This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Velon continues to swing away at the balor, determined to somehow keep all of his friends alive despite Lawrance's warning of it exploding once defeated.
Action: Attack
Warhammer Attack 1 w/GWM: 24, Damage: 20 bludgeoning, 3 fire
Warhammer Attack 2 w/GWM: 21, Damage: 21 bludgeoning, 5 fire
Hasted Action: Attack
Warhammer Attack w/GWM: 23, Damage: 22 bludgeoning, 6 fire
3rd level Smite on any hit: 26 Radiant
------------------------------------------
AC = 26+2 from Haste + 4 from Lia if Velon is within 30ft of her, I believe
*Shield* spell to be used if taking any attack roll based damage
*Absorb Elements* also on the table if the damage exceeds the damage Shield would block, or exceeds 20, or would kill Velon, although fire is already halved in this encounter with E.A. active now.
...since my first attack was a hit I assume that is the one that Smite would be applied to. Since it was a crit, I'll roll extra smite damage here: 22 radiant
I'll let Daishain double or roll extra damage on the base weapon damage d8 since we agreed to just let him handle that.
Additionally, GWM allows me to take another swing as a Bonus Action when I crit so I'll roll that too.
Warhammer Attack w/GWM: 26, Damage: 26 bludgeoning, 2 fire
Cratol keeps harassing the Balor with his shots from his crossbow in hopes of bringing it down but frowns as his shots both miss. He keeps circling the balor trying to stay behind it.
Attack: Rolled two 3's so that means both miss as that is only a 12.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Poljen Velon and Silas continue to strike at the thing as Lia, Cratol, and Lawrence fling arrow and stone at the creature.
As Lawrence's boulder hits, the demon flashes brightly before detonating, flame rushing out to envelop everyone nearby. The heat is intense enough to catch the bodies of the nearby dead on fire.
The balor's voice calls out from somewhere, slowly fading away, "Well, that was certainly more entertaining than I had anticipated. It would have been nice to have claimed a few of your souls, but that was one of the more amusing fights I've had in your realm. I do hope we meet again."
35 fire damage to Velon, 34 to poljen, and then Poljen, Velon, and Cratol all take 66 additional fire damage. A DC 20 Dex save cuts that in half.
Perry is standing in the kitchen watching Poppo do his work. He sticks his head inside a large jug. “How the heck does this thing work again?” he asks as the sound of his voice echoes from within the jug.
After a moment, he attempts to pull his head out, but one of his horns gets stuck.
The trapped tiefling curses.
After a strangely awkward amount of time, he finally frees himself from the clutches of the inanimate object. He takes in a deep breath of fresh air, then cries out, “OH GOD I THOUGHT I WAS A GONER POPPO!”
After Poppo explains to Perry once again how the Alchemy Jug works, Perry looks at it and simply says, “Honey!” Suddenly, a gallon of fresh, organic, free-range, and cage-free honey appears in the jar. “Wow,” Perry says, “buying this much high quality honey would cost a fortune. Alright Poppo! It is time! We're going to make Honey-Glazed DONUTS!”
Several hours later, many donuts have been made and are out on display upon platters throughout the castle. One donut is particularly special and is particularly immense. It is shaped like a giant book and is placed on a large platter at the base of Lawrance’s tower.
“Everyone loves donuts, don’t they Shadowsnacks?” Perry asks the pegasus.
Shadowsnacks finishes his donut then replies, “Yes, Perry. Of course, Perry. But Perry, donuts have zero nutritional value, see.”
Perry stops and stares and Shadowsnacks, his face aghast, “Shadowsnacks! How could that possibly be true? How could something that makes us so happy be bad for us?”
“It’s true, Perry. Trust me, see. I’ve seen the damage it can inflict firsthand, Perry,” Shadowsnacks replies. “You know I’m an expert on snacks, Perry.”
