‘Eκάτη's Endless Night

Game Master ‘Eκάτη

Terzarin tries to identify the axe.
Arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

@Terzarin, I think it's a Spellcraft.

@Everyone, that's it, first of all, I need some decisions and actions. It is impossible to get to the secret door (the letter S on the map) without going deep into the blood (at least without flying and so on). There's just nowhere to stand. Secondly, indeed, if something happens, I will assume that you are standing where your tokens are, as Soryan reminded you. It doesn't seem difficult to me to move a token on a map in google slides in the same way as you would move a figure on a flip-mat at real table. Thanks to those players who have been doing this all this time, the rest - join them in this practice please!

So, what are your actions?

I have no way to fly over this and have no idea how deep the blood is. I could sink to the bottom in twenty feet of blood.

Apologies. Actually thought that there was a ledge under the S but zooming in more it's just the side of the pool wall...oops!

Damning his decision not to purchase that Wand of Prestidigitation, the blood dripping Rogue wonders how that Unseen Servant is doing.

Blood count as water in this instance? The assumption was the Secret Door is at eye level as Cirok seen it from across the blood pond?

Cirok looks to the Wizard.
Can you Moses this red sea so we can invade that door?

Soryan Dirge shakes his head in regret, "Alas I can not do much to get everyone across the vile pool to the wailing sounds inside the stone." He looks at his own gory body, "I can prestidigitate the sickening slime from us-- but methinks that wading in blood is perhaps less horrible than possessing the corpses of Drow and sinking into the bowels of the earth as each of us has already done. And we are likely to see and do far worse."

Oh, that's a great clarifying question, Сirok. The invisible servant did not drown, although you assume that it partially sank into the liquid. This means that there is a maximum of ankle-deep blood right at the door. However, it is not clear in the middle, but if there are no sharp dips down, then it should not be deeper than knee-deep or waist-deep at most. In general, there is no need to swim - rather walk slowly.

Looking nervously at the 'blood' dripping off his person, Soryan Dirge realizes its nature, "It's not even blood, gentlemen, look. I think there's some bacteria or something that makes it look, feel and, ick, smell this way. That's somewhat a relief"

I will go across then. Colgrim wades over.

Colgrim dips it into a blood-red liquid...

You go knee-deep, then waist-deep, but the floor doesn't go any deeper. The disgusting feeling of how this cold sticky liquid got into your boots becomes nothing when your pants become soaked through with it. You also feel that something is floating in the water. Some kind of nimble creatures. Aberrant snakes, or rather long thin worms? You can't see, but you're sure that one of these creatures crawled into your left boot. Nevertheless, you have no problem reaching the place that Cirok indicated as a secret door.

Millenium hand and shrimp! Buggerit!

Colgrim examines the wall
Perception+Stonecunning: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

"We need to find a way to carry a 10' pole. As to crossing the liquid, even if it is not blood, I will wait and see what happens. Cirok, I think I may be able to throw you across to the shallows or possibly into the wall if you have a way of sticking to it." Cuthalian offers. 'I knew I should have bought that folding boat.'

That roll would end up as a 21 for Spellcraft. Thank you.

Terzarin watches closely. If Colgrim survives, he will follow him over.

With Colgrim and Terzarin investigating the stone that conceals the baby's cry, Soryan Dirge considers his Spells should the need for combat be immediately thrust upon Blood Currency. 'Please no Swarms, one big Vermin is easier than a thousand-million little Vermin.'

(posting as though Colgrim and Terzarin are next to the stone)

Colgrim studies the wall. For you, on closer inspection, there are obvious rough cracks that even the most drunken and old-blind dwarf would see and immediately realize that there is a secret door there. Anyway, knowing in advance where to look, you are absolutely sure of it. Also, you don't see any traps, and you don't hear any sounds from outside the door. For now.

In silence, a large mosquito flies by and lands on Soryan's neck. It is not difficult to kill it, but chitin does not break immediately, you have to make an effort.

Melee +1, returning dagger: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 251d4 + 7 + 4d6 ⇒ (1) + 7 + (1, 6, 6, 4) = 25

Cirok smiles at the Wizard.
You have a bit of something on your neck.

Colgrim gets his fingers into the cracks and pulls.

Smacking the back of his neck half in panic, Soryan Dirge uses a Prestidigitation to Conjure a little dollop of oil to rub where the chitinous proboscis began to penetrate the pores of his neck for the blood of a Drow. Hopefully the oily Cantrip will help dislodge the invading needle.

Сolgrim pushes the stone door open...

The choking reek of burnt flesh, filth, and exotic herbs overwhelms every gasp in this chamber. Along the far wall stands a vile altar on which embers from a dented brazier casting weak, flickering shadows over a obscene idol of an impossibly pregnant humanoid with a vaguely dog-like head. Before the figure lie something that squirms in the shadows...

This tiny thing starts to babble and giggle, and there is something overwhelming and unsettling about that sound. A mix of giggling and sobbing spreads not only through the walls of the room, but also echoes further into the cave, where the others stand. The world seems to start dancing in front of your eyes, and a kind of bloody haze covers everything.

We're moving into the rounds. Everyone, DC 18 Will Save (sonic, mind-affecting, enchantment, compulsion effect) please at the beginning of your turn. If you fail the roll, then roll 1d4 for the number of rounds you are in Confusion. Further actions in the Confusion according to the usual rules, here is the link. If you have saved, then you can act normal, as you see fit.

- ROUND 1 -

PARTY IS UP!

PS The white lines symbolize where the passage in the wall opened. Areas with blood are considered difficult terrain.

Cirok winces as the sounds of gibbering reaches his ears!
From the mouth of babes!

Will DC 18: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 2 = 22
+2 trait bonus on all saving throws against illusions.
+2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells and effects

A totally stunned expression appears on the Rogue's Drow (handsome) face!
Holy f$*& balls!

Knowledge (dungeoneering) (Int): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Further actions pending knowledge check...

Cirok wants to say close the f@+%ing door, but he shouldn't because he rolled a "3"....

What the Rogue does do is takes out his Wand of Expeditious Retreat.
Use Magic Device (Cha) DC 20: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19

We may need to murder the dwarf. Just saying.

Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Knowledge, um, something-- What could I be seeing?
Am Smarts: 1d20 ⇒ 12 +24 for Religion & Planes / +22 for Arcana, Dungeoneering & Nature

I BLOODY KNEW IT!

Will Save DC 18: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Oh dearie, oh dearie

Confusion rounds: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Oh lawd

Confusion result: 1d100 ⇒ 68

Colgrim bashes his fist into his face
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Wil: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Those who failed the will save continue to make a new saving throw every round, by the way. The success in saving throw does NOT remove the current confuse, but only prevents the addition of new rounds.

Those who succeeded the first time no longer make new checks.

Soryan, from your position, I don't think you can see what's there. Moreover, even from Сolgrim's place, it's just a tiny bundle in which something is moving - quite the size of a baby. To see this in detail, you need to get closer.

”So, if a babe, it is protected.” Cuthalian says as he muses to himself before casting Protection from evil. Then he wades toward the cave.

cannot manipulate the board right now. Will adjust position late this afternoon.

Terzarin tries to resist the smell (impossible) and the confusion.
Will save with Elf bonus: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Seeing what Colgrim just did, he casts resistance on him and moves up to the monster, drawing his short sword as he goes.

Colgrim, you'll have a +1 on your next Will save.

I'm going to rip off your face and feed it to my parakeet!

Unable to see properly inside the hidden cave, Soryan Dirge Moves to a vantage point where from he can better see the danger, and choose his spell appropriately.

Move to get good line of sight and then, based on the information from the results of my Knowledge roll, Standard Action to cast an appropriate spell.

Soryan, you see... a baby derro, blue-skinned infant no older than a year. Its limbs flail and its head lolls with an obvious lack of coordination, and it screams incessantly. You understand that this child has significant psychic abilities. Involuntarily, you glance to the left, where you came from. For some reason, it seems to you that the furious mother of this infant was killed by your squad just a couple of minutes ago. You have one question.

Having moved into position to see what danger faces Blood Currency Soryan Dirge is as disturbed as he's ever been. Nothing in Ustalov, Tanglebriar or the Worldwound could have prepared him for this: Creepy Baby.

Eyes wide in near panic, white-knuckled, he unleashes a bolt of arcane Lightning, barely careful enough not to strike his Dwarven ally.

In desperation, he also hums a lullaby, hoping for the best.

Jacob Bugg's Lightning Bolt!: 8d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 4, 5, 2, 2, 4, 3) = 28 Ref DC20 for half

I’m on my phone and can’t modify the slide. Cuthalian should be standing next to Soryan and Colgrim.

The cry of a baby's pain tears through the cave for a brief moment, but it is quickly drowned out by the crackle of electricity. The scent of burnt flesh fills the air, and in the sudden silence that fell on you like a stone slab after the intense cries, only the buzzing of insects and Сolgrim's half-mad ramblings can be heard.

