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(Completed) Campaign Journal - Tethys: Fool's Gold (DnD 5ed)
- Thread starter Havoc
- Start date
Since there's at least one person reading, then I don't see a problem making more of these journals. Let's continue.
---
Session 41: The Army Marches
Our heroes had a good nice sleep and the next day went to Crommash to discuss the issue of war. First, they asked about Castra Vetera. The group finally heard what's there - fiends and undead. Orcs tried many times to conquer the black city but never succeeded. They stopped trying because the demons and undead seemed endless. They talked about their plans to attack the mountain but the orcs will need to wait for the signal to attack. Crommash felt that they are keeping secrets from him, so when Finn told him that they need to regroup and confirm this information, he requested him to come near him and told him that he is deceiving him. After a discussion in the group, Solange decided to tell the truth to the orc. They know of tunnels that will lead the orcs to the other side and will get that information when the time comes. Crommash agreed that using a tunnel, where the orcs can fit would be best. He told the group that they will need additional one or two days on top the three days they need to travel to Shuggend's mountain. The group also saw that the orc situation is fickle. Crommash might not survive this battle. The party discussed if they should do something about it, but in the end decided not to, since killing one of the demon-worshipping chiefs would take the time that they don't have right now. The group left the castle and these lands. On their way, they notified Orth's Mages' Guild about their need to buy Fire Resistance Potions, Healing Potions, and components for Revivify (Balasar can now cast it).
They got to the Septima keep and met with Cleig and Punn. Both of them were awaiting orders. The group decided to talk to the dragon first. Punn took out a strange metallic object with a diamond inside. Like holographic decide you put on the ground and the diamond creates the image above. He put the device on the ground and spilled a drop of his own blood on the diamond. The jewel shined and the image showed up. However, this image was human-sized, not dragon-sized. The features did reveal that it was Lord Magmos in human form.
Lord Magmos
Human Form
He greeted his friends. The group could freely talk to the dragon. He explained that this allows him to send his consciousness, but he can't do anything on the other side. He can go into a simpler state, where he only hears what is going on. The group revealed their plans to the dragon and their ace in the sleeve - Cleig. The dragon was happy and told the group that he will send his warriors, mages and himself to attack Shuggend when the time comes. Balasar feared that the dragon exerts too much of his stamina for this since he already is in a bad shape. However, the dragon revealed that thanks to Quennar's Greater Restoration it allows his body to catch up to his new huge form. He feels a lot better and he might not even need the new armor he was planning on getting. He is ready to help them. The dragon also spoke about Luigi and Om, about what should be done with them. He revealed that the dwarf is making his close men drunk to the point that they can't wake up for days. They told him that the pair should return to Orth. The discussion continued and the last topic was something the dragon wanted to ask the group. Lord Magmos asked the group for a ... name. He needed a new name since he isn't really Ragmaw or Lord Magmos. The group told him that it's something personal and he should find it himself, however, the dragon disagreed. For him, they were his friends, but not only that - they gave him life. He believes that if the group didn't find him, that they didn't come and Baâ didn't convince the druids to heal him, then he would have died. The group gave him a new life and they need to name this life. He didn't even believe that he was going to experience a new emotion. His memories are implanted. Everything he knows comes from the experiment. Except for friendship. He never felt this way about anybody and never thought he will. For him, he owes them his life. He told the group, he will be there for them. Before disappearing, he asked Punn if he remembers what he asked for him to do. "Yes, Punn remembers! Guard them with Punn's life!"
After these talks, the group discussed with Cleig his future. They wanted him to go with them to Shuggend, however, the kobold wanted something else in return. His men are weak, those aren't fighters, just miners. He wanted them to have a better life and not under a dragon, which was quite strange for Balasar. Cleig explained that Shuggend isn't a dragon, but he acts like a one and that is enough for Cleig to not want to deal with other dragons. Mario made an oath that he will help them find a new home, maybe even working for him. The kobolds were then instructed to dig the tunnels, make them wider, for the army to march. Cleig and Punn would later join the party to Orth, but the group wanted to meet with Duke Salvatore. The ghost was still there and still didn't accept Mario. He saw that the paladin wields Rexgladio, but for him, he still is a descendant of those that broke their oaths. However, the party was able to convince the Duke to help them. This would at a cost. The throne is cursed or broken and if he turns off the Sphere of Force, he can't turn it back on again. He will allow their armies to pass through. Also, he spoke to Mario that for him, he isn't a Contegoaurum. He will never be. The Duke's ancestors would disagree with his actions, helping the group here, however, they aren't here and he is the last guardian of this place. He wants to see it prosper again. For it to defend the defenseless again. He told Mario that he might not be a de Capodimonte anymore since his uncle sent him to become a paladin, but whatever he does, after routing out the monsters, he wishes him good luck. A fresh start for him. If he chooses to use his old name or current, it does not matter to the Duke, only that he becomes someone the people can rely on. Before the group left, the ghost told them that after taking care of their war effort, they need to come to him and defeat him in combat. Only then he will accept them as the rightful rulers of Golden Spring. The group agreed to these terms and left the ghost. Now, they had almost everything secured. Just the armies are left.
Our heroes came back to Orth with Cleig and Punn. They persuaded the soldiers and guards that these kobolds aren't anything to be scared and they are with them. The adventurers have their guild here, so it isn't strange to see different creatures working for the guild. They were let in. Cleig and Punn stayed in the guild, waiting for the moment they will meet with the army leaders. These events were taken fast since I didn't want to bog down preparations even more. The players wanted to battle something. First, they visited the Mages' Guild. The guildmaster gave them their order of potions for a low price since Sigurd talked to her and made puppy eyes. Then they talked about partnership, alliance with the war and castle. There were some jokes. Mainly that Finn is the trade good in the exchange and other similar jokes. However, in the end, she told the group she and her guild are interested only in the arcane and historical knowledge. The guild will have access, safe access mind you, to the Golden Spring Castle. They wanted to research the castle, it's history and magical wards. Also, in return for making sure that the castle's secrets and other stuff doesn't go past the group and only the guildmaster will have access to it (with her main mage, Kenway), they decided that if they find new magical items in their journeys, that they will give her to research first. With that, they gained the guild alliance and couple of wizards will help them in their war. Next, they met with Sigurd and talked about their alliance with the dragon. There was nothing new or important gained here, maybe that Sigurd is very keen on helping the group achieve their victory, to the point he regards his parasite as a triviality. Even deciding offers of help from the group, at least until they will safeguard the mountains. Later, they met with the Goliaths, or actually their leader. Couple days before, they sent to their sponsor that they agree to his terms.
Dvorak "Hardhead" Thunukalathi
Leader of Gantholorank
Hardhead was named Dvorak Thunukalathi and he was the leader of the group called Gantholorank. No translations for now. He was very upfront and vulgar, even calling Gwendolyn a bitch. In short, he is only interested in the fight. Orcs. Kobolds. Whatever. They will not accept work as defenders or patrolmen. If they have something to kill, they send them to do it. The group persuaded the Goliath to follow orders of their new commander and meet up when the army does. He agreed. Next, they talked to Gwendolyn. They mainly persuaded her to accept because of a "mistake." When they talked about needed a leader, they said that she popped into their mind. "What about Sigurd?" which was a question, why not take the hero? He would the most obvious choice since he is more experienced. However, the Solange heard her differently and replied "too", which is the conversation meant "Sigurd also thought that you are the best choice." The party continued talking and after a while saw that Gwendolyn stopped listening to them. She was all red. Her hands between her knees, rubbing. Murmuring to herself about Sigurd and that he thinks she is the best. After bringing her back to them, they continued the discussion, but it was pretty over, she agreed. Balasar gave her the best thing there could be - information about the orcs, the positions, and the castle's plan. Balasar made it during their stay in Golden Spring and rolled natural 20. This will be a slaughter for the orcs. After that, there was nothing more to do.
Edrathil Silver Blade
Brother of Annael Silver Blade
Commander of Orth's Army
The armies arrived. About a hundred dwarves, most of them were warriors but some were monks of the Open Hand order. Both Udir Ironfist and Thosbut Ironfist came, but mainly the cleric will lead the charge. The elves also arrived with over 50 strong, with five clerics to help with the healing. Lead by Faelyn Eagle Song. The group also met with Edrathil Silver Blade. He wasn't there to chitchat. He greeted the group, told them that his brother, Annael spoke of them and was ready to help them. Next thing the party heard was from the dwarves, they had a name for them - Måmgozôsustir or Dragon Tamers. Only the humans didn't have a name for them unless you count Friends of Sigurd. The meeting was about to happen. A giant tent was prepared and the leaders of the factions came to discuss the plans.
