Lucius Cypher

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

You move in quietly, not even a pebble was turned as you lightly stepped closer towards the harpies. Ducking behind a rock you concentrate the ki into your hands just like you were taught last night. It felt oddly familiar despite doing this the first time, physically, but soon you would truly have a ball of light in your hands, ready to fire. You launch the orb towards the nearest harpy; it was a bit messy due to your unfamiliarity and the range, but your sun bolt right into the chest of the harpy, causing it to yelp in surprise. That help signaled the rest of your team to attack, focusing on the harpy you attacked. Shortfang's crossbow bolt sped through the air and shot the harpy right into the chest, causing it to scream in pain. Pylia summoned forth a divine bolt as she too sneaked closer to get the harpy in range of her spell, scaring the harpy from her roost but failing to actually harm her. That's when Buddy's harpoon came out of nowhere and nailed the bird right in the wing, tearing off flesh and feathers as the harpoon stuck into the tree with a solid thud.

The harpies screeched as the battle commenced, but your allies were ready! Shortfang whistled loudly now that stealth was broken, commanding Syfr to fly towards the wounded harpy. The bird saw the black owl and was ready to slash at it, however Syfr was merely a distraction. At the last second the bird turned away just as it was within range of the harpy, and replacing him was one of Shortfang's arrows! It nailed the harpy right in the eye, causing it to fall from the tree as she struggled to gain her bearings. Pylia walked up beside you with a slight look of surprise. "Since when were you able to use magic!?" She just chuckled as she summoned a small ball of fire at the tip of her war club, using it to direct her fire orb right into the wounded Harpy to finish it off. The bird burst into flames and fell to the ground in a sputtering, burning heap.

But now it was the Harpies turn to attack! They were furious at their sister's death, and the one that was close to her charged straight towards the closest target, being you. She flew fast and furiously as her talons cut into your arms when you tried to defend yourself. Her follow up rake would've sliced your eyes had you not stumbled in such a way that the claws were literal centimeters away from your face. You could feel the force behind the claws that could've potentially blinded you. The other two harpies rushed into battle, not quite close enough to immediately start attacking but they certainly wasted no time closing the distance.

Rolls and Info

Shortfang (28/28) | Syfr (1/1) = 21
Pylia (24/24) = 18
Harpies (A: Dead) (B: 38/38) (C: 38/38) (D: 38/38) = 15
Sylvia (17/21) = 13
Buddy (31/31) = 5

Shortfang's Light Crossbow vs Harpy A = 10/15
Crossbow Damage = 11

Harpy A Dex Save vs Pylia's Sacred Flame = 20

Buddy's Harpoon = 13/14
Harpoon Damage = 6

Shortfang's Light Crossbow vs Harpy A = Nat 20/23
Crit Crossbow = 14

Pylia's Fire Orb = 22
Fire Orb Damage = 2

Harpy B Claws vs Sylvia = 22
Claw Damage = 4
Harpy B Claws vs Sylvia = Nat 20
Lucky Reroll = 11

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Just a quick heads up, one of the harpies managed to land a critical hit on you. Would you like to use Lucky to reroll it?

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Cool, roll me an initiative then.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Also go ahead and roll initiative too.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

I presume you are moving closer? Just so you know, Sun Bolt only has a range of 30 feet max, so you'll need to move in to get into range. Technically you still wouldn't even if you got closer, you'd be short by 10 feet. I can allow you to try and hit beyond 30 feet, but it would negate your advantage roll from stealth and change it into a normal hit. Tis okay with you?

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Buddy took the harpoon, looking at it and than the harpies in the distance. It was hard to tell what he was thinking but he readied the harpoon as if he was about to throw it, just waiting for the signal to attack. Pylia nodded, knowing a spell that could hit them if she got closer. Shortfang had to switch from his handcrossbow to a light crossbow, one he took from the bandits, but with it he could snipe the harpies from here. "Okay. We wait for you. When you attack, we attack!" Shortfang said with a quiet cheer. Syfr was sitting on the cliff watching everyone below, hidden by some rocks so the harpies don't see him either. It was time to execute the plan.

Rolls and Info

Sylvia (21/21)
Pylia (24/24)
Shortfang (28/28) | Syfr (1/1)
Buddy (31/31)

Shortfang's Stealth = 22

Pylia's Stealth = 13

Buddy's Stealth = 8/16

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Fortunately for you, I've made a map!



In case you can't see it, you're basically about 85 feet away from the harpies. Where the sun is at right now, the mountain is shadowing the tree, allowing Shortfang to see them despite his light sensitivity. Additionally light grey rocks near you are cliffs that are about ten feet above you, however the dark rocks are impassable terrain (too rocky, sheer cliffs, etc). Of course, might not entirely be an issue for you. The lighter color rocks indicate a twenty foot drop to mostly traversal terrain, however beyond that is steep cliffs aka you will fall to your death.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Buddy nodded, pulling the cart closer to the wagon but leaving it behind as he took his axe out. Pylia got out of the wagon and took her warclub out. "How are you talking to Shortfang? Did you learn some magic or something?" Pylia asked curiously. No one had informed her of Shortfang's new trick. Regardless the party moved forward and would soon meet with Shortfang, who motioned them to lower their heads. Sure enough at the bottom of a hill was a big of a clearing with a large tree, and on that tree were four bird-like figures. If you didn't look too carefully they looked like normal birds such as vultures or eagles, but for those aware they could make out the human faces on these monstrous birds. "Shortfang no find other way. Gotta go through there. Rush or sneak?" You can tell that while Shortfang and Pyila seem adapt at sneaking about, Buddy was far too heavy and loud to sneak without being spotted. He could stay behind, but that would mean it'll take him more time to get into the thick of battle. Pylia charged her club with magic and looked to you. "I'll follow your lead, Sylvia."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Pylia nods, strapping her shield onto her arm. Nothing came, however they did come across the goblin's body. It was a grisly sight; a small, almost child-sized body, ripped apart by animals. If you hadn't fought them before you might've even mistaken it as an odd red child, however their more inhuman features were notable on sight, such as their pointed ears, strange body proportions, and digitigrade legs. His armor was rend apart, and even his sword was shattered. Or perhaps it was already like that; the goblins didn't seem too capable of taking care of their own equipment.

A few more minutes would pass before you receive another message. It was short, very short, but even as a telepathic thought you can hear the caution in the tone. "Stop. Harpies ahead. I see four of them. They're on a tree watching the road." You remember seeing what you believe were harpies in your dream. They were terrifying for how uncanny they looked; they had the head and body of a woman, but their necks were far too long, and the rest of their body looked like that of a vulture or other large bird of prey. Worse still was that their faces were actually conventionally attractive as far as human features go, but combined with their very must monstrous bodies, they were a frightful foe indeed.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

You don't notice anything in particular beyond the silence. It was eerie, but hardly indicative of anything. However soon you receive a psychic message from Shortfang. "Found a dead goblin. Looks like he was attacked by wolves, all torn up. But they didn't finish eating the body for some reason. Stay watchful." He warned. The little guy continued to keep a look out as the party was moving forward. It seemed like you were the only person to receive Shortfang's message. "Something wrong Sylvia?" Pylia spoke. She had her armor on, however her shield and club were put away, figuring she didn't need it at the moment.