DM Absolutions Events

[DM_Absolution]

My Goal: My goal as a DM, is to create events that will make the world seem more dynamic and alive. Often this can be the smallest thing, like a boy trying to catch butterflies in Baldur's Gate, and needs help. (An example i have done) And that events i make, can take -any- turn that would be natural for the characters they play. (Will explain this further down)

I plan on focusing a lot on character histories and "Plot-Hook Ideas", and create event from that. In agreement with the player of course. So i can help develop your characters story.
So, if you want an event to further your characters story. Then PM me, and i will do my best to help you. If you PM me about this then add a link to your biography, and any character threads that you might have. (journals etc)

Rules: I will have a few rules that applies during my events, this is plain and simple to help make it more realistic and not make it unfair for the creatures you might face.

No sleeping, unless given permission: This rule is simply because resting at every chance you get, really can't be explained IC and it ruins the difficulty of the event. No need to explain this further, should be rather obvious. So, you can either ask me IG during the event that you need a rest. OR i will say Party wide, that you can all rest.

Walk, unless chasing something or in a hurry: Why? you may ask. Well it is because it also seems more logical. I mean you won't run around everywhere in a full plate, or if your going to travel to Beregost from Baldurs gate. Of course if you are chasing down a creature, or any other reason it seems logical to run at the time. Then do so.

Play your character sheet: This is something i will pay great attention to. If you are chaotic evil, then BE chaotic evil. If you are in an event where your character is participating in something that goes against his nature, whether you are good or evil, stick to your alignment. Behave how your character -WOULD- behave. This will be awarded, and give you and myself a better understanding of your character.

Partying, so I can follow!: Sometimes I will not be near your group in my events. DMs need to go further and prepare things, so speaking in party chat is recommended so I can follow your RP. Also, if you roll a skill, notify me by sending me a tell.

No rush, have fun: This is supposed to be fun, so take your time. Talk to the other players involved, discuss strategy etc. No one enters a cave without at least talking some strategy beforehand. And use my events as a chance to get to know the other players involved.

Don't Leeroy If you want to attack a mob that is not set to hostile, then tell me beforehand so i can set it to hostile.

No Boundaries: Perhaps the most important task of a DM is to make sure anything is possible from your character’s point of view. I find it significant on my behalf to supply for the players when they wish to perform actions that the game engine cannot respond to (Climbing trees to scout, setting things on fire etc etc. . .)

As a final statement: My timezone is UTC/GMT +1. But if you are a player with a different time zone and might want an event with me. Then PM me and i will see what i can do. And as a last comment. Play your character sheet, have fun while playing in my events. And keep up the good RP wherever you are.

[DM_Absolution]

A Chance (The Escaped Slave) [Underdark]

A lone goblin was wandering the tunnels by himself, abandoned and unwanted. He had sacrificed as much as the others, even attempted to take charge of the other escaped slaves. But lost the battle for command. While wandering the tunnel, he came across a woman, who was slaughtering his "kinsmen". In his desperation he pleaded to her, to save his life. And to lead him out of the tunnels, and perhaps to his freedom.

Participants:

Vala
Sycilia Do'Qixzan
Nathaynedril

Conclusion:

The attempt to smuggle the Goblin back to his kinsmen, who have made a home in the tunnels South of Varallas, failed. Despite using deceit and spells, they were caught by two Drow who managed to see through their wards.

After a harsh confrontation, the goblin saw no possible chance at freedom. And as a last act of desperation charged at the Drow.

Rewards:

XP bonus to all the participants.

[DM_Absolution]

The Chatty Merchant

Wilkins prepares for another day of huge profits and cheap lies. But his thoughts keeps wandering back to his encounter earlier that same day, "How will i solve this problem" he thinks to himself. Just as he is near a solution he hears a voice addressing him. "So, what are you selling good sir?"

Perhaps these two can solve my problem for me?

Participants:

Arres Bloodreaver
Aaron lyonaler

Conclusion:

The two adventurers goes and tracks down the bandits, who left very visible tracks. And with almost surprising ease they come across the cutthroats, who were camped out near candlekeep.

They were dealt with swiftly, and the happy merchant can continue his "noble" work for one more day.

