Kirin sighs before try to get Rhayana's attetnion, "If you dont mind, could I get some Guidance?" Then turning on the gem and cast Dispel Magic at base level, "I can not promise I can undo this,"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
Kirin holds the diamond with Pensive trapped inside, focuses his magic, casts the spell, and....
...nothing happens. Rhayna examines the gem once more and concludes that dispelling this imprisonment magic would in fact require the dispel magic to be cast using a ninth-level spell slot. Pensive remains trapped inside.
If I'd read the spell description properly, I could have told Rhayna that in the first place. Oh well. Her arcana check was so high, but then again... she's not an evil drow wizard, and doesn't think like one, right? LOL. So freeing Pensive might end up becoming the group's next adventure, along with finding a way to dispose of the grimoire. Can't finish the adventure with happily ever after, now can we?
Anyway, Pax is waiting for confirmation from the others before casting the Sending spell. Considering how much Vizeran wanted the grimoire, having sent the group into great peril in order to obtain it, he will probably want to ensure that the party have it before completing the spell...
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"Well this seems beyond my capaibilities and I dont think we should use any more resources until we have a plan. In terms of resources, maybe we take a rest before we trigger the big play? He said it'll wait at most 3 days so I doubt he doesn't mind if we take a rest," Kirin states as he takes a moment to check charges on his staff, "We can discuss it in the hole ideally without ears we dont want o hear around,"
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Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
Kaylyn's face fell with disappointment. "I hate this place. Let's get this done. I don't care how we do it, let's just get it done. Then we go back and see Vizeran, he will end this spell." she says.
Pax glances at Kaylyn's comment, but seemingly decides to hold her tongue. Enough things need to be decided without discussing that one. But Kirin's comment draws her attention, mentally she says, "We would need to wait another full day. The Drow are on high alert for intruders. A magical rope trick will only last an hour. I think we will have to suffice in our current condition. Plus, if anyone goes up into that room with a detection spell, we risk having the lure found. The longer we wait, the more likely. Unless anyone has any other stringent opposition, I'm going to tell the Drow wizard to trigger his spell right away."
"I would like to avoid meeting up with Vizeran after this. My personal opinion is we should return to the surface. I think me and Rhyana could get assistance from individual capable of freeing your familiar. I do not believe being indebted to Vizeran even for something like this would be good for anyone," Kirin replies to Kaylyn before turning to Pax, "Detect what? That would assume they know what they're looking for and how to get pass the archmage's defenses, the golem, find the mist and get out of it, to get to the room to detect it in the first place. Individuals capable of casting magic at high enough level to get pass the mist is not as common as you seem to believe. Even an hour of rest would be useful even if we can not get a full rest," He takes a moment to take stock of his slots and how much he could recover before glances around as the Drow presence, "I will have give up on argument of departure it seems anyways,"
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Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
"Perhaps someone in Candlekeep might be able to free Pensive. I am read to give Vizeran the OK message." Says Rhayna, but there is some doubt in her about bringing the tome to her beloved home. That is a conversation for another day, she tries to forget about it and concentrate on the task at hand.
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Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Pax mentally replies to Kirin, “The lure is in the first room with the statue, not through the maze. That room is quite accessible. But if a one hour rest would help people I’m fine taking shelter in a rope trick and risking the lure being found, so that we’re better prepared. Everyone agree?”
"I would rather do it fast,"said Sekkar. "Would not fight anyone over it but remember, that drow-guy, Valimar, that brought us here knows about heart's existence. Will he search for it? I don't know. Can it be destroyed on spot? I don't know. Would someone try to run away with it? No idea. Do as you wish but I do not like all these uncertainties."
"Fine, go for it," Kirin states as he mentally list anything preparation spells he ready up, if Banishment is still going, he's going stop concentration on it for now.
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
Pax takes ten minutes to focus on ritual casting their mental connection. Then she uses the Sending scroll to Vizeran, “We are ready. Talisman in place. How long until the demons show up?”