“That is true...hmmm,” Perry ponders as he scratches his head in a troubled manner. “Well perhaps we will save such things for special occasions then. Like this one! The castle is almost back, my friend! I hope the others are okay and not burning alive or anything. Do you think they are okay, pal?”
“Yes, I am sure they are fine Perry. They have Lia watching over them, see,” Shadowsnacks replies.
Velon thinks to himself "huh, I was standing in the right place for once"as he manages to dodge much of the balor's parting blast via nothing more than pure luck.
The paladin looks around the battlefield to see who fell in the blast so he can aid them before celebrating any victory here.
Cratol tries to avoid the blast but still gets hit by the full effect. (Rolled a 2). He is hurt badly but he manages to get up and stand looking around to see if anyone else needs help after that blast. Looking at those that have survived he nods to them as he helps others.
Once the dust has settled, Lawrance limps over to the circle of runes that were being charged up. Groaning now and then in pain, his thirst for knowledge overrides his body's needs as he studies the runes and patterns for hints to the Balor's name or other information, for future use. #If we see this one again, I need better protections for us. Examine the cultists closely and, if you see anyone that looks like the high priest or lead mage, let me know.# He sends to the group.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Velon looks around at his battered team and realized somehow everyone is still standing. "Ha, that wasn't so bad, eh?" He looks to make eye contact with Lia to make sure she is ok and looks around for Mari, Cratol and the rest once more to verify everyone is conscious and breathing. He then looks up at Irdeith and asks in draconic "that feel good, big guy?"
Velon uses some of what little magic he has left to cast Detect Magic to ensure his team truly is safe from any hidden threats and also look for any magic relics hidden around the cultist's chamber. He begins to walk around and touch each Blaze member on the shoulder and give them a nod of approval for a job well done, then move on to checking over each cultist for valuables, magic items, papers or other information on the cults activities, etc. Eventually he makes his way to Lawrance and the summoning circle and asks if he has found anything interesting.
Perry replies to Morgaine, "Why good morning to you too, Morgaine! We just made a bunch of Honey Glazed Donuts for the others. Would you like one? I figured if there's anything everyone likes no matter when or why, it's definitely a donut."
Lia smiles wearily at Velon in response to his glance. She calls to the most grievously wounded to come closer to her. She then holds her amulet high above her head and the might of Sune bursts out of her amulet. Lia then repeats this. A strong surge of energy jolts Lawrance, Cratol and Poljen. She staggers after she does this but steadies herself.
OOC: She uses her channel divinity back to back. The first time it heals 60 hit points. Lawrance will get healed up to half of his starting hitpoints and Cratol gets the rest. The second one heals Poljen for 60 hitpoints.
Lawrance recalls there having been a particularly well dressed cultist, but he had fallen within range of where the Balor spent its last few moments. He finds the body, but everything on him is burnt to ash.
In studying the circle, Lawrance learns a good bit about the mechanisms needed to breach the planes in a big way, to actually anchor one to another on a near permanent basis. Its obvious that it requires huge amounts of power, provided by the blood of the dwarves here in this case. There is one demonic name imprinted upon the runes. It looks like the other end of the portal would have only appeared to demons loyal to the creature named. Whether the name belongs to the Balor, or the Balor's master, is not easy to be certain of.
Silas rubs at a few of the cuts he took from the Balor as he reverts to human form. Smirking slightly at Velon's quip, he looks around, apparently making sure everyone was out of danger.
Walking over to the runic circle, he checks up on the bodies, moving around to look at the dwarves. He seems to be checking their faces against a parchment he pulls from somewhere. Eventually he sighs and states, "Yes, that's all of them. Everyone, meet Clan Ironshield, every last known member. They earned some renown a few centuries back for helping to fight off another demon incursion. Rifts like this take a special sort of power to craft, and the simultaneous deaths of an entire family, better yet one that held the line against the forces of the abyss, is a potent thing. Reports of the cult of Tiamat having been spotted helping others kidnap these poor folk was what led us to finding out about this plot."
