As the second tremor hits, Eldrin plants his feet and narrows his stance, allowing the violent shaking to pass over him. His silver-white hair ripples as rubble crashes down and water He turns calmly toward the collapsed tunnel, taking in the ruined exit with a cold, assessing gaze.
“We’re sealed in,”he murmurs, his voice measured and precise, though edged with tension. “The tunnel is gone, and the water will rise.”
Then the southern wall explodes. Dust and stone blast into the room as the massive, chitin-clad creature bursts into view, towering, hunched, its claws already swinging.
Without so much as a flinch, Eldrin lifts a hand. His fingers weave a practiced sigil mid-air as his eyes lock onto the creature’s form, calculating angles, mass, movement. The ambient glow of his Detect Magic fades, and something far brighter ignites in his palm.
“Ah. There you are.”
He speaks the final word of power and releases the spell. A lance of flame erupts from his hand, and it strikes the creature dead center with searing precision. The impact flares, erupting into a critical burst of fire and light that scorches the chitin and sends a plume of smoke curling upward. Eldrin watches, impassive.
Eldrin 19 Nice hit! Your blast of fire completely incinerates the chitinous plate on the creature's chest and burns the flesh beneath substantially. You get the impression your blast has caused the creature to go into some kind of frenzy.
Chitinous creature 19 The creature rears back as the blast of fire hits it square in the chest. It then ambles forward into the midst of the group. It slashes at Gareth (Attack 13 miss) with a clawed hand before turning its attention to Yarina. (Attack 23 Damage 12 slashing) It then tries to bite the Dragonborn, but she barely manages to duck under the mandibles as they clamp down.
Meira 14
Zephyros 13
Gareth 10
Lyra 6 Your reaction to Zephyros being attacked sparks a strong desire to heal the bull of a man. You rush forward nimbly as a clawed hand hovers above your head. Your healing energy flows into Zephyros, binding together some of the wounds on his body.
Yarina 3 Yarina attempts to slash at the creature with her greatsword, but it easily deflects the attack off its chitinous armored shoulder.
Dex ST 6: Zephyros falls to the ground as the earth shakes, but manages to pick himself back up just in time to growl in pain as the claws dig into his flesh. 'I knew this was a bad idea.' He thinks. However, his resolve isn't shaken and is indeed bolstered as he watches Eldrinblast the creature with a critical hit. He drops his shield so that he can get a better grip on his trident and thrusts it up into the monsters chest where the scorched flesh shows after Eldrin's fire blast. As he pulls his trident back out of the creature, he nods in appreciation to his halfling healer. "You have my thanks, ma'am."
Even after his new wounds, the bear of a man picks back up his shield and moves to place himself between the monster and his allies, Eldrin, and Lyra.
Having said that, he takes up a position with a good, clear view of the opening to the tunnel. He nocks an arrow and raises his bow, preparing to shoot anything monstrous that pops its head out of the tunnel.
Gareth,
You may use this as a prepared action and attack twice in the first round of combat.
Meira, You peak out from around the statue and send your arrow flying. It embeds deeply into the creatures chest as it attempts to bite down on Yarina. You then manage to disapear once again.
Zephyros, You move to put yourself between the creature and your allies and strike with the speed of a viper at the monster. Your trident tears the flesh underneath the chitinous exterior, causing the creature to make several loud clicking sounds, almost as if it were squealing in pain.
Gareth, As the creature bursts out of the wall to your right, you attempt to redirect your knocked arrow from the tunnel (Attack: Nat 1) but let loose a split second too early. Your arrow hits the wall in front of the creature as it begins to tear into Zephyros. The creature then moves forward and takes a swing at you. This is when you shoulder your bow and expertly draw both of your shortswords. You strike out at the monster one after the other. (Attack 1: 19 ; Damage 7 piercing) (BA offhand Attack 2: Nat 20 ; Damage 4 piercing)
Combat continues: Round two initiative
Eldrin 19 Your send another bolt of fire at your foe over the armored shoulder of Zephyros. The chitinous plates of this monstrosity appear to have been damaged enough that your spell barely finds a way to penetrate the armor. You see the flesh beneath burn and sizzle on its back as it engages your allies.
