This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Samir continues to struggle against the encroaching, tangling vines, gritting his teeth. He cannot seem to think of a good way to deal with the monsters, having no good methods prepared for such things. Frustrated, he looks to the cultist shadow and attempts to summon a spurt of flame beneath it as it seems stymied for the moment, and hopefully less capable of dodging.
Create Bonfire under the cultists, dex save or 7 fire damage.
Marion turns around, weary and panting from her fight with the bear, and looking just about tapped out. She quickly assesses the situation, seeing Vilus holding back the cultist while the bats run amok in the backline. She takes a breath and feels for the magical energy within herself. Not much left. Seeing some cuts and bites here and there, but nothing too life threatening, she makes up her mind. Charging forward at the last remaining bat, she thrusts at it with her sword.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The flames from Samir's device shoot up under the cultist, causing its form to distort and flicker. Its head, nearly reconnected, drops suddenly as the strands pulling it back into place melt and snap. It redoubles its efforts to get past where Vilus is, partly to get at the other members of the party, but also partly now to escape the bonfire at its feet. (fire also seems to have disabled healing)
Athletics w/disadvantage from Villus 3
But Samir has no time to celebrate as he is pulled off his feet by the roots and bound to the cave's ceiling.
The last remaining bat goes for Malachi's throat, but Malachi twists out of the way causing his own attacks to miss their mark.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Samir lets out a strangled yelp as he is snatched up by the roots, but manages to hold onto his concentration, keeping the flame burning beneath the cultist. Desperately he tries to maneuver a hand towards one of the roots, sigils igniting and sparking with energy...
Dex save for cultists or 3 fire damage.
Shocking grasp on the roots at dis: 10 to hit or 1 electrical damage.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ashley is thrilled to see fire making an impact on these shadow creatures. Emboldened by this fact she gets close to Vilus so that she doesn't hit him and holds her hands together, fingers spread. Casting burning hands at the cultist shadow, hoping the fire from Samir's contraption and this will finish him off!
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dex Save: 21
The fire surges forth from Ashley's hands, more powerful and forceful than her previous attacks, And the shadow is unable to move out of the way, taking the full blast while Samir drops to the ground behind Ashley, the roots recoiling from his grasp. When the fire clears, only wisps of shadow remain where the shadow cultist once stood.
Malachi’s strikes against the shadow cultist go wide as he dodges the shadow bat attack. Relieved to see the cultist fall under Ashley’s fire, Malachi turns his attention instead to the bat that foiled his previous attack, slashing both daggers against the bat.
Malachi's daggers cross and cross back in a slash, separating the shadow into three pieces which dissolve into black mist and slowly fade away. The watching roots at this point begin to withdraw into the walls of the cave.
A bat skeleton drops from the ceiling, having been cocooned in roots. What's more, the large knot of roots holding the cultist's corpse pulls away revealing a side-passage behind it that seems to lead into a small chamber-like space behind.
Joren keeps his greatsword out and his echo active.
"Dobře bojoval! Well fought, despite having some initial setbacks. I am not liking this place to say the least. The less time we are spending here, the better. But you," (he looks at Vilus) "seem somehow connected to this place and the... being nearby. Do you think it makes sense for you to lead our investigation into the side passage and chamber? I can send my echo with you. The roots and shadows were not attacking you and they were no longer attacking my echo once they 'learned' it was fruitless to be doing so."
Joren looks to the party for a reaction, clearly out of his element. Ready to leave as soon as they've found out what they must from the chamber.
"Well fought yes, I'll be honest this place is having an effect on me, I feel energised, invigorated but very calm... I can take lead yes, makes more sense for me to spot potential hostiles if they won't attack me... The place I'm connected to is a tower, but I'm not sure if, or how, it exists on this plane. I'm also not sure how deep the tower goes maybe this passage will lead to a basement." As Vilus moves forward into the passage he continues speaking, his voice still flat and calm "From what I've learnt from these visions of mine this is a site of power for the watcher, one of these lights of creation, the Ebb, the Flow, the Apogee, but I'm not sure what that means or how this threat from the sea ties in, hopefully I can get more information if I connect to the watcher whilst I'm here, but I won't do it with everyone around... Not after last time" he stops in thought for a second before glimpsing at Malachi and then continuing further into the passage.