War Meeting
You can see above who was during this meeting. To remind everybody, from upper left:
- Havifgar the Small - leader of the Trinity Church in Orth
- Gwendolyn - paladin and guildmaster of the adventurers' guild in Orth
- Sigurd - the "Lord of Orth" and the hero
- Edrathil Silver Blade - commander of Orth's Army
- Palladio - captain of the guard
- Faelyn Eagle Song - leader of the elf forces from Estel'Anoron
- Enialis - member of Council of Orth and the Small Council
- Thulom Silverstone - member of Council of Orth and guildmaster of craftsmen's guild
- Hagel - member of Council of Orth and innkeeper of the biggest inn in town
- Lorenza (they didn't meet her yet) - member of Council of Orth and guildmaster of merchants' guild
- Udir Ironfist - leader of Logemakam
- Ellyjoybell Horcusporcus - guildmaster of mages' guild
- Thosbut Ironfist - cleric of Urist and leader of the dwarven forces from Logemakam
- Cleig - the kobold that the party convinced to ally with
- Lord Magmos - the dragon they met in their first quest in the Canyon, now a dear friend
- Punn - follower of Lord Magmos
A big group. Most of them the party met and made their opinions about. They were gathered by the group and there were some tensions. Udir tried to relieve them joking if the "ballless heir" found his balls but Mario didn't respond in any manner. The group decided that this must be the moment they show the dragon, which Punn gladly did and made Lord Magmos appear. If the dragon was a villain, if the group didn't convince him to take another path, if they didn't become his friends, this would be a slaughter. I could just go "good, I have everybody in one place" and attack. However, the party was very lucky, rolled very high and did the right things. The dragon was on their side. He tried to convince the other members of this gathering that he believes in the heroes, that he knows the people here won't trust his words, but at least he wants them to trust the words of the party, who saved his life and he owes them. The party decided to speak, one by one. Each tried to use some argument that they should trust them, the dragon or just their own sense of survival. There was still tension, so Udir looked at Sigurd. The warrior saw that the old dwarf expects him to speak next. So he did his usual "spiel" that the world needs heroes and these are the shiniest ones that came. That they will make the mountains safe again and people will not need to worry about the morning sun over the mountain range anymore because it will shine ever so brightly. Sigurd even said that that he would give his own life for the group, which the group Insighted and saw that he wasn't kidding about it. Faelyn spoke that if it wasn't for the group, they would be living in darkness. They made this happen and he will help them. Udir also spoke. He wasn't quite sure about the group, but they are trustworthy and honorable, he will give them his axe and men. Edrathil was next, but instead of making a speech, he just said that this should be enough and they should plan the attack. No more speeches. This made Gwendolyn blush, the party saw her checking her notes - she also wanted to make a speech and even prepared one. The party goaded her to speak if she wants, so she did. She said that the group is the best that could happen to the Canyon and that they will bring prosperity to it. That they are indeed goodhearted people and that they can be trusted. Even Sigurd said so. That last part Gwendolyn wanted to say, but she was so close to Sigurd and when she started to talk about him, she went red and started to repeat "Si" every second. Havifgar laughed, put his hand on her shoulder and made a small speech that this should be enough, that orcs are waiting to be killed and that the Council of Orth should be happy.
Lorenza
Leader of the Merchant District
Member of the Council of Orth
Guildmaster of the Merchants' Guild
And actually, they were. Lorenza said that this should bring more people and money to the canyon, so she is happy about it. Hagel spoke that they better get back alive, the beer is waiting. Thulom spoke something under his breath, that only couple people understood as "kill some orcs for me." Enialis said that he believes that the group will bring good to this canyon and wished them good luck, which of course surprised the group since they are very much opposed to Enialis. Politicians left with Palladio. Now the group could tell their plans, which was accepted by the rest. Everything seemed ok and even perfect. The group now needed to prepare for the worst. Mario even spoke with Luigi and his son said he will help them by going to the castle with Om, he will try to fight with the soldiers. All was set. Except for one thing. Mario was issued to come to the arena on the 5th, so in 6 days. Mario had to resign, he didn't even have time to check who issued the challenge. The group waited one more day for the airships to arrive.
Balthier and Basch
Captains of Red Rose and Dolphin Airships
They met with two captains. Both ships were from Quadropolis but made by humans. Red Rose was a Bronco Class airship, made for combat and fast travel. It was really made well. Dolphin was a Fat Whale Class airship, made for transport and non-combat situations but was armored. These ships worked in a pair, so that was why they needed them both. The captains introduced themselves as Balthier and Basch. Balthier was a richer looking fellow, maybe from the Silver Coast, while Basch looked more rugged and Midlander (like Baâ). The group explained to them that they need to travel to the dwarves and transport them here. They didn't need more instructions, just the locations. After everything was discussed, they asked if there was an airship nearby. The group told them about the Chaloupe ship. It was revealed that it was Quick Eagle and the captain was none other than Menny Boddynock. Finn heard of her, but mainly of her twin sister - Manny Boddynock, the admiral of the biggest ship in Tethys. A Demogorgon Class airship called Shippy. They didn't know why she was here, but she is a very "free spirit", maybe even a sky pirate. At this point, the players learned that there are about 100 ships flying over Tethys. Most of them at Quadropolis. High Magic, yo. Also, a little side note, Balthier, and Basch recognized Finn as a bard that came to a bar to sing dirty songs, but he didn't recognize them. Just some fluff.
Now, everything was ready. We are going to siege!
---
Chapter IV
Session 41: The Army Marches
Our heroes had a good nice sleep and the next day went to Crommash to discuss the issue of war. First, they asked about Castra Vetera. The group finally heard what's there - fiends and undead. Orcs tried many times to conquer the black city but never succeeded. They stopped trying because the demons and undead seemed endless. They talked about their plans to attack the mountain but the orcs will need to wait for the signal to attack. Crommash felt that they are keeping secrets from him, so when Finn told him that they need to regroup and confirm this information, he requested him to come near him and told him that he is deceiving him. After a discussion in the group, Solange decided to tell the truth to the orc. They know of tunnels that will lead the orcs to the other side and will get that information when the time comes. Crommash agreed that using a tunnel, where the orcs can fit would be best. He told the group that they will need additional one or two days on top the three days they need to travel to Shuggend's mountain. The group also saw that the orc situation is fickle. Crommash might not survive this battle. The party discussed if they should do something about it, but in the end decided not to, since killing one of the demon-worshipping chiefs would take the time that they don't have right now. The group left the castle and these lands. On their way, they notified Orth's Mages' Guild about their need to buy Fire Resistance Potions, Healing Potions, and components for Revivify (Balasar can now cast it).
They got to the Septima keep and met with Cleig and Punn. Both of them were awaiting orders. The group decided to talk to the dragon first. Punn took out a strange metallic object with a diamond inside. Like holographic decide you put on the ground and the diamond creates the image above. He put the device on the ground and spilled a drop of his own blood on the diamond. The jewel shined and the image showed up. However, this image was human-sized, not dragon-sized. The features did reveal that it was Lord Magmos in human form.
Lord Magmos
Human Form
He greeted his friends. The group could freely talk to the dragon. He explained that this allows him to send his consciousness, but he can't do anything on the other side. He can go into a simpler state, where he only hears what is going on. The group revealed their plans to the dragon and their ace in the sleeve - Cleig. The dragon was happy and told the group that he will send his warriors, mages and himself to attack Shuggend when the time comes. Balasar feared that the dragon exerts too much of his stamina for this since he already is in a bad shape. However, the dragon revealed that thanks to Quennar's Greater Restoration it allows his body to catch up to his new huge form. He feels a lot better and he might not even need the new armor he was planning on getting. He is ready to help them. The dragon also spoke about Luigi and Om, about what should be done with them. He revealed that the dwarf is making his close men drunk to the point that they can't wake up for days. They told him that the pair should return to Orth. The discussion continued and the last topic was something the dragon wanted to ask the group. Lord Magmos asked the group for a ... name. He needed a new name since he isn't really Ragmaw or Lord Magmos. The group told him that it's something personal and he should find it himself, however, the dragon disagreed. For him, they were his friends, but not only that - they gave him life. He believes that if the group didn't find him, that they didn't come and Baâ didn't convince the druids to heal him, then he would have died. The group gave him a new life and they need to name this life. He didn't even believe that he was going to experience a new emotion. His memories are implanted. Everything he knows comes from the experiment. Except for friendship. He never felt this way about anybody and never thought he will. For him, he owes them his life. He told the group, he will be there for them. Before disappearing, he asked Punn if he remembers what he asked for him to do. "Yes, Punn remembers! Guard them with Punn's life!"
