b1+2[/roll]
Caladan: [roll]2d20b1+2[/roll]
Joshua: [roll]2d20b1+2[/roll]

Sleet saves:
Estron: [roll]2d20b1+2[/roll]
Thumper: [roll]2d20b1+2[/roll]
Caladan: [roll]2d20b1+2[/roll]
Joshua: [roll]2d20b1+2[/roll]

[User]
 Fairy fire saves:
Thumper:  (2d20b1)[ 7 ]  + 2
Caladan:  (2d20b1)[ 20 ] +2
Joshua:  (2d20b1)[ 20 ] +2

Sleet saves:
Estron:  (2d20b1)[ 18 ] +2
Thumper:  (2d20b1)[ 17 ] +2
Caladan:  (2d20b1)[ 18 ] +2
Joshua:  (2d20b1)[ 11 ] +2

[User] Joshua falls prone and begins cursing a blue streak.  Thumper is affected by Fairy fire.

[User]
 Estron calls out calmly over the gale.   "Squad, advance" .  He advances as well.

Thumper calls out a clipped  "Acknowledged" .  He runs forward, his glow clearly visible as he carefully sprints forward.

Caldan clicks his heels together as if coming to attention, then chugged a potion and barrelled forward at an alarming rate.

Joshua clicked his heels, righted himself and moved forward into the storm.  A stream of curses was the only sign to his position.

 Spoiler: OOC

Estron dashes to H9 and takes cover.
Thumper dashes to C8.
Caladan dashes over the barriers and ice as if they weren't there (B15, takes cover)
Joshua gets up and dashes D12 (takes cover).

To clarify, Caladan drank a potion of speed and activated his boots of speed.
Joshua activated his boots of speed.

[User]
 Nehkbet, reaction to go first. Bonus: bear totem in F15 (+10 tmp hp to all allies, adv str)  Fly to G12. Pick up flag. Drop Prone.

Scathach, inspire N. Take flag from N, run to J19. Drop prone.

Fjallar: Use Mage armor scroll (AC now 16). Move to E16. Cover, drop prone

Ghislaine: Move to H13, (cover). Activate Oath bow on Caladan. Attack

(after attacks, familiar distracts Caladan, moves to H16 cover)

Starting with Caladan (if he reactions or goes down I may switch targets. First dice is canonical if not attacking with adv.

 Spoiler: Attacks:

1.
 (1d20+3)[ 10 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 8 ]
dmg [roll]1d8+3d6+13[/roll]
2.
 (1d20+3)[ 22 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 5 ]
dmg [roll]1d8+3d6+13[/roll]

 Spoiler: used

sleet storm
mage armor scroll
2x inspiration
conjure totem
oathbow

[User]
 action surge attack again

 Spoiler: dmg, more attack

dmg  (1d8+13)[ 19 ]  +  (3d6)[ 15 ]
1.
 (1d20+3)[ 14 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 5 ]
dmg  (1d8+13)[ 15 ]  +  (3d6)[ 9 ]
2.
 (1d20+3)[ 17 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 17 ]
dmg  (1d8+13)[ 15 ]  +  (3d6)[ 9 ]

So 34, 24, 24 (82 dmg, so close...) piercing dmg to caladan. Your turn (unless you do something to interrupt my turn).

[User]
 The arrows plunging into Caladan's side elicit only a glare.   "First sleet, now arrows?  When it rains, it pours."   His eyes glow gold and his wounds start to close, the arrows falling onto the floor.  He then bolts forward and says  "Hello there.  I think you've taken something of ours."

 Spoiler: OOC

Caladan takes 27 damage after applying resistance (only two attacks hit due to boosted AC from potion).  Will use reaction to go first?

Caladan uses bonus action to heal  (4d6)[ 14 ]

Caladan moves to I19.

Caladan casts Hold Person (Wis Save, DC 15) on Fjallar and Scathach.

[User]
 Spoiler: saves

F  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]
S  (1d20+0)[ 8 ] ,  (1d20+0)[ 18 ]

Wipes of sweat. btw it should be 29 dmg after resistance right?

I've said charlesrwest can roll my saves in future for sake of speed (honor system re counterspell etc).

[User]
 Nothing happens.  Caladan clicks his teeth and shakes his head.   "Boss, not the best time for a fizzle."

Joshua comes charging out of the storm as well.  He runs within hugging distance of Fjallar.   "'Scuse me, sir.  Are you a weather wizard?  I'd like to register a complaint"   He negligently waves at Caladan and a glow envelopes him, then casts at the magical pair.

 Spoiler: OOC

Joshua uses reaction to act.
Joshua moves to E16.
Joshua heals Caladan  (4d6)[ 10 ]
Joshua casts Hold person on the wizard and the bard (wis save DC 15).

F  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]
S  (1d20+0)[ 5 ] ,  (1d20+0)[ 5 ]

You are right about the damage.  I will update.

[User]
 The snow and ice abruptly disappear and the glow fades from Thumper's form.

Estron looks calmly over the battle and nods.   "Alright then."   He gestures toward Ghislaine and Nekhbet.

 Spoiler: OOC

Belated dex save for Joshua:  (1d20+2)[ 21 ]

Hold person on Ghislaine and Nekhbet (wis save DC 15).

[User]
 Spoiler: saves

N:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ]
G:  (1d20+2)[ 3 ]

[User]
 Estron jogs forward, carefully avoiding getting to close to Nekhbet.

Thumper runs right between Nekhbet and Ghislaine.  He then gestures toward them.

 Spoiler: OOC

Thumper moves to G13.  If possible, he will target both Nekhbet and Ghislaine with Hold Person (wis save, DC 15).

Estron -> F14

[User]
 Spoiler: saves

G:  (1d20+2)[ 18 ]
N:  (1d20+7)[ 22 ]

[User]
 Nekhbet looks at the frozen grimaces of his friends. " That's okay, I have a lot more friends... "
Nekhbet reaction to go first.

Conjure animals 8 velociraptors.

4 in D16, 4 in E13.

V attacks (may shuffle who they attack based on how it goes / con saves)

 Spoiler: V attacks

V1
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]
V2
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]
V3
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 4 ]
V4
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]
V5
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]
V6
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]
V7
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]
V8
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 4 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: concentration saves

if one of them makes it and the other does I may reassign the V's (Joshua has priority)
Joshua:
 (1d20+3)[ 8 ] , (1d20+3)[ 8 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 19 ] , (1d20+3)[ 15 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 10 ] , (1d20+3)[ 17 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 12 ] , (1d20+3)[ 18 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 11 ] , (1d20+3)[ 13 ]

Estron
 (1d20+3)[ 23 ] , (1d20+3)[ 14 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 11 ] , (1d20+3)[ 19 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 19 ] , (1d20+3)[ 10 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 15 ] , (1d20+3)[ 23 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 16 ] , (1d20+3)[ 21 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 7 ] , (1d20+3)[ 13 ]

So J fail a save, estron doesn't.
J takes 10 dmg, Estron takes 13 (after resistances)

[User]
 N moves to H12, takes cover, prone.
V5-8 move to F13.

Scathach casts hold person on Estron and Caladan 3rd level, inspires Fjallar.

 Spoiler: saves

E  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]
C  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]

Fjallar moves to I20, picks up the flag, drops prone. Familiar distracts C. moves to K9, cover

Ghislaine depends on rolls...

[User]
 So Ghislaine does get a turn. Goes to c15 Attacks Caladan. G Familiar distracts J, moves to C9, cover.

 Spoiler: rolls

 (1d20+3)[ 20 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 17 ] ,  (3d6)[ 10 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 18 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 17 ] ,  (3d6)[ 12 ]

27 dmg after resistance. Your turn.

[User]
 Thumper smirks as Ghislaine turns his back to him and squeezes off two shots at him.

 Spoiler: OOC

AOO:
Eldritch Blast beam 1:
Attack: Worse of  (1d20+7)[ 9 ]  and  (1d20+7)[ 27 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 5 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 6 ]

Eldritch Blast beam 2:
Attack: Worse of  (1d20+7)[ 23 ]  and  (1d20+7)[ 27 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 5 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 1 ]

[User]
 Thumper moves over to where Nekhbet is laying, looks briefly perplexed and then shoots him.

 Spoiler: OOC

Eldritch Blast beam 1:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 8 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 13 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 1 ]

Eldritch Blast beam 2:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 8 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 14 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 7 ]

Well, that's um... something 1/400.

[User]
 Caladan runs over to I20 and shoots at Fjallar's laying form.   "You all seem to be having trouble staying awake."

 Spoiler: OOC

Eldritch Blast beam 1:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 21 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 7 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 5 ]

Eldritch Blast beam 2:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 8 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 8 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 2 ]

Fjallar goes flying, then slides across the floor.

 Spoiler: OOC

Fjallar is repelling blasted to I18.

[User]
 Caladan runs over to Ghislaine.   "I heard you had a bone to pick with me."

 Spoiler: OOC

Caladan heals himself  (2d6)[ 6 ]

[User]
 Joshua jogs over and shoots at Nekhbet.

"Gotta respect the dino choice, mate."

 Spoiler: OOC

Joshua heals Caladan  (2d6)[ 7 ] .

Joshua moves to G12.  Any AOO get disadvantage due to boots.

Eldritch blast 1:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 15 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 8 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 10 ]

Eldritch blast 2:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 14 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 9 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 7 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

Estron will save:
 (1d20+3)[ 11 ]

[User]
 Scathach OA on Caladan
Raptors OA on Joshua (disadvantage cancel adv.)

 Spoiler: rolls

V1
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]
V2
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]
V3
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]
V4
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 7 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]

Scathach
 (1d20+6)[ 18 ]
dmg:  (1d8+5)[ 13 ]

Scathach turn, reaction to go after V

Fjallar drink potion of heroism, crawl to I21. Mutters to himself, " I should not have agreed to this, why did I agree to this. "
Ghislaine moves back to B15 (assuming Caladan in D15.)

Furious, Ghislaine shouts " Why. Won't. You. Just. Go. Down! " punctuating the sentence with more arrows.

 Spoiler: ghislaine attacks

 (1d20+3)[ 23 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 14 ] ,  (3d6)[ 10 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 5 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 20 ] ,  (3d6)[ 10 ]

[User]
 wow, lucky shots.

 Spoiler: crit rolls

dmg:  (1d8)[ 1 ]  (3d6)[ 6 ]
dmg:  (1d8)[ 1 ]  (3d6)[ 9 ]

[User]
 Nekhbet stands, takes dodge action. " Uh, thanks. Technically they're my distant relatives. "
velociraptor 1-4 move to f13 (this should be next to estron and thumper), all V attack Estron.

