lago had followed alongside Fenwick and watched as he pointed out where he had previously been ambushed.  She didn't think she could hear anything out of the normal. Perception Check = 11 Her swords were drawn and ready.  She waited for instructions.

At Fenrick's insistence that they were currently close to where her mentor had been, the Tortle pulls out the piece of map that she possessed and orientated her piece of the map with the lay of the tunnels and entrance they'd just come in.

She too took a moment to listen and observe before proceeding.

---

22:16, Today: Chelonia rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Perception.

Anders followed along behind the others. While he was supposedly keeping his senses alert to their surroundings and any signs of danger, he was also keeping an eye on several of his allies. Some of their reactions to the torture chamber had been what would likely be considered 'normal', but some...

He was a little worried about them. Time would tell.

22:54, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  Perception.

Slowly with care, the group walks through the cave entrance, like every other hall you've walked down the dirt is packed and cut with timbers acting as supports. Until 15 feet the cave breaks through into a large polished stone central hallway branching North and South. The granite stones are masterfully cut and placed on the walls, floors, and ceiling with little to no cracks or gaps between each. The ceiling is nearly 20ft high with a slight arch the center stones acting as keystones to the smaller stones around it. The walls and floor are large 5x5 stones, the hallway spanning 30ft. Further examination of the ceiling reveals that the smaller blocks are arranged in a mosaic depicting the cosmology and the Gods. The walls though faded, are paintings of Tortles telling great tales of conquest, victory, bravery, and strength over the planes of power. More interestingly Lizardfolk is found not as foes, but as allies, standing shoulder to shoulder fighting. Lining the walls are candelabras with wax depleted and puddles of it on the floor under them. Torn and burnt tapestries pile along the edge of the walls and floor. There is only silence in the hallway other than the group's breathing and slight movements.

It is truly spectacular.

Fenrick was concerned at how quiet it was, gripping his sword a little tighter.  “It’s too quiet...” he whispered.

He then started to think about where people might be held on this level...

Chelonia stared at the images on the wall in disbelief...but then her thoughts went to the bones she'd gathered and placed in her pack...they were ancient and they were of both Tortle and Lizardfolk.  It was a reality that she didn't not want to admit...that the two races may once have been allies, but it certainly wasn't something she could dismiss given the evidence she was finding to support such a possible reality.

She would definitely need to bring her mentor back to this room; as well, she would need to share her findings regarding the bones of both races in the ravine outside of the cave's opening.

She was too focused on the images painted on the walls and ceiling to hear make out Fenrick's words.

Anders slowed his walk as he noticed Chelonia slow down. He followed her gaze and began to notice the mosaic, the faded paintings. Tortles and Lizardfolk. Interesting. He nodded to himself. I wouldn't have assumed that connection. Assuming that sort of thing, that would be like saying Lizardfolk are descended from dragons or something, just because they're both reptilian. He looked over another painting. But this is interesting.

He could barely keep himself from speaking his thoughts aloud. Only the potential for danger in being overheard kept him quiet as he looked over the paintings and the mosaic.

Walking around the corner and climbing a gently sloped floor the halls silent other than the padding of feet and breathing of the adventures. Getting into the next hallway looking south you see a chapel (room 55). This place is of red stone, the floor being a mosaic checkerboard of black and red. The south wall is covered by a huge tapestry that depicts a black landscape, barren trees, and unidentified-able but horrible black shapes in silhouette holding aloft a struggling human. A gray sky is torn by wisps of purple clouds, and a blood moon with a skull-like face on it leers down upon the scene. Four black pillars support the domed ceiling some 25’ overhead. Between these columns, just in front of the tapestry, is a stone altar of red-veined black rock, rough-hewn and stained brown with dried blood. Upon it are 4 ancient bronze vessels - a shallow bowl, a pair of goblets, and an ewer, a vase-shaped pitcher. They are also bloodstained but obviously worth a great deal of money.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:45, Tue 02 June 2020.

Fenrick gets the chills as he studies the tapestry and surrounding room.

"What the heck..." Fenrick says, the comment tapering off as he tries to make sense of everything.  What sort of creatures are trying to be depicted?  What past struggles could it be describing?

Fenrick tries to remember anything he can that might make this all make sense but nothing comes to mind.

10:20, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 4 using 1d20-1.  Fenrick history roll.

Fenrick waits back to see what the others decide to do, fearing what might happen if they disturb the containers.

