[5e] Descent into Avernus (Inactive)

Game Master mishima

Let's add: Simon takes off his mask and smiles charmingly. Simon Eltan. At your service.

The priest seems interested in trying to identify the shield and draws on his intelligence...

Insert relevant skill here DM: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

As usual, it's evident that he's spent waaaaaay too much time focused on the undead and funeral services. He doesn't know Jack-s%$& about the shield... nice work though.

Satiir, the recently freed noble woman considers "Eltan, you say? Hmm. By keeping it you're flirting with house wars, young man. Still, if you were to reveal that the Vanthampur indeed stole our familial artifact...that would make the Duke's further ascension very difficult...open theft from another noble family would destroy her political future." she rubs the old lady hairs on her chin "...very well, I will not protest it remaining in your possession for that purpose. But its prompt return upon concluding matters with the Duke is essential...for your sake and the peace of Baldur's Gate."

Grim, you've never really seen a shield like it: covered in gemstones and made of some alien metal alloy. Artistically however it does resonate with some illustrated religious texts you've seen that cover Celestial legends and artifacts. You can reroll everyday the shield is in party's possession until you hit DC15, then you would realize it is for sure crafted in the Celestial style. Hitting something higher might reveal more subtleties.

Noted

Would Religion help? Or would this be an Arcana check?

Religion or Arcana works.

Okay, it seems that I have not rolled yet, for the shield, specifically. Does the fact that it did not seem to understand me when I spoke Celestial give me any special insight? As it stands now, I am thinking that since I was speaking specifically to Kreeg, it may not have felt the need to add anything, but its continued silence may tell me something further, maybe? ;)

Religion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 Nope. ^_^

I understand. You can be sure of my word. The word of a nobleman. These words are followed by a gallant bow.

Religion/Arcana: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Don, I never said it did or didnt understand you when you were speaking Celestial. Just that there was no visible reaction. At the time it was a shield hanging on the wall. What does a shield hanging on the wall do when you talk to it? ;D Or maybe there was a direct question I missed and never responded to, if so sorry that was unintentional.

Fisk looked over the treasure chests "*ahem* ...speaking of stealing from nobles..." Are you guys taking the vault treasure? See spoiler above, its a lot.

No, no, I didn't mean to indicate that, just that there was a notably lack of reaction once it discovered that I COULD speak Celestial. I expected that it might be even more inclined to entreat me, but there was no further contact. So, I was drawing conclusion based on that. Whether the lack of follow-up was intentional or not. ;) I saw the previous post about treasure. At the very least, taking the platinum and the gems seems doable, at the very least. The rest, we can hide and make them think that we stole it all... Unless someone has a bag of holding XD

The halfling looks up at Fisk while filling his boots with gold coins. He had already put the gemstones, platinum coins, and ivory dagger in his backpack.

I'm back and plundering the vault. We'll split the treasure but in character, Mal would take as much as he can carry.

Donal would offer whatever space is in his backpack.

At the questioning look from the noble, he says, Consider it a fine for overstepping their bounds.

Not a bad idea Donal, he says, also loading up his pack with some valuables.

The party loads up on fortune, leaving nothing behind but empty treasure chests.

Where to next? There is that secret door just near that you passed on the way here. The southern pass also nearby is a way out of the dungeon the prisoners could take if you want to release them on their own. Otherwise many unexplored areas here, check map.

Secret door, everyone?

Ya! Let's do it

Alrighty, just need who is opening it and how. Again, its just a little false wall of plaster that you pop out and move aside, to reveal a normal sized door hole.

Donal, replacing the cultist mask, moves forward to pop open the false wall and looks in before stepping aside to let the others in...

Don, the chamber is lit by a pair of tall wrought-iron candlesticks in the northeast and southeast corners, making your gold mask flash as you enter. Nine candles burn atop each one, casting flickering light also across a claw-footed altar carved from a single block of obsidian...and which has a small angel-shaped flame erupting from its top.

A gray-haired woman kneels before the altar. Chanting softly, Infernal runes alight in an orange glow.

She turns and rises, roused by the sound of your entry, and you can see she is wearing fine clothing fit for a noble...but carries no weapons. "What is the meaning of this intrusion, initiate!" she screams, rolling up her sleeve in a massive old lady fist that seems about to punch you in the face.

Her gaze alone would be enough to stare down a hell hound without flinching. Built like a barrel, her strong hands hint of a past in manual labor...this is of course Thalamra Vanthampur, the one who rose from such lowly work as repairing pipes and clearing out the cities filth to become minister of waterworks...and now vies to ascend from Duke to Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate.

Donal tries to duck her incoming fist and swings his mace at her knee!

+1 mace: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Damn.

But, her quick onslaught causes a misstep, tweaking the warrior's knee, Gah!

We are now beating up old women... oh well. Damn cultists.

"Insolent swine!" she barks.

Inits:
Donal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Evendur: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20
Malaric: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Simon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Duke: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Round 1:
Donal, Grim, Mal, Simon <--UP
Duke

This little chamber is 20 by 25, with the altar and candelabra on the east side. The Duke stands between you and the altar. You guys are funneling in from the south wall secret door. Everyone is within a move if you want to melee the defenseless old gray hair. Map updated.

Having had enough of this b+$~#+$+, and doubly so of corrupt politicians, he goes in for the kill.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

We are the noble descendants of this city, its honor and conscience. And you're just a dirty sewer cleaner. Go back to the mud! It seems that this speech distracted Simon too much.

Eldritch Blast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 131d10 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 

Mal up.

sorry to lag. It’s my RL game. I’ve snuck off. Mal will cast Suggestion on The duke for her and everyone at her command to surrender and reveal their secrets involving devils and Baldur’s Gate. Sorry to mail it in. Probably won’t work anyway.

Donal's mace goes low but a misstep causes the swing to swipe only air. Grim goes in for a overhand death strike, swiping the lady across the chest.

Then something odd happens.

Grim feels his flesh tingle all over, like a thousand biting ants in every nook and cranny. The sensation becomes greater and greater until his entire body is numb with warmth...sweat beads on the Doomguide's brow. An instinctive panic turns into a strange daydream of a laughing devil. Then he bursts aflame. Grim is on fire!

Hellish Rebuke: 3d10 ⇒ (7, 9, 1) = 17 dmg or Dex Save DC 14 for half

Simon's energies streak past the burning cleric and find their mark on the b&!!#'s face, while the halfling becomes a conduit for some other breed of dark magic slowly manifesting on his tiny fingertips...

Duke vs Suggestion: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Mal, it didn't land but note the caveat for Suggestion: If you or any of your companions damage the target, the spell ends.

Round 1:
Donal, Grim, Mal, Simon
Duke <--UP

Duke 59/78 hp, AC 10

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Attack2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Thalamra simply punches Donal in the face in a tight pugilist combo as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Well, striking more the slim part of the neck exposed because of his golden mask. The punch had a surprising weight behind it, and wasn't at all what he expected from this blue-haired granny. 4 damage XD

Round 2:
Donal, Grim, Mal, Simon <--UP
Duke

Donal spits some blood and attempts to bury his shoulder into her stomach and lift her off her feet!

Athletics for Shove: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 Aiming to drop her prone, giving Mal & Grim advantage. If Simon has a melee, he could have the same.

vs Donal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

The Tormtar grapples the Duke, and for a moment it seems she will go down instantly, the common lack of calcium in the elderly making bones especially frail...but some hidden reserve swells from within. A low primitive growl seems to come from within her, beyond her. Her stance shifts. Knuckles crack as she presses back on Donal with a sharp elbow, and ultimately the Duke stands defiant as the lock is broken. They both stagger back a few steps from each other "Hmph. Stop that nonsense you...obstinate bushwhacker! I'll not be thrown around like one of your Blushing Mermaid whores."

Round 2:
Donal, Grim, Mal, Simon <--UP
Duke

[Hellish Rebuke]17 dmg or Dex Save DC 14 for half

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Ohhh s~*!!, he yells, smoking and charring.

It seems hitting her is not the best idea... - Simon mutters to himself, glancing at the priest of Kelemvor. He walks forward and stands up so that his spell does not touch Don and any other ally, and the cone only falls on the old lady with the edge.

Colored sparks fly from his palms...

HP: 8d10 ⇒ (9, 8, 9, 6, 10, 10, 10, 3) = 65 - Color Spray | the first time I use this spell in 5e. I hope that's enough ))

Sorry for the last round. I'm glad she made her save, because Mal doesn't have Suggestion yet. I burned a Charm Person instead, which would have had advantage to her save.

Mal shakes his head when his nonviolent method failed. It would be great to have the Duke surrender and relatively cooperating. She runs everything here.

Then, his eyes go wide as the noble spy rips a powerful magical effect. He waits to see its effect.

I'd like to know what happens with that Color Spray before I post my round. Thanks

A burst of scintillating eldritch runes assail the Duke...the color of her eyes goes white and she gasps as her sight is stolen by the noble warlock.

Color Spray is successful, Thalamra gains the Blinded condition.

Grim also to go.

Donal retorts, Sorry, you could see how I was confused... Hoping to taunt her, and continue to draw her ire.

Take THIS!,

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5... if adv?
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

*sigh*

Mal pulls out his shortsword and tries to subdue the Duke.

shortsword with advantage: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 251d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
sneak subdue: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 5) + 3 = 9

Mal, don't forget crit damage!

more crit damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

Thalamra's hands lash out wildly, bursts of darkness flitting before her as spear strikes of energies erupt from her anger...

Eldritch Blast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Eldritch Blast, dis: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Eldritch Blast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Eldritch Blast, dis: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

...scattering across the room and blasting fist sized holes in the plaster.

Something unseen guards the Duke against Grim's whirlwind flurry, but is much less effective against the halfling's blade. He lashes granny viscously, in a way sure to keep her bleeding out and quickly racing to unconsciousness rather than a quick fatal takedown.

Blinded prevents her Hellish Rebuke from triggering on Mal, so well done team.

Duke 43/78 hp, AC 10

Round 2:
Donal, Grim, Mal, Simon
Duke <--UP

Grr...stupid site time traveled my own posts somehow. O_o Party is up.

Is she still blinded? Or is this one of those until the end of her turn thingies?

Donal again goes for her legs to slow the Duke!

+1 mace: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Advantage?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Blinded until end of Simon's turn.

Mal pulls out his second shortsword and stabs the Duke twice.

first shortsword with advantage: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 61d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 151d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
second shortsword with advantage: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 71d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 131d6 ⇒ 4
sneak if one attack hits: 1d6 ⇒ 3

No mercy for you! Surrender or die!

Eldritch Blast (ADV): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 131d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 191d10 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 

I believe I am before Simon... *fingers crossed*

Attttttttack!

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 or adv? 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Yep... my turn in the barrel for a bit

That's right, Grim, you are. The order I list you guys under the Round announcement is the initiative order, even on a single line.

This time the Tormtar successfully kneecaps the Tyrant Grandma, cracking her old brittle cartilage in way that will probably never heal right. Long ago, Mal heard a common idiom 'why have one when you can have 2 at twice the price?' and slipped out another blade before burying both points deep in her mumu. Grim didn't hold back either, with a full forward strike that slashed across her padded shoulders...it scraped a bit of jewelry just at her nape or it might have decapitated her. Finally the Eltan proved the limitless resource of his hidden power, summoning another blast of thick, withering spellstrike against the Duke.

Round 3:
Donal, Grim, Mal, Simon
Duke <--UP

Duke 12/78 hp, AC 10

Thalamra's red eyes watered sending tears down her cheeks, smudging her mascara and giving her a ghastly appearance. Blinking a few times she seemed to refocus on the group, no longer fooled by the warlock's illusory theft of vision. Of course she had more than one reason to cry, as her life was barely hanging on and it seemed no one would come to her rescue. Perhaps she didn't read the fine print in her contract.

Punch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Punch2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Target alpha: 1d3 ⇒ 1

She spun round and backhanded Donal again across the head 4 more dmg before pointing at Simon "You may take this vessel but I will be born again, mortal...and I did not come this far to merely surrender."

Party up.

"Keep her alive, team." Mal says while trying to end the combat with two stabs at the Duke.

first shortsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 61d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 181d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
second shortsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 251d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 212d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7
sneak if one attack hits: 1d6 ⇒ 2

first shortsword lucky reroll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14