Journal - Session 24 - In the Catacombs of the Eldertree

General Summary

The 8th of Refrum, 1390 of the Storm Era, Elryth the Catacombs of the Great Eldertree

The 1st Battle of the catacombs

• Ghesh moves forward and uses his breath weapon and is able to hit 4 skeletons. They fail their saving throw and each take 5 damage.
• Moloch advances on a skeleton with a sword and shield and hits once dealing 8 damage.
• Galad advances and destroys a skeleton with a large axe and no helmet
• Milo uses Magic Missile on three of the three non injured skeleton archers, dealing 3 damage, 2 damage and 3 damage.
• Dink casts Warding Bond on Moloch as a quickened spell. Then he shoots at two of the archers missing once, dealing 10 damage.
• The skeletons attack Ghesh and hit him twice, dealing 7 total damage.
• A skeleton attacks Vex but misses, another attacks Kobo and misses. Two archers shoot at Milo, one misses and the other hits dealing 3 damage. One attacks Dink and deals 5 damage, another attacks Moloch but misses. Another skeleton attacks Moloch and manages to hit him, but the Warding Bond spell halves the damage, though Moloch and Dink both suffer 3 damage.
• The last archer takes a shot at Milo and hits him for 8 damage.
• Vex counter attacks dealing 8 damage.
• Ghesh attacks the helmeted small axe skeleton and the non helmeted sword shield skeleton and destroys them both.
• Moloch uses a 4 hit combo against the sword and shield helmeted skeleton dealing a total of 33.
• Galad and Rapier tag teamed the archer skeleton and dealt it 10 damage killing it.
• Milo casts Magic Missles at the two remaining archers dealing 3 damage to one and 10 to another.
• Dink attacks the large sword with a helmet dealing 8 damage. Kobo takes the dodge action.
• The skeletons made several attacks but weren’t able to make a single hit.
• Vex attacks the skeleton in front of him dealing 19 damage.
• Ghesh charges the final archer hitting it critically and a second attack that hits also deals a total of 30 damage completely destroying it.
• Moloch attacks the skeleton in front of him dealing a total of 23 damage.
• Galad swooped around the back and destroyed the final skeleton.

The group decides to pause for a moment and drink some potions. Dink and Moloch talk about the Warding Bond. Ghesh lights a torch as they continue into the next part of the dungeon. As they round a corner they find a pack of ghouls eating some dead guards. The ghouls look up as they approach.
The 2nd Battle of the catacombs

• Moloch jumps forward and attacks the nearest ghoul hitting 4 times dealing 32 damage killing it.
• Vex advances and attacks twice dealing a total of 22 damage killing it.
• Ghesh advances and attacks a ghoul dealing a total of 23 damage.
• Galad attacks one of them with his long bow dealing 22 damage killing it.
• The remaining ghouls charge but aren't able to make any hits
• Dink attacks twice on each of two ghouls attacking Moloch dealing 13 damage to each. Kobo charges and does a rend attack dealing 11 damage killing it.
• Milo uses acid splash against two ghouls. One takes 6 damage the other takes 3.
• Moloch attacks the ghoul in front of him, hitting twice dealing a total of 10 damage killing it.
• Vex attacks the ghoul in front of him, hitting once, dealing 5 damage.
• Ghesh attacks the ghoul in front of him, hitting twice, dealing 19 damage.
• Galad attacks twice with this bow dealing 9 damage to the ghoul in front of Vex.
• The ghoul in front of Vex lunges for him and attacks dealing 4 damage, Vex succeeds on his constitution saving throw.
• Dink takes a couple of shots one at each ghoul hitting both dealing 16 damage and 8 damage, killing both.

