Iron Crisis (IC)

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 14 HP: 11/25 PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 15 Conditions: -- Concentrating on: Caelee unleashes a high pitched scream as the creature's acidic mandibles bite into her armor and flesh. Rather than be reduced to tears and wailing, however, her mind becomes sharp and she begins to act instantly. Rather than struggle in the creature's grasp, she instead begins shouting in druidic at the top of her lungs. Spoiler: Druidic Show Bokono! To me, spirit, to me! In a roar and a flash the spirit appears, flames pulsing out from it that wash over the two monsters but seem to part around Caelee like gentle waves. Unable to stop tears from rolling down her face, Caelee instead floods her body with the searing magic of fire, flecks of flame tumbling down her cheek and from her fingertips. She shouts in druidic again, even louder this time. Spoiler: Druidic Show Bokono, away! Take me away from this! In a second flash of light and fire the spirit teleports her away to the southwest, the both of them disappearing in the wave of heat and flame and reappearing thirty feet away. Falling down to her knees, Caelyn struggles up and moves away, holding one of her arms as she dashes west.

Spoiler: OOC

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Summoning Bokono directly next to Caelee, but out of range of Aintas. She can't be hurt by her own summoning. Ankhegs take (2d10)[13] damage unless they make a DC 13 save- (1d20)[1] and (1d20)[3]. Then using Fiery Teleportation as a bonus action, which moves anyone within 5 ft of the spirit 30 feet with the spirit. The ankhegs take another (1d6+2)[8] damage if they fail a save- (1d20)[11] and (1d20)[9]. Teleporting 30 ft to the southwest. Assuming she is no longer grappled she then moves 35 feet further west to get some space on the creepy crawlies.

[Ramsus]

Vyvian Just Half-Elf Rogue AC: 14 HP: 24/24 PP: 13 PIv: 9 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- "Aaah! Die! Get away!" Vyvian shouts in momentary fear and panic as she stabs at the giant insect-thing that appeared right in front of her face. Then she rushes over to the relative safety of Aintas. Spoiler Show Attack: (1d20+5)[22] damage: (1d6+3)[7] if crit: (1d6)[2] Off-hand: (1d20+5)[24] damage: (1d6)[1] if crit: (1d6)[6] Sneak attack: (2d6)[12] if crit: (2d6)[7] After attacking the ankheg she's free to move away from it without taking an opportunity attack and so moves to the square just north of Aintas.

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar AC: 12 HP: 16/24 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10 PP: 9|14 PIv: 14|10 PIs: 10|13 Conditions: -- | -- Another Ankheg bursts out of the ground near Sam, startling him. He staggers to the side away from it, coincidentally causing most of the acid vomit to miss him. Some of it splatters his chest and he winces. He freezes, caught between who to help. "Go!" Grepha points towards the two ankhegs and leaps in the other direction, landing on the back of the third. She grabs at its legs from behind and otherwise makes a nuisance of herself. Sam rushes past Aintas and skids over the dirt road, opening his arms wide. He brings them together in a loud clap, sending a wave of fire gushing out that falls just short of Caelyn - at first he worries that he caught her too, but the second conflagration is her spirit taking her away. Spoiler: Actions Show Sam Move 3 NE, 2 North Cast Burning Hands (2nd level) on the two Ankhegs. 15 foot cone doesn't quite reach Caelyn, and their large size puts them both in the cone. Fire Damage: (4d6)[11] Dex Saves for half: Middle Ankh (1d20)[15] Top Ankh (1d20)[6] Grepha Split up from Sam, Move 1 NW. Use the Help action to give Advantage on the next attack on the fresh Ankheg

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 16 HP: 21/21 PP: 15 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Conditions: - Concentration: - Always expect the unexpected! Senna utters to herself. She charges away from Vyv and Melian, trusting in their ability to manage a single opponent themselves, to aid Aintas in defending against the other thing. Lagritium turnios. she shouts, releasing another volley of violet energy balls at the injured enemy. Are you alright, Aintas? Caelee? Spoiler Show (3d4+3)[9] on injured Ankheg Moving to one space north of Aintas. Pull out shield during the movement, but not a weapon.

