# Summary ## [[Delve Into the Abyss]] *[[The Campaign 2 Adventuring Party]] deals with the consequences of their actions and delves into [[The Abyss]] to save [[Haven's Breach]] from a horde of [[Demon|Demons]].* # Adventure Log ## [[12 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Eastern Jungle of South Central Xoctl]] There is a mild rain which evaporates quickly in the heat. The group continues their travels south. ## [[13 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Eastern Jungle of South Central Xoctl]] ## [[14 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Eastern Jungle of South Central Xoctl]] ## [[15 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Western Highland Forest of Northern Valendare Range]] ## [[16 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Western Highland Forest of Northern Valendare Range]] ## [[17 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Southern Foothills of Northern Valendare Range]] ## [[18 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Southern Foothills of Northern Valendare Range]] ## [[19 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Southern Foothills of Northern Valendare Range]] ## [[20 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Southern Foothills of Northern Valendare Range]] As the group approaches [[Middle Pass]], [[Prynazalya|Pryn]] discovers the site of a battle between what appears to be a scouting party from [[Haven's Breach]] and [[Gnoll|Hyena-Like Creatures]] . The scouts have wounds from [[Spear|Spears]], teeth, and claws, and there are several corpses of the Hyena-like creatures, Gnolls, present as well. Amongst the corpses of the scouts, the group finds a [[Missive From the Commander of Haven's Breach]]. The missive instructed the scouts to make contact with the [[Vela]] and request their aid in dealing with the demonic horde near Haven's Breach. The battle seems to have moved to the southwest into [[Middle Pass]]. ## [[21 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Southern Foothills of Northern Valendare Range]] The group decides to move at a **Careful** pace. The group picks up the following roles: - Motivator - Pryn - Guide - [[Big Inky]] - Scout - [[Asher Yurei|Asher]] - Hunter - [[Dalas Greybark|Dalas]] - Lookout - [[Ag]], with [[Dolod]]'s [[Help (Action)|Help]]. The group moves to the Northwest, into the foothills overlooking Middle Pass, rather than directly into the pass, hoping to get a better vantage point on the battle. As the group travels, Pryn motivates the group ([[Persuasion]]), reminding them of all of their loved ones in Haven's Breach that they are now so close to seeing again after months away. She has great success motivating the group. ## [[22 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Middle Pass]] Big Inky Guides the group effortlessly through this familiar terrain, which he has seen before first in [[Retreat to Vevososova]] and again in [[Journey to Vevososova]]. He guides the group with great success. The group now overlooks the valley and [[Middle Pass]], where they see ancient [[The Precursors|Precursor]] [[Middle Pass Precursor Ruins|Ruins]] inhabited by Gnolls. The Pack Leader appears to be a [[Scarred Gnoll Pack Leader|Large Scarred Gnoll]], and the Gnolls there seem to be amassing large festering piles of food. They also see a Gnoll scouting party approaching that has not yet noticed them. The group prepares to ambush the Gnolls. Big Inky [[Ready (Action)|Readies]] his [[Big Inky's Hand Ballista|Hand Ballista]]. Ag casts [[Mage Armor]] and conjures a protective [[Tidal Puppeteer#Level 3 - Tidal Puppets|Crab]]. Asher thinks of what would scare these dog-like creatures, and decides a plastic bag would do the trick. He conjures [[Bud]] who scampers away into the bushes with a bag of "Prones" [[Potato Chips]]. (Get it, like "Lays"? Ha ha ha.). Pryn casts [[Summon Vehicle]] to charge in, and conjures a giant plastic bag-shaped cart. Big Inky uses [[Blood Hunter#Crimson Rite|Crimson Rite]], granting his Ballista lightning damage. The group lies in wait until the Gnolls are within 60 feet.. and springs their ambush! **Combat Begins!** - Surprise Round - Asher casts [[Thaumaturgy]] creating the sound of thunder and crinkling bags - Pryn charges forward in her cart while screaming! She casts [[Cloud of Daggers]] on the Gnolls. - Big Inky fires a lightning ballista bolt and misses - Dalas [[Dash (Action)|Dashes]] forward - Dolod uses [[Elementalism]] to conjure a gust of air and crinkle Pryn's bag-cart. - Round 1 - Pryn flips out of the cart and attacks Gnoll A with her [[Ovranzo's Modified Songsword|Songsword]] and hits. The Gnoll is [[Bloodied]]. She gives Dalas a [[Bardic Inspiration]], playing a song that sounds like the rustling of chips. Dalas is bewildered by her powers of mimicry. She punches Gnoll A, bringing him to [[Death's Door]] and spits on him. - Ag casts [[Ray of Frost]] on Gnoll A and hits, killing him. He fires another at Gnoll B and hits, leaving him [[Bloodied]]. - Gnoll B attacks Pryn and hits, but Dalas [[Interception|Intercepts]] the attack, lessening the damage. - Dolod casts [[Produce Flame]] and throws it at Gnoll C, critically hitting and killing him! - Asher casts [[Eldritch Blast]] on Gnoll B and critically hits, leaving him at Death's Door. - Dalas attacks Gnoll B with his [[Moon-touched Longsword]] and hits, killing him. **Combat Ends!