Out of the Abyss IC

[RandomWombat]

The Fungal Campsite

A self-assured smirk rests on Asha's face as she regards Faedryl during her proposal, her arms folded casually and confidently in front of her. "Strange that the irritating little girl is the first thing you want back. Is that why your mother is after you? Got sweet on a slave, started to think of them like people?" the younger priestess asks, probing at Faedryl personally.

"Now, assuming I was interested in your proposal. What exactly do you need from me, and what are my guarantees that I won't be left with a useless outpost full of corpses?"

Spoiler: Insight DC 11

Show

She seems genuinely interested in Faedryl's reasons.

The Outpost

"Someone who can change their appearance is not very useful as a slave. They are mostly a liability," the drow woman speaks from above Nilvae, keeping her heel where it is as a reminder, but not digging it in further. At least, not yet. "So your life's worth to me is very little, you must understand. But I think you want to live, even if you also like to play the hero. Most people do."

The high priestess of the outpost shifts her weight, leaning down closer, conspiratorially. A motion that causes no small amount of discomfort to her captive. "If you need a reason to trust me, it is this: most of this motley gang of escapees are of equally little value in the grand scheme of things. Save for one. Faedryl Melad. The drow woman. If you can isolate her for my agents to bring in, the rest of you can simply go. Not because I am kind, not because I am honorable, but because killing or capturing you all again is more costly than it is worth to me. Does that satisfy your doubts about my offer?"

Spoiler: Insight DC 14

Show

Her words are honest. There is little doubt she would kill or enslave them all given the opportunity, but with the depleted elfpower at her outpost it makes sense that she wouldn't want a prolonged conflict.

[Amnestic]

Faedryl Melad Drow Hexblade/Evoker AC: 17 HP: 22/22 PP: 12 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Sanity: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Eighth Day, Rest Completed Baited and hooked. It was a start. She laughs, genuinely. As if Nilvae was her type. "We wouldn't have escaped without her help. It's returning the favour. As for Mother-dearest..." She sighs. Was she going to really start calling out her history with the other prisoners listening in? "I doubt you'd hear me even when I tell you, but the drow...we're broken. For thousands of years we've fought and bled and accomplished...nothing. Nothing at all. I've read the histories, I've seen the results. Conquests against the surface fail, expansions throughout the Underdark fail, and not because our foes are smarter or stronger than us. They're not!" Certainly not smarter than her. "We waste generations of drow blood on internal fighting and backstabbing for power. Those underneath try to kill their superiors to take their place. Those above kill those below to keep their place. They say it's to keep us strong, that it weeds out the weak, but where did it get us?" Faedryl widens her arms. Someone got her talking, which was always a mistake. Her voice grows to a yell, not simply to be heard but because of the raw emotion that Asha has inadvertently pulled to the surface. It's almost jovial, but a mad sort of glee that borders on mockery, rejoicing in absurdity. "Nowhere! It got us nowhere! We are drow, blessed by Lolth, and what do we have to show for it? Thousands of years of 'strengthening' ourselves on each other's knives and we're still kept down by the surfacers." She stops, catches herself before she can go too far into insulting those around her. "Either our people are the problem, or our society is. And when I decided it was our society, my Mother..." Another pause. A deep breath. Shaky, but more from anger than nerves. "She didn't take it well." She lets her words settle in, ferment, before continuing. "The irony in complaining about drow backstabbing, even as I encourage you to do just that, is not lost on me. Think I'm a fool or hypocrite if you like. If you want an oath or promise that I won't betray you I can swear to that, for what it's worth. I'd like to avoid spilling more drow blood if possible, so I think there's two possible paths we take. First is that you somehow convince Ilvarra to leave the outpost to hunt us. With a prepared ambush we can take her down, leaving you in control as the next ranking Priestess. You covertly release the prisoner, who returns our effects, and we go our separate ways. Alternatively, you could pull as many forces from the outpost as you can to 'hunt' us in another direction. With the outpost emptied, we attack, keep those alive that we can and put down Ilvarra, then make our escape before you return." She'd spoken a lot, for such a short question, but by offering two possible paths she hopes to make it more likely that one gets chosen, not just because of options but also presenting multiple options makes them less likely to turn it down outright.

