Session 078: Mordenkainen's Contingency Report

t Milestone Experience: (1000 ea) | Total: was 113,000 (Next Goal: 120,000) t

 

Session 078: Mordenkainen's Contingency

Dec 7th, 2024  

Summary

The adventurers gathered to meet Morton, a simulacrum created by Paradox, who shared vital information about their ongoing conflict with Vecna. Morton revealed that Vecna required specific orbs to complete a ritual that would restore his power. The party carefully considered three potential courses of action: locating the legendary Sword of Kas, seeking out the mysterious Cats of Ulthar in the dreamlands, or addressing the immediate threat of one of Vecna's orbs. During their discussion, they also learned of a special dream-protection potion that could be crafted using ingredients found within a Yuan-ti Temple.   After weighing their options, the group was teleported to a dense Southern Jungle in search of white resin. They were well-equipped for their journey, having received several useful items including a bismuth stone for communication, a portable alchemy and herbalism set, and a special monocle to guide them to their destination. Moving stealthily through the jungle for about an hour, enhanced by a Pass Without Trace spell, they discovered an ancient temple structure adorned with snake motifs and surrounded by dangerous lava pits. Upon entering the temple, they were immediately confronted by a fearsome Snake-Headed Creature, forcing them into combat.   The battle that ensued was fierce and treacherous, with the party facing off against formidable Stone Statues that possessed the ability to breathe lava and deliver devastating melee attacks. The group employed various tactical maneuvers and spells, including Wall of Fire and Steel Wind Strike, while carefully navigating the hazardous room filled with lava pits. Barlo channeled his rage abilities effectively, while his companions coordinated their attacks with precision. The climactic fight reached its conclusion when Sas struck the decisive blow against a massive statue, causing it to crumble into pieces as the surrounding lava cooled and transformed into gleaming obsidian.  

Scenes

Strategic Meeting with Morton

Morton approaches the party on their ship

Party moves to the Captain's Meeting Room

Morton reveals himself as a simulacrum created by Mechlin/Paradox

Bastion recalls and speaks the codeword 'Dendar the Night Serpent'

Morton explains about Vecna's need for orbs

Discussion of the Sword of Kas as a weapon against Vecna

Information shared about the Cats of Ulthar in the dreamlands

Party learns about a dream-protection potion/balm

Group decides to pursue the Yuan-ti Temple path

Equipment Distribution and Departure

Party receives a bismuth stone for communication

Sas receives a portable alchemy/herbalism kit

Bastion receives a monocle to help find their destination

Party informs ship crew of their plans

Party teleports to Southern Jungle

Encounter with large black cat with green stripes

Cast Pass Without Trace for stealth

Find tracks of both humanoids and large snake-like creatures

Battle in the Yuan-ti Temple

Enter Yuan-ti Temple with lava pits and Stone Statues

Detect Magic reveals magical nature of statues

Combat begins after Arty trips

Shadow attacks Snake-Headed Creature with arrows

Snake-Headed Creature uses slow effect on Barlo and Arty

Snake-Headed Creature attacks with tail and spews lava

Multiple Stone Statues attack the party with lava breath and melee attacks

Barlo enters rage and moves tactically across the battlefield

Sas uses Shillelah with silvery flame effects

Bastion casts Steel Wind Strike but mostly misses

Shadow becomes invisible and makes strategic attacks

Calliope creates a Wall of Fire

Sas delivers the killing blow to the main statue, causing it to crumble

Npcs

Morton

A simulacrum created by Mechlin/Paradox, appears as a gentleman with a goatee and dark hair. He provides the party with information about their options against Vecna but is careful not to direct their choices.  

Vecna

A powerful entity trying to return to power through collecting orbs for a ritual. Currently exists in dreams rather than physically.  

Snake-Headed Creature

Large snake-like being with humanoid arms encountered in the temple. Capable of using magical effects like Slow and can attack with its tail and spew lava.  

Stone Statues

Animated stone constructs capable of breathing lava and making powerful melee attacks. Led by a larger main statue that seemed to control the smaller ones.  

Locations

Captain's Meeting Room

A meeting room on the party's ship where they discuss plans with Morton  

Yuan-ti Temple

Ancient structure with snake motifs, four lava pits, snake-carved pillars, and statues. Contains evidence of recent activity from both humanoid and snake-like creatures. Special leaves grow near the magma/lava, and information about the Sword of Kas might be found here. The lava pits provide dim lighting and have begun cooling into obsidian after recent events.  

Southern Jungle

Dense jungle environment with various wildlife, including unusual cats with green stripes. Located in the southern hemisphere.  

Spells

Simulacrum

A spell that creates clones, used by Mechlin/Paradox to create Morton and others like him   ### Steel Wind Strike Used by Bastion to make multiple attacks against different targets while moving across the battlefield.   ### Shillelah Cast by Sas, causing their club to take on a silvery flame effect and deal magical damage.   ### Wall of Fire Used to create a ring of fire that deals damage to creatures within its area and blocks line of sight due to being opaque.   ### Shield Used defensively to increase AC against incoming attacks.  

Items

### Sword of Kas A powerful weapon that could potentially be used to fight Vecna in the dream world before he manifests physically   ### Dream Protection Balm A potion made from special leaves that grow near magma in Yuan-ti temples, used to protect against dream-based threats   ### Orb A powerful artifact desired by Vecna for a ritual that would allow him to return to power   ### Bismuth Stone Multicolored mineral stone that can be used to communicate with allies   ### Stoneskin Broach A magical item that grants resistance against bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage for an hour when activated as a bonus action  

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