Age of Ashes (Team Dahak)

Game Master Delta Arena

Mosquito almost giggles at the sight of the Red Orc climbing down to ground level. He doesn't, but it was close.

He Hides prior to Sustaining his Spell at Red!
Stealth(T) to Hide: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

The Cleric then let's his Spiritual Armement fly!
Spell Attack Roll, Off guard : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 202d8 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

The almost giggling goblin then Hides again!
Stealth(T) to Hide: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Apparently the giggles won!

Vrosi

Red and Purple only moved to their current locations since you leaped out of their line of sight, so retconning your move would be tricky. I can give you a free Stride, which wouldn't quite get you to purple's position, but it would get you significantly closer. Or you could move somewhere else with that free Stride

Mosquito

The mercenary is not paying attention in the direction from where Mosquito's magical weapon comes from. And, by the time he does, it is too late. The flying weapon hits the mercenary from the side, weakening him significantly. Mosquito can't help but laugh at what he's accomplished.

Purple is critical (not counting Vrosi's actions yet), Pink and Red are seriously injured. Green in uninjured.

I'll take the free stride, then use another action to get up close, then attack

Markus yelps when the arrow hits him. He throws his needle darts at the orc that he sees then runs to safety.

Cast Needle Darts at purple, then Stride. Can I get prone after stride? It should be harder to hit from arrows below.

Needle darts: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 264d4 ⇒ (3, 3, 3, 4) = 13

That's double damage and persistent bleed 1 if crit.

Vrosi

Vrosi advances on the mercenary like a rampaging bull. With his barbaric strength, he swings his mikazuki and smashes it on his foe’s skull, making it crack. The mercenary falls lifeless to the ground. Purple is down

Markus

I’m moving your attack to a different target.

With Markus’ target taken out by Vrosi, he turn around to face those shooting at him. Shaping the pieces of metal into sharp needles, he lifts them in the air and launches them towards one of the mercenaries. All three strike the mercenary straight in the chest, and he falls on his back drawing his last breath. Pink is down

You can absolutely go Prone, that will give you greater cover as well.

Red mercenary

Having been surprise by the laughing cleric, the mercenary shifts his aim to take him down. He takes two quick shots that whistle through the air. But Nimble Mosquito moves to one side and to the next, avoiding both of the incoming projectiles.

His attack failed, he hides by the tree besides him.

AB: Hunt Prey*, Hunted Shot*, Hide*

Red is now Hidden

Green mercenary

Leaning by the edge of the platform, the last mercenary follows up on his previous attack on Mosquito with another two arrows. The first one is a close call that lands by the cleric’s feet, but the second one is aimed higher, and it pierces through his shoulder. Mosquito, you take 14 piercing damage.

Having taken his shots, the mercenary hides into the foliage and moves around the platform. Mosquito can hear enough of the steps to get an idea of where he moves to.

AB: Hunted Shot*, Hide*, Sneak*

Green is now Hidden

Hobgoblin!

The door to the shack bursts open.

”I’m not paying you to die, you pathetic fools! I’m paying you to kill!”

A hobgoblin comes out of the shack wielding a rapier and a dagger. She advances towards the mercenary that she saw disappear behind a tree and, seeing Vrosi standing there, she prepares to take her foe down.

AB: Interact* (open door), Stride*, Hunt Prey* (On Vrosi)

Damage Summary: Mosquito 14 piercing.

Condition Summay: Red and Green are Hidden.

You can take your turns.

Markus, laying down, commands his orb of fire to go towards the hobgoblin.

Sustain x3 to move the orb 25ft. Basic Reflex DC 19

Fire damage: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 1) = 8

Vrosi will make a Sudden Charge past Red.
Strike Red: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 3 = 7

Attack Red again: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 8 - 5 = 9

Mosquito frowns at the arrows sticking out of his person. Shrugging the giggling goblin Strides to stand next to Brilliant Burnis while he stabs at the foliage that Red is hiding in....
Melee(T) Rapier, Runic Weapon : 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 = 112d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1) + 3 = 5 Traits P Deadly d8 Disarm Finesse
Flat DC 5: 1d20 ⇒ 7

The goblin tries again.
Bees likes da fishings!

Melee(T) Rapier, Runic Weapon, map : 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 - 5 = 112d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 6) + 3 = 15 Traits P Deadly d8 Disarm Finesse
Flat DC 5: 1d20 ⇒ 8

The frustrated goblin seems to have gotten his rapier stuck in that foliage...

Markus

The orb of fire floats towards the hobgoblin, and it is hot enough to damage her even as she keeps moving to keep her distance from it.

Vrosi

You are too fast

Running all the way around the central platform, Vrosi moves into position, mikazuki in hand, and uses the momentum to bring pain down on the mercenary. The mercenary is left bleeding and in great pain, but still alive.

Mosquito

The mercenary is not so easy to hit now that he is aware of Mosquito’s presence and is actively avoiding his attacks against him.

Red mercenary

The bleeding mercenary shifts his focus to Vrosi. He puts his bow away and brings out his longsword now that he is surrounded. He swings.

The cut is deep, but Vrosi pulls through to keep fighting. Vrosi, you take 9 slashing damage

AB: Hunt Prey*, Interact* (Swap weapons), Strike*

Green mercenary

Two arrows fly down on Mosquito from the top of the platform. But it seems like the mercenary didn’t take the wind into account, as both arrows are led astray and break against the ground besides Mosquito.

Looking for a better angle, he repositions himself and hides between the foliage.

He is now Hidden from Vrosi and Mosquito, Markus can still see him.

AB: Hunted Shot*, Hide*, Sneak*

Hobgoblin

Keeping her eye on the dashing Vrosi, the hobgoblin chases behind him. She positions herself around Vrosi’s back and readies herself for her weapons for the incoming attacks, as she lets the remaining mercenaries finish the job.

AB: Stride* x2, Twin Parry*

Damage Summary: Vrosi 9 slashing.

Conditions Summary: Green is Hidden from Vrosi and Mosquito

Red is Critical, the Hobgoblin is lightly injured and Green is uninjured

You can take your turns.

Markus again moves his flaming ball towards the leader.

3 actions to move the floating flame 25ft on the hobgoblin.

Fire damage, Basic reflex DC 19: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 5) = 15

Vrosi

You are too fast

And, I'm just gonna get faster <<grin>>

Strike Red: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 3 = 9

If Red is still up, the following strikes are against Red

Strike Red: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 5 = 5for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 3 = 9
Strike Red w/backswing: 1d20 + 8 - 10 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 8 - 10 + 1 = 10for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 3 = 12

if Red fell after the first strike

Vrosi will move over to the platform, and begin climbing.
Climb: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20 Because my speed, when raging is 40, add 5 to my climb distance

Mosquito seems confident that Brilliant Burnis downed Red Orc, so the goblin decides to Stride into a Flank against the hobgoblin while entering the foliage.

He the Strikes!
Melee(T) Rapier, Runic Weapon , Flank: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 172d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 5) + 3 = 10 Traits P Deadly d8 Disarm Finesse

The goblin then Hides.
Stealth(T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Markus

This time, she doesn’t move away fast enough, and the flame scorches her back.

Vrosi

One more strike from the barbarian and the mercenary is down. Vrosi rushes up the platform where the last of the mercenaries stands.

Mosquito

Aware of the multiple combatants, the hobgoblin keeps an eye on Mosquito as he moves around her. She has no trouble parrying Mosquito’s rapier with her own.

Green mercenary

With the battle shifting in favour of the opponents, the mercenary shifts his focus and his weapons. Longsword in hand, he swings it against Vrosi, landing a powerful blow. Vrosi, you take 15 slashing damage, which brings you down to Dying 1

AB: Interact* (Swap weapons), Hunt Prey* (Vrosi), Strike*

Hobgoblin

With her prey running away, the hobgoblin shifts her focus to the cleric swinging a rapier against her. She readies both her weapons, and she strikes. Mosquito is able to fend the incoming rapier, but leaves himself open for the dagger to make a minor cut. Mosquito, you take 5 piercing damage Then, she readies herself for retaliation.

AB: Hunt Prey* (Mosquito), Twin Takedown*, Twin Parry*

Damage Summary: Vrosi 15 slashing, Mosquito 5 piercing.
Condition Summary: Vrosi is Dying 1

You can take your turns.

Because of Orc Ferocity, Vrosi is at 1 HP, and is Wouded 1.

Strike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Strike: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 8 - 5 = 6

Strike: 1d20 + 8 - 10 ⇒ (6) + 8 - 10 = 4

It seems you moved my ball of fire for me.

Markus walks to the other edge of the roof and concentrates to have his ball follow the hobgoblin. Then he puts his glass shield up.

Stride, Sustain ball to move it 10ft, glass shield.

Fire damage, basic reflex DC 19: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 6) = 14

Being a bit short on flanking partners, the goblin grumbles before Striking and cast Heal on himself.
Melee(T) Rapier, Runic Weapon : 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 = 192d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3) + 3 = 7 Traits P Deadly d8 Disarm Finesse

Heal(2): 2d8 + 16 ⇒ (3, 4) + 16 = 23

The goblin swears!

Vrosi

Vrosi refuses to pass out and lashes out at the mercenary in front of him, but he is weakened and the mercenary is able to dodge the assault.

Markus

It was on the mercenary rather than the hobgoblin, so I moved it to the hobgoblin to match your previous post.

Not falling for the same trick twice, the hobgoblin keeps his distance from the floating ball of fire to avoid the worst of burn.

Expecting retaliation, a bubble of glass appears around Markus in order to protect him.

Mosquito

Matching Mosquito move for move, the hobgoblin fends and parries the incoming rapier with ease. Fortunately, Cayden intercedes to heal his cleric in the middle of battle.

Green mercenary

”I thought I was done with you!”

The mercenary swings at the still standing Vrosi. He swings once, twice, and thrice, but Vrosi refuses to go down; the barbarian avoids every swing of the blade coming his way.

AB: Strike* x3

Hobgoblin

The hobgoblin retaliates against Mosquito, launching a twin assault with both her weapons. Mosquito parries her dagger, but the rapier pierces through his defences and cuts his arm. Mosquito, you take 7 piercing damage

Even after a successful strike, the hobgoblin knows she needs to put some distance between her and the floating ball of flame. She moves away from Mosquito, but she keeps her sight on him.

AB: Twin Takedown*, Stride*x2

Damage Summary: Mosquito 7 piercing

You can take your turns.

Mosquito--Reacts--by Shield Blocking her rapier!
PR 5, so -2hp each

Watching her leave his immediate presence allows for the Cleric to Stride through the foliage to the backside and seeing Brilliant Burnis up there, casts Heal!
Heal(2): 2d8 + 16 ⇒ (4, 3) + 16 = 23

Strike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 3 = 8

Strike: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 5 = 5

Strike: 1d20 + 8 - 10 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 10 = 15

Mosquito

Unfortunately, you can't use Shield Block, since it requires you to have your shield raised.

Mosquito shares Cayden's blessing, giving Vrosi a significant relief from his wounds.

Vrosi

With renewed strenght, Vrosi locks in on his opponent and cracks his mikazuki against his temple. The mercenary bleeds from his wound, but he is still standing.

Both the Mercenary and the Hobgoblin are moderately wounded

Mosquito stares at his unraised shield with disappointment as blood seeps from his face ...
Oops! Forgot to Raise his Shield...now he seems upset...lol

lol, appropriate reaction

I'll wait a day or two for Markus before taking my turn

Dammit, I didn't realize you needed the shield raised to get the block. My character in another game would surely be dead by now.

Markus realizes that it's too much effort to make the floating flame follow the hobgoblin, so he moves it to the nearby mercenary. He then shoots his needles at the hobgoblin.

Sustain the floating flame to move it to green merc, Needle darts at hob.

Fire damage, basic reflex dc 19: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 3) = 7

Needle darts: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 254d4 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 2) = 8

Markus

The giant ball of fire is visible as it moves up to the platform, and the mercenary has no trouble reading its movements to stay out of the way.

The hobgoblin, on the other hand, is not so lucky, as the darts pierce through her one after another, dealing some significant damage.

Hobgoblin

The hobgoblin swaps her dagger and rapier for her shortbow and takes a carefully aimed shot at Mosquito, whom she can see clearly even through the foliage. It is a tricky shot, but, thanks to her extra time aiming the shot, she hits her target on the side. Mosquito, you take 5 piercing damage

AB: Interact* (swap weapons), Hunter’s Aim**

Green mercenary

Filled with adrenaline, the mercenary launches a desperate assault on Vrosi. But seeing Vrosi parry his attack without any trouble, he decides to run away instead!

Strike*, Stride*x2

Damage Summary: Mosquito 5 piercing

Both enemies are seriously injured

You can take your turns

Using his No Escape reaction, Vrosi follows the Green Mercenary during its first stride.

◆◆ Vrosi makes a Sudden Charge against the Green Mercenary. Strike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

◆ Then strikes at him again: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 8 - 5 = 9

Seeing it would take too much effort to have his ball reach any of the enemies, he just moves it slightly and throws more darts at the hobgoblin.

Sustain ball to move 10ft, needle darts again.

Needle darts: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 264d4 ⇒ (4, 1, 4, 4) = 13

Seeing it would take too much effort to have his ball reach any of the enemies, he just moves it slightly and throws more darts at the hobgoblin.

Sustain ball to move 10ft, needle darts again.

Needle darts: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 2144 = 44

Mosquito looks down at the newly positioned arrow and shakes his fist at the hobgoblin!
Youses sucks lemons!

The angry goblin Strides and reaches into his pocket to pull out 3 rusty nails.
Needle Darts vs AC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 274d4 ⇒ (4, 1, 2, 4) = 11

The goblin bows!

Vrosi

Vrosi slides down the ladder and chases after the mercenary, trying to hit him over and over again. But the mercenary is filled with adrenaline and he is able to react to every swing that Vrosi throws his way.

Markus and Mosquito

Needles coming from different directions, and the hobgoblin is stuck in the middle. She tries to avoid some needles only to find more. With no escape, the needles turn her into a pincushion, and it is too much for her body to handle. The many perforations left in her body force her to the ground, where she soon breathes her last.

Green mercenary

Realizing that there is no point trying to escape, the mercenary lashes out at Vrosi in one last desperate attempt. His lashing out is surprisingly brutal, and he manages to leave to gashing wounds on Vrosi. Vrosi, you take 10 slashing damage from the first attack, and 7 from the second attack.

AB: Strike*x3

Damage Summary: Vrosi 17 slashing

The hobgoblin is down, Green is the only one up.

You can take your turns.

As the needles return to his hand, Markus makes them fly again towards the last orc, also moving his flaming ball in his direction.

Needle darts at orc, sustain ball to move 10ft.

Needle darts: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 184d4 ⇒ (1, 4, 1, 2) = 8

Strike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 3 = 10

Strike: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (11) + 8 - 5 = 14for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 3 = 10

Strike: 1d20 + 8 - 10 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 10 = 13for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 3 = 7

The giggling goblin Strides and reaches into his pocket to pull out 3 more rusty nails.
Needle Darts vs AC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 174d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 2, 2) = 10

Unable to avoid the multiple attacks coming at him from different directions, the last remaining mercenary is jabbed and beaten to death by the needles and the mikazuki. And so, the last of the band of mercenary falls, leaving guardian's way unguarded.

What would you like to do now that the enemies have fallen?

Markus sighs relieved and shouts out "Everyone ok? Come up here so I can patch you up!"

As the others gather, he takes a look to study the architecture of the fort.

Whoever needs healing, feel free to roll my medicine on you at +9.

Architecture bonus at +9 for secret check.

Markus Medicine on Vrosi: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23for: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 2) = 10 healing.

I forgot to say. I am expert in Medicine, so you can try DC 15 for 2d8 or DC 20 for 2d8+10 healing.

Mosquito walks casually up to Markus. The goblin waits for Brilliant Burnis to join them. The small goblin then gives them both a hug!
Heal(2): 2d8 + 16 ⇒ (7, 2) + 16 = 25

Dat was fun! Wees kicking Dem butts! Markus! Dem spells was da bomb! Brilliant Burnis! Dem slices and slashes and jumping and climbing was brilliant!

The Cleric of Cayden Cailian simply smiles.

It takes some time, but between Markus’ medical knowledge, and Cayden’s grace, the wounds are closed and healed.

Markus

The fort is clearly set up to not draw attention to itself. With only the wooden platforms and a small shack set up, most likely, to store supplies, the place is unassuming. With no quarters, it is unlikely that the troops stationed here would remain in place for too long; they would stay for a couple of weeks at the time at the longest before another unit would take over. Being in a valley, it would have been possible for well trained soldiers to hold the location using ranger weapons against enemies outnumbering them, but it’s positioning begs the question, wouldn’t they be surrounded? There is no obvious way out if the enemy were to encircle the location.

