Sera watch the huge caterpillar pay attention at the illusion druid. " summon that demon thing Merkas? You sure. It cannot be trusted. But...likk at the size if that bug.. Even we sneak past it now...how get unnoticed back? Should we try get fid of it?" Sera takes up the demon summonibg tooth.
She attemt to recall what this creature is. ( survival 8)
“That demon comes at a price. Perhaps wait until the situation is more dire.” Hastos adds a bit of caution to the suggestion. Hastos examines the creature. Though he hasn’t spent much time in caves, he did spend time with a lot of people from different parts of the realm.
”The creature seems to be more interested in the coney than the Druid. Perhaps it prefers smaller game to those that present a danger to itself.”
“Oh, wait, Sera, I think you still have that Bottled Efreet thing, maybe you could open that instead of that horn demon thing” Merkas suggests as he exhausts his search of his bags. Hastos mention of the beasts culinary preferences has Merkas glancing around the cave for some easy game. (Survival:14 to spot some small critter to feed to the giant worm creature) “I wonder if anything in here is tasty enough for it so we can get by”
As Merkas and Barkly scamper about harvesting crayfish, spiders, and scorpions to make a snack for the monster, the druid hucks the coney at it, which the creature attempts to grasp with its tentacles and bring to its mouth.
Upon doing so, the hare vanishes into glittery light. The half-elf looks equally confused, and her eyes go wide. 'What?"
The caterpillar writhes and snaps its jaws angrily, then shakes its head. The druid takes a step back and starts to prepare a spell. Then, the caterpillar thing lunges down at the half-elf, which also dissolves into glittering light. Enraged, the thing begins to throw a temper tantrum, thrashing about with gnashing sharp fangs! Then, it looks around the chamber trying to find the elusive trickster!
Once it sees you, it freezes... and coils up.
Buckeran finally takes a breath. "Carrion Crawler. They prefer dead things... or sleeping things. We are invading its domain though. If it weren't so enraged, I'd say we just move along in unison, and it won't risk injury by attacking us. Damn... I wish I'd studied the monster manual more."
You are not in "initiative". The Carrion Crawler is making no move to attack. But it is tracing your movement and posing threateningly. It seems startled by your presence.
Merkas and Barkly dutifully collect a sum of the smaller creatures in the vicinity and wrap them in one of his spare shirts after tying the sleeves and beck tight to create a thin sack. Moving over with the others as the crawler bites into the illusory druid. “Um, yeah, now it looks more mad.” Handing the bundle of feed to Hastos he crouches low on Barkly to get a good grip. “You throw that out away from where we wanna go and we might be able to get by it quickly enough, unless you wanna practice with your axe?”
“I’d rather us get by it without the need for violence!” Hastos replies with a chuckle. He takes the bag of food and hurls it in the direction away from where they want to go, but close enough that the creature will be enticed to feed.
Sera decide not summon either demon or Efreet as the Carrion Crawler is fed by Hastos. " I hope that works...if not...if we need to pass it on the way out..." She sighs. " I am not injured. Pass behind me. " She say calmly.
Sera raise her shield and careful position herself so everyone can pass behind her to get past the mlnster. Ready to block, parfy or dodge any attack.
Hastos whips through, legs twitching with immense speed, and he flings the sack of treats into the air with more force than intended. It smacks against a crystal wall, splattering some of the bugs and shooting dust and spores everywhere. Unbothered, the Carrion Crawler finds the scent delectible and clambors over to the treat, crawling with terrifying grace up the wall to get to it. It's tentacles pick at the treats and stuff them into its mouth.
Sera, posted up as a human shield, ushers the crowd through and Barkly, carrying Buckeran and Merkas are next through the passageway, followed by Orr the Unseen.
When Hastos wisps over one of the stones, a flash of light emits from it and the crystals respond by flashing a brief rainbow of light, followed by an intonation that could be considered melodic. But the light flashing is so brief, it's difficult to tell what it caused or what speficically caused it. The Carrion Crawler looks up from its feast and back at you with bored curiosity, then returns back to its meal.
Hastos stops near some transulcent crystals that reveal a chamber beyond. Near him, a cobbled pathway leads towards and under it, travelling both east and west. But the tranlucent crystals block your path.
The melodic tones and lights catch Merkas attention though he seems to not have seen what Hastos contacted to set it off. (Perception:4 seeing the trigger) “Wow this place is neat, bet if you smack any of these crystals they’ll set something off” (Insight:6 what these sounds might hint to) “Wonder if a good musician could make an instrument out of this all, Whatcha think Orr, you’re part of the town band right?”
Bringing Barkly and Bucky up alongside Hastos at the walls of crystal. “Well then, Guess I will start looking for cracks?” Hopping off and moving over to the wall on the right side he starts moving along it searching for gaps or crevices that might be hidden in the facets of the formation. (Investigation: 18, a path through or any other hint at a way forward for the group)
Moving around the chamber, banging crystals, doesn't do much but create fun intonations.
Orr turns their head hestitantly from the Carrion Crawler to Merkas. "I'm not in... a band, exactly. My services can provide lights and music magically though. Perhaps that is what is happening here." They cover their face and utter a phrase in orcish. When they remove their hands from their face, their eyes glow a radiant blue. Almost instantly they spuint and hiss air through their teeth!
