GM WhtKnt's Into the Borderlands, Table 1 (Inactive)

Game Master WhtKnt

"Mend." No time for pageantry. Theo directs the Weave's power towards his halfling friend with a clearly worded goal. Bonus Action: Healing Word: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Watching the winged pests weave around his grounded teammates, Theo does his best to form a coherent strategy. He's not a War Priest, and has no real taste for violence, but he's no slouch in games of wit either. It's only a heartbeat before a frighteningly devious, and slightly morbid, idea begins to form in the dark corners of his mind.

"○♧#$◇ ÷♡~■₩", Theo casts his spell. A whisper in his most foreign tongue, just to be safe. An ear-piercing, avian screech fills the room.

Minor Illusion: Amplified version of the "Werechicken's" battle cry. Aiming for a poor man's AoE stun and/or a buff to the Deception check I'm about to attempt.

Theo falls to one knee, gripping at his head. He calls to the creatures.

The winged creatures hesitate for a moment, but then rally for the attack again!

#4 attacks Theo with a dagger but misses.

Ore and Ya'Bo are up!

I assume there are two of them next to each other

Moving away from the threat (if he can) Ya'Bo moves his hand in a pattern and says "Acido"
Then a bubble of green liquid leaps from his finger tips. On the way to a flying lizard it splits in two, striking two creatures.

Reflex save DC 13 or take Acid splash: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Acid damage.

Ore tries to focus on one, following up Ya'Bo's acid with a series of blows to knock out the creatures...

atk, mace: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
dmg, mace: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

atk, punch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
dmg, pound: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Dex save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Dex save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

The winged creature dodges Ya'Bo's acid attack, only to run straight into Ore's mace! There is a sharp cracking sound and the creature drops to the floor dead. The other creature has more success, avoiding not only the acid glob but evading Ore's unarmed attack.

#1 is down.

Dirk, you're up!

There is a sharp cracking sound and the creature drops to the floor dead.

If it is alright with the party, can this poor slob get some death saves? I would like to leverage the creature's life -- via Spare the Dying -- in order to add credibility to my claims of goodwill.

I'm worried about our resource drain. Every caster has needed to burn at least one spell slot or daily/long rest skill. And, despite this being our second battle since arriving, we've only set foot in the tower.

Putting this fight to bed with a good RP roll and a cantrip has potential for serious returns. I have a whole plan for a successful persuasion. I can't imagine it would get harder to avoid traps and find the book if we had a guide. And I promise to commit Theo to blind murder if this attempt flops.

Web: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Dirk moves onto the wall and once again launches Webbing at the enemy closest to Ore.

I'm fine if you want to cure the creature and attempt to parley.

Dirk launches another bolt of webbing at one of the flying pests, but it proves too fast. His target swoops in again, leaving a nasty slash with its dagger. (Dirk takes 9 points of damage!) Another dives at Ore and also manages a hit on the agile halfling. (Ore takes 7 points of damage!)

Displeased Ore tries to end this as soon as possible!

atk, mace: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
dmg, mace: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

atk punch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
dmg punch: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

No, we are still in initiative. I just forgot to post who was next, which would be Theo.

Theo barely has time to bask in Ore's victory before two of the flying assailants tear into Ore and Dirk respectively.

Theo considers launching his own retaliatory assault, but realizing that Ore -- the most nimble of the group -- is landing maybe half his attempted strikes gives Theo pause. Ultimately he decides against any assault, opting for one last attempt at diplomacy. He makes his way toward Ore and the creature that tasted his mace.

"Ore. Hold on. I promise, you'll not bleed out in some dingy tower."

When Theo reaches Ore and the near-dead creature, he places a foot on one of its wings and places the tip of his staff to its throat. As the rod makes contact with its scaley flesh, Theo channels divine energy into the dying thing's limp form. Spare the Dying

Edit -- ^ that should be 16. -1 CHA mod.

The creatures halt their attacks, clearly confused by Theo's actions. They are not friendly, but they are currently not aggressive.

Ya'Bo starts to gather magical energies to launch at the flying lizards, but just keeps it in check while Theo has seems to have calmed the creatures.

In Draconic
"See we are not your enemies, please let us just talk this out. We are in search of a book that we have been told, is with in this tower."
Persuasion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Not sure if non-hostile = out of combat. So I'm just gonna spoil this in case we are still in initiative. It won't change unless Dirk tries to eat one of them.

The kobolds are very wary and do not lower their weapons, but they also do not continue the attack. One of them comes forward. He examines the body of the "were-chicken" and declares in Draconic, "Is not dragon! We be fooled!" Turning back to your band, he says, "Big boss want know this! You come with us! See big boss!"

Ya'Bo tells the rest of the party "It appears that the were-chicken has fooled them and they want to take us to their big boss. How does the rest of want to play this?" He says smiling and then he speaks in Draconic.

