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We D&D- Tyranny of Dragons Part 2: The Rise of Tiamat #24b Strike Team 1 Part 2 A Ton of Undead.
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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 7972960" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>We D&D.</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Session #57 The Rise of Tiamat #16a The Third Council of Waterdeep Part 1.</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Brothers of the First Light.</strong></p><p><strong>Lummins (played by Rob) Male Half-Elf Cleric of Lathander Lvl 11</strong></p><p><strong>Lux (played by Sandy) Female Human Warlock Lvl 11</strong></p><p><strong>Watt (played by Jackie) Male Human Bard Lvl 11</strong></p><p><strong>Sgt Bobby Markguth (played by Pete) Male Human Fighter Lvl 11</strong></p><p><strong>&</strong></p><p><strong>Hotlips Houlihan (played by Sandy) Female Halfling Rogue Lvl 11</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Secondary PCs.</strong></p><p><strong>Left at 8th Level- we’ll get them back if (and when) they’re needed later on.</strong></p><p><strong>Derek Pilch (played by Jackie) Male Human Druid Lvl 8</strong></p><p><strong>Hard Bonk (played by Rob) Male Half-Orc Monk Lvl 8</strong></p><p><strong>Sgt Harald Hardaxe (played by Pete) Male Shield Dwarf Fighter Lvl 8</strong></p><p></p><p>This is session #57 of our game, but only session #16a of The Rise of Tiamat scenario.</p><p></p><p>Oh, and apologies ahead of time there’s a lot of he did, she did in this one- this was a titanic battle around the table, keep reading…</p><p></p><p>The PCs are back from Boltus Pit (with Argonite Brawnanvil et al), another successful mission under their belt, and to the City of Splendours, and the Lord’s Palace, and (just) in time- so, the third meeting of the Council of Waterdeep is not postponed at all.</p><p></p><p>It starts now… just to keep the Players on their toes.</p><p></p><p>So, this is what goes down, although first to say there’s a new face at the Council table, a female Tiefling introduced as Rian Nightshade, a ‘Special Advisor’, according to Dagult Neverember who as always is doing his best to run the show.</p><p></p><p>Note, Lux (Sandy) knows Rian (a Zhentarim agent) and has dealt with her before, I let her know the Zhent agent will be attending the meeting ahead of the session.</p><p></p><p>The other PCs however have questions, Lux (obviously) goes along with her colleagues and pretends she doesn’t know who Rian is. The Brothers therefore want to know- who does Rian represent? Answer- no-one, she’s a ‘Special Advisor’, now move on. Some of the Players are less than enamoured with Dagult’s explanation, but they (eventually) let it pass.</p><p></p><p>They’re a bit chippy today, some of them.</p><p></p><p>To the meat of it, the Brothers (following Lux’s lead- she takes over, mostly, in these sort of sessions) start off by talking up their secret meeting with the Great Dragon Council, and specifically explaining that various concessions have been made (but not discussed here in detail). For which the Metallic Dragons have agreed to offer protection to a number of locales, and/or else factions. Four Dragon favours have been distributed so far- to the northern Dwarves (Ambassador Brawnanvil), the Elves of the Misty Forest (King Melandrach), to Waterdeep (Lady Silverhand), and the last Dragon favour for the Brothers themselves- to protect the Flying Lighthouse.</p><p></p><p>The crowd mostly go wild and leading the charge- for all to see, are Brawnanvil and Melandrach, who hardly ever find themselves, it seems, on the same side of a cause. Most odd, several of the other Council members are moved enough to make comment. </p><p></p><p>Lux then ups the ante by explaining that because they managed to achieve a consensus at the Great Dragon Council then they have two more Dragon favours to distribute to worthy causes. There follows a clamour from the various unprotected factions and/or locales, all seeking a Dragon favour for themselves.</p><p></p><p>The Brothers listen to various pleas and/or offers of aid in order to secure the much needed Dragon protection.</p><p></p><p>Lux (without telling her colleagues beforehand) decrees that the Harpers should receive one of the two outstanding Dragon favours. The last favour- she also declares, will be distributed by Lady Silverhand, thereby enabling the Brothers (and specifically Lux) to dodge their responsibility to distribute the last Rolo* in the pack (as it were).</p><p></p><p>*Rolo = chocolate sweets in the UK, the advertising goes (paraphrased)- “Do you love someone enough to give them your last Rolo?”</p><p></p><p>Note, a couple of the other Players are a bit miffed by Lux’s decision to support the Harpers, but… they don’t really care that much, only that Sandy didn’t ask/tell them ahead of time.</p><p></p><p>It’s a familiar lament.</p><p></p><p>So, congratulations all round, even those not blessed with a Dragon favour can see the sense in the Brothers’ actions, and the good fortune of getting the Metallic Dragons on-side.</p><p></p><p>That’s just the start of it- Lux, has a gleam in her eye ahead of the next bit.</p><p></p><p>Just to say I may have had a little chat with Lux (Sandy) ahead of this session, just to advise her (you understand) about the running order for her presentation to the Council.</p><p></p><p>So, then the story of the Brother’s visit to the Misty Forest, and into the lair of Chuth and the Green Dragon Mask wearing Wyrmspeaker- name unknown. A heroic tale if ever there was one- with the Brothers (and Lux in particular, as usual) responsible for the deaths of both of their Dragon Cult enemies- the cheering is unrestrained, and from King Melandrach in particular- vociferous, almost unseemly.</p><p></p><p>King M high-fives several of the PCs.</p><p></p><p>Which gets a laugh, and then funny looks from several other members of the Council of Waterdeep.</p><p></p><p>As the last roar of approval rings out, King M marches over to the Brothers and presents to each a finely wrought silver pendant, each depicting in miniature one of the ancient oaks of the great Elven forest. A short speech later and all five of the Brothers of the First Light have been honoured as ‘Heroes of the Misty Forest, and friends of the Wild Elves.”</p><p></p><p>King M makes special mention of the actions of each of the adventurers (as told to him by the DM) but makes sure that Sgt Bobby’s sacrifice is made clear, note Sgt B is left beaming with delight.