While the majority of the party traipsed back into the swamp, Miriam led Elise back to her house. The villagers who’d participated in the search for the children meandered back through the gate after Miriam. They murmured among themselves, expressing shock over the accusations against Sheila and wondered how the capable warriors and Wizard would handle her. A few indulged morbid speculations about the fates of little Phoebe and Pockets. They showed enough courtesy to voice such questions out of earshot of Phoebe’s mother, Clo, who’d helped the party earlier with a fair price on the ship supplies.

Miriam didn’t care for any conversation. She brushed through the few who tried talking to her. Connie walked alongside her, fussing over the woman’s well-being. She ushered he mother and daughter into the plain wooden house, followed by Sundos, who wasn’t deterred by Connie’s last ditch effort to shoo him away. He arched an eyebrow and smiled as he followed the women inside.

Unseen by the villagers, Lenelle trailed Connie at a discreet distance. The Sorceress delighted in finally gaining access to a spell that rendered her invisible. It was a spell highly valued among spellcasters of numerous classes, and it was finally hers! She wove in and out of the crowd, determined to keep Connie in her sights. She saw Sundos accompany her quarry into Miriam’s home.

Following at a distance, Lenelle watched as they made their way inside the domicile.

It was tempting to try and follow them in...but not a good idea.  She was new to being invisible, and becoming aware that making optimal use of the state required practice.  And, she'd have to hurry toward the doorway to get there in time. Which much increased the chance of being heard.

So she waited till they all had entered, and the door was closed.   And then approached and walked about the house, seeking a window or screen through which she could evesdrop on the conversation...

Lenelle sneaked up to a window on the left side of the door. As she approached, she saw Connie close the shutters. Lenelle could only see a sliver of a crash between the closed shutters. She could hear the conversation inside amidst  movement of settling in.

Connie spoke to Miriam in honeyed tones. “Sit down, Miriam. No, no. There’s no need to fuss over the child,” She heard more movement, like chairs being pulled from or near a table. “I’ll feed her dinner. In fact, why don’t I cook a stew for you all? If you’d like, I could also brew you a nice pot of tea.”
This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:18, Thu 09 Sept 2021.

I've got an hour with this spell --   while I realize I don't have a Rolex, hopefully a mage has some sense when their spell's about to expire?

My plan is to hang out for most of that time, and just listen.   In case you need to summarize & jump ahead, at some point.

Lenelle Toreth rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Insight.

Paying attention to Connie's tone etc., as well as to what she says.

“Yes…I think a cup of tea would settle my nerves.” Lenelle heard the weariness in Miriam’s tone, if the woman could possibly sound more world-weary. The Sorceress also heard the meretriciousness in Connie’s voice. The woman’s practically dropped honey and molasses. It almost grated Lenelle’s ears with the solicitousness. “And you…Sundos, right? Would you care for some tea? There’s plenty of water in the tea kettle!”

This sounds awful! Lenelle couldn't help but think, suddenly afraid for Elise and Sundos, and even Miriam.

But -- Sundos was canny, and wise.  Wasn't there a prayer-spell, to ferret out the presence of poisons?   She was certain she'd heard the clergy of her homeland make mention of it, paranoid as those priests were.

Still -- a part of Lenelle wanted nothing more than to barge into the house, confront Connie now, and learn finally who she was, and what she really wanted...

Although Lenelle couldn’t see anything happening in the house, she heard Sundos’ answer. “That’s kind of you, but I really should join Sister Mercion soon.” However, the Priest considered this an opportunity to know these two villagers a little better. “On second thought, the Sun Father reminds us that hospitality is a reciprocal act. You shine on my with your kindness, and I would gladly show my appreciation in return. Please, I’ll take a cup of tea.”

Lenelle nodded her approval of the priest's thinking, guessing that he was planning to test it for himself.

Her thoughts wandered to the others.  She offered silent prayer, to any benevolent powers, that they would bring Phoebe home safely.  And that the group was at last drawing near to seeing an end to this evil.   Trying to uproot it had been like struggling with a noxious, super-resistant weed...

OOC: Are you taking any other action?

I'm not sure what I can/should do, based on a) what I've got (spell wise) and b) how this situation seems to Lenelle.

Connie isn't a great deceiver --  Lenelle is expecting Sundos to be suspicious -- I mean I could assume they're about to be poisoned, and barge in --   which reading it again looks like maybe it is the case.

 Lenelle Toreth rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Insight.  On whether Sundos is buying this.    Well, that's not insightful...   hell!

Okay - I know how to go with this: 

It was too much for her.  She was unclear whether Sundos was really buying Connie's inauthentic words.   But, a mistake might be awful, in a fatal sort of way.

And so, Lenelle canceled the spell of invisibility.  And then made her way to the front door.   And knocked upon it...

Connie opened the door with a breezy smile. “Yes…? Oh.” The smile slipped. “Ah, Joshua’s Enchantress! I think your friends hiked into the Swamp, dear.”

Lenelle saw Miriam sit with her back to her, shoulders slumped. Elise sat on a bench, happily playing with her doll. Sundos saw Lenelle and gave a quick wave. Then, he sipped the cup of tea.

“Did you need anything, dear?”

Lenelle's eyes went wide at sight of Sundos sipping the tea.  No!

And then they narrowed, as they met Connie's.   By the stars, it's past time for truth!    Her magic had for years been able to affect the mind --  primarily in an oppressive way, that she'd never felt comfortable using.   But just recently, her approach had become refined.

Her fingers slipped over one of the crystalline foci within her belt pouch.   And her next words were more than speech:

"You'll be happier if you clear your conscience, and get to brag a little.  Tell me all you don't want us to know, all you've been working to keep secret."

Casting Suggestion on Connie
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Thu 16 Sept 2021.

Lenelle invoked a subtle spell on the redhead whom she’d eyed suspiciously from nearly the moment they met. Connie’s eyes opened wide as if Lenelle had just slapped her. Then, she regained her composure. The woman smiled, but her smile held none of the affable quality she’d displayed before. “You’re a clever little girl, aren’t you, Lenelle?”

Connie chuckled. “Such a clever little Lenelle. What a clever little Lenelle!” Connie’s chuckles grew manic, as she threw her head back and cackled. “Eee-hee-hee-hee-HEE!”

Rubbing her hands together, Connie grinned at Lenelle, more of a wicked sneer than any kind expression she’d feigned with the others. “What gave me away? Was it the tea? As she asked, Sundos slumped unconscious against the table! Miriam sat in a daze, oblivious to the scene unfolding in her own home. “Or were you jealous of me laying with young, trusting Joshua?” Her eyes gleamed cruelly as she mocked Lenelle with the last query.

Elise looked up and clapped in delight, beaming in admiration at Connie.

“I’ll do better than tell you, dearie! I’m gonna SHOW you! Hah-HAH-HAH!” Connie cackled as she swung long fingernails toward Lenelle’s eyes! Only the Elven grace of her ancestors saved Lenelle, as she reflexively stepped back!

OOC:

16:57, Today: Secret Roll: Connie rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  Hit Lenelle.
16:54, Today: Secret Roll: Connie rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  Wisdom Save.

Lenelle, YOU CANNOT TELL OR ALLUDE TO ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN THIS SCENE FROM HERE ON OUT.

Whatever she had been expecting, Connie cackling like a harpy and trying to claw her eyes out wasn't it.

Elise's reaction gouged her soul like a shard of broken glass; the girl had been manipulated, twisted - "Elise - RUN!  She's lying, she's using you!"

Connie called Joshua 'young,' implying she wasn't.  'Granny Grim' -- I found her at last!

She was used to casting at range -- being this near was bad; she wasn't a melee fighter --

And so Lenelle reacted, and did what might have impossible for many other casters:  maneuvering quickly and carefully back from 'Connie.' While casting a ray of celestial light, with the briefest gesture and the utterance of but a single syllable...

Quickened spell (metamagic)- 2 sorcery points
Action: Disengage
Move: As far back as possible
Bonus action:   Cast guiding bolt - as 2nd level spell
Lenelle Toreth rolled 23 using 1d20+6.  guiding bolt.  To hit Connie.
Lenelle Toreth rolled 13 using 5d6.  damage + next attack advantaged

 - All rolls done 'secret' in the d-roller...
This message was last edited by the player at 22:55, Thu 16 Sept 2021.

Lenelle frantically backpedaled, trying to stay out of Connie’s reach! The red haired woman grinned manically, rushing to cut off Lenelle from the door. The Sorceress wouldn’t have much time to act, so she cast her most reliable spell.

Celestial light flared bright in Lenelle’s hands as she conjured a dazzling bolt of pure Magic. The bolt flew like a divine arrow and hit Connie squarely in the chest! Connie screeched as the bolt flung her back against the table! The table bumped, jostling the unconscious Sundos. Miriam stared around the room in a foggy haze. Elise covered her mouth with a tiny hand as she giggled at Connie’s stumble.

When Connie recovered, she smirked at Lenelle. “You’re as talented in the Art as you are clever. But our game isn’t quite done yet, dearie!” With that vow, Connie plucked and quaffed a vial of umber-colored fluid. She gagged, then belched what seemed like an endless fog of brownish-geeen fog! The Stinking Cloud quickly filled the cramped space as Connie’s voice also filled the room with a wet, taunting laugh!



OOC: Connie takes 13 damage, but retaliates with Stinking Cloud! Roll a Constitution Save vs. Poison!

Lenelle did her best to hold her breath tightly, as the noxious, awful cloud spread out her direction.  But it was suddenly everywhere --  and even a blessing from somewhere up above couldn't protect her from it --  could it?

Lenelle Toreth rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  con save.
Lenelle Toreth rolled 4 using 2d4.  favored by the gods.
Total save = 12  (am pretty sure not...)   
Or maybe?   used to the higher saves in pathfinder.
What a drag; just like downtown LA... 
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Thu 16 Sept 2021.

The noxious stench assaulted Lenelle’s stomach. It smelled so raw and foul that she barely kept her gorge down. Only the sheer luck of doubling over as she retched helped her avoid a cheap shot from Connie! Lenelle heard a *SWiSH* that shredded her cape! She could hear her enemy fumbling amidst the cloud, cursing as she struck a piece of furniture.

Wait - what happens now?   Can I attack again?   Or are we rolling initiative?

OOC:

That’s a good idea! It’s only you, but roll Initiative in case it can help you.

Make another Save Vs. Poison check, too.

 

With an act of will, Lenelle focused past the nausea --  almost managed to shrug it off.  Though her slender frame was possessed of no great strength, her stamina was another matter, bolstered by the celestial magic with which she had been imbued.

As well, she was desperate to see this perpetrator of Deadwater's ills stopped  once and for all.   She struck with the heaven-light once more...

Lenelle Toreth rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
Lenelle Toreth rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  con save vs. poison
Lenelle Toreth rolled 21 using 1d20+6.  guiding bolt. As level 2 spell
Lenelle Toreth rolled 18 using 5d6.  damage - guiding bolt.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Fri 17 Sept 2021.

Whatever sacred being empowered Lenelle favored her by granting the stamina to overcome the worst effects of the cloud’s stench. Lenelle recovered enough to counter with another Guiding Bolt. Through the the cloud, Lenelle saw the telltale sparkles of her first bolt. Her second bolt struck Connie again, drawing a pained shriek from her enemy!

“You’re…ever at the ready with your wretched Divine magicks!” Connie spat in Lenelle’s direction. Then, she grinned. “Well, the time for playing fair is past, I would say!” Then, Connie muttered a quick phrasing in a vaguely familiar language and faded from sight!

OOC:

Connie just cast Invisibility! I’m ruling that your Bolt nimbus cancels out the Disadvantage imposed by her Invisibility.

You can make a normal attack roll.

The telltale glitter left by her bolt gave Lenelle a decent idea where her foe was --   she was desperate for this to be over, there was no pride for her in this sort of combat -she just wanted all the depredations, the deceit and the malice to finally have an ending. 

Her aim was more than true...

Lenelle Toreth rolled 26 using 1d20+6.  guiding bolt.  As level 1 spell
Lenelle Toreth rolled 33 using 8d6.  damage - guiding bolt, critical hit.

Lenelle’s third bolt burned Connie’s flesh with sheer radiant magic. The woman growled in pained rage and charged Lenelle. She reared back a clawed hand and gut-punched Lenelle! Suddenly, Lenelle felt as if she were nearly ripped in half!

That Connie herself appeared grievously wounded offered Lenelle precious little comfort. Lenelle loathed violence, certainly not when she suffered it herself. Connie locked eyes with Lenelle, sparing a glance at the door, but too afraid to fully take her eyes off the Sorceress. “Help me,” she croaked.

Lenelle might have felt a little confused, perhaps even wondered if her foe begged for mercy. However, any musings were suddenly rendered moot when she felt something bludgeon the back of her head! Lenelle’s vision filled with white spots of pain, as she touched the back of her hand. Her fingertips came away soaked in blood! Lenelle tried to turn around to protect herself, but swayed and crumpled as she lost consciousness.

As she hit the floor, Lenelle had time to look up. She saw Connie leering down with a twisted grin that seemed too large for her face. Beside her stood what she thought was an…the world went black.


OOC:

18:41, Today: Secret Roll: The Dungeonmaster rolled 14 using 2d8+4.  Damage.
18:40, Today: Secret Roll: The Dungeonmaster rolled 16 using 1d20+6.  Melee.
18:39, Today: Secret Roll: Connie rolled 12 using 2d8+4.  Damage.
18:39, Today: Secret Roll: Connie rolled 21 using 1d20+6.  Attack.

You put a serious hurting on Connie, but she had a surprise ally there to bail her out!

Between Connie’s attack and her ally’s cheap shot, you’re at 0 HP. Unconcious, not dead.

You’ll have a chance to RP a groggy reaction after my next post. You can’t fight back, you’re a captive now.

Lenelle lost consciousness. For a few seconds, she came to long enough to feel herself lugged off the floor. Her hands were bound, her mouth gagged, and a dull throbbing pounded in the back of her skull. She felt dry, calloused hands holding her, while another opened a large burlap sack. The world suddenly gave way and went dark as Lenelle tumbled headfirst into the bag! She felt herself slung over a large shoulder.

“Careful, you fool! She’ll want that one intact for the ritual!”

“It’s your own fault if she arrives in poor shape! You never shouldn’t have let her discover you!”

“My fault?! If you had done YOUR job and slain the interlopers with our ghouls, she never would have lived to discover me!”

“Bah! We waste time bickering over blame, when She Who Aids Us awaits! Prepare the girl. I will take ‘Princess Lenelle’ to join that wretched Halfling! Make sure her friends don’t discover you, too!”

“Bitch!”

“What was that?”

“Ahem, I said, ‘Mind her twitch!’ You’ll want to tread cautiously with the Half-Breed!”

Lenelle heard their words in a vague, detached sort of way.   Different, disconnected thoughts wafted through her semi-consciousness mind, like morning mists carried on a breeze...

The Fey she'd promised to help...she had failed to keep her vow to them... and she would never get to see Elise and Phoebe grow up...  nor be at Sundos' and Mercion's wedding... or learn if Joshua really was the one for her... or finally get to meet his mother...?  No, no... she was gone... yet somehow she felt that she wasn't very far now... Pockets... Pockets was wherever she was going... at least there would be fun...

The world faded away again.

Pelor...help me Sundos thoughts and body were sluggish. He could barely string two thoughts together, but he recognized voices.

The last thing he remembered was drinking the tea from Connie and then suddenly there was a knock at the door. Lenelle! his mind spiked in fear when he thought back to her voice on the other side of that knock.

He couldn't move, could barely think, but he could hear two women. Connie's voice sounded like she'd gone horse since he last heard her speak. The tea...how could I not see it? his thoughts slowly put together the self-recrimination as he floated along, carried by something or someone unseen.

Connie and her unseen accomplice carried Lenelle and Sundos through the Swamp. “It’s good that I remembered to bring along the Priest! It wouldn’t do to leave a witness who could follow us.”

“Yes, yes, you covered your tracks! Stop fishing for compliments and mind how you tread. We needn’t jostle the ‘packages’ too hard.”

“Yes, well perhaps you shouldn’t have hit the Half-Blood so hard! We’ll need to heal her before we can even use her for the ritual!”

“If I hadn’t hit you, she would surely have slain you, and then where would we be?! The child isn’t ready. She’s still too young for our needs.”

“No, I’m not! I brought you Phoebe and Mr. Pockets, remember? And those others before! Granny said that I did well. But you’ll let Phoebe go when you finish, right?”

“Ohh, of course, my sweet child! Once we finish with the others, we will send darling Phoebe back to the village!”

From inside their bags, Lenelle and Sundos heard a rustling. They bumped backs that felt almost as hard as iron as their captors halted to a sudden stop. “Georg! Conner! What a surprise to see you out here…!” Once more, Connie’s voice sounded honeyed and clear.

“Yes. I thought you went back with Miriam? What are you doing out here? Who’s that with you?”

“Oh, this is my Auntie. She…is helping me with errands before the town gates close.”

“Why is Elise with you, then? Did you need her to help with your ‘errand’, too?”

“Oh…why, I am looking after sweet Elise for the day. Poor Miriam has had quite the shock and needs her rest.”

“Hmm. Maybe that’s so and maybe it isn’t. We had enough trouble over the child today. I think you ladies better return with me to town.”

“My apologies, lout, but I’ve walked these woods enough today and do not care for another hike!” The bagged captives fell and hit the ground hard. The “Auntie” said the last words in a gravelly voice.

“What’s happening…? Oh, Pelor! SWEET PELOR HELP ME…!” Georg shrieked and the captives heard commotion. “PLEASE—GLERGCK!” A wet ripping sound penetrated the bag, as did the sudden, reeking odor that  one usually smelled in a slaughterhouse. Seconds later, they heard what sounded like a body hitting a tree.

“Oh, that was unfortunate! Georg was always one of my favorites!”

“Damn Georg and damn this unneeded distraction! That’s another mess we must clean up. Damn them!”

“Oh, I don’t know, dear. Conner still draws breath, and he’s still innocent enough for Granny’s tastes. I’ll see that we put Georg to good use,too! Hee-Hee!”

Lenelle and Sundos felt themselves hoisted up again and slammed against their sturdy captors. Once again, they resumed their trip to Granny Grim’s house…

The blow that Lenelle had been dealt was, by far, the worst she'd ever sustained.   She drifted in and out of consciousness --  and when she was in, the pain made her want to be out again.   Despite that some part of her battered mind was screaming you can't afford to pass out!