[cigaw]

Melian Galanodel Eladrin Bladesinger AC: 13 (19) HP: 20/20 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: Phantasmal Force "Sweet Corellon what in the hells!" Melian exclaims as the third ankheg erupts before her. Eyes wide, she calls upon her innate magic and winks out, reappearing out of reach to the northeast. Concentrating, she conjures an illusion to take her place, quickly trying to think of something, anything, that might terrify the overgrown insectoid enough to render it inactive. She makes the ankheg see and feel a horrendous, predatory spider that immediately starts weaving a barbed, thorny, steely web over it. Spoiler: Round 1 Show • Bonus: Misty Step 30' NE, which puts Melian right at the top of the ravine. • Move: 10' E, away from the edge, drawing the longbow and nocking an arrow. • Action: Cast Phantasmal Force at the ankheg by Vyv and Senna. Illusion is a constricting, spiky, steel web spun by a truly terrifying eldritch horror spider. - Ankheg INT Save vs DC 13: (1d20)[6]. On fail, treats illusion as real, so it is probably bound by the illusory web. - Psychic damage: (1d6)[3]

[ProudGrognard]

Aintas
AC:17 HP:20

"By the horny g@n@ds of Tempus!"

Aintas yells very inventively as the acid burns him, but he keeps his focus. He is aware of his siblings groaning and screaming but if he leaves his post, things will be worse. As fire and spells flash around him, he makes sure that the beasts cannot move past him.

Spoiler: OOC actions

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Retaining distance and attacking
Atk1 (1d20+5)[21] dmg (1d10+3)[12]
BA Atk1 (1d20+5)[7] dmg (1d4+3)[5]

If the first does hit, add (1d8)[8] to damage and force will save.
If it doesn't, add (1d8)[3] to attack roll.

Reaction if an Ankheg provokes (1d20+5)[22] dmg (1d10+3)[7]

[Amnestic]

The erupting wildfire explosions and Sam's magic spells the end of the already injured ankheg, which flops down, plates still sizzling and charred. Melian's illusory binds seem to hold her target in place, making it easy pickings for Vyvian and Aintas (and Grepha) to team up and slice another one down to size. It too falls, blood guashing out in enormous spurts that threaten to stain your boots. Senna's missiles fly forth against the final remaining target who so abruptly lost his grappled meal. They strike true. Between the flames and the force, and the immediate loss of the other two, its 'flight' response seems to activate. It hastily grabs a nearby giant vulture and burrows underground, vanishing back to - presumably - its lair.

It doesn't seem, from waiting, that it intends to return. At least not imminently. It likely needs to heal up first.

Spoiler

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Combat over. I shifted some attack targets around because you ended up killing them too hard and it didn't feel right to just 'waste' them.

If you want to recover bits of the ankheg, gonna need a Survival check. Only one chance at it per Ankheg body ('cos not rolling well would be botching the recovery) so prep accordingly.

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 16 HP: 21/21 PP: 15 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Conditions: - Concentration: - Well, that was a scary moment. Senna says as she scans the group for major injuries. Aintas does seem to have avoided a majority of the acid, but Caelee has a gash the size of her forearm. Now sit down, Caelee. I do not care about your forest spirits or whatever. You need treatment. Senna says as she expertly staunches the bleeding. A few linen bandages later, Caelee is as good as new. Do me a favor and don't twist your body today. she says with an evil grin. Just a revenge for the relaxing fire spirit from before. Spoiler Show Healer's Kit on Caelee(1d6+7)[12] People treated today: Caelyn, Senna

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 14 HP: 23/25 PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 15 Conditions: -- Concentrating on: Ohhhhhhhhh Sennnnnnnna it burns! Caelee holds out her arm and stamps her feet from the pain before sitting down with her sister and allowing her wound to be bound up. She is on the verge of tears the entire time, wincing, sniffling, and making small moans as her gash is healed. Those things were monstrosities! They deserved to burn! Thank you, sister... Caelee eventually settles down a bit, though she nurses her wounded arm across her chest. Heading over to the ankhegs, she gives one a stiff kick before settling down next to them with her small, sharp knife and beginning to try to pry the creature's armor from it's flesh.

Spoiler: OOC

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Survival rolls to salvage ankheg plates for Aintas' armor. (1d20+5)[8] for the first and (1d20+5)[25] for the second. If anyone wants to assist I will roll again for advantage.

[Ramsus]

Vyvian Just Half-Elf Rogue AC: 14 HP: 24/24 PP: 13 PIv: 9 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Vyvian wanted to complain about the stupid bug thing just popping up right in front of her face like that, but it didn't feel right to complain when she was completely uninjured and other people were not so lucky. So she instead helped Caelyn try and get the plates from these things, hoping these were the creatures they were told about. Or at least valuable in some other way. Spoiler Show Helping Caelyn with Survival checks.

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 14 HP: 23/25 PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 15 Conditions: -- Concentrating on: Thanks, Vyvian. As much as these things hurt when they bite, there is something... there was an loud, wet noise of shell being pulled away from flesh as Caelee tugged on the carapace SATISFYING... about finding some use for these foul creatures.

