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16:57, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals.

Posted by TakmarinFor group 0
Takmarin
GM, 259 posts
Mon 13 Sep 2021
at 04:43
  • msg #134

Re: (IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Summary of First Non-Surprise Round up to Eye Swarm's attack:

Thorn continued her tactical attack, putting more room between the eye swarm and herself and letting the chakrams fly once again.  They whizzed through the air, circling back after smashing more of the creature's many eyes, only to be loosed again in similar deadly fashion.  The creature, heavily damaged by the onslaught, gave no indication it cared or worried for its own safety, as it casually floated South, continuing to encompass the tortle, but now moving to engulf the large warforged as well.

It was then that Gar felt the popping snap of his optic nerves being severed in each eye, no longer able to hold against the powerful pulling force emanating from the creature.  For a second, he could feel the strands of the ganglia and trailing blood tickle his cheek before his eyes left him forever, now one with the dreaded swarm.  The physical pain was almost as hurtful as the realization that he was totally and utterly blind, and his life would forever change from this point on.  (6 points of damage to Gar)

As Gar's eyes were being ripped out of his head, a flashing display of lights weaves through the air in a hypnotizing pattern over the creature; others nearby could see the eyes of the creature following the pattern of lights, each of the pupils seemingly looking in different directions, but when the light show completed, the creature went back about its business, two new eyes adding to its strength.

This message was last edited by the GM at 12:02, Mon 13 Sept 2021.
Andraste Giltris
player, 166 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Mon 13 Sep 2021
at 05:39
  • msg #135

Re: (IC) 2: Search for the Seals

The scream from Gar was alarming but both Althaea and Thorn had already moved to handle the strange eye monster and all of the large constructs were nearby. I cannot add much to that fight but I may be able to keep some of the strange plant-zombies away. Pulling myself up into the saddle, Harmony and I advance to place ourselves between the party and two of the nearest zombies. As we move a sing a short hymn, the familiar words bring a sense of peace and readiness infuse me as I ready myself.

Turn 02 Summary
Giltris
Move: Mount Harmony (-15ft of movement).
Action: Cast Bless, target Giltris, Gar, and Infused.
Bonus Action: N/A.
Reaction: If a target inflicts more than 20 damage with a single attack use Rebuke the Violent.
Reaction: Opportunity attack if prompted with longsword (28 to-hit for 8 slashing).
Concentration: 25, 24, 11, 23, and 12.

Harmony
Move: Move to the X (Harmony + Giltris are size large).
Action: Dodge.
Bonus Action: Nil.
Reaction: Opportunity attack if prompted (14 to-hit for 7 bludgeoning).



Notes
Bless: You bless up to three creatures of your choice within range. Whenever a target makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, the target can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the attack roll or saving throw.

Rebuke the Violent: Immediately after an attacker within 30 ft. deals damage with an attack against a creature other than you, you can use your reaction to force the attacker to make a WIS saving throw (DC 16). On failure, the attacker takes radiant damage equal to the damage it just dealt, or half damage on success.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:15, Mon 13 Sept 2021.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 203 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Mon 13 Sep 2021
at 11:46
  • msg #136

Re: (IC) 2: Search for the Seals

The scream from Gar had me worried. Calling out to Sand, "I want to try something, Sand. Close your eyes!" Drawing the sigils with my hands, for a brief moment, there was a flash of color in a twisting pattern before they once again faded from view. Althaea was surprised to see the creature still thrashing about where it perched over Gar. Damn!


OOC: Cast Hypnotic Pattern in 30ft cube, avoiding Thorn and Co.
Gar
player, 31 posts
Mon 13 Sep 2021
at 12:53
  • msg #137

Re: (IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Gar felt the severing of his optic nerves as his eyes finally gave into the pull of the monster, and gar felt the moisture of blood down his cheeks and into the corner of his mouth. The hot iron taste and smell assaulted him, snapping his mind into a sharp clarity....he had lost his vision.

...he had lost his eyes!

The realization made his mind think of the effect holding him in place, the pain and effect. His mind, used to puzzles manipulated the effect out of instinct, and he found a slither of release.

The tortle dropped to the ground,  breathing heavily on his hands and knees, his staff on the ground. He was fully visible now under the monster, blood running down his cheeks like a red tear from his eye.

...or where his eyes were.

The tortle gasped for breath as he was on his hands and knees, trying to process what had happened.

...he lost his sight, perhaps forever.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:54, Mon 13 Sept 2021.
Infused
player, 24 posts
AC 17 HP 65/65
Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 02:28
  • msg #138

Re: (IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Infused breathed out a word, "Drreitshh." He'd intended it to be a yell, but something about the tone in Gar's scream had caused the vocal plane in the warforge's throat to barely allow air to pass through and create the vibrations required for speech. Still, the command word unlocked the sword's power, sending flames licking up the blade from crossguard to tip.

