J-H
 Previous IC Thread 
 OOC thread. 
 
 Spoiler: The Map &amp; Key 

   

The Order
Home of the Belmonte Order

Order Graveyard
A Warded and hallowed graveyard where the Order’s dead are safely buried and memorialized.

Yomi
A small village near the order that supports it.

Dona
An overland travel point for cargoes portaging past the rapids from Yomi.

Wicked Ditch
Dry badlands in the rain shadow of the Deborah Mountains.  Home to valuable gems, wild beasts, and dangerous plants.

Brahms’ Castle
A castle built atop a cliff overlooking the river southward.  A strong-point against invasion from the north.  Sits atop Yuta’s Path

Yuta’s Path
A tunnel beneath the river and the Carpathian range that emerges near the western edge of Cieresor Swamp

Cieresor Swamp
A wet and heavily treed swamp, full of fish, valuable herbs, and other forms of life.

Cieresor Castle
Home seat of the Cieresor family, and a fortress to which the fisher-folk of the swamp can retreat to in times of trouble.

Alba Plains
Green, well-watered farmland on the east, fading slowly to grassy lands suitable for herding near the mountains.

Alba
A farming and trade town.

Laruba Monastery
A monastery for the encouragement of the contemplation of each and every step and its meaning in life.  Laruba monastery can be reached by boat, or by an underground passage.

Dwarven Road
A still-functional underground passage connecting Alba to Veros.

Veros
An iron-mining town.

Holmwood Tower
A small keep guarding a choke-point on the road from Veros to the Order.

Jova
A farming town.

Arcane Tower
A place for a wizard to get away and do some research in peace.  Currently owned by Archaeus, head wizard of the Belmonte Order.

Belasco Marsh
A marshland, known to have many insects in warm weather.

Alja
A river-port, the last one leading from the west before the waterfall that creates Misty Lake.

Ondol
A town of woodsmen.  Trans-shipment point and overwintering location for sheepherders occupying the Jam Hills

Jam Fort
A fortress built into the cliff itself.

Strigoi Graveyard
An old graveyard where dead things are warded to stay dead.  Not in current use, but the Order monitors it regularly.
 

Hexmap squares with roads take 1 hour to traverse per road hex.  Leaving the roads doubles travel time as the party traverses rough terrain of various sorts.  Double these travel times if the party is traveling Stealthily.  The mountains are functionally impassable (travel time 8 hrs per hex).  River travel is 2 hours per hex if traveling northeast, or 4 hours per hex if going southwest.  Traveling by boat requires finding a suitable boat, having proficiency to operate it, and dealing with any other risks.  There are a number of rapids on the map, so travel by river is uncommon aside from shipments in and out of Veros to the south.
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  25/43  | HD:  6/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  1/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Finally alone and free from scaly interlopers, Cass begins to cast her magic once again. This time she does it more slowly and within eleven minutes the spell is complete.

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Tiny Hut as a ritual. It takes eleven minutes and presumably everyone will be inside the 10ft radius before the spell is complete.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 9/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Chloé lets out a weary sigh - she'd rather not have to deal with any more fighting today, and desperately wants to be dry, but nevertheless stands guard while Cassandra prepares the shield.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Create Bonfire maintained at once entrance again, just in case.
 
J-H
You successfully take a one hour break inside the hut.  It's wet and humid, but reasonably safe!
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

Mustafa offers healing spells to the most injured, just in case they're attacked again before Cass is done with her spell:  (1d8+4)[ 9 ]  Cure Wounds (Probably on Chloe if she wants)

When Cassandra starts her ritual, Mustafa does one of his own: He casts the  Thaumaturgy  spell to dim the bright light that comes into the room, conjures phantasmal signs of several different gods of Good alignment, including his own, so he can kneel and pray to them, and also conjures the faint smell of incense, the kind he would have burning during his medidation sessions in the great mosques of Constantinople.

He keeps this going for the eleven minutes Cass needs, and prays silently to his god while facing the general direction of the east. Thousands of miles away, he knows his prayers will reach the House of God in Makkah, and then Allah himself. Out loud, he does a more ecumenical prayer:   "May the gods lend us strength to fight the curse, and wisdom to see through the Enemy's tricks, and courage to stand firm in the face of despair."  

He invites the others to join him and ask something (and justify it) themselves, if they wish to take part.

 
 Spoiler 
You manifest a minor wonder, a sign of supernatural power, within range. You create one of the following magical effects within range. If you cast this spell multiple times, you can have up to three of its 1-minute effects active at a time, and you can dismiss such an effect as an action.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus groaned, waking up after a much to short nap. At least he had gained a small measure of power back.
So, he spend it on healing himself up a bit.

"Alright, I got my wings back - Sabian can take us back on land. Though I could do with another healing and resting round."

 
 Spoiler 


Cure wounds  (3d8+5)[ 18 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 32/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   
 "Sooner we're out of this swamp the better..."  Chloé mutters, still not entirely sure why they fought the lizards.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Expending 3 HD, healed to 32.
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  43/43  | HD:  3/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Cass attunes to the cloak, spends three hit dice to go back to full and recovers a third level spell slot.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  
  "I feel the Curse heavier and heavier on my shoulders. Should we return to Alba, there will be warm beds and hot baths waiting for us, and the safety of their church. If we leave now, we can reach the Plains before nightfall. And we burned the fields, so I them wicked scarecrows will have nowhere to hide and ambush us."  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus thought a moment and nodded:
"A fair point, though I doubt that we will reach the town without  us having to rest in the wilderness. The curse is getting worse everyday. Backtracking will cost us two additional days, where it will be even harder to regain our strength. I'm weary to the bone and yet I fear, rest will only come once this shadow is taken from the land. It would be a different matter if we could conjure horses and move quickly across the map.
I'll have to ask my patron about that." 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

Mustafa is taken back to their brief stay in Alba; He can almost pick up the scent of the village in his memories. It takes him a good dose of motivation to say   "You are right, brother. Let's make for the Carpathian, then."

"I confess - I have been dreading the day we would return to these mountains. The curse spreads over man and nature, land and sea, earth and sky... Rocks are no different than the rest of creation. So what can we expect there? Rock giants? Moving volcanos? The mountain itself opening up to swallow us whole? I don't know, and I am terrified."   Mustafa rests his weight on his staff, the mithral artifact wielded by the first  Vampiralgietch  against Dracula a hundred years ago.

  "Which of us have been more severely afflicted by the curse?"   Mustafa goes around taking everyone's vital signs, inspecting their humors, observing their physical condition, and even interpreting their dreams. Depending on their condition, Mustafa will insist that he should take the lead (Mustafa has no exhaustion)
J-H
Using Titus' magic of flight, you depart from the castle, heading northwest and then west along the path through the otherwise trackless swamps.  Your damp feet remain wet, as the planks that make up the road dip in and out of the water.  This does counteract the mud that accumulates as you go across the humps and hillocks of "dry" ground, however.

After about an hour of travel, with about 3 hours of daylight left, you spot something as you approach dry ground.  You see an armored humanoid about sixty feet away from you moving towards you through the water, but quickly and upright, rather than a swimming position. Only its head, armored torso, and arms are showing, and it looks like some sort of snake is moving away from it based on the head and foot or two of body you can make out just under the water.

 
 Spoiler: Perception DC 18 

There are more ripples in the water around it than what you can see should cause.
 

 
 Spoiler: Init 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 12 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 3 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 20 ]  or   (1d20+2)[ 10 ]  1 ex
??   (1d20)[ 12 ] +??
??   (1d20)[ 7 ] +??
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cassandra, Sabian 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  43/43  | HD:  3/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"We've got to get to dry land," Cass says, as she rests her hand upon Sabian's shoulder and imbues him with magic, "It'll be easier to see what we're dealing with then."

 
 Spoiler 
Cast Haste on Sabian, activate Bladesong, move to AE16.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 (23, Hasted) HP: 50/59 HD: 0/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Haste, Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
  Agreed!   Sabian calls out after Cass,   And thanks for the boost!   He moves to Chloe and Titus and picks them up, and runs of the walkway onto the hillocks so they have cover from enemy attacks.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Move   - Move to AM16 (10ft)
  Action   - Grab Titus and Chloe
  Move   - Move to AF17 (70ft, assuming half speed)
  Haste Action   - Dash, moving to Y15 (80ft, assuming half speed)
 

 
 Spoiler: Alternative Turn 1 
With a nod to Cass for the magical boost, Sabian moves to the face the oncoming creatures and says to the others,   Cass is right, we should move inland and fight them on the hillock. Everyone move in, I'll be right behind you.  
  Move   -  Move to AM16
  Action   - Ready an Attack against any monster that comes within threatened range
  Readied Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 23 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 11 ] 
  Haste Action   - Dodge
 
J-H
The humanoid figure and the snake in front of it change course slightly, heading towards you.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Titus, Chloe, Mustafa, Cass, Sabian 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 32/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   
 "Pardon me."  Chloé says, unstoppering a crimson vial and forcibly shoving it into Sabian's mouth. The effect is immediate - giant-sized enlargement, including weapons to match.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Feed Sabian 1 Potion of Growth, granting him Enlarge for  (1d4)[ 2 ]  hours.

Enlarge. The target's size doubles in all dimensions, and its weight is multiplied by eight. This growth increases its size by one category - from Medium to Large, for example. If there isn't enough room for the target to double its size, the creature or object attains the maximum possible size in the space available. Until the spell ends, the target also has advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws. The target's weapons also grow to match its new size. While these weapons are enlarged, the target's attack with them deal 1d4 extra damage.

 Move:  W16.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 1/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

Mustafa moves 30ft west and Readies an Action: cast Bless as soon as Sabian walks into range (assuming he will move towards the enemies on his round, which is after Mustafa's)

Targets: Mustafa, Cassandra, Sabian
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 (23, Hasted) HP: 50/59 HD: 0/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: Yes 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Bless, Haste, Enlarge, Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
After setting down both Titus and Chloe, Sabian accepts the potion from Chloe and feels the power of her concoction course through him as he expands in size and strength. The creatures move closer, and so does Mustafa, and Sabian, knowing he can close in with the power of Cass' spells, lopes over to the snake creature in the water and stabs out at it, knocking it away with his shield and retreating back into the shallow waters.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Haste Action   - Dash (160ft total)
  Move   - Move to AJ9 (135ft of movement used, 25ft left) (Reminder, Sabian takes up 4 squares now.)
  Action   - Attack S, recklessly
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 25 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 28 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 3 ] 
[roll=Magical Piercing=1d6+6[/roll] +   Enlarge  - (1d4)[ 3 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 24 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 21 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 1 ] 
[roll=Magical Piercing=1d6+6[/roll] +   Enlarge  - (1d4)[ 2 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove S to AL9
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 27 ]  or   Enlarge Advantage  - (1d20+11)[ 24 ] 
  Move   - Move to AH9 (20ft used, 5ft remaining)
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 1/2  
 
  

Titus clung to Sabian as the hasted warrior picked him up and carried him to safety. Everything had happened so fast and his weary mind once again hadn't managed to grasp the situation before the enemy acted.
Now, in dry land he had a moment to orient himself and fired two lances at the approaching figure, pushing it back.

 
 Spoiler 

EB at H

 (1d20+8)[ 21 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 12 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 11 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 11 ] 

Push back 10ft per hit
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  43/43  | HD:  3/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

Retreating further back with the others, Cass motions with her hands as if to grab the snake.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to AA16.
Cast Chill Touch vs Snake. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 23 ] , to damage:  (2d8)[ 9 ]  necrotic damage.
 
J-H
(original post eaten twice by browser crash)
Titus hits once, but doesn't knock his target back for some reason.  Cassandra scores a hit as well, and Sabian charges into the water, sticking to a narrow spit of mud.  He hits twice and knocks the creature back, but not far enough out of range to prevent it another snake-like head from snapping at him as he retreats slightly.
 
