Part 4: The Wardstone Legacy

[Zanaikin]

Since there's only one room left and is definitely heading towards a boss fight, Epicette calls a quick lunch break so she can prepare two spell slots she left empty until now (L2->Web; L3->another Strangling Hair; takes 15min each)

[Mr_Praetorian]

"Hmm. Interesting place for a pool of water."

[Squall255]

Those of you who look into the scrying basin see the following vision:
the water glows and shimmers and then displays an image of the Wardstone Fragment. The view zooms out to show a hideously deformed humanoid wielding a scythe studying it before angrily barking some orders to two other evil clerics (One of Deskari, one of Baphomet) in the room with her. The view then moves out of the only door in that room to show the largest half-fiend minotaur you have ever seen, before moving down some stairs and showing the party in the scrying chamber.

When the vision ends, a wave of holy light emanates from the basin, refreshing all of you as if you had slept for 8 hour and it was the next day.
All X/day class abilities are restored.
All spent spell slots and power points are replenished.
All Hex targets are refreshed.
You are restored to full HP.
YOU LEVEL TO 6TH!

Floorplan for the 3rd floor is added to the map, as well as where you saw enemies in the vision

[Zanaikin]

[littleangryman]

Malorix likes this plan, and pronounces himself ready when everyone else is.

[Mr_Praetorian]

Daveed thinks this is a sound plan as well. Though, he notes it would be wise to clear out the two remaining unseen rooms before moving on.

[Sajuuk]

Cernandlon sees no issues with this plan.

[Zanaikin]

That's why having Cernandlon take a peek at the next room is included (only one unopened door left on this floor, based on map, which should be the stairway). If anything is guarding below the stairs, we'll need to take them down as part of the Silence duration as well.

[Squall255]

[Dai: You're in the room with the stairs that lead up to the encounter.]

The group gathers around the door to P16 and find it unlocked without any sounds inside. When one of you opens the door you see the following:
Six cots sit in two orderly rows in this room. The bedding has been tossed on the ground, and an iron lockbox lies on its side, empty. A lidless box holds scraps of moldering food, while a pair of large barrels nearby look to be filled with water.

[Zanaikin]

...Seems like this last room is just a barracks...

Once spell preparation is complete, we'll be charging up the stairs as soon as Epicette cast Silence on a sidearm of Daveed's (her dagger is he doesn't have one).

Order is: Daveed, Malorix, Cernandlon, Henric; Epicette is flying up directly.

( Initiative : 11+2 = 13 )

[Laharl]

(Init 1d20+3=10)

Henric hands the Rod of Cancellation to Malorix.

[littleangryman]

Malorix takes the rod, makes sure it's somewhere secure (on his person, I mean), and makes ready to do battle.

[Sajuuk]

(Initiative: 1d20+4 = 6)
(Stealth (boosted by Chameleon): 1d20+10+11 = 28)

[Mr_Praetorian]

Daveed makes to draw Radiance, then stops, instead opting to draw the Silenced Dagger, lowering his shield a bit so as to mask its appearance before beginning the dash upstairs.

(Initiative: 1d20= 13)

[Squall255]

The group hurries up the stairs after the silence spell has been cast to see that the minotaur is staring them down. As they come into sight, the minotaur kicks the door behind him open and then charges towards Daveed.

(Readied action to open the door when you come into sight. Then it won Initiative and advances and attacks.)

Daveed takes 18 [magic][slashing] damage from the axe.

You are all up.