After these talks, the group discussed with Cleig his future. They wanted him to go with them to Shuggend, however, the kobold wanted something else in return. His men are weak, those aren't fighters, just miners. He wanted them to have a better life and not under a dragon, which was quite strange for Balasar. Cleig explained that Shuggend isn't a dragon, but he acts like a one and that is enough for Cleig to not want to deal with other dragons. Mario made an oath that he will help them find a new home, maybe even working for him. The kobolds were then instructed to dig the tunnels, make them wider, for the army to march. Cleig and Punn would later join the party to Orth, but the group wanted to meet with Duke Salvatore. The ghost was still there and still didn't accept Mario. He saw that the paladin wields Rexgladio, but for him, he still is a descendant of those that broke their oaths. However, the party was able to convince the Duke to help them. This would at a cost. The throne is cursed or broken and if he turns off the Sphere of Force, he can't turn it back on again. He will allow their armies to pass through. Also, he spoke to Mario that for him, he isn't a Contegoaurum. He will never be. The Duke's ancestors would disagree with his actions, helping the group here, however, they aren't here and he is the last guardian of this place. He wants to see it prosper again. For it to defend the defenseless again. He told Mario that he might not be a de Capodimonte anymore since his uncle sent him to become a paladin, but whatever he does, after routing out the monsters, he wishes him good luck. A fresh start for him. If he chooses to use his old name or current, it does not matter to the Duke, only that he becomes someone the people can rely on. Before the group left, the ghost told them that after taking care of their war effort, they need to come to him and defeat him in combat. Only then he will accept them as the rightful rulers of Golden Spring. The group agreed to these terms and left the ghost. Now, they had almost everything secured. Just the armies are left.
Our heroes came back to Orth with Cleig and Punn. They persuaded the soldiers and guards that these kobolds aren't anything to be scared and they are with them. The adventurers have their guild here, so it isn't strange to see different creatures working for the guild. They were let in. Cleig and Punn stayed in the guild, waiting for the moment they will meet with the army leaders. These events were taken fast since I didn't want to bog down preparations even more. The players wanted to battle something. First, they visited the Mages' Guild. The guildmaster gave them their order of potions for a low price since Sigurd talked to her and made puppy eyes. Then they talked about partnership, alliance with the war and castle. There were some jokes. Mainly that Finn is the trade good in the exchange and other similar jokes. However, in the end, she told the group she and her guild are interested only in the arcane and historical knowledge. The guild will have access, safe access mind you, to the Golden Spring Castle. They wanted to research the castle, it's history and magical wards. Also, in return for making sure that the castle's secrets and other stuff doesn't go past the group and only the guildmaster will have access to it (with her main mage, Kenway), they decided that if they find new magical items in their journeys, that they will give her to research first. With that, they gained the guild alliance and couple of wizards will help them in their war. Next, they met with Sigurd and talked about their alliance with the dragon. There was nothing new or important gained here, maybe that Sigurd is very keen on helping the group achieve their victory, to the point he regards his parasite as a triviality. Even deciding offers of help from the group, at least until they will safeguard the mountains. Later, they met with the Goliaths, or actually their leader. Couple days before, they sent to their sponsor that they agree to his terms.
Dvorak "Hardhead" Thunukalathi
Leader of Gantholorank
Hardhead was named Dvorak Thunukalathi and he was the leader of the group called Gantholorank. No translations for now. He was very upfront and vulgar, even calling Gwendolyn a bitch. In short, he is only interested in the fight. Orcs. Kobolds. Whatever. They will not accept work as defenders or patrolmen. If they have something to kill, they send them to do it. The group persuaded the Goliath to follow orders of their new commander and meet up when the army does. He agreed. Next, they talked to Gwendolyn. They mainly persuaded her to accept because of a "mistake." When they talked about needed a leader, they said that she popped into their mind. "What about Sigurd?" which was a question, why not take the hero? He would the most obvious choice since he is more experienced. However, the Solange heard her differently and replied "too", which is the conversation meant "Sigurd also thought that you are the best choice." The party continued talking and after a while saw that Gwendolyn stopped listening to them. She was all red. Her hands between her knees, rubbing. Murmuring to herself about Sigurd and that he thinks she is the best. After bringing her back to them, they continued the discussion, but it was pretty over, she agreed. Balasar gave her the best thing there could be - information about the orcs, the positions, and the castle's plan. Balasar made it during their stay in Golden Spring and rolled natural 20. This will be a slaughter for the orcs. After that, there was nothing more to do.
Edrathil Silver Blade
Brother of Annael Silver Blade
Commander of Orth's Army
The armies arrived. About a hundred dwarves, most of them were warriors but some were monks of the Open Hand order. Both Udir Ironfist and Thosbut Ironfist came, but mainly the cleric will lead the charge. The elves also arrived with over 50 strong, with five clerics to help with the healing. Lead by Faelyn Eagle Song. The group also met with Edrathil Silver Blade. He wasn't there to chitchat. He greeted the group, told them that his brother, Annael spoke of them and was ready to help them. Next thing the party heard was from the dwarves, they had a name for them - Måmgozôsustir or Dragon Tamers. Only the humans didn't have a name for them unless you count Friends of Sigurd. The meeting was about to happen. A giant tent was prepared and the leaders of the factions came to discuss the plans.
War Meeting
You can see above who was during this meeting. To remind everybody, from upper left:
- Havifgar the Small - leader of the Trinity Church in Orth
- Gwendolyn - paladin and guildmaster of the adventurers' guild in Orth
- Sigurd - the "Lord of Orth" and the hero
- Edrathil Silver Blade - commander of Orth's Army
- Palladio - captain of the guard
- Faelyn Eagle Song - leader of the elf forces from Estel'Anoron
- Enialis - member of Council of Orth and the Small Council
- Thulom Silverstone - member of Council of Orth and guildmaster of craftsmen's guild
- Hagel - member of Council of Orth and innkeeper of the biggest inn in town
- Lorenza (they didn't meet her yet) - member of Council of Orth and guildmaster of merchants' guild
- Udir Ironfist - leader of Logemakam
- Ellyjoybell Horcusporcus - guildmaster of mages' guild
- Thosbut Ironfist - cleric of Urist and leader of the dwarven forces from Logemakam
- Cleig - the kobold that the party convinced to ally with
- Lord Magmos - the dragon they met in their first quest in the Canyon, now a dear friend
- Punn - follower of Lord Magmos
A big group. Most of them the party met and made their opinions about. They were gathered by the group and there were some tensions. Udir tried to relieve them joking if the "ballless heir" found his balls but Mario didn't respond in any manner. The group decided that this must be the moment they show the dragon, which Punn gladly did and made Lord Magmos appear. If the dragon was a villain, if the group didn't convince him to take another path, if they didn't become his friends, this would be a slaughter. I could just go "good, I have everybody in one place" and attack. However, the party was very lucky, rolled very high and did the right things. The dragon was on their side. He tried to convince the other members of this gathering that he believes in the heroes, that he knows the people here won't trust his words, but at least he wants them to trust the words of the party, who saved his life and he owes them. The party decided to speak, one by one. Each tried to use some argument that they should trust them, the dragon or just their own sense of survival. There was still tension, so Udir looked at Sigurd. The warrior saw that the old dwarf expects him to speak next. So he did his usual "spiel" that the world needs heroes and these are the shiniest ones that came. That they will make the mountains safe again and people will not need to worry about the morning sun over the mountain range anymore because it will shine ever so brightly. Sigurd even said that that he would give his own life for the group, which the group Insighted and saw that he wasn't kidding about it. Faelyn spoke that if it wasn't for the group, they would be living in darkness. They made this happen and he will help them. Udir also spoke. He wasn't quite sure about the group, but they are trustworthy and honorable, he will give them his axe and men. Edrathil was next, but instead of making a speech, he just said that this should be enough and they should plan the attack. No more speeches. This made Gwendolyn blush, the party saw her checking her notes - she also wanted to make a speech and even prepared one. The party goaded her to speak if she wants, so she did. She said that the group is the best that could happen to the Canyon and that they will bring prosperity to it. That they are indeed goodhearted people and that they can be trusted. Even Sigurd said so. That last part Gwendolyn wanted to say, but she was so close to Sigurd and when she started to talk about him, she went red and started to repeat "Si" every second. Havifgar laughed, put his hand on her shoulder and made a small speech that this should be enough, that orcs are waiting to be killed and that the Council of Orth should be happy.