Using Detect Magic, Velon spots a scorched staff with a potent enchantment on one of the burnt bodies. But the big find is off to the side of the chamber. A number of wagons filled with chain and manacles are lined up there. In the back of one of them is a large and heavily locked chest with multiple magical signatures emanating from within.
"Could one be revived to rebuild the clan? I don't envy being brought back just to be told you are alone, though. Do we destroy this circle?"
Velon retrieves the staff and shows it to the wizard. "Perhaps this is worth a closer look later?" He then takes the wizard over to the chest when he's done. "What do you make of this? I sense a variety of magic here, but that's really all I know about that."
Poljen thanks Lia for her healing. "Without you, I'd wouldn't even be this handsome. I'd be even uglier! Ha!"
He then volunteers to help load the bodies of the dwarves so they can be returned to any kin for proper burial. And also, if someone needs to simply smash the ritual circle, he will gladly volunteer for that as well.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After memorizing the details of the circle, he begins to use his magic and his staff to destroy it's usefulness. "I have a name. At least it's a start to follow the breadcrumbs of this fiend, and perhaps it can be forged into a weapon that he won't easily shrug off, if needs be." He then heads over to Lia and feels the subtle warmth of her Goddesses healing bind and repair the massive damage of the Balor's weapons. "Thanks again, Lia. I didn't relish the thought of being permanently bisected!"
"The staff is certainly mildly intriguing, "He says to Velon "especially considering it survived the massive energies that were tossed around during the battle. I'll examine it while we rest and see. The chest I can open after we rest. I'll study a spell designed to open such things without risk and possibly dispel it, if needed." He examines the chest closely and carefully, looking for protective magics and possible mundane traps.
Arcana on the chest 21
Perception on the chest 17
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
"Excellent." Velon smiles and nods approvingly at Lawrance, handing the wizard the staff.
He turns and looks for Silas. Walking over to his draconic mentor he winks at Lia if given the chance. To Irdeith he says "ok, you passed the test." "You're hired." When he reaches him asks in draconic "what now, boss?" "Should we pursue this plot further? Should we let them rest?"
Silas sighs as he looks at the dead dwarves. "That's... a difficult question. My heart says we should bring them back, that they don't deserve such an end, but bringing people back from whatever afterlife they have earned is not always a welcomed act. What's more, I don't think we can spare the resources to resurrect the entire family, and if we only do some of them, how do we justify which ones?"
"As for what we should do next, well, we may want to look into this." Silas pulls a parchment out of a pocket far too small to have contained it. "This was sent to Mr Creel's office. I took possession of it since I'd be seeing you well before him. Its from an old friend of yours."
The opened parchment reads,
To my former colleagues in the Silver Blaze, by now you will have heard that Thay has joined the fight, in support of Tiamat's cult. Szass Tam believes that he can use them to his advantage. What is less well known is that Thay is heavily split on the matter. Those of us who think that Szass Tam is courting with madness have a plan to erode his support of the cult, but require outside assistance.
I recognize that this call may be viewed with some skepticism, but in the event you see your way to the correct decision, meet me at the following Portal.
best regards, Nishkir Osmund
At the bottom of the parchment is a series of glyphs recognizable as the address for a permanent circle portal.
Reminder, Osmund was a wizard with the Blaze from the start, a highly opportunistic necromancer. Last you saw him, he was disappearing into a portal with a half dragon egg under his arm. Most of the group saw this as a betrayal.
Poljen shrugs. "Your funeral," he mutters as he continues to hack and slash at the creature.
Attack 1 w/Adv 26 22
Attack 2 w/Adv 11 15
Damage 1 & 2 16 15
Cold Damage 1 & 2 5 5
Velon continues to swing away at the balor, determined to somehow keep all of his friends alive despite Lawrance's warning of it exploding once defeated.
