Black Blade of Chaos

[Gryndel]

Late on a chilly, autumn afternoon, Magnus and Riley arrived in the village of Narthid. At the only inn they heard about a tribe of kobolds that had recently been more active and brazen in raids and ambushes. On the first night they helped fend off a sizable raid on the village.

The town council was so impressed with their prowess, an offer was made the next morning by the sheriff to pay each of them 500 gp to seek out and destroy the kobolds in their lair. Akiren, a half elf hunter from Narthid who had previously tracked kobolds to some ruins nearby, agreed to lead the pair there.

Riley was aggressively agreeable, having a deep despisal of kobolds. Actually, Magnus had discovered that the gnome seemed to hold most other small races in contempt. He hated goblins, disliked halflings, could care less about other gnomes, and was generally ill disposed toward dwarves.

[Grodech]

ooc: Mostly just a post to begin subscribing to the thread. Are we starting on the journey there, or beforehand?

[Grodech]

Magnus and Riley had been eating breakfast at the inn when the offer came. Magnus had of course agreed, as he was low on funds, and was pretty sure Riley was as well. Plus there was killing kobolds involved.

Introductions to Akiren had been made, and Magnus was anxious to be on the road, so off they had gone...

[Gryndel]

Day 2 & 3

Akiren found signs of kobolds from the raid, many coming toward Narthid and only a few who fled. Occasionally pointing out the subtle tracks of the survivors, the trio trailed their quarry. Urging them to hurry, Riley spent much of the first day jogging and running to keep up with his larger and faster companions. They continued on into the night, stopping only to prevent exhaustion.

They pressed on hastily the next day. By late afternoon the ranger was convinced that they were closing the gap. Just before sunset they came upon the kobolds, who were preparing to leave the camp where they had apparently rested during the day.

Akiren is 60' from the nearest kobolds, Magnus and Riley 30' behind him.

Stealth check and initiative please.

Stealth
Akiren [roll0]
Riley [roll1]

Initiative
Akiren [roll2]
Riley +3 [roll3]

[Gryndel]

Hmm, not sure I did the Initiative correctly

Akiren [roll0]
Riley +3 [roll1]
Kobolds [roll2]

[Gryndel]

Ok, too early in the day, screwed up Riley's roll again...

Riley +3 [roll0]

[Grodech]

Magnus
Stealth: [roll0]
Init: [roll1]

[Gryndel]

Rd 1

The kobolds don't notice the trio until they're attacked.

Akiren fires his bow at one of the kobolds near the rear of their camp. He then moves to the right and around the flank.

Advantage Attack +10 [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Riley mutters a gnomish curse and moves forward 25', then casts a spell. A thunderous boom erupts just in front of the nearest foe, catching four of the twelve kobolds in a Shatter spell.

Damage [roll2]
Con saves = 1/2, DC 15
K1 [roll3]
K2 [roll4]
K3 [roll5]
K4 [roll6]

You get advantage on attacks since they're surprised.

Initiative
Akiren 20
Riley 20
Magnus 19
Kobolds 17

Wounds
K1 5
K3 5
K12 8

DEAD
K2
K4

[Grodech]

With a word and a motion, Magnus sends a beam of crackling energy towards the group of kobolds [no map, so can't select a specific one, please choose one at random that is still up] before moving forward 30 feet.

Eldritch blast attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Grodech]

Forgot the advantage attack roll: [roll0]

[Gryndel]

A wounded or fresh one? If wounded, just pick one I listed.

[Grodech]

Let's try K1 then.

[Gryndel]

Let's try K1 then.

Magnus blasts a wounded kobold with Eldritch power = DEAD.

Rd 1

Akiren shoots his bow at the same kobold he just hit (K12). He then casts Hunter's Mark on a kobold near the rear (K11) and moves further around the right flank.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1] = DEAD

Riley casts another spell which makes his body become blurred, shifting and wavering to all who can see him. He moves 25' to the left flank.

Magnus... (70' from nearest, K3)

Initiative
Akiren 20
Riley 20
Magnus 19
Kobolds 17

Wounds
K3 5

DEAD
K1
K2
K4
K12

Note: Diagonal movement is the same as linear in 5e.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48877954442_789e618574_n.jpg

[Grodech]

Magnus shoots another blast at the wounded K3, then moves forward another 30 feet.

Eldrich blast attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Gryndel]

Rd 1

Magnus hits the wounded kobold with another blast of eldritch power, but fails to kill it.

A trio of kobolds move 30' toward Akiren and use their slings.

K9 Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
K10 Attack [roll2]
Damage [roll3]
K11 Attack [roll4]
Damage [roll5]

The wounded kobold (K3) uses its sling to attack Magnus, which flies wide, then he runs away.

Disadvantage for range, +4
K3 Attack [roll6]
Damage [roll7]

Two kobolds charge (K7&8 move & dash 60') Magnus to engage him in melee. Two others move closer (K5&6 move 30') and shoot their slings at him. One hits (6 dmg), the other misses.

K7 Attack [roll8]
Damage [roll9]
K8 Attack [roll10]
Damage [roll11]

Initiative
Akiren 20 (concentration Hunter's Mark K11)
Riley 20 (concentration Blur)
Magnus 19
Kobolds 17

Wounds
K3 8
Magnus 6

DEAD
K1
K2
K4
K12

[Gryndel]

Rd 2

Akiren seems happy to trade missile fire with the kobolds. He aims at the one he marked (K11) and shoots, killing it. He then moves further around the right flank and away from them.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1] + Hunter's Mark [roll2]

Oh yeah, as bonus action he can move Hunter's Mark to another rarget, so K10.

Riley casts Healing Word (bonus) on Magnus, then Vicious Mockery on K5, "Your egg must've cracked early, you've been alive far too long!"

Healing Word cures [roll3]
K5 Wis save DC 15 [roll4]
Damage [roll5] + disadv on next atk

Magnus...


Initiative
Initiative
Wounds
Concentration
Dead/Dying


Akiren 20
K3 8
Riley Blur
K1


Riley 20
K5 3 disadv
Akiren Hunter Mark K10
K2


Magnus 19


K4


Kobolds 17


K11





K12



https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48882263458_10e4c68eb0.jpg

[Grodech]

Round 2:
Magnus flies into a rage, attacking K7 with his axe.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Effects in Effect: Rage round 1 of 10
+2 melee damage with STR weapons (included above), resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, slashing damage.

HP: 43/43 after Riley's heal

[Gryndel]

Missed. Do you want to try reckless attack? They get advantage from pack tactics anyway, so no risk really.

Oh btw, got tired of editing posts after rolls so I made us a dice (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?600363-Black-Blade-of-Chaos&p=24198259) thread.

[Grodech]

May as well.

Advantage roll for Reckless Attack: [roll0]

[Gryndel]

Rd 2

Magnus attacks again with his greataxe, this time with reckless abandonment of all caution. He nearly slices the kobold (K7) in two, cutting it down savagely.

The fleeing kobold (K3) continues to run away (move & dash action 60').

Having lost another companion to the archer's deadly bow, the remaining two kobolds chasing Akiren use their slings, but again both miss. Reconsidering the situation they turn to flee.

The kobold in melee (K8) attacks Magnus with its dagger, which misses. The other two (K5&6) use their slings, one of which hits (resistance = 1 dmg).

Rd 3

Akiren moves to follow the fleeing kobolds, shooting at the farthest one (K3) and killing it.

Seeing his friend enraged, Riley positions himself perfectly (move to R7) and casts Thunderwave. Though it doesn't kill them, it does push them 10' directly away from the gnome (K6 to O7, K8 to M2).



Initiative
Wounds
Concentration
Dead/Dying


A 20
K5 3
Riley Blur 3/10 rds
K1


R 20
K6 6
Akiren Hunter Mark K10
K2


M 19
K8 6
Magnus rage 2/10 rds
K3


K 17
Magnus 5

K4





K7





K11





K12




K7 should be red, he's dead! The new map has different coordinates because of all the movement, everything's shifted left 6 squares.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48890724706_b30b5e3cfd_o.jpg

[Grodech]

Rd 2
The kobold in melee (K8) attacks Magnus with its dagger, which misses. The other two (K7&8) use their slings, one of which hits (resistance = 1 dmg).


ooc: I'm a little confused about this. K7 shows as up (edit: I see your note now about it needing to be red), and that's the one he attacked and nearly cut in half. You have K8 attacking twice, and K7 attacking after it was down. Can you please clarify? Should it have been k5 and k6 that used slings?

IC: Magnus moves to K8 and continues his attack:
Advantage (reckless) attack: [roll]1d20+7[roll]
[roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Gryndel]

Yes 5&6, I edited the previous post.

No need to repost the other roll, hit & kill.

One of the things I like in 5e is that you can stop anytime during a move action, take other actions, then continue your move.

Would you like to move after killing K8? You only moved 5' to engage it.

[Gryndel]

Rd 3
The kobolds near Magnus and Riley flee (move & dash 60' to the left).

Magnus cuts down one of the fleeing kobolds before it even turns around fully.

Rd 4
Akiren continues to follow the fleeing kobolds, shooting at the one farthest south (K9) and killing it. He yells out, "Last one over here is marked."

Riley follows the remaining kobold and casts Shatter, blowing it to bits.

Concentration
Akiren Hunter's Mark (1 hour)

Wounds
Magnus 4

[Grodech]

Magnus aoo, if it makes a difference:
Attack:[roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Gryndel]

Day 3 & 4

The trio travel until night, making camp and setting watch. Early the next morning (long rest) they continue the trek to the ruins. Expecting some trickery from one of his favorite foes, Akiren avoids areas where traps and ambushes would be easy to set up.