"Gods and dragons! There is magic everywhere! It's blinding!" It takes several painful moments for Orr the Unseen to adapt to the effects of the Detect Magic spell, and they have to cast their gaze downwards to avoid the harsh glow of the crystals. But in doing so, they discover something interesting. They squat down to see down the length of the floor. Then stand back up. Slowly, and with some nervous apprehension, they step forward onto one of the massive stone tiles. The tile glows softly, and a musical tone rings out, sustaining while they stand on it.
"B Natural?" Orr inquires.
This clue gives you Advantage on INT, WIS, or CHA based skill checks to understand what's happening.
Merkas's exploration, via banging on various crystals, reveals new information as well. One of the crystals he hits shudders and rises to a stand, towering over the diminutive kender! Its radiance is staggering to behold, and bluish-white light erupts from its massive form!
Hrothbert_Neruca, please make a WIS Save (DC 17) to avoid being Blinded until the start of the creatures next turn.
The creature does not hesitate, and launches a vicious overhead slam towards Merkas! It's movements seem slow and cumbersome, and there are visible cracks of wear and age on its body, but there is no doubt this monster is still quite strong.
The crystal creature attacks with Slam: 20 (hit); Damage 16 (bludgeoning, magic) This creature is a weakened version of its stat block, and is now too slow and brittle to use multiattack. It also has reduced HP.
You are now in battle.
Orr the Unseen cries out to Merkas! "NO DON'T!" But it's too late! After the flash of light disippates, Orr rushes to Merkas and plucks an eyelash from their face, mashing it into some gum arabic, before smashing it onto Merkas's forehead. "Hide!" Orr hisses at Merkas, then purple light charges into their hands as they utter another phrase in orcish and Merkas vanishes from sight.
Once Orr the Unseen moves off the stone they were standing on, the light fades and the tone ends.
The massive thing emits a weird crystalline intonation that sounds like a painfully amplifed version of rubbing a wet finger around the edge of a crystal glass. Its not so much a roar, as the implication of crystal grinding against crystal.
Barkly snaps into action, not waiting for an order from her caregiver! Her leap launches Buckeran loose from her saddle, and she hurls herself at the threat, gnashing and clamping down on the thing with powerful jaws!
Barkly attacks with Bite: 17 (hits), Damage 16 (piercing)
As expected, the teeth don't go very far in. But a spiderweb of cracking appears throughout the leg of the creature. It doesn't howl, or even seem to register the pain at all.
The creature appears to have DR against Piercing damage. You gain Advantage on INT or WIS based checks to know the stat block of the creature.
The Carrion Crawler, suddenly quite interested in not being a part of this, begins its ascent to its burrows tunnels high up in the celing.
I wouldn't say the Carrion Crawler is your friend, but it's not your enemy either. If you have a magical way to conscript it into service, it might help you. Basic Handle Animal checks are unlikely to get it to risk its life for you yet though.
“Be Natural? Hmm It might be natural, but the way the sound persists and the design of the room I think it’s more to do with a blue dragons game, don’t you?”(Int:10 for understanding the puzzle) The kender keeps tapping on the walls as he looks back at Orr while talking, no noticing he had gotten close to the golems he had seen earlier. The sounds of the moving crystal had him look back in time to squeeze his eyes shut to avoid the blinding lights it emits but not the stars he sees as the club smashes down on him.(Wis Save:17 from being blinded)
Orrs quick response and command has the kender scrambling back to give Barkly room and not get trampled while the others can’t see him he looks about the room quickly as he remembers seeing more of these crystal creatures as they came in. “Watch out there was more I saw earlier” (Int: 13 for the stat block of the golem)
Seeing the crawler still nearby, Merkas runs towards it scooping one of the busted critter pieces and casts Animal Friendship on it (move to the left 30’, use a charge of the ring of animal influence, DC 13 Wisdom Save.Invisibility drops when casting the spell) “Calling in reinforcements don’t attack the crawler”
Hastos watches as the crystal creature attacks Merkas, as Orr casts invisibility on him, Hastos rushes in.
”Fuego!” He yells and his great axe bursts into flames. Hastos bring the flaming axe around at the creature! (Attack:27, Dam : 6).
squeak-squeak-squeak-squeak-squeak!
The enhanced speed caused by the blessing Hastos received causes his tight leather pants to wrench and twist like he's hoisting a wench at twice the normal speed. The sounds of squeaking resonate across the chamber walls, but none of the tiles light up during his movement. The axe comes crashing down onto the golem, and chunks of crystal fly away from its shoulder in splintery shards! Another spiderweb of cracks forms along its chest, increasing its fragility.
“Be Natural? Hmm It might be natural, but the way the sound persists and the design of the room I think it’s more to do with a blue dragons game, don’t you?” (Int:10 for understanding the puzzle) The kender keeps tapping on the walls as he looks back at Orr while talking, no noticing he had gotten close to the golems he had seen earlier. The sounds of the moving crystal had him look back in time to squeeze his eyes shut to avoid the blinding lights it emits but not the stars he sees as the club smashes down on him. (Wis Save:17 from being blinded)
Orrs quick response and command has the kender scrambling back to give Barkly room and not get trampled while the others can’t see him he looks about the room quickly as he remembers seeing more of these crystal creatures as they came in. “Watch out there was more I saw earlier” (Int: 13 for the stat block of the golem)
Seeing the crawler still nearby, Merkas runs towards it scooping one of the busted critter pieces and casts Animal Friendship on it (move to the left 30’, use a charge of the ring of animal influence, DC 13 Wisdom Save.Invisibility drops when casting the spell) “Calling in reinforcements don’t attack the crawler”
The Carrion Crawler doesn't initially seem interested in Merkas, but an intonation in its mind compells it to come to your aid. Roaring it's hideous, insectoid cry, it charges down the wall at surprising speed, knocking Buckeran to the side, and dashing his body against the crystal walls. He groans and shakes his head, then feels at the rising welt on the back of his skull.
