Iron Crisis Pt3 IC

[Archmage1]

Grok Dwarf Paladin 8 AC: 20 HP: 0/86 PP: 10 PIv: 9 PIs: 10 HD: 8/8d10, Conditions: none Broken and battered, Grok's armored form lies in the pile of corpses, almost indistinguishable from them, with the exception of the fresher blood and fine dwarven craftsmanship. Spoiler: OOC Show (1d20)[2] Can he do it?

[Bobthewizard]

Leaf Tabaxi Rogue 8 AC: 17 HP: (17)/(55) 63 PP: 18 PIv: 15 PIs: 14 HD: 1/8d8 Conditions: slimy doom -2 CON Restrain: 1/3 Dawn

Aergid Silver Dragon Wyrmling AC 17, HP DEAD /45 PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 Bite +6 1d10+4 Breath 15' cone 4d8 DC13 Con Recharge 5-6 Paralyzing 15' cone DC13 Con paralyzed 1 minute DEAD!!!!!

Leaf hides again, hoping the Darkmaster is distracted by those around him. He sends another arrow at the evil villain.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

BA Hide (1d20+11)[30], (1d20+11)[18] (they have disadvantage to see him due to his cloak)
Attack with Elven Accuracy: (1d20+13)[20], (1d20+13)[28], (1d20+13)[29]
Damage: (1d6+8)[10]
Fire damage (1d6)[1]
Sneak attack: (4d6)[14]
Then move 3E, 1N

Spoiler: notes

Show

Commander Scar, Flaming Fist
Dabron Sashenstar, Merchant's League
Ragefest, wizard
Abela, nymph
Ramazith, wizard that Ragefest doesn't trust.
Aldeth Sashenstar, Dabron's brother
Halbazzar Drin, owner of Sorcerous Sundries
Vivian/Ninian, sister to the others

[Amnestic]

Leaf's arrow penetrates through the Darkmaster's flagging defenses and drop him to the floor beside Vyvian, his wounds bleeding crimson. He doesn't stand recover, at least not immediately, but nor do the lingering undead menacing Grok cease to be, and the clock still chimes with danger in each note.

Spoiler: Map

Show

Grok fails a death save (1/3).
Leaf drops the Darkmaster.

Darkmaster makes their death save (1/3).

Caelyn and Sam are up. The undead aren't gone yet.

Initiative Order:-
Darkmaster Lair Action (20)

Grepha: (1d20+5)[13]
Senna: (1d20)[13]

Darkmaster Legendary Action

Grok: (1d20)[12]
Leaf: (1d20)[10]

Darkmaster: (1d20)[10]

Caelyn: (1d20)[8]
Sam:(1d20+5)[7]

Vyvian: (1d20+1)[6]
UD: (1d20)[1]

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 46/59 PP: 18 PIv: 10 PIs: 18 Conditions: Concentrating on: 0 / 8 d8 HD Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/3 3rd, 0/2 4th 0/2 Wildshape Looking over the scene, it seems the fight is almost done, but then she notices Grok unconscious, menaced by the undead. She moves as fast as she can towards the north, all the while knowing that she won't get there in time. When she reached her limit, she calls for her former pet, and a spiritual rabbit of flames and briars begins to nuzzle the dwarf, trying to nurse him back to consciousness.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I think this counts as the first time Grok has entered the snuzzly rabbit's space, so he heals for (1d6)[2]. All I've got unless I can get in melee range.

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock/Bard | Imp Warlock AC: 12 (Barkskin 16) HP: 47/62 | AC: 13 HP: 9/32 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 Barkskin | Imp Form, Armor of Agathys (10) Senna's magic washes over him, and Sam breaks into a wing-aided sprint. Grabbing the edge of the stone next to him, he throws himself ahead and nearly stumbles forward onto his knees. "I'm coming! Don't die!" he commands, magic woven into the words mending Grok's worst wounds in a blood-red glow. Skidding over the stone, Sam hurls two bolts of energy at the zombie he can best see. Spoiler: Actions Show Sam Move 2 W, 1 NW, 1 N. If the 10 foot slow has worn off by now, he will move 2 more N. Bonus action to cast 3rd level Healing Word on Grok for (3d4+3)[8] healing Cast Eldritch Blast on the left zombie (1d20+6)[24] Blast 1 (1d10)[9] force damage, and knock back 10 feet (1d20+6)[23] Blast 2 (1d10)[5] force damage, and knock back 10 feet, if both hit bumps the wall for (1d4)[2] damage

[Amnestic]

A duo of healing spells go off towards Grok, but they're dampened by the zombie's necrotic magical aura. They bring him back to consciousness, but it doesn't last long. Shadowy pain and brutal slams continue to rain down upon his back, and his return to the waking world lasted only a few moments before it's snuffed back by the darkness.

Spoiler: Map

Show

Sam hits with both blasts, though the zombo is still barely up.
Both Caelyn+Sam's healing his halved, due to the necrotic aura from the zombos, so it ends up at +5 total health instead of +10.

