This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Undead? Fizzbang shuddered. Undead were fairly high up on his 'list of gross nonsense I'd prefer not to deal with." In order it went: Barghests, drow, actual dead, spiders, Gray Renders, crabs, Mind Flayers, dire snakes...then undead. Definitely in that order.
Well this time the order is as follows: Fizzbang, Aracynth, Kynortas, enemy (description following), and Tharin! So feel free to do your worst once you see what you're up against!
The undead you kept hearing about was definitely a shambling mass of flesh from the sea. What may have once been humanoid or merfolk was now an atrocity to the living of either type. Reeking of death and evil, the slimy spawn of the sea was about the size of Kynortas, but with a few... key differences. First the stench assaulted the entire coliseum; the putrid decay of its thunderhead-green flesh emanated outward. Its head lolled about like a drunken nod with humongous, bulbous eyes and frills where a human's ears would be. Its mouth lay agape and seawater seemed to drool out of it slowly and endlessly. Where its right arm should have been (were it human) it now had a long, pock-marked tentacle, like that of a squid. It dragged this appendage on the ground behind it, its length astonishing compared to its body. The rest of the creature was covered in barnacles and dripping kelp, as though dredged up from its sleep just moments ago. It doesn't appear to move very quickly, but it has noticed you all and trudges your way with purpose.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!" DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen" Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Undead with tentacles...Undead with tentacles...Undead with tentacles...
Fizzbang wracked his brain to try and recall some small portion of eldritch lore that might help banish the creature. Skill Check: Arcana 14
But if there was one thing Fizzbang had learned through long nights spent gambling, its that opportunity rarely waited for a fully formed plan. Acid Splash! Dex check of 13 to avoid. 6 damage
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As the grotesque stumbled forward, Fizzbang muttered some arcane incantation. A bubble of acid formed before the Gnome's contorted hands as he swept them through the mystic passes, and it flew straight towards the shambling rotting corpse. The corpse's vile aura filled Aracynth with repugnance and as the monster turned to address the incoming acid splash, he saw his opening and charged in with his greatsword, aiming to hack the beasts tentacle off before it could bring the arm to bear.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kynortas had never seen such an abomination. It was disgusting and abhorrent. It smelt of death but it didn't look like a demonic being. It was still unnatural and something to be put down. Moving forward with his shield up he closed the gap to the monster and takes a cleaving downward strike straight at it's head, aiming to cleave the creature in twain.
You recall from one of your Library Excursions that this creature is, in fact, a Sea Spawn! Once a human or humanoid of the like, they are cursed or beholden to a deep sea master such as a Sea Hag or Kraken Priest. They survive on land, but have to be submerged at least once a day, so the fact that this one is dripping means it's pretty fresh... for a creature cursed with unlife... They're not particularly fast on land, and much more dangerous underwater. You also recall some of the local sailors singing about the 'arms of the deep' or adages such as "Be wary of falling in love with a sea elf or a merfolk." So you know they're at least known to the area.
The horror stumbles as acid sloughs off some of its wretched hide, allowing Aracynth to strike a mighty blow into its shoulder. The tentacle remains attached, however, and the creature actually still looks quite ready to attack despite the damage. Just as it swings its heavy head over to glance at the Dragonborn, Kynortas advances and swings for it. This blow is ineffective, as it moved drunkenly away to address its first sword swing.
Just then the zombie splutters and begins lashing back at its attackers! The first two attacks are at Aracynth, swiping with its webbed fingers to deter more greatsword attacks. The third attack is saved for Kynortas, as it attempts to grab him with his tentacle and hold him fast.
Of the two swings at the Silver Swordsman the first screeches uselessly off his armor, but the second blow is more pointed and strikes true for 4damage! The tentacle whips about with blinding speed, the creature's stumbling trudge belying its strength. The appendage grasps Kynortas, not only dealing 5 damage but also wrapping around his raised shield arm in a disgusting grapple! (For reference: grappled)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Fizzbang recognized the horrid creature from some misbegotten text or another.
"A Sea Spawn!" He yelled. Realizing only too late that he couldn't remember precisely how to kill, maim, or even lightly upset such a creature. But knowing its name had to be worth something right?
When in doubt, Acid Splash! (Cantrips all day every day). Dex 13 to avoid 6
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
A Sea Spawn? Regardless of what it was called, the vile thing was an affront to nature itself, and Aracynth wanted nothing more than remove it's nauseating presence from before them. He heaved his greatsword again at the monster!