Lorenza
Leader of the Merchant District
Member of the Council of Orth
Guildmaster of the Merchants' Guild
And actually, they were. Lorenza said that this should bring more people and money to the canyon, so she is happy about it. Hagel spoke that they better get back alive, the beer is waiting. Thulom spoke something under his breath, that only couple people understood as "kill some orcs for me." Enialis said that he believes that the group will bring good to this canyon and wished them good luck, which of course surprised the group since they are very much opposed to Enialis. Politicians left with Palladio. Now the group could tell their plans, which was accepted by the rest. Everything seemed ok and even perfect. The group now needed to prepare for the worst. Mario even spoke with Luigi and his son said he will help them by going to the castle with Om, he will try to fight with the soldiers. All was set. Except for one thing. Mario was issued to come to the arena on the 5th, so in 6 days. Mario had to resign, he didn't even have time to check who issued the challenge. The group waited one more day for the airships to arrive.
Balthier and Basch
Captains of Red Rose and Dolphin Airships
They met with two captains. Both ships were from Quadropolis but made by humans. Red Rose was a Bronco Class airship, made for combat and fast travel. It was really made well. Dolphin was a Fat Whale Class airship, made for transport and non-combat situations but was armored. These ships worked in a pair, so that was why they needed them both. The captains introduced themselves as Balthier and Basch. Balthier was a richer looking fellow, maybe from the Silver Coast, while Basch looked more rugged and Midlander (like Baâ). The group explained to them that they need to travel to the dwarves and transport them here. They didn't need more instructions, just the locations. After everything was discussed, they asked if there was an airship nearby. The group told them about the Chaloupe ship. It was revealed that it was Quick Eagle and the captain was none other than Menny Boddynock. Finn heard of her, but mainly of her twin sister - Manny Boddynock, the admiral of the biggest ship in Tethys. A Demogorgon Class airship called Shippy. They didn't know why she was here, but she is a very "free spirit", maybe even a sky pirate. At this point, the players learned that there are about 100 ships flying over Tethys. Most of them at Quadropolis. High Magic, yo. Also, a little side note, Balthier, and Basch recognized Finn as a bard that came to a bar to sing dirty songs, but he didn't recognize them. Just some fluff.
Now, everything was ready. We are going to siege!
End of a chapter. Two sessions were done since we didn't finish a fight.
---
Session 42-43: The Mountain Siege and Life Taker
When we last left our heroes, they were finishing their war council meeting. After it, Mario, Elhaeltôr, and Balasar saw Faelyn (the elven war leader) and Edrathil (the commander of Orth's army) meet. Unfortunately, only Elhaeltôr understood what they talked about. Faelyn said that the Archdruid, Aredhel, wants to meet with Edrathil and give her sorry, ask for forgiveness for all these years. This shocked Edrathil since he never believed that this will change. Faelyn said that he will meet with the son of Ironfist, Udir, but also asked Edrathil where he can find Orth's descendant since she wants to say sorry to him also. Edrathil told him everything he needed. After Faelyn left, Edrathil just smiled and whispered to himself "you were right, Sigurd. This group is special" as a comment towards our heroes. This was a small fluff stuff to show to the group.
In the town, the group went to finish some stuff. Solange made his last mass and spoke with Lord Sun's followers, especially Odon. He asked him to take care of the chapel but was instead asked if he wants their help. Solange didn't know that the half-orcs could even fight, so he tested Odon in a sparring match. The half-orc didn't use any weapons, just fists and was able to stand his ground. Even without raging. After the fight, Solange accepted Odon's and his people help in the siege. They were asked to go to Septima with the army. Finn went to Jasper to ask for a blessing, which is more akin to "last meal", where the cleric cooks meals great heroes for Finn while speaking about their deeds. Balasar went to the Mage Guild to meet with the two acolytes they saved but instead was stopped by Kenway again. Again, the wizard didn't allow Balasar to go near them, but it was because they were deathly tired. When they heard about the group need for healing and fire potions, they worked day and night helping with the project and are just now sleeping it off. He agreed to leave a note for them and wished Balasar good luck. Mario also went to get a blessing from a cleric of Valena. Cleo was her name. She used something called First Grain, a bunch of wheat, to touch him like knighting while asking Valena to bless this knight in his quest against those that are to destroy lands. Baâ only spent her time alone. Elhaeltôr didn't have any plans.
Now, we can continue to something manly. The siege. It took them about six days to reach the dormant volcano. They didn't see armies at the bottom, but in the skies, many creatures flew - wyverns. The group went to the meeting spot. This was a place built in a ravine, hidden from the eyes of patrolling kobolds. Here a small army of Lord Magmos resided. The group met with their old friend. This time he looked much better, ready for a fight even. Quennar also was there and told them that the dragon is getting better day by day. They also saw Meev, a new kobold female that was granted the position of cleric/shaman. The group discussed war plans. Apparently, the orcs are already on the mountain and are ready to launch an attack. This will be an ideal moment to attack the mountain for the strike team. They will go to the secret tunnels and gain access to Shuggend's chamber. Lord Magmos will go to the skies and take care of wyverns, so they will not attack the group. While a small group of kobolds, led by Cleig and Punn will travel with the group and cause chaos inside the chambers. Both sides, after a discussion, agreed to this plan and went into action.
Crommash amassed a big army at the mountain, but it was nothing compared to the army that the kobolds had. When the group was high enough, the kobolds looked like small ants and there were thousands of them. With them, other creatures fought - wyverns and giant lizards. The orcs had a big problem before them, but they were steadily gaining ground. The group, however, had other things on their hands. It took them about three hours to get from Lord Magmos camp to their tunnel. Along the way, they saw kobolds going outside the other tunnels, they job probably to ambush the orcs from other sides. When they got to the tunnels, they saw that the problems didn't stop. It will be a long walk in these small corridors.
It took another hour to walk in tunnels that were Finn's height. Our heroes, except for the kobolds and halfling, most of the time had to crawl inside. Sometimes the walk was up, sometimes down. Labyrinthine, not straightforward. On their way, they met other kobolds, most of the time it was in bigger caves. Cleig with the other kobolds just scared them off. Once, however, it wasn't so easy. They met an army of kobold marching, not far from the end of the tunnels. They were on orders to leave the tunnels and go to the fight outside. Cleig didn't allow them to move and so Lord Magmos' dragon kobold wizards just used the small tunnels to blast the enemies to oblivion. The group had to move faster now, but they got to their chamber.
Most of this place was in the darkness. The chamber's ceiling was barely at the darkvision limit, but sometimes it went over that limit. It was big, about 200-300 meters in length. The group saw a shaft, probably from the volcano. The light came inside, but it was nothing really. The other lights were sparse. The most were at the entrance to a tunnel that leads to Shuggend's chamber. The group had to go there and attack the kobolds defending it, while Cleig and Punn with other kobolds led an attack in the chamber to make a commotion. They split up. The group sneaked up to the entrance and blasted at the kobolds. It was mainly kobold warriors, a mage, lizards, and drakes. Using Cloudkill the group had in a form of Actuvian Tetrahedron, they blasted at the leaders. Even using Conjure Minor Elementars to distract them. Later Elhaeltôreven used one of his fireballs. It was a slaughter. The group didn't wait and after getting to the entrance, they went inside. It was about 10-15 travel upwards. Another big chamber, but not as big as the previous one. They saw many different things here - treasure hoard, laboratory, an altar and another entrance to the volcano shaft. Before they could act, fires light up the place. Three wyverns swoop down from above and on one of them, their leader. A big kobold, height comparable to a dwarf. It looked very draconic with his fangs, claws, and wings.
Shuggend
Leader of the Darastrix Urthalrei tribe
Dragon Kobold Prophet
Century-old Kobold
The fight ensued. It wasn't an easy fight, but it wasn't an impossible one. Shuggend was an able mage and after casting Chain Lighting, the group felt the damage on them. They used most of their fire and strength potions for this fight. Finn successfully persuaded, with Charm Monster, one of the wyverns to attack another one. After being hit once, Shuggend showed his true form and changed into a red dragon! Nope. He couldn't do anything. After being hit for big damage, he had to roll for concentration. He lost his spell-like ability and changed back. He wasn't a real dragon. He even tried to dominate Solange to kill Elhaeltôr, but he lost that too when Finn used Fly on Mario and the paladin got near the kobold. The kill went to Solange, who used his radiant spears to kill the kobold. He fell down. The wyverns flew away, but one of them got killed before that happened. The group won and could look around.
Here they found that Shuggend was creating Drakes. They were created using dragon scales and blood. He kept a red drake and two different lizards inside jars. There were even some eggs in the corner of the chamber. Elhaeltôr concluded that the kobold created sperm, inseminated a female that was one of the three types in the jars and that granted Shuggend a red drake egg. There was also an altar to Mother of All Dragons and an unfinished teleportation circle. Shuggend wanted to use the second one to have a stable teleport to get to Golden Spring Castle. The other thing was a big pile of gold and treasure but also another tunnel to Shuggend's private chamber. However, the group didn't have time to do all of that. They took a short rest and after that, they heard dragon roar. Something for a moment took away the light from the volcano shaft, then flew inside or more like crashed inside. It was Lord Magmos. He looked badly wounded.
