Players to post their Charactets actions here. Please use the other thread for rules questions and other mundane stuff, to keep the story thread leaner.

The double doors open into a courtyard that is 80 feet deep and 90 feet wide. Once well cared for, the ground is now choked with weeds. In the center of the yard sits a large pool. Just beyond the pool is a set of stairs leading to the main doors of the temple itself. In the southern corners of the courtyard are two small octagonal stone buildings, each covered by a delicate-looking dome. The buildings are about 30 feet wide.  Vines and lichen seems to cover much of the area, but you can spot old worn paved slabs below it in places.  The pool is 40 feet long and 30 feet across. Its stone rim rises three feet above the ground.  You see and hear flies, grubs and beetles moving in the rotting vegetation.


The octagonal room on your left (12) is 30 feet in diameter. The floor is dirt; the walls and domed ceiling are made of stone. A 2-foot- high platform covers the far half of the room. A set of stairs leads downward on each side of the platform. In the center of the platform rests a statue of a humanoid sitting with his legs crossed. The statue is 15 feet tall.  This area is free from weeds and insects.  The pool at the statue’s base is filled with clean icy-cold water.

In the stone building to your right (13) is almost identical in structure to the one on the left.  However, here the statue is broken and damaged, it’s surface worn away beyond recognition, but you could presume it once was a sitting humanoid figure.  The ground in front of this statue is covered in a thick dark oily substance extending over much of the south-east area of the courtyard, and over the stone rim into the pool.

Around the crown of the courtyard you can spot some intricate carvings in places.  It is most clear above the clean area, destroyed above the broken statue area, and difficult to see beneath the lichen and weeds that cover the rest of the walls and lip.

You have all entered into the courtyard through the large doors and are in the south of the courtyard (area 2 on the map).

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 2):

First off, let’s make sure we’re alone here. Are there any signs of movement / sounds in the immediate vicinity?

Secondly, can I take a closer look at the area to the south of the courtyard where we entered for any tracks, signs of it being used by any one recently?

If time, I’ll scrub some moss and lichen into my cloak and make myself a little more camouflaged with the terrain, then keep my eyes on the doors at the end of the courtyard…

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 2):

Appreciating Ferrin’s protection of the group, Ceridwen moves to look into the pool in the courtyard and will walk around its perimeter. She would like to cast detect magic (ritual), if Ferrin thinks we are secure.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:06, Sun 01 Aug 2021.

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 2):

Sideways picks up any old piece of debris he can find and approaches the blacked pool, gently tossing it in from a distance.

Ferren halts the party for a moment, listening for a moment.  All he notices is the absence of bird song that he might expect.  Behind him the old woman can be her muttering to herself, ‘…they could have been redeemed.  Why did he murder them without thought?  Is he a bad elf, and  ……”

Ferren looks around, and can spot some marks on the ground.  As he kneels to look closer and see if he can work out who passed here, Sideways and Ceridwen pass him by and walk into the temple.  As the witch circles round the pool to the left, the wee gnome picks up a chip of rock and tosses it into the pool.  The silence is broken as the black oil erupts from the ground in three distinct pools…

ROLL FOR INITIATIVE!

Roll your dice at home and send me your initiative score.  Also post what you are thinking of doing, so the other Players can plan their actions.  As soon as I have the initiatives, I’ll post up the order, then you can post your actual actions.  If anyone is in touch with Nikki, now is the time for her to sign up :-)

A Rough Map (the squares are 10’ x 10’):
https://i.ibb.co/sgcsc35/Combat-Map-1-Rd1-1.jpg" data-lightbox="images-msg-7">https://i.ibb.co/sgcsc35/Combat-Map-1-Rd1-1.jpg" alt=''>
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:10, Mon 02 Aug 2021.

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 7):

I’ve got an 11 on initiative(!) and will sling two arrows into the first thing that attacks an ally, tagging it with Hunter’s Mark as a Bonus Action before the first shot looses.

I’ll also head as far as I can (35ft) towards the square with a 12 in it, as long as the western side of the courtyard remains clear.

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 7):

Ceridwen rolls a 1. Marvellous.

As the pools of oil erupt, Ceridwen raises her head and ponders whether or not this might be a result of Evard’s black tentacles, or from that fool of a gnome dropping the rock into the well - er, pool. She looks to the door and wonders if Brush is going to stay outside all day; she then realised that everyone else has acted whilst she was lost in thought.