The Sea Spawn flinched briefly as the arrow slammed into its side; the point burying itself deep in the soggy flesh. The acid again washed over it and took more of the zombie with it, but it still stood, holding Kynortas and staring past Aracynth with blank, dark eyes. Aracynth's strike was wide as the Spawn moved slightly to make sure it had a good hold on its prey. At Kynortas' yell it bobbled its head in his direction and squeezed the tentacle, then aimed its two strikes from the free hand directly at him!
The Sea Spawn managed to strike Kynortas with one blow as he was still attached, dealing 8 damage to the restrained fighter! It burbled more seawater from its gaping mouth as it clubbed its quarry, hoping it would be able to taste living flesh before it succumbed to the other predators.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!" DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen" Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Nooo!!"Aracynth screamed, as the human fell beneath the the Sea Spawn's blows. He squared up his stance and drove his greatsword toward the filthy monster's back.
Attack: 18 Damage: 15
As the shambling corpse began to list, and Aracynth saw unlife leave it’s eyes, he heaved on the greatsword in its back before pulling it free, forcing the monster to fall clear of the unconscious man. “Kynortas, No!” he panicked, extricating the man from the lifeless tentacle bound up around it’s shield, greatsword laying forgotten on the ground next to them. “Bahamut, Guide my Hand..” He invoked, as the glow began to shroud his hands once more.
Lay On Hands : 1 HP
Placing his hands to the humans chest, the light dissolved through the armor, and the Human’s eyes slowly opened. Aracynth sighed, relieved. He stood, helping the human up and gathering up his own sword. He proceeded to walk the man off the Arena floor, where one of the Duke’s resident apothecaries stood nearby with a healing potion.
In the short rest that followed, Aracynth set about cleaning and polishing both his own and Kynortas’ weapons and shield. He scrubbed the gear free of the vile slime the Sea Spawn had left upon them even as the beasts corpse was scrubbed from the Arena floor.
The arrow that crept its way into the zombie's neck killed it, but seeing their comrade collapse under its blows must have spurred the other heroes onward. The acid washed away what was left of the creature's face, and the mighty greatsword skewered the beast, hanging it limply like a gruesome marionette as it released Kynortas.
"Wow! Well, well, well! What. A. Show, folks! That Sea Spawn did some work, but the team fought hard on that one! Let's give them a round of applause and a bit of rest before their final round! Let's hear it for that Stalwart Swordsman and his bravery in grappling such a disgusting creature!" The announcer bellows from his parapet and begins a slow clap for the party.
"But truly, our Most Valuable Hero was our very own local Fizzbang! Tossing acid better than I've seen him toss dice, that little guy sure is reliable! Well... to his fellow heroes anyway..." This jab lightens the crowd and some laughter can be heard within the applause.
On your way back into the waiting area a local cleric hands one of you a potion of healing for Kynortas. "Here, this should help before your third bout," she says simply.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kynortas opens his eyes to find himself on the ground. The last thing he remembered was taking a blow from the creature and the breath being squeezed out of him before the blackness. Aracynth was over him with his hands on his chest and Kynortas put together what had happened quickly.
"Thank you, Aracynth." He said with some effort. His head was still foggy and his chest felt crushed. Breathing was difficult. The dragonborn helped him up and a cleric from the arena handed him a potion. He pulled the stopper off of the bottle and downed the red liquid.
Healing: 6
He felt the warmth from the liquid spread through his chest and up to his head. It was easier to breath and the blurriness of his vision cleared. He walked over to Aracynth, " You have my thanks again for the healing and for helping with my equipment. It's good to know I can still count on some of us who have shed blood for Lysia, whether we are still in its services or not. A proven brother in arms is a brother indeed."
As he says this he gathers his equipment from Aracynth and re-equips his gear. After sheathing his sword he rests his shield on a crate next to him and sits down to rest. He closes his eyes and rests his head against the wall and breathes in and out focusing on the fight and remembering his mistakes. Analyzing and learning so he would not make the mistakes again. (Second Wind, then Short Rest)
After your recovery you once again hear the crowd ooh, aah, gasp, and cheer in waves as the other fighters are defeated or applauded. After a few hours, the sun now low on the horizon and shadows creep long over the arena floor, the crowd is hushed and the increasingly familiar flare of the announcer rattles once more through the stone walls.
