Descent Into Avernus

     Okay so we kept fighting Spurnyte Mal until we won. It was fine! Less fine was the poor communication, contradictions and moral wrasslin' the party endured as they decided what to do with the still-sleeping vampire kids. Vaantrik, clearly a hardliner on staking all vampires (except the one we're working for), was stopped by Honey, who did not think it was sporting to kill something that was hurt and sleeping but had been notably on-board with murdering an old man in the recent past. Honey would also like to please hold on until everyone in the party clearly communicates their feelings on the matter, so that she knows what the majority wants to do!! So far, the majority is waffling and unclear. Vaantrik got all upsetti spaghetti at Honey for stopping him, and she sent a few barbs back his way. While this was happening, Talon snuck the vamp kids back to their coffin and stacked a bunch of crates on top, essentially making the decision for the party. No one is happy. Af...

  Point form recap is all I can muster this week! - The party fought the tiny vampires. The wounded knight got super stressed out and fled. - Tiny vampires read the way this is going and then also flee the room. - The party hears the knight get murdered outside, then a few bearded devils bust in. - We fight them for awhile too but when they realize we will probably win, they yell in Infernal to fall back to the line. They flee too. - We ignore that very obvious clue about more devils being nearby and chase them to the threshold of the building, killing all but one. - We do some introspection and figure maybe we shouldn’t follow him outside, where there will absolutely be more bearded devils. Vaantrik is bummed we didn’t get them all. - Oz explores more of the house, finding a couple of rooms that could lead somewhere, while Flea looms at the top of a downward staircase. - Honey studies the two and tries to figure out which one she thinks is wiser (Emily rolls for this.) - Flea poss...

The party finishes the fight and goes looking for the children, finding Ezo and Brask and bringing them along for the journey. Vaantrick harvests the bodies of the devils. The DM warns that using items made from devil parts carries a 50/50 chance of being cursed. He collects: 9 vials of bearded devil blood, which can be used as a potion base 1 clump of beard lashes, which can be used to make a +1 flail 2 vials of poison, which can be applied to a weapon They head towards the market through dried-up trees and ruined streets. Along the way they find a halfling man talking to an imp, about to sign a contract exchanging his family's souls for food and water. The party convinces him not to sign and brings the Peblechuck family along with them. They reach what remains of the market. The market itself is gone, reduced to ash and rubble, with everything on fire. Two people approach with crossbows drawn and lead the party into a basement, where they find a small community of survivors. They...

Sylvira mentions a shop in The Hearth where the group can stock up on any last-minute supplies and everyone empties their pockets for potions, buffs and all the components they can carry. The party discusses their reasons for travelling to Hell, convincing one another that the journey is one worth making until finally Flea is the last member to join Team hell. Returning to Sylvira's office, she stresses that it is important Lulu is not seen. Lulu must remain hidden or disguised from higher-ranking devils, especially Zariel. Vaantrick asks Sylvira whether she has any books he can borrow. She apologises that books cannot leave Candlekeep, but tells him she is happy to answer any questions he has. Before the party departs, Sylvira gives them a crash course on what to expect in Avernus. She explains that the Blood War is fought between the Infernal forces of the Nine Hells and the Abyssal forces of the demons, although there are sometimes other wildcards involved. When devils ar...

The party travels to Candlekeep in the rain. On the way Vaantrik asks Oz about his evening disappearances - Is he feeling okay (pooping) or just praying? Oz is evasive but says he is praying. Honey asks if Candlekeep will have any restaurants with those fortune-telling cookies that Talon mentioned. Fisk says that the Hearth at Candlekeep can likely produce what she seeks. The party arrives at their destination around 5:00 pm. The Library at Candlekeep encourages donations of knowledge from the party, even though Fisk can get us in for free this time. Sima is welcome to Candlekeep forever because she donates a fawning biography of Duke Thalemra Vanthampur upon entry. Fisk whisks us into a spire, where we then have to trudge up many, many stairs. After awhile, we slow onto a landing. Fisk walks us past a door labelled in Draconic “Traxigor, Resident Fellow” and into the chambers of infernal scholar, Sylvira Savikas. Savikas is a middle-aged tielfing with a slight German accent. Her famil...

30th Flamerule to 2nd Eleasis The group heads south towards Candlekeep, travelling through the night until around 4am. Flea suggests they continue for a few more hours before stopping to rest to be well clear of any heat from the night's dees. Sima judges the woods to be safe enough from an animal point of view, while Honey feels confident she can find somewhere suitable to camp, so the group heads into the trees. On the way, Sima identifies Honey's newly acquired pipes as Pipes of the Sewers. Honey forages and finds four Nightflame seeds. The seeds contain oil which, when thrown onto a fire, turns the flame blue. The fire gives off dim light without smoke, while still keeping everyone warm. Honey gives one seed each to Sima, Talon and Flea, keeping the fourth for herself. Talon takes the opportunity to have a firm conversation with the Hidden Lord. He tells the shield not to keep dropping bombs into his head whenever he is busy, and that their relationship needs to remain prof...