At the start of the zombie turn, only one of them are still in aura range, so Grok takes 3 necrotic (and has healing halved again).
They then both attack the still-proned dwarf. Despite advantage, one of them finally misses! The other one hits though, for 9, which drops him back to 0 :(

Since the Darkmaster is unconscious, no lair action.
Grepha, Senna, Grok (unconscious), and Leaf are up.

Initiative Order:-
Darkmaster Lair Action (20)

Grepha: (1d20+5)[13]
Senna: (1d20)[13]

Darkmaster Legendary Action

Grok: (1d20)[12]
Leaf: (1d20)[10]

Darkmaster: (1d20)[10]

Caelyn: (1d20)[8]
Sam:(1d20+5)[7]

Vyvian: (1d20+1)[6]
UD: (1d20)[1]

[Bobthewizard]

Leaf Tabaxi Rogue 8 AC: 17 HP: (17)/(55) 63 PP: 18 PIv: 15 PIs: 14 HD: 1/8d8 Conditions: slimy doom -2 CON Restrain: 1/3 Dawn

Aergid Silver Dragon Wyrmling AC 17, HP DEAD /45 PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 Bite +6 1d10+4 Breath 15' cone 4d8 DC13 Con Recharge 5-6 Paralyzing 15' cone DC13 Con paralyzed 1 minute DEAD!!!!!

Leaf sees the Darkmaster drop and the others move to the north to help Grok. He runs out of the hallway he's in, but runs south towards the Darkmaster and Vivian. As he runs out, he shoots at the Zombies next to Grok then continues south.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Uses Feline agility to double speed. Ends 2 south and 1 west of Sam on map.
Hides as he gets to the corner and shoots at the least injured zombie as he runs. (shooting from about 2 north and 1 west of Sam).

Hide (1d20+11)[22], (1d20+11)[23] (they have disadvantage to see him due to his cloak)
Attack with Elven Accuracy: (1d20+13)[16], (1d20+13)[19], (1d20+13)[30]
Damage: (1d6+8)[10]
Fire damage (1d6)[3]
Sneak attack: (4d6)[16]

Spoiler: notes

Show

Commander Scar, Flaming Fist
Dabron Sashenstar, Merchant's League
Ragefest, wizard
Abela, nymph
Ramazith, wizard that Ragefest doesn't trust.
Aldeth Sashenstar, Dabron's brother
Halbazzar Drin, owner of Sorcerous Sundries
Vivian/Ninian, sister to the others

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 19 HP: 25/56 SR: 1/2 d8 Spells: 1st: 0/4 2nd: 0/3 3rd: 1/3 4th: 0/1, Divine Power: 2nd 0/2 First Impression: armored with a shield strapped to her side, bloodied, tired and sick-looking Conditions: Light [1h], Spiritual Weapon [3/10] Slimy Doom [Con reduced to 13] Senna starts running as she waves her arm in an abrupt manner to strike the evil master down. Spoiler Show Double move north to reach Grok and BA Spiritual Weapon attack: 19 to hit (11 and 2 rolled) and 13 damage if relevant, crit makes 26.

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock/Bard | Imp Warlock AC: 12 (Barkskin 16) HP: 47/62 | AC: 13 HP: 9/32 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 Barkskin | Imp Form, Armor of Agathys (10) Leaping from the pillar, Grepha glides through the stone corridor into the room where Grok lies among dismembered bodies. She strafes past the zombie Leaf's arrow pierced and reaches out, shadows lashing around the remaining foe and attempting to drag it away from the fallen dwarf, towards herself, trusting in her frost armor to take what it can dish out. Spoiler: Actions Show Grepha Move 1 N, 5 NE, 1 E Cast EB to pull the right side zombo, under the assumption Leaf successfully rogue'd the damaged one (1d20+5)[21] to hit (1d10)[5] force and 10 foot pull next to Grepha on a hit

[Amnestic]

Leaf's arrow cuts a flaming hole through one of the zombies, allowing Grepha to finish off the other. The two drop to the floor, their magic expended through brutal damage, leaving only the Darkmaster, who is swiftly finished off by Senna. The hall falls quiet, save for the harsh panting of your exertions from the fight. Grok still remains unconscious, and on the verge of death if he doesn't receive some swift healing, but you are at the very least no longer under threat.

The unconscious, stable, body of Vyvian remains on the platform, her wounds no longer seeping precious lifeblood but nevertheless still a hair's breadth from joining her Father. Scar's orders may echo in your minds: those responsible for the the deaths were to be killed. Handing her over to the Fist will end only one way: death. It may be private, it may be public, but there's no doubt that should she be surrendered to the rightful authorities for her crimes the only thing she has to face is the axe - just like she wanted. Kill, or be killed.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

With the last round, the Darkmaster is on two failed saves (due to being hit) and two successes (due to rolls) but the party has an entire set of turns available to them and the undead are dead, as such, it's not a great stretch for combat to now be concluded. Grok's still unconscious and not stable though.

This was a Deadly encounter, as I'm sure Grok will agree, giving you 15 experience points.

Gonna leave loot recovery until you decide what you're doing with the unconscious Vyvian.

