After 30 minutes of chanting, and with Dr. Lazarus's expert focus, the knife starts to glow and hum.
"And now I will teach you all how to untether the Morrowkin from time." Jiudu says. "Everyone, follow me!" She leads you in the last 20 minutes of the drill, teaching you the special cuts that you can make with the Knife of Trouble Elimination to end the Morrowkin for good. "Remember, it may tethered into the time loop in multiple places."
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
◈ (attack, fortune, magical) Requirements You are wielding the Knife of Trouble Elimination, the Knife of Trouble Elimination has been temporally empowered, and the morrowkin has 160 or fewer Hit Points; Effect You focus your eyes to see the tethers of time located around the morrowkin, then slash in a strange, twisting pattern with the Knife of Trouble Elimination to sever one of the creature's connections to time.
Tarcog knows that he is no good with a knife and Amvolwatt can not wield one.
The two dragons once again bring appetizers up to the crowd, gets them on the aft deck, and set the trap for the Morrowkin complete with pork dumpling.
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Jayma looks with awe at the now glowing and humming knife. "Wield it well doctor, our lives and futures depend on it." She then goes back on deck, and taking a dumpling in hand, readies herself to fight the Morrowkin. She waits until the last moment to cast Invisibility spells on herself and anyone else who wants one.
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With Jiudu's knowledge and guidance leading the ritual, Dr. Lazarus is pleased with the results. Always thinking far too highly of himself however, the Doctor is all-too confident that his mastery of the occult, combined with his unparalleled attention to detail, led to the successful completion of the ritual. He holds up his hands defensively, as if to fend off any upcoming praise. "Thank you, my colleagues. Thank you. But Jiudu helped too."
When Jiudu continues to lead the way, by explaining how to use the Knife, Dr. Lazarus quickly jots notes in his writing pad. He turns to Jayma. "You found it first, my dear. Do you wish to wield the sacred Knife in the upcoming battle?"
When she defers to him, the Doctor offers to the group, "My dear colleagues, I'm familiar with this type of weapon, and I'd be honored to wield it in the next attack against the morrowkin." He continues, "Given the method in which I devise an attack strategy, I will hopefully learn the optimal time to use the artifact."
"I can't," Turiik says and is almost immediately overrun by Hunger's voice, "Inferior weapon."
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Meadow sits in on the final ten minutes in order to learn the technique. "Just in case. You never know..." She shrugs.
Once again Tarcog passes around a platter of appetizers, holding back six servings for himself and Amvolwatt plus a pork dumpling for the trap. At the same time, Amvolwatt sets a full tray next to Hunger reminding them to save one serving for the creature.
He directs Rui and all the passengers to gather on the aft deck, making sure Maika is in a good position for the countdown.
The two dragons then start tipping over tables for Meadow. Tarcog sets up his trap with the pork dumpling.
Taking their seafood, Tarcog and Amvolwatt each eat two servings while waiting for the action to begin. The other share they hold ready to offer to the creature.
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Dr. Lazarus feels quite certain he could handle the Knife capably, but then, the Doctor feels quite certain about everything. Considering the magic of the Knife won't necessarily work with his ability to devise attack strategies, he turns to Meadow. "Alas, perhaps the artifact is best left in your capable hands, my dear. Use it well."
When the group is ready, Dr. Lazarus takes up a similar position as last time, and choose another delicious dumpling to present to the morrowkin. Turning to the sorceress, he asks "My dear Jayma, If you could spare another low-level Invisibility spell, that would be appreciated."
Meadow prepares for what she hopes will be the final battle with the morrowkin with the knife sheathed and a particularly large dumpling in her right hand.
From his perch atop the mast, Silence spots the dumpling. He flaps his wings and lets loose a piercing cry.
"Screech!"
The young ranger shakes her head at the owl's request.
"This isn't for you. I need to offer it to the monster when he appears. He hates proper food and gets sick when we offer it to him."
The snowy owl turns his head upside down and stares at his friend.
Meadow laughs at the owls confusion.
"Yeah I know. It's really weird. Whaddaya want? He's a monster. They're weird. Now stop goofing off and pay attention. We'll have a proper feast when this business is finished."
She talks up a position about 40 feet from the morrowkin's arrival point and draws her rapier. She concentrates and it transforms into a starknife.
"Okay Jayma I'm ready to go invisible. Maybe you could speed me up too?"
Turiik takes his position outside the door to the lower decks. "Why didn't we recruit the chefs to the effort?" His hair turns fully white and his eyes turn black. "Quiet, boy! I'm all you need."
As Turiik gets into position a worried voice speaks out. "Turiik. If you stand there what's stopping the monster from moving up and using that big magic blast to kill the diners? Please move closer so he won't go for the easier prey first. If you do when this is done I'll go hunt you up a nice stag and let you eat it up all by yourself."
"What does it matter?" Hunger growls.
The gentler voice of Turiik pushes through with a momentary darkening of shock of his hair, "I'll go stand closer."
You make your preparations, including Jayma and Tarcog pre-buffing the party with a number of spells. The sun sets. Maika looks at all of you. "Ready? Let's make this the last one."
Rui takes cover behind a flipped over table on the aft deck. "I've been told the next event is a real showstopper..." He whispers in a terrified voice.
Maika starts counting aloud, holding up her fingers. "On the count of three!"
There's a flash and bang of fireworks in the sky, launched from the nearby luxury Dragonhead district. Startled by the sudden noise, Grandma Wu almost drops her cup of phoenix spirits, but she manages to hold onto it, and drink deeply.
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
Maika shouts. "One!"
"Two!"
"Three!"
Rui sets down the platter of dumplings he was holding, and grabs one just in case.
A strange humanoid form with no distinct features appears on the dining deck, bathed in scintillating purple light. Images of haunted faces ripple slowly across its body. Though it has no mouth, it speaks as it raises its hands toward the guests. “We've come for your--"
As one, your readied actions go off as you offer pork dumplings to the Morrowkin. The nauseating snare explodes, and Meadow sends at least one dumpling tied to an arrow at it. Other dumplings bounce off the morrowkin as they are tossed at him.
Clutching its stomach, it tries to recapture the grandeur of its entrance and hisses, "--futures." He shakes himself. "So disgusting..."
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
Dr. Lazarus successfully recalls that it is time to kick the Morrowkin's ass.
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
CONDITIONS: RALLYING BANNER
You gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls and a +1 status bonus to saves against fear, emotion effects that inflict despair, and effects that would impose the confused or controlled condition. When the bearer of the banner would gain the fleeing condition, they can choose to stand their ground and be stunned for the effect's duration instead.
Dr. Lazarus (invisible, hasted)
Jayma (invisible, hasted)
Meadow (invisible, hasted)
Silence (30 ft up)
Turiik
Morrowkin (sickened 6)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt
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When the Morrowkin appears, Jayma tosses her dumpling at it, and after moving forward to bring the creature within range, closes one eye. "Shyka show me the way." When everything around her seems to come into sharper focus, she follows it up with single strike of her staff on the ground. A concentrated ball of electricity appears in her palm. It crackles and rumbles like impossibly distant thunder. She says, "future filcher faces fickle fate," and flings it at the creature.
Jayma crits the sickened morrowkin with her Horizon Thunder Sphere.
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
CONDITIONS: RALLYING BANNER
You gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls and a +1 status bonus to saves against fear, emotion effects that inflict despair, and effects that would impose the confused or controlled condition. When the bearer of the banner would gain the fleeing condition, they can choose to stand their ground and be stunned for the effect's duration instead.
Dr. Lazarus (invisible, hasted)
Jayma (invisible, hasted)
Meadow (invisible, hasted)
Silence (30 ft up)
Turiik
Morrowkin (sickened 6, dazzled, -92)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt
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Waiting with renowned elven patience, Dr. Lazarus is ready to formulate a plan of attack when the morrowkin arrives for, what is hopefully, closing night. He shakes his head whispering, "Alas, dear beast, it's time for your final performance."
With the creature repelled by the glorious buffet, the Doctor sees a gaping hole in its defenses. He mutters, "By Grabthar's Hammer, these good people shall be avenged." He then hurls his hammer three times in succession.
+2 Striking Returning Flaming Cold Iron Grabthar's Hammer (w/ Stratagem) +Banner: 1d20 + 21 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 21 +1 = 38
Realizing the importance of keeping Meadow upright, the Doctor moves closer to the ranger in case she needs healing.
Dr. Lazarus hits the morrowkin in an especially sensitive spot, and then has two other hits that do far less damage.
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
CONDITIONS: RALLYING BANNER
You gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls and a +1 status bonus to saves against fear, emotion effects that inflict despair, and effects that would impose the confused or controlled condition. When the bearer of the banner would gain the fleeing condition, they can choose to stand their ground and be stunned for the effect's duration instead.
Dr. Lazarus (invisible, hasted)
Jayma (invisible, hasted)
Meadow (invisible, hasted)
Silence (30 ft up)
Turiik
Morrowkin (sickened 6, dazzled, -174)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt
"One more time." In a swirl of snow and flames, Turiik is replaced by the blood stained polar bear. The bear roars before charging around (or through) the tables to pounce upon the morrowkin.
