The elven warrior strains in weakened agony. Upon closer inpection, he is a vampire. "The great Hellrider Haruman. I am Jander. Haruman and I were both part of a host of warriors who joined the angel Zariel in her assault on the Nine Hells ages ago. So, so many ages ago. After charging through the portal into Avernus, I panicked and fled back to Elturel. I betrayed our braver comrades by sealing the portal behind us. Myself and the fellow deserters never revealed our shameful retreat and betrayal of Zariel. It was a badge of shame that us traitorous Hellriders would wear in secret until the grave. Eventually, I became a vampire. After years of anguish, I chose to face the sun and throw himself on Lathander’s mercy. The prayer fell on deaf ears, and my soul was condemned to the Nine Hells to suffer for my sins of betrayal."
"Haruman, once a human paladin of Helm, was one of Zariel’s most devoted Hellriders who stayed and fought. All who remained were killed. When Zariel was made ruler, she raised him from the dead and serves her once again. He crucifies the deserters to Zariel’s cause on “Coward’s Way,” a line of tortured souls leading to this desolate hill. Each soul is pinned to a barbed, metal tree. Inscriptions above their heads attest that most of them were mortal knights who abandoned Zariel during her assault into Avernus. He will come. He will judge you as well! You must free me so I may finally rest."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Though Yoska felt "something" draw at the spirit that morning, it's brushed aside without a second thought. (Yoska's choosing to fail the save against being Lawful Evil). "So it is as I thought. There's nothing sketchy about it. The **** is clearly be punished fer ******* with the wrong person. And any whoever frees him is liable to suffer a good deal."Yoska replied plainly to Meep without looking away from the half-dead elf. He listens for a while, or at least feigns to at firstl. "He? Now I'm intrigued... Sure, I'll cut you down. Just a moment." Yoska taps his staff against charred earth, summoning in flash of black smoke and sulfur a pair of black, snarling, and red-eyed brown bear. A third, more spectral version snaps in behind the Yoska, filling all in its mute roars with the strength of a bear.
"I would have your word, Jander. We help you, and PERHAPS your fellow cowards. And you help us in equal measure, or that of Bane's forces upon this plane. If not, you can Rot."He delivers in no uncertain terms. And only AFTER receiving his word at least will one bear be given the signal to begin approaching the vampire. "I would ready yourselves." He warns the others. "Those buggers there are not likely to enjoy having their meal stolen out from under them."He says, making a point to keep at least keep the second bear between him and the nearest batch of bugs, while Borris the bear seems to grin almost wickedly before trying to chomp the vampire by the shoulder and RIP the whole body off.
Some Clarity: Yoska tries to cast (3rd level)Conjure Animals to summon two challenge rating one creatures(Brown Bears). Summons the Bear Totem, granting everyone(including summons) 11 Temp HP.
If Loose Deal is agreed - Borris the Bear attempts to pull Jander off the crucifex. Elmer the Bear stays at the ready to attack any enemy that approaches him or Yoska.
Strength Checks if necessary from Borris: 59. That above... ain't right. Let's try that again.: 14. (Adv. from Spirit Totem's secondary effect.)
Bear Spirit:
Each creature of your choice in the aura when the spirit appears gains temporary hit points equal to 5 + your druid level. In addition, you and your allies gain advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws while in the aura.
"I have nothing to offer you but my eternal gratitude for freeing me from this eternity of torment. The satisfaction of helping a soul find peace." he admits, weakly. The stirges continue to feed him, painfully.
Your attacks have no effect. "Please!" he begs, "Why do you do this! The stirges will keep me alive! Stop! Release me, I beg of you!" he looks up into the sky. "No. He comes! He comes! NOOO!"
All of the other souls impaled on the iron trees wail in despair. High in the sky, like a screaming meteor, a massive black plate armored human carrying a huge lance and shield rides a black horse that's on fire right towards your location. He is perhaps the largest armored warrior you have ever seen, completely covered in armor from head to toe. Seething with anger and fire, he will be upon your location shortly. Everything about him tells you that he is dangerous, you witness his descent in panic, as if the right hand of Hell is coming to usher your souls into eternal damnation.
