Filbin opesn the secret door, which slides open with the depression of a small concealed button. It reveals a passage heading SW at an angle, then turns 45* to south, ending in an empty 20x30' chamber. There is a door at the far end.
Noot moves down the hall, and as he approaches the door, Gotrek, walking behind him, steps on a pressure plate. A concealed portcullis slams down at the opening of the chamber, sealing it off from the passage. Filbin and Elrae manage to avoid it, as well as Isilme who is watching the rear, along with the assassin Victor. Everyone else is stuck in the chamber. The full 40' west wall then begins to push quickly towards the east wall of the now-sealed chamber. Hepla turns around and looks at it and sees that it is made of steel. The wall will push the party halfway across the room in one round!
Emyn says, "This might be a good time to use a wall of force to stop this wall from crushing us."
Gotrek mutters a string of profanities under his breath, and draws Stone crusher, preparing to use it as a brace between the walls if quarters get that tight.
Noot also finds the door solidly locked, and he is all too quickly forced to move away from it as the wall pushes inexorably to the east. Gotrek and Berenn rush to the portcullis, along with Isilme from the other side. Together they succeed in pulling it up, but the wall then forces Gotrek to let go as he's pushed to the right. Berenn successfully rolls underneath it into the passage beyond, as it comes slamming back down. All too quickly, the rest of the party are completely cut off from those on the other side of the portcullis.
The remaining party members are thus thrust into the eastern side of the room, as sliders suddenly open on the far wall and long blades begin to whip across the remaining section while others cuts a swath from the ceiling.
Hepla casts enlarge on the wall, which stops, jammed in place. However, the blades, lots of them of various types, spin around relentlessly. Gotrek takes [21]. Thorgrim takes [10]. Emyn and Hepla are protected by Stoneskins. The Azer takes [28], and he is cut in half! The halfling who has been dragged along and Victor the assassin are killed as well. Noot and Windsong dextrously avoid the blades. They continue to keep spinning, and it's everything you can do to try and avoid them.
Noot reads his scroll of Protection from Non-Magical Traps, and the blades cannot touch him. Hepla casts Wraithform, and she's ok. Emyn is hit a few more times, but his Stoneskin continues to protect him. Thorgrim opens his portable hole and jumps in to grab his bar, so he's ok. Gotrek dives in, landing atop Thorgrim and the two fall in a heap to the bottom of the whole, landing next to the Gutshaker. Windsong is also able to elude the blades again. They continue to spin around, though the wall is no longer moving. It also enlarged enough to break through the portcullis, though the wall still blocks the corridor, keeping the rest of the party stuck out there.
Hepla moves through the wall, finding herself in an area with lots of machinery which she doesn't understand. Noot somehow simply seems to be completely safe from the blades, as he calmly walks back around the room, checking out the other sides. Thorgrim meanwhile uses the steel bar to attempt to jam some blades. The spinning blades knock the bar right out of his hands, and the sharp end flips back, impaling him through the leg! He stumbles back, and is hit by a couple more blades as he falls back into the hole. [15 damage total!] Gotrek hands him a rag and a mug of Gutshaker for his troubles.
Windsong also makes it into the hole, though it's now rather cramped, with hardly any room to move. Noot stands above it, impervious to the blades which just never seem to hit him. Isilme casts Stone Shape, creating an exit from the room back through to the corridor.
"Best wait this out, and leave it to the professionals," says Thorgrim. "Gotrek, let's chase this Gutshaker with Potions of Healing." Thorgrim will then drink his last Potion of Extra-Healing.
Isilme says to noot, "See if you can open the far door since you are protected, check it for traps and unlock it."
Noot can't get to the door, because it has been blocked by the moving wall. Hepla ends her Wraithform spell and changes back. She then starts to hack at the machinery, while everyone else waits. There is a working space back there, and there is a ladder up. As the machinery starts to break, the trap seems to reset, with the blades retracting back into the walls and ceiling. Hepla then finds herself stuck in the side chamber with the trap machinery. The wall doesn't slide back, however, as it's all jammed up from the enlarge spell.
With the trap deactivated Isilme flies in and casts "reduce" on the wall so it can reset itself. She reminds everyone to "Watch out for that pressure switch."
Reduce brings the wall back to size, but it doesn't move back. It's possible the enlarge broke the mechanism which moves it. Gotrek drank his potion, regaining [27]. You don't seen any other way to get to the door. Isilme stoneshapes the other end to get access to the door, while Hepla finds a passage to the other side from the mechanism space above and drops down on the far side. There she opens the door. The passage continues down to a dead end, with a "secret" door at the far end. Well, it's not secret from the inside!
"We need to find a way to the interior," says Berenn.
In a small, wheedling voice Hepla says," What about the library? That's were all the books should be." She is not really trying to chage anyone's mind, she's just a teenage witch who likes books and is petulant she is not getting her way.
"OH!" says Isilme, her eyes lighting up. "A library? I volunteer."
"I will back her up," Hepla says, bouncing from foot to foot.
"Let Isilme and Hepla check out the library first," says Berenn. "If there isn't an entrance there, we can figure out a way through the cold zone or another way."
"Maybe someone could come with us, just in case," says Hepla with a wink at Emyn. "Someone who can carry our books, if we find any."
The party moves along the upper corridor, circling the Fane and connecting the towers, and soon finds stairs heading down. This is the way the assassin told them to go. Windsong scouts down the stairs and finds himself in the corridor going from area 9 to 10. There are 4 portcullises blocking off area 10. Inside it you see a large chamber with two round beds occupying the center. Incense burns from a brazier hanging from the ceiling. The west wall has three alcoves with life-sized statues of humans wrapped in the coils of serpents.
He continues silently north, into area 9. This large chamber is a guardroom. The north wall is made of iron, as is the door there. The iron is painted purple with images of the ocher robed priests chanting. Three huge bugbears with greatswords stand guard here with, watching each exit. Windsong slips back down the hallway, without being seen, and reports what he found.
Emyn says, "Sounds like a place we could use that Wand of Highfolk."
Isilme casts Invisibility, then slips downstairs. When she gets close to the guardroom, she uses her wand. Soon, the bugbears begin to argue, which then escalates until they begin to fight amongst themselves. The iron door opens and two more bugbears come out. Only two of the other bugbears are still standing, and they also start to fight the two newcomers. Soon there are only three, and then two minotaurs enter from the right. They quickly bash a couple more bugbears into submission, and the remaining one backs off, showing the minotaurs that he is friendly. They then check out the three down bugbears. The bugbear calls out, and two more bugbears come out through the iron door, to help pick up the others. Isilme snaps off another wand charge. One of the minotaurs barks something at a bugbear, which then attacks the minotaur. Soon, the bugbears are all fighting the two minotaurs.....
"Giggle, good work" thinks Hepla.
Thorgrim will wait until the sound of combat dies down, until there are just a few weapons clashing, before moving to engage and slay the minotaurs. Minotaurs first, bugbears second. It doesn't take long. Soon, you hear only the minotaurs speaking in their gruff, grunting language. Thorgrim and Gotrek then charge down the corridor, followed closely by Berenn and Emyn. The minotaurs hear them running and turn to meet them. One is pretty beat up. Isilme is hiding in the hallway, pretty content to just let the warriors rush passed her. Hepla and Elrae are still in the stairs, along with Noot and Filbin. Windsong takes up the rear, near the top of the stairs, keeping watch behind them.
Gotrek and Thorgrim charge the two minotaurs. Thorgrim takes a hit [7] before finishing off the minotaur with his attack. Gotrek hits the other [17]. As Emyn and Berenn move up, they swing to the flanks of the last minotaur. The minotaur is quickly brought down by the circle of warriors around it. Now that you can look around, you see arrow slits in the iron wall, cleverly disguised as part of the painting. Large longbows in the other room (behind the iron door which the bugbears left open) show that they would have fired at you from behind the wall while the minotaurs attacked from behind [from area 12]. The party gathers up the loot from them and can move on towards the library when ready.
Soon they enter what Victor called "the Shrine of Dark Communion" [area 7]. There a six wooden benches here arranged around the chamber. Between two archways of purple stone that lead off to the NW and SW, there is a door of glass with a lavender stone in the center. Beyond that door, a ball of swirling black fire with a blood red corona can be seen to float in the center of another small chamber. The door has no obvious way to open it.
Hepla says," perhaps my wand of Fire Extingusing could put out that black fire. But it will certainly attract a lot of attention I feel. Should we continue to the library or fight the fire and whatever guards it?"
"Perhaps it's about time for someone to use this scroll I have," says Thorgrim. "Protection from all Elementals."
"I like your idea Hepla," says Isilme. "That would be interesting to try and use the wand to extinguish the fire."
Windsong moves down the SW corridor [towards area 6], and there he finds a small balcony/study. The dark line is a railing, which overlooks the library [area 7] below. The stairs actually go down from the balcony to the library [the map is a bit unclear here]. Three velvet couches and six luxurious chairs, a couple small tables, and a desk furnish this room. Hanging lamps glowing with light provide ample illumination for reading. Below, he can see the library. Books line shelves on every wall, the whole area let with Continual Light. Violet-colored rugs cover the floor. There are hundreds of books here.
Filbin meanwhile checks out the NW corridor [towards area 8], the Vestry. Hanging from hooks on the north and south walls are a bunch of robes, 6 ocher-colored and 4 purple. An ornate box rests on a marble stand in the center of the room. It is 4x2, 2' high. There are two doors on one side, hinged on the outside and locked in the middle. Filbin examines it, not seeing any traps, before retiring and filling in the rest of the party.
Hepla hears that Windsong has found the library, books, soft couches(maybe a nap), books, secret passageways(what library doesn't have them) and books. "The flame can wait, lead on Windsong."
Thorgrim stands guard, and hands Hepla his Portable Hole. "Here, child. Take what you wish. If need be, we can disgorge The Hole to make room for some of these tomes. Wait for Noot to check it, and don't blow yourself up."
Noot finds no traps. There are over 500 books! [I can't come up with that many titles, so if you want to take some, you can, but just know, there are lots.] Isilme casts Detect Magic. None in the library. There is magic on the glass door. Also, the purple robes have a slight magic to them.
Hepla, while looking for info about this place, grabs 5 books from near the entrance, most lickly reference and most commonly used. Then 5 books from the back, most lickly least used. Then, after kicking all the chairs and sofas, she grabs 5 from around the most used chair. She will also grab what appears as the oldest books. She puts all of them neatly in Thorgrim's portable hole and returns it to him. "Thank you," she says. She then sits in a chair, actually curls up in one very cat like and looks over the library seeing if anything looks out of place. An odd wall or strange picture or item that seems like it's special.
Meanwhile, Isilme does a quick scan of the books and grabs anything referencing dragons, magic, the planes, or demonology. After finding a few, they all return to the Shrine.
Hepla says," Elray, does not your sword also extinguish flames? Together with my wand, they might put out that black fire."
The door seems to have a wizard lock on it, so they can't open it. Hepla tries her wand, but it has no effect. Isilme casts Knock, then opens the door. Inside she finds a small chamber. Floating in the center is a round sphere of absolute blackness. Behind it is a torch, which is creating the flaming corona around it. The torch is magical, as is the ball of blackness.
The hairs on the back of Isilme's necks rise as she looks at the thing. She takes out a gold coin and tosses it at the spinning darkness. It disappears into the black hole.
"That sphere is powerfull and dangerous," says Isilme. "Maybe this is why it's suspended in glass. You can't touch it."
"Levitation might work," says Hepla, "but once unleashed, how do we stop it?"
Isilme sighs "I still say we ignore this. It just strikes me as too dangerous. Lets check out that stairway in the library. We can have Noot check for traps and Windsong scout ahead".
The party closes the door, which eventually locks itself up again. Thorgrim looks back at the blackness, wondering if they just left behind their most important find. The party then moves on to the Vestry. The box in the vestry was locked; however, Noot easily picks it. Inside are a small torch, matching those they've seen on some of the murals painted in various places, as well as a black thurible [a small metal censor suspended on chains; I had to look that up!] and 10 pieces of incense (six black cones and four spheres). All are magical.
Thurible and incense into the Hole. "What's next?" asks Thorgrim.
"Wait a minute," says Thorgrim, slapping his head. He gets a sheet of paper out of his pocket. "Let me see that axe," he asks Gotrek. Thorgrim then heads back and hacks the horns off the minotaurs, and tosses the bloody things into the Hole as well. Nah, he puts them in a chest. "The best trophies are ones you can use," he says. He ponders a moment. "What we need is a traveling laboratory. That way we could take Lyseios along with us! Perhaps some sort of extradimensional space. Or even a large wagon, should we decide to caravan."
"Don't forget the magic torch," says Noot.
"We should go back through the cold," says Isilme. "I believe that is the way, and we know the robes protect us from the cold."
Gotrek is ready," he says, as his armor will protect him from the cold. Berenn also says that he and Thorgrim can add priestly protection as well.
"No choice but to take damage," says Thorgrim. "But I felt that chill in my very bones. I feel it may be enough to kill those of lesser constitution, and we've no idea how far the Cold Zone will extend. And yes it would expend ALL of our god-given powers, leaving none for healing.Of course, there is the other choice: to seek another route. We know what lies ahead of us on this level of the fortress. Brute force. It may be as bad of the Cold Zone, or even worse."
The party takes a quick vote, with everyone wanting to head back to the cold area. They take the stuff from the Vestry, 4 more purple robes (in addition to the two they already have), plus the thurible, incense, and torch. When they get back to the cold area [the intersection below area 20] they do indeed find that the robes protect them from the cold. Thus, they have no need to cast any further spells.
I will repost the description of this area: It is another 4-way intersection with a 20' wide corridor. To the south it goes about 80' before ending in double doors. To the north it goes about 40'. Down the lenghth of the hallway, about every 10', a purplish stone panel has been set into the walls on both sides. The panels are carved with intricate images of robed and hodded people in procession, each carrying a special torch. Further, the north section ends in three archways 8' high and 4' wide, entirely filled with some kind of thick green goo. To the west (area 24) he sees a small chamber. The only object in the room is a black stone font. Strange runes ring the rounded edge of the font. Each wall has a single purple tapestry with the inverted triangle of the Elder Elemental God in black.
"Didn't Not retrieve the magic torch?" asks Isilme. "Everyone in the pictures has one, so we probably should too."
"Yes," says Noot, "I have one." He then moves up to inspect the tapestries. There is nothing behind the tapestries in area 24. They are merely decoration. All that is there is the font in the center of the room.
Hepla looks to see if there is a fluid source in the font. She hopes that water is used in the font....
"Good call," says Thorgrim. "Though what we can learn, I cannot say. Did this radiate magic? It's time to destroy all these evil artifacts. I'm glad that infernal machine is well-destroyed."
There is clear water in the font. Emyn spits into it, but that illicits no response. Gotrek then just walks up and smacks it with Bonecrusher, bashing it into pieces and knocking themm over on the floor.
"All the magic in this place reeks of evil," says Thorgrim. "We are perhaps better off destroying what we find in this wretched place. The sphere, the obelisk, these are powerful artifacts of evil, and must be dealt with soon. But first, we strike the head!"
The party moves down to the double doors. When they get there, two large men rush out through the goo-filled archways back to the north. They pass by the invisibile Isilme, who sees that they are Flesh Golems! They move south to attack.
The warriors step up, taking up a defensive line, while the others slip back behind them. Elrae fires magic missiles at one of the things, which seem completely unaffected by them. The golems rush down the hall to attack. Gotrek and Thorgrim attack, Thorgrim hitting for [15]. Emyn and Berenn both the one to the right for [5] and [10]. The Flesh golems attack. Gotrek is hit [16]. Noot walks up on the ceiling and moves across to attack the golems from behind.
Windsong backs off, keeping an eye on the double-doors while Hepla moves back over by Elrae though she is loath to attempt any spells after Elrae's didn't work. Noot stands upside down on the ceiling and hits one of the golems in the back of its head with his Rod of Smiting. He smacks the one attacking Gotrek and Thorgrim, hitting it with a large crack! He does [17] damage, and one of the things eyeballs flies right out of its head.
The golem turns and swings Noot, missing twice. The other golem hits Berenn [14]. Gotrek and Thorgrim both hit the golem a couple of times, cutting it down and chopping it apart! Berenn and Emyn each hit once, doing [20] total. The next round all four fighters attack the remaining golem, which doesn't stand a chance and is easily hacked apart.
Hepla colledts the eyeballs while Berenn just shakes his head, turning away. Noot returns to the doors. They open quite easily revealing an area of total darkness. None of your light penetrates it. Isilme goes to check it out, and also sees that her infravision is useless. Noot lights the torch they found. It is made of black iron and has a cupped head that is fitted so that the cone-shaped incense can be set into it. When placed in it and lit, it creates a 10' radius of violet light which reveals a room about 60x80 with two more corridors heading out, one west and one south. The ceiling is vaulted, up to 30' high in the center and 20' at the walls. An ebony table with silver inlay dominates the center of the room. Each leg is carved into the form of a tentacle. Upon the tables rests a large iron horn, engraved with images of fire, flood, tornados, and earthquakes. The north wall is an immense bas relief of a man in robes blowing the horn and elemental creatures all bowing in subservience. The hallway to the west is blocked by a series of translucent lilac-colored walls with a grotesque statue depicting some kind of obscene elemental, tentacled creature in the center and before each one. The 40' wide hallway to the south is flanked on either side by a purple-colored railing in the form of writhing tentacles. It continues south out of sight.
Isilme checks out the horn, which she notes is clearly magical.
Noot continues to look around, but he is afraid to touch anything. Walking around, he can see that at the end of the western corridor 60' away is a door. Those with underground direction sense can tell that the door likely opens to the Inner Fane [obvious from the map!]. Also, the southern passage with the railing enters a chamber after about 60'; you can't see anything clearly down there as it's rather dark and the stone there is black with purple veins. However, the chamber ends with a raised altar of some kind. Also, there is a distinct sense of "unholiness" here. The entire area is clearly consecrated to "evil". Good beings here feel very uneasy [translates also as a -2 penalty to pretty much everything].
Cringing slightly, Isilme picks up the horn but nothing happens. It is about 6' long, and weighs about 150lbs.
"Must be made of gold, and not iron, as it appears," says Thorgrim. "Do you suppose this is the Horn of Iggwilv, that once we sought?"
Isilme puts it into Thorgrim's portable hole, while Hepla meanwhile checks out the other hallway. She notices that the translucent walls are all Walls of Force. Isilme then move to check out the chamber. The railing of tentacles and serpents extends 40' into a large hexagonal room. It ends in small cressets that are designed to hold small cone-shaped inserts. In the southern portion of the room, six cantilevers on the east and west walls support statues of scowling gargoyles, each subtly different than the other. A square plate of violet stone 20' across is set into the floor at the point where the railing stops. A black circle is circumscribed into the center of the plate. A short flight of steps leads up to a raised platform in the southernmost end of the room. The platform and steps are made of grey stones with black and purple flecks. Atop the platform is a black altar, a lavender altar cloth, two black tallow candles set in fixtures at either end.
Isilme shudder when she sees the altar. She knows all too well what kind of horrible and evil rites could be performed in here. She starts flying and checking around this room and the other for secret and concealed passages. Isilme finds no secret doors or passages of any kind. As she's flying around invisible, Hepla and Emyn enter the room. Noot comes walking in too, along with Elrae. Isaac starts to go crazy, and Noot, for as much as he tries, can't hold him. The ferret bites Noot on the hand, leaps off him, and runs back out.
"I wonder if they did animal sacrifices here," says Noot. He then follows Isaac and gently calls to him once clear of the room. Isaac goes through the room where the horn was, down the hallway, and turns right around the corner. Noot follows stealthily.
When Noot runs off after Isaac, he still has the Torch of Revealing. The areas on the map shaded with a "D" become impenetrable darkness. Isilme, Emyn, and Elrae can still see in the southern room, as can the rest in the room with the horn, but once Noot runs out after Isaac (then followed by Hepla) the shaded "D" areas become pitch black. Those with infravision can see half normal, and the "D" areas are impenetrable darkness.
Isilme flies off after Noot and Hepla. Elrae finds that he is numbed to the core in the southern room, despite the protection from his Ring of Warmth. He takes [2] damage. Emyn, wearing the robe, is fine. Elrae backs out of the room, and draws Snowfang. The light is sheds is only half-normal, which is enough to illuminate the central portion of the table room [21] barely. Emyn retires with Elrae as he cannot see in the southern room. He then starts after Hepla too.
Shortly after Emyn disappears through the darkness, he hears a faint scream from Hepla....
Emyn, coming to the room [18], finds a drow priestess in front of him, standing with her back to him and basically behind Hepla, who is backing away to the left towards Noot. Noot is wrapped in tentacles that have come out of the ground and entangled him. Across the room, just beyond the pillar, stands another priest, Commander Hedrack. Both seem to be ignoring Hepla and Noot, and they are leveling tentacle rods at one another.
[In the room Noot is entangles, with Hepla backing out of the way, and now Emyn behind the priestess. Everyone else is back in the room where they found the horn [area 21].and can follow after hearing Hepla's scream if they wish.]
"Favor?" says Hedrack, composing himself. "The Elder Eye is not the Spider Queen," he says. "He shows no favor, and revels in all chaos." He levels the rod at the drow. "We shall see who stands in higher regard." [this is what Emyn hears just as he shows up.]
"It will be as the chosen has willed," replies the priestess. "Your usefulness is at an end."
[Berenn OOC: Hedrack? Where is Berenn? Hedrack needs to die ... again.]
"To our friends!" says Thorgrim. He rushes that way [towards area 18], pick at the ready.
Once he gets there he will take a moment to assess the situation. If it's still as described, he will attack Hedrack.
[Thorgrim OOC: Thorgrim's seen him before, so he knows his face. Best to see him dead. Lareth is the one we should be questioning. This guy dies. Thorgrim also has a secondary motivation to kill this other drow chick and I guess tertiary is to save Noot. Gotta have priorities!]
Emyn makes sure Hepla is ok, then attacks the tentacles on Noot. Hepla casts Whip, and snaps it at Hedrack. It rips the tentacle rod from his hands! "He turns towards her, cursing as Emyn moves to Noot. He tries to pry the tentacles off, but cannot do so. He starts to hack at them, and he is able to free Noot.
Hedrack turns to Hepla, mid-casting, and utters the words of a strange prayer. She feels a sudden deep pain, cries, and falls to the floor in a heap.
"Use your feminine wiles in Hell, girl," he says before turning his attention back to the drow priestess.
The drow priestess points her tentacle rod at Hedrack, and tentacles come from the ground around him, just as he did to Noot. However, they fail to entrap him.
Emyn checks Hepla, but finds that she is dead.
When Berenn sees Hedrack he'll shout, "I don't know what foul spell brought you back from the Nine Hells Hedrack, but I will make there is nothing left of you to bring back a second time!" Berenn will cast Heat Metal on Hedrack's armor.
The drow priestess moves the sphere of annihilation they saw in the glass room across the room where it engulfs Hedrack's tentacle rod, sucking it into its black nothingness. Hedracks snears at the priestess, backing away around the far side of the 4-sided pillar.
He snarls at the drow priestess. "House Eilserves will pay for this betrayal," he says.
The drow priestess laughs, and you recognize her voice as Isilme's voice. "Your end is inevitable Hedrack, the chosen has spoken. Prepare to face the wrath of the deepest abyss."
Before anything else happens, he takes a pepper egg in the face, thrown from Windsong.
Cursing, Hedrack then turns to flee, but runs into an invisible wall! He looks back to see the crying Noot, one hand holding Isaac, the other hand extended towards him. [He just used his wall of force from his ring to block Hedrack's escape!]
Meanwhile, Emyn's face goes flat and righteous rage fills his eyes as tears course down his cheeks. "For Hepla and Trithereon!" he bellows as he attacks Hedrack in a semi-insane rage.
Noot keeps going back and forth between Isaac and Hepla trying to resuscitate either one. He is a basket case mostly because of the loss of Isaac. Since his parents death he doesn't handle losing friends or pets very well.
Emyn closes on Hedrack. "You have one chance to live. Return Hepla's natural life to her."
He turns around, wiping his eyes, having a hard time seeing. "She shall return to the elemental oneness from whence she came," he says. Blinking away tears from the pepper.
Thorgrim moves over to examine Hepla, unfortunately seeing that she is dead. There are no wounds, but she is dead nonetheless. Berenn casts Heat Metal on Hedrack's armor, which doesn't seem to affect it. The drow then makes the sphere head towards Hedrack, who backs away, keeping the pillar between himself and the orb. Meanwhile, Windsong was moving around to the flank. Gotrek is singing his warsong of Clan Delgrim, but when he sees what is happening, he stops singing (with a very great effort of will) and waits, giving the honor of the fight to Emyn.
Emyn attacks Hedrack with a fury even Gotrek would be shocked by, calling upon his god for aid in exacting his vengeance. Hedrack backs off, drawing a mace from beneath his robes. You see the ocher-colored plate mail beneath, so you know he's well-armored.
Windsong throws his shuriken, but they bounce harmlessly off Headrack's armor as he turns slightly and blocks them. Elrae moves down so that he can join the fight, drawing Snowfang at the same time.
Isilme continues to work on the illusion, moving the Sphere towards Hedrack. He moves back, seeing Emyn approach and Windsong throwing stuff at him.
The illusory drow priestess says, "Feel the cold chill of death yet Hedrack," and a wall of ice appears in front of his door, blocking it.
He turns back and casts a spell, and suddenly the very air swirls and thickens into a vast noxious cloud. Windsong takes [6] and Emyn takes [7]. Thorgrim takes [10] and his silence spell is ruined. [Nobody can see through it.]
Emyn charges through the stuff, ignoring the coughing and gagging, and emerges to the side of Hedrack, still getting a swing in and hitting him [13]. Thorgrim immediately moves backwards, bumping his head on Isilme's feet dangling in the air above. Isilme, and everyone else, find themselves on the other side of the vaporous cloud, which extends all the way up to the ceiling. Berenn draws blades and moves up, but doesn't cross the cloud. Nobody does. Filbin hides in the shadows, watching the rear with sword in hand.
Windsong draws his blades and moves out of the cloud, almost running into Hedrack.
Hedrack backs up and calls upon Imix, dropping a Flame Strike on top of Emyn and Windsong. Windsong fails his save, taking [16] as he still is able to flatten himself against the wall and avoid most of it. Emyn makes his save, taking only [11]. Emyn then hits Hedrack twice [7] and [11]. Emyn doesn't even feel the blows, in as much a rage as Gotrek ever was!
The rest of the party is on the other side of the cloud, wondering if they should risk passing through it.....
Gotrek says, "I'm going," and starts to sing. With a curse, Thorgrim quickly casts a protection spell on him! Isilme goes through the cloud, taking [8] in the process. She comes out on the other side and sees Windsong and Emyn battling Hedrack hand to hand.
Windsong hits Hedrack [6]. Hedrack casts a spell [see, concentration works!], then backs off from them into the corner.
Emyn moves up, hitting Hedrack a series of times, but his blows seem to bounce off him.
Berenn then casts silence beyond the cloud, and the entire area is bathed in silence. Gotrek charges through, and the silence area stops his ability to go into a rage. Of course, this just makes him even more mad! Nevertheless, he moves up on Hedrack.
Thorgrim will stay behind the cloudkill barrier, protecting the weaker party members from whatever comes next. "They've got a paladin, a shadowdancer, a bladesinger and a battlerager. Should get the job done."
Elrae goes to check out Noot, who seems inconsolable. Berenn stands, waiting with blades out just in case. Emyn attacks Hedrack, his blades ringing off what seems to be a Stoneskin. [damn elemental priests!] Same goes for Gotrek and Isilme, who flies down closer.
Windsong sheathed his blades before exiting the cloud, and he now throws a series of spikes at him. Again, none hit, but they use up more Stoneskins. One hits Gotrek in the back [3], but the dwarf doesn't even notice. Isilme flies down and attacks as well, ringing blows on him.
Hedrack backs even further into the corner and drops his mace, putting his hands up in surrender. Nobody can tell what he tries to say, as they're all in a silence area.
Isilme will put the point of her longsword to his throat, grinning wickedly, almost daring him to move so she can kill him. She will kick away his mace and motion for Windsong to bind and gag him.
He looks up at Isilme, resignation and hatred clearly evident in his face. Gotrek grabs Emyn, keeping him from attacking the weaponless priest, as Berenn dispells the cloud, and the silence spell too.
She says "I see wisdom in keeping you alive as a pawn Hedrack, should the chosen ever decide to turn on ME. Accept my charm and I shall let you shall live to fight another day."
"Never!" he says. "You may take my life, but you shall never take my free will. [sorry, couldn't resist.] I surrender myself to you, and it is for you to decide what you shall do."
Isilme sings her charm to him, but he withstands her attempt easily, a contemptuous smile on his face. "You get only one chance to live," says Isilme. "Either you bring our friend back from the dead, or I slay you here and now, and my priestess will feed your remains to the orb....You will join the nothingness, with no chance of returning...a THIRD time."
Thorgrim moves forward. "Let's slay him while we have the chance," he says. "Or do you intend to squeeze information? Either way, he must needs die."
Emyn says, "If you want to live, return Hepla's life to her."
Noot yells, "DON'T FORGET ISAAC!"
"And the ferret's," adds Thorgrim.
"That is not in my power," he says. When Emyn goes to cut his head off, he quickly adds, "But I know a way! You may gain anything you desire in the Cist, if you know how to ask. I will show you."
Emyn will keep his blow from falling but asks, "How does one ask and what is the price to be paid?"
"He does not need to restore me to life because I am no longer dead," says Hepla from behind everyone as she sits up. Then, looking at Noot she says, "I am sorry, all the time I was gone I was trying to find Issack but no luck." She then goes to Henrack and says, "I should materialize a hungry rat in your stomach and let it gnaw it's way out. Do not make me any angrier." While she says this, first her cat pin then her clothes turn dark orange. She then goes to pick up her whip and looks around the room.
So, Hepla is alive again, much to everyone's surprise, including Hedrack. He stares at her, mouth agape. "Impossible!" he says.
"Glad to see you back, Hepla!" says Isilme, who runs over and gives her a big hug! The illusion of the dark elf priestess and sphere now disappear, the rod reappears, and then Isilme walks over and picks it up. She notices that his tentacle ring is different than the one she took from the Drow priestess in the Pomarj. Whereas the one she was obsidian, this one is jade and set with a diamond. The Rod is the same strange dark material as the one she once destroyed, but the tentacles are a jade color, not black.
Emyn looks at Hepla, incredulous. "How can this be?"
Hepla goes to Emyn, kisses him and says, "later."
Emyn simply weeps for joy and holds onto her for some time to make sure things are real. "Whatever it was that brought you back, I owe a debt to them that I doubt I can ever adequately repay. I was ready to offer my life in exchange for the return of yours, had it been needed."
Berenn then pressures him further. "I also want to know how to safely remove one of these monoliths from my keep."
"There is a monolith at the Black Keep?" he asks, incredulous.
"Warden's Station", Berenn corrects. "And yes, it is in area beyond the crypts. Ghouls were digging at it, and I want it out. Show me a way to remove it and I might find a way for to keep your head."
"The pillar can only be moved with the Horn of the Eye," he says. "I can show you."
"Hedrack," says Isilme, "what is this black cist you spoke of, where is it, and what is there that had the power to bring our friend back from the dead?"
Hedrack stares at Hepla, then a glare from Isilme brings him back. "It is nowhere. A realm of the Elder Eye reached through the altar. You must use the items from its pillar to access it, where you can sacrifice to the Eye for whatever you desire."
"Perhaps we should sacrifice you, Hedrack," says Emyn.
"Each pillar is attuned to its altar," says Hedrack. "The items necessary to perform the ritual are found in the pillar's compartments." He tells you where, and checking the four sides of the pillar you find secret compartments. They are all empty. "If you have found the second pillar, the items must be there as well," he adds. He then stops, as if he suddenly thought of something important. "Lareth was sent to the old keep because we knew it to be a place of power. I didn't understand how or why," he says. "Now it is all clear."
Isilme involuntarily shudders, then recovers. In a subtle way she seems somehow stronger or more confident. She casually walks over to Hedrack with the tentacle rod and shares a knowing glance with him then grins wickedly. "Hedrack you will tell us all we want to know or the life we allow you to keep will be one of suffering. Why is drow house eliserves here, and what aid have they been providing the temple, now and in the past?"
"House Eilservs worships the Eye as well," he says. "I only learned that here, from their ambassador, Maracla. The drow who once visited the Temple were all followers of Lolth, but these, they know the truth."
"And what of the Horn?" asks Isilme. She retrieves it (I think it's in Thorgrim's Portable Hole?) and shows it to him. His eyes widen in surprise. "The Horn of the Eye," he says. "Blasphemer! You shall suffer the wrath of the Eye."
"Will this allow us to move the monolith at Warden's Station?" asks Berenn.
"The horn will only move this one," he says, pointing to the pillar in the room. "Or to access the Cist or the Inner Fane. You will need the devices attuned to the other pillar and altar to access their powers."
Isilme says "Berenn, it seems logical these items are hidden in the same compartments of the monolith at the keep." She then turns back to Hedrack. "Hedrack, how do we use these items to enter the cist?"
She looks at Noot "Perhaps there is hope for Isaac yet, if you would wish this kind of dark magic to return him to you?"
"Noot, I am sorry but I fear Isaac may be lost," says Emyn. "He was a good ferrett."
Noot, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, gives Hepla a hug. 'Hepla,thanks for searching for Isaac. He must be in a better place than this evil temple. I must let him go or I will be no better than this foul slime." He then picks up Isaac's little body and puts it in his pack for the time being. He will bury it when they get out in the clean air.
"Do we really want to use this cist to bring back a ferrett?" asks Berenn. "No offense Noot, but I see no good coming from this. The cist an instrument of evil. It is your choice, but I would advise against using it. I would destroy it!"
"I intend to go investigate the cist," says Isilme. "I would see this great and powerful thing that can grant you hearts desire. That and I am interested in studying alternate planes. Hedrack, tell me how to get there, and what I need to do once there to have this granted. If I don't return shortly, kill him for betraying us and feed his body to the dark orb."
Hedrack tells you that there is a book, Tome of the Elder Eye, which describes everything you need to know.
Hepla's ears perk up. "Where is this book?" she asks.
Isilme pulls Throgrim, Berenn, and Hepla aside and whispers, "If we get that spinning orb (the Sphere of Annihilation) and quickly before people get back, we can use it to permanently destroy all these evil artifacts. I am sure you realize stating this outright will get us far less help from Hedrack."
Berenn agrees, and Hepla adds, "If someone comes back with me, I'll try Telekinesis on the orb."
Islme will then go back and ask Hedrack "Why is the ring important with the tentacle rod? What does it do?"
"The ring ONLY allows you to hold the tentacle rod," he says. "Otherwise it attacks any who pick it up."
Anyway, she will take the book and follow the directions to get to the cist.
[DM OOC: The Tome of the Elder Eye was one of the books taken from Hedrack's room; there were about a dozen and you guys just took them all. You have to understand, you can't grab dozens of books and then find something in them in 10 minutes when there is no table of contents, index, etc. You would have to spend time READING the dang things! So, you have this book from Hedrack's, and it goes into exact detail about the Rituals of the Elder Elemental God. It "probably" tells you about the Sphere too.... You can look at it whenever, but he can show you where the pertinent parts are right now and/or go with you.]
Hedrack apparently heard the first comment about the orb, though not about using it to destroy the items. "Do not deign to play with the Vessel of the Eye," he warns. "Unless you seek your own utter annhilation, it is best left alone."
As for the procedure for the altar, he shows you that. You have to light the torch, burn the incense in the thurible, then you blow the horn. Depending upon how many times you blow it, different things happen. With a bound Hedrack showing the way, the party then heads for this "Black Cist."
Scouting ahead, Windsong reaches the Vestibule with Isilme. There is nobody around, so the party reaches them too. They spot Hedrack looking at the Flesh Golems as they pass their dead bodies and smile at him grimly. As soon as they reach the 4-way intersection before the cold section, Hedrack requests his robe back....
[DM OOC: Quick descriptions again, to refresh everyone's memory.]
[AREA 21] The torch reveals a room about 60x80 with two more corridors heading out, one west and one south. The ceiling is vaulted, up to 30' high in the center and 20' at the walls. An ebony table with silver inlay dominates the center of the room. Each leg is carved into the form of a tentacle. Upon the tables rests a large iron horn, engraved with images of fire, flood, tornados, and earthquakes (already taken). The north wall is an immense bar relief of a man in robes blowing the horn and elemental creatures all bowing in subservience. The hallway to the west is blocked by a series of translucent lilac-colored walls with a grotesque statue depicting some kind of obscene elemental/tentacled creature in the center and before each one. The 40' wide hallway to the south is flanked on either side by a purple-colored railing in the form of writhing tentacles. It continues south out of sight.
Emyn throws Hedrack's robe back on him so he can pass through the cold area but will remove it from him once they are clear of it.
Hepla starts up her Ioun Stone. "Do we want into the Fane or what is our goal?"
Isilme will ask Hedrack to show her the right section of the book on how to get to the Black Cist and also back, and insists on reading it BEFORE anyone enters. She learns that twirling an incense-laden Black Thurible will "transport" anyone in the Cist back to the Black Circle in the floor of the Greater Temple (area 23).
Hedrack also informs the party that the Orb of Oblivion and the other items are no longer in the Cist. According to Hedrack, when Lareth was found to be the Champion, he was given the Rod and Rings of Force, and then the Doomdreamers transported themselves (and Lareth) back to the Temple of Elemental Evil in order to summon the Dread Prince of Fire, Imix, to Oerth. There actually is nothing to be found in the Cist. It's sort of like an extra-dimensional space, nobody knows exactly where it is or what its true nature is. It is ONLY accessible this way, and the noted way out is the ONLY way out. Otherwise, it is 100% sealed off from the rest of the universe.
"Then why are we going there, Hedrack?" asks Emyn suspiciously.
"I thought we destroyed the Orb," says Elrae, a bit confused.
"This is the Orb of Oblivion," says Isilme, who has perused the Tome of the Elder Eye a bit now. "The Orb of Golden Death was a weak copy of this one. Zuggtmoy and Iuz were shown how to create and use theirs, but only to serve the ends of the Elder Elemental God, not their own ends. In that, they were totally deceived. However, they laid the groundwork for what the Temple of the Elder Eye is doing now. Though we destroyed that "lesser" orb, the Doomdreamers are now using the real artifact, the Orb of Oblivion, to further do their evil deeds now."
"Then what is that orb we found in the chapel near the library?" asks Hepla.
"That is a Sphere of Annihation," he says. "The Orb of Oblivion is a totally different thing, an artifact of ancient primordial evil."
"Let's just kill him now and get it over with," says Emyn, stepping forward and drawing his sword.
"Shouldn't we be more worried about Imix and preventing the summoning if possible?" asks Berenn. "If Hedrack knows where they are in the Temple that information would be very useful and we should also warn Hommlet and Verbobonc the threat from the Temple isn't over."
"How close are they to being able to summon Imix?" asks Hepla.
He shrugs. "With the Champion, the necessary artifacts, and the recovered temple, probably very close, if they haven't succeeded already."
Emyn slays Hedrack, then and there. He then chops off his head, handing it to Windsong. "Toss this in the sphere we found," he says. Windsong takes off to dispose of Hedrack's head. "Let's see him come back from that!" says Emyn smugly.
While he's gone, Isilme takes the Horn while Elrae takes out the Master Key. He touches it to the horn. Then Isilme blows it. [Isilme loses -1 point of Con when she blows it.] The Horn makes no sound, but everyone notices the walls of force to the west all disappear. The way is clear to the door. Windsong returns about that time, having disposed of Hedrack's head.
"Now we can pass into the Inner Fane," says Isilme.
Emyn says, "We must go. I feel Lareth pulling on me. Vengeance is nigh! Use the Heal scrolls on those who are badly wounded and let's move." Emyn tells Hepla, "Stay close to me. I could not bear to lose you a second time. I almost went mad with grief and rage."
Hepla smiles and says, "Have faith my love."
"I will kitten," he replies. "I only hope you truly have nine lives."
The party makes use of some Healing potions, saving the scrolls, and use their last spells as well. Only Hepla, somehow fully recovered after her return from death, can cast any spells. With grim determination, the party moves down the hall to enter the Inner Fane.
They pass through the hallway and the door to the Inner Fane, emergin in the courtyard, called the Blasted Yard by denizens here.
Like a scene from the hells itself, the interior courtyard is a dry, cracked yard of uneven black volcanic rock, concealed by a low sulfurous mist. A hot dry stench fills the air, chocking your nostrils. In the center of the area, pounded down into this wound in the earth like a giant spike, stands a black tower glistening with the dull sheen of iron. The earth itself seems to recoil from the touch of this strange structure, so it is surrounded by a gaping trench, its black walls disappearing down out of sight. Cracks exposing red, hellish light from below start at the wound and cross the yard, expanding outwards from the tower as if it blasted out of the earth like a lightning bolt through human flesh. No windows exist on the tower, which rises over 100' high, and it has but a single door accessible via a narrow causeway over the gaping tears in the earth. The inner walls rise nearly 200' on all sides, being otherwise completely inaccessible.
Elrae begins to sing:
It's all from the heart I say
Back down but we've come a long way
walk the path to an early grave
see so much hate and so much heartache
when we thought we've passed the 25
others left, but one more still alive
the injustice tears my eyes years of hate or life of heartache
If you ever need me I'm here
I'll follow you into anything
if you ever need me I'll be there
I'll follow you into hell again
In this world that we fight each day
it's kinda' hard to find a brother that's one in the same
heavy heart weighing on my soul
but I keep my head up bracing for the unknown
bullets fly we're no longer taking cover
we'll never die
findin' strengh in one another
as long as we stick together for life
we'll pass that hate and crush that heartache
If you ever need me I'm here
I'll follow you into anything
if you ever need me I'll be there
I'll follow you into hell again
we stand up proud and tall
refuse to take the fall
the flames are burning bright
spread fire to the fight
You can take our lives
but you can't take our pride
we'd rather die on our feet
then live on our knees
from wrong to right
a right to run our lives
it's who we care
it's the family we have started
If you ever need me I'm here
I'll follow you into anything
if you ever need me I'll be there
I'll follow you into hell again
yeah, you'll always be my brother
yeah, you'll always be my friend
yeah you'll always be my brother
my brother
Hepla puts her fear wand and staff on the ground, casts Polymorph Self and morphs into Hedrack and picks up the wand and slips it into her clothes, up her sleeve, picks upper staff and is ready to walk into the temple.
Isilme summons her LLL (Leomund's Labile Locker, just to remind you all!) and retrieves an extra Potion of Healing. She also writes on the communication scroll, half of which she left with Burne back in Hommlet:
"Use my mirror to scry Hepla and open a portal for us. The Temple of Elemental Evil has been reborn. They are at the old temple site NOW attempting to summon IMIX. If nothing else, gather who and what help you can to stop them."
As she then goes to close the chest, she has a thought. "If Hepla can cast diminuation on me, I can return to the Etheral with the chest and rest up. The time difference is very great, what seems an hour here, is much more there. Do you think it wise at this point though?"
"Then why not let Isilme head to the Ethereal?" says Thorgrim. "In a little more than an hour Hepla can recall the chest and get her back, all rested up. Sounds good to me!"
With a diminution from Hepla, Isilme then gets in the chest. Hepla then sends it to the Ethereal. She will recall it in an hour, and hopefully Isilme will have rested enough to regain spells. In the mean time, the rest of the party is in the Blasted Yard, heading for the Black Spike.
They cross the Blasted Lands. It is still dark out, and likely a few hours after midnight now. Everyone feels a definite unease, and the priests can explain this is an unholy area.
[DM OOC: Basically, you suffer effects of protection from Good (if you are good at least!) as well as Prayer. This gives your enemies a +2 and a -4 to you (-2 if you are NOT of good alignment).]
As the party approaches the Black Spike, they notice dark shapes seeming to leap up from the ground to the right and left, about 4 of them. They look like wights, but are...worse.
Hepla/Hedrack keeps walking but says,"Delay us not spirits, we are on a mission for the Fane."