+
Turiik turns into a polar bear and lightly chews the Morrowkin. Meadow feels no change in how the knife feels in her hand.
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
CONDITIONS: RALLYING BANNER
You gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls and a +1 status bonus to saves against fear, emotion effects that inflict despair, and effects that would impose the confused or controlled condition. When the bearer of the banner would gain the fleeing condition, they can choose to stand their ground and be stunned for the effect's duration instead.
Dr. Lazarus (invisible, hasted)
Jayma (invisible, hasted)
Meadow (invisible, hasted)
Silence (30 ft up)
Turiik
Morrowkin (sickened 6, dazzled, -195)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt
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Minor nitpick: How does Dr. Lazarus know where Meadow is?
When Dr. Lazarus moves to the aft of the ship, expecting to find Meadow and Jayma where the sorceress buffed them, the Doctor doesn't see anyone. He grumbles to himself, "My dear fellow, you're one of the dumbest smart people I know. We're all invisible. This is embarrassing." He shakes his invisible head and mumbles, "Note to self: Invest in a See Invisibility scroll." He brightens slightly when he realizes there's a good chance no one noticed his ... miscalculation.
Meadow idly flips the starknife around in her hand as she studies her target. Suddenly she hurls it at the enemy.
+1d6 persistant fire damage
extra damage on the first hit.
As the starknife returns to her hand she draws the knife of trouble elimination and closes on the morrowkin.
The Starknife hits only because the morrowkin is flat-footed. As it does, the Knife of Trouble Elimination suddenly starts to thrum, as if vibrating with excitement.
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
It's the morrowkin's turn. With most of the party invisible, it moves around Turiik to place itself closer to the party members it can see, Tarcog and Amvolwatt.
◈ Stride
◈◈ Swallow Future
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
CONDITIONS: RALLYING BANNER
You gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls and a +1 status bonus to saves against fear, emotion effects that inflict despair, and effects that would impose the confused or controlled condition. When the bearer of the banner would gain the fleeing condition, they can choose to stand their ground and be stunned for the effect's duration instead.
Dr. Lazarus (invisible, hasted)
Jayma (invisible, hasted)
Meadow (invisible, hasted, prey hunted, doomed 1, -24)
Silence (30 ft up)
Turiik (-49, doomed 2)
Morrowkin (sickened 6, dazzled, -201)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt (-49, doomed 2)
Amvolwatt moves up to the creature as Tarcog channels power into the dragon.
Then Tarcog tries a different spell than he has used before. He summons mirrors in to surround the marrowkin.
DC 29 Basic Will save
“You are surrounded by food, but nothing you can eat! Lacking a past, you have no future.”
Amvolwatt is ready to attack if the marrowkin moves. He is also in a good position for Turiik to flank the creature.
Tarcog summons in mirrors to taunt the Morrowkin, and Amvolwatt moves in to take advantage of Attack of Opportunity.
"Blech!" The Morrowkin succeeds for half damage, but clutches his stomach at Tarcog's words. "Mortals are so distasteful. Food... Blech."
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
CONDITIONS: RALLYING BANNER
You gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls and a +1 status bonus to saves against fear, emotion effects that inflict despair, and effects that would impose the confused or controlled condition. When the bearer of the banner would gain the fleeing condition, they can choose to stand their ground and be stunned for the effect's duration instead.
Dr. Lazarus (invisible, hasted)
Jayma (invisible, hasted)
Meadow (invisible, hasted, prey hunted, doomed 1, -24)
Silence (30 ft up)
Turiik (-49, doomed 2)
Morrowkin (sickened 6, dazzled, -217)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt (-49, doomed 2)
Meadow closes on the morrowkin and activates the knife of trouble elimination.
"Dant lagor anin gyth nîn."
The One Who Hungers follows after the morrowkin and rears back on his hind lengs. He tries to wrap the bizarre creature of time and doom in a bear hug.
Meadow severes two of the tethers and the Morrowkin shrieks with pain.
The Morrowkin turns toward Meadow and hisses, "Sssstupid mortal, what are you doing to me?"
The blade is still thrumming though, and Meadow realizes that the job is not yet done.
Meanwhile, Hunger attempts to grapple the Morrowkin, but his arms flail against the sweaty creature.
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
CONDITIONS: RALLYING BANNER
You gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls and a +1 status bonus to saves against fear, emotion effects that inflict despair, and effects that would impose the confused or controlled condition. When the bearer of the banner would gain the fleeing condition, they can choose to stand their ground and be stunned for the effect's duration instead.
Dr. Lazarus (invisible, hasted)
Jayma (invisible, hasted)
Meadow (invisible, hasted, prey hunted, doomed 1, -24)
Silence (30 ft up)
Turiik (-49, doomed 2)
Morrowkin (sickened 6, dazzled, 2 tethers gone, -217)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt (-49, doomed 2)
"Excellent! Hold him down, Turiik!"
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From his position across the room, Dr. Lazarus tries to shake the cobwebs out of his excessively large brai ... ego. He studies the creature to formulate a plan of attack.
At this distance, Lazarus can't find a clear opening. Which is just as well, because he realizes it's near time for Meadow to make an appearance with the Knife.
Seeing his colleagues injured, the Doctor decides to make rounds. Striding up to Turiik first, he says, "Don't be alarmed my dear fellow. I'm making a rare house call. Hold still." Dr. Lazarus performs some in-battle healing.
The Doctor then moves behind Amvolwatt and says, "My dear dragon, it is I, the good Doctor. We can't have you and Tarcog withering away." He applies some special dragon bandages.
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She once again moves closer to get within range, then closes her eye and says, "Shyka show me the way." When everything around her seems to come into sharper focus, she follows it up with single strike of her staff on the ground. A concentrated ball of electricity appears in her palm. It crackles and rumbles like impossibly distant thunder. She says, "Bye bye big boy," and flings it at the creature.
Dr. Lazarus heals Turiik and Tarcog, and Jayma true strikes with her thunder sphere.
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
It is the Morrowkin's turn!
Feeling its tethers get cut, it searches for the person holding the knife.
◈
But it cannot hear the sneaky Meadow, so instead it strikes out once each at Turiik and Amvolwatt!
◈
◈
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
CONDITIONS: RALLYING BANNER
You gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls and a +1 status bonus to saves against fear, emotion effects that inflict despair, and effects that would impose the confused or controlled condition. When the bearer of the banner would gain the fleeing condition, they can choose to stand their ground and be stunned for the effect's duration instead.
Dr. Lazarus (invisible, hasted)
Jayma (invisible, hasted)
Meadow (invisible, hasted, prey hunted, doomed 1, -24)
Silence (30 ft up)
Turiik (-23, doomed 2)
Morrowkin (sickened 6, 2 tethers gone, -217)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt (-36, doomed 2)
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Dr. Lazarus waits for Meadow to complete the untethering. Once she gives the all-clear command, the Doctor prepares to unleash his hammer, hopefully for the last times this battle, "Alas, time for you to make your final curtain call, my dear monster." He devises an attack.
Sensing another gaping hole in the creature's defenses, the Doctor hurls his hammer four times in succession, the last three with reckless abandon!
+2 Striking Returning Flaming Cold Iron Grabthar's Hammer (w/ Stratagem) + Banner: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (20) + 21 = 42
Meadow once again lashes out at the tethers.
Tarcog channels power into Amvolwatt.
While Amvolwatt makes a frenzied series of attacks with their tail and claw.
(agile, finesse, magical, trip, knockdown)
(agile, finesse, magical, trip, knockdown)
(deadly d8, finesse, magical),
(deadly d8, finesse, magical),
“You have no past and no future now. Soon you will be nothing!”
Wow! Best if we pretend this never happened…
Meadow attempts to cut the tethers three times but the pressure of it all is too much and she gets more frustrated with every miss. Amvolwatt misses twice, but hits on the third attack with his claw, grazing the Morrowkin.
★ ---- ★ ---- ★ ---- ★
CONDITIONS: RALLYING BANNER
You gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls and a +1 status bonus to saves against fear, emotion effects that inflict despair, and effects that would impose the confused or controlled condition. When the bearer of the banner would gain the fleeing condition, they can choose to stand their ground and be stunned for the effect's duration instead.
Dr. Lazarus (invisible, hasted)
Jayma (invisible, hasted)
Meadow (invisible, hasted, prey hunted, doomed 1, -24)
Silence (30 ft up)
Turiik (-11, doomed 2)
Morrowkin (sickened 6, 2 tethers gone, -284)
Tarcog + Amvolwatt (-36, doomed 2)
The bear rears back and wraps his paws around the morrowkin. "Your claws are weak now!"
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Jayma realizes that they're getting close to killing the Morrowkin but have yet to finish cutting all the tethers. "Do not damage it further. If we kill it accidently before all the tethers are cut, we will have to do this all over again."
Instead of blasting it, Jayma tries something unusual for her. Smiling widely, she points to the Morrowkin and says, "Laugh loudly lamentable lout." Then, turning to Meadow, she closes her eyes and says, "May The Many guide Meadow's hand" before moving position to throw off the Morrowkin.