The Famous Adventurer's Correspondence School For Heroes

Game Master Antoine Gagnon

EDIT: The flying carpet remains, cradling Alisanne's unconscious and dying body.

Without her will to sustain it, the hypnotic pattern's effects are dismissed.

Caelius and Belwick are up.

"These crossbow bolts are a real problem," Belwick muses, then sees one strike Alisanne. "Kord's twisted ankle! Not good!"

He speaks another word of magic, once more caught in swirling mist that this time puts him on the flying carpet with Alisanne. He hastens to pull out a jar of ointment, opens it, and applies some of the strange goop to the bard's forehead. He somehow resists the urge to say Simba.
Keoghtom's Ointment: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (8, 6) + 2 = 16 plus cures Poison & Disease

Looking down at Alisanne as she recovers, the nobleman smirks. "We have really got to stop meeting this way."

Though Baghotir takes half from the poison, it’s still a bad sting! He eyes the playing field, and determines he may die here - but if he’s going down, he’ll damn well take a few with him!

"Focus on Skerrin if you can, or those damn maids. It's the only way we're getting out of here alive!" ...he hopes.

"Focus on Skerrin if you can, or those damn maids. It's the only way we're getting out of here alive!" ...he hopes.

Spitting blood, Venn grits his teeth. "I'm trying!"

Frantic and surrounded Caelius begins sweeping his blade in a very wide arc trying to make a hole to get to Skerrin. "Get back here!"

+1 Longsword of Kord: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Sweeping Attack Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

+1 Longsword of Kord: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Sweeping Attack Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Action Surge +1 Longsword of Kord: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Sweeping Attack Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

”Way to go Caelius! Well done!” Baghotir cheers.

Caelius cuts through Skerrin's guards like he's threshing wheat! He drops two guards with a series of brutal strikes, and wounds the Guard Captain in front of him as he slays one more!

Morale Check: 1d20 ⇒ 9 or 1d20 ⇒ 15

The guards hold. Red shifts positions and tries to stab Caelius.
Spear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 MISS

The two in the rear heed their captain's command and fill in.

Spear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 CRIT on Caelius for 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3) + 1 = 7 Piercing.
Spear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

ROUND 5
1. Skerrin Wavechaster (21) Move, Dash, Hit vs. Alisanne and Hit Vs. Baghotir
2. Maids (19) Move, Dodge, Dash CRIT Vs. Alisanne
3. Caelius (18) 3 Sweeping Hits, 3 Kills!
4. Belwick (17) Misty Step, Heal Alisanne
5. Guards (17) Passed Morale Check, advance, 1 CRIT
6. Venn (15) GO!
7. Baghotir (13) GO!
8. Guard Captains (13)TBD
9. Alisanne (12) TBD

With all the fading strength he's got left, Venn attacks Skerrin. The greatsword swooshes through the air. He whispers an exhortation to Trithereon before mounting his attack. Adding Hunter's Mark

ATK 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 for DMG: 2d6 + 5 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 5) + 5 + (4) + (4) = 20 1d6 ⇒ 4 Net DMG = 22
ATK 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 MISS

Venn's sword surprises Skerrin, and the blade cuts deep.

He falters a little and goes to catch his breath.

"You still live, Ranger?! After I kill you, I'm going to hang that poison maker!"

Baghotir starts by casting as he fires off a Guiding Bolt on Skerrin!
Guiding Bolt: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
damage R: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 6, 5) = 15 (If hit, next inbound attack has advantage)

Damnit! ...checks for inspiration... Damnit!

He keeps his spiritual ax on the wounded guard captain.
Spiritual Axe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
damage F: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

EDIT: The Baron provides inspiration...
Advantage Guiding Bolt: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

The bolt sears Skerrin and lights him up! He screams as his exposed skin is visibly burned by divine radiance!!!

Next inbound attack has advantage.

The spiritual ax misses the guard captain.

