BSF: Red Sun Rising(IC)

[stack]

Bran Aelfstone

Bran also looks in on the children, then tags along with the others into the hamlet. He soon splits off, to be seen occasionally darting around the street with a small posse of other children, performing minor magic tricks and generally just playing, mind far from recent events.

[Zman]

Elakas finds himself somewhat disappointed by the hamlet. The closest thing he finds to a weaponsmith is a blacksmith, and he points him towards a hunter who fletches his own arrows. Luckily, its early in the season and he has a couple dozen on hand he is willing to part with.

As for medicines, Elakas gets pointed towards an old crone known to mix a poultice or two who gathers what she can from the surrounding areas.

Spoiler

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All that is available are primitive substances for 5sp. *Not sure if the last file had this pricing, I"ve made a few changes to addiction, dependency, and primitive substances. The effects of HP and PP healing has improved.

Basically you can buy anything worth less than 1gp at a hamlet like this unless it is very common. Think of this places as an inn that had a few buildings jump up around it until 50 or so people lived there.

[achesst]

Elakas Morkasion

Seeing that nothing here can help the children, Elakas gives the woman his thanks and then turns his attention to his mostly silent tag-along.

Thank you, ma'am, but it seems what wares you have would do no more good for the children than they already have. I thank you for the useful service you provide this place.

Pip! You've been so silent I've hardly noticed you. I think I've seen all there is to see of this charming village. I'm much more interested in hearing more about your hometown. Beldenshyn, right? If you don't mind, I'd love to hear more of it over another bowl of stew back at the inn.

[Zman]

Crossroad's Inn

As the afternoon stretches into evening Giselle does her best to make the girl comfortable and give her what food and water she can take. At some point in the evening her brother awakes, at least for a few moments. When asked what questions he can answer, he does his best before falling into unconsciousness again, "Serra... fell asleep... wouldn't wake up... tried everything... speaking in tongues... prophecy... wit's end... needed help... Lady's Hall... Tymora... goddess of oracles and prophets... prayed every day... save her... please..."

Rise of the Bloodmoon
As you're exiting the side room with Serra and her brother you hear commotion, something about the moon being on fire. As you filter out of the inn and look at the sky, just dark enough for the moon to be visible in the sky, it's clearly tinted a deep red. As the minutes go by and it gets darker, the moon becomes even more pronounced, full and colored a deep dark red, the red of fresh blood.

Ole Kip-Town Elder

The rickety old man stares up at the sky, "Now, I've seen a lot of moons in my years, never one that looked like that." Looking around and finding Pip, "Is that what you were asking about? A bloodmoon?"

[Estre]

Felpip Nindlenorn

Garl’s glittering beard, the moon is red!

Pip looks into the eyes of Ole Kip rising above him. They seem like saucers, rusted in the light of the shining sky.

“Was that what I was asking about? How I wish I hadn’t!”

It had been such a pleasant afternoon. Ambling through this little place with friends. Talk of home over stew. Hope even seemed to kiss the poor children they’d lifted from the dark.

Until the crimson eye was opened.

Oddly, Pip feels a trace of indigestion. Maybe heartburn. Ma’am Giselle’s near-meatless pottage still seemed quite rich.

What a thing to think of, in the twilight of the world!

Pip bows at Ole Kip, trying not to hiccup “Your knowledge of the sky is a credit to your many seasons good Elder.” Then he straightens up to seek the council of his comrades.

Spoiler

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Pip has no idea what's best to do. He’ll definitely follow any suggestions.

[stack]

Bran Aelfstone

When Bran and his gang of other children notice the adults staring at the moon, they spend a moment staring at it, confused. A few cry and run back to their homes, but Bran quickly makes up a rhyme about it and sets the rest back to their play.

Spoiler

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Don't ask me what the rhyme is, not my department.

[achesst]

Elakas Morkasion

Elakas joined the small throng gawking at what must surely be the prophesied Blood Moon. The motley crew that had taken down the bandit group with him all had expressions jumping between shock, understanding, and apprehension. They stood in stark contrast to the rest of the crowd, who seemed to view the dark red moon with merely some surprise and a lot of confusion.

Elakas addressed his friends.

