Present: Ariadne, BonThot, Pavel, Sakamoto

Some of the group decided they would venture out to Umberage Hill to obtain a shipment of healing potions and other medical supplies for the town. Their target was a windmill on the top of a hill, surrounded by a dwarven graveyard. Within the windmill was an alchemist that would have the goods you were after, and the only person in the area where you might be able to purchase healing potions of your own.


OOC: If Akyra decides to join in, I'll add her as well.

Everybody post something here. If you want to make any last minute purchases, just note them here. You don't need to RP it, just list the items and mark off the gold from your sheets. Once I have a post from each of you, we start the journey.

"I picked up some things already so I want to determine if the pack will be too heavy over the long haul. I hope not - right now it feels okay. Got plenty of rest as well, so if we get in some trouble I'll be able to do my thing."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:17, Mon 02 Aug 2021.

"I think I have everything I need right now. Pavel stated as he touched his pack which held the immovable rod, his axe by his side and his bow.

Akyra joins the group in going after the shipment of healing potions.

"Seems like all is moving apace. Time to get started. Hopefully it is a productive mission."

Akyra walks along in silence, her thoughts on the cloaked figures in town, her new axe and what had happened. Akyra was a cleric, but also a warrior at heart, so her efforts in tbe keep disappointed her.

She looked at the others. "Perhaps this alchemist has some other potions that will strengthen us, or something like acid or alchemy fire...good in a pinch to cover your back."

<OOC: Other than healing potions she will look at any other potions that will aide them (speed, defence, etc) or alchemist fire>

Eager to explore more of this land, Sakamoto is happy to be assigned to the traveling group. Though he worries for his friends and mentors who've been left behind in hostile territory, he has faith in their abilities. His smile is broad on his shaded face beneath his large woven hat.

"I am eager to learn more about alchemy and potion making." He says, absently.

"So where are we going anyway?" BonThot asked. "Anyone have a map?"

The group set off to the south, toward Umberage Hill. Weather was good, if perhaps a touch warm with the gear that you carried around with you and the armor of those who wore such. You've been through worse though, and gods-willing you would do so again. The terrain here was all hills and plains, with the hills increasing more the further south you travelled.

Cresting one of the hills, you spot a lone boar off to the west. It was lying still when you appeared, but quickly climbed to its feet when it saw you. It was a good 300 or so feet away from you, but still close enough that it was wary of your presence. The boar held its ground and watched you as you passed.

It seemed to be started by something behind you, drawing your attention. Turning around, you saw no sign of anything. Until Akyra and Sakamoto caught movement in the sky further to the east. Being in the air made gauging distance difficult, but it seemed to be quite a large bird, white in color. The flying creature held your attention for a solid ten heartbeats before Akyra knew for certain - it wasn't a bird at all, it was a dragon!

It was miles away, certainly no threat to the group (not right now, anyway), but the presence of a dragon in the area was nearly as unsettling as the presence of the Thayans, maybe even more so.

The boar was gone by the time you looked back toward it, but the dragon stayed in view until it flew low enough that hills and trees blocked your view.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:31, Tue 03 Aug 2021.

"Never saw a dragon up close like that before," BonThot said. He seems quite shaken by the encounter and was thankful that the beast didn't seem hungry at the moment.

During the worst part of the heat, Sakamoto had pulled the hood of his cloak up over his head and under his hat. It seemed an odd choice until a fine mist seemed to surround him. The mist, coupled with the light breeze, served to keep him cool.

When the dragon was identified, Sakamoto watched it keenly and intently for as long as it was in view. He knew that it was miles away and no real threat to him or the party, so it was fascination and not fear that rooted him in place until the creature was out of sight.

"It is too bad the boar escaped, wild pork stew would be a delightful meal. Mmmm ... or perhaps, even, I could have made pork sumai." He frowned, trailing off. No sense in despairing over what might have been.

Akyra walked seemingly unphased by the heat. Back in her homeland, her clan lived near a humid swamp, and though it was a distant memory, the heat reminded her of home, making her a little more ill-tempered.

As she turned, squinting, she recognised the beast, and grasped her axe. "As humbiing a sight it is, pray that we don't see one closer. If it's a chromatic dragon, we would be dead in seconds. If a metallic, then we will be lucky"  She turned and kept walking.

"As for the pig, it had better sense than us....it ran."

A short while later, you spot the windmill; maybe another mile off to the south. The blades on the mill were turning slow, but consistent in the light wind. As you went down one hill and up the next, bringing it all back into view once more, you caught sight of another large flying creature. This one, however, was at the windmill itself. It looked to be brown in color, not quite the right shape for a dragon, but from this distance you guess that whatever it is, it's body is larger than a cow, and its wings are equally large.

"Anyone care to take a guess at what that is?" BonThot asked. "From what I can tell it's got wings and looks to be hungry."

"Griffon maybe? I heard they were migrating around here. Could be a dragon-kin?" Pavel guessed
preparing to draw his bow.

The cleric grasped her axe. “Perhaps a wyvern….akin to dragons. Given its proximity maybe we should check things out.”

"I sense strangeness in the air." Pavel says

OOC: Sacrificing spell slot for Primal Awareness "Is it a dragon, undead, fiend, aberration or celestial?"

Pavel reaches through his connection to nature, searching outward for signs of creatures that did not belong or who posed a peculiar threat. There was a faint hint of elementals present somewhere within a one mile radius of the group, but nothing else.

Akyra suggested that everyone proceed forward, second-guessing her thoughts toward wyvern as it seemed the creature had four legs rather than only two. Pavel's guess of a gryphon was a bit more fitting, but...it was too far to tell.

Nevertheless, the group pushed on toward the windmill. Guesses were good, but they would know more certainly if they could get close enough for a better view.

As minutes passed, pushing through the last mile, hills of varying height, along with the windmill itself, continued to impede your view of the beast. When you finally crested a hill some 125 feet away or so, you finally caught a good sight of the windmill on the next hill. The hill itself was probably 30 feet high. It looked like the door to the windmill was on the eastern side, and the beast was trying to break through it.

You saw the rear end of it first, giving more credit to Pavel's suggestion. Then the wings flexed outward and into your view, leathery rather than feathered, ruling out a gryphon all together. You could hear shouting in the common tongue, deep and masculine. Then the creature pulled up to stand on its hind legs and you caught a glimpse of its face. Most of the body looked almost lion-like, save the spines jutting out here and there, but it's face was almost that of a human male. It's bright yellow eyes stood out to you, even at this distance, almost like sunlight shining off of a gold coin.

That's when the creature caught sight of your group, and when it unfurled its tail behind it, revealing a number of long spikes.

You don't necessarily have to fight this creature, that choice is yours to make. However, go ahead and roll initiative as part of your next post, along with what you wish to do.

If you do want to enter combat straight away, go ahead and post your actions like you would in a normal round. You are all 125 feet away from windmill, and about 145 ft away from the creature. History, Nature, or Survival checks of 14+ will tell you what the creature is. 18+ will give you some information on what it can do.

"It is a Lammasu." Sakamoto proclaims, softly. "They are intelligent, wise and adhere to an admirable code of laws. It is best not to fight them, and, perhaps, we may even be able to treat with them."

That said, Sakamoto does raise the hood of his cloak, and looks to secret himself away. "Of course, other courses of action are also available."

Today: Sakamoto rolled 20 using 1d20+3, rerolling all ones ((INITIATIVE)).

Sakamoto will hold his action with the following roll. If the creature begins to attack, or the party decides to attack, only then will he take his action to hide.
Today: Sakamoto rolled 16 using 1d20+7, rerolling all ones ((STEALTH)).

Ariadne, still pondering the possibility of meeting that dragon again, was distracted at first, but the sight of the beast at the windmill definitely got her full attention.
She crept forward, shaking her head at the halfling's proclamation.
"No, no, that's no Lammasu.  This is the wrong environment for them, I think. No, I remember an elven ranger talking about one over a card game in a tavern years ago.  It's a manticore.  It certainly matches his description.  He was a bit drunk, so he was vague on the details, but I gather that they're very dangerous."


OOC:

02:02, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  initiative.

02:01, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  stealth.

02:01, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  survival.

02:01, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  nature.

02:01, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 14 using 1d20.  history.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:07, Thu 05 Aug 2021.

Akyra looked at the beast, taking her axe from her hip and adjusting her shield. “Whatever it is, it doesn’t look friendly.” She almost had an excited gleam in her eye as she looked at it.

“And whatever it is, there’s someone trapped in there. We gotta get them out of there.”

---

OOC: Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 3 using 1d20+1.  Iniative.

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Survival check.

Initiative: 21 (natty 20)

BonThot will use the Glassteel staff to raise his AC to 15. Then he will move into range of the beast and fire off a total of four missiles using one 2nd level spell slot. Range for Magic missile is 120'. BonThot will move close enough to be in range.

Total of 15 points of damage to the beast.

Pavel decides to protect the sorcerer.

Ariadne glared with annoyance at the sorcerer
"Can you at least wait until the rest of us are ready!??!  We're supposed to be a team here!"
She looked moved closer to the beast, getting ready.

OOC:  moved 30 feet closer

"Come now, lass. I'm just leading the way. There's a lot more where that came from!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:37, Fri 06 Aug 2021.

In reply to BonThot (msg # 26):

Ariadne rolled her eyes.
"At least wait until we're in range, so we don't waste time!
You basically gave the monster fair warning about us."

"True, but I put a few bolts in his ass too, and get to stand here firing more magic missiles as you guys move closer. I call that a win win!"

The dragonborn looked at the two. "Stop sniping at each other and get your heads where they need to be. You can argue this later."

the cleric strode forward, banging the shield with her new axe. "C'mere....does kitty want to play?"

PM - while I work on the larger post

In reply to Psynister (msg # 30):

Movement fron the Creature caught Ariadne's sharp eye, and she called out.
"Be careful!  The drunken ranger spoke of the manticore shooting spines from its tail!  I thought it barroom nonsense at the time,  but looking at the beast now, i think it may be true!"

As the group discussed the different things that the creature might be, and how they may want to approach it, <purple>BonThot stepped forward and unleashed a stream of magical darts of force. They flew through the air with great speed, slamming into the creature with perfect accuracy.

Sakamoto and Ariadne tried using terrain to their advantage to cut off the manticore's line of sight.

Time was barely on their side, as they got to their spots just before the Manticore roared in response to the magic missiles.

BonThot's spell will start actual combat, so anyone who hasn't posted an action, do so now. This is roughly the starting position from the moment BonThot cast his Magic Missile spell. He won initiative, so that's basically the start of round 1.


This message was last edited by the GM at 01:41, Sat 07 Aug 2021.

Ariadne moved forward and began chanting the language of the Natural Order, calling to the grass and roots of the ground to reach up and grasp her enemy.

OOC:  Move 30 feet, then cast Entangle on the manticore.

Even as Ariadne steppe forward, the dragonborn, her ebony scales a contrast to her silver armor, walked by her side, axe and shield in hand. Even as the druid calls fourth her spell, the cleric enacts her own, a shimmering axe much the same as the new axe windfall in shape appeared in a white/silver color.

...it seemed Bahamut approved of her new weapon of choice.

The Dragonborn mentally commanded and the axe swung a swipe at the beasts flank

---

OOC: Movement - move 30 feet to within 60 feet of beast

Action - Defensive stand

Bonus action - Cast Spiritual weapon

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  attack - Spiritual weapon.
Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 10 using 1d8+2.  damage - spiritual weapon.

Pavel unlimbers his bow and prepares to pepper the manticore.

OOC:
23:59, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 6 using 1d8+2.  Bow damage on Manticore.

23:59, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Bow attack on manticore.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:00, Sat 07 Aug 2021.