</p><p></p><p>Pete (playing Sgt B) is grinning like a loon.</p><p></p><p>He’s a special child, if you catch my meaning.</p><p></p><p>But the best comes last, the reward- the Green Dragon Mask, and finally the great unveiling… at which point, as you’ve no doubt guessed (at least one of the Players had, maybe two, actually- definitely two), it all goes very badly wrong.</p><p></p><p>If you are wondering who the two Players were that guessed what's going to happen next (and told me about it beforehand), that would be the ladies of the group- Sandy and Jackie. In truth, I could make the above statement often, they 'get it' much more quickly than the chaps pretty much most of the time.</p><p></p><p>So, Lux opens the casket holding the (fake) Green Dragon Mask and instead of finding the Mask within she unleashes two spectral floating (giant-sized) heads- both bald Human males, although one of the two sports a large number of tattoos on and about his scalp.</p><p></p><p>“I am Severin, Wyrmlord- the Voice of Tiamat, and…”</p><p>“… and I am Rath Modar, your worst nightmare!”</p><p></p><p>I was going for Statler and Waldorf (of Muppets fame) cantankerous and insulting.</p><p></p><p>At which point the bad-things-happen-ometer shoots up to 11.</p><p></p><p>The casket and the Green Dragon Mask then dissolve, swirl and transform into a shimmering six-foot wide circular portal, a pulsing doorway to another (fiery?) realm, through which come leaping a Dragonsoul (switched to kamikaze mode, and MAX HP), a Mezzoloth, and an (invisible, but not for long) Nycaloth.</p><p></p><p>Oh, and keep in mind the Brothers et al have not recovered much from their previous outing to Boltus Pit, they’ve had a short rest and done some healing. But the quintet’s spellcasters are more than halfway through their spell slots (and they’ve expended lots of their high-level powers), and many of them are still a little wounded.</p><p></p><p>Oh, and I’ll be adding more Mezzoloth’s and Nycaloth’s to the encounter, another one more or less every round- until I (or they- the PCs) have had enough.</p><p></p><p>Oh, and the members of the Council of Waterdeep are also in the room, so- the PCs/Players need to keep these guys alive. Note the NPCs were all stated out as Max HP Knights (Isteval), Berserker (Connerad), Mage (Silverhand), Assassin (Nightshade) etc. etc.</p><p></p><p>Oh, and the bad guys get the surprise round.</p><p></p><p>Oh (last one), throughout the following fracas the two spectral floating heads of Severin and Rath Modar content themselves with their personal diatribes, all aimed at the rulers of the various races, locales and/or factions (courtesy of Severin, mostly), or else specifically the Brothers of the First Light (Rath Modar, again, mostly).</p><p></p><p>Rath Modar in particular delights in telling the Brothers all about the destruction of Greenest, Fireballing the innocent people there etc.</p><p></p><p>In order to get this right, I put the two spectral floating heads in the initiative order, this so that I remember to harangue and shout at the PCs every turn. The floating heads have no other powers, they’re just there to piss the PCs/Players off.</p><p></p><p>Worked a treat, you should try it. Nice backstory/recap thing also, and a chance to get some digs in. </p><p></p><p>So, at last, to arms.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]121366[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p>Shocked seconds after the portal and the spectral scoffing heads appear, the centre of the chamber is suddenly engulfed in a swirling tide of choking acrid smoke, and obscured- the Mezzoloth unleashes its Cloudkill, and then clambers onto a table- chirruping threats as it goes.</p><p></p><p>Alas the first person to feel the Poison burn is the Dragonsoul, the ferocious Dragon adherent however quickly escapes the cloud (Limited Flight), and then lands and cuts and slices Hotlips (the Rogue is almost bloodied in an instant). The frenzied Cultist also finds the time to lash out and bloody Taern Hornblade (of Silverymoon).</p><p></p><p>There’s a collective sharp intake of breath around the gaming table, this guy (the Dragonsoul) clearly means business.</p><p></p><p>Then the Nycaloth suddenly appears atop a table and begins clawing at the Brothers- Watt is hurt, however its Hotlips (again) that suffers considerably, she’s clawed and left with bleeding wounds- the Halfling is bloodied and beyond (down to just over 20 HP).</p><p></p><p>And Sandy (playing Hotlips) is as white as a sheet.</p><p></p><p>At which point the fightback begins- Lux (wearing her Poison Resistance ring, smart) attempts to Banish both Yugoloths back to their fiery home- a second later and the Mezzoloth is returned to its hellish realm, and back before tea-time. The Nycaloth however is staying put. The Warlock makes her way out of the Cloudkill and screams for her companions to follow suit.</p><p></p><p>Back within the Cloudkill (and unseen by the PCs) a second Mezzoloth makes its way through the portal (which is obviously also much obscured).</p><p></p><p>Oh, and the PCs are encouraged to help me play the NPCs in this fight, i.e. the great and the good of the Council of Waterdeep.</p><p></p><p>Ontharr Frume (Order of the Gauntlet) therefore is all action, the Dwarf spots the newly arrived Mezzoloth (he’s stood next to the portal), and so clambers on to a table and starts screaming at Sgt Bobby to warn him- the newly appeared Mezzoloth is now stood behind the PC Fighter. The Paladin swings heartily but misses his attacks.</p><p></p><p>Hotlips, still bleeding badly, grabs out her magical rapier and skewers the Nycaloth, that hurt- and then swiftly gets the hell out of dodge, disengaging and skittering back to hide behind Watt, while begging the Bard for a little healing.</p><p></p><p>The Dragonsoul moves again and this time takes its furious anger out on Watt- the Bard is sliced and stabbed and left bloodied in an instant.</p><p></p><p>Jackie (playing Watt) actually screamed when the Dragonsoul hit her guy for the third time in a row in very quick succession.</p><p></p><p>This is going badly for the PCs, and there’s lots of moaning and griping around the table.</p><p></p><p>Sgt Bobby, choking within the Cloudkill- takes up the ‘heal me’ chorus, and then ignores Ontharr (and the unseen Mezzoloth) and gets to work with Hazirawn on the Nycaloth- he misses the hulking Yugoloth twice in a row, Pete goes swear-nova.</p><p></p><p>An Action Surge later and the Fighter hits at last, although the Nycaloth is still nowhere near bloodied.