[Spore]

Nilvae Half-Elf Warlock AC: ?? HP: ??/23 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 San: 7 (-1) Conditions: fearful Concentration: - This is how she was still alive. The priestess did not need her per se, but she could be an asset to draw the others' attention towards a trap. She didn't make a last stand only to guide them into a trap, but she knew no one but Borthan there. Faedryl was probably not loosing a second of sleep on her, but Borthan would push to get her back, that she was sure of. In that regard, she was probably better of leading a drow warband towards Borthan rather than being held hostage in here, where the drow had a homefield advantage. Faedryl was a typical drow, but she struggled to be nice to Nilvae. The surface elf was empathic enough to understand how much of a struggle it must be to work against decades of indoctrination. She was really trying to convert, to get away from all of this. Her reasons were her own, but Nilvae thought her loyal. To betray a new friend like that. She felt the smooth carapace turning into a donkey again. She knew, it was two on one. Only if this vile betrayal includes my friend here. And my dog, if he is still alive. Nilvae is fighting back tears. This was almost too much for her.

[RandomWombat]

The Fungal Campsite

It seems at first that the other young drow woman is listening sincerely, considering Faedryl's speech. Then she slowly begins to chuckle, building up to mocking laughter. "Ah, that was an amusing speech, Melad. And a profound lack of understanding. If the Matron Mothers have failed, it is their weakness that caused it." The priestess turns away and waves her hand. "I doubt such a blind idealist could manage to assault our outpost from the outside. Try if you like."

A flash of purple light strikes one of the ropes on Faedryl's side of the bridge, near where Borthan tied them up. It frays and snaps with glowing violent cinders, the bridge tilting and quickly becoming uncrossable. Not impossible to repair again, but plenty of time for the priestess and her spiders to retreat back down the tunnel.

The Outpost

"Very well. The spider creature can go with you. The dog, however, perished during the events of your attempted escape," taking her foot off of Nilvae's leg, the drow priestess slashes the cocoon holding her arms and legs with a dagger and steps back. Nilvae is now able to remove the web hood blindfolding her, and see two other drow at the door. The priestess' lover, now clad in his proper equipment, and another drow guard.

The priestess walks out of the room and motions for Nilvae to follow. "We will let you down on the lift. A squad will follow some distance behind. Lure the Melad girl away, alone, and they will take care of the rest. Make up whatever story you need to."

[Amnestic]

Faedryl Melad Drow Hexblade/Evoker AC: 17 HP: 22/22 PP: 12 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Sanity: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Eighth Day, Rest Completed "That just proves my point!" She yells at Asha's retreating back in frustration. Gods preserve her sanity, her people tested it more than any non-drow did. Faedryl kicks at an errant rock in frustration, launching it into the waters with an almost inaudible plop. Of course even if they did take the outpost, killed the guards, rescued Nilvae and recovered their gear Faedryl doubts Asha would have any epiphany or change her mind. The drow could watch their cities overrun with a slave uprising from within and surfacers from without and the conclusion they'd inevitably draw from it is that they didn't stab each other in the back enough. And what was wrong with idealism? People should have ideals! Huffing, frustrated, she takes a deep breath to calm herself and let serenity return before returning to the group. "That could have gone better. Do we need more time to rest or shall we prepare to move?" The orc was the most tired of them all. This location wasn't comfortable, but it had food (of a sort) and fresh water, and it was defensible. Absent any better options she considers it the ideal place to remain until they're all recovered.

[Spore]

Nilvae Half-Elf Warlock AC: ?? HP: ??/23 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 San: 7 (-1) Conditions: fearful Concentration: - It does seem drow-like to put a dog down once he is not entertaining anymore. Nilvae scoffed as she stood up. She only had her rage to quell not to try and strangle her in impotent rage for killing her second best friend. Mr Spide followed her suit, as she guided her to stay behind. What delightful travel company. she adds, hiding a bit of her sarcasm though she was sure the drow saw through that. I would like my things back, thank you very much. At least enough to get by in the wilderness.

[RandomWombat]

The Fungal Campsite

A light laugh and a chipper voice greet Faedryl's frustration as she comes back to the group, commenting on yet another diplomatic disaster. "That's two strikes out. Third time's the charm though, eh?"

