1: Ilyana's Plight

You arrive in Harkenwold in the middle of the day. It's a broad, lightly settled valley between two arms of the Harken Forest. You haven't traveled more than a mile or two into the valley before trouble appears.



Rounding a bend in the road, you spy a pillar of smoke climbing into the clear blue sky. The source, hidden by rolling hills, is roughly a mile along a dirt track that intersects the road.

Starting with this map, your characters are in the SE corner of the road, heading westward. Please determine your starting locations/party order.


The rising column of smoke is still a ways down the intersecting path.

Embankment: This steep 5' high dirt road embankment is difficult terrain.

Robyo wrote:
If Chris wants to add coordinates to the gridded map, that might help.

Please post your starting position (SE corner of the road), along with your character's statblock and a picture.

Adventure on!

tech committee



@Josh, @Alan and @Trouble - let me know if you want your positions adjusted, but since you already posted a picture, I just went ahead and made you tokens

@ Joe, Whitey - I will make you tokens as soon as you get pics posted for your characters

Nok Stumbletoe
HP:  24
AC: 15
PP:  13

stat block is also

















<-------

Drusus' position is just fine.

I'll have his gear done today and I'll be ready to go

Bru Zher
HP: 35/35
AC: 15 (16 with +1 ring, 20 with mithril shield and ring)
SV: STR (+5), CON (+5)
Rage: 3/3, +2 damage, resistant to all damage but psychic




Bru tends to take the lead in most travel and combat situations unless he is instructed otherwise.  Starting out at F15 is good.

The party advances down the road.


This is what I have so far. Put Rip up front with Bru, hope that's okay. Mage is in the rear, apparently.

If everyone is ready to roll, how about some initiative?

map updated





Nok initiative

Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +4" :

9 + 4 = 13

Chris wrote:Nok Stumbletoe
HP: 24
AC: 15
PP: 13

Drusus (not mounted on his horse for now)

Initiative:
Roll(1d20)+1:
8,+1
Total:9

AC: 18
Initiative: +1
Prof. Bonus: +2
Movement: 30’
Saves: Strength and Constitution
HP: 28

Bru Zher
HP: 35/35
AC: 15 (16 with +1 ring, 20 with mithril shield and ring)
SV: STR (+5), CON (+5)
Rage: 3/3, +2 damage, resistant to all damage but psychic

Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +2" : 12 + 2 = 14

Leirthal The Magnificent

AC 13 (15 arcane deflection)
Hp 20/20

Passive perception 13
Passive investigation 15
Passive insight 13

Initiative +6
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +6" :

12 + 6 = 18 initiative

Position is fine thanks.

Initiative:
1-Leirthal (18)
2-DM (16)
3-Bru (14)
4-Nok (13)
5-Drusus (9)
----------------
Ara-?
Rip-?

Leirthal may act first. You aren't in combat, this is just turn-taking at the moment.

just for clarification - the smoke would be up the path on column 12?

Chris wrote:just for clarification - the smoke would be up the path on column 12?

Correct. Or at least in that direction.

Leirthal The Magnificent

AC 16 mage armor (18 arcane deflection)
Hp 20/20

Passive perception 13
Passive investigation 15
Passive insight 13

Leirthal moves to G-17 hoping to see better. "Probably a farmer's burn pile. It's none of our concern...".

Leirthal has no intention of going first up the path if that is what the party does. Still, he casts mage armor for good measure.

ARA
HP: 25 (1d10)
AC: 14

Proficiency Bonus: +2
Initiative: +3
Archery: +2 all ranged weapons

Passive Percept: 12
Darkvision 60'

Saves: STR (+3) DEX (+5) CON (+1) WIS (+2)
(Advantage on all saving throws against charm and no sleep spells)

Initiative: 1d20+3
5+3=8

Leirthal magnificently moves up behind Ara.


I added Drusus' warhorse WidowMaker. Josh said he is dismounted for now, so the horse is walking behind Drusus. Does he hold the reins?

Twenty yards or so down the direction of the path, the party can hear rough voices laughing, a few that are shouting, and taunting.

The origin of the smoke is further off, perhaps thirty yards down the path.

Initiative:
1-Leirthal (18)
2-DM (16)
3-Bru (14)
4-Nok (13)
5-Drusus (9)
6-Ara (8 )
----------------
Rip-?

Bru is up.
Nok on deck.

Bru Zher
HP: 35/35
AC: 15 (16 with +1 ring, 20 with mithril shield and ring)
SV: STR (+5), CON (+5)
Rage: 3/3, +2 damage, resistant to all damage but psychic

Bru tilts his head to get a clearer listen at the sounds, but it is clear to him that where there is a taunter, there must also be a tauntee.  He has a natural instinct to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

He turns back to the group and points up the path. "Not burn pile. Sounds like trouble over there.  You can stay here, or you can come with me.  I'm going to the trouble."

Bru continues at their current pace and will turn up the path towards the voices, readying his shield with a hand on his axe.

Josef909 wrote:
Bru tilts his head to get a clearer listen at the sounds, but it is clear to him that where there is a taunter, there must also be a tauntee.  He has a natural instinct to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

He turns back to the group and points up the path. "Not burn pile. Sounds like trouble over there.  You can stay here, or you can come with me.  I'm going to the trouble."

Bru continues at their current pace and will turn up the path towards the voices, readying his shield with a hand on his axe.

Sounds good, but let's break it down mechanically. Your character gets a move and an action on your turn. Does Bru actively listen? Then make a Perception check (action phase). Then he still gets one move. In 5e you can break up your movement if you wish (move, attack, move, attack, etc). If you skip the perception check, then Bru can make a double move instead. You could also try to be stealthy. Or not.

Bru Zher
HP: 35/35
AC: 15 (16 with +1 ring, 20 with mithril shield and ring)
SV: STR (+5), CON (+5)
Rage: 3/3, +2 damage, resistant to all damage but psychic

30' movement puts Bru at C-12 where he will actively listen. He is not purposefully moving stealthily.

Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +2" : 19 + 2 = 21 for a perception check

Bru sees human brigands and a pair of wolves surrounding a farmhouse. The humans all wear black cloaks with a gray ring device.



They're preparing pitch-soaked torches, laughing and taunting whoever's inside.


They've already burned a small outbuilding- the source of the smoke column.


The wolves notice Bru approach.


They growl a warning and the brigands turn to face the onlooker (they had been focused on the farmhouse). One of them scowls and waves his arm. "Move on, you!” he snarls. "This is Iron Circle business!"

From inside the farmhouse, you hear a woman's voice shout angrily. "Business? It looks like robbery and murder to me!"

Nok is up.
Drusus on deck.

Initiative:
1-Leirthal (18)
2-DM (16)
3-Bru (14)
4-Nok (13)
5-Drusus (9)
6-Ara (8 )
----------------
Rip-?


*Cleared map included for Chris to mess with:


Features of the Area
Illumination: Bright light-this encounter takes place during daylight.
Burned Outbuilding: The thatch roof of this storage shed is burned away, and the walls are charred and weakened.
Farmhouse: The windows are shuttered, and the door is barred.
Embankment: This steep, dirt road embankment is difficult terrain.
Tree: The square occupied by the tree's trunk is impassable but provides cover.  
Wall: The fieldstone wall stands 4 feet high and provides cover against attacks that cross it. It costs 10 ft. of movement to cross the wall.
Well: This 15-foot-deep well is surrounded by a low stone wall. Climbing out of the well is difficult.

Cyc is in the heezy

Cyclone Chinook
HP 25/25
AC: 17
Proficiency Bonus: +2
Initiative Bonus: +1

STR: 13 (+1)
DEX: 13 (+1)
CON: 14 (+2)
INT: 10 (+0)
WIS: 16 (+3)
CHR: (10 (+0)

Saves:
WIS: (+5)
CHR: (+2)

Initiative:
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +1" :

5 + 1 = 6

sorry for the delay in mapping, the boys' cousin had a snow mobiling\sleding birthday party today, git yer redneck on!


Nok will use his Cunning action to Hide

Stealth check

Roll(1d20)+7:
19,+7
Total:26



Nok will use a Move and Dash to sneak around the tree and staying low, hug the stone wall to K-21

map is updated with baddies and Cyc

Cyc looks like a badass! Map looks great! Might want to add the warhorse, tho.

Nok sneaks around the perimeter. He's quiet as a mouse (FYI, wolves get advantage on hearing and scent Perception checks).

Drusus is up.
Ara on deck.

Initiative:
1-Leirthal (18)
2-DM (16)
3-Bru (14)
4-Nok (13)
5-Drusus (9)
6-Ara (8 )
7-Cyc (6)

I will add the war horse in the next update, sorry

Drusus will cast Longstrider to increase his movement by 10'

Draws his sword and moves to Q-14

AC: 18
Initiative: +1
Prof. Bonus: +2
Movement: 40’
Saves: Strength and Constitution

Drusus confidently strides up behind Bru.

Ara is up.
Cyc on deck.

Initiative:
1-Leirthal (18)
2-DM (16)
3-Bru (14)
4-Nok (13)
5-Drusus (9)
6-Ara (8 )
7-Cyc (6)

Quxx initiative:

Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +1" :

13 + 1 = 14

Starting position: S-18

Despite the warning to move on, the party closes in on the farmhouse.


