Encounter-specific Details, Actions and Tactics
Lava surrounds all sides of the arena. If a creature falls in, they take 12d6 fire damage immediately and at the end of each of their turns until they are out. Moving through the lava to get out requires the creature to Swim (DC 20). Attempting to rescue a creature costs 1 action and causes you to take 6d6 fire damage, but allows you to make an Athletics check (DC 20) to pull them out.
The Vanguards avoid moving unless it is necessary for them to target opponents/rescue themselves from the lava.
The Anchor tiles mentioned in the Mindless Routine ability of the Vanguards refers to the starting positions of each Vanguard; if the melee Vanguard starts on the tile marked 3, it will move to tile 1 on the first use of Mindless Routine. On the second use of Mindless Routine, it will move to tile 2.
If a Vanguard is prevented from moving when Mindless Routine activates, the other two Vanguards rotate positions regardless. If the Anchor tile itself is occupied, they will move to the nearest possible tile.
Room Description/Flavor Text
Moving into the next chamber, the dim glow from a series of orange crystals and the brighter glow from a moat of lava illuminate the room. Three strange creatures, each with rock-like carapaces and orange tentacles, dot the arena. One with tentacles held outstretched aggressively, one resting on its tentacles, seemingly using them as legs, and the last clumsily hauling around a series of large rocks... which you notice it preparing to hurl at you. Everyone roll initiative.
Recall Knowledge DCs
DC 25 Arcana, Crafting
DC 23 Occultism
DC 21 Aberration Lore, Golem Lore, Construct Lore
Can be used to reveal information on the Shared Vitality ability, the melee Vanguard's vulnerability to spells or the ranged Vanguard's Uncoordinated ability. Can also gain information on stats as normal for Recall Knowledge.
On a successful Recall Knowledge check, reveal the following additional information: These creatures appear to be cursed to be in their current forms.
