In the Intest of aid

Gamble scratches his chin. "Sounds like that was the head of the snake. Hopefully their ilk waiver without command and retreat from their encampment in the temple."

"They'll be back", grumbles Vellum. "My best remaining men will lead our citizen warriors to retake what is ours, and after that is done, we can send in teams to collapse the tunnels completely. That should give us plenty of time to send word to the other Dwarves for help. It has been eons since the underdark has threatened our way of life and they must be dealt with, but that is a battle for another day when we have greater numbers."

The Magister notices a small gathering of his men. A few of the lucky ones who escaped the temple once all appeared to be lost. "You'll have to excuse me. I thank you all for your good deeds in saving me and protecting our people, but I am needed for now."

Gamble extends an arm towards Vellum and says, "You are in no shape to venture out again. Find us when you have sent out your soldiers and can afford to take some rest for yourself."

Magister Vellum grasps Gamble's pudgy arm and agrees before turning to step away.

“So...uhh...Umm...now what?”

Sam looks at Crispy and shrugs. "Cap'n?"

Hawkes coughs, interrupting the question. “I think Captain Johnson would want us to take a quick rest and offer our continued services to ensure our customer wins, AND CAN PAY US, Sam.”

“Proctor, we will gladly offer our continued services, should you desire it. My crew requires only a short rest.”

"Of course, of course" says Gamble as he motions to the familiar flaxen-haired dwarf you remember from the night before. "Percy, please show our guests to their rooms from last night. And bring them something to drink."

"In the meantime, take a rest yourselves. I will make sure Vellum doesn't slip away to battle and we will reconvene over a hot meal."

Percy bows slightly and shows you to your rooms.

Is there anything in particular you want to do before you are collected after a short rest?

just rest to recover abilities and HP

Crispy will meditate to recover his lost Ki point

Sam will just wander around looking for something to "borrow" as a short rest will do nothing for him

Or, failing that, he'll just drink some wine if they have it

The wine is good enough to wash Sam in warm fuzzies as he steals the fanciest ashtray he can find.

He is content. Anyone else can chime in and I'll keep it moving with a post tonight.

just to say it... Sam sure as hell doesn't want to go into another fight without a long rest. Unless it's a minor affair

Is Sam wounded?

Captain Hawkes

AC AC 18
Hp 74/74
HD 5d10
5d8 xxx
Spell save 15
Passive perception 14
Passive insight 17
Spell Resistance
Cannot be surprised
Immune to stun

Inspiration 1

Spells:
1:4 x
2:3 xx
3:2 xX

Hawkes burns 3 HD to get to full Hp

Two hours pass before Percy comes to notify the group that Gamble has asked they join him. It was ample time for everyone to freshen up and take some well-deserved relaxation (short rest).

They are led to an exquisitely decorated parlor, much less formal than the hall they feasted in the night before. Gamble and Vellum are seated alone around a large round table, beautifully crafted and perfectly stained to compliment the grain of the wood. A number of platters are loaded with more delicious Dwarven cuisine.

"Our new friends, please come sit and eat with us", calls Gamble. "Our warriors have departed into the city to clear out any remaining threats. Citizens as well, but between all of us, I imagine quite a few of them had been waiting for the day when they could join our elite in battle. We have been blind to the threat for too long, and the next great war between the Dwarven Salaharda Caliphate and the creatures of the Underdark will soon be at hand."

Vellum chimes in as he reaches for a perfectly roasted turkey leg, "We thank you for your service to our people and we will never forget your good deeds." His eyes seem to grow alight with joy when he takes his first bite.

Kruhl nods, "Gratitude for the feast." He looks to Hawkes for deference to sit and eat.

“We are glad to have been if service to your people,” gesturing to sit. “Did you solve your riddle, then? The mystery of the Chest?”

"Solved the chest? Oh no, it has remained under watchful guard since you left. I was hoping Vellum would be able to study it further now that he is safely back", says Gamble.