Chitinous creature 19 The creature knocks away Yarina's greatsword attack with an armored shrug of its shoulder and swipes at the dragonborn again (Attack: 11) but isn't able to land the blow as she uses her sword to deflect the clawed hand. It then swipes at Gareth(Attack: 22 ; Damage 8 slashing), and bites at the hunter (Attack: 11) but Gareth proves too elusive to find himself as prey.
As the creature screeches and thrashes under the combined assault, Eldrin takes a step back, his expression unreadable save for the focus in his eyes. Water sloshes around his boots as Zephyros charges forward with grim determination, placing himself between the beast and the more vulnerable members of the group. Eldrin gives him a nod, acknowledging his bravery.
He pivots on his heel with precision, raising his hand once more. His fingers trace the Weave once more. The spell forms a streak of fire , arcing past Zephyros without so much as brushing his armor towards its intended target.
Lyra’s heart gives a little leap when she sees Zephyros still standing. But her relief is short-lived—now Gareth and Yarina are taking the brunt of the creature's fury. She’s out of magic, which means they’re down to potions until they can rest, and all she can do is grit her teeth and try to help bring this chitinous horror down as fast as possible.
Gods above, the trickery cleric cannot wait to be done with this wretched temple and be under the sky again!
Zephyros shouts in rage, his cry filled with venom. "Hey! Don't look at him! Look at me!" The warrior taunts the creature, hoping it turns it's attention to him. Then Ironheart, renewed with vigor once more, pierces his foe with his trident.
The shining steel trident pounces exactly where Eldrin's firebolt hit previously, the fighter hoping to add agitation. Then after twisting the polearm, Zephyros rips the prongs out of the tender flesh beneath the chitin he shattered.
Meira,You peak around the statue once more just long enough to fire another arrow at the monster. It sinks deep into the creatures left eye. The creature claws at the arrow attempting to remove it as Zephyros strikes.
Zephyros, You see your opening and strike with the speed of a viper, twisting your trident as you pull back out. With the prongs comes the creatures heart and life blood that mingles with the water at your feet.
Combat ended.
Lyra, Just as you are about to whisper your prayer to Tymora, you see Zephyros finish the beast off. The words to your prayer never leave the tip of your tongue.
Everyone, The creature falls into the pool of water with an enormous splash. Its blood causing the slowly rising water to become even more cloudy.
Yarinawalks over to the wall where the creature emerged and inspects it before turning back to the group. "The way is blocked, as this tunnel has also collapsed." She turns to Zephyros before asking the armored man, "Any suggestions on how to get out of here?"
"Well, I'm sure we'll find a way," Meira says as she surveys the blocked passage to the west, the collapsed tunnel where the creature entered, and the spot where they had just entered. "Perhaps we could clear a path through one of these paths. Or..." She starts to slowly inspect along all the walls to see if there might be yet another secret door that they had not yet found. "Maybe there is a path we haven't found yet." (Perception: 18)
You take a moment to inspect the three areas with the help of your lantern. The Western hallway looks like it could be cleared with enough time and effort. The Eastern and Southern tunnels are completely blocked with boulders larger than a person could move by hand. You notice a small amount of water trickling into the room from the Eastern tunnel. You don't find any additional doors or passageways.
Everyone,
The room's water level has increased to 3 feet. The horned dwarven statue continues to stare covetously at the glowing green gem in its hand.
Lyrahad of course noticed the rising water —first lapping at her knees, then her hips— but she'd been so focused on the fight that she hadn't fully registered just how much the room was flooding. It wasn't until the monster collapsed that she realized the water was now up to her neck. "Is this a good time to mention I never actually learned how to swim?", she said with a nervous laugh.
The halfling looked to her right, then to her left, and finally up at the looming statue in front of them. "Please tell me we're not going to have to blow up good old Abby to make ourselves an exit?" It was a terrible idea — the temple was barely holding together as it was — but with no other exit in sight, Lyra wasn’t sure what else they could do.
Meira looks at Lyra, a bit concerned. "Is there something you can stand on?"
She also gives a quick look at where the pieces of the other statue ended up. "We could clear the western passage. But I'm not sure it would be fast enough. Getting rid of Abby is probably the fastest thing we can do. We'll all have to get back to somewhere... umm... safe-ish. Then there's the master of moving the gem."
Her attention now goes to Eldrin. "You don't happen to have a way to magic away the stone from a distance? If not I suppose I could try to dislodge it with an arrow."
The stone statue rests in an alcove on the North side of the room, while the rubble in the Western hallway is about 20 feet from there. The room itself is only about 30 feet across. You would need a way to deflect or funnel the blast to the hallway... presuming there is one. ;-)
Yarina moves to Lyra and says, "With your permission, I will pick you up and place you on the monster's back. That should keep you out of the water for the time being."
Zephyros looks grim. Turning to Yarina he quickly says, "We may be able to move the rubble... But it seems like we very well may have to make a grand exit." The warrior slightly grins, glancing at the gem-holding statue.
Then Zephyros looks to his nearly-drowning halfling friend. "You look like you need a hand. Need a lift?"Ironheart extends his arm to Lyra, offering a piggyback ride.
Zephyros also looks for the source of the water, hoping to find a way to prevent more water from entering the room.
You notice water trickling into the room from several cracks along the Eastern wall. You believe you could take sediment from the room's floor and combine it with some small rocks and the monster's coagulating blood to plug most of the holes. You're confident this would buy you the much-needed time to clear the Western hallway.
Lyra gladly lets herself be carried by Yarina and placed on top of the dead monster. While not exactly a dream spot, it's definitely better than standing with water up to her neck! She gives the dragonborn a wide grin and says, "Bahamut smile on you for that! Thank you!"
Then, when Zephyros offers to piggyback her, she brightens even more and exclaims, “Hells yes! I mean… yes, please!”
The warrior could swear he's seen sparks in the little cleric's eyes, just for a moment, until she remembers they're still in danger.
As the second tremor hits, Eldrin plants his feet and narrows his stance, allowing the violent shaking to pass over him. His silver-white hair ripples as rubble crashes down and water He turns calmly toward the collapsed tunnel, taking in the ruined exit with a cold, assessing gaze.
“We’re sealed in,” he murmurs, his voice measured and precise, though edged with tension. “The tunnel is gone, and the water will rise.”
Then the southern wall explodes. Dust and stone blast into the room as the massive, chitin-clad creature bursts into view, towering, hunched, its claws already swinging.
Without so much as a flinch, Eldrin lifts a hand. His fingers weave a practiced sigil mid-air as his eyes lock onto the creature’s form, calculating angles, mass, movement. The ambient glow of his Detect Magic fades, and something far brighter ignites in his palm.
“Ah. There you are.”
He speaks the final word of power and releases the spell. A lance of flame erupts from his hand, and it strikes the creature dead center with searing precision. The impact flares, erupting into a critical burst of fire and light that scorches the chitin and sends a plume of smoke curling upward. Eldrin watches, impassive.
Action Firebolt, Nat 20+5=25; Damage 8 Fire
Combat continues: Round one initiative
Eldrin 19
Nice hit! Your blast of fire completely incinerates the chitinous plate on the creature's chest and burns the flesh beneath substantially. You get the impression your blast has caused the creature to go into some kind of frenzy.Chitinous creature 19
The creature rears back as the blast of fire hits it square in the chest. It then ambles forward into the midst of the group. It slashes at Gareth (Attack 13 miss) with a clawed hand before turning its attention to Yarina. (Attack 23 Damage 12 slashing) It then tries to bite the Dragonborn, but she barely manages to duck under the mandibles as they clamp down.Lyra 6
Your reaction to Zephyros being attacked sparks a strong desire to heal the bull of a man. You rush forward nimbly as a clawed hand hovers above your head. Your healing energy flows into Zephyros, binding together some of the wounds on his body.Yarina 3
Yarina attempts to slash at the creature with her greatsword, but it easily deflects the attack off its chitinous armored shoulder.Meira and everyone else are up.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
(Meira Dex Save: 21)
Meira is able to easily keep to her feet despite the shaking ground. She pulls out her shortbow, firing from her hidden position at the creature.
(Shortbow Attack: 15, Damage: 6 + 1 sneak attack)
She then quickly tries to hide out of sight again. (Cunning Action, Stealth: 25)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Dex ST 6: Zephyros falls to the ground as the earth shakes, but manages to pick himself back up just in time to growl in pain as the claws dig into his flesh. 'I knew this was a bad idea.' He thinks. However, his resolve isn't shaken and is indeed bolstered as he watches Eldrin blast the creature with a critical hit. He drops his shield so that he can get a better grip on his trident and thrusts it up into the monsters chest where the scorched flesh shows after Eldrin's fire blast. As he pulls his trident back out of the creature, he nods in appreciation to his halfling healer. "You have my thanks, ma'am."