They come on regardless. One attacks Windsong, one Berenn, one Emyn, and one Thorgrim.
Emyn says, "Can't you priests turn these?" He then enters into his defensive stance, putting all bonuses to defense.
Thorgrim holds them back with his holy symbol, and they hiss and spit at him as they back away. On attacks Windsong, missing, and the elf slashes at the thing's legs [8] before tumbling away. One attacks Emyn, who works defensively and avoids the thing.
Hepla and Elrae both simultaneously hit the wight attacking Emyn with magic missiles for [21] and [20]. It is blasted backwards, stumbles to the ground, and dies (again).
"Stay close to Thorgrim," says Hepla.
Berenn stands forth with Bonefire, and Windsong tumbles back behind him. The wight approaches, but then shies away from attacking Berenn with his blade, so obviously deadly to its kind. It hisses and spits at him, much as its evil companions do to Thorgrim.
Gotrek charges the wight, just as Hepla blasts it with another magic missile [15]. Gotrek hits the wight [10]. The wight turns and attacks Gotrek, its wicked claws raking the sturdy dwarf. Gotrek feels the cold of death as the black power of the wight seems to literally rip his life from him. [-1 Negative level for Gotrek as well as 4 damage]
Thorgrim's holding back two, a third is now fighting Gotrek, and the forth is dead. Emyn and Berenn move up to help, as Hepla blasts the wight again, killing it. Unfortunately, nobody noticed the four other wights moving up behind the party in the darkness. [Yep, rolled for everyone who "may" have seen them!] Two attacked Filbin by surprise, while two went passed him attacking Elrae and Noot. Filbin was struck twice [-2 negative levels and 6 damage]. Elrae was also hit [-1 negative level and 4 damage]. Noot was missed.
Elrae carefully backs off, as Thorgrim moves up. Now that the other wights have fled out of his sight, he attempts to turn the new ones. Holding forth the symbol of Clangeddin, he commands them to begone. However, they just hiss at him and continue their attacks. The one attacking Noot actually going after Thorgrim now!
Windsong takes out his Tiger Hooks, hooking them together to gain reach, and moves beyond the wights where he can attack them from further away.
The wight attacking Noot ignores him and goes after Thorgrim. Noot gets a free shot as it moves away, stabbing it in the back [5]. The wight ignores it, closes on Thorgrim, and claws him [-1 negative level and 2 damage]. Filbin is also clawed twice more! [-2 negative levels and 4 damage]
The one which had been attacking Elrae rushes at Hepla, but just scratches on her Stoneskin. Hepla blasts the wight with another Magic Missile [16]. Emyn moves up and attacks the wight, hitting it with the Sword of Fire [11]. Gotrek moves over to assist Thorgrim, hitting the wight [13]. Noot attacks the one that just attacked Thorgrim, moving up behind it and hitting it with both daggers [7] and [3]. Berenn moves up and attempts to turn the remaining wights, but fails. One of the wights attacking Filbin looks over at him hungrily! Filbin then tumbles backwards, between Gotrek and Hepla, but ends up slumped weakly on his knees.
Hepla says,"Filban, be our eyes and see if any more are attacking." He groans, but nods.
Windsong swings his tiger hooks, which slice through the wight nearest him but don't seem to affect it. That wight was about to attack Berenn, but now turns and rushes Windsong, who barely avoids its attacks. The one attacks Hepla again but misses. Frustrated at its inability to get to her, it makes eerie screaming cries right in her face which throw bits of dead flesh at her. The one misses Thorgrim, but the last one charges right through the party, still intent on Filbin. It literally lands on the poor gnome, clawing and biting him again [-1 negative level and -4 damage].
Hepla steps back and blasts that wight with magic missiles [20]. Elrae hits its as well [16]. The thing has nearly a dozen holes blown clear through it by the magic missile barrage, and flies back off the battered gnome. Thorgrim and Gotrek destroy the wight attacking Thorgrim. Emyn hits the wight attacking Hepla twice [6] and [8]. Berenn then steps up and finishes it off with Bonefire [16]. Filbin slowly rises, visibly shaken by the experience and seems in a daze. Noot moves over to see to him.
[there is just one wight left, fighting Windsong.]
The wight charges forward, hitting Berenn. There is a great flash as his Negative Plane Protection protects him. He still takes [1] from the blow, but the wight takes [10]. Berenn and Emyn then both hit the wight twice, finishing it off easily enough. Looking around, there seem to be no more, except the two that ran off, wherever they went.
Hepla gives first aid to those who need it, healing potions to this who need more. She has no ability to restore levels. "Let's keep moving, before anything else shows up."
The party then moves off towards the tower, those with infravision on the flanks, though Filbin doesn't stray too far away now in his weakened state. They approach the northern side of the black spike tower. From there they now see that the tower does not actually touch the ground, at least for the 60' down the cracks that they can see. The cracks themselves seem to average about 30-60 feet, but at some points they seem deeper, with the glow of magma far below though obscured by the sulfurous smoke. When they get closer, they see that the bridge is 10' wide and made of 6" iron plates. The door is made of adamantine.
[DM OOC: You find yourselves all repulsed by the tower which puts off such forceful emanations of evil that you can feel them without magic. In fact, every except Berenn and Emyn suffer such fearful feelings of dread that they, in essence, suffer the effects of a negative level. They don't actually HAVE one, but for the time being will suffer as if they did. Basically, a further -1 to just about everything!]
Waterday, 5 Richfest (581 CY)
[DM OOC: OK, it's actually about 3am, so I should probably have done this a few hours ago. Still, it's another day! Berenn's rod is again useful, as well as Snowfang.]
At the door, the party finds that the master key opens the door. It opens into a round chamber, lit by ambient light the source of which is not obvious. The light plays off multi-colored stones set in the ceiling, 10' across and extending 5' down into the room. The ceiling if 30' high. The stone above is a weird mineral, unknown even to the dwarves. Long metal supports radiate like spokes of a wheel across the ceiling, with the rock as the hub. The supports connect to even thicker supports on the walls, and they all appear to be solid adamantine. Nobody has ever seen so much! An iron staircase winds up the west wall, up to a level above. The floor of the room has some old, reddish-brown stains on black and purple tiles.
In the center of the room stands a huge iron statue of a strange warrior with a sword and shield.
Windsong enters, his feet making nary a sound as he glides into the room. As soon as he crosses the threshold, the iron statue begins to move. Its head ominously turns and dark eyes seem to bore into Windsong.
I am enjoying your campaign. I started at the beginning and am still back on the interlude at Hommlet/Verbobonc but I will hopefully catch up one of these days. Good stuff.
Emyn says, "Use your wall of force to pen that thing in!"
Noot uses his ring, making a wall of force to completely surround the statue. It begins pounding futilely on the inside. Hepla recharges the ring with a spell of her own as the thieves check out the room. Everyone keeps an eye on the Iron Golem, but it seems well-contained, for now.
"Thanks for the charge, Hepla," says Noot. He gives the statue a look through the wall of force and then proceeds to check out the room. There's nothing else there, so he and Windsong procede to check the stairs going up. They lead to another full chamber, about 100' across. A multi-colored stone rises from floor to ceiling, widening as it does so that it is 12' across at the floor but nearly 30' at the ceiling. Light from an unknown source, perhaps the rock itself, plays along its facets. It seems the stone is translucent enough that the other side of the tower is barely visible, in the form of dark shapes through it. The iron staircase twists back on itself, rising up to the next level above. Six doorways of ochre light stand around the strange stone pillar. An ebony cabinet is in the Eastern portion of the room near the wall. A single unlit candle sits atop it.
"Let's climb those stairs once we know they are safe," says Emyn. "I don't want to fight that statue."
The rest of the party join Noot and Windson, and once upstairs, Hepla casts Detect Magic. Each of the doorways is magical, or at least there is magic coming from beyond them. Looking into the first one, she sees a room, maybe about 20' square, with dark wood paneling, bed, wardrobe, etc. Of course, all that's in the main room are free-standing doorways spaced around the strange stone. Looking behind them there's nothing, so they clearly open into some kind of extra-dimensional spaces which are furnished as bedrooms.
Noot says there are no traps on any of the doors that he can find, nor on the cabinet. It opens freely, and inside is a black crystal carafe full of strange purple fluid. A set of 4 crystal glasses also rests within. The liquid is magical, though of uncertain type. Of all the doorways, one shows nothing and is seemingly just an empty doorway.
Emyn concentrates and detects evil all around, as if in the very air itself. Although he senses no particular evil on the fluid, he does detect evil, VERY STRONG EVIL, emanating from the strange stone which takes up the center of the room. It seems to overwhelm his ability, and he cannot focus on anything else. As for the stone, its bottom goes through the floor, and must be the stone the party saw in the ceiling on the floor below. It continues up through the ceiling above.
Every room has virtually the same furniture: wood paneling, dark woodframe bed, wardrobe, chest, marble bath, two tables (one small one by the bed) three chairs, a couch, and a hanging chandelier filled with candles. There is no light in any of them except for what enters through the doorway.
Emyn enters the first room and finds it empty. A search of the wardrobe reveals various priestly clothes, including the purple robes of the Elder Elemental God, as well as more "normal" traveling clothes. The chest is locked, but Noot enters and picks it after determining that there are no traps. Inside are various other priestly items. A small coffer with 250PP. A belt pouch with 20 assorted gems. There is a jar of magical golden-colored ointment, a beautiful (and magical) suit of Field Plate Mail of odd design, and a potion.
Elrae glances back down the stairs and sees that the Iron Golem has returned to its previous state and position.
The party enters the next room, and though it is furnished similarly, the clothes are different. Clearly, this was a woman's room. There are extra feminine items here, including a spectacularly beautiful set of comb/brush/stuff. It's just sitting out on a stand next to the wardrobe. In the wardrobe are fine noble clothes, though of a strange style. The chest is locked, but Noot picks it. Inside are a small coffer with 20 gemstones, a jeweled medallion, a magic scroll, and a potion.
The next room has a plate of food on the table, that has all gone rotten. It's as if somebody was about to sit down to a meal, then left and never returned. Judging by the decay, it's been sitting out a few weeks. This is the room of a man, very tall and thin. Inside his chest are 20 gems, a jeweled crown, and a jeweled decanter. There's also a set of magical plate mail, a magical large shield, and a magical mace.
"Plenty of treasure, but no enemies," says Thorgrim. "It may be that The Inner Fane was empty before we began this adventure. Perhaps they are all now at the Temple of Elemental Evil. Still, be wary." Thorgrim opens his Portable Hole (outside of the Extra-Dimensional rooms!) for the new items.
They go into the next room and find the same kind of priestly stuff. They also find a journal within this one, written in a tongue nobody understands. There is also a magical robe, mace, and potion, as well as 20 more gems, 2 pieces of jewelry, and some PPs. When the party comes out, Hepla realizes Emyn is missing. Berenn was standing near the stairs, and he knows Emyn didn't go up or down them. He must have entered one of the other two doorways, probably the one that is now empty. When she looks around for him, she finds that the next door is now empty, just like the other one. He must have moved into the next room on his own, and now it has been "closed."
"Time for the Doomdreamers," Thorgrim says. "Should we follow? Emyn likely now faces them alone. But this archway could also be a magical trap. There's no time to waste pondering." Thorgrim ponders for a moment. "The two doorways present us with a dilemma."
"We need to figure out how to open one of these arch ways," says Berenn.
"It's likely these archways are controlled by magic, rather than mechanics," says Thorgrim. "Since Emyn has been transported and cannot be followed through the arch, we must continue up the stairs. Let's go!" Thorgrim moves toward the stairs, waiting for the party to fall in line in modified standard marching order.
The archway next to Thorgrim [not the one that Emyn seems to have entered] suddenly shifts, revealing a room, and a tall man dressed in ochre robes and holding a mace. He wears a strange helmet with large horns protruding out at weird angles. He is also surrounded by strange swirling violet mists which eddy and flow around him making him difficult to see.
Hepla was looking at the doorway they thought Emyn must have entered. Elrae and Noot are pretty much right behind her. Filbin and Berenn are at the base of the stairs going up, while Windson's halfway up the stairs already, on his way to scout out the next level.
The man casts a spell (only Thorgrim and Gotrek can see him). Actually, nobody really knows anything is happening right now except those two. Anyway, Thorgrim lets out a shout as he turns to meet the new threat. Suddenly waves of confusion wash over everyone. Elrae, Gotrek, and Filbin just stand there, dumbfounded. Noot wanders off to the right and walks into the next doorway down.
Hepla casts a Dispel Magic, recognizing the effects of Confusion, but it has no effect. Thorgrim casts Silence 15'r on the robed figured, then takes Souldrinker in hand. Berenn checks Filbin quickly, and sees that he just is standing there, staring into space. He then draws Bonefire and approaches Thorgrim. Windsong leaps down from the stairs, then moves up to behind the door. Still seeing nothing from the backside, he waits cautiously.
"You've done well to come so far," says the man in strangely accented common. "Unfortunately for you, your time is at an end. Imix shall walk free, soon followed by the rest of the Dread Princes, and there is nothing you can do about it."
"Windsong, through the arch!" shouts Thorgrim, wondering how he can still speak since he just cast Silence within. Then he charges through to slay the silenced priest.
Berenn charges passed Thorgrim through the doorway, and attacks the priest. Windsong moves through the doorway from the opposite side, spins around, and enters too, flanking the priest with both swords out.
The priest reaches out and touches Windsong, casting a spell. You can't hear anything in the silence, but it looks like the priest is laughing as he casts. Windsong stands there, dazed and unable to concentrate.
Thorgrim then enters as well, and the three have him surrounded. He realizes that the area IS under the effects of his Silence spell, yet somehow the priest doesn't seem affected. Thorgrim swings Souldrinker and hits the priest [10].
Hepla pulls Gotrek out of the way, then moves to the opening of the doorway, ready to cast another spell.
Inside the room are the priest, fighting Berenn and Thorgrim. Windsong's in there too, but he seems dazed and is just standing there. Hepla is just outside the doorway. Everyone else is suffering from Confusion.
Noot comes out of his daze, finding himself back outside. He wonders what happened, then curses as he takes out his Iron Bands and returns back through the doorway and into the tower. Hepla rushes in and grabs Windsong, pulling him back out of the room and away from the priest. Thorgrim attacks the priest, missing.
The priest reaches out and touches Thorgrim, saying something that Thorgrim cannot hear due to the silence. He sees confusing visions in his mind. He isn't stunned, but he can't seem to collect his thoughts.
Berenn then steps up and attacks the priest relentlessly, pressing him back with his two swords. He misses with each blow and is amazed at the priest's defenses. Meanwhile, Gotrek regains his senses as well, turns around, and with a silent shout charges passed Hepla and into the room, singing. As soon as he enters, his words are silenced, but he still slams into the priest, hitting him a solid blow with Goreblade [17] and knocking the priest back over his bed.
The priest rises, then takes up a shield that was sitting next to the bed. He says something again which nobody can hear.
Gotrek then attacks Berenn, hitting him [16]. Berenn backs off from Gotrek, trying to get around to the priest, but Gotrek is all over him and doesn't give him the chance.
Hepla cannot see anything inside from where she is standing, so she moves to the doorway. The priest then steps forward, grabbing Gotrek by the back of the head and saying something silently again. The battlerager freezes in place, a look of intense agony on his face, and he falls to the ground.
Hepla casts Magic Missile at the priest, but they fail to hit him. She realizes that somehow his swirling mist spell stops her from hitting him as the spell doesn't "lock on". [incidentally, that's how this spell is described.]
Berenn leaps Gotrek and attacks the priest, hitting him finally [10]. Outside, everyone stands still except Filbin, who wanders down the stairs.
"No Filbin, come here." yells Hepla as she goes into the room using the whip to snap it in the face of the priest. This will hopefully distract him from spell casting and maybe hurt him. She has the Ioun stone still working.
Filbin ignores Hepla and wanders downstairs. Hepla uses her whip, snapping it at the priest. It has no effect, as she misses and he doesn't if notice as it's small and makes no sound in the area of the silence spell. Of course, entering the room, Hepla too is within the area of the spell.....
Everyone senses the difficulty here. Between the energy drained by the wights and the inherent evil of this place, evil emanating from the strange stone, the party seems at a severe disadvantage. Yet, Berenn shakes off the despair and continues his attack.
The priest attacks Berenn, hitting him with his mace [14].
Berenn misses with his off-hand, while the priest smacks him with another blow from his mace [15]. Berenn then misses again with Bonefire.
[Berenn and the priest are squaring off inside the ED room, and Hepla just entered as well. Everyone else is incapacitated somehow or confused.]
Berenn misses just as Hepla casts Grease. The priest doesn't slip, and he pushes out of the area by shoving the immobilized Gotrek out of the way. Gotrek tumbles to the floor, smacking his head on the marble table as he goes down. [5]
The priest then turns around, ignoring Hepla, as he smacks Berenn in the head with his mace [10]. Berenn strikes back with both swords, missing twice more.
Hepla moves over to her left, to get an angle at the priest, and she uses her staff to cast Continual Light in the priest's eyes. He cries out in pain, and stumbles backwards, making a futile swing at Berenn who also backs off towards Hepla, just in front of the wardrobe, and tries to cast Cure Serious Wounds upon himself. However, the silence spell pervades the entire room, leaving him no way to cast spells. He takes out his last Ex-Healing potion and drinks it instead, regaining [25: timely, because he was down to 8!]
Berenn gives Hepla a shove towards the door, then moves around the priest who is casting a spell. They exit the room, and the effects of the silence spell, just as he turns around, seemingly cured of the light spell. He tries to say something, but then frowns at the silence spell. He then walks forward out of the room, to stand before Berenn and Hepla.
"Fools," he says. You know NOT the power of the Elder Eye. I have laid low all of you, and when I am done, I shall take my place as Third." He grins wickedly, "and I have you to thank."
Hepla casts her Wall of Force, but he is able to break its plane as it is materializing, cancelling the spell.
[DM OOC: I will refer you to the spell description, which says "The wizard can, if desired, form the wall into a spherical shape with a radius of up to 1 foot per level or an open hemispherical shape with a radius of 1.5 feet per caster level. The wall of force must be continuous and unbroken when formed; if its surface is broken by any object or creature, the spell fails." I said a long time ago, when you first used a Wall of Force like this, that opponents would get a save. A successful save would mean they broke the plane before the wall was complete, negating the spell. This is actually the first time it has happened. Anyway, just wanted to bring this to your attention, again.]
He laughs as he hits Berenn with his mace [10]. Berenn swings with both blades, hitting with his off-hand longsword for [10]. The priest then smashes Berenn in the face with his shield [9], knocking him back to the wall. He stumbles against it, surprised at the strength of the man and certain it has been magically increased. The priest then steps up and swings his mace again, hitting Hepla but only taking away another Stoneskin.
Berenn strikes back, missing with both swords. The priest attacks, missing and getting his shield tangled with Berenn's cloak. Hepla reaches out to Berenn, casting Stoneskin upon him. Berenn then strikes again, scoring a hit [12]. The fire from Bonefire doesn't seem to affect the man.
The priest strikes Berenn again, glancing off the Stoneskin. Angry, he takes a step back, letting go of his shield. "Two can play at that game girl," and he says a prayer granting himself the same protection.
Berenn then moves to the left, tossing the shield aside, towards the stairs, pushing Hepla along with him. As the move, they both cast Dispel Magic behind the priest, covering the entire area. Windsong and Elrae are freed from the effects of the priest's spells.
"I have had enough of you," he says, raising his hand. Berenn freezes, held motionless by the raw power of the Elder Eye. Hepla feels the Ioun stone absorb the spell, and giggles.
"I can say the same, ugly," she says.
Elrae casts Magic Missile, but sees that it has no effect on the priest as the spell cannot target him. Windsong also attacks simultaneously, hitting him in the back with a double back-stab. Unfortunately, his Stoneskin blocks both attacks.
Seeing magic missiles don't work, Elrae calls to Windsong to get away.
"I can help you with that," says the priest. He then raises his hand and a blast of air shoots forth, hitting both Windsong and Elrae. Windsong takes only [4] but is knocked back 10'. Elrae takes [10] and is knocked back as well, falling hard to the ground.
Meanwhile, Hepla casts grease below the priest, who again avoids it, stepping out of the area carefully.
"You are trying my patience, dear," he says. "Now you shall face the power of the Elder Eye."
He casts a spell and his left eye begins to glow with an amber-violet glow. Hepla cries, shielding her eyes. When she blinks, she finds she cannot see.
Windsong leaps back at him, slashing three times in quick succession, but failing to get through his Stoneskin. "You only have so many," he says with grim determination.
Elrae yells, "Get clear!" as he stands up, pointing Snowfang at the priest.
The priest turns his baleful stare on Windsong, who avoids the gaze as he attacks relentlessly with his sword, slashing at the Stoneskins. The priest hits Windsong with his mace twice [10] and [13].
Hepla casts Dispel Magic upon herself, curing herself of the strange blindness, while Elrae moves up along the wall and casts a Lightning Bolt, hitting the priest for [17]. It blasts beyond him and rebounds off the opposite side, then rebounds again off to the right before fading out. The priest is blasted backwards 10', bounces off the edge of the doorway, and lands on the ground in the center of the threshold shaking his head. The strange mists around him fade away.
The priest rolls inside, and the doorway closes behind him! [what that means is, the doorway now is empty, not showing any room at all.] Hepla rushes up, but she doesn't see a room. She just looks helplessly through the empty archway at the strange stone in the center of the tower. Windsong and Elrae join her, flanked to either side, then they look at her. "Now what?" asks Elrae.
Hepla pulls out her two extra healing potions and one healing potion,"The extras are for Berenn and Windsong, the other is for whomever most needs it."
Just then Emyn charges out of the other door screaming, "For Hepla!" Beyond him, a somewhat short woman, barely taller than Hepla, walks out, though she seems almost to glide. None of the men could take their eyes off her, and even Hepla felt a strange attraction. She wasn't incredibly beautiful, though certainly not unattractive. Her slight frame, open round face, and long curly locks which shone a brilliant red even in the strange light of the chamber. Yet, the innocence of her smile, the warmth of her laugh, they made everyone at ease as if reclining into a comfortable chair after a long day. Simple and wholesome, she was, quite obviously, not human, as attested by feathered wings sprouting from her back.
Hepla turns and reacts with a small gasp then says,"Where have you been, how did you get there and who is she? Is she a new ally? We need to save our friends."
"She is an erinyes and really nice," says Emyn. "She said we might have fun together some day. What do you think? She's pretty hot. She wants to defeat the Doomdreamers too because the Dukes of Hell oppose them."
Emyn then starts to tell you his story, but he is cut off by the seductive, angelic vision behind him.
"There is no time, love," she says as she walks forward. She runs a hand along Elrae's cheek, and he actually drops Snowfang. It lands on the tiles with a clang, snapping him back. He blushes and quickly picks up Snowfang, as the beautiful devil approaches with a disarming smile and a giggle not unlike Hepla's.
Windsong appears up the stairs with Filbin in tow, and the Erinyes smiles. She speaks in a strange, darkly melodic language and waves her hand. Suddenly Berenn and Filbin are both shaking their heads, wondering what happened.
"Now," she says, pointing to the empty doorway. "Whenever you are ready?"
[Isilme OOC: Yeah....the paladin working with a devil. Nice.]
[DM OOC: Yes, strange times make for strange bedfellows.]
Emyn activates his protection from devils ability than then says, "Kelasha, let's get this over with. Trucking with your kids is somethng I am loath to do. I only spare you because it is for the greater good."
She steps back quickly, frowning which makes everyone feels just a bit sad for some reason. "And here I though we were becoming so close...." she says with a coy wink.
Hepla comes up to her and gives her a kiss and says,"We shall see about the future but for now I seem to have a problem calling something back from the Ethereal Plane. Any idea why and how I can get back what I have lost?" She turns to Emyn and just smiles.
She smiles at Hepla, even offering up a giggle like hers. "The Spike inhibits all kinds of travel such as that. Extra-dimensional items still work, but only through the Tourbillion may you travel magically from here."
With everyone ready, the red-headed woman waves her hand and the room "materializes" through the doorway again. Beyond it, you see the priest, just finished casting and again surrounded in the same amber/violet mists. There is a large chair, just inside the doorway, slightly blocking the way. Gotrek lies face-down on the far side of the room, and Thorgrim lies on the floor to the right. He just comes out of his stupor, shakes his head, and looks up with a very angry look on his face.
He casts another spell, just as Thorgrim gets up and moves between the priest and Gotrek, ready to attack. Berenn uses his rod one last time, then puts it away and draws swords.
Emyn charges into the room, "For Trithereon! Embrace death!" He kicks the chair out of the way but setts off a Glyph of Warding drawn on the floor. He feels the magic of the rune as it begins to take effect, but whatever the effect, he is able to fight it off. With a yell, he rushes the priest, hitting him but just hitting another Stoneskin.
Hepla moves up towards the entrance, but holds off on her grease spell now that Thorgrim and Emyn are fighting him hand-to-hand. Windsong moves up and enters the room, crosses it, leaps atop the marble table, does a flip, and lands behind the priest.
Emyn goes full offense on the doomdreamer, yelling, "Your doom is at hand, pawn of evil!"
Windsong attempts his paralyzing touch on him, but due to the Stoneskins he cannot hit him. Thorgrim also hits him, but with the same result.
The priest hits Thorgrim in the arm with his mace, [20 damage and breaks Thorgrim's arm. He drops his pick and falls back to the ground.]
Hepla moves in to see to Gotrek, but then goes to the seriously wounded Thorgrim and heals [2 hp] with Healing proficiency. Berenn moves up and takes Thorgrim's place, making a few swings at the priest himself, followed by Emyn. Meanwhile, Elrae goes off in search of Noot, finding him in another extra-dimensional rooms where he is just coming to himself.
Then Gotrek wakes up, stands, and growls.
Windsong leaps onto the table, does a flip, and then lands in the center of the room, tossing a throwing spike at the priest which bounces off his Stoneskin. Thorgrim finds he cannot move his arm, as it was broken. He takes up Souldrinker in his off-hand, backing off as he sees Gotrek getting up. Thorgrim smiles through his pain. Berenn backs off and takes a look at Thorgrim. He then casts a heals spell to repair the injury.
The evil priest reaches out and grabs Emyn, sending streams of burning pain through his body [14]. Emyn withstands the majority of the damage, and hacks back at the priest twice more.
Gotrek then moves up, throwing aside the tables and chairs. "By Clanggedin, DIE NOW!" he shouts as he starts to sing a Delgrim battlesong.
Thorgrim was so incensed he failed to notice his arm until he tried to attack. "Thanks, Berenn," he says. "Healing myself would've expended the last of my power, I fear." Thorgrim hefts his pick and moves to take the position Berenn vacated. "Don't let him go near that weird stone or the portal!" he shouts.
Hepla picks up her whip and loks around for the devil to see what she is doing. She's standing behind Elrae, with one arm draped around him, her hand running through his dirty locks. She kisses his ear, and Elrae looks like he's about to swoon. While smiling, her eyes glance up at Hepla with piercing, logical clarity.
"I see you are ofering Moral support," says Hepla.
"Oh, I think they have matters well in hand, my dear," she replies, blowing in Elrae's ear. "Tychon will never be Third now," she laughs.
Elrae just stands there in near bliss. Meanwhile, Windsong hits the priest with a pepper egg. It distracts him from whatever spell he was about to cast, and he instantly starts to frantically wipe his eyes clean. Thorgrim gets up, steps forward, and swings his pick at the priest. It goes right through the elbow joint of his right arm and gets stuck. However, it does [22] and the priest drops his mace as he cries in surprise and pain. Thorgrim grins, seeing that the Stoneskin has finally been breached!
Emyn follows up with a series of blows, hitting once for [13]. Finally, Gotrek hits him twice with Goreblade, the first taking off the priest's other arm [38] and the second splitting his skull with a viscous overhand chop [18].
The mists suddenly clear around the priest, his eye goes back to normal, and he stands there mute for a moment, his eyes even wider than normal with his head cleaved nearly in two. He then topples over backwards, very much dead.
"See?" says Kelasha. "Told you."
Berenn will turn his attention toward the demon, "What is your game? I refuse it is simple as wanting this priest dead and the Doomdreamers stopped, you can also release my friend from whatever spell you have him under."
Windsong attempts to move around behind the devil, throwing spikes ready, but Kelasha backs up, keeping Elrae near and not letting anyone behind her. She's clearly not stupid.
Hepla goes to the priest and casts Detect Magic, while watching what is happening. "We appeciate your help so far but what we want to know is your reason for helping."
[DM OOC: He has the following magic items: Mace, Full Plate Mail, Large Shield
On the desk are two potions, which he got out but didn't have a chance to drink. There's also a scroll.]
Kelasha smiles, and tells Hepla what she told Emyn when they were alone. [DM OOC: I'll just repost that entire conversation, so you all get the gist of it.]
[KELASHA interlude. This is what happened when Emyn actually went into the doorway on his own. However, since what was revealed there is also what the party wants to know now, I may as well just repost it.
Kelasha
Emyns sees a most beautiful woman in one of the rooms. The most beautiful he's ever seen. Way more beautiful than Hepla. While the others are checking out the next room, he slips into this one, as the woman beckons him.
Emyn is instantly 100% in love with her. He'd do anything for her. She runs a hand along his face, and Emyn feels he would happily die right there if asked.
"Oh but what a fine catch you would be for Kelasha," she says. “I would so love to play with you.”
[DM OOC: She charmed him and had him come to her room. She then plays with Emyn for a few minutes, teasing him with the hellish delights which she would oh so enjoy with him.]
Emyn starts reciting his bad poetry to her and asks her if she would like to meet his betrothed.
[DM OOC: LOL! that's good. Actually, it's not as bad as you probably think, though she certainly would enjoy bringing you back to the Nine Hells.]
"Don't catch me a paladin every day, you know," she says with a mischievous wink. “Alas, I cannot do so at the present.” She blows a kiss in Emyn’s ear, whispering seductively. “Well, I could, but my masters would, in the long run, be quite displeased.”
She then places her smooth palm under Emyn’s chin and looks into his eyes. “And for them, the long run is very, very, very long.”
She then sits back on her bed, stretching out and spreading her legs for a moment as she squirms comfortably atop a bunch of pillows. She then explains that the Dukes of Hell do NOT have any desire to see the Doomdreamers succeed in their plans. Though Kelasha was sent here as an ambassador, she is far more. Being the only type of Devil able to come and go on the Prime without being summoned, coupled with her innate ability to get others to see things her way, she was uniquely suited to play the spy. That mission complete, she intends to return forthwith to her Master. However, having seen what the party has accomplished so far, she believes they may be the only ones who can actually stop the Doomdreamers. Thus, she is prepared to help them.
“How can you help us, my love?” asks Emyn, sitting down in a chair, thoroughly enraptured by her.
She smiles, knowingly. “Why, I will tell you where the Tourbillon is, that you may transport to the Temple and stop them.”
“What do you want in return,” asks Emyn, surprised at his own question. “These things never come free.”
“Actually my dear,” she says, sitting back up. “I want nothing. Does that surprise you?”
Emyn shakes his head, then turns back to her with a most confused look. She giggles, sounding eerily like Hepla.
“Very well my love,” says Emyn. “Tell me how and where we need to go to chase after these Doomdreamers. Then let's go back to the others. Let me do the talking so we don't have problems. I would not want them to harm you."
She tells Emyn that the summoning of the Princes of Elemental Evil is only the first step in their plan, that what the Doomdreams seek is nothing less than the awakening of He Who Must Sleep For Eternity. That is something her Master will not abide. Thus, she will aid in destroying them.
"There were many more Doomdreamers," she explains "but they have drunk the Dreamstep, using it to enter the Dreaming Stone. Little did they understand that those who enter the stone seldom return. Currently, all but one of them, Lord Lychon, have entered the stone and are lost in dreams of madness. Lord Tychon resides in the next mansion, and is aware of your group's progress. He has prepared for your coming, as he knows this is his chance. He would slay the lot of you and then slay the Third. Blaming you, he would take his place as part of the Triad."
"Triad?" asks Emyn. "What's a Triad?"
She smiles at Emyn's simplicity as she continues. “They are the three most powerful of the Doomdreamers. Hedrack was as nothing compared to the Doomdreamers, and theY are as nothing compared to the Triad. Oh...Hedrack did wield the power of a tentacle rod; yet, that was as much a badge of station as anything else. No, the Doomdreamers are much more powerful, with abilities beyond that of the priests of the Elder Elemental God. They are more powerful for they serve His master."
Before Emyn can further interrupt, she adds. "Of the Triad, The Third lies at the top of the tower, lost in the incense-induced dreams. You must slay him and take his key to work the Tourbillion. The Second, a half-air elemental, has yet to return from the Plane of Air where she meets directly with the Dread Prince Yan-C-Bin. The First has gone to the Recovered Temple, to rededicate it to the Elder Elemental God in preparation for the summoning of Imix to this world. Once they are finished, the Champion will open the portal to the Fire Node and free him.”
She lies back on her bed, pulling pillows under her for comfort as she smiles. “The Triad will never be weaker than it is now, with all three apart. You have no time to lose.”
As Emyn is about to ask a further question, he realizes that he are no longer charmed. In fact, he knows that she released you from her charms some time ago. As he comes to the realization, she smiles, almost warmly. "There is a saying in Baator," she says. "The enemy of my enemy is not my enemy today." With a serious look, she adds, "There is much you do not know mortal, but know this. Today, we are not enemies."
“Then let us go and fight this being together,” says Emyn. He then says a prayer to Trithereon, attempting to summon aid before leaving. [i.e. casts MS3]
Unfortunately, his attempt fails, and the Erinyes shakes her head. "Mortals," she says. "There is no access to this place," she says. "Trithereon cannot answer you here."
With a wave of her hand, she opens the doorway to her room. Hearing the sound of battle, she adds, "Sounds like your friends need you," and she waves towards the open doorway.
***
[So, that was what transpired when Emyn disappeared, and it pretty much answers all the party's current questions too!]
Hepla is busy removing all magic from the priest. She keeps one eye on Kelasha. "So your masters want these beings stopped and demand nothing from us but that we fight for them," she says flatly. "Sounds still one sided. Already we have lost power just getting here. This piece of trash priest nearly beat us, and you tell us the rest are more powerful then him. Even when we try our best what hope have we? Know this: we will do our best to defeat these beings, but not for your masters, but for us and our world. You want to help us? Great! but no deals."
She nods. "You are much wiser than your years, little one," she says. "No, I make no deals. My Masters would like as not slay you themselves. But I have watched you and, believe it or not, I have faith in you."
She then laughs, "Oh, how ironic. No, I demand nothing from you, and you offer nothing but that which you would do regardless. But I shall aid you nonetheless. I shall tell you what you need to know to find and use the Tourbillion. You can leave this place this very hour."
She then smiles, giving Elrae a sweet kiss. "I have faith you shall then succeed."
"In league with devils now..." says Thorgrim, spitting blood from his mouth. He then helps Hepla bind Windsong's wounds, and the others who are injured.
"Great," he mumbles.
Hepla should have everything off the priest by now. She giggles, "So our deal is no deal , I like that. Tell us what we need to know and we will do what we came to do."
Berenn will use the potion of extra healing. "If this third is in some incense induced sleep as you say, he or she should be easy to slay. We can gain the key to operate this Tourbillon, get to the temple and stop the summoning."
Kelasha smiles at Berenn. "No, leave the Third to me. He will get the reward for his service to the Elder Eye. Believe me. Besides, the Tourbillon is in the basement. You must use the golem to gain access, and only one with a master key can do so."
She takes out the Master Key which Elrae was carrying. "I need this one," she says. But you may have Tychon's," and she indicates the dead priest. A quick search reveals another Master Key in a pocket of the priest's purple robe.
"You must wear the robe and present the key to control the golem. You can then order it to open the secret passage to the sublevels."
"By the way," adds Hepla. "When we get to where I can summon something from the Ethereal Plane?"
"As soon as you leave this place, you can summon your friend again," she says with a knowing smile, releasing Elrae who stumbles away a bit, trying to compose himself.
"I don't see where we have much choice for now, but any sign of treachery and we will send you back to the Nine Hells," says Berenn. He then takes the key and the robes off the dead priest and lead the party back downstairs.
As you can tell from the story, if you know the actual module that is, I've made some changes. First, I dropped the whole Half-Dragon/Half-Tyrannosaurus thing. IMHO 3rd ed just went way ridiculously too far with all that kind of stuff. Anyway, this isn't the place to debate editiions, and hey!, I bring in all kinds of 3rd ed stuff, like this entire adventure!
So, I dropped them and replaced them with an Iron Golem. Now, that's something beyond this party's ability to fight. Fortunately for them, they figured that out quickly and used a Wall of Force on it. With the key they got now, they can still avoid it, so it worked out. Actually, stay tuned a bit as you learn what they end up doing!
Also, I dropped the Vrock and replaced it with the Erineyes, Kelasha. Personally, and this wasn't lost on the players as noted from a couple OOC posts, the idea of a devil charming and then making a deal with an Avenger of Trithereon (a CG paladin which is diametrically opposed to LE Devils!) was fun.
Finally, I honestly felt there was a lot of stuff in the Black Spike that wasn't central to the basic flow of the adventure, and the party's mission, so bringing in Kelasha gave me a way to basically skip some and get the party to move on. Plus, they had no way to heal, didn't really have time to do it anyway, and were finally about out of magic. So, this all worked out.
Berenn will don the robes and point the key at the golem and command it to stop. It stops, and Berenn tells Noot to take down the Wall of Force. He does so, the rest of the party bracing for the inevitable. However, the golem just stands there, and Berenn then steps forth, commanding it to open the way to the Tourbillion. It goes to the wall and pulls out two large rungs, disguised in the top of the wall. This drops open a portion of floor, which reveals a stairway going down.
Berenn orders the golem down the stairs. The golem follows his orders and heads down, it's heavy treads creating resounding echoes downstairs. The entire floor is the same size as the tower diameter, and certainly there must be no greater collection of torture devices in the world than what everyone sees. Every type of device meant to inflict pain is in this room, from the rack and iron maiden to strange esoteric devices you can only imagine. These machines have strange tubes running into the walls, and they throb and pulse with the moans and sobs of the prisoners.
There are currently four prisoners here, a male elf, a female orc, and a male and female human couple. All are hooked up to the strange machines and look pretty bad. There is a man here, with rock skin akin to an earth elemental, hard at work on the machines. He turns and sees the golem, followed by the rest of you, and looks quite confused.
Emyn says, "Remove the prisoners from the torture devices."
"You're not the boss of me," he replies uneasily.
"Smash him," says Berenn. The golem steps and grabs him, while checks the prisoners. They are unconscious, very drained of energy. It's as if the structure was somehow feeding off them.
"They are being drained of their life essence. Perhaps that machine feeds off their pain or despair. It's not inconceivable," says Thorgrim. "Berenn, use your Rod on these," Thorgrim suggests.
"This isn't right," the half-elemental man cries.
Berenn commands the golem to strap him to the device. He writhes and cries, but as soon as he's hooked up, he goes all limp and docile. He closes his eyes and almost seems to fall asleep. You see the tubes leading from him throbbing, almost happily, as they carry away his life force.
"Such a thing is abhorrent," says Emyn. "What were they powering with such a terrible machine?"
"Perhaps we are giving the evil more power," says Hepla. "Lets turn off the machine and see if he is more willing to talk."
Even Gotrek seems to not like what is happening, but Emyn steps up. "It is a just vengeance for his crimes. But, perhaps, if he could tell us what the life force is powering, we could show mercy."
Berenn releases him, though the golem continues to hold him. Amazingly, he seems already greatly weakened and talks happily. He only knows that the tower itself actually feeds off life energy. He doesn't want to be hooked back up under any circumstances. He then sings like a canary. He shows you the spot on the wall where you place a Master Key. That opens a secret door going down to the next level. He's never been down there and doesn't know anything else. All he knows is that the Third is human, the Second is half-air elemental, and the First is an aboleth. He just wants to be let go, and not hooked back up to the machines.
"Even one such as this doesn't deserve such a fate," says Gotrek.
"I agree with Gotrek," says Thorgrim. "Ask him what else he knows, and let him go free."
It turns out that he doesn't know anything else, except for who else has used the Tourbillion to travel to the Temple. Other than the First, Second, and the Champion (Lareth), the following "people" also passed through going to the Recovered Temple:
Bethe, the assassin, a bunch of ogres and Stone Giants, Dein Darkearth (Half-Earth Elemental Stone Giant), Kex the Eye Tyant, Dugart, the half-orc Doomdreamer, Rilfainth the Wizard, Estalion, the elven Doomdreamer, Thuchos Nalred (Half-fire Elemental Doomdreamer), and Susain Carun (human Doomdreamer).
He doesn't really know anything about them [so don't ask!] but he saw them come through. So, the party now has an idea of what to expect there.
[Hepla OOC: We need to recharge and get Isilme back.]
[Thorgrim OOC: We're expected to engage the Doomdreamers within the hour?]
[Isilme OOC: Why doesn't the DM just kill us all now!]
[DM OOC: You don't necessarily have to engage them immediately. It will likely take them a day or so more, according to both Hedrack and Kelasha, to finish what they are doing. You can probably use the Tourbillion, then rest up before entering the Recovered Temple once more.]
[Thorgrim OOC: Ah, blessed rest!]
[DM OOC: Hey, I've gotta let you rest up before entering the Temple of Evil again. What kind of sadist would I be otherwise?]
"Let's go downstairs and get ourselves home," Thorgrim says.
"Squash him," says Berenn, and the golem smashes the half-man into pulp, tossing his mushed body aside. "Now," says Berenn. "Let's go."
Going downstairs,the party find themselves in another large circular room. A huge map is on the ground, carved and painted onto the floor. It seems to depict most of this portion of the continent, marking each natural feature as well as each city and town, labeled in Common. Above the map are two iron poles that sit on round bases on the floor and end, at the top, with what looks to be a claw. Behind each of these claw-poles is an even taller pole topped with an iron loop about 2 inches wide. On the oppostie side of the room from the poles stands a strange statue of black and purple stone. Relatively formless, it appears to be a 9' tall mass of tentacles.
Kelasha told the party how to use the Tourbillion. If Torches of Revealing are placed in the iron loops atop the taller poles, the claw poles cast shadows upon the map. If the two shadows meet on the map, the room is filled with a swirling vortex of energy and an image of that exact spot appears above the map in three dimensions, much like scrying. Stepping into the image transports one to that spot.
Thorgrim and Noot take out torches, while Emyn sets up the claws to intersect on Hommlet.
"Could we not cross the shadows near the temple," asks Thorgrim. "That should do."
"We had a problem killing Tychon," says Berenn. "Perhaps we should be thinking about summoning some assistance. Rufus and Burne ... even as far away as Verbobonc. There was a long list of villains ready to summon this creature and I doubt the element of surprise will aid us for very long."
[DM OOC: That's true, but it's also the difference between you guys getting to swarm one villain whom you take unawares, and that same villain KNOWING you are coming and preparing. The guy was a 12th level priest; that should count for something! You do not need to go run off for help, and you aren't going to get it anyway as nobody else around can help quickly enough anyway. You know, I tweeked many aspects of this big module, in order to make it challenging. I'm not going to throw you up against a situation you cannot handle. I would think that's obvious, despite all the cries to the contrary.]
"I long to leave this place," says Thorgrim. He studies the map. "This landmark, here," he says, pointing out a formation near the Temple of Elemental Evil. "It's only a few miles from the Temple. Far enough to rest, but close enough to be upon them at first light. Well, first rest. I've no idea the time of day or night."
"Very well," says Berenn. "We shall leave and use the formation Thorgrim selected as a point of reference for the Tourbillion. Lets start the machine and leave this place."
The party uses the Tourbillion as stated. It creates a shimmering vortex which everyone has but to walk through to appear at the indicated place...., well, according to Kelasha....
muahahahahaha....................
Just kidding! Or am I?
muahahahahaha
Hepla walks through, still not fully trusting the devil.
Thorgrim says "Let's go," and steps through the vortex.
Emyn quickly follows her, and everyone else follows him, with the Iron Golem leading the way! The party finds yourselves at the landmark that Thorgrim recognized, the creek that runs north from Nulb. They are about a couple miles to the north of the temple. It's dark, and nobody is around. Hepla finds that she can now recall the chest. She does so and wakes Isilme.