Vellum swallows the mouthful he was chewing. "Yes, I am very eager to investigate it some more. Whatever its contents, the mindflayers value it greatly. Perhaps a weapon to be used against us or a vessel of untapped power. Could be anything, you see. One thing is clear, they will stop at nothing to repossess it."

Gamble ponders Vellum's words momentarily before continuing on to the group. "You have upheld your end of the bargain, and for now I feel that we must reconcile our accounts." He lifts his arm in the air and motions for Percy to bring forth the prize. A small iron box is brought to the table, filled with coin from the sound it makes as it is placed down in front of the crew Gamble rises from his chair to open the lid, exposing a small fortune in platinum coins. "100 pieces of platinum, the agreed upon sum for the task. And a full suite of resupply and favored trade status. A king's ransom for a dangerous favor, to be sure"

He slides the box towards the group.

"Our people should have the remnants of the attackers force cleared out of our city by the morn. It will take some time before things are normal here again, but we will rebuild and continue our way of life as it has been since the beginning of the Caliphate. We offer you safe respite again overnight while your required stocks are gathered and organized. You can launch back to your ship with them at daybreak."

He plucks at a platter of pickled vegetables.

Kruhl listens to Gamble's plan, "Vengeance is its own reward" he thinks to himself. He decides on a more tactful response, "Friendship is its own reward." He lifts a goblet to the dwarves.

"yes, Kruhl, friendship is always good" says Sam - eyeing the platinum rather greedily

Gamble and Vellum both raise their flagons in kind as Percy looks on, wistfully awaiting the day when he is allowed a seat at the table.

Crispy will politely participate in the meal and then retire to his room at the first available opportunity.

while there is enough conversation or discussion going on, Sam will lean in nonchalantly to Hawkes. In a quiet voice...


"no offense cap'n, but I suggest we should find a discreet way to stash that platinum and get out of here soon. Dawn at the latest"

Smiles all the time to those who might be watching.


Deception?

Roll(1d20)+5:
16,+5
Total:21

Otherwise, Sam will act like he's having a good time. He'll head off to bed depending on what Hawkes' has to say.

"The taste of battle is itself the greatest reward for me," Abi scoffs, then quaffs from her goblet.

Abi's Alignment is Neutral Good. She is fine with taking the reward and splitting (departing on our ship), or staying awhile longer and further helping these people.


Stats post-Short Rest (she spent 6 HD):

Abigail

AC: 18
HP: 74/74
HD: 4/10
Pass Perc: 14
Init: +5
Action Surge: 1
Second Wind: 1
Arcane Shot: 2/2 uses
Stealth: 25
Speed: 30', Swim 30'
Darkvision 60'

Hawkes smiles at Sam. “Proctor, Vellum, we’ve been privy to more than one extraterrestrial incursion in which the fate of the world was at stake. Are you sure this is all past you and you are no longer in need of our services? Seems you’ve still got a risky puzzle on your hands. Can we convince you to let us linger while you investigate that chest? My stake in the survival of our planet and my gratified curiosity is payment enough, unless perhaps there’s spoils from killing something.”

Hawkes gets advantage on persuasion once per day.
Rolling "1d20 +7" 2 times

1: 2 + 7 = 9
2: 17 + 7 = 24

Sam smiles but utters under his breath "bloody do-gooders; be the death o' me"

Gamble agrees that they are lucky the party wants to stay until the city is eradicated of the enemy forces with Bhornalduhr's success in mind, and Vellum promises to gather with everyone in the morning to share any discoveries he makes overnight. As the meal continues, they tell stories of their people's history and ask questions about the crew's incursion into the temple and the events that took place. Vellum, in particular, takes special interest in his actions while under the control of Haun. All the while, sentries come in and out with news of the various skirmishes occurring throughout the city. All seems to be going to plan and the Dwarves seem to be taking back their city with little to no trouble.