"They need to lower the lift for her," Topsy points out, nodding in the direction of the drow priestess in the process of leaving. "Unless you have some other idea to get us up there, we might want to get on her trail, and fast." The gnome points out, her arms folded.

Ront rolls his shoulders and speaks in rough surface common, "Good fight. Not sure, climb." His eyes still have tired bags under them, but he's moving with more vigor this 'morning.'

The Outpost

The spider crawls out behind her, chitinous legs clacking on the stone. The drow escort them through the guard post, where she sees the bridge to the rest of the outpost has been repaired using spider silk and sturdy boards from disassembled wooden furniture. She is brought to the lift, where Ilvara turns to face her.

More drow are gathered here, an elite warrior in dark armor, and a subordinate. There are also two quaggoth standing beside the lift, and four covered in rotten wounds covered in coagulated blood, standing in defiance of all logic. Zombies.

"We will lower the squad down. Then we will lower you and your pet. There is a trail of blood and gore leading to the other escapees. Follow it. The squad will be some distance behind you, waiting for you to isolate the Melad girl. Do you understand?" the priestess narrates out the plan, as the elite, his subordinate, and a pair of undead quaggoth climb aboard the lift and are lowered down.

[Amnestic]

Faedryl Melad Drow Hexblade/Evoker AC: 17 HP: 22/22 PP: 12 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Sanity: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Eighth Day, Rest Completed "Maybe, maybe not. Either way I can't stop trying." Can't. Won't. Shouldn't. Despite her frustrations she's resolute, and her will isn't shaken at all. Faedryl still fervently believes she's right, knows it in her very core. Even if the whole world told her she was wrong, she knew otherwise. Following Asha might be the right play, all things considered, but if they were baited they'd be clumped together and vulnerable. The opposite was true too, she supposed, and crossing the bridge would slow them all down to give Asha a small lead so it wasn't immediately obvious they were being followed, but she looks to the others to soft-poll their views on it.

[Spore]

Nilvae Half-Elf Warlock AC: 13 HP:8/23 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 San: 7 (-1) Conditions: fearful Concentration: - Nilvae felt more confident as the magic returned to her body. She could access Puck's dubious blessings, and it was weird the drow was not aware of that. Surely her commander informed her of the battle and capabilties of them. Maybe her blunder in trying to put elves to magical sleep was an advantage now as neither her slut boy nor the cleric herself saw her teleportation abilities. One thing remained though. If she fled the scene with magic, Mr Spide would be left there, and slaughtered no doubt. Sure. Simple as day. Or night? Whatever you folks say down here. May I use my fey blessings to communicate the plan to my pet more clearly? It says common tongue for you, it is just that the donkey can understand me too. she inquires.

[purepolarpanzer]

Borthan Zuek Half-Drow Ranger AC: 16 HP: 29/29 PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 14 Conditions: Concentrating on: Borthan sighs as his work with the bridge is destroyed, alongside Faedryl's attempt at diplomacy. He waited several moments before speaking. We have to beat them back to the outpost. If they know we're coming back it will be next to impossible to get Nilvae and our stuff. I'll get to work on the bridge. Borthan set to work immediately, putting his experience from the first patch job into the second one.

[RandomWombat]

The Fungal Campsite

Ront steps up to help Borthan pull the once-more broken bridge back up and tie it in place anew. "Agree," he says, gruffly. Nobody seems to voice much dissent in the matter, though Shuushar looks less eager than the rest to return to the shedding of blood. Buppido's thoughts are a mystery, staring idly at the walls without any real care to their chosen path.

"Blblissfully unaware bluh spider priestess may ble, blut mayble you will have bletter luck convincing blub rank and file," the fishman suggests optimistically, trying to boost Faedryl's spirits.

Her opinion on the matter already voiced, Topsy anxiously awaits the bridge to be finished, and the group begins filing across one or two at a time. It is a familiar path back through the cave tunnels, Asha out of view ahead of them.

The Outpost

"Speak with the creature if you must," waving her hand dismissively, the priestess waits while the lift is brought back up. Nilvae and Mr. Spide are loaded in next, along with a third quaggoth zombie. The thing looms over her, the stench of death pervading the lift as she's slowly lowered down perhaps another petty drow cruelty. For its part, the undead stares out into the cavern with blank eyes and rigid purpose.