Chelonia too looks over the area and tries to see if she can recall anything that might be of use...

---

19:28, Today: Chelonia rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  history check.
  - rolled an n20.

19:28, Today: Chelonia rolled 10 using 1d20+2.  religion check.

As Chelonia processed what she'd seen in this room they'd entered, the Tortle more tightly takes hold of her warhammer and shield.  Her eye's darting around as if worried something horrible was about to enter and attack them.  With her senses heightened she softly began to explain her trepidation to the others:

"This room is not of original architecture.  It appears to be a place of worship to the Demon Prince: Yeenoghu.  He is a demon with few ambitions beyond the visceral thrill of rending the soft flesh of his enemies and drinking deep the hot blood from their bodies. He craves nothing more than the utter defeat of all those who stand against him and is relentless in his pursuit of feeding the emptiness of his existence with the frantic screams of those he slays. Butchery is the province of Yeenoghu, and his single-minded pursuit of annihilation makes him a dangerous force in the infinite layers of the Abyss.

This would explain the torture room we found.  We should be very alert to our surroundings now and should make efforts to put distance between us and this place...

“Then let’s find your friend and get out of here...”. , Fenrick said plainly.  This was becoming more than he signed up for.

"Yes, let us  proceed. So any that we encounter from now on should be taken as a  serious  threat.  I plan on taking  an aggressive stance on anything we encounter."

Anders listened to what Chelonia had to say, actually turning away from his examinations to stare at her, a look of rapt fascination on his face as he took it all in. Afterwards, he smiled slightly at her and gave her a nod. "Thank you for sharing. Most enlightening. Even disturbing knowledge can sometimes lead to a beneficial result in the long-term, though I don't normally advocate deep diving in to dark forbidden lore for the average person.'

He followed after Fenrick when they were ready to move on.

Walking down the curved polished mosaic stone hallway the group enters into a large Temple Dedicated to Evil Chaos. This huge area has an arched ceiling some 30’ or more in height. The floor is of polished black stone which has swirling patterns of red veins through it. The walls behind the draperies, and the ceiling as well, are of dull black rock, while the west wall is of translucent red stone which is seemingly one-piece, polished to mirror-like smoothness. There are three stone altars to the west, the northernmost of pure black, the middle one of streaked red and black, the last of red with black flecks. At the western end of the temple area is a dais of black stone, a great throne resting on it. The chair is of bone; the ivory throne is set with gold and adorned with gems of red and black. The signs and sigils upon this seat are of pure chaos and evil. The other walls are covered by draperies of deep purple with embroidered symbols and evil sayings, done in scarlet and gold and black thread.

As soon as the party enters, black candles in eight great candelabras on either side of the place light magically, shooting forth a disgusting red radiance. Shapeless forms of purple, yellow, and green dance and sway on the western wall.

Bodies lie on each alter, upon the black alter a human body rests, upon the red and black alter a Tortle body rests, and on the red alter a Gnoll body rests. Sitting upon the throne is a pale thin human wrapped in blood-red robes with black smoke-like patterns reaching up his robes like fingers slowly moving and slithering like snakes. Resting on the throne by the man is an onyx black staff at the tip a spiraling basket holds a brilliantly red gem, the same color and stone are the wall behind him.

Not looking up at any of you, nor talking to anyone in particular, "They are still alive, just, the ritual requires they remain alive. As you can see the embroideries explain it all. For decades I have searched for the answers and now I have it." Looking up now his hallow eyes peering into each of your souls. "It has taken me some time to find this temple, it holds all the secrets," a smile spreads on his face, "The Tortle King Koopa, had discovered it centuries ago but feared the power. A fool, you could have had it all. Instead, he listened to the Lizardfolk Emperor Xian and they hid it, burying the power beneath the rubble, disguise further after the cataclysm." He gave a hallow small chuckle, "Funny really how Chaos always finds a way." Again he pauses, his eyes, and mind somewhere else, his voice changes from a casual conversation to anger and malice. "You think you will stop this, that is amusing, for it has already begun, and there is nothing you can do about it. I am one of many. I will not need to raise a finger to deal with you." With that he stands suddenly his hands spread above in the air holding aloft the staff as three black and red swirling beams strike the three bodies on the alters. Cries of pain from them ringing in the room. Doors to the right and behind you open up as several Gnolls engage you.

