The Journey of a Thousand Miles (Jade Regent AP)

Game Master Sensen

"Y-You can't be serious!" Riftun yelps upon seeing Yuto's impression of the marsh monster and clutches his hands close to his chest to still his heart. "That's absolutley horrifying! You must have been so scared facing such a being. It was quite brave of you all to day so."

Oh, lots of things to write. Let's see...

Brinewall Castle itself stands atop a hill with large curtain walls - fifteen feet high - that have numerous arrow slits in preparation for a siege that will likely never come. It is made from grey stone, approximately two stories high - though there is a projection from that average in the far back of the castle - its northernmost point. Rusted iron gates bar the way into the main entrance of the castle, and the walls are covered in ivy. The castle has clearly not been maintained for quite some time.

Give me a marching order for approaching the castle, please.

"Hmm, an impressive fortification at first glance but... I suppose as to be expected, it's in a truly terrible state of disrepair. Not that someone hasn't tried of course. You can see that attempts have been made to repair this building several times over the years from the discoloration of the stone here... and here." the young archivist begins to rant upon closing in on the building whilst pointing out the different colored stonework mostly in an attempt to calm himself through distraction.

"R-Regardless... the gate looks like it has seen better days... I doubt a lockpick would help but we could try that rusty key from earlier. O-Or someone strong like Yuto can probably just bash the thing down if nece- WHA- WHAT WAS THAT?! S-SOMETHING BLUE ATOP THE GATEHOUSE ROOFTOP THERE!" The red-headed man suddenly cries out pointing to where he saw the figure.

I suppose Riftun would be in front since I said he was leading... RIP sof boi >.>'

"Yep, it was scary" Yuto assents and looks at Torra behind him "Fortunately, Torra and Hana were very brave and dealt with it" he then casts a look at Teruko and approaches to Riftun to whisper something at his ear "Bu-but it was Teruko Sama who took down the mo-o-onster. She is bolder and stronger than her aspect might tell... I-I think she is going to become an adventurer like her sister"

On the sudden sighting, he looks up following Riftun's finger up towards the gatehouse roof "Wh-what might it be?"

When the redhead tells his name, he feels singled out, looking back multiple times, he approaches the walls sheathing his katana and hanging the shield to his back. He plays with the magical ring in his finger and looks back one more time before starting to climb up the walls to see what might be up the gatehouse that Riftun saw.
Climb: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

I admit, I did not expect that.

At Riftun's prompting, Yuto swiftly clambers up over the walls, surprising himself with the ease of the movements. Upon arriving atop the walls, he discovers that the roof of the gatehouse is, in fact, part of the ramparts of the castle. It is made from flat, smooth stone and surrounded by low battlements. However, more pressing is that he finds exactly what the young bard had seen, and indeed the source of the footprints he has been seeing on the journey through Brinewall. A corvid-like humanoid with bluish-purple feathers, a horrifically fanged beak, and long talon-like claws turns to face him, monochromatic red eyes widening.

A heartbeat passes and it shrieks an alarm that feels like daggers to the heroes' ears. From the corners of his eyes, Yuto sees that there are at least two other such monsters on the battlements.

Combat Start

Round 1

Everyone except Yuto is to the south of the map, on the bottom level. Forcing the gates would be a DC 22 Strength check (and lead you into the gatehouse), while climbing the walls to get to Yuto and the foes' positions would be a DC 20 Climb check.

Initiative order is: Elvina, Riftun, Teruko, Torra, Yuto, Birdies. For our two new players, here's how I handle combat - you can post in whatever order you like when I say you're up, and then I organize what happens by the initiative order. I'll roll a lot of your saves, your AoOs, and occasionally skill checks, because I don't want to bog it down too much. The people with bolded names are up.

I forgot that others can probably see the yellow-lined birdy, if only in flashes. Here's the knowledge roll to identify them.

K. Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

"Dire corby." Raising her voice so Yuto can hear her, Teruko adds, "Watch out for the claws! They can rip you to shreds!"

She focuses inward and a burst of energy emanates from her, leaving everyone feeling a tiny bit more focused. With a practiced move she swings the crossbow off her back and quickly loads it.

Casting Bless. Allies gain +1 on attack rolls and saves against fear.

Knowledge Nature Dire Corby: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Wow double natural ones on the first combat of the game >.>' Jade Regent reeeeaaaally hates me.

Riftun stares, mouth agape as Yuto suddenly bolts into action, scurrying up the wall of the gatehouse with impossible speed.

Terror starts to grip the boy's heart as he see's the avian beasts gathered and poised to strike. Everything was moving so quickly, the young man stands frozen for a moment, unable to fully grasp what is happening.

Wh-What are these creatures? Riftun wavers, his mind too gripped by fear to recall much of anything when Teruko calmly identifies them as dire corbies.