** The group loots the Gnolls. They find no [[Gold]], nor any kind of orders, however the Gnolls have 14 [[Soul Coin|Gray-Black Coins Marked with a Red Smear]]. Pryn licks one. They taste like ash and charcoal. Upon closer inspection ([[Arcana]]), Ag is certain that these creatures are not native to [[The Material Plane of Caledon|This Plane]]: they are from [[The Abyss]], and that means *something* is transporting them here. Dalas considers the nature of Gnolls ([[Nature]]). Like [[Hyena|Hyenas]], they are pack hunters and scavengers. They pick off stragglers and fight over scraps rather than engage in direct conflict. Dalas infers that this means that there is *something* else out there that is a bigger threat, elsewise the Gnolls would not have so many scraps to work with. Big Inky considers the occult nature of the Gnolls ([[History]]). He recalls that they were created by the [[Demon Lord]] of Feast and Famine, [[Yeenoghu]]. He, perhaps, recalls a story of [[The Investigation of Vinionwood#3 Kythorn 1458 , Borkath and Borky's Tree House|Another Group of Adventurers Killing an Aspect of Yeenoghu By Punching It In The Butt]]. Gnolls typically eat for only themselves, but the Gnolls in the ruins below are amassing food for something or someone else: perhaps to once again attempt to summon their dark lord, or something similar. Big Inky determines that the Gnolls are not worth the group's time. Dalas reminds him that innocents are at stake, and that surely, there will be some reward for their victory upon arriving in Haven's Breach. Big Inky reluctantly agrees to fight the Gnolls. The group descends the hill towards the ruins below to face the Gnolls. As they approach they again see the Scarred Pack Leader, several smaller Gnolls, and also two [[Maw Demon|Maw Demons]]. The group splits into two groups to do a pincer attack, with one group better suited to stealth so they can get into a good vantage point. Group 1: Ag, Pryn, Asher Group 2: Dalas, Big Inky, Dolod Group 2 sneaks forward and ambushes the Gnolls. **Combat Begins!** - Surprise Round - Asher casts [[Shatter]] on the Gnolls - Pryn charges forward on her chip themed cart and casts [[Cloud of Daggers]] on Gnolls D and G, who are now [[Bloodied]]. She gives a [[Bardic Inspiration]] to Big Inky and attacks Gnoll D but misses as her Summon Vehicle spell ends and disappears out from under her. - Ag uses his [[Wand of Ice Knife]] to cast [[Ice Knife]] on Gnoll D and hits. - Round 1 - The [[Scarred Gnoll Pack Leader]] throws to bone [[Javelin|Javelins]] at Pryn and misses twice. He Incites a Rampage in Gnoll D, who in turn attacks Pryn, but also misses. - Dolod Produces a Flame and throws it at Gnoll G and hits. - Dalas charges in draws [[Spitfire]] and uses a charge to close the distance with the Pack Leader, burning it in the process. He uses [[Fighter#Level 2 Action Surge|Action Surge]], draws his [[Moon-touched Longsword]] and attacks the Pack Leader but misses. - Maw Demon A attacks Dalas and misses. - Big Inky moves forward creates a Sweeping Avalanche with his [[Glacial Maul]], hitting and killing Gnoll G and wounding the Pack Leader. He uses [[Blood Curse of Bloated Agony]] on the Pack Leader. - Gnoll D approaches Asher and Ag. Pryn gets an Attack of Opportunity and misses. The Gnoll attacks Asher and hits. - Maw Demon B approaches Big Inky and uses "Disgorge", spewing acid. Big Inky avoids the attack. - Pryn moves her Cloud of Daggers onto the Pack Leader and Maw A, then runs towards Dalas. - Asher casts [[Inflict Wounds]] on Gnoll D, bringing him to Death's Door. He instructs Ag to "Kill Him!" - Gnoll A attacks Dalas, who blocks the attack. - Ag shoots a close range Ray of Frost at Gnoll D and misses. - Gnoll F attacks and hits Pryn, but Dalas intercepts the attack, blocking some of the damage. - Round 2 - Pack Leader attacks Pryn twice, hitting once and triggering the Blood Curse of Bloated Agony. - He Incites a Rampage in Gnoll E and takes Cloud of Daggers damage. - Dolod casts Produce Flame and throws it at Maw Demon B and hits. The Demon seems resistant to the damage. - Dalas hits and kills the Pack Leader, stabbing him through the stomach. - Maw Demon A moves toward Big Inky. Dalas gets an Attack of Opportunity and hits, [[Sap|Sapping]] and [[Cavalier#Level 3 - Unwavering Mark|Marking]] it. The Maw Demon attacks Big Inky and misses. - Big Inky triggers another Sweeping Avalanche on Maw Demons A and B. The Demons seem resistant to the damage. - Gnoll D attacks Ag and hits! He attacks again in a rampage and hits, but Pryn casts [[Silvery Barbs]], turning it into a miss! - Maw B attacks Big Inky and hits. - Pryn moves her Cloud of Daggers onto the Maw Demons. She attacks Gnoll F and hits and poses just like Dalas, who she thinks is cool and brave. - Asher casts Inflict Wounds on Gnoll D, killing it. He pats Ag on the back. - Gnoll E attacks Dalas and mises. - Ag casts Ray of Frost on Maw A and hits, kills it. He casts another on Maw B and hits, bringing it to Death's Door. - Gnoll F attacks Pryn and misses. - Round 3 - A Winged, [[Devil|Devilish]] creature, a [[Cambion]] appears upon the ruins above with dark coins in hand. He witnesses the battle with amusement. - Dolod casts [[Magnetobolt]] on Maw B and hits, kills it. - Dalas attacks Gnoll F and hits, sapping and marking it. - Big Inky studies