[Bobthewizard]

Leaf Tabaxi Rogue 8 AC: 17 HP: (17)/(55) 63 PP: 18 PIv: 15 PIs: 14 HD: 1/8d8 Conditions: slimy doom -2 CON Restrain: 1/3 Dawn

Aergid Silver Dragon Wyrmling AC 17, HP DEAD /45 PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 Bite +6 1d10+4 Breath 15' cone 4d8 DC13 Con Recharge 5-6 Paralyzing 15' cone DC13 Con paralyzed 1 minute DEAD!!!!!

Leaf moves south towards the bodies of the Darkmaster and Vivian. He sees that they are both breathing so tries to end their lives, unaware of Sam's attempts to spare Vivian since he was hiding in the hallway at that time.

He goes over to Vivian, kneels beside her, sets down his bow, draws his shortsword, and plunges it into her heart.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Attack with Elven Accuracy: (1d20+13)[15], (1d20+13)[30], (1d20+13)[25]
Damage: (1d6+8)[12]
Fire damage (1d6)[6]
Sneak attack: (4d6)[12]

Spoiler: notes

Show

Commander Scar, Flaming Fist
Dabron Sashenstar, Merchant's League
Ragefest, wizard
Abela, nymph
Ramazith, wizard that Ragefest doesn't trust.
Aldeth Sashenstar, Dabron's brother
Halbazzar Drin, owner of Sorcerous Sundries
Vivian/Ninian, sister to the others

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock/Bard | Imp Warlock AC: 12 (Barkskin 16) HP: 47/62 | AC: 13 HP: 9/32 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 Barkskin | Imp Form, Armor of Agathys (10) Landing next to Grok, Grepha reaches out and lays a hand upon the dwarf, pulling his sinking lifeforce back and resting it upon the precipice. "He will live. Though he may need some of your spirit's fiery touch," she informs Caelee. Letting out a sigh of relief, Sam backs towards the Darkmaster's podium, and Vyvian. Senna's glowing weapon has already struck down the masked mage, and he sees Leaf begin to draw his shortsword. Reaching out, he points a palm crackling with green light at the tabaxi, "Stop! Not yet!" he shouts.

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 46/59 PP: 18 PIv: 10 PIs: 18 Conditions: Concentrating on: 0 / 8 d8 HD Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/3 3rd, 0/2 4th 0/2 Wildshape Caelyn nods at Grepha's suggestion and keeps concentrating on her healing spirit, using the back of her mind to keep it following Grok and knitting his wounds together, one affectionate nuzzle at a time. When they turn to see Leaf readying to kill Vyvian, Caelyn's eyes fall to the earth around them before saying "Sam... if we turn Vyvian over to the Fist she'll either hang or be skewered. She's killed their soldiers, they'll accept nothing else. I know it gives you some solace to let "lawful authorities" take care of these things... but Vyv is our enemy. Our attempted murderer. Our sister. We should handle this. It'd be easy to let Leaf finish her off if you can't bring yourself to. I wouldn't blame you." She approaches her sister and the feline poised to execute her, kneeling down over one knee with her staff extended. "No more blood. No more anger. Peace. I couldn't give it to you in life, and I certainly cannot promise it to you when you move on to whatever our father has prepared for us, Vyv, but I hope I can give you some measure of peace for now..." Caelyn, just as she had done openly before her siblings and allies, ran the head of the staff over Vyvian's forehead in small, slow circles. Heat and soft light resulted, a comforting glow like a hearth fire, just like each other time, and Caelyn used her daily remedy from her nightmares on her troubled sister, meaning to calm her mind and ease her transition. "Goodbye, Vyvian. I'm sorry it ended this way." Caelyn looked up to her brother with imploring eyes, hoping that he would allow them to end this on their own terms and not hand it off to some impassive executioner to handle.

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 19 HP: 25/56 SR: 1/2 d8 Spells: 1st: 0/4 2nd: 0/3 3rd: 1/3 4th: 0/1, Divine Power: 2nd 0/2 First Impression: armored with a shield strapped to her side, bloodied, tired and sick-looking Conditions: Light [1h], Slimy Doom [Con reduced to 13] As her sister picks up the almost dead dwarf with her fiery healing, Senna is at least relieved. But she notices the silence and professionalism - or anger? - with Leaf and sees a cat dart towards Vyvian. I implore you, Leaf. Wait! At least give us the opportunity to say goodbye to our sister. Besides, if we want to pursue this further, we need more information. And I think we know Vyvian well enough to say that she will now do anything to spite her former employers. The cleric sighs. Yes, and continue the murdering that Bhaal preaches. Senna drops her shield and approaches the situation with a grand steps. She preaches at Vyvian, a thing she did before, and a thing she will do for her departure. It was not even important if Vyvian was alive or dead for this. This was more for Senna, and she knew this. You always wanted freedom. Deciding your own fate, picking your own path and alliances. And in a way you got what you wanted. In another way you were shackled to your nature. We decided what we wanted. Even if we wanted the powers of our blood, and by Deneir I would be lying if I wasn't finding it enticing, we want to stay in control. If you murder for the sake of killing, you are but a thrall to your nature. There is no freedom to be had.

