The Famous Adventurer's Correspondence School For Heroes

Game Master Antoine Gagnon

Roberts gripes she doges in-and-out "This ain't no fair fight!" as she wiffs around.

Target: Right
Rapier Atk Roll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Rapier Atk Roll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Rapier Dam Roll: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Roberts scores a hit on the minotaur... Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

Hits red for a total of 14 Damage.

Alisanne is up!

The Spectres move forward, and hunger for the life force of Baghotir and Caelius...

Vs. Caelius: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 MISS

Vs. Baghotir: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 MISS

ROUND 1

1. Bodak, AURA OF ANNIHILATION, WITHERING GAZE
2. Embers HIT
3. Spectres LIFE DRAIN MISS x 2
4. Alisanne GO
5. Skeleton Minotaurs TBD
6. Belwick TBD
7. Venn TBD
8. Baghotir SPIRITUAL WEAPON and ATTACK

Looks crowded up ahead. Let's see if I can help even the odds some.

Alisanne starts playing, bolstering the spirits of Baghotir, Caelius, and Roberts.

Bless

ROUND 1

1. Bodak, AURA OF ANNIHILATION, WITHERING GAZE
2. Embers HIT
3. Spectres LIFE DRAIN MISS x 2
4. Alisanne BLESS
5. Caelius GO
6. Skeleton Minotaurs READY, Greataxe Vs. Baghotir
7. Belwick TBD
8. Venn TBD
9. Baghotir SPIRITUAL WEAPON and ATTACK

Greataxe Vs. Baghotir: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 MISS

A skeletal Minotaur attacks Baghotir and misses, the other can't get through to the battle so it READIES.

Baghotir's warhammer is DEVESTATING to the Skeletal Minotaur. VULNERABLE TO BLUD. DAMAGE.

Caelius, Belwick and Venn, GO!

Belwick is in a near panic with how quickly the danger escalated. He weaves a trio of magical bolts and hurls them at the bodak!
Magic Missile vs Bodak: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3, 1) + 3 = 11

He then moves back out of the room, certain that he'll not last if he stays near their enemies.

Magic Missiles thud into the Bodak, blasting away whisps of darkness, cloak, and desicated flesh.

ROUND 1

1. Bodak, AURA OF ANNIHILATION, WITHERING GAZE
2. Embers HIT
3. Spectres LIFE DRAIN MISS x 2
4. Alisanne BLESS
5. Caelius GO
6. Skeleton Minotaurs READY, Greataxe Vs. Baghotir
7. Belwick MAGIC MISSILE and Flee
8. Venn TBD
9. Baghotir SPIRITUAL WEAPON and ATTACK, Both Hit

Caelius tries to break throgh to get into the room. "Push in so we can block them Baghotir."

Longsword of Kord vs Green: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Caelius's attack... Bless: 1d4 ⇒ 4 HITS, and the magic blade does full damage against the Spectre.

Venn narrows his eyes and--quick as a flash--his longbow is in his hands and he fires at the Bodak before the Bodak can look at him.

Longbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 and Dread Ambusher: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 one HIT for... 2d8 + 1 ⇒ (8, 1) + 1 = 10, Resisted, but still damaging. He falls back to take a defensive position next to Belwick.

The Bodak turns his unholy gaze upon Baghotir, sensing the force for good.

Baghotir... Necrotic Damage: 4d10 ⇒ (8, 10, 5, 6) = 29, DC 13 Con Save for Half.

ROUND 2

1. Bodak, AURA OF ANNIHILATION, WITHERING GAZE
2. Embers TBD
3. Spectres TBD
4. Alisanne TBD
5. Caelius TBD
6. Skeleton Minotaurs TBD
7. Belwick TBD
8. Venn TBD
9. Baghotir DC13 CON SAVE AND TBD

Con: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Just checking to see if I'm still standing. Post to come when it's closer to my turn...

Roberts slides between everyone, makes a quick attack and slides back not wanting to spend too much time next to a spectre and any undue weird things it may do "Ugh ... ya nasty biggin's all crowded up. How's a 'lady' s'pose to work?"

Target: Green Spector
Rapier Atk Roll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Rapier Dam Roll: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Bonus: disengage

Sneak Atk Dam Roll: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6

Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

Embers's magic rapier ends the spectre!

