Session 7: The Isle of Dread

General Summary

The Heroes

Emet-Selch {Vedalken Artificer}
Eralyse Sarrallon {Aasimar Paladin}
Jon Mastiff {Human Wizard}
Mala {Aarakocra Monk}
Mellow Leaf {Tabaxi Ranger}
Current Year:756

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2

After you land on the shore with the rowboat on it you begin to search the beach and you see evidence of a struggle. A large bloodstain drags across the beach from the boat into the foliage. At the tree line, you see a set of eyes looking back at you through the trees. It moves into the open and you see a gigantic beast with glistening sharp teeth. It lets out a roar and two additional creatures like it charge you from the tree line.

The group fought the trio of Allosauruses on the beach using a combination of spells and tactics. Jon conjured a storm to keep the creatures at bay while Mellow Leaf entangled one with an arrow. Eralyse summoned a beam of moonlight that burned them while Mala helped finish them off when they got close.
The group then dragged their boat onto the shore and examined the damaged boat that had caused them to land in this location to begin with. A strong chest full of gems and pearls was found in the boat and the blood trail while old was still able to be followed.

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3

The blood trail you spotted earlier vanishes into the foilage however, you are able to pick up other signs of movement through the trees. You're fairly sure you can follow them.
The group rapidly made their way through the forest following the trail through a short cave near the volcano.

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4

The trail you've been following takes you through a cave and exits out onto a vista that overlooks the active caldera of a volcano. A temple of some kind sits on the vista. In front of the temple, you see the familiar forms of the extra-dimensional creatures you fought before.

Even more disturbing, however, is that the same creatures are depicted as carvings on the stones of the temple. The creatures seem to notice you at the same time and rush forward. The group quickly realized that there was a spell effect in place protecting the creatures from fire, rendering many spells useless against them. Eralyse channelled the power of her faith to cause some of the Grue to flee. Unforuatnely, the manglers ripped into Eralyse causing her to fall in battle. Thankfully Emet was able to keep her alive long enough for them to be dispatched. After that it was fairly simple to clean out the remaining enemies.

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5

In front of the temple's stone doors is a small circular stone table upon which sits four glowing orbs (Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green).
The group quickly discovered that when approached an orb would rise up and fly at the approaching individual. Mala tried deflecting the orb and Eralyse attempted to catch one. But in both cases, they simply took damage, and the orb re-appeared on the table. After doing some investigation it was determined that above the door were four circular slots that were colored similar to the orbs. The orbs needed to be struck and knocked into the appropriate slot.

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6

An imp-like creature emerges from a perch on the temple and claps slowly.

Bravo, mortals, bravo. It seems this age has produced a hardier mortal than in ages past. You are the second group to make it this far. I assume that you wish to travel to the gate, same as the last group?

— The Guardian

The creature points behind it and in the center of the caldera, you see a small floating isle.

I have been commanded to grant passage to those that are worthy.

— The Guardian

The group spoke with the guardian and decided that it would be prudent to rest in the space that was between the doors they'd passed through and the edge of the volcano, before heading to the island. While they rested the group noticed that more of the things they had killed in the temple had re-appeared. Thankfully none of them noticed the group's camp hidden inside of a tiny huts spell and the doors closed at the rising of the sun the next day. The group also determined some things about the temple. To begin with, this temple was one of many built to prevent the dark deity known as Azathoth from manifesting on this world. The temple should stop even its minions from showing up. The mephit admitted that if they were appearing it would mean that the temple has been compromised in some way. Little is known about Azathoth because those who attempt to do research about it have a tendency to go insane. The group did know that he is known as the devourer of worlds. So, having him manifest on the planet would be bad for everyone living there.
The next morning they let the guardian know that they were ready to head out. However, the guardian would only allow them passage if they could best him in a battle of wits. Specifically a philosophical debate. The group had its two weakest debaters make strawman arguments that their allies could easily build upon. In the end, the group was able to outclass the mephit, causing the group to become inspired.

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7

The mephit laughs.

Oh, this will be fun. Come along now, your destiny awaits.

— The Guardian

He then flies out over the lava and a deep rumbling can be heard all around you. A chunk of rock from the caldera flies into place behind the imp creating the start of a pathway, but you're unsure how long it will continue to float in the air above the lava.
The group tried to keep up with the mephit as best as they could, but they found it too difficult for everyone to make it on their own. For better or worse the mephit floated the piece of ground the remaining party member was on and broke it apart over the island, dropping them heavily onto it. Unfortunately, this got the attention of those on the island, destroying any chance of surprise the group had

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8

You reach the floating island and the remaining pieces of rock drop away. The mephit bows and says

Good luck!

— The Guardian

Before diving into the lava with a small splash
On the island, you see a rune-laden stone well that pulses with red energy, surrounding it are five individuals wearing tattered robes. It seems likely that at one time these cultists were humanoid. But the energies pulsing through them seem to have warped them. Four of them look like oversized shaved apes with four arms and grey skin.

The last one appears to have resisted the energies differently than the others. as it now looks somewhat like a cross between a gorilla and a beetle.

The group was able to hold back the ape creatures and slowly drop them one at a time while the instect like creature failed to confuse anyone. By the time it changed tactics it was simiarly killed.

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9

As the last creature falls the energy in the pool changes to a yellowish color and begins lashing about randomly. The ground below you begins to shake. If something isn't done soon you may find yourselves at the epicenter of a volcanic eruption.
The group acted quickly to deal with the collapsing spell. They were able to keep it from violently ripping itself apart and were left with a large precious gem for their trouble. Well, that and not getting blown up. In the aftermath, the group saw evidence that the creatures back in the temple were similarly dispatched.

Rewards Granted

• 11,500gp worth of gems and pearls
• 540gp worth of Allosaurus Skins
• 12,000gp value gem

Missions/Quests Completed

The Trail of Blood

• Find the trail
• Determine what caused the blood trail
• Follow the trail without getting lost

The Temple of Azathoth

• Defeat the Temple Raiders
• Solve the Mystery of the Orbs
• Prove your worthiness to the Temple Guardian

Corruption Cracked

• Make it to Azathoth's Gate undetected
• Defeat the Temple Defilers
• Keep the spell from violently collapsing

Character(s) interacted with

• 3 Playful Beach Lizards
• 5 Screaming Azathothian Groupies
• 2 Meancing Multiarmed Mooks
• 4 Furious Balding Cultists
• 1 Bug-eyed Cult leader

Report Date

28 Dec 2021