All along his 'forged torso, upper arms and upper legs, arcs of electricity, small bursts or sparks in an array of colors, or small shadowy tendrils wormed their way out between armor plates and bundles of corded living materials, as the raging energy now trapped inside of him wrestled to break free. In all his years of service, he had barely even been aware that the energy existed. Only after he started fighting had it begun to manifest, and the more he fought the more it pushed to be free when he was excited. He worried about what all it could actually do. He had allowed it to flow freely through him on the day that he had been forced to fight Master Kraelix, and he had been thankful that there were no allies nearby to be caught in the effect. It had escaped of its own will on other occasions, and done no harm at all, leaving him now with a constant concern about what it might do this or the next.

Slow to start, Infused was finally in motion and able to assist. There was a threat in numbers, and perhaps he should have gone after zombies to more even the odds, but Gar's agony meant there was only one target for him. Infused stepped toward the swarming eyeballs and swung the flaming greatsword through them, and then again.

Bonus: ignite Flametongue
Move: adjacent to the eyeball swarm
Action: Attack (Reckless Attack) with Flametongue
Attack 1: Hit AC 17+1=18 for 12 Slashing + 4 Fire damage (16 total)
Attack 2: Hit AC 19+3=22 for 8 Slashing + 7 Fire damage (15 total) [31 combined]

21:26, Today: Infused rolled 1,3 using d4,d4.  Bless. (forgot to include it)
21:05, Today: Infused rolled 8,19,8,7 using d20+6,d20+6,2d6+4,2d6.  Reckless Flametongue: slashing, fire.
21:05, Today: Infused rolled 17,15,12,4 using d20+6,d20+6,2d6+4,2d6.  Reckless Flametongue: slashing, fire.

Sand
player, 158 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 04:21
  • msg #139

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

OOC: repost of my first round action, way up there


Friends be careful!

What is that thing? There will be time to examine it when it's dead!


Gar's screams were piercing, agonizing... what was the creature doing to him? Pointing with his spear, he directed his defender.

Clacker, get Gar out of monster!

The eyeball monstrosity having landed near him and Clacker, Sand quickly stabbed twice with his spear, as Clacker fearlessly moved in, trying to grapple the Tortle to move him out of that slimy mass of eyes.

Sand then felt something, an insidious attack that tried to affect his mind, but he shook it off, before moving back from the thing.

Friends be careful, creature attacks mind!

Scamp had captured the eye stalk and using his maximum speed, weaved through the trees in a random pattern to create knots!

Scamp movement and dash 120 feet to attach the eye ball to trees.

Sand 2 attacks 15 to hit for 10 magical damage, 25 to hit for 10 magical damage
Sand Bonus action : Clacker grapple athletic check on Gar, 9 :P ... not a fumble so if it's not contested, should be a success. Then move as far away as possible with Gar in tow.
Move action, go back the south prepared path and move away from the thing, while keeping line of sight on it. .

This message was last edited by the player at 11:39, Tue 14 Sept 2021.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 204 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 14:56
  • msg #140

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Alaric
Alaric could see everyone rushing about, either towards the fight or in some cases, away from it. Althaea did not hesitate when the creature came upon us. She is even more magnificent in battle than I could have imagined. He glanced her way, pleading with his eyes to stay out of range of our assailants before rushing headfirst into the fray, pulling out his longsword as he drew close, slashing at the mass of eyes.


Takmarin
GM, 260 posts
Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 18:08
  • msg #141

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

As the creature completed its harvest of the Tortle's eyes, the party, no longer caught off guard, began their strategic attack.

Giltris mounted his horse Harmony, moving North to intercept the oncoming plant skeletons, but not before casting Bless on Gar, Infused, and herself.

It was then, that the plant skeleton abominations raced forward, trying to overwhelm their newfound prey.  They were seemingly unhindered by the terrain, as they WERE the terrain.  The skeletons swung wildly, clawing at the heroes with nails that looked to be made of dried and sharpened roots, dripping with a strange blue ooze.

The two towards the East rushed forward to engage the Barbarian, who had his eyes set on the swarm that was inflicting such pain on his friend. One of the skeleton's claws was able to dig into the Barbarian's flesh. (Damage to Infused:  9 slashing + 3 poison. 12 damage if type doesn't matter)

The two to the South sped North, joining the fray by slashing their clawed hands at the mechanical beetle, ripping through the metal armor as if it was paper.  The beetle wasn't ready for such an onslaught and quickly fell to its last legs from the deadly claws of the plant skeletons. (20 damage to Clacker: One of the attacks was a CRIT. 6 additional damage was nullified due to poison immunity.)

The two to the North, only moved slightly to flank, when they were suddenly propelled upwards and off the ground right at Giltris, as the roots grew in size and girth.  Now level with her, their claws were easily able to sink into the Half-Elf.  (8 points of damage + 3 poison damage from Skeleton 1.  8 points of damage + 3 poison damage from Skeleton 2.  22 if types don't matter.)