Spoiler: OOC

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Reroll on the first ankheg. (1d20+5)[18]

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar AC: 12 HP: 16/24 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10 PP: 9|14 PIv: 14|10 PIs: 10|13 Conditions: -- | -- Swallowing back a bit of bile from his stomach, upset by fear and the rotting carcasses of the ankheg's previous victims, Sam looks down at the acid sizzling out and going inert. His burns sting, but they don't go deep. Moving away from the corpses, he sits down against a tree. "Monstrosity? Aren't they just- gk- really big bugs, Cae?" "If that isn't a monstrosity, I don't know what is," Grepha looks at the dead arthropods with disgust and flaps up onto the wagon of loot to ensure nothing is snatched by some bandit. Hells know these woods are infested with all manner of vermin. "You have a bug tail." "Don't remind me."

[Amnestic]

With some time and Vyvian's help, Caelyn manages to successfully carve up the two insects and claim two intact shells. Not only that, but she manages to extract the acid gland from one of them. A bulbous and jiggling mass of skin and sinew, it won't produce any more but it does still hold one 'dose' of the sizzling liquid. It would probably make a semi-decent throwable weapon. Or you could sell it - someone will want ankheg acid for something, no doubt.

Spoiler: Ankheg Gland

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3d6 acid damage in 10' radius, 30' range, Dex DC13 to halve damage.

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 16 HP: 21/21 PP: 15 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Conditions: - Concentration: - Great work you two. Senna praises Vyv and Caelyn. Imagine this, an ankheg plate AND a holy imp all in one day. Say, Grepha; you want to be known as Saint Grepha or as Grephy the Unsullied? They lived two battles. Not only that, but they won in a somewhat glorious way. The exhileration of battle was what Senna liked. The risk, the energy. Not the fact that people got injured. Now what say you? Back to Joia?

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 14 HP: 23/25 PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 15 Conditions: -- Concentrating on: No, Sam. These aren't just big bugs. Insects and spiders, even in their larger sizes, have their place in nature. They are predator to some, but prey to others. These vile things buck the natural order. Even the mighty bear can be hunted by the wolf, and even the tiger respects the might of the elephant, but these creatures know no such balance. Some may disagree with me, but I consider these creatures a lethal nuisance at best and an abomination at worst. Caelee punctuates this statement by reaching into the creature's jaws with her knife, jabbing it at something in it's throat, and then reaching in with both arms. They come back out covered in stinking slime, with a sizable fleshy sack between her hands. There. And now I've had QUITE enough of these things for today. Does anyone mind if I burn the remains of these creatures, the horses, and the vultures? If not they will all simply attract more scavengers and monsters to this area. Caelee extends her open palm, where an orb of flame appears. Her brown eyes dilate in the light of the fire, and for a few seconds she gets lost in the beauty of the powerful, dangerous force in her hand before shaking herself out of it. Yes, I'd say we head back to the inn. Now that I have coin I intend to enjoy our stay SO much more.

[Ramsus]

Vyvian Just Half-Elf Rogue AC: 14 HP: 24/24 PP: 13 PIv: 9 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- "What are you planning to do with our money?" Vyvian asks in an overly suspicious tone. She's probably just exaggerating the tone/seriousness of the question for her own amusement though.

[Amnestic]

The rest of the journey back to the Friendly Arm is mercifully quiet - no more ambushes, no bandits or ankhegs or monstrous goblins. It's positively pleasant, albeit a little slower than your journey out thanks to the laid-down wagon. It's mid-afternoon by the time you return. The guard who sent you off this morning gives an approving whistle and a little cheerful laugh at the sight of the ankheg shells in the wagon. Khalid and Jaheira, true to their word, have left for parts and people unknown. Otherwise, it's as it was when you left - the quiet bustle of people doing their day to day, a stream of travelers and traders heading in and out.

Spoiler

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Beregost is about a day's travel away, assuming no detours or distractions, so there's little chance of you making it there today, though you could get a headstart on tomorrow's travel if the wilderness calls to you.

Like before, feel free to split up to do multiple things at once.

[Ramsus]

Vyvian Just Half-Elf Rogue AC: 14 HP: 24/24 PP: 13 PIv: 9 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- As soon as they're safely inside, Vyvian looks to the others and says, "Well, I already know the shop guy so I guess I'll deal with that. Just let me know what we're keeping."

