# Summary ## [[The Assassination of Chief Gruiltaxsch]] *[[The Campaign 2 Adventuring Party]]'s return to [[Haven's Breach]] following [[The Restoration of Laverasala]] and [[Post-Restoration of Laverasala Downtime]].* *The party intends to deal with the [[Lizardfolk Colony]], [[Sylvan Experiment Demons]], investigate [[The Door]] now that they have one of it's [[The Three Gems of the Door|Gems]] and resolve the threat to the [[Haven's Breach Quarry]] before finally returning to [[Haven's Breach]].* # Adventure Log ## [[21 Ches 1489]], [[Vevososova]] [[The Campaign 2 Adventuring Party|The Party]], ([[Ag]], [[Amalie Adin|Amalie]], [[Asher Yurei|Asher]], [[Big Inky]], [[Dalas Greybark|Dalas]], [[Dolod]], [[Prynazalya|Pryn]], and [[Yeepo]]) accompanied by their allies [[Tanuryn]], [[Rilker Gelesar|Rilker]], [[Pauma]], and [[John Dungeon]] depart from [[Vevososova]] headed east across the [[Balevon River]] aboard a ferry. The party plans their next steps: - There are several known [[Lizardfolk]] scouting parties throughout the jungle, as well as a main group to the north-east where [[Gruiltaxsch|Chief Gruiltaksch]] is known to be. The party debates taking out the scouting parties first, but considering the long adventure ahead of them, decide to take Gruiltaksch out immediately. - They choose to travel at a [[Travel & Exploration#Travel Pace|careful pace]] for the week ahead at [[Asher Yurei|Asher]]'s suggestion. Everyone is shocked that Asher would ever do anything carefully, but he insists after receiving his recent [[Lingering Injury]] that he is being cautious. Dalas [[Chef#^Bolstering-Treats|Prepares]] some [[Sushi]], a recipe he learned during the [[Vela Spring Equinox Celebrations of 1489|Recent Spring Equinox Celebrations]] and gives them to Pryn and Ag. Pryn remarks on how it is uncooked but Dalas assures her that is the point. ## [[22 Ches 1489]], [[Balevon River]] Dolod [[Travel & Exploration#Travel Distance (Guide)|Guides]] the group ([[Nature]]), reading the waves of the river to determine their path forward for the week ahead. Dolod has great success, improving the group's travel pace for the week. The group lands on the [[East Bank of the Balevon River]] and begins heading north along the shore. ## [[23 Ches 1489]], [[East Bank of the Balevon River]] Pryn asks Dalas if he will make more sushi if she catches some fish, and he agrees. Pryn [[Travel & Exploration#Food & Rest (Hunter)|Hunts]] for fish ([[Acrobatics]]) on the river. She has great success, earning the group two week's worth of [[Rations]]. The group continues traveling north along the shore of the river. ## [[24 Ches 1489]], [[East Bank of the Balevon River]] Asher tries to [[Travel & Exploration#Morale (Motivator)|Motivate]] the group by hyping them up ([[Persuasion]]) about all of the [[Great Beast Blood|Cursed]] purple water they're going to find in drink. If nothing, else, the group is amused by Asher's antics, he has great success. (+1d4 to travel checks next week.) The group continues traveling north along the shore of the river. ## [[25 Ches 1489]], [[East Bank of the Balevon River]] Ag keeps a [[Travel & Exploration#Random Encounters (Lookout)|Lookout]] for danger, ([[Investigation]]) with success. The group finds the site of a recent battle between the [[Vela Army]] and [[Lizardfolk]] forces. The ground is riddled with the corpses of both sides. The group recovers 80 [[Gold]] from the belongings left behind. Dalas finds a banner featuring the [[Symbol of Chief Gruiltaksch]] and takes it. Pryn searches the Lizardfolk for some kind of jewelry, but finds that they mainly take ears and such as their jewelry. Pryn is no longer interested. The group travels east into the [[Eastern Jungle of South Central Xoctl|Eastern Jungle]]. ## [[26 Ches 1489]], [[Eastern Jungle of South Central Xoctl]] Dalas [[Travel & Exploration#Visibility & Points of Interest (Scout)|Scouts]] for nearby signs of life, looking for signs of disturbance around them ([[Nature]]), but fails. The group travels further east into the [[Eastern Jungle of South Central Xoctl|Eastern Jungle]]. ## [[27 Ches 1489]], [[Eastern Jungle of South Central Xoctl]] ## [[28 Ches 1489]], [[Eastern Jungle of South Central Xoctl]] ## [[29 Ches 1489]], [[Eastern Jungle of South Central Xoctl]] ## [[30 Ches 1489]], [[Eastern Jungle of South Central Xoctl]] The group travels further east into the [[Eastern Jungle of South Central Xoctl|Eastern Jungle]], eventually arriving at [[Gruiltaxsch's Camp]]. The camp is surrounded by war banners and filled with makeshift tents made out of [[Dinosaur Leather]] held up by huge tusks of some kind. Many [[Lizardfolk]] patrol the camp. Dolod searches for Gruiltaxsch ([[Perception]]). He doesn't locate the chief but does see a pen full of [[Boar|Boars]] to the north side of the camp and another pen full of [[Oagtzala]] to the north east side of the camp. The group makes camp nearby and plans their attack. Dalas suggests some kind of distraction, but he has few tools to create one. Dolod suggests they light a fire behind someone, making them appear large and imposing, and having someone speak with an imposing voice to scare away the lizardfolk, like in [[Mulan]], a story he knows from back in his home in [[Crescada]]. The group is unfamiliar with Mulan. Dolod asks what stories they do know and Dalas and Pryn mention the [[The Tales of Arzyliamorn (7th Edition)|Tales of Arzyliamorn]]. Asher suggests he cast [[Silent Image]] and Big Inky considers using his [[Order of the Cursed#Level 3 - Curse Made Manifest|Cursed Form]] in order to make it even more imposing. Pryn suggests throwing a cup. Eventually the group settles on some version