Dima - grateful that Faolan accepted his response, at least for now - wants to look at the altar. Dima wants very much to look at the altar. And if it's true he doesn't quite trust the water, it seems there's no turning back from whatever waits for finding in this room.
So Dima moves to the edge of the water. Is there anything of note about it? Slash does he see anything iN the water?
[dm: The water, while murky, proves to be only about two feet deep. There doesn't seem to be anything in it.]
Dima looks at his companions, shakes his head, and steps into the water, moving toward the dais.
He'll draw his dagger as he does so.
<.>
Faolan puts out a hand and almost says 'Dima' to stop him from going across, but the word's almost existence throws him. Sen's looking at him oddly and he doesn't know what else to do, so he hurries to follow Dmitri toward the dais.
The ledges and central dais are five feet high, leaving the dais's surface three feet above the water; to properly see anything about the altar, Dima will need to find a way up.
<.>
He'd climb, but he's not so sure his climbing skills are up to par, and the rock looks wet. There might be a solve for this, something in his pack that might be of use, but in this moment's he become fixed on reaching the surface, and the nearest option at hand—
Lip ticking, he turns to Faolan. "Could you lend me a boost?"
<.>
Faolan frowns, clearly thinking this is a bad idea, but he still crouches and makes a step of his interlocked fingers for Dmitri - whom he lifts with ease.
<.>
"Thank you." It's what Dima manages - along with a cant of his head - before he takes that lift and draws up onto the platform.
<.>
As soon as Dima's feet touch the platform, the chanting rises once more as thirteen dark apparitions appear on the ledges overlooking the room.
Each one resembles a black-robed figure holding a torch, but the fires are black and seem to draw light INTO them. Where you would expect to see faces are voids.
"One must die!" they chant, over and over. "One must die! One must die!"
Sen, from across the water, shouts, "What the fuck did you two do?!" as Faolan scrambles to hoist himself up after Dmitri, worried now for the man's safety.
[INSIGHT/RELIG d: 16 r: 15 f: 19 s: 20]
Everyone at this point understands one thing about this situation: Faolan and Dmitri have to sacrifice a creature on the altar or face the cult's wrath. To count as a sacrifice, it must die on the altar.
<.>
Dima is going to attempt a query and speak to the figures: "To what end. Who is your 'Ancient One'?"
Dima is also going to cast Protection from Evil and Good on Faolan, with protection against Undead creatures.
Rin, meanwhile, is debating whether they can disguise themself as one of these spirits. And absolutely has shortsword and dagger in hand. They’ll move to stand by Sen, and will Message him: [ Yes or no: Would it fuck with them if we pretended to BE them? ]
<.>
Sen has absolutely no idea; this is somewhat terrifying, in his humble opinion. However, he's game to try, and says as much by way of a Message.
Faolan is looking around the room and running mental calculations.
About how many cultists he can count.
About what living creatures are in the space.
About what he's willing to do to free himself from this situation, because thirteen is far too many for them.
His gaze lands on Dmitri.
(No.)
And on the thieves across the water.
(No.)
And -
(No, no, no - ) (But it wouldn't really die.)
(It might not return to him, either.)
He looks to Dmitri again as though seeking answers.
(And maybe, looking lost.)
As for the question Dima tosses out: there's no response. Only their ceaseless, chanted demand.
<.>
Fuck’s sake.
This is the problem with cultists, and particularly those who don’t appear alive: They have one purpose only, and move, act, think as one.
Seeing Faolan’s expression, he shakes his head. Meaning, no, we aren’t giving them any of us, including the wolf. Meaning, no, we’ll find our way through this. And Messaging: [ Breathe, Faolan. There’s an answer. We’ll find it. ]
[ I’m not convinced one would be enough; they’ll take as many as they please. This won’t stop until we stop them. ]
And on the chance that this ritual works, there’s no telling what this group will unleash.
If only they knew something, knew anything about this cult's intent. There are guesses to be made; the letter suggests something vampiric, but this might go beyond the recipient of the letter's intentions. That the cultists are here - how long have they been down here? - suggests that something, some purpose or some magic, binds them— Or that they've all donned some arcane guise.
As Dima thinks, Rin's moving off into the shadows; they're going to cast Disguise Self in an attempt to mimic the cultists. They message Sen: [ I figure you'll be able to tell me apart; I'll be the short one.
Hey, let Faolan know what we're up to? I've got the shitlord. ]
And, to Dima: [ We're trying something. A disguise something, so don't worry if we disappear.
Also, try asking them about Walter. ]
<.>
Nothing happens. The words don't deter the chanting; the cult won't be denied.
Faolan huffs a tragic sound and offers softly, "Dmitri, if it's necessary - if it might help you escape with Rose and Thorn -"
He doesn't want to do it. The idea guts him, and he can feel the wolf's patient gaze on him from across the water. He could call it to him here -
Sen's voice interrupts his thoughts: [ Trying something. ]
He shakes his head and glances at the thieves just as they disappear.
Sen, meanwhile, is taking this a step further, and as Rin moves one way, he moves the other in his disguise. He'll attempt to attack and replace the nearest cultist.
<.>
It's gutting, that thought.
That he could risk sacrificing the children before he's even gotten them free of this house.
That he could agree to risking Faolan, or any part of him.
Dima shakes his head. [ They can't take all of us.
If I'm unable to go on, I'll need you to take them. Please. You'd be good with them; I know. ]
Rin, catching onto Sen's scheme, is going to try something similar— Though they've pulled out the wand, and are going to see about making a froggy cultist.