Yes, I play Emyn and can tell you that it was fun, though for some reason he dropped the line where Emyn suggested a threesome and then asked Hepla what a threesome was.
Yes, I play Emyn and can tell you that it was fun, though for some reason he dropped the line where Emyn suggested a threesome and then asked Hepla what a threesome was.
I've made a LOT of such edits. I want things to be more...kid friendly. :)
Filbin, suffering terribly from the dark wights, will stay behind with the four people the party rescued. With 5 negative levels himself, he's of no use to anyone. It's dark, so the party can rest. Berenn will go scout out Nulb and the temple. There is no activity in and around Nulb, nor is there any at the temple, as far as he can tell. It was only a few months ago that he was here, when he discovered Lareth and slayed the hobgoblins that had taken up residence in the upper story. As he scouts around the temple, he finds a bunch of tracks, some very large ones indicative of ogres and even giants. They seem to simply appear in the large open area north of the temple, about halfway between it and Nulb. They all lead off towards the farmhouse with the secret entrance to the temple that the party used when they infiltrated the temple's lower levels.
Approaching the temple, Berenn also finds no evidence of anyone moving to and from the main builiding nor the now-collapsed tower. He proceeds into the trees and approaches the abandoned farmhouse, and the tracks definitely go inside. He sees movement in the farmhouse, so there is apparently a guard of some sorts there. Berenn returns, without venturing into the old farmhouse, to report what he found. It's about an hour before dawn now (he was gone about two hours). By the time he gets back, Isilme will have recalled the LLL from the Ethereal. The party sleeps a couple more hours, regaining all their spells and using healing magics taken from the temple to get fully restored (except for negative levels).
Thorgrim yawns and stretches. "That was the deepest sleep I ever had. Strange dreams."
Noot walked out into the woods, dug a hole and buried the body of Isaac. At least he can rest in peace. Noot then walks slowly back to join the party.
Hepla points Filbin in the dirrection of the nearest settlement and makes sure he has his gold and tells him to get the ex- prisioners back there and take it easy on the way, rest often. He is still a thief so he should be able to get them back. She casts Stoneskin on Isilme, and herself. She is ready. Unfortunately, Filbin cannot bring them back, because they are not fit to travel. You pretty much have to darn near carry them. So, he'll wait here until the party returns. Thorgrim teaches Filbin the command word for the Fortress and tells him to remain holed up but alert.
In the mean time, Isilme too can scout. After casting invisibility, she went inside the main temple building. There she finds that the place is still all collapsed, with the stairs going down completely blocked by rubble just as before. She casts Item on a particularly large boulder, tucking the fabric ribbon into her pocket before returning.
"The farmhouse seems the best bet for entrance into the lower levels since there is obviously a guard there," says Berenn. "One guard should be easy eliminate, but it might be difficult to get the golem down to the lower level. I think we should start heading for the farm house."
"I suggest we leave the golem behind to help defend Filbin and the others," says Isilme.
"They would need a pair of robes and a ke," says Berenn. "I am willing to bet they don't so the golem is coming with us. It will be useful to squish a mage or two."
"Let's get moving," says Emyn. "The longer wait, the closer Imix comes to this plane."
Emyn can sense that Lareth is close. As the party approaches the farmhouse/temple area, he can feel that he is getting closer. "The betrayer is near," says Emyn. "We must make haste." Emyn points in the direction to where we must go to find him, ahead and down.
Approaching the old ruined farmhouse, the party quickly finds that the Iron Golem is extremely loud. It'll be impossible to surprise anyone with it walking around....
Hepla casts a shrink spell on it, but it has no effect.
"I will give him my Elven Boots for now," says Berenn. "That should keep him quiet."
It works, and the Iron Golem is now walking completely quietly. When they get near the farmhouse, Hepla puts down her staff and wand of fear, casts Polymorph Self and becomes the priest, Tychon. She then picks up her stuff, puts the wand away in her new robes, and is ready to walk right in.
Hepla/Tychon walks into the farmhouse. "Stupid machine put me a mile from here," she says as she enters.
A woman emerges from the shadows, short sword in hand. She wears a dark cloak, and you catch a hint of hard leather underneath it. "Lord Tychon," she says, greeting you and giving a slight head bow.
"Stupid Machine malfunctioned," she says, "dropped me a mile away. Be on the lookout for a drow too," she adds. "So, how meny guards are presently on duty and is there anything I need to know?"
"None have come or left since I took my place," she says. She points to the unlit fireplace, "And the entrance is secure."
Helpa questions the guard, "Why are you pointing at an empty fireplace when the temple entrance is outside in the well? Ah you wish to test me. I assume this satisfies your curiosity, or perhaps I should touch your mind and have you wander around this farm aimlessly for hours on end?"
The woman nods. "Just doing my job," she says, putting away her sword. "You never can tell these days."
Hepla says, "I am going down into the temple to witness the summoning and to see you are relieved, walk me out to the well."
The woman walks out to the well with Hepla. The party quickly emerges from the trees and surrounds them.
"Drop your arms and surrender," orders Berenn. He reveals his crest and informs her she is trespassing on his lands and things will go easier if she just gives up! "You are hopelessly outnumbered."
"Soon none of that will matter," she says, backing away. She tumbles away as Emyn charges, just staying out of reach.
"We are here to prevent the summoning," answers Berenn, "I won't give the order again ... drop your weapons and surrender!" Berenn draws his blades and orders the golem forward.
She goes to flee from the golem, and runs into Windsong. A quick double-tap to selected pressure points, using his Touch of the Phantom maneuver, and the woman falls limp in his arms. He quickly disarms her, then brings her out to the rest of the party. Isilme then charms the woman.
As she comes around, Isilme questions her. She learns that this is the assassin, Bethe. She tells you that the tunnel goes a long way, ending in the old secret rooms of some wizard, Falrinth. Ogres guard those rooms, and there's an earth elemental guarding the secret room beyond which connects to the rest of the temple. She hasn't been passed that point, so she doesn't know anything else beyond there.
"Dearest friend," says Isilme, "I have uncovered a plot against the life of the Chosen by one of the leaders of our greater temple. I need you to assist me in finding this traitor by telling me what you know of the forces here, where they are, and any traps so that I may verify everything is in working order and secretly question those here, and if found loyal raise the alert while maintaining the pretense that's all is well so this vile fiend shows their hand. I know you would have nothing to do with such a plot, but the others are in question! I am also in dire need of your items to help with the coming battle against the traitor, so I will borrow them for a day or so and return them!"
Isilme will also ask what items she has, what they do, ect, and her name, job, position,
and verify who she has seen enter the temple and not yet leave. She has a magic short sword and dagger. Also, two potions of Ex-Healing and one of poison. Rest is just MW items. All the other people on that list are inside somewhere.
"Bethe," says Isilme, "you should return to stand guard as you were, while we go to ensure the Chosen's safety. It would be best if you allowed no one to pass this entrance alive once we enter, as they are most assuredly a part of the evil plot. Use this...." she hands her back her weapons, before turning back to the party. "Group, let us be off to Stop the plot against our Chosen's life!"
Emyn grumbles, "Why are we leaving an assassin who murdered our friends to live? What possible advantage could there be to doing so?"
"To be made an example of at a later date," says Berenn, "and so my men can witness first hand justice served. This woman wronged my person and my men more than any other, and I will decide her fate."
The tunnel goes for like 600 yards, or maybe double that. Remember, it's a long way to the tower. At the half-way point there is a secret door which opens to a side tunnel. That led to Falrinth's rooms.
Map of Recovered Temple
Isilme scouts ahead, invisible and flying. She finds nobody in the tunnel and the way clear to the Entry. The entry must have been collapsed completely, as the ceiling is rough and jagged, its massive stone arches destroyed. It's now relatively clear of debris, and the ceiling has been supported by makeshift beams. Two wooden doors and two passages lead out of the room. The doors are damaged, and do not hang entirely right as the bottom hinges are both broken.
Four ogres stand guard in this area (room 1). They are armed with large weapons and plate mail armor. The passage continues on to a steep stairway through a trapdoor which leads above [to area 5]. From area 1 there are two broken doors which lead to other rooms [areas 2 and 3]. Area 2 was the assassin Smigmal Redhand's quarters. Area 3 was the wizard Falrinth's quarters. Isilme also hear ogre voices coming from area 2.
The passage continues to the steep stairs leading up through an opened trap door [to area 5] and into the rest of the temple. If she recalls correctly, after going through there, you loop around to the right, eventually down some stairs, and pass into area of the Greater Temple. There was a grand stair that led down, like a processional. The party fought their big battle with all the temple badguys there, before ending up in the nodes. She goes back and reports.
"Might the wand of Highfolk be useful here?" asks Emyn.
Gotrek looks around. "Ye gots two dwarfs, an avenging warrior, and big iron guy and you wanna use Isilme's little stick? Just block the exits, make sure they don't run. I'll take care of 'em."
With that, Gotrek charges down the hallway. The ogres turn as he rounds the corner, but they are unprepared for the ferocity of Gotrek's attack. He has one ogre nearly cut in half before they can even respond. The other three move to surround him, growling anxiously at the thought of fresh dwarf.
Isilme slips down the passage, flying above the heads of the ogres. The door at area 2 bursts open, actually flying off its one good hinge. There are four more ogres in there trying to push their way out. Isilme snaps off a shot of her wand.
Meanwhile, Emyn rushes down the hallway to stand beside Gotrek, who grits his teeth in an effort to not start singing. The two both hit one ogre, killing it. The other two ogres attack, one hitting Emyn [12].
Thorgrim moves down the hallway, slipping passed Gotrek and Emyn and down the other hallway, casting silence on some stones which he tosses towards the end of the hallway by the stairs, blocking the sound of the fight. Berenn moves down around the corner as well, with the IG walking behind him. Once in this area it is able to stand upright again. Behind them are the rest of the party. Windsong makes his way towards Thorgrim as well.
"Windsong! Watch my back!" Thorgrim says. He then turns to attack the ogres where he may, taking care not to harm party members.
Berenn is hit by one ogre [taking away another SS] while Gotrek is also hit [10].
Berenn misses with Bonefire, but hits with his off-hand, his blow slicing clean through the ogre's arm [30]. It drops its spike-studded mace and falls to one knee as it grabs its stump with its other hand. It is then dead before it even knows that Thorgrim was there, never even feeling the head of Souldrinker as it plowed through its skull.
Emyn and Gotrek both combine on the second ogre, landing a series of blows that drives it back and kills it too. The ogre behind it kicks its companion's body out of the way as it steps up, joined by more ogres from the other other room, coming in through the broken door.
Berenn hits another ogre [14] while Emyn and Gotrek both score hits that brings down another. Berenn is missed while one attacks Thorgrim but stumbles over the bodies of the dead ogres. As it falls to the ground, he buries Souldrinker in the back of its neck, cleanly severing the spinal column and killing it.
Another moves up and hits Thorgrim [9] while one moves up and attacks Emyn.
[DM OOC: there are four ogres left. One wounded one fighting Berenn and Thorgrim, one fighting Emyn and Gotrek, and two more waiting to move into action.]
Isilme looks into the room where the ogres were [Room 2], which was the assassin's room. It still has a bunch of weapons in it, including odd things she has never seen before. Of course, it's a pretty big mess now, with some ogres having moved in. There doesn't seem to be much of value in there.
Berenn kills the ogre he wounded earlier. The other ogre overbears Emyn and Gotrek, knocking both aside as it pushes its way out into the hallway. Gotrek rolls out of the way, then finds his feet and hits the ogre with Goreblade [12]. Berenn also stabs the ogre in the side [10]. Two more move up and attack, both attacking Berenn whose SS spells continue to block their blows.
Emyn finishes off the ogre while Thorgrim takes out the new one. There's only one ogre left. As Isilme is about to slip through the other door, it bursts outwards. She flies away, barely avoiding being hit by the door. A huge ogre comes out wielding a massive two-handed mace. Noot is back in the hallway with Hepla, behind the Iron Golem, so they can't do anything.
Isilme flies by the large ogre, going into what was once Falrinth's room. The ogre leader has made this his room. Any of Falrinth's old stuff (that they didn't already loot last year) is now smashed and broken. The door to the south closet is open, revealing a bunch of junk. The secret door is also left open, and doesn't seem to have much of obvious value.
Berenn and Gotrek attack the last ogre, which strikes back at Gotrek [12] before Emyn puts it down. The large one steps up, roaring in a rage, and attacks Thogrim, hitting him [20]. He sees flames leaking out from the beneath the ogre's plate mail. Thorgrim is knocked back across the hallway where he slams into the far wall and falls to the ground stunned.
Hepla rushes up to Thorgrim and gives him some first aid while he is getting back to the battle. She then starts preping magic missle.
Berenn orders the Iron Golem to attack the ogre, and it moves forward and engages the creature. The ogre leader roars and turns to the iron golem, hitting it with its huge mace but doing no apparent damage. The IG bashes the ogre, sending it flying back across the room. As the ogre rises, it blasts the IG with waves of fire which make all the rest of the party dive out of the way. The IG just ignores the licking flames, moves up and starts pounding its fists onto the ogre's skull. Over and over it continues until there is nothing but a pulpy mess oozing out of the nearly flattened helm where the ogre's head once was.
Berenn uses his rod on those who need it and checks the golem for damage. It is completely unharmed.
"The ogre was infused with Elemental Fire," says Elrae. "No doubt by means of the machine you destroyed. Probably a good thing you had that Iron Golem."
There's a stairway going up through an open trap door at the far end of the hallway. It goes up into area 5, a circular chamber. Windsong checked it out and didn't see anything there. Windsong goes up the stairs and investigates the passage. The area is all lit with continual light spells. He goes up into the circular area, which seems to be the bottom of a shaft now clogged with debris. It seems a couple of wall of stones were cast here to hold up the ceiling after some of the debris was cleared. He follows a corridor 10' wide by 15' high going out to the left. There's a door, and beyond it he can hear the sound of hammers and picks and gruff, goblinoid voices. The other way [towards area 11] he sees and hears nothing. That area [11] seems to be full of stones, though they are mostly cleared out and heaped along the walls. It looks like a circular chamber, but he goes back to report before going any further.
"There was no mention of goblins or goblinoids in the remaining forces," says Berenn, "so I am curious as to what is here."
"Hepla," says Isilme, "perhaps you can take the form of the priest or ogre leader and barge in on the goblins?"
Hepla changes to the giant ogre. She has a vile of his blood so she can sound like him. She will follow Isilme to where she heard the voices. She also took out her fear wand and put it down and picked it up after morphing and hid it in her clothes. She will open the door when the others are ready, she has been sent by the priest to inspect their work. Thorgrim will have picked up his Stone of Silence and tossed it down the corridor towards room 11.
Hepla opens the door which reveals a short hallway opening into another chamber. The plastered walls of this triangular room are covered with paintings of eyes and the symbol of the Eye of Fire — an equilateral triangle with a "Y" shape within, the branches at the base corners and the stem meeting the apex. The eyes are of all sorts — human and monstrous, blind-looking, multi-faceted, and of various colors— and all seem to stare in hatred, hunger, or fright. There are doors to left and right, and ahead there are two other rooms, the doors of which are gone. Most of the rubble is cleaned up, though there is still a pile in the center of the fall wall. There are about a dozen hobgoblins in each of the far rooms [labeled 7 on the map]. Another few are working on the rubble pile in the center of the room, filling up a couple of wheel barrows.
Hepla (ogre) grumbles at the hobgoblins in broken common, and they all sullenly stop what they are doing. They continue to mumble in their own language, which she doesn't understand. Hepla/ogre lumbers toward the southern 7 group of hobgoblins. "visitors comig, work faster,"she says in bad common. She gets down to where the 7 is on the map and looks around, like she's inspecting.
Windsong and Noot guard the rear, each moving to the end of their respective hallways to watch around the corners. Emyn charges in, goes around Hepla, and cuts down a surprised hobgoblin as it is letting go of its wheelbarrow. Gotrek moves up next to him, slipping by Hepla, and nearly chops on in half. The others drops what they're doing and flee back into the far rooms, away from you. The hobgoblins in the far rooms grab weapons and form up in shield walls in each room.
Gotrek says, "Don't waste spells," and then charges the nearest hobgoblins. A few hobgoblins rush out, overpowered by their compulsion to attack their hated dwarven foes. They all miss, and Gotrek kills two while Thorgrim kills another. Emyn charges into the left-hand room, and the guarding hobgoblins attack him, their blows ringing harmlessly off his armor. One falls down, nearly dropping its mace. Emyn steps on it, and as the hobgoblin looks up, Emyn stabs it through the eye with the Sword of Fire. Berenn moves up to assist Emyn, killing two hobgoblins with his longswords as Hepla does her best ogre roar imitation. Isilme laughs silently, prepared to block the exits with an illusion. Elrae moves up behind her, nearly bumping into her. "Watch out," she whispers, flying up to the ceiling and out of the way. A last hobgoblin moves up and hits Berenn with a broadsword [4].
Emyn and Berenn each kill two more, while avoiding being hit. Gotrek moves over to the right-hand room, where he engages the hobgoblins there. They all miss him, and he takes out one with a single swing of Goreblade. Thorgrim takes out the last hobgoblin attacking him, and turns to consider his next move when the door next to him flies open. It strikes him, knocking him off-balance, as four ogres charge out. They knock him over as they rush into the room.
Hepla blasts the lead one with Magic Missiles [16], which just makes it angry. It and the next one both attack her [they think she's an ogre too!] Good thing she's got Stoneskin! One moves over to Thorgrim, trying to slam him while he's down but misses as he rolls away. The other sees Gotrek and turns down the hall after him, coming up behind him and attacking, but missing as well. The other door also opens up, and there are four more ogres in there, all ready to move into the room themselves. They issue their own roar, answering Hepla's with much more ferocity.
Elrae blasts the ogre standing over Thorgrim with a series of Magic Missiles [15]. Thorgrim the stands and strikes with Souldrinker, blasting through the ogre's hide and piercing its chest with a deadly blow to its heart. It looks surprised for a moment, then falls over backwards. Hepla steps back, hitting the same ogre again with another burst of Magic Missiles [18]. It roars in rage as it is nearly killed by the successive blows. Emyn rushes back, ignoring the ogres coming out of the room which try and hit him as he runs by, and he takes up a defensive position in front of Hepla. Gotrek kills another hobgoblin, then steps towards the wall so he can turn around and keep his back to it. He starts to sing.....
The ogre steps up to Gotrek and swings a massive mace. Gotrek ducks, and the mace takes the head clean off the nearest hobgoblin. The other hobgoblins all back away. Berenn moves back into the room, trying to call the Iron Golem but having no luck. [It's beyond the far doorway back in the hallway, and it doesn't respond to his calls.] With a frustrated curse, he steps up to the nearest ogre and attack it, missing.
One steps up to attack Hepla, but it is met by Emyn first and the two lock into a fierce melee. The other ogre turns and attacks Thorgrim, slamming him in the side [9] with its club. Another ogre comes out, attempting to hit Thorgrim from behind. Thorgrim, no stranger to battling these foes, easily avoids the blow and sets the ogre up so it hits its companion! The other ogres then move out, spreading out to attack Emyn, Thorgrim, and Berenn. They all miss though Berenn finds himself surrounded by 4 ogres.
At the sound of more intense fighting, Noot comes down and peeks through the hallway door. He doesn't like what he sees. He calls to Windsong, who doesn't hear him as he's gone through the silence spell and is guarding the fall area with all the broken statues.
Thorgrim turns his back to Berenn, then continues to battle the ogres as the two fight back-to-back. Elrae blasts the two ogres in front of him with a color spray, knocking them both to the ground and unconscious. [wow, color spray's actually pretty cool!]
The hobgoblins rush forward, and actually attack the ogre! It kills two before the others swarm it, dragging it down and holding its arms and legs. Gotrek slams Goreblade into its face, ending its struggles.
The hobgoblins look at Gotrek, and one puts up a hand, palm out. "Friend?" it says, hesitantly.
Gotrek tells the hobgoblins to either stay put or help attack the ogres and we will not kill them. Then he charges the remaining ogres. Yelling to the others not to attack the hobgoblins, they may be useful.
The ogres continue to attack. Berenn still is saved from any blows by the SS spell. Thorgrim continues his fight, while Emyn engages the other ogre. Berenn hits one twice [10] [12] and Bonefire ignites the ogre's clothes [2]. It jumps back, swatting at the flames, and trips over the wheelbarrow behind it, falling to the ground. Seeing the two ogres go down, Hepla fires her Magic Missiles at the one fighting Emyn, hitting it for [15].
Gotrek yells, then rushes up and kills one of the prone ogres. Elrae then kills the other. The ogres all attack, but they miss. The one that fell over the wheelbarrow gets up, makes a wild swing, and then seems off-balance. Berenn moves away from Thorgrim, hits his ogre twice, killing it and setting it further ablaze, then turns towards the last one. horgrim and Emyn both continue to miss. The hobgoblins don't follow Gotrek, but they don't attack him either. They just stay put.
Hepla morphs back into the priest, Tychon. Too much "KILL THE OGRE" going around for her to stay one.
Thorgrim hits an ogre [13]. Elrae moves down towards the hobgoblins, peeking into the side room on the way. He then starts to speak to them. Their leader speaks halting common, so they begin talking. The ogres all miss except for the one attacking Emyn, who is hit for [12]. Noot walks along the ceiling and gets behind the ogres. They don't notice. He then stabs the center one in the back of the head upside down [15]. The ogre roars, turning around, and Thorgrim kills it with his second blow! Emyn hits his twice [12] and [11]. Berenn misses with all his attacks, but Gotrek moves up and chops down his ogre [40!]. Nice critical! Not bothering with the next round, as you all go first and will certainly kill the last ogre. So, fight's over!
Emyn mutters, "Why are we bothing with this hobgoblin scum? Where are Noot and Windsong?"
Hepla says, "Look up, love, for one of them." Emyn looks up and sees Noot on the ceiling. The thief waves to him.
The ogres have nothing of value on them. They are just workers, strong arms to assist in the cleanup. You also find that the hobgoblins are the remnants of the clan which Berenn discovered above a few months ago. The priests and their minions took them captive to use as slave labor in their work to clear these areas. They would be only too happy to help you against them and to regain their freedom.
Thorgrim picks bits of ogre flesh from his beard. He notices a few bone shards in the metalwork of his pick, and tosses them aside, as well. "Berenn, didn't you tell these guys to clear out of your lands?" he asks. "What did you tell them? I really can't remember."
"I didn't tell them anything," he replies. "It was their leader. If they wish to leave, they are welcome to leave and never return."
Isilme slips off to spy, while the party does some quick healing. She returns, saying to them that the far room is the area where 9 stone giants live led by a Giant infused with earth. "I have one guard charmed. I used him to fool the rest of the giants into thinking the ogres were fighting amongst themselves and he would deal with it - so you didn't get rushed from behind in combat. He also told me the Dedication is going on today, so we need to hurry."
Emyn says, "If we can bypass the giants, then that might be best. Besides, I have heard stone giants are not usually evil. Maybe they are being influenced against their will."
"Agreed," says Berenn. "Although once we are done with the major threat, the stone giants will have to leave here or be forced to leave."
Elrae talks to the hobgoblins. The hobgoblins, leaderless after Berenn dealt with them earlier, scattered to the winds. The temple forces found them and dragged them back here as slaves. They can corroborate the same basic info you already received on what to expect, with the following additional details:
9-10: This is the barracks of the Stone giants who have joined the temple forces.
11: just noted, this is the statue room where you once fought WoWs and found the LLL
12: Evil looking fountain with nasty water, though nothing else of interest.
13: lair of Kex, the Eye Tyrant
14: Empty room (once was the lair of the leucrotta)
15-16: Dugart's rooms
17: hobgoblin workers and an ogre clearing rubble
The hobgoblins then sketch out the lower level of the Greater Temple, and since the party has been here before, here's a map:
They can give you further info about anything you see here, as they did help clear the places out. Here's what they say:
18: entrance
19: entrances to various living quarters (guarded by strange creatures. They are like columns with a single large eye and mouth and lots of tentacles)
20: priests (they don't know them apart)
21: supplies
22: large room, still being cleared
23: elite ogre barracks (they are all armed with plate mail and large weapons, and led by a fire-enhanced ogre)
24: old storerooms being used to hold prisoners. They've seen an elf woman being held here.
25: empty (secret door is off-limits)
26: ? (hobgoblins and ogres that were working there were killed, and the area sealed off again)
27: old living quarters, also being cleared out still
28: living quarters, still being cleared out and used by priests
29: Greater Temple (obviously, this is where the big fight will likely be...! There's a big strange curtain behind the altar, and they've never been behind it.)
32: Gate to the Fire Node
[The party also never went behind the altar/curtain, so they don't really know what's there. In the map I gave the originally, I left that dark. I show it here, so you can follow the action.]
"Might we get the stone giants to join our side?" Thorgrim asks. "Or would it be better just to avoid them altogether? And what to do with these hobgoblins?"
Windsong then returns, after having checked out the far area [area 11], and he tells you that he found the remains of all kinds of statues in room 11. He starts to describe them, and you realize this is the room where you fought the Will-O-the-Wisps and found the Leomund's Labile Locker. There are hallways going left and right. The hall to the right leads downstairs to the Greater Temple, which is where you guys fought that big battle on the long processional stairway.
Also, the hobgoblins say that the rest of their group, maybe another 10 hobgoblins, are to the right, working under another ogre to finish cleaning the chamber before the stairs going down. They would like to rescue their fellow slaves, and then they would like to leave. They give Berenn their word. [Remember, basically LE, the hobgoblins would generally follow their word. They certainly fear and respect strength, which you've shown!]
Isilme goes to checks out the area by the stairs, and yes, indeed, it is just one ogre overseeing the work of about a dozen hobgoblins. She returns and tells the party what she found. "I say we let the hobgoblins swarm and liberate their friends," she says. "Then we should most assuredly check the room of the eye tyrant next."
"You assume the Eye Tyrant is even there," says Berenn. "I am thinking he is not. He is probably involved in the summoning. We did say we would help the hobgoblins, and it is one ogre so kill it and be done. Throw the stone in and rush it, it should be dead in a massive rush."
"Let's go with Isilme's plan," Thorgrim says. "Speak with our stone giant friend, then scout the beholder's room. As a child, in Dorob Kilthduum," Thorgrim begins, "I heard a few tales of the Eye Tyrants. I remember only that they have many eyes with sorcerous powers, and that they cannot withstand strong winds. Wizards and great heroes alike are easily defeated by these fell beasts. That is all I know."
While the party deals with the ogre, and frees the hobgoblins at the stairs, Isilme goes to speak with the giant she charmed. She learns from the giant that they really are not that thrilled to be here. Their leader, Dein, had worked with the original leaders of the Temple of Elemental Evil. After the deaths of a handful of giants, it seemed they were done with this place. Dein was actually exiled from the clan. He showed up a year later, "altered" in some strange way. His skin was no longer just stone-giant tough, it was actually stone! He easily killed the new leader and took charge again. Everyone else was too shocked to do anything. He then led this group of giants back, to help clearing this place. They really aren't happy about it, and would welcome his removal.
Isilme promises to the stone giant, Bronk, that she will take care of Dein for them. He in turn pledges to lead the giants away from here and back to their home in the mountains. With that, Hepla changes back into the priest's form, and goes to bring Dein to the ritual. He is quite pleased, and follows Hepla/priest out.
Hepla/priest tells the giant to lead the way, and as it goes to open the door she slips back around the corner, whistling. The giant looks back, wondering where she went, not seeing the Iron Golem standing there. As it turns back, the golem punches it in the chest [32]. The giant stumbles backwards a step, shocked and surprised.
The unarmed giant turns fully and grapples with the Iron Golem. While the two are locked together, Gotrek rushes up behind the giant and hits it with Giant Goreblade [38]. The giant roars in pain and as it tries to let go, Berenn orders the Iron Golem to hold it tight. It struggles, but cannot free itself from the Iron Golem's grasp.
Hepla and Elrae both cast Magic Missiles which fly straight into the giant's back [16] and [13]. It fails to break free, and Gotrek hits it twice with Goreblade [35] and [25], chopping out both of its legs. It drops to its knees, and the Iron Golem continues its relentless hold. As it feebly struggles, Elrae and Hepla fire another round of Magic Missiles, again doing [18] and [16].
It starts to go limp, and Gotrek hacks at the back of its neck, chopping through it as if he were splitting wood! As the giant dies, Berenn orders the Iron Golem to let it go and it falls to the ground as Gotrek gets out of the way.
[DM OOC: Well, Gotrek sure does a lot of damage to true giants!]
"Ah, Giant Goreblade is worthy of its name, after all," Thorgrim says.
With the death of the giant leader, ythey have the Iron Golem take the body back to the hobgoblin room. Gotrek brings the head! They bring it to Bronk, who will go show it to the other Stone Giants. There they find the rest of them, and Bronk says that you have slain Dein. They are shocked, but quickly come around showing much relief. They thank you for what you've done. Bronk now has Dein's magical greatclub, and he assumes control of the giants. He plans to lead them home. Before they go, they give you Dein's treasure. It's a large sack, with gems and stuff in it.
Isilme tells Bronk to explain to the giants that the priests here are trying to summon a great evil, and the creature they worship is so old and evil it intends to ultimately devour the world, destroying the earth and stone they cherish. She wants him to convince the giants to aid us.
Emyn says, "We should destroy this eye tyrant. It sounds like a terrible beast and it would be unwise to leave it at our backs. Perhaps the giants could help us with it too?"
The giants discuss, in their own tongue, Bronk trying to convince them. In the end, all but one other stone giant, Granitethews decides to leave. Bronk gives the club of leadership to the giants, that they may return it to their hold in the mountains. They collect their stuff and leave, while Bronk and Granitethews stay with you.
"Hoho now THIS is a party!" exclaims Thorgrim. "All sizes welcome."
The party welcomes Bronk and Granitethews, and together they set out for the Eye Tyrant. The giants don't know anything much about it either, except that they don't like it.
Emyn says, "Let's have someone scout that eye tyrant room and see what we are up against." He then asks, "DO we have a way to simply drop the ceiling on the creature?"
[Berenn OOC: Berenn quickly tucks the scroll with earthquake on it under his clothing. Nothing to see here ... move along ...]
Isilme will scout out the room. She will cast mirror image before she enters just in case.
She will also be patient and listen before going inside the pit. No need to expose herself to such a monster. "Funny how the thieves are not stepping up," she mutters.
"Sorry," says Noot, "but I don't have the tools or ability to handle magic eyes. I'll keep guarding the door."
The party waits in the hallway by the strange fountain. Horrid faces, carved from the same rock as the passage, snarl and vomit forth thin streams of water which are caught in a multi-tiered basin. The liquid has an evil smell, and the basin has become lined with some sort of aquatic growth. While they wait there, Isilme sneaks into the dark passage to scout.
After a few minutes, Isilme comes back to report:
The corridor, thus far unremarkable, suddenly drops off. You stand at the brinkof an area of 16 foot depth, its sides and floor sheathed in smooth, highly polished bronze. The corridor continues east 20 feet, opening into a chamber likewise adorned. Further progress is possible by using narrow ledges along the north and south walls of this corridor, each being a mere six inches wide — or, of course, you may climb down in or traverse the depression by magical means. It looks like there may have been some type of mechanism in the ceiling, but whatever what there is now gone and all that remains are some strange metal brackets which hold nothing.
Continuing on, the corridor leads to an octagonal chamber, its sides and floor still sheathed in polished bronze. The six-inch wide ledge extends around it at the height of the entry corridor, 16 feet above the floor. wo arched portals near the floor are visible in the north and south walls, each being six feet wide and nine feet tall. The area is completely bare of any debris, and seem unnaturally clean compared to the rest of the area. Standing in the center of the room are two hobgoblins.
" Seems odd the hobgoblins did not mention two of their friends in here," says Isilme.
Emyn says, "Maybe they have a lifting device in that hole much like people use to lift goods over castle walls intimes of seige?"
The hobgoblins don't know where all the rest of their clan have gone. [i.e neither does the DM! ] There are more unaccounted for, so they could be anywhere. Certainly some or working in the lower level, but the rest of the hobgoblins are not going to go down there. They have left now, off to find their women and children who were hiding in caves in the hills. So, all the hobgoblins the party "rescued" have left already. The giants have too, except for the two mentioned.
"What's with all the polished bronze?" asks Thorgrim. "What were the hobgoblins doing in the center of the room?"
"Polished bronze would be reflective," says Berenn. "It could be some sort of a trap. I don't suggest walking down this corridor en mass."
Isilme will go fly back and investigate the arched portals.
"This area looks and feels wrong," says Berenn. "We should wait for Isilme to report."
Thorgrim will cast CLW once on Gotrek, once on himself, then suggest that the party move together into the beholder's lair, if Isilme doesn't return within a few minutes.
"The narrow ledge suggests that the bronze pit is some sort of trap...perhaps to reflect the beholder's gaze so that its sorcery can hurt us multiple times, like a lightning bolt bouncing around a small room," he says. "Speaking of which, perhaps that is the spell that is needed here, although if Isilme's there and invisible, she would certainly die from the onslaught. Windsong, take point!"
Hepla peeks her head into the room to see what the hobgoblins are doing. She sees the hobgoblins, standing there in the center of the room 40' away (and 16' lower!). They don't seem to notice her. Meanwhile, Thorgrim casts the aforementioned spells. Then Windsong moves silently down the corridor, stopping just behind Hepla. Behind him is Emyn and Berenn, followed by Gotrek and Thorgrim. Elrae and Noot bring up the rear, Noot staying at the corner to watch their backs. Bronk, Granitethews, and the Iron Golem are out in the main hallway
For a moment, Hepla sees another figure which she can only assume is Isilme, appear near the entrance to the southern archway. She falls to floor, and then gets up. She seems to be talking to someone to the south, beyond Hepla's sight, and then Isilme disappears again.
"It's her mirror image!" yells Thorgrim. "She's fighting the beholder alone! To Isilme! Let's go ahead and charge."
Berenn will cautiously follow his companions into the room.
As the party moves forward, they hear Isilme's voice behind them, back by the fountain. "The beholder's coming out!" she cries.
[DM OOC: Isilme's scouting turned into a very scary encounter with the beholder, Kex. It all happened in PMs, and I don't have them anymore. However, here's the gist of what happened. She flew down, passed the hobgoblins, and into the archways. To the south, she ran into the beholder, which happened to be looking her way. All her magic, including her spells, failed her. She bluffed her way for a bit, using the knowledge of the Temple as well as the fact that she is a dark elf to keep the beholder off-balance. In the end, the beholder saw through her charade, but by then Isilme had angled herself to the exit, where she could take off and run. Her magic returned, and she fled as fast as she could. This happened about the same time the party decided to move to her aid.]
Everyone pulls back after Isilme's warning. "Let's just have the Iron Golem deal with this Kex," says Berenn.
Emyn mutters, " A man should meet his fate with eye wide open, not cowering like a child."
"I am betting the beholder doesn't have an answer for the Iron Golem," says Berenn. "If I am right, no need to risk anyone else. If I am wrong, we are going to need a plan B in a hurry."
Meanwhile, Noot hears something walking down the hallway. Noot glances down (peeking from the top right corner as he's on the wall/ceiling) and he sees a hobgoblin walking towards him.
Berenn sends the Iron Golem up to the corner, staying close behind it to control it. The IG steps out around the corner, and the hobgoblin stops dead in it's tracks. It then turns and runs away.
[Isilme OOC: We actually fell for setting off the trap when he sends the pawn hobgoblin forward! Where is the acme blanket and anvil for this cartoon?!]
Hepla morphs into a bat and flys up to land near, but not too near, Noot so she can see. As she is there she says to herself, "Stupid bat senses doe not work right. I wonder how real bats do it." [DM OOC: She forgot that she didn't gain bat senses!] Hepla flies up to the ceiling near to Noot, where she can look down the hallway. All she sees is the hobgoblin at the far end, going around the corner to the right.
She flys to the next corner to look around it. She is ready to fly back at the first sign of a beholder. She will be up high. She flies back about 30 seconds later, just passed the IG and lands back around the corner next to Berenn where she changes back into her normal form. She then tells Berenn that the Beholder is floating in the center of the octagonal chamber [area 13], looking this way.
Thorgrim says, "Berenn! Send your metal friend to annihilate the beast!"
"Someone should consider shadowing the golem so it can act as their body shield," says Isilme, as she prepares to Dimension Door behind the beholder.
The Iron Golem walks down the hallway, with Berenn right behind it. The corridor is dark, and the IG stops at the end, not being able to "see" anything. Of course, it's also on the edge of the 16' drop-off. Berenn stays just behind the corner of the wall, peeking out, and he sees the beholder floating in the air about edge of the room, maybe 20' from the IG. A grey ray shoots forth from the beholder, striking the IG. It spreads over its entire body, then just fades away having no effect at all.
[DM OOC: The Iron Golem is standing on the edge of the drop-off in the corridor. It is 16' deep (the IG is 13' tall). There is a 1' ledge along each wall, which it cannot use. The beholder is floating about 20' above the lower level (or 4' above the level where the party is), 40' away from the IG which puts it roughly in the center of that other chamber. There is no room for anyone to do anything while the IG is standing there. It basically takes up the entire corridor. The party can stand in the rear spaces, basically in close order, but cannot fire melee weapons or throw objects around the IG. It's totally in the way right now. Berenn is actually around the corner, just peeking his head around to quickly see what's up. At this point, a long OOC discussion occured, with the party trying to figure out what to do. They seemed to be in a Mexican Stand-off, and nobody had any good ideas regarding what to do next. As soon as they came up with a plan, they then moved forward.]
"I will attempt to get behind the beholder," says Isilme. "If anyone sees my Glitterdust spell go off you should probably act." Isilme then casts her Dimension Door, jumping behind the beholder.
Thorgrim speaks. To Gotrek, he says, "If this doesn't work, it's all on you. If the iron golem is subdued, read the scroll and be our battering ram." To Hepla, he says, "Be prepared to cast Fly on Gotrek if you see him reading the scroll. He may be our last best bet."
Hepla changes form to a pixie, and she flies up to the IG, landing on it's right shoulder where she has a good view.
Emyn taunts the Eye Tyrant with a handful of lines from Montey Python! As he does so, Hepla suddenly and involuntarily changes back into human form. She falls to the ground, a 10' fall which causes [2 dam]. She makes her concentration check, so she can still cast a Light spell. However, she finds that her spell fails to cast at all. Suddenly, the top and rear half of the beholder is covered in Glitterdust, cast by Isilme who is inside somewhere and not in the anti-magic area.. The beholder reacts quite unwell to the situation! Especially considering the anti-magic had no effect on the IG.
Hepla looks at Noot, and finds his slippers are still working. Of course, he's kind of crouching on the wall, with only his head "peeking" around the corner. [BTW, I should have added that, while there's no light down the hallway and in the chamber, the Beholder is now illuminated by the Glitterdust!]
Hepla crawls out of the way, and finds that she has only to get around the corner to be able to use magic again. Berenn starts to get his Rope of Climbing out as he tells the IG to move back down the hallway. He quickly realizes that the rope of climbing will not function in the anti-magic area, so he drops his pack and takes up his bow.
The beholder begins to turn around, when it is hit by a gust of wind from behind. It begins to move towards the golem, going about halfway there [it's still 15' away from the ledge] when it completes a 180* turn. At that point Isilme is revealed in the rear of the room. She has gone down towards the floor, and there her fly is cancelled and she drops the last foot or so to the ground. Being somewhat prepared for that, she lands lightly on the floor. The gust of wind ends as well, and the beholder's big eye seems to widen in surprise and recognition, then narrows ominously.
IG has moved back, and Hepla has crawled back out of the way. Berenn's halfway around the corner, ready to fire his bow. He has tied his silk rope to an arrow.
"Next time," says Isilme, "you will think twice about using a Drow as your body sheild."
Isilme then takes off running, heading off to the right and out of sight. Elrae waits back in the hallway, considering what he could do to possibly help.
Berenn fires his bow, hitting the beholder square in the back of hits "head?" for [10: good shot!].
The grey beam streaks out from one of it's smaller eyes, just missing Berenn. A large section of the wall beside him simply disintegrates. Unfortunately, it reveals him fully and Noot, no longer standing on anything, falls to the ground. He tumbles back easily, avoiding any damage and coming up on his feet. He then backs off.
Simultaneously, another beam comes out of another eye, this one picking up the hobgoblin and lifting it in the air. It cries out, but is silenced as another beam lashes out from another eye, turning the hobgoblin to stone. It is then "hurled" towards Berenn just as Hepla and Emyn come out around the corner. Hepla is slammed by the stone hogboblin, and takes [15]. She is knocked backwards against the wall and loses her spell.
The beholder turns around, trying to follow Isilme but she is too fast. It makes a very upset screeching sound, which you can only assume means that Isilme got away!
Emyn steps out with his javelin, throwing it at the beholder. It hits the small eyestalk which just used Telekinesis and discharges its lightning, blasting away the stalk and eye! [now it's REALLY mad!] It completes its turn, the large eye again focusing in your direction. With the beholder turning back towards the party, all their magic once again ends.
Gotrek, who was holding the other end of Berenn's rope, starts to pull the Beholder closer. Since Berenn's arrow is stuck in the other side of the beholder, it spins the thing around so the eye is no longer focused on the party. Everyone else runs away, as Gotrek pulls the beholder closer. The IG moves back out on the ledge as the beholder is drawn to it. The beholder focuses one of its eyes on the rope, disintegrating it, but not before it reaches the IG. Another beam hits the IG, but it has no effect. The IG reaches out and grabs it. The IG, with a 24 strength, begins to squeeze the beholder. It struggles in vain, screaming an unearthly scream and its eyes fire off a bunch of bolts of magic ineffectually as it is popped like a ripe pimple!
The party takes some time to search the area, though they find nothing of interest or value. The center part of Berenn's rope was disintegrated, and he now has two ropes, one 30' and one 10'.
As the party searches the lower areas, Elrae takes out some paper and his quill from his pack, making some notes. "The iron golem crushing the beholder was a sight to see. I will incorporate the deed into my next song. Onward and destroy evil."
Emyn suggests, "Round and round te dungeon the golem chased the tyrant, it grabbed old Kex in a sec, POP went the evil." as lyrics to Elrae.
"We got lucky with that beholder," Thorgrim says. He spits. "The Doomdreamers won't be quite so easy. By the way, our old friend Lareth is with them as well, and greatly empowered. Redemption, pshaw! There is no such thing. Tigers don't change their stripes, and beholders don't change their eyestalks."
As for himself, Thorgrim will quaff his Potion of Super-Heroism before engaging. He will use his standard "Stone of Silence" stratagem with Gotrek singing behind the zone. "We have room for a few pre-combat spells. Perhaps Bless, Strength of Stone, Strength of One, and Axe Storm of Clanggedin," he adds. "Both Emyn and Gotrek will be beyond healing if we do it this way. Gotrek would be the best one to be anti-magicked, of course, since he will be unhealable regardless . But 4 in 5...those aren't the sort of odds I like to play. Of course, our odds of making it out alive are even less. Perhaps I should expend either a Potion or Ointment of Regeneration on Hepla, so she doesn't get herself killed again this time."
Thorgrim then looks at Noot and Windsong, "Now, who wants to scout?"
With a sigh, as both seem to prefer guarding the rear, Isilme flies ahead. She has to go back around, to where the hobgoblins were working with the ogre [area 17]. From there Isilme can check out the long corridor. It goes to the stairs, then proceeds down to the Greater Temple. This is where the party fought the big battle on the stairs, vs giants, ettins, flying gargoyles, etc. Gotrek came pretty close to dying here, along with a few others. The stairs descend onto a wide landing only partially cleared of rubble. The walls of the landing are covered in mosaic murals depicting a nauseating scene of frolicking demons, vile slimes and fungi, and giant humanoids, all dancing amid a field of their fallen, torn, and tortured victims. The large 20' wide processional corridor continues on. Isilme also notes that the two landings [areas 19] are guarded by very large ropers.
"The ropers are in a direct line of sight to the participants of the ritual," says Thorgrim. The priests may be preoccupied, but maybe not. We need to strike fast and press our advantage, which is surprise."
Thorgrim will cast Bless on the party, and drink his potion of Super-Heroism, and cast Silence on a stone and toss a handful of mixed stones down to the ropers. Before engaging the Doomdreamers, he will cast Axe Storm of Clanggedin on Gotrek (using his +1 spell per day in the Combat sphere), assuming everyone's not hasted or something. If everyone is hasted, he will not cast Axe Storm of Clanggedin.
"The lower level is an ideal place for Lightning Bolt or Fireball," Thorgrim says, "and I believe we should use those spells. The Iron Golem should lead the charge against the Doomdreamers, with instructions to destroy anyone not of the party, spellcasters first."
Thorgrim gets out his scroll of Protection from All Elementals and hands it to Hepla. "Here, this may save your life. Speaking of which..." he gives Gotrek his Ointment of Regeneration. "I need you to live through this, if Clanggedin's holy vision is to be realized."
"The ropers are not within sight of the Greater Temple," says Isilme. There's another set of stairs going down, and no line of sight until one goes down them."
Thorgrim casts his silence spell on a small stone, and tosses it down the hallway. With sound deadened, the two stone giants, Bronk on the left and Granitethews on the right, come down the hallway, with the iron golem behind them. The rest of the party comes next, standard order. The giants carry a couple of stones in their off-hands, with their great clubs on their belts. When they come to the landing, they instantly launch their boulders at the ropers. Each roper is hit [24 to the left one and 12 to the right one]. The ropers roar silently, as their tentacles reach out towards the stone giants. They fail to score any hits, and the giants launch their second boulders. Each roper is hit again, this time taking [11 to the left one and 21 to the right one]. The right roper successfully grabs Granitethews, but the giants seems completely unaffected by the tentacle. [ooc: a typical stone giant weighs 9000 lbs, while a roper tentacle can only pull about 1000. So, they don't have the strength to pull the giants to them!]
The giants each throw their last boulders, hitting each roper again [14 to the left and 19 to the right: that's 49 to the left one and 52 to the right one]. They both look pretty pulpy where they've been pummeled. The ropers try to move away, but with a move of "3", they don't get far. The giants walk up, taking out their clubs, and pound the ropers with them. It doesn't take long before the ropers are smashed into piles of broken, gooey lumps.
The large triangular rooms to either side of the landing are both cleared entirely of rubble. Old wall paintings have been completely removed, and a few scraps of what might have been tapestries lie about. The doors going beyond are shut, but they do not shut correctly. You can see that locks don't really work, as they are somewhat sundered. They are shoved closed, but they seem like they would swing open easily enough. Noot moves up and looks around for makeshift traps, but he finds none.
Thorgrim picks up his stones, then places them a bit down the landing, blocking sound from traveling down the processional before returning.
"I would like to rescue the elf before fighting the priesthood," says Isilme. "These evil places have a tendency to collapse."
Hepla, going through her spell stuff, looks up and says,"I'm sorry, where is this elf?"
"Not sure if it's a good idea to clear this whole damn dungeon first," he grumbles. "We already defeated the beholder. Only the Doomdreamers and Lareth remain. And some damnable elf we have to save."
Emyn says, "Time is wasting, we need to get to Lareth and dispense vengeance." Speaking of whom....Suddenly Emyn loses all sense of connection to Lareth. He can no longer sense where he is.
Emyn says, "I think Lareth just died. I can no longer feel him. I fear the summoning of Imix may have begun."
"Or he just left our plane. Or perhaps Imix is already summoned and his great power prevents it. Or we have been discovered and he cast Non-Detection. Either way this elf may have to wait for later. Isilme?"
Emyn says, "I know what I feel." He proceeds downward regardless of any party intervention, invoking his protection from devils, just in case, since he is not sure what Imix is apart from coming from another plane.
"Emyn, wait! We'll go with you!" Thorgrim says, then realizes Emyn has passed beyond his hearing into the Zone of Silence. "Let's follow," he says to the party. He will collect his stones and attempt to catch up to Emyn before he alerts the Doomdreamers to our presence with his clankety-clank.
[Isilme OOC: oh look emyn is rushing down the stairs.....its like deja vu, thats what almost got us all killed last time. Who played that character again? Isilme refuses to repeat the same mistake here twice, rushing headlong down those stairs and into the temple without thinking. Instead, she heads off looking for the elf.]
The cell was room 24, or one of them. It is now empty. Isilme finds some more hobgoblins, who tell her that the elf was taken to the temple an hour ago by the rest of the ochre-robed priests. It was to be sacrificed to the Eye in some kind of ceremony. They wish to go free the rest of their clan, working across the stairs clearing other tunnels. There are weapons collected in the outer room, and they quickly arm themselves. They will see to freeing their kin on their own, then flee the temple. Isilme returns to the party, disheartened for being late.
Thorgrim and Gotrek rush to grab Emyn. "Just wait for Isilme to scout it out first," says Thorgrim.
"Then you'll get your chance to fight," says Gotrek.
Isilme flies off through the butresses above the processional, scouts out the Greater Temple, then returns to report. Basically, it's the same temple from before. A new altar, like the ones the party has seen under the moathouse and at the Fane but bigger, is there. An ogre is beating a drum (which everyone now starts to hear!) off to the side. Behind the altar stands one of the ochre priests with a tentacle rod, while four more kneel around the base of the altar. Two large pillars also still stand, flanking the approach to the altar. There is still rubble in some areas, and the passages to all but the Fire Node are completely blocked. Upon the altar lies the elf woman.
"Well, looks like Fireball is out, as are certain other area-of-effect spells. Even the giants' boulders may pose a risk to the elf sacrifice," says Thorgrim. "The question remains of whether or not we ourselves should kill the sacrifice before the completion of the ritual, as that may be what completes it. It's a sticky situation, and we are just as likely to allow the return of Imix as prevent it. Best to save the elf if we can. Now, as to tactics: I think it would be best to have a few of us infiltrate their position, if possible...perhaps Isilme, Noot, and Windsong?...before sending the iron golem lumbering into them with the stone giants taking up rear flanking positions. It would be good for all the living members of our party to maintain a fair distance behind it, as spells which it can ignore might certainly affect us...it's an ideal place to get Lightning Bolt cast in our faces."
"I think the Iron Golem should go for the priest with tenacle rod," says Berenn. "I doubt the tenacle rod will be able to hold it and the rest of us can kill the rest of the priests with the help of Thorgrim's stone. If the stone giants concentrate their rocks on the two priests on the flanks, the elf should be safe and the party can attack two priests in front of the altar."
Noot takes a swig from Gotrek's Potion of Invisibility. Noot's now invisible, and he will walk silently along the ceiling, to a position up above the altar in the flying butresses.
Hepla morphs into the priest, Tychon, then walks down to interrupt the ceremony. The priest at the altar looks up, annoyed. Hepla kneels and waits.
"What are you doing here?" he demands, coming around the altar. The drum keeps beating, and he says, "Stop it you idiot!" making the ogre stop. The other four priests all turn their heads and see Hepla, wondering what is happening.
"My Lords," she replies. "After much loss, we have accounted for all the enemy."
The priest steps around the altar and stands in front of it. The other priests all stand and turn their full attention to Hepla, as the Iron Golem walks up behind her.
"The what are you doing here?" he demands, "And why would your bring that?" he asks, pointing at the IG with his rod.
Hepla notices that the ogre beating the drum has its eyes sewn shut. At this point, Isilme flies down, grabs ahold of the elf, and opens a dimension door straight up to the surface. Hepla sees this happen, but nobody else sees it, as their attentions are all focused upon Hepla. Elrae casts Haste on the rest of the party, then using the silence stone, they start moving up the hallway, unnoticed as of yet.....
Hepla/ priest says,"To finish off the enemy, of course." She stands and bows to them then starts walking backward to the back left corner. She then turns and starts things with a quick Magic Missile at the priest to the right. They flash out of Hepla's [she actually still looks like the priest] fingers, blasting into the nearest priest's face [19]. He is blown backwards to the ground, landing with a thud! Hepla then takes off running to the right.
Thorgrim, having just drunk his Super-heroism potion, moves forward and throws his stones up against the curtain behind the altar. Meanwhile, Gotrek reads his scroll of protection from magic.
The priest sees the stones come flying, and for a moment is in silence, before they pass beyond him. He steps away from the altar. "You are NOT Tychon, he says," watching Hepla run. He pulls a key from his pocket, and looks at the Iron Golem. "Destroy the interlopers!"
As it begins to turn around, Berenn yells at the Golem, holding up his key. "No!" he cries. The golem stands, torn between the conflicting commands.
Meanwhile, Emyn summons avengers. Two gargoyles appear, rising up from the rubble in the room.
The priestess on the far left pulls a purple-colored tentacle rod from her robes, and casts a spell, her body becoming surrounded by the familiar swirling purple clouds as the priest Tychon had used. The priest at the far right does the same.
The one that Hepla shot gets up, shaking his head. "You'll pay dearly for that," he says, as his hood falls away. You see he is a half-orc, and he licks his small upper fangs. He takes out a morning star, swinging it around deftly. Finally, the last priest, the one who was just ahead and to the left of Hepla, simply disappears.
The stone giants then move up, throwing their rocks. They both miss! Noot stays up on the ceiling, considering his options and liking none of them. Finally, Emyn moved into the room, angling to the right to stand by Hepla.
The priest grimaces at what is obviously a very serious incursion. "Your resourcefulness is impressive," he says, "but it shall avail you naught. For disrupting our ceremony, I shall sacrifice YOU to the Elder Eye!" He then glances back towards the altar, when he sees the elf girls is gone. "What!" He looks back, very angry now. "You shall indeed pay!" For the first time, everyone notices that his face seems to almost drip water. He must be partly infused with Water.
Windsong remains guarding the rear. Elrae cannot see, but he draws Snowfang and prepares to use its abilities as needed. Noot throws his dagger at the priest, hitting him squarely in the back of the neck [24!]. Of course, he becomes visible.
The priest stumbles under the unexpected blow, falling to one knee, losing his concentration! He looks back and then up, when he sees Noot. “Backstabber!” [sorry, gotta use Army of Darkness quotes whenever possible!]
Tentacles start reaching out from the curtain, some moving towards Noot. [he’ll have to deal with them next round, as they only start emerging once he becomes visible.]
The priestess to the left [Susan Carun, I’ll start using names as it’s easier!] begins casting, pointing with her rod at Bronk. He suddenly grabs at his great giant heart, the rock in his hand falling to the ground. He grunts, and falls forward with a great thud! When Bronk falls to the ground, Granitethews starts to go into a rage! Speaking of rages, Gotrek starts to sing as well!
Gotrek rushes up, but stumbles as he attempts to leap over Bronk’s body. He sprawls to the ground, rolls, then comes up, but cannot attack. [Nice fumble!] Berenn casts Heat Metal on the Second’s key.
The priest to the far right casts a spell, and a column of flame erupts around the two gargoyles, completely incinerating both!
Hepla replies with a blast of Magic Missiles at the other priest, the one she hit before. He takes another [17], and is blasted to the floor once again! He curses as his spell casting is ruined. Emyn then uses his sword of fire to launch a fireball at the same priest. It's not a huge fireball, only barely singing him [6]. Thorgrim moves all the up to the priest, and attacks. He is a couple steps down, so the priest has a slight advantage. Thorgrim misses.
The priest Hepla hit stands up and looks at her with a look of pure hatred.
***
Elrae casts a Melf’s Acid Arrow at the high priest, but it misses. It strikes into the purple tentacle curtain, where the acid doesn’t seem to have any effect.
Four tentacles [many more are emerging across its length, as well as two great beaks which snap eagerly] reach out towards Noot. He is hit by two tentacles [3,8] which grab him snugly, wrapping around him and pulling him down towards one of the beaks.
The priest smiles as Noot is grabbed by the tentacles, then turns his attention to Thorgrim. The writhing tentacles from his amber rod reach forth, and all six strike the dour dwarf. He takes [6 damage from each; 36 total!], and he feels as if his very soul burns and fire erupts from his pores. [16 more damage, 6 points of which is a PERMANENT hit point loss!]. [That’s 52 hit points total, though the first 23 are from his Potion of Super-heroism which he drank, but worse, 6 hit points of the damage are, indeed, permanent. Further, the flames burn many of his items. Everything he carries/wears must save vs. Magical Fire. I shall go down the list of his items, and here is what burns/melts:
Eyepatch
[you are VERY lucky, as your portable hole barely saved!]
Ring of Spell-Storing
Belt pouch: kuo-toa herb [Daern’s fortress and Stone of Earth Elementals fall to the ground, but they are ok.]
Backpack: all three scroll cases and their scrolls (pro: elementals, undead, magic--though I think this was already used by Gotrek) burn, 4 wooden spikes [2 left], 2 torches [1 left].
Silver holy symbol
Girdle, Breeches, and Tunic [he’s left just wearing his boots! Of course, he still wears his full plate armor; that didn't burn.]
Pouch of Old Toby and pipe
Flask of Brandy
Potion utility belt:
Anything NOT listed there is ok. Everything in his pockets, pouches, or pack that survived has tumbled to the ground. That soul burn is brutal!]
Windsong decides the rear is fine, rushes passed Elrae and tells him to keep an eye out, and then enters the room. He draws his two longswords, and prepares to engage the most opportune opponent.
The priest Hepla has now hit twice stands, casting a spell and surrounding himself with those familiar purple mists. The priestess to the left, Susan Carun, casts a spell upon Gotrek, who is protected by the anti-magic scroll. A ray of amber/violet light erupts from her hand, but when it reaches towards Gotrek it just ends short. Her eyes open wide, disbelievingly, as Gotrek charges her!
When he reaches her, the mists suddenly disappear. Even the tentacles of her rod hang limply, and she reaches out to fend off Gotrek’s blows as he slams her arm [10]. Before she can react, he hits her across the chest with the now-normal Goreblade [17]. She is knocked backwards into the pillar [5], and then falls awkwardly backwards to the ground. With a bit more distance from Gotrek, the mists surrounding her reappear and the tentacles start writhing once more. Still, she is quite shaken!
Meanwhile, Thorgrim strikes the Second atop the stairs, hitting him with Souldrinker [11]. Hepla then moves to the right and casts a Lightning Bolt, which she is able to aim above Thorgrim, being that he’s a couple steps below the Second. She catches both, the priest she already has hit twice [14] who is blown back to the ground, as well as the Second [11] who is only grazed. Emyn then moves up to the foot of the stairs, engaging the two priests in melee. He hits the downed one [12].
Berenn concentrates on the IG, keeping his control from lapsing. Granitethews strides forward, and smashes his rock down into the face of the knocked over priest that Hepla just lightning bolted down [22]. There is a sickening “crack, and when the giant lifts the rock, the priest’s face looks like a smashed in bowl.
The last priest stands up and retreats back up to the top of the stairs. The tentacles writhe around him, but do not grab him. Also, four tentacles wrap around the ogre and pull it up towards the other beak.
***
Elrae steps into the room, and simultaneously with Hepla they both blast the tentacles with Magic Missiles. They have no effect, dissipating harmlessly. Noot is attacked by two more tentacles with one more hitting him [1], and he is drawn to the beak, which snaps at him visciously [17].
The priestess on the floor at Gotrek's feet casts a spell, and crawls INTO the stone pillar. Gotrek growls, and hacks at the pillar where she entered. The anti-magic shield actually cancels her Meld Into Stone when he steps up to it, and she is violently expelled [24], landing back on the ground at Gotrek’s feet. With a grim smile, he crashes Goreblade down onto her head [16]. She looks nearly dead, and is stunned.
Windsong looks around for the “invisible” priest that Hepla cries out about, sees nothing, and moves up to help Noot, flipping up and landing atop the altar. Tentacles reach out towards him, but miss, and he cuts one in half with his blades.
The Second casts a spell. Thorgrim then hits him, but his three blows just bounce off his Stoneskin!
Emyn moves up to attack the priest that retreated up to the top of the dais. He slashes him for [11]. The priest was casting a spell, which is ruined after he fails his concentration check! Suddenly, Berenn just turns and walks away, back down the hallway!
Granitethews throws his bloody stone at Thuchos (the priest Emyn’s fighting), hitting him square in the chest [29]. His mace is shattered by the blow, pieces of it flying in all directions. Further, he is knocked backwards, and tumbles down the stairs to the right [4] ending up prone at the foot of them. He shakes off the effects of the blow, looks at his broken mace with disgust, and tosses it aside.
Gotrek will make sure the Priestess is dead then attack the priest with the priest who is trying to control the Iron Golem. She drops her tentacle rod and puts her hands up before her face, asking for quarter. Unfortunately, Gotrek goes into his rage this round, so, he will be ignoring that....
***
Isilme meets Berenn at the foot of the stairs and casts Dispel Magic. Berenn shakes his head, “What happened?”
"I dont know," says Isilme, "but as I was returning from saving the elf I caught you wandering here with a dazed look in your eyes! You had better get back in there and control the Golem quickly!"
Meanwhile, the Second commands the golem. “Kill that giant,” he says, then continues to melee with Thorgrim.
Windsong cuts one of the tentacles off Noot. The beak bites Noot again [7]. Windsong is also attacked by four tentacles, and hit once [7]. It fails to grab him though.
Elrae charges straight ahead at Hepla, hitting her with Snowfang though to no effect, as she has a Stoneskin spell active.
She backs off, and changes back into her normal form so she can cast more spells. Thorgrim fails to hit the Second, his blows not piercing his magical defenses. Spellcraft reveals it to be Stoneskin, as he suspected. [each round he takes off 3, so that’s a plus!]
The fallen priestess attempts to surrender to Gotrek; however, she didn’t consider that he was a battlerager. In fact, she’s never before seen one. As she raises her arms, a strange look crosses Gotrek’s face. It twists all up and his eyes take on an intense, though almost glazed, look. She realizes her mistake only too late, as Gotrek’s axe comes down into her face, chopping it cleanly in two. He continues chopping, hacking her head from her body, and then chopping the body until it is a bloody, bloody mess.
The Second attacks Thorgrim again with his tentacle rod, hitting him with three tentacles. Thorgrim takes [18] and his entire body seems to go numb [-4 to all actions for awhile].
Emyn steps down and attacks the fallen priest [8]. He still succeeds in casting this time, as he rolls back, away from Emyn, and a faint violet ray shoots from his hand. It strikes Emyn, and quickly spreads over his body, then fades away. To others, Emyn seems stunned.
The Iron Golem, meanwhile, steps forward and bashes Granitethews in the back with its fists [30]. The great giant is actually knocked forward, sprawling out on the steps, but not for long. It turn around and swings a massive fist at the Iron Golem, hitting it [20]. The two blows of the golem and giant resound so loudly, that all the other combatants momentarily freeze, locking their gazes on the staggering conflict.
Isilme and Berenn return to the room finally. They too both stop, almost hypnotized by the titanic blows of the Golem and the Giant. Finally, Berenn commands the Iron Golem again. “Stop!” he yells, and the Golem stops. Then the Second's key gets so hot that he drops it. As it bounds down the stairs, Berenn gets full control of the IG.
“Whew,” whispers Isilme, as she continues to fly across the room. She flies above the priest, keeping herself out of reach of any tentacles which are flipping around pretty wildly.
***
Elrae stops attacking, and just stands there. Hepla steps back, yells at the giant, "Save Noot.". She casts Dispell Magic at Elrae, and breaks the spell. Elrae looks around, confused, but no longer under the effects of a Confusion spell!
The Second surveys the room, seeing all his underlings down and the Golem once more out of his control. With a curse, he slowly backs away from Thorgrim. The tentacle curtain parts around him as he backs up, then closes up again as soon as he’s through it.
“Go get Noot!” yells Berenn, commanding not just the Iron Golem, but anyone who will listen!
The Iron Golem steps up onto the dais, reaches out its great arms, and takes ahold of Noot. It rips him right out of the tentacles [he takes 4]. The tentacles attack the Iron Golem, but cannot hurt it. They try to wrap around him, but it just pulls free, tearing out two tentacles in the process.
Isilme casts Detect Invisibility, and then starts to scan the room. She doesn’t see anything. Seeing Noot is now safe, Windsong leaps away from the tentacles. He is hit twice [5 and 7] but they fail to grab him. He ends up at the foot of the stairs. Elrae moves over next to Hepla, taking up a defensive position in front of her. Thorgrim backs away from the tentacles, which can’t seem to reach him anyway, and cast Cure Critical Wounds on himself [+24hp]. Emyn just stands there, doing nothing.
The priest on the floor takes out a scroll and reads it. Shimmering lights surround him briefly, then he disappears again.
Granitethews looks around, unsure of what just happened. Luckily, he picked up on Berenn’s newfound control of the Iron Golem, and didn’t attack it again. Rather, he turns and attacks the tentacle curtain, ripping out a chunk of it [15]! The curtain attacks it back with four tentacles, three of which hit [9, 4, 7].
Gotrek turns and sees the fight with the tentacle curtain, and charges up there himself. When he gets there, the tentacles just retreat away from him. He keeps going, and they just seem to disappear as he approaches. The next thing anyone knows, the curtain itself just parts away before him and he’s gone!
[DM OOC: Interesting turn of events with the anti-magic!]
***
Hepla says, "Berenn, get to Noot, he looks bad, use your rod." Hepla will head to him also to cast Cure Serious Wounds, if Berenn is delayed. If Berenn gets there first she will check our other giant to see if she can save him. She keeps a lookout for the invisible priest.
“There is still a priest in the room!” cries Isilme’s voice from above. The priest gets up and sprints off to the right, down the corridor.
Hepla says, "Berenn, get to Noot, he looks bad, use your rod." Hepla will head to him also to cast Cure Serious Wounds, if Berenn is delayed.
Berenn moves up to the Iron Golem. “Put him down,” he says, and the golem does so. “Good, now go tear down that wall,” he adds, pointing to the tentacle wall.
The golem turns, steps up to the wall, and starts pounding away with its fists. Huge chucks of the wall, tentacles, even the beak are gradually ripped away. Still, it will take a while.
Berenn kneels down and checks on Noot. He sheaths Bonefire, and checks on Noot. He sees that Noot's wounds seem to be infected and casts Neutralize Poison, which clears that up. That lets Hepla's Cure Serious Wounds work. The still badly wounded thief opens his eyes and looks around groggily. “Ouch.”
Granitethews sees the priest get up and run away, so he moves over, calmly picking up the stone with which he had hit him earlier. He then skips it down the narrow hallway, and it bounces into the back of the running priest [24]. With a loud SMACK! he is knocked forward where he slams into the wall [6] and drops to the ground, again.
Windsong takes off after the priest, catching up to him with an incredible burst of speed. They are all the way down at the end of the hallway, where it turns north into another strange chamber, the gateway to the Fire Node.
Thorgrim shouts, "Berenn! Clear the tentacles!" He checks for his dagger and waits for a moment to see if the Iron Golem will clear a path through them. It looks like it will take a few rounds, but the Iron Golem is making quick progress.
***
Berenn takes out his rod, curing Noot of [10], while Hepla casts Cure Serioius Wounds upon him [17]. He seems to be feeling much better now. With Berenn and Hepla taking care of Noot, Thorgrim turns and waits. Thorgrim casts Dispel Magic on the wall, but it doesn't have any effect. Windsong takes both swords in one hand, then snaps out his free hand. Using the Touch of the Phantom, he hits the priest in a series of vital areas, paralyzing him. The giant goes over to the tentacle wall and joins the Iron Golem in smashing at it. Between the two, it is nearly destroyed. You still can’t see beyond it, but it’s clearly weakening. Before anyone knows what's happening, Emyn takes off down the hallway too! He reaches a point about 10' behind Windsong when the elf becomes aware of him. Emyn stops next to them, takes off his backpack, and takes out his rope. "Tie him up," he says, tossing the rope to Windsong.
Nodding, Windsong quickly trusses up the hapless priest. Then Emyn throws him over his shoulder and carries him back to the party. By the time he gets back, the stun has worn off. Emyn drops the guy on the floor, and Granitethews puts a size 30 (or whatever!) foot on the guys chest.
"Give me a reason," he says, his voice grating with anger.
Meanwhile, Windsong checks out the chamber. The red hallway leading out of the temple brightens from blood-colored to orange-red as it opens to an eight-pointed, diamond-shaped room. Paintings resembling flames and creatures of fire leap and covort on the walls. On the floor in the center of the chamber is the symbol of the Fire Temple, set in blazing red stones on the floor and inscribed within a magic circle, 20' across. There is nobody here. Windsong then returns to the party as well.
Thorgrim shouts, "GOTREK--RESPOND!" He hears nothing.
After all the healing and such is done, the Golem and Granitethews destroy the wall. There just beyond it, you find Gotrek, sitting on the floor, leaning back against the wall exhausted. In the middle of the floor of a short passage is a pile of broken bones, spilled blood, and splattered guts. Tattered clothes here, a boot there, an eyeball stuck to the wall, and a tentacle rod lying on the cold stones floor, all testify that this had once been the Second.
"What took you so long, bub," says Gotrek, glancing up at Thorgrim.
****
This stark area behind the altar curtain of the Greater Temple is marked only by three lesser altars, each a 10' long stone ovoid standing 4 feet tall. These are currently unadorned, but are draped for ceremonial occasions. The room is dimly lit by a pearly glow from the north (435).
After some quick healing, the party can continue searching the area.
Isilme will quickly collect the ring and tentacle rod of the second, her detect magic is still running so she will also point out anything glowing to the party. She also keeps checking around until her detect invisible wears off.
Thorgrim ungags the priest and smacks him up. "Tell us where to find Lareth!" he says.
"Lareth has already gone into the Fire Node with The First to summon Imix," he responds. "You are too late!"
"We will have to go into the fire node to stop them," says Berenn. "There is a slight complication. We needed the rod of golden death to escape the nodes last time which is now destroyed. Which begs the question: Once we are in ... how are we getting back out?"
"Surely the first would not have travelled there unless he had a way to return," says Emyn. "We must simply learn what that is and use it." Emyn tells the priest, "Tell us the first plans and how he will get out of the fire node and you may yet live to succeed him."
The captive priest has never been into the Fire Node, so he cannot tell you. In fact, you know more of what's there, having been in there yourselves the year before. He can tell you that these two inner chambers were the sanctums of the priests of Iuz (outer chamber that is shaped like the symbol of Iuz) and the priests of Zuggtmoy (inner chamber with the light-enshrouded dais. The chests were the monetary treasure of the Temple, which was left here when the Temple was destroyed last year. You guys never found it, as you never went back here. They never attempted to penetrate the circle of light, so he does not know what it is. It does radiate strong magic, alternating randomly between all the various schools.
Noot finds no traps. He even pries a few gems loose, just to make sure. They are very large and precious stones. The priest isn't really sure about this area, as only the First and Second came here. Of course, Hedrack would be the one to ask, as he was commander here and a follower of the Wicked One (that's a name for Iuz) at the time. The first chamber was the inner sanctum for his priests, of which there was only Hedrack. The rest of the Temple priests were either loyal to one elemental faction or another, or they were loyal to Zuggtmoy. Anyway, the first chamber, which is constructed to resemble the symbol of the Old One (another name for Iuz; he just doesnt' want to say His name in this chamber!), was originally protected by another curtain, one resembling the Tentacle Wall, but based upon Zuggtmoy's fungal affiliations. Rededicating this chamber was going to be the NEXT step, after they finished rededicating the outer altar. As for the chamber of light, he just doesn't know. As he said, perhaps the Triad or Hedrack would know.
Meanwhile Isilme searches the area along with Noot. Black curtains block two side rooms. Each side room contains a wardrobe and two huge chests. Each wardrobe contains six vestments used by the Temple clerics in their ceremonies; those in room b are brown or red (3 of each, for Earth and Fire respectively), and those in room c are green or grey. With the vestments are four neatly folded silk altar pieces of the same colors, each bearing the embroidered symbols of luz, the elements, and the golden skull. One altar piece of each color is 10' square, used in this area; the other is 25' x 13', used on the main altar.
EACH side room held two chests, so that's four total. The chests are neither locked nor magiked. You can open them up as you will. These chests contain coins, some scraps of parchment, and a few magic items. Each chest contains 2,000 ep, 4,000 gp, and 1,000 pp, plus 2-20 pieces of parchment. Each parchment is a letter of credit from the Temple to some individual; each note promises to pay an amount from 10 to 1,000 gp. The borrowers include most of the Temple troops, guards, and leaders, since these provide additional means of forcing obedience. You recognize some of the names from your first foray into the temple, so these chests must have been buried with the collapse of the temple last year. The Doomdreamers likely found them, but had not yet taken them out. With two empty chests in the portable hole, you can place these there instead. The portable hole will now be basically full.
As Hepla goes over the Second's items, she finds two interesting things. While the others had amber robes, his is purple. Further, his holy symbol is different. Rather than the symbols carried by the other Doomdreamers, that of the triangle with an inscribed Y, his is a black, angular, inverted two-step pyramid. None of the party recognize it.
Broad stairs lead down from the inner chamber into a round room 60 feet in diameter. A soft glow from the destination lights the stairway in an odd pearly glow mixed with occasional flashes of other colors. Strong magic radiates from that direction.
Thorgrim inspects his singed beard and scowls. "They will all pay. Let us now rid our world of its present evil."
Isilme then goes to check out the wierd glow. The broad stairs lead down from the inner chamber into a round room, 60' in diameter. A soft glow lights the stairway in an odd pearly glow mixed with occasional flashes of other colors. The walls of the round chamber are vertical, 20' tall, capped by a dome reaching a further 10'. In the center of the room is a round dais about 2' tall, which is precisely encircled by a column of shimmering light, the source of the radiant colors, which extend to the ceiling. The walls and ceiling are ornately decorated by a mosaic mural, apparently made entirely of precious stones -- emeralds, rubies, onyx, and the like. Not a square inch is uncovered. The scene on the walls is one of glory and conquest, showing the lands around as seen from the parapets of the Temple itself. The countryside is somewhat warped (in an undefinable way) but easily recognizable, and is filled with beings -- human, humanoid, and monstrous mixed together -- all facing and paying homage to the Temple. Details of the area within the light are not discernable.
With a prayer to her goddess, Isilme steps into the light. She is followed closely by Emyn. When Emyn steps through, for a moment he sees a silvery throne, with images of demonic faces. However, there is a tremendous thunderclap, coupled by a blast of electricity which throws him back out of the light. He takes [20] damage and suffers a Negative Level. He ends up back outside the light, lying stunned upon the floor, shocked and drained by the trauma. Isilme is nowhere to be seen.
Emyn describes what he saw to the group and says, it is an evil place to be certain. He did not see Isilme.
Hepla says,"It might be designed to only let the first one in. But in to where or what? There must be something here to tell us where she is."
"Maybe it is because she is drow," says Emyn. "It might have sensed her inner darkness."
"She has conquered that inner darkness," says Hepla with conviction.
"What do we do?" asks Thorgrim.
Seeing the parties concern, Isilme says from beyond the light, " I am fine, just a little drained. This appears to be some sort throne surrounded by strong magic that allows True Sight and ESP. I think this is where the leader of the temple would sit and rule from here with advantage. I wonder if I take the throne I will have some control over the nodes, this could give us an advantage. Though I am not sure using something evil like this is wise. Thoughts?"
Emyn says, "Unless there is some way to defeat this barrier I don't see how we might destroy this evil thing. We should continue onward to find where the First went."
"I don't think we should use it unless it was absolutely necessary," warns Berenn.
Isilme comes out of the light and says "I don't see how we can destroy or use the throne but we should address it after we deal with the current crisis. Shall we enter the nodes and destroy this evil?"
Gotrek walks through. The light actually bends away from him as he walks in, and he suffers no ill effects. For a moment, he stands too close to Isilme, who suddenly has all her magic ended and she appears. Luckily, she was flying just inches off the floor! With a curse about headstrong dwarves, she moves away and quickly disappears again.
Gotrek then finds that he can actually stand at the edge of the light and keep it away from that spot (it's 5'radius area of effect), so if anyone wants to pass inside, now's their chance. Of course, there's no guarantee that they will not be affected themselves. All you know for certain is the anti-magic definitely still works. As he stands at the edge of the light, everyone can look inside. In the center of the circle sits a silver throne, adorned by hundreds of precious gems. These are set to form leering demon faces, skulls, fungi, and like patterns; they are of all colors, sizes, and shapes.
Noot slips inside, while Gotrek's spell is in effect, and uses a successful Appraising check to find the most valuable gemstones. Knowing there is limited time, he pries out a half-dozen gemstones, before they get out. He estimates their value at about 5000 gp each!
Gotrek then leaves, before his protection ends, which is in a couple minutes.
"We should execute this priest," says Isilme. "These followers are beyond evil, they are insane."
Berenn has the IG rips the priests head off.
"That works," says Gotrek.
The party makes its way to the Fire Gate, and there Berenn and Thorgrim provide protective spells as needed to deal with the heat of the Fire Node.
"Remember that every node had dragons in it," says Isilme. "Yet we did not explore enough to find any here. Lets keep it that way! I wonder if we can still access the other nodes using the portals. Well, it should be easy to go directly to Lareth and company once Emyn is on the same plane with him again.
When all their preparations are in order, the party will enter the gate to the Fire Node.
Their previous time here, the party entered in area 1. They battled salamanders in the fire pits of area 5, and then found the Fire Gem in one of the pits. Then they left. They followed the long passage up to the Air Gate, which Vestron's sister Tillahi remembered, and then left. So, they have a little idea about what's around, but not much. A lot of corridors, the fire pit rooms in 3 and 5, and the long hall with the firepits near the Air Gate. That's it. Still, it's something!
The party enters the fire symbol and waits. They hear Star Trek transporter music, and appear in the diamond-shaped room. Four salamanders stand guard here, in each of the corner niches. They wield their long, wavy-bladed spears.
Isilme smiles when she sees the salamanders, a wave of nostalgia passing over her. "They make such pretty boots" she giggles quietly. "You sense Lareth again?" she whispers to Emyn. [Isilme OOC: Isilme will fly to the ceiling and just behind whatever guard seems most likely in charge. If they all seem exactly the same then behind the north guard.]
Hepla/second, wearing his clothes says, in his voice, "You, salamander," whichever one is closest, "you may take us to the first, I don't care if he said not to disturbe him, I have what he needs for the ceramony. Or do you want to be the one responsible for holding up the coming of THE OLD ONE( Iuz). Now be quick about it."
Yes, Emyn can clearly sense Lareth to the north (well, what seems north, as there are no true directions here. The top of the map!) The salamanders do fall for Hepla's bluff, and one of them opens a door heading north, the right-hand one which you've been through before. The party goes that direction, towards the Gate to the Air Node, and as you pass about the midway-point of the hallway, Emyn can sense Lareth to the left. So, he's definitely down that hallway south of the Air Gate.
Isilme scouts ahead to the chamber with the gate to the air node to see if it is still active and rushes back with this report:
"It seems just as it did before," she begins. "However, to the south she saw a long hall with a row of four circular flaming pits. The hall was about 50' tall, with an arched roof another 20' higher. The flames in the pit rose a full 20', and seemed almost alive. At the far end rested a massive throne, filling the southern alcove. It seemed constructed of solid flame. Two huge rubies glistened from the top of the throne's back, huge even at that distance. Above the throne, fiery runes blazed with a message in an unknown tongue.
There were three figures at the far end, roughly 70' away. One was a man in strange plate mail, similar to that depicted on the column we found under Warder's Station. The second was hard to make out, but it seemed to be a large floating creature with a long tubular body, like that of an eel, but a fish-like tail at the end and two fins near the head and a dorsal fin near the back." She tells you its an aboleth, a creature out of even drow nightmares. "These ancient aberrations are known as very powerful psions, even beyond the dreaded illithids, but are so rarely seen that some consider them merely myths, stories to scare young drow children."
But, as much as that sight unnerved her, it was nothing compared to the third being. "Standing at the far end, facing up the hallway, stood a 50' tall creature of red, flaming mass, humanoid-shaped but almost featureless except for eyes that burn white-hot. It wielded a colossal flaming greatsword, studded with rubies. It could only be Imix, Dread Prince of Evil Fire Elementals."
"Do we battle them, or find Lareth first?" she asks. "I did not see him there! Emyn do you sense him in that direction or another? I detected the priest had a great magic on him, I suspect he holds an orb like the orb of golden death we destroyed the first time."
After sending the salamander back to the entrance, Hepla losses confidence that her diguse will fool this trio so she morphs to herself and takes out the scroll of Protection from all Elementals. "This seems a great time to use this", and she gets as meny as possible to get close to her since she does not know how meny this will effect. Maybe some others will also get protection.
Isilme attempts to summon her LLL, but doesn't work. It seems the nodes are still sealed off from other planes...mostly.
Noot gets close, "I wil try to sneak around the back and get one trapped with the wall of force or the bands, depending on opportunity."
Isilme says to Noot "if we do attack Imix you might seal off the entry to the passage with the wall of force at some point, the last thing we need is reinforcements joining the fight."
Thorgrim will cast Bless on the party, and Strength of Stone on himself.
Berenn will drink his potion of Heroism. "The Iron Golem is immune to poison and psionics, so it might be a good match for the drow nightmare creature."
"I want to kill Lareth first," says Emyn. "The other three will still be there when the time comes, and Lareth might have something we can use to defeat them."
Hepla says,"That floating thing is POISIONOUS, our clerics better be ready with neutralize. Emyn, where is Lareth? Would that strangly armored being be him?"
"No, Lareth is over this way..." he says as he heads off. Gotrek follows Emyn, muttering under his breath.
"Indeed, Imix has already arrived," says Thorgrim. "Our friend Lareth may indeed be able to help...help kill us! Or do you suppose this has all been a clever ploy on his part to infiltrate the forces of the Temple of Elemental Evil and defeat the Princes thereof? You would think he would've done something to prevent their arrival in the first place. Nay, I believe his heart has returned to the blackness that spawned it. And I believe it is a bad idea to let Emyn lead us...anywhere."
Nevertheless, Thorgrim will go where the party goes.
[Thorgrim OOC: I know that Goldie is just having Emyn act in character. However...he was also doing that when he attempted to kill the monk from the Dragon Temple who had kicked Hepla but was on our side (and Hung Lo before that (though then we knew less than we did the second occurrence)), and in killing him summoned a demon from hell that was only destroyed through pure luck, and then wanted to jump into deep water with his armor on to...not sure what his motivation was, there. To help Hepla check on Taki's corpse, I think, though she wasn't in real danger herself. Let's not talk about Vestron or Derry!]
[DM OOC: Lareth is definitely in that great hall too. As you move up the hallway to the right, Emyn can sense him to the left. BTW, I need to pause here, as Windsong has some stuff to share. I will assume this happened BEFORE you entered the Fire Node. His player was supposed to share this, but he has dropped from sight.
When you discovered the other holy symbol on The Second, he was a bit shocked. He then explains what it is.
"This is the symbol of He Who Must Never Awaken, The Lord of Ultimate Evil, Tharizdun. Aeons ago, He was entrapped by those deities who understood that this greatest Evil must be fettered or all Goodness would perish from this world and possibly the entire universe. Acting in concert, these entities managed to enmesh Tharizdun in a manner that turned his own evil upon him, slowly spinning a cocoon of power that, being of his own making, wrapped and entrapped him in a way he could not avoid. But because it was a web spun from his own malignancy, the Terrible One of Utter Darkness would not willingly finish the work. Too late to untangle the bindings, He could still exist and wield a limited wickedness bound as He was. Thereupon, those who had conjoined to create this subtle snare had then to complete their task. They did so, but Tharizdun understood too, and used his still mighty force to resist. Those who struggled against Him had hoped that Tharizdun himself would complete the web, thus bringing about his own annihilation.... A forlorn hope indeed, considering the greatness of His wicked and malign powers.
No binding they could make could destroy Him, but they enwrapped Him in blackest realms, in a slumber so total that only faint echoes of His vileness could exude from Him. Still, these faint dreams of His empower much of the evil that permeates all planes. Being also of other making, the mesh that enwraps Him of Utter Darkness is imperfect. Of necessity, it contains an opening, a means of unraveling the weaving, loosing the bonds. Tharizdun sleeps but is not dead! Should that one awaken, all beings of malign power, all bad things, every evil creature must bend their necks to Him. The Dukes of Hells, the Princes of the Abyss, and all those baneful rulers of the planes between must and will be united under the wicked might of the Lord of Ultimate Evil.
Long before the Invoked Devastation and the Rain of Colorless fire, when the Drow rose up against their Grey Olven brothers and began the Kindred Wars, they turned their corrupt hearts away from their Gods and sought comfort in the worship of the Blackest One, Tharizdun. Throughout the Hellfurnaces and Chrystalmists, temples devoted to the Slumbering One appeared in secret forbidding places. For centuries they sought in vain the secret of the Ultimate Sleeper’s imprisonment. Although their efforts were ultimately futile, they did succeed in awakening his fiendish servant Ghaunadaur, the Elder Elemental God. It was this cruel and amorphous deity, King of the Material Planes and Lord of the Elements, who supported the Drow priests in their worship of the Eternal One. He too had been forgotten with the imprisonment of his master, although His different aspects are known across the planes by many other names. With His guidance, the Drow delved into long forgotten mysteries which twisted their already distorted nature into an evil mockery of their virtuous kin."
Windsong is visibly shaken in the telling of this history, however brief.
"There is much to be told," he says, "but this is not the time for a history lesson. I am a Shadowmaster. The Shadowmasters are an ancient order of elves, completely unknown to the rest of the world. We have spent centuries learning our skills, under the direct tutelage of the demi-god Zuoken himself. We have known of the existence of Tharizdun for many centuries, while all other races, even the drow themselves who once openly worshiped He of Ultimate Darkness, have all forgotten Him. At least we had hoped He had been forgotten. When evidence of the Temple of Elemental Evil arose, we investigated. It seemed a harmless ploy of the Demonqueen of Fungi, a base attempt to appeal to higher motives of the elements, rather than fungus and ooze. We failed to recognize the true power behind the Temple, but after you threw it down a second time, I was sent on the trail. It led me to the Temple of the Elder Elemental God. I allowed myself to be taken, to learn their secrets, but you once again stepped in to foil their greater plans. Now we find ourselves here, in this place. We must finish things here, defeat whatever they have planned, for it is far worse than any imagined. It is for this reason my order exists, and I must leave, now, to report what we have found."
Hepla says,"Do these guys have a weakness?"
He doesn't know anything specific about what a priest of The One Who Must Never Awaken may be like. There has not been one for thousands of years, not since that last known priest, Tilvan, disappeared into the penninsula which bears his name.
[DM OOC: ok, sorry for that disjointed bit, but the dropping of a key player threw things a bit. Now that we're back on track, we can pick up where we left off!]
Thorgrim will say a prayer to Clanggedin, asking him for strength for the battle to come. Strength beyond the Strength of Stone. "We must take them by surprise...it's our greatest hope for success. A few area-of-effect spells may come in handy before we engage in melee. Fireball would have little or no effect, I fear. Cold spells may be our best bet. After that... Well, Lightning Bolts may still be effective: given their great size, the mages might easily avoid hitting us. Any other ideas?"
"Snowfang you have served me well," says Elrae, drawing Snowfang. "May you fulfill your destiny and extinguish these evil flre creatures and banish them back to the Abyss." [Elrae OOC: Elrae will cast Haste on the party at the appropriate time.]
While this is going on, Isilme slipped off to investigate again. The party hears her voice whispering to them a few minutes later as she relays this information:
"The four fire pits are VERY LARGE fire elementals. Imix and the First are arguing, as the First is trying to force Imix to do his will. The man in armor is Lareth. He does not seem himself and seems under a very powerful charm yet does not radiate magic. He does hold the Orb, also strange and powerful Bracers and a Rod that also radiates strong magic. Make your move; I will concentrate on the first or getting the Orb by any means."
"This may be a break for us," says Berenn. "If the First and Imix are arguing, they may starting fighting each other when we attack."
"Lareth is charmed?" asks Thorgrim, incredulous. "Now why would they need to Charm their Champion? Do you suppose he maintains the change of heart he expressed to Isilme? If we could find a way to break the spell, he might be able to help us."
"It does not excuse his actions," says Emyn. "Trithereon has made it clear that I must bring vengeance upon him and send him to a righteous death."
"Gotrek," says Elrae, "now is the time for you to start singing. Get in here, everyone get in here..look into each other eyes..now! look into each others eyes, I want one more day with you, it’s the most fun, the best team I have ever been on and no matter what happens we must not give in, we owe it to each other, play for each other, I need one more day with you guys, I need to see what Hepla will wear tomorrow, I want to play defense behind Windsong because he’s never been to the playoffs..play for each other not yourself, win each moment, win each inning, it’s all we have left. Tonight I was proud to be together as a team, in a hostile environment, with just us..brothers that play for the name on the front, not the name on the back."
Elrae will start playing inspirational music to rally up the troops.
[DM OOC: Hah! Love the use of Hunter Pence's speech! Bonus EXP for Elrae!!!]
Hepla looks at Elray and says quietly, "Once more <giggle> into the breach my friend." She then takes out the strange stone she found in the Pomarj that she couldn't identify, the one with some kind of cold magic, and gives it to Berenn to throw. "You will have a better chance to hit with this then I will. Please use it." After giving it to him, she takes out her Wand of Fire Extinguishing and preps dispell magic.
Berenn gives it to Gotrek, who is going to charge down the hall anway. "His charge will be our signal. All the invisible, sneaky types can infiltrate, with Isilme flying above the aboleth, ready to 'un-item' the boulder she took earlier. Once everyone gets into position, Gotrek starts to sing..... Hepla casts Invisibility 10'r to cover the entrance of everyone else.
Gotrek throws the stone as he, Emyn, and Thorgrim charge down the hall. It lands between Imix, Lareth, and the First where it explodes into a huge Ice Storm. A hail of stones relentlessly pounds the area around them. Imix seems completely unaffected, and the stones seem to simply bounce off Lareth. The aboleth takes [11]. Unfortunately, Windsong's in the are of effect too, having snuck up there invisible. However, he successfully avoids the hail, slipping silently beneath the aboleth which doesn't notice him. The closest firepit is nearly extingquished.
[DM OOC: Thus starts the combat. That thrown stone is the free "surprise" move. Everything that follows will be in normal rounds.]
Berenn enter the hall and calls out to Imix, "Imix! The First is here to kill you! We were his followers, but we broke from him when we discovered his true plan. He has no plan to release you from this prison. It is his intent to make this place your grave! We were to appear as his reinforcements at the opportune moment and help destroy you. Help us now and we will release your fire upon the world once more!"
You hear a deep laughter from Imix, a sound like a roaring of a thousand fires. The aboleth also turns around, as does the plate-armored man. Everyone can see that it is Lareth.
"If you want further proof," says Berenn, "ask the First why his champion is under the control of a powerful charm and not a willing participant in your summoning. Kill the aboleth and Lareth will tell you himself this is a trap!"
Imix roars, "SHOW YOURSELF! BOW BEFORE THE MIGHT OF IMIX, AND I MAY WELL LET YOU LIVE TO SERVE ME."
"Your servants can best serve you from a hidden place, oh Lord of Flame," yells Berenn. "Once your enemies are dead, we will reveal ourselves and lead you from this node." Berenn will send the Iron Golem to attack the aboleth.
The aboleth casts a powerful dispel magic at the entrance of the chamber. Noot, Windsong, and Isilme are not in the area of effect. However, the following spells stop functioning:
Invis 10'r (everyone else appears) and Haste (remember, this doesn't affect Noot, Windsong, and Isilme)
Berenn: loses protection from evil
Gotrek: loses stoneskin, superheroism
Hepla: loses stoneskin, endure heat
Thorgrim: loses endure heat
Berenn commands the IG to attack the aboleth!
Imix calls out in a strange language, and the flames in the four fire pits actually start to move towards the party! They are very large elementals, and they are moving to the attack....
Hepla uses her wand on the far elemental, doing [26] damage! [DM OOC: It is quite useful against Fire Elementals.] Elrae moves over, points Snowfang, and summons up the Cone of Cold. It blast forth, hitting all four Fire Elementals. It does [64] [36] [36] and [52]. The last elemental is destroyed!
The three remaining elementals all attack, one moving up and attacking Elrae, one attacking Emyn, and one moving to the left and attacking Gotrek. The one attacking Elrae actually rolls right over him, totally engulfing him. Elrae can feel the exceptional heat, even through Snowfang's protection; however, he still takes [5]. He knows that had he not been so protected, he would likely not have survived!
Emyn is missed by a flaming appendage, but Gotrek is hit. He takes [14, though the Endure Heat of his armor protects him from the first 10 so he only takes 4]. The endure heat power of the armor is temporarily ended.
The Iron Golem lumbers all the way up, walking right through the fire pits which still burn, though much less brightly. It reaches the aboleth, but cannot attack this turn.
Thorgrim steps up to attack. He does [11] to the elemental. Emyn misses. Gotrek hits his twice [18] [16]. Granitethews steps around the corner, throws a rock at the elemental attacking Elrae, but it misses harmlessly, and he takes out his club.
Finally, Isilme drops the boulder on the aboleth. It falls from such a great height, that it smashes down on it like a mountain. It squishes it down to the ground, Windsong just barely getting out of the way. He does succeed in stabbing the aboleth with both swords, right behind the eyes. The thing squeels out in crazy pain as disgusting smelling puss oozes out of the thing's pierced hide.
Imix roars and swings his greatsword, hitting the Iron Golem [42]. The IG is slammed back against the wall, but it doesn't go down. It relentlessly starts back towards the aboleth, following it's last command.
***
710/7094
Berenn casts Protection from Evil. Hepla is STILL protected by the Pro: Elementals. It creates a 10' radius effect, so she approaches Elrae. This causes the Fire Elemental that engulfed him to back off. Of course, it backs into Granitethews, who bashes it [20]. The elemental strikes back at him [15]. The elemental next to Berenn and Thorgrim also has to back off.
Elrae backs up, taking cover behind Hepla. "Thanks," he says, visibly shaken. Thorgrim steps up and hits the elemental before him [17]. Emyn misses, but Gotrek hits [19].
The last two elementals attack Emyn and Gotrek hitting them both. Emyn takes [25] feeling the intense heat even through his magic ring [I did take off -2 for each die] and Gotrek takes [15]. Thorgrim and Emyn both hit again, doing [15] and [17] respectively.
Noot throws his bands at Lareth, but misses. Unfortunately, he's now visible! The bands bounce back beneath Imix, though he doesn't seem to notice.
The wounds on the aboleth slowly seem to simply fade away as it somehow heals itself.
The Iron Golem then strides forward and slams its massive fists into it [28].
Lareth holds the Orb of Oblivion out and the air before him starts to swirl and darken. Soon, it takes on an eerily familiar look, like the sphere the party saw earlier except this one spins and draws the flames from the nearby fire pit into it. [think mini black hole!]
The spinning black disk slides in front of the Iron Golem and the iron golem walks right into it. It seems to slowly stretch as it is pulled into the swirling vortex until ultimately, it is sucked completely into it.
Windsong speaks in an ancient form of elven as he steps up and attacks the aboleth. He hits it three times with his longswords [9] [7] [5].
[Isilme OOC: Wow. A sphere of anhiliation to go along with everything else? We are f@%&d! Quick question rags, it may have healed the damage bit that rock is still dropping serious weight on te aboleth right? Isnt It like have a bus on you crushing your life out of you? Even if you could heal, you would still be crushed again?]
[DM OOC: That may be true if it were trapped, but that's not the case. It just took damage from the blow, but it is not trapped. That may make more sense, but that isn't always how things work in DnD.]
Isilme just drops the crystal jar with the gold pudding inside on Lareth, hoping it will cause him to drop the Orb or loose control. It drops on him, catching a glancing blow which shatters the jar and releases the pudding. It just slides off him, and you notice that he didn't even flinch. In fact, it clearly shattered against some kind of barrier around him.
IMIX sees what happens and slams his sword down into the thing, cutting it into two smaller creatures. The flames of his blade don't seem to affect it.
On second thought, while it at first seemed to Isilme that the aboleth was not trapped, now that she looks again, part of it IS trapped beneath the boulder. See, it clearly tries to move away from the ooze, and you now see that his tail fins are stuck! [DM OOC: I have to admit, that was a good idea!]
***
Berenn moves up around the elementals and takes out his bow. Isilme casts enlarge on the sphere, but it has no effect.
The oozes attack Lareth and the aboleth. Lareth seems unaffected, but the aboleth’s screams echo through the chamber. It takes [17] from the thing’s corrosive touch. The black sphere moves back towards Lareth, touching the ooze creature engulfing him. It is sucked into the sphere just as was the Iron Golem. The elemental in front of Granitethews surges forwards and engulfs him, just as it did Elrae. Granitethews takes [24] damage. Thorgrim is struck by an elemental [19].
Hepla uses her wand on it, causing [22] damage. The elemental’s flames are noticeably weaker. Thorgrim and Emyn then both hit it destroying it! Hepla moves towards Lareth and stops next to Berenn. Her movement also forces the fire elemental engulfing Granitethews to move away, and the giant bashes it apart with its club, sending sparks flying everywhere [22]. Gotrek hits the other elemental twice [18] and [18]. It too is noticeably weaker. Elrae fires a series of magic missiles, which scream into the elemental attacking Granitethews and blasting its remaining fires away!
Windsong flips over the aboleth, attacking it from the side opposite Imix [6].
Noot attempts to move away, but he is hit by a blow from Imix’s blade [28]. He is also knocked off the wall, and flies backwards 20’ and 50’ to the ground taking another [18]. He lands with a heavy “CRACK!” right in front of Berenn and Hepla. He lies totally still, [He's at -7 hit points, not dead.]
***
Lareth directs the Black Hole towards Windsong, but the nimble elf evades it, leaping backwards and landing behind the last fire elemental. He takes another drink of his potion of invisibility and disappears.
The elemental then surges forward, engulfing Gotrek [25]. Gotrek attempts to break out, but fails [-10 str check to do so!]
Berenn fires his bow, hitting the aboleth [5]. Isilme then casts Enlarge on the pudding as she moves behind Imix and flys down behind his throne.
The aboleth then melds into the very boulder which was holding it, the enlarged pudding slipping back to the ground. The pudding moves around the area, looking for its suddenly departed prey.
Thorgrim disengages and moves around by Hepla. "Granitethews, you're up!" he shouts. "Kill that aboleth! Hepla! Use your witch magic to heal Noot!”
Hepla moves up and heals Noot [17]. Noot crawls away from the combat in order to drink his potion, but he finds that it’s broken, probably in his fall. [still, he’s back to 10 hp]. Elrae sings away some more magic missiles, and these pound the fire elemental, destroying it. Emyn then moves forward, taking out his bow.
Granitethews steps into the chamber and throws his rock, which shatters against the boulder that Isilme dropped.
Imix reaches out, grabs the pudding, and engulfs it in flame. Nothing happens, but there is no flesh for the pudding to eat either. He picks it up and looks at it with interest.
Berenn fires his next arrow at Lareth, but it bounces right off him. He then fires one at Imix, seeing he cannot hit either of the other targets. It just ignites when it reaches the seething elemental Prince. Imix laughs again, the sound like a crackling bonfire.
Also, Gotrek goes into his rage!
***
"Hepla!" yells Thorgrim. "Now is the time to test your Telekinesis spell."
"Pick up the boulder with the aboleth melded into it," says Berenn, "and drop it somewhere, drop it in the sphere!"
"Emyn, do you think Lareth's mind was his own?" Thorgrim will move forward and to the left in front of Hepla about 15 feet, keeping an eye on the sphere. And on Imix.
"Beats the hell out of me, Thorgrim," replies Emyn. "Imix," Emyn shouts as he fires at Lareth. "The aboleth and Lareth are beholden to Thazridun! They intend to sacrifice you and the other three elemental princes to bring the god out of its prison! You are being used no matter wht promises they gave you! You will die and be lost forever to the void!"
"Noot! Get out of the line-of-fire!" shouts Thorgrim. He waits for a moment to see if the aboleth gets destroyed or what gives. He keeps an eye on the sphere, on Lareth, on the aboleth/boulder, on Imix, and on Emyn. What happens next will determine his next actions.
Noot nods, crawling away towards the wall.
Imix laughs back at Emyn, "PUNY HUMAN!" [sorry, love Hulk quotes too!] "WHO DO YOU THINK WE SERVE, IF NOT HE WHO SLEEPS?"
"Just because you serve doesn't mean you won't be sacrificed for his gain!" replies Emyn.
"FOOL!" he says. "THARIZDUN WILL NOT REMAKE THE WORLDS. HE SHALL DESTROY THEM!!!"
[DM OOC: OK, that was good enough for free talking. Gotta do the combat round too!]
Lareth directs the sphere towards the party…..
Isilme wills her enlarge spell to end, and as the boulder shrinks back to its normal size, the aboleth is violently expunged from it, since it is no longer large enough to hold it! It takes [21] being expelled. Hepla sees that Noot’s potion is destroyed, so she takes out her last one and gives it to him. He drinks it, healing [24].
“Thanks,” he says, standing up. He goes to take out his rod, but he doesn’t have it either. He had it in his hand before, but lost it when he was hit by Imix. He doesn’t know where it is.
Meanwhile, Berenn and Emyn, both with bows out, immediately switch targets to the aboleth. They both fire, putting arrows into the thing. [10] and [6].
Granitethews roars in rage and throws a boulder at the aboleth, hitting it with a big “SPLISH!” [21]
Thorgrim waits, keeping an eye on everything. [You can make a late-round move/attack, but you can’t wait and cast a spell unless you SAY beforehand what that spell’s going to be. No spontaneous spell-casting.]
Gotrek, realizing that he is about to go into a rage but that this simply is not the time for such, holds back his anger. He has to bite his lip so strongly that he nearly bites through it. He tastes the blood, and grits his teeth, determined to not go crazy now that his friends need him. [This delays his rage for another 5 rounds!]
Elrae casts Haste on the party, affecting all those around him. That’s everyone except Isilme. Windsong retreated next to Elrae, and then warns him, “Behind you!” he says. Elrae looks, and coming from both of the flanking corridors are a couple of salamanders, the guards from the entrance!
Imix rears back as if to throw the pudding, but it slips from his grip and falls to the floor. He looks down, and around, cursing in his strange tongue. He then steps on the pudding with a massive flaming foot. Swinging his sword before him, he starts to walk towards the party!
Berenn and Emyn then release their second shots. They fire at Imix, but their arrows just burn up when they hit him, having no noticeable affect. Thorgrim then drinks a potion of ex-healing, healing [20], while Isilme casts Aid on herself.
***
Noot looks around, and he spies his rod in the center of the room, between a couple of the fire pits and right between Imix’s legs. Not wanting to get nearly killed again, he decides to stay back, though he walks up the walls to the ceiling. Up there he hides behind one of the arched buttresses above to gain more cover.
[DM OOC: BTW, you have now all seen that Imix has a 20’ reach (being 50’ tall!) so he can get you even without being right next to you.]
Windsong waits, invisible, behind the corner. Lareth moves the Black Hole towards Emyn, but he dives aside, just avoiding being hit. His bow gets sucked into the hole though, and though he attempts to hold it for a moment, he quickly lets it go.
The two puddings move to attack the aboleth and Lareth. The one just can’t reach the levitating aboleth, and Lareth is protected by his strange force field.
Elrae casts another series of magic missiles at the salamander closest to him, hitting it [22] and really getting it mad. It charges! Hepla casts Dispel Magic at Lareth. It doesn’t have any noticeable affect. Thorgrim calls upon all the gods of the dwarves and casts Holy Orb. “Send forth your power in our hour of need.”
A glowing red/white orb appears in the palm of his hand, then streaks between Imix’s legs and explodes in righteous fury between the three of your enemies. The aboleth takes [31] and is simply incinerated by the raw power of Thorgrim’s faith! Imix takes nothing, as the waves of power just fade to nothing as they contact his flaming body. You expect the waves to harm Lareth as well, but the don’t. They wash over him without actually touching him, completely blocked from contacting his body, and he takes no damage. Both the puddings are burned as well.
Isilme casts "prayer" and then floats up behind Lareth so she can get a full action next round. "Eilistraee, grant me the strength to stand against such an evil foes."
Elrae taunts the charging salamander. "Time for you to feel the bite of Snowfang, forged to destroy you maggot." Caution is thrown to the wind as the sword comes alive glowing a bright blue hue.
Emyn throws his Javelin of Lightning, hitting Imix [24] and blasting the area behind him.
Gotrek hits the salamander [17], and gets hit in return [10]. He then hits the salamander a second time [14]. The other salamander is hit by a stone from Granitethews [15]. It grunts as it charges, only to run into Windsong's waiting backstab as it rushes by him [26]. The salamander cries out in agony as it falls forward, its momentum carrying it to a stop right at Elrae's feet.
Imix raises a hand, and the entire room explodes in a firey pyrotechnic display. The following characters are all blinded: Elrae, Windsong, and Noot.
Berenn will call out to Lareth, "I once spared your life Lareth and took pity on you. This is not your true self. If the Lareth I know is still in there, break free of what is binding you and help us destroy this evil!"
"Lareth," shouts Thorgrim, "Use your free will and turn that orb on Imix!"
Lareth DOES hear Berenn. He actually takes off his helm and looks around. He sees Imix standing in front of him (actually between himself and the party, as Imix took some strides down the hall) and looks to be a bit confused. He then hears Thorgrim, which makes him glance over towards the Aboleth, his countenence slowly turning angry.
Thorgrim attempts to approach Lareth, if he can do so without contacting the sphere. He shoulders his pick and shouts, "Imix is the enemy, not we!"
***
Granitethews throws a boulder, hitting Imix [20]. He is rocked back, unused to taking such blows from mere mortals, or anyone. Emyn drinks his potion of ex-healing [+14], gets up. Gotrek finishes off the salamander, then begins to return. Hepla fires off her wand at Imix. His flames are not affected at all. Noot blinks repeatedly, trying to shake off the blindness as he tries to hide in the shadows of the ceiling. Elrae and Windsong stand there, blinded, and back off towards the walls where they feel a bit safer. Windsong concentrates on the area around him, using his training to sense what is nearby and keep himself and Elrae safe. Berenn shouts at Lareth, but it is Imix who responds, with a blow from his sword. Berenn is hit [23], slammed against the wall, and then he slumps to the floor, trying to shake off the blow.
Isilme flies up to Lareth and attempts to steal the orb. As soon as she touches it, she is hit with another negative level! She also appears and she falls to the ground in front of Lareth. She looks up at him, weakened visibly by her touching of the orb. "Lareth it is Isilme! You place us all in great danger, release that Sphere!"
Emyn uses his haste movement to try and reach Lareth, but Imix attacks him. [DM OOC: I warned everyone about his reach….] Imix takes a swing at Emyn as he tries to circle around him [i.e. attack of opportunity as you move through all those threatened squares] and Emyn is hit by a wicked blow from Imix’s blade [38]. He is knocked back again, landing on the floor in front of Hepla where he lies stunned! [no move next round]
Gotrek returns to the room, and he too circles around Imix, moving between him and Berenn. Only his short size and training against giant-sized opponents allows him to avoid Imix’s blow [DM OOC: another attack of opportunity. Remember, he gets them when you move through his threatened squares. With a 20’ reach, that’s a lot of squares. It’s very hard to close on those with long reach without them getting free attacks!]
Lareth looks down at Isilme, and in his eyes she sees not just recognition, but something more. Resignation? She is not sure what it means, but then hears a deep surprised crackle from behind her. Turning around, she sees that the sphere has moved up against Imix. The great Prince of Elemental Evil moves away, but his flames are slowly drawn into the spinning vortex.
“WHAT?” he cries, as he turns back towards Lareth. “YOU DARE?”
“Yes!” cries Lareth, and he moves the Black Hole into Imix’s body. The shriek is near-shattering, and everyone is rocked backwards, falling over if not already down. All except Lareth who stands like a stone wall [ok, had to use another one of my favorite quotes!]
Thorgrim is dumbstruck with awe watching the destruction of Imix. Thorgrim will move to stand between Lareth and danger. That means next to Lareth. As he passes Berenn, he says, "We must be wary. Just because he slew Imix doesn't mean he hasn't gone bad for good."
"I like our odds better with Imix dead, than with him alive," replies Berenn, "but I have a feeling Lareth has been freed from what was binding him."
Emyn groans in pain as he lies there in a heap, silently praying to Trithereon for direction of his Pursuit of Vengeance against Lareth, given the man's actions. He then can sense that his Pursuit of Vengeance is no longer in force. It would seem Trithereon accepts Lareth's atonement.
Emyn comes out of the stunned state, stands, and tells Hepla that Trithereon has forgiven Lareth for his crimes. "He he is no longer required to kill him."
[DM OOC: btw, Imix isn't gone. The Hole draws some of the flames crackling around Imix into its spiraling nothingness, but Imix himself is NOT sucked in. He simply backed away. Lareth keeps "pushing" him backwards, toward his throne, with the hole. I guess that was my fault; I didn't write that clearly. It was late, and I was a bit tipsy after the Giant's win! Sorry. Imix is still around, but he's going backwards, away from the sphere, which Lareth is using to corral him.]
"YOU WILL PAY ETERNALLY HUMAN GNAT!" bellows Imix, still backing up.
"You are probably right," says Lareth. "But not for this."
He then looks down at Isilme, reaching out and offering a hand to help her up. "Only the Champion can hold the orb," he says, a weak smile playing across his face. "I would have told you had I a chance." He then turns his attention back to Imix.
"I did not want to attack you in the hope you were released from the aboleth's hold after its death," says Isilme. "I alone of this party has felt the power of the insane god, and I wonder if you had to accept his offer as "champion" to save us. I feel the gods spared my life in order to spare yours and show you a diffrent path ....give you a choice...and in turn save the world from this chaos. But who truly knows the will of the gods?"
She places a comforting hand on his shoulder and watches the scene with Imix play out.
"I may have been their Champion," he says, "but a wise woman once told me that I still have free will, that I could choose my own path. Today, I made a choice."
Meanwhile, Noot and Hepla both cast Walls of Force behind Imix. However, he passes back through them. He stands on the other side of them, laughing. "YOU THINK TO SO EASILY ENTRAP ME? YOU UNDERESTIMATE MY POWER, PUNY HUMANS!"
"We need to leave," says Lareth, looking back at Imix whose flames start to grow ever brighter. "Now!"
Thorgrim will heed Lareth's advice. "Let's go!" he shouts.
Most of the party retreats, with only Isilme, Thorgrim, Emyn, and Lareth left in the hall when Imix throws a massive fireball up and over the two walls of force (they don't reach all the way up through the arched ceiling. It explodes in the hall with the most awesome display of flame you've ever seen. Isilme takes [33] and is blown backwards out of the hall. Thorgrim takes [36] and he too is blown backwards. Emyn takes [17]; good thing he has a Ring of Fire Resistance! He is at -7 now though. Lareth takes [33] but he yet stands.
Lareth rush back to her, helping her up.
"Imix will be trapped here," she says. "The only way in or out is through the powers of the orb." She looks into the eyes of Lareth, "You must use the powers of the orb to return them home," she says, indicating the rest of the party. "Then you will have another choice to make. The orb needs to be destroyed, and I suggest you throw it into the Sphere of Anhiliation to do so. This insanity with these elemental nodes must end for the good of the all." She hugs him and whispers, "continue to force Imix back into the throne, I will place myself behind him, and he will be unable to move away from the sphere. His evil ends now. It's fitting I died by fire to return and be die ending the Prince of Fire!" She smiles weakly.
Lareth takes a familiar red stone from the orb and hands it to her. "Take this, it will return you to the temple. You are right," he adds. "There is only one way to end this."
Hepla rushes to Emyn, using healing on him to heal [2] and to stop his wounds. He has terrible scars over anything exposed and across his face.
Lareth looks to Emyn, then back to Isilme. "Tell him, I would have followed his God had I the chance."
As Gotrek and Berenn pick up Emyn, Berenn casts CSW on him, curing [+14]. Emyn comes to, barely.
Lareth helps Isilme up. "Now go!" he says. "There is no time to lose!"
"You will not be forgotten," she says. "You are truly a hero."
"Trithereon awaits you in the next life! You are worthy!" shouts Emyn as he runs out.
[Berenn OOC: Marines we are leaving!]
[Gotrek OOC: in the best Arnold accent : Get to the CHOPPER !]
Lareth tries to throw the orb into the sphere, but he finds he cannot do it. He looks back at Isilme as she's about to leave, just as Imix drops another 20d6 fireball in the room! He takes [27] and in knocked to the ground. His hairs is burned off his head, and his face, already horribly scarred, is once again blistered and burnt.
Isilme gives the stone to Berenn. "Get everyone out of the gate," she says, then flies back in to Lareth. She plans to Dimension Door the two of them back to the gate as well, but he puts a hand out to stop her.
"No!" he says, knowing what she is about to do. "Only destroying the Orb will stop Imix and his kind forever." We must destroy it now, before he can enter our world!"
Everyone else gets to the gate, where they find the other two salamanders. Gotrek charges one, hitting it [20] and knocking it to the ground. Elrae attacks the other, hitting it with Snowfang [18]. It howls in rage at the blow from Snowfang. Windsong tumbles passed one, attacking from the rear, while Emyn engages the other. In short order, they take both of them out.
"If you can't do it alone," whispers Isilme as she helps Lareth to his feet, "we will do it together." Her eyes clearly showing her intent. "Choose now, the gate of fire or the sphere - together or alone. "No one can say you have not earned redemption," she adds, and kisses him on the cheek.
The party then uses the gate to return to the Temple.
"Well done," says Thorgrim.
Hepla returns the ring of fire resistence to Emyn. "Thank you for its use. I wore it on my left hand. Maybe you will give me anoother ring someday." giggle, giggle. blush.
Emyn blushes to the roots of his hair and says, "That I can promise."
She looks at him for a minute then says, "but not till I'm 18."
Looking around, the party then realizes that Isilme hasn't returned.
"We should await Isilme's return," says Thorgrim. "But for how long? Are we able to return to that hellish place? And do we want to? Or should we consign Isilme to her fate? Lareth said it was time to leave, and I heeded him. I do not think he was trying to trick us, as we saw him attack Imix with the sphere."
***
Meanwhile, back in the Fire Node....
Isilme smiles brightly and says to Lareth, "we die together, do what you must to keep this evil from the world." She uses her haste and whatever movement she has left to take cover yelling at Imix, "Enough Prince Imix! If you kill us you can never leave as only the Chosen can use the Orb. This place will be your prison for eternity." She is hoping to distract Imix just enough to give Lareth time to do what he must.
Imix laughs, "No LITTLE MORTAL, FOR I CAN NOW RETURN FROM HERE TO THE PLANE OF FIRE. THAT DOORWAY HAS BEEN OPENED PERMANENTLY!" With that he chants, and the flame pits roar to life again, as Imix begins to call forth more aid from the Plane of Fire!"
"Looks like we are out of time," says Lareth.
As he does this, Isilme and Lareth both cast Protection from Fire on themselves. YThey then both stand up, as Imix's Gates to the Plane of Fire opens....
[DM OOC: yeah, the suspense is just killing you isn't it!]
Isilme holds lareths hand and asks, "Areyou capable of only dropping the orb into the black hole?"
"Yes," he says. "We can just throw it in. I'm sorry I failed earlier." He looks down at the Orb. "You must understand, it doesn't want to be destroyed!"
Both then hear a roar, and a very large creature which they don't recognize comes out of one of the Fire Pits, as Imix continues his crackling laughter.
"Then do what you must," says Isilme, squeezing Lareth's hand tightly. "Concentrate on my song and ignore the orb." Isilme begins to burst into song in ancient elvish, her powerful voice echoing throughout the room in perfect melody filling the minds of Lareth and Isilme with Hope and strengthing their resolve. [Isilme OOC: Isilme casts emotion, moving her body between this new creature and Lareth to shield him so he can do what must be done]
"WELCOME, SHAYTAN AL-UZZA," roars Imix. "LORD OF THE EFREETI, I..."
He is cut off as Lareth uses his control of the Orb to draw the Sphere back towards them and into the unsuspecting back of the Efreet. It screams terribly as it is sucked back into Oblivion! With a newfound surge of hopefulness, he looks at Isilme and takes her hand. "Ready?"
Isilme continues to sing with all her heart, tears begining to sting her eyes as she swells with the strength of hope. She points at the gate to the Plane of Fire and shrugs questioningly.....
Lareth and Isilme rush forward, as Lareth pulls the sphere of annihilation closer. Lareth, face burned and blistered, gives Isilme a kiss. "For luck," he says as she looks at him startled. He throws the Orb into the sphere as the two leap into the roaring fire pit!
"NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!" cries Imix as the Orb flies into the sphere!
The Gate symbol on the floor suddenly fades away. Elrae uses Snowfang to detect magic, and finds that it is simply gone. Further, the great ruby is no longer magical.
"It seems that your friends were successful," says Windsong with a note of sadness. "Their sacrifice shall be remembered for as long as the world endures and beyond."
Thorgrim is stunned. "Isilme..." he breathes.
As you return to the main temple, you hear a strange sound from above. Suddenly, the ceiling of the temple opens in a large circle. Sunlight is visible streaming straight down into the center of the chamber. Settling down through it are a quartet of figures. Two you recognize, Burne and Tenser. The third and fourth you do not. The third is a man of mixed Baklunish and Suel stock, six feet tall, 170 lbs, with auburn hair, bright green eyes, and a tanned complexion. He still wears tan robes of Baklunish design with intricate gold patterns, and his green eyes still sparkle and shine, and his good looks persist despite his apparent age. The last is clearly a warrior of great renown, a grim, black-haired, saturnine man with a brooding countenance, deep-set eyes, and a short goatee. In his hands he wields a two-handed sword with a blade of the deepest black.
Once the figures land, Burne steps up to Hepla. "I am sorry for our tardiness, my dear. I only saw your message this morning." He looks around, finally noticing that Isilme and Taki are gone. "Oh my," he says sadly. "This is my fault. I should have checked sooner, but for so many days there was nothing. I forgot."
"Tenser, Burne, you are welcome!" says Thorgrim. "Who, praytell, are your friends? And what brings you to this neck of the woods?"
A tear forms in Emyn's eye as he holds Hepla and tells her, "Friends are never truly gone when you keep them in your heart."
She looks a Emyn and says," you ae right and I will not forget." She gives him a quick kiss and stands on her own feet. She sudenly remembers that her stuff is all piled on the floor, she grabs her hat and puts it on, "sorry, I did not mean to appear not propely dressed. Luckily mom did not see that, I hope."
"Is there some magic you can use to help us determine Isilme's fate?" asks Thorgrim.
"This sort of magic is beyond my realm," says Berenn, "but a murderer needs to be brought to justice so any who are able I would appreciate you returning with me and apprehending the assassin. Unfortunately, my duty comes first and if there is reason to mourn I will do so in good time."
Hepla says,"After wee find out what is happening with our friends here then I will help you get her." There is a hardness in those last words no one has heard before.
"And I will wreak vengeance upon the assassin's head as well, Berenn," says Emyn.
The older Baklunish wizard introduces himself, in very polite and proper language. "I am Rary," he says, "a close friend of Tenser, and this," pointing to the warrior, "is our trusted ally, Sir Robilar of Greyhawk." The grim warrior smiles quite affably, and despite his gruff appearance, he seems very charming and polite."
"Robilar often talked of coming here," says Tenser. "I sensed it would all come to an ill-outcome, so convinced him to leave well-enough alone."
The grim warrior gives him a look, the shrugs. "Plenty a other adventures," he mutters.
[Here's what happened in EGG's campaign, from what I've read. Hm, wonder if Olorin was around then?
"Robilar and Quij, his orcish henchman, ventured to the Temple of Elemental Evil atop a carpet of flying. Leaving Quij outside to guard his carpet and griffons, he bullied his way into the depths, slaying vast ranks of monsters and freeing the demoness Zuggtmoy. This incident resulted in Robilar's being forcibly evicted from the Domain of Greyhawk by Tenser's army and being named persona-non-grata throughout the region."]
Elrae is a bit star struck by meeting these heroes of Greyhawk.
Emyn turns to the new arrivals and says, "Your presence honours us. We have lost some good friends in defeating the cult of Tharizdun. Taki of the Hill People fell to his death and Isilme's fate remains unknown to us except that she and Lareth chose to face Imix alone. And now, the portal to the Fire Node is gone and its key inactive. Can you in some way help us find our lost friends?"
Tenser, knowing Isilme, can attempt to scry her. It's a rather simple matter for an Archmage! Of course, he finds nothing. "This may be more difficult that I thought," he says. "If she is dead, it will take more effort, and it is not something I can do here."
Rary laughs, "You always were too cautious, my friend," he says.
"You propose a better idea, Rary?" asks Thorgrim.
Emyn says, "She does have an amulet of proof against detection. Might that be an issue? Would it work on her if she were dead?"
"Ah," says Tenser, "that explains it."
"Yes," add Rary, quickly. "Such amulets are powerful indeed," and he runs his fingers over a slight bulge over his chest. "Only beings of God-like ability or items of near-artifact power can pierce their protections."
"Know where we can find one of those?" asks Thorgrim.
Windsong looks behind the altar, towards the far chamber with the evil, life-draining throne. "Actually, yes," he says, and points that way.
"Do it," says Thorgrim. "If you please."
Hepla, dispite being broken hearted, pays close attention to this new magic. New to her. Everyone moves into the area beyond the altar. When you reach the body of The Second, nearly unrecognizable after Gotrek's rage, Tenser actually shudders. "I have seen much," he says, "but never brutality like that."
Gotrek just mumbles under his breath. Robilar notices and smiles, barely suppressing a chuckle. The group moves on, back to the room with the column of shimmering light.
"Interesting," says both mages nearly simultaneously.
Noot looks around at the remaining gems studding the walls, taking out his dagger eagerly.
Tenser and Rary converse for a bit, then Tenser passes through the light into the inner chamber. "That tickled," he says from within.
"Just get on with it," says Rary, sounding a bit bored.
Hepla's mouth dropped open, "How did he do that? What spell protected him?"
"He's an archmage," says Robilar, laughing.
Tenser comes back in a bit, looking a bit frustrated. "Couldn't find her," he said. "Sorry."
Meanwhile, Noot goes over to the wall and starts prying off more gems from the mural. He gets another dozen before Rary sees him. He shakes his head, saying, "Beware, lest your greed become your undoing."
Noot gulps, then puts the few gems he has taken away, backing off sullenly, but not taking anything else.
Emyn says, "Imix threatened to bring creatures from the Plane of Fire to him during our fight. Might they have escaped to that plane? Maybe this would narrow your search."
"It's possible," says Tenser, "but I would likely have still found him, even were he on another plane. I'm afraid there is little I can do at this point."
"True," says Rary. "One does not simply walk into the Plane of Fire. It is a barren, burned wasteland, riddled with fire, ash, and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly."
"There is little more we can here," agrees Tenser. "Burne, my friend," he says. "Let us return to your tower where these brave souls may rest. Perhaps once there we can consider further options."
Windsong and Berenn will go gather the elf woman, then travel via the barn. There they find the assassin, still guarding the area. Tenser creates a floating disk and the party all gets on one. Then you all travel up through the hole in the ceiling, eventually coming out on the surface. While they wait, and with Noot mentioning the gems, Tenser takes notice.
"There were many gems upon a throne within that circle of light," he says. "I was tempted to take some, as somebody else clearly did before me." He looks at Noot gravely. "However, they all bore the taint of evil," he adds. "It would be bad to take them."
Berenn hogties the assassin. "My business takes me to Warden's Station. I have a monolith to remove, along with a couple of heads ..." he looks down with disdain at his two prisoners. "If there is word of Isilme, I can be reached there and if anyone wishes to seek shelter at Warden's Station you are welcome to travel with me."
"Why don't you allow us to transport you?" asks Tenser. "It is much...easier, even though the great powers of the universe (i.e. DMs) generally don't approve."
The two archmages smile, and Sir Robilar bursts into laughter. Quickly, however, it is Burne who brings everyone back to earth. "We have lost two of our own," he says. "This is no time for levity."
"Fear not," says Tenser. "At least Isilme yet lives."
"Isilme lives?" asks Thorgrim, incredulous. "How do you know?"
"Simple logic," says Tenser. "This one is still under the effects of her charm," he continues, pointing to the the trussed up assassin. "Thus, she must still be alive."
"Good thinking," says Thorgrim. To the party, he says, "Let us join these goodly mages in their abode."
"Of course, I should have thought of that. Is there a way to trace that strand of magic back to her?" asks Hepla. She then looks at Noot's gems. " Are these ok to keep or are they too tainted?"
"It's hard to say," says Rary, looking at them. "It will require some effort to first understand this taint. Only then can we attempt to remove it. If it is otherworldly in nature, it will likely require magic of a more...religious nature."
Emyn says, "I fear some of us have also experienced the touch of the undead as well as that curtain. We may will need to seek counsel on how to remedy this as well."
Granitethews will take his leave of you. It seems you have succeeded, and he wishes to rejoin his kin. He can follow their tracks away, and hopefully catch up shortly. He takes with him the body of the other giant and departs. You have made a friend of these Stone Giants this day. After he leaves, Tenser and Rary will teleport the entire party back to Warden's Station. Once there, Berenn takes his prisoners to their cells and arranges guards until they can be executed. Berenn will be the only one with the key, so there will be no chance of escape. He will check in on the griffons and see how they are doing and call for a meeting of Elmo and Icar to learn what has happened in his absence. He tells the rest of the party to make themselves at home and instructs some of the people working in the keep to show them to quarters.
"Perhaps the assassin still under Isilme's charm be allowed to live until we find her or the charm is somehow broken?" asks Hepla. "Right now she is the only contact we have with Isilme."
"I suppose it is in the best interest to allow the assassin a few more days of life," replies Berenn, "but if the charm wears off, her usefulness comes to an end. I will turn my efforts toward removing the monolith from the station."
"Monolith?" asks Rary. "What monolith?"
Berenn will show Rary to the monolith. "This thing has caused me nothing but misery since I discovered it and I mean to be rid of it as soon as possible. While exploring the Temple of the Elder Gods we found instructions on how to safely move one of these evil creations and I intend on hauling it to the Temple of Elemental Evil, dumping it in, casting an Earthquake spell and sealing the whole thing up once and for all!"
They recognize the thing, once they see it. Well, they don't recognize it per se, but they can tell that it is holy to He Who Must Slumber Everlastingly. "We don't use His name," says Tenser, "just in case."
There are secret compartments, just like the one you found at the other temple. One secret compartment contains some magic beads, another holds a skin-covered black drum, another a set of silver chimes, while the last contains a thurible and three chunks of incense. Rary and Tenser will remove the monolith and the altar, as well as all these unholy relics. "They are very important, and require the utmost care and attention," says Rary.
"Simply burying them is not good enough," says Tenser. "Look at this one. It was still exerting its evil influence, even then. We can take them and do what needs be done with them."
"Destroy it!" says Thorgrim. "I am sure Berenn will be relieved to be rid of that evil artifact."
The archmages use their powerful magics to take the Monolith. Tenser is saddened that he cannot find Isilme, but he is yet hopeful she still lives. "I feel strangly tied to that one," he says, "though for the life of me I cannot tell why." Then the archmages leave, and the party can get some much needed rest.
Thorgrim says a prayer to Clanggedin, thanking him for strength and wisdom to defeat the plans of Imix.
Once at Warder's, Thorgrim will open his Portable Hole in Berenn's treasure room, and start unloading treasure and magic. He needs to get to the bottom to get to his clothing.. "It will take some time to Identify all this," he says. He shows the Archmages the glob of stuck-together magic items made by his miscreant Earth Elemental. "Anythiing you can do with this?" he asks them.
Thorgrim will check in on Lyseios, to make sure he hasn't blown himself up, yet. He will deliver to him the gutted chimera corpse with stomach retained, the chimera blood, the minotaur horns, the troll-flesh, and the Umber Hulk eyeballs. "See what you can make of these," he says. "I think Berenn wanted that chimera stuffed for his sitting room, though we may use a few feathers to use as quills." He hands the Displacer Beast pelts to Berenn. "Better get these tanned," he says.
Thorgrim will then doff his armor and bathe, getting into his fine clothes he last wore at the opera in Greyhawk (the time we first met Tenser). He wants to spend as much time as possible with these Archmages, to glean as much wisdom as he can from the interaction, and to learn the current greater state of the world.
Robilar is very impressed with the chimera. "They are not so easy to slay," he say, marveling at how intact it is. He gives you the name of a great taxidermist in Greyhawk City. "He has stuffed all my trophies," he says quite jovially.
"You really should have warned him about the medusa though," says Rary.
"Yes, that didn't work out so well," he replied. "But luckily he pulled through."
Hepla shows Tenser Isilme's mirror, and they try to use it to find her. Tenser returns to his attempts to contact Isilme, and Hepla assists, using the mirror. They both have no luck.
"They must be in a place completely cut off from any attempts to scry," he said. "That mirror is a wondrous item," he adds, looking at it closely. "Guard it carefully."
"I do", she says as Star makes her appearance, nuzzling up to Tenser.
"The power of your mirror is as great as any I could use," says Tenser. He then winks, "almost. Still, there are places I cannot see. Many places throughout the realms are protected from scrying. Some planes are completely closed."
He goes on to explain the cosmology and realizes after a few minutes that Hepla's not following and is just petting star. "My apologies," he says, "I sometimes get carried away."
He leans forward and pets Star himself. "Explain it to her someday," he whispers to Star, who looks up with a light meaow."
Emyn appears about this time. "Would a wish spell being her back," he asks.
Rary looks at Emyn, giving him a quick rebuke. "Casting wishes isn't like dusting crops boy!"
"Well, I must return to my tower," says Burne. "Wouldn't want Rufus to worry," he adds with a chuckle.
"And I must return home," says Rary. "There is much to do with these evil artifacts, and not a moment to lose. I shall return you home, and then Robilar and I will depart."
He reaches into the folds of his robes and withdraws a scroll which he hands to Hepla. "Consider this a gesture of thanks for what you have done. What all of you have done." He surveys the group. "Your deeds deserve the praise of all, for you have perhaps saved the Flanaess this day, maybe the world."
"Thank you," says Hepla, as she takes the scroll. "I will continue the search into those multiversal thingies you were talking about." Star just shakes her head. "I almost forgot, here is the fire gem from that orb, it was supposed to get me back here, and it did. Do you need to destroy this too, I will give it to you, or do you think this might still have a way to Isilme?" She gives each one a hug and a kiss then looks at the scroll for a moment, curiosity getting the better of her.
Rary and Robilar leave, with all the Tharizdun artifacts, though Tenser is staying to try and help. He had a more personal interest in Isilme's well-being, and would like to help.
Also, the gem is no longer magical, but is just a 5000 gp ruby!
"Isilme piked up a bunch of things which she told us not to touch," says Hepla. "I wonder if that could be the way tofind her?" She mentions this to Tenser. She also explains that you have to put the ring on and then pick up the right rod.
"Better to not touch them at all," says Tenser, "except under the most careful and guarded circumstances." [Rary took everything you had that was "bad" when he left.]
Tenser also remarks at Hepla's staff. "You realize what you have there?" he asks. "That is the Staff of Irardenthas, an Ur-Flan wizard of long ago." He points out some markings you had not even noticed. "There, that is her mark," he adds. "I sense it is nearly as dead as its creator. You should not use it again without recharging its potent magics."
He will break out the Gutshaker, and offer some to Noot and our guests, though Berenn probably has some more palatable libations in his stores. The remainder will be drunk by him, Gotrek, and Hepla. Not too much for Hepla. She gets drunk on one mug.
[Well, that's it. The party was successful in foiling the schemes of the Temple of the Elder Elemental God, defeated the Dread Prince Imix, and returned home. They lost a few on the way, and are particularly saddened by the death of Taki. Thorgrim hangs Taki's maul above the mantel on the fireplace, in honor of his Hillman friend. Windsong leaves to parts unknown, and Filbin retires as well, nearly drained of life. Berenn returns to the Temple and reads his Earthquake scroll, completely destroying the place once and for all.