 Spoiler 

OA  (1d20+8)[ 20 ]  for  (1d10+5)[ 10 ] 
 

The water ripples, and more big snakes appear, but as the creature follows him into the shallower water, it becomes apparent that they are all part of the same creature, much larger than a simple big snake, with an armored humanoid chained to the front of its torso as though riding it.
 
 
 Spoiler: Nature DC 15 

It takes 25 damage in a player's turn to cut off a head.  A cut off head can regrow into two more, unless the hydra has taken fire damage since the end of its last turn.
 


The hydra attacks Sabian, each of its five heads snapping and biting at him.  Only one of them hits, chomping down and drawing blood.
 
 Spoiler: nom nom nom 

Bite  (1d20+8)[ 12 ]  for  (1d10+5)[ 6 ] 
Bite  (1d20+8)[ 21 ]  for  (1d10+5)[ 12 ] 
Bite  (1d20+8)[ 24 ]  for  (1d10+5)[ 10 ] 
Bite  (1d20+8)[ 12 ]  for  (1d10+5)[ 10 ] 
Bite  (1d20+8)[ 11 ]  for  (1d10+5)[ 8 ] 
 

The armored figure leans forwards to try to grab Sabian, but is too far away to reach him.

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Party 
Dr.Samurai
[QUOTE=Dr.Samurai;26092582]      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 (23, Hasted) HP: 40/59 HD: 0/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Bless, Haste, Enlarge, Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Even in his enlarged size, Sabian's head cranes up as the massive beast clambers into the shallows, a nest of five heads snapping at him and drawing blood. He recalls hearing of these creatures in training, but has never faced one. His eyes dart to the armored figure atop the hydra,   Dracula has no shortage of minions now does he!   he calls out. To the others he shouts,   Hydra! We need to burn it or it will grow more heads!   Sabian stabs out with the spear, with more speed, power, and accuracy from the magical enhancements the others gave him, and he smashes the hydra with his shield, hoping to dismount the rider.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Action   - Attack Hydra
  Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 18 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 1 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 12 ]  +   Enlarge  - (1d4)[ 1 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shield Master Shove to knock Hydra Prone
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 24 ]  or   Advantage from Enlarge  - (1d20+11)[ 26 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 11 ]  or   Advantage from Prone  - (1d20+9)[ 21 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 1 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 10 ]  +   Enlarge  - (1d4)[ 2 ] 
  Haste Action   - Attack Hydra
  Haste Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 12 ]  or   Advantage from Prone  - (1d20+9)[ 25 ]  +   Bless  - (1d4)[ 1 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 12 ]  +   Enlarge  - (1d4)[ 3 ] 
  Move   - If the Hydra is Prone AND Mustafa has moved further inland, Sabian will retreat to AA9-AB10. Otherwise stay in place.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 32/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Aiming overarm, Chloé tosses her fireflask as far as it'll go.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Create Bonfire AK9  (2d8+4)[ 14 ]  fire.
Hydra Save:  (1d20)[ 18 ] +Dex vs DC16
Armour Save if it is also affected:  (1d20)[ 3 ] +Dex vs DC16
 Move:  AB16
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus wanted to scream. He should have taken another rest. But they were all in a hurry to get out of the swamp. So now he only could rely on his basic abilities, conjuring force lances one by one and hoping to do enough damage quickly.
 
 Spoiler 

EB at H

Firing at the Hydra, trying to take out one of it's heads

 (1d20+8)[ 28 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 12 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 9 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 9 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  43/43  | HD:  3/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  1/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  1/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

For now Cass can only provide Sabian with covering fire, but she moves closer to the water's edge and into the mud.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to AA12.
Cast Firebolt vs Hydra. To hit:  (1d20+6)[ 7 ] , to damage:  (2d10)[ 17 ]  fire damage.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere 
 Channel Divinity: 0/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  
 Pace yourself in battle, child.  His masters used to tell Mustafa.  Never cast a spell unless you know you will truly benefit from it. Once the magic leaves your soul, it won't return until you have time to rest and meditate.  Now, Mustafa has made the same mistake young magician would, wasting a spell for not thinking enough ahead.

He allows the  Bless  spell to vanish - just as easy as letting go of a bird one has caged between their hands. Then he raises his scepter and conjures a  Flaming Sphere  directly above the Hydra. His arms flow in a wave like movement, and the sphere moves towards the same head Sabian is attacking, ramming it against the creature.

 (2d6)[ 5 ]  fire damage
Hydra dex save for half  (1d20)[ 16 ] 

Mustafa then moves 30 ft west and uses his Bonus Action to Harness Divine Power, spending a Channel Dinity use to recover a 3rd level spell slot
J-H
Titus' blast hits the hydra hard in one of its necks, almost severing a head... but not quite, merely leaving a bloody crater.
Chloe advances to the edge of the island, but the hydra dodges her flames.
Mustafa's spell damages it, but just barely.  Cassandra misses, and Sabian cuts off one of the hydra's heads before retreating towards the shore, having knocked it down.

One of its heads snaps at him as he moves away; the Hydra heaves itself upwards and moves in pursuit.
 
 Spoiler 

OA at disadvantage  (1d20+8)[ 13 ]  or  (1d20+8)[ 22 ]  for  (1d10+5)[ 9 ] 
Stand up and Dash.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Titus, Chloe, Mustafa, Cass, Sabian 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus grinned as the first head fell.  "Don't let up, we can do this." 
Gaining a bit more distance, he continued his barrage.

 
 Spoiler 

EB

Firing at the Hydra, trying to take out one of it's heads
 (1d20+8)[ 18 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 11 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 25 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 13 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  43/43  | HD:  3/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Concentrating:  Haste (on Sabian)
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Good job Sabian!" Cass calls out, now that the hydra is within reach, "It's right where we wanted it."

 
 Spoiler 
Move to AB12.
Cast Booming Blade vs Hydra. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 20 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage,  (1d8)[ 3 ]  thunder damage, +1 fire damage.
Attack #2 vs Hydra. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 23 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.

If Booming Blade lands and the hydra moves before Cassandra's next turn it will take an additional  (2d8)[ 4 ]  thunder damage.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 32/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Knowing what little she does about hydras, Chloé times her throw with Cassandra's whip.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:  Ready Action Create Bonfire AD11 Trigger: Cassandra's turn.  (2d8+4)[ 18 ]  fire.
Hydra Save:  (1d20)[ 13 ] +Dex vs DC16
Armour Save if it is also affected:  (1d20)[ 7 ] +Dex vs DC16
 Bonus Action:  Servant Strike H.  (1d20+7)[ 9 ]  Damage:  (1d4+3)[ 4 ]  force.
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 14/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere 
 Channel Divinity: 0/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

Mustafa releases a grunt of struggle as he sits in a wide stance and waves his arms to the side, dragging the Sphere into the Hydra once again.    "Enough!"    He cries before he casts a  Fireball  on both the Hydra and its rider.    "RrraaAAAAGGHH!"    He lets out as the fireball explodes in whirlwind of fire.

Spell DC 15

Flaming Sphere damage  (2d6)[ 10 ] 
Hydra dex save for half  (1d20)[ 13 ] 

Fireball damage  (8d6)[ 27 ] 
Hydra dex save for half  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
Rider dex save for half  (1d20)[ 14 ] 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 (23, Hasted) HP: 40/59 HD: 0/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Haste, Enlarge, Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian squints as Mustafa lights the swamp on fire for a brief moment. He uses the opportunity to move around the creature and force it further inland, away from deep water, where it will be harder to fight and harm it with fire.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 
  Move   - Move to AF9-AG10 (60ft used)
  Action   - Attack Hydra
  Spear Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 29 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 9 ]  +   Enlarge  - (1d4)[ 4 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 16 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 8 ]  +   Enlarge  - (1d4)[ 4 ] 
  Haste Action   - Attack Hydra
  Spear Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 12 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 7 ]  +   Enlarge  - (1d4)[ 3 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shield Master to Shove hydra Prone
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 29 ]  or   Enlarge Advantage  - (1d20+11)[ 25 ] 
 
J-H
Titus scores two hits (24), and Cassandra and Chloe combine their attacks to chop off another head.  Mustafa's holy flames burn yet another head off completely, leaving it with two heads.  Sabian chops off another head as the hydra still smolders, leaving only a single head.  It stands and bites at Sabian, and then the five of you easily finish it off.
 
 Spoiler: Final bite 

Attack  (1d20+8)[ 14 ]  for  (1d10+5)[ 12 ] 
 


The hydra collapses to the ground.  The armored figure on its back doesn't appear to be moving.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 (23, Hasted) HP: 40/59 HD: 0/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Haste, Enlarge, Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
After the group dispatches the hydra, Sabian calls out to the armored figure, but it does not stir.   Did one of you strike it?   Sabian asks the others. He moves over, prodding the figure with his spear,   Hey! Your beast is slain and you are out numbered. Surrender!  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus came closer as well, looking on with interest:
 "Did someone strap a corpse to it's back - or is it just an empty armor? I'd think it's the latter, as it didn't budge under my force lance." 
 
 Spoiler 

Perception:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
 
J-H
The armored figure appears to have been riding the hydra, and is attached by chains looped around both its waist and the base of the hydra’s necks, where it’s hard for the hydra to reach.  It has a war pick strapped to its waist, and high quality armor on.

After unchaining and inspecting it, you determine that the rider has been dead for some time, and may have been a zombie before being burned to a crisp.  It is wearing Mithral Plate armor and has a War Pick +2 tied securely to its belt, as well as a magical ring on one finger.
Taking the armor off the body, you find  a series of tattoos along one arm depicting, in order, a horse, an elk, a crocodile, a wyvern, a lion, and a bulette.
 
 Spoiler: History DC 14 

You have heard stories of Ciro “The Rider” Cieresor, famed for claiming that he could ride almost anything.  It appears a hydra may have been one ride too far.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 (23, Hasted) HP: 40/59 HD: 0/6 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Raging: No 
 Reckless: No 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Haste, Enlarge, Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian lets out a low whistle at the mithral plating and the finely crafted war pick. He is not trained in heavier armors, but he is familiar enough to help remove the armor from the dead rider. He removes the ring and flips it off his thumb toward the spellcasters for one of them to identify. He flourishes the war pick,   Seems like a fine replacement to the spear.   He notices the tattoos and asks the others,   Does any of that make sense to you?  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 32/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Chloé scrutinises the tattoos, but ultimately comes up short.  "Could just be decorative, doesn't look like anything to me." 
 
 
  
dangelo
  "He mounted a wyvern?"   Mustafa's mind is filled with images of himself riding a flying lizard.   "Is that even possible?"  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus looked on:
 "A fine weapon. Sabian will likely get the most use out of it. The plate would certainly help Mustapha. No idea what the ring will bring.
And sorry, but I could use another rest. I'd like to be able to contribute with a flaming sphere as well in the next scuffle. Not to mention some emergency healing." 
J-H
After a short discussion, you decide to press on through the swamp, continuing from hillock to hillock across the wetlands and mires.  It must take a substantial amount of work to maintain even the plank paths and bridges, and it's no surprise that the inhabitants are known for traveling mostly by boat.

About an hour after slaying the hydra, you reach an area where the path between dry spots seems especially damaged.  By the middle, it has sagged to knee deep, making it slow going.  Suddenly, the water froths and churns near you, and you see swarms of small fish speeding towards you under the surface.
 
