5E Castlevania

[Plaids]

A dull pain overcomes Azzalix and sends her off balance. She catches herself fast enough to unfurl her wings to land gently on the ground.

Blood from Markus's fingertips slide out from engorged capillaries and pool on his fingertips before accumulating suspend in the air. The blood blackens and surrounds the creature in foul cloud worrying the creature.
A bolt flies towards the creatures side but it hits at a sharp angle before being deflected off its side.

[Izzarra]

Azzalix Celestial Warlock HP: 20/24, AC: 15, Resistance: Fire, Radiant Conditions: None Spell Slots: 2/2

Azzalix unleashes another bolt of energy then looks for some cover.

Spoiler: OOC

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Eldritch Blast
Attack: (1d20+3)[12]
Damage: (1d10+3)[5]
Is there anything nearby that Azzalix can jump behind?

[Plaids]

The creature spins and pivots just in time to avoid the spell as wooden debris behind it cracks and splinters.

Spoiler: Cover Options for Azzalix

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The crowd has left the general vicinity and some close options are open to her. Nearby several tents provide concealment but no physical barrier to stop an attacking enemy. A little further away is the stage where full cover can be taken but an enemy walking on the stage could still attack in melee range.

[Plaids]

As Jayna dashes behind an abandoned tent a well versed spell pointed to the crustacean collapses air before colliding with it's shell.
Ice begins to spread along its shell but stops right before intruding into its joints.

The creature hastily swipes at the ground grappling the unconscious escapee. Swiveling it's eyes between the stage and the park woods it uncharacteristically seems to contemplate two unsavory options. Seeing the vines and brambles it chooses the forest and galloping towards Marcus with a free pincer cocked at the vampires torso like a knight intending to strike with their lance.
The strike hits it mark as a sharp pain overcomes Marcus. Several serrated points penetrate his armor as the crab grapples Marcus.

Seeing another opportunity to attack the crab growls sending the insect swarm into a frenzy aimed at Marcus.
The bugs anemically pounce having been slowed by Jayna's spell and fall to the ground before being squashed and trampled by their master.

Spoiler: Grappled

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Markus is now grappled and being carried by the horse crab. Escaping requires a DC 14 strength or dexterity check.

[JNAProductions]

Jayna curses under her breath, trying to think of something she can do.

Spoiler: OOC

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Bear Totem gives advantage on Strength checks, don't forget!

[Lioslaith]

Spoiler: OOC

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I think I can move to the creature now? Will assume so.

Markus closes the gap to the creature and drawing his rapier, attacks it.

Spoiler: Att & Dam

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(1d20+5)[25] Attack
(1d8+5)[7] Damage

[Izzarra]

Azzalix Celestial Warlock HP: 20/24, AC: 15, Resistance: Fire, Radiant Conditions: None Spell Slots: 2/2

Azzalix peaks out from behind the tent long enough to loose a spell at the crab creature.

Spoiler: OOC

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Eldritch Blast
Attack: (1d20+3)[10]
Damage: (1d10+3)[10]

[Plaids]

Jayna commands her bear spirit to impart additional vigor amongst the party prompting the bear spirit to grunt and growl.

Markus now grappled by a serrated pincer twists his body and swipes at the horse crab finding a putrefied scale deeply piercing the creatures side. A black slurry gushes out of the wound as the creature winces and topples over. Despite the added vigor Markus fails to contort or pry his way out of the creatures claw.

Azzalix releases another blast of concussive force but misses the tumbling crab; sending mashed insects splattering into Markus's face.

The creature panics prompting its eyes to swivel wildly at is surroundings. Gazing at its two captives it unfurls tentacles from it's mouth and lashes out towards Marcus and its the hostage. Markus is able to contort his body quickly enough to avoid the tentacles while the hostage receives a complete lashing. Yellow venom can be seen leaking from shallow cuts but adrenaline keeps her conscious.

Seeing its attempts to sedate the hostage and Markus fail the creature stares defiantly at Azzalix and Jayna. It flexes it claws and hisses an unintelligible but simple threat.

Spoiler: Dice Rolls

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Markus: Bonus damage (1d8)[8] Escaping dex grapple (1d20+3)[5]

The situation: Markus has critically hit the creature causing it to fall over on the ground badly injured. Jayna has commanded her spirit to give a bonus to the party and Azzalix has misses with eldritch blast. In response the creature attempted to sedate the hostage and Markus but failed both. Right now, the creature is desperate and has made a threat. "Come any closer and these two will be crushed." The party can attempt to quickly kill/KO the creature or use some negotiation given that the creature is somewhat intelligent.

[Lioslaith]

Using 2 fury points as a bonus action Markus will teleport out of the creatures grasp directly behind it. He will then proceed to attack it.

Spoiler: Att & dam

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(1d20+5)[8] attack
(1d8+5)[9] damage

[Izzarra]

Azzalix Celestial Warlock HP: 20/24, AC: 15, Resistance: Fire, Radiant Conditions: None Spell Slots: 1/2

Seeing the chance for negotiations vanish with Markus' attack Azzalix fires off two spells in rapid succession.

Spoiler: OOC

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Bonus action cast Hex on the crab creature, it gets disadvantage on all strength ability checks. Hopefully this will make it easier for the hostage to get free.
Eldritch Blast
Attack: (1d20+5)[24]
Damage: (1d10+3)[10]
Hex Damage: (1d6)[6]

[Plaids]

In an instant Markus escapes the creatures claw having turned to mist and disseminating his body as a red tinted cloud to maneuver behind the monstrous crustacean.
Upon swinging his sword the blade targets an exposed joint but is caught between the prongs of the creature's free arm having been painfully contorted painfully its back.

Azzalix invokes an eldritch blast with practiced motions and incantations striking the side of the creature. The concussive strike catches the creature's shoulder fully dislocating it with a loud crunch.

Seeing that his adversaries are not in the mood to negotiate the creature tenses it's arm preparing to honor it's early threat.

The hostage glances worriedly at her captor and prepares an attempt to struggle away from it's claw.

It is now Jayna's turn to act.

[JNAProductions]

Jayna throws her hand out and shouts a wordless plea, summoning a small, amorphous spirit-a simple golden blob of healing. It darts towards the hostage most in need of healing.

[Plaids]

A luminous spirit rushes toward the hostage leaving a flurry of leaves in its wake.
As the creature crushes its hostage a shudder passes through her until a faint glow envelops her. Bones begin to settle, and wounds begin to seal.
Taking advantage of the gifted vigor she thrashes in an attempt to escape. But the creature retains its grip desperately wanting to retain any leverage it can.
Hostage strength escape roll(1d20)[3]
Creature strength check with disadvantage (1d20+4)[19](1d20+4)[8]

The creatures posture shrinks, and it looks fearfully to the party knowing it is at their mercy.
Meanwhile you all hear the snapping of twigs from the groves and the pounding of boots from on the road approaching you.
The rhythmic clanging of shields informs you that the approaching group are local constables. Likely pulled hastily from an outlying community. The many the officers in and around the city have been informed to allow you to act on your own discretion though these civil servants may still have additional questions for you.

Spoiler: Summary

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The creature still has a grip on the hostage but knows how hopeless it's situation is and is hoping for mercy. Also local low row ranking guards are on route to the scene. The party has one round to decide what to do.

[JNAProductions]

"Release them, and you may get mercy!" Jayna says. "If you don't, you will not survive."

[Plaids]

The creature whimpers and relents releasing a staggered hostage. Now out of the thick of combat you see the former hostage is a halfling with dark hair and dirt and grime hiding her features. But her breathless stare reveals her awe for the party. Her clothes are not out place for the nights revelry with a maroon hood and cloak with gold stitching on the interior of an eye encircled by open palmed hands.

As she composes herself to talk a squadron of helmeted officers emerge from the woods. Half are stupefied by disfigured horse crustacean hybrid mewling in front of them raising its forelegs in a universal sign of surrender. The other half clumsily delegate duties in an attempt to procure a cattle cart to transfer the alien creature.

As the befuddled and sweaty officers attempt to assess the situation one breaks away from the group intently establishing eye contact as his eyebrow quivers. You recognize a familiar voice without the vibrating displacement of that would typically accompany speech.

While disguised you recognize him as your liaison between the organization currently responsible for you.

The voice responds brusquely affording only a little humor interweaved with his mission brief.
"Good job Markus, Jayna, Azzalix. The mashed centiped cream is a wondrous disguise Markus. Might want to fix that eye Jayna, eyes aren't normally supposed droop from their sockets. The damages could have been worse, and the panic further proliferated. But it seems your special skills are required once more. It seems we might have more where this came from." He glances at the beast now in a canvas harness used for lifting horses out of ravines.


"You are free to act within your discretion. The girl will be brought to the town constabulary if you think she know anything.

