"Indeed," Esperanza huffs, for once jealous of Thorek's unburdened pace. She leads with her glaive, hoping they reach the top soon.

Hey everyone,

Still alive! I've been struggling with a major depressive phase coupled with some actually bad stuff going on IRL. I struggle with whether to come back or just drop out (semi-)gracefully, and I would like to continue if it's all right with y'all. I know it's been frustrating with how much trouble I've had lately.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

"Or Thorek could grab its attention," Esperanza says, shooting the dwarf a grin, "and I could carve it up."

My AC is 2 higher against the hobgoblin from my Ironfang Survivor trait.

Esperanza continues to fend off the hobgoblin, working in tandem with Daria to finish off the giant bug.

Glaive attack #1 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 7 = 30

Glaive attack #2 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 7 = 25

Reflex: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18
1d6 ⇒ 3

Esperanza yelps in surprise as the ground collapses beneath her, but she manages to at least hold her footing on the way down.

"Thorek, any damage to report?" Esperanza asks, looking for the next trouble spot.

Also taking that extra attack.

Esperanza steps wide around the morlock, striking out with her glaive once, twice, three times.

Glaive attack #1 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 7 = 26

Glaive attack #2 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 7 = 28

Glaive attack #3 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 7 = 29

Oof, these rolls.

Esperanza charges through the air in Thorek's wake, cutting through the morlocks with a mighty swing of her glaive.

Glaive attack (w/ PS, BoF, Charge): 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 15 + 2 + 2 = 33
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 7 = 21

Charging the troop!

Taking the +2 to attacks, AC, and Reflex for this round. How high up is the troop, relative to the ground?

Esperanza sprints back Thorek before joining his assault on the trapped monster.

Glaive: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Slashing: 1d10 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25

Esperanza rushes to join Thorek, hoping to finish this one off before the last minotaur finishes scaling the wall.

Glaive attack (w/ PS): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 7 = 22

Parry and Riposte: 1d11d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 15 - 2 = 17

Parry #2 vs Large: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 15 - 2 = 21

Parry #3 vs Large: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 15 - 2 = 29

Parry #4 vs Large: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 15 - 2 = 21

Riposte: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 7 = 22[/spoiler]

Does it provoke an AoO for him to throw the net at me?

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 5 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 20 = 42 I assume that probably gets me out of it.

Esperanza, aided by Daria's magic, tears through the net with tooth and claw before continuing her assault on her opponent.

Bluff vs Minotaur, non-humanoid: 1d20 + 24 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 24 - 4 = 25 If that succeeds, I'll make him Distracted instead of flat-footed. 20% miss chance for 4 rounds, reduced to 1 round by a DC 18 Will save.

Glaive attack (w/ PS): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 7 = 29

Not needing to be told twice, Esperanza charges the lead with her glaive held high and with a cry on her lips.

Glaive attack (w/ PS, Charging): 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 15 + 2 = 29 AC 30 due to the charge.
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 7 = 22

Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Applying two of Daria's poultices, Esperanza feels their magics infuse her body with strength, and she heads to join Thorek after offering the druid a smile.

Greater Longstrider and Ironskin.

Instead of bull's strength, do you think I could get a greater longstrider?

Esperanza practically beams with pride at her master's praise, and a hint of color comes to her greyish cheeks.

"I only did as I was taught," she says, looking away. "You'd have done nothing less."

Later, when it seems the battle is about to resume, Esperanza takes the time to walk the battlements in her full regalia, hoping a bit of defiant color can lift their spirits.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

Esperanza, breathing hard, pauses for only a moment to take in the devastation around her before rushing to help quench the fires raging within the city. By the end of the day, she is bloodied, bruised, and covered in ash, but her colors still shine as radiant as ever.

Esperanza uses the momentum from the blow to fuel her own attacks, spinning in place to deliver another pair of slashing blows to the monster.

Glaive attack #1 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Glaive attack #2 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Check out something a friend made for me. <3

Esperanza, grim faced, delivers another flurry of slashes from her glaive, trying to finish the elemental off once and for all.

Glaive attack #1 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 15 + 2 = 24
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 7 = 27

Glaive attack #2 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 2 = 28
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 7 = 28

Apologies everyone, I've been having a really difficult month with my health. I'm trying to get back into things, hoping to get some proper posts up later today after work.

I'll also have a fun thing to show everyone at that time as well.

Thorek, do you want the +3 ring or should I have it? My base AC is higher, of course, but I can't buff myself. Not sure.

Sorry to leave you hanging, guys.

Esperanza surges back into the melee, returning to visibility with a powerful, but clumsy slash from her glaive.

Glaive attack (w/ PS, Invisible): 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 15 + 2 = 20
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 7 = 27

I just can't read!

Reeling from the arrow volley, Esperanza nonetheless charges forward with a battle cry on her lips, cutting a number of the troops down with one graceful swing of her glaive.

