D&D 5e Princes of the Apocalypse IC 2 : Pinnacle and Pit

[kladams707]

Spoiler

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Well, in for a penny, in for several pounds of flesh it seems...

With all the members of the party trying to sway Merosska, Corbett's spell the most recent attempt, Theren looks to de Lancette. Theren grips his wand, as if ready to place on the table before turning to Lancette. I know you're stronger than this! Lead these knights as you know they should! With the official charges levied against Merosska, it is now your duty to apprehend him!

Spoiler

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I'm now hoping apprehending Merosska is now a reasonable Suggestion to de Lancette, because that is what Theren is casting on him

And if it is reasonable, then I'm using the 1 portent make him fail his save

[Armored Walrus]

Anac quickly grabs his wands off the table in front of him, and readies himself for action.

Spoiler: If I can do this before all hell breaks loose I do

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Arcane focus in hand, the aarakocra quickly casts a spell, pointing toward the room his colony's warriors occupy. "If you are not held, get to the third floor immediately. Violence is imminent. If you are held, attack now!" He whispers this message to the shaman of his people.

[Theoboldi]

The knights, undeterred by Karashi's words, raise their swords, now seemingly ready to strike at the half-orc. For a moment, it seems like all is lost, and the time for your final stand has come.

In that moment, Corbett surprises everyone by unleashing his clerical magic. The power of his command weaves through the air, catching Merosska entirely off-guard. The knight-commander trembles for a moment, attempting to resist, but then raises his hands and gets on his knees.

"I surrender." he says mechanically, catching the attention of the other knights.

Then, Theren's spell goes off. Just as foreseen, in the sudden confusion Xander de Lancette is utterly powerless to resist the magic as it weaves into his thoughts. His eyes loosing a little bit of their blank stare, he swirls around to Merosska, and places his blade against the commander's neck.

"Yes...he's right...Merosska, you've gone too far! In the name of the Alliance and Waterdeep's lords, you are under arrest."

Almost immediately, the other knights lose all interest in you. Instead, they turn towards Xander, clearly unhappy to see him threatening their leader.

"Stay back, you fool!"

"You will regret this!"

"Traitor! Put aside your blade!"

In the meantime, Anac sends his Message to the other Aarakocra, calling to mind their forms and location. Yet, something goes wrong. He's not quite sure what, but he cannot quite make a connection with them, as if they are no longer where he thinks they are. His spell fizzles into nothing.

Quickly, Corbett's hold on Merosska's thoughts starts to fade, and you notice the knight-commander glare up at Xander, then at you. This may be your last chance to run, while everyone is still distracted.

[Armored Walrus]

Clutching his wands, Anac sprints for the door to the stairwell. As soon as he makes it through the door, his features begin to change. He pelts down the stairs as he assumes the form of Merosska himself.

Spoiler: OOC

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Mask of Many Faces to disguise myself as Mr AirHead

[Fishybugs]

Seeing Anachronistic make a break for it, Corbett grabs his stuff and follows. "Let's go, Karashi. Hurry.

[DigoDragon]

Karashi follows Corbett's command, weapon still in hand, but making for the stairs and hopefully the exit.

[kladams707]

Theren follows suit as his other party members flee.

[Theoboldi]

As the knights approach Xander, you quickly slink out of the room, running as quickly as your legs will carry you. You slam the door shut behind you, just as the sounds of a struggle break out in the grand hall behind you. Then, you rush down the stairs, hoping to escape this place via the stables.

Spoiler: Map

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However, you do not get very far, as when you reach the ground level, you find the end of this flight of stairs cut off by four of the spire's servants. One of them, a tall, bald-headed man wearing only light clothes and carrying no weapons stands inside the stairway, seemingly planning to block it off with only his body. The other three stand behind him, brandishing several kitchen knives and wearing thick, protective clothing.

As your group approaches the man, he seems a little taken-aback by what he is seeing, to the point that he actually lowers his guard for a moment. But it's not just the fact that Anac looks like Merosska that is keeping him. In his eyes flashes recognition.

Spoiler: Anac, Theren and Karashi

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In fact, you know this man. He is the very same air cultist monk who ambushed you on your way into the valley, and who you let walk away.

From the floor above, a blood-curling scream of pain rings out in that very moment, though at this distance you cannot tell who it is from. The bald-headed man steps back a little, though he still blocks off your path.

"What is going on here?" he asks, keeping his words to a minimum.

[Armored Walrus]

Anac bulls forward, shouting out in his best impression of Merosska's voice, "Treachery and betrayal, that's what!", he booms. As he speaks, he lets the aura of his patron's power color his speech, hoping to over-awe these minor hirelings. "The bird man was a witch, twisting these heroes into performing evil acts. I'm giving them a chance to redeem themselves while our knights deal with the bird upstairs. Show us where you are holding the other feather-heads. These three are going to help me slay them!"

Spoiler: OOC

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Not sure what roll this is, but here it is, at advantage due to Fey Presence (1d20)[17] (1d20)[17]

[Theoboldi]

The servants, a strange awe spreading on their faces, actually step back a little from Anac, momentarily pacified. They are now out of your way to the stables.

Then, however, the bald man speaks up again.

"There is no need for that, knight-commander. We have already done as you wished and poisoned them. I personally oversaw that their treachery came to an end."

There is a genuine enthusiasm and idealism in his tone. However, after he has spoken, you already notice the awe in his expression shrinking away, Anac's Fey Presence not sustaining itself very long.

[Armored Walrus]

Anac's step falters for a moment at the tragic news that he has lead so many members of his colony to their deaths. He very nearly drops the facade and just stand stock still, waiting to be captured.

But then his resolve firms. There's no time to grieve now, nor for vengeance. He does, however, mark the features of the feathered monk, and silently vows to be personally responsible for his death.

He then continues his forward momentum, leading the party toward the stables, and escape.

[DigoDragon]

Rage is building in Karashi, but she can't just cut lose here. not with all those knights upstairs likely in pursuit. The party would be pincer'd and it would end in their deaths. As much as she wants to break this knight's neck, descretion is the better part of valor at the moment. She will unleash her rage when the time is right.

If some 'muscle' is needed to push the party past this impasse: STR (1d20+5)[20]

[Fishybugs]

Corbett pushes the casters along the hallway as they proceed, taking up the rear position and glancing behind them on occasion.

[kladams707]

Theren knows there's no time to deal with the cultist obstructing their way. Anac's little charm clearly helped buy them time, but he knew it was fading fast. He continues with the rest as the party, hoping to soon find the exit.