The last sprinted northeast to engage the Wood Elf wreaking havoc on the floating eye swarm; the distraction from the large spider's bite was enough to throw the creature off enough, as the sharpened nails couldn't penetrate into the Thorn's flesh, leaving only deep scratches in her armor.

With that, it was the heroes turn.

Sand needed to get out of the swarm, so he carefully jabbed his spear while he dodged and weaved his steps to ensure the swarm or the skeletons wouldn't get a swipe in. (Disengage action, as discussed)

Clacker bolted over to Gar, dodging swipes from the two skeletons that had just put the beetle in such a deteriorated state, scooped up Gar and ran East, the only open path.  (Clacker moved 20 ft., 1/2 movement from difficult terrain with Gar)

Scamp wrapped the lone eyeball in such a knot, that in its final loop, the eye popped with a disgusting squishing sound.  (eyeball scout dead)

The barbarian rushed away from the two skeletons in hopes to help Gar.  The first skeleton swung and didn't even come close in the barbarian's haste, but the second landed a solid hit, his claws leaving deep gouges in the barbarian's legs. (17 points of slashing +3 points of poison damage.  Total 20 damage - CRIT)  At this point, a holy white light envelops and washes over the skeleton.  (Rebuke the Violent: 10 damage to Skeleton.)

The barbarian's sword leapt to life, the flames licking the metal of the sword, ready for a fight.  Infused took two large swipes at the swarm, and with each swipe, large chunks of eyes were cleaved from the creature's body.  The creature was in rough shape, its body partially convulsing from the onslaught it just took.  Some of the eyes started to look up, seemingly for an escape route.

Alaric recklessly rushed in to protect Althaea in case the swarm decided to move near her, delivering a brutal blow while slashing haphazardly. (3 damage to Infused and Althaea if she fails her ST)   However, with his blade ringing true, the creature hovered for a split second after the wild attack, before finally slumping to the ground in a mound of twitching pupils. (Oculo Swarm is dead)


Summary of Damage:

Infused:  35 damage (29 slashing + 6 poison)
Giltris:  22 damage (16 slashing + 6 poison)
Clacker:  20 damage (20 slashing + 6 poison that was nullified)

Skeleton: 10 damage (Rebuke the Violent - Giltris - Passed Saving Throw)
Oculo Swarm:  DEAD
Eyeball Scout:  DEAD

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:35, Tue 14 Sept 2021.
Gar
player, 32 posts
Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 19:15
  • msg #142

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Gar, still feeling the paralysing effects of his injury, the tortle remained on his hands and knees, muttering. “No….no…..no….” His tone was unlike what you’d heard from him. The usual optimistic and happy tortle had a tone of fear, denial and sorrow. His clawed hands couched at the moist soil, almost like grasping at the Hope this was all a bad dream. He heard the sound of battle around him, people talking, but they all seemed muted to him.

Then he felt something grasp him, cold and lifeless. His mind went to his training with his mentor, and a particular lesson - one that taught him a valuable lesson. His master conjured poisonous spiders, a great swarm, to test his resolve. The tortle had no magic to attack such a foe, or anything defensive. But this wasn’t the test.

No matter how bleak, don’t give up. Your mind is your greatest weapon.

Gar’s instinct kicked in, and he held his hand out. His tone was angry, determined and ready to fight, something none of the party (even infused) had seen in him.“You’ll not take me that easily!” As he was dragged, he felt something familiar - his staff.

He was blind. He was surrounded by enemies.

…and he would fight
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 205 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 20:19
  • msg #143

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Seeing the swarm fall, Althaea while not feeling better about their plight per se, felt her unease about Alaric being next to the creature slip away. Turning now to address the plant skeletons, she called upon her magic and threw two more crackling beams of energy at the creature directly across from Alaric.


OOC: 15:12, Today: Althaea Sylvaranth rolled 13,19,14,10 using d20+8,d20+8,d10+4,d10+4.  Eldritch Blast.
13 to hit for 14 force damage, 19 to hit for 10 force damage. 24 total if both beams hit.



Alaric
After felling the mass of eyes, Alaric turned to see two blasts streak toward the plant skeletons that were approaching his location. Moving to engage them, he swung at the skeleton Althaea had targeted, in hopes of finishing it off.


Infused
player, 25 posts
AC 17 HP 32/65
Wed 15 Sep 2021
at 00:20
  • msg #144

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

As the undead attacked him from behind, the chaotic energy energy burst forth whether he wanted it to or not. He tried to grab hold of it, to keep it contained, but it was like trying to hold light, with no physical substance to it at all. The effects that had been manifesting across his body pulled back and withdrew inside him once more, all of the effects simply gone. Then the power surged out all at once, causing him to glow white as though his entire body had been the target of a light cantrip.

Then the light pooled up into his chest before rushing through his arms and into the flaming sword. The imagery he'd conjured before about failing to hold light was suddenly proven wrong, as light was now exactly what he was holding. The blade weighed almost nothing now, it's physical form converted entirely into energy.

