The Reaper of Bhaal will stalk northward through the water and lurk in a collapsed alcove. She is invisible.
Skeleton 1 will drop the rope and step over Ankita's corpse. It will then attack Remi with its shortsword.
Attack: 20 Damage: 6
Skeleton 3 will draw its shortbow and wade across the room 'til it has line of sight on Remi. It will then attack Remi with its shortbow. He has half-cover against this attack. It will then step aside to allow its allies a clear shot.
Attack: 21 Damage: 4
Skeleton 4 will also draw its shortbow and wade across the room 'til it has line of sight on Remi. It will then attack Remi with its shortbow. He has half-cover against this attack.
Attack: 5 Damage: 7
The shortsword connects and the first arrow lodges deeply in his chest, but the second arrow just misses.
Ankita - You feel the daggers get buried to their hilt in your back, the pain is worse than anything you've ever felt. Everything below your waist suddenly goes nerveless and you collapse into the dank water. It fills your nose and mouth, then your lungs as you convulse. You feel the link to your wildfire spirit fade to nothingness as the darkness takes you...
Scenes from your life flash before you as you fall through an intense blackness. You feel no wind, only the sensation of falling in the pit of your stomach. There is no time, nothing to mark the distance you've fallen. It could be feet, it could be countless miles. Suddenly you see a spark of light. The spark grows quickly, very quickly, and you realize that you aren't falling, but flying toward it. You feel immense heat and the foul stench of brimstone fills your nose. The spark becomes a gargantuan volcano that dominates the horizon. Clouds of fire and ash spew from its caldera, and the air trembles with its angry grumblings. A vast, multilayered fortress has been hewn into the volcano’s rocky slopes. Whatever propels you sends you hurtling toward the fortress at great speed. You're swept through a yawning opening in the face of the fortress and down a wrought iron spiral staircase that descends into a cavernous forge. Channels of bubbling lava wind through the complex, casting fiery light over huge anvils. Chained giants with coal-black skin and fiery orange hair hammer out weapons under the malignant gaze of a pit fiend seated in a flying throne. Throughout the forge, sparks fall like rain. Abruptly, you are dumped into a simple iron chair in front of the pit fiend. The sudden change in velocity causes you to throw yourself from the chair. The pit fiend booms laughter as you pick yourself up off the floor, "Ah, that bit never gets old." He chuckles to himself and once you've settled back into the chair he says, "Welcome to hell."
Ankita feels the incredible pain of the daggers as they sink in and knows this is it. She accepts it, but worries for her new friends that are now there to face this creature that fooled them with less now to fight it. “Well,“ she thinks, “nothing can be done about that now unfortunately.” And she tries to focus on what is to come. It is difficult as it pains her to leave them. She focuses on what she might be now that her body is no longer. What does Silvanus desire? Will she get to be one of those beautiful bushes that grow at the base of the mountain with flowers so sweet? She hopes so, then she’ll get many visitors…
But wait, this isn’t right, where is she going? This can’t be right, she’s heading HERE? To Hell?? WHY? What has she done to deserve this?? As she staggers back into the chair she was tossed into, Ankita glares at the pit fiend and demands, “Why? Why am I here? Why in Silvanus’s name did I end up in this place of all places??”
Ankita - The pit fiend frowns when you mention Silvanus, "Such foul language... You should mind your tongue in Bel's forge Ankita. Lest you find it torn from your mouth with hot pincers." Bel's flying throne lowers and sets upon the ground before you. He snaps his fingers and an imp appears in a puff of noxious green smoke, "Fetch the desk." Bel booms and relaxes back into his chair. The tiny imp frowns and mutters, but flies off, his head hung low. He returns after a bit, dragging a heavy wooden desk. It is made of beautifully polished ironwood as black as jet, "I can summon the desk myself with little more than a flick of my wrist, but Evionox does love to serve, don't you Evi?" The imp mutters and crosses its arms as it turns away and Bel booms laughter once more. He returns his gaze to you and says, "You are here because you are dead. And because I will it. I interceded on your behalf and brought you here so that we might discuss... a business transaction." The pit fiend's devilish smile broadens and he continues, "I can return you to life, much the same as you were before. There may be some... cosmetic differences, but you will be returned to life, alive and well. All I ask for in return, is a simple favor. To be called at a later time. I do not know yet what this favor might be, but when I do and the time has come, I will let you know. And you will indulge me in this Ankita, or the life I have so graciously given will be taken back. Ungently. Now... Do we have a deal?" Bel's eyes glitter in the light of the forge fires and a wicked smile plays across his lips. He leans forward in his throne, his massive clawed hands gripping the screaming skulls capping the arm rests, awaiting your reply.