Then the group saw what did this damage to their friend. A huge creature appeared at the entrance to the shaft. It stood with its wings to the sides, blocking almost all light. They saw in the darkness his red, firey glowing eyes. A red dragon. It swooped inside and roared. It wasn't happy. The creature looked at the dead kobold and spoke to the group.
Frirdayn
Life-Taker
Shuggend's Master
Combat ensued and it was easier than I thought it will be. The Frightful Presence only worked on Mario and Balasar. Lasted only one round. He saw Mario's shield and laughed at his lineage. Attacked him, but missed all three attacks, one of which was stopped with Finn's bardic ability. The group started to dps the creature, while the druid tried to heal Lord Magmos. Finn changed into a Giant Ape with his Polymorph and Baâ tried using Giant Constrictor Snake to grapple the dragon but failed at it. It looked funny but not as funny as I thought. The dragon was slaughtered there. In my mind, this fight was easier than with Shuggend. I planned to use Fire Elementals as a backup, but thought "Naw, it will be a slaughter that way." Oh boy, I was wrong. The dragon used his legendary actions to do as much damage and finally try to fly away. His breath weapon wasn't also so strong since the group downed another Fire Resistance potions in the first round, so after making the save - from 60 it became 15 damage only or none like with monk's evasion. Solange also was the luckiest motherfucker, as always. Again, having the most 20s in this session.
When the creature tried to ran away, Lord Magmos stood up. His form was bad, especially that his degradation started to affect him badly. He flew at Frirdayn, or more like jumped since his wings started to give up. Landed some blows at the Frirdayn - he was luckier than the red dragon it seems. Frirdayn used his last Legendary Action to fly away, Magmos failed his save and went down (dead). The group now wanted to kill the red dragon BADLY. Using whatever was at their disposal, they made their last dps. Elhaeltôr used his powers to misty step onto the dragon and slash him with his dagger, falling down onto the ground, but that wasn't enough. Mario used moonbeam to do more damage. Only 2 HP left. Solange used his ki points to get near the creature and got lucky again. He only rolled high. It was sick watching it. He killed the dragon. If he missed his attacks, it would be over, since the dragon was next and would just fly away.
The group was victorious. The dragon fell down. The radiant spears piercing his wings and skull. Frirdayn, the Life-Taker had his life taken away. It was over. The group knew that this wouldn't be really over since this creature was the grandson of a great wyrm that was killed in the Oasis, the Red Tyrant. Why was he here? Now that was a question they needed to answer. For now, they were happy. Rexgladio shined again. Another rune showed up. It made the illusion useless, since looking at the sword immediately made people recognize what the sword is. However, it granted the user Immunity to Charm and Fear but had a bad effect, which wasn't revealed for now. The group took Frirdayn's head. Lord Magmos was revived using Revivify from Balasar's new power. Lord Magmos thanked his friends for reviving him. The group discussed what to do next but the dragon wanted to go to the magma since he wanted to see if it will help him. Before that, Balasar just asked him to help with the altar, to destroy it. He agreed and after doing this, he went into the shaft and disappeared, flying down.
With this, the group finally could check what is here. The treasure pile was huge and it amounted to about 40,000 in gold worth. However, it didn't mean they had 40k gold here. This was the start where I would put treasure and change some of it for their upcoming Kingdom. We will be using Kingdom Building from Pathfinder but changed to accommodate for 5e rules. There are some changes there like I've added Proficiency Bonus to their bonuses and other things like resources. In short, the players had 10 Build Points here and could change them at a rate 1 BP for 2,000gp. They didn't want it, so they put all their stuff into their Portable Hole. The group also found some magical items in the pile: Medallion of Thoughts (worked like Detect Thoughts), Gloves of Swimming and Climbing and a Wand of Missiles. Next, they checked Shuggend's private study. It was a massive collection of books. They deduced that this collection would help them in the future if they wanted to build a Library (1/2 cost and build time) or an Academy (1/2 cost). Since a lot of these books were very rare. One was the most intriguing and it was called Librus Draconicum, a book about everything Dragon-related. A very rare book indeed. They didn't find a hidden book, but they don't need to succeed at everything. There were also other things here like four Actuvian Tetrahedrons (Cloud of Daggers, Chromatic Orb, Daylight, and Demiplane). Then they rolled for treasure and found: Oil of Slipperiness, Goggles of Eagle Eyes, Dust of Disappearance and one roll was a Very Rare item called Nolzur's Marvelous Pigments. You can google the last one for some fun stuff that Finn might do in the future. They found two teleportation orbs that Shuggend used. The last thing was Shuggend's journal.
Inside it, he wrote about his travels with Frirdayn from the Red Mountains. His master never said why they needed to travel here. When they got here, they found a dormant volcano and Frirdayn used it as his lair. However, he rarely if ever traveled, so he was hidden for the most time. Shuggend, on the other hand, worked his way into kobold society and gained the most power, created the biggest tribe and the chambers in the mountain. In the journal, he expresses his desire to expand his territory, to take over the mountains, kick the orcs out and create a kingdom for kobolds. Where they could be treated like citizens, not monsters.
He also took notes about his research. He looked for artifacts and there were a couple of them noted inside. One of them was Rexgladio, which he didn't know where it was. There was something called the Actuvian Royal Plate, which was an armor used by High King Actur, which could mean there were copies. Maybe somebody in the Golden Brook Kingdom created them for Actur or he came with multiple from continent Acturus. Scimitars of Black Flame, artifacts from legends, still at the hands of creature from a plane called Fairy Land, which isn't connected to Fairies nor Fey. Phalanges of All-Father, the thing the group read about before, Shuggend thinks they are in the Thunder Mountains. Also, the dwarven axe called Axe of Dwarven Kings should be located there also. Next stuff was about places in the Golden Brook Kingdom. He noted most of it as future prospects and a lot of this information the group already knew. There some new information like aberrations living in the most east ruin called Brook Delta. This was all. The party took a long rest.
Magmos Reborn
Full Magma Dragon
After that, they were visited by Lord Magmos. He looked quite different. Fully reborn into a more muscular and healthy form. Truly becoming a Magma Dragon. He told the group that the battle outside is over. The orcs defeated the lines, went to the first two chambers, ransacked them and left. Apparently, Crommash died in an uprising. The kobolds from the lower levels ran away since the group attacked and killed Shuggend, the line of communication was severed and many thought it was over for the mountain. Cleig and Punn were alive, like with the rest of their kobold friend. The group didn't know what was going on in the castle, but the orcs will have something akin to a shock seeing the castle, probably, taken over by humans. Lord Magmos told the group that this might not be over. He checked the shaft and there three more chambers, that aren't on Balasar's map. One might be Frirdayn's lair.
Only one screenshot this time. I had very little time, got too much into the game and forgot to make some.
---
Chapter IV
Session 42-43: The Mountain Siege and Life Taker
When we last left our heroes, they were finishing their war council meeting. After it, Mario, Elhaeltôr, and Balasar saw Faelyn (the elven war leader) and Edrathil (the commander of Orth's army) meet. Unfortunately, only Elhaeltôr understood what they talked about. Faelyn said that the Archdruid, Aredhel, wants to meet with Edrathil and give her sorry, ask for forgiveness for all these years. This shocked Edrathil since he never believed that this will change. Faelyn said that he will meet with the son of Ironfist, Udir, but also asked Edrathil where he can find Orth's descendant since she wants to say sorry to him also. Edrathil told him everything he needed. After Faelyn left, Edrathil just smiled and whispered to himself "you were right, Sigurd. This group is special" as a comment towards our heroes. This was a small fluff stuff to show to the group.
In the town, the group went to finish some stuff. Solange made his last mass and spoke with Lord Sun's followers, especially Odon. He asked him to take care of the chapel but was instead asked if he wants their help. Solange didn't know that the half-orcs could even fight, so he tested Odon in a sparring match. The half-orc didn't use any weapons, just fists and was able to stand his ground. Even without raging. After the fight, Solange accepted Odon's and his people help in the siege. They were asked to go to Septima with the army. Finn went to Jasper to ask for a blessing, which is more akin to "last meal", where the cleric cooks meals great heroes for Finn while speaking about their deeds. Balasar went to the Mage Guild to meet with the two acolytes they saved but instead was stopped by Kenway again. Again, the wizard didn't allow Balasar to go near them, but it was because they were deathly tired. When they heard about the group need for healing and fire potions, they worked day and night helping with the project and are just now sleeping it off. He agreed to leave a note for them and wished Balasar good luck. Mario also went to get a blessing from a cleric of Valena. Cleo was her name. She used something called First Grain, a bunch of wheat, to touch him like knighting while asking Valena to bless this knight in his quest against those that are to destroy lands. Baâ only spent her time alone. Elhaeltôr didn't have any plans.
