The Expected Journey Ends [IC]

[JNAProductions]

The bolt crackles against her armor, but some form of warding magic stops her from taking any damage.

Spoiler: OOC

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Just an ordinary miss, due to some magical whats-it.

[Talivan]

Watch out!, Kiraz shout to his comrades, but too late for her to dodge the spear, it hits Kiraz very hard! "Ugh" and with difficult, she cast a fire bolt direct to the enemy.

Spoiler: OOC Fire bolt

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Attack: (1d20+7)[9]
Damage: (1d10)[9]

After the bolt is fired, she moves to one side and tries to hide

Spoiler: OOC

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Move action to separate from the group 40 ft
Bonus action to try to Hide: (1d20+7)[9]
EDIT: its actuallly +9 = 11

[Ilerien]

The knight points his dagger at the enemy not closing the distance just yet.
- You crossed the line by attacking my friends, - he says solemnly, his left hand gripping the amulet hanging from his neck on a silver chain, a enameled round token depicting a pointed down sword with an eye in the center its crossguard. Then he whispers a prayer for his companions to strike true and overcome hardships.

Spoiler: OOC

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Action: cast bless at 2nd level. Everyone receives +1d4 to their attacks and saves as long as he concentrates on it, though he acts last, so it will come into play only on the stalker's turn.
Bonus action: Channel Divinity: Vow of Enmity. He has advantage on his attacks against the assailant (unless she applies that frustrating rider effect to him, naturally :) ).

[Infernally Clay]

Nithlaya Battlemaster Fighter // Swords Bard AC: 21 | HP: 31/40 | Initiative: +2 Saves: +4 / +4 / +5 / +1 / +2 / +6 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/4 | 2nd: 3/3 Bardic Inspiration: d6: 1/4 Superiority Die: d8: 3/4 | d6: 1/1 Active Effects: +3 AC (Defensive Flourish)[ Conditions: Ordered

"Well that tickled," Nithlaya says in a monotonous voice, "But you'll have to try much harder."

She then charges forth and returns the blow.

Spoiler

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Move adjacent to the enemy.
Attack with Warhammer.

To hit: (1d20+6)[10], 8 damage (would have rolled 1d8+4).
Defensive Flourish: 3 damage (would have rolled 1d6) and Nithlaya gains 3 AC until the start of her next turn.
Menacing Attack: 4 damage (would have rolled 1d8) and target must succeed on a DC 14 wisdom saving throw (1d20)[13] plus modifiers or become frightened of Nithlaya until the end of Nithlaya's next turn.

Bonus action cast Healing Word on herself to restore 6 hit points (roll in the OOC).

So that's 15 damage total, assuming the attack lands, and 8 hit points recovered.

[JNAProductions]

The woman raises her hands-not in a spell, but in surrender. "Peace! Peace, please-I panicked," she says. "I'm sorry-but give me a chance to explain."

Spoiler: OOC

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She is taking the Dodge action.

[Ilerien]

- Plausible enough excuse. I'm willing to grant you the benefit of the doubt for now. Speak. Do now move, - Darren looks at the mysterious assailant intently without lowering his weapon, looking for any subtle signs of deceit in her facial expression and body language.

Spoiler: OOC

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Insight check (in case the situation calls for it): (1d20+4)[8].
*sigh* He probably learns nothing of note.

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: Darren's Insight

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You can't get a good read on her.

"I was sent to get Hinoka-she doesn't belong here," the woman says. "I didn't know you'd be able to see the portal-so when she ran for it, I panicked. If you are willing, I can try to ease your injury," she adds to Nith.

A few people walk down the street, past the alley and the fight in it. They don't look twice.