Rewards:

XP bonus to the two participants (And a little to Merek and Evani for the RP at the tavern )
Loot from Kirzuk the rich

[DM_Absolution]

The Rangers Wife

He can still hear her screams, the very thought of what those foul creatures might do to her brings him to the brink of madness. "Are the gods that cruel? -What- have i done to deserve this? What has my Charlotte done?" But no one was listening, he knew it was pointless. The gods rarely interfered in mortal affairs, why would they come to his wifes rescue?

The minutes felt like hours, and the hours felt like days. But there is still hope he thought, the friendly arms is known for attracting adventurers. Perhaps there i can find someone who will help me? Who can help me save my love from these despicable creatures.

Participants:

Bedlam Malkuth
Chambordin Baldinus

Conclusion:

The ranger sought the aid of two brave gnomes who were at the friendly arms, they were more than happy to aid the young elf. And into the gnolls den they went, sword and spells at the ready.

Despite being outnumbered they fought their way deeper and deeper into the tunnels. And after what seemed like an eternity they came to a great hall. There they slew the tribal leader of the gnolls and found the rangers wife, safe and unharmed.

The journey out, however, turned to be harder than expected. As the gnolls rallied to avenge their leader, or perhaps to fight for his throne?. But nonetheless the heroes were successful in returning to the surface, and letting the happy couple return to their home.

Rewards:

XP bonus to the two brave gnomes
+ some potions the ranger had left

[DM_Absolution]

Zaranthress The Mad [Underdark]

For years they called me mad, for years they laughed at my abilities. With my newest creations, i can finally appease those that has denied me in the past. And perhaps, if i bring them enough offerings, perhaps they will let me join their precious circle.

By altering a nearby portal i located i can finally escape this place, and seek a name for myself elsewhere. Perhaps somewhere they will appreciate what i am trying to accomplish?

Mumbles to himself What am i to do with these poor souls that attacked me as i stepped through the portal? i can't just leave them here. Or can i?

And perhaps i can keep some offerings myself, for my....collection.

Participants:

Chalithra Aleval
Nathaynedril
Olath Mri'Kol
Xunae Shalee'avan

Conclusion:

After having tested several adventurers that crossed his path, Zaranthress The Mad lured them all back to the portal he came through. Despite his best efforts, he and his golems were killed.

But just as everything seemed to be over, the portal reacted badly to the spells Zaranthress had cast on it, that allowed several demonic creatures to pour through. At the very end, a beautiful woman with red feathered wings stepped through. During their encounter, the creature revealed that she had stumbled upon a dormant portal in her realm that suddenly had become active. She had used it to lure several of her minions with her, but in her lust for power, she had sealed the portal behind her. She alone would rule this new place just arrived at.

The adventurers managed to beat back the demonic creatures and killed their mistress, soon after the portal returned to it's normal state.

Rewards:

A few loot bags that dropped
XP bonus to all the participants (Slightly less for Chalithra, as she arrived late)

Is that all?

Who was it that denied Zaranthress a place among them? What are their plans? Perhaps we shall find out.

[DM Fugue]

[DM_Absolution]

Howls at the Moon

"Yes! finally father let me camp outside." The little boy runs to his bedroll, and begins rolling it out. "This is going to be my best birthday ever". With an eagerness that only a boy of six can muster, the little boy begins preparing the "campsite" for a night of card games and running around tormenting the guards of the Radiant heart.

He wakes up as a few leaves hits his face, and he hears a few faint footsteps approaching him. "Perhaps it's father coming to check up on me? or tell me to come back in" he thinks, and remains completely still. After all, he can't find out about the pranks he plans to play on the guards later. He can hear his fathers breathing becomes louder, and then suddenly he takes off. "Pop can't run that fast!" He sits up slightly and looks towards the direction his father was running.

But what he sees is not his father. "Jill, my sister, where are you going at this hour?"

Participants:

Elvina Aira-S'efarro

Conclusion:

Unbeknownst to her family, Jill was not the kindly sweet daughter they thought, in fact she was not even human. Several years ago, while out flirting with local thugs and cutthroats, she found herself a man who turned out to be a werewolf. And he infected her with his infliction during one of their "meetings". Though she could be considered a bad and cruel girl before, after she turned, she became something else entirely.

After having been nearly led astray by Jill's younger brother Joffrey, Elvina came at last to the small farming community north of Baldurs Gate. There she ran into a man "James" who after good use of her diplomacy managed to persuade him to lead her to Jill.

