The air crackled with tension as Torren cast Revealing Light, illuminating several foes in a 10-foot burst. Most resisted its effects, but one was dazzled, prompting Torren to recall knowledge about Belcora. He learned that she appeared larger and more empowered than before, despite having been sent to Nimboloth. In retaliation, Belcora unleashed a mental attack on Torren, inflicting heavy damage. Meanwhile, Dreg conjured a Lethal Curtain to ensnare three foes, setting it to trigger on their turns, while a Dreadwisp flew around the curtain to reach Ptepses.
Thumper rushed to a wounded companion, using Doctor’s Visitation to administer battle medicine. The party soon realized that magic was affecting the wisps differently than expected, hinting they were not typical Dreadwisps. As a flying foe attempted to hide, it jostled the bridge, revealing its path to the group. Ptepses drank a healing potion to restore himself and gored a nearby enemy with his horns. The battle intensified as a Dreadwisp maneuvered to flank him, while another turned invisible. Bags drank an elixir and struck an enemy, while Torren unleashed a wide healing prayer, restoring health to all creatures in the area, including foes. Dreg’s Lethal Curtain activated, damaging Belcora at the start of her turn. As she attempted a mass frightful effect, Bags struck her with a reactive attack. Ptepses and Thumper resisted the fear, but Bags became frightened. Thumper performed a Courageous Anthem, bolstering his allies before casting a spirit-damaging area spell that dealt less damage than anticipated.
Ptepses marked a target for smiting and unleashed a Draconic Frenzy that critically injured and blinded an enemy. A wave of fear swept through the group, but Ptepses and Thumper resisted its effects. Bags tumbled through enemies, delivering a finisher that left one foe barely clinging to life. Torren healed himself and conjured a protective spirit shield, while Belcora, no longer dazzled, cast Visions of Death on Torren, striking him with a ghostly claw. Reaper reaped life from the area, killing one foe and gaining a brief boon. Thumper identified Belcora’s highest save as Reflex and used a Seductive Stare on her, which took full effect. A Dreadwisp critically struck Reaper, who withstood the ensuing fortitude effect. Ptepses attempted to smite an invisible enemy but failed to land a hit. Enemies struck at Bags and Reaper, with Torren using liberating steps to mitigate damage.
Bags delivered an impaling finisher and used a healing touch to restore some of Reaper’s health. Torren further healed Reaper with his gloves and cast Silence, creating a zone of magical silence. Belcora retaliated, but Torren’s Glimpse of Redemption reduced her damage. Thumper stepped out of the silence to cast See the Unseen, allowing him to perceive invisible foes. Ptepses struck again, while Bags tumbled through to strike Belcora, who cried out in despair as she was ultimately defeated.
After Belcora’s defeat, Asterion manifested before the group, confirming he was revived after the encounter. The party regrouped, healed, and tended to their wounds. Ptepses flew up to the balcony where Belcora had emerged, discovering a circular room staged to resemble her home, complete with notes and a shrine. After reporting back to the group, they decided to rest. During their respite, Girtablilu repaired the broken bridge, and only after the respite did Ptepses meet with them to make peace, presenting Ptepses with a Horn Of Exorcism. Ptepses accepted the horn, and Ptepses explained that Belcora had been using illusions to deceive everyone., offering safe passage through a nearby route. The party chose to take this route, and the Girtablilu made way for them to pass, marking a significant moment of diplomacy and progress in their journey.
Threads to Watch:
- The implications of Belcora’s enhanced power and her connection to Nimboloth.
- The nature and origin of the Dreadwisps encountered in battle.
- The significance of the Horn Of Exorcism given to Ptepses and its potential uses.