Vilus moves through the opening and gets a good look at the space beyond. It is only about 15 feet to the other side, and he's not sure he would call it much of a chamber now that he sees it. The floor is uneven and heavily slanted in places, with jagged rocky outcroppings in others. The result is a lot of cramped claustrophobic nooks and corners, and hardlly a place where Vilus can stand upright with both of his feet at the same level.
Samir climbs to his feet, hands dusting himself and straightening things that had otherwise become disheveled. He looks around as he does so, peering into the depths of the tunnels in every direction, still seeming somewhat spooked by the encounter.
The first thing that Vilus notices is that there are no roots. None attached to the wall at any rate. In a cramped area in the back corner, Vilus sees a loose pile of severed roots and perhaps charcoal and ash? From the particularly stale air, it seems this area has been sealed off for a while. (Perception 9) Vilus thinks he might see something else amidst the ash, but his large frame prevents him from getting closer, at least comfortably.
(Vilas could either make an appropriate check to squeeze back there, or others can take a shot at the perception check.)
Back out in the main tunnel, Marion pants. "Alright, I am confused. What exactly were those things. They didn't quite feel like undead, but they certainly didn't feel alive."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Once the flames from her hands vanquish the shadow cultist, she does a little jump in the air with a fist bump, "Yes!!" and then collects herself quickly, knowing there was still a bat somewhere around...
As Vilus heads into the small chamber with Joren's echo, she decides to follow him, feeling a bit emboldened after figuring out that flames take care of these damn things. Once in, she feels a lot more comfortable in the small space than the Goliath does, and she takes a look around.
The space is dry, Ashley notices. Dryer than the main tunnel. Whatever subterranean flow of mountain water carved out this space originally has long since been diverted by the passage of time. Seeing no threats, she squeezes past the goliath and peers through the gloom. There, in the corner, she sees the roots that Vilus saw, and in their midst is ash and charcoal and soot. And... charred, crumbling bones. Old ones. While the cultist's body looked like it had been there no more than a few years, this skeleton looks ancient from the looks of it, though the lack of moisture and airflow seems to have largely preserved the scene.
It looks to Ashley like someone long ago had been traveling through the caves and gotten caught up by the roots. But instead of being cocooned and turned into on of those shadow memories, they burst into flame, destroying the roots and their body. But Ashley knows flame pretty well. It would take a particularly hot fire to damage even the bones to that extent. She sees a glimmer in the ash. Brushing it aside, she sees a collection of coins that may once have been sitting in a coin purse before it was consumed in flame.
Among the coins is a small metal disc with something carved into it. Ashley blows a puff of air at it to clear the remaining soot, accidentally disturbing more of the ash around the body.
The disc has an insignia on it. An eye with the pupil pointed up toward the hilt of a sword embedded in it.
It's then that Ashley sees a tinderbox, now only half buried beside the body. So whoever this was, they look to have set themselves on fire intentionally. Perhaps they knew what would happen to their body if they didn't. Ashley reaches out to examine the tinderbox and can immediately feel a tingle of magic flow through her fingertips. This is no simple tinderbox.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Malachi leans into the opening of the room behind Ashley and Vilus, staying in the doorway and giving them both plenty of room “I have seen this tower that is not there in your mind as well, I have a vested interest in learning more.” he replies to Vilus “Still, I will not look in on your connection.” No need to tempt fate a second time he warns himself, shuddering at the memory of what happened last time.
As Ashley shares the markings on the coin, he tries to recall if he has heard of or seen any similar markings in the past. History: 15.
“Don’t forget to grab the other coins as well, Ashley. They could aid us on our journey after all”he gives the fire genasi a small grin.
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Samir dex save: 6
Samir continues to struggle against the encroaching, tangling vines, gritting his teeth. He cannot seem to think of a good way to deal with the monsters, having no good methods prepared for such things. Frustrated, he looks to the cultist shadow and attempts to summon a spurt of flame beneath it as it seems stymied for the moment, and hopefully less capable of dodging.
Create Bonfire under the cultists, dex save or 7 fire damage.
Joren gives a quick nod to Vilus' suggestion though he does move his echo to stand shoulder to shoulder with the goliath, further blocking the path.
Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest | Nivi(Rogue5): Erik_Soong's Netherdeep
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Quyen(Adept1, ba5ic): ConstancePhokas' Nentir Vale (Discord) | Seri(Druid1): Hunter_Orien's Saltmarsh
Xarian(Fighter3): Luna_Dust's Marks on the Map | Ophelia(Sorcerer2): BillM's Icewind Dale | Shin(Wizard1): Culuril's Strixhaven
Marion turns around, weary and panting from her fight with the bear, and looking just about tapped out. She quickly assesses the situation, seeing Vilus holding back the cultist while the bats run amok in the backline. She takes a breath and feels for the magical energy within herself. Not much left. Seeing some cuts and bites here and there, but nothing too life threatening, she makes up her mind. Charging forward at the last remaining bat, she thrusts at it with her sword.
Attack: 11 Damage: 9
The flames from Samir's device shoot up under the cultist, causing its form to distort and flicker. Its head, nearly reconnected, drops suddenly as the strands pulling it back into place melt and snap. It redoubles its efforts to get past where Vilus is, partly to get at the other members of the party, but also partly now to escape the bonfire at its feet. (fire also seems to have disabled healing)
Athletics w/disadvantage from Villus 3
But Samir has no time to celebrate as he is pulled off his feet by the roots and bound to the cave's ceiling.
The last remaining bat goes for Malachi's throat, but Malachi twists out of the way causing his own attacks to miss their mark.
Attack: 7 Damage: 7
Samir Concentration Check: 8
Samir lets out a strangled yelp as he is snatched up by the roots, but manages to hold onto his concentration, keeping the flame burning beneath the cultist. Desperately he tries to maneuver a hand towards one of the roots, sigils igniting and sparking with energy...
Dex save for cultists or 3 fire damage.
Shocking grasp on the roots at dis: 10 to hit or 1 electrical damage.
Ashley is thrilled to see fire making an impact on these shadow creatures. Emboldened by this fact she gets close to Vilus so that she doesn't hit him and holds her hands together, fingers spread. Casting burning hands at the cultist shadow, hoping the fire from Samir's contraption and this will finish him off!
DEX save 13 or 11 fire damage - half if saved
Dex Save: 21
The fire surges forth from Ashley's hands, more powerful and forceful than her previous attacks, And the shadow is unable to move out of the way, taking the full blast while Samir drops to the ground behind Ashley, the roots recoiling from his grasp. When the fire clears, only wisps of shadow remain where the shadow cultist once stood.
Malachi’s strikes against the shadow cultist go wide as he dodges the shadow bat attack. Relieved to see the cultist fall under Ashley’s fire, Malachi turns his attention instead to the bat that foiled his previous attack, slashing both daggers against the bat.
Attack: 18 Damage: 5.
Bonus action Attack: 22 Damage: 3.
.
Malachi's daggers cross and cross back in a slash, separating the shadow into three pieces which dissolve into black mist and slowly fade away. The watching roots at this point begin to withdraw into the walls of the cave.
A bat skeleton drops from the ceiling, having been cocooned in roots. What's more, the large knot of roots holding the cultist's corpse pulls away revealing a side-passage behind it that seems to lead into a small chamber-like space behind.
Joren keeps his greatsword out and his echo active.
"Dobře bojoval! Well fought, despite having some initial setbacks. I am not liking this place to say the least. The less time we are spending here, the better. But you," (he looks at Vilus) "seem somehow connected to this place and the... being nearby. Do you think it makes sense for you to lead our investigation into the side passage and chamber? I can send my echo with you. The roots and shadows were not attacking you and they were no longer attacking my echo once they 'learned' it was fruitless to be doing so."
Joren looks to the party for a reaction, clearly out of his element. Ready to leave as soon as they've found out what they must from the chamber.
Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest | Nivi(Rogue5): Erik_Soong's Netherdeep
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Quyen(Adept1, ba5ic): ConstancePhokas' Nentir Vale (Discord) | Seri(Druid1): Hunter_Orien's Saltmarsh
Xarian(Fighter3): Luna_Dust's Marks on the Map | Ophelia(Sorcerer2): BillM's Icewind Dale | Shin(Wizard1): Culuril's Strixhaven
"Well fought yes, I'll be honest this place is having an effect on me, I feel energised, invigorated but very calm... I can take lead yes, makes more sense for me to spot potential hostiles if they won't attack me... The place I'm connected to is a tower, but I'm not sure if, or how, it exists on this plane. I'm also not sure how deep the tower goes maybe this passage will lead to a basement." As Vilus moves forward into the passage he continues speaking, his voice still flat and calm "From what I've learnt from these visions of mine this is a site of power for the watcher, one of these lights of creation, the Ebb, the Flow, the Apogee, but I'm not sure what that means or how this threat from the sea ties in, hopefully I can get more information if I connect to the watcher whilst I'm here, but I won't do it with everyone around... Not after last time" he stops in thought for a second before glimpsing at Malachi and then continuing further into the passage.
Vilus moves through the opening and gets a good look at the space beyond. It is only about 15 feet to the other side, and he's not sure he would call it much of a chamber now that he sees it. The floor is uneven and heavily slanted in places, with jagged rocky outcroppings in others. The result is a lot of cramped claustrophobic nooks and corners, and hardlly a place where Vilus can stand upright with both of his feet at the same level.
(Give me a perception check)
Samir climbs to his feet, hands dusting himself and straightening things that had otherwise become disheveled. He looks around as he does so, peering into the depths of the tunnels in every direction, still seeming somewhat spooked by the encounter.
Vilus perception 14
The first thing that Vilus notices is that there are no roots. None attached to the wall at any rate. In a cramped area in the back corner, Vilus sees a loose pile of severed roots and perhaps charcoal and ash? From the particularly stale air, it seems this area has been sealed off for a while. (Perception 9) Vilus thinks he might see something else amidst the ash, but his large frame prevents him from getting closer, at least comfortably.
(Vilas could either make an appropriate check to squeeze back there, or others can take a shot at the perception check.)
Back out in the main tunnel, Marion pants. "Alright, I am confused. What exactly were those things. They didn't quite feel like undead, but they certainly didn't feel alive."
Once the flames from her hands vanquish the shadow cultist, she does a little jump in the air with a fist bump, "Yes!!" and then collects herself quickly, knowing there was still a bat somewhere around...
As Vilus heads into the small chamber with Joren's echo, she decides to follow him, feeling a bit emboldened after figuring out that flames take care of these damn things. Once in, she feels a lot more comfortable in the small space than the Goliath does, and she takes a look around.
Perception 20
The space is dry, Ashley notices. Dryer than the main tunnel. Whatever subterranean flow of mountain water carved out this space originally has long since been diverted by the passage of time. Seeing no threats, she squeezes past the goliath and peers through the gloom. There, in the corner, she sees the roots that Vilus saw, and in their midst is ash and charcoal and soot. And... charred, crumbling bones. Old ones. While the cultist's body looked like it had been there no more than a few years, this skeleton looks ancient from the looks of it, though the lack of moisture and airflow seems to have largely preserved the scene.
It looks to Ashley like someone long ago had been traveling through the caves and gotten caught up by the roots. But instead of being cocooned and turned into on of those shadow memories, they burst into flame, destroying the roots and their body. But Ashley knows flame pretty well. It would take a particularly hot fire to damage even the bones to that extent. She sees a glimmer in the ash. Brushing it aside, she sees a collection of coins that may once have been sitting in a coin purse before it was consumed in flame.
Among the coins is a small metal disc with something carved into it. Ashley blows a puff of air at it to clear the remaining soot, accidentally disturbing more of the ash around the body.
It's then that Ashley sees a tinderbox, now only half buried beside the body. So whoever this was, they look to have set themselves on fire intentionally. Perhaps they knew what would happen to their body if they didn't. Ashley reaches out to examine the tinderbox and can immediately feel a tingle of magic flow through her fingertips. This is no simple tinderbox.
Malachi leans into the opening of the room behind Ashley and Vilus, staying in the doorway and giving them both plenty of room “I have seen this tower that is not there in your mind as well, I have a vested interest in learning more.” he replies to Vilus “Still, I will not look in on your connection.” No need to tempt fate a second time he warns himself, shuddering at the memory of what happened last time.
As Ashley shares the markings on the coin, he tries to recall if he has heard of or seen any similar markings in the past. History: 15.
“Don’t forget to grab the other coins as well, Ashley. They could aid us on our journey after all” he gives the fire genasi a small grin.