[Game Thread] Chapter Two: The Oracle's Temple

[Elanir]

Alcimos, Brother of the Naiads Captain Braeca’s words penetrated Alcimos’ skin like the touch of deep winter, reaching all the way to his heart and making him shiver in horror. No man should ever speak so lightly of slaughtering those who had devoted their lives to service of the Oracle, innocent men and women whose only fault was their loyalty to their mistress. Sydon was often cruel, especially in his anger, but the nymph had expected more compassion from a mortal, someone subject to the whims of the Fates and the pain they enjoyed inflicting upon those whose threads they wove, measured and mercilessly cut. Realizing that the fate of innocent people was in his hands, Alcimos feigned joy at being permitted to see the Oracle and immediately kneeled before the captain, raising his right hand in a gesture of gratitude. "O joyful day! I shall finally be granted sons and daughters so that my bloodline will not die out when the earth takes her due for all that she has given me. A thousand blessings to you, Master Braeca, and a thousand more to your men, who have shown me such compassion. May the Lord of Storms welcome the future fruit of my loins into the ranks of those who serve him so faithfully. It would please me beyond measure and make a simple man proud." Hoping that his words would not attract the attention of the three Sisters and cause them to use them against him by having his “wish” fulfilled, the poet posing as a farmer rose to his feet, dusted his chiton as best as he could and promptly followed Braeca and his men, glancing at the steam daemons who had been hiding among the vapors originating from the boiling stream. Heleka must have been a great sorcerer indeed to bind such capricious spirits to their will and make them do their bidding unquestioningly. They were no doubt the one who kept Versi enthralled and sooner or later the chosen ones would have to face them. But first the innocents had to be protected. At Braeca’s last words Alcimos suddenly halted and regarded the captain with an expression of puzzlement. "Forgive my insolence, Master, but do you mean to say that men and women have been killed within the temple? Slain, not properly sacrificed? Could this not provoke Great Sydon’s fury? I too have spilled blood in the name of the Lord of the Oceans, as have all those living in my village, but we always make the sacrifice next to a river or small stream. How else is the blood to reach the Forgotten Sea so that Lord Sydon may taste it and grant us his favor?" Looking fearfully at the sky, as if Sydon was going to strike all them with a bolt of lightning any moment now, Alcimos spat on the ground to ward off the Titan’s fury. "You are the Lord’s chosen, Master Braeca, and you know best, but wouldn’t it be better if your prisoners were to be sacrificed here, next to the sacred stream and under the sleepless gaze of our Lord?" The nymph pointed at the great marble frieze of the enthroned Titan, decorating the facade of the temple. One had the impression that nothing could escape Sydon’s sleepless gaze. Alcimos truly hoped that this was not the case. "I would certainly feel much more confident in hearing the Oracle’s prophecy after properly honoring the Lord of the Oceans…"

 

Actions Action: Roleplaying. Reaction: Bonus: Move: Effects: Notes etc:

Stat Block Alcimos, Brother of the Naiads | Nymph (Naiad) | Bard 2 Armor Class: 13 | Hit Points: 15/15 | Speed: 30 ft / Swim 40 ft Melee Attack: +4 / 1d4+2 (dagger) or +4 / 1d6+2 (shortbow) Str 10 (+0) | Dex 14 (+2) | Con 10 (+0) | Int 12 (+1) | Wis 14 (+2) | Cha 16 (+3) Saving throws: Str +0 | Dex +4 | Con +0 | Int +1 | Wis +2 | Cha +5 Skills: Deception +5 | Insight +4 | Medicine +4 | Nature +3 | Performance +5 | Persuasion +5 | Religion +3 | Stealth +4 | Survival +4 | Herbalist‘s kit | Musical instruments (flute, pan‘s flute, lyre) Passive Perception: 13 Initiative: +2 | Hit Dice: 2d8 | Inspiration: 1? Enthralling Beauty: charm 0/SR (Cha) | Naiad Ancestry: hold breath for 1h Bardic Inspiration (d6) 3/3/LR | Magical Inspiration Jack of All Trades | Song of Rest: +1d6 HP Spells: 1st level – 3/3 DC 13 (Cha) Spells known: Dancing Lights (0), Minor Illusion (0), Cure Wounds (1), Silent Image (1), Sleep (1), Speak with Animals (1), Tasha’s Hideous Laughter (1) Languages: Common | Sylvan | Primordial Epic Path: The Haunted One/The Psychopomp Items of note: Golden arrow, 10 gp

[FraterChad]