Even after his new wounds, the bear of a man picks back up his shield and moves to place himself between the monster and his allies, Eldrin, and Lyra.
Attack: 24
Damage: 11
Gareth,
You may use this as a prepared action and attack twice in the first round of combat.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Round one continued:
Meira, You peak out from around the statue and send your arrow flying. It embeds deeply into the creatures chest as it attempts to bite down on Yarina. You then manage to disapear once again.
Zephyros, You move to put yourself between the creature and your allies and strike with the speed of a viper at the monster. Your trident tears the flesh underneath the chitinous exterior, causing the creature to make several loud clicking sounds, almost as if it were squealing in pain.
Gareth, As the creature bursts out of the wall to your right, you attempt to redirect your knocked arrow from the tunnel (Attack: Nat 1) but let loose a split second too early. Your arrow hits the wall in front of the creature as it begins to tear into Zephyros. The creature then moves forward and takes a swing at you. This is when you shoulder your bow and expertly draw both of your shortswords. You strike out at the monster one after the other. (Attack 1: 19 ; Damage 7 piercing) (BA offhand Attack 2: Nat 20 ; Damage 4 piercing)
Combat continues: Round two initiative
Eldrin 19Your send another bolt of fire at your foe over the armored shoulder of Zephyros. The chitinous plates of this monstrosity appear to have been damaged enough that your spell barely finds a way to penetrate the armor. You see the flesh beneath burn and sizzle on its back as it engages your allies.Chitinous creature 19The creature knocks away Yarina's greatsword attack with an armored shrug of its shoulder and swipes at the dragonborn again (Attack: 11) but isn't able to land the blow as she uses her sword to deflect the clawed hand. It then swipes at Gareth (Attack: 22 ; Damage 8 slashing), and bites at the hunter (Attack: 11) but Gareth proves too elusive to find himself as prey.DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
As the creature screeches and thrashes under the combined assault, Eldrin takes a step back, his expression unreadable save for the focus in his eyes. Water sloshes around his boots as Zephyros charges forward with grim determination, placing himself between the beast and the more vulnerable members of the group. Eldrin gives him a nod, acknowledging his bravery.
He pivots on his heel with precision, raising his hand once more. His fingers trace the Weave once more. The spell forms a streak of fire , arcing past Zephyros without so much as brushing his armor towards its intended target.
Action Firebolt, 12 to hit; Damage 8 Fire
Eldrin, I updated my post to include your round two action.
Everyone else is up!
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Lyra’s heart gives a little leap when she sees Zephyros still standing. But her relief is short-lived—now Gareth and Yarina are taking the brunt of the creature's fury. She’s out of magic, which means they’re down to potions until they can rest, and all she can do is grit her teeth and try to help bring this chitinous horror down as fast as possible.
Gods above, the trickery cleric cannot wait to be done with this wretched temple and be under the sky again!
Holy Word. To Hit: 13 / Damage 3
Diving deep to the surface ♫ Auriel | Chase | Shenua | Arren | Lyra | Jadzia
Zephyros shouts in rage, his cry filled with venom. "Hey! Don't look at him! Look at me!" The warrior taunts the creature, hoping it turns it's attention to him. Then Ironheart, renewed with vigor once more, pierces his foe with his trident.
The shining steel trident pounces exactly where Eldrin's firebolt hit previously, the fighter hoping to add agitation. Then after twisting the polearm, Zephyros rips the prongs out of the tender flesh beneath the chitin he shattered.
Attack: 21
Damage: 9
BA: Second wind (5hp)
From her hiding spot, Meira emerges just enough to aim another arrow at the creature.
(Shortbow Attack: 24, Damage: 10 piercing + 4 sneak attack)
She then again tries to slip behind the statue to hide. (Cunning Action, Stealth: 13)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Meira, You peak around the statue once more just long enough to fire another arrow at the monster. It sinks deep into the creatures left eye. The creature claws at the arrow attempting to remove it as Zephyros strikes.
Zephyros, You see your opening and strike with the speed of a viper, twisting your trident as you pull back out. With the prongs comes the creatures heart and life blood that mingles with the water at your feet.
