Gryphon once again fires two bolts at the demonologist both of which miss.

20:50, Today: Gryphon rolled 14 using 1d20+7.  bA attack demonoligist.

20:50, Today: Gryphon rolled 12 using 1d20+7.  attack demonoligist.

Chelonia continued her assault upon the gnoll she'd already struck...but missed.

---

22:21, Today: Chelonia rolled 13 using 1d20+6.  Warhammer .

Fenrick has little time to recover after slaying the pack lord as he quickly grimaces in pain as the Deathpledge follows up with a hefty strike.

However, Fenrick now notices the wall, and realizes that that if something isn't done quickly to stop...whatever's going on, they're going to have a lot bigger fish to fry then a few gnolls.

Seeing little other choice in the matter, Fnerick swiftly disengages the Deathpledge and makes his way towards the demonologist. (Disengage action then movement).

Knowing they are short on time, he finds a way to strike at the demnologist (Action Surge).  Luckily he is precise again, and it strikes the demonologist, poisoning him in the process as well.

Striking the demonologist, Fenrick begins to feel a second wind coming on as well. (Second wave as bonus action)

21:27, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 13 using 1d20+6.  Fenrick attack roll on demonologist (action surge).
21:27, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 5 using 1d8.  Precision roll (superiority die).
<Orange>21:30, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 17 using 2d8+6.  Fenrick damage roll - demonologist.


21:31, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 11 using 1d10+3.  Fenrick second wind HP roll.

Anders frowned as he saw Lago fall, but then gave a little bit of a hop when a speak was chucked his way! Luckily for him, it fell short. Still, he noted that two of the...victims? sacrifices?...were dead, which meant the ritual was likely close to being finished.

He drew in a deep breath and turned his attention to the demonologist instead. He gestured while holding his staff, uttered a different arcane phrase, "Frigus Tactus!"

He then began walking towards Lago to try and stabilize or heal her before she died.

11:48, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 17,1 using d20+6,1d8.  Chill Touch on demonologist.

Gryphon fires to bolts at the Demonologist, distracted by the lumbering Gnoll that just downed his ally misses his mark both bolts flying wide.

The swirling vortex behind the Demonologist gets wider the shapes more clear, he is summoning demons, if the battle not already urgent, gets more so.

Chelonia's hammer is deflected by the gnolls guard.

Lago Death saves at Disadvantage because of DeathPledge aura, her will to live pushes her. (she rolled a 10)

Anders hits the evil human for 1 damage forcing a Concentration to save, (rolled 18), however, his concentration does not break.

Still grasping the staff the black and red ritual sucking the life from the Tortle.

Cril channeling another radiant attack strikes the DeathPledge dealing 25 damage.

The fire spreads to the edge of the webs dealing 3 damage to the two gnolls in front of Chelonia. They both attack her, both she is able to deflect with her shield.

Like at true Battlemaster Fenrick controls the field of batter dipping out of combat and hits the Evil Human, (Con Save rolled 8, damage dealt 17), for the first time in this combat the screaming of the tortle ends only to moans, as the ritual ends the Human looks to Fenrick his eyes solid black, "YOU DARE INTERUPT MY RITUAL!" he screams as if for the first time realizing you all still there and not dead.

The DeathPledge attacks Cril, blinded by the radiant light its first attack swings over Cril's head, however, the second attack finds its mark dealing 17 damage.


Initiative
Gryphon
Pack Lord
Lair Action
Chelonia
Lago
Anders
Demonologist
Cril
Gnolls
Fenrick
DeathPledge

Synopsis:
Gryphon 0 Damage
Chelonia 13 Damage total
Lago Unconscious
Anders 0 Damage
Cril 17/23 Damage
Fenrick 9 Damage total

Gnoll 1 Waiting AC 15 HP 12
Gnoll 2 Attacking Chelonia AC 15 HP 10
Gnoll 3 Attacking Chelonia AC 15 HP 19
DeathPledge AC 17 HP 40
Demonologist Doing Ritual AC 17 HP 32/??

End round 3
Start round 4
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:32, Fri 26 June 2020.

Anders let out a small sigh, his help wasn't doing much but at least the ritual had been successfully interrupted, that was what mattered. He turned his attention back to the Gnolls. Chelonia was trying to fend off two at once, and the other was going to be freed from the webs at any moment if it didn't die first.