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar AC: 12 HP: 16/24 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10 PP: 9|14 PIv: 14|10 PIs: 10|13 Conditions: -- | -- Grepha sneers at Senna from atop the wagon, "How about Grepha-the-not-helping, next time you're being attacked by a giant bug?" When the group gets back to the Friendly Arm, Sam stretches and takes a seat on the stairs up to the keep. He holds up the bag of cookies from the hobgoblin camp, "This thing seems magical. Mel, could you take a look at it?" Apart from taking some of the smokesticks, none of the loot appeals to him. They have some nice armor, it's even a better fit for him than most of them since he's naturally a bit large. But wearing the bloody armor of things they killed still feels... wrong, to him. "I bet the clothes and jewelry were stolen. We should see if the people they were robbed from are still around here," he looks back up at the inn. "People will just claim they were stolen from to get free clothes and jewelry. You are unlikely to find the real owners," Grepha advises. "Better to sell it and use the money for something practical. Call it payment for services rendered if it makes you feel better."

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 14 HP: 23/25 PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 15 Conditions: -- Concentrating on: I'd like to keep a set of that studded armor. My own was damaged by the ankheg, and once it is resized and cleaned the new armor should protect me better. Oh! And one of the longbows! I've always wanted one of those! Caelee looks at the wagon of goods and things for a few moments. Unless we feel like hauling the barrels of beer everywhere we might be better off selling those to the tavern keeper. With the extra gold we could drink all night! A grin appears on her face. Gorion never allowed them to drink to excess, and given the opportunity she intended to indulge.

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 16 HP: 21/21 PP: 15 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Conditions: - Concentration: - Back in the keep, Senna smiles a radiant smile. She is overjoyed. We are gonna make Joia's day! she finally exclaims. Who wants to come with me? We should also think about staying another day. I feel if we do, we owe Bentley an explanation of what happened. Just so he can prepare. She looks around, and when the willing are found, she departs for Joia's. She knocks politely, but cannot wait for the old lady to open the door. She opens it herself, shouting inside. We did it, Joia. It was easier than expected.

[cigaw]

Melian Galanodel Eladrin Bladesinger AC: 13 (19) HP: 20/20 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- - Earlier - Melian watches with grim satisfaction as her siblings strike true against the ankheg she immobilized with her magic. And just as quickly as combat began, it ended as the third creature withdrew. It takes Melian a moment to process how quickly the tables turned against the ambushers. It also takes her a moment to figure out how to get down from the ravine; she ends up settling on a combination of scrambling and sliding down. As Caelyn extracts the ankhegs' carapaces, Melian watches closely, academic curiosity trumping the disgust clearly plastered on her face. - Later - As the group marches back, Melian remains mostly silent as she considers the day's events. She allows her familiar to range ahead and explore, relying on their telepathic bond in case of trouble. Once they see the keep above the treeline, Melian lets out a big sigh of relief and allows herself a smile. Sitting down beside Sam, she massages her calves. "Well, that sure was an eventful morning," she says to Sam in a playful tone, her spirits now lifted. "Let me take a look at your snack bag." She concentrates and allows her sight to shift to magic, reading the bag's aura. After a moment she discloses her findings. "Well, Sam, what we have here is an interesting variation on a bag of tricks enchantment melded with something akin to a rechargeable rod or even pared-down wand of wonders. It's almost perfect for you - crack a cookie, read a terrible corny joke not unlike your own, release a quasi-random magical effect and a little snack to boot. The only problem is that it's attuned to those of bardic traditions." She pauses, thinking for a moment. "You already have the lifestyle down with the gambling, bad jokes and getting into inordinate amounts of trouble, maybe you will figure it out," she nudges Sam in the ribs playfully. Fishing out a cookie, she tosses Sam the bag. Unfurling the parchment, she reads it out loud. "Never listen to a tale from a wyrm - they tend to drag on." She groans and rolls her eyes. Spoiler: OOC Show Gonna handwaive the magic item identification in favor of making it a little scene if it's cool with everyone here.

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar AC: 12 HP: 16/24 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10 PP: 9|14 PIv: 14|10 PIs: 10|13 Conditions: -- | -- "Sounds like fun," Sam reaches over and plucks have of the broken cookie from Melian's hand, as the little slip of paper fizzles out like a party sparkler. Looking up, he gives Senna a small salute. "I'll let you give her the good news." Crunching into the cookie, Sam looks thoughtful. "You said it's like a bag of tricks. What's a bag of tricks do? It sounds like a magical tool for pranks." Meanwhile, Grepha decides to shift back into raven form, perched on Sam's shoulder between he and Melian. Going around in imp form may draw the wrong attention.