I think we'd better make sure that Murl is in fact ready to set out at first light, which means we'd best be ready before then. Let's try to find some rest, my friends. It will likey be hard to come by in the ensuing days.

[Zman]

Morning After the Bloodmoon

Despite Elakas' best efforts, Merl was not ready to set out at first light, or even mid morn, it was nigh on noon before Merl could be prodded to set forth, the unconscious girl in his wagon with Pip and Bran. Cassius astride Firebrand saunters with with Elakas keeping easy past on swift elven legs.

The Light Goes Dark

Barely set forth on their journey, a darkness crosses the land as if a dark cloud passed overhead. When you look up, you find a cloudless sky. As the seconds pass by a shadow crosses the moon slowly, moment by moment, the darkness eats the sun...

A Red Sun Rises
A minute goes by and the land falls into darkness. Just when the fear and hoplessness sets in the light return, every so slowly. But something is wrong, the sun being revealed has the tint of blood to it...

Spoiler

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A few minutes after the red sun rises, anyone who is paying attention will notice smoke rising from back towards the Crossroad's Inn. The group is less than 20 minutes outside of the hamlet at a slow wagon's pace.

[stack]

Unable to understand the portents, Bran chooses to ignore them, trusting the adults to figure it out.

He reclines in the wagon, looking around. He points back, "Smoke. Must be a big fire."

[rs2excelsior]

Cassius Mortain

Still a bit shaken from the blood-red moon the night before, Cassius is looking ahead in pensive thought when Bran makes the comment about the fire. Turning around in the saddle, his blood chills. "That's not just a big fire... Looks like there's a building on fire, probably more." He begins to wheel Firebrand about, then pauses. Those folks back at the village were possibly in immediate danger... but yet, so were the two youths they were escorting to Baldur's Gate. And based on what was going on, likely far more terrible things than a fire were afoot which the two were somehow linked to. But the thought of the people at the crossroads who had helped them facing a fire, set by accident or by arson... We have to help them... don't we?" The young knight is obviously torn between the two options.

Spoiler: OOC

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If Elakas makes the opinion known IC that he things pressing on is the better idea, Cassius will agree, but will also volunteer to ride back and see what's going on. If anyone wants to ride with him, I think there's room on Firebrand for Pip or Bran.

[Zman]

Merl- Linen Merchant

The fat old man with the nagging wife notices the look of apprehension on Cassius’ face, “Fear nought boy, I’ll keep em safe...” he flips up a tarp concealing and keeping the rain out of a compartment and pulls out a loaded and cocked crossbow, patting the weathered stock, “Ain’t my first day on the road all alone. Might even hit something if I aim at it long enough and take two shots.”

[achesst]

Elakas Morkasion

Elakas looks at his group eager to help, then at the comatose child. Merl's *ahem* "schedule" had made their departure toward Baldur's Gate much later than desirable. Elakas felt that the girl's plight MUST hold greater significance to the world at large, and he longed for a grand quest with great notoriety at its end. He was frozen with indecision. Maybe whatever was happening back at the inn wasn't so bad?

Suddenly, Elakas remembered his father's advice from just before he set out from the Cormanthor. "Son, I have a secret to share with you. All those brave elves of yore didn't set out to become heroes. Great champions are made by doing what's right no matter the circumstances. If you help the helpless and fight injustice wherever you find it, you'll be a greater hero than any king or magician in ancient tales."

I'll never become a hero if I shy away from people who need help right in front of me. Merl, look after the children, we'll be right back.

Elakas grabs his quiver and bow from the wagon and takes off at a sprint back toward the hamlet.

(Equipment status: Studded armor on (the road is dangerous and he'd probably have been wearing it) weapons: bow, quiver with 27 arrows, and dagger on belt.)

[rs2excelsior]

Cassius Mortain

With the merchant armed at least enough to defend himself and Elakas also taking a run back, Cassius readies his shield and (after giving either of the other two a chance to hop on behind him, if they want to) spurs Firebrand back towards the village.

[Estre]

Felpip Nindlenorn

"I'll never become a hero if I shy away from people who need help right in front of me." Wise words! Pip thinks on them and does not look at the sky.

But it should be the opposite. Action banishes fear.

He hopes. Cassius and Elakas are returning to the village. To the smoke and-- The fire. Pip's eyes are closed. Can't avoid it if you can't see it. He laughs.