Action: Attack
Warhammer Attack 1 w/GWM: 24, Damage: 20 bludgeoning, 3 fire
Warhammer Attack 2 w/GWM: 21, Damage: 21 bludgeoning, 5 fire
Hasted Action: Attack
Warhammer Attack w/GWM: 23, Damage: 22 bludgeoning, 6 fire
3rd level Smite on any hit: 26 Radiant
------------------------------------------
AC = 26+2 from Haste + 4 from Lia if Velon is within 30ft of her, I believe
*Shield* spell to be used if taking any attack roll based damage
*Absorb Elements* also on the table if the damage exceeds the damage Shield would block, or exceeds 20, or would kill Velon, although fire is already halved in this encounter with E.A. active now.
Haste & C.D. tracker: 6 rounds
...since my first attack was a hit I assume that is the one that Smite would be applied to. Since it was a crit, I'll roll extra smite damage here: 22 radiant
I'll let Daishain double or roll extra damage on the base weapon damage d8 since we agreed to just let him handle that.
Additionally, GWM allows me to take another swing as a Bonus Action when I crit so I'll roll that too.
Warhammer Attack w/GWM: 26, Damage: 26 bludgeoning, 2 fire
Cratol keeps harassing the Balor with his shots from his crossbow in hopes of bringing it down but frowns as his shots both miss. He keeps circling the balor trying to stay behind it.
Attack: Rolled two 3's so that means both miss as that is only a 12.
Mari sheathes both weapons and draws her bow out. She continues to move away.
Lia backs away a little further to stay out of the Balor's whip range. She takes aim with her bow again. Steadying her aim she looses the arrow.
Bow attack ( power attack)
18
Bow damage: 20
Oathbow damage: 7
Mari can't attack this turn since she used up all of her actions to change out her weapons.
Poljen Velon and Silas continue to strike at the thing as Lia, Cratol, and Lawrence fling arrow and stone at the creature.
As Lawrence's boulder hits, the demon flashes brightly before detonating, flame rushing out to envelop everyone nearby. The heat is intense enough to catch the bodies of the nearby dead on fire.
The balor's voice calls out from somewhere, slowly fading away, "Well, that was certainly more entertaining than I had anticipated. It would have been nice to have claimed a few of your souls, but that was one of the more amusing fights I've had in your realm. I do hope we meet again."
35 fire damage to Velon, 34 to poljen, and then Poljen, Velon, and Cratol all take 66 additional fire damage. A DC 20 Dex save cuts that in half.
You guys did just barely enough damage.
Perry is standing in the kitchen watching Poppo do his work. He sticks his head inside a large jug. “How the heck does this thing work again?” he asks as the sound of his voice echoes from within the jug.
After a moment, he attempts to pull his head out, but one of his horns gets stuck.
The trapped tiefling curses.
After a strangely awkward amount of time, he finally frees himself from the clutches of the inanimate object. He takes in a deep breath of fresh air, then cries out, “OH GOD I THOUGHT I WAS A GONER POPPO!”
After Poppo explains to Perry once again how the Alchemy Jug works, Perry looks at it and simply says, “Honey!” Suddenly, a gallon of fresh, organic, free-range, and cage-free honey appears in the jar. “Wow,” Perry says, “buying this much high quality honey would cost a fortune. Alright Poppo! It is time! We're going to make Honey-Glazed DONUTS!”
Several hours later, many donuts have been made and are out on display upon platters throughout the castle. One donut is particularly special and is particularly immense. It is shaped like a giant book and is placed on a large platter at the base of Lawrance’s tower.
“Everyone loves donuts, don’t they Shadowsnacks?” Perry asks the pegasus.
Shadowsnacks finishes his donut then replies, “Yes, Perry. Of course, Perry. But Perry, donuts have zero nutritional value, see.”
Perry stops and stares and Shadowsnacks, his face aghast, “Shadowsnacks! How could that possibly be true? How could something that makes us so happy be bad for us?”
“It’s true, Perry. Trust me, see. I’ve seen the damage it can inflict firsthand, Perry,” Shadowsnacks replies. “You know I’m an expert on snacks, Perry.”
“That is true...hmmm,” Perry ponders as he scratches his head in a troubled manner. “Well perhaps we will save such things for special occasions then. Like this one! The castle is almost back, my friend! I hope the others are okay and not burning alive or anything. Do you think they are okay, pal?”
“Yes, I am sure they are fine Perry. They have Lia watching over them, see,” Shadowsnacks replies.
Velon thinks to himself "huh, I was standing in the right place for once" as he manages to dodge much of the balor's parting blast via nothing more than pure luck.
The paladin looks around the battlefield to see who fell in the blast so he can aid them before celebrating any victory here.
Cratol tries to avoid the blast but still gets hit by the full effect. (Rolled a 2). He is hurt badly but he manages to get up and stand looking around to see if anyone else needs help after that blast. Looking at those that have survived he nods to them as he helps others.
Poljen sees the fireball erupting from the demon and tries to take some form of cover...
DEX Save w/Adv 23 24
The barbarian falls to the ground. He tries to rise...
CON Save DC 10 16
He slowly sits up, breathing raggedly. "Heh...glad that's over he mutters, then slumps against rock to catch his breath.
Once the dust has settled, Lawrance limps over to the circle of runes that were being charged up. Groaning now and then in pain, his thirst for knowledge overrides his body's needs as he studies the runes and patterns for hints to the Balor's name or other information, for future use. #If we see this one again, I need better protections for us. Examine the cultists closely and, if you see anyone that looks like the high priest or lead mage, let me know.# He sends to the group.
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Velon looks around at his battered team and realized somehow everyone is still standing. "Ha, that wasn't so bad, eh?" He looks to make eye contact with Lia to make sure she is ok and looks around for Mari, Cratol and the rest once more to verify everyone is conscious and breathing. He then looks up at Irdeith and asks in draconic "that feel good, big guy?"
Velon uses some of what little magic he has left to cast Detect Magic to ensure his team truly is safe from any hidden threats and also look for any magic relics hidden around the cultist's chamber. He begins to walk around and touch each Blaze member on the shoulder and give them a nod of approval for a job well done, then move on to checking over each cultist for valuables, magic items, papers or other information on the cults activities, etc. Eventually he makes his way to Lawrance and the summoning circle and asks if he has found anything interesting.
Perry replies to Morgaine, "Why good morning to you too, Morgaine! We just made a bunch of Honey Glazed Donuts for the others. Would you like one? I figured if there's anything everyone likes no matter when or why, it's definitely a donut."
Forgot to respond to Morgaine, but had meant to!
Lia smiles wearily at Velon in response to his glance. She calls to the most grievously wounded to come closer to her. She then holds her amulet high above her head and the might of Sune bursts out of her amulet. Lia then repeats this. A strong surge of energy jolts Lawrance, Cratol and Poljen. She staggers after she does this but steadies herself.
OOC: She uses her channel divinity back to back. The first time it heals 60 hit points. Lawrance will get healed up to half of his starting hitpoints and Cratol gets the rest. The second one heals Poljen for 60 hitpoints.
Lawrance recalls there having been a particularly well dressed cultist, but he had fallen within range of where the Balor spent its last few moments. He finds the body, but everything on him is burnt to ash.
In studying the circle, Lawrance learns a good bit about the mechanisms needed to breach the planes in a big way, to actually anchor one to another on a near permanent basis. Its obvious that it requires huge amounts of power, provided by the blood of the dwarves here in this case. There is one demonic name imprinted upon the runes. It looks like the other end of the portal would have only appeared to demons loyal to the creature named. Whether the name belongs to the Balor, or the Balor's master, is not easy to be certain of.
Silas rubs at a few of the cuts he took from the Balor as he reverts to human form. Smirking slightly at Velon's quip, he looks around, apparently making sure everyone was out of danger.