The drow captain and the rest are awaiting her below, and Nilvae can make out more shapes approaching in the dark. For a moment, there is a glimmer of hope that it may be the others coming back for her. Then she sees it is none other than the younger drow priestess, flanked by a pair of spiders, one alive and the other an unnatural arthropoidal animated skeleton.

[Amnestic]

Faedryl Melad Drow Hexblade/Evoker AC: 17 HP: 22/22 PP: 12 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Sanity: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Eighth Day, Rest Completed "Unless you know of an extra tunnel I don't think getting ahead of them is viable - we've only a single path to the outpost, and Asha's on it already. Either we follow behind her, or we go through her." They didn't know just how much support Asha has - or had. Provoking a fight with only partial information wasn't recommended, but then they'd never know everything. She had to hold out some hope that Asha might have been swayed even a tad to her plan even if not her ideals.

[Spore]

Nilvae Half-Elf Warlock AC: 13 HP:8/23 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 San: 7 (-1) Conditions: fearful Concentration: - Nilvae uses her fey powers to incant the speak with animals spell. Thanks for the attempt, my friend. Your effort was not in vain. It seems we walk freely after all. I think however our friend Muttlery has died in a tragic misunderstanding. Nilvae bites her tongue in that moment trying not to accuse the vile witch behind her of murder. Our new quest is clear. We are to be free if we bring her the drow mage. You play not part in this plan, you are to return to Borthan when we meet the others. Listen to his commands, he ensures your safety. Any luck on controlling the transformation? Nilvae bubbles with joy being able to talk to her beloved animals yet again. She is then faced with the incoming drow party. She is struck by another panic attack, it runs coldly down her spine. Almost defensively, she shouts in Elven: Your master and I have an agreement. Do not attack! It is mixed with rage as she sees the Lolth-touched spiders that ate her dog. You ate him, didn't you. You can be glad you are protected by two of your god's servants and their guards, or else I would pop each pair of your eyes individually.

[purepolarpanzer]

Borthan Zuek Half-Drow Ranger AC: 16 HP: 29/29 PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 14 Conditions: Concentrating on: Borthan leads the way on the return, staying invisible and trying his best to catch up with the priestess and her spider pets.

Derendil Quaggoth Barbarian/Abjurer AC: 17 HP: 26/26 PP: 10 PIv: 12 PIs: 10 Conditions: Arcane Ward (8hp/8hp) Concentrating on: Derendil can't help but question the rationale for this mission, but he wasn't about to protest against recovering his spell book, or saving someone so shortly after he was saved.

[RandomWombat]

The Outpost Cavern

Spoiler: Spider Speech

Show

"The lack of communication in that cell was most irritating, indeed. The mere air so oppressive and vulgar." The large black spider visible shudders at the thought. Then gazes across the cavern at the other spider(s) returning. "Ah, and speaking of vulgar. The wench who devoured our Emergency Rations now approaches," Mr. Spide speaks venomously.

"No, the dimwit donkey remains beyond my capacity to command," the creature speaks softly, to avoid being overhead by its vile cousins.

"Mistress," the still-living lolth-touched spider corrects Nilvae spitefully. "No master holds sway over the goddess' children. Mayhap your fleabitten mongrel has masters." The two spiders, living and undead both, hiss and chitter gleefully, laughing at Mr. Spide's expense like a clique of mean girls.

Strolling past Nilvae, Asha and her spiders board the lift without paying them much mind. "I am well aware of the plan. You hid in the cavern and snuck past me as I returned," Asha instructs Nilvae, standing haughtily upon the lift with her pets on either flank as it begins to ascend once more.

Left with 'her' squad, Nilvae is motioned forward by the drow captain.

The Tunnels

The trip back is hampered by spiders webs placed along the ground, and stretched across the narrow tunnel. It seems the priestess anticipated she might be followed. It takes minimal effort to slash down the webs, but they are annoying and time consuming, and the web-coated ground sticks to their feet and boots most annoyingly.

Spoiler: Nilvae

Show

Unless she takes a different course of action, Nilvae can make her appearance to the group while they traverse the tunnels, with the drow squad out of sight behind her.