Ghesh laments the loss of the Elven Guards who were dead and says they must return to retrieve the bodies later, but for now they press on. They round a corner and their blood runs cold as they see several specters and a ghost.
The 3rd Battle of the catacombs

• Galad fails his Horrifying Visage save and becomes frightened and ages 10 years. Kobo is also frightened.
• Dink attacks the Ghost with his musket using Branding Smite dealing a total of 21 damage and 17 damage.
• Ghesh advances and attacks the specter in front of him dealing a total of 22 damage killing it.
• Moloch advances and attacks the nearest specter dealing a total of 32 damage, killing it.
• Galad attacks the ghost and despite being at disadvantage manages to hit it for 11 damage.
• The Ghost attempts to possess Moloch but fails and then disappears into the ethereal.
• The specters attack Moloch and Ghesh dealing Ghesh 15 damage.
• Vex attacks the specter dealing 20 damage.
• Milo casts Acid Splash, killing one.
• Dink takes two shots at the last Specter dealing a total of 26 damage, killing it.
• With the ghost gone, the group thinks the battle is over and sees a chest and begins to check the chest.
• The ghost reappears next to Dink and uses a withering touch dealing him 13 damage.
• Vex charges the ghost and attacks, dealing 27 damage.

After the battle ends they find two treasure chests, one of them holds an artificer item that Dink can use as a lamp and the other contains 6 greater healing potions. As soon as the party turns around they see a group of three wights behind them.
The 4th Battle of the catacombs

• Vex charges in and attacks the first wight dealing it a total 22 damage.
• Galad charges in and attacks dealing 15 damage.
• Ghesh charges forward and deals a total of 17 damage to wight 2.
• Moloch rushes forward and attacks the first wight hitting 4 out of 6 times dealing a total of 27 damage.
• The second wight counter attacks Ghesh and deals him 7 damage.
• The third wight uses Life drain on Moloch dealing him 4 damage and reducing his hit point maximum by 4.
• Dink takes two shots at the Wight attacking Moloch, dealing 23 damage.
• Milo casts Magic Missile dealing a total of 8 damage.
• Vex maneuvers around the third wight and using his backstab deals 23 damage.
• Galad attacks dealing 9 damage.
• Ghesh rushes around and attacks, dealing 18 damage total.

After the battle the party goes down the stairs and then rounds a corner to the right and there is a party of ghouls and ghasts
The 5th Battle of the Catacombs

• Galad uses his bow and shoots twice, hitting once and dealing 6 damage to a ghoul.
• Moloch attacks and hits four times dealing 26 damage, killing the third ghoul.
• Dink takes two shots against the third Ghast hitting him twice and dealing 29 damage.
• Kobo will take the Dodge action.
• Vex rushes forward and attacks Ghoul two and hits twice dealing 17 damage.
• Milo casts a magic missile targeting the three ghasts and the first ghoul. He deals various damages.
• Ghesh attacks the Ghast in front of him, hitting once, dealing 9 damage.
• The Ghasts and Ghouls all miss their attacks against the party.
• Galad attacks Ghast 3 and manages to kill it.
• Moloch advances on Ghast 2 and attacks 4 times hitting all, dealing a total of 31 damage.
• Dink attacks the second Ghast dealing 21 damage killing it. The second attack 13 damage.
• Kobo moves forwards and uses the dodge action.
• Dink attacks the third Ghoul twice dealing a total of 19 damage.
• Milo casts Acid Splash against the last two monsters but both dodged out of the way.
• Ghesh fails his Stench save and is poisoned, he attacks twice and manages to hit twice dealing 27 damage.
• The last ghoul attacks Ghesh but Kobo defends and he misses.
• Galad does not attack.
• Moloch attacks the last Ghoul misses once and deals 21 damage.