the Cambion that just arrived ([[History]]). He doesn't recognize him, but has heard of such creatures before: one such creature in [[Gullsrog]] offered sweet deals to mercenaries, too good to be true, and those mercenaries did not return from their work. Big Inky wisely declined that job. Big Inky fires his Hand Ballista at the Cambion and hits. The Devil does not react at all to his wound and insist Big Inky is "very rude" before removing the ballista bolt from his side. Big Inky can't help but respect the Devil. He moves his Blood Curse of Bloated Agony to Gnoll E. - Pryn observes that the Cambion is very strong and asks him if he wants to be her follower. The devil laughs and says he is here to watch something *interesting* and *profitable*. Pryn thinks he's talking about [[Prynazalya's Hoard|Her Hoard]], but he insists what he wants is "immaterial". Pryn does a very flashy attack to impress the Devil on Gnoll F and embarrassingly misses. She lets out a [[Kobold#Draconic Cry|Draconic Cry]]! - Asher approaches the ruins and casts Eldritch Blast on the Devil, which he again insists is "rude!". The Devil notices Asher's [[The Shadow Deck|Shadow Deck]] and bares his fangs. Asher comments that he "pissed him off". - Gnoll E attacks Pryn and misses. - Ag hides behind a nearby wall and uses his [[Periapt of Health]]. - Gnoll F attacks Big Inky and hits, but Dalas intercepts the attack, completing negating the damage. - Round 4 - The Cambion takes a moment to consider Asher, and his options. He joins the battle below, and instantly, effortlessly, violently kills Gnolls E and F. **Combat Ends!** The Cambion states "Now we can talk business." and introduces himself as [[Jeremiah Copeland]]. He keeps a 10 foot distance from the party, not fearful, but also not leaving himself open to easy attack. His appearance is similar to that of a religious monk, but overtaken by devilish features. He conjures a handkerchief and wipes his hands clean of the gore of the Gnolls he had just effortlessly slain. Jeremiah asks if the party intends to take care of the "Demon Problem" (yes). He thinks that perhaps the party is not ready for this, insinuating that it will be more difficult than their previous battles, which he seems to know something of. He informs the party that they are a few days' travel away from a portal to [[The Abyss]], in which there is some kind of [[Demon Fortress|Fortress]], in which the [[Demon Commander|Commander]] of the Demonic forces resides. Pryn tries to [[Persuasion|Persuade]] Jeremiah to join the group in defeating the Demon. Jeremiah insists he is running low on time and offers a deal: The Demon forces all have coins called "[[Soul Coin|Obols]]", Jeremiah offers to "pop in" and help from time to time over the course of the adventure in exchange for all the Obols the party recovers along the way. Jeremiah also wants to test the party and see their "ambition" first hand. He explains [[The Blood War]], the eternal conflict between [[Devil|Devils]] and [[Demon|Demons]] to the party, and insists that itis the Devils' responsibility to protect [[The Material Plane of Caledon|The Material Plane]] from Demons. He conjures a tome.. and then banishes it in favor of a [[Picture Book About The Blood War]] which he gives to Pryn. Big Inky voices his reluctance, saying this fight is none of our business. Jeremiah says he admires that Big is a straight shooter and alludes to Big's curse, and his sister [[B'Inky]], and information he might have about her. Again Jeremiah seems extremely knowledgeable about the group, as he correctly asserts that Big Inky hasn't yet used [[B'Inky's Sending Stone]] and has made other deals with devils in the past. Jeremiah sweetens the pot: offering information on B'Inky and [[Urgan, Doombringer|Urgan]], who he claims is also tied to the Abyss. Big Inky tries to ascertain if Jeremiah has an ulterior motive ([[Insight]]). Of course he does! All Devils do. Big Inky refuses the deal. Asher also voices his disapproval: though only because the group isn't getting enough out of the deal. Dalas expresses his distrust, insisting this is all a ploy to steal the souls of the party. Jeremiah feigns innocence. Jeremiah again offers more information, about B'Inky, the [[Doran Iceblood|Missing Green Blade]] to the North, and other objectives of the party, but the party refuses. Ultimately, Jeremiah acquiesces that his proposal has been rejected. Pryn asks one more time for Jeremiah to become her follower, but he refuses and casts [[Plane Shift]] to return to the Hells. Pryn flips through the book given to her by Jeremiah: ![[Picture Book About The Blood War#^Contents]] Pryn offers the book to Dalas, who refuses and insists it is full of lies. She gives it to Big Inky instead, who wonders if he can eat it. Meanwhile, Dalas [[Investigation|Investigates]] the Gnoll camp. The piles of flesh created by the Gnolls mainly consist of [[Dinosaur]] flesh, with few [[Humanoid|Humanoids]]. It seems the Gnolls were planning some kind of feast for themselves before eventually returning to their base of operations in the [[Ruins of a Sylvan Outpost|Ruins to the Southeast]]. Dalas burns the dinosaur flesh piles. The group departs and travels southeast. ## [[23 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Jungle Near Middle Pass And River West]] Asher scouts using some eldritch intuition of