Five hunched over 7-foot tall hyena-headed humanoids with wicked serrated tipped spears 3 from behind, 2 in front. A large more broad-shouldered gnoll wielding a glaive and a necklace of ears, tongues, and eyeballs from all different races. And finally, a 9-foot tall monster his head and body covered in mismatched pieces of metal armor, around his neck and hanging from his belt like trophies heads of his victims shriveled and rotting. In his hands, he wields a bloodstained great axe.

OOC

Roll Initiative and take the first turn. You can also continue talking to the man if you wish before the battle begins. I will also allow that you could have cast a few spells before entering the temple, knowing that is where the ambush originally took place.


Gnolls 1-5 AC 15 HP 22
Gnoll Pack Lord 1 AC 15 HP 49
Gnoll DeathPledge 1 AC 17 HP 65
Human Demonologist 1 AC 17 HP ??
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:42, Thu 11 June 2020.

Fenrick, being a man of few words and genuinely concerned about the current prospects, has nothing really to say.

He glances over to his party seeing if the others have anything to say; unfortunately he misreads it and is caught off guard.   He takes hold of his necklace saying "Alsumu" once again and then heads straight for the large monster, hoping that if they can take it down quickly, the remaining monsters may have second thoughts.

As he reaches the monster, he takes a mighty swing with his sword but it easily glances off the monster's armor.

15:18, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Fenrick initiative.

15:20, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  Fenrick attack roll.

OOC Hopefully the rest of the group rolls better.  Doesn't seem to like me today.

Gryphon moves with lightning like speed, quickly stepping  slightly to the side before unleashing a barrage of 3 bolts. The first flies true to target striking the Human that is upon the Black alter a terrific blow. Then he  proceeds to fire two bolts at the Gnoll pack-lord, the first misses while the second strikes  it but the bolt shatters upon impact on  its armor.

15:47, Today: Gryphon rolled 38 using 2d20+7 ((19,12)). Initiative so 26
15:54, Today: Gryphon rolled 21 using 2d20+2, dropping the lowest dice only.  Sharpshooter on  Human sacrificed guy.
15:55, Today: Gryphon rolled 24 using 1d6+18.
15:59, Today: Gryphon rolled 2 using 1d6.  Sneak damage.
15:58, Today: Gryphon rolled 14 using 2d20+2, dropping the lowest dice only.  Sharpshooter, Gloom  Stalker attack on  ac 15 Gnoll Lord.

15:56, Today: Gryphon rolled 8 using 2d20+2, dropping the lowest dice only.  BA Attack AC 15 Gnoll  Lord.

The Human on the alter  takes  26  points of  damage.

Anders listened to the red-robed human even as his gaze slowly swept him, the altars and the room. One eyebrow rose. "That...seems like a lot of 'reading' to do. Perhaps you would be willing to sum it up for us? What ritual is this and what result do you intend to bring about?"

Then the tenor of the situation changed and Gnolls came. He turned and cast a spell at the three behind him, "Aranea!" A mass of sticky webbing shot out, anchoring to the floor and to the wall behind them, in a diagonal sort of spray. He aimed to try and not only catch all three but make sure there would be some webbing between them and he, to slow them down if nothing else.

OOC
Active Spells: Mage Armor.

Action: Cast Web spell on the 3 Gnolls behind Anders, trying to catch all three and anchor from floor to the wall behind them. Dexterity Save DC 14 at the start of their turns or be restrained. Strength check DC 14 to break free, using up an action.

Movement: Step to the side, preferably behind Gryphon or a pillar to get some cover if possible.

14:47, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Thu 11 June 2020.

Chelonia nearly got lost in thought at having heard the cultist speak of King Koopa and Emperor Xian of the Lizardfolk but she snapped out of it, knowing that such contemplations would need to wait for a time when an imminent threat did not exist.  In an effort to improve her and her allies chances against this threat, she removed a red stone from her pouch and channeled her energy into it while uttering the phrase "ignis ardentem".

A red aura permeated from it, growing and encompassing as many of their adversaries as possible.

Chelonia casts Fairie Fire on as many of the cultists as possible, with a focus on targeting those not caught in the web that Anders had cast.

order of preference:

1. Human Demonologist
2. Gnoll Death Pledge
3. Gnoll Pack Lord
4. as many of the 5 Gnolls as possible

Faerie Fire
Each object in a 20-foot cube within range is outlined in blue, green, or violet light (your choice). Any creature in the area when the spell is cast is also outlined in light if it fails a Dexterity saving throw. For the duration, objects and affected creatures shed dim light in a 10-foot radius.
Any attack roll against an affected creature or object has advantage if the attacker can see it, and the affected creature or object can’t benefit from being invisible.

