Chapter 28: The Exorcism

[Inferno]

The Wolfpack's Lair, The Haunted Wood, The Dark Mountains, Gran March, Greyhawk
Day Thirty-four. Past Midnight. Wednesday, December 14th, 576 CY
Freezing cold, clear







Amid the blood-curdling howls, unspeakable inhuman abominations that once were Men break into the dead end that the doomed heroes have chosen for their final stand!

The heinous children of Shub-Niggurath, the Dark Mother with a Thousand Young, step into the torchlight! Telkis and Urdur remember with dread how one such horror murdered them in Vicar's Head! Everyone recalls how they themselves became these unnatural monsters, and how they may be damned to do so again!

Urdur continues to weave his illusion of a dark, empty room as he slowly, quietly steps back! But the shouted prayers to St. Cuthbert and the Holy Ritual of Exorcism betray Urdur's efforts, if not his defiant concentration!

The feral monstrosities can hear them, smell them, taste their sweat on the air...



...but cannot see them! Sniffing, squinting, listening, the frightful horrors hesitate in the sundered doorway as Brevos, Jerome and Telkis valiantly charge forth, upending bunks to form a line! The warriors three attack the unsuspecting predator, drawing blood with unseen enchanted weapons!

The bewildered devil-beast is grievously wounded! (W1) Barking in rage and frustration, it slashes blindly at the invisible specters that assail it, ravaging only empty air!

Behind the fearsome thing, great black wolves howl to summon the legion of their terrible brethren!



The largest wolf speaks in the voice of their former companion, Pyotr Whitetip! "One of dem is a gnomish conjurer! Dis is an illusion. Dey are in dere!"

Behind the phantasy's veil, Mouser holds Amity still. The grey druid steps back, readying an oil flask against their certain death!

Wolves at the door, walls bleeding all around her, Ingrid raises her holy symbol and her quavering voice above the howls and the din at the splintered door!



"The Power of Trithereon compels you! Do not despise my command because you know me to be an unworthy sinner! It is Trithereon Himself who commands you!"

Amity falls silent, stricken!



Give way, you prince of murderers! You're guilty before the almighty god, guilty before his saints, guilty before the whole human race! It's the Lord who expels you! He who is coming to judge both the living and the dead and the world by fire!

I cast you out! BE GONE!"

For just a moment, within her mind's eye, Ingrid sees the demon!



And then it falls away!

Suddenly, the inhuman shrieking dies in Amity's throat! Her wrenching form shudders and collapses and then there is only the soft whimpering of a lost little child.

Something in the air shifts. And at the besieged threshold, the unnatural monstrosities sense it too. Dawning realization gives them pause.

Spent and weak, Ingrid knows she has prevailed! Ingrid has driven the demon out!


Actions?!


Map Detail:

One square = 5 feet. Light areas are visible. Wa-d are wolves. W1-2 are man-shaped terrors.

Behind the DM Screen:

Wolf things have reason enough to disbelieve the illusion of an empty room, and get to Save vs Spells:
W1, W2: Save vs Spells: (16): [1d20]=5, [1d20]=1 Both fail. W2's roll is a fumble: it can never save vs this illusion.
Wa, Wb, Wc: Save vs Spells: (17): [1d20]=3, [1d20]=8, [1d20]=6 Wow. All have failed!

Failure means they still see the illusion. So they cannot win Initiative this round. They cannot 'charge,' and PCs are 'invisible' for purposes of attacking or being attacked.

Brevos charges W1: [1d20+3]=12+3=15, damage: [1d8+1]=4+1=5

Brevos, Jerome and Telkis all hit.

W1 attacks Brevos? (1), Telkis? (2) or Jerome? (3): [1d3]=2. To hit: [1d20-4]=7-4=3, damage: [2d4]=6 Misses Telkis.

The chance to cast out a demon with the Exorcise spell is determined with a random roll of 1d100. So as not to reveal your chances, I rolled physical dice. Ingrid needed a 46 and rolled a 43! Congrats.