"Our third, and final, round sees our favorite foursome against the dashing duo! The parties you’ve witnessed make their way through (literally!) several monsters now face each other! This is not a fight to the death! We respect both teams and our local Balmor Sisters are a... personal favorite... But these four have won our hearts and we will root for them just the same! Maybe their names will be engraved into the stone walls as so many others before! Besides, our Duke is ne’er so cruel as to lose great gallivanters such as yourselves, but make no mistake! This is a match to be fought ferociously! Let’s hear two shouts for the two champion teams! Away, ladies and gents! Have at thee!"
The gates open more dramatically for this final round, swinging slowly open to reveal a shaded arena, brushed, swept, and cleaned for the penultimate matchup. The other gates are opened just as slowly, two figures walking out into the setting sun in jet black armor. The figure approaching from the left side is lithe, a bow in hand and every step seemingly placed as though the woman expected the arena to be lined with pitfalls. Her sister, on the right, however, was wearing heavy armor and took purpose in her footfalls, the deadened thud of metal boots on sand nearly audible over the cheers of the crowd. You felt her presence more than heard it, but her intimidation tactics were not unnoticed. Her mace was held in her right arm, barely touching the arena floor as she walked, leaving a dotted trail where it dragged. They both walk to the edge of the gate swing and stop, bowing at you and then the crowd before assuming fighting stances. As the gates close on both sides the crowd becomes hushed and the shadows seem longer even in the seconds it took you to enter the arena...
Please roll initiatives!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!" DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen" Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
At the first word of the announcer's call Kynortas' eyes snapped open. He gathered his shield and stood ready. He offered his hand to help Aracynth to his feet. After they both stood Kynortas drew his sword and walked to the gate entrance. The gate opened and Kynortas stepped through with the group, feeling more confident in those who were at his back. Two battles and they had come through without too much trouble. One monster getting a lucky blow damaged Kynortas' ego more than anything. The foes standing in front of him would feel the bite of his sword.
Kynortas stepped forward to the arena floor and was assaulted by the smell of rotten death. Disgust and bad memories welled up in his mind.
Initiative : 9
His resolve to face his destiny remained strong.
Undead? Fizzbang shuddered. Undead were fairly high up on his 'list of gross nonsense I'd prefer not to deal with." In order it went: Barghests, drow, actual dead, spiders, Gray Renders, crabs, Mind Flayers, dire snakes...then undead. Definitely in that order.
Initiative 13
Well this time the order is as follows: Fizzbang, Aracynth, Kynortas, enemy (description following), and Tharin! So feel free to do your worst once you see what you're up against!
The undead you kept hearing about was definitely a shambling mass of flesh from the sea. What may have once been humanoid or merfolk was now an atrocity to the living of either type. Reeking of death and evil, the slimy spawn of the sea was about the size of Kynortas, but with a few... key differences. First the stench assaulted the entire coliseum; the putrid decay of its thunderhead-green flesh emanated outward. Its head lolled about like a drunken nod with humongous, bulbous eyes and frills where a human's ears would be. Its mouth lay agape and seawater seemed to drool out of it slowly and endlessly. Where its right arm should have been (were it human) it now had a long, pock-marked tentacle, like that of a squid. It dragged this appendage on the ground behind it, its length astonishing compared to its body. The rest of the creature was covered in barnacles and dripping kelp, as though dredged up from its sleep just moments ago. It doesn't appear to move very quickly, but it has noticed you all and trudges your way with purpose.
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Undead with tentacles...Undead with tentacles...Undead with tentacles...
Fizzbang wracked his brain to try and recall some small portion of eldritch lore that might help banish the creature. Skill Check: Arcana 14
But if there was one thing Fizzbang had learned through long nights spent gambling, its that opportunity rarely waited for a fully formed plan. Acid Splash! Dex check of 13 to avoid. 6 damage
As the grotesque stumbled forward, Fizzbang muttered some arcane incantation. A bubble of acid formed before the Gnome's contorted hands as he swept them through the mystic passes, and it flew straight towards the shambling rotting corpse. The corpse's vile aura filled Aracynth with repugnance and as the monster turned to address the incoming acid splash, he saw his opening and charged in with his greatsword, aiming to hack the beasts tentacle off before it could bring the arm to bear.
Attack: 11 Damage: 10
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Kynortas had never seen such an abomination. It was disgusting and abhorrent. It smelt of death but it didn't look like a demonic being. It was still unnatural and something to be put down. Moving forward with his shield up he closed the gap to the monster and takes a cleaving downward strike straight at it's head, aiming to cleave the creature in twain.