Ankita cannot believe her eyes. Or ears for that matter. Am I really being asked to deal with the devil? Can I even consider such a thing? What could be the simple favor? How am I even thinking about it? Why am I not saying no? Because my friends are in peril that is why. I know I can't leave them that way. If I say yes, how can I even be considering this, how can I ever live with myself? Well, because I wouldn't be living and how can I not say yes and let my friends join me in the afterlife? Oh these thoughts are tearing me apart! Ankita's mind races with these thoughts trying to hold herself together as she hasn't even comprehended that she is no longer among the living. She knows she only has one real choice however. And needs to get back NOW.
Ankita - Bel sits back in his throne with a satisfied smile. He snaps his fingers and says, "Bring the contract." Evionox hovers a foot above the ground as he goes and when he returns, he's prodding a humanoid with his tail. The wretch is bound in heavy chains and their eyes and mouth are sewn shut. They stumble and moan as they're forced along. Bel flicks his wrist and a quill appears in his hand, though this one is tipped with a sharp point of infernal iron. Evionox prods the living contract until they turn around and you see infernal script has been gouged into its bare back. Bel signs his name in the flesh with a flourish at the bottom and offers the quill to you. It drips blood as you accept it and as you sign, the wretch trembles and moans incessantly. The symbols flare with hellish light and the wretch screams as the wounds are cauterized, the script and signatures now blackened and smoking. Bel dismisses the wretch and Evionox shoves it through a glowing portal. Bel snaps and the desk disappears, "And now you know the price of disobedience in Avernus." He smiles wickedly and offers his large, black clawed hand, "The deal is done. Take my hand and you will be restored."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ranala would hear noise coming from behind and she'd turn around to see her firbolg friend down and no longer breathing with Remi about to follow her same fate. Frantic, Ranala would gasp audibly in shock, but her body would react on it's own, moving two spaces to the right and aims her wand at the skeleton beside Remi. Muttering and stuttering in gnomish, thorns would erupt from the wand toward the skeleton, hoping to get it away from Remi, tears starting to wheal her eyes.
Thorn Whip Attack: 19 Damage: 6 On hit, the skeleton would be pulled 10 feet toward Ranala.
If Samuel is able to see the Reaper he will shout out a vicious mockery (Damage: 1) in an attempt to make her next attacks miss. Otherwise, he will cast his spell on Skeleton 1. As much as he wants to charge in to avenge Ankita, he is struggling to stand as the dank sewage water around him is tinged red with his dripping blood.
Ranala - The thorn whip wraps tightly around the Skeleton and when you yank it back toward you, the skeleton is torn apart, scattering its bones through the water between you and where it once stood.
Skeleton 1 is DEAD.
Ankita - Your large hand is swallowed by the meaty paw of the pit fiend. Suddenly, you feel an intense burning pain and smoke seeps through the spaces in his grasp. Bel smiles at your agonized screams and when he withdraws his hand, you're surprised to see that yours is not the blackened husk you were expecting. It appears normal, but for the large glowing infernal rune branded into the palm. The rune smokes and the light within fades as you watch, "My mark. To remind you of your debt. Do be more careful this time around Ankita, I have little use for an ineffective debtor. See you again, soon..."
You are suddenly violently ripped backward the way you came, your hair and limbs trailing before you as you fly backwards across the wastes of Avernus. Once more you are swallowed by blackest void. You then feel sensation in your body, cold, very cold. And wet. Your hands find solid ground and you press yourself out of the water with a gasp.
All - The water around Ankita's body begins to boil and steam before she suddenly begins to convulse. The convulsions twist and contort her large frame, causing it to thrash violently in the water. Her body calms, and out of the steaming water bursts her head and shoulders. She whips her head back and cries out in anguish, her thick red hair slinging water. Her cries turn into a roar of anger and she looks around with wide eyes as she shakes and her hands clench and unclench. You all notice a shock of white now running through her otherwise vibrantly red hair, similar to that of a skunk. Her eyes are now cloudy white, with the barest hint of iris and no pupil. With a WHUMPH and a puff of noxious black smoke, her wildfire spirit is born above her, only it too appears to have been changed. The flaming fox is skeletally thin, with perpetually bared fangs. It twitches and growls rabidly and emits a sulfurous stench.
ROUND 1
Samuel - RoB WIS Save: 15
The murderous woman giggles and says, "Ah... Young man, I've had better..."
Remi takes the opportunity, the space to move up to the space to the right of Damian, north of Ranala, hoping to box in the Reaper. He is hurting, he readies his short sword and dagger, but takes the dodge action, resting for a moment. He prepares to attack next turn if he has the opportunity.
Damian glances over at the shape of Ankita rising from the sewer water. He is at first relieved but gets a troubled look as he sees the Firbolgs new appearance.
Although aware of the presence of the invisible cultist Damian decides to take one for the team and backs away.
(Triggering an attack of opportunity that will hopefully reveal the cultist at least. Further actions when this has been resolved.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Damian feels the dagger in his back as he moves away, the pain is excruciating. He bravely takes cover behind Rhogarr and turns to swiftly curse the cultist before blasting her with hellish red crackling force. "This is for the fate you bestowed upon Ankita."
Movement: 2 squares west. Bonus action: Place Hex on Reaper of Bhaal Action: Attack Reaper of Bhaal, Eldritch blast: 18 Force: 10 Necrotic: 6
Damian - The eldritch blast impacts the stone wall behind her and you hear a snicker.
The Reaper of Bhaal turns its gaze and its blades upon Ranala.
Attack: 22 Damage: 8
Attack: 26 Damage: 9
The blades pierce her heart and throat, killing her instantly. The Reaper rips the daggers free and disappears from view, "...and we all fall down..." Followed by an echoing cackle. Blood spews freely from Ranala's wounds and her eyes roll back into her head as she drops into the dirty water below...
Rhogarr - The warhammer slams into the woman and she groans in pain. Her groan turns to a shriek when the radiant damage erupts from the head of the hammer and engulfs her.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ankita is still reeling from her most recent deal and realizes she is still in the middle of the biggest fight she has ever been in. And then watches in horror as her new friend Ranala is killed the same way she was. With blind rage she marches through the water towards the Reaper, stopping beside Remi. She fans her hands out in front of her and a sulfurous smell emits from them when the flames from burning hands fan out in front of alighting the foe in front of her. Also using her inspiration to know where her foe is.
Burning Hands: 18
Her skeletal flaming fox follows with her and flicks his tail to send his flame seed towards the reaper to add to the flame: Attack: 9 Damage: 7
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ankita - Reaper of Bhaal DEX Save: 18
The Reaper of Bhaal screams as she is incinerated by the hellfire that pours over her. She drops to the water with a SPLASH, no more than a charred husk.
The Reaper of Bhaal is DEAD.
Skeleton 3 will continue its attack against Ankita.
Attack: 7 Damage: 5
Skeleton 4 will step into the same room and attempt to shoot Remi. He has half-cover against this attack.
The Reaper of Bhaal will stalk northward through the water and lurk in a collapsed alcove. She is invisible.
Skeleton 1 will drop the rope and step over Ankita's corpse. It will then attack Remi with its shortsword.
Attack: 20 Damage: 6
Skeleton 3 will draw its shortbow and wade across the room 'til it has line of sight on Remi. It will then attack Remi with its shortbow. He has half-cover against this attack. It will then step aside to allow its allies a clear shot.
Attack: 21 Damage: 4
Skeleton 4 will also draw its shortbow and wade across the room 'til it has line of sight on Remi. It will then attack Remi with its shortbow. He has half-cover against this attack.
