Dr A wakes up "who, what, where...."Seeing Artus with a crossbow bolt sticking out of his arm he says "best let me have a look at that" as he casts Cure Wounds at second level on it (16) on it
Timber jumps awake from Artus's scream. Scanning the southwest, Timber tries to spot the target with his darkvision. Once he has the target in his sights, he pools raw energy into his paws before unleashing it in the direction of the enemy. Chaos Bolt @ level 2
Attack: 7 Damage: 18
Wild Magic: 11
As the energy pools into his paws, it suddenly expands! (67)
Suddenly the energy dissipates and Timber finds the closest cover and tries to hide (He won't actually take the hide action) as he is now Frightened
Kirinar is unable to see past the circle of light cast by the campfire, so he moves to try and provide protection to Artus and Dr. A from any further attacks...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Keyleth makes her way toward Ransyl and attempts to hide behind the rubble (Stealth: 29), before stepping out to the west and taking a shot with her crossbow at their assailant (should have just enough movement to get to I8)
Attack (ignore advantage and sneak attack if hide is unsuccessful): 26 Damage: 26
Ransyl goes off to find his lost javelin. After several minutes of searching he finds it. You check the area for the figure but he is gone. With the threat over Artus beckons you to join him at the fire.
"You have all proven to be faithful and true companions. I'm afraid I have put your lives in danger by travelling with you. I would understand If you wanted to part ways after you hear my story.
When the spell plague destroyed Mezro those many years ago I lost my love, Alisanda, who left with Mezro. We met and wedded when I helped defend Mezro against the evil warlord Ras Nsi and his undead horde. Before she allowed herself to be spirited away along with the rest of the city, Alisanda promised Artus that she would return to Chult when the city was no longer in peril.
I have been waiting these many long years for her to return. That's why I was in Mezro when you found me. I return on occasion to visit the ruins from time to time to see what, if anything, has changed. I spend the rest of my time searching the jungles of Chult for Orolunga, another ruined city, in the hopes of consulting with a prescient guardian naga believed to dwell there.
The ring spoken of is the ring of winter. It has kept me alive these many years and is very powerful. It was what I used to freeze the gargoyles when we were attacked in Kir Sabal.
But I'm afraid my use of the ring has put us in danger. While I wear the ring I cannot be found by magical means, but my enemies have spies everywhere and may have heard of my use of it.
I know the Red Wizards of Thay seek the ring. I am sure other powers also do. I do not know who all knows of it. The Red Wizards have a presence here in Chult but I do not know their full purpose. But they won't pass up the chance to get the ring."
Artus finishes his tale.
"I have told Qawasha all of this while you found the black orchid. He's agreed to use his contacts in the Emerald Enclave to contact the Harpers to see what they may know."
Qawasha interjects,
"I will return to Port Nyanzaru after we get back to Kir Sabal to see what I can find out. You no longer need me to guide you. With the power of flight given to you by the aarakocra you will find Omu soon. I have no intention of entering that city."
Artus continues,
"If I stay with you I put you in more danger. I understand if you wish to part ways. I will continue to seek how to reunite with Alisanda. But if you wish I will continue with you, your quest is a worthy one."
"I know the Red Wizards of Thay seek the ring. I am sure other powers also do. I do not know who all knows of it. The Red Wizards have a presence here in Chult but I do not know their full purpose. But they won't pass up the chance to get the ring."
"Ah but I have heard of these Red Wizards of Thay. In fact it is rumoured that 100 years ago one of their leaders at the time, a powerful lich called Szass Tam, may have been responsible for the Spell Plague. They certainly consort with powerful demons, devils and other inter-plannar beings. Why they want the Ring of Winter only you" looking an Artus "can really tell us, but I suspect that it being a powerful artifact is sufficient reason in itself!" He muses for a minute "I am not sure how, or what impact, this Death Curse will have on lichs such as Szass Tam but one thing I am pretty certain of, is that most powerful wizards will at one time probably have been subjected to being recalled from Death's grip! So p[erhaps if we play it properly we can turn these enemies into allies, albeit temporary ones? Hmmm!"