When they're within sight of the ruins the terrain becomes uneven and broken. Akiren suggests camping outside the ruins and starts searching for a suitable place.

As the group gathers to rest, a loud cracking of wood is followed by rumbling. Suddenly they're bombarded by rocks rolling and bouncing in from three sides. Rolling in right behind are a series of logs. Then a huge net whirls over their heads and drops toward them.

Several kobolds run at them from their hiding places.

Akiren tries to leap back the way he came.

Riley does the same.


DC 10 to avoid rocks [roll0]
DC 12 to avoid logs [roll1] & rocks
DC 14 to avoid net (restrained), logs & rocks
DC 16 to escape net (athletics or acrobatics)

Dex save
Akiren [roll2]
Riley [roll3]

Roll Initiative
Akiren [roll4]
Riley +3 Advantage [roll5]
Kobolds [roll6]

[Grodech]

Magnus Dex Save: [roll0]
Advantage on Dex Saves: [roll1]
ooc note: Dex is +4, +1 on saves (Ring of Protection), advantage on dex rolls while not blinded, deafened or incapacitated (Danger Sense). Let me know if I don't have something right.

Initiative: Fudged code - rolled in dice thread - result = 15

[Gryndel]

Akiren and Magnus leap clear of the entire trap complex.

Riley gets smacked by the rocks and logs (17 dmg) then gets caught in the net.


Rd 1

Half a dozen dagger wielding kobolds (K1-6) jump out of hiding and charge to engage. They split up so a pair attack each person. Rocks are dropped from winged kobolds flying over (K7-12). Riley gets taken down, laying unconscious in the net. Akiren gets hit by both daggers (10 dmg). Magnus avoids all attacks.

Riley failed a death save.

Magnus...

Initiative
Kobolds 20
Riley 16
Magnus 15
Akiren 7

Wounds
Riley unconscious (1 fail)
Akiren 10

[Grodech]

Round 1:
Seeing Riley go down, Magnus flies into a rage, attacking with his axe.

Attack: [roll0]
Advantage from reckless attack [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

Frenzied attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]


Effects in Effect: Rage round 1 of 10
+2 melee damage with STR weapons (included above), resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, slashing damage.
Frenzied attack: 1 extra attack for the duration of the rage
HP: 43/43

[Gryndel]

Rd 1
Magnus cuts down a pair of kobolds (K5&6) in a frenzied rage.

Akiren draws his shortswords and attacks., killing one (K3). He shifts closer to Riley but stays in melee.

Rd 2
The kobolds refocus on the pair still fighting. A pair of rocks hit Akiren (13 dmg). A dagger and two rocks hit Magnus (10 dmg).

Riley succeeds a death save.

Magnus...

K1&2 melee Magnus
K4 melee Akiren
K7-12 flying

Initiative
Kobolds 20
Riley 16
Magnus 15
Akiren 7

Wounds
Riley unconscious (1 fail, 1 success)
Akiren 23
Magnus 10

Dead
K3
K5
K6

[Grodech]

Round 2:
Magnus continues his attack on k1 and k2

Attack: [roll0]
Advantage from reckless attack [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

Frenzied attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]


Effects in Effect: Rage round 2 of 10
+2 melee damage with STR weapons (included above), resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, slashing damage.
Frenzied attack: 1 extra attack for the duration of the rage
HP: 33/43

[Gryndel]

Rd 2
Magnus slays both foes facing him in a frenzied routine of reckless rage.

Akiren drops one shortsword and defends himself with the other as he casts Cure Wounds. He reaches out to touch Riley, healing the gnome (cure 6) back to consciousness.

Rd 3
The lone living kobold on the ground (K4) disengages defensively and flees (move 30').

The winged kobolds each drop one more rock before scattering and flying away. They pummel Akiren twice (16 dmg), bringing the ranger down. One rock hits Magnus (2 dmg) and none hit Riley.

Riley stands up, still entrapped in the net, and casts Shatter at the fleeing foes. The shuddering boom of sonic energy blasts a pair, killing one and severely wounding the other.

Magnus...

Initiative
Kobolds 20
Riley 16
Magnus 15
Akiren 7

Wounds
Riley 25
Akiren unconscious
Magnus 12
K8 6

Dead
K1
K2
K3
K5
K6
K7

[Grodech]

Round 3:
Magnus chases down the remaining kobold.

Attack: [roll0]
Advantage from reckless attack [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

Frenzied attack: [roll3]
Advantage from reckless attack [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]


Effects in Effect: Rage round 3 of 10
+2 melee damage with STR weapons (included above), resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, slashing damage.
Frenzied attack: 1 extra attack for the duration of the rage
HP: 31/43

[Gryndel]

Magnus easily catches and kills the last kobold on foot. The flying ones are already out of sight.

Riley casts Healing Word on Akiren. As the ranger regains consciousness the gnome says, "I suggest we search the corpses, heal a bit, then move away from this ambush spot and rest."

Healing Word [roll0]

Akiren rises to his feet with a groan, "Agreed, but we should be especially careful. Those nasty little buggers may have more ambushes and traps set up nearby. If so, some of the winged ones that escaped are likely to warn them."

He casts another Cure Wounds on Riley.

Cure Wounds on Riley [roll1]

Riley casts Healing Word a few times.

Healing Word Lvl2 on Akiren [roll2]
Healing Word on Magnus [roll3]
Healing Word on himself [roll4]

Magnus has 1 level of exhaustion.

No loot is found, and the trio continue cautiously. After an hour of travel they find a suitable place to rest.

Riley suggests a long rest, citing his low spell power and believing the kobolds won't come looking for us anytime soon.

Akiren wants to push on after a short rest. He knows kobolds well and believes the nocturnal creatures will organize and try to overwhelm them before dawn.

Short or long rest?

Wounds
Riley 7
Akiren 16
Magnus 3 (exhaustion L1)

[Grodech]

Magnus sides with Riley on the long rest, citing the fairly defensible site they had found that was hard to see from above. He volunteers for first watch, then suggests Riley take second and Akiren third.

[Gryndel]

Sleep comes easily to the exhausted human, but is disturbed by visions and dreams. Random, they're seemingly disconnected, strange and disconcerting. The only constant is a sound, subtle and indistinct at first, which steadily increases until understood as a voice. The words are mostly gibberish, the tone deep with a metallic echo.

A flash of dark red, then impenetrable black triggers a string of intelligible words between others unknown, "Forged ages ago... eternal entropy... law always brings stagnation... need mortal hands... black sphere above blue eggs."

Magnus wakes suddenly, those words echoing in his mind. Though sleep was fitful, he feels completely rested. Riley is still asleep. Akiren is standing nearby, bow in hand and eyes on the pending dawn.

Long rest achieved.

[Grodech]

That in the nine hells was that? Magnus thought to himself. Putting it out of his mind as an odd dream, he goes about stashing his bedroll and such while he nibbles on some rations. He gives Riley until he's done eating to wake up, then rousts the dark gnome if he doesn't.

[Gryndel]

Day 4

After two more days of uninterrupted travel they come in sight of the ruins, then start searching the next morning. By midafternoon they've investigated the perimeter and found a collapsed building. Set into one of the few remnants of foundation they discover a tunnel. Worn steps cleared of rubble descend into a basement.

Akiren offers to lead, but doesn't seem confident. Either way he pulls out his bow.

[Grodech]

Knowing all chance at stealth will be gone by the mere fact that he will need light to see with, Magnus pulls out his axe and causes the axe to begin shedding light (bright light out to 30 feet, dim light out 30 more). He takes the lead down the steps.

[Gryndel]

Magnus leads the way down the 5' wide 7' high stairs, Akiren next, with Riley in the back. The stairs descend steeply for 90' then open into a chamber. From 60' away you can't tell how big it is, and it seems empty from there.

[Grodech]

Magnus leads Riley and Akiren around to the right, staying within 30 feet of the wall to the right i order to be able to see it clearly. He will make a full sweep around the chamber if nothing interferes.

Perception check? [roll0]

[Gryndel]

As Magnus advances down the stairs toward the chamber Akiren uses primeval awareness, gasps softly, and mutters, "There is at least one fiend, one undead, and one dragon within a mile. One or more might be in that chamber, or beyond."

Riley casts Invisibility.

As Magnus reaches the bottom of the stairs he sees a chamber neatly carved from stone, 25' wide (10' to either side of stairs), 50' long and 20' high. There's another tunnel with more stairs down on the wall opposite of where they enter.

A small spiny devil flies near the ceiling in the middle if the room. A large skeletal reptile is coiled in front of the next stairway. Both stare at Magnus as he enters their sight.

Devil [roll0]
Naga [roll1]
Akiren [roll2]
Riley (adv +3) [rollv]2d20[/rollv

[Gryndel]

Grrrr... bracket!
Riley (adv +3) [roll0]

[Grodech]

Magnus init: [roll0]

[Gryndel]

Rd 1

Akiren moves into the room to the right wall. He casts Hunter's Mark on the devil, then shoots his bow at it, striking it center mass (14 dmg).

Still Invisible, Riley hums a soft, swift, inspirational tune to Magnus. He then casts Shatter at the bony snake (save = 7 dmg) and moves back up the stairs 25'.