A Tale of Two Priests

Clash at the Caldera Braeca listened intently as Alcimos made his impassioned plea to offer up the remaining temple attendant as a sacrifice to Sydon. "Well, the rest have been of the attendants have been cut down already, but a bit of extra piety couldn't hurt. A charming suggestion, friend Farmer," the silver-haired acolyte clapped Alcimos over the shoulder, his hand firm and lingering over his joint like an iron claw. Braeca called out to the marching soldiers: "Bring Proteus to the steaming river banks instead." The soldiers called back in the affirmative before Braeca led Alcimos a patch of river-bank that held one long, smooth stone: an altar carved from Thylea's own bones by her son's eroding storms. "I'll admit, I had misjudged you. We, the Order of Sydon, have been tasked with eliminating a threat to the good Titan's demesne: the Oracle had prophesied that heroes would rise up in the shadow of the Gods and, under their tutelage, would turn back the tide against Sydon and his Sister once the Oath finally comes to a close. Can you imagine: life controlled by the iron fist of those outsider gods? What vile theocracy! It's funny: I had an inkling that you may have been affiliated with those heroes of the Heartlands, but I can admit when I am wrong. Come, make the sacrifice to Sydon with me, and then I shall escort you to the Oracle." Just as Braeca finished speaking, the two remaining soldiers dragged out Versi's last remaining attendant, a young man with sandy-blonde hair that was now stained scarlet with his own blood; his vestments had been shredded, his skin bare and precisely flayed in sections, burned and boiled in others. Torture, it seemed, had sapped away what little energy and will Proteus had left: he simply let his feet dangle across the steaming stones until he was dropped onto the hot altar with a simple thud. He turned, his bloodshot eyes meeting Alcimos's own, and tried calling out, but his crusted tongue only seemed to slither about in vain. The remaining soldiers made their way up the craggy hill, the same one leading to the rest of the party. Their march was slow, hindered further by would-be sacrifice being prepped behind them. Yet, happy to return to civilization, they chose to continue their retreat. The Chosen Ones had plenty of time to scurry about and find a place to hide in the ample crags or behind weathered boulders. A short time later, the soldiers had departed the scene--one complication down, but another was at hand: Braeca prepared his golden athame, rinsing the old blood from its blade in the boiling river and dried with the steaming exhalations of the white, winged spirits nearby. Raising the purified blade, Braeca spoke: "Let us begin..."

OOC The six soldiers mentioned have fled the scene--they're no longer a concern. I've updated the battle-map (taking some liberties with positioning to expedite posting). As of right now, we're not fully in combat mode just yet. If any of the main party, sans Alcimos, wants to make a stealthy approach, you'll need to give me a Stealth check along with your other actions. We'll likely get into combat pretty quickly, so give me an Initiative roll as well, even if we're not acting on it just yet.

[GleefulNihilism]

Hypatia of Mytros Hypatia didn't say anything, but she visibly tenses when she hears that there's an order to just slaughter all the temple's attendents. Her eyes dark back and forth, trying to figure out a new strategy. Approaching guards, she does motion for everyone out among her to take cover as they pass. Whether for an Ambush or just to hide is hard to say. How - a Rockslide maybe? No, didn't see any obvious points to take advantage of. Her eyes dart madness, trying to calculate - or even find - a path to victory and then, and then the poet speaks. "Oh you clever boy." she gives out, quietly. "I'm sorry Cynthia, I don't think we have a choice on if anyone dies here. But we might have a choice to who." she speaks quietly but strategy forming, loading up her Light Crossbow (patent pending) and eyes the Steam Monsters. "The Steam Monsters, if they are what I think they are they'll explode when you kill one. Wait until the Gaurds are distracted, just before the Sacrifices Start. Soften them with a Ranged Volley, then rush in Karipos and Callipoe to help Alcimos out. Wait for my Signal." she strategises, and now it's just seconds to pass like pulling the arrow back on a bow-string and - Braeca calls out his 'Let Us Begin', and Hypatia agrees. "Now." she speaks, with determination in her voice and her hand opens - releasing a Swarm of Angry Bees of Force to sweep over the Opposing Force.

OOC Sheet! Bonus Action: Arcana to identify the Steam Monsters Dice Arcana: 1d20+6 (16)+6 Total = 22 Main Action: Twinned Magic Missle Spell, for 6 Darts. One for Braeca, mostly to stop the actual Sacrifice by throwing him off balance. Dice Magic Missle: 1d4+1 (1)+1 Total = 2 3 to the Steam Monster at I10, unless the Arcana check results suggests that would be too much. Dice Magic Missles: 1d4+1 (3)+1 Total = 4 1d4+1 (4)+1 Total = 5 1d4+1 (3)+1 Total = 4 2 to the Steam Monster at M13, unless the Arcana check results suggests that would be too much. Dice Magic Missles: 1d4+1 (4)+1 Total = 5 1d4+1 (1)+1 Total = 2 If Arcana check did have such results, extras passed toward Steam Monster at K9 Move Action: Status Effects of Note: Extended Mage Armor, Modified Mage Hand as per the Telekinetic Feat. Edit:- Adding Init roll here for future reference. Dice Init: 1d20+1 (2)+1 Total = 3

[FraterChad]

Clash at the Caldera, Pt. 2 The Academic Philosopher studied the daemons of steam sizzling in an imperfect semi-circle around Sydon's impending sacrifice, the temple attendant Proteus. The young man barely seems to move even with his back now pressed down against the hot stone altar, his death looming just over head in the form of a glimmering golden athame. Hypatia's eyes darted from one foe to the next, each a variable to consider when planning to execute the most calculated move given the circumstances. As she often came across in her mathemagical studies, not all variables are equal--in fact, few often are; more precisely, the spirits of steam posed a glaring concern as the could be housing all manner of lurking weapons or baleful magic. She was not wrong. As soon as she got a good look at the creatures, Hypatia knew them to be steam mephits, beings of elemental fire and water intertwined into a scamp-like whole. They posed a considerable risk individually, as they are known to breathe out cones of superheated steam when challenged and, worse, their deaths result in an geyser-like explosion to all nearby. It would be best to handle them at a distance, and elemental flame and poison will be of no use. Knowing that, the wizard opened her hand and unleashed a swarm of angry bees, their incandescent forms thrumming with the raw force of unadulterated magic. Three such darts buzzed across the caldera toward the nearest mephit, and a fourth--an unexpected surge of power, given the spell's usual limitations--broke off and stung into Braeca. Cursing, the acolyte clutched his chest as the buzzing dart stung into his chest. "Betrayal! Slay the Oracle's Chosen!" he commanded, his eyes suddenly shaking off the glitter-like remnants of Alcimos's charm spell. The fight to take back the Oracle's Temple started now.

