DTD 005

December 18, 2020

[7:06 PM] Atishree: So!  Continuing onward, your steadily growing band picked up yet another member with the one handed Lian, brother of Lady Quill, charge of Sir Strom.  It turned out he'd been broken, but some interrogation lead you to convincing him to explain what he knew.  This dungeon is actually built upon the remain of a temple to a lost god, Torog, aka The Queen That Crawls, and was run by the now ascended priestess Atishree.  Atishree has been claiming the contestants as sacrifices to fuel her power.

[7:08 PM] Atishree: Recollecting your band, you three and your now three companions headed further into the dungeon.  Now also hunting one of the last contestants you haven't met, a cloth armored gnome who has been making their way through.

[7:08 PM] Atishree: Lian leads as you all follow?

[7:09 PM] Olenna: follows them.

[7:10 PM] Atishree: Plu will bring up the rear.

[7:10 PM] 𝕷: sticks close behind Lian(edited)

[7:10 PM] Atishree: Lian: "If you want the diamond, we'll need to trace the gnome.  I can aid in tracking, but I am...somewhat out of practice."

[7:11 PM] Osu: looks for signs of a trail.

[7:11 PM] Olenna: We're going to have to have it, I'm afraid.

[7:11 PM] Atishree: ((Do you let Lian help you, Osu?))

[7:11 PM] Olenna: ... I came here to help my family. But this is all... far beyond that.

[7:12 PM] Atishree: Plu: "Your family?"

[7:13 PM] Atishree: @Osu Roll survival with adv.

[7:14 PM] Olenna: Yes. Their fortunes have faded, substantially. At first I thought I could earn the prize myself, but I'm... clearly not strong enough on my own, so I'd hoped to leverage the win toward a position that would allow me to earn them a better life.

[7:15 PM] 𝕷: Its a good goal , I don't think anyone is strong enough on their own kind if the point of the barons method

[7:15 PM] Osu: ((23))

[7:16 PM] Olenna: Possible. I used to be able to do a great deal more myself.

[7:17 PM] Atishree: Osu Looking around, you do find faint, tiny gnome footprints.  Whoever this person is, they are very good at leaving no trace, but your eyes are just a bit better.

[7:18 PM] Osu: This way.

[7:18 PM] 𝕷: I wanted to solve one final case and it looks like that will happen.

[7:18 PM] 𝕷: follows Osu

[7:19 PM] Olenna: Aren't you rather young for retirement?

[7:19 PM] Olenna: follows him too.

[7:22 PM] 𝕷: Never to young to die, a consequence of my last case.

[7:22 PM] Olenna: I'm very sorry to hear that. Have you considered unlife?

[7:23 PM] Olenna: They do say 200 is the new 20.

[7:24 PM] Atishree: Following Osu, you come to what seems to be a deadend, a flat wall with no obvious doorways.  In front of the wall is an ornately carved wooden statue, taking the form of a large serpent.  In the jaws of the serpent is what seems to be a human skull with two encrusted gems in its eye sockets, twin amethysts.  On the floor in front of the statue you see three spheres.  A smaller metal one about 5" in diameter, a wooden one about 10" in diameter and a glass one about 5" in diameter as well.

[7:24 PM] Atishree: Strom: "The life of a lich.  A foul and cursed existence, I'm told."

[7:25 PM] Olenna: By whom, I wonder.

[7:25 PM] 𝕷: No way to dodge this deal.

[7:25 PM] 𝕷: checks for traps

[7:25 PM] Atishree: Roll investigation

[7:25 PM] Olenna: I'm sorry to hear that. Please let us know if there's anything we can do to help.

[7:26 PM] 𝕷: ((29))

[7:29 PM] Atishree: L You do see a trap inside the statue.  It seems the statues jaw is a weighted plate and if you set it off with too much or too little weight, a posion gas will erupt from it.  You also see a separate plate in the wall that seems sized just right for the skull to fit in.

[7:31 PM] 𝕷: so we have options

[7:31 PM] 𝕷: we need to insert the skull into the wall

[7:32 PM] 𝕷: but have to replace it with the same weight

[7:32 PM] 𝕷: or I can try and disable it

[7:32 PM] Osu: How confident do you feel about disabling it?

[7:33 PM] Olenna: ... I don't understand how we're supposed to infer how much the skull weighs.

[7:34 PM] Olenna: Or the gems. I could put a guess as to the skull's weight, but I've no idea how much amethysts weigh.

[7:34 PM] Atishree: Lian: "I know the average weight of a humanoid skull."

[7:35 PM] Olenna: Excellent. Which of those do you think would cover the weight of the skull alone?

[7:35 PM] Atishree: Lian: "...we're going to our deaths."

[7:35 PM] Olenna: ((Is there room in the recess for the largest ball?))

[7:36 PM] Atishree: ((Based on eyeballing it, you believe the largest ball is too big.))

[7:36 PM] Olenna: Possibly, but have you considered that your negativity colours the way you see the world?

[7:36 PM] Olenna: I don't believe that wooden one would fit where the skull is.

[7:37 PM] Olenna: So it is either the metal or the glass.

[7:37 PM] Olenna: Are the spheres trapped, L?

[7:37 PM] Atishree: Plu: "The metal ball looks heavier."

[7:38 PM] Atishree: L You do not believe the spheres to be trapped

[7:38 PM] 𝕷: message:will wrap a cloth around her face  plug her nose and try and disable the trap " I would advise getting back"

[7:38 PM] Olenna: I still feel we could reason this out.

[7:38 PM] Olenna: Wait. What happens if the trap is sprung?

[7:39 PM] 𝕷: poison gas and the balls are not trapped

[7:39 PM] Olenna: Is it a magical trap or a physical one? And one moment, let me check something.

[7:39 PM] Olenna: picks up each of the balls to feel how much they weigh.

[7:40 PM] 𝕷: looks for another door

[7:40 PM] Atishree: Olenna, roll me an INT check with adv.

[7:40 PM] Osu: ((Where did the footprints end?))

[7:41 PM] Atishree: ((At the wall, then they disappear))

[7:41 PM] Olenna: ((15.))

[7:41 PM] Osu: ((Which wall, I mean?))

[7:41 PM] Atishree: L based on your past roll, you find another secret passage to the side, but too small for any of you to be through.

[7:41 PM] Olenna: I might be able to do something about the problem if you tell me what will happen if it's sprung. That is why I am asking.

[7:41 PM] Atishree: ((Wall behind the wooden statue, where there is an indentation the skull could fit in.))

[7:42 PM] 𝕷: it releases a poison gas

[7:42 PM] Olenna: And it's a physical trap, not a magical one?

[7:42 PM] Atishree: Olenna Based on picking them up, you think the metal ball might be a bit too heavy.  It has a surprising heft to it.  Glass may be the best option.

[7:42 PM] 𝕷: physical as far as I can tell

[7:43 PM] Olenna: I think the metal ball is too heavy. We ought to try the glass one.

[7:43 PM] Olenna: All right.

[7:44 PM] Olenna: Let me think a moment.

[7:46 PM] Olenna: All right. I think I have a spell that can protect everyone but the person putting the glass ball into the recess, if the trap goes off.

[7:46 PM] 𝕷: will look at the slot in the wall for the skull

[7:46 PM] Olenna: So. The rest of us against the wall, and L, are you willing to try the glass ball?

[7:47 PM] 𝕷: If you feel cnfident enough in it

[7:48 PM] Olenna: I would say I'm about 75% confident. I was an accomplished necromancer once.

[7:48 PM] Atishree: Strom shoots you a look, Olenna.

[7:49 PM] Osu: I'll do it.

[7:49 PM] Osu: holds out his hand and his fish move over to take the glass ball.  ((Mage Hand, effectively.))

[7:49 PM] 𝕷: If you are sure

[7:49 PM] Atishree: ((Oh, I will accept this.))

[7:49 PM] 𝕷: I have known some necromancers in the past , always interesting

7:50 PM] Atishree: Ok, Osu, roll...hm...roll spell modifier + prof bonus.  Unless Sleight of Hand is good.

[7:51 PM] Osu: ((18))

[7:52 PM] Olenna: Sir Strom, I am doing everything I can to ensure that we all make it through in our current states of vitality. Please bear that in mind and judge me by my actions.

[7:53 PM] Atishree: The spectral fish float around the orb and slide it into position, knocking the skull to the ground.  ...a moment passes...no gas is released.  You have successfully freed the skull without activating the trap.

[7:53 PM] 𝕷: will pick up the skull and insert it into the wall

[7:54 PM] 𝕷: Strom doesnt like any of us dont worry about him

[7:54 PM] Osu: I wonder how the gnome got through here.

[7:54 PM] 𝕷: There is another door too small for any of us

[7:54 PM] 𝕷: will point it out

[7:55 PM] Olenna: I simply don't want to get a sword in my back at a crucial juncture.

[7:55 PM] 𝕷: thats why Strom gets to go first

[7:55 PM] Atishree: Strom: "...this is not the first time this gnome has used these secret doors.  ...how do they know their way around?"

[7:55 PM] 𝕷: They arent hard to find

[7:56 PM] 𝕷: I keep finding them as well

[7:56 PM] Olenna: You're gifted, L. I would never see them.

[7:56 PM] Atishree: Anyway, yes, as L inserts the skull, the wall does give way to a secret passage.  The two amethysts also fall to your feet as a reward.

[7:56 PM] Olenna: And perhaps they have some inside information. Scrying, or a map.

[7:57 PM] 𝕷: will pick up the gems "you want to check these Olenna?"(edited)

[7:57 PM] Olenna: nods and checks them for magic.

[7:58 PM] Atishree: Olenna They are not magic.  Just pretty and valuable.

[7:58 PM] Olenna: Just rocks, I'm afraid. Expensive ones.

[7:58 PM] 𝕷: keep them then

[7:58 PM] Atishree: Strom does go first through the doorway.

[7:59 PM] 𝕷: follows behind him

[7:59 PM] Atishree: Lian follows behind you.

[7:59 PM] Osu: takes up the rear.

[8:00 PM] Osu: is behind Lian.

[8:00 PM] Olenna: I don't need them. Perhaps Sir Strom can take them. Earrings for the Lady Quill perhaps?