Amidst other things that made no sense, or that she couldn't muster any concern for -- Elise's betrayal rang like an ugly, discordant note.     A child unloved by her sole parent; with a heart gone bitter --

"You're ill luck on this family," she heard her father's voice. Or, more truly her adoptive father:

"A curse on your mother, who had the ill luck to be seduced and enspelled by an elvish wastrel and thief!  You imagine your tainted blood and your 'gift' of magic make you special, don't you?  But they're curses, just like you're a curse. And a fool.  Foolish girl...that's all you ever be..."

Her father vanished once she was dropped and struck the ground.   It nearly returned her to darkness, except the sounds of carnage kept her awake.  The smell of death nearly made her wretch, which could be fatal, gagged as she was.

C- Connor! With every iota of her soul she wanted to help.  But, there was nothing she could do.  Barely conscious, banged around and bandied about like a sack of potatoes.

Sh- shouldn't have been -- taken out like that...m- my father was right...

Darkness once again.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:05, Tue 21 Sept 2021.

While Lenelle passed out, Sundos heard footsteps approach. They sounded deliberate and slow, almost cautious. However, he heard no defensive response from Connie and her companion. “How kind of you to greet us all the way out here…!”

Sundos heard a low voice that sounded like knives grinding together. “Silence, you fool! We have no time for idle chatter! The Half-Blood’s friends know and they converge here soon. Take our ‘dinner guests’ to my house and await me there!” The speaker then cackled, a hideous sound that made him breathe a softly whispered prayer to Pelor. “I will prepare a treat for the others!”

He felt himself being carried again. Soon, he heard a dog’s growl, a tustle, and then a man’s agonized death cry. Then, the rumble of thunder as Connie and her Co-Conspirator carried them to their destination…

Sundos and Lenelle eventually heard the creaking of an old wooden door. The door slammed as they felt themselves jostled about by whoever carried them in their bags. Their captors mumbled as they shifted what sounded like heavy furniture across a wooden floor. Another creak of old hinges followed. Then, they heard a sharp crack of thunder and lightning before the sensation of being carried down a set of stairs.

“Hurry, Irma. We’ll put them in the high chairs.” Sundos felt the bag open, and a withered hand with a grip like iron clutched his arm. Irma yanked Sundos from the bag, setting him forcefully onto a stool with a back. Before he could react, his elderly captor slammed a tray into place that pinned him in the chair. He saw a hideous old woman with stringy black and gray hair grin at him with a row of unusually long teeth. “Now, sit still, Sonny! It will be dinner time soon, and children must take their seats! Hah-hah-HAH!”

Irma slapped down manacles fitted onto the sides of the tray that immobilized Sundos’ arms. Nearby, Connie lugged the unconscious Lenelle and locked her into a similar chair. Although the dim lighting in the room(?) made it hard to tell, Sundos thought that Connie looked older. Wrinkles scored flesh that had been smooth when he’d first encountered Connie at the Sulphur’s Spit. Her mane of lustrous red hair was now run through with white streaks. She smiled down at Lenelle with teeth  colored a dirty yellow. “The Pretty Princess joins us for supper! What a special occasion!”

The room was filled with rows of bookcases that held faded books, scrolls, and vials containing different body parts—a Gnoll’s paw, eyeballs floating in liquid, and a shrunken Halfling’s head! Sundos felt his chest tighten when he saw the head, until he noticed a small cage across the room that held a bruised and bloodied Pockets. While Pockets looked roughed up, he still lived. A butcher’s table with Georg’s body quelled any relief that Sundos might have felt, and what he saw next dashed that burst of hope.

Two little girls sat on chairs near a long table of gnarled old wood. Elise swung her legs happily, clearly comfortable and pleased to be there. Beside her, a little girl with frizzy red curls stared helplessly at the priest, her cheeks dirtied by dried tears. New tears trickled down her plump cheeks when Irma looked her way. “No tears, Phoebe! If you’re a good girl, Auntie Irma might have a treat for you!”

Sundos saw Pockets discreetly wriggling in the cage. The Halfling shook his head at the Priest and silently mouthed “Shhh”. It looked like Pockets was trying to touch the backside of his pants.

"...tsk tsk, just look at you.  A pretty bird in a dirty cage."

A cage that served to nullify her magic...

The face that regarded her was that of the hero most girls dreamed about.  A face whose smile had once lit her heart. Fired her imagination with visions of a blissful life, and happily ever afters - just like those in the fables.  A face that had compelled her to stray far from home. And give of herself in ways she never had before.  And let her guard down in ways she never would have...

But the face was a mask. And she didn't know the man who lived behind it.

The face smiled.  "What a set of contradictions you are, pretty bird.  Insightful, yet such a little fool.  Powerful, yet easy to humble.  Innocent...well, not anymore."

"Why are you doing this?  Is that all you want me for-?"

"All? No - no, of course not!  I mean, I could've just gotten a whore.  It would've been simpler."  The smile again.   "I don't believe that you - nor especially your half-wit family - ever appreciated your heritage the way others do.   With your blood, and the divine magic that laces it.   You have no clue what value you have.  For more than one use."  The smile again.

"Sleep, pretty bird.  Why don't you sleep.  You look so very tired...and it's really all you can do."    He turned, walking from the room.   He was right -- she was so very, very tired.    Yet Lenelle knew that she must not sleep; if she had any hope of escape -- then she must stay awake...

Open your eyes!   Who was that-?

Wake up, Princess. We’re in trouble.   Elise...Elise calls me that. And Connie...in spite.  Now -- Pockets?  Is he being mean?  It's like a joke, it's...

Pockets!

Consciousness and pain returned hand in hand.  It made her want to pass out again.  But she did not -- forced herself to bear it, and strive to focus.

She didn't like the way it smelled in here.   Here...where was she?  They had been carried...in sacks.  She had to see.  Get some idea...

Lenelle's eyes blinked opened.   Among the things that greeted them --  hairy paw, detached eyeballs, shrunken head - Georg! - that made her want to wretch -  the worst was Elise's cheerful demeanor.   Obscene on the face of a child, who should have been horrified.

Phoebe and Pockets were alive, at least.  Like Sundos and herself.  But - alive for what?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:33, Fri 08 Oct 2021.

Sundos looked at Lenelle and was about to speak a word of power to revive her when she opened her eyes on her own.

He'd noted Pockets actions and held his tongue and power for now, biding his time and holding his power for the best and most wise time to strike.

“Save your prayers, Padre.” Connie cackled as she mussed up Sundos’ hair with dirty fingernails that seemed more like knives. Fortunately, those claw-like fingers didn’t slice open his scalp. “I heard that word in another realm. It means ‘Father’ there. Heh-heh!” She walked over toward her shelves with a stooped gait.

Then, Connie approached Lenelle with a picnic basket in her hands. She grinned at Lenelle and Sundos as she opened the basket. She dipped her hand into the basket and dumped a handful of…things…on Lenelle’s head. Things that squirmed and crawled all over her head and shoulders. Lenelle realizes that they were spiders!

Suddenly, the heavy wooden door flew open! A hunched old woman in a hooded black robe entered the musty room lugging a large burlap bag. “I’ll need your help, Sisters!” The new arrival waved her hand, and the door slammed closed. “Auntie Irma, place another high chair at the dinner table! Auntie Constance, drag the another cage over here. Mind that you maintain a little distance from our sticky-fingered Halfling guest!”

“Yes, Granny Grimfiddle, at once!”
“Yes, Granny!”

“Connie”—who Sundos immediately knew was “Auntie” Constance—left the spiders skittering all over Lenelle. She entered a dugout closet near the fireplace, fumbling loudly inside. Soon, she carried out a heavy bronze cage with one hand. She dropped it near the table. The gray haired crone who’d helped Constance capture Lenelle & Sundos set one of the heavy chairs beside Sundos. “We’re setting a chair for another guest, Sonny! Why, I bet it’s one of your playmates! Won’t that be so nice?” When Irma glanced at Sundos, he saw that her skin had turned a sickly green.

Granny Grimfiddle opened her bag. With one hand, she pulled out Skye and dropped her into the cage, which Constance hastily locked. Then, she pulled out Simon and placed him in one of the chairs. With Irma’s help, Granny Grimfiddle locked Simon into the chair. “Gag the Warlock before he awakens, Sister! Bind his hands extra tightly, too. We have company coming, Sisters! Set the watchdogs out.”

Lenelle had encountered much worse than bugs and arachnids during her short adventuring career.  Still, the surprise of it was unsettling and repulsive, especially given the injured and helpless state that she was in.

She would've screamed, but the gag prevented it.

And was disheartened and distressed to see Simon and Skye brought in as captives.  She had prayed her comrades would be successful; more so than her own botched effort.

Amidst all else, she managed to remember-  Connor.  They said he was still alive -- where-?

Lenelle’s eyes frantically darted around the room, which she guessed served as a kitchen for cooking their food and spells. She saw Skye curled inside the cage and hovering on the edge of consciousness. Simon’s head lolled as the witches gagged him. Sundos stared back with nerve wracked blue eyes. In the corner was a wash basin which held a nude and barely conscious Connor. His skin looked freshly scrubbed.

Irma and Constance obeyed Granny’s order and opened a cellar door in a far corner. At first, she thought it was odd that anyone would have a cellar in a swamp. Then, a theory began forming, but before she could pursue it, she saw the “watchdogs”. They lumbered heavily up old wooden steps, the boards creaking under their considerable weight. Two Ogres leading a Flesh Golem. The Golem looked like a grotesque patchwork of body parts. The scaly torso once belonged to a Lizardman. The thickly muscled arms were Orcish. Lenelle noticed that the Golem was headless…until Granny walked over to the butcher table topped by Georg’s corpse.

Granny Grimfiddle raised a fearsome meat cleaver and brought it down with a heavy *THUNK*. She walked back to the Golem and set Georg’s head on the shoulders. With the sprinkle of a powder and the mumbling of Fey words, the head attached to the Golem with a thick, wet sound. “The ritual is finally complete,” Granny said with a satisfied nod. Georg suddenly blinked, then stared at Lenelle with eyes devoid of any life or consciousness.

“Take the Dog and go see to our guests. Kill the males. Bring me the cat and their Witch if they survive. GO!” The Golem moaned with a mindless deference to the orders. The Ogres winced and led the Flesh Golem into the hall by a chain.

Lenelle’s skin recoiled at the touch of the spiders crawling on her. She felt a stickiness at the back of her head. When three of the spiders dipped within sight on her collarbone, she realized why. They were spinning webs around her head, working at an impossible speed! Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Simon also  covered in spiders frantically weaving their webs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:30, Wed 13 Oct 2021.

Pockets called out to Lenelle. “Let the spiduhs do it, Lenelle! She wants ya to be afraid, but they’re actually helping ya…!”

“Silence, you obnoxious little groundhog!” Granny Grimfiddle walked over and kicked his cage hard enough to slam Pockets against the bars. The Halfling grunted in pain, but forced a defiant jeer through gritted teeth. “Hey, I may be a groundhog, but at least I ain’t a warthog!”

“What you’ll be is a new toy for our precious little Elise,” Auntie Constance cooed. “Once we finish stuffing you!” At that, the Hags cackled as Constance fetched a pie from their enormous oven. It was a contraption of iron and heat that looked even grimmer for being in a Hag lair.

Suddenly, the captives were all aware that the Hags had been baking food. They’re been too injured or frightened to notice until that moment. Constance pulled out a tray of small pies. The pies smelled delicious. Whatever their sinister natures, the Hags still possessed the culinary skill of the mortal grandmothers and that they imitated.

“Would anyone care for a pie? You all must be starving after our little spat earlier!”

Gods, what did they have planned for Connor-?

There was little she could do to stop the spiders, even if she desperate to.  She'd just have to pray that Pockets knew what he was talking about.   If the webs would block out the ghastly sight of Georg's head, atop that foul form, with its soul-dead eyes, that at least would be a mercy!  Such a grotesque sight.

How naive she'd been, expecting human enemies.  Deadwater's nemeses were far, far worse than a disgruntled druid or witch with a grudge.  Nightmarishly so.

She was tempted to answer yes on the pie;  they'd have to remove her gag.  Though her wrists were trapped, her hands were free.  She might be able to cast.  But -- the spiders were protecting her, in some way?   From seeing-?  Or from being force fed these pies?

Skye groaned as she stirred, hearing words on tbe edge of her consciousness. She recognised some, but her eyes snapped open hearing the fellow halfling. She sat up, and instantly regretted it, her head swimming. She moaned softly as she reached her head, and realised she was still armed and armored

She looked around and saw the hags....three of them now, and narrowed her eyes. She held some satisfaction that pockets was not only alive, but annoying them as much as he irritated her. Despite that, she was happy to see him alive. Her eyes looked around, seeing Simon, lenelle and Sundos tied up.

She sat up and looked at the hags, but spoke clearly to Pockets. "Its good to see that you piss other people off other than me, you rogue."

She narrowed her eyes to 'Granny'. "Oh....don't think I forgot my promise to you crone!"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Thu 14 Oct 2021.

“And what promise is that, my little She-Hobbit? To fill my stewpot? YAH-HAH-HAAAAH!”

Still, Pockete smirked at Skye’s rebellious jab at the Hag. Hang in there, Pretty Lady, we’re gonna get outta this jam, Skye heard via her Sending Stone. In the meantime, he jerked his head toward Lenelle.

The spiders wove silvery webs at preternatural speeds. It would have been fascinating to watch, if they weren’t being captive  by a Hag Coven. As swiftly as the spiders spun their webs, the gossamer fell away. Where the webs once touched Lenelle, her wounds were miraculously healed! Sundos and Skye intuited that Simon would also heal through this highly unorthodox method.

Skye sneered at the hag, her arrogance astounding even her. "No...I was referring tbe promise of shoving a blade through your eye....and call me a she-hobbit again, that will include a foot up your ugly, decrepit ass as well."

The halfling took note of her weapons....her ahortbow had a broken string, but she had an extra in her quiver. The hand crossbow strapped to her hand was damaged, if it coukd be repaired she didn't know, but she didn't have the skill. She had her two daggers and short sword too.

She sat back and sighed as she looked at pickets. "I don't doubt that for a moment. You get us out of this and you just may earn earn kiss from me - or a slap in the head for getting yourself caught." She removed the broken string from the bow and set about re-stringing the bow, showing tbe hags she had no fear by smiling at them as she worked.

"If ya can, make it sooner....I don't like cages"

Lenelle exhaled a sigh of relief, as her injury was miraculously healed.   While she was no expert at all in arcane lore -- she'd a feeling that healing spiders would have been a surprise even if she was.

Still gagged, all she could do was listen to Skye's baiting of them.  There was nothing she could do to help, for the time being.  She did know a few spells that didn't need speech...but none of them were immediately helpful.

Simon would likewise be wholly mended.  Which was good; he'd looked in bad shape when he'd been brought in.   Perhaps he - or that otherworldly friend of his - had something up their sleeve?    Now would be the time...
This message was last edited by the player at 22:18, Thu 14 Oct 2021.

The words floated through Simon's mind and slowly pulled him from unconscious to conscious.

His eyes opened, but his vision was obscured, he reached to clear whatever was in his face, but he couldn't move his hands.

That was Skye's voice, he was sure. He lifted his head, and his vision cleared as a mass of silken strands fell away. He immediately wished he couldn't see.

Skye and Pockets caged, Lenelle and Sundos manacled in chairs which he realised was also his situation. And, there, three of them, now..."Aas!" he tried to say hags, but he realised that he was gagged.

Was that Elise and Phoebe sitting there? Why did Elise look so happy?

Just then, the warlock jerked his back, as he saw spiders run across his face, creating their silk as they moved.

~Think! Use your damned brain! Hands immobilised, gagged, covered in webs...need to get free...how?~

Turning to look at Lenelle, "Oo aw ii?" he asked.

Was that...'you all right?'

She nodded once.  Miraculously so.   She wasn't a stranger to magical healing -  it was one of the first, full spells she had become capable of casting.   And then having companied with Sundos, who had healing well beyond her own.   But the spiders were something else.  It felt like she'd never been hit at all.

Her hopes were dashed that Simon didn't immediately summon his ifrit mentor, and teach these evil ones a lesson.  But such hopes were those of a girl who had read a lot of fables.   The adult sorceress knew well the limits of most spell casters.

The hags were far from stupid.  But, they were also filled with spite and pride, from what she'd heard of their conversations.   Which, gods willing, might amount to an opportunity, for somebody.   Simon and Skye were both very clever.

And, the others were all free, and approaching.  This wasn't over yet...

“Ugly? Awww, thank you, dear! What a sweet compliment!” Granny chuckled, a raw and throaty sound. “You look a little rough yourself. Irma,” she motioned at her Sister Hag. “Fetch the spiders for her, too.”

Auntie Irma obeyed, dumping a generous handful of the strange spiders all over Skye. “Let the spiders work, honey. You’ll feel better soon.”

Simon gave Lenelle a quick nod, and then a wink. Before turning his attention to the hags; watching them as they move about; being sure to move his head not just his eyes.

Meanwhile, he slowly tries to weave the webs around his left fingers, focussing on his ring; at the same time he jerks his right hand against the manacle, as if trying to break loose.

When he has wrapped the web around his ring as well as he can, (or if he feels that he cannot really accomplish it after trying for a few minutes), the warlock will start rocking his chair, as violently as he can.

"Oo oo-ii u-in i-i" he screams through the gag.

Simon tries to tip the chair completely, and as soon as he feels it falling he will vanish! If the chair is too heavy to tip he will vanish once the hags are focussed on him, hopefully looking him in the eye.

---

Trying to keep the ring attached to the webs when the chair falls. And to use the chair as a loud distraction to cover the sound the ring falling on the floor if the webs don't hold.
Activate Bottled Respite
Action to magically vanish and enter your vessel, which remains in the space you left.
While inside, you can hear the area around your vessel as if you were in its space.
Remain in the vessel up to 4 hours equal.
Bonus action to leave, or automatic if you die, or if the vessel is destroyed.
Appear in the unoccupied space closest to it.
Can't enter again until you finish a long rest.

Simon saw Pockets nodding and mumbling quietly. “You! Halfling! What are you up to?!” Granny Grimfiddle lurched over toward the cage that held the mischievous Pockets. At the same time, Simon felt his gag loosen!

The momentary luck gave Simon the strength he needed to see his plan through. He jerked forward, then lurched back with all his might. The chair titled back and struck the wooden floorboards loudly! Simon was nowhere to be seen, as the Ring clattered on the floor.