 Spoiler: Nature DC 13 

These small carnivorous fish, known as "quippers" in some parts of the world, swarm together and can strip a horse to bones in under a minute if left unchecked.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 
 Spoiler: Init rolls 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 13 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 13 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 16 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 17 ]  or  (1d20+2)[ 17 ]  1 ex
Fish!  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
 

 =&gt;Cass, Titus, Chloe 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 32/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

If they can get out of the water, they're home free. Chloé heads in that direction, tossing flasks as she goes.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

We seem to be traveling west since Sabian's in the lead there, so
 Move:  As far as west as possible, I assume 15ft due to knee-deep water.
 Action:  Acid Splash Q1  (2d6+4)[ 14 ]  half-acid half-radiant
 (1d20)[ 3 ] +mods vs DC16
 Bonus Action:  Force Strike Q1  (1d20+7)[ 17 ]  Damage:  (1d4+3)[ 5 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus grumbled:
 "Sure would be great if I had some spells right about now, but no..." 

While he did so, he fired two blasts at the swarms, pushing them away.

 
 Spoiler 

Move to U48 fire at Q1and Q3 to push them 10ft back
 (1d20+8)[ 12 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 9 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 21 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 8 ] 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  43/43  | HD:  3/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Concentrating:  Haste (on Sabian)
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"At least they're just small," Cass chuckles wearily, "

 
 Spoiler 
Move to W48.
Vampire Killer vs Q3.

Attack #1 - To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 27 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.
Attack #2 - To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 10 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage.

Move to R48.
 
J-H
Cassandra sends her chain into the water twice, striking the fish once.  Titus slogs through the water, unable to get as far as he wants, and similarly has a single hit, and another shot that just bounces off the surface of the water.  Chloe deals the most damage, conjured acid injuring the fish before being churned about and onto their scales by a shot from her homunculus.

The fish rush in, going for the closest targets, swarming around the legs and ankles of Sabian, Mustafa, and Chloe.  All five of you are now clustered together on the bridge.
 
 Spoiler 

Q1 below half HP, vs Sabian  (1d20+5)[ 10 ]  for  (2d6)[ 12 ]  piercing
Q2 vs Mustafa  (1d20+5)[ 15 ]  for  (4d6)[ 18 ]  piercing
Q3 vs Chloe  (1d20+5)[ 8 ]  for  (4d6)[ 14 ]  piercing
 

So far, your boots and armored greaves seem to be holding up!

 =&gt;Sabian, Mustafa, Cassandra, Titus, Chloe 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 Reckless: Yes 
 HP: 40/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
  Isn't that a spell?!   Sabian grunts at Titus as the half-orc stomps around trying to avoid quipper bites. He stabs his spear repeatedly into the water, trying to skewer the fish.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 

  Action   - Recklessly Attack Quipper 1 w/War Pick
  Reckless Attack  - (1d20+10)[ 23 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+10)[ 27 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+7)[ 9 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+10)[ 20 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+10)[ 16 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+7)[ 10 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shield Master to Knock Quipper Prone
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 13 ] 

If Quipper 1 is killed on first attack, move adjacent to Mustafa and target Quipper 2.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus replied:
 "You know exactly what I mean - I could make you fly and carry us away, or cal up another fire sphere to boil these swarms. But no..."  He stopped and sighed mid-battle
 "Sorry, not helpfull right now - especially since one of these things is trying to bite your backside right now." 

Calling down holy radiance on the one trying to eat Mustapha, Titus moved carefully forward, trying to avoid getting eaten himself.

 
 Spoiler 


Sacred Flame on Q2
 (2d8+5)[ 9 ]  radiant
Dex save  (1d20)[ 17 ] +mod vs. DC 16
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  19  | HP:  43/43  | HD:  3/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  0/1
 Active Effects:  Bladesong
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"The true magic is the friends we made along the way," Cass snickers, "Or at least that's what my teacher used to say."

 
 Spoiler 
Booming Blade vs Q1 - To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 18 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  bludgeoning damage,  (1d8)[ 3 ]  thunder damage, +1 fire damage.
 Attack #2 vs Q3 - To hit:  (1d8)[ 3 ] , to damage: [roll3] bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage. 
Attack #2 vs Q3 - To hit: [ 19 ], to damage: [ 8 ] bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage (rolled in Discord).

Move as necessary.
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 32/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Of course the fish would swarm them, stopping her from getting away. She tosses another flask - this one markedly less far than usual. She essentially just dumps its contents right next to her.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  None, unless adjacent enemies are dead, in which case she'll move as far west as possible without provoking.
 Action:  Acid Splash Q1, or whichever combination of fish are adjacent to each other for double up damage.  (2d6+4)[ 11 ] , half acid, half radiant.
Q1(?):  (1d20)[ 11 ] +mods vs DC16
Possible Other Fish:  (1d20)[ 1 ] +mods vs DC16
 Bonus Action:  Force Strike Q1, or whichever is next most damaged:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ]  Disadv for fish in melee:  (1d20+7)[ 9 ]  Damage:  (1d4+3)[ 5 ] 
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 21/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere 
 Channel Divinity: 0/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

Mustafa raises his scepter high in the air and casts a  Word of Radiance  spell.    Begone!   
 (2d6)[ 9 ]  radiant damage

Dex saves to negate (Spell DC 15)
 (1d20)[ 5 ] 
 (1d20)[ 5 ] 

(Going forward, will use Warding Flare if attacked)
J-H
Sabian chops and slams his way through the quippers swarming around his legs, reducing them to a non-threat.
Mustafa burns more with holy light.  Cassandra exterminates the fish around Chloe, and then she and Chloe finish off the little carnivores swarming Mustafa.
You proceed onwards, the blood and fish viscera washing off your legs over the next minute as the muddy water washes you "clean."

About an hour later, Sabian catches movement out of the corner of his eye - a couple of lizardmen riding crocodiles are momentarily in view from a break in the vegetation.  They're off to the right, around 120' away.
dangelo
  "Cierestor be damned, we've had enough of this swamp. Even the mud is wicked!"   Mustafa sloshes towards the next piece of dry land.   "Push on, my brothers and sisters! For the Carpathian holds terrors we've yet to witness, and yes, many of us might die in the crossing... But for all that is good in the world, in the mountains we shall be dry. Perhaps still cold... But dry."  
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  16  | HP:  43/43  | HD:  3/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

"Many of us might die?" Cass prods Mustafar playfully, "but there's only five of us to begin with!"
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 Reckless: Yes 
 HP: 40/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian warns the others of the new threat and searches for dry ground where they can make a stand,   Keep away from the edge of the water and find cover, they see us!   he says as he stows his shield and equips his longbow.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus frowned:
 "It seems they aren't content of just having us get out of their swamp. But yes, let's secure the high ground and shoot them before they get close. 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 21/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: Flaming Sphere 
 Channel Divinity: 0/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  
  "We should have mounted their heads on spikes and carried them around to intimidate the others."   Mustafa grips his holy symbol.   "But if we have to fight more of them, so be it. Today, killing will be a privilege."  
J-H
You head for the nearest dry area and fort up there.  The lizardfolk don't approach, but since you're looking, you can occasionally see hints that there are at least one or two still out there.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 1/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus looked on:
 "What do we do? Wait an hour until they go away? 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 Reckless: No 
 HP: 40/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
  I don't like this. Maybe there's a trap they're trying to lure us into. Mustafa, if you don't mind a little guidance...   Sabian peers around to see if there's something obvious the lizardmen are trying to lure them into.

 
 Spoiler: I can haz traps? 

  Perception  - (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  +   Guidance  - (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 21/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

Mustafa casts a simple spell on Sabian:   "May the light of the gods guide your path."   He says with purpose.   "They might be drawing our attention while a different party sneaks back on us. I will watch the rear."  
J-H
You don't see any signs of a trap or other flanking force.
dangelo
Mustafa sprints ahead of the party and presents himself to the lizardfolk with a wide stance, puffed out chest, banging his scepter against his magic shield.    "So you came to watch our Walk of Pride? Well, behold the Champions of Cierestor Swamp! The Heroes of the Belmonte Order! Sabian the Warrior! Cassandra the Spelldancer! Chloé the Alchemist! Titus the Winged One! Mustafa the Soldier! Hear those names, you pathetic little creatures! Crawl in defeat! Run! Watch us leave with your treasure and run and hide and crawl in the mud like the disgusting beings you are!"    He cries at the top of his lungs so to make sure the lizards will hear him from all the way where they are.

Intimidation  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 32/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

She'd rather have just avoided the lizards entirely, but perhaps this was the wiser course of action. She tips pulls a small vial from her bag, tips out a single droplet, and then flicks it after Mustafar. Haunting musical notes play to accompany his declaration.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Prestidigitation for some backing music?
 
J-H
Nothing happens immediately in response to Mustafa's challenge.  In the distance, he spies one of the lizardmen and glares at it, daring it to do anything.  Mustafa and the others catch a glimpse of water rippling as another lizardman betrays his position just before surfacing and throwing javelins at Chloe, both of which strike.
The one to his left fades out of the water silently, managing to throw his net without being spotted, entangling Mustafa before closing in to stab with his spear.  His crocodile also tries to bite the cleric, grabbing one leg in its toothy jaws.

 
 Spoiler 

Surprise round, like velociraptors.
L3 throws two javelins at Chloe  ouch, 2 hits for 16 
Javelin  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 8 ] 
Javelin  (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 8 ] 

L4 uses his net, with advantage from being unseen.
Net  (1d20+6)[ 11 ]  or   (1d20+6)[ 25 ]  .  If hit, Mustafa is Restrained.  hit, Warding Flare not available yet.  Restrained. 
Spear   (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]   hit for 8 
Advantage?  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 

Croc2
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  for  (1d10+2)[ 8 ] , and target is grappled, escape DC 12.
Advantage?  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]   hit for 8, restrained &amp; grappled 
 

 
 Spoiler: Init 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 12 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 18 ]  1 ex (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 

Odds  (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 
Evens  (1d20+2)[ 22 ] 
 
J-H
With Mustafa wrapped in a net and in the jaws of the crocodile, the lizardman (L4) has his cold-blooded speed turn away, throwing two javelins even as they re-enter deeper water and dive.  The crocodile bites down on Mustafa as they dive, and blood floats to the top of the water as he goes limp.

One of the two distant lizardmen moves closer (L2, dash).
 
 Spoiler: L4 

Crocodile bites Mustafa.  Would have advantage from being restrained, but Warding Flare negates that.  Straight roll.
 (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  for  (1d10+2)[ 12 ] 
Javelin vs Chloe  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 8 ] 
Javelin vs Chloe  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe, Mustafa, TItus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus sighed, got up and fired a bunch of rays in Mustapha's general direction.
 "Once more into the breach..." 
 
 Spoiler 

Shooting the croc, pushing it away from Mustapha
 (1d20+8)[ 26 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 7 ]  +10ft.
 (1d20+8)[ 22 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 13 ]  +10ft.

Healing ray at Mustapha
 (1d6)[ 2 ] 

Move 30ft land inward
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 39/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Chloé blinks through the pain, but forces herself to push forward - Mustafar couldn't be left behind. She downs a healing potion on the way.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Damage reduced her to 12.
 Action:   Drink Superior Healing Potion for  (8d4+8)[ 27 ]  - returns HP to  39 
 Move:  10ft east. A cautious advance.
 Bonus Action:  Force Strike L3  (1d20+7)[ 17 ]   Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 6 ] 
 
J-H
Chloe's force strike hits as she drinks a healing potion.  Mustafa is unconscious.  Titus fires two eldritch blasts, killing the crocodile.  Barely, just barely, Titus can make out Mustafa enough to send some healing his way.
Titus moves towards the far side of the island.

One crocodile-rider (L1) dashes forwards in the water, the crocodile's tail propelling it forward surprisingly quickly.  The other approaches Chloe, flinging his net at her.  It wraps around her, and he and the crocodile both strike blows through the mesh before dragging her back into the shallows.
 