[8:00 PM] Atishree: Strom: "They seem too large for earrings.  Perhaps Osu would like them?"

[8:01 PM] Atishree: ((They are each about the size of a golfball))

[8:01 PM] Osu: We should divy them up when we're clear of this.

[8:02 PM] Olenna: Wise. I'll keep them for now.

[8:03 PM] Atishree: As you go forward, you guys notice the light begin to fade as there are fewer torches in here.  Also, Osu and L, you have high enough passive perceptions that you can hear the sound of clattering and banging very faintly ahead.

[8:04 PM] Atishree: You eventually come to two downward staircases seemingly crafted of bones and skulls.  Lian stops Strom here.  "We must only take the left stairwell, the other is an illusion.  And everyone watch out for the eighth step, it will give way."

[8:04 PM] Olenna: nods.

[8:04 PM] Olenna: One moment.

[8:04 PM] Olenna: scans everything for magic.

[8:04 PM] 𝕷: ((Which staircase is the noise coming from))

[8:05 PM] Atishree: ((Hard to tell.  It sounds down, but they both go down))

[8:06 PM] Olenna: ... someone is trying much too hard with this sort of decor.

[8:06 PM] 𝕷: Even for a necromancer this would be too much

[8:07 PM] Atishree: Olenna llYour detect magic reveals Lian to be honest about the right stairwell being an illusion.  You otherwise detect no magic in this room.ll(edited)

[8:07 PM] Atishree: ((...wht'd I do wrong?))

[8:07 PM] Olenna: Tacky.

[8:07 PM] Olenna: He's right about the stairwell.

[8:08 PM] Olenna: We keep going.

[8:08 PM] 𝕷: goes down the left staircase skipping the step Liam warned us about.

[8:09 PM] Atishree: Ok, everyone roll a DEX save with adv, cause Lian warned you.

[8:10 PM] Osu: ((12.  I should point out that my dex save is a 10.  I rolled 11 and 12.))

[8:10 PM] Olenna: ((17.))

[8:11 PM] 𝕷: ((16))

[8:12 PM] Atishree: Ok, well those are all enough to make the save.

[8:13 PM] Atishree: Plu, though, initially rolls a 9, so he does break the step as he brings up the rear, but he is able to catch himself before falling through into a pit you see is full of dire rats.

[8:14 PM] Olenna: Rats in a nest. Interesting.

[8:14 PM] 𝕷: She does have a theme

[8:15 PM] Atishree: You are now close enough to hear that clattering noise as the sound of a battle.  You also hear that sound end abruptly.

[8:15 PM] Olenna: ... what is that? ... we should hurry.

[8:15 PM] 𝕷: goes in the direction the noise came from

[8:17 PM] Atishree: As you guys run ahead towards the sound, you see the dead bodies of more yuan-ti strewn about and a large human figure at the end.  Bloody and sweaty, he stands cutting an imposing silhouette at the end of the hall, his giant sword planted beside him, his back to you.

[8:17 PM] Atishree: Plu: "THROM!"

[8:17 PM] Atishree: The figure turns around and, upon seeing Plu, his face lights up.  "PLU!"

[8:17 PM] Atishree: The two men run to each other and embrace.

[8:17 PM] Olenna: ... oh, thank goodness.

[8:17 PM] Osu: scans the rest of the scene.

[8:18 PM] Atishree: Looking around, you see the corpses of the foolish snake-men who thought to assault this hulking barbarian.

[8:18 PM] 𝕷: searches the yuan-ti bodies

[8:19 PM] Olenna: Throm, are you all right? We've decided to work together. There's a disciple of an evil god warping the dungeon and they need to be stopped.

[8:19 PM] Atishree: You also see that the passage ends going in two directions.  One to the left which goes into darkness, one to the right which you see ends in a pit.

[8:19 PM] Atishree: L, roll investigation.

[8:19 PM] Atishree: Throm: "...hello, pretty lady."

[8:19 PM] Atishree: He has clearly not fully processed what you said.

[8:19 PM] 𝕷: ((28))

[8:20 PM] Olenna: Hello. We're all working together. We'll help you and you can help us.

[8:20 PM] 𝕷: Plu is helping us you want to join us and work together?

[8:20 PM] Atishree: On the Yuan-Ti you find a number of carved totems and pouches of bones and each one is carrying a pair of well-kept scimitars.

[8:20 PM] Olenna: will cast Light, and check on the pit. Carefully.

[8:20 PM] Atishree: Throm: "You help Plu!  Throm help you!"

[8:20 PM] Atishree: Throm: "...also...Throm need help.  Throm not know which way to go."

[8:21 PM] Atishree: What do you cast Light on?

[8:21 PM] 𝕷: will take the totems and bags of bones

[8:21 PM] Olenna: will cast it on a small rock, probably.

[8:21 PM] 𝕷: Anyone want these?

[8:21 PM] Olenna: I can check them for magic in a moment. I just want to make sure no one is down in this pit.

[8:22 PM] Atishree: Throwing the small rock in, you see it hit what seems like another slide and then slip off to the side before vanishing from view.

[8:22 PM] Olenna: Lian probably knows which way to go. One moment.

[8:23 PM] Olenna: ... there's another slide down there, I think.

[8:23 PM] Atishree: Lian: "Either will take us down...but I suggest the pit.  To the left is...a terrible creature."

[8:23 PM] Olenna: returns to the others and checks all the stuff for magic.

[8:23 PM] Olenna: What sort of creature?

[8:23 PM] 𝕷: What terrible creature

[8:23 PM] Atishree: Lian: "It is a living ooze that melts the flesh of whatever it touches."

[8:24 PM] Olenna: That does sound terrible. I am beginning to be a little concerned, however...

[8:24 PM] Olenna: casts a spell.

[8:29 PM] 𝕷: Concerned?

[8:29 PM] Olenna: ...

[8:29 PM] Olenna: breaks into a smile.

[8:29 PM] Olenna: ... just... a moment.

[8:30 PM] Olenna: ... Lady Quill is alive. Or was a moment ago. And very close, within mmm, 120 feet or so.

[8:31 PM] Olenna: We need to find her, she was cut off from answering me.

[8:31 PM] Osu: tries to find some tracks.

[8:31 PM] Olenna: Sir Strom, do not go running off alone.

[8:31 PM] Atishree: Olenna Checking the items for magic, you find some of the pouches contain healing and restorative properties.

[8:31 PM] Atishree: Strom tightens, but nods.

[8:32 PM] Atishree: Osu, you find two tracks.  The smaller gnomish ones go left, the more human ones go right and down the pit.

[8:32 PM] Olenna: If she is down the pit we must leave a way for us to get back up here, as only Osu can do it easily.

[8:33 PM] 𝕷: How far down does the pit go?

[8:33 PM] Atishree: Plu: "I can stay with the rope, like before."

[8:33 PM] Atishree: Lian: "About 40 feet down."

[8:33 PM] Olenna: All right. Osu, have you found anything?

[8:33 PM] 𝕷: pulls out the magic rope unspools it and hands it to Plu

[8:34 PM] Atishree: ((Osu, do you point out the footprints?))

[8:35 PM] Osu: She's down the pit.

[8:35 PM] Osu: The gnome went the other way.

[8:36 PM] Olenna: All right. Strom first, but don't go haring off. We'll need to go back and retrieve the gnome, unless Lady Quill is wearing jewelry today. ... even so we should go back for them.

[8:36 PM] 𝕷: So the pit first?

[8:37 PM] Olenna: Yes. Hurry.

[8:37 PM] Atishree: Plu ties one end of the endless rope to himself.

[8:37 PM] 𝕷: goes down after making sure Plu is holding the rope

[8:38 PM] Atishree: Plu: "Tug when you want me to come down.  ...or...wait...tug if you...tug once for me to come down, twice to be pulled up."

[8:38 PM] Atishree: Throm: "Plu thinks of everything!"

[8:38 PM] Osu: goes after L.

[8:38 PM] Olenna: He's very sweet that way!

[8:38 PM] Atishree: Strom goes down first.  Then L.  Then Osu.  Then Olenna?

[8:38 PM] Olenna: goes somewhere in there too.

[8:39 PM] Atishree: Ok, the order then is Strom, L, Osu, Olenna, Lian and Throm in the back.

[8:39 PM] Atishree: As you guys plummet, roll me a--Just kidding.  It's a slide.

[8:40 PM] Atishree: You all make it to the bottom and find another well lite corridor of sandstone.  You see two large metal doors, one on the left wall, the other on the right.  From the right wall, you hear banging and a woman's voice.  "HELP!  HELP, PLEASE!"

[8:40 PM] Atishree: Strom: "That's Lady Quill!"

[8:40 PM] 𝕷: will check for any traps or hidden doors

[8:41 PM] Olenna: It might be, but it might not be. Wait a moment.

[8:41 PM] Olenna: checks it all for magic.

[8:41 PM] Olenna: Lian, what is this room?

[8:41 PM] 𝕷: ((29))

[8:42 PM] Atishree: You sense magic coming from the lights, but seemingly just an illusion to keep them lit.  Otherwise, you don't detect anything in this corridor.

[8:43 PM] Atishree: L, you see the door is untrapped and unlocked, but as Strom goes to open it, Lian holds out a hand.  "NO!  WAIT!  NOT THAT ROOM!"

[8:43 PM] Olenna: Stop, Strom.

[8:43 PM] Olenna: Let me check if this is her.

[8:43 PM] Atishree: Strom: "But Lady Quill--!"

[8:43 PM] Olenna: ... it isn't.

[8:43 PM] Olenna: There's no answer.

[8:43 PM] Atishree: Lian: "That's...that's the medusa's room...if she went in there..."

[8:44 PM] Olenna: If she went in there it will be a great deal of bother getting her out and healed.

[8:45 PM] Olenna: Do not catastrophize. What is in the other room?

[8:45 PM] Atishree: The voice that was crying for help now is laughing.  "Oh, and she did come through here.  Another statue I shall send to the Taskmaster above.  Or maybe I'll just shatter her and use the pebbles to make a new throne for myself."

[8:45 PM] Olenna: grabs Sir Strom.

[8:46 PM] Osu: .... that couldn't be a comfortable throne.

[8:46 PM] Osu: ((14 for insight on the voice.))

[8:46 PM] Olenna: It depends on her position at the time.

[8:46 PM] Olenna: ... no, I have never tried it, it's simply common sense.

[8:47 PM] Olenna: ((3 on insight, so I know noooooothing.))

[8:47 PM] Atishree: Lian: "The other chamber contains a crown, guarded by a swarm of vicious insects.  The crown is a ploy to trick people into entering and being locked inside.  It's just painted tin."

[8:48 PM] 𝕷: Like the cup earlier

[8:48 PM] Atishree: Lian nods.  "Several 'prizes in here are like that."

[8:48 PM] 𝕷: Do we want to try and retrieve her?

[8:49 PM] Olenna: Just a moment, let me think.

[8:49 PM] Atishree: Strom: "My only reason to come with you was to see Lady Quill safe!"

[8:50 PM] Olenna: I am aware of that. Just...

[8:50 PM] Olenna: sighs.

[8:50 PM] 𝕷: And you wouldn’t have made it this far without us

[8:50 PM] Atishree: Also, sorry Osu, just saw.  You believe the Medusa is being honest, but it's hard to read the voice of a monster through a steel door.

[8:50 PM] Olenna: Yes, I think we need to retrieve her.

[8:50 PM] Olenna: Now rather than later. Which was the other option.

[8:51 PM] Olenna: I don't know what Atishree is going to have in store for us and I'm not as strong as I used to be. Now, what's the best way to go about this? Mirrors, shiny objects?

[8:52 PM] 𝕷: Blindfolds?

[8:52 PM] 𝕷: ((How shiny is stroms armor?))

[8:52 PM] Olenna: Yes, but a mirror would turn its gaze back on it.

[8:52 PM] Atishree: ((Pretty shiny and reflective.  As is his shield.))

[8:53 PM] 𝕷: How shiny can we make strom?

[8:53 PM] Atishree: Strom: "What?"

[8:53 PM] 𝕷: Your armor

[8:53 PM] 𝕷: It could reflect the gaze

[8:54 PM] Olenna: It would be the easiest. There are things I can do without looking, but.

[8:54 PM] 𝕷: Do we have any other shiny things?

[8:55 PM] Olenna: It will also die if you cut all its snake hair off, but that will be difficult without looking.

[8:55 PM] Olenna: I don't.

[8:55 PM] Atishree: Lian: "...I may have something."

[8:56 PM] 𝕷: What?

[8:57 PM] Atishree: Lian pulls out a small piece of mirror.  "I managed to keep this after one of my escape attempts.  It's from one of the other traps further back."

[8:57 PM] Atishree: Lian: "It's not very big, though."

[8:57 PM] Olenna: All right.

[8:57 PM] Olenna: Then I would suggest blindfolds for all of us and then we open the door.

[8:58 PM] 𝕷: Ok if we take groups one group has the mirror one sticks with storm and one has his shield

[8:58 PM] Atishree: Strom: "You ask me to surrender my shield?"

[8:58 PM] Olenna: No, we ask you to let us cower behind it so that we can rescue your lover.

[8:58 PM] 𝕷: You want to save the lady Quill?

[8:58 PM] 𝕷: You get it back if we live through this

[8:59 PM] Atishree: He sneers but does remove his shield and hand it to L.

[8:59 PM] Atishree: Ok, so what's the order and what's the mode of attack?

[9:00 PM] 𝕷: takes it “ one of us won’t make it through this I do hope it is you”

[9:00 PM] 𝕷: will hand the shield to Osu

[9:00 PM] Atishree: Ok, so Osu will have the shield?

[9:00 PM] Osu: guesses!

[9:00 PM] Atishree: Throm: "Throm can take shield.  Throm big and strong!"

[9:01 PM] Olenna: Please don't argue. Sir Strom, we are doing our best for you and your lady. Not everyone can wear armor and wield a sword.

[9:01 PM] 𝕷: will take Lians mirror shard and blindfolds one eye putting the shard above the other eye in the cloth so she can slightly see through a crack

[9:02 PM] Olenna: Just... don't yield to temptation and look.

[9:02 PM] Atishree: Blindfolds are handed around, anyone not planning to wear one?

[9:02 PM] Olenna: will wear one.

[9:03 PM] Atishree: Ok, I'd like some initiative rolls.

[9:03 PM] Olenna: ((17.))

[9:04 PM] 𝕷: ((16))

[9:05 PM] Atishree: @Osu You still with us?

[9:06 PM] Osu: ((8.))

[9:06 PM] Atishree: Ok, you throw open the door.  None of you can really see the room layout, but you charge in.  Olenna, you're first.

[9:07 PM] Olenna: casts a spell.

[9:09 PM] Atishree: Ok, Olenna, you can't see, but you feel the spell take effect.  You can take a bonus or free action to try and direct it if you wish.  You can hear the Medusa hissing around you.

[9:09 PM] Olenna: tries to angle it toward the hiss.

[9:11 PM] Atishree: Ok, let me roll for the Medusa.

[9:11 PM] Atishree: ..........oh fucking christ.

[9:11 PM] Olenna: ((Uhoh.))

[9:12 PM] Atishree: ....ok, so end initiative as you hear the Medusa go "What?  NO!  NOOOOOOO--!" and then get immediately petrified on the first go.

[9:13 PM] Olenna: ... it worked. I can't believe it worked.

[9:13 PM] 𝕷: Not that powerful anymore?

[9:13 PM] 𝕷: takes off her blindfold

[9:13 PM] Olenna: I lost almost all my magic.

[9:13 PM] Olenna: removes her blindfold as well.

[9:14 PM] Olenna: ... it was just an illusory mirror.

[9:14 PM] Atishree: Removing your blindfolds, you see a giant floating mirror, a stone medusa and a series of other petrified victims around the room.

[9:14 PM] Olenna: vanishes the mirror.

[9:15 PM] 𝕷: How do you lose your magic?

[9:16 PM] Olenna: Trading it for an eternal unlife instead of human sacrifce.

[9:16 PM] Olenna: I made the image of a mirror on the opposite wall from us, thinking she wouldn't be expecting it.

[9:16 PM] 𝕷: Interesting deal

[9:17 PM] 𝕷: Appears she wasn’t

[9:17 PM] Atishree: Strom: "LADY QUILL!"

[9:17 PM] Atishree: You look over to see Strom breaking down in front of a statue of the elf maiden you saw at the beginning.  Her face isn't of terror like the others, but sadness and pain.

[9:17 PM] Olenna: looks at the restorative stuff that they found.

[9:18 PM] 𝕷: searches the room

[9:18 PM] 𝕷: ((24))

[9:18 PM] Atishree: Roll investigation both of you.

[9:18 PM] Olenna: ((15.))

[9:19 PM] Atishree: L Checking the room, you find nothing else of note...save some bones you assume to be the remains of its last meal

[9:19 PM] Atishree: Olenna, you find some pouches from the Yuan-Ti that seem appropriate.

[9:19 PM] Atishree: Strom: "I was sent to protect you.  I failed.  ...I...I couldn't."

[9:19 PM] Atishree: Lian looks on, also disheartened and saddened.  "...this is my fault.  She wouldn't've been here if not for me."

[9:19 PM] Olenna: ((How many?))

[9:19 PM] Atishree: ((Four))

[9:20 PM] Olenna: ... you're both very dramatic, you know that?

[9:20 PM] Osu: Yeah.  Magic exists.

[9:20 PM] 𝕷: It’s what they do

[9:20 PM] Olenna: tries one of them on the Lady's statue.

[9:21 PM] 𝕷: Magic can’t fix everything but it should be able to fix this

[9:21 PM] Olenna: Osu, I don't suppose any of these are your friend?

[9:21 PM] Osu: looks around.

[9:21 PM] Atishree: Roll perception.

[9:21 PM] Osu: ((8.   My real life dice have turned against me.))

[9:22 PM] Atishree: It take a while to check all the statues...but sadly you do not find your friend in this chamber.

[9:22 PM] 𝕷: sticks the mirror shard in her bag

[9:22 PM] Osu: ....not that i can see.

[9:23 PM] Olenna: ... damn. And they weren't in the pit either. ... after this we're probably going to have to come back in and clear out the whole thing.

[9:23 PM] 𝕷: Might have been in the hall of statues up above

[9:24 PM] Atishree: You place one of the pouches around her neck and the stone begins to crack and shatter away, revealing her beneath.

[9:24 PM] Atishree: Strom: "...Lady Quill."

[9:24 PM] Olenna: I'm sure he'd've noticed. What did they look like, Osu?

[9:24 PM] Atishree: Quill: "...Sir Strom."

[9:24 PM] Atishree: And then they kiss.

[9:24 PM] Osu: describes them.

[9:24 PM] Atishree: Uh....they are fish people....like him?

[9:24 PM] Olenna: smiles, and then also has a look around among the statues, whynot.

[9:25 PM] Olenna: ((We have NO idea what he looks like under there.))

[9:25 PM] Atishree: ...I don't know what they look like.

[9:26 PM] Atishree: Ok, do you guys move on?

[9:26 PM] Olenna: doesn't.

[9:27 PM] Olenna: will restore 2 more people from the statues.

[9:27 PM] Atishree: Ok, you successfully restore two more people.

[9:27 PM] 𝕷: will pull out Quills poem and hand it to her

[9:28 PM] 𝕷: That was in your entrance chest

[9:28 PM] Olenna: explains what's going on to the new people and encourages them to listen, stay together, and help us kick the shit out of Atishree.

[9:29 PM] Atishree: You restore a...human bard, seemingly a bit older (somewhere in his fifties), with a lute around his neck.  And a...dwarf cleric.

[9:31 PM] Olenna: introduces everyone and then asks Lian which way to go next.

[9:32 PM] 𝕷: We have to go back for Plu and the diamond

[9:33 PM] Olenna: Ah, right. An ooze of some sort. Do we know what color or type, Lian?

[9:33 PM] Atishree: Throm: "Oh no...WE LOST PLU AGAIN!"

[9:33 PM] Olenna: We didn't lose him, Throm, he's upstairs with the rope waiting for us.

[9:33 PM] Olenna: pats Throm on the shoulder.

[9:34 PM] Atishree: Lian: "It is a black ooze."

[9:34 PM] 𝕷: ((Does Lady Quill recognize Lian?))

[9:35 PM] Olenna: ((What's the relevant check on black oozes?))

[9:36 PM] Atishree: ((In what regards?))

[9:36 PM] Atishree: And yes, Lian actually seems grossed out watching his sister make out.

[9:36 PM] Olenna: ((To know what they're allergic to and what they can do, that kind of stuff.))

[9:36 PM] Atishree: ((Oh, roll me a knowledge arcana roll))

[9:37 PM] Olenna: ((9.))

[9:38 PM] Atishree: ((I am afraid you don't know much.  You know they are beings crafted by wizards.  Black oozes are usually failed attempts at the more controllable and useful gelatinous cube.  I will say you do know they are immune to slashing and acid damage, but otherwise...not much to say.))

[9:39 PM] Olenna: They're immune to slashing and acid.

[9:39 PM] Olenna: ... anything else we should know about then, Lian?

[9:40 PM] Atishree: Lian: "We can just go around.  There is a pathway down here already."

[9:40 PM] Olenna: Osu, can you tell which way the gnome went?

[9:40 PM] Osu: Back up the slide.

[9:40 PM] Osu: Lady Quill went one way, the gnome went the other.

[9:41 PM] 𝕷: Now the gnome may have found another door

[9:41 PM] Olenna: ((Oh, I thought we'd gone up there but we haven't. Sorry!))

[9:41 PM] Olenna: Lady Quill, I don't suppose you happened to be wearing diamonds today.

[9:41 PM] Atishree: Lady Quill: "Hm...oh...no, I am sorry.  ...also, who are you?"

[9:42 PM] Olenna: I'm Olenna. I'm the one who messaged you earlier.

[9:43 PM] Atishree: Voice: "This may be unnecessary.  I did not fall for the oozes."

[9:43 PM] Olenna: ... and decursed Sir Strom earlier, and unstoned you, and insisted on going back for Sir Strom in the hell-vegetable garden, and...

[9:43 PM] Olenna: looks toward the voice!

[9:43 PM] 𝕷: does as well

[9:44 PM] 𝕷: Care to introduce yourself?

[9:45 PM] Atishree: "I have not decided yet.  I was impressed by how you handled the Medusa.  ...And I am curious about the hooded figure."

[9:46 PM] Atishree: "But this is a competition and we are all heavily armed.  What assurances do I have for my safety?"

[9:46 PM] Olenna: Common sense. We'll be fighting Atishree and we need all the help we can get.

[9:47 PM] Olenna: I am fairly certain that's the only reason the good Sir Strom here hasn't gutted me like a trout yet.

[9:47 PM] 𝕷: He is definitely considering killing all of us

[9:47 PM] Olenna: Too late for that, I'm afraid.

[9:48 PM] Osu: The whole point of this meatgrinder is making this a competition.

[9:48 PM] 𝕷: So that no one can take out Atishrre

[9:49 PM] Atishree: A small clothed figure drops from the ceiling.  They remove their mask to reveal a very old gnomish woman, grey-haired, wrinkled face and sunken eyes.  "If you know of Atishree...then we can talk.  I seek her death as well."

[9:50 PM] Olenna: Excellent. Do you have the diamond? We have the other two gems.

[9:50 PM] 𝕷: That’s common ground at least

[9:50 PM] Atishree: The gnome pulls out a decent sized diamond.

[9:51 PM] 𝕷: What do you know about Atishree?

[9:51 PM] Olenna: Perfect. We have the sapphire and the emerald. Shall I get Plu to come down with us as well?

[9:52 PM] Atishree: Gnome: "She's a spirit naga.  And a deadly one."

[9:52 PM] 𝕷: If it’s this or the oozes then yeah Plu should join us

[9:52 PM] 𝕷: ((What should I roll for knowledge on spirit Naga?))

[9:52 PM] Olenna: has Plu follow us down, with the rope, but to be careful.

[9:53 PM] Atishree: ((Roll religion or history))

[9:53 PM] Atishree: Plu slides down with the rope, giggling.

[9:53 PM] Olenna: smiles at him when he gets down here.

[9:53 PM] 𝕷: ((18))

[9:54 PM] 𝕷: will take the rope and put it in her bag

[9:54 PM] Atishree: Lain: "...I know a way right to the final chamber...but she'll know we're coming."

[9:55 PM] Olenna: Does she have any vulnerabilities that you're aware of, Lian?

[9:56 PM] Atishree: Lian: "...no."

[9:56 PM] Olenna: Anyone else know anything about spirit naga?

[9:57 PM] Osu: ((Are they aberattions?)

[9:57 PM] Atishree: L You know Spirit Nagas to be dark guardians and angry hoarders.  They are also dangerous spell casters and able to heal quickly.  They cannot be charmed or poisoned and a very single minded.

[9:58 PM] Atishree: They are, in fact, considered abberations.

[9:58 PM] Atishree: They are twisted by ceremonies binding them to a god.

[9:59 PM] Osu: ((17, Aberrations are a favored enemy.))

[10:00 PM] Atishree: Osu You know Spirit Nagas to be dark guardians and angry hoarders.  They are also dangerous spell casters and able to heal quickly.  They cannot be charmed or poisoned and a very single minded.  Additionally, you know they are bound to the will of their gods and tend to be influenced by their domains.

[10:01 PM] Osu: Not really vulnerable to mind magic and they heal fast.  Poison's useless too.

[10:01 PM] Osu: They tend to be single minded, and bound to their gods' will and domains.

[10:01 PM] Olenna: That's most of my magic, I'm afraid.

[10:02 PM] Olenna: But I'll do my best.

[10:02 PM] Osu: Specifically charm effects and mind control effecdts.  As far as I know illusions are fair game.

[10:03 PM] Olenna: brightens a bit.

[10:03 PM] Olenna: ... good.

[10:03 PM] 𝕷: So the question is Dow e think we can get the drop on her?

[10:03 PM] 𝕷: She knows we are coming

[10:03 PM] 𝕷: You only know one way Lian?

[10:04 PM] 𝕷: will turn to the gnome “ you seem to know your way around any ideas of how to get close to her”

[10:05 PM] Atishree: Lian: "I know a few ways, most will take us through way more traps.  This will avoid them."

[10:05 PM] Atishree: Gnome: "Divide and conquer?"

[10:05 PM] 𝕷: Might be best

[10:05 PM] 𝕷: If Lian can describe the traps we can come at her from different angles

[10:06 PM] Olenna: And how many footsoldiers is she likely to have with her?

[10:06 PM] Atishree: Lian: "...two or three...maybe..."

[10:06 PM] Osu: ((13 insight.))

[10:07 PM] Atishree: He seems as honest as ever...so...

[10:07 PM] Olenna: Then we probably ought to focus on them first.

[10:07 PM] 𝕷: She thinks of us as rats so beneath her she won’t have much other protection

[10:08 PM] 𝕷: So you think we stick as a group and all come from one direction?

[10:08 PM] Atishree: Lian: "If we separate, we are more vulnerable."

[10:08 PM] Olenna: Quite a bit more so.

[10:09 PM] 𝕷: If we stay together one area trap can take us all out

[10:09 PM] Atishree: Lian: "You've proven you are collectively able to avoid traps."

[10:09 PM] Atishree: Gnome: "I've done fine on my own until now."

[10:10 PM] 𝕷: You got wounded at the chests

[10:10 PM] Atishree: Gnome: "......."

[10:10 PM] Olenna: It doesn't matter.

[10:11 PM] Olenna: We neutralize the henchmen and then Atishree.

[10:11 PM] Olenna: Lian, do you think you can do this? No one would blame you for hanging back on this fight.

[10:12 PM] Atishree: Lian: "...I am not as proficient at archery these days."

[10:12 PM] Atishree: He holds up his stump.

[10:13 PM] Olenna: hands him her crossbow.

[10:13 PM] 𝕷: Can the cleric help you with that at all?

[10:14 PM] Atishree: Cleric: "Aye, me name's Graklin, by the by.  Also...the feck is going on?"

[10:15 PM] 𝕷: He lost a hand can you do anything with that?

[10:15 PM] Olenna: The dungeon is designed to funnel victims to an evil cult leader, who makes them a sacrifice for her evil god. We are going to kill the evil cult leader as a group.

[10:16 PM] Atishree: Graklin: "Ye still got de hand?"

[10:16 PM] 𝕷: And then deal with the baron

[10:16 PM] 𝕷: digs through her bag and pulls out the hand.

[10:16 PM] 𝕷: Here

[10:16 PM] Atishree: Graklin: "...let me see what I can do."

[10:17 PM] Atishree: I'll say over a period of time he is able to use regeneration to re-affix the hand.  Lian will still be at a penalty as it's not a clean fix, but he's better than he was.

[10:18 PM] 𝕷: Do we have a plan for the baron or deal with Atishree first

[10:18 PM] Atishree: Lian and Lady Quill, btw, are also exchanging some greetings in elven and reconnecting.  ...and then she hugs her brother.

[10:18 PM] Osu: Let's burn that bridge when we come to it.

[10:19 PM] Atishree: Gnome: "Atishree's what's giving the baron power.  Take her down...and he'll tumble in time.  ...and not a lot of time."

[10:20 PM] Olenna: And we'll deal with that as it comes. How did you know about all this, if I may ask?

[10:21 PM] Atishree: Gnome: "My mother was originally tasked with infiltrating the cult.  She was caught and murdered right before the ritual went down.  ...I've been looking to get revenge."

[10:22 PM] Olenna: Good.

[10:22 PM] Olenna: All right. Are we ready?

[10:23 PM] 𝕷: Do we want to rest before we go into this fight? Or just go

[10:23 PM] Olenna: I'm ready enough.

[10:24 PM] 𝕷: Let’s go

[10:24 PM] Atishree: Ok!  ...let's do that another night.

[10:24 PM] Atishree: Sorry, I'm not up for running a final fight.

[10:25 PM] Olenna: ((No worries!))