As a bonus action, a creature (other than you) within 60 ft. that can hear you gains an inspiration die (1d6). Anytine during the next 10 minutes, the creature can add it to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw. This can be added after seeing the roll, but before knowing the outcome.
The spined devil flies in a tight circular pattern, whips it's long, thin, spiky tail, and launches a pair of barbed spines at Akiren, one of which hits (7 dmg).

The bony reptile murmurs strange words and traces a strange pattern in the air with its finger bones. A red bead appears between thumb and forefinger, which it flicks across the room. A Fireball (23/11) explodes right in front of the doorway, engulfing Akiren & Magnus

Dex save DC 12 (Magnus adv)

Magnus... (can do Hellish Rebuke if desired)



Initiative
Wounds
Concentration
Dead/Dying


Akiren 24
Devil 14
Akiren Hunter's Mark



Riley 22
Naga 14




Devil 21
Akiren 18




Naga 14
Magnus 11




Magnus 9

[Grodech]

DC12 Dex Save: [roll0]
Advantage Dex Save: [roll1]

Magnus has his doubts on whether it will cause any damage, but he reacts by pointing his finger at the bony reptile that had hit them with the fireball, and with a word, engulfs it in flames. [Hellish rebuke]

Rebuke Damage: [roll2]
DC 13 dex save for half.

He follows that with an eldritch blast before moving 30 feet towards the reptile, trusting in his companions to deal with the flying devil.

Ranged Spell Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

[Gryndel]

Rd 1
Magnus reacts to the Fireball with Hellish flames, burning the bony reptile (7 dmg). His blast of Eldritch power misses as he moves closer.

Rd 2
Akiren shoots again at the flying devil, his arrow inflicting enough harm (18 dmg) to destroy its form and send it back from whence it came.

EDIT: I forgot again about moving Hunter's Mark as a bonus action, which he does to tje naga.

Riley comes down the stairs to the doorway. Seeing the situation he quickly casts Healing Word on Akiren (heal 8), then casts Vicious Mockery on the naga, "Lost your skin, now we break your bones!"

Save = no dmg

The reptile glances up as the devil is vanquished, then watches Riley appear and Magnus advance into the room. It casts another Fireball (29/14) then moves down the stairs and out of sight.

Magnus...



Initiative
Wounds
Concentration
Dead/Dying


Akiren 24
Naga 21
Akiren Hunter's Mark Naga
Devil


Riley 22
Akiren 24




Naga 14
Magnus 40




Magnus 9
Riley 14

[Grodech]

DC12 Dex Save: [roll0]
Advantage Dex Save: [roll1]

ooc: Just to verify, Magnus only has 1 first level spell slot, so can't use Hellish Rebuke again, correct? Can I try another Eldritch Blast, or does that require line of sight?

[Gryndel]

DC12 Dex Save: [roll0]
Advantage Dex Save: [roll1]

ooc: Just to verify, Magnus only has 1 first level spell slot, so can't use Hellish Rebuke again, correct? Can I try another Eldritch Blast, or does that require line of sight?

Yikes, he's at 3 HP.

Correct, 1 spell slot right now.

Interesting, most spells have "that you can see" in the description; Eldritch Blast doesn't. It seems like it should be line of sight type thing... I'll investigate and think on it. Problem is it would have to bend or reflect down the stairs, which it won't do. But you can move 20' to the top of the stairs and see it 30' below, then blast.

[Gryndel]

Grr, put it in the map thread, forgot to add the DICE to the thread title..

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48954836026_4437b22095_o.jpg

[Grodech]

Magnus knows he's in serious danger, but still moves to the top of the stairs where he can still see the naga, and lets loose another eldritch blast.

Ranged spell attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Gryndel]

Stay there or move out of sight of naga?

[Grodech]

Definitely move out of sight if possible.

[Gryndel]

Rd 2
Magnus moves to the top of the stairs and sends a blast of eldritch power down at the retreating foe. It tries to duck out of the path but gets blasted (10 dmg). It looks back up the stairs as Magnus retreats around the corner (to B30).

Rd 3
Akiren moves toward Magnus (to B29) and casts Cure Wounds on him (heal 5).

Riley casts Healing Word on Magnus (heal 8), drinks a Healing potion (heal 9), then moves (to F25).



Initiative
Wounds
Concentration
Dead/Dying


Akiren 24
Akiren 24
Akiren Hunter's Mark
Devil


Riley 22
Riley 5




Naga 14
Naga 31




Magnus 9
Magnus 27

[Gryndel]

Magnus knows he's in serious danger, but still moves to the top of the stairs where he can still see the naga, and lets loose another eldritch blast.

Ranged spell attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Want to use that Bardic Inspiration on this attack roll? +1d6

He could've used it on the last save instead.

[Grodech]

totally forgot about it.

Bardic inspiration: [roll0]

[Gryndel]

I should note those somewhere in the ooc spoiler.

So, it hits, naga still alive, I edited previous post. It acts out of sight, after the healing, and it's Magnus' turn again.

[Grodech]

Magnus moves to the entryway to the stairs again. If he still sees the naga, he will try to blast it again. If he doesn't, he says to his companions "Don't see it any longer. Should we give chase?"

If necessary:
Ranged spell attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Gryndel]

I forgot to post....

When Akiren casts his spell and heals you he also hands you a small vial, "It's a Greater Healing Potion."

You can add it to your equipment, unless you use it now, heals 4d4+4

[Gryndel]

Rd 4

Akiren moves behind Magnus, "Maybe after a potion.

He grins and drinks one

[roll0]
Riley shrugs, moves to the corner (F30), "Sure, lets go."

He hums a soft tune and gives Magnus Bardic Inspiration.




Initiative
Wounds
Concentration
Dead/Dying


* Akiren 24
Akiren 9
Akiren Hunter's Mark
Devil


Riley 22
Riley 5
Bardic Insp Magnus



Naga 14
Naga 31




Magnus 9
Magnus 27

[Grodech]

"Potion." Magnus repeats, suddenly remembering he's got one of his own. "Good idea." He takes the one Akiren gave him and drinks it.

Potion of Healing (Greater): [roll0]

ooc: so does this mean he no longer sees the naga from the top of the stairs? If so, he starts down them.

[Gryndel]

This should answer al your questions.... ok some of them for now

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48969116662_7bbe984b76_n.jpg

[Grodech]

Down the stairs it is then.

[Gryndel]

OK, this would be the situation after everyone moves and uses action to move.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48968990641_04885f6aaa_n.jpg

On Magnus' turn when he gets around the corner the Naga shoots a Magic Missile spell she had readied at him. He can then finish his move or back around the corner.

Rd 5
Instead, on her turn after everyone else moved she casts the magic missile and retreats. Now it's Magnus' turn again.

Magic Missile [roll0]



Initiative
Wounds
Concentration
Dead/Dying


* Akiren 24
Akiren 9
Akiren Hunter's Mark
Devil


Riley 22
Riley 5
Bardic Insp Magnus



Naga 14
Naga 31




Magnus 9
Magnus 28

[Grodech]

Magnus moves another 30 feet, then drinks his own healing potion.

OOC: I'm assuming he can't see the naga at that point.

Healing: [roll0]

[Gryndel]

Healing potions cure 2d4+2, you rolled for Greater Healing.

[Grodech]

It was a greater healing. Sorry if I didn't specify that. I've removed it from the sheet since he used it, but it was a greater healing potion.

[Gryndel]

Rd 5
Magnus moves forward (to L24) and drinks his own potion (heal 15).

Rd 6
Akiren follows Magnus (to K24). Concerned that this hit and retreat tactic will continue around the next corner he casts Cure Wounds on Magnus again (heal 11).

With his shorter stride Riley lags behind a bit, so he just moves (x2 move to J24) to catch up with Akiren.

The naga remains out of sight.



Initiative
Wounds
Concentration
Dead/Dying


* Akiren 24
Akiren 9
Akiren Hunter's Mark
Devil


Riley 22
Riley 5
Bardic Insp Magnus



Naga 14
Naga 31




Magnus 9
Magnus 2

[Grodech]

Magnus moves to the corner and stick his head around (along with the blade of his axe so he can use the light to see with).

ooc: Conditional actions:
If naga visible within 20 feet, he'll advance and attack with his axe.
If naga visible outside of 20 feet, he'll use another eldritch blast.
If naga not visible at all, he'll move another 20 feet around the corner.

He's fully expecting it to blast him when he peeks around, so I'm not sure what would help in that case. Dodge action? Looks like readied action is still a thing in 5e, so there may be no real defense against it.

Did you add the 11 points from Akiren's heal on Magnus' sheet?

[Gryndel]

There are coins scattered around the room, mostly silver.

The Naga has several shifting images of itself around it.

You can use Dodge as an action, all attack rolls against you are at disadvantage.

I moved you 25', so you still have 5' if you want to retreat back around the corner.

I suggest you use bonus action to do Hexblade's Curse on it: +2 dmg, crit 19-20, you get 4 HP back if it dies.

Then you can Eldritch blast it.

Yes, I adjusted your HP.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48976825011_3ecfc0ac4e_n.jpg

[Grodech]

I suggest you use bonus action to do Hexblade's Curse on it: +2 dmg, crit 19-20, you get 4 HP back if it dies.

Then you can Eldritch blast it.

Yes, I adjusted your HP.


That will work. Is it within 30 feet? It looks like he may need to move forward another 5 feet.

IC:
Spotting the naga, Magnus uses his Hexblade's curse on it, then tries to hit it with an Eldritch Blast.

