I wonder who built this place and why they felt the need for so many hidden doors. Where they afraid of something or did they feel guilty or shame about something? I doubt I will ever know. Regardless it seems a thorough examination of the building will have to wait, and moved with the others down the stairs after Solgrann,

Snoric looked both ways, his loyalties torn.  Deciding he needed to assist Solgran more than protect Yana, the gnome took off down the stairs after the rest of the group.  Like Allura had said, they could always explore the place at their leisure once the place had been cleared.

“Amalia, my name is Meridian. Selune,” she said with a thoughtful look. “What a wonderful goddess to watch over you! I’ve always loved the moon, too.” The movement down the passage reminded Meridian of their business at hand.

“Oh! They’re leaving us. We had better keep up,” she said with a smile, her tone holding a whimsy that only partially reached her eyes.

With Solgran leading the way, the rest follow reluctantly with Amalia and snoric following, Osmon behind them, The sisters, after quickly packing items next, then Meridan and Malice.

The trip down the stairs is short, with a 20 foot decent, ending in a curve and a atrch.  Beyond that is a large room, that was once fitted out as a wine storage. Now, scrolls and papers adorn the walls where wine racks are. In a corner is a large plush bed, with several desks joined as a big work station, holding papers of various sizes.

Within the room, three people waited.

The first was easily recognizable. To the group, they knew the human with red hair on sight, that many saw as a leader amongst them. Meridan knew the man as the man man who taunted her not long ago....Darwin. In his hand was a hand crossbow and a dagger and he wore dark studded leather armor

The other two were both people you had never seen. One was a broad shouldered female half orc, her skin dark green and tusks sticking out of her bottom lip.  Her dark hair was braided in several small braids down the side of her head. She wore a breastplate and held a menacing  two handed maul.

The other was a slender human in a dark purple robe, his eyes piercing had a smile that was in no way friendly. He held a staff that was made of some clear crystal

The man, standing behind the desks, looked at them. "So....your the group that's ruining my plans. I expected more." He slammed his staff on the round, and the man had a shimmer over his body. <Darwin, Treck - do me a favor and kill these fools!"

---

<OOC: Iniative everyone.>
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:30, Fri 11 Mar 2022.

Frowning, Yana brought up her crossbow and fired at the wizard looking one, but her older reflexes let her down

OOC:  23:05, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  Initiative


06:15, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 2 using 1d20.  Crossbow sniper



This message was last edited by the player at 12:16, Fri 11 Mar 2022.

When Meridian saw Darwin, her almond-shaped eyes narrowed into slits. She remembered the indignities he visited upon her all too well. “Darwin. Prepare yourself for your journey to Hell.” Then, Meridian’s lips murmured in a sibilant whisper that only Darwin could hear, as inhuman voices gnawed at his mind!

OOC:

00:57, Today: Meridian rolled 16 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.

I’m casting Dissonant Whispers on Darwin.

01:07, Today: Meridian rolled 9 using 3d6.  Psychic damage.

9 Psychic damage if he fails his WIS Save, after which he must flee from me.
4 damage on a Save.

"And you're all that's left of the red, sorry lot."

23:04, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 6 using 1d20.  Initiative. – [roll=1646975076.20191.358712]

Snoric, seeing the situation, eyed in immediately on the one with the staff.  Seemingly both the leader AND a spellcaster, the gnome determined he was the greatest threat.  Pulling Ultio and carefully lining up his shot, Snoric took a few moments before firing, wanting every shot to count.

Initiative: 4
Attack: Shoot ?leader (guy with staff).  Hit 20, Damage 14
Move: May move into a better position but can't decide until I see a map!

As he followed the others down the stairs he could hear someone speaking ahead. Reaching the bottom of the stairs he took in the three figures at a glance and quickly released a spell while the figure behind the desk was still talking before ducking to the side to clear the way for the others behind him.

Turn 01 Summary
Osmon
Initiative: 30
Move: Move to the bottom of the stairs, distance TBD by DM
Action: Cast Tasha's Hideous Laughter, target the man with the hand crossbow (Wis Sv DC 13)
Bonus Action: Nil
Reaction: Nil
Move: Move to clear the doorway for any members following me.

Tasha's Hideous Laughter
Casting Time: 1 action
Range/Area: 30ft.
Components: V, S, M(tiny tarts and a feather that is waved in the air)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
Attack/Save: WIS 13

A creature of your choice that you can see within range perceives everything as hilariously funny and falls into fits of laughter if this spell affects it. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or fall prone, becoming incapacitated and unable to stand up for the duration. A creature with an Intelligence score of 4 or less isn’t affected.

At the end of each of its turns, and each time it takes damage, the target can make another Wisdom saving throw. The target has advantage on the saving throw if it’s triggered by damage. On a success, the spell ends.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:43, Sat 12 Mar 2022.

Glad to have followed her big friend, the cleric knew this fight could not last too long, as she was already tired. Calling on her link with Selune, her casting brought some moon light in the underground room, with the hope it would stick on the three redcloaks.

Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 16 using 2d20, dropping the lowest dice only.  Amalia initiative with vigilant blessing.

Cast Fairy Fire to catch the 3, Dex DC 14

Allura sneers and glares at the trio. Calling down her hexblades curse on the female half orc.
"Sister aid me." She strode towards her target raising her shield and sword and engaging in melee.





07:15, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Post in progress

15:42, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 8 using 1d20+6.  Longsword strike.

Advantage

05:58, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 23 using 1d20+6.  Longsword strike.


05:59, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 11 using 1d8+6.  Longsword damage (magical) w curse.

Has 5 temporary HP


This message was last edited by the player at 13:00, Sat 12 Mar 2022.

Malice immediately noticed Darwin and knew which red cloak she would immediately engage. Whether the leader was a wizard or not, Darwin had accosted Amalia on their last meeting and Malice was still seething at the man. Malice ran up to the man and in a deft movement, sliced her blade at Darwin twice. "We meet again, Darwin, you will like me even less this time."

---

OOC: 05:09, Yesterday: Malice Baenrret rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Initiative
05:11, Yesterday: Malice Baenrret rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  Double-bladed scimitar attack. (first)
06:12, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Double-bladed scimitar attack-advantage DIE ROLLER I BELIEVE IN YOU, YOU BEAUTIFUL BEING!!!!
05:12, Yesterday: Malice Baenrret rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Double-bladed scimitar attack. (second)
06:12, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  Double-bladed scimitar attack-advantage DIE ROLLER I BELIEVE IN YOU, YOU BEAUTIFUL BEING!!!!
05:15, Yesterday: Malice Baenrret rolled 7 using 2d4.  Double-bladed scimitar damage.
05:16, Yesterday: Malice Baenrret rolled 1 using 1d4.  Double-bladed scimitar damage.
05:42, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 3 using 1d4.  Great weapon fighting-rerolls 1s and 2s.
10 damage total
This message was last edited by the player at 11:31, Sat 12 Mar 2022.

Uncertain of the capabilities of everyone involved, Solgran first targeted the wizard who was apparently in charge. As he moved into action, the look of calm and contentment washed over him once again, and as it did the spirit of the blond woman carrying a pitchfork formed behind him, staying perfectly on his heels, with her pitchfork at the ready.

Move: to the wizard if there's room, to Darwin if there's not
Bonus: Rage (Tail)
Action: Attack w/ Greatsword, Hit AC 21 for 10 Slashing
Reaction A: if someone hits me with an attack, my mother's spirit reaches out to defend me with +3 AC
Reaction B: if someone attacks an ally of mine, or provokes an OA otherwise, Hit AC 21 for 16 Slashing damage

11:33, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 3 using 1d8.  Beast Form: Tail  1d8 AC. – [roll=1647106413.93888.358712]
11:29, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 21,16,19 using d20+5,2d6+5,d20+5.  Raging OA. – [roll=1647106169.38931.358712]
11:29, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 8,10,21 using d20+5,2d6+5,d20+5.  Raging Greatsword. – [roll=1647106161.78255.358712]

LOCATION - BOSS ROOM
ROUND 1

With the ultimatum struck, the form of Darwin raised a hand crossbow, aiming at Meridan with a smile on his face. That smile turned into a chuckle, then a laugh, then he dropped in fits of laughter. The orc snorted  and the wizard frowned as Osmon's spell took hold. "Clever whelp" he muttered.  <OOC: The rogue failed his Saving throw. Now prone and incapacitated>

With the first threat down, the other two seemed ready to fight to the death. The mage took a quick look around then smiled as he saw the gnome coming in, holding out his hand, he muttered in the arcane language, then spoke, his voice echoing in snoric's mind. "Attack your wizard friend!" The gnome frowned, clearly considering the magical suggestion, but shook his head to clear his mind. <OOC: Snoric made his wis save>

Meridan, looking at the pitiful rogue, sent a spike of psychic energy to the man. Whether the spell from Osmon dampened it's effects, or he just resisted the pain from previous encounters with the woman, he stopped laughing and stood up, grabbing his hand crossbow as he went.

As that happened, Amalia called to Selune to bathe the enemy in light to better hit her enemies. The lights showered down, but only the half orc's form seemed to light up. <OOC: Both the rogue and mage made their saves - only the warrior is effected>

With the spell cast, Allura strode in, swinging Talon, the magical longsword from the chasm and struck the half orc woman a savage blow.  Even though she bled, the half orc smiled. "You're gonna wish you didn't do that!" she said

Malice, seeing the rogue stand up, remembered the man taunting her and Amalia, and put all that rage into two swings, gashing the human severely

The half orc swung her maul in a wide arc, the head slamming the warlock a rib-crushing blow and even as she dropped, the maul came in for a second hit. <OOC - Two attacks - one critical. <Allura takes 29 damage and is now unconscious>>

---

Yana saw just as she fired at the mage, her shot going wide as she saw her sister fall

Solgran, already moving towards the magic user via the half orc, saw the swings, and swung his sword as she raised the hammer, slicing the woman's ribs. even as he passed, he spun with the sword, slashing his arm.

Snoric, his mind now clear after the spell, aimed his gun at the wizard and fired. The man had heard of these weapons and heard Snoric's weapons from here, but in this room, the ear-splitting crack resounded, and his spell to shield himself proved useless as the bullet tore at his shoulder.

---

<OOC: Round one over.  Allura is unconscious, and needs to start making death saves. All look moderaatly injured. Solgran, because you needed to go around, and for allura's sake take the half orc's notice off her, your sentinel attack was aimed at her.

Round two people>



Allura: 0/21  <Unconscious>
Osmon: 20/20
Snoric: 24/24
Solgran: 30/32 
Amalia: 20/20
Yana: 21/21
Meridan: 17/17
Malice: 16/31 


Wizard: ??/??
Fighter: ??/??
Rogue: ??/??

Malice continued her assault on Darwin, swinging her blade at him again. Her first strike was easily evaded as Malice was distracted by Allura dropping, but pulled herself together in time for the second swing.

---

OOC: 04:25, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 9 using 1d20+2.  Double-bladed scimitar attack.
04:26, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  Double-bladed scimitar attack.
04:26, Today: Malice Baenrret rolled 3 using 1d4.  Double-bladed scimitar damage.

Yana loaded her crossbow quickly,  her practiced hands moving with easy grace.  She looked up to see her sister fall, struck down by half orc's hammer.   Her face contorted with rage.  Her words, though whispered, out of habit, were as harsh as a dull knife on bone.
"Allura!!!  No!!"

She brought up her crossbow, eyes nearly shining with murderous intent.
The rogue fired at the half orc, aiming for his throat.


OOC:  04:02, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 10 using 2d6.  Sneak attack (if applicable).
04:01, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 18 using 1d6+13.  Damage .
03:58, Today: Yana Whitlock rolled 20 using 1d20.  Crossbow sniper

Total crit damage:  36 (46 if sneak attack allowed)

Snoric saw Allura fall but he kept his attention focused forward.  The wizard had tried to make him turn on Osmon.  Even now he could still feel that tiny touch on his mind, that desire to shoot the wizard between the eyes.  But his natural resistance to magic helped him here and he held firm.  Keeping his arm steady he continued firing at the true enemy spellcaster.  Hopefully he could keep the pressue on enough that Solgran could take him down.

Attacking spellcaster - Hit 19, Damage 8
No move or bonus action

07:10, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 14 using 1d20.  Death Save.

Amalia suppressed a sigh when she realized that only the half orc still glowed in the moonlight she had called in, at least this one would not find it easy to escape her companions blows. Keeping her concentration on the spell, she gasped when Allura was struck hard and fell, without moving. The cleric automatically reacted, by casting a healing spell, knowing that speed was of the essence in those situation.

As a soft glow seemed to emanate from the tiefling as her spell took hold, she focused on the wizard and bells started to ring.


Action, Toll the dead on the wizard, Wis DC 14, 9 necrotic damage, he's already injured.

Bonus Action, Healing word on Allura, 4 HP restored.

Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 9,5 using 1d12,1d8.  Toll the dead damage. – [roll=1647180640.62473.358677]

09:09, Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 4 using 1d4+3.  healing word.

Swirls of dark clouds and the smell of brimstone assailed her. She felt herself floating, floating no, not floating but carried. Looking to her sides she saw bearded devils carrying her through the oppressive clouds. A huge shadow loomed in the distance. It came closer and closer into view a building of iron with sharp points glowing molten topping it.

Through halls, stair cases, rooms, she was carried to a desk and shackled to it. A typewriter like device before her. The room was filled with others typing away. Allura's eyes looked at the desk in confusion. An imp flew up and put a picture of her mother, father and Yana on the desk.

"A desk job ? I'm a warrior." Allura said shaking her head.

The imp shrugged, "I don't make the rules, we all just follow them. You will get there some day."

Allura looked at the desk, "I'm not supposed to be at a desk !" She felt pain race through the shackles. The shackles glowed white hot.

Looking out through a thin slit like window the billowing dark clouds cleared for a moment and a shinning moon was there. Bright and full and somehow hopeful. She could hear her name she thought too distantly.

Her eyes fluttered open and she tasted dust. Her body felt pain but it was a different pain.
The sounds of combat were all around her and she pulled herself to her feet seeing the half orc woman with that maul in her hands. Her eyes glimmered blue as she took in the fairy fire glow about the woman.

Allura still felt the pain in her wrists somehow that white hot glow from the shackles raced up her sword and it burst into flames.




09:22, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 7 using 1d20+6.  Longsword strike w searing smite Advantage.

09:22, Today: Allura Whitlock rolled 12 using 1d20+6.  Longsword strike w searing smite.

miss

The wizard may pose the biggest threat overall, but turning to see Allura fall, Solgran's priorities were forced to shift. He pivoted on his right foot and brought the large blade around as he did so to cut into the half-orc, hoping she would look at him as he did so, in order to spit in her face and draw her attention.

Move: adjacent to the Fighter
Action: Greatsword Attack, Hit AC 24 for 14 slashing damage
Reaction A: Sentinel Attack (fighter if they attack someone else), crit AC 25 for 14 Slashing damage
Reaction B: Sentinel Attack (wizard if he moves out of my 10 ft tail reach), crit AC 25 for 12 Piercing damage
Reaction C: Mother's Protection +8 AC if Solgran is hit with an attack

10:54, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 8 using 1d8.  Beast Form: Tail  1d8 AC. – [roll=1647186878.85698.358712]
10:57, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 4 using 1d8. – [roll=1647187040.7774.358712]
10:57, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 13 using 1d8+5.  OA Tail attack. – [roll=1647187032.58094.358712]
10:54, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 3 using 2d6.  Crit Damage. – [roll=1647186862.13783.358712]
10:54, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 20,11,25 using d20+5,2d6+5,d20+5.  Raging OA. – [roll=1647186852.17668.358712]
10:53, Today: Solgran Farnzythe rolled 21,14,24 using d20+5,2d6+5,d20+5.  Raging Greatsword. – [roll=1647186826.90834.358712]

When Darwin shrugged off her spell, Meridian dramatically rolled her eyes. Clucking her tongue, the Sorceress shook her head. “You, cretin, keep overstaying your welcome in this world! Let me speed you on your journey to Hell!”

The Faerie Fire cast by the charming Amalia on the Half-Orc still helpfully illuminated Meridian’s hated captor. She extended her open palm. “Velca! Fire instantly flared in her palm! Meridian hurled the fire at Darwin with all the unerring  grace of her Elvish ancestors. Barring direct intervention from the Gods, Fire Bolt struck in a direct hit!

OOC:


15:28, Today: Meridian rolled 9 using 1d10.  Damage.
15:27, Today: Meridian rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Fire Bolt with Advantage.
15:27, Today: Meridian rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Firebolt w/Advantage.

Casting Fire Bolt.. Critical Hit! Total of 9 Fire Damage on Darwin.



This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Sun 13 Mar 2022.

This has been a difficult afternoon and have taxed my abilities to the max. With the man with the crossbow man shaking off my last spell, my last effort had to take effect. However, in a room of this size this could backfire badly. I really hope this works and I release the spell.



Turn 02 Summary
Osmon
Move: Move to point 1
Action: Cast Sleep at 1st level targeting the NW corner, see image for area of effect, affecting 30 hp
Bonus Action: Nil
Reaction: Nil

Sleep
Casting Time: 1 action
Range/Area: 90ft./20ft.
Components: V, S, M(a pinch of fine sand, rose petals, or a cricket)
Duration: 1 minute

This spell sends creatures into a magical slumber. Roll 5d8; the total is how many hit points of creatures this spell can affect. Creatures within 20 feet of a point you choose within range are affected in ascending order of their current hit points (ignoring unconscious creatures).

Starting with the creature that has the lowest current hit points, each creature affected by this spell falls unconscious until the spell ends, the sleeper takes damage, or someone uses an action to shake or slap the sleeper awake. Subtract each creature’s hit points from the total before moving on to the creature with the next lowest hit points. A creature’s hit points must be equal to or less than the remaining total for that creature to be affected.

Undead and creatures immune to being charmed aren’t affected by this spell.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, roll an additional 2d8 for each slot level above 1st.

LOCATION - BOSS ROOM
ROUND 2

The group are shocked to the core of the viciousness of the half orc woman, standing there over the crumpled form of Allura, her foot twitching slightly.

Osmon narrowed his eyes, and grabbing a pinch of salt, sent it flying through the air. Darwin, fully focused on the people in front of him didn't realize, but the mage did, and frowned just as he went unconscious. Darwin, however, seemed unaffected by the spell

having left his crossbow on the ground, he drew a second dagger that looked like bonne, and lunged for Malice. though not strong, his attacks were fast, and the toothed dagger struck, cutting her and burning her skin with acidic venom <OOC: Malice takes 7 slashing damage and 6 acid damage> No one saw any movement from the magic user <Mage misses his turn due to being unconscious>

Meridan, disgusted the rogue that tormented her so was still alive, held her hand out and sent a mote of fire, burring the man's arm.

Amalia, knowing her magic was paramount at the moment, held her hand out, sending healing energy to the crumpled form of Allura. Pop's of bone can be heard as it reset, and a small groan can be heard as signs of life can be heard. Even as she does that, she sends teh damaging effects of Allura's pain and wounds to the half orc woman. She winced as she heard teh spectral bells ring, blood coming from an ear.

Allura, conscious and in pain stood slowly and swung at the half orc, missing it. Luckily her attention was aimed at the barbarian who cut her. "C'mon big boy....lets dance"

Malice faced Darwin, teh assault against him with her and Meridon proving taking on the rogue, and the pain of his slash, she returned a flurry, one missing just, the other wounding him slightly.

The half orc swung her maul, slamming Solgran solidly in the shoulder, turning him right around, her second shot against him clang off his sword as he brought it up. <Critical hit - Solgran takes 24 bludgeoning damage, reduced to 12 due to raging>

Yana saw only the fall of her sister, and her vision narrowed to teh cause, the half orc woman who hurt her....who killed her.  She lined up her shot, and with an animalistic scream, let teh bolt fly. The aim was true, entering just below hew jawline - so vicious was the shot that it tore of her bottom jaw with a spurt of blood. The half orc swayed as she dropped to her knee's, then down.

Solgran, about to strike her down, saw the shot, blood splashing on his face from the spectacle as her bottom jaw exploding out, you realized she was no longer a threat. Not to be outdone, he picked up teh magic user, backhanded him awake, and as he did, smiled, muttering.  "For allura"

He plunged his sword through the mage's chest, the wizard coughing up blood. "No....this was....not meant....to happ...." the light faded from his eyes as Solgran dropped him unceremoniously.

Darwin, now on his own, looked panic even as Snoric fired his gun, again wounding him. He dropped to his knee's, dropping his daggers. "Don't kill me....show mercy?"

---

<OOC: Well, two are dead and darwin is surrendering. Whether you accept or not is up to you.

If you accept, combat is over. If not, roll an attack with advantage>



Allura: 4/21
Osmon: 20/20
Snoric: 24/24
Solgran: 30/32 
Amalia: 20/20
Yana: 21/21
Meridan: 17/17
Malice: 3/31 


Wizard: DEAD
Fighter: DEAD
Rogue: ??/??

Meridian sneered when Darwin begged for his life. “Why should we spare you? You intended no mercy for me or the family you held captive.”

She remembered a mother and her children huddled fearfully, awaiting the dread fate that Darwin’s band of cutthroats promised for them all. She stared down disdainfully at the man. “What exactly did your sorry lot plan for me?”