Spoiler: Summary

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The monster released the hostage and local law enforcement arrived. Amongst them in your liason and informant telling you trouble is likely afoot.

[Lioslaith]

Sheathing his sword with a harumph Markus starts to pick what he can of the cream off his clothing. "I suppose a hero's work is never done." The sarcasm that drips from the words is almost palpable.

[JNAProductions]

"Give the... Give it a chance to cooperate," Jayna tells the guard. "I promised it mercy, should it release the hostage."

She looks to the little halfling girl as she adjusts her body, getting it back into proper shape. "You're gonna be okay, little one-you're safe now."

[Izzarra]

Azzalix Celestial Warlock HP: 20/24, AC: 15, Resistance: Fire, Radiant Conditions: None Spell Slots: 1/2

Azzalix relaxes a bit after the creature lets the the hostage go.

She asks the liaison "Any idea what that thing was?"

[Plaids]

The man telepathically speaking to you all is Keeper Ivica. A light beard, slicked back hair, and bulbous nose pair well with his jovial personality. Like the people he informs and guides he too has been irrevocably changed. The distinction between him and you being the need for disguises only during missions.

Attempting to remain inconspicuous the man speaks with chipper attitude to avoid the suspicion that would arise from staring vacantly you.
"Thanks for the help kind strangers. You will need to come with us so we can get the full story. Come along now."

He begins eagerly seizing your hands to provide exuberant handshakes. A saccharine smile reveals immaculate teeth that seem to illuminate the darkened park.

A small crease forms on his forehead as he further briefs you.
"That creature was a Chuul. They used to patrol the coastline on behest of the Kopru. Exterminating the Kopru took the greatest toll in our struggle to freedom. The Chuul on the other hand dispersed and became ineffective without their masters.

For this case you'll need to find a trail before it gets cold. The girl and the creature will be kept at the local constabulary. Chuul have never been known to enter into agreements or negotiation but if it relent then it may be different enough to divulge something. You can question both once they both recuperate. I trust the keys to you. "

Jayna feels the man dislodge a key from his wristband and press it to her palm firmly soon enclosing key in her now open hand.
He proceeds to follow the rest of the guards down the road leading to the guard barracks. An assortment of shrines drip wax from spent candles as the sun just begins climb above the horizon.

Spoiler: Summary

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Ivica has given Jayna a master key to the guard barracks and holding cells. The party could question either the girl or the Chuul or some other investigative activity. You will have to decide when these acts will occur. Either in the day or following night. Feel free to split if needed but things will be harder for individuals.

[JNAProductions]

Jayna opens her own telepathic line to her comrades as she pockets the key. I feel like I might be best at talking to the Chuul-I was the one who offered it mercy. What should we do?

[Izzarra]

Azzalix Celestial Warlock HP: 20/24, AC: 15, Resistance: Fire, Radiant Conditions: None Spell Slots: 1/2

I feel like I might be best at talking to the Chuul-I was the one who offered it mercy. What should we do?

"I agree, we should talk to it first."

Spoiler: OOC

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Can cast Guidance on Jayna before we enter the room.

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: OOC

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Imma also cast Enhance Ability targeting Charisma on myself before we go in.

When they're allowed, Jayna accepts the blessing from Azzalix, and enters the room with the Chuul. "Hello there," she says. "Let's just start off with this-the more you cooperate, the better things will turn out for you. The people here... They're wary, rightfully so, of people that look more monstrous. But," she lets herself revert to her natural, blobby form, "They aren't without reason, nor without compassion."

[Lioslaith]

Markus stands quietly in the back watching the conversation.

[Plaids]

Your approach to the station was peaceful and uneventful.
The shrines adorning the roadside and every nook and cranny provide a dim light towards town. Any panicked passersby are led aside by Ivica and a pair of all too conveniently appearing agents from scattered rest stops. The uniformed men gently guide them towards town while being probed with questions meant to prime and misdirect rather than inquire. Though secrecy is a must the humane method is the first option.

As the sun rises you all enter a brownstone precinct. On the exterior several holes from vacant bricks sport small shrines with carved stones and other tokens while a cat rests besides a dust saturated in the front office. A cart laden with fragrant barrels is unloaded by day laborers in the courtyard. A cast iron door clicks open as you enter, and Ivica stands outside warning you to be wary and promises you the use of his telepathic abilities to facilitate further communication.

The Chuul stands immersed hip deep within salt water now darkening from a combination of dead insects and fetid chitin now being replaced with new still hardening scales. The revolting smell elicits a dry heave, unfortunately the rancid solution can't be disposed of until the next shift. The creature slouches against the edge of the tub appearing thoroughly defeated its eyes appearing haggard and its pincer resting in makeshift canvas sling.

Upon hearing Jayna's diplomatic salutations, the creature adjusts it posture straightening it's back. It smirks before arrogantly scraping the cell wall producing a shrill screech and a white mark to display the strength it still possesses. It responds via the telepathic link alongside unintelligible slurping and sucking.

"Monstrous, eh? I'd worry about yourselves more than me. You stopped me cold, but I don't need any forgiveness. I'll be better than fine and sitting pretty."
The Chuul concludes with a swaggering snort to conclude its unusually prideful retort. It seems it won't cooperate any further without further convincing.

Spoiler: Summary

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The party is at the police station at the crack of dawn inside the Chuul's cell with Ivica right outside. Its response is out of the ordinary for such a creature and it won't cooperate and needs further prompting to respond. Relevant skills may include Intimidation, Performance, or some other relevant skill.

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: Check

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Charisma (Persuasion) with advantage from my spell:
(1d20+4)[11]
(1d20+4)[10]

"You took mercy outside, rather than risk death. I don't want to see you killed, if you're willing to be better than whatever sent you here wanted you to be," Jayna says. "You've a chance here-a chance to be more than a brute, more than a lackey, more than a tool-can you say that whoever sent you here honestly cares for you?"

[Plaids]

Jayna's word find purchase for a moment. The Chuul hesitates and slides two of its front legs over one another akin to a man wringing his hands after having lost their conviction. A punchy splash concludes the hesitation bringing a briny scent alongside the noncompliance.
"The rewards I have waiting for me go beyond anything you can offer. Besides there's no going back now."

As the sloshing subsides the pat and tapping of guard boots can be heard from the main lobby. While such activity in a prison would be cause for concern the absence of anyone else in your block and the few inmates indicate little threat.
As the footsteps quiet down the lively whistle of wind instruments and steady drumbeats can be heard.

Spoiler: Summary

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Diplomacy has unfortunately failed and now information is being given willingly. Also, some guards are leaving through the main lobby and some music can be heard from outside.

[Lioslaith]

”We seem to be done here, do what you will with the creature. It has gills, dry it out.”. And with that Markus will begin to make his way outside to see where the music is coming from.

[JNAProductions]

Jayna gives a last word before leaving. "I will be here if you change your mind. Consider who you can really trust."

[Izzarra]

Azzalix Celestial Warlock HP: 20/24, AC: 15, Resistance: Fire, Radiant Conditions: None Spell Slots: 1/2

Azzalix considers what the Chuul had said and begins performing a ritual from her Book of Shadows.

Spoiler: OOC

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Ritual casting Detect Magic and taking a look at the Chuul.

[Plaids]

The creature cringes at Markus' statement before shrinking into its tank causing some of the darkened water to overflow and spill onto the cell floor.

The creature extends its eye stalks out of the water and gazes at Jayna timidly fixating its attention to her.

After Azzalix casts detect magic, a noticeable aura engulfs the creature. The combination of necromantic and enchantment magic permeates the creature and clings tightly like thin cotton shirt doused in water.

As the party exits the precinct building the activity which captured the attention of the local guards comes into view.
A wagon with a wide-open window has a cheerful dwarf woman dispensing beer while two human musicians play a jaunty tune. One plays excitedly both striking and plucking their talking drum while the other plays with a lilting wooden flute.

Seeing another party emerge from the precinct an unusual individual greets the party. The white dragonborn wears an officious cloak emblazoned with a brown bramble bush seal and wields a scroll. He begins his routine notice with just the amount of enthusiasm he is obligated to give.
"Ah you must be the hired mercenaries. Don't fret any contract you are on has been bought out by the Detleaf company any remaining payment will be available at your guild hall within five business days. If you are standard civil servants, you will be transferred to your new and improved facility in due time."

Spoiler: Detleaf Company

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The company is named after the family which started the business. The Detleaf family made their fortune by supplementing government services which were stretched thin after overthrowing the countries previous monstrous rulers. It is not uncommon for the company to temporarily supplement the security of a region while the local security relocates or recuperates from a crisis.

As the dragonborn official provides his notice a well-groomed hill giant can be seen walking away with a young halfling girl with auburn hair. The giant wears a large canvas sash with the symbol of bramble bush. The former hostage bounces giddily on the giant's shoulder and occupying the giant's attention.

Spoiler: Talking drum

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