Sakamoto's stature hinders any sort of expeditious approach to either the windmill or the monster. Still he moves as fast as he can towards the side of the windmill furthest from the Manticore. Perhaps he can find a way in, or a way to flank the monster eventually...

[OOC: Action(s): Move and Dash to get to the point of the windmill just to the left of the U3 label - unless a point of ingress presents itself before then. -Ken]

BonThot sent his missiles to snipe the monstrosity from afar, and all four darts thudded into the creature's side eliciting a sound like a cross between a man's yell and an animal's roar. (15 damage to the Manticore)

Sakamoto moved swiftly and silently up the hill, on the far side of the windmill, hoping to flank the creature.

The Manticore swung his tail in BonThot's direction, and seconds later you hear the whistling-whoosh as three spikes came flying. The first was deflected by the staff's magic, but the second found its mark. The third flew between the sorcerer's legs, stabbing into the dirt somewhere behind him. It then landed in the ground behind the ruined wall for some cover while it observed these new opponents. (BonThot takes 4 Piercing damage)
15:09, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Manticore, rolled 13,6,23,4,7,5 using d20+5,d8+3,d20+5,d8+3,d20+5,d8+3.  Tail Spike x3.

Ariadne moved forward and summoned vines from the earth. Though you cannot see much of the manticore from it being behind a low wall, another frustrated cry could be heard, giving you the impression it likely stuck. (Manticore is Restrained - 0 speed, adv on attacks, disadv on dex saves)
16:49, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Manticore, rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  Strength Save.

Pavel drew out his bow and loosed an arrow. Had the manticore been able to fly, that arrow would have caught nothing but hillside. Thanks to Ariadne's grappling plants, however, it was held perfectly in place for the arrow to find its mark. (manticore takes 6 damage)
16:57, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Pavel Marsk, rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Advantage.

Akyra summoned a platinum axe in the shape of Windfall above the manticore, and swung it down on the restrained monstrosity. It cried out one more, in pain and frustration. (10 damage to the manticore)
16:53, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Akyra Clethtinthiallor, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Advantage.

Round 2 - Fight!

Ariadne runs forward, to get closer to the monster so she can use her more powerful spells

OOC:  make a 60 foot dash

BonThot creeps forward a little bit, but doesn't waste any time before he looses four more magic missiles.


20:33, Today: BonThot rolled 18 using 4d4+4 ((4,3,3,4)).

Akyra, smiling rushes forward along side Ariadne, again willing the axe to hit the beast, but with her excitement and movement, misjudged the swing

---

OOC: Movement - 30 Feet
Action - Dash 30 feet
Bonus action - Attack with spiritual weapon

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  spiritual weapon attack.

Next to the windmill, Sakamoto notes a window high up off the ground. He plots a course, using hand and footholds and acrobatically launches himself up the side of the vertical tower. Quickly and easily, he finds himself inside the windmill...

Today: Sakamoto rolled 23 using 1d20+5, rerolling all ones ((Acrobatics)).

Pavel grumbles about destroying  one of Nature's  creatures  and draws another arrow.
"Be not in pain."
01:10, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Bow attack on manticore.

01:10, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 5 using 1d8+2.  Bow damage on Manticore
This message was last edited by the player at 05:12, Mon 09 Aug 2021.

BonThot sent another string of missiles at the manticore, and even with partial cover from the wall and the beast being wrung out by vines, the hit without the slightest error. (manticore takes 18 damage)

Sakamoto run-climbs his way up the windmill with ease, slipping through a window and falling down to the floor inside. He finds a woman standing back a bit from the door, with a drawn dagger in one hand and a flask of greenish liquid in the other.

The Manticore screams with fury, breaking loose from the entangling plants, leaps into the sky and attempts to fly off to the south.
01:23, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Manticore, rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Str Check.

Ariadne dashes after the creature, hoping to employ her more powerful spells on the beast.

Pavel regretfully fires an arrow, sinking it into a haunch. (Manticore takes 5 damage)

Akyra missed an attack with this magical axe, and ran forward hoping for a swing with the real one as well, but was too slow.

The manticore is fleeing. You can pursue if you wish, but he won't be coming back. He's flying low, and is out of line of sight for BonThot and Pavel on the opposite side of the hill.

Akyra snorts as the beast flies away, axe in hand and the spectral floating, the dragonborn looked irritated. "I didn't think they'd give up that easy." The cleric shrugged, the axe winking out as she made her way up the steps to the mill. "Sakamoto....You in there?

Ariadne slowed her run, stopping the spell she was about to try.  She watched the fleeing manticore,  not taking her eyes off it until it was gone.

BonThot jogs his way back to the party. Once there he concentrates for a moment, looking into his mind's eye: Arcana Check, please: Natural 1

"Phooy" he said as his concentration waivered. "I guess I ran out of stamina. A shame, I would have liked to know more about that beast."

"Ariadne, do you know anything about this beast?"

Ariadne caught her breath and looked at the Sorcerer,  shaking her head.
"Not much more than I've said, I'm afraid.   A predator, if a magical one, and obviously one that doesn't like a tough fight.   It's probably an ambush predator,  though,  so we should keep our eyes open for a while.  Hopefully it'll be licking its wounds for a bit"

She walked to the building,  keeping a look out for trouble

BonThot follows behind the Druid, his thoughts his own as he makes his way to the Windmill.

Pavel keeps his bow out, passively listening for the beast.
"Maybe it has a lair nearby, possibly in a rocky region. If we need to venture  against it then we may need rest." Pavel was happy  he didn't  bring James into this. Giant owl was a manticore delicacy apparently.

Sakamoto approaches delicately and slowly, palms out and hands open to show he means no harm. He lowers the hood of his cloak, all carefully and slowly. "We mean you no harm, you have my word." He listens for a moment as the sounds of battle seem to end rather abruptly - aside from the screams of the seemingly fleeing creature. "It sounds as if the battle is over, outside."

Almost in confirmation, Akyra's voice calls in through the door. "Sakamoto....You in there?"

"Yes, and I am not alone. Please allow me to ensure my lady companion is comfortable with additional company?" He knows that he is terrible at being persuasive - owed to his strange appearance and his unusual accent. He flinches as the words come out of his mouth and her reaction to him.

At this point, all he can do is hope she understands the intent behind the words, and not the terrible presentation of them ...

Today: Sakamoto rolled 3 using 1d20-1, rerolling all ones ((Persuasion)). <sigh>

Ariadne heard the Halfling, and made her way around the north side of the house, hoping to join him.  She put her weapons away, hoping to look more diplomatic.

BonThot was still some ways away from the windmill, but he kept his eyes peeled on Ariadne as a guiding point of reference. He kept his staff in hand just in case.

Pavel lowers his bow to his side to appear less threatening and looks at Bonthot
"I wonder where our friend is? He did disappear up by the hill. Maybe he found us a place to rest?"

Sakamoto was not known for being a smooth talker, and he surprised the woman enough that she fumbled the flask in her hands. Lucky for him, the alchemist was fairly skilled at reading people and situations. Lucky for her, years of dealing with dangerous substances had honed her reflexes considerably, and she caught the flask. She loosed a relieved sigh, then nodded and opened the door to the others.

The bit of ruins outside the door to the windmill, that seemed to be a fence perhaps, actually look like they used to be part of a home. Though now only the fireplace is remotely in-tact, and there is little more than an outline of the walls. From there, you can see the that atop the hill just east of you displays a number of stone cairns.

She gave time for those who wished to come inside to do so. Inside, you see the windmill's grindstone crushes herbs, their scent filling the air. "I was not expecting anyone to be stopping by today; but you are certainly a welcome surprise. Thank you, all. Most sincerely. My name is Adabra Gwynn, pleased to meet you all. What brings you all out here to the hills?"

The druidess looked at her friends as she appraoched the building by the Windmill.
"As the beast flew away,  i could have sworn that i saw wounds on its flanks.  Older wounds that we didn't cause.  I wonder if that dragon we saw a few hours ago had a run in with the manticore. "
When she got to the front door,  she nodded to the woman as she spoke with the halfling.
"Good day, ma'am. My name is Ariadne Greenthorne.  We're actually here from town, to pick up healing supplies.  Are you the alchemist that makes healing potions?"

When BonThot finally got to the windmill, he entered and looked around as the others introduced themselves.

Perception check @ -1

Rolled a 7.

Not really seeing anything beyond the party and the Alcamist, BonThot meanders about.

Strange that a magical predator would give up so, easily on a meal. Pavel thought ....especially  one that was hiding.

"Yes, the manticore knows of my skill in alchemy. It came demanding that I give it healing potions to heal those wounds. I came inside after catching sight of that dragon myself, and the manticore arrived maybe an hour later. Manticores are intelligent, smart enough to speak the common tongue, but they're all selfish predators with a strong bend toward evil."

"Ah, yes, I have the shipment for Phandalin ready to go. If you can give me the name of the one who sent you, so that I can be sure, I'll bring it over. Healing potions are one of my specialties, but I do make a number of alchemical mixtures here if you're asking due to personal interest."


You can buy any alchemical substances from the PHB here, as well as the items listed below:

Dust of Disappearance 300gp
Elixir of Health 120gp
Potion of Animal Friendship 200gp
Potion of Climbing 180gp
Potion of Fire Breath 150gp
Potion of Gaseous Form 300gp
Potion of Greater Healing 150gp
Potion of Growth 270gp
Potion of Healing 50gp
Potion of Heroism 180gp
Potion of Mind Reading 180gp
Potion of Poison 100gp
Potion of Resistance 300gp
Potion of Water Breathing 180gp

The dragonborn enters, grim looking, the scar over her eye, shield and axe in hand, and looks around. She smiles at the alchemist. "Nice place." She mutters.

She puts her axe on her hip and sets down her shield, sitting down, snorting at the explanation of the manticore. "May be smart, but was also cowardly, running. though who can blame it with a force like us."

She sits there and when asked, she looked at her. "We were sent By Gundren, the dwarf on behalf of the town."

When she listens to the stock, she raises her eye ridges, clearly impressed by the stock. "You are indeed as talented as Gundren gave you credit for. Some of those things would be handy had we the gold."

BonThot looks at the different wares the alchemist shows, and decides that a potion of healing would be a good thing to have. Once it's purchased, he frowns and says," Well, I'm about out of money. 3 coppers, 3 silver and 5 electrum. I hope we find the creature's lair...or another creature at the least. Or, even better, a chest of jewels and gems sitting at the side of the road..."

He laughs sheepishly.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:00, Thu 12 Aug 2021.

The druidess nodded and smiled at the alchemist.
"We personally work for Gundren, a dwarven merchant, but we're technically here on behalf of Nyevnen, at the Shrine of Luck in town.    And I believe i can afford a healing potion as well.  Thank you very much. "

Pavel sheathed his bow.
"So how is the market for potions these days? let's all about location, location and location with a business and being closer to your clientele than a two hour journey could save you gold. After all a gold piece saved is a gold piece earned."

BonThot laughs. "Master Pavel, truer words were never spoken!"

Adabra shook her head at Akyra's answer, as though she knew she had no one with an order by that name. She was happy to sell a healing potion to each of BonThot and Ariadne, though. When the druid mentioned Nyevnen's name she smiled and nodded, "That one I certainly have. Just a moment."

She went to the far corner and opened a cabinet, pulled out a small sack that clearly had some form of padding stuffed inside to bulk it up and add protection to the vials. She wrote a quick note in ink and waved a hand over the parchment with a small flourish of fingers, folded it and slipped it inside the bag, then handed the bundle to Ariadne, "This is what was ordered, and has already been paid for. I included a note for Nyevnen to provide a form of reward on my behalf, the cost of which I'll take out of her next shipment. I reinvest nearly all of my coin right after I earn it, for more ingredients and equipment."

Just as she finished that last sentence, the sound of vibrating glass ring-jingled out from a rack of freshly cleaned and drying vials sitting on a table on the eastern wall.

Pavel felt a subtle vibration in the ground as well. Not a thump, but a vibration.

Nyevnen continued to speak, though she was clearly distracted by the noise, "There are... no other suppliers here. My location keeps my costs low... Excess inventory gets shipped to a...storefront..."

Glancing outside, you see mounds starting open up in the ground.

Roll initiative, and tell me if you want to start inside the windmill or outside

[OOC: Place Sakamoto outside, please. Init and Stealth rolls in the die roller. -Ken]

"Um, I'm for staying inside for the moment until we have a better sense of what's going on. Rushing outside would be my last choice!"

BonThot rolled 19 Initiative using 1d20+1
This message was last edited by the player at 11:02, Fri 13 Aug 2021.

Inside, 00:46, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Initiative
This message was last edited by the player at 04:48, Fri 13 Aug 2021.

Ariadne looked at their hostess with concern.
"What is happening???  Is the manticore back??"

She stayed inside, but moved closer to a doorway to the outside, ready to defend the alchemist.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 02:20, Sat 14 Aug 2021.

"Does anyone see anything out there? Pavel? Akyra? Ariadne?"

"I doubt that manticore is back. It might be a more elemental problem though.
My arrows might not do damage,  We might need spells to weaken them against my attacks."

Ariadne ran outside, to join the others to get a better look at things.

Akyra felt the rumbling, and without a word, grabbed her shield as she got up, grabbing her axe in the other hand and rushed outside, taking two steps at a time.

---

OOC: Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 16 using 1d20+1.  iniative.

With everyone bolting to the outside, BonThot follows suit and readies a spell.

ooc: holding the spell until I have more info.

As people began rushing outside, two creatures burst out of the ground. They resemble an enormous many-legged insect, with long antennae twitching in response to any movement around them. Their legs end in sharp hooks adapted for burrowing and grasping their prey, and powerful mandibles that look as if they can snap a small tree in half.

The rolled garbage on their initiative, so I'm going to start them above ground where you can see them, and you can go ahead and target them (this round, anyway). The inside or out was more important if they had won, so feel free to move about.

BonThot exits the ruins and note the giant praying mantis looking at him.

REflexively he casts Tasha's Mind Whip against the whateveritis and waits to see what happens.

Neato!

Ariadne quickly cast the spell she didn't get to use on the manticore, hoping it would help here as well.

She called out to he Natural Order, causing water in the air to freeze into a spike, which she sent at the furthest monster.

OOC:16:03, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 7 using 2d6.  cold damage.

16:03, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 6 using 2d6.  cold damage.

16:02, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 2 using 1d10. ice knife damage.

16:02, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  ice knife.
I'm not sure if a spell can crit, so 8 points normally, 16 with a crit

Pavel drew his bow and fired at the farthest Ankheg.

Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 9 using 1d8+2.  Bow damage far ankheg.

23:31, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Bow attack far ankheg
This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Sun 15 Aug 2021.

Akyra as she looked at the beasts with a smile and moved up, leading with her new axe. Though a trained warrior, Akyra wasn’t fully used to her new weapon, and hitting the beast, the blade skipped of its armor.

---

OOC: to the eastern beast

Action - attack with windfall

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  Attack - windfall.

DAMNIT!

Sakamoto seemed to go unnoticed as the creatures began their attack, and moved himself into an advantageous situation to launch his own attack. When the moment arrived, he slowly raised the hood of his cloak, then lashed out with kama and fist, dealing a fair amount of damage.

Today: Sakamoto rolled 23,17,8,5 using d20+5,d20+5,d6+3,d6 ((Attack w/advantage, damage, sneak attack damage)).

Today: Sakamoto rolled 23,18,7 using d20+5,d20+5,d4+3 ((Bonus Attack w/advantage, damage)).

TOTAL: 20 damage
This message was last edited by the player at 20:45, Sun 15 Aug 2021.

BonThot hopped over the ruined wall and lashed out at the creature's mind with his magical energy. (A2 takes 13 damage)
16:19, Today: Psynister, on behalf of BonThot, rolled 13 using 3d6.

Pavel knocked an arrow and loosed, sending the shaft into the further creature. (9 damage to A2)

Akyra swung Windfall at the one nearby, but the twin blades hit and skidded across the creature's tough shell. The dragonborn was used to using an axe, but one blade apparently needed a different angle to work correctly than two. She would have to figure out the nuances of this new weapon. (miss)

Sakamoto fared much better with his kama, sinking its crescent blade through the armored shell and following up the weakened spot with jumping punch. (20 damage to A1)

Ariadne called out to he Natural Order, causing water in the air to freeze into a spike, which she sent at the furthest monster. The spike of ice pierced the shell and then exploded in a shower of ricocheting ice shards in all directions. (A2 takes 5 piercing damage, then 3 Cold damage)
16:31, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Ariadne Greenthorn, rolled 3 using 1d10.  Crit Damage.
16:32, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Monsters, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Dex Save.


Ankheg 1 opens its mandibles and spews a stream of acid across Sakamoto and Pavel. The two dexterous members were able to dodge away from taking the brunt of the acid splash, but some still burned and sizzled on arms or legs. (Pavel & Sakamoto both take 4 Acid damage)
16:35, Today: Psynister rolled 8 using 3d6.  Acid Spit, Dex DC 13 (half).

Ankheg 2 follows the same course, shooting a long stream of acid at Akyra and Sakamoto. Sakamoto proved equal to the challenge of dodging crossed acid streams, and Akyra's shield was able to deflect all but some of the worst of splatters. (Akyra & Sakamoto both take 6 acid damage)
16:36, Today: Psynister rolled 12 using 3d6.  Acid Spit, Dex DC 13 (half).

Ankheg 3, larger than the other two, bursts out of the ground behind BonThot and bites down onto the sorcerer with powerful pincers, biting and holding onto him in one motion. (BonThot takes 11 slashing damage, and is Grappled (Athletics/Acrobatics DC 13 to escape as an Action))
16:38, Today: Psynister rolled 24,11 using d20+5,2d6+3.  Ankheg Bite, Grapple DC 13.

Round 2 - Fight!

Ariadne moved forward,  placing herself between Ankheg 2 and 3, and cast her last offensive spell at Number 2.   She called upon the Natural Order to bring down Thunder on her enemy.

OOC :Cast Thunderwave

17:05, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 9 using 2d8. Thunderwave
On successful Con Save, Ankheg takes half damage.
On failed Con save. Ankheg takes half damage and doesn't move

BonThot take a quick peek on his range, is delighted to see that the rest of the party is outside of the party members.

Cast: Arms of Hadar:
1st-level conjuration

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self (10-foot radius)
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous

You invoke the power of Hadar, the Dark Hunger. Tendrils of dark energy erupt from you and batter all creatures within 10 feet of you. Each creature in that area must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, a target takes 2d6 necrotic damage and can’t take reactions until its next turn. On a successful save, the creature takes half damage, but suffers no other effect.

Deciding to attack and protect  the druidess he aimed at the ankheg.

oday: Pavel Marsk rolled 9 using 1d8+2.  Damage ankheg 2.

00:07, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  Attack ankheg 2.

Though the element of surprise is now gone, the terrible creature still finds its attentions divided between two foes, allowing Sakamoto to sneak in damage to weak spots in the creature's defenses. He lays in again with his kama, but the acid burning on his limbs makes his follow up attack fail.

Today: Sakamoto rolled 17,5,5 using d20+5,d6+3,d6 ((Attack, Damage, Sneak Damage)).
Today: Sakamoto rolled 8,4 using d20+5,d4+3 ((Bonus Attack, Damage)).
TOTAL DAMAGE: 10

Akyra changed her angle of teh new ae, again swinging. She immediately felt the feel wrong, and reached her thoughts to her god. Bahamut - please help guide me. As if hearing her answer, the ae felt more sure in her hand as she swung at the beast

---

OOC: Action - Attack using windfall

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  attack - windfall.

Chanel Divinty Used (Guided Strike)

Total Attack - 19

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 8 using 2d4+3.  Damage - Windfall.

Bonus Action - None

BonThot called out to the voices he had long heard within his mind, voices that spoke to him, made him offers, cried out in anguish, offered insults or compliment. As he did, he became a conduit for those voices, allowing them to reach out into the material plane through his body. Dark tendrils shot out from every hole in his body, whipping around him in every direction, and slamming against the ankheg that held him prisoner in its pincers. (A3 takes 9 damage and cannot take reactions this turn)

Pavel fired another arrow at the middle ankheg, sinking it into the creature's mouth and into something vital enough to end its lie. (A2 is dead)

Akyra reached out to Bahamut's power to strike true at her target. The axe bit deep, and the creature swayed, but managed to hang onto life by a small thread. (A1 takes 8 damage)

Sakamoto follows Akyra's attack with one of his own, taking the creature's lack of balance from the previous blow to exploit that weakened spot again. The kama bit even deeper, the creature squeal-shrieked again, and fell over dead. (A1 is dead)

Ariadne positioned herself to be able to hit the remaining ankheg without blasting BonThot in the process, then unleashed a wave of booming energy that shook the hills all around, and flung the creature off of BonThot. (A3 takes 9 damage and is pushed away, breaking the grapple with BonThot) The creature roared, and was clearly affected by the spell, but the hardened carapace showed no signs of significant damage. (still above half hp)

Ankheg 1 was killed by Sakamoto.

Ankheg 2 was killed by Pavel.

Ankheg 3 moved nearer to the windmill, getting the two targets who had damaged in in line as he spewed its own acid at the two of them. (BonThot and Ariadne, make Dex Saves, DC 13. If you meet it or beat it, you take 7 Acid damage, if you fail you take 14)
11:43, Today: Psynister rolled 14 using 3d6.  Acid Spit, Dex DC 13 (half).

Round 3

BonThot searches for answers, finds none: Rolled saving throw: 5 total

One enemy too far...we shall see what may be.

ooc: If I'm still ambulatory, I have a potion of healing on me. If I am unconscious I'd like to do my death rolls.

Pavel moves to get as near as he can to BonThot draws his axe to protect him in melee if need be.

Go ahead and do your death save for your turn, BonThot.

I'm going to ready an action to Cast Cure Wounds on BonThot.

OOC: By my accounting, I had burned Ensnaring Strike and still had Cure Wounds but correct me if I'm wrong.

Death roll: BonThot is going down: Rolled a 7

Sounds right to me. If you want to ready an action, I'll need a trigger for it to happen. If you just want to cast it as your action, that's fine.

Ariadne screamed in agony as the acid splashed her, and she tried to stagger away south a bit so she wasn't in line with the sorcerer any more.  She tried, with shaky hands, to load and fire her sling at the monster

OOC:  18:55, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 2 using 1d4+1.  Damage .
18:55, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Sling.
18:53, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Dex save

Pavel will cast his Cure Wounds spell on BonThot.

21:33, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 10 using 1d8+2.  Cure Wounds on BonThot
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Wed 18 Aug 2021.

Throwing caution to the wind in an effort to save his allies, Sakamoto dashes across the open ground, leaping from the rubble at the corner of the building and running for several long strides across the side of the windmill itself. When in range of the last standing Ankheg, he launches himself at it, sinking his kama into its side, and delivering a solid strike to the foe.

Now, he can only hope the others in the party come to his aid as well...

OOC: Action: Move. Bonus Action: Dash.
Today: Sakamoto rolled 23,9 using d20+5,d6+3 ((Attack, Damage)).

Akyra  watched as bonthot fell, and felt truely torn.she wanted to defeat the beast, but it was her duty to ensure the health of her friends. She saw pavel heal the wizard as the halfling fled after the beast in his own. She grimaced as she reached down, bringing fourth a glowing bolt of divine energy, sending it towards it.

…and missing.

“Really?” She mutters as she sets out after the beast and halfling.

---

OOC: action - cast guiding bolt

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 5 using 1d20+4

Movement - chase after the halfling

BonThot, unconscious, coughs up blood. (1 failed Death save)

Pavel moves over to BonThot, places a hand on the man's shoulder, and sends a burst of healing energy into his body, rousing him with a gasp as his wounds reknit themselves. (BonThot heals 10 hp)

Akyra drew in divine energy, intending to heal BonThot with it, but seeing Pavel beat her to it, she instead directs the energy into a bolt and fires it at the creature. Whatever odd material the creature's shell was made out of, the energy skimmed around the edge of it and flew off into the distance. (miss) Frustrated, she ran toward the creature.

Sakamoto runs, leaps onto the windmill and then down onto the creature, landing a strike with the hook-bladed weapon. (9 damage to A3) The weapon breaks into the creature's armor, causing a bleeding wound. (below 1/2 hp)

Ariadne, covered in the burning acid, pulls out a sling, loads and stone and sends it flying. The burning sensation causes her body to shake and her aim fails. (miss)

Ankheg 3 looks down at the halfling who had drawn its blood, and snaps down with its powerful pincers on Sakamoto, wounding him even more severely. (Sakamoto takes 6 damage and is Grappled. DC 13 to escape the grapple)
21:37, Today: Psynister rolled 19,6 using d20+5,2d6+3.  Ankheg Bite, Grapple DC 13.

Round 4

Seeing her Halfling friend being grabbed by the monster, Ariadne rushed forward, swinging her scimitar at the creature.
OOC:   Charge to the Ankheg, attack with scimitar.
22:16, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 9 using 1d6+5.  damage. 18 with crit

22:15, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  scimitar.

Finding himself still extent, BonThot takes a deep breath before casting dissonant whispers at the giant crustacean. He sure hopes that that he kills the giant craw-dad; if not he'll be running like hell away from the critter.

Pavel looks at the Ankheg and yells "My friend shall not die to you!"
He draws his hand axe and swings
00:09, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 9 using 1d20+4.  Hand axe attack
This message was last edited by the player at 04:10, Thu 19 Aug 2021.

Sakamoto tries not to scream out in both shock and pain when the creature grabs him, but fails. He turns his shame into rage, though. With a powerful, but not impactful, kick, he frees himself from the monster's grip. He then tries to make another kama attack, but the weapon is lodged in the creature's chitinous hide and he can't free it. Instead, he uses the handle to launch himself into a vaulting backflip away from the monster, then withdraws further to study the situation better.

Today: Sakamoto rolled 19 using 1d20+5 ((Escape Grapple)).
Today: Sakamoto rolled 11,7,3 using d20+5,d6+3,d6 ((Attack, Damage, Sneak Attack Damage)).
Actions: Attack. Bonus Action: Disengage, Move Action
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 05:41, Thu 19 Aug 2021.

Akyra, along side of the Anheg, growls as she swings her axe. "PUT HIM DOWN!" The axe arcs, hitting the hard shell, causing sparks but no real damage. Tapping into her training, she immediately reversed her action, feeling the axe bite into shell and flesh

---

OOC: Action - Attack with Windfall

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  attack - windfall.

<DAMNIT!>

Bonus action - war priest (Extra action)

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  attack - windfall (Warpriest).
Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 8 using 2d4+3.  damage - windfall.

BonThot assaults the ankheg's mind with terrifying magic. The spell takes hold, and the creature dives into the ground with the impact of a large spear as it begins to burrow, Sakamoto still held firmly in the large mandibles. (11 damage to A3, and it burrows into the ground to flee) [if the other actions don't kill it, Saka/Akyr will get OAs]

Pavel rushed in to attack the creature's flanks as it burrowed into the ground, but a hand leg caught his arm and flung it to the side before a blow could land. (miss)

Akyra swung and swung again. The first blow was also kicked aside, but the second lopped off a leg and sent the creature reeling back out of its hole as it was unable to flee as quickly as it had wished. (A3 takes 8 damage)

Sakamoto wrestled free from the creature's terrified grip and tried to strike at a leg taking over the weight from the one that was no missing. The many insectile legs flailing about knocked the kama aside as well, freight proving to be the great defender. (miss)

Ariadne rushed in and swiped with her scimitar. The blade perfectly caught a seam in the chitinous plating, slipped inside, and severed internal organs. The creature fell to the ground thrashing about with limbs while curling up its body to protect its middle bits, but too late for it to matter. The death throws lasted a long moment before it spewed out a glob of acid into the dirt near its face and then fell still. (Ankheg is dead)

Combat is over.

Ariadne laid her hands on the halfling,  calling out to the Natural Order to bring healing energy through her into him

OOC  :  19:57, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 8 using 1d8+3.  Cure wounds

"Anyone think there's any treasure in the warrens beneath the surface?"

Just as BonThot says that, in the hole that the last ankheg had tried to burrow into, dirt fell away into a small tunnel. It lead back toward the east, and stretching quite a ways from what he could tell. There was a soft green light barely visible somewhere at the far end. What the light was and where the tunnel lead was anyone's guess.

The tunnel was not terribly wide, traversing it would require everyone to crawl on hands and knees. Sakamoto might be able to fit at a low crouch. Maybe.

Akyra breathed heavily, noting the healing happening, she looked at the druid and places a hand on her shoulder, channelling her divine fury into healing magic, the wounds on the druid closing, she looked at her and nodded

<OOC: Casts Cure wounds, second level on Ariadne

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 14 using 2d8+2.  cure wounds, second level.>

She looks at Bonthot and shrugs. "It's possible, given there were three of them their may be something." She looked at the others.

Sakamoto manages, his "voice" weak and feeble, even in Ariadne's mind.

As the healing energy surges through him, he rises, but only to a knee. He looks toward the holes, then towards the windmill.

"This place would be best served by clearing out the warrens. Though I am afraid we are in little position to do so, currently." he says aloud, though his voice is weak.

"Let's make sure we're back to full health first,  just in case they have roommate waiting for us"

She looked back to see if the alchemist was watching.   If she was, Ariadne would cock an eyebrow and ask
'Does this sort of thing happen often?"

Adabra came out when she heard voices instead of fighting. She seemed surprised and a bit confused when she saw the ankheg corpses. She turned to look at Ariadne when the question was asked, then back to the ankhegs as she replied, "Not here, no. The hills here usually have too many rocks for an ankheg to burrow through safely," she walked over to examine the first one you'd killed, "so they stick more to the plains to the west of here, or north toward Neverwinter. You certainly have my thanks for fighting them off." Then she moved over to have a look at the second, "If their acid sacks are full enough, I can flask it. I'd be happy to give them to you as thanks for fending them off."

As she started to make her way toward the third, that's when she took the time to actually look at all of you, "Oh heavens, forgive me. I got caught up in the work again. Come inside, let me see what I can do to help with those wounds. The acid does a fair bit of damage, but it evaporates while it eats away at things, so you won't have to shed any clothes or anything, but the wounds need to be treated if you want them to heal properly."

You could take a short or long rest, if you like. A long rest now means not being able to benefit from one later tonight, so keep that in mind.

Sakamoto rises to his feet, then seems to notice Ariadne's injuries for the first time. He's greatly shamed that he accepted her healing when she was in such terrible condition. "You should have healed yourself, first. I am sorry." He whispers to her, bowing deeply.

Ariadne chuckled and gave the monk a friendly pat on the shoulder.
'No need to feel bad, little one.  You looked in worse shape,  and were in worse and more immediate danger.  So it was a tactical decision. "

She went inside with the alchemist,  hoping for some healing.  Despite her bravado,  those acid burns really hurt

The dragonborn knelt beside Ariadne and Sakamoto, her usual angry visure softened. "Do not worry. If she hadn't have healed you, i would have.....she was just faster than me. At least my healing went to her wounds."

She stood and nodded to the alchemist. "Some of that acid may be useful - our thanks."

"Thank you, both." Sakamoto says, bowing deeply again. This time, though, there's no shame - but a clear amount of respect - in the gesture. He follows them inside to await his turn at the alchemist's healing ministrations.

[OOC: I opt for the Short Rest option. -Ken]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:07, Fri 20 Aug 2021.

Ariadne nodded
"I'm glad we're mostly healed up.  While our hostess dissects the bugs, we can try the tunnel."

"I think a quick short break, then a jaunt back to town with the supplies would be a good idea."

OOC:Short rest

In reply to Pavel Marsk (msg # 118):

Ariadne cocked her head questioningly
"Do we want to check out the bug tunnels first?"

Sakamoto nodded. "I feel, once we're all rested and healed, ending that threat before departing would be the best course of action. I would hate to leave our benefactor exposed to something like that."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:31, Fri 20 Aug 2021.

Akyra smiles, her axe now at her hip, she rubs her hands. "Sounds fun....lets splat some bugs!"

After their short rest, Ariadne was ready to go.
She glanced at the alchemist before they left.
'With all due respect,  ma'am,  this attack might be an indication of a new migration of these monsters.   Perhaps you might want to consider moving to town. I know that you probably love your privacy,  believe me,  i get that, but this area might be getting too dangerous "

"Madam Gwynn, if I might have a bit of your curative I would be much obliged. And a flask of acid would be something I could use, if you are willing to share."

BonThot still looks woozy from his encounter with the giant bug.

Akyra rests with the others, watching over them as she was barely injured.  Acid didn't bother her much - the black dragon blood gave her a particular resistance to it. When the others were ready, she placed a hand on Sakamoto. "Bahamut, protect this warrior in the time of need. His size and speed will be a boon where we are to go"

A slight glow enshrouded the halfling and Akyra nodded. "...a little extra pritection. If you lead, i will follow you. You see anything, move so i can get my axe into them."

---

OOC: Casts Shield of faith on Sakamoto - +2 AC for 10 minutes while i concentrate
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:30, Sat 21 Aug 2021.

Sitting down with the alchemist for an hour, the group has an opportunity to rest and recover from the two encounters. Adabra tends to wounds with natural herbs and poultices, and brews a strong tea with a very airy and fragrant quality. The tea tastes unusual, not in a bad way, but it is a flavor that none of you has ever experienced before. It opens your sinuses as you sip it, and after about three minutes you find pains fading away and a warm sense of comfort settles in.

Those of you who spend hit dice to heal during this rest will restore an additional 6 hit points. You do have to spend a hit die to gain this healing bonus. Whether you spend a hit die or not, everyone who drinks the tea gains 8 Temporary Hit Points, that last for the next 8 hours (or until used).

After everyone had gotten settled and the tea was brewed, Adabra set to harvesting acid from the ankhegs. At the end of the hour, she presents three Acid Vials to the group.

Rested and tended to, Sakamoto seems spry as ever. He bows deeply in gratitude to Gwynn, and promises to rid her of immediate threats to her home. "Though I would encourage you to return to town for your further safety. Especially once we are quit of those Redbrands."

He then turns to Akrya, "Thank you for your god's blessing. I am always in favor of spirituality in any form."

Today: Sakamoto rolled 12 using 1d8+6 ((Short Rest Hit Die (1 of 3))).
TOTAL HEALING: 12 + 8 + 2 (original HP) = 22 + 8 Temporary. 20 Max HP on character, so 28 total HP. -Ken

Feeling refreshed, BonThot is eager to get back at it.

"Are we exploring the warrens below today?"

In reply to BonThot (msg # 127):

Ariadne nodded
"Yes, we should follow these tunnels back before they collapse naturally. "

BonThot laughed.

"Lady Ariadne that was hardly reassuring. Then again, 'tis is a perilous job to take on and the thought of treasure fills me with all sorts of joy as I consider what lies below."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Sat 21 Aug 2021.

"If you think they could collapse naturally, then might we temporarily shore up our entry point to allow us a fall back point?"

In reply to Pavel Marsk (msg # 130):

Ariadne chuckled.
"Relax, boys. What I mean is that any tunnel made by animals, even those monsters, will last a while naturally, but will eventually collapse the next time it rains, or when other animals go over it or through it.
I'm no expert on ankhegs, but we should definitely have plenty of time to explore them today. "

With a bit of discussion, a touch of misunderstanding, and finally an agreement - the party made their way into the burrowed tunnel, toward the green light. The light comes and goes now and then, throughout the journey; the size of the tunnel keeping the pace somewhat slow as everyone takes care not to cause a collapse. Collapse is a genuine concern in this situation, as burrowed holes have no amount of supporting structure to them.

Nevertheless, the party makes their way forward, following the source of the light when they see it, and trusting blindly to the path otherwise as they've seen no sign at all that this tunnel goes more than one direction. Though it had started out straight, for a good sixty feet or more, the tunnel does begin to curve both left and right, as well as having some inclines and declines. Eventually, a right turn takes you to more than just a burrowed ankheg's tunnel, opening into a small room.

The air throughout the entire trip smells old and stale, and heavily of damp earth. As you step into the room, you also start to smell death. Not new death, but very, very old. The room itself is about eight feet from floor to ceiling, all made of hard-packed earth. To either side of you, ten or so feet away from your tunnel, are a pair sarcophagi. Further north, twin hallways lead out of this room and down a hallway toward the west, and the source of the green light. The light is no more bright, nor dim, than it was when you first laid eyes on it above ground.

Here, there is no light at all save that green glow, and it is less consistently on now than it was when you first started the journey. Though dim, those with darkvision can see well enough to know your surroundings. Those without darkvision manage a few seconds of dim light while the green glow is present, and then pitch blackness while it is faded.

(Imagine a tunnel running down there in the middle of the map, which is how you all came in, up from the south.)

Speaking quietly, Ariadne talked.
"I can create a light for us, if there are no objections."

Unless someone says otherwise, she casts the Produce Flame Cantrip, and lights up the room with her fiery hand.

OOC:  Cast Produce Flame
Light for 10 feet, with dim light for another 10 feet

Akyra makes her way through the tunnel with mutters, her armor and shield more than once threatening to cause a cave in with a hit. When the time comes, she makes her way into the room and stands, taking the shield off her back and strapping to her arm. She looked around with a sniff, “Death has been here - old and stale. This is no mere ankheg cavern.”

She looks at the Druid and nods. “Stay a few steps behind me. Sakamoto- can you guard the rear. Pavel you stay central with Bonthot - your ranged skills will help”

She starts searching right (east) and to the north slowly, them makes her way east, axe and shield ready

Sakamoto nods, eager to turn his back to the light and rely on his natural darkvision to assist. He heads back up the way they came, not really expecting much to come after them. Once he is in a good position, he raises the hood of his cloak, instantly feeling some sense of relief and refreshment as the mist washes the dirt from his body.

He then sinks into position, hiding in the shadows created by a natural rift in the burrowed dirt. "I am in position." He thinks to Akyra.

Today: Sakamoto rolled 11 using 1d20+7, rerolling all ones ((Stealth check)).
Geez. Pitch Black, natural crevices. Roll a 4... Maybe I get advantage on the roll?! :D -Ken

This message was last edited by the player at 07:17, Sun 22 Aug 2021.

BonThot looked at Pavel and said,

I go to one sarcophagus, take out my immovable rod and activate it to hold the lid shut.

As Pavel does his thing with his rod, BonThot pushes forward some 30 feet and looks around.

Ariadne produced a simple flame in her hand, providing light for all to see while Akyra began establishing strategy, and Sakamoto covers the rear. BonThot meanwhile decides to scout ahead, and Pavel puts his new-found trinket to use sealing one of the sarcophogi shut as he clicks the button that locks in firmly in place against all but the strongest of forces. The lids themselves seem very thick and heavy on their own. If they were as solid as their construction made them appear, it would take a great deal of strength to move them in the first place, rod or no rod.

With the light in the room, Akyra sees that a similar tunnel to the one you came in with, leaves this room off to the west. It is smaller, and even more fragile looking, but it is there if someone wished to crawl through and see what lay on the other side. BonThot fines the hallways to be much the same as the room, crafted of hard-packed earth. The hall jogged north the back to the west once more where he could see it opened into a circular hallway that branched off to the north and south, and he suspected it carried on further to the opposite side as well, though walls cut off his view from where he was.

He also spots the bottom of what looks like it might be a spiral staircase. As he looks at it, he sees the source of the green lights, as three hovering globes appear floating in the air there. They circle around one another for just a moment, and then split apart going different directions. One goes north, another south, and the third continues around the hallway to the west, it's light revealing that BonThot's original guestimation of the circular hallway going around to the west, to be correct.

Ariadne stays central to the main group, to provide light

Akyra looks at Pavel and nods his wisdom, and goes to the other sarcophagus. Using her strength, she attempts to move the lid

---

OOC: Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  strength roll

Try as she might, Akyra is not able to move the sarcophagus lid.

Strength (Athletics) DC 20 is required to open

The dragonborn struggled with the slab, managed to move it a little, but she sighed as she stopped with a snort. "Damn stone is heavy." She muttered, then looked around. She groaned as she spoke. "Where's Bon....getting into trouble again, no doubt." 

She began making her way around the tunnels, looking for him. When she did, she placed a gauntleted hand on his shoulder. "Stay together....we can't heal you if your on your own somewhere. We check each area, then move on.....Patience."

The dragonborn snorted again as she began making her way for the lights and stairs

"I was just returning, lass."

And it seems that is exactly what BonThot was doing.

"There are a number of passages, but specific to one, there appears a spiral stair case further along. I suspect that's where we should be looking for any mysterious treasures and whatnot."

Pavel walks up to Adrianne and stands guard.

A tunnel to the west, and a hallway to the west. Two different roads, both headed in the same general direction. Which path would they choose to take?
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:05, Tue 24 Aug 2021.

Pavel decides to guard Adrianne, going where she goes.

"The most obvious would the be the spiral staircase, but as always I will defer the the rest of the party."

Ariadne nodded "We don't want to take too long, as our hostess is expecting us back soon, however it seems too good an opportunity to pass up.
Let's explore this area,  then head upstairs'"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Tue 24 Aug 2021.

"I like how you think," BonThot said with a broad smile.

Akyra nods at the group, and looks west. "The tunnel i think would have been where the ankheg entered....i say we check the worked tunnel first." The cleric then begins walking slowly

Ariadne nodded and followed behind the dragonborn

I stay close to Adrianne.

The party reached the central chamber, and finding no immediate cause for concern, spread out a bit to have a look around the area. Paths branched off to each of the cardinal directions, opening to rooms of different sizes and shapes, some revealing glimpses of more sarcophagi, others of only more walls.

To the north, west, and south there floated a glowing green sphere that moved around in slight undulating patterns. The stairs were confirmed to go only upward, but the view up was quickly cut off by nature of the spiral stairs.

"Perhaps before going any further, we might take a look at the Sarcophagi," BonThot suggested.

"I agree with BonThot getting surprised down here would be a bad idea." Pavel says.

Ariadne shrugged
"Perhaps we should explore the rest of the complex, get a lay of the land before we start digging.  We might even find clues about who those coffins belong to "

The cleric nods. “We search together, find out what this place is, then we can talk to our friend upstairs. “

She looks around and picks the southern passage. “…as good as any.” She muttered, moving slowly

"Then let us explore some more, my preparations should decrease the odds of an ambush." Pavel says as he fingers his axe for use in these tighter quarters if need be.

The group proceeded down the southern passage, toward one of the glowing green lights. The movement of the floating ball seemed to get more playful and excited, the closer you came. Moving down the hallway, the room slowly took shape, odd though it was. The room seemed mostly empty, save for what looked like a pile of...something, in the southern-most corner of the room. Before Akyra could take in what the pile of stuff was actually made of, she felt the floor give way beneath her, and the green light flashed yellow. Those whose eyes were not locked on Akyra and the pit trap that had opened beneath her feet, instead noticed the faint image of a skull inside the glowing now-yellow light.

Akyra had no opportunity to grab ahold of anything to prevent the fall, she fell straight into the pit. Thankfully, it was only ten feet deep. Not-so-thankfully, it was filled with sharpened sword blades. (Akyra falls and lands on four sword blades, taking 16 piercing damage.)
23:45, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Pit Swords, rolled 16 using 4d6.  Sword Pit Damage.
23:45, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Pit Swords, rolled 4 using 1d4.  Number of swords hit.

The glowing creature, which Ariadne now realizes is a will-0'-wisp, then flew aggressively toward Akyra.

Roll initiative. The pit is 10 ft deep, but only 5 ft wide. If you have a Str 10+ then you can jump over the pit without rolling. Under Str 10, you need to move at least 10 feet before the jump, or roll Athletics. Jumping is part of your movement, so you can still take actions.

"AKYRA!!!"
Ariadne yelled in shock at the sudden fate of their dragonborn friend.

The druid tried to leap over the pit, as much to give others room to maneuver than anything else, and threw her flame at the malignant light.

OOC: 00:19, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 6 using 1d8.  flame damage.

00:19, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  throw flame.

00:18, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  initiative.

BonThot stays where he is, looses a Cloud of Daggers centering it at the ball of energy that's floating around. 60' range, 4d4 Daggers

Initiative: 5
This message was last edited by the player at 14:00, Thu 26 Aug 2021.

Pavel curses, readies his bow and aims at the evil orb. Once he has a steady bead on it he looses his arrow.

OOC:
15:15, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.
15:16, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  bow attack on orb thing.
15:17, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 5 using 1d8+2.  bow damage orb thing.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:19, Thu 26 Aug 2021.

Sakamoto, bringing up the rear, remains cautious in his advance, and sinks deeper into the shadows. As the group advances into the room - or at least closer to the entry way - he hangs back, trusting in his allies to take and hold the room or cry out for more help as needed.

OOC: Sakamoto holds his action - such as it is - until there's a threat from the rear or more foes present themselves in the room.
Today: Sakamoto rolled 5 using 1d20+3, rerolling all ones ((Initiative)). SERIOUSLY!?!
Today: Sakamoto rolled 24 using 1d20+7, rerolling all ones ((Stealth)).

<OOC: sorry for the delay guys….had a bad week this week>

Akyra fell in the pit, flat on her back, several blades piercing her flesh as the fall took the wind out of her. Her instincts kicked in, getting up, bleeding from several wounds as she climbed up, shield in hand, muttering.

Holding one wound, she grimaced at the wisp as it came in. Shield in hand, she readied for an attack, and wincing, held her hand out summoning holy fire.

---

OOC: OUCH!

Movement - stand up and climb out of the pit.

Attack - sacred flame

Dex save 12 or take 7 damage

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 7 using 1d8.  Sacred flame damage.

Bonus action - none

The Will-o'-wisp moved forward as the group went into motion in response to Akyra's fall. It had clearly intended to end Akyra's life, but Ariadne's leaping form drew the creature up short. The light grew more intense, giving you the feeling that it was angry. The light flared and electricity flew into Ariadne's body, causing muscles to tense and her skin to burn. (Ariadne takes 7 Lightning damage)

Pavel shot an arrow at the orb. It pierced the "body" and kept flying all the way through until it stuck into the packed-earth wall on the opposite side, a slight trail of the green light following for a moment before it faded. (WoW takes 3 damage)

Akyra climbed out of the pit, choose offensive magic over healing. Righteous flames formed in the air and swung at the creature, but it danced around them as though the flames moved in slow motion. (Saved, no damage)
01:49, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Willowisp, rolled 22 using 1d20+9.  Dex Save.

Ariadne threw flames and landed the hit. Some flames flew around it while others seemed to burn into it a bit. (WoW takes 3 fire damage)

Sakamoto stood his ground, keeping up a rear guard.

BonThot called into being a swirling cloud of blades that slashed at the creature. Like the arrow before, they seemed to pass through and leave streams of light as they passed through, having some effect, but not all. (WoW takes 5 damage)
01:54, Today: Psynister, on behalf of BonThot, rolled 10 using 4d4.  Cloud of Daggers.

The Will-o'-wisp saw Akyra climb out of the pit, and turned its shocking attack on the dragonborn. Lightning flew from the sphere and arced all over Akyra's shield with intense excitement. Akyra knew, had the attack landed, it would have stopped her heart. (Miss)
01:57, Today: Psynister rolled 6,12 using d20+4,2d8.  Shock Attack.

Round 2



This message was last edited by the GM at 07:00, Sun 29 Aug 2021.

Ariadne cried out in pain as the electricity hit her, and drew her scimitar.   She lunged at the strange,  unnatural creature

OOC :05:45, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 5 using 2d6+3.  Damage .
05:45, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Scimitar

And of course my critical hit was minimum damage.....

Still bleeding, Akyra knew that her choice here was desperate. She held her shield, breathing heavily, and closing her eyes, reached her thoughts out to her god. "Hear Me Bahamut - if it be my time, let me die with honor, but grant me the strength to help my friends."

She felt the warmth of the magic flow through her, healing her wounds a little.

---

OOC: Action - Cast heal wounds on myself

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 5 using 1d8+2.  heal wounds.

BonThot will continue concentrating on his Cloud of Daggers.

Pavel casts Ensnaring Strike and channels it through his bow at the Will O' Wisp.


11:19, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 8 using 1d8+2.  Bow damage Will O'Wisp.

11:19, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  Ensnaring strike Will O' Wisp.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Sun 29 Aug 2021.

Sakamoto continues to watch the flank. He's worried for Akyra, but knows there's little he can do for her that she or one of the others can do. On top of that, if he lets down the rear and they're attacked, the party would be in much worse condition.

Still, he offers a silent prayer for all of them.

Pavel laced his bow with magic, hoping the arrow would strike and ensnare the glowing death creature. The small orb floated easily to the side, and the arrow flew harmlessly into the far wall. (Miss)

Akyra beseeched her god for healing and protection, and the Platinum Dragon answered. (+5 hp to Akyra)

Ariadne says druid is for fite, and slashed at the orb with her scimitar. The blade passed through with easy, trailing the green light as he flew through the body. She thought she could hear a scream as she did it, but faint and coming from within her mind rather than in the world around her. (Will-o takes 3 damage)

Sakamoto continued to hold the rear guard against threats from the other two orbs.

BonThot maintained concentration on the swirling daggers, choosing not to take any other action. (Will-o takes 7 damage)
13:36, Today: Psynister, on behalf of BonThot, rolled 14 using 4d4.  Cloud of Daggers.

The Will-o'-wisp shocks Akyra again, this time connecting with the dragonborn's scales and sending a sharp burning sensation through her as muscles tense. Within the orb, a skull appears and screams with frustration as Akyra survives the attack, then the light of the orb winks out. Those without darkvision are plunged once more into darkness within the room, with only faint light showing in the hallway back toward the central area. (Akyra takes 9 damage, Will-o becomes invisible)

Round 3? The thing disappeared, combat maybe over?

"Does anyone know if these...things are corporeal, at least in some form? Might behoove us to maintain a guard, just in case. I've no wounds and can see fairly well."

Ariadne casts another Produce Flame spell, looking around
'i don't know much about these creatures, I'm afraid "

OOC:  I'm presuming we can't roll an Arcane knowledge check unless we have points in it?

Akyra, already wounded, screamed out as the shock coursed through her body, a scream of pain and anger. She drops to her knees and looks at the orb, seething anger in her eyes. She stood up, taking her axe just as it disappeared. She hesitated, looking at the place, and roared,a roar i dictivie of a dragon. “FIGHT ME! YOU CURSED ORB….I WILL END YOU!” The Dragonborn swung her axe where it was, pure anger driving her.

---

OOC: even though it’s gone, she will swing at empty air if it’s not there.

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Attack - windfall (disadvantage).
Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Attack - windfall.

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 9 using 2d4+3.  Damage - windfall.

…typical. Now I get a nice attack

"My friends, sometimes I think I am a bit absent-minded. This would be one of those times."

He sighs, then concentrates on his arcane knowledge: 5...

Yeah, that went well...

Arcana or Religion, 16+ can tell you about the creature. Sakamoto, coming from an area with more undead than normal, has Advantage on such a roll.

Akyra swing her axe through the air where the creature had been, but apparently was no longer.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:38, Wed 01 Sept 2021.

Ariadne pondered what she's learned, but comes up blank

OOC:  literally rolled 1s for both

Akyra roared at the air, stomping her foot as she replaced her axe. “Gods damned spirits…they hurt.” She again held her wounds, but looked at the others. “Their known as ‘will-o-wisp’. Spirits of evil creatures that haunt desolate places, feeding on pain and dispair. Though small they pack a punch, and are damn near resistant to everything. They can move through solid items, turn invisible and even consume life”

The Dragonborn winced as she moved. “Next one….I’d advise to try kill it fast. It consumes a life and it can heal itself.” She looked at the blood on her hand, and sighed, again casting her magic to heal herself

She looked at the others. “They thrive in dispair, so watch your step. The fact it has 3 down here we got to be careful.”

She then begins searching the room.

---

OOC: casts cure wounds on self

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 9 using 1d8+2

 Heals 9 hp

"Maybe we should make a safe way over this pit?. I have plenty rope." Pavel said almost feeling overwhelming rage.

As discussions happen, Akyra spots a pile of bones and what looks like leather scraps (maybe?) in the southern-most corner. The room is otherwise completely empty. As Akyra moved to get a better view of what the bones were all about, the bones and leather began to move and shift of their own accord, rising up moving quickly into place until the skeleton of a horse, complete with bridle and saddle stood there in the alcove. It showed no signs of aggression, and looked mostly like a horse who'd just woken from a long nap. Other than being a skeleton, it seemed like any other horse.

Ariadne gasped and stared in horror at the skeletal horse rising in their midst.  Her instincts were to end the unnatural creature,  but she also didn't want to rush into another fight when the strange light creature was still around somewhere.    Still, she kept alert

Akyra was hurt, tired and on edge, expecting the ball if lightning to return. So when she saw the leather and approached it, and the animated horse came together, the priestess cursed, grabbing her axe and swinging at the undead thing out of instinct

---

OOC: she’s a cleric, a war cleric that hates undead. An undead horse appears, she will fight, no matter how hurt she is.

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  Attack - windfall.
Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 9 using 2d4+3.  Damage - windfall.

If the horse had been capable of pushing air through vocal cords, it would have let out a sound at the cleric's brutal attack. Instead, its reaction was entirely physical, and you could tell the impact of the blow had been massive.

Don't worry about initiative, just post your actions.

DM Tip: don't waste your resources, this fight will be short

Ariadne was startled by the cleric's actions, but she had to admit that it wasn't that surprising, since people in her profession had problems woth undead as well.
Still, she was nothing if not a team player,  and she rushed to the skeleton,  swinging her scimitar

OOC:
20:50, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 6 using 1d6+5.  Damage .
20:49, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Scimitar

As quickly as the skeletal horse had appeared, ready to find a new master to ride it, axe and scimitar cut it down and released the remainder of the magical energy that had held it together.

There is nothing else in this room.

Actually, you do notice a small section of wall on the east side where one of the ankhegs had likely burrowed through, which you are fairly certain would lead back to the original room that you came into.

"Perhaps a more delicate approach would be preferable when inspecting in the surrounds."

Akyra, breathing heavily, had rightly so had a bad day. She had fallen in a pit with swords, shocked by a will-o-wisp and had an undead horse jump up I. Front of her. As she, heard the half elf speak, and turned, still angry. “What…I’m not delicate enough for you?” Her standing there, axe and shield in hand, bruised, battered and bleeding, dirty, it was an ironic comment.

She snorts as she jumps the pit with ease, and returns back to the stairs. Looking north and west, she decides that west is as good as any and starts moving.

Perception 12 to look for more traps
This message was last edited by the player at 04:13, Thu 02 Sept 2021.

"I'm half-elven fair Lady Dragonborn, but given your trials this day, I'll excuse the error."

Thinking again on the opportunity to find loot, BonThot finds himself disappointed at the lack any substantial treasures.

"Any chance we can continue looking around, or are we better off licking our wounds and heading back the surface?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:07, Thu 02 Sept 2021.

Pavel looked at the sorcerer.
"Dragonborn are a mystery to me also my friend."

Akyra, walking down the hall, snorts. “I’m not coming back here…we either finish looking or leave. And I know your a half elf, I’m not blind.” She stomped her way to the central hub

---

OOC: not cracking at you bonthot…..she’s just very angry and snapping at everyone.

Ariadne chuckled
"If there's nothing else to see here,  perhaps it's time to inspect those sarcophagi?"

"You said a mouthful!"

BonThot makes sure he speaks very softly as he discusses the ways of females and dragonborn.

The Dragonborn, a little calmer now, looked at the Druid. “I’d rather clear the area first….I don’t want another wisp sneaking up on us unexpected or it will kill us all.” The cleric winced as she stood at the hub. “If we continue, we go west…and for gods sake, watch your steps, those traps hurt. Their may be others.”

The druidess nodded to her reptilian friend
"Sounds good,  my friend.  Lead the way, if you please,  and I'll provide light "

Content, for now, that there are no attacks coming from the rear, Sakamoto enters the room quietly. He thinks for a moment, then relays the information that comes to him about the dangerous creature.

Today: Sakamoto rolled 21 using 2d20+2, rerolling all ones ((Arcana w/ Advantage)).

Pavel ties one end of his rope to himself and coils the rest around his shoulder.
"I've some insurance for pits that we come upon." he says to Adriane and taps the rope.

"Nicely done, Ranger. You've been a boon to this team."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:54, Fri 03 Sept 2021.

"As have you my friend." Pavel said.

What could be learned about the will-o'-wisp, had been learned and expressed by Akyra. As for the skeletal horse, there were no markings or other clues here to indicate what had happened, or why, that lead to the horse being here nor continuing on in undeath.

Making use of Pavel's rope, the group regathered in the hallway and then pushed on to the western hallway. The scene was a familiar one, with another will-o'-wisp floating just 10 feet ahead of Akyra. The creature floated and flitted about, beckoning you to enter. From where you stand, it is apparent that four more sarcophagi rest within this room. Thus far, no traps had been sprung along this path.

Ariadne frowned,  sighing with exasperation.
"By the gods, another one....did some evil priest get a volume discount on them or something?"
She looked at her friends
"What's the plan?  Soften it with missle fire first?"

Akyra looks at the group, a snort of greenish vapour coming from her nostrils. “Let’s move…stay close and stay alert.” She took off her axe, shield in hand, she moved towards the room to the west, a little slower than before, but still ready to fight

She moved up the path, and spied the will o wisp. Looking at the group, she indicates to move forward as one, growling at the wisp in defiance. “I doubt it’s the same one. You can try ranged attacks, but maybe if we advance as a group it will back off.”

Akyra proceeded with caution, feeling the floor beneath her feet. Feeling somewhat more confident, she moved in for the swing - and that was when the floor gave way and the pit trap opened. Pavel saw the image of the skull flash inside the creature's orb-shaped "body" as it prepared to attack.

Pavel, give me a strength save to save Akyra from the fall. If you have proficiency in Athletics, you can roll it with advantage. Your result will determine what conditions Akyra finds herself in.

And let's roll initiative. You can post actions too, if you like. The pit is the square between Akyra and the creature. Anyone who wants to jump over can move through the will-o's square.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:19, Sat 04 Sept 2021.

Semi-confident that the way behind them is clear - though still wary about the wisp that seemingly disappeared - Sakamoto moves into the room with the rest of the group. He could see that they were at a dead end, so any fighting, regardless of foes, would be done here.

When Akrya falls prey to yet another pit trap, he moves quickly to occupy spaces filled by others as they move around, wary for any attacks.

Today: Sakamoto rolled 12 using 1d20+3, rerolling all ones ((Initiative)).
OOC: Sakamoto holds his action until a threat presents itself - either an attack on the current wisp, or an attack on another foe if one appears.
Today: Sakamoto rolled 14,7,2 using d20+5,d6+3,d6 ((Attack, Damage, Sneak Attack Damage))
Today: Sakamoto rolled 17,7 using d20+5,d4+3 ((Martial Arts, Damage)).

Ariadne leapt over to the other side of the pit, both to get out of the way, and to attack the wisp.
She threw her flame at it.

OOC: 01:31, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 7 using 1d8 with rolls of 7. Possible crit damages (13 if it crits, 6 if not)
01:31, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 6 using 1d8 with rolls of 6.  Damage .
01:31, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Throw fire.
01:31, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Initiative .

Pavel grabbed for the dragonborn.
"I got ya!" he exclaimed.
"Anyone get the feeling we should attack this nasty with acid?"
OOC:
00:09, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Strength check 1 advantage.
That is the best I have


00:16, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 16 using 1d20+1 ((15)). initiative
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Sun 05 Sept 2021.

Akyra saw the orb glow with the skull as the pit opened up below her. She felt herself falling when Pavel grasped her arm as she fell. The Dragonborn fell into the pit, but avoided the blades, landing down in the pit, she looked up and climbed, on the front line again. “Not this time, wisp!” She muttered as she swung her axe.

….and missed.

---

OOC: Movement - climbs up the pit.

Action - Attack the wisp.

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Attack - windfall.

BonThot's initiative is 16.

BonThot readies a flask of acid, but waits until the party members are out of his way. He was hopeful to get a shot in on the bogeyman, but not sure enough to test it out on one of his companions. He steps back, behind the others and waits for an opportunity to either use the acid or use a cantrip.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Sun 05 Sept 2021.

The Will-o'-wisp flew at Pavel and sent a jolt of electricity into the ranger's body. It burned, and caused his muscles to seize - which was actually a good thing for Akyra. (Pavel takes 11 lightning damage)
11:32, Today: Psynister rolled 14,11 using d20+4,2d8.  Shock Attack.

Pavel held on to the straining rope, using the corner of the wall to brace himself against the dragonborn's weight. (you can act normally now)

BonThot drew out his flask of acid and lobbed it at the creature. The undead creature floated lazily around it and the flask shattered against the wall with a hiss. (miss, flask is consumed)
11:37, Today: Psynister, on behalf of BonThot, rolled 16,8 using d20+3,2d6.  Acid Flask.

Ariadne threw her flames at the creature, landing a direct hit, the flames roaring even more fully to life as it connected. (Will-o takes 13 fire, reduced to 7) As the flames burned away, so too did the light, reducing the area once more to only the light coming from the creature itself.

Sakamoto once again held up the rear guard, holding against any other threats that might present themselves.

Akyra avoided the sharpened swords with the help of the rope, and used it while bracing her legs against the pit's walls to climb back out. Vengeance on her mind, she swung with Windfall, but the agile little deathball danced away from the blade. (miss)

Round 2

BonThot rolls with the punches, looses a Ray of Frost.

14:02, Today: BonThot rolled 3 using 1d8 with rolls of 3.  Damage.

14:02, Today: BonThot rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  ray of frost.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:36, Sun 05 Sept 2021.

Akyra, still hurting from her first experience with the will-o-wisp, swung her axe at the undead ball, the axe leading the way.

---

OOC: Action - attack with windfall

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Attack - windfall.
Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 11 using 2d4+3.  Damage - windfall.

Ariadne, standing back behind the others, brought up more druidic flame and tossed it at the wisp.

OOC:
20:46, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  produce flame.

Even if he was in a position to move in to help, there'd be no room for him to move into. Sakamoto had to trust in his allies as he continued to keep a careful watch on the rear.

The creature continues its push on Pavel, the one who prevented Akyra's death which it had so fiendishly craved. (Pavel takes 8 more lightning damage)

01:02, Today: Psynister rolled 17,8 using d20+4,2d8.  Shock Attack.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:34, Mon 06 Sept 2021.

Pavel grunts in pain, draws his axe and bellows.
"You shall not pass!"
Swinging at the wisp.

OOC:

22:51, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  handaxe damage wisp.

22:50, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  handaxe attack wisp.

At least I'm consistent
This message was last edited by the player at 02:52, Tue 07 Sept 2021.

The Will-o'-wisp continues its push on Pavel, the one who prevented Akyra's death which it had so fiendishly craved. (Pavel takes 8 more lightning damage)
01:02, Today: Psynister rolled 17,8 using d20+4,2d8.  Shock Attack.

Pavel shouted a rebuff at the creature and swung with an axe, but caught only air as the deathball dodged aside. (miss)

BonThot pointed a threatening finger at the creature, causing a blue-white ray of freezing energy zipping through the air. The beam struck it and sent flakes of ice flying off of it. It was a hit, but it seemed to have very minimal effect. (3 cold, reduced to 2)

Ariadne followed the ice attack with one of fire, hoping the opposing elements might combine for good effect, but the flames went high and scorched the packed-dirt ceiling instead. (miss)

Sakamoto waited and watched, hoping his allies could handle the one while he kept an eye open for another.

Akyra took a powerful swing with Windfall, but missed it by this || much. (miss)

The Will-o'-wisp sent more lighting at Pavel, hitting him square in the chest. Blessedly, the lightning scrolled across his armor this time, burning jagged patterns into the leather, but not strong enough to conduct into his body. (miss)
23:31, Today: Psynister rolled 10,11 using d20+4,2d8.  Shock Attack.

Round 3

Gritting her teeth,  Ariadne reached into the power of the Natural Order and drew out more flame to throw at the creature
  OOC:
01:04, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Throw flame
 01:04, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 5 using 1d8.  Damage

Akyra, seeing the beast take its vengeance out on Pavel all for saving her made the cleric angry. She longed to destroy it, but her friend needed help. Placing a clawed hand on his shoulder, she spoke. “Bahamut….aide your daughter in her time of need. Send your healing to my friend so as to destroy your enemies.”

A slight glow permeated her hand and a warmth transferred to Pavel. The Dragonborn felt the lethargy common with using her magic as she stood, ready. “You’ll not kill us all that easily!” She snarled.

---

OOC: Action - cast heal wounds in Pavel

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 10 using 1d8+2.  Heal wounds.

Pavel heals 10 HP

BonThot recalls a warning from his mother when he was a tot, something along the lines of 'Waste not, Want not.'

With a sigh, he retreats some 20',  lines up a Mind Sliver and fires away.

OOC: That should put me a bit further away, while still in range.

11:24, Today: BonThot rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  Mind sliver, Int DC 13 vs -1d4 Save.

DM note: Repeat
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:16, Wed 08 Sept 2021.

BonThot closes his eyes in concentration:

Pavel nods to BonThot and raises his axe again to strike.
"Fell beast, eat my axe! For justice!" Pavel cries

OOC:GO FOR THE EYES BOO! GO FOR THE EYES!


00:14, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 8 using 1d6+2.  handaxe damage wisp.

00:14, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  handaxe attack wisp.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:15, Wed 08 Sept 2021.

Pavel cried out as he swung his axe at the creature, but once again the undead glowball danced away as if he'd seen it coming well in advance. (miss)

BonThot assailed the creature's mind...or...whatever mind-like thing it possessed. The spell seemed to have no effect. (save succeeded) The sorcerer then retreated further down the hallway, cutting off his line of sight to the creature, but knowing he had few options remaining to him.
23:46, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Willowisp, rolled 15 using 1d20+1.  Int Save.

Ariadne threw more flames, and the Will-o'-wisp gracefully dodged yet again. (miss)

Sakamoto waited and watched, hoping his allies could handle the one while he kept an eye open for another.

Akyra reached out her hand and sent the healing energy of the dragon god into Pavel, restoring his health. (Pavel regains 10 HP)

The Will-o'-wisp flared with green light, a hint of blackness within, as it turned toward Akyra and sent the jagged fingers of lightning at the cleric, instead. It arced across her shield, but did the dragonborn no harm. (miss)

Round 4

Akyra held her shield as the orb sent the shock. She felt a slight tingle as it arced over the metal, but she didn't have any lasting damage.

She snarled as she came in, channeling her warrior training she swung left and quickly going full circle, followed through (though tbe angle was low with the second swing)

---

OOC: Action - Melee Attack

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Attack - windfall.

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 8 using 2d4+3.  Damage - windfall.

Bonus Action - War Priest (extra attack)

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Attack - windfall.

 

Ariadne tossed another flame at the wisp
OOC:
01:34, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 4 using 1d8.  Damage .
01:32, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Produce Flame

Pavel hoping to help his friends tries to grab the wisp.

OOC
Athletics 09:25, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 7 using 1d20+4 ((3)).
This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Wed 08 Sept 2021.

With BonThot now seemingly guarding the rear and seemingly unhurt, Sakamoto abandons his post and moves into the fray. Unfortunately, with available room limited by the hallway, he cannot get an angle to melee attack the Wisp.

"Pavel!" He thinks, directly into the Ranger's mind, "Allow me to swap places with you!"

[OOC: Sakamoto moves to the square between Ariadne and Pavel. -Ken]

BonThot plays a game of hide and seek with the creature - this time he casts a ray of frost: causing 1 point of damage.

ooc: this dice roller sure is fun...womp, womp, womp...

Pavel swaps places with Sakamoto

The Will o' Wisp is agile, moreso, even, than the wily Sakamoto. He squeezes the pearl set at the throat of his cloak, breaking it and releasing a cloud of icy mist around him. He then launches an attack, the first of which misses widly, and the second coming oh-so-close to finally landing on the creature.

Today: Sakamoto rolled 9,9,4 using d20+5,d6+3,d6 ((Attack, Damage, SA Damage)).
Today: Sakamoto rolled 18,7 using d20+5,d4+3 ((Martial Arts, Damage)).
This message was last edited by the player at 03:54, Fri 10 Sept 2021.

Pavel attempted to grapple the will-o'-wisp, but couldn't get his hands on the thing (grapple missed). Sakamoto called out for them to swap places, so Pavel complied, drawing the creature's ire in the form of a jolt of lightning. Fortunately, it licked up the wall behind him as the ranger moved. (OA missed)
18:28, Today: Psynister rolled 5,7 using d20+4,2d8.  Shock Attack. (Pavel doesn't have to move out of range to let that happen, so no opportunity attack should have been triggered.)

BonThot moved back in to attack with another ray of frost, and landing another hit. Unfortunately it seemed so ineffective he may as well have done nothing. (1 damage to will-o)

Ariadne continued to hurl fire, summoning flames into her hands and lighting the room, then throwing it at the creature and returning to the darkness broken only by the light from the glowing spirit. (Miss)

Sakamoto moved into Pavel's space and attacked the undead enemy twice, but nothing strike found its mark. (miss and miss)

Akyra took not one swing, but two, with the dragon-winged axe, but neither was able to bite into the creature's orb-like body. (miss and miss)

The Will-o'-wisp turned its death lighting back to Akyra, but once again the cleric's armor and shield kept her from harm. (miss)
18:34, Today: Psynister rolled 16,5 using d20+4,2d8.  Shock Attack.

Round 5



This message was last edited by the GM at 05:31, Fri 10 Sept 2021.

Ariadne drew more flame from The Natural Order and threw it.
OOC:  23:09, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 3 using 1d8.  Damage .
23:08, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Produce Flame

Seeing the orb and party were at a stale mate, the cleric again pushed her training to the limits, swinging her axe once, then twice at the orb in front of her.

---

OOC: Action - Attack with Windfall


14:23, Today: Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Attack - windfall.

Bonus action - war priest (extra attack)

14:22, Today: Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Attack - windfall.

Sakamoto once again launches an attack at the wisp, the first landing by the grace of the gods, but the second, again, falling just short of connecting solidly. This was certainly a frustrating creature to try to fight. If only there were some way to pin it down...

Today: Sakamoto rolled 24,9,1 using d20+5,d6+3,d6 ((Attack, Damage, SA Damage))
Today: Sakamoto rolled 18,7 using d20+5,d4+3 ((Martial Arts, Damage)).
TOTAL DAMAGE: 10 (5)
OOC: Don't forget my Armor of Agathys temporary HP and damage if the wisp melee attacks me. -Ken

BonThot remains in place. He looks forward to 4 hours of uninterrupted rest so that he can regain his spells.

Pavel readied his action to protect Adrianne, the druidess flinging flame since his attacks seemed to do about as much as a stiff wind against the wisp. Maybe when he was closer he'd grab at the malign entity again.

Pavel prepared to grapple the creature if he came any closer.

BonThot stands there doing nothing.

Ariadne managed to bathe the creature in flames once more. (3 damage, reduced to 2)

Sakamoto sank the hooked blade of his kama into the center of undead sphere, eliciting a terrible screech for the creature when he did. (10 damage, reduced to 5)

Akyra took two more swings at the will-o'-wisp, and once more it danced around the twin blade unharmed. (miss and miss)

The Will-o'-wisp made the skull image at its center visible once more, screaming furiously before it flashed brightly and then disappeared all together. (The creature casts Invisibility and flees.)

Combat is technically over. Akyra, Sakamoto, and Pavel can all make one attack at Advantage to see if you can kill it with a lucky swing.

Working to catch her breath,  Ariadne sighed with annoyance
"I don't want to complain about the creepy monster vanishing, but this whole 'run away to fight another day' nonsense is worrisome and tedious".

Akyra, roaring in defiance, swings her axe in a sweeping arc where the orb was. "JUST DIE!" she screamed

---

OOC: Attack of opertunity

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  Attack - windfall
Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Attack - windfall (advantage)!


Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 7 using 2d4+3.  Damage - windfall.

Akyra's axe swings through the air where the thing had been a moment before, and just as Ariadne finished her comment, a clear gelatinous fluid arced behind the dragonborn's axe and slapped into Sakamoto and Pavel's clothing. A clear, broken sphere fell to the ground at Akyra's feet with a wet slosh breaking into jelly-like bits as it landed, then melting into pure liquid that soaked into the ground and not two seconds later, evaporated into nothing.

This time, the creature was well and truly dead.

Akyra breathed heavily as she looked at the pile of good that was the wisp with some satisfaction at its death. She groaned, feeling her own wounds, then looked at Ariadne with a sligh draconic smile. "...you were saying?"

Tbe dragonborn put her axe on her hip, and navigating the pit, began the search of the room.

Seeing the sarcophagi,  she goes to one, and placing her shield down, tries to move it, with little effect.

She sighs, looking at the others. "A little help maybe?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:42, Sat 11 Sept 2021.

The druid grinned at her dragonborn friend
"Nicely done!"

"Oh. Goo." Sakamoto says, simply, as he flicks the offending slime from his cloak - which is still shrouded in an icy mist.

He approaches Akyra, but frowns, shaking his head. "I am sorry, but I am afraid I would be little help in lifting the lid. However, I would query as to the need to lift the lids from them currently. We might be better served attempting to rest here."

I am not very strong, but I can try to help...
This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Sat 11 Sept 2021.

Ariadne sighed and shook her head
"We can't rest long....our hostess is expecting us back, and we don't want her to think we were killed by other ankhegs and then take it upon herself to collapse the tunnels to protect herself "

Akyra rolled his eyes. “Strength or not, if we all try, it will be easier. I’m reasonably strong, but on my own I can’t. So quit thinking you can’t and get over here. These will o wisps aren’t natural, they are here as guardians, and by the gods, I want to know why two of these things are here!”

It takes a bit of time, but as others pitch in and lend their strength as well, the sarcophagi eventually open. The southeastern slides open, and there inside you find the remains of of a man in wizard robes and a dried and cracking staff. Around his neck is a silver chain with small red beads. Despite everything else inside being clearly touched by age, the necklace itself remains pristine.

"May I take a look?" BonThot asks.

He's strangely diffident without his spells, but he seems eager to study the item.

Roll Arcana Check: 10:54, Today: BonThot rolled 10 using 1d20+2 ((8)).

I'm not really sure, other than I suspect that it has magical properties. I wish I knew more.

Looking at it, BonThot doesn't know any new details.

Magic items can be identified by fiddling with them during a short or long rest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:30, Wed 15 Sept 2021.

BonThot puts the item away for the time being, with an explanation that he will share the item once he has time to study it further. Of course, if it's something that he can use, there might be a discussion, but he'll save that for later.

:)

Ariadne nodded
'What's next?"

"Good question. It maybe time for a rest back at inn. What do the rest of you think?"

Akyra looks at the others. "Lets check the rest, then we can think of leaving. before we tackle the other rooms though, a short rest in here would help"

She then begins the process of tbe other sarcophagus in the room

<OOC: if I'm not mistaken, there were 4 in here>

For his part, Sakamoto moves back down the hallway away from any light being sent out of the room, and secrets himself once again into a nook in the rough hewn cave walls, pulling the hood of his cloak over his head, and setting up watch for incoming foes.

Today: Sakamoto rolled 14 using 1d20+7 ((Stealth))

Sakamoto went to re-establish a watch while the others wrestled the remaining sarcophagi open. The other on the south wall contained a corpse as well, but everything within seemed mundane or otherwise uninteresting. The same could be said for the one in the northeast corner.

The final held the corpse of what seemed likely to have been a bard or similar entertainer. Two items of note showed to have resisted the passage of time within. The first was a lute, and the second a pair of goggles.

Akyra looked in all three sarcophagi and took note to disturb them minimally. She took out the lute and goggles, giving them to bonthot.

She then sat with a wince. “Let us rest here then look at the final passage.”She sat down and took some packing and started cleaning her own wounds.

<OOCm taking a short rest. Will spend two of my three HD to heal up

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 10 using 2d8+3.  Hit dice heal.

Will spend the rest of the time help identify items (amulet, lute and goggles)>

As the group looks through the forth sarcophagus, Sakamoto reaches out to the nearest mind to him, Ariadne.

[OOC: It was just a random decision on who'd physically be closer to Sakamoto while he's roughly 30' away from the party. -Ken]

In reply to Sakamoto (msg # 259):

Ariadne looked at the others nearby and whispered
'Sakamoto says that there's someone else down here. not a wisp, but a person with a torch '

BonThot reaches out to Sakamoto and asked,"What manner of man is it? A fighter? An elf? Something else?"

ooc: for those who don't know, I have a similar skill that allows me to talk to other party members over some distance. Figured that might come in handy at some point.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Mon 13 Sept 2021.

"I see only the light of a torch. Nothing more, yet."

Akyra, tired and sore, sighed as she grasped her axe and shield. "Be on your toes and form up defensively.  If it's an enemy, I want to make sure we have the best chance." even though her tone was steady, she had a weariness in her voice - the fights with the ankheg and wisps had taken its toll on her.

She stood in front of them all, ready for what was to come

Pavel decides to join Sakamoto in watching the groups back.

As the torchlight approached the party's location, the first thing the front line could see was a shield, made of large scales overlapping one another. A curiously pale tri-horned head was behind it, yellow reptilian eyes looking too low for the eye sockets. Coming closer, the hunched blue scaled lizard folk appeared in the torch light and opened his sharp teeth filled maw, his three horned head revealed to be a helmet made of a skull. Another skull was strapped on its chest, more decorative than protective, and he seemed to have no metal bits on him, dressed in a haphazard collection of leather, teeth and bones. His weapons seemed to consist in a short bow, a few bone tipped javelins and a long thin curved giant tooth that he carried like a sword, with an handle seemingly fashioned from the roots.

Gooooodddd you are the warm blooooodddd the potioooonn maker was talking aboooout. I am Khoooorth. The potiooon maker says yooou hunt undead. I hunt undead. I will help yooou.

Flickering his tail, he looked at the tired group with a cold stare, like deciding which one would be his next meal. Instead, he reached behind his back and got a freshly killed young deer that he had carried through the tunnels and dropped it, almost like a peace offering.

Yooou are hungry and tired. Yooou rest. Many undead still toooo kill. Yooou need tooo be strooong.



OOC this image is for the shield


This message was last edited by the player at 02:21, Fri 17 Sept 2021.

Ariadne opened her eyes wide at the site of the exotic reptile man, and was relieved that he was an ally sent by their hostess.  She nodded in appreciation to the deer, though thought it was a bit much for the environment.   Still, it was a generous thought.
"We're glad to see a friendly face down here...."
She smiled wryly at that statement,  wondering just how often the intimidating warrior was called that in his life.
"We've had battles with a couple of creatures called Will O' The Wisps, but I'm not sure if they're undead or not.  Probably close enough,  i suppose.
Have you seen anything unusual so far?"


OOC:  just as an aside,  the potion maker knew we were coming into an ankheg tunnel, but she probably didn't know about undead.

"Nice to see another one here that can help me kick the backside of evil! For Justice!" Pavel said while extending his hand to the lizardman.

Akyra, every bit the warrior, was ready when the light finally revealed the lizardman. Her new magical axe in one hand, the shield with the etching of bahamut in the other, the black Dragonborn was in a defensive crouch when she first saw him. In the dim light, she first thought him like her - a Dragonborn, but as he came closer, she realised the truth.

This didn’t cause her to relax.

The fact he was adorned with bones, a scaled shield and a tooth sword showed he was a warrior, and though she was injured, she would fight - that was the way of a war priest.

She, however was surprised when he spoke, his accent unusual as she registered what he was saying. Akyra relaxed a little, her axe hand by her side and shield a little less ready, she looked him over. “We hunt undead…so do you, or so you say. The alchemist never knew of the undead, how did you?” She looked at the deer, and realised she was hungry, and tired, but this stranger needed to prove he was an ally.

When Ariadne spoke, the Dragonborn answered, still looking at Khorth. “Will-o-wisps are undead. They feed as much on despair and fear as life. Once evil souls, their essence manifests into the wisp to feed on the despair they caused in life. Their not strong, but damn hard to hit - small and fast. And even not the strongest, their essence makes them resistant to all but magical weapons and divine magic. Should they find someone unconscious, they can suck the life from them to heal themselves.”

She glanced at the Druid. “That, along with the damn traps, and they have been quite the trial.” She again looks at Khorth. “…though we have held our own so far”

---

BonThot looked on with interest, but said nothing...much.

A soft whisper touches the lizard creature in welcome.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Fri 17 Sept 2021.

Sakamoto had allowed himself to be passed in his secured and hidden position, ready to strike at a foe from the rear. When the foe proved tentative friend, he simply returned to his duty of guarding the rear entrance. Though, he felt, at this point it might mostly be for naught.