Skerrin screams an order at the guard captains: "Slay the Dwarf!"

One of the Captains breaks formation and attacks Baghotir.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 MISS
Greatsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 MISS

The other attacks Caelius

Greatsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 MISS
Greatsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 MISS

The heavily injured Captain in the back row fires his crossbow at Baghotir.

Heavy Crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 MISS
Heavy Crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 MISS

ROUND 5
1. Skerrin Wavechaster (21) Move, Dash, Hit vs. Alisanne and Hit Vs. Baghotir
2. Maids (19) Move, Dodge, Dash CRIT Vs. Alisanne
3. Caelius (18) 3 Sweeping Hits, 3 Kills!
4. Belwick (17) Misty Step, Heal Alisanne
5. Guards (17) Passed Morale Check, advance, 1 CRIT
6. Venn (15) HIT on Skerrin
7. Baghotir (13) Guiding Bolt Hit, Spiritual Hammer Miss
8. Guard Captains (13) All MISS
9. Alisanne (12) GO!

Caelius finds another opening as the Guard Captain drops his guard.

Extra Attack Action Surge +1 Longsword of Kord: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Sweeping Attack Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

12 more damage to that Guard Captain. Save your superiority die, there was nobody next to him at the time.

Alisanne!

Alisanne casts some quick healing on herself.

Healing Word: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 = 6

"Skerrin, you dog! I hope you eat shit and die!"

Vicious Mockery, Wis15: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3 and DisAdv on his next attack.

Alisanne has the carpet rise up another 30 feet.

Wisdom Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Skerrin further recoils from the psychic assault. He watches Alisanne and Belwick lift further into the sky... And out of reach.

He sees the battered and bleeding Venn in front of him... But his own wounds are substantial, and he's glowing from the Guiding Bolt. He makes a decision.

"We have one move left. Cover me."

He disengages from Venn and rabbits, running towards the front gate of the estate.

A maid fires at Venn...

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19, HIT for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 plus 2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7 Poison

Other maid fires on Baghotir...
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 MISS

That maid moves to cover Skerrin's retreat.

ROUND 6
1. Skerrin Wavechaster (21) Move, Dash, Disengage
2. Maids (19) Move, Dash HIT, MISS, Move
3. Caelius (18) GO!
4. Belwick (17) GO!
5. Guards (17) TBD
6. Venn (15) TBD Death Save?
7. Baghotir (13) TBD
8. Guard Captains (13) TBD
9. Alisanne (12) TBD

Wish I could reach Skerrin to help you guys. I'll try an attack and move to get closer.

Caelius pushes back as he trie to cut as many of the guards down as he can. "You're not getting away Skerrin."

+1 Longsword of Kord: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Sweeping Attack Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

+1 Longsword of Kord: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Sweeping Attack Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

He shoves back getting a second wind as he chases down Skerrin.

Bonus Action Second Wind: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Unhappy with the prospect of Skerrin getting away, Belwick retrieves his war mage wand and hastily hurls a bolt of flame at villain.
Fire Bolt (w/wand) vs Skerrin: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 = 25 OR Fire Bolt (w/wand) vs Skerrin (Guiding Bolt: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 = 9
Damage (Fire): 2d10 ⇒ (4, 9) = 13

"Skerrin, you are a coward for fleeing!"

Caelius cuts down two guards with his sweeping attacks and turns to chase down Skerrin...

Reaction, Oppo Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 MISS
Reaction, Oppo Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 MISS

Belwick scores a hit with the Fire Bolt, and Skerrin's jacket burns.

"Nay, Baron. I am a Believer!"

The one remaining rank-n-file guard chases down Caelius.

Spear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 no dice!

Venn and Baghotir!