Ranged Spell Attack: [roll0]
Damage [roll1] (+2 damage if curse is in effect. I didn't see anything about a saving throw in the description)

[Grodech]

+ 1d6 on attack for Bardic Inspiration: [roll0]

[Gryndel]

Ooh miss, and yes it's 30' away, and now cursed (no save).

You still have 5' of movement if you want to back up.

[Gryndel]

Rd 6
Magnus moves forward until he sees the naga in the back left corner of the room. He curses it, then sends an Eldritch Blast at it, which misses.

Rd 7
Akiren shoots his bow at the naga, which hits and destroys one of the magical images. He then retreats around the corner (N24).

Riley moves into the room to the right (R21) then casts Blindness on the Naga. It seems to work as the eyes cloud over with dark purple energy, rendering it blind for now.

The naga casts Firebolt at Riley, even without sight it hits (7 dmg).

Magnus...



Initiative
Wounds
Concentration
Dead/Dying


* Akiren 24
Akiren 9
Akiren Hunter's Mark
Devil


Riley 22
Riley 12
Riley Blur (Bardic Insp Magnus)



Naga 14
Naga 31




Magnus 9
Magnus 2





[tr]

[Grodech]

Magnus attempts to use the naga's own tactics against it, at least until he can determine which image is the real thing. He shoots an eldritch blast at what he thinks is the actual naga, then retreats 10 feet.
Ranged Spell Attack: [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[Grodech]

If bardic inspiration still applies, he'll use the 1d6 on the attack: [roll0]

[Gryndel]

You get advantage because it's still blind.

Yes, you have a fresh, sparkly Bardic Inspiration (just BI from now on). He's used 3 of his 5. You can keep that roll and use it if needed.

[Grodech]

Advantage ranged touch attack: [roll0]
Use the BI roll if this is still too low.

[Gryndel]

Rd 7
Magnus blasts the naga with eldritch power enhanced by his curse (4 dmg), then backs around the corner.

Rd 8
Seeing the gnome enter the room, Akiren follows so Riley won't be the only target (R19). He shoots his bow at the naga, which misses.

Riley moves forward (O17), casts Thunderwave (13 dmg), then steps back (Q16).

The naga casts Burning Hands in front of itself, but nobody is there. It shakes off the Blindness magic, eyes clearing to see the current situation.



Initiative
Wounds
Concentration
Dead/Dying


* Akiren 24
Akiren 9
Akiren Hunter's Mark
Devil


Riley 22
Riley 12
Riley Blur (BI Magnus)



Naga 14
Naga 48




Magnus 9
Magnus 2

[Grodech]

OOC: So are there still multiple naga images?

[Gryndel]

Yes, 2 images left.

[Grodech]

Round 8

With Riley and Akiren in the room alredy, Magnus changes tactics, and moves into the room to attack with his axe. [Move to M17]
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Frenzied attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Grodech]

+1d6 on attack from BI: [roll0]

[Gryndel]

Both missed. Want to try reckless attack?

[Gryndel]

Map for round 9 after Akiren and Riley

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48998205607_2a727c7ced_o.jpg

[Grodech]

May as well.

Advantage on attack: [roll0]

[Grodech]

ok, so that would be a critical hit due to the hexblade's curse, so here's the additional damage roll:
[roll0]

[Gryndel]

You get advantage on all attacks until your next turn.

With that crt it's near death. or would be but for the Mirror Images.

[Gryndel]

Just to move this aling, cuz it's almost over

Reckless frenzy attack [roll0]
BI if needed [roll1]
Damage [roll2]
Mirror Image (1 image =11^ hit image) [roll3]

[Gryndel]

Rd 9
Magnus chops at the bone naga with reckless ferocity, destroying both illusory images.

Rd 10
Akiren shoots another arrow, which hits (18 dmg) and cracks the skull slightly.

Riley pulls out a dagger and seems to whisper to it for a few seconds (BI Psychic Blades), then throws it at the naga. Sinking into the left eye socket (5 piercing +7 psychic dmg) with a dark purple flash of magic.

The naga lunges at Magnus, biting him hard (6 piercing +13 poison dmg).



Initiative
Wounds
Concentration
Dead/Dying

Akiren 24
Akiren 9
Akiren Hunter's Mark
Devil

Riley 22
Riley 3
Riley Blur


Naga 14
Naga 92



Magnus 9
Magnus 20

[Grodech]

Magnus Reckless Attack: [roll0]
Reckless Advantage attac: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

Frenzied attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

[Grodech]

BI bonus d6 if necessary [roll0]

[Gryndel]

Rd 10
Magnus hacks the undead naga into a pile of broken bones. Chest heaving, drooling and bleeding, he stands over the destroyed remains. As the rage subsides he notices a bag under the bones of the naga.

Riley casts his last spell, Healing Word, on Magnus. He retrieves his dagger and starts searching the walls. First he just looks, then spends a while fingering and tapping the stone softly with the pommel of a dagger.

Healing Word @L2 [roll0]
Perception [roll1]
Investigation [roll2]

Akiren looks around a bit, then says, "Get some rest, count up the treasure, I'll go back outside and watch for signs of kobolds. One of you relieve me on watch in about 4 hours."

He conceals himself in the ruins just outside the basement entrance. After a short rest, he begins actively patrolling the area and searching for signs of kobolds.

Hit dice short rest [roll3]
If needed [roll4]
If needed [roll5]
Survival (+6 adv) [roll6]

Wounds
Magnus 2

[Gryndel]

Riley spends ten minutes in ritual casting to determine that the bag is magic, another ten minutes to identify it as a Bag of Holding.

Inside is found a cloak, a pair of boots and a small vial. Another ritual casting of Detect Magic reveals all are enchanted. Thirty minutes later he Identifies them as a Cloak of Displacement, Winged Boots, and an Elixir of Health a Potion of Vitality.

During this time Magnus gets a short rest (using 1 HD gets him to full HP) while he slowly collects and counts up the coins.

1500 sp
150 gp

[Gryndel]

Day 5

The next morning they set out to search deeper into the ruins. Several traps are spotted and avoided, primarily due to Akiren's knowledge of the ways of his hated enemies. No kobolds are spotted, as expected, since sunlight seems to hinder their vision.

A few other partial foundations and crumbled walls are discovered and cautiously explored throughout the day as Akiren guides them around. Moving ever closer toward the center, they find nothing of note until they reach it.

There they discover a carved tunnel 10' wide and 15' high. It's located in the middle of the ruins, in what was once a lavish compound. Now only minor rubble and buried foundations remain beyond the four crumbled pillars in the center that surround the tunnel. It delves north at a slight angle down under the surface.

[Gryndel]

Akiren says softly, "I have magic to enhance our stealth." He casts Pass Without Trace (+10 stealth).

Riley grins, "I can turn Magnus and myself invisible." He does so with a spell and a touch. He flies just above and behind Magnus, touching the tip of one boot to the back of Magnus' head.
Stealth check (+10)
Magnus gets advantage from Invisibility

Akiren [roll0]
Riley (adv +15) [roll1] should've been 2d20
Advantage (1d20+15)[24]

Concentration
Akiren Pass w/o Trace
Riley Invisibility (self & Magnus)

[Grodech]

"I only see one problem with that plan." Magnus says. "We're headed down into darkness again. I know Riley can see in the dark, but I can't. That means I need a light source. Typically I would use the axe, but what's that just going to do if we're invisible?"

[Gryndel]

Akiren grins at Magnus, "I've noticed your trouble with the dark, so I learned a new spell to help you."

He casts Darkvision on Magnus.

[Grodech]

"Excellent." Magnus says. "Thanks." Then he says to Riley "I assume you'll stay out of reach since I won't be able to see you." He draws his axe, but does not activate the light, and proceeds forward.

[Gryndel]

Riley chuckles and flies above Magnus, "No worries, I'll just fly above."

The tunnel extends for 300' before ending in what was once a cave in. Now there are a dozen or so small tunnels, roughly hewn and twisting through the rubble. None are the same size, varying between 2-4' high and 1-3' wide, and all have sharp angles in different directions. None look very stable or safe, with loose rocks and dirt and protruding rock spikes and jagged edges.

Looking into a few they each split into at least two more, and some have more branches. After searching around a bit Akiren says softly, "Looks like all the tunnels are used by kobolds. I suppose it doesn't matter which one we choose, but we should stay together."

Riley looks nervous as he says, "Since they're so small, I'll go first."

Akiren starts to protest when Riley speaks from within a tunnel, "Hurry along, try not to get stuck."

Akiren shrugs, "Since I can't see you I should go next." Thinking his bow would just hinder him, he slings it and draws a ahortsword.

[Grodech]

Magnus follows behind Akiren. He has to put away the axe in order to traverse the tunnels.

[Gryndel]

The tunnels intersect often and soon turn into a confusing maze. Riley seems to be confident in knowing the way. It's rough going for the other two, both having to squeeze, bend, and often crawl to get through. There are small traps scattered about, most are easily avoided, but take time to go around. No kobolds are detected in the maze.

Dex save for all DC13 (Magnus adv)
Akiren [roll0]
Riley [roll]1d20+5[/roll
Fail = small trap [roll1]

Just a minute or so before the Invisibility and Pass w/o Trace spells expire they see an opening ahead leading into a much larger open space. The small tunnel opens into the middle of a longer wall in a 200' long, 40' wide natural cavern. The ceiling varies between 30-75', the middle being the highest. Very dim light emits from above, just enough to barely make the entire chamber visible.