As the now-energy sword energized in his hands, he watched the swarming eyes slump to the ground, so Infused turned to face the zombies, using the force on them instead. For now, Gar was safe. Blood dripping from the tortle's now-empty eye sockets was troubling, but a life without eyes was better than death with or without them. He could do nothing about his friend's eyes, but he could certainly work toward defending him from the threats that remained.

Bonus: Rage (+2 damage, resistances, advantage on str checks/saves)
Wild Surge: 4 Infused Weapon (details below) - 18:31, Today: Infused rolled 4 using 1d8.  Wild Surge.
Move: as needed, to reach a melee target
Action: Reckless Attacks x2
Attack 1: Hit AC 25+1=26 for 14 Force + 7 Fire (21 total)
Attack 2: Crit AC 27+2=29 for 24 Force + 19 Fire (43 total) [64 all together)
-this attack can be made at range 20/60 if necessary

18:43, Today: Infused rolled 1,2 using d4,d4.  Bless.
18:41, Today: Infused rolled 10,11 using 2d6,2d6.  Crit Damage: force, fire.
18:41, Today: Infused rolled 22,26,14,8 using d20+6,d20+6,2d6+6,2d6.  Raging Reckless Flametongue: force, fire. (also noticed I had not updated my dice roller links, my attack bonus is +7 not +6)
18:40, Today: Infused rolled 24,15,14,7 using d20+6,d20+6,2d6+6,2d6.  Raging Reckless Flametongue: force, fire. (also noticed I had not updated my dice roller links, my attack bonus is +7 not +6)

Magic infuses one weapon of your choice that you are holding. Until your rage ends, the weapon’s damage type changes to force, and it gains the light and thrown properties, with a normal range of 20 feet and a long range of 60 feet. If the weapon leaves your hand, the weapon reappears in your hand at the end of the current turn.

Sand
player, 159 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Wed 15 Sep 2021
at 01:15
  • msg #145

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

The warforged did not have a built in revulsion instinct but had he had one, that mass of pulsing eyes would have triggered it. Instead, he almost calmly moved away, not wanting to push his luck with that mind attack again. By the time he had gained a better position, the eye creature was down, the last of its eye stalks still spasming. Clacker was beside a trembling Gar, but the wizard was alive. Raising his voice to be heard by his construct, he said:

Clacker! Protect Gar!

Now that this was done, he took a glimpse at the remaining attackers and selected one that seemed to have been burned already. Instinctively calculating the power and angle required for his throw to reach his target, he adjusted his aim and let fly, almost immediately getting his spear back in his huge hand, to be thrown again.

Sand

Action : Attack an already damaged skeleton, if none available, an undamaged one. 24 to hit for 9 damage, 19 to hit for 11 damage
Movement : Move as required to avoid being in melee with the mobs
Bonus action : Activate the heal function of Clacker, who regains 12 HP, he's at 24 now
Today: Sand rolled 24,9,19,11 using 1d20+9,1d6+6,1d20+9,1d6+6.  Sand attacks.
 Today: Sand rolled 12 using 2d8+3.  clacker heal.

Clacker

Move to stay with Gar
Reaction : give disadvantage to anyone attacking Gar

Scamp

Move and Dash to rejoin the battle

Andraste Giltris
player, 167 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Wed 15 Sep 2021
at 01:49
  • msg #146

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

That was unpleasant; it seems these woods have quite a few nasty tricks. Leaning over slightly in the saddle I bring my sword down twice on the head and shoulders on the zombie to my right while Harmony jittered side-to-side underneath me in an attempt to throw of the enemies strikes. I do not think this will be enough.

Turn 03 Summary
Giltris
Move: Nil.
Action: Attack, target X.
     First attack: 23 to-hit for 5 slashing damage.
     Second attack: 25 to-hit for 9 damage.
Reaction: Opportunity attack if prompted (19 to-hit for 9 slashing damage).
Concentration: 11, 23, and 12

Harmony
Move: Nil.
Action: Dodge.
Bonus Action: Nil.
Reaction: Opportunity attack if prompted (12 to-hit for 15 bludgeoning damage).


Mathorn
player, 108 posts
Elven Ranger
Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 23:40
  • msg #147

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Thorn watched with considerable satisfaction as the abomination fell, and rather quicker than expected. Not a true beholder then, albeit dangerous enough. And perhaps more unsettling. A beholder would almost certainly kill or enslave her, but the vulnerability of blindness . . .

One of the undead had managed to close with her, but its blade scraped harmlessly against her armor, deflected by Sel'zir who leapt forward to sink her poisonous fangs into the corpse's soft organic material.

While most combatants Thorn knew preferred close quarters so they could see the light leave their foes' eyes, to her mind that benefit hardly outweighed the additional risk. Still, sometimes the best way out of a melee was through it. So, working in perfect unison, she and her companions attacked.

Aisling distracted the skeleton while Sel'zir hampered its movement with her web. Then Thorn adjusted her grip on the chakrams and swung them in a vicious series of punches and slashes intended to reduce their enemy to fragments of bone and vine.

Round 1:
Sel'zir Attack (Readied Action): 16
Damage: 10 (8 Piercing + 2 Poison)

Round 2:
Sel'zir Web Recharge: 5 (success)
Sel'zir Attack Web Attack: 13,15 (Target restrained Strength DC 12 to break free)
Aisling helps Sel'zir.
Thorn enables Favored Foe and attacks the skeleton.
Primary Weapon Main Attack: 26
Damage: 15 (12 + 3 Favored Foe)
Off-Hand Weapon Main Attack: 10, 23
Damage: 10
Primary Weapon Extra Attack: 16
Damage: 10
Off-Hand Weapon Extra Attack: 28
Damage: 11
If Thorn kills the skeleton, she will target the enemy of whichever ally appears most wounded (within 60 ft) and then retreat 15 ft.
If Thorn would be hit with an attack, she will activate Bracer Reflection (reaction) +5 AC until the beginning of her next turn.

This message was last edited by the player at 12:40, Fri 17 Sept 2021.
Takmarin
GM, 261 posts
Fri 17 Sep 2021
at 16:34
  • msg #148

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Round 2 Summary:

With the falling of the Oculo Swarm, the heroes were bolstered, attacking the plant monsters with newly found vigor.

Sel'zir, waiting for the plant creature to get close, lashed out with a vicious bite, the poison seeping into the plant creature, who let out an unearthly growl.

He quickly followed it up by turning and shooting a web at and on the plant creature, thanks to Aisling harrying the skeleton, enveloping it in a sticking, tight knit mess.

Thorn quickly disposed of the plant creature in front of her on the bound skeleton and then tossed her Chakrams at the skeleton that felt the wrath from Giltris's rebuke, dispatching that one as well, as the twin blades tore the creature to shreds.

Althaea loosed two bolts of energy at the skeleton closing on Alaric, one of them slamming into the creature's side, and cracking the skeleton's ribs, before slamming into the plant's muscular tendrils.  The other blast flew off, exploding into the side of a tree, splintering it.

Giltris landed two strikes on the creature flanking him from behind, but the creature was not deterred.

The two skeletons flanking Giltris again swung wildly at her and each connected with solid hits; Giltris finding it hard to parry the blows from both sides.

The two skeletons south of the barbarian came rushing up in a flurry of blows, but only one was able to connect, tearing a chunk of flesh off the barbarian's back.

Sand, too far away to hit the one that Giltris had damaged, let his spear fly at one of the skeletons facing off against his Warforged brother, Infused, connecting twice.

Gar was currently being dragged by Clacker, but finally the paralyzing effects wore off and so fumbled around until he found his staff, now in hand.

Infused, enraged by the way the fight was going, taking way more hits than he had in some time, unleashed on the skeletons.  The fire wrapped around the plant creatures like a tornado, enveloping them, their screams high pitched and wailing as they both fell to the ground in crisp, smoking husks.

Alaric ran up to the skeleton behind him, giving Infused a wider berth so as not to damage the barbarian this time, and slashed about at the creature, leaving deep gouges in its shoulder blade.

Only three skeletons remained.  The two flanking Giltris and the one facing off with Alaric.

Things were finally looking up for the heroes, though Gar was still reeling from his loss of sight.

Summary of Damage:

Giltris:  25 damage (19 slashing + 6 poison)
Infused:  12 damage (11 damage + 3 poison, Poison was halved and rounded down to 1. Rage not enacted until his turn, so still full damage)

Skeleton B: 14 damage (Giltris)
Skeleton D: VERY DEAD  (Infused - (62 damage - 24 + 38 fire damage))
Skeleton E: Dead (20 damage (Sand's 2 attacks) + Infused - 28 damage (14 + 14 fire/vulnerable to fire))
Skeleton F: Dead (Thorn/Sel'zir attack)
Skeleton G: Dead  (Thorn thrown chakrams/Rebuke from Giltris)

Gar
player, 33 posts
Sat 18 Sep 2021
at 04:55
  • msg #149

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Gar, no longer held by clacker had the sense to realise that what had him was friend, and with staff in hand, sightless, he stood up, stabilised by his staff. The tortle had a serious, somber look in his face. Though he had the sense, and hearing that sand commanded his companion to help him. The tortle felt helpless, blinded as he was. He didn’t know where his enemies were, where his friends were. If he had his sight, he could have used the simplest of spells, like his ability to create magic missiles, to aide them.

But they relied on seeing the target.

He reached out his hand, feeling clacker. “Take me to your master clacker….take me to sand.”

The tortle rested his hand on the cool body of sand’s companion, relying on him as he had a thought. Muttering a arcane word, a small pop sounded as a small bird swooped down, perching on gar’s shell. The owl hooted softly, and gar frowned. “Of course I know there’s something wrong with my eyes, I’m not bli….” He was about to finish that comment when he realised the irony in the statement, then shook his head. “Well, yes, I am blind, but I do realise it. Focus Lyndra. I need your help…fly over to the not man…..no, not the one you know, the OTHER one.”