Attack: 16 Damage: 6
Fizzbang:
You recall from one of your Library Excursions that this creature is, in fact, a Sea Spawn! Once a human or humanoid of the like, they are cursed or beholden to a deep sea master such as a Sea Hag or Kraken Priest. They survive on land, but have to be submerged at least once a day, so the fact that this one is dripping means it's pretty fresh... for a creature cursed with unlife... They're not particularly fast on land, and much more dangerous underwater. You also recall some of the local sailors singing about the 'arms of the deep' or adages such as "Be wary of falling in love with a sea elf or a merfolk." So you know they're at least known to the area.
The horror stumbles as acid sloughs off some of its wretched hide, allowing Aracynth to strike a mighty blow into its shoulder. The tentacle remains attached, however, and the creature actually still looks quite ready to attack despite the damage. Just as it swings its heavy head over to glance at the Dragonborn, Kynortas advances and swings for it. This blow is ineffective, as it moved drunkenly away to address its first sword swing.
Just then the zombie splutters and begins lashing back at its attackers! The first two attacks are at Aracynth, swiping with its webbed fingers to deter more greatsword attacks. The third attack is saved for Kynortas, as it attempts to grab him with his tentacle and hold him fast.
Of the two swings at the Silver Swordsman the first screeches uselessly off his armor, but the second blow is more pointed and strikes true for 4 damage!
The tentacle whips about with blinding speed, the creature's stumbling trudge belying its strength. The appendage grasps Kynortas, not only dealing 5 damage but also wrapping around his raised shield arm in a disgusting grapple! (For reference: grappled)
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Seeing the disgust in Aracynth's face, Tharin aims for the tentacle, hoping to weaken the attachment further.
Attack: 22 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Damage4
Sneak attack 4
Fizzbang recognized the horrid creature from some misbegotten text or another.
"A Sea Spawn!" He yelled. Realizing only too late that he couldn't remember precisely how to kill, maim, or even lightly upset such a creature. But knowing its name had to be worth something right?
When in doubt, Acid Splash! (Cantrips all day every day). Dex 13 to avoid 6
A Sea Spawn? Regardless of what it was called, the vile thing was an affront to nature itself, and Aracynth wanted nothing more than remove it's nauseating presence from before them. He heaved his greatsword again at the monster!
Attack: 10 Damage: 7
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
"You'll not hold me fast you fetid thing!" Kynortas yelled and tries to wrench his arm free.
Athletics: 25
The Sea Spawn flinched briefly as the arrow slammed into its side; the point burying itself deep in the soggy flesh. The acid again washed over it and took more of the zombie with it, but it still stood, holding Kynortas and staring past Aracynth with blank, dark eyes. Aracynth's strike was wide as the Spawn moved slightly to make sure it had a good hold on its prey. At Kynortas' yell it bobbled its head in his direction and squeezed the tentacle, then aimed its two strikes from the free hand directly at him!
The Sea Spawn managed to strike Kynortas with one blow as he was still attached, dealing 8 damage to the restrained fighter! It burbled more seawater from its gaping mouth as it clubbed its quarry, hoping it would be able to taste living flesh before it succumbed to the other predators.
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Ugh. Tharin recoiled at the ugly sight, and notches another arrow to swiftly down the Sea Spawn before Kynortas is downed himself.
Attack: 13 Damage: 4
1 sneak attack
If Acid Splash is wrong, thought Fizzbang, then I don't ever want to be right.
Acid Splash! 6
"Nooo!!" Aracynth screamed, as the human fell beneath the the Sea Spawn's blows. He squared up his stance and drove his greatsword toward the filthy monster's back.
Attack: 18 Damage: 15
As the shambling corpse began to list, and Aracynth saw unlife leave it’s eyes, he heaved on the greatsword in its back before pulling it free, forcing the monster to fall clear of the unconscious man. “Kynortas, No!” he panicked, extricating the man from the lifeless tentacle bound up around it’s shield, greatsword laying forgotten on the ground next to them. “Bahamut, Guide my Hand..” He invoked, as the glow began to shroud his hands once more.
Lay On Hands : 1 HP
Placing his hands to the humans chest, the light dissolved through the armor, and the Human’s eyes slowly opened. Aracynth sighed, relieved. He stood, helping the human up and gathering up his own sword. He proceeded to walk the man off the Arena floor, where one of the Duke’s resident apothecaries stood nearby with a healing potion.
In the short rest that followed, Aracynth set about cleaning and polishing both his own and Kynortas’ weapons and shield. He scrubbed the gear free of the vile slime the Sea Spawn had left upon them even as the beasts corpse was scrubbed from the Arena floor.
Short Rest (spend 1HD): 1
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
The arrow that crept its way into the zombie's neck killed it, but seeing their comrade collapse under its blows must have spurred the other heroes onward. The acid washed away what was left of the creature's face, and the mighty greatsword skewered the beast, hanging it limply like a gruesome marionette as it released Kynortas.
"Wow! Well, well, well! What. A. Show, folks! That Sea Spawn did some work, but the team fought hard on that one! Let's give them a round of applause and a bit of rest before their final round! Let's hear it for that Stalwart Swordsman and his bravery in grappling such a disgusting creature!" The announcer bellows from his parapet and begins a slow clap for the party.
"But truly, our Most Valuable Hero was our very own local Fizzbang! Tossing acid better than I've seen him toss dice, that little guy sure is reliable! Well... to his fellow heroes anyway..." This jab lightens the crowd and some laughter can be heard within the applause.
On your way back into the waiting area a local cleric hands one of you a potion of healing for Kynortas. "Here, this should help before your third bout," she says simply.
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Kynortas opens his eyes to find himself on the ground. The last thing he remembered was taking a blow from the creature and the breath being squeezed out of him before the blackness. Aracynth was over him with his hands on his chest and Kynortas put together what had happened quickly.
"Thank you, Aracynth." He said with some effort. His head was still foggy and his chest felt crushed. Breathing was difficult. The dragonborn helped him up and a cleric from the arena handed him a potion. He pulled the stopper off of the bottle and downed the red liquid.
Healing: 6
He felt the warmth from the liquid spread through his chest and up to his head. It was easier to breath and the blurriness of his vision cleared. He walked over to Aracynth, " You have my thanks again for the healing and for helping with my equipment. It's good to know I can still count on some of us who have shed blood for Lysia, whether we are still in its services or not. A proven brother in arms is a brother indeed."
As he says this he gathers his equipment from Aracynth and re-equips his gear. After sheathing his sword he rests his shield on a crate next to him and sits down to rest. He closes his eyes and rests his head against the wall and breathes in and out focusing on the fight and remembering his mistakes. Analyzing and learning so he would not make the mistakes again. (Second Wind, then Short Rest)
Second Wind: 3
After your recovery you once again hear the crowd ooh, aah, gasp, and cheer in waves as the other fighters are defeated or applauded. After a few hours, the sun now low on the horizon and shadows creep long over the arena floor, the crowd is hushed and the increasingly familiar flare of the announcer rattles once more through the stone walls.
"Our third, and final, round sees our favorite foursome against the dashing duo! The parties you’ve witnessed make their way through (literally!) several monsters now face each other! This is not a fight to the death! We respect both teams and our local Balmor Sisters are a... personal favorite... But these four have won our hearts and we will root for them just the same! Maybe their names will be engraved into the stone walls as so many others before! Besides, our Duke is ne’er so cruel as to lose great gallivanters such as yourselves, but make no mistake! This is a match to be fought ferociously! Let’s hear two shouts for the two champion teams! Away, ladies and gents! Have at thee!"
The gates open more dramatically for this final round, swinging slowly open to reveal a shaded arena, brushed, swept, and cleaned for the penultimate matchup. The other gates are opened just as slowly, two figures walking out into the setting sun in jet black armor. The figure approaching from the left side is lithe, a bow in hand and every step seemingly placed as though the woman expected the arena to be lined with pitfalls. Her sister, on the right, however, was wearing heavy armor and took purpose in her footfalls, the deadened thud of metal boots on sand nearly audible over the cheers of the crowd. You felt her presence more than heard it, but her intimidation tactics were not unnoticed. Her mace was held in her right arm, barely touching the arena floor as she walked, leaving a dotted trail where it dragged. They both walk to the edge of the gate swing and stop, bowing at you and then the crowd before assuming fighting stances. As the gates close on both sides the crowd becomes hushed and the shadows seem longer even in the seconds it took you to enter the arena...
Please roll initiatives!
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
"I like our odds. Fizz, want to take the one in the back? We can share while the others have their fun."
9
At the first word of the announcer's call Kynortas' eyes snapped open. He gathered his shield and stood ready. He offered his hand to help Aracynth to his feet. After they both stood Kynortas drew his sword and walked to the gate entrance. The gate opened and Kynortas stepped through with the group, feeling more confident in those who were at his back. Two battles and they had come through without too much trouble. One monster getting a lucky blow damaged Kynortas' ego more than anything. The foes standing in front of him would feel the bite of his sword.
Initiative: 15