The other spectre reaches for Baghotir... Life Drain: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 MISS

ROUND 2

1. Bodak, AURA OF ANNIHILATION, WITHERING GAZE
2. Embers KILL
3. Spectres RE-DIES, MISS
4. Alisanne TBD
5. Caelius TBD
6. Skeleton Minotaurs TBD
7. Belwick TBD
8. Venn TBD
9. Baghotir SAVE SUCCESS, TBD

Caelius rushes the gap and slices at the Bodak. "Which one first?"

Longsword of Kord vs Green: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (4) = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Though he is blessed his aim doesn't seem to be getting any better.

No time to take a rest, Baghotir! You still have work to do!

Healing Word: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9 healing to Baghotir.

She then shouts at one of the minotaurs, You overgrown t-bone! Drop dead!

Vicious Mockery, Wis14: 1d4 ⇒ 2 damage and Disadvantage on its next attack.

Alisanne then steps back next to Baghotir and Venn.

Minotaur Skeleton Vs. Caelius: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 MISS
Minotaur Skeleton Vs. Baghotir: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 MISS

The enormous, animated skeletons cannot break through the warriors' defenses!

Wisdom Save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15 Sticks and stones, man.

Belwick and Venn and Baghotir GO!

ROUND 2
1. Bodak, AURA OF ANNIHILATION, WITHERING GAZE
2. Embers KILL
3. Spectres RE-DIES, MISS
4. Alisanne HEALING WORD and VICIOUS MOCKERY
5. Caelius Swing and a MISS
6. Skeleton Minotaurs MISS MISS
7. Belwick TBD
8. Venn TBD
9. Baghotir SAVE SUCCESS, TBD

"Thanks Alisanne!" Baghotir feels slightly renewed.

Though he wants more breathing space, the bodak has to go. Eyes averted - he attacks!
Warhammer (magic): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 OR Warhammer (magic): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 PLUS 1d4 ⇒ 2
damage B: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Then with his bonus action he continues on the bodak.
Spiritual Axe: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (18) + 6 + (2) = 26
damage F: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Then he soaks the necrotic damage.

Spiritual Ax and enchanted warhammer batter the creature of pure evil! Bones snap and dessicated flesh shatters. The monster stands, but clearly cannot continue to take such punishment.

Venn puts his chin down and tries to focus with his other senses. He rushes to the edge to shoot again. Can I assume I made the bodak my favored foe in Round 1?

Bow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 for DMG: 1d8 + 1 + 1d4 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (3) = 10
Disadvantage: 1d20 ⇒ 17

The arrow thuds into the Bodak's forehead. It staggers for a second, but then keeps coming!

Resisted, but 5 fewer HP than it had before! You can absolutely assume that.

Belwick sees the danger they're in. He knows that the Bodak is the most immediate problem too. He resolves to do something about it.

The wizard repeats the gestures and spell intonations from before, pouring more power into the magic. It's enough to create a quartet of glowing force bolts that, with a gesture, streak out and slam into the foe.
Magic Missile (2nd) vs Bodak: 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 4, 4, 1) + 4 = 14

Four Magic Missiles thud into the Bodak and it lets out what can only be described as an unholy sigh. Dark breath escapes and washes over you all. Suddenly the creatures body floats, hanging in air like a marionette. The face turns to you all. The eyes glow and the distended mouth moves, puppet like.

"Carnem eius manducate et sanguinem eius bibetis, et per Orcum vitam aeternam acquiretis."

The creatures falls to the ground and it's flesh disintegrates into a fine ash and blows away, carried by an unexplained breeze.

ROUND 3
1. Bodak DEAD
2. Embers GO!
3. Spectre TBD
4. Alisanne TBD
5. Caelius TBD
6. Skeleton Minotaurs TBD
7. Belwick TBD
8. Venn TBD
9. Baghotir TBD

Caelius takes on the larger Minotaur to teh west. "I have this one pinned down, focus on the other."

Longsword of Kord vs Blue: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (16) + 6 + (4) = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Big hit for Caelius!

Alisanne steps closer, now that the threat of the bodak is gone.

She shouts a quick curse at the spectre.

Vicious Mockery, Wis14: 1d4 ⇒ 3 and Disadvantage on its next attack.

"Let's try to finish you off!"

Target: Blue
Rapier Atk Roll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Rapier Dam Roll: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Bonus: Attack
Dagger Atk Roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Dagger Dam Roll: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Sneak Attack Damage, if there's a hit
Sneak Atk Dam Roll: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9

Embers darts in and starts to pick apart the creature, bone by bone. The amount of damage the Fairy pirate does in a matter of seconds is humbling, but the mindless undead minotaur knows no fear or self-preservation--only death.

The remaining spectre hisses before fading slightly. It withdraws and passes right through a door to the east.

A minotaur skeleton swats at The Dread Fairy Pirate Roberts... Greataxe Vs. Roberts: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 and catches her with a HIT for Slashing: 2d12 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10. Her luck saves her.

The other tries to kill Baghotir...

Greataxe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 and catches nothing but air, as Baghotir rolls to avoid an overhead chop.

Wisdom Save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10 Alisanne's spell is effective, and Caelius scores a big hit against the minotaur.

ROUND 3
1. Bodak DEAD
2. Embers HIT, HIT
3. Spectre WITHDRAW
4. Alisanne INSPIRE AND MOCK
5. Caelius HIT
6. Skeleton Minotaurs HIT and MISS
7. Belwick TBD
8. Venn TBD
9. Baghotir TBD

Baghotir breathes a sigh of relief when the bodak fades away. "Well done everyone! We've got this!"

He attacks the red skeleton with his warhammer!
Warhammer (magic): 1d20 + 7 + 1d4 ⇒ (20) + 7 + (4) = 31 damage B: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 PLUS Crit: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Then with his bonus action he presses the same target, unless it's down in which case he'll swing on the other one.
Spiritual Axe: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (6) + 6 + (3) = 15
damage F: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The Skeleton is vulnerable to bludgeoning damage. And that was a critical hit.

Baghotir's blow obliterates the minotaur skeleton! It shatters like glass, bone and bone dust sprinkling down. He directs the spiritual axe to the other for a hit.

Belwick moves back in, weaving a bit of evocation magic. A bolt of fire appears in his hand, which he flings at the skeletal minotaur.
Fire Bolt vs Blue Minotaur: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 +1 if I can count being 5th level? ;)
Damage (Fire): 1d10 ⇒ 1

Hit. That is one fewer HP than it had before.

Venn, preferring bone to ...whatever spectres are made from, moves and closes towards the big skeleton.

Feeling all the necrotic energy still draining away at her, Roberts takes a more caution turn to finish off the creature.

Target: Big ugly
Rapier Atk Roll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Rapier Dam Roll: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Bonus: Big ugly
Disengage and move

Sneak Attack Damage, if there's a hit
Sneak Atk Dam Roll: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

Embers obliterates the minotaur skeleton. The battle has ended.

Each adventurer earns 600 Experience Points!

Aside from two rusty greataxes, there is no treasure to be found. You are in an undecorated 30' square room. A closed door is to the east.

Baghotir is breathing heavily, and wary of the missing incorporeal. That said, "I know we just got started, but I could use a bit of a break, as I imagine we all could, after that bodak."

He shudders. "That said, I have a little healing too if we want to push on. I can heal up a couple of us, a little, plus myself, and keep one spell in emergency reserve."

Short rest, or a bit of healing and press on?

Roberts limps up to the group "A bit of o'healin' be in need. Am feelin' less then ship-shape."

That was quite the fight. More than we expected these cultists to be hiding. We should rest. We just found several potions of healing that we can spread around to help get us moving faster, maybe.

Baghotir takes a moment to catch his breath. Several moments.

Short rest please.
Rest: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (6, 6) + 6 = 18

"Ahhh, I feel much better. Now I still have a little healing if some of you are up against it. Might be better to give you a touch now rather than in battle."

Anyone still need a cure? Happy to oblige.

Once the healing is dispensed with, he's eager to press on. He'll go up to the next door and open it when the party is in position. "Let's go!" he says excitedly.

Short Rest: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4) + 2 = 11
Belwick hunkers down to catch his breath. "I have bruises in places I did not think you could get bruised. This has been exhausting. I do worry that we might need to cut this strip short and return to Saltmarsh. But I will do my best to press on."

The nobleman takes out his spellbook and flips through the pages. He then retrieves a quill and inkpot and jots down some notes for himself.
Using my last two hit dice for this rest, and doing Arcane Recovery to get two 1st level slots back.

After the hour long break it is obvious that Belwick is still injured. He does a poor job hiding the grimace of pain as he stands. "Please lead on. I'll watch our backs."
Reminder to the DM that Belwick still has Alarm cast over the entrance to this place

Caelius stands up, for this was one of the few fights he wasn't seriously wounded in. "I am good to press on."

As Caelius' speaks... The psychic bell in his head warns him that someone has entered the basement.

You have moments to decide what to do

"Someone has entered," Belwick says, face showing his alarm. "We should go back, now, and see who greets us. I suspect it is the other group of adventurers."

"And they'll likely pay the mercenary more than us for his loyalty." Baghotir nods.

He grabs his warhammer and shield, and trots back to the bottom of the stairs (if he gets that far), ready for battle.

The party quickly gathers their gear and prepares to face whatever comes down the stairs.

You emerge back into the basement just as Bayleaf stands, draws steel and cuts south, taking a defensive position.

Emerging from the doorway is a party of adventurers, not unlike yourselves. Leading them is a smug looking human male wearing splint mail and carrying a pair of swords. Beside him is another Human wearing a chain shirt and carrying a skull-shaped black mace. His left hand starting to trace and twitch. Just behind them is a woman with a bow, wearing light armor. She is ready to loose an arrow. Behind them, still in the doorway is a Masked humanoid dressed in loose fitting black cloth. You don't see any arms or armor. You also see a giggling gnome with a stick.

The man up front smiles wide.

"Well, well. Lookie here. Pack of claim jumpers."

He looks at Alisanne and lets out a wolfish whistle.

"Pretty ones though. Now sod off, all of ya."

"That is an interesting position to take, given that we are duly appointed representatives of the Saltmarsh City Council, representing their interests in this endeavor," Belwick says from the back of the group. "You could be excused from the fact that we also arrived before your group, were that even relevant. So no, I am afraid you have arrived too late. A fact you should have realized when you came here and caused a ruckus on the beach."

"Which, to me, begs the question: just why are you here, insisting on a claim that is obviously not yours? What do you want?"

Baghotir is desperate to lunge forward and engage in battle, but as before, is wise enough to let the smart folk talk a while. Might not stave off the fight, but we'll undoubtedly learn something from the exchange - and then cave their skulls in.

He grips his warhammer and waits. If we're in rounds, dodge.

"You talk pretty, but you're way off, Princling. You're not appointed by the council anymore than we are. There's a contract out, and so long as the job is done The Council don't care. They posted the contract to my sponsors, same as yours--it's first to the prize. You're here, sure, but it was us that cleared the beach of the skellies--no more o' them. Hard to build a lighthouse when there are dead things in the sands. And I've got four cultist scalps from outside here. We seem to have done more of the job than you have. So... Sod. Off. This here is our prize."

"You murdered them!? They were children, not cultists! You are a monster!"

He quickly points a finger, incanting a spell that hurls fire at the leader.
Fire Bolt: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Damage (Fire): 1d10 ⇒ 6

Baghotir has heard enough, scalps?

"Evil f$$$ers!" he cries as he charges forth, swinging at the leader.

He'll say a short prayer to ensure his first swing connects (channel divinity)
Warhammer (magic): 1d20 + 7 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 10 = 25 (channel)
damage B: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

He uses his bonus action for another swing thanks be to god!
Warhammer (magic): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
damage B: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

ROUND 1
1. Embers
2. Venn
3. Skull Mace
5. Alisanne
6. Person In Black
7. Baghotir
8. Giggling Gnome
9. Bayleaf
10. Caelius
11. Archer
12. Aaron
13. Belwick
14. Remaining Cultists

Baghotir and Belwick launch into an attack and the battle begins.

Per OOC discussion...

During the rest, Baghotir would have helped heal poor Belwick a little further.

Cure: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Sorry for the roll, but at least it's a little something!