</p><p></p><p>Sir Isteval (Daggerford) and Taern Hornblade also make it out of the Cloudkill, choking as they retreat, the latter heads for the magically sealed doors of the Council chamber and begins pounding on them, in an effort to alert those without.</p><p></p><p>Remember, the Brothers et al are in a magically sealed chamber, which is also locked and secured.</p><p></p><p>Dagult Neverember (Neverwinter), likewise choking, scrambles out of the Poison Cloudkill and takes to haranguing Lux- “What have you done? You fool!” Which is obviously very much appreciated.</p><p></p><p>The Nycaloth however is content to stay where it is, on a table and safely ensconced within the Cloudkill spell- Watt is clawed some more, and the Bard is now also below 20 HP, and has still not appeared in the initiative order.</p><p></p><p>Tee-hee.</p><p></p><p>The Players are scrambling.</p><p></p><p>The Yugoloth’s are immune to Poison (and Acid) damage, if you’d not worked it out.</p><p></p><p>Lummins unleashes a Mass Cure Wounds, and then takes to the air (Winged Boots), using an Inspiration Point to disengage from the enemies to either side of the Priest of Lathander (he was stood between the Nycaloth and the Dragonsoul), Lummins escapes the Cloudkill.</p><p></p><p>Rian Nightshade (Zhentarim), also escapes the Cloudkill- coughing and spluttering as she goes, and then stabs the Nycaloth twice and hurts the beast bad (she’s statted as an Assassin, but the PCs/Players don’t know this of course), the women is a whirl of blades- and an instant hit with the Players.</p><p></p><p>Any doubts they had about Rian are instantly dispelled, several of the PCs cheer her on</p><p></p><p>Ulder Ravengard (Baldur’s Gate) is likewise volubly appreciated, the head of the Flaming Fist Shield Bashes the Dragonsoul to the floor and then stabs the bastard twice- that’s right!</p><p></p><p>Yeah!</p><p></p><p>Sgt Bobby just made two new friends- “Sick ‘em Rain”, that should be Rian, and “Take ‘em down Uber”, which of course should be Ulder.</p><p></p><p>And now the Players are mostly cheering- and starting to really like some of the members of the Council of Waterdeep. Note, I’m getting the Players to make the various NPCs To Hit and Damage rolls- while describing the outcomes of the action. Way to get the Players interested.</p><p></p><p>King Melandrach (Misty Forest) meantime also escapes the Cloudkill and decides to keep his mouth shut- he knows where the Green Dragon Mask came from, his Dragon Cult son Neronvain.</p><p></p><p>Remalia Haventree (Waterdeep) lashes out at the Nycaloth, alas she’s way off target.</p><p></p><p>Laeral Silverhand (Waterdeep), affected by the choking Poison, Misty Steps clear of the Cloudkill but now, as situated, she cannot see any enemies to attack.</p><p></p><p>Keep in mind Laeral is statted as a Mage here.</p><p></p><p>Watt still bloodied- disengages and moves away, but not before dishing out a little Bardic Inspiration (on Hotlips), he then spends his Inspiration Point to get another (much-enhanced) Cure Wounds for himself.</p><p></p><p>Connerad Brawnanvil (Dwarven Clans of the North) joins his colleague- Ontharr Frume battling the newly arrived Mezzoloth- the pair swing heartily, although continue to fail to land a single blow. The Mezzoloth chirrups wildly and then jabs its trident into Brawnanvil. Both Dwarves stand surefooted and unbending slap-bang in the centre of the Cloudkill spell, the pair are as tough as old boots.</p><p></p><p>Lux meantime gets altitude, and then begins to fire Eldritch Blasts into the barely visible Nycaloth within the Cloudkill- remarkably she hits the Yugoloth twice (with a Crit & a ‘19’).</p><p></p><p>Note, any creature inside the Cloudkill is hard to see, and therefore hit- particularly for anyone positioned outside attacking those within.</p><p></p><p>Ontharr, at last, smashes the Mezzoloth between him and Connerad, alas only a glancing blow with his warhammer, the insect-like creature barely notices.</p><p></p><p>At which point a second Nycaloth exits the entirely obscured Portal, and again the PCs don’t spot the bad guy’s arrival.</p><p></p><p>Hotlips stabs the Prone Dragonsoul repeatedly- and still it’s not yet bloodied, I started the guy on Max HP, that’s 186.</p><p></p><p>The Players, around the table, moan and whinge some more.</p><p></p><p>“What do you mean he’s not even bloodied?” Sandy (Lux & Hotlips) asks, with undisguised contempt. “I don’t know how I could make it any clearer”, is my ill-considered reply.</p><p></p><p>There is swearing.</p><p></p><p>The Dragonsoul leaps back to its feet, manoeuvres (and in doing-so gets stabbed again by Ulder) and then unleashes heck on Rian Nightshield, with a Crit and a follow up stab and slice- and now the Zhentarim agent is bloodied.</p><p></p><p>Bloody hell!</p><p></p><p>“Nooooooooooooooooooo!!!” Sgt Bobby screams, he’s already slightly enamoured with Rain/Rian.</p><p></p><p>The Players are now starting to fret that some of the Council of Waterdeep members are going to end up dead here.</p><p></p><p>We’ll see.</p><p></p><p>Sgt Bobby still bravely standing (and coughing and spluttering) within the Cloudkill cuts down the first Nycaloth (with Hazirawn).</p><p></p><p>There is cheering around the table.</p><p></p><p>It’s a bit half-hearted.</p><p></p><p>Alas, the big Fighter then turns around to discover that there’s another (freshly arrived and uninjured) Nycaloth stood right behind him- he Crits the foe, and shouts sweary encouragement for a while, while telling his friends that there are (he’s certain) more Yugoloths exiting the Portal.</p><p></p><p>Like, all of the time…</p><p></p><p>Which doesn’t go down well at all.</p><p></p><p>Just to note the PCs have no spells memorised (and remember they’ve not got many spell slots left to use) that will help them deal with the Cloudkill and/or the hidden Portal.</p><p></p><p>Every now and then Sandy (Lux) yells “We can do this.”</p><p></p><p>Which is a sure sign that things are going badly.</p><p></p><p>Isteval gets to the Dragonsoul, the Knight swishes ineffectively with his blade.</p><p></p><p>Dagult finds a corner of the chamber, and there keeps out of the way, except to scream something obnoxious and uncomplimentary, every turn, about the Brothers or else, specifically, about Lux.