Reynnar's shot strikes true, the creature, which is still entangled, is now looking very badly injured. After Reynnar's turn, the undead killer whale lets forth another mournful cry.
GM Roll: 18
Once again stalactites fall from the ceiling, but this time it is directly over the coast of the aquifer. Within this stretch of coast, Gulin, Zee, and Reynnar are currently standing. The three attempt to avoid injury.
Gulin Dexterity Saving Throw (Save for Half, DC 12): 6
Zee Dexterity Saving Throw (Save for Half, DC 12): 23
Reynnar Dexterity Saving Throw (Save for Half, DC 12): 11
Falling Stalactite Full Damage: 9
The three adventurers attempt to roll out of the way and find refuge from the falling rocks. Unfortunately, there isn't much cover in this area, and only Zee is able to partially protect himself while Gulin and Reynnar take the full brunt of the falling rocks.
The above is a legendary action taken after Reynnar's turn. It is still currently Caspia's turn, then the undead killer whale if it is still alive, and then back to the party. The undead killer whale is still restrained. For Tiffany and Erich who don't play as much, restrained means that (1) it's speed is zero, (2) all attacks against it have advantage and it's attack rolls have disandvantage, and (3) it has disadvantage on dexterity saving throws. Also, I realize that the positioning is probably a bit different, but I am including the picture for health-bar purposes.
Zee’s eye’s light up as the stalactite descends upon him. He steps to the side as it barely grazes his arm, the lights on him flicker for a second as he lets out a cry of pain.
Con Save 9
(Not available, editing to make appear.)
In a blind panic, Zee grabs his arm rambling hysterically, the lights completely gone from his eyes and skin, he curls up in the foetal position back as just a simple man for a moment.. “Aww man, what are we doing down here? This is crazy!” In that brief moment, the kelp entangling the whale falls limp wilting back into the aquifer. Taking a deep breath, he is taken over once again by the for e that kept him going, starlight once again shining from his person.
Gulin raises his free hand, concentrating the energy of his arcane ward above him. He pulses magic above him, and the shimmering field flashes. Each stalactite deflects away from the dwarf, trading arcane potential for potential injury.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Caspia glows blue again and the water around her begins to churn as she invokes Divine Smite to bolster her melee attack against the creature. She attacks with Gulin's hammer, striking the creature.
Caspia lets loose a battle cry as she swings the hammer down on the creature. The hit itself doesn't appear deadly, but the radiant energy corsing through the hammer is highly effective against the undead killer whale. The monster is incinerated by the holy fire. As the echoes of battle fade, the party takes stock of the situation. The corpse of the monster is drug ashore and searched. In the undead creature's mouth you find evidence of shards of broken metal equipment and bones, though there is nothing of value upon the creature.
As Caspia scores the final blow, Gulin gives a guffaw. "Well struck, lass! You take to the hammer like a fish to water!" He, of course, immediately demands his family hammer back.
Once the whale has been brought ashore, Gulin looks to the island in the middle. "Well, fancy a swim? Or is now perhaps time for one of your special boats, Reynnar? Oh, one moment..."
He commands Avalloc to take a close look at the island, specifically the entrance he spotted earlier. Gulin's eyes take on the white glaze of the familiar view.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Moonday Goodmonth 16th, 591 CY
Avalloc Perception Check: 24
Avalloc returns to the island carrying aloft his lantern with his tallons. The flight is much less enjoyable given the weight, but the familiar does not complain. He dives down near the structure to investigate it closer. It does indeed appear to be a large natural stalagmite that has somehow been shaped into an unnatural smoother structure, giving it an eerie feeling. With his keen eyes Avalloc spots two new sets of humanoid tacks exiting from the cave. Avalloc follows the trqcks, noting that while both circle the permiter of where the massive stalagmite meeta the underground aquifer, only one set of tracks returna into the cave. The second dissapears off to the side of the structure into the water. As Avolloc circles around he also notes that biolumeniscent kelp responds to his lantern, forming a ring around the massive stalagmite.
