Session XLIV: Calm before the Storm Report

General Summary

The Conflux Point

Nearing the sounds of magical explosions, the adventurers decide to continue their journey stealthily. They find a larger gravel-like hill with few traversable routes and ruins of towers scattered across. Curious to see the origin of the explosions on the hill's top, they start climbing via one of the few roads remaining. Halfway there, they gain a nice overview of the southern parts of the Conflux Catacombs to spot an armed transport crossing the nearby bridge. The adventurers decide to lay an ambush for the approaching Red Armors with Nalan hiding behind his shield behind a rock, while the others take shelter in a nearby ruined tower. Climbing to its top, they gain a glimpse of the hill's top.
They perceive a warrior, the size of 2 men, wielding a gigantic halberd battling hordes of demons as bursts of magical energy keep hitting him. A wasteland surrounds the warrior, outlined by wooden battlements from which the Red Armors take their attacks. Upon the largest battlement, the adventurers see a magician of sorts, clad in Crimson with a mask resembling a bird, conjuring lashes of lightning unmet by any of their previous experiences. With the caravan slowly approaching, the adventurers turn their attention to the road.

A caravan ambush

As the caravan approaches, their plan comes into action. Nalan charges the cart head-on shield raised, while Balin Thornbow and John Doe unleash a barrage of arrows on their foes. Oswald Fleetfeet then conjures a Wall of Fire, effectively trapping their assailants. When Oswald drops the wall later on, they notice two Demon Callers they had not noticed before. Similarly, a battlecry from within the cart reveals an Uthramian Captain leading the group in battle. Most of the Red Armors seem no match however for Balin's and John's arrows, with Oswald augmenting their Fire power. With an interrupted summoning, it doesn't take long for the adventurers to rid the battlefield of all but the captain who is entangled in a "Kling, Clang, Clong" exchange with Nalan. As he plunges his double-bladed scimitar into the ground, it starts pulsing with Nalan deciding to grapple for the sword. Interupting the casting, a raging fire severely burns both of them. Ultimately, they manage to defeat their foes.
Saving the captain from death by expending Lay on Hands, the adventurers turn to interrogating the brute. The captain understanding his situation, asks for death and attempts to answer their questions. They learn the tunnel to the east indeed leads to the surface, where they will have to pass two larger caves before emerging at the surface. He warns however the road is governed by Lord Belrax, a minor Balrog, to which John Doe rushes to ensure to get the spelling right by asking "How do you spell that?". Furthermore, they question the captain on their motives why they wish to set Vex free, to which he answers in ignorance. Angered, Balin attempts to intimidate by breaking his knee, but ends up hurting his own foot. After asking a few more questions, Balin decides it's enough and sends the captain's head off into the distance with a magnificent kick.
Meanwhile, Oswald & John scavenge the aflame cart to retrieve sacks of food, partially filled with unfamiliar smoked meats, a chest of lyrium which in addition holds a bone crafted from someone's spine. The lyrium is collected in an improvised sack to be carried first by Balin and later Nalan. John dipses the bow, as they decide to cross the bridge beyond into the ruins. They arrive roughly at two in the afternoon and decide to set up camp as Oswald & John continue to explore the tunnel beyond. Using their Invisibility and Pass Without Trace they arrive at the first campsite to learn it's a orc slave camp prospecting various ores and gems from the mountain. They return to the camp where Nalan & Balin have done their best to make their occupation as least suspicous as possible.

Light at the end of the tunnel

The adventurers decide to take their Long Rest now as they feel exhausted. During his rest, Oswald casts Identify on the retrieved bow to learn its necromantic origins. Cryptically, Oswald shares this information with John notifying him of the disdain of their other party members towards necromancy. John sees however utilities in necromancy as well and decides to still wield the weapon.
Finishing their rest, the adventurers continue with their standard stealth practices through the tunnels. It takes them roughly 45 minutes to arrive at the first camp which they pass without any trouble. They are then met by two scouts who are quickly dispatched by B&J firing power. While sneaking through the second camp, they indeed spot a large throne on which the mighty Belrax is mounted. Bickering whether they should free the orc slaves for a rebellion, they ultimately decide to stealthily pass through the encampment to see lights at the end of a tunnel, and a large metal gate through which they lay sight on a castle hall..

Rewards Granted

• Double-bladed scimitar
• Bag full of Lyrium (worn by Nalan)
• Bone Longbow

Campaign

The Island of Runaar

Protagonists

Nalan

Oswald Fleetfeet

TN halfling(gnome) (cloistered scholar)
wizard 5

26 / 26 HP

STR
8

DEX
15

CON
13

INT
19

WIS
16

CHA
10

John Doe

Lawful Neutral Wood Elf (Inheritor)
Ranger 6

63 / 63 HP

STR
9

DEX
18

CON
14

INT
18

WIS
16

CHA
13

Report Date

18 Jul 2022

Primary Location

Conflux Catacombs

Secondary Location

Conflux Mountain