OOC Roll initiative, y'all! Hypatia and Alcimos are officially in combat while the rest of the party is still unseen by the foes, meaning the rest of you can attack from Stealth should you choose...but, you gotta give me a Stealth check to get that Advantage. Since combat is going on around everyone now, everyone still acts on their initiative, even if your characters haven't been detected yet.

[Alemar]

Karipos Cleric of Pythor "Betrayal! Slay the Oracle's Chosen!" And just like that, the moment Karipos had been waiting for was upon him. Hypatia had sprung her trap and engaged Sydon's forces, and unfortunately, Alcimos was caught right in the middle of it. Before he had even really registered what was happening, Karipos' crossbow was in his hands. And what felt like a single heartbeat later, two heavy bolts were streaking through the air towards the nearest of the three Guards. The Cleric knew that the Bard would have his hands full with Captain Braeca, and wanted to ease the Naiad's burden as much as he could before the steam monsters were upon them all!

Round 1 Initiative: 7 Movement: None Action: Attack Guard at F14 (19 to hit 9 damage) Bonus Action: Attack Guard at F14 (16 to hit 8 damage) Active Effects Ignore the LOADING property of Crossbows and attacking at close range does NOT pose DisAdv.Feat : Crossbow Expert +2 to Attack Rolls made with Ranged WeaponsFighting Style : Archery When you use the ATTACK action you can make one Weapon Attack as a BONUS ActionWar Priest 1/3 per Long

 

Karipos Aquileous, The Cleric of Pythor
Vital Statistics Armor Class: 16 Hit Points: 16/16 Hit Dice: 1d8 1d10 Gear Warhammer + Shield +4 to hit 1d8+2 Melee Weapon Light Crossbow +6 to hit 1d8+2 80-320 feet Spells Cantrips ∞ Pg. 248Guidance , Pg. 259Mending , Pg. 272Sacred Flame Level 1 2/2 Pg. 219Bless , Pg. 230Cure Wounds , Pg. 234Divine Favor , Pg. 275Shield of Faith

[rhaiber]

Cythia Art by Jun Chiu As the chaos of battle broke loose, Cythia seemed somewhat … distracted. But then again, it was becoming more and more uncertain if the eccentric young woman was ever truly “tracted” to begin with. Her head whipped back and forth as if trying to focus an a myriad of diverse voices all vying for her attention at once. ”Okay, okay, okay,” she spread her hands wide, though it was still unclear to whom she was speaking, ”I really do want to hear what all of you have to say, but can we please just stick to one at a time?” there was a brief pause as she glanced to one side and nodded solemnly in response to the empty air. ”uh-huh … uh-huh … I see … Did he do that to all of you? … Oh my goddesses, that’s awful! Now, I really appreciate you all telling me this, but do you think maybe you ought to bring it up with him directly? … Really?!? … Well, that hardly seems fair.” The sorceress pursed her lips in an indignant pout as she contemplated a solution to the problem that no one else seemed to hear, then her eyes widened and her face brightened with the glow of revelation. ”Y’know what? Maybe can help you! I could sorta serve as a bridge, maybe. Whaddaya think? … All right, let’s give it a try then.” Standing up from where she had been crouched behind the rocks, Cythia raised one hand upwards, a single finger stabbing outwards in the direction of the apparent leader of the Order of Sydon where he stood over the remaining attendant of the oracle. Her eyes seemed to roll backwards, the gentle magenta irises receding into her skull, leaving behind monochromatic golden orbs that caught the light with an eerie gleam. Her lips began fluttering rapidly, forming the shapes of unknown words, though not a sound escaped from them … or at least a sound only audible to one.