Attack: 5 Damage: 7
The shortsword connects and the first arrow lodges deeply in his chest, but the second arrow just misses.
Ranala is up! Followed by Samuel, then Remi.
Ankita - You feel the daggers get buried to their hilt in your back, the pain is worse than anything you've ever felt. Everything below your waist suddenly goes nerveless and you collapse into the dank water. It fills your nose and mouth, then your lungs as you convulse. You feel the link to your wildfire spirit fade to nothingness as the darkness takes you...
Scenes from your life flash before you as you fall through an intense blackness. You feel no wind, only the sensation of falling in the pit of your stomach. There is no time, nothing to mark the distance you've fallen. It could be feet, it could be countless miles. Suddenly you see a spark of light. The spark grows quickly, very quickly, and you realize that you aren't falling, but flying toward it. You feel immense heat and the foul stench of brimstone fills your nose. The spark becomes a gargantuan volcano that dominates the horizon. Clouds of fire and ash spew from its caldera, and the air trembles with its angry grumblings. A vast, multilayered fortress has been hewn into the volcano’s rocky slopes. Whatever propels you sends you hurtling toward the fortress at great speed. You're swept through a yawning opening in the face of the fortress and down a wrought iron spiral staircase that descends into a cavernous forge. Channels of bubbling lava wind through the complex, casting fiery light over huge anvils. Chained giants with coal-black skin and fiery orange hair hammer out weapons under the malignant gaze of a pit fiend seated in a flying throne. Throughout the forge, sparks fall like rain. Abruptly, you are dumped into a simple iron chair in front of the pit fiend. The sudden change in velocity causes you to throw yourself from the chair. The pit fiend booms laughter as you pick yourself up off the floor, "Ah, that bit never gets old." He chuckles to himself and once you've settled back into the chair he says, "Welcome to hell."
Ankita feels the incredible pain of the daggers as they sink in and knows this is it. She accepts it, but worries for her new friends that are now there to face this creature that fooled them with less now to fight it. “Well,“ she thinks, “nothing can be done about that now unfortunately.” And she tries to focus on what is to come. It is difficult as it pains her to leave them. She focuses on what she might be now that her body is no longer. What does Silvanus desire? Will she get to be one of those beautiful bushes that grow at the base of the mountain with flowers so sweet? She hopes so, then she’ll get many visitors…
But wait, this isn’t right, where is she going? This can’t be right, she’s heading HERE? To Hell?? WHY? What has she done to deserve this?? As she staggers back into the chair she was tossed into, Ankita glares at the pit fiend and demands, “Why? Why am I here? Why in Silvanus’s name did I end up in this place of all places??”
Ankita - The pit fiend frowns when you mention Silvanus, "Such foul language... You should mind your tongue in Bel's forge Ankita. Lest you find it torn from your mouth with hot pincers." Bel's flying throne lowers and sets upon the ground before you. He snaps his fingers and an imp appears in a puff of noxious green smoke, "Fetch the desk." Bel booms and relaxes back into his chair. The tiny imp frowns and mutters, but flies off, his head hung low. He returns after a bit, dragging a heavy wooden desk. It is made of beautifully polished ironwood as black as jet, "I can summon the desk myself with little more than a flick of my wrist, but Evionox does love to serve, don't you Evi?" The imp mutters and crosses its arms as it turns away and Bel booms laughter once more. He returns his gaze to you and says, "You are here because you are dead. And because I will it. I interceded on your behalf and brought you here so that we might discuss... a business transaction." The pit fiend's devilish smile broadens and he continues, "I can return you to life, much the same as you were before. There may be some... cosmetic differences, but you will be returned to life, alive and well. All I ask for in return, is a simple favor. To be called at a later time. I do not know yet what this favor might be, but when I do and the time has come, I will let you know. And you will indulge me in this Ankita, or the life I have so graciously given will be taken back. Ungently. Now... Do we have a deal?" Bel's eyes glitter in the light of the forge fires and a wicked smile plays across his lips. He leans forward in his throne, his massive clawed hands gripping the screaming skulls capping the arm rests, awaiting your reply.
Ankita cannot believe her eyes. Or ears for that matter. Am I really being asked to deal with the devil? Can I even consider such a thing? What could be the simple favor? How am I even thinking about it? Why am I not saying no? Because my friends are in peril that is why. I know I can't leave them that way. If I say yes, how can I even be considering this, how can I ever live with myself? Well, because I wouldn't be living and how can I not say yes and let my friends join me in the afterlife? Oh these thoughts are tearing me apart! Ankita's mind races with these thoughts trying to hold herself together as she hasn't even comprehended that she is no longer among the living. She knows she only has one real choice however. And needs to get back NOW.
"Yes"
Ankita - Bel sits back in his throne with a satisfied smile. He snaps his fingers and says, "Bring the contract." Evionox hovers a foot above the ground as he goes and when he returns, he's prodding a humanoid with his tail. The wretch is bound in heavy chains and their eyes and mouth are sewn shut. They stumble and moan as they're forced along. Bel flicks his wrist and a quill appears in his hand, though this one is tipped with a sharp point of infernal iron. Evionox prods the living contract until they turn around and you see infernal script has been gouged into its bare back. Bel signs his name in the flesh with a flourish at the bottom and offers the quill to you. It drips blood as you accept it and as you sign, the wretch trembles and moans incessantly. The symbols flare with hellish light and the wretch screams as the wounds are cauterized, the script and signatures now blackened and smoking. Bel dismisses the wretch and Evionox shoves it through a glowing portal. Bel snaps and the desk disappears, "And now you know the price of disobedience in Avernus." He smiles wickedly and offers his large, black clawed hand, "The deal is done. Take my hand and you will be restored."
Ankita gulps hard. There is nothing more to do or say, the deal has been done. She gets up and very timidly takes his hand.
Ranala would hear noise coming from behind and she'd turn around to see her firbolg friend down and no longer breathing with Remi about to follow her same fate. Frantic, Ranala would gasp audibly in shock, but her body would react on it's own, moving two spaces to the right and aims her wand at the skeleton beside Remi. Muttering and stuttering in gnomish, thorns would erupt from the wand toward the skeleton, hoping to get it away from Remi, tears starting to wheal her eyes.
Thorn Whip Attack: 19 Damage: 6 On hit, the skeleton would be pulled 10 feet toward Ranala.
If Samuel is able to see the Reaper he will shout out a vicious mockery (Damage: 1) in an attempt to make her next attacks miss. Otherwise, he will cast his spell on Skeleton 1. As much as he wants to charge in to avenge Ankita, he is struggling to stand as the dank sewage water around him is tinged red with his dripping blood.
Ranala - The thorn whip wraps tightly around the Skeleton and when you yank it back toward you, the skeleton is torn apart, scattering its bones through the water between you and where it once stood.
Skeleton 1 is DEAD.
Ankita - Your large hand is swallowed by the meaty paw of the pit fiend. Suddenly, you feel an intense burning pain and smoke seeps through the spaces in his grasp. Bel smiles at your agonized screams and when he withdraws his hand, you're surprised to see that yours is not the blackened husk you were expecting. It appears normal, but for the large glowing infernal rune branded into the palm. The rune smokes and the light within fades as you watch, "My mark. To remind you of your debt. Do be more careful this time around Ankita, I have little use for an ineffective debtor. See you again, soon..."
You are suddenly violently ripped backward the way you came, your hair and limbs trailing before you as you fly backwards across the wastes of Avernus. Once more you are swallowed by blackest void. You then feel sensation in your body, cold, very cold. And wet. Your hands find solid ground and you press yourself out of the water with a gasp.
All - The water around Ankita's body begins to boil and steam before she suddenly begins to convulse. The convulsions twist and contort her large frame, causing it to thrash violently in the water. Her body calms, and out of the steaming water bursts her head and shoulders. She whips her head back and cries out in anguish, her thick red hair slinging water. Her cries turn into a roar of anger and she looks around with wide eyes as she shakes and her hands clench and unclench. You all notice a shock of white now running through her otherwise vibrantly red hair, similar to that of a skunk. Her eyes are now cloudy white, with the barest hint of iris and no pupil. With a WHUMPH and a puff of noxious black smoke, her wildfire spirit is born above her, only it too appears to have been changed. The flaming fox is skeletally thin, with perpetually bared fangs. It twitches and growls rabidly and emits a sulfurous stench.