<.>
Faolan stares at Dima, utterly thrown by the implications of what he's saying.
That he would possibly let himself die before sacrificing Faolan's wolf.
He doesn't know what to do with that thought. (He doesn't want that thought.) (He can't live with it.) (Or without it, really.)
He shakes his head and looks away - in time to see Sen appear from the shadows and attempt to plunge a knife through one of the cultists, and Rin attempt to aim a wand at another.
Sen's knife plunges through the cultist.
Nothing happens when Rin points the wand.
Because the cultists, Faolan realizes, are only illusions.
"They're not real," he breathes, right as Sen shouts approximately the same thing, but with much more colorful wording.
<.>
Rin is not happy about this.
Well. They're happy no one needs to fight thirteen of these weird shits. They were just really hoping to see a frog.
They're going to wave a hand in front of one of the illusions: "Hello?"
Dima, keeping an eye on the... cultists, the illusions, is going to begin examining the dais, seeking any kind of clue regarding what the fuck is going on.
[dm: There's nothing new to be found on the dais, and the figment doesn't respond to Rin's hand or voice.]
Dima exhales his frustration— Well. Frustration and relief. They have no answer, but this, at least, is a positive turn. (He isn't going to think about what Faolan suggested.) (He isn't going to think about his own response.)
He rises and finds Faolan's eyes again. [ Off the dais, I think. I'm going to take a look at these illusions. ]
And, out loud, "There must be a source."
After ascertaining that Faolan will follow, Dima is going to pause at the verge of jumping into the water.
"There's something more I'd like to look at. Jump down, please, Faolan; I'll join you in a moment."
Rin isn't letting their disguise drop just yet. They move toward and Message Sen, [ No frogs yet. :/ ]
<.>
Faolan doesn't like this - not when Dmitri might sacrifice himself.
He frowns and shakes his head. "No. Tell me what you're doing first, or come with me."
<.>
Dima looks conflicted—
But maybe. Maybe it'd be a good idea to tell what he intends. Just in *case* anything happens. He'd thought sending Faolan from the dais might be safeguard enough, but there's no being certain, and that frown—
He doesn't like to cause that.
So, he cants his head, thinks to send a Message, then decides he might as well let the thieves know, too.
He clear his throat, then speaks, keeping his voice even. "Something here wants blood. We're losing no one, but. I'm going to give the rocks a little bit of blood. Mine, of course."
<.>
Faolan stares at him with a mulish set to his jaw. Then, angrily, he argues, "What happens if a little blood's not enough? A little more?"
"All of it?
"Is that what you're going to do?"
The arguments jumble inside him: that Dmitri made promises to the children. That the creature will come looking for him and find no one. That he'll -
"Abandon me like -"
His mouth closes abruptly, jaw clenching. (It's not fair to say Dmitri's just like the rest of them.
But he's about to do something stupid, and leaving is leaving, no matter his intentions.)
The tension eases out of him, turning to bitter resolve and a sick sort of smile. He nods, says, "Fine."
And he heads for the edge of the dais.
<.>
Dmitri stares, stunned, stricken.
He could protest that a little would be enough; if nothing came of it, he wouldn't keep bleeding himself. He's reckless, but he has - for gods know whaT reason - more self-preservation than that. (And more cause, now, to veer from total destruction.)
He could say that he doesn't intend to abandon anyone, that this isn't about abandonment—
But it is. It is for Faolan (how much has he revealed in this fury? what wounds did Dima tear open?), and so it is for Dmitri, as well.
The hand that had been reaching for his dagger caught itself in midair, and hangs now by his side.
He watches Faolan move.
He seeks for words; for air to speak.
And he manages a few soft words, stepping over - one slow step, then faster, hurried - to Faolan's side, reaching for Faolan's hand: "A last resort, then.
"An option if we need it, if we can find no other way through this."
And, pressing Faolan's hand, [ I swear, if it comes to that, there will only be one cut; enough to draw a few drops of blood, no more.
The hand in his is becoming familiar, and that's the worst part of all of this. When that hand's gone, he'll feel its absence.
(But what if. What if it never goes far?)
He doesn't look at Dmitri, but his hand tightens, grips for dear life. He nods slowly - accepting the compromise.
(Compromising himself. Again and again.)
Accepting the words for whatever they mean right now. (They won't always mean the same thing.)
And with that, he climbs down first, then - if Dmitri is indeed coming, too - helps the other man down.
[note: dima IS coming down!]
Everyone roll initiative.
[INITIATIVE r: 22 d: 10 s: 9 f: 20 ???: 17]
As the two men return to the water, the chant changes from "One Must Die!" to “Lorghoth the Decayer, we awaken thee!”
The ground begins to tremble and from the alcove, there comes a groaning, rumbling noise.
The cultist chant, "Lorghoth the Decayer, we awaken thee!", and from the alcove, two tentacles appear, reaching ahead to grasp the walls and heave a mount of decaying matter, vegetation, and mud out, lurching towards Dima and Faolan.
<.>
Rin is going to use their bonus action to Dash. They move 30ft toward the stinky stinky creature, and they're going to make a ranged attack using their hand crossbow. They hit for 6 points damage.
[note: The crossbow bolt hits Lorghoth in the bulk of its mass and does 6 points of damage. The creature doesn't seem to react, however.]
Rin. Doesn't love this. And is going to use the rest of the dash movement to get *away* from this thing.