Jill had promised to turn James, if he would go back to her old home and kill her family. "To rid herself of her past". Despite his fear of her, and wanting to become as powerful as she was, he went to her home. But after seeing her younger brother, who was a mere boy. He returned.

During their confrontation Jill offered to forgive James for his treason, -if- he killed Elvina. (Who was sent by Jill's parents, to bring her back home.) And in return Jill would turn him, so they could hunt and be together. But Elvina's diplomatic and gentle being had influenced him more than Jill's evil, and in the end they fought the beast together.

Rewards:

XP bonus to Elvina (+ and additional bonus for her use of diplomacy and Sense motive)

[DM_Absolution]

Xaranviir the Beautiful [Underdark]

Diary of Xaranviir, part 1

According to Vil'nax, my mother is still bedding that coward
Sil'varam. Which means my plan will proceed as planned, and
soon i will be ruling this house, and i will
make sure we regain our favour with The Spider Queen.

Perhaps i should take Sil'varam to my bed as well, might make
the plan more easy to execute, and i won't have to rely so much on
Vil'nax.

Diary of Xaranviir, part 2

I think Sil'varam or Vil'nax has betrayed me, my mother has been
requesting my presence far too much lately, and for what? help her
deal with some minor disipline issue. She is planning something, but what?
She must know i am hatching plans to have her killed, but why is she not
dealing with that in the usual ways? There is something more going on here.

The plan is on hold 'til i can figure out what is going on. Also, taking Sil'varam to
my bed was far easier than expected. One small look and he came running like a rothe in
heat.

Diary of Xaranviir, part 3

There will be a huge ritual happening tomorrow, and i am to assist in the ritual sacrifice.
Anyhow, Sil'varam is revealing more and more information to me, perhaps i should keep
him, even after i become matron?

Vil'nax has been behaving strangely lately, means i have to teach to respect his
betters again. What a useless male.

The Fall of House Shab'lith

The house of Shab'lith was a promising house, with powerful matrons who all carried the
full favour of Lolth. At it's height, it was fighting to become one of the ruling houses, but sadly this was not it's destiny.

The last matron of the house gave birth to just one child, a daughter. She was so beautiful and talented, that already from a young age the matron feared for her own safety. Xaranviir's mother lost her favour with the Spider Queen after several failed tests and a lack of acceptable offerings. Rumour has it that Xaranviir at that time was already hatching a plan to overthrow her mother and take control of the house, which would have been beneficial, as Xaranviir had the full favour of Lolth.

Despite her attempt, the matron found a solution first. By sacrificing her daughter to the Spider Queen in hopes of regaining her favour. This did not have the effect she wanted, instead Lolth turned Xaranviir into a hideous abomination, a broomother. A spider that can give birth to many different kinds of spiders.

Many ponder why Lolth did this, perhaps it was a punishment for failing to overthrow her mother? or a blessing since spiders are revered in the faith. What is known, is that Xaranviir was robbed off all her beauty and grace, and her intellect reduced to that of a simpleton.

Soon after the house fell, and Xaranviir was captured. Rumor has it that she was later released into the tunnels, far away from the city. But few know.

Participants:

Ilztraen Arken'ndar
Johnson Slite
Xune Aleval
Barra'Illiam Dris
Mioz
Nalagh De'Ndar
Olath Mri ' Kul

Conclusion:

The adventurers were hired by the wizard Zarmoon to rid the mushroom grove for spiders. The spider infestation was preventing him from collecting his precious mushrooms, which he used as spell components, and as a source of food.

At the grove the group came upon several corpses, many of these drow. The Spiders had turned the mushroom grove into a proper nest.

After several battles with the spiders they came upon the Broodmother herself, her fate as grim as the stories had told. The battle was hard, but in the end, Xaranviir fell.

Rewards:

- XP bonus to all the participants
- A Necklace that dropped from the Broodmother "Tear of Xaranviir"
- Books and journals depicting the story of Xaranviir and the fall of her house
- Gold reward for completing the mission from Zarmoon

[DM_Absolution]

The Candidates [Underdark]

- The First -

"Hah! they laughed at me! they denied me! BUT NOW THEY HAVE BROUGHT ME BACK!" The lich paces back and forth, his mind racing. "But how to deal with that nuisance? she is quite formidable, and that temple of hers is not that easy to breach." Several massive golems suddenly comes into view, they all begin forming a circle around the wizard. "I know! i will hire a group of treasure seeking adventurers to do my dirty work, i can't take any more risks when it comes to that bitch."