Walking over to the runic circle, he checks up on the bodies, moving around to look at the dwarves. He seems to be checking their faces against a parchment he pulls from somewhere. Eventually he sighs and states, "Yes, that's all of them. Everyone, meet Clan Ironshield, every last known member. They earned some renown a few centuries back for helping to fight off another demon incursion. Rifts like this take a special sort of power to craft, and the simultaneous deaths of an entire family, better yet one that held the line against the forces of the abyss, is a potent thing. Reports of the cult of Tiamat having been spotted helping others kidnap these poor folk was what led us to finding out about this plot."
Using Detect Magic, Velon spots a scorched staff with a potent enchantment on one of the burnt bodies. But the big find is off to the side of the chamber. A number of wagons filled with chain and manacles are lined up there. In the back of one of them is a large and heavily locked chest with multiple magical signatures emanating from within.
"Could one be revived to rebuild the clan? I don't envy being brought back just to be told you are alone, though. Do we destroy this circle?"
Velon retrieves the staff and shows it to the wizard. "Perhaps this is worth a closer look later?" He then takes the wizard over to the chest when he's done. "What do you make of this? I sense a variety of magic here, but that's really all I know about that."
Poljen thanks Lia for her healing. "Without you, I'd wouldn't even be this handsome. I'd be even uglier! Ha!"
He then volunteers to help load the bodies of the dwarves so they can be returned to any kin for proper burial. And also, if someone needs to simply smash the ritual circle, he will gladly volunteer for that as well.
After memorizing the details of the circle, he begins to use his magic and his staff to destroy it's usefulness. "I have a name. At least it's a start to follow the breadcrumbs of this fiend, and perhaps it can be forged into a weapon that he won't easily shrug off, if needs be." He then heads over to Lia and feels the subtle warmth of her Goddesses healing bind and repair the massive damage of the Balor's weapons. "Thanks again, Lia. I didn't relish the thought of being permanently bisected!"
"The staff is certainly mildly intriguing, " He says to Velon "especially considering it survived the massive energies that were tossed around during the battle. I'll examine it while we rest and see. The chest I can open after we rest. I'll study a spell designed to open such things without risk and possibly dispel it, if needed." He examines the chest closely and carefully, looking for protective magics and possible mundane traps.
Arcana on the chest 21
Perception on the chest 17
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
"Excellent." Velon smiles and nods approvingly at Lawrance, handing the wizard the staff.
He turns and looks for Silas. Walking over to his draconic mentor he winks at Lia if given the chance. To Irdeith he says "ok, you passed the test." "You're hired." When he reaches him asks in draconic "what now, boss?" "Should we pursue this plot further? Should we let them rest?"
Silas sighs as he looks at the dead dwarves. "That's... a difficult question. My heart says we should bring them back, that they don't deserve such an end, but bringing people back from whatever afterlife they have earned is not always a welcomed act. What's more, I don't think we can spare the resources to resurrect the entire family, and if we only do some of them, how do we justify which ones?"
"As for what we should do next, well, we may want to look into this." Silas pulls a parchment out of a pocket far too small to have contained it. "This was sent to Mr Creel's office. I took possession of it since I'd be seeing you well before him. Its from an old friend of yours."
The opened parchment reads,
To my former colleagues in the Silver Blaze, by now you will have heard that Thay has joined the fight, in support of Tiamat's cult. Szass Tam believes that he can use them to his advantage. What is less well known is that Thay is heavily split on the matter. Those of us who think that Szass Tam is courting with madness have a plan to erode his support of the cult, but require outside assistance.
I recognize that this call may be viewed with some skepticism, but in the event you see your way to the correct decision, meet me at the following Portal.
best regards,
Nishkir Osmund
At the bottom of the parchment is a series of glyphs recognizable as the address for a permanent circle portal.
Reminder, Osmund was a wizard with the Blaze from the start, a highly opportunistic necromancer. Last you saw him, he was disappearing into a portal with a half dragon egg under his arm. Most of the group saw this as a betrayal.