[Infernally Clay]

Nithlaya Battlemaster Fighter // Swords Bard AC: 18 | HP: 31/40 | Initiative: +2 Saves: +4 / +4 / +5 / +1 / +2 / +6 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/4 | 2nd: 3/3 Bardic Inspiration: d6: 3/4 Superiority Die: d8: 4/4 | d6: 1/1 Active Effects: None Conditions: Ordered

"A plausible enough excuse?" Nithlaya says, surprised that such a weak excuse would be accepted. She then points her warhammer at the mysterious attacker and demands in a commanding tone, "Honesty. Tell us why you're really here."

Spoiler

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It's worth a shot. Nithlaya casts Command and commands "honesty". DC 14 wisdom save, but I won't roll it for you since it's up to you if it works at all.

[JNAProductions]

"Hinoka has broken through to another Tale-and she's disrupting the natural events," the woman says, as the spell compels more truth than she perhaps wanted to say.

It is at this point that those of you besides Hinoka can start to see the portal. It's blurry at first, but steadily comes into relief, with Hinoka being the first to see a small squadron of soldiers, perhaps a half-dozen, dressed in yellow-banded splint mail and wielding spears.

The woman sees them as well. "Please-let me through to talk to the others of the Order, and I'll try to explain. Okay?"

[Lentrax]

Answer me one question first, Hinoka says, her hands still tingling with the power of her mistress.

Who sent you to collect me?

[JNAProductions]

"The Order Of Tales. Your Queen is not allied with us," she says.

[Lentrax]

Then you are just as false as this world, Hinoka says.

Leave me be, and go back whence you came, but I will not accompany you.

[JNAProductions]

"But-" she starts.

A voice-a strong tenor-comes from beyond the portal. "Minnet, you've done your best. But as for you, Hinoka," the man says, stepping to the front of the squadron, "coming with is not a request. We can do this the easy way," he gestures invitingly, "or the hard way," he adds, his other hand gently gripping the hilt of a blade.

[Lentrax]

Only a fool wishes to embrace death. But you do not strike me as particularly wise.

She lifts a hand, curling her fingers into a fist that begins to pulse with the violet light of her magic.

I have told you to leave me be. Respect my wishes or the consequences be on your heads.

Spoiler: OOC

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Trying for Intimidation.

(1d20+4)[19]

[Ilerien]

- You heard Hinoka, sir. Sorry, I didn't catch your name. She's not alone. I'm Darren, third son of House Arwana, knight-protector of the Holy Order of Justice. Back off, sir, or face all of us, - says Darren, trying his best to make a menacing impression.

Half the dukedom for my sword and plate now. Wait, what does she mean this world is false?..

Spoiler: OOC

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Normally I'd declare help action, but in case you prefer a separate roll (and as Lenthrax has rolled already), here is Darren's Intimidation check: (1d20+9)[28].

[Infernally Clay]

Nithlaya Battlemaster Fighter // Swords Bard AC: 18 | HP: 31/40 | Initiative: +2 Saves: +4 / +4 / +5 / +1 / +2 / +6 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/4 | 2nd: 3/3 Bardic Inspiration: d6: 3/4 Superiority Die: d8: 4/4 | d6: 1/1 Active Effects: None Conditions: Ordered

"Nobody is going anywhere until someone makes this make sense,” Nithlaya says, positioning herself between the two groups. “Another tale? Natural events? What is going on?” she asks, before turning to Hinoka, “You’re not from here? Hinoka, what haven’t you been telling us? Who are these people? What Queen? What is the Order of Tales?”

When she sees the mysterious man appear and grip the hilt of his weapon, Nithlaya turns to him and readies for battle but addresses Hinoka, “If these are your enemies and we must fight them, we will, but then you are going to tell us everything.”

[JNAProductions]

The squadron behind the man look to one another, seemingly cowed. Minnet too looks unsure.

But the man leading the squadron does not look frightened. "The hard way it is."

Spoiler: OOC

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Those were some nice checks, so I'll be rolling Initiative with Disadvantage on the ordinary soldiers. Head honcho isn't worried, though.

(1d20+1)[12] Soldier
(1d20+1)[21] Disadvantage

(1d20+1)[21] Soldier
(1d20+1)[10] Disadvantage

(1d20+1)[6] Soldier
(1d20+1)[9] Disadvantage

(1d20+1)[16] Soldier
(1d20+1)[10] Disadvantage

(1d20+1)[16] Soldier
(1d20+1)[19] Disadvantage

(1d20+1)[11] Soldier
(1d20+1)[13] Disadvantage

(1d20+1)[13] Head Honcho

(1d20+4)[21] Minnet
(1d20+4)[21] Disadvantage

(1d20+2)[19] Nithlaya
(1d20+4)[12] Hinoka
(1d20+5)[9] Kiraz
(1d20+2)[11] Darren

21-Minnet
19-Nithlaya
16-Soldier
13-Head Honcho
12-Hinoka
12-Soldier
11-Darren
11-Soldier
10-Soldier
10-Soldier
9-Kiraz
6-Soldier

Minnet, unsure of what to do, simply stays at the ready.

[Infernally Clay]

Nithlaya Battlemaster Fighter // Swords Bard AC: 18 | HP: 31/40 | Initiative: +2 Saves: +4 / +4 / +5 / +1 / +2 / +6 Spell Slots: 1st: 1/4 | 2nd: 3/3 Bardic Inspiration: d6: 2/4 Superiority Die: d8: 4/4 | d6: 1/1 Active Effects: None Conditions: Ordered

"Bad move," Nithlaya says when the leader of the knights proclaims a fight will begin, biting her own hand to draw blood as she chants words of discouragement, "You were given a chance to explain yourself. What happens next is your fault alone."

She then turns to Minnet, "I'm trusting you want to help, not hurt."

Spoiler

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Nithlaya casts Bane on the Head Honcho and any two of his soldiers. DC 14 charisma saving throw or they must subtract 1d4 from their attack rolls and saving throws for the next minute.

She then gives Minnet a Bardic Inspiration die.

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: OOC

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21-Minnet
19-Nithlaya
16-Soldier
13-Head Honcho [Bane]
12-Hinoka
12-Soldier
11-Darren
11-Soldier
10-Soldier
10-Soldier
9-Kiraz
6-Soldier

(1d20)[17] Soldier Save
(1d20)[14] Soldier Save
(1d20+1)[8] Head Honcho Save

One of the soldiers charges forward along with the leader. The soldier gives two quick jabs with his spear, while the leader draws a large greatblade and swings it once, twice, three times, both targeting whoever's nearest.

Spoiler: OOC

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(1d20+5)[24] minus (1d4)[3] if Bane save is failed
(1d6+3)[4] piercing damage

(1d20+5)[19] minus (1d4)[4] if Bane save is failed
(1d6+3)[7] piercing damage

(1d20+7)[15] minus (1d4)[3] if Bane save is failed
(2d6+4)[12] slashing damage, and you are Ordered until the end of Honcho's next turn

(1d20+7)[24] minus (1d4)[4] if Bane save is failed
(2d6+4)[8] slashing damage, and you are Ordered until the end of Honcho's next turn

(1d20+7)[8] minus (1d4)[3] if Bane save is failed
(2d6+4)[12] slashing damage, and you are Ordered until the end of Honcho's next turn

Ordered Reminder: No crits, average (rounded down per die) damage on all attacks, and no (dis)advantage on any d20 roll.

[Infernally Clay]

Nithlaya Battlemaster Fighter // Swords Bard AC: 21 | HP: 12/40 | Initiative: +2 Saves: +4 / +4 / +5 / +1 / +2 / +6 Spell Slots: 1st: 1/4 | 2nd: 3/3 Bardic Inspiration: d6: 1/4 Superiority Die: d8: 2/4 | d6: 1/1 Active Effects: None Conditions: Ordered

Nithlaya, having stood between the two groups and being the closest, is assaulted by both the spearman and the leader of the group. While both spears connect, only one of the leader's slashes do and Nithlaya responds with an attack of her own.