This effectively ends the Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil. It was fun taking such an interesting 3rd ed module and adapting it to my campaign. I think everyone enjoyed the link to their previous adventures as well. Now the party can settle down to rest, learn more spells, and do who knows what. Of course, there is still the story of Isilme and Lareth. While they yet live, nobody can find them! I believe a lot of that tale was done in emails between myself and the Isilme player, and unfortunately I never posted a summary. I also deleted all those old emails, even from my sent folder, so I do not have any of them. That's too bad, because it was a very interesting, and important, journey. I am trying to see if the player kept those emails, and maybe I can then retreive the story as it was written, rather that just post a quick summary. So please, stay tuned for the epilogue, if I can find it. Otherwise, I'll just sumarize what happened.]
Freerday, 7th of Richfest (CY 581)
You wake up the next morning. It is the last day of the Festival week of Richfest. I just wanted to give you the time perspective. Tomorrow will be the first of Reaping.
You guys were gone two weeks. Not that long, actually.
Hepla gets up Star of couse wants attention so she doesn't notice right away. She fiinally looks at her ioun stone and finds it dead . She goes downstairs and gets breakfast and two saucers of milk, one for her and one for Star. The others find her hitting the stone on the table to try and make it work.
Tenser helps Hepla to purify all the items, and then the party can do Identifying. He also has lots of knowledge, so you can ask him about things of which you are uncertain, magic items that you don't understand. He is like a sage, and pretty much will be able to give you full descriptions.
Hepla thanks Tenser for the help, "Without you this would have taken a lot longer. Any new thoughts of where she might be? I've written mom but she offered no help as to where Isilme might be. She is trying a few things but did not sound hopeful." Star watches them work.
Noot wakes up and has an ale for breakfast. He is still depresses about the loss of Isaac.
"You all can do whatever you want with the gems," he says, then leaves. He heads
for the woods near town to spend the rest of the day mourning Isaac. He returns at sundown.
[Berenn OOC: I am thinking about restoring Nulb, the waterway could be profitable and I might have enough money when this is all over to rebuild it, plus provide it with a garrison.]
[DM OOC: You will have to discuss that with the Viscount. Your lands do not extend to Nulb, though you are charged with keeping an eye on the area. Perhaps he will further expand your titles, to encompass the land thereabouts.]
The party also decides that a trip to Verbobonc is going to be necessary, to sell all the gems and jewelry they found, which ammounted to a few hundred thousand gp value!
Before leaving Warder's Station, Thorgrim will speak with Lyseios, and probably chide him for not having already taken a trip to Verbebonc to collect needful alchemical supplies. But with experiments in progress and all, and the short time that has passed, Thorgrim will quickly forgive him.
In Hommlet, Thorgrim will check in to his and Gotrek's home at the Trading Post. He will deposit money into his secret cache, keeping a portion in the Hole (amounts depend on treasure haul). "First time in a long time I've owned more than I can reasonably carry," he will remark. He will keep his tithe money there at his home as well, to be used for future purposes of the faith.
He will check the shrine to Clanggedin he and Gotrek had built, and ensure it remains pristine. He will clean it up, and pull any weeds which have sprung up nearby. He will kneel and say a prayer to Clanggedin, thanking him for the strength and wisdom to thwart Imix and to crush the resurgent evil of the Temple. He will muse upon the fact that destroying evil is much like pulling weeds: even when you pull them out by the root, always new ones arise. He asks Clanggedin to keep Isilme safe, as brave warrior hearts like hers deserve death in battle, not trapped like a rat in some foreign plane. He will ask for continued guidance in his holy path of righteous vengeance. He will also say a prayer to Ellistrae.
Before everyone goes running off to Verbebonc, we should see how Tenser intends to help us find Isilme. It would be most rude to leave such an august guest to tie up our loose ends while we go traipsing around the Oerth, unless he is in agreement.
Hepla takes a candle and puts it in front of her mirror and trys to skry for Isilme. "Maybe a candle can guide her home," She will tell anyone who asks what she is doing.
The party also asks Tenser if he would go to Verbobonc as well. He says no. "There is too much to be done, especially regarding the ill-tidings of a new priesthood to He Who Must Not Be Named." So, if there is nothing more to do with regards to finding Isilme, Tenser will retire back to his home in the Free City.
[DM OOC: At this time Gotrek leaves to go survey the area around Warden's Station and Nulb for potential mining opportunities. The player left the game, so I removed Gotrek from the party.]
Hepla tries to recall Isilme's Leomunds Labile Locker, but with no success. When you do that, Tenser actually laughs that you have it.
"Leomund was very fond of that item," says Tenser. "It was one of a kind, for he created it by complete accident. He lost it, and he never could remember where. Of course, he was old when I met him, so I guess it's not surprising."
Anyway, you can scry the chest, which even in the Ethereal will be found through Isilme's mirror. You find that you cannot scry the chest, which if it were in the Ethereal, you could find, as it would appear. So, the mystery deepens.
"Since the chest is not in the Ethereal," says Tenser, "then we must assume that she is carrying it with her and has entered a realm which has no connection to either the Prime Material or the Ethereal."
Of course, most the party just stares dumbly at such talk of other planes.
"Thank you, Tenser," Thorgrim says. "Your wisdom in these matters is without equal. Any assistance you can offer us will be greatly appreciated. Isilme is...precious to me. And to us. You are always welcome here. Please do not let it be long ere we hear from you again."
Hepla says, "That I cannot summon the chest is a positive sign. Right after we got out I called for the chest and put a note in it to Isilme. Now I cannot call it which means she has called it and it is now out of my reach. But that does mean she is not just alive but doing stuff." She gives Tenser a big kiss and does a little dance around the room punctuated with giggles.
The next day you see Isilme and Lareth step out of a room with Tenser. It appears they have just concluded a long meeting.
"No way!" says Thorgrim.
Hepla runs and hugs Isilme. She's crying. Emyn tears up a little but doesn't let Isilme see. He does welcome her back heartily once he has his emotions under control.
Isilme hugs everyone she sees and thanks them for never stopping to try and find her.
She seems diffrent now, with a renewed dedication and glow in her eyes.
"Seems I get stuck in other planes often" she says with a wry smile. She tells the party that she and Lareth jumped through one of the fire pillars (a gate to the Plane of Fire)
at the last minute as the Orb was destroyed. Barely surviving such a hostile environment, they traveled from plane to plane trying to make their way home. They eventually made their way to Arvendor (Olympus), where the godess herself called to them and they met her avatar in a forest glen.
"I have been returned to the prime, to begin the formation of her church with Lareth, and found the first holy Order of the Battledancers of Eilistraee. I am a Darksong Knight." She smiles, and you can clearly see a fanatical fevor in her words and actions that was not there before.
"Thank you Tenser." Berenn bows to the mage. "My companions and I are eternally grateful for returning our friends to us." He turns to Isilme and Lareth, "I am very happy you are both alive and safe."
"Wow" says Hepla, then," the candle, excuse me, hi Mr Lareth, glad you both made it back." She then runs off to put out the candle burning in front of the mirror.
Emyn says, "I welcome this new order and perhaps we can look into honouring them at the Temple of Trithereon in Verbobonc. All goodly deities are given shrines to honour them there."
"What a fantastic story," says Elrae. "I dream of traveling the planes like that. I seem to get stuck in small elemental nodes instead."
"I don't mean to inhospitable, but matters of the realm require me to depart for Verbobonc in the morning. I will be flying on Ra so as to make good time. Please rest here until my return and I will accompany you when we haul the treasure there for exchange." Berenn prepares to depart in the morning.
"Isilme, what method did you use to traipse across the planes?" Thorgrim asks.
"Thorgrim," she gives him a hug. "The chest is a dangerous, but still a useable tool in times of great distress. I had to shrink us, then attempt to send us to the Etheral inside it. It kept failing, catching us in an etheral cyclone and sending us randomly to other planes of existence. I have seen the para-elemental plane of ice, of minerals, and even the dangerous Astral plane!"
She then turns to Emyn, "Emyn the ties between the churches of Elistraee and Tritherion are undeniable. I intend to speak to the head cleric in Verbobonc. I had intended to being Lareth before one of the greater servants of your god in Arvendor, but fate had other plans." She smiles.
"Ah, good thinking," Thorgrim says. "What wonders you must have seen... And Imix? His oerthly form was destroyed? And the Fire Node with it?"
"Imix, the node, and the orb were destroyed," says Isilme. "Though I know not if Imix was destroyed permanently. Doubtless his essence was reborn in the plane of fire."
"Where it belongs," agrees Thorgrim. "Lareth, your help was instrumental. I am glad you did not return to your evil ways."
You see a newfound sense of purpose in the young man, who also, to your amazement, is no longer burned.
"I have seen the error of such ways," he says. "Apparently, I was the Champion of Elemental Evil," he adds sardonically. "I played along, since my only choice at the time would likely have been death. I fooled Hedrack, who never imagined my heart had changed, but the First, it was something different."
He seems pained by the memory, as he continues his tale. "I could do nothing against whatever powers the thing possessed. It was as if my body and mind simply were no longer mine. I was like a puppet in a traveling show. I only had the barest idea that I was controlled, so total was the thing's power over me. It was only in the Fire Node, after it was slain, that clarity returned, albeit slowly. When I saw what was happening, I could not stand by. Rather, I chose to aid the only ones who ever showed any true concern for my wretched soul."
He looks at Berenn, Emyn, and Isilme. "I didn't, honestly, believe a true conversion possible for myself. The gods I have known are terrible, selfish, and cruel. I did not understand that there were any who were different. Not until I met Ellistraee. There was never any doubt after that, how I would devote the rest of my days. I have much for which to atone; I can only hope to prove myself worth of her care and trust."
Isilme also tells everyone, "I buried Taki in Arvendor, as I found it a fitting paradise for his final resting place." She then turns to Noot and says, "I sought out Issac's spirit in Arvendor, in the hopes I could bring him back to you. When I found him, He could not bring himself to leave paradise. Rest easy though, he says he is very happy in the afterlife."
Noot gives Isilme a hug, fighting back tears. "Isilme, thank you so much for remembering Isaac. I had a strong feeling when I was in the woods the other day that he was free. Now I know that is true. I never owned him; he chose to be with me, and so knowing for sure that he is happy and free gives me great peace. My sincerest thanks to you once again." He then goes back to his mug, raises it in toast to nobody, and downs it.
The last night Tenser is with the party they are having dinner together when he and Hepla suddenly look to the back of the room. A moment later, outside the front door you hear a strong gush of wind and the door creeking open. You do not see the door opening however. From over your shoulders a black silk clad arm appears and places a crystal decanter on the table, the liquid inside glows like moonlight. "Drink till dawn, then its gone." Says a very nice sexy female voice that you see comes from a slight 4'10" black silk clad woman wearing a wide brimmed hat 20 years out of fashon. [Hepla's mom for those of you who have met her before.]
Star looks up from lapping cream and then continues with the cream. Tenser stands as she passes Isilme and Lareth and says. "Thank You." Isilme finds her voice like fingernails on a chalk board. She walks past Hepla with a nod and coutsies to Tenser. "I trust you are still drinking the same my lord archmage." she says with a magician's flourish that produces a silver tray, a botole of wine, very dusty, and two silver and crystal wine glasses. The dwarves notice its not silver but mithril. Hepala and Tenser sit down together as the bottle fills their glasses. They talk but no one can make out any of their words.
Hepala gets up from the table. Tenser kisses her hand. She leaves and everyone hears her say, "Good to se you again my lord, lets not make it so long next time, 19 years is way to long." She courtsiies as she leaves and he bows deeply and sighs as she walks away. He finishes the wine and when he leaves the table the glassee, tray and bottle dissapear.
Hepala again addresses Isilme and Lareth, "The dancing was wonderful, good choice."
She then looks at Hepla, holds up a small silver spoon, and says, "I am proud of you daughter. I have a treat for you up in you room." The two go up there and soon there is loud, crazy laughter coming from the room. Star laps up her cream and fish snack.
After a half hour the two come downstairs, Hepla walking a little unsteady, and have a glass each from the bottle of moonshine, which like always never seems to run out. Hepla says, "Grandma made a good batch this week."
Hepala, at about midnight, gets up, bows to Tenser and begins to leave with Hepla. As they go past Emyn she stops, takes a strange orange coin from her dress and says,"When the time is right this will buy you one entry to our hut." She holds it near the floor and Star licks it. She then tosses it to him,"If you lose it or it is taken from you Star will return it to you for a small price." Hepla rubs the back of her hand when her mom says that. At the door Hepala blows kisses to everyone, they all feel it even Tenser, hugs Hepla and walks out the door, disapearing as she crosses the threshold. Hepla turns back and says,"MOM!" and you hear a witch's laughter and an upper window opens as you sense a presence truely leaving.
Hepla, about an hour later, after consuming enough Moonshine to put two grown men under the table, stagers slightly as she gets up and goes to Tenser. She does a courtsie, not as well as mom's. and says,"<Giggle, hic> Sorry., I figure I have just enough courage in me now to say this, my lord archmage." She pulls something out of her pocket and has a little trouble unwrapping it, "I know you are probably a member of any number of great and powerful mage groops, but I would like to invite you to be a member of the Noble Order of the Cat. Right now it is Emyn, who is our Knight-defender, Isilme and myself." She holds up a cat badge(mom brought it to her). "You certainly have earned this meny times over. There are no dues or meatings to attend. Just do your best to practice good magic always."
He smiles at Hepla, takes the cat badge, and offers her a little bow. "It would be my honor," he says.
"As it is ours." She returns the bow then heads up to bed, using Levitate to pick up Star who is asleep from a seriouse case of too much cream. Tenser then retires to bed.
After he leaves, Isilme brings the rest of the group together. "When I was in the TOEE," says Isilme, "I scried Markessa and she was unable to block me. If we have some maps I can show you where she was heading, generally. It was an older map, so the city may not be there, We will have to find out. I for one would have her pay for her crimes before the queen of the elves herself!"
"Markessa?" says Thorgrim incredulously.
"Yes," replies Isilme. "I used the power of the throne to scry her location while we were in the temple. It seems it allowed me to get around her protections."
Hepla sits up in her chair and says,"Markessa, where is she?"
Noot brings out a map, and Isilme says, "I saw Markessa, and she was looking at an old map of this region." She points to the Suss Forest. "There was a dot here," she says, pointing to place near the Principality of Ulek. "Whatever she is doing, she seems interested in this place, which cannot be good for anyone else."
[So, that was the return of Isilme and Lareth. If I get more info, I'll post it. For now, I can fill in some more. The two found themselves in the Plane of Fire, so it was lucky that they had the Protection from Fire spells cast upon themselves. They could see that this was not going to be good, so Isilme summoned her Leomund's Labile Locker. With a Shrink spell on each, they climbed inside it, closed it, and she said the command word to send it back to the Ethereal. This was the way she was saved from the Ethereal after drinking the cursed potion in the Pomarj, so she figured it would be ok. However, it didn't work as she had hoped....
I had decided some time ago that I didn't want the party using the LLL as some kind of plane-hopping transporter, so I made the following determination.
Leomunds Labile Locker: It is a very cool magic item, though I do not believe all the possible ramifications of it were ever considered. Anyway, the description says nothing about what happens to its contents when you change its size. However, it does say it acts like a Leomund's Secret Chest. That spell descriptions says that items shrink when you shrink the chest. I see no reason to change that. However, THIS chest can also enlarge. I think I had things put in the large chest simply shrink down to still fit when it's small, but NOT living things. Anyway, here's my ruling:
First, the chest weighs 30 lbs when shrunk, regardless of what's in it. No biggie. It also weighs 1,200 lbs when large. Again, no biggie. However, There are a few things regarding Leomund's Secret Chest that I am now going to consider. It can ONLY hold 1 cu'/level of material, whatever its size. This seems to imply that there's maybe some kind of Extra-Dimensional magic involved in it. Not really sure. I'm not going to worry about that. Rather, because the chest can enlarge to its big size, I will say that it can hold whatever it can fit at that size. That size was pretty big, so it's not really a big deal; the player can keep track of that. However, the LSC spell also says that 75% of the time the spell fails if "living matter" is placed within it. I gave the party a break with this when Isilme was trapped, out of the kindness of my evil DM heart. Now that Isilme used it a second time, and now Hepla, I'm going to stop this practice, or at least make it more...dicey.
Getting into it as a transport to the Ethereal, while totally possible, should have a 75% failure rate. If this were a spell it would make the whole thing fail. However, it's a magic item, not a spell, so it's permanent. What does failure then mean for the LLL? This, I'm not sure, but it should mean something. So, there are some possibilities. One is that the chest's contents get "lost" in the Ethereal (somewhere between wherever it goes and wherever it ends up). Now, that would be pretty bad, and I didn't like that. Or, doing this could attract an Ethereal Cyclone, creatures to the chest, etc. That would be bad too. My other ideas get incrementally worse.....I went with the Ethereal Cyclone option. Can you use it to travel to/from the Ethereal? Yes. They've done it before; in fact, three times successfully (and I didn't roll for failure even once, just letting them do it because it seemed necessary game-wise). However, consider this, at a 75% failure rate, they are way bucking the odds already! ]
Anyway, when Isilme and Lareth tried, and I rolled for the failure, which happened. They were caught in the Ethereal Cyclone, and jumped through a few planes, as noted earlier. Eventually they ended up in the Astral Plane, which had big ramifications, most important being they no longer had a link to the Ethereal! When they tried the chest again, it no longer worked! After a while, they began to travel about the Astral Plane, without knowing even where they were. Eventually they found a color pool, which by a strange stroke of luck led to Olympus/Arvandor, the home plane of Isilme's own goddess, Ellistraee. When they saw the idyllic setting beyond the pool, Isilme and Lareth decided to pass through.
They ended up in a vast forest, and were eventually approached by an elven angelic being.
The elven angel addressed Isilme specifically, calling her by name. Isilme was surprised, especially when it said, "You don't remember me, do you?" She then reasoned that this must be the elven mage Vestron.
The angel smiled, and led Isilme and Lareth to a glade where they saw a beautiful dark elf woman dancing in the moonlight.
When the dance finished, the figure approached, and Isilme and Lareth learned that this was Ellistraee herself! A long conversation ensued, which I wish I still had. Unfortunately, it seems it's lost to the internet ethereal! Anyway, she charged Isilme with a new mission on Oerth, where Ellistraee really has no influence, or at least not much. She was to build a church there, and to begin the long task of redeaming those others of Isilme's kind who would follow. This actually worked out well, because the player wasn't happy with his multi-class situation, which also was the result of tinkering with a Deck of Many Things. After this meeting, and with the power of Ellistraee behind it, I allowed a straight change to a new multi-class, a Paladin of Ellistraee/Song Mage. The player made up a new class for this, and Isilme started down a new path.
The goddess then took Lareth, now horribly burned again. She held his face in her hands and healed the terrible scars. Lareth fell before her, and was speechless. However, I decided to make him a priest of Ellistraee. He was really going to become a priest of Trithereon, the vengeance aspect being particularly appealing. However, this unique moment changed everything. After this, he was totally devoted to Ellistraee. The interesting thing is that he can't really be a priest of her, since she only has female priests. Funny how this worked out, because he started as a priest of Lolth, another who only has female priestesses! Anyway, I let it slide for now.
Finally, Ellistraee noticed Isilme's broken sword, Maerthorlear. Isilme had been carrying it all along, and she asked for it, finding it indeed interesting. Isilme asked if She could restore the sword, and Ellistraee said yes. However, it wasn't just her decision. She then addressed the angel that had led Isilme and Lareth to her. "Maerthorlear," she said, "is this your wish as well?" Well, it was something like that. In essence, it was revealed that the angel was the "soul" of Isilme's sundered sword, Maerthorlear. The player was surprised, never considering that for even a moment! The personification of the sword, as well as it's "soul" really added a new dimension. Maerthorlear agreed to return with Isilme, as it could continue to do great things with her and for the elves. Ellistraee then restored the sword, into which the essence of Maerthorlear flowed once again.
With everything finished, Ellistraee then restored Isilme and Lareth to Hommlet. They appeared within a huge grove of trees which resembled those found in Arvandor (basically giant redwoods). I'm not sure why they stepped out of a meeting with Tenser, but whatever. The point was that Isilme and Lareth returned, both changed by their planewalking experience.
So, that pretty much sums up what happened. The party was thus back together and ready to embark on their next journey.
"She is an erinyes and really nice," says Emyn. "She said we might have fun together some day. What do you think? She's pretty hot..."
I love what you did there, Ragnar!
SirXaris
I just realized that I had the private conversation between the Paladin Emyn and Kelasha, the Erineyes. It was in a word document that I just stumbled upon. So, I will reprint it here. I just wanted to make sure those who already read the thread earlier, didn't miss this exchange.
Kelasha
Emyns sees a most beautiful woman in one of the room. The most beautiful he's ever seen. Way more beautiful than Hepla. While the others are checking out the next room, he slips into this one, as the woman beckons him.
You are instantly 100% in love with her. You'd do anything for her. She runs a hand along your face, and you'd die right there if asked.
"Oh but what a fine catch you would be for Kelasha," she says. “I would so love to play with you.”
[She charmed you and had you come to her room. She then plays with you for a few minutes, teasing you with the hellish delights which she would oh so enjoy with Emyn.]
Emyn starts reciting his bad poetry to her and asks her if she would like to meet his betrothed for a threesome.
[LOL! that's precious. Actually, it's not as bad as you probably think, though she certainly would enjoy bringing you back to the Nine Hells.]
"Don't catch me a paladin every day, you know," she says with a mischievous wink.
“Alas, cannot do so at the present.” She blows a kiss in Emyn’s ear, whispering seductively. “Well, I could, but my masters would, in the long run, be quite displeased.”
She then places her smooth palm under Emyn’s chin and looks into his eyes. “And for them, the long run is very, very, very long.”
She then sits back on her bed, stretching out and spreading her legs for a moment as she squirms comfortably atop a bunch of pillows. She then explains that the Dukes of Hell do NOT have any desire to see the Doomdreamers succeed in their plans. Though Kelasha was sent here as an ambassador, she is far more. Being the only type of Devil able to come and go on the Prime without being summoned, coupled with her innate ability to get others to see things her way, she was uniquely suited to play the spy. That mission complete, she intends to return forthwith to the Hells. However, having seen what you have accomplished so far, she believes you may be the only ones who can actually stop the Doomdreamers. Thus, she is prepared to help you.
“How can you help us, my love?” asks Emyn, sitting down in a chair, thoroughly enraptured by her.
She smiles, knowingly. “Why, I will tell you where the Tourbillon is, that you may transport to the Temple and stop them.”
“What do you want in return,” asks Emyn, surprised at his own question. “These things never come free.”
“Actually my dear,” she says, sitting back up. “I want nothing. Does that surprise you?”
Emyn shakes his head, then turns back to her with a most confused look. She giggles, sounding eerily like Hepla.
“Very well my love,” says Emyn. “Tell me how and where we need to go to chase after these Doomdreamers. Then let's go back to the others. Let me do the talking so we don't have problems. I would not want them to harm you."
She tells you that the summoning of the Princes of Elemental Evil is only the first step in their plan, that what the Doomdreams seek is nothing less than the awakening of He Who Must Sleep For Eternity. That is something her master will not abide. Thus, she will aid you to destroy them.
"There were many more Doomdreamers," she explains "but they have drunk the Dreamstep, using it to enter the Dreaming Stone. Little did they understand that those who enter the stone seldom return. Currently, all but one of them, Lord Lychon, have entered the stone and are lost in dreams of madness. Lord Tychon resides in the next mansion, and is aware of your group's progress. He has prepared for you coming, as he knows this is his chance. He would slay the lot of you and then slay the Third. Blaming you, he would take his place as part of the Triad."
You ask her about the Triad, and she smiles as she continues. “They are the three most powerful of the Doomdreamers. Hedrack was as nothing compared to the Doomdreamers, and the are as nothing compared to the Triad. Sure, Hedrack did wield the power of a tentacle rod; yet, that was as much a badge of station as anything else. No, the Doomdreamers are much more powerful, with abilities beyond that of the priests of the Elder Elemental God. They are more powerful for they serve His master."
Before you can further interrupt, she adds. "Of the Triad, The Third lies at the top of the tower, lost in the incense-induced dreams. You must slay him and take his key to work the Toubillion. The Second, a half-air elemental, has yet to return from the Plane of Air where she meets directly with the Dread Prince Yan-C-Bin. The First has gone to the Recovered Temple, to rededicate it to the Elder Elemental God in preparation for the summoning of Imix to this world. Once they are finished, the Champion will open the portal to the Fire Node and free him.”
She lies back on her bed, pulling pillows under her for comfort as she smiles. “The Triad will never be weaker than it is now, with all three apart. You have no time to lose.”
As you are about to ask a further question, you realize that you are no longer charmed. In fact, you realize that she released you from her charms some time ago. As you come to the realization, she smiles, almost warmly. "There is a saying in Baator," she says. "The enemy of my enemy is not my enemy today." With a serious look, she adds, "There is much you do not know mortal, but know this. Today, we are not enemies."
“Then let us go and fight this being together,” says Emyn. He then says a prayer to Trithereon, attempting to summon aid before leaving. [i.e. casts MS3]
Unfortunately, his attempt fails, and the Erinyes shakes her head. "Mortals," she says. "There is no access to this place," she says. "Trithereon cannot answer you here."
With a wave of her hand, she opens the doorway to her room. Hearing the sound of battle, she adds, "Sounds like your friends need you," and she waves towards the open doorway.
[I also put this back into the actual post where it should have been in the first place.]
The party stays the night that evening with Heri at her Spider Farm outside of Etterboek. [btw, you can probably get more rope if you want. I think somebody lost theirs.] You recognize a few people from Nulb who resettled here, and you see that things are going quite nicely. In the morning you can continue to Verbobonc.
Isilme will sit down with Heri and discuss how the investment in the farm is coming along. Has she run into any more issues? Does she have enough people? I find it unlikely in two weeks - but has she found a way to spin the spider silk to make armor (or stronger)?
Isilme then loans Heri the Spider Amulet she found in the Pomarj as part of their partnership. "I have a sage researching methods of making spider silk armor. Keep experimenting yourself. Using this amulet should help you in that respect, making the spider spin strands of webbing in ways that benefit us and is not "natural". Plus it gives you the capability to save the life of yourself or a worker."
Heri thanks you for your incredible generosity. She promises you the finest dress they can make. You also get two 100' ropes for free (for whoever needs them). Heri gives them to you for free.
Berenn thanks her for the generous gift.
"No," she replies. "It is I who must still thank you. This farm would not even exist if not for your efforts." She then provides an excellent breakfast for you and the whole party, before you take off to return to Hommlet and they continue on their way to Verbobonc.
"Let us be off to Verbobonc," Thorgrim says.
Elrae continues on his journey to Verbobanc with his wife and son in tow. He carries Principe in his arms and shows him the wonders of the world. He sings lullabies to soothe the young babe and silly children's songs to amuse him and the party around him. "Soon we will reach the big city."
His wife seems strangely silent.
As she would be, being married to Elrae. "Don't worry honey, once we reach Verbobonc, I will buy you clothes to rival a queen. It is time for us to expand and move on up and for me to provide the best for you and their son, Principe."
"Hrumph!" she says, pouting and turning away.
If she knows the songs Hepla sings along quietly. In between songs she will bring him a pretty flower or rock. Isilme sings joyously and blast the horn of bubbles every once in a while, showering the party with a torrent of colorful bubbles.
Berenn and Hepla fly together for a bit, but then she gets tired and returns to the party. Berenn reaches the city hours before the party. He lands in the ruins south of town, what was once the Elemental School of Magic. There he sets Ra up, while he settles down to await the party. He has a few hours. so he takes a walk around the area. The woods are thick and beautiful around the city, and their nearness stands as testimony to the relatively peaceful times. He follows a path off to the left, towards the Nigb, and then walks its banks for a time, enjoying the tranquility. He follows the Run down to where he stands opposite the strange solitary tower on the opposite bank. Even from here he can see that it is occupied and very well kept.
He continues along, eventually reaching one of the city's corner towers. A guard atop it takes notice of him, but does nothing but wave. Berenn waves back, then turns back into the woods, walking along a small creek back towards the road. He comes to a small wooden bridge, which arches over the creek by a small cottage. A very intriguing smell wafts along the breeze towards him, and though he isn't really hungry, his stomach growls nonetheless. Walking up to the cottage, he notices the symbol carved over the doorway, a rotund female figure sitting around the world.
It is the symbol of Beory, the Oerth Mother. Beory is the Oerth Mother, and as said above, 'is considered to be a manifestation of the Oerth itself'.
Hepla says, "I must be out of shape( something all the guys diagree with), or maybe I'm still tired from that last adventure. I used to be able to fly much farther without a rest." She walks along the path and looks for herbs.
Berenn will call to the cottage and announce himself, seeing if anyone is at home. You hear an old woman's voice from inside, inviting you in. Berenn enters the cottage. "Greetings gentle soul, I am Sir Berenn Silverwood Knight Commander of the Watchlands. I was taking a casual flight while waiting for my friends and smelled an interesting odor coming from your cottage."
A very kind, gentle woman, thin but not too skinny and of relatively young age greets you. "I am Althea," she says. "Come, enjoy the blessing of the Oerth Mother."
She pours a tea for Berenn, handing it to him as he enters. "From what I hear," she adds, "you have earned it."
Berenn takes the tea, "Most kind Althea. I have only done what was required of me and not without the aid of others, some of which made the ultimate sacrifice to see these lands safe."
Berenn spends a bit of time with Althea, sipping tea. She is the caretaker of the local shrine to Beory, the Oerth Mother. She tells him that the land itself breathed a sigh of relief a few days ago, as if it knew what danger was averted. "It is good that She has such protectors," she remarks. Not that anything can harm Oerth. In the long run all is temporary, even the seas and mountains. However, a flaming wasteland would certainly not appeal to many of Her children. You are but a ranger," she adds, "though I sense deeper ties to the world than in many others. "You have done your world a great deed," she finishes, "and the world never forgets."
After finishing your tea, you bid her farewell as you return to the road. You backtrack to the ruined magic school, and there await the party, which arrives just after dark. You have a small fire burning, with a rabbit roasting on a spit.
"Berenn, this smells wonderful. Sorry I could not keep up with you earlier but it was all for the good, Elrae entertained us with his stories. I hope you have not been bored waiting for us." She looks toward the old magic school and casts a Detect Magic at it, just in case. There's nothing there. The place has been picked over rather well. Since the problems over the years with the Temple of Elemental Evil, it has never been rebuilt and has been left to just decay.
"I know we detected nothing but after taking care of our buisness in town it might not hurt to double check this place that nothing remains of that evil." Hepla says. After dinner she is ready to go into town and settle in their rooms. Maybe stop by the bar for a drink. She wishes also to see what the Viscount's schedule is, to see when she might see him.
"How went your visit with the Viscount?" asks Thorgrim. He casts Create Food and Drink so that the party may have a proper dinner. He gets out his new pipe and puffs, listening to Berenn's response. As the night wears on, he stares into the fire, thinking on the horrific power of the Soul Burn he endured. "Wake me for last watch," he says, and drifts into slumber.
Noot doesn't arrive and meet Althea. Not unless he goes on his own to the shrine of Beory. The rest of the party met Berenn at his camp in the ruins of the old magic school.
So, anyone who wishes to enter town may do so. You are entering through the South (Low) Gate, marked H4 on the map. You pass the Blind Beholder Tavern (F6) on your right, and the sight of the crudely painted beholder with no eye draws a laugh. You also pass the Temple of Pholtus (F4), the top floor of the tower shining brightly like a beacon. Further along on the right stands the Basilica of the Four Seasons (D1), holy to the four Gods of the seasons (Atroa-spring, Sotillion-summer, Wenta-fall, and Telchur-winter). You also break out into the corner of the great plaza, where the magnificent cathedral of Trithereon stands. Just beyond it, to the right, at the corner of the Civic Center Plaza, lies the Spruce Goose (C8) and your destination.
Noot will get a room, but he made it clear he was looking for a good alehouse. He asks around for a good pub. There is one right around the corner, between the Silver Consortium and the Academy of Farsight. It is called the College Lane, and is frequented mostly by students of the two schools. It is generally quiet. [basically it's located below C5 on the map). Otherwise, you have to go towards the Business District (where all the B buildings are!) or the East End (where all the E locations are!), across the Nigb. Most of the more...colorful places are there. The Laughing Rogue's Hostel (E1) is recommended as a fun and raucous place, as is Lester's House of Cards (D5).
Hepla enters the town and gets her room. She asks what the room rates are, last time the rooms were free but now she is interested what they are paying. Since it is late she informs them that she and her party have some items to sell gems, magic and some masterwork items and could they again make the arrangements to help them sell them.
She and Star put their stuff down in her rooms and she finds Emyn, and anyone else who want to take a walk and she heads to the palace to see what the court schedule is for tomorrow, unles the hotel staff happens to know that as well. She finishes her walk by going into the cathedral and enjoying its peace.
It's after dark now, so there's not really going to be anything you can do until morning. If you have valuables, they will hold them for you at the inn. Tomorrow you can take care of all your business. Emyn is there waiting, and you can sit down to a nice meal. I don't think you can just go to the palace. Does anyone really have business with the Viscount? He's not really available just to say hi you know. Berenn saw him yesterday, and got lucky as he kind of went with Bishop Davers who had a meeting with the Viscount. Plus, Berenn is a full-fledged knight of the Viscounty now. For you guys, you don't just "pop in" on the ruler.
[I again lost the posts, but Berenn basically was looking to get his fief enlarged, that he could better handle looking after affairs around Nulb and the old temple. He does not want to see evil return, and sees rebuilding Nulb as the first step. The Viscount promised to give him aid. Berenn was given the title of Knight Commander of the Watchlands and the Viscount's pledged to eventually visit to Warden's Station. Berenn decides to spend the evening outside the city with Ra, since he hasn't seen his griffon in almost a month and there is no place in Verbobonc which can properly stable him. He will return early in the morning to help the party go about their business.]
Hepla takes a walk, and I'm sure Emyn will go with her. Cathedral Square is beautiful, as usual. Isilme goes along as well, and she finds that there is now a new statue of the Goddess Ellistraee there, having been moved from the Drow niche to that of the Seldarine. Isilme notes that the features are "all wrong."
The group at the temples learns of a big fire that swept through the Harvester's Theater (A4) a few weeks ago. There was some trouble associated with it, as the fire was set on purpose to cover up a murder. A group of adventurers helped out, saving a young child from the flames, and then tracked down the killer. Turned out to be an evil cult associated with the Wicked One (Iuz). They battled in the streets just a week ago, before vanquishing their foe. The people hereabouts now call them Harvester's Heroes. [just a short plug from my OLD pbem game, not necessarily anything to follow up on! I may post the transcripts from that game one of these days.]
Anyway, just wanted to fill you in on the news, as well as point out another of the city's features, this time the ruined theater.
Hepla also notes that there is no shrine to the Cat-Lord. She wants to visit the High Priest, Cornelius Arx, but finds they have to wait until tomorrow.
"Strange," Hepla mutters, "The high priest seems so open to the meny gods, they must not have heard of him, I will tell him tomorrow." She then will head back to the inn.
Isilme would rather stay the night at the Cathedral. She can put in her official requests to see the Viscount and High Priest the next day. The priests show her to a small sleeping chamber where visiting priests sometimes sleep. There she can rest. She is also brought food and drink, if she wishes.
***
Noot and Elrae:
Elrae gets a room, and you soon hear yelling from their room, followed by a crash. Elrae slips out, and the door slams behind him as he mutters. He sees Noot, leaving for a drink, and decides to join him.
Elrae and Noot go to the College Lane, Elrae having left his wife back in a nice room at the inn. It is a simple corner bar frequented by many students from the Academy of Farsight. It was a rather small, square establishment, with an L-shaped bar behind which a bookish looking man poured ale for a couple of youths, obviously students of the nearby academy. The bar itself was quite clean, with none of the standard muck and filth you usually associated with such places. At the corner of the bar was a small stage, elevated above the bar by a few steps, from which performers likely entertained. A handful of patrons sit calmly in the place, sipping their brews. One group in particular is a bit noisier. As they entered the doors, they could hear a lofty voice expounding on some obscure astronomical detail to the disinterested amusement of those nearby. Across the table sat a young man, quietly sipping from a mug of ale, his eyes glued on the silver necklace of a young student a few tables away. He caught a young mage's warning glance and smiled slightly before returning to his drink.
Next to them sat another priest, a relatively tall youth whose somewhat unkempt brown hair peaked out from under an old chapeaux. That, and the holy symbol dangling from his neck, clearly marked him as a priest of St Cuthbert. The priests were having some kind of discussion about the planes of existence or some such, and it seems that the only one really interested is the priest who is speaking. The rest of his party show mild amusement.
Elrae and Noot walk in and take a seat at an empty table, ordering ale from the young serving girl. She returns with an ale each, which Elrae downs in one gulp, before asking for another!
Noot and Elrae return to their rooms later. You hear Elrae knock on his door, but his wife says "Go away." He ends up having to go and get another room for himself, wondering What is the deal with women?
The folks they were drinking with were members of the Harvester's Heroes, a group of adventurers which helped to deal with the fire which burned down the Harvester's Theater. There was apparently a cult of Iuz behind a bunch of murders, and they are now relatively famous in town. The ones in the College Lane were Harlan, a priest of Celestian; Kagan, a priest of St. Cuthbert; and Floyd and Jeremey, two adventurers from Greyhawk. They spent the night talking of their adventures, and sharing a few rounds. When Elrae mentions his desire to buy an inn or something, he learns that it is quite possible that he could buy the Harvester's Theater and rebuild it.
[DM OOC: I am trying to do a lot of this as a big city role-playing opportunity, rather than just "you exchange your gems, check in at the temple, and return to Hommlet." As such, I'm not necessarily rushing any of the action. On the other hand, if people want certain things to move along, then I will do so. Those who aren't around will, necessarily, miss out on the chance to role-play. That said, only Noot and Elrae are still out and about, having an ale at the College Lane. If it's ok with everyone, I'll move on to the next day and just fill them in on how the night went.]
Moonday, 2rd of Reaping (CY 581)
It was quite warm overnight, and when you wake up it is already getting hot. High will be 104; low will be 87. The skies are clear, and there is no wind at all. People are generally going to be grumpy today due to the extreme heat.
Heplal starts the day with a bath and breakfast. Star has a small fish, if they don't serve mouse. She tips the bath maid a silver piece. The rooms here are about 10gp/night. You get many perks at that rate. Remember, this place is for visiting nobles and the VERY wealthy. Basic meals, which are very good, are included, though you can pay extra for almost anything you want. This is the "inn of all inns."
Thorgrim desires to do some shopping for any mundane items not to be found in Hommlet. He counsels Elrae, "Elrae, I see you're experiencing some strife within your relationship with your new wife. It is the way of all intelligent creatures. Be prepared for more of this as your relationship continues. It is well and good that you be the leader of your family. Your word should always be final. But a good leader rules by consensus. Otherwise, he is just another tyrant, of which this world already has a surplus. Perhaps you should've discussed this matter with her privately, before uprooting her from her home and family?"
Over breakfast, the party does learn a piece of world news:
"At the end of 579 CY [we started at the middle of 580], the Horned Society banded together with the lords of the bandit realms Warfields and Wormhall. With hobgoblin and mercenary armies supported by fell creatures and even devils, the vast host swarmed the northern and central territories, bypassing strongholds and laying waste to villages and farmsteads. Thousands of Shield Landers gathered at Axeport to halt the invasion, but their line was broken and their bodies thrown as fodder to inhuman beasts. Nearly all of the Shield Lands have now fallen, except for Critwall in the west, and a strip along the Artonsmay River where the armies of Urnst stepped in and halted the invaders which had been joined by other Bandit Kingdoms' troops. The victors have carved up the Shield Lands, dividing it into chaotic holdings ruled by bandits, goblinoids, and agents of the Horned Society."
Later, when the party is regrouped, he will discuss with them our next course of action.
"This news of resurgent humanoids ravaging human lands is very disturbing," he will say, "as is this cult of Tharizdun and other things Tenser told us of. I do not think we should involve ourselves in millitary affairs of state, even though it affects all of us. Perhaps we can help a bit, in our own way, when the time comes."
"Remember," says Hepla, "Tenser told us to keep the T stuff to ourselves. You're NOT supposed to use his name. That's why he has so many crazy epithets!"
Thorgrim also gets more details about the Shield Lands, which he recalls is where Urgal and the Deldukr were heading.
[Though many Knights of the Shield remained in Critwall, hundreds more spread to the good countries of the Flanaess, pleading with their leaders to send armies and aid to their fallen land. The gruff arrogance of the Shield Lands nobles had caused deeper rifts than anyone had imagined, however, and despite faint agreements that something must be done, little has come of the recruiting effort. The Shield Lander fleet rules the sea around Admundfort, and has been able to keep Critwall supplied. The Knights of Holy Shielding have been traveling the various lands from Veluna to Urnst, seeking to raise an army to reconquer their country. Only Furyondy has openly responded with enthusiasm, but the Lord Commander has rejected Furyondyian help, fearing that to let Furyondians into the Shield Lands would ultimate lead to their loss of independence. Thus, they struggle on, alone.]
Berenn finds the party early in the morning and greets them before going about his errands. He has a possible compromise for Elrae with the rebuilding of Nulb. He could build an inn there which would be closer to Hommlet which might make his bride more agreeable is the long distance move is part of the problem. After making this suggestion, Berenn looks for a taxidermist for the chimera and looks for labor (woodcutters, engineers, carpenters, masons, etc.) and men-at-arms for Warden's Station and Nulb. He also looks into some fine food and drink since he will be having a very important guest in the near future.
Isilme checks with Betham the sage on the spider-silk armor question, but he has found nothing useful there. "If the dark elves indeed create such things," he tells her, "they keep the secret very carefully." Since he's been paid in advance, he promises to keep searching for more information. His shop is also a rare book store. He caters mostly to the Consortium, Academy, or the very rich and nobles. Nobody else could really afford books. He will buy pretty much most of the books the party has found, the non-magical ones.
[DMO OOC: I'll have to roll up random values for them, so make a list if you want to get rid of some. You'll get an EXP bonus too! I ended up just using the old gem table from the 1st ed DMG.]
Isilme also asks Betham to help her research something while she is here (for a fee of course). She asks him to bring out some maps, and points out the area on the map
Markessa was pointing to. He has already researched those "rain of colorless fire" coins for us, and since she got them from Markessa, asks if this could be related?
He can answer that right away. "Yes," he says, "they are related. The coins were definitely of ancient Suel make, though they seemed untarnished by age which is strange. There is also a story about a lost Suel city in the Suss Forest."
Bentham pulls out some other books, including a huge atlas about 2' by 3'. In it he finds a map which matches the geographic area which Isilme saw. Although the details are different, she is able to come up with a pretty good idea where this city was.
As you can see, it's located inside the dangerous Suss Forest, about 100 miles north of Thunderstrike and maybe 50 miles into the forest. It seems to be in a generally swampy area. He doesn't know anything about that area. All he has is the map. The arrow points to where Isilme indicated the city was located.
Further, Bentham will give you what he knows of the Lost City of the Suss:
" Lost City of the Suloise
Tales and legends gather thickly beneath the eves of the Suss Forest. Reaching north from the Drachensgrab Hills of the Pomarj, this much feared woodland has long defined the marches of the Wild Coast and the olven realm of Celene. Of all the stories told of the Suss around the fires and hearths of the Flanaess, none so captures the imagination as that of the Lost City of the Suloise.
Somewhere deep within the forest, so the tale goes, stand the ruins of a marvelous city built by the Suloise after they fled the destruction of their homeland in the Rain of Colourless Fire. In that place, the exiled Suel sought to recreate the glory of the fallen imperium. From the funeral pyre of their empire, they carried many artifacts of wondrous power and hordes of gemstones so numerous that they were heaped in mounds. The city’s splendor was such that even the Celeni olve were said to have marveled and wondered aloud whether gods or men had wrought such works.