of Dolod's plan and gets into position. As they sneak up on the camp ([[Stealth]]) it begins to rain. Ahead of them, they see a group of 3 lizardfolk peons led by a [[Geomancer]] trying to wrangle a loose boar back into it's pen. The lizardfolk spot the group, and **Combat Begins**! - **Round 1** - Pryn gives a [[Bardic Inspiration]] to Dalas, playing a [[Song That Sounds Coincidentally Just Like One From Mulan]]. Dalas advances and [[Ready (Action)|Readies]] an attack for if one of the Lizardfolk approach. Pryn flies up to Lizardfolk Peon 1 and [[Attack (Action)|Attacks]], hitting him twice. The peon is perplexed by Pryn's glowing scales. He adopts a low combat stance. Pryn adopts an even lower stance ([[Intimidation]]) and establishes dominance over the lizardfolk. Pryn hisses. - Intimidated, Lizardfolk Peon 1 [[Disengage (Action)|Disengages]] and flees. - Lizardfolk Peon 2 approaches Pryn and attacks, misses. - The rampaging boar attacks Lizardfolk Peon 3 and misses. - Asher casts [[Eldritch Blast]] on Peon 3 and hits! - The Lizardfolk Geomancer creates a Hail of Stone around Dalas and Pryn, both succeed on their saves as they are pelted with an implosion of stones. Lizardfolk 2 fails his save and takes additional damage. - Lizardfolk Peon 3 attacks Pryn and hits. - Ag casts [[Water Whip]] on Peon 2, hitting and killing him. Using [[Lightning Caster]] he also attacks Peon 3 with a [[Ray of Frost]] as his water whip freezes and crashes down, hits. - Big Inky uses [[Blood Hunter#Crimson Rite|Crimson Rite]], infusing his attacks with lightning damage. He attacks the Geomancer with his [[Big Inky's Hand Ballista|Hand Ballista]] and hits. - Dolod casts [[Produce Flame]] and throws it at Peon 3, hits. - **Round 2** - Pryn attacks Peon 3 and misses, hissing at the lizardfolk before moving closer to Dalas. - Dalas attacks Peon 3 and misses. - Peon 1 approaches Peon 2 and begins to feast on his corpse, regaining hit points. - The raging [[Giant Boar]] attacks Dalas and hits, knocking him [[Prone]]. - Asher attacks the boar with Eldritch Blast and then hides behind a nearby tree. - The Geomancer casts [[Spike Growth]] in an area around Asher and Big Inky. - Peon 3 feasts on Peon 2's corpse, regaining hit points. He attacks Dalas and misses. - Ag casts Water Whip on Peon 1 and hits, pulling it closer to Pryn and causing it to trip over the corpse of Peon 2 and fall prone. The whip again turns to ice and shatters on Peon 3, hitting (Ray of Frost). - Big Inky shoots at the Geomancer again and misses. - Dolod casts [[Healing Word]] on Dalas and prepares to [[Dodge (Action)|Dodge]] incoming enemy attacks. - **Round 3** - Dalas insists he can handle the lizardfolk and boars and urges Pryn to take care of the Geomancer. Pryn isn't so sure. She casts [[Cloud of Daggers]] near the boar and peon 3 before letting out a [[Kobold#Draconic Cry|Draconic Cry]]. - Dalas pulls himself back to his feet. He tells the boar to "go on, get!" ([[Animal Handling]]) but the boar disregards him. - Peon 1 attacks Pryn and hits, Dalas [[Interception|Intercepts]] the attack, reducing the damage. - The boar attacks Peon 1 and misses. - Asher runs through the spike growth and casts eldritch blast on the geomancer, hits. - The geomancer fire bursts of earth at Asher and misses. He attacks Big Inky and critically hits. He retreats behind a nearby cliff. - Ag casts water Whip on the boar and hits. The whip shatters into ice again and hits Peon 1. - Big Inky fires a bolt near the hidden Geomancer, hoping to shock him and end his concentration. He succeeds! Spike Growth ends. - Dolod casts Produce Flame and throws it at Peon 1, hits. - **Round 4** - Pryn moves her Cloud of Daggers near Peon 1 and the boar and hisses at Peon 1. She backs up. Peon 1 gets an attack of opportunity but misses. She flies towards the Geomancer. - Dalas moves closer to the boar and Peon 1. He attacks Peon 1 and hits, killing the lizardfolk. - The boar moves towards Ag. Dalas gets an Attack of Opportunity and hits, [[Sap|Sapping]] the boar. The Boar charges Ag and misses the attack narrowly. - Asher moves towards the Geomancer and casts [[Thaumaturgy]]. he says "**Stop hiding!**" at twice his normal volume. - The Geomancer emerges from his hiding spot and casts another Hail of Stone on Big Inky, Pryn, and Asher before retreating again. Big and Pryn save, but Ash fails his save as they are assaulted with rocks from all sides. - Ag pulls out his [[Dagger]] and attacks the boar but misses. - Big Inky closes the distance with the Geomancer with a [[Grippli#Frog Hop|Frog Hop]]. He fires his ballista at the lizardfolk and kills him. - Dolod steps back. The boar takes an attack of opportunity and misses. Dolod casts [[Ray of Sickness]] on the Boar, hitting and killing it. **Combat ends!** The group proceeds ahead, finding no other lizardfolk around, but footprints leading towards the cliffs to the southwest. Given the lack of structures in the area, the group presumes there is a nearby cave. Ahead, the group begins to hear a voice calling out for help coming from a small cave in the center of the encampment. The group goes to investigate. with Dalas leading the way carefully. Inside the cave, the group finds a [[Flayed Vela Soldier|Vela]] nailed to a board, his skin from the torso up flayed and his eyes plucked out while he still lives. The flayed vela begs for mercy. Asher remarks how gross the situation is and Dalas calls Dolod for aid. Dolod casts [[Healing Word]] on the soldier. Though it cannot heal the extent of injuries he has received, it at least dulls the pain. Dalas gets him down from the board and asks him what he knows. He is a [[Soldier]] in the [[Vela Army]] who was captured after the recent battle. He says that there are other Vela, at least five more, in the cave to the South-West and implores us to help them. The group agrees to help. The group asks him what he thinks of the name "The Saucy Individuals" and he finds it wholly unimportant to the situation at hand. Pryn stays behind to aid the fatally wounded soldier. Asher asks Dolod for some healing, and Dolod casts [[Healing Word]] on him twice. With renewed purpose, the rest of the group approaches the cave to the south-west. Outside the entrance to the cave there is a sleeping Lizardfolk guard with a distended stomach, he seems to have eaten more than his fill recently. Enraged by the barbarism of the Lizardfolk, Dalas stabs him in the chest and Asher follows up with an [[Eldritch Blast]], killing him, seemingly without alerting anyone else. Ag searches his person and finds 9 [[Gold]] and a [[Shortsword]]. The group enters the cave led by Big Inky and Asher, who have the best [[Darkvision]]. The group proceeds down a crude staircase, eventually arriving at a fork in the path. To the left, the group sees a dark path obscured by a stack of hastily constructed crates. To the right, a dimly lit path indicating a fire deeper within the cave along with echoes of chattering in [[Lizardtronik]]. The group puts it up to a vote and decides to go left. Big Inky uses his [[Maul, +1]] to smash through the crates and finds behind it some kind of [[Giant Spider]] den in pitch black darkness. The cavern is damp, and eerily quiet. Big Inky sees webs and the furry leg of a spider. ([[Stealth]]) He is fairly certain the spiders have noticed him. The group, not wanting to engage in an unnecessary battle, decides to turn around and take the other path. ([[Perception]]) and seems not to be followed. As the group proceeds into the dim light of the right path they see many cave drawings drawn in red paint, or maybe blood. Ag looks behind them again ([[Perception]]) and still doesn't see any spiders following. Dalas takes the lead again now that they are in the light. The group advances until they eventually come across a group of three Lizardfolk [[Peon|Peons]] and some kind of dark [[Shaman]]. The group gets the drop on them. **Combat begins!** - **Round 1** - Dolod casts [[Produce Flame]] - Big Inky [[Ready (Action)|Readies]] an attack with [[Big Inky's Hand Ballista|His Hand Ballista]] for when he has a clear shot. - Dalas advances and [[Dash (Action)|Dashes]], triggering a tripwire and getting hit with a swinging log trap, knocking him [[Prone]]. He stands back up and closes the distance with the Peon B and C. - Asher readies an [[Eldritch Blast]] for when he has a clear shot on the Shaman. - Ag fires a [[Ray of Frost]] at Peon C and hits! He fires another at the Shaman and hits! - **Round 2** - Peon B attacks Dalas, Dalas blocks it easily. - Dolod throws his flame at Peon B and hits. - Peon A fires a [[Longbow]] at Big Inky and hits, then takes cover behind a pillar. Big Inky fires his readied attack back, but misses. - The Shaman casts [[Spirit Guardians]] and steps into clear view. Asher fires his Eldritch Blast, hitting and immediately breaking the Shaman's concentration. - Big Inky looks for traps before proceeding ([[Investigation]]) but doesn't find any. He moves towards Peon A and falls into a trap pit! Big Inky uses [[Grippli#Frog Hop|Frog Hop]] to jump out with ease and closes the distance. He attacks the Peon with his maul and hits. He attempts to [[Topple]] the Peon but fails. - Dalas attacks Peon B with his [[Moon-touched Longsword]] and hits. He [[Sap|Saps]] and [[Cavalier#Level 3 - Unwavering Mark|Marks]] the peon. - A [[Geomancer]] burrows into the cavern and emerges near Dalas! He fires two rock attacks at Asher and hits both times, knocking Asher unconscious! Asher receives a Hobbled Arm [[Lingering Injury]]. - Asher fails his first Death Saving Throw. - Ag uses a [[Healer's Kit]] to stabilize Asher before taking cover behind a rock. - Peon C attacks Dalas and hits. - **Round 3** - Peon B [[Disengage (Action)|Disengages]] and runs away, fearing for his life. - Dolod gives Asher a [[Potion of Healing]] and throws a [[Produce Flame]] at Peon C, missing. - Peon A makes an attack on Big Inky and hits. - The Shaman casts [[Healing Word]] on Peon B and fires a Necrotic Flame at Dalas which he blocks. Dalas can tell that attack would have been particularly painful. - Big Inky attacks Peon A and misses. He drinks a Potion of Healing. - Dalas moves towards the Geomancer. Peon C takes an Attack of Opportunity and misses. Dalas attacks the Geomancer and misses. He uses [[Fighter#Level 2 Action Surge|Action Surge]] and attacks again, hitting, sapping, and marking him. - The Geomancer, backed into a corner, casts [[Meld into Stone]] to get away from Dalas. Dalas gets an Attack of Opportunity and misses. - Asher, awake again, is confused what has happened to him in the last 6 seconds. He stands up and casts [[Eldritch Blast]] on the Shaman and hits before taking cover behind a pillar. - Ag casts [[Water Bullet]] on the Shaman and hits, killing him with a spinning disc of water that launches and sprays out in many tiny piercing water projectiles. Ag hides behind a pillar. - Peon C closes the distance with Ag and attacks, but misses. - **Round 4** - Peon B attacks Dalas and misses. - Dolod casts Healing Word on Asher and casts Produce Flame. While moving, he falls into a pit trap but effortlessly exits thanks to his [[Slippers of Spider Climbing|Jordans of Spider Climbing]]. - Peon A attacks Big Inky and misses. He runs away, giving Big an Attack of Opportunity, which he also misses. - Big