The tortle waited a moment and sighed. “Lyn…..focus. Go to him and hoot. Yes like the hiding game…..no, we can’t play it now.  LYN - FOCUS!”

The owl reluctantly went over near sand and hooted. The tortle, listening, pinpointed the sound and turned. His life was in her claws now

Great. He thought to himself
Infused
player, 26 posts
AC 17 HP 20/65
Sat 18 Sep 2021
at 06:10
  • msg #150

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Infused turned and started swinging at the zombie standing there behind him. There were others, he could hear, but his eyes had already found another target and his body followed instinctively. Flaming force sword leading the way, Infused set about dispatching another of the unnatural creatures.


Move: to Giltris's zombies
Action: Raging Reckless Attack x2
Attack 1: Hits AC 20 for 14 Force + 11 Fire (25 total)
Attack 2: Hits AC 22 for 11 Force + 11 Fire (22 total) - throw if needed

If both of them are dead, move toward Alaric's zombie

21:56, Today: Infused rolled 2,2 using d4,d4.  Bless.
21:56, Today: Infused rolled 9,20,11,11 using d20+7,d20+7,2d6+6,2d6.  Raging Reckless Flametongue: slashing, fire.
21:55, Today: Infused rolled 11,18,14,11 using d20+7,d20+7,2d6+6,2d6.  Raging Reckless Flametongue: slashing, fire.

Sand
player, 160 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sat 18 Sep 2021
at 15:21
  • msg #151

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Sand was adjusting his spear for another throw to relieve the skeletons' pressure on Andraste when, all of a sudden, he felt a enormous weight on him, his wooded muscles contracting and creaking like if lit on fire, desiccating before his very crystalline eyes. His quick mind tried to make head from tails from this attack when the voice sounded, adding another layer of complexity to this craziness. He wanted to ask questions, so many questions, but then he heard the psychic scream of pain from Scamp, the familiar fading into nothingness, back to the fey lands that had spawn him. His arms and legs seemed to weight a ton as a great exhaustion drained him of his magical vitality. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Infused fall, the blue light leaving his eyes.

But what spurred him to fight the extreme tiredness was to see his best friend in this motley crew slumped on Harmony's saddle.

Giltris! Nooo!

Struggling with every pace, he moved towards his friend, knowing full well he would be too late. But his brilliant mind was still calculating distances and it saw that Clacker could do something for Infused, like it had done for him before when he was almost overwhelmed with undead.

Clacker! Go repair Infused!

With this new set of instructions, the construct moved toward the fallen warforged and touched it, transferring some of it's own energy to activate the self repair mechanisms deeply implanted in his structure.

Sand felt like he was moving in quick sand and was too far to do anything to heal Andraste...but he could still avenge her if she was dead.

Scamp

Dispelled

Clacker

Moves toward Infused, he barely reaches but is within 5 feet
Uses his reaction to protect Infused if needed

Sand

Move towards Giltris as much as possible, possibly only 5 feet.
Action 2X attack on the skeleton to the left, 25 to hit for 8 damage, 25 to hit for 10 damage. If already dead, attack the one on the right.
bonus action, Clacker's Heal property on Infused, regains 11 HP, Clacker is at 13 HP after the necro blast
Sand is at 20 HP

Today: Sand rolled 25,8,25,10 using 1d20+9,1d6+6,1d20+9,1d6+6.  Sand attacks
Today: Sand rolled 11 using 2d8+3.  clacker heal.

This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Fri 24 Sept 2021.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 206 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sat 18 Sep 2021
at 16:47
  • msg #152

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

As Alaric struck the skeleton, Althaea's head instantly began pounding. It increased in intensity until it almost blinded her. That was when the voice started speaking. I do not know who you are, but I am coming for you. Do not underestimate me. The voice stopped and just like that, the pain was gone.

She called upon her magic once more and threw two more blasts of crackling energy towards the skeleton by Alaric. In her haste of wanting the job done quickly, her first blast went wide and slammed into the same tree splintering it further.

"Focus Althaea, you're better than this."

She noticed Gar was up and moving not long after, before collasping once again into a heap, his shoulders shaking as though he was sobbing. Althaea could not restore Gar's eyes, but blind was better than dead. When the wave of intense pain hit her, Althaea also noticed that Giltris and Infused collapsed, seeming to succumb to the injuries they had sustained. A short, beautiful melody came forth from Althaea, giving life back to Giltris, who was still under attack from one of the skeletons.

Alaric

Once the pain had subsided, Alaric looked to Althaea. He could see the pained look on her face and it hurt him to know he could do nothing for her. Instead, he doubled his focus to finish off the skeletons surrounding them. He swung his longsword at the skeleton, striking the creature squarely in the chest.


OOC:18:16, Yesterday: Althaea Sylvaranth rolled 12,19,12,11 using d20+8,d20+8,d10+4,d10+4.  Eldritch Blast.
21:27, Today: Althaea Sylvaranth rolled 12 using 3d4+4.  Healing word.

This message was last edited by the player at 02:40, Sun 26 Sept 2021.
Mathorn
player, 109 posts
Elven Ranger
Sat 18 Sep 2021
at 16:49
  • msg #153

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

With the immediate threat reduced to detritus, Thorn quickly surveyed the field in all directions, including above - she would not make that particular error again.

At that moment, a voice rang out around her and pain wracked her body. And not only hers, but Sel’zir’s as well. She could feel the dark energy syphoning the spider's life. Even Aisling listed briefly before righting himself. And Giltris and Infused fell.

Time enough to parse the meaning of all this later, the first priority was getting her companions back in the fight. Now was not an ideal time to test a new spell, however theoretically sound, but if this worked she could at least get them back on their feet.

Thorn crouched down, pressing her hand to the loamy moss; perhaps the direct physical connection to the earth would improve her chances of success. Relief flooded her that the land itself wasn’t corrupted – this would require Nature’s restorative power. She closed her eyes focusing on that wellspring of life, attempting to draw it forth, to concentrate it into a form that would manifest where Giltris lay. For a breath, the power hung ephemeral and amorphous in the air before coalescing in accordance with her will.

As soon as she saw the transparent, faintly luminous figure bending over Giltris, she turned her attention toward the skeletons, who – if her bad luck held – had been healed by that necromantic power.

She spun to her feet, using the momentum to fling her chakrams. Then - hands freed for the moment - she motioned for Aisling to assist Sel’zir. Despite her grievous injury, the arachnid managed to stumble forward and ensnare the nearest undead in her webbing.

As Giltris rose, Thorn used her mind to guide direct the spell toward Infused while keeping her eyes focused on her returning weapons.

Web Recharge: 5 (success)
Sel'zir moves to within 30 ft of Skeleton A
Sel'zir Web Attack on Skeleton A: 9, 18 (Target restrained Strength DC 12 to break free)
Aisling helps Sel'zir.
Thorn attacks Skeleton B
Primary Weapon Main Attack: 20
Damage: 10
Bonus Action: Casts Healing Spirit on Giltris
Heals: 6
Primary Weapon Extra Attack: 19
Damage: 12
Bonus Action: Moves Healing Spirit to Infused
Heals: 6
Assuming no enemies appear behind her, Thorn retreats 15 ft (or as far as she can while remaining within 60 ft of all surviving foes).

This message was last edited by the player at 12:58, Thu 23 Sept 2021.
Andraste Giltris
player, 168 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Mon 20 Sep 2021
at 00:34
  • msg #154

(IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Whatever these creatures are they much more formidable than I thought they would be. They work well together, feinting and striking in concert making it increasingly difficult to defend against. The others are doing well, I just have to hold on a little longer.

Pain! It came from nowhere, moving inward from my extremities to my centre and as my vision darkens I feel myself falling...



I open my eyes to find a strange see-through elven man standing above me, reaching his hand out to help me to my feet. His hair is short-cropped and a pair of short swords are secured to his belt but other details are hazy. The sound of the plant-zombies and Harmony's heavy breathing as she tries to keep them away from me intrudes next and a new bruise from where I had landed on a tree root when I fell from her saddle makes its presence known. It seems there is still work to do.

Smiling at the elven spirit I push myself up from the ground, unwilling to trust his ability to help me given his condition. "Thank you neighbour, your help is most appreciated." I look around in time to see one of the creatures that had been attacking me crumple to the ground, the trademark slashes of Thorn's Charkram cutting deep into its chest. I must thank her for her for this timely intervention. I begin humming a new hymn and Rao's power flows through me in a cool wave starting in my chest and moving outward, granting strength and soothing the various aches and pains I had suffered in this skirmish. Pulling myself back up into the saddle I turn to face the remaining creature. Let us see how you do without your friend.

Turn 04 Summary
Giltris
Move: Stand up from prone and mount Harmony.
Action: Lay on Hands for 25 hit points target Giltris.
Bonus Action: Nil.
Reaction: Opportunity attack if prompted (18 to-hit for 9 slashing damage).

Harmony
Move: Nil.
Action: Dodge.
Bonus Action: Nil.
Reaction: Opportunity attack if prompted (24 to-hit for 14 bludgeoning damage).
This message was last edited by the player at 11:28, Sun 26 Sept 2021.
Takmarin
GM, 262 posts
Tue 21 Sep 2021
at 03:27
  • msg #155

Re: (IC) 2: Search for the Seals

At the End of Round 3...

Just after Alaric ran up to the skeleton and hit it, readying himself for another strike, that's when it hit everyone.

A wave of dark energy washes over each the heroes; its tendrils draining the very moisture and life out of each of their bodies.  Their skin shrivels and darkens, as if withering into a desiccated husk.  The pain is excruciating as their very skin grows smaller and seemingly no longer fits their bodies.  Their heads feel like they are going to explode, as if drums beat on the back of their eyes and ears.  Their mouths run dry and parched, with an unquenchable thirst.  Is there no end to the pain?....