</p><p></p><p>Let it all out Mr. DM, sir. Everything you’ve been holding back…</p><p></p><p>Note, the floating spectral heads of Severin and Rath Modar are also continuing to shout the odds- I basically wrote up a few trite Dragon Cult-style rants and sayings for Severin; and a bunch of horrible and bloody/graphic recollections (about slaying innocents, or escaping the PCs) mixed in with a few choice insults, all delivered by Rath Modar. One rant from each per turn.</p><p></p><p>Which, by this point in the fight, the PCs are really starting to enjoy.</p><p></p><p>Lummins unleashes his Radiance of the Dawn, which clears away some of the Cloudkill fog- or else makes it easier to spy the inhabitants of the deadly cloud, but alas the harmful Poison remains in the air.</p><p></p><p>The Brothers can now see all of their enemies- a Dragonsoul, and then within the cloud a Mezzoloth and a Nycaloth, and of course- the flickering spasming portal.</p><p></p><p>Through which yet another Mezzoloth is now emerging… bugger.</p><p></p><p>Also, within the Cloudkill are Sgt Bobby, Ontharr and Connerad- all swinging heartily at their enemies, and seemingly unconcerned by the prevailing environmental effects.</p><p></p><p>Rian Nightshade, bloodied, lashes out and Crits the furious Dragonsoul, the Poison on her blade burns the Dragon Cultist.</p><p></p><p>King Melandrach, at last makes up his mind to fight back- he paralyzes the Dragonsoul with a Hold Person spell.</p><p></p><p>Cue another ragged cheer.</p><p></p><p>Ulder is not taking any chances, the Flaming Fist boss stabs the Dragonsoul repeatedly (including a Crit) and at last the kamikaze-Cultist is dead.</p><p></p><p>More cheering.</p><p></p><p>For real this time.</p><p></p><p>We’re getting there.</p><p></p><p>Watt, from outside of the Cloudkill, casts Otto’s Irresistible Dance on the newly revealed Nycaloth, and the nine-foot-tall (and big with it) Yugoloth takes to capering, the Bard selects Riverdance function and the great beast with fluttering hops and skips (on the spot) complies.</p><p></p><p>Which brings much needed laughter to the proceedings.</p><p></p><p>Back within the Cloudkill, the Dwarves continue to suffer- and to miss their targets repeatedly.</p><p></p><p>Lux, still flying high, attempts to Banish the pair of Mezzoloths, and I roll (with advantage on both checks) a ‘20’ each time. The Yugoloths are definitely staying.</p><p></p><p>I get called maybe a dozen (unpublishable) names.</p><p></p><p>And so, I turn the lights out, after the Radiance of the Dawn comes the Darkness, as conjured by one of the Mezzoloths, now no-one, except for the Yugoloths, can see anything within the circumference of the Cloudkill/Darkness.</p><p></p><p>The Players are delighted.</p><p></p><p>While the Nycaloth in the black, and still dancing, tears into Sgt Bobby.</p><p></p><p>The big Fighter is beyond bloodied.</p><p></p><p>This is really not going well.</p><p></p><p>Hotlips, now in crazy mode, charges into the Cloudkill/Darkness- to where she last saw the capering Nycaloth (and it hasn’t moved- just continued Riverdancing on the spot), she gets all the way to the Yugoloth but then fails to land a blow- we leave the Halfling mid-coughing fit.</p><p></p><p>She too is beyond bloodied.</p><p></p><p>Sgt Bobby however is made of stronger stuff, the Fighter connects twice with the dancing Nycaloth (and he’s effectively fighting Blind here), if he could see the terrible foe, he’d be able to discern that it too is beyond bloodied, and almost broken.</p><p></p><p>Lummins unleashes his second (and last) Radiance of the Dawn- the Yugoloths chitter and screech (the dancing Nycaloth is down to 1 HP), and the inky blackness is dispelled, also the Cloudkill is back to being only slightly obscuring once again.</p><p></p><p>Good work!</p><p></p><p>Rian Nightshield (now officially the PCs #1 NPC) fires a crossbow bolt into the back of capering Nycaloth- it falls (and then slowly fades from existence).</p><p></p><p>Sgt Bobby could kiss her, if she’d let him.</p><p></p><p>Although the feeling is shared by many of the other PCs/Players, anyone that kills these bastards is alright with them.</p><p></p><p>There is much cheering- there are only two Mezzoloths left in the fight.</p><p></p><p>At which point the other Mezzoloth fires off its Darkness spell, and we’re back to the inky black…</p><p></p><p>The Players hate me.</p><p></p><p>But only very briefly- although I wait for their complaining and moaning to come to an end before the next bit…</p><p></p><p>King Melandrach fires a Light spell into the Darkness, and as suddenly everyone can see again- we could keep this up for ages.</p><p></p><p>The Players are back to cheering again.</p><p></p><p>One or two, after some earlier harsh words when the Darkness fell again, even have apologies to make.</p><p></p><p>Ulder Ravengard rushes into the Cloudkill, he chokes a bit (although Save = ‘20’), and then Shield Bashes the closest Mezzoloth down, and then spears it- nice work.</p><p></p><p>“Rian and Ulder would make a lovely couple”, Watt offers for the other PCs/Players consumption. Then the Bard fires two arrows into the second Mezzoloth (both hits one off Max damage rolls) and the Yugoloth is bloodied.</p><p></p><p>Seconds later a choking Connerad smashes his ceremonial greataxe into the same Mezzoloth- and the creature is nearly spent.</p><p></p><p>At which point a couple of things happen at once- first, yet another Nycaloth steps through the shimmering Portal; second- the aforementioned Portal silently shatters- as Lady Silverhand, at last, works her magic.</p><p></p><p>Note, this bit is exactly as I planned it, that’s enough for the Brothers et al to deal with in this encounter.</p><p></p><p>The newly arrived Nycaloth whirls its greataxe at Sgt Bobby, who ducks just in time, and then Teleports out of the Cloudkill and straight into the midst of the squishier crowd stood outside of the poisonous cloud.</p><p></p><p>Which causes a little consternation.</p><p></p><p>Lux, for the last time- tries to Banish the Mezzoloths, I roll badly for my second guy and he’s whisked back home.</p><p></p><p>There is cheering, proper cheering- the Portal’s gone and there are only two enemies on the map.</p><p></p><p>The last remaining Mezzoloth claws and cuts Ontharr, and then stabs its hellish trident into Connerad, the pair of sturdy Dwarves are both bloodied and beyond.</p><p></p><p>A choking Connerad continues to flail and miss.</p><p></p><p>Hotlips, also choking, staggers up to the last Mezzoloth standing and skewers the bastard in its chitinous back with her magical rapier (and a big bunch of Sneak Attack), the Yugoloth falls dead, its sprawled corpse soon after fading to nothing.</p><p></p><p>The Cloudkill immediately starts to dissipate.