Now, we can continue to something manly. The siege. It took them about six days to reach the dormant volcano. They didn't see armies at the bottom, but in the skies, many creatures flew - wyverns. The group went to the meeting spot. This was a place built in a ravine, hidden from the eyes of patrolling kobolds. Here a small army of Lord Magmos resided. The group met with their old friend. This time he looked much better, ready for a fight even. Quennar also was there and told them that the dragon is getting better day by day. They also saw Meev, a new kobold female that was granted the position of cleric/shaman. The group discussed war plans. Apparently, the orcs are already on the mountain and are ready to launch an attack. This will be an ideal moment to attack the mountain for the strike team. They will go to the secret tunnels and gain access to Shuggend's chamber. Lord Magmos will go to the skies and take care of wyverns, so they will not attack the group. While a small group of kobolds, led by Cleig and Punn will travel with the group and cause chaos inside the chambers. Both sides, after a discussion, agreed to this plan and went into action.
Crommash amassed a big army at the mountain, but it was nothing compared to the army that the kobolds had. When the group was high enough, the kobolds looked like small ants and there were thousands of them. With them, other creatures fought - wyverns and giant lizards. The orcs had a big problem before them, but they were steadily gaining ground. The group, however, had other things on their hands. It took them about three hours to get from Lord Magmos camp to their tunnel. Along the way, they saw kobolds going outside the other tunnels, they job probably to ambush the orcs from other sides. When they got to the tunnels, they saw that the problems didn't stop. It will be a long walk in these small corridors.
It took another hour to walk in tunnels that were Finn's height. Our heroes, except for the kobolds and halfling, most of the time had to crawl inside. Sometimes the walk was up, sometimes down. Labyrinthine, not straightforward. On their way, they met other kobolds, most of the time it was in bigger caves. Cleig with the other kobolds just scared them off. Once, however, it wasn't so easy. They met an army of kobold marching, not far from the end of the tunnels. They were on orders to leave the tunnels and go to the fight outside. Cleig didn't allow them to move and so Lord Magmos' dragon kobold wizards just used the small tunnels to blast the enemies to oblivion. The group had to move faster now, but they got to their chamber.
Most of this place was in the darkness. The chamber's ceiling was barely at the darkvision limit, but sometimes it went over that limit. It was big, about 200-300 meters in length. The group saw a shaft, probably from the volcano. The light came inside, but it was nothing really. The other lights were sparse. The most were at the entrance to a tunnel that leads to Shuggend's chamber. The group had to go there and attack the kobolds defending it, while Cleig and Punn with other kobolds led an attack in the chamber to make a commotion. They split up. The group sneaked up to the entrance and blasted at the kobolds. It was mainly kobold warriors, a mage, lizards, and drakes. Using Cloudkill the group had in a form of Actuvian Tetrahedron, they blasted at the leaders. Even using Conjure Minor Elementars to distract them. Later Elhaeltôreven used one of his fireballs. It was a slaughter. The group didn't wait and after getting to the entrance, they went inside. It was about 10-15 travel upwards. Another big chamber, but not as big as the previous one. They saw many different things here - treasure hoard, laboratory, an altar and another entrance to the volcano shaft. Before they could act, fires light up the place. Three wyverns swoop down from above and on one of them, their leader. A big kobold, height comparable to a dwarf. It looked very draconic with his fangs, claws, and wings.
Shuggend
Leader of the Darastrix Urthalrei tribe
Dragon Kobold Prophet
Century-old Kobold
The fight ensued. It wasn't an easy fight, but it wasn't an impossible one. Shuggend was an able mage and after casting Chain Lighting, the group felt the damage on them. They used most of their fire and strength potions for this fight. Finn successfully persuaded, with Charm Monster, one of the wyverns to attack another one. After being hit once, Shuggend showed his true form and changed into a red dragon! Nope. He couldn't do anything. After being hit for big damage, he had to roll for concentration. He lost his spell-like ability and changed back. He wasn't a real dragon. He even tried to dominate Solange to kill Elhaeltôr, but he lost that too when Finn used Fly on Mario and the paladin got near the kobold. The kill went to Solange, who used his radiant spears to kill the kobold. He fell down. The wyverns flew away, but one of them got killed before that happened. The group won and could look around.
Here they found that Shuggend was creating Drakes. They were created using dragon scales and blood. He kept a red drake and two different lizards inside jars. There were even some eggs in the corner of the chamber. Elhaeltôr concluded that the kobold created sperm, inseminated a female that was one of the three types in the jars and that granted Shuggend a red drake egg. There was also an altar to Mother of All Dragons and an unfinished teleportation circle. Shuggend wanted to use the second one to have a stable teleport to get to Golden Spring Castle. The other thing was a big pile of gold and treasure but also another tunnel to Shuggend's private chamber. However, the group didn't have time to do all of that. They took a short rest and after that, they heard dragon roar. Something for a moment took away the light from the volcano shaft, then flew inside or more like crashed inside. It was Lord Magmos. He looked badly wounded.
Then the group saw what did this damage to their friend. A huge creature appeared at the entrance to the shaft. It stood with its wings to the sides, blocking almost all light. They saw in the darkness his red, firey glowing eyes. A red dragon. It swooped inside and roared. It wasn't happy. The creature looked at the dead kobold and spoke to the group.
You worms dare to attack my mountain?
You killed my loyal centennial servant.
You will not get away with this and will die like the larva you are.
I've come to take your puny lives because I am Frirdayn, the Life-Taker!
You killed my loyal centennial servant.
You will not get away with this and will die like the larva you are.
I've come to take your puny lives because I am Frirdayn, the Life-Taker!
Frirdayn
Life-Taker
Shuggend's Master
Combat ensued and it was easier than I thought it will be. The Frightful Presence only worked on Mario and Balasar. Lasted only one round. He saw Mario's shield and laughed at his lineage. Attacked him, but missed all three attacks, one of which was stopped with Finn's bardic ability. The group started to dps the creature, while the druid tried to heal Lord Magmos. Finn changed into a Giant Ape with his Polymorph and Baâ tried using Giant Constrictor Snake to grapple the dragon but failed at it. It looked funny but not as funny as I thought. The dragon was slaughtered there. In my mind, this fight was easier than with Shuggend. I planned to use Fire Elementals as a backup, but thought "Naw, it will be a slaughter that way." Oh boy, I was wrong. The dragon used his legendary actions to do as much damage and finally try to fly away. His breath weapon wasn't also so strong since the group downed another Fire Resistance potions in the first round, so after making the save - from 60 it became 15 damage only or none like with monk's evasion. Solange also was the luckiest motherfucker, as always. Again, having the most 20s in this session.
When the creature tried to ran away, Lord Magmos stood up. His form was bad, especially that his degradation started to affect him badly. He flew at Frirdayn, or more like jumped since his wings started to give up. Landed some blows at the Frirdayn - he was luckier than the red dragon it seems. Frirdayn used his last Legendary Action to fly away, Magmos failed his save and went down (dead). The group now wanted to kill the red dragon BADLY. Using whatever was at their disposal, they made their last dps. Elhaeltôr used his powers to misty step onto the dragon and slash him with his dagger, falling down onto the ground, but that wasn't enough. Mario used moonbeam to do more damage. Only 2 HP left. Solange used his ki points to get near the creature and got lucky again. He only rolled high. It was sick watching it. He killed the dragon. If he missed his attacks, it would be over, since the dragon was next and would just fly away.
The group was victorious. The dragon fell down. The radiant spears piercing his wings and skull. Frirdayn, the Life-Taker had his life taken away. It was over. The group knew that this wouldn't be really over since this creature was the grandson of a great wyrm that was killed in the Oasis, the Red Tyrant. Why was he here? Now that was a question they needed to answer. For now, they were happy. Rexgladio shined again. Another rune showed up. It made the illusion useless, since looking at the sword immediately made people recognize what the sword is. However, it granted the user Immunity to Charm and Fear but had a bad effect, which wasn't revealed for now. The group took Frirdayn's head. Lord Magmos was revived using Revivify from Balasar's new power. Lord Magmos thanked his friends for reviving him. The group discussed what to do next but the dragon wanted to go to the magma since he wanted to see if it will help him. Before that, Balasar just asked him to help with the altar, to destroy it. He agreed and after doing this, he went into the shaft and disappeared, flying down.
