Ander Meliamne's page

I've got some bad news. For the past few months, my real-life circumstances have been shifting in such a way as to make it harder and harder to keep up with my PbP games. I kept thinking things would settle and I'd get back to the level of availability I had a year ago (or even six months ago), but it's become clear that my lack of regular availability is the new normal. It seems I can't even rely on my own lunch break as a chance to get my games updated (I'm actually pushing some things aside just to be able to tell you this).

Unfortunately, this means I'm taking a hiatus from all PbP gaming for the foreseeable future. I don't know if I'll get to try it again at all, let alone when that might be. Sorry I couldn't make it to the end of the adventure first; I was going to try, but I just don't have the time anymore. Thanks for the game; it was fun. :)

Ander keeps firing, as fast as he can.

Action Surge to fire twice, targeting smaller enemies, prioritizing near over far.

Longbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20, Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Longbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21, Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Ander draws his bow and surveys the assailants carefully. After waiting a moment to see what his comrades do (readied action, because fighters like to go after casters in this type of situation ;D ) he lines up a shot and fires.

If some failed their saves against the Faerie Fire, I'll target one of them. If that leaves options, I'll aim for a small target.
Longbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13, Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Advantage: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

If there are no FF'd targets for advantage and I'm stuck with that first roll, then I'll add Uriah's B.I. Let me know whether that's the case or not.
Bardic Inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 5

I'm thinking some ditches would be nice, right behind the palisades so that enemies clear the wall and then move right into the ditch. As a bonus, the palisade will obscure the view of the ditch, making it even harder to spot. >:D

"Yes? Did you need something?" Ander says to the crones as they watch him.

As Ander uses the rope to scale the ravine, he pops his head up and sees this ugly demon back up to a tree and begin charging!

He's going to charge at me, is he? ;D

Ander quickly steps up onto the top of the ravine, then waits to receive the monster's charge. The plan is to sidestep and use the demon's momentum to assist in throwing him down the ravine.
Athletics to shove: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

"I expect bad things to happen, but I guess there's nothing to be done. Back to the village we go, I suppose."

Ander steps cautiously out of the cave and checks to make sure the coast is clear.

Ander steps up next to Krissina and in front of 'Sande, sword in hand, waiting for a response.

"What did you find, Shoun?"

WIS: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Ander steps protectively in front of the group, sword out, and peers into the cavern by the light of his glowing sword.

"Thank you, Krissina," Ander says quietly, mindful of the scouts. "The pommel of my sword would do fine."

"This is gonna be dark," Ander says. "I've got torches, but it might be a bit wet in there. If anybody's got magical light, this would be a good time for it."

Definitely ate from my own rations rather than sharing the village's breakfast. Just sayin'. I'll mark it from my inventory.

"Hang on, let me try first" Ander says, eyeing the difficult downward climb. "Maybe I can make it a little easier..."

He then pulls out a handaxe and ties a rope to it (careful to loop the rope across both handle and head, so it can't just slide off). He searches for a good spot to secure the axe, using it as a grappling hook from which to lower the rope and assist in the climb.

Hoping that can lower the DC or give advantage for everyone. Even if it doesn't, I'll go first.

Athletics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Is "breakfast" coming from that same cauldron that those crones were singing over all night?

Works for me.

"If we're suspicious of this madman, then leaving him a babysitter would be rather conspicuous, and also likely wouldn't prove anything. Let's all go to the cave together, and keep an eye out for signs of being followed."

Persuasion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Yay.

Meanwhile, Ander keeps smiling and speaking soothingly to the madman outside, hoping to keep his attention away from the barn and perhaps do him a little good in the process.

Can I assist her Stealth roll by trying to position myself in the crazy guy's line of sight?

Insight: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Close, but no cigar. :(

"Easy there, friend," Ander says as reassuringly as he can. "We're here to help. We're going to get rid of the dracolich, okay? We'll make things better. My name is Ander. What's your name?"

Persuasion?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Cripes, 32 new posts. Gonna be a bit to catch up...

I probably won't get to post again for about a week. Happy holidays, everyone!

Ander steps forward with a smile, but also surreptitiously places himself between Sande and Ulburto.

"Indeed," Ander says politely. "We're expecting something along the lines of pirates pretending to be ghosts. If you have seen or heard anything that might clue us in to the nature or tactics of these potential attackers, that would be of great help. Perhaps more importantly, can you help us make sure all the people here are safe and prepared for when the time comes? We don't want it to be easy for attackers to get past us and hurt anyone here."

"No no, we'd still like to speak with Ulburto," Ander replies to Sande, smiling warmly. "Lead the way, kiddo."

Ander perks up at the mention of a man with a broken mind. "I know a little bit of healing," he says, addressing the girl, "And recently spoke with another man with a broken mind. Think you could introduce me to this one?"

Sorry for the silence; every time I thought I had a minute, something would come up. :/

Ander smiles warmly at the child. "Thanks for the guidance, friend. We're from Phlan - well, most of us, I think - and we're here to try and ambush some pirates that have been harassing good folk along the coast recently. Who do you think might be able to help us with that? Ulburto, or someone else?"

Can I just grab the pups and toss them to the other side of the mother or something?

Swing again at the dire wolf, if it dies, go to the next attacking pup.

There aren't any attacking pups. The mother is attacking to defend the pups. In all likelihood we could literally just walk away from this fight.