Timber sits down and crosses his legs as Artus tells the story. When he is finished, Timber speaks up. "Never heard of these Red Wizards back where I am from. But I am on your side Artus and will help you fight these guys off."
"They are the remnants of the undead army. They were left to just roam aimlessly in the jungles. There have always been rumors of Yuan-ti in the deepest parts of the jungle. But they have always just been rumors."
Artus looks at Dr A.
"You may be right Master Tortle, the Red Wizards may be in Chult seeking the Soulmonger. It would likely be something they would seek just as you are. "
Dr A turns to Artus "I have some ability at hiding magical items in plain sight" referring to Arcanist's Magic Aura "... we could cast it on the Ring of Winter and see if it makes it less detectable to the Red Wizards?"
"That won't be necessary. Neither the ring nor the wearer can by tracked magically by any means. I have not used the ring for sometime around others. The most recent was in Kir Sabal. Someone there must have spoken of my actions and word of it reached the Red Wizards. They must have pieced it together and figured it was the ring. Or perhaps they knew it was me that was with you and so knowing your destination waited along the likely path to return to Kir Sabal. Whatever it was I must remain vigilant. "
He smiles in relief
"I will stay with you since you seem willing to have me. It's been a long time since I last spent so much time with others. Thank you. But if I put your quest in jeopardy I will leave. "
"You have been a great help to us so far, Artus. It is the least we can do to have you stay, and help you with your quest to the extent we can," Keyleth says. "I don't know anything about these Red Wizards, but they likely pose a threat to all of us, and so we will be stronger together."
The rest of the night passes safely and a few days later you are back at Kir Sabal
An ancient monastery overlooks the jungle from its perch on the cliff of a tall plateau. Stone steps and rickety walkways connect the various buildings, the lowest of which is 500 feet above the ground. The main building has a circular mazelike symbol carved into its crumbling facade.
Every few minutes, bird folk either land at the monastery or launch themselves from its balconies and take to the sky.
You are able to make you way up and the aarakocra usher you into the presence of Asharra, the teacher. You are welcomed back and she is pleased that you were able to locate the black orchid.
The following morning, early in the day, Asharra performs the ritual.
Asharra explains that the ritual, called the Dance of the Seven Winds, will temporarily grant magical flight to as many as ten nonflying creatures. The ritual, which takes 10 minutes to complete, can only be performed by an aarakocra elder and requires a black orchid as a material component.
Asharra grinds the orchid to powder, inhales it, and dance in circles around the tou uwhile seven other aarakocra chant prayers to the Wind Dukes of Aaqa. When the dance concludes, Asharra’s wings disappear and she loses the ability to fly.
You each gain a magical flying speed of 30 feet (allowing you to fly 4 miles per hour). This benefit lasts for 3 days, after which Asharra’s wings reappear and she regains the ability to fly.
"3 days from now, early in the morning you will lose the ability to fly. But until then feel free. Just be sure you are on the ground when the effects wear off or, well... splat."
I have advanced each of you to 6500 xp, level 5. Do your level ups. Feel free to RP anything that happens the night before the ritual takes place.
As for flight, you can move 4 hexes per day at normal speed or 6 per day if you go fast.
Let me know where you plan to go and I'll figure it out on the map.
As a reminder you have learned that Omu is west of the Peaks of Flame
"My friends, this is where we part. I will use this power of flight to return north and look into this matter of the Red Wizards. You are in good hands with Artus, he is a powerful ally. Head SW and find this city. Free the land of the death curse."
With that said he sets off north.
You find that when you want to fly, large aarakocra wings sprout from your backs and you can fly. It takes a bit of getting used to but eventually you get the hang of it and head SW. You speed along as fast as you can each day, making camp at night on the ground. The ability to fly is exhilarating as you feel the wind and learn to control your movements in the drafts.
