WaterDragonMaverick here with my next Owl House D&D fic update, "Your Turn To Roll". When we last left off, our heroes continued their battles through the Mountain Bird Brawl, leading to Carmen entering the quarterfinals with Sariel and Wrenn. With Luz, Willow, and Gus ready to compete in the next round, will they be able to beat the powerful opponents that reached this point as well? Find out in this next chapter.
Ready? Fight!
The Owl House was created by Dana Terrace and is owned by Disney
Dungeons and Dragons is published by Wizards of the Coast and was made by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson
When the players returned from stretching their legs or making rest stops, they prepared to continue the rest of their session. "Everyone ready," Vee asked.
"Oh yeah, let's do this," King exclaimed, tearing into another bag of gummy candy like he was a wild dog.
"Calm down, King. You're not the one fighting the bounty hunter we encountered before," Luz said. "Maybe we should do some preparations like before? Bless me again or maybe even use Haste?"
"I think they'd notice the Haste," Amity thought out loud.
"They never brought up me blessing Carmen," Hunter noted. "Probably because that wasn't that big of a boost."
"Either way, I think using Bless again would be useful," Luz said.
"Okay, I can get to that before the battle," Hunter agreed.
"But first, we actually have to get there," Vee remarked before narrating what happened. "As you all wake up and have breakfast, half of you see Scalnoir recruiting more people to replace the fallen members of his crew when you first fought him. After that, Jachun approaches you all and the Grand Roshi speaks to the finalists," she stated before voicing the Tortle. "We have a long day ahead of ourselves. When you're ready to battle, come with me and we shall teleport to the first battlefield."
"Yes, sir," Luz, Willow, and Gus all replied as their characters.
"After you manage to get yourselves fed and prepared, everyone gathers in the courtyard and the mages transport everyone to different spots in a new location," Vee said as she brought out a homemade miniature to showcase a mountainous area with a series of rope bridges. "Took me a little to make this, but I thought it would be fun to use," Vee said as she set it up. "With everyone on different parts of the map, Jachun stands on a pillar of stone in the center overlooking the battlefield. The rocky ledges hold rickety rope bridges that give passage over a vast gorge that looks like a 100-foot drop. What does Carmen do while Scalnoir dons his helmet and summons his weapons," Vee asked after describing the area.
"Definitely ask for that sweet sweet Bless to get an extra d4 when I need it," Luz says.
"I cast Bless on Carmen," Hunter declared.
"Got it," Vee said.
"I'll then draw my cutlass and prepare for battle," Luz added.
"As Carmen and Scalnoir both step onto the rope bridges, the armored Tiefling speaks to the pirate," Vee said before voicing Scalnoir. "You won't be as lucky in this battle, cabin girl."
"I won't need luck, demonio ," Luz retorted in Carmen's voice.
"Jachun holds a staff in hand and strikes at the ground near his feet to get everyone's attention," Vee said before voicing the Grand Roshi. "Our first round of the quarterfinals, Carmen Valentina VS Percival Deveraux Scalnoir. Let the brawl begin," she declared in the master's voice. "Luz, roll for initiative."
Luz picked up a d20 and rolled it before groaning at the sight. "That's a 2 to make 9 thanks to my Rakish Audacity."
"Scalnoir got a total of 5. Carmen gets the first move," Vee declared.
"Sweet! I'll start it off by moving closer and attacking him with my sword," Luz declared as she rolled her 20-sided die again. "That's a 13 to make 20. I have my Bless, which gives me a 2. 22 total."
"That hits," Vee said.
"Sweet! I rolled a 5 on my slash and an extra 3 damage for the Sneak Attack. That's 14 total slashing damage thanks to my Dueling fighting style," Luz declared. "After that, I'll move out of the way with a bonus action to dash and my Fancy Footwork to avoid any opportunity attacks," she said.
"Smart," Amity complimented.
"I'll say," Vee says. "Scalnoir takes the slash to his armor and feels the impact from how you hit him. He then sees you practically swing around on the rope bridge to avoid getting hit by him and dash away from physical range. He'll respond to this by casting Chromatic Orb at you," she declared before rolling her d20. "It's a natural 20, so his spell does double damage for 6d8."
"Oh no," Gus and Willow muttered together.
"That's 1, 3, 1, 5, 1, 8… only 19 points of poison damage sent at you when he thrusts his shield forward, hitting you with a poisonous ball of magical energy before he walks forward as far as he can," Vee says.
"If I take that much damage, I'll counter by casting Guiding Bolt on him from a distance. And since you said that Carmen could add her proficiency bonus to the attack rolls if I kept practicing with it, I think it's obvious I would have done so during our travels here," Luz stated.
"Fair point. I'd say that during the time it took to reach the island, you would have done so," Vee agreed.
"My roll is an 11 for 17 total," Luz said. "But with my Bless, that makes it 18."
"The spell doesn't hit as Scalnoir simply blocks it with his shield and the energy from his last spell prevents any magic from taking effect," Vee states.
"Another dash bonus for me," Luz declared, moving her mini as far as she could.
"Scalnoir will give chase and prepare a Searing Smite while dashing after you," Vee stated. "Now his melee attacks will have fire damage boosting them," she said.
"Can't let that happen, so I'll use my ring again," Luz said before rolling her d20 once more. "Ugh… that's a 3 on the die for both my d4 and d20," she grumbled.
"As you take aim, a strong gust of wind shakes the bridge and you miss when the shot goes wide to the left," Vee described.
"With that and only one more Guiding Bolt left, I can't waste it. I'll get away some more," Luz said as she moved her mini from one rope bridge to the next.
"With you using that, Scalnoir will use his turn to dash and get closer," Vee said.
"I'll use my ring's ability to cast Faerie Fire, attempting to bathe him in a bright blue light," Luz said. "He has to make a Dexterity save or he's surrounded by light that will give me advantage on attacks against him when I can see him," she declared.
"Since this is coming from your ring and it uses your Charisma and proficiency, I'll say that your spell save DC is 14," Vee said as she rolled her d20. "He got a 10, so now he's glowing with blue light for the next minute," she declared.
"Yes! Since I used my main action for the turn, I'll just get back far enough that he can't hit me yet," Luz said.
"With that, Scalnoir approaches you and gets on the next rope bridge as well. He'll take his main action to cast Toll the Dead on you," Vee said. "Give me a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw."
Taking her d20, Luz rolled it and was happy with the result. "That's a 14 for 15 total," she exclaimed.
"You take no damage from the sound of the bell tolling," Vee declared.
"I'll rush up to Scalnoir and slash at him," Luz declared before rolling her 20-sided die twice. "First roll was a 4 and the second was a 2. Not hitting him," she said with a grumble.
"You attempt to hit him, but the armor is too tough in the area you try to slash him," Vee said. "With your blade bouncing off, what do you do?"
"Get out of the way and run further down the bridge," Luz replied.
"Scalnoir will scoff at how you're just running from him, then send out another Chromatic Orb to hurt you with fire damage," Vee declared. "This time, he has a total of 15."
"That just hits me," Luz said.
"At least it's just 3d8 this time," Gus remarked.
"He does 11 points of fire damage to you as he shoots the fireball at the back of your armor. Roll me a concentration check for your Faerie Fire," Vee said.
"That's 16 plus 1 plus my Constitution," Luz said after rolling her dice. "19 total."
"He's still glowing with the blue light," Vee confirmed.
"Then I'll start attacking him," Luz declared. "First roll was a 6 and the second is 15 for 22."
"That hits. Roll me damage," Vee declared.
"That's 16 total," Luz said as she counted up her 3d6 and added her bonuses.
"With another slash to his side that gets through his armor, Scalnoir grunts in pain while keeping his sword ablaze for his Searing Smite to stay active," Vee said.
"I'll run away again to the edge of the rope bridge," Luz declared.
"Getting close to the Wall of Force put up each battle," Vee remarked.
"Luz, does Carmen have a plan," King asked.
"I might have one if this next move doesn't work," Luz said.
"Scalnoir now casts another Toll the Dead as he walks toward you," Vee declared.
"I got a natural 19, so that's not affecting me," Luz said. "I'll take my next turn to cast my last Guiding Bolt," she declared before rolling her d20 twice. "That's a 6 on the first and the second one is a 13. That second one makes it 19 total."
"That misses," Vee declared. "Your ring fires out one more blast of light magic, but it fails to hit Scalnoir as he just barely dodges the blast."
"Then I'll hold my ground since he's on that narrow bridge," Luz declared.
"Scalnoir approaches you and finally attacks with his longsword, hitting you with a total of 19," Vee stated. "He hits you for 7 slashing damage before the Searing Smite hurts you further with a total of 6 fire damage."
"I'm now down to 11 hit points," Luz said, feeling worried.
"Now you take another d6 of fire damage, then have to make a Constitution saving throw. DC is 13," Vee stated. "If you succeed, the spell's burning effect ends. You end up taking an extra 3 fire damage now."
"I got a 14 and a 2. That brings my save up to 18 total," Luz says. "I'll probably pat out the flames."
"Yeah, that would be obvious," Vee noted. "Now, what's your next move?"
Luz let out a breath before she said her idea. "I'll attack the ropes," she declared, surprising everyone. "I'll cut off the ropes and let Scalnoir drop down the gorge," she said.
Vee blinked in surprise at the idea, but smiled. "I'll allow it if you can give me an attack roll that beats a 15," she said.
"Okay, here we go," Luz said as she rolled her dice and dropped them into her tray. "That's a 5 and a 4. 9 plus my Dexterity of 4 and my proficiency bonus… I got a total of 16."
"That hits. You slash at the ropes and not even Scalnoir expected that. He gasps in shock before he ends up falling down the gorge," Vee narrated. "Since the rope bridge is 100 feet up, he'll take 10d6 of bludgeoning damage as he falls to the floor," she added as she gathered and shook up 10 six-sided dice. "Oh wow… That's his exact hit points. He lost the last 30 health he had, so he just got straight up Wile E. Coyote'd."
"Nah, that would be the appropriate description if we were in a desert area and he ended up bringing a rock down on him as well as the fall," Gus remarked with a chuckle.
After letting everyone get a laugh in, Vee then continued with the narration of the scene. "After witnessing Scalnoir fall down to his defeat, Jachun sends a monk to check on the bounty hunter. When word is sent that he's still alive, he declares Carmen the victor of the match and the first semifinalist."
"Woohoo! Yes yes yes yes yes! YES," Luz cheered.
"With the Mercy Monks tending to Scalnoir's injuries, he's taken back to the temple to recover while the mages repair the damage to the rope bridge and transport everyone to a new location," Vee continued. "You now find yourselves in a large cavern where the tunnels and a massive open area are lined with torches and braziers. You see various crates and barrels in some areas, giving you the distinct impression that this used to be a supply storage cave. Jachun then speaks up with his voice echoing around the cave," she added before voicing the Tortle again. "Our next battle will be Novahdam VS Viridian Holstein-Quartz."
"My money's on the Dragonborn I fought," King declared.
"I'm rooting for the minotaur," Willow said.
"The two barbarians step into the main center area and stare each other down," Vee narrated. "Novahdam grins while Viridian cracks his knuckles."
"Let's see who Luz ends up having to battle," Hunter remarked.
"Jachun begins the battle and Viridian makes the first move. He goes into a rage and swings his greataxe at Novahdam, hitting the first time before Novahdam ducks under the second swing. Novahdam then enters his own rage and recklessly attacks with his battleaxe, dealing a critical hit on the first attack and hitting on the second one as well," Vee narrated.
"Dang, this is intense," Gus said.
"Viridian then takes advantage of Novahdam's reckless assault on him, hitting him with the first attack and pushing him into a stalagmite, breaking it off," Vee narrated. "Novahdam responds by grabbing the broken rock and striking Viridian recklessly. The first swing with it doesn't hit, but the second succeeds in shattering against his horned skull. With that impact, Viridian's brother and sisters call out to him in worry," she described.
"Oh man, this is going to be rough for both of them," Luz said as she frantically snacked on gummies.
"Viridian then recovers from the attack and strikes at Novahdam with his bare fists, hitting him in the stomach with one hit before stabbing him in the shoulder with his horns," Vee announced. "Novahdam now spits acid at Viridian, which he dodges enough to avoid the full hit, but the dragon man ends up rolling a natural 1 on his follow-up attack. Thanks to that, he slips on a slick part of the cave's floor and has to catch himself on a stalagmite."
"Ouch. What happens next," Amity wondered.
"Viridian then attacks twice with the first one hitting and the second nailing Novahdam in the face again," Vee described. "Novahdam attacks again by charging into Viridian and shoving him down to the ground and grappling him. When he does that, he follows through with a punch to the face," she says.
"And we've gone from axes clashing to wrestling," Hunter remarked.
"Get him with a suplex," King shouted.
"Viridian punches at Novhadam recklessly, but the copper-scaled dragon man avoids the punches before spitting acid in the minotaur's face," Vee described.
"No! Not the handsome bull boy," Luz cried out before laughing a bit.
"After the acid harms Viridian, Novahdam then follows through with a punch to the face after adjusting his grip to hold him by the horns," Vee described. "The attack succeeds and it appears as if Viridian is beginning to suffer from a black eye."
"Ooo, that's not good," Camila remarked.
"Viridian then breaks out of the grapple before he attempts to slam Novahdam's head into the floor, which he succeeds at," Vee described. "Novahdam counters by spitting one last blast of acid at Viridian, which hits the minotaur head-on and weakens him more. Following through, Novahdam manages to attack Viridian again by punching him in the stomach. After that, Viridian then grapples with his opponent again and in their struggle, they cause some rocks to fall on top of each other," she narrated.
"A cave-in," Willow asked in concern.
"No, it's just enough rocks to harm them since Viridian tackled Novahdam into the wall and shook some stones away, leading to them getting hurt," Vee explained. "After all the damage they took, the rocks fall on both of them and they can't get out in time, leading to both barbarians being knocked out," she said.
"Oh man, how does Jachun rule this," Hunter asked.
Vee cleared her throat and began to voice the Tortle just as Hunter asked his question. "Clear the rocks away! We need to check on them," she declared. "The monks and any of the previous contestants all start to clear away rocks, showing the two barbarians are out cold, but still alive. The Holstein-Quartz siblings are relieved at this and Mariposa starts to tend to her big brother while some other Mercy Monks take care of Novahdam."
"Who wins," Luz asked.
"After deliberating to himself, Grand Roshi Jachun speaks to everyone," Vee said before voicing the elder monk once again. "Due to both opponents' injuries, this battle shall be declared a draw. Carmen Valentina shall move directly into the finals, which shall be held after we tend to Novahdam and Viridian," she declared. "After that, the mages transport everyone out of the caves and take the entire group to the Forest of Eternal Bloom, just at the foot of Mount Sajinya. The Holstein-Quartz siblings all help take their brother back up the mountain to rest in the monastery while some of the Order of the Mountain Bird do the same for Novahdam," Vee narrated.
"Guess it's my turn," Willow said as she got her dice ready.
"With the barbarians taken to be tended to, Jachun then turns to face the remaining contestants and witnesses," Vee said before doing Jachun's voice again. "Our third match of the day shall be Salix VS Sariel Belladonna."
"Sariel will step up and get ready to face Salix," Willow said. "When we look at each other, Sariel speaks to her," she added before voicing her druid. "Your abilities are rather impressive. I think I've seen somebody with similar powers in my homeland."
"Thanks. You might be thinking of my master. They left a druid circle long ago and soon met me when I was wandering around this forest near Loch Heartfilia with my brother," Vee said as Salix while Amity thought the location mentioned was important and took notes just in case. "Took us in and taught me how to fight."
"It could be them," Willow replied as Sariel.
"Jachun then raises his hand," Vee said before voicing the Grand Roshi. "Let the brawl begin!"
"Time to roll initiative," Willow muttered as she tossed her green die onto the table and checked her character sheet. "19 to make a dirty 20."
"Salix got a 13 total," Vee said. "Sariel makes the first move."
"Okay, I'll start it off by transforming into a brown bear and attack her," Willow declared. "My bite attack is 13 total. The claw attack is 21 total."
"The first attack misses, but your claws slash at her arm when she blocks your jaw," Vee described.
"Ugh, I got double 1s. That's only 6 damage," Willow said as she rolled her dice.
"The attack only grazed her if that's the case," Vee said. "Salix then attacks with her empty hands, hitting on the first, second, and fourth attacks when she uses Flurry of Blows," she described. "With a flurry of three punches and a final kick, here's what happens. The first attack hits your bear form and deals 9 bludgeoning damage, the second is a max roll for 10, the third misses before she recovers and flips it into a scorpion kick, and the final strike coils vines around her foot to deal 11 more damage."
"My bear form took a lot of damage, but is still up," Willow said. "I'll attack her again with the bite being 14 total and a 10 total for the claw. Neither of those hit, so I'll use my bonus action to spend a 3rd-level spell slot to recover hit points equal to a d8 for each level," she declared. "That's only 8 recovered."
"Salix will attack with a miss on the first attack, a hit on the second, and a hit on the third," she said. "She ends up hitting you for a total of 19 damage."
"That brings me out of my bear form and I take 7 damage," Willow said as she marked her health. "I'll counter by using my Fey Step to get out of her reach, run away some more, then cast Ice Knife at 3rd-level." Rolling her d20, Willow checked the result of her spell attack. "13 to make 21."
"That hits and she rolled a natural 2 on the Dexterity save," Vee confirmed.
"That's 2 piercing damage and 11 cold damage," Willow declared after rolling her dice.
"Salix attempts to grab the dagger out of the air before it hits her, but it explodes into the ice shards before she can do so," Vee described. "She'll use her Rootslide to teleport closer to you, then attack twice," she declared. "The first attack hits, then she follows through with a second. She ends up decking you for 17 damage."
"I'll respond by turning into a bear again, then attack her," Willow declared. "Natural 20 on the bite and 19 total on the claw."
"Both hit," Vee confirmed.
"I got a 1 and a 7 on my bite attack, so that's 12 damage. And the claw deals 10 slashing damage," Willow told everyone.
"Woo! Go, Willow," Luz and Gus cheered.
"Yeah," Hunter joined in with a blush on his cheeks.
"Salix is impressed, but attacks with a Flurry of Blows," Vee declared as she rolled her d20. "All four attacks hit, so Sariel's bear form takes 9 damage on the first blow, 10 on the second, another 9 on the third, and 11 total on the last hit."
"I return to normal with only 5 damage dealt to me. I'm out of Wild Shape uses, so I have to use my magic," Willow said. "I'll cast another Ice Knife at 2nd-level. That'll be an 8 for 16 total," she declared.
"The frozen rose dagger misses Salix, but still explodes into the icy thorns. As for her Dexterity saving throw, that's another natural 2," Vee replied.
"That'll be 14 cold damage this time," Willow said after rolling her dice. "After that, I'll use Fey Step again to get behind a tree for cover."
"Smart thinking," Vee complimented. "Salix has no clue where you went, so she'll roll to see where you went with a Perception check. She manages to find where you went, then runs up closer to you and readies herself with Patient Defense to take the Dodge action," she declared.
"I'll run away behind a tree about 10 feet away from Salix, then cast Thorn Whip to pull her into it," Willow declared. "Since she's dodging, this has disadvantage," she said to herself before rolling. "12 for a modified 20 on the first roll and the second is 10 to make an 18."
"That just manages to hit her," Vee declared. "Since you're pulling her into the tree, add an extra d6 of bludgeoning damage to this roll," she told Willow.
Shaking her dice in hand, Willow rolled the three dice needed and checked the results. "2, 6, and 3. That's 11 total."
"How do you want to do this," Vee asked, confirming Willow's victory.
As the others cheered, Willow considered her finishing move. "I'll make it so she crashes into the tree and the petals fall on top of her like she hits a wall in a cartoon," she decided.
"With the thorn whip wrapping around Salix's waist, she gets pulled into the tree and the impact shakes the petals loose onto her as she falls unconscious," Vee narrated. "With the Mercy Monks checking on her, they declare her unable to continue and Jachun announces Sariel Belladonna moves onto the semifinals."
"Way to go, Willow. I honestly thought Salix had that," Amity said.
"That was awesome," King cheered.
"Time for me to battle Kondai then," Gus said as he prepared his dice.
Vee nodded before she started narrating the scene again. "With the battle ended, the monks tend to Salix's injuries while the mages hold off on teleporting everyone. Instead, Jachun guides you all to Pellucidar Plains for the final battle of the round. The open grassland with rock platforms and a few trees appear to be empty of the local wildlife, allowing you to fight without any outside interference as the mages put up the Wall of Force barrier," she said before voicing Jachun again. "Our final match for this round, Wrenn Shadowcloak VS Kondai."
"Let's do this," Gus said as Wrenn. "I'll make sure to cast Mage Armor first to have more of a chance against Kondai," he added.
"Kondai has a happy grin on his face as he's ready to face another one of his recent friends in the tournament," Vee described before voicing Kondai. "Ready for battle? I hope you can last long enough. I know that wizards and sorcerers focus on their magic more than their bodies."
"I'll show you what I'm capable of," Gus declared as Wrenn.
"Then it's time to roll initiative as Jachun begins the match," Vee told Gus as she tossed her d20 onto the table. "10 for Kondai."
"Natural 20," Gus declared. "I'll start off by moving away and casting Tasha's Mind Whip. Now, he has to make an Intelligence saving throw of 16 or take 3d6 psychic damage and can only take a movement, action, or bonus action."
"Smart thinking, Gus," Willow complimented.
Vee rolled her d20 to see what Kondai could do against the spell. "Kondai got a 14, so he doesn't make the save."
"Excellent," Gus exclaimed before rolling his dice. "He takes 14 total psychic damage."
"With a surge of psychic energy striking Kondai in the head, he grasps his head in pain before running toward Wrenn. However, he has to shake off the effects he suffered and can't attack immediately," Vee described.
"Then I'll use Misty Step to teleport away more, run further toward a nearby rock, and cast Fire Bolt on Kondai," Gus said before rolling his d20. "That's a 7 for 15."
"That misses," Vee said. "Your bolt just gets close to Kondai's foot, so he quickly leaps out of the way before running over to attack you. Fortunately, that use of Misty Step means he can't get close enough, so he'll have to use his Ki Blast Shot," she told Gus. "First roll is a natural 4, so that misses. The second is a natural 19 for 26."
"That'll hit me," Gus said.
"Luckily for you, it grazes you and your Mage Armor protects you from most of the damage. You only take 5 points of force damage. Wrenn's turn now," Vee said after she rolled her d6.
"Okay, with that, I'll try casting Chromatic Orb," Gus declared before rolling his d20. "I got a 15 for 23. I know that'll hit, so it deals a total of… 18 fire damage. After that, I'll run away more."
"Wrenn conjures a fiery orb in his hand and throws it at Kondai after the blast hurt the Gnome. After a successful hit, the Gnome wizard begins to run away and Kondai has to give chase," Vee said. "With another burst of speed, the Aasimar reaches Wrenn and begins to attack. But the first attempt is a natural 1, so he ends up slipping off the rock because his foot wasn't in the right spot," she added after the first roll of her d20. "I'll rule that he has to give up his bonus action in order to keep himself from going prone."
"Thank you," Gus said, knowing his wizard had terrible health compared to the monk.
"His second attack is a 15 for 22," Vee then stated.
"That would still hit me if I used Shield, so I'll save my reaction," Gus said.
"Then the punch will hit you for a total of 7 bludgeoning damage as it hits through your Mage Armor," Vee described.
"Since it was helpful last time, I'll cast Blur on myself and use my last 2nd-level spell slot," Gus declared.
"With Wrenn's body covered by arcane magic to protect him in two different ways, Kondai feels like he needs to go all out and will use a Flurry of Blows to attack four times," Vee told everyone.
"This doesn't sound good," Camila remarked.
"Yeah, but Gus has an armor class of 17 and Kondai has to roll with disadvantage," Luz explained. "Vee has to use the lower roll with each attack."
"First attack is 19 and 9, so the total is only 16 total. That misses," Vee said. "The second is 10 on both, so that's 17 total."
"Shield spell as my reaction, boosting it to 22 for my AC," Gus declared.
"Third attack is 11 and a natural 20. That's an 18 to miss with the Shield spell active," Vee remarked. "Final attack is 11 and 7. That's a miss either way. With each attack, Kondai's punches and kicks fail to connect from the blurry images or arcane defenses messing with him."
"I'll take my turn to get back as far as I can and take an attack of opportunity in the process," Gus declared.
"He manages to his with a 15 for a total of 22 since your Shield spell faded," Vee declared. "You take 10 damage."
"Thanks to my War Caster feat, I can concentrate with advantage," Gus said before rolling his d20 to keep up his Blur spell. "I got an 11 and a 10 on those, so I keep my spell active. After that, I'll channel the power of Virgil Hawkins and harness electrical power with my arcane abilities."
"You wanna cast Lightning Bolt," Willow asked with a knowing look on her face.
"Hehehe… yeah," Gus admitted.
"Time for Kondai to roll a Dexterity save," Vee said before rolling her die. "That's a 22 total. He only takes half damage from it."
"And that damage is… 2, 3, 8, 10, 20… 26 total lightning damage reduced to 13," Gus said.
"With Wrenn's orb sparking with electrical power, a bolt of lightning streaks from it and Kondai manages to jump out of the path, but some electricity harms him as he jumps out of the main blast," Vee described. "Kondai then attacks with his bare hands again, missing on the first attack, but gets a modified 20 for the second attack," she declared.
"I'll use my last 1st-level spell slot to cast another Shield," Gus responded.
"The kick Kondai sends at you almost impacts your stomach, but a barrier forms around you at the last second, protecting you from harm," Vee said. "Kondai will then use another ki point to use Flurry of Blows again. The new attack misses both times."
"I'll run away again and cast Fire Bolt to try and do some damage to him," Gus said, willing to take another hit from Kondai if it meant better chances of attacking.
"That's a natural 20 and a natural 19," Vee said as she rolled for the opportunity attack. "Wrenn takes 6 damage."
After rolling his concentration check, Gus nodded as he passed it, then rolled for his attack spell. "16 for 24," Gus declared. "That hits for 9 fire damage."
"A mote of flame shoots from your finger and hits Kondai in the chest, burning away at his shirt," Vee described. "With Kondai hurt more, he attacks and the first attack hits with a total of 17, dealing another 6 bludgeoning damage."
"I still pass my concentration check for Blur, so I'm still up with 6 hit points," Gus said.
"The second attack misses," Vee said. "With that, he'll go on the defensive and use another ki point for Patient Defense to give him the dodge action."
"Then I'll make this a do or die with a final Lightning Bolt," Gus declared. "Since he's doing a saving throw and I'm not doing an attack roll, I'm not going to move as I cast the spell."
"Bold move, Gus," Hunter complimented.
Vee then took her d20 and rolled with advantage because of having Kondai take the dodge action. "8 and 14… that's 21 total. The damage will be halved. I'll say this right now, Gus. Kondai's at 18 hit points. If you can get enough damage done, you'll win here and now. If not, you'll have a lower chance thanks to your hit points and active spells."
With the number needed given to him, Gus took his dice and rolled them in his dice tray. "2, 4, 10, 14, 24… That's a total of 12 damage done to him as I attack him with the lightning while he dodges the blast," Gus said.
"After that attack, Kondai's feeling winded and may go down soon," Vee described. "He's smiling as he managed to dodge lightning spells from you twice, then he attacks. His first attack misses, the second misses, and the third gets a natural one. To justify this, I'll say the electrical damage he's taken is affecting his body and you get two choices. You can either have advantage on this next attack or he can't take a reaction."
"Either way, he's going to take a Fire Bolt from me. I'll take the advantage since my Blur is still active," Gus chose. "I'll back away about 5 feet and take aim with my cantrip."
"Then Kondai attempts to strike at you with another kick, but misses," Vee described after rolling her d20.
"My Fire Bolt attack roll is a natural 19 on the first and a natural 1 on the second," Gus said. "The damage I do to him is… only a total of 3," he moaned.
"Kondai takes the flame to his shoulder, getting hurt laughing as he feels this has been his greatest challenge yet," Vee says. "He then attacks you with a 17 total, dealing a final 6 damage."
"I'm down," Gus said.
"Oh, I was hoping for an OG Hexsquad battle royale," Luz moaned.
"At least we can team up against Kondai," Willow noted, giving Luz a smile that showed she was ready to avenge Gus and Hunter's losses.
"Kondai ends the battle by going in for a spinning jump, smashing his fist into Wrenn's face and making the gnome bounce along the ground," Vee described. "The Mercy Monks immediately check on Wrenn and deem him unable to continue. Jachun then announces Kondai as the victor."
"If I'm up from the treatment I'm getting, I'll be groaning in pain before I look at Kondai. Is he facing me," Gus asked.
"He is," Vee said before voicing Kondai. "Ha ha! That was incredible. You really made me push myself in that battle. I thought for sure that the last Lightning Bolt or Fire Bolt would have gotten me. Hope to see you and your friends do well in the team battles."
"Thanks. But my friends will make sure you go down first before they face off against each other," Gus said as Wrenn.
"I'm looking forward to it," Vee replied as Kondai. "After that, Jachun declares that the final three combatants will rest up for their battle the next day. With that, everyone returns up the mountain and reaches the temple. When you reach the temple, what do you do?"
"I think it would be best to get to the next day immediately," Hunter suggested.
"I think Philomena will just spend the rest of her time studying," Amity said. "Get myself some possible spells for the team battles."
"Wrenn will do the same," Gus added.
"I think rest would be good," Luz said.
"Alright, we'll get to the next day with everyone rested up," Vee declared. "With the bell ringing to wake everyone for breakfast, the final battle is approaching. You all have food and get ready for Jachun to say where the battle takes place."
"I'll make sure that my sword is ready," Luz said.
"Do you want to borrow my sword instead? A +1 rapier might come in handy," Amity offered.
"Yeah, I think I will," Luz agreed.
"Okay. Then with Philomena letting Carmen borrow her sword, what does Sariel do," Vee asked.
"Sariel would make sure to go from her regular Spring Eladrin form to her Summer form after her long rest, having more of a bright green hair color like leaves on a tree in the summer," Willow said.
"Interesting," Vee remarked.
"After we prepare ourselves, I'd say we have our food and get ready for the match," Luz said.
"Yeah," Willow agreed.
"Very well. After you have your breakfast, Jachun has everyone meet him in the courtyard of the temple before he speaks," Vee said before voicing the Tortle. "It's now time for the final battle of the single combatant rounds. With the mishap of two contestants injured enough to be unable to enter the semi-finals, we've decided on the battle royale between our three remaining contestants. Carmen Valentina, Sariel Belladonna, and the Order of the Mountain Bird's own Kondai. All three of you have proven your capabilities and shall battle each other here throughout the open areas of the temple," Vee said as Jachun.
"The entire temple grounds are the battlefield? Awesome," King cheered.
"Kondai laughs as he's excited for battle," Vee said before voicing the monk. "May the best warrior win!"
"Thanks. We plan on seeing which of us is," Luz replied in Carmen's voice.
"Shall we begin," Willow asked as Sariel.
"Let the brawl begin," Vee declared in Grand Roshi Jachun's voice. "Roll for initiative, girls," she said as she rolled Kondai's d20. "Kondai got a natural 1."
"Carmen has 13 total," Luz said.
"19 total," Willow said. "I'll go first. Sariel starts by transforming into a Brown Bear with her Wild Shape, then attacks Kondai. I got a 16 for 22 on the bite and a natural 19 on the claw attack. I know those will hit, so that's max damage for the bite with 12 and almost full damage at 15 for the claw swipe."
"Kondai watches as Sariel transforms into a bear and attacks him like he was a threat that hurt her cubs," Vee described. "With Sariel's teeth and claws digging into him, Kondai's outfit is already staining with blood."
"I'll attack now and make sure to get him from behind," Luz said as she rolled her die. "I have advantage since he's flanked, so the first roll is 11 and the second is 15. That gives me a total of 23. I end up dealing 10 with the rapier Philomena let me use, my Dueling fighting style, and the Sneak Attack damage is an extra 5. That'll be 15 total piercing damage as I drive the sword into his shoulder and end my turn by running back with my Fancy Footwork."
"After taking that hit, Kondai is impressed and proceeds to build up his focus and ki," Vee explained before voicing Kondai. "Ryuseiken!"
"You say what," Luz asked as Carmen, getting everyone to chuckle as they understood the TeamFourStar reference.
"With this, Kondai spends a ki point to basically cast Haste on himself without the need to roll concentration checks, but he needs to spend a ki point at the start of his turns to keep it up in exchange. He'll now use the spell's extra action to give him the chance to attack with his staff. He ended up getting a natural 2, so he'll spend an extra ki point to use Flurry of Blows, allowing him to attack two more times with his fists," Vee said. "He gets a natural 18 on the second attack and a natural 19 on the third. With that, he'll pummel Sariel's bear form with 7 damage on the first hit and 5 on the second."
"That'll hurt me," Willow said. "But I'll now attack with another total of 22 on the first hit with the bite and a natural 4 on the second. The bite does 8 damage."
"With your teeth digging into him, he recoils in pain before pulling his arm out from your jaws," Vee announced.
"My turn. I roll to attack with my borrowed rapier. I got a 10 to make it 18 total," Luz declared.
"That misses since Haste gives an extra 2 added to his AC," Vee said. "He dodges your rapier and when you leave, he continues his onslaught against Sariel's bear form. He gets a 7 to make 14, which hits for 8 bludgeoning damage. The second is a natural 17 and deals 7 damage. The third hits with an 18 total for 9 damage," Vee counted up.
"That gets me down to my regular form and hurts me a bit," Willow said.
"Then he uses Flurry of Blows again for two more attacks," Vee declared as she rolled again. "If I remember, your normal armor class is 14, so this 11 on the die hits with his bonuses. That deals you another 9 damage, but this last one is a natural 2 and misses."
"That'll hurt me," Willow said as she marked her health.
"Kondai will also be speaking to you as he attacks," Vee added before voicing the monk. "You're tough, but you should be fighting me and your friend. Both of you should see who's stronger than the other, then use that as motivation to get stronger and stronger. Keep proving yourself so you can accomplish your goals!"
"Sariel hears that and thinks about what to do," Willow said. "She'll decide to use her Fey Step to teleport closer to Carmen and it deals her 3 fire damage thanks to my Summer Eladrin effect, which inflicts fire damage to you equal to my proficiency bonus."
"Guess we're going full battle royale now," Luz remarked. "Carmen would have heard Kondai's words too and remembered that her captain was the strongest member of her crew, so I'll need to get stronger myself in order to lead everyone and fight by their side," she added.
"Sariel will then cast Heat Metal on Carmen's borrowed rapier," Willow declared as she rolled 2d8. "That's 7 fire damage as you burn your hand. Now roll for a Constitution save."
Rolling her d20, Luz looked at the result and smiled. "That's 18. I keep a hold on the weapon," she declared.
"Yeah, but you have disadvantage and no Sneak Attack," King reminded.
"It'll be fine," Luz said. "I'll attack Sariel with a 17 on the first roll and an 18 on the second. That makes the 7 on my attack roll into 14 damage total. But I'll leave the sword in her leg and let go, using my Fancy Footwork to go from Sariel over to the edge of the raised battlefield," she declared.
"Smart thinking with the sword still in me," Willow complimented. "I'm still going to destroy you," she added with a glare before laughing to show it wasn't serious. "I'll make sure to roll my concentration check," she added with a roll of her die. "That's a 4, so my spell fades away."
"After that, Kondai spends his last ki point to keep his Ryuseiken up," Vee said.
"You say what," King asked rhetorically, getting another chuckle out of everyone.
"With his last ki point spent, he'll attack Carmen as many times as he can," Vee declared as she started rolling her 20-sided die. "That's a 15 for 22 on the first, a 9 for 16 on the second, a natural 18 on the third, and a critical hit with a natural 20 on the last hit."
"Everything hits and will hurt," Luz said with a gulp.
"The first two are minimal damage at only 5 and 6 each as he punches at you, the third attack is a two-handed staff swing that hits for 9 damage, and the critical does a total of 10 damage," Vee said. "After everything, you take a grand total of 30 damage from Kondai's attacks. Now, it's Sariel's turn."
"Sariel will rush up to the duo, then turn into a bear again with the rapier coming out of her leg as she does, giving Carmen a chance to defend herself better," Willow declared. "I'll then attack both with a bite toward Carmen and a claw attack at Kondai. That's 16 for 22 on the bite and a 2 on the claw attack. The bite's only 8 piercing damage as I go for Carmen's leg as karma for mine getting stabbed."
"That's fair," Luz said. "I'll take a revenge swing at you, getting a 6 for 14 total. I know that hits your bear form, so I end up dealing 8 piercing damage only since a 1 on the die," she added. "I'll just use the rest of my turn to run around you and use Second Wind. "I got an 8 for 10 total hit points restored. And now, I'll use Action Surge to attack Sariel from behind for a Sneak Attack. I got a 7 on the die, so that's 15 this time. I deal a total of 16 more damage to you," Luz stated.
"Now, it's Kondai's turn. But since he ran out of ki, he suffers the lethargy effect of Haste ending and isn't able to do anything," Vee says.
"Since we managed to hurt each other enough, I'll attack Kondai with my teeth and claws," Willow decided before rolling her d20. "The bite missed, but I got a modified 20 on the claws. That deals him 9 slashing damage."
"I'll go around him and strike him from behind for a Sneak Attack," Luz declared. "The higher roll is 19, so I hit him for 22 piercing damage total."
"How do you want to do this," Vee asked as Luz had defeated Kondai.
As everyone was amazed at Luz managing to get the last hit on Kondai, she thought it over. "I'll thrust Philomena's rapier forward so fast, it looks like a beam of energy shoots through Kondai, and then I kick him so I push him toward a Mercy Monk to immediately tend to his wounds," Luz declared.
"With a powerful thrust and the magic in the rapier, you manage to do just that, and your attack speed makes it seem like you shot a streak of steel through Kondai's chest. Luckily, your kick sent him into the arms of Mariposa Holstein-Quartz and she starts to tend to his wounds after seeing he was knocked out. Jachun declares Kondai to be defeated and the battle is now just between the weakened pirate and druid," Vee described. "One of you will be selecting the best prize of the tournament."
"I'll take my turn next then," Willow said. "I'll make this fair and change back from my bear form. I'll then cast a 1st-level Cure Wounds on Carmen to try and make the battle slightly more even."
"Thanks, Willow," Luz gushed as she was happy her friend was being respectful.
"So sweet to see that," Camila remarked as the sound of a die rolled on the table.
"That's a 6 for a total of 11 health restored as I grow and crush medicinal plants in my palm and place it on Carmen's injured leg," Willow declared.
"Thanks," Luz said. "Okay, if Carmen's being helped like that, I'll use a bonus action to use a Disengage so I'm not a jerk and hit you for healing me. Instead, I'll toss Philomena's rapier back to her and pull out my pepperbox, Picaro," she decided. "I'll roll for an attack with that and it's a 15 for 22 total. The damage done is a 3 on the die for 7 piercing damage. I end up firing a shot that grazes your shoulder."
"Okay, then I'll retaliate with an Ice Knife at 1st-level," Willow declared.
"Time to see what your whole frozen rose dagger actually feels like," Luz said.
Rolling her d20, Willow checked her result and smiled. "That's a 15 for 23 total. You'll take 8 damage from it piercing into your shoulder, then you need to make a Dexterity saving throw or take 2d6 of cold damage."
"I got a 17 for 24," Luz said.
"As you get hit by the icy dagger, you twist around out of the way to only get your shoulder cut while the frozen rose impacts against a nearby barrel and vanishes in a cold mist," Vee described.
"My turn. I'll switch Picaro for my cutlass and rush at Sariel, ready to hit her with my Sneak Attack thanks to Rakish Audacity," Luz declared. "I got a 12 to make 19. I know that hits, so the damage will be… 16 total slashing damage," she said.
"With her blade going across your armor, you feel the steel hurt you more, but you're still up and can fight," Vee described to Willow.
"Hmm… what to do now," Willow pondered. "I think I'll use a 3rd-level spell. I'll raise my staff in the air and let water condense around it. With a spin and a strike against the ground, I cast Tidal Wave. Now, Carmen has to do a Dexterity saving throw or take 4d8 bludgeoning damage and get knocked prone. If you make it, you only take half that damage."
"Okay, let's see," Luz said as she rolled her d20. "That's another 17 for 24."
"You take 18 reduced to 9 as a large wave erupts from where I strike my staff against the ground, sending a surge of water across the floor of the temple grounds. It impacts you, but you manage to move yourself enough to avoid getting hit enough to fall to the ground," Willow described.
"You know it's my job to give the action scene descriptions, right," Vee joked with a smile. "Luz, it's your turn now."
"Carmen goes in for another swing of her cutlass, getting a 10 for 17," Luz said.
"No need to even roll damage. I'm at 4 hit points," Willow said.
"How do you want to do this," Vee asked.
"I'll swing my cutlass so hard and fast, the water hits Sariel like an energy attack," Luz said.
"A Final Wave after a Tidal Wave," Gus joked.
"With Carmen spinning her sword around, she swings it hard and fast to kick up the water around her, sending a crescent of water up off the ground and striking Sariel in the chest to knock her out," Vee described. "With that, Jachun checks on Sariel and sees she is unconscious, but still alive. With that, he raises Carmen's sword hand up and speaks," she added before doing the character voice. "The winner of the Mountain Bird Brawl is Carmen Valentina!"
"Yeah! I did it," Luz cheered as herself and Carmen.
"Tomorrow, we shall be the team battles. Until then, prepare yourself and strategize. If you only joined to test yourself on your own, you may leave if you wish," Vee said as Jachun. "He then turns to face Carmen and speaks softly to her," she added. "Now, if you'll come with me as we tend to your bested opponents, you have a prize to select."
"I'll follow the Grand Roshi," Luz said.
"He guides you across the temple grounds, then shows you a treasury chamber that holds a variety of items. The chamber has several powerful-looking monks guarding it and bowing in respect toward the Grand Roshi. He then steps forward and collects a few items, placing them on a table for you to see," Vee narrated. "You see an intricate sword, a scroll with writing in a language you don't recognize, a crystalline peach, and a golden ring decorated in jewels. He offers you a choice between them all."
"Hmm… Carmen would know that the sword and ring are pretty valuable. And that the scroll likely has something," Luz said. "But I think she'll have her eyes on the peach since while it's shiny, it seems out of place to her given that she was on a pirate ship and knows the other three are treasure or something important."
"Do you ask him about it," Vee asked.
"Grand Roshi, what's with the peach," Luz asked as Carmen.
"Ah, this is a special item from a distant realm. It's called the Panacea Peach, which is capable of healing any illness even divine magic can't cure," Vee explained as Jachun.
"Since Carmen would know of Gilford's whole thing with his mother being sick from Rev and Wrenn, I'll choose to take that," Luz said before voicing her pirate again. "I'll take the peach. I think somebody else could use it instead of me. This was likely why they joined the tournament in the first place."
"An adventurous combatant with a kind and generous heart. Wonderful to see in this world," Vee said as Grand Roshi Jachun.
"Thank you. Oh, and another thing. I heard that the best five combatants were able to select prizes. Is that true," Luz inquired as Carmen.
"Oh, that was likely a rumor that spread this year since during the last tournament, the victorious team had five members," Vee replied as the Tortle.
"Thanks. I just wanted to check. So my team and I can possibly get our own prizes," she asked.
"These were the main choices for the single match bracket winners to choose from. We have more for the team match winners to choose from," Vee said as Jachun. "Well, it's best to see if the one who was searching for the peach is still here."
"Right. Thank you, Grand Roshi," Luz said as Carmen. "I'll then rush out to find Gilford."
"Roll me a Perception check," Vee requested.
"15 for 22," Luz said.
"You manage to find Gilford just about to leave the temple when you rush over and stop him," Vee said. "Congratulations on the win," she said as the half-elf prince.
"You aren't going to go without what you came here for, right," Luz said as Carmen. "I then give him the Panacea Peach."
"He stares in awe at the crystal peach you place in his hands, looking at you in surprise before composing himself and giving a small smile," Vee said before voicing the character again. "Thank you. If you ever find yourself in the kingdom of Grinberryall, I owe you a favor."
"Thank you for the offer. We'll be sure to remember," Luz said as Carmen.
"Gilford then nods and puts the peach away in his bag. He then starts heading down the mountain and is ready to return home," Vee narrated. "With that part of this story handled, what do you do now?"
"Obviously, I go over to my team and see how Sariel's doing," Luz said.
"You make your way over to the infirmary of the temple," Vee said. "When you get there, you find the rest of your team helping Sariel while she's in bed recovering."
"I make sure to use Lay-On Hands to help her out," Hunter said.
"I make sure my rapier is by my side when I see Carmen coming in," Amity said.
"How's she doing," Luz asked as Carmen.
"Pretty good. Caleb's been helping her recover," Gus said as Wrenn.
"That was awesome, Carmen! You managed to win when it was two against one," King said as Reverance.
"It wasn't that cool. Kondai was the bigger threat, so it took two of us to take him down," Luz said as Carmen.
"Speaking of him, where is he? In one of the other beds," Hunter asked.
"Yup. You turn to see him eating some fruit while Viridian gets up from the bed he was in," Vee explained. "He faces you and swallows the rest of his apple before speaking to you," she added before speaking as the monk. "Hey, guys! That battle was amazing! I'm surprised I got into the finals this year, but it looks like I gotta keep up my training," she said in Kondai's voice.
"Nothing wrong with that," Hunter said as Caleb.
"You guys have been great since we first met. I hope we can meet up again. I'll be traveling more after the tournament ends," Vee says as Kondai.
"Then here's to meeting up again in the future, amigo, " Luz said as Carmen. "And I shake his hand."
"He smiles and nods as he does, seeing you guys as friends and fellow combatants," Vee told the others. "As for Viridian, he looks at all of you and then pays attention to Carmen the most."
"Question. Is he shirtless at the moment," Luz asked.
"Very," Vee responded.
"Carmen will be openly checking out that hunk of a minotaur if his pecs are on display. Same with his abs," Luz said.
"Viridian grins at you before he speaks up," Vee said before speaking in the minotaur's young, yet deep voice. "Glad to hear you won. Since we're in opposite blocks in the team battles later, here's hoping we face each other in the finals. If I won against that Novahdam guy, I would have fought you next. I'm looking forward to seeing you and your team face me and my siblings."
"I'd be happy to oblige," Luz said in Carmen's voice.
"Hey, where is that dragonborn guy that beat me," King asked in Rev's voice, but also asked it as himself.
"It's at this point Novahdam reveals himself with all his gear packed as he approaches Viridian," Vee says. "He wordlessly holds out his hand to Viridian and the two shake hands while flexing their arms."
"The handshake from the original Predator," Camila joked, laughing at what she said.
"Hahaha! Basically," Vee confirmed. "After Novahdam does that, he leaves while nodding at you in acknowledgement."
"If that's all, I guess we don't have much else to do but rest up and maybe check the library again for potential spells," Gus remarked.
"I think that would be the best choice," Amity agreed.
"I'll just get the rest I need," Luz said.
"Then it'll be the rest of us who didn't fight going to the library. Again," King muttered.
"If that's the case, we'll end the session here by rolling some Investigation or Arcana checks for our wizards. Rev and Caleb can give help if they want," Vee said.
"Sounds good to me," Amity replied.
"Same here," Gus agreed.
"I'll try finding anything for spells," Hunter said.
"I'll look for magic item stuff," King told the others. "Maybe there's something in those that have spell stuff for you."
Amity and Gus rolled their d20s to see what they were able to discover for their characters. "I got a 7 on both rolls," Gus said. "That makes it 15 for either skill."
"6 on the first and 9 on the second. That's 17 on the Arcana check," Amity said.
"With those rolls, you both manage to find some spell formula details in the various scrolls and books around, but it's up to you to figure out how to place them in your spellbooks," Vee said.
"I think that we're good and decide to get rest," Hunter said with everyone agreeing.
"Very well. All of you return to the dining area for your meals and enjoy dinner before getting rest for the team battle tournament tomorrow," Vee said. "We'll end it there for today."
"That's good. Because I've got stew for dinner tonight, everyone," Camila said. With that, everyone headed upstairs after organizing their dice and character sheets, ready to enjoy a nice meal.
With that, we've reached the end of the single matches of the Mountain Bird Brawl. Next up, team battles. I'll be honest and say that because Viridian and Novahdam were tough barbarians, Luz would have had a difficult time just like against Scalnoir. But with that, it made the final battle more interesting. With Kondai being happy with the battle despite his loss and Gilford given the prize he was looking to get, the Witch Blade Pirates have some skilled allies. But now, they have to deal with the other teams to earn their next prizes.
Until next time, WaterDragonMaverick signing out.