Top Ballista: Scream of Terror 5E Solo
by Karl David BrownThe method I’m using requires NOT having read the adventure so no spoilers please, but also contains spoliers.
Having completed the “Tabi Hunt” adventure from Top Ballista the next adventure is “Scream of Terror”. The book says the adventures assume the PCs are not of Serraine but frankly the last adventure would have run just fine with Serrainers as PCs. Therefore, I’ll create a native of the flying city as my character. I use Elminster’s Guide to Solo Adventuring (EGSA). That booklet provides several ways of developing a character for solo play in an adventure designed for a party. The simplest is to create a character of higher level. Scream of Terror is for a party of 3-5th level characters. EGSA says to create a 9th level character to replace a 4th level party. Creating such a high level is an opportunity for further play testing of the LA7 sphinx species from my 5e conversion of Top Ballista.
As with last time I won’t be using the random encounters given in the adventure to pad things out. The single PC of higher level method typically results in a character quite powerful at the start of an adventure then too weak if things drag on as they run out of hit points and spells. I also want to get through these adventures so ‘cutting the fat’ keeps the plot moving forward and avoids solo player fatigue with journalling.
I’m flying over light woodland when I spot them below. A pair of figures leading their horses one figure staggering and leaning on the other. I spiral down partly to offer assistance and partly out of curiosity. It had been a dull journey.
I alight thirty or so feet from the pair, two young men, startling them and immediately lay down with four legs beneath me and my wings folded. Even so the two humans draw their weapons. The larger and better armed of the two has had his right sleeve torn away and the arm has a bloodied bandage. The slightly smaller man cocks his crossbow obviously unaware that the weapon is absolutely no threat to me.
“You are injured. I know a healing spell.” I offer
“Why should we trust you monster?” Yells the taller one in gleaning chainmail.
“Because you need help and because IF this becomes a fight I can fly away but you cannot.” I rumble.
This could be persuasion or intimidation. Both are +5. Let’s assume that my tone makes this persuasion. 1+5=6. The leader of the pair rolls 8 and his WIS is 9 (-1) total of 7. Not convinced.
“More likely you seek to bring me within range of your claws. ” Counters the man. “If you really mean no ill will be gone!”
“I will for now but let me leave you a present.” Moving slowly with paws and jaws I awkwardly remove a vial from the bag under my mane and leave it on the dirt. “This is a healing potion. I will stay far above until half the sun has set then I’ll return briefly to see if you are more civil once the pain is gone.” And with that I stand, spread my majestic wings and leap into the sky.
Do the warriors have the insight to see I mean no harm? This is where EGSA come in. I modify the procedure given there slightly to remove ability scores effecting the result twice. Instead I split the second question into two. Cryptic I know but if you have EGSA it might make sense. Anyway, ESGA gives a DC10. Roll 5-1 for the bigger of the two and 7 + (WIS 13 +1 for the poorer one).
I watch the two struggle on below for the rest of the day. They are heading west toward Specularum. Perhaps, to seek the aid of others of their species in that city. So why there and not the nearer village? At last the time comes and in the orange light of the half set sun I circle down to their campfire. I land about 30 feet away.
“Did you drink my potion?”
“No, are we to trust the aid of a monster in the wilds is not poison. Stay where you are.”
I sigh, why to so many of my kind set puzzles for humanoids? They don’t have the wits to see answers right in front of them. “If I wanted you dead, you would be dead already. Your best warrior is wounded. I doubt you would last long should I turn my fury upon you. What need have I of poison? Why wait all this time?”
Persuasion again now that the evidence I’m not hostile accumulates. Roll persuasion 7+5=12. Roll for stubbornness. The big one 8-1 is 7. The poor one 11+1 is 12. Given I’m the PC I’m calling equal a cautious win.
The bigger chainmail clad ones sheathes his sword and rummages in a pouch removing the potion. The other one timidly reaches to stay his arm but the chainmail clad warrior shrugs him off and drinks the potion. Some colour returns to the man’s cheeks and he pulls at the bloody bandage revealing the wound closed but beneath the skin the flesh is an angry red fringed by a diseased green.
“Better, but it still hurts. Thank you. I fear we have misjudged you but your magic may not be enough. The wound is healed but not before it became infected” The taller warrior staggers forward hand extended in friendship. I place my paw over his hand. “Come share our fire” he offers.
After I have settled by the fire. “How did you come by such a terrible wound?” I ask.
“A harpy. I slew the monster but it bit me before that.” Explains the larger warrior.
“Yet you head west. The nearest village is to the east. There should be a cleric there.” I ask.
“Harpies took the cleric” explains the other young man.
“I see. This is like the quandary of Apharistos, do I repair the wrecked boat to save the little ones before it is washed away or to rescue the fisherman stranded by the tide. I cannot do both.” The two humans look at me uncomprehending. “Sorry, I am Leandrokrates a scholar of history among other things and this situation reminded me of an old fable. I am not the strongest of my kind but I could probably carry you swiftly to Specularum thus saving your life OR I could rescue the cleric thus helping the village but chances are I cannot do both before the harpies tire of their pet and eat him.”
“I am Rachlann a sword for hire, and this is my squire Sarion” the large chainmail clad man begins gesturing to his companion who is clad in cheaper leather armour. “I believe with tonight’s rest and the aid of your potion I will be able to ride tomorrow. I should make it to Specularum. Now I can do so with a clear conscience knowing someone will deal with the threat to the village.”
“Where do the harpies lair?” I ask.
“No-one knows.” Says Sarion.
“We were searching for them when one of them found us.” Explains Rachlann.
“It seems my first task will be locating the harpy nest but that can wait until the day. You are a sellsword of many battles and I know a good deal of history, let us swap tales over our meals.” I suggest, and that is what we do. After eating we take watches during the night but it passes without incident.
Sphinxes eat a lot. I consume 8 pounds of rations a day. Therefore, I eat all of the rations I was carrying. Should have bought more.
In the morning the rested men and horses waste no time getting up with the dawn and galloping off after I secured a promise that they would spread the word of my good conduct.
I decide on flying above the woods spiraling out from last night’s camp in an attempt to systematically scan the forest for signs of the harpies’ lair. A couple of hours into my search I think I’ve found the solution to my dinner problem. A group caravans is parked in a woodland clearing where a herd of pigs is tended by what from a height look like humans. I land a little way from the clearing and stroll in at a leisurely pace making no attempt at stealth. I can hear the squeal of frightened hogs as I approach the clearing. The pigs know a predator when they smell one.
The travelers still have their old folk and children hidden when I step into the clearing. I’m greeted by a contingent armed with knives, bludgeons, and staffs. “Keep your distance.” Yells one of the larger humans.
“As you wish” I purr sitting on meadow grass. “I wish only to purchase a pig, preferably butchered, and I can pay a generous price” I say patting my coin pouch with a paw so that the fat pouch jangles suggestively.
Rather than roll against an NPC’s attributes perhaps a more simulationist way of handling persuasion is a skill check with a DC based on the circumstances? There is a system for this in EGSA. They are likely cautious of a ‘monster’ but Coins help and these are travellers who are more likely to know about the variable alignments of Sphinxes. EGSA gives a DC10. Roll 7+5=12.
“What do you offer for a freshly butchered hog?” Asks the burly man, and the haggling begins.
Them knowing I have a lot of coins probably isn’t a help now but they are open to interacting now, indifferent? DC15 11+6 is 16. A success but not a massive one. Let’s say the price in the PHB, 3gp. I reduce my gp to 16.
I get a fair price and we exchange gold for meat without either party getting closer than 50ft of the other. After a struggle I get the carcuss and cloth bundle of offal into my pack. “Remember that Leandrocates dealt fairly with you. I bid you farewell.”
What does a pig weigh and how many 8 pound meals is that? Googling the mass of a medieval pig I get 165 pounds. I can carry 510 pounds so no problem. Divide by 8 gives a 20 days rations. It will go off before I can finish it.
With a belly full of pork, I sleep soundly that night in the boughs of a sturdy tree. During the night nothing decided to risk waking a one-and-a-half-ton sphinx and I wake refreshed and eager to continue my hunt.
I continue my circling throughout this day with no sign of the harpies
The book says that the harpy patrol get within range of the PCs without being seen at dusk. That just does not seem sporting to me. Aiming total cover from the trees it would be a hearing passive perception the harpies would have to beat. You might give PCs without Keen Hearing disadvantage (-5 passive perception). The average harpy stealth roll is 11.5, say 12 or you could roll. For Leandrokrates the adjusted passive perception is 16-5=11. A fail.
