Battle for Kazragun

[Orikanyo]

Findil


"Well shit, seems we got a good opening volley off, ready another!" he called to the others, and with a flick of his wrist he reloaded his sling once more. 


His only target was in his sights, sure there were others but he couldn't get at them reliably. He rose his sling once more and whipped the small metal bullet forwards.

 

[Silanon]

Once again the Fruitknocker delivers - the bullet hits the one creature in sight right at the side of its head. While the cranial bone is solid enough to take the hit, you certainly can make out an impact.


However, your attention gets distracted as the water in front of the melee specialists splits, making space for the first alligator to surface and arrive on the muddier ground between you and the open water. As it moves forward on its short legs, its eyes muster those waiting for it, its jaws revealing two rows of sharp teeth to release a threatening roar.


Initiative order:


14 - Findil


11 - Alligator 1


---> 11 - Aeon


11 - Wren


9 - Baird


9 - Fi


8 - Alligator 2 - wounded


5 - Veskassdak


5 - Alligator 3 - wounded, diving


@Ritzyis up.

 

[Ritzy]

Aeon charges the nearest alligator and swings his bastard sword with all his might, hoping to remove the beast's head from its shoulders.

 

[Silanon]

As your sword strikes down at the creature, it shows more agility than expected - while it cannot dodge your attack completely, it manages to moves sideways just enough so that your sword cuts deep into its shoulder instead of hitting the neck. You earn a pained roar for your hit, but a reddish gleaming in its reptilian eyes tells you that it won't retreat just yet.


Initiative order:


14 - Findil


11 - Alligator 1 - wounded


11 - Aeon


---> 11 - Wren


9 - Baird


9 - Fi


8 - Alligator 2 - wounded


5 - Veskassdak


5 - Alligator 3 - wounded, diving


@Sherwoodis up.

 

[Sherwood]

Wren sees her perfect opportunity, and leaps from her hiding spot, being careful to keep out of reach of the gaping maw of the croc.  Taking up a flanking position behind the croc across from Aeon, she tries to plunge both her short swords into its back.

Spoiler

Going for a dual weapon Sneak Attack/flanking strike.  Numbers are +6 to hit from flanking, doing a total of 2d6+1 per sword

 

[Silanon]

Wren moves up the few steps between her and her target, plunging her first sword deep through the creatures' leathery skin. Its reaction is a wild turnaround, almost wrenching the sword from the adventurer's hand. Moreover, its jaw snaps after your other hand, preventing the second attack as avoiding the wrist to be caught between razorsharp teeth seems more important. You can clearly see its movements slow down, though, as thick, dark blood covers its back.


Initiative order:


14 - Findil


11 - Alligator 1 - badly wounded


11 - Aeon


11 - Wren


---> 9 - Baird


9 - Fi


8 - Alligator 2 - wounded


5 - Veskassdak


5 - Alligator 3 - wounded, diving


@Clockwork Syringeis up.

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Baird watched as everyone, save for Veskassdak had reacted to their unwelcome intruders with relative ease. Veskassdak could hold his own so Baird felt no inclination to give him a hand yet. Aeon on the other hand, was in the thick of things so he needed a little more help. Taking a 5ft step backwards, Baird then began to recite a spell as fast as he could to provide Aeon with some aid. Once the incantation was complete, he spread his palms towards Aeon and sent the magic toward him giving him a boost to his defenses(Mage armor was casted +4 to Aeon's AC). Hopefully this would help him in fending off the alligators.


@Silanon @Ritzy

 

[Silanon]

As Baird moves forward to assist the former slave, the alligator stays safely on the other side of the armored cleric - the sorcerer can cast the spell without endangering himself all that much. The wave of magical energy encloses the man, providing additional protection for about an hour. [mage armor is touch-range]


@Kiroshivenmay take an action.


Regardless of the bard's action, he won't be able to prevent another threat from arising. Once again, the water moves as the second alligator reaches the solid ground, almost shooting out of the swamps. After flanking the first one, Wren is the closest to the water, and therefore target for its attack. She can, however, avoid its snapping jaws, quick-witted jumping backwards.


Initiative order:


14 - Findil


11 - Alligator 1 - badly wounded


11 - Aeon


11 - Wren


9 - Baird


9 - Fi [delayed action]


8 - Alligator 2 - wounded


---> 5 - Veskassdak


5 - Alligator 3 - wounded, diving


@Diceris up - there are now two targets in reach - the heavily wounded creature, and the one that just left the water to attack Wren.

 

[Dicer]

Spoiler

Attack bonus while raging is +6. Damage for the greatclub wielded two-handed is 1d10+7. Bite secondary attack is not being used since Veskassdak had to move more than 5 ft.


Armor class while raging is 14.

Seeing the two alligators, Veskassdak realized that the mammal calling herself Wren was in greater danger. He slogged through the water towards the alligator near her and tried to interpose himself between it and her. With an incoherent roar to draw its attention onto him, he raised his greatclub over his head and swung it down hard at the animal.

 

[Silanon]

As the lizardman charges forward, aiming a crushing blow right at the creatures skull, the alligator reacts surprisingly fast - an agile movement is enough to let the strike hit the mud underneath, the weapon splashing water instead of reptilian blood. For a short moment, it seems as if it would survey the humanoid beast swinging a giant weapon,thinking twice about deaing with Veskassdak. Not an uncommon behaviour, really, most wild animals in the swamps try to avoid his kind. This time, however, it is just a bait. Once again, water splashes, as the third creature leaves the mud right next to the warrior, attacking him off-guard. Sharp teeth pierce through his clothing, trying to dig themselves through the sturdy skin. Before the jaws enclose his leg, Veskassdak finds himself able to shake off the attacker - however, the teeth shred the skin during the efforts. Not a deep wound, but certainly a painful one - though he might not even notice it during his rage.

Spoiler

Veskassdak takes 5 damage, bringing him down to 12hp.

Initiative order:


---> 14 - Findil


11 - Alligator 1 - badly wounded


11 - Aeon


11 - Wren


9 - Baird


9 - Fi [delayed action]


8 - Alligator 2 - wounded


5 - Veskassdak


5 - Alligator 3 - wounded


@Orikanyois up.

 

[Orikanyo]

It was Findil's time once again.


And what was he going to do? 


You can easily bloody guess, what the hell has he been doing this whole time? 


Spinning his sling once again he launched another metal bullet towards alligator 1, seeing as it was already very wounded. best finish off what targets he can before they cause any more trouble, a cornered animal is the most dangerous type. Best to rob it of any dying luck it might have. 

 

[Silanon]

Others would have shown caution when shooting right into the melee - not so Findil. And dozens of years of training pay off: As the bullet hits the alligator right underneath the eye, a cracking sound can be heard, and dark blood spouts from the wound. Ignorant as wild animals tend to be, the creature doesn't give up just yet - instead trying to somehow tumble back into the water. Those around might be to end its life - but the glow in its eyes already fades away.


Initiative order:


14 - Findil


---> 11 - Aeon


11 - Wren


9 - Baird


9 - Fi [delayed action]


8 - Alligator 2 - wounded


5 - Veskassdak


5 - Alligator 3 - wounded


@Ritzyis up.

 

[Ritzy]

Aeon made sure he was within range of both Wren, Veskassdak, and hopefully Findil, as he thrust his arm to the sky. "Mighty Arete! Hear my plea as your humble servant beseeches your aid! Bless my companions and guide their strikes true. See to it that their blows find the mark and fear holds them no more! This I beg of you in your mighty name!" His spell then erupts from his body and coats all those close enough. There is a warm, calming, and peaceful feeling running through them as the spell passes them.

 

[Silanon]

As the goddess answers Aeons call, everyone in the group can feel her assistance. For a short moment, your strikes shall be precise, and your will unbroken.


Initiative order:


14 - Findil


11 - Aeon


---> 11 - Wren


9 - Baird


9 - Fi [delayed action]


8 - Alligator 2 - wounded


5 - Veskassdak


5 - Alligator 3 - wounded


@Sherwoodis up - with Veskassdak standing between both remaining alligators, either one would be a good target.

 

[Sherwood]

With the blessing of the goddess flowing through her, Wren maneuvers around to a flanking position with alligator 2.  Hoping that its attention is firmly locked on Veskassdak, she strikes with both her short swords.

Spoiler

bonus to hit with the Bless spell now puts me at a +6 to strike, and damage done will be 2d6+1 per sword from the Sneak Attack.

 

[Silanon]

Guided by Arete, her swords do not only penetrate the thick skin - they pierce right through it as if it was woolen cloth instead. With the first one cutting deep into the creature's back and the other one thusted through its neck as it turns around, Wren can almost feel its dying breath as she pulls back her swords. Indeed, the alligator collapses right then and there, not even releasing a last roar before its soul leaves these realms.


Initiative order:


14 - Findil


11 - Aeon


11 - Wren


---> 9 - Baird


9 - Fi [delayed action]


5 - Veskassdak


5 - Alligator 3 - wounded


@Clockwork Syringeis up.

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Baird's spell had landed on Aeon and had given him some protection, although Wren swiftly took care of the threats. Meanwhile Veskassdak was struggling with his own alligator so Baird figured that he'd need some magical assistance. Baird moved closer to Veskassdak, but enough out of range of the alligator in order to cast some protection onto him(mage armor once more)


@Silanon @Dicer

 

[Silanon]

With Veskassdak between him and the remaining creature, there is no danger for Baird as he casts the spell. Once again, the magic flows through him, soon enough surrounding the lizardman with an invisible layer of protection.


Initiative order:


14 - Findil


11 - Aeon


11 - Wren


9 - Baird


9 - Fi [delayed action]


---> 5 - Veskassdak


5 - Alligator 3 - wounded


@Diceris up.

 

[Dicer]

Veskassdak felt the divine force of Aeon's spell flow into him, giving him a little more clarity on where to swing his greatclub. Still, he dismissed the calming and peaceful effects since those feelings would stop his rage.  He also felt the arcane protective energy of the mammal Baird's spell coat him.  While still in his rage, he barely felt the alligator's bite on his leg as he swung his greatclub again at it. Somewhere in his mind he did register the damage the animal had done, but that was something to worry about later. Through the red haze of his rage he felt that it was time for a bite for a bite. After his swing, he roared again and bit the alligator as hard as he could.

Spoiler

Attack modifiers for his greatclub is now +7 and secondary bite attack is +5. Damage for the bite is 1d3+2. The mage armor spell from Baird increases Veskassdak's AC by 1 making it 15 since the armor he is wearing has a +3 armor bonus.

 

[Silanon]

Compared to the rather elegant fighting style of Wren, Veskassdak fights with brute force. The result, however, is quite the same - as his club shoots downwards, the alligator has not the slightest chance to avoid the hit. Bones burst as they cannot resist the swing. Rolling around, the creature makes sounds of pain and defeat, before a bite into its now unprotected throat finishes what is only a formality by then.


For now, the danger seems past - the two killed swamp creatures lie in their blood, the third seems to have made it back into the water, delaying the inevitable. The scent of death mingles with the typical, musty smell of the swamps. Apart from a falcon circling somewhere in the north, there is no life to be seen, only the old trees and the colorless grass covering the path. Northwards, it seems to get slightly wider, until in the distance, you can make out a higher point - like a small island, standing out only by the slightly thicker vegetation there.

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Seeing that all of the alligators were utterly destroyed by everyone's combined efforts, Barid breathed a sigh of relief. He still had one spell he could use for the day, and still had ammunition for his heavy crossbow. "That was close, nice job Wren, spotting them so we could prepare ourselves." Looking ahead, Baird saw that a possible destination was in the distance. Turning to Veskassdak, Barid questioned, "Veskassdak, is that our destination you suppose?"

 

[Ritzy]

Aeon flashed a quick grin to the others and nodded at Wren as he tossed her a rag to clean her blades.. "You're the face of Wrath herself with those swords. We all did a fine job in our first bout as a team. This bodes well in our future endeavors." He said as he wiped reptile blood off of his sword and sheathed it. Looking at his reptilian friend, his smile faded. "You're hurt." He said grimly. "It does not appear to be deep, but it could get infected. Hold on a moment." He held up his holy symbol and muttered a quick prayer to heal his friend. "There, that should help." He said, the smile returning to his face. He looked where Baird was looking. "Yes, that does appear where we go next, unless it's a trap for handsome adventures. Same order, yes? Wren, I trust you'll save our bacon again if the situation calls for it?" He said flashing her an even wider grin.

 

[Sherwood]

Wren takes the offered cloth from Aeon with a smile.  "Thank you.  I'm just glad that I was lucky enough to spot them before they were able to take us by surprise."  After cleaning her blades, she sheaths them.  "Lets carry on and make some tracks.  I'm sure that the orcs are still out there, just waiting for a chance to attack us."

 

[Dicer]

Seeing the last alligator bleed out after his bite to its throat, Veskassdak let his rage end. Feeling a wave of fatigue wash over him, he looked at the wound the alligator gave his leg. It felt worse than it looked and the pain he suddenly felt from it made him wince and hiss.
Aeon spotted his wound, held up his holy symbol and muttered a quick prayer. Veskassdak felt the wound close and the pain slacken as the magic mended his rent flesh.
"Aeon, thanksss give I," he said. Looking northwards in the direction the mammal Baird was looking he saw the thicker vegetation possibly indicating a small island in the distance. "Perhapsss," he responded. "Could be alssso plassse where ground not sssink in ssswamp. Telling hard at here. With care go usss."
Hearing the mammal Wren's comment about making tracks and green mammals, orcs, attacking, he commented simply, "Tracksss no make here. Feet covered water by. Green mammalsss, orcsss, at peril them attack usss. We go."
With that Veskassdak stood a little straighter, his fatigue having passed, and strode/slogged towards the possible island in the distance, picking up his short bow and giving it a shake to shed any excess water before unstringing it for storing..

 

[Silanon]

As you move on, you leave the two killed alligators behind for whomever might be interested in them - nothing goes to waste in the swamps. Walking over the soaked ground, the heavier ones of you sink in with every step - clearly, there are reasons why this is not the main way Veskassdak marked on the map earlier.


However, things get better - after finishing a third of the straight distance to the island, first blades of grass show a rather greenish color as you reach a first smaller area situated a bit higher than the surrounding. Not much more than ten steps long and wide, thorny bushes welcome you. A few carrion birds fly up from one of them as you step up, taking a look around - there is not much to see at first sight, at least nothing outstanding from what you're used to by now. However, as you look closer, something shiny catches your eyes, right in the middle of the bushes. A longish thing out of metal, stuck into the ground next to a cloth-covered pile.