The left end is dominated by a huge set of closed double doors made from some dark metal. There are no handles and an eight pointed star is inlaid in dark blue metal across both doors.

The right end consists of many tunnels of various sizes. The kobold chieftain, his two bodyguards, 5 winged kobolds and a dozen other kobolds are clustered around the central tunnel, apparently ready to fight there or flee deeper. None move or make a sound, and don't seem to have noticed the group..

Akiren sheathes his sword and pulls out his bow.

[Gryndel]

Grrr, bracket!

Riley [roll0]

[Grodech]

Magnus Dex save: [roll0]
Advantage Dex save: [roll1]

[Gryndel]

Only Riley got wounded by a small trap.

So what's the plan?

Surprise attack? Currently 100' away, Riley & Magnus Invisible, Pass w/o Trace still going (must stay within 30' of Akiren).
Speak to them?
Ignore them and check out the doors?
Go home and play tiddlywinks?

[Grodech]

Well, the whole point of the invisibility was surprise attack, and Magnus is irritated by having to crawl through all the tunnels, so he'd like to kill some kobolds.

How far from them are the kobolds (seems like it might be in the neighborhood of 100 ft), and can he get to the chieftain?

[Gryndel]

The chieftain is 100' away to start, standing at the entrance to the largest tunnel there. His 2 bodyguards are in front of him, so 95' away. The winged kobolds are flying just above him. The others are clustered around him.

So its impossible to get to him physically.

Through a whispered, quick conversation you guys can plan an attack.

When Magnus is within a single move from them Riley will cast Shatter, hopefully clearing out some of them.

Akiren will hang back a bit and start shooting at the same time, targeting the chieftain.

!

[Grodech]

Sounds good.

Just to clarify, if Magnus tries an eldritch blast, his invisibility would end, correct?

[Gryndel]

Yes, it last up to an hour, or until you attack or cast a spell.

[Grodech]

So then in accordance with the plan, Magnus advances towards the kobolds.

[Gryndel]

Ok, given conditions and the plan surprise round just goes in order. Then we'll roll Initiative.

Riley casts Shatter, which affects the chieftain, the bodyguards, and 4 other kobolds, then moves to the left. The spell booms loudly upon detonation, echoing throughout the cavern. It kills the 4 kobolds closest to their leader and wounds the chieftain (10 dmg) and his bodyguards (10/5).

Magnus charges in...

The bodyguards are still in front of the chieftain but no others right around him. So Magnus can go left or right of them and attack the chieftain from the side.

Might as well reckless attack since they get no turn to take advantage.

Wounds
Chieftain 10
BG1 10
BG2 5

[Grodech]

He'll go after the chieftain.

Attack: [roll0]
Advantage from Reckless Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[Gryndel]

Magnus charges in and attacks the chieftain, scoring a nasty hit (18 dmg).

Akiren casts Hunter's Mark on the chieftain and shoots two arrows at him. One hits and kills him (26 dmg = DEAD). He then uses a horde breaker attack at a bodyguard (BG1 = DEAD) and moves to the middle of the cavern.

Initiative
Bodyguard 19
Riley 19
Kobolds 17
Akiren 15
Magnus 10
Winged kobolds 7

Wounds
Chieftain DEAD
BG2 5
Riley 6

[Gryndel]

Initiative
Akiren [roll0]
Riley +3 adv [roll1]
Kobolds [roll2]
Winged kobolds [roll3]
Bodyguards [roll4]
Chieftain [roll5]

[Gryndel]

Since it lasts up to 10 minutes until used, Riley would've given Magnus and Akiren Bardic Inspiration.

It's a d8 now. Akiren is using his on the first attack, whith min roll = hit, so 26 dmg = DEAD.

So ignore his Initiative...:smallannoyed:

[Grodech]

Magnus Init: [roll0]

[Gryndel]

Rd 1
As the chieftain dies, the remaining bodyguard attacks Magnus with a spear. The lunging attack misses.

Riley casts shatter again, the booming spell focused on the winged kobolds. Thundering magic blasts all but one into death as their corpses plummet to the ground.

Magnus...

Initiative
Bodyguard 19
Riley 19
Magnus 18
Kobolds 17
Akiren 15
Magnus 10
Winged kobolds 7

Wounds
BG2 5
Riley 6
Winged kobold 8

[Grodech]

Magnus goes into a rage and attacks the bodyguard that lunged at him.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Frenzied attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Gryndel]

Rd 1
Magnus attacks the bodyguard in a rage, cutting it down with one swing of his axe. He steps over to the nearest kobold and kills it with a sideways swipe.

The other kobolds on the ground flee into the small tunnels (Magnus gets 1 AoO).

Akiren moves Hunter's Mark to the winged one and shoots. The first arrow slays it, and with no other foes in sight he rushes to follow the fleeing kobolds.

Rd 2
Riley moves closer to the carnage and casts Detect Magic, "The chieftain's shortsword and crossbow are magic.

Initiative
Riley 19
Magnus 18
Kobolds 17
Akiren 15

Wounds
Riley 6

[Grodech]

Magnus AOO: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Grodech]

Magnus ends his rage.

"I'm not chasing those bastards through those little tunnels."

ooc: Was the central tunnel larger?

[Gryndel]

Yes, the central tunnel is very different from the others. It's 6' wide and 8' high, very well worked with smooth surfaces, and looks much older. The smaller ones are in the same size range as those you came through to get here.

Riley takes the crossbow, noting there's no bolts, and offers the shortsword to Akiren, "I could Identify these, but I'd rather do so as ritual casting, which takes 11 minutes for each. We should back away if you want me to do that."

Akiren takes the sword with a questioning look at Magnus, "I can't just let them escape. I'd bet the larger tunnel is filled with traps. I must see this through to the end. Either they all die or I do trying to eradicate them."

Unless Magnus shows an interest in the sword, he keeps it and moves into the largest of the small tunnels.

At that moment Magnus' vision goes black for a moment, a slightly metallic, multi tone voice sounds in his mind, "The eggs are stirring, and will begin hatching soon." His vision then returns to normal.

Wounds
Riley 6
Magnus exhaustion lvl 1

[Grodech]

He wonders if chasing the kobolds down this tunnel is where the eggs would be, or behind that door. "Their chieftain is dead." Magnus says, kicking the body. "They're going to have to battle it out with each other to determine who's next in line. They're not worth chasing down - it will be weeks before they're any sort of a threat. That door at the other end of the chamber seems more significant."

[Gryndel]

Riley agrees with Magnus, "Won't you come with us to check out those doors, Akiren?"

Akiren pauses briefly, "I have no interest in some ancient mystery sealed behind doors right now. My path is clear, all the kobolds must die. I'll go alone now, if need be."

He proceeds deeper into the tunnel and disappears around a corner.

Riley sighs, "It is why we came here, but I'm staying with you, Magnus. "

[Grodech]

"Well, as long as we can stay in this larger tunnel, I'll go." Magnus says. "I don't think those doors are going anywhere." He follows Akiren into the tunnel.

[Gryndel]

Magnus and Riley follow Akiren's path around the corner, which splits into three tunnels. The largest (5'x5') angles down slightly and to the right, the others (3' high x 2' wide) straight ahead split again after 15'.

Akiren goes down the larger one and glances back with a nod at Magnus. It continues down steadily, with branching smaller tunnels appearing sporadically to left and right. The ranger stops occasionally to listen or inspect the ground or wall. He finds nothing more than a few old claws scratch marks in dusty areas, and hears only distant echoes of scratching scrambling from some of the side tunnels.

Magnus roll perception.

[Grodech]

Perception: [roll0]
(passive perception is 16)

[Gryndel]

Magnus hears the scratching noise, but only once and very faintly.

After about 5 minutes Riley says, "This tunnel is very different from the others, I doubt the kobolds made it."

Akiren nods, though he keeps progressing as he says, "Agreed, it's likely dwarven made, leading into old mines I'd wager. While I've seen some signs of kobold passage this way, none seem recent. Still, it might lead to their den, which they use other tunnels they made as passage in and out."

Riley rolls his eyes, tugs on Magnus' cloak, and sighs softly. When Magnus glances down he sees Riley making a hand gesture near his temple universally understood as meaning not right in the head as he nods at Akiren.

After half an hour the tunnel opens into a chamber. The wall they enter is 75' long, this tunnel being exactly in the middle. The opposite wall is 25' away. The ceiling is domed, 15' pinnacle. The stone surfaces are all polished smooth. In the left and right wall there is one small tunnel each, 5'x5' and dug straight and smooth. The opposite wall has two tunnels of the same size, also smooth, the left angled slightly down.

Scattered around are very old remnants of mining tools, all useless. Again there are signs of kobold presence, but nothing recent.

Dwarven runes are artfully carved above each tunnel. Magnus knows they mean:
Left (west) coal
Opposite left (nw) iron
Opposite right (ne) silver
Right (east) salt

Akiren looks around a bit and sighs, "It seems I'll just have to squeeze through the smaller tunnels above and hunt them down. But first, a small rest. You're right Magnus, they won't be a threat for some time."

Riley sits in the far left corner, "Good idea, the rest at least. I'm not so sure about hunting them down in the smaller tunnels, and they're my size. Both of you will be at great disadvantage there. Since the first tunnel above was the only way in, you could camp out there and make sure none get out of here while you watch the ruins. Magnus and I will check out those doors."

Akiren shrugs, "Sounds reasonable, for now." He sits in front of the tunnel the group entered, facing the way they came.

[Grodech]

Riley sits in the far left corner, "Good idea, the rest at least. I'm not so sure about hunting them down in the smaller tunnels, and they're my size. Both of you will be at great disadvantage there."


"That's exactly why I didn't want to chase them down the small tunnels." Magnus says.

[Gryndel]

The trio rest for an hour, then Riley casts Identify ritually on the weapons.

(Short rest)

+1 Shortsword (Akiren will take it unless Magnus wants it)
Repeating Shot Hand Crossbow (Riley wants it)

Then it's back up the tunnel? Riley and Magnus to the doors? Akiren back up to the entrance.

[Grodech]

Magnus doesn't want the sword.

Back up to the chamber with the doors. Is Akiren going all the way back to the entrance, or to the chamber with the doors?

[Gryndel]

All the way back to the entrance. But if you want he'll wait by the maze tunnels while you check out the door.

Closer inspection reveals nothing more than earlier described. Since there's no hurry Riley will cast Detect Magic as a ritual

"Definitely has some powerful magic, some of which is completely alien to me, ancient and forgotten."

History and religion check.

Riley
History [roll0]
Religion [roll1]

[Grodech]

A smile crosses Magnus' face. "You see a way to open it?"

[Gryndel]

Riley snickers, "I think you just push. I could try to dispel the magic first, if you like. It'll be my last spell of that magnitude today, but might be worth it."

[Grodech]

"Give it a shot then." Magnus says. He stands back about 10 feet to give Riley space to work.

[Gryndel]

Still need history and religion check for Magnus.

[Grodech]

Sorry - didn't see that.

History: [roll0]
Religion: [roll1]

[Gryndel]

Riley gazes again at the doors, "From what I've learned about religions, this eight pointed star is an ancient holy symbol of a primordial chaos god. The name escapes my memory, but I'm certain."

He casts Dispel Magic, then focuses again on the Detect Magic spell, "Well that got rid of two, but the ancient one's still there. The other one is a powerful abjuration, probably a Symbol spell of some sort."

[Grodech]

"Stand back." Magnus says. Once Riley does so, Magnus goes to the door and reaches up to touch the inlaid symbol on the doors - gingerly - first with one finger, then if nothing happens with his whole hand, just gently running it over the inlaid symbol.

[Gryndel]

"But," Riley exclaims in surprise as he skips back several feet, "are you sure about this?"

As Magnus touches the symbol, Riley mutters something in undercommon and backs up some more. Nothing happens, though Magnus feels as if even the slightest pressure of a touch moves the doors ever so slightly.

[Grodech]

"No I'm not sure." Magnus says, his hand still on the symbol "But I feel like its calling me."

He gives the door a shove.

[Gryndel]

The doors open in to reveal a 30' wide, 60' long tunnel with a 40' high arched ceiling. Every surface is smoothly polished dark stone. The opposite end branches off into a Y, each tunnel is 10'x10'.

Standing at the intersection is a 9' tall, white marble statue shaped as a man dressed in Imperial garments. The left hand holds a scepter across the chest, the right hand is held out straight, palm facing forward.

[Grodech]

Magnus gives Riley a smug grin and waits for the dark gnome to come over to have a look behind the doors. "Whatdya think?"

[Gryndel]

Riley steps forward until he's just to the left and behind Magnus, "I think this is the beginning of a whole new adventure. Not sure I'm ready for that just now, kinda low on spells. But if you want to proceed, I'm with you."

He gazes at the statue and shrugs, "If you meant the statue, it does seem odd. Detect Magic is still on, but range is only 30'. None in range, except the doors."

[Grodech]

"Ok." Magnus says "We can rest here for a while."

[Gryndel]

Riley looks around and shrugs, "Not sure this is the best place to rest, but my magic shelter should protect us. Akiren, are you going to join us?

He explains what the Tiny Hut spell does.

Akiren shrugs, "I suppose so."

Riley casts Tiny Hut as a ritual just outside the doorway.

OOC: So everyone takes a long rest.

[Gryndel]

Day 6

Everyone eats (I've marked off rations eaten. The first few days the ranger/hunter found plenty of food for all) and prepares for the next day. Riley casts Nondetection on everyone.

Akiren looks around and announces that no kobolds came into this area during our rest. He casts Darkvision on Magnus, then goes through the maze and back out to the entrance tunnel in the ruins.

Riley casts Detect Magic ritually. He finishes with a mischievous grin and says, "Let's go see what the Imperial statue is all about. The spell lasts up to 10 minutes."

[Grodech]

"After you, my friend." Magnus says to Riley. He follows Riley into the tunnel.

[Gryndel]

Riley hesitates a moment, looking up at Magnus curiously. He starts to say something, shrugs and walks in.

As soon as he enters the room, the scepter is raised above the head of the statue as the tip begins to glow a soft purple. A deep, imperious, male voice calls out, though there's no other movement, "Passage is forbidden by Imperial Law. Any who pass this point will be known thereafter as a criminal throughout the Empire."

Riley chuckles, "Some of you humans sure have some silly titles. I know something of this Empire," his face turns sour and serious, "ruthless and rigid, but bountiful and beautiful. It's said that it encompasses over half the surface world and is constantly expanding."

He laughs ruefully, "I'm probably a criminal there anyway. I suspect you would be too, very soon after you got there, if you're not already, lets go."

Since Magnus is the last of his tribe, it could very well be that they were wiped out by the Empire: filthy barbarians! The Empire is always expanding. There are 4 kings ruling the Imperial perimeter with feudal governments, each answerable only to the Emperor, who oversees the ever expanding center of the Empire. So it was likely one of the Kings who actually did it, by Imperial Command.

[Grodech]

Magnus just shrugs. He didn't care anything about the emprire anyway, so whatever...

He moves forward, keeping an eye on the statue. "There's probably some sort of trap here someplace." he says.

[Gryndel]

"Possibly," Riley shrugs and advances to the statue, "or just a blow hard trying to frighten the meek. I think this place is older, perhaps much older, than the Empire."

Investigation check..
Riley [roll0]

[Grodech]

Magnus investigation: [roll0]

"Yeah, this just means the empire found it and wants to keep everyone out."

[Gryndel]

There doesn't seem to be any traps, but something about the raised scepter triggers an insight in Magnus. As he speaks the conviction of his words increase, but he senses there's even more to it. Nothing but fear would prevent passing the statue into one of the halls. But he feels that act would certainly include a subtle, intangible, irrevocable social status.

Riley peers past the statue into the tunnels behind it, "Well, I can't find anything that could trigger a trap."

The deep gnome grins, "Fortune favors the bold. I say we proceed. But which way?"

[Grodech]

Magnus relays the feeling to Riley. "I can't say that really worries me, though." Let's go to the right.

[Gryndel]

Passing the statue causes the scepter to flash brightly, engulfing the entire room in purple light with golden sparkles, then all light fades back to normal. The statue then returns to the original pose.

Each trespasser is marked magically as a fugitive (disadvantage on all rolls vs the Empire and those who serve it).
The tunnel winds around in a gentle inward curve. More than 100' in both notice a black, slightly shiny patch of stone in the ceiling ahead (20' away). It starts to move toward them, forming a psuedo pod.

High passive perception = noticed it.
Need Initiative.
Arcana check DC 15 to know what it is and some of it's abilities. DC 20+ know all about it.

Riley
Arcana [roll0]
Initiative (+4 adv) [roll1]
Black goo Initiative [roll2]

[Grodech]

Arcana: [roll0]
Initiative: [roll1]

[Gryndel]

"Some sort of ooze. I suggest staying away from it and blasting it at range."

Riley casts Shatter on the black blob, then backs up 25'.

Shatter [roll0]
Con save DC 16 [roll1]

Initiative
Riley 18
Magnus 15
Ooze 9

[Grodech]

Magnus follows suit, attacking with an Eldritch Blast and backing up.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Gryndel]

Magnus and Riley continue the magic barrage and slow retreat, eventually blasting the black pudding to shreds. Pressing on they find that the tunnel curves around to enter the side of a huge natural cavern. The ceiling is beyond vision, and the walls curve around irregularly out of sight. The floor is uneven and coins of all types are scattered about haphazardly. Mixed in are a few gems and jewels, and a few old blue dragon scales.

About 15' from the tunnel entrance is the nearest blue dragon egg, which hatches just as they see it. A blue wyrmling bursts out and attacks immediately.

Wyrmling [roll0]
Riley (+3 adv) [roll1]

[Grodech]

Magnus Init: [roll0]

[Gryndel]

Rd 1

Riley jumps back, startled by the sudden appearance of a dragon. Even one that just hatched is imposing and dangerous to the deep gnome. But he gathers his wits quickly and casts Mind Sliver on it.

Mind Sliver
Int save DC 16 [roll]1d20+1[roll]
Fail = [roll0] psychic dmg
& -1d4 on next save before end of my next turn

Initiative
Riley 20
Magnus 16
Dragon 6

[Gryndel]

Grrr, missed the /

Int save DC 16 [roll0]

[Grodech]

Magnus wondered how many eggs there were, and whether or not the parents were around.... The eggs were hatching, the voice had said...

Attack (axe): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Gryndel]

Rd 1

Magnus meets the dragon with the blade of his axe (11 dmg).

The blue wyrmling breathes lightning, hitting both Magnus and Riley.

Rd 2
Riley yelps from the dragon breath. He moves into the cavern to the right, then casts Blindness on the dragon (fail).