PC Status:

Brevos, Half-Elf Ranger 4: Move: 9", AC: 2(1), HP: 36/36, Torch on ground
Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 3/4: Move: 9", AC: 5, HP: 19/19, Spells: 0/2 1st lvl, 1/1 2nd lvl
Ingrid Esthof, Human Cleric 5: Move: 6", AC: 3(1), HP: 25/25, Spells: 5/5 1st lvl, 2/5 2nd lvl, 0/2 3rd lvl
Jerome, Human Paladin 3: Move: 9", AC: 3(1), HP: 20/20, Laying Hands: 0/1
Long Bo, Human Druid 5: Move: 9", AC: 2(1), HP: 38/38, Spells: 0/6 1st lvl, 4/4 2nd lvl, 1/2 3rd lvl
Telkis Brassfang, Gnome Fighter 4: Move: 9", AC: 0, HP: 34/34
Urdur Shimmerstone, Gnome Illusionist 4: Move: 12", AC: 4, HP: 11/11, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl, 0/2 2nd lvl

PC Magic:

Improved Phantasmal Force (Urdur)

Player Resources:

Tale of Terror (the story so far)
A Dark and Terrible World (maps)
Blasphemous Iconography (the story so far in images)
Desperate Struggles (clues and player notes)

[ravenn4544]

Mouser stands stunned at the change in the demon child. At the power of the exorcism. He shakes it off and a strange thought enters his mind, and whispers, "If we can only feed a potion that cured us to that wolf leader!"

[ChubbyPixie]

"Out! Out, curs! You feel the power we wield now? We drove out your master and we''ll drive you out of your human bodies next! Ingrid, begin the... Dewolfing spell!" yells Telkis even as he swings Cranach in an attempt to frighten the beasts into running and perhaps buy them some time.

Morningstar +1 (THAC0 17): To Hit:[1d20+1]=7+1=8, Damage: vs s/m [2d4+1]=4+1=5, vs L [1d6+2]=2+2=4

[Urson]

Jerome

Jerome slashes at (W1) again. [1d20+1]=10+1=11 melee Longsword s/m [1d8+1]=1+1=2

Fall back! Begone! You have no purpose here!

[SocraticLawyer]

Urdur maintains his concentration on his illusion, delighted that it is vexing their enemies so. If he can do so while maintaining his illusion, he gives one of the wolfsbane elixirs to Mouser.

[Scott308]

Ingrid Esthof

Exhausted from the intense ordeal of driving out the demon from Amity, Ingrid hugs the child in a protective embrace. Shhh, little one. You are free of the monster that was within you, she whispers. Hearing Telkis' suggestion, the cleric attempts some deception, knowing full well she has no power to do so, but do the werewolves realize that? Raising her voice so that she may be heard by them, she offers up a prayer to Holy Tritherion, though she has no such power for which she is able to call upon him.O, Holy Tritherion, having driven the demon from the child, for which I offer thanks, I now call upon you to cleanse the souls of the wolfmen through holy fire. Such abominations should not be allowed to walk the world while you protect the innocent. Send their blasphemous souls to hell as punishment for the iniquities they have partaken in; the blood of many a poor soul is on their hands!

[OGRE MAGE]

Knowing the demon has tricked them before, Bo isn't necessarily convinced of their sudden good fortune. He looks all around the child to see if he can spot any emanations near her, or around the rest of the room. If he doesn't spot anything demonic that gives him pause, other than the bleeding walls and the wolves at the door, he decides to double down on the genius ruse of Telkis and Ingrid, pocketing his oil flask for the moment.

Casting a quick spell that will bring forth a handful of fire, he slowly moves towards the wolves with the flames outstretched, hoping they will fall for his chicanery in all the confusion. If they appear skeptical, he rears back as if he is about to throw the fire at them.

(Casts Produce Flame)

"Which one of you wants to stick around to see what else we can do?"