Vellum eventually excuses himself to begin work on the chest again. He leaves with a flourishing bow to thank the crew for their sacrifice and assistance. After everyone has had their fill, Gamble tells the crew that he is going to retire to his chambers and will notify the group if any further emergency aid is required.

The crew get back to their quarters as well and the night's rest is unremarkable, save for two things:

During her meditations, Abi has unshakable visions of a mindflayer colony in the Underdark. They are preparing to launch yet another assault on the city to reclaim their prize, although they are still mustering forces and strategizing their tactics. No immediate threat can be identified, but the Dwarves certainly need to be ready for the future.

Kruhl is visited by Savras, god of divination and fate, in his dreams. Savras comes to him holding a crystal ball containing the ever changing image of various eyes. He tells Kruhl that the gods are watching his activity with great interest, and that the challenges facing the crew are not over. There is more important work for him to do in the coming days.

*Boons/blessings incoming for Kruhl and Abi, although I don't yet know what they are. I will post again later once I have figured those out and am ready to set the stage for the morning.

Kruhl seeks out Captain Hawkes at first light.  He considers the spirituality of the rest of the crew....  only Renda has shown a deep connection and reverence for the gods.  If Renda is present, Kruhl will invite him to join.

"Captain, I was visited by Savras last night and his message impacts your crew and ship, so I feel that I must share it with you."

Kruhl relates the following to the best of his recollection as soon as he wakes up, so the memory is fresh

Josef909 wrote:
Kruhl is visited by Savras, god of divination and fate, in his dreams.  Savras comes to him holding a crystal ball containing the ever changing image of various eyes.  He tells Kruhl that the gods are watching his activity with great interest, and that the challenges facing the crew are not over.  There is more important work for him to do in the coming days.

Kruhl adds, "I won't pretend to interpret the symbolism or whether the warning pertains the dwarves or something else.  I have always known the gods watch and judge me.  It does not surprise me that they also follow you and your crew.  We are clearly more than pawns in their plans for the world."

Kruhl pauses, considering his words carefully,  "We made a pact that I would assist you to the next port in exchange for passage.  You have kept your word before the Gods!  I will stay here and offer my continued service to the Caliphate.  Unless... I would be honored to sail under your flag, if you wish, as you have proven to be an honorable captain... for a pirate.  Perhaps our company amuses the Gods in some way?"

Sam, after rising and finding some breakfast, goes to keep his eyes on our reward. He tells whatever dwarves might be around the story of Ragnar the foolish; a bawdy tale of drunken humor...

Crispy will hang close to Sam, although he is pensive and distracted, per usual. He’s ready to be back on the cog

Hawkes grins, “I said that I would take you to a port of YOUR choice as soon as time allows. I wouldn’t maroon my worst enemy where the women have beards.” Hawkes lets the topic go.

“So...” his eyes brighten like near madness. “The gods? Maybe. No plan has ever worked quite so well for me as not having a plan.” Hawkes is animated. “When ye don’t have a plan, everything goes according to plan! It’s perfect, a ship with no name, a captain that doesn’t exist, a bosuns’ mate who isn’t actually on the crew, in a port he didn’t choose. So let’s see if we save the world a second time!”. Hawkes calms. “The only plan is that I am not leaving until I see what’s in that box.“

Kruhl nods in acceptance. As he walks away, he lets a grin crack his usually dour face.

As the crew rouse from their slumber and engage in their typical morning activities, Percy brings word that Gamble and Vellum await their presence to share news.  The party assembles themselves and are treated to the finest celebratory Dwarven breakfast.  Vellum and Gamble sit at the table with the chest displayed on an ornamental stone end-table alongside a non-descript wooden box.

The Dwarves rise when the group enters the room and return to their seats as quickly as propriety allows to continue feasting.  Vellum, after inviting the group to join them once again, shares that the night went well for the warrior citizens of Bhornalduhr, and their engineers successfully collapsed the tunnels through which Haun and his minions gained entry to the temple.  Messengers have been dispatched to the other Dwarven cities to mount an excursion into the Underdark and deal with the mindflayers who have been a constant thorn in their sides for nearly as long as history.