Dex save DC 12 = 1/2 (adv Magnum)
Lightning [roll0]
Recharge (5-6) [roll1]
Riley dex save [roll2]

Initiative
Riley 20
Magnus 16
Dragon 6

Wounds
Dragon 23 (blind)
Riley 11

[Grodech]

Dex save DC12 [roll0]
Adv roll [roll1]

[Grodech]

11 HP damage from the lightning noted in the sheet.

Assuming nothing deters him from it before his next turn, Magnus will attack with his axe again:
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Grodech]

If I'm understanding the rules of a critical hit, he gets another d12 damage, but not his strength again. Does the +1 from the axe also apply to the 2nd roll?

[roll0]

[Gryndel]

Rd 2
With a mighty swing of his axe, Magnus chops deeply into the dragon (26 dmg).

The blue wyrmling roars in pain and anger, then breathes lightning again. This time it hits only Magnus, who's right in front of it.

Dex save DC 12 = 1/2 (adv Magnus)
Lightning [roll0]
Recharge (5-6) [roll1]

Rd 3
Riley casts Healing Word on Magnus (heal 7), then casts Mind Sliver on the dragon (7 dmg) again.

Initiative
Riley 20
Magnus 16
Dragon 6

Wounds
Dragon 56 (blind, -1d4 next save)
Riley 11
Magnus 4

[Grodech]

Magnus Dex (DC12): [roll0]
Magnus attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

Edit: forgot the dex advantage roll, but it doesn't seem to have mattered. That's what? 12 damage?

[Gryndel]

Rd 3
Magnus dodges the brunt of the lightning (11 dmg) and slashes into the dragon (10 dmg) with his axe.

It bites at Magnus but misses, still blinded by Riley's magic.

Another blue wyrmling (D2) roars as it flies by 20' above the ground, from left of Magnus, past Riley, and starts to turn. At the right moment in the flight path it breathes lightning on both. Riley groans as he takes full damage (22).

22/11 lightning dmg
Dex save DC 12 = 1/2 (adv Magnus)

It's 30' away at the end of it's turn.

Magnus unleashes Hellish Rebuke, burning the dragon (8 fire dmg), but not badly.

The echoing roar of another dragon (D3) can be heard in the distance.

Rd 4
Riley casts Healing Word (@ L3) on himself (heal 11), then casts Mind Sliver at the wounded dragon. It seems unaffected by the spell. He uses his magic boots to fly straight up.

Initiative
Riley 20
Magnus 16
Dragon2 11
Dragon1 6

Wounds
Dragon1 66 (blind)
Dragon2 8
Riley 22
Magnus 15 +11 or 22

[Grodech]

Magnus Dex save: [roll0]
Advantage dex save" [roll1]

Magnus casts Hellish Rebuke on the flying dragon (reaction).
Damage: [roll2]
DC 14 dex save for half.

He tries to finish off the blind dragon with his axe - who knew they'd be this tough out of the egg...
Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

[Gryndel]

Dragon2 dex vs Hellish Rebuke [roll0]

[Gryndel]

Attack rolls vs blinded = advantage.

Also, Greataxe does 1d12, you rolled 1d10.

[Grodech]

See http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=24285733&postcount=68

Looks like a hit. Damage was better with the d10 roll - lol

[Gryndel]

Rd 4
Magnus slashes at the dragon (D1) with his axe, cutting it down with a brutal swipe.

The echoing roar of other dragons can be heard in the distance.

Rd 5
Another wyrmling (D3) appears 60' away, but oddly there's a small humanoid creature riding on it's back. Battle noise and distance prevents understanding, but the small rider seems to be speaking. Distance, commotion, and an unusually shifting cloak obscures identity.

Riley casts Healing Word on himself (heal 10), moves further back and casts Blur.

Initiative
Dragonrider 20
Riley 20
Magnus 16
Dragon2 12
Dragon3 11

Wounds
Dragon1 DEAD
Dragon2 8
Riley 12 (Blur)
Magnus 26

[Gryndel]

D2 is 30' away and 20' up.

[Grodech]

Magnus shoots an Eldritch blast at D2, and backs up towards the tunnel that brought them here. "Riley!" he says "We may need to create a choke point."

Spell attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Gryndel]

Rd 5
Magnus sends a blast of Eldritch power at the nearest flying dragon, but his aim is way off. He backs up into the tunnel and speaks to Riley.

Riley replies, "Agreed, but lined up in a straight tunnel isn't the best defense against the breath weapon."

The dragon (D2) roars at the magic attack. It flies toward the tunnel (25') and breathes into it, the lightning hits Magnus and Riley (22 or 11). The gnome stumbles in an effort to dodge and takes the full force (22 dmg). The dragon continues it's flight, turning up sharply to fly above the tunnel entrance (35' up).

Dex DC 12 = 1/2, adv Magnus

Rd 6
The small rider turns his attention away from the dragon breathing into the tunnel, focusing on the area beyond Magnus' vision. A ball of flame erupts further into the cavern, momentarily lighting up the forms of three other flying wyrmlings, all suffer fire damage (32/16).

Magnus hears metallic whispers, unintelligible at first, and he starts to see dark red flashes of strange runes that shoot randomly across his vision. These intensify until the whispers clarify into a plea for freedom in return for power. The dark red runes stabilize into an archaic arcane sigils that pulses erratically before his eyes.

Arcana check DC 16

Riley casts Healing Word on himself (heal 8), then cast Vicious Mockery on the dragon, which has no affect. He moves further back out of range from the breath weapon.

"They can follow us in here, but only one at a time can get close. Seems that little dragonrider is on our side, somehow."

Initiative
Dragonrider 20
Riley 20
Magnus 16
Dragon2 12
Dragon3 11 (mount)
Dragon5 8

Wounds
Riley 26 (Blur)
Magnus 37
Dragon2 8
Dragon4 45 (flee)
Dragon5 16
Dragon6 32 (flee)

[Grodech]

Magnus round 6:

Dex: [roll0]
Adv: [roll1]

Arcana: [roll2]

"Only one at a time can get close, and it can't fly in here. I don't know how much more of this lightning I can take."

Magnus does his hexblade curse on the flying dragon, then shoots it with an eldritch blast.

Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

OOC: curse is effective in the ranged spell attack, correct? If so, add another 3 to the damage.

[Gryndel]

Rd 6
Magnus curses the dragon (D2) and blasts it with Eldritch power (4 dmg).

The dragon (D2) lands and roars, then bites at Magnus. The jaws clamp down hard on where it thinks his shoulder is, but the magic cloak intergers with the attack.

The other dragon (D5) flies closer (20' apart) to the mounted sibling and breathes lightning. The rider is scorched and sizzled (14 ltng dmg), but still alive.

Rd 7
The small rider focuses on the remaining dragon of the burned trio, the other two having fled up and out of sight. He casts a Chromatic Orb of Cold (57 dmg = DEAD), killing the wyrmling.

Riley casts Healing Word on himself (L2 heal 11), then casts Mind Sliver on the dragon. The magic has no affect on the dragon and he makes sure he's beyond breath range behind Magnus.

Initiative
Dragonrider 20
Riley 20
Magnus 16
Dragon2 12
Dragon3 11 (mount)

Wounds
Riley 15 (Blur)
Magnus 37
Dragon2 12

[Grodech]

With the dragon engaged in melee, Magnus rages and attacks with frenzy.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Frenzied attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

ooc: Not to put him in more immediate danger, but I think after that bite Magnus is down to 9 hp.

[Gryndel]

I forgot about the cloak. I rolled disadvantage and missed.

[Gryndel]

Rd 7
Magnus attacks with frenzied rage, slicing deeply into the shoulder of the dragon (18 dmg).

The dragon (D2) exhales another lightning attack, the only target in range being Magnus (11/5 ltng dmg, dex DC 12).

Rd 8
The small rider turns back toward the dragon fighting Magnus and casts Magic Missile at it (20 force dmg).

Riley casts Healing Word on Magnus (heal 7), then casts Mind Sliver on the dragon (5 psychic dmg).

Initiative
Dragonrider 20
Riley 20
Magnus 16
Dragon2 12
Dragon3 11 (mount)

Wounds
Riley 15 (Blur)
Magnus 30
Dragon2 55

[Grodech]

I forgot about the cloak. I rolled disadvantage and missed.

Quite frankly, so did I.

Magnus Round 8.
Dex: [roll0]
Adv: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Frenzy attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

[Grodech]

Accidentally rolled d20 on that last damage. Reroll: [/roll]1d12+11[/roll]

[Grodech]

*facepalm* Reroll: [roll0]

[Gryndel]

Rd 8
Magnus attacks, again with frenzied rage, cutting the baby dragon down.

Rd 9
After the last hatched dragon is dealt with, the dragonrider throws back his hood and directs his mount to approach Magnus. A halfling of plain appearance calls out, "I'm Dalryn Swiftwhistle, pleased to meet you, fellow dragon slayers."

He pats the dragon's neck and chuckles, "This one is charmed, for now. Two others fled, wounded. There are two more eggs unhatched."

Riley casts Healing Word on Magnus (heal 6) as he walks closer to his friend, "I'm Riley." He adds softly in gnomish, "He seems helpful, but I'm suspcious..." he seems to trail off into thought, rather than end the sentence, as he gazes around hungrily at the treasure hoard. He casts Detect Magic and starts digging through the nearest treasure.

Investigation [roll0]

Wounds
Riley 15 (Blur)
Magnus 29

[Grodech]

Magnus ends his rage, making him tired. (Exhaustion level 1). "I am Magnus Steelshanks." he responds to the halfling. "We should dispatch the rest, don't you think? How did you get down here?"

[Gryndel]

The halfling chuckles slightly, glancing at Riley digging through treasure. It seems his default mode of speech is fast and high pitched, "I intend to chase down the other two who fled, but I thought a little introduction would be helpful first."

He grins and motions deeper into the cavern with one arm, "The eggs looked damaged, not sure a wyrmling will hatch from either of the two remaining. But it's a good idea to check them out closely, just in case. I only had time for a quick glance."

Pulling the hood of his cloak back onto his head he adds, "As to how I got here, well," he pauses, only for a second, slight embarrassment showing on what can be seen of his face, "I'm not entirely certain, actually. I believe it was a mishap from a Teleport spell. As soon as I showed up this dragon hatched and came at me looking hungry, so I charmed it and joined the battle."

He mutters something in draconic to direct his mount up and away as he says, "I'll be back after I find those wyrmlings that fled."

Wounds
Riley 15 (Blur)
Magnus 29

[Grodech]

"You don't want help?" Magnus says to the halfling as he starts to fly away.

After he is out of earshot, Magnus says to Riley in gnomish "We'll have to keep an eye on him, to be sure. Nothing stopping him from coming back and trying to kill us when he's done with the other two." He begins to survey his surroundings "Anything good?" he asks.

Investigation, if necessary: [roll0]

[Gryndel]

Dalryn looks back and replies, "Impossible for you to follow me right now. I'll be fine. Besides, I need to get rid of this one too."

He pats the dragon again and flies out of sight.

Meanwhile Riley has located some magic items and is sorting through caches for gems, jewels, platinum and gold. He grins at Magnus, "Oh plenty of goodies, dragon hoards rarely dissapoint."

He holds up a very well made and old styled lyre, "For example, this is powerful magic, and might even be one of the famed Instruments of the Bards."

He sets it down and continues to sort through treasure, "If Dalryn wanted us dead he could've easily helped the last dragon kill us. No, I think something else is going on with him, just not sure what yet."

As Magnus starts searching, he hears the metallic whispers again, but they're unintelligible and confusing. He sees an occasional dark red flash of strange runes, which seem sporadic until he gazes at what turns out to be the middle of the cavern.

Beyond his magically enhanced vision, far off in the dark, he sees a dark red rune pulsing, slowly turning and spinning. It's the same symbol that was on the large double doors, but seems three dimensional.

Wounds
Riley 15
Magnus 29

[Grodech]

Magnus pulls his haversack off his back and kind of absently says "We can't carry it all. Cram the most valuable stuff in here." He's staring at the spot and adds "I want to have a look over there."

Once on the move, he kind of keeps his attention on the spot, but stops here and there to pick up any large gems he spots, or anything Riley points out that's magical.

[Gryndel]

On his way Magnus notices the corner of a tome and picks up a few gems. As he approaches the center of the cavern the glowing rune grows clearer and brighter. When he gets within 60' he can see the details around the area except for a 10' sphere of darkness floating 40' above the ground. The glowing rune flashes brightly around the surface of the sphere then vanishes.

The whispers continue, more urgent now, but still unintelligible. One word emerges repeatedly, albeit sporadically: Stormbringer.

Wounds
Riley 15
Magnus 29

[Grodech]

OOC: Is Riley with Magnus, or still back in same place he was? If he's with Magnus, did he put all the stuff he'd found into Magnus' haversack? So the area in question has nothing in it, just the sphere of darkness 40 feet in the air?

[Gryndel]

Riley will stay with Magnus.

Yes, he's been stuffing things in the haversack.

There's treasure everywhere, but less under the sphere.

[Grodech]

"What do you make of it?" Magnus asks Riley. He will wait for Riley's assessment, then ask "Can I borrow your boots?"

[Gryndel]

"Weird," Riley shrugs, "and all sorts of powerful magic. But I can't make any sense of it.

As to the boots, you'd have to spend time with them to get them to work. If you want to rest for a bit, you could do that."

Need attunement, which takes an hour. Can be done during short rest.

Wounds
Riley 15
Magnus 29

[Grodech]

"Well, unless you've found something else that will get me up there, I don't see how we have much of a choice."

Magnus looks around to see if there's anything of the halfling, then finds a place to sit down. Assuming Riley hands over the boots, he takes his own off and puts them on, then leans back on the coins and watches the sphere of darkness. Occasionally he looks at the items in his haversack, including the tome he had grabbed on the way over to the sphere.

[Gryndel]

Picking up the lyre, Riley says, "Well, if this is what I think, I can cast levitate and fly, among other spells."

He sits near Magnus and starts a ritual Identify.

Actually he can do this repeatedly, each takes 11 minutes, so decide what to do after the lyre. Sometime during your short rest Dalryn will return.

Wounds
Riley 15
Magnus 29

[Grodech]

"Levitate should get things started, I suppose." While Riley does his identify on the lyre, Magnus looks at the cover of the tome he had found.

I will spend a HD on Magnus' short rest: [roll0]

[Grodech]

And another: [roll0]

[Grodech]

It seems I did that wrong - I should have rolled d12s instead.
[roll]2d12+8[roll]

[Grodech]

OMG

[roll0]

[Gryndel]

As Magnus starts checking out the book he realizes quickly that it's a magic Tome of Leadership and Influence.

He can start reading the book diring the short rest, if he wants to, counts as 1st hour
While you're resting and checking items, Dalryn appears suddenly. He bears signs of being hit by lightning, but not badly damaged.

"Well, none of those wyrmlings will mature to terrorize anyone. Find anything interesting?

https://media-waterdeep.cursecdn.com/avatars/thumbnails/10/629/150/150/636344371217342714.png

[Grodech]

OOC: He will. Why not, right?

IC:
"We found a few things." Magnus says, closing the book "A good book to read." he holds it up, then stuffs it in his pack before the halfling can get a good look at it. "Lots of loot laying around. I'm sure you can find almost anything in here." he waves his arm around, indicating the cave. Then he points to the black sphere and says "Then there's that. Riley's going to give me a boost and I'm going to check it out."

[Gryndel]

Dalryn shrugs and smiles, "I could cast Fly on you right now, if you want. I can also help with identifying magic, if desired. I don't really want much here, though I'll take some of the money if that's ok with you. Of course, if something interesting to me is found here I might change my mind."

After short rest...
Wounds
Riley 1
Magnus 4
Dalryn 3

[Grodech]

"Fly would be fine." Magnus says, getting up. He'd rather waste the halfling's spells than Riley's. Was Riley able to identify anything already? I'm not sure what all they found and stuffed in the pack yet.

[Gryndel]

Daryn casts Fly on Magnus, then begins gathering treasure.

Riley stops what he's doing and watches closely.

As his feet leave the ground and he begins moving toward the black sphere. Magnus hears the mettalic whispers urying him on. Expecting to lose his vision once inside the sphere he finds instead that he can see well enough inside, the sppace lit by dark red glowing runes embedded in the black metal of a large sword. It floats on the middle of the sphere.

Wounds
Riley 1
Magnus 4
Dalryn 3

[Grodech]

Magnus' heart jumps a little at the sight of the sword, as if some promise to him was being fulfilled. He moves closer to the sword, and reaches out to grab it.

[Gryndel]

Daryn watches, but neither says or does anything.

As soon as Magnus touches the sword a rush of arcane energy, and something far more powerful, nearly tender him unconscious. A cacophony of voices flood his mind, slowly becoming one, "I hunger, master, for souls. It's been far too long..."

Roll:
Cha save
Persuasion check.
1d20+ your character level

Wounds
Riley 1
Magnus 4
Dalryn 3

[Grodech]

CHA save: [roll0]
Persuasion: [roll1]
d20+level: [roll2]
(I read that as three separate rolls, let me know if that's not the case.)

(Oh, and Joldag's input is needed in G2.)

[Gryndel]

The sword overwhelms Magnus' will and forces him to attack one of your companions. Magnus gets to choose which.

Initiative
Dalryn [roll0]
Riley +3 adv [roll1]

Since he's not attuned to it yet, he only gets the following:

+3 Vorpal Greatsword
Damage 1d20
Crit 18-20
Each hit heals 1/2 Dmg (Rd down) OR temp HP if max

Killing blow absorbs life force (or animating magic, etc) irrevocably, wielder gains (until after long rest)
1/2 victim CR (Rd down) in Levels (your choice for multiclass, can be mixed)
1/2 victim full HP (Rd down) to current & max HP

[Grodech]

Magnus flies back down and attacks the halfling wizard - his ingrained trust of the deep gnome the only thing that keeps it from going the other way.

Initiative: [roll0]

[Grodech]

The overwhelming will of the sword forces Magnus into a rage. He attacks the halfing, abandoning all reason.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Frenzied attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Grodech]

Frenzied attack is a crit. I forget - do I need to roll a second attack roll to confirm?

Attack roll, if necessary: [roll0]
Additional damage: [roll1]

[Grodech]

Just read the vorpal sword text in the resources - looks like the halfling is missing his head...

[Gryndel]

No need to roll to confirm a crit.

So the 2 hits heal Magnus and give him 30 temp HP.

The killing blow adds 3 levels, and 36 more HP to current and max. Let me know if you have issues adding any of that.

Wow, chopped his head off, nice!

I'll let you know what all you find on him, which includes a skull cap type helm that rolls off his decapitated head.

Also, once you take a long rest both characters gain a level.