Buckeran takes 1 HP of damage, Bludgeoning.
Even with the considerable distance it covers, it's still too far away to bite, so it whips its long tentacles out at the golem, lashing and licking at it with deadly poison dripping from the grotesque tubes. But the liquid just drips along the crystals and into the cracks, seeming to do nothing to deter its brutal advance.
The golem appears to be immune to Poison and Paralysis.
Sera shake her head. From wanting to save and feed the carrion crawler it is magically used to attack the crystal statue.
She can talknabout that later. But she not use one of her healing spells on it. In any case the statue is surrounded and Sera walk a but more closer and bring dow sacred flames on it.
( dex save 13 or take 11 radiant )
Hastos firm leather ass squeels even. Like new leather armor not oiled. What is it with that mans ass? She nust gotten to much poison gas in her.
" if you get hurt more now I swear by Sargonnas sweaty balls I spank ur squeeking ass Hastos!"
Buckeran looks up when Sera steps next to him. Her magical summoning intones along the crystal walls. Then, brilliant light, refracted by the golem, flashes through the chamber, more brilliantly than anticipated! Rainbow light cascades through the chamber and Buckeran winces at the dazzling array.
But the strike lands, and more spiderwebbing crackles through the golem's core! It's structure can no longer hold the burden of one of its weighty arms, which falls off and shatters into hundreds of smaller crystals, each gleaming with elemental power.
Casters can tell that some of the fallen crystals contain some of the Sacred energy cast into it. Arcana or Religion Checks will reveal more. The other crystals contain magic as well, but it is unclear at a glance what. Investigation and Arcana will be required to study their properties.
Creaking with each movement, the golem slams its remaining arm down at the biting Giant Strider!
Attack: 28 (hits), Damage: 19 (Bludgeoning/Magic)
It's crystaline fist slams down on Barkly so hard, it knocks several teeth loose, which remain embedded in the crystal behemoth. Her whimper of pain indicates that she's badly hurt as she staggers along the floor. Unable to continue this fight, she prudently backs away.
Barkly withdraws towards Merkas, 25'. Barkly is Bloodied.
Merkas can see that the crystal golem is taking damage, even when it strikes. It's cracked and aged form is too brittle to maintain a prolonged conflict.Tiny shards of crystal are embedded in Barkly's scales which seep blood. Most likely, Barkly has a concussion from the fearsome blow.
Orr the Unseen pulls out some bat guano from their components pouch and molds it into a ball around a nugget of sulphur. They cup the ball in their hands and utter a gutteral intonation in Orcish, until light glows from the crevices between their fingers. As the light and warmth grow, they pull their hands apart to reveal a ball of roiling flame!
"Take caution!" They warn the party as the ball grows larger a second time, until it's nearly the size of Orr's chest. The veins in their forearms buldge and swell until they radiate fiery energy! Then, like hurling a ball, they launch it high above the golems head, into the crystal wall above them. The resounding crash is defeaning in the echo chamber as crystals and spores erupt where the fireball lands. The ensuring heat wave bursts forth, slamming into the back of the golem, launching it, spread eagle, several feet forward! Flames lick at the creatures body, cloaking it in red-hot seething wrath.
Then, the cave wall begins to crumble.... an angry, scratching sound that forebodes the true danger of the spell. Stone and crystalline stalactites fall from the ceiling, exploding when they land. Then the wall itself forms an avalanche of crystal rocks, tumbling down on the beleagured creature.
The golems natural defenses keep it strong against much of the damage. However, the rocks continue you to buffet it with relentless force! It attempts to shake off the blunt-force attacks, and loses a leg at the knee in the process. Stumbling forward awkwardly, it catches itself on a stone stalagmite with its one good arm, but rocks keep pounding onto its head and back, resounding like a kettle drum.
Though still alive, the rocks have trapped it, and it's unable to move. It reaches out with its one good arm, and two of its fingers fall away. The thing still clearly has fight left in it, but no ability to lash out at you. But the landslide is still a problem for those closest to the golem!
MrUncleTio, please make a DEX Saving Throw (DC 15) with Advantage (from Orr the Unseen's warning) or take 11 damage Bludgeoning (the 22 is halved by partial cover provided by the golem.) The damage is halved again on a successful save. Please remember to apply any DR you have from Bludeoning damage.
The hole caused by the blast reveals a small corridor beyond. You can climb to it, if you can avoid the golem's reach doing so. The Carrion Crawler looks at the carnage... startled, then curious. Another chamber to scavenge in?
The Carrion Crawler has already used its move this turn, and cannot go further yet. The golem is essentially immobilized. Though it can attack, it cannot move or take attacks of opportunities. More accurately... it can only take attacks of opportunity, as it can only attack if you pass by it. Attacks and Damage will be at Disadvatage due to its weakened state.
Orr the Unseen gasps to catch their breath. They haven't had to use such powerful spells in a while, and the strain is evident on their face, and the steam rising from their body. Buckeran rises to an unsteady stand, and pulls out their alchemy jug. "Barkly is in danger. I can make oil to help with a fire to heal her. Nothing around here will provide kindling otherwise."