Granny spun around when she heard the noise, followed by Irma’s scream. “He’s gone! The Warlock vanished!” Even Granny Grimfiddle raised bushy eyebrows at that unexpected surprise. One among them wasn’t surprised, though.

Aunt Constance clucked her tongue. “It’s a trick. The Warlock vanished into his Ring. He made quite a show of it at the Spit!”

However, Connie wasn’t prepared for a violet-hued hand that shimmered into view. Pockets summoned Mage Hand and plucked it off the floor. Then, the Hand flung the Ring downstairs into the cellar, before vanishing!

The ring rolled toward the cellar door left open when the witches released their flesh golem. Irma scrambled after it, cursing as it hit the top step of the cellar ladder. The ring clattered and bounced down the stairs. When the ring hit the cellar flour, it bounced and rolled up to a cage holding another captive. Dim torchlight made the brass ring gleam like golden fire.

Hard to tell much from the top of the stairs, but Jennet is a humanoid of, presumably, some orcish descent. His skin is a dim sort of gray-green. His tusks are clearly, recently sharpened and polished, and his hair is neatly groomed in a practical style. His clothes are unfortunately very much the worse for wear, but have been clearly well-maintained for some time.

He snatches up the brass ring. "This ring? I wonder what I could accomplish with my very own pocket warlock?" He raised his voice to be heard over the din. "Excuse me, good sir You Halfling, but you seem like a very clever little fellow. What do you think I should do with my Pocket Warlock first?"

“Hey! Hey, Hey, HEY! Whatevuh ya do, don’t offend the Great and Powuhful Genie that lives in there! If he grants ya a wish, ask him ta burn these Hags to ashes!”

Jennet slips the ring on his finger and adjusts it primly. "O Great and Powerful Warlock Genie," he intones, "I am unjustly imprisoned by the vast forces of evil! Hear my plea! Release me from my captivity, and burn my wicked foes to ashes before me!" He clears his throat. "The rewards will be... not great... but totally negotiable! Please? Maybe just loosen the bars and set them on fire a little."

Simon finds himself in the comfortable space within the ring, that was not really within the ring. As Saraamosh had explained, the ring was really a portal to the extra-dimensional space.

The warlock took several deep breaths to calm himself; listening carefully to what was going on back in the hut in the tree.


~Damn it all! Why did I make a spectacle of myself at the tavern? The hellspawned crones might not have known!

They will likely destroy the ring and I will be in their clutches again.~

Suddenly, the voices got somewhat quieter.

~They are moving away...or the ring is moving away from them!~

~Who the devil is that? By the gods he has got the ring! This will surely not turn out well.~

"Falsa Vita"

---

Cast False Life with Fiendish Vigour, material components are not required.
Simon rolled 5 using 1d4+4 for Fiendish Vigour - Temp Hit Points.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:11, Fri 22 Oct 2021.

Skye, taking stock of her gear, noted well what she had. The hand crossbow was repauirable, but she doubted she had the skill. Her bow, newly strung, had about 10 arrows left, and had two daggers and her short sword.

She looked at Pockets and smiled. "Hey, short and annoying...you got a plan for getting us outa here? I'm itching to kick some crone ass."

<OOC: Does pockets look armed?>

Sundos spoke a work and screamed.

His voice thundered in a massive volume. Maybe what a giant would have for a voice.

"FRIENDS! OGRE and a GOLEM of FLESH COME FOR YOU! Ware!" he screamed out, hoping to disrupt the witches and also alert those of their friends outside.

casting Thaumaturgy, verbal only

Suddenly, everyone heard what sounded like either a thunderclap or a cannon burst from over 60 feet away. The noise startled anyone in the “dining room”. Dirty plates on the table rattled, as a vial near the door shattered! “Oh, Hells,” Connie muttered as she cleaned an acrid fluid and eyeballs off the floor.

Sundos quickly took advantage of the distraction! Praying for a minor miracle, the Cleric of Pelor used a Cantrip that helped him in many an outdoor sermon. Granny Grimfiddle shrieked and hobbled quickly toward Sundos. “I’ve no patience for tattletales, my boy!” She attempted to gag Sundos.

Nearby, Irma carried a plate toward Phoebe and the Halflings. “Would you care for a treat? Surely you must be hungry!” The pies on the plate smelled delicious. The savory aroma twisted Skye, Pockets, and even Lenelle’s guts with hunger pangs. Phoebe shook her head, fresh tears dribbling down her plump cheeks. “Oh, child! You’ll hurt Auntie Irma’s feelings!”

OOC:

Skye & Lenelle, make CON checks vs. Hunger. DC 12. If you fail, your hunger speaks for you.



This message was last edited by the GM at 01:02, Wed 27 Oct 2021.

Skye shook in her cage as the whole room shook, a look more of surprise and confusion than fear. "Now what..." she muttered.

As irma came over with the plate, the halflling saw her chance, smiling. She looked at the pies, feeling a tug, but the halfling was a hunter and had spent days still in teh grass and swamp, tracking an animal - a grumbling stomach wasn't going to sway her.

But she made a show of raising her eyes at the thought. "oh....they do smell nice.  Maybe ..." As teh plate came forward she lunged forward, dagger in hand and struck at her, missing her arm narrowly, swearing in halfling.

She spat at the woman with a smile. "You know what, you ugly bog-brained crone....you can shove those pies right up your wrinklly ass!"

---

<OOC: You ever known such a fiesty halfling - i doubt it!

Skye Keenshadow rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  con check

Skye Keenshadow rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  attack - dagger. >

Lenelle hadn't been blessed with what in ages hence would be termed 'a high burning metabolism.'   It required a little discipline to keep her weight where she preferred it to be.

Thus, she was quite able to resist.    However, her expression didn't convey that.

Her eyes widened with seeming rapaciousness, and she uttered a "Mmmmm," through the gag.     Hoping 'Connie' might remove it...

Lenelle Toreth rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  con save.  Have you ever met a more calorie conscious sorceress?  I don't think so!

Lenelle Toreth rolled 19 using 1d20+6.  deception. (to inspire Connie to remove the gag) How about a genuinely nice gal, who really prefers to be honest, but can still put on one hell of an act when she needs to-?

If the gag comes off, then I'm going to cast.

Oh, and welcome to Jennet!   Your practical haircut is reassuring.  In the way sensible shoes might be.   ;)   
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Fri 22 Oct 2021.

Sundos grinned and bit down HARD on the hag's hands that tried to gag him.

"Pelor burn you with his light witch!"

OOC: not sure if this is possible, but it's what Sundos would try!

Bite: hit AC 20, 4 piercing damage
15:24, Today: Sundos Brightblood rolled 20,4 using 1d20+2,1d4+2.  Bite the fingers trying to gag him

"Pelor? Well, that's a little bit indirect, but way to go, All-Powerful Pocket Warlock!"

Jennet kisses the ring for good luck.

"Now... about these bars..."

~By the gods! This idiot may cost my friends dearly...

If he will only grab the bars...I could take a chance.~

---

Ready a bonus action. If Simon hears the sound of the ring on the bars he will exit the extra-dimensional space.

quote:

When you exit the vessel, you appear in the unoccupied space closest to it.

I'm not in the initiative order so... assume this happens when it needs to happen, I guess.

Jennet holds the ring close to his lips, praying fervently. For a few moments, at least; he's neither a pious nor a patient man. "Come on, Pocket Warlock, are you going to help me or not?" With a decidedly orcish snarl, he seizes the bars of this cage with both hands and tries to launch himself through them. "If you won't burn these horrid crones, I'll burn them myself!"

He'd already tried melting the locks off the cage, and prying them off with his psychic blades, but for as long as he'd been stuck in this cage, he thought he'd been stuck alone-- with neither enemy nor ally to come to his aid if something should... go horribly wrong. Now, he hears the voices and the fighting from upstairs and knows he's not alone down here.

Jennet casts create bonfire on the most flammable-looking object in the room.

Simon listens, getting slightly irritated at being referred to as a Pocket Warlock.

Still he hears the clank of brass on metal, and in a split-second leaves the safety of his ring's space.

---

Bonus action to leave the extra-dimensional space; returning to the unoccupied space, closest to the ring.

This will suck if Simon ends up in the cage with Jennet!

OOC: Since we have a little more going on here, I needed a little extra time.

Simon, roll 1d20 + Charisma Bonus vs. DC 14.

Simon rolled 13 using 1d20+3 for CHA check vs DC 14. FAIL

Skye missed, but Irma didn’t. The Hag reared back her leg and kicked the cage. The cage hurtled against the wall, slamming Skye hard against the bars. She felt bruised, but still capable of fighting. Luckily, Skye distracted Irma from force-feeding Phoebe.

Lenelle coaxed Connie with feigned eagerness. “Oh, dearie. You’re hungry, eh? Let your Auntie Constance fill your belly with a tasty savory pie!” The red haired crone loosened Lenelle’s gag. Elise gratefully accepted the pie that Phoebe refused. “Mmm! It’s yummy, Granny Grim!”

“Why, thank you, Elise! I’m please that some of my guests remember their manners.” Responding to Elise put Granny Grimfiddle’s attention in the wrong direction. Sundos bit down on her wart-ridden skin, now the color of a fresh bruise all over. “YEEEEEK!!” Granny screeched, then promptly backhanded Sundos. The blow rattled the Cleric, making him see white spots exploding in his vision. His neck felt sore, and he knew he didn’t want to suffer another blow from the deceptively strong Granny!

Down in the cellar, Simon attempted a ploy for freedom. He attempted to gauge a position near the stranger that’s wouldn’t leave him sharing the cage. However, he couldn’t judge distance properly from the otherworldly confines of the Vessel. Simon materialized inside the cafe with an unfamiliar Half-Orc.

OOC:

21:00, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 10 using 1d6+4.  Melee damage .
20:59, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  Backhand Sundos.
20:57, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 3 using 1d6.  Damage for Skye.

[Midani: "Haku, you failed me!"] Simon invokes a god from his homeland in his mother tongue when he finds himself inside the cage.

He looks at the half-orc who was crammed into the cage with him, and then to the fire burning in the cellar.

"My ring, please." he demands, holding out his hand. "Was the plan to burn yourself to death?" Making a pinching gesture with his thumb and middle finger, the warlock says "Extinguet", and the fire goes out.

"I'm Simon, by the way, and you are...?" Without waiting for an answer, he asks, "Do you have any idea if there is a key to this cage down here? I would prefer to use my more potent powers to deal with the hags."

Jennet removes the ring from his finger and hands it over. "No, I could have done that days ago." Without bothering to explain himself, he continues, "Name's Jennet. The hot one keeps the key tucked inside her blouse. The weird one probably has a key, too. If they'd left one down here, well, I could have done that days ago, too."


"Even together, we're probably not strong enough to bend the bars or break the lock. I've tried freezing the lock to make it brittle, but I can't get it cold enough on my own."

Simon's eyes narrow in disbelief, "Gods! Tell me you don't find a hag attractive!"

He gives his head a shake, "It doesn't matter. Rut with what you like.

We need to get out of here. Do they come down here to bring you food? If we can get one of them to come down the ladder maybe we can overpower her?

You have some magical skills, anything that might immobilise one of them?"

Simon closes his eyes for a moment, in concentration; and then scans the room taking in the contents, hoping for something that might trigger an idea.

---

Action: regain one spell level from Rod of the Pact Keeper.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:23, Wed 27 Oct 2021.

Skye winced as the cage slammed against the wall, but despite that, and her injuries, she had a smile on her face - one of contempt for the hags. "Is that the best you've god crone? I've seen better kicks on kittens!"

As the woman goes and feeds Elsie, she lets out a small whistle, getting pockets attention as she wraps up a small parcel. When Elsie takes a bite, focusing on her and Sundos, Skye slides the parcel over to him.

....the hand crossbow and bolts.

Hoping he reacts quickly, she pats her shortbow and nods, serious looking, then looks at the crone again, taunting her. "Looks like no one wants your crappy pasties....Best feed them to the pigs....or did they refuse tehm too?"

---

<OOC: While she's distracted (And the others I hope) Skye will slide her hand crossbow and bolts to Pockets>

"Couple of times a day, yeah, these amazing smelling pies. And yeah, that's why I set the room on fire."

He stops to ponder the next question. "No, not really. Threw out some charms on the second day. And the third. But they're either not people or too strong for me. Oooh, I could try entangle... but I'd need to ask the spirits first."

I'm Druid 1. Cantrips are produce flame and create bonfire (I'm headed for Wildfire, I'm sorry), but all of my prepared slots are open.

Jennet remembered that “Granny” typically delegated certain tasks to the other Sisters of her Coven. The “pretty one”, Connie, typically lured victims through sweet talking. She’d ensnared him in her youthful form, promising a night of carnal pleasure, and only delivering a week in a befouled cage. Connie would also assist with cooking. The physical labor…including kills and torture…usually went to Irma.

Irma was the one who chopped up the bodies for the Flesh Golem. Jennet thought he may have seen more. He couldn’t remember.

Pockets snatched Skye’s crossbow before the Hags turned around. Where he hid it, not even Skye could tell. Though he may have annoyed Skye, not even she could deny his talent for Sleight of Hand!

Soon, Pretty Lady. Get ready to help the Wahrlahk, Pockets whispered in her thoughts via Sending Stone.

OOC:

20:14, Today: Pockets rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  Sleight of Hand.

"You know, I was minding my own business when the luscious--" he drawls the word out, "-- baby sister told me she was going to make all my dreams come true, and I've been locked in this cage for a week and these witches ain't fed me nothin' but long pork and knuckle sandwiches. Starting to think I been had."

"Starting to think you ain't much of an all-powerful genie, either. Mama always told me not to trust sellswords and witches, but this is ridiculous." He pauses for awhile. "What if you get back in the ring, and I throw you? I lure one of the hags down here, you attack from behind... she turns on you, I attack from behind. I trust you to unlock my cage... and you trust me to help your friends." He grins. "I mean, I already let my mama down once getting into this mess."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Thu 28 Oct 2021.

Skye looked at pockets, trying to look unimpressed despite his talent, and smiled, nodding at his mental note. She drew a dagger and held it in her hand behind her back as she leaned against the cage, feigning injury

She looked at the woman again. "You know what you and your sisters need to help sell your food...a decent sized woollen sacks to cover your heads. people look at your faces and instantly want to vomit" The halfling chuckled at her own mirth.

Despite the satisfaction of taunting them, Skye was also trying to keep attention on her so when the warlock acted, they had an opening

"A fair plan, and one I would agree to...except I cannot enter the ring again! Not until tomorrow...if we survive that long.

But maybe we can make your plan work in a slightly different manner.

We keep it dark down here, you call that bitch Connie to see if she will bring you some food.

I will stay hidden behind you, as best I can. You spread your cloak out wide, whatever it takes.

When she is at the foot of the ladder, I have a spell that will send a splinter of pain into her mind. It may also reduce her chance of resisting your Entangle spell.

Then we hit her with whatever spells we can to try to finish her. We grab the key, escape this cage and go rescue my friends.

Simple. Any suggestions?"

Jennet only stares back, as if uncomprehending. Tears leak down his cheeks, and he starts sobbing before take a deep, ragged breath.

"Connie, I'm sorry! I give up, I'm sorry, I'll even eat one of your sister's stupid pies! Please! I want you! I NEED YOU!"

He blinks, and Simon feels a tickle in the back of his mind. ~There we go.~ Jennet isn't sure what the hags did with his cloak... but they'd left him his tunic and breeches. Shame. She was a looker. He shuffled out of his tunic and handed it to Simon, and undid his belt suggestively.

"CONNIE! Please, I'm starving down here, I'm sorry! I'm weak! Don't let me die down here! Please, darling, put your loving arms around me and nurse me back to health! I'm sorry for what I said about your sister's nose! Please, please, Connie, come take care of me!"

01:00, Today: Jennet rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  Psychic Whispers. – [roll=1635404457.16486.361868] 5 hours of telepathic link.

01:01, Today: Jennet rolled 16 using 1d20+1d6+3 with rolls of 8,5.  Persuasion + Psychic Knack. – [roll=1635404513.85776.361868]

When Auntie Constance  heard Jennet’s plaintive plea, she forgot about Lenelle. “Awww, our sweet boy in the guest room wants to eat!” She picked up a meat pie, and when she turned around, Lenelle saw the voluptuous and smooth-skinned  redhead she’d met in Deadwater. “Why not greet him with a familiar face, eh, Princess? I’m not looking my best, but he finds this wretched form agreeable.”

Connie winked at Lenelle as she sashayed toward the cellar door. “Now, you all mind Auntie Irma and Granny Grimfiddle while I’m downstairs!” She descended the stairs, clucking her tongue in feigned sympathy when she saw the tears-eyed Jennet. “Awww, my poor tusker! Are you going to be a good boy now and eat your dinner?”

"Please, Connie, I can't take it no more..." he implores her.

On the other hand, he bids Simon, ~ Wait for it, wait for it... a little closer... ~

Jennet rushes the bars far too soon to reach the lovely Constance, his grasping hands falling far short of her... sack of meat pies. "Please, Connie, I need them-- you, I need you, please, I'm so hungry." He squeezes harder against the bars, knowing he couldn't possibly reach her.

Let her believe she's winning.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:41, Thu 28 Oct 2021.

Simon watches Jennet's performance, a look of disgust on his face.

When the disguised hag approaches the cage the warlock sends a bolt of psychic energy at her.

---

Simon rolled 4 using 1d20+3 for Initiative.
Action: Cast Mind Sliver: Simon rolled 4 psychic damage and 2 off next saving throw before end of caster's next turn; if INT save fails.

At the same time Jennet casts his entangle spell, hopefully rooting Connie in place.

DC 12 Strength save, hopefully at Disadvantage, or she's restrained. I'm assuming this was a readied action.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:09, Fri 29 Oct 2021.

Connie coquettishly pushed her breasts at Jennet. She chuckled as she saw the naked Half-Orc clutching in vain for her. “Oh, my, you look positively good enough to eat! (With carrots & potatoes in a nice stew! Hee-hee!)” She pushed a small plate with the meat pie through a small opening in the bottom of the cage.

Before Jennet could accept or refuse, though, Simon struck! The Warlock lashed out with a Mind Sliver. Auntie Constance shrieked in agony. “AIEEEEK!” The Hag dropped her illusion, revealing her true form as she clutched her head in pain.