Combat ended.
Lyra, Just as you are about to whisper your prayer to Tymora, you see Zephyros finish the beast off. The words to your prayer never leave the tip of your tongue.
Everyone, The creature falls into the pool of water with an enormous splash. Its blood causing the slowly rising water to become even more cloudy.
Yarina walks over to the wall where the creature emerged and inspects it before turning back to the group. "The way is blocked, as this tunnel has also collapsed." She turns to Zephyros before asking the armored man, "Any suggestions on how to get out of here?"
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
"Well, I'm sure we'll find a way," Meira says as she surveys the blocked passage to the west, the collapsed tunnel where the creature entered, and the spot where they had just entered. "Perhaps we could clear a path through one of these paths. Or..." She starts to slowly inspect along all the walls to see if there might be yet another secret door that they had not yet found. "Maybe there is a path we haven't found yet." (Perception: 18)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Meira,
You take a moment to inspect the three areas with the help of your lantern. The Western hallway looks like it could be cleared with enough time and effort. The Eastern and Southern tunnels are completely blocked with boulders larger than a person could move by hand. You notice a small amount of water trickling into the room from the Eastern tunnel. You don't find any additional doors or passageways.
Everyone,
The room's water level has increased to 3 feet. The horned dwarven statue continues to stare covetously at the glowing green gem in its hand.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Lyra had of course noticed the rising water —first lapping at her knees, then her hips— but she'd been so focused on the fight that she hadn't fully registered just how much the room was flooding. It wasn't until the monster collapsed that she realized the water was now up to her neck. "Is this a good time to mention I never actually learned how to swim?", she said with a nervous laugh.
The halfling looked to her right, then to her left, and finally up at the looming statue in front of them. "Please tell me we're not going to have to blow up good old Abby to make ourselves an exit?" It was a terrible idea — the temple was barely holding together as it was — but with no other exit in sight, Lyra wasn’t sure what else they could do.
Diving deep to the surface ♫ Auriel | Chase | Shenua | Arren | Lyra | Jadzia
Meira looks at Lyra, a bit concerned. "Is there something you can stand on?"
She also gives a quick look at where the pieces of the other statue ended up. "We could clear the western passage. But I'm not sure it would be fast enough. Getting rid of Abby is probably the fastest thing we can do. We'll all have to get back to somewhere... umm... safe-ish. Then there's the master of moving the gem."
Her attention now goes to Eldrin. "You don't happen to have a way to magic away the stone from a distance? If not I suppose I could try to dislodge it with an arrow."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Lyra & Meira,
The stone statue rests in an alcove on the North side of the room, while the rubble in the Western hallway is about 20 feet from there. The room itself is only about 30 feet across. You would need a way to deflect or funnel the blast to the hallway... presuming there is one. ;-)
Yarina moves to Lyra and says, "With your permission, I will pick you up and place you on the monster's back. That should keep you out of the water for the time being."
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Zephyros looks grim. Turning to Yarina he quickly says, "We may be able to move the rubble... But it seems like we very well may have to make a grand exit." The warrior slightly grins, glancing at the gem-holding statue.
Then Zephyros looks to his nearly-drowning halfling friend. "You look like you need a hand. Need a lift?" Ironheart extends his arm to Lyra, offering a piggyback ride.
Zephyros also looks for the source of the water, hoping to find a way to prevent more water from entering the room.
Perception: 17
Investigation: Nat 20 (21)
Zephyros,
You notice water trickling into the room from several cracks along the Eastern wall. You believe you could take sediment from the room's floor and combine it with some small rocks and the monster's coagulating blood to plug most of the holes. You're confident this would buy you the much-needed time to clear the Western hallway.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Lyra gladly lets herself be carried by Yarina and placed on top of the dead monster. While not exactly a dream spot, it's definitely better than standing with water up to her neck! She gives the dragonborn a wide grin and says, "Bahamut smile on you for that! Thank you!"
Then, when Zephyros offers to piggyback her, she brightens even more and exclaims, “Hells yes! I mean… yes, please!”
The warrior could swear he's seen sparks in the little cleric's eyes, just for a moment, until she remembers they're still in danger.
Diving deep to the surface ♫ Auriel | Chase | Shenua | Arren | Lyra | Jadzia