Hartos hears the explosion above, but is dead focused on the crystaline creature. He hears a rumble from behind it, and realizes too late that the wall behind it had given way. As the shards come down like a wave, they bounce off the creature and tumble away from Hastos. But as the bulk of the wall hits them, the rubble bounces off shards and pour back in from around it, being deflected back towards Hastos. Shards hit him from both sides and from between the creatures legs! (Failed Dex save).
As the shards slam into him, they leave gashes to mark their passing.
Sera stay at her location. " I told you not to be damsged!". She blurts out as shards strike Hastos. More of resignation than being actually upset with him
The golem seems trapped in debris. Time go finish this. " burn it away father..she aim her sacred fire down upon it again.
( cast sacred flame. Dex save 13. But being imobilized might give it disadvantage? 15 radiant dam)
Spitting a tooth from his mouth as he gets up and watches Barkly get battered, His face turns a flushed red as anger grows. Tossing Bucky a bottle filled with what is essentially lava from the firenewt they had dispatched, “Splash this on her Bucky, it should help right away,” (Canteen of Lava acts as a standard healing potion: 2d4+2 regained HP = 6) “And maybe it’s heat will ignite your oil for more”
Merkas then moves around Barkly to get a clear view of the crystalline combatant, and piece of the detritus between himself and it. “I know you’re just doing what you’re built for but return to the rubble you came from” He points at the chuck of crystal and says to it “Fly” with a calm and determined command. (Moving two squares right and one square up to get a clear line. Casting catapult on a rock to hit the golem. DC:16 dex save or take 9 Bludgeoning damage (magical?).)
Sera stay at her location. " I told you not to be damsged!". She blurts out as shards strike Hastos. More of resignation than being actually upset with him
The golem seems trapped in debris. Time go finish this. " burn it away father..she aim her sacred fire down upon it again.
( cast sacred flame. Dex save 13. But being imobilized might give it disadvantage? 15 radiant dam)
Attack is a hit automatically.
More shards are blasted loose from the struggling golem, and at this point, it barely resembles its former crumbling self. Only a torso remains. And you can see a faintly glowing stone within it that pulses like a heartbeat.
The golem is no longer capable of attacking. It's legs are trapped and too fragile to pry itself loose from the rubble. But it's clearly still alive. It's torso is writing and struggling to get loose.
Hartos hears the explosion above, but is dead focused on the crystaline creature. He hears a rumble from behind it, and realizes too late that the wall behind it had given way. As the shards come down like a wave, they bounce off the creature and tumble away from Hastos. But as the bulk of the wall hits them, the rubble bounces off shards and pour back in from around it, being deflected back towards Hastos. Shards hit him from both sides and from between the creatures legs! (Failed Dex save).
As the shards slam into him, they leave gashes to mark their passing.
From the side, you can all see Hastos eat a crystal. He spits it out in disgust, and a small fireball shoots from his mouth! It's the shard, which explodes a few feet from his face. The explosion is minor, and does Hastos no damage, but he does look like he just tried to eat a really spicy pepper. His face is flushed and sweat beads on his forehead. He then, throws a second shard on the ground, which makes a sharp snapping sound. The shard is destroyed in the process, but the ground below is clearly scorched. Hastos seems to be performing a series of experiments with the shards.
Spitting a tooth from his mouth as he gets up and watches Barkly get battered, His face turns a flushed red as anger grows. Tossing Bucky a bottle filled with what is essentially lava from the firenewt they had dispatched, “Splash this on her Bucky, it should help right away,” (Canteen of Lava acts as a standard healing potion: 2d4+2 regained HP = 6) “And maybe it’s heat will ignite your oil for more”
Merkas then moves around Barkly to get a clear view of the crystalline combatant, and piece of the detritus between himself and it. “I know you’re just doing what you’re built for but return to the rubble you came from” He points at the chuck of crystal and says to it “Fly” with a calm and determined command. (Moving two squares right and one square up to get a clear line. Casting catapult on a rock to hit the golem. DC:16 dex save or take 9 Bludgeoning damage (magical?).)
Buckeran nods, in spite of the throbbing headache, and starts hurrying over to Barkly. Meanwhile, Merkas storms forward, launching a crystalline bullet square into the reamining torso. The torso cracks further from the impact, and crumbles... leaving behind a large crystal rock about the size of Merkas's head. Inside, it's pulsing with magical energy, like the Air Elemental did. But you can sense more powerful energy coming from it. If touched, it seems to vibrate with magical resonance.
Buckeran looks up from his medical minstrations to Barkly, while scratching Barkly on the neck to soothe her. "Fascinating."
You each receive 3,000 XP You discover 22 shards imbued with Sacred Energy, and 9 shards imbued with Fire Energy. You discover a golem totem. Based on your experience in this region, you believe it can be used to summon this golem. Due to its antiquity, its full power cannot be restored without fully restoring the totem. More likely, it will be restored at the power level you encountered when it first awoke.
I've marked the stone that lights up when you pass over it. Now that you're out of the encounter, your characters have more time to acknowledge it, and this makes it easier for me to remember as well.
Orr the Unseen finally catches their breath. "That took much more out of me than I expected. I can only cast a spell of that level once more today. And I'm uncertain of my ability to restore my magic deep in this cavern. Let us hope we do not encounter such a threat deeper in this den."
