So the heroes have their plan. Now's the time to put this plan into motion. But first, they have to locate Perth.
(Q) To they catch up to Perth? (Likely) Yes.
(Q) Does she have a home in the woods? (Likely) X-Yes.
"There they are." Zook pointed as the group moved through the woods. Between several trees, they found a two-story cottage built of bricks, which explained why it looked in excellent condition. Perth's two hired thugs stood outside. "Remember, no matter what happens, stick to the plan."
"Unless the plan goes down the sewers," Natrius added, "then, of course we improvise, or run."
As the group approached, one thug drew is sword while the other pointed his crossbow. "That's close enough," said the second.
"We want to speak with Perth," said Zook. "We're from the village she plans to attack and we want to negotiate."
For this, I'll make a Charisma roll of Zook vs. the second thug (using Bandit stats).
(Ability) Does Zook win? (+1 = Likely) Yes.
"Fine." The thug went inside. A few moments later, Perth emerged, wearing her robes.
"I am told you have a valid reason for summoning, commoner," she said.
"We are from Briskhill Village," said Zook. "We know you plan to attack it, that's why you poisoned two of our people. We're here to negotiate for our people's safety."
Perth eyed the gnome suspiciously. "And you are?"
"I am Mr. Zook, court wizard," Zook answered.
"And what is that?" she pointed to the glowing amulet around his neck.
"This amulet," he answered, "both detects and enhances magic. It was a gift from my deceased master." He held it for a moment. "Spare our village and it's yours."
Let's see if she falls for this plan. It's be Zook's Deception vs. Perth's wisdom.
(Ability) Does Zook deceive Perth? (+2 vs. 0 = Very Likely) Yes.
"Very well," Perth said. "In exchange for your magical amulet, I shall spare your pitiful village.
Natrius watched the woman carefully, wondering if she meant what she said.
Natrius will perform a Wisdom roll to see if he can tell if she's lying. He has +1.
(Ability) Can Natrius tell if Perth is lying? (+1 = Likely) Yes.
(Q) Is Perth Lying? (Very Likely) Yes.
Natrius tapped Zook's shoulder, a signal that the old woman had no intention of cooperating after she got the amulet. Noting this, Zook pretended to be nervous.
Perth held out her hand. "Now the amulet."
Zook pretended to hold out the amulet while stepping back in terror.
"For Kor's sake," said Vina, rolling her eyes, "our people are in danger." Snatching it out of Zook's hand, she handed it to Perth. "Here." But as she did so, Vina attempted to steal Perth's bracelet right off her wrist.
Vina will perform a Sleight of Hand (+2) check, again versus Perth's Wisdom (0).
(Ability) Does Vina succeed? (+2 vs. 0 = Very Likely) Yes.
(Q) Does Perth attempt to use her Shocking Grasp spell? (Likely) Yes.
Perth has +2 Prof, +1 from her Intelligence for +3 Spell Attack. This is versus Vina's +1 Dex.
(Clash) Does Perth hit Vina? (+3 vs. +1 = Very Likely) Yes.
Vina takes 7 damage and collapses.
(By the way, yes, I'm mixing Mythic and DnD rules. I don't see a problem with it, especially since I'm running the game solo, and jumping back and forth doesn't seem to pose a problem.)
While handing the amulet to Perth, Vina managed to slip the old woman's bracelet off. However, as she did so, Perth grabbed her wrist and hit her with a shock strong enough to send her flying back. Vina hit the ground, her eyes closed.
Seeing this, Solgi snuck around, attempting to retrieve the bracelet.
Solgi will make a stealth roll (+1) vs. Perth and her thugs (+2 total).
(Ability) Does Solgi succeed? (+1 vs. +2 = -1 = Unlikely) Yes.
While the old woman laughed, Solgi snuck over to Solgi, and grabbed the bracelet, slipping it into her pocket.
"Nice try." Perth's fingers traced over Zook's amulet, which glowed. "Now leave my sight before I turn you all into ash."
Natrius rushed over to check on Vina.
First I'm making a Death Saving Throw for Vina. She needs 3 to either stabilize or die.
(First roll): Fail.
Natrius rushed over and made a medicine roll to help her.
(Ability) Does Natrius succeed? (+2 vs. 0 = Very Likely) Yes.
Applying some salves, he managed to get her breathing again, but she regain unconscious. Motioning to Solgi, the two picked her up as the group headed for the clearing.
(Q) Does Perth notice her bracelet is missing? (Very Likely) X-Yes.
(Oh boy.)
The group had just reached the clearing when they heard a shriek. The old woman and her thugs approached.
"You have defied me for the final time!" Perth lifted her fingers, which crackled. One thug aimed his crossbow while the other lifted his sword and charged.
(Q) Is Perth going to use her Bonfire spell? (Very Likely) No.
Okay, so she's going for her shocking grasp instead.
(Q) Who is she aiming for? (Rolling 1d8) Vina.
Vina is currently being held by Natrius and Solgi, making her an easy target. Natrius and Solgi will attempt to make an Escape move.
(Clash) Does Solgi succeed? (+2 vs. +2 = 50/50) X-No.
I'm ruling that the Exceptional result means the old woman is wide open for attacks from the others. Also, for the challenge, I decided she has her Mage Armor activated and has 1 Shield ready to cast.
I'm also ruling that Ivor is the closest and will attempt to attack Perth with his Great Club.
Ivor has +1 Proficiency bonus vs. Perth's AC of 13.
(1d20 roll for Ivor) 19 +1 = 20.
Even if she uses Shield (+5 AC), the move would hit.
5 Damage. This brings Perth down to 1 HP. She's still alive, but barely.
Reaching the group, Perth sprang, screaming towards the unconscious Vina, thinking she still had the bracelet. "Give it back!"
Luckily, Solgi and Natrius pulled her out of the way. As Perth stumbled, Ivor stepped forward and dropped his great club right over the old woman's head. She fell to all four's, with blood pouring through her hair.
Her two thugs prepared their weapons and attacked to save the old woman.
Thug #1 (Scimitar) will attack (rolling 1d8) Ivor. Kerri and Milo will try and attack the thug.
Thug #1 gets +3 to attack, while Kerri gets +1, +1 from Milo.
(Clash) Do Kerri and Milo hit the Thug? (+2 vs. +3 = -1 = Unlikely) X-Yes.
Damage: 7 (Kerri) + 4 (Milo) = 11, dropping Thug #1 to 0 HP.
The thug pointed his scimitar and charged towards the cloaked man. But Kerri got there first. Swinging her own club, she caught the man in the ribs, doubling him over. Milo fired his crossbow, catching the thug in the back. He fell over.
That leaves the last thug versus Jaree. Both have crossbows. Thug # 2 has +3 Attack vs. Jaree with +2.
(Clash) Does Jaree win the Clash? (+2 vs. +3 = -1 = Unlikely) No.
Damage: 3 + 1 = 4, dropping Jaree to 0 HP.
Jaree Makes a Death Saving Throw: 1. Fail, 2. Fail, 3. Pass, 4. Fail.
Jaree is dead.
Jaree pointed his crossbow at the thug, who pointed his own. Both fired, but Jaree looked down to see the bolt in his stomach. Dropping his weapon, he collapsed to the ground.
Seeing the former guard fall, Zook pointed his staff and roared. "Now you've done it! Feel the fury from the stars." Muttering gibberish just loud enough to be heard, he locked eyes with the thug.
Zook is attempting to distract the thug, who will use escape to resist it. It's +2 Deception vs. 0.
(Clash) Does Zook succeed? (+2 vs. 0 = Very Likely) Yes.
This gives the thug -1 on his next roll.
The thug stared back at the gnome, just for a moment, but long enough.
Reaching her feet, Perth lifted her hands at the group. Flames emanated from her fingers and the group prepared to respond. Lowering Vina to the ground, Natrius and Solgi pulled out their weapons to attack.
This will be a combined Clash. If Perth wins, she casts her Create Bonfire, causing everyone who fails their Save to suffer 1d8 Damage. In other words, near instant death for everyone.
Ivor, Kerri, and Milo all attack Perth. I'll use Ivor's +2 + 1 for each ally, for a total of +4. This is vs. Perth's +3 Spell casting.
(Clash) Do the heroes succeed? (+4 vs. +3 = Likely) Yes, Random Event.
(Event) "Conclude, Burden"
(Q) Does the amulet explode? (Impossible, since it's 1 in 10 chance) Yes.
Before the old woman could cast her spell, Ivor and Kerri both swung their clubs, while Milo fired his crossbow. Perth threw up her shield spell to protect her. All of the attacks bounced off her magical barrier, and she grinned as she faced the group. But then the amulet now around her neck shimmered, and before she could react, it exploded.
Since it's around Perth's neck, and she only had 1 HP, it's instant death for her. However, everyone else in range has to make a Dex save to avoid the explosion. Failure results in 1d6 Damage.
Ivor: Pass.
Kerri: Pass.
Milo: Fail (1 Damage).
The three dove for cover. Ivor and Kerri managed to avoid the blast while Milo fell to the ground, clutching his shoulder. Overall, though, they survived.
Now we're back to the final two. Solgi will use her sling against the final thug. Since he's distracted, I'll allow Solgi to roll without counting her Disadvantage. +1 vs. +3/
(Clash) Does Solgi succeed? (+1 vs. +3 = Very Unlikely) Yes.
Damage: 4.
As the thug was distracted, Solgi swung her arm, launching a rock that hit him in the head, causing him to stumble back.
(Q) Does the thug flee? (Likely) X-No.
(Action) What does he do? "Enemies, Start."
Looking at the carnage around him, the thug pointed his crossbow. "I'll make you all pay with your lives. I'll paint the ground with your blood."
I'm going full DnD for this next series of rolls, starting with Initiative.
1. Kerri, 2. Solgi, 3. Milo, 4. Thug #2, 5. Ivor, 6. Zook, 7. Natrius.
Kerri: (1d20 Roll) 20!!! Damage: 5 x2 for Crit = 10.
As the thug shifted his crossbow back and forth, he sneered, knowing his opponents wouldn't risk closing the distance. But a shadow fell over him, and he turned to see Kerri standing next to him. Before he could aim his weapon, she crushed his skull with her club, dropping him to the ground.
As the lest opponent fell, the group rushed over to Jaree. Natrius dropped to one knee and checked on him. As the others waited, Natrius raised his eyes and shook his head.
Ivor stood up. "I shall see that he is honored with a monument at this very spot."
Over the next few days, the group disposed of the bodies of Perth and her thugs. Then they performed a funeral and gave their friend Jaree a grave in the clearing, signaling where he fell protecting his friends.
After a day of resting and helping to heal Vina and Milo, the group explored the cottage belonging to the old woman, seeing if she held anything of interest.
I'm rolling on the Treasure Hoard table in the DMG, for Challenge Rating 1 for Perth. After all, had she used her Bonfire attack, the battle would've ended in a single turn in her favor.
Result: 60 gp in treasure; 2 Potions of Healing.
"This isn't much," said Zook, "but it'll help us move forward. Too bad the old woman's bracelet broke."
"Speaking of moving forward," said Natrius, "I think we're ready to go home."
"But are we really?" the gnome asked. "There may be other threats out there." Perhaps we should be ready for them?"
Natrius grew nervous. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying," Zook grinned, "if we can't find adventurers to hire for the future, we should become them ourselves."
So next time, I'll choose 4 or these characters to become adventurers, giving them classes, etc. The other 3 will return home. Just have to decide which 3.
Until then . . .
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