Then, just when the city’s might seemed unequalled, all tidings of it cease in the chronicles of man, olve and dwur. It was as though the very forest itself had come alive and swallowed it whole. Some say that the inhabitants had carried in their hearts the evil that had laid their empire low and that it consumed them and their great city as it had their homeland. Others whisper that the olve and dwur, jealous of the works of the Suel, fell upon the city and slew all within, carrying off its treasures to adorn their high palaces and deep halls. Whatever the truth, so complete was the city’s doom that not even its name is now remembered.
Tales of the Lost City have long fired the imagination of adventurers from across the Flanaess. However, though many have sought their fortune there, they have more often found their death. The fell reputation of the Suss is well earned. The forest is home to hordes of orcs, goblinkin, gnolls and kobolds, but even these savage creatures tread wearily in the Suss for more fearsome predators lurk in its thorn-choked tangles and noisome bogs. Ettercaps, susserus, gibberings and kech abound. Hangman trees, huge assassin vines, and other feral plants lie in wait for the unwary. The very trees of the forest, huge and blackened with age, seem to radiate malice towards any who dare to trespass beneath their boughs."
Finally, he shares what he found out about the coins:
"I had no idea the Empire was so different from our own modern culture.," he begins. "I have uncovered a currency conversion chart in a tome I borrowed from the Bankers Guild."
He leafs through some scrolls, before rolling one out. "Here it is. 1/5 mithril ember = 1 platinum ingot = 2 gold wheels = 20 silver rods = 100 amber chips = 200 perfume orbs."
He pushed the chart over to Isilme, as he continued. "The chart made little sense to me, because I did not understand the context. Further reading has revealed currency descriptions for the Suel Empire, at least in the latter years. The following coins were commonly referenced as embers, ingots, wheels, rods, chips and orbs."
He takes another scroll, and reads what he wrote. "Mithril Embers" were flat irregular coins, consisting of mithril metal and the reddish mineral cinnabar. The resulting appearance gave the coin a "hot coal" look, hence the name mithril "embers". The metals used to make these coins were mined by the Baklarran dwarves of what was then known as the Suel Halt mountains. The dwarves sold the Empire the mithril primarily due to the natural cinnabar taint. Because of the cinnabar infusion, the metal was unusable in weapons or other magical items. However, there was no more beautiful coin than the mithril ember. Markings on one side showed a griffon flying over the capital city Suendrako, the emperor's name, and the year of minting. The reverse of the coin had the flaming skull symbol of the god Wee Jas. This coin was usually preferred by aristocrats, mages, and dwarves."
"Now, here's the interesting part," he adds. "Platinum Ingots were thick flat rectangular rounded edged blocks of pure platinum, roughly equal to the size of 5 pp today. On one side was imprinted the year of minting beneath the Temple of the Magi. The reverse was engraved with an inverted ziggurat that had a barely distinct mauve glean to it. Platinum ingots were usually preferred by priests."
He looks up at you. "Now, there's the key. While the round coins you have found are not exactly the same, they yet have the exact same features, including the inverted ziggurat on the reverse, whatever that means. Still, other than being round, they are clearly of late Suloise make. Since you said you found them, nearly brand new, in the northern Pomarj, it stands to reason that the legends are, indeed, true."
Isilme only remembers one small tidbit of info from her own history. An old tale of the Ancient Flan wizard, Galap-Dreidel. In one source that she remembers from her earliest studies, the dark elves believed that he found his famed Soul Gem in a lost city in the Suss Forest.
Isilme thanks Betham, asking if he can make a copy of that map. He says yes, and she will get it before she leaves Verbobonc. Isilme will stop by the Guild of Carpenters, and the Guild of Stonemasons. She tells them of her plans to build a small temple compound in Hommlet and asks for their assistance or some direction in getting the project done, along with hiring the appropriate amount of men and skilled laborers (to complete the project in a reasonable amount of time.) Perhaps pay a few extra coin to send out criers to announce the available jobs? I am sure they know their business.
The Guild of Architects, Masons, and Carpenters is across the street from Betham's. This large building is finely crafted from stone (as one would expect). Inside, you find a handful of humans, gnomes, and dwarves, all going about the everyday business of running all the building work in the city. When you explain what you are looking for, they get quite excited about the prospect. Certainly, they will do what they can, for a fee of course. Plus, you have to agree that all building will be done without the benefit of magical aid. Currently, the guild is in a high profile, protest with the city hall. They are seeking to ban spell use in construction throughout the viscounty. Heavy use of spells has drastically reduced the demand for this guild (especially for ornamental works by the churches of the city which were done with Stone Shape, rather than skilled labor).
"Fear not good guildmasters," says Isilme. "I wanted no magic used in the construction, so we are in perfect agreement. Make the arrangements for my modest temple complex to be built and get the monthly price for the labor and we can get things started! This project is dear to my heart, and I must not delay."
Isilme remembering that Berenn was talking about hiring men to rebuild Nulb, will mention this to the guild as well since she figures he is busy looking for men at arms.
In fact, Berenn spendt the morning visiting the various inns and taverns. He found the Packard's Trough [B16], a notorious dive that caters to soldiers, and talks to the barkeep there. He passed a few coin, and got a sign posted looking for a few good men. While in the area, he marveled at the new Church of St. Cuthbert being built right in the heart of the Business District. He then continued on to Jala's Armoury and Weaponsmithy, doing the same thing again. Jala, a short man who has grown very podgy since he left the mercenary business, can be seen running around his shop, checking in on every process in his busines. He is impressed with Berenn, and offers to pay top-dollar for any weapons he may wish to sell. [He can share this info with the party]
He next heads back to the Guildhouse, where he runs into Isilme coming out. She takes him back inside, introducing him to the guildmen. When he informs them of the coming work in Nulb, they are very impressed. They knew that there was a new castle being built in Hommlet at the bequest of the Viscount, but they had no idea of the scale of work being done in the region. They will do their utmost to get the word out.
They walk out together, having both completed most of their errands for the morning. Isilme then heads off to the Cathedral for his meeting with High Priest Arx. Berenn heads for the Guild of Adventurers. He makes inquires at the guild and introduces himself as Sir Silverwood Knight Commander of the Watchlands. He is looking for men willing to join his garrison and protect the Watchlands.
***
Meanwhile the rest of the party has a fine meal downstairs, and you hear frolicking sounds from the back. You go over to the windows and look out into the courtyard, and there you see a remarkable sight. In the centre of the court, there is a large swimming pool. It is magically heated all year round, but cooled now on account of the heat wave. Great, carved pillars surround it, and servants can be seen bringing towels and beverages to guests who relax at pool-side.
You make a note to return and take a swim later, as the heat is already getting to you. After finishing breakfast, you head next door to the Banker's Guild. This location is home to the city’s bankers, moneylenders, etc. Although there is no ‘official’ bank in the city, there are many locations that will provide those services , like the Temple of Zilchus. The entire first floor is filled with tables of moneylenders shouting and arguing over rates. Other areas in the guild are strictly off limits to non-guild members (large, armoured guards are found throughout the building).
You are approached by a young gnome who notices you three (Thorgrim, Hepla, and Emyn) [Noot and Elrae are still asleep!] standing there looking out of place. He talks really fast, in that somewhat annoying gnomish way. "Soz," he says quickly, "youz looks ta be outta places herebouts, eh? What izit I cn help youz withs?" He sticks out a stubby arm, "Namez Mibert Wicketoggle."
Hepla, closest to his size, shakes his hand, making sure she has not losr any rings in the process. "We were here a little while ago and are looking for the fellow with whon we did buiseness before. Thank you for offering help. You are most kind." She looks for those who helped them before. I don't think we got any name.
"Hard sayin not knowin," he replies with a smile. "Youz looks outta place herez," he adds. "What izit Mibert can do fer yaz?"
Hepla, wishing Noot and his fast talking ability was present says, "First we want to look around to see if we recogniise anyone, if not we will be looking for a gem merchant."
"Gemz you sayz?" he asks. "Why didn't youz sayz so. I can helpz youz." He waves to back door, indicating for you to head there. Two guards stands outside the doorway, armed in full plate mail and with long swords, and they look like they know how to use them. "Come," says Mibert. "We do private buzinez back here."
[DM OOC: Incidentally, this is exactly where you went last time. Beyond the doorway are a series of private rooms where you may conduct business away from the crazy hubbub of the trading floor.]
Thorgrim opens his portable hole and unloads the gemstones.
"Mibert," he says, "we are looking for the very best price we can get for these gems. Do good by us, and you will be ensured of more and better deals to come, to the profit of us all." He pauses.
"Do poorly, and we shall surely take our business elsewhere. Our group travels far and wide, and we have many contacts and friends in distant lands. Be that as it is, we see the value and convenience of strengthening friendships and business relations closer to home. And I think you must see the mutual benefit, as well."
"As a friend, then, tell me: what is the best offer you can make us?"
Mibert is taken aback by the quantities, and before he can speak a man comes in carrying a scroll and inkwell. He too is astounded by the number of gemstones and fine jewelry. "I'll take care of this," he says. "You have two more guards watch the door, and then get back to your duties."
"Yes sir," he says, nodding. "Excuse me," he says to Thorgrim. "Mr. Sellstone will help you." He then hustles back out the door.
"Now," says the man, leaning over the table full of gemstones. "I am Jakel Sellstone, manager of the guild. It's a good thing I happened by," he continues. "This lot is beyond poor Mibert's abilities." He then settles down into a chair, sets up his inkwell and pen, and rolls out his scroll. "Now, let's see what we have here."
"It is quite the haul, I agree," Thorgrim says. "We are well-met, and I am pleased at both our meeting and the prospect of forging a strong business relationship...one that could even be alloyed by friendship. I hope that you have the resources available to recompense me and my party properly for our efforts...it was hard-won, at great cost of pain, and blood, and lives."
"You should know that we, the party whom I represent, are not adventuring neophytes, drunk on the power of newly-acquired magic and wealth, eager to offload our burden in exchange for currency to pay for drink, or whores, or debt, and engage in all forms of dissipation. We have patience, and we are free from desperation."
Thorgrim then re-states what he was just saying to Mibert.
"I also have a list..." he continues, "complete with a description of each and every gemstone and their potential value, compiled by the best appraiser we know. Of course I do not expect you to offer what they they may be sold for...there would be no profit in it for you. What I expect is a fair deal."
Thorgrim then sits back and waits for the merchant to make his appraisal and his bid. Hepla sits very quietly, with Star in her lap and watches the man do his job.
Jakel takes out a strange looking eyepiece, and settles in to look at the first gem. About the size of his palm, he picks up the stone and begins to look at it. "Never have I seen one so large as..." he begins, then sighs. "Oh my, what a shame." He holds it out, away from the lens, and turns it in the light. "See here, you can see it with the naked eye. It is cracked all along the axis."
Hepla looks at it, as if seeing it for the first time, though she was fully aware of the crack. "What do you think it worth?" she asks.
"Well, it is still the largest star sapphire I've ever seen," he replies, taking it back and looking at it more carefully. Turning it over and over, he finally sets it down. "Without the crack, there's no telling the price it could fetch. Kings would go to war over such a stone, and Queens...they would sell their souls to possess it." He shakes his head. "As it is, we'd be lucky to get five thousand for it. Rather, we'd break it up, along the crack line, and recut the whole thing. Maybe make half a dozen good stones, each worth about a thousand or so Furyondian wheatsheafs [that's the name of a Furyondian gold piece]."
He hands the stone to Hepla, then looks at Thorgrim, his face a mask of professional seriousness. "Satisfied?"
[As a side note, the whole task of fully appraising a stone takes about 10-15 minutes, according to the internet. My appraisal for EXP didn't actually entail Noot doing appraisals of all of them. I just needed amounts for EXP! Anyway, that's about 5/hour. With over 100 stones, you're looking at about 2 full days to appraise them all, unless he brings in more help. You can safely leave them here and they will send word to you at the Spruce Goose when the appraisals are completed.]
Hepla says,"I can see this is going to take a while and I have some other buisness in town. We have a list of what we just put before you. If you will look the list over and verify with your signature that you agree that is what we have put here before you we would then leave you to your work and return when it is time to agree on a price. Or have your scribe write up a list and we will double check it against our list. Sorry to be so cautious but those gems cost meny lives and we want a fair and honest deal. This is why we came to you, you treated us fairly last time."
"Fair enough," says Thorgrim. "We take our leave of you, then."
Hepla remains seated and says ," Like last time I am more then satisfied with both your ability and honesty but as you know good buisness demands carefull record keeping. Last time we exchanged lists and that is all I am asking for."
Another man comes in to assist in the appraising, while a third, a young apprentice, begins to create a couple lists, one for Hepla and one for the guild. It is very general, but he does his best. As soon as he's done, Mr. Sellstone, who Hepla learns is one of the Guild's leaders, signs it, and has Hepla sign it as well. He then gives her a copy while they hold on to theirs. With two people appraising, it will only take one day. They should be done by the evening.
She reads, checks, signs, invites her two compagions to sign, smiles, thanks him, shakes hands and excuses herself to go to the temple, if the other two are satisfied as well. The treasure is everyone's and she is just being careful. It is the same guy we dealt with before, and she feels she can trust him. Before leaving she will tell Mr. Sellstone that she loves Star Saphires but had noticed the flaw in the one he examined, she did not know how bad it was, but it was bad enough that she is willing to sell the stone.
***
Isilme heads over to the Cathedral of Trithereon, where she is met by Hyril of Safeton, the young man they rescued in the Pomarj. His hair yet remains unnaturally streaked with grey, due to his encounter with the ghost in the old fort.
"Isilme," he says, embracing her in a hug. "Well met!"
Isilme returns his hug. "Hyril! It is good to see you again! How goes your training? Do you want for anything? I would see you a success here, your bravery is without measure."
"All is well," he replies. "Thanks to you all, I have found purpose and place. You have my eternal thanks. What are you doing here? Last we met was in Thunderstrike, many months ago."
"I am back because the evil of the TOEE rose once again," she answers. "I am here to speak to Cornelius about the formation of the new church of my goddess, he is not only a trusted friend, but his wisdom and advice is without equal. I hope perhaps he will be willing to grant us a few Paladins for defense in some sort of mutual agreement. Perhaps you would be willing to be assigned to such a task? Having a trusted friend among ones Guardians is priceless. I, like you has been touched by the other side and seen things in a greater scope beyond myself."
"I think that is a splendid idea," says a familiar voice. Isilme turns and sees the High Priest approaching. Only then does Hyril let go of Isilme, as he turns and bows. "Your Grace," he says.
Arx nods back, "No need to stand on formality here," he says, fanning his arm in a sweeping arc. "Where can we relax our eternal vigil, if not here in our own house?" He then gives Isilme a short embrace. "So, you are founding a church?"
Isilme returns his embrace. "I would not be so bold as to say "I" am forming a church old friend. I have been chosen to lead its fighting order however. I come to you because you and your church were the only ones to accept me as I was with no question, and have guided me spiritually through these troubled times. There is much to discuss."
When they have a chance to sit down, She describes the final events in the TOEE and the events in Arvendor.
"I am hoping to negotiate with you a long standing mutual agreement between our churches of support and friendship. I want to request a few of your Paladins in our fledgling church, which once established we can one day reciprocate. I would ask that you visit Hommlet and see the lands touched by our goddess and meet with Lareth, the High Priest of our Goddess. Advise him as you have me, and perhaps introduce him in court. He is skilled in diplomacy and will need to take make his presence known as rightful leader of a church within the duchy if not at the very capitol itself. I know that an aspect of your god is vengeance, but we offer solace to ALL who would turn from their evil ways if they show true regret and a wish to make things right. So I want to ask that once within the lands of our church such pursuit is on hold. I know it is much to take in, and perhaps beyond my skills, but I am trying my best to make an earnest plea in this humble start. You have my vow we will always come to your aid and defense if need be, and will always be granted welcome and aid by our own."
She sighs. "I intend to go before the Viscount and request lordship over the island, and some of the land on both sides of the bank, or perhaps at least church autonomy from the lords where our lands are established. I forsee problems if I cant offer true legal protection to those who come to us seeking to change their ways. Perhaps you could come to support or give me advice on how to approach this?"
He agrees to all she says about mutual aid and defense. He also says that he shall assign Hyril to aid her. He shall answer to Emyn Frel, his superior and mentor; however, he shall be at Isilme's disposal as needed.
"Surely, you have come far yourself," he says. "You too were encumbered by many things, including vengeance. It is not so easy to throw them off."
He wipes the sweat from his brow, muttering something about the heat. "Yes, I believe a trip IS in order. Perhaps once the weather relents a bit. I should certainly enjoy seeing what you are accomplishing, my child."
As for the Viscount, he advises that she will not get lordship, even over her little island. "It is not his way," he continues, "to allow such autonomy amongst the churches. In other realms, especially Furyondy, it has led to many problems. The Viscount retains all authority in his own person, delegated throughout the lands by means of his subordinates. The lord of Hommlet and its environs is Sir Rufus, and ultimately, he speaks for the Viscount too. However, the right of sanctuary is recognized by the Viscount, who without very good reason would not infringe upon church lands, interfere with church law, or otherwise intervene in church business."
"Then perhaps it is better to not approach the Viscount at all then," she replies. "I will let Lareth make his introduction to the court and represent the church as it should be. Hopefully with your guidance he can navigate the politics here with success. I did not realize Sanctuary was a respected law within the Viscounty. He has granted me domain over drow within his lands, and a say in their disposition. I would not stretch such generosity for no reason."
As they walk, she continues, "Thank you for assigning Hyril, his help will be of great value. Most of his responsibility will be guarding Lareth and the church grounds. He can also check over all those we will need to employ for so many projects. In this, his ability to sense evil is invaluable. I truly hope this will be an eternal friendship between our churches, made possible by what seemed a simple priest, willing to listen and give support and guidance to a wayward drow who wandered into his temple" She smiles an gives him a kiss on the cheek. "Best not to keep you from your duties Corneilus, thank you for your time, and I look forward to you visiting our Hallowed grounds and meeting with Lareth."
Isilme then takes her leave and heads off to Clotho's clothes. She asks to speak with him and tells him "I am looking for some very particular and rare boots, and I also have some of my own to trade in exchange should you find them. I also would like to speak with you regarding some textile trade, I have some unique material you may be interested in. Also I would like to discuss some clothing armor I am trying to develop."
"Of course," replies Clotho with a broad smile. "I am always interested in textiles, and acquiring new materials is always something I enjoy, especially if they are rare." He leads you to a large desk and motions for you to have a seat before it, as he sits behind it in a tall-backed chair. "So, what do you have in mind?"
"Well good sir," she replies, "I was hoping you could check with your contacts about a set of some rare boots that allow to you fly. Should you find them, I am willing to sell a pair of boots that allow you to levitate as part of the transaction."
"As to the material, its spider silk". She hands him her "darksuit" made of spider silk and tells him of all its wonderful properties and capabilities. "I am capable of arranging the production of either clothing or raw bolts or special orders to suit your needs. It can be woven into delicate patterns, even in colors of gold on rare occasions. Are you interested?"
"Which brings me finally to my own project, an attempt to weave this material into a defensive armor. I see you have mastered it with other ordinary materials. I have heard tales of the drow doing so and making armor of incredible strength. I have a sage researching it, but was thinking perhaps this is one of the times when it is better to consult a master of the actual craft who works "hands on". Do you have any ideas or contacts that may help me in this?"
He doesn't, but he will look into what you ask. He knows about the Spider Farm; it has produced some excellent fabrics in the past. Anyway, he'll look into things for her.
***
Berenn heads to the Adventurer's Guild. It is across the street from the Church of Pelor (B20), and is the second building on the street, the tall one with crennellated rooftop. This small guild has only recently (1 week ago) opened, but due the increasingly large influx of adventurers in this region, it has had overwhelming response. The building opens into a lavish den, complete with thick, padded chairs and foot rests, crackling fireplaces, and large bookshelves. The initial impression is that this small guild is trying very hard to copy the more successful guilds of cities like Greyhawk. An entire side of the entry room is devoted to a large map of the Verbobonc region.
Upon entering, you are greeted by a young man with an easy smile and a booming voice. "Welcome," he says, extending a hand. "Floyd's my name."
"And I am Jeremy," says another young voice from across the room. Entering through a doorway is another young man, this one in modest robes. Seeing no holy symbol, Berenn can only assume him a wizard of some sort. As if on cue, he continued, "Mage extraordinaire of Greyhawk!"
"Greeting Floyd and Jeremy, My name is Sir Berenn Silverwood Knight Commander of the Watchlands and I am seeking men-at-arms to join my garrison to defend my lands against what evils which may attempt to oppress it. I was hoping there might be some interested persons here or the guild might be able to point me in the right direction. This guild is relatively new, perhaps we could be beneficial to each other."
They great you quite happily. "Excellent," we have just what you need," says Jeremy.
"If you have things covered," says Floyd, "I'll get back to my work." He nods to Berenn as he retires.
He leads Berenn over to the center of the room, where Berenn notices the central feature of the guild; the central pillar of the building is also a large message pole. All manner of notices, messages, reminders, and ‘help wanted’ signs may pinned to this wooden pole. Currently, it is empty.
"Eventually, we expect it to be full," says Jeremy. "Anyway, this is what you're looking for," he adds, and points to a pole. "We can post your wanted signs here, for all to see."
Berenn writes a note regarding his request for men-at-arms and he will be in Verbobonc for the next few days and afterwards you can apply at Warden's Station and provides directions. He turns to Jeremy, "Your guild seems to be in need of members, let me pledge my membership and pay a year's dues in advance." He hands Jeremy 120gp.
Jeremy almost drops it. "Wow, ALRIGHT!" He's very excited, then he gets ahold of himself. "I mean, that you, Sir Berenn."
"Just make sure the word gets out and those interested in gainful employment are sent my way," he says. "I will return here every morning for the next few days to see if anyone has shown interest and afterwards, they may inquire at Warden's Station."
He also arranges with the guild to have the chimera stuffed.
***
Later that day, Emyn presents Hepla with a small gift at her coming. A charm bracelet made of silver. There are three charms on it. A crescent moon, a spoon and an onyx cat. There is room for many more charms. He also says, "Perhaps I can help us establish a shrine to the Cat Lord. Does the god have a different name that might also be known?"
Hepla looks at the charm bracelet and leeps into Emyn's arms thanking and kissing him. "It beautiful, thank you love."
Emyn is glad to know Hepla is pleased with the gift and he sets off with her to the Cathedral to talk about getting a shrine for her god as well as to see if the leader of his church has any news of import he might share.
When the others go to the cathedral, they find that the High Priest is too busy to meet them today. However, Emyn is asked to talk to his superiors, to fill them in on what he has been doing. Hepla talks to another priest about the Cat Lord, but he has never heard of him. He calls in a couple more priests, and they are all stumped. "You sure you didn't dream it?" they ask.
Emyn says, "I swear by Holy Trithereon that her words are the truth. I have never known Hepla to speak falsely. If she says the Cat Lord exists, then he does. I have, with the aid of magic, spoken with one of his minions, a particularly remarkable cat named Star."
"Well, that certainly is interesting," says one of the priests.
"We will have to research this," says another.
***
So, many details were handled, and the party eventually finds itself back together at the inn for a lunch feast.
***
While at the Adventurer's Guild, Berenn found out that the best place to check on the Chimera stuffing is Segemm's Store of Collectibles. He is given directions, and finds that he has walked by it twice today. It is on the corner of Cathedral Square. He eventually heads t here.
[A6 Segemm’s Store of Collectibles: A long known family in the Verbobonc region, the Segemm’s have established themselves as the foremost collectors in the High Quarter (or debatably the city). Based on the utmost integrity in dealings, and one of the largest collections of rare goods in this region, this store is a ‘must’ for those searching or selling exotic or rare goods. Befitting its neighbourhood, the atmosphere of the store is of ‘posh’ old-world wealth. Expensive rugs from Keoland line the floors, rare artwork from Nyrond adorns the walls, and all manner of antiques fill the various rooms in the shop. Huge stuffed creatures stand in corners, which makes Berenn feel he has come to the right place. One gets the feeling that they have just entered a library or museum. Looking at the price tags, and the snooty staff, patrons fear that they will accidentally bump into the fragile, crowded antiques and break something.]
A thin, middle-aged gentleman with sharply trimmed goatee, stylish hair, and very spiffy clothes approaches Berenn.
"Ah," he says, "you look like a man who knows what he wants. I am Rollo, head clerk for Seggemm's." He waves his hands in a large circle, indicated the entire floor and pointing at the stairs. "We have three floors, all like this. So, what is it we can do for you young man?"
"I am actually in need of your services," Berenn goes outside and returns carting in the chimera, "I need this to look beautiful once more like it did in life."
[DM OOC: I guess you have to go and get it from Thorgrim? You can find him at the Inn, and he can go back with you to the store. ]
When they see it, they are amazed. The other clerks come over, and they all look at it in awe. They will absolutely be able to do what you wish. The cost is going to be expensive, in the neighborhood of 2500gp, as it is a LOT of work to do something like this. However, you are guaranteed to have something absolutely unique.
Berenn agrees and asks what they require as a deposit.
Just the chimera. "Oh, this marvelous creature is deposit enough!" he exclaims.
"And when should I expect a completed product?" Berenn asks before leaving them to their task.
"About 6 months," they say.
Berenn has finished his business so he will make his way to the ruins and hunt with Ra before bedding down for the evening.
***
Hepla and Isilme may go and meet with Lady Elysia now. It's going to be late afternoon, early evening, and a page from the castle shows up to bring them. They shall be dining with her. Hepla will wear her Spider silk dress and gold and star saphire pendant. Isilme will wear her yellow/gold colored spider silk dress for her visit and will appear as full drow in respect.
When Hepla and Isilme get to the castle, they are provided with horses from the royal stables, and a groom to handle them. Then you are escorted out of the castle. Your route takes you passed the Monastery of the Reverent Brothers, winds down through the edge of Gnomesburg, along the edge of Nigb's Run. You cross over the Run at the bridge where Clotho's stores are located, and then turn left, through a narrow ally, before exiting into some gardens. You continue down the path alongside the river, until you reach a tower with a postern gate.
Two guards man the gate, and they seem to know who you are. They doff their caps, bowing their heads as the open the gate for you. You head through the gate, and you find yourselves in a private, enclosed garden area alongside the river. It forms a large pond, with a beautiful waterfall on the opposite side. [In case you don't realize it, you are at the Pond of the Heart, H6]. The grooms lead your horses over and tether them next to another. A couple of large blankets are laid out upon the soft grass under the shade of a large elm, and as they help you from your horses, you heart splashing sounds from the water. Looking over, you see Lady Elysia swimming in the cool water.
"Does she like for others to join her in the water or should we wait?" asks Hepla. "And if she likes us to join does she require swiming clothes or does she like to swim naked?"
Lady Elysia laughs from the water, "Come and join me. You must be terribly hot today!"
Isilme will join her. Naked as the day she was born. No shame. Hepla giggles, strips off her clothes, and dives in! Reminds me of the scene from "O Brother Where Art Thou?"
After the girls get done swimming, they come out of the water and settle down on the blanket for a very nice meal. Mostly it is freshly picked fruit, which really tastes good on such a hot day. While eating, they share with Lady Elysia the spider silk clothes. She is fascinated and says that she absolutely has to have some herself. She especially likes the yellow silk dress.
Hepla tells her where the farm is but lets her know that their invintory is small so she should not tell others about it till she gets some herself. That should mean that the location will be known by every fashonista in no time. Hepla will ask to see her dad.
She has only heard rumors of this spider farm. She is good friends with Paloma, daughter of Sir Jugalis, Lord of Etterboek. She will speak with her about this farm. As for her father, the Viscount, he seems pretty busy right now. Envoys from the Shield Lands have reached even here, and he has been in talks with the lords of Furyondy and Dyvers about the troubles. In fact, he's leaving in a couple of days for another meeting, this one in Willip. King Belvor has requested the presence of all his vassals and allies to discuss a major expedition to retake the lost lands once and for all.
"He probably will not have much time for talks with women," she says. "What is it you need?" she asks.
"The possible addition of a small piece of land to Lord Berenn's holdings.
"Another?" she asks. "What land? He has already laid claim to the area around Nulb, these Watchlands. Is this the land of which you speak?"
"No, my lady, this is in the Kron Hills," Hepla replies, near Castle Hagthar.
"You will have to see my father about that," she replies.
Just before it gets dark, the girls return with Lady Elysia to the castle. They find their father out in the yard, speaking with some of his men. She calls to him, and he waves the men away, approaching you.
"Did you enjoy yourselves?" he asks?
"Oh yes father," she replies. "A swim was just what we needed to escape this oppressive heat."
"Yes," he replies. "It IS unseasonably warm."
He looks down at Isilme and Hepla with a genuinely warm smile and offers a simple bow. "My ladies," he says in greeting.
"Father," says Lady Elysia. "If you have but a moment, Lady Hepla would speak with you."
He looks from Elysia to Hepla and smiles. "I'm sure it will be more fun than the coming meeting in Willip." He sighs. "Certainly, what can I do for you?" he asks.
"My lord, thank you for seeing me," says Hepla. "I have recently acquired a tower in the Kron Hills (she tells him on whose lands and about where it is). I call it Cat's Claw. I believe it is outside your lands, but is in an area that seems to have no overlord. I wonder if I have done wrong acquiring it and what would be necessary for you to become the overlord there. I know you are off to see the king so maybe this is a fortunate time if it would take his permission for you to absorb these lands. Then the tower would come under your jurisdiction. The local lord is a delightful old gentleman with no children but many relatives ready to try to inherit the castle."
He smiles, looking at Elysia who almost laughs too.
"Seems titles are cheap these days," he laughs. "Yes, I know the area. I have not been there in decades, but I do know it. Very well. We shall dispense with the formal vows, for now. I shall have a deed to Cat's Claw Tower? made up for you, to go along with your...title."
"That would be wonderful," replies Hepla. "You have already made me a Lady and I mearly wished to increase you lands but if you wish to deed me the lands I am your humble servant."
"But be warned," he adds. "The lands beyond those mountains are haunted."
"WOW she says, not really hearing that last part.
The Viscount excuses himself, as he has a lot to do. He promises to try and make his way out to this Cat's Claw Tower. "Perhaps later in the year," he adds. "When I make my trip through the Viscounty."
He then leaves. Nobody really has anything going on. Haven't heard from Noot and Elrae, so they just relaxed by the pool all day, it being so hot and all. You go to sleep, and can wake up in the morning, anxious to go about another day.
Part 2
Visit to Verbobonc 25/244
Godsday, 4 Reaping (581 CY)
That night it never drops below 87*. You awake in the morning to another hot day. A very slight breeze will blow all day (3mp) but not enough to really make much of an impact. Some wispy clouds float along, very high in the sky. It will be another scorcher (102/88). [That's the high/low.] You all wake up and go downstairs for a nice breakfast of eggs, sausage, and fruit.
Emyn says, "I wonder what is causing this unnaturally hot weather?"
Berenn will check in early in the morning before visiting the Adventurers Guild and the inns where he has posted notices to see if there were any inquiries. He will cast Endure Heat on Ra so the griffon can comfortably hunt during the day.
The party then sets about dealing with their money and such. They had a total of 164,000gp value for everything. A pretty good haul! In reality, they could all retire for the rest of their lives in peace and tranquility, but they are adventurers!
Hepla tells everyone about the deed to Cat's Claw Tower, obviously excited.
"You've done well for yourself, child," says Thorgrim. "Barely a woman's girth, and already you are landed and titled. Your stature belies your power." He looks around to make sure they are not being observed. "It will be good to get back to Hommlet and distribute our party's wealth. My Portable Hole is filled to bursting. It makes me nervous to carry the ransom of ten kings around on my person."
The Viscount leaves today, riding down to Riverton with a large contingent. You go along, to watch, and you see a large warship flying the banners of Furyondy. The Viscount and his retainers board the ship, which nearly immediately sets forth down the Velverdyva River.
Everyone then leaves to see Cornelius Arx. Hepla thanks him for seeig her and mentions that she looked for a shrine to the Cat Lord and found none. It was disappointing.
"I'm sorry, my dear," he says. "I have no knowledge of this...Cat Lord?"
She is stunned and tells him something of her encounters with the Cat Lord. She even polymorphs into him so he can see what he looks like. "Maybe you know him by another name?" she asks. My friend Emyn wants to donate to have a shrine built or at least a statue. Is that possible? Please, please."
He laughs as Hepla changes forms. "Well, you certainly have grown in power," he says. "As your heart is pure, your word is good enough." He then looks at her carefully, examining the Cat Lord's form. "And if you do not mind posing for a sculpture?" he adds with a smile.
"Of course not," she says laughing.
"Excellent," he says. "How about tomorrow?"
After Hepla agrees, he then muses. "I wonder where we shall place him," he says, almost to himself. Deep in thought, he bids you farewell [assuming you have no other business with the High Priest of the Church of Trithereon?] and he walks away.
The only thing Emyn brings up is that he thinks there may be a chance of building a temple to Trithereon in Nulb and he is willing to assist with the cost.
He also will ask if there is anything that the Church might need doing that could be accomplishde by the party. The church has nothing for Emyn. He's earned a bit of a rest! They like the idea
Last edited by ragnar on Tue Apr 01, 2014 5:32 am; edited 1 time in total
I wanted to finish this up, and I reposted some of what I put with the last one, just to keep continuity. Enjoy!
Godsday, 4 Reaping (581 CY)
That night it never drops below 87*. You awake in the morning to another hot day. A very slight breeze will blow all day (3mp) but not enough to really make much of an impact. Some wispy clouds float along, very high in the sky. It will be another scorcher (102/88). [That's the high/low.] You all wake up and go downstairs for a nice breakfast of eggs, sausage, and fruit.
Emyn says, "I wonder what is causing this unnaturally hot weather?"
Berenn will check in early in the morning before visiting the Adventurers Guild and the inns where he has posted notices to see if there were any inquiries. He will cast Endure Heat on Ra so the griffon can comfortably hunt during the day.
The party then sets about dealing with their money and such. They had a total of 164,000gp value for everything. A pretty good haul! In reality, they could all retire for the rest of their lives in peace and tranquility, but they are adventurers!
Hepla tells everyone about the deed to Cat's Claw Tower, obviously excited.
"You've done well for yourself, child," says Thorgrim. "Barely a woman's girth, and already you are landed and titled. Your stature belies your power." He looks around to make sure they are not being observed. "It will be good to get back to Hommlet and distribute our party's wealth. My Portable Hole is filled to bursting. It makes me nervous to carry the ransom of ten kings around on my person."
The Viscount leaves today, riding down to Riverton with a large contingent. You go along, to watch, and you see a large warship flying the banners of Furyondy. The Viscount and his retainers board the ship, which nearly immediately sets forth down the Velverdyva River.
Everyone then leaves to see Cornelius Arx. Hepla thanks him for seeig her and mentions that she looked for a shrine to the Cat Lord and found none. It was disappointing.
"I'm sorry, my dear," he says. "I have no knowledge of this...Cat Lord?"
She is stunned and tells him something of her encounters with the Cat Lord. She even polymorphs into him so he can see what he looks like. "Maybe you know him by another name?" she asks. My friend Emyn wants to donate to have a shrine built or at least a statue. Is that possible? Please, please."
He laughs as Hepla changes forms. "Well, you certainly have grown in power," he says. "As your heart is pure, your word is good enough." He then looks at her carefully, examining the Cat Lord's form. "And if you do not mind posing for a sculpture?" he adds with a smile.
"Of course not," she says laughing.
"Excellent," he says. "How about tomorrow?"
After Hepla agrees, he then muses. "I wonder where we shall place him," he says, almost to himself. Deep in thought, he bids you farewell [assuming you have no other business with the High Priest of the Church of Trithereon?] and he walks away.
The only thing Emyn brings up is that he thinks there may be a chance of building a temple to Trithereon in Nulb and he is willing to assist with the cost.
He also will ask if there is anything that the Church might need doing that could be accomplishde by the party. The church has nothing for Emyn. He's earned a bit of a rest! The like the idea of opening a temple of Trithereon in Nulb though.
Emyn thanks the high priest and will accompany Hepla where she would wish to go. He will also offer to take her on a tour of Verbobonc, since he comes from here originally. He'll also show her where he lived, and his family died.
You are basically done now. If you wait around a day, you can get your staff which will be ready. You'll need a few more days for the wand of Identify.
***
Berenn will spend the rest of the day putting out the word he is looking for a sage for Warden's Station and will head to Hindsight once night falls. He heard about it in conversation sometime during the day. Hindsight (also known as ‘Shady’s” by the locals) is a little-known store located at the base of an ipt tree in the elven district. The owner, only known as ‘Shady’, is an unpopular, loner elf. Her dark shop is the frequent topic of gossip among the locals. She is never seen emerging from his shop during the daylight hours, and indeed, the shop is only open after nightfall. There is a Shrine to Istus (N goddess of Fate, Destiny, Divination, Future, and Honesty) located in a prominent spot, which is available to worshipers. Shady offers her regular divinations at normal rates, and claims to be able to tell the future, though those at the Silver Consortium do not believe any of it. If the place is open, Berenn will open and take a look around. He will be slightly on guard, but not enough to draw attention.
Berenn finds his way to Hindsight that evening. He enters the shop at ground level, into the base of the tree. There is a small shrine to Istus, Our Lady of Fate there, and a passage heading down, dug right through the tree's massive roots. You can smell incense, it's smoke slowly rising up from wherever the dirty passage leads.
A maze of small caves, and passageways line the base of this tree and make up the shop. The walls are thick with growing roots, cobwebs, and all manner of crawling and slithering insects. Bone wind chimes, skulls, skins, candles, and all manner of mystic symbols decorate the dark, cramped chambers.
You hear a voice from the shadows ahead, "Who is it, seeks the Shade of Istus?" You can't see into the darkness, as there are just enough candles to stop your infravision.
"I am Sir Berenn Silverwood, Knight Commander of the Watchlands. There is no need to hide from me. I have heard of your powers and wish to pay to see if they may provide me with guidance."
Light appears in the far chamber, and you see an old woman, sitting back behind a desk made of living tree roots. "Come," she says, waving a hand with fingernails about 6" long. "Sit."
Berenn comes in and takes the seat offered to him. "I have never been to a place like this before, I am not sure exactly how this works, please pardon my ignorance."
"Ignorance is why people come to me," she says. "Of their past, their present, even their future."
"I am not so interested in the past, as I am interested in the present and future."
"Then sit down young man," she says, pointing to a chair of roots that Berenn could swear wasn't there a moment ago. "Tell me what it is you wish to know."
"First question," he begins. "There are 2 prisoners currently being held at Warden's Station, would sparing their lives cause me any problems now or in the future?"
She holds out her hand, then points a boney digit at a metal box with a coin slot in the top.
Berenn put 50gp in the metal box. "I hope this sufficient start."
The lights go out, wherever they actually came from. You never saw a light source. You hear a whip of cloth, and then a glowing crystal ball illuminates the small room. She starts to speak in a strange tongue, her eyes rolled back in her head and close as she bobs back and forth. Her eyes suddenly open, and she looks directly at Berenn.
"My sources say yes," she says in a strange monotone voice. "It's a hell of a thing, killing a man. Take away all he's got and all he's ever gonna have. But the real question is, what of yours does he take with him?"
"Just as I feared," he replies. "I have seen enough killing for two life times. Next question: Will the Watchlands and Warden's Station prosper under my rule?"
"As the ground shakes, so shall it heal," she says cryptically. "The lands will prosper under a watchful eye."
Hepla arrives about this time. Emyn is with Hepla, clunking along in his armor. Berenn hears her voice echo through the dark underground tunnels. "Hello?" she calls. "Berenn?"
Hepla would get as far as seeing them together, stop and say, "Oh sorry, we will wait at the front of the shop. Lovely incense there." Then they will back off to give Berenn privacy.
The last reading brings a smile to Berenn's face, "The young lady attached to the voice outside is a friend, I am sure she will treat you with the same respect. I will take my leave and I thank you for your time." Berenn gets up, bows and leaves.
You hear a giggle then"Emyn, you naughty boy, where did you learn to do that." Hepla jumps up quicly when Berenn enters. "I hope you had a good time in there. The incense out here is, quite stimulating. How much should I pay her for a question I want answered?" She then will enter and say,"Hi, I am Hepla, daughter of Hepala."
"I gave her 50gp for 2 questions and she seemed happy with the donation, but she never specified an amount," says Berenn. "Have a good evening both of you." Berenn will return to the ruins for the rest of the evening.
Emyn asks Hepla if she wants him to go with her or not, as the questions she has might be private in nature.
"Come if you wish," she replies.
Emyn accompanies Hepla to see the seer. She smiles when she sees the two. "Ah, it is long since I have seen True Love. "true love is the greatest thing in the world. Except for a nice MLT, a mutton, lettuce and tomato sandwich, where the mutton is nice and lean and the tomato is ripe. They're so perky, I love that."
Hepla bows deeply and says, "I understand you can answer questions that others find difficult to answer, may I ask one?"
Emyn whispers into Hepla's ear, "Ask how she might break Hepala's curse."
She shakes her head, paying the 50gp. "I will not ask that. Mom knows that she would either have to kill me or her mom, by her own hand and she will not do that."
Emyn will ask, if permitted, "Which path to adventure should I pursue forward?"
"There is no greater path than that of true love," she says. "And none fraught with such peril."
Hepla thanks the seer and says, "I figured his pursuit of me was a great adventure. Thank you for your time." They leave and walk, hand in hand, back to the inn.
Back at the inn, Thorgrim whittles a figure of the Cat Lord, based on the description he's been given. He shows it to Hepla. "How's that?" he begins.
"You should learn Stone to Flesh," he says. "Seeing all the times we've faced petrification. It also can make a handy exit from a room, in times of great danger. Its reverse is...problematic. Though even more useful, some would argue."
He is thinking about his Potion of Mirrored Eyes. "Tomorrow, after I pick up some tools, I need to track down some potions ingredients and keep my promise to Lyseios. Actually, the Silver Consortium is really our best bet, if not our best deal. I suppose I may accompany you, so you may pay your debt? I don't know if they control the Apothecaries, or if they yet remain autonomous. I really don't care. I tire of this city."
He gets out his new pipe, and lights it. "I'm not leaving here without some troll's flesh, and some troll's blood...vile creatures...malevolent wizards..." His muttering fades away.
Hepla says,"Thorgrim, I am always amazed at the skill of a dwarf, you are a great example of that skill, it is just as I described him, great work and so lifelike."
"I was forced to leave my home before I was apprenticed," Thorgrim says. "As a benefit of my travels, I was able to pick up bits and pieces of craftsmanship. Nothing like the skill of my brethren, who worked mostly in stone, and steel. As for myself, I turned to more..." He fingers his holy symbol. "...Ecclesiastical matters. It was also a priest who taught me the art of battle, and I thank Clanggedin for that."
"We are agreed to meet back here at the inn at noon tomorrow. Good night." Thorgrim doffs his armor and thanks Clanggedin and goes to sleep.
She gives him a kiss on the top of his head, "For a good night's sleep."
Waterday, 5 Reaping (581 CY)
You wake up the next day, and you realize that you don't have any more errands that need done. You spend the day relaxing around the pool at the inn, never imagining that you could have it so easy. The water is cool, which is a true godsend on another hot day, this one also well over 100! When you ask how they keep it cool and clear, they just smile.
"Trade secrets," they say.
You also are treated to chilled wine, which is another rarity. It seems that the Spruce Goose really lives up to its reputation.
***
Berenn goes to court, but receives a pretty cool reception from the other nobles present. He hears little snippets, words such as "half-breed" and "peasant" drift by. He ignores them stoically as he pays his respects to the Lady Elysia. She whispers to him, "Don't worry about this fools. They are jealous of your rapid rise. Perhaps, I shall travel with my father next month to see you." She then kisses him lightly on the cheek, causing a ripple of whispered exclamations through those present. "Plus, I would truly love to fly with you and these griffons I've heard so much about."
She then gives Berenn leave to depart.
***
Hepla and Isilme do spend part of the morning at the Cathedral, using Polymorph Self spells to help the artisans. When they are satisfied, the two return to the inn to relax. The sight of a dark elf swimming in the pool is too much for most of the guests, and they get up and leave. Only a man and woman stay, seemingly unconcerned as they keep cool in the fresh waters.