Jennet took advantage of the Hag’s disorientation, whispering a plea to the Nature spirits. Suddenly, dried old branches in the tree house turned green as they writhed with newfound life, Entangling Connie! “Wretched half-breed bastard son of an Orcish sow! When I’m free, I’ll flay you alive with my TEETH! I’ll castrate that tiny noodle  between your legs for an appetizer! Then I’ll pick the scraps from my teeth with these pitiful twigs you summoned!”

OOC:

02:27, Today: Connie rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  STR Save.
02:27, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 1 using 1d4.  Save Penalty.
02:26, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 4 using 1d6.  Psychic Damage.
02:25, Today: Connie rolled 10 using 1d20+1.  INT Save.

Jennet, you need to save vs. Vicious Mockery! You’ll take 2d4 Psychic Damage if you fail and have Disadvantage on your next Attack.

While two battles raged outside and within the Witch House, Cela stalked silently through the darkened hallway. The coppery tang of blood filled her feline nostrils. The air itself felt unnatural, ruffling her fur and raising her hackles. She heard Phoebe crying several yards down the hall behind a closed wooden door. She thought she heard one of the witches shrieking in pain, and felt satisfied at the thought.

As Cela padded toward the room, she noticed a soft glow near the door. It shimmered with an otherworldliness like the Will O’ The Wisps, but somehow, it felt different. She looked between the door and the strange light, making a decision…


OOC:

Cela, what do you do?

Cela needs more information before she can approach the witches - Traill or Simon might be able to help if she found them, but Phoebe - getting her out is going to require help.  Maybe she can find it in the room with the strange light.


17:57, Today: Cela rolled 16 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 13,5.  perception.
17:56, Today: Cela rolled 19 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 4,14.  stealth.

The Hags were too preoccupied with their unruly “guests” to hear any noise from the hall. Cela padded so quietly on soft, furred feet that even the most alert ear might not have heard her anyway. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness, Cela glanced around at shelves laden with random objects of power, sniffed at the pungent herbs she smelled from the closed door. The house reminded her of a darker reflection of Sheila’s rustic cottage. Like the Hedgewitch’s home, it held power, but a power devoted to harm. Sigils carved into the walls looked like the symbols she’d seen Mages uses. Even though she herself was no Witch, Cela sensed that the symbols held nefarious intent.

Cela needed to reach the children, but she needed to rule out any immediate threats first. She stalked toward the light, and gasped at what she saw!
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:37, Mon 01 Nov 2021.

Seeing the hag being held by Jennet's spell; Simon quickly responds with his own magicks. Pointing at the crone, he intones, "Maledictum"; and then "Mysticus".

A sky blue ray of energy streams from the warlock toward the hag.

---

Simon rolled 15 and 7, attack with advantage due to Entangle.

If that hits damage is 10 force + 4 necrotic (Hex) + 2 thunder (Genie's Wrath) total is 16;

and she has DIS on STR checks from Hex.

00:06, Today: Jennet rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  WIS SAVE. – [roll=1635833206.82236.361868]

Is Jennet... crying? "My father was an honest and faithful man, and at least I knew who my mother was, you pig-eating motherless witch!" Witch. He definitely said witch there. Hard to tell with all the blubbering and the stabbing, though.

00:14, Today: Jennet rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Mind Blades (A/D cancel). – [roll=1635833683.19091.361868]

00:15, Today: Jennet rolled 7,16 using 1d20+4,1d20+4.  Mind Blades, Advantage. – [roll=1635833706.90093.361868]

If the 16's good enough to remind Connie that feelings hurt, that's: 00:17, Today: Jennet rolled 12 using 1d4+2+2d6 with rolls of 4,1,5.  Psychic Sneak Attack! – [roll=1635833876.52138.361868] 12 psychic.

Connie struggled in vain against the vines that entangled her! Not even her prodigious strength could snap the vines. However, the Hag wasn’t totally defenseless yet. Her eyes widened when she recognized the Power Word for Simon’s Hex…and the Eldritch Bolt! “Oh, no you don’t, you uppity dilettante!” She managed to wriggle a deceptively flabby-looking arm free, hastily drawing a sigils that deflected the Bolt at the last second.

Her lips drew up in smile that showed moss-colored teeth. Still, that smile vanished with the strength that waned when Simon’s Hex took effect. “Curse you and your father’s house, Warlock!”

Jennet attempted to take advantage of her weakening to stab her with glowing blade of psychic energy that he conjured! Unfortunately, he’d proven too clever for his own good. The writhing vines be conjured actually dragged Connie just out of reach! She reacted with a sneer that drove an icicle of pain into his mind. “You missed! HAH!”

Then, the old Witch craned her head toward the cellar door. “SISTERS! HELP ME!”

OOC:

Both attacks narrowly missed, but Simon’s Hex worked!

Jennet, you took some Psychic damage from Connie’s Vicious Mockery.

03:43, Today: Connie rolled 8 using 2d4.  Psychic damage against Jennet.

Leave the Shade to the Pros like Simon or Skye. ;-)



This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Thu 04 Nov 2021.

In reply to The Dungeonmaster (msg # 86):

Cela stares at the pixie, but moves to the side of it, towards the runes on the walls.  She waits to see how the fae reacts.

The pixie flitted toward Cela, trailing a light cove of bright golden and orange dust on the old wooden floor. It hovered over her with a barely contained fear in his eyes. ”You the great She-Cat. Old Witch changed you, but you still help us?”

Cela doesn't really know how to talk in this form.  She lets out a questioning "Murr?"   It's probably questioning.

The Pixie floated around Cela’s head, speaking in high tones that reminded Cela of tinkling bells. ”Nasty old Hags prey on my people. We served great feast for Lady Lenelle because of who she is and her power. But nasty old Hags tricked the Lady, and now, you must help us both!”

He descended where he could look Cela in the eye. ”I change you back, if you agree to owe Twigbit favor.”

Cela really wants to bite the pixie while it does this - some things really suck about being trapped in an animal form or maybe the pixie isn't very smart.

She wants to ask what the favor might entail - but words are a problem.  She just nods her head.

”I tell you favor very soon! You keep word…or become housecat forever. Break promise to Fey at own peril.” Then, Twigbit sang in a dulcet tone that delighted Cela, even as it brought wistful tears to her eyes. She couldn’t explain why, but sensed that she would know the reason very soon.

A tingling ran through Cela’s fur. She felt a pleasant warmth in her limbs as they expanded, and she grew back to her true height. Within seconds, Twigbit’s song Dispelled Granny’s Magic, and restored Cela’s true form! ”You help Lady Lenelle…and repay debt soooon,” Twigbit said in a singsong voice that trailed off as he shimmered out of sight.

"Shut up, you hell-spawned bitch!" Simon yells at Connie.

"We need to finish her, Jennet...before her uglier sisters arrive! Feel free to drop a fire at the top of the stairs.Mysticus!"

The warlock unleashes another blast of eldritch energy at the hag.

---

Simon rolled 13 and 18 to attack with Eldritch Blast, ADV due to Entangle.

Damage: 12 force + 2 necrotic (Hex) + 2 thunder (Genie's Wrath) = 16.

How far from the cage to the top of the stairs?

Simon’s Eldritch Bolt struck the entangled Hag hard enough to rock her head back! “ACK!” Auntie Constance moaned pitifully. Simon eyed the stairs leading up out of the cellar. The entrance was fifty-five feet up and away.

Suddenly, the Hag called “Irma” dropped down through the open door! She landed on her feet like a cat, grinning at the caged men through ground teeth. The vines conjured by Jennet lashed toward Irma, but the Hag snapped them with a contemptuous laugh. She forced her way slowly toward the cage. “I’m hungry for sweet meats, boys! Why don’t I gut you and take’em?!”

Before Simon or Jennet could react, Granny Grimfiddle floated down through the floor! “You weren’t expecting that, were you my pair of Smarty Pants Jacks?” The dark-skinned crone gestured toward Simon with her left hand. “In Granny’s house, we follow Granny’s rules!”

Indigo light glowed in her palm as she summoned Magic Missiles!

OOC:

23:12, Today: Secret Roll: The Dungeonmaster rolled 12 using 5d4+1.  Magic Missile .
22:53, Today: Secret Roll: The Dungeonmaster rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  Irma’s STR check.

Connie takes 16 damage from Simon’s Cantrip & Hex.

Simon takes 12 damage from Granny’s Magic Missile.


 

OOC:

Roll Initiative, Jennet & Simon!

Lenelle, Skye, & Sundos, I haven’t forgotten about you!

When the Hags answered Connie’s cry for help, Pockets yelped with glee! He stared at Skye, wiggling his hands behind his back. Then, Skye heard a *CLICK-CLACK* as the padlock on her cage spring open! “I still got it,” Pockets said with a grin.

“Help your Enchanting friend, Pretty Lady! That Wahrlahk’s gonna need alla you guys!”

OOC:

23:19, Today: Pockets rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  Pick Lock.



This message was last edited by the player at 03:23, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

Simon points at Granny Grim, "I didn't expect a demon arse existed large enough to spew out three turds like you lot! Flagro!"

Blue flames wrap around Granny.

---

Simon rolled 13 for Initiative.

Simon rolled 16 for Concentration check - SUCCESS.

Reaction to cast Hellish Rebuke.
Simon rolled 25 for Hellish Rebuke: fire - half on DEX save; against Granny.

One spell slot left! Will I need it for Misty Step or will the cavalry come to the rescue? Or at least the distraction!
This message was last edited by the player at 04:14, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

that is 18 for initiative

Skye looked at Pockets and winked at the man, kicking it open and making his way to the otehrs to release them, quick as a flash, dagger in hand, as she did, she threw down a small wooden statue of a boar.

please work she thought to herself.

<OOC: As she makes her way to free the otehrs, throws down the boar statue to cause some havoc and attack the hags.>

Connie exerted all of her preternatural strength to wriggle free of the vines. The effort left her momentarily too winded for any retaliation. However, her fellow Coven Sisters took up her defense. “Irma, dear. Follow my lead.” Granny Grimfiddle gasped as hellfire exploded on her person, but she resisted the worst of it. Patting out the fire, she sneered at Simon with a smile like knives. “Fire doesn’t bother me, silly boy!”

Then, she pointed at Simon. “Ciuin!” Simon felt the paralysis of a Hold Person creep on him! When Irma was free to act, she would also cite the spell against Jennet.


OOC:

15:44, Today: Connie rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  STR save.
15:44, Today: Connie rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  STR save.
02:16, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 16 using 1d20+2.  DEX Save.
01:03, Today: Connie rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Granny’s Initiative .
01:03, Today: Connie rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  Auntie Irma Initiative .
01:02, Today: Connie rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.

Granny Grimfiddle made her DEX Save, and has Fire Resistance on top of that. It was a good try, though.

Simon & Jennet need a WIS Save vs. Hold Person, DC 14 for Simon, DC 13 for Jennet.



 

Upstairs, when Skye threw down the statuette, it struck the floor with a loud crack like the splitting of an oak tree! Amber smoke billowed up on the spot. When the smoke dissipated, a Boar the size of a pony stared at Skye. It grunted impatiently, as if awaiting her orders!

Cela is happy to be back to herself - being that size, not being able to speak, not having thumbs... it had been very concerting.  She glances around at the room to see if there's a key, or if any of these objects look like they might help, at least as something good to throw at the witch.

17:47, Today: Cela rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  perception.


While she's doing so, she takes her hand to one of the runes on the wall and gouges a set of lines through it with her claws.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:57, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

Well, it sure sounded like those hags had met their match in dealing diatribes!  If they weren't such vicious, treacherous monsters, she'd almost have felt sorry!

And too she was more worried about whatever awful spell they were now uttering.

But her eyes widened in hope as Pockets set Skye free, and the plucky ranger proceeded to activate some mystical avatar.   Her brows arched at sight of the now full-sized boar.  Boars were bad-ass!   Not animals you wanted to meet in a dark alley.

She entertained herself with a brief vision of the beast hurtling full 'boar' into 'Connie'...

And she yet had enough power left for a reckoning of her own, if she could just get free of the cursed manacles!

A quick self-inspection reassured Cela that her gear was still intact. She intuited that the Hag didn’t have the time to spare energy to Polymorph her precisely enough to discard clothing or personal effects. Perhaps Fortune would favor her again as she searched the creepy hall? Her nostrils rankled at the mustiness of the Hag’s Lair. Dust on the floor nearly brought a sneezing fit, and Cela smelled viler odors that made her gorge rise. The charnel house stench of blood, shit, and fear wafted unpleasantly from beneath the closed door.

A chair with tattered upholstery sat beside a small antique table that looked oddly out of place. A tarnished silver bell and a simple gold chain link necklace  sat atop the table. Over the table was a mirror with a single crack. As Cela scratched the sigil, she felt a chill course through her arm…

OOC:

Give me a CON check vs. DC 14.


This message was last edited by the GM at 22:43, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

19:57, Today: Cela rolled 18 using 1d20.  Con.

Cela shook the numbness out of her arm, but her resting Ki was more powerful than the Sigil’s curse. The mirror caught her eye, particularly the flicker of movement she thought she saw in the glass…

Simon feels the grasp of dark magic encircle him. He focuses his will to throw off the power and feels it slip away. But, then he sees Jennet sitting rigidly next to him.

"You dung-faced dog!" Simon shouts at Irma, and then chants the familiar words of power, "Maledictum...Mysticus".

---

Simon rolled 14 for WIS save (DC 14) to avoid Hold Person.
Bonus Action to move Hex to Irma
Cast Eldritch Blast at Irma.
Simon rolled 26 - critical hit with Eldritch Blast!
Damage: 11 force + 6 necrotic + 2 thunder = 19 total

Irma must make concentration save vs DC 10.
Irma has DIS on STR checks.

“Repellere!” Irma reflexively held up her hand and blocked Simon’s Hex with a Counterspell . The Hag wagged a reproaching finger.

OOC:

Irma used her Reaction for a Counterspell, so no Hex.

I’ll let you keep the Eldritch Bolt damage, though.

Skye looked at the statue turned animal with a smile, thankful for the druids gift. “Damn I owe you one.” She muttered, thinking of the Druid - she would repay his gifts. For now, she looked at the boar and smiled, pointing at the hags. “Go and give ‘em hell!”

The boar squealed as it charged the closest hag, it’s breath snorting as it ran.

Meanwhile Skye jumped into the chairs and began cutting bonds, talking to pockets. “What you waiting for you slippery ell, a written invitation - get out here and help!”

Having damaged the cursed rune, Cela looks towards the mirror and the movement she sees in it.

Pockets popped up on the other side of Sundos. “Hey! Hey, Hey, HEY! I did my paht, gal. You betta go afta ya Boar!” A loud *CLACK* indicated Pockets successfully unlocking the manacles on Sundos.

The Hags and Simon paused as they heard a squeal and the sound of the ladder boards straining, as a large Boar clambered down the steps! The beast wasn’t quite goant-sized, but still larger than any normal boar. The porcine threat lumbered toward Granny, but the vines encumbered its charge. It snorted angrily as it fought its way through the vines!

Upstairs, Pockets and Skye freed Lenelle and Sundos from their chairs. They remained unaware of Cela, who lurked right outside the door. Cela was distracted by a glimpse into the mirror on the wall. When she peered into the mirror, a ghastly sight peered back! Cela saw a withered corpse with thinning fur back. Her reflection’s eyes were lifeless, the skin pulled back tightly and creating a rictus-like grin. Beside her reflection was Connie, the way she’d looked in the village: youthful, pretty, smooth-skinned. A woman with lustrous black hair and olive skin stood beside Connie. A woman with straight auburn hair stood on the other side of Cela’s reflection. The vivacious trio practically taunted Cela with mocking smiles.

Skye snorted as she jumped down. “Nag, nag….you and me are gonna have words later.” Though the words tried to come out sounding angry, she sounded more lie, she was having fun.

Putting a dagger in the woman’s hand, she winked. “C’mon…you don’t want to miss out on kicking some hag ass!”The halfling bounded after The boar, bow in hand.

She pulls up short, seeing the first and smiles, drawing an arrow and firing.

---

<OOC: Action - Shoot bow

Skye Keenshadow rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Attack - Shortbow.
Skye Keenshadow rolled 6 using 1d6+3. Damage - Shortbow.

Boar - Attacks the hag.

Boar rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Boar attack.>

This message was last edited by the player at 22:49, Fri 05 Nov 2021.

~~ Simon... I'm sorry your escape plan utterly failed, and I wasn't able to rescue us both like you wanted. If this is the end, though, promise me you'll kill me before the giant pig does.~~

That's a big fat no on WIS Save Round Two.

 00:43, Today: Jennet rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  WIS Save. – [roll=1636094617.08403.361868]

Not wanting to touch another cursed artifact so quickly, Cela throws one of the darts she got from the Druids at the mirror.

08:50, Today: Cela rolled 25,5 using d20+6,d4+4.  throw dart at mirror.

"Oh, I wouldn't miss it for the world!" Lenelle assured Skye.   Glancing briefly, with a faint arching of brows, at the dagger.   Was it something special-?

Following, she acted as soon as the chief-hag was in sight --  speaking the arcane syllables, and making the splay fingered gesture to send a trio of dawn-hued force darts into the evil one...


Lenelle Toreth rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
Lenelle Toreth rolled 9 using 3d4+3.  magic missile.  -- at Granny

A meager nine points -- but, I think Hold Person is a concentration spell-? 
This message was last edited by the player at 23:48, Sun 07 Nov 2021.

Seeing Skye and Lenelle appear, Simon's demeanour changes from despondent to slightly less despondent.

"Connie is hurt, and Irma cast a paralysation spell on my new friend!"

---

Connie and Granny both go before Simon - what they do will determine my decision.

"You - you made a friend?" queried Lenelle, not certain she'd heard that right, the incredulity in her voice plain.

Was Simon ill?  Or under some hex?

In reference to the original Simon.  Who high charisma or no, was most disadvantaged in that skill.   ;)   

OOC:

OK, I’m trying to organize Initiative order here.

Lenelle
Connie
Jennet
Granny Grimfiddle
Simon
Auntie Irma

Cela is busy upstairs.

Skye, roll Initiative for yourself and the Boar. For now, I’ll put you between Granny & Simon.

I’ll resolve the actions next.
 
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:36, Tue 09 Nov 2021.

Lenelle & Skye raced toward their imperiled companion in the cellar. They hoped they would reinforce Simon against the devious Hags who’d plagued Deadwater. When Lenelle reached the cellar ladder, she saw Granny Grimfiddle. Recognizing the dominant member of the Coven, Lenelle attacked her with Magic Missiles! Rose-toned darts of golden light struck the Hag! Granny Grimfiddle groaned, but Lenelle’s smile faltered when she saw that the Missiles only inflicted partial damage.

“Aww! The little Princess thought she would save the day, eh?” Connie chuckled, but turned away from Lenelle. “Granny will take care of you. I owe that trifling Warlock some misery!” Her eyes turned an inky black as she “Tsuil Olc!” Simon felt sickness gnaw at him as Connie cursed him with her Eyebite!

While the battle raged, Jennet could only apologize telepathically to Simon. He fought against Irma’s spell, but couldn’t overcome the paralysis. He watched helplessly as Granny faced the brave women who’d arrived.

“Oh, do we like playing with Magic Missiles, Dearie?” Granny Grimfiddle flashed a snuggle-toothed smirk at Lenelle. “Here you go! Catch!” She thrust her wrinkled finger and five darts of dark light struck Lenelle in turn!

Skye strung her short bow with professional swiftness. She aimed, but the remaining vines and the hurried movements made it harder to draw a bead on Granny. The arrow went wide. Her boar charged Irma, but missed, and struck over a table.

Simon retched, as Connie's evil magic took hold off him. He  felt the curse overtake him. Still, Simon repaid Connie with a harmful Cantrip, choking out another insult with his spell!

While Simon plotted his action, Irma joined her Sister Hag in retaliation against their stubborn captive. “Good idea, Sister! Granny can hold off the others. We’ll handle the mouthy pretender!” Suddenly, Irma’s eyes turned the same inky color as Connie’s. She repeated the curse. “Tsuil Olc! Eh-heh-heh!” The drowsiness that Simon felt alerted him that this version would induce Sleep, and he fell into an unnatural slumber!


OOC:

16:52, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 15 using 5d4+1.  Magic Missile .

Lenelle takes 15 points of damage.

Simon, give me 2 Wisdom Saves Vs. the Eyebites! I’ll edit your Action into this post after you declare and roll, but this post will be a resolution for this round.


This message was last edited by the GM at 03:09, Wed 10 Nov 2021.

Simon retched, as Connie's evil magic took hold off him.

"Your face is so hideous it makes me puke!" he sputtered at the red-haired hag. He manages to choke out a cantrip, "Intellectus Irritans!"

Before, he can come up with another insult, Irma's similarly fell dweomer lulled him into an unnatural sleep.

---

Simon rolled 8 and 6 for WIS saves vs eyebite - Connie, Irma.

Cast Mind Sliver at Connie; reduce her next STR save.
Simon rolled 1 for psychic damage and 3 for reduction on next STR save.

Upstairs, Cela’s dart smashed the cursed mirror! She heard screams as the glass cracked and fell onto the floor! Cela stepped back and avoided the glass. In the process, she noticed the necklace and tarnished bell again.

OOC:

Do you inspect or take either item?

NEW ROUND IN THE CELLAR!

Initiative

Lenelle
Connie
Jennet
Granny Grimfiddle
Skye
Simon
Auntie Irma


Jennet, good news! Simon broke Connie’s Concentration and ended her Hold Person Spell. Make a Perception check.


This message was last edited by the GM at 03:18, Wed 10 Nov 2021.

10:26, Today: Jennet rolled 9 using 1d20+6 ((3)). Perception check.

Lenelle cried out, reeled, experiencing for the first time what it was like to be struck with the same spell she'd used on any number of opponents.

Recovering as swift as she could, she retorted "Well, then, maybe you'll like this Celestial snack better!"   Calling on the mystical essence, both arcane and divine, with which she was imbued Lenelle divided a single bolt into a pair...

Glaring, gold light lanced in a "V" from her fingertips, one bolt at the coven-leader, and the other at Connie, whom Simon had said was injured.

Twin spell (1 sorcery point)
Lenelle Toreth rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  guiding bolt.  To hit Grannie
Lenelle Toreth rolled 8 using 1d20+6.  (using Inspiration for advantage/reroll)
Lenelle Toreth rolled 14 using 1d20+6.  To hit Connie
Damages, if any applicable
Lenelle Toreth rolled 18 using 4d6.  damage - guiding bolt.  Granny
Lenelle Toreth rolled 15 using 4d6.  Connie
Ya know the drill...Anyone struck = shiny & sparkly, next attack on them (by anyone) is with advantage...   
This message was last edited by the player at 21:55, Wed 10 Nov 2021.

Skye watched as the boar attempted to attack Irma again, stumbling on some rock it missed the woman. Skye frowned at the Boar, but instead focused her shot on the woman. Drawing a bead, she took aim and fired with her bow, the arrow hitting it's mark. She wished she hadn't used all her magic keeping the warlock alive, even for a moment, as she knew a dwealmer that could have helped, but no matter.

---

<OOC: Action - Attack with shortbow

Skye Keenshadow rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  attack - shortbow
Skye Keenshadow rolled 4 using 1d6+3.  damage - Shortbow.

Boar action - Attack Irma

Skye Keenshadow rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Attack - Boar.>

Jennet held the "blade" of psionic energy in his fist and grinned at Connie menacingly... but he saw his new friend out of the corner of his eye. He looked from Connie to Simon, then back to Connie, then back to Simon again.

He sighed.

~SIMON. Wake up, SIMON. Your friends need you, SIMON.~

Dammit, Simon.

Lenelle’s preferred spell proved reliance once again! Twin bolts of golden light struck Granny Grimfiddle, eliciting an ear-splitting shriek! Her reaction surprised Lenelle, as the Hag had proven resistant to other magical attacks.

Connie clucked her tongue. “Shameful slut! To disrespect an Elder so rudely!”The red haired Hag pointed at Lenelle. “Bhuhail Tinneas!” A sickening green light struck Lenelle, who felt a nauseous burning gnaw and twist her insides! She had only felt that awful after Irma’s brutal sneak attack. The Hag Coven weren’t trifling with her or her friends.

Jennet used the Hags’ preoccupation with Lenelle to prod Simon awake. He called to his newfound ally verbally and telepathically. A groggy Simon heard Jennet’s strident voice stir him from from his enchanted slumber.

Granny Grimfiddle glared at Lenelle and Skye. “Granny has another game for you girls to play! It’s called Fly, Fools, Fly!” With a malicious cackle, Granny waved her hand. Suddenly, Lenelle and Skye flew twenty feet through the air!

However, Skye had learned years ago how to take a tumble. She brushed herself off, aimed, and shot an arrow that hit Auntie Irma between her ribs! The old Witch’s scream brought a smile to her face. The old Hag retaliated with a vicious pettiness. “I like ham as much as human flesh!” She swiped at Skye’s Boar, raking its flesh in deep gouges!

OOC:

15:29, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 8 using 2d6.  Bashing damage on Fail.
15:28, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 15 using 2d8+4.  Slashing damage .
15:27, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  Irma slashing Boar.
15:27, Today: Connie rolled 4 using 2d8.  Poison damage .
15:26, Today: Connie rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  Ray of Sickness.

Lenelle, you’ll take 4 Poison damage from Ray of Sickness. Make a CON Save to avoid being poisoned for another round.

Lenelle and Skye need a CON Save Vs. Granny’s Lair Action. If you pass, you catch yourselves and land on your feet with no damage. Failure means taking 8 Bashing damage when you fall.

Simon, good news, you’re awake in the next round!

"Irma, really? It's only 'ham' if it's been cured to keep. If you bite it straight off the pig, it's just 'pork'. Don't even get me started on this 'long pork' nonsense, creeper. I'm starting to wonder if those pies were ever really any good at all."

“Granny and Auntie make yummy pies,” said Elise, who watched from the top step of the cellar ladder. Crumbs of pie crust we’re stuck on the corners of her mouth. Her little legs swung merrily, and she waved at “Princess Lenelle”.

Simon lifts his head with a groan, groggy from the magically-induced sleep. Taking in his surroundings, he mutters, "From one nightmare to another!"

When Irma attacks the boar, the warlock asks Jennet, "Is the pig on our side?"

Seeing that Connie is still standing, and knowing his Hex is still upon her, he points and speaks, "Mysticus", sending a blue-tinged bolt at the red-haired hag; but his aim is off and it splatters harmlessly against the wall.

---

Simon rolled 8 using 1d20+6 for Eldritch Blast.

Skye felt the flying through the air, concerned, but as chance had it, she righted herself mid air and landed on her feet and hand, a smile on her face. She drew an arrow in one fluid motion and let it fly, even as the boar, with gouges out of it's side, attacked the woman.

"Careful....this pork bites back!"

---

<Skye Keenshadow rolled 15 using 1d20+1.  con save.

Action - Fire arror at 'Irma'

Skye Keenshadow rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Attack - Shortbow.
Skye Keenshadow rolled 4 using 1d6+3.  damage - shortbow

Boar action - Attack 'Irma'

Skye Keenshadow rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  boar attack.
Skye Keenshadow rolled 10 using 2d6+3.  damage - boar attack.>

The first spell made Lenelle feel as though she would vomit --  she couldn't recall ever feeling so physically ill.

It left her then with little resilience with which to meet being flung rag-doll like by the next spell...

Lenelle Toreth rolled 9 using 1d20+4.  con save.  Sickening ray
Lenelle Toreth rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  con save. Total = 13; Sickening fling
Lenelle Toreth rolled 2 using 2d4.  favored by the gods.  But not much favor...

I've got 11 hp left; I'm probably down & out!

“Pelor, preserve these heroes!” At the top of the stairs stood a shaky Sundos, brandishing his Holy Symbol. His words quickened Lenelle and Simon with a sudden rush of vitality!


OOC:

I’m using my Channel Divinity to give Lenelle 9 HP and 1 HP to Simon.

 

"What? GAAAH! I thought the pig was with you!"

After attacking the mirror, Cela draws her attention to the many noises downstairs and heads towards them.

A surprise awaited Cela when she tried the door, but it wouldn’t open! At first, Cela assumed it was the age of the old house. A jammed door because a house inside an old tree had settled. However, she soon realized that another force was blocking her attempted entry!

OOC:

STR check vs. DC 20 to open the door.
 

Cela pulls at the door briefly before deciding that it won't open.

18:18, Today: Cela rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  door.

Cela heard the doorknob wiggle, but the door remained shut. She heard several choice Halfling curses. “Who’s out there?” Cela had hoped it was Traill, but realized that she heard Pockets on the other side of the door.

Irma’s eyes widened she saw Sundos at the top of the cellar stairs. “Granny, look! The Cleric is free, too!” Granny whipped her head to see, stomping and gnashing her teeth in fury. “Oh, horseshit! Sisters, we must regroup, quickly!”


OOC:

01:32, Today: The Dungeonmaster, on behalf of Sundos Brightblood, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Initiative .

Initiative

Lenelle
Connie
Jennet
Granny Grimfiddle
Skye
Simon
Auntie Irma
Sundos

"Sarraamosh help my aim..." the warlock muttered. He had no illusion that the genie was watching over him but it couldn't hurt.

Taking aim at Connie again, he points and speaks, "Mysticus", sending another blue-tinged bolt at the red-haired hag but again, it flies wide of its mark.

---

Simon rolled 10 using 1d20+6.

"Pockets?  It's Cela.  Can you open the door? it's stuck.

“Naw, I’m not strong enough! It’s a trick the lead Hag pulls. She just waved her hand and made the doors close by themselves! Nothing can open ‘em til she says so.” The doorknob rallied again. Then, Cela heard Pockets sigh.

“What about the Half-Orc and the Minotawhr*? Maybe they could break the door down!”

Suddenly, Cela heard a noise from behind!

Skye drew an arrow, her supply getting low, but her best option at the moment. She took aim and fired, the arrow flying wide of the target. She grimaced, but only for a second.

The skipping of the arrow off the wall, made the hag turn, causing an opening for the boar - which took full advantage of it, running full pelt into her, it's tusks goring the woman

The smile of satisfaction caused her to think - perhaps having an animal companion may be a good thing

---

<OOC: Action - Attack with shortbow

Skye Keenshadow rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Attack - Shortbow.

Boar action - Attack

Skye Keenshadow rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Attack - boar. <CRITICAL>

Skye Keenshadow rolled 13 using 4d6+3.  damage - boar attack.>

Cela turns around to face the new noise.

When Cela turned around, she saw Tara creeping furtively through the hall. What Tara saw of the Witch House reminded her of a perverted version of Sheila’s cottage. The herbs that hung haphazardly stank of mold and poison. The mustiness of the hall rankled Tara’s nose. Her keen eye from her arcane studies alerted her to the cursed nature of most of the knickknacks and artifacts. The house reminded her of one other, too.

While Tara pondered that thought, the tarnished bell caught her eye…
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:48, Sun 28 Nov 2021.

Tara started to reach for the bell, but stopped to meet Cela's eye.  What was going on?  What kind of help did she need...?

Cela responds to Tara, pointing at the door.  "The door's stuck, even Pockets can't get it open.  I think we need to break it.  Do you know what's going on downstairs?"

Bolstered and somewhat mended by Sundos' divine invocation, Lenelle again went on the offensive;  aiming another celestial bolt at the hag coven's leader.

However, the battering and poisoning she'd endured left her hand trembling, and her aim wanting...

Or was it the satisfying distraction of seeing the hag gored by one badass boar?

Lenelle Toreth rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  guiding bolt.

Any case, her power was waning.  Soon, she would be down to only cantrips.

"Ogres and golems out there," said Tara.  "...I could try and break the door with a spell, but it's a lot of magic and would be very destructive.  Get far away from it if you want me to try."

If they didn't have a way forward, well... she didn't know the spell to open locks, as yet.  But she did know a spell of destruction...

"You hear that Pockets?  Get away from the door.". Cela backs away.

“Alright, but you guys bettah hurry! The Witches are kicking your friends around their root cellah!”
This message was last edited by the player at 21:15, Tue 30 Nov 2021.

Jennet backed as far away from the bars of the cage as he could, and flung a couple more handfuls of his murderous hate at Connie.

15:33, Today: Jennet rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Main Attack. – [roll=1638311625.24454.361868]

15:34, Today: Jennet rolled 3 using 1d6+2.  Main Damage. – [roll=1638311670.15899.361868]

15:34, Today: Jennet rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Bonus Attack. – [roll=1638311643.06142.361868]

15:34, Today: Jennet rolled 3 using 1d4+2.  Bonus Damage. – [roll=1638311686.29202.361868]

OOC:

Initiative

Lenelle
Connie
Jennet
Granny Grimfiddle
Skye
Simon
Auntie Irma
Sundos




Lenelle cast another Guiding Bolt at Granny, but the celestial missile shot past the Hag. Connie chuckled at Lenelle’s misstep. “Yes, Granny! I know just the thing! Tee-here!” With a twinkle in her twitching eye, Connie said,
“ Bheith dofheicthe,” and shimmered ours of sight!

However, because of the mystical connections that Simon & Jennet formed with Connie, they still felt a tether of magical energy to the witch. Jennet lashed out with his psychic attack just as Connie vanished. Everyone heard a disembodied yelp of pain. The Hag stubbornly maintained the spell, though.

Granny nodded approvingly and followed suit. “Bheith dofheicthe.” With her utterance, the Coven leader also turned invisible. Still, a distinct glow outlined her unseen form, the remnant of Lenelle’s earlier successful attack.

Skye hastily fired another arrow at Auntie Irma and missed. Her Boar companion didn’t. “*SNORK*!” The Boar circled back and doubled its speed as it charged the decrepit old Witch! When the Boar struck, Irma yelled as it sent her flying across the cellar! She hit with a loud crash against the grisly work table!

Simon tried to press his attack against Connie, but cast his spell a few seconds too late. He missed as she vanished.

Auntie Irma scrambled to her feet. After the Boar hit her, it became apparent that she was the most hurt of the Coven. “Bheith dofheicthe!” She, too, disappeared with that invocation.

“Pelor, smite the witch!” Sundos gestured at where Granny last stood, but even with the sparkle, Pelor chose to withhold his favor that time. The Guiding Bolt hurtled into a wall.

Now, the companions were locked in a cellar with a trio of hurt and angry Hags who’d just turned invisible!

Lenelle with withdrew a vile of ink from her belt pouch, and then hurled it where she'd last seen Granny.

Unfortunately, her aim did not improve...

Lenelle Toreth rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  to hit - ink vile.

Well, it was time to act.  Tara attempted to Shatter the door!

This message was deleted by the player at 05:53, Wed 01 Dec 2021.

"Invisible! Lotha take these she-devils!"

Even though his curse is still on Connie, she is nowhere to be seen, yet Granny Grim was still glowing from Lenelle's spell.

"Mysticus!" Simon says pointing at the leader of the coven. "Take that you miserable, old cow!" he shouts as the bolt slams into the hag.

---

Simon rolled 26 and 26 (double-critical!) for 8+7 (force) +2 (thunder) total = 17 damage with EB + Genie's Wrath - ADV from Guiding Bolt.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:58, Wed 01 Dec 2021.

The halfling grimaced as the women faded from sight - even the boar paused, looking around in confusion. The huntress had learnt that to lose focus could cost lives, and also learnt that sometimes thinking of difference angles can yield answers. Bow in hand she looked around where she stood. A table sat not a step from her, pots, rubbish and old tools on it. At it's feet was a sack of sawdust. To the side, some old curled rope that smelt rotting.

....sawdust!

The halfling cracked a smile as she grasped the sack, and twirling, sent a shower of sawdust through the air.

It's just not my destiny to hit Granny with ink.  Or, not her fate, apparently...

Lenelle Toreth rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  to hit or roll to miss - ink vile.

Shatter damage is 20!

Jennet turns his focus to Granny.

14:14, Today: Jennet rolled 9,14 using 1d20+4,1d20+4, unique dice with rolls of 5,10.  First Attack. – [roll=1638911680.71456.361868]

14:15, Today: Jennet rolled 12,19 using 1d20+4,1d20+4, unique dice ((8,15)).

14:16, Today: Jennet rolled 16 using 1d4+2+2d6 ((3,5,6)).

16 psychic damage from the bonus attack, assuming the 19 hits.

Sundos fervently uttered another prayer to his beloved god. “O’ loving Sun Father, please Bless these brave souls in this battle against Evil!” He stretched out his hand toward Lenelle, Skye, & Simon as he Blessed them.

OOC:

I cast Bless on Lenelle, Skye, & Simon. They each get a 1d4 bonus on Attack rolls or Saving Throws.

Lenelle clutched a vial of ink and hurled it toward where she’d last seen Granny Grimfiddle. The vial hurtled through the air, and struck the cellar wall. Ink spattered the dusty floorboards. Connie cackled once, but bit down her laughter from her unseen position. The heroes heard soft footsteps in the dimly lit cellar, the telltale movements of the invisible Hag Coven.

Jennet didn’t give up, and grinned when he saw a faint sparkle where an old Witch’s head could be. He concentrated a psychic attack and jabbed at Granny’s aura. The Crone groaned in pain!

Perhaps Jennet’s psychic knife hobbled Granny Grimfiddle. She had avoided the vial of ink tossed by Lenelle. However, the psychic attack made her step in the ink pooled on the floor!

That meant Skye saw the inky footprints as she dashed for the bag of sawdust. With strength belying her petite form, Skye lugged the bag up and swung it in a circle! With a fierce cry, she threw the bag in Granny’s direction. The bag slammed into the Hag, and suddenly, everyone saw sawdust clinging to seemingly empty air!

Feeling emboldened by the turning tide, Simon invoked the protection of his new Elemental benefactor. A clap of rattled everything and everyone in the cellar! Granny cried out as the magical force hammered her. The Hag shimmered into view as Simon broke her concentration and ended her Invisibility spell!

“Charlatan! I’ll show some you some REAL Witchcraft!” Irma reappeared, glaring balefully at Simon. The old Witch pointed her bony finger at the Warlock. “Beithir!” A Lightning Bolt shit from her finger toward Simon…and Jennet!

A concerned Sundos prayed to Pelor to aid his companions. Suddenly, a hazy nimbus of sunlight surrounded Lenelle, Skye, Sundos, & Jennet! They felt a warmth as hope surged in their hearts! Even though the light quickly faded, they felt like they might finally have a real chance against the Hags!

OOC:

Granny took some hits, and consequently lost her Concentration on the Invisibility spell.

I’m involving DM Privilege and extending the Blessing to Jennet. All Blessed subjects get a 1d4 Bonus on Attack Rolls & Saving Throws.

Simon & Jennet will need that for their DEX Save Vs. Lightning, or take 8d6 Lightning damage! Half Damage on a successful save.

 
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:11, Thu 23 Dec 2021.

The floor underneath Tara & Cela’s feet shook as the young Witch prepared her spell. This only fortified Tara’s resolve, though! She spoke her words of power, and a BOOM temporarily deafened the women as Tara cast Shatter on the enchanted door. Although the plank with the doorknob remained stuck in place, her spell blew the rest of the door inward!

Grog & Azatch entered the hall just in time to see Tara blow up a door. Their ears rang, but now they could help their friends!

Simon glanced around the cellar, seeing Granny Grim and Irma, but not Connie, he chose to target Irma. But the lightning bolt forming on her hand shook his aim. "Not more lightning!" he muttered.

---

I'm assuming the lightning bolt was in a new round, as the hags all cast invisibility last round. So, if Irma dies before her turn in initiative, no lightning bolt? Or do I have this messed up?

Doesn't matter, missed again!
Simon rolled 9with EB.

Simon rolled 19 + 4 = 23 for his DEX save vs lightning bolt.

OOC:

19 Lightning damage on a DEX Save Fail. 9 Damage if successful.

Skye held some satisfaction as the sawdust hit it's mark, again picking up her bow, she took an arrow and took aim. she felt the warm nimbus, but the sawdust had her at a loss, and when she fired, missed her mark.

The boar, seeing granny, bpowed it's head and charged at the woman with a snort.

---

<OOC Action - Attack with shortbow

Skye Keenshadow rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  attack - arrow.
Skye Keenshadow rolled 3 using 1d4.  bless.

Bonus action - None

Boar action - Attack
Skye Keenshadow rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  attack - boar.
Skye Keenshadow rolled 6 using 2d6+3.  damage - boar. (if hit)>

Jennet blows his save, taking 19 damage. Leaving him at 11/30.

05:30, Today: Jennet rolled 9 using 1d20+4 ((5)).

05:30, Today: Jennet rolled 1 using 1d4.  bless. – [roll=1638966658.01026.361868]

Jennet leans heavily on the bars of his cage, sparks arcing between his tusks and smoke rising from his twitching flesh. "Golly, Granny," he wheezed, "if I'd known you were this much fun, I wouldn't have wasted so much time trying to butter up the other two."

"A mighty spell, Tara!" Grog calls out as he charges in. Seeing the cleric, the minotaur calls, "Sundos, where are they?"

The minotaur leaps down into the cellar, and drives his glaive into the nearest hags.

---

Movement of 30 ft; Grog will move into the cellar.

Grog rolled 19 for initiative.

Grog rolled 21 for 9+4=10 damage with his glaive on Irma.

Action Surge: second attack
Grog rolled 23 for 7 damage with his glaive on Irma if she is alive; else on Granny; or ignore this action if Granny is also invisible!.



[Edit: added Initiative roll and attacks and changed target to the visible hag!]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:13, Thu 16 Dec 2021.

Although Sundos looked a little rattled from the thunder, he gathered his wits enough to answer. “Hurry, Grog! Our friends are fighting the Witches down in the cellar!” Sundos pointed down the ladder.

Tara headed for the cellar...

Init is 16, Move is 30....

...it wasn't obvious who the best target was, but Granny seemed like a good choice.  Tara unleashed a blast of force missiles, in the hopes of disrupting whatever spells the witch might have unleashed!

I cast Magic Missile at the darknessWitch!

19:26, Today: Tara Inkfingers rolled 2,2,5 using 1d4+1,1d4+1,1d4+1 ((1,1,4)).

Not my best-- 9 Force damage-- but that's also 3 Concentration saves if she has any Concentration spells going.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Wed 15 Dec 2021.

Lenelle Toreth rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
Lenelle Toreth rolled 13 using 1d20+6.
Lenelle Toreth rolled 4 using 1d4.  bless.
Total attack roll = 17
Lenelle Toreth rolled 12 using 4d6.  damage - guiding bolt.
If it hits, then next attack on Granny will be advantaged.

Now far more heartened, victory truly seeming possible, Lenelle sent another shaft of light at the now sawdust bedecked Granny --  it would however be her last, ere she was afforded some time to rest...
This message was last edited by the player at 18:13, Wed 15 Dec 2021.

:23, Today: Cela rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  Init

Azatch shoved through the splintered door and dashed toward Sundos. “Ask your god to look the other way, because what I plan for those old bitches won’t be nice,” he growled. The Barbarian hurled his javelin with every intention of making good on his threat.

Too bad he missed.

“Aw, fuck!”


OOC:

19:08, Today: The Dungeonmaster, on behalf of Azatch, rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Initiative .
19:07, Today: The Dungeonmaster, on behalf of Azatch, rolled 7 using 1d20+6.  Javelin .


 

OOC:

01:08, Today: The Dungeonmaster, on behalf of Sundos Brightblood, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Initiative .
01:03, Today: Connie rolled 5 using 1d20+2.  Initiative .
01:03, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Irma’s Initiative .
01:02, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 9 using 1d20+2.  Granny’s Initiative .



Initiative order

Skye already attacked, so here’s the remainder…

Grog
Azatch
Tara
Lenelle
Irma
Sundos
Granny
Cela
Simon
Connie
Jennet

If I don’t see an Initiative roll by tomorrow noon, EST, you’ll go after Connie.

Grog & Tara can edit in their attacks on their Initiative posts.

 
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:34, Thu 16 Dec 2021.

"Finally!" Simon shouts in relief when Azatch and Grog appear in the increasingly cramped cellar.

He watches as Grog slams his massive glaive into Irma.

"Mysticus". Simon sends another blast of blue-tinged energy at any hag he can see.

---

Simon rolled 5 using 1d20+3 for Initiative.

Eldritch Blast
Simon rolled 22 for 9+5+2=16 damage.
Bonus: if Irma drops this round, move Hex to Granny - give Granny DIS on STR checks

[Edit: targeted Irma instead of the invisible Connie!]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:38, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

"Why, thank you, Simon, I don't mind if I do!"

Jennet steps regally out of the cage-- forgetting his shirt, unfortunately-- turns around, and bows to Simon with a flourish... flicking his wrist along Simon's line of sight, and flinging a couple of bolts of psionic energy at Granny. Perhaps, if he'd been paying more attention, they both might have found their home in her black heart.

14:48, Today: Jennet rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  MAIN HAND. – [roll=1639604911.6556.361868]

14:55, Today: Jennet rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  PSYCHIC DAMAGE. – [roll=1639605315.59596.361868]

Cela comes down the stairs and pounces directly on Granny, still mad from being turned into a housecat.


14:18, Today: Cela rolled 14,7 using d20+5,d4+3.  attack 1.
14:18, Today: Cela rolled 9,5 using d20+5,d4+3.  flurry of blows 1.
14:18, Today: Cela rolled 11,4 using d20+5,d4+3.  flurry of blows 2.

17:07, Today: The Dungeonmaster, on behalf of Cela, rolled 4 using 1d4.  Advantage, per DM.
Bonus from Sundos’ spell.


This message was last edited by the GM at 22:08, Thu 16 Dec 2021.

Sundos shuffled aside for Grog & Azatch’s attacks. He saw movement near the cage, and tried to bolster the efforts of his allies. “Pelor, please Bless these heroes in their noble fight!” When the Cleric cast Bless, Cela, Skye, & Lenelle felt a quickening of mind and body!

Then, Sundos summoned divine aid in the form of his Spiritual Weapon! “And I pray you smite the Hag!” A glowing mace of sunlight materialized near Granny and clobbered her!


OOC:

21:38, Yesterday: The Dungeonmaster, on behalf of Sundos Brightblood, rolled 14 using 1d8+6.  Force Damage .
21:38, Yesterday: The Dungeonmaster, on behalf of Sundos Brightblood, rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Spiritual Weapon .

Cela, Skye, & Lenelle get a 1d4 bonus to their next attacks.

Although Skye & her Boar missed, their attacks rattled the Hags enough to throw them off. Grog charged boldly toward the open hatch with a fearsome yell, jumping into the midst of the fray with the Coven! Irma’s eyes widened as the Minotaur raised his glaive. Powerful arms cleaved at the Green Hag, nearly slicing her torso in half with each swing of the mighty blade! Azatch was too eager and not as accurate with his attack. His javelin stuck in the wall over Jennet’s cage.

Tara joined Sundos at the top of the stairs. The young Witch quickly scanned the fight below, looking for the best way she could help her new companions. She decided for the most direct and foolproof attack. Uttering the power words, Tara unleashed three Magic Missiles on Granny! The darts of magical light zipped through the air and struck the Coven leader!

Emboldened by Grog and Tara’s success, Lenelle summoned her dwindling magical reserves and cast her remaining spell. The Guiding Bolt should have glanced off the resilient Hag, but again, something in Lenelle’s Celestial magic proved more efficient. Granny cried out in pain as the Boot slammed into her, writhing in agony from contact with the divine light!

Fear filled Irma’s eyes, the realization of knowing her end was near. Still, she remained true to her nature, determined to take as many of the heroes as she could with her! “Beithir!” A final Lightning Bolt crackled from her bony finger toward Grog & Azatch!

Sundos prayed for the grace of his loving god. Pelor heard the prayers of his faithful son. Divine grace quickened Cela, Lenelle, & Skye. The Priest didn’t stop with defensive magic, conjuring once more his Spiritual Weapon! A mace of Celestial Light hovered over Granny, before striking the evil Witch! As with Lenelle’s attack, the celestial energy hurt Granny as much as the force damage itself.

Granny resorted to her innate magicks. She cried out a power word in an unfamiliar language, conjuring three Magic Missiles that struck Lenelle! “I hope that HURT, you simpering priss!”

She wouldn’t have time to crow, though, as Cela pounced into her and knocked the crone off her feet! Granny barely fended off Cela’s furious Flurry of Blows as she raised spindly arms to protect herself. “AAAGH, off me, wretched tabby!”

Across the cellar, Simon heard a familiar chuckle as an invisible Pockets unlocked the cage! The Warlock scrambled out with a boyish chuckle of his own as he saw Grog rip into Irma. Simon wasted no time aiding the faithful Minotaur. He conjured an Eldritch Bolt of considerable force that broke Irma’s back! The Hag cackled softly, almost in disbelief, then slumped to the floor dead! Simon hadn’t forgotten the mastermind behind Deadwater’s troubles, either, as he Hexed the lead Hag!

“NO!” Granny Grimfiddle screeched her frustration over Irma’s death, which broke the power of her Coven. Jennet’s psychic attack further weakened the battered Hag. She dragged herself toward the darkest corner, her bruise-colored skin turning even darker as she retreated. Her eyes gleaned like wicked red coals against a tangled mess of jet black hair. “DAMN YOU ALL! May Cegilune & Iggwilv drag you all to the lowest reaches of Hell!”

Granny glared at each of the heroes, who despite their hard-won victory, cringed at the sheer malevolence in her eyes. “Enjoy this pittance of a win, and know that you just made an enemy for what remains of your pitiful lives. You may have broken up my Coven, but The Abattoir will devour you and everyone in that shithole of a town! EEE-YAH-HAA-HAAAA!”

With that cryptic threat, Granny Grimfiddle vanished in a burst of black smoke and brimstone! With the Coven broken, Connie faded back into view, looking once more like the curvy redhead they’d met in Deadwater. Her eyes pooled with tears as she held up her hands in a desperate plea. “Please…please spare my life! This was all Granny’s scheme. She forced me to help her and Irma! Please let me live and…and I’ll give you the benefit of my own humble magicks, I’ll share all that I know, if you just let me live!”

“Noooo, Granny! Auntie Irma!” Elise scrambled downstairs, rushing to Connie and throwing her arms around her “Auntie”. She sobbed as one whose heart was broken, and would never heal again.



OOC:


17:36, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 23 using 8d6.  Lightning damage .
17:29, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 8 using 3d4.  Magic Missile .

Grog & Azatch need a DEX Save or take 23 lightning damage.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You beat the Hag Coven!





 

Shaky, unsteady from the magical beating she'd endured, Lenelle stumbled -- caught herself, on whatever was steady and close. Which happened to be Grog.

With her free hand, she clutched at the spot where her ribs hurt the worst.  The pain was more than acceptable --  the enemy was defeated.  At least, for the time being...

Her body may have been shaky, but her grey eyes were clear, steady, and fixed upon the pleading Connie.   Not quite understanding, or sure -- a human then, who'd apprenticed herself to the hags?

"Your magics weren't at all humble when we dueled, Connie.   In truth - you've much explaining to do.  And, it'll be done under one of Sister Mercion's invocations, if I've anything to say about it! The kind that ferrets out lies.  And you'll begin by telling what was done to Elise!   If this is just a matter of a mistreated child, finding solace in rebellion -- or if some magic was used on her mind."

Tara regarded Connie cautiously.  There was no doubt that she wasn't to be trusted... but perhaps there was something to be gained there, as well.  Her stepmother had ingrained in her a need for learning, and as for associating with hags...

Well.

"...I also want to know what you mean about 'sharing what you know,'" she said.  "What do you actually know?"

Skye breathed heavily as the scene unfolded, the fall of the coven, the dispearance of granny and Connie and her pleading. In truth, Skye looked dead on her feet, barely holding up her bow bar sheer stubbornness. She walked down the steps and began retrieving arrows, sparing a kick for the fallen Irma, glaring at her. "Not so talkative now, huh?' she muttered.

The halfling dropped to the ground, and looked at the boar that aided her - the thought of a permanent companion appealed to her with the boars aide - perhaps it was time to look for a companion.

She sat down and closed her eyes - her injuries and sheer exhaustion taking it's tole. "I think i need to rest in an actual bed tonight - no wilderness sleeping for me. And a hot meal"

She looked at the summoned boar. "Perhaps fish, or venison. No pork for a bit for me." She nodded as the summoned boar came over to skye's side.

When Lenelle mentioned terms, Connie appeared most cooperative. “Yes, I will tell you what I know!” Connie nodded eagerly, hands clasped before her. “Thank you, O’ thank you for your mercy, Lady!”

When Tara spoke up, Connie turned, then frowned quizzically when she saw the petite woman. Puzzlement turned into a rapt curiosity, as Connie stared at Tara almost like one of the villagers she herself had beguiled. “We are not truly so different, you & I. You have known others like me…studied under one like me, haven’t you?”

Elise held onto Connie’s robe, sniffling as she cling to the Witch. Pockets materialized into view beside them. “Hey. You got the right idea, Princess. We should let Mercion and Sundos question this Hag. I wouldn’t trust the biddy as far as I can throw her!”

Nearby, the Boar grunted as Connie spoke. It scuffed a hoof on the floor as if it wanted to charge her. However, as soon as Skye collapsed, the Boar shuffled over beside her. Despite its own wounds, the enormous beast seemed more concerned for his mistress. It snorted in almost a relieved way when she mentioned forgoing pork in her diet.

While all this happened, Cela heard a buzzing of insect wings as her Pixie benefactor appeared. “You banished the Night Hag and slew one of her minions. Tabaxi, I now need your payment for restoring your true form.”

Jennet yawns and stretches, then retrieves his tunic from the hags' cage and lazily dresses himself. "So... I guess everyone else came here on purpose, yeah? I'm glad you came along, thank you very much for the rescue. Thanks."

He looks over at Skye. "Does she, uh, need help? I've got enough mojo left for one healing. And then..." he trails off, looking at... something... in the distance.

Grog's attention is taken by Granny and he fails to notice Irma casting her spell.

Picking himself up from the floor, singed and smoking, he watches as Simon's bolt of magic ends the hag's life.

He leans heavily on his glaive, exhausted and injured, listening to Connie grovel.

"I don't trust her. She manipulates children and consorts with evil."

---

Grog rolled 3 using 1d20+2 for his DEX save vs lightning bolt.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:01, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

"Thank you, Pockets!"

"If you can, Jennet, please do!"

"Nor do I," adds the warlock. "She repents only because it will save her miserable skin from the fate she deserves.

But, if the rest of you are intent on being fooled by her facade, I suggest we at least bind her arms and gag her, and take her back to Deadwater. If Mercion can coax the truth out of her, I will be happy to be proven wrong."

“Wait! You all traveled this far and risked much as guests in my home.” Connie beseeched Lenelle. “Surely you are curious about why these events transpired…or why your Magick hurt Granny the most?”

Skye looks at Jennet with narrowed eyes. "Save the healing. I'll be OK." As you look at her, you can see her wounds are healing naturally. The few cuts were as dying with blood and she was covered in bruises.

She looked at Connie with narrowed eyes, but then the boar came over, allowing a weak smile. "You saved our butts boy...." she placed a hand on the boars head with a quiet smile.

She then looked at pockets with a serious look. "You...come here rogue."

Lenelle, who was at least as injured, made no requests.   Given rest, she would mend her own wounds.  She glanced at Skye; the ranger's affinity for the wondrous boar, and at last open affection toward Pockets.   She smiled faintly, briefly, ere her attention returned to Connie.

"My sentiments are much the same as Simon's." She regarded Connie more closely, glancing down at Elise as well.

"But, aye; I am curious," she nodded. "So tell us, then -- why did this happen?" 

She wasn't as worldly as most of the others; no disputing that.  But Lenelle wasn't naive.  And this was a 'give'em enough rope' tactic.   Waiting to see if Connie would try to foist some load of donkey dung, right out the gate...

Lenelle Toreth rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Insight - Connie
Lenelle Toreth rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Insight - Elise
This message was last edited by the player at 16:44, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

Connie licked her lips and nodded slowly. She held out her hands where all could see them. The witch appeared to consider her words with painstaking care. Although none had any reason to trust her, Lenelle sensed that Connie was choosing her words carefully as an act of caution. “Remember the last words that Granny spoke? Her warning? I dare not even repeat the name she spoke, lest I draw even more of their attention!”

She slowly shook her head. “It would not end well for any of us, that I can assure you.” Lenelle sensed an even greater fear than that of death at her party’s hands. Connie held up a finger, “Wait! There is a book here that could explain even better than I could. Your Tabaxi Champion passed it in the hall…I think.”

Connie gestured upstairs. “What you read might confuse you at first.” She hastily added, “Not because of any curse, but because it is written in a Witch’s code. There are few spells…but of greater value will be a most detailed record of our Coven’s activities here.”

While Connie desperately appealed to Lenelle, Elise released Connie’s waist and looked up at Lenelle. “Granny Grim promised me that you and Cela would be my playmates forever. But you chased her away! I thought you were a nice Princess, but you’re just rotten.” The child stared up at Lenelle with dead eyes that chilled her to the core.

The Faery who’d appeared beside Cela flitted near Lenelle. He was a tiny Fey much smaller than any Pixie that she’d ever heard about. His tiny features were delicate and prettier than most males would ever have any right to be. ”O’ Gracious Lady, you answered my plea. You and your boon companions saved my tribe from the nasty Hags.” The Fey gave a small bow. Then, he glanced at Cela with an urgency in his gaze.

Tara wasn't sure what to make of all this.  She felt a certain kinship with Connie, but... her actions had been evil.  What was going on?  She kept silent, unsure what the others would make of all this.  She didn't want to over-step her bounds.

Simon looks to Cela, "What is that pixie going on about? What payment is he demanding? Isn't destroying this coven enough?"

Then his gaze turns to Tara. "What could you possibly have in common with this...this...bitch born from hell's own spawn?"

Then finally he looks at Connie with contempt, "And you, you waste of life...what spell is on this child? How can it be broken?"

"We both use magic," Tara pointed out, quickly, out of habit and instinct.

But then she sighed.  This might go over badly, but worse still to lie about it and have the truth come out later.  Not discussing it was one thing, but she would not, could not deny her stepmother's existence.

"...and after my mother died, well, eventually my father remarried," she said, softly.  "Black Mariah is a Swamp Witch-- what you'd call a Green Hag in these parts.  Father agreed to marry her, but only if she promised to treat his children as her own, to love us and protect us and teach us and never harm us.  And, oh, she kept that promise.  And she saw the talent in me, and she taught me a few tricks, and encouraged me to learn more."

"Every family's a mixed blessing. Sorry to hear about your ma," Jennet consoles her, eyeing Simon carefully. He continues, tentatively, "Sure am glad I was rescued by such kind and understanding people as wouldn't hold circumstance against you."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:06, Sun 19 Dec 2021.

“How many Orc-Blooded bastards are there in this gods-damned swamp?” Azatch chuckled, then hissed at the burn where the lightning struck. “A good pain. To remind me not to trust that conniving Swamp Witch who cowers now that we have the advantage.”

Azatch spat near Connie’s foot. Then, he looked Tara in the eye, staring down at the petite Witch. “I won’t hold your circumstances against you, Inkfingers. Even if you are Hag-Touched. Your actions in the fights speak louder than your words. That you told us the truth about your stepmother says we can give you a chance.”

The Pixie buzzed around Simon on dragonfly’s wings. He bopped the end of Simon’s nose. Mind manners, Warlock! This business between Monk & Twigbit!”

Simon scowls, "Mysti...No..." he interrupts himself mid incantation.

The warlock takes a deep breath, and slowly exhales.

"No doubt your business is with Tara...Twigbit, was it? But Tara is with us, and if she wishes...her business is our business.

And right now, our most pressing business is what to do with this...this...hag dressed in illusions and how to remove the curse on that child.

When that is resolved then Twigbit's business with Tara can be resolved," he says, looking straight in the eye of the wizard.

Then he adds. "I'm not keen on hags at the moment, but actions outweigh circumstance," and he gives Tara a nod in recognition.

"Azatch is right about the girl, she fought valiantly, for a wizard."

Wispy tendrils of smoke continue to rise from the minotaur's body.

"I need to rest for short time, to regain my strength. Do as Simon said, truss up this hag-in-training. Then we can decide whether we return to Deadwater or if we hunt the Granny."

”No, no, no!” Twigbit shook his head furiously, scattering pixie dust all over the floor. ”Not with young Witch. With Cat Monk!”

While Twigbit protested, Pockets caught a handful of pixie dust in a pouch. Then, he limped over to Skye. “Hey. How ya doin’, lady?” The Halfling smiled warmly at the intrepid Ranger. “You want I should call Mercion with my Sending Stone?”

Lenelle was surprised at Tara's revelation, initially.   But then, it made a great deal of sense on several levels.

Back home, she'd experienced prejudice and persecution for a lineage as relatively common as Elvish blood.   She certainly wasn't going to offer Tara any, after she'd already proven her integrity in a number of ways.

And Connie...first, she'd offered to explain, then back pedaled, and now it was all supposedly about this book.  And perhaps it was.   But, she wasn't going to take risks with it personally, right here and right now.

She asked of Sundos: "Can you inspect the book for curses, and emanations of evil?  If it has none, then I think we should bag it up, and take it to Mercion.  Or have Tara look at it, if she understands this 'witch's code,' and feels safe doing so."

A sorrowed look was in her eyes once Elise addressed her, knowing there was little that could be done for her right now. "I'm sorry, Elise.  But Granny lied to you, in so many things.   You have been badly tricked, and perhaps enspelled."   

Addressing Connie:  "Are you then the same that Tara is -- a half breed? Is that what's being alluded to, here?   Any rate, the best you can hope for is that the others won't stop me from seeing you placed in Mercion's custody, instead of meting out summary justice.   I wouldn't push my luck, if I were you."

To Simon:  "Hey, don't you remember the repast that was set out for us --  that some of us partook of, and benefited from, when we first came in?   That was Twigbit and his folk who did that for us!  He's no enemy -- and I'm sure his business with Cela is nothing to her detriment.  If she agreed to something for taking his aid, then that debt should be honored, as long as it's fair and reasonable."

All of that done and said, Lenelle began making her way upstairs to find Phoebe...
This message was last edited by the player at 23:51, Sun 19 Dec 2021.

As pockets approached Skye had a weak, warm smile. She 8ndicated he come closer and when he did she leaned in....

...and slapped him across the head (lightly)

Her expression hardened, but not one of anger, more irritation. "What in the nine Hells! I tried to call you but you didn't reply. I found part of your cloak and blood - 8 thought you got your fool ass killed!" she pushed him away (again lightly.

She frowned at him. "....then that hag took your form and you....nevermind. You do some foolish thing like that again and I'll personally kick your ass from here to the southern sea."

She stood up, the boar snorting at her side.  She came in and briefly hugged him, then separated again. "Glad your not dead....I want that satisfaction myself." she looked a little self conscious and blushed a little, then snorted. "Bah....let's go, I need some rest."

*Smack* “HEY!” Pockets feigned pain as he rubbed his head. “Hey, Hey, HEY!” He couldn’t keep up his act, though, and broke into a boyish grin. “I’m glad you’re okay, too, Pretty Lady. I couldn’t see it til the end, but I heard you and your pals giving those nasty Witches hell!”

It was obvious to him that Skye’s gruffness masked a practical concern. “Sorry about scarin’ ya. When I saw the little girls wandering off, I had to look out for ‘em. The Hags worked me over so good—and watched me too closely—that I couldn’t ‘talk’ much.” That admission reminded Pockets that he owed a little payback. He ran over to Connie, and kicked her shin!

“I owe ya for that beat down you and your Hags gave me!” Pockets stuck out his tongue, then rushed back to Skye. “The Coven was pissed at all ‘a you guys for meddling, but they really had it OUT for you two!” He pointed at Lenelle & Simon.

Shaking his head in reproach for Connie’s transgressions, Pockets pointed at her. “You lived among us. Pretended you was a friend of the people of Deadwater, all while you plotted their misery. I can’t stop these guys from ending you…and you would deserve it. But I think the people of Deadwater oughta have a say in whatevah happens to you.”

Pockets stared at Connie through narrowed eyes for a heartbeat. Then, he turned back to Skye. “Let’s get ya to Mercion for some healin’. She’ll take care of your boar’s wounds, too. There’s a frightened little girl up there we need ta get back home.”

"...I think taking her to the townsfolk might be the most just," said Tara.  "But it might be important to listen to what she has to say.  If she helps us, perhaps... well, I wasn't one of the wronged.  I don't think my desires should overrule those who were harmed by her."

She gave Lenelle a weak smile.

"Not a half-breed," she said.  "Mariah is my stepmother.  But to be touched by one of them, taught by one, blessed by one... the touch does change you.  They don't all start off as what they are now, I'm told.  That's not the path I choose to follow, but I recognize it."

Skye looked at pockets, trying to stay angry at him, but despite his stupidity and foolishness, he was being protective and noble. Skye noddedat Tara's words....in truth she didn't care what happened to Connie- she was too exhausted.

As she walked, she gave pockets a small kiss on the cheek. "Your getting all noble on us rogue - careful, you may grow to be decent" she smiled, then gave him another small slap on the cheek for good measure. "Don't get ideas....my exhaustion has me feeling a bit emotional. I'll still kick your ass for the stone though."

She started walking, the boar by her side, mumbling something about change, trust and rogues with hearts

"What? Of course, Cela, that's what I meant. My brain's a bit addled from all of the lightning bolts that have hit me today.

Can you explain what it is you want Cela to do for you? What I said before stands...Cela's business is our business...if she wants us involved that is.

But, she needs...we all need...to rest and recover from this battle."

Looking at the former-hag, he adds. "It's better than you deserve...if you want any kind of mercy you had better start to show some contrition...and you can start by explaining very quickly what magicks were used on Elise. And what secrets might Granny have left in this place?"

Looking at Grog and Azatch, he asks "Can you truss up Connie so she can't move her arms and gag her so she can't speak?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:46, Fri 15 July 2022.

Connie nodded with an obsequiousness in her face that sickened Simon. “The Book holds all the answers. When you read the pages, you will understand.” She pointed while her hands remained untied. “Upstairs. I think it ended up in the hallway.”

The questions about Elise made her wince. “As for the child…it is more than magic that makes her as she is.”

Cela speaks up.  "The witch turned me into a housecat when she captured Skye and Simon. I couldn't help the others in that condition, and Twigbit changed me back to normal in exchange for a favor.  I'll hear it out now."

Twigbit nodded with a self-satisfied smile. ”She-Cat right! Twigbit made her walk on hindlegs, tho’ she made beautiful four-leg cat.” He sounded a little regretful about giving Cela her true form back.

”Elf-Blood Princess right, too. Twigbit & tribe left feast, and note, for her because we know she great and special Sorceress! Worried when nasty Witches captured her, but even then, her Champion still came for her.” Twigbit’s pixie dust gleamed with a golden sparkle that reminded onlookers of the midday sun.

Not even nasty Witches could stamp out Cat-Monk’s courage. Twigbit changed her back in exchange for favor. Need debt paid now.” It seemed impossible that any word spoken by the tiny Fey could hold such weight, but the listener felt almost crushed as he spoke it.

Twigbit floated between Simon and Elise, staring intently at the child. ”Little girl act naughty because she not human child.” His head shook purposefully. ”She Changeling.”

When Tara heard “Changeling”, she felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She knew enough about the Fey to know that Twigbit didn’t refer to the shapeshifting race. Tara recalled Black Mariah’s “bedtime story” of human children being stolen by Hags, stolen or worse, leaving behind imitators that eventually transformed into fully grown Hags.

Twigbit’s sparkle dimmed when he uttered his next words. ”Heroes & villagers will kill nasty Witch. But Cat-Monk must kill Changeling, else she turn into Hag one day, and threaten all in this land.”

"Oh." Cela says.  She sees Tara's reaction to see if that might be true.  "Twigbit, if that's true, is it enough to take her far from here?  Our ship is leaving this land soon."

”No. Hags live long and reach far. End threat now, while it’s weak.”

Grog is carefully tying Connie's hands behind her back, making sure that she will not be able to slip out of the bonds.


Grog's eyes go wide at the pixie's pronouncement. He jerks Connie so she is facing him and lifts her off the ground! "Is this true? Is Elise not Miriam's daughter?"

---

Hoping a STR (Intimidation) might fit here!
Grog rolled 12 using 1d20+4 for STR (Intimidation).

Connie allowed Grog to bind her, only reacting when Twigbit demanded Elise’s death. “NO!” The Hag squirmed in Grog’s grasp, not to escape, but to reach Elise. She couldn’t break Grog’s grasp yet, as he jerked her off her feet. Even when he spin her around to face her, Connie’s eyes remained locked on Elise.

“Don’t hurt her!” When Grog shook Connie, she reluctantly turned away from the child. She sputtered at first, but finally answered him. “Elise is not Miriam Greaves’ child.” Her eyes darted back and forth anxiously, between Geog and Elise, and back to Grog again. “Elise is my child.”

Elise cried out when Grog shook Connie. “You leave Aunt Connie alone!” Her little fists beat weakly against Grog’s leg. It looked uncertain if the child had heard Connie’s confession or not. “Let Aunt Connie go!”

“What do you mean the child is yours?!” Azatch lumbered toward Connie, firmly nudging Elise aside. He nearly pinned Connie against Grog as he got in the old witch’s face. “How deep do your foul schemes against those people run, Hag?!”

Although Azatch had along ago distanced himself from Deadwater, he suddenly wondered how much of a role Connie played in the sorrows he’d known as a child. “Your Coven took a perverse interest in the Redfern clan.” His eyes darkened as he looked over Connie, his voice a basso snarl. He grabbed her face and forced her to look him in the eye.  “You visited curses of disease upon their people.

Adele Redfern.

 Did you kill her, too?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:08, Tue 21 Dec 2021.

Lenelle turned from what she had been set upon doing, once the revelations began to tumble out.    Her mouth was slightly agape, till she closed it, and fixed Connie with the same look she had earlier:

"Thus far, you've been evasive.  You allude to this and that, say one thing, and then change your tune. As someone does when they're lying, and inventing crap as they go!   I warned you not to press your luck.  I was not in jest.   Personally, I'm about ready to gag you, and be done with it!" 

"Though of course, you will answer Azatch's question first."  Adele Redfern -- Joshua's and Jason's mother?

She then went to Twigbit --  "I don't understand -- a changeling?  You mean a hag child who replaced a human child, at some point?  Are you saying both Connie and Elise are full blood hags, then?  Are you certain, if so?"   
This message was last edited by the player at 01:52, Tue 21 Dec 2021.

”Aye, Lady! Hags both. The older one a schemer. Truth wends and weaves from her mouth. Kill both to be safe.”

Lenelle said something unladylike under her breath.    If anyone caught it, it was the sole time they had heard her swear.

She turned, pushed a hand through her hair, let go a breath.   Then looked to the others, back at Twigbit.

"We can't kill a child.  It would make us no better than them.  How about...banishing them both -- somewhere?"     

“You’ve little reason to trust me, Elf-blood, but do you not also feel ire because you believed in the child’s innocence? You sought to save her from her our corruption, and learning that she is one of us hurts you profoundly.” Connie tried to meet Lenelle’s eyes from between the powerful  Fighters who held her. “The circumstances of her birth are what you would call ‘Evil’, yes. The child herself has not yet committed any evil so great that you must destroy her! This was little more than a game to her, what she knew of it. Granny saw to that much.”

Her face softened, and despite her grimy appearance and sickly green skin, she looked every bit the hapless old woman. “Find a third way, Lenelle. Do you walk the Right Hand Path or that of the Left Hand? As you say, you cannot murder a child for sins not yet committed.”

Cela tells Twigbit.  "Lenelle is right, I can't kill an innocent child.  For one, if I did what you asked, I'd lose my connection to Ki."  Cela isn't sure that would happen, but it's possible.

"I've heard people say all Tabaxi are evil.  All Lizardfolk.  All Orcs.  All Fae.  I was taken in by what the king called an evil race when I was orphaned.  I don't believe any thinking race is all evil.  If you want us to remove her from this town, to find her a mentor... I can help you."

She pauses and kneels.  She puts her bag on the floor - best to not have all her possessions transform if it's going to happen again.

"If what I can do isn't good enough, you'll have to change me back.  I couldn't speak when I agreed to your bargain, and I think you knew I wouldn't have agreed if I knew what it was."

(in reply to Connie)

"Aye - we will find another option!" Lenelle concurred with that much.

"We've done harder things. Such as breaking your corrupt coven!  We'll work something out.  Several of these people are among the cleverest I've ever known. But, let me tell you -- I will not have morality preached to me by one of your kind!"   

Lenelle took a cloth from her belongings, drew her dagger, and cut a thick strip.  And, unless anyone stopped her, went and gagged Connie...
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Tue 21 Dec 2021.

"And, Cela stays as she is!" she told Twigbit. "If you truly regard me as you say you do, this is my strong wish.  I promise you --  we'll find some way to ensure the child isn't a threat.  I give you my oath on that." 

“I’ve killed in battle, and I’ll spill blood again.” Azatch cut a look at Connie that promised a most blood-drenched death. Then, he gave Lenelle a nod that showed his solidarity. “I’m not in the habit of murdering unarmed little girls, whatever they might grow up to be.”

His eyes narrowed as he looked at Twigbit. “And if you try to turn Cela back into a housecat because she won’t dishonor her Monastery’s vows, I swear to Grumsh I’ll pluck your wings!”

“Perhaps there is indeed another way?” Sundos had watched quietly while holding up his Holy Symbol and whispering a quick prayer. Simon and Grog felt some vitality flow back into them. When talk of killing a little girl arose, Sundos finally stood and spoke.

“The Witch has committed many grievous acts of harm against the people of Deadwater. She will pay for those sins. I cannot say that Elise should pay for the sins her Hag-Mother perpetrated, though. She has lived among humans, known the care of a human mother. If Tara can be raised by a Hag and turn out good, why can’t Elise be raised by humans and learn to be good herself?”.


OOC:

Grog & Simon regain 5 HP apiece from “Channel Divinity: Preserve Life”.

Let me know if anyone else needs healing.

OOC:

22:36, Today: Sundos Brightblood rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  Persuasion on Twigbit.

Persuade Twigbit.

Tara gave Twigbit a suspicious look.

"There's no call to harm a child," she said.  "Regardless of her blood, she can be raised right, and become a blessing to the world.  If humans can be corrupted, then likewise this child can be raised well."

"Gods preserve!" Grog voice is a hoarse whisper. He slowly lets Connie's feet touch the floor again, but his grip on her does not loosen.

"Do you think it's possible Sundos? And would Miriam take her back knowing what she is? Would the people of Deadwater let her live amongst them knowing the truth?"

"Hakiyah you are profaned by number of lies and falsehoods spoken today!" Simon apologises to his homeland's goddess of honesty and truth.

"Obfuscation by omission is no better than outright lies!"

Simon looks at Twigbit, "Pixie what proof can you offer that Elise is hag-born and not ensorcelled?"

Turning to the hag, a look of contempt on his face, "And you, how do we believe you now when all you have offered is deception, betrayal, and lies upon lies?"

"Grog sees through all the platitudes and misplaced optimism. Even if this...this...social experiment would prove successful...how will the people of Deadwater treat this child, knowing she will grow into THAT!" he points at Connie.

"At best they will shun and mistreat her, at worst they will kill her at the first opportunity. And if they don't she will grow to despise the people of Deadwater and five years from now another coven will begin.

I don't pretend to have the answer. The pixie's solution puts the greater good above that individual...but I will have no part in executing a child, my heart is black enough."

Simon leans against the wall, still weak from the battle. "Falsa vita."

---

Simon is at 3 of 18 hit points.
Casts False Life: Simon rolled 6 Temp Hit Points.

“I…cannot say how Miriam will bear this new sorrow.” Sundos sighed heavily, and ruefully shook his head. “She has lost her husband, and now, we learn that she also lost her daughter. Mercion and I will minister to Miriam as best we can. With Pelor’s grace, mayhap she could find it in her heart to maintain contact with Elise.”

Sundos closed his eyes. Hand on his heart, he softly murmured a prayer. “May the Sun Father ever shine on us.” Then, he opened his eyes. “Whatever we decide—and I beseech you all to find another way besides killing—know this much. When Amara’s ship leaves…I will not sail with you. Deadwater suffered enormously these last several years. One tragedy after another. The people need healing, and they need more protection. I intended to remain at Mercion’s temple.”

A beatific smile on his face, Sundos continued. “If Miriam will not take Elise back, then the child can remain with me at the Temple. I will devote my life to protecting the village….and helping this little one find the righteous path.”

OOC:

Sundos restored 5 HP for you through his “Preserve Life” trait.

While they debated, Gwyll hooted insistently upstairs. Tara realized that her familiar needed her. They all heard Pockets upstairs, trying to console Phoebe. “Hey, hey, little one. We’re gonna get you home to your Mama & Papa. I promise.”

Nearby, Connie dangled from Grog’s hands. Now gagged, she couldn’t answer. Her eyes followed each speaker as they argued. Although seemingly mostly penitent, her eyes still narrowed slightly at Simon’s verbal jabs. The Hag remembered her lack of leverage, though, and regained control of herself.
Elise had wandered into a nearby corner and huddled. She wrapped her arms around her legs, watching them quietly with wide dark eyes.

Skye listened as the group discussed what was to happen. She rolled her eyes with a sigh. "Let's stop flapping our lips and get back to deadwater. We won't kill this child, no matter what the fey bug wants of us. Let's take the child, let the cleric take her on, and the town the hag...now lets search this place, get the other child and get the hells out here. I need a drink."

She grumbles as she starts searching the area, mumbling about tall folk and their need to talk.

"I... uh... don't have anywheres to go, and I was wondering if I could come with you?" Jennet suggests. "But I was... uh... also kinda running from Deadwater when I fell into this honey trap and... He takes a long pause, deep in thought. "Strength in numbers, and all that, but I don't wanna get you in more trouble."

"A moment, please," said Tara.

She went upstairs to check on Gwyll... and the child and Pockets, although she didn't really know them.

And there, she found a tome, and, being a wizard and a Scribe, she of course took it.  Her curiosity overpowered other considerations, but of course she'd take great care before actually opening it...

"You stood with us," Lenelle said to the other half-orc.

"We won't forget that.  And, we've a certain amount of clout in Deadwater.  I'm betting we can smooth things out for you.   Er, assuming whatever you did wasn't way over the top, I mean?"

"Anyway, Elise should not go back into Miriam's care.  Even while I thought Elise was human, I recognized Miriam's ill treatment of her was a big issue.  If the child is to be swerved to the light, she is not the one to do it.  Sundos, on the other hand," she smiled fondly at the priest, impressed with just how big his heart was to make such an offer.

She lowered her voice, and added for him, "But, you must be careful, and progress with your eyes open.  The child is not completely innocent.  Several times, I've seen her take a Hag like delight in the injury or suffering of others.   There is already an unkindness that is part of her nature.  I hope Tara is right;  that nurture will overcome nature.  But, you must be watchful." 

"Now -- I agree with Skye.  Let's go get a drink! After Tara retrieves the book."
She was rather sure, the scribe-wizard had not forgotten that, and it was certainly best to be in her keeping.

And, if we need a last persuade roll for T-bit from a player:

 Lenelle Toreth rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  persuasion.

Not even a stubborn Fey could deny the best arguments of the most charismatic members of the party. Twigbit cocked his head to the side as he considered their pleas. ”Hmmm.”

Suddenly, a trio of miniature Pixies flew into the room. Two of them looked like the most beautiful women of doll-like proportions. One a lilac hue with a sleek curtain of violet hair with black lowlights. She wore a flowing chiton the color of an orchid. Like Twigbit, she flew on dragonfly wings. The other female was a soft pink with rosy half-tunic and curls the color of the morning sun and butterfly wings.The final was a male who wore a loincloth made of green leaves. His skin was a greenish-good like new Spring grass.

Twigbit communicated with them in what sounded like the tinkle of tiny bells, whistles, and bumblebee buzzes. When they finished their council, Twigbit broke away with a definitive nod. He approached Cela and Sundos. ”Terms fair. You get 7 years to raise child. If she good, we do nothing. If she become nasty Hag, Cat-Monk—or another in her place—must return and slay Hag. Those our terms.”

Twigbit hovered near Cela with an anticipatory grin. ”We all agree that you make beautiful cat, but know you want to walk upright. Our Queen approve this gift: now you do both.” A choker of orange and dark brown knots popped into Cela’s hand in a burst of tiny flower petals. ”When you put on, you become cat again. Just scratch three times when you want to walk on 2 legs again.”

A silken bag manifested in Lenelle’s hand. ”You sought to help Twigbit’s people. We free from Hags because you not forget us. Bag of Pixie Dust let you and few friends fly. Only short time, though. You be careful.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:07, Wed 09 Feb 2022.

Meanwhile, Tara inspected the Hag’s Tome. While it wasn’t a true “Book of Shadows”, she knew it still held enormous value to the group. Her tutelage under both Mariah and Sheila taught her the tricks to disarming any traps a Hag would set on the Book. When Tara opened the Book, she found an scrawling on the pages that seemed nonsensical at first. Could she decipher the code?

OOC:

Tara, make an Arcana Check with Advantage AND a +2 Bonus.

Simon, you can also make an Arcana check with Advantage to find any magical goodies.

Azatch tugged on Connie. “Let’s take her upstairs, Grog. We should keep an eye on the sorry old bitch while we toss the place.”

...11.  Sheesh.

Tara found the pages confusing at first. It vexed her because she should have figured out Hag Code easily. She’d almost hurled the book across the room when the first spell caught her eye. A spell highly valued by Witches, especially the Hag variety—Summon Fey Familiar. Once she transcribed the spell, she deduced the hidden pattern in the text!

The Hags had written a journal in a circular pattern on each page! Each page began in the upper left corner and moved down the page, spiraling counterclockwise to an eventual end in the center of each page. Tara found a total of 7 spells, but uncovered something of even greater value. The Book documented the actions of the Coven and documented a history of Deadwater that began with their first act against the people, included the arrival of the heroes and their own experiences in Deadwater, and ended eerily with Tara reading about her own discovery of the Code!
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:47, Tue 21 Dec 2021.

Grog nods at the half-orc's suggestion, he uncorks his jug and takes a mighty swig from it. "I too need a refill!

Grog will keep his glaive to the back of Connie's neck as she climbs the stairs ahead of him.

Simon laughs. "Of course you were. While I don't carry the clout in the town that Lenelle does, I'm sure that as a member of this group you will be afforded a level of respect for helping with this coven."

Simon will help to methodically, inspect the cellar and then move upstairs.

"If any of you can detect for magic or see through illusions that would help us find anything that might be of value.

Lenelle, perhaps you can ask Connie to point out anything that might of use to us, or dangerous to leave behind?"

The warlock has maintained a more civil demeanour that the group has ever seen, but he feels that he is reaching the breaking point when it comes to the hag.

---

Simon rolled 22 for Arcana check with ADV.

Investigation and Perception if needed:
Simon rolled 5 for Investigation.
Simon rolled 19 for Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:47, Fri 15 July 2022.

While Simon searched, he saw that the Hags kept a cluttered, even dirty, house. Dust covered the floors and shelves. A motley collection of vials, small boxes, and jars of varying sizes lined shelves nearly every shelf. A trained eye recognized esoteric items of value and danger alike. A larger jar is filled with a gigantic eyeball floating in viscous liquid.

The eye follows you wherever you walk.

Of particular interest to Simon was a shrunken hag’s head on the top shelf of a rickety bookcase. A black candle was on the next shelf below. Simon remembered learning about a Black Candle of Darkness In his studies. He would need a closer examination of the head.

Not far away, Skye found a picnic basket filled with an amazing amount of sweets! She’d also find an origami bat that exuded faint magical power. Before she could stop her, Phoebe had jammed a strawberry tart in her mouth. Nothing happened when she ate it.

OOC:

There’s more to find! Does anyone else want a Search roll?

Grog leaves Connie under Azatch's watch for a few minutes as watching the others poke around the house has made him curious.

""What exactly are we looking for?"

Once he has some guidance he will join the search.

---

Grog rolled 20 for Perception.
Grog rolled 9 for Investigation.

“If you can’t find any proof of Coven activity against Deadwater, then do as Simon said, and make certain that we leave nothing dangerous behind.”

Grog found six vials that he immediately recognized as Potions of Healing. Another vial held a gassy liquid identical to the one that the Hags used to belch the stinky clouds. A basket of children’s bones sat atop one of the kitchen tables.

“Hags live a loooong time. Some even longuh than dragons or elves! I bet they’ve got a lotta interesting things hidden around here!” With Pockets egging Skye on, she utilized the best of her Ranger and Halfling senses. A careful poke in a wardrobe revealed a hidden closet. Inside were three chests of descending size.

The largest chest held 227 pieces of Gold. The medium sized box held 40 pieces of Silver. A small jewel box held 20 emeralds.

When Simon searched the hall, he saw the gold chain necklace and the tarnished bell ignored by the women earlier. As his hand hovered over the chain, he heard a soft whisper on a warm breeze. ”Nay. Not that one, my beneficiary.” Certain etchings on the bell caught his eye.

In addition to the spells, Tara found a recipe for what she thought was a potion.

Tara read the book, fascinated.  What were the secrets here?  Next to her, her own book opened, and a quill pen manifested, helping her take notes... Yes, that was of value.  Oh, yes.  Secrets of the fey?  Certainly.  Ah, the implications of that... Hm.  Symbolism.  Colors?  No, it was in the marginalia-- the fingers of the figures, pointing to words and letters here and there, and in the border!

Yes, that was it!  That was the key!  And her notes trailed on and on and on...

Through diligent pursuit, Tara uncovered the secrets of the Hag Coven and Deadwater. The journal began with an entry detailing a night over twenty years ago. The night a human barkeep named Benny approached the remote dwelling of Auntie Murky Constance Toadtwitcher. Benny worked for Robert Blackmoor, the owner of The Sulphir’s Spit. He lusted after the business and Robert’s wife, Sheila. Auntie Constance offered the greedy Benny a bargain—she would poison Robert in exchange for a Benny stealing a newborn infant from the town.

Benny chose the newborn daughter of Harald & Miriam Greaves. When Benny brought the baby, Connie crafted a straw effigy that afflicted Robert with a poisoning of his blood. She attempted to bewitch Sheila for Benny, but the woman turned out to be a Hedgewitch in her own right. Though Sheila wasn’t powerful enough to save Robert, she could protect her own heart and mind from the Hag’s enchantments. Instead, Connie settled for a long term game of poisoning the townsfolk against the increasingly suspicious Sheila.

Auntie Constance also devoured the Greaves babe, giving birth to her own weird child in the bizarre manner of most Green Hags. Constance left her own child to be raised by an unsuspecting Miriam. The Hag began visiting the village in her human guise to ensure the child would come of age in her 13th year and transform into a Hag herself.

It was around that time that Granny Grimfiddle, and her second-in-command, Auntie Irma Sootstartle, approached Constance about forming a coven. Connie’s scheme with the child drew the attention of the more powerful Granny, herself a Night Hag. Grant delighted in the cruelty to the Greaves and Sheila, but offered greater opportunities to Connie as a Third in her Coven. Together, they inflicted multiple plagues on Deadwater, largely with the intention of destroying Sheila, whom Irma had prophesied would eventually lead destruction to their Coven.

When Sheila survived the plagues, the Hags pivoted toward a different tactic. Connie would infiltrate Deadwater and turn the people against Sheila. The Hags hoped that their schemes would stir the people into an enraged lynch mob who would kill Sheila by proxy. Granny particularly needed Sheila out of the way because she intended to befoul the sacred Well of Eldath, and forever corrupt its healing waters.

To that end, in recent years, Irma stole two eggs from a Black Dragon. They framed Deadwater for the act, but a heroic party including Sister Mercion and Pockets wandered into town at just the right moment. They were powerful and skilled enough to slay the Dragon and one of her hatchlings. The other hatchling survived, nurtured in secret by Irma. Granny persisted against Deadwater, further enraged that the Well found a new protector in Mercion. She visited plague upon plague, and although Mercion and Sheila weathered the people through the worst, Sheila’s apprentice, Adele Redfern, was a casualty. Connie took advantage of that particular tragedy, turning the majority of the town against Sheila and Adele’s eldest son, Jason.

When Sheila & Jason left town, the Hags attempted to remove two potentially powerful enemies. Jason had been initiated into the Druid Grove, which presented an even greater threat than Sheila. While Druids wouldn’t interfere with Hags for their schemes against humans, they would have gotten involved when Granny corrupted a traveling Warlock and turned him into a Deathlock who began leading the dead the Witches raised. Thus, Granny afflicted the Archdruid with the effigy and had Irma mimic Jason/Blackthorn to raise doubts.

The Book details how Granny & Irma captured a local tribe of “Wee Fey”, a rare breed of Pixie, killing them as a source of many of their more exotic glamours. The Book describes the storm that brought Amara’s ship near Deadwater, and the arrival of the party. It painstakingly records every conversation and event surrounding the party’s activities in town, including and up to Tara reading the last page. As Pockets said, the Hags had seen Simon and Lenelle as the greatest threats because of their own potent magicks. They’d hoped to turn the village against Simon, the way they had set them against Sheila and Blackthorn. Their vendetta against Lenelle ran deeper, as the text alluded to a “goodness” that rivaled Mercion’s, not just by character, but because of a deeper reason only alluded to.

Throughout the Book, Tara saw several allusions to “The Abattoir”. She didn’t know what that meant, other than Granny’s final, cryptic threat…

Grog brings the seven potion vials to the table and sets them down, "These look to be for healing, and this one is what they used to belch out that cloud that Azatch found so nauseating."

He gently places the basket of bones next to the potions. "These look to belong to little ones...children." The large warrior looks shaken as he looks at the bones.

He then gets moves to help Pockets and Skye to move the heavy chests of coins.

Simon returns to the table with some items. "This candle reminds me of a drawing of a Black Candle of Darkness that I saw in a tome. When lit, it will actually create a globe of magical Darkness as opposed to light.

This," he places the shrunken hag's head, "I am not sure about, it will take some research to determine what if any powers it has."

The warlock then heads into the hall to continue searching. Spotting a old table, he sees a necklace and a bell on it.


Simon's head whips around, ~Was that Sarraamosh's voice?~

His hand stops mid-air, above the necklace, and decides to to heed the voice of his new benefactor. "Thank you Sarraamosh. Your assistance is much appreciated."

Returning to the dining room, he places the bell on the table, "This will cast a minor spell that I know as Toll the Dead, once per day, when rung.

"Magicae Manu" A moment later a spectral hand floats into the room, carrying a gold necklace. Simon guides the hand to place it on a shelf too high for anyone to reach without some effort.

"I don't know what this necklace does, but I was warned to not touch it."

The warlock walks behind Connie and loosens the gag, "What is the power of that necklace?"

---

[Edit: added description of candle.]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:23, Fri 24 Dec 2021.

“It’s a trap for the greedy and vain,” Connie said in a raspy voice. “Anyone foolish enough to wear the necklace gets a rude surprise,” she said with an oddly whimsical smile. “The longer you wear it, a link disappears until it strangles the wearer.

One of my favorites.”