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
Pax's message goes out. Then nothing... The group stand there, wondering if Vizeran is going to cast his spell, wondering how they will know when he does, whether he spoke true or if this was some cruel trick all along... when suddenly the hairs rise on the back of each neck. The air thickens as though charged with electricity. The chaotic milieu of drow suddenly stop moving, and the entire city falls silent as every mortal soul senses impending doom. Sekkar keeps his presence of mind enough to quickly perform his Rope Trick, and the group hurry up the cord into the secret chamber... just in time.
There is a flash of bright light from the top of the tower of Sorcere (despite there being no windows in Gromph's study) followed by another pregnant pause. Then a multitude of beams of darkness shoot out from the tower's apex, radiating across the city. Small motes of even deeper darkness begin pulsing along the myriad beams, shooting along them until they make contact with with the terminus of each beam - on cavern walls and ceilings, buildings and stairs - and from each mote springs a demon. Thousands of pulses shoot along hundreds of beams, faster and faster, as more and more demons materialise in the city, each one larger than the last. They seem disoriented, and stagger about like drunken animals, or fly circles as they flap their leathery wings awkwardly in the thick, still air.
Finally the intensity of pulses slows, the beams begins to coalesce and merge, until only eight remain, pointing to various parts of the city. A final great pulse throbs along each beam, and the eight mightiest beings that rule the infinite layers of the Abyss all emerge into the great cavern of Araurilcaurak. On the far side of the city near the Narbondellyn gate, the grotesque bloated form of Orcus appears clutching his great wand. To the west, the horned demon Baphomet appears nigh to the Do'urden estate, not far from the slobbering giant hyena-formed Yeenoghu in the West Wall district. To the south by the mansions of Qu'ellarz'orl, the dark but graceful Grazzt rises from bended knee to survey the city. In the east by the lake of Donigarten the slender Zuggtmoy materialises, surrounded in a cloud of spores, while the Eastmyr slums seem to come alive the with crawling, oozing mass that is Juiblex. One beam terminates in the Bazaar, but all that emerges is a fist-sized black gem, the shelter of Fraz-Urb'luu. And the shortest and closest beam terminates in the centre of the plateau of Tier Breche, which is suddenly dominated by the hulking form of the Prince of Demons, the indomitable Demogorgon.
For a brief moment, all of the demons and demon lords are disoriented as they attempt to get their bearings after being pulled across the Underdark. Then as their gazes fall upon each other, they roar, bellow, or shriek with a hatred too deep for mortals to truly comprehend, and a terrible battle begins. Watching from their invisible hide, the group bear witness to one of the most horrifying scenes ever beheld by mortal eyes. So much happens simultaneously that it would seem impossible to follow it all, and yet somehow they all manage to witness each unspeakable scene of combat.
With a rage that contrasts frighteningly with the alluring personality previously witnessed in Gravenhollow, Grazzt draws a great sword and rushes toward Orcus, leaping over streets and houses. His bladework is entrancing as he dances around his necrotic blob of a foe, slashing here and there only to teleport away and rush in from another angle. But Orcus is sharp-minded enough to predict Grazzt's moves, and lashes out with one arm as Grazzt teleports nearby, grabbing the Prince of Pleasure by the throat. In a move that makes Sekkar cringe with the memory, Orcus crushes the neck of Grazzt until the lithe body drops limp and vanishes in a burst of black ichor. No sooner is Grazzt vanquished than Orcus become mobbed by hordes of smaller demons...
To the west, the most ferocious display of animal fury is seen as the two old foes, Baphomet and Yeenoghu, tear at one another. Yeenoghu is fast, and lands tooth, claw and swinging flail on Baphomet with lightning speed, but the minotaur demon lord is tough, and the slow sweeps of his Heartcleaver axe take their toll. Hordes of lesser demons wage battle around the pair, with bodies and body parts flying. The lord of gnolls begins to tire, and is promptly surrounded by so many goristros and other demons that he becomes impossible to see, until Baphomet charges in, goring Yeenoghu with his horns, before reaching up and tearing out Yeenoghu's throat.