<.>
And that brings us to Faolan, who's going to step in front of Dima and cast Ice Knife. Hits for 1 point piercing damage, then 9 for the explosion— Of which the creature takes 5, and it becomes clear the thing has resistance to cold damage.
Fae is going to move away and beckon Dima to back up, as well (on his turn.)
Fae is using his bonus action to command the wolf to use its Flame Seed attack. It hits for 5+2 fire damage...which seems to only deal3 points of damage to the mound.
Onto Lorghoth, which submerges itself and begins to swim toward Dima. It rises from the water and rears back one of its tentacles to hit Dima - Crits, rolls a 1, deals 5 points damage. And it gets multiattack, so it's going to attempt to grasp and engulf Dima, but crit fails on this so that’s a no go.
<.>
[q: Is there anything Dima can discern about this creature from his studies?
NAT, d: 14
a: It looks to him like a shambling mound. He knows they're difficult to kill and absorb lightning spells, which heal them. It's blind beyond 60 ft, and it's resistant to cold and fire. It can't be blinded, deafened, or exhausted. He knows it's a very good idea to stay OUT of range. Out of its range, anyway, which is 20ft. And he should share this information with other parties who might have lightning spells.]
Dima is going to begin moving; as he does, he Messages Sen to say [ Shambling mound; no lightning damage! ] To Sen he adds, [ Tell Rin. ] As he continues moving, he'll tell everyone out loud to keep 20 feet away and don't try to effect its sight or hearing.
He's going to use his movement to dart by the fucker of a mound. Lorghoth takes its opportunity attack to swing at Dima with one of its tentacles, hitting for 2 points bludgeoning damage.
Dima is going to cast Mind Spike on the fuck, for 15 points damage.
<.>
Sen is just going to move the fuck away first. He casts Dissonant Whispers, humming the same jarring melody he used earlier, dealing 12 damage.
The creature is going to try to move as far away from Sen as possible.
[note: Rin shouts YEAH RUN U LITTLE SHIT.]
Faolan is watching Dima with worried eyes right now.
<.>
Rin moves 20 ft to where they can seE the thing, and they're going to take another crossbow shot. They hit for 9 points damage.
[dm: The creature, cowering from Sen, takes the bolt into its...mound. Rin might be able to detect a flinch this time.]
Rin is going to use their bonus action to Dodge, and otherwise stay right where they are.
<.>
Fae’s going to use his action to climb up onto the dais again.
The wildfire spirit is up, and it'll again make a ranged attack. Hits for 4 points fire damage, halved from 8.
Fae's going to command it to stay close to Dima, so a hovering wolf is floating beside Dima.
Also; the party may notice now the chant has changed. The cultists are chanting "The end comes! Death be praised!"
Lorghoth is up! Going for Rin with its multiattack. Both miss.
<.>
Dima's going to move to a position where he won't be hitting Rin or very good wolf! And Dima’s using Mind Spike again, this time for 6 damage.
He's also going to give the wolf a look of thanks and he is holding himself there and ending his turn.
<.>
The wolf watches him with the same seeming patience it displayed earlier.
For Sen— Don't fix what isn't broken: he's casting Dissonant Whispers again. The mound makes the saving throw, but still takes 6 points of psychic damage.
So we're back up to Rin, with Sen shouting to get away from it. And he is using that shouting to give Rin a little inspiration.
<.>
Rin is in fact going to use their bonus action to Disengage and gtfaway from the weird smelly tentacles.
And! They're taking a crossbow attack, and hit for 6 damage.
[dm: The mound is turning into a rincushion]
<.>
And that brings us to Fae, who moves to the edge of the dais and casts 2nd level Thunderwave. That’s 15 damage and the mound is pushed 10 feet back away from Fae.
The wildfire spirit is going to continue to stay on Dima. And aside from you know not being on the edge of the dais, that'll be Fae's turn.
And we're at Lorghoth, which is going to submerge itself in the murky water again and head straight for the dais. Which puts it riiight in reach of Faolan. So it’ll multiattack. Hits and deals 11 points of bludgeoning damage to Fae, knocking him to the ground. And it'll attempt to engulf him. And iiit does. So at the moment he takes no damage, but he is currently blinded, restrained, and unable to breathe.
<.>
[q: From Dima's earlier check, would he have a sense of whether harming the heap would also harm Fae? a: Doing physical damage to it might harm Faolan. Psychic damage, no. q: What about a targeted poison-dealing spell or necrotic-dealing spell? a: Nope, those wouldn't affect Fae.]
Dima is going to move and, while moving, shout a warning to the others not to use physical damage until Faolan's been freed.
<.>
Sen's going to lean over and Message Rin to go for the tentacles.
<.>
Rin nods!
And Dima is going to cast Ray of Sickness on the creature. Hits for 8 damage total.
<.>
Sen's up, and he's going to cast Dissonant Whispers again - just really hasn't stopped humming that tune except to talk to Rin. Hits for 6 points of damage.
<.>
Rin is going to carefully, carefully take aim at a tentacle. Going to trY to hit the creature without hitting Faolan.
...And if they dO happen to hit Faolan. They will profusely apologize with a potion.
They, in fact, do not hit anything. And will be engaging Dodge.
<.>
That brings us to Faolan, who is going to use his action to attempt to escape the grapple. And! Fae manages to break free, coughing and spluttering, and falling to the water beside it.
