Slaughtertusk and the Maze Engine - S02E28 Report

General Summary

After defeating the angel Ayam, the group collected all the feathers needed and learned that touching the statues had some magical effect. Garrick, having touched Tamiel was able to ask two questions concerning future events.
Garrick first asked where they could find the tin mask mushrooms and learned that they could be found in Araumycos.
He then asked if the spell components were going to defeat the demon lords in the way that they hope. He was told, "They should, yes."
Joseph then touched Tamiel, but instead of being granted the ability to ask questions he was damaged and driven slightly mad.

Alan touched the large red stone. He watched as blood began to trickle from the top, learned that the stone represented Karsus and was granted a small temporary boost to his magic.
Garrick then touches Zarod and is able to learn about an event in the next 7 days. Worried about the demon lords, he asked, "Will the spell from the archmage go as planned?"
Unfortunately, the response was, "That will not take place in the next 7 days."

Alan asks everyone to stop touching the angels. Garrick wishes to continue, "for science." He touches another only to hear it say "kill me." and then they all hunker down near the tree for a long rest.
During the rest, Gunther returns with Professor Oak, a tree he awakened. Intrigued by the statues he approaches Baatral, the one holding its hand out as if offering something. Gunther then turns and uses a flame attack on Joseph.
Quickly the child guardian attempts to defend and Gunther has his tree attack Joseph. Knowing something is off, Joseph is reluctant to hurt the goblin and chooses to pin him to the ground. Not giving up, Gunther casts bonfire on himself and heals Alan.
Alan counters by attempting to banish him, but fails as Professor Oak attacks him.
Awakened by the commotion, Darry casts greater restoration on Gunther, breaking the charm.
During the commotion, Bug slipped away from camp. There is a short debate about where to look. Garrick messages him, but gets no response. Alan is beside himself, wanting to stop Bug's 'dark goal.'
Garrick teleports the group to Bug, who then blinks from existence as Alan attempts to stop him from heading to 'the machine.'

Both Alan and Joseph, convinced that the machine will not work continue to talk Bug out of trying - but Bg wants to learn about the machine. He stops short of guaranteeing that he will not use it because he doesn't know how to use it.

Meanwhile the Duodrane talks about going home.
Eventually Bug, after living with 'suggestion' for 8 hours agrees to have the party go to the machine with him.
Upon arriving they find that the machine has been claimed by Baphomet and is being guarded by one of his minions, a nalfeshnee named Slaughtertusk.
He allowed two of them to examine the machine, but once the party was separated some he summoned 3 hezrou and attacked. During the fight, Bug and Gunther continued to examine the machine. Garrick used wall of force to hinder the hezrou eventually trapping 2 of them. 
The duodrone begins helping Bug and Gunther and soon the machine begins to hum and shake. The engine emits a flash of yellowish-white light and an armor of resistance appear out of nowhere.
Slaughtertusks attempts to flee, having been badly wounded. The machine continues to rumble when suddenly the gears grind and a streak of fire shoots from one side.
Slaughtertusk, having regrouped sees that Darry and Alan have separated from the main group and moves into to destroy them. Using one of his abilities he causes Alan to be fearful, but false to do so with Darry. Although he strikes Darry several times doing significant damage, facing to cause fear will prove to be his undoing.
Shortly after Slaughtertusk is vanquished, the Maze Engine emits a flash of violet-white light and the duodrone and remaining Hezrou vanish. Garrak casts sending to contact the modron which replies, "we are home."
Alan cast arcane gate so that he and others may easily climb onto the Maze engine. Gunther uses the gate to gather the armor. As Alan sets foot on the device arcs of white light play across its surface. Bug, Darry and Alan feel a jolt of energy (and gain a proficiency).
Determined to figure out how it works, Bug continues to move the levers, switches and dials. The hollow interior of the engine flickers with crimson light and a female form appears about 30 feet from the engine.
Joseph carefully approaches the form in order to identify the threat. When asked who she is, she is confused by the question and responds that she is Samantha. Joseph calls for Bug and begins to explain that Blingdenstone was attacked. Samantha, still confused by where she is sees Bug and embraces him. He awkwardly returns the hug.
The machine makes another noise as Alan closes off the arcane gate and thwarts the plan to destroy the engine. Multicolored gemstones begin to erupt from its center - most falling to the lava below, but a few were grabbed by those nearby.

Rewards Granted

• Armor of Resistance
• Additional proficiency skill for Darry, Bug & Alan
• Gemstones worth 500gp for Gunther, Joseph and ???

Character(s) interacted with

• Saughtertusk - returned to the Abyss
• Samantha

Campaign

Out of the Abyss

Protagonists

Report Date

20 Mar 2020

• In Attendance
• Kevin ( Mr. Garrick)
• Christian (Bug)
• Nick (Alan Cardew)
• Carson (Gunther)
• Bethany (Joseph)