OOC   Dice Initiative: 1d20+2 (14)+2 Total = 16 Action: casting Dissonant Whispers at Braeca (flavored as allowing the spirits of those he has just slain to air their grievances upon him). He must make a WIS save DC14 or take Dice Psychic damage: 3d6 5, 4, 2 Total = 11 (11) psychic damage and immediately use a reaction to move as far away as possible. Half damage if he saves.   Cythia Thylean Medusa Aberrant Mind Sorceress lvl 1 Attribute Mod Str 10(0) Int 11(+0) Dex 14(+2) Wis 12(+1) Con 14(+2) Cha 18(+4) Sheet Defenses HP 14/14 AC +2Dex12 Snake Blood: adv on poison savesSaves Con,Cha TBD Field Pas.Per +11 Init +2 Speed 30 Sorcerous Options Creating Spell Slots Slot Level Pt. Cost 1st 3 2nd 4 3rd 5 4th 6 5th 7 Converting Slots to Sorc. Pts. Expend one spell slot and gain a number of sorcery points equal to the slot's level. Heightened Spell Spend 3 sorc. pts. to give one target of the spell disadvantage on its first saving throw. Quickened Spell When you cast a spell that has a casting time of 1 action, you can spend 2 sorcery points to change the casting time to 1 bonus action. Sorc.Pts. 2/2 Key Skills Arcana +2 Persuas +6 Deception +6     Insight +3 Herbalism Herbalism Kit Arcana add insight to your magical studies that deal with plants and your attempts to identify potions. Investigation When you inspect an area overgrown with plants, you pick out details and clues that others might miss. Medicine Treat illnesses and wounds by augmenting your methods of care with medicinal plants. Nature and Survival Your skill in herbalism makes it easier to identify plants and spot sources of food that others might overlook. Identify Plants You can identify most plants with a quick inspection of their appearance and smell. Other Find plants DC15 Identify Poison DC20 tool         Attacks -1d4 to next saveMindSliver INTsave Dmg 1d6 range 60 DC12 Con save or poisonedSnakeHair +4 Dmg 1d6+2 range - Spell Slots 1st 3/3 Lev 1/1 Dispel 1/1 Equipment Herbalism Kit       Mother's amulet (arcane focus)   Backpack Bedroll Mess kit Tinderbox Rations 10 days Torches 10 Waterskin Hemp Rope 50' Scroll Case   Winter Blanket   Common Clothes   Equipment Languages Common Sylvan Celestial Languages Feats & Abilities Discovery TBD Drow High Magic Detect Magic at will; Levitate and Dispel Magic once/long rest Psionic Spells arms of Hadar, dissonant whispers, mind sliver as bonus spells (additional at 3,5,9 lvl) Telepathic Speech bonus action to establish link with 1 creature within 30'; lasts #min equal to lvl Petrifying Gaze (at 5th lvl) action to make one creature in 30' DC8Con or paralyzed; next turn save again with disadv or stay paralyzed, 3 fails within 10 min becomes petrified; DC increases by 2/5 lvls Feats & Abilities   Spells Sorceress Ability Cha Save DC 14 Atk Bonus +6 Innate Magic Ability Cha Save DC 14 Atk Bonus +6 Cantrips Mind Sliver Mage Hand Minor Illusion Prestidigitation Shape Water At Will Detect Magic Level 1 Arms of Hadarr Dissonant Whispers Silvery Barbs Shield Sleep Once per Long Rest Levitate Dispel Magic

[Tahril]

Titan Blood All of their trickery and subterfuge had given them an advantage, but Calliope knew the only way it could end was with blood. The servants of Sydon could be counted on for one thing: Their Madness. Shield raised, she was ready to charge into battle when Hypatia forwarned her of the dangers. The thought of being caught in a steam explosion from one of the beasts did not fill her with confidence. Striking her Silvered spear into the ground, she swiftly withdrew one of her two javelins from her belt, and raised it high. Taking aim at the Mephit closest to her, she let fly with all the strength she could muster, spearing the creature directly through its ethereal chest. As she threw her weapon she let out a warcry to let all Titan followers know they where against the chosen of the true Gods. "In Volkans name!"

 

Initiative 10
Move to E15, attack mephit at E16
Attack roll

Dice Attack:

1d20+3

(10)+3

Total = 13

Dice Damage if hit:

1d6+3

(6)+3

Total = 9

CHARACTER SHEET
https://www.rpgcrossing.com/profiler/view.php?id=87949

[GleefulNihilism]

Hypatia of Mytros "The Steam Creatures. They're called Steam Mephits. They breathe Steam on their enemies, and they Explode when they die." she quickly gives the most important information while she tries to press the advantage on the one she targetted earlier. She didn't want to set one off at the wrong time after all. "If you can manage to kill one while they're standing next to one of theirs, please do - but really just don't be standing next to one when it goes."

OOC Sheet! Init: 3 Bonus Action: Talk Main Action: Attack I10 Steam Monster with Light Crossbow Dice Attack: 1d20+3 (17)+3 Total = 20 Dice Damage: 1d8 3 Move Action: Kneel for Cover behind Rocks Status Effects of Note: Extended Mage Armor, Modified Mage Hand as per the Telekinetic Feat.

[Elanir]