The lich raises a skeletal hand, a faint eerie white glow begins radiating from his fingertips. "You, my finest creation! you will be my messenger" The skeleton hand barely touches the smooth surface of the creatures legs and it suddenly vanishes in a bright flash. "Soon, soon" He wanders towards a rather diminutive gnome standing nearby "Stop wandering aimlessly around, you have to prepare for my "guests" "

- The Second -

"Damn them, they think i will participate in this stupid puppet play? i am Valianna, High Priestess of Myrkul." Her voice is trembling with rage, and for once she let's it take hold of her and lashes out at a nearby zombie. With a single hit, it's chest is crushed and it falls on the ground, truly lifeless. "Very well, i will play their game, after all the reward for the victor is far too good to pass up" her lips curls into a predatory grin "Come at me Lich, and prepare to meet your doom"

She steps over the remains of the villagers, carefully avoiding the pools of blood. "These one will be turned, the rest are food." She makes a gesture with her hand and two vampires appears and takes several corpses with them. "Well, once i have raised these ingrates, i can begin placing the wards, i can't have that "mad one" scry on me"

Soon after, loud chewing noises and bones being broken can be heard nearby. Valianna can't help but smile, soon she will join the Twisted Rune, and all her enemies shall tremble.

Participants:

Shri'neth Sshamath
Benjamin Black
Mioz
Valaklith Sshamath
Nathaynedril Sshamath
Vomak

Conclusion:

The mercenaries all gathered outside the school of mages, there they were greeted by Zaranthress' apprentice, a diminutive little gnome.
After a small introduction they were led through a portal and to her master, a lich named Zaranthress. He told them of his candidacy for the Twisted Rune, a circle of powerful mages (mostly liches). But joining them it seems, was not easy. As they had pitted him against a powerful priestess to Myrkul, who was also being considered to become a member of their circle. She was "hiding" out in her temple on the surface, amassing an army of undeads, supposedly to aid her assault on Zaranthress and his golems.

The lich then gave his proposal, he wanted them to kill his opponent in her temple, to which they would gain access to a portal he would create. They would be awarded richly in gold and trinkets if they succeeded in the task.

The group accepted, and went through the portal. On the other side, a massive complex awaited them, filled with all manner of undeads.

After many battles they came at last to the main chamber, where Valianna was anxiously waiting for them. Though not alone, she had her most powerful minions with her.
She told them that Zaranthress is violating the rules set by the Twisted Rune, by letting someone else do his fighting for him. And if they were to succeed, the powerful liches of the twisted rune would probably kill Zaranthress, as well as the mercenaries that did his dirty work. Valianna gave them a proposal of her own. She would create another portal to Zaranthress location, and there they would proceed to kill his golems, leaving him defenseless and allowing her to battle him alone. After a long discussion they agreed to help her instead, not trusting the mad lich.

Soon after her portal was erected, the mercenaries stepped through and was assaulted by the liches golems and his apprentice. Once they were dealt with, Valianna came through the portal herself and confronted Zaranthress, after a titanic battle she came out victorious.

But this was not the end, the mercenaries had plotted a scheme to take out the High Priestess as soon as the job was done, and after they had gotten their trinkets and gold. The plan went off like clockwork. And the death god was given two more souls to torment.

Rewards:

- XP reward + bonus for the devious plot to take out Valianna after she had given them their reward.
- Several items that were given as payment for the services, as well as three-thousand gold each.

[Your_Blue_Room]

//
Damn damn, maybe I should make an UD char, those write-ups look amazing !!

[Storm Munin]

//Well, if the DM offers drow a halfbreed elf on a platter.
Most of the drow being properly raised ones at that.

Honestly, how could we not betray her to the point of making her into an offering at temple of Lolth?

But you are correct, it was great.
Thanks people.