I guess the warhorse is just hanging out on the road? I put Quxx on the board. Switched out Rip to Cyc. I also replaced the mini for Leirthal as one holding a book (instead of a staff). Sorry not all the minis are super accurate to your character's descriptions. Use your imaginations I guess.

Ara is up.
Cyc on deck.

Round 1
Initiative:
1-Leirthal (18)
2-DM (16)
3-Bru (14)+2
4-Quxx (14)+1
5-Nok (13)
6-Drusus (9)
7-Ara (8 )
8-Cyc (6)

Quxx can go after Cyc this round, then he'll be 4th in round 2..

ARA
HP: 25/25 (1d10)
AC: 14
Passive Percept: 14
Speed: 35 feet
Saves: STR (+3) DEX (+5) CON (+1) WIS (+2)
(Advantage on all saving throws against charm and no sleep spells)

Proficiency Bonus: +2
Initiative: +2
Archery: +2 all ranged weapons
Darkvision 60'

Spell save DC: 12
Spell attack bonus: +4
Slots: 3/3 L1


Ara nocks a bow, then hustles directly west on the road to T11. He is smart enough not to raise the bow, but prepares to let loose while maintaining a good view west down the road as well as keeping an eye on the tree lines so that the left flank is tended to.

map is updated

Cyc

HP 25/25
AC: 17
Proficiency Bonus: +2
Initiative Bonus: +1

Saves:
WIS: (+5)
CHR: (+2)

Cyc will Dash and take his full movement to advance to M13, using the wall for cover but keeping his line of sight open into the eastern half of the keep. He calls out to the brigands in his best NCO voice "That's enough out of you lot. Clear out of here and take yer mangy mutts with ya."

trouble7332 wrote:Ara nocks a bow, then hustles directly west on the road to T11. He is smart enough not to raise the bow, but prepares to let loose while maintaining a good view west down the road as well as keeping an eye on the tree lines so that the left flank is tended to.

FYI, the embankment is 5' high. Ara can see over it, but he doesn't have line of sight to the goons beyond the wall.

Cyc moves up to the fieldstone wall. It is 4' high, but as a dwarf, Cyc doesn't need to crouch too much to gain cover. In response to Cyc's order, there is laughter, some hearty, some nervous.

Quxx is up (end of round).
Lerithal on deck.

Hey, didn't catch the part about the embankment. Can I use my action to dash to Q9 so I have clear sight. Apologies, rookie mistake.

Also, what is the height of the walls of the smaller building on the SW corner of the property? I;m assuming at least 7-8 ft high, so there's no clear line of sight over it.

Ni am verime sorrime - (I am very sorry)

map updated

The companions continue to close-in on the farmstead.


The smaller building in the SW corner appears to be a shed. It is 8' tall, with a thatched roof, and sides made of fieldstone, like the perimeter wall. No windows.

In Ara's case, it does obscure LoS on 3 of the foes (to the west/left side of the stick on the map).



Quxx is up (end of round).
Lerithal on deck.

Quxx
HP: 18/18
AC: 17
Passive Perception: 12
Prof Bonus: +2
Fire resistance
Spell Slots, 2nd Lvl: 2

---

Quxx scrambles up over the embankment then strides towards the villa, ending his movement at N-18.

He unleashes a GRASPING Eldritch Blast (Eldritch Blast may pull targets 10 feet towards you) against the merc bandit at H-19, attempting to pull him 10 ft forward into the well!

Eldritch Blast
Evocation

Level: Cantrip
Casting time: 1 Action
Range: 120 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
A beam of crackling energy streaks toward a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d10 force damage.

Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +5" :

14 + 5 = 19

dmg if hits:

Result of the throw of dice "1d10" :

6

Quxx gets in first blood with a successful hit! The brigand is damaged and pulled to the well.

I don't really know about Grasping ability, can you post? I expect the brigand gets a Dex save to avoid falling in the well.

in Matt's game, my Warlock used the other version that pushes an enemy 10ft away if it hits.  There is no save vs the push\pull, but I agree about a save vs an environmental danger in the new square.

map updated

It was listed in the 5e character builder, I'll have to hunt down what splatbook it is in.

Its counterpart, as Chris mentioned, simply states =

"When you hit a creature with eldritch blast, you can push
the creature up to 10 feet away from you in a straight line."

I think giving the creature a save to avoid falling in the well is fair. I'm using the effect for an environmental manipulation that is not part of the spell text.

Spell DC is 13.