- ROUND 2 -

PARTY IS UP!

Colgrim, you are confused for 3 more rounds (including this one), no more saves are needed because no more babbling from derro baby. So, roll d100 and act according to it. Soryan, will save please. Indeed, killing babies - even of monsters and obviously cursed/blessed by the dark gods - is still something that your entire past has not prepared you for.

confusion: 1d100 ⇒ 83

Colgrim punches whoever is near him
spiked gaintlet: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 151d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Colgrim punches the wizard since they crisped Colgrims beard with lightning

Gauntlet,PA: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 111d4 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Cuthalian assumes Colgrim is under some form of curse and steps past the dwarf to approach the child. As he does so, he sheathes his weapon and unslings his backpack.

Cuthalian, you're getting closer... The vile altar is badly damaged, but the creepy dog-headed idol of Lamashtu miraculously almost did not suffer... But that's not what your attention is focused on - you see a badly charred little body among the smoking rags. You feel nausea rising in your throat.

Will save please. Nothing that will affect your actions right now (and not magic), so you can do next actions without waiting for the result of the roll. It seems to me that you got there with one move action, so you still have a standard.

O,that this too too solid flesh would melt, Thaw and resolve itself into a dew! Or that the Everlasting had not fix'd His canon against self-slaughter! O God! God! How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable, Seem to me all the uses of this world! Fie on't, ah fie, 'tis an unweeded garden, That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature Possess it merely. That it should come to this! But two months dead, nay not so much, not two, So excellent a king, that was, to this Hyperion to a satyr, so loving to my mother That he might not beteem the wings of heaven Visit her face too roughly. Heaven and earth, Must I remember? Why, she would hang on him, As if the increase of appetite had grown By what it fed on; and yet within a month - Let me think not on't; frailty, thy name is woman - A little month, or ere these shoes were old With which she followed my poor father's body Like Niobe, all tears, why she, even she - O God, a beast that wants discourse of reason Would have mourned longer - married with my uncle, My father's brother, but no more like my father Than I to Hercules. Within a month, Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears Had left the flushing in her gall'd eyes, She married. O, most wicked speed, to post With such dexterity to incestuous sheets! It is not, nor it cannot come to good. But break my heart, for I must hold my tongue

"Something is horribly wrong. This child appears to have been a sacrifice." Cuthalian says before casting protection from evil.

Will: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Cirok watches from across the blood pond all the strange behaviors, weird voicing of archaic phrases, and there seems to be a spot of blood on his lapel!
Mother f*&&ing bullshit! What's going on in there? Why does Soryan have a black(er) eye?

The Rogue decides to try another attempt with his Wand.
UMD DC 20: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37

He stows it.

Terzarin and Soryan freeze in horror at what is happening. Meanwhile, Colgrim continues to go crazy and rampage.

Сolgrim, please make two more turns in confusion and that's where we all leave combat situation. I assumed that the comrades might try to tie you up or run away, but apparently not. At the maximum result on d100, I expect a full attack with PA. Go!

confusion 1: 1d100 ⇒ 74
Colgrim punches himself

damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

confusion 2: 1d100 ⇒ 51

More self abuse
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

After two good blows to his face, Colgrim comes to his senses.

A gloomy heavy silence hangs in the air, disturbed only by the buzzing of insects. It seems that no matter how many of them you burn here, new ones will appear quickly.

Your actions?

The Rogue will await word of Ill or not as Ill from those more intimate with the sounds coming from the baby's room....

What in the abyss just happened? I blacked out and now my beard is burnt and our wizard has a black eye.

Cuthalian kneels down beside the babe and touches it before turning his attention to the idol. Is it carved into the wall or is it standing like a statue?

Terzarin channels to heal when everyone is in range.
Channel: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 1, 1, 1, 4) = 13

You were affected by dark magic, Colgrim, but you're mostly alright now, except for your beard.

The idol stands like a statue, carved rather roughly.

Not like I haven't been burned or cut before. Now what will we do?

Cuthalian pulls a rope from his pack and ties it to the upper portion of the idol, "We're going to pull this idol down for one thing." He says and then begins to haul on the rope assuming Colgrim will come over and give him a hand. Once it is down, Cuthalian pulls his warhammer and begins to hammer away on any semblance of limbs to include the head until only the body is left. "Hopefully they can't use that thing again." he says and then considering the possibility of hidden magic in the area he casts detect magic and peers about.

Colgrim helps Cuthalian yank down the statue.