[DM_Absolution]

The Corrupted [Underdark]

What a treasure i have stumbled upon, this place, it is literally drowning in wild magic. The creature wanders around the tunnels, the weight of his body causes the ground to shake violently. The air swirls around him, it suddenly takes on a black color for a moment and assaults him, it feels like thousands of tiny needles are pressing against his skin. For a lesser creature this might actually have hurt, but for one such as him, it is barely a nuisance.


The magic here is too volatile for me to attempt to absorb it carelessly, i need to test it on something or someone first. I can't take any chances, because i fear i will only get one chance. The arcane circle begins taking shape under his feat, he can feel his incantations are working. the walls begins to shake violently and the air begins changing color, first a pale blue, then it darkens. Suddenly it becomes darker and darker and then it explodes in a bright flash. The dragon let's out a roar in anger and frustration. DAMN THIS! if those blasted gnats had not sealed off these tunnels i could have gotten the proper supplies to make this ritual work. Once i have drained the magic in this area i intend to find them and rip them to shreds.

From the corner of the room, the dragon spots an old sword lying in a pool of dried blood. The sword appears to emit a faint glow for a moment, but then it quickly fades. What is this? No, it can't be. I sense no magic coming from it, the wild magic is playing tricks on me.

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In Sshamath, the Emissary is making his last preparations before heading out. About time this expedition got approved, we cannot delay it any longer. If the latest reports are true, there is a creature in those tunnels that are attempting to penetrate our wards. The aged wizard places the last of his spell components in a leather pouch that is fastened on his waist. I hope those soldiers we hired are up for the task, if not i will present our options to the Conclave.

Two guards enter the room, they lower their heads in respect to the Emissary. We are here to escort you Emissary. Very well, just wait outside, i have a few more preparations to complete.
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From deep down in the tunnels, a somber voice can be heard in the main chamber, and a faint glow emitting from a sword, resting on top of a pool of blood. That power hungry creature is gone, what say you we just let him succeed in his ritual? this has gone on long enough, we are tired of playing tricks. Suddenly the glow changes color, it now radiates a faint amber hue. No! this is so fun, don't you dare spoil the fun Envii'ran, it reminds me of old times. I haven't had this much fun in millenia. The voice begins cackling maniacally. THE FUN IS ABOUT TO BEGIN AGAIN! The room begins to shake as the dragon approaches again.

Participants:

Too many to mention

Conclusion:

The hired soldiers managed to fight their way to the main room in the tunnels, where they encountered the dragon, and after a brief conversation slew the beast. The group also found an old sword lying in a pool of dried blood, to their surprise it was capable of communicating with them.

The Jaluk known as Shur picked up the blade, and let himself be influenced by the blades consciousness and suggestion, and soon after impaled the conclaves emissary through the chest.

Severe repercussions will follow as the result of the outcome, especially to the members of the Baleful Maw.

Rewards:

- Loot from the chests in the tunnels
- 5000 gold reward (Except Shur)
- XP bonus to all the participants (Except the level 30's)

Possible continuation:

The sword may be included in future plots

[DM_Absolution]

Tower of the Damned [Underdark]

Original post: http://www.bgtscc.net/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=29496

Somewhere in the Abyss

The giant winged creature sits on his throne, his servants pacing back and forth bringing all manner of food and beverages. The newly created portal is standing on the opposite side of the room, with several of his servants tending to it. Suddenly Vri'fax stands up from his throne, his voice thunders "WHY IS IT STILL DORMANT?" the servants tending to the portal jumps back in terror and immediately falls down on their knees in reverence. "We don't know master, the wizard said the portal would be activated as soon as it was possible." Vri'fax walks slowly down to the portal, pushing a servant that was standing within range. "When he activates the portal and i step through, the first thing i am going to do is to tear that wizard to shreds"

Within mere moments the portal begins to hum, and a waves of black magic begins to form and fill out the empty place within the portals structure. Vri'fax lips curls into a broad grin as he reaches out with his hand and touches the vortex. "About time! Get my soldiers lined up! We step through as soon as i give the signal!"

Somewhere in the Nine Hells

The mighty Pit fiend wanders the frozen wastes of Cania, his daughter Vildina and their entourage following closely behind. "Prepare yourselves, the portal will open somewhere around here. Once we are through, do -nothing- until -I- give the command. Same goes for -you- my daughter."

Vildina wanders off, with a few imps following some fifty feet behind her, " "Same goes for you my daughter", once we are on the other side i -will- find a way to succeed you -father-". She takes out a ring, rubbing it a few times on her cloak before slipping it on her finger.

Somewhere in Sshamath

Phaly'zan casts his final incantation, everything is almost ready, all that remains is to trap the soul within the Ruby and he can activate the portals. "The ruby should hold, and it should also greatly increase the enchantments already on the staff" He chuckles to himself, why did he not pursue this plan when he was still young? He let's out a heavy sigh, it was a mere three centuries ago that he decided to go down this road.

"The Devils i should be able to bargain with, but the Tanar'ri will be harder to persuade. Especially Vri'fax, i would not be surprised if he is already hatching plans to kill me" Oh well, whether i come out of this alive or not, my plan will still become a reality. And the Conclave will be no more, to the hells with them all!

Participants:

Xunae Shalee'avan
Nawiel Jr'eine
Xercia Dantress
Ramir Allomen
Arnaut
Chalithra Aleval

Rewards:

- XP Bonus to all the participants
- A cloak, ring and Staff

Conclusion:

The group was hired by a drow wizard named Zaravir, who claimed he knew where the mysterious portals that kept appearing in Sshamath leads. After meeting with the group, he leads them down into the sewers under Sshamath, and erects a portal of his own, leading to the home of the recently deceased conjurer Phaly'zan. Before they go through the portal, he tells them that they are to retrieve Phaly'zan's staff to him, what other treasures they find, are theirs.

The moment the group steps through the portal, they are assaulted by hordes of demons -and- devils, seemingly working together. After having cleared out the lobby, the run into a half-fiend named Vildina, who wants to hire them to kill her father who guards one of the active portals on this level. She also wants them to retrieve her fathers cloak, which is made out of human skin, and is a symbol of his power. In return she offers a powerful ring she has in her possession.

The group also runs into one of Phaly'zan's apprentices, who has locked himself inside one of the many rooms, with an iron golem keeping guard. The group manages to lure quite a bit of information out of the scared wizard, learning some of the secrets to this place and of his master.

One of the many tricks to this area is that it's a sanctuary, demons and devils are incapable of harming one another while inside the tower. And the portals are all powered by a powerful artifact (The hear of the first demon Phaly'zan made a pact with). After feeling they have learned all that he has to offer, and does not wish to accept his request of being led out to safety, they end his suffering then and there.

It is first much later that they run into the powerful Devil that rules the level, a pit fiend, who also turns out to be the father of Vildina. (Who hired them to kill him, and retrieve his cloak) It turns out to be a fierce battle, and several of the adventurers are gravely wounded.

After recovering due to a short rest and the much needed spells of Chalithra Aleval, they proceed to enter the first levels of the tower itself. There they encounter hordes upon hordes of imps, hell hounds, erinyes, horned devil, all the twisted hells has to offer.

Nearing the top, the run into a Balor named Vri'fax the Deciever, who wants to make a deal with the group. The group does not listen to his honeyed words and attack the beasts and his minions.

After a tremendous battle, where several of the adventurers are once again gravely injured, they proceed to the top level of the tower. Where they run into the ghost of the former Phaly'zan, who tells them the reason behind his plans, and what he wanted to accomplish.

Of course it all ends in battle, and this one turned out to be the hardest one of them all, with many of the adventurers falling in the titanic struggle. And the moment the mighty conjurer falls, a contigency begins taking place. The powerful artifact fueling the portals goes into overdrive, and begins activating the two original portals at the top level of the tower, letting dozens of demons and devils pour through the portals.

Xercia Dantress, seeing the cause of all this, grabs the heart and runs out of the room, ending it's foul existence. Within moments after loosing their power source, the portals begins to crumble, 'til nothing but dust remained.

As they were returning to Vildina to settle the matter with the cloak, Zaravir returned through the same portal the arrived in. But the moment Vildina spotted Zaravir, she could reveal that -he- also played a major role in summoning the demons and devils to Sshamath, as she remembered seeing him when she came through the portal from Cania.

What followed was chaos, the group first decided to kill Vildina, so they could take the ring she promised from her corpse, and also keep the cloak. Right afterwards they demanded an explanation from Zaravir, but he was in no mood to explain and knew his plans were crumbling, so he sprung the trap he had planned and launched his spells at the group.