"You numbskulls!" Ander shouts at those still fighting. "Save your strength and magic for the kobold pirates or whoever they are! Stop wasting your energy and let the beast have its pups!"

Ander then continues to try and get the wolf's attention so as to cover the others' escapes.

Intimidation: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14

"You idiots! She's not going to flee while you're between her and her cubs! Get some distance and she'll stay behind to guard them! Go, get moving! Get far enough away to not be a threat!"

Ander then tries to position himself to get the mother's attention, to allow the others time to escape.

Any sort of roll needed to fix her attention on me? Alternatively I could ready an action to try and interfere if she attacks someone other than me.

"Eh, not exactly, but being able to rule something out has value of its own. Thanks for the help, friends. If you ever need new oars or other wooden supplies, hit me up and I'll cut you a deal, alright?"

Ander stifles a chuckle, then nods to Uriah (whose magical capabilities he's familiar with) before giving it a try himself:

STR: 1d20 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 3 + (6) = 19

"We're investigating rumors of a 'ghost ship'—most likely pirates or kobolds with scary costumes or something—hitting settlements along the coast recently. Heard anything about such a topic?"

"Hello, hello," Ander says cheerfully, smiling in spite of the rain. "Might we be of some assistance? We saw your fire from a distance and thought you might need help."

Ander then spies the man in merchant's clothing, and calls out, "Hail friend, is there something wrong with your wagon? My name is Ander Meliamne, and I'm a guild artisan in good standing; as a merchant yourself, we may have a connection. Can I ask your name?"

Persuasion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

There are NO good songs about rain. None.

"Well, you don't have to sing about the rain," Ander advises. "You could just enjoy singing in the rain. I'm sure it would be a glorious feeling; perhaps then you'd be happy again?"

Turning to the rest of the group, Ander says, "That campfire seems suspicious, and suspicious is what we're after. Captain, could I persuade you to stop a few minutes? If it takes very long, I can arrange fair compensation."

Persuasion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Balls. Can anybody help me out? Or perhaps the offer of compensation would make a difference?

Honestly I'm a little lost on this little faction detour. Is there something I need to do? Or are we ready to set sail for the target?

"Glue, eh?" Ander muses. "That probably means the 'dracolich' is a trick to inspire panic in the victims and make them easier to overcome. Probably a costume worn by some chubby guy in a wheelbarrow with a holocaust cloak."

Ander tosses the gnome a gold piece.

"Keep the change," he says. "I understand you examined some bones for Knight Burral. We're helping her out, and she said you could tell us more than she could remember."

Okay, so what is the plan? It sounds like Ander is going to speak with the merchants' guild to hook up with a merchant caravan going that direction, and that you guys also want to head out to talk to the gnomish healer (which is around the direction you are headed). Chime in with any corrections, and let me know what you will be purchasing, supplies-wise.

The idea with the merchant guild was not so much to travel with a caravan, but rather to ask them if they knew what settlements/homesteads might be in the target area.

Ander thinks for a moment, then comments to Shoun, "My guild might know. Merchants would travel the area, after all. We could go ask. Also, we should pay a visit to this gnomish healer as well."

Ander sighs slightly. "To clarify," he interjects after Shoun's request, "He's talking about the madman under the care of the acolytes. Doomguide Elden asked us for help, and gave us your name, Lady Burral." Ander ends with a polite smile.

Ander glares at Eilren. "That's how you treat a man already so broken?" Then he turns to the acolyte.

"Thank you for everything, Elden. We'll be on our way."

To Burral, the knight of the Black Fist?

"Mister Eldren," Ander says to the caretaker, "Has he said anything coherent since you've been seeing to him? Even a single word?"

"Thanks," Ander replies politely, then turns and tosses the vials to the two hooded figures, one each. "Here. Try not to die, or to let anyone else die."

He idly runs a hand through his hair as he thinks, then says, "Let's start with Yip, since we're here; then we can go talk to Lady Burral."

Back at the inn:

"Thanks, Grelinda," Ander says, accepting the breakfast. "Wish me luck; I've got two hooded figures under my care this time." He gives the lass a joking wink to make her snicker, then heads off with the rest.

With the Doomguide, whatever that means:

"Well, Mister Glandon," Ander replies matter-of-factly, "I have a weird knack for finding myself involved in the few rumors that happen to be true, so I'll be taking you seriously. We'll talk to your man immediately; do you know his name?"

Cripes, 20 posts before I even knew we'd started. Hooray enthusiasm!

Ander, an unremarkable-looking human man, stumbles downstairs a bit late, having slept in after a late night reading up on recent herbalism developments. Rubbing his head, he surveys the room and asks, "What's all the commotion?"

"I don't think it counts when you're writing the songs yourself, Uriah."

Hm, my hobby time's a little tight, but I think I can squeeze this one in. :)

I've got a "Logsheet Summary" at the bottom of my alias profile. The only transaction here is that I bought a single potion of healing for 50gp at the start of this adventure. No other changes.

"What's your own condition? Are any of you hurt? Also, what can you tell us of what's going on around here?"

Ander tries to make use of his previous miss by bringing in his blade from an unexpected angle toward the remaining ghoul and disrupt its defenses.

Longsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16, Damage: 1d10 + 3 + 1d8 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (4) = 8
Distracting Strike: Next ally to attack same target before my next turn gets advantage on the attack roll.