ROUND 6
1. Skerrin Wavechaster (21) Move, Dash, Disengage
2. Maids (19) Move, Dash HIT, MISS, Move
3. Caelius (18) Hits and Kills
4. Belwick (17) Magic, Hit
5. Guards (17) Move, Miss
6. Venn (15) GO!
7. Baghotir (13) GO!
8. Guard Captains (13) TBD
9. Alisanne (12) TBD

The Fireball, combined with the prolonged battle and shouting have started to draw attention from outside the estate. You see and hear a throng gathering.

Baghotir takes an attack as he moves away from the guard captain without disengaging. He then casts another guiding bolt at Skerrin!
Guiding Bolt: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
damage R: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 4, 1) = 12 (If hit, next inbound attack has advantage)

The advantage won't be needed as the bolt plows through the thin flesh of the spine, lighting up the man's nervous system from the inside. He topples forward, in full flight no longer, smoking on the ground.

He tries to finish the weakened guard captain with his ax since he can’t stretch it to Skerrin.
Spiritual Axe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
damage F: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Baghotir's spell slays Skerrin.

The Spiritual Axe misses.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 Oppo Attack misses!

Before Skerrin dies, he manages to look back at the battle. His face twists into a smile, the hit to his nervous system freezing his expression in a visage of strange delight.

The maids stop and share a look, their faces impassive. You aren't sure what they will do next.

The Guard Captains steel themselves, and command the remaining fighters:

"You heard Uncle! ENDGAME!"

The Captains' posture changes, almost like actors taking on new characters. They yell--very loudly:

"ARRRGH! GLORY TO THE SEA PRINCES! DEATH TO KEOLAND! WE RULE THE WATERS!!!"

ROUND 6
1. Skerrin Wavechaster (21) Move, Dash, Disengage
2. Maids (19) Move, Dash HIT, MISS, Move
3. Caelius (18) Hits and Kills
4. Belwick (17) Magic, Hit
5. Guards (17) Move, Miss
6. Venn (15) GO!
7. Baghotir (13) Magic, Bonus
8. Guard Captains (13) TBD
9. Alisanne (12) TBD

"I ain't dead yet!" Venn whispers a word to Trithereon.
In the path betwixt him and the maid appears a translucent hound, sitting pathiently. The ranger rushes right through the hounds space Healing: 1d6 ⇒ 2. He never slows down, but a fraction of the blood on his body dries. HP: 5/61

Upon closing with the nearest "maid" he brings his bloodied greatdword down in a potent arc:
ATK 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 for DMG: 4d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 5, 6, 6) + 5 = 24

He then follows through with an unexpectedly quick backswing
ATK 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 for DMG: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 4) + 5 = 13

KILL! Narrate it if you like!

Venn brings down the downstairs maid, as the Guard Captains advance. They start singing a sea chanty together, but clearly intend lethal violence. They taunt you and sneer, dropping bits o' Pirate's Cant here and there. Both Baghotir and Caelius find themselves in melee combat with a greatsword wielding Guard Captain. The heavily damaged one shoots at Baghotir with his Heavy Crossbow.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 Vs. Baghotir
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Vs. Baghotir

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 Vs. Caelius HIT for 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3) + 3 = 9
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 Vs. Caelius

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 Vs. Baghotir
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Vs. Baghotir

Alisanne to finish Round 6

"We got 'em on the ropes, Venn!"

Healing Word, Venn: 6d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3, 1, 3, 3, 1) + 4 = 16

Alisanne points at the maid.

"Damn, girl! Looking at you is the best excuse to drink I've ever seen."

Vicious Mockery, Maid, Wis15: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3 and DisAdv on her next attack.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

She looks up at Alisanne, defiant, shaking off the psychic assault.

Morale: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

But the she looks down as Venn brutally cuts down her counterpart with two brutal sword blows. And she weighs her options. The upstairs Maid, having already been thrown off a flying carpet, nursing wounds that could have killed her if she'd been less lucky... Throws down her crossbow and blade. She puts her back to the house and her hands behind her head.

"I SURRENDER!"