Glaive attack (w/ PS): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34
Confirm?: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19 probably not
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 7 = 29
Glaive crit bonus damage: 29 + 2d10 + 14 ⇒ 29 + (7, 7) + 14 = 57

Sorry for this, but I think we forgot to do healing after the fight with the giant. I was pretty banged up by that and I'm definitely in trouble now, lol

Esperanza strides out in front of the troop, glaive held at the ready to hold back the tide.

Double move.

I'd probably be passable with a bow, just don't expect any miracles.

Esperanza Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Temp HP: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Driven into a near frenzy by the pain and Thorek's spell both, Esperanza tears into the giant with her glaive, slashing at him repeatedly.

Glaive attack #1 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 15 + 2 + 2 = 30
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 7 + 2 = 27

Glaive attack #2 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 2 + 2 = 28
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 7 + 2 = 28

Esperanza jukes left, making to follow Thorek, but reverses and moves around to help the dwarf flank their enormous foe.

Feint: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (7) + 24 = 31
Choosing to make this a Distracting feint, so everything has concealment against him for 4 rounds, reduced to 1 round on a DC 18 Will save

Congratulations! Take your time, hope everything is great!

"Let's be quick about it," Esperanza says, ready to charge the monster. I'll run after him as soon as we get the spell.

Esperanza takes the opportunity to apply one of Daria's ironskin poultices, then readies herself to jump into the fray (literally, if necessary).

Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

"Just like the troll in the dragon's lair," Esperanza muses to Thorek

Oh, nice! I'm going to take a 4th level of Devoted Muse. Ordinarily, if I wasn't a Swashbuckler already, this would get me Opportune Parry and Riposte, so the main thing the class gives here is an extra panache point.

Putting skill ranks in Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

"Have heart!" Esperanza shouts, standing atop the battlements where she can see and be seen by their troops. "Come the morning, we will still be here, and they will be broken upon our walls."

I was able to get an alternate medication which seems to be doing the trick, and I'm feeling much better now.

Upon their return, Esperanza throws herself into the last of the preparations for the town's militia, though it seems like the anxiety of the coming battle may be throwing her off.

Intimidation to Train Militia: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19

Well, Thorek, do you want to train the freed enslaved people? I can do the last militia drill. Or vice versa!

I'm really sorry, I've been having a hard time lately as a medicine I have to take every day has been subject to a national shortage, and I didn't get any warning before having to essentially go cold turkey.

Esperanza nods in silent agreement, taking up a position on the edge of their makeshift column where she can protect the refugees.

"One would hope," Esperanza says, looking curious.

"Worth a look," Esperanza agrees. "But be careful."

Esperanza waits patiently while Daria works to treat her injuries, then experimentally stretches her bandaged arm before nodding.

"Thank you, my friend. I think the rest will heal with time. Another blow struck against the Ironfang."

I also missed that there were new posts. Apologies!

Emboldened by Thorek's spell, Esperanza turns her attention to the enormous hobgoblin before her, feinting to one side before making her true strike.

Bluff vs Krahdahk: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36 I'll make him Distracted (20% miss chance vs everyone) for 4 rounds, reduced to 1 round with a DC 17 Will save

Glaive attack (w/ PS): 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 2 = 20
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 7 + 2 = 27

"The battle's turned in our favor, Thorek! Don't let up!" she shouts, laughing. Which is to say, I'm giving the bonus to you also now!

Reflex: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31 11 damage total after fire resistance
Fortitude: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Esperanza throws herself free of the snake's corpse and the worst of the spell, turning to face the scorpion threatening her friends.

Glaive attack #1 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 7 = 23
Intimidate: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19

Glaive attack #2 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Confirm?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 7 = 22
Doubt that confirms, but crit total: 22 + 2d10 + 14 ⇒ 22 + (9, 3) + 14 = 48

Gasping for breath in the snake's grasp, Esperanza strikes out with a claw, trying to blind the monster.

Feint vs Snake: 1d20 + 21 - 8 ⇒ (5) + 21 - 8 = 18 Doubt that does it, but if it succeeds I'd back it Distracted, for the 20% miss chance.

Claw vs Snake: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

"Let him go," Esperanza hisses, stepping up to face the giant snake herself. Her first lunge is a feint meant to draw it in, but then she makes her true strike.

Glaive attack #1 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 7 = 22

Glaive attack #2 (w/ PS): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Slashing: 1d10 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 7 = 29

Using her tail, Esperanza retrieves one of Daria's healing poultices and slathers it across Thorek's injury from the bite.

CMW: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (8, 4) + 8 = 20

Using a cure moderate wounds poultice on Thorek. I'd have attacked, but I was just a bit too far to actually be able to do that.

"So be it," Esperanza says grimly, readying her glaive.

Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15