***
Thorgrim also goes to the Trader's Market and finishes getting everything he needs. Similar to the Mercantile Exchange, this is large building with a crowded central square. But unlike the Exchange, much of the goods traded are open to the public and sold in less quantities. Traders show their wares and compete with other merchants, all of whom are screaming, and haggling. This area can get so busy and crowded that many of the venders spill out into the open-air market. The row of buildings between the Chapel of Rudd and the Mercantile Exchange are all full of venders and buyers, selling their goods and haggling for a deal. Stalls fill the plaza and the surrounding alleys, as many of the cheaper peddlers sell their wares as well.
Basic rules are as follows. Pretty much any item in the PH can be found, for it's listed price. Time to find is 15 minutes/item. Rare items (i.e. anything from the other "standard" source books, like the Guide books, take 1/2 hour to find. Prices are as listed. So, he can pretty much find all the mundane items, though it takes most of the morning.
***
Emyn will spend some time with Hyril, teaching him religion and swordplay, since it seems he will be coming along with us. He also says (and make sure Isilme hears) that if she should speak a request to him that he should perform it unless it violates the tenets of our religion or honour and when in doubt, ask Emyn. He also tells him not to try and protect her, since she tends to run off on her own without warning or a way to track her and chansing after her could get the man killed."
Hyril thanks Emyn, but tells him that he has VERY SPECIFIC orders. He is to be the guardian for the new Temple of Ellistraee in Hommlet, until such time as this new faith grows and can raise its own protectors. Emyn is to be his immediate superior, but he doesn't really answer to him. He will ultimately answer to Isilme and Lareth. He will not be going adventuring or anything like that. He will stay at the new temple as its protector, for now.
Emyn tells Hyril that if he has those orders he should follow them. "I'll say something nice at your funeral," he adds.
Hyril looks strangely at Emyn, not understanding the man's hostility or his dark prediction.
[Isilme OOC: Funny stuff, considering Emyn was the first to die and Hyril said something nice at his funeral.]
"Hyril," says Emyn, "perhaps I should explain myself. Isilme is a good person and I value her friendship but she has a tendency to ask for protection and then behave rashly, which many endanger you. You will often times find she simply disappears for long periods of time without warning. During those times, do not pursue her, for she is going to places to dangerous for you, wher eyou would surely die. And I would remind you of your faith. Elistraee is a goodly god but is but a candle to Trithereon's vengeance. I plan to help build a church to Trithereon in Nulb and, if the High Priest is willing, I would see you do service there once it is ready."
Hyril nods. "That may or may not be," he says. "As Trithereon wills. For now, my duty is clear, and that is to act as protector for this new sanctuary in Hommlet. We shall see what the future may bring."
***
Finally, Hepla meets with Lady Elysia one last time. She gives her a letter for the Lady Paloma of Etterboek. "Please, My Dear," deliver this for me on your return home?"
Hepla agrees, and the party prepares to leave for home the next day.
They reach Etterboek the next day, and that night you meet with Lady Paloma. In fact, she invites you to her villa on a small hill above the Nigb Run. You spend a lovely evening with her, learning that she is very close to the Lady Elysia. Her father, Sir Winston, is not so likeable. Of course, he's old, but he is just somewhat crotchety. He thinks everyone just wants something from him, while he just wants to be left alone. Lady Paloma actually runs the lands in his name. She is well-loved by the townsfolk for her kindness and genuine concern for their welfare, and she can often be found visiting the sick or injured.
She also says that she knows little about the spider farm, having always been reluctant to go there. She doesn't like spiders. However, the letter from Lady Elysia asked her to look at your dresses, and then to go investigate it herself. It seems the Lady Elysia sees quite the potential for a lucrative business there, and would like her friend, and the Lady of this area, to check it out.
The next day, the party returns to Hommlet, where they will meet the next new members of their party....
[Background: Altan Qorchi hails from the Plains of the Paynims . He was born in one of the many nomadic tribes that wander from the Plains to Western Ket. His ancestors as far as anyone can remember were always archers of the highest skill. His father , a hard task master , insisted on hours and hours of archery and sword practice every day. This training began at a very young age and continued until he reached the age of 15 where he was then considered an adult. He then was given a horse and weapons and when the tribe migrated to Ket during the dry season he joined the Ket military as a mercenary. What followed was 10 years of extremely difficult service. During this time he became stronger and more skilled with all his weapons. His prowess with a bow became something others talked about around the campfires at night. Greatly respected by his superiors he received the best of weapons , horses and equipment. Seeking more out of life than the harsh life of a mercenary he said farewell to the Ket military and began wandering the world in search of a higher purpose . ]
[DM OOC: Altan was created using the Archer NPC class from Dragon Magazine. So, as you can see I freely combine all D&D editions!]
Moonday, 2rd of Reaping (CY 581)
It was quite warm overnight, and when you wake up it is already getting hot. High will be 101; low will be 84. The skies are clear, and there is no wind at all. People are generally going to be grumpy today due to the extreme heat.
Altan Rides into Hommlet . He first sees about putting his horse up at the Stables, then he goes to the Inn and asks about a room foe a few days. He tells the Innkeeper he is looking for a famous group of adventurers that use this village as there home. He says he would like to join their group. He asks where they are and who the leader is. He also seeks the village leader and asks where he/she might be.
Atlan is disappointed to see that the group has left the village but will wait for their return. He seeks out the village leader/elder and asks about building a Yurt the traditional dwelling of his people. He explains that it's not a permanent structure as his people are nomads and after construction of one it can be taken down in a day and put back up in a day. If this does not cause any problems he asks where would be a suitable site to build it. The villagers tell him that they don't own the land, so it's not really up to them. Sir Rufus is the Lord of the area. He lives in the tower where they are constructing a new castle.
Altan meets with Rufus, who is supervising the building of the castle. He wonders at this tendency to build permanently in wood and stone, shaking his head at these strange people. When he asks for permission to erect his yurt, he is met with a laugh. Rufus almost absently waves him off, telling him he is free to camp where he will, so long as he does not do so on a farmer's field. He then walks off laughing about western nomads.
Atlan is a bit mystified by Rufus and is not sure about how the meeting went. However he seeks out the woodworker and leather worker and gives them a list of wood pieces and hides needed to build his Yurt. The wood includes wood for the lattice work for the walls and roof supports for a 12 foot accost Yurt . The leather worker is asked if he can supply the hides needed for the exterior and rawhide strips to tie the structure together . He asks what this will cost as well as paying 2 workers to help with the initial construction.
Actually, Altan probably has all the stuff for a small yurt on his spare pony. However, if he wants a big one like this, then yes, he'll need some help. They are rather busy at the moment, but the carpenter says he can get the basic lattice done tomorrow. The leatherworker, Perry, cannot work in this heat; it's apparently bad for the leather or something. Altan thinks he just doesn't want to work in the heat. It'll cost about 10gp total.
Altan will pay the 10 gold and tells the leather worker tomorrow or the next day will be fine hides go on last . He selects a site on the banks of the river in the shade of some trees. He is very happy being close to the river it would be a great luxury in his country to have access to running water all year round. Tomorrow they will build.
As he walks along the river, towards a large stand of mammoth trees, larger than anything he's ever seen. In fact, it's hard to imagine such monstrous trees even exist, and had he not seen them, he wouldn't believe it!
[DM OOC: There's really no way to adequately convey the majesty of these trees, but here's a pic so you get the idea! Basically, giant redwoods.]
As he enters the forest, it is like stepping through a doorway. Suddenly, the air is very cool and thick with moisture. Fog enshrouds the entire area. Wearing little in the 100+ heat, he suddenly begins to feel very chilly.
Altan wanders through the redwood forest, marveling at the enormous trees. He then walks back out, and steps back and forth across the border of the small forest. From outside they look normal, but as soon as he steps inside, the fog appears. It is surely something magical. He wanders around the forest, careful to stay out except when he gets really hot. He then stands just inside the border for a minute to cool down. Skirting the forest, he finds a spot to pitch his yurt.
****
As the day ends, the door of the Inn is blocked by a man ducking his head as he enters, as he says something unintelligible in a booming voice to someone outside (unless they speak giant). Fully within the building, his head brushing the ceiling he asks the propiator in a voice more suited to a battlefield then a room, “Where are the Heroes of Hommlet? Where might I find them?”
[Background: Real name is Rakkhra, and he's kind of a loner. The humans never really accepted him and the giants think he's a shrimp. The giants still have a good reaction to him, he's one of them, but gawd he's small! His father (the human part) was even more socially inept. A huge warrior out of the Wild Coast, he was a Sword Master of Kelanen and cared little for others ways. He taught his giant son the art and the way of swords and weaponry, but almost nothing about people. What little of society Rakk learned was from his mother and her giant-kin. Rakk wandered a lot on his own, being self-sufficient in most everything. Eventually, he ended up in the wrong place.
He was rescued by the first person who ever seemed to care, a priestess of Ehlonna from Thunderstrike named Mieryniel. He was trapped in a pit with two trolls, and the lady dived into the pit with him and killed the trolls in nothing flat! He joined her as a follower for a time. That’s when he learned his wilderness skills. He eventually left and travelled through the mountains again. He returned home. He reached the home of Granitethews clan, where he learned of the party and their adventures. He thus went to Hommlet to find and join them.
His father was a legendary figure back in the day. He had stopped whole armies with a few handfuls of followers and was acknowledged as 'the best Sword Master in the Wild Coast' when he left civilization to “find perfection”. (He was the sword-wielding equivalent to Bigby). He has spent 90% of his time since then (30 + years) practicing his art. During those years, he has taught Rakk (He who would truly master a skill, should teach it). He continually pushed Rakk to his limits until Rakk left for his gianthood rite for the Clan. Lacking any real social skills, he still believes that Rakk should share his passion for perfection and works on his skills everytime he can. As Rakk is now fully grown there is no reason to pull punches. One learns best those lessons that carry a price, right?
His father does not go adventuring. He actually never leaves the Clan holdings anymore. The few threats that have entered the area are always quickly dispatched. Few monsters or others come their way anymore. His father considers them 'light practice' at best for most. But he can always find time for sword practice with Rakk when he comes home. Always. Whether Rakk wishes to or not.]
A man comes up, the apron of a barkeep wrapped around his stout frame. As he's about to speak, he is interrupted by a woman calling from the kitchens. "That's what I want to know! It's bad enough that damned minstrel goes and gets our girl with child. Then he's gone all year, shows up, and just whisks her way, child and all!"
The man sighs, rolling his eyes a bit. He then leans close to the large man. "They've gone to Verbobonc," he nearly whispers, glancing back towards the kitchen. "I'm starting to wish I went too!"
"Name's Ostler," says the man. "Ostler Gundigoot. I own the Inn of the Welcome Wench."
Ostler is a barrel-chested mountain of a man, Ostler stands well over six and a half feet tall. He wears his brown hair shoulder length, occasionally tied back while working, and his full beard is neatly trimmed. The innkeeper prefers simple, roughspun clothes of earth tones — usually brown or tan. He sometimes wears an old, ale-stained apron as well.
"The nag in the back's me wife," he says. "Forgive her," he adds, leading the large man to a table with a large chair that can accommodate him, barely. "Here, I'll bring you something to eat, Mr...."
The large man lets out a great booming laugh. "Ha, well met innkeep! I am Rakk!" His accent is thick and strange.
A black cat will jump on the bar and wait to be served. Upon seeing the cat on the counter, he again laughs,"Well-met, small leopard! Good hunting to ye," and extends a hand slowly to be sniffed. [Rakk OOC: he had a leopard companion in his earlier years].
Regardless of the reaction he'll withdraw his hand and tell Ostler, "A drink, good sir. Cold ale to wash the dust and some fine cream for our friend here." He proceeds to put the largest crossbow Ostler has ever seen by the chair. The cat sniffs the fingers and then puts her paw on them, like she was shaking his hand. She gives a happy purr when he says his thing about cream.
Altan enters the Welcome Wench for a bite to eat and sees a huge formidable looking person. He introduces himself and asks if he is one of the famous adventurers that operate out of this village.
Turning as Altan comes in, he replies," I? Nay, I've come to see them for myself. Cousin described them in glowing terms and the clan needs repay the debt."
"Hail," says the horseman. "My name is Atlan . It seems we are after the same thing then. I'm told it may be a few days before they arrive back in Hommlet a good time to rest and explore the area a bit I think . I find many things here very strange from my home in the steppes. They have the biggest trees here I have ever seen or could have imagined . That they seem to change size and appearance makes me think magic is at work. Also I am building myself a Yurt to stay in, these "buildings" make me a bit uncomfortable."
"Yes, they build too small. I'll sleep under those trees with Ralph!"
As Ostler brings in the ale, he frowns. "They make drinks too small as well. Bring three more, good sir. One for my friend here, two for me!"
The cat suddenly runs out the door. Rakk lunges to the door and yells something in giant. He then comes back to the table, "Don't want Ralph hurtin' the critters in town."
The cat runs back in, up the stairs and into a room. Atlan watches, then turns back to Rakk. "Thank you for the drink. I see you have a pet wolf .We used to hunt them with our golden eagles all along the steppe. Your pet seems a bit more powerful than a regular wolf however. I miss my feathered friend lost in battle over a year ago. He then tells Rekk several stories about hunting wolves with eagles.
[I never saw this before, or even heard of such a thing, and when the Altan player posted it, we were all surprised. It's actually one of the coolest things I've ever seen!]
Rakk responds with stories of killing eagles in the mountain peaks with thrown rocks as a youngster with his cousins.
"Innkeeper," calls Altan. "Bring my friend 2 more drinks." He then tells Rakk where the giant trees are and says "I must be off to build my Yurt. Take care, I'm sure I will see you later."
The two spend the day having a good time at the inn. They learn a few things while you're there. First, you get the basic "history" of the party, what they've accomplished, etc. You also get to know the "lay of the land" so to speak. You learn about Berenn being knighted and given Warder's Station as his fief. You also learn of what happened with the ToEE. Rakk already knew some of that, as the stone giants of his clan were involved with both the original temple and the resurgent one. In fact, he was one of the most vocal is telling them not to get involved. Now that the few survivors, led by Granitethews, returned and told the story, Rakk decided it was time to go. Meeting these people seemed a good start. So, here he is.
Altan has traveled through Ket and Veluna, slipping into the Viscounty along the old road, via Castle Hagthar.
They have a very nice meal, learning from Ostler how Elrae had even married their daughter. However, he just took her, saying he was going to relocate to Verbobonc, and that has Ostler's wife very upset. You also meet some of the townspeople. Elmo shows up, and he buys drinks for you. He's a big outdoory man, with a large axe on his belt.
"Well met, strangers." he says. "I am Elmo, second to Sir Berenn Silverwood, Lord of Warder's Station."
Altan thanks Elmo and asks about Warder's Station. Eventually he asks if Elmo might know a couple of lads that could use some coin. He is looking for help setting up his Yurt. "Hard to hold up both ends of a support by yourself," he says. "A couple of lads would make things much faster."
"Of course!" he says. "I know just the two. I shall round them up, if you can wait?"
Elmo leaves, only to return about an hour later with three boys. They are all young, and have that look of bored disinterest that young boys have when forced to do something they really do not wish to do.
"These are Ailgrimsey, Annat, and Dymir," he says. "The are the herdsman's sons, and they will be happy to help!"
The boys look up at Elmo, the eldest, Echy, showing a bit of defiance until Elmo glares down at him. His shoulders sag as he resignedly nods."
"There," says Elmo. "Three sturdy young lads who need something to do. Well, something other than steal pies!"
Altan say to the three boys. "Come with me and help carry all the materials to the site for the Yurt. As it's getting late you can meet me at the site in the morning to finish building it. I have every intention of paying you for your help. I will pay you when the Yurt is finished. If any of you are interested I may be persuaded to instruct you in how to use
a bow to be most effective." We then go to the woodworkers and tanners to get the materials and haul it to the site.
The boys go with you, gather up all the materials, and soon you find that they become greatly fascinated with your gear and tales. Before you know it, you have erected the yurt completely!
Altan thanks the boys and gives them 10 silver each (ooc is this too much?) "Come back anytime," he says, "and I will show you how to shoot a bow. If you don't have a bow and arrows bring a sharp knife I'll show you how to make one."
In the evening, Rakk comes out to see how things went, being the curious type, and he didn't know what a yurt was. When he gets there, he finds Altan sitting by a fire telling stories of the plains to the three boys. A rabbit is roasting on a spit. He brings meat he hunted or some edible vegetables or herbs from the hills. He'd have lent a hand if it was needed. He'll pull out a wineskin to share as well.
The black cat walks out of the Yurt, and Altan shrugs. "A fine evening of good food, drink and company," he says to Rakk.
After a bit, they are greeted in the evening by a young, handsome man. He wears very light robes, and walks calmly up to the fire. He introduces himself as Lareth, priest of the Moon Goddess Ellistraee. [OOC: You've never heard of her.] He asks to sit by your fire and join you.
The cat walks over and sits in front of him looking at him with her head tilted to one side.
You learn that he tends the area of the woods by the river, where the giant trees are. He doesn't really say much, though he looks questioningly at the cat, which gives a little hiss and moves away.
He looks sad for a moment, then says ruefully, "Looks like trust is not so easily found with some."
"Welcome to my campfire," says Altan, offering him food and drink. Atlan asks about the giant trees and what magic is at work there?
"It is the magic of the Goddess, Ellistraee," replies Lareth, taking a piece of rabbit and some wine. "The trees are the same as those we saw in her realm, when Lady Isilme and I passed beyond the bounds of this plane. Whether they are transported here or not, or how the area of the woods resists this heat and keeps its own climate, I know not."
"You must be greatly blessed by your ancestors to use such magic," says Altan. "Does the forest have any powers to say to heal or ward off evil etc?"
He shrugs and then laughs. "I really have no idea!"
Rakk spends the night there, and the cat runs when Ralph appears. Ralph is Rakk's companion Dire Wolf. When Rakk wakes, he sees that Altan has already begun preparations for making the bows and arrows, and he finds that the three boys are there bright and early to help. Rakk also finds that Ralph is gone. He follows his tracks, and when you find him, he's lying down, resting his head on an old man. He is scratching the back of the wolf's neck, and both seem very at ease. He notices you approach, and smiles. "I am Jaroo," he says pleasantly. "Druid of the Grove. I heard about your friend here, and thought I should search him out, have a little talk."
Ralph looks up at him and then shoves his huge head under the druid's hand, as he had stopped scratching his neck for a moment. '
"Oh, terribly sorry," he says to the wolf, and then starts to scratch him again. "A truly wonderful companion," he says.
"Aye, he is. Only takes what he needs, not like most small folk. Won't hunt wha' he donn need." Rakk replies, " Good ta meet ya."
"And you," he says. "After talking o Ralph I already feel I know you!"
"Yah, he's been a fine comrade th' las' few years," replies Rakk. After leaving the druid's grove, Rakk explores the area. He then stops by to see how the boys are doing at bow-making.
Altan first shows the boys how to make arrows ( something they can start doing after a few min of instruction). He tells them to keep working on arrows he will be right back perhaps with a gift for them. He then goes to the trader and tries to buy some simple stick bows (short bows).
Rakk watches, quite interested in the nomad's prowess, which goes far beyond anything Rakk has seen, except maybe among the elves.
Earthday, 6 Reaping (CY 581)
The party makes it back to Hommlet on another very hot day (102). The village is relatively paralyzed by the heat, and everyone stays indoors or in the shade. Kids swim in the river, not really minding at all. You arrive in the late afternoon, after a long two days of riding back to town. Berenn made it here the day before, or whenever, as he flew Ra back to Warder's Station.
[DM OOC: If you guys want to role-play meeting Rakk and Altan, go for it. I'm not going to really bother with more role-playing in Hommlet. You all have done all you need/want to do, so for now it's just a matter of attending to the last details, like learning spells and such. If you want to do something else specific, just let me know. Basically, I want to get these last details finished and then move on to your next adventure, whatever that is. As always, the direction you go and the path you choose is up to you.]
At dinner Hepla stands and walks over to Rakk and says, "My name is Hepla, you must be the tall man Star told me about." She looks up at him and climbs on a table to shake his hand. She giggles when she sees her hand's size in comparison to his.
Rakk stands and bows over her hand,"To meet a maid as beautiful as you is always it's own reward. Are you one of the Heroes who fought Imix? I be hard-pressed to believe there are two people who fit that description in this small village." The courtly speech is somewhat ruined by the thick accent with which its delivered.
Hepla blushes, "We are the ones who fought Imix, but as Emyn has said your breathern fought and died next to us to help defeat him and should be considered heroes.
Please join us for dinner. Star said there were two. Did she just count you as two or is there another not quite so tall?"
Emyn looks up...waaaaaaaaaaay up...at the friendly giant. [OOC: Americans might not get this reference.] He greets him and says, "Your brethren were most helpful against Imix and his minions. Without them and their sacrifice and bravery, we would not be here to sup with you. Perhaps you would consider joining us?"
"Aye, we owe you a debt of freedom," replies Rakk. "The Clan canna repay that e'nof. I'd be glad to join and aid suc' brave folk. As a token of our esteem, I've been entrusted to bring this." He pulls out his belt pouch and reaches in. His arm disappears into the small pouch, up to his armpit, and he rummages around a bit.
"It's here someplace.... not in the chest...where did it..ah" He pulls out a beautiful large star sapphire.
Rakk sees a look of worry in Emyn's eyes. "It beautiful," she says. "I don't know for which of us it is meant for but I must tell you I have a man already I am seeing and I cannot be anything but true to him. But its sooo sparkily."
"As we understood from Granitethews, you are a wedded pair," replies Rakk. "Or at least intend to be so. If you would take the stone for the ring, our Clan would be honored."
"There is no announced intention," says Hepla, "but he does seem interested. I will not take it under false pretenses, we are not yet engaged."
Emyn excuses himself and darts outside. Rakk shakes his great head ruefully, "Granitethews was mistaken, then. My skills at small folks social are still bad, I'm afraid. My apologies."
"I am not small," says Hepla. "I am just the right size to be me. Emyn must wait till I am old enough before he may ask me any of those type questions."
After hearing the sound of retching outside, Hepla apologizes. "Let me check on him." She jumps down from the table, takes another look at the gem in Rakk's hand, and goes out to check on Emyn.
She finds him outside holding something in his hand over a puddle of puke and talking to himself. Hepla hears the words, "How can I give this to her when she saw that other stone..." He doesn't realize she is there.
"Are you ill love," she says as she comes down the steps.
Emyn jumps and the item in his hand flies over his head to land at Hepla's feet. It's a ring made of white gold with a star sapphire in it (not nearly as large as the one Rakk had). It is surrounded by cats eye stones and there is a symbol of a cat's paw on one side and of Trithereon on the other. He stands there dumbstruck.
"Its beautiful," says Hepla, picking it up. "Whomever that is for will be very lucky. Rakk's stone was big, well Rakk is big. Your ring shows exquisite taste and a lot of love designing it. OHHH, not to be presumptuous but did you mean it for me? Is this why you went to town before the rest of us?"
Emyn blushes and says, "Yes, look inside the band. I was saving it for the right time."
Hepla looks inside of the band and sees that it has both their names engraved therein.
"Can this be the right time," she mumbles, before looking up to Emyn. "Not that I am saying yes to marriage; I am not 18 yet, but yes to going steady with you? Where would I find anyone with as good taste as you? I am yours and you are mine. Is this the time?"
Emyn is overwhelmed and chokes out the words, "Yes, let us seize the moment. I will still respect your family's wishes, but let the ring be a promise of a future betrothal. Perhaps when the time is right, your family can bestow their blessing upon it. And Star too, of course, being a very important part of your family as well. I hope that the cat's paw is appropriate for the Cat Lord. I could not find a sigil anywhere that I could have engraved."
"I'm sure they will," replies Hepla. "As for Star, she's a cat; if their humans are happy she will like it, sometimes. Feed and pet her and she will be fine. Most of us have passed her inspection anyway. The Cat Lord indeed seems to lack any sigils or temples or even anyone to know him so we will make that our sigil of him. At least until he lets us know if he likes it or not."
[Hepla OOC: The next 15 minutes are done without words.]
Hepla finally says ,"We need to go back in." She puts the ring on her right hand. "Till it is official" And you can make whatever announcement you wish, that is true, just keep that alchemist back it is not time for him and as far as I am concerned it will never be time. Remember I am leaving after dinner for 5 weeks."
Emyn says, "Would it not offend your family if we announced something?"
"As long as the words marriage, betrothed or their like are not used they are fine," she says. "A promise of a promise is fine. Mom never thought much of a promise she made only the promises made to her."
Emyn and Hepla walk in the inn hand in hand. Emyn has a goofy smile on his face and Hepla is wearing a new ring. He doesn't say anything unless asked though. He's pretty sure people will figure it out.
They go back in and she will let Emyn say what he wishes. Hepla will get back on the table and thank Rakk for his offer but she had to be honest. She then gestures for him to put his head down to her level for a secret. She giggles and kisses his cheek and says, "What you did give me was wonderful, and you are beautiful." She then sits down and grabs a full ale tankard and finishes it in one try. "Good stuff, BURP, oh excuse me."
"Hail, Rakk, well-met!" says Thorgrim, as he extends his hand in greeting. "What brings you to these parts?"
Emyn says, "So friends, it seems there are some troubles that we might be able to look into. Those star cairns over near the Albor Alz might be worth investigating and there are also those giants in the Lortmils and the supposed lost city in the Suss Forest. What do you think we should look into? Or is there another threat we need to counter?"
Atlan wanders into the Inn for a meal. Emyn looks at the strange newcomer and says, "Hello, who might you be? I am Emyn Frel, Avenger of Trithereon. This is Hepla, a most wonderful person...."
Hepla walks over to Atlan and says,"I am Hepla, you must be the other man Star mentioned. Nice to meet you." You notice that the black cat you have been seeing is now on her shoulder.
"I am Altan Qorchi, from the Plains of the Paynims," he replies. "I am most pleased to meet you both. I have traveled far to find the heroes that operate out of this village.
I am skilled in the arts of war and hope to join in their band. Might you folks be the heroes that I seek? Ah is that your black cat? I it seems to have an interest in the goings on in this village including my self and my large friend here."
Rakk nods to Thorgrim, "Making payment on a Clan debt of honor. Can you use another fighter in your group?"
Emyn says, "We can always use another strong arm or, as I suspect in your case," indicating Altan, " a steady bow. This Rakk fellow is also probably joining."
Hepla hearing where he is from bows to him in the style of his area, not perfectly but pretty good. "We have been called heroes by some and would be honored to have you join us. The cat is called Star and does take an interest in this village when I am not around, She also travels with me when I leave. And Rakk, no problem with the fact that I am shorter then you, just don't call me small and we will get along great. Now if you all excuse me." She goes to her room.
Ostler comes out with some food, and a HUGE plate for Rakk. "Good thing his money's as endless as his appetite," he remarks. Hearing Emyn, he says, "Oh, I heard Gotrek was out in the hills round 'bout Warder's Station. Something about mining."
"Thanks OStler, I didn't know that. If that is the case, we will need your assistance even more, Atland and RAkk because the dwarf will be grubbing about for months, I am sure."
Emyn stands on a chair and shouts at the top of his voice, "CAN WE PLEASE CHOOSE A PLACE TO ADVENTURE BEFORE WE GROW OLD AND DIE?"
Thorgrim chuckles. "Ah, humans...always in a hurry. A necessary result of their short lives. As for myself, I today complete my 87th year on this plane of existence. In my experience, it is more common that before we seek adventure, adventure seeks us!"
***
[I believe I posted out of order. After his visit with the oracle in Verbobonc, Berenn went to the site of the Temple of Elemental Evil. After scouting the area to ensure nothing with be harmed, he cast the earthquake spell from his scroll upon the temple. He flies above to observe the destruction. The spell is massively destructive. Nothing can withstand the incredible shaking, which nearly rivals the eruption of the volcano at Suderham. The ground drops, flips over, rises up; it is beyond description. Clearly, the gods themselves have taken a hand in the final destruction of this accursed place. When it is done, there is no trace of the once mighty temple. All the buildings, the tunnels, chambers, etc., have been folded back into the earth, which now rests, pristine, ready for a new start. Once satisfied, he will return to Warden's Station for the evening.
The following day Berenn will send word to Rufus, Burne and the council that the following day Berenn will be holding court and judgment on the last of the Doomdreamers. The party members will also be informed. The guy is an insane fanatic, so they won't get anywhere with him. The guard that Isilme charmed is also around. That's the two prisoners. It's not necessary to inform anyone, as the prisoners are in Berenn's lands and care. Still, they appreciate it, though they don't plan to attend.
The following morning Berenn has the prisoners drags from their cells and into the courtyard where the company is assembled and any of the members of the party who wish to attend. Berenn looks to Elmo, who produces a parchment and reads the following, "Be it known that you have for your willful commission of crimes against the Viscount. Said crimes being numerous in quantity and sinister in nature, the most egregious of these to be cited herewith ... Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Treason, Kidnapping, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping, Assault, Conspiracy to Release a Great Evil Upon the World and General Lawlessness. And for these crimes you have been sentenced to be, on this day, beheaded. May St. Cuthbert have mercy upon your souls!" Elmo rolls up the parchment and walks behind Berenn.
"Before sentence is carried out, do the prisoners have any last words?", Berenn asks the prisoners.
The Doomdreamers prays to the Elder Elemental God, happy that he is about to join with him. He also starts to pray a curse upon you, but a blow to the back of the head takes care of that!
Emyn stands ready, willing to carry out the judgement in St. Cuthbert's and Trithereon's name. He has the sword of fire in his hands and is praying fervently, a holy light in his eyes.
The assassin stands mute. With a word from Berenn, Emyn is more than happy to execute the judgement.
[DM OOC: After that, I don't think there's anything much to do until the wizards are done. Hepla will return in 5 weeks, and she and Isilme have more spells to learn. You're going to be looking at about 3-4 months total for them to learn spells. It's a good, welcome rest for you guys. Of course, then it's going to be almost winter.]
After the execution Berenn makes the following announcement, "People of Nulb I have been granted title to your lands and I plan on rebuilding your town and creating a new time of prosperity. With the high road secure and the waterway free of pirates, Nulb will thrive and we will all profit from this fresh start! Tomorrow I leave to survey the damage and start plans on the reconstruction, you only need to be patient. Is there any other business which needs to be conducted today?"
The people of Nulb who had resettled in Hommlet and Warder's Station are very enthusiastic. The pretty much just pick up their stuff en mass and begin to return. It's not really that many people, but it's a start. Berenn returns to Nulb with them, to help in the resettlement.
Freeday, 7 Reaping (CY 581)
Well, the people decide NOT to go the next day. Temperatures never drop below 85, and they quickly start to rise that morning. There just is no way they are going to attempt to begin a 30 mile walk in this heat.
[DM OOC: just going slow for a bit, to allow for various things which "may" occur." Also, happy birthday Thorgrim! You are 89 years old today!]
Thorgrim emerges from the forge, covered in sweat and soot. He holds his creation in the sun and blesses it. It is an over-sized holy symbol of Clanggedin, made of platinum and silver. He grunts in satisfaction. "Still got the knack," he says.
Emyn will take a wagon with lots of barrels of water, wine adn beer plus some foodstuffs. I fear these people may not have considered to bring their own drink for such a tough journey. If there is room for some food, I will bring that too. Camilla will be tied to the rear of the wagon. Emyn, when he starts out with the wagon, discovers he has a friend, Star is riding with him. Luckily for Star, Emyn anticipated this and has several mice and baby quail ready for her, in addition to some water, since cream doesn't do well in the heat.
Berenn takes the opportunity to get a head count and dispatches some men to town to get provisions for a month for his men and the refugees. While getting ready for departure for Nulb, Noot approaches Berenn.
"Berenn," he says, "I think one of the most important buildings that will be needed in Nulb is an inn. Travelers will need it to help bring prosperity and business to the area. I have an idea if you are willing to listen to an old innkeeper's son...."
"I am very interested in what you have to say Noot," he replies. "We have some time since the weather isn't going to cooperate today, so tell me what you have in mind."
The two then go on to discuss Noot's plans for the inn, and Berenn gives the land to Noot for such purposes as he sees fit.
Godsday, 11 Reaping (CY 581)
Starday the weather finally breaks. Huge stormclouds rolls through, and a heavy rain falls nearly all day. The roads are turned to mud, and though it would normally be considered a miserable day, people go outside and bask in the cooler air and fresh rain. It take a day before you can travel, but the great rainbow that forms after the rain brings a feeling of hope to the commoners. On Moonday, you begin the trek to Nulb. With the people, it takes two days rather than one to reach Nulb, but you finally arrive late afternoon on Godsday. As a day of rest, the people set up camp in the ruins of the town. The atmosphere is one of quiet thanksgiving, an a knowledge that their lives may begin again, that their village will not only see peace, but a coming prosperity long overdue.
Rakk also meets the hill giant Gungk and his pet wolf, Petri. They go with Berenn back to Nulb, as Gungk is bored and Petri needs the exercise. He's pretty dim-witted, as hill giants go. "Me Gungk," is one of his longer sentences. With Berenn's help, the two wolves become friendly to each other, putting aside natural hostilities. Soon, they are off hunting and scouting the flanks together, frolicking in streams, and having a grand old time. It all makes Gungk very happy.
Waterday, 12 Reaping (581)
The next day is warm, but back to "normal". High of 94/low of 72. The strange hot spell seems to be over, and you are all relieved to have decent whether return. While work begins cleaning up the debris, for everything was destroyed by fire last year, scouts return with news of hobgoblins approaching the area from the West. Maybe 50 of them.
Emyn will try to find a hobgoblin scout, kill it and mount it on a stake as a warning.
"I would prefer not causing unnecessary hostilities with civilians around and in the open," says Berenn. Berenn will gather the garrison, party members, Guhk and will ride out meeting the hobgoblins. "This could also be the hobgoblins we released from the temple."
Emyn will hold off as Berenn's words hold wisdom. "I forgot about those hobgoblins that were released. Still, be wary. No matter their debt to us, they remain evil things."
"I plan on being wary," says Berenn, "but I am hoping a show of force will be enough to detour them. I have civilians to protect and an all out confrontation might get some innocents hurt."
Rakk says,"Time for battle dress." Puts on Full plate, looking like a 9 foot tall forest-green knight carrying ballista. "Ready."
"Nice armour," says Emyn admiringly as he gleams brightly in his full plate.
"Thanks. Damn hard to find anything that fits. Like yours, too."
Thorgrim will hang back with the innocents while Berenn rides forth. "Good luck," he says. He sets up his Instant Fortress and orders the townsfolk inside. "You will be safe inside, barring an assault by a siege train," he says. He fingers his wolf-bone whistle, ready to summon an animal spirit should the need arise.
You gather everyone up and head out to meet the hobgoblins. There are indeed about 50, although only about 20 are warriors, and of them it seems about half are on litters, being drug by the others. The rest are women and children. The warriors are all armed, and they form a defensive line in front of the women and young. They stand ready to meet this new threat, when one on a litter yells something at the rest. They stand down, but they don't back off. Rather, two of them walk out to meet you.
When they get closer, one calls. "Danark say you ok," says one of them in halting common. "Rescue from priests and ogres. You come." He puts his sword away, while the other lowers his axe. "Talk," he says.
"Everyone stand down," says Berenn. "We will talk and see what they want. I can't have people believing the High Road is safe again if we constantly involved in skirmishes." Berenn calls forward a couple of men, Emyn and Noot and has the rest stay with the main body.
You find Danak, but you can barely recognize him. He is severely burned by acid, and his voice is halting and difficult. In fact, all the litters are hobgoblins likewise burned; men, women, and children.
[DM OOC: OK, that's a girl, but hey, you get the idea!]
"What happened?" asks Berenn, his wariness replaced by pity. "What happened to your clan and what inflicted this damage?"
Danak reaches out, grabbing Berenn by the arm and grasping it with a strength undiminished by his disfiguring. He pulls himself up, closer to Berenn, spittle dribbling down from his deformed face as he tries to speak.
"Dddjrrak...drak...dragon!" he finally manages to say before falling back to his litter.
You learn that the hobgoblins retreated into the forest last week, but were chased off by elves. They were forced back to the northwest, eventually ending up in some swamps. There they were attacked by a great dragon which decimated their numbers. Those left successfully hid until the thing left, and they made their way back here. The dragon attack happened about a day to the northeast. The hobgoblin numbers are dwindled, and their strength nearly gone. They place themselves at Berenn's mercy while seeking refuge.
They can camp where they are now until their strength is recovered says Berenn. "However," he adds, "you are on the Knight Commander's lands and lawlessness will not be tolerated." If Danak keeps the peace, Berenn promises to do the same. If the terms are excepted, he will take his garrison and return to the ruins of Nulb. Once there he will give instructions for the garrison to keep an eye on the hobgoblins, but not to approach or provoke them. If they stay in there camp, the patrols will only observe them. If they observed doing anything which could be interpreted as aggressive, the patrol is to return to the ruins immediately and report their findings.
Next Berenn talks to Noot, Emyn, Thorgrim and Rakk regarding the dragon. "I don't like a dragon being so close to these civilians ... opinions gentlemen? I am inclined to fly to Hommlet, return with our companions and mount and expedition to rid the lands of this menance. It could be profitable and would further our reputation in the region."
"A day's travel to the NE puts it squarely on or very near the High Road," says Rakk. "If you intend for trade to start using this road, you'll have to make some kind of arrangement with it, good or evil. What color was the dragon? It is possible a good one drove them away. Though to look at them, it's unlikely."
"Acid breath is usually associated with Black dragons," says Berenn, "and we have experience with them. Still, we will have to investigate to be sure."
"How do you intend to fight it with both Hepla and Isilme gone?" asks Thorgrim.
[Isilme player OOC: Give it a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.]
"It's been done," says Rakk. "It's hard to kill any dragon. I'd prefer as much power be brought as possible. It's better to show force for either negotiating or fighting. I know Hepla took off for unknown parts, are any other mages available?"
"I hope it isn't one of Hepla's dragon friends," says Emyn. "If it is, we can reason with it. If not, we will have to drive it off or exterminate it."
The hobgoblins don't know one type of dragon from another. However, you piece together that the thing was a deep, dark green, almost black in color.
Emyn says, "If it were near a swamp, that would fit where black dragons usually hunt."
The hobgoblins say the dragon breathed out a gaseous cloud that chocked them and ate their flesh. It was also pretty big. Berenn knows tales of a green dragon that resides in the Gnarley Forest, Caustichlorinus. It is very old (that's not necessarily it's age!) and has not been aroused for decades. Its name has been used as a sort of "boogeyman" to scare children and keep them close by. That's all he knows.
Emyn says, "It might make sense to see what more we can learn of this green dragon. There might be someone who knows more than Berenn. Are there not elves in this area who might be able to tell us more given then live very long lives?"
"None of have to go," says Berenn, "but I have to do this. I would appreciate any help received and as soon as I have left some instruction for my men, I plan to leave to find this Caustichlorinus and deal with him or her one way or the other."
Berenn leaves standing orders for his men keep the civilians safe and keep an eye on the hobgoblins. He wants the patrols kept close to the encampment. Deric is in charge and he asks Guhk to watch over everyone. With that he waits to see if everyone is willing to join him. He believes the best place to start is with the elves in the Gnarley Forest, they may know where this dragon's lair lies.
Berenn informs the party to gather up Isilme while he flies off to Verbobonc. "I'll be back in a few days," he says. "Get ready to depart when I return." He then departs. A couple ride back to Verbobonc, looking for Isilme. They find only Lareth. He tells them that Isilme has gone to Verbobonc, and he doesn't know when she will return. They then return to Nulb. Except for Isilme and Hepla, the party is back together and the make plans to find this dragon.
"To kill the dragon," says Thorgrim, "we would have to find it in its lair, or lure it to the ground and have a way to keep it there."
Emyn says, "If someone can get quickly to Verbobonc, it might be worth chatting with the seer of Istus again."
"What does everyone think?" asks Berenn. "The seer did seem to know what she was talking about. I could get there in a couple of days, she will be able see our success or failure."
"If you go to Verbobonc you may find Isilme," says Rakk. "You could also see if there are anything for sale there we could use. Just for that, it may be worth going. If a seer there can help in addition, that's a bonus."
"Agreed," says Berenn. He rides back to Warden's Station, gets Ra, and flies to Verbobonc.
Sunday, 16 Reaping (581)
Berenn takes a day to fly to Verbobonc. The weather stays relatively calm, with average temperatures hovering around 90* during the day, and around 70* at night. A slight breeze aids his flight, and he arrives at night on Sunday, tired from being awake for nearly two straight days. Once in Verbobonc, he seeks out the old seer, Shady, descending once again into the bowels of the earth for a reading.
Berenn greets Shady, pays 50 gp, and asks for another reading. He asks if Caustichlorinus will be a danger to the inhabitants of Nulb now or in the future. She falls into the same sort of trance, as she contacts the spirit world for answers.
"Heaven above and Heaven below:
All is in constant motion.
Against the dragon, the Ranger Knight steels himself for ceaseless activity.
The time for action has come.
You now have the focus and the stamina necessary for accomplishing great tasks.
The path before you is being cleared and reward lies ahead.
The flying dragon hovers over the chasm from which he was born."
"Will defeating the dragon be beneficial to the Watchlands and its people?" he presses.
She again goes into a trance, swaying back and forth as she answers:
"A Deluge from Heaven:
Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.
The Knight rains fortune upon those in need,
Then moves on with no thought of the good he does."
"That was a little more clear," says Berenn. "And what dragon isn't arrogant?" he wonders aloud. Berenn again thanks Shady for her help and departs. He cannot find Isilme, so he returns with all do haste to Warden's Station, drops off Ra and assuming there are no potions to be had from Lyseios , returns to Nulb. If there are some potions available please provide a list, otherwise as soon as Berenn has had a rest we will head for the elves in the Gnarley Forest. Berenn will let the party know what the seer told him regarding the dragon and its possible demise.
Lyseios has 4 potions plant control, 10 each of healing and extra-healing, and 1 elixir of health remaining at Warder's Station. Berenn takes them to distribute.
Godsday, 18 Reaping (CY 581)
Berenn arrived late the night before and gets some needed rest. You all wake up to another relatively nice day, with scattered clouds and a light breeze. The people have cleared away a lot of the debris, with the help of Gugk. The hobgoblins stay to themselves on the opposite side of the pond.
[DM OOC: Elrae is out of the group for now. He's working on family issues, buying the Harvester's Theater and resettling his family in Verbobonc. Isilme is studying spells, and Hepla has gone to see her mother. So, there are no mages in the group.]
Thorgrim isn't too anxious to leave without the mages, and just then Isilme steps out of thin air, having used her mirror to join them. She informs them that she will check in on the party at the end of the week, when she finishes her studies in Verbobonc. She adds that they might want to check with Hommlet's Druid, as he seemed well-known in the surrounding forest area when she enlisted his aid to help the party after the "Vestron incident."
Isilme says she doesn't have time to go stomping through the forest on a wild hunt. However she will check in with you in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings when she takes daily breaks from her studies now that she is home. If you need her services, or find the lair she will assist. remember she can join you at any time. She then wishes them luck and returns through her mirror gate to finish her studies.
"Let's go stomping through the forest on a wild hunt," says Thorgrim. He suggests the refugees set their camp near a defensible structure, like the inn, to ward against non-dragon attacks. We are taking the Fortress with.
Berenn suggests seeking out the Sherendyl and Meldarin clans of the Gnarley. "They are the ones most likely to provide assistance." He then gives them a brief bit of info about them:
[DM OOC: Clan Meldarin lives near Namburil, so you can go there.
Namburil: Although the name is elven, this complex of warrens and a few stone cottages in a fertile leafy valley is unquestionably gnomish. Namburil is home to 100 gnomes, with three times this number working in small mines within 10 miles or so of the main warrens. Farming, mining, and craftsmanship are how the gnomes make their living here.
One notable feature of Namburil is the extraordinary resistance of crops and plants in the area to disease-no blights, rots, rusts, or similar pestilences affect plants within a radius of two miles of Namburil. Druidic communing with nature does not reveal why this is so. The druids themselves are torn between a desire to find out why the earth seems so healthy, and a feeling that such wellbeing should be left alone.]
The party then departs, intending to head for the Meldarin clan first.
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