And gives nod to Theo.

Theo returns Ya'Bo's nod and addresses the party.

"It is as Ya'Bo says. Apparently they believed this feathered beast to be a dragon. I will offer to pacify the creature's spirit. Once that's done, I suggest we accept their invitation"

Theo then shifts his attention to the Kobolds and continues Ya'Bo's sentiments.

The idea is that Theo's Cleric class would mean he knows some basic exorcism rights that he could speed-run through while the party confers. Hopefully a couple audible illusions as he works would be enough to deceive creatures that were fooled by a mask and cloak. I just wanna wrap this bit of RP up, if I can.

If you'll allow some multitasking, he'll also use this time to get a closer look at the were-chicken. It breathing fire seems like enough of an oddity for Theo to question Ya'Bos findings. Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
(-4 from total if you want an Invest check)

Upon closer investigation, it would appear that the "were-chicken" is, in fact, not a lycanthrope at all, but a foul harpy! Presumably, some magic provided the ability to breathe flame, as you cannot recall any harpy having such a power.

"A fire-breathing harpy? That's a new one." Theo thinks to himself. "A type of wild magic...or maybe some kind of enchanted item?" Theo considers inspecting the mask but thinks better of it. Best to test the Kobold's patience as little as possible. He finishes his faux ceremony with haste and rejoins the party and the Kobolds.

"I take it that we have no qualms about accepting this parlay. Ore, Dirk?"

Given that Ore and Dirk have offered no dissenting opinions, I'll assume that they accept.

The winged kobold looks you over and says, "You fly? We need go below," he indicates the largest of the three holes with a clawed digit.

Behind you, two of the kobolds are busy searching the pile of rubble that served as the harpy's nesting place.

"Can't we just take the steps?" Ya'Bo questions

"Can't we just take the steps?" Ya'Bo questions

Theo nods in agreement.

"Aye. That was our plan when we arrived. To search the tower top down. Are the stairs no longer in one piece?

Alas, you see no stairs leading from this level of the tower.

Theo shakes his head.

"None of us can fly. But we have ways of reaching the lower levels. Would it be best if we follow the way you came? Or should we enter from the ground floor?"

Dirk and I have been brainstorming. We figure he can either carry us down the outside or drop a thread down the hole.

If Ya'Bo wants to burn a spell slot, Feather Fall lasts a full minute and can target 5 creatures. It has to be cast on "falling creatures" -- which could be annoying if we have to go down the hole one at a time -- but this can be worked around. If everyone jumps up in place at the same time, then Ya'Bo can cast FF as we fall back down. If we want to synchronize our fall time, we can pile on Dirk and let him jump for the group.

I am fine burning a spell if need be. But I think climbing would save resources, if the leader decides to attack us. Then we are fighting the leader plus any minion's that are there.

"Not much for flying, no" Ore says, keeping a suspicious eye on the kobolds. He gingerly slings his weapon to his hip, and looks around, underling to let his guard down. Parlay was fine, while it lasted...

"You follow us," the kobold replies, folding its wings and dropping through the hole. The other two follow suit, carrying three sacks that look to be full.

Ya'Bo sticks his head out the hole and looks around for a safe way down.

Ore stays close behind Ya'Bo, just in case...

The other two follow suit, carrying three sacks that look to be full.

Can Theo coast off that fat 17 passive perception to know if the Kobolds had those bags when they showed up? Either way...

The Kobold's haul causes Theo to visually take stock of the room again. Specifically checking to see if they took the loot Ya'Bo found or the harpy's disguise. Investigation: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Ya'Bo sticks his head out the hole and looks around for a safe way down.

"What's the verdict, friends?" Is there a clear path for Dirk to drop a line?" Theo asks, approaching the hole from the opposite side as his comrades. He tosses a glowing copper down the shaft so that Ore might judge the situation with his own eyes.

The path is clear to the next floor.

The kobolds did not take the harpy's mask or cloak, but unless stopped, they do scoop up Yabo's loot (the three leather bags). The hole leads to the lower level, in which there is another large hole, this one with a rope dangling from the rafters.

"Hay,hay hay. Hands off, those bags are mine."
Ya'bo Grabs back the bags. "I have my stuff in there."
Deception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

And then tries to sneak the silver raven into his cloak pocket with out anyone seeing before giving up the bags do to the argument over the ownership of the bags.
Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

"Hay,hay hay. Hands off, those bags are mine."

Ya'bo Grabs back the bags. "I have my stuff in there."
[dice=Deception]1d20+2

And then tries to sneak the silver raven into his cloak pocket with out anyone seeing before giving up the bags do to the argument over the ownership of the bags.

[dice=Sleight of Hand]1d20+4

Ya'Bo's obvious lie causes Theo's heart to sink for a moment. He can't be sure what the gnome hopes to achieve by bickering with the Kobolds over what is clearly their property. "Whatever mischief he may be up to, it's probably best that I help cover his tracks." Theo thinks to himself.

"Ya'Bo, my friend. The battle has you disoriented. Those are your bags, over where we first entered the tower". Theo gestures with his staff. Minor Illusion

If light-sensitivity is rudimentary enough to be common knowledge about Kobolds, Theo will place the bags directly in the sunlight to discourage them from looking closer.

The winged kobolds hiss at Ya'bo as he tries to take their treasures and give a satisfied (and smug) look when he lets go. No one notices him pocketing the raven.

Yes, the light sensitivity issue is fairly well-known.

Raising an eyebrow to Theo, but play's along.
"Oh, right there they are." And stands by the bags.

Ya'Bo was not a wizard all his life, he might have in-fractured a law or two in his youth ;o)

Dirk carefully walks over to the hole in the floor and begins making a reinforced web rope down. Once completed he secures it nearby, and as he starts to walk back his form suddenly changes back to his proper dwarven form.
''Well then friends, shall we?''

Dirk carefully walks over to the hole in the floor and begins making a reinforced web rope down.

As Dirk works on the rope, Theo turns the scaley cloak into a makeshift bag to carry the harpy's dragon mask. Ya'Bo and he will have to have a closer look at these when they return to the keep.

''Well then friends, shall we?''

"Quite. I insisted on playing peace-maker. Only fair that I am first into enemy territory." Theo says, setting the cloak-bag down on the floor. "Last one down can toss it to the group. Maximize our odds of a safe catch.", he explains before making his way down the silken rope.

Your party repels down to the next level. The circular upper level is about 20 feet in diameter with a 1O foot-high ceiling. The ceiling, also composed of rotting timbers, sports numerous gaps and holes revealing another level above. Natural light spills into this chamber from six arrow slits placed equidistant in the stone exterior walls. Near each arrow slit is a pile of rubble and rocks. Several piles of rags, burlap, cloth, and animal pelts are scattered about the chamber. Over one particularly large hole in the floor, a rope is tied to the rafters above, leading down yet another level. The kobolds dive into this hole as well.

Taking the rope down to the next level, you find yourselves in yet another circular chamber, about 15 feet in diameter. The ceiling is 15 feet overhead and sports a jagged opening. A wooden bench is pushed against the northern wall, covered with stained silk sheets and mangy animal pelts. A small table is next to the west wall.

Four kobolds (non-winged), a male and three large females inhabit this room. They look up as you enter and the male shrieks something in Draconic.

One of the winged kobolds squawks back in Draconic.

The male kobold turns to your party and says, in Draconic:

"Sooo are they gonna eat us or what? What are they saying?" Ore whispers to Theo and Ya'Bo.

"Patience, Ore. If a kobold is hostile, you won't need to ask." Theo quips under his breath.

I'm hoping to use whatever rapport I gained by saving a kobold life -- and the fear/admiration we gained by slaying the "dragon" -- as a long-term help action for social skill checks made by other people. Preferably people with positive CHA mods. So...Ya'Bo and Dirk.

Persuasion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Speeking to the group "I looks like that big one there is the leader and we are explaining that we are friends and here only for the book."

The big kobold speaks:

No books? At all. In a tower this size and with this history? Fishy. Maybe they just haven't explored the tower. Or maybe Big Boss is big liar.
Insight: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Theo places his medallion to his lips and offers the Big Boss a deep bow before continuing.

FIgure it's best to have Ya'Bo be the one who chimes in and offers to scan the tower. Maybe sweeten the deal by offering any magic trinkets we find. Not like we aren't getting paid out the butt for this gig already. But I'll leave the details to him.

Detect Magic can scan the width of the tower from anywhere inside. And it can scan the tower's height if the caster is no more than 30ft above the ground floor. 26ft is ideal. It digs past the stone floor, and another 3ft of dirt beneath that, without loosing any upper floors.

"Okay but did they SAY they weren't going to eat us or are you just assuming?"

I would be glad to detect magic, but it would be a ritual, so it would take time.

"The leader is asking why we killed the were chicken thing upstairs.
So no Ore them eating you has not come up yet. But if you would like I can offer them you if they need a snack." And gives a big smile to Ore.

He seems to be telling the truth, or the truth as he knows it. The kobold speaks in Draconic, pointing to the ground.

Listening to Ya'Bo, he cocks his head to the left and speaks again.

"On seconded thought Ore, they may try to start eating us soon."

The big kobold speaks again.

Convinced the Kobold chief isn't trying to mislead them, and that the book isn't likely in the tower, Theo attempts to pivot the conversation away from searching the structure.

Ore pulls his mace to hand and gives it a dramatic twirl, reminding them if they do in fact try to eat him, he will in no way go down easy...

"I hope you're joking, Ya'Bo... But if you're not, well, I'm ready..."