 Spoiler 

L3
Net attack  (1d20+6)[ 24 ] , on hit restrained.  restrained 
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 
Advantage?  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]   crit for 8 

L3's Croc
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  for  (1d10+2)[ 10 ]   crit for 20 , restrained, escape DC 12
Advantage?  (1d20+4)[ 20 ] 

Move 5' back only due to carrying a load
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cass, Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: Yes 
 HP: 40/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
   Hmm...   Sabian frowns,   I don't see anything. Still, they know our position. They can track us and ambush us, or lead a larger war party to us. We should strike now.   Mustafa moves forward to intimidate the lizardmen and suddenly the waters around them froth and splash as lizards and crocodiles emerge from hiding. Mustafa is bound in a net and dragged under the waters. Titus bursts into speed, attacking the lizards on Mustafa. Chloe is struck by a javelin but just as she heals herself she too is bound in a net and dragged into the waters. Sabian drops the bow and charges in, drawing the war pick and impaling the croc that has Chloe in its teeth. He steals a glance over his shoulder, looking to see if Mustafa has surfaced.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Move   - Move to AD17 (6 squares)
  Action   - Attack Croc Recklessly
  Attack  - (1d20+10)[ 12 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+10)[ 13 ] 
  Piercing  - (1d8+7)[ 14 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+10)[ 25 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+10)[ 26 ] 
  Piercing  - (1d8+7)[ 15 ] 
 
 
Infernally Clay
      
  Cassandra Hartdegen 
  High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 6 
 AC:  16  | HP:  43/43  | HD:  3/6
 Spell Slots:   1st:  4/4  | 2nd:  1/3  | 3rd:  0/3
 Spells Prepared: 
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Web, Earthen Grasp
3rd - Haste, Fireball, Counterspell

 Bladesongs:  0/3
 Arcane Recovery (3):  0/1
 Active Effects:  None
 Concentrating:  None
 Conditions:  None  
 
  

“Chloe!” Cass shouts, running across the makeshift bridge as fast as she can before trying to push the enemies surrounding Chloe away.

 
 Spoiler 
Move to AF16.
Cast Booming Blade vs L3. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 14 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  bludgeoning damage, plus  (1d8)[ 5 ]  thunder damage, +1 fire damage and push the target to AD18. If target moves before Cassandra’s next turn, it takes an additional  (2d8)[ 9 ]  thunder damage.
Attack vs C3. To hit:  (1d20+8)[ 18 ] , to damage:  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning damage, +1 fire damage and push the target to AD19.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: Yes 
 HP: 40/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
  Hmm...   Sabian frowns,   I don't see anything. Still, they know our position. They can track us and ambush us, or lead a larger war party to us. We should strike now.   Mustafa moves forward to intimidate the lizardmen and suddenly the waters around them froth and splash as lizards and crocodiles emerge from hiding. Mustafa is bound in a net and dragged under the waters. Titus bursts into speed, attacking the lizards on Mustafa. Chloe is struck by a javelin but just as she heals herself she too is bound in a net and dragged into the waters. Cass moves in and whips the lizardfolk on her. Sabian drops his bow and charges in, drawing the war pick and diving into the water, swimming to the lizardfolk trying to kill Mustafa.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Free Action   - Drop Bow
  Move   - Move to AD14
  Object Interaction   - Draw War Pick
  Action   - Dash to AH12
 
J-H
Cassandra's first strike misses, but the second hits the crocodile, knocking it out from under the lizardman and freeing Chloe from the creature's jaws - although not from the net.

The lizardman next to Sabian accepts the challenge.  He has no net, but he stabs twice with his spear as he dives under Sabian, emerging on the half-orc's other side as his strikes miss.

The other late-comer approaches Cassandra, flinging his net and stabbing.  She's able to deflect his spear-strike, but that leaves her open for his crocodile to grab her legs, dragging her back into the water.

 
 Spoiler 

L4 attacks twice, 2-handed now that his net is expended.  misses! 
 (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
 (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 

L2
Net  (1d20+6)[ 25 ] , if hit, restrained.  hit 
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 3 ]   miss 
Advantage?  (1d20+4)[ 15 ] 

Croc 2
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  for  (1d10+2)[ 5 ]  and restrained
 Advantage from net: Total of 20 to hit, hits 

If the croc lands a bite - moved 10' to reach Cassandra, can move 20' back using 10' of movement to pull her in and back to his starting position.   Otherwise, will probably stay on the bridge. 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe (restrained by net), Mustafa (restrained by net), Titus 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 11/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 1/4 2nd: 0/2   

Critical strikes wipe out her potion, so she drinks another one, trying to stay alive and awake.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Damage reduced her to 11.
 Action:   Drink Greater Healing Potion for  (4d4+4)[ 14 ]  - up to 25.
 Bonus Action:  Force Strike L3  (1d20+7)[ 18 ]   (1d20+7)[ 8 ]   Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 7 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus used the elevated position to keep track of what was going on, shoving enemies away from friends.

 
 Spoiler 

Move to X12, move back to W13 afterwards
Shooting the croc, pushing it away from Cassandra
 (1d20+8)[ 16 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 6 ]  +10ft
 (1d20+8)[ 28 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 13 ]  +10ft
 
dangelo
Mustafa casts another  Word of Radiance  spell. Clinging to his senses, bleeding heavily from a severe wound, locked in the jaws of a crocodile and restrained by a net, he has no hope of ever escaping, and is happy to help his allies before he faces death. He would have apologized, if he could even see anyone.

 (2d8)[ 8 ]  radiant damage

Not sure who is within range since characters are being dragged to different squares, but I believe at least L1)
J-H
Chloe drinks a potion.  Her homunculus fails to score a hit from its position on her shoulder at point-blank range.  Mustafa's water-breathing lets him cast a spell despite being in the net, slightly burning the lizardman and crocodile next to him.
Titus fires a pair of magical blasts, one of which goes into the crocodile's throat, nearly beheading it in a single stroke (C2 dead, L2 atop him knocked back 20').

The lizardman and crocodile next to Sabian attempt to net him and drag him under.  The lizardman has no luck, but his crocodile bites Sabian, and drags him 10' down and over.  The one assailing Chloe stabs her through the net twice, although his crocodile fails to successfully bite as she thrashes about in the water.

 
 Spoiler 

L1 net vs Sabian
 (1d20+6)[ 16 ] , on hit restrained.  miss 
L1 spear vs Sabian
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]   miss 
Advantage?  (1d20+4)[ 12 ] 

C1 vs Sabian
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  for  (1d10+2)[ 5 ]   hit 
Advantage?  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 
On hit, restrained and grappled.  Move 10'.


L3 spear vs Chloe, advantage from net.
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]   hit for 5 
Advantage  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]   Crit for 16  
Advantage  (1d20+4)[ 18 ] 

C3 vs Chloe  miss 
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  for  (1d10+2)[ 3 ] 
Advantage  (1d20+4)[ 14 ] 
On hit, restrained and grappled.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map &amp; Status 

Status:
L2 uninjured, croc dead
L4 uninjured, croc dead
L1 &amp; C1 4 damage each
L3 6 damage, C3 7 damage

Chloe &amp; Mustafa restrained by nets
Sabian restrained by crocodile mouth

Black boxes show the actual map position where a listing of everyone in the square overruns the space.

   
 

 =&gt;Cass, Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: Yes 
 HP: 35/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian's gambit pays off, giving Mustafa some breathing room. However, the half-orc now finds himself in the jaws of a crocodile, dragged under water. If not for Cass' spell, he'd be in a world of trouble. He hacks at the croc with the war pick, trying to dislodge its bite.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  Action   - Attack, Recklessly (negates Disadvantage)
  War Pick Attack  - (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d8+7)[ 15 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+10)[ 26 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d8+7)[ 15 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shield Master Shove vs Croc to Push back 1 square
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 25 ] 
  Move   - If grapple is broken, move to AI12
 
J-H
Cassandra kills a crocodile with the vampire killer, then whips the lizardman next to Chloe, knocking him back.  (adjusted position to AD18 on the bridge).

Sabian jams the blade of his pick into the crocodile's skull, killing it, then stabs the lizardman above with a spear as he resurfaces.

One Lizardman swims back towards Cassandra, hopping onto the bridge and charging her (dash), trying to bite her.  The other one stabs at Sabian.  Neither of them is able to draw any blood.
 
 Spoiler 

L2
Hungry Jaws
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]  and gain 3 temp hp

L4
Advantage from Reckless
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 
Hungry Jaws
Bite  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  or   (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]  and gain 3 temp hp
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe (restrained by net), Mustafa (restrained by net), Titus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus continued to focus on freeing Mustapha

 
 Spoiler 

Shoot L4 and L1
 (1d20+8)[ 16 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 8 ]  +10ft.
 (1d20+8)[ 18 ] , damage  (1d10+5)[ 7 ]  +10ft.

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 20/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/4 2nd: 0/2   

Critical strikes wipe out her  potion , so she drinks  another  one, trying to stay alive and awake, despite the lizard's best efforts.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Damage reduced her to 4.
 Action:   Cast Cure Light Wounds on herself.  (1d8+8)[ 16 ]  Back up to 20.
 Bonus Action:  Force Strike L3  (1d20+7)[ 10 ]  (1d20+7)[ 24 ]   Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 6 ] 
 
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 4/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

At only 4 HP, Mustafa uses his Channel Divinity to recharge a 1st level spell, and casts Cure Wounds to heal himself.

 (1d8+4)[ 6 ] 
J-H
Chloe concentrates on healing herself.  Mustafa also casts a healing spell, sinking to the mud at the bottom of the swamp.  Titus, untouched in his position of safety on dry ground, fires blasts at two lizardmen, knocking them back.

One of the two hit by Titus dives down, attacking Sabian from deeper in the water, where he can't be seen or shot.  The lizardman is injured, but apparently still thinks he can score a kill.
 
 Spoiler 

L1 Close back in, dive 10', two spear attacks.
 (1d20+4)[ 18 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  piercing  reckless makes this a 19 to hit, rolled in Discord 
 (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]  piercing
BA Hungry Jaws  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]  piercing and gain 3 temp HP.
 


The other one abandons the netted Chloe, struggling in shallow water, and charges towards Titus, trying to take a bite out of him.
 =&gt;Cassandra OA? 
 
 Spoiler 

I don't think Chloe has an OA because she's probably not wielding a melee weapon.
L3 dash, BA Hungry Jaws  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  piercing and gain 3 temp HP.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Cass, Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: Yes 
 HP: 29/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian feels the bite of the lizardfolk's spear, but it only spurs on his fury. He lashes back with his own spear attack.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 
  Action   - Recklessly Attack L1
  Spear Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 26 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 29 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 9 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 10 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 18 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 9 ] 

If the first attack kills L1, then purse L4 and target with Extra Attack.
 
J-H
Cassandra knocks her opponent back, injuring it for the first time.  Sabian slays one opponent with a single spear thrust from above, then pursues the next lizardman, striking him.  The hunter drops lower in the water, stabbing back at him; a bite and one spear thrust go awry, but the other comes in under Sabian's armor and gets him in the gut.
Cassandra's opponent closes back in with a shoulder check, which she dodges, a spear thrust that misses, and a bite that does connect.
 
 Spoiler 

L4 goes 5' farther down in the water.  2 spear stabs and a Hungry Jaws.  Advantage from Reckless.
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 10 ]   miss 
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 7 ]   crit for 14 
HJ Bite  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 6 ] , gain 3 temp HP  miss 

L2
Athletics to shove Cassandra prone  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  vs defender  (1d20)[ 17 ] +??  success 
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]   for  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]   miss 
 Advantage?  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  
 Spear  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]  or  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 3 ]   extra dice
HJ Bite  (1d20+4)[ 20 ]  for  (1d6+2)[ 5 ] , gain 3 temp HP  hit 
 Advantage?  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]   
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt; Chloe (net), Mustafa (net), Titus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus raised his sword:  "You think, I'm not ready for you? Go cut yourself!" 
 
 Spoiler 

Strike at L3
 (1d20+9)[ 16 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 14 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 21 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 12 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 20/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Restrained 
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/4 2nd: 0/2   

It was a small blessing that they were finally leaving her alone, albeit briefly. Rolling in place, Chloé tosses a fire flask at the nearest lizard.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:   Create Bonfire L2.  (1d20)[ 8 ] +mods vs. DC16,  (2d8+4)[ 13 ]  fire.
 Bonus Action:  Force Strike L2  (1d20+7)[ 10 ]  (1d20+7)[ 23 ]   Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 4 ] 
 
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;26103092]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

With a better grip around his senses, Mustafa summons his strength to burst through the net that is restraining his movements.

Strength check DC 10  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
 
 Spoiler 
If successful, will swim upwards (maybe getting a boost at the bottom of the lake) so Mustafa can see his allies and potentially use Warding Flare to protect them.
 
J-H
Chloe's flames wash over the lizardman.
Mustafa's muscles flex and he bursts the net asunder before swimming to the surface.
Titus swings his sword twice, drawing blood.  The lizardman in front of him stabs back in a frenzy, nearly dead.
 
 Spoiler 

Spear  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 
 

 =&gt;Cass, Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: Yes 
 HP: 29/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 1/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabain can't help but let out a cry of pain from the stab to his gut, but he doesn't relent. He stabs the lizardfolk back, looking to end its life swiftly.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 4 
  Action   - Attack L4 Recklessly
  Spear Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 16 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 11 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 9 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 17 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 20 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 8 ] 
  Move   - If L4 dies, then move to AF13
 
J-H
Cassandra's first strike hits, while the second misses.  Sabian connects with both stabs, staining the murky water red.

The hunters strike back, one attacking Cassandra and the other Sabian.  Desperate fury drives their strikes, as they both are face to face with death.  Cassandra easily evades her attacker, but Sabian is overextended and in murky water, taking a pair of powerful hits.
 
 Spoiler 

L2 vs Cass
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 

L4 vs Sabian
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 
Adv  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Spear  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  for  (1d8+2)[ 10 ] 
Adv  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Chloe (restrained), Mustafa, Titus 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus continued to slash at his attacker.

 
 Spoiler 

Strike at L3
 (1d20+9)[ 15 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 10 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 20 ] , damage  (1d8+6)[ 9 ] 

If the first strike kills,he moves forward to AB16 and throws a dagger at L2
 (1d20+5)[ 24 ] , damage  (1d4+2)[ 4 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 20/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: Restrained 
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/4 2nd: 0/2   

Another fire flask would hopefully put these lizards to the grave once and for all.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Action:   Create Bonfire L2.  (1d20)[ 10 ] +mods vs. DC16,  (2d8+4)[ 19 ]  fire.
 Bonus Action:  Force Strike L2  (1d20+7)[ 12 ]  (1d20+7)[ 22 ]   Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 6 ]  force.
 
dangelo
[QUOTE=dangelo;26103092]      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/2 
 Warding Flare: 2/4  
 
  

Mustafa conjures a Sacred Flame at L2

 (1d20)[ 20 ]  Dex save to negate  (2d8)[ 5 ]  radiant damage
J-H
Chloe's fire flask strikes the last lizardman dead-on.  He dives into the water to put out the flames, but it's too little, too late.  They are fatal.  Mustafa and Titus combine their efforts to destroy the other, leaving only the one underwater near Sabian.
 =&gt;Sabian &amp; Cassandra 
Dr.Samurai
[QUOTE=Dr.Samurai;26104140]      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: Yes 
 HP: 1/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian doesn't see the attack coming until it's buried in his gut. He grunts, and his vision begins to fade for a moment, but although he cannot call upon his Skellegue fury, orc blood courses through his veins and keeps him conscious despite the grievous blow. He stabs back, hoping to kill the lizardfolk once and for all.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 5 
  Action   - Recklessly Attack L4
  Spear Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 11 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 8 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+9)[ 21 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+9)[ 21 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d6+6)[ 10 ] 
  Move   - If L4 is dead, swim back to dry land with the others.
 
J-H
The last lizardman dies, and Sabian resurfaces moments later, grateful for Cassandra's earlier water-breathing spell.

With that, the swamp is quiet, and no further foes appear to be nearby.  It is less than an hour to sunset.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/2 
 Warding Flare: 1/4  
 
  

Mustafa closed the distance to the shore with just a couple of strokes, his body gliding over the murky waters.   "HA-HA! Now  that  was a good fight!"   He pulls his helmet off and shakes his head like a dog, in a feeble attempt to dry his hair and beard.   "Is everyone in one piece? We press on. The edge of the swamp can't be too far."  

The  Vampiralgietch  felt extremely vulnerable traveling with his magic reserves completely depleted, but this swamp was revealing itself more dangerous by the hour. He wanted to be out of here more than he wanted to be safe.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 1/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian emerges from the murky water crawling onto the hillock with one hand, while the other protects the wound above his waist, under his armor.   Unless you can heal these wounds, I'm not fit to go anywhere,   the warrior says, falling to one knee as soon as he tries to stand.   Sorry, things got close down in those waters, too close. I need to recover. I'm not sure I have another fight in me.  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 20/45 (3/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Flight (AV.) Decanter: 1/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 0/4 2nd: 0/2   

Chloé finally frees herself from the net, dragging herself to shore. She is keenly aware of how many potions she went through.  "Agreed. Swamp or not, I'd rather not risk another encounter." 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
[      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus flicked the blood from his sword, before retrieving his dagger.

 "I hope we all learned something from this experience today. Namely: let me recover a few spells when we can!

Let's put up the magic hut and rest for at least an hour before we leave the swamp." 
 
 Spoiler 

If we short rest before we leave the swamp, I'll hand out two cure wounds

 (3d8+5)[ 13 ] 
 (3d8+5)[ 22 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 1/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian flops on his back,   Oh please don't let Titus lecturing be the last thing I hear on this earth,   he says between breaths. He winces as he props himself up on an elbow to face Titus,   You've recovered your spells plenty today, and I'm not sure what you could have done against them in the murk where you can't see them, trust me it was hard to see down there.   He lays back down,   Don't rush into murky water against swimmers and water breathers is a good lesson to take. Keep distance and use cover, that's another good one in general.  

He gets up to his feet and moves closer to the group, away from the water's edge,   Ah who am I kidding, I could really use one of your healing spells right now,   he says with a sheepish grin.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus shrugged:

 "All good lessons. Though while you stayed on the high ground, I could have took flight and fired on them from above without any danger to myself - or you. Or just another flaming sphere to drive them away.

But yes, berating each other won't solve anything - getting a good nights rest would be really great though. I'm dead tired and cranky as it is." 
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 1/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: Water Breathing 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian looks around, and then up,   Yeah, you're right Titus. Of course, once they dragged anyone into the water, we lose the high ground. I want to make good time, as the curse grows with every nightfall. But more magical might is better.

Should we set up watches, or will the magical hut be enough?   He recovers his longbow from the ground where he dropped it and moves over to Cass.
dangelo
      
      Mustafa the Vampiralgietch     
 Human Cleric 6 (Light Domain) 
 AC: 17 HP: 10/38 
 PP: 14 PIv: 16 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- 
 Concentrating: -- 
 Channel Divinity: 0/2 
 Warding Flare: 1/4  
 
  

Mustafa was secretly relieved that his shield-brothers and shield-sisters didn't want to press on.   "So be it. Let us rest and lick our wounds."  

As they wait for Cassandra to conjure them a Hut, the priest sets aside a healing kit and prepares to clean, sew up, and bandage everyone's wounds. The remaining time will be reserved to praying.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 38/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 0/2  
 
  

Titus kept a watch out while Cassandra began her ritual - though how good his watch holding was with his eyes drooping from fatigue was anyone's guess.
 
 Spoiler 

Perception w/disadvantage

 (1d20+3)[ 5 ] /[/roll]1d20+3[/roll]

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
J-H
Muddy, damp, and tired after a day's work, a lot of swimming, and a LOT of mud, you bed down on a relatively dry patch for the night.  Whether it's fate, luck, or Cassandra's magic, your rest is uninterrupted.
 
 Spoiler: Curse saves 

Long Rest DC 16.  On a failed save, a character only gains the benefits of a short rest, plus enough downtime to prevent accumulating exhaustion.

Chloe  (1d20+4)[ 18 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+2)[ 21 ] 
Titus (1d20+2)[ 12 ] 
Mustafa  (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Sabian  (1d20+4)[ 7 ] 
 

You take long watches and spend the pre-dawn hours eating, so that you're ready to move when the sun slowly pulls itself over the eastern horizon, turning the grey swamp into a greenish-grey swamp as the light of day spills across it.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus still felt like chewed up and spit out. So he administered some healing to himself, meditated, healed Mustapha and Sabian some more and repeated that process until the sun began to rise.

 
 Spoiler 


5 short rests - using 4 of them for healing

22hp for Titus (Full)

13+12+15+15+18 =73 hp for Sabian
13+17 = 30 hp for Mustapha



 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

Feeling a bit more put together after a night's rest, Chloé collects her things together for the next day, ready to continue on.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Experimental Elixir rolls were Resilience (+1 AC for 10 minutes) and Flight (again, urgh)
 
dangelo
The night falls hard on the soldier-priest. He needs help to sew up his wounds in addition to Titus's healing spells, and later his body is taken by fever, burning hot and making him sweat through the long rest, shivering and suffering in silence. Multiple times he wakes up from terrible nightmares, punching the shadows or whispering cursed at invisible foes.

He feels slightly better in the morning, but his aspect is the worst. Black circles settle under his eyes and he limps on one leg, leaning heavily on his scepter to walk straight. He couldn't put too much strain on his stitches, or he would have to stop and sew them up again.

  "So we... Press on."   He sighs.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 59/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian too looks the worse for wear despite a night's sleep and even some additional rest after waiting for dawn to break. Titus slowly heals him up, and though he looks able to move on, Sabian confirms,   I was gripped by Dracula's curse last night. I can move on,   but, he squeezes a hand into a fist as if to test his own strength,   I won't be able to call upon my fury.   He slings his legendary shield onto his back, and prepares to set out with longbow in hand.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus' sunken eyes with the dark rings made him look like death warmed over. He got up with some reluctance:
"Never thought, I'd miss sleeping in church so much. We really need to find a save spot soon. Let's move

 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
J-H
Your shadows precede you as you head west in the early light.  Aside from the usual annoyances of the swamp, the next two hours of travel are blessedly uneventful.

The northern arm of the Carpathians looms ahead of you, brown and green in the morning sun.  You know that beyond the mountains is the river, with Brahms Castle guarding the waterway from the other side.  There's a path under the mountains - not hidden, but part of the very trail you are on.  You're getting close.

Just past a dense thicket of trees, you spy an elf standing on a tree branch about sixty feet in front of you.  He's not hidden as such, but bears a longbow.  He calls out to you,  "Interesting week to take a trip through the swamp, isn't it, friends?" 
dangelo
Mustafa narrows his eyes at the elf.   "These lands are cursed, stranger. Are you lost?"   He doesn't try to hide the hint of accusation in that question.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

Chloé remains silent, hoping that this isn't another intelligent zombie or similar come to bother them.
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus didn't say anything but looked tiredly around for the rest of the ambush, that this elf most likely was spearheading

 
 Spoiler 

Perception
 (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 59/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian nods at Mustafa's words,   Less interesting and more dangerous. Haven't made many friends though.   He nocks an arrow to the bow and looks around for anyone approaching.

 
 Spoiler: If applicable/called for... 

  Insight  - (1d20+1)[ 17 ]  vs Elf's greeting
  Perception  - (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  vs any hidden traps/enemies
 
J-H
 "No, I'm not lost, just standing guard.  There have been some lizardmen hunting travelers in the area, a night-time vision of Dracula, and some undead in an area that's supposed to be the safest from them in the world! This was supposed to be a trip to help someone do some research and training, but it's gotten dangerous.  I'm Tosan.  You appear to all be living, and not trying to eat me or kill me on sight."   He smiles slightly, causing the thin mustache above his lip to curve upwards at the ends.   "That makes you good company.  What brings you to this swamp?  You look like you're prepared to fight a small war." 
Sabian does not detect any deception, and you don't see anyone else around.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus finally found the energy in him to participate in the conversation:
 
"Greetings, Tosan. We are from the Bellemonte Clan. I'm Titus. And as you said, it's dangerous to go alone and unarmored. We are heading for the tunnel through the mountains to reach safe haven. We are searching for ways to stop Dracula's curse after his minions nearly wiped out our families.

Who are you accompanying and where are they?"  
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
J-H
 "Monster-hunters!  That's great!"   Tosan seems to brighten up slightly.   "I'm with a small group of friends, six of us.  The rest should be back at camp.  We're not too far from the entrance to Yuta's path.  We thought about going that way, but then we'd end up on the wrong side of the river.  Perko found some inscriptions to study, so it's not time to decide for sure yet.  Would you like to join us for a meal?" 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   
 "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth,"  Chloé mutters to the others quietly, beyond the distant elf's earshot.  "We should go with them." 
 
 
  
dangelo
  "A small group of friends? No one capable of navigating these wilds, to the point you end up on the wrong side of the river? May I ask how have you managed to survive out here? I beg your pardon, but you don't look prepared to deal with this cursed land."   Mustafa maintains his suspicious about this smiling stranger.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 59/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
  I'm inclined to agree,   Sabian says to Chloe.   Mustafa, it may be the stab to my gut I'm still feeling here, but I think Tosan is being honest. I still have some questions, but I think we should hear him out.  
  Tosan,   Sabian calls back,   Why are you away from your group? My companions and I don't go anywhere alone these days, it is too dangerous. I'm surprised to hear you are with a group, yet we find you out here alone.  

Sabian winces at the pain he still has in his gut. Titus' magic healed the physical wounds, yet pain remains. Perhaps an effect of... the curse?! Sabian has a thought,   You say you are at a place that should be warded against undead? What place is this?  
J-H
(clarifications: The area supposed to be safe from undead is the general area within a few days' travel of the Order; he is saying that if they crossed under the river using Yuta's Path, then they'd be on the wrong side of the river)

 "I didn't say we couldn't survive the wilds, just that it's more dangerous than we expected with whatever is going on - and I'd like to hear more detail about that if you don't mind, but maybe when the others are around so you don't have to tell the same story twice.
I'm not the only good hunter in our group.  We're all still alive and relatively uninjured after the last week, although you certainly appear to have fought more battles than we have.  We'll pack up and flee the area if it gets worse... we can fight, but we're hardly adventurous hero types like yourselves.  Would you like to come meet the others?"   Tosan motions in a general direction that's not too far off the path.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus wearily interjected:
 
"We are burning daylight. Let's meet your friends and see for ourselves what the matter is. But in any case it would be best for your group to leave these lands for the time being. It will likely get worse before it gets better."  
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
dangelo
  "I beg your pardon, Titus, but what can this weakling offer us that we can't get ourselves?"   Exhausted, wounded and scared, Mustafa lets the stress speak louder than patience.   "What are the odds that this little detour will bring us  any  good? If not a trap? And now long will it take? If we were to detour and lose time playing house with this man's friends, why didn't we return to Alba, where we were sure to find allies?"

"Say once and say clear,  friend : What exactly were you doing on this patch of road today? Simply thinking about life? Then you just stumbled upon heroes right when you needed us? There are no happy coincidences in this cursed land. There are only heroes and villains, and you don't look like a hero."  
J-H
Tosan responds to the cleric with a hint of anger.   "Standing guard, as I said, so that our camp isn't taken unaware.  If you'd prefer to move on, go right ahead!" 
dangelo
  "My brothers and sisters decided to give you the benefit of the doubt. So, by all means, lead us to this sanctuary of yours."  
J-H
He looks a bit reluctant, but the elf leads you down the path a bit, then across a shallow patch to a densely wooded island.  It's only a couple of hundred feet away from the trail, but you'd likely have completely missed it.  He gives a low whistle as he approaches, presumably as a signal.  You see a half-elf with a spear peering out from a tree.

Entering their camp, you find that it's on a small rise.  It contains a small firepit with two pairs of sticks forming X shapes to support a spit for roasting, as well as four hammocks and a tent, plus bedrolls and some other camping and hunting gear.  Tosan introduces you:   "Living, friendly guests!  They're traveling about trying to do something about all the undead."   He introduces you to four people who are either resting or conducting various camp tasks:

Danilo:  Human male, blonde with a four day old beard, tall, broad-shouldered.  Carries two handaxes, appears very muscular and doesn’t wear armor.  He's not very quiet when he greets you.
Vukota:  Half-elf female, shoulder-length brown hair, carries a spear and trapping gear, and wears light armor colored to blend in with the woods.
Perko:  Human male, short and thin, wearing traveling clothing and carrying a staff and a book.
Miketa:  Human female, with her auburn hair pulled back into a tight knot, wearing a camouflaged cloak and a pair of crossed bandoliers full of throwing knives.  She's cutting up some fish next to the fire, her knife nearly a blur as she chops.

 "Vucidar's on watch over near the exit to Yuta's Path.  He's gotten a bit suspicious, so it's probably better he's not here." 
Perko responds.   "It's not paranoia if the living dead are trying to eat you." 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus greeted the adventurers
 
"Hello, nice to make your acquaintance.
So, what are you looking for? Being out brings a lot of risk right now - I can't imagine that there is any treasure worth that much. Or is it something to do with Dracula himself? A relic maybe?"  
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

Chloé had let out a small sigh of relief that, at least for now, they weren't having to fight.  "Chloé, it's...a pleasure."  Her hesitation is born not out of a lack of trust, but simply social awkwardness.  "Do you have any questions for us?" 
 
 
  
dangelo
  "Mustafa Hanin of the Belmonte Order."   He introduces himself, crosses his arms, and remains silent as Titus asks them questions. He will save his questions for after their pitch.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 59/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Knowing they are heading into close proximity with armed combatants, Sabian stows his longbow and dons his shield as they follow Tosan to his camp.

Once there, he nods to everyone as greetings are made. In response to Perko, he says,   Far more out there than just the undead. You must be a hardy lot to have made it this long at here.  
J-H
Danilo, the man with two handaxes and no armor, speaks up with a deep voice that's pitched a bit too loud.   "Yes, we've had to fight off some lizardmen.  There were barely any in the swamp two months ago, and now they're swimming around like they own the place!  Normally we'd expect to see some of the people who live here.  Did you visit the castle?  Are they putting together some fighters on their little boats to clean the place up?" 

Vukota, the half-elf woman, departs a few minutes into the conversation, heading silently back the way you came, presumably to stand watch.

Miketa continues to slice up the meat after giving you a brief nod.  Her only interaction is to ask if you have any spices - they're running low on things not native to the swamp.

Perko, the short, skinny human man looks you over, his eyes lingering on Cassandra and Titus.  He comes over to them, slightly nervous.   "Are you two wizards?  I can't really keep up with my cousin when it comes to weapons, so I've been trying to study anything magical I can find." 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   
 "The castle was filled with lizardmen,"  Chloé said, the recent memory distinctly unpleasant.  "No one friendly there." 

She can't offer anything in the way of 'permanent' spices, but she does have an alchemical concoction (in the form of prestidigitation) that helps to flavour their current meal, at least. Though whether they'd accept her suspect brews on their food is another matter. She does offer to try some first, to show it's not poison.

 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus shook his head:
 
"My powers were bestowed upon me by an angel of our Lord. Is that the reason you are here on this expedition? To unearth arcane knowledge? If you are heading for the castle in the swamp, you won't be finding any answers. An earthquake cracked the foundation and made it sink. It's abandoned now - besides a particularly aggressive tribe of lizard man.
Your best bet would be to head for Constantinople and study at one of their academies."  
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
dangelo
Mustafa is a man of stomach, thus giving him food and drink helps lighten up his mood. Still he remains more cold and distant than usual towards their hosts, keeping his mouth shut as he chews. He deeply appreciates Chloe's  special spices , and often asks her for adjustments:   "Would you double down the pepper on this one?"  

To the mention of Constantinople, Mustafa resigns with a shrug.   "There are good universities in the west, too... If you speak their language. Explain me again, Tosan, where exactly did you all come from? And how long have you been here? Was it a coincidence that you found the province taken by Dracula's Curse? Or were you looking for it?"   He glances at their gear, and adds:   "You are poorly equipped for this."  
 
 Spoiler 
Religion check to recognize religious symbols that could identify where these people come from?
 (1d20+4)[ 9 ] 
 
J-H
Miketa sniffs Chloe's spices, then pronounces them not poisonous.  Perko explains that he had found references to old ruins in the swamp, but that it was too dangerous to visit alone.  He got his cousin and his cousin's adventuring party to help, and says they're from farther north.  They've been in the area since before whatever happened with Dracula happened.
 "I did find a half-buried obelisk with some weird writing on it, but it's a half an hour off the trail and in the mud.  There's no good place to camp nearby.  If either of you are good at interpreting lost languages, would you like to take a look at it?  I feel like I'm getting close to something, and closer every time I study it, although it makes my head hurt." 

Danilo speaks up.   "You've been saying that for days!  You are lucky my friends are so patient with you.  And that we need a wizard, and I'm sure you'll be a good one!"   It doesn't appear to be the first time he's made this comment.  Tosan diverts him.   "And we're lucky you're strong, since your loud voice helps them find us." 
 "Pssh.  We don't have much magic, but we've managed pretty well so far.  Three people who can sneak, traps, arrows, and good teamwork goes pretty far!  Vucidar had the closest call with anything so far."   You haven't met Vucidar, but Tosan did mention someone else standing guard.


Mustafa does not find any religious symbols.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 59/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
  Your friend is right,   Sabian says to Danilo,   your voice will carry out here, and attract the minions of Dracula, more than lizardfolk stalk the wilds these days. What are your plans? These lands are now cursed by Dracula, and the curse grows stronger each night. Has any of you had visions of the vampire while you sleep? Awoke to find you are not rested?  
  Alba is in need of strong warriors to shore its defenses, and has a holy place to sleep safely from the curse.   Sabian thinks to the scarecrows, the manticores and dire wolves,   The roads are no safer than the wilderness, perhaps even more dangerous since you are easier to spot. But Alba may be as good a place as any for you to wait this darkness out.  

After, he turns to Titus and Cass,   Do you think this obelisk they speak of can be of some help?  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus once again shook his head:
 
"Unless it's Elven or Celestial script, I won't be much use. I have the basics of arcane knowledge, but I'm far from being a scholar."  
He looked sidelong at Cassandra if she wanted to put herself as a mage, but otherwise kept his tongue.


 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   
 "I can add draconic to that,"  Chloé says. Childhood fascinations with dragons had born fruit in weirder ways than this, though she can't imagine an obelisk would use draconic scripts. If it was obelisk shaped, it usually meant bad news, so bad magic, so bad languages.

 
 
  
J-H
Parko shakes his head.   "I've seen draconic, celestial, and elvish in books, and I've learned the Draconic alphabet!  I don't think it's any of those.  The characters are thicker and rounded, and kind of bubbly." 
 (Not sure if it's the holiday or the open-endedness of this.  Does anyone want to go investigate, talk further, or just move on and hit the road?" 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus shrugged:
 
"If it's really not far away, we can take a look. But after that we have to move on - we need to traverse the tunnel sooner than later."  
With some groaning he got back on his exhausted feet, ready to follow the strangers to a secondary location...

 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

Chloé nods. They had nothing to lose by looking, she supposed. If the others had already looked at it, then that probably wouldn't trigger anything. Perhaps it would trigger some long lost memory. Probably not.
 
 
  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 59/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
The previous day had been taxing, and Sabian is still feeling his injuries today. Though they need to make good time, a jaunt to investigate the obelisk might allow for more rest before facing whatever is waiting for them in tunnels.

As they set about to leave, he says to the others,   Could this obelisk be used to spread Dracula's influence?
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus shrugged again:
 
"Maybe. Though it could just as well be a ward against him. We'll see what we can learn."  
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
J-H
Parko leads you south after you finish your meal, discussing cantrips and hand gestures with Cassandra.  After traveling a little longer than you should based on what he said, the young man gives a start and looks around.   "Wait, I must have taken a wrong turn.  Maybe I was distracted.  This doesn't look right!" 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 59/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian's grip tightens on his shield and he frowns,   Maybe save the magic talk for later and stay focused on where we're going. What do you mean this doesn't look right?   He scans the area for signs of tracks or clues that the others have been by here previously.

 
 Spoiler: Check 
  Survival  - (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 

Sabian is specifically looking for signs that Parko or his group have been by here before, but if Perception is more appropriate the modifier is the same.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus looked around as well, searching for clues where they might have gone wrong.


 
 Spoiler 

Survival
 (1d20+1)[ 8 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
J-H
Neither of you find anything useful.   "Should we go partway back to camp and try again?"   Parko asks.  He appears apologetic and his ears are turning red with embarrassment.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 59/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian can't hide the frustration on his face or in his voice,   Can you tell if you've been through here before? I can't make anything out.

Yeah, let's go back to camp. Unless someone can climb a tree and get a better vantage. How tall was the obelisk?
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus seemed to be uncomfortable all of a sudden.

 "I could lend you my wings to look around, but it seems prudent to keep my spells about me if it's not absolutely necessary. So yes, let's turn around and get back. The obelisk is just a diversion after all." 
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
[/QUOTE]
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (AV.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

Chloé fished her flight elixir from her seemingly infinite bag of tricks.  "It's not fast, but it'll take you up and down for 10 minutes." 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus shrugged:

 "At this point it can't hurt to have a look around from above. Sabian has the best eyes between us, so he probably should be the one to fly up." 
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
J-H
Using Titus' magic, Sabian lifts off into the sky.  He looks around carefully and sees no sign of any obelisk or ruins.  The group isn't as far from the camp as he'd thought.  Perhaps your guide got turned around.  You could probably lead the group back in half the time, spending most of that time flying.  A spur of rock juts out from the mountains, and you're pretty sure that's where you'd find the entrance to Yuta's Path.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 59/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
  Thanks Chloe, it's probably best to sort this out as soon as possible,   Sabian says, glancing around at the wilderness surrounding them. He chugs down Chloe's potion and wills himself into the air.   I don't see anything that looks like an obelisk. We're not that far from camp, may as well head back.  
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (Exp.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

It seemed a relatively pointless detour but it hadn't ended in them getting ambushed by lizardfolk so Chloé calls it even. She nods -  "Back to camp." 
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
[QUOTE=Pyrophilios;26121479]      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus nodded:

 "Agreed - let's get back - we still have a long journey ahead." 
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
J-H
You return back to camp.  Tosan greets you.   "That was fast."   He looks at your frustrated expressions.   "Did he get lost?  again? " 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 59/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian wipes the sweat from his brow, his agitation mounting,   Yes, he got turned about. The obelisk could be important but now is no time to go wandering into the swamp getting lost. If you knew he'd get lost someone else should hav---,   he stops himself abruptly.   Can someone else lead us to the obelisk? It may help in our fight against Dracula.  
J-H
Danilo shrugs.   "He needs practice navigating, but we don't want him to go totally alone." 

Tosan interjects.   "Miketa or I can take you to the obelisk's location.  If some of you would prefer not to trudge through the swamp again, I'll understand if you want to stay here - or move on with your task.  It's probably more important." 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus replied:

 "Since we are close to the tunnel, we can take the small detour to the obelisk and still reach the other side before nightfall - hopefully. So if we get there this time, it should be fine to take a look." 
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates  

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 59/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian gives an appreciative nod,   If you know the way Tosan, please lead us there. We should take a look before we continue on our mission.
  
J-H
Tosan leads you out of the camp.  He follows Parko's trail for a little while, before splitting off on a more southerly course.  It doesn't take long to reach an area near the edge of a small, muddy island.   "It's gone!  Maybe it sank?  I thought it was a bit unstable."   You can see numerous footprints in the mud, interrupted only by an old log that would serve well as a bench.

 "I suppose that's going to be our cue to head north and get out of here.  Too bad." 
 
 Spoiler: Insight DC 18 

He doesn't seem upset at having to move on.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus groaned in annoyance:

 "Oh come on, are you serious? That's it, enough delays. Let's head straight for the tunnel." 

Titus turned around and drudged back to the road.

 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates 

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: --  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (Exp.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

Chloé mirrors the groan.  "I'm certainly not digging or swimming to find it." 
 
 
  
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 19 Reckless: No 
 HP: 59/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
  Did your team knock it down? You think the swamp swallowed up an 8ft obelisk that quickly?   Sabian asks, irritated.
J-H
 "Wet earth can do strange things, and large creatures do swim in the water.  We had nothing to do with it disappearing." 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus replied from a distance:

 "Yes, strange things happen when the power of Dracula rises. Nevertheless, we don't have time to find out about all of them. Let's go." 
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates 

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
J-H
Bidding them farewell, you leave the group behind.  Perhaps they'll leave the area safely.   Like you are, since you didn't split up when faced with doppelgangers who consistently rolled well on their Deception checks. 

Passing their sentry overlooking the entrance, you prepare yourself for another journey through the dark underground.  Still, it's morning and you expect it to still be day when you complete the 4 hour long journey.  You know that Yuta’s Path is a route used by messengers and small parties, who consider the arduous trek through the caves to be well-worth the alternative route.  Taking it removes the need for a river crossing, and climbing through high and mostly-impassable mountains.

Yuta’s Path is, however, just that: a path, not a road, through a series of underground caves, with a few connecting tunnels.  Most of it is narrow and damp, and there are several points that require climbing up rope ladders to proceed.  In most areas, the path ranges from 5’ to 10’ wide, and everything except the core 5’ wide path is difficult terrain due to sloped boulders, moisture, stalagmites, and rock outcroppings.  The air inside is humid.  The roof overhead is stained grey from torch-smoke.  Sound carries oddly: sometimes, echoes may be heard from far off, while other times the angles and curves mean you cannot hear someone talking from fifty feet away.

As you pass through a narrow area after about an hour of travel, nothing seems out of the ordinary until several patches of glistening rock on the ceiling suddenly drop down upon Sabian and Cassandra!  Mustafa's light spell shows them to be gray amorphous blobs.
 
 Spoiler: Nature DC 15, Arcana DC 12 

These gray-colored oozes are Gray Oozes!  They are slow, but are resistant to acid, cold, and fire.  I do not use the Corrode Metal property.
 

 
 Spoiler: Surprise splop attacks! 

Advantage from unseen attacker/surprise.  The ceiling isn't high enough to worry about falling damage.
GO1
 (1d20+3)[ 15 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 16 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 3 ]  bludgeoning and  (2d6)[ 4 ]  acid damage

GO2 vs Sabian, and it's in his space.
 (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning and  (2d6)[ 7 ]  acid damage

GO3 vs Sabian
 (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 4 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 5 ]  bludgeoning and  (2d6)[ 10 ]  acid damage

GO4 vs Cass
 (1d20+3)[ 23 ]  or  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ]  bludgeoning and  (2d6)[ 5 ]  acid damage
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 Initiative:
=&gt;we are here
Chloe
Mustafa
Sabian
Cassandra
GO1-4
Titus
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus was in the back with his own light, but was out of sight of what was happening. Peeking around the corner, he saw the oozes and exclaimed:  "Gray Oozes! Be careful, they are resistant against the elements, except for lightning."
 
 
 Spoiler 

Aracana check

 (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Templates 

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (Exp.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

Acid and fire is all Chloé can do, but such is life. She peeks around the corner, tosses a fire flask, and then shifts back.

 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  1 east, cast, 1 west. No net change.
 Action:  Create Bonfire in O1's square.  (1d20)[ 16 ] +Dex vs. DC16,  (2d8+4)[ 16 ]  fire damage.
 Bonus Action:   (1d20+7)[ 8 ]   Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 4 ]  Force on O4, since it's sliming Cassandra.
 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 Reckless: No 
 HP: 59/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
  Watch out!   Sabian cries but the oozes are already upon them. Their pseudopods smack into his armor and shield, and he lashes out with his magic warpick, following the strikes with a sweep of shield to slide the ooze into the fire Chloe created with her vial.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 1 
  Action   - Attack O2
  War Pick Attack  - (1d20+10)[ 25 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d8+7)[ 14 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+10)[ 30 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d8+7)[ 12 ] 
  Bonus Action   - Shove w/ Shield Master O2 into M49
  Athletics  - (1d20+11)[ 19 ] 
 
J-H
Chloe's flames and force projectile both strike.  Mustafa Dodges, caught by surprise.  Sabian kills the one attacking him, then knocks the one in front of him out of the flames.

Cassandra swings the whip tightly, slaying the ooze attacking her with a thunderous crack.  On the backswing, she catches the ooze in front of her (O3).

The ooze in front of Sabian moves back through the flames to attack him, while the other shifts its attention to Cassandra.
 
 Spoiler 

Bonfire  (2d6+4)[ 15 ]  Dex DC 16 negate,  (1d20-2)[ 7 ] 

O1 vs Sabian
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 21 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 3 ]  +  (2d6)[ 11 ]  acid

O3 vs Cassandra
Attack  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]  for  (1d6+1)[ 2 ]  +  (2d6)[ 2 ]  acid
 

 =&gt;Titus, Chloe, Mustafa, Sabian, Cassandra 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus squeazed past Cloe and fired his force beams at the ooze in front of Cassandra trying to push it through the flames away from his friends.



 
 Spoiler 


Assuming cover for the ooze, but no disadvantage

 (1d20+8)[ 18 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 12 ]  Push +10ft north
 (1d20+8)[ 9 ]  damage  (1d10+5)[ 6 ]  Push +10ft north

 
 Spoiler: Templates 

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (Exp.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

With acid in hand, Chloé tosses another flask, hoping to bring the distant ones down first.

 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  1 east, cast, 1 west. No net change.
 Action:  Acid O1+O2.  (2d6+4)[ 10 ]  half acid, half radiant.
O1 Save: 12+mods (From discord)
O2 Save: 7+mods (From discord)
 Bonus Action:   (1d20+7)[ 16 ]   Damage:   (1d4+3)[ 6 ]  Force on O4, since it's sliming Cassandra.

Any creatures ending their turn in the fire also take 2d8+4 fire on a failed DC16 Dexsave.
 
J-H
Titus and Chloe finish off the two remaining oozes.  The cave is silent except for the echoes of your battle, the crackle of Chloe's bonfire, and the dripping of viscous ooze-goo to the floor.
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus wiped his brow:  "That was close. We probably need to keep an eye on the ceiling as well - maybe we should send the construct ahead with light as well. Anyone in need of healing?" 
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Templates 

[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
[roll]1d20+8[ /roll], damage [roll]1d10+5[ /roll] +10ft.
 

 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 Reckless: No 
 HP: 45/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: -- 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian grimaces,   It's touch burned me,   he says, avoiding touching his flesh where the acid struck,   but I should be okay. I think sending the construct ahead is a fine idea.  
J-H
You proceed on for another hour, delving deeper into the roots of the mountains.  The air grows cool, and then downright cold.  Your breath mists in front of your face.  The homunculus continues to fly ahead with a  Light  spell on it, and the walls and floor of the path are a uniform brown.