demons bestowed to him with great success. ## [[24 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Jungle Near Middle Pass And River West]] Ag keeps a lookout, his command of water making him one with the dew coating the plants of the jungle. With Dolod's help he has great success. ## [[25 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Jungle Near Middle Pass And River West]] As the group travels, a wild [[Boar]] leaps out of the brush and Dalas manages to wrestle it to the ground and deliver a killing blow. It seems the group will be eating well enjoying [[Pulled Pork]] yet again! ## [[26 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Jungle Near Middle Pass And River West]] ## [[27 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Jungle Near Middle Pass And River West]] ## [[28 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Jungle Near Middle Pass And River West]] ## [[29 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Jungle Near Middle Pass And River West]] ## [[30 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Jungle Near Middle Pass And River West]] It is Asher's birthday! The group makes camp and takes a [[Short Rest]] as they celebrate. Asher "gets crunk in the woods" and pees on a tree, meanwhile, Dalas finds some kind of tubers in the jungle and uses some cooking oil he has on hand to make [[Potato Chips]] along with their [[Pulled Pork]] to celebrate. Pryn finds some rocks, but Asher warns her not to eat them, as he pissed on them earlier. The group discusses their various ages. Pryn says she is 7 (she's 6 and 9 months) and Asher is now 20, which Pryn thinks is ancient. Asher insists he is "responsible now" and urges the group to rely on him for responsible things. Dalas uses the [[Heward's Handy Spice Pouch]] to conjure a Sour Cream and Onion seasoning, creating [[Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips]]. The group drinks some alcohol that Asher has apparently had all this time. Pryn likes that it burns and makes her feel like a dragon with fire breath. The group discusses how few of them can read. Ag and Dalas can. Pryn, Asher, and Big all read rather poorly. Pryn asks if Dolod can read the Devil book to her and he says he can. She asks if he will and he refuses. She says there are "[[Angel]]-people" in the book like him, and Dolod admits he doesn't think of himself as an Angel-person, but he guesses he is. Dalas admits to the group that he thinks the demon situation is their fault: this outpost is the one they visited during [[Journey to Vevososova]] and they disturbed it and quickly fled at Dalas' request. He thinks it's their responsibility to set it right, as they unleashed this on the world. ## [[1 Mirtul 1489]], [[Ruins of a Sylvan Outpost]] The group returns to the [[Ruins of a Sylvan Outpost]] where they find a [[Babau]] and several [[Iron Claw|Iron Claws]] guarding the exterior. Big Inky tries to tell if the hands are watching them ([[Arcana]]) and deduces they have [[Tremorsense]], rather than sight. The Babau notices the group and **combat begins!** - **Round 1** - Babau A casts [[Darkness (Spell)|Darkness]] on itself. - Dolod casts [[Produce Flame]] and throws it at Iron Claw A and hits, but finds the claw is Resistant to Fire damage. - Big Inky, not wanting to be here, lazily fires his [[Big Inky's Hand Ballista|Hand Ballista]] at Iron Claw A and hits, but finds it resistant to physical damage. Regardless, Iron Claw A is [[Bloodied]]. Big Inky uses [[Blood Hunter#Crimson Rite|Crimson Rite]], imbuing his Ballista with Lightning damage. - Pryn casts [[Starry Wisp]] on Iron Claw A and hits, bringing it to [[Death's Door]]. She flies towards Iron Claw B, who does not notice her. - Iron Claw B moves towards the group and [[Dodge (Action)|Dodges]]. Pryn takes an Attack of Opportunity and misses. - Iron Claw C approaches the group. - Dalas attacks Iron Claw B with his [[Moon-touched Longsword]] and misses. - Asher casts [[Magician's Crescent Blade (Spell)|Magician's Crescent Blade]] near Babau A, which hits it. - Claw A jumps on Asher, [[Grappled|Grappling]] him and slowing him down! - **Round 2** - Babau A moves towards the group, drops concentration on Darkness and casts [[Heat Metal]] on Dalas but the spell fails to take hold. - Dolod casts [[Magnetobolt]] at Iron Claw A but it dodges out of the way. Dolod casts Produce Flame. - Big Inky swings his [[Maul, +1]] at Iron Claw B and misses, smashing the ground. - Pryn casts [[Starry Wisp]] at Iron Claw A and misses. She lets out a [[Kobold#Draconic Cry|Draconic Cry]]. - Iron Claw B attacks Big Inky and misses, his attack glancing off of Big Inky's slimy exterior. - Iron Claw C skitters towards the group - Dalas attacks Iron Claw B and hits, inflicting it with [[Sap]] and [[Cavalier#Level 3 - Unwavering Mark|Unwavering Mark]]. Iron Claw B is [[Bloodied]]. - Asher casts [[Eldritch Blast]] at Iron Claw A, killing it. He directs his sword to move towards Babau A. - **Round 3** - Babau A moves towards the group and casts [[Heat Metal]] on Big Inky, but the spell fails to take hold. - Dolod throws his Produce Flame at Iron Claw B and hits, bringing it to Death's Door. - Big Inky lands a critical hit on Iron Claw B with his maul, killing it and sending it's pieces scattering across the floor. He approaches Babau A. - Pryn casts [[Sacred Flame]] on Babau A, who succeeds on the