Gamble interrupts Vellum, wishing to move on to more current matters.  "Franc would go on and on about the battle he is planning in his mind if we let him.  As you can see, he has brought the chest with him and he still hasn't figured out how to open it", he says as he motions towards the end-table.  "There are also some personal treasures which we have decided may serve you well in your travels."  He goes on to briefly discuss the items listed below.

Contents of wooden box
(2) Potion of Healing (Greater)
(1) Toering of Water Walking
(1) Necklace of Adaptation
(1) Ring of Spell Storing

"There is, of course, a catch.  Come with me, friends."  He and Vellum stand up and walk over to the chest.

*yes, I still have to come up with boons for Abi and Kruhl, and will also post Haun's stat block once this chapter is complete.

And with that, gentlemen, Mr. Maloney's able stewardship of this adventure draws to a close. Thank you for your service, sir.

Your next chapter begins here:

https://lodgestgaming.forumotion.com/t427-what-lies-beneath#25234

Sam plans on taking the Necklace and dropping the amulet unless there are objections...

Kruhl's eyes are glued to the ring.... my preciousssss

@Joe - does the party gain a level from your adventure?

Ah yes. Slipped my mind. Everyone levels up during the long rest.

Thanks for the reminder!

WOOT WOOT!

Sweeeet

Haun - (Alhoon)
AC: 17
HP: 245
Speed: 30’
Str 11 +0 Dex 14 +2 Con 16 +3
Int 19 +4 Wis 17 +3 Cha 17 +3
SV: Con+7, Int+7, Wis+7, Cha+7
SKILLS: Deception+7, Perception+7, Stealth+5
DMG RESIST: cold, lightning, necrotic
DMG IMMUNE: poison, bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
CNDN IMMUNE: charmed, frightened, exhausted, paralyzed, poisoned
LANGUAGE: deep speech, undercommon, telepathy 120’
Magic Resistance: Alhoon has ADV on SV against magic attacks and spells
Psionics: Spellcasting ability is INT (Spell Save DC 17), +8 to hit with spells
At will spells: detect thoughts, levitate
1/day each: dominate monster, plane shift (self only)
SPELLS:
Cantrips: chill touch, dancing lights, mage hand, prestidigitation, shocking grasp
1st (4/0): detect magic, disguise self, magic missile, shield
2nd (3/0): invisibility, mirror image, scorching ray
3rd (3/2): counterspell, fly, lightning bolt
4th (3/2): confusion, evards black tentacles, phantasmal killer
5th (2/2): modify memory, wall of force
6th (1/1): disintegrate, globe of invulnerability
TURN RESIST: has advantage on SV vs any effect that turns undead
ACTIONS:
Tentacles – melee weapon attack, +12 to hit, 5’, 3d10+5 psychic damage. If target is large or smaller, it is grappled (escape DC15) and must succeed on a DC17 IntSV or be stunned until the grapple ends
Extract brain – melee, +12 to hit, 5’, one incapacitated humanoid grappled by alhoon. 10d10 piercing damage.
Chilling grasp – melee spell attack, +8tohit, 5’, one target, 3d6 cold dmg.
Mind blast (recharge 4-6) – alhoon magically emits psychic energy in a 60’ cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC17 INT SV or take 4d8+4 psychic dmg and be stunned for 1 min. a target can repeat the DV at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success
LEGENDARY ACTIONS: Alhoon can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The alhoon regains spent actions at the start of its turn.
-Tentacles: the alhoon makes one attack with its tentacles
-Mind blast (costs 3 actions) the alhoon recharges its mind blast and uses it
-Cast spell (costs 1-3 actions): alhoon uses a spell slot to cast a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd level spell that it has prepared. Doing so costs 1 legendary action per level of the spell.

Disintegrate. Yikes.

yeah, that guy was a beast, good encounter and well played by GmJoe!