22:58, Today: Chelonia rolled 18 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.

This message was last edited by the player at 01:59, Sun 14 June 2020.

As the Gnolls join the fight a quick three bolts fly from the crossbow of Gryphon two dealing no damage to the gnolls, one striking the Human his screams ending on impact.

The large Gnoll wielding the glaive steps forward and takes two wicked strikes at Fenrick, the first strike is deflected by Fenricks shield, however, the weight of the blow knocks the shield aside as the quick second swing strikes him hard in the shoulder for 7 damage.

As the human on the alter dies, you hear the irritation from the Demonologist, but he continues his ritual the life getting sucked from the remaining two on the table.

Like a torch four of the gnolls, and the pack lord light up outlined in red.

Lago stepping up take two quick jabs at one of the gnolls both attacks landing dealing combined damage of 13.

Trying the best Anders can he attempts to stay hidden from the incoming attacks, after casting a web behind them on the three gnolls.

The powerful Human Demonlogist continues to suck the life from the two bodies on the alters, his face and hands becoming more youthful each second, behind him the red glass-like wall begins to gently swirl with black like smoke.

Making an attack against one of the Gnolls Cril is blocked by its spear.

The Webs of Anders catch one Gnoll and fight as he might is unable to move. The other Two move forward taking attacks on Chelonia, however both still barely in the webs. The spear is skillfully blocked by her, the second, however, finds its target dealing 10 damage. The Gnoll attacked by Lago strikes at her, hitting her for 7 damage. The Gnoll attacked by Cril attacks him, as he blocks the attack.

Fenrick with the aid of the Faerie Fire strike the Pack lord with his longsword dealing 12 damage. (I rolled with advantage for Fenrick and rolled damage to speed the post along, hopefully, this doesn't bother you Fenrick.)

Unable to join the fray the DeathPledge Gnoll Stands behind his Minions his Fateful Aura being felt by Fenrick, Cril, and Lago, if they make Death Saving throws in the aura they have Disadvantage.

OOC:

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

Synopsis:
Gryphon 0 Damage
Chelonia 10 Damage
Lago 7 Damage
Anders 0 Damage
Cril 0 Damage
Fenrick 7 Damage

Gnoll 1 Restained by Web AC 15 HP 22
Gnoll 2-3 attacking Chelonia AC 15 HP 22
Gnoll 4 Attacking Lago AC 15 HP 9
Gnoll 5 Attacking Cril AC 15 HP 22
Pack Lord Attacking Fenrick AC 15 HP 37
DeathPeldge Waiting AC 17 HP 65
Demonologist Doing ritual AC 17 HP ??

End Round 1
Start Round 2

Gryphon quickly decides to fire at the Caster  of the ritual now  that he has distrubed it with the killing of the human last round. The first bolt misses while the second strikes him a solid blow.


11:16, Today: Gryphon rolled 14 using 1d6+8.  Damage.

11:16, Today: Gryphon rolled 21 using 1d20+7.  Ba demonaligest.

11:16, Today: Gryphon rolled 8 using 1d20+7.  Attack demonaliges

Hopefully the one hit can make him lose concentration.

Anders frowned as two of the Gnolls were able to mostly evade his Web. That as annoying, but for the moment he focused on the Gnoll still trapped in the Web. He gestured and spoke the arcane phrase, "Fulmine Ignis!" and a bolt of fire leaped out at the Gnoll. He was hoping that the fire would damage the Gnoll and possibly light the web on fire around him, doing more damage, but he'd settle for either or.

10:38, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 18,4 using d20+6,1d10.  Firebolt on Web-Trapped Gnoll (and his Web square).

Fenrick cursed himself for his slow reaction, and he paid for it with a nice shoulder gash.  At least he was able to repay the favor though, thinking to himself "If you can't be with the one you want to fight, fight the one you're with"

Fenrick readies himself to riposte against the pack lord if the opportunity presents itself.

He then takes another mighty swing at the Pack Lord.  He is able to connect solidly with the Pack Lord due to the precision of the strike.