The group inspects the door but are not able to understand what it says in the ancient Elven scrip. Here is the description: As you approach the door, its immense stone surface looms before you, seamlessly set into the ancient stonework of the dungeon walls. Intricate, flowing carvings cover its face, depicting swirling patterns that evoke the four elements—earth, air, fire, and water—each seemingly alive, as if shifting beneath your gaze. At the center of the door is a series of softly glowing Elven glyphs that pulse with a faint, otherworldly light, inviting but foreboding. In each corner of the door, delicate inlays of silver depict scenes from Elven mythology: a mighty forest guardian, a sky dancer, a flame bearer, and a river spirit, each carved with exquisite detail. Elven script, ancient and mysterious, curls around the edges of the door, whispering secrets of long-forgotten power. Above the door, a faint inscription in Elvish reads,
“Only when the elements find their path will this door yield.”
The room’s air is thick with an ancient magic that resonates from the door, creating a palpable sense of both reverence and challenge. The group finds another door that is very similar, but it has a different elven glyph. As they turn the corner there is a third door but it is barred as well. Before the group can investigate they are attacked by skeletons coming from two directions.
The 6th Battle of the Catacombs

• Moloch attacks the Minotaur Skeleton 3 hitting 4 times dealing 32 damage.
• Ghesh activates Sacred Weapon.
• Minotaur Skeleton 3 misses Moloch, Minotaur Skeleton 1 hits Ghesh dealing 19 damage. Minotaur Skeleton 2 misses Vex due to Kobo deflecting the attack.
• Dink takes two shots at Minotaur Skeleton 3 dealing 22 damage then he runs forwards and throws a device that casts Tasha’s Caustic Brew hitting Skeleton 4 and Skeleton 6.
• Kobo takes the dodge action.
• The Skeleton Archers attack Moloch with their bows and hit once dealing 4 damage.
• Milo casts Fireball on the Skeletons hitting all of them dealing 34 damage. Only one manages to dodge out of the way. All of the Skeletons and Minotaur Skeleton 3 are destroyed.
• Vex attacks Minotaur Skeleton 2, hitting it once, dealing it 8 damage.
• Galad attacks Minotaur Skeleton 2, dealing 11 damage.
• Moloch moves forward to rejoin the group.
• Ghesh attempts to attack the Minotaur Skeleton 1 but only hits once, dealing 12 damage.
• Minotaur Skeleton 1 attacks Ghesh once, dealing 22 damage.
• Minotaur Skeleton 2 attacks Vex but misses.
• Dink attacks Minotaur Skeleton 2 hitting twice dealing 19 damage.
• Kobo will make the Rend attack on Minotaur Skeleton 2 critically, hitting him dealing 15 damage.
• Milo casts Magic Missile with 3 missiles dealing 13 damage.
• Vex attacks the Minotaur Skeleton 2 dealing 13 damage total killing Minotaur Skeleton 2.
• Galad casts Cure Wounds healing Ghesh for 8 HP.
• Moloch moves forwards and attacks Minotaur Skeleton 1 hitting 3 times dealing 20 damage.
• Galad moves to flank and attacks twice, hitting both using Divine Smite and dealing a total of 16 damage.
• Minotaur Skeleton 1 attacks Moloch but misses.
• Dink attacked the Minotaur Skeleton 1 twice dealing 13 damage.
• Milo casts Magic Missile dealing 8 damage total.

The group asks Galad to look at the door in front of him. He surmises that perhaps he should touch the glyph. When he does it glows for a moment and then it stops glowing the group hears a click from the hallway with the other two doors. Milo goes around and sees the furthest door is still closed but its glyph is glowing and they touch the glyph and they open the door. They manage to solve the puzzle quickly as ttackDink is able to efficiently decipher the ancient elven. After they put the bow in the hands of the female statue and the shield in the male statue they hear a click and the runes light up. The group checks out the first door and they touch the second glyph and open the door to the last room. They enter the room and find a puzzle that requires them to arrange the ancient elven runes in the correct pattern. They are given a short phrase that helps to solve the puzzle:
"When the forest grows, the sky breathes; the flame guides, and the river sings."
Using Dink’s expertise on ancient Elven runes he is able to help them decipher the runes and they attempt to solve the puzzle. Initially they have trouble but eventually Vex steps up and is able to solve the puzzle.
They go back to the main door and they go through and continue to the final room of the dungeon. In the room is Velryn, he already has the Foe Stone in his hands. He sees them and has this monologue:
"Ah, finally, you've arrived! But, I'm afraid you’re too late." Velryn’s voice drips with mocking satisfaction as he regards the group. "The Foe Stone of Expanse is already in my grasp, and thanks to its powers, the Eldertree has flourished beyond the bounds of nature. A fitting touch, don’t you think?" He gestures toward the looming tree, a twisted smile crossing his face. "Nyxus’ influence seeps through its very roots, spreading, growing—much like his plans for this world. You’ve come all this way thinking you might stop me, or save this place. But you’ve failed to understand the scope of what’s unfolding. The Foe Stones are not mere tools; they are harbingers of Nyxus’ will. And as his chosen vessel, I am bringing his design to fruition." His eyes flash with dark fervor. "Stand in my way if you must, but know that the storm is coming—and when it arrives, there will be no salvation, only darkness. From here, my path is clear—the Fire Temple awaits, the last stronghold of Ava’s so-called protection. Once I corrupt it with the Foe Stone, the final threads of her control will be severed." He lets out a low, triumphant laugh. "This is the final piece in Nyxus' plan. Soon, her precious creation will be laid to waste, and her influence will collapse into nothingness, just as it was meant to. And I… will be the one to bring it all to ruin."
Final Boss Battle

• Velyrn Casts Wall of Force
• The Wraiths disappear into the ether.
• Galad rushes in.
• Vex runs in and smacks into the wall.
• Ghesh cast Divine Smite
• Milo casts Flaming Sphere inside behind the Wall of Force dealing 6 damage.
• Moloch advances into the room.
• Dink moves to Ghesh and puts a device on him he gains 4 temp HP per turn.
• The Wraiths reappear and attack Vex and Moloch but miss. Milo is hit for 16 damage.
• Galad casts heal wounds on Milo
• Vex attacks the Wraith dealing 18 damage.
• Ghesh moves to flank the wraith next to Vex and attacks twice, dealing 18 damage.
• Milo casts Burning Hands on the Wraith 3 and deals it 17 damage and he moves the burning sphere back to Velryn dealing him 12 damage.
• Moloch attacks Wraith 2 dealing a total of 46 damage!
• Dink attacks Wraith 3 dealing 16 damage.
• Kobo attacks Wraith 3 dealing 17 damage.
• The Wraiths deal 20 damage to Milo and 12 to Moloch
• Galad deals 17 damage to Wraith 2
• Vex hits Wraith 1 twice dealing 14 damage.
• Ghesh deals 26 damage to Wraith 1 killing it.
• Milo uses burning hands on Wraith 3 dealing a total of 14 damage. He moves the sphere and deals 3 damage to Velryn.
• Moloch uses Flurry of Blows on Wraith 2 dealing a total of 27 damage.
• Dink attacks the final Wraith dealing a total of 17 damage killing it.

With the wraiths destroyed, Velryn says:
Velryn smirks as he watches the battle unfold, clearly unimpressed. "Ah, you’ve proven to be quite the annoyance, haven’t you? Resourceful, I’ll give you that. But every move you make only strengthens the darkness—you’re merely delaying the inevitable." He raises his hand, casting a flickering spell. "Enjoy this fleeting victory while it lasts, ‘heroes.’ I have grander plans awaiting me, and the Fire Temple won’t desecrate itself. Soon, Ashrea will tremble beneath the shadow of Nyxus, and I’ll see to it that your so-called order is buried alongside it." As the portal begins to shimmer and open behind him, he throws one final look over his shoulder. "Farewell! When the final blow falls, remember who led Ashrea to ruin. Perhaps I’ll keep a place for you in the new world… if you survive that long." With a mocking laugh, Velryn steps through the portal, leaving the party to face his undead minions alone.

Report Date

03 Dec 2024