Chapter 739  Confronting the Cosmic Horror     

[Ragnar, Sumeri, and Nikolai]

Cthulhu, devoid of any understanding of mercy or honor, possesses only a passing comprehension of pain. Engaging in combat with this Great Old One results in catastrophic damage to both body and mind. Its battle strategy defies rationality, driven solely by alien whims that may seem illogical or foolhardy to onlookers. Despite its seemingly inefficient approach, Cthulhu compensates with a host of deadly interactions, making it a formidable adversary.

The primary weapon in Cthulhu's arsenal is its tentacles, ensnaring any creature within their grasp and rendering them vulnerable to its devastating mental attacks. One notable aspect was the [Shadow of Cthulhu] feature, allowing the Great Old One to occupy a vast area while providing no advantages to its enemies. Movement within this space triggers attacks of opportunity from Cthulhu, and creatures within couldn't find total cover from the entity. This ability, rooted in the manipulation of time and space, showcases the abstract nature of Cthulhu's influence.

Cthulhu's more potent abilities serve as heavy-hitting maneuvers. The [Call of Cthulhu] action could remove a troublesome character from the fight, leaving their body behind. If a creature grappled by Cthulhu fell victim to this feature, escape became an impossibility without external assistance. [Eldritch Storm] stood out as a highly effective damage-dealing tool, particularly useful when characters were spread out or have brought allies. This action option proved valuable when Cthulhu aimed to inflict significant damage or force the party onto the defensive.

The Great Old One's [Influence] added versatility to Cthulhu's repertoire, providing a means to handle problematic effects or find flexible solutions to unique challenges. Spells like [Dimension Door] and [Dispel Magic] serve as backup options to address unforeseen complications. Cthulhu's ability to adapt and counteract various situations ensured that facing this cosmic entity was not just a physical confrontation but a mental and strategic ordeal for those brave enough to challenge it.

The air crackled with an otherworldly tension as Ragnar, Sumeri, and Nikolai faced the nightmarish entity before them — Cthulhu, the Great Old One. Cthulhu was unfazed by the intrusion, and uttered a language that none could comprehend. It then launched into action with a [Multiattack], its tentacles thrashing with a supernatural force. The melee spell attack carried a terrifying accuracy, with each strike bearing the potential for devastating consequences. Ragnar, Sumeri, and Nikolai were forced to endure both bludgeoning and psychic damage, while those ensnared by the tentacles faced the additional horror of being grappled, their escape hindered. Moreover, the unfortunate victims found their mental fortitude compromised, unable to succeed on Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma spell and skills as long as the grapple persisted.

In the face of the relentless assault and psychic onslaught unleashed by Cthulhu, Ragnar swiftly activated the [Yggdrasil Tree], its ancient healing powers enveloping the trio. The ethereal energy emanating from the mystical tree worked wonders, not only mending their physical wounds but also dispelling the lingering effects of the eldritch assault on their minds.

As the radiant aura of the Yggdrasil Tree washed over them, the oppressive psychic status effects inflicted by Cthulhu were purged from their beings. The tree's healing properties seemed to weave a protective barrier, shielding Ragnar, Sumeri, and Nikolai from the insidious mental assaults that the cosmic horror had wielded against them.

Ren's wisdom in reserving the Yggdrasil Tree for this climactic encounter became evident. The alien nature of Cthulhu's attacks, especially the penetrating psychic damage that cut through armor defenses, posed a formidable challenge. However, the trio were not new to this kind of fights and they stood resilient under the protective embrace of the mystical tree.

The Yggdrasil Tree's ancient magic not only healed their physical injuries but also bolstered their mental fortitude, preparing them to face the nightmarish entity that lurked before them. Energized and renewed, Ragnar and the others braced themselves for the continued struggle beneath the tree's comforting canopy.

Cthulhu's arsenal of horrors extended beyond physical attacks. The [Call of Cthulhu], a nightmarish ability, targeted the very essence of a creature. Without the tree bolstering their mental fortitude, they would be thrust into a realm of Cthulhu's own dreams. Those affected became incapacitated, their minds wandering the twisted landscapes of the Great Old One's subconscious. With each passing turn, a struggle ensued within the nightmarish dreamscape, the affected creature desperately attempting to break free.

While its [Eldritch Storm], a devastating ability that allowed Cthulhu to conjure an otherworldly storm within a massive radius. The storm rendered the area heavily obscured and deafened any unfortunate souls caught within. As an additional assault, bolts of eldritch lightning struck randomly, delivering necrotic and lightning damage to Ragnar and the others.

Fortunately, the regenerative embrace of the tree enveloped them, granting them the ability to engage in combat without concern for their HP. The potions and equipment provided by Ren fortified their defenses, ensuring they could confront the looming threat without worry about sustaining damage.

Beneath the protective aura of the Yggdrasil Tree, healing energies flowed through them, eliminating the need for a dedicated healer. Ragnar, initially skeptical about their capability to face such a formidable foe, found reassurance in the regenerative powers of the ancient tree.

The combination of potent potions and protective gear not only lessened the impact of the eldritch creature's attacks but also bolstered their resilience, allowing them to meet the challenge head-on. As the trio fought beneath the Yggdrasil's sheltering branches, Ragnar's doubt began to wane, replaced by a growing confidence in their chances of success.

The absence of a dedicated healer became inconsequential in the face of the tree's magical healing properties. Ragnar begrudgingly accepted that Ren's insights had proven to be right on the mark –– yet again.

The Great Old One's Influence showcased Cthulhu's otherworldly supremacy, unleashing warlock spells, dispelling magical effects, and delving into the thoughts of those within its telepathic range. Cthulhu wielded these abilities with an unmatched force, distorting reality to its whims.

In the midst of the chaos, Cthulhu exhibited legendary actions, tentacle attacks, and the potent [Great Old One's Influence]. The very shadows around Cthulhu extended its reach, allowing the entity to make devastating tentacle attacks against multiple foes.