Odmun gives an exasperated grunt as Griskar goes down. His gaze narrows as the others lay solid hits on the thing. It's attacks become more aggressive and less focused. A tentacle slam sends an ally reeling! A radiant bolt blasts Martha in the back! "We need to END this!" He calls out in his gruff Bugbear voice. Odmun rushes forward again, bent on flanking the creature. He had to find the right spot. Something soft. Something vital. One good hit could do it in! "Ah ha!" with a leap, he attempts to drive his rapier in deep to sever whatever facsimile of life still binds it.

Rapier: Attack: 23 Damage: 12

Sneak Attack: 11

Odmun will again use his Cunning Action to Disengage and move as far as he can.

(Just because: 17 death save)

Grishkar's consciousness floats in a limbo state, the conflict outside his mind a hazy blur of white noise. Subtley, a form appears: a massive, screaming skull with a glowing red scythe. The weapon reaches out and rests on Grishkar's shoulder. A new noise pierces his mind, though still vague. Its a hammering repetition. The skull has something in its mouth, but it keeps changing. As he focuses, Grishkar can almost make it out. It's seems like a message, but what does it say...?

(CONTINUE? INSERT COIN. 20...19...18...17...16...)

MINI BOSS 1: VISCERIOS THE FLESH RENDER - DEFEATED

MINI BOSS 2: UMBRAELUS THE PUTRID - DEFEATED

The message says: "NOT YET".

Great job guys! Xero, nice killing blow. Grish, make two more death saves. Unless someone wants to heal you =P

Also, you guys are covered in blood. For some of you, it's hard to tell if it's yours or Umbraelus'. You guys can rest up. But don't wait too long. Night is approaching in a bit.

Martha walks over and picks him up by a collar, “Briella, should I heal him, or should you? Mine is minor at the best.”

There's two fist sized impressions in the ground where Grishkar lays.

Looking at that, and then at him, Martha sighs, “Eilistraee preserve us...” and heals Grishkar for 5HP with her Healing Hands ability.

Odmun flicks the ichor from his blade and sheathes it. The bugbear pants from all his effort as he looks around. "So uh....where exactly are we? What was that thing? And uh..what are we doing here?" Darkhowl does his best to take in his surroundings while the others tend to Grishkar. "We are in Barovia, I presume? " His deep, gruff Bugbear voice growls. "I think I've been a bit out of sorts lately." He'll say as he adjusts his rose-colored spectacles.

Grishkar gasps as he is shocked awake, "Do I breath? Is my flesh still mortal? Ah damnation, to be stuck in suvh a shabby vessel! My Master does not smile on me yet." Taking in his surroundings, he notes his reluctant conpanions, the battle carnage, and a darkening sky. "Looks like you all were of some use after all. Blessed by Nerrul or not, when I find this damned 'Master' I will show him oblivion first-hand!" The necromancer storms off on the northern path toward the ***** camp, minions in tow once more. This may be the closest to a "thanks" one could expect from his type.

Martha just saved you from a dirt nap, Grish. You should thank her =P

Ireena looks at the bugbear, cleaning herself. "Wonders never cease around here it seems.." She says, looking you over. "Yes. You are in Barovia, a land tortured by a creature known as a vampyr. I've been bitten by him twice. All of us seem to have it in our destiny to be here. We are on the path to Castle Ravenloft. We intend to slay the vampyr. That's the short version. Oh, and you there! Why are you healing the one who likes zombies.? Oh, well, nevermind."

 North we go!

Odmun's spectacles reflect whatever light remains in the area as his gaze settles on Ireena. "My dear Lady." The bugbear clasps his big leathery hands behind his back as he approaches. "Vampires and Zombies are note entirely unfamiliar to me. You see, I've spent the better part of my career rooting out the occult parasites and those that ah...venerate them." He clears his throat. "Given the trouble we're having and the group you're amassing, I'm assuming this is no mere fledgling...but perhaps a more seasoned creature. Something with domain over lesser evils, perhaps" The bugbear gives a casual shrug.

From a short distance down the road Grishkar yells back, "Because she know I'm the only one who would welcome a glorious death and what follows!" Perched on the ruined gallows, a raven with a menacing red flash of feathers lets out a great *CAAAW* before taking off and landing on one of Grishkar's minions.

Kia crouches by the remains of the evil creature while the rest of the party recover and reintroduce themselves to Odmun. She barely acknowledges Grishkar's return to his own living hell. Her tail is twitching again, but when we get moving, she comes along, keeping a rearguard watch unasked.

Everyone is now level 6. Gratz, all. GG no re!

TSER POOL ENCAMPMENT

EARLY EVENING

The road gradually disappears and is replaced by a twisted, muddy path through the trees. Deep ruts in the earth are evident of the comings and goings of wagons. The canopy of mist and branches suddenly gives way to black cloud boiling far above. There is a clearing here, next to a river that widens to form a small lake several hundred feet across. Five colorful round tents, each ten feet in diameter, are pitched outside a ring of four barrel-topper wagons. A much larger tent stands near the shore of the lake, its sagging form lit from within. Near this tent, eight unbridled horses drink from the river. The mournful strains of an accordion clash with the singing of several brightly clad figures around a bonfire. A footpath continues beyond this encampment, meandering north between the river and the forest's edge.

There are twelve gypsies standing and sitting around the bonfire, telling stories and guzzling wine. They seem a bit drunk, and only a few appear sober.

Martha steps in front of Lilitu in a guarding manner, and addresses the rest of the team, “So, how should we greet them?”

"My way has always been to just walk up and say hi."

Quote from JcAndD >>

Martha walks over and picks him up by a collar, “Briella, should I heal him, or should you? Mine is minor at the best.”

Though the healing was beneficial, the recipient seemed to be agitated by the care of having bones mended and flesh restored. "Keep that to those who want it," Grishkar sneered, "What's the point in prolonging life when death everyone will die eventually? Better to let me go out in a torent of fire and destruction than to pretent that I can escape the inevitable."

Odmun walks up next to the complaining Grishkar. He stands there in thought for a moment, his arms still around his back. "Hmm then go out in a torrent of fire and destruction when the time comes. In the mean time, try not to hobble through life. It's unbecoming." With that, he reaches into his coat. A feint ripping sound could be heard just before producing two small vials. "A couple of healing potions...for your troubled times."

OOC > Everyone pile on Grishkar! Wheee! :)

Kia notes with a little smile, "A blessing she brought you back, then, that you might still find your end in a torrent of fire and destruction, rather than as a wet spot in the mud."

But once we arrive at the ***** camp, she fades to the back, keeping a watchful eye.

(So many pop culture comparisons to Grishkar's situation: Trolls, Charlie the Unicorn, the list goes on and on. Generally gloomy/cynical person surrounded by happiness)

The perched raven leaps to Odmun's shoulder, looking inquisitively at his arm before pecking at his shoulder. "You don't seem to understand, fuzzy. Do you know why my Master is called The Reaper or The Hater of Life? It's certainly not because he likes seeing people brought back from death. My will is to serve His, and His will is to remake the world without this scourge of life. I have seen His power. I have seen His vision. Life is weak and I would take my chances dying in a way that would please him and serve in death on this plane or another."

(Now that I typed that, I realize that this could be compared to Dark Souls, for those who are familisr with the series. The idea that life and light are fleeting and destined to fade into darkness. Some fight to prolong the life of fire/light, other fight to let it burn out.)