Round 1, Init 16
Zilchus remembers his experience with the bitey cats. He slams the door (move) and then moves back away.
"Piddlespot this! I'm outta here!" Zilchus mentions as he backs up, trying to ignore the itching in his arm.
[ dice]1d20+5+1[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]2d4+4[/dice] slashing damage.
HP: 19/19. ::DISEASED::
AC: 18 (6 armor, 2 dex)
Smite: not used
Grit: not used
Panache: are you kidding me?
Ki: not used
Rage: maybe later
Grunting: 3/4 used
“You can instead target a specific grid intersection. Treat this as a ranged attack against AC 5. However, if you target a grid intersection, creatures in all adjacent squares are dealt the splash damage, and the direct hit damage is not dealt to any creature. You can't target a grid intersection occupied by a creature, such as a Large or larger creature; in this case, you're aiming at the creature.”
So you’re doing a little damage, but they’re not catching fire, or taking the full 1d6 for future reference. Let me know if you think differently of course, I’ve been wrong before. :D
- - -
Benedictus surprisingly has a flask of fire in his hands, and he throws it successfully, burning the swarm, but splashing Zilchus and Nidhi in the process (1hp damage each). Cahal splashes the swarm, and the same allies a little, before pulling back. Zilchus retreats after slamming the door - remembering the cats and the havoc they wrought.
The scarab swarm cannot ‘open’ the door per se, but there are holes enough in the structure to permit them egress. However, as they cannot simply pour out as intended, I’m ruling it’s a full round action for them to ‘exit’ the structure. They have not moved on the map, but they are now flying and crawling (image) all around the structure, seeking those who interrupted their home!
Round 1:
No, no, no, no, no! Nidhi takes two backsteps before turning to flee. Nidhi pushes past her companions, physically pushing past them using her hands if necessary. Nidhi frantically swipes at her clothing, trying to shake off any insects. Once she is past her companions and 6 squares from her initial starting place (maximum distance please), Nidhi drops as much as she can in one round: her backpack, weapon, and arrows. Nidhi continues to swipe frantically at her clothing, trying to dislodge any remaining insects. Gross, gross, gross, gross, gross!
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‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖ • • ‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖
Unable to find a way to give any kind of positive contribute to the fight, Benedictus fires a bolt at the beetles, then steps back.
“Let’s not allow them to catch more than one of us at the same time. Keep yourselves at distance!”
_________________________
Conditions – none
Wizard spells prepared (CL 2st, concentration +6)
1st ()― color spray (DC 15),
Cantrips ()― dancing lights, detect magic, prestidigitation
Round 3, Init 18
Zilchus lets his weapon cord handle the weight of his falchion as he continues to keep his distance from the emerging swarm.
"We can get outta here too! We have a lot of doors to close if we want!" Zilchus mentions the obvious. Seeing others reach for flasks, he uses both his move actions to draw acid flasks. He holds one in each hand, ready for others to take if they wish.
[ dice]1d20+5+1[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]2d4+4[/dice] slashing damage.
HP: 19/19. ::DISEASED::
AC: 18 (6 armor, 2 dex)
Smite: not used
Grit: not used
Panache: are you kidding me?
Ki: not used
Rage: maybe later
Grunting: 3/4 used
Nidhi flees the swarm and tries to get every last scarab off her person and gear. Florence falls back and draws an alchemists fire. Benedictus tries a crossbow bolt, but manages to miss the small creatures, and fails to hit. Cahal DMPC falls back further, also trying to keep his distance from the many creatures. Zilchus draws some acid and readies for a fight.
+50%
The swarm scorches a little before the flames subside. It moves out into the courtyard a bit, but the party has moved well away and it does not go far. The angry buzzing and scurrying continues, but the beetles seem content to mind their own business - if you mind yours.
You may press the engagement, or we are out of initiative if you fall back and leave the bugs alone.
Round 2, Initiative 7
Nidhi teeters from foot to foot brushing at her clothes. She is silent but inwardly shuddering. If any of the enemies threaten to enter into her 5-foot square, Nidhi backs up again.
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Round 3, Init 18
Zilchus watches (with admiration) as Florence tosses her flask as he assumes she feels the heat of battle and a desire to win: which is right and as it should be.
He moves back into the house to avoid giving the beetles a target. He can shut the door next turn as needed.
"Is...Is it over?"
Ben slowly takes his hand off his face. "For the Gods, I must find a way to deal with swarms. Next time we stop at Milki, I will ask if Abdur has some spellbooks available. There must be something professional adventurers who are able to cast spells use to deal with this kind of threats..."
Nidhi continues to teeter even as she cleans herself of the large bugs. Florence raises their ire by throwing her flask, though she misses and hits ground instead, though she does splash the swarm with the flames. Benedictus wonders if it is all over, and yet it is not. Cahal without a suitable flask waits to see what the swarm does next, protecting Florence with her spear. Zilchus falls back further into the house - alone…
The swarm rises up in anger and strikes back! It moves up and swarms over Florence and Cahal.
Please also make two Fort saves, the first, DC 13 vs distraction (move action only) and the second, DC 13 vs disease.
”You are alone now I think.” she states quietly as she closes and attacks!
As she closes, you must make a DC 14 will save or fall asleep.
and DC 14 will save or fall asleep.
I don't want to show her on the map as it will tip the hands to the others, but she is in the SW square of you right next to you.
- - -
Round 3, Initative 7
Nidhi bends down to pick up her bow and quiver of arrows. A few of the arrows fell out when she dropped them so Nidhi has to pick them up. Why couldn't we have just run? If there is a random bug outside of the swarm near Nidhi, she steps on it with the heel of her traveling boot.
⁞⁞⁞⁞ ⁞⁞⁞⁞
‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖ • • ‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖
“Wait, wha… What!?”
Ben does not have a solution for the situation they got into, so he moves as far away as possible from the swarm of beetles while ensuring that he does not get too close to one of his companions.
_________________________
Conditions – none
Wizard spells prepared (CL 2st, concentration +6)
1st ()― color spray (DC 15),
Cantrips ()― dancing lights, detect magic, prestidigitation
Round 4, Init 18
"What the --?" Zilchus cries from inside the building. He comes running out with flasks in both hands. It appears he's moving backward carefully as if trying to avoid a blow. He still has two flasks in his hands and seems like he wants to get rid of them.
"Your sand friend is trying to kill me! Waiting in ambush really!" Zilchus explains between oaths.
Zilchus gogs as he sees what he sees and feels what he feels.
Will
"What the --?" Zilchus cries as he avoids a clumsy swing from the sand woman. He withdraws into the courtyard not having a good hand free to draw his sword.
[ dice]1d20+5+1[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]2d4+4[/dice] slashing damage.
HP: 17/19. ::DISEASED::
AC: 18 (6 armor, 2 dex)
Smite: not used
Grit: not used
Panache: are you kidding me?
Ki: not used
Rage: maybe later
Grunting: 3/4 used
Cahal tries to resist the swarm...
vs Distraction
vs Disease
Squeaking by, she pulls back to the entrance, "Let us fall back, we cannot battle this thing, we are unequipped!"
She grips her spear, wishing it would do damage to the multitude.
Nidhi cleans the last of the bugs off her. Florence escapes the swarm, but is not happy about it. Benedictus continues to stand helplessly. Cahal pulls back toward the entrance. Zilchus sprints out of the house.
The swarm seems to turn as Zilchus runs back outside. It sees two within reach, and the flying & scampering mass hesitates before leaping on Benedictus!
Please also make two Fort saves, the first, DC 13 vs distraction (move action only) and the second, DC 13 vs disease.
From the doorway, you see a hideous form (link) made entirely of sand. She is a medusa like horror with tentacles and an enormous jaw that widens into a mouth full of fangs almost as large as her head.
The creature moves swiftly into the courtyard, sliding somewhat gracefully across the sand strewn stone to move beside Zilchus (provoking, though I don’t think you have a weapon out). As she passes by, Benedictus grows sleepy, and must make a Will DC 14 save or fall asleep under the pile of scarabs.
Round 4, Initiative 7
Nidhi moves 30 feet (6 squares: horizontal one, up 5) towards Zilchus. "Another new creature?!" Nidhi glances at the swarm of insects before aiming at the sand medusa. Those bugs better stay over there. Nidhi aims and shoots at the sand creature.
(Bard 1st level +0, Bard 2nd level +1, Dex +2, Point-Blank Shot +1)
(Str +1, Point-Blank Shot +1 (Nidhi is exactly 30ft away))
Round 5, Init 18
Zilchus steps back from the sand woman, tossing one of the flasks away and towards the swarm.
touch to hit;
acid damage
If he misses wildly... miss direction
Zilchus accidentally splashes acid on the swarm.
"I have another one here if someone wants it! Then I can handle this crotch rash here!"
[ dice]1d20+5+1[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]2d4+4[/dice] slashing damage.
HP: 17/19. ::DISEASED::
AC: 18 (6 armor, 2 dex)
Smite: not used
Grit: not used
Panache: are you kidding me?
Ki: not used
Rage: maybe later
Grunting: 3/4 used
Cool spell!
The creature looks evenly at Florence, "What is a deal with mortals but a brief arrangement. I did not attack you then. I attack you now. Surely enough time has passed. You left the house and returned."
She clearly shows no remorse for her actions, and continues to shift in the sands yearning for Zilchus.
Nidhi looks surprised. That's Heshsharu? She- he- it looks so different.
Benedictus GMPC
vs Distraction
vs Disease
vs Sleep DC 14
Nidhi gathers her wits and takes on the enemy she can stomach. Alas, her arrow does not fly true as it thunks into the wall beside Zilchus (cover penalty from Zilchus caused the miss). Florence tries to pin the sandling to its own shadow, but it proves resistant to such things. Benedictus is hammered by the swarm, but he manages to keep his mind limber as he limps away from the insects and away from the sandman. Cahal double moves back into the fray, bypassing the swarm as she goes but when she gets within 20' of the sandman, she collapses in the sand, fast asleep. Zilchus does indeed miss, but the splash is enough to disperse the swarm! (yeah, that’s right - it had one hp).
The swarm disperses as the various insects largely scatter and try to find their way back into he granary, though they'll not soon be able to reform as anything substantive. The dead insect carcasses throughout the courtyard attest to that.
As Cahal closes, she gets sleepy…
vs Sleep DC 14
Meanwhile the sandy storm steps up and rakes into Zilchus with its claws.
The wound is deep, and the sand in it makes for a gritty sensation as he moves. Though Zilchus become somewhat drowsy, the sleep does not claim him.
Florence, will DC 14 please or fall asleep as you close. If you make it, Cahal is awake in time for her action.
Round 5, Init 18
Zilchus 5' steps and drops the alchemist flask, drawing his blade to hands. He chest hurts from the raking claw, and his face is now tight with anger. We wasn't mad at the swarm, those were relatively innocent critters...but this lying, traitorous sand woman was completely different.
"Fine. We'll do it your way," Zilchus fights back with an audible grunt, his crocodile momentarily turning red with blood as a quick prayer bolsters his anger.
to hit;
slashing damage.
[ dice]1d20+5+1[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]2d4+4[/dice] slashing damage.
HP: 17/19. ::DISEASED::
AC: 18 (6 armor, 2 dex)
Smite: not used
Grit: not used
Panache: are you kidding me?
Ki: not used
Rage: maybe later
Grunting: 3/4 used
Quick Prayer: 1/4 used
Nidhi aims and shoots another arrow at the sand creature. Nidhi keeps her mouth shut in fear that a scattering insect may fly in.
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‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖ • • ‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖
“We had a deal!” shouts out Benedictus, furious. Now that the swarm is far from him he can again think lucidly. That was a bad idea, and now I’ve put them in a dangerous situation. I’ll never trust an outsider again!
Ben squints his eyes. I’ve been keeping my resources for something…this is the right chance to use them!
Ben draws a scroll and quickly unrolls it in front of his eyes, using one of his hands as a support as he read the contents of the scroll aloud.
_________________________
Conditions – diseased
Wizard spells prepared (CL 2st, concentration +6)
1st ()― color spray (DC 15),
Cantrips ()― dancing lights, detect magic, prestidigitation
Nidhi launches another arrow, but is so fearful of the insects, it goes wide and high, fluttering out of the compound. Florence rushes in to help Cahal, but suffers herself from the sleeping sickness. Benedictus casts grease, hoping to make it harder for the sandy menace to stand. Cahal snores loudly, getting the best sleep she has in days, lying in the warm spring sun. Zilchus swings, and swings hard, and now that she's prone - he connects!
Zilchus realizes though that his weapon slices clean through her leaving little mark. Some sort of damage reduction is at work.
vs DC… 11?
She slips, miraculously, and falls onto the ground, collapsing into a small sandy pile as she does so. In this new form, she slides and scatters into the ground like sand in an hourglass with no bottom... and she's gone!
Round 6, Init 18
"Where did it go?" Zilchus asks rhetorically, looking around before yelling at the sands themselves.
Zilchus looks at the sands near him, waiting and hoping the creature will return.
[ dice]1d20+5+1[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]2d4+4[/dice] slashing damage.
HP: 17/19. ::DISEASED::
AC: 18 (6 armor, 2 dex)
Smite: not used
Grit: not used
Panache: are you kidding me?
Ki: not used
Rage: maybe later
Grunting: 3/4 used
Quick Prayer: 1/4 used
Nidhi takes a five foot step and pulls yet another arrow out of her quiver and aims at the sand creature.
Seagull poop? I don't see the similarity.... Nidhi contemplates what the sand creatures resembles.
Nidhi, there is no target to attack. The swarm has dispersed, and the sandman has disappeared. Do you want to do something else?
Nidhi looks around, confused.
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‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖ • • ‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖
“She’s gone!” Ben’s eyes dart around himself, expecting to see the sandwoman pop up abruptly from the ground at every moment. “She can turn into an elemental, and use the abilities of such creatures! She will emerge from the ground and retaliate, so stay on guard!”
In the meantime, Benedictus darts toward Cahal and tries to wake her up. He tries to shake her a little, without being too brusque, but if the woman does not come back to her sense with this initial attempts, her tries more strongly. “Cahal! Come on, girl, wake up! We need you!”
_________________________
Conditions – diseased
Wizard spells prepared (CL 2st, concentration +6)
1st ()― color spray (DC 15),
Cantrips ()― dancing lights, detect magic, prestidigitation
Nidhi looks around confused, but finds nothing. Florence sleeps face down as Bynx shows her displeasure. Benedictus shakes Cahal a little, then a lot as he eventually rouses the warrior woman. Cahal, DMPC, gathers her weapon and stands again, rubbing the last of the sleep out of her eyes, and that little bit of sandy grit in the corners. Zilchus rants a bit, and readies a strike that does not occur.
Heshsharu does indeed surface, and the sand softly cascades around her as she reforms into her true hideous self.
Nidhi, your turn, please make a Will DC 14 or fall asleep.
Round 7, Init 18
Zilchus moves up the moving child's sandcastle and swings at her from his heels, eyes closed and with all his mighty might.
to hit;
slashing damage.
[ dice]1d20+5+1[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]2d4+4[/dice] slashing damage.
HP: 17/19. ::DISEASED::
AC: 18 (6 armor, 2 dex)
DF: Round 2/10
Smite: not used
Grit: not used
Panache: are you kidding me?
Ki: not used
Rage: maybe later
Grunting: 3/4 used
Quick Prayer: 1/4 used
Nidhi feels her eyelids droop but she quickly shakes her head to stay awake.
Free Action: As the sand creature solidifies next to her, Nidhi lets out a startled cry. Nidhi jumps a little.
Move Action: Nidhi backs up 15 feet, a little surprised by the sand woman's reappearance.
Standard Action: Nidhi fumbles with an arrow to shoot at the sand creature.
⁞⁞⁞⁞ ⁞⁞⁞⁞
‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖ • • ‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖
“I’m sorry, Cahal”, hastily apologizes Ben, “I don’t know if you’re going to like it, but we may need this!” Ben draws another scroll and reads it aloud, touching his ally on the shoulder.
_________________________
Conditions – diseased
Wizard spells prepared (CL 2st, concentration +6)
1st ()― color spray (DC 15),
Cantrips ()― dancing lights, detect magic, prestidigitation
”Moving (link): Moving out of a threatened square usually provokes attacks of opportunity from threatening opponents. There are two common methods of avoiding such an attack - the 5-foot step and the withdraw action.”
- - -
Cahal growls at Benedictus for making her large as she grows enormous. Unable to use her spear, she instead pounds on the sandy shrimp before her with fist and knee.
(enlarge)
(enlarge)
She only connects once, but lands a solid blow as all her damage goes through (unlike the earlier Zilchus hit).
”Moving (link): Moving out of a threatened square usually provokes attacks of opportunity from threatening opponents. There are two common methods of avoiding such an attack—the 5-foot step and the withdraw action.”
- - -
Nidhi steps back and shoots, but again lady luck frowns upon her. Florence remains in a sleepy bliss, ignorant of the fight raging around her. Benedictus takes a chance and enlarges Cahal. Cahal slams Heshsharu with her knee and draws her ire. Zilchus slashes at the air again, missing the sandy menace.
Heshsharu respects the damage done by the now huge warrior woman. She strikes back!
Her blow connects past Cahal's armor and fills her suit with gritty sand...
Round 8, Init 18
Zilch steps around, trying to get into flank and swings again.
to hit;
slashing damage.
[ dice]1d20+5+1[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]2d4+4[/dice] slashing damage.
HP: 11/19. ::DISEASED::
AC: 18 (6 armor, 2 dex)
DF: 3/10
Smite: not used
Grit: not used
Panache: are you kidding me?
Ki: not used
Rage: maybe later
Grunting: 3/4 used
Quick Prayer: 1/4 used
Nidhi tries, yet again, to hit Heshsharu.
"Sorry guys! I swear I'm trying!" Nidhi looks sheepishly at her companions.
⁞⁞⁞⁞ ⁞⁞⁞⁞
‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖ • • ‖‖‖‖‖‖‖‖
“Bludgeoning damage seems to work!”, Ben exults. “Let’s end it here!” The scholar tries to encourage his companions, knowing that there’s little more he can do in order to help them in the combat. His two spells were useful, but not decisive, and his resources are now running very low. Hoping to at least distract the sandwoman, Ben loads his crossbow a fires a bolt at her.
_________________________
Conditions – diseased
Wizard spells prepared (CL 2st, concentration +6)
1st ()― color spray (DC 15),
Cantrips ()― dancing lights, detect magic, prestidigitation