(Note: it's a longsword, but you could use it if proficient. Pietr, being in the war domain, would also be proficient, but I don't want to be greedy and biased towards my DMPC)

OOC:  not much use to a gnome wizard.  😜

Ooc: guess I'll take it. For those who object, speak now or forever hold your peace.

"Sorry Bloodfeast but fate didn't bring us together. Perhaps others can use effectively your wanton destructive urges to the extreme."

*UNDERSTANDABLE, BROTHER! MY FORCES OF DESTRUCTION CAN SEEM UNCONTROLLABLE, SO MAYBE MY IDEAS MAY NOT ALIGN WITH YOURS, BROTHER!*

Pietr puts the sword in his bag.

"Guess I'll take him."

*THANK YOU, BROTHER!*

Fuzzyfeet consoles Cinder,

"Don't be disappointed Cinder about the battle. Just think of it like this, you can find leisurely in this magical heap of junk without any demons bothering you.

I'll even help you if you want. So, what do you say?"

With a flash of light, Apocatl appears!

"What you killed was not a demon, but a devil. I'll give you my blessing anyway. The pit of despair is just north of here. Be careful, for an evil presence has taken the portal there for it's own evil use."

With a whipping motion of his tail, a scale comes flying off.

"If you ever need my help, just rub the scale."

Just as fast as he came, Apocatl disappears in a flash of light.

OOC: Cedrick is not proficient for a long sword. Also, Are there any 5e rules about clerics only using bludgeoning weapons, not slashing, like there were “back in the day”?

OOC: If you meant the 'shedding of blood', nope, there's none. I think the ones with restricted equipments are druids not using anything made of steel.

OOC: Cool, thanks... i started playing back in the 80's with the Red and Blue box D&D sets... so the rules get cross-eyed sometimes.

Quote from NYCowboysFan71 >>

OOC: Cedrick is not proficient for a long sword. Also, Are there any 5e rules about clerics only using bludgeoning weapons, not slashing, like there were “back in the day”?

Cedrick addresses his companions, “We have done well my new friends.” Then proceeds to turn to each of them one by one.

“Sylrea… Joan if I may, thank you for your blessing. I feel good as new!”

“Pietr, I say again thank you, brother, for your restorative power.”

“Cinder, my dear friend, I look forward to many more battles with you by my side. Here, you should hold the scale from Apocatl. You did bring the boat through the portal, and we would be literally lost without it.”

 “Fuzzyfeet, your athletic prowess in retrieving the sword was inspired by Helm himself. I am in awe of your accomplishment.”

“Zailey, I am glad that chilly touch of yours was not directed at me. I shudder just thinking about it.”

“Bram, thank you for checking on my well being… I, um, where did Bram go?”

“Well met, Frank! Will you be joining us on our quest to find the portal in the pit of despair?”

Cedrick then makes ready for the journey north.

Sylrea gives Cedrick a node of approval."My pleasure." She then turns and goes back to her seat and prepares to row the boat. Without looking, she lowers her hand and pats down on the empty spot next to her.

Frank seems to relax a bit at hearing that they are on another plane of existence.

"oh good"

as Cedrick calls out Brams name, Frank says

"oh he's in the cabin with Franz"

Frank darts over to the cabin door, open it and sticks his head inside. a moment later he stands aside and you can see Bram stick his head out and nod and wave to Cedrick before ducking back inside. Frank closes the door and goes over and sits near Sylrea, but still far enough away to be out of arms reach from everyone.

addressing Cedrick again

"yes, i go where Bram and Franz go. we look out for each other, since....Thallan died"

Frank looks sadly into his hands

(OOC: Void is subconsciously casting Silent Image from his Misty Visions invocation to temporarily create an illusion of Bram

edit: to clarify, anyone paying close attention would notice Frank casting a spell, but Frank doesn't remember doing it, he just talked to Bram, and Bram came to the door to nod and wave)

Zaliey smiles at Cedrick.  He thinks to himself <I hope I can keep up with these mighty warriors.>. To anyone listening, “where do you you think this place is ..... really?”

ooc: Broke my phone today, will get another in day or two. drag Cinder along and i will return 

Pietr has an idea:

"Ok, so if you separate mud into its separate elements, you get earth and water; if my theory is correct, we're in the plane if mud."

"Your logic is sound." Cedrick says to Pietr as he helps to propel the boat northward. "Let us hope Helm is with us, and the journey is short."

Strength check for propelling the boat: 10

The boat be propellin' , my dudes. The swamp seems to get darker here, with many areas obscured by shadow. All of the wildlife has gone silent, and you see exactly why. A vast pit can be seen, with no foliage around it. This is the source of the corruption; it seems to emanate disappointment and despair. A faint whispering can be heard, speaking unspeakable horrors and blasphemies.

Fuzzyfeet looks at the source of corruption.

"And here I thought my disappointment in this swamp was at it's peak. This vast pit defies my expectations.

So guys, what's the plan? Do we steer the riverboat down that pit or do we look around first and wait for something?"