“So, you have defeated my minions. Congratulations. You won’t see me or Fluffykins here fall so swiftly.”

With a howl of rage, Rorgar hefted his oversized battle-axe and charged the wizard, only to be stopped by a quick gesture and a few words. The dwarf’s face froze in a rictus of anger, even the individual strands of his beard unmoving.

“Uh-oh,” said Drog, the half-orc barbarian.

The dragon laughed, an uncanny high-pitched giggle coming from Fluffykins’ massive body. The wizard, her black gown seeming to float on the mist coming from the floor, merely smiled.

“It’s okay,” Amelie said. “I got this.” With a gesture of her own, the sorcerer let fly a burst of crackling energy, only to see it fizzle and spark out against Ardania’s protective shield.

“We’re doomed,” said Jem, the half-elf bard.

The dragon reared, then released a blast of chill breath toward the adventurers, who tried to duck and tumble out of the way.

Drog picked himself up first, throwing himself at their nemesis. A bolt of blue flame shot from her staff, but the half-orc danced away from the beam, which spent itself against the granite stone of the cave. Roaring, the barbarian swung his greatsword in a high arc, aiming for the wizard’s head.

“She ducks out of the way, and your attack does no damage,” said Chuck.

“What? I rolled a 19. A 19 is a critical hit,” protested Travis.
“No, it doesn’t even get through her Armor Class,” Chuck told him.

“Oh, come on,” said Julie, Amelie’s character sheet covered in polyhedral dice in front of her. “You mean a 19 isn’t going to hit?”

“Pretty much you gotta roll a natural 20,” said Chuck.

“Hey, anyone got more Chee-tos?” Dave asked.

“Battle going on,” Travis reminded him.

“Hey, my dwarf’s out of the picture, and I want some Chee-tos.”

“We’re doomed,” said Ian, again.