12:34, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 14 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 5,8.  Fenrick attack on Pack Lord.


OOC Fenrick will use 1st superiority die for precision strike, allowing him to roll 1d8 and add to attack roll.
12:36, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 4 using 1d8.  Fenrick Precision Strike sup die.

12:38, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 20 using 2d8+6 with rolls of 7,7.  Fenrick damage (with poison).

OOC IF the Pack Lord misses with his attack, Fenrick will use his reaction and another superiority die to Riposte (not sure if it requires him to miss both or just one).

When a creature misses you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction and expend one superiority die to make a melee weapon attack against the creature. If you hit, you add the superiority die to the attack's damage roll.


12:42, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 21 using 2d20+6 with rolls of 15,5.  Fenirck riposte roll if needed.
12:42, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 6 using 1d8.  Fenrick riposte superiority roll (if needed).
12:43, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 19 using 2d8+12 with rolls of 1,6.  Fenrick damage roll for riposte if needed.

Two gnolls turn toward Chelonia.  One attacks with a spear that she easily deflects, but in so doing she'd left herself open to an attack from the other.  Raising her warhammer aloft she strikes down upon the gnoll that had caused her harm

---

Hits AC 17 for 9 damage.

19:07, Today: Chelonia rolled 9 using 1d8+4.  warhammer damage.

19:07, Today: Chelonia rolled 17 using 1d20+6.  Warhammer .

Gryphon Hits the Demonologist, however he is able to keep his concentration on the ritual (He rolled a 16).

The Gnoll pack lord makes an overhead chop that glances off the shield of Fenrick opening up the Gnoll for a Riposte, his sword digging deep into the underarm of the Gnoll, (dealing 19 Damage), taken aback from the unexpected counter-attack the Gnolls second attack is weak and again is blocked, easily. Angry The gnoll lets out a howl, the gnoll to his right takes a bite at Fenrick, however, the bite only tastes the air.

The Swirling black in the Red Glass wall grows bigger, in the center behind the Demonologist the black begins to turn purple, and figures can be seen moving looking on beyond the purple glow.

Chelonia is able to deal good damage to one of the attacking Gnolls, her Warhammer smashing into the rips of the one and is able to hear the cracking of bone. (Dealing 9 damage)

With two more expertly placed attacks Lago is able to finish off the Gnoll in front of her (Dealing 13 Damage with two attacks), to realize, her victory may be short-lived as the DeathPledge Gnoll can now enter the fray.

Unable to move Anders fires a ball of fire striking the Gnoll and lighting the Web ablaze. (4 damage from Firebolt, and 6 fire from the web)

Demonologist, you hear the Human cry out louder than before, and then with the last breath, dies, now only one beam is presently cast on the Tortle.

Cril calling upon the divine power he strikes his longsword in the Gnoll critically hitting him all the radiant power burns through the gnoll and decapitated him. (Dealing 26 Damage)

The two gnolls attack Chelonia stab at her with all their might. However one misses and the other hits. (3 damage dealt) The that was set on fire does not move to let the web burn. Instead, he takes his spear and throws it and Anders, but it clatters to the ground falling short of him.

After blocking two attacks and putting on a counterattack, Fenrick lands another mighty blow chopping the right sword arm off the gnoll at his forearm, as the arm falls the ground poison seeps into the wound green veins quickly making their way up to its arm, the veins spread to its head its eyes turning green and falls dead at his feet. (Dealt 20 damage killing blow)

The Deathpledge moves up his Greataxe firmly in his grasp he gives a mighty swing at Lago, what he sees as the weakest, and easiest to dispatch. The devastatingly brutal attack tears into Lago, blowing through all her defenses. (Dealing 22 Damage) Her body falls limp prostrate and unconscious from the attack. Letting out a raging roar, and swings once more at Fenrick, not expecting the speed from the brutal creature Fenrick gets his sword up in time but not in a good position as the axe tears through his defense. (Dealing 13 Damage)

OOC:

Initiative Order:
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 0 Damage
Fenrick 20 Damage total

Gnoll 1 Waiting AC 15 HP 12
Gnoll 2 Attacking Chelonia AC 15 HP 13
Gnoll 3 Attacking Chelonia AC 15 HP 22
Gnoll 4-5 Dead
Pack Lord Dead
DeathPledge AC 17 HP 65
Demonologist Doing Ritual AC 17 HP 14/??

End Round 2
Start Round 3