Inky closes the distance with Peon A and attacks him, hitting and killing him. Big Inky eats a [[Tintrelle]]. - Dalas readies an attack for when the Geomancer exits the wall. - The Geomancer exits the wall. Dalas performs his attack, hitting. The Geomancer attacks Dalas back at close range, hitting once and missing once. Dalas declares that they are the "Stone Cold ...something or other", but the Geomancer doesn't speak [[Common]]. - Asher casts [[Eldritch Blast]] on Peon C and hits. - Ag casts Ray of Frost on Peon C and hits. He moves away from Peon C, but realizes that puts him near a pit, and moves back towards Peon C instead. - Peon C attacks Ag and hits! - **Round 5** - Peon B attacks Dalas and critically hits! - Dolod throws a Produced Flame at Peon C, hitting. He casts Produce Flame again. - Big Inky attacks Peon B and misses. his Maul smashes into the cave wall. - Dalas attacks the Geomancer and hits, killing him and slicing his neck. Dalas uses [[Fighter#Level 1 Second Wind|Second Wind]], preparing himself for the battles ahead. - Asher casts Eldritch Blast at Peon C, hitting and killing him. - Ag hits Peon B with a Ray of Frost. - Peon B, alone against overwhelming odds, takes his own life rather than fight on. **Combat ends!** The group hears some kind of chanting from deeper within the cave. Big Inky searches for mushrooms or other flora ([[Survival]]). He finds: - [[Jelly Moss]] - [[Pop Quartz]] Dalas searches for signs of prisoners. He finds evidence of struggle and of people being dragged through the cave, along with a scale from a piece of [[Scale Mail]], which he takes. Ag uses his [[Periapt of Health]]. Amongst the defeated Lizardfolk, the party finds: - 43 Gold - An [[Arcane Focus]] - A [[Potion of Comprehension]] - A [[Spell Scroll of Pass Without Trace]], which Ag takes. As the party searches the room, Dalas stands guard near the tunnel leading deeper into the cave. Pryn enters the cave. When she reaches the fork a friendly giant spider directs her in the direction of her allies. Pryn quickly catches up with the group, finding them winded after the recent battle. The group catches Pryn up on the situation, including the large number of traps in the cave. Dolod gives a [[Potion of Healing]] to Pryn, which she immediately drinks. The group advances down the corridor, arriving safely at a juncture with three paths. One seems to loop back to the spider den while two others lead to as of yet unseen rooms. In the right path, there seems to be many small fires flickering somewhere around the corner, seemingly from [[Candle|Candles]] made of pungent beeswax. It also does not seem to be the source of the chanting. The left path is the source of the chanting, and also the smell of sulfur and acid. The party debates which path to take. Pryn obviously wants a candle, but the group decides they can grab one on the way out. Meanwhile, Ag searches the junction chamber and finds a pit trap and also a small pool of water. Dolod uses his [[Dolod's Artifact|Artifact]] and discovers that the pool of water connects to another room. Ag jumps in, swimming about 30 feet north east before discovering an exit, he emerges, finding himself inside a well. He looks around and finds a [[Giant Boar]] and several normal size [[Boar|Boars]] in a makeshift pigsty. Nearby, a [[Lizardfolk Hogmaster]] humming as he works some metal. Nearby, there also seems to be a treasure chest. Meanwhile, Dalas and Pryn search down the left fork a short distance and catch a glimpse into the next room. They are met with a chill wind and, inexplicably, the sight of snow underground. The group regroups and discusses what they have learned. Dalas suggests that the group create some kind of distraction in the other room before advancing. Dolod suggests he could speak with the boars using [[Speak With Animals]]. He ritually casts the spell and swims through the underwater tunnel with Ag, eventually emerging on the other side. Dolod attempts to persuade ([[Animal Handling]]) the Boars to attack their Lizardfolk masters. The [[Honorable Giant Boar]] regards the "creature in the well" kindly and quickly agrees, citing his own suspicions that the lizardfolk have been eating the boars. He rallies the other boars and leads them in an attack on the blacksmith! Dolod expresses his deep respect for the boars. Dolod and Ag return to the group. Once regrouped, the party charges into the next chamber. They find the next chamber is rather large, with huge acid pits, four un-lit bonfires, and a ritual site amidst four pillars where there is a magical swirling veil of blizzard. The blizzard seems extremely dangerous, as if it would kill someone who entered it almost immediately. On the ground, there is fresh snow. Pryn and Big Inky both eat some snow. It reminds Pryn of home, but Big Inky just thinks it tastes like water. Ag inspects the [[Gruiltaxsch's Blizzard Ritual|Ritual]] ([[Arcana]]). It has several casters maintaining it and seems to consist primarily of [[Evocation]] magic. Dalas searches for signs of the captive Vela soldiers. It appears that bodies were dragged through this room prior to the ritual beginning. Dolod casts [[Produce Flame]] and throws it at one of the bonfires: the veil weakens in response, enough that three silhouettes can be seen inside. Pryn approaches the very edge of the veil and casts [[Detect Thoughts]] on the figure at the center of the ritual. > Craving for power. > Eager for the support of [[Gruiltaxsch's Tribe|The Tribe]]. > "With [[Glacial Maul|This Thing]], I can take what's mine." Pryn tries to probe deeper, but the creature inside resists. The spell ends. Pryn casts [[Cloud of Daggers]] where she knows the creature to be! Dalas [[Ready (Action)|Readies]] an attack for when something crosses through the veil. Dolod continues lighting the bonfires. The veil weakens further. The silhouettes are easier to see now, constantly moving within their circle now to avoid Pryn's spell. ([[Perception]]) Pryn identifies the biggest guy and moves her cloud of daggers onto his new location. Dolod uses [[Wildshape]] to summon a [[Familiar]], a [[Fey Bat]]. Big Inky lights a [[Ballista Bolt]] using Dolod's flame and shoots it at the farthest bonfire, ending the ritual! [[Gruiltaxsch|Chief Gruiltaksch]] and his [[Shaman|Shamans]] are revealed! Chief Gruiltaxsch wields a large icy [[Glacial Maul|Maul]] and his eyes glow a piercing ice blue. **Combat Begins!