Xanathar's guide

GRASP or HADAR
Prerequisite: eldritch blast cantrip
Once on each of your turns when you hit a creature
with your eldritcli blast, you can move that creature in a
straight line 10 feet closer to you.


(Thanks, was away from the computer. - Matt)

Leirthal The Magnificent

AC 13 (15 arcane deflection)
Hp 20/20

Passive perception 13
Passive investigation 15
Passive insight 13

I'm assuming that the tree to which Leirthal is adjacent is some sort of deciduous tree and that Leirthal can stand under it and still see.  With that assumption, Leirthal moves to Q-21 behind the trunk.

Leirthal's cloak billows in the wind as he whispers ancient incantations.  He casts SLEEP as a 2nd level spell centered on H-13

Result of the throw of dice "7d8" :

5 + 8 + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 5 = 35 hit points of sleep

20' radius

MAS wrote:Quxx scrambles up over the embankment then strides towards the villa, ending his movement at N-18.

Chris, please put Quxx at N-18 (he is currently at M-19, and wouldn't have had enough movement to get there.)

Another stickler's point: since Quxx is (slightly) angled from the brigand, would he still be pulled towards the well? Yes, but not directly. I will go with the cinematic option and vote that the poor sap gets close enough for it to be a problem (however slight angles is something to consider when Quxx tries that power again).

DEX Save is DC 13. I'm not using Quxx spell save, it's DM adjudicated, but DC 13 seems fair. He gets a 12 and falls into the well! It's 20 feet down. There is water at the bottom, he lands with a splash.

Round 2
Initiative:
1-Leirthal (18)
2-DM (16)
3-Bru (14)+2
4-Quxx (14)+1
5-Nok (13)
6-Drusus (9)
7-Ara (8 )
8-Cyc (6)

Leirthal moves up by the tree seeking cover. He casts sleep, sending the brigand at H-14 and the wolf at I-15 falling down into a snooze.




Seeing how they are under attack, the brigands react with violence.

Brigand at H-17 has a burning torch he moves over to G-18 by the farmhouse and lights the thatch roof on fire. There are screams of horror from inside the house as the roof lights up.

Brigand at I-16 fires his hand crossbow at Quxx, but misses. He draws his scimitar and runs up to the wall at L-16. "Come get some!" he cries. Nobody crosses the Iron Circle!"

Brigand at D-12 also wields a burning torch (he'd just set the outhouse on fire) and moves over to the farmhouse at D-14 and lights the roof on fire.

Brigand at F-11 moves over to her sleeping comrade at G-14 and wakes him by kicking him. She has movement remaining and goes to the sleeping wolf at H-15.

The sleeper was prone and uses half his movement to stand up. He's groggy, but manages to move up to K-14 and fire his crossbow at Cyc. The dwarf has 3/4 cover crouching behind the wall, and the brigand misses. He reloads.

The wolf (that's still awake) runs up to K-12 and lets out a vicious growl.




Bru is up.
Quxx on deck.

map updated

Bru Zher
HP: 35/35
AC: 15 (16 with +1 ring, 20 with mithril shield and ring)
SV: STR (+5), CON (+5)
Rage: 3/3, +2 damage, resistant to all damage but psychic
Battleaxe: +5tohit, 1d8/1d10(2handed) + 3
Handaxe: +5tohit (+4 if thrown), 1d6 + 3 (+2 if thrown), 20'/60'
Javelin: +4tohit,  1d6 + 2, 30'120'


Bru moves to K-15, shield in one hand and battleaxe in the other.  He takes a swing at brigand K-14.
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +5" : 11 + 5 = 16
If that hits, he deals Result of the throw of dice "1d8 +3" : 2 + 3 = 5 damage.

He shouts out to the two torch-bearing to flee as he flexes.  "Your mischief will cost you dearly. Your only hope, now, is to run."

I'm working up in the mountains through Sunday, but am able to check up daily.

I'm not sure how Bru made it to K-15. It costs 10' movement to cross the wall or closed gate.

He can still make his attack at the brigand at K-14, but his placement needs to be different.

Copy that. Rush job from my hotel between shifts. That'll do

What is Bru 's position?

L15

Josef909 wrote:L15

That works.

And everyone please be aware we are using the optional flanking rules in DMG p. 251.

When a creature and at least one of it's allies are adjacent to an enemy and on opposite sides or corners of the enemy space, they flank the enemy, and each of them has advantage on melee attack rolls against the enemy.

And we are using diagonally adjacent squares for combat, spell effects, and movement.


Quxx is up.

map is updated




quick question for the GM - I assume the circled items are doors\gates?



I believe you said the exterior one, like the one by Bru and Cyc is a gate