Nik Nak squints at her fellow worldsavers doubtfully and looks at Nok Nok, suddenly the only other not evil person in the group. "They always like this, Nokky?" She moves to pull the elf down, when suddenly the armored warrior appears in the sky, and her eyes go wide. "Uuuuh. Uuuuh. I'm not really...equipped to deal with that sort of thing...should we...uuuh...hide?" Nik Nak glances around for somewhere to hide should the party (doubtfully) agree to her very clever and survival oriented plan.
Nok Nok moves in unison with his sister, grabbing her by the hand and scurrying behind the others while looking for a place to hide. “If there be fighting, best we let the Big Folk handle,” he says, “I wish Miss Misha were here.”
To the elf, Nok calls out, “Are ya still a bloodsucker, then? I’m not looking to be a tasty morsel.”
Nok looks to the sky and back to elf bloodsucker. "You chose your fate when you betrayed your people," he says grimly. "Our task carries more weight than your redemption. Should we win, perhaps your people will show you the mercy you seek. Until then..." Nok looks to the sky one last time, grabbing Nik Nak's wrist, "...we ride!"
Nok encourages the others to follow as he rushes back to the infernal vehicles. "Let's get the **** out of here!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd) Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist) Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As others fled and/or threw out their snarky remarks, Yoska had Borris and Elmer the Bears form up beside him(and being slightly ahead at that) after turning to face Haruman with a veneer of cool headed indifference. A mask that in part fail to hide the cold sweat and slight twitches upward at the mouth that hinted at some elation or eagerness playing at the edge of his lips. If not bothered to shout at him to run, he merely replies with "Take care of the Devil Ride. Jill will kill any who scratches it, supposedly." in an almost joking tone. But short of being dragged away, he remains where he was, wasting at least a few precious seconds more in staring down the charger before a thought occured to him.
"Tch! What am I thinking? There's no talking to one this devoted... I should know."Spinning on a heal, he turns on Jared, punching at the air while shooting something celestial, attempting at least to hit both vampire, stirges, and bindings with a wave of destructive force. Even if not enough destroy the bindings, he shouts for the bears to start trying to pry the man off the crucifix with their teeth if they have to.
If freed from either method he would add to Jander adds, midway to turning back to Haruman, "Now die or run, but do not linger. I'll hold him off. Seek out those that fled if redemption remains in your heart."
Yonitiative:15 (If needed, but probably not) Bearsnitiative: 12.
If ignoring initiative for now:
Yoska's Action: (4th level)Thunderwave for 25 thunder damage to affected targets. DC 14 Con save to halve damaged, and not be pushed. (directed namely at vampire, cross, and stirges within a 15ft cube about the vampire)
Bear #1's Attempt: Strength roll of - 18. Bear #2's Attempt: Strength roll of - 15. (Bear attempts being are at freeing the vamp. Advantage from Bear Spirit Totem)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
You are able to free the vampire, and kill the immediate stirges. Jander looks up at you with a face of eternal gratefulness. "Finally. I will be at peace. Thank you..." He wanted to say more, but he disintegrates in a messy, dusty, final death. You can feel the heat and angry snort of a horse and you turn around and face the Great Hellrider Haruman and his Nightmare. His eyes are burning pits of hate, his skin gray. He towers over you, completely covered in black plate mail, and brandishes a mighty, horrible hellfire lance.
"Insignificant fool. I will enjoy ripping you apart. Prepare to suffer for all eternity."his voice is menacing, like rocks grinding together. His Nightmare stomps it's hooves, eager to trample you to dust at Haruman's command. "Die!"
Terrifying Command: DC 17 Charisma saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. Haruman Initiative: 2 Nightmare Initiative: 7
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nightmare17(70), Bears15, Haruman(150), Yoska8
At Haruman's command, the his Nightmare steed charges at you..
Hooves Attack: 12 Damage: 19
Nightmare17(70), Bears15, Haruman(150), Yoska8
Meanwhile..