As dusk sets in I settle in a forest clearing to prepare to sleep. I’m about to start my pork dinner when ethereal song calls on the breeze. Unfortunately for the creatures I’m immune to the entrancing magic of their music. With a beat of my mighty wings I’m airborne and flying for the source of the music. I wing directly toward the imploring monsters at speed as if consumed with reckless passion.
Deception against harpy insight.
I roll 13+5=18
Harpy A 2+0=2
Harpy B 10+0=10.
They don’t suspect a thing. Note, that harpies who live on Serraine wouldn’t fall for this they know about sphinx. Harpies would know however that only humanoids and giants are affected by their song.
OK initiative.
Leandrokrates 13+1=14
Harpy A 19+1=20
Harpy B 14+1=15
So A then B then me.
It is too late when I realise the harpies are wise to my ruse. Suddenly they spring into the air covering the distance to me and engaging with terrible hooked talons.
Harpy A to hit: 18+3=21 hit, but I’m immune to non-magical slashing damage.
Harpy B to hit: 14+3=17 hit, but again I’m immune to their attacks.
This immunity might seem like a bit of a cheat but the sphinx race has paid a lot of points for it during the design process and has an LA7. At 8th level and above many foes do damage types that can harm a sphinx.
The EGSA method of assigning higher level characters to adventures for lower level parties isn’t perfect. To be fair EGSA does provide other methods, I just like this one.
When the harpies realise their claws cannot pierce my magical hide their song turns to a wail.
My Turn. Attack harpy A with my claws 17+7=24. Hit. Damage 11. Harpy A 7d8+7 hp = 41. -11= 30.
My claws however can harm their soft filthy skins. I rake one gouging a terrible wound across her ribs.
ROUND 2
The two harpies are probably pretty freaked with a cart horse sized flying lion monster that they can’t hurt clawing at them. I think they would try to get away.
Harpy A Disengage then fly 40’ into the forest.
Harpy B Disengage then fly 40’ into the forest in the opposite direction.
My turn. I fly a 60’ So I can easily reach one and attack. I choose the injured one. But now the other is 80’ away through the forest. To hit: 11+7=18 Hit. Damage 14. Harpy A now on 16 hp.
The two monsters swerve away from my claws and dive for the canopy. I follow the injured one easily catching up to the clumsy flier. Again my claws rend soft skin.
ROUND 3
Harpy A. Disengage then fly 40’ into the forest. Note INT 7.
Harpy B. Fly 40’ then hide. Now 120ft from me. And hidden by the forest.
My turn. Fly 40’ (B is now 160’ from me and hidden) then attack 20 hit for 13. Harpy A on 1hp.
Again my prey darts away and again I pursue and rend flesh from bone. The creature looks nearly mortally wounded.
ROUND 4
Harpy A. Disengage then fly 40’ into the forest. Note INT 7.
Harpy B. Creeps 20’ away on land undercover. Now 180’ from me.
My turn. Fly 40’ (B is now 220’ away and hidden) then attack A. 20. Hit for 14. Harpy A dies.
The chase continues but the wounded harpy is no match for my speed and prowess and soon falls dead and bleeding to the forest floor.
All is quiet. The wildlife of the forest lies quiet so as not to attract the attention of the apex predators that have been battling through the green canopy. The other harpy has gotten away.
Survival roll to track. The Harpy must stay in the branches to stay out of sight and therefore will leave physical traces of her passing despite flying. Using EGSA to determine the difficulty DC25. Roll 3+4=7.
I return to the canopy hoping to pick up the trail but I find no trace of the second harpy.
Reading down a bit further I see there was supposed to be a third harpy who appears later. Given how quickly I routed the first two perhaps this third one thought better of it and remained out of sight. I’ll improvise a little but give myself a chance…
The last hours of the day pass without incident. As the orange sun sinks below the wooded hills I consider my options. There are flying foes about. Sleeping in a high spot will not protect me. Staying awake will leave me fatigued when I find my prey. I settle on waiting until dark then flying high to ensure any tracker will lose my trail before hiding among a dense tree canopy to eat some pork then sleep.
So, do the harpies find me to attack me in my sleep? This could be stealth but I feel survival is more applicable. I think also I’ve settled on using the ESGA system to determine DC for most rolls rather than a competitive roll against the NPC. The DC is 10. Roll 15+4=19.
Eat some pork, 144 pounds left.
With these precautions the night passes without incident. The question now is what to do? I see little option but restart a spiral search path from just above the forest canopy.
I have to improvise here. The harpy patrols know there is a predator about they are not super smart but they are cunning…
Circling the forest, I spy a slim humanoid figure dressed in emerald green with a brown cloak. Getting closer I see the figure is an elf.
Do I spot the harpies? This seems more like a head-to-head in the moment challenge so I’m going to do a contested roll v. the harpies’ group roll. Harpy A stealth 4+1=5. Harpy B 9+1=10.
My turn Perception 3+6=9. As a group roll the harpies win!
I land on the far side of the little meadow-clearing and the elf does not seem afraid or suspicious as many humans are. I pad over to the elf noting the fine-link chain shirt beneath the cloak and the slim sword at his hip. He forces a smile as I get closer and then suddenly his sword it out of the sheathe and in a single fluid motion the blade is slicing toward my face! “Die monster!”
Surprise round!
Initiative.
Harpy A 17+1=18
Harpy B 13+1=14
Leandrocrates 6+1=7 No action surprise round.
Rhallene the elf. 6+1=7
Harpy A grapples from behind. Since she has not been seen by me she has advantage on the Athletics check. 13/14+1=15. I must contest 20+5=25.
Harpy B also grapples. 7/13+1=14. I contest. 19+5=24.
Rhallene has a magic sword and can hurt me. Attack roll 18+4=22 hit for 3+2=5 magical slashing. I’m on 56 hit points.
As the elf slices downward I feel grasping hands on my hind quarters and wings but the feeble creature’s grasp does nothing the hinder my movements. But the distraction is telling and the elf swordsman scores a slash on my flesh.
Round 1
Harpy A tries to grapple again. 8+1=9. I resist. 16+5=21.
Harpy B also grapples 11+1=12.I resist. 7+5=12. Just.
H
H Ss
Ss
E
Disengage and move to
Ss
SsH
H
E
It feels like the creatures at my rear are close to finding purchase. I take a pantherish leap to the side turning to see my rear assailants. Harpies! One of the pair must have charmed the elf. Another bound out of the elf’s reach and race around to put the bird-monsters between myself and the elf and his enchanted sword.
”You murdered Hagritha! Die monster!” The elf screams in rage as he charges into the gap between the harpies.
Elf moves then attacks.
Ss
SsH
HE
Attack roll 20+4=24 and a crit. Damnit! Damage 6+8+2=16. I’m on 40 hit points.
ROUND 2.
Harpy A grapples 5+1=6. I resist 4+5=9.
Harpy B distracts me to Aid the elf.
I claw at A. 9+7=16 hit. Damage 7+9+3= 19 slashing. Harpy has 7d8+7=40hp. Now on 21.
Elf attacks with magic sword. 20/4+4=24 and again a crit! 2d10+2=14 magical slashing. I’m on 26 hp.
One of the harpies gives up on her futile attempts to grapple and instead bats her feathered wings in my face to distract me. This provides the elf with opportunities for two deep cuts. I’ve tried to keep the fighting on the ground so the harpies stay to aid the elf rather than split up and flee again. However, the swordsman now has me concerned. Time to change tactics.
ROUND 3
Harpy A. Grapple attempt 8+1=9. I resist. 9+5=14.
Harpy B. Aid the elf.
My turn. Claw attack the s wounded harpy. 11+7=18 hit. Damage 2d10+3= 18. Harpy now on 3hp. Sod I was hoping to take him down looks like I need to tough it out one more round.
Elf’s turn. Attack! 16/19+4=23 hit but at least its not a crit. :/ damage 1d10+2= 4. I’m on 22 hp.
The enemy continues with the same tactics. I rake the wounded monster again but am disappointed. I score a hit but the monster does not go down. I have to delay my leap into the safety of the air. This and all the feathers in face gives the self another opening.
ROUND 4
Harpy A. Disengage and fly off staying just above the forest canopy.
Harpy B. Continue to aid the elf.
I attack the remaining harpy. 1 is an automatic miss. Right that tears it. Leap into the air and fly off provoking attacks of opportunity before flying over to the fleeing Harpy A.
Attacks of opportunity: Elf 8+4=12. Miss. Harpy B tries a grapple which is a special attack 15=1=16. My mighty wings resist 20+5=25! So long suckers!
The seriously wounded harpy decides to abandon her fellows to their fate. She hops back when I’m most distracted and then takes to the air. The other harpy continues to bat me distractingly with her wings. I can’t let the wounded monster get away now and leap into the air. The elf swings again but I have the rhythm of his style now and he misses. The harpy grabs at my flanks but the strength of my wings rips away the grip of her scrawny fingers. Once airborne, it is easy for me to catch up with the fleeing injured harpy.
I’m currently writing this while I’m out and about using a portable keyboard and my phone. I feel like I now need the comfort of my distraction free home and my chessex mat to keep track of everyone.
I don’t have a sphinx mini but I do have a pretty epic lion.
Round 4 continues…
I’m still owed an attack. 10+7=17 hit. Damage 2d10+3= 13. Harpy A dead. Roll odd (A) or even (B). 3 the elf was charmed by the now dead harpy. Rules question does this break the spell? According to the 5e MM a harpy charm lasts as long as the song continues. Well the song just ended. I use my last movement to climb to 35’
Elf’s turn: Attack the harpy next to him. 19+4=23. Hit for 1d10+2=9. Harpy has 7d8+7= 36hp. Now on 27.
End round 4.
I claw the monster. The siren song ends in a scream and the rent body falls through the canopy dead. I climb through the air so I can see what is occurring in the clearing. I watch as the elf shakes his head then turns and drives his blade at the remaining winged hag drawing blood.
ROUND 5
Harpy B uses her song. Elf rolls a save 16-1=15. Still a save. She then risks an attack of opportunity to flee. Elf opportunity attack 3+4=7 miss. The Harpy flies across the clearing and just enters the forest which is difficult terrain.
I fly over and land in the clearing just before the tree-line and the harpy’s back and make an attack. 10+7=17 hit. 2d10+3 = 12 slashing. Harpy now on 15 hp.
The elf runs over to my side and attacks the harpy. 4+4=8 miss.
The harpy glides across the clearing and disappears through the treeline but me and the elf are already on the move and slash at her back as she reaches the trees. I draw blood but the elf cuts only leaves.
ROUND 6
Harpy B: Only hope is to flee prompting an attack of opportunity and if survive hide action. Attacks of opportunity. Leandrocrates 7+7=14 Hit. 2d10+3 = 14. Harpy now on 1hp. Elf 10+4=14 hit. 6 slashing the creature is dead.
In a panic to get away the monster’s back is turns as it struggles into the undergrowth but the elf and I are too fast and soon cut it down. I back away from the elf a step and sit on my haunches in an attempt to look unthreatening. “Well met in the end. I am Lenandrocrates scholar of history and traveller. I mean no harm to you.” I rumble in a fatherly tone.
Is the elf persuaded or does he think this in just one monstrous predator eliminating another? ESGA again. DC20 11+5=16.
“Stay back!” responds the elf brandishing his sword “I am grateful for the removal of the harpies enchantment but a wise elf lives longer if they are wary of unusual strangers in the wilds”
I’m starting to long for the company of other Serrainers who take the presence of my kind without comment.“Fair enough, we all know the story of the Resacrates and the sphinx of Alphatia. Before I depart though may I offer a trade? You are a long way into the woods and dangers are about. I offer a healing potion in exchange for anything you might know about the harpies that have been abducting folks near here.”
Persuasion again because the situation has changed and my offer flips one of the questions to a yes reducing the DC to a 10. 17+5=22 a very solid success.
I better read down a little further to better judge what to have him say.
The elf’s green eyes fix an appraising gaze on me for a moment then he sheathes his sword and raises an open palm in greeting “Well met Lee-andro-kra-tez” he stumbles over the unfamiliar name. “I am Rhallene of Alfheim. The harpies ate my horse and I gave them my spellbook. I have good reason to burnout their lair and can lead you there. Be warned though that even for someone of your abilities the scream will be a tough foe. They have a Spellcaster and she had a burly charmed human as a bodyguard.”
“I am wounded, through no fault of yours. I suggest I conserve my store of magic potions by resting and recovering overnight. After my gift to you I will have one potion left. In the morning I can offer you a ride to the scream’s lair.”
“We could camp here but for the corpses that will attract wolves or worse.”
“I’ll lift them and dump them over the forest some distance away.”
“That will work.”
I unshuck my pack. “Fish your potion out of here and set up camp while I attend to this” I say demonstrating a show of trust to seal the alliance of strangers
After the grisly task of dumping the bodies is done, I glide down to find a merry fire. Rhallene show me his set of magical earplugs to reassure me of his ability to resist the harpy song if properly prepared. We share a dinner of pork before exchanging tales and taking turns with the watch.
Remove 9 pounds of pork. Apply a long rest. I’m on 61 hit points again.
We set watches but the night passes without incident except the howling of wolves in the distance. In morning bandaged and rested we take to the air with Rhallene astride my back behind the shoulders of my wings and clinging to my fur tightly. About 30 feet above the canopy I resume my search pattern spiral. We proceed in silence since Rhallene is wearing his earplugs.
Ok. Ready to read the next bit.
The first clue I have is the alluring song of a harpy below and to the south. Unfortunately, for the harpy my companion and I are immune to the song. Like the elves of Alfhiem in the battle of the Burning Cave I hope that speed shock and awe can compensate for lack of knowledge of the enemy. I fold my wings and stoop towards the old oak from which the siren song eminates. Rhallene clings to my fur in a painful death grip.
In setting up this fight I found that, even at 10’ per square instead of 5’, everyone just barely fitted on my huge Chessex Mondomat, and not on the largest table I have. It seems this encounter is designed to introduce aerial combat. Even if the PC’s can’t fly the distances and speeds involved would benefit from the tricks I laid out in conversion (page 28). You could I suppose have the harpies remain close to their starting positions splitting this up into smaller encounters but this is a less challenging and less dynamic way of approaching it cheating players of the excitement of trying to finish of one harpy before its friends arrive. Doing so would also make the tactical choices less rich. Split up? Use cover? Lure them away to take out the grounded cleric? Etc.
Initiative.
Harpy Guard South 10+1=11
Rhallene 3+2=5
Leandrocrates 3+1=4 (sod)
No other harpies can reach me this round. Will roll for them next round.
ROUND 1
Harpy Guard South Luring Song and move 40’
Unaware of the elf’s earplugs the harpy sings imploring Rhallene to attack me with his magic sword as it closes with me.
Rhallene: hold action aatack harpy when in reach.
Lendrocates: move to close with Harpy and attack. 12+7=19 hit. 7 magical slashing. Harpy on 31hp.
Rhallene’s held action. Attack harpy. 19+4=23. Assuming 1 handed as he clings to me with the other hand. 5 Harpy on 26.
I slash the harpy with my claws and Rhallene slices with his enchanted sword but the wounds to the monster are superficial. The harpies song is taken up by a handful of distant voices, the rest of the scream has been alerted to us and I know we have found the harpies lair.
The rest of the harpies sing normally (not an action) and take a double move in my direction. The cleric follows the harpy that charmed him on foot. With distances closing most (not all) of the Harpies are on the table now. At 160’ I don’t need their initiative yet.
Note: the 5e Luring Song gives victim’s incapacitated as well as charmed which would change how much of this adventure would occur. A small change to my player’s guide changing effect of Mystaran Harpy song is needed.
Luring Song. At 5th level you gain luring song with a radius is of 30 feet. At 7th level this radius increases to 60 feet. Most worlds: the effect is as per the monster (MM181). Mystara: Affects giants and humanoids as per Charm Person (PHB221) except duration is while the song continues, using a bonus action on subsequent rounds.
ROUND 2
Realising the Rhallene has not succumbed to her song and seing her sisters rise out of the treetops the harpy falls silent before raking a Rhallene with her claws.
Attack 8+3=11 miss.
Rhallene attacks with his sword. 7+4=11 hit. 5 damage. South guard on 21hp.
I claw 15+7=22. 17 damage South Guard on 4hp
Her talons rake harmlessly of the elf’s fine chainmail and he slices with his sword, a minor cut but one that distracts her and creates and opening for my terrible claws. A savage rake across the torso leaves her bleeding out but not yet slain.
Meanwhile the rest of the scream is winging their way toward me.
Double Move the other NPCs.
ROUND 3
At 80’ and 90’ respectively the harpy leader and her charmed cleric are close enough to warrant initiative counts and stats. Checking the map looks like the cleric is in a clear space at could see us.
Another rule difference. It says the cleric cannot cast spells while charmed. For 5e assume he has not been allowed to renew his spells. Since he only has a mace he is no threat while we are in the air.
Cleric initiative Dex 9, 4-1=3
Ssilantha the Scream Leader initiative. Dex 16. 15+3=18.
So…
Ssilantha 18
Harpy Guard South 11
Rhallene 5
Leandrocrates (sod)
Cleric 3
Ssilantha. Double move to get behind us and within reach of Rhallene. “Leave the elf alone!”
Harpy Guard South INT 7 “He resisted my song!” multiattack: Claws 15+3=18 hit! 7 slashing. Rhallene on 8hp!. Club 5+3=8 miss.
Out the corner of my eye I can see a slighter mature harpy flying to my rear “Leave the elf alone!” screams the newcomer.
“He resisted my song!” counters the harpy lookout even as she rakes at Rhallene and brings down her club. The club misses but the talons of the harpy tear ragged cuts across the elf’s back and I feel him weaken his grip.
Leandrocrates. Claw to harpy guard. 16+7=23. Hit 13 damage.
Double move other NPCs.
I claw at the injured harpy raggedly cutting her ugly head from her neck and the new corpse plummets through the canopy of the tree below with a crash disappearing from sight.
Below an armoured figure with a mace runs closer but the expected clerical magic does not eventuate. Further away more harpies are coming!
Sphinx painting not finished yet but at least I found one
ROUND 4
Another harpy is getting close. This time it’s the scream’s shaman ‘Gerelda’. Over on the conversion thread I have created a 5e stat block for her which broadend the types of damage the harpies can dish out just a little. Roll for her initiative 4-1=3
Ssilantha 18
Rhallene 5
Leandrocrates (sod)
Cleric 3
Gerelda 3
Ssilantha tries to touch the elf while applying the Luring Song. 5e has no default rule for a ‘touch attack’ like 3e did. However, an unarmed strike and ‘pulling your punches’ to do zero damage is the same thing. 18+4=22 hit. However, since Rhallene cannot hear her no disadvantage and treat like a silent Seductive Touch. As an elf he saves with advantage. 10/11-1=10 fail.
Unseen by me the harpy behind starts up her song again “A stranger met on the road, his claws endanger me, a beast will feast on my beauty not you! Carve the monster with your sword I emplore!” but with his magic earplugs the elf cannot hear her.
I turn in the air and do as she expects and attack savagely.
Rhallene holds action
Then I attack 13+7=20 hit! 10 magical slashing damage. Ssilantha on 40hp.
Rhallene then attacks with his magic sword! Due to surprise and position I’ll give him advantage 5/18+4=22 hit! 10 magical slashing.
But my claws score only minor cuts. Then a sharp pain in my flank as the enchanted elven blade cuts my flank. As a Serrainer I had heard of rare harpies able to charm with a touch, but I did not expect one among the uncouth harpies of the lands below! Fortunately, the angle of attack was ungainly and the cut shallow.
Leandrocrates on 51hp.
Below the cleric rushes over until he is directly below our aerial melee and shakes his mace at me impotently. More worrying is the ancient harpy hag flying in from the north. Around the winged crone’s neck is a gruesome necklace of dried human ears and large feathers-stained rust-red with dried blood. A servant of a cruel Immortal no doubt.
Gerelda move and I’m in range of her cantrip. I make a DEX save 11+5=16 save.
Sure enough as the crone gets closer a bolt of red flame descends from above but expecting magic I beat my wings and it passes to the side. It seems these harpies can threaten me after all!
Move other harpies closer. Finally, they all are close enough to fit on my kitchen table. End round 4
ROUND 5
I think things are about to get a little more 3D. I started this fight flying just above the canopy and so far it’s been enough to assume all flyers were on the same altitude by the end of round 1. Now though I need to act in 3D. First, how high is everyone? A quick Google of tree heights gives a number of about 50ft.Assuming I’m 10’ above that gives an altitude of 60’. As per my Top Ballista conversion’s aerial combat rules I give each flyer a pair of d10 set to 6 and 0, indicating 60’.
The other harpies are getting closer so let’s roll their initiatives now.
Ssilantha 18
Harpy 4 =7+1=8
Harpy 3= 6+1=7
Harpy 1 = 5+1=6
Rhallene 5
Leandrocrates 4
Cleric 3
Gerelda 3
Harpy 2 = 2+1 =3
Having achieved her goal of charming the elf and realising he can’t hear her instructions the leader of the harpies beats a retreat
Disengage then fly east-down 4 10’squares. Altitude now 20’.
Harpy 4 double move toward me.
Harpy 3 move then Aid Rhallene.
Harpy 1 move then defend.
Rhallene: attack with advantage from the Aid 8/9+4=13, miss.
More harpies close on my position, one gets close enough to beat about my face distractingly with her wings. This distraction ceases my undignified wiggling momentarily and gives Rhallene a chance to strike but fortunately my monstrous hide proves tougher than the blade’s enchantment.
Move without disengage. Harpy attack of opportunity 15+3=18 hit but can’t hurt me. Move in an arc dropping height when canopy isn’t in the way. Down to 10ft. then a violent buck to dislodge the elf. I’m going to call it something like grapple. Athletics v. athletics.
Lenadrokrates 12+5=17
Rhallene 10+1=11
The elf falls 10’ to the ground. Fall damage 3. Rhallene has 12hp left and is prone.
Cleric double move towards fellow friend of the harpies Rhallene.
Knowing the harpy cannot harm me I simply turn my back on her and circle down behind the stand of trees blocking line of sight to the harpy shaman. At a few gnome heights above the ground I beat my wings and rear up rampant suddenly to dislodge the elf. Rhallene falls to the ground bruised but alive. I glimpse the cleric sprinting toward Rhallene through the trees.
Shaman Double move.
Last harpy flies closer.
The hag shaman arrives nearby and drops just above and behind me.
ROUND 6
Ssilantha 18
Harpy 4 (small red) =7+1=8
Harpy 3 (orange)Har= 6+1=7
Harpy 1 = 5+1=6
Rhallene 5
Leandrokrates 4
Cleric 3
Gerelda 3
Harpy 2 = 2+1 =3
I’ll be writing prose for what Landrokrates can observe.
Ssilantha flies around the tree at 20ft then in my direction swooping down to 5’ above the ground so she can see how Gerelda fares. Double move.
Harpy 4 flies toward the battle staying above the treeline at 60’. Double move
Harpy 3 flies NW 10’ then stoops dropping to 10’then flying between the trees ending 20’ from me and directly below Gerelda. Double move
Harpy 1 flies toward the battle over a tree then glides down to above Gerelda, 40’. Double move
Rhallene gets up and waves his sword angrily shouting.
Leandrocrates. Fly west 60’ and climb to 70’ (diagonal movement up). Cast spell Heroism on self. Note that I imagine him as a warrior scholar so he does not sing like a bard but describe how he casts spells more like a wizard.
Cleric double move to stand by Rhallene
Gerelda Move west/up to 50’ altitude. Casts Sacred Flame. My DEX save 6+5=11 fail. 1 damage. I’m on 50 hp.
Harpy 2: Double move west.
Harpies are closing in as Rhallene picks himself off the ground below me “Leave her alone you monster!” he screams in impotent anger waving his sword. It’s going to get crowded here soon and they might figure out their best chance is to mob me and bring me down to earth. I fly west climbing higher and away from the enchanted blade and harpy spellcaster. Above the level of the canopy I beat my mighty wings rear rampant and orate acrane formulae. I feel the magic lighting up my brain and casting aside the few doubts. I wheel to face my foes with new and terrible purpose. Below I see the cleric run over to stand by his new ally Rhallene and the harpy shaman soaring upward her fingers writhing in the way humanoids cast spells. A bolt of white fire descends on me I try to dodge but it sears my flank.
ROUND 7
Ssilantha 18
Harpy 4 (small red) =7+1=8
Harpy 3 (orange)= 6+1=7
Harpy 1(small brown) = 5+1=6
Rhallene 5
Leandrokrates 4
Cleric 3
Gerelda 3
Harpy 2 = 2+1 =3
Ssilantha Double move. Lands to next to Cleric.
Harpy 4: double move closer to me and climb to 70’ level with me.
Harpy 3. Double move to melee range.
Harpy 1. Double move to melee flanking with 3.
Rhalene Hold attack
Leandrokrates: Gain 3 temporary hp. Move to melee with Shaman ignoring attacks of opportunity from harpies who can’t hurt me. Claw attack shaman. 6+7=13. Hit 8+4+3=15 damage. Gerelda on 15hp.
Cleric held attack
Gerelda Cast Inflict wounds. Attack roll 19+5=24. Hit 1+3+4=8 damage. 3 absorbed by temporary HP, I’m on 45hp.
Double move closer.
Two of the harpies fly up to flank me but I glide down to where the shaman flies and rend her a bloody wound across the arm she raises in defence. I see the harpy leader standing on the ground next to the charmed humanoids. The shaman mutters a spell and traces a gentle caress down my foreleg that leaves a bleeding cut.
ROUND 8
Ssilantha 18
Harpy 4 (small red) =7+1=8
Harpy 3 (orange)Har= 6+1=7
Harpy 1(small brown) = 5+1=6
Rhallene 5 (5hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (45hp)
Cleric 3
Gerelda 3 (15hp)
Harpy 2 Aa = 2+1 =3
SSilantha: retreat to put her back to a tree trunk to prevent attacks from above. Order humanoids to follow. Hold attack.
Harpy 4: drop to 50’ and flank me. Aid action.
Harpy 3: drop to 50’ away 10’ away from me. Defend.
Harpy 1: Join harpy 3 and also defend.
Rhallene: retreat into same 10’ square as Ssilantha and in front of the harpy. Hold attack.
Leandrokrates Gain 3 temporary hp from Heroism. Attack Gerelda 8+7=15 hit. Damage 16. Gerelda on 0hp and falls sustaining another 19 damage. She is so dead!
Cleric: Moves to in front of Ssilantha and defends.
Gerelda DEAD
Harpy 2 stoops to 5’ above the ground and flies under the tree canopy close to Ssilantha.
Some harpies close in on me again but I ignore them and focus on getting a an attack on the shaman. A claw takes out her throat and she falls.
“Gerelda, Nooooo!” Comes a cry of anguish from the cleric below.
With a sickening crunch the shaman hits the forest floor lying in a twisted broken heap. After a sharp word from the harpy leader disappears beneath the canopy of a tree where she and Rhallene must have retreated. A see another harpy stoop plummet toward the earth then at the last minute spread her wings and disappear beneath the leaves of that same tree.
ROUND 9
I think doing all the mechanical stuff (bold) then all the story works better than breaking it up.
Ssilantha 18
Harpy 4 (small red) 8
Harpy 3 (orange) 7
Harpy 1(small brown) 6
Rhallene 5 (5hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (45hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 Aa 3
Ssilantha shout “Grab him, bring him down!” Defend.
Harpy 4. Grapple attempt 16+1=17. Leandrokrates resists 12+5=17, just.
Harpy 3. Move to melee range and attempt a grapple. 16+1=17. Resist 10+5=15 sod. I’m grappled. As part of the grappled condition speed falls to zero. At zero a flyer without hover falls! We both fall 50’. Harpy 3 takes 16 fall damage now on 22hp. I take 26 fall damage. 3 absorbed by temporary hit points. 22hp left.
Harpy 1 moves to 10’ directly above me and defends.
Rhallene move 30 into melee range attack with advantage because I’m prone. 12/15+4=19. Damage 10 magical slashing I’m on 12hp.
Leandrokrates Gains 3 temporary hp. Can’t get up move is 0 while grappled. Attack Rhallene to knock out with disadvantage. 14/20+7=21. Hit. 15 damage. Rhallene knocked out. Without thumbs I can’t see how I can grab the sword and still use paws to attack. Too heavy for my human-like jaws. Award Inspiration for flaw.
Cleric: Was charmed by Gerelda! See page 10 Adventure Book ‘Harpy tactics’. Attacks Ssilantha! Disadvantage since she is defending. 17/14+0=17 hit with unarmed strike. Ssilantha on 49hp.
Harpy 2. Defend.
“Grab him! Bring him down” shouts the harpy leader from below the leaves. The two nearest harpies close and try just that. One gets a firm hold and her sudden dead weight on my wing sends us both crashing to the ground. I’m lying bruised and dazed with the harpy still clinging on when Rhallene rushes over and stabs me with his enchanted elf-sword. Swallowing the pain and feeling another surge of confidence from my spell I bat upward at his head with my paw knocking him down and hopefully just unconscious. I hear a cry of anger from the cleric nearby “You witch!”.
ROUND 10.
Things are really in the balance now! This round is critical.
Ssilantha 18 (49 hp)
Harpy 4 (small red) 8
Harpy 3 (orange) 7
Harpy 1(small brown) 6
Leandrokrates 4 (12hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 Aa 3
Ssilantha attempts to touch and charm the cleric. 2+3=5 miss the touch. Song still happens. Cleric WIS save 17+4 saves and is immune to Ssilantha’s song for 24 hours. Retreats provoking AoO 11+3=14 hit. Ssilantha now on 48hp. Flies just above the ground in direction of her nest (‘Si’ on map)
Harpy 4: drop to 10’ above me and defends.
Harpy 3 Maintains grapple (free requires a hand). Ineffective clawing.
Harpy 1 Drops to ground and Aids 3 to maintain the grapple.
Leandrokrates: Break the grapple. 3+5=8. Harpy tries to maintain with advantage from Aid. 8/10 success.
Cleric: punches harpy 2. 20! Hit harpy 2 on 36hp.
Harpy 2: Attempts song on cleric. WIS save 7+2=9 cleric fail.
Magic Sword on ground near me.
The Harpy leader croons to the cleric reaching tenderly for his arm “Calm, be calm the anger goes away…”
“Not again witch!” Responds the cleric and punches her in the face.
The harpy reels back then turns to flee providing the cleric with another opportunity to land a punch. The harpy leader rolls with the punch then flies low to the north east away from the fight.
A second harpy grabs me as I struggle to get up and fail.
Another harpy song rings out like the voice of an angel “You look but not see, you fight but with who? Hear the voice of beauty. Surely, the monster is not here but there. You look but not see, you fight with fists. Here the blade of battle. See thee, by the monster there”.
ROUND 11
Ssilantha 18 (48 hp)
Harpy 4 (small red) 8
Harpy 3 (orange) 7
Harpy 1(small brown) 6
Leandrokrates 4 (12hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 (36hp) Aa 3
Ssilantha flies toward her tree. Double move.
Harpy 4 drops to ground and batter’s with feathers. Aid the cleric.
Harpy 3 Maintains grapple (free requires a hand). Ineffective clawing.
Harpy 1 Aids 3 to maintain the grapple.
Leandrokrates: Already have 3 temporary hp. No change. Use inspiration to negate disadvantage and attempt to break grapple. 11+5=16. Harpy resists 14+1=15. I break free. Free handle object clasp sword with both paws. Stand (uses 20’ move). Move 30’ NW/up.
Cleric gives chase on foot.
Harpy 2 give chases double move to me.
I strain my mighty feline muscles and burst free of the grappling harpies. Then grab the sword between my front paws and leap into the air. A third waiting harpy gives chase.
ROUND 12
Ssilantha 18 (48 hp)
Harpy 4 (small red) 8
Harpy 3 (orange) 7
Harpy 1(small brown) 6
Leandrokrates 4 (12hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 (36hp) Aa 3
Ssilantha flies a double move to her nest.
Harpy 4 move 30 after me altitude now 30 defend.
Harpy 3 move 30 after me altitude now 30 defend.
Harpy 1 move 30 after me altitude now 30 defend.
All 3 are 10’ behind me.
Leandrokrates. Already have 3 temporary hp. No change. Move 10’ so over tree. Drop sword into branches. Note cleric does not have line of sight and regular harpies are INT 7 and focused on orders to bring me down. I have to too cast a spell! 1 Inspiration for no hands, that sword is the only thing that can hurt me and I had to let it go! Cast Thunderwave. Catches all 4 regular harpies me. 8 damage.
Harpy saves:
H1: 17+1= 18 save hp now 34
H2: 13+1=14 Fail 28hp pushed back 10’
H3: 7+1=8 Fail 30hp pushed back 10’
H4: 6+1=7 Fail 30hp. pushed back 10’
Fly 40’ more in the direction of fleeing leader and drop to 5’ above ground.
Cleric Double move.
Harpy 2: Fly around tree and climb to 60’ in process.
In the distance the harpy leader disappears into a tree. I veer over a nearby tree and drop the sword into the branches, my kind needs unrestricted movement of all limbs to cast spells. Then I turn on the monsters just behind me bring my paws together rear rampant and roar! A magical blast of sound pushes most of the harpies back and bruises all of them. Wheeling about I resume my chase of their leader.
ROUND 13
Ssilantha 18 (48 hp)
Harpy 4 (small red) 8 (30 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (12hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 (28 hp) Aa
SSilantha moves through tree and handle object select a potion action drink (not 2 as in book as harpies not have arms). She has 3 potions but does not know what they do so selects on at random. 1d3 in order presented in Top Ballasta 1: Just a Healing potion but I don’t know that. Now on 50 hp.
Harpy 4: double move now 10’ behind me.
Harpy 3: double move into my 10’ cube.
Harpy 1: double move into my 10’ cube.
Leandroktates: Already have 3 temporary hp, no change. Move 50ft NE. remain at 5’ altitude (I can’s survive a fall). Fish out last healing potion and drink. Now on 17hp.
Cleric double move into my 10’ cube.
Harpy 2. Double move NE and drop to 5’.
The harpies give chase as I fly low over the woodland meadow. I fish my last potion from the pouch around my neck with my teeth, crushing the ceramic vial I let the healing magic course through me as I fly. I pass the cleric and he manages to keep pace for now. I must finish their smarter leader before she figures out a way to finish me off.
ROUND 14
Ssilantha 18 (50 hp)
Harpy 4 (small red) 8 (30 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (17 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 (28 hp) Aa
Ssilantha double move out of tree then SW at 5’ altitude. Then notice the cleric does not have the sword.
Harpy 4 double move 20’ behind me.
Harpy 3 double move into my space.
Harpy 1 double move into my space.
Leandrokrates: Still in danger of a pile up even if no fall damage at 5’. A single 50’ move will hold off the rabble and bring my to melee with the leader. Cast Cure Wounds on self. Now on 27 hp. Just feel safer with a buffer and there is no way for the leader to get away without me getting an attack next round.
Cleric double move to within melee range. Making it very obvious he does not have the magic sword.
Harpy 2. Double move 20’ behind.
The leader of the harpies emerges from the tree. Behind me the other harpies are gaining. Flexing my body as if stretching and intoning arcane words I draw on my magical reserves to heal some of my wounds as a close to within melee distance of the leader.
ROUND 15
Ssilantha 18 (50 hp)
Harpy 4 (small red) 8 (30 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (27 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 (28 hp) Aa
Ssilantha: Disengage then movenext toward harpy 2.
Harpy 4: move 30’ and defend
Harpy 3: move to next to leader and defend
Harpy 1: move to 10’ west of the trio above.
Leandrokrates: move 20’ to next to leader. Claw leader with inspiration: 6/1 +7=13 hit just. 13 damage. Ssilantha on 37 hp. Fly east-up 30’. Altitude now 35’.
Cleric: Run east then defend.
Harpy 2: Move 30’ east/up. 10’ behind me and 35’ altitude.
The harpy jinks right then performs an unexpected wing over to take her out of my reach before she flies toward her flock but I am too fast and soon climb to catch her again. Another swipe of my claws cuts her fleeing rump
ROUND 16.
Ssilantha 18 (37 hp)
Harpy 4 (small red) 8 (30 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (27 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 (28 hp) Aa
Ssilantha: “Bring him down!” she’s not bright but at low average INT the tactician among the INT 7’s. She knows falling can hurt me. Move to the spot 10’ behind and 35’ altitude. Defend.
Harpy 4: move into my space attempt a grapple 19+1=20! I resist 10+5. Grappled. Sod. Fall damage Harpy 7, now on 23hp. Me 11, but 3 temp hp now on 19 hp. Both prone.
Harpy 3: Fly at 5’ above ground 30’ East then Defend.
Harpy 1: Fly at 5’ above ground 30’ East then Defend.
Leandrokrates: Gain my last 3 temporary HP. Break grapple. 8+5=13. Harpy resist 17+1. Grapple holds. Sod. Arh well at least no more falling damage. Heroism spell ends.
Cleric: run over and Aid the grappler.
Harpy 2: Fly down to 5’ above where I lie. Defend.
“Bring him down!” Screeches the Harpy leader. One of the harpies impacts me with a literal flying tackle. We both plummet in a tangle of wings and limbs. The impact with the ground comes with the crack of fracturing bones. I struggle to shake off my attacker but she maintains a steely grip and soon the cleric arrives to help pin me. Above the rest of the flock descend in cautious circles.
ROUND 17
Ssilantha 18 (37 hp)
Harpy 4 (small red) 8 (23 hp, prone)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp prone grappled)
Cleric 3 (Aiding Harpy 4)
Harpy 2 (28 hp) Aa
Ssilantha: “Where’s that damn elf-blade?” Ready: when told where the sword is Dash.
Harpy 4: “In that tree” she can’t point or do much while maintaining the grapple. Ready: if I escape attempt a grapple action. Removes prone.
Remember they are stupid.
Harpy 3: “That tree!” point toward the clump of three trees. Defend.
Harpy 1: “Follow me!” dash 60’ toward the correct tree.
Held action Leader flies after harpy 1 and drops to 5’ altitude.
Leandrokrates: Attempt to break grapple 2+5=7. For reals! Harpy 4 resists with advantage from the Help of the cleric. 1/7+1=8. Sod. Removes prone.
Cleric: Help Harpy 4 with grapple
Harpy 2: Watches, bonus action sings. Actually, has been doing this since charming the cleric
“Where’s the damn elf-blade?” screeches the harpy leader above the crooning of one of her flock.
“In that tree” grunts the harpy straining to keep hold of me.
“Follow me!” calls one of the others and flaps off. The Leader follows. I can’t let them find that sword! I struggle to my feet but can’t shake of my captor.
ROUND 18
Ssilantha 18 (37 hp)
Harpy 4 (small red) 8 (23 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp grappled)
Cleric 3 (Aiding Harpy 4)
Harpy 2 (28 hp) Aa
Ssilantha: dash to under one of the three trees in the group.
Harpy 4: Ready: if I escape attempt a grapple action.
Harpy 3: Defend.
Harpy 1: Dash. “He dropped it into this tree!”.
Leandrokrates: Escape grapple 11+5=16. Harpy 4 with advantage from cleric’s help 7/9+1=10. You’ll are so screwed now!
Harpy 4 held action grapple. 3+1=4. I literally can’t lose 3+5=8.
I move leaping into the air and gliding at 5’ above the ground I give chase to the leader. Ignore AoO which can’t hurt me.
Cleric: Dash 50’ to catch me.
Harpy 2: Dash 50’ at altitude 5’ to give chase. Bonus action sing
I hear one harpy call “He dropped it into this tree”
I redouble my efforts to escape the two holding me down. With a mighty wrench I tear my limbs free of their grasp. Another grasps feebly at me as I keep away but I slip through her fingers. Gliding just above the meadow grass I make for the tree where I dropped the sword. The cleric and a harpy give chase.
ROUND 19
Ssilantha 18 (37 hp)
Harpy 4 (small red) 8 (23 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 (28 hp) Aa
Ssilantha: so I just dropped the sword into the tree from above. I figure there are two possibilities. 1) It fell straight through and is pretty obvious. 2) its caught in the branches somewhere and will be hard to find.
Set a DC for 1 and if Ssilantha fails then a minute search is needed. Setting the DC use EGSA. DC20 perception check. 9+(-1)=8 no. The Sword is not obvious a search is required. Ssilantha moves up into the branches.
Harpy 4: Takes flight 5’ above the ground dash to my 10’ cube.
Harpy 3: Above the ground dash to my 10’ cube. Can’t fit go to 10’ above ground.
Harpy 1: move into branches. Begin search. 1 round of 10.
Leandrokrates: Claw Attack Harpy 4. 4+7=11 hit. 16 damage Harpy 4 now 7hp. Ignore impotent AoO. Move 50’ at 5’ altitude.
Cleric: Defend
Harpy 2: Defend bonus action sing
The tree ahead rustles with the frantic searching of the two harpies. The other harpies and the human cleric are right behind me. I turn on my would be hunters and attack the harpy still injured from her fall with me. Claw tends flesh leaving a terrible wound before I turn and fly toward the tree again.
ROUND 20
Ssilantha 18 (37 hp)
Harpy 4 (small red) 8 (7 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 (28 hp) Aa
Ssilantha search 1 of 10. I’d at least require a minute for a PC to search and area, probably longer.
Harpy 4: move 30 in my direction and defend.
Harpy 3: Dash to directly above me.
Harpy 1: Search 2 of 10.
Leandrokrates: Double back and attack Harpy 4. Disadvantage from Defend. 6/3+7=10 miss. Sod.
Cleric: move 30’ and defend.
Harpy 2. Move 30’ and defend. Bonus action sing.
On the wing just above the ground I cut a tight circle to again return to the wounded harpy. This time however she dodges my claws.
ROUND 21
Ssilantha 18 (37 hp)
Harpy 4 (small red) 8 (7 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 (28 hp) Aa
Ssilantha search 2 of 10
Harpy 4: Disengage fly 30’ toward tree & leader.
Harpy 3: Attempt grapple. 12+1=13. I resist 17+5=22. Fail
Harpy 1: Search 3 of 10.
Leandrockrates: Ignoring AoO fly to harpy 4 and attack. 15+7=22 hit. 22 damage. Move another 20’ to West. I’m trying to split up my foes.
Cleric: Dash to my position.
Harpy 2: Not charmed or armoured more cautious. Move toward me and defend.
Ignoring the feeble grasps and blows from my foes I fly back to the injured harpy and claw a terrible wound into her thigh then fly west. The cleric driven by a powerful charm races over to my position but the harpies are more wary and approach carefully. One flies toward the tree where her leader is.
ROUND 22
Ssilantha 18 (37 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 (28 hp) Aa
Ssilantha search 3 of 10
Harpy 3 move 30’ go to 40’ altitude hoping to lure me into a grapple and fall or just fly away over 50’ tall trees. Defend
Harpy 1 search 4 of 10.
Leandrokrates: Fly at 5’ altitude 30’ back to Harpy 2. Attack: 15+7=22 hit. 7 damage. (boo!) Harpy 2 on 21hp.
Cleric: move 30 to my position grapple. 18+0=18. I resist 19+5=24.
Harpy 2 grapple 5+1=6. I resist 9+5=14. Bonus action sing.
The harpies split up. I seek out the most wounded and attack but she nearly dodges to the side and my claws manage only a superficial scratch. She continues her song pleading prettily for help. I feel a tug on my hindleg and easily kick free of the charmed human cleric pawing at me.
ROUND 23
Ssilantha 18 (37 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 (21 hp) Aa
Ssilantha search 4 of 10
Harpy 3: climb to 60’ and defend.
Harpy 1 search 5 of 10.
Leandrokrates. Attack harpy 2. 11+5=16 Hit. 13 magical slashing damage. Harpy 2 on 8 hp. Then move 50’ north.
Cleric: Dash 50’ to my position.
Harpy 2. Move 30’ under tree and Defend. Bonus action sing
I take another swipe at the singing harpy then wing north hoping to lure the monsters into being split up further. Instead the singing harpy flies to the base of the tree where two others are presumably looking for the enchanted sword. With her back to the tree-trunk she implores the cleric “Gralic, my love, slay the beast of the wilds, makesafe my affections…” the man rushes after me.
ROUND 24
Ssilantha 18 (37 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 2 (8 hp) Aa
Ssilantha search 5 of 10
Harpy 3: move 30’ north. Defend.
Harpy 1 search 6 of 10.
Leandrokrates: Fly Dash at 5’ above ground to under the tree where Harpy 2 is.
Cleric: Dash to my position.
Harpy 2: Into tree assuming difficult terrain for a flyer as I have throughout to 20’. Defend. Bonus action sing.
I wheel around feather brushing the earth and bolt toward the singing harpy at the base of the tree. Seeing my coming she flits into the tree branches out of sight. Gralic the cleric pants to keep up with me.
ROUND 25
Ssilantha 18 (37 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Ssilantha search 6 of 10. Assuming ½ way up tree 25’ above ground.
Harpy 3: move 30’ south. Defend.
Harpy 1 search 7 of 10. Assuming ½ way up tree 25’ above ground.
Leandrokrates. Move 15’ up through difficult terrain (a big tree, uses 30’ move) to Harpy 2. Attack 20 =27. Critical. 20 damage. Harpy 2 dead. Cleric freed of Charm!
Cleric: “Kidnappers! Enslavers! Witches!” Move 10’. Athletics check to climb a tree. EGSA DC20 roll 12+0 Fail.
I beat my wings launch into the huge old oak. Ahead the harpy half-flies half scrambles through the branches but is not quick enough to elude my claws and soon falls dead to the lower branches with her throat torn out ending her song forever. Below Gralic shakes his head then roars in anger “Kidnappers! Enslavers! Witches!” and begins to scrabble at the tall trunk of the tree trying to find a way up
ROUND 26
Ssilantha 18 (37 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Ssilantha search 7 of 10. Assuming ½ way up tree 25’ above ground.
Harpy 3: Defend
Harpy 1 search 8 of 10. Assuming ½ way up tree 25’ above ground.
Leandrokrates: Move to Ssilantha and attack. 8+7=15. Hit. 8 damage. Ssilantha on 29 hp. Search paused.
Cleric attempt to climb tree. 15+0=15 fail.
I spy the leader of the scream through the branches and climb catlike to her position to deliver a rake against her flank interrupting her search.
ROUND 27
Ssilantha 18 (29 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Ssilantha: defend
Harpy 3: fly to 60’ above cleric use Luring Song. Cleric save 11+4=15. Pass.
Harpy 1: Harpy 1 search 9 of 10. Move up tree 50’ above ground and 10’ across.
Leandrokrates: attack Ssilantha 11/13+7=18 hit. 16 damage. Ssilantha on 13, passes half hp.
Cleric: swears at the charming song. Defends
No photo as no change positions except harpy 1 moves away from me within tree
From above the tree the opening trill of a harpy song rings out clear but “false angels!” curses Gralic “come here and I will send you to the Immortals for judgement!”. I press my attack against the cunning harpy leader but she raises her forearms protecting her vitals from my talons. Still, scarlet flows freely from her arms from my slash and she visibly tires from the bloodloss.
ROUND 28
Ssilantha 18 (13 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Ssilantha. Defend.
Harpy 3. Fly dash up 120’
Harpy 1: Search 10 of 10. Roll investigation. 3-2=1 fail. That’s a relief. I have them now!
Leandrokrates: attack Ssilantha. 5/2+7=9. Miss. Sod.
Cleric. Defend.
“Where is that damn sword!” cries the other harpy in the tree in frustration as I swipe again at her leader. This time the harpy manages to stagger against a branch out of the way.
ROUND 29
Ssilantha 18 (13 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Ssilantha “get down here you idiot, our only chance is to find that sword”. Defend
Harpy 3. Descend Dash to tree canopy. 50’
Harpy 1: Search again 1 of 10.
Leandrokrates: Attack Ssilantha. 12/12+7=19. Hit. 12 damage. Ssilantha on 1hp.
Cleric. Hold action if harpy comes within reach attack.
No Photo.
Leaning against the branch the harpy leader glimpses her other companion circling above the canopy. She barks a desperate command “Get down here you idiot, our only chance is to find that sword”. Distracted she barely flinches from my attack and receives another terrible wound that leaves her in a ragged state.
ROUND 30
Ssilantha 18 (1 hp)
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Ssilantha: Disengage. Move to get out of tree. And 20’ NE. Climb to 45’ above ground.
Harpy 3 move into canopy (45’) and begin search 1 of 10.
Harpy 1: Search again 2 of 10.
Leandrokrates: Move to Ssilantha and attack. 19+7=26 Hit. 6 damage but enough she dies. Fly back toward tree.
With a last surge of vigour the lead harpy dodges left then up and out of the tree to soar sunward but my mighty wings are faster, leaping from the tree with a great beat of my eagle wings I’m on her and soon she falls disembowelled to be broken on the oaken branches below. I follow the corpse back to the tree to resume the hunt.
ROUND 31
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 3: search 2 of 10
Harpy 1: frantically search 3 of 10
Leandrokrates: Move to harpy 3 which involves movement through difficult terrain tree (uses 40’ of move). Attack harpy 3, 1 crit miss.
Cleric. Attempt to climb. 8+0=8 fail.
Soon I am upon my next prey but she ducks below a heavy branch to avoid my blow. I can hear the frantic rustling of the other harpy searching for the sword that can bring my low.
ROUND 32
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (30 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 3: Defend
Harpy 1 search 4 of 10.
Leandrokrates: Attack harpy 3: 6/19+7=13. Hit 23 damage! Harpy 3 on 7hp.
Cleric: try to climb tree. 13+0 fail.
No change in positions, no image.
My next blow strikes home though leaving a red wound and knocking the wind from my prey.
ROUND 33
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (34 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 3. Disengage climb through tree then fly straight up. Now in the air 20’ above tree and 70’ above ground.
Harpy 1 search 5 of 10.
Lenadrokrates: attack harpy 1: 13+7=20. Hit for 17. Now on 17hp.
Cleric: try to climb tree: 17, no.
Panicked my prey flits up through a screen of leaves and is soon airborne. I let her flee for now and turn my attention on her searching companion. A group of red lines across her back alert her to my presence and interrupts her seeking of the sword.
ROUND 34
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (17 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 3: Dash fly to 130’ above ground and 60’ West.
Harpy 1: Call for help. Defend. Note at 50’ is at canopy level.
Leandrokrates: Attack Harpy 1: 6/7+7=13. Hit 6 damage. Harpy 1 on 1 HP!
Cleric: Defend.
A second blow send her reeling into a branch. “HELP! she screams for her faithless companion as she dodges behind the branches to get away from me turning a fatal blow into a bleeding scratch.
ROUND 35
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Harpy 1(small brown) 6 (1 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 3: fly up to 190’
Harpy 1: INT 7: Panic! Disengage. Fly East up. Now 80’ above the ground.
Leandrokrates: Chase Harpy 1 use 30’ move. Attack: 9+7=16 hit. 13 damage. Harpy 1 dead.
Cleric: Defend.
I chase the feathered creature as she ties to flee but wounded as she is she soon is killed by another cut of my red-stained claws.
ROUND 36
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 3 Fly up 60’ to 250’
Is there clouds? Roll d6 consult EGSA: No.
Leandrokrates: Fly up 100’ to 180’. Betting the injured harpy wont grapple into a fall she cannot survive.
Cleric: Move 60 South West to unconscious elf.
Now I turn my attention to the lone survivor of my assault who is flying ever higher. Below I glimpse Gralic move out from under the tree toward the unconscious Rhallene.
ROUND 37
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 3 Move North/up 60’ 310’ above ground.
Leandrokrates: Move North West up to 280’
Cleric: Administer first aid. Without medicine kit or magic, no effect. Roll Medicine to realise the wounds were deliberately non-lethal. A village healer and easy to notice I could have inflicted much worse. Plugging this into EGSA I get DC10. 18+4=22. Pass .
My prey has a good head start but I’m a swift flyer, I’m closing.
Round 38
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 3: East/up 60’ toward known trees to hide in but away from sphinx. Now 450’ above ground.
Leandrokrates: fly 100’ toward escaping harpy. Now at 380’ above ground.
Cleric: fuss over elf.
Higher we climb into the cloudless sky, surely, she does not think to outfly me?
Round 39
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 3. Dash NE Up. at 510’ up. She has a desperate plan!
Leandrokrates Chase harpy. Now at 480’.
Cleric 3. Watch the action above.
I am soon a mere 30 feet below her, and the ground perhaps 500’ below us.
Round 40
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 3. Move 30’ East. Folds wings and stoops falling groundward. Creatures fall 500’ per round. Attempts to pull-up 10’ above ground! ESGA DC20 20+1=21! Wow. Well played harpy!
Leandrokrates climb to 380’ and east to 10’ west of harpy. Not desperate enough to try the harpies tactic.
Cleric: Dash NE 60’.
She wings east then folds her wings and falls like a stone. I’m agasp at the recklessness! To stoop so close to the ground! I expect her to collide with the earth but at the last moment she spreads her wings and barely recovers from the fall. Unwilling to risk death by emulating such a desperate maneuver I begin a swift but controlled descent.
Round 41
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 3: Drop to 5’ above ground and fly 60’ under a tree.
Leandrokrates: Fly until above middle of clump of 3 trees and down to 280’ above ground.
Cleric: dash 60’
Flying barely above the earth she disappears beneathe the canopy of a tree. To the east is a dense clump of trees. She must hope to make it there and lose me in the cover.
Round 42
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 3: Dash/fly to under the next tree.
Leandrokrates: East 20’ and down to 180’ above ground.
Cleric move NE 60’
As I descend, I see her flit across to the next isolated tree. At this rate she will reach the cover of the denser forest before I reach the ground. Below the cleric is running again, towards the harpy with his mace ready but he is too far away to do any good.
Round 43
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Draw on more of the map. More trees.
Harpy 3: Fly 60 ESE toward next tree.
Leandrokrates: Fly to 80’ above ground and just east of Harpy.
Cleric dash 60’
My prey flits toward another tree, the last before reaching the forest proper. I’m only about 80’ above the ground now. Perhaps I can catch her before she escapes.
Round 44
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy 3: Fly 60’ East toward big clup of tres where she might hide.
Leadrokrates: Fly Dash to 5’ above ground and same square as harpy.
Cleric dash 60’
The harpy reaches the denser treeline as I reach the ground. Flying a man-hieght above the earth I struggle to keep her in sight as she seeks to lose me in the forest.
Round 45
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy fly 60’ into clump of trees.
Leandrocrates: fly 100 and get ahead of harpy.
Cleric move 60’
I manage to keep track of her and get ahead to cut her off.
Round 46
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harp fly 30 try to hide in tree. Roll stealth 9+1=10
Leandrokrates: Fly direction of harpy. Do I see her hiding? 10+6=yes. Attack 1 miss. FFS!
Tree trunks and underbrush flash by. Wait, where is she? There, a glimpse of filthy grey feather behind that bush.
Round 47
Harpy 3 (orange) 7 (7 hp)
Leandrokrates 4 (19 hp)
Cleric 3
Harpy fly out of tree. Defend.
Leandrokrates: Fly over and attack. 12/6+7=hit. 17 damage. Dead.
Cleric moves 60’
I wing over and burst through the concealing shrubbery. In a moment the harpy’s rib-cage is ripped open by the force of my leonine claws. The forest is still. The birds fallen silent as we predators battled. In the distance I hear the heavy breathing and clanging of the running armoured cleric.
I pad out of the treeline on gore-soaked paws. “It is done.” I call to the approaching cleric. He slows to a walk and stows his mace.
“You trust a sphinx?”
“Like mine, your species has a mixed reputation, but you, yes. You are no friend of my captors and you could have killed that elf but you knocked him down instead.”
“Gralic is it?”
“Yes, well met…”
“Leandrokrates, warrior and scholar at your service, well met. My companion was Rhallene of similar profession to my own. Though a only recent companion met on the road I am please I did not wound him too badly.” I rumble in a fatherly tone.
Gralic offers his assessment “He will be sore, but he should come around soon.”
“If you keep an eye on him until then, perhaps I can find his valuable blade for him before he comes around?”. Unspoken ‘I am not a brigand’.
We do just that. That evening we dine on pork as we nurse our wounds. We set watches of during the night but the night passes without incident.
Remove 12 pound from my pork supply, now 123 pounds.
In the morning we search the area but concentrate on the tree of the leader. An empty vial of the kind used for potions and perfume in the nest explains her visit to her nest during the fight. There are two more vials in a padded box built for three. There is also a couple of blue-green gems and a stash of coins.
Gralic leads us to the nest of the late shaman, Gerelda. There I find a marble egg, a silvering and three gems, one a valuable looking emerald.
I gift the potions to Gralic and Rhallene, but the elf returns his to me as recompense for the potions I expended on others recently. We then split the remaining treasure, Gralic taking anything he recognises as belonging to one of his flock. The emerald they insist I take as my third as gratitude for their rescue and the magnitude of my efforts in defeating the harpies.
My take is the Heroism potion (I don’t know what it is yet and chosen randomly) and 44sp, 38gp, 25pp, emerald (450gp).
We then travel a few days in good fellowship through the forest to Gralic’s village. The villagers are delighted to see their spiritual leader and healer returned and with Gralic’s tale of my part in the rescue I’m warily accepted among them. We three are feted for a time and I enjoy the company of others so rare for a travelling sphinx. Even travellers passing through begin to remark that word of the friendly sphinx has reached as far as Specularum first from a pair of wandering soldiers and then through Karameikan temples. I suspect correspondence from Gralic to be responsible for the later. The company though stirs in me a longing for the place where I am accepted without fear or curiosity. My thoughts begin to turn toward Serraine, my home the magnificent flying city.
Well, that’s this tale done. Stay tuned for more adventures in a coming topic ‘[TopBallista] Crash Landing’.