[Spore]

Nilvae Half-Elf Warlock AC: 13 HP:8/23 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 San: 7 (-1) Conditions: fearful Concentration: - Suddenly it comes back to Nilvae. Mr Spide was some sort of evil villain. The only thing he lacked was a monocle with a thousand eyeglasses. Still, it was company and help. After getting a few hundred feet between her and the outpost, she starts chiding the spider Muttley is...was not emergency food. He was a friend. Also did you TRY AND EAT ME?! I THOUGHT YOU WERE DOING A TRICK! ALONSIUS SPIDE! You are just a naughty boy. She falls silent for a moment, thinking. Advance from my position. Find the tiny mushroom, and signal him to use his magic. Then just think about it. As Mr Spide hurries, she "trips" and falls into the dirt. Spoiler Show Deception to fake fall (1d20+6)[24] Is the drow ambush further than 60 ft back so i cant Faerie Fire them?

[RandomWombat]

Spoiler: Spider Speech

Show

"The two are not mutually exclusive, sprite, not at all. Were I to perish, I would be quite offended should you allow my nutritious insides go to waste. Do mind the poison glands though." Mr. Spide makes a chittering noise that her magical translation registers as a deep, throaty chuckle. One sharp limb adjusts the spectral monocle only she can see; or perhaps just brushes something off of the spider's face. "I had hoped you would play dead, and they would remove you from the cell, where your magic could be of some use to us," he carries on, explaining his earlier plan.

As she comes up to a turn in the path, Nilvae fakes tripping and falling, causing the drow party behind her to slow down and stop as they catch up with her. "First day with the new legs?" the drow captain asks with a mocking sneer.

Mr. Spide skitters ahead, coming upon Borthan as he creeps forward ahead of the others - and sees Nilvae past the familiar black spider, fallen upon the ground and looking injured. The spider nearly bumps into him, but its keen senses detect him just before, hairs standing on end. It makes a hissing sound and crawls onto the wall, attempting to squeeze past one another.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Roll20 map updated with positions. If the party would like to adjust the placeholder marching order I threw up, just let me know.

[purepolarpanzer]

Borthan Zuek Half-Drow Ranger AC: 16 HP: 29/29 PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 14 Conditions: Concentrating on: Borthan spots Nilvae come into view and a sudden urge to run to her makes him pick up his pace a bit. But then it slows back down again. And then he is moving at a crawl, trying to muffle the sound of his footsteps. He turns to face Sarith and speaks low and slow in elvish, trying to cast his voice just far enough to be heard. Hold position at the coming pillar until I scout this out. It's a good chokepoint. Whether or not his directions are followed, Borthan advances as quietly as he can, keenly aware of any light that would reveal him to normal vision. He squeezes into the small crevice on his left where the pillar makes it a tight fit. Then he speaks up, again trying to keep his voice low and quiet as possible. This time he is speaking in common. Nilvae. Come on. Keep to your left. Assuming Nilvae followed that command, Borthan would squeeze through and attempt to get behind Nilvae to scout the tunnel ahead. And hell, if everyone just started doing what Borthan said, wouldn't the world work so much better? He couldn't swallow a grim chuckle, but he did mute it to the best of his ability.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Speak to Sarith, move ahead and squeeze into the choke point between us and Nilvae, then speak to Nilvae. Attempting to do all this with stealth- (1d20+4)[22] to move silently. I don't know if being invisible aids with that specifically, but just in case it gives advantage (1d20+4)[11].

[Spore]

Nilvae Half-Elf Warlock AC: 13 HP:8/23 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 San: 7 (-1) Conditions: fearful Concentration: - Nilvae looks north, but can only hear the others as well as see her pet vanish into the darkness. Suddenly, she looks right and waves the drow boys goodbye as she steps through the feywild up north Squirrel dimension! she shouts leaving only a small petal shower in her stead. Then she starts running north. DROW AMBUSH. THREE FROG ZOMBIES AN' ASHA'S ****BOY! she says, screaming at the top of her lungs. She bumps into Borthan, and hard, if he does not dodge her. Spoiler Show Misty Step as the drow fools let her rest. Dash action, move action up north.

[Amnestic]

Faedryl Melad Drow Hexblade/Evoker AC: 17 HP: 22/22 PP: 12 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Sanity: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Eighth Day, Rest Completed The best laid plans never came to fruition, it seems, for both Faedryl and Ilvarra. She can't imagine that Nilvae rushing up to them was part of the drow's plan. "Try to keep one alive, if you can." Maybe they could exchange a prisoner for her gear and finally get back her spellbook and component pouch. Or use it as bait. Or deception. Or something. Whatever they did with them, a hostage was worth more than a corpse. Especially when they kept throwing corpses at them.

Sarith Kzerkarit Drow Fighter/Rogue AC: 16 HP: 23/23 PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 10 Sanity: 8 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Eighth Day, Rest Completed Sarith quietly loads a bolt into his crossbow and aims it down the tunnel, ready to pierce the first one to enter his sight.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Faedryl Initiative: 17
Sarith Initiative: 6

[RandomWombat]

As Nilvae's shouts from ahead stir the group out of their walking patterns, Borthan, unseen, slips ahead to find his lost companion - or what appears to be her. The girls' spider companion crawls past him along the wall, then skitters across the floor onto a new wall as it approaches Stool, making chittering sounds at the mushroom.

Spoiler: Perception 13 (11 for Borthan and Nilvae, who are closer at the time)

Show

"Unfortunate, but not unexpected," a deep male drow voice can be heard in their Elvish dialect. "Come with me, we return and report back. Servants, delay these upstarts."

Spoiler: Combat Log

Show

Nilvae uses Misty Step, triggering initiative.

Borthan moves ahead, in Stealth.
Mr. Spide moves along the wall and approaches Stool.

It is Faedryl/Sarith and Nilvae/Stool's turns, and Nilvae completes her Dash and move to rejoin the procession of escaped prisoners. She still has a bonus action left, if she wants to use it for something.

Spoiler: Initiative

Show

Borthan - 23
Mr. Spide - 21

Drow Elite - 19

Faedryl/Sarith - 11.5
Nilvae/Stool - 8.5

Quaggoth Zombies - 8

The Motley Crew - 6.5
Derendil - 6

Drow Warrior - 4

[Spore]

Stool Myconid Druid AC: 15 (bucket armor + pot lid) HP: 28/28 PP: 15 PIv: 9 PIs: 13 San: 12 Conditions: - Concentration: - With the confidence of a seasoned warrior, tiny Stool pushes Sarith aside to form a frontal line with Borthan. We fight together, we don't let them get to nice mad lady.

[Amnestic]

Faedryl Melad Drow Hexblade/Evoker AC: 17 HP: 22/22 PP: 12 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Sanity: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Eighth Day, Fight Time The tunnel is too tight or winding to make any real progress from her position, but Faedryl won't be left behind. She pushes through the group up to the pillar and takes position behind it, waiting for the inevitable approach.

Spoiler: Actions

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Fairly certain there's a pillar blocking her line of sight, but it shouldn't be a big deal.

Move: Forwards as on the map.
Action: Dodge. Not willing to spend a spell slot and don't have any useful cantrips :P
Bonus Action: None.

Sarith Kzerkarit Drow Fighter/Rogue AC: 16 HP: 23/23 PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 10 Sanity: 8 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Eighth Day, Fight Time Regardless of what came next Sarith quietly shifts to follow Stool, and aims his crossbow down the tunnel. It wouldn't be his finest shot, but preparing himself for it would serve well regardless.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Move: Forwards to get on the firing line.
Bonus Action: Cunning Action: Dash.
Action: Ready a normal bolt, for the first creature to enter within 30'. (1d20+8)[16] Damage: (1d6+4)[7]

[RandomWombat]

Rattling and groaning announces the approach of the undead at the turn in the tunnel, fetid claws grasping at the corner of the wall and a second large, shambling shape becoming visible. Sarith does not hesitate to put a bolt in it.

The motley crew starts to make their way forward, though the tight quarters make it too much trouble for them to join the frontline, so most of them move cautiously. Shuushar, however, scampers ahead and takes up position next to the warriors at the forefront. He prepares to provide magical healing and protection, as needed. Perhaps even to fight - there is no moral quandary in ending the undead.

Spoiler: Combat Log

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Stool Dashes.
Faedryl moves forward and Dodges.
Sarith Dashes and readies an attack.

Quaggoth Zombies Dash.
Sarith's readied attack goes off, dealing 7 to the zombie in plain view.

Shuushar Dashes.

Derendil is up.

The Drow Warrior simply retreats on his turn, so the next block may go as well - Borthan, the drow, and Nilvae/Stool.

Spoiler: Initiative

Show

Borthan - 23
Mr. Spide - 21
Faedryl/Sarith - 11.5
Nilvae/Stool - 8.5

Quaggoth Zombies - 8

The Motley Crew - 6.5
Derendil - 6

Drow Warrior - 4

[purepolarpanzer]

Borthan Zuek Half-Drow Ranger AC: 16 HP: 29/29 PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 14 Conditions: Concentrating on: Borthan briefly considered dashing forward and trying to navigate the quaggoth walking dead to get on the trail of whatever drow spoke, but he did not relish being discovered by a pack of zombies. Invisible did not mean without scent, and he did not know what perceptions they may use in their rotting state. Instead, he held his position, drawing two daggers from the sheathes across his chest. He would try to replicate his tavern trick from earlier on the first zombie who came within range.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move 5 feet out. Ready a Double Dagger Throw (TM) at the first zombie to come within twenty feet. Advantage due to invisibility. (1d20+5)[17] or (1d20+5)[25], and (1d20+5)[21] or (1d20+5)[23]. Damages- (1d4+3)[7] and (1d4+3)[7]. Then he draws his shortswords and readies for melee. EDIT- 3 damage additional damage from the crit on the first throw.

Derendil Quaggoth Barbarian/Abjurer AC: 17 HP: 26/26 PP: 10 PIv: 12 PIs: 10 Conditions: Mage Armor (8 hrs), Arcane Ward (8hp/8hp) Concentrating on: Derendil advances towards the front, and as he does he uses the piece of leather he looted from a corpse to cast a spell to armor him for the day. The high elvish words of magic come flawlessly to his tongue.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move, cast mage armor.

[Spore]

Nilvae Half-Elf Warlock AC: 13 HP:8/23 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 12 San: 7 (-1) Conditions: fearful Concentration: Faerie Fire Out of breath, the half-elf leans against the wall. The informations she had could not wait however. Asha wanted me to exchange myself for you, Faedryl. Sent a squad and a cleric. Must be a trick, I can't think she is that naive. Nilvae struts forward again, throwing the feylights forward.

Stool Myconid Druid AC: 15 (bucket armor + pot lid) HP: 28/28 PP: 15 PIv: 9 PIs: 13 San: 12 Conditions: - Concentration: Spike Growth Stool expands his hyphae again, trying to make the way ahead dangerous. Again his fungal protrusions prevent movement in the tunnel ahead.

[Amnestic]

Faedryl Melad Drow Hexblade/Evoker AC: 17 HP: 22/22 PP: 12 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Sanity: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Eighth Day, Fight Time To say that Faedryl is confused would be an understatement. It seemed exceedingly lax to have Nilvae be granted freedom on the 'honour' that she'd trade Faedryl back to them, especially when drow should expect to be stabbed in the back. Maybe there was more to this. A secret geas? Shapeshifter? Why would Ilvara give up a barganing chip - and a torture victim - on the off chance that they wouldn't simply destroy the drow that followed her? Maybe it was enough that Faedryl was now unsettled. "I don't suppose she gave you my spellbook while they were freeing you?" It was doubtful. Incredibly so. She tries to hold back her skepticism. It wasn't Nilvae's fault that the outpost were apparently foolish, but it did make getting in a more difficult task. How exactly they'd find their way up the lift now... She conjures the beginnings of a spell, holding it in place until an enemy moves closer, unable to fully plot the next course of action.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move: Forwards as on the map.
Action: Ready Action: Toll the Dead, first creature to get within 60'. Given the spike growth I expect they'll be damaged by the time they get there. (1d20)[15]+modifiers wis save vs DC14 for (1d12)[8] necrotic.
Bonus Action: None.

Sarith Kzerkarit Drow Fighter/Rogue AC: 16 HP: 23/23 PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 10 Sanity: 8 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Eighth Day, Fight Time They were slower than anticipated. No matter. He maintains his aim, waiting for one to enter range. He could be patient when he needed to be, even if killing zombified quaggoth wasn't particularly satisfying.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move: None
Bonus Action: None
Action: Ready a normal bolt, for the first creature to enter within 30'. (1d20+8)[22] Damage: (1d6+4)[5]

[RandomWombat]

As Borthan steps forward the ground around him writhes with spikey growths, but thankfully his shoes are not perforated. Everyone readies a volley for the inevitable approach of the undead. They predictably charge straight into the trapped hallway with wreckless abandon, their guts and legs being shredded by the fanged fungal hyphae. Magic and projectiles fell one of them, but two more take its place, clawing their way over. The one at the fore simply refuses to die as dagger after dagger slam into its body, and Sarith's bolt pierces its eye.

Laying a webbed hand upon Stool's dome, Shuushar utters a prayer of protection for the young myconid.

Spoiler: Combat Log

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Derendil casts Mage Armor on himself.
Borthan steps forward and readies a double dagger throw.
Faedryl readies Toll the Dead.
Sarith readies another shot.
Stool casts Spike Growth.
Nilvae casts Faerie Fire, marking one of the zombies.

Quaggoth Zombie takes 12 damage from Spike Growth, and 8 from Toll the Dead, then dies to a 6 damage from Dashing forward.
Quaggoth Zombie takes 9 Spike Growth damage, then Dashes, using the other dead quaggoth briefly as a platform over the spikes. Then it takes 7 more damage from spikes, and then 17 total from Borthan's daggers. It survives through Undead Fortitude, then takes 6 more from Sarith, but keeps trucking through the spikes.
Quaggoth Zombie takes 10 spikes damage.

Shuushar casts Virtue, giving Stool 7 temp hp.
Everyone else remains at the back of the crowded tunnel.
It is now the full squad's turns again. Anyone targeting Zombie Quaggoth 1, roll an Undead Fortitude save against you damage+5 for each attack against it, as it's at 1 HP and tanking on sheer luck right now.

Spoiler: Initiative

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Borthan - 23
Mr. Spide - 21
Faedryl/Sarith - 11.5
Nilvae/Stool - 8.5

Quaggoth Zombies - 8

The Motley Crew - 6.5
Derendil - 6

[Amnestic]

Faedryl Melad Drow Hexblade/Evoker AC: 17 HP: 22/22 PP: 12 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Sanity: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Eighth Day, Fight Time Drow still hadn't appeared. These quaggoth were weak, easily dispatched, but if they were stronger they might have been able to turn them on the drow themselves with shapeshifting magic. Too late now, they were half ruined by the myconid's plants. Ill-suited to any task beyond dying. Her throat clangs as she surrounds the closest foe with necrotic energy once more. The sooner they were done with this the better.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move: None
Action: Toll the Dead on the closest boy. (1d20)[6]+modifiers wis save vs DC14 for (1d12)[5] necrotic. Undead Fort save if hits: (1d20)[18]
Bonus Action: None.

Sarith Kzerkarit Drow Fighter/Rogue AC: 16 HP: 23/23 PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 10 Sanity: 8 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Eighth Day, Fight Time Each bolt he spent here was one not spent on a drow. Regardless, he dutifully fires another shot. Let no one say that Sarith Kzerkarit did anything less than what was required - though not particularly more either.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move: None
Bonus Action: None
Action: Shoot the closest target. (1d20+8)[15] Damage: (1d6+4)[9]. Undead Fort save if hits: (1d20)[1]

[purepolarpanzer]

Borthan Zuek Half-Drow Ranger AC: 16 HP: 29/29 PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 14 Conditions: Concentrating on: Borthan readied himself, allowing the zombies to shred themselves against Stool's spikes, ready to pounce when the undead drew near.

Spoiler: OOC

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Readying an attack and a bonus action attack with the shortswords. (1d20+5)[22] and (1d20+5)[14] for advantage. Ditto- (1d20+5)[6] and (1d20+5)[21]. (1d6+3)[7] damage and (1d6+3)[6] damage. (1d6)[3] damage if I crit.

Derendil Quaggoth Barbarian/Abjurer AC: 17 HP: 26/26 PP: 10 PIv: 12 PIs: 10 Conditions: Mage Armor (8 hrs), Arcane Ward (8hp/8hp) Concentrating on: Derendil stepped forward and squeezed into the gap, readying himself to swap with Borthan should he need a break. He chanted again, and this time a light blue ray flew from his hand at the undead.

Spoiler: OOC

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Ray of frost. (1d20+4)[14] to hit, for (1d8)[1] damage.