Zee approaches the others, his body still shining with starlight and his posture straight. His face looks at peace, free from the fear be displayed upon entering. He looks Reynarr up and down. nebulas swirling in his eyes. “A boat? What will you do, pull it out your pocket?” His voice sounds whispier, his careless tones replaced by a reassuring etherealness. Crouching down, he waves his hand over the water, illuminating the kelp. “The kelp is drawn to the light, if Avaloc holds a lantern abead of us, we may be able to swim safely though we would need to extinguish any light.” He looks down morosely at his shining form.
Caspia chuckles as she hands Gulin back his hammer and shield. She is grinning and dripping from her dip in the water. She retrieves her pack, weapons and other items she put down before she entered the water.
"It is a fine weapon. I am honored I had to chance to use it," she peers at the water. "I can see in the water just fine. If we need to avoid the kelp, I can lead a swim while you two follow me. Perhaps we could tie ourselves together so we don't get separated? I'm not sure if I will be visible to you once we are in the water. Unless Reynnar can help us with a boat, which is likely the easier method. Though I don't get to swim as much as I used to."
Reynnar rips the patch of a rowboat off of his cloak and tosses it into the air over the aquifer. You hear a soft poof as the patch quickly expands in mid-air into a small vehicle capable of crossing water. The feats magic can accomplish these days never ceases to amaze.
Avalloc circles ahead with the lantern as Zee let's his light die down. You do notice that with the light removed from the immediate proximity, the bio-luminescence of the kelp around you fades. The party boards the boat, and begins to cross the aquifer. The journey itself doesn't take too long, the distance you are covering doesn't compare to the jaunt from Saltmarsh down to the Copperlock Mines. Despite the brevity of the journey, you are probably thankfully that you are not swimming. Looking down into the dark and foreboding aquifer, unable to see the bottom, dread may fill many of your minds. Who knows what other horrors may be lurking underneath the water.
Minutes later you arrive at the massive protruding stalagmite. Avalloc carefully holds the light at a distance in order to not illuminate the underwater plants. As you get out of the boat, you feel your legs brush against the kelp. However, the kelp remains dark and you do not feel the numbing sensation that accompanied contact with the kelp in the past. Inspecting the stalagmite up close, it feels as if it was natural stone, but the stone appears to be bent or shaped into an unnatural dome-like shape. The rock itself is coated in patches of dust and very shallow pools of water. Occasionally you watch as a drop of water drips from the ceiling of the cavern above down into one of these small pools. Looking at the patches of dust, it is evident that humanoids have visited this location. There are tracks everywhere, and many of these tracks lead slightly up the slope of the structure. The stalagmite gently rises approximately 40 feet out above the aquifer at an angle that one could easily tackle without the use of climbing equipment, and the four of you easily enough walk up the slope. Ahead of you, about halfway up on one of the sides of the feature, is the cave entrance Avalloc spotted previously. About 30 feet in front of you is the entrance, which is approximately 10 feet wide and high. The edges of this cave entrance are jagged, and from this angle you only see darkness within.
About two hours have elapsed since you left the dwarven miners.
Gulin nods at Caspia. "Us clankers in the back, aye?" Avalloc lands nearby, dropping off the lantern. Gulin picks it up and lowers the hood on it.
To his bird, he tosses a bit of Avalloc's favorite jerky. "Go spend some time flying at home, my friend. I'll call you back when we are on the surface."
After a moment petting the familar once the treat is eaten, Gulin bamfs him back to the Feywild.
After dismissing Avalloc, Gulin looks over Reynnar who is apparently acting all woozy just cause he got smacked in the face with a bunch of stones. "Oy, elf. Don't be a baby! Act like you took them rocks to the face like a stout man of the mountains instead of a whimsical fairy! Rub some dirt in it."
Zee shakes his head at Gulin. “Hey dude, have a little sympathy. We gotta look out for each other, it’s all love man.” He holds his arms outstretched towards Reynarr, his glowing form beautiful and inviting. “Come into my arms bro, I bet it’s been along time since anyone gave you a hug.” Hug healing 0plus casting guidance“Now I’m gonna need you to be brave bro, there’s a dark cave up there and I can’t see too well in the dark. If we don’ wanna give ourselves away, you’re gonna need to take a little peek. But don’t worry, I’m right here behind you if you need.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Moonday Goodmonth 16th, 591 CY
Reynnar Stealth Check: 30
Reynnar grabes the sides of his cloak and with a flourish begins to skulk in the darkness towards the opening. The half-elf isn't gone for more than a few feet before everyone quickly looses the ability to track him. The man appears to be extremely competent when it comes to the skills of his trade.
Reynnar Eversharp:
Thanks to your dark vision, as you approach the entrance it slowly transitions from being impossible dark to just merely barely discernible. This part of the cave is very damp, and a foul smell emanates from the opening. Holding your nose you cross the entrance and find a step downward sloping tunnel. Surprisingly there are steps carved at your feet. You descend from the opening, one step at a time, down the stairs. After about thirty feet or so the tunnel opens up into a small cavern. Perhaps forty feet across. The edges of the cavern are roughly carved, leading you to think that this enclosure may not have been formed naturally.
In the center of this room you see a large cauldron, wisps of smoke are currently circling around the top of the cauldron, and you hear the sound of bubbling. At the far end of the room evenly spaced are three roughly carved stone alcoves, each containing a bed. Strewn around the room are various flowers, mosses, and other items. Along one of the walls are a series of shelves lined with jars that are opaque from age. You take a few steps towards that side of the room and are able to make out various spiritual fetishes such as bones, eyeballs, and tongues contained within preserving liquid in each of the jars. Disgusting.
Before you are able to take a full account for all the items in the room, the hair on the back of your neck begins to stand on end. You are not alone. Slowly you turn around and see a putrefied skeletal woman with bright blue eyes. She is standing deathly still around the corner from the tunnel that leads back to the main cavern. Her long clawed fingernails remain outstretched in an attack position as she waits to ambush any intruders entering her abode. Despite walking within about ten feet of the woman, she somehow remains un-alerted to your presence... for now.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Moonday, Goodmonth 16th, CY 591
Reynnar Perception: 23
You wait for the right moment to move back up through the ascending cavern entrance. The moment presents itself after a few minutes when the figure backs away from the door, approaches the boiling cauldron in the middle of the room, and tilts her head to peer into the cauldron. One eye from the creature always appears peeled on the door itself, but you're confident in your skills to once again avoid detection.
As you are passing by on your way out, you glance towards the cauldron to see what the creature is looking at. Wisps of smoke obscure your vision for the most part, but you catch fragments of a picture on the boiling surface of the liquid. Thanks to some strange magic beyond your comprehension, an image of about half a dozen dwarves mining a wall in the caven appears to be suspending upon the boiling surface of the cauldron's water.
A few minutes pass as everyone waits around the mouth of the cave. Zee notices that his celestial form has begun to weaken. While it is still present only a single minute or so may be left. The cave is quiet apart from the occasional drips of water from above impacting the surface of the still aquifer. You begin to wonder if Reynnar is coming back, but moments later the half-elf appears with a surprised look on his face.
Reynnar sees his comrades striking at the undead whale, hides himself behind a stalactite, lights a second arrow and fires it at the undead menace.
Hide: 19
Attack: 19 Damage: 14
Moonday Goodmonth 16th, 591 CY
Reynnar's shot strikes true, the creature, which is still entangled, is now looking very badly injured. After Reynnar's turn, the undead killer whale lets forth another mournful cry.
GM Roll: 18
Once again stalactites fall from the ceiling, but this time it is directly over the coast of the aquifer. Within this stretch of coast, Gulin, Zee, and Reynnar are currently standing. The three attempt to avoid injury.
Gulin Dexterity Saving Throw (Save for Half, DC 12): 6
Zee Dexterity Saving Throw (Save for Half, DC 12): 23
Reynnar Dexterity Saving Throw (Save for Half, DC 12): 11
Falling Stalactite Full Damage: 9
The three adventurers attempt to roll out of the way and find refuge from the falling rocks. Unfortunately, there isn't much cover in this area, and only Zee is able to partially protect himself while Gulin and Reynnar take the full brunt of the falling rocks.
The above is a legendary action taken after Reynnar's turn. It is still currently Caspia's turn, then the undead killer whale if it is still alive, and then back to the party. The undead killer whale is still restrained. For Tiffany and Erich who don't play as much, restrained means that (1) it's speed is zero, (2) all attacks against it have advantage and it's attack rolls have disandvantage, and (3) it has disadvantage on dexterity saving throws. Also, I realize that the positioning is probably a bit different, but I am including the picture for health-bar purposes.
DM for Out of the Abyss | Edvord Reinholdt for Killilli's Waterdeep Dragon Heist | Sergeant Cernan for Viper's Descent
Zee’s eye’s light up as the stalactite descends upon him. He steps to the side as it barely grazes his arm, the lights on him flicker for a second as he lets out a cry of pain.
Con Save 9
(Not available, editing to make appear.)
In a blind panic, Zee grabs his arm rambling hysterically, the lights completely gone from his eyes and skin, he curls up in the foetal position back as just a simple man for a moment.. “Aww man, what are we doing down here? This is crazy!” In that brief moment, the kelp entangling the whale falls limp wilting back into the aquifer. Taking a deep breath, he is taken over once again by the for e that kept him going, starlight once again shining from his person.
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
Gulin raises his free hand, concentrating the energy of his arcane ward above him. He pulses magic above him, and the shimmering field flashes. Each stalactite deflects away from the dwarf, trading arcane potential for potential injury.
1 hp left in Arcane Ward, no con check required.
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Caspia glows blue again and the water around her begins to churn as she invokes Divine Smite to bolster her melee attack against the creature. She attacks with Gulin's hammer, striking the creature.
Attack: 14 Damage: 4
Diviine Smite radiant damage: 8
Moonday Goodmonth 16th, 591 CY
Caspia lets loose a battle cry as she swings the hammer down on the creature. The hit itself doesn't appear deadly, but the radiant energy corsing through the hammer is highly effective against the undead killer whale. The monster is incinerated by the holy fire. As the echoes of battle fade, the party takes stock of the situation. The corpse of the monster is drug ashore and searched. In the undead creature's mouth you find evidence of shards of broken metal equipment and bones, though there is nothing of value upon the creature.
DM for Out of the Abyss | Edvord Reinholdt for Killilli's Waterdeep Dragon Heist | Sergeant Cernan for Viper's Descent
As Caspia scores the final blow, Gulin gives a guffaw. "Well struck, lass! You take to the hammer like a fish to water!" He, of course, immediately demands his family hammer back.
Once the whale has been brought ashore, Gulin looks to the island in the middle. "Well, fancy a swim? Or is now perhaps time for one of your special boats, Reynnar? Oh, one moment..."
He commands Avalloc to take a close look at the island, specifically the entrance he spotted earlier. Gulin's eyes take on the white glaze of the familiar view.
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Moonday Goodmonth 16th, 591 CY
Avalloc Perception Check: 24
Avalloc returns to the island carrying aloft his lantern with his tallons. The flight is much less enjoyable given the weight, but the familiar does not complain. He dives down near the structure to investigate it closer. It does indeed appear to be a large natural stalagmite that has somehow been shaped into an unnatural smoother structure, giving it an eerie feeling. With his keen eyes Avalloc spots two new sets of humanoid tacks exiting from the cave. Avalloc follows the trqcks, noting that while both circle the permiter of where the massive stalagmite meeta the underground aquifer, only one set of tracks returna into the cave. The second dissapears off to the side of the structure into the water. As Avolloc circles around he also notes that biolumeniscent kelp responds to his lantern, forming a ring around the massive stalagmite.
DM for Out of the Abyss | Edvord Reinholdt for Killilli's Waterdeep Dragon Heist | Sergeant Cernan for Viper's Descent
Gulin relays all that Avalloc sees.
"So... boat?"
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Zee approaches the others, his body still shining with starlight and his posture straight. His face looks at peace, free from the fear be displayed upon entering. He looks Reynarr up and down. nebulas swirling in his eyes. “A boat? What will you do, pull it out your pocket?” His voice sounds whispier, his careless tones replaced by a reassuring etherealness. Crouching down, he waves his hand over the water, illuminating the kelp. “The kelp is drawn to the light, if Avaloc holds a lantern abead of us, we may be able to swim safely though we would need to extinguish any light.” He looks down morosely at his shining form.
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
Caspia chuckles as she hands Gulin back his hammer and shield. She is grinning and dripping from her dip in the water. She retrieves her pack, weapons and other items she put down before she entered the water.
"It is a fine weapon. I am honored I had to chance to use it," she peers at the water. "I can see in the water just fine. If we need to avoid the kelp, I can lead a swim while you two follow me. Perhaps we could tie ourselves together so we don't get separated? I'm not sure if I will be visible to you once we are in the water. Unless Reynnar can help us with a boat, which is likely the easier method. Though I don't get to swim as much as I used to."
"Did someone order a boat?"
Reynnar then rips a patch off of his cloak, and tosses it in the water, where it forms into a small rowboat.
"Also, I got nicked by one of those rocks earlier, anyone have something to drink to take the edge off?"
Moonday Goodmonth 16th, 591 CY
Reynnar rips the patch of a rowboat off of his cloak and tosses it into the air over the aquifer. You hear a soft poof as the patch quickly expands in mid-air into a small vehicle capable of crossing water. The feats magic can accomplish these days never ceases to amaze.
Avalloc circles ahead with the lantern as Zee let's his light die down. You do notice that with the light removed from the immediate proximity, the bio-luminescence of the kelp around you fades. The party boards the boat, and begins to cross the aquifer. The journey itself doesn't take too long, the distance you are covering doesn't compare to the jaunt from Saltmarsh down to the Copperlock Mines. Despite the brevity of the journey, you are probably thankfully that you are not swimming. Looking down into the dark and foreboding aquifer, unable to see the bottom, dread may fill many of your minds. Who knows what other horrors may be lurking underneath the water.
Minutes later you arrive at the massive protruding stalagmite. Avalloc carefully holds the light at a distance in order to not illuminate the underwater plants. As you get out of the boat, you feel your legs brush against the kelp. However, the kelp remains dark and you do not feel the numbing sensation that accompanied contact with the kelp in the past. Inspecting the stalagmite up close, it feels as if it was natural stone, but the stone appears to be bent or shaped into an unnatural dome-like shape. The rock itself is coated in patches of dust and very shallow pools of water. Occasionally you watch as a drop of water drips from the ceiling of the cavern above down into one of these small pools. Looking at the patches of dust, it is evident that humanoids have visited this location. There are tracks everywhere, and many of these tracks lead slightly up the slope of the structure. The stalagmite gently rises approximately 40 feet out above the aquifer at an angle that one could easily tackle without the use of climbing equipment, and the four of you easily enough walk up the slope. Ahead of you, about halfway up on one of the sides of the feature, is the cave entrance Avalloc spotted previously. About 30 feet in front of you is the entrance, which is approximately 10 feet wide and high. The edges of this cave entrance are jagged, and from this angle you only see darkness within.
About two hours have elapsed since you left the dwarven miners.
DM for Out of the Abyss | Edvord Reinholdt for Killilli's Waterdeep Dragon Heist | Sergeant Cernan for Viper's Descent
Gulin nods at Caspia. "Us clankers in the back, aye?" Avalloc lands nearby, dropping off the lantern. Gulin picks it up and lowers the hood on it.
To his bird, he tosses a bit of Avalloc's favorite jerky. "Go spend some time flying at home, my friend. I'll call you back when we are on the surface."
After a moment petting the familar once the treat is eaten, Gulin bamfs him back to the Feywild.
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
After dismissing Avalloc, Gulin looks over Reynnar who is apparently acting all woozy just cause he got smacked in the face with a bunch of stones. "Oy, elf. Don't be a baby! Act like you took them rocks to the face like a stout man of the mountains instead of a whimsical fairy! Rub some dirt in it."
Psychic Damage: 3
Gritty Healing: 3
Aldrik Reinholdt in Dragon Heist
Daventry in The Candlekeep Mysteries, and her bag
Zee shakes his head at Gulin. “Hey dude, have a little sympathy. We gotta look out for each other, it’s all love man.” He holds his arms outstretched towards Reynarr, his glowing form beautiful and inviting. “Come into my arms bro, I bet it’s been along time since anyone gave you a hug.” Hug healing 0 plus casting guidance “Now I’m gonna need you to be brave bro, there’s a dark cave up there and I can’t see too well in the dark. If we don’ wanna give ourselves away, you’re gonna need to take a little peek. But don’t worry, I’m right here behind you if you need.”
Gilgin Hardhammer - Mountain Dwarf Cleric (Forge Domain) - Icewind Dale
Petal - Forest Gnome Druid (Circle of the Land - Forest) - Unsung Heroes of Embera
Moonday Goodmonth 16th, 591 CY
Reynnar Stealth Check: 30
Reynnar grabes the sides of his cloak and with a flourish begins to skulk in the darkness towards the opening. The half-elf isn't gone for more than a few feet before everyone quickly looses the ability to track him. The man appears to be extremely competent when it comes to the skills of his trade.
Reynnar Eversharp:
Thanks to your dark vision, as you approach the entrance it slowly transitions from being impossible dark to just merely barely discernible. This part of the cave is very damp, and a foul smell emanates from the opening. Holding your nose you cross the entrance and find a step downward sloping tunnel. Surprisingly there are steps carved at your feet. You descend from the opening, one step at a time, down the stairs. After about thirty feet or so the tunnel opens up into a small cavern. Perhaps forty feet across. The edges of the cavern are roughly carved, leading you to think that this enclosure may not have been formed naturally.
In the center of this room you see a large cauldron, wisps of smoke are currently circling around the top of the cauldron, and you hear the sound of bubbling. At the far end of the room evenly spaced are three roughly carved stone alcoves, each containing a bed. Strewn around the room are various flowers, mosses, and other items. Along one of the walls are a series of shelves lined with jars that are opaque from age. You take a few steps towards that side of the room and are able to make out various spiritual fetishes such as bones, eyeballs, and tongues contained within preserving liquid in each of the jars. Disgusting.
Before you are able to take a full account for all the items in the room, the hair on the back of your neck begins to stand on end. You are not alone. Slowly you turn around and see a putrefied skeletal woman with bright blue eyes. She is standing deathly still around the corner from the tunnel that leads back to the main cavern. Her long clawed fingernails remain outstretched in an attack position as she waits to ambush any intruders entering her abode. Despite walking within about ten feet of the woman, she somehow remains un-alerted to your presence... for now.
DM for Out of the Abyss | Edvord Reinholdt for Killilli's Waterdeep Dragon Heist | Sergeant Cernan for Viper's Descent
Caspia grows increasing concerned about the length of their companion's disappearance....even with the constant whining in the boat.
"Do you think we should venture in after him? It seems he has been gone a long time," she asked Zee and Gulin.
Reynnar very slowly tries to sneak back to the group to tell them what awaits.
Sneaky sneak: 22
Moonday, Goodmonth 16th, CY 591
Reynnar Perception: 23
You wait for the right moment to move back up through the ascending cavern entrance. The moment presents itself after a few minutes when the figure backs away from the door, approaches the boiling cauldron in the middle of the room, and tilts her head to peer into the cauldron. One eye from the creature always appears peeled on the door itself, but you're confident in your skills to once again avoid detection.
As you are passing by on your way out, you glance towards the cauldron to see what the creature is looking at. Wisps of smoke obscure your vision for the most part, but you catch fragments of a picture on the boiling surface of the liquid. Thanks to some strange magic beyond your comprehension, an image of about half a dozen dwarves mining a wall in the caven appears to be suspending upon the boiling surface of the cauldron's water.
A few minutes pass as everyone waits around the mouth of the cave. Zee notices that his celestial form has begun to weaken. While it is still present only a single minute or so may be left. The cave is quiet apart from the occasional drips of water from above impacting the surface of the still aquifer. You begin to wonder if Reynnar is coming back, but moments later the half-elf appears with a surprised look on his face.
DM for Out of the Abyss | Edvord Reinholdt for Killilli's Waterdeep Dragon Heist | Sergeant Cernan for Viper's Descent