Uneasy about standing so closely to the Carrion Crawler, Orr the Unseen moves away from it, towards Hastos. Upon doing so, the large stone at their feet lights up again, and the B natural note begins to chime.
With the immediate threat gone, the Carrion Crawler seems to have no interest in the shiny rocks around them. Due to its affinity to Merkas, it makes no move to attack, but instead starts crawling up the crystal wall towards the newly formed hole, much to Orr's displeasure. It's movements are slower now, and uncertain.
Hrothbert_Neruca, to Merkas, its hesitance makes sense. The Carrion Crawler wants to explore this new food source, but it also feels reluctant to leave the little kender unprotected.
Hastos pauses his experiments, packs 5 shards in his pack that seemed to produce fire. “I wouldn’t recommend putting them in your mouth.” He says with a disgusted look on his face.
He spits the last bit of sour taste from his mouth and there’s a small hiss as it hits the floor.
Hastos walks over to Merkas and Barkley. “How are you two doing?” He asks concerned.
Sera watch the huge caterpillar pay attention at the illusion druid. " summon that demon thing Merkas? You sure. It cannot be trusted. But...likk at the size if that bug.. Even we sneak past it now...how get unnoticed back? Should we try get fid of it?" Sera takes up the demon summonibg tooth.
She attemt to recall what this creature is. ( survival 8)
“That demon comes at a price. Perhaps wait until the situation is more dire.” Hastos adds a bit of caution to the suggestion. Hastos examines the creature. Though he hasn’t spent much time in caves, he did spend time with a lot of people from different parts of the realm.
”The creature seems to be more interested in the coney than the Druid. Perhaps it prefers smaller game to those that present a danger to itself.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
“Oh, wait, Sera, I think you still have that Bottled Efreet thing, maybe you could open that instead of that horn demon thing” Merkas suggests as he exhausts his search of his bags.
Hastos mention of the beasts culinary preferences has Merkas glancing around the cave for some easy game. (Survival:14 to spot some small critter to feed to the giant worm creature) “I wonder if anything in here is tasty enough for it so we can get by”
Loyalty Begets Honour
As Merkas and Barkly scamper about harvesting crayfish, spiders, and scorpions to make a snack for the monster, the druid hucks the coney at it, which the creature attempts to grasp with its tentacles and bring to its mouth.
Upon doing so, the hare vanishes into glittery light. The half-elf looks equally confused, and her eyes go wide. 'What?"
The caterpillar writhes and snaps its jaws angrily, then shakes its head. The druid takes a step back and starts to prepare a spell. Then, the caterpillar thing lunges down at the half-elf, which also dissolves into glittering light. Enraged, the thing begins to throw a temper tantrum, thrashing about with gnashing sharp fangs! Then, it looks around the chamber trying to find the elusive trickster!
Once it sees you, it freezes... and coils up.
Buckeran finally takes a breath. "Carrion Crawler. They prefer dead things... or sleeping things. We are invading its domain though. If it weren't so enraged, I'd say we just move along in unison, and it won't risk injury by attacking us. Damn... I wish I'd studied the monster manual more."
You are not in "initiative". The Carrion Crawler is making no move to attack. But it is tracing your movement and posing threateningly. It seems startled by your presence.
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
Merkas and Barkly dutifully collect a sum of the smaller creatures in the vicinity and wrap them in one of his spare shirts after tying the sleeves and beck tight to create a thin sack. Moving over with the others as the crawler bites into the illusory druid.
“Um, yeah, now it looks more mad.” Handing the bundle of feed to Hastos he crouches low on Barkly to get a good grip. “You throw that out away from where we wanna go and we might be able to get by it quickly enough, unless you wanna practice with your axe?”
(Animal Handling=17)
Loyalty Begets Honour
“I’d rather us get by it without the need for violence!” Hastos replies with a chuckle. He takes the bag of food and hurls it in the direction away from where they want to go, but close enough that the creature will be enticed to feed.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Sera decide not summon either demon or Efreet as the Carrion Crawler is fed by Hastos. " I hope that works...if not...if we need to pass it on the way out..." She sighs. " I am not injured. Pass behind me. " She say calmly.
Sera raise her shield and careful position herself so everyone can pass behind her to get past the mlnster. Ready to block, parfy or dodge any attack.
( Sera will just defend as her action )
Hastos whips through, legs twitching with immense speed, and he flings the sack of treats into the air with more force than intended. It smacks against a crystal wall, splattering some of the bugs and shooting dust and spores everywhere. Unbothered, the Carrion Crawler finds the scent delectible and clambors over to the treat, crawling with terrifying grace up the wall to get to it. It's tentacles pick at the treats and stuff them into its mouth.
Sera, posted up as a human shield, ushers the crowd through and Barkly, carrying Buckeran and Merkas are next through the passageway, followed by Orr the Unseen.
When Hastos wisps over one of the stones, a flash of light emits from it and the crystals respond by flashing a brief rainbow of light, followed by an intonation that could be considered melodic. But the light flashing is so brief, it's difficult to tell what it caused or what speficically caused it. The Carrion Crawler looks up from its feast and back at you with bored curiosity, then returns back to its meal.
Hastos stops near some transulcent crystals that reveal a chamber beyond. Near him, a cobbled pathway leads towards and under it, travelling both east and west. But the tranlucent crystals block your path.
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
The melodic tones and lights catch Merkas attention though he seems to not have seen what Hastos contacted to set it off. (Perception:4 seeing the trigger) “Wow this place is neat, bet if you smack any of these crystals they’ll set something off” (Insight:6 what these sounds might hint to) “Wonder if a good musician could make an instrument out of this all, Whatcha think Orr, you’re part of the town band right?”
Bringing Barkly and Bucky up alongside Hastos at the walls of crystal. “Well then, Guess I will start looking for cracks?” Hopping off and moving over to the wall on the right side he starts moving along it searching for gaps or crevices that might be hidden in the facets of the formation. (Investigation: 18, a path through or any other hint at a way forward for the group)
Loyalty Begets Honour
Moving around the chamber, banging crystals, doesn't do much but create fun intonations.
Orr turns their head hestitantly from the Carrion Crawler to Merkas. "I'm not in... a band, exactly. My services can provide lights and music magically though. Perhaps that is what is happening here." They cover their face and utter a phrase in orcish. When they remove their hands from their face, their eyes glow a radiant blue. Almost instantly they spuint and hiss air through their teeth!
"Gods and dragons! There is magic everywhere! It's blinding!" It takes several painful moments for Orr the Unseen to adapt to the effects of the Detect Magic spell, and they have to cast their gaze downwards to avoid the harsh glow of the crystals. But in doing so, they discover something interesting. They squat down to see down the length of the floor. Then stand back up. Slowly, and with some nervous apprehension, they step forward onto one of the massive stone tiles. The tile glows softly, and a musical tone rings out, sustaining while they stand on it.
"B Natural?" Orr inquires.
This clue gives you Advantage on INT, WIS, or CHA based skill checks to understand what's happening.
Merkas's exploration, via banging on various crystals, reveals new information as well. One of the crystals he hits shudders and rises to a stand, towering over the diminutive kender! Its radiance is staggering to behold, and bluish-white light erupts from its massive form!
Hrothbert_Neruca, please make a WIS Save (DC 17) to avoid being Blinded until the start of the creatures next turn.
The creature does not hesitate, and launches a vicious overhead slam towards Merkas! It's movements seem slow and cumbersome, and there are visible cracks of wear and age on its body, but there is no doubt this monster is still quite strong.
The crystal creature attacks with Slam: 20 (hit); Damage 16 (bludgeoning, magic)
This creature is a weakened version of its stat block, and is now too slow and brittle to use multiattack. It also has reduced HP.
You are now in battle.
Orr the Unseen cries out to Merkas! "NO DON'T!" But it's too late! After the flash of light disippates, Orr rushes to Merkas and plucks an eyelash from their face, mashing it into some gum arabic, before smashing it onto Merkas's forehead. "Hide!" Orr hisses at Merkas, then purple light charges into their hands as they utter another phrase in orcish and Merkas vanishes from sight.
Once Orr the Unseen moves off the stone they were standing on, the light fades and the tone ends.
Orr the Unseen casts Invisibility on Merkas.
The massive thing emits a weird crystalline intonation that sounds like a painfully amplifed version of rubbing a wet finger around the edge of a crystal glass. Its not so much a roar, as the implication of crystal grinding against crystal.
Barkly snaps into action, not waiting for an order from her caregiver! Her leap launches Buckeran loose from her saddle, and she hurls herself at the threat, gnashing and clamping down on the thing with powerful jaws!
Barkly attacks with Bite: 17 (hits), Damage 16 (piercing)
As expected, the teeth don't go very far in. But a spiderweb of cracking appears throughout the leg of the creature. It doesn't howl, or even seem to register the pain at all.
The creature appears to have DR against Piercing damage.
You gain Advantage on INT or WIS based checks to know the stat block of the creature.
The Carrion Crawler, suddenly quite interested in not being a part of this, begins its ascent to its burrows tunnels high up in the celing.
I wouldn't say the Carrion Crawler is your friend, but it's not your enemy either. If you have a magical way to conscript it into service, it might help you. Basic Handle Animal checks are unlikely to get it to risk its life for you yet though.
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Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
Hastos watches as the crystal creature attacks Merkas, as Orr casts invisibility on him, Hastos rushes in.
”Fuego!” He yells and his great axe bursts into flames. Hastos bring the flaming axe around at the creature! (Attack:27, Dam : 6).
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
“Be Natural? Hmm It might be natural, but the way the sound persists and the design of the room I think it’s more to do with a blue dragons game, don’t you?” (Int:10 for understanding the puzzle) The kender keeps tapping on the walls as he looks back at Orr while talking, no noticing he had gotten close to the golems he had seen earlier. The sounds of the moving crystal had him look back in time to squeeze his eyes shut to avoid the blinding lights it emits but not the stars he sees as the club smashes down on him. (Wis Save:17 from being blinded)
Orrs quick response and command has the kender scrambling back to give Barkly room and not get trampled while the others can’t see him he looks about the room quickly as he remembers seeing more of these crystal creatures as they came in. “Watch out there was more I saw earlier” (Int: 13 for the stat block of the golem)
Seeing the crawler still nearby, Merkas runs towards it scooping one of the busted critter pieces and casts Animal Friendship on it (move to the left 30’, use a charge of the ring of animal influence, DC 13 Wisdom Save.Invisibility drops when casting the spell) “Calling in reinforcements don’t attack the crawler”
Loyalty Begets Honour
squeak-squeak-squeak-squeak-squeak!
The enhanced speed caused by the blessing Hastos received causes his tight leather pants to wrench and twist like he's hoisting a wench at twice the normal speed. The sounds of squeaking resonate across the chamber walls, but none of the tiles light up during his movement. The axe comes crashing down onto the golem, and chunks of crystal fly away from its shoulder in splintery shards! Another spiderweb of cracks forms along its chest, increasing its fragility.
The Carrion Crawler doesn't initially seem interested in Merkas, but an intonation in its mind compells it to come to your aid. Roaring it's hideous, insectoid cry, it charges down the wall at surprising speed, knocking Buckeran to the side, and dashing his body against the crystal walls. He groans and shakes his head, then feels at the rising welt on the back of his skull.
Buckeran takes 1 HP of damage, Bludgeoning.
Even with the considerable distance it covers, it's still too far away to bite, so it whips its long tentacles out at the golem, lashing and licking at it with deadly poison dripping from the grotesque tubes. But the liquid just drips along the crystals and into the cracks, seeming to do nothing to deter its brutal advance.
The golem appears to be immune to Poison and Paralysis.
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Sera shake her head. From wanting to save and feed the carrion crawler it is magically used to attack the crystal statue.
She can talknabout that later. But she not use one of her healing spells on it. In any case the statue is surrounded and Sera walk a but more closer and bring dow sacred flames on it.
( dex save 13 or take 11 radiant )
Hastos firm leather ass squeels even. Like new leather armor not oiled. What is it with that mans ass? She nust gotten to much poison gas in her.
" if you get hurt more now I swear by Sargonnas sweaty balls I spank ur squeeking ass Hastos!"
Buckeran looks up when Sera steps next to him. Her magical summoning intones along the crystal walls. Then, brilliant light, refracted by the golem, flashes through the chamber, more brilliantly than anticipated! Rainbow light cascades through the chamber and Buckeran winces at the dazzling array.
But the strike lands, and more spiderwebbing crackles through the golem's core! It's structure can no longer hold the burden of one of its weighty arms, which falls off and shatters into hundreds of smaller crystals, each gleaming with elemental power.
Casters can tell that some of the fallen crystals contain some of the Sacred energy cast into it. Arcana or Religion Checks will reveal more. The other crystals contain magic as well, but it is unclear at a glance what. Investigation and Arcana will be required to study their properties.
Creaking with each movement, the golem slams its remaining arm down at the biting Giant Strider!
Attack: 28 (hits), Damage: 19 (Bludgeoning/Magic)
It's crystaline fist slams down on Barkly so hard, it knocks several teeth loose, which remain embedded in the crystal behemoth. Her whimper of pain indicates that she's badly hurt as she staggers along the floor. Unable to continue this fight, she prudently backs away.
Barkly withdraws towards Merkas, 25'.
Barkly is Bloodied.
Merkas can see that the crystal golem is taking damage, even when it strikes. It's cracked and aged form is too brittle to maintain a prolonged conflict.Tiny shards of crystal are embedded in Barkly's scales which seep blood. Most likely, Barkly has a concussion from the fearsome blow.
Orr the Unseen pulls out some bat guano from their components pouch and molds it into a ball around a nugget of sulphur. They cup the ball in their hands and utter a gutteral intonation in Orcish, until light glows from the crevices between their fingers. As the light and warmth grow, they pull their hands apart to reveal a ball of roiling flame!
"Take caution!" They warn the party as the ball grows larger a second time, until it's nearly the size of Orr's chest. The veins in their forearms buldge and swell until they radiate fiery energy! Then, like hurling a ball, they launch it high above the golems head, into the crystal wall above them. The resounding crash is defeaning in the echo chamber as crystals and spores erupt where the fireball lands. The ensuring heat wave bursts forth, slamming into the back of the golem, launching it, spread eagle, several feet forward! Flames lick at the creatures body, cloaking it in red-hot seething wrath.
Then, the cave wall begins to crumble.... an angry, scratching sound that forebodes the true danger of the spell. Stone and crystalline stalactites fall from the ceiling, exploding when they land. Then the wall itself forms an avalanche of crystal rocks, tumbling down on the beleagured creature.
The golems natural defenses keep it strong against much of the damage. However, the rocks continue you to buffet it with relentless force! It attempts to shake off the blunt-force attacks, and loses a leg at the knee in the process. Stumbling forward awkwardly, it catches itself on a stone stalagmite with its one good arm, but rocks keep pounding onto its head and back, resounding like a kettle drum.
Orr the Unseen Casts Fireball: 40 Damage (Fire)
Falling Stactite Damage: 24/2 (from DR) = 12
Landslide Damage: 22/2 (From DR) = 11
Though still alive, the rocks have trapped it, and it's unable to move. It reaches out with its one good arm, and two of its fingers fall away. The thing still clearly has fight left in it, but no ability to lash out at you. But the landslide is still a problem for those closest to the golem!
MrUncleTio, please make a DEX Saving Throw (DC 15) with Advantage (from Orr the Unseen's warning) or take 11 damage Bludgeoning (the 22 is halved by partial cover provided by the golem.) The damage is halved again on a successful save. Please remember to apply any DR you have from Bludeoning damage.
The hole caused by the blast reveals a small corridor beyond. You can climb to it, if you can avoid the golem's reach doing so. The Carrion Crawler looks at the carnage... startled, then curious. Another chamber to scavenge in?
The Carrion Crawler has already used its move this turn, and cannot go further yet.
The golem is essentially immobilized. Though it can attack, it cannot move or take attacks of opportunities. More accurately... it can only take attacks of opportunity, as it can only attack if you pass by it. Attacks and Damage will be at Disadvatage due to its weakened state.
Orr the Unseen gasps to catch their breath. They haven't had to use such powerful spells in a while, and the strain is evident on their face, and the steam rising from their body. Buckeran rises to an unsteady stand, and pulls out their alchemy jug. "Barkly is in danger. I can make oil to help with a fire to heal her. Nothing around here will provide kindling otherwise."
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Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
Hartos hears the explosion above, but is dead focused on the crystaline creature. He hears a rumble from behind it, and realizes too late that the wall behind it had given way. As the shards come down like a wave, they bounce off the creature and tumble away from Hastos. But as the bulk of the wall hits them, the rubble bounces off shards and pour back in from around it, being deflected back towards Hastos. Shards hit him from both sides and from between the creatures legs! (Failed Dex save).
As the shards slam into him, they leave gashes to mark their passing.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Sera stay at her location. " I told you not to be damsged!". She blurts out as shards strike Hastos. More of resignation than being actually upset with him
The golem seems trapped in debris. Time go finish this. " burn it away father..she aim her sacred fire down upon it again.
( cast sacred flame. Dex save 13. But being imobilized might give it disadvantage? 15 radiant dam)
Spitting a tooth from his mouth as he gets up and watches Barkly get battered, His face turns a flushed red as anger grows. Tossing Bucky a bottle filled with what is essentially lava from the firenewt they had dispatched, “Splash this on her Bucky, it should help right away,” (Canteen of Lava acts as a standard healing potion: 2d4+2 regained HP = 6) “And maybe it’s heat will ignite your oil for more”
Merkas then moves around Barkly to get a clear view of the crystalline combatant, and piece of the detritus between himself and it. “I know you’re just doing what you’re built for but return to the rubble you came from” He points at the chuck of crystal and says to it “Fly” with a calm and determined command. (Moving two squares right and one square up to get a clear line. Casting catapult on a rock to hit the golem. DC:16 dex save or take 9 Bludgeoning damage (magical?).)
Loyalty Begets Honour
Attack is a hit automatically.
More shards are blasted loose from the struggling golem, and at this point, it barely resembles its former crumbling self. Only a torso remains. And you can see a faintly glowing stone within it that pulses like a heartbeat.
The golem is no longer capable of attacking. It's legs are trapped and too fragile to pry itself loose from the rubble. But it's clearly still alive. It's torso is writing and struggling to get loose.
From the side, you can all see Hastos eat a crystal. He spits it out in disgust, and a small fireball shoots from his mouth! It's the shard, which explodes a few feet from his face. The explosion is minor, and does Hastos no damage, but he does look like he just tried to eat a really spicy pepper. His face is flushed and sweat beads on his forehead. He then, throws a second shard on the ground, which makes a sharp snapping sound. The shard is destroyed in the process, but the ground below is clearly scorched. Hastos seems to be performing a series of experiments with the shards.
Buckeran nods, in spite of the throbbing headache, and starts hurrying over to Barkly. Meanwhile, Merkas storms forward, launching a crystalline bullet square into the reamining torso. The torso cracks further from the impact, and crumbles... leaving behind a large crystal rock about the size of Merkas's head. Inside, it's pulsing with magical energy, like the Air Elemental did. But you can sense more powerful energy coming from it. If touched, it seems to vibrate with magical resonance.
Buckeran looks up from his medical minstrations to Barkly, while scratching Barkly on the neck to soothe her. "Fascinating."
You each receive 3,000 XP
You discover 22 shards imbued with Sacred Energy, and 9 shards imbued with Fire Energy.
You discover a golem totem. Based on your experience in this region, you believe it can be used to summon this golem. Due to its antiquity, its full power cannot be restored without fully restoring the totem. More likely, it will be restored at the power level you encountered when it first awoke.
I've marked the stone that lights up when you pass over it. Now that you're out of the encounter, your characters have more time to acknowledge it, and this makes it easier for me to remember as well.
Orr the Unseen finally catches their breath. "That took much more out of me than I expected. I can only cast a spell of that level once more today. And I'm uncertain of my ability to restore my magic deep in this cavern. Let us hope we do not encounter such a threat deeper in this den."
Uneasy about standing so closely to the Carrion Crawler, Orr the Unseen moves away from it, towards Hastos. Upon doing so, the large stone at their feet lights up again, and the B natural note begins to chime.
With the immediate threat gone, the Carrion Crawler seems to have no interest in the shiny rocks around them. Due to its affinity to Merkas, it makes no move to attack, but instead starts crawling up the crystal wall towards the newly formed hole, much to Orr's displeasure. It's movements are slower now, and uncertain.
Hrothbert_Neruca, to Merkas, its hesitance makes sense. The Carrion Crawler wants to explore this new food source, but it also feels reluctant to leave the little kender unprotected.
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My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
Hastos pauses his experiments, packs 5 shards in his pack that seemed to produce fire. “I wouldn’t recommend putting them in your mouth.” He says with a disgusted look on his face.
He spits the last bit of sour taste from his mouth and there’s a small hiss as it hits the floor.
Hastos walks over to Merkas and Barkley. “How are you two doing?” He asks concerned.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread