Re: Chapter Four

[Emelious Storm]

As the thudding footsteps got closer Emelious was able to identify their numbers… two. Two very large individuals. And then he saw them…

[Nature check 16 + 0 = 16]

...trolls.

Ewgh.

They both needed a comb.

They would need it even more when the Half-Elf was done with them.

Emelious let loose a furious gust of wind down the tunnel. The current of air smashed into their grotesque bodies, and sent them reeling back end over end a good fifteen feet.

YES!

The bedraggled behemoths, fighting against the current, started to rise to their feet.

Oh, no you don’t.

Emelious continued his blustery assault. These trolls would have to work for every inch, and Emelious wasn’t going to make it easy for them. Golden flame sheathed his arm and shot forth as he cried out a prayer.

[Troll 1: Dexterity Save vs DC 14 Sacred Flame: 6 + 1 = 7 = Fail ]

[ 2 + 5 = 7 Radiant Damage to Troll 1 ]

The brilliant tendrils envelop their target, and the troll cries out in pain as the divine fire scorches its flesh.

It’s going to take a lot more than that to take them down.  

“We’re going to need everything, or we’re going to need to flee!”

----

-Emelious recalls any knowledge he might have on trolls (Nature Check: 16).
-Emelious maintains concentration on his Gust of Wind.
-Emelious uses his action to cast Sacred Flame at one of the trolls and deals 7 radiant damage.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Emelious Storm' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 16

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#2 'D20' : 6

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#3 'D8' : 2, 5

[Pimli Prixus]

Eyeing the tunnel to see what they're about to face Pimli spies two enormous, lumbering beasts, long black hair mated down there heads, moving at full tilt down the cavern, their arms dragging beside them. Behind him the Duergar ritual canting continues, he can feel his skin prick as the Arcane energies swirl around him.

The large beasts charge towards the opening, ready to fight with all they have. Pimli sees Emelious step forward raise his arm and then the monsters get blown backwards, bellowing.

Good plan Emelious, that should keep them at bay while the Deep Dwarves finish there task.

Pimli cracks a smile which fades as Skurrs voice erupts in his mind.

((They go, master. They go!))

Feeling the power of the ritual come to a head Pimli swings around to see what's happening. Everything appearing in slow motion as the adrenaline pumps through his tiny body. The portal open and active, the Duergar walking through, escaping.

Askaduz looks into the gnomes eyes defiantly.“Farewell.” says the duergar, in common. A sneer upon his face.

Pimli knows that this Duergar is the key to destroying these portal. He needs to act to keep him here to complete the task he promised. Instinct takes over and the gnome acts.

Pimli reaches his small hand up placing it on his own chest. "Ekam em a elbadimrof ezis", as the incantation is out of the gnomes mouth his body stretches and grows. [Cast Enlarge/Reduce on myself, grow to double size and eight times the weight (6'0", 320lbs) advantage on STR checks and Saves]

"The Duergar are escaping!" Pimli's usually tiny voice booms in the cavern with his increased size, echoing as he begins to rush Askaduz.

He quickly gets to within five feet of the Deep Dwarf, his new size carrying him much faster then he's used to. Pimli jumps to tackle the Duergar before he can get step through the portal. [Acrobatics vs STR for flying tackle. d20+3 : 16 vs 12=SUCCESS ]

Pimli rolls to his feet, standing over the Deep Dwarf, and reaches down trying to grab a hold of Askaduz shoulder [Grapple check STR vs STR. d20-1: 2  vs 12 = FAIL]

The Duergar manages to roll away from the Gnomes grasp.

"Get back here!" Pimli shouts in anger at Askaduz.

======================================================
Cast Enlarge/Reduce on myself for advantage on STR checks
Flying tackle attempt on Askaduz.
Grapple Check to keep him in place......Really two 3s with Advantage, Sad Gnome.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Pimli Prixus' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 13

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#2 'D20' : 3, 3

[Dwan Bolduum]

Looking at the portals in the room, Dwan feels a sudden wave of fear. The sheer number of troops that he could summon up... This place would be a foothold for evil for a long time.

As the thought passes his mind, Dwan hears the rhythmic steps of footprints behind him. Dwan moves his hand towards his scepter and hesitates... he knew he had no energy left to channel nature through his will. His thoughts pass to the warmth of the camp fire the night before they ran into the ogres in the forest, just before they met the other Hale.

Dwan's fist closes around the grip of his hammer as he pulls it up into a fighter's stance. We may need to fall back from these, especially if more follow closely behind.

Dwan positions himself in a way that allows a tactical retreat. The hair raises up on his arms as he feels the magic of the portals being activated. Perfect, this should be done shortly.

A few moments later Dwan hears the cry of a familiar voice, he turns to see the Duergar making a swift escape through the portals.

Dammit! He cries out as he takes a few steps towards Askaduz watching helplessly as he starts to move towards the portal.

========================================
Dwan is tired and sees that Askaduz is leaving, Dwan starts to move that way, though he knows he has no chance of making it in time to stop the Duergar. He looks on helplessly hoping that Pimli can do something to stop him.

[Artimus DeLonde]

His Ebon sword sang as Artimus started to pull his blade from it's scabbard-

"The Duergar are escaping!"

The Mariner span on a booted heel to see the portal, Askaduz and an enbiggened Pimli scrambling to the Darkened dwarf from escaping.

Artimus sneered at the trechery, which now seemed a forgone conclusion for the deep dwarves. He pulled from his belt a handle tool for enrapturing and snaring.

swinging his arm in a wide crescent he loosed the Bolo, Two orbs connected by thick woven hemp.

"Oh no you don't"

*Whu whu whu whu*

It waltzed through the air meandering toward Askaduz.

The Mariner followed.
=============================
I'm back!
sorry for the absence,  expect daily posting gents.

Ranged Attack,
Luck reroll in the lair
1d20+6 >> 24

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 2

[Custer Thickett]

“We’re going to need everything, or we’re going to need to flee!”

"Aye, might be we just need some luck, no?"  Cuss replied as he leveled Olc and Maith at each of the Trolls.  Please?  He thought as he squeezed the triggers.

[Ranged Troll 1 +6, advantage from prone]
20

[Ranged Troll 2 +6, advantage from prone]
16

After watching the shots, Cuss spun on his heels to take cover around the corner of the entry to his left.  There he reloaded as he made his way to some of the ruble surrounding one of the incomplete portals.  It looked to be a great place to hide.

[Stealth +9]
12

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 14, 6

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#2 'D20' : 10, 3

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#3 'D20' : 3

[Ao]

The wind whips through the antechamber, Askaduz hitting the ground hard under the weight of the gnome. Artimus’ bolo wraps around his legs, the duergar screaming out as the arcane energies of the portal whip through his hair.

Determinedly, the dark dwarf turns, dragging himself to the portal with his hands and his hammer…

Pimli can see one of his hands dip through the entrance…

[…]

The trolls stand, sneering and screeching in their guttural tongues as they charge mercilessly down the passage.

Kellar emerges, standing like a bulwark as the first troll bares down upon him. The slimy green flesh of the beast stinks like sulphur and shit, Emelious’ flames still licking  his massive claws swiping across in filthy fashion -

[Troll1 vs. Kellar, hit hit miss!]
[9 damage to Kellar!]

Emelious raises his shield, watching as the second troll shoots past the dragoon, baring down into the cleric…

[Troll2 vs. Emelious, miss miss hit!]
[8 damage to Emelious!]

The troll salivates, its spittle spraying across the shield as those two arms come down again in a wide arc….


=================

Ok lads, the two trolls are at the entrance of the hallway, beating on emelious and Kellar.

Em - does your sacred fire continue to burn? No, right? So next turn they’ll regenerate I imagine…

Askaduz is really close to the portal. If you want to try and grapple him, you’ll need a STR check (DC 22)…serious roll! Only Art, Dwan and Pimli are eligible to attempt a grapple.

EXP: +25

Ao

[Pimli Prixus]

*Whu whu whu whu*

The bolo swinging through the air wrapping around Askaduz legs as Pimli gets to his feet.  The Dwarf managed to avoid his first grab, but he isn't paying attention now as he's trying to claw his way through the portal.

As the Duergars hand dip into the shimmering arcane energies of the portal, Pimli raises his staff, his body contorting back to it's original size. "Askaduz don't you think Giant Gnomes look funny?". Pimli points the end of his staff towards the Duergar, the gem on the end pulsating with blue light. [Cast Tasha's Hideous Laughter DC14 WIS Save d20+0 (MM page 122) =13 : Spell Success! ]

Pimli watches as the Dwarf rolls onto his back, seeing the once again Gnome sized Pimli, Askaduz grasps his belly in fits of uncontrollable laughter.

"What have you never seen a Gnome before?" Pimli laughs along with the incapacitated Duergar.

=============================================================

Drop concentration on Enlarge/Reduce
Cast Tasha's Hideous Laughter Successfully
Askaduz is prone and incapacitated (can't take actions or reactions) while laughing uncontrollably. DC14 Wis save to break the effect.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Pimli Prixus' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 13

[Emelious Storm]

As the trolls reach the end of the hallway, fighting through the wind, Kellar calls out. “My turn.”

Emelious redirects the current and the warrior charges forward through the opening to meet the first Troll.

The second slips past and charges toward the Half Elf, who focuses the wind back on it and begins backpedaling at a diagonal into the room. The troll lets loose a flurry of attacks, biting onto the Cleric's shield, and then slashing with both claws. Emelious is able to block the first, but the second tears into his arm.

A tempest of rage builds in the Half-Elf and a bolt of lightning shoots toward the troll.

[Troll 2: Dexterity Saving Throw vs DC 14 Wrath of the Storm: 16 + 1 = 17 = Success, for half damage.]
[Troll 2: 1 + 3 = 4 . 4/2 = 2 Lightning Damage ]

Already off balance from the wind, the troll luckily staggers at just the right time and avoids the full blast.

“You want some too?”

Emelious lets loose another torrent of divine flame.

[Troll 2: Dexterity Saving Throw vs DC 14 Sacred Flame: 9 + 1 = 10 = Fail ]
[Troll 2: 6 + 7 = 13 Radiant Damage ]

----

-Emelious used his bonus action to redirect Gust of Wind.
-Emelious moved 30 feet back at an angle.
-Emelious used his action to cast Sacred Flame on Troll 2

Edit:
-Added Wrath of the Storm reaction. 2 Lightning damage to Troll 2.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Emelious Storm' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 9

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#2 'D8' : 6, 7

[Artimus DeLonde]

Whup whup whup -thwip thwip thwip

Two rounded hounds race to their mark, chasing their own tails, yet still making steady headway. They caught up with their stout quarry the leash that connected them tripping it up. The rough twine bit into his legs robbing him of two of his scampering appendages.

Artimus Rounded to the left of Pimli, bent down sliding his right arm over Askaduz's right shoulder and under his black beard, the spur of his wrist coming to  rest against the deep dwarves' rough skin as the he cackled maniacally.

-The initial stages of a move executed- taught to him by a Zazesspurian Brawler over a particularly long voyage from Chessenta to Waterdfeep. Narik, a ruddy skinned, tattoo covered and brawny man had submitted each of his crew with ease and Artimus parted with some rare soothing herbs and a handful of Quarinte rings to be taught the technique.

The menacing captain spent the next two weeks ambushing his crew, "HA!"he'd shout dropping from stairwells and emerging from dark corners. Strangling unsuspecting crewman.

A near mutiny led to a round table and a truce. The chokings ceased.-

Artimus relished the opportunity to use it on this escaping louse.

The hurried pulsing of his heart, thumping through his wide veins beating through to the surface of his skin.

With the right hand in place he shifted his left arm under Askaduz's left armpit, his left forearm pressing against his right hands grip cinching the noose tighter. The leverage torque’d the scrambling double crossers throat closed and sealed his blood way. The uproarious laughter turned into a smothered sputtering.

Arms in place - the Mariner dropped from the crouched position to drop all his weight on his victims back, like a porpoise, belly first into the cresting sea, pushing the air out of the blackened dwarf's lungs like a bellows being squeezed.

The sound was sickening, HUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNF


As the dwarf struggled, the choke deepened and solidified.

The laughter stopped.

"shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" the mariner que-ed

Artimus maneuvered his left hand over Askaduz's mouth and nose, the final touch, smothering the entry to an already hindered airway.
Panic would set in soon, Artimus would hold fast.
==========================================

Grapple 1d20 +str at advantage 19 + 3 (22)
Guillotine 1d20 +str at advantage 15 +3 (18)

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 4, 19, 2, 15

[Kellar]

Kellar glided through the air thanks to Emelious. Bloodguzzler gleamed in the fire set by the cleric. Kellar's feet landed smoothly on the ground and he skidded forward. The troll took advantage of his momentum and struck swiftly. The golden scales fell from Kellar as he hit the wall with a THUD! but raised his Greataxe and swung at his attacker. Attack Roll= 17+9= 26 Success!; Damage= 5+9= 14 Lunging Attack= 5 Total: 19 The Greataxe glided through bone and sinew with ease, causing the troll to howl in pain. The troll dropped to one knee from the blow, its left side mangled.

Kellar swung again at the troll. Attack Roll= 20+9= 29 Critical!; Damage= 11+9= 20 Lunging Attack= 8= 28 (Will roll extra damage in Lair) Kellar brought down the Greataxe with all of his might, burying it into the bent knee, rupturing the kneecap and shin bone. "I will not be stopped! I will end you!" The other troll has passed him into the main room where the portals were. He called back. "Make this quick! More of them will be coming!"

Actions:
Kellar smashed stuff this round (thanks for the extra Action AO!)
Kellar will try to smash stuff again next round!

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 17

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#2 'D12' : 5

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#3 'D8' : 5

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#4 'D20' : 20

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#5 'D12' : 11

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#6 'D8' : 8

[Dwan Bolduum]

As Dwan is making his way towards the Duergar, he is pleased to see the enlarged gnome tackle the lying Askaduz.

No more than you deserve you lying stone licker

He sees a pulse of magic shoot from Pimli's staff hit Askaduz and stun him with laughter.  Dwan reaches the portal and is about to grab Askaduz, when Artimus dives in and places the Duergar in a choke hold.  

Dwan takes off his pack and takes out one of his wrapped mushrooms. He carefully opens part of the wrapping and shows it to the Duergar.

You know what this is. I have no qualms forcing this down your mouth and leaving you to the mercy of the laughing mask. Cooperate now!

Dwan positions himself between the portal and the laughing Askaduz. If he gets out of the grip he is not going to get past me.

=============================================
Dwan shows Askaduz the paralyzing mushroom
Dwan moves between Askaduz and the portal to keep the him from running through the portal.

[Custer Thickett]

Peering out from behind a pile of enchanted dark bricks, Cuss watches Emelious and Kellar push back at the attacking Trolls.  He'd never faced these beast before, and tried to remember anything he'd heard about them over the years.

[Int roll to recall Trolls have to be burned +1]
15 Must burn Trolls!

After finishing the reload of Olc, he sets the dark hand crossbow on a stone so that he can grasp the Kraken's Fist with a free hand.  He thinks of Osvald.  "We've been spotted.  Might be we can fix it.  Iffen we doan then count we woan tell em about you, yeah?'  Cuss pauses his thought to wonder how long of a message he can send, then wonders if he just sent Osvald his wondering thought.  Snapping out of it with a shake of his head he finishes,  'There is a room full of, uh, demonicish door thin..."

Just then a Troll lumbers into the room, leaning into the spinning torrent of wind flying from the Half-Elf's symbol.  Cuss releases the Fist before finishing his sentence.  In a blur, Olc is aimed and fired.  Maith following before the bolt strikes.

[Rolling Troll's perception +1 against my previous 12 stealth roll to see if I have advantage/surprise]
11 Supplies!

[Attack 1]
26

[Attack 2]
27 Natty!

[Assassinate, 50 Damage Total]

They Zzzzip past Emelious, almost riding his flame to their hissing, thrashing target. The heat searing the wood of their shafts as they bury deep into the Troll. Not even a feathered end left behind to mark their entry.

Cuss hunches down behind the blocks, turning over to sit as he reload his bows and glances toward the portal in the center of the room where Artimus is choking a Duegar in a grapple while Dwan seems to be threatening it with a mushroom.  The pink scars on the back of his neck shinning brilliant.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 14

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#2 'D20' : 10

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#3 'D20' : 18, 19

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#4 'D20' : 3, 20

[Ao]

"AA-HA-HA-HAHAHAHA-HAHAHAHA!”

The shouts of involuntary mirth echo through the chamber hauntingly, as Pimli watches the duergar contort and double over in laughter. His black, sooty beard bounces joyfully, the corners of his mouth twisted up into a macabre expression of glee that was not matched by the terror in his eyes…

Across the chamber, the trolls froth at the mouth, their musculature rippling as their hideous faces snarl and gnash. Kellar’s axe bites mercilessly into the lumbering brute, blood and appendages weeping a deep crimson spray of nauseating blood.

Shadows dance across the chamber, twisting in the swirling lights of the arcane…

Emelious stands in the midst of the gale, blasting the trolls with wind and radiant light. They lose their balance, stumbling backward as the unending fury of Valkur relentlessly beat them down.

[Trolls are both incapacitated this turn. DM fiat for an earlier miscalculation]
[Troll1 regenerates 10 HP]
[Troll2 does not regenerate this turn, for Emelious’s lightning]

Kellar’s axe comes soaring through the air, and there is a disgusting -SQUELCH- as it bites deeply into the fallen trolls leg!

[Leg is severed from troll2!]

The leg falls to the ground with a wet thud, oozing blood. And then - horror of horrors, Kellar watches it twitch, righting itself…

In that moment of horrendous horror, the fallen appendage kicks itself into motion, running awkwardly down the hall into the darkness!

[…]

Askaduz has fallen silent. Artimus sits atop him, his hands stifling the laughter of the duergar until the waves stopped.

[Tasha’s hideous laughter fades, Will save success]

The mariner looks down into the inky eyes of the dark dwarf. The shadow of Dwan looms over both of them, threats of the paralytic mushroom hanging in the air.

Askaduz looks resigned. He does not struggle. And though Artimus stifles the oxygen into his lungs, his face expresses only one emotion: relief.

====================

Ok guys, Askaduz is restrained by Pimli, atriums and Dwan. Well done guys! Everybody gets +150 EXP for that bit of heroism!

The trolls are still chomping at the bit, baring down on Kellar and Emelious!

EXP: +25

-Ao

[Pimli Prixus]

The Duergars hideous laughter subsides as Artimus' choke hold tightens. Pimli sees the relief in Askaduz eyes, he points a tiny finger at the Deep Dwarf "Next time don't run off without at least teaching us how to cast the ritual"

Lightening cracks through the air, punctuated by the howls of the two Trolls that followed the fellowship into this room.

Pimli wheels around and rushes back to the edge of the plateau to survey the scene. Kellars axe bite into the leg of one of the Trolls, severing it clean off, the other blown down the shaft struggling to get up against the forces of Valkur being channeled through his conduit, Emelious.

The Gnome slams the butt of his staff into the grow, raising his left hand, fingers contorting in all the right positions "Yal ot tser ruoy thgif si enod". The gem on the end of his staff turns black, as Pimli's fingers point towards the amputated monster. An ethereal hand appears to grab hold of the Troll by it's shoulder, leading it to it's final rest. [Chill Touch vs Troll2: d20+6=16  vs AC (15) : SUCCESS]

Skurr watch the portal near Artimus and Dwan, call a warning if anything comes through

((Skurr will Master))

============================
Yell at Askaduz for trying to run
Cast Chill Touch on Troll 2, status effect unable to regain hit points till the start of my next turn
Set Skurr as a guard on the Portal

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Pimli Prixus' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 10

[Artimus DeLonde]

Artimus released his grip on the 'calmed' deurogar, raising his gaze to see an outstretched open hand clutching a hand of potent hallucinagentics.

Artimus wheeled back, dropping Askaduz a little two hard into the ground.

Wincing at the sound of the it's landing.

"Careful wizh zhat, we've no time for snootz full of madnezz!"  

"Nice work Mon ami. Now letz zee if we cannot zend theze traitorouz dwarvez a parting gift, non?"

Artimus offered Mushroom equiped Dwan and Pimlied-extra, lifting himself of the rocky floor of the antichamber.

The Mariner positioned himself a couple of feet ahead of the crackling event horizon of the portal scouping a loose rock with one hand and heaved it at the Troll that still had all his limbs.

The rock sailed by Emelious and Kellar,  knocking  the beast on the head

As the Troll lifted himself to his feet, blown (over) by Emelious, Artimus heaved the rock at it's big bulbous head.

"You!, Aye you, you lilly livered, Cancour blozzom! You ztink, and uhh -- no one enjoyz the ztoriez you tell!" Artimus yelled, jumping up and down inciting the beast to charge.


In his left hand Artimus Clutched a hand mirror, his intended to reflect the light from the portal eminations. in hopes of blinding the troll as it charge, giving him time to dive out of the way.

============
Taunt
1d20
Hand mirroring
1d20
Artimus Readies action - Dive out of the way

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 2, 18

[Custer Thickett]

Cuss smiles while laying bolts in the flight grooves of his bows as he watches Artimus's antics with a rock and mirror.  He hoped the man's goal was fulfilled.

When reloaded he makes his way across the chamber around the top level.  He glances between the portal in the center of the room and the south entrance as he moves to the north one.  He tries to keep an eye on the unfolding situation, but aims to peek around the corner of the north entrance.

[Stealth +9]
28

[Perception +1]
10

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 19

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 9

[Emelious Storm]

Emelious’ gust raged on, beating back the wounded troll.

And then…

PLINK

A rock struck the beast in the head.

Both Emelious and the Troll turned to look at its source.

"You!, Aye you, you lilly livered, Cancour blozzom! You ztink, and uhh -- no one enjoyz the ztoriez you tell!"

It was Artimus. Jumping up and down and yelling insults in their direction.

“My stories are captivating and- you meant the troll.”

At this point the cleric noticed the distinct lack of "whoosh-whoosh" noises in the vicinity, and realized that the troll wasn't the only one who had succumbed to the Captain's distraction.

Emelious Storm had lost concentration on his spell.

The Half-Elf turned nervously to look at the now standing troll.

“Are you going to let him get away with talking to you like that?”

Then Emelious ran like hell towards and past the portal.

----

-Emelious dropped concentration on Gust of Wind
-Emelious used the Dash action to "run like the dickens".

[Kellar]

The leg took off into the darkness, much to Kellar's amazement. "What in nine hells?!?" Orbaugh, run back to the portal room. Help them! The pseudo-dragon took off at a clip, closing in on the troll chasing after Emelious. Master! Ugly one, after Thunder-Boom! What I do? Kellar raised a hand and thought of Andrianna, the fire within him manifested. Flames crawled down his arm into his hand and flew toward the leg hopping off into the darkness. Fire Bolt: 13+8= 21; Damage= 2 (Cooked leg?)

Kellar turned and ran back down the hall in a blur (Dash). He closed in on Orbaugh and the Troll. The portal was still open, and Emelious had run past. He saw Dwan hovering over Askaduz. Dwan was right, can't trust them. Bastards. Kellar's boot steps landed near Askaduz. He glanced down at the Duegar and said, "The others pay for your mistake." Kellar matched the Troll's steps, and Orbaugh dashed alongside his Master. "Orbaugh, sting him in the neck," he said. He lowered his Greataxe and dragged it along the ground for Orbaugh to climb up and scurry along his Master's arm and leapt for the Troll. Attack Roll= 19+4= 23; Damage= 1+4= 5

Orbaugh's stinger found its mark. The pseudodragon hissed in delight. The troll staggered and began leaning toward the open portal...

Actions:
Kellar torched the foot.
Kellar dashed back to help with the Troll.
Orbaugh pierced the Troll with his stinger, was it enough to stagger the troll into the portal? Find out, next time on Roots of Legend!!!

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 13

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#2 'D10' : 2

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#3 'D20' : 19

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#4 'D4' : 1

[Ao]

Blood and innards drip from Kellar’s axe, a crimson pool spilling out beneath him as Emelious goes charging past him…

The dragoon whips his head around, watching as the enormous Troll lumbers after the cleric, frothing at the mouth as Artimus continues to taunt it in his…Cormyrian way, from across the room.

“GRAAAAAGH!” screams the troll, the cobbles of the floor crumbling and cracking beneath the weight of the unseemly beast. Its warty, hideous face contorts in a defiant scream, as its arms swipe out at Emelious in his retreat….

*WHOOSH*

The cleric narrowly ducks beneath its legs, as the nearly unseen pseudo dragon lands upon its back.

[[Master! Troll go…so fast!]]

Pimli watches as Orbaugh scampers up to the Trolls neck, his stinger poised and ready to strike.

“MEAT! DEAD MEAT!” screams the troll, in a hungry frenzy. The mariner dashes out of the way as it goes charging past, Emelious pulling a similar maneuver as they all near the portal…

…
…

…

*SLCK*

Dwan watches as Orbaugh’s stinger stabs gingerly into the Troll’s neck, the hulking beast’s eyes widening as the pseudo dragon takes flight…the troll’s eyes bulge, as its enormous form collapses forward toward the portal.

*WHOOSH*

The troll blinks out of sight. The room is quiet, only the gentle sound of Orbaugh’s wings flapping, and the blood rushing in your ears.

===================

EXP: +300 each for this awesome scene hahaha. Trolls are gone, duergar is captured, and none of it happened how I imagined. Well done fellows, truly awesome.

Exit to the north, when ready. Marching order, of course. Also, theres some business to button up with Askaduz and what you intend on doing with him.

The trolls came, and Im sure theres more. Don’t dilly dally

Ao

[Pimli Prixus]

Pimli watches the Troll fall through the portal and disappear, a smile on his little face. Looking across the room at his companions he couldn't be happier, until his eye land on the prone Duergar.

Pimli marches purposefully over to where the Deep Dwarf is sitting, he stops five feet away and kneels down, looking the Duergar in the eyes. "I apologize I don't speak Undercommon, I hope you know enough Common to get my point, if not my Dwarven friend here should be able to translate. You promised us you would destroy these portals but instead you used them to flee, I don't blame you for that, but you broke a promise, and that I wont stand for.  I want you to teach me the ritual for destroying these portals.  You can show me on that one." Pimli points to one of the near by portals, "I will then attempt it on that one" Pimli points to the third of the active portals. "Once they're destroyed, you can leave through this portal" he nods towards the portal behind the Duergar "To return to your people, and I will destroy it once you're through. Do we have a deal?" [Persuasion d20+0=9 :  ]

Pimli listens to Askaduz response, watching the body language and tone for any sign that he's lying. [Insight d20+4=18 : success? ]

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Pimli Prixus' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 9

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 14

[Kellar]

"There is no deal. He WILL help," said Kellar. "Right now your kin are fighting a troll on the other side of that portal. The last thing you will hear are their screams. Help Pimli here, or suffer." Orbaugh tried to sound intimidating as well, after Kellar threatened Askaduz. (Help from Orbaugh gives Advantage?) Intimidation= 18+4= 22; Success!!!! A small roar came from Orbaugh (It would sound like a cat's meow to everyone else).

If Askaduz complies, Kellar will say, "Get it done. The trolls were the first, there will be more coming."
If Askaduz does not comply, Kellar will grab the Duegar by the beard and position him so he would go legs first through the portal. "There is an angry troll on the other side. What do you think will happen when he sees your stubby legs dangling in the air?" STR Check= 11+8= 19 (If needed, otherwise disregard)

"I'll remain here with Pimli and provide defense. Anyone want to scout ahead? Get our bearings, Pimli and I will get caught up," he said. Kellar's golden scales returned. Blade Ward used.

Actions:
Marching order, Kellar will bring up the rear guard and escort Pimli after the portals are destroyed.
Kellar still has smaller ingots from the mine (for later use, a note to myself here).

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 18, 17

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 11

[Custer Thickett]

Anyone want to scout ahead? Get our bearings, Pimli and I will get caught up.

Custer was already slinking up the north hallway. He didn't want to call out to give himself away if something was watching, so he held Maith under a folder arm while he palmed the Fist to think back to Kellar. 'Already on the move. Let ya know iffen I see anything.' Moving slowly with his back along the wall, Cuss tried to listen for trouble more than see it. 'Oiy, wish I could see in the dark like 'ol Emelious or Dwan. Seems like something me kind would have figured out by now, yeah?'

...

I'll just keep the rolls from last round, even though the perception suuuuuucks.

[Dwan Bolduum]

Dwan continues to hold up the mushroom and does any translating that needs to be done.

Lets be quick or we are going to find ourselves surrounded.

[Ao]

Askaduz looks up at Kellar, his eyes widening as the dragoon threatens him with a trip through the portal. The blue light of the arcane passage glimmers across his pupils, dancing madly on the white irises.

“Grazsa uchk adun!” he says quickly, beginning to speak through his enormous black beard. Dwan translates, dangling the mushrooms in front of the prone hammersmith.

[[Do not condemn me! I acted only for my men. I do not know you. You might have killed them. It was our best chance.]]

He pauses, collecting himself from the frenzy as Custer slinks off to the north, infiltrating the passage ahead.

[[These portals cannot be destroyed. You must believe me. I have no reason to lie. The bricks are mortared with strands of the weave…to uncouple them would be catastrophic, and would kill us all. I beg of you…let me go.]]

[…]

Custer moves through the northern passage, stepping lightly on the cobbled floors of the hallway, which winds deeper into the depths of the cavernous labyrinth.

After a few moments, the passage widens. The nimble halfling slinks behind a rocky outcropping, catching a glimpse of two orcs up ahead.

They stand in the midst of a small chamber, no more than 30 feet in diameter, and circular. On the northern wall, there is set an enormous wooden sliding door. The two orcs stand before it, clad in ceremonial full-plate with halberds and tower shields.

Black tabards flow down their fronts, emblazoned with the crest of Cyric.

======================

Ok custer, you haven’t been seen by the two orc guards in the room… you’re perhaps 75 feet away.

Fellows, time to make a decision on the duergar

EXP: +25

ao

[Artimus DeLonde]

Artimus Opened one aye and looked around the stoney, bluelit antechamber. He couldn't see much from where he'd landed at the end of the frantic dive he'd made. Launching himself out of the way of the ramaging troll, to where he lay now, face down on the stone, hands clasped over his head.

He opened an eye wariliy

"Did we get him?" he asked semi-rhetorically from the ground.

He lifted himself from the ground and dusked off the debris, taking a moment to straighten his shirt.

Artimus walked over to where Kellar, Dwan, Pimli and emelious had encircled the dark dwarf and listened for a moment.

"Ahem- If I may be zo bold, I zpeak Undercommen and Dwarf, I would be happy to translate"

-------------------------------------

Artimus offers to help interprut the translation and communication.

Feel free to play it that Artimus is super rocky in each language, it would be fitting as we see how he 'handles' the common tongue.

I think it would be equaly hilarious if his dictation in these other tongues was near perfect.

1d20 translate

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 16

[Kellar]

"I am thinking of my men too, Dwarf," said Kellar. He looked at Pimli and the others. "We don't have time for this, the longer we stand here with this liar of a Dwarf, the sooner the enemy will be upon us. Pimli, be quick." Kellar flipped the Greataxe in his hands and stood watch as Dwan and the others handled the Deurgar.

Kellar grasped the Kraken's Fist.

Custer, trouble with the dwarf, portals are indestructible. Or so he says. Will handle it, be on our way in a moment. Kellar focused on the pendant again and reached out to Osvald. Whatever you're planning to do as a distraction, we could really use one now. We're in the forges underneath the tower. Distract the enemy as best you can, we are moving now.

If Pimli's plan goes smoothly: Kellar will say, "Good, now we're done down here. That should stop the movements of the enemy."
If Pimli's plan does not go smoothly: Kellar will say, "We've wasted enough time. Dwan give him his medicine. We leave him here."

Actions:
Marching orders still the same, will remain by Pimli as the rearguard.

[Dwan Bolduum]

Dwan stands by and watches as the others take over the interrogation. He enjoys watching the gnome calmly trying to coerce information out of Askaduz while Kellar slams him with threats.

After the Duergar has given his answer, either how to shut down the portals to Pimli, or from Kellar's order

We've wasted enough time. Dwan give him his medicine. We leave him here.

Dwan glares hatefully at the Duergar and speaks a low curse in dwarven, You're lucky my friends are here to restrain me you beardless two-faced oathbreaker!

Dwan punches Askaduz in the face with the mushroom.

Spores stay sprinkled on Askaduz's beard while the Duergar appears in a daze. If Askaduz answered Pimli's question Dwan will shove the Duergar's body through the portal, if not he leaves him in the room as Kellar suggests.

============================================
Dwan might have acted a bit spiteful.

[Pimli Prixus]

"These portals cannot be destroyed. You must believe me. I have no reason to lie. The bricks are mortared with strands of the weave…to uncouple them would be catastrophic, and would kill us all. I beg of you…let me go." the Duergar says fearfully.

"That maybe but the armies here can't be allowed to grow. A chance needs to be taken, teach me and you will be free to leave. I will close the portals, when all are safe and deal with the consequences."

IF THE DUERGAR TEACHES THE RITUAL

[Arcana to learn the ritual d20+6. SUCCESS! ]

"Thank you, leave now. You're people need you." Pimli says to the Dwarf and turns to his friends. "I know how to close the portals but if he was telling the truth about the consequences I can't take that chance yet. Shall we continue on?"

Pimli walks on with his companions, thinking on the ritual and how to safely cast it.

IF THE DUERGAR DOESN'T TEACH THE RITUAL

"Fate has left you in the hands of my friend here, and I believe they're going to enjoy what happens next" Pimli turns his back on the Duergar and looks towards Kellar and Dwan. "He's all yours, have fun"

================
Arcana to learn the ritual if the Duergar will teach me
Letting Kellar and Dwan play if he doesn't

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Pimli Prixus' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 17

[Ao]

Askaduz looks up at the fellowship, as Artimus attempts to eloquently (?) practise the under common tongue.

The dark dwarf looks utterly confused, the thick Cormyrian accent like molasses upon the guttural tongue of the duergar.

Light from the portal spills across the floor, the faint chiming of arcane energy making the hairs on your arms raise. Askaduz looks at the gnome pleadingly…

[[I cannot teach the techniques of the hammerseers in mere moments! It would take decades. Centuries, perhaps. No, gnome…no amount of threat or coercion can teach you the ways of interruption.]]

Pimli hears the dark dwarfs words, but his mind turns in a different way…

[Pimli - Arcana check results]

The ways of interruption… The words turn over in his head, and the party can watch Pimli deep in thought. Indeed, Askaduz’s pleadings have been drowned out by the flurry of thinking going on in that tiny skull.

Pimli had heard of interruptive magic before. Magic so volatile, that it would terminate its own conjuration, causing the weave to recede instantly. He had never practised it…but had seen it practised, by a former mentor of his.

Looking at the swirling portal, the gnome knows that attempting a ritual of this variety with initiate-level experience in the study would be foolish! Deadly, most likely! But still…perhaps…possible.

*CRACK*

Dwan has proved rather trigger-happy with his paralytic, psychedelic mushrooms. A nasty red mark appears on Askaduz’s ebony flesh, blood running down his nose as the spores permeate his nervous system. The druid stares hatefully at the duergar, whose pupils have begun to dilate rather…violently.

Within moments, he is rolling around on the floor, shouting quite disturbingly about hook horrors and riding lizards.

============

Ok fellows, Askaduz is officially out of commission. Are you tossing him through the portal?

Either way, feel free to approach on Custers position and let me know how you intend on dealing with the two armoured orcs. Their stats are in the lair

EXP: +25

[Custer Thickett]

Pressing his back flat against the wall, Cuss instinctively slows his breathing as he hides from the Orcs down the hall.  They were unmoving, but from their appearance, he was fairly sure they would not have moved even if they did spot him or his shadow.  Custer scratches for the Fist, and thinks the scene to Kellar, trying to pass the image of the two guards to his friend.  

'Does this work?  He wonders, sending the question to Kellar by accident.

[Stealth +9]
29

Cuss slides along the dark side of the hall, counting his breath to pace his movement. He was almost as slow as the stone, moving only a few feet closer to the guards. He listened for the clang of steel meeting steel back in the portal room, hearing only the pounding of his own heart.

If the guards become alerted and move forward, he'd be ready for them. Maybe he'd strike. More like he'd sneak between them.

.....

Scouted, moving toward the guards but waiting for the others before making a move on them or the door. I wouldn't close more than 30 feet distance.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 20

[Emelious Storm]

Hearing the translations of words like, “catastrophic”, Emelious decided to slink toward the northern passage in search of Cuss.

[Stealth: 13 + 4 = 17 ]

The Half-Elf kept as quiet as he could as he made his way through the passageway. It wasn’t anywhere near as graceful as he’d seen the Halfling move, but Emelious comforted himself with the excuse that he was more than twice Custer’s weight.

[Perception 18 + 6 = 24 ]

As he traversed the tunnel, Emelious kept alert, looking for any sign of the Halfling. Eventually the passage widens and the Cleric glimpses two orcs guarding an enormous sliding door in the chamber beyond. The Half-Elf quickly ducks to the side behind an outcropping of rock. Had they seen him?

Emelious didn’t have much time to consider as suddenly there was a flurry of movement in front of his vision. The Cleric stifled a gasp, as he realized it was Cuss waving his hand in his face.

He had been hiding there the whole time.

Skills...

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Emelious Storm' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 13

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