save. The spell has no effect. - Iron Claw C approaches Dalas and [[Dodge (Action)|Dodges]]. - Asher backs up and hits Babau A with an Eldritch Blast. He commands his crescent blade closer to Babau A. - **Round 4** - Babau A moves towards Big Inky and stares at him with some magical effect. Big Inky feels an attempt to drain his strength but resists it. Babau A hits Big Inky with a claw attack! - Dolod casts Magnetobolt on Iron Claw C and hits, knocking it [[Prone]]. - Big Inky swings his Maul at Babau A and misses - Pryn attacks Babau A twice and hits twice - Iron Claw C stands up and attacks Dalas who swats it away with his [[Damnstein's Old Wooden Shield|Shield]]. - Dalas hits and kills Iron Claw C. He approaches the Babau. - Asher hits the Babau with another Eldritch Blast and brings his blade closer. - **Round 5** - Babau A attacks Pryn and hits. Dalas [[Interception|Intercepts]] the attack, reducing the damage. Big Inky takes an [[Sentinel|Attack of Opportunity]] and misses. The Babau tries to cast Heat Metal on Dalas again but the spell fails. - Dolod casts Magnetobolt on the Babau and misses. - Big Inky hits the Babau with his [[Glacial Maul]]. The Babau is now [[Bloodied]]. - Pryn attacks the Babau twice and hits once. - Dalas attacks the Babau and misses. - Asher hits the Babau with an Eldritch Blast. His Crescent Blade attacks and misses. - **Round 6** - The Babau attacks Big Inky and Dalas and hits both of them. Dalas Intercepts the attack on Big Inky and Big Inky takes an Attack of Opportunity, hitting the Babau and bringing it to Death's Door. - Dolod hits. - Big Inky hits - Pryn hits 2x. - Dalas hits - Asher hits, killing the Babau! **Combat ends!** The groups finds 11 [[Soul Coin|Obols]] on the Babau. They proceed deeper into the ruins, eventually discovering the [[Portal]] to [[The Abyss]] within. With the portal in front of them, the party's ears are assaulted by the sound of a collapsing stars. The portal itself is a swirling void of black, red, and purple energy. ([[Arcana]]) Ag notices two shapes cut out from the portal, through which the reality behind the portal can be seen. These are [[Port Key|Port Keys]]. Until the missing keys are returned, the portal will remain open. Surely, the keys are within the portal. With no other options available, Dalas steps through. In the space in between he is met with visions of sin, and regret... >A young Dalas, a [[Squire]], sees the people he swore an oath to protected [[Failed Green Blade Escort Mission|Slaughtered]] by [[Urgan's Army|Orcs]] as he flees into the night until he collapses. A monstrosity with pure white eyes leaps at him from the shadows and screams! Ag steps through next. >Ag sees his [[Luma Harbor|Village]], his [[Cirque dei Liberi|Troupe]], his [[The Vindilaworth School of Wizardry|School]]. From each of these things he has been uprooted. Every time he becomes close to someone, his life is inevitably uprooted... Pryn steps through. > Pryn sees the [[The Storming of Morn's Peak|Orcs Storming Nylavorna]]. She had a chance to stay and fight and didn't take it. Now, after having seen [[The Fall of Valikin's Landing]] and the strength of [[Urgan, Doombringer|Urgan]] firsthand, she has no hope any survivors are left... Asher is the next to proceed. > Asher finds comfort in the in-between-ness, though his mind does wander to his [[Valikin's Landing|Home]], leaving [[The Arcantome Institute|The Academy]] both of which have been seemingly destroyed in his absence. Asher wonders how to save them. Asher sees an arc of cards shuffled by skeletal hands and hears laughter... Dolod enters the portal next. > Dolod finds himself standing at the well. A [[Lion-Man with a Flaming Mane]] leading [[Lion-Man with a Flaming Mane's Army|An Army]] lays waste to his family farm, killing [[Dolod's Wife]] and [[Dolod's Children]]. Dolod flees and the lion-man looks down on him with contempt. Finally, Big Inky, reluctantly, enters. > Big Inky kneels on one knee as the [[Inkmire Elders]] banish him. As they speak, there is no sound, but Big Inky bears the weight of his turmoil all the same. Behind the elders [[B'Inky]] sits on the throne. She offers him a chance to join her. ### In [[The Abyss]] The group steps out into a cold, dark, [[Dark Snowy Maze Room|snowy cavern]] somewhere in [[The Abyss]]... The snow crunches loudly under foot. Dalas draws his [[Moon-touched Longsword]], lighting the area around them and casting crisp, pitch black shadows in the otherwise lightless room. Pryn casts [[Light (Spell)|Light]] on her [[Ovranzo's Modified Songsword|Songsword]] to mimic Dalas. Ag casts [[Mage Armor]]. He yells out "Hello!" in [[Abyssal]], and hears back several aggressive responses. Dalas begins to advance down the hallway, where he quickly comes into contact with several [[Spawn of Fear|Spawns of Fear]]! **Combat Begins!