Present: Lady Chlora, Zhalis

Two sisters stalked through the woods in search of a wooden door, poorly covered in leaves. They had been given their assignment, to find and kill the Thayan necromancer who was said to be the leader of the Thayan mercenaries who were trying to threaten and control everyone in town in order to lay claim to the mine for themselves. These clutch sisters knew the general area of the secret entrance, but not the specifics, which had lead them to searching with no results for the last ten minutes.

Lucky for them, the trees overhead provided a fair amount of protection against the heavy rains, as the massive thunderstorm blew swiftly through the land. Water still fell everywhere, but the leaves and branches channeled much of it into numerous streams that fell from the high branches like so many tiny waterfalls. At the bases of trees water rushed down to erode the dirt at the base of its trunk causing pools to form and rapidly grow. Lighning fell from time to time, but mostly arced across the sky with a flash of light yet not actual strikes or accompanying thunder. When a strike did fall nearby, the crash of thunder was brutal, causing a painful ringing in your ears and the hair on your body to stand on end and a burnt smell to permeate the air nearby.

All of the forest floor, thanks to its thick canopy, was open mud covered only by the natural detritus from the trees and whatever wild animals dared to venture this close to a humanoid settlement. Sunlight barely reached this far into the trees, leaving only occasional small patches of grass or the growth of a new sapling to manage to take root. The whole area was muddy, some places worse than others. The mud was thick enough to make a bit of a squelching sound as you walked, and if you weren't careful you might slip a bit, but so far it had not become so bad that your boots were beginning to stick or for large clumps to cling to them while you walked. If the search took much longer however, you weren't sure how longer that would be the case.

You finally managed to spot the cellar door, about twenty yards away. It is tucked in with bushes on either side making it somewhat difficult to see, but the rain had washed away whatever leaves and things had been piled on to hide it.



Just as you recognize it as the door you sought, however, a figure stepped out, dressed in red and black robes and bits of golden jewelry. His head was bald and he wore no beard, but eerie tattoos covered his neck and chin, crawling up his cheeks as well. He had a dagger on his belt, a black staff in one hand, and lifted a deep sack filled with several things, including some weapons that stuck out from the top, which he hefted over one shoulder.

The man did not bother closing the doors as he stepped out, but as he stepped out, his eyes locked straight onto the two of you. He hesitated for only a moment before dropping the sack and using that hand to reach up and grasp a dark amulet at his throat. He spoke words in a language you did not understand, but laced with the power of magic as they were, understanding his intent was not so difficult.

Chlora and Zhalis, roll initiative. If you beat a 16, post your actions as well. If you do not beat the 16, or only match it, you can post your reaction and initiative, but wait to post actions or movement.



This message was last edited by the GM at 02:07, Sat 12 Feb 2022.

06:24, Today: Lady Chlora rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.



"Well now that is most interesting is it not ?" She said from behind her veil.
Eyes flickering to the man coming forth from the hole in the ground.

"Men don't often come up from below like that."

When the necromancer seems to be casting a spell her eyes flicker about for cover and the trees nearby.

"Look sister, the rabbit scurries from its hole of his own fruition. Saving us all the effort of dispatching his minions. We should thank him before he meets his end."

Zhalis could tell the necromancer was casting a spell, but it was not one she recognized.

---

OOC: 23:18, Yesterday: Zhalis rolled 14 using 1d20.  Initiative.
13:32, Today: Zhalis rolled 11 using 1d20+1.  Arcana.

[Language unknown: "Sheorende e wi ion, ee u utarul. Ofnech eaustacon n artstress o ever,"] the Thayan pulled at the amulet, snapping the small chain, and held it out before him. The dark gem shattered in particles and dust, and he let the pieces that remained fall to the ground. As he did, the dust took shape - three individual shapes - in front of him.

The first that took form was that of a hound whose mouth had additional rows of teeth in place of lips or jowls. As the darkness of the storm and shadows of the trees played over the hound, he seemed to nearly disappear entirely until some bit of light touched him once more.

The second was a skeletal soldier wearing half-plate armor made of bone and shadow. In his hands was a longsword with a dull-gray blade that reflected no light.

Finally was a humanoid shape, but there was no variation in its form, no details to be made out, as though it was being of pure shadow and no other substance.

The Shadow Hound ran toward the sisters, but disappeared after only a few bounding strides... (there's a line on the map to show where the hound moved before he turned invisible)

The Skeletal Soldier stepped forward then stood and waived a mocking wave for Zhalis to come forward.

The Shadow Being glided closer, but stayed between the soldier and the necromancer. It reached out a hand toward Zhalis and an inky spray flew toward her, slapping into her shield. As the pureblood warrior glanced down, she saw the shadow formed barbs against the shield's surface, but as it found no purchase it turned to wisps of shadowy smoke and faded to nothing. (miss)
14:50, Today: Psynister rolled 12,11,2 using d20+4,2d6+2,d4.  Shadow Strength Drain. – [roll=1644699023.35081.356976]

Round 1: Zhalis and Chlora, post your actions.

Most of these enemies have Reactions, and this is a boss fight, so enemies will fight intelligently, so consider your actions with care.

The soldier, beckoned to Zhalis, wanting her to close the gap between them. She grinned at him, before she cast a spell in his direction.

"I think I'm fine right here, thank you for the consideration."

Once again, Zhalis muttered something too low for him to hear and gestured, eldritch energy shooting out straight toward the soldier.

---

OOC: 15:32, Today: Zhalis rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast.
15:48, Today: Zhalis rolled 4 using 1d10+3.  Eldritch Blast damage.

Movement: none
Bonus Action: cast Hex on soldier. Strength checks at disadvantage
Action: cast Eldritch Blast on soldier.

"Even more interesting."

She didn't like the looks of the shadowy ghostlike one at all. The skeleton she was sure her clutch sister could face. She called up a small ball of lightning (Chromatic Orb) and hurtled it at the blue bordered shadowy being. She then moved a distance taking cover by one of the trees.



15:02, Today: Lady Chlora rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Chromatic Orb Lightning.

15:03, Today: Lady Chlora rolled 13 using 3d8.  Lightning Orb Damage.

A lizardfolk warrior with a three-horned skull for a helm, a sword lined with jagged teeth in one hand and a shield of large scales, shell, and bone - emerges from the hidden door.

Khorth, you are able to act immediately. You are inside the doors, 1 square to the right of the necromancer.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:49, Sat 12 Feb 2022.

Present: Lady Chlora, Zhalis

Zhalis cursed the skeletal warrior to weaken it's strength, but she refused to accept its offer of melee combat and fired a blast of eldritch energy at it. The Soldier intercepted the blast with the flat of his blade like it was nothing. (miss)

Lady Chlora conjured an orb of lightning and hurled it at the Shadow Being. The orb collided with the thing's body and the lightning arced out across the torso, but many of the arcs seemed to fizzle into the air instead. (Shadow Being takes 6 damage, Resistant to Lightning) She then sought the protection of a nearby tree, but as she moved she felt the hound's teeth bite at her right hip and the hound became visible once more (Lady Chlora takes 11 Piercing damage).
16:55, Today: Arthin Dol rolled 15,11 using d20+5,2d6+3.  Shadow Hound Bite - opportunity attack. – [roll=1644706509.22948.364942]

Khorth emerged from the tunnel, seeing the red cloak of a Thayan wizard directly in front of him. The paladin sought to take advantage of this situation and stab the Thayan leader before he was aware it was coming. At the last possible moment, the wizard turned a concerned eye toward the double-doors, as though something sounded off. His eye widened as he saw colors he did not expect, and he windmilled his arms as he leaned back to dodge the toothy blade. (miss)

THE STORM rages on, and lightning strikes down in the area, three separate bolts in rapid succession. The first strikes in the north, the second directly between Zhalis and the Shadow Hound, and the third far to the southeast. (Zhalis, Dex DC 13 w/ Advantage vs 6 Lightning damage. Success you take 3 damage. Failure you take 6 and have Disadvantage on attack rolls this round.)
17:02, Today: Psynister rolled 6 using 2d6.  Lightning Strike damage. – [roll=1644706970.42597.356976]
16:53, Today: Psynister rolled 28,19 using d30,d20.  Lightning Strike. – [roll=1644706380.10838.356976]
16:52, Today: Psynister rolled 14,7 using d30,d20.  Lightning Strike. – [roll=1644706378.30614.356976]
16:52, Today: Psynister rolled 19,2 using d30,d20.  Lightning Strike. – [roll=1644706376.5813.356976]

The Necromancer recovered himself from dodging Khorth's attack and was consumed in a demonic figure of shadow that formed menacingly inf front of the paladin, then flew through the air like a sheet in the wind, to reform back into the shape of the necromancer some thirty feet away. He raised a clawed hand in Khorth's direction and a ragged, ghostly hand appeared near Khorth's heart, who was agile enough to dodge away before the claws found flesh, or worse. (miss) The necromancer snarled and then ran further south and west.

The Shadow Hound recoiled from being so near the lightning strike (Hound takes 6 Lightning). The flash of lightning seemed to have blinded him to Chlora's escape path, and the hound sought the easy target instead. The large beast bit at Zhalis, but colors still played across its vision too strongly for its aim to be true. (miss)

The Skeletal Soldier closed in on Zhalis, striking furiously with its longsword. The first strike came while she was still recovering from the flash of lightning, but that attack brought her back to the present and the soldier's blade met only her shield on both of its follow-up blows. (Zhalis takes 8 Slashing (hit AC 23), miss, miss)
17:23, Today: Arthin Dol rolled 23,8,16,7,15,6 using d20+5,d8+3,d20+5,d8+3,d20+5,d8+3.  Soldier attacks. – [roll=1644708187.26368.364942]

The Shadow Being shifted slightly and sent a shadowy blast at Khorth. He had dodged the necromancer's magical claw, but the shadow's ranged attack sank into scales and Khorth could feel stabs of pain into his flesh and a cold sensation flow through his veins, sapping his strength. (Khorth takes 13 Necrotic damage and suffers -3 Strength until a short or long rest. At 0 Str, you die.)
18:16, Today: Arthin Dol rolled 21,13,3 using d20+4,2d6+2,d4.  Shadow Strength Drain. – [roll=1644711371.49273.364942]

From the secret door, other figures began to emerge - A half-elven woman dressed in the colors of nature and wielding a scimitar. A halfling in foreign garb with a hooked axe in one hand. And finally, a black-scaled dragonborn with the emblem of Father of Dragons on display, holding a twin-bladed axe forming a wedged chopping pattern.

Round 2: Everyone can post actions


The lightning bolts on the map (black with yellow outlines) are just to mark where bolts have landed, you can still use those spaces like any other.

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:32, Sun 13 Feb 2022.

Ariadne came out of the tunnel, into the stormy night.   She looked around, seeing the magical creatures that the nearby Thayan must have either summoned, or was at least in cahoots with.
The dark, shadowy being attacked Khorth, which definitely helped the druid figure out who was the bad guy.
She spoke a prayer to the Natural Order, and a scimitar of fire sprang from her hand.  Sue rushed at the dark creature,  and swung at it

OOC:  run to the Shadow Figure
19:52, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 13 using 3d6.  Flame blade.
19:51, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Attack.
19:51, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Initiative

The lizard folk snarled as he slipped a little in the fresh mud and missed a target that he should have skewered with this chance. He started running after it, despite the strike of the shadow being and called to the Mother to stop the necromancer in his tracks.

Move towards the necromancer, within 10 feet of him

Cast Channel Divinity: Nature's Wrath

Channel Divinity: As an action, you can cause spectral vines to spring up and reach for a creature within 10 ft. of you that you can see. The creature must succeed on a STR or DEX saving throw (its choice, DC 12) or be restrained. It can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, freeing itself (the vines disappear) on success.

Akyra emerges from the door and blinks. Her natural honed battle senses take in teh whole sight in an instant - The human fleeing to the far left, The shadow attacking Khorth (Who winced in pain after it's hit), the sight of a hound that immediatly vanished into nothing, and the plated skeleton facing two woman

...two snake women!

The dragonborn went into action, calling out as she moved. "Saka....human." She went to Khorth and placed her shield hand on his shoulder. [Language unknown: "Wedimi o Miosio anfo antoretic lahis wetho arbeseaiec. Os ng ionblelin een anca"]  Even as she did, she looked at the human fleeing and pointed her axe at him. [Language unknown: "...ine ulas of ar werlatwas men ce ourit vorinerea rono."]

Behind the man, a shimmering came into existence as a white/silver axe, much like Akyra's own came in and swung at the man, missing him by a hair's breath.

She stood, facing the shadow.

---

<OOC: Ok....fun times!

Action - Cast protection from evil on Khorth

Bonus Action - Cast Spiritual weapon at necromancer

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Attack - spiritual weapon.

Movement - None>

"I need someone with me!" Sakamoto yells before he dashes off through the rain as fast as his small frame would carry him. The Necromancer looked formidable and lithe and he knew a difficult fight was ahead of him. In the heavy rain, the Mistweave Mantle he wore made him almost imperceptible, and he used the cover of the woods around him to move silently and shadowlike.

Action: Dash 50 ft - Sakamoto should be at the non-root part of the broken log near the upper right from the Necromancer. He'll hide there until his next action comes up, hopefully striking from hiding.
Sakamoto rolled 19 using 1d20+7, rerolling all ones ((Stealth)).

GM Note: 10:26, Today: Arthin Dol rolled 2 using 2d20+1, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 20,1.  Perception vs Sakamoto DC 19. – [roll=1644769590.19693.364942]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:27, Sun 13 Feb 2022.

Lady Chlora winced in pain at the bite before moving away from the dog.
Looking out from her new location she saw her clutch sister besieged by the skeleton and that horrid hound. She called up another chromatic orb this time she thought against such dry bones Thunder would be best. Calling upon her inner well a second orb formed for her to send at the dog. She then changed position again North then West a bit looking for cover.


Chromatic Orb Thunder at 2nd Level twinned.

08:31, Today: Lady Chlora rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Chromatic Orb Thunder Skeleton.

08:32, Today: Lady Chlora rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Chromatic Orb Thunder Hound.

08:33, Today: Lady Chlora rolled 15 using 4d8.  Chromatic Orb Thunder Damage.

Having both the hound and skeleton directly on her was not ideal, but better Zhalis than her sister. Zhalis had undergone training for this very situation.

Drawing a special gift from her patron, Zhalis summoned a spectral tentacle in front of her, between the two monstrous creatures. Continuing to target the skeleton, the tentacle struck out at it, connecting with the undead.

Then, in very snake like fashion, her fangs grew longer, as if by magic and Zhalis bit one of the bones making up the undead, but was too slow to connect before the skeleton moved out of the way.

---

OOC: 10:34, Today: Zhalis rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Tentacle attack.
0:35, Today: Zhalis rolled 8,2 using d10+3,d6.  Tentacle/hex damage.
10:40, Today: Zhalis rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Primal Savagery.

Movement: none
Bonus action: summon tentacle of the deeps
Action: cast Primal Savagery

Akyra emerged from the tunnel and took in the scene around her. She barked orders at Sakamoto, then placed a protective hand on Khorth's shoulder as she called on the blessings of Bahamut to protect him. She then raised Windfall to point toward the necromancer and invoked more of her magic to summon a weapon of her spiritual energy to strike him with. He seemed very well adapted to close combat, for a wizard, and he brought his staff up to block the attack. (miss)

Zhalis reached out to her patron, calling for its aid, and the smell of salt filled the air around her as spectral tentacle formed between her foes. The tentacle slammed into the skeletal soldier and left an icy impression where it had connected, dark energy coalescing as well from her hexing curse. If the warrior felt pain, he gave no indication. (Skeleton takes 2 necrotic damage and 4 Cold; Resistant to Cold) Embracing her own heritage then, large fangs protruded from Zhalis's mouth and she made to bite the skeletal warrior as well. This soldier showed he had not died to so easy a blow in life, and dodged it. (miss)

Lady Chlora learned from previous experience and that bone was a poor conductor of electricity, and wondered if perhaps a more concussive force would fare better. Another orb formed in front of her, and like shedding a layer of old skin, the orb pulled apart from itself to form its own likeness. She hurled the orbs toward her sister's assailants, and then darted around the nearby tree for more cover. The hound took the orb full in its back and let out a hollow howl, but the soldier showed his prowess once more as he cupped the orb with the blade of his sword and directed its path into a nearby tree. (Hound takes 15 Thunder, miss on the Soldier)

Sakamoto threw the hood of his cloak over his head and called for assistance as he rushed off stealthily toward the necromancer. A cloak of mist on a small body, in the middle of a rain storm, made for a nearly-invisible Sakamoto, who rushed off to follow Akyra's command. (Hidden DC 19)

Ariadne stepped out into the darkness of the storm and looked at the scene before her. Seeing the shadowy being attack Khorth, she knew her target and pounced. Flames appeared in her hand and spread out into the form of flaming scimitar, shedding light all around her, as she rushed forward and slashed. Flames cut into the shadow and licked up along its form, but the light of that fire did not (6 damage to Shadow Being; Resistant to Fire)

Khorth rushed after the necromancer, unconcerned with the shadowing being who stood in his path. Perhaps he should have been more concerned, as the the creature's claws drug through his scales as he did so, sending a new wave of necrotic energy throughout his body. (Khorth takes 10 necrotic damage and -2 Strength from an opportunity attack) Khorth certainly felt the loss of his strength now but he called out to the bother to bind this necromancer. The shadow being moved to rake its clawed hands right through Khorth's chest, but the protection of Bahamut held and the creature recoiled from the divine energy. (Shadow's OA missed) Roots sprung up all around the necromancer, trying to bind him in place, but he simply raised a hand and caused the roots to blacken and wither, then crumble into dust. (Dex 20, no effect)
11:48, Today: Arthin Dol rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Dex Save. – [roll=1644774524.70767.364942]
12:22, Today: Arthin Dol rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Strength Drain, disadvantage for Prot vs Evil. – [roll=1644776526.02385.364942]
11:41, Today: Arthin Dol rolled 23,10,2 using d20+4,2d6+2,d4.  Strength Drain, Necrotic, -X Str. – [roll=1644774101.41683.364942]

THE STORM poured down rain, even harder than before, obscuring vision. Ranged attacks are now at Disadvantage on targets more than 30 feet away.

The Necromancer repeated his previous attack, sending a ghostly hand to claw at Khorth's life force, but once again the attack was unsuccessful. He then spoke and he casually walked further away, "You are no match for the power I possess. I will kill every last one of you, and add your corpses to my collection. You will serve me for decades to come, and your anguished souls will watch until I grow weary of you."
12:02, Today: Arthin Dol rolled 9,10 using d20+7,2d8.  Chill Touch, Necrotic, Prevents healing. – [roll=1644775345.45775.364942]

The Shadow Hound bit at Zhalis's flank, which she deflected. As she did, she noticed the hound's essence was fading, wisps of shadowing smoke rising from the wounds her sister had dealt to the beast. (miss)
12:08, Today: Arthin Dol rolled 16,10 using d20+5,2d6+3.  Shadow Hound Bite. – [roll=1644775725.61539.364942]

The Skeletal Soldier continued to assault Zhalis. One powerful blow of the longsword pushed her shield aside and still bit into flesh. (Zhallis takes 11 Slashing damage, hit AC 19) A second blow was parried by her own blade. (miss) The third blow found another opening, under her sword arm, cutting deep. (Zhalis takes 11 more Slashing damage, hit AC 24)
12:11, Today: Arthin Dol rolled 19,11,7,8,24,11 using d20+5,d8+3,d20+5,d8+3,d20+5,d8+3.  Soldier attacks. – [roll=1644775912.97332.364942] (Zhalis, you'll need to make 2 Concentration checks DC 10 to keep up Hex)

The Shadow Being focused on the druid with he flaming scimitar, sweeping its claws toward her face. The druid pulled back, dodging the swipe, but the smell of death and decay filled her nose as the claws passed right in front of her eyes. (miss)
12:16, Today: Arthin Dol rolled 13,10,4 using d20+4,2d6+2,d4.  Strength Drain, Necrotic, -X Str. – [roll=1644776163.46775.364942]

Round 3: Actions from everyone



This message was last edited by the GM at 06:23, Mon 14 Feb 2022.

Khorth stood amazed that the magic of the Mother could not stop the man, as he casually walked away. The shadow creature had turned it's attention to the druidess, wielding a fire sword and he saw that the cleric was also there. The two unknown females were busy and he considered going to the first one to help her out.

But the redcloak wizard had almost laughed at him and the Mother... for that, he needed to pay.

Planting his clawed feet in the ground, he started to run, as he called to the halfling.

Tiny Dancer, with me, we can't let the prey flee!

He slashed when close to the wizard but underestimated his reach and missed...

move to plant myself in the back of the necromancer.... let him taste some Sentinel magic if he tries to move away...

the attack is a total failure
This message was last edited by the player at 00:43, Mon 14 Feb 2022.

Moves East enough to see the enemies harassing her sister.
Then once again calling up another orb this time she tries acid and again twinned the spell to try and strike both of her sister's adversaries before returning back to cover.



17:09, Today: Lady Chlora rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  Chromatic Orb Acid. at the skeleton.
17:10, Today: Lady Chlora rolled 11 using 3d8.  Chromatic Orb Acid Damage.

Then one at the hound


17:11, Today: Lady Chlora rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Chromatic Orb Acid.
17:12, Today: Lady Chlora rolled 16 using 3d8.  Chromatic Orb Acid Damage.

- another sorcery point.

As the skeletal warrior maneuvered past Zhalis' defenses, striking her squarely in the ribs, she mumbled something under her breath and a mote of fire sprang up around it.

Reaction (Round 2): 14:57, Today: Zhalis rolled 23 using 3d10.  Hellish Rebuke.

---

Zhalis was definitely feeling the strikes from the skeleton, and used her early training as a soldier to combat against it. Zhalis, you've handled worse than this learning to fight, overcome!

Seeing her sister strike both enemies with her magic, helped embolden Zhalis to not flee for better positioning. Once again, her fangs came out, but this time her aim was true and the skeleton was unable to dodge as her teeth sunk into its dry bones.

---

OOC: 14:55, Today: Zhalis rolled 11 using 1d10+1.  Second Wind.
15:00, Today: Zhalis rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Primal Savagery.
15:00, Today: Zhalis rolled 6 using 1d10.  Primal Savagery damage. (acid)
19:34, Today: Zhalis rolled 4 using 1d6.  Hex damage. (necrotic)