He'll follow. People need help.

And what of Bran? He's hardly helpless, but he is a child.

"You want to ride behind Cassius, young fellow?" Pip nods at Firebrand's ample back where the knight has made room, and smiles. "I rather fancy stretching my legs. Think I'll join Elakas in his jog. If you want to stay here instead, take good care of Merl."

Pip winks and turns. Join Elakas in his 'jog'? Pip runs with all his might, wondering how long that will last.

[stack]

Bran's face lights up at another chance to ride, though the mood of the others quickly dims his reaction. He scrambles on with Cassius's help.

[Zman]

Fire at the Crossroads

The decision made, the group of unlikely adventurers take off towards the smoke in the distance. The oppressive red light growing ever more intense as they near the crossroads. Not the orange glow of firelight, but the bloody sun. Elakas, fleet of foot, moves quickly with Pip and his shortly legs falling quickly behind. Cassius, once Bran was seated behind him, is able to overtake Pip and after a few moments he overcomes Pip's insistence he can make the run and seats him in front of him.

Firebrand, his back full, gallops with all haste towards the Crossroads in... which once he gets ever closer is clearly one of several buildings on fire.

Nearing the edge of the hamlet, Cassius overtakes Elakas and is greeted with screams and shouts. Not the screams and shouts of a community responding to a crisis, but the screams of men, women, and children afraid for their lives. Reigning Firebrand in, Cassius helps Bran and Pip slide off his back as Elakas joins them.

Suddenly, the form of Ole' Kip, the town elder can be seen at what can only be described as a run, more aptly trying to run like his life depended on it. A few seconds later a beast comes flying out of the shadows between buildings after him... it's all sinew and sulfer and can only be described as a hound, a perverse and twisted nightmare of a hound from the depths of the abyss itself... Seeing the new arrivals it lets out a smokefilled snarl, and when it looks in your direction its eyes are alive with fire...

Spoiler

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Anyone with Training in Knowledge(Planes) or Knowledge(Religion) will know this as a Hellhound, a fire breathing fiend not of this world. They would also know being otherworldly, it is resistant to most weapons forged by man.

MAP

Initiative

Cassius(1d20+1)[13]
Elakas(1d20+3)[20]
Bran(1d20+2)[10]
Pip(1d20+3)[13]

Hellhound(1d20+3)[16]

Initiative
Elakas
Hellhound
Pip, Cassius, Bran

[achesst]

Elakas Morkasion

Elakas looks on at the horrors around him. A town in flames and people who hours ago were friendly and happy are now screaming and fleeing in terror. This all can't be a coincidence. Was this his fault? Did he doom this hamlet by bringing the girl here? Suddenly, a flaming wolf's growl breaks Elakas's thoughts. Finally, something he knew about. A wild, rabid beast that needed to be hunted. This he could do.

Spoiler: Actions+OOC

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Let's see...no knowledge religion or planes so...looks like just a flaming wolf to me!

1) Move to O24 and quick draw bow (should be 30 ft and put me 55 ft from the hellhound, if I can count correctly which is NOT a guarantee)
1.5) Load arrow
2.5) Fire arrow at (1d20+4)[7] for (1d8+1)[4] piercing
3) Load arrow

I really really hope I didn't just doom the party here. If things are looking grim feel free to leave me. I accept my fate.

[Zman]

Hellhound

Sensing a threat as the arrow whizzes by, the abyss hound charges Elakas, its jaws burning with fire as it snaps at him...

Spoiler

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Elakas Misses(just in case you wondered about the result of a "7", haha)

Hellhound
2.0 Charge! (1d20+5)[8] for (1d6+3)[6](1d6+3)[6] PiercingDamage +1 Fire DamageMiss: Triggers AoO if Elakas wants, but no Melee Weapon so a punch or an improvised attack treating his bow like a 1d4 bludgeonong club, haha.
If Hit, Triggers Trip as a Free Action(No AoO) (1d20+6)[12] vs Elakas Passive 13.
3.0 Adv if Exposed or Prone (1d20+1)[19](1d20+1)[4] for (1d6+3)[6] Piercing and +1 Fire DamageHit: 7 Total Damage Reduced to 6HP Damage by Armor HR.