** - **Round 1** - Spawn of Fear C attacks Dalas who blocks the attack. The Spawn evokes fear and self loathing in Dalas, who fails is save and takes damage. The Spawn runs away into the maze. - Dolod casts [[Cure Wounds]] on Big Inky and casts [[Produce Flame]]. - Spawn of Fear A attacks Dalas who blocks the attack. The spawn evokes fear and Dalas who saves. - Dalas moves towards Spawn of Fear D. Spawn of Fear A gets an Attack of Opportunity. Dalas attacks Spawn of Fear D and hits, [[Sap|Sapping]] and [[Cavalier#Level 3 - Unwavering Mark|Unwavering Marking]] the demon. - Pryn casts [[Silent Image]] in a clearing behind the Spawns of Fear, creating the image of a cowering, cowardly, prey-like creature. ...Ag. - Asher casts [[Minor Illusion]] on the Image of Ag, creating pathetic, whimpering, Ag-like sounds in it's place. - Big Inky runs past Pryn and attacks Spawn of Fear A with his [[Maul, +1]], but misses. - **Round 2** - Ag rounds the corner and readies an [[Ice Knife]] for when a Spawn of Fear approaches. - Spawn of Fear B attacks Dalas and hits. Dalas is now [[Bloodied]]. The Spawn evokes fear in Pryn, who succeeds on the save and casts [[Swallow Magic]], absorbing the magical energies. - Spawn of Fear C attacks the whimpering illusion of Ag, which does nothing. - Dolod casts [[Healing Word]] on Dalas, He misses Spawn of Fear D with his Produce Flame. - Spawn of Fear A approaches Big and hits him. Dalas [[Interception|Intercepts]] the attack. The spawn invokes fear in Big Inky who saves. The spawn runs away, Big Inky takes an Attack of Opportunity and hits! The Spawn is bloodied. - Spawn of Fear D wastes it's time attacking the image of Ag, then runs away. - Dalas moves forward, blocking an intersection. He [[Ready (Action)|Readies]] an attack for when a spawn approaches. From where he stands, he can see the exit, which seems to have it's own missing [[Port Key]]. Dalas surmises that the spawns must have it, and relays this information back to the group. - Pryn flies quickly to the door, but can't do anything with it. she notices a chest nearby, and tosses it, finding: - 110 Obols - A [[Potion of Healing]] - [[Goggles of Night]] - A [[Spell Scroll of Magic Weapon]] - Asher readies an [[Eldritch Blast]] for when a Spawn of Fear approaches. - Spawn of Fear E approaches Big Inky and hits him. He invokes fear in Big Inky who saves. - Big Inky hits Spawn of Fear E with his maul. Spawn of Fear E is bloodied. - **Round 3** - Ag joins the group down the hallways, where he finally sees the sniveling illusion of him that Pryn and Asher have created. He says "What the hell, Asher?" and readies an [[Ice Knife]]. - Spawn of Fear B approaches Ag, who attacks with his Ice Knife and hits. The Spawn seems immune to Cold damage. The spawn attacks Ag and misses. He invokes fear in Ag, but it doesn't do anything because Ag's unarmed strike against himself deals no damage because he is too weak. - Spawn of Fear C approaches Pryn and hits her. She fails her wisdom save. The spawn runs away and Pryn hits her attack of opportunity. - Dolod groups up with Big Inky and casts Produce Flame. - Spawn of Fear A hits Pryn with an attack. - Spawn of Fear D approaches Dalas. Asher fires his readied Eldritch Blast, hitting and leaving the spawn Bloodied. Dalas succeeds on his save. The Spawn attempts to rush past Dalas who gets an Attack of Opportunity and kills the demon. - Dalas runs past Ag and takes a defensive position between him and unseen Spawns of Fear. - Pryn casts [[Green-Flame Blade]] on Spawn of Fear A and hits. The flames leap to Spawn of Fear E. Pryn notices they are resistant to fire damage. Pryn gives Big Inky a [[Bardic Inspiration]] playing [[Darcy Leap the Wall]]. She hits Spawn of Fear A with an unarmed strike. - Asher moves towards the door and uses a [[Spell Scroll of Healing Word]] on Pryn, then readies an Eldritch Blast for when a Spawn of Fear attacks Pryn. - Spawn of Fear E misses Big Inky with it's attack. It invokes Fear in Big Inky but he saves. - Big Inky attacks Spawn of Fear E and misses. - **Round 4** - Ag moves past Dalas and casts [[Ice Knife]] on Spawn of Fear B, but misses. - Spawn of Fear B approaches and attacks Dalas, who blocks the attack. It invokes fear in Dalas who fails the save. - Spawn of Fear C misses Asher with an attack and fails to invoke fear in him. - Dolod throws a Produce Flame at Spawn of fear E and hits. He casts Produce Flame again. - Spawn of Fear A misses Pryn with an attack. Asher fires an Eldritch Blast as a reaction and kills it. - Dalas hits Spawn of Fear B, leaving it bloodied, sapped, and marked. - Pryn attacks Spawn of Fear E with her Songsword, but misses. - Asher fires an Eldritch Blast at Spawn of Fear E and misses. He remarks that he thinks they need Flint & Steel to activate the door. - Spawn of Fear E misses Big Inky with an attack and invokes fear in him. - Big Inky hits and kills Spawn of Fear E and curses at it in [[Gripptronik]]. - **Round 5** - Ag hides and cowers in a fetal position, now closely resembling the illusory copy of himself. - Spawn of Fear B misses Dalas with it's attack and invokes fear in Dalas before running away. Dalas misses his Attack of Opportunity. - Spawn of Fear C attacks Asher and misses before fleeing. - Dolod casts Cure Wounds on Pryn and casts Produce Flame. - Dalas catches up with Spawn of Fear B and hits, kills it before chasing after Spawn of Fear C. - Pryn tries to open up the door by shoving a candle in the port-key slot. It inexplicably works! She walks through, finding herself on a dimly lit floating sandy platform in a void. There are abyssal symbols on the floor nearby and crystals on the ceiling. She flies up and eats some of the crystals and find that they taste indescribably unique. - Asher follows Pryn through the door. - Big Inky hits Spawn of Fear C, killing it. **Combat ends!