ROUND 1
Samuel - RoB WIS Save: 15
The murderous woman giggles and says, "Ah... Young man, I've had better..."
Remi is up! Followed by Skeleton 2, then Damian.
Remi takes the opportunity, the space to move up to the space to the right of Damian, north of Ranala, hoping to box in the Reaper. He is hurting, he readies his short sword and dagger, but takes the dodge action, resting for a moment. He prepares to attack next turn if he has the opportunity.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Skeleton 2 will wade over to where Ankita stands and attempt to slash at her with its shortsword.
Attack: 23 Damage: 4
The pitted blade tears a gash in her side.
Damian is up! Followed by The Reaper of Bhaal, then Rhogarr.
Damian glances over at the shape of Ankita rising from the sewer water. He is at first relieved but gets a troubled look as he sees the Firbolgs new appearance.
Although aware of the presence of the invisible cultist Damian decides to take one for the team and backs away.
(Triggering an attack of opportunity that will hopefully reveal the cultist at least. Further actions when this has been resolved.)
Reaper of Bhaal Attack of Opportunity against Damian - Attack: 21 Damage: 6
The Reaper is no longer invisible when she makes her attack and Damian take 12 points of piercing damage due to being in the Aura of Murder.
Damian feels the dagger in his back as he moves away, the pain is excruciating. He bravely takes cover behind Rhogarr and turns to swiftly curse the cultist before blasting her with hellish red crackling force. "This is for the fate you bestowed upon Ankita."
Movement: 2 squares west.
Bonus action: Place Hex on Reaper of Bhaal
Action: Attack Reaper of Bhaal, Eldritch blast: 18 Force: 10 Necrotic: 6
Damian - The eldritch blast impacts the stone wall behind her and you hear a snicker.
The Reaper of Bhaal turns its gaze and its blades upon Ranala.
Attack: 22 Damage: 8
Attack: 26 Damage: 9
The blades pierce her heart and throat, killing her instantly. The Reaper rips the daggers free and disappears from view, "...and we all fall down..." Followed by an echoing cackle. Blood spews freely from Ranala's wounds and her eyes roll back into her head as she drops into the dirty water below...
Ranala is DEAD.
Rhogarr is up!
With a heavy heart after seeing what happened to Ranala (not sure if he saw Ankita or not) he charges at the Reaper.
Using his inspiration to assist in knowing where she is, he uses his divine smite to swing his warhammer down as hard as he possibly can.
Attack: 16 Damage: 11
If the attack hits, divine smite - radiant damage of 13
Rhogarr - The warhammer slams into the woman and she groans in pain. Her groan turns to a shriek when the radiant damage erupts from the head of the hammer and engulfs her.
Ankita is up! Followed by Skeletons 3 & 4.
Ankita is still reeling from her most recent deal and realizes she is still in the middle of the biggest fight she has ever been in. And then watches in horror as her new friend Ranala is killed the same way she was. With blind rage she marches through the water towards the Reaper, stopping beside Remi. She fans her hands out in front of her and a sulfurous smell emits from them when the flames from burning hands fan out in front of alighting the foe in front of her. Also using her inspiration to know where her foe is.
Burning Hands: 18
Her skeletal flaming fox follows with her and flicks his tail to send his flame seed towards the reaper to add to the flame: Attack: 9 Damage: 7
Ankita - Reaper of Bhaal DEX Save: 18
The Reaper of Bhaal screams as she is incinerated by the hellfire that pours over her. She drops to the water with a SPLASH, no more than a charred husk.
The Reaper of Bhaal is DEAD.
Skeleton 3 will continue its attack against Ankita.
Attack: 7 Damage: 5
Skeleton 4 will step into the same room and attempt to shoot Remi. He has half-cover against this attack.
Attack: 5 Damage: 6
DIS for dodge: 5
Ankita gains yet another shallow wound and the arrow meant for Remi THUNKS against one of the large wooden support beams.
Remi is up! Followed by Samuel, then Skeleton 2.