Below you, you see Lake Luo spread east. You can see portions are actually boiling.
You cross over the Valley of Embers. This burned-out valley surrounds Lake Luo. Most of the vegetation around the southern and eastern shore of the lake has been wiped out by pyroclastic flows, rivers of lava, and drifting ash. Fiery embers belched from the Peaks of Flame drift across the sky and fall like rain onto a blackened wasteland. The marshland north of the lake is wet enough to survive, but the accumulation of ash atop the water has turned into an almost impassable expanse of knee-deep muck.
You consider yourself fortunate that you did not have to try and cross that area by foot.
Ahead of you the Peaks of Flame get closer and closer.
Its after your third day flight that you set up camp just on the west side of the Peaks of Flame. You don't see any other landmarks and to the west of you lie deep valleys hidden in dense jungle. Somewhere in that deep jungle is the lost city of Omu.
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Timber can roll another d20 as he would be the one to get advantage due to Ransyl's distracting strike.
Dr A wakes up "who, what, where...." Seeing Artus with a crossbow bolt sticking out of his arm he says "best let me have a look at that" as he casts Cure Wounds at second level on it (16) on it
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
Dr A (31/31), Ransyl (40/40), Timber (18/18), Keyleth (27/27), Enemy (28) Artus (16), Kirinar (36/36), Qawasha (?)
Dr A cures some of Artus's wound and the bleeding visibly stops flowing.
Ransyl moves into range and throws a spear that hits the enemy and distracts him as he deals with a spear that sticks in his armor
Timber 15 takes advantage of the situation and lets off a chaos bolt that strikes the figure. Suddenly he runs away with a shriek.
Keyleth is up
2nd Attack Roll: 19
If the attack hits, the damage will be thunder
Kirinar is unable to see past the circle of light cast by the campfire, so he moves to try and provide protection to Artus and Dr. A from any further attacks...
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Keyleth makes her way toward Ransyl and attempts to hide behind the rubble (Stealth: 29), before stepping out to the west and taking a shot with her crossbow at their assailant (should have just enough movement to get to I8)
Attack (ignore advantage and sneak attack if hide is unsuccessful): 26 Damage: 26
OoC: Holy moly. Them's some rolls.
"Darvin" | Changeling | Hexblade 1 / Swords Bard 6 | Descent Into Avernus (AC 19; PP 14; 52/52 HP)
Anton Chergoba | Human | Battlemaster 4 | Lost Mines of Phandelver (AC 20; PP 14; 36/36 HP)
Dr A (31/31), Ransyl (40/40), Timber (18/18), Keyleth (27/27), Enemy (60) Artus (16), Kirinar (36/36), Qawasha (?)
Keyleth disappears into the darkens and sends a bolt flying at the figure that makes a direct hit into his chest
The figure calls out in a loud voice "The Red Wizards want the ring Artus, we'll be back!"
Those that can see that far see the figure turn and run away to the the SW disappearing into the darkness.
Combat over
500 XP each
Keyleth makes her way back toward the camp, and looks sternly at Artus. "I think you owe us an explanation. What ring?"
"Darvin" | Changeling | Hexblade 1 / Swords Bard 6 | Descent Into Avernus (AC 19; PP 14; 52/52 HP)
Anton Chergoba | Human | Battlemaster 4 | Lost Mines of Phandelver (AC 20; PP 14; 36/36 HP)
Ransyl takes out his Battleaxe and begins to explore the area for his spear.
Ransyl goes off to find his lost javelin. After several minutes of searching he finds it. You check the area for the figure but he is gone. With the threat over Artus beckons you to join him at the fire.
"You have all proven to be faithful and true companions. I'm afraid I have put your lives in danger by travelling with you. I would understand If you wanted to part ways after you hear my story.
When the spell plague destroyed Mezro those many years ago I lost my love, Alisanda, who left with Mezro. We met and wedded when I helped defend Mezro against the evil warlord Ras Nsi and his undead horde. Before she allowed herself to be spirited away along with the rest of the city, Alisanda promised Artus that she would return to Chult when the city was no longer in peril.
I have been waiting these many long years for her to return. That's why I was in Mezro when you found me. I return on occasion to visit the ruins from time to time to see what, if anything, has changed. I spend the rest of my time searching the jungles of Chult for Orolunga, another ruined city, in the hopes of consulting with a prescient guardian naga believed to dwell there.
The ring spoken of is the ring of winter. It has kept me alive these many years and is very powerful. It was what I used to freeze the gargoyles when we were attacked in Kir Sabal.
But I'm afraid my use of the ring has put us in danger. While I wear the ring I cannot be found by magical means, but my enemies have spies everywhere and may have heard of my use of it.
I know the Red Wizards of Thay seek the ring. I am sure other powers also do. I do not know who all knows of it. The Red Wizards have a presence here in Chult but I do not know their full purpose. But they won't pass up the chance to get the ring."
Artus finishes his tale.
"I have told Qawasha all of this while you found the black orchid. He's agreed to use his contacts in the Emerald Enclave to contact the Harpers to see what they may know."
Qawasha interjects,
"I will return to Port Nyanzaru after we get back to Kir Sabal to see what I can find out. You no longer need me to guide you. With the power of flight given to you by the aarakocra you will find Omu soon. I have no intention of entering that city."
Artus continues,
"If I stay with you I put you in more danger. I understand if you wish to part ways. I will continue to seek how to reunite with Alisanda. But if you wish I will continue with you, your quest is a worthy one."
"Artus, you have proven yourself and have become a valuable member of the group. I want you to stay - Red Wizards be damned!"
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
"Ah but I have heard of these Red Wizards of Thay. In fact it is rumoured that 100 years ago one of their leaders at the time, a powerful lich called Szass Tam, may have been responsible for the Spell Plague. They certainly consort with powerful demons, devils and other inter-plannar beings. Why they want the Ring of Winter only you" looking an Artus "can really tell us, but I suspect that it being a powerful artifact is sufficient reason in itself!" He muses for a minute "I am not sure how, or what impact, this Death Curse will have on lichs such as Szass Tam but one thing I am pretty certain of, is that most powerful wizards will at one time probably have been subjected to being recalled from Death's grip! So p[erhaps if we play it properly we can turn these enemies into allies, albeit temporary ones? Hmmm!"
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
Timber sits down and crosses his legs as Artus tells the story. When he is finished, Timber speaks up. "Never heard of these Red Wizards back where I am from. But I am on your side Artus and will help you fight these guys off."
“Agreed, I wouldn’t want to see this power fall into the hands of the Red Wizards. Now what is this about giving us the power of flight?”
"That's where all the undead in Chult come from."
Qawasha adds,
"They are the remnants of the undead army. They were left to just roam aimlessly in the jungles. There have always been rumors of Yuan-ti in the deepest parts of the jungle. But they have always just been rumors."
Artus looks at Dr A.
"You may be right Master Tortle, the Red Wizards may be in Chult seeking the Soulmonger. It would likely be something they would seek just as you are. "
Dr A turns to Artus "I have some ability at hiding magical items in plain sight" referring to Arcanist's Magic Aura "... we could cast it on the Ring of Winter and see if it makes it less detectable to the Red Wizards?"
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
"That won't be necessary. Neither the ring nor the wearer can by tracked magically by any means. I have not used the ring for sometime around others. The most recent was in Kir Sabal. Someone there must have spoken of my actions and word of it reached the Red Wizards. They must have pieced it together and figured it was the ring. Or perhaps they knew it was me that was with you and so knowing your destination waited along the likely path to return to Kir Sabal. Whatever it was I must remain vigilant. "
He smiles in relief
"I will stay with you since you seem willing to have me. It's been a long time since I last spent so much time with others. Thank you. But if I put your quest in jeopardy I will leave. "
"You have been a great help to us so far, Artus. It is the least we can do to have you stay, and help you with your quest to the extent we can," Keyleth says. "I don't know anything about these Red Wizards, but they likely pose a threat to all of us, and so we will be stronger together."
"Darvin" | Changeling | Hexblade 1 / Swords Bard 6 | Descent Into Avernus (AC 19; PP 14; 52/52 HP)
Anton Chergoba | Human | Battlemaster 4 | Lost Mines of Phandelver (AC 20; PP 14; 36/36 HP)
The rest of the night passes safely and a few days later you are back at Kir Sabal
An ancient monastery overlooks the jungle from its perch on the cliff of a tall plateau. Stone steps and rickety walkways connect the various buildings, the lowest of which is 500 feet above the ground. The main building has a circular mazelike symbol carved into its crumbling facade.
Every few minutes, bird folk either land at the monastery or launch themselves from its balconies and take to the sky.
You are able to make you way up and the aarakocra usher you into the presence of Asharra, the teacher. You are welcomed back and she is pleased that you were able to locate the black orchid.
The following morning, early in the day, Asharra performs the ritual.
Asharra explains that the ritual, called the Dance of the Seven Winds, will temporarily grant magical flight to as many as ten nonflying creatures. The ritual, which takes 10 minutes to complete, can only be performed by an aarakocra elder and requires a black orchid as a material component.
Asharra grinds the orchid to powder, inhales it, and dance in circles around the tou uwhile seven other aarakocra chant prayers to the Wind Dukes of Aaqa. When the dance concludes, Asharra’s wings disappear and she loses the ability to fly.
You each gain a magical flying speed of 30 feet (allowing you to fly 4 miles per hour). This benefit lasts for 3 days, after which Asharra’s wings reappear and she regains the ability to fly.
"3 days from now, early in the morning you will lose the ability to fly. But until then feel free. Just be sure you are on the ground when the effects wear off or, well... splat."
I have advanced each of you to 6500 xp, level 5. Do your level ups. Feel free to RP anything that happens the night before the ritual takes place.
As for flight, you can move 4 hexes per day at normal speed or 6 per day if you go fast.
Let me know where you plan to go and I'll figure it out on the map.
As a reminder you have learned that Omu is west of the Peaks of Flame
The party makes ready to set out.
Qawasha approaches you,
"My friends, this is where we part. I will use this power of flight to return north and look into this matter of the Red Wizards. You are in good hands with Artus, he is a powerful ally. Head SW and find this city. Free the land of the death curse."
With that said he sets off north.
You find that when you want to fly, large aarakocra wings sprout from your backs and you can fly. It takes a bit of getting used to but eventually you get the hang of it and head SW. You speed along as fast as you can each day, making camp at night on the ground. The ability to fly is exhilarating as you feel the wind and learn to control your movements in the drafts.
Below you, you see Lake Luo spread east. You can see portions are actually boiling.
You cross over the Valley of Embers. This burned-out valley surrounds Lake Luo. Most of the vegetation around the southern and eastern shore of the lake has been wiped out by pyroclastic flows, rivers of lava, and drifting ash. Fiery embers belched from the Peaks of Flame drift across the sky and fall like rain onto a blackened wasteland. The marshland north of the lake is wet enough to survive, but the accumulation of ash atop the water has turned into an almost impassable expanse of knee-deep muck.
You consider yourself fortunate that you did not have to try and cross that area by foot.
Ahead of you the Peaks of Flame get closer and closer.
Its after your third day flight that you set up camp just on the west side of the Peaks of Flame. You don't see any other landmarks and to the west of you lie deep valleys hidden in dense jungle. Somewhere in that deep jungle is the lost city of Omu.