Alcimos, Brother of the Naiads Heroes rose to the occasion, no matter how difficult the task or how many opponents they had to face. It was what differentiated them from most people. And they did so without fear or hesitation, risking themselves for a worthy goal. In this case the goal was to save the last remaining attendant of the temple of the Oracle, a man who had suffered greatly at the hands of the Order of Sydon. Alcimos was horrified by the signs of torture evident upon the young man’s bod. Torn skin, burn marks, multiple bruises and dried blood made the man look like some misshapen, primal being, first conceived in Lutheria’s nightmares and brought to the world to experience a life of pain. Whatever reservations the nymph had of hurting innocent people, vanished. Braeca, the one responsible for Proteus’ torture, wasn’t innocent. He wasn’t even a man. He was a monster and it was with great difficulty that Alcimos kept smiling at him, keeping up the deception, hoping that the chance would present itself to save the young man from such unthinkable cruelty. He didn’t have to wait long. The rest of the chosen ones, hiding in the mist while Alcimos was doing his best to trick and cajole, showed their hand at exactly the right time. And what a mighty hand that was! Large, glowing bees of pure willpower attacked, followed by expertly shot wooden missiles, finding their targets, whether it was the bronze and linen armor of the guards, which proved unable to stop the metal-tipped bolts, or the soft skin of the steam daemons. The brother of the Naiads saw Braeca make a grimace of agony and recoil before a terror only he could see, just as Calliope, magnificent in her bronze-covered skin, rushed forward to test the efficiency of her spear that shone even in the steam-filled valley as brilliant as hope. "Prove your greatness, Calliope, maiden of war!", cried out Alcimos, leaving no doubt as to where his true allegiance lay. "Fight not for mere glory or just in the name of the gods, but to protect those in need. Let your heart guide your hand and you shall always strike true!" Losing no time, he grabbed Proteus’ hand and beckoned him to follow him. He had to take him away from this horrible place. "Come", he whispered and the young priest complied; hope granting him new strength. Even as the poet fled the field of battle with the priest close behind him, Alcimos turned to gaze at the hatred-filled eyes of Sydon’s servant. This was an enemy who could not be placated, an enemy who would do anything to please his cruel master. A voice as clear as the waters that had given birth to the nymph emerged out of the poet’s lips and ignoring the cries of battle and the screams of pain, Alcimos sang. The melody was quick and rhythmical, without words, and one of Sydon’s faithful was horrified to find himself Tasha’s hideous laughterstarting to laugh without a reason, his feet dancing on their own accord. This was the true power of a nymph’s song and he would come to experience it firsthand.

 

Actions Action: Casting “Tasha’s hideous laughter”. The guard must succeed at a Wisdom save DC 13 or fall prone and become incapacitated. At the end of each of his turns, and each time he takes damage, Braeca can make another Wisdom saving throw. He has advantage on the saving throw if it’s triggered by damage. On a success, the spell ends. Reaction: Bonus: Move: Move to 18H together with Proteus - if possible. Effects: Notes etc: Initiative 9.

Stat Block Alcimos, Brother of the Naiads | Nymph (Naiad) | Bard 2 Armor Class: 13 | Hit Points: 15/15 | Speed: 30 ft / Swim 40 ft Melee Attack: +4 / 1d4+2 (dagger) or +4 / 1d6+2 (shortbow) Str 10 (+0) | Dex 14 (+2) | Con 10 (+0) | Int 12 (+1) | Wis 14 (+2) | Cha 16 (+3) Saving throws: Str +0 | Dex +4 | Con +0 | Int +1 | Wis +2 | Cha +5 Skills: Deception +5 | Insight +4 | Medicine +4 | Nature +3 | Performance +5 | Persuasion +5 | Religion +3 | Stealth +4 | Survival +4 | Herbalist‘s kit | Musical instruments (flute, pan‘s flute, lyre) Passive Perception: 13 Initiative: +2 | Hit Dice: 2d8 | Inspiration: 1? Enthralling Beauty: charm 0/SR (Cha) | Naiad Ancestry: hold breath for 1h Bardic Inspiration (d6) 2/3/LR | Magical Inspiration Jack of All Trades | Song of Rest: +1d6 HP Spells: 1st level – 2/3 DC 13 (Cha) Spells known: Dancing Lights (0), Minor Illusion (0), Cure Wounds (1), Silent Image (1), Sleep (1), Speak with Animals (1), Tasha’s Hideous Laughter (1) Languages: Common | Sylvan | Primordial Epic Path: The Haunted One/The Psychopomp Items of note: Golden arrow, 10 gp

[FraterChad]

Clash at the Caldera, Pt.3 "Betrayal! Slay the Oracle's Chosen!" Sydon's acolyte, Braeca, hissed as Hypatia's buzzing spell stung into his flesh. "Titan of the Seas and Storms, Mighty One, Lord Sydon, pour out the vials of your wrath upon these blasphemers! Braeca chanted, his eyes crackling with scintillating light as he carved an invisible glyph into the air with his hands. The skies darkened directly above Hypatia's head as thunder rolled in the distance. A moment later, brilliant cerulean lighting crashed down from the storm clouds down toward the wizard...! Meanwhile, Braeca wasted now time in calling upon his Titan once more, but this time pleading for divine protection. Sydon granted his request in the form of a transparent sheen of fracturing light bubbling around the acolyte, who then spat at Alcimos. "Minions of Heleka, make quick work of these fools," he barked toward the steam mephits before turning his back and dashing toward the Temple's portico once again. Despite the protective sheen, he left his back exposed should the bard choose to risk a strike... In turn, two of the four cloud-colored monsters flapped their wings and flew toward the rest of the party now that Hypatia had exposed them. As the two approached, the broke rank with one another, one aiming itself toward Hypatia and Cythia, the other toward Calliope and Karipos, steam now swirling around them like the eye of a superheated tornado. Luckily, the medusa, Cythia, was set to intervene.