He gripped his staff and gestured towards the gnoll attacking Chelonia that was more wounded. "Fulmine Ignis!" and another bolt of fire streaked out at the gnoll.

11:21, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 20,5 using d20+6,1d10.  Fire Bolt at Gnoll 2.

Gryphon losses two bolts at the gnolls attacking Chelonia, only one hits  but it is such a well placed hit that it kills it instantly.

Attack and BA were on Gnoll which was outlined  by faerie fire so advantage.
Gnoll 3 takes 29 points of damage.
13:50, Today: Gryphon rolled 10,19 using 2d6,1d6+18.  Damage.

13:49, Today: Gryphon rolled 22 using 2d20+2, dropping the lowest dice only.  BA attack sharpshooter gnoll 3.

13:49, Today: Gryphon rolled 11 using 2d20+2, dropping the lowest dice only.  Sharpshooter with adv on gnoll 3.

Fenrick hopes to quickly follow-up his strike on the demonologist and finish him off once and for all.

He takes a swing but the sword fails to find its target.

22:33, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 14 using 1d20+6.  Fenrick attack roll - Demonologist.

Chelonia yet again attempts to strike the nearest gnoll with her warhammer, but misses terribly.  She is going to have to do some additional training provided she survives this encounter.

---

13:03, Today: Chelonia rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  warhammer.

Gryphon in his style shoots and kills one Gnoll attacking Chelonia.

The Dark Portal opening behind the Evil Man stops growing, and rather then a living image looks only like a picture on the rock.

Chelonia Misses with her Warhammer.

Lago Fails a death save (that's 1 save, 1 Fail)

Anders deals 5 damage to Gnoll 2

Looking about, realizing what state his minions are in, and the state he is in, like just noticing his injuries. He casts a spell a portal opens a black and purple void, "This will not be the end, you got lucky." With that, he steps through the portal, and with a snap, the portal and he are gone.

Sadly Cril's attack swings and misses the DeathPledge.

After her huge miss, the Gnoll takes advantage and plunges his spear into her dealing 10 damage. The other Gnoll moves forward to also attack her but misses his attack.

Fenrick swings and misses the evil human as he teleports just in time to avoid the attack.

The Gnoll DeathPledge continues his on slot of blows, under the weight of the blows of the Greataxe Cril is able to avoid direct damage. But is  Driving to his knees. Luckily to be alive.

Initiative
Gryphon
Pack Lord
Lair Action
Chelonia
Lago
Anders
Demonologist
Cril
Gnolls
Fenrick
DeathPledge

Synopsis:
Gryphon 0 Damage
Chelonia 23 Damage total
Lago Unconscious
Anders 0 Damage
Cril 17/23 Damage
Fenrick 9 Damage total

Gnoll 1 Waiting AC 15 HP 12
Gnoll 2 Attacking Chelonia AC 15 HP 5
Gnoll 3 Dead
DeathPledge AC 17 HP 40
Demonologist Teleported

End round 4
Start round 5

Anders glowered at the disappeared demonologist. That was annoying. On the other hand, there was still much to do. Both Chelonia and Cril looked much the worse for wear, but Anders worried about what might happen if he tried to move in close enough to touch either of them.

For the moment, he steeled his will and focused on trying to help take down the Gnolls as quickly as possible. He turned his attention to the Gnoll attacking Chelonia and trusted that Gryphon and Fenrick might be able to help out Cril.

He gripped his staff and moved it around in a strange fashion before pointing it at the Gnoll on Chelonia and uttered the same arcane phrase once more, "Fulmine Ignis!"

17:11, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 25,6 using d20+6,1d10.  Fire Bolt at Gnoll.

Gryphon fires two bolts at the Deathpledge gnoll both of which miss.

Chelonia wasn't having any luck with her war hammer.  The only consolation was that every attack against her was an attack not made against an ally.  She'd taken several hits though and was worse for ware by this point.  She pulled out a piece of turquoise and allowed the healing of her heart chakra to flow through it.  She then placed the stone against her skin and the stored energy quickly began repairing some of her injuries.

---

Action: cure wounds

23:38, Today: Chelonia rolled 10 using 1d8+4.  Cure wounds on self.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:50, Sun 28 June 2020.

[Language unknown: We%$ us!], Fenrick curses loudly at himself for allowing the demonologist to get away.

Quickly assessing the situation, he decides he needs to help out with the deathpledge, as it seems to be taking its toll on the other group members.

He runs over to the deathpledge and takes a might swing at it, and luckily he is precise enough to strike it, poisoning it in the process (OOC maybe, needs save roll)
.
22:57, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 16 using 1d20+6.  Fenrick attack on Deathpledge.
22:57, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 7 using 1d8.  Fenrick Precision Strike sup die.
22:58, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 21 using 2d8+6.  Fenrick damage on deathpledge.

OOC I'm out of superiority dice, so hopefully the roller starts playing nice.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Sat 27 June 2020.

Gryphon misses all attacks
Chelonia Heals her self
Lago 1 fail 2 save death saves
Anders kills Gnoll
Cril lay on hands heals self for 15
Gnoll hits Chelonia dealing 7 damage
Fenrick hits Deathpledge for 21 damage
DeathPledge misses the first attack, hits second against Cril dealing 15 damage, he hangs on barely.


I hate doing this to you, normally I am better detailed and story, but to get out around quick here it is. see OOC thread for more details to wrap up adventure.

Initiative
Gryphon
Chelonia
Lago
Anders
Cril
Gnoll
Fenrick
DeathPledge

Synopsis:
Gryphon 0 Damage
Chelonia 7 Damage this round
Lago Unconscious
Anders 0 Damage
Cril 22/23 Damage
Fenrick 0 Damage

Gnoll 1 Waiting AC 15 HP 12
Gnoll 2 Dead
DeathPledge AC 17 HP 19

End round 5
Start round 6

Gryphon fires two  bolts at the deathpledge only one striking  it a serious blow.

01:29, Today: Gryphon rolled 5 using 1d6.  Sneak attack damage.

01:29, Today: Gryphon rolled 10 using 1d6+8.  Damage.

01:27, Today: Gryphon rolled 16 using 1d20+7.  BA attack death pledge.

01:27, Today: Gryphon rolled 26 using 1d20+7.  attack death pladege.

15 damage , I get a sneak  attack because I have an ally which is within 5' of it whom is not incapacitated and I do not have disadvantage.

(OOC Since I'm so late in the turn order I'm not exactly sure anything will be left for me to do by the time it gets to me, so I'll list the order in which I would act depending on the situation)

1.) Attack: Deathpledge if alive, then gnoll if alive (which misses both)
08:50, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 10 using 1d20+6.  Fenrick attack roll.

2.) Stabalize anyone who needs it, with Lago as priority (which also failed)
08:52, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 8 using 1d20+1.  Medicine check to stabalize  if needed.

(OOC) I guess if those two aren't available yet an action is still needed let me know.  However, we're in deep trouble for these skill checks, the roller hates me apparently.)

Anders looked around, noted that tide was turning. It had been a little even before the other 'mage type' had fled - which was still very irksome. He tried to take his frustration out on one of the remaining Gnolls, but while the bolt of fire DID strike them...it was a very weak fire bolt. He let out a small sigh, lips pressed in to a thin line.

18:44, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 22,2 using d20+6,1d10.  Fire Bolt at Deathpledge (or Gnoll if Pledge is dead).

In desperation as she nears deaths door, Chelonia swings out with a primal viciousness that is contrary to her normal calm demeanor.  She manages to drive the warhammer into the gnolls shoulder and she can hear bone cracking and a pop out of its socket.

---

22:55, Today: Chelonia rolled 7 using 1d8+4.  warhammer damage.

22:54, Today: Chelonia rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Warhammer vs AC 15.

Dispatching the last two gnolls, the group explores the room. The Tortle on the alter is barely alive, and Chelonia instantly recognizes him as her mentor. The reunion is short-lived as he passes out from the ritual he just took part in. With little training, all of you notice that the Tortle is extremely old. Fenrick and Chelonia see that he has aged many many years since last they saw him, the Ritual wasn't just killing them, it was sucking the very life from their bodies.

The Red wall that was getting turned into a portal is slowly fading back to his brilliant red, as it fades closer examination reveals it was indeed going to be a portal to the Abyss as outlines of demons are static like a picture frozen on the surface of the stone. Luckily they were able to break the concentration of the Human. But, if he tried this once, he will probably try this again. The thought of a portal opening to the Abyss shots goosebumps down your spins. After a brief pause and thought the group comes back to reality.

Searching the area the group discovers a room off the ritual chamber in it is a bed, desk, bookshelves, and a chest. In the chest is a mound of gold, silver, and copper. Looking through the books and papers of research most of the languages not understood by anyone here. Still curious to understand something of the ritual the group gathers the papers and many of the books, especially those on the desk and in languages understood by them.

Making transportation easier as under the desk they discover a bag of holding. Nothing is in the bag but quickly is filled with their loot.

Also discovered on the desk is a Rod of power, at the tip a green gem adores it the top half of the gem is masterfully chiseled and polished while the other half is untouched and melded into the cold iron the of the rod, at the end is a skull depicting a fiend. One last discovery in the desk drawer is a pair of slippers made from the silks of spiders.

Finishing their search of the area the group decides to quickly make their way out, and once at the keep can look closer at the papers, books and other loot gathered together. Also, the group takes the Greataxe used by the Death pledge, a masterwork quality great-axe, and possibly magical.

Lago is alive, barely.

(OOC)
The Skill challenge begins. PM your skills and I will post when I have the results.

I have to make a correction as a DM, the distance originally traveled from the Keep to the caves was incorrect, It is shorted, it is only a Days journey.

Also, when you all arrive at the Keep you will level up to 4th level. Now, I know that was quick leveling, but leveling up will slow down now. I normally like to get to the 4th level quickly and then slow down.


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:57, Sat 04 July 2020.

Anders let out a sigh as the gnolls finally fell. He watched the red wall intently as the portal closed, stepping closer to it, looking both disgusted and fascinated at the same time somehow. "Fascinating. I am gladdened that we stopped this ritual, my allies! That looked like the Abyss on the other side." He shook his head.

He walked over to Chelonia, "Do you need some healing?" He examined the older-looking Tortle a bit after that, but didn't get too close as he didn't want to crowd Chelonia as she seemed to recognize him.

He looked excited about the papers and books, though a little frustrated that he couldn't read them. "I'll be able to cast a ritual to allow me to read them...but later, when we're not in potential danger still."

He hesitated. "I can heal Lago some and hopefully she will then be able to walk under her own power but otherwise we appear to have two people that potentially need to be carried or helped along. Any ideas?" After that he reached down and cast Cure Wounds on Lago to try and get her up and running...or at least up and walking.

OOC: Mostly just an RP fluff post and reactions. I hope that's okay.

As the last of the gnolls fell, Fenrick let out a sigh of relief.  He hadn't had that much action since his military days.  Luckily his skills hadn't faded too much.

He walked over to check on the Tortle, confirming it had been the man that had hired him.  It was only now that the magnitude of his failure had hit him, now having a chance to reflect on what had happened.  He wanted to say something, anything, to apologize but nothing seemed adequate so he simply kept to himself.

Fenrick helped with the collecting of the papers and loot, a solemn look on his face.  He realized that his time as a merc, at least in this area, was over once word of his failure spread; no one hires someone who isn't capable and 1 error can be enough to ruin your reputation.  Being a mercenary was hard enough work to find, what was he going to do now?

These thoughts all filtered thru his head as they readied themselves to (likely?) head back to the Keep before...what?  Going their separate ways?  Following up on the plans of the human that had eluded them?  He wasn't part of the group to start, so he wasn't sure if the others would even want him to stick around.

All Fenrick has is questions, with no answers easily found...

Chelonia had rushed to her mentors side as the battle had ended, everything else in the room was lost to her sight as her focus was solely upon him.  She had no magic left in order to heal him, but even if she did, it was clear to her that it was not physically injury that was causing his life to ebb.  A body can be healed over and over, but when age has set in whether by natural means or by a means as unnatural as the demonology that had been performed here this day...there was no escaping that...at least not with what they had available to them in this moment.  She would hold him until he passed so that he would not leave this world alone.

It was then that Anders spoke and she replied, "Yes dear Anders, if you have it to spare, I could most definitely use it...and yes, if you are able to assist Lago I would greatly appreciate it."

After gathering together all the loot and those injured the group devises a plan to get out of the caverns. They map out the path and put together a plan of action. Each knowing, getting out quickly will get them out safe. Walking back down the same hallway and going to the same exit they came in on, Fenrick looks up and sees a familiar pile of rubble...wait, isn't that where I and the original archeology team came in at? It sure was. Using Grappling hooks and rope left from the original team the group is able to climb up and out of the Caves of Chaos Safely, now on top of them, and are able to avoid traveling back through.

The Group begins its Daylong journey back down the mountain finding a trade road used to travel North into the Land of Giants, beyond the Sverdkyst borders. Heading South the group is able to reach the Keep Just after the Sun's Set

OOC

We had 2 Critical Rolls and some other awesome uses of skills. Great job guys, 1 failure before success.

There will be one more post on this thread, between Chelonia and her mentor, coming soon. Otherwise, we will move into Chapter 2 Scene 1. Congrats on the completion of Chapter 1 and that adventure. Many more to come. As a DM I have learned a lot from this Chapter and hopefully will improve going forward.

Everyone levels to 4, with reward of 1,800XP. This will be the last "fast level" leveling will slow down from here on.

Turning her attention back to her mentor, Father Tartaruga, following her words with Anders she feels the life force of this man who had been as a father to her, yet much more than that: a father yes, but also a teacher, a councilor, a spiritual guide, and most importantly...a friend.  She held his lifeless body for what was likely only a few minutes yet felt to her like an eternity while she cried and grieved over his loss.

As she was about to allow herself to let go of the broken vessel that had held his life force there was a metaphorical knock at the proverbial door to her mind.  It was a gentle 'presence' that possessed all of the emotional qualities that she identified the man as being.  Her guard down, she allowed that door to swing open in order to discover what it was that was seeking entry into her thoughts.

There before her stood an apparition of them man, not in a physical sense but rather as if by coalesced energy in the shape that the man had taken up while living.  His smile and the pleasant warmth of the energy that radiated from this astral form told her that he was truly at peace with what had just happened.  That the chance to be with her, even if in his afterlife was what he'd needed to become at peace with what had happened.

As they 'stood' there, within the confines of her mind, face to face, her mentor took an astral hand and placed it upon her astral forehead.  It was then that she felt as if she'd been struck by a bolt of lightning as information began being 'downloaded' into her brain.  The things the man shared with her came in images and ideas which she translated into thoughts and stored them for future use:

1. The Demonologist isn’t the leader he is but a pawn. He had been able to overhear voices. One had an accent from the southern Per-Atum Empire. He is somewhere in a lost city in the Sea of Sand. The second voice was from someone North in the Giant Lands. In one of the Fire Giant Fortresses.

2. They mean to create an elixir of life and become Gods overthrowing the current ones. The demons have promised them power and servants.

3. From his discovery, the Tortles and Lizardfolk were allies before and during the second planes war. They had discovered the secret to the elixir of life, the Lizardfolk wanted to use it and Bring back the ancient God Lang Wang. The Tortles disagreed with them. That is all he could discover before he was taken captive.

4. He shared with her the divine rituals to not only remove his shell so that it might be bestowed upon a future new acolyte entering into their clerical order but also the ability to cast a spell upon his physical body in order to preserve it long enough to be returned to her people so that he could be posthumously made a saint of the order and properly buried within the churches cemetery.

With the information imparted upon her the astral form of her mentor leaned forward and, where his hand had previously touched her forehead, kissed her as a father saying good bye for the very last time.  As tears rolled down her eyes his energy retreated from within her mind and the energy of his presence slowly dissipated until she came out of the trance she'd been in and found herself back among the living...among her allies.  Given that none were staring at her and questioning what was wrong, she could only assume that all of that had been exchanged between the two in but a mere fraction of a moment.

She then, with a sense of strength (where she would have thought weakness and despair would have been given what she'd just lost), gathered her allies around her, shared what she had learned and made plans for their return to the keep.  Before they left she performed the ritual to magically remove Father Tartaruga's shell and then cast the spell to preserve the man's shell-less body.

Once back at the keep she provided Lago (the only person she trusted with a task as important as transporting her mentor and his shell back to her people) and Cril (to protect and assist Lago in her task) instructions to leave as soon as possible and that she would pray for her safety on this mission.