** - **Readied Actions** - Gruiltaxsch uses his [[Ready (Action)|Readied]] action to charge at the group! Dalas' readied attack is triggered and he swings as the chief approaches, but misses. - Shaman A & B cast [[Spirit Guardians]]. Shaman A casts a Necrotic Flame at Ag and hits. - **Round 1** - Pryn attacks Gruiltaxsch and hits. She gives a [[Bardic Inspiration]] to Ag, playing [[Sea Shanty 2]]. She makes an unarmed strike on Gruiltaxsch and misses. She then moves behind Dalas. - [[Ice Mephit|Ice Mephits]] spawn at the center of the ritual and begin to fly towards the lit bonfires. - Asher casts [[Magician's Crescent Blade (Spell)|Magician's Crescent Blade]] near Gruiltaxsch. The blade swings and hits! - Shaman B casts [[Healing Word]] on Gruiltaxsch and dashes towards the group. Asher, Ag and Pryn save against Spirit Guardians. Dalas fails. - Big Inky fires his [[Big Inky's Hand Ballista|Hand Ballista]] at Shaman B and hits. He succeeds on his concentration check. Big Inky puts the [[Blood Curse of Bloated Agony]] on Gruiltaxsch. - Shaman A attacks Dalas and misses, and attack Asher and hits before hiding behind a nearby pillar. - Gruiltaxsch bites at Dalas who blocks the attack. He moves closer to Ag. Pryn makes an Attack of Opportunity and hits. Gruiltaxsch telegraphs a sweeping attack that will hit Pryn, Dalas, and Asher if they do not move before his next turn. - Dalas hits Gruiltaxsch, [[Sap|Sapping]] him and placing an [[Cavalier#Level 3 - Unwavering Mark|Unwavering Mark]] on him. He uses his [[Laverasala Curse Set]] to place a curse on Gruiltaxsch. He remains in the Shaman's spirit guardians but saves against the damage. Dalas is still in Gruiltaxsch's telegraphed zone. - Ag casts [[Water Bullet]] on Gruiltaxsch using his own blood and hits. Gruiltaxsch gains 1 stack of curse due to Ag's [[Laverasala Curse Set]]. Ag drinks a [[Potion of Healing]]. He takes a step back. - Dolod throws a flame at Shaman B and hits. Shaman B drops concentration on Spirit Guardians! He casts Produce Flame again and uses his [[Staff of Deterring Flame]] to grant Dalas Temporary Hit Points. - [[Dolod's Familiar]] flies forwards. - **Round 2** - Pryn casts Cloud of Daggers again on top of Gruiltaxsch and Shaman B. She gives a Bardic Inspiration to Dalas and hits Gruiltaxsch with an unarmed strike. She attempts to run out of range of Gruiltaxsch's attack, but Shaman B hits her with an Attack of Opportunity, knocking her unconscious within range of Gruiltaxsch's imminent attack. Pryn receives a [[Lingering Injury]]: a Wound to her Right Leg. Unconscious, Pryn's mind wanders home, to the cold skies above [[Morn's Peak]]... - 2 more Ice Mephits spawn and begin flying towards the bonfires as the others continue to extinguish the fires nearby. - Lizardfolk reinforcements arrive! Peon A runs into the room and takes the [[Dodge (Action)|Dodge Action]]. - Asher casts [[Eldritch Blast]] at Shaman A and hits. His Magician's Crescent Blade attacks the Shaman as well and misses. - Shaman B casts [[Healing Word]] on Gruiltaxsch. He swings his [[Mace]] at Dalas and hits, knocking him unconscious! Dalas receives a [[Lingering Injury]]: a wound to his right leg. The Shaman leaves the area that Gruiltaxsch is about to unleash his attack in. - Big Inky pulls Pryn out of Gruiltaxsch's area of attack. He fires his Ballista at Gruiltaxsch and misses. He uses his [[Spell Scroll of Healing Word]] to heal Pryn! - Shaman C enters! - Amalie uses [[Rogue#Level 3 Steady Aim|Steady Aim]] and throws a [[Soulknife#Level 3 Psychic Blades|Psychic Blade]] at Gruiltaxsch but misses. - The remaining boars rush in! though the [[Honorable Giant Boar]] is not among them. Boar A enters and charges at Shaman A, but is hurt by the Shaman's Spirit Guardians. - Boar F enters. - Shaman A hits Boar A, killing it, then casts Healing Word on Gruiltaxsch. - Gruiltaxsch swings, unleashing a savage sweeping icy attack, but hitting only Dalas, who is unconscious already. Dalas takes 1 death saving throw. Dalas' unconscious mind wanders home, to [[Respite]], to his days training in [[The Order of the Green Blades]], frustrated with the subpar results of his training. His Mentor, [[Sigmund Call]] reassures Dalas: they are called to try and die trying. That is enough. Gruiltaxsch makes a bite attack against Ag but misses. He swings his maul at Ag and hits, but takes damage from Big Inky's [[Blood Curse of Bloated Agony]]. Ag is knocked unconscious! He receives a [[Lingering Injury]]: a wound to his chest. Gruiltaxsch prepares another sweeping avalanche attack facing towards the rest of the group again. - Boar C dashes towards the lizardfolk entering the room. - A [[Son of Gruiltaxsch|Berserker]] enters. - Dalas succeeds on his death saving throw. (1 Success, 1 Failure) His mind wanders forward in time, to him training in the courtyard of [[Call Keep]] with renewed purpose. - Ag succeeds on his death saving throw. His mind is in darkness, filled with regret. - Peon B and C enter. - Dolod gives Pryn a [[Potion of Healing]]. Dolod's Familiar [[Dash (Action)|Dashes]] to Ag, allowing Dolod to cast [[Cure Wounds]] through the bat and healing Ag. - **Round 3** - Pryn looks up at Big Inky with awe and admiration, but her mood sours when she sees Dalas is down. She casts Healing Word on Dalas, playing [[Lo! The Blades Ride O'er Yonder Hill]]. She casts [[Starry Wisp]] on Gruiltaxsch and misses, then hides behind Big Inky. - The Ice Mephits continue to claw at and extinguish the bonfires. - Peon A attacks Boar F and critically hits. - Asher sends his Crescent Blade after Shaman A and hits, breaking his concentration on Spirit Guardians. He fires and Eldritch Blast at Gruiltaxsch and hits. - Shaman B fires a Necrotic Flame at Asher and hits, then backs up away from combat. - Boar E attacks Shaman B and misses. - Big Inky runs in, pushing Dalas out of Gruiltaxsch's attack range before running back out and entering his [[Order of the Cursed#Level 3 - Curse Made Manifest|Cursed Form]]. - Shaman C fires a Necrotic Flame at Big Inky and hits. - Amalie throws another Psychic Blade at Gruiltaxsch and misses. She throws another as a Bonus Action and misses. - Boar F attacks Peon A and hits - Shaman A backs up and fires a Necrotic Flame at Dalas, hitting and knocking him unconscious. Dalas receives a Lingering Injury: Hobbled Legs. - Gruiltaxsch makes his sweeping Avalanche attack again, hitting nobody. He approaches Big Inky and makes a Bite attack, hitting and knocking Big Inky unconscious, but Gruiltaxsch is injured by ingesting Big Inky's cursed blood. Big Inky receives a Lingering Injury, a Wound to his Chest. Gruiltaxsch approaches Pryn and makes an attack with his Maul, but misses. He takes damage from Blood Curse of Bloated Agony. - Boar C attacks Peon A and hits. - Ag casts [[Water Bullet]] on Gruiltaxsch, inflicting the final stack of **Cursed** from his [[Laverasala Curse Set]] and triggering the barnacles on Gruiltaxsch to explode as he is riddled with holes from Ag's water bullet spell. Ag deals **39** points of damage and Gruiltaxsch is killed! He falls of the ledge he is standing on, dropping his [[Glacial Maul]]. - Boar B and C enter the room, dashing to join the fray. - Dolod casts Produce Flame and throws it at Shaman B but misses. He uses a charge from his [[Staff of Deterring Flame]], granting Asher Temporary Hit Points. He sends his Bat over to Dalas to [[Help (Action)|Help]]. - **Round 4** - Pryn gives a Potion of Healing to Big Inky and casts Healing Word on Dalas. She urges the group to leave now that Gruiltaxsch is dead. - The Ice Mephits continue to extinguish the flames. The icy veil returns, obscuring everything within. - Asher sends his crescent blade to attack Shaman B and hits. He fires an Eldritch Blast at Mephit C and hits. - Shaman B is enraged with the death of Gruiltaxsch. He attacks Dalas who blocks the attack. - Boar E attacks Shaman B and misses - Big Inky picks up the [[Glacial Maul]]. He fires his Ballista at Shaman B, critically hitting and killing him, sending him flying backwards and pinning the corpse to a pillar. Big Inky follows Pryn's guidance and begins to fall back. - Shaman C is damaged by the icy veil. They fire a Necrotic Flame at Dalas and miss. - Amalie throws a Psychic Blade at Shaman C and misses - Boar F takes damage from the icy veil and dies. - Shaman A emerges from the Veil and makes a mace attack against Dalas, who blocks the attack. - Boar C takes damage from the veil and flees. - The Berserker continues to approach. - Dalas uses Second Wind. He attacks Shaman A and hits, sapping and marking the shaman. Dalas yells that they can't leave, and need to stay to save the Vela soldiers. - Ag fires a [[Ray of Frost]] at Shaman A and misses - Peon B takes damage from the veil before emerging. He attacks Ag and hits, but Pryn uses [[Silvery Barbs]] causing the attack to miss. Pryn gives Dalas Advantage. - Peon C takes damage from the veil and emerges, dashing past Dalas and Ag. - Dolod throws a Produce Flame at Peon C and uses a charge from his Staff of Deterring Flame to grant Big Inky Temporary Hit Points. - **Round 5** - Pryn now remembers that they need to save the Vela. She casts [[Sacred Flame]] and hits Shaman A, who is now [[Bloodied]]. Pryn awkwardly tries to slide between Big Inky's legs ([[Acrobatics]]) but bumps into him. Pryn gives a Bardic Inspiration to Dalas. and makes an Unarmed Strike on Peon C, hitting. - The Ice Mephits further dismantle the bonfires. the Veil strengthens. - Asher casts Eldritch Blast, hitting Shaman A. He sends the Crescent Blade after the Berserker and misses. - Boar E attacks Shaman A and hits. - Shaman C casts Healing Word on Shaman B and moves to exit the veil. He fires a Necrotic Flame at Big Inky and hits. - Big Inky fires his Ballista at Shaman C and Hits. Shaman C is now [[Bloodied]]. - Amalie throws a Psychic Blade at Shaman C and misses. Another, and hits. - Shaman A attacks Dalas and misses. He retreats into the veil. Dalas takes an Attack of Opportunity and misses. - The Berserker moves towards the party and takes the [[Dodge (Action)|Dodge Action]]. - Dalas attacks Shaman C and hits, killing him. Dalas uses Second Wind. - Ag casts Ray of Frost on Peon B and misses. He casts another at Peon C and hits and kills the lizardfolk. - Peon B attacks Ag and hits, but Dalas [[Interception|Intercepts]] the attack, completely negating the damage. - Dolod casts and throws a Produce Flame at Peon B and hits. - **Round 6** - Pryn casts [[Starry Wisp]] on Peon B and misses. She stomps and pouts in frustration, which Big Inky remarks