Zuggtmoy glides out of the lake area, waving her slender arms toward the centre of the city. As she does so, waves of spores buffet forward in a huge cloud, which float down like contagious snow, striking down countless flying demons, and settling across the great oozing mass that is Juiblex. Necrotic pits of blackness form on the yellowish-green surface, and the great mass seems to lose momentum. But the forward motion of such a mass of slime is inexorable, slurping around houses and down streets, engulfing hapless drow and demon alike, until the first tentacles reach the Demon Queen of Fungi, wrapping around her feet and legs. With a screech that splits the very fabric of space, Zuggtmoy is slowly engulfed in the ooze, and vanishes from view.
All these scenes are visible from the safety of the Rope Trick, and yet despite their intensity, they are overshadowed by the destruction that happens right before the eyes of the amazed watchers. Demogorgon himself is unmolested by any of the other demon lords, and instead vents his rage on the nearby structures of the plateau. One mighty pair of tentacles wraps around the largest tower of Sorcere, and with an ear-splitting grind, rips it from the ground and tosses it out into the city. Another pair of tentacles flail violently against the spider-cathedral, slowly pulverising it and reducing it to rubble. Even though Demogorgon has emerged in the midst of the most concentrated mass of the most powerful mages, warriors and priestesses in the city, they are like ants under the feet of an elephant. Most of the drow who look upon him go mad - many simply flee, others begin attacking each other, impaling one another with spears or blasting each other with magic, or even hacking their own heads and limbs off with their own weapons. The few who resist the madness attempt to hurl their mightiest spells at him, but are quickly turned upon and crushed by the massive tentacles. The watching group inside the Rope Trick seem insulated from Demogorgon's maddening gaze by the fact that they are not within his vision, but the sight of the Demon Prince is enough to fill the mind with unimaginably foul thoughts, leaving indelible impressions that would haunt their dreams in later days.
The tide of demons that swamped Orcus seem to be fall in waves as magical circles of death radiate out from him. Some of the dead demons don't immediately disappear but seem to rise with a horrid light of undeath in their eye sockets, after which they promptly turn to the north and rush at Baphomet. Back and forth he swings his axe, felling the undead abominations by dozens, but Orcus approaches nearer with every wave, until he extends his wand at Baphomet and shoots out a dark green ray that strikes the minotaur lord, whose body withers and shrivels until it vanishes in a splash of ichor.
Having destroyed the mage tower and the cathedral, Demogorgon seems to lose interest in the plateau and turns away from the pyramid. Stomping his way down the great stair into the city, with crowds of drow running screaming or perishing under his clawed feet, he spies the black gem laying in the street. With a frightful gurgle of laughter he picks it up and tosses it into one of his mouths, crushing it between his teeth. He then lays about with his tentacles with wild abandon, smashing the few buildings that were left standing from his last foray here only weeks earlier. The great oozing mass of Juiblex turns and slithers toward him, but as the first tendrils reach out to ensnare Demogorgon, he instead twists them up into his tentacles and pulls them toward his mouths. Too late Juiblex attempts to withdraw his psuedopods, as Demogorgon sucks the slimy mass into his twin gullets. Like an enormous sickly jelly, the Lord of Oozes is gradually torn asunder and sucked into Demogorgon's body until nothing remains.
The sounds of battle slowly die away. The ground as far as the eye can see is stained black and red with demonic blood and ichor. Only minutes have passed, although it seems like hours, and only two Demon Lords remain - Orcus and Demogorgon. Almost all the lesser demons have been destroyed, and those few that remain keep their distance as Orcus flaps on leathery wings toward his final opponent. A duel unlike any seen on Faerun in millenia, and that few will live to give an account, commences in the wreckage of Menzoberranzan. Orcus wields the power of death in his dreaded wand, yet his spells seem to bounce off Demogorgon like spears off a castle wall. Demogorgon casts no spells, but the power of his malevolent, corrupt, depraved presence is enough to make even the Lord of Undeath falter. Despite his disgusting bulk, Orcus flies well enough to evade the four flailing tentacles for a time, but Lord of Undeath is suffering the effects of combat, and cannot prevail. After an agonizingly long interchange of physical and magical attacks back and worth, finally one tentacle, then two and then all four wrap around the fat demon lord, squeezing.