BEL'S FORGE
"An ousted archduke sulking in a volcano, eager to reclaim his stolen throne." — The Cartographer
A gargantuan volcano dominates the horizon. Clouds of fire and ash spew from its caldera, and the air trembles with its angry grumblings. A vast, multilayered fortress has been hewn into the volcano’s rocky slopes. Even from here, you can see the Archdevil Bel sitting upon a massive throne. Dozens upon dozens of guards, even from this distance, are patrolling the area. As you approach, you realize quickly if you come any closer, it would be suicide. Or at least, that's what your gut tells you.
Persephone waves 'Hi!' to Bel and the guards, and turns right around and heads back to the transport vehicles. "Doesn't look like we're invited here, guys! Should we hightail it back and pick up Yoska?"
Yoska is able to fall back just in time to avoid the hooves, and in stuttering voice, says... Something. Borris and Elmer, already primed for a fight, seem to grin wickedly as they leaped into action to try and tear deeply into Haruman's armored hide.
Starting at 6th level, beasts and fey that you conjure are more resilient than normal. Any beast or fey summoned or created by a spell that you cast gains the following benefits:
The creature appears with more hit points than normal: 2 extra hit points per Hit Die it has.
The damage from its natural weapons is considered magical for the purpose of overcoming immunity and resistance to nonmagical attacks and damage.
“Who is this he you refer to?”
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Nonevil Nik Nak: 26
Nik Nak approaches carefully. "What happened? Who put you up here?" she asks gently.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
The elven warrior strains in weakened agony. Upon closer inpection, he is a vampire. "The great Hellrider Haruman. I am Jander. Haruman and I were both part of a host of warriors who joined the angel Zariel in her assault on the Nine Hells ages ago. So, so many ages ago. After charging through the portal into Avernus, I panicked and fled back to Elturel. I betrayed our braver comrades by sealing the portal behind us. Myself and the fellow deserters never revealed our shameful retreat and betrayal of Zariel. It was a badge of shame that us traitorous Hellriders would wear in secret until the grave. Eventually, I became a vampire. After years of anguish, I chose to face the sun and throw himself on Lathander’s mercy. The prayer fell on deaf ears, and my soul was condemned to the Nine Hells to suffer for my sins of betrayal."
"Haruman, once a human paladin of Helm, was one of Zariel’s most devoted Hellriders who stayed and fought. All who remained were killed. When Zariel was made ruler, she raised him from the dead and serves her once again. He crucifies the deserters to Zariel’s cause on “Coward’s Way,” a line of tortured souls leading to this desolate hill. Each soul is pinned to a barbed, metal tree. Inscriptions above their heads attest that most of them were mortal knights who abandoned Zariel during her assault into Avernus. He will come. He will judge you as well! You must free me so I may finally rest."
Though Yoska felt "something" draw at the spirit that morning, it's brushed aside without a second thought. (Yoska's choosing to fail the save against being Lawful Evil). "So it is as I thought. There's nothing sketchy about it. The **** is clearly be punished fer ******* with the wrong person. And any whoever frees him is liable to suffer a good deal." Yoska replied plainly to Meep without looking away from the half-dead elf. He listens for a while, or at least feigns to at firstl. "He? Now I'm intrigued... Sure, I'll cut you down. Just a moment." Yoska taps his staff against charred earth, summoning in flash of black smoke and sulfur a pair of black, snarling, and red-eyed brown bear. A third, more spectral version snaps in behind the Yoska, filling all in its mute roars with the strength of a bear.
"I would have your word, Jander. We help you, and PERHAPS your fellow cowards. And you help us in equal measure, or that of Bane's forces upon this plane. If not, you can Rot." He delivers in no uncertain terms. And only AFTER receiving his word at least will one bear be given the signal to begin approaching the vampire. "I would ready yourselves." He warns the others. "Those buggers there are not likely to enjoy having their meal stolen out from under them." He says, making a point to keep at least keep the second bear between him and the nearest batch of bugs, while Borris the bear seems to grin almost wickedly before trying to chomp the vampire by the shoulder and RIP the whole body off.
Some Clarity:
Yoska tries to cast (3rd level)Conjure Animals to summon two challenge rating one creatures(Brown Bears).
Summons the Bear Totem, granting everyone(including summons) 11 Temp HP.
If Loose Deal is agreed -
Borris the Bear attempts to pull Jander off the crucifex.
Elmer the Bear stays at the ready to attack any enemy that approaches him or Yoska.
Strength Checks if necessary from Borris: 59.That above... ain't right. Let's try that again.: 14.
(Adv. from Spirit Totem's secondary effect.)
Bear Spirit:
Each creature of your choice in the aura when the spirit appears gains temporary hit points equal to 5 + your druid level. In addition, you and your allies gain advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws while in the aura.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I have nothing to offer you but my eternal gratitude for freeing me from this eternity of torment. The satisfaction of helping a soul find peace." he admits, weakly. The stirges continue to feed him, painfully.
“Ha! I’ve born witness to souls such as yours as they are judged by my Queen! I’ll let her decide what to do with you. Your wish has been granted.”
With that, Persephone will attempt to behead the vile creature:
Rapier Attack #1: 16 Damage: 12
Dagger Attack: 16 Damage: 8
Sneak Attack Damage: 3
Rapier Attack #2: 12 Damage: 12
Dread Ambusher Attack: 23 Damage: 12
Dread Ambusher Bonus Damage: 4
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Your attacks have no effect. "Please!" he begs, "Why do you do this! The stirges will keep me alive! Stop! Release me, I beg of you!" he looks up into the sky. "No. He comes! He comes! NOOO!"
All of the other souls impaled on the iron trees wail in despair. High in the sky, like a screaming meteor, a massive black plate armored human carrying a huge lance and shield rides a black horse that's on fire right towards your location. He is perhaps the largest armored warrior you have ever seen, completely covered in armor from head to toe. Seething with anger and fire, he will be upon your location shortly. Everything about him tells you that he is dangerous, you witness his descent in panic, as if the right hand of Hell is coming to usher your souls into eternal damnation.
Nik Nak squints at her fellow worldsavers doubtfully and looks at Nok Nok, suddenly the only other not evil person in the group. "They always like this, Nokky?" She moves to pull the elf down, when suddenly the armored warrior appears in the sky, and her eyes go wide. "Uuuuh. Uuuuh. I'm not really...equipped to deal with that sort of thing...should we...uuuh...hide?" Nik Nak glances around for somewhere to hide should the party (doubtfully) agree to her very clever and survival oriented plan.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Nok Nok moves in unison with his sister, grabbing her by the hand and scurrying behind the others while looking for a place to hide. “If there be fighting, best we let the Big Folk handle,” he says, “I wish Miss Misha were here.”
To the elf, Nok calls out, “Are ya still a bloodsucker, then? I’m not looking to be a tasty morsel.”
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd)
Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist)
Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
Nok looks to the sky and back to elf bloodsucker. "You chose your fate when you betrayed your people," he says grimly. "Our task carries more weight than your redemption. Should we win, perhaps your people will show you the mercy you seek. Until then..." Nok looks to the sky one last time, grabbing Nik Nak's wrist, "...we ride!"
Nok encourages the others to follow as he rushes back to the infernal vehicles. "Let's get the **** out of here!"
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd)
Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist)
Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
Meep follows after the siblings towards the vehicles, giving a slight wave to the vampire. "You're on your own! Good luck!"
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
Willow Twilight|Swiftstride Shifter|Blood Hunter|Ebberon|Retired
Meephylia Polliwog|Grung|Dragon Sorcerer|Descent To Avernus|Retired
Ashryn Rairs|Changeling|Hexblade Warlock|Out Of The Abyss|Dead
If the party agrees, do you head back to Base, or another location? Your decision affects what happens next.
Nik Nak gives a nod of agreement. "Ride!" She leaps onto the tormentor, shrieking, "To the Foooooooooooorge! Bye Haruman!"
OOC: We would like to go to Bel's Forge now.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
As others fled and/or threw out their snarky remarks, Yoska had Borris and Elmer the Bears form up beside him(and being slightly ahead at that) after turning to face Haruman with a veneer of cool headed indifference. A mask that in part fail to hide the cold sweat and slight twitches upward at the mouth that hinted at some elation or eagerness playing at the edge of his lips. If not bothered to shout at him to run, he merely replies with "Take care of the Devil Ride. Jill will kill any who scratches it, supposedly." in an almost joking tone. But short of being dragged away, he remains where he was, wasting at least a few precious seconds more in staring down the charger before a thought occured to him.
"Tch! What am I thinking? There's no talking to one this devoted... I should know." Spinning on a heal, he turns on Jared, punching at the air while shooting something celestial, attempting at least to hit both vampire, stirges, and bindings with a wave of destructive force. Even if not enough destroy the bindings, he shouts for the bears to start trying to pry the man off the crucifix with their teeth if they have to.
If freed from either method he would add to Jander adds, midway to turning back to Haruman, "Now die or run, but do not linger. I'll hold him off. Seek out those that fled if redemption remains in your heart."
Yonitiative:15 (If needed, but probably not)
Bearsnitiative: 12.
If ignoring initiative for now:
Yoska's Action: (4th level)Thunderwave for 25 thunder damage to affected targets. DC 14 Con save to halve damaged, and not be pushed. (directed namely at vampire, cross, and stirges within a 15ft cube about the vampire)
Bear #1's Attempt: Strength roll of - 18.
Bear #2's Attempt: Strength roll of - 15.
(Bear attempts being are at freeing the vamp. Advantage from Bear Spirit Totem)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
You are able to free the vampire, and kill the immediate stirges. Jander looks up at you with a face of eternal gratefulness. "Finally. I will be at peace. Thank you..." He wanted to say more, but he disintegrates in a messy, dusty, final death. You can feel the heat and angry snort of a horse and you turn around and face the Great Hellrider Haruman and his Nightmare. His eyes are burning pits of hate, his skin gray. He towers over you, completely covered in black plate mail, and brandishes a mighty, horrible hellfire lance.
"Insignificant fool. I will enjoy ripping you apart. Prepare to suffer for all eternity." his voice is menacing, like rocks grinding together. His Nightmare stomps it's hooves, eager to trample you to dust at Haruman's command. "Die!"
Terrifying Command: DC 17 Charisma saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute.
Haruman Initiative: 2
Nightmare Initiative: 7
How Much Balls Does Yoska Have(DC 17): 10.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Nightmare17(70), Bears15, Haruman(150), Yoska8
At Haruman's command, the his Nightmare steed charges at you..
Hooves Attack: 12 Damage: 19
Nightmare17(70), Bears15, Haruman(150), Yoska8
Meanwhile..
BEL'S FORGE
"An ousted archduke sulking in a volcano, eager to reclaim his stolen throne." — The Cartographer
A gargantuan volcano dominates the horizon. Clouds of fire and ash spew from its caldera, and the air trembles with its angry grumblings. A vast, multilayered fortress has been hewn into the volcano’s rocky slopes. Even from here, you can see the Archdevil Bel sitting upon a massive throne. Dozens upon dozens of guards, even from this distance, are patrolling the area. As you approach, you realize quickly if you come any closer, it would be suicide. Or at least, that's what your gut tells you.
Persephone waves 'Hi!' to Bel and the guards, and turns right around and heads back to the transport vehicles. "Doesn't look like we're invited here, guys! Should we hightail it back and pick up Yoska?"
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Yoska is able to fall back just in time to avoid the hooves, and in stuttering voice, says... Something. Borris and Elmer, already primed for a fight, seem to grin wickedly as they leaped into action to try and tear deeply into Haruman's armored hide.
Elmer's Multiattack Vs Haruman:
Bite Attack: 14 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. magical piercing.
Claw Attack: 10 Damage: 7 magical slashing.
Elmer's Multiattack Vs Haruman:
Bite Attack: 25 Damage: 7 magical piercing.
Claw Attack: 9 Damage: 13 magical slashing.
Reminder:
Starting at 6th level, beasts and fey that you conjure are more resilient than normal. Any beast or fey summoned or created by a spell that you cast gains the following benefits:
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Nok nods. “If he is alive, sure.”
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd)
Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist)
Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)