Initiative
Elakas
Hellhound
Pip, Cassius, Bran

[rs2excelsior]

Cassius Mortain

Cassius rocks back as Firebrand rears... this was no mere dog, and the fire was no accident. Whatever this thing was, it was not natural. Frozen with fear, he watches as Elakas fires an arrow at the beast and it charges the elf.

That shook him out of it. This was what he'd signed up for, right? Fighting monsters, protecting the people? Elakas was taking the initiative, he wouldn't do anyone any good just sitting here. And no matter what it was, it was just a beast - and Cassius had never met beast nor man that could stand up to a lance charge unscathed. He makes sure Bran and Pip are off, then spurs Firebrand and levels his lance, aimed at the foul beast's flank. Firebrand, loyal to a fault, obeyed despite the hellish aura of the creature, and the young knight surged forward - sixteen hundred pounds of man and horse behind a long wooden lance, aimed straight for the beast.

Spoiler: OOC

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Cassius also doesn't have any ranks in (Planes) or (Religion) - so he's just as confident as Elakas that it's only a fire-breathing dog!

Using Combat Prowess to shift two ranks from CTD to CTA this round - drops my defense by 1 (to 12) and increases my attack bonus to +4

Actions:
0.5: Raise Shield
2.5: Charge! (1d20+4)[6]
Damage: (1d12+2)[13] (1d12+2)[9]

I don't really know of anything useful I can do with that last half action, so I suppose I'll just hang on to it.

[Zman]

Apparently, even demonic hounds of hell fear a set lance and the charge of heavy horse, the Hellhound narrowly avoids being skewered upon it...

Spoiler

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Super solid hit, 13HP Damage. Had that been a crit, would have oneshot it... before adding another 1d6 of damage for a piercing crit. Moral of the story, essentially everyone should fear a lance charge if it is heading their way.

Edit: It might be a good idea to roll a second damage die anytime you think something could be resistant or vulnerable to it. In this case I've given you the meta knowledge that they have otherworldly resistances and probably will be resistant to anything that doesn't overcome otherworldly resistances such as Cold Iron, Adamantine, Orichalum, Ironwood, Darkwood, and Dragonbone.

Initiative
Elakas
Hellhound
Pip, Cassius, Bran

[stack]

Bran, being from simple folk, has no idea what it is that they are fighting. That doesn't stop him from deciding to get rid of it; it was scary and smelled terrible...also, the nice people of the hamlet were scared. The earth extrudes a molten lash, which immediately goes to work.

Spoiler

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assuming Cassius charged to N24-25, I can cast lava whip in M25 and still reach the hound.

Action 1: cast lava whip in M25, 5 PP
Action 2: whip hound ref 16 (1d6+2)[3] bludgeoning + (1d4)[1] or (1d4)[2] fire
Action 3: whip hound ref 16 (1d6+2)[8] bludgeoning + (1d4)[3] or (1d4)[3] fire

[Estre]

Felpip Nindlenorn

Uh, who's a good doggy? Certainly not the wild beast that is attacking Elakas!

Bravely Cassius charges into the fray, lance clap like a rebuke of thunder against an infernal hide.

Actually, Pip has no idea if this hound is from a hell, nor even what it is. But anything of fire surely must come from below!

Bran calls forth a lava lash -- OK, maybe not everything! -- to snap at slashing teeth.

Pip yearns to charge in beside his friends, dagger drawn to end the horror. But there's fire, fire, all around. Ever since Cassius set him down he's felt it. Sweat is stinging over his eyes, down to water his legs rooted like a tree. And are you just as thick? Do *something* at least!

He fumbles out his crossbow and bangs to ram a bolt home. His friends and their foe are mixed together with movement. Pip drags his feet a few steps sideways for a better view. He will only fire when he sees the beast clear.

Spoiler: Shaky shot

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0.5 Draws crossbow
1.5 Loads bolt
2.0 Steps to M29
3.0 Fires crossbow at wolf (1d20+3)[21] for (disadvantage because of wolf's other-worldliness) (1d6+1)[5] (1d6+1)[3]
The wolf gets 50% (medium) cover save, I believe, because it is in melee, and Pip is taking great care not to hit his friends.

[Zman]

After the thunderous charge, a whip of lava lashes into the melee, a bolt flies free...

Bran's living lava fails to find its mark and Pip's bolt flies true...

Spoiler

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See OOC for range issue with Lava Whip. Changing Bran's action to a double step, Summon Whip, Whip.

Hellhound Dex Save (1d20+6)[23] vs DC16 Success: No Damage

Hellhound Medium Cover(50%) Save vs LavaWhip(Is a Manifestation targetting into Cover) (1d100)[12]

Hellhound Medium Cover(50%) Save vs Pip (1d100)[51] Failure, 3HP Damage from Pip

Round 2
Initiative
Elakas
Hellhound
Pip, Cassius, Bran

[achesst]

Elakas Morkasion

Everyone is quickly joining in on the fight! Together they can surely take down this beast. Elakas moved into a better firing position and unloads on the beast.

Spoiler: Attacks!

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0.5) Step to P23
1.5) Shoot at the hellhound at (1d20+4)[24] for (1d8+1)[5] (close combat advantage cancelling damage-resistence disadvantage)
2) Reload
3) Shoot at the hellhound at (1d20)[11] for (1d8+1)[4]

POSSIBLY HITTING ALLIES AND COVER:

1) (1d100)[8]
2) (1d100)[92]

I really hope I don't hit you guys...well, guy...well, guy and horse.

[Zman]

The whip, it lashes again...

Spoiler

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Resolving the second lash which will happen before Elakas' shot if it matters.

Dex Save (1d20+6)[9] Failure
Cover (1d100)[50]Sucess

Armor Save vs Elakas' Arrow if it matters (1d100)[26]


Edit: Same result as before. Tough luck on the double lashes. Unless Bran would have risked hitting allies, in that case the second would be a hit. I assumed he would not, but feel free to correct me.

[Zman]

Hellhound

The vile beast leaps backwards, away from the lava whip and the pointed end of Cassius' lance... puffing its chest, a red glow building, it unleashes a breath of flame...

Spoiler

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1.0 Double Step
3.0 Flamebreath

Flamebreath(1d4 Regen): Two Actions; Special Ability 20’ Cone dealing 1d6 +1 Fire Damage with a DC of 14. (1d6+1)[4] Fire Damage

Hits Cassius and Elakas

Both Cassius and Firebrand will be taking the AoE. DC14 Dex Save for half damage. Don't forget Cassius' shield is raised and shield block is an option.

Initiative
Elakas
Hellhound
Pip, Cassius, Bran

[Estre]

Felpip Nindlenorn

As if barging into Pip's world and wreaking havoc were not enough, the diabolical dog before him and his friends seems dead set on recreating the hell of its home in theirs. With stunning indifference to local customs, it is, even now, breathing a cone of fire at Elakas and Cassius!

Pip is proud that it has never been said that he's a poor host. He loves visitors. But, truly, this one has already outstayed its welcome.

He overcomes an urge to find a ball and throw it, hoping the hound will chase that into the happy distance. What would happen when it brought it back? With a heavy heart Pip raises his bow anew.

Spoiler: Pip round 2

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1.0 Loads Crossbow
2.0 Aims at hellhound
3.0 Fires bolt at infernal mutt (1d20+3)[20] (advantage because of aim) (1d20+3)[6] -- For (1d6+1)[4] (disadvantage because of wolf's other-worldliness) (1d6+1)[6]
The hound of hell seems to have stepped back from melee, so may not get a cover save. However, Pip's shot will pass very close to Cassius. If that calls for a save, Pip will be taking great care not to hit him (so maybe 50% cover save if possible?)

[Estre]

Pip

Screening save to see if Pip beats interposed cover.

(1d100)[80]

[Zman]

Pip’s bolt finds its mark... but the tough sinewy hide of the hellbeast limits the damage...

Spoiler

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70%DR2 vs 4 Damage (1d100)[29] Success: 2 WP

[stack]

Bran Aelfstone

"Hey! You can't run away! Get back here!" Bran darts forward, tossing a bot of lightning to punctuate his rebuke.

Spoiler

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actions 1 + 2: double move to L21
action 3: lightning blast 4 PP, (1d6+2)[5] electricity damage, Con 16 half