Chapter 10: The City of Spiders

May 19, 2020 1:52 am
"Oh yes, there will be defenses," Vizeran assures you, "But I have allies in the city that will be able to aid you. I belong to a group of males in the city called the Council of Spiders. I will be getting you into contact with them and they'll help you get into the city and into Gromph's sanctum."

"First, though, I have some preparations to make," he continues, "Take some time to mentally prepare yourself for what comes next. I estimate it will take one week to complete my work and then I will send you on your way."
May 19, 2020 2:29 am
Elayna nods, though she wonders if she might be able to handle a week of nothing to do. Perhaps that will give her and her companions time to know the strangers under the same employ.
May 19, 2020 2:45 am
"Take your time, boss. We'll be here and ready," Ælfric replied then nodded at Elayna. "See, kid? That wasn't so bad, was it?"
May 21, 2020 3:59 pm
An entire week here, with what to do? Is there anything you need us to do in the meantime other than this 'mental preparation'? Just sitting - it chafes. Deathwake says, keeping as much of her annoyance out of her voice as possible at the downtime they appeared to be facing while Vizeran makes his preparations.
May 22, 2020 10:20 pm
"I care little what you do, so long as you don't try to access the upper levels of the tower," Vizeran says dismissively.
OOC:
Be creative in figuring out what you want to do, even if there's no rules for it, we'll work something out. And remember that a week in the Forgotten Realms is 10 days!
May 23, 2020 2:12 am
Well accustomed to the disparaging tones that come with wizards, Ælfric certainly didn't take Vizeran's dismissal personally. As for the obvious invitation for a thief to break into the top floors, the rogue thought it best not to go peeking where he shouldn't.

"We should learn the capabilities of our new friends, Deathwake, and I'd like to practice with my new sword. Perhaps some sparring. What say you all?"
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May 23, 2020 4:35 am
"Uh, no," says Elayna. "Fighting is the last thing I'd like to do right now."
May 23, 2020 4:56 am
"Right now? No. I need a bubble bath and some sleep before I practice any forms. I'll be up for the more esoteric endeavours, too. Cunning and arcana will be paramount against Drow but we must be prepared to fight, too."
May 23, 2020 12:39 pm
Sparring is certainly an option, though I am intrigued by this - bubble bath - you speak of. What is it? Deathwake says, eyebrow perking up a bit.
May 24, 2020 4:36 am
"All you need is a bathtub full of hot water and a foaming soap. It's like you're luxuriating in a warm cloud. Eladrin and High Elves are fond of them," Ælfric responded while smiling. "It really is quite relaxing. I'm sure I or Seftan here can find the right soap or ingredients somewhere in a wizard's sanctum. Right, Seftan?"
May 28, 2020 8:07 pm
"Should take no effort at all I'm sure."

Seftan relishes the idea of a bath himself and then perhaps some time to read. Having felt woefully unprepared for his brush with the demon prince, he wondered if there might be a library for his use within Vizeran's tower...
Last edited May 28, 2020 8:08 pm
Jun 6, 2020 2:28 am
At the end of the ten days, Vizeran calls you together once more, "It is now time for you to fetch Gromph's grimoire," he says and then holds up a glowing green emerald, "While you are there, I need you to place this within the city. When I complete my ritual, it will be the focus for the spell and it needs to be there. Somewhere within Gromph's chambers would be best, but anywhere in the city will technically work. Do you understand?"
Jun 6, 2020 6:36 am
Elayna holds out her hand. "Yes. Somewhere in the city."
Jun 6, 2020 11:06 pm
"Hiding an emerald in the city of the drow... Oh no I see no problem with that at all!"

Seftan smirks as he mutters this snarky comment.

"Maybe if we hallowed out a book and slipped it onto a shelf? Or make it permanently invisible?"
Jun 7, 2020 12:10 am
The past week was relaxing but stressful at the same time for Ælfric. He rested, trained with weapon and magic, and constantly fought off the urge to test himself against the security of the wizard tower's top levels. Enlightened self-interest saved him from a no doubt swift yet painful execution by Vizeran's magicks but Ælfric kept wondering how far he could have gotten before getting disintegrated. Perhaps he would find out against Gromph's defenses instead.

"We'll aim for Gromph's chambers, boss. Even covert desecration of a book in his library might attract a wizard's notice, though, and an invisibility spell in a drow wizard's sanctum would be like illuminating the gem with fairie fire. Best to hide it in plain sight, I think."

Ælfric paused to think for a few seconds.

"If he's got any treasure or material component stashes, we can slip it there. He's not likely to notice an extra emerald among the bunch."
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Jun 12, 2020 2:11 am
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Jun 12, 2020 2:12 am
"Gromph hasn't been seen in the city since the demon lords were summoned," Vizeran says, "So I am hoping that him returning won't be something we'll have to be concerned with."
Jun 12, 2020 2:29 am
Elayna keeps her hand out, ready to take possession of the gemstone. "And the Council of Spiders?"
Jun 12, 2020 3:05 am
"I suppose I shouldn't expect a Drow group to be called the Sorority of Dandelions... but I'd be more terrified of it if it was," the thief chuckled.
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Last edited June 12, 2020 3:05 am
Jun 13, 2020 11:34 am
It's good that spiders squish so easily. Deathwake says, smiling at her own joke. What about just putting it in a bag with other gems? Seems a bag could be easily put in the city easier than a glowing bright rock?
Jun 16, 2020 7:52 pm
"That was my intention, though I didn't think about having other gems in there," says Elayna after considering Deathwake's words.
Jun 18, 2020 4:22 am
"I will provide you with a bag," Vizeran says, "I will not supply you with my valuable gems, though. That you must do on your own."

He continues on, "Once you get to the city, travel to the northern bank of Donigarten and light a torch as the light of Narbondel is extinguished and my brothers on the council will meet you."

If asked, he reveals the following info:
[ +- ] Donigarten
[ +- ] Narbondel
Jun 18, 2020 4:39 am
"Just to confirm, boss... We send up this flare and the spider councilors come get us into the city or we have to get in there ourselves first then signal them?"
Jun 18, 2020 4:52 am
"You'll have to get into the city," Vizeran explains, "The council will help you get as close to Sorcere and Gromph's chambers as they can."
Jun 22, 2020 4:13 pm
"Well what are we waiting for? Apocalypse isn't gonna stop itself!"

Seftan prepares to leave for the underdark once more, securing his belongings and double checking his spell book.
Jun 22, 2020 4:51 pm
Elayna pockets the glowing emerald, and is ready to go.
Jun 22, 2020 5:49 pm
"To Menzoberranzan, then, and the abode of spiders," Ælfric said and pulled up his cloak's hood for added dramatic effect.
Jun 30, 2020 10:43 pm
OOC:
So sorry about the long delay here!
With nothing left to discuss, Vizeran leads you to a tunnel. You've been in many tunnels since you awoke in the Underdark, but you haven't seen one like this before. It's a nearly perfectly circular from the point where it begins at the flat ground and easily big enough for all of you to walk through.

"I've spent years creating this tunnel, which leads directly to the city," Vizeran explains, a clear expression of pride on his face, "No one knows of it but myself and now you. Follow it to the end and you will find yourself within the city proper."
Jun 30, 2020 11:31 pm
"At this rate, next we'll have to go right down into the Abyss itself," he thought.

"Where exactly does the other end come out inside Menzoberranzan?" Ælfric inquired as he looked into the shaft.
Jul 1, 2020 12:31 am
"It comes out in the Westrift, in the western part of the city," Vizeran replies, "Beware the spiders when you come out of the tunnel. My magic keeps the place clear, but once you are out, you are on your own."
Jul 1, 2020 3:14 am
OOC:
Would we have a map of Menzoberranzan or know its layout?
Jul 1, 2020 3:18 am
OOC:
I'll get you a map tomorrow
Jul 2, 2020 2:23 pm
Deathwake sucks her teeth slightly looking at the perfectly cylindrical tunnel. Damn spiders. At least the big ones make good eating. Deathwake says as they get ready to step into the tunnel.
Jul 2, 2020 3:28 pm
OOC:
Crap, I forgot to get a map. I'll attempt to do so when I get home from work
Jul 2, 2020 4:08 pm
"I don't like spiders," Elayna mutters as she follows Deathwake.
Jul 2, 2020 4:30 pm
"Perhaps you've just never had them prepared properly," Ælfric said with a smile.
Jul 2, 2020 5:03 pm
Elayna's voice is soft. "I never had a problem with spiders back at the farm. But it's strange. Now the thought of spiders turns my stomach. Not in like a I'm going to throw up way. More like, the image of spiders brings up a lot of bad memories?"
Jul 2, 2020 6:12 pm
"I understand. I'll tell you about my hatred of centipedes one day, Elayna, but not today. I don't need my skin to start crawling," Ælfric replied just before shuddering. "Too late. Come on, let's go."
Jul 2, 2020 7:25 pm
Not being a fan of bugs in general, Seftan pretends not to hear the discussion, but his mind turns to giant arachnids none the less.

"I hope someone has mastery of the neutralization of poisons, or a few vials of anti-venom at the very least. I have a feeling we shall soon need such things."
Jul 2, 2020 11:55 pm
"The whole city." Ælfric said to the others as they trekked. "We've got to cross the whole Corellon-damned city."
Jul 3, 2020 1:33 am
"You helped us walk quietly back in the labyrinth, right?" asks Elayna.
Jul 3, 2020 2:24 am
"It might take us longer to cross a whole Drow city than the hour my cloaking lasts. The good news is that we might blend in with everyone else using magic to sneak around."
Jul 3, 2020 1:43 pm
Before you leave, Vizeran warns you that it's quite a trek. As you go along, you find this to be a massive understatement and you spend twelve whole days walking down the tunnel.

When you arrive at the end, you find a solitary iron door at the end of the passage. Elayna feels a slight flare of magic from the emerald as the magical protections on the door are temporarily disabled.
Jul 3, 2020 5:48 pm
"Finally, the end of this tunnel. Be quiet and prepare for spiders," Ælfric whispered. "I'll cloak us once we're about to go through the city proper."

The thief would normally have checked the door but he trusted Vizeran's power, so he tried to open it quietly and peak beyond.
OOC:
Screw you, 1!
Reliable Talent makes that 23 Stealth and 19 Perception.
Last edited July 3, 2020 5:50 pm

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+13)

(1) + 13 = 14

Perception - (1d20+9)

(7) + 9 = 16

Jul 4, 2020 3:14 pm
You open the door and look beyond. You are at the bottom of a deep ravine snaking through the stone. Not far off is an easily climbable wall of stone leading up to a higher section of the ravine. Large spider webs crisscross the area, but you can't see any spiders at the moment.
Jul 4, 2020 3:49 pm
Elayna wordlessly points to the wall as a means to be free of the webbing.
Jul 4, 2020 4:12 pm
Seftan nods his acknowledgment of the wall Elayna is pointing at and scans the area for any sign of danger through the enchanted eyes that cover his robe.
OOC:
able to see etherial and invisible
Last edited July 4, 2020 4:13 pm
Jul 6, 2020 4:16 pm
As Seftan looks up, he doesn't notice anything invisible or ethereal. There's a lot of webbing, but no spiders to be seen from here. But who knows what might be higher in the ravine?

You make your way up the wall and higher up in the ravine which is even thicker with webs. As you reach the top, you hear the sound of many feet around you. It seems that the spiders have become aware of your presence!
Jul 6, 2020 4:28 pm
"Oh gods," laments Elayna. She looks for an exit, and turning to the others she asks, "Do we run?"

Rolls

Perception if necessary - (1d20+8)

(2) + 8 = 10

Jul 6, 2020 5:16 pm
If we run we'll just have to come back, better to make our stand while we can!

Seftan triggers the Mage Armor on his Staff...
Jul 6, 2020 5:25 pm
"I meant run through, into the city!"
Jul 6, 2020 5:34 pm
Oh, that makes much more sense, yes let's do that!

Seftan secures his pouches and prepares to run...
Jul 8, 2020 1:48 am
Elayna looks around and sees no clear exit besides scaling the walls, which are quickly filling with spiders coming for a tasty meal.
OOC:
Going to give you a little bit of creative freedom. I want you to describe something you do to help your group escape the ravine. If some class feature or skill check could play into it, feel free. If you'd rather not narrate something, I suppose that's okay too :P Just make sure to post and let me know
Jul 8, 2020 5:33 pm
Elayna uses her hand crossbow to fire bolts into faraway webbing, hoping that the vibrations from the impact will draw some of the spiders away.

As she moves, she tries to inspire her companions with words of encouragement, saying things like:
"Ælfric, I know you can walk on walls. If you have rope, can you bring it up top?"
"Deathwake and Mai'gnor, you're both strong. If you're able to climb up and help Ælfric, you can protect him while he lowers a rope to us."
"Seftan, you're a master of magic. You might need to make us an emergency escape with your magic rope thing if things get too bad. Sarith and I will be with you."
OOC:
While her words might sound like suggestions, Elayna would only say it if the person wasn't sure what to do. If other players have ideas, Elayna wouldn't object.
Jul 8, 2020 6:36 pm
"Give me another rope," Ælfric said. "I'll secure and drop down both."

Ælfric wasn't keen on spiders but he was keen on Elayna's suggestions. After leaving the ends of the ropes with her and saying a brief incantation, his silent footfalls scaled the wall. He scanned the area around and ahead of him as he climbed for any new threats and for where he could secure the other ends of the ropes. To save time, he would use his invisible arcane fingers to tie the second rope. Once secure, he'd signal the others to start climbing.
OOC:
Casting Guidance... just in case I need it.
Reliable Talent makes that a 19 perception.
Last edited July 8, 2020 6:37 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+9)

(8) + 9 = 17

Jul 8, 2020 7:20 pm
I can indeed use magic to get to the top but I have no magic rope I'm afraid. Hand me some rope and I'll fly it up...
OOC:
daily portent dice...
Last edited July 9, 2020 8:15 pm

Rolls

Portent - (1d20)

(4) = 4

Portent - (1d20)

(6) = 6

Jul 8, 2020 8:37 pm
OOC:
Elayna has no rope, as she literally came into existence without anything, and had to raid the library's Lost-and-Found.

Also, I think I mistakenly thought Seftan had suggested Rope Trick, but I confused that memory from another game.
Jul 8, 2020 8:50 pm
OOC:
woulda been a good escape though
Jul 8, 2020 9:00 pm
OOC:
I think Rope Trick was in my game. ;)
Jul 13, 2020 6:43 pm
Aelfric takes a pair of ropes and sprints straight up the wall, quickly securing the ropes at the top. Deathwake and Mai'ngor begin climbing, but find that spiders are quickly rushing their positions. Seeing this, Seftan flies up into the air and uses his magics to slow the spiders down.

As the fighters reach the top, they join in defending the rope as the others climb up. After several frantic minutes, you are all exhausted and mildly injured, but safe once more. It appears that the spiders have no interest in leaving their homes.
Jul 13, 2020 7:06 pm
Elayna collapses to her knees. She pants, "I really don't like spiders now."
Jul 13, 2020 8:22 pm
"If it makes you feel any better, girl, the spiders don't like you, either," Ælfric panted while he pulled up the ropes. "I'm going to follow your lead again and sit down a bit. When we're not winded, I cloak us all, and we head across this city."
Last edited July 14, 2020 12:38 am
Jul 17, 2020 11:53 pm
Any prep before you head to meet the council?
Jul 18, 2020 12:17 am
Elayna takes the momentary respite to see if the bag with the glowing emerald can fit into one of her empty potion bottles.
OOC:
Elayna is good to go. If others need her assistance for something, she's ready to lend a hand.
Jul 18, 2020 2:20 am
OOC:
No prep work apart from aiding the sneaky sneak sneaking.
Jul 21, 2020 3:01 pm
OOC:
Seftan is ready, If we need to go invisible I have that prepared.
Jul 21, 2020 3:07 pm
OOC:
We should be safe with just Pass Without Trace, he hopes.
Jul 22, 2020 1:31 am
You ready yourselves and Aelfric casts his spell to make it easier to move about. As you begin moving through the city, it seems much the same as other bustling metropolises you've experienced aside from a few notable things. First, there is very little light aside from the faerie fire on certain buildings and statues to draw attention to beautiful design work. Secondly, there are slaves everywhere moving about broken-spirited, and they traverse every race you can think of and a few you've never seen before. Lastly, on your two mile trek to the shores of Lake Donigarten, there are more spiders than you could ever have imagined; they range from the size of your fingernail all the way to the size of small wagons.