He's going to stay where he is, and command the wildfire spirit to come towards him. It's going to use Fiery Teleportation. It teleports Faolan 30 feet away from the mound, and the mound itself has to succeed a dex saving throw against Fae's Spell save DC. Mound fails the save and takes 3 points fire damage.
And that'll be Faolan's and the spirit's turn, bringing us to a very angry compost heap.
Rin is nearest, so it'll go for Rin. First swing misses. Engulf also misses.
Sen is going to use a bonus action to give his last inspiration to Dima. Just throwing Rin's kiss at Dima. For luck and inspiration.
<.>
Dima messages Sen: [ Fuck's sake. ]
If he could roll his eyes via Message he would.
But he's not noT grateful, and he's going to give Ray of Sickness another go. Hits for 4 points damage.
[dm: How do you want to do this?]
Dima's going to move toward the heap as he sends a lashing ray of green light - its colors surging deep emerald mixed with the almost-painful vibrance of neon; its beam at once sharp and seeming to seethe - toward the heap that calls itself Lorghoth. He stares daggers at the heap as he moves, then shifts his gaze to Faolan, and to Faolan's wolf, where Dima's cold sneer turns to the edge of a smile, of relief—
Then, attention snapping back to the heap, he throws his shoulders into the attack. The green seethe swarms the heap, almost eating away at its refuse-ridden self with focused poison.
He has nothing to say to this creature. He only snarls, and thinks of Faolan, of the children, of the raven-not-raven... And, yes, of the thieves, as well.
He finishes the beast.
In doing so, Dima also seems to lose some of the pained pallor the creature struck upon him; he regains 2 hit points through Grim Harvest, a shock of deep blue light flowing back toward him from the beast.
...Actually Dima is. Also going to kiCK the fucking tentacle.
Then end.
<.>
Faolan, propped up against the far wall, lets himself sink down in relief. (Nevermind the water. Nevermind anything.) He lets his head fall back. The wolf paces protectively beside him.
Sen sags a little, tired but pleased to see the trash take out the trash, as it were.
This relief is short-lived.
As the shambling mound collapses in on itself, seeming to deflate and sink into the murky water, the chanting stops. The cultists vanish.
The house above them and the ground below all begin to shudder violently.
<.>
Dima's first move is to run to Faolan, to grab his arm and tug upward. If Faolan allows, Dima is going to give his potion to the man. Telling himself to keep focused; there's no good panicking.
<.>
Faolan isn't going to be told twice. He wants to get the fuck out of here.
He just happens to be resting against a wheel that raises the porticulis between this space and the reliquary.
<.>
Rin's looking for any signs of daylight; a crack in the wall or another secret door (like with the earthworms!) (don't... think about the earthworms just now). They're ready to run, but they figure—
Oh! Look at that!
If Faolan hasn't begun to move the wheel, Rin's going to because this shittt is no good.
And while they think about looting the trash mound, they're pretty sure that they'd only find... well. Actual, literal trash.
Rin works that wheel! "Sen! C'mon!"
<.>
Sen's already on the move, hurrying down to help however he can - and run.
<.>
Dima's working Faolan's arm around his shoulders; if Fae doesn't protest, Dima means to help keep him moving. They need to get out of this. And since Sen's showed up, and since Dima isn't as strong as he might like—
"Lend a hand?"
Rin, once the portcullis is opened and the others have moved through, intends to lead the way upward. Years of pillaging homes have left them with a decent memory for house layout— Even when there are a million stairs.
<.>
Faolan takes a few steps out of the water with their assistance, and once on solid ground again, shakes them both off. He's fine; he'll be fine. He does look at the wolf and breathes, "Go"; it vanishes, winking out of existence.
In the reliquary room, as sounds above tell the party the house is beginning to collapse in on it self, they find the raven-like creature waiting.
The creature moves toward Dima, serpentine undulations mingling with flight, and will settle on his arm if he allows.
<.>
Dima absolutely allows. And looks awe-stricken, looks honored; looks as if something's settle into place.
Softly, scarcely aware of his own voice, he speaks: "Liviana."
<.>
The creature seems to pause, cocking its elongated head at him, then utters a sound not unlike a tok.
Acceptance, maybe.
It turns its head to look at Dima with one eye, its claws digging into his arm without puncture. While this ought to be a moment of importance, it - she - conveys in a burst of imagery (the house collapsing poisonous smoke filling rooms swinging blades swarms of rats) that the party is in danger.
Another image follows (blue open sky, Dima's plane of existence). (Freedom.) (Escape.)
And an image of joined hands. Joined hands. Joined hands.
Dima can (and should) interpret from this that the party should join hands and hold on tight.
<.>
He sees; he hears. And though he'd like to hold within this moment, there's much more to find beyond, and he understands her urgency. (Perfect; she's perfect, the catch of light on darkest feathers, motions avian and serpentine alike.) He thinks, [ Thank you. ] And speaks immediately, voice firm, commanding, cutting through the sounds of the building's shift:
"Join hands; form a ring. Now.”
Rin, not certain about what's going on but not liking their chances on fleeing by climbing, gives Dima a sideways glance, then grabs Sen's hand and moves to take whoever's nearest.
Dima has, of course, reached one hand out to Faolan, beckoning, entreating.
<.>
Faolan takes his hand without hesitation, his grip firm and certain now. With the other hand, he takes hold of Rin, and Sen settles for grabbing Dima's elbow.
The moment the circle completes, the party is engulfed by a whirl of feathers and smoke - dizzying, compressing, and then expanding release. When the feathers and smoke fall to the ground, vanishing before contact is made, the party is on the road to Awich, with the town just in sight on the horizon.
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kingdomsofrain2026-01-17 02:26 pm
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So Dima moves to the edge of the water. Is there anything of note about it? Slash does he see anything iN the water?
[dm: The water, while murky, proves to be only about two feet deep. There doesn't seem to be anything in it.]
Dima looks at his companions, shakes his head, and steps into the water, moving toward the dais.
He'll draw his dagger as he does so.
<.>
Faolan puts out a hand and almost says 'Dima' to stop him from going across, but the word's almost existence throws him. Sen's looking at him oddly and he doesn't know what else to do, so he hurries to follow Dmitri toward the dais.
The ledges and central dais are five feet high, leaving the dais's surface three feet above the water; to properly see anything about the altar, Dima will need to find a way up.
<.>
He'd climb, but he's not so sure his climbing skills are up to par, and the rock looks wet. There might be a solve for this, something in his pack that might be of use, but in this moment's he become fixed on reaching the surface, and the nearest option at hand—
Lip ticking, he turns to Faolan. "Could you lend me a boost?"
<.>
Faolan frowns, clearly thinking this is a bad idea, but he still crouches and makes a step of his interlocked fingers for Dmitri - whom he lifts with ease.
<.>
"Thank you." It's what Dima manages - along with a cant of his head - before he takes that lift and draws up onto the platform.
<.>
As soon as Dima's feet touch the platform, the chanting rises once more as thirteen dark apparitions appear on the ledges overlooking the room.
Each one resembles a black-robed figure holding a torch, but the fires are black and seem to draw light INTO them. Where you would expect to see faces are voids.
"One must die!" they chant, over and over. "One must die! One must die!"
Sen, from across the water, shouts, "What the fuck did you two do?!" as Faolan scrambles to hoist himself up after Dmitri, worried now for the man's safety.
[INSIGHT/RELIG
d: 16
r: 15
f: 19
s: 20]
Everyone at this point understands one thing about this situation: Faolan and Dmitri have to sacrifice a creature on the altar or face the cult's wrath. To count as a sacrifice, it must die on the altar.
<.>
Dima is going to attempt a query and speak to the figures: "To what end. Who is your 'Ancient One'?"
Dima is also going to cast Protection from Evil and Good on Faolan, with protection against Undead creatures.
Rin, meanwhile, is debating whether they can disguise themself as one of these spirits. And absolutely has shortsword and dagger in hand. They’ll move to stand by Sen, and will Message him: [ Yes or no: Would it fuck with them if we pretended to BE them? ]
<.>
Sen has absolutely no idea; this is somewhat terrifying, in his humble opinion. However, he's game to try, and says as much by way of a Message.
Faolan is looking around the room and running mental calculations.
About how many cultists he can count.
About what living creatures are in the space.
About what he's willing to do to free himself from this situation, because thirteen is far too many for them.
His gaze lands on Dmitri.
(No.)
And on the thieves across the water.
(No.)
And -
(No, no, no - ) (But it wouldn't really die.)
(It might not return to him, either.)
He looks to Dmitri again as though seeking answers.
(And maybe, looking lost.)
As for the question Dima tosses out: there's no response. Only their ceaseless, chanted demand.
<.>
Fuck’s sake.
This is the problem with cultists, and particularly those who don’t appear alive: They have one purpose only, and move, act, think as one.
Seeing Faolan’s expression, he shakes his head. Meaning, no, we aren’t giving them any of us, including the wolf. Meaning, no, we’ll find our way through this. And Messaging: [ Breathe, Faolan. There’s an answer. We’ll find it. ]
[ I’m not convinced one would be enough; they’ll take as many as they please. This won’t stop until we stop them. ]
And on the chance that this ritual works, there’s no telling what this group will unleash.
If only they knew something, knew anything about this cult's intent. There are guesses to be made; the letter suggests something vampiric, but this might go beyond the recipient of the letter's intentions. That the cultists are here - how long have they been down here? - suggests that something, some purpose or some magic, binds them— Or that they've all donned some arcane guise.
As Dima thinks, Rin's moving off into the shadows; they're going to cast Disguise Self in an attempt to mimic the cultists. They message Sen: [ I figure you'll be able to tell me apart; I'll be the short one.
Hey, let Faolan know what we're up to? I've got the shitlord. ]
And, to Dima: [ We're trying something. A disguise something, so don't worry if we disappear.
Also, try asking them about Walter. ]
<.>
Nothing happens. The words don't deter the chanting; the cult won't be denied.
Faolan huffs a tragic sound and offers softly, "Dmitri, if it's necessary - if it might help you escape with Rose and Thorn -"
He doesn't want to do it. The idea guts him, and he can feel the wolf's patient gaze on him from across the water. He could call it to him here -
Sen's voice interrupts his thoughts: [ Trying something. ]
He shakes his head and glances at the thieves just as they disappear.
Sen, meanwhile, is taking this a step further, and as Rin moves one way, he moves the other in his disguise. He'll attempt to attack and replace the nearest cultist.
<.>
It's gutting, that thought.
That he could risk sacrificing the children before he's even gotten them free of this house.
That he could agree to risking Faolan, or any part of him.
Dima shakes his head. [ They can't take all of us.
If I'm unable to go on, I'll need you to take them. Please. You'd be good with them; I know. ]
Rin, catching onto Sen's scheme, is going to try something similar— Though they've pulled out the wand, and are going to see about making a froggy cultist.
<.>
Faolan stares at Dima, utterly thrown by the implications of what he's saying.
That he would possibly let himself die before sacrificing Faolan's wolf.
He doesn't know what to do with that thought. (He doesn't want that thought.) (He can't live with it.) (Or without it, really.)
He shakes his head and looks away - in time to see Sen appear from the shadows and attempt to plunge a knife through one of the cultists, and Rin attempt to aim a wand at another.
Sen's knife plunges through the cultist.
Nothing happens when Rin points the wand.
Because the cultists, Faolan realizes, are only illusions.
"They're not real," he breathes, right as Sen shouts approximately the same thing, but with much more colorful wording.
<.>
Rin is not happy about this.
Well. They're happy no one needs to fight thirteen of these weird shits. They were just really hoping to see a frog.
They're going to wave a hand in front of one of the illusions: "Hello?"
Dima, keeping an eye on the... cultists, the illusions, is going to begin examining the dais, seeking any kind of clue regarding what the fuck is going on.
[dm: There's nothing new to be found on the dais, and the figment doesn't respond to Rin's hand or voice.]
Dima exhales his frustration— Well. Frustration and relief. They have no answer, but this, at least, is a positive turn. (He isn't going to think about what Faolan suggested.) (He isn't going to think about his own response.)
He rises and finds Faolan's eyes again. [ Off the dais, I think. I'm going to take a look at these illusions. ]
And, out loud, "There must be a source."
After ascertaining that Faolan will follow, Dima is going to pause at the verge of jumping into the water.
"There's something more I'd like to look at. Jump down, please, Faolan; I'll join you in a moment."
Rin isn't letting their disguise drop just yet. They move toward and Message Sen, [ No frogs yet. :/ ]
<.>
Faolan doesn't like this - not when Dmitri might sacrifice himself.
He frowns and shakes his head. "No. Tell me what you're doing first, or come with me."
<.>
Dima looks conflicted—
But maybe. Maybe it'd be a good idea to tell what he intends. Just in *case* anything happens. He'd thought sending Faolan from the dais might be safeguard enough, but there's no being certain, and that frown—
He doesn't like to cause that.
So, he cants his head, thinks to send a Message, then decides he might as well let the thieves know, too.
He clear his throat, then speaks, keeping his voice even. "Something here wants blood. We're losing no one, but. I'm going to give the rocks a little bit of blood. Mine, of course."
<.>
Faolan stares at him with a mulish set to his jaw. Then, angrily, he argues, "What happens if a little blood's not enough? A little more?"
"All of it?
"Is that what you're going to do?"
The arguments jumble inside him: that Dmitri made promises to the children. That the creature will come looking for him and find no one. That he'll -
"Abandon me like -"
His mouth closes abruptly, jaw clenching. (It's not fair to say Dmitri's just like the rest of them.
But he's about to do something stupid, and leaving is leaving, no matter his intentions.)
The tension eases out of him, turning to bitter resolve and a sick sort of smile. He nods, says, "Fine."
And he heads for the edge of the dais.
<.>
Dmitri stares, stunned, stricken.
He could protest that a little would be enough; if nothing came of it, he wouldn't keep bleeding himself. He's reckless, but he has - for gods know whaT reason - more self-preservation than that. (And more cause, now, to veer from total destruction.)
He could say that he doesn't intend to abandon anyone, that this isn't about abandonment—
But it is. It is for Faolan (how much has he revealed in this fury? what wounds did Dima tear open?), and so it is for Dmitri, as well.
The hand that had been reaching for his dagger caught itself in midair, and hangs now by his side.
He watches Faolan move.
He seeks for words; for air to speak.
And he manages a few soft words, stepping over - one slow step, then faster, hurried - to Faolan's side, reaching for Faolan's hand: "A last resort, then.
"An option if we need it, if we can find no other way through this."
And, pressing Faolan's hand, [ I swear, if it comes to that, there will only be one cut; enough to draw a few drops of blood, no more.
I'm not leaving, Faolan. I won't.
Let's get down from here. ]
<.>
no subject
(But what if. What if it never goes far?)
He doesn't look at Dmitri, but his hand tightens, grips for dear life. He nods slowly - accepting the compromise.
(Compromising himself. Again and again.)
Accepting the words for whatever they mean right now. (They won't always mean the same thing.)
And with that, he climbs down first, then - if Dmitri is indeed coming, too - helps the other man down.
[note: dima IS coming down!]
Everyone roll initiative.
[INITIATIVE
r: 22
d: 10
s: 9
f: 20
???: 17]
As the two men return to the water, the chant changes from "One Must Die!" to “Lorghoth the Decayer, we awaken thee!”
The ground begins to tremble and from the alcove, there comes a groaning, rumbling noise.
The cultist chant, "Lorghoth the Decayer, we awaken thee!", and from the alcove, two tentacles appear, reaching ahead to grasp the walls and heave a mount of decaying matter, vegetation, and mud out, lurching towards Dima and Faolan.
<.>
Rin is going to use their bonus action to Dash. They move 30ft toward the stinky stinky creature, and they're going to make a ranged attack using their hand crossbow. They hit for 6 points damage.
[note: The crossbow bolt hits Lorghoth in the bulk of its mass and does 6 points of damage. The creature doesn't seem to react, however.]
Rin. Doesn't love this. And is going to use the rest of the dash movement to get *away* from this thing.
<.>
And that brings us to Faolan, who's going to step in front of Dima and cast Ice Knife. Hits for 1 point piercing damage, then 9 for the explosion— Of which the creature takes 5, and it becomes clear the thing has resistance to cold damage.
Fae is going to move away and beckon Dima to back up, as well (on his turn.)
Fae is using his bonus action to command the wolf to use its Flame Seed attack. It hits for 5+2 fire damage...which seems to only deal3 points of damage to the mound.
Onto Lorghoth, which submerges itself and begins to swim toward Dima. It rises from the water and rears back one of its tentacles to hit Dima - Crits, rolls a 1, deals 5 points damage. And it gets multiattack, so it's going to attempt to grasp and engulf Dima, but crit fails on this so that’s a no go.
<.>
[q: Is there anything Dima can discern about this creature from his studies?
NAT, d: 14
a: It looks to him like a shambling mound. He knows they're difficult to kill and absorb lightning spells, which heal them. It's blind beyond 60 ft, and it's resistant to cold and fire. It can't be blinded, deafened, or exhausted. He knows it's a very good idea to stay OUT of range. Out of its range, anyway, which is 20ft. And he should share this information with other parties who might have lightning spells.]
Dima is going to begin moving; as he does, he Messages Sen to say [ Shambling mound; no lightning damage! ] To Sen he adds, [ Tell Rin. ] As he continues moving, he'll tell everyone out loud to keep 20 feet away and don't try to effect its sight or hearing.
He's going to use his movement to dart by the fucker of a mound. Lorghoth takes its opportunity attack to swing at Dima with one of its tentacles, hitting for 2 points bludgeoning damage.
Dima is going to cast Mind Spike on the fuck, for 15 points damage.
<.>
Sen is just going to move the fuck away first. He casts Dissonant Whispers, humming the same jarring melody he used earlier, dealing 12 damage.
The creature is going to try to move as far away from Sen as possible.
[note: Rin shouts YEAH RUN U LITTLE SHIT.]
Faolan is watching Dima with worried eyes right now.
<.>
Rin moves 20 ft to where they can seE the thing, and they're going to take another crossbow shot. They hit for 9 points damage.
[dm: The creature, cowering from Sen, takes the bolt into its...mound. Rin might be able to detect a flinch this time.]
Rin is going to use their bonus action to Dodge, and otherwise stay right where they are.
<.>
Fae’s going to use his action to climb up onto the dais again.
The wildfire spirit is up, and it'll again make a ranged attack. Hits for 4 points fire damage, halved from 8.
Fae's going to command it to stay close to Dima, so a hovering wolf is floating beside Dima.
Also; the party may notice now the chant has changed. The cultists are chanting "The end comes! Death be praised!"
Lorghoth is up! Going for Rin with its multiattack. Both miss.
<.>
Dima's going to move to a position where he won't be hitting Rin or very good wolf! And Dima’s using Mind Spike again, this time for 6 damage.
He's also going to give the wolf a look of thanks and he is holding himself there and ending his turn.
<.>
The wolf watches him with the same seeming patience it displayed earlier.
For Sen— Don't fix what isn't broken: he's casting Dissonant Whispers again. The mound makes the saving throw, but still takes 6 points of psychic damage.
So we're back up to Rin, with Sen shouting to get away from it. And he is using that shouting to give Rin a little inspiration.
<.>
Rin is in fact going to use their bonus action to Disengage and gtfaway from the weird smelly tentacles.
And! They're taking a crossbow attack, and hit for 6 damage.
[dm: The mound is turning into a rincushion]
<.>
And that brings us to Fae, who moves to the edge of the dais and casts 2nd level Thunderwave. That’s 15 damage and the mound is pushed 10 feet back away from Fae.
The wildfire spirit is going to continue to stay on Dima. And aside from you know not being on the edge of the dais, that'll be Fae's turn.
And we're at Lorghoth, which is going to submerge itself in the murky water again and head straight for the dais. Which puts it riiight in reach of Faolan. So it’ll multiattack. Hits and deals 11 points of bludgeoning damage to Fae, knocking him to the ground. And it'll attempt to engulf him. And iiit does. So at the moment he takes no damage, but he is currently blinded, restrained, and unable to breathe.
<.>
[q: From Dima's earlier check, would he have a sense of whether harming the heap would also harm Fae?
a: Doing physical damage to it might harm Faolan. Psychic damage, no.
q: What about a targeted poison-dealing spell or necrotic-dealing spell?
a: Nope, those wouldn't affect Fae.]
Dima is going to move and, while moving, shout a warning to the others not to use physical damage until Faolan's been freed.
<.>
Sen's going to lean over and Message Rin to go for the tentacles.
<.>
Rin nods!
And Dima is going to cast Ray of Sickness on the creature. Hits for 8 damage total.
<.>
Sen's up, and he's going to cast Dissonant Whispers again - just really hasn't stopped humming that tune except to talk to Rin. Hits for 6 points of damage.
<.>
Rin is going to carefully, carefully take aim at a tentacle. Going to trY to hit the creature without hitting Faolan.
...And if they dO happen to hit Faolan. They will profusely apologize with a potion.
They, in fact, do not hit anything. And will be engaging Dodge.
<.>
That brings us to Faolan, who is going to use his action to attempt to escape the grapple. And! Fae manages to break free, coughing and spluttering, and falling to the water beside it.
He's going to stay where he is, and command the wildfire spirit to come towards him. It's going to use Fiery Teleportation. It teleports Faolan 30 feet away from the mound, and the mound itself has to succeed a dex saving throw against Fae's Spell save DC. Mound fails the save and takes 3 points fire damage.