She is, however, not looking great.

Spoiler

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Since he missed an attack, Nithlaya will use her reaction to Riposte against the leader of the knights.

To hit: (1d20+6)[25], to damage: 12 damage (would have rolled 1d8+4 plus an additional 1d8 from the superiorty die).
Defensive Flourish: 3 damage (would have rolled 1d6) and Nithlaya gains 3 AC until the start of her next turn.
Menacing Attack: 4 damage (would have rolled 1d8) and target must succeed on a DC 14 wisdom saving throw plus or become frightened of Nithlaya until the end of Nithlaya's next turn.

That's 19 damage in total, if the attack lands.

[Lentrax]

Nith!

Hinoka has had enough. She pulls one of her shortswords from its scabbard at her waist, the slightly curved blade catching the light. As she draws it, she smiles wickedly at the man who has ordered the harm of her and her friends.

She then shouts out Palithic! A sickly green light glows from her sword arm and is mirrored by a glow around the leader of the soldiers. And then she rushes forward, her blade arcing through the air, slicing toward the man in command of these soldiers.

Spoiler: OOC

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Bonus action, Hex, targeting the Head honcho, And I will choose Wisdom checks for him to have disadvantage on.
Attack: Shortsword, targeting Head Honcho. (1d20+6)[24]

If I hit, my Slayer Knack from Ranger lets me designate him as my favored foe, and I get to apply my favored foe d4 die to the damage as psychic damage.

So, that would be (1d6+4)[6] slashing damage, plus the (1d6)[6] necrotic damage for Hex, plus the(1d4)[4] psychic damage for favored foe.

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: OOC

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21-Minnet
19-Nithlaya
16-Soldier
13-Head Honcho [Bane, -28 HP]
12-Hinoka
12-Soldier
11-Darren
11-Soldier
10-Soldier
10-Soldier
9-Kiraz
6-Soldier

The next soldier moves forward, targeting Hinoka after seeing the power behind her blows.

Spoiler: OOC

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(1d20+5)[13]
(1d6+3)[7]

(1d20+5)[7]
(1d6+3)[6]

[Ilerien]

All the strain Darren was under last moments is suddenly gone: now it's only the friends, the foes and the battle he has to do. A word of encouragement carrying a wisp of restorative magic for Nith who suffered the knight's brutal attack. He closes the distance and thrusts his dagger aiming at his armpit where the armor should be thinner.

Spoiler: OOC

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Bonus action: cast healing word at Nith, (1d4+5)[8] healing
Movement: move towards the Head Honcho
Action: attack the Head Honcho (1d20+7)[8] + bless (1d4)[3], damage: (1d4+5)[9] piercing + 2nd level divine smite (3d8)[19] radiant + psychic blades (2d6)[6] psychic (the spell slot and the inspiration die are expended only if he hits).

Wow, a nat 1 on the attack. Any adverse effects?

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: OOC

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21-Minnet
19-Nithlaya
16-Soldier
13-Head Honcho [Bane, -28 HP]
12-Hinoka
12-Soldier
11-Darren
11-Soldier
10-Soldier
10-Soldier
9-Kiraz
6-Soldier

The soldiers pile on, these ones focusing their efforts on Nithlaya.

The alley is quite crowded-and yet it seems to allow for the two forces, each on their own, to work with themselves to attack the others.

Spoiler: OOC

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(1d20+5)[13]
(1d6+3)[8]

(1d20+5)[24]
(1d6+3)[7]

(1d20+5)[8]
(1d6+3)[7]

(1d20+5)[19]
(1d6+3)[8]

(1d20+5)[15]
(1d6+3)[4]

(1d20+5)[13]
(1d6+3)[8]

Many attacks. Much ouch, probably.

[Talivan]

Kiraz, who remained hidden all this time, charged the piled soldiers and then fled before they could react against her "Surprise Fools!!"

Spoiler: OOC

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Action: Kiraz casted booming blade right besides the soldiers:
Attack (1d20+7)[23]
Damage (1d6)[6]

Movement: Kiraz Moves away from the soldiers 40ft

Bonus Action: Tries to Hide once more: (1d20+9)[14]

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: OOC

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21-Minnet
19-Nithlaya
16-Soldier
13-Head Honcho [Bane, -28 HP]
12-Hinoka
12-Soldier
11-Darren
11-Soldier
10-Soldier
10-Soldier
9-Kiraz
6-Soldier

Three of the soldiers are near enough to lash out as Kiraz absconds.
Another continues to try and focus down Nithlaya.

Spoiler: OOC

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(1d20+5)[21]
(1d6+3)[7]

(1d20+5)[16]
(1d6+3)[7]

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

AoOs on Kiraz.

And then, on Nith.

(1d20+5)[15]
(1d6+3)[8]

(1d20+5)[15]
(1d6+3)[8]

[Infernally Clay]

Nithlaya Battlemaster Fighter // Swords Bard AC: 21 | HP: 22/40 | Initiative: +2 Saves: +4 / +4 / +5 / +1 / +2 / +6 Spell Slots: 1st: 1/4 | 2nd: 2/3 Bardic Inspiration: d6: 0/4 Superiority Die: d8: 1/4 | d6: 1/1 Active Effects: None Conditions: Ordered, Blessed

"This is the best you've got?!" Nithlaya laughs even as blood seeps through gritted teeth, standing firm against the relentless assault. Soldier after soldier tries and fails to land a blow against her, but one gets through. Even so, she does not falter. "You should have chosen diplomacy when you had the chance!"

It's almost as if her defiance gives her strength and dulls the pain as she swings once more at the man leading these knights.

Spoiler

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Bonus action to cast Healing Word at second level on self, restoring (2d4+4)[9] hit points.
Action to attack the leader of the knights. To hit: (1d20+6)[13], plus (1d4)[4] from Bless, to damage: 8 damage (would have rolled 1d8+4).
Defensive Flourish: 3 damage (would have rolled 1d6) and Nithlaya gains 3 AC until the start of her next turn.
Menacing Attack: 4 damage (would have rolled 1d8) and target must succeed on a DC 14 wisdom saving throw plus or become frightened of Nithlaya until the end of Nithlaya's next turn.

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: OOC

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21-Minnet
19-Nithlaya
16-Soldier [-6]
13-Head Honcho [Bane, -28 HP]
12-Hinoka
12-Soldier
11-Darren
11-Soldier
10-Soldier
10-Soldier
9-Kiraz
6-Soldier

The attack just barely misses the leader, bouncing off his thick plate armor.

Before he can strike back, though, leaves start to swirl into the alley. The leaves are bright green, lively and full-entirely unlike the autumn displays of your trees right now.
The leader's eyes go wide. "Back up! Retreat, before-Minnet!" he calls.
Minnet is nowhere in sight.

Spoiler: OOC

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The soldier who's hurt and Head Honcho are going to Disengage.

As will the rest of the soldiers, if no one in the party interferes.
The leaves don't seem to be causing you any troubles.

[Lentrax]

Started. But unwilling to finish. As I said, not a sign of wisdom.

Though when the leader calls out for Minnet, Hinoka will take a glance around to see if her eyes can find her.

Spoiler: OOC

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Allowing them to disengage, since I don't think continuing would be terribly wise.

But I will make a Perception check to see if I can figure out where Minnet went. Hopefully with advantage, which I get to pierce an illusion or to detect sounds, in this case, hopefully her footfalls? If not, just the first roll applies.
Primary: (1d20+7)[15]
Advantage(?): (1d20+7)[17]

[JNAProductions]

Hinoka's keen eyes do not find Minnet, nor her ears any sounds that are sure to be the woman's.