Dire corbies? I... I've heard of those before... haven't I? Oh gods! Those things are going to kill us aren't they?! I can't remember! I can't remember! Panic begins to fully grip the boy when a pulse of spiritual energy surges forth from Teruko and his heart calms in his chest.

As if time slows down, Riftun turns his head towards Teruko's calm, collected demeanor. Completely unlike him. She was amazing in this moment emenating a radiant energy staring down death with narry a flinch.

Seeing her like this, the bard can't help but feel his own inadequacy. Still, if she is able to put forth this much effort the he has to be able to do something!

His eyes swiftly take in the creatures on the roof in full, their movements sluggish. It seems the beasts hadn't expected to be noticed so soon, and certainly didn't expect Yuto to come flying up the wall as he had.

They have to use this moment of hesitation to their advantage if the want to survive the encounter.

"Torra! Hit the one one before Yuto if you can! Yuto follow it up with your blade! Quickly now before they can react!" Riftun cries out, attempting to set his allies up for a one-two punch.

Torra and Yuto both gain a +2 competence bonis on an attack roll against the center Dire Corby due to two uses of Combat Advice.

"That creature sounds terrifying, Yuto." And not something belonging to nature... The witch contemplates the image as the party arrives at the rusted iron gates which indicate the main entrance of the castle.

Elvina senses Hedgie. She delicately touches the pouch of her adventuring sash that he's stowed away in. She realizes he's quivering. "It's okay. We're with experienced adventurers." Her soothing words fall deaf on tiny round ears as Hedgie attempts to burrow deeper in the pouch.

"R-Regardless... the gate looks like it has seen better days... I doubt a lockpick would help but we could try that rusty key from earlier. O-Or someone strong like Yuto can probably just bash the thing down if nece- WHA- WHAT WAS THAT?! S-SOMETHING BLUE ATOP THE GATEHOUSE ROOFTOP THERE!" The red-headed man suddenly cries out pointing to where he saw the figure.

On the sudden sighting, he looks up following Riftun's finger up towards the gatehouse roof "Wh-what might it be?"

When the redhead tells his name, he feels singled out, looking back multiple times, he approaches the walls sheathing his katana and hanging the shield to his back. He plays with the magical ring in his finger and looks back one more time before starting to climb up the walls to see what might be up the gatehouse that Riftun saw.
Climb: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

K. Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

"Dire corby." Raising her voice so Yuto can hear her, Teruko adds, "Watch out for the claws! They can rip you to shreds!"

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Round 1

Elvina yells "Come back! Dire corbys can't fly - they leap!" Oh no, why did they have to climb up before assessing the situation properly? The elf looks nervously at the wall. It would take absurd luck for her to scale it. And breaking the gate with her build is out of the question.

Elvina is not within 30 feet of the creature, is she?
Elvina shoots at the avian creature closest to Yuto (vision allowing). (Standard)
To hit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Light Crowwbow: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Then, Elvina reloads her light crossbow. (Move)

Round 1 Midpoint

Elvina looks up as Teruko calls out her advice to Yuto, supplementing it with her own. Drawing out her crossbow she aims up, firing at the dire corby closest to him. Surprising both the creature and Elvina herself, the bolt flies true, striking it in its flank. It screeches something in a language only vaguely familiar to Elvina, and utterly alien to everyone else.

Actually, based on my mental math, you should be able to get within 30 ft. of the dire corby, though that might increase its cover, as the angle of the shot would be 45° rather than a lesser slope. Edit: As Riftun mentioned in the discussion thread, we're not using Elephant in the Room, so unless there's some other reason you've got the +3 to your crossbow damage, I'm taking it as 6 - which is still quite respectable, to be fair.

Riftun quickly urges his companions to take their chances with a combination attack, and each feels a flash of insight on how to best deal with the dire corby that stands before Yuto.

Teruko draws forth the power of the divine within her and unleashes its blessing upon all of the group. Immediately, the edge is taken off their fear, leaving them more focused and more prepared to fight these monsters.

Torra remains solidly grounded, looking up at the dire corby. "I can break the gate down, given enough time" She says, but she lifts her hands and launches a blast of earth and rocks at the dire corby atop the wall, but the projectile splatters against the crenellations of the battlements rather than striking home.
Earth Blast, Cover, Combat Advice, Bless: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 12

Yuto is up.

Yuto is frozen when he discovers what Riftun saw was not his Ulfen friend, a tengu or an animal, but that the avian creature whose tracks he has been seeing all around was actually a bestial monster with arms as big and strong as a beam!

Teruko's blessed voice takes him out of this halt "The claws?", Yuto raises his arm, thinking protecting himself with his shield perhaps the corby will just ignore him, but the shield is not there. He quickly looks for the shield in his back when he hears Riftun prompting him to strike the thing with the blade instead.

