Results 211 to 240 of 609
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2019-10-28, 03:19 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2018
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
"Might as well try to have a few, for taste and safekekeeping. You'll never know what'll happen next." Drastia says before inspecting a grape. "But first, always got to make sure this isn't the wrong type of grape."
Spoiler: Medicine Check(1d20+5)[18]
Last edited by Wind-Up Citrus; 2019-10-28 at 11:04 PM.
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2019-10-30, 09:48 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jul 2012
- Location
- Across the spiraling sea.
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
"Aye Kouran," Clover nodded, "it's true that another town might not be half so forgiving as this, but perhaps, now that I know their predisposition towards my kin, I can at least soften our first impression!"
He snaps his fingers, and erupts in a column of multicolored smoke. As the could dissipates, where once there stood a satyr, stands instead a swarthy man, no less disparate in look but bare feet where once were cloven hooves, and a full head of shaggy black hair where there might have been space for horns.
Spoiler: OOCHe can cast disguise self :P
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2019-11-01, 01:25 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2013
- Location
- Germany
- Gender
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Nimira kisses Kyran. I know you will. You went with the others too, and you are the only one still here. I trust you will persevere. In case you dare to die I will be cross with you. she jokes but a tear runs down her cheek. She wakes Adrian up to go to bed.
Meanwhile in the library:
The entry is the last one, and after another half an hour of searching, you find a small leatherbound treatise on the history of Barovia. The current year seems to be 735 according to Tatyana.
326 BC The Siege of Krezk occurs.
333 BC Tatyana, the future lover of Sergei von Zarovich is born.
346 BC Count Barov and Countess Ravenia von Zarovich slain by Tergs.
347 BC Last of the Tergs driven from Barovia. Strahd takes the rule over Barovia as the prize for his victory.
349 BC Castle Ravenloft completed. Strahd assumes residence there.
351 BC Sergej von Zarovich is killed by a Terg insurgent. Lady Tatyana kills herself while griefing. The Fiend Strahd is created. Vistani or Terg cultists are assumed to be responsible.
Sergej is the brother of Strahd, and the true heir to Barovia. The book makes it apparent the coronation would've happened right after his wedding to Tatyana.
__________________________
Meanwhile in the garden:
The grapes taste bad, but they're not poisonous. You know vineyards use cultured wine to create proper wine but maybe your magic could help make these things viable for an inspiring concoction.
Spoiler"Fluff" magic though you can create goodberries from that if you wish.
___________________________
Before Nimira leaves, she chimes in to Clover's trick: Strahd has intimidated the whole county into servitude for centuries. I am afraid almost all will find your true form disturbing. But I have heard the burgomaster's brother in Krezk is malformed himself. So if you are as charming as you are to us, I think you'll have less of a problem. She smiles a tired smile and is off.
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2019-11-01, 07:01 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2019
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Sprocketbox smiles and stuffs the book into his backpack. Later, as they are holding a strategy meeting he reads the pertinent chapters to the group before offering his own assumption.
"I think Strahd was obsessed with his brother's betrothed and plotted to take the crown, and wife for himself. Ireena probably looks so much like her that he can't see anyone but Tatyana."
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2019-11-01, 09:35 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jul 2014
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Kyran closes his eyes and kisses his wife back, "I will do my best my love." He doesn't linger after that, instead retiring to bed with his family.
"No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main... Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." -John Donne-
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2019-11-02, 01:36 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2011
- Location
- Canada, Pacific Time
- Gender
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
"Knowledge of that history may prove useful in the future. Is there anything else we need to prepare before we head out in the morning? Heirlooms to secure, that sort of thing?" Kouran asked. "And should we keep an eye out, just in case someone or some... thing tries anything overnight?"
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2019-11-02, 06:46 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2018
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
"Oh humble grapes. Neglect has left you sour, but I, Drastia Stormsinger, have ways to bring out your inner beauty."
Drastia says with flair. If this place was going to be their new home might as well make a few things to make it more cozy, and maybe find a more stable connection to Cayden himself.
SpoilerDrastia casts a magic ritual to make better tasting fruit out the grapes.
(1d20)[20]Last edited by Wind-Up Citrus; 2019-11-02 at 06:47 PM.
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2019-11-05, 04:48 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2013
- Location
- Germany
- Gender
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Drastia's brewing goes well. The grapes ripen at her touch, melting into the prepared wooden flask she carries. She adds a few spices from the kitchen and a bit of water too, and is soon presented with a rich spiced wine.
As Kyran goes to sleep, he prepares the bed for his wife who sits on the bedroom armchari to wait for him, as she is keeping Adrian asleep. A non-verbal understanding is formed between you, that you accept each other's choices, and you need to rally your strength for the days ahead. As you return with fresh bed sheets, both are sound asleep on the chair.
For anyone interested and still awake, Ireena and Sprocketbox arrive in the main hall after roughly two hours of research.
I have found nothing. No artifacts, no secrets entries into the castle, no rituals to fight the demon. She slumps down on the sofa, exhausted and with a muted stare straight ahead. The only thing we can do is travel west and ask Madame Eva. It's just...well, she is enigmatic to say the least.
When the gnome adds his insight to the equation, she looks bewildered. Nonsense, Strahd is centuries old. His brother and his sister in law would be dead by now. She stares at Sprocket before realizing. So...he killed him, and Tatyana refused him. Knowing Strahd so well now, he would not force himself onto me. He likes to make a dreadful game out of it, to force me to submit to him. He does not want a wife, he wants a concubine, a servant.
The young woman turns her head towards Kouran. I don't think we need to keep watch. Strahd would never break into a house that is lived in. His demeanor is far too regal for that when it comes to local importance. And the townsfolk....let's just say they fear me as much as they fear Clover. You know I am Kolyan's daughter. Ismark is my half-brother. I am a Vistani. The same kind of wayfaring people that is said to be able to curse people to die an untimely death. Not that I never tried, but I never suceeded Not waiting for any reactions, Ireena goes to sleep to her room. She shows Drastia her sleeping place in case she wants to come after.
Spoiler: RP noticeIf you want to RP these reveals, just tag them, but i'd like to continue lest we loose even more of our momentum.
Everyone goes to sleep, and on the following morning you are greeted by young Adrian. The lad even brought the important tools from the workshop to his father. He is strapped with a large rucksack. Mum and Pappa said, I should ask you guys what to buy from the market for you. People will likely try to rip you off, but I know them. I might not get our usual discounts but I can ensure you can get stuff for the regular price. Just don't overdo it. I won't do carts full of wine for you.
The smell of a hearty and warm breakfast prepared by Nimira and Ireena is coming from the kitchen, though you can already hear Kyran's wife curse at the inexperienced Half-Vistani. How can someone burn porridge?
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2019-11-05, 06:51 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jul 2014
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Kyran rubs his neck as he wanders into the kitchen, hugging his wife from behind. "That's one thing I'll definitely be missing on the road, your cooking. We'll all need to get moving fairly soon, I don't think any of us want to still be in the mansion when those thugs arrive."
"No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main... Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." -John Donne-
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2019-11-05, 10:19 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2018
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Drastia is filled with self satisfaction. if this is what she can make now, oh wait until she can get some more practice in. The whole realm will be satisfied with her craftsmanship.
"Kyran's right. I would love to celebrate with a gift of Cayden's genius but we can't stay for too long."
Drastia turns to Adrian "That being said. If you would be so nice as to offer us soaps and mirrors. Wouldn't want to stink up the places with our presence and all. Oh and a empty bottle or two, so I can make us all something on the road."Last edited by Wind-Up Citrus; 2019-11-05 at 10:20 PM.
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2019-11-06, 01:18 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2011
- Location
- Canada, Pacific Time
- Gender
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
"One last drink before setting off is in order, I feel. Let's just be sure we're not overstaying our already-dubious welcome. Also, how much do we know about Madame Eva and where she lives?" Kouran asked.
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2019-11-06, 06:05 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2013
- Location
- Germany
- Gender
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Nimira exits the kitchen. Ireena has decided to keep me in charge of HER house until Kolyan's will is found. I'll keep the vultures trying to gnaw at her father's corpse away for as long as you take to return. After all, live will get boring if I don't have to clean up after your butt, Kyran. I can easily manage two households.
After her, Ireena exits with a tablet of porridge. It smells faintly like burned starch, but it looks fine. There are two spices in the middle for it. pepper and cinnamon. To drink, she offers tea and a light cider based on the pear and apples found around town. She cooked but is already dressed for the road. You see her backpack leaning on the wall next to the entrance. The Vistani are a wandering folk but their main camp is at the Lake Tser a bit down the road. Madame Eva is too old to wander the countryside so there is a semi-permanent settlement. Of course the other Vistani come and go as they please, even through the fogs of Barovia, but Eva seems to stay with them. She is no vampire but she is noted in historical texts about 130 years ago. We should be careful with her.
Adrian is off to go shopping before breakfast and returns with the items you wanted.
SpoilerYou can assume he bought anything you need IF it isn't a critical item but used for RP. You can't pull a block and tackle out of your butt when you need it and retcon this. Think about it now.
Here's your things. He looks hungry but doesn't particularly fancy the porridge. Hey, short stuff? You gonna share that? He points at the pie Sprocketbox bought yesterday.
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2019-11-06, 09:58 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2019
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Sprocketbox wakes later than everyone else, it seems he'd been up delving through the library all night, and had fallen asleep curled up in an armchair with a book still in his hands. He came in munching on a pie that looked very much like the one he'd gotten from the old lady but left it mostly uneaten as he sat down at the table and tucked into the porridge instead. At Adrian's question the gnome looked up at the youth with a smile.
He held up his hand and another pie magically appeared in it. The other dissapeare as ge did so, and at closer alexamination the bnew pie glows slightly.
"You want one? Alas, it's not very filling, and has no taste. It seems my food conjurations aren't what they used to be... This is just a copy of one I ate for dinner last night."
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2019-11-06, 04:02 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2013
- Location
- Germany
- Gender
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Thanks mista! Adrian says as he digs in. He stops halfway through the first bite and looks at you. You can clearly see his disgust but as his mother looks at him with a strict demeanor, he answers. Thanks, it's pretty...uh, filling. He refuses a second helping after that.
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2019-11-06, 11:05 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2018
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
"If This Madame Eva has a substantial knowledge of the old, maybe she might possess as way to stop Strahd before he gets the better of us." Drastia said in between bites. "I just hope such knowledge won't involve some favor that we wouldn't be able to fulfill."
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2019-11-08, 12:42 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2011
- Location
- Canada, Pacific Time
- Gender
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
"One way or another we must be careful around her, and the rest of her camp. And strangers in general—no telling who the informants among them may be. Then again, I can't think of a way for us to pass as anything but the fresh-off-the-boat foreigners we are," Kouran admitted.
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2019-11-08, 06:43 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2013
- Location
- Germany
- Gender
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
You could try to dress like Barovians for once. Cover up those colorful outfits. Maybe hide your elven ears. The dusk elves of the Svalich Woods are not very liked around here. Clover has no choice but to use his magic, hide his form or be very very inventive with his excuses. Ireena chimes in. Now get dressed and ready, we are about to head out.
With that Ireena leaves towards the stables.
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2019-11-08, 08:48 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2019
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Sprocketbox watches keenly as Adrian takes his first bite. As he watches the interplay between the boy, his mother and his attempt at good manners, the gnome laughs uproariously, nearly doubling over and slapping his knee in glee. After a few moments he recovers and smiles at the boy.
"I did try to warn you. Sadly, my magic just isn't the same here. I used to be able to conjure up the most amazing food and water, Filled you right up and tasted like molten honey. I could feed an army, in fact I did a few times. Here, it's basically hollow. Looks like the real thing, even smells like it. But here, we'll there's some planar hijinks going on around here. Good thing there's a teleportation specialist mage on hand to sort it out eh?"
The gnome turns back to listen to the rest of the conversation then, he frowns at the idea of trying to blend in.
"What am I supposed to do? Pretend to be a child? I'm not shaving my beard wouldn't look pretty anyways. I'm all wrinkles under here."
Regardless, he grabbed his staff and followed Ireena out, ready to go.
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2019-11-08, 11:18 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2018
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
"I'm content to be a shadowy hooded figure. Wouldn't be too different than when I was under the tutelage of other druids." Drastia says as she finds a suitable drab disguise.
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2019-11-09, 02:24 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2011
- Location
- Canada, Pacific Time
- Gender
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
"We can change our clothing but few people are good enough actors to cover up an accent, let alone pick up the dialect and otherwise not say anything that might give them away. We'll just have to let the locals among us do the talking," Kouran said with a shrug.
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2019-11-09, 10:33 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jul 2014
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Kyran grimaces, "I'm not so good at chatting with people, but I'll do what I can. Lets get moving. We don't want to waste daylight. Nights on the road are especially dangerous"
"No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main... Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." -John Donne-
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2019-11-20, 05:26 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2013
- Location
- Germany
- Gender
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
You pick up your bits and pieces, you let Adrian get the needed amenities for a travel. Ireena said it would be about one to two days worth of travel to Tser Camp. You should travel along the streets, for going into the woods is very dangerous. Sprocketbox' books said something about wolves the size of small barns. Spiders that can drag away small children. Ireena added something in about Vistani wanderers that work as guides. Maybe if you are lucky you find these. Despite Ireena's claim to use her wagon, she refuses. The wagon is too damaged and would be more of a hindrance than a boon to the travels. Despite, the travel is only short, and not much supply would be needed.
As you step outside, it is a delightful day. Some Barovians wander towards the chapel where the light pierced the night yesterday. They wonder if the Morninglord came back. Dark stormy clouds surround the town however, most notably above Ravenloft Keep, sitting threateningly close above town. No plunderers are to be seen in front of the manor yet. Maybe the townsfolk still respect Kolyan enough to at least give him some kind of grace period. Maybe they are just busy preparing. In any case, Ireena hands Nimira a hastily written deed of giving her responsibility for her adoptive father's property. Orvin stays in town with her to protect the manor and support Donovich in his newly found faith.
You travel along the main town street towards west, what you assume is west anyhow. The sun stands directly above the city, in some kind of picturesque sense, not according to any sense of navigation you have seen. As you follow the road for a few hours, you take a few turns and twists. Every once in a while the path diverges, one being for wagons, and one more direct and shorter way to walk on foot. Ireena insists on hurrying along so you mostly take the faster choices. That is, until you can see a shadow in the corner of your eyes.
A scarecrow lurches into view. Its sackcloth eyes and rictus are ripe with malevolence, and its gut is stuffed with dead ravens. It has long, rusted knives for claws. As you realize the number of these puppets is three, you are surrounded already. They are approximately 15 feet away from out. Your horse bails as it sees the vile constructs. Ireena tries to catch it.
Drastia is too distracted to act immediately, so she moves after the scarecrows.
Next up: Kouran, Clover, Kyran, Sprocketbox.
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2019-11-20, 11:24 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2011
- Location
- Canada, Pacific Time
- Gender
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
"This devilry will not deter us!" Kouran announced, as he recited a prayer and moved to attack the nearest scarecrow.
Spoiler
Cast Bless on Clover, Kyran, and himself, draw weapon, and move to K3.
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2019-11-22, 12:40 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jul 2012
- Location
- Across the spiraling sea.
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
"Oi!" Clover yells, "Sneaky devils!"
They were surrounded, and as Kouran lept into the fray, Clover's hooves instinctively pushed him into the opposite direction, drawing his shield to act as a wall for Drastia and their new gnome friend.
"You've got this Kouran!" He shouts, the sincerity in his voice carrying through, "You've got more guts than these paltry shamblers!"
SpoilerClover is going to draw his shield and move to J7, and use his bonus action to inspire Kouran
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2019-11-23, 05:51 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jul 2014
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
"Bastion, go!" Kyran sends his construct after the scarecrow in the midst of the party and aims his musket at the same target.
Spoiler: OOCAttacking "scare claw" at k8, I'll take a risk and use the sharpshooter "power attack" option, -5 to hit, +10 damage
Bastion bite (1d20+4)[11] (1d8+2)[5]
Musket attack (1d20)[14] (1d12+13)[19]
Sorry, didn't notice right away that this was moving againLast edited by Daishain; 2019-11-23 at 05:52 PM.
"No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main... Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." -John Donne-
Guides, tables, and other useful tools for 5E D&D
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2019-11-24, 09:47 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2013
- Location
- Germany
- Gender
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Stop it there! Sprocketbox exclaims as he freezes the crossbow archer in place. In turn the archer just shoots at the wily gnome. Kouran dodges the scythe wielder's long swipe. His opponent steps a bit more south to get to your back.
Seeing as the gargoyle distracts its movements to rip and tear Clover, its second attack goes towards and hits Bastion but only scrapes the stony exterior.
SpoilerAttack roll is 15 for Sprocket to react with shield. I'll tell you if it hits or not, if you decided if you want to use shield or not.
Map: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...gid=1952860560
Up next: Everyone including Drastia.
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2019-11-24, 06:07 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2018
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Drastia after freeing herself from distractions fires her lightning bow at the Scareclaw.
Spoiler: OOC
To Hit: (1d20+4)[19]
Damage: bow (1d8+2)[3]
Damage: lightning part of bow (1d8)[2]
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2019-11-24, 07:45 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jul 2014
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Methodically, Kyran reloads and fires again
Spoiler: OOCnot using power attack this time since apparently a 14 missed. Aand, a 9 is definitely a miss. Oh well
Bastion bite (1d20+4)[14] (1d8+2)[3]
Musket attack (1d20+5)[9] (1d12+3)[7]Last edited by Daishain; 2019-11-24 at 07:46 PM.
"No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main... Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." -John Donne-
Guides, tables, and other useful tools for 5E D&D
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2019-11-24, 08:24 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2011
- Location
- Canada, Pacific Time
- Gender
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Kouran stepped back to keep himself between the enemy and his companions.
Spoiler
Move to K2 and attack.
To-Hit: (1d20+6)[25] + (1d4)[1]
Damage: (1d8+4)[9]
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2019-11-25, 10:42 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2019
Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd
Sprocketbox has sent his squirrel out as they'd been attacked, it's tiny form scurrying through the trees and underbrush until now, it leapt out of the cover, startling the Scare-xbow before fiving back into the trees and scurrying away again. Sprocketbox took advantage of the distraction, hurling a large sharp looking chunk of ice into it's 'chest' which then exploded into shrapnel, potentially damaging it further and freezing the area around it in a rime of frost.
Spoiler: OOCIce Knife with advantage, I'm sure the squirrel could have gotten into range in a turn so now it helps and moves away.
DC 13 Dex save or the scare cro takes the secondary frost damage.
Ice Knife: 2d20k1+5 19 1d10 8 2d6 8
2/4 1st level slots expended. (The first should of course always be mage armor)