[Inferno]

The Wolfpack's Lair, The Haunted Wood, The Dark Mountains, Gran March, Greyhawk
Day Thirty-four. Past Midnight. Wednesday, December 14th, 576 CY
Freezing cold, clear







Part wolf, part man, part demon, the ferocious horrors of fang and claw give pause! Powerful muscles of inhuman anatomy tense and ready to pounce, but do not!

The summoning ritual of the Dark Mother has been sundered! The demon freed from the lost shrine has been driven out of the human child! And now the pack is beset by disembodied voices that draw their blood and threaten worse! With only revenge to gain, and much yet to lose, the primal monstrosities fall back, snarling, barking, tails between their legs!

Brevos, Jerome and Telkis further wound the alpha beast as it retreats and gravely! (W1) Urdur's incantation still masks their presence! Mouser holds a vial of the wolfsbane elixir. Ingrid comforts a weeping Amity as Bo looks on with wary suspicion.

The horrific wolfpack of the Dark Mother withdraws from the heroes' sight, and its bitter, mournful howls slowly die off.

But are they truly gone from their own lair? And if so, for how long?


Actions?!


Map Detail:

One square = 5 feet. Lighter areas are visible.

Behind the DM Screen:

Initiative: Party: [1d6]=4, Monsters: [1d6]=6 Monsters win. W1 withdraws from a melee and the attack rolls of Brevos, Jerome and Telkis are used for their free opportunity attacks.

Brevos attacks W1: [1d20+1]=17+1=18, damage: [1d8+1]=2+1=3 Hits for 3hp damage.

The monsters retreat before Bo needs to cast.

PC Status:

Brevos, Half-Elf Ranger 4: Move: 9", AC: 2(1), HP: 36/36, Torch on ground
Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 3/4: Move: 9", AC: 5, HP: 19/19, Spells: 0/2 1st lvl, 1/1 2nd lvl
Ingrid Esthof, Human Cleric 5: Move: 6", AC: 3(1), HP: 25/25, Spells: 5/5 1st lvl, 2/5 2nd lvl, 0/2 3rd lvl
Jerome, Human Paladin 3: Move: 9", AC: 3(1), HP: 20/20, Laying Hands: 0/1
Long Bo, Human Druid 5: Move: 9", AC: 2(1), HP: 38/38, Spells: 0/6 1st lvl, 4/4 2nd lvl, 1/2 3rd lvl
Telkis Brassfang, Gnome Fighter 4: Move: 9", AC: 0, HP: 34/34
Urdur Shimmerstone, Gnome Illusionist 4: Move: 12", AC: 4, HP: 11/11, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl, 0/2 2nd lvl

PC Magic:

Improved Phantasmal Force (Urdur)

Player Resources:

Tale of Terror (the story so far)
A Dark and Terrible World (maps)
Blasphemous Iconography (the story so far in images)
Desperate Struggles (clues and player notes)

[ChubbyPixie]

Telkis lets out a breath he'd been holding. "I can't believe that worked," he says. "Nice work, Urdur, Ingrid. Where do we go now? If we run they will only hunt us down. Perhaps we should use what time we've gained to prepare a more solidly defensible position here?"

Are there portions of this lair we haven't yet explored?

[ravenn4544]

Mouser can't believe they left and that Amity seems to be back to 'normal'. He agrees that it's time to go. "I can scout quietly ahead and see if there is another way out..." He'll start by listening and checking for traps/locks at the door at 5N first.

[Urson]

Jerome
Well done, Priestess Ingrid. The sneer in Jerome's voice when he says 'Priestess' is blatantly clear. He kneels to speak with Amity. Are you well, little sister?

We need to leave as soon as humanly possible. We should try and get Miss Amity home.

[OGRE MAGE]

Bo is still unconvinced that the group is out of danger just yet.

"We can do a quick search of the unexplored areas in here if you like, but I am leery those monsters wont have gone far, or for very long. Telkis is right, they will surely hunt us down if we try to run. And they will have the advantage again once we return to the wild."

The druid pokes his head through the breached door to see what has come of the room beyond.

