The Siege of the Swinging Sword (Battle RP!)

[Lochlainn]

A message from Artem:

Quote

"Guardians! You're called to aid the settlement of Red Larch to our north where we've discovered the Coven of Zul preying upon the goodly townsfolk! We've surrounded them within the Swinging Sword Inn, a renowned and well-loved structure of three homely stories of tough wood and sturdy stone and cozy beds. Tis a place where many of us have rested and recovered on our way home from adventures in the area. Rather than face justice for their crimes the coven uses foul magics to conjure undead and aberrant monstrosities--they'll tear the town apart rather than surrender! We need your help, friends! Join us as we break into our beloved Swinging Sword and defeat the dastardly cultists and their dark and savage minions! Take prisoners if you can--but be cautious! The Swinging Sword is known for its winding passages and secret doorways where no doubt our enemies will be hiding in wait for us! The Everburning Light will surely be our salvation on this dark eve! May it guide your steps!"

This thread is a free-flowing roleplay battle where you can participate as you desire! Describe scenes where you and your brothers and sisters in the Mortal Guardians enter the very large Swinging Sword Inn and bring the fight to the Coven of Zul who waits inside! You may have any known NPCs join you, and you may also tag friends if you'd like to fight alongside them (though allow them to post their own actions and descriptions).

In your posts you will control the enemy figures and describe their actions as well as your own--you are essentially the dungeon master for your posts! There are cultists armed with mundane weapons of any kind, minor wizards and clerics, and likely a few dark paladins--as well as a host of vicious rift ghouls, skeletons, and zombies! If you'd like to create special, unique enemies within the general flavor of the coven we've encountered so far in the main storyline, you are free to do so!

You can write brief posts to allow for others to follow along and participate, or you can craft longer posts to describe your entire activity--all as you like! And if you have any questions, feel free to @me!

[Lochlainn]

Orange fire rises into gray and black clouds of ember and smoke filling the vault of the night sky. The town of Red Larch burns as if it were a smithy's forge.

Gazing up at flames erupting from the corner of the inn, Erghan stands amidst the Mortal Guardians gathered outside. He pounds his palms--one and then the other--ready for the fighting ahead. "My arms are the branches of the mightiest trees, and our enemies will feel the weight of the crashing forest." He looks to his left and right at the Mortal Guardians who have joined for the looming battle--as streaks of magical flame and light burst out shattering the glass of a nearby window.

Screams are heard within the Swinging Sword.

"I am not one for sneaking," Erghan says as he draws first his shield, then his battleax. "Indoors. Close quarters. Loud. Messy." He spits on the dirt. "Personal. We'll be the last things they see in this world--before we send them to the dark ones they worship."

[Dawn]

7 hours ago, Lochlainn said:

Orange fire rises into gray and black clouds of ember and smoke filling the vault of the night sky. The town of Red Larch burns as if it were a smithy's forge.

Gazing up at flames erupting from the corner of the inn, Erghan stands amidst the Mortal Guardians gathered outside. He pounds his palms--one and then the other--ready for the fighting ahead. "My arms are the branches of the mightiest trees, and our enemies will feel the weight of the crashing forest." He looks to his left and right at the Mortal Guardians who have joined for the looming battle--as streaks of magical flame and light burst out shattering the glass of a nearby window.

Screams are heard within the Swinging Sword.

"I am not one for sneaking," Erghan says as he draws first his shield, then his battleax. "Indoors. Close quarters. Loud. Messy." He spits on the dirt. "Personal. We'll be the last things they see in this world--before we send them to the dark ones they worship."

Tenayl emerges from the shadows, in tow with Rian and Mason. They had all recieved the call and had came to action, some more willing than others. As we all recall Rian's last time with undead l, it had lead to quite a emotional outrage happening. Mason didn't need any convincing to help out his fellow guild mates, sword in hand ready to fight. 

Tenayl, concentrating, casts onto the whole of the Mortal guardians gathered with the spell Pass Without Trace. 

"With my spell, even those who aren't one for being sneaky shall pass by undetected." They move in to the left side of Erghan, shield in hand and rapier ready. "I got the left side."

[Lochlainn]

Erghan nods respectfully to Tenayl and then looks ahead to the front door of the inn. "Always like an up front challenge myself--I'll give the door a try. If things become a mess there, it might make for an opening through the windows or elswhere. I'll try and get their attention." He smacks the flat of his battleaxe against Rian's shield. "You. Come with me. Let's make some noise!"

With that, Erghan howls loudly at the sky and rumbles toward the entrance!

Rian stares after the goliath wide-eyed before he stumbles a step forwards and then sprints after him.

Moments later, Erghan collides with the double wooden doors and bursts them open! (Athletics 22!) Then he pauses and steps back outside, taking cover behind the right outer wall and door frame--just as a barrage of crossbow bolts snap through the air and thud into the wood beside him.

Rian joins him, taking a defensive position just to the left in a similar position. He gawks at Erghan and shouts, "Is this what you had in mind?!" 

Erghan just grins as magic flames snap past between them through the open doorway.

Inside, a group of Zulan cultists has set up a barricade of tables from which they have cover and aim their crossbows at the front door. A mage of some kind stands in their midst rapidly hurling fire bolts in their direction.

Erghan waves to Tenayl ( @Dawn ) and signals to go round the left/western side of the main foyer! "Flank them if you can!"

[Ruuby]

4 hours ago, Lochlainn said:

Erghan nods respectfully to Tenayl and then looks ahead to the front door of the inn. "Always like an up front challenge myself--I'll give the door a try. If things become a mess there, it might make for an opening through the windows or elswhere. I'll try and get their attention." He smacks the flat of his battleaxe against Rian's shield. "You. Come with me. Let's make some noise!"

With that, Erghan howls loudly at the sky and rumbles toward the entrance!

Rian stares after the goliath wide-eyed before he stumbles a step forwards and then sprints after him.

Moments later, Erghan collides with the double wooden doors and bursts them open! (Athletics 22!) Then he pauses and steps back outside, taking cover behind the right outer wall and door frame--just as a barrage of crossbow bolts snap through the air and thud into the wood beside him.

Rian joins him, taking a defensive position just to the left in a similar position. He gawks at Erghan and shouts, "Is this what you had in mind?!" 

Erghan just grins as magic flames snap past between them through the open doorway.

Inside, a group of Zulan cultists has set up a barricade of tables from which they have cover and aim their crossbows at the front door. A mage of some kind stands in their midst rapidly hurling fire bolts in their direction.

Erghan waves to Tenayl ( @Dawn ) and signals to go round the left/western side of the main foyer! "Flank them if you can!"

Cersei quietly observes the events play out, a straight forward approach suited her best so she advances with Erghan's group. Seeing the current trouble she tilts her head. 

"Hmm the flank would benefit if we kill that spell caster huh."

Swiping her right hand she moves a table just enough to see the mage. With the snapping of fingers from the same hand sparks fly from the motion, and the spell caster appears before Erghan, Cersei and Rian. A step forward is taken.

"You seem to be a wizard so I'll enjoy this."

A blade wrapped in light from her left, and one of dark steel from her right, a quick swipe from Cersei's swords quickly cut down the spell caster.

Loosening her grip after the kill she turns to her comrades with a satisfied grin. Onto the next. 

Now pointing one of her swords towards the remaining cultists, she notices the hour and sighs. 

"The night is young my friends,..... but I don't wish for this to take too long, time is money~."

The sorceress's body glows as sparks dance all over it, mirror images of her form. One more quick grin and then in a sudden motion Cersei dashes down the main foyer. Arrows rain, but a swipe up from her sword forms a shield of blue electrical energy, her figure disappears as she scales the barricades and jumps to the other side. (Nat 20 Acrobatics Pog) 

Edited April 13, 2022 by Ruuby

[Dawn]

13 hours ago, Lochlainn said:

Erghan nods respectfully to Tenayl and then looks ahead to the front door of the inn. "Always like an up front challenge myself--I'll give the door a try. If things become a mess there, it might make for an opening through the windows or elswhere. I'll try and get their attention." He smacks the flat of his battleaxe against Rian's shield. "You. Come with me. Let's make some noise!"

With that, Erghan howls loudly at the sky and rumbles toward the entrance!

Rian stares after the goliath wide-eyed before he stumbles a step forwards and then sprints after him.

Moments later, Erghan collides with the double wooden doors and bursts them open! (Athletics 22!) Then he pauses and steps back outside, taking cover behind the right outer wall and door frame--just as a barrage of crossbow bolts snap through the air and thud into the wood beside him.

Rian joins him, taking a defensive position just to the left in a similar position. He gawks at Erghan and shouts, "Is this what you had in mind?!" 

Erghan just grins as magic flames snap past between them through the open doorway.

Inside, a group of Zulan cultists has set up a barricade of tables from which they have cover and aim their crossbows at the front door. A mage of some kind stands in their midst rapidly hurling fire bolts in their direction.

Erghan waves to Tenayl ( @Dawn ) and signals to go round the left/western side of the main foyer! "Flank them if you can!"

Tenayl rushes in from a side, casting their favourite spell of Zephyr's strike abandoning the concentration for Pass Without Trace. Their movement is like of the wind, a burst of speed put forth. With their added speed the reactions of the cultists were too late, as they have infiltrated their lines. 
Hitting the left most cultist, they deal A NAT 20. This cultist will be marked with Planar Warrior. That is (7+8)+6 and (8+1) With (8+4) making it a total of 42 damage for that cultist. And than, preparing their second attack, they move to the next with a 22 to hit, dealing a solid 8 points of damage. 
To describe the scene, Tenayl comes out of nowhere, around the left side of the bar before stabbing one with such pinpoint accuracy that the force damage is dealt to the cultist's heart, combusting it open and causing it to flop dead. 

(42 damage is enough to kill a cultist right? And if not, is 50 enough?)

Edited April 13, 2022 by Dawn

[Lochlainn]

1 hour ago, Dawn said:

Tenayl rushes in from a side, casting their favourite spell of Zephyr's strike abandoning the concentration for Pass Without Trace. Their movement is like of the wind, a burst of speed put forth. With their added speed the reactions of the cultists were too late, as they have infiltrated their lines. 
Hitting the left most cultist, they deal A NAT 20. This cultist will be marked with Planar Warrior. That is (7+8)+6 and (8+1) With (8+4) making it a total of 42 damage for that cultist. And than, preparing their second attack, they move to the next with a 22 to hit, dealing a solid 8 points of damage. 
To describe the scene, Tenayl comes out of nowhere, around the left side of the bar before stabbing one with such pinpoint accuracy that the force damage is dealt to the cultist's heart, combusting it open and causing it to flop dead. 

(42 damage is enough to kill a cultist right? And if not, is 50 enough?)

42 damage obliterates a cultist anime style  The regular cultists probably have no more than 8-10 HP each.

I imagine that while that dismemberment happens "off screen" both Erghan and Rian wretch while trying to keep from spewing their last meal! They'd share a look that says, "We're in agreement that we never make Tenayl angry."

[Dawn]

1 hour ago, Lochlainn said:

42 damage obliterates a cultist anime style  The regular cultists probably have no more than 8-10 HP each.

I imagine that while that dismemberment happens "off screen" both Erghan and Rian wretch while trying to keep from spewing their last meal! They'd share a look that says, "We're in agreement that we never make Tenayl angry."

(Too bad i'm one of those who go after Rian X3)

[Ruuby]

On 4/13/2022 at 6:00 PM, Dawn said:

Tenayl rushes in from a side, casting their favourite spell of Zephyr's strike abandoning the concentration for Pass Without Trace. Their movement is like of the wind, a burst of speed put forth. With their added speed the reactions of the cultists were too late, as they have infiltrated their lines. 
Hitting the left most cultist, they deal A NAT 20. This cultist will be marked with Planar Warrior. That is (7+8)+6 and (8+1) With (8+4) making it a total of 42 damage for that cultist. And than, preparing their second attack, they move to the next with a 22 to hit, dealing a solid 8 points of damage. 
To describe the scene, Tenayl comes out of nowhere, around the left side of the bar before stabbing one with such pinpoint accuracy that the force damage is dealt to the cultist's heart, combusting it open and causing it to flop dead. 

(42 damage is enough to kill a cultist right? And if not, is 50 enough?)

Having reached the barricade a bit earlier than Tenayl, Cersei was able to see her friends rampage from the start and wonders if they had taken a lesson from the Barbarians from the Guild.

She stops her mouth from letting out the question and cleans the blood from one of her swords and sheathes the other.

A couple seconds prior, Cersei had rushed over to a damaged cultist she had hexed whilst running over. (16 Damage to that cultist).

Going back to the present, after waving a hello to her Ranger friend Cersei once again points her sword, this time to a Dark Paladin obscured by the barricade. A circlet of blue vapor and sparks take hold on the cultists head, and not even seconds later orbs of electric energy form around Cersei, she snaps her fingers and the orbs race toward the Paladin.

(So that’s Hexblade Curse alongside Magic Missile at 2nd level, for 4d4+4+12 = 24 Damage))

Still standing, the Paladin lets out a war cry and charges. Seeing the charge Cersei unsheathes her other sword and quickly turns to look at her comrades.

“This one’s mine~”

She stops for a moment and squints her eyes before turning her head again.

“.....Tenayl if you steal my kill I’m sending back the book I was planning to give yo-.”  (NAT 1 Perception) 

Before she could finish, a Dark Paladin comes ramming in. The ram launches Cersei off her feet, and the Dark Paladin follows her as she crash lands into the nearby hallway. One last yell is made out from her in her launch. 

"Just stating again MY KILL!"

[Lochlainn]

Seizing the moment in the chaos following Cersei and Tenayl's ambush, Erghan gives a quick nod to Rian and shouts, "In we go!" He lowers his shield and charges into the main hall straight for the barricade--but before he can ram into it, two more cultists press forward and hold it against his assault! (Athletics 9 ) Erghan crashes into the overturned table and comes to a halt as the cultists withstand the shove!

Rian follows a moment later, joining Erghan and crashing into the table with his shield. The table grinds against the wooden floor, but the cultists stand their ground against the two Mortal Guardians. (Athletics 8 )

"Darkness take you all!" shouts one of the Zulan fighters as he shoves back against Erghan and Rian. (Athletics 21 ) The table lurches driving Erghan and Rian toward the entrance and away from their companions!

Echoing the shout of their coven ally, three more cultists enter from the hallway leading into the kitchen: two fighters and another mage! They move into positions flanking Erghan and Rian, and the mage looses a fiery series of scorching rays at the two Mortal Guardians! Two of the rays miss narrowly, striking the floor and table and igniting small fires--but one line of flame pops against Erghan, zapping him with a severely painful burn! (10 fire damage! )

Erghan stumbles from the fire and calls out to Cersei, Tenayl, and any other Mortal Guardians: "Bit of help here!?" (3/13 HP)

[Ruuby]

9 hours ago, Lochlainn said:

Seizing the moment in the chaos following Cersei and Tenayl's ambush, Erghan gives a quick nod to Rian and shouts, "In we go!" He lowers his shield and charges into the main hall straight for the barricade--but before he can ram into it, two more cultists press forward and hold it against his assault! (Athletics 9 ) Erghan crashes into the overturned table and comes to a halt as the cultists withstand the shove!

Rian follows a moment later, joining Erghan and crashing into the table with his shield. The table grinds against the wooden floor, but the cultists stand their ground against the two Mortal Guardians. (Athletics 8 )

"Darkness take you all!" shouts one of the Zulan fighters as he shoves back against Erghan and Rian. (Athletics 21 ) The table lurches driving Erghan and Rian toward the entrance and away from their companions!

Echoing the shout of their coven ally, three more cultists enter from the hallway leading into the kitchen: two fighters and another mage! They move into positions flanking Erghan and Rian, and the mage looses a fiery series of scorching rays at the two Mortal Guardians! Two of the rays miss narrowly, striking the floor and table and igniting small fires--but one line of flame pops against Erghan, zapping him with a severely painful burn! (10 fire damage! )

Erghan stumbles from the fire and calls out to Cersei, Tenayl, and any other Mortal Guardians: "Bit of help here!?" (3/13 HP)

As she struggles to get back on her feet, Cersei is met with a downward slash. A narrow escape from the slash has her scramble to get up, her back now against the wall she can feel the damage from the fall (34/42 HP). Erghan's call can be heard and as she spits out blood, under her breath she murmurs.

"Oh buddy I would if I could."

A sigh and a quick assessment is done. Her moon touched sword was out of reach due to the launch, her pouches and backpack are okay, but she was slowly running out of arcane energy in her tank, this fight needs to end now. 

With a snap of her fingers, chains of electric blue and vapor wrap around the Dark Paladins body and then Cersei comes in with a slash. (Assuming 18 hits that's 6 from Hex, +7 From Hexblade/Mods, and a 6 for short-sword = 19 damage). 

She uses the rest of her movement to pick up the sword out of her reach, the Dark Paladin was still standing, but with both swords back that wouldn't last too long.

A heavy slash from the Dark Paladin's greatsword is blocked by Cersei, but she is not unharmed. The sheer force behind it leaves a lasting impression. (22/42 HP). As the Dark Paladin rears back his arms for another strike, Cersei is faster with a thrust and a slash. (7 From Hex, 10 from both short-swords, +12 from Hexblades = 29)

Thudding to the ground Cersei trips over the Paladin's corpse as she sprints back into the main foyer, cursing she stands back up being careful now of other corpses. 
(9 Acrobatics)

She ducks under Erghan and comes to support Rian and him, snapping her fingers chains form around the new mage that has just joined the battle. Cersei looks to her companions.

"I'll take care of the mage!"

[Dawn]

On 4/17/2022 at 12:06 AM, Ruuby said:

As she struggles to get back on her feet, Cersei is met with a downward slash. A narrow escape from the slash has her scramble to get up, her back now against the wall she can feel the damage from the fall (34/42 HP). Erghan's call can be heard and as she spits out blood, under her breath she murmurs.

"Oh buddy I would if I could."

A sigh and a quick assessment is done. Her moon touched sword was out of reach due to the launch, her pouches and backpack are okay, but she was slowly running out of arcane energy in her tank, this fight needs to end now. 

With a snap of her fingers, chains of electric blue and vapor wrap around the Dark Paladins body and then Cersei comes in with a slash. (Assuming 18 hits that's 6 from Hex, +7 From Hexblade/Mods, and a 6 for short-sword = 19 damage). 

She uses the rest of her movement to pick up the sword out of her reach, the Dark Paladin was still standing, but with both swords back that wouldn't last too long.

A heavy slash from the Dark Paladin's greatsword is blocked by Cersei, but she is not unharmed. The sheer force behind it leaves a lasting impression. (22/42 HP). As the Dark Paladin rears back his arms for another strike, Cersei is faster with a thrust and a slash. (7 From Hex, 10 from both short-swords, +12 from Hexblades = 29)

Thudding to the ground Cersei trips over the Paladin's corpse as she sprints back into the main foyer, cursing she stands back up being careful now of other corpses. 
(9 Acrobatics)

She ducks under Erghan and comes to support Rian and him, snapping her fingers chains form around the new mage that has just joined the battle. Cersei looks to her companions.

"I'll take care of the mage!"

Tenayl notices that she states this likewise how she claimed the kill for the paladin (Insight 20) and decides to attack another cultist instead. Their favourite spell is cast, as they refresh their zephy strike, moving onto a third cultist. The first stab initially misses, whilst the second hits with just enough impact and precision to fall the singular cultist. They take the time to analyze the current situation of the battle: The initial cultists who were firing bolts at the group were all down for the count. The paladin and wizard were both slain by Cersei, and now reinforcements have come, hanging out near the entrance of the doorway to the kitchen. A duo of fighters and a mage, whom Cersei had claimed as her target. 

"In that case, I got the left side" Tenayl responds, having taken the time to look around the battlefield, stopping right in front of said cultist. With their extra movement, Tenayl does move around all the members just to disturb them, being unable to be hit with speed like the wind before reaching their destination. Apart from being a blur, the companions would be able to just see Tenayl dancing around their enemies as usual.

[Ruuby]

5 hours ago, Dawn said:

Tenayl notices that she states this likewise how she claimed the kill for the paladin (Insight 20) and decides to attack another cultist instead. Their favourite spell is cast, as they refresh their zephy strike, moving onto a third cultist. The first stab initially misses, whilst the second hits with just enough impact and precision to fall the singular cultist. They take the time to analyze the current situation of the battle: The initial cultists who were firing bolts at the group were all down for the count. The paladin and wizard were both slain by Cersei, and now reinforcements have come, hanging out near the entrance of the doorway to the kitchen. A duo of fighters and a mage, whom Cersei had claimed as her target. 

"In that case, I got the left side" Tenayl responds, having taken the time to look around the battlefield, stopping right in front of said cultist. With their extra movement, Tenayl does move around all the members just to disturb them, being unable to be hit with speed like the wind before reaching their destination. Apart from being a blur, the companions would be able to just see Tenayl dancing around their enemies as usual.

"Pft, left side again huh." A snicker escapes Cersei and in her complacency, magic missiles forcefully impact her. 

Staggering from the spell she looks around to make sure no one saw her fumbling about, but was too embarrassed to really look around. (Natural 1 Perception Baby)

Anger and embarrassment flashing in her eyes she wastes no more time getting to the mage. Moving the chains of lightning and vapor with the flick of her wrist, the next two attacks were going to hurt him hard. 

Two quick swipes from her shortswords, yet the mage was still standing albeit barely. Moving herself fast enough to beat the mages incantations for a spell, Cersei is surprised and interrupted as the mage falls face forward toward her with a familiar figure behind them. 

Rian had come over and dealt the final blow with a chair leg after losing his sword.

"Let's goo farmville! Making us prouder each day ya know that?!"

Patting his back Cersei yells over to Tenayl and his acrobatic combat style.

"Bud let's wrap this up, we've gotta take back some of our injured folk before it gets worse."

[Lochlainn]

As the group claims the main hall, Artem follows in with several members of a healing team--two clerics and a medicinal specialist. They quickly provide healing spells and potions to restore everyone from their recent injuries.

"Fire hurts," Erghan mutters as he looks over Cersei, Rian, and Tenayl. He leans down and sifts the corpse of one of the cultists for the dead man's belongings. "Nothing of value but equipment." He looks up at the ceiling and observes the sound of rushed, heavy footfalls on the floor above. "They came here to die." Rising to his feet, Erghan nods at his companions and says, "Suppose we find out what they're dying for and then send them on their way?"

Ahead in the near corridor at the northeast corner of the room is a hallway leading into a large chamber with a forked stairwell rising on the left and right sides of the room. Coven cultists stand guard at the top of each side, both left and right--and a furious mage looks down on the entry passage, ready to loose fire and arcane energy on any who dare approach.

Erghan takes a safe position near the doorway and asks his friends: "What's our move here?"

[Dawn]

On 4/27/2022 at 5:04 AM, Lochlainn said:

As the group claims the main hall, Artem follows in with several members of a healing team--two clerics and a medicinal specialist. They quickly provide healing spells and potions to restore everyone from their recent injuries.

"Fire hurts," Erghan mutters as he looks over Cersei, Rian, and Tenayl. He leans down and sifts the corpse of one of the cultists for the dead man's belongings. "Nothing of value but equipment." He looks up at the ceiling and observes the sound of rushed, heavy footfalls on the floor above. "They came here to die." Rising to his feet, Erghan nods at his companions and says, "Suppose we find out what they're dying for and then send them on their way?"

Ahead in the near corridor at the northeast corner of the room is a hallway leading into a large chamber with a forked stairwell rising on the left and right sides of the room. Coven cultists stand guard at the top of each side, both left and right--and a furious mage looks down on the entry passage, ready to loose fire and arcane energy on any who dare approach.

Erghan takes a safe position near the doorway and asks his friends: "What's our move here?"

Tenayl utters some phrases, tapping their head as a magical aura surrounds them. In an instant, the aura solidifies into a state as bull horns onto their head, as they pick up one of the tables and hold it out in front of them like a shield, having stowed away their other shield for this protection. 

"Follow me, I'll lead in." 

They rush forward, table in hand as they enter into the chamber when a mage fires magic missiles at the approacher, who is sadly blocked by full cover and thus only the table is hit instead. Tenayl in the same moment the table breaks pulls out their shield, and makes the first move against the left group of coven cultists, leaving the mage to Cersei as they believe that their trusty friend likes handling them. 

With two quick strikes, they fall two cultsists (23 to hit, 13 damage) (17 to hit, 9 damage). Each with a quick and precise jab to their throat.