OOC Alrighty folks, sorry about the delay--and apologies for missing some Initiative rolls that led to the delay! Initiative Order: 20: Braeca 18: Mephit 1&2 16: Cythia 14: Mephit 3 13: Mephit 4 12: Soldier 2 10: Calliope 9: Alcimos 7: Karipos 5: Soldier 1 3: Hypatia Here's a summation of the current actions that have taken place: Braeca: Casting Sacred Flame at Hypatia, who needs to a DC 12 Dex Save or take 4 radiant damage. He is then using a bonus action to cast Sanctuary on himself. Anyone who is targeting Braeca with an attack or harmful spell or effect must first make a DC 12 Wisdom save or be forced to choose a new target or lose the attack, spell, etc.. At the moment, that is He is then moving to his new location on the updated map, which does provoke an Opportunity Attack...if Alcimos wants to risk triggering Sanctuary in the process. Steam Mephits 1&2: use their full turn to move to their current positions on the updated map That said, it's Cythia's turn! As Cythia has already targeted Braeca for an attack, all I need is a quick DC 12 Wis save to make sure that the spell is still able to target him given the Sanctuary spell. Alcimos, you may also decide to pursue or ignore the Opportunity Attack either here or in the OOC thread. I don't need a full post/response for either of those: just a quick decision and I'll be much quicker to update the thread. As you may have noticed, the enemies rolled really well, unfortunately. This will likely have an impact on your previous posts, but I'll work with you in adjusting those as needed in order to keep the momentum moving forward. New Map:

[FraterChad]

Clash at the Caldera, Pt.3.5 The ground below Versi's Chosen Ones groans before vomiting up miniature geysers of steam a meager few feet away, the hissing sound giving way to a battle-cry of winged mephits. Two daemons of heat and moisture flapped their wings in unison before darting toward the party, the other drawing near to the betrayer, Alcimos; as the latter grew close, it hovered over the critically-wounded Proteus and unfurled its maw like some sort of dagger-toothed serpent. Deep within the vile spirit's throat, Alcimos could see a storm of steam brewing, but whatever the thing had planned was cut short by Braeca: "Close your mouth, foolish pawn of Heleka! Your damnable breath will harm my soldiers!" With a grumbling hiss, the mephit complied, clamping its mouth shut as tendrils of foul steam twirled out from its nostrils in protest. Proteus was safe, at least for this round. But, spared from the mephit's breath attack, the soldier nearest Alcimos gave him no quarter: immediately after Braeca interjected, the cerulean-clad soldier raised his shield and quickly bashed the bard with it in an attempt to knock the betrayer prone. Alcimos was caught off guard, but with an unspoken song to Thylea, he gritted his feet into the hot, moist dirt and held his ground. In turn, Alcimos cast a glare at the opposite soldier, his eyes darkening with memories of manic madness, his hands abuzz with invisible sigils, until the psychosis spilled out in the form of a spell. The soldier's eyes bulged, his mouth falling slack for a moment, before he loosed a torrent of unending laughter that forced him to his knees. Before the soldier facing Alcimos could react to the sudden spell, Karipos cut off his advance with a flurry of crossbow bolts: one piercing the soldier's hip while the latter dented his breastplate in a flurry of broken shards. Seeing the opportunity, Alcimos shifted closer to Proteus to better ensure the wounded attendant's safety. Calliope the Brazen stepped forward to charge the soldiers, but her path was cut off prematurely by the encroaching mephits. Retrieving one of her trusty javelins, she hurled the piercing weapon toward the nearest steam spirit and struck true: the weapon sailed through the thing's membranous wing and caused it to plummet back to the ground. While damaged, it still appeared to have some fight left in it.

OOC Summary of Actions: Mephit 3: moves to current position on map (I12), almost breathes out against Alcimos, Proteus, and the soldiers but is stopped midway through by a scolding Braeca since it will harm the soldiers. Mephit 4: moves to current position on map (E12). Soldier 2 (F14): raises his shield and quickly bashes Alcimos with it deal 2 bludgeoning damage and requiring him to make a DC 11 Str Save or be knocked prone--he rolls a 16 and holds his ground! *Calliope: tossed her javelin at the nearest mephit causing 9 damage! Alcimos: choosing to ignore the Opportunity Attack against Braeca, Alcimos opts to redirect his Tasha's Hideous Laughter spell at Soldier 1, who fails his save, falls prone, and is now Incapacitated! Karipos: two bolts whiz across the field toward Soldier 2, the first strikes true while the other dents his breastplate and falls away. Soldier 2 takes 9 damage: his wound is bleeding profusely, but he's still conscious and able to fight. Soldier 1: spend the entirety of his turn laughing, fails his Wisdom save, and promptly continues laughing. It is now Hypatia's turn! Soldier 1 is still Incapacitated, Soldier 2 is knocking on Death's door, Braeca is protected by the Sanctuary spell--unless Cythia opts to break it with her own spell. The steam mephits haven't been touched, and there's one seemingly ready to show you what its steam breath attack looks like. What do you do?

[GleefulNihilism]

Hypatia of Mytros "Gentlemen of Learning - Zeno's Paradox of Achilles and the Tortoise is as follows. It is decreed by the Gods that the Warrior Achilles must footrace with a Tortoise. In the spirit of Sportsmanship the Warrior gives the Tortoise a sizable headstart, too which the Tortoise valently spends going with all the speed it can muster and manages to make it halfway to the finish line before time is up. Achilles covers the distance in a fraction of the time, but in that time the Tortoise has managed to cover more ground. Achilles covers new distance in a fraction of the time ago, but in that time the Tortoise has managed to move forward yet again. This continues forever, Achilles never catches up with the Tortoise." "That's Absurd." "Yes, it is. Resolve the Paradox, using only Logic." "Master Eukles! With all due Respect." "The Floor recogizes Master Theon of Mytros. Do you have a Solution?" "Well, No - but my daughter has read of this before and she does." "Your...Daughter. Correct me if I'm wrong, but she's what - 8 winters?" "7. She is quite Gifted though. I pass my control of the floor to my daughter Hypatia." "Is this some kind of joke?" "Very well. Young lady, please be brief. We do have a lot to discuss today." Stepping toward the front of the lecture hall and taking the chalk, she breathes - and gets started. "Achilles and the Tortoise, like all All of Zeno's Paradoxes, is based on a description of Motion and the Infinite that is - at best - mathematically incomplete. I think this might fix it." The Steam Mephet she blasted with most of her Missles flies right at her, the warning only barely escaping her lips before it starts to make it's presence known. Funny, the kind of things that build toward moments like this. As a kid she proved that an Infintesimal Moment in Time and just a moment too quick for Human Senses is *not* the same thing. Strange, feels that way sometimes. The idea leaps foward in her brain faster then her fingers can get the crossbow reloaded, but that's alright. The timing of the next moments plays out like the notes of an Epic Opera. The Mephit lashes out with hate in it's eyes and steam in it's breath, moving with the speed it can muster and hisses that aren't so much heard as smelled. It doesn't matter. The air has a momentary shimmer as she gives the creature a Push. Which, if she timed it right, should put the Mephit not only off course to attack her but on course to collide with one of Braeca's soilders. And with it off-balance for a moment she should be able to hit it with her Light Crossbow before it recovers with hopefully enough force to set off a chain reaction...

OOC Sheet! Init: 3 HP: 16/16 Bonus Action: Telekinetic Push of the Steam Mephit at C14 away (and toward the Soldier at F14). Mephet gets Strength DC 14 to Resist. Main Action: Attack the Steam Mephit now at C14. Dice Attack Crossbow: 1d20+3 (8)+3 Total = 11 Dice Damage: 1d8 6 Move Action: None Status Effects of Note: Extended Mage Armor, Modified Mage Hand as per the Telekinetic Feat. Dice Save vs Sacred Flame: 1d20+1 (14)+1 Total = 15 OOC: Holy Crap, I think I see a couple things lined up. Going for the Bank Shot and willing to pop the Inspiration if that's what it takes. It should make sense in the post.

[FraterChad]

Battle for the Caldera, Pt. 4 Braeca, Sydon's nefarious acolyte, had attempted to retreat back to the temple's portico in order to better control the unfolding battlefield and, if necessary, make yet another hasty retreat into the temple's heart to reconvene with Heleka. He was successful in making it to the portico, but his plans crumbled from there: upon reaching the steps leading up, he found his way blocked by the Oracle's own acolytes. They circled him, nearly a dozen spirits perpetually drenched in their own spent blood, cut forth by Braeca's own hands; they called to him in dissonant union, their voices a shrieking cacophony of begging, pleading, and cursing until their death-song reached its gurgling crescendo that eclipsed the acolyte's own futile prayers. And then, Braeca heard no more. He collapsed onto the portico's stairs, his mind broken; he wasn't quite dead, at least not yet, but he was now far from a threat. While Braeca screamed, Hypatia took the opportunity to put her Logic to the test: conjuring forth her signature telekinetic powers, the invisible wave gripped the nearest mephit and thrust it backwards; it bounced off of the nearest soldier with an audible "owough!, and then Hypatia blasted it with her own crossbow. Hypatia's bolt whizzed through the air and struck the mephit between its ribs. No sooner did the bolt break through the daemon's body did it swell up like a waterskin, then dramatically burst in an explosion of superheated steam. Alcimos could feel the spirit's dying moisture sprinkle against his skin, but the soldier a mere feet closer felt his own skin scalding from deadly knell. Blood now poured from the soldier's copious wounds, his breathing grown haggard and pained. Yet, more mephits remained, and the death of their own only seemed to fill them with fury. Another mephit took the fallen's place, opened its jaws as the one near Alcimos had started, then breathed out a cone of roiling steam at Hypatia and Cythia.

OOC   Initiative Order: 20: Braeca 18: Mephit 1&2 16: Cythia 14: Mephit 3 13: Mephit 4 12: Soldier 2 10: Calliope 9: Alcimos 7: Karipos 5: Soldier 1 3: Hypatia Summary of Actions: Cythia successfully breaks through Braeca's Sanctuary spell and breaks his mind. He is downed! Hypatia summons up a forceful wave of telekinetic energy that thrusts the mephit at C14 back toward the soldier nearest Alcimos, then fires her own crossbow at it, killing it and severely scalding the soldier with the spirit's death burst. Steam Mephit 1: Takes its fallen companion's place at C14, then breathes out a cone of steam at Cythia and Hypatia, who have to make a DC 10 Dex Save or take a whopping 2 damage: taking 1 damage on a successful save. That brings it back to Cythia!