is "adorable" in [[Gripptronik]]. - The Mephits continue to dismantle the fires. The veil grows even stronger into a crystalized state. - Asher sends his Cursed Blade after Shaman A and hits. He casts Eldritch Blast at Peon B and hits, killing the peon. - Boar E flees. - Big Inky kicks the body of Peon B into the acid below. He shoots Peon C who is now on death's door. - Amalie throws a Psychic Blade at Mephit C, hitting and killing it in an icy explosion. She moves to regroup with Dalas and Ag at the front. - Shaman A flees. - The Berserker emerges from the veil: the spitting image of [[Gruiltaxsch]] but younger, and perhaps even more savage, filled with fury. The [[Son of Gruiltaxsch]] makes a [[Barbarian#Level 2 Reckless Attack|Reckless Attack]] against Dalas with his [[Spitfire|Shortsword]], hitting. Pryn uses [[Silvery Barbs]] but the attack still hits. - Dalas attacks back with his longsword and hits! - Ag casts [[Water Bullet]] on the Son and hits! He's now [[Bloodied]]! The Son's sword begins to glow hot. - Dolod throws a [[Produce Flame]] at the son and hits. He casts Produce Flame again. - **Round 7** - Pryn casts [[Guiding Bolt]] on the son and hits, killing him! She tries to mimic Dolod's Produce Flame, creating and throwing a ball of light. It hits the son and he falls backwards into the icy veil which begins to shred his body. Pryn hides behind Big Inky. Now only the Ice Mephits remain. - Ice Mephit A flies towards the party and casts [[Fog Cloud]], obscuring Pryn, Big Inky, Asher and Dolod's vision. - Ice Mephit B flies towards Amalie and attacks, hits. - Ice Mephit B flies towards Ag and attacks, misses. - Boar E hides behind Big Inky. - Big Inky attacks Ice Mephit D with his Glacial Maul and hits, but the Ice Mephit is immune to Cold damage. He bites at the Mephit again and hits. The Mephit is on [[Death's Door]]. - Amalie attacks Ice Mephit D with her [[Dagger of Venom]] and kills it, it explodes, dealing damage to Ag, Amalie, and Big Inky. Amalie's cigarette is extinguished by the cold. - Asher brings his blade closer to the party and runs out of the fog. He casts Eldritch Blast and hits Ice Mephit B. - Shaman A flees. - Dalas grabs the Son's heated sword off the ground and attacks Ice Mephit A with it and hits. The sword cools in his hand. He [[Cavalier#Level 3 - Unwavering Mark|Marks]] the Mephit. - Ag casts [[Create or Destroy Water]] on the Fog Cloud, destroying it. He slides under Big Inky's legs and hides behind him. - Dolod throws Produce Flame at Ice Mephit A and kills it, it explodes, damaging Dalas. He casts Produce Flame again. - Pryn casts [[Sacred Flame]] on Ice Mephit B, who succeeds on the save, but in the process relites Amalie's cigarette. - Ice Mephit B breathes ice breath on Dalas and Big Inky, who both succeed on their saves, taking minimal cold damage. - Asher's Blade attacks Ice Mephit B and misses. He casts Eldritch Blast and hits. - Big Inky [[Disengage (Action)|Disengages]] and backs up. - Amalie disengages and backs up, critically hitting Ice Mephit B with a psychic blade and killing it. **Combat Ends!** The veil collapses, the ritual ends, and the chamber falls to silence. Asher gives a [[Potion of Healing]] to Big Inky, who drinks it immediately. Dalas searches the bodies of the lizardfolk and finds a keyring. Ag searches the Ice Mephits and finds 4 pieces of [[Turquoise]] worth 10 [[Gold]] each. From the Shamans the group finds 91 [[Gold]] and two [[Spellcasting Focus|Foci]] worth 10 [[Gold]] each. On the son the group finds a [[Potion of Hill Giant Strength]]. To the left, the [[Lizardfolk Hogmaster]]'s chamber and forge, straight ahead, there is a treasure room, and to the right is the room where the prisoners are seemingly being held. Pryn rushes right for the treasure hoard and jumps on it! In the treasure hoard they find: - 1000 [[Gold]] - 1360 [[Silver]] - 2300 [[Copper]] - 1 [[Carved Ivory Idol]] worth 250 [[Gold]]. - 1 [[Pearl]] worth 100 [[Gold]]. - 1 [[Potion of Healing]] - 1 [[Potion of Healing (Greater)]] - 2 [[Potion of Mana|Potions of Mana]] - 1 [[Imbued Healer's Kit]] - 2 [[Elixir of Holistic Medicine|Elixirs of Holistic Medicine]]. Dolod takes one. The group also finds a slew of magic items. Ag spends 10 minutes casting [[Identify]] to learn they are: - A [[Circlet of Blasting]] which Pryn takes. - A [[Wand of Ice Knife]] which Ag takes. - A [[Claw of the Great Rock Lizard]] - A set of [[Pipes of Horror]] - A set of [[Gloves of Thievery]] Ag also identifies Gruiltaxsch's maul, discovering it is a [[Glacial Maul]] and the son's shortsword, [[Spitfire]]. The group goes to check on the prisoners, finding that Shaman A is in the room, executing the prisoners, with two Vela already dead! The group rushes to defeat Shaman A, and **Combat Begins!** - Dalas attacks with [[Spitfire]] and misses! - Dolod casts Produce Flame and throws it, hits - Asher casts [[Inflict Wounds]]. The Shaman fails his save and is killed as he is enveloped in darkness and the life is sucked from him. **Combat Ends!** The remaining captives are horrified, but relieved they seem to have been saved. There are also several [[Grippli]] captives. Dalas begins working through the key ring to unlock the doors. Pryn, impatient, starts kicking the doors while Ag freezes the locks for, opening two of the doors before Dalas can unlock the third. Pryn tries and fails to greet the Grippli in [[Gripptronik]] but they are relieved that the party is friendly. The leader of the Grippli introduces himself as [[Tzol Toag]] and asks in broken [[Common]] if the "big bird" is still outside. The party is unsure what he's talking about and try a variety of languages when speaking to him, including [[Aquan]] and [[Draconic]], neither of which is successful (though Asher can speak [[Draconic]]). After a little bit of confusion the party figures out that he's talking about the [[Oagtzala|feathered bipedal raptors in the pen outside]]. the party thinks he is talking about chickens and he readily accepts this word for the creatures outside. He offers to give the party a set of mounts in exchange for rescuing him. Dalas unlocks the cells for the fallen Vela, who the survivors mourn and begin to prepare funeral rites. The surviving Vela ask about the survivors outside, and the party mentions the [[Flayed Vela Soldier]] who is not long for this world. Sorrowful, the survivors mention wanting to return home and the party confirms the path back to [[Vevososova]] should be clear. The party searches the corpse of Shaman A, finding 16 [[Gold]] and a [[Spellcasting Focus]] worth 10 gold. The party takes a [[Long Rest]] over the next week. ## [[1 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Gruiltaxsch's Camp]] The party continues searching the cave and finds a [[Spell Scroll of Prayer of Healing]]. ## [[2 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Gruiltaxsch's Camp]] The party searches the [[Lizardfolk Hogmaster]]'s chamber and discovers: - 1 [[Potion of Fire Breath]] - 1 [[Spell Scroll of Enhance Ability]] - 1 [[Spell Scroll of Summon Beast]] - 1 [[Potion of Healing (Greater)]] - 1 [[Potion of Mana]] - 18 Gold In a nearby chest the party finds: - 3 [[Silver Bar|Silver Bars]] worth 25 [[Gold]] each - [[Steel]] bars worth 100 [[Gold]]. ## [[3 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Gruiltaxsch's Camp]] The party searches the Worship room, finding 120 partially burnt [[Lizardfolk Ritual Candle|Candles]]. Pryn is determined to take them all. The party also finds a treasure chest with a hunched over, decapitated skeleton on top of it. Whatever trap was here was triggered long ago. Inside they find: - 70 [[Gold]] - A [[Spell Scroll of Color Spray]] Nearby they also find a gem pile with: - 1 [[Amethyst]] worth 100 Gold - 1 [[Jasper]] worth 50 Gold - 5 [[Moss Agate]] worth 10 Gold Each ## [[4 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Gruiltaxsch's Camp]] Dalas makes [[Pulled Pork]] using one of the boars frozen in the veil during the previous battle. As the party eats, Dalas once again brings up the conversation of naming the group, and the party seems adamant that they will be called "**The Saucy Individuals**". Dalas laments that he would like to name the group a name that honors *something*. Dolod and Dalas discuss the pulled pork and the wood chips Dalas used in preparing it, though he just used what was on hand from the nearby jungle trees. Dolod asks if there will be sauce and Dalas remarks that Dolod must think of sauce as quite a novelty. Dolod admits that he is not a "sauce guy", or a "rock guy", though Pryn insists that Dolod *does* eat rocks because he eats salt and Dolod relents. An eerily similar conversation to one the group had [[Journey to Vevososova#^285ea0|a while before meeting Dolod]]. Asher brings up the similarity to calcium and Dolod is floored that Asher has any sort of nutritional knowledge at all. Pryn carves some stone arrowheads for her dish, turning it into a [[Lazy Hunter]]. Dalas remarks that this is significantly more work: there's nothing lazy about it. Pryn tells the group about the stone arrowhead industry of [[Nylavorna]] built around keeping this dish convenient to make. ## [[5 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Gruiltaxsch's Camp]] The group continues to rest and eat pulled pork. ## [[6 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Gruiltaxsch's Camp]] The group continues to rest and eat *more* pulled pork. ## [[7 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Gruiltaxsch's Camp]] The group continues to rest and eat *even more* pulled pork. ## [[8 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Gruiltaxsch's Camp]] The group continues to rest and eat *even more* pulled pork. Perhaps *too much* pulled pork. ## [[9 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Gruiltaxsch's Camp]] The group continues to rest and consumes an apparently hilarious amount of pulled pork. ## [[10 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Gruiltaxsch's Camp]] The party finishes their long rest. ## [[11 Tarsakh 1489]], [[Gruiltaxsch's Camp]] The party gathers their new mounts from [[Tzol Toag]] as they prepare to depart. Dolod casts [[Speak With Animals]] and speaks with the Oagtzalas. He asks them "how's the mount life?" The mounts seem to treat things matter-of-factly: there are good and bad days. During their time off they play an elaborate fantasy game where they pretend to be people. The Oagtzala seems concerned about danger and overtime and Dolod is cagey about the details but at least acts concerned for the beast's safety which they appreciate. The mounts' names are: - [[Bim]], the biggest one, which Big Inky takes - [[Johnson]], which Dalas takes - [[LeBron James (Oagtzala)|LeBron James]], which Ag takes - [[Richard (Oagtzala)|Richard]], which Amalie takes - [[ZZ Top]], which Dolod takes - [[ZZ Bottom]], which Pryn takes - [[Little Richard]], which Asher takes - [[Clark]], which Yeepo takes The group departs with +4 stride due to their mounts. The group chooses to travel at a normal pace. The party takes up the following Roles: - Motivator: Ag, Success - Guide: Dalas, Great Success - Hunter: Big Inky with Dolod's help: Great Success (Heroic Inspiration: Ag) - Lookout: Asher, Success - Scout: Pryn, Great Success The group proceeds south. [[Delve Into the Abyss]] begins.