 
 Spoiler: Nature DC 14 

This is Brown Mold.  It sucks in heat and creates intensely dangerous cold to creatures near it.  Fire makes it grow, and cold kills it.
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus wrinkled his nose:  "That looks pretty icky - anyone know what that stuff ist?" 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (Exp.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

Chloé sniffs the air, though not  too  deeply.  "This...I believe it is brown mold. The simplest way to describe it is that it eats heat. Fire makes it grow, cold kills it."  Unfortunately, despite her myriad of potions, a cold brew isn't among them. Acid might suffice though, in a pinch.

 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Nature roll in discord: 19+4= 23 
 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus replied:  "Oh, that is nasty stuff. I only have fire and radiant fire as well as pure force at my disposal. Though maybe it's enough if I give Sabian wings again and he ferries us over - depending on how deep this colony stretches." 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 45/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions:  
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (Exp.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

With no cold on hand, Chloé rolls up her sleeves and breaks out the beakers, carefully combining things that perhaps shouldn't be combined to create acid flask after acid flask. It's a laborious process, but the alternative would be much more dangerous.

She also takes a small chunk of the mold (with gloved hands) and drops it in in a vial for later experiments. Waste not, want not.
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus assisted as best as he could by calling radiant energy to the ground in front of him, trying to destroy the mold.
J-H
Chloe and Titus work together to slowly clear a path through the brown mold.  Chloe contemplates taking a sample, but it's dangerous to approach.  The homunculus hovers ahead, providing light to work by and casting sharp shadows back towards the group.

Suddenly, the shadows take life of their own!  Or so it seems, as three shadowy figures appear from apparently nowhere, attempting to swipe ghostly claws through Chloe, Titus, and Sabian.  The areas beside the main path are rugged and have many stalactites, shadows, and boulders; they each deform their shapes and attempt to conceal their exact locations after attacking.
    
 Spoiler 

Unseen/hidden attacker applies for round 1.
Also, the light spell has a radius of 20' bright/20' dim.  They are in dim light, so they can attempt to hide as a bonus action.  Any that beat the party's PPs will be not visible on the map.
S1 vs Chloe
 (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  for  (2d6+2)[ 8 ]  necrotic damage, and reduce Str score by  (1d4)[ 1 ]  until Short Rest.
Advantage  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] 
BA hide  (1d20+6)[ 13 ]   fail 

S2 vs Titus
 (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  for  (2d6+2)[ 14 ]  necrotic damage, and reduce Str score by  (1d4)[ 2 ]  until Short Rest.
Advantage  (1d20+4)[ 11 ] 
BA hide  (1d20+6)[ 25 ]   success 

S3 vs Sabian
 (1d20+4)[ 9 ]  for  (2d6+2)[ 8 ]  necrotic damage, and reduce Str score by  (1d4)[ 4 ]  until Short Rest.
Advantage  (1d20+4)[ 23 ] 
BA hide  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]   fail 
 

 
 Spoiler: Religion DC 13 

These are Shadows, a form of undead.  They hate sunlight and are vulnerable to radiant damage.  They're not incorporeal, but they're not bound to a specific shape, able to distort themselves to fit through small cracks.
 

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 15 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 9 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 10 ]  1 ex  (1d20+2)[ 16 ] 
S1  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
S2  (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 
S3  (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 

Outcome:
S1
S2
Mustafa
Cassandra
Sabian
S3
Titus
Choe
 
J-H
You're all a bit slow off the mark, and two of the shadows have time for a second attack.  Chloe's attacker vanishes into the lee of a boulder after missing, while Titus is caught staring at the wrong shadow too long and takes a hit.

 
 Spoiler 

S1 vs Chloe
 (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  for  (2d6+2)[ 7 ]  necrotic damage and  (1d4)[ 2 ]  str damage
BA Hide  (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 

S2 vs Titus (advantage because it hid)
 (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  for  (2d6+2)[ 8 ]  necrotic damage and  (1d4)[ 4 ]  str damage
Adv  (1d20+4)[ 15 ] 
BA Hide  (1d20+6)[ 15 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;Mustafa, Cassandra, Sabian 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 21 Reckless: No 
 HP: 41/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Strength Drain (4) 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian feels his strength falter as the moving shadow touches him. They flit about in the dim light, trying to hide from him and the others.   Hard to keep track of them,   Sabian says. He drops his pickaxe and lights a torch.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2 
  No Action   - Drop Pickaxe
  Action   - Light Torch
 
J-H
Mustafa casts Sacred Flame at the closest Shadow, which is also the one that hasn't acted yet.  It dodges out of the way with a hiss.
 
 Spoiler 

Dex save or  (2d8)[ 14 ]  radiant damage, doubled for vulnerability.
Shadow Dex  (1d20+2)[ 20 ] 
 

Cassandra casts Haste upon Sabian.
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 23 (Haste) Reckless: No 
 HP: 41/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Strength Drain (4), Haste 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
Sabian feels a surge of speed as Cassandra targets him with her spell. He quickly lights a torch, which she takes from him, and attacks the nearest shadow creature.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 2, this time it's for real. 
  Haste Action   - Light Torch
  Action   - Attack S3 (strength drain included)
  War Pick Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 13 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d8+5)[ 13 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 26 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d8+5)[ 9 ] 
 
J-H
Sabian's magic pick shears through the shadow's form.  It vanishes with an angry shriek.
 =&gt;Titus, Chloe 
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Titus felt strength leaving his body, so he called on the energy of his patron to light up the shadows around him with radiant flame.

 
 Spoiler 


Sacred Flame on the remaining shadow

 (2d8)[ 10 ]  Dex save vs. 16  (1d20)[ 15 ] + mod
 
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 37/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -1 Str (9-&gt;8) 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (Exp.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   
 "Keep them in the light!"  Chloé yells.  "They can't hide from us!"  As if to prove her point, she tosses a fire flask.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Homunculus moves back into her square where it's 'safe'
 Move:  None
 Action:  Create Bonfire under S2
 (1d20)[ 15 ] +mods vs DC16 dex or  (2d8+4)[ 13 ]  fire
 Bonus Action:  Force Strike  (1d20+7)[ 10 ]  Disadv:  (1d20+7)[ 14 ]  Damage:  (1d4+3)[ 7 ]  force
 
J-H
The visible shadow dodges both the bonfire and the sacred flames, somehow managing to keep itself out of the light.  It strikes back at Titus, as does the other shadow, springing out from behind a rock it shouldn't fit behind.  Neither is able to conceal their position again due to the bright light.
 
 Spoiler 

S1 with advantage from having hidden last round
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  for  (2d6+2)[ 7 ]  necrotic damage and  (1d4)[ 4 ]  strength reduction.
Advantage  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] 

S2
Attack  (1d20+4)[ 6 ]  for  (2d6+2)[ 13 ]  necrotic damage and  (1d4)[ 2 ]  strength reduction.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 

   
 

 =&gt;M, Cass, S, T, Chloe 
Dr.Samurai
      
       Sabian Skellegue     
 Half-Orc Zealot Barbarian 6 
 AC: 23 (Haste) Reckless: Yes 
 HP: 41/59 HD: 0/6 Raging: No 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 
 Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic 
 Conditions: Strength Drain (4), Haste 
 Rages: 0/4 
 Relentless Endurance: 0/1 
 Fanatical Focus: 1/1  
 
  
  I'm right behind you!   Sabian calls out, closing in on Titus and attacking the shadows flanking him.

 
 Spoiler: Turn 3 

  Move   - Move to L52
  Action   - Attack S1 Recklessly
  War Pick Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 16 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d8+5)[ 6 ] 
  Extra Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 22 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+8)[ 9 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d8+5)[ 8 ] 
  Haste Action   - Attack S1
  War Pick Attack  - (1d20+8)[ 10 ]  or   Advantage  - (1d20+8)[ 28 ] 
  Magical Piercing  - (1d8+5)[ 11 ] 
 
Pyrophilios
[QUOTE=Pyrophilios;26133590]      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

Undeterred, Titus continued to throw holy light around.

 
 Spoiler 


Sacred Flame on S2

 (2d8)[ 15 ]  radiant, Dex save vs. 16 [roll]1d20[/roll] + mod
Edit, rolled a 4 in discord, so 30 damage to S2
 
J-H
Sabian and Titus finish off the two Shadows in a flurry of attacks and a burst of radiant light.

It takes a little while, but nothing else bothers you as you slowly destroy the brown mold colony.
Amnestic
      
      Chloé Clement     
 High Elf Alchemist Artificer 
 AC: 18 HP: 37/45 (6/6 HD) 
 PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11 
 Conditions: -1 Str (9-&gt;8) 
 Concentrating: Create Bonfire  
 Experimental Elixir: Flight (Exp.) &amp; Resilience (AV.) Decanter: 3/3    
 Spell Slots - 1st: 4/4 2nd: 2/2   

The scents of brown mold being dissolved were probably toxic if they breathed in too much of it, so Chloé keeps her mouth covered, and swiftly retreats back to the rear of the group again once it's all gone and they can pass through.
 
 
  
Pyrophilios
      
       Titus Malvallée     
 Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 5 
 AC: 19 HP: 45/45 HD: 3/5 
 PPer: 14 PInv: 13 PIst: 11 
 Healing Light: 0/7 
 Resistances:  
 Conditions:  Exhausted,   
 Spell slots: 2/2  
 
  

When they had cleared the brown fungal growth, Titus took a moment to slump down on the most comfortable stalagmite he could find:  "I need a breather. These shadows sure sap your strength. I'll keep an additional light going just in case from now on."
 

When he felt his strength return, he got up shook himself a bit and motioned for the team to move on - bright light on his hat included.
dangelo
Mustafa's mood grew darker since the fruitless expedition to the obelisk. He remained silent most of the time, reducing his comments to mumble and tapping into his wineskin more often than not. He knew it was no use dwelling on the mistakes of the past, but still he had no words of encouragement.

Even in battle, his only words were the incantation of his spell. As soon as the fighting was done and no one needed healing, he sat cross-legged and quickly set up a fire for his Augury spells. He cast a fistful of special powder and searched the smoke for visions or signs about the future.

 
 Spoiler 
Asking if ignoring the obelisk will bring negative consequences, positive consequences, or both to our mission
 
J-H
Mustafa's spell only covers the next 30 minutes, but apparently the answer is Weal for ignoring the obelisk.

You rest without any issues.
J-H
You rest for a while, eating a snack and regaining your strength before traveling on.  The path descends further and grows damp; you must be under the mountains and underneath the river.  It's a long-used path; surely the river wouldn't collapse in.  Titus, at the rear of the column, is suddenly jolted from his musing by the sound and feel of two hammer-blows slamming into his back, sending him staggering.  He turns, but nothing is there?!?

 
 Spoiler 

Attacks with advantage due to being unseen.
Attack 1  (1d20+6)[ 25 ]  or  (1d20+6)[ 8 ]   for  (2d6+3)[ 12 ]  bludgeoning damage
Attack 2  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]  or  (1d20+6)[ 20 ]   for  (2d6+3)[ 6 ]  bludgeoning damage
 

 
 Spoiler: Init 

Sabian  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Cassandra  (1d20+3)[ 17 ] 
Mustafar  (1d20)[ 20 ] 
Chloe  (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 
Titus  (1d20+2)[ 12 ]  1 ex  (1d20+2)[ 18 ] 
Enemy  (1d20+4)[ 15 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Arcana DC 10 

Whatever attacked Titus remained invisible after attacking.  This is a sign of either the Greater Invisibility power, or some way of remaining innately invisible.
 
 Spoiler: Arcana DC 16 

One of the few creatures that comes to mind is the Invisible Stalker, a type of air elemental that is permanently non-visible.  It's immune to poison, and resistant to non-magical weapons.
 

 


The path is 5' wide. There is an additional 5' wide space of difficult terrain to the right.
Whatever is attacking Titus is behind him, at the tail end of the group.

 =&gt; Mustafa, Cassandra 
Then enemy
Then Sabian, Titus, and Chloe