[GleefulNihilism]

Hypatia of Mytros To be honest, on level she's surprised it worked as well as it did. As an intellectual excercise it almost worked perfectly. Emotionally though there was - a problem. Hypatia had hoped one of two things would happen, the man would immediately pass out from the pain or die. Instead he - wasn't. Instead he was screaming in pain and Hypatia felt she should try to do the merciful thing. And then one of the Steam Mephits tries to avenge his comrade and she has to prioritize her own safety. Glad she took cover, the truly bizarre thing is that the creature didn't learn from it's comrade and went to the exact same position. Alright. Obliging, she goes for another push as she reloads - and fires again. The first time was a wonder, the second time - this felt like a fluke but she'll take it. At least this one manages to steam up the field of vision enough that Hypatia misses.

OOC Sheet! Init: 3 HP: 15/16 Move Action: Reload Light Crossbow Bonus Action: TK Push Steam Mephit at C14 Away, toward Solider at F14. Again. Main Action: Crossbow Attack on Steam Mephit Dice Crossbow: 1d20+3 (2)+3 Total = 5 Dice Damage: 1d8 1 Status Effects of Note: Extended Mage Armor, Modified Mage Hand as per the Telekinetic Feat. Dice Dex against Steam Breath: 1d20+1 (10)+1 Total = 11

[rhaiber]

Cythia Art by Jun Chiu Cythia blinked her eyes as the wall of steam washed over her, the warm magenta irises returning to replace the eerily gleaming golden orbs that had shone from her eye sockets a moment ago. She shook her head as if waking from a trance and surveyed the battle before her with and mixture of surprise and confusion, as one waking from a dream. She could hardly believe the way things had deteriorated so quickly into violence. Things were getting out of hand way too quickly for her tastes, and something had to be done before anyone else got hurt. ”Okay guys, clearly we got off on the wrong foot here,” she stretched both her hands outward with open palms, attempting to appear as non-threatening as possible. She spoke in calm, measured tones that took on an almost unnaturally soothing tone as she continued ”I don't think any of us really want to see anyone get hurt, now do we. Why don't we all just take a moment to slow it down, take a deep breath, and ... relax?"

OOC   Casting sleep on the intersection of E12-F13, catching all the remaining baddies while avoiding friendlies. Sleep spell will affect Dice Roll: 5d8 4, 6, 4, 5, 5 Total = 24 (24)HP worth, starting with lowest creature.   Cythia Thylean Medusa Aberrant Mind Sorceress lvl 1 Attribute Mod Str 10(0) Int 11(+0) Dex 14(+2) Wis 12(+1) Con 14(+2) Cha 18(+4) Sheet Defenses HP 14/14 AC +2Dex12 Snake Blood: adv on poison savesSaves Con,Cha TBD Field Pas.Per +11 Init +2 Speed 30 Sorcerous Options Creating Spell Slots Slot Level Pt. Cost 1st 3 2nd 4 3rd 5 4th 6 5th 7 Converting Slots to Sorc. Pts. Expend one spell slot and gain a number of sorcery points equal to the slot's level. Heightened Spell Spend 3 sorc. pts. to give one target of the spell disadvantage on its first saving throw. Quickened Spell When you cast a spell that has a casting time of 1 action, you can spend 2 sorcery points to change the casting time to 1 bonus action. Sorc.Pts. 2/2 Key Skills Arcana +2 Persuas +6 Deception +6     Insight +3 Herbalism Herbalism Kit Arcana add insight to your magical studies that deal with plants and your attempts to identify potions. Investigation When you inspect an area overgrown with plants, you pick out details and clues that others might miss. Medicine Treat illnesses and wounds by augmenting your methods of care with medicinal plants. Nature and Survival Your skill in herbalism makes it easier to identify plants and spot sources of food that others might overlook. Identify Plants You can identify most plants with a quick inspection of their appearance and smell. Other Find plants DC15 Identify Poison DC20 tool         Attacks -1d4 to next saveMindSliver INTsave Dmg 1d6 range 60 DC12 Con save or poisonedSnakeHair +4 Dmg 1d6+2 range - Spell Slots 1st 1/3 Lev 1/1 Dispel 1/1 Equipment Herbalism Kit       Mother's amulet (arcane focus)   Backpack Bedroll Mess kit Tinderbox Rations 10 days Torches 10 Waterskin Hemp Rope 50' Scroll Case   Winter Blanket   Common Clothes   Equipment Languages Common Sylvan Celestial Languages Feats & Abilities Discovery TBD Drow High Magic Detect Magic at will; Levitate and Dispel Magic once/long rest Psionic Spells arms of Hadar, dissonant whispers, mind sliver as bonus spells (additional at 3,5,9 lvl) Telepathic Speech bonus action to establish link with 1 creature within 30'; lasts #min equal to lvl Petrifying Gaze (at 5th lvl) action to make one creature in 30' DC8Con or paralyzed; next turn save again with disadv or stay paralyzed, 3 fails within 10 min becomes petrified; DC increases by 2/5 lvls Feats & Abilities   Spells Sorceress Ability Cha Save DC 14 Atk Bonus +6 Innate Magic Ability Cha Save DC 14 Atk Bonus +6 Cantrips Mind Sliver Mage Hand Minor Illusion Prestidigitation Shape Water At Will Detect Magic Level 1 Arms of Hadarr Dissonant Whispers Silvery Barbs Shield Sleep Once per Long Rest Levitate Dispel Magic