[ProudGrognard]

Aintas

Aintas takes care to clean his armor and weapons, even as he shares Melian's smile of triumph. He was going to help with Ankheg dissecting, but as it was to be expected, Caylee did an excellent job

"That went well"

he says. He waits for someone to suggest to help him heal but noone does. With an exaggerated hurt expression, he starts his towing again, sighing melodramatically and rolling his hurt shoulder every time someone comes near.

When they get at the inn, Aintas says

"I think I will go and return the ring. I was the one who volunteered in the first place. But see if one of the splint mails can be fitted to suit me. But the hobgoblin straps and buckles have to go. And see if we can buy a healing potion, like the ones father used to have"

Checking that his armor and weapons are clean - he should not look like a butcher when visiting someone's house- Aintas takes off with anyone else who would come to find Joia.

"Yes we did it. here is your ring back. And the hobgoblins will not trouble anyone any more"

[cigaw]

Melian Galanodel Eladrin Bladesinger AC: 13 (19) HP: 20/20 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- "Well, a bag of tricks is traditionally an item that allows the user to withdraw an assortment of mammals from within a number of times a day. The more common enchantments provide rats and weasels and such while stronger ones net you bears and lions." She pauses for a moment. "The tactical advantages certainly pale in comparison to what you could do with it. Prank-wise." she adds chuckling.

[Amnestic]

Selling

The eccentric salesperson is awake when Vyvian enters this time. Still lounging in his hammock though. He's lit a selection of scented candles that fill the air with the scent of exotic spices. In one hand he's clutching his book from earlier, in the other dangles a small bottle of blue liquid, half empty. He tosses his book aside as he sees you come in. "Pretty girl, back so soon?" He pulls the bottle of viper oil from seemingly nowhere. "Changed your mind have you?"

He's taken aback when he sees the sheer amount of what you're selling - and a little put out that you don't seem to be buying more. Still, despite his laid back demeanor he tallies up the costs of everything and counts out stacks of coin before collecting it into a jingling bag and handing it over, a cheerful smile on his face. Should you inquire about resizing the armours for your own purpose, he puts you towards Beregost or Baldur's Gate - that's where he'll end up sending most of it anyway. The Flaming Fist mercenaries are always after more weapons and armour, especially these days.

Spoiler

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After selling:
3 Splint Mails (Hob size) (125)
1 Studded Leather (Hob Size) (20)
4 Longswords (30)
3 Greataxes (45)
6 Barrels of Booze (12)
1 Crates of clothes (40)
A few other pieces of assorted jewellery. (25)
=297gp

He does have a few healing potions - two to be specific, at 50gp a pop.

Joia

Joia cradles the ring in her hands. It's simple, and looks so small, but you can tell how heavy the weight is to her as she holds it. She bites back tears but looks at you each in turn, "Thank you. I won't forget this. And I'll make sure everyone knows what you did for me. What you did for everyone. If there's anything I can do, please let me know."

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 16 HP: 21/21 PP: 15 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Conditions: - Concentration: - If I may. Senna hugs the old lady tenderly. Your husband would be proud of you standing up to these ruffians. The cleric smiles. Well, there is one thing. Senna snaps with her fingers, giving form to Glyph, her cat. The familiar jumps on the old lady's lap, rubbing her head against the old lady's head. Just stay as positive and pleasant as you are, Joia.

[Amnestic]

Joia smiles - perhaps the first proper smile she's felt in days. "Going to sound like a broken parrot but...thank you again." She gives Glyph a good scritch round the ears and under the chin.

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 14 HP: 23/25 PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 15 Conditions: -- Concentrating on: Caelee weasels some silver from Vyvian after her foray into commerce to provide wine for her and her family for the night. She intends to keep their glasses full of sweet wine for the entire evening, budget permitting. Caelyn, for her part, overindulges a bit, and as the sun goes down she gets more unsteady, red faced, and loud. She has to be prodded several times at the end of the night to go upstairs and go to bed, and when she finally relents she needs a hand getting up the stairs. She's singing loudly as she finally goes to her room, barely making it out of her armor before she falls face first onto the bed, snoring almost immediately.

[ProudGrognard]

Aintas

Aintas goes back to the inn with a pleased smile on his face. Seeing the newfound gold, he orders another hot bath, which, judging by the gurgling noises and the unhealthy time taken to complete it, he enjoys very much. Bathed and somewhat pink, he goes down to the common room and joins his siblings, eating an enormous amount of the best food that his money can buy. After overindulging himself, he barely manages to drag himself to his bed, where he immediately falls into a food and rink induced diggestive comma.