The witch expects to drop a fireball (at level 5, from the staff) on number 2 (20’ radius should catch all 3). She may have to adjust this by the time it gets to her turn!

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 7):

19 on initiative. Sideways rushes over to his absent minded companion Ceridwen and stands ready to power attack anything that should get within striking distance of them.

Bush rolls a 14 on initiative.

She'll move into the building and keep away from the oily pool. She'll bonus action ready a magic stone and will consider whether fire is a smart idea or not... Brush will notice the scorch marks from Ceredwyn's fireball and shrug.

Casts 2nd Level Flaming Sphere on the opposite side to where Sideways is attacking the oily thing (Dex saving throw - DC = 18 - 2d6 fire damage on failed save).

Combat 1 Rd1
INITIATIVE ORDER
     19 Sideways - READIED
14 Brush
11 Ferren
7 Black Pudding 1
4 Black Pudding 2
3 Ceridwen
0(!) Black Pudding 3

Brush is up…
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:18, Wed 04 Aug 2021.

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 12):

Sideways steals himself and approaches the second oily uphaul. His little legs do not carry him the full distance and so will prepare himself for when the creature is within striking distance of his blade.

Combat 1 Rd1
INITIATIVE ORDER
     19 Sideways - READIED
14 Brush. Brush casts Flaming Sphere, which burns the second pool of black ‘stuff’ (SR: Fail, Dmg: 7 Fire).
11 Ferren
7 Black Pudding 1
4 Black Pudding 2
3 Ceridwen
0(!) Black Pudding 3

Ferren is up…, then it will be a couple of puddings …

https://i.ibb.co/rvTt6n6/Gallo...-Combat-1-Rd-1-1.jpg " data-lightbox="images-msg-14">https://i.ibb.co/rvTt6n6/Gallo...-Combat-1-Rd-1-1.jpg " alt=''>
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:38, Fri 06 Aug 2021.

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 14):

20 to hit
22 slashing damage

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 14):

Ferrin is moving 35ft NW towards the doorway of room 12, putting some distance between himself and the creatures.

Marks #2 as his quarry as a bonus action, then fires off two arrows.
- First Shot: 24 to hit, with 17 points of magical piercing, plus an additional 7 of the same via colossus slayer.
- Second Shot: Natural 1… Ferrin blushes

Combat 1 Rd1
INITIATIVE ORDER
19 Sideways
14 Brush. Brush casts Flaming Sphere, which burns the second pool of black ‘stuff’ (SR: Fail, Dmg: 7 Fire).
11 Ferren
7 Black Pudding 1
4 Black Pudding 2
3 Ceridwen
0(!) Black Pudding 3

Ferren’s second arrow breaks whilst nocked.  The first pudd slurps across the pool, but it too suffers from ‘gnome syndrome’ and cannot reach the witch and attack in time to get her before she acts.  Sideways’s mighty blow splits the central pudding in two, but a splash of its acidic ichor burns him (Sideways: 5 Acid Dmg).  The double-helping both attack him (Sideways - 1a: 18 to hit, 4 Bludg + 15 Acid; 1b: 9 to hit, 1 Bludg + 10 Acid)

1a has Ferren’s Hunters Mark.

https://i.ibb.co/728Mh8P/Gallowglas-RPOL-C1-R1-1.jpg " data-lightbox="images-msg-17">https://i.ibb.co/728Mh8P/Gallowglas-RPOL-C1-R1-1.jpg " alt=''>

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 17):

Ceridwen casts fireball (using staff, so level 5) , centred between the one in her face and the two split ones attacking Sideways (excluding Sideways).

Dex save from black puds (19 to save): 42 points of fire damage (half on a save).

She is going to move 30’ to tuck in south of Ferrin. (Her AC is 18; disadvantage on the attack from the cloak of displacement).

(I didn’t roll initiative for Yddraig previously: his is 17, he readied to follow Ceridwen if she moved, so that’s what he will do now - that ok?)

Combat 1 Rd2
INITIATIVE ORDER
19 Sideways
14 Brush
11 Ferren
7 Black Pudding 1
3 Ceridwen
0(!) Black Pudding 3

A mighty BOOM shakes the temple as the fireball explodes, obliterating the creatures facing the gnome, and roasting the one chasing Ceridwen.  It lashes out at the retreating witch, but misses (17 to hit …).

Meanwhile, a third large liquid black monstrosity pours of the broken statue and rolls across the floor to engulf the gnome …… but doesn’t quite reach him in time to attack before him.

Sideways is up ….

https://i.ibb.co/GTYXjHm/Gallowglas-RPOL-C1-R2-1.jpg " data-lightbox="images-msg-19">https://i.ibb.co/GTYXjHm/Gallowglas-RPOL-C1-R2-1.jpg " alt=''>

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 19):

“Very well, if cutting you in half doesn’t seem to work… THEN I’LL CUT YOU INTO… sixths?”


18 to hit 10 dmg

21 to hit 11 dmg

20 NN to hit 18 dmg

39 dmg overall on the creature in front of me

I’m going to give an opportunity for Sideways to retake his last turn. I had forgotten that these creatures are immune to Slashing Damage, it just splits them. Sideways might do the same thing he was going to, and cut them into pieces for his party to deal with, or do something else.

Combat 1 Rd2
INITIATIVE ORDER
19 Sideways
18 Statue
14 Brush
11 Ferren
7 Black Pudding 1
3 Ceridwen
0(!) Black Pudding 3a, b, c, d

The little armoured gnome slashes at the oily mass, cutting it into pieces, but not quite managing sixths … yet.  Every strike spills the acidic ichor from the creatures across the gnome, his armour and his sword.  Fortunately, the innate magical power of both inanimate objects protect them from harm, but Sideways is not so luck (Sideways: 21 Acid Damage total - sorry!)


Then the broken statue, previously covered in the rotten black slime stands up and teeters down the steps into the main hall.  It strides past the gnome surrounding by black slime, every decreasing in size, but increasing in number, and heads towards the other intruders.

Brush rams the fiery ball into the pack of puddings, then ducks outside. (I don’t know her spells or abilities. If you need something desperate from Brush like healing or help or a tactical advantage, shout out and I’ll sort it out).

Ferren  is up ….

https://i.ibb.co/b5yyDq6/Gallowglas-RPOL-C1-Rd1-1.jpg " data-lightbox="images-msg-22">https://i.ibb.co/b5yyDq6/Gallowglas-RPOL-C1-Rd1-1.jpg " alt=''>
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:30, Thu 12 Aug 2021.

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 22):

Ok, here goes…

Ferrin makes a volley centred on 3c: You can use your action to make a ranged attack against any number of creatures within 10 feet of a point you can see within your weapon’s range. You must have ammunition for each target, as normal, and you make a separate attack roll for each target.

3a = 16 to hit. 10 dmg (magical P)
3b = Nat 20! 19 dmg (magical P)
3c = 24 to hit. 10 dmg + 7 colossus slayer (magical P)
3d = 19 to hit. 12 dmg (magical P)

Bonus Action: Click heels to activate winged boots and head vertical, perching on the edge of building 12, out of the reach of danger… hopefully!

“Finish those little ones off quickly, Sideways! We might need your help with this big fella!”
This message was last edited by the player at 08:42, Sat 14 Aug 2021.

Combat 1 Rd2
INITIATIVE ORDER
19 Sideways
18 Statue
14 Brush
11 Ferren
7 Black Pudding 1
3 Ceridwen
0(!) Black Pudding 3a, c

The little armoured gnome slashes at the oily mass, cutting it into pieces, but not quite managing sixths … yet.  Every strike spills the acidic ichor from the creatures across the gnome, his armour and his sword.  Fortunately, the innate magical power of both inanimate objects protect them from harm, but Sideways is not so luck (Sideways: 21 Acid Damage total - sorry!)

Then the broken statue, previously covered in the rotten black slime stands up and teeters down the steps into the main hall.  It strides past the gnome surrounding by black slime, every decreasing in size, but increasing in number, and heads towards the other intruders.

Brush rams the fiery ball into the pack of puddings, then ducks outside. (I don’t know her spells or abilities. If you need something desperate from Brush like healing or help or a tactical advantage, shout out and I’ll sort it out).

Ferren lets loose a volley of arrows with strike true on each of the four pudding-parts, breaking apart two of them, and leaving the other two in tatters.  (Excellent tactic, you almost had them all!  Ferren has INSPIRATION.)

The first giant pudding chases after the retreating witch.  Closing within reach, it rears up and brings down an enormous pseudopod to strike her down and drench her in acid.  But the creature misjudged the weight of its own mass and collapses back in on itself (rolled a … … … Nat 1!)

Ceridwen is up ….

https://i.ibb.co/YTcZ9Nx/Gallo...L-Com1-Round-2-1.jpg " data-lightbox="images-msg-24">https://i.ibb.co/YTcZ9Nx/Gallo...L-Com1-Round-2-1.jpg " alt=''>

Ceridwen studies the scene, shouts to Brush to help Sideways with the two small puds, and drops an ice storm between the statue and the pudding that threatens her excluding allies).
(Dex saving throw against save dc 19): 16 bludgeoning & 11 cold damage on a fail; half on a pass).

20’ radius; becomes difficult terrain until my next go. I’d like it to be placed to impede statue’s movement towards Brush as much as poss.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:39, Sun 15 Aug 2021.

Combat 1 Rd3
INITIATIVE ORDER
19 Sideways
18 Statue
14 Brush
11 Ferren
7 Black Pudding 1
3 Ceridwen
0(!) Black Pudding 3a, c

The little armoured gnome slashes at the oily mass, cutting it into pieces, but not quite managing sixths … yet.  Every strike spills the acidic ichor from the creatures across the gnome, his armour and his sword.  Fortunately, the innate magical power of both inanimate objects protect them from harm, but Sideways is not so luck (Sideways: 21 Acid Damage total - sorry!)

Then the broken statue, previously covered in the rotten black slime stands up and teeters down the steps into the main hall.  It strides past the gnome surrounding by black slime, every decreasing in size, but increasing in number, and heads towards the other intruders.

Brush rams the fiery ball into the pack of puddings, then ducks outside. (I don’t know her spells or abilities. If you need something desperate from Brush like healing or help or a tactical advantage, shout out and I’ll sort it out).

Ferren lets loose a volley of arrows with strike true on each of the four pudding-parts, breaking apart two of them, and leaving the other two in tatters.  (Excellent tactic, you almost had them all!  Ferren has INSPIRATION.)

The first giant pudding chases after the retreating witch.  Closing within reach, it rears up and brings down an enormous pseudopod to strike her down and drench her in acid.  But the creature misjudged the weight of its own mass and collapses back in on itself (rolled a … … … Nat 1!)

Ceridwen brings a storm down on the two large creatures.  It buffets both badly, although the pudding doesn’t seem to mind the cold.

The two smaller puddings slam into the armoured gnome (3a: 18 to hit = 5 Bludg + 25 Acid; 3c: 18 to hit = 13 Bludg + 13 Acid).

Sideways is up ….

https://i.ibb.co/GpmsdDZ/Gallowglas-RPOL-C1-R3-1.jpg " data-lightbox="images-msg-26">https://i.ibb.co/GpmsdDZ/Gallowglas-RPOL-C1-R3-1.jpg " alt=''>

This message was deleted by the player at 18:04, Mon 16 Aug 2021.

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 26):

Attack the ooze to my right

To hit 11 - dmg 8

To hit 18 - dmg 6

Ooze to my left

To hit 28 - 7 dmg

All piercing form a dagger

In reply to Sideways (msg # 28):

Timer= 00:44 - 00:54 for Sideways vs the Puddings!

https://youtu.be/2JI_Jfw22To

Combat 1 Rd3
INITIATIVE ORDER
19 Sideways
18 Statue
14 Brush
11 Ferren
7 Black Pudding 1
3 Ceridwen
0(!) Black Pudding 3a, c

Sideways stabs about him again, and again, covering himself in the burning ichor Sideways = Dmg: 6 Acid + 6 Acid.  But after his onslaught, his attackers just become pools of blackness.  Seeing the broken statue heading for the witch, the gnome scurries after it, kicking its heels to attract its attention.

The enormous stone figure turns and slams the gnome twice with mighty limbs of stone Slam 1 = 13 to hit, 22 Bludg; Slam 2 = 15 to hit for 18 Bludg.  OOC: I think the little bugger got away with it! My rolls were very low.

Brush is up ….

https://i.ibb.co/s3vJSZ1/Gallowglas-RPOL-C1-R3b-1.jpg " data-lightbox="images-msg-30">https://i.ibb.co/s3vJSZ1/Gallowglas-RPOL-C1-R3b-1.jpg " alt=''>

Combat 1 Rd3
INITIATIVE ORDER
19 Sideways
18 Statue
14 Brush
11 Ferren
7 Black Pudding 1
3 Ceridwen

Sideways stabs about him again, and again, covering himself in the burning ichor Sideways = Dmg: 6 Acid + 6 Acid.  But after his onslaught, his attackers just become pools of blackness.  Seeing the broken statue heading for the witch, the gnome scurries after it, kicking its heels to attract its attention.

The enormous stone figure turns and slams the gnome twice with mighty limbs of stone Slam 1 = 13 to hit, 22 Bludg; Slam 2 = 15 to hit for 18 Bludg.  OOC: I think the little bugger got away with it! My rolls were very low.

Brush slams the fiery ball into the statue, then pulls a magic stone from her pocket and flings it at the broken thing.  Unfortunately, her aim is off and it bounces of Sideways’ helmet with a loud ‘bong’! OOC: I rolled a Nat 1 for Brush’s throw!  I know you wanted Moonbeam Si, but Flaming Sphere is also concentration, and has a DEX save, which a big old statue ‘might’ not be good at, so left it as is.  I don’t know any of Brush’s other spells, but she will be stood by to do Healing Word if necessary.

Ferren is up ….

https://i.ibb.co/5kVw6Xm/Gallo...-RPOL-C2-Rd3-4-1.jpg " data-lightbox="images-msg-31">https://i.ibb.co/5kVw6Xm/Gallo...-RPOL-C2-Rd3-4-1.jpg " alt=''>

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 31):

From his perch atop the old building, Ferrin will bonus action move his mark to the pudding below and launch shots down into its mass…

28 to hit!
3+8 Magical piercing + 2 colossus slayer + 6 hunter’s mark = 19 dmg

Another arrow loaded up…

27 to hit!
4+8 Magical piercing + 3 hunter’s mark = 15 dmg

Combat 1 Rd3
INITIATIVE ORDER
19 Sideways
18 Statue
14 Brush
11 Ferren
3 Ceridwen

Sideways stabs about him again, and again, covering himself in the burning ichor Sideways = Dmg: 6 Acid + 6 Acid.  But after his onslaught, his attackers just become pools of blackness.  Seeing the broken statue heading for the witch, the gnome scurries after it, kicking its heels to attract its attention.

The enormous stone figure turns and slams the gnome twice with mighty limbs of stone Slam 1 = 13 to hit, 22 Bludg; Slam 2 = 15 to hit for 18 Bludg.  OOC: I think the little bugger got away with it! My rolls were very low.

Brush slams the fiery ball into the statue, then pulls a magic stone from her pocket and flings it at the broken thing.  Unfortunately, her aim is off and it bounces of Sideways’ helmet with a loud ‘bong’! OOC: I rolled a Nat 1 for Brush’s throw!  I know you wanted Moonbeam Si, but Flaming Sphere is also concentration, and has a DEX save, which a big old statue ‘might’ not be good at, so left it as is.  I don’t know any of Brush’s other spells, but she will be stood by to do Healing Word if necessary.

Just as the giant mass of dark oil is about to engulf the witch, the archer launches a pair of arrows into its centre, and it implodes in an acidic pool!

Ceridwen is up ….

https://i.ibb.co/4sjZzDn/Gallowglas-RPOL-C1-R3-C-1.jpg " data-lightbox="images-msg-33">https://i.ibb.co/4sjZzDn/Gallowglas-RPOL-C1-R3-C-1.jpg " alt=''>

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 33):

Ceridwen points her staff at the statue and shouts: “pick on someone your own size!”, blasting it with a lightning bolt.
(Dex save 19: 44 points lightning damage on a fail, 22 on a pass); evocation excludes friends).
The rest look at the huge statue, then at her, puzzled.

Combat 1 Rd4
INITIATIVE ORDER
19 Sideways
18 Statue
14 Brush
11 Ferren
3 Ceridwen

Sideways stabs about him again, and again, covering himself in the burning ichor Sideways = Dmg: 6 Acid + 6 Acid.  But after his onslaught, his attackers just become pools of blackness.  Seeing the broken statue heading for the witch, the gnome scurries after it, kicking its heels to attract its attention.

The enormous stone figure turns and slams the gnome twice with mighty limbs of stone Slam 1 = 13 to hit, 22 Bludg; Slam 2 = 15 to hit for 18 Bludg.  OOC: I think the little bugger got away with it! My rolls were very low.

Brush slams the fiery ball into the statue, then pulls a magic stone from her pocket and flings it at the broken thing.  Unfortunately, her aim is off and it bounces of Sideways’ helmet with a loud ‘bong’! OOC: I rolled a Nat 1 for Brush’s throw!  I know you wanted Moonbeam Si, but Flaming Sphere is also concentration, and has a DEX save, which a big old statue ‘might’ not be good at, so left it as is.  I don’t know any of Brush’s other spells, but she will be stood by to do Healing Word if necessary.

Just as the giant mass of dark oil is about to engulf the witch, the archer launches a pair of arrows into its centre, and it implodes in an acidic pool!

A bolt of lightening shoots from the staff striking the stone colossus.  It turns and raises its broken arms.  As the icy ground beneath its feet melts it prepares to step forward and strike the witch… OOC: Really, sizest jokes? About a gnome!

Sideways is up ….

https://i.ibb.co/8xxz3JB/Gallowglas-RPOL-R4-1-1.jpg " data-lightbox="images-msg-35">https://i.ibb.co/8xxz3JB/Gallowglas-RPOL-R4-1-1.jpg " alt=''>

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 35):

….and the tumbleweed blew across the courtyard….

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 35):

Finally something solid.

Seeing the fair lady Ceredwin in danger, I strike at the statues hide with three mighty blows.

28 to hit, 14 dmg

26 to hit, 9 dmg

27 to hit, 12 dmg

33 dmg overall

Face me you brittle bone brigand

Combat 1 Rd4
INITIATIVE ORDER
19 Sideways
18 Statue
14 Brush
11 Ferren
3 Ceridwen

The gnome hacks at the statue’s legs, chips and chunks of stone flying around the room as his sword strikes it, once, twice, three times.

The statue turns, opens its mouth and roars like the sound of a rocky avalanche (Sideways WIS Save please), then steps away from the fiery ball so as not to get burned.

Brush is up …. But you can wait to see the results of Sideways’ Save if you like

https://i.ibb.co/6RLXDQ5/Gallowglas-RPOL-CR4-2-1.jpg " data-lightbox="images-msg-38">https://i.ibb.co/6RLXDQ5/Gallowglas-RPOL-CR4-2-1.jpg " alt=''>

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 38):

Wis save 15

The blood pumping through the gnome’s veins turns thick and sluggish, as he feels like his muscles are turning to clay.  He brings back his sword to strike but everything feels slow as the world around him surges past.
“…..briiiiiiiii…….tttttle…….bo…….nnnnnnnnn……..bri…….gggggggggggggannnnnnd”, he drawls.

OOC: Sidways is SLOWED. This takes affect from the end of the statue’s turn.  Sideways can't use reactions, his speed is halved, and he can't make more than one attack on his turn. In addition, he can take either an action or a bonus action on his turn, but not both. These effects last for 1 minute. You can repeat the WIS Save at the end of his turn, ending the effect on a success.

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 38):

Bonus Action:
Healing Word on Sideways 2 + spellcasting ability mod (10)

Brush will draw her Staff of the Woodlands

Movement:
Step north 1 step

Action:
Thwack. Roll 13 + 5 attack bonus. 1d6 (3) +2 bludgeoning

In reply to Brush (msg # 41):

Bonus Action: Shift Hunter's Mark to the stone giant.

Shot 1:
29 to hit - 6+8 Magical Piercing, 1 colossus slayer, 5 hunter's mark = 21dmg

Shot 2:
21 to hit - 3+8 Magical Piercing, 4 hunter's mark = 15dmg

Total = 36dmg

Combat 1 Rd4
INITIATIVE ORDER
19 Sideways
18 Statue
14 Brush
11 Ferren
3 Ceridwen

The gnome hacks at the statue’s legs, chips and chunks of stone flying around the room as his sword strikes it, once, twice, three times.

The statue turns, opens its mouth and roars like the sound of a rocky avalanche (Sideways WIS Save please), then steps away from the fiery ball so as not to get burned.