It's then, that a deep, booming voice can be heard, aggravating the very headache pounding in each of your skulls.  It's not coming from any specific direction, but almost as if centered on wherever each of you currently are.


"Listen up and listen closely.  I've taken back what is rightfully mine.  Should you feel the need to rectify that, know that I will send a plague even worse than the last to your precious Vertigo.  Maybe an improved version of the one you're experiencing right now, perhaps.  You've already seen my handiwork with the mushrooms.

Now let me be clear.  Stay out of my way or everyone you've come to know and love will pay the price.  This is your one and only warning.  I suggest you heed it."


With that, the voice was gone.  As if the voice was the finality of the vicious blight upon your bodies, the pain amplifies, then subsides in a heartbeat.

Failed Saving Throw:  (DC 16)  23 necrotic damage and 2 levels of exhaustion.  (Disadvantage on Ability Checks and Speed is Halved.)
Passed Saving Throw:  (DC 16)  11 necrotic damage and 1 level of exhaustion. (Disadvantage on Ability Checks only.)



This message was last edited by the GM at 18:52, Thu 23 Sept 2021.
Gar
player, 34 posts
Tue 21 Sep 2021
at 09:33
  • msg #156

Re: (IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Gar felt more than anything the effects of what was happening before most. The squeal of his familiar, then the severed link as she disappeared was the sign a split second before the darkness enveloped him, causing pain. He stumbled, leaning on his staff on one knee.

The tortle thought of the last few minutes, and what had happened. They've taken my familiar. They've taken my sight. Now they want my life....my friends life. Gar felt a welling anger at the thought.

NO he thought.

Wether the pain of his previous wounds and distress, the sheer anger he felt or some side effect of his unique magical training, he felt the pain lessen, even as his vibrant green skin darkened.

The stubborn wizard gritted his teeth, his closed eyes  as he used the staff to stabilise as the words came to his mind. he etched the words in his mind as he stood, unstable at first, then sure as he muttered under his breath, a minor spell coming to his mind.

As the voice said it's final words, his voice echoed over the area as he yelled, louder than anyone had heard. "ENOUGH!!" He slammed his staff in the soil at his feet, a simple ripple of wind rippling out from him just as the words and pain finished. The tortle didn't know if he caused it, or just coincidence, but the timing couldn't be more perfect.

The silence after the mental attack was deafening as the tortle stood there, breathing heavily with his staff in hand, his eyes closed, possibly forever now, the darkened stains of blood on his face making the skin look black

Gar stepped forward once, twice, and stumbling on a root, tripped over onto the ground, flat on his chest. He layed there, and silently sobbed tears that would not come
Infused
player, 27 posts
AC 17 HP 0/65
Inactive
Wed 22 Sep 2021
at 00:49
  • msg #157

Re: (IC) 2: Search for the Seals

Infused felt the negative energy flooding into him. Energy flowing in and out had become normal for him, but some energies had a feel that went beyond just the physical like normal elements. He felt the wooden bits of his person shriveling and growing tighter, pulling against those made of stone and metal. Having a constructed body meant being held together with certain types of magic, which made mixing with others sometimes difficult or painful. This felt like it was trying to rip the individual parts away, separated once more, and he knew that was not a good thing that was meant to happen. Pain for a warforged was quite different than the pain of a normal being, but not to any lesser degree, only different.

Infused dropped the flaming sword, then fell forward and crashed to the ground, unmoving, with no light shining within his crystalline eyes.
Takmarin
GM, 263 posts
Tue 28 Sep 2021
at 10:02
  • msg #158

Re: (IC) 2: Search for the Seals

The wave of dark energy washed through the heroes, felling both Giltris and Infused, but Thorn's healing spirit brought them both back from the brink of death.

Thorn's chakrams cut down one of the skeleton's flanking Giltris, severing the powerful tendril like roots that held the creature aloft. (Skeleton A dead as Skeleton B was too far and obscured)

Giltris was able to stand upright and pull herself up on top of Harmony, before letting her own healing magic wash through her.

The plant creature, enraged by the fact that the woman that just fell was already back up and moving, too a swipe, but missed wildly, no longer having the support from its fallen comrade.

Sand throws his spear with deadly effect as it slams into the plant creature twice, causing it to howl in pain as it seeps down and back into the ground, defeated. (Skeleton B dead)

Clacker runs over to Infused, immediately tinkering and moving parts around back to their original positions.  (Infused healed by Clacker)

The last skeleton, was barraged by a blast of pure energy and Alaric's slashing sword attack.  Seeing its inevitable demise, it melded into the ground, disappearing.

The heroes have survived, but paid the high cost of their compatriot's eyes being ripped from their sockets...

This message was last edited by the GM at 11:09, Tue 28 Sept 2021.
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