With this, the group finally could check what is here. The treasure pile was huge and it amounted to about 40,000 in gold worth. However, it didn't mean they had 40k gold here. This was the start where I would put treasure and change some of it for their upcoming Kingdom. We will be using Kingdom Building from Pathfinder but changed to accommodate for 5e rules. There are some changes there like I've added Proficiency Bonus to their bonuses and other things like resources. In short, the players had 10 Build Points here and could change them at a rate 1 BP for 2,000gp. They didn't want it, so they put all their stuff into their Portable Hole. The group also found some magical items in the pile: Medallion of Thoughts (worked like Detect Thoughts), Gloves of Swimming and Climbing and a Wand of Missiles. Next, they checked Shuggend's private study. It was a massive collection of books. They deduced that this collection would help them in the future if they wanted to build a Library (1/2 cost and build time) or an Academy (1/2 cost). Since a lot of these books were very rare. One was the most intriguing and it was called Librus Draconicum, a book about everything Dragon-related. A very rare book indeed. They didn't find a hidden book, but they don't need to succeed at everything. There were also other things here like four Actuvian Tetrahedrons (Cloud of Daggers, Chromatic Orb, Daylight, and Demiplane). Then they rolled for treasure and found: Oil of Slipperiness, Goggles of Eagle Eyes, Dust of Disappearance and one roll was a Very Rare item called Nolzur's Marvelous Pigments. You can google the last one for some fun stuff that Finn might do in the future. They found two teleportation orbs that Shuggend used. The last thing was Shuggend's journal.
Inside it, he wrote about his travels with Frirdayn from the Red Mountains. His master never said why they needed to travel here. When they got here, they found a dormant volcano and Frirdayn used it as his lair. However, he rarely if ever traveled, so he was hidden for the most time. Shuggend, on the other hand, worked his way into kobold society and gained the most power, created the biggest tribe and the chambers in the mountain. In the journal, he expresses his desire to expand his territory, to take over the mountains, kick the orcs out and create a kingdom for kobolds. Where they could be treated like citizens, not monsters.
He also took notes about his research. He looked for artifacts and there were a couple of them noted inside. One of them was Rexgladio, which he didn't know where it was. There was something called the Actuvian Royal Plate, which was an armor used by High King Actur, which could mean there were copies. Maybe somebody in the Golden Brook Kingdom created them for Actur or he came with multiple from continent Acturus. Scimitars of Black Flame, artifacts from legends, still at the hands of creature from a plane called Fairy Land, which isn't connected to Fairies nor Fey. Phalanges of All-Father, the thing the group read about before, Shuggend thinks they are in the Thunder Mountains. Also, the dwarven axe called Axe of Dwarven Kings should be located there also. Next stuff was about places in the Golden Brook Kingdom. He noted most of it as future prospects and a lot of this information the group already knew. There some new information like aberrations living in the most east ruin called Brook Delta. This was all. The party took a long rest.
Magmos Reborn
Full Magma Dragon
After that, they were visited by Lord Magmos. He looked quite different. Fully reborn into a more muscular and healthy form. Truly becoming a Magma Dragon. He told the group that the battle outside is over. The orcs defeated the lines, went to the first two chambers, ransacked them and left. Apparently, Crommash died in an uprising. The kobolds from the lower levels ran away since the group attacked and killed Shuggend, the line of communication was severed and many thought it was over for the mountain. Cleig and Punn were alive, like with the rest of their kobold friend. The group didn't know what was going on in the castle, but the orcs will have something akin to a shock seeing the castle, probably, taken over by humans. Lord Magmos told the group that this might not be over. He checked the shaft and there three more chambers, that aren't on Balasar's map. One might be Frirdayn's lair.
Only one screenshot this time. I had very little time, got too much into the game and forgot to make some.
Welcome to a new chapter, where the group starts creating their new kingdom. First, they need to take care of the mountain and the orc threat. The party also gained 9th level.
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Session 44-45: Dragon Secrets, Dwarf Landing and True Kings
When we last left our heroes, they took a good rest and waited for Lord Magmos to return. He did and we reborn into a true Magma Dragon first of it's kind. The group then decided to check the other cave systems. First one was above them. However, their only mode of transportation was on the back of the dragon, which was very hot. This meant some exhaustion. They survived the trip and found themselves in a smaller cave than the previous one, the Shuggend's one. Here they found four eggshells, similar to the one Lord Magmos had. However, they looked strange - different colors and only some similarities. There were notes on a stone table next to them. They deduced, by looking at the tracks and dust, that Frirdayn was the only creature that came here and he was last time about a month or two ago here. The notes revealed that Frirdayn found four eggs and in them he found dragons. These dragons, how he dubbed them, were a Brine Dragon (combination of a White and Bronze Dragon), a Cloud Dragon (Silver and Blue), a Crystal Dragon (a Gold and Brass) and an Umbral Dragon (Copper and Green). He found that, like Lord Magmos, grew very quickly, so he created a "stasis" for them by creating places of their natural element, so they could sleep in them until they grew more naturally to their size. Frirdayn didn't know about Lord Magmos, but he deduced that there must be another egg, a Magma/Lava Dragon. He heard that goblins had a dragon egg and those were his last notes. He didn't write why he was doing this nor his next plans, just experiment notes. Lord Magmos said that the group doesn't need to worry, he will take care of them. He only asks the group to check the tunnels that lead to their lairs.
Brine Dragon
Cloud Dragon
Crystal Dragon
Umbral Dragon
There were five tunnels. One lead to an empty room, probably a future room for Magma Dragon. The second was a Cloud Dragon. His place was full of lighting coming out of strange and big blue crystals. He was sleeping a pond of acid rainwater. He looked healthy in a sleeping state. The third was the Bride Dragon. Here the group, getting closer, saw signs of the ocean like coral and wet walls. The dragon was in a pond of sea water with a big stone nearby that created a small fog around it. There was also a pearl that made small lighting that went into the water, where the dragon slept. The fourth one was the Crystal Dragon. Here they heard faint music and magical sounds. Many colored lights shined around the cave. All thanks to a massive collection of different crystals. Also, the dragon was here, bathing in mercury. He looked the "strangest" from the rest. While the others had scales, this one looked like he was a crystal being. The last one was the Umbral Dragon. When they got close, they heard whispers coming from the tunnel. The whole area was filled with thick black fog that nobody could see through. There were also black crystals standing above it, but they couldn't see the dragon. They heard him sleeping and also smelled the Shadow Violet concoction. He must be bathing in it. The group went back with this information to Lord Magmos.
They decided that Lord Magmos will take care of them and since they are sleeping now, they can leave them in peace. The group went to the other cave. This time, the travel that took another couple of minutes, exhausted the group. This cave was just below the one were the Wyverns and the Dragon Kobold lived. It was very close to the cave. Here Frirdayn slept but it wasn't his lair. Now it all made sense why the kobolds never saw the dragon, they didn't need to see the dragon to change into the Dragon Kobolds. Frirdayn slept so near to them, that they changed on their own due to proximity and then thanked Shuggend for the transformation. The group debated what to do next, so Lord Magmos went alone to check what is in the last cave, which was dangerously close to the lava. He returned after a couple of minutes. He saw Fire Elementals walking around and a portal to the Fire Plane. This portal might be open for days after Frirdayn's death. The group debated what to do and decided it will not be a good idea to check out the cave. They need to get back to the castle. Baâ changed into a bird and took one of the teleport balls. She flew to the castle, while the rest went back to Shuggend's chamber. It would take her about 2 hours to get to the castle, so Lord Magmos went down to check out the rest. He was attacked. Apparently, when he got close an Effreti came out with minions that were like warriors of flame. The fire didn't do anything to the dragon, but sharp swords did. He had to run away. When the portal opened, the group went through it with Cleig and Punn, but the dragon and his kobolds stayed behind.
Our druid saw that it was quite peaceful around the castle. The once big orc encampment was pretty empty, maybe a hundred orcs were there. She came through the hole in the castle and was almost killed by overly aggressive dwarves. She changed back and was escorted to Gwendolyn. Everybody was there. The plan went perfectly and the enemies were crushed. Some escaped and ran to the camp to the south, but everything was good. They used the teleportation ball and the group got back. They showed Frirdayn's head and proclaimed that they won against the kobolds. Now, they needed to take care of the orcs. There were some problems with Dvorak, the leader of the goliath mercenaries, but his eagerness to fight was soothed. The group decided to talk to the orcs there. They successfully persuaded the lesser clans to join them. Some didn't because they lost their men defending the castle. They also took care of the hole - Finn used his magical ink to paint a rock wall. Badly, but it worked. The group had to wait for the orcs.
It was a couple of days. The orcs came. Saw that the castle was closed and decided to camp outside, about a couple of minutes from the walls. There they waited. More orcs came from the south. It was steadily growing to a legion, one thousand strong army. The group didn't know what to do, but to defend. Then they saw airships on the horizon. The dwarves came! Elhaeltôr used his Misty Step and with his special ability, made it to miles to land on the ship.