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock/Bard | Imp Warlock AC: 12 (Barkskin 16) HP: 47/62 | AC: 13 HP: 9/32 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 Barkskin | Imp Form, Armor of Agathys (10) "I'm not trying to spare her, or turn her over to the Fist," Sam answers, walking towards Vyvian's place on the stone pedestal. He looks at the piles of corpses stacked around them. "She's too far gone for that. She has to answer for what she's done, I know that. What I want is... to find some way to keep her soul from going to Bhaal," he explains. "I don't really know how, but - Grepha, you're a devil, right? You can make deals? Can you make them on my behalf? Isn't that what you wanted to do before, when Vala was getting upset with you?" Already in the process of flying back over, the imp perches on a ruined old torch sconce, regarding Vyvian with a cold eye. "What, you want me to send her to Hell instead, or something? Sorry to disappoint, but I'm your devil now." Shaking his head, Sam motions at Vyvian and then at himself. "If it's with me, her soul would go to me, right?" "The whole point of what I wanted to do was to dilute your Father's power, not concentrate it in you, you daft boy," the imp growls down at him. "Assume it worked. You think you could resist him with that wench's ghost trying to drag you under?" "What else could we do?" turning up his palms, Sam looks around with a strained expression.

[Bobthewizard]

Leaf Tabaxi Rogue 8 AC: 17 HP: (17)/(55) 63 PP: 18 PIv: 15 PIs: 14 HD: 1/8d8 Conditions: slimy doom -2 CON Restrain: 1/3 Dawn

Aergid Silver Dragon Wyrmling AC 17, HP DEAD /45 PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 Bite +6 1d10+4 Breath 15' cone 4d8 DC13 Con Recharge 5-6 Paralyzing 15' cone DC13 Con paralyzed 1 minute DEAD!!!!!

Leaf hesitates when Sam asks him to stop. He keeps from plunging his dagger into her heart, but he is confused. He looks at the others, stands up and backs away. He lets the others say their peace, but does not agree with letting her live.

"The woman needs to die. She will thwart us if we let her survive. She will escape if we give her to the Flaming Fist. Do what you need to do quickly, then send her to her father."

He had seen how they saved Grok at the end, but he thinks they seem more concerned about this woman than they do about Grok's safety, and is concerned what this means for their interest in saving Leaf if he ever needs it. Perhaps he was wrong about these people. While they have acted with honor so far, if they choose this evil woman over Grok and him, he may have to rethink his new companions.

Before they wake her up though, he at least wants to make sure she is as little of a threat as possible. He starts removing her weapons, jewelry, pouches, packs and anything else that looks like it might be magic or deadly.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Spoiler: notes

Show

Commander Scar, Flaming Fist
Dabron Sashenstar, Merchant's League
Ragefest, wizard
Abela, nymph
Ramazith, wizard that Ragefest doesn't trust.
Aldeth Sashenstar, Dabron's brother
Halbazzar Drin, owner of Sorcerous Sundries
Vivian/Ninian, sister to the others

[Archmage1]

Grok Dwarf Paladin 8 AC: 20 HP: 86/86 PP: 10 PIv: 9 PIs: 10 HD: 8/8d10, Conditions: none Coming to, slowly, Grok shakes his head, trying to clear the grogginess from it, only to have the pain of his headache redouble, and grow worse as he can see his allies debating over the fate of the traitor that they knew. Silently, he extends the wand still clutched in his hands, and triggers it, one final time, sending a trio of darts towards the unconscious traitor. "Sometimes, the only thing that can be done is to admit that the person you knew is dead, and let the monster wearing their skin go to their fate." He reaches down, picking up his glaive, his armor streaked with gore, both fresh, and old, and starts to slowly walk over to the corpse. "Someone like that? She'll say whatever she thinks you need to her to let her go, or to put her in a position to let her go. No honesty, pure self interest. It's better to let them die, rather than listen to their lies. Mourn the friend you once knew, for she died a long time ago." Spoiler: OOC Show (1d20)[3]