</p><p></p><p>Cue lots and lots of cheering.</p><p></p><p>Sgt Bobby gets his Second Wind and then rushes over to hack at the last enemy standing, the late to the party and uninjured Nycaloth.</p><p></p><p>Sir Isteval joins in and Crits the fiend.</p><p></p><p>Lummins fires a trio of Scorching Rays at it, after figuring the creature is probably not resistant to flame, two of the fiery rays hit home.</p><p></p><p>Rian Nightshade skewers it with her short sword- great (Sneak Attack) hit.</p><p></p><p>Ulder Ravengard rushes over and spears it.</p><p></p><p>Remala Haventree slashes it with her blade.</p><p></p><p>Watt fires an arrow into it.</p><p></p><p>Remarkably the Nycaloth still lives (although it’s on 3 HP), in a fury it claws desperately and reduces Delaan Winterhound to not much more than 10 HP. Then, at last, the Yugoloth succumbs to Lux’s Eldritch Blasts.</p><p></p><p>The encounter, but not the (verbal) fighting, is over.</p><p></p><p>The doors burst open as guards from all corners of the Sword Coast rush into the chamber, moving swiftly to encircle and protect their various exalted masters.</p><p></p><p>That however, and apologies again for the narrative, is all I wrote (for now).</p><p></p><p>Oh, but just to say that the encounter above was, of course, the second Cult Strikes Back attack from Episode 5. in the module.</p><p></p><p>More next time.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 7972960, member: 16069"] [CENTER][B]We D&D.[/B][/CENTER] [B]Session #57 The Rise of Tiamat #16a The Third Council of Waterdeep Part 1. Brothers of the First Light. Lummins (played by Rob) Male Half-Elf Cleric of Lathander Lvl 11 Lux (played by Sandy) Female Human Warlock Lvl 11 Watt (played by Jackie) Male Human Bard Lvl 11 Sgt Bobby Markguth (played by Pete) Male Human Fighter Lvl 11 & Hotlips Houlihan (played by Sandy) Female Halfling Rogue Lvl 11 Secondary PCs. Left at 8th Level- we’ll get them back if (and when) they’re needed later on. Derek Pilch (played by Jackie) Male Human Druid Lvl 8 Hard Bonk (played by Rob) Male Half-Orc Monk Lvl 8 Sgt Harald Hardaxe (played by Pete) Male Shield Dwarf Fighter Lvl 8[/B] This is session #57 of our game, but only session #16a of The Rise of Tiamat scenario. Oh, and apologies ahead of time there’s a lot of he did, she did in this one- this was a titanic battle around the table, keep reading… The PCs are back from Boltus Pit (with Argonite Brawnanvil et al), another successful mission under their belt, and to the City of Splendours, and the Lord’s Palace, and (just) in time- so, the third meeting of the Council of Waterdeep is not postponed at all. It starts now… just to keep the Players on their toes. So, this is what goes down, although first to say there’s a new face at the Council table, a female Tiefling introduced as Rian Nightshade, a ‘Special Advisor’, according to Dagult Neverember who as always is doing his best to run the show. Note, Lux (Sandy) knows Rian (a Zhentarim agent) and has dealt with her before, I let her know the Zhent agent will be attending the meeting ahead of the session. The other PCs however have questions, Lux (obviously) goes along with her colleagues and pretends she doesn’t know who Rian is. The Brothers therefore want to know- who does Rian represent? Answer- no-one, she’s a ‘Special Advisor’, now move on. Some of the Players are less than enamoured with Dagult’s explanation, but they (eventually) let it pass. They’re a bit chippy today, some of them. To the meat of it, the Brothers (following Lux’s lead- she takes over, mostly, in these sort of sessions) start off by talking up their secret meeting with the Great Dragon Council, and specifically explaining that various concessions have been made (but not discussed here in detail). For which the Metallic Dragons have agreed to offer protection to a number of locales, and/or else factions. Four Dragon favours have been distributed so far- to the northern Dwarves (Ambassador Brawnanvil), the Elves of the Misty Forest (King Melandrach), to Waterdeep (Lady Silverhand), and the last Dragon favour for the Brothers themselves- to protect the Flying Lighthouse. The crowd mostly go wild and leading the charge- for all to see, are Brawnanvil and Melandrach, who hardly ever find themselves, it seems, on the same side of a cause. Most odd, several of the other Council members are moved enough to make comment. Lux then ups the ante by explaining that because they managed to achieve a consensus at the Great Dragon Council then they have two more Dragon favours to distribute to worthy causes. There follows a clamour from the various unprotected factions and/or locales, all seeking a Dragon favour for themselves. The Brothers listen to various pleas and/or offers of aid in order to secure the much needed Dragon protection. Lux (without telling her colleagues beforehand) decrees that the Harpers should receive one of the two outstanding Dragon favours. The last favour- she also declares, will be distributed by Lady Silverhand, thereby enabling the Brothers (and specifically Lux) to dodge their responsibility to distribute the last Rolo* in the pack (as it were). *Rolo = chocolate sweets in the UK, the advertising goes (paraphrased)- “Do you love someone enough to give them your last Rolo?” Note, a couple of the other Players are a bit miffed by Lux’s decision to support the Harpers, but… they don’t really care that much, only that Sandy didn’t ask/tell them ahead of time. It’s a familiar lament. So, congratulations all round, even those not blessed with a Dragon favour can see the sense in the Brothers’ actions, and the good fortune of getting the Metallic Dragons on-side. That’s just the start of it- Lux, has a gleam in her eye ahead of the next bit. Just to say I may have had a little chat with Lux (Sandy) ahead of this session, just to advise her (you understand) about the running order for her presentation to the Council. So, then the story of the Brother’s visit to the Misty Forest, and into the lair of Chuth and the Green Dragon Mask wearing Wyrmspeaker- name unknown. A heroic tale if ever there was one- with the Brothers (and Lux in particular, as usual) responsible for the deaths of both of their Dragon Cult enemies- the cheering is unrestrained, and from King Melandrach in particular- vociferous, almost unseemly. King M high-fives several of the PCs. Which gets a laugh, and then funny looks from several other members of the Council of Waterdeep. As the last roar of approval rings out, King M marches over to the Brothers and presents to each a finely wrought silver pendant, each depicting in miniature one of the ancient oaks of the great Elven forest. A short speech later and all five of the Brothers of the First Light have been honoured as ‘Heroes of the Misty Forest, and friends of the Wild Elves.” King M makes special mention of the actions of each of the adventurers (as told to him by the DM) but makes sure that Sgt Bobby’s sacrifice is made clear, note Sgt B is left beaming with delight. Pete (playing Sgt B) is grinning like a loon. He’s a special child, if you catch my meaning. But the best comes last, the reward- the Green Dragon Mask, and finally the great unveiling… at which point, as you’ve no doubt guessed (at least one of the Players had, maybe two, actually- definitely two), it all goes very badly wrong. If you are wondering who the two Players were that guessed what's going to happen next (and told me about it beforehand), that would be the ladies of the group- Sandy and Jackie. In truth, I could make the above statement often, they 'get it' much more quickly than the chaps pretty much most of the time. So, Lux opens the casket holding the (fake) Green Dragon Mask and instead of finding the Mask within she unleashes two spectral floating (giant-sized) heads- both bald Human males, although one of the two sports a large number of tattoos on and about his scalp. “I am Severin, Wyrmlord- the Voice of Tiamat, and…” “… and I am Rath Modar, your worst nightmare!” I was going for Statler and Waldorf (of Muppets fame) cantankerous and insulting. At which point the bad-things-happen-ometer shoots up to 11. The casket and the Green Dragon Mask then dissolve, swirl and transform into a shimmering six-foot wide circular portal, a pulsing doorway to another (fiery?) realm, through which come leaping a Dragonsoul (switched to kamikaze mode, and MAX HP), a Mezzoloth, and an (invisible, but not for long) Nycaloth. Oh, and keep in mind the Brothers et al have not recovered much from their previous outing to Boltus Pit, they’ve had a short rest and done some healing. But the quintet’s spellcasters are more than halfway through their spell slots (and they’ve expended lots of their high-level powers), and many of them are still a little wounded. Oh, and I’ll be adding more Mezzoloth’s and Nycaloth’s to the encounter, another one more or less every round- until I (or they- the PCs) have had enough. Oh, and the members of the Council of Waterdeep are also in the room, so- the PCs/Players need to keep these guys alive. Note the NPCs were all stated out as Max HP Knights (Isteval), Berserker (Connerad), Mage (Silverhand), Assassin (Nightshade) etc. etc. Oh, and the bad guys get the surprise round. Oh (last one), throughout the following fracas the two spectral floating heads of Severin and Rath Modar content themselves with their personal diatribes, all aimed at the rulers of the various races, locales and/or factions (courtesy of Severin, mostly), or else specifically the Brothers of the First Light (Rath Modar, again, mostly). Rath Modar in particular delights in telling the Brothers all about the destruction of Greenest, Fireballing the innocent people there etc. In order to get this right, I put the two spectral floating heads in the initiative order, this so that I remember to harangue and shout at the PCs every turn. The floating heads have no other powers, they’re just there to piss the PCs/Players off. Worked a treat, you should try it. Nice backstory/recap thing also, and a chance to get some digs in. So, at last, to arms. [ATTACH type="full"]121366[/ATTACH] Shocked seconds after the portal and the spectral scoffing heads appear, the centre of the chamber is suddenly engulfed in a swirling tide of choking acrid smoke, and obscured- the Mezzoloth unleashes its Cloudkill, and then clambers onto a table- chirruping threats as it goes. Alas the first person to feel the Poison burn is the Dragonsoul, the ferocious Dragon adherent however quickly escapes the cloud (Limited Flight), and then lands and cuts and slices Hotlips (the Rogue is almost bloodied in an instant). The frenzied Cultist also finds the time to lash out and bloody Taern Hornblade (of Silverymoon). There’s a collective sharp intake of breath around the gaming table, this guy (the Dragonsoul) clearly means business. Then the Nycaloth suddenly appears atop a table and begins clawing at the Brothers- Watt is hurt, however its Hotlips (again) that suffers considerably, she’s clawed and left with bleeding wounds- the Halfling is bloodied and beyond (down to just over 20 HP). And Sandy (playing Hotlips) is as white as a sheet. At which point the fightback begins- Lux (wearing her Poison Resistance ring, smart) attempts to Banish both Yugoloths back to their fiery home- a second later and the Mezzoloth is returned to its hellish realm, and back before tea-time. The Nycaloth however is staying put. The Warlock makes her way out of the Cloudkill and screams for her companions to follow suit. Back within the Cloudkill (and unseen by the PCs) a second Mezzoloth makes its way through the portal (which is obviously also much obscured). Oh, and the PCs are encouraged to help me play the NPCs in this fight, i.e. the great and the good of the Council of Waterdeep. Ontharr Frume (Order of the Gauntlet) therefore is all action, the Dwarf spots the newly arrived Mezzoloth (he’s stood next to the portal), and so clambers on to a table and starts screaming at Sgt Bobby to warn him- the newly appeared Mezzoloth is now stood behind the PC Fighter. The Paladin swings heartily but misses his attacks. Hotlips, still bleeding badly, grabs out her magical rapier and skewers the Nycaloth, that hurt- and then swiftly gets the hell out of dodge, disengaging and skittering back to hide behind Watt, while begging the Bard for a little healing. The Dragonsoul moves again and this time takes its furious anger out on Watt- the Bard is sliced and stabbed and left bloodied in an instant. Jackie (playing Watt) actually screamed when the Dragonsoul hit her guy for the third time in a row in very quick succession. This is going badly for the PCs, and there’s lots of moaning and griping around the table. Sgt Bobby, choking within the Cloudkill- takes up the ‘heal me’ chorus, and then ignores Ontharr (and the unseen Mezzoloth) and gets to work with Hazirawn on the Nycaloth- he misses the hulking Yugoloth twice in a row, Pete goes swear-nova. An Action Surge later and the Fighter hits at last, although the Nycaloth is still nowhere near bloodied. Sir Isteval (Daggerford) and Taern Hornblade also make it out of the Cloudkill, choking as they retreat, the latter heads for the magically sealed doors of the Council chamber and begins pounding on them, in an effort to alert those without. Remember, the Brothers et al are in a magically sealed chamber, which is also locked and secured. Dagult Neverember (Neverwinter), likewise choking, scrambles out of the Poison Cloudkill and takes to haranguing Lux- “What have you done? You fool!” Which is obviously very much appreciated. The Nycaloth however is content to stay where it is, on a table and safely ensconced within the Cloudkill spell- Watt is clawed some more, and the Bard is now also below 20 HP, and has still not appeared in the initiative order. Tee-hee. The Players are scrambling. The Yugoloth’s are immune to Poison (and Acid) damage, if you’d not worked it out. Lummins unleashes a Mass Cure Wounds, and then takes to the air (Winged Boots), using an Inspiration Point to disengage from the enemies to either side of the Priest of Lathander (he was stood between the Nycaloth and the Dragonsoul), Lummins escapes the Cloudkill. Rian Nightshade (Zhentarim), also escapes the Cloudkill- coughing and spluttering as she goes, and then stabs the Nycaloth twice and hurts the beast bad (she’s statted as an Assassin, but the PCs/Players don’t know this of course), the women is a whirl of blades- and an instant hit with the Players. Any doubts they had about Rian are instantly dispelled, several of the PCs cheer her on Ulder Ravengard (Baldur’s Gate) is likewise volubly appreciated, the head of the Flaming Fist Shield Bashes the Dragonsoul to the floor and then stabs the bastard twice- that’s right! Yeah! Sgt Bobby just made two new friends- “Sick ‘em Rain”, that should be Rian, and “Take ‘em down Uber”, which of course should be Ulder. And now the Players are mostly cheering- and starting to really like some of the members of the Council of Waterdeep. Note, I’m getting the Players to make the various NPCs To Hit and Damage rolls- while describing the outcomes of the action. Way to get the Players interested. King Melandrach (Misty Forest) meantime also escapes the Cloudkill and decides to keep his mouth shut- he knows where the Green Dragon Mask came from, his Dragon Cult son Neronvain. Remalia Haventree (Waterdeep) lashes out at the Nycaloth, alas she’s way off target. Laeral Silverhand (Waterdeep), affected by the choking Poison, Misty Steps clear of the Cloudkill but now, as situated, she cannot see any enemies to attack. Keep in mind Laeral is statted as a Mage here. Watt still bloodied- disengages and moves away, but not before dishing out a little Bardic Inspiration (on Hotlips), he then spends his Inspiration Point to get another (much-enhanced) Cure Wounds for himself. Connerad Brawnanvil (Dwarven Clans of the North) joins his colleague- Ontharr Frume battling the newly arrived Mezzoloth- the pair swing heartily, although continue to fail to land a single blow. The Mezzoloth chirrups wildly and then jabs its trident into Brawnanvil. Both Dwarves stand surefooted and unbending slap-bang in the centre of the Cloudkill spell, the pair are as tough as old boots. Lux meantime gets altitude, and then begins to fire Eldritch Blasts into the barely visible Nycaloth within the Cloudkill- remarkably she hits the Yugoloth twice (with a Crit & a ‘19’). Note, any creature inside the Cloudkill is hard to see, and therefore hit- particularly for anyone positioned outside attacking those within. Ontharr, at last, smashes the Mezzoloth between him and Connerad, alas only a glancing blow with his warhammer, the insect-like creature barely notices. At which point a second Nycaloth exits the entirely obscured Portal, and again the PCs don’t spot the bad guy’s arrival. Hotlips stabs the Prone Dragonsoul repeatedly- and still it’s not yet bloodied, I started the guy on Max HP, that’s 186. The Players, around the table, moan and whinge some more. “What do you mean he’s not even bloodied?” Sandy (Lux & Hotlips) asks, with undisguised contempt. “I don’t know how I could make it any clearer”, is my ill-considered reply. There is swearing. The Dragonsoul leaps back to its feet, manoeuvres (and in doing-so gets stabbed again by Ulder) and then unleashes heck on Rian Nightshield, with a Crit and a follow up stab and slice- and now the Zhentarim agent is bloodied. Bloody hell! “Nooooooooooooooooooo!!!” Sgt Bobby screams, he’s already slightly enamoured with Rain/Rian. The Players are now starting to fret that some of the Council of Waterdeep members are going to end up dead here. We’ll see. Sgt Bobby still bravely standing (and coughing and spluttering) within the Cloudkill cuts down the first Nycaloth (with Hazirawn). There is cheering around the table. It’s a bit half-hearted. Alas, the big Fighter then turns around to discover that there’s another (freshly arrived and uninjured) Nycaloth stood right behind him- he Crits the foe, and shouts sweary encouragement for a while, while telling his friends that there are (he’s certain) more Yugoloths exiting the Portal. Like, all of the time… Which doesn’t go down well at all. Just to note the PCs have no spells memorised (and remember they’ve not got many spell slots left to use) that will help them deal with the Cloudkill and/or the hidden Portal. Every now and then Sandy (Lux) yells “We can do this.” Which is a sure sign that things are going badly. Isteval gets to the Dragonsoul, the Knight swishes ineffectively with his blade. Dagult finds a corner of the chamber, and there keeps out of the way, except to scream something obnoxious and uncomplimentary, every turn, about the Brothers or else, specifically, about Lux. Let it all out Mr. DM, sir. Everything you’ve been holding back… Note, the floating spectral heads of Severin and Rath Modar are also continuing to shout the odds- I basically wrote up a few trite Dragon Cult-style rants and sayings for Severin; and a bunch of horrible and bloody/graphic recollections (about slaying innocents, or escaping the PCs) mixed in with a few choice insults, all delivered by Rath Modar. One rant from each per turn. Which, by this point in the fight, the PCs are really starting to enjoy. Lummins unleashes his Radiance of the Dawn, which clears away some of the Cloudkill fog- or else makes it easier to spy the inhabitants of the deadly cloud, but alas the harmful Poison remains in the air. The Brothers can now see all of their enemies- a Dragonsoul, and then within the cloud a Mezzoloth and a Nycaloth, and of course- the flickering spasming portal. Through which yet another Mezzoloth is now emerging… bugger. Also, within the Cloudkill are Sgt Bobby, Ontharr and Connerad- all swinging heartily at their enemies, and seemingly unconcerned by the prevailing environmental effects. Rian Nightshade, bloodied, lashes out and Crits the furious Dragonsoul, the Poison on her blade burns the Dragon Cultist. King Melandrach, at last makes up his mind to fight back- he paralyzes the Dragonsoul with a Hold Person spell. Cue another ragged cheer. Ulder is not taking any chances, the Flaming Fist boss stabs the Dragonsoul repeatedly (including a Crit) and at last the kamikaze-Cultist is dead. More cheering. For real this time. We’re getting there. Watt, from outside of the Cloudkill, casts Otto’s Irresistible Dance on the newly revealed Nycaloth, and the nine-foot-tall (and big with it) Yugoloth takes to capering, the Bard selects Riverdance function and the great beast with fluttering hops and skips (on the spot) complies. Which brings much needed laughter to the proceedings. Back within the Cloudkill, the Dwarves continue to suffer- and to miss their targets repeatedly. Lux, still flying high, attempts to Banish the pair of Mezzoloths, and I roll (with advantage on both checks) a ‘20’ each time. The Yugoloths are definitely staying. I get called maybe a dozen (unpublishable) names. And so, I turn the lights out, after the Radiance of the Dawn comes the Darkness, as conjured by one of the Mezzoloths, now no-one, except for the Yugoloths, can see anything within the circumference of the Cloudkill/Darkness. The Players are delighted. While the Nycaloth in the black, and still dancing, tears into Sgt Bobby. The big Fighter is beyond bloodied. This is really not going well. Hotlips, now in crazy mode, charges into the Cloudkill/Darkness- to where she last saw the capering Nycaloth (and it hasn’t moved- just continued Riverdancing on the spot), she gets all the way to the Yugoloth but then fails to land a blow- we leave the Halfling mid-coughing fit. She too is beyond bloodied. Sgt Bobby however is made of stronger stuff, the Fighter connects twice with the dancing Nycaloth (and he’s effectively fighting Blind here), if he could see the terrible foe, he’d be able to discern that it too is beyond bloodied, and almost broken. Lummins unleashes his second (and last) Radiance of the Dawn- the Yugoloths chitter and screech (the dancing Nycaloth is down to 1 HP), and the inky blackness is dispelled, also the Cloudkill is back to being only slightly obscuring once again. Good work! Rian Nightshield (now officially the PCs #1 NPC) fires a crossbow bolt into the back of capering Nycaloth- it falls (and then slowly fades from existence). Sgt Bobby could kiss her, if she’d let him. Although the feeling is shared by many of the other PCs/Players, anyone that kills these bastards is alright with them. There is much cheering- there are only two Mezzoloths left in the fight. At which point the other Mezzoloth fires off its Darkness spell, and we’re back to the inky black… The Players hate me. But only very briefly- although I wait for their complaining and moaning to come to an end before the next bit… King Melandrach fires a Light spell into the Darkness, and as suddenly everyone can see again- we could keep this up for ages. The Players are back to cheering again. One or two, after some earlier harsh words when the Darkness fell again, even have apologies to make. Ulder Ravengard rushes into the Cloudkill, he chokes a bit (although Save = ‘20’), and then Shield Bashes the closest Mezzoloth down, and then spears it- nice work. “Rian and Ulder would make a lovely couple”, Watt offers for the other PCs/Players consumption. Then the Bard fires two arrows into the second Mezzoloth (both hits one off Max damage rolls) and the Yugoloth is bloodied. Seconds later a choking Connerad smashes his ceremonial greataxe into the same Mezzoloth- and the creature is nearly spent. At which point a couple of things happen at once- first, yet another Nycaloth steps through the shimmering Portal; second- the aforementioned Portal silently shatters- as Lady Silverhand, at last, works her magic. Note, this bit is exactly as I planned it, that’s enough for the Brothers et al to deal with in this encounter. The newly arrived Nycaloth whirls its greataxe at Sgt Bobby, who ducks just in time, and then Teleports out of the Cloudkill and straight into the midst of the squishier crowd stood outside of the poisonous cloud. Which causes a little consternation. Lux, for the last time- tries to Banish the Mezzoloths, I roll badly for my second guy and he’s whisked back home. There is cheering, proper cheering- the Portal’s gone and there are only two enemies on the map. The last remaining Mezzoloth claws and cuts Ontharr, and then stabs its hellish trident into Connerad, the pair of sturdy Dwarves are both bloodied and beyond. A choking Connerad continues to flail and miss. Hotlips, also choking, staggers up to the last Mezzoloth standing and skewers the bastard in its chitinous back with her magical rapier (and a big bunch of Sneak Attack), the Yugoloth falls dead, its sprawled corpse soon after fading to nothing. The Cloudkill immediately starts to dissipate. Cue lots and lots of cheering. Sgt Bobby gets his Second Wind and then rushes over to hack at the last enemy standing, the late to the party and uninjured Nycaloth. Sir Isteval joins in and Crits the fiend. Lummins fires a trio of Scorching Rays at it, after figuring the creature is probably not resistant to flame, two of the fiery rays hit home. Rian Nightshade skewers it with her short sword- great (Sneak Attack) hit. Ulder Ravengard rushes over and spears it. Remala Haventree slashes it with her blade. Watt fires an arrow into it. Remarkably the Nycaloth still lives (although it’s on 3 HP), in a fury it claws desperately and reduces Delaan Winterhound to not much more than 10 HP. Then, at last, the Yugoloth succumbs to Lux’s Eldritch Blasts. The encounter, but not the (verbal) fighting, is over. The doors burst open as guards from all corners of the Sword Coast rush into the chamber, moving swiftly to encircle and protect their various exalted masters. That however, and apologies again for the narrative, is all I wrote (for now). Oh, but just to say that the encounter above was, of course, the second Cult Strikes Back attack from Episode 5. in the module. More next time. [/QUOTE]
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