 Spoiler: v attacks. auto crit

V1
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 15 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]
Dmg  (2d6+2)[ 10 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]
Dmg  (2d4+2)[ 10 ]
V2
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]
Dmg  (2d6+2)[ 5 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]
Dmg  (2d4+2)[ 4 ]
V3
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]
Dmg  (2d6+2)[ 11 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 7 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]
Dmg  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]
V4
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]
Dmg  (2d6+2)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]
Dmg  (2d4+2)[ 5 ]
V5
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]
Dmg  (2d6+2)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]
Dmg  (2d4+2)[ 9 ]
V6
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]
Dmg  (2d6+2)[ 11 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 14 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]
Dmg  (2d4+2)[ 9 ]
V7
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]
Dmg  (2d6+2)[ 11 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 7 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]
Dmg  (2d4+2)[ 7 ]
V8
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]
Dmg  (2d6+2)[ 12 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]
Dmg  (2d4+2)[ 8 ]

Then scathach uses dissonant whispers on thumper.

save, Velociraptor OA if thumper fails and flees:

 Spoiler

Thumper save dissonant:  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]

V1
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 18 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]
V2
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]
V3
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]
V4
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 13 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 7 ]
V5
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 4 ]
V6
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]
V7
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 7 ]
V8
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]

So Caladan down.
Estron after resistance takes 5+5+2+2+3+2+3+4+5=31 dmg,  which I believe puts him down.

The rest go against thumper. I need to reroll cause they aren't auto crits against him.

Thumper:

[User]
 Spoiler: thumper dmg rolls

Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 7 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 4 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 4 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]

Dissonant dmg:
Dmg  (3d6)[ 10 ]

Looking pretty good. I realize you probably have something to do about this. obviously I'll redirect attacks/spells if you Tomb. But your turn unless interrupt.

Thumper after resistance:
V: +3+3+2+2+1
OA 4+3+2+4+2+4+4
Dissonant+5
= 39

[User] Thumper and Joshua take the dodge action.

[User]
 Accounting last turn:
35 to thumper
Should have been Bite only with AoO Joshua = 10 dmg
I believe thumper is in D7 after running from dissonant whispers?

 Spoiler: estron save vs hold person at end of turn

 (1d20+3)[ 5 ]

Scathach attacks T:

 Spoiler: scathach attack

disadvantage  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+6)[ 21 ]
dmg:  (1d6+3)[ 5 ]

Fjallar takes dodge action, Familiar distracts T, moves to J16

Ghislaine attacks T, then Familiar distracts T, Ghislaine attacks T again (if thumper is down or very low Ghislaine may attack J instead and allow V to finish of thumper).

 Spoiler: ghislaine attacks, disadvantage adv cancelled

 (1d20+3)[ 19 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 15 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 22 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 19 ]

Nekhbet takes dodge action, goes to H13

V attacks (probably joshua, but may need to send some after thumper if he isn't down yet)

 Spoiler: V attacks, dis/adv cancel

V1
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]
V2
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]
V3
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]
V4
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]
V5
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 4 ]
V6
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]
V7
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 4 ]
V8
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]

So thumper down to 0 hp with 1 ghislaine arrow and two V
Joshua takes 9 +2+3+4+1+3+1=23 dmg (incl. resistance)

Flag has been in goal for 1 round.
V1-2 are in E8. V3-4 are in F12, V5-8 are in F13
Your turn

[User]
 Joshua spits blood on the ground and eyes the dino pack surrounding him.   "You might think... that after all this I would have a thing against dinos.  Truth is... I don't.  Dinos are cool."   He spits again.   "But do you know what really cheeses me off?  Huh?"   Joshua shifts his gaze and his voice goes cold.   "Owls!"

 Spoiler: OOC

Eldritch Blast beam 1 Targeting familar 1:
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 12 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 12 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 11 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 5 ]

Eldritch Blast beam 1 Targeting familar 2 if 1 is down.  1 otherwise:
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 17 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 22 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 5 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 8 ]

[User]
 So I believe Fjallar Familiar dead, Ghislaine Familiar -5 tmp hp.

Nekhbet drink potion of heroism
V attack Joshua

 Spoiler: Velociraptor attacks

V1
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]
V2
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]
V3
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 16 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]
V4
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 12 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]
V5
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 13 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 14 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]
V6
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]
V7
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 7 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]
V8
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 4 ]

Ghislaine drink potion of heroism

Scathach drink potion of heroism

Fjallar cast nondetection on self (for free with feat) (+6hp to ward, at 12hp)

I've held in goal for 2 rounds, so time to reset I believe. (No one short rests.)

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

No one in the Order of the Unicorn short rests.
Caladan A3.
Thumper B3.
Joshua K3.
Estron J3.

Hit points on sheets have been updated.

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

Estron init:  (1d20+2)[ 4 ]
Thumper init:  (1d20+2)[ 16 ]
Caladan init:  (1d20+2)[ 14 ]
Joshua init:  (1d20+2)[ 10 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: init

take same positions as before.

F  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]
N  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]
G  (1d20+3)[ 20 ]
S  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]

[User]
 Nehkbet fly to G12, take flag. Go prone

V 1-4 move to B19 (
 Spoiler: ready
attack if enemy comes in range

), V5-8 move to E11 (
 Spoiler: ready
attack if enemy comes in range

).

Ghislaine blink to D13, take flag, move to A19, go prone

Fjallar move to A20, reaction cast shield, take flag, go prone

Scathach move to B21, cast silence. top left: A14 Bottom right: H21. Go prone

[User]
 Thumper takes one look at the charging feathered dinosaurs, shakes his head and looses arcane fury.

 Spoiler: OOC

Eldritch blast Beam 1 (Nehkbet):
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 11 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 24 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 8 ]  + if crit  (1d10)[ 1 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

Eldritch blast Beam 2 (Nehkbet):
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 19 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 11 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 9 ]  + if crit  (1d10)[ 1 ]

[User]
 Thumper clicks his teeth at the misses and strides forward.

 Spoiler: OOC

Thumper advances to H9.

[User]
 Caladan matches Thumper's tempo of fire.

 Spoiler: OOC

Eldritch blast Beam 1 (Nehkbet):
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 25 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 13 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 13 ]  + if crit  (1d10)[ 7 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

Eldritch blast Beam 2 (Nehkbet):
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 23 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 19 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 12 ]  + if crit  (1d10)[ 5 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

N con check for concentration (DC 10):  (1d20+2)[ 20 ]

[User]
 Caladan fist pumps at the hit and runs forward, jumping a barrier.

 Spoiler: OOC

Caladan advances to A12.

[User]
 Joshua shoots.   "Heads up dino man!"

 Spoiler: OOC

Eldritch blast Beam 1 (Nehkbet):
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 25 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 9 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 6 ]  + if crit  (1d10)[ 10 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

Eldritch blast Beam 2 (Nehkbet):
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 8 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 19 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 6 ]  + if crit  (1d10)[ 2 ]

[User]
 Joshua matches Caladan's pace.  Estron grimly starts shooting.

 Spoiler: OOC

Eldritch blast Beam 1 (Nehkbet):
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 18 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 10 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 9 ]  + if crit  (1d10)[ 8 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

Eldritch blast Beam 2 (Nehkbet):
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 16 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 27 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 9 ]  + if crit  (1d10)[ 4 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

N con check for concentration (DC 10):  (1d20+2)[ 11 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

Estron to I9.
Urandom's turn.

[User]
 Fjallar moves to A21, takes dodge action.

Ghislaine Moves to A20, attacks Calidan

 Spoiler: Ghislaine attacks

 (1d20+3)[ 19 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 23 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 14 ] ,  (3d6)[ 9 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 22 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 17 ] ,  (3d6)[ 11 ]

Which square is Joshua in?

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

B12, sorry.

[User]
 Ghislaine smiles grimly as yet another arrow strikes Calidan through the neck. "Lucky me."

 Spoiler: crit dmg

 (1d8)[ 6 ]
+  (3d6)[ 13 ]

That's enough to drop Caladan, so next arrow goes to Joshua instead.

[User]
 As the last shot hits, it thunks into solid ice.

 Spoiler: OOC

Caladan uses his reaction on that last shot to activate tomb of Levicutis.  50 tmp hp.

[User]
 Nekhbet says " Feast on them my flock. They have a light, bubbly flavor. " (waiting to see what happens)

Scathach moves to B20, drops silence, casts hold person at 3rd level on T and E.

 Spoiler: wis saves dc 15

T (1d20+3)[ 6 ]
E (1d20+3)[ 6 ]

Velociraptors attack (from C11) (first Joshua till down, then either thumper or estron prioritizing paralyzed.

 Spoiler: Velociraptor attacks

V1
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 3 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 4 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 3 ]
V2
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 4 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 1 ]
V3
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 7 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 4 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 1 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 2 ]
V4
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 14 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 1 ]
V5
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 15 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 4 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 4 ]
V6
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 12 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 2 ]
V7
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 5 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 2 ]
V8
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 3 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 3 ]

So J is down, then auto crits vs thumper deal: 22 dmg
and vs estron: 7 dmg
(all counting resistance)
Your turn (though I think its just saves against hold person)

V1-2 in C11

V3-4 in H8

V5-8 in I8

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

Estron hold person save:  (1d20+3)[ 4 ]
Thumper hold person save:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]

And that is the end of this round, is it not?

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

All of the Order of the Unicorn short rest.  Caladan swaps boots with Estron.

Estron Hit die:  (5d8)[ 15 ]
Thumper Hit die:  (5d8)[ 17 ]
Caladan Hit die:  (5d8)[ 21 ]
Joshua Hit die:  (5d8)[ 19 ]

[User]
 End of round, though I will squeeze off a couple more shots just to potentially keep you lacking in hp

Scathach inspire Nekhbet.

Attacks vs Caladin then Estron, just to drop to 0 hp

 Spoiler: Ghislaine attacks

 (1d20+3)[ 20 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 11 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 18 ] ,  (3d6)[ 13 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 15 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 11 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 19 ] ,  (3d6)[ 16 ]

 Spoiler: Velociraptor attacks

V1
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 1 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 4 ]
V2
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 7 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 1 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 7 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 4 ]
V3
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 7 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 5 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 16 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 4 ]
V4
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 2 ]
V5
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 15 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 3 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 4 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 1 ]
V6
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 4 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 4 ]
V7
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 2 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 1 ]
V8
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 1 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 4 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 4 ]

 Spoiler: ooc
Scathach short rests.

updated sheet

Current effects:
mage armor fjallar
arcane ward 12hp
inspiration nekhbet
conjure animals
potion of heroism on all
oathbow on calidan

[User]
 Spoiler: init

F  (1d20+3)[ 20 ]
N  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]
G  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]
S  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

Updated sheets.  Will change HP if the CTF round doesn't end till after the end of his turn.

Joshua A3.
Thumper B3.
Estron K3.
Caladan J3.