And that'll be Faolan's and the spirit's turn, bringing us to a very angry compost heap.
Rin is nearest, so it'll go for Rin. First swing misses. Engulf also misses.
Sen is going to use a bonus action to give his last inspiration to Dima. Just throwing Rin's kiss at Dima. For luck and inspiration.
<.>
Dima messages Sen: [ Fuck's sake. ]
If he could roll his eyes via Message he would.
But he's not noT grateful, and he's going to give Ray of Sickness another go. Hits for 4 points damage.
[dm: How do you want to do this?]
Dima's going to move toward the heap as he sends a lashing ray of green light - its colors surging deep emerald mixed with the almost-painful vibrance of neon; its beam at once sharp and seeming to seethe - toward the heap that calls itself Lorghoth. He stares daggers at the heap as he moves, then shifts his gaze to Faolan, and to Faolan's wolf, where Dima's cold sneer turns to the edge of a smile, of relief—
Then, attention snapping back to the heap, he throws his shoulders into the attack. The green seethe swarms the heap, almost eating away at its refuse-ridden self with focused poison.
He has nothing to say to this creature. He only snarls, and thinks of Faolan, of the children, of the raven-not-raven... And, yes, of the thieves, as well.
He finishes the beast.
In doing so, Dima also seems to lose some of the pained pallor the creature struck upon him; he regains 2 hit points through Grim Harvest, a shock of deep blue light flowing back toward him from the beast.
...Actually Dima is. Also going to kiCK the fucking tentacle.
Then end.
<.>
Faolan, propped up against the far wall, lets himself sink down in relief. (Nevermind the water. Nevermind anything.) He lets his head fall back. The wolf paces protectively beside him.
Sen sags a little, tired but pleased to see the trash take out the trash, as it were.
This relief is short-lived.
As the shambling mound collapses in on itself, seeming to deflate and sink into the murky water, the chanting stops. The cultists vanish.
The house above them and the ground below all begin to shudder violently.
<.>
Dima's first move is to run to Faolan, to grab his arm and tug upward. If Faolan allows, Dima is going to give his potion to the man. Telling himself to keep focused; there's no good panicking.
<.>
Faolan isn't going to be told twice. He wants to get the fuck out of here.
He just happens to be resting against a wheel that raises the porticulis between this space and the reliquary.
<.>
Rin's looking for any signs of daylight; a crack in the wall or another secret door (like with the earthworms!) (don't... think about the earthworms just now). They're ready to run, but they figure—
Oh! Look at that!
If Faolan hasn't begun to move the wheel, Rin's going to because this shittt is no good.
And while they think about looting the trash mound, they're pretty sure that they'd only find... well. Actual, literal trash.
Rin works that wheel! "Sen! C'mon!"
<.>
Sen's already on the move, hurrying down to help however he can - and run.
<.>
Dima's working Faolan's arm around his shoulders; if Fae doesn't protest, Dima means to help keep him moving. They need to get out of this. And since Sen's showed up, and since Dima isn't as strong as he might like—
"Lend a hand?"
Rin, once the portcullis is opened and the others have moved through, intends to lead the way upward. Years of pillaging homes have left them with a decent memory for house layout— Even when there are a million stairs.
<.>
Faolan takes a few steps out of the water with their assistance, and once on solid ground again, shakes them both off. He's fine; he'll be fine. He does look at the wolf and breathes, "Go"; it vanishes, winking out of existence.
In the reliquary room, as sounds above tell the party the house is beginning to collapse in on it self, they find the raven-like creature waiting.
The creature moves toward Dima, serpentine undulations mingling with flight, and will settle on his arm if he allows.
<.>
Dima absolutely allows. And looks awe-stricken, looks honored; looks as if something's settle into place.
Softly, scarcely aware of his own voice, he speaks: "Liviana."
<.>
The creature seems to pause, cocking its elongated head at him, then utters a sound not unlike a tok.
Acceptance, maybe.
It turns its head to look at Dima with one eye, its claws digging into his arm without puncture. While this ought to be a moment of importance, it - she - conveys in a burst of imagery (the house collapsing poisonous smoke filling rooms swinging blades swarms of rats) that the party is in danger.
Another image follows (blue open sky, Dima's plane of existence). (Freedom.) (Escape.)
And an image of joined hands. Joined hands. Joined hands.
Dima can (and should) interpret from this that the party should join hands and hold on tight.
<.>
He sees; he hears. And though he'd like to hold within this moment, there's much more to find beyond, and he understands her urgency. (Perfect; she's perfect, the catch of light on darkest feathers, motions avian and serpentine alike.) He thinks, [ Thank you. ] And speaks immediately, voice firm, commanding, cutting through the sounds of the building's shift:
"Join hands; form a ring. Now.”
Rin, not certain about what's going on but not liking their chances on fleeing by climbing, gives Dima a sideways glance, then grabs Sen's hand and moves to take whoever's nearest.
Dima has, of course, reached one hand out to Faolan, beckoning, entreating.
<.>
Faolan takes his hand without hesitation, his grip firm and certain now. With the other hand, he takes hold of Rin, and Sen settles for grabbing Dima's elbow.
The moment the circle completes, the party is engulfed by a whirl of feathers and smoke - dizzying, compressing, and then expanding release. When the feathers and smoke fall to the ground, vanishing before contact is made, the party is on the road to Awich, with the town just in sight on the horizon.