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock/Bard | Imp Warlock AC: 12 (Barkskin 16) HP: 47/62 | AC: 13 HP: 9/32 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 Barkskin | Imp Form, Armor of Agathys (10) When the missiles sail towards the platform, Sam panics and jumps towards them. Naturally, the magic cares not for his gesture and she is pummeled to death by the force bolts, leaving Sam to land and skid his knees on the floor. Scrambling to his feet, he glares down at Grok from on the stairs, standing with his fists clenched tightly. Eventually letting out a furious hiss, he slams his fists into the wall below Grepha's perch, prompting her to take off and land on Caelyn's shoulder. Only the bark coating on his knuckles gradually regenerating after each punch keeps him from skinning them open, but the joints and wrists ache. "Dammit!" he finally shouts, regaining enough composure to manage words. Whirling around, the half-dragon points at Grok. "Friend? Friend? Are you deaf? She was my sister, you - you-! We played tag and hide-and-seek in the same damn courtyard!" Making wild gestures at her body, he shouts even louder; "I wasn't trying to let her go, you - you dumbass!" he finally finds a suitable word, which even in his rage comes out cracked like a child tentatively whispering his first curse word on a dare. "I was trying to save her soul, and now you sent her straight to Bhaal!" "She," he swings his hand towards Grok, "Was not," another wild gesture to punctuate, "Your" swing "God" flail "Damned" accusing finger "Business!" Out of breath, panting, he leans against the wall and slowly slumps into a seated position on the bloodstained staircase, holding his face in his hands. Throughout the tirade, Grepha remains quiet. She remains quiet until Caelyn, too, has her say. Then she places a claw softly on the back of the elven girl's head. She opens her mouth, and feels kind words on the cusp of emerging. But the moment of empathy only brings up some bile, which she chokes down as she closes it. Her gesture is drawn back, and she resumes in her normal, cool manner of speaking, "I will look for Melian and see if the girl was telling the truth. I need not worry about disease from all this. You should check on Aintas... and Vala, I suppose," she mutters the valkyrian warrior's name with a mild, restrained contempt. Taking off, Grepha begins picking through the maintains of bodies, starting with those Vyvian had been smugly gesturing to, to see if the girl had been hot air or not. In spite of Grepha's insistence that it is unclean work, Sam soon joins in, wordlessly ignoring her advice. Spoiler: Actions Show (1d20+5)[16] Investigation to search the body piles (1d20+5)[13] Help Advantage

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 19 HP: 25/56 SR: 1/2 d8 Spells: 1st: 0/4 2nd: 0/3 3rd: 1/3 4th: 0/1, Divine Power: 2nd 0/2 First Impression: armored with a shield strapped to her side, bloodied, tired and sick-looking Conditions: Light [1h], Slimy Doom [Con reduced to 13] Senna's head flashed Grok a fiery glare as he ended Vyvian. She knew it was the right thing to do. Whatever Sam thought was a great idea, was not good. But they had only bad and worse options right now. Grok! How ... then she sees the battered dwarf, almost killed in a damp grave by half a dozen zombies, were they barely eked out a win. No, no, you are right. Vyvian almost killed you. Almost killed us. Some weakness returned to her bones, now that the adrenaline of the fight wore off. She felt sick, even if she knew the grace of the dwarven pantheon helped stop the spread. You two are of course so right. Senna approaches Sam and lays her hand on his shoulder. Sam. She attacked us all, she tried to kill us for the sake of power. Viv always played hard and fast, and that is the result. She made it clear, no one controlled her, it was entirely her choice. Senna draws her dagger. We should burn her corpse. I planned on giving her a second chance by begging for Deneir's grace to bring her back. But I could see the Scribe refusing this. For one, she has no place on the world of the living anymore. For two, her soul is claimed by a divine portfolio of Bhaal. If we question this, we could start a divine war. And for the last thing, I don't think any god we align with would approve of this. Neither Rillifane nor Bahamut nor Deneir. And not one of the dwarven gods. Senna pauses and checks Vyvian's breathing. She needed to make sure Vyvian was dead. Then removed her scabbards and any other magical gear. I will not bury her with these items. The families of those who went missing could need the money. Frankly, we need it if we want to continue pursuing this. But are we clear on this? We cannot be angry at each other for this. We need unity, now more than ever.

[Bobthewizard]

Leaf Tabaxi Rogue 8 AC: 17 HP: (17)/(55) 63 PP: 18 PIv: 15 PIs: 14 HD: 1/8d8 Conditions: slimy doom -2 CON Restrain: 1/3 Dawn

Aergid Silver Dragon Wyrmling AC 17, HP DEAD /45 PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 Bite +6 1d10+4 Breath 15' cone 4d8 DC13 Con Recharge 5-6 Paralyzing 15' cone DC13 Con paralyzed 1 minute DEAD!!!!!

While he agrees with Grok's action and knows that Vivian had to die, Leaf feels bad for Sam and Caelyn. He walks over to both of them and tries to console them or at least show his support.

"I am sorry you lost your sister. We were not going to save her soul. She chose this willfully, gleefully even. She played an enthusiastic part in all of this murder and torture, and she would have continued. I think you know it, but it is still hard to lose a sister. Maybe even harder since she turned away from you, than it would be if she had died honorably."

He then goes back to collecting any items that look like they might be valuable, focusing first on Vivian and the Darkmaster.

Spoiler: OOC

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Spoiler: notes

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Commander Scar, Flaming Fist
Dabron Sashenstar, Merchant's League
Ragefest, wizard
Abela, nymph
Ramazith, wizard that Ragefest doesn't trust.
Aldeth Sashenstar, Dabron's brother
Halbazzar Drin, owner of Sorcerous Sundries
Vivian/Ninian, sister to the others

[Archmage1]

Grok Dwarf Paladin 8 AC: 20 HP: 86/86 PP: 10 PIv: 9 PIs: 10 HD: 8/8d10, Conditions: none Grok shakes his head at Sam's words, but also knows that now isn't the time. Let the kid mourn, before slapping him with reality. While Senna, Leaf, and Sam got to checking over Vivian, Grok started to comb through the pile of corpses, looking for the men of the Fist that had vanished.