** Dalas finds the key and another 139 Obols. Big Inky helps him pick up all the coins off the ground. Dalas gives Ag the [[Sylvan Talon Dagger]] they once looted from [[Corviyag]]'s [[Shipwreck Hut|Hut]] so that he can defend himself against creatures immune to cold and water damage. The group eventually reconvenes in the [[Jump Puzzle Room|Next Room]]. The abyssal glyphs on the floor say "A" and "B". Stepping on one seems to teleport you to a corresponding point elsewhere in the chamber. Pryn flies over to one of the nearby platforms where there is a treasure chest and pressure plates that raise and lower nearby platforms. she jumps on and off the pressure plates repeatedly to make the platforms dance. The rest of the group follows, using the teleporting "B" to regroup with Pryn. To reach Pryn, they must cross a series of small gaps, which most of the group can do with ease except for Ag. The group argues for some time about ways in which they can get Ag to cross, including drinking a [[Potion of Aqueous Form]], having Dolod lay down over the gap and have Ag walk on his back, Ag turning into a [[Manta Ray]], and more. Eventually, Pryn just strips naked and carries Ag across flying. They loot the treasure chest on the far side. It contains: - 94 Obols - 1 [[Potion of Healing]] - 1 [[Dust of Disappearance]] - 1 [[Spell Scroll of Mirror Image]] Seeing that the pressure plates nearby seem to operate platforms on the far side of the chasm, Big Inky, Asher, and Dalas stand on those pressure plates to activate the platforms on the far, side, but Pryn simply flies to other side and investigates. There, she finds another treasure chest, containing: - 86 Obols - 1 [[Potion of Healing]] - 1 [[Dust of Comprehension]] - 1 [[Spell Scroll of Blindness Or Deafness]] She also finds, hidden from the party's view, another chamber filled with four strange yellow targets hanging from the ceiling. It seems as though they could be ignited with an appropriate ranged fire-based attack. The party sends Dolod over, who effortlessly traverses the platforms raised by his allies. Dolod begins casting [[Produce Flame]] and throwing the flame at the targets. As he ignites the first target, a platform rises near the party, leading off towards a huge stone door on the far side of the room. The second target opens the left side of the huge stone door. The third target opens the right side of the huge stone door, but lowers the first platform. The fourth target raises the second platform leading to the stone door, but closes the left side of the huge stone door. Ag relays the functions to Dolod, observing that only the most recent two activations seem to be in affect at the same time. Dolod continues throwing flames at the targets, re-raising the two platforms and closing both sides of the door. Dalas leaves his platform, replaced by Ag, and crosses the platforms and reaches the other side, after which Dolod opens the doors for him, giving Dalas entry into a new chamber. In the chamber, Dalas observes two more pressure plates, as well as a closed door. He steps on the first, which raises a platform with an inactive portal near Dolod, Pryn, and the targets. He steps off that plate, lowering the platform, and onto the other pressure plate, which activates the portal on that platform, but does not raise it. Pryn flies back and joins Dalas and they step on the two pressure plates together, raising and activating the portal near Dolod. Dolod takes 10 minutes to cast [[Find Familiar]], summoning [[Dolod's Familiar|His Familiar]], who he sends through the portal. The portal opens up on the other side, near Dalas and Pryn in the third chamber, and the bat flies through. Dolod casts [[Elementalism]] to create a 1x1x1 block of sand and sends that through. It lands near Dalas and Pryn. It seems Dolod has a way into the final chamber, but the party has seemingly activated every pressure plate, hit every switch, and yet the final door remains closed. The party eventually decides to try closing the doors to the final chamber, which successfully activates the final door, opening a portal to the next room. Dolod sends his bat through, but loses contact as the bat exits the range of Find Familiar's effect. Dolod re-summons his bat, and cycles through the targets again until the doors are closed and the platforms are raised. Big Inky, Asher, and Ag cross the platforms, with Big Inky throwing the boys across the gaps. They eventually reach the other side and Dolod cycles the targets again, lowering the platforms and opening the doors so they might enter. They enter, Dolod closes the doors, opening the final door, and then jumps through the portal himself. The group, now reunited proceeds through the door into [[Arena Room|The Next Room]]! The group finds themselves in a demonic arena as a crowd in the stands above them roars! The ground is covered in volcanic sand and pits of lava, with a steel net over the arena preventing the competitors and audience from interfering with one another. On the far side of the room there is another portal with it's [[Port Key]] missing. Throughout the room there are smaller demons, [[Spawn of Courage|Spawns of Courage]] wielding lances and riding on [[Abyssal Rog|Rogs]], demonic dog-like creatures with skulls for faces and lava-like drool. In the center of the room are four switches, which the party presumes activate *something* to make the battle more interesting. There is a ring of stone circling the room creating a race-track like area of boosted movement speed. Finally, there are three pairs of matching sigils as in the previous room: 'A', 'B', and 'C', which are paired teleporters as before. **Combat Begins!** - Round 1 - Ag creates [[Tidal Puppeteer#Level 3 - Tidal Puppets|Crab Armor]] for himself. He casts [[Ice Knife]] at Spawn of Courage C and critically hits, but observes that the spawn is resistant to cold damage. - Spawn of Courage E approaches Dalas. His Abyssal Rog bites at Dalas who blocks the attack. The Spawn attacks Dalas and hits, using an "Abyssal Smite" but fails to knock Dalas prone. - Pryn casts [[Starry Wisp]] on Spawn of Courage E but misses. - Big Inky enters his [[Order of the Cursed#Level 3 - Curse Made Manifest|Cursed Form]] and hits Abyssal Rog E with his [[Maul, +1]]. He bites the mount next, killing it. He spits the corpse out. - Asher casts [[Invisibility]] and approaches the levers at the center of the room. - Spawns of Courage B and D addresses the crowd, hyping them up as they go. They take the [[Dodge (Action)|Dodge Action]]. - Spawn of Courage C approaches and hits Pryn with a lance attack before retreating. - Spawn of Courage A approaches Dolod and misses his attack, but his mount critically hits. - Dolod retreats through portal 'A', reappearing on the other side of the arena. He [[Hide (Action)|Hides]] behind a pillar and casts [[Produce Flame]]. His familiar [[Disengage (Action)|Disengages]] and joins him. - Dalas [[Attack (Action)|Attacks]] Spawn of Courage E with his [[Moon-touched Longsword]] and misses. - Round 2 - Ag casts [[Water Whip]] on Spawn of Courage A and hits, and again on Spawn of Courage E and hits. - Spawn of Courage E approaches Ag. Big Inky and Dalas get attacks of opportunity, both hit, [[Sap|Sapping]], [[Cavalier#Level 3 - Unwavering Mark|Marking]], and [[Topple|Toppling]] the Spawn. The Spawn stands up and finishes approaching Ag and attacks, but misses. - Pryn approaches Spawn of Courage E and hits him with her [[Ovranzo's Modified Songsword|Songsword]], killing him. - Big Inky approaches Spawn of Courage C. He misses with his maul, but lands a bite. - Asher approaches the closer lever and pulls it. He receives 2 marbles and crushes one in his hands, gaining +1 to Attack Rolls and +1d4 Acid Damage for the remainder of the combat. He c casts [[Produce Flame]]. - Spawn of Courage B dashes towards Pryn. He misses his lance attack. - Spawn of Courage C critically hits Big Inky with a lance attack and uses "Abyssal Smite", Big Inky saves against being knocked prone. His rog bites sat Big Inky and misses. - Spawn of Courage D hides. - Spawn of Courage A approaches Pryn. His mount attacks Pryn and misses, he attacks with his Lance and hits, landing an Abyssal Smite. - Dolod moves towards the center of the room. He casts [[Magnetobolt]] on Spawn of Courage C and hits, leaving him [[Bloodied]]. Dolod's familiar flies towards Pryn. - Dalas approaches Spawn of Courage B and hits it with an attack, sapping and marking the spawn. He drinks a [[Elixir of Holistic Medicine]]. - Round 3 - Ag casts Water Bullet on Spawn of Courage B, bringing it to [[Death's Door]] before hiding back behind the pillar. - Pryn gives a [[Bardic Inspiration]] to Dalas. She Attacks Abyssal Rog A and hits, and then Spawn of Courage A and misses. She proceeds through the teleporter 'A', joining Dolod on the far side of the stadium. - Big Inky hits and kills Spawn of Courage C and then bites his mount. - Asher approaches the center of the room and pulls the other lever, receiving two more orbs. He throws one to Dolod. - Spawn of Courage B and it's mount both attack and miss Ag. - Spawn of Courage C attacks Big Inky and misses. He runs away, but Big Inky misses his attack of opportunity. - Spawn of Courage D attacks Dolod. His mount misses the bite, but the lance attack lands. The spawn uses an "Abyssal Smite" but Dolod saves against being knocked prone. - Spawn of Courage A and it's mount attack Dalas and miss. - Dolod crushes the orb given to him by Asher and gets his own spectral [[Abyssal Rog]] mount! He casts [[Cure Wounds]] on Pryn through his familiar before drinking a [[Potion of Healing]] himself. His Rog bites Spawn of Courage D. His familiar then flies into the center. - Dalas attacks and misses Spawn of Courage B. - Round 4 - Ag casts Water Whip on Spawn of Courage B and misses, but he hits Spawn of Courage A. - Pryn casts Starry Wisp on Spawn of Courage D and hits. - Big Inky moves towards Spawn of Courage B and bites him, killing him, finding the [[Port Key]] to the door on the far end of the room. He takes the [[Dodge (Action)|Dodge Action]]. - Asher casts [[Eldritch Blast]] on Spawn of Courage D and hits. He throws another orb to Pryn. - Abyssal Rog B attacks Big Inky and hits, but Dalas [[Interception|Intercepts]] the attack. - Abyssal Rog C attacks Dolod but misses. - Spawn of Courage D and his mount attack Dolod and miss both times. - Spawn of Courage A goes through teleporter 'A' and attacks Pryn, hitting with both the lance and bite. - Dolod sends his familiar through the portal to aid Big Inky with a [[Cure Wounds]]. His spectral Rog attacks Spawn of Courage D and hits! He casts [[Produce Flame]]. - Dalas attacks Abyssal Rog B and hits, sapping and marking the demonic beast. - Round 5 *To be continued!*