Being a curious goblin, Mosquito begins Searching about for anything looking like an egress from this base....

Mosquito begins wondering around the base, looking around the shack and near the platforms, and then, he sees it. The mossy vines hanging from the side of the hilltop are hanging over the entrance to a cavern behind the shack, hidden from passerbys by the shack.

I have expanded the map to show to cavern

Mosquito places a hand over his mouth, as the excited goblin was about to shout his findings for everything to hear! Carefully stepping away from the cave entrance, the goblin makes his way back to the others far away from the secret cave entrance.
Mees founds da secret caves entrance! Behind dose foliages! Easy!

The proud goblin smiles.

Are you still investigating outside, or are you going into the cave to explore inside?

Feeling infected by the cleric's enthusiasm, Markus laughs loudly and says "You're amazing as always, Quito!" He calls for Cranky to return to him. Cranky is visibly annoyed to have been left behind in the woods alone. Markus holds him close and pets him softly. He produces a treat from his backpack and lets Cranky cuddle in his robe for a while.

Finally, he addresses the situation "So, at first look this fort is only for show. Sort of like a temporary station for troops. It's unclear what options they'd have if they got surrounded, but maybe whatever's in the cave that Mosquito uncovered would be the answer to that. Maybe it's the gateway to the Hellknight citadel."

He takes a look around and says "Maybe we should first take a look around the fort before trying the cave. There might be more clue as to what we'll find. Also, I expended quite a lot of resources in that fight. That was scary, those orcs had good aim and were very tactical. I wouldn't mind some rest. At the same time, Voz is working right now, we might miss her if we take too long. Opinions?"

Feeling infected by the cleric's enthusiasm, Markus laughs loudly and says "You're amazing as always, Quito!" He calls for Cranky to return to him. Cranky is visibly annoyed to have been left behind in the woods alone. Markus holds him close and pets him softly. He produces a treat from his backpack and lets Cranky cuddle in his robe for a while.

Finally, he addresses the situation "So, at first look this fort is only for show. Sort of like a temporary station for troops. It's unclear what options they'd have if they got surrounded, but maybe whatever's in the cave that Mosquito uncovered would be the answer to that. Maybe it's the gateway to the Hellknight citadel."

He takes a look around and says "Maybe we should first take a look around the fort before trying the cave. There might be more clue as to what we'll find. Also, I expended quite a lot of resources in that fight. That was scary, those orcs had good aim and were very tactical. I wouldn't mind some rest. At the same time, Voz is working right now, we might miss her if we take too long. Opinions?"

"I will be honest, I was circling around up above during the chaos, hoping someone would expose exactly this as they scampered around. They didn't. Leave it to Mosquito! The next round of pickles is totally on me my friend."

Kiilo looks pensive

"Thankfully for me, flight is prayer. I have all my resources at hand. But I will also say that from what we have gathered, we should have all of our resources at hand to confront her: we cannot afford to lose. I think we can invest in the time to rest, I can even fly back to town for supplies if you all want to stay here to guard the entrance."

Mosquito stands proudly as Markus speaks words. The small goblin yawns.
Wees should checking out dese buildings and rest if safe. Go inside da secret cave in morning. Pick fer da straws who on watch first!

The Cleric of Cayden Cailian begins investigation of said building(s)...
Exploration mode Search

Markus goes with Mosquito and thinks he should have a pickle jar ready for when his companion feels hungry.

Search mode as well.

Kiilo rigs up his wing haress to enter Ground Mode as well as Detect Magic mode for exploration.

The old log cabin from which the hobgoblin came out is empty now. There are no windows in the walls and the door she used is the only entrance to the small building.

Inside the cabin, there is a round table with some dirty plates and empty tankards on it. Opposite to it there is a single bed with a locked footlocker tugged behind a ratty curtain. Two sacks of food and a barrel of ale sit besides the footlocker as well.

Mosquito is seen looking forlornly at the dirty plates and holding the empty tankards.
Wees bees toos late!

Vrosi gets out his tools and gets to work on the locked footlocker.

Thievery: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18