He looks down as Elvina tells him to go back and almost faints by the sudden vertigo of feeling the corby can push him down.

Finally, the Tian finds the pommel of his katana with the other hand, and quickly draws it while performing a surrounding movement for fear of being pushed down. Grasping it with both hands, he tries to maintain the avian creature away by hitting it hard "Do not come closer corbin man!"
Katana 2 handed-CE+combat advice+bless: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 1 + 2 + 1 = 18
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

HP 31/31 AC 19 TAC 13
combat expertise (+1 AC)
bless 3 min

Round 1 Wrap-Up

The young samurai swiftly moves around the still-startled dire corby, and his katana flashes in Shizuru's light. It arcs forwards and cleaves deep into the flesh of the bird-like creature, which howls in agony, staggering back. Arterial spray covers Yuto's armor, and the corby's innards slowly slip from its wounded stomach.

However, it does not fall, instead lashing out with its claws in a frenzy. The young man manages to keep the filthy-looking talons away from him with his sword, backing up slightly as they reach desperately for his flesh.
Claw vs. Yuto: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

The other two creatures leap forwards, bounding towards the gatehouse roof to do battle with the lone samurai.

Meanwhile, the iron gates creak slowly open, revealing two more dire corbies within the gatehouse. They, too, take up a cawing, screeching noise, calling out their alarm.

Check the second map in the slides for the ground floor. Those on the ground floor may now enter into the gatehouse, which is about 20-odd feet from their location, I'll say.

Round 2

Elvina, Riftun, and Teruko are up.

Riftun has to put his hands over his mouth, nearly loosing his lunch at the gory scene unfolding before him. One that he had some hand in. The boy had never seen real combat before and it was nothing like it was in the story books! This was gruesome and visceral. And it was all very real.

He is brought out of his state of horror by the sight of the flock of corvid creatures decending upon Yuto and shouts out again without thinking. "Once more Yuto! Take out the weakest one to thin their numbers!"

A gasp of pure horror escapes his lips then as two more bird-like creatures bay for blood at the entrance to the gatehouse which is now completely open.

Riftun's azure eyes become like tiny shaking pinpoints as he sees his doom approaching and flials his arms about defensively. "N-No please! Wait! Stay back!

Movement action for combat advice for Yuto on the injured birboi granting a +2 competence bonus on his next attack against that foe. Standard action for total defense +4 dodge bonus to AC bringing Riftun's AC to 15.

Teruko's aiming at the dire corby on the roof, about to assist Yuto however much she can, when the gatehouse door creaks open and more enemies appear. (Causing her to think several words that are not at all ladylike and will likely get her in serious trouble with her father.)

Her mind races. She wants to attack the corby up by Yuto, but doesn't have a good shot. If they take out the ones down here maybe Yuto will come back down like Elvina suggested. Even if he doesn't, they'll be in a better position to help him when they're not worried about having their throats torn out.

She swings her crossbow towards the nearest threat and fires a bolt before quickly reloading.

Light Crossbow vs Purple, PBS, Inspiration: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1d8 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 + (1) = 13
P. Damage, PBS: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Round 2

Elvina, seeing how injured the first bird-like creature has become, casts Misfortune on it! Will Save DC 15 or anytime the creature makes an ability check, attack roll, saving throw, or skill check, it must roll twice and take the worse result.

Round 2 Midpoint

Elvina reaches out with her magic, drawing on the knowledge her patron has granted her, and twists the whims of fate to tear away what good fortune the injured bird-thing might receive.A gentle tugging sensation tells her that she's succeeded in her goal.
Will vs. DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Riftun shouts his encouragement to Yuto, urging him to finish off the injured one before focusing on the other two, while Teruko takes the chance to fire her crossbow at one of the two new threats on the ground floor. These two lack the cover of their counterparts on the ramparts, and thus her bolt strikes home, pounding into the upper arm of her target.

Torra spreads her hands, her brows furrowing. The earth around her rumbles and cracks as clods of dirt and shards of rock lift around her. Slowly, she brings her hands together, and with them the gathered power, before launching a heavy blast at the purple-lined dire corby. Unfortunately, her poor aim continues to afflict her as it soars over the corvid's head and crashes into the wall behind it. It makes a mocking sound - a rasping caw - that is probably laughter.
Earth Blast, Pushing Infusion, bless: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11 Man, I don't get why she doesn't hit that often, but I swear she's got a less than 50% accuracy with her blasts throughout the whole game. Mind, when she hits, she hits.

Yuto is up.

Yuto blocks the incoming claw as good as he can, horrified as he sees the beast, clearly staggered and bleeding by Elvina's bolt and his own slash, is still on feet and fighting him "I-it's horrible! How can he be still on feet?!"

Only reassured by Riftun's cheers to keep fighting, he attempts to slash at the creature one more time.
Katana 2 handed-CE+combat advice+bless: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 - 1 + 2 + 1 = 12
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

But he is clearly unsettled by the situation he got himself in, looking at the other corbies quickly approaching "Oh no! There are two more! They are going to flank me!" Yuto's voice sounds truly scared.

In a desperate attempt to find a position easier to defend, he steps back, looking with his hand for the tower door, trying to open it.

Standard: attack
5-foot step
Move: open door (if the door happens to be open, he instead moves in, risking the AoO)

HP 31/31 AC 19 TAC 13
combat expertise (+1 AC)
bless 3 min

Round 2 Wrap-Up

Yuto makes a quick strike at the critically wounded dire corby, only to find that its feathers are a bit tougher than he'd expected. This, combined with his evasive maneuver, pulls just enough strength from the blow that it doesn't severely injure the creature - any more than it already is, at any rate.

He does throw open the door, however, revealing a stairway downwards into the gatehouse proper.

The blue-lined dire corby bounds towards the young samurai as well, launching a fierce barrage of tearing and lashing attacks with its claws. Fortunately, Yuto's caution in his attacks only just saves him from having an impromptu facial removal.
Claw vs. Yuto: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

In the distance, the red dire corby pauses a moment before launching itself in a tremendous, arcing leap and lands right beside Yuto, its claws a blur of violence. He deflects a few, but it manages to scratch his throat, drawing blood.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Claw 1 vs. Yuto, flanking, charge: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 2 + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Yuto is at 29 hp.
Claw 2 vs. Yuto, flanking, charge: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 + 3 = 9 Fortunate.

The badly injured dire corby limps towards him, swinging with its claws once more, but they screech off of his armor, and he is left mostly unharmed.
Claw vs. Yuto: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Claw vs. Yuto, Misfortune: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Round 3

Elvina, Riftun, and Teruko are up. Note that now the dire corbies on the roof are out of line of sight, so you can't attack/effect them.

Was it worth it? Teruko doesn't know, as the dire corbys above vanish from her sight completely while the one she hit does nothing but glare. Yuto's cry from above causes her to look up in dismay. She's never climbed anything before, not even the trees Ameiko sometimes tried to encourage her up. What if she ripped/tore/stained her outfit and Father was angry?

I can't. I'm sorry.

It looks like there might be stairs inside. She just needs to get rid of the enemies in the way first. Taking a deep breath she looses another bolt at the one she'd shot earlier, then takes a step as she reloads. Slow and steady. She needs to focus.

She can't. I'm sorry I'm sorryI'msorry...

Light Crossbow vs Purple, PBS, Bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 11
P. Damage, PBS: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Teruko will five foot step closer to the door every turn unless something prevents her. Let me know when she's on the map.

Riftun's heart sinks as he hears Yuto's cry of pain from above before he and the rooftop corbies disappear from sight. Oh Starsong it didn't work! I was the one who pointed out the corby and had Yuto throw himself into their talons! He's getting hurt and it's all my fault!

The twang of Teruko's crossbow brings him back to reality as the birb-men caw and cackle menacingly. Before he knows it, Riftun is cowardly backing away from the beasts even as his party advance. Standing behind them now everything in his body tells the boy to run but a memory suddenly comes flooding into his head and stops him in his tracks.

Suddenly Riftun is back at the Rusty Dragon. One can hear the chirp of the cicadas outside to know it is the evening hours. He is sitting on the floor and there is a humming in his ear, it's a song he doesn't know. It sounds foreign but very beautiful. It isn't a sad song. It's peaceful. Something one might sing a child to sleep with. Candles flicker about him and illuminate his reflection in the mirror he is crouched before, he looks... relaxed. There is a slight hint of pain from his head and Riftun instinctively turns his head away but a soft hand catches it and gently brushes through his crimson locks. Ameiko is his hair for him again, it always looked better when she did it and, truth be told, Riftun just enjoyed the feeling of someone being there for him.

Snapping back to reality Riftun plants his feet in the earth with a new determination. He was doing this for Ameiko, he couldn't back out now. And besides his best friend was always there for him so now it was time to pay it forward and make sure she and all of her friends got out of this alive.

"Torra! Keep the fire up on the injured one down here! We have to make a breach so we can go support Yuto!" He cries out with sudden confidence. They'll win this day yet!

10 foot movement back away from the birds. Combat Advice +2 cometence on an attack roll for Torra against the injured ground-floor bird.

Round 3

Elvina turns to Riftun and Teruko. "We can't leave him there to fight alone."

Even though the corbies are out of sight (and if GM allows) Elvina cackles nervously, extending Misfortune.

If Cackling is not allowed due to lack of sight, Elvina will instead double move west towards the now open gate. She makes sure that she ends at least 65 feet away from the creatures if she makes good time.

Round 3 Midpoint

You're within 30 ft. of the lower ones already, Elvina, but it seems reasonable that cackle would work on creatures who can still hear you, so long as they're within 30 ft. - which your target is, just.

Elvina cackles, albeit rather feebly, reaffirming her hex upon the corby above.

Riftun swiftly offers advice to Torra, who nods briefly in turn, even as he himself retreats from their range, hoping that it's enough.

So tormented by her shame and fear is Teruko that even her attempted shot fails, as the feathers of the injured dire corby deflect the bolt.

Torra focuses her power once more, gathering it and unleashing it upon the target Riftun has so generously offered her. The blast rips through the air, slamming the dire corby square in the chest, lifting it off the ground and smashing it against the far doors of the gatehouse. Its chest is caved in, but still it clings to consciousness, glaring hatefully at the party.
Earth Blast, Pushing Infusion, bless, PBS, Combat Advice: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 27 There we go.
Damage, PBS: 2d6 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (4, 5) + 9 + 1 = 19 As I said. When she hits, she hits.
Bull Rush vs. CMD 14: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Yuto is up.

Yuto shouts alarmed when the Corby opens a line of blood in the arm that tries to open the door.

"Oh dear! Desna give me luck!" giving himself to his foster-mom's goddess, the young Tian withdraws from the fight with the three enemies surrounding him. With a fast movement he jumps to the east one's side, then he slides into the tower, setting himself in the door frame where he can hold a position easier to defend.

HP 29/31 AC 18 TAC 12
bless 3 min

Round 3 Wrap-Up

Yuto evades two of the three creatures' claws as he dodges around the tower, only to find that the third one is ready for him to try getting inside. Luckily, his armor catches the blow and the momentum gives him the extra little push he needs to get inside.
AoO vs. Yuto: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

As he keeps himself in the doorway, preventing at least two dire corbies from getting more than a slim chance to attack him at any one time, Yuto discovers that they are nevertheless willing to try. The red-lined one who injured him moments before steps after him, slashing with both its claws in a frenzy of violence. The young samurai keeps his guard up, deflecting and redirecting the attacks with his father's sword.
Claw 1 vs. Yuto: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Claw 2 vs. Yuto: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

From the south, the other uninjured blue-lined dire corby launches its attacks at him through the edges of the doorway, which takes more than the brunt of the damages, as splinters of wood fly from the gauges it makes with its talons.
Claw vs. Yuto, Partial Cover: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

More of the viscera of the limping, badly injured dire corby, lined in yellow slowly slops to the ground as it circles around its allies, trying feebly to attack the samurai. However, it can barely raise its arms, and the attacks falter long before they have any chance of hitting.

In the gatehouse proper, the uninjured black-lined dire corby shrieks its challenge at the ranged fighters, and leaps through the front gates, lands a bit early, and rushes the rest of the way on foot to attack Torra. Though its claws strike the dwarf woman several times, they leave only faint cuts on her stony flesh.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Claw vs. Torra, Charge: 1d20 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 3 = 23
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Torra's at 30 hp.

The black-lined dire corby is now in melee with Torra, and probably within 5 feet of Elvina and Teruko, while it's 20 ft. away from Riftun. See my carefully prepared diagram on the bottom right of the first floor page.

The critically injured purple-lined dire corby shrieks, though the sound is more hoarse and definitely pained than before. It moves slowly towards the doors of the gatehouse, but proves unable to go any further.

Round 4

Elvina, Riftun, and Teruko are up.

Torra stares in amazement as her blast finally hits the target, flinging the dire corby back and almost crushing them. It made sense that a trajectory that was at most parallel to the ground would be most effective - the earlier attempts had been in an ascending direction, and the additional variable of the earth's pull had fouled her calculations of the required parabolic... The dwarf is harshly brought back to the present moment as another one of the corbies leaps right in her face and beings clawing at her. Her first thought is that gods, they STINK, as the carrion-flavoured breath hits her.

Stepping back, she directs another stream of earth and pebbles at this new attacker.

Attack black, PBS, Bless, Elemental Overflow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 24 Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 6) + 9 = 16

Yuto breaths relieved as he escapes the avian beasts flanking and reaches the tower. The relief does not last long, as they cluster trying to enter. The Tian's heart beats out of control as the door is splintered by the massive arms of the corbys as he tries desperately for them not to enter "Shizuru give me courage and guide my blade"

Almost blindly he thrusts forward with the tip of the katana against the dire corby without cover. red I think
Katana-CE+bless: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 21
Slashing damage (2-handed): 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Quickly he hands for his shield and takes it down from his back, hoping to gain more time.

standard: attack
free: hold katana in 1 hand
move: ready shield

HP 29/31 AC 19 TAC 13
combat expertise (+1 AC)
bless 3 min

When the dire corby descends upon poor Torra before him Riftun's eyes go wide as the beast is all beak and claws.

"Torra!!!" he cries out in alarm only to see minimal lasting effect on the stout dwarf and his demeanor instantly calms. "Oh." he expresses somehow surprised by the dwarven woman's strong resiliency.

Bringing his attention back to the fight, Riftun is astonished to see how effective Torra's earth-based attacks were against their avian foe. The creature looks like it is barely standing.

We need more of that.

"Amazing shot Torra! Let's do that again on the new bird to keep the pressure off!. Teruko concentrate fire with Torra! The faster we're through these the faster we can help Yuto!" the young bard cries out whilst taking a step back to allow his allies riom to back away from their vicious foe.

I would have given combat advice to Torra so we'll say I did just to be fair. Also combat advice for Teruko on the closest corby +2 competence to an attack. Annnnd a five-foot step back as a miscellaneous action to give everyone room to back up.

Round 4

Elvina continues to cackle and fires her light crossbow!

To hit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Light Crossbow: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Elvina moves to shoot one of the corbies on the first level*

Teruko's instinct is to continue firing at the corby she'd already injured, but Riftun has a good point. They need to take out the one attacking Torra before it hurts her.

Fortunately she's able to aim over Torra's head and directly at the corby's torso. Aim. Fire. Reload. It's a rhythm that's becoming all too familiar.

Light Crossbow vs Black, PBS, Bless, CA: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 15
P. Damage, PBS: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Round 4 Wrap-Up

Elvina swiftly evades the nearest black-lined dire corby's claws, aiming a shot at it that smacks it square in the shoulder, which provokes a squawk of startlement, though blood begins to run down its left arm.

Riftun offers his advice and encouragement to the two remaining ranged fighters, both of whom promptly step away to follow it. Teruko's bolt catches it in one eye, and Torra's blast of rock takes the dire corby's hip and smashes it to shards, causing its squawk of surprise to turn to one of agony.

Above the gatehouse, Yuto slashes with his katana, all of his studies and experience paying off as he cuts a single, long slash from one collarbone to the opposite upper leg. However, the dire corby still looks like it could take more punishment yet.

The heroes' black-lined outside foe limps forwards and claws haplessly at the kineticist, apparently not having learnt its lesson moments before. Though she cannot avoid the blows, Torra's stony skin easily deflects them and she is left unharmed.
Claw vs. Torra: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The other ground-level dire corby lined in purple staggers out of heroes' line of sight, into the gatehouse.

All three dire corbies attempt their luck at tearing through the newly shielded samurai's armor to get at the flesh within, but with skill and luck, Yuto manages to ward away their claws or leave them scything through the doorframe.
Yellow Claw vs. Yuto, Partial Cover: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Red Claw 1 vs. Yuto: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Red Claw 2 vs. Yuto: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Blue Claw 1 vs. Yuto, Partial Cover: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Blue Claw 2 vs. Yuto, Partial Cover: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Your luck holds, folks.

Round 5

Everyone is up.

The violence is quite beyond the pale to poor Riftun who had, only a short while ago been a mere server at the Rusty Dragon Inn. Regardless, now was not the time for squeamishness and the boy represses the urge to vomit upon seeing the drie corbies mangled in such fashion.

Backing up again Riftun announces, "Good hits! Teruko and Torra concentrate fire on the corby you just hit! It doesn't look like it can stand much more! Elvina we could probably use some more of your magic to hinder the other one if you can!"

Combat Advice to Teruko and Torra against the corby that is hitting Torra. And 5-foot step back to give the others space.

This is taking too long. Far too long. Teruko has no idea what Yuto might be facing up above them, but it sounds like a lot of enemies.

"Just take this one out," she whispers. "Then Torra can fight the other one, and we can get to Yuto."

Aim. Fire. Reload.

Light Crossbow vs Black, PBS, Bless, CA: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 25
P. Damage, PBS: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Yuto gulps alarmed as the corbys shatter another piece of the door frame "!!" he quickly finishes bracing his shield through his arm while dodging another of the mighty attacks, then quickly straps the shield with his katana's hand.

Better covering his vital organs with the shield, he slashes again, now with a higher confidence "Fall down beast! Please!"
Katana-CE+bless: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 17 vs red again
Slashing damage (1-handed): 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

HP 29/31 AC 21 TAC 13
combat expertise (+1 AC)
bless 3 min

If the black-lined ground-level corby is downed by Teruko's shot...

With one of their immediate foes dispatched by Teruko's crossbow and Yuto's shouts echoing from above, indicating that the swordsman was likely in trouble, Torra steps forward into the gatehouse, trying to locate the other corby and finish it off as suggested by the red-haired boy she vaguely remembered from the Rusty Dragon.

Attack purple, PBS, Bless, EF, Combat advice: 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 9 Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 4) + 9 = 19

If black is not down yet, she will 5'-step out of AoO range and try to hit it (not with that roll though).

Round 5 Wrap-Up

Elvina nods briefly at Riftun's advice, moving cautiously forwards in the hopes of seeing the other purple-lined dire corby. Upon catching a glimpse of it, she unleashes a hex at it, tying its destiny to failure.
Will vs. DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Elvina's now ten feet from the entrance to the gatehouse.

Riftun swiftly adds his advice to the other two women, and Teruko listens closely, her divine magic combining with Riftun's insight to allow her to land another bolt in the black-lined dire corby that threatens Torra still.

Torra, meanwhile, is not so fortunate. Her target ducks under the blast of her power, despite her best efforts.

Upstairs, Yuto strikes the beast before him with an elegant slash, albeit with slightly less control than before, as he's now using his katana one-handed. The blood sprays his armor and the doorframe, but still the beast stubbornly stands, even as blood flows freely from its gaping chest wounds.

Within seconds, however, Yuto hears a gasping, thumping ascent from behind him. Another dire corby with a caved-in chest arrives from the stairs, turning to face him, though he has the chance to strike it as it comes round the corner of the bannister. With a swift slash, the dire corby's head flies from its shoulders, and its body collapses down the stairs with a tremendous crash.
Yuto AoO: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

The other dire corbies above shriek - though whether it is with anger or amusement, Yuto cannot discern. The two critically injured ones attempt to attack him once more, slashing with claws that he wards away or dodges, using the increasingly abused doorframe to protect himself.
Red Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Yellow Claw, partial cover: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

The uninjured blue-outlined dire corby, however, takes advantage of his focus on the other two's attacks to turn and dart away from the tower, apparently having decided that retreat is preferable to futile attacks on the samurai. It swiftly flees east along the battlements.

Meanwhile, back on the ground outside the keep, the sole surviving dire corby turns its attention to the oracle that just shot it, staggering towards her in a desperate attempt to cut her down, though its body fails it, and it is unable to lift its arms to do so.

Round 6
With the target of her hex out of her sightline, Elvina turns her attention to the black-lined survivor, unleashing her magic at it once more, before retreating cautiously into the gatehouse.
Black Will vs. DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Everyone is up.

Riftun bites his lip as Torra's blast just misses the brutalized bird-creature before them. From the sounds of things Yuto is still dealing with the majority of the beasts on the roof by himself, now with reinforcements from their level. He knew that they had to move to go assist the samurai as soon as possible but they were continuously hindered by the persistence of these creatures.

Suddenly, the boys eyes open wide as a thought occurs to him and, with sudden haste, his teammates see him running around himself and the bird that advances on Teruko wavibg and shouting loudly to get its attention.

"I DON'T KNOW IF IT CAN SPEAK TALDAN SO I HOPE THIS IS OKAY! YUTO NEEDS YOU ALL ON THE ROOF! GO THERE! PLEASE HELP HIM NOW I'LL KEEP THIS THING BUSY! YOU'LL ALL BE MUCH MORE HELPFUL THERE!" The boy screams to his party but at the corby before him trying to move defensively as he catches the thing's attention and positions himself between it and the gatehouse.

Standard action total defense +4 dodge bonus to AC bringing AC to 15. Movement action used to run in and out of AoO area for birdboi (hopefully provoking the AoO) and then placing himself opposite Teruko with the bird boi in the middle.

"Ohm! They are coming from all holes!" Yuto notices the corby climbing up and with a quick slash he sends it back down as a bloody present.

"One of them is going to the east battlements!" shouts the Tian while stopping one attack with his shield and trying once more on the red one.
Katana-CE+bless: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 25
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Critical?: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 22
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

If the corby finally falls, and yellow cannot reach him, he will move out of the tower to see what is happening below.

HP 29/31 AC 21 TAC 13
combat expertise (+1 AC)
bless 3 min

Teruko shoots once more at the target on their level, although the shot goes wide. Glaring at Riftun, she yells, "Kill this one first then go help Yuto! We can't help while being attacked down here!" Chaos. This fight is complete chaos and she hates it.

Light Crossbow, PBS, Bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 12
P. Damage, PBS: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Apologies for being late with posting, this has been... a week.

With the two corbies on the ground floor slain, the dwarf sets in motion towards the stairs presumably leading up to the battlements and the beleaguered Yuto. Torra does not fancy climbing the steep stairs with her short legs, but there's nothing to be done for it.

Unless I can make the ground rise and carry me upwards, now there's a thought...

Double move towards the tower stairs, 20' movement speed.

My sympathies, Torra. Hope things improve for you soon.

Round 6 Wrap-Up

Riftun, Teruko, and Torra rush to follow Elvina as the last dire corby outside of the castle falls. Swiftly, they find themselves in the gatehouse - a stone structure with a packed dirt floor and numerous wooden support beams holding up the ramparts above. Another pair of rusted iron gates sits opposite the entrance, leading deeper inside the keep. A pair of ladders not stairs, despite my earlier misinterpretation go up to the roof - though the heroes aren't wholly sure which one leads to Yuto's position.

Upstairs, Yuto lops off an arm from one of the two dire corbies, sending the limb spinning away in a burst of blood and torn flesh, before he severs its spine with another strike. The sole remaining dire corby lined in yellow continues to menace him, however, preventing him from moving out of the tower without risk.
Sorry, I moved the token off the roof because I thought yellow was the uninjured one, but forgot to move it back when I realized it wasn't.

Said injured bird-man launches itself forwards, stumbling and swinging its claws at the samurai. Fortunately, his defensive posture and skilled handling of his shield prevent the attacks from connecting, though their impact drives him back on his heels.
Claw vs. Yuto: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

The uninjured dire corby swings around the corner of the battlements, heading to its left northeast along the battlements in an attempt to get away.

Round 7

Elvina moves swiftly to the western ladder. "I think he's up here." She says as she ascends.

In his secure position in the tower, Yuto nearly swings at Elvina before he checks his blow, noticing that she's his companion.

Everyone else is up.

"Oh! It's you!" Yuto clenches his teeth as he stops one more attack from the remaining corby "Ufff, what kind of beasts are these you need to chop them down for them to stop moving!"

He attempts another slice while protecting Elvina with his shield.
Katana-CE+bless: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 22
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

"One of them is running to the east!" again, if the corby falls, Yuto uses the remaining action to move out of the tower.

HP 29/31 AC 21 TAC 13
combat expertise (+1 AC)
bless 3 min

Teruko moves to the other ladder, mostly because she doesn't want to crowd Yuto while he's fighting. "Yuto! I'll be there in just a second!"

Move action to get to the ladder and another to climb it.

Riftun rushes after Teruko towards the gatehouse and a wave of relief washes over him when Yuto's voice reaches his ears. "Yuto! Don't worry! We're coming!"

Move action to het to the ladder behind Yuto and another to climb it.

Round 7 Wrap-Up

The heroes ascend the ladders to the second floor. Torra joins Teruko, shoving open the door and looking outside. Meanwhile, Riftun and Elvina see Yuto cut down the last of the dire corbies and rush out onto the gatehouse roof.

Yuto himself spies the uninjured dire corby slip down the wall into the courtyard on the eastern part of the castle, vanishing from sight.

Combat Over Making an executive decision there, but feel free to continue your pursuit.

Still driven by the adrenaline of the live or die combat, Yuto points towards the east when the other tower door opens showing Torra and Teruko "One of those beasts run away. I just saw it jump to the eastern courtyard"

The young man looks around suddenly taking realization of the danger he has been in, with the severed bodies of the two defeated corbies in the battlements. He seems to faint for a second, but manages to hold himself "Y-you made it up! A-are you all ok?"

He makes an effort to move forward and look down at the courtyard.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Argh, the forums ate my post from yesterday.

Still breathing hard from the exertion of climbing, Torra runs to the parapet, trying to see over it into the courtyard that Yuto indicated.

Unable to see the fleeing one that Yuto mentioned, the dwarf shrugs and looks at the others. "Now what?"

With the action finding itself in a lull Riftun collapses against the nearby wall and begins hyperventilating. "Oh gods that-thay was awful! And there's going to be more of them for sure! By Desna there was so much blood a-and they just wouldn't die!"

The young bard pulls his knees to his chest and begins rocking back and forth while tears stream from his panicked eyes. "Starsong what have I gotten myself into?!

Oof, I hate when that happens, Torra. My sympathies.

The two more experienced adventurers rush over to the eastern edge of the main courtyard, where they see that it is divided mostly in two. On the far western edge is what looks like stables, and in the center - directly north of them - is the main entrance to the keep. To their east, there's a wall that divides the courtyard off, and they cannot quite make out more than the edges of what is beyond it - just some grass at the foot of the wall.

"Th-the courtyard is split i-in two by a wall..." Yuto looks at Torra and feeling reassured by the presence of her dwarven power, he carefully advances to have a look at the other side of the courtyard.

He looks back to the others before continuing, not willing to go very far away from the others this time.

"Th-there is an entry to the keep there down. B-but perhaps we can take the one in this stone bridge he-here up..." starting to access the stone bridge, he holds his katana up while slowly looking down, expecting for the beast to jump on them at any second.