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 46/59 PP: 18 PIv: 10 PIs: 18 Conditions: Concentrating on: 0 / 8 d8 HD Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/3 3rd, 0/2 4th 0/2 Wildshape Caelyn hoped that her staff's spell allowed Vyvian some peace from the murderous intentions of their father, but it seemed standing before that was like having confidence in a paper shack in the face of a hurricane. When Leaf tried to console her, she looked up at the catfolks face with a strained sorrow that looked both exhausted and defeated. "Thank you, Leaf." at Grepha's mention that she check on Aintas and Vala, Caelyn squatted on the ground of this tomb while others went to work checking bodies and looting valuables. Caelyn removed a stone from a special pouch in her bag, then a small wooden cup. She searched for alcohol, realizing the only bottle she had was the fine wine she'd been gifted for her birthday. This was not how she envisioned using it, but beggars couldn't be choosers. Pouring out a measure of wine, she dropped the stone in the wine and swirled it. As she had told her siblings it would, this would cause a reaction in the matching stones she had given each of them, causing it to vibrate, shudder, and glow slightly- a checking in signal. When she reached into the wine and squeezed the stone, causing the shaking in the other stones to become more intense. The instructions that she'd given everyone was to drown and squeeze their own stone, and each of them in contact with the drinking stone would know who was using them and basic idea of their condition. And she waited. And she hoped. And she feared.

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock/Bard | Imp Warlock AC: 12 (Barkskin 16) HP: 47/62 | AC: 13 HP: 9/32 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 Barkskin | Imp Form, Armor of Agathys (10) Not voicing a response to Leaf's words, Sam brushes Senna's hand aside with no more than a curt, "Don't tell me how to feel."

[Amnestic]

The conversation fizzles, and though they dead tell no tales, you could swear that you feel a low chuckle and a surge of mirth run through the cold catacombs. This is a place suffused with Death, perhaps one of the closest places to Father Bhaal, and you can't help but shed the feeling that he is pleased.

Grok and Grepha, being immune to disease, are safe in their investigations of the corpses. There is little heart taken in that you can't find any that match Melian's appearance or description. Other body parts might be the Flaming Fist soldier you were told of, but they're either rotten or chopped up. Given that you already found one, the second being somewhere seems likely, but identifying them? Far less.

Stripping the two Bhaalites of their equipment, you'll need more time to properly dissect just what their equipment was capable of (though the sheathes definitely look familiar to the Bhaalspawn siblings).

Spoiler: OOC

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Identifying the items will require more time, but of the magic equipment you find:-
Vyvian:-
Magic Studded leather armour (black, stylish, a bit evil looking)
Magic Daggers
Magic Sheathes

Darkmaster:-
Magic Gloves

The green-fire torches also appear to be formed of Continual Flames, and between the eight of them you have roughly 200gp worth of lighting, assuming that whoever buys them off you doesn't mind lighting their residence like an evil cultist's lair.

Caelyn's stone-based divination requires time for a response, and the seconds that tick away feel like an eternity, but eventually you receive a signal from Aintas...and Melian both. Vyvian may have played you with a deceptive taunt to rile you to kill. Either they are alive and well, or someone has the stone and is sending the response in their place.

But not Vala, who still has yet to return and find you, following your splitting after the events at Low Lantern. From the spear-maiden you receive no such notification of satisfaction, only the dull silence of a rock, as mundane as any other.

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock/Bard | Imp Warlock AC: 12 (Barkskin 16) HP: 47/62 | AC: 13 HP: 9/32 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 Barkskin | Raven Form, Armor of Agathys (10) Upon finding no trace of Melian, Sam leaves and walks back up to the surface, with no interest in looting the Bhaalite and his dead sister. Taking off from the final corpse pile she sifted through, Grepha flies after him, perching in the usual place upon his shoulder. The imp shifts forms as they emerge into the night air, looking down at her icy, bloody wings. "Think we can shell out for a nice inn without it being raided by assassins? I believe we could all use a bath. And some disinfectant, in Senna's case." "Mhm," the half-dragon just makes a vaguely agreeable noise and folds his arms on the front step of the crypt, staring out through the darkness that clouds neither of their visions, his arms crossed.

[Bobthewizard]

Leaf Tabaxi Rogue 8 AC: 17 HP: (17)/(55) 63 PP: 18 PIv: 15 PIs: 14 HD: 1/8d8 Conditions: slimy doom -2 CON Restrain: 1/3 Dawn

Aergid Silver Dragon Wyrmling AC 17, HP DEAD /45 PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 Bite +6 1d10+4 Breath 15' cone 4d8 DC13 Con Recharge 5-6 Paralyzing 15' cone DC13 Con paralyzed 1 minute DEAD!!!!!

Leaf collects the daggers and sheaths and then, as respectfully as possible, takes the leather armor off of Vivian. It clearly looks magical, and the slightly edgy look would be more than offset by his green, feathered hat, but he knows that others here could use it too and have more of a claim to it since she was their sister. Once he has those collected, and someone else has taken the gloves off the Darkmaster, he is ready to go.

"I think we have everything we could use. Do whatever you need to do to the bodies, then I agree that we should find an inn to rest until mid-day."

He is ready to leave, but does not rush the others if they have any ceremonies, prayers or eulogies they want to give.

Spoiler: OOC

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Spoiler: notes

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Commander Scar, Flaming Fist
Dabron Sashenstar, Merchant's League
Ragefest, wizard
Abela, nymph
Ramazith, wizard that Ragefest doesn't trust.
Aldeth Sashenstar, Dabron's brother
Halbazzar Drin, owner of Sorcerous Sundries
Vivian/Ninian, sister to the others

[Spore]

´

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 19 HP: 25/56 SR: 1/2 d8 Spells: 1st: 0/4 2nd: 0/3 3rd: 1/3 4th: 0/1, Divine Power: 2nd 0/2 First Impression: armored with a shield strapped to her side, bloodied, tired and sick-looking Conditions: Light [1h], Slimy Doom [Con reduced to 13] Vyvian's sheathes coat the blades in elemental magic, that much I recall. I don't remember magic daggers or armor though. Senna says. She is down-trodden by Sam's refusal, but she knows better than to argue with him. She may serve the Lord of Bards, the Scribe himself, but Sam was still outwitting her on a daily basis. I don't want to tell you how to feel, I just want to give guidance. Guidance that I frankly need myself. So I am sorry. I will try to reach Vala later this night with my last remaining spell. But can we just burn Vyvian and the necromancer?

[Archmage1]

Grok Dwarf Paladin 8 AC: 20 HP: 38/86 PP: 10 PIv: 9 PIs: 10 HD: 8/8d10, Conditions: none Shifting through the corpses, Grok shakes his head wearily. His deep voice seems tired, and pained, but still unstoppable. "This is a job best left to the watch. We'll need to warn them about the disease trap. I would agree with burning the corpses of the leaders. Failure to do that is an excellent way to get undead. Let's go, find a tavern, get cleaned up, and see how things are in the morning."

[Amnestic]

Once you've taken the chosen steps to deal with the corpses, it's a slog to climb your way back out of of the tomb, past the stinking bodies, and out into the chill air of the graveyard. The bodies of the gargoyles remain, unmoved from where you left them, but a stark reminder that by morning someone will notice, whether you notify the proper authorities yourself or not.

One tavern is as good as another, but given your stink and injuries it's probably better to choose proximity over being picky, and you end up in an upscale establishment that gladly takes your gold but even more gladly ushers you off the main floor towards steaming hot baths and cleaning supplies for your arms and armour. It also allows you time to further scrutinise the recovered magic items you took from Vyvian and the Darkmaster.

Spoiler: Loot

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Subtract 10gp from the communal moneyfund for your lodgings.

Magic Armour:-
Studded Leather +1. Nothing more to this one!

Magic Daggers:-
Runeblades of Bhaal
Weapon (Daggers), Rare (Require Attunement)
This pair of +1 daggers share the same attunement slot. They bear necromantic runes that both seek to bolster the wielder and end their target.
One blade bears runes of ice. On a successful hit it deals an additional 2 cold damage, and reduces the target's AC by 1 until an action is taken to remove the ice. This stacks, up to 3 times.
One blade bears runes of blood. Your strength score is increased by +2 (max 20) while wielding this dagger, and a successful hit with it restores 1d6 hit points.

If you spend an action to plunge both blades into the heart of an unconscious creature whose CR or level is equal to your level or lower, they cannot be resurrected by any means save for a True Resurrection spell.

If you attempt bag of rats stuff with the blade healing I'll change it to be worse, don't be annoying please.

Magic Sheathes:-
Scabbard of Poisons
Requires Attunement, alongside Scabbard of the Elements
At dawn of each day, gains a different random poison from the following list. The poison can be applied at will when a weapon is drawn up to 3 times per day and lasts for 1 minute before fading or 1 successful attack. The poisons apply automatically on a successful hit with the applicable weapon. The scabbard cannot be used again while its enchantment is still active.
Heartstopper - Target must succeed on a DC13 CON save or be stunned until the end of their next turn.
Natural Foe - Target must succeed on a DC13 CON save or take 1d6 poison damage and gain Vulnerability to Fire, Lighting, Cold and Acid damage for 3 turns. A successful save negates the damage and removes the Vulnerability. They can also reroll the save at the end of each of their turns.
Ravager - Target must succeed on a DC13 CON save or take 2d6 Poison damage and be Poisoned for 24 hours. On a successful save, the damage is halved and they are not Poisoned.

Scabbard of the Elements
Requires Attunement, alongside Scabbard of Poisons
At dawn of each day, gain a random enchantment from the following list: Fire, Lightning, Cold, Acid. The enchantment can be applied at will when a weapon is drawn up to 3 times per day and lasts for 1 minute before fading. The enchantment adds +1d6 damage of that element to any attacks made with that weapon. The scabbard cannot be used again while its enchantment is still active.

The Scabbards can only work with weapons that have the Light quality. They share the same attunement slot.

Magic Gloves:-
Gloves of Explosive Pain
Wondrous Item (Gloves), Rare (Requires attunement)
The wearer of these fingerless gloves has a constant ache in their hands, but weaves fire and death to great effect. When you cast a spell that deals fire damage to a target you also deal necrotic damage equal to your proficiency bonus to it. When you cast a spell that deals necrotic damage to a target you also deal fire damage equal to your proficiency bonus to it.
When a creature is reduced to zero hit points by fire or necrotic damage you deal via a spell, it must succeed on a Constitution saving throw against your spell save DC or explode. This explosion deals 1d8 fire damage plus 1d8 necrotic damage to all creatures with 10 ft. of the creature.

It's late by the time you're cleaned and tidied away, but for those who want to drink away their sorrows, the bar is more accommodating once you no longer stink of rotting corpses, blood, and gravedust and holds a fine selection of wines and ales from up and down the coast, all available at a modest cost.


With the magic of Caelyn's staff expended to safeguard Vyvian, she finds herself drawn alongside her siblings back into the realm of dreams, quite against her will.

Spoiler: Sam, Caelyn, Senna - Dreams

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When you close your eyes tonight you are assailed by visions of Candlekeep, of home. You pass through the gates of the citadel, and you are Vyvian, a child once more with barely a dozen seasons behind you. At your side, Gorion, less hunched but still as gray-haired as when he perished. You never knew his age, but the difference between when she was brought to the grand library and his end seems almost miniscule in comparison to the rest of you.

Aged as he ever was, you - Vyvian - still has to run to keep up with him. You recognise the path he walks, and the room he stops you at. Ulraunt's office. As you are forced to stand outside the doors, you hear shouting within. Rarely did Gorion ever raise his voice, but even if you wanted to you can't make out much of what's being said. Through a window you look below, tracing patterns in the water of a fountain, when a reflection catches your eye, drawing it skywards.

Perched upon a stone wall is a large raven, its feathers blacker than night. It stares directly at you, its obsidian eyes boring deep into your soul. You stare back for just a moment, and then your gaze is forced away, peering back to the water reflection. The ravens feet are clawed, almost...skeletal.

The door behind you suddenly swings open and Ulraunt storms out, offering you barely a glance. "She can stay," he sneers. He was always sneering. "But mark my words, these children will be the death of you."

The memory fades until your mind returns back to the great gates of Candlekeep, shut to everyone. There, stood side by side, as they were in death, are Vyvian and Gorion, their eyes the same black obsidian as the raven's. Each bears the injuries, open and bleeding, though without the touch of rot, as if both were freshly killed.
"Like father, like child." They say in unison, perfectly harmonised.

"Like Father, like child." A chilling laugh repeats in your mind as you wake, feeling distinctly unrested.

Spoiler: OOC

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Bhaal's influence on you grows.

Whenever you try to deal nonlethal damage, you need to succeed on a charisma save (DC15 - each successful save increases the DC by 2 until you fail, at which point it resets). If you fail, you're forced to deal lethal damage instead.

You also each gain the Bloodlust ability (1/LR)

As an action you can choose a target you can see within 60ft and fill them with an immense bloodrage, urging them to murder on Bhaal's behalf. They must succeed on a wisdom saving throw (DC=8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier) or be affected by Rage (as a 1st level barbarian). You then designate another creature within range you can see. The enraged target must do everything they can to kill the designated creature, as fast and as brutally as possible.

Bloodlust lasts for 1 minute. The affected creature can make a new saving throw at the end of each of their turns to end the effect, but it otherwise does not end until either the targetted or the designated creature is dead.

A creature can willingly fail their saving throws against Bloodlust

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 59/59 PP: 18 PIv: 10 PIs: 18 Conditions: Concentrating on: 4 / 8 d8 HD Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 3/3 3rd, 2/2 4th 2/2 Wildshape Caelyn is quiet at the inn, washing up quickly and spending the remainder of her evening before bed at the bar. She drinks extensively, but no matter how much wine she has she can not escape the monster waiting on the other side of the pillow. Even as she stumbles away from the bar and towards their room, she feels more like a prisoner walking their final march then a drunk patron heading for a comfortable bed. As the darkness of the Bhaal dreams settle in, she whispers a small, mumbled prayer in her sleep. Caelyn was down at the breakfast table before anyone else, the customary dark rings back under her eyes. She nibbles at some toast and eggs, dipping the bread in the soft yolks, but the meal grew cold long before she finished even half of it. When her siblings came down she exchanged a knowing look with them. She didn't speak until everyone arrived. "I can't take this much longer. Even with my staff abating the worst of the dreams, the blood rises within us, urging us on to greater violence. I'm... I'm going to attempt to beseech Sehanine Moonbow for assistance. I just wish I knew more about her! All Melian taught me is that she is the elvish goddess of true sleep and dreams, but without Melian and with no dedicated worshippers of the Seldarine nearby.... I'm just going to have to wing it. But I need to quench the fire in my blood if I'm going to continue... I can't keep warring with my own worst intentions." She shuddered and took another bite of toast. Senna, you're not trained in the ways of the Seldarine, but you are familiar with religious ritual. Would you help me buy some things to use on the full moon to try to reach out to the goddess of dreams?"