Lost Lab of Kwalish

Ana says to the others, "Maybe we can try to be subtle about this, this time. Are there any other entrances? Any way to sneak in? Give me some time and I'll scout it out." 

"Perhaps we could find Nolzur first and ask him for a favor"- Gravity will suggest while pulling out a piece of parchment. She explains that the party will need a detailed floor plan of the temple and exclude the chambers that have been explored before... especially the ones which might contain disturbing elements.

"I want to talk with Boss Thesseler and let him know that we've rescued Nolzur, interrupted the construction of the tomb of horror and killed Boss Moghaddam."

“I should stay out of sight, or in disguise,  as he will recognize me. “.  Tetrevess ritual casts  water breathing and rary’s telepathic bond on the party and casts disguise self (looking like a tiefling cultist in black robes)  and then follows along towards the rear of the group.

Sam will follow as well 

As you make your way through the fens, the pest underfoot squishes with each step.  You push aside tall grass leaves as you wade through the ankle deep water.  Sam is the first to smell the sulfurous odor .. soon the wretched stench grips each of you in turn.   Movement in the bushes to your left let's you know something is a active here.  10 yards in front if you appears the head of a catoblepas peeking above the grass.  

Gravity ignores the presence of the Catoblepas as if she had not seen it and keeps drinking some kind of beverage that mimics the effect of energy drink, then throws the empty can away... she wouldn't mind if it hit the creature.

"I'm concerned about Sam's appearance. He's handsome and presentable, but Boss Thesselar will immediately recognize him. If I get some time, I may decorate him with some scrap metal pieces and introduce him as my new steel defender."

Second Wind: HP Regained: 13

Quote from InkedBee >>

Gravity ignores the presence of the Catoblepas as if she had not seen it and keeps drinking some kind of beverage that mimics the effect of energy drink, then throws the empty can away... she wouldn't mind if it hit the creature.

"I'm concerned about Sam's appearance. He's handsome and presentable, but Boss Thesselar will immediately recognize him. If I get some time, I may decorate him with some scrap metal pieces and introduce him as my new steel defender."

Second Wind: HP Regained: 13

” No need” Sam will cast disguised self to look like a heavily armoured human and in common “right sirs let’s see are boss” 

While the party nonchalantly ignores the large stinking creature, continues to stare.  It snarls loudly as the tankard sails by it.  The catoblepas' gaze nearly burns a hole in Marlyth.  Further ahead, you notice more movement in the grass.

Roll initiative:

11

Death ray: DC16 Con save vs 31 necrotic *. Failure by 5 or more takes 64 damage. If reduced to 0hp, you die.

*edit: it's half on success

Gravity: Constitution Saving Throw 25

Initiative 9 (rolled in gamelog)

Initiative 13 

Initiative 14 tetrevess

Initiative 16

Sam is up.  He's seen the catoblepas, and movement in the grass further ahead.  I guess I'll have time to post a map Doon. No need to wait if you want to post actions now.

Sam▶️

Tetrevess▶️

Ana▶️

Catoblepas ✅

Gravity▶️

(Did we rest since our last fight?)

Ana aims at the creature and lets fly two arrows at it.

(Attack: 15 Damage: 8

Attack: 26 Damage: 8 )

https://i.imgur.com/QBwjf4m.jpeg

The trees represent the area ahead where you detect movement.  There are very few trees in the fens, maybe a few river birch.  These are just a token to show where the grass is moving.

https://www.owlbear.rodeo/game/w3WIpUvjZ

Quote from ikarbino >>

(Did we rest since our last fight?)

Ana aims at the creature and lets fly two arrows at it.

(Attack: 23 Damage: 11

Attack: 22 Damage: 9 )

 Technically, no, but there's a town you just passed by.  We csn retcon to long rest there if the party wants to.  You would have only walked about an hour from there to here.

Sam will cast fire bolt at the creature 7 

damage 18 

"Nice shot, Ana! But, I was wondering if it would hit the tankard instead..."

Gravity feels a surge of negative energy absorbing her life essence, but the effect from the previously consumed energy potion grants her immediate energy. (Second Wind)

She aims her shortbow at the snarling creature and lets loose an arrow, then she switches her target to shoot another arrow towards the metallic tankard (Minor Hex Item). Finally, she moves towards the treeline in order to take cover from upcoming scorching rays.

Attack: Shortbow

Attack: 26 Damage: 6

Attack: 29 Damage: 6

Tetrevess fire bolts the beast-19 to hit and 8 damage if hit.  

he bonus action moves the sphere closer to the beast. 

Sam's firebolt just misses rhe creature's head, while Tetrevess' strikes true.  The beast is also beset by a barrage of accurate arrowfire.  All of Ana's and Gravity's shots land true, at which the beast wails in pain and anger.  From the distance emerges a large catoblepas.  It seems you've stumbled upon the range of a mated pair.

The newly revealed bull glares at Tetrevess (DC16 for half of 25 failure by 5 or more = 64 damage instead.)

5