Inits:
Estron:  (1d20+2)[ 12 ]
Thumper:  (1d20+2)[ 12 ]
Caladan:  (1d20+2)[ 13 ]
Joshua:  (1d20+2)[ 6 ]

[User]
 Nekhbet flies to E12, takes flag, drops prone.
V move to D11,
 Spoiler: ready
attack if enemy comes in range

v5-8 move to F11,
 Spoiler: ready
attack if enemy comes in range

Fjallar misty steps to D13, takes flag, moves to A18. drops prone.
" Curse these stumpy legs... "

Your turn.

[User]
 Without fanfare, the order of the unicorn moves out.

 Spoiler: OOC

Caladan casts armor of ags on himself and moves to D9
Estron casts armor of ags on himself, activates his boots and moves to G13 while avoiding rabid beasts.
Thumper casts armor of ags on himself and moves to C9.
Joshua casts armor of ags on himself, activates his boots and moves to H12.

[User]
 Nekhbet reaction to go after V.
Fjallar stand move to A21, go prone
Scathach inspire Fjallar. move to B20. Cast hold person on E.

 Spoiler: E wis save
 (1d20+3)[ 22 ]

Ghislaine cracks her neck, once for each side, the snaps off two more shots.  "Once more for the road?"

 Spoiler: Ghislaine attacks

caladan first, but depending on hold person may attack estron with second
 (1d20+3)[ 9 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 15 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 16 ] ,  (3d6)[ 9 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 15 ] ,  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 14 ] ,  (3d6)[ 5 ]

Ghislaine moves to A20

V reaction to go after G. Attacks (Caladan or estron, depending on hold person and ghislaine attacks)

 Spoiler: Velociraptor attacks

V1
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 2 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 15 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 4 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 1 ]
V2
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 3 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 12 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 3 ]
V3
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 16 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 2 ]
V4
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 2 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 12 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 3 ]
V5
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 13 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 6 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 4 ]
V6
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 4 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 3 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 2 ]
V7
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 4 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 2 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 12 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 5 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 3 ]
V8
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]
Dmg  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]  if crit:  (1d6)[ 2 ]
Claws  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]
Dmg  (1d4+2)[ 6 ]  if crit:  (1d4)[ 1 ]

12+10+24 dmg to Caladan.
V1-4 in E10 V5-8 in E9

Nekhbet moves to I16, takes dodge action.

Your turn

[User]
 Caladan says  "Ouch.  Turkey with teeth.  I'm having fowl for dinner after this one."   He glances over at Thumper.   "Ready mate?"   They vanish in a clap of thunder and reappear next to the opposing party's huddle.

Estron gestures and says:  "Mind dropping that flag?"

 Spoiler: OOC

Caladan thundersteps.  Caladan moves to C20 and Thumper to B21.

All raptors take damage.   (3d10)[ 22 ]  damage with a DC 15 con save to half.

Estron casts hold person on Fjallar and Ghislaine (DC 15 wisdom save).

Fjallar Hold Person save: Best of  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  +  (1d4)[ 4 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  +  (1d4)[ 3 ]
Ghislaine Hold Person save:  (1d20+2)[ 11 ]  +  (1d4)[ 2 ]

[User]
 Estron shrugs and speeds forward.  Joshua jumps up and down.   "How about for me?"

 Spoiler: OOC

Estron moves to A19 and heals Caladan  (4d6)[ 14 ]

Joshua uses reaction to go next.  He casts hold person at Fjallar and Scathach (wis save DC 15).

Fjallar hold person save: best of  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]  +  (1d4)[ 3 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  +  (1d4)[ 1 ]
Scathach hold person save: best of  (1d20)[ 18 ]  +  (1d4)[ 1 ]  or  (1d20)[ 12 ]  +  (1d4)[ 2 ]

[User]
 "Sad day"   Joshua runs forward to join the party.

Thumper shrugs and shoots at Fjallar

 Spoiler: OOC

Joshua moves to B19.

Thumper Attack:
Eldritch Blast beam 1:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 11 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 6 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 4 ]

Eldritch Blast beam 2:
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 10 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 5 ]

[User]
 Fjallar stands and takes dodge action.

Scathach casts hold person on Estron.

 Spoiler: rolls dc 15

 (1d20+3)[ 8 ]

[User]
 Scathach inspires Ghislaine.
 "How dare you, they were just chicks! I guess I'll have to bring something bigger..."
Nekhbet casts conjure animals, summons 2 giant octopus.
O1 upper left is in A17 (its large)
O2 upper left is in C18
N moves to J15, goes prone

Ghislaine reaction to go. Attacks Calidan (if goes down attacks go to at Estron):

 Spoiler: Ghislaine attacks

 (1d20+3)[ 16 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 21 ] ,  (3d6)[ 7 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 5 ]
dmg:  (1d8+13)[ 21 ] ,  (3d6)[ 13 ]

 Spoiler: Octopus attacks

Assuming calidan down, if not may redirect
O1 vs thumper:
 (1d20+5)[ 19 ]
dmg:  (2d6+3)[ 9 ]  (and grappled and restrained)

O2 vs thumper if first missed, Joshua if not.
 (1d20+5)[ 12 ]
dmg:  (2d6+3)[ 11 ]  (and grappled and restrained)

Calidan down, Thumper takes 4 dmg and is restrained (O1 takes 15 dmg from agathys)

Your turn

[User]
 Estron, Joshua and Thumper all attempt to focus down the Fjallar.  They don't think they will succeed in time, but are going to try anyway.

 Spoiler: OOC

Estron:
Eldritch Blast beam 1:
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 26 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 18 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 12 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 6 ]

Eldritch Blast beam 2:
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 19 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 17 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 13 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 10 ]

Joshua:
Eldritch Blast beam 1:
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 15 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 10 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 5 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 6 ]

Eldritch Blast beam 2:
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 9 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 12 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 12 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 10 ]

Thumper:
Eldritch Blast beam 1:
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 14 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 20 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 12 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 10 ]

Eldritch Blast beam 2:
Attack: worse of  (1d20+7)[ 21 ]  or  (1d20+7)[ 15 ]
Damage:  (1d10+4)[ 8 ]  + if crit:  (1d10)[ 7 ]

Thumper also heals Caladan  (4d6)[ 11 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC

Ironically, the only ones that hit are Estrons... which aren't real because he can't act (oops).

The shots go wild.


[User] Game is officially started! See the  OOC  for more info.

[User] Reserved for maps, index, etc.

[User]
 Let me guess; XeroChem=Rats.

Anyway, what do we do first?

[User] Marcus stares at his phone.  What did XeroChem want with an ex-pro athlete?  If they wanted someone to promote some new supplement there were more family-friendly choices than him.  Maybe it was experimental and dangerous, so they wanted someone expendable?  The idea they wanted someone who was down so they would have a bigger success story by lifting them up never really formed.  He started to send a text to his agent, then remembered he had fired him months ago, then replied to the message directly, asking when they would like to see him.  Then on to something more important.  It had taken a while to learn how kids did this, but he managed to search social media for addresses to find individuals who lived in Skulls-controlled neighborhoods, people who would talk about what they saw going on as it happened, not wait 12 hours for a watered-down news story.  His bat, vest and javelins were in the front closet, waiting for him.

[User]
 An owl landed nearby and gave Nemesis a welcome.  "Who indeed, my friend. Who, indeed ..."  High above the late-night street traffic Nemesis crouched on the ledge of Lucas Tower, a 100-story monolith that seemed to hover over the city. Night winds whispered past her as the investigator studied the glittering spires of the city. She had a lot on her mind tonight ---

--- one, the names of the cops who set her up ---

--- two, the name of the mobster or corrupt cop who controlled how city cops handled mob investigations ---

--- three, the name of the most powerful person in the city, whether mobster or politician. Nemesis would spend the next week shaking down whoever she had to to get the answers she wanted. She'd pay 'the right people' a visit - always at night and always an unpleasant encounter for them.

 Spoiler: Investigation checks

 (1d20+10)[ 30 ]
 (1d20+10)[ 11 ]
 (1d20+10)[ 16 ]

[User]
 Rhyvurg: A receptionist pleasantly asks you to come to the XeroChem Experimental Clinic at 2pm tomorrow. The address is on the top floor of a large office building in Manhattan. Searching social media is unproductive until you hit on a counterinuitive idea: go check the page for the top lieutenants in the Skulls, then comb through their followers. Soon enough, you have a long list of people who are involved with the Skulls.

Conaldar:
You know the names of the two were there with you that night: Sam and Sal Sturm. Twins, both joining the force the same year. You know their faces (almost the same between them - pale eyes and bright red hair - but Sal's got a scar on his left ear from a knife fight), their favourite drink (rum and coke, easy on the coke), what size shoe they wear (14w). You were friends, once upon a time, or so you thought. Finding them would be too easy.

You've tried to work this one out before, but it's just never quite clicked. Who could be in a position to control all the mob investigations, even across the different boroughs? It just doesn't make sense. You're close enough to taste the answer, but its just not coming to you.

The most powerful person in the city is obviously the Mayor. Elected in on promises to fight crime and following up with the passage of the H.E.R.O. law, Ruth C. Gulia is one of the most powerful women in the state. In public appearances, she's never seen without a pair of bodyguards in high grade body armour and discreetly holstering some sort of laser pistol. No scandals so far, but there's always the specter of vigilantism lingering over her head. She's the one that made it legal, after all.

[User]
 Conaldar (reroll):
You run it over once more in your head. Organized Crime Investigation are just grunts, they don't call the shots. There's also Gang, Narcotics and Proliferation Divisions for each precinct, but none of them deal with organized crime as a whole. Somebody has to be doing the coordination between them, and that somebody would be in the right position to set you up. Stuck you in with two corrupt cops on the night you were supposed to do the bust. Its not proof by a long shot, but its means and opportunity.

[User] Marcus reads the list five times, then checks for where some of the low-level thugs might be tonight.  Clubs they frequented, women they visited often, anywhere he might catch them off guard.  He had to work his way up, attacking a lieutenant now would mean fighting his army.  But take out the army first, piece by piece, and the leaders would be alone.  And who knew what he might be able to get that he could use.

[User]
 Rhyvurg:
Marcus finds a popular dance club where some of the younger recruits party. Based on the pictures, you can expect terrible beer, glow in the dark skeleton body paint and a whole lot of unregistered firearms. You'll want backup if you're going to pick a fight at this establishment.

GreyStormCrow:
Rags and Tatters hear quite a bit:
 strange abductions (13; 1 degree of success)
"Well, I wasn't abducted or anything, but I heard nobody's seen Ted around. He dead, man?"
 new gang (19; 2 degrees of success)
"Yeah, them, man! Look here, you see that bruise? They beat the [bleeping][bleep] out of me! Wanted to know about Ted. [bleep][bleeping][bleepers]. All I know is, he used to live under this [bleepity] overhang and now the [bleep] is soaking wet and he ain't [bleeping] there no more."
 rats (25; 3 degrees of success)
"Listen here, this is what I saw... There was this rat, right? Ran after a motorcycle, trying to get onto it. Bite the guy. No clue why, it was the freakiest thing I ever saw. Motorcycle splattered it right in two. Normal rat, it'd be dead, you know? No coming back from getting your hind end and your whatsit, other end, split in two. But this one, both parts kept trying to attack the motorcycle! Bit the guy on it up real bad until he wrapped it up in a jacket, so it couldn't keep fighting. Took it off. Some suit, not the sort that rides a hog, you know? Weirdest thing. Swear I saw it, too. I was having a good day, Rags. No voices, nothing."

[User] Marcus pulls on his vest and a jacket over it, and grabs the bat and javelins.  No need to attack tonight, but he at least wanted to get a look at the place.  He heads downstairs to his garage sublevel, putting his weapons in the trunk.  He memorizes the address but doesn't ask for a route, then turns off his phone and dives out.  He doesn't go directly to the club, instead looking for a parking structure at least 5 blocks away, somewhere far enough that they wouldn't look for him there if something happened.

[User] I have decided that this campaign was a unpleasant mistake and am discontinuing it. I wish you the best of luck finding a new GM.


[User]
 Welcome to the campfire channel. This is a bit of an experiment. The idea is to provide an avenue for exploring settlements and NPCs without dragging down the plot and action.

Currently, the campfire channel covers scenes aboard the  Kaava Cutter , the ship taking you to the settlement of Pridon's Hearth.

Rules for the campfire channel:
*No combat.
*Loose chronology.
*Keep skullduggery to a minimum - if you get caught, you're caught.

[User]
 Aboard the Kaava Cutter, as you sail from Sargava to Pridon's Hearth, you have noticed 4 individuals.

 Annabella Tullia  (female half-elf): Garbed in a radiant red dress and a constant glower.

 Gallio Menius  (male human aristocrat): A particularly rotund young noble. A dozen indentured laborers, who spend most of their time guarding boxes of personal effects and farming equipment, accompany the young entrepreneur on what is clearly his first trip away from Eleder.

 Mr. Blackwell  (male human):
A sharply dressed man. His half-dozen travelling companions defer to him.

 Umuzu  (female Mwangi human): A seasoned looking woman, carrying a well-used backpack.

[User]
 left]

A simple dressed half-elven women is keeping a low but positive profile. Keeping an eager ear out for gossip and other information that might lead to a house to infiltrate. Gallio Menius seems the likely candidate. But the woman in red absolutely fascinates. Her choice of carrying herself the complete opposite. Overt, sensual, angry. She loved it and planned to find out the motivations of this mystery woman.

  "Lets start with  choosing a color and font for speech!"  , Elisa excitedly meta-narrates, non-cannonly.  " And thought, for that matter. " , she then thinks to herself, knowing that italics don't always mesh with certain colors and fonts.

 Spoiler: OOC/Rolls
for rolls and such

 Spoiler: Statblock
insert status and such here

[User]
 Rorina was a heavyset short dark woman in leather armor and a patchwork multicolor skirt. She was holed up in a corner with one of the indentured servants, reading his fortune with her enchanted Harrow deck,   "Yes, I see love in your future and 3, no 4 children. You will be happy if you can only make it through the storm."

 Spoiler: 3 Card Reading
 (3d52)[ 39 ][ 4 ][ 12 ](55)

[User]
 Riu is serving as one of the Kaava Cutter's physicians.  She's a blue-haired young woman of eastern origin, though her skin has some scale-like patches upon them; she's dressed in a doctor's coat and a simple gown of modest means underneath.  One of her arms rather clearly doesn't appear to be functioning, though she seems adept enough at her work even so.

"  And if you take this remedy before you sleep, the fever should go down soon,  " explains Riu to her patient.  "  It may be a bit bitter, so you can have honey with it if you'd like.  "

The doctor rises up from her seat and steps out towards the shared rooms, and looks somewhat curious at the deck reading happening.

"  Good evening,  " Riu greets with a faint smile.  "  Is that a kind of divination you're performing?  "

[User]
 Originally Posted by Merilan
 The doctor rises up from her seat and steps out towards the shared rooms, and looks somewhat curious at the deck reading happening.

"  Good evening,  " Riu greets with a faint smile.  "  Is that a kind of divination you're performing?  "

Rorina's eyes light up as the girl approaches her. She shoos the servant boy away now that his reading is done.

  "Oh yes, true Varisian fortune telling, there's nothing like it across the Inner Seas. A few coins and I could look into your fortunes."   She hadn't charged the indentured servant anything, mostly because she'd be surprised if he had two coppers to rub together. Not like this well armed adventurer.   "This deck was passed down through my mother's line and it channels real magic."   She tossed a card off the side of the boat where it exploded into a ball of light then the card reappeared in her hand.

  "Do you dare to look into your own future?"

 Spoiler: Blast Mechanics
Radiant Blast Explosive Sphere 5ft square, 0SP, no blood required, no specific card required

[User]
 Riu lowers herself to a squatting position, careful to keep her balance given her arm.  She wasn't visibly armed, but she definitely had the look of a traveler who had more on her than an indentured servant.

The spectacle of light was definitely very impressive, and her smile widens just a little further.  Riu was pretty intrigued by divinations, even if she wasn't certain of their power.  She reaches to her pouch and places a silver coing down.  "  Very well.  Here's a silver.  My name is Riu, by the way.  I'm acting as the ship doctor.  What of you?"

[User]
 Rowena hunched her shoulders in and drew her hood tighter against the weather as she passed a deckhand tying knots incorrectly for the fourth time.  She shuddered as the instinct to sharply correct the boy nearly overwhelmed her, but hurried away yet again, determined not to rock the boat.  As she made her way towards the bow, she saw the Mwangi passenger again, a woman who, judging by her garb and outlook, seemed used to the environs they'd be arriving to shortly.

Sidling up to Umuzu, Rowena ventured a lame opening.    "Not, uh, your first time traveling this way, eh?"    She winced at herself as the other woman turned to regard her.    "I mean, got any pointers for surviving Sargava?"     Nailed it, Rowena,   she berated herself for how stiff she came across.

[User] Umuzu takes a moment to reply to Rowena.  "Yes. If you're going into the jungle, get a local guide, and pay them well" . She briefly cracks a genuine-seeming grin, before assuming a serious scowl again.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Merilan
 The spectacle of light was definitely very impressive, and her smile widens just a little further.  Riu was pretty intrigued by divinations, even if she wasn't certain of their power.  She reaches to her pouch and places a silver coing down.  "  Very well.  Here's a silver.  My name is Riu, by the way.  I'm acting as the ship doctor.  What of you?"

"Let us see what the cards have in store for you,"

 Spoiler: Drawing
 (3d52)[ 9 ][ 13 ][ 1 ](23)

[User]
 Originally Posted by Benoojian
 "Let us see what the cards have in store for you,"

The first card is upside down but shows a Crown of thorns. "For your past we have the Ace of Kings, reversed. That means great power but great tragedy. Perhaps you are running from something."

The second card is five Kings pointing their overlapping swords at each other in the shape of a star "The Five of Kings form a pentagram, and mean possibilities, as your Present it suggests you may have far too many directions to go to seek your goal."

The third card is a Knight in full armor kneeling, "The Ace of Knights signifies an oath, and suggests that your quest's best end will be found in keeping your word and in holding to your sense of self rather than looking for easy answers."

[User] Riu listens to Rorina's explanation, and then chuckles faintly with a nod.    "That could describe a great many of us, who've chosen to take flight on a ship to a new land, doesn't it?  But, I take your advice well to heart regardless.  I imagine when we step foot on lan, we'll be overwhelmed with choices nonetheless.  Unless you already have something in mind, miss...?"

[User]
 Originally Posted by Merilan
 Riu listens to Rorina's explanation, and then chuckles faintly with a nod.    "That could describe a great many of us, who've chosen to take flight on a ship to a new land, doesn't it?  But, I take your advice well to heart regardless.  I imagine when we step foot on lan, we'll be overwhelmed with choices nonetheless.  Unless you already have something in mind, miss...?"

  "My divinations are not as powerful as my Evocations, I admit, so I often speak in generalities. If I have my way, a place will be prepared and the next ship of settlers will be full of my people ready to start a town of our own."   Rorina waves a hand and the cards shoot back into the deck which disappears into a voluminous sleeve.   "So, are you running from or running to something?"

[User] A map of Pridon's Hearth, pieced together from tavern talk. Ignore the "meeting place" marker. The entire town is open for "campfire visits", and the ship still is.


[User]
 What has happened already:

 The Abandoned Mine Office and the Whispering Cairn
 The Three Faces of Evil
 The Encounter at Blackwall Keep
 The Hall of Harsh Reflections, Part 1  (disregard action after post # 815  - we will begin at that point, which I have duplicated below the page break.)

 (Current) OoC Thread  (I don't intend to make a new one yet, as there is no need that I can see.    This includes a summary of the action so far! Read it!   )

With the party all together again, they can go over their discoveries and review the maps Olofire has purchased. During the lockdown of the Sanctum no one approaches to bother the PCs as they make plans, including the relative of Lyr that is rumored to be looking for Frederick. You are able to rest and recover, either here or at the Crooked House, and begin the next day fully refreshed and ready for business.

When the party begins looking they start in the Artisan's District. Rather close to the map shop where Olofire purchased his new collection they find a business called the "Cold Forge" - an armor and weapon smithy run by a foul-mouther old smith named Crusty Patten. There are numerous ways down into the sewers from the streets, including one out of sight in an alley behind the various businesses.

 Spoiler: Mechanics
This would be easier around a table, but you all managed well enough so I want to get us going...

Finding the next dungeon requires some skill checks. You've already learned a bit about Beggar's Gold, the fungus found on the dead drows' boots. At the discovery of the Cold Forge several of you remember that the fungus often grows in sewers near smithies or forges.

Olofire's efforts have accomplished the "Gather Information" check needed to find the Cold Forge.

Once you enter the sewers you will need to pass five DC 10 Survival checks, keeping an eye out for phosphorescent mold, to find the entrance to the dungeon. As no one in the party is a Ranger or Druid (Lydia has the highest Survival modifier at +4) I went ahead and did the rolls for you.

After slipping into the sewers and establishing their light sources and marching orders, the party encounters several minor threats - a wandering gelatinous cube, some darkmantles, and a couple of carrion crawlers - all of which are either dispatched or avoided easily. At one point, early in their exploration, Lydia finds the body of a male human with a large hole in the back of his rotting head. It's a grisly reminder of the threat they face down below the Free City of Greyhawk.

About three hours into the day the PCs find a rather large patch of Beggar's Gold just off an ancient and particularly deep (60 ft underground) sewer tunnel. Here the sewers cross with some natural caves full of the usual stalactites and stalagmites, with a ceiling about twenty feet above. The caves are utterly dark with the exception of the entrance's glowing fungus - there is no light inside except what the PCs bring with them. The natural tunnel walls are unworked stone and the floor is uneven and slippery in most places, making the ground difficult terrain unless otherwise noted.

The first large cavern the PCs find has patches of phosphorescent fungus lighting it. There are huge swaths of the Beggar's Gold fungus and toadstools of various sizes, some the size of a full grown human.

 Spoiler: Map

 I recommend that the players review carefully the sorts of dangers that can occur underground ( Mundane Environmental Hazards ). We haven't dealt with many of these in a long time (real world), but your PCs would know that such threats exist. Also, there are many, many varieties of interesting (and dangerous) fungus used in old-school style dungeon crawls, especially where Underdark dwellers are concerned.


[User]
 Chronicles of the Starfall
IC 01

  Slysummit, 5th Day of 32th Cycle of the Year 251 After the Starfall
 Beneath the arena, the air is heavy, damp, and tinged with the stench of fearful despair and neglect. The walls of the subterranean corridors are cold stone, slick with moisture and stained with the memories of those who walked this path before. Faint, flickering lanterns cast long shadows on you and your fellow prisoners. You've just been brought out of a cell where you have spent the night before. You don't know what time it is exactly, what with the sun being absent, but you reckon that a meager meal was served to you maybe one or two hours ago. So it must be past noon. Which means your "chance at redemption", as the judge put it, is near. At the end of the corridor, someone shouts a command whose words are mangled by the distance. But right from behind the line of convicts, another voice reacts, shouting at you all :
 Guard :   "-Alright, you scum ! It's show time ! Aaaaa...dvance !"
 The person in front of you shuffles forward and, shackled in chains, you are forced to follow. When the torch light allows, you can see some of the guards, clad in dark, iron-plated armor, move with a mechanical precision, their faces hidden behind grim helmets. They grip long spears, the tips occasionally scraping the ceiling as they march. As you are herded through, you can feel that the ground is slightly inclined. And you are always turning left, meaning you are circling around something. Eventually you reach the heart of the arena's machinery : massive gears and pulleys groan and clank, supporting the wooden ceiling above, where wells of sunlight are falling from strategically placed mirrors. Nearby, slaves toil silently as they haul heavy loads or stoke the fires that power the arena's devices. This is also a waiting area, wide enough for dozens of men.

On the right side, series of cages are lined up. Inside, the beasts stir. These are no ordinary creatures, but grotesque, magically-mutated monstrosities. You can see glimps of the ones closer to the iron bars : some are amalgamations of various animals, their forms twisted and fused. Others are just normal predators, at least as far as can be seen but you doubt it is so. For each is there to inspire a sense of exotic dread among the public, reminding them of what lurks beyond Slysummit's walls, of why so many patrols are needed, the taxes so high, the food so expensive and the law so harsh. One cage holds a hulking mass of fur and scales, its body a hideous blend of bear and crocodile, its maw lined with jagged teeth that seem to glow faintly in the dim light. Another houses a serpent with the talons of an eagle and the venomous stinger of a scorpion, its coiled body covered in iridescent feathers that shimmer unsettlingly. As   Saber   pass near, the bear-crocodile lets out a bone-chilling roar, its serpentine eyes locking onto the illusionist with a predatory gaze. This prompt a chuckle from one of the guards.
 Guard :   "-It likes you, boy. Alright, aaaaand... Halt !"
 You've reached the base of a steep slope, leading to the arena’s pit. At the top, a massive, rusted iron gate stands close. The air here is dry and carries the faint scent of sand and blood, a sharp contrast to the damp corridors behind. You can feel the heat from the arena seeping through the gaps and the distant roar of the crowd. The area is better lit and you can now see clearly everyone. There are about twenty prisoners and eight guards, two of which are now removing the chains from each of you, probably readying you to climb into the arena.

What do you look like, what can others see when they look at you ?
What are your thoughts, words and actions ?

[User]
 Ophilia is a slender, white-haired woman that could be mistaken for an ingenue at first glance, though years of experience with both knightly training and long hours in the healing profession have forged her body towards activity and wear both.  Her eyes are a light hazel colour, and just as everyone else, she's dressed in prisoner garbs, having been bereft of her equipment and noble presence.  Not even the pleasantry of footwear has been afforded.

But there's a keen, resolved gleam from her eyes, one that won't let the hardships of such an environment slow her down.  No, it's not the horrible conditions of the prisoners that give her disdain, it's the indulgence to which the people suffer.  As she observes the many chimerae and mutated monsters on display, she wonders just how they've gotten so twisted...

She will survive.  She won't die here.  She must discover the truth behind her father's death.

[User]
 The woman behind Ophilia looks a lot softer - the kind of physique that suggests someone who walks to maintain their health and doesn't do much heavy lifting. The tight, careful   brown   curls in her hair have deteriorated since she's been here and now pile up in a tangle on her shoulders. Her doughy legs are peppered with stubble.

Not trusting the dungeon's floors, Constance has already fashioned some strips from her prison gown into protective wraps for her feet, revealing even more of her legs and shoulders than usual. These outfits are clearly meant to be torn apart at some point, so maybe that was an intended feature.

In your confinement with her, she's sometimes talked about the dungeon's features and history, just to have a topic of conversation. That, and she had an odd tendency to answer  what are you in for?  with   why does this horrible place exist at all?   and to get increasingly upset as she did so. It would be easy to write this off as prison life already getting to her, because it was, but it's still not much of a leap from her usual personality.

So, it kind of makes some sense that even a rich scholar like her would get locked up for saying the wrong thing too many times. Or for not being friends with enough of the right people. Or for having something in her collection that someone else secretly wanted. Whichever. She hasn't found out herself, yet. That will have to wait until we bust out of here. Not that the guards take kindly to talking about that out loud.

She looks over at the ominous slave-driven devices as the group is marched around them. Pulleys join the cranks to the ceiling, and to the mirrors on the roof. The gears start turning in her mind. If someone were to hold on to one of those ropes...

 Spoiler
Might I roll to create an advantage with Investigate or Crafts by studying the devices? Something along the lines of, 'half-formed ceiling escape plan?'

[User]
 Saber, that average looking guy, not skinny but not fat, just a rounded look. He ran his fingers through his mouse brown hair that was short enough to not get messy from being left. His blue eyes scanned around as he tried to think of strategies. That beast... The bear-odile amalgamation, he had swallowed hard.

Could his tricks help here against something like that? Those from his cell knee he could do small ones, he'd tried to keep everyone's spirits up with them. There was only so much he could do against an impending fate such as this.

He looked at those besides him, maybe it would be fun if death didn't seem to hang on his mind.


[User]
 The once glorious Barrera

Barrera, once a thriving city of nearly 10 thousand souls and powerful guilds that leveraged the rich mines to the southeast, the dense forest to the south and the potent great river where the city is nested. Once they held the kings in a tight gauntlet, lending them the gold to wage their wars and selling them the weapons of their mutual destruction, Barrera grew as conflict washed Oreth. They even were the only ones to ever commerce with the lands beyond the steppe where the horse lords and their magnificent queen rule.
Now. Barrera is a wasteland, the home of the worse in the land. Victorious King Gudu, barely a teenager, swept the other warring kings in under a year and his army of loyal zealots, the black dogs, raided Barrera and put shackles on the guildmasters who tried to collect their debt of war from the young king. The city was razed and many were sent as forced labor condemned to a short life in the mines. Others scattered into the hills and woods and others tried their luck across the great river never to be heard of.
Then the king became obsessed with his steppe campaign to the east. That was 10 years ago. With the black dogs and the main force of his army tied to the east hundreds of miles away in a cam those who have seen it call it the greatest mirage in Oreth, Barrera an other towns have a measure or liberty but also with no clear authority, these are places of violence and debauchery. Moreover, monsters who were kept in check by the army or the guilds are now becoming daring, poking the weak social fabric of a city now in tatters.

 ***

Your story starts here, crawlers.

It has been raining for a large part of the day, peltering rain with thunders that make the beast hide and lighting riveting in between the clouds. You had to stop and find refugee and a good part of the day is now gone when it finally stops. The ground is muddy and each step is choppy and clumsy. You still have ten miles to walk to the fringes of Barrera, to the slum in the south where you have heard some food and warmth can be found and where  Ottis Carbon  is gathering those who survived the  Black Dogs.

At this pace, with this muddy ground, it will take you at least four hours. That means you'll still be walking when the sun sets, the night will be dark, with no moon and with these heavy clouds.

The only good thing is that the path ahead is quite literally a railroad, the abandoned rails of the mining carts pulled by mules that once thrived bringing the ore from Alen to Barrera. Follow the rusty red road...

 Day 1: 2 hours to sunset. 10 miles to go.

Terrain is muddy, with severe overgrowth to the sides of the tracks.

Danger Level: Easy but the light is waning.

 Every rounds of posting is 25 minutes  This will be a convention but we can alter it as needed.

***

[User] Gregory stumbles for the third time over a rock, wiping sweat off the back of his neck with the back of his sleeve.   "Guys, I don't mean to call about ill omen, but I don't really like the look of these trees, it's already getting dark and they're only making it darker.  Lots of bad things tend to happen in dark forests at night, what do you guys think, should we pick up the pace or set up camp soon?"

[User]
 Gralk is half covered in mud, but is driven to keep marching onwards, keeping an eye on the woods to their sides.   "Want to get out of forest. Forest hungers. Dark hungers."

Gralk remembers finding parts of an arm of the seventh Wulf along the road during a transport. He thought about taking it along, maybe cook it over a torch to quell the hunger if all else failed. But the guards would have whipped and beaten him if he tried.

[User] Calendula was tip toeing on the rail track, and chuckled at his companions winging.  "You humans, always complaining."  he said curtly. Pulling his cloak and a shaking the water off it, the mud at the fringe was getting worse, and weighing it down.

[User]
 The half-orc does not look back. These people are talking and not screaming, so they are still alive and not in the process of dying.   "Was asked. No overseer orders. No overseers to rip teeth for talk."   People from the Wide Open talk much. It will take a while to get used to this. And being able to speak whenever.

Gralk continues, boots taken from a body he couldn't identify anymore squelching in the mud.

[User] Looking to the trees longingly, he sighs   "There is no overseer here my friend, but perhaps those trees  do  look rather sinister, perhaps we should investigate?"


[User] Stuff goes here

[User]
 Pridon’s Hearth, Dock

 "hhWhat do  mean  the ship won't dock,  Captain ?" . The sneer put into "captain" is impressive, especially considering Gallio Menius is still on the deck of the ship.

The captain is unfazed though, and Gallio, his people and his equipment, are the first to be moved onto the small wooden docks by the ship's boats.

Soon after, our intrepid heroes are also brought onto the dock. And that's when the commotion starts. An argument grows louder and louder between Gallio and a grizzled-looking man swaying at the end of the dock.  “You should be getting out of this land, ya filthy leech!”  The drunk swings with a right hook and knocks Gallio to the deck planks, looking more shocked than injured. The swaying man ends his tirade by smashing the bottle he holds against a sturdy dock pylon. The bottle shatters, leaving him holding a vicious spike of serrated glass.  “And if yer not gonna leave... then I guess it’s up to me to make ya!”

[User]
 Riu steps up to the deck, called upon by some concerned deckhands.    "You are drunk,"   she states loudly to the drunk, stepping forward to try to intercede, despite the fact that she is unarmed and has one non-functioning arm.  She kneels, somewhat awkwardly, next to Gallio to help him up to a seated position, then stares back towards the drunk.

  "Splash some water on your face and wipe the shame off off it!"

[User]
 The fat young aristocrat had certainly not endeared himself to Rowena on the voyage here, and his annoyance at being forced to tender from the ship like a pleb rubbed her the wrong way, but she certainly had no wish to see the man die to a drunken mistake when they'd not even truly set foot on land yet.  It'd cast a pall of bad luck over the whole expedition.  So with a grimace, she stepped forward slowly with a hand on the hilt of her knife, placing herself between the drunk and Riu and Gallio, but not making a move otherwise.

She flicked a glance to the broken bottle, and then to the man's eyes, holding them with her own piercing green stare.    "I don't think you want to see how that ends,"   she states calmly, not moving a muscle otherwise.

 Spoiler: OOC
Rowena adopts the  Nebulous Threat  approach and uses a  pose a menace  to the drunk in an attempt to get him to be distracted by her and understand she is a deadly threat to him, should he press.  If successful, she may learn either which of his allies he considers most vulnerable, or the immediate direction to something he does not want you to find, GM's choice (not that I think it likely there'll be much good in the info, but I figure some info is better than none.)

 Intimidate  (pose a menace)  (1d20+9)[ 28 ]

[User] "Parasites.... coming here to steal the livelyhood of-f-f-f-f.... honest working men!" . The drunk waves his broken bottle around, and jabs it in the general direction of Gallio, who, in the meantime has crawled away and is in the process of getting to his feet. The drunk doesn't move any closer, though.

[User]
 Rorina shuffles her Harrow Deck and draws a hand of cards in preparation for battle. The drawn cards light up and float in front of her like ioun stones. She draws a single extra card to attune herself to the energies of the present. "What would you know of hard working folk, you lousy drunk."

 Spoiler: Mechanics
Starting Hand  (6d52)[ 30 ][ 18 ][ 21 ][ 22 ][ 25 ][ 25 ](141)
Backup rolls in case of doubles  (6d52)[ 49 ][ 2 ][ 21 ][ 34 ][ 3 ][ 25 ](134)

Harrow Talent  (1d6)[ 5 ]

[User]
 Gladdened for both Rowena and Rorina's presence, Riu continues to largely stand back and position herself between Captain Gallio and the drunk.    "Are you all right, sir?"   she asks the Captain.    "Let us handle this."

Her eyes turn back towards the drunk with a sigh.    "Are you going to insist on this foolishness?  My companions here do not tread lightly."

[User]
 The drunk meets Rowena's gaze with some difficulty, then throws down his broken bottle with a  "Tsch!"  and staggers off. Gallio thanks you profusely; he has no idea why the man attacked him.

 Soon after, a stern-lloking woman shows up with two spear-carriers in tow.  "I am Sheriff Adaela Praet. On behalf of Count Narsus, welcome to Pridon's Hearth".

Gallio pulls himself up to his full height and volume, and  harrumphs  at the woman.  "I am Gallio Menius, of the Egorian Menius, and I was nearly  murdered  on this  very dock  by your townsfolk".  The woman casts a tired gaze in your direction, as if asking for a less dramatic version of events.

[User] The Sherriff, huh?  Riu straightens herself as well as Gallio introduces himself in dramatic fashion, and the doctor quietly says,   "There was a drunk that threatened him with a broken bottle.  Thanks to these people,"   she gestures to Rorina and Rowena,   "The situation was quickly defused.  My name is Riu, from the Kavaar Cutter.  I was hoping to seek a new life here and contribute my meagre expertise."

[User]
 "My gratitude, then". She pinches the ride of her nose and sighs deeply.  "I'll handle him once he sleeps it off. Now. Do you have private sleeping arrangements made?" . Once she hears that you don't, she gestures down the rain-drenched beaten path.  "Down here, cross the first bridge, take your first left. The Stone Hall is the only inn in town" . She turns as if to leave, then turns back with one-more-thing.  "On' behalf of the town, I'd like to buy you breakfast tomorrow. Yes?".

She pats one of her subordinates on the back before heading off, and he turns to Gallio.  "Can you describe what happened, Sir?".

[User]
 It would seem Gallio, indeed, already was known for having an ill reputation amongst the town.  Riu definitely also didn't come out of the situation with a positive experience -- even drunk, people didn't have feelings like that from nowhere.

  "I... have not yet.  I would appreciate directions."    Adaela points them to the Stone Hall, and Riu nods gently to say,   "Thank you-- oh, truly?  I would not say no, given we have barely set foot here..."

Looking towards the others, Riu nods and heads for the inn.  It would be nice to have a place to put her belongings down for now.

[User] A light but persistent drizzle motivates you forward, across the rickety bridge, to the left... until you see the invitingly lit windows of a two-story stone building towering over a mish-mash of wooden shacks and porches and additions, like a mother hen over a brood of chickens. The wooden sign of an overflowing beer mug assures you that you are in the right place.

[User]
 The next morning, Adaela meets you in the stone hall. She pays for a few drinks and a hearty breakfast of eggs, roasted dika seeds, and fried taro; during the meal, she chitchats about the weather, the opportunities in a frontier town, apologizing for not having the amenities of a bigger city, noting too serious.

Then, she gets to business.  "Overworked and short staffed. I saw how you handled Theos yesterday. I want to hire you for a more challenging job. Fort Breakthrough, 12 miles down the coast, hasn't checked in for two weeks. That's longer than usual. And frankly, reporting in to town is a plum assignment for the guys down there. I am...  concerned  . Are you up for it?"

[User]
 Riu never slept better -- after so long on the Kaave Cutter, she'd grown to miss sleeping on a real bed, on solid ground.  And the next morning, the invitation of a free breakfast was indeed appealing, but Riu also knew that there was no such thing as a free meal...

Though, at least Adaela is here with an offer, not a demand.    "I do not myself mind, though I imagined myself looking for work in town... that said, it would be useful to understand what kind of flora is available around."

There's a quiet shrug from the blue-haired doctor.    "I'd like assistance in settling for the long-term, as compensation.  Would that be fine?"

[User] The Sheriff looks at Riu, then nods.  "Certainly. I'll help you pick out a plot, get you some help clearing it, and some help with building a home" .

[User] "All right, we have a deal.  Now, what can you tell me about the area?  The Fort?  Anything that you could think of could be of issue, like weather or other unexpected events?"   Riu inquired of Adaela.

[User] "I would also seek assistance in settling, though I would ask for a plot with plenty of room to grow as others join. For now let us focus on the task at hand. How many are normally stationed at the Fort?"

[User] "The fort has a garrison of 8 souls" . She takes a moment to meet your eyes one at a time.  "A favor for a favor, then, and I'll need to call in a few favors owed me. I'll be glad to help you settle all the same. Now...."  - she draws out a document and slides it over. It's a money order for 100 gold, redeemable at any temple of Abadar -  "I would not want to send you out under-equipped. We have both a smith, an alchemist and a general store. And with that - I hope to see you again soon, bearing [I]good[I] news".  .

[User] Riu accepts the order with gratefulness, then looks towards the other members of her entourage.    "I'm not particularly in need of equipment at present, though it would likely be useful to be supplied with food and water for the road.  But the sheriff was fairly light on detail... I do wonder if anyone else in town would have heard anything.  Surely those eight souls may have relatives here."

[User] "It might be prudent to see if the Alchemist has any healing supplies"

[User]
 The Countinghouse of Abadar is a grand structure of wood and stone. A few acolytes are hanging around, but a promissory note from the sheriff will certainly get you access to the cleric, Baldra Siferth.

At Heri's Conservatorium, a middle-aged female halfling greets you inside a store building with herbs and dried animal carcasses hanging everywhere.

[User] Gripping her multicolored skirts, Rorina gives a small curtsy to the halfling Alchemist,   "I am Rorina. My compatriots and I were hired to do a small job for the city and I was hoping to find some supplies. If it's not to rude to inquire, do you bake Halfling Black Bread by any chance? Only I'd heard it was practically a miracle cure, but only the most skilled halfling Clerics and Alchemists could handle the recipe."

[User] "Ooh, black bread? Sure, Let me....hmm, yes...." . She rummages through a few drawers.  "Yes, I could do that. It'll cost ya, though, some of these spices I can't get here. Tell you what, 75 gold and I'll get right on that".

[User] While Rorina speaks to the alchemist, Riu approaches the cleric.    "Good day, sir.  My name is Riu, and I've been tasked with checking in on Fort Breakthrough, which hasn't been heard from in two weeks.  Have you heard anything from that garrison, perchance?  And, I'd like a potion to protect me should the worst come to pass."

[User]
 "No news, no news. You need a potion of armor? 50...40 gold. Last about one unrushed meal's time".
".

[User] "40 gold is acceptable.  Here's the scrip,"   Riu offers the money order.    "It isn't news around town, then?  That's unfortunate..."


[User]
 "I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to you all. Everyone here will participate in four different games over four sessions. Those who win all four games will receive a handsome cash prize. You volunteered to participate in this game of your own free will, so this is it."

You would think it would be the rider wearing the mask, but instead their shark drifts unsteadily in the water, blinded by an enormous bolt of ragged cloth with a white octagon stitched into it.

The failed athletes of the Sealympics (and associated failures) have been brought to a mid-sized room with ten sleeping areas, equipped for a variety of biologies. That that outnumbers those who are here escapes no notice. Those who bother to introduce themselves and who manage to obtain introductions from (or merely recognize) others are The Errant Princess Bulan (LSD), Nah Arah (MIR), Wasa Awasa (MIR), Haka Fa (MIR), Abuilie (SEN), SEN's Volleyballer, Dessia (SEN), Josie (SKR), Leon (CYP), Swarmkeepers with Tarym-Ak-Esh-Lin (CYP) [functioning as a single character mechanically], HEX's Wastesailer, Squall Volumozzo and Brusha Leo (GTZ) [functioning as a single character mechanically], Levt Sisters (SKR) [functioning as a single character mechanically], Baskoro of the Hidden Table, Felipina Mascerene (COS), Ilanda Loura (COS), and The Goat (MGM)

Everyone is ushered to sign something. It reads:

 Player Consent Form

 A player is not allowed to stop playing
 A player who refuses to play will be eliminated
  Games may be terminated if the majority agrees

Soon enough after signing, a powerful voice, echoing through some sort of amplified throatpouch graft, announces "Attention, all players. The first game is about to begin. Please follow the staff instructions. Please make your way to the playing field." You are directed by masked riders to a wide field with a diamondlike pattern of even holes, perhaps a foot wide, stretching down into darkness. Before you and on the far side, a line stretches across a long play area.

"All players please stand behind the line and await further instructions."

 "Here is the first game. You will be playing Green Light, Eel Fight. You are allowed to move forward when "it" shouts out "Green Light". Stop when "it" shouts, "Eel Fight." If your movement is detected afterwards, you will be eliminated. Those players who cross the finish line without being eliminated withing the five-minute playtime will pass this round. With that, let the game begin."
  "Green Light"

Green Light, Eel Fight turns out not to be the children's game we all know and love. Details to follow between rounds, but for now, all participating  characters  are asked to roll 2d6. Doubles and either odds or evens (determined between rounds) will be spared elimination. Round 26 will see the remaining three games, for those who make it that far.

[User]
 Standing at the starting line, her black eyes sweeping over the competition, proud Bulan sneered.  Surely, she would claim victory on this day!

 7

[User]
 Josie, the Hermit Crab nun, stands at the line, besides her, a trio of hulking Levt, the Marias, float.

Josie is a paragon of the physically twisted race that long ago turned its back on nature,  preternaturally tough and capable of sudden bursts of speed.  This test, however, is of reaction, the speciality instilled into the neutral gender.

The Marias are triplet clones, flowers grown from a single stem and augmented to act in perfect synchrony.   Their race lived in isolation for centuries, never knowing about the way the Cherry Blossom Path had been altered in their absence. When Gardener missionaries came, their culture was all but unrecognizable.   For decades,  though, they have been a vital part of The Garden.  Levt, opportunistic air-breathers derived from fish, were the perfect choice to play Supermarine Volleyball, they being adapted in part for the sky.  This test, however is not one of coordination, but pure reflex...

Both get  odds

[User]
 Ilanda Loura frowns and flicks her fin in disdain as the rules are described. The daughter of illustrious General Illdo Loura, trained in military strategy and hand-to-fin combat, reduced to playing a children's game? As the potential stakes become apparent, though, she sets herself more seriously.
 Odds: 9

Felipina Mascerena drifts nearby. While poised from practice, Ilanda recognizes her apprehension in the way she holds her arms tightly across her chest. Something in the tone of the speaker, in the use of the word 'eliminated', does not sit well with her.
 Odds: 7

[User]
 When they see the form, the swarmkeepers talk among themselves in their own language, nodding and coming to a consensus. Tarym-Ak-Esh-Lin - at least, presumably them, given the way swarmkeepers look and dress makes distinguishing them a little difficult unless one pays close attention to specific lumps and bumps under their clothing - swims forward and signs the form, before stating aloud that   "We are all going to die here."   A pause, then a clarification.   "Most of us."   Hearing that, Leon laughs, the kalan pushing forward to pick up his form and sign.  "You, perhaps. I'm going to  win ."
 Both roll evens.

[User]
 The game is a harsh one. The Green Lights are brief and the Eel Fight segments sudden. However, this squad of losers is still a squad of Sealympian losers, and there is for a good minute only slow progress. It is Leon, of the Cyphiri Union, whose confidence proves to be the initial undoing. Too vigorous a swimmer at the green light, his momentum carries him forward as the eel fight begins, and suddenly from the holes below him swarm a dozen snaking eels, modified horribly to have more tooth than maw, barely able to open their mouths but well made to rend and tear wth the horrible dental tangle spilling misbegottenly forth from them. They swim in a tight knot and as the helpless onlookers are forced to watch, the scraps begin peel off as Leon's screams only increase. One of those scraps floats slowly over to the GOAT, who cannot help but take a nibble--and the GOAT as well is set upon.

The carnage last a full minute.

The next green light is a sprint, but that only leads to more loss of life. Abuilie of the Ennead is cut down, and dies without a scream, struggling almost longer than biology seems to allow.

Squall Volumozzo and Brusha Leo move to confer with one another instead of advancing, falling maybe too far behind as Josie, Ilanda Loura, and Baskoro clear the finish line. As the eels rise up again, it is the swarmkeepers who are set upon. But when the eels retreat, a strange new eel swoops up, extremely large, unusually cartoonish, vast of mouth, and oddly textured like and made of Papier-mache. This horrifying creature devours both Squall Volumozzo and Brusha Leo and swims off.

The rest of the game goes shockingly well for the survivors, with even the Hymenocera Expanse's wastesailor squeaking over the finish line.

Nah Arah (MIR), Wasa Awasa (MIR), Haka Fa (MIR), The Errant Princess Bulan (LSD), Josie (SKR), The Marias/Levt Sisters (SKR), SEN's Volleyballer, Dessia (SEN), Ilanda Loura (COS), Felipina Mascerene (COS), Baskoro of the Hidden Table (LIT), and the Wastesailor (HEX) survive!

Leon (CYP), Swarmkeepers with Tarym-Ak-Esh-Lin (CYP), Abuilie (SEN), and the GOAT are devoured!

Squall Volumozzo and Brusha Leo (GTZ) are eaten by a fake eel piloted by Researcher 42 and saved!

---

Three games remain and we're gonna wipe them out fast. I need your rolls and decisions for the next two now, deadline Tuesday at 10am Pacific time. Don't worry about it being between rounds. If you roll after round end, don't edit your post in the ic, just comment it here.

GAME 1: The first roll will an unmodified 2d6. However, in addition to this, you need to pick a shape. The shapes are "Jellyfish" "Shark" "Extremely Intricate Sea Cucumber" and "Squid With Knives For Tentacles". This will determine your TN.

GAME 2: For the next, I will need an unmodified 2d6 and a number (whole, rational, irrational, whatever) from 1 to 100, inclusive.

(GAME 3: For the final one, we will first see who survives. You will be able to politic to determine the result (😊).)

[User]
 The Miru Miru delegates, miraculously all surviving the game of patience and stamina in spite of their frankly embarrassing Sealympic Results, warily press forward...

Nah Arah selects the Jellyfish and the number 25.1337

Wasa Awasa selects the Shark and the number 75.621

Haka Fa selects the Intricate Sea Cucumber and the number 50.69420

No one dares select the squid with knives for tentacles...

 Rolls

[User]
 Surprised that he was still alive, wastesailor continued with the games.  He had always loved sharks, so he naturally drifted to that form

he selects Shark and the number Pi (3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937  5 10...)

 rolls

 Spoiler: OOC one of my best shark pictures done in black and white

[User]
 Ilanda Loura and Felipina Mascerena share a quiet moment after the Eel Fight 'game'. Despite her training and confidence, Ilanda has not seen a real battlefield, and the carnage wreaked on a few fellow contestants has her somewhat shaken. Felipina is shocked and horrified - she entered the Sealympics for a chance at fame and prestige, and agreed to these games with the same premise in mind. She is a dilettante and performer, not a gladiator. Grisly death was not in her mind, and she quivers after the end of the first event, unable to maintain the fear-spurred discipline that kept her still during it. Ilanda makes the effort to comfort and calm her, hoping that she believes her own words.  "We'll get through this, together. The only way out is through."

Game 1:
Felipina Mascerena select the  Shark  shape and rolls:  3
Ilanda Loura selects the  Squid With Knives For Tentacles  shape and rolls:  8

Game 2:
Felipina Mascerena rolls:  8  - her number is 13
Ilanda Loura rolls:  7  - her number is 27

 Rolls here

[User]
 Josie and the Marias just look at each other.  They weren't sure they meant to sign up for this...

 Dice

 Spoiler: results!
Game 2

Josie picks the Jellyfish shape result: 11

The Marias pick the Shark shape result: 6

Game 3

Josie picks the number 47 result: 7

The Marias pick the number 18 result: 4


[User]
 Obsidian Tiger

Meng Jia, moving with her typical unobtrusive poise and simple blue dress pads into your study.  She waits a few moments for you to acknowledge her, bowing slightly and says "The Master of the house, your father, wishes to see you in his study."

She needlessly guides you through the well-appointed halls of the ancestral manor and opens the doors to your father's study for you.  She closes the doors behind you and retreats to stand by a small table with an ornate, steaming tea set.

Your father stands on the balcony, overlooking most of the estate.  He is dressed in his maroon robes with a thick white and black trim.  He holds his hands clasped behind his back.

[User]
 Hu Zhilan walks with purpose behind her servant, not demurely, as a woman should.

While she does wear silken robes of white and maroon that show her station, her chance to marry has been stolen from her by crisscrossing lines of white scars that cover her face and arms.

Once shown to the study, she waits for her father to acknowledge her, head bowed as appropriate.

[User]
 Hu Family Ancestral Manor:

"A matter has arisen that requires a personal touch."  Your father says after a few quiet moments.

"One of our primary holdings in Zhencheng has been attacked by a pair of local ruffians calling themselves 'The Ruby Hares.'  They, along with their band of thugs, has been extorting our clerk for protection money, making off with our goods, and damaging our reputation."

Hu Shuren makes a disgusted noise and turns and strides over to Meng Jia, who manages to look refined, and avoid any sloshing or tinking, in the rapid fire process of pouring him a cup and placing it in his waiting hand before he can even fully extend his arm.

He takes a thoughtful sip, a look of satisfaction ghosting across his otherwise dour visage.

"This is an insult that cannot be allowed to persist."  He continues, turning his gaze upon you.

"Take Dai Rong and his men with you.  Stop in Honbiro on the way and collect Rabid Smoke and Fire Demon Chao Feng, you can trust them as far as it goes, they are seeking to expunge a debt.  The eight of you should have little difficulty punishing these so called 'ruby hares'.  Deposit whatever is left of them in the prison barges in Tongliang."

Your father smiles at you.  "I know you've been itching for a chance to stretch your legs again."

[User]
 Zhilan listens carefully to her father, taking mental notes as he speaks.

“Such crimes cannot be allowed to go unpunished,” she agrees quietly. “I’ll see this done, father.”

The slightest of smiles makes her scars twist and stretch. “You are too right. I will enjoy this hunt.”

She bows to her father, then waits for him to dismiss her before heading back to her room to get ready.

[User]
 Hu Family Ancestral Manor:

Your father's smile grows brighter.  "I look forward to your successful report and return.  Travel safely, and remember you are acting on The Family's behalf."  Hu Shuren says.

He reaches into one of his sleeves and removes a wood and bronze talisman and hands it to you.  "Your name should be sufficient to gain the cooperation of Chief Lu Chen, who oversees our holdings in Zhencheng.  But I will not be displeased if he has become more cautious and less trusting over this matter.  This talisman will guarantee his cooperation as well as his underlings."

Hu Shuren turns and walks back out to the balcony, one arm behind his back, the other holding his tea.

OOC: This is your chance to stock up on any gear or items you might want before you collect your squad of goons and depart.

[User]
 She pockets the talisman with a quiet word of thanks then heads back to her quarters to get ready to travel.

Once packed with her comfortable traveling clothes  and other essentials that she used on assignments, she makes her way to the kitchens, stocking up on supplies there, then to the armory.

Zhilan then goes to collect Dai Rong once she’s prepared.

[User]
 Hu Manor Barracks:

It doesn't take long to locate Dai Rong, he and his men finish their preparations quickly and you soon set off. With the planned detour to Honbiro, the trip to Zhencheng should take 10 days.

Roll Survival.

 Spoiler: OOC

Dai Rong is a Magnificent Bodyguard with armor that inflicts a -2d10 penalty to incoming Damage, he wields a sabre
Yao Yuhan and Dai Hua (no relation) are Loyal Bodyguards with -1d10 armor, they also wield sabres
Shin Lei and Deng Yijun are Loyal Bodyguards with no armor, equipped with bows.

[User]
 En Route to Honbiro:

The weather holds for two whole days from when you set out from the family estate.  Tolerable temperatures, mostly clear skies, and a gentle breeze that wafts the scents  of the forest across the road, and cools the brow.  Then, the inevitable occurred and the heavens opened with little warning.  You were forced to stop for an entire day and take shelter from the unseasonable downpour.  Late into the next day, it let up enough to continue on safely.

Now, whenever you are dry, your clothes are stiff with caked on mud.  But the steady drizzle continues almost uninterrupted.

You arrive at a bridge across what is normally at this time of year, according to Deng Yijun, a lazy, shallow creek bed.  Her father used to take her fishing here.  Currently, it's a rushing torrent of mud-stained water.

Two men stand under a crudely stitched together umbrella.  Their trousers are ragged, torn away mid calf.  Their shoes are little more than rags, and their vests are roughly made skin and hide.  they look filthy and unwashed except for a brightly gleaming cleaver hanging from one Ruffian's belt, it's mate is embedded in one of the posts of the bridge.

A third man, somewhat cleaner, but otherwise similarly attired, jogs out from the trees under a smaller leather umbrella.  He smiles widely at you, and sketches out a peasant's approximation of a bow.

"Welcome, welcome dear travelers, I trust the road has not been too difficult for you? This is Sheijao bridge, for the six of you, there is a toll of only two silver taels.  For the upkeep of the bridge you see - ah-ah-ah and the maintenance of the emperor's road."

Dai Rong moves up to stand beside you, his arm rests easily on the hilt of his sabre, but he makes no motion to draw on the filthy toll collectors.  "What do you think, Milady?"

 Spoiler: OOC/Mechanics/Whatnot

 OOC: oof, a 2 and a 4 eh?

You are now in a Talking and Analysis Phase.

[User]
 “I think that these ruffians may need to be taught a lesson,” she mutters back to Dai Rong.

Zhilan steps forward to meet the one that went to greet them, though she stays a healthy distance away. She inclines her head to him politely. “Good afternoon,” she says.

She removes her hood and lifts her sleeves, revealing the white, crisscrossing over her skin. “Detective Hu Zhilan. Perhaps you’ve heard of me?”

 Spoiler: Rolls and Mechanics
Roll for Killing Aura on the main man: Total Success

Roll for Reasoning (as Persuade?): 6

[User]
 The Bridge:

The speaking ruffian makes a show of bowing again as you introduce yourself, "A thousand pardons, Detective Hu Zhilan, I am afraid your reputation does not proceed you here, and we would fall from the emperor's light should we fail to collect from even as luxurious an individual as yourself."

Four men, close enough to be the brothers of the three blocking the bridge, emerge from the treeline and start to spread out.

"It would be a great tragedy if there was a misunderstanding between us."  The ruffian says, straightening from his bow.

 Spoiler: OOC/Mechanics/Whatnot

This man's killing aura seems to match your own in its intensity, but has the faintest veins of darkness spreading through it.

[User]
 “Oh, I see,” Zhilan says, giving a nod to Dai Rong. Her rope dart drops out of her sleeve and the black blade shines in the light. “It seems we won’t be coming to an agreement then?”

“A shame,” she says as she begins to twirl the blade around her.

 OOC: I’ll roll for Speed at home


[User] New game for those of the DCAD Kik. Guys, this is where we can put together and play a game of D&D. We can play 5th for newer players, or if consensus gathers on 3.5 we can do that too.


[User]
 You meet for the first time after responding to a vague advertisement on the local net seeking “freelancers” for a special project. You are savvy enough to read between the lines or desperate enough to take on any job, so long as it pays...

As you step off the passenger shuttle you came here on, a man greets you and 4 other people. “Come with me. We’ll explain more later.”

What do you do.

[User] Clara Earhardt 's belly decides this is the perfect time to announce that she has skipped her last few meals by letting out a gurgling sound.  She looks around at the other freelancers and shrugs her shoulders.   Shoving her hands into the side pockets of her black with yellow stripes flight suit Clara falls in line following the contact.  At the end of this job was the pay that would allow her to eat a decent meal again.  She was nearing the end of her account and needed a big score.   This job had some promise.

[User]
 Spoiler: Character Info

 Originally Posted by JNAProductions
  Sandra's Sheet

 Spoiler: Backstory
Sandra Jones. Born to Sarah Jones and Brain Jones. A habitual learner, an ever-curious individual, and a surprisingly fit woman. Her parents were reasonably well-off, and as such, Sandra got good schooling. She learned quite a bit, and as she grew up, became enamored with the idea of learning and telling the real stories of the galaxy. She had a stint as an investigative journalist, though a bit heavier on the journaling side than the investigative side. Lots of research done in that time too.

This lasted until her skills got her in an awkward situation. Sandra had always been good with computers, habitually hacking into them for fun, and after she interviewed a Mr. Jonathan Blitz, CEO of Blitz Enterprises, she was left alone with a computer for a short period of time. She logged in, without too much trouble, and found out that Blitz Enterprises was running some shockingly illegal and unethical experiments on local folk. She copied as much as she could, tried to keep a calm face, and noped the hell out of there.

She's now trying to find a way to get the resources needed to deal with Blitz-one woman's voice alone isn't enough to topple a company like that.

Sandra looks uncharacteristically nervous-not that anyone there would know.  "Er, how far are we going?"  she asks.

She's dressed in a simple set of grey work clothes-nothing that sticks out, but it does look professional. She's got a backpack on, loaded with miscellaneous items.

[User]
 Spoiler: Character Info

  Name  : Orion Orlando

 Ability Scores :
--- Strength [15] +1
--- Dexterity [14] +1
--- Constitution [12] +0
--- Intelligence [13] +0
--- Wisdom [15] +1
--- Charisma [11] +0

 HP : 8
 Background : Soldier
 Attack Bonus : +1
 Skills :
--- Any Combat - 0
--- Expert - 0
--- Survive - 0

  Saving Throws  :
--- Physical: 13
--- Mental: 13
--- Evasion: 14

  Class: Warrior
 Class Abilities:
--- You gain a free level in a combat-related focus associated with your background. The GM decides
if a focus qualifies if it’s an ambiguous case.
--- Warriors are lucky in combat. Once per scene, as
an Instant ability, you can either choose to negate a successful attack roll against you or turn a
missed attack roll you made into a successful hit.
You can use this ability after the dice are rolled,
but it cannot be used against environmental damage, effects without an attack roll, or hits on a
vehicle you’re occupying.
--- You gain two extra maximum hit points at each
character level.

  Foci  :
 Shocking Assault
--- Level 1: Gain Punch or Stab as a bonus skill. The Shock
damage of your weapon treats all targets as if they
were AC 10, assuming your weapon is capable of
harming the target in the first place.
 Close Combatant
--- Level 1: Gain any combat skill as a bonus skill. You can
use pistol-sized ranged weapons in melee without suffering penalties for the proximity of melee
attackers. You ignore Shock damage from melee
assailants, even if you’re unarmored at the time.

  Gear  :
--- Combat Rifle (1d12 damage)
--- 80 rounds ammo
--- Woven Body Armor (AC 15)
--- Backpack (TL0)
--- Knife (1d4 damage)
--- Compad
--- 100 credits

 Spoiler: Backstory

Orland is a proud, dependable and adventurous man. He is relentlessly restless, always has been, always will be. He was born on a backwater world with few prospects other than becoming a miner or a farmer. Still, he wanted for nothing, as his parents earned more than enough to live a pleasant, if mundane, life. When Orlando turned 18, everything changed. A ship from the Crimson Snakes mercenary company landed near his village. They were seeking supplies and medical aid for wounded. They offered a free journey off planet and a steady pay for any local willing to take up arms and join the company. Abandoning his quiet life, Orlando leapt at the chance to go off world and become a mercenary. Orlando quickly made a name for himself as a competent soldier. A year ago, the mercenary company took a high risk, high reward job that did not go well. Most of the company was killed in a deadly operation to assault a series of lunar bunkers. Orlando was one of the frew to make it out alive. He has since become a bit of a drifter, going from job to job, system to system, trying in vain to recapture the sense of family and belonging he had with the Crimson Snakes.

 Orion Orlando

Orlando sighed as he got off the transport.   "This is not going to end well,"   he thought to himself as he was greeted by these five strangers. He knew mercenary jobs often dealt with shady individuals and had clandestine meetings. Orlando missed his old mercenary unit. The captain would deal with this nonsense. He could sit back in his bunk, reading books or watching vids. With his unit disbanded, the difficult job of interfacing with clients now fell to him. He resented this change in circumstance. Hopefully he could form a bond with one of his new companions and they could do the client interfacing for him. Orlando chuckled at the thought.

The former mercenary pulls down his gray tunic and runs his hand through is orange-brown beard. He then stands bolt upright and barks,   "Orion Orlando, at your service."   He then silently follows the stranger.

[User]
 Tycho Callas

-----

Their contact has not given him a name, so Tycho does not feel compelled to share his own - the less everyone knows about him, the better. But he wonders if he should know a little more about the crew and the contact, probe a little and feel what they are feeling right now; in the end, Tycho chooses not to peek inside their minds, certainly not out of some sort of respect for their privacy but to save his own energies.

So for now he follows, a quiet and discreet figure that's dressed rather anonimously but a trained eye might see he's armed under the jacket he wears.

[User]
 John stepped off the transport with a medical bag slung over his shoulder and a gun tucked into his jacket. Given the secrecy it seemed likely this would be a bloody affair, and he wanted to be ready for any eventuality.

He scanned the area and nodded to each of his fellow freelancers in turn, before fixing his attention on the man greeting them. There was no sign of immediate danger, so he waited patiently for more information on the job.

[User] assuming this is dead