In the terrible grip of Demogorgon, even the mighty Orcus looks small. Tentacles hold the Lord of Undeath in a crushing grip, slithering across the maggot-riddled flesh of the horned demon, as they tighten inexorably. A strangled gasp issues from the demon lord’s throat as a horrific crunching sound echoes throughout the cavern and his skull-topped wand clatters onto the floor. Demogorgon casts aside the limp form, which melts away as Orcus returns to the Abyss that spawned him. The Prince of Demons throws back his two heads and roars his triumph. As he does, his nearer head turns, burning eyes raking across the battlefield. Filled with bloodlust and battle rage, the demon lord searches for another target.
There isn't a living drow in sight as the group continue to watch in horror. Suddenly, a barely-audible voice is heard from below. The group look down and see a familiar face... it is Jimjar the svirfneblin, their fellow prisoner from Velkynvelve, and he is looking straight at the group, smiling and waving! Ahoy there, he says to the group who should be invisible. I say, that was quite the scene, am I right? Look I don't want t'be seemin' ungrateful, seein' as ye cleansed me temple in Bligdenstone already, but there don't seem to be any of the elves left to finish the job that needs doin' here. I bet ye five gold ye could take the big fella. Ye've already got me blessin' still, but I'll give ye another, if that'll sweeten the deal. Best o' luck to ye all. Cheerio! And with that he vanishes, leaving the group both dumbfounded and also more confident somehow...
Everyone can advance to Level 15.
You have all also received another divine blessing! For the duration of the combat with Demogorgon (should you choose to accept the invitation of 'Jimjar'): - you can add 1d10 to any ability check, attack roll, or saving throw you make - you receive 25 temporary Hit Points at the start of each of your turns
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Pax yanks her blank stare away from the spot that 'Jimjar' had been standing and glances around the rope trick at her friends. Another quick glance outside to the utter terror, ruin, destruction and death. Demon and mortal bodies mix with the rubble of a city that is no more. She turns and glances at her allies once more. Speaking out loud, despite their mental connection, she says, "It's been a pleasure knowing each of you, and traveling with you. An honor that you counted me an ally and...I hope....a friend. Now. Let's get this nasty business done with."
With that, the inky shadows of their space seem to squeeze in around Pax as she mutters a familiar spell...sparkles of icy energy surrounding her. (Armor of Agathys at 4th level). Another quick spell of See Invisibility and she's ready to go.
Then without any further pomp or ceremony, she jumps down out of the rope trick....to face the lord of the demons.
"Wanted to get that bastard since Sloobludop."Sekkar remembered his - very foolish at the time - move to attack the demon lord. "Let's finish him finally!" It still seemed foolish, considering the level of destruction around, but it was their turn nevertheless and Sekkar realized he honestly truly wanted to do it. His words were not some empty self-encouragement, but a desire to act!
He slid down after Pax and considered a quiet approach for a moment. His attack will be visible enough - Dawnbringer was not something one can hide - but he would prefer to reach the target first. Then he just shrug the idea off - let the monster see what was coming for him! Sekkar heard the Dawnbringer's song of anticipation - it was the battle with the ultimate evil, something the sword dreamt about for - literally - ages. And he was ready to give it to her!
Kirin lets out a heavy before his moves his way down, "I do not have any plans to go down fighting. I will teleport away if I'm last one standing so if you have anything you want to passed on. Better speak now," Kirin leisurely heads to battle, recasting his merely mage armor in preparation.
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Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
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Kirin sighs before try to get Rhayana's attetnion, "If you dont mind, could I get some Guidance?" Then turning on the gem and cast Dispel Magic at base level, "I can not promise I can undo this,"
Ability Check: 18 + 4 guidance
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneKirin holds the diamond with Pensive trapped inside, focuses his magic, casts the spell, and....
...nothing happens. Rhayna examines the gem once more and concludes that dispelling this imprisonment magic would in fact require the dispel magic to be cast using a ninth-level spell slot. Pensive remains trapped inside.
If I'd read the spell description properly, I could have told Rhayna that in the first place. Oh well. Her arcana check was so high, but then again... she's not an evil drow wizard, and doesn't think like one, right? LOL. So freeing Pensive might end up becoming the group's next adventure, along with finding a way to dispose of the grimoire. Can't finish the adventure with happily ever after, now can we?
Anyway, Pax is waiting for confirmation from the others before casting the Sending spell. Considering how much Vizeran wanted the grimoire, having sent the group into great peril in order to obtain it, he will probably want to ensure that the party have it before completing the spell...
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"Well this seems beyond my capaibilities and I dont think we should use any more resources until we have a plan. In terms of resources, maybe we take a rest before we trigger the big play? He said it'll wait at most 3 days so I doubt he doesn't mind if we take a rest," Kirin states as he takes a moment to check charges on his staff, "We can discuss it in the hole ideally without ears we dont want o hear around,"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneKaylyn's face fell with disappointment. "I hate this place. Let's get this done. I don't care how we do it, let's just get it done. Then we go back and see Vizeran, he will end this spell." she says.
Pax glances at Kaylyn's comment, but seemingly decides to hold her tongue. Enough things need to be decided without discussing that one. But Kirin's comment draws her attention, mentally she says, "We would need to wait another full day. The Drow are on high alert for intruders. A magical rope trick will only last an hour. I think we will have to suffice in our current condition. Plus, if anyone goes up into that room with a detection spell, we risk having the lure found. The longer we wait, the more likely. Unless anyone has any other stringent opposition, I'm going to tell the Drow wizard to trigger his spell right away."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"I would like to avoid meeting up with Vizeran after this. My personal opinion is we should return to the surface. I think me and Rhyana could get assistance from individual capable of freeing your familiar. I do not believe being indebted to Vizeran even for something like this would be good for anyone," Kirin replies to Kaylyn before turning to Pax, "Detect what? That would assume they know what they're looking for and how to get pass the archmage's defenses, the golem, find the mist and get out of it, to get to the room to detect it in the first place. Individuals capable of casting magic at high enough level to get pass the mist is not as common as you seem to believe. Even an hour of rest would be useful even if we can not get a full rest," He takes a moment to take stock of his slots and how much he could recover before glances around as the Drow presence, "I will have give up on argument of departure it seems anyways,"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDone"Perhaps someone in Candlekeep might be able to free Pensive. I am read to give Vizeran the OK message." Says Rhayna, but there is some doubt in her about bringing the tome to her beloved home. That is a conversation for another day, she tries to forget about it and concentrate on the task at hand.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Pax mentally replies to Kirin, “The lure is in the first room with the statue, not through the maze. That room is quite accessible. But if a one hour rest would help people I’m fine taking shelter in a rope trick and risking the lure being found, so that we’re better prepared. Everyone agree?”
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"I would rather do it fast," said Sekkar. "Would not fight anyone over it but remember, that drow-guy, Valimar, that brought us here knows about heart's existence. Will he search for it? I don't know. Can it be destroyed on spot? I don't know. Would someone try to run away with it? No idea. Do as you wish but I do not like all these uncertainties."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Fine, go for it," Kirin states as he mentally list anything preparation spells he ready up, if Banishment is still going, he's going stop concentration on it for now.
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDonePax takes ten minutes to focus on ritual casting their mental connection. Then she uses the Sending scroll to Vizeran, “We are ready. Talisman in place. How long until the demons show up?”
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"Ask him how long it will take," Kirin adds in.
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDone"Remember" Kaylyn speaks in their minds "The demon lords take each other out, we clean up the what's left." Her words are grim and determined.
There is a pause, then Pax receives a message... Not a reply to her own Sending spell, but a fresh Sending from Vizeran to which Pax can reply.
"I have only to speak the word of power to complete the spell. The summoning will be instantaneous. Does thou have the book?"
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
To the others she says, “Make a rope trick right now. Let’s get inside. The demons will be summoned here any second.”
To Vizeran she says, “Grabbed a lot on the way out. Do it.”
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Sekkar, who was standing on the ready, called forth (up, to be precise) the invisible hideout and claimed inside, waiting for others to follow.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Pax's message goes out. Then nothing... The group stand there, wondering if Vizeran is going to cast his spell, wondering how they will know when he does, whether he spoke true or if this was some cruel trick all along... when suddenly the hairs rise on the back of each neck. The air thickens as though charged with electricity. The chaotic milieu of drow suddenly stop moving, and the entire city falls silent as every mortal soul senses impending doom. Sekkar keeps his presence of mind enough to quickly perform his Rope Trick, and the group hurry up the cord into the secret chamber... just in time.
There is a flash of bright light from the top of the tower of Sorcere (despite there being no windows in Gromph's study) followed by another pregnant pause. Then a multitude of beams of darkness shoot out from the tower's apex, radiating across the city. Small motes of even deeper darkness begin pulsing along the myriad beams, shooting along them until they make contact with with the terminus of each beam - on cavern walls and ceilings, buildings and stairs - and from each mote springs a demon. Thousands of pulses shoot along hundreds of beams, faster and faster, as more and more demons materialise in the city, each one larger than the last. They seem disoriented, and stagger about like drunken animals, or fly circles as they flap their leathery wings awkwardly in the thick, still air.
Finally the intensity of pulses slows, the beams begins to coalesce and merge, until only eight remain, pointing to various parts of the city. A final great pulse throbs along each beam, and the eight mightiest beings that rule the infinite layers of the Abyss all emerge into the great cavern of Araurilcaurak. On the far side of the city near the Narbondellyn gate, the grotesque bloated form of Orcus appears clutching his great wand. To the west, the horned demon Baphomet appears nigh to the Do'urden estate, not far from the slobbering giant hyena-formed Yeenoghu in the West Wall district. To the south by the mansions of Qu'ellarz'orl, the dark but graceful Grazzt rises from bended knee to survey the city. In the east by the lake of Donigarten the slender Zuggtmoy materialises, surrounded in a cloud of spores, while the Eastmyr slums seem to come alive the with crawling, oozing mass that is Juiblex. One beam terminates in the Bazaar, but all that emerges is a fist-sized black gem, the shelter of Fraz-Urb'luu. And the shortest and closest beam terminates in the centre of the plateau of Tier Breche, which is suddenly dominated by the hulking form of the Prince of Demons, the indomitable Demogorgon.
For a brief moment, all of the demons and demon lords are disoriented as they attempt to get their bearings after being pulled across the Underdark. Then as their gazes fall upon each other, they roar, bellow, or shriek with a hatred too deep for mortals to truly comprehend, and a terrible battle begins. Watching from their invisible hide, the group bear witness to one of the most horrifying scenes ever beheld by mortal eyes. So much happens simultaneously that it would seem impossible to follow it all, and yet somehow they all manage to witness each unspeakable scene of combat.
With a rage that contrasts frighteningly with the alluring personality previously witnessed in Gravenhollow, Grazzt draws a great sword and rushes toward Orcus, leaping over streets and houses. His bladework is entrancing as he dances around his necrotic blob of a foe, slashing here and there only to teleport away and rush in from another angle. But Orcus is sharp-minded enough to predict Grazzt's moves, and lashes out with one arm as Grazzt teleports nearby, grabbing the Prince of Pleasure by the throat. In a move that makes Sekkar cringe with the memory, Orcus crushes the neck of Grazzt until the lithe body drops limp and vanishes in a burst of black ichor. No sooner is Grazzt vanquished than Orcus become mobbed by hordes of smaller demons...
To the west, the most ferocious display of animal fury is seen as the two old foes, Baphomet and Yeenoghu, tear at one another. Yeenoghu is fast, and lands tooth, claw and swinging flail on Baphomet with lightning speed, but the minotaur demon lord is tough, and the slow sweeps of his Heartcleaver axe take their toll. Hordes of lesser demons wage battle around the pair, with bodies and body parts flying. The lord of gnolls begins to tire, and is promptly surrounded by so many goristros and other demons that he becomes impossible to see, until Baphomet charges in, goring Yeenoghu with his horns, before reaching up and tearing out Yeenoghu's throat.
Zuggtmoy glides out of the lake area, waving her slender arms toward the centre of the city. As she does so, waves of spores buffet forward in a huge cloud, which float down like contagious snow, striking down countless flying demons, and settling across the great oozing mass that is Juiblex. Necrotic pits of blackness form on the yellowish-green surface, and the great mass seems to lose momentum. But the forward motion of such a mass of slime is inexorable, slurping around houses and down streets, engulfing hapless drow and demon alike, until the first tentacles reach the Demon Queen of Fungi, wrapping around her feet and legs. With a screech that splits the very fabric of space, Zuggtmoy is slowly engulfed in the ooze, and vanishes from view.
All these scenes are visible from the safety of the Rope Trick, and yet despite their intensity, they are overshadowed by the destruction that happens right before the eyes of the amazed watchers. Demogorgon himself is unmolested by any of the other demon lords, and instead vents his rage on the nearby structures of the plateau. One mighty pair of tentacles wraps around the largest tower of Sorcere, and with an ear-splitting grind, rips it from the ground and tosses it out into the city. Another pair of tentacles flail violently against the spider-cathedral, slowly pulverising it and reducing it to rubble. Even though Demogorgon has emerged in the midst of the most concentrated mass of the most powerful mages, warriors and priestesses in the city, they are like ants under the feet of an elephant. Most of the drow who look upon him go mad - many simply flee, others begin attacking each other, impaling one another with spears or blasting each other with magic, or even hacking their own heads and limbs off with their own weapons. The few who resist the madness attempt to hurl their mightiest spells at him, but are quickly turned upon and crushed by the massive tentacles. The watching group inside the Rope Trick seem insulated from Demogorgon's maddening gaze by the fact that they are not within his vision, but the sight of the Demon Prince is enough to fill the mind with unimaginably foul thoughts, leaving indelible impressions that would haunt their dreams in later days.
The tide of demons that swamped Orcus seem to be fall in waves as magical circles of death radiate out from him. Some of the dead demons don't immediately disappear but seem to rise with a horrid light of undeath in their eye sockets, after which they promptly turn to the north and rush at Baphomet. Back and forth he swings his axe, felling the undead abominations by dozens, but Orcus approaches nearer with every wave, until he extends his wand at Baphomet and shoots out a dark green ray that strikes the minotaur lord, whose body withers and shrivels until it vanishes in a splash of ichor.
Having destroyed the mage tower and the cathedral, Demogorgon seems to lose interest in the plateau and turns away from the pyramid. Stomping his way down the great stair into the city, with crowds of drow running screaming or perishing under his clawed feet, he spies the black gem laying in the street. With a frightful gurgle of laughter he picks it up and tosses it into one of his mouths, crushing it between his teeth. He then lays about with his tentacles with wild abandon, smashing the few buildings that were left standing from his last foray here only weeks earlier. The great oozing mass of Juiblex turns and slithers toward him, but as the first tendrils reach out to ensnare Demogorgon, he instead twists them up into his tentacles and pulls them toward his mouths. Too late Juiblex attempts to withdraw his psuedopods, as Demogorgon sucks the slimy mass into his twin gullets. Like an enormous sickly jelly, the Lord of Oozes is gradually torn asunder and sucked into Demogorgon's body until nothing remains.
The sounds of battle slowly die away. The ground as far as the eye can see is stained black and red with demonic blood and ichor. Only minutes have passed, although it seems like hours, and only two Demon Lords remain - Orcus and Demogorgon. Almost all the lesser demons have been destroyed, and those few that remain keep their distance as Orcus flaps on leathery wings toward his final opponent. A duel unlike any seen on Faerun in millenia, and that few will live to give an account, commences in the wreckage of Menzoberranzan. Orcus wields the power of death in his dreaded wand, yet his spells seem to bounce off Demogorgon like spears off a castle wall. Demogorgon casts no spells, but the power of his malevolent, corrupt, depraved presence is enough to make even the Lord of Undeath falter. Despite his disgusting bulk, Orcus flies well enough to evade the four flailing tentacles for a time, but Lord of Undeath is suffering the effects of combat, and cannot prevail. After an agonizingly long interchange of physical and magical attacks back and worth, finally one tentacle, then two and then all four wrap around the fat demon lord, squeezing.
In the terrible grip of Demogorgon, even the mighty Orcus looks small. Tentacles hold the Lord of Undeath in a crushing grip, slithering across the maggot-riddled flesh of the horned demon, as they tighten inexorably. A strangled gasp issues from the demon lord’s throat as a horrific crunching sound echoes throughout the cavern and his skull-topped wand clatters onto the floor. Demogorgon casts aside the limp form, which melts away as Orcus returns to the Abyss that spawned him. The Prince of Demons throws back his two heads and roars his triumph. As he does, his nearer head turns, burning eyes raking across the battlefield. Filled with bloodlust and battle rage, the demon lord searches for another target.
There isn't a living drow in sight as the group continue to watch in horror. Suddenly, a barely-audible voice is heard from below. The group look down and see a familiar face... it is Jimjar the svirfneblin, their fellow prisoner from Velkynvelve, and he is looking straight at the group, smiling and waving! Ahoy there, he says to the group who should be invisible. I say, that was quite the scene, am I right? Look I don't want t'be seemin' ungrateful, seein' as ye cleansed me temple in Bligdenstone already, but there don't seem to be any of the elves left to finish the job that needs doin' here. I bet ye five gold ye could take the big fella. Ye've already got me blessin' still, but I'll give ye another, if that'll sweeten the deal. Best o' luck to ye all. Cheerio! And with that he vanishes, leaving the group both dumbfounded and also more confident somehow...
Everyone can advance to Level 15.
You have all also received another divine blessing! For the duration of the combat with Demogorgon (should you choose to accept the invitation of 'Jimjar'):
- you can add 1d10 to any ability check, attack roll, or saving throw you make
- you receive 25 temporary Hit Points at the start of each of your turns
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Pax yanks her blank stare away from the spot that 'Jimjar' had been standing and glances around the rope trick at her friends. Another quick glance outside to the utter terror, ruin, destruction and death. Demon and mortal bodies mix with the rubble of a city that is no more. She turns and glances at her allies once more. Speaking out loud, despite their mental connection, she says, "It's been a pleasure knowing each of you, and traveling with you. An honor that you counted me an ally and...I hope....a friend. Now. Let's get this nasty business done with."
With that, the inky shadows of their space seem to squeeze in around Pax as she mutters a familiar spell...sparkles of icy energy surrounding her. (Armor of Agathys at 4th level). Another quick spell of See Invisibility and she's ready to go.
Then without any further pomp or ceremony, she jumps down out of the rope trick....to face the lord of the demons.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"Wanted to get that bastard since Sloobludop." Sekkar remembered his - very foolish at the time - move to attack the demon lord. "Let's finish him finally!" It still seemed foolish, considering the level of destruction around, but it was their turn nevertheless and Sekkar realized he honestly truly wanted to do it. His words were not some empty self-encouragement, but a desire to act!
He slid down after Pax and considered a quiet approach for a moment. His attack will be visible enough - Dawnbringer was not something one can hide - but he would prefer to reach the target first. Then he just shrug the idea off - let the monster see what was coming for him! Sekkar heard the Dawnbringer's song of anticipation - it was the battle with the ultimate evil, something the sword dreamt about for - literally - ages. And he was ready to give it to her!
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Kirin lets out a heavy before his moves his way down, "I do not have any plans to go down fighting. I will teleport away if I'm last one standing so if you have anything you want to passed on. Better speak now," Kirin leisurely heads to battle, recasting his merely mage armor in preparation.
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDone