The next day dawns cold and gray outside the misshapen windows of the Old Bargewright. As the group gathers for breakfast in a sparsely populated common room, Bruldenthar approaches.

After some brief greetings, Bruldenthar says "I've secured you passage on a keelboat heading up river from Womford. It's a grain barge bound for Yartar, and they've agreed to let you disembark in the Sumber Hills. The boat's captain is familiar with the Sacred Stone monastery, or at least its location. He and his fellows appear to have heard something or other about it as a 'Haunted Keep' or some other nonsense."

"In any case," the dwarf continues, "the captain and his crew don't resemble men and women of high society nor are they adept at philosophical conversation, yet their ship seems river-worthy enough to get you quickly back to rescuing cult-held prisoners. I hope this small favor in some way helps with addressing the debt I will forever owe you." He bows slightly, and winks at Faith.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:45, Fri 29 Dec 2023.

Ehrendil stands, "You've provided us with much assistance since we left the monastery. It's appreciated. I do hope you can either complete your trip to Goldenfields, or at least send a message to the Abbot to let him know what has transpired, and perhaps advise him that Zeb and I are returning to deal with the cultists." The ranger reaches out and shakes the dwarf's hand.

Makari hadn't been seen much the night before. He was up and about early in the morning, washing up and getting ready to move out. He was clearly itching to get going once more, and trying not to be an annoying ass about it, though.

He smiled and said, "Thanks for your help."

Faith had a night reminiscent of her old days. The first few hours she was cleaning herself up - a bath and some food and she was back downstairs in the main hall of the inn.

While there, she shone as she did, telling stories of the deadly monastery, and singing songs. By all accounts she was drinking, but in truth, she had little - despite her high energy, she did retire a little before high moon.

The next morning, she was one of the last to wake. The difference in the woman was noticeable - gone was the dirt and grime, and torn clothes. She now wore linen shirt of white, with a dark grey skirt. Boots of black were polished, and she wore a set of armor of grey, a stark contrast to her red skin.

She saw the dwarf and spun, then nodded. "I believe your influence has replaced some of my damaged clothes and gear - thanks Bruldenthar." She hugged and kissed the dwarf on the cheek as she sat down next to him.

As he spoke, she had a serious look, but let the others finish before speaking. Of these people, i've known you the longest - we traveled together when we were captured. We have seen joy and heartache my friend." She looked at the group, then back. "But, i feel that this is where we part ways. I believe i can help these people, and i want in no small way to find these bastards and kick their asses."

She looked at the group. "I know you helped me, a mutual beneficial suituation....but now we are free, i would ask that if you will have me, i would join your task."

"One day, Tyar-Besil will be free of slavers and other evils, and dwarven songs will again fill its halls. I can then teach you some of our working songs, and would like to hear your interpretations." Morg says to Faith. "Those who help clear it will be honored guests or comrades." he says, trying to find something he thinks Gorm would enjoy eating.

---

DM, is the genasi pirate Shoalar Quanderil still alive as far as the party knows?

Ehrendil's eyebrow rises in surprise, "I didn't realise you had not already joined with us! Of course you are welcome."

"Welcome indeed," Zeb agreed, visibly astonished by the woman's transformation. Impressive as it was, he was not one for clean hair or fancy dress and felt something had been lost in the transformation. Understanding it would be rude to say so or even let the disappointment show on his face, he made a great show of welcoming the woman to the group - a group of which he was not himself an original member, though nothing in his comportment suggested he remembered this.

Faith nodded and smiled at each as they welcomed her to the group. Well, if that is all, i suggest we make some plans about getting ourselves dirty anain and kicking some cultist butt!"

"I came here to get dirty and kick butt. And I'm all out of... wait, that doesn't work. Ehrendil, how does it go again? Never mind. The sentiment is clear, I think." He offered up an earnest smile to Faith, then readied himself to depart.

Bruldenthar nods to each of the party in turn in a final token of thanks, and bids the group seek out Juan Nightengale at the dock in Womford this morning.

Upon departing the Inn, the group finds the gates to Bargewright once again open. The grey skis overhead threaten rain, and the blustery cold quickly seeps past any and all clothing of the walled encampment's residents. Several cloaked figures in small alleyways between buildings confer quietly, and serve as a backdrop to the flurry of activity around the trading stalls as vendors set up the day's wares.

Leaving Bargewright, the party turns east towards the bridge and the tiny village of Womford. A large grist mill sits near the dock, with a well-worn pathway leading to it. A handful of granaries and a larger crop of cottages dot the town, with several shops set up among the modest houses.

Several dirty-faced dockworkers look up from their work loading the tethered keelboat as the group approaches.

Morg finds Gorm and tells her about the trip they're taking on the barge, while heading back to the dock.

Almost as soon as they set foot outside the city finding Gorm becomes obvious, at the nearest tree line sits a bear that fits her description exactly.  As Morg indicates the barge the bear waves and mimics the gesture pointing in that direction, or at least the direction of the water in general, then stands up and walks back into the trees.

Faith followed the group to the bear that could communicate, and stood by with her armor, rapier and gear. After the night of rest and cleaning, she looked like a new woman, ready to take on the world. She looked at the bear and shook her head with a smile. "I don't know what she is, but whatever that is, i'm glad she's on our side."

Makari followed along, in a mixture of anxious, sad and anticipation. It was an odd combination. He smiled, however, when he saw Gorm - a smile of happiness and relief. He called out quietly, "I'm very glad you're well, friend Gorm."

He walked along after Gorm had left and glanced at Faith. He nodded. "Gorm is great. A friend and great ally."

Ehrendil walks to the Womford docks, with a spring in his step as there was no potential danger surrounding them for the first time in days.
"With any luck we will have a quiet trip up the river."

Panic leapt to Zeb's eyes when Ehrendil mentioned a quiet trip. He dashed to the nearest tree, laid a hand upon it, and muttered something in his mother tongue. Then, looking much relieved, he returned to the group.

"Careful with your words, friend. Lest you summon the very misfortune you wish to forfend."

Faith looked at zeb with a snort. "Luck is for superstitious fools - we make our own luck." She adjusted her pack and nodded, ready to move out

"Make your own luck?" The gnome could not resist a smirk. "Is that how you came to find yourself imprisoned by cultists? Our coming by when we did was certainly a stroke of luck for you, but I fail to see how you made it."

Ehrendil chuckled, "Luck is a fickle friend at best. And Zeb, I was about to knock on wood to ward of bad luck!" the elf then tapped the side of his head with his knuckles.

Faith looked at Zeb and smiled. "That was not luck - that was us trusting people we should not have. We and the dwarves had camped when the monks came in, asking to share a camp for saftey. Little did we know they were the danger"

She shook her head. "Luck is something that isn't to be relied on - if it's in our favor, well and good. But to blame something on bad luck is usually someone made a mistake or did something wrong - often."

One of the dock workers, a dirty-cheeked dragonborn with bulging muscles, looks at the group of newcomers to the docks with skepticism. "You lost?" she spits.

"We're looking for a keelboat heading to Yartar, carrying grain. Bruldenthar sent us."

---

I don't see that Bruldenthar actually told us the name of the boat or the captain!

"We're looking for Juan Nightengale." Morg says

"Ah, not lost then. That's Juan there," she says before calling him over.

Juan turns out to be a dark-skinned human with a black hat and a rolling gait, clearly more at home on the water than on land. He gives a flourishing bow to the group, removing his hat to reveal a bright red bandana collecting his long dark hair. Placing it back atop his head slightly askew, he introduces himself as Juan. "I'm bound for Yartar, but it's always my pleasure to take on special favors for my generous employers, such as taking on passengers. The Sumber Hills are dangerous waters these days though, so we won't be lingering long. The ship is right this way," he continues, indicating the sole keelboat moored to the small dock nearby. "We've almost completed loading, and then we'll be off. Set yourselves up below decks and make yourself comfortable, or stay on deck if you like. Just be warned, there's been an increase in piracy on the river of late."

"I don't have any skills when it comes to sailing, but will help carry heavy things or fight off any pirates if you order it." Morg says as he nods to Juan, and heads down to stow his belongings below decks.

"Hello, Juan. I'm Ehrendil, like my friend Morg, I have no knowledge of boats. But I am more than happy to use my bow to drive off pirates, especially if they're from Rivergard Keep." Following the dwarf, Ehrendil will stow his pack and other gear below deck, keeping only his bow, quiver and rapier on his person.

Faith smiled as she followed. “I have a little experience, though not as much as you my young fellow.” she smiled and winked at Juan. “I have keen eyes and can help keep watch, even in the dark….and rest assured, any pirates come across this crew they will be sorry.”

Makari's eyebrows went up when the person assumed they were lost. He wondered mildly if they were about to have trouble, but it wasn't to be. He watched and listened as Juan was called over and spoke to them. He nodded at the Slumber Hills being dangerous.

"No problem. We'll stay out of your way unless you need help fending off..." He looked down and then waved a hand around, "monsters, pirates, whatever." He smiled and heading forward to do as bid and get on the ship and belowdecks.

Zeb did not cut the most intimidating profile, though he puffed out his little chest as he boarded the ship. "Any pirates shall rue the day they laid eyes upon this fine vessel," the gnome assured Juan, bowing deeply to indicate the depth of his commitment to protecting the ship and its passengers.

The ship's progress northward was slow but steady, and before the balance of the day was out the keelboat was anchored near the left side of the river bank, and a wide gangplank extended down to the water's edge for the party to depart.

"Ye'll find the monastery due west from here, though the hills. Won't be long until you reca-nize the area, seeing as though you've been there before." He punctuates his declaration with a flowery bow, shifting his long leather coat.

The sun shines brightly through the cold air above the western hills as the rest of the crew bids the group half-hearted well-wishes. The still air betrays little sound, beyond the odd distant call of birds, a quick call from a crewmember lookout at the bow, and a low murmur of the river's passing.

Morg bows to the crew when he disembarks.
~
Once the entire party starts heading west, he asks if they should wait for the cover of night before trying to descend again or try to get there as quickly as possible.

"Our thanks, Juan. I hope the rest of your voyage is uneventful." Ehrendil gives a nod and a wave to the crew as he steps onto the shore.

"Not the friendliest lot," he remarks once the party has started the trek westward. In response to Morg, he adds, "I think we should march until dark. If we arrive before then, we wait before entering."

Not long after the crew of the ship drops off the majority of the party a bear can be seen climbing up the next shallow bank in the down river direction.  Once up on land a great shaking and spraying of water happens before the bear sets off on an intercept course to the party.  Very nearly dry before she reaches them Gorm looks almost normal again as she silently rejoins the party on their trek with little more than a companionable nod to acknowledge their time spent within the walls of a city doing things she has no interest in.

"There, you see?" Zeb winked at the captain as he disembarked. "Our mere presence deterred the pirates."

"We've wasted enough time as it is," he answered Morg. "I would be in favor even of entering the temple under cover of night." The gnome looked then to Makari, suspecting he would have an ally in the elf.

Makari found that being on the ship brought up...terrible memories. The last ship he'd been on hadn't been on a river, of course, but the gentle rocking motion still made him...remember things he would rather not. So he spent most of his time alone and brooding.

He was one of the first off the boat, grateful to be back on land once more. He did thank the captain and crew as he left the boat, however.

He gave a shrug. He was good either way so he didn't contribute. He smiled at Gorm, "Good to see you again."

Faith was in her element on the ship - using her time to look out for danger, singing songs with her melodic voice and being generally bubbly....gone was the exhausted and dirty tiefling, Faith seemed to find solace in the new group.

When they arrived, she winked and hugged Juan. "Clearly your exceptional skills kept us safe from the brigands. I pray to every God known the rest of your trip is equally as uneventful"

As he left, Faith watched as Morg appeared, and she looked at the bear with hands on her hips, shaking her head with a smile. "You truly are a marvellous creature." she muttered.

Then the discussion of the task at hand. "There is no point in deciding if we enter when it's dark or not before we get there....it may not be until morning. it may be an hour or so before dusk. Let us get closet before we decide boys."

Juan grins widely after Faith's hug and straightens his moustaches before bidding the party adieu.

The group quickly starts to recognize the area after disembarking from the keelboat, and makes their way without delay to the narrow defile leading to the Sacred Stone monastery. The air remains still and quiet, with the exception of a distant shout from the direction of the river about 10 minutes from the group's departure.

---

Map updated!

"I think we should use the entrance near Renwick's tower. The same one we left from. There's at least a small chance of getting in undetected."

---

Peer pressure made me add a Stealth check! Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 20 for Stealth (DEX).
This message was last edited by the player at 23:26, Sat 13 Jan.

Morg nods at Ehrendil, and tries to move slowly in order to not make a noise.

---

If the party agrees to enter the monastry, then:
10:30, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 2 using 2d20+1, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 14,1.  Stealth check with disadvantage (from splint) for entering monastery. – roll=1705134625.42711.272068

Faith nods at the wisdom of the elf and follows after Morg. Silently (or at least more silently than the dwarf) she follows, wincing at the creaking armor. “Maybe they didn’t hear that.” she murmured.

---

<OOC: Faith rolled 14 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 8.  Stealth check . >

Makari nodded at Ehrendil's suggestion of entrance. "I agree. I think that makes the most sense."

He winced at Morg's loud clankiness, which reminded him to give himself a small blessing as he attempted to be stealthy as well, but he was only stealthy in comparison to Morg really.

20:58, Today: Secret Roll: Makari rolled 13,2 using d20+3,d4 with rolls of 10,2.  Stealth (with Guidance).

Mostly just following Morg's general line of advance a bit off to the side it takes Gorm a while to even realize that he is trying to be stealthy, at which point she stops intentionally making noise but is still a big bear walking on what are to her very breakable sticks.

Zeb showed little more caution than Morg or Gorm, but, being smaller and less heavily armored, caused far less commotion in so doing.

---

Zeb rolled 17 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 7.  stealth

The group makes their way around to the back of the monastery and opens the door into the overgrown walled garden. Three doors are interspersed around the interior walls, and the lifelike statues remain overlooking the scene.

---

Map updated!

"Back in then?" Ehrendil whispers, somewhat rhetorically, pointing to the door on the west side of the garden.

Morg nods, trying not to move in order to let the quieter ones scout out the inside of the building.

Makari stayed silent as they moved. Or at least as silent as he could. He was restraining himself, as he wanted to go in fast and get to the other prisoners, but that wouldn't help anyone and only bring trouble. They had to take it slow.

He nodded at Ehrendil, staff in hand, ready.

Faith, rapier in hand moved forward with her friends, back into the den that had caused her many sleepless nights and pain - but this time she would be going in to rid it of evil, not as a prisoner.

The group approaches the door to the west of the garden, and finds the door just ajar and unlocked. The familiar Shine room beyond looks cleaned of all traces of the battle from days earlier, and the trapped stairs are once again visible leading down to the darkened lower level.

As the group reorients themselves to the somewhat familiar room, and loud thump can be heard from out in the garden, as that of a heavy door slamming shut.

---

Map updated!

"It seems we were expected." Ehrendil remarks wryly at the sound of the door slamming in the garden. "Perhaps we can jam the door?" he asks pointing at the door they just entered.

The ranger will close the door, lock or bar it if possible, and if there is anything that can be used as a barricade he will slide it in front of the door.

"We should probably get moving. The southern doors?"

---

The southern door will allow access to unexplored areas to the east.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Fri 26 Jan.

Faith, rapier in hand looked at the wood elf's observation and rolls her eyes. "You really think so? Maybe the fact that a contingent of dwarves is missing or several of their people are dead."

She sighed and looked at the southern door and made her way to investigate it for any signs of tampering.

---

<OOC: Faith rolled 14 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 9.  investigation check.>

"I'm ready to go south or down, but this may also be a good room to face anyone coming from the east because of how big it is - and the pillars and altar offer cover." Morg says, positioning himself just to the south of the eastern door, but prepared to run south or down.

Makari flinched and frowned when they heard the door slam shut ahead of them. He let out a small sigh. Nothing was ever smooth or easy.

He glanced at Ehrendil and shrugged. "Sure. Let's explore what we haven't but we'll need to clear the whole place out, going back over the areas we already looked at to be sure probably."

09:04, Today: Makari rolled 12 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 6.  Perception.

The southern door shows no sign of tampering, though the doors and in fact the entire room looks to have been cleaned very thoroughly. The stone surfaces of the walls and floor look spotless, with no sign of dirt or dust anywhere.

Some muffled noises can be heard from somewhere else in the monastery, though detecting their source is difficult. The beast at the bottom of the stair, if it is in fact still there, is silent.

Zeb nodded at Marg's sage suggestion. The idea of making a stand somewhere with cover appealed to the gnome.

"Perhaps we can bait them into this room? Or... well... I suppose we're already the bait, aren't we?"

At first Gorm doesn't seem to react to the doors slamming shut, but after a few moments it becomes clear nothing is going to jump out right away she heads over to one of the doorways and starts sniffing around.  Proceeding around the room clockwise from the door they came in she checks all the areas around the doors for scents that might indicate what has come this way recently or even what lies beyond the doors.

Faith looked at Zeb with a wry smile. "rarely does bait recognize its purpose until it's too late." She whispered as she looked around the room. It had been cleaned thoroughly since their last time through here, and though there were sounds, it was hard to tell where from.

She looked at zeb and shook her head. "They may not know we have returned, giving us an element of surprise. Yes, their may be traps, but if we are careful, they may not even know of our presence until we are deep in."

"True enough, Morg. And Zeb makes a good point, that if they know where we are they may come to us.
My concern is that they could box us in here and we don't know their numbers. If we keep moving, we might be able to keep them off-balance. And as Makari said, we have to search the entire complex eventually."

Ehrendil smirked despite the seriousness of the situation, "Despite the missing contingent of dwarves and a number of their people being dead?" He adds more seriously, "What will it be wait here or keep moving? I am for moving."

Makari looked between the different members of the troupe as they each spoke their peace. Or jokes. Or their minds. He frowned slightly, his head cocked to one side a moment. "Well I heard something up ahead, but cannot tell from where exactly."

He gave a shrug. "We should be on guard but press forward."

"Oh, they know we were here. We made sure of that," Zeb answered with a smirk of his own. "I believe Faith's point was they may not yet realize we have returned. Although something slammed those doors...

Well, I suppose I'm all for exploring. Worse comes to worse, I'll take cover behind the tallest thing I see." The gnome laughed and dipped playfully between his companion's legs.

"South then?" Morg says, slowly and carefully walking to stand next to the southern door, ready to let the stealthy scouts go ahead of him or enter first if the others stop at the door.

"It pays to be short, Zeb!" Ehrendil takes a position two paces from the door, an arrow nocked, waiting for Zeb or Faith to open the door.

The Tiefling smiled as she crept to the door and listened south. Once satisfied, she opened the door slowly.

Muffled, non-directional sounds continue from the rest of the monastery, some seemingly from beyond the southern doors, though it is difficult to tell.

With a look back, the tiefling held her finger to her lip as she looked at them, and opened the door a crack, making sure to be behind it as cover

Already sniffing at the southern door Gorm steps out of the way and nods when Faith approaches the door, then silently bears her teeth to indicate some kind of threat without making noise about it.

Seeing the bear's reaction, Ehrendil steps to the side, so he is able to look beyond the door that Faith is slowly opening. He raises his bow, the arrow taut against the string.

Zeb nodded to Faith and stood beside Ehrendil with his own bow drawn.

Makari stopped moving, staying still so he didn't make any noise to alert anyone ahead of them beyond the door. There was apparently someone or something there. So he readied his staff, readying an eldritch blast should he see a foe to blast. And he waited.

The doors slowly creak open until a few figures become visible, most clad in golden masks and brown robes that cover their bodies shoulder to floor. Then suddenly the stone doors are yanked open and flung wide, exposing a large gathering of figures in the wide hallway beyond.

Foremost among them, two hulking figures bear heavy-looking armor that looks to be literal stone with irregular outcroppings of rock and pebbles dotting the surface. But they flank a strikingly tall figure dressed in drab robes as the other monks, but wearing a bronze mask with no eye holes whatsoever.

The figure speaks in a loud voice as the doors are flung wide, her voice dripping with sarcasm and anger. "They have returned at last, these foul air-friends," she declaims, "though, some of them are not the ones I expected." She muses for a moment before pointing a long finger directly at Zeb. "Kill them all, but especially him, and bring me that trident!"

---

Map updated!

Ehrendil, Morg, Faith, and Gorm are up now (in that initiative order). Faith can additionally use her reaction to make an attack of opportunity against M3 or M4 prior to her turn.

Round 1 So Far:

Sacred Stone Monks
M1 moves and attacks Morg - MISS.
M2 moves and attacks Morg - HIT once for 6 bludgeoning.
M3 moves and attacks Zeb - HIT once for 3 bludgeoning.
M4 moves and attacks Zeb - HIT once for 3 bludgeoning.



This message was last edited by the GM at 01:32, Thu 08 Feb.

Despite knowing they were on their way it takes a few moments for the bear to react to the sudden influx of masked people, but not very long.  Slamming one big clawed paw into its torso she snaps her jaws on air as it flinches out of the way.

"Damn!" Ehrendil curses as the monks swarm into the room. Seeing his friend being targeted, the ranger dropped the arrow he had nocked and drew the toothed longsword that he had been wearing since they last entered the monastery.

---

Action:  Attack:  miss twice! So much for helping Zeb!
Move:    None

Not saying the dice roller is fixed, but identical results for attack and damage with two separate rolls!!! Come on!

Morg watches the monks running in, and shouts to Zeb how best to land a hit on such robed enemies.

Taking out a shark-toothed longsword swings 3 times at the monks.

---

Bonus action: maneuver: commander/comrade's strike: Zeb can use his reaction to make a free attack (including 4 extra damage and also sneak attack) on M3 or M4 (because Ehrendil is 5' from M3 and M4). On Zeb's turn he can again use sneak attack if he wants because it will be another turn.

Interaction: take out shark-toothed longsword, wielding it 2-handed.

Move: if M1 or M2 were downed before Morg's turn, or during his turn, he moves 15' or 20' to be next to M3 or M4.

Action: Extra attack (because commander/comrade's strike costs 1 of Morg's attacks): attack M1 (or M2-4 if any of the monks are already down) with shark-toothed longsword - critical fail.

Action surge: Action: attack M1 (or M2-4 if any of the monks are already down) with shark-toothed longsword - hits AC 21 for 20 slashing damage if unarmored or 11 slashing damage if armored.
Extra attack M1 (or M2-4 if any of the monks are already down) with shark-toothed longsword - hits AC 10 for 13 slashing damage if unarmored or 11 slashing damage if armored.

11:53, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4.  Maneuver: Commander's strike extra damage for Zeb's reaction attack on M3 or M4 on Morg's turn.
12:03, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 9 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 1.  Attack M1 or Mx with shark-toothed longsword, 2-handed.
12:16, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 21 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 13.  Action surge attack M1 or Mx with shark-toothed longsword, 2-handed.
12:16, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 20 using 2d10+5 with rolls of 6,9.  Slashing damage to M1 or Mx from shark-toothed longsword.
12:18, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 2.  Extra attack M1 or Mx with shark-toothed longsword, 2-handed.
12:18, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 13 using 2d10+5 with rolls of 6,2.  Extra attack slashing damage to M1 or Mx from shark-toothed longsword.

"Gah!" Zeb did his best to duck out of the way of the cultists' attacks and behind his taller friend. He disliked being the center of attention under the best of circumstances, and this was the wrong kind of attention! Inspired by Morg's command of the battlefield, he slashed with his knife as he ran, aiming for the joints in the cultists' armor.

---

Reaction: Sneak Attack (from Morg) target M3 first, then M4
Action: Sneak Attack
Cunning: Disengage
Move: 25' to get beside or ideally behind Makari

Zeb rolled 18 using d4+9+3d6 with rolls of 1,1,4,3.  damage (sneak attack + Morg bonus).
Zeb rolled 16 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 8.  reaction sneak attack (from Morg).
Zeb rolled 17 using d4+5+3d6 with rolls of 2,4,2,4.  damage (sneak attack).
Zeb rolled 19 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 11.  attack.

This message was last edited by the player at 00:30, Fri 09 Feb.

Faith opened the door and heard the utterance. With her back to the door, she heard them come and lunged with her rapier as they did. As she moved, she reached into a pouch with her other hand and brought it out, a smear of sticky molasses on her hand as she sung a tone, low and resounding holding her hand out sent a wave of magic towards the enemy

---

Move	None
Action	Cast slow on M1, M2 and M4
	Wisdom Save DC 15 or targets are slowed.
Bonus Action	None
Reaction	Attack of Opportunity with Rapier
	Faith rolled 14 using 1d20+6.  Attack - Rapier (Attack Of Opportunity). M3
	Brankx rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Damage - Rapier (Attack Of Opportunity).

This message was last edited by the player at 09:13, Sun 11 Feb.

The robed monks quickly fall to the blows of their prey, their attacks weak and strangely slow, as if they were exhausted. Yet the heavily-armored guards quickly rush in after them, pressing the attack, with more monastery denizens on their heels.

---

Map updated!

Makari is up now, before we finish out Round 1 with the remaining enemies & start Round 2.

Round 1 So Far:

Sacred Stone Monks
M1 moves and attacks Morg - MISS.
M2 moves and attacks Morg - HIT once for 6 bludgeoning.
M3 moves and attacks Zeb - HIT once for 3 bludgeoning. Faith uses a reaction to attack M3 with a rapier - M3 parries.
M4 moves and attacks Zeb - HIT once for 3 bludgeoning.

Ehrendil attacks M3 twice - MISS.

Morg uses Comrade's Strike to allow Zeb to attack (using Zeb's reaction)to attacks M1 - HIT M3 for 18 piercing. M3 is dead.. Morg attacks M1 - MISS. Morg Action Surges and attacks M1 - HIT for 20 slashing. M1 is dead. He attacks M2 - MISS.

Faith casts Slow on M2 & M4 (M1 is down) - M2 succeeds, M4 FAILS and is slowed.

Gorm attacks M2 - HITS with claw for 11 slashing. M2 is dead.

Sacred Stone Guards
G1 moves and attacks Morg - MISS.
G2 moves and attacks Faith - HIT twice for 8 piercing.

Zeb attacks M4 with Reszur - HIT for 17 piercing. M4 is dead.

Makari watched as several of the enemies were quickly killed by his allies. He gave a nod of approval. He then targeted one of the heavily armored figures that came in to fill their places. He made a gesture twirled the staff and then pointed it at the person, "Eldritch Blast!" Two blasts fired out towards the figure.

Hit AC 25 for 8 force and AC 22 for 15 force.

19:04, Today: Secret Roll: Makari rolled 25,8,22,15 using d20+8,d10+5,d20+8,d10+5 with rolls of 17,3,14,10.  Eldritch Blast vs G2.

The guard nearly drops his cruelly spiked morningstar as Makari's magical blasts slam into his rocklike torso. Even so he steadies himself as the tall figure glides regally into the room, quickly attacking Morg with seemingly effortless martial attacks, her fists and feet flying as if in an intricate dance. The dwarven figure reels from her powerful blows.

She points again towards Zeb as two gargoyles fly through the door just over her shoulder. Though they fly quickly, those from the party that even glance at them notice they look suspiciously familiar, similar to the statues from the courtyard outside. As soon as the enter the room they immediately ascend to the top of the vaulted ceiling, at least 12 feet above the flagstones. They screech as they dive bomb Zeb from above.

---

Map updated! Morg must make a Morg must make a DC 13 Con save or be Stunned until the end of his next turn. Ehrendil, Morg (assuming he's not stunned), Faith, and Gorm are up now.

Round 1 Summary:

Sacred Stone Monks
M1 moves and attacks Morg - MISS.
M2 moves and attacks Morg - HIT once for 6 bludgeoning.
M3 moves and attacks Zeb - HIT once for 3 bludgeoning. Faith uses a reaction to attack M3 with a rapier - M3 parries.
M4 moves and attacks Zeb - HIT once for 3 bludgeoning.

Ehrendil attacks M3 or 4 twice - MISS.

Morg uses Comrade's Strike to allow Zeb to attack (using Zeb's reaction)to attacks M1 - HIT M3 for 18 piercing. M3 is dead.. Morg's attacks M1 - MISS. Morg Action Surges and attacks M1 - HIT for 20 slashing. M1 is dead. He attacks M2 - MISS.

Faith casts Slow on M2 & M4 (M1 is down) - M2 succeeds, M4 FAILS and is slowed.

Gorm attacks M2 - HITS with claw for 11 slashing. M2 is dead.

Sacred Stone Guards
G1 moves and attacks Morg - MISS.
G2 moves and attacks Faith - HIT twice for 8 piercing.

Makari casts Agonizing Blast at G2 - HIT twice for a total of 23 force.

Zeb attacks M4 with Reszur - HIT for 17 piercing. M4 is dead. Zeb moves back beside Makari.

Hellenrae moves forward and attacks Morg with Stunning Strike - HIT three times for 29 bludgeoning. Morg must make a DC 13 Con save or be Stunned until the end of his next turn .

Gargoyles
Garg1 flies into the room and attacks Zeb - HITS with bite for 3 piercing.
Garg2 flies into the room and attacks Zeb - HITS with bite for 7 piercing .


Round 2 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Ehrendil	20
Morg	19
Faith	16
Gorm	13
Sacred Stone Guards	13
Makari	10
Zeb	8
Hellenrae	7
Gargoyles	6
Moonclaw	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:18, Sat 17 Feb.

Ehrendil's satisfaction at seeing the monks drop is short-lived as the gargoyles fly over his head to attack Zeb. The ranger slings his bow and grips the toothed longsword in both hands and moves to help his friend.

---

Interaction: sling bow
Move:   5 ft, directly south of gargoyle 1
Bonus:  Planar Warrior, mark gargoyle 1, next hit this turn, damage is converted to force AND add 1d8 force damage
Action: Attack/Extra Attack with toothed longsword, 2-handed
          Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 22 for Toothed Longsword: attack; for 3 force damage.
                           If gargoyle is considered unarmoured: add 8 force damage.
                           Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 4 for Planar Warrior force damage.
          Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 15 for Toothed Longsword: attack for 7 slashing damage.
                           If gargoyle is considered unarmoured: add 10 slashing damage.
[Edit: Corrected damage rolls.]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:26, Mon 19 Feb.

The tall bronze-masked monk's punches and kicks stun Morg, who stands there with a not-so-bright look on his face.

---

19:02, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 5.  Constitution save vs DC 13 or be stunned by tall bronzeface. (Adv. if poison.).
(Stunned: no actions, bonus actions, reactions, or moving. Only faltering speech, auto fails Str and Dex saves, attack against have adv..)

Not to be distracted by the moving rocks Gorm steps forward to continue to engage the last of the monks, clawing it on her way.

Faith held some satisfaction her son had managed to slow one of the enemies, and with the group she was now with, they would take advantage of it. With rapier in hand, she moved forward and flashed her rapier with speed. Even as she did, she saw Mor was attacked, and sun a low haunting song, one of dwarven nature to remind him of home.

---

Move	None
Action	Attack with Rapier on M4
	Faith rolled 14 using 1d20+6.  Attack - Rapier
Faith rolled 4 using 1d8+3.  Damage - Rapier
Bonus Action	Bardic Inspiration (1d8) for Morg
Reaction	Nones

Ehrendil's sword blows scatter bits of obsidian sheared off of the gargoyle's body. A couple of broken teeth from the sword's blade also scatter across the floor.

Abruptly the western door slams open as two minotaurs bearing massive axes enter the room, followed by another brown-robed monk wearing a golden mask. His eyes stare hatred the intruders through the small holes in the mask.

Morg shakes off the lead monk's flurry of blows only to be assailed again by the rock-wearing guard and his misshapen morningstar. He staggers, facing down both the guard and the tall monk with the eyeless mask, as his weariness starts to show. "We will cut you down methodically, like a forest of treacherous trees," the tall monk says calmly, as if simply commenting on an obvious fact as she prepares another attack.

---

Map updated! Makari and Zeb are up now. I assumed Faith would attack G2 (since M4 was dead when she posted) but we can retcon that if needed before round end.

Round 2 So Far:

Sacred Stone Monks
M5 readies an action to follow the minotaurs into the fight.

Ehrendil moves toward Garg1 and marks it, then attacks with sharktooth longsword - HIT twice for 7 force and 7 slashing.

Morg becomes unstunned at the end of his turn.

Minotaurs enter the room, M5 follows.

Faith attacks G2 with rapier - MISS. She gives Morg Bardic Inspiration (d8).

Gorm attacks Hellenrae - HITS with claw for 13 slashing.

Sacred Stone Guards
G1 attacks Morg - HIT once for 5 piercing .
G2 attacks Faith - HIT once for 7 piercing .


This message was last edited by the GM at 21:43, Fri 01 Mar.

Makari saw that they were being caught between several different forces, and he himself had some winged creatures in his face. Well, technically, they were after Zeb, but still it limited his options a bit.

He would help Zeb in a moment. But first, he wanted to try and stem the tide a bit, as it were. He turned towards the minotaurs and the other figure. He gestured with his staff and pointed at them, casting a spell of thunderous force, "Shatter!"

Action: Cast Shatter on Minotaurs and M5, 26 thunder damage, Con save 16 for half.
I wanted to cast Shillelagh as well but I always get that wrong and can only do it when I cast Eldritch Blast, lol.

19:26, Today: Secret Roll: Makari rolled 26 using 4d8 with rolls of 5,8,8,5.  Shatter on Minotaurs and M5.

"That's what we need!" the gnome exclaimed, jumping in excitement as Makari's fireball exploded upon the minotaurs. He added his own bow to the mix, aiming at the more wounded of the two.

---

Cunning: Careful Aim
Action: Attack
Move: None
Bonus: None

Hits AC 24 for 19 damage.

Zeb rolled 19 using 4d6+4, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 6,1,6,3.  damage.
Zeb rolled 24 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 9,17.  attack (Careful Aim).

A sharp and deafening crack sounds just behind the minotaurs as they enter. Both beast-like creatures stagger backwards before rounding on Makari as the apparent source of the magic. Unnoticed behind them, the monk collapses to the stone, holding his hands over his ears.

Hellenrae continues her assault on the dwarf, advancing on Morg with a combination of kicks and punches. After Morg collapses to the floor, she silently turns her eyeless gaze to Gorm.

The flying stone gargoyles continue to harry Zeb, grasping with claws and flapping their wings wildly as they lunge forward to snap at his head.

---

Map updated! Ehrendil & Morg are up now. Assuming Morg isn't healed before his turn, he'll need to start making death saves.

To speed things along, anyone else is also welcome to post & we can recon any changes needed when your turn comes up. You can assume Hellenrae & G1 will attack Gorm, the minotaurs will advance on Makari, and the others will continue to attack their chosen targets.


Round 2 Summary:

Sacred Stone Monks
M5 readies an action to follow the minotaurs into the fight.

Ehrendil moves toward Garg1 and marks it, then attacks with sharktooth longsword - HIT twice for 7 force and 7 slashing.

Morg becomes unstunned at the end of his turn.

Minotaurs enter the room. M5 follows.

Faith attacks G2 with rapier - MISS. She gives Morg Bardic Inspiration (d8).

Gorm attacks Hellenrae - HITS with claw for 13 slashing.

Sacred Stone Guards
G1 attacks Morg - HIT once for 5 piercing .
G2 attacks Faith - HIT once for 7 piercing .

Makari casts Shatter affecting the minotaurs and the monk - Mi1 and M5 FAIL the save and take 26 thunder, Mi2 succeeds and takes 13 thunder. M5 is dead.

Zeb attacks Mi1 with bow/arrow & Steady Aim - HIT for 19 piercing.

Hellenrae attacks Morg with unarmed strikes - HIT twice for 15 bludgeoning. Morg is unconscious.

Gargoyles
Garg1 attacks Zeb - HIT with bite for 4 piercing .
Garg2 attacks Zeb - MISS.


Round 3 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Ehrendil	20
Morg	19	Unconscious; Bardic Inspiration (d8)
Minotaurs	19
Faith	16
Gorm	13
Sacred Stone Guards	13
Makari	10
Zeb	8
Hellenrae	7
Gargoyles	6
Moonclaw	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:28, Mon 18 Mar.

---

05:47, Today: Secret Roll: [...]  Death save, DC 10.

Ehrendil glanced over his shoulder in time to see the stalwart Morg drop to the floor. "Whatever you have!" he calls out.

Reaching into his pouch, he pulls out a potion bottle and quickly drinks it. A moment later he is surrounded by a silvery mist, disappearing from his current position and reappearing behind the north-most Minotaur.

---

Action:   Drink Potion of Hill Giant Strength (STR is 21 for 1 hour)
Bonus:    Cast Misty Step, teleport up to 30 ft
          I count 6 diagonal squares (30 ft) to end up in the top-right of the square west of Minotaur 1.
Reaction: (if Minotaurs move away) Ehrendil rolled 16, for 11 slashing damage; add 10 damage if unarmoured.

This message was last edited by the player at 07:59, Sat 02 Mar.

Ehrendil disappears in a puff of smoke and attacks one of the minotaurs from behind. He roars in pain but continues forward, landing a wicked blow on Makari's side. The other minotaur swings its axe wildly at Makari, but skids to a halt and turns to face Ehrendil.

---

Map updated! Faith and Gorm are up now.

Round 3 So Far:

Ehrendil drinks a potion & has strength 21, then casts Misty Step.

Morg CRIT fails death save.

Minotaurs
Mi1 moves toward Makari, triggering an opportunity attack from Ehrendil - HIT for 11 slashing. Mi1 attacks Makari with greataxe - HIT for 27 slashing .
Mi2 moves toward Makari and attacks with greataxe - MISS.

Seeing Morg go down for the first time since they have been traveling together draws an unusual reaction from Gorm, she pauses in her normally relentless attack to lean over his body and fiddle with the barrel around her neck causing several goodberries into Morg's mouth.

Makari was in trouble and let out a pained grunt as he was struck. He recognized that he was trapped and if he tried to move away outside of some spellcasting, he would likely be struck down. And that minotaur had hit him HARD! Hard enough to almost knock the wind out of him! He briefly entertained the thought of putting the next spell to include himself and hope he survived, just so he could hit all the enemies around him.

But with a sigh, he changed his mind. He cast the same spell again, "Shatter!" He target above his head and away a bit, to hit one minotaur and both gargoyles, hoping to relieve some of the pressure.

Then he also pointed one finger at Morg and a golden beam fired out at the dwarf.

Bonus Action: Healing Light on Morg, who heals 7 hit points.
Action: Shatter targeting Minotaur 2 and both gargoyles, 17 thunder damage, or Con save 16 for half.

14:07, Today: Makari rolled 17 using 4d8 with rolls of 3,8,4,2.  Shatter on Minotaur2 and both Gargoyles above our heads.
14:08, Today: Makari rolled 7 using 2d6 with rolls of 1,6.  Healing Light on Morg.

Faith had a smile on her face, seeing her magic effected some of the targets, until the minotaur came through the door. "Oh, that'd be right!" she mumbled as she looked at them, thinking of what to do next.

She then sung a dissonate tune towards one of the minotaur's, hoping the sound would cause them harm enough to pause their attack.

---

Move	None
Action	Cast Dissonant Whisper at Minotaur
	Faith rolled 10 using 1d20+6.  Dissonant Whisper Damage
	Wisdom save DC 15 or take 10 Psychic damage and must use reaction to move away.
Bonus Action	None
Reaction	Hellish Rebuke if attacked

Faith's discordant tune makes the minotaur shake its horned head, and a slow trickle of blood seeps into its matted fur from its left ear. The minotaur drops its axe and heads directly to the eastern door, flaring its nostrils as it breathes fresh evening air from outside.

The bear carefully rolls a berry into Morg's mouth, breaking it open and letting its juices flow down the unconscious dwarf's mouth.

The two guards flanking the tall female monk renew their attacks, one smashing its mace into Gorm's flanks, the other landing piercing blows against Faith's shoulders. Abruptly the latter guard's rocklike armor is lit in a wreath of searing flames, accompanied by the smell of burnt flesh and hair. The heat from the momentary flare can be felt across the room.

---

Map updated! Makari and Zeb are up now. Makari can make an opportunity attack against Mi1.

Round 3 So Far:

Ehrendil drinks a potion, then casts Misty Step.

Morg CRIT fails death save.

Minotaurs
Mi1 moves toward Makari, triggering an opportunity attack from Ehrendil - HIT for 11 slashing. Mi1 attacks Makari with greataxe - HIT for 27 slashing .
Mi2 moves toward Makari and attacks with greataxe - MISS.

Faith casts Dissonant Whispers at Mi1 - it FAILS save and takes 10 psychic. It uses its reaction to move away from Faith, triggering a potential opportunity attack from Makari.

Gorm administers goodberry to Morg - Morg has 1 hp and is prone.

Sacred Stone Guards
G1 attacks Gorm - HIT twice for 11 piercing .
G2 attacks Faith - HIT twice for 15 piercing . This triggers Faith to cast Hellish Rebuke - G2 FAILS save and takes 5 fire.

Makari, just before he was starting to cast his next spell, sees one of the minotaurs run from him. He swings out with the quarterstaff in his hands at the bull-like retreating beast.

Zeb ducked the gargoyle's claws as best as he could, but the raked his shoulder nevertheless, causing the gnome to gasp and flinch. Loathe as he was to abandon Makari, he was in no condition to absorb more such attacks. He reminded himself he would be no use to his companions should he fall himself.

So he scrambled behind the pillar, desperately seeking any shelter he could find, and loosed another arrow, this time at the nearest gargoyle.

---

Cunning: Disengage
Move: 25' to circle around the pillar and move toward the rest of the party and the southeast corner of the room.
Attack: Hits AC 16 for 14 damage.

Zeb rolled 14 using 4d6+4 with rolls of 1,1,2,6.  damage.
Zeb rolled 16 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 9.  attack.

Another deafening clap sounds through the room, this time closer to the ceiling, as an arrow from Zeb slams into one of the gargoyles. Sharp flakes of obsidian rain down from above as the flying gargoyles spin around and dive after Zeb.

"The trident!" the tall monk yells after the flying beasts as she rains unarmed blows down on Gorm. The gargoyles alter their trajectory, grabbing at the trident on Zeb's back with their grasping claws.

---

Map updated!

Ehrendil and Morg are up now. Makari can choose to make an attack of opportunity against either Garg1 or Garg2.

Zeb must pass two grapple contests with the gargoyles (10 and 14) or lose possession of the trident - he would presumably use Acrobatics to oppose these, though you could theoretically use Athletics instead.

Round 3 Summary:

Ehrendil drinks a potion, then casts Misty Step.

Morg CRIT fails death save.

Minotaurs
Mi1 moves toward Makari, triggering an opportunity attack from Ehrendil - HIT for 11 slashing. Mi1 attacks Makari with greataxe - HIT for 27 slashing .
Mi2 moves toward Makari and attacks with greataxe - MISS.

Faith casts Dissonant Whispers at Mi1 - it FAILS save and takes 10 psychic. It uses its reaction to move away from Faith, triggering an opportunity attack from Makari - HIT for 8 bludgeoning.

Gorm administers goodberry to Morg - Morg has 1 hp and is prone.

Sacred Stone Guards
G1 attacks Gorm - HIT twice for 11 piercing.
G2 attacks Faith - HIT twice for 15 piercing . This triggers Faith to cast Hellish Rebuke - G2 FAILS save and takes 5 fire.

Makari casts Healing Light on Morg, healing 7 hit points (up to 8). He casts Shatter at Mi2, Garg1 & 2 - Garg2 FAILS and takes 17 thunder, Mi2 & Garg1 save and take 8 thunder.

Zeb disengages and moves around the pillar. He fires an arrow at Garg1 - HIT for 14 piercing.

Hellenrae attacks Gorm with unarmed strikes - HITS 3 times for a total of 19 bludgeoning .

Gargoyles
Garg1 flies to Zeb. It attempts to grapple the trident away from Zeb - FAIL.
Garg2 flies to Zeb, triggering an opportunity attack from Makari - HIT for 1 bludgeoning. It attempts to grapple the trident away from Zeb - FAIL.


Round 4 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Sacred Stone Monks	21
Ehrendil	20	Str 21
Morg	19	Prone; Bardic Inspiration (d8)
Minotaurs	19
Faith	16
Gorm	13
Sacred Stone Guard	13
Makari	10
Zeb	8
Hellenrae	7
Gargoyles	6
Moonclaw	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:38, Sat 09 Mar.

Realising that the monk was the key, Ehrendil changed tack. "Zeb, hide in here!" he shouts as he points at the door on the western wall with the sword before he sheathes it, and unslings his bow.

The ranger moves to the west side of the pillar and looks to Hellenrae; sending two arrow toward her, before moving closer to the door where he hopes Zeb will be able to hide from the gargoyles.

---

Move:    25 ft directly south
Bonus:   Planar Warrior, targeting Hellenrae: 1 creature within 30 ft, next hit this turn, damage converted to force + 1d8 force damage
         Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 1 force damage.
Action: Attack Hellenrae Sharpshooter: Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 13, for 14 damage.
        Attack Hellenrae Sharpshooter: Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 19, for 14 force damage.
Move:   5 ft northwest, then 10 ft north (ending up against the western wall just before the doorway).

Assuming the 13 misses, total of 15 force damage to Hellenrae - thanks to three 1's for damage!!
This message was last edited by the player at 00:16, Sun 24 Mar.

Morg shouts "Thanks Faith, Gorm, and Mak!" while standing up, steeling himself to fight on thanks to his companions, and swings away again.

---

Move:  15' to stand up from prone.

Bonus action: 2nd wind - heals 15 HP.

Interaction: if the monk Hellenrae is still standing, then grabs the shark-toothed longsword he dropped and wielding it 2-handed; however if the monk is down then he takes out his maul.

Action: Attack Hellenrae with longsword/or if she's down then moving 5' SE and attacking the most damaged stone Guard with maul - hits AC 21 for 15 slashing/or 12 bludgeoning damage.
Extra attack: Attack Hellenrae with longsword/or if she's down then the most damaged stone Guard with maul - hits AC 27 for 30 slashing/or 21 bludgeoning damage (or 22 slashing damage to G if H was taken down with attack1) with maneuver menacing attack: target must make a WIS save vs a DC 16 or be frightened (it has disadv. on ability checks and attack rolls while Morg's in their line of sight, and they can't willingly move closer to him) until the end of M's next turn.

17:28, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 15 using 1d10+6 with rolls of 9.  HP recovered from second wind.

17:32, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 2.  Attack H/G with shark-toothed longsword/maul.
17:34, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 6 using 1d8 with rolls of 6.  Add Faith's bardic inspiration to attack1.
17:35, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5.  Maneuver: precision attack for attack1 added to hit roll.
17:37, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 15 using 2d10+5 with rolls of 7,3.  Slashing damage to unarmored H from shark-toothed longsword,
 or
17:37, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 12 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 6,1.  bludgeoning damage to G from maul.

17:39, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 27 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 19.  Extra attack H/G with shark-toothed longsword/maul. – 27
17:40, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 7 using 1d8 with rolls of 7.  Maneuver: menacing attack on H/G (WIS save vs DC 16) or be frightened until end of M's next turn.
17:48, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 23 using 2d10+5 with rolls of 10,8.  Slashing damage to unarmored H from shark-toothed longsword.
 or
17:48, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 17 using 2d10+5 with rolls of 6,6.
18:02, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 14 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 6,3.  Bludgeoning damage to G from maul.

Edit: fixed last roll to be 2d6 not 2d10.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Wed 06 Mar.

As has proven to often be the case when she starts to become more battered Gorm shutters a bit and is quickly a very healthy bear again, only this time a bit more mad.  Sweeping claw strikes reach out at her nearby opponents that still stand after Morg's exuberant recovery.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:38, Sat 09 Mar.

One of Ehrendil's arrows flies true, catching the tall monk in the side as she readies herself for another barrage of kicks and punches for the bear.

Behind her, Morg stands up and drives the oddly-toothed longsword towards her back, but she spins quickly and just avoids the thrust. Carrying her momentum forward she attempts to connect a kick to Morg's head, but he ducks and stabs her in the chest instead. She stumbles a bit, clutching at the now bleeding wound. "Kill them all," she shouts fervently as she recovers herself.

The minotaurs seems confused and hesitant. The minotaur at the door runs across the room, looking for something, or someone. The other swings his massive axe half-heartedly at Makari and grazes him on the temple.

---

Map updated!

Gorm (who has already posted) and Faith are up now.

Makari can still choose to make an attack of opportunity against either Garg1 or Garg2.

Zeb must still pass two grapple contests with the gargoyles (10 and 14) or lose possession of the trident - he would presumably use Acrobatics to oppose these, though you could theoretically use Athletics instead.

Round 4 So Far:

Ehrendil moves and attacks Hellenrae with bow & arrow - HIT once for 15 force.

Morg stands and uses Healing Wind to heal 15hp. He attacks Hellenrae with shark-toothed longsword (using Bardic Inspiration) - she Parries the first attack and Counters - MISS. Second attacks HITS for 30 slashing - she FAILS the save and is frightened of Morg until the end of Morg's next turn.

Minotaurs
Mi1 double moves west.
Mi2 attacks Makari with greataxe - HIT for 6 slashing .



This message was last edited by the GM at 00:04, Fri 08 Mar.

"Not today, you basalt buffoons!" Zeb laughed as he ducked and twisted to keep the trident from the grasping stone hands.

Zeb rolled 18,18 using d20+4,d20+4 with rolls of 14,14.  acrobatics.

The gargoyles shriek in annoyance at being unable to wrest the trident from the back of the dancing gnome.

As the tall monk is mauled by the bear, the last of her strength gives out. "Defend the Stone," she shouts with her dying breath. The guards salute each other and continue their attack.

---

Faith, Makari, and Zeb are up now. Note Faith's turn happens before the guards'.

Round 4 So Far:

Ehrendil moves and attacks Hellenrae with bow & arrow - HIT once for 15 force.

Morg stands and uses Healing Wind to heal 15hp. He attacks Hellenrae with shark-toothed longsword (using Bardic Inspiration) - she Parries the first attack and Counters - MISS. Second attacks HITS for 30 slashing - she FAILS the save and is frightened of Morg until the end of Morg's next turn.

Minotaurs
Mi1 double moves to melee range with Ehrendil.
Mi2 attacks Makari with greataxe - HIT for 6 slashing .

Faith

Gorm shimmers and attacks Hellenrae - HITS twice for a total of 22 damage. Hellenrae is dead.

Sacred Stone Guards
G1 attacks Gorm - HIT twice for a total of 11 piercing .
G2 attacks Faith - HIT once for 11 piercing .



This message was last edited by the GM at 01:07, Wed 13 Mar.

Still unwillingly engaged in close quarters with a minotaur, Makari gripped his staff tighter as he made a gesture with the other hand and ran it over the length quickly. "Shillelagh!" The staff glowed a soft purple for a moment as the magic took hold.

Then Makari swung it at the minotaur with fairly decent aim, though the strength behind it, even backed by his magic power, could have been a little better.

"Wish I could, buddy," Zeb called back as he dodged desperately between the gargoyles. The room his friend indicated was impossibly far away, and the beasts seemed deadset on pursuing him. Dropping his bow, the gnome lashed out with his dagger.

---

Move: None.
Bonus: Steady Aim.
Attack: its AC 21 for 16 damage (magical weapon)
Cunning: Dodge
Zeb rolled 16 using d4+5+3d6 with rolls of 2,2,5,2.  damage.
Zeb rolled 21 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 13.  attack (advantage wtih steady aim).
Zeb rolled 20 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 12.  attack.

The gargoyle scored by the Reszur dagger screams in anger and gives up trying to wrest the trident from Zeb's pack, instead raking its stony claws across the gnome's face.

---

No map updates needed.

Ehrendil and Morg are up now. Faith didn't post last round, so she can also go still & we can retcon if necessary.

Round 4 Summary:

Ehrendil moves and attacks Hellenrae with bow & arrow - HIT once for 15 force.

Morg stands and uses Healing Wind to heal 15hp. He attacks Hellenrae with shark-toothed longsword (using Bardic Inspiration) - she Parries the first attack and Counters - MISS. Second attacks HITS for 30 slashing - she FAILS the save and is frightened of Morg until the end of Morg's next turn.

Minotaurs
Mi1 double moves to melee range with Ehrendil.
Mi2 attacks Makari with greataxe - HIT for 6 slashing .

Faith casts Slow on gargoyles, sacred stone guards, and Mi2 - G1 saves, the others FAIL. She grants Bardic Inspiration to Morg.

Gorm shimmers and attacks Hellenrae - HITS twice for a total of 22 damage. Hellenrae is dead.

Sacred Stone Guards
G1 attacks Gorm - HIT twice for a total of 11 piercing [Current hp: 31].
G2 attacks Faith - HIT for 11 piercing [Current hp: 8].  Faith uses her reaction to cast HellishG2 FAILS save vs. Slow.

Makari casts Shillelagh and attacks Mi2 - HIT for 7 bludgeoning.

Zeb attacks Garg1 with Steady Aim - HIT for 16 magical piercing.

Gargoyles
Garg1 attacks Zeb - MISS. Garg1 FAILS save vs. Slow.
Garg2 attacks Zeb - MISS. Garg1 FAILS save vs. Slow.


Round 5 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Ehrendil	20	Str 21
Morg	19	B. Inspiration (d8)
Minotaurs	19	Mi2 Slowed
Faith	16	Conc: Slow
Gorm	13
Sacred Stone Guard	13	G2 Slowed
Makari	10
Zeb	8
Gargoyles	6	Slowed
Moonclaw	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:12, Sun 31 Mar.

Morg drops the longsword and moves in between the 2 stony guards as he takes his maul to them.

---

Move: 10' SE past friendly to stand between G1 and G2

Free: drop shark-toothed longsword.
Interaction: take maul.

Action: attack G2 (or G1 if G2 is out) with maul - hits AC 26 for 18 bludgeoning damage and must make (WIS save vs DC 16).
Extra attack: attack G2 (or G1 if G2 is out) with maul - hits AC 21 for 17 bludgeoning damage and must make (WIS save vs DC 16).

Move: If both G1 and G2 are out then move as close to Zeb as possible.

20:06, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 26 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 18.  Attack G2 (or G1) with maul.
20:06, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 13 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 3,5.  Bludgeoning damage to G2 (or G1) from maul.
20:07, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5.  Maneuver: menacing attack on G1 or G2 (WIS save vs DC 16) or frightened until end of M's next turn.

20:08, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 21 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 13.  Extra attack G2 (or G1) with maul.
20:08, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 9 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 2,2.  Bludgeoning damage to G2 (or G1) from maul.
20:08, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 8 using 1d8 with rolls of 8.  Maneuver: menacing attack on G2 or G1 (WIS save vs DC 16) or frightened until end of M's next turn.

"Damn!" Ehrendil curses through clenched teeth when he sees that Zeb is unable to disengage from the gargoyles. He draws an arrow and sends it into the chest of the nearest minotaur, before stepping to get a better view of the rest of the battle. The ranger looses a second arrow, striking its target.

---

Note: Ehrendil moved at the end of his last turn, he should be starting this turn in the top-left of the square that is directly below the '1' of minotaur 1.
Action:  Attack Minotaur 1 (longbow sharpshoot)
         Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 20, for 19 damage.
Move:    20 ft south
Extra:  Attack Minotaur 1 (if still standing) or Gargoyle 1 (longbow sharpshoot)
        Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 23, for 20 + 2 = 22 damage. CRITICAL
Move:   10 ft north - should end up in top-left of square behind the pillar.

Faith still had no way to attack the stone monsters, so focused her skills on the minotaurs...until something came to her mind. Reaching in hert pouch she muttered to herself. "Please work. Please work." Pulling it out, her hand had a smear of dark brown, sticky liquid on it as she sang. First the tone was even, solid, then she slowed the tempo and a ripple erupted from her towards the gargoyles and the stone guardian.

She looked at Morg and called out.

---

Move	None
Action	Cast Slow on gargoyles and stone guardian
	Wisdom save DC 15 targets slowed
Bonus Action	Bardic Inspiration to Morg - 1d8
Reaction	Hellish Rebuke if attacked

Ehrendil fires an arrow directly into one minotaur's eye, and the beastly creature falls to the stone with a crash. Darting to the other side of a pillar, he fires a second arrow across the hall at one of the gargoyles harrying Zeb. The arrow catches the stone flyer directly in the chest, and its body explodes into a shower of small obsidian pebbles that rain down harmlessly onto Zeb.

Morg swiftly hefts his maul and crashes it into the head of the guard readying another attack on Faith. Its impact drops the guard to the ground, dead. Abruptly the guards rock-like armor disintegrates into dust.

The remaining minotaur swings its greataxe again, wounding the half-elf severely.

---

Map updated!

Faith and Gorm are up now. Note that all baddies are currently Slowed.

Round 5 So Far:

Ehrendil fires an arrow at Mi1 - HIT for 19 damage. Mi1 is dead. He moves and fires an arrow at Garg1 - CRIT for 22 piercing. Garg1 is dead. Ehrendil moves again.

Morg moves and attacks G2 with maul, Menacing Attack - HIT for 18 bludgeoning. G2 is dead. He attacks G1 with Menacing Attack - HIT for 17 bludgeoning. G1 FAILS the save and is frightened of Morg until the end of his next turn.

Minotaur (slowed)
Mi2 attacks Makari with greataxe - HIT for 12 slashing . It FAILS wis save vs. Slow.

With her main target down, and the ranks beginning to thin Gorm switches over to the last thing close to her hammering the stone guard with giant paws and trying to bite off pieces of it even as it begins to slow down to a crawl.

Still humming low and slowly to maintain the spell, the woman came in on the minotaur with a smile. She looked at him and spoke, but her words carried a mystical link.

---

Move	None
Action	Cast Disonate Whisper, 2nd level on Minotaur
	Faith rolled 11 using 4d6 with
Wisdom save DC 15 or takes 11 psychic damage and move as far away as possible
Bonus Action	None
Reaction	None

The minotaur drops its axe and brings its hands to its head seemingly in slow motion. The heavy weapon clatters to the floor as the towering monster stares in terror at Faith.

The remaining guard stands tall as he bellows, "The Stone stands!" before attacking Gorm.

---

Makari and Zeb are up now.

Round 5 So Far:

Ehrendil fires an arrow at Mi1 - HIT for 19 damage. Mi1 is dead. He moves and fires an arrow at Garg1 - CRIT for 22 piercing. Garg1 is dead. Ehrendil moves again.

Morg moves and attacks G2 with maul, Menacing Attack - HIT for 18 bludgeoning. G2 is dead. He attacks G1 with Menacing Attack - HIT for 17 bludgeoning. G1 FAILS the save and is frightened of Morg until the end of his next turn.

Minotaur (slowed)
Mi2 attacks Makari with greataxe - HIT for 12 slashing . It FAILS wis save vs. Slow.

Faith casts Dissonant Whispers at Mi2 - Mi2 FAILS save and takes 11 psychic. Due to Slow effect the minotaur has no reaction to use to move away.

Gorm attacks G1 - MISS.

Sacred Stone Guard (slowed)
G1 attacks Gorm - HIT for 9 piercing . He FAILS wis save vs. Slow.

Zeb gave silent thanks to whomever had slowed the already-slugging gargoyles. Of course its claws could still shred a gnome if they landed a lucky hit, but Zeb decided the best defense was a good offense. One well-placed blow might shatter the creature just as Ehrendil's arrow had its partner, and that would be the end of this particular nightmare. He thrust with the magical dagger, plunging into where the beast's stone heart would be. It might not have such a thing, but the gnome had no other ideas for what might pass a vulnerable spot on a flying statue.

---

Bonus: Careful Aim
Action: Attack. Hits AC 24 for 14 damage.
Zeb rolled 24 using 2d20+8, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 9,16.  attack.
Zeb rolled 14 using d4+5+3d6 with rolls of 1,1,1,6.  damage.

Makari was starting to worry a little. He was out of spells for a short while, down to only cantrips - and this damnable minotaur was chopping him up bit by bit! He tried to ignore the seed of worry, the trickle of sweat, the blood flowing from several of his wounds, and the pain.

And for only the second time ever since he'd been granted his abilities, he concentrated the healing light of the celestials...on himself. A little bit of his wounds closed over. It wasn't much, but it was something.

He grit his teeth and glared at the monster. "Run or die!" He ran his free hand quickly over his staff and green flames magically licked up the length of it. He then hauled back and swung at the creature.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Mon 01 Apr.

Makari's blazing staff connects with the reeling minotaur, while Zeb trades blows with the remaining gargoyle.

---

Ehrendil and Morg are up now.

Round 5 Summary:

Ehrendil fires an arrow at Mi1 - HIT for 19 damage. Mi1 is dead. He moves and fires an arrow at Garg1 - CRIT for 22 piercing. Garg1 is dead. Ehrendil moves again.

Morg moves and attacks G2 with maul, Menacing Attack - HIT for 18 bludgeoning. G2 is dead. He attacks G1 with Menacing Attack - HIT for 17 bludgeoning. G1 FAILS the save and is frightened of Morg until the end of his next turn.

Minotaur (slowed)
Mi2 attacks Makari with greataxe - HIT for 12 slashing. It FAILS wis save vs. Slow.

Faith casts Dissonant Whispers at Mi2 - Mi2 FAILS save and takes 11 psychic. Due to Slow effect the minotaur has no reaction to use to move away.

Gorm attacks G1 - MISS.

Sacred Stone Guard (slowed, frightened of Morg)
G1 attacks Gorm with disadvantage - HIT for 9 piercing . He FAILS wis save vs. Slow.

Makari casts Green-flame Blade and attacks Mi2 - HIT for a total of 14. He uses Healing Light to heal 6 hp .

Zeb attacks Garg2 with Reszur & Steady Aim - HIT for 14 magic piercing damage.

Gargoyle (slowed)
Garg2 attacks Zeb with claws - HIT for 4 slashing. It FAILS wis save vs. Slow.


Round 6 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Ehrendil	20	Str 21
Morg	19	B. Inspiration (d8)
Minotaur	19	Slowed
Faith	16	Conc: Slow
Gorm	13
Sacred Stone Guard	13	Slowed; Frightened of Morg until EoMNT
Makari	10
Zeb	8
Gargoyle	6	Slowed
Moonclaw	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 20:30, Mon 01 Apr.

"Nothing stands forever..." Morg says to the remaining Stone Guard, and swings again with his maul.

---

Move: if G1 is down, run 25' ENE to gargoyle.
Action: attack G1 (or Garg2 if G1 is out) with maul - hits AC 20 for 10 bludgeoning damage.
Extra attack: attack G1 (or Garg2 if G1 is out) with maul - hits AC 21 for 10 bludgeoning damage.

22:06, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 20 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 12.  Attack G1 with maul.
22:06, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 2,3.  Bludgeoning damage to G1 from maul.

22:08, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 18 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 10.  Attack G1 or Garg2 with maul.
22:08, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 3 using 1d8 with rolls of 3.  Bardic inspiration added to extra attack.
22:09, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 2,3.  Bludgeoning damage to G1 or Garg2 from maul.

Ehrendil move south, keeping his back to the wall. When he has a clear view of the gargoyle harrying Zeb, he focuses and then looses an arrow.

---

Move:   15 ft southest (3 diagonal squares); then 10 ft east ending up directly above Gorm's ear, in line with Morg.
Bonus:  Planar Warrior on gargoyle
Attack: Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 6 - missing.
        Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 12, for 10+4= 14 force damage - although I'm guessing this also missed.
        Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 4 for Planar Warrior force damage.
Move:   15 ft west; ending in bottom-right of square below the pillar.

The minotaur recovers from its fear in time to catch Makari in the side with one of its horns. Makari gasps and slides to the stone floor, unconscious.

---

Map updated!

Faith and Gorm are up now.

Round 6 So Far:

Ehrendil moves and fires arrows at Garg2 - MISS.

Morg attacks G1 - HITS twice for 20 bludgeoning.

Minotaur (slowed)
Mi2 attempts to gore Makari - HIT for 12 piercing. Makari is unconscious. Mi2 FAILS save vs. Slow.

Quite done with these things Gorm smashes its head to gravel and turns away from it to continue her assault by biting the minotaur.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:43, Thu 04 Apr.

The bear's claws rake across the remaining guard's face. He stumbles, still moving slowly. "The Stone...," he gurgles, before crashing to the floor, his armor disintegrating into dirt.

---

Map updated!

Faith, Makari, and Zeb are up now. Makari will need to make a death save (assuming he's not healed before his turn).

Round 6 So Far:

Ehrendil moves and fires arrows at Garg2 - MISS.

Morg attacks G1 - HITS twice for 20 bludgeoning.

Minotaur (slowed)
Mi2 attempts to gore Makari - HIT for 12 piercing. Makari is unconscious. Mi2 FAILS save vs. Slow.

Faith

Gorm attacks G1 - CRITS for 20 slashing. G1 is dead. Gorm moves and attacks Mi2 - HIT for 6 piercing.

Zeb grimaced when he saw Makari go down, but there was nothing he could do about it just now. His job was to keep the trident from the claws of the gargoyle. Seeing as killing the gargoyle seemed the only way to manage that, he thrust again with Reszur.

---

Bonus: Careful Aim
Action: Attack. Hits AC 24 for 17 damage.

Zeb rolled 17 using d4+5+3d6 with rolls of 1,1,5,5.  damage. – 17
Zeb rolled 24 using 2d20+8, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 16,6.  attack. – 24

Faith maintained her slow hum as she moved towards the minotaur, but noted the fallen form of Makari. "Damnit." She muttered as she made her way over, her mind still holding the low tune to te effect of slowing the enemy, she ran to the fallen form of Makari. Crouching down she placed a hand on his chest and sang a clear, pure note.

Her hand glowed as the warmth flowed into the comrade, and she slapped his arm. "C'mon big guy - no time to sleep now." She stood up and looked at the Minotaur. "Hey....horn boy! Your so ugly that a cleric tried to turn you!"

---

Move	To Makari
Bonus Action	Cast Healing word, 2nd level on Makari
	Faith rolled 10 using 42d4+4. Healing Word, 2nd level
Action	Cast Vicious Mockery on Minotaur
	Faith rolled 6 using 42d4. Vicious Mockery
Wisdom save DC 15 or take 6 Psychic damage and disadvantage on next attack roll
Reaction	None

Makari went from deathly still to suddenly gasping for air like a drowning man, body arcing up in a spasm. He let out a groan and shook his head, as he grabbed his staff off of the ground and stood back up shakily. He coughed once, hard, and then grit his teeth. Angrily, he cast the same spell again, waving one hand over his staff. Green flames danced along the wood and he swung it at the minotaur again.

Object Interaction: Pick up staff.
Movement: Stand up from prone.
Action: Green-Flame Blade on Minotaur, hit AC 21 for 12 bludgeoning and 5 fire.

21:02, Today: Secret Roll: Makari rolled 21,12,5 using d20+8,d8+5,d8 with rolls of 13,7,5.  Green-Flame "Blade" vs M2 (last d8 is fire).

After receiving healing from Faith, Makari stands and knocks down the staggering minotaur, who slumps to the floor unmoving.

Zeb hacks away a sizeable chunk of black stone from the stubborn gargoyle, yet it continues to claw and grab at Zeb even as pieces of itself rain down to the floor.

---

Map updated!

Everyone is up now.

Round 6 Summary:

Ehrendil moves and fires arrows at Garg2 - MISS.

Morg attacks G1 - HITS twice for 20 bludgeoning.

Minotaur (slowed)
Mi2 attempts to gore Makari - HIT for 12 piercing. Makari is unconscious. Mi2 FAILS save vs. Slow.

Faith moves and casts Healing Word on Makari - Makari is prone and has 10 hp. She casts Vicious Mockery at Mi2 - Mi2 saves.

Gorm attacks G1 - CRITS for 20 slashing. G1 is dead. Gorm moves and attacks Mi2 - HIT for 6 piercing.

Makari stands and attacks Mi2 - HIT for a total of 17 damage. Mi2 is dead.

Zeb attacks Garg2 with Reszur & Steady Aim - HIT for 17 magic piercing.

Gargoyle (slowed)
Garg2 attacks Zeb with its claws - MISS. Garg2 FAILS save vs. Slow.


Round 7 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Ehrendil	20	Str 21
Morg	19
Faith	16	Conc: Slow
Gorm	13
Makari	10
Zeb	8
Gargoyle	6	Slowed
Moonclaw	2

Morg runs up to the gargoyle harassing Zeb, jumps and swings his maul at it.

---

Move: 25' ENE to gargoyle.
Action: attack Garg2 with maul - hits AC 27 for 13 bludgeoning damage.
Extra attack: attack Garg2 with maul - hits AC 24 for 15 bludgeoning damage.

21:45, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 27 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 19.  Attack Garg2 with maul.
21:45, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 13 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 3,5.  Bludgeoning damage to Garg2 from maul.
21:45, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 24 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 16.  Extra attack Garg2 with maul.
21:45, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 15 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 5,5.  Bludgeoning damage to Garg2 from maul.

Seeing that Makari knocked down the minotaur, Ehrendil moves closer and focuses on the gargoyle and sends two arrows at it.

---

Move:   Move 30 ft east, 5 feet south.
Bonus:  Planar Warrior on gargoyle.
Action: Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 13, for 19 damage.
        Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 14, for 8 damage.
        Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 2 for Planar Warrior force damage.
Pretty sure these both missed - damned dice roller!

Morg rushes the remaining gargoyle and smashes his maul into its chest, shattering it into pebbles that scatter harmlessly across the floor.

---

We are out of initiative!

XP Awards:
- 5 monks: 500
- 2 black earth guards: 900
- 2 gargoyles: 900
- 2 minotaurs: 1400
- Hellenrae: 1800
- DM award, clearing out Sacred Stone Monastery: 1800

New running total XP (each): 17,369

Loot thread updated.

Round 7 Summary:

Ehrendil fires two arrows at the gargoyle - MISS.

Morg moves and attacks the gargoyle - HIT twice for a total of 28 bludgeoning. Garg2 is dead.

Makari let out a long breath after things quieted down. "ugh, thank the gods that's over."

He winced a bit. "I know we haven't been back in here long but..." He shook his head. "that nearly did me in. I could use a little bit of a rest, get my wind back." He glanced down at the many wounds the minotaurs had inflicted.

Faith breathed heavily las the enemies fell, letting her magical effects fade she too looked damaged and tired, though she had a smile. "I agree....though if we are attacked by more stone monsters, then i will need to rethink my tactics - my magic is suited for flesh and blood."

Ehrendil nodded, "A good idea, Makari." Looking around the large altar room, the ranger's eyes stopped on the staircase. "I wonder if that strange creature is still caged, down there? Better for us than if it is wondering free, I suppose."

Ehrendil then steps to the double-doors to the south, he looks around carefully, and if there is no sign of more occupants, he drags the corpses into the altar room, and then gently shuts the doors. "This, Hellenrae," he points to the corpse with the faceless mask, "Was she not in charge here? Her and Marlos Urnrayle? If luck is with us, the rest of the building may be empty! Save for slaves to be freed and perhaps some lackey overseers."

---

To be clear this could be a very bad deduction on Ehrendil's part! :-)

As Morg helps Ehrendil drag in the remains, he looks down at Hellenrae's body and softly says "Admirable training and skill."
"I suppose you thought of Tyar-Besil as your home..."
He then collects and inspects the masks.

---

08:06, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 11 using 1d20 with rolls of 11.  Investigate check on masks.

Ehrendil hears a low breathing as from a large animal down the stairs, but doesn't see anything but an empty hallway to the south. Shortly after walking away from the double doors however, the creak of a large door opening reverberates through the narrow windows looking into the main entryway.

Morg finds most of the masks are identical, though their golden appearance is due to the gilding present over underlying tin. Hellenrae's mask is different however, in that there are no holes for eyes. When removed, the reason for this is apparent - one eye is milky white while the other eye is missing entirely, its empty socket long scarred over.

"Damn! Sorry Makari. There might not be time for a rest. Sounds like someone just entered through the front door. And, I think that creature is still below, hopefully still caged."

---

Are there bars for the doors that enter the altar room?

Groaning, Zeb recovered his bow and aimed it toward the door Ehrendil indicated. He really could have used that rest.

Makari let out a small sigh and looked down at the prospect of more combat. "Can we not...pull back some?" he asked half-heartedly. He was not far from unconsciousness or death, and had only cantrips at his disposal.

He moved away from the door sound they'd heard, trying to put space, and some cover, between him and any coming threats.

Ehrendil does his best to lock the double-doors, "I'm not sure that will hold long."
"Yes, yes we should. West to the dining hall and kitchen, east to the garden we just used, or down into the mine where that...thing is. Or we make a stand at the back of this room."

Ehrendil finally notices how battered Makari looks. "Hells take me!" Placing a hand on his injured companion he channels healing magic.

---

Cast Cure Wounds on Makari.
Ehrendil Vakalyn rolled 9 for Cure Wounds - level 1.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:13, Sun 14 Apr.

Morg tries to drape on the least damaged and bloodied brown robe and put on a golden mask, while miming Hellenrae's blind eyes to the rest of the party. He faces the south from where the sound of the front door came, trying to hide his maul under the robe.

Faith looked at the group and sighed. "Lets take a rest....i'll let my soothing tones help relieve some of the pain."

She followed and held her rapier, but as she sat there sung a soft song with an even, soothing tone.

---

<OOC: Song of rest>

A few minutes pass, with no other noises from the south or anywhere else around the keep. The beast below continues regular, low breathing, apparently asleep.

"I can keep watch, while all of you rest," Ehrendil says. If the others agree he will pace back and forth, from east door to west door, looping north of the staircase.

---

No damage taken, and nothing to recharge on a short rest.

Not planning to pass up the opportunity for a restful nap Gorm finds herself a corner of the room not overly infused with the blood, chaos, and stench, of combat to curl up in.  Settling her nose under one paw to further dampen the sense of smell she quickly recovers to her fully healthy, and oddly clean, self as she settles in to wait for the next hour or so.

The corpses of the cultists attract flies as surprising warmth from outside the monastery heats the room, though no other movement or sounds can be heard.

After about half an hour, the air suddenly becomes cold. Pooled blood next to one of the dead minotaurs cracks as it freezes, and mist rises from the now solid puddle of gore. The light dims slightly, as if a cloud passed over the sun. A distant and ghostly voice echoes in the room as if from a great distance as a familiar skeletal form slowly materializes, moldering robes hanging limply from the remains of Renwick Caradoon.

"Your effort here wasn't completely inept," the voice grates, as Renwick surveys the room's occupants, both living and dead. "And it rid my home of an extremely irritating group of squatters." Renwick pauses, appearing to struggle with something. "You have my... thanks," he says finally, saying the last word awkwardly as if it was unfamiliar.

After an uncomfortable silence, the lich bends down and removes a package from his tattered robes, placing it on the floor before him. "This may help your cause," he says, standing back up. "As well might that amulet of health I gave you," he says sharply, swiveling his head towards Morg. The ghostly green light in his eye sockets seem to bore through Morg.

"This place is not entirely safe, but I will ensure the cultists do not return," the lich continues after a moment. "I find their absence - a relief."

---

If folks are intending to complete a short rest here, it will be successful - feel free to post OOC any hit dice expended, etc. during the short rest. Renwick is still present as well, if there's anything you want to say/do with him.

Ehrendil stops pacing when he feels the temperature in the room drop. He takes cover behind one of the pillars, and nocks an arrow.

"Master Caradoon! You are most welcome. It was our pleasure to eliminate these fell cultists."
Ehrendil's eyes widen in surprise. "Thank you Master Caradoon. You have been very generous to us." The ranger pauses a moment, "I am certain that the mutilated creature the cultists kept is caged below. Would you know if there are more prisoners being held in the mine below?"

Makari was grateful to rest. He collapsed and used his effort of will, along with Faith's song, to shore his body back up. When things got cold and started freezing, he quickly sat up and looked around in alarm. Only after he saw the 'visitor' did he relax...slightly.

He frowned a bit as the 'spirit' seemed to have trouble with being grateful. "Does that mean...that the cultists have left? Are the prisoners still down below?"

"Yes, the crippled umber hulk is still there. It will likely die soon without the scraps of food the cultists leave for it. But the cultists in the monastery have all fled or are dead, and no prisoners remain in the mine. As for further down, I cannot say."

Morg bandages himself and helps others injured, nodding thanks to the Renwick.

---

HP +29 from -3 HD and Faith's Song of rest.

19:29, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 9 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 7.  HP recovered from hit dice 1.
19:29, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  HP recovered from Faith's Song of rest.
19:32, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 12 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 10.  HP recovered from hit die 2.
19:34, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 6 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 4.  HP recovered from hit die 3.

Ehrendil hesitates for a moment but then asks the lich, "Master Caradoon. I have been in two of these cultist strongholds, one dedicated to water and this one dedicated to earth. In both I detected portals below the surface. My friends have visited two other strongholds, dedicated to fire and air. I expect there are portals below them as well.

You told us that throwing an elemental weapon into a portal would destroy both. Should the weapon be thrown into the portal that matches its element? Or should it be in another? My apologies for my lack of understanding."

"When the weapon - the elemental key - strikes the portal that matches its element, they will annihilate each other. Basic elemental magic theory."

"Do you know why Helenrae here may have wanted the water key? To use as a weapon which seems odd for a stone cultist, to destroy the water portal, or for something else?" Morg asks Caradoon.

"Yeah, Ehrendil," Zeb giggled, rolling his eyes in feigned superiority. "It's basic elemental magic theory."

After a rest, the gnome was feeling much refreshed from his brush with the gargoyles' claws. The laughter left his face as he looked down at the trident they'd been after. "Let us hope he is right. I am eager to be rid of this thing."

Makari relaxed a bit. He let out a long breath. "Okay. I feel a little better." Almost dying was never fun. Would not recommend.

"Sooooo...." He shrugged one shoulder. "we go destroy some portals then?"

"Those who seek power above all else, seek power in any form," Renwick explains to Morg condescendingly. "Besides, stone does not oppose water directly. Though I'm sure stone cultists would not use this power themselves, that trident is a powerful item indeed."

---

Anyone going to take/open Renwick's package before departing?
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:17, Sun 21 Apr.

Faith sat down resting as she hummed the low tune, taking the occasional drink or bite of food. Strangely, even with these, she maintained her tone.

After the short reprieve, she stood up, a little more pep in her step. "Nothing like a tune to lift ones spirits." She muttered.

While the others prepared, she looked at the parcel from Renwick, and with a shrug, opened it....it could be something of use that might help them.

---

<OOC: Faith rolled 1 using 1d6 with rolls of 1.  Song Of rest.
Secret Roll: Faith rolled 11 using 2d8+6 with rolls of 3,2.  HD recovery.>

Opening the carefully wrapped package, Faith finds two dusty bottles, tightly stoppered with cracking cork. Two age-faded and brittle pieces of parchment are lodged between them. Despite their obvious age, the paper doesn't crack further or flake away when touched.

Renwick regards her wordlessly, his green eyes glowing dimly in the fading sunlight visible through the north window.

Faith looked up at Renwick as he looked at her, and nodded, then took the parchment and read the note

Both pieces of parchment are grimy and covered in dust, but the intricate writing is clear and sparkles slightly, clearly magical. After a few minutes of studying one sheet Faith can't make heads or tails of it. But the other seems to list the incantation for turning invisible.

---

Loot thread updated.

Makari glanced over at Faith as he finally came out of his meditative trance. "What did he give you? Or...us, if you're sharing?" He smiled to indicate he was joking.

"Are we ready to continue on?"

"We will make our way to the water temple, then. We will have to return to deal with the portal beneath this place as well. Thanks again, Master Caradoon." Ehrendil can see that the lich has provided some potions and scroll. He will leave it to the true spellcasters to determine their use.

As Renwick slowly fades away until his presence can no longer be felt, the group continues looking at and testing the items left by the lich. Two quick tastes of the potions lead the group to believe one is a potent healing potion, and the other grants significant strength to the imbiber.

Nobody but Makari can make any sense of the second scroll, which appears to pelt a target with a flurry of magically-conjured snowballs when cast.

The group retires to the dining hall to settle in for the night.

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Loot thread updated. If folks want to claim these items please do so. Keep in mind if they're in our "party inventory" they're not easily accessible during times like encounters.

Not being particularly well suited for the use of scrolls Gorm doesn't really even pay attention to that part of the loot discovery process.  Each of the potions she gives a sniff and confirms the diagnosis of the more articulate party members with a very clear nod, but equally clearly passes on keeping or using either of them by settling down in a darker corner of the dining hall to rest and wait out the next stage of their night.  The only break she takes is a quick trip out to the forest to do whatever it is bears do in the woods. . .

Morg tastes the strength potion, suspecting that like others he encountered before, it won't help him much.

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If potion increases Strength to 21 or less, then it won't help Morg's attacks - I don't know if taste tests are accurate enough to indicate if it will help the specific imbiber.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:03, Sat 04 May.