"And what do you suppose happened to the demon? Does it just disappear back to Hades altogether? Or does it dwell here in our world still, awaiting its next victim?"

If there is no clear danger in the summoning room, Bo exits the stinking, smoky barracks room to see what remains outside of it.

[Urson]

Jerome
According to The Teachings, any infernal being will be banished back to the Pits.
I want to put as many miles behind us as possible.

[Inferno]

The Wolfpack's Lair, The Haunted Wood, The Dark Mountains, Gran March, Greyhawk
Day Thirty-four. Past Midnight. Wednesday, December 14th, 576 CY
Freezing cold, clear







The sudden absence of savage barking and bloodcurdling howls is deafening; echoing in harrowed memory.

The demon has been exorcised, and then the wolfpack too. For so long have the doomed heroes suffered in dread and terror, they cannot believe that fortune could have possibly shined upon them.

In the unexpected, eerie silence, Bo, Jerome and Mouser state their urgent desire to leave now, while they still can. Telkis wonders if they should remain and forge a defensible position.

Ingrid comforts the weeping child as Urdur maintains his conjured phantasm. Suddenly, impossibly, from out of the empty bunkroom materialize the cautious shapes of Long Bo and Mouser, each bearing a torch. They find the summoning chamber as lifeless and quiet as a crypt.

Alone, Mouser delves deeper into the seemingly abandoned lair of the wolfpack of the Dark Mother, venturing far beyond his companions' sight. Two known exits exist. The thief seeks another way out. (Mouser, please see private forum)


Actions?!


Map Detail:

One square = 5 feet. Bunkroom and summoning chamber are visible. All else is from memory.




PC Status:

Brevos, Half-Elf Ranger 4: Move: 9", AC: 2(1), HP: 36/36
Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 3/4: Move: 9", AC: 5, HP: 19/19, Spells: 0/2 1st lvl, 1/1 2nd lvl, Torch
Ingrid Esthof, Human Cleric 5: Move: 6", AC: 3(1), HP: 25/25, Spells: 5/5 1st lvl, 2/5 2nd lvl, 0/2 3rd lvl
Jerome, Human Paladin 3: Move: 9", AC: 3(1), HP: 20/20, Laying Hands: 0/1
Long Bo, Human Druid 5: Move: 9", AC: 2(1), HP: 38/38, Spells: 0/6 1st lvl, 4/4 2nd lvl, 1/2 3rd lvl, Torch
Telkis Brassfang, Gnome Fighter 4: Move: 9", AC: 0, HP: 34/34
Urdur Shimmerstone, Gnome Illusionist 4: Move: 12", AC: 4, HP: 11/11, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl, 0/2 2nd lvl

PC Magic:

Improved Phantasmal Force (Urdur)

Player Resources:

Tale of Terror (the story so far)
A Dark and Terrible World (maps)
Blasphemous Iconography (the story so far in images)
Desperate Struggles (clues and player notes)

[OGRE MAGE]

Bo delves further from the summoning room, moving from door to door back out towards the unexplored area. He listens carefully as he moves along, trying to determine if the wolves have really left this area or not.

[SocraticLawyer]

Urdur ceases concentrating on the illusion of the empty room, wiping sweat from his brow. He helps Telkis with any necessary fortifications.

[Urson]

Jerome
Jerome half- looks at Ingrid. Will you need help carrying the child?

[Scott308]

Ingrid Esthof

Were we not running from danger, I would attempt to carry her myself so I would not be a burden on anyone else, but in our current situation I will need assistance. Thank you. Hopefully, the others have found another way out of this pit of despair.

[ChubbyPixie]

Telkis will move to explore the eastern end of the compound for undiscovered rooms, exits or resources they may have missed. He hustles, his stubby legs moving double-time.

(Heads for the door at 7p and opens it, peering into whatever space is revealed.)

[Inferno]

Urdur
...He helps Telkis with any necessary fortifications.

Hi Socratic. Telkis is no longer working on fortifications. So, I'll assume Urdur joins Telkis in fleeing east.