Despite a few tense situations where you almost draw the attention of the wrong individuals, you make it to the shores of the lake. Some distance out in the lake is a small island, which anyone familiar with the city would know is where a large herd of rothe (underdark cattle) are kept for food.
Jul 22, 2020 9:15 pm
"This is the lake, right?" Elayna asks, seeking confirmation from the group. "Which way to the north shore?"

She turns to look for Narbondel, trying to gauge how much time they have left.
Jul 23, 2020 5:38 pm
I suppose either way would eventually lead us to the north shore, but if you give me a few moments I can divine the way...

Seftan sits cross legged on the ground and calls forth his arcane eye which he sends flying away along the perimeter of the lake in search of guards, traps, and ultimately the north shore.
Jul 23, 2020 6:19 pm
Elayna says quietly, "I just don't know which way is north down here."
Jul 23, 2020 6:36 pm
"It's not my favourite place either, Elayna," Ælfric said. "I prefer moonlight and trees, not glowing fungi and crystals. Plus getting lost down here with all these huge spiders around isn't a good idea. Then, of course, you have to worry about the Drow... Hurry, Seftan. I'm rambling."
Jul 24, 2020 3:06 am
The arcane eye zips around the edge of the lake, watching for any issues that will stop you from achieving your goals. The way is nearly clear until you get near to the spot. Not too far from the north shore, you see two groups of drow in the middle of some sort of trade. Scattered about the area are hidden scouts from both sides. It will require quite a detour to get around their area and you may miss the appointed hour and have to wait another day for the meeting.
Jul 24, 2020 3:13 am
"Perhaps now is a good time for that invisibility, Seftan. We can't afford to wait another day out in the open, not here of all places."
Jul 26, 2020 1:10 am
I couldn't agree more my friend, shall we use your area invisibility or my more mundane version?

Seftan stretches as he stands up and rubs his eyes to bring them back in focus.
Jul 26, 2020 1:27 am
OOC:
If an hour's gone since we first set off, my Pass Without Trace is gone, too, and that's a once daily use which I don't believe I can cast with my spell slots. It may be up to you, wizard!
Jul 26, 2020 4:27 am
"Wait wait, what about those drow in our meeting spot?" Elayna asks. "We can't wait around for them to finish. Isn't there something we can do to drive them away?"
Jul 27, 2020 1:40 am
OOC:
Yeah, we'll say that PWT has expired now. It got you across the city, but now you're exposed.
Jul 27, 2020 3:12 am
"They're only in our way to the appointed site. We can hopefully sneak invisibly right through their midst. Hopefully."
Jul 28, 2020 6:31 am
I can affect up to 5 people with my spell for an hour; hopefully we can accomplish what we need to within that time. Does anyone have anything they need to prepare before we go?
Jul 28, 2020 7:04 am
As the group prepares to leave, Elayna checks that she still has the glowing emerald. "Who has a torch? I can light it once we're in position, if someone also has some flint or a tinderbox."
Aug 12, 2020 7:41 pm
Your small group, through the liberal use of magic, manages to make it to the appointed meeting spot on time. You light the torch as you were instructed and, a short time later, a group of a dozen robed drow and a couple of less-obvious figures appear not far off from your position.

One of them, wearing the finest robes of the group, steps forward, "You must be Vizeran's lackeys, yes?"
Aug 12, 2020 9:37 pm
Elayna stands from where she was seated. "That's us," she answers quietly. "We were told you can help get us to Gromph Baenre's chambers."
Last edited August 13, 2020 2:56 am
Aug 12, 2020 11:18 pm
Seftan merely nods at the lackey question, grateful to Elayna's easy manner. Though seeing all things in all directions always, Seftan pays particular attention to this group of drow, scanning them in both etherial and invisible sight.
OOC:
see etherial and invisible (robe)
Perception +4
Aug 13, 2020 1:47 am
Ælfric merely nodded to the wizards. While he was a lackey, he didn't like to be reminded that he was a lackey.

"Too many of them or I'd try to take something off one," he thought.
Aug 14, 2020 2:45 am
The lead wizard nods, "Indeed we can," he says, but motions behind him to the two mysterious figures, "But first, we have a couple to add to your group. We... acquired them some time before you came."
OOC:
The two new people may enter the game now!
Aug 14, 2020 3:10 am
A tall but wiry figure in finely polished halfplate armor steps forward. His hand rests on the hilt of an exquisitely crafted sword. A keen eye will see that the phases of the moon are etched into the handle. With his other hand he removes his helmet to reveal the features of a handsome half-elf. A scar on his chin and another under his left eye mar what would otherwise be a statuesque face. I am Calidaer, son of Calthendrel Il'el'thule. I am at your service. He gives an overly dramatic bow to punctuate his statement.
Aug 14, 2020 11:08 am
Boo. That was lame, Big Bro Cali!

A voice exclaims. It comes from a figure behing the half-elf, which is enveloped in a black cloak that completely hides any relevant features from view. She, because the voice is clearly female, is holding a strange book, which appears to be only nominally bound by the laws of physics: when her hands move, the book isn't carried by them as much as it just sorta floats after them. The most noticeable feature of the book is that it has a large mirror embedded in the middle of its front cover.

Lyra already told you, your intro should be flashier! If you don't make a big impact upon first being introduced, the readers won't remember you, you know.

Uh, Lyra, you do know real life is not like those silly novels you read all the time, right?

This second voice also sounds feminine, but it is raspy, metallic, distorted: it appears to be emanating from the center of the mirror.

It's fine, it's fine! Lyra will do things like she reharsed, and make lots of friends!

You Go Girl

And with a big, dramatic movement, the cloak is thrown away: underneath is a pretty, energetic girl with huge sparkly eyes and a big smile. She's mostly pink: her eyes are pink, her hair is pink, her frilly dress is pink, her hat and her boots are decorated with various shades of, you guessed it, pink. Come to think of it, even the mysterious book is decorated with some frills around the mirror, and those too are pink.

Lyra is the brave heroine of love and justice! With the magic of her smile, Lyra will help everyone, so that everyone can be happy: we'll beat the bad guys, and then we'll have a big party! Lyra will support you, and Misha will help too, right?

This enthusiastic declaration is punctuated by the girl happily twirling around, culminating in a cute pose with her hands striking a "heart shape" gesture.

Did you really need to play the cheesy song too? Wasn't the speech itself cheesy enough?

But Misha! Lyra learned the Prestidigitation cantrip specifically to have cool background music accompanying her big debut!

Sigh...

At this point, the mysterious voice appears to address the party directly.

I... Sincerely apologize. Lyra may be an idiot but believe me, her magic prowess is unmatched. She really can get the job done when the chips are down, and she does mean well, so please try and get along with her, ok?
OOC:
I worded this assuming that Lyra and Calidaer would already be familiar with one another. I mean, both are half-elves, both are working for the same group, both are likely looked down on because of their mixed blood, and yet both are very powerful in their respective fields. It makes sense to me that they would have spent time together even before this moment.
Last edited August 14, 2020 1:18 pm
Aug 14, 2020 4:12 pm
Elayna's jaw is open before she realizes it. A moment of silence hangs, and she turns to the lead wizard and says, "Uh... thanks?"
Aug 14, 2020 4:46 pm
Hmmm, stealth may just have gone out the window... Seftan thinks to himself as he views the spectacle before him.

A pleasure. If I may ask, how have you survived down here? As, uh, glamorous, as you are and all?

Seftan casts his eyes all around the area as though afraid that mere proximity to this much pink will draw down side terrible wrath.
Aug 14, 2020 6:52 pm
"And where did you acquire them from, sir?" Ælfric asked the lead wizard.

"Half-humans," he thought. "You never know how they'll turn out."

"Hello, both of you."
Aug 14, 2020 7:03 pm
Duh, it's because Lyra is strong! Why do people keep asking?

The pink girl replies to the "how did you survive" question, with an involuntarily adorable pout.

Lyra, the fact that you need to ask this question is precisely why I said you're an idiot...

Waaa, Misha is so mean!

Somehow, you get the feeling this is never going to stop, unless somebody stops it... But then, surprisingly, the girl stops herself.

Oh yeah, I forgot: what's everyone's name? Are you a team?

Lyra...

Do you have a team name? Do you strike cool team poses?

Lyra.

Because I really like coming up with cool poses myself, so I was thinking we could-

LYRA!

Ah right, sorry. Lyra just likes cool poses so she gets carried away! But really, what's everyone's name?
Last edited August 14, 2020 7:04 pm
Aug 14, 2020 8:19 pm
Elayna does not speak for a moment. "Can we walk and talk?" she finally asks. "And you, Lyra-Misha, put your cloak back on."

Turning to the drow wizard, Elayna says, "Let's go."
Aug 15, 2020 7:37 pm
Seftan the mage answers in regard to his name,

And we are in a very inhospitable place so by all means, use stealth.

Seftan moves to follow Elayna and the drow.
Aug 17, 2020 1:00 pm
The wizardly drow nods, "Follow me," he says as he turns about, his robes swishing dramatically.

He leads you a short distance and you find yourselves in a fairly cramped chamber with runes carved into the floor all over the place.

"I can get you into the upper levels of Sorcerer," he explains, "But getting into Gromph's chambers will be for you to figure out. Any questions?"
Aug 17, 2020 3:56 pm
"Which room is his?" asks Elayna.
Aug 18, 2020 11:48 pm
"And should we expect guards?" Seftan hurriedly adds.
Aug 19, 2020 3:37 am
"His work areas take up most of the top level, but his chambers are on the west end," he replies, "I doubt there are any drow guards - he's much too paranoid for that - but you should expect magical guardians and traps aplenty."
Aug 21, 2020 4:26 am
Fantastic the mage mutters,

Shall we then?
Aug 21, 2020 4:31 am
Elayna asks, "Has Gromph been seen ever since his... thing?"
Aug 21, 2020 6:18 am
His... "thing"? Cal asks, looking at Elayna.
Aug 21, 2020 6:55 am
Elayna nods. "His thing. The big ritual that caused this whole mess."
Aug 21, 2020 7:32 am
Calidaer nods, pursing his lips at his lack of awareness. Of course she was talking about *that*. I suppose he would not show his face anywhere around here after that.
Aug 21, 2020 12:36 pm
Aww, they completely ignored Lyra's introduction. Half of them didn't even give their names!

Lyra comments, visibly bummed out, as she tries to keep up with the rest of the party.

They're professionals, that's why I warned you not to get too silly with your displays. Hey, how about turning on your Armor of Shadows now?

The mysterious voice keeps sounding like a minder of sorts, telling Lyra what to do. The girl merely nods and does a quick gesture with her hand, at which point a soft glow begins emanating from the mirror: anyone who keeps looking at the girl will notice a shadowy, vaguely humanoid figure, of size and shape similar to Lyra's own, emerging from the mirror's surface and superimposing itself on top of the girl's body, delicately covering it with an almost completely transparent, but still barely visible, barrier.

Much better. At least now I can see our new friends. So anyway, if I may be so bold as to propose a course of action...

Once again the voice is trying to address the whole party

... the way I see it, the matter at hand essentially consists of three steps: dealing with hostiles, disarming traps, and securing the grimoire itself. Myself and Lyra have never met an enemy we couldn't just brute force our way through with sheer magical power, and if we're dealing with constructs and/or summons here, then it's safe to assume such a trend will continue. As such, we can assume enemies will be a non-factor as long as you mortals can keep up with us.

Misha, you shouldn't be so rude to these people if we want to get along...

Adults are talking, Lyra. Anyway, the second step involves traps: unfortunately, both a magical artillery like Lyra and a valiant knight like Master Cal are ill equipped to deal with such finesse-based work. If it's just a matter of locked doors Lyra can blow them up, but it would probably be safer to leave this aspect to an expert of the field. I trust you people would have such an expert among yourselves?

But despite having asked a question, the voice continues without waiting for an answer

Which leaves the grimoire itself. How well should we expect it to be protected, in terms of "unspeakable curses that eat your soul the moment you so much as peek at its pages"? In my experience, mortals who consort with my kind are often fond of such theatrics.

This last question is aimed at their drow employer.
OOC:
Lyra has cast Mage Armor via her Armor of Shadows eldritch invocation: I'm fluffing it as Misha's silhouette appearing over Lyra's body as a semi-transparent, shadowy layer, which essentially constitutes the armor itself.
Last edited August 21, 2020 12:37 pm
Aug 21, 2020 4:55 pm
Confused by the barage of sudden monologue from Lyra, Seftan turns his head to focus fully on the now shadowy figure.

We have a good trap man, not to worry about that he whispers to the girl so as not to disrupt the questions Elayna was asking.
Aug 21, 2020 5:44 pm
"You're too kind, wizard," Ælfric said with a slight bow, "but you're right."

The pink woman confused him but he certainly couldn't refuse any help in the middle of Menzoberranzan... no matter how pink and dissociative.
Aug 22, 2020 6:58 pm
"Archmages don't generally let others near to their grimoires, so I can't give an indication of what kind of magical protections it may have," he replies with a shrug, "That's why we send you in. You're expendable."
Aug 22, 2020 7:13 pm
"We are aware, magician," Ælfric sighed, "but what'll we mere pawns do once we've gotten the book of power? Come back down here and signal you kings... or will you 'just know'?"

Ælfric realized how dangerous it was to push Drow but he also knew that they were used to a certain level of antagonism.
Aug 22, 2020 10:09 pm
Amused at the banter Calidaer simply waits for blades to be drawn, or for it to be time for departure. A
Aug 22, 2020 10:37 pm
Tch. Considering that Lyra's death could free me from this mirror, and that your soul would be the first I'd come for if that happened, you better pray for our safety, dark elf.

Aww Misha, you're so sweet! You can just say that you're worried for Lyra, you know: but it's ok, Lyra is strong and won't lose to some guards!

What followed was a solid minute of barely audible but EXTREMELY grumpy-sounding grumbling from the mysterious entity.

Teehee, Misha might sound bossy and scary, but she's a good person at heart. Anyway, can we set out already? Lyra can't wait to go beat up the bad guys!
Aug 23, 2020 3:04 am
"We get the book, we head for the tunnel and return to Vizeran," says Elayna. "Either that, or he's the one that will just know."

She checks inside her shirt and pats her side, confirming the presence of something within. "I'm ready to go," she says, then looks around to find a particular drow warrior. "Sarith? Are you with us? Maybe this is your chance to secure a better life for yourself. I'm sure the Council could use someone with your talents."
Aug 23, 2020 3:22 am
Calidaer nods to Elayna. Gripping his sword hilt tightly he says, W-... I, too, am ready.
Aug 23, 2020 3:29 am
"When you have the book, come back here and we will help you get back to Vizeran," the drow wizard replies, ignoring Aelfric's comments.

Sarith takes a long look at Elayna and shakes his head slightly, "I think I shall follow wherever the group goes from here," he says, "My place is among you now, not down here in the darkness."
Aug 23, 2020 5:39 am
Elayna nods to Sarith, and reaches out to squeeze his arm.

She turns to the drow wizard. "Lead the way."
Aug 24, 2020 7:10 pm
Seftan takes a deep breath and let's it out slowly. With so much at stake and so much in flux the wizard's nerves were very much on edge. Though glad to have new team members to aid in the dangers ahead, Seftan wondered how much he could trust them. Soon enough he would know...
Aug 24, 2020 10:50 pm
As long as the pink girl knew how to be stealthy, this just might work. And if it went south? More firepower was good, Ælfric knew, however unstable it appeared.

"Point us in, Spider Councillor. I'll take point after that."
Aug 27, 2020 4:06 am
The wizard leads you into the center of the group of wizards and begins chanting along with the others of the Council. After a few moments, you begin to feel very light and less than totally substantial. The world around you is slowly replaced by bright lights and to feel a sense of floating before your feet touch ground once more. Looking around, you see that you are in a dark hallway at the top of a set of stairs. Down the hall are several doors, including an ornate one at the end with a carved demonic visage in the center of it.
Aug 27, 2020 4:08 am
"You think that's it?" Elayna asks, somewhat rhetorically, as she points at the ornate door.
Aug 27, 2020 4:11 am
"I think that's a safe bet," Sarith remarks, "Though I do wonder what else is up here. We were never allowed to come to these levels when I was a student at the Academy..."
Aug 27, 2020 9:28 am
It should come as no surprise that Lyra let out a cute little "weeeeeeee" as the teleportation magic went off. Once the party is safely in the hallway, the girl starts looking around with nothing but sheer curiosity in her eyes.

Hey Misha, that carving on the door kinda looks like you!

... Lovely. For now let's just stay out of the way of those who'll need to work on the door, alright? We can keep an eye out for enemies in the meantime.

Oooooooooook. Lyra will do her best!
OOC:
Aaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy Lyra gambarimashita!

Weebery aside, I'm just going ahead and rolling Perception because, why not. Just looking around for the time being.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+5)

(19) + 5 = 24

Aug 27, 2020 4:29 pm
Ælfric enjoyed a good teleportation spell but couldn't help worrying that the greater evil of the evil Drow wizards' arcane defenses would twist and merge them into unnatural combinations with each other on the other side. Upon safe arrival, he exhaled audibly despite himself.

"Quiet," he said softly while intently looking around for traps, arcane symbology, and anything shiny. "True valuables are usually kept somewhere near the obvious location and lesser baubles but it always pays to check the obvious location. Seftan, anything obviously glowing brightly with death magic?"
OOC:
Reliable Talent makes that Arcana result an unnatural 20.
Last edited August 27, 2020 4:37 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+9)

(15) + 9 = 24

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(7) + 10 = 17

Aug 27, 2020 8:25 pm
Seftan scans the room in all spectrums and casts a quick detect magic to search for any potential hazards.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(9) + 4 = 13

Perception (advantage) - (1d20+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

Aug 27, 2020 8:53 pm
OOC:
Remember your advantage on Perception rolls. And where's the owl?
Aug 27, 2020 10:23 pm
Calidaer follows the others to the teleportation circle. He grits his teeth as the magic builds. Once on the other side he finally unclenches his jaw. I despise teleporting. Point me at a target, he whispers harshly as they land. He draws his sword and readies himself for whatever comes next.
Aug 31, 2020 4:20 am
The building practically hums with ambient magic, showing brightly as you cast your spell of detection. To those not used to this level of magic, it begins to cause a slight headache which will probably only get worse. Nothing moves up here and it is extremely quiet besides the magical hum.

You're nearly certain that there are hazards all around, but there are no obvious signs of them as you'd expect from mundane traps.
Aug 31, 2020 4:22 am
Elayna points to the ornate door. "Let's make our way through that, and see if that's our destination. Given the magical nature of this place, maybe it's better if someone inclined towards magic guide us?"
Aug 31, 2020 5:41 am
Seftan looks doubtfully at the room around him.

I completely agree young lady, he says as he turns to Ælfric with a hopeful smile on his face,

Well my friend? I do believe this is your area of expertise.
Aug 31, 2020 12:31 pm
"Traps and magic are my things, Elayna. Follow me... just not too closely."

Ælfric took point and made his way cautiously to the ostentatious door. He held up his hand to signal for the others to stop as he inspected it, making sure to stand to the side of the door, not directly in front of it.
OOC:
With Reliable Talent, that's a 19 for Perception and a 16 for Investigation.
Last edited August 31, 2020 12:33 pm

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(12) + 10 = 22

Perception - (1d20+9)

(7) + 9 = 16

Investigation - (1d20+6)

(6) + 6 = 12

Aug 31, 2020 12:44 pm
OOC:
Waiting for the results of those checks before I make a post of my own
Sep 4, 2020 2:23 am
Aelfric carefully moves to the door at the end of the hall, his soft footfalls not making a sound on the hard stone floor beneath your feet. He moves to the side and looks over the demon-motif door and spots nearly invisible runes running along the underside of the demon's jaw. He is able to decipher enough of the runes to realize that they will cause the demonic mouth to spew forth intense flames unless the proper password is given or the runes are sufficiently altered to negate them (Arcana Check)
Sep 4, 2020 2:33 am
"If I don't get the symbol sequence right, gouts of flame will shoot from this grotesque thing. Better stay behind me while I work," Ælfric said as he took a fine tipped object from his cloak and began to alter the protective runes in what he hoped was the right counter sequence.

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(20) + 10 = 30

Sep 4, 2020 2:45 am
Elayna presses herself against the wall, in case of fire.
Sep 4, 2020 6:04 pm
Good man! Seftan whispers to his partner.

Drinks on me when this is through.

The mage joins Elayna against the wall in case of the worst...
Sep 4, 2020 6:17 pm
What can Lyra do to help?

As expected, Lyra is the only one who doesn't run from the potential danger, and in fact just stands there with a bright, cheerful smile on her face. Fortunately she has the entity in her mirror to talk some sense into her.

Lyra, let's get out of the way so that the professional can work in peace.

Uh, ok... But Lyra really wanted to help...

She begins to walk to where Elayna and Seftan are holing up, but as she does, she keeps glancing back with a dubious expression on her face. And then suddenly she lights up, like someone who's found a solution:

Here, Lyra will give you this!

She says, as she coats her hand in a warm light and gently pats Aelfric's shoulder. Then she runs for cover like her companions have already done.
OOC:
Lyra has cast Guidance on Aelfric, because she's a sweet girl and she really wants to help: I'm sure he doesn't need it, but still. And by the way yes, I'm spelling it "Aelfric": I apologize, but I don't know how to do that weird letter on my keyboard ;-;
Sep 4, 2020 6:29 pm
Calidaer waits with the others, interested to see Ælfric do his work. He draws his sword and mouths a prayer to Selûne.
Sep 4, 2020 6:54 pm
Ælfric's eyes went wide as the pink girl touched him but he recognized the blessing she cast on him as one he is intimately familiar with. He nodded slowly in thanks without taking his eyes off the delicate rune work he was improvising.
Sep 5, 2020 4:12 am
Aelfric skillfully alters the runes to make them useless and renders the trap moot. With a palpable sense of relief among the group you are able to open the door. Peering into the room, you see it is a sitting room - likely where the Archmage invites special guests to his chambers without granting them access to the inner sanctum. A number of soft lights of varying colors appear, floating on the ceiling and providing dim light throughout the room.

There are several comfortable-looking chairs and couches in a roughly half-circle formation facing a large stone fireplace. There is no obvious source of fuel nearby, but it's not hard to imaging that Gromph is probably beyond such trivialities. In one corner is a drow male standing perfectly still. Moments after the door opens, the drow opens his eyes and moves stiffly forward toward you, "What can I get for you today?" it asks in a monotone voice. It's not hard to determine that this drow is actually an animated undead creature.

On the two other walls are solid doors that look to be made of wood, but not one you've ever seen before. They have a sort of bronze coloration to them as well as not having the natural texture of real wood, but they do look solid from here.
Sep 5, 2020 5:21 am
Ælfric sighed audibly as the runic spell was disrupted. He entered and looked around the sitting room cautiously, startled half out of his wits by the undead Drow servant but he quickly composed himself.

"Nothing at the moment."

Ælfric had no special dislike for the undead but necromancy wasn't his favourite school of magic, either. If anything, the servant's fate made him even more determined to never have Gromph know he had ever been here. Nothing like the prospect of zombification and eternal servitude to make one refocus on one's professional standards. Ælfric approached the door on the leftmost wall and inspected it.
OOC:
Reliable Talent makes that a 19 for Perception.
Last edited September 5, 2020 5:22 am

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(17) + 10 = 27

Investigation - (1d20+6)

(12) + 6 = 18

Perception - (1d20+9)

(6) + 9 = 15

Sep 6, 2020 3:04 am
"What if we ask them to open the door?" ventures Elayna.
Sep 6, 2020 4:05 am
The zombie servant bows stiffly and backs away to its place in the corner of the room. Aelfric moves to inspect the door and sees that it's not wood, but a type of large underdark mushroom that's been carved into a door. It bears an adamantite handle and intricate carvings depicting a demons, magic, and alchemical symbols.

Taking a closer look, Aelfric can see that the door is locked, but he sees no magical or mundane traps on it.
Sep 6, 2020 4:36 am
Elayna looks to Seftan and Lyra. "Either of you able to detect the presence of magic? I don't doubt that many things in here will be magical, but maybe it will help us understand what we're dealing with."
Sep 6, 2020 4:49 am
"Looks quite mundane but it's locked. Won't be a problem to open. And perhaps we can ask him about opening the doors... once I check the other one first," he said before going to the other door and repeating his inspection.

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(18) + 10 = 28

Investigation - (1d20+6)

(10) + 6 = 16

Perception - (1d20+9)

(18) + 9 = 27

Sep 6, 2020 5:41 am
I can be of some mundane use in this matter...

Seftan concentrates of the subtle vibrations of magical energy present in the room...
OOC:
cast Detect Magic
Sep 6, 2020 4:51 pm
Sorry, our spells are geared for protecting, empowering and healing allies, and for killing mobs. Detecting, analyzing and searching are not our forte.

Misha comments. Lyra is about to add something, but Misha urges her to be quiet and wait to hear what Seftan has found.
Sep 6, 2020 5:03 pm
"What about demons?" asks Elayna.
Sep 9, 2020 3:35 am
Aelfric looks over the next door and finds it to be much the same as the other, except that this one is locked and trapped.

Seftan casts his spell and sees that the entire place is just glowing with magic. Pretty much everything in the room is infused with magic, down to the couches themselves. He can pick out some of the specific enchantments; things like comfort and durability are common about the room.
Sep 9, 2020 4:12 am
Ælfric relayed his new findings to the others.

"I believe I can unlock both doors and untrap the second but maybe we should try asking the servant about opening them. Elayna, would you speak with the nice... person, please?"
Sep 9, 2020 4:23 am
Elayna nods, and steps over to where the animated body stands. "Hello?" she begins. "We're supposed to meet your master in the other room, but he didn't tell us how to get in. Could you help us?"
Sep 9, 2020 5:25 am
Nothing particularly telling about the magic in here, Seftan says in low tones to the group,

Just spells to make the couches softer.
Sep 14, 2020 3:08 am
The zombie turns to face Elayna, "My master hasn't commanded me to open the doors for anyone, nor do I know how. If you are hungry, I can get you something to eat, though. If you aren't hungry, you can wait for the master to come back."
Sep 14, 2020 3:41 am
Elayna nods. "Did the master say where he went, and when he will be back?"

She turns to Ælfric and nods. "Go for it."
Sep 14, 2020 3:04 pm
"He did not," the drow zombie replies simply.
Sep 14, 2020 7:25 pm
"Thank you, there is nothing else," Elayna says to dismiss the servant.
Sep 15, 2020 12:42 am
Once the undead servant returned to its inert position, Ælfric stood with the others then sent his lock picking tools floating ahead to the merely mundanely locked door.

"The enchantments securing the door leading in here required up close and personal work. I can open this one from here. Stand ready for whatever might be inside."
OOC:
Using Mage Hand Legerdemain to pick the lock at a distance.

Rolls

Thieves' Tools - (1d20+13)

(18) + 13 = 31

Sep 15, 2020 11:44 pm
The zombie bows and retreats back to its corner of the room and waits for more commands and questions.

Aelfric steps up and uses his magic to pick the lock from a distance and finds it surprisingly easy to pick for an archmage's rooms.
Sep 16, 2020 2:11 am
"Too easy?" Ælfric asked rhetorically as the door unlocked. "Let's see what's behind door number one..."

The door seemed to open of its own accord but this was really just Ælfric's invisible mage hand, and the thief of thieves looked inside from where he stood.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+9)

(16) + 9 = 25

Sep 18, 2020 3:40 am
Aelfric magically pushes the door and it opens easily on well-oiled hinges and makes not a hint of sound. Beyond the doorway is a softly-lit - and rather wide - hall with a single door at the end, which is flanked by a pair of large stone statues. Along the hall there are two outlines of what appear to be door frames, but there are no doors to be seen. The frame of the door at the end is the same as these other frames, but it does contain a door.
Sep 18, 2020 3:49 am
"Just statues, right?" Ælfric chuckled. "What's it look like down there, Seftan?"
OOC:
Can I tell what they're statues of?
Sep 18, 2020 3:56 am
The statues are large humanoids with vague features and armor. They look like images you may have seen in books showing depictions of the grand warriors of legend.
Sep 21, 2020 9:16 pm
Elayna steps gingerly over to the zombie, but keeps her distance. "Uh, does the Master speak a password before he enters that room?"
Sep 22, 2020 3:52 am
The zombie steps out and bows again, "The master often speaks before entering rooms."
Sep 22, 2020 3:19 pm
Seftan peers down the hallway as directed by Ælfric, looking into the etherial and invisible spectrums...
Sep 23, 2020 3:18 am
Seftan peers down the hallway and sees that the door frames (including the ones that don't have doors) are strange and show in multiple planes of existence, as if they can be activated somehow to open a gate to another plane.
Sep 24, 2020 2:54 am
"I've never broken into another dimension before," Ælfric said with a mixture of excited anxiety. "Should I open the other door and see what's down there before we venture beyond the veils behind this one?"
Sep 24, 2020 2:57 am
OOC:
At this point, you have no idea if you could even activate these other doors or not :)
Sep 24, 2020 3:34 am
OOC:
I know... but I want to try! ^_^
Sep 24, 2020 5:22 am
Elayna sighs. "I guess I didn't expect that his sanctum would be in another dimension. Hopefully we can get back."
Sep 27, 2020 8:58 pm
Yes let's definitely exhaust all options on the Prime before we venture into realms of true terror.
Sep 27, 2020 10:25 pm
"Let's pick our poison after seeing what's behind door number two," Ælfric suggested. He moved over to the other door that was both locked and trapped, stood to the side, and carefully used his tools to neutralize its defenses and open it. "It's always good to have options."
OOC:
Leaving this corridor behind for now to see what's behind the other door.
OOC:
Horrible rolls.
Reliable Talent makes those...
20 Arcana
16 Perception
19 Investigation
23 Thieves Tools
Last edited September 27, 2020 10:27 pm

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(9) + 10 = 19

Perception - (1d20+6)

(3) + 6 = 9

Investigation - (1d20+9)

(4) + 9 = 13

Thieves' Tools - (1d20+13)

(9) + 13 = 22

Sep 28, 2020 2:54 am
Aelfric spends several frustrating minutes working at the lock, but in the end finds that he can't get it open.
Sep 28, 2020 3:21 am
"As my woodland friends used to say, this one's a tough nut to crack," Ælfric tried to joke as a means of hiding his disappointment. "Maybe the other one will have more give to it."

He moved to the first door and looked down its corridor, took a deep breath, and walked down it to check out the obviously material door. He examined the other door frames as he passed, too.

"Some help, please, Erevan Ilesere," he muttered as he called on his god for guidance.
OOC:
Knew I should have used Guidance last time. :(
Reliable Talent makes that Arcana 20.
Please put the Guidance roll wherever it'll do the most good, DM. :P
Last edited September 28, 2020 3:23 am

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(3) + 10 = 13

Perception - (1d20+6)

(15) + 6 = 21

Investigation - (1d20+9)

(13) + 9 = 22

Guidance - (1d4)

(4) = 4

Sep 28, 2020 3:43 am
"Keep at it, Ælfric," says Elayna with the utmost sincerity. "We believe in you."
OOC:
May I add Bardic Inspiration for an additional 1d8 that Ælfric can use?
Oct 1, 2020 5:15 am
As soon as Aelfric steps into the hall, there's a sound of grinding stone as the two statues at the end of the hall each take a step forward, arms raised to strike the interloper. Their footfalls shake the ground and drown out pretty much all of the noise as they move through the hall toward you.
Oct 1, 2020 5:52 pm
"Ælfric get back!" Seftan shouts to his friend as the trap is sprung. He focuses the arcane energy of his staff into a skin-close barrier all around himself.
OOC:
Cast Mage Armor from Staff
Last edited October 1, 2020 7:02 pm
Oct 1, 2020 6:24 pm
"Vaendin-thiil," Ælfric grumbled as he tried to dodge the animated statues and get back up the corridor.

Rolls

Acrobatics - (1d20+9)

(11) + 9 = 20

Oct 5, 2020 2:23 am
Seftan casts a protective spell on himself while Aelfric avoids the attacks from the golems.

There is a lull in the action and you finally have a chance to counter-attack!
OOC:
Golems rolled 7 for init, party rolled 19! Go ahead and act in any order
Oct 5, 2020 5:10 am
Elayna tries to take cover behind one of the couches, and sends a spectral hand to clutch upon a golem. She calls out, "Ælfric, you know your worth! It's time to show it!"
OOC:
Casting Chill Touch at one of the golems.
Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration to Ælfric.
[ +- ] [url=https://gamersplane.com/characters/dnd5/11550/

Rolls

Chill Touch, Necrotic Damage - (1d20+8, 2d8)

1d20+8 : (7) + 8 = 15

2d8 : (23) = 5

Oct 7, 2020 3:57 am
Ælfric rushed to, closed, and tried to lock the door that opened onto the hallway of extradimensional portals and stone soldiers!

"I'll try... but I don't normally lock doors."
OOC:
Why not try, right?

Rolls

Thieves' Tools - (1d20+13)

(17) + 13 = 30

Oct 8, 2020 7:50 pm
Elayna's spectral hand reaches out toward the golems as Aelfric slams the door shut and locks it quickly. The loud footsteps approach up to the door and then there's silence.
Oct 8, 2020 8:14 pm
Ælfric jumped away from the door as soon as he finished being an anti-thief.

"I'm not opening that door again unless you're ready to disintegrate those things, Seftan!"
Oct 8, 2020 11:48 pm
Seftan takes a nervous step away from the door as well,

Stone golems are among the most difficult constructs to destroy. Multiple disintegrations will be needed.
Oct 9, 2020 10:55 pm
"Good to know. I hope you can do what will be needed!"

Ælfric took deep breaths to regain his composure.

"Should I try the other door again? See what horrors await us behind that one? Otherwise we prepare to gore golems."
Oct 9, 2020 11:08 pm
Elayna nods. "We have to start somewhere. Let's see what's behind door number two and maybe it will be better."
Oct 9, 2020 11:52 pm
With a renewed sense of purpose and his tools readied, Ælfric returned to the door that previously foiled his attempts. He channeled all of his available power into making sure it didn't get the better of him this time!
OOC:
Casting Guidance as well as throwing in that Bardic Inspiration to whatever needs it!
OOC:
The Arcana total is actually a 20 thanks to Reliable Talent.
Last edited October 9, 2020 11:54 pm

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(9) + 10 = 19

Perception - (1d20+9)

(18) + 9 = 27

Investigation - (1d20+6)

(19) + 6 = 25

Guidance - (1d4)

(2) = 2

Bardic Inspiration - (1d8)

(6) = 6

Thieves Tools - (1d20+13)

(14) + 13 = 27

Oct 10, 2020 1:53 am
Aelfric goes to the other door and works at it for several minutes before he manages to open it. It opens slowly into what appears to be a large, open cavern! There are twinkling lights above, illuminating the chamber in dim light throughout. Spaced evenly about the huge chamber are pens and cages containing a variety of creatures. It seems you've wandered into Gromph's menagerie.
Oct 10, 2020 3:16 am
"At least these monsters are caged," Ælfric commented. Before going any further, he did something he'd forgotten to do before: surround himself with arcane armour... just in case. He looked around carefully before slowly walking in to look at the closest enclosures.
OOC:
Casting Mage Armor, making my AC 18.
Learned my lesson. I have Guidance and I'm using it!

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+9)

(16) + 9 = 25

Guidance - (1d4)

(4) = 4

Oct 10, 2020 4:09 am
"I doubt his sanctum is there," says Elayna. "I guess we have to get past those golems?"
Oct 10, 2020 4:21 am
"You never know where a wizard may hide his most prized possessions. You may expect them to be in an extradimensional vault but who would look for them in an animal's cage? Besides... We might as well explore this place quickly before going back for our preempted date with golem goring."
Oct 10, 2020 5:17 pm
"Couldn't agree more" says Seftan with a final cagey glance toward the golem door.
Last edited October 10, 2020 5:17 pm
Oct 14, 2020 3:42 am
You move about the menagerie and see all manner of strange creatures that you'd never have imagined in your wildest dreams. You spot, in the back of the room, the slightest irregularity in the stone and think that it may be a secret door.
Oct 15, 2020 3:47 pm
"Another door," Ælfric pointed out before he walked to it cautiously. He inspected it closely to determine whether it was meant to keep people out or to keep things in. If meant to keep people out, he went to work opening it.

"Stand ready, everyone."
OOC:
That's 16 Investigation, 23 Thieves Tools, and 20 Arcana thanks to Reliable Talent. Put that Guidance +2 wherever it's best used.
Last edited October 15, 2020 3:56 pm

Rolls

Investigation - (1d20+6)

(9) + 6 = 15

Thieves Tools - (1d20+13)

(2) + 13 = 15

Guidance - (1d4)

(2) = 2

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(5) + 10 = 15

Oct 22, 2020 4:36 am
OOC:
Sorry about the delay. Been dealing with a lot of stuff IRL and struggling to find motivation for this game. It will resume within a couple of days hopefully and will be much better once I fix my living situation
Oct 22, 2020 1:18 pm
OOC:
Sort yourself out. We're still here.
Oct 22, 2020 6:44 pm
OOC:
G'luck in yer struggles chummer ;)
Nov 10, 2020 3:05 pm
Aelfric's skilled hands work their way around the seams in the wall, searching for anything to open the door and find nothing. He then moves on to his tools, working them into the seam to find a mechanism and eventually he finds a latch on the door that he can pop open. The door opens slowly, revealing a large room with bookshelves lining the walls and a large ebony desk in the middle. Sitting in the center of the desk is a large book.

Sarith appears nervous, "I wouldn't touch anything in there besides the grimoire. I'd rather not test the archmage's magical defenses more than we need to..."
Nov 10, 2020 5:18 pm
Elayna pulls out a small pouch of gems and holds it out to Ælfric. "You heard the man. Grab the book and put this bag somewhere hidden.

"You got this. Time for you to shine!"
OOC:
Giving Ælfric the magic emerald and 1d8 inspiration.
Nov 10, 2020 5:24 pm
"Once more through the back door," Ælfric whispered then added louder, "I've no intention of touching or testing anything, thanks. Before I shine... How shiny does it look in there, Seftan?"
OOC:
Thanks for the Bardic Inspiration. I'll be casting Guidance, too.
Nov 10, 2020 9:37 pm
Seftan gazes around the room, checking for things both visible and invisible, etherial as well.

Well we know it's magic all around us but let me look for anything between planes...

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(12) + 4 = 16

Advantage perception - (1d20+4)

(8) + 4 = 12

Dec 25, 2020 4:17 am
Seftan peers into the room and looks between the planes and sees a host of extradimensional energy in the area, especially from around the desk drawers as well as at a few other places around the room. It's unclear where these go, but it's safe to assume that several of them are merely extra storage as would be standard in the home of any sufficiently powerful wizard.

There are no obvious traps in sight.
Dec 25, 2020 5:42 am
"I could put it in a drawer to elsewhere but I'd still have to open a drawer," Ælfric pondered out loud. "The grimoire first, then deposit the bauble. Seftan, can you tell if any of these drawers or other spaces lead to the Astral Plane? I may have a hands free idea."

As cautiously as possible, Ælfric stalked into the archmage's sanctum sanctorum. His first aim was to safely reach the large and perhaps too obvious book, ascertain if it actually was the grimoire, and secure it without setting off any traps or alarms whether arcane or ordinary. If he got the book without being vapourized or alerting more golems, Ælfric would look for somewhere to put the surveillance gem where it would be discrete and beneath at least immediate notice. After that, he would get the Nine Hells out of there!
OOC:
Reliable Talent makes that 19 Perception and 16 Investigation. Add the 3 from Guidance wherever best applied, please. If things're looking really rocky, I'll roll the Bardic Inspiration but I'll hold onto it for now otherwise.
Last edited December 25, 2020 6:32 am

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+9)

(3) + 9 = 12

Investigation - (1d20+6)

(6) + 6 = 12

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(19) + 10 = 29

Stealth - (1d20+13)

(18) + 13 = 31

Guidance - (1d4)

(3) = 3

Dec 25, 2020 5:36 pm
"I can see clearly into the etherial but without physical experimentation I can't tell if any lead to the Astral Plane. My legend lore spell might tell if a particular object was tied to the Astral but I can only cast it on one item."
Dec 25, 2020 6:59 pm
"Thanks, Seftan. Save that for now. Once I get the grimoire, I'll try my idea."
Dec 25, 2020 8:23 pm
OOC:
I believe I also gave Ælfric bardic inspiration, so don't forget that!
Dec 25, 2020 8:28 pm
OOC:
I know. I asked Naat above for a nudge if it's needed in this instance. Don't wanna possibly waste it.
Jan 3, 2021 1:32 am
Aelfric walks into the room and cautiously to the desk. He stands there for a moment and nothing bad happens as he looks over the grimoire. It is currently closed and has an odd symbol emblazoned on the front that seems to be difficult to focus your vision on. Looking about, there are about a million different places to place the gem and no way of knowing without further inspection which one is most likely to get you killed by fooling with it.
Jan 3, 2021 2:04 am
"As for that crazy idea," Ælfric said, "if I'm not back in 5 minutes, get the Nine Hells out of here."

Ælfric pulled his Robe of Stars about him dramatically and tried to shift to the Astral Plane!
OOC:
The Robe of Stars...
While you wear the robe, you can use an action to enter the Astral Plane along with everything you are wearing and carrying. You remain there until you use an action to return to the plane you were on. You reappear in the last space you occupied, or if that space is occupied, the nearest unoccupied space.
Let's see what's on the Astral Plane in the sanctum. Any extradimensional repositories here that Ælfric can drop the gem into? And did our Drow wizard mention if the scrying gem had to be on the same plane? If so, Ælfric's little excursion can be more for further recon and a bit of stealing than anything else, and he'll find somewhere in the Prime Material to stash the gem once he returns. He'll still give the Astral Plane here a good investigation, though.

Reliable Talent makes that 16 Investigation, 20 Arcana, and 23 Thieves Tools. Please put the 3 from Guidance where it's best utilized.
Last edited January 3, 2021 2:06 am

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+9)

(12) + 9 = 21

Investigation - (1d20+6)

(3) + 6 = 9

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(5) + 10 = 15

Guidance - (1d4)

(3) = 3

Thieves Tools - (1d20+13)

(5) + 13 = 18

Feb 9, 2021 5:58 pm
Aelfric shifts into the astral plane, a vast expanse of silvery emptiness. Vast clouds of silvery grey drift by on winds that you can't feel. You see a swirling pool of diamond blue light in the distance which you recognize as a portal to Mechanus.

You don't see anything that would be a good hiding place if you want any sort of link to this part of the material plane.
OOC:
I debated for a while closing this game, but I think I'm going to finish it out since we're so close already
Feb 9, 2021 10:57 pm
OOC:
Yeah let's kick these demons outta the Realms!
Feb 10, 2021 1:27 am
Ælfric lamented the lack of a horde, noted the relative direction to the Mechanus portal, and shifted back to the Prime Material.

"I went looking for any extradimensional stashes on the Astral Plane. No luck," he told the others.

It felt like he'd been gone a long time but he was back now and ready to finish this.

"If you can't see anything on the Ethereal and I didn't find anything on the Astral, our wizard probably has his things in a demiplane... and I'm not trying to break into one of those. So we put this somewhere here, somewhere I don't have to open."

Ælfric opted to merely hide the scrying gem behind something large and out of the way, and he looked for such an appropriate hiding place. His years of thieving should give him a good idea of the best hiding place. When he found one, he would use his arcane grasp to move the gem into position.
OOC:
I'm really happy you can finish this, Naatkinson. :)
OOC:
Reliable Talent makes that 19 Perception. As usual, Guidance wherever it can do the most good.
Last edited February 10, 2021 1:28 am

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+9)

(6) + 9 = 15

Investigation - (1d20+6)

(11) + 6 = 17

Guidance - (1d4)

(2) = 2

Feb 10, 2021 1:56 am
Elayna keeps watch, paying careful attention to the other doors and portals in view.
Feb 10, 2021 2:41 am
Seftan helps Ælfric to find a suitable spot for the gem, scouring the few safe rooms visited for the optimal location.

"They say that often the best hiding place is right out in the open. I wonder if there's not a fruit bowl we could simply leave it in? How often do evil wizards eat anyway? What about the couch cushions?"

Seftan cracks a crooked smile at that last one, half joking, though the more he thought of it the more sense it made.
OOC:
"aid another" for Ælfric
Feb 10, 2021 2:49 am
"With our luck, he's probably a lich who doesn't eat. I'm still thinking behind or inside something. A vase, perhaps, or behind a book or statuary."
OOC:
Thanks for the assist.
We're in his sanctum. I think we're sealed off from the other rooms we visited before for now... hence the lack of golems. :P
Feb 10, 2021 6:29 pm
After looking around for a bit, you find a good spot inside the cushions of a comfortable chair to store the gem. That task complete, you are one step closer to banishing the demon lords back to the abyss.
Feb 10, 2021 9:14 pm
"Now we just need Gromph's grimoires and notes on his ritual," Elayna says, partly to remind herself of what's required.
Feb 10, 2021 11:14 pm
"I'm guessing they aren't going to be laying on his desk..."

Seftan looks around for anything that might seem like obvious places a wizard might keep a spellbook.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Perception (advantage) - (1d20+4)

(11) + 4 = 15

Feb 11, 2021 12:27 am
After planting the gem, Ælfric again used his hidden helping hand to lift the grimoire emblazoned with a fuzzy arcane symbol off the desk. He'd checked it before so he hoped his scan was sufficient to pick what traps he could. This was, after all, an evil Archmage.

"I really don't want to touch this thing," Ælfric said as he held open a sack and slid the grimoire gently inside. He looked around the desk for any other notes or such which might be pertinent. Now wasn't the time to be greedy or overly curious. Their luck had held but only staying focused on the task at hand would help it keep holding.
OOC:
Reliable talent makes that Perception 19, Investigation 16, and Arcana 20. Guidance where it can do its best.
Last edited February 11, 2021 12:44 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+9)

(8) + 9 = 17

Investigation - (1d20+6)

(8) + 6 = 14

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(5) + 10 = 15

Guidance - (1d4)

(3) = 3

Feb 12, 2021 11:05 pm
Aelfric quickly scans through the documents on the desk and doesn't see anything to do with other planes or demons, so they're likely not related to the task at hand.
Feb 13, 2021 2:41 am
"Doesn't look like anything else is the kind of evil we're after today. Let's go back through the menagerie and move out."
Feb 13, 2021 2:49 am
Elayna nods, and follows.
Feb 13, 2021 5:59 am
"Yes the sooner we leave these spider infested caverns the better."

Seftan looks around before he leaves and as he passes through the other rooms for anything else that seems of value or of magical significance.

Rolls

Perception (advantage) - (1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (15) + 5 = 20

1d20+5 : (12) + 5 = 17

Feb 15, 2021 1:47 am
"We have the prize, Seftan. Leave the thieving to me."
Feb 17, 2021 1:33 am
Seftan watches out for anything valuable, but it seems that Gromph has either taken all of his goods or perhaps has them well-hidden. As he's almost given up on finding anything, however, he spots a large diamond glittering on a pedestal in the corner. At a glance, it's likely worth several thousand gold pieces.
Feb 17, 2021 1:44 am
The diamond in sight, you are caught off guard by a short figure standing in the doorway until he speaks, "Long time, no see!" he says, "Bet you 20 gold that he takes the diamond," he says, smiling and nodding toward Seftan.

It takes a moment, but you are able to make out the creature as a svirfneblin, a deep gnome.
Feb 17, 2021 1:58 am
Ælfric grabbed his cloak, ready to use it to either fire stars of force at the little man or disappear to another dimension!
Feb 17, 2021 3:16 am
Elayna stares, in equal parts shock and disbelief, at the sudden appearance of the deep gnome. "Um, you do seem familiar, but have we met?"
Feb 17, 2021 3:57 pm
Feigning nonchalance, Seftan handwaves away the notion.

"Tis knowledge I crave, not coin."

Turning away from the stone Seftan casually approaches the gnome.

"We haven't met. Diolus of Water deep, at your service."
Feb 17, 2021 6:20 pm
The deep gnome smiles at Elayna, "Afraid I wasn't talking to you, young one. I was talking to her," he says, pointing to the container that holds Hunter's ashes.

Turning to Seftan, he chuckles, "Guess I'm out 20 pieces of gold, eh? Good to meet you, Sef... Diolus,"
Feb 17, 2021 8:35 pm
"Ok you clearly know who I am, to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"

Seftan racks his brain but can't quite place the dusky little man. He glances to Ælfric for a hint...
Feb 17, 2021 8:53 pm
"You knew her?" Elayna asks. "Then you know what she wanted to do. Can you help us?"
Feb 17, 2021 8:54 pm
Ælfric shrugged his shoulders.

"You speak to the dead, Diolus. Do the dead speak back? And how in the Nine Hells did you get in here?"
Feb 17, 2021 9:23 pm
"Only when compelled. And the jig is up, he knows my real name."

Seftan had long been weary of giving his real name to deep dwellers, the powers they traded in could often make dark work of such information.
Feb 17, 2021 11:15 pm
"The dead speak to those who know how to listen," he says cryptically and ignoring Aelfric's other inquiry, smiling as he takes a step toward Elayna and holds a hand out toward Hunter's container, "Would you mind?"
Feb 18, 2021 1:34 am
"Well... I guess not," says Elayna with some hesitation, but she holds out the urn.
Feb 19, 2021 1:20 am
The gnome takes the urn carefully and steps past you to the diamond on the pedestal. Taking it, he holds the urn in one hand and the diamond in the other. With a wistful smile, he suddenly smashes both of them together. There's a flash of blinding light and a cloud of dust fills the room.

After the dust clears, the gnome stands beside a familiar figure: Hunter Galfyne, looking no worse for her disintegration.

Naatkinson sent a note to CancerMan
Feb 19, 2021 1:39 am
Ælfric looked at Seftan for an instant before he addressed the newcomer.

"Hello, madam. Uh... Welcome back?"
Feb 19, 2021 2:19 am
The robed half-elf stares at her hands, before settling her gaze upon the svirfneblin. "Jimjar," she states as though she shouldn't be surprised to find the deep gnome there. "What are you doing here?"

Hunter looks around at the unfamiliar room, settling her gaze at the company present. "You've all taken care of the beholder, then?"
Feb 19, 2021 2:20 am
"Hunter!" gasps Elayna. "Is it really you?!" She throws herself onto the half-elf in a tight hug.
Feb 19, 2021 6:28 am
Seftan takes his cue from Ælfric and bows to the newcomer.

"Seftan the Mage, at your service."
Feb 19, 2021 2:44 pm
Elayna quickly brings Hunter up to speed, recounting the dramatic fall of the beholder under Mai'ngor's blade. She explains how they met Seftan and Ælfric in a labyrinth of Baphomet in search of angel feathers for Vizeran, and that their current task of finding Gromph Baenre's grimoire and notes is all that's left before the ritual.

"We were about to try searching some of the other rooms when this gnome showed up."
OOC:
Ælfric mentioned picking up a grimoire, does that mean we just need to find Gromph's notes?
Feb 19, 2021 2:50 pm
OOC:
I believe the notes are in the Grimoire. There was no sign of other relevant documents around his sanctum.
Feb 21, 2021 12:29 am
OOC:
The notes are indeed in the grimoire
Jimjar smiles at the returned Hunter, "I am here to ensure that you are here to see this through to the end," he says, "I shall see what I can do to return Mai'ngor and Elfog to your group, but they seem to be harder to find..."
Feb 21, 2021 12:43 am
"I appreciate your help, Jimjar, but how did you get in here?" Ælfric asked incredulously.
Feb 21, 2021 12:46 am
"Would you believe me if I said 'gnome magic'?" he asks with a shrug and a wry smile
Feb 21, 2021 1:32 am
"I won't look the gift unicorn in the mouth anymore, Jimjar. Can your gnome magic get us back to our benefactor?" Ælfric replied with a similar sly smile.
Feb 22, 2021 11:55 pm
With a smile, Jimjar winks and suddenly the world distorts and you are standing once more in Vizeran's study. He blinks in surprise and then looks angry, "How in the nine hells did you get in here?"
OOC:
Gain a level!
Feb 23, 2021 12:09 am
Ælfric grinned and used his arcane grip to levitate the grimoire to rest on a surface near their benefactor.

"Gnome magic, boss. And you're welcome."
OOC:
Yay, level up!
Feb 23, 2021 1:27 am
Seftan stifles his rising laughter thinking it would most likely be in poor taste.

"That task was far superior to the maze."
Feb 23, 2021 5:00 pm
Hunter pinches the bridge of her nose to will the disorientation away. When her vision clears, she states curtly, "Archmage."
Feb 23, 2021 5:01 pm
Elayna says, "We did what you asked. Hid the emerald in Gromph's chambers and recovered his book and notes." She stays close to Hunter's side, as if fearful that the half-elf might disappear again.
Feb 27, 2021 3:19 pm
Vizeran nods, "Well done," he says with grudging respect in his voice.

He looks down at the grimoire and pulls it closer, "It's going to take me some time to go through all of these notes."
Feb 27, 2021 11:31 pm
"Take your time, boss. It's not like demon lords are going to overrun us soon or anything."

Ælfric is already backing away with a smile on his face and his arms up in mock surrender (and ready to throw up a shield should Vizeran try to incinerate him).
Mar 2, 2021 4:04 am
OOC:
Anything you want to do while you wait?
Mar 2, 2021 5:19 pm
Hunter considers Ælfric and Seftan and engages them in conversation, curious about their circumstances and how they came to work with Vizeran on the fight against the demon lords.

She and Elayna then spend the remaining time catching up.
Mar 2, 2021 5:38 pm
"Ælfric and I have worked together for some time now, and as for how we came into the service of Vizeran... I guess you could say that when a wizard like him wants you in his service there is little else to do but to serve. We were summoned to his presence quite suddenly and put to use as high end errand boys."

Seftan chuckles at this last part, his eyes masking true concern.

"Quite a thing to come back from the dead, do you remember anything from the other side?"
Mar 2, 2021 5:53 pm
Hunter's focus turns inward. Her expression is reflective, yet masked in uncertainty. "Strangely, no. I remember things when I was... from before I was disintegrated, but there's a disconnect. Even my last memory of the beholder feels... fake. I'm not sure how else to describe it."
Mar 2, 2021 6:51 pm
"Facinating creatures Beholders, susceptible to flattery or so I'm told. Tell me, did the disintegration hurt at all? Sorry if that's crass..."
Mar 2, 2021 7:16 pm
"I think it hurt my friends more," Hunter says with a tinge of remorse.
Mar 3, 2021 1:56 am
"It might be better you don't remember, Hunter. Having to live with the memory of death, knowing you'll have to die again eventually? I suppose it could go either way. Maybe it's not that bad so you don't fear it anymore... or maybe it's so horrible that your mind or the resurrection spell blanks that part out so you don't go insane. I guess we'll all find out one day."

Ælfric yawned.

"What this mortal body needs is sleep. Will you still be with us when I wake, Mr. Gnome Magic? We could put your brand of magic to good use."
Mar 3, 2021 11:51 pm
Aelfric looks around and realizes that Jimjar isn't there any longer. In fact, you can't remember seeing him after you appeared in Vizeran's presence.
Mar 4, 2021 1:09 am
"Talk about fading away..." Ælfric grumbled. "We've lost the Gnome magic, it seems. What do you bring to the table, Hunter?"
Mar 4, 2021 4:00 am
"He could have at least said goodbye..."

Seftan shrugs and turns to face Hunter to hear her answer.
Mar 4, 2021 6:00 am
"Good looks and charm," Hunter answers, stifling a burp.
Mar 4, 2021 6:02 am
Elayna frowns. "Hunter is a powerful sorcerer," she says. "She's dealt with these demon lords and studied their ways. We learned a lot from the underground library."
Mar 15, 2021 1:44 am
You stand outside of the tower speaking amongst yourselves. Suddenly, a soft, glowing light rises from ahead, emanating from a vast cavern. The entire surface of the cave-floor, walls, and ceiling-is blanketed in moss and fungi, all in shades of white and soft pastels of pink, violet, green, and pale blue. The diffuse light the mushrooms shed makes the vista waver as if seen through mist.

"Araumycos," a voice says in your mind. You turn and see a myconid sovereign standing beside you where there was no one before. "The largest and greatest being of our world," the myconid says sadly. "All that you see before you is Araumycos; all this and much more. All is in danger from the corruption that will claim the whole of the world if you do not help us."
Mar 15, 2021 2:25 am
"The mushroom's talking," Ælfric whispered to the others. "These are usually the worst trips."

"Speak you to our benefactor or to us also, oh monarch?" he asks loudly and with a bow. "What corruption bedevils you?"

Though he's sure he knows, the elf still makes a point to ask for certainty.
Mar 15, 2021 4:51 pm
Hunter steps forward to address the sovereign. "We apologize if this gaudy tower has intruded too closely to the great Araumycos," she says. "To whom do we owe the honor of this audience?"
Mar 15, 2021 9:45 pm
"I am Basidia of Neverlight Grove, where you have been once before," he says, nodding to Hunter, "You brought Stool back to us at great peril to yourself and your past companions. What you see before you is but an image of my home, the safety of which is in gravely threatened."
Mar 15, 2021 9:51 pm
Hunter peers at the depiction of Araumycos, wondering if Basidia is referring to an illusion, or if the great fungal being is actually there and the party just never noticed. For that matter, is Basidia also an illusion?

"The whole of the Underdark is gravely threatened, as well as the surface above,"
says Hunter. "Our efforts to defeat the daemonic would benefit you and yours. Since you seem to understand this danger, are you here to offer assistance in some way?"

She gives a wistful smile. "And how is Stool? I miss that little cap."
Last edited March 15, 2021 9:52 pm

Rolls

Arcana? - (1d20+5)

(18) + 5 = 23

Mar 15, 2021 10:48 pm
Ælfric briefly giggled as he thought, "Stool."
Mar 16, 2021 2:03 pm
Seftan marvels at the scene before him. Having not been present for the rescue of Stool he has no knowledge of Neverlight Grove and can only wonder at the sight. He nearly laughs at Ælfric's comment about mushroom trips but thinks better of it and stifles his giggles.
Mar 16, 2021 6:14 pm
Elayna is quiet, watching the myconid with equal parts awe and fear. The calm demeanor of her companions helps stifle her urge to flee from the strange creature.
Mar 17, 2021 3:25 pm
Basidia and Araumycos are most certainly a projection and not really there.

"I come asking your aid, actually," Basidia replies softly, "Araumycos is likely the largest and strongest living creature on this plane and Zuggtmoy is on her way to absorb it into herself. The power she would wield were that to come to pass would dwarf that of the other demon lords."

His voice is urgent and he ignores your questions about Stool, clearly terrified of what's coming.
Mar 17, 2021 4:28 pm
Hunter considers the sovereign. "You know, the wizard in this tower is working on something to get rid of the demon lords. Shouldn't we wait for him to finish?"

Rolls

Arcana on Zuggtmoy, Advantage - (1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (15) + 5 = 20

1d20+5 : (8) + 5 = 13

Mar 19, 2021 11:05 pm
Hunter heard from her master that Zuggtmoy is the demon lord (lady?) of fungi. She has an affinity to fungi, which Araumycos is the largest specimen of on this plane.

"I fear that if this is not stopped, then there is nothing your wizard will be able to do to stop her," Basidia explains.
Mar 20, 2021 1:27 am
Araumycos was dreamily beautiful but Ælfric had seen even trippier places in the Feywild.

"What exactly is Zuggs doing? How is it destroying your fungal forest, and how can we help stop it?"
OOC:
Trying for some more info on Zuggie.
Last edited March 20, 2021 1:28 am

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(11) + 10 = 21

Guidance - (1d4)

(3) = 3

Mar 20, 2021 2:07 am
"Then we should help however possible," Elayna states with conviction. "How far away are you?"
Mar 22, 2021 4:44 am
Seftan has been watching and listening with his mouth partially open, in awe of what is being asked.

"We're going to have to fight Zuggtmoy, aren't we?"

Cold-sweat memories of the labyrinth and it's master rush back to the mage...
Mar 24, 2021 11:25 pm
"Zuggtmoy is not destroying Araumycos, but will instead absorb its very essence and strength," Basidia says, a deep sadness and loss in his voice, "Araumycos is in a deep sleep, but I believe that I can connect you to it. It is my belief that you may be able to awaken it from its slumber."

"Many miles, young one," Basidia says to Elayna, "But no worries, for our magics can speed your travel and, with any luck, you shall arrive before Zuggtmoy."

To Aelfric's knowledge of Zuggtmoy and her affinity to fungus, this seems like something that the demon lord could actually do. While she is not the strongest of the demon lords, the infusion of power from something like Araumycos could certainly propel her beyond the power of the others.
Mar 24, 2021 11:34 pm
Hunter considers the situation. "Well, I guess it couldn't hurt to take a demon lord down a peg," she muses. "Even if all we have to do is wake up Araumycos, having their power to add to the fight seems worthwhile to me. It might even help Vizeran's ritual."

She looks at everyone. "I'm in. What about the rest of you?"
Mar 24, 2021 11:34 pm
Elayna nods. "Better than sitting around, doing nothing."
Mar 25, 2021 12:54 am
"Either we knock it down a peg or it absorbs Araumycos and rises more than a few pegs up the ladder. Of course we'll help you, Basidia. Give us five minutes to gather our gear and update Vizeran. The wizard may have some other insight into all this if he isn't completely wrapped up in saving the world," Ælfric said before he rushed to the tower.
Mar 25, 2021 4:33 am
Seftan shrugs,

"In for a pinch in for a pound, eh?"
Mar 27, 2021 10:05 pm
Aelfric tries to open the door into the tower and finds it sealed shut. Clearly, Vizeran doesn't want to be disturbed.
Mar 28, 2021 12:30 am
Ælfric grumbled but wasn't surprised, let the others know about Vizeran shutting them out, and went to get his gear.

"I could break in but why piss off the wizard saving my ass?"
Mar 28, 2021 12:52 am
Hunter looks at Elayna and says, "I was going to suggest that you practice the Message spell, but the target may not appreciate it. I'll do it, instead."

She touches the copper wire wrapped around her ear and intones the arcane words. Taking a detour to save Araumycos and stop Zuggmtoy. Let us know if you need us.

"All right, let's go."
Apr 4, 2021 3:35 am
You set off a short time later, having grabbed your traveling supplies.

Basidia assures you before you leave that he will be able to aid your passage through the underdark and, as you go on, it seems that he's right. You pass several packs of demons, groups of gnolls under the command of Yeenoghu, and a seemingly endless parade of oozes on their way in the same direction as you.

After days of travel, you come to a large tunnel and see Basidia and several other myconids waiting for you there. The tunnel is filled with luminescent fungi all over the walls, casting the place in a violet light. "I am glad you made it," Basidia says, relief clear in his tone.
Apr 4, 2021 4:34 am
The trek to this point was tiring. Emotionally tiring. Ælfric's heart leapt every time they encountered hordes of nasties, and they encountered many hordes.

"Now the real work begins but first... How were you able to guide us so knowledgeably and stealthily, Basidia? We weren't seen once. Did you obscure our presence? Befuddle their minds? However you did it, teach me."
Apr 6, 2021 9:05 pm
Hunter nods. "It was a remarkable experience," she says. "But, if learning such an ability will take time and effort, perhaps it's best we explore that after we finish our business here.

"Speaking of which,"
she continues as she looks at Basidia, "I don't suppose you have any insight as to how we'd stop a demon lord from absorbing Araumycos?
Last edited April 6, 2021 9:05 pm
Apr 6, 2021 10:05 pm
"Or how we may awaken Araumycos when you cannot, Basidia?"
Apr 7, 2021 1:17 am
"I am afraid that I cannot teach you," Basidia says, beckoning you to follow it, "As I am unable to learn your magic, you cannot learn mine. But we are short on time. Zuggtmoy will be here soon and we must prepare."

"My people have already begun to be affected by her overwhelming presence," Basidia informs you sadly, "I will have to use my spores to make you invisible to them so they do not turn on you. In order to awaken Araumycos, you will enter into its dreams and find the source of its consciousness. If you can do this before Zuggtmoy is able to complete her merger, we should be able to deal with Zuggtmoy."
Apr 7, 2021 3:26 pm
"Wow..." Seftan mutters under his breath,

"And just how do we get into the dreams of a giant fungus?"
Apr 7, 2021 4:10 pm
"One hell of a trip, Seftan."
Apr 7, 2021 4:52 pm
Elayna wonders, "Does that mean we have to be asleep, too? And if we're asleep while Zugg... whatever her name is, if she merges with the giant fungus, what happens to us while we're inside?"
Apr 7, 2021 10:36 pm
Basidia, still moving, continures talking, "To get into it's dreams, a group of elders will use a more powerful form of rapport spores that will allow you to meld temporarily into Araumycos' dreams."

"You will be fully conscious," it says to Elayna, "And you need to ensure that you get out before the merge is complete or you will be absorbed as well."
Apr 8, 2021 3:21 am
"We'll become part of your shared consciousness. Honestly? That's rather exciting," Ælfric said with a smile on his face. "I'm hoping it's more psychedelic euphoria than fever dream... but with our luck..."
Apr 8, 2021 7:08 pm
"Yes... With our luck it will be an all out nightmarish frenzy that ends with us being part of a mushroom's demonic mindscape for all time. Beats another day in the archives, but not by much."
Apr 8, 2021 7:53 pm
Hunter says, "Well, let's not waste any more time." She steps forward to Basidia, familiar with the mundane version of rapport spore process. "I'm ready for the elders."
Apr 8, 2021 9:02 pm
"I'm in. Where do I inhale deeply?"
Apr 10, 2021 12:07 am
You head further through the tunnels, eventually coming to one dominated by a huge amount of fungi, including a mass of it nearly forty feet high and just as wide. Staring at it, you can see that the way the fungi is arranged seems almost humanoid in shape.

There are six older myconids here, who turn to Basidia when you enter, "We must hurry. It won't be long now. Minutes perhaps, before she arrives," one of them says urgently.

"You must wake Araumycos before Zuggtmoy can complete the merge. With Araumycos' help, we should be able to fight Zuggtmoy back or maybe even destroy her corporeal form. Are you ready?"
Apr 10, 2021 12:40 am
"We are. What way can we try to wake Araumycos which your people haven't already?"
Apr 12, 2021 9:48 pm
"Ready" Seftan agrees as he stares at the massive fungus in awe.
Apr 12, 2021 10:12 pm
Hunter nods to Basidia. "Perhaps once we see what Araumycos is dreaming about, we can try to manipulate the environment. Assuming any of it makes sense to us."
Apr 12, 2021 10:14 pm
Elayna says, "I was always told that if you wanted to wake up from a dream, you tell yourself that you're dreaming. Unfortunately, nobody told me how to wake up from a dream where you didn't want to leave."
Apr 13, 2021 10:21 pm
To Aelfric: "Those of our kind are too familiar to break through into Araumycos' slumbering mind," Basidia replies to the nods of a few other elders, "It is our hope that your alien minds will alert it to danger before Zuggtmoy can complete her grim task."

Now that you are all here, the elders surround you, a sense of urgency about them, "Zuggtmoy approaches," says a myconid from the exit to the chamber. That's the last thing you hear as the rapport spores drift down around you and everything goes black for a moment and then...

You are floating, weightless, adrift. A gray, silvery light spreads around you like the dawn of a cloudy day, illuminating a peculiar realm. All of you are floating in a silvery haze that shimmers with swirls of color. Objects drift past in the distance, but whether they are small stones or rocks the size of mountains, you can't say for certain. Your moment of reverie is broken by the sound of Basidia's voice in your mind. "It begins."

Through your link with Basidia, you sense that Zuggtmoy's "wedding" ceremony has begun. Receiving the myconid's impressions, you become aware of a huge crowd of fungal creatures and spore servants—hundreds, perhaps thousands of them—watching as a grotesque procession makes its way through them. Myconids of all sizes caper madly before a troupe of giant animated mushrooms, bearing a mossy litter upon which sits the Demon Queen of Fungi in all her terrible splendor.

Zuggtmoy is draped and veiled in molds and fruiting mushrooms woven into a grotesque gown. Vaguely humanoid figures set with clusters of luminescent lichen and tumescent fungal growths follow her like bridesmaids, carrying a veil and train of lacy mycelia. Stepping off the litter as her followers set it down, the Demon Queen of Fungi rises to tower above all the creatures around her. "My betrothed," she intones, the meaning of her words clear within the vision. "I am here at last."
Apr 13, 2021 10:54 pm
Hunter tries to control her body, first with a physical motion, then through the will of her mind. She tries to shunt the image of Zuggtmoy and focus on the task at hand; finding Araumycos.
Apr 14, 2021 2:10 am
"She looks like a fun gal," Ælfric said dryly. "Do you recognize the toadstool you all saved in that crowd, Hunter? If not, let's move ahead of Her Highness, the Demon Queen of Fungi. If this is the wedding ceremony, the groom should be up ahead waiting for her. "
Last edited April 14, 2021 2:10 am
Apr 14, 2021 3:05 pm
"I don't get this place," sighs Elayna, struggling to maintain direction in this new environment.
Apr 15, 2021 7:55 pm
"So if we're in Auramycos's mind now, shouldn't we do something to get it's attention? Cause some damage or something?"

Seftan looks around for anything that might indicate a way further into the myconid's mind...
Apr 15, 2021 10:22 pm
As you acclimate yourselves to this strange place, you find that movement is more a act of will than it is any physical thing, similar to how it is in the astral plane for those familiar with it. As you float there deciding where to go, you feel an indescribable presence in the distance ahead of you.
Apr 15, 2021 11:38 pm
"C'mon, the sooner we begin, the faster we'll finish," quips Hunter. She wills herself in the direction of that feeling of presence.
Apr 16, 2021 1:03 am
"Imagine a strong wind at your back while you're walking somewhere, pushing you along as you move, Elayna," Ælfric suggested. "Then stop imagining the wind when you're ready to stop walking."

Ælfric moved himself toward the presence but he made sure the others were also moving with him. He'd spent much time on the Astral Plane thanks to his cloak, and was as expert as a mortal could be in navigating in a realm where the mind is paramount. The imaginary wind was as helpful a tool as any but the main focus was on the walking and the desire to move, the self-propulsion solely of the will.

How would they make contact with such an alien mind? How could they, a group of meat wedding crashers, reach it and wake it from its delusion? At least the dream was one they could comprehend or was being interpreted by their minds in such a way. They'd better come up with something... and fast.
Apr 19, 2021 11:42 pm
Your thoughts draw them toward a distant, floating object. It appears to be a hemisphere, until its slow rotation reveals its true form: a giant skull missing its jawbone, formed out of some kind of pale rock. As the characters draw closer, the skull reveals itself to be the size of a small mountain. Its surface is covered in lichens and broad patches of mold, the colors resembling those of Araumycos on the Material Plane.

Through the empty eye sockets of the skull, you can see that its interior is hollow and filled with a bewildering variety of giant fungi. Tendrils and growths extend outward, twining together to form a mass suspended in the middle of the open space - a brain-shaped fungus the size of a castle.
Apr 20, 2021 4:46 pm
"Well, I'd say this was unexpected, but to be honest I didn't know what to expect," says Hunter. She wills herself forward, heading for one of the eye sockets and the large fungal center within the skull.
Apr 20, 2021 4:48 pm
Elayna follows, getting used to the idea of using her mind to maneuver. It's like a dream! she reasons, trailing into a small loop-the-loop along the way.
Apr 21, 2021 12:33 am
"A brain, of course. It sleeps and must be roused."

Ælfric's will carried him along smoothly and swiftly. He smiled at Elayna's grasp of mental movement, and followed Hunter into the eye socket.

"The windows to the soul, Hunter. Perfect," Ælfric said. "In asylums, they also go through the eye... for lobotomies. Maybe a swift poke to the gray matter is just what Auramycos needs."
Apr 21, 2021 3:29 pm
"We could try sending a magical message if that doesn't work."

Seftan marvels at the sight of the alien dreamscape and wonders how much time they have left back in the real world.
Apr 24, 2021 12:54 am
As you drift closer to the skull and make plans, there's a sudden flood of energy from nearby. "Who dares?" a voice shouts in your mind. "Who dares disturb my intended nuptials?" Spores and tendrils erupt from the surface of the skull, coalescing before your eyes into the image of the Demon Queen of Fungi, her dead eyes glaring with inhuman fury.

Before Zuggtmoy can do anything to you, the demon queen is distracted, turning away to glance at something you can't see. She hisses the name "Juiblex" like a curse, then recoils as if struck. Her image then vanishes.
Apr 24, 2021 6:39 pm
Hunter pauses. "Well, she knows we're here," she says. "I don't like the sound of how she threw in the name of another demon lord, so maybe we ought to hurry."

She wills herself as fast as she can towards the interior of the skull.
Apr 25, 2021 7:04 pm
This could work in our favor, if those two are busy fighting each other then that gives us time to do what we can.

As the group flies ever closer to the representation of the fungal rulers mind, Seftan cannot help but feel the fear of time constraint squeezing his chest. What if they could not wake Auramycos? Would they die here in this dreamscape or was there some possibility of escape?
Apr 26, 2021 11:44 pm
You move closer to the skull and hear a powerful voice in your minds, "Help me..." it says, "She has done... something to me. I need to be freed of it and I will help you."

As it speaks, you are overwhelmed by a feeling of dread and a sharp stab of pain in your mind as it communicates nonverbally as well. In your mind, you can see a dark, seething mass on the back of this huge skull that wasn't there before.
Apr 27, 2021 12:53 am
"Juiblex? Another of the icky ones?" Ælfric pondered before the voice violently reverberated in his own skull.

"Tell us how to help you, great colony, and we will! Can we strike at your hive mind's invaders directly or can we break your mental bonds?"
OOC:
Rolling Arcana for info on Juiblex.

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(19) + 10 = 29

Apr 27, 2021 4:27 pm
"I'm going to guess it's that tumor back there," says Hunter, heading directly for the dark mass. "Anyone feel like pretending to be a doctor? And I hope the patient doesn't mind that we haven't brought a scalpel."

Without waiting for an answer, she prepares her magic and sweeps her hand in front of her to create a glowing series of glyph-filled dials.
Apr 28, 2021 1:03 am
Aelfric would recognize the name "Jubilex" as that of the demon lord of oozes.

"It... hurts..." Araumycos speaks into your minds, "Remove it before it's too late."
Apr 28, 2021 6:01 am
Hunter touches a few of the glyphs, which begin to glow. She twists a dial and says, "Not a problem. I learned something from a stupid beholder that I've been itching to try out. Let's see if Karazikar's Little Green Ray does the trick."

Taking aim at the dark mass upon the skull, Hunter points her finger and unleashes an Empowered Disintegration spell.
OOC:
Moving as needed to be within the 60-foot range. If the dark mass is a creature, it takes 82 points of force damage.

Wild Magic Surge result: Hunter can take one additional action immediately. She will cast Chill Touch.
Immediately after she fires the Disintegration ray, her glowing console of glyphs spark and flare. A skeletal hand mimicking Hunter's gesture flies out to follow the green beam, speeding towards the dark mass like a rocket punch.
Last edited April 28, 2021 6:07 am

Rolls

Disintegration damage if the mass is a creature - (10d6+40)

(6616225211) + 40 = 72

Wild Magic on a 1 or 2. - (1d20)

(2) = 2

Empowered on 1s - (3d6)

(463) = 13

Wild Magic Surge! - (1d100)

(82) = 82

Chill Touch, Necrotic Damage - (1d20+8, 3d8)

1d20+8 : (5) + 8 = 13

3d8 : (423) = 9

Apr 29, 2021 12:50 am
There's a bright green flash as the disintegration spell strikes the writhing black mass on the back of the skull and it shrinks in size to nearly nothing. Moments later, a skeletal hand follows, diving into the remaining mass and splattering it along the back side of the skull.

A moment later, you feel a weight lifted off of you that you hadn't realized was even there. The voice of Araumycos speaks once again, "It is time to end this," it says confidently.

You are suddenly in your bodies once more, just in time to see the dazed form of a large mushroom-covered demon lifted into the air and torn in two by an ooze-like monstrosity. As this finishes, the ooze turns on you and begins to move in your direction. Jubilex, demon lord of oozes, has killed Zuggtmoy and chosen you as his next victims.
OOC:
For this fight, we will roll initiative! If you beat an 8, you act before the demon lord
Apr 29, 2021 1:18 am
Elayna cheers, "You did it!"

As the scene reveals itself, however, the young woman's confidence wanes. Seeing the monstrous ooze lurching towards them, Elayna backs away and asks, "Can you do it again?"

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+1)

(4) + 1 = 5

Apr 29, 2021 1:21 am
"Right, it makes sense now to have the Pudding King's patron show up," mutters Hunter to herself. Pursing her lips in concentration, she ashamedly answers, "Unfortunately not. I... sorta didn't expect there to be a second demon lord in attendance."

Hunter swipes up through her list of glowing glyphs and settles on a spell of abjuration. She rapidly touches several other symbols in succession, then points her staff at the monstrosity. "Let's see how the Ooze Lord handles this."
OOC:
Casting Banishment, and using 2 sorcery points for Bend Luck to apply a 1d4 penalty to Juiblex's saving throw.
[ +- ] Banishment
[ +- ] Bend Luck
Last edited April 29, 2021 1:40 am

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20)

(11) = 11

Bend Luck penalty - (1d4)

(2) = 2

Wild Magic on a 1 or 2 - (1d20)

(19) = 19

Apr 29, 2021 2:35 am
"Well done, Hunter! A doctor couldn't have cut that out any better!" Ælfric thought-shouted before being shunted back to his corporeal body.

"Oh, filth," Ælfric groaned at the sight of Jubilex. Dying at the pseudopods of a demon lord wasn't how he planned to die, so he was going to give this fight his all!

Rolls

Init to win it! - (1d20+5)

(2) + 5 = 7

Apr 29, 2021 6:42 pm
Seftan takes a step back and a sharp breath in as he readjusts to the horror before him...

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Apr 30, 2021 12:46 am
OOC:
Hunter acted, but Seftan can act as well :)
Apr 30, 2021 12:50 am
OOC:
Hurry, Seftan, before it kills m... er... us all!
Apr 30, 2021 3:21 pm
"Fortunately, I can do it as well..."

Seftan sounds unsure as he intones the words to the arcanum of de-integration, but he chokes down the fear welling up inside and completes the spell sending a sizzling ray of pure green energy streaking towards the abomination at light speed.

Rolls

Disintegration (DC 21) - (10d6+40)

(1363535466) + 40 = 82

May 2, 2021 10:09 pm
Hunter's spell warps the air around the demon lord and his form begins to shimmer, but he strains, resisting the spell. Just as he appears to be about to throw the effects of it off, a green bolt of energy strikes him in the center of his body and he loses focus, disappearing into nothingness.
OOC:
Wow, a bit anticlimactic, but the dice have spoken! :P
May 3, 2021 2:02 am
"Well shot, Seftan!" Ælfric shouted in triumph before looking around for their fungal friends. "Basidia? Is Araumycos alright?"
May 4, 2021 12:28 am
"I do have my moments."

Seftan smiles coyly and accepts the accolades of his companions with a smug expression until the very instant no one is looking, he then turns his head and vomits.
May 4, 2021 1:29 am
A voice responds, but it's not the voice of Basidia, "I am well, small one," Araumycos replies in your minds, rapport spores still in effect, "Thank you for your assistance. Things would have gone much differently had you not been here."
May 10, 2021 8:03 pm
You're welcome, thinks Hunter, though she is uncertain if the others can hear her rapport with Araumycos. I am glad you have not suffered greatly after our brief intrusion. Please do take care of the little ones. Her last statement is accompanied by her last memory of Stool.

To the others, Hunter says, "We ought to head back to Vizeran and check on how much progress he's made."
Last edited May 10, 2021 8:04 pm
May 11, 2021 12:11 am
"Yes, Hunter, hopefully with Basidia to obscure us again. I'm good but I don't want to try my veils against every flavour of fiend."

The wizard smiled at their fungal friends.

"We must keep each other safe in these dark days, Araumycos. Good thing you dodged that bride."
May 12, 2021 8:05 pm
Seftan merely smiles and waves to the massive fungus and waits about for the others to be ready.

I wonder what I will title the book i write about all this?

Though he had always wanted to pen a novel about his life and times, most of his days had been spent thus far in study and contemplation. Now it seemed, his autobiography might actually end up a real page turner!
Last edited May 12, 2021 8:06 pm
May 12, 2021 8:09 pm
Elayna nods and says, "Let's be off, then." She shoulders her pack and is ready to leave.
May 14, 2021 2:05 am
"I will speed your travels," Araumycos says to you before you go, his powerful voice booming in your mind, "You must remain strong. The most difficult of your trials lays ahead."
May 14, 2021 2:49 am
"Like stopping a fungal, oozing wedding wasn't hard enough," Ælfric mumbled, then added louder, "Thank you for helping us get back, Araumycos. We will do our best with whatever trials await us as we have done with the trials with lie behind."
May 17, 2021 11:07 pm
With fond and thankful farewells, you depart Neverlight Grove to head back to Vizeran's tower. You arrive, it seems, within just a few hours. Whatever Araumycos did to facilitate your travel was indeed potent.

The place has not changed much since you left and Vizeran's doors are still closed. What do you do?
May 17, 2021 11:13 pm
"There's no place like home... and this isn't home," Ælfric said. "You don't think he's died in there from all the stress, do you?"
May 17, 2021 11:24 pm
Hunter says, "He said it was going to take some time to go through Gromph Baenre's notes. It strikes me as typical wizardry that he neglected to mention whether he was to signal us of his completed task, leaving it to us to figure out."

She approaches the tower, and knocks upon the door. "I've learned it's usually best to ask politely, then feign stupidity against whatever backlash his tongue can imagine."
May 18, 2021 12:25 am
"I usually answer backlash with backlash but I've learned to back off when the backlash can be backed up with a fireball."
May 18, 2021 1:07 am
"I'd be more worried about the death rays," Sarith says, a slight smile on his face.
May 18, 2021 1:21 am
"That's a good point; experiencing one disintegration ray is enough," admits Hunter. "Still, that is why I knocked."
May 19, 2021 9:44 pm
"Let's peek through a window perhaps?"

Seftan reaches into his cloak and from the seemingly vacuous depths retrieves his owl companion, Archie.

"Fly up and have a look, won't you Archie?"

The owl pushes off and flies higher and higher until he is near the top of the tower where he attempts to locate a window upon which to perch...
May 19, 2021 11:29 pm
"Looks like we'll be having burnt owl for dinner."
May 20, 2021 9:04 pm
"Bite your tongue!" Seftan hisses at Ælfric.

"No meat on those bones anyway."
May 20, 2021 9:32 pm
Elayna watches the owl soar, as much as she can until Archie flies beyond the range of her light.
May 21, 2021 11:48 pm
Archie makes it up to a window, but can't see anything within. It would appear that they windows are spelled to be a one-way view.

A few moments later, the front door opens and Vizeran steps out, "Ah yes, I was hoping you'd still be about. I've completed my preparations. Let us go to the ritual site," he says, and without waiting for a reply, he begins walking away, toward the path to Menzoberranzan.
May 22, 2021 12:37 am
"No fried owl. Haven't had that in months," Ælfric said disappointedly as he followed the wizard.

"Menzoberranzan again, boss? I know it's Gromph and all but do we have to go back into their stronghold?"
May 22, 2021 12:43 am
Hunter falls into the marching order, letting Vizeran and Ælfric take the lead. "By the way," she whispers to Elayna, "what happened to our riding lizards?"
May 22, 2021 12:43 am
Elayna blinks. "Uh. Wow. I think we sorta forgot about them after the fight with the beholder."
May 22, 2021 1:05 am
"You all had riding lizards and didn't have to walk everywhere? I arrived at this party too late."
May 22, 2021 5:01 pm
Seftan recalls Archie to his cloak and laments the loss of riding mounts with the others.

"Now fried lizard, THAT would be a treat!"
May 27, 2021 12:19 am
After a long march, you make it to the outskirts of Menzoberranzan and Vizeran begins setting up for a ritual. Candles are places in a complex pattern on the floor, the parts for the ritual you gathered are placed at appropriate points throughout the pattern and he sits in the midst of it, "Be ready..." he says and begins to chant...

The waiting is the hard part. Time seems to drag as you remain alert, weapons drawn, every nerve singing with the tension in the air all around you.

Finally, a swirling light begins to flare in the darkness. A barely audible humming shakes you to the core, rising and falling like a vast heartbeat in the depths. The glow of faerzress gathers and brightens, creating swirling pools like holes torn in the air. A roar sounds from far away as shadows move in the depths of those pools of light. The demons are coming.
OOC:
Anything you want to do at this point or just lie in wait?
May 27, 2021 2:49 am
The rumbling was also coming from Ælfric's guts. Had the nerves finally gotten to him? He knew things were finally coming to a head but was this it? Was this the end? Ælfric always hated how cryptic wizards were. If things turned ugly as they likely would when demons were involved, he warded himself and prepared to let fly a volley of force stars from his cloak at the first charging snout!
OOC:
Casting Mage Armor.
May 27, 2021 5:39 am
Hunter takes a deep, meditative breath. She squeezes Elayna's hand and offers a warm smile. "Whatever happens, it was good to see you again," she says. She grabs her staff and prepares herself for the onslaught.
May 27, 2021 5:41 am
Elayna returns the smile. "Our success will last through legends," she says, ensuring that everyone else can hear her conviction.
May 28, 2021 2:57 pm
Following Ælfric's lead, Seftan taps his staff on the ground and surrounds himself in a silvery cloak of magical armor as well. He looks to his partner with a crooked smile and rolls his eyes.

"Another fine mess you've gotten us into. I suppose I'll have to do my best to keep us both alive, no promises though."
May 28, 2021 4:03 pm
"No promises, friend," Ælfric replied with a smile, "only the best we can do."
May 28, 2021 11:54 pm
OOC:
Forgot to mention that I'd like to give every PC some Bardic Inspiration. 1d8 for folks to use as described below, including for Combat.
[ +- ] Bardic Inspiration
[ +- ] Combat Inspiration
May 31, 2021 9:35 pm
You prepare for the charge of the demon hordes, but are suddenly aware of something more approaching. A number of tunnels lead to Menzoberranzan and you see demons down each one. In addition to the normal demons, you see a horrifying sight. Demogorgon down one tunnel, his two baboonlike heads and tentacled hands moving and thrashing around him. Baphomet and Yeenoghu, lords of minotaurs and gnolls respectively, approach down two more. Graz'zt and Orcus are also present.

With the emergence of the demon lords, the lesser demons don't seem as interested in you anymore, turning on one another instead, trying to overwhelm the forces of their rivals from the abyss.
[ +- ] Demogorgon
[ +- ] Yeenoghu
[ +- ] Baphomet
[ +- ] Graz'zt
[ +- ] Orcus
May 31, 2021 11:05 pm
"Vizeran... Please tell me this is part of your grand design before I moisten the design on my breeches."
Jun 1, 2021 2:48 am
Hunter tightens her jaw. "I think this is the moment that old Hobren was preparing me for," she says, referencing her lost master. "If not, it's definitely the time to avenge Mai'ngor, Xeliss, and the others that stood with us."

She pauses. "Wait, are they fighting each other? Maybe we can do this. Bide our time and destroy the sole survivor!"
Jun 1, 2021 11:56 pm
Vizeran is still chanting, though the cadence and intensity have altered now. Seftan realizes at the last moment what has changed. Vizeran, with a smirk, disappears from the area, leaving you alone here to watch the demons fight.

The fights among the lesser demons is impressive enough, but the battle between the demon lords is something else entirely. Their roars make the cavern shake, dust shaking down onto your heads, and missed attacks gouge chunks out of the stone walls.

The sounds of battle finally die away, the ground before you stained black and red with demonic blood and ichor. In the terrible grip of Demogorgon, even the mighty Orcus looks almost small. Tentacles hold the Demon Prince of Undeath in a crushing grip, slithering across the maggot-riddled flesh of the horned demon, as they tighten inexorably. A strangled gasp issues from the demon lord's throat as a horrific crunching sound echoes throughout the cavern and his skull-topped wand clatters onto the floor.

Demogorgon casts aside the limp form, which melts away as Orcus returns to the Abyss that spawned him. The Prince of Demons throws back his two heads and roars his triumph. As he does, his nearer head turns, burning eyes raking across the battlefield. Filled with bloodlust and battle rage, the demon lord searches for another target.

You realize with horror that he's a mere 80 feet from you now. The horror of the battle rooted you in place as he drifted close throughout.
OOC:
For this, we're doing individual initiative! If you beat a 15, you can act immediately
Jun 2, 2021 12:42 am
"Here we go!" Hunter says with a smirk. She knew the respite would not last very long.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20)

(19) = 19

Jun 2, 2021 12:43 am
"I don't know how you can be happy about this," Elayna remarks, gaping horror on her face as Demogorgon looms ahead.

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20+1)

(14) + 1 = 15

Jun 2, 2021 2:20 am
"Survive now. Joke later," Ælfric said mostly to himself.

Ælfric clenched his teeth, drew the shortsword he named Lucky Strike, and prepared to let his force stars fly!

Rolls

Init to win it! - (1d20+5)

(4) + 5 = 9

Jun 2, 2021 5:05 pm
"Bloody hell..."

Terrified as he is, Seftan nonetheless searches for the dropped wand of Orcus with his wide, wild eyes...
Last edited June 2, 2021 5:06 pm

Rolls

Initiative - (1d20)

(10) = 10

Jun 2, 2021 6:13 pm
OOC:
Can I grant d451 Inspiration for such blatant murder hobo greediness in the face of possible utter destruction?
Jun 2, 2021 6:29 pm
Hunter's magical console weaves into light before her. She pushes several glyphs and channels her mental power through her spell, sending a blast of psychic energy upon Demogorgon.
[ +- ] Synaptic Static

Rolls

Synaptic Static INT save DC 16 or take psychic damage - (8d6)

(41566421) = 29

Jun 3, 2021 6:00 pm
annex says:
OOC:
Can I grant d451 Inspiration for such blatant murder hobo greediness in the face of possible utter destruction?
OOC:
I don't think it counts as murder hoboing when it's demons ;)
Jun 3, 2021 7:08 pm
dominion451 says:
annex says:
OOC:
Can I grant d451 Inspiration for such blatant murder hobo greediness in the face of possible utter destruction?
OOC:
I don't think it counts as murder hoboing when it's demons ;)
OOC:
Plausible reasoning. I'll accept it.
Last edited June 3, 2021 7:08 pm
Jun 4, 2021 9:41 pm
Hunter's spell goes off and the demon lord doesn't even wince at the attack. He shakes his head and lets out a rumbling chuckle, "Prepare to die, little ones..."

The huge creature moves toward you, each step shaking the ground beneath your feet.
OOC:
He is a mere 10 feet away.

Seftan: The Wand of Orcus isn't too far away (40 ft), but it IS on the other side of Demogorgon
Naatkinson sent a note to Naatkinson
Initiative
Hunter
Demogorgon
Elayna, Seftan, Aelfric
OOC:
Time for Elayna, Seftan, and Aelfric to act
Jun 5, 2021 1:17 am
Demogorgon.

Prince of Demons.

Within ten feet.

"Bye!" Ælfric intoned, disappeared in a silvery mist, reappeared thirty feet further away from the Master of the Spiraling Depths in a similar mist, and ran even further away. One hand held Lucky Strike, his shortsword, while the other pulled off one of the six shining stars from his cloak's collar and threw it at the Sibilant Beast. In midair, the star split into seven blinding stars which all slammed forcefully into Demogorgon's simian chest!
OOC:
Bonus action: Misty Step.
Move: Run 35 more feet away for a total of 65 feet fled.
Action: Using the Robe of Stars to cast Magic Missile at 5th level.
OOC:
22 force damage!
Last edited June 5, 2021 4:52 am

Rolls

Magic Missile [lvl 5] - (1d4+1, 1d4+1, 1d4+1, 1d4+1, 1d4+1, 1d4+1, 1d4+1)

1d4+1 : (2) + 1 = 3

1d4+1 : (3) + 1 = 4

1d4+1 : (4) + 1 = 5

1d4+1 : (3) + 1 = 4

1d4+1 : (1) + 1 = 2

1d4+1 : (1) + 1 = 2

1d4+1 : (1) + 1 = 2

Jun 5, 2021 5:56 am
Elayna's vision blurs as the demon lord draws ever near. Her senses have been thrown into oblivion as she feels the raw power of the Abyss wash over her like crashing waves. Fighting back her tears and grasping at whatever shred of sanity remains, she screams in anguish as she retreats.
[ +- ] Shatter

Rolls

Thunder Damage, CON save DC 16 - (3d8)

(874) = 19

Jun 7, 2021 2:27 am
Sick with dread, Seftan's first instinct is to run. He bolts about 30 feet and then remembers that there is no escape from the Prince of Demons. Turning on his heel and choking back vomit, Seftan somehow manages to recall the words to his best spell...

Rolls

Disintegration (DC 21) - (10d6+40)

(1431152421) + 40 = 64

Jun 7, 2021 11:10 pm
Demogorgon barely grunts as the magic missiles strike him, but there are scorch marks where they struck, so they clearly did some damage.

Demogorgon's gaze flicks to Aelfric, sending a wave of pure terror into the rogue and threatening to make him freeze.
OOC:
Legendary Action: DC 23 Wisdom save or be stunned until Demogorgon's next turn
Elayna's spell explodes with thunderous force. The demon lord actually staggers back a step as the force washes over him.
OOC:
Nat 1 on the save!
Demogorgon roars in pure agony as Seftan's spell strikes him, erasing parts of it from existence on this plane. His second head turns to look at Seftan, pure rage in his eyes.
OOC:
Another nat 1 on the save... which I'm not overriding with Legendary Resistance, because I think a nat 1 should suck for whoever suffers it

Legendary Action: DC 23 Wisdom save or be stunned until Demogorgon's next turn
Sarith, terrified and dazed-looking, gets his weapons in hand. He staggers back with the rest of you as you retreat, staying between Elayna and the beast, but not making any moves to actually attack it.

Naatkinson sent a note to Naatkinson
Initiative
Hunter
Demogorgon
Elayna, Seftan, Aelfric, Sarith

Distance
Aelfric: 75
Seftan: 40
Elayna: 40
Hunter: 10
Sarith: 30
OOC:
Hunter, it's your turn!
Jun 7, 2021 11:29 pm
Ælfric didn't shriek when the demon lord gave him the evil eye. He was too terrified to take in the breath necessary.
OOC:
Numerically impossible to make this save. :(

Rolls

Wisdom - (1d20+2)

(8) + 2 = 10

Jun 8, 2021 12:06 am
Seeing Demogorgon's reaction to Seftan's spell, Hunter decides to follow suit. She throws her magical power into severing the Sibilant Beast's tether to the Material Plane and banishing it to the Abyss.

She is keenly aware of how close she is to the demon lord, and takes a chance to try and put some distance between them.
OOC:
Casting Banishment, Charisma Save DC 16. Spending 2 sorcery points to use Bend Luck and apply a 1d4 penalty to the saving throw.

Going to chance the opportunity attack and move away 30 feet. Will use a reaction to cast Shield if it helps, as well as use Tides of Chaos for advantage on any ability check or saving throw she has to make.

Rolls

Bend Luck penalty to CHA save - (1d4)

(2) = 2

Wild Magic - (1d20)

(14) = 14

Jun 8, 2021 5:44 pm
As the horrifying baboon-like head of the hulking abomination turns to face the wizard, Seftan's vision constricts suddenly and the world slips away from him...

Rolls

Will save VS 23 - (1d20+4)

(11) + 4 = 15

Lucky feat reroll - (1d20+4)

(2) + 4 = 6

Jun 10, 2021 11:49 pm
Demogorgon brushes off the spell as Hunter tries to push him back into the abyss. He moves quickly forward, closing the ground between himself and Hunter and slams his long tentacles into her (30 and 25 vs AC. Damage: 28 and 36).
OOC:
Hunter has her max HP reduced by the amount of damage she's taken as well.

With his size and reach, this puts him within melee range of basically everybody except Aelfric
Naatkinson sent a note to Naatkinson
Initiative
Hunter
Demogorgon
Elayna, Seftan, Aelfric, Sarith

Distance
Aelfric: 35
Seftan: 0
Elayna: 0
Hunter: 0
Sarith: 0
OOC:
Elayna, Seftan, and Aelfric may act and are free of the effects of his gaze
Jun 11, 2021 1:00 am
There was no time.

The Demon Lord would shrug off their mightiest spells, freeze their minds in terror, and tentacle them to death. Ælfric was no great wizard. He stole from great wizards. He also recently stole something interesting from a great demon prince.

There was no time to construct a flawless working of logic, to weave a magical legality fit to make djinn weep, all he could do was speak his heart's desire and hope he'd earned enough good karma so Fate was inclined in his favour.

Ælfric eyed the single remaining opalescent jewel in his shortsword, smiled, and said in a calm, clear, commanding, and hopefully not cringy voice, "I wish that Demogorgon would be sent back to The Abyss now to never hurt us and anyone else ever again."
OOC:
My first time using Wish.
*fingers and toes and eyes crossed*
Jun 11, 2021 1:22 am
"Don't know if this will work, but I'll try," Elayna says, mostly to herself. She then shouts at Demogorgon, "Hey ugly! Why don't you look at yourself once in a while?!"
OOC:
Casting Blindness, CON save DC 16.

Also, everyone should have a d8 bardic inspiration die! Don't forget about it!
[ +- ] Blindness
Jun 14, 2021 3:43 pm
Against all his better judgement, Seftan forces his legs to take three steps closer to the lord of madness, just close enough to be in range of his next spell. Drawing the silver dagger from his belt, Seftan stutters the words of force magic that would send a steel wind of pure energy ripping towards the abomination...
OOC:
crit roll on spell attack for double spell damage (force damage)
Last edited June 14, 2021 3:46 pm

Rolls

Steel Wind Strike (melee spell attack) - (1d20+9)

(1) + 9 = 10

Damage - (6d10)

(8610622) = 34

Lucky Feat reroll (melee spell attack) - (1d20+9)

(6) + 9 = 15

2nd Lucky Feat reroll (melee spell attack) - (1d20+9)

(20) + 9 = 29

Jun 18, 2021 2:57 am
Aelfric's wish warps the air around the battlefield, causing everything outside to distort. Demogorgon opens his mouths and lets out a tremendous roar of rage beyond anything you've ever thought possible. Time seems to slow and the demon lord completely stops moving, appearing frozen.

Seftan's spells whips into a tempest of steel and magic, shredding the flesh of the great Beast. As the spell surrounds him, it too freezes. With a tremendous whooshing sound and a crack, Demogorgon disappears completely, leaving you standing amidst the corpses of hundreds of demons in eerie silence.
Jun 18, 2021 3:38 am
Ælfric's mouth hung open for long seconds before he remembered how to make coherent throat sounds. Ironically, he stopped himself from saying the first thing that came to his mind.

"No, don't jinx it," he said lowly then added normally to the others after he rushed to them, "Heal up quick and find our boss! I wished for the demon lord to be sent back home and never hurt anyone again... but I don't know how long even that powerful a spell will hold!"

Ælfric looked at his shortsword. Lucky Strike had no more opalescent gems gleaming but it was still a mighty luck-bending blade.

Had Vizeran double-crossed them? One always had to expect that with archmages and Drow, and a Drow archmage was especially suspect, but Ælfric didn't think Vizeran would have risked it with something this apocalyptic at stake. What would he gain by leaving his team to die at the tentacles of Demogorgon? Was something else happening here? Misdirection was also to be expected from Drow and archmages. Ælfric followed his own advise and looked around for signs mundane and magical of their benefactor.

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+10)

(17) + 10 = 27

Perception - (1d20+10)

(12) + 10 = 22

Jun 18, 2021 6:32 am
From inside the small crater made by Demogorgon's tentacle, Hunter lies on her back. "It's over? Seems too quick to be over."
OOC:
No sense healing Hunter because her HP max is 4.
Jun 18, 2021 5:47 pm
After slowing the insane thrum of his heart, Seftan smooths down his robes and takes a deep breath.

"Well done as usual old chum," he says to Ælfric with a quaver in his voice.

Seftan slowly approaches the dropped Wand of Orcus, not daring to fully approach the thing, certainly not to touch it.

"Do you have any idea what this is?" he asks of no one in particular.

"This has the ability to slay lesser gods. We cannot leave it here and yet neither can we touch it."
Jun 18, 2021 6:01 pm
"I will take it," says Hunter, slowly lifting herself to a seated position. She extends her hand, and a copy of it forms near the wand to remotely grasp and bring to her. Hunter's Bag of Holding is opened to receive the evil device. "I'm sure the rulers of Silverymoon will know what to do, or even Lord Battlehammer might have the means to destroy it."
Jun 22, 2021 9:47 pm
It appears that Vizeran really did teleport away. It looks like he was going to leave the demons to assault Menzoberranzan and deal significant damage to the city before being brought down.

The Wand of Orcus tumbles into Hunter's bag just a moment before you hear a familiar voice behind you. Turning, you see Jimjar clapping with a smile on his face, "Excellent work!" he says, "I am truly impressed by your ingenuity and courage. Lesser beings would have fled in terror, but you did well in holding your ground."
Jun 22, 2021 10:54 pm
Hunter smirks. "Did you win your bet?" she asks.
Jun 22, 2021 11:59 pm
Looking at the corpses of the demons and then to the spot where Demogorgon disappeared, he chuckles, "It would seem that I did, actually. Shar isn't soon going to forget this one!"
Jun 23, 2021 12:29 am
"Bet?" Ælfric asked as he looked around to see what he could salvage off this blasted battlefield before he hightailed it away from anything demonic or Drow or any combination thereof.

"And that son of a witch really left us here to die?! Oooooh! I'm going to rob him blind!"
Last edited June 23, 2021 3:20 am

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+10)

(12) + 10 = 22

Jun 23, 2021 1:29 am
"Does this mean we can go home now?" says Elayna. "I'm not comfortable down here."
Jun 29, 2021 9:14 pm
Ælfric looks around for anything to salvage, but apart from pieces of blasted demons, there's not much to see. It's possible that harvesting some of the demonic organs, horns, and flesh could be valuable to wizards or even those who just want interesting pieces of "art" to display.

Jimjar turns to Elayna and says kindly, "Of course. Where would you like to go?"
Jun 29, 2021 9:35 pm
"Not back to Vizeran's tower, that's for sure," Ælfric said as he considered then rejected the notion of harvesting the killing fields.
Jun 30, 2021 2:49 pm
"Maybe the tower would be just the place to go..."

Seftan rolls his eyes at himself for suggesting what he knew might be a worse confrontation than Demogorgon,

"Viseran owes us some answers I think."
Last edited June 30, 2021 2:49 pm
Jun 30, 2021 3:55 pm
"I'm sure he thinks he owes us some choice words, words like 'enervate' and 'disintegrate'," Ælfric pointed out. "He left us to die. I have no doubt he considers our working relationship terminated. Let's not let him terminate us, too."
Jun 30, 2021 4:17 pm
"I was thinking more the other way around but if you think that he would let bygones be bygones then I suppose I can as well. However... If you think there's the slightest chance that he might blame us for dousing his plans then it's better to strike while he's weak from the ritual. If there's a chance he might come after us I would much rather fight him on our terms and in the open."
Jun 30, 2021 4:25 pm
"What are you talking about?" asks Elayna.
Jun 30, 2021 4:46 pm
"I'm saying he betrayed us for a reason, and if our defeat of the demon has spurned him then he might come after us. Simply put, I would rather take the fight to him than wait for his wrath to find me by surprise."
Jun 30, 2021 4:58 pm
Hunter says, "What do you mean by betrayed, exactly? He performed the ritual as he explained it, drawing all the demon lords to one location."
Jun 30, 2021 5:06 pm
"And then left us to perish alone."

Seftan waves his hand as though fanning away a foul odor.

"Perhaps I expected too much of the man. To me his actions reek of ulterior motive, but maybe I am overthinking. I will let it go if you think it best."
Jun 30, 2021 5:13 pm
"He never said he would fight alongside us," says Hunter. "By all means, feel free to discuss the nature of his participation. Elayna and I are heading topside."

She turns to Elayna. "I think you would like Silverymoon. But first I want to say good-bye to Stool.

"Jimjar, are you able to take us to the myconid grove?"
Jun 30, 2021 5:35 pm
"Overthinking is good for a wizard, Seftan, but not good for when you've been double crossed by a wizard. Let this one go, and let's go with Hunter and Elayna. We've worked well together, haven't we? Perhaps a more permanent alliance might be considered."
Jul 1, 2021 1:36 am
Seftan nods in agreement to Ælfric's suggestion and looks hopefully to Jimjar that he might join in the free teleportation.

"Yes, I suppose the fact that we survived this ordeal means we do indeed work well, I'd be open to a 60/40 partnership."

Seftan cracks a smile and offers an exaggerated wink to Ælfric.
Jul 1, 2021 2:24 am
"Agreed. I do most of the dangerous work, anyhow, so my 60% is rightfully deserved," Ælfric replied with a chuckle.

"What say you two?" he asked Hunter and Elayna. "Would you be interested in allying with a wizard and a thief of usually evil wizards?"
Jul 1, 2021 4:53 am
"Um, well, I didn't really give much thought to what I'd do afterward," says Elayna. She looks at Hunter.
Jul 1, 2021 4:54 am
Hunter smiles. "I've some business to settle on the surface," she says, a bit coyly. "After that? We can see."
Jul 1, 2021 12:34 pm
Ælfric smiled and bowed.

"All will be revealed in the fullness of time. For now, back to the Myconids?"
Jul 1, 2021 2:02 pm
Jimjar snaps his fingers and the smell of bumt demon flesh and ichor is immediately gone. Your vision refocuses after a brief moment of dizziness and you find yourself in a cavern by an underground lake which is surrounded by fungi of all kinds, which is tended by dozens of myconids. After a moment, you see a younger one not far away, which turns and approaches after a moment, releasing rapport spores to connect telepathically to you.

"Hunter, you're back!" it speaks excitedly in your mind, "I was worried about you."
Jul 1, 2021 4:49 pm
Hunter surrounds the small myconid with her arms. I'm alive, thanks to my companions. Tell the others that the demon threat has been taken care of.

With some sadness, she adds, I have to inform the surface of what transpired here. We'll have to leave through that opening that your elder led us to. She pauses. I... don't know when I'll be back.
Jul 1, 2021 5:02 pm
Ælfric smiled at the little toadstool. He'd always been hesitant around the sentient fungi for fear of being mind controlled and used as substrate but his encounters with them so far had been enjoyable. He knew not to push his luck, though.
Jul 12, 2021 8:34 pm
Stool's sadness can be felt through the bond created by the spores, but his head nods in understanding, "I'll wait for you. Until you come back, I'll tell the others about you and we can celebrate when you come back."
Jul 12, 2021 8:49 pm
Seftan, not knowing the little mushroom personally, waits respectfully for the others to say their goodbyes.
Jul 12, 2021 10:25 pm
Hunter nods, and parts with a farewell sentiment of hope. She then prepares to lead everyone to the same path that she previously took to the surface.
Jul 12, 2021 11:55 pm
Ælfric felt good thoughts at the sentient fungi then moved with his new companions towards the surface, the sun, and its long-denied light.

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