ROUND 7
1. Skerrin Wavechaster
2. Maids (19) Move, Dodge SURRENDERS
3. Caelius (18)GO
4. Belwick (17) GO
5. Guards (17) TBD
6. Venn (15) TBD
7. Baghotir (13)TBD
8. Guard Captains (13) TBD
9. Alisanne (12) TBD

"You have all made a terrible mistake by standing in opposition to Keoland. To our homeland. You will pay for this."

He retrieves a bit of bat guano and sulfur from a pouch, intones words of magick, and points. Completing his spell he releases another fireball.
Fireball, DC 15 Dex: 8d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 5, 3, 1, 6, 4, 1) = 25
Should hit the two in front of Caelius, plus the solo guard further south

Satisfied that the ball of fire has punctuated his point, he shouts to the survivors. "Surrender!"

"Any idea what is going on with them Baron?" Caelius calls back making sure that Belwick and everyone is alright still. He is forced to turn back around and parry a few more blades as he takes another cut.

Targeting Red first

+1 Longsword of Kord: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

+1 Longsword of Kord: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

"Any idea what is going on with them Baron?"

"What is happening is that they are surrendering or they are dying. Invaders in Keoland should expect as much."

Belwick is very low on his usual mercy this day.

Between Caelius' blade and Belwick's fire... The southern Guard Captain and the guard battling Caelius go up in flames, killed by the explosion that rocks the grounds.

The other captain... 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 takes the full force of the explosive fire!

There is no doubt in their eyes, however. The men intend to take as many of you with them as possible.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 Vs. Baghotir HIT for 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 5) + 3 = 12
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 Vs. Baghotir MISS

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 Vs. Caelius MISS
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 Vs. Caelius MISS

"YAR!!! FOR MONMURG!"
"WE RULE THE AZURE, KEO SCUM!"

The explosion further alerts the locals. The nearby Guild House has emptied, the people gathering around The Solmor Estate. The Militia is mobilizing, the guard turning out.

ROUND 7
9. Alisanne (12) GO!

ROUND 8
1. Skerrin Wavechaster
2. Maids (19) DODGE, Surrendered
3. Caelius (18)GO
4. Belwick (17) GO
5. Guards (17)
6. Venn (15) GO!
7. Baghotir (13)GO!
8. Guard Captains (13) TBD
9. Alisanne (12) TBD

"Fools!" Belwick says, pointing his wand at the guard captain in melee with Caelius. "You will not live to see the sea again."

He then speaks a word of magick and hurls a bolt of fire.
Firebolt vs Guard Captain (Not Yellow): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Damage (Fire): 2d10 ⇒ (1, 7) = 8

Baghotir focuses on the guard captain who caught up with him (yellow). He swings both his warhammer, and spiritual ax. (The ax should be within 20’ I think. If not, he’ll just move the ax this round.)
Warhammer (magic): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
damage B: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Spiritual Axe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
damage F: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

"Baghotir, well struck!"

Healing Word: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 = 10

She then shoots an invective at the captain.

Vicious Mockery, Wis15: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6 and DisAdv on next attack.

Caelius shifts to the side, stepping next to Baghotir as he smiles. "We got lucky. Let's finish this."

+1 Longsword of Kord: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

+1 Longsword of Kord: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Putting a quick juke in his stride to pass by the healing spirit Healing: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Venn closes in. "Lucky? Luck is when preparation meets opportunity."

He punctuates the aphorism with a pair of close quarters swings:
ATK 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

ATK 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

but clearly, exhaustion is beginning to set in.
HP: 8/61

Caelius nearly finishes off his opponent, while Baghotir draws blood and battles his.

1d20 ⇒ 5 Caelius' foe falls to Alisanne's harsh language.

The last remaining foe disengages from Venn and Baghotir and charges the maid.

Party up!

"I care not that your wounds flay your back instead of your courage."
Venn follows:
ATK 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 for DMG: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 1) + 5 = 12 Style: 1d6 ⇒ 3If hit, net of 14 DMG
ATK 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 for DMG: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 3) + 5 = 12

"Can we get a bit closer to the ground now, Alisanne?"

Belwick then spots the captain charging the maid. He speaks more words of magick, points with his wand, and hurls a bolt of fire at the captain.
Firebolt vs Captain: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Damage (Fire): 2d10 ⇒ (6, 9) = 15

"Don't let him get the maid!"

Belwick's fire misses, but Venn bloodies the remaining Guard Captain!

Was that Healing Word directed at me Alisanne? If so, thanks muchly!

Baghotir can’t quite get the spiritual ax to close and attack. It fades at the end of the round anyway, having done its duty for ten rounds…

Baghotir closes the distance with the enemy, and calls upon his powers as a war priest to attack a second time (bonus)!

Warhammer (magic): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
damage B: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Warhammer (magic): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
damage B: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Pair of hits for Baghotir! The last man is still standing though.

Caelius calmly walks behind the man opposite of Bagotir, stabbing him through the back. "This is for the Captain."

+1 Longsword of Kord: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

+1 Longsword of Kord: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

And the man dies, Caelius' blade punching him through the chest. He spills heart's blood on the ground.

The battle is over, the party victorious. Each adventurer earns 1880 Experience Points!

Just as Caelius pulls his blade, the grounds are swarmed by Saltmarsh Guard and Militia, led by Anders Solmor who wears a sort of gold chain draped over his shoulders he surveys the damage to his manor and grounds and looks in horror upon the eighteen bodies on the ground--some burned, some bled out, and a couple of others frozen in twisted pain from Alisanne's psionic assaults. He wanders over to Skerrin and touches the body on the cheek, his breath quickening, his eyes wet.

Solmor collects himself and stands facing you directly, flanked by your friends an neighbors, armed and ready to fight. Lemunda Fireborn pushes her way to the front of the throng, wearing what was her father's cloak of office. She looks at you wide-eyed as Solmor speaks:

In the name of His Majesty King Kimbertos Skotti I order you to throw down your arms, surrender, and submit to The King's Justice. You are under arrest.

What do you do?

"Yeah, what're the charges? Is killing evil a crime? I'll not fight the lot of you. I only draw evil blood." Venn lowers his blade, though given his state, it may not have been by choice.

"Be at ease, Anders," Belwick says, adding to Venn's words with a placating tone. "Venn speaks truly, and there's more afoot than is apparent. Skerrin Wavechaser and these other guards are traitors and invaders. And I have been sent here by the king of root it out."

He gestures to the maid. "We are your allies. Work with us in questioning this maid, and you'll understand just how deeply the Scarlet Brotherhood has infiltrated the Sea Princes, and infiltrated Saltmarsh."
Persuasion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Solmor isn't convinced by Belwick, and his accusing of Skerrin just seems to enrage the man.

"AT EASE!? You have broken into my home, put my guard and one of my maids to the sword and killed Skerrin! HE WAS AS A FATHER TO ME! Captain Fireborn, arrest them and begin a full investigation!"

"Yes, I think a full investigation is warranted Captain. This much rot inside Lord Solmor's home is indeed questionable. I'd like to believe he is innocent of this, a dupe in his own home - happens to the best of us. But it is possible he too is an agent of the Sea Princes."

"I suggest you take us all for questioning including, perhaps especially, the maid and Lord Solmor."

"We will not fight you Captain, for we are not the evil ones here."

Baghotir figures they're all going to have to explain the last hour to the law. But he wants to make sure everyone is included in that questioning. Bring on the bright light of justice!

Persuasion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Not his best speech.

"Wait! Before we go... Baghotir, can you beseech Moradin to speak with dead? Lord Solmor should hear the truth, and I question whether he'll believe it from us."