Iron Crisis Part 2 (IC)

[Amnestic]

It looks like, for a moment, Daveorn might ignore Zu's strikes - though they clearly cut deep, he seems more focused on dealing with Sam, but when Vala runs in she grabs hold of a barrel on her way past and launches it at the vampire past Sam. It misses, flying completely wide and into the incinerating light of the moonbeam, but it distracts the vampire enough that Vala gets a chance to break the grip and allow Sam to move freely once more. His hold shattered, he turns towards the source of his pain, swinging an arm at Zu, but the agile dancer twists the blow and sends it into the wall, shattering the stone in a shower of shards.

Spoiler: Map

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Zu hits twice, for 27 total.
Vala uses her turn to break the grapple on Sam, and then throw a barrel at Daveorn, which misses.
Daveorn uses his legendary action to try to punch Zu, which also misses. Just terrible rolls, really.

Senna's boots manage to roll the 50/50 to NOT show up in the moonbeam, saving her from damage! Good job boots.

Initiative order:
Vala [22]
Zu [22]
Daveorn Legendary Action(s)
Senna [13] <- We are Here
Caelyn [12]
Sam [11]
Grepha [11]
Daveorn Legendary Action(s)

Eldoth [10]
Daveorn [7]

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 32/48 | AC: 13 HP: 17/17 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 Bardic Inspiration (Zu) | Blinded (Permanent), Armor of Agathys (5/5 thp) Zu HP: 63/63, Hero 3/3, Second Wind 1/1, Action Surge 0/1 After being pulled free, Sam moves with Vala's tug and rolls out of the doorway into the room behind her, to get out of her way. "Thanks Val!" he calls out, focusing on Daevorn again and sending another mental lash his way. Unable to see, Grepha covers herself in an icy layer of armor and flies forward to where she remembers Daevorn being, flapping in the upper doorway with a hand on the frame to keep a frame of reference. Spoiler: Actions Show Sam Disengage. Move 2 E. Bonus Action to cast Mind Thrust again. (1d20)[18] Int save vs 14 to halve (3d6)[11] psychic damage and resist the stagger effect Move 1 SE and crouch behind the bed. Grepha Cast Armor of Agathys. Move into the doorway, and 1 Up, to leave room for someone beneath her.

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 41/47 PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: Windwall (10 rounds) 2 / 6 d8 HD Spell Slots- 2/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 0/3 3rd Caelyn moves into the crowded bedroom with Sam and Vala. Looking at the device in the sanctum, Caelyn realized that if they defeated the vampire he would pull his disappearing act all over again by turning into mist and entering the urn. The moonbeam, already looking hazardous to Senna, is replaced by a room full of contained hurricane force wind, strong enough to hopefully lock the vampire out of it's escape. "Kill it quick! While the wind keeps it from fleeing!"

Spoiler: OOC

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The wall appears under the vampire, so it takes (3d8)[16] bludgeoning damage. Purple lines represent the wall. I will loop it back on itself to avoid hitting Senna. Sorry if you get teleported into it, Sis.

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 22 HP: 24/44 PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17 Conditions: Aid (6,5ish hours) Concentration: Guardian of Faith (1/10) Ceasing concentration on the defensive, Senna starts her offensive. By the flickering lights of Candlekeep, purge this monstrosity! she says as holy sigils flitter around her enveloping the area in pleasant light for anyone but the vampire. The undead is burned and charred. Spoiler Show Spiritual Guardians Wis Save 13 plus mods vs. DC 14. 12 radiant damage (or halved if saved)

[Amnestic]

The spells layer themselves one on top of another, but the vampiric spellcaster continues to resist. When the wind pushes down on him, he stands tall. When the holy sigils appear, he hisses but the searing is minor, his skin only receiving minor pockmarks. When the psychic blast strikes his mind, he lets only the most minor of grunts, and the mental assault falters its grip on his movement. But he's boxed in, with holy light at his back and enemies in the front - a situation he does not seem to care for.

He moves forward, one hand reaching out to grab at Vala as it slams into her shoulder. He pulls her into a rough embrace before sinking his fangs into her exposed neck. With his spare hand, another sigil appears, this one encompassing both him and members of your party. When he pulls back from his bite, blood seeps from the open wounds and Daveorn's eyes are wide with hunger and pleasure.

Spoiler: Map

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Dave turned his rolls around this time.

He makes his save vs. Mind Thrust, taking half damage and not limiting his actions.
He makes his save vs. Wind Wall, taking half damage.
He makes his save vs. Spirit Guardians (barely), taking half damage.

He uses one LA to move into Vala and hits once.
He then uses his bonus action to make another sigil (DC16), on the map.

Vala is grappled (DC18 to escape) and bitten, takes takes a total of 16 damage, 10 of which are necrotic. Her maximum hit points are also reduced by the necrotic amount, temporarily.

He's bloodied, and also not regenerating due to radiant damage.

Initiative order:
Vala [22] <- We are Here
Zu [22]
Daveorn Legendary Action(s)
Senna [13]
Caelyn [12]
Sam [11]
Grepha [11]
Daveorn Legendary Action(s)

Eldoth [10]
Daveorn [7]

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 32/48 | AC: 13 HP: 17/17 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 -- | Blinded (Permanent), Armor of Agathys (5/5 thp) Zu HP: 63/63, Hero 3/3, Second Wind 1/1, Action Surge 0/1 With the vampire focused on another, Zu twirls his blade to rake it across the undead monster's exposed back. Spoiler: Actions Show Zu The Big Flurry (1d20+8)[13] Slash 1 +4 from Bardic Inspiration (2d4+6)[9] damage +4 fire damage (1d20+8)[28] Slash 2 (2d4+6)[8] damage +(1d4)[4] fire damage +6 and 3 critical damage (1d20+8)[11] Bonus Slash (1d4+6)[9] damage +(1d4)[2] fire damage

[Amnestic]

On Zu's first swipe, Daveorn uses his spare hand to create a shimmering shield of magical energy that deflects the blow, sending it spinning off to one side, but he swivels and strikes again with such ferocity that it shatters through the defense and cleaves at his arm, which leaves him open for a vicious strike through the side from Vala, who seems to believe that stabbing her opponent is worth more than breaking his grip. She might be right. Injured, he goes to bite Vala a second time and drain more of her delicious blood, but she's ready this time and backhands him across the face with her shield before he can clamp down on her nape again.

Spoiler: Map

Show

Zu hits on the crit, but his other potential hit is blocked by a Shield.
Vala misses once, crits for 10
Dave crit-misses his attempted bite.

Teleport doesn't take Senna far.


Initiative order:
Vala [22]
Zu [22]
Daveorn Legendary Action(s)
Senna [13]<- We are Here
Caelyn [12]
Sam [11]
Grepha [11]
Daveorn Legendary Action(s)

Eldoth [10]
Daveorn [7]

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 22 HP: 24/44 PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17 Conditions: Aid (6,5ish hours), Spiritual Weapon (1/10) Concentration: Guardian of Faith (2/10) You will die, here and now and forever. Senna says as she traces a symbol in the air and then explodes in harmful light. Spoiler Show BA casting Spiritual Weapon hitting (or rather missing) for 12 to hit and 11 force damage Con Save vs Word of Radiance 12 (plus mods) or take 7 radiant damage Wis Save vs. Spiritual Guardians 12 (plus mods) or take 14 radiant damage

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 41/47 PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: Wind Wall (9 Rounds) 2 / 6 d8 HD Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 0/3 2nd, 0/3 3rd Caelee moved into the room, minding the runic circle, and unleashed her signature trio of heat rays from her staff at the vampire, sensing his weakness.

Spoiler: OOC

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Scorching ray- (1d20+7)[17] and (2d6)[5] damage. (1d20+7)[15] and (2d6)[3] damage. (1d20+7)[12] and (2d6)[7] damage.

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 32/48 | AC: 13 HP: 17/17 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 -- | Blinded (Permanent), Armor of Agathys (5/5 thp) Zu HP: 63/63, Hero 3/3, Second Wind 1/1, Action Surge 0/1 Like a blind bat or an angry cat, Grepha throws herself at the vampire, flailing at his face and eyes with every limb she can muster. If she can't hit him, she will annoy him as much as possible. Sam takes aim to fire, then hesitates a moment. Not out of unwillingness to fire, but because an idea occurred to him. Running north, he grabs a rug in a free hand and with the other fires a pair of energy bolts back at the vampire. I've got to go block off the doors so his mist form can't slip through, he telepathically communicates to Grepha, hoping the others can finish the fight. He's not a heavy hitter, so he figures they'll do fine. Spoiler: Actions Show Grepha Using Help action for Sam's first attack against Dave. Sam Move 4N. Item interaction along the way to grab one of the rugs in a free hand. Cast EB on Dave, knockback diagonally into the doorframe for that bump damage. (1d20+6)[24] Blast 1 (1d20+6)[22] Help Advantage (1d10)[1] damage +(1d4)[2] bump damage (1d20+6)[23] Blast 2 (1d10)[2] damage +(1d4)[3] bump damage Then move 2 more N onto the table.

[Amnestic]

Caelyn's scorching blasts sear against Daveorn's magical shield, but are held back from striking him, but they seem to weaken it enough that when Sam adds his own blasts to the fire it cracks through, striking him in the chest. If he still breathed, no doubt the wind would have been knocked out of him. He doesn't though. The shock and pain is enough, however, that when the divine runes continue to blaze at his back his form begins to fall apart. The vampire's skin sears, burns, and disintegrates as his physical form begins to turn to mist, robes and all. The mist struggles against Caelyn's windwall to reach his sanctuary, but he's unable to pass through, and in a moment your magic is enough to disperse the mist for good.

He leaves no corpse, or ash, or anything but air in his wake, but Daveorn dies - not with a scream of pain or defiant yell, but instead with a whiff of air as his magic disperses. Vala takes two deep breaths, making sure that there's nothing further, before slumping down to her knees, a hand going to her neck. Blood isn't flowing from the holes any further, though her skin and clothes are still stained with small rivulets of the crimson liquid. "That's it, right? No more fights today? Please?" She seems exhausted, though no doubt if pressed she could continue the fight. At the very least, there seems to be no further imminent threats.

With Daveorn's death, the last 'door' opens to the south, and beyond it you can see a shaft that looks suspiciously like the same size as the lift you came down, along with a mechanism that appears to be for 'calling' the lift - though it's locked, currently, a large empty keyhole off to one side.

Spoiler: OOC

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Combat concluded! Dave would have made it into his hole, but the windwall stopped it, and I just skipped to the magic finishing him off.

You've got an unconscious Eldoth (and a not-so-unconscious Skie) on your plate still, along with looking over the lowest floor.

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 32/48 | AC: 13 HP: 17/17 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 -- | Blinded (Permanent), Armor of Agathys (5/5 thp) Zu HP: 63/63, Hero 3/3, Second Wind 1/1, Action Surge 0/1 I don't think that will be an issue. It sounds as though it is done, Grepha communicates as Sam runs over the table. He skids to a stop, looks back, and tosses the rug off to the side. When he returns, the imp is standing on the ground still in a layer of ice armor, rubbing at her eyes. "The vampire put some kind of hex on me that stole my eyesight. It seems that killing him was not enough to dispel it," she complains, teeth in a frustrated snarl. "We'll have to figure it out, maybe at a temp- le..." Sam pauses and reconsiders how wise of an idea that would be. "Hm. Might be tougher than just that actually." Leaning down, he offers an arm. "Here." "I suppose I won't be flying anywhere without getting a concussion," Grepha concedes, climbing up to perch on Sam's falconry pauldron. She reaches into her bag (looted from the dead mage) and offers up the hastily folded files and documents she found in Eldoth's desk. "It seems the excitement is over, Vala. Now we, and by we I mean those of us with working eyes, have the joy of the paperwork to look forward to." Taking the pile of papers, Sam looks them over, finding his way over to the vampire's planning table for a place to look them over in peace.

[Amnestic]

Sam's persual of the notes shows vast quantities of iron being moved out of the mines at irregular times, but anywhere between two to five weeks between 'trips'. Each time, it seems, only one person transported it - Tazok, the elusive leader of the mercenaries who as yet has not been seen. Just how a singular individual was able to transport such quantities of materials isn't specified in Eldoth's notes, as they're somewhat haphazard beyond the numbers and dates. However, a quick mental tallying shows that in total it's sufficient iron (both raw and processed) to likely outfit an entire army, with more left over for a militia. Hundreds of blades, thousands of arrowheads, and more besides.

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 41/47 PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 2 / 6 d8 HD Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 0/3 2nd, 0/3 3rd Caelyn let Sam and Grepha handle the logistics of the desk, instead heading over to Vala. "Are you all right? I'm not sure what happens when one of those things bites you, but it cannot be good." She then puts the toe of her boot to the unconscious Eldoth. "And what do we mean to do with him?"

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 32/48 | AC: 13 HP: 17/17 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 -- | Blinded (Permanent), Armor of Agathys (5/5 thp) Zu HP: 63/63, Hero 3/3, Second Wind 1/1, Action Surge 0/1 Sitting at the table, hunched over the documents, Sam looks inconsolably bored. It's not that he's bad at the mathematics and logistics, but knowing how it works doesn't make it any less dull. "Ugh. It looks like all the iron goes through Tazok, and it's a ton. Like, they're raising an army or something." He gathers up the map and other markers that Daevorn and Eldoth were looking at before they arrived and Sam kicked them all over the floor running over the table, and sets it back on the table. "Bring me whatever's in all the other desks and crap too if nobody's gonna help," he calls out to the others, in exaggerated despair. "I suppose I can help feel around for hidden compartments, if someone takes me along," the blind imp offers.

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 22 HP: 24/44 PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17 Conditions: Aid (6 hours) Concentration: - Ceasing concentration on the flittering sigils and symbols and rushes to Eldoth's aid. Bandaging and stabilizing the man, she asks Vala to bind him. Second, she rushes to Sam's aid. As it becomes clear Grepha was the one afflicted and not Sam, Senna pauses her worry for a second, but then tries to cover her hesistation. Blindness is never permanent when you have a cleric in your group, tiny devil. She smiles and draws her dagger. Though it would be equally as efficient simply destroying your form and resummoning you. She sheathes her dagger as she can almost taste Sam's disdain for the solution. Relax, Grepha. Not every minute of your existence needs to be efficient and worthwhile. We are no devils. We will not dispose of you for not being useful. Oh Samuel Holly-Tree, world reknown detective. May I be your Miss Maple? She does a sarcastic curtsy and starts looking for documents. I suppose we are again looking for letters? But a live hos....witness might convince the dukes more. Eldoth and Skie would be a great duo convincing the lords of our deeds and the Iron Throne's intentions. After looking a few moments for letters, she looks for Skie. Now where's that harlot.

[Amnestic]

"I've definitely been better, but it doesn't feel like I'm getting worse." Vala nods in gratitude to Caelyn. "I'll...take a breather, I think. Sorry." She flushes a little at not being able to help more, but it does seem like she'd struggle to stand. "Fear not, fair Vala," Zu chimes in with excessive 'charm' that borders between sincere and teasing - mostly the latter. "I shall wrap this man in ropes and then search enough for the both of us." She seems too tired to give a proper response beyond a lazy eyeroll, but it seems doubtful the tiefling swordsman would have been deterred regardless of what she said.

Having sheathed his weapon, Zu ties up Eldoth in a series of expertly tied knots that end up looking more than a little suggestive by the time he's done with everything. It seems exceedingly unlikely he would be able to wriggle free of such bonds however. Eldoth is stable and breathing quietly, his injuries non-life threatening. He is, however, still unconscious, and the battle seems to have done little to draw Skie's attention - not surprising since she was apparently ignorant of the fights going on around her room, nevermind a floor above or below. No doubt the man could be revived easily enough, though chances are he would awaken after a few hours all on his own.

Once the rope-play has concluded, Zu proceeds to ignore the books, papers, and anything else that seems to require reading and instead aims for treasure, leaving documentation to the others.

The map that Daveorn and Eldoth were looking at appears to be one of the Sword Coast, specifically localised towards Baldur's Gate, the Cloakwood, and stretching down to just beyond Nashkel. There are few markings on it, but what there are indicates that they too have run afoul of the Shadow Druids, with markers towards what they believe to be the Druid's grove.

Senna's search finds a half dozen wrapped scrolls of paper - 3 are letters, while the other 3 appear to have magical inscriptions upon them, and will need further investigation. The books that line Daveorn's shelves appear to be utter banal and mundane. Dry titles like "History of Estagund", "History of Shadowdale XI" (no mention where the other 10+ volumes may be), and "Elminster's Ecologies: Appendix IIIa" are the sort that seem to populate his shelves. The most notable book is "A Philosophical Treatise on the Nature of Lichdom", but only as a curiosity. Daveorn certainly didn't bear any of the markings of being a lich in nature. The books appear to be well read, at least - there's no layers dust piled atop the thick leather bindings.

The letters recovered read as follows:-

Spoiler: Letter 1

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Davaeorn,
I have received your request for extra slaves. They will be sent as soon as possible. Events go well in Baldur's Gate. We have purchased one of the western noble estates to use as our base of operations. An ancient building, likely constructed before the erection of the second wall. It should be defensible against any who would thieve from it.

Rieltar,
Alturiak, 1365.

Spoiler: Letter 2

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Daveorn,
Our plans go smoothly. Sarevok has arrived from our headquarters in Ordulin. He brings news from our superiors, they are pleased with our progress so far. I plan to place Sarevok as the commander of our mercenary forces in this region. He has already sent his subordinate, Tazok, to the Wood of Sharp Teeth to take command of the forces located there. Things go apace here in Baldur's Gate. We have placed our first agent among the ranks of the Seven Suns trading coster.

Rieltar
Flamerule, 1368.

Spoiler: Letter 3

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Daveorn,
As you have probably heard, the iron poison has begun to take effect around the coast. With the majority of iron imports being disrupted by Tazok, almost all of it comes from the tainted source in Nashkel. The Sythillisian uprising in Amn has ensured no forces from that nation will be able to take action against our mercenary forces. However, the Flaming Fist has caught several of the Blacktalon mercenaries. All those captured have claimed allegiance with the Zhentarim and have thus shifted any suspicion away from the Iron Throne. I have sent Tazok to work with the mercenaries in transporting the iron from your base in the Cloakwood. He has brought several bags of holding so that he, alone, will make trips into Cloakwood, thereby lessening the chance that Flaming Fist trackers find your stronghold.

Rieltar.
Tarsakh, 1369.

Tarsakh, 1369 was only three or four months ago, marking this letter as incredibly recent, while also indicating these plans have been ongoing for at least four years, likely longer still.

Zu flitters in and and out of the 'central' room as he moves between areas searching for treasure that's worthwhile. After ten minutes or so he returns with a wand (likely magic), a luxurious cloak embossed with the symbol of a crescent moon, and two large keys - one of which likely fits the lift mechanism you saw, and the other of which appears to be for the river plug that you observed on the first floor you passed through. He doesn't comment on any of these, however, instead dropping them for your perusal before continuing on his 'warpath' of looting everything in sight. Laid back though he appears, he is clearly dedicated when it comes to rewarding himself.

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 22 HP: 24/44 PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17 Conditions: Aid (6 hours) Concentration: - While setting up to identify the items Zu brought them, Senna thinks aloud about the Iron Throne. We have gotten a few leads now. Tazok eludes us, but I hope this is enough evidence for the dukes of Baldur's Gate to at least start an investigation here. More likely if Skie cooperates. She puts up a candle. It is not necessary for the ritual, but it calms her a bit. I assume we should look for Rieltar, but I have an inkling that this Sarevok will be our next enemy in line. This sounds like a typical master-enforcer kind of deal. I pray Rieltar isn't yet another mage. I have had enough of those. she says as the sigils and circles drawn with chalk start to glow. Magical glyphs rise from the items Zu presented like a proud magpie, each one telling a tale about it, some more and some less precise.

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 32/48 | AC: 13 HP: 17/17 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 -- | Blinded (Permanent), Armor of Agathys (5/5 thp) Zu HP: 63/63, Hero 3/3, Second Wind 1/1, Action Surge 0/1 Grepha nonchalantly scratches her ear in response to Senna's macabre offer, while Sam just shoots his sister a tired look. "Sam could simply de-materialize my form and summon me again, without the need to stab me to death. But I'm sure a smart girl like you knew that," the imp snidely remarks. "Stoooop," Sam groans as he pulls over the next document, reading over it. "It's bad enough you're making me do the homework. No more banter today. Get something done or go take a nap," he huffs, folding over the second half of one of the letters and leaning onto his palm, cheeks puffed out. Spoiler: History Show Sam and Grepha roll History to see if they know Rieltar's name (1d20+5)[10] Sam (1d20+2)[20] Grepha After a while Sam gets bored and needs regular breaks, during which he combs through the various desks for hidden compartments, at Grepha's suggestion, the imp helping use her tiny claws to feel for the gaps of fake boards. Spoiler: Investigation Show Sam investigating, Grepha Helping. Armor room: (1d20+5)[24] (1d20+5)[22] Far left room: (1d20+5)[12] (1d20+5)[6] Pillar room: (1d20+5)[16] (1d20+5)[11] Map room: (1d20+5)[6] (1d20+5)[23] Eldoth room: (1d20+5)[22] (1d20+5)[24] By the end of the investigation, Sam sets Grepha down on the desk and flops onto Eldoth's bed for a nap, too mentally drained to go talk to Skie right now. Changing into a raven, Grepha hops to the floor and follows the sound of chanting over to Senna's ritual site. "Out of curiosity, what do the enchanted suits of armor do?" the imp inquires.

[Amnestic]

"You seemed to take care of them well enough." Zu remarks offhandedly as he continues his loot and plunder. The weave's workings unravel before Senna, as her identifying ritual reveals the truth behind the items procured.

Spoiler: Items Identified

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3 Scrolls:
Hold Person, Knock, and See Invisibility.

Wand:
Wand of Fear. Casts Fear (DC15), holds 3 charges, does not regenerate charges.

Cloak:
Cloak of Atonement
Wondrous Item (Cloak), Uncommon (Requires attunement)
Embossed with the mark of a silvered crescent moon. As a bonus action on your turn you can choose to reduce your current and maximum hit points by an amount equal to one roll of your hit dice. When you do so, roll on the table below. You gain the effects of that spell. If the spell normally requires concentration, it doesn't, and instead lasts for 1 minute, regardless of its usual duration. The hit point reduction is removed on completion of a long rest.
d8 Atonement Spell
1 Shield of Faith
2 Bless
3 Aid
4 Death Ward
5 Resistance
6 Enhance Ability (Wisdom)
7 Sanctuary
8 Protection from Evil and Good

It's not a short task identifying them all, and takes Senna the better part of an hour to do, during which Zu continues his investigations, and Vala continues to sit quiet, occasionally washing her wounds would a (now-bloody) cloth. At the very least this dismal place is somewhat more comfortable than the first floor, though Scritch and Grinder are still tied to a hot anvil on the floor above, and Skie is still alone.

Sam finds nothing of note in the armour room, and by the time he reaches the rooms other than Eldoth's, Zu has already ransacked them of anything valuable (which he has contributed to the 'mutual' pile) - leaving a destructive trail in his wake as he did so. Drawers wrenched from their desks, chairs overturned, books all toppled from their shelves and left splayed out on the ground. He is not, however, completely thorough, and you do find a hidden compartment in Eldoth's room that was missed, containing a secret stash of coin. Once counted up, it totals 622 gold pieces in all.

The name Rieltar rings no specific bells to Sam, and Grepha's knowledge isn't much more expansive: Rieltar Anchev is the leader of the Iron Throne branch in Baldur's Gate. Beyond that, he's a mystery, working to keep his name out of people's mouths and apparently being quite competent at it.

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 41/47 PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 2 / 6 d8 HD Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 0/3 2nd, 0/3 3rd Caelyn approaches Grepha and runs a finger down her spine. "If I had the spell power available I would cure your blindness, Grepha. I'm sorry that you have to wait for Senna or me to see again." Caelyn doesn't linger on the apology, instead heading onward to speak with her family. "It would seem to me that we should finally take the initiative and head for Baldur's Gate. This Rieltar, if he still resides in the noble's estate, seems to be a good target for our hunt."

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 32/48 | AC: 13 HP: 17/17 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 -- | Blinded (Permanent), Armor of Agathys (5/5 thp) Zu HP: 63/63, Hero 3/3, Second Wind 1/1, Action Surge 0/1 'Looking' up in Caelyn's direction, Grepha nods. "A cure will come in time, I am sure. Lamentable that I will be of little help as a scout... unless Samuel can still see through these eyes. Care to give it a try?" she calls back towards Eldoth's room. Though he doesn't reply right away, still dozing, Sam does attempt to use the Familiar connection to see through Grepha's eyes. "In any case, I agree. Rieltar is a name I recognize... vaguely. The leader of the Iron Throne branch in Baldur's Gate. For a businessman, he prefers to keep his name from brushing too many ears. These letters are a rare thing and we must guard them jealously," the imp weighs in. "Before we go however, we have a few small matters to deal with. Senna, why don't you go with Sam and speak to Skie?" The cleric and harlot hardly get along, but hopefully her brother can play peacemaker. "I think I can help Caelyn question her dashing scoundrel. What do you say to putting the metaphorical, or perhaps literal, coals to his feet?"

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 41/47 PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 2 / 6 d8 HD Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 0/3 2nd, 0/3 3rd Caelyn lifted her head just enough for Grepha to see her eyes. Or she would, if Grepha could see. Doing her best to sound impassive, cool, and collected, the druid responds "I am willing to do what must be done to acquire useful information." She extends an arm, tapping Grepha and motioning for the devil to climb up her arm.

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 22 HP: 24/44 PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17 Conditions: Aid (5 hours) Concentration: - The priestess agrees to Grepha's idea with a tired nod. I think I have accepted that she really is that thick. Makes for an horrible infiltrator, but going into danger like this for naught but adventure still shows a certain kind of bravery. And she might be our ticket to have an audience with a duke of Baldur's Gate. I am not established clergy so I can get him to see us on our own, but I would like to visit the House of Wonders once we are in the Gate. Maybe for something useful, maybe just for further spiritual guidance. Senna pauses and notices Sam's questioning face. Of course they will not be told our secret, and I pray the High Artificer has not enchanted the temple with abjurations against vile blood. In any case, Skie... As they approach the lovebird's retreat, Senna gently knocks and in a very unusually nice voice she asks. May we enter, Lady Skie? It is Sam and Senna. If no one answers she will enter regardless.

[Amnestic]

Above

There's a moment of silence when Senna knocks on the door, before it screeches open to reveal Skie - thankfully dressed this time - yawning, though she stops abruptly when she sees who it is, her eyes scanning past you for a figure that isn't there. "So did you win? Where's Eldoth? Why isn't he with you?" Panic begins to rise in her voice and cross her face.

Below

It's not long after Sam and Senna leave that some gentle (and not so gentle) prodding from Zu rouses the slumbering Eldoth from his stupor. A soft groan of pain comes from his parted lips as consciousness returns to the man, interrupted when he tries to move and finds himself bound and unable to. He struggles, for a moment, and finding himself unable to loosen the bonds finally looks about himself, his eyes cast over the figures - and no sign of Daveorn. "Ah, I take it I have you to thank for rescuing me from that dastardly vampire?" He coos smoothly. "Sorry about before, no choice in the matter, you see. Eldoth Kron, at your service."

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 32/48 | AC: 13 HP: 17/17 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 -- | Blinded (Permanent), Armor of Agathys (5/5 thp) Zu HP: 63/63, Hero 3/3, Second Wind 1/1, Action Surge 0/1 Above Groaning as he's dragged out of bed, Sam slinks upstairs alongside Senna to speak with their less than grateful rescuee. "There's that other dude too, you know, the spy," he whispers that last part, as they ascend the stairs. "He asked us to find evidence and we got it. I'm sure he'll get in touch once we're in the city." Hanging just behind Senna, Sam hold up a hand and tries to be reassuring when Skie starts to panic. "Easy there. Eldoth is alive, but when we went down there he attacked us instead of helping against the vampire. I don't think he was being honest with you, Lady Skie." Spoiler: Rolls Show (1d20+4)[14] Persuasion (1d20+4)[8] Adv if Senna gives Help Below Hopping up onto Caelyn's arm, Grepha rides along. When their prisoner starts talking, she scoffs and rolls her eyes. "I do not envy those who have to see the slimy used cart salesman look on your face. I can hear it in your voice." A sly thought worms its way into her mind and she aims to deflect the true cause for their being here and paint him as their true target. She speaks back to him in the same condescending coo, "Entar Silvershield sent us to retrieve his daughter. But it looks like we've stumbled onto something far bigger than damsels in distress... so, can you make all this worth more to us than the price on your head?" Spoiler: Rolls Show (1d20+4)[8] Deception (1d20+4)[20] Adv if Caelyn (or Zu) grants Adv

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 22 HP: 24/44 PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17 Conditions: Aid (5 hours) Concentration: - Yea. he played you like a fiddle, Skie. But I do not know what his end plan was after betraying you. If he threatened to leak information he would have been killed here. And holding you hostage here would attract legions of Flaming Fist to search the area. So my only guess is double crossing the bandits by swearing allegiance to them, leaving to the Gate, tell your father, so he can send some people to solve the issue and be granted your hand, or something. Senna thinks aloud, hoping it helps a bit. No matter how hot a guy is, I doubt you want someone like that permanently. Spoiler Show I take the 8 for helping as an opportunity to ramble of conspiracy theories.

[Amnestic]

Above

Skie looks between Sam and Senna, back and forth as you speak, then shakes her head emphatically. "You...you don't know what you're talking about, Eldoth wouldn't ever do anything like that. He must have been controlled or something! Wizards can do that, right?" Despite her words, her tone is less one of outright denial, and there's a quiet doubt that has formed in the back of her eyes. "If he's okay then take me to him. I want to see him. Now."

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam | Grepha Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Warlock AC: 12 HP: 32/48 | AC: 13 HP: 17/17 PP: 10|13 PIv: 15|12 PIs: 11|13 -- | Blinded (Permanent), Armor of Agathys (5/5 thp) Zu HP: 63/63, Hero 3/3, Second Wind 1/1, Action Surge 0/1 Above With a sympathetic smile, Sam suggests, "Some of us are questioning him right now... Why don't you hang just out of sight, and see how he acts and what he says when he doesn't know you're there?" Turning, he takes a few steps away from the door. "They're just down on the lower level. I'm gonna check on the bandit prisoners and the freed slaves," leaving the rest of the situation below to the others, he enters the forge room to check on Scritch and... the other one. Grunch or something? Sam forgot already. "Enjoying the sauna?" he asks as he enters the hot room, heat and time doing little to improve the clinging stink of the dead ghouls, even after Vala cleaned up the bodies.

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 15 HP: 41/47 PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17 Conditions: Concentrating on: 2 / 6 d8 HD Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 0/3 2nd, 0/3 3rd BELOW Caelyn sneered at the man playing coy before her and showed her disapproval with the tip of her boot, kicking Eldoth enough to hurt, but not hard enough to knock him unconscious again. Or at least that was her attempt. Should he die, she could always say it was an accident. That would almost be the truth. Bearing Grepha like a falcon, Caelyn kneeled down to come face to face with Eldoth. "You're looking at this the wrong way. I want to kill you. But my allies, they think you might be useful. So unless you inspire some gratitude with generous information, I'm going to say you drew a hidden knife and I was forced to torch you. Your bounty may not be worth as much with only a charred corpse to turn in, but I don't do this for the money. I do it for the satisfaction of seeing people get what they deserve. So convince me you deserve better, or only the blind bird and I are leaving this room." Caelyn uses her staff to tilt Eldoth's head aside, exposing his neck.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Assisting Grepha's charisma rolls.