The druidic elf quickly refreshes the gnome, before striking the creature.  The creature tries to dodge the flaming sphere, but it too strikes it.

The flying elf rains his dreaded arrows down upon the creatures broken head, striking true, and deep, each time.

The stone figure teeters back and forth, but is still standing.

Ceridwen is up ….

https://i.ibb.co/2hW2Fr0/Gallowglas-RPOL-CR4-3-1.jpg " data-lightbox="images-msg-43">https://i.ibb.co/2hW2Fr0/Gallowglas-RPOL-CR4-3-1.jpg " alt=''>

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 43):

Ceridwen raises her hands to her temples and the circlet on her head glows, shooting three rays at the stone giant. The others stare, having forgotten that the headband the witch wears is a circlet of blasting, not having seen it activated for the past two years!

3 rays attack AC 23, 23 & 8: damage 14 + 11 (assuming two hit)..

In reply to Ceridwen (msg # 44):

I thought it was just a pretty hairband!

And the statue explodes following the witch’s ‘surprise’ attack.  The small pieces of broken stone rain down on the armoured gnome with the sound hail on a tin roof, until it eventually subsides.  Sideways is stilled slowed, but only for a moment, then he can move as fast as usual.

The double doors open into a courtyard that is 80 feet deep and 90 feet wide. Once well cared for, the ground is now choked with weeds. In the center of the yard sits a large pool. Just beyond the pool is a set of stairs leading to the main doors of the temple itself. In the southern corners of the courtyard are two small octagonal stone buildings, each covered by a delicate-looking dome. The buildings are about 30 feet wide.  Vines and lichen seems to cover much of the area, but you can spot old worn paved slabs below it in places.  The pool is 40 feet long and 30 feet across. Its stone rim rises three feet above the ground.  You see and hear flies, grubs and beetles moving in the rotting vegetation.

The octagonal room on your left (12) is 30 feet in diameter. The floor is dirt; the walls and domed ceiling are made of stone. A 2-foot- high platform covers the far half of the room. A set of stairs leads downward on each side of the platform. In the center of the platform rests a statue of a humanoid sitting with his legs crossed. The statue is 15 feet tall.  This area is free from weeds and insects.  The pool at the statue’s base is filled with clean icy-cold water.

In the stone building to your right (13) is almost identical in structure to the one on the left.  The ground in front of where the statue in this alcove was is no longer covered in a thick dark oily substance.

Around the crown of the courtyard you can spot some intricate carvings in places.  It is most clear above the clean area, destroyed above the broken statue area, and difficult to see beneath the lichen and weeds that cover the rest of the walls and lip.

You are all in the south of the courtyard.

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 47):

As the dust settles, we stay alert for any other ‘surprises’…

Once we’re sure we’re in the clear, Ferrin will call over the wall to the old lady, giving the all clear and descend to check she’s ok, bringing her into the courtyard. In the moments of quiet, he offers thick, sweet smelling leaves to his new gnome companion to aid with the acid stings.

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 47):

Ceridwen will ritually cast detect magic and will go to the now stilled and broken statue, then  the room from which it came, and then around the whole courtyard, detecting and hoping to see why it came to life. For the moment, she will avoid the room where the other statue is.

Rahasia steps carefully into the courtyard, nodding appreciatingly at Ferren’s offer of an arm. “Please don’t kill any more of your kin”’ she whispers pleadingly, “It’s the evil in this place that corrupts them.  It’s not their fault, the poor things”.  She looks down at the elf’s feet, “Nice boots, very nice.  Very useful”.

Inside Ceridwen sits cross-legged.  Muttering to herself, and drawing strange symbols in the air for ten minutes or so, the witch stands up, her eyes glowing slightly, and casts here gaze around.

OOC:
Ceridwen:  Arcana check please; Nature check please

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 43):

17 on the wisdom save

After a tiring battle and many burns on his body, Sideways keeps an eye on the statue and pools should they decide to make themselves nuisances again.

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 50):

Arcane 28; nature 23. Good rolls!

The witch senses necromancy and corruption in this whole area (2, 11 & 13), with an underlying background of powerful old magic steeped into the stones of this place which has no link to the corruption, and is indeed wholesome, but so weak, it almost escaped her notice (good rolls indeed!).  Ceridwen thinks that some evil has infested the very earth and its plants here; simple water has become the dark oil, given form and purpose; elves have become possessed perhaps by the corruption.  The dark water’s corruption seems to have seeped into the broken statue, perhaps empowering it to rise up and attack the party, for the statue itself is not magical in nature.  She notes that the statue was first damaged by something other than the dark water or the passage of time.   Who knows what other malice it has converted to its cause…

There seems to be some emanations of Abjuration magic coming from area 12…

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 53):

Can I take a look around at the plant life here and see if it seems to be linked in any way? Are the roots connected, or stemming from the same place? Do they seem to be denser in any parts?

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 53):

Ceridwen approaches Rahasia to share her discoveries and ask what insightthe old woman can add:
“You knew that the elves were not bad and had been corrupted by the evil which emanates from this place. How did you know that, and what else can you tell us?”

She will move towards area 12 y to pin down that abjuration emanation, without tripping the burglar alarm, if possible!

The elf carefully walks around the area studying the plant life and soil.  All the plants seem to be rotting, and the earth beneath is soft and putrid.  Other than that it seems a natural phenomena, with flies and maggots infesting the area.  [Ferren: Give me a Nature Check to know more]

The witch confronts the old woman, who steps back before answering, “The elves here were always good people.  But for a long time evil has controlled this area; stolen it away from this tribe.  You didn’t have to kill them, but you did.  He did”, she says pointing at Ferren, who is scouting round the floor of the open area, “The great elf hero killed his own people”.  Then she turns and walks away, her shoulders dropping, her form stooped over.

Returning to the temple, Ceridwen moves round to the other statue room (area 12).  The octagonal room  is 30 feet in diameter. The floor is dirt; the walls and domed ceiling are made of stone. A 2-foot- high platform covers the far half of the room. A set of stairs leads downward on each side of the platform. In the center of the platform rests a statue of a humanoid sitting with his legs crossed. The statue is 15 feet tall.  This area is free from weeds and insects.  The pool at the statue’s base is filled with clean icy-cold water.  The abjuration magic is strong here, and Cerdiwen can feel that it is colder in this corner than elsewhere.  Remembering the other statue, they look like they may have been identical, and the pool on the other side was cracked and leaked the black oily water.   [Ceridwen: Give me a Perception Check]

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 56):

That’s a 13 on the nature roll. Ferrin will respectfully try to avoid the old woman’s accusations, muttering excuses of self-defence under his breath as he tries to understand more about the area.

Ferrin would very much like to remove this rot from the plant life here…
Ceridwen, I wonder what would happen if we mixed some of the clear water with the tainted liquid? Is one able to affect the other?

To Ferrin, the rot seems natural in form.  But he is convinced that the cause cannot be.  The decay would not survive in this large open area, with fresh air flowing through, and sunlight overhead.  Something is causing this rot, something, or connected, to the very earth itself.  The vines crawling over the stonework seem old and brittle.  The blight in the earth extends further than simply the temple grounds, but it is not as bad nor cover the area so completely as within.

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 56):

Perception 19

As Ceridwen approaches the statue and pool of water, she notices that the temperature drops slightly at about the same time as she steps from the infested area, to that free of weeds and bugs.  The temperature drop is cool and pleasing in this otherwise dank and swampy place.

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 60):

“At least there is one small pocket of normality here.”

Ferrin will fill a water skin with the cool liquid from the clean pool and stow it over his shoulder. It may come in useful later…? Before we move on, can we learn anything from the intricate carvings above this area? It seemed clearer in this corner where the rot has not spread.

Also forgot to mention: When Sideways unrolls the leaves that Ferrin gave to him, he’ll find an unusual glass cylinder filled with a clear liquid, and equipped with a pointy end. Insert said pointy end to a squishy area of your choosing for 4d4+4 healing. Warning: once you pop, the fun don’t stop… 
This message was last edited by the player at 20:10, Thu 09 Sept 2021.

The water with which Ferren fills his waterskin is icy cold, unnaturally so.

[Perception check please]

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 62):

That’s a 16 on perception :)

Ferren notices nothing further unusual about the water … … … ;-)

In reply to The Dungeon Master (msg # 60):

Ceridwen will climb the stairs in 12 to the statue and to a closer look. After that she would like to look along the outer walls of the courtyard (3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 etc) She’ll look to see if this statue appears to move ever, and if there’s anything tucked away here.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:54, Tue 14 Sept 2021.