Age of Ashes (Team Dahak)

Game Master Delta Arena

Brilliant Burnis help put out fire.

Brilliant Burnis carry weaklings out of building.

Mosquito continues to carry buckets of water back and forth! About half actually end up on the fire. A few do end up on the unconscious Investigator!
Dis bees no times fer da naps!

Not certain if Healing him will help, or hurt the narrative from Discussion?

The Cleric of Cayden Cailean screams at the prone Investigator!
Wakes up! Or youses bees deads!

Heal(1): 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

He can still step down without letting the character die. Perhaps he realizes that the task is more dangerous that he had imagine and decides to go back to helping at the Wizard's Grace.

Mosquito continues to carry buckets of water back and forth! About half actually end up on the fire. A few do end up on the unconscious Investigator!

Dis bees no times fer da naps!

Not certain if Healing him will help, or hurt the narrative from Discussion?

The Cleric of Cayden Cailean screams at the prone Investigator!
Wakes up! Or youses bees deads!

[dice=Heal(1)]1d8+8

"Thank you little friend, I was about to do the same thing. Jakub is important to us, we learn a lot from people who are different, a lot like they all learn from you and from me."

Kneeling down to speak to Ghoran as he wakes ...

"The little goblin made it to you first, but I do have one more spell I can cast. Attacking mephits is a little different than working the taproom, you really got in there! Remind me never to stand in your way."

Markus considers helping the Ghoran, but he is being well tended.

He runs to put himself at the councilors disposal and asks "What can I do? I am an architect and engineer and can direct the water to the most optimal spots."

Vorgon, amidst the soot and singe of the council chambers, raises his gnarled hands with a wild glee twinkling in his eyes. His fingers flicker like the last dancing flames he commands, muttering in a mix of reverence and mischief. "Glimsham, gimme da nod, snuff dese sneaky sparks," he sings out in his gruff, goblin voice, a playful tune to his elemental ritual.

The fire, as if charmed by the goblin's quirky incantation, retreats like the tide under a moon's pull. Vorgon's dance between the flames becomes more animated, his feet shuffling, stirring up ash in swirls around him as he manipulates the fire. Each ember dims under his gaze, subdued by the whisper of his words and the sway of his soot-stained robes.

"Shhh, sneaky fire, back you go," he chuckles, coaxing the last stubborn flare with a wag of his finger, treating the fire more like a mischievous child than a destructive force. The smoke begins to clear, and the air chills slightly, a sign of his success.

As the chamber settles into a smoky calm, Vorgon spins around, a triumphant grin splitting his face. "Not today, fire. Breachill's pal says no burn-burn in here!" he declares with a victorious cackle, his voice echoing off the walls, still standing strong and largely unharmed thanks to his efforts. Satisfied, he claps his hands, dusting off ash, ready to scamper off to the next challenge, his spirit undampened by the chaos.

Replace the following if, by any chance, Jakub comes back.

Walking up in front of Mosquito and Kiilo, Jakub looks around the room with an obvious expression of concern in his face. "Is everyone safe? did we safe them?" If he is in pain, it is no shown in his demeanor. His priority, as always, being to help as much as he can.

***

The councilors gracefully accept Markus' guidance to prioratize the most vulnerable parts of the structure. The lead Vrosi and the townsfolk in putting out the fire the corridors.

Vorgon, from the other end calms down any remaining amber in the hall and proceeds to order down the flames in the rest of the building.

Before long, there is no sign of fire anywhere in sight, and the townsfolk beging to move out towards the fountains to quench their thirst and catch their breaths with clean air.

Markus looks for his sister to make sure she's safe.

Assuming she is.

He, then, goes to where the mephits came in, opens his tunic and whispers something inside. A fox jumps out of his tunic, which is weird since there was not enough volume for a fox to be in there. He asks his familiar to try to track the mephits.

Getting my fox out of Absorb familiar. With the scent (imprecise) ability, can he track where the mephits came from?

Your sister is very much alright, she is drinking some water with the rest of the townfolk at Monument Circle.

Your fox does detect the track of the Mephits, unfortunately it only leads to one of the side entrances of the building, where they were summoned. There, they mix with a much milder smell, that of a halfling.

As you are investigating, you, and everyone else, hears Greta's voice comming from Monument Circle. "What manner of madness just happened?” This can be no accident! Did anyone see anything?”

Markus approaches Greta and quietly recounts what he and his familiar discovered. He finishes "I will help to reconstruct the damage to the building, obviously. I had to act fast before the fire spread too much." His voice is not apologetic, but a little scared of her.

Mosquito is seen floundering about in the fountain at Monument Circle...

"Did anyone see a suspicious Halfling?" Yells Greta after hearing Markus' information.

"I did," says an older dwarf, that had missed the fire inside. "I was runnign late for the call and I saw Calmont, the bookseller's apprentice, running towards Hellknight Hill as I was coming."

"The citadel!" says Warbal. [/b] "My Bumblebrashers! If he did this, they are in danger!" [/b]

"Friends!" Greta calls out. [/b] "We need to get to the bottom of this, but we can't do it without heroes. Where are the Heroes in attendance today? Are you willing to step up and investigate Hellknight Hill?" [/b] Then, she lowers her voice and says to Markus. "The town hall can wait, but when the time comes, your help will be much appreciated."

Markus bows low before Greta. When he finally straightens up, he says "Of course, madam." He looks at his sister Jana for a moment, then says loud enough to be heard by Warbal "I will help the town in any way I can. I hope to one day repay the kindness and warmth you have received us with." He lingers, as if waiting to be excused.

Pounding his chest, Vrosi says, "Brilliant Burnis hero. Brilliant Burnis help!"

Mosquito comes squashing and squishing water all over the floors.
Heroes!? Yuppers!

"Wonderful," says Greta. "The council is prepared to pay each of you ten gold pieces to contact the Bumblebrashers, and ten more pieces to bring Calmont alive for questioning. I will also have someone ready a few supplies for you, which will be ready at the gates of the city when you leave. You have already proven that you are here to help Breachill and the council and I thank you for it, and wish you the best on your quest."

"I also thank you for putting yourselves at risk for my Bumblebrashers," says Warbal.

With that, they return to checking in on the townsfolk.

Does anyone want to do something in the city?

Mosquito will use his Heroism to procure the group plenty of pickles and banana sandwiches from willing establishments in support of their Heroes...

Mosquito secures one-week-worth of rations in pickles and banana sandwiches from the Pickled Ear tavern.

"Wonderful," says Greta. "The council is prepared to pay each of you ten gold pieces to contact the Bumblebrashers, and ten more pieces to bring Calmont alive for questioning. I will also have someone ready a few supplies for you, which will be ready at the gates of the city when you leave. You have already proven that you are here to help Breachill and the council and I thank you for it, and wish you the best on your quest."

"I also thank you for putting yourselves at risk for my Bumblebrashers," says Warbal.

With that, they return to checking in on the townsfolk.

Does anyone want to do something in the city?

"Friends, I wish to run into town right quickly, just to stop at Quarters & Bits. I can meet you at the gate shortly. Does anyone need anything? Ms Warbel, would you consider coming with us? I do not know any goblins other than The Great Mosquito so I am not sure that I could reassure your clan of our good itentions. You would be under our protection of course ..."

Mosquito winks reassuringly at Kiilo.

"I would gladly accompany you to the citadel," says Warbal. "But no further than the entrance. I am no fighter, and no hero. I am, at most, a scholar." In other words, she'll camp outside and help as an advisor, but she'll stay clear of any possible danger.

***

A halfling greets Kiilo with a huge smile and a tip of his jaunty hat. "Crink Twiddleton, at your service. What can I help you find in this fine stablishment? Potions? Rope? or perhaps you are looking for Quarters? a new shield always comes in handy?"

"I would gladly accompany you to the citadel," says Warbal. "But no further than the entrance. I am no fighter, and no hero. I am, at most, a scholar." In other words, she'll camp outside and help as an advisor, but she'll stay clear of any possible danger.

***

A halfling greets Kiilo with a huge smile and a tip of his jaunty hat. "Crink Twiddleton, at your service. What can I help you find in this fine stablishment? Potions? Rope? or perhaps you are looking for Quarters? a new shield always comes in handy?"

Kiilo furls his wings and smiles at the halfling

"Good day to you sir! You know, I didn't even think how good it would be to have a healing draught or 2. I also wanted to get some "trap disablement" tools if I could, possibly even a set of replacement tension bars; never know what those Hellknights left behind ..."

"Oh, heading to the old Citadel, I see. I have exactly what you need! It is always good to be prepared."

You can get either minor healing potions for 4gp each or minor Elixirs of Life for 3gp each. And a Thieves' toolkit for 3gp with some replacement picks for an extra 3sp.

"Brilliant Burnis have 4 silver. Brilliant Burnis buy replacement picks. Brilliant Burnis not need elixir. Misquoto heal Brilliant Burnis."

Mosquito grins at the Orc.
Whenevers youses gits smashed while wees bees in da sweet blissful combat times, by Cayden Cailian mees got you!

The armored war priest pats his rapier.
Besides, Mees wants to think about joining des Hell knights. Dey sound so cool! Going to dis Hellknight place bees my initiation!

The goblin seems serious....

Markus spends some time telling his sister where he is going and that it is safe to do so. Afterwards, he makes sure he has enough rations for a week and goes straight to the gate.

"Brilliant Burnis have 4 silver. Brilliant Burnis buy replacement picks. Brilliant Burnis not need elixir. Misquoto heal Brilliant Burnis."

To Burnis

To Crink
"A pleasure sir, and I do appreciate your help. I will take 1 of each of those, and I probably could use some sling bullets as well. Would you have an attractive knife or dagger I might look at?"

4+3+3+.3=10.3gp so far

Roxie Denn at the Pickled Ear is happy to provide the rations for Markus. Although it mostly consists of salted cured meats and can dry your throat. Nothing mechanical, don't worry about needing extra water.

As you reach the gates, waiting for your companions, a guard approches you.

“Ey, you are one of them heroes, right? I got somethin’ for you.” He hands you a package containing two minor healing potions, a lesser antidote and a lesser antiplague. There are also bags with 50sp for each of you. I’m assuming they get duly distributed. “That’s from the council, they are pretty greateful you and the rest stepped up to fight those fire demons.” He can’t tell an elemental from a demon.

“Yes, sir, I do indeed,” says Crink. “Just follow me right this way.” He guides Kiilo from Bits to Quarters and starts taking out a series of knives, daggers, sickles and even sword canes. “Just take your pick and it will serve you well.”

You can pick any of the level 0 common weapons for their regular price.

Vrosi pockets the bag of coins. "Brilliant Burnis need no weapon. Brilliant Burnis is weapon."

Markus bows in thanks and takes the money and a dagger.

Mosquito hops from left foot to right foot while they wait for the rest of the Heroes. The fidgety goblin absently pockets the coins.
Tinking ov being a cool Hells Knight is exciting! Mees wonders when Mees gits ta fight in devil? Dis castle ov dem Hellknights bees da perfect place for Mees to bees initiated!

The Cleric of Cayden Cailian begins practicing fighting a devil...

Newly equiped for the mission you’ve been hired for, you depart towards Hellknight Hill along with Warbal. It doesn’t take long for you to see a looming structure of crumbling stone and still-imposing battlements rising from the hilltop above. It is clear that some time has passed since the structure was abandoned, as verdant nature is reclaiming the site. Plumes of red smoke rise from the roof of the central tower.

“That’s is the distress signal from my Bumblebrashers. I just hope it is not too late,” says Warbal.

It takes you just over half an hour to reach the structure at the top of the hill. Citadel Altaerein, former home of the Hellknights from the Order of the Nail. The gate-like doors in the center of the keep hang slightly ajar.

“I will make camp not far from here, by the road. Keep safe, heroes. And thank you.”

I have added the map for Citadel Altaerein to the google slides document, the arrow shows the direction you are coming from.

"Brilliant Burnis scout ahead. Brilliant Burnis open door?"

Scout exploration activity.

Excitedly walking (practically skipping) is seen our small green Goblin. Mosquito sings a song that he heard some Hellknights singing this one time in Cheliax. The goblin seems just a smidge off key....

The goblin giggles as he sees a looming structure of crumbling stone and still-imposing battlements rising from the hilltop above. It is clear that some time has passed since the structure was abandoned, as verdant nature is reclaiming the site. Plumes of red smoke rise from the roof of the central tower.
How beautiful! The craftsmanship bees da bomb! Looks! The Hellknights bees starting da party! Looks at da cool red smokes!

The Cleric Raises his Shield and follows Brilliant Burnis to the front door.
Sees! Looks! Day even lefts da front door open!

Exploration mode Defend

Excitedly walking (practically skipping) is seen our small green Goblin. Mosquito sings a song that he heard some Hellknights singing this one time in Cheliax. The goblin seems just a smidge off key....

The goblin giggles as he sees a looming structure of crumbling stone and still-imposing battlements rising from the hilltop above. It is clear that some time has passed since the structure was abandoned, as verdant nature is reclaiming the site. Plumes of red smoke rise from the roof of the central tower.
How beautiful! The craftsmanship bees da bomb! Looks! The Hellknights bees starting da party! Looks at da cool red smokes!

The Cleric Raises his Shield and follows Brilliant Burnis to the front door.
Sees! Looks! Day even lefts da front door open!

Exploration mode Defend

Kiilo smiles at the tune, or lack of tune, even while he struggled to recall any Hellknight "music" of redeemable value.

EXP = Detecting Magic

Brilliant Burnis open door?"

Is it a question for me or for the rest of the party?

Seeing others join him at the door, Vrosi opens the door and steps in. "Brilliant Burnis open door!"

Markus looks at the construction with wonder. He immediately starts thinking about the many years and difficulties that the construction went through.

As the group approaches, he silently goes with them, being mindful of dangers and anything not obvious.

Search exploration activity

The battered, reinforced doors to the Citadel offer no opposition, but the rusty hinges on the door screech as Vrosi opens them. Something like a chittering growl immediately follows from the inside.

The room is an amalgamation of a formal receiving parlor and a ruined husk. Dented, rusted, and otherwise ruined suits of outdated Hellknight armor line the north and south walls; with each display leaning or entirely tipped over and missing its helmet, gauntlets, boots, or other pieces. Broken, gnawed-at furniture is scattered about the area, as are the half-chewed carcasses of several small prey animals. A wide but dirty stretch of black carpet leads to two large doors on the other end of the room. Prominently displayed on each wall is a seal carved in relief depicting a sunburst made of nails. Scuff marks besides the seals indicate where paitings or framed documents once hung. Toward the ceiling, running the length of each wall, is the same motto, but this time presented in matching lines of Common and Infernal: “Savagery must be quelled in the land, home, and mind.”

And in front of you, teeth bared, are three giant dog-like rodents with postules on their hides. They don’t look happy.

Kiilo’s Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Markus’ Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Mosquito’s Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Kiilo’s Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

I don’t know if Vorgon is still with us. I tried sending a PM but I have received no reply.

You can all take your turns.

I feel like we mentioned camping or stopping at one point, but I'm not sure if we should consider our spells refreshed or not ...

Vrosi will stride in, then attempt to grab the Blue Goblin Dog vs Fort DC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Not getting a good grip, Vrosi will try again: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 7 - 5 = 12

"Dogs slippery"

Mosquito sighs as Vrosi immediately races inside to confront the trio of mangy mutts.
This strategy does not endure you to my limited Heals!

Standing inside the door way, the Cleric Raises his Shield and cast Forbidding Ward on the Orc!

Forbidding Ward

I feel like we mentioned camping or stopping at one point, but I'm not sure if we should consider our spells refreshed or not ...

Well, Warbal mentioned that she was going to set up camp, but taking into account that three of you are spellcasters I think it is best to assume that you did stop to refreshen your spells.

Vrosi As you try to wrestle the goblin dog you start getting a little itchy, as if your arms were getting irritated. I need you to roll a DC 17 Fortitude Save.

Mosquito, which of the three Goblin Dogs is your target for Firbidding Ward? I'm assuming it would be blue, a.k.a. the one Vrosi is trying to wrestle?

Yuppers, Blue.

Fort 17: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

"Grrrrrr! Itchy dogs."

Sickened 1

Thanks for the spell replenish!

Despite taking some time observing the room, Markus strides in aggressively and quickly casts a spell.

Stride and cast Dizzying colors. If the 15-foot cone does not engulf all 3 puppies, prioritize yellow and green.

The two goblin dogs squint their eyes at the sudden coloured floters and shake their heads. They are clearly struggling to refocus their eyes even as they gaze back and you and your party. They are both Dazzled

We are missing Kiilo's turn.

My apologies, have been really struggling with an intense migraine

Kiilo flags his wings forward with uncharacteristic force, already disgusted

ForceBarrage: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4, 1) + 3 = 9
Casting Time = 3-Action
Target = Dog (Blue)

Sorry to read that, I hope the migrane goes away soon.

The blue goblin dog shrieks in pain as the bolts of magic impact on it. In a fit or rage it launges forward trying to bite Vrosi.

the blue goblin dog sinks its teeth twice on Vrosi before the orc gets enough time to move his limbs to safety.

The yellow goblin dog follows suit, trying to close in on the source of the colours.

concealed flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Guided by its keen sense of smell, the yellow goblin dog also manages to get two bites out of its prey before the coloured floaties in its eyes get too distracted.

While the green goblin dog rushes past markus and mosquito to bite at Kiilo

Stride
concealed flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Finally, the green goblin dog snaps its jaws on Kiilo before he has time to get out of the way.

Markus and Kiilo, you start getting itchy around the bite wounds left by the goblin dogs. I need you to roll a DC 17 Fortitude Save.

Action breakdown: Blue and yellow: Strike* x3. Green: Stride* and Strike* x2.

You can all take your turns

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Markus gets scared with everything hurting and moves away and casts a spell at the dog that bit him, despite the heavy itch that he feels on his body.

Cast Daze on yellow pup. DC 16