Vathez Brightaxe
Rune Master
There he saw the dwarves, ready to jump down onto the orcs. He persuaded them to not to do it, but the dwarves really wanted to use the surprise. Elhaeltôr used Sending to tell the rest that the moment to attack is now. The two armies were about to clash. When the allied armies went out from the castle and marched on the orcs. The dwarves started to jump from the airships. Bright runes started to appear on wooden boards of the airship. Elhaeltôr recognized the creator, one dwarf, a Rune Master. He inscribed runes onto the airships to allow Feather Fall for everybody that jumps down. The dwarves descended on the back of the orcs, while the allied armies attacked the front.
The battle commenced. At the back of the orcs, the professional army of the Brightaxe Clan was steadily gaining ground. However, the allied forces were not. The orcs didn't jump on them, they stood their ground and didn't allow passage. The group spoke to Gwendolyn and she told them that this battle might take hours unless they take the heads of their leaders. On both flanks, the allied orcs were still holding up. On the left side, the most experienced group, but alas the smallest one was of the goliaths of Dvorak, half-orcs of Odon and the mages of Kenway. They stood their group. The right side had more dwarves, from Logemakam, with dwarven monks. The main part of the army was made up by the Orth's army. The elves were awaiting orders, since, before the battle, Solange wanted a group of fast and sneaky people to be strike force. If there was a moment to use them, it was now. The group went with the elves, joined forces with Elhaeltôr and started to cleave their way inside, by using a gap between allied orcs and Brightaxe dwarves. The group then saw that these elves didn't have a "small village" training.
Elhaeltôr and Balasar quickly understood that these elves had training from the Sanctuary or similar. That means they are of the Way of the Sword, which in turn meant that they specialized in one thing in their life - close combat, nothing else. They were born to be warriors and they will die like warriors. They went through the orcs like they were nothing. It looked like choreographed dancing than combat. Especially, when Finn started to play a song to help his companions fight. Baâ used a Wind Wall to block some orcs. Solange tossed radiant spears. Elhaeltôr used his cantrips and bow to take care of enemies. Mario inspired the group, while Balasar used his tactical skills of a Battle Master to use to his advantage the battlefield and unwary orcs. The group got close. Fealyn and his men took care of the armies, while the group went ahead to attack the bosses.
Xuldan
The Great Shaman
Chosen of Gamygyn
There they saw a big altar to the Demon Lord, Gamygyn. The orcs were planning to do a ritual. No. They were ending a ritual. The group saw a big statue of the Demon Lord, almost all soaked in blood. At the bottom, they saw bodies of orcs and kobolds. Five altars were around the statue, on each a body of an orc and a shaman wanting to extract the heart. Two bodies of orcs were actually still alive. One they didn't recognize, but the other was none other than Boghat, the orc that helped them get to Crommash. They also saw the leaders and one mysterious orc. Ulumpha was the furthest one, strangling one of the shamans for some reason. Zugorim and Nagrub stood nearby the Great Shaman, Xuldan. When the group got close, the shaman ordered the rest to kill them, to not allow the ritual to be disrupted.
The combat was very hard, but not impossible. Some highlights. The group decided to rescue Boghat and heal him, this allowed him to be freed and attack the shaman that tried to cut out his heart. Ulumpha saw the group and attacked Solange, two crits, and one hit, she one-hit-KO Solange making over 90 damage. It was mainly due to the crits and her weapon. However, she didn't continue the fight against the group, since she could be persuaded to fight for the group - she was against the demon-worshippers. Boghat convinced her with a... natural 20 on his roll. She was on their side and helped in the fight. Solange then was healed back on his feet. Zugorim was busy fighting Finn and missing most of the time. Nagrub was hitting hard Mario. Zugorim was using the flail that Crommash had, while Nagrub only wore Crommash armor, he used his hands to rip and tear enemies. The group killed most of the shamans, who were gathering hearts to put on the main circle before the statue, where a pile of hearts was already put in place.
The group was successful. The orcs were beaten. Xuldan wanted to use Word of Recall. He grabbed Nagrub, who was the closest and used it to cast the spell. However, Elhaeltôr had a reaction (not Finn, since he used it to not get hit) and successfully counter-spelled it. Xuldan didn't escape and died before his next turn. Zugorim was next, he tried to run away but was critted by Solange. However, that was the end of the "peaceful" combat. Nagrub was the only one that stayed. Then they heard a laughter. The pile of hearts started to wiggle. The orc shaman corpses were sucked into the pile in a burst of blood and gore. The whole statue was now covered in blood. The laughter changed into words - "I like what you do. Let me 'help' you." The statue shook and exploded. A demon appeared.
Glabrezu
He cast Darkness and the group and the fight continued. However, it was quickly dispelled. He tried to kill Balasar, using Power Word Stun but was killed in turn the next turn. Nagrub was the next to fall. Overall, a decent and hard combat. It would have been harder if they didn't succeed in persuading Ulumpha that they are on her side all along. Glabrezu, before getting KO'ed by Mario, said these words "Oh, Quickstep, we shall meet again." Which was something nobody excepted the demon to say. The funny thing is that it happened again. The group again made that I don't have a "bigger" villain because they kill him or befriend before he can become a big boss. Ragmaw? Became the group's biggest ally and friend. Xuldan? Got killed. The gnoll demonologist? Murdered. I didn't expect the Elf-Werewolf Ranger to survive, but maybe the group would not decide to attack him or not even get their information - so he could become a big bad later. Meh, the power of friendship and all that jazz. Let's return to your normal program.
The combat ended. The orc leaders were dead. Ulumpha and Boghat didn't attack the group and the latter was heavily wounded. He received help from... Quennar. The elven druid. The group didn't see from where he came but guessed that Magmos is nearby. A shadow appeared above them and suddenly the dragon landed nearby, on a high ground. The landing didn't stop the fight, but his giant roar did. He stood high and the whole battle stopped. He told the orcs, in orcish, that the battle was over.
The orcs and allied forces stood, watching were happened at the center of the battle. The enemies started to surrender. Dropping their weapons. One by one, until every orc surrendered their weapons. Suddenly, a light appeared. Rexgladio started to glow brighter. Another rune showed up. Mario held the sword up high for everybody to see. Soon. Some people started to bow and kneel before the group. Not everybody, but there were people that kneeled before them everywhere they looked. Humans. Dwarves. Goliaths. Orcs. Half-orcs. Even Elves. They were victorious. A true, rare breed of Heroes. Their days of simple adventuring were over.
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Chapter V
Session 44-45: Dragon Secrets, Dwarf Landing and True Kings
When we last left our heroes, they took a good rest and waited for Lord Magmos to return. He did and we reborn into a true Magma Dragon first of it's kind. The group then decided to check the other cave systems. First one was above them. However, their only mode of transportation was on the back of the dragon, which was very hot. This meant some exhaustion. They survived the trip and found themselves in a smaller cave than the previous one, the Shuggend's one. Here they found four eggshells, similar to the one Lord Magmos had. However, they looked strange - different colors and only some similarities. There were notes on a stone table next to them. They deduced, by looking at the tracks and dust, that Frirdayn was the only creature that came here and he was last time about a month or two ago here. The notes revealed that Frirdayn found four eggs and in them he found dragons. These dragons, how he dubbed them, were a Brine Dragon (combination of a White and Bronze Dragon), a Cloud Dragon (Silver and Blue), a Crystal Dragon (a Gold and Brass) and an Umbral Dragon (Copper and Green). He found that, like Lord Magmos, grew very quickly, so he created a "stasis" for them by creating places of their natural element, so they could sleep in them until they grew more naturally to their size. Frirdayn didn't know about Lord Magmos, but he deduced that there must be another egg, a Magma/Lava Dragon. He heard that goblins had a dragon egg and those were his last notes. He didn't write why he was doing this nor his next plans, just experiment notes. Lord Magmos said that the group doesn't need to worry, he will take care of them. He only asks the group to check the tunnels that lead to their lairs.
Brine Dragon
Cloud Dragon
Crystal Dragon
Umbral Dragon
There were five tunnels. One lead to an empty room, probably a future room for Magma Dragon. The second was a Cloud Dragon. His place was full of lighting coming out of strange and big blue crystals. He was sleeping a pond of acid rainwater. He looked healthy in a sleeping state. The third was the Bride Dragon. Here the group, getting closer, saw signs of the ocean like coral and wet walls. The dragon was in a pond of sea water with a big stone nearby that created a small fog around it. There was also a pearl that made small lighting that went into the water, where the dragon slept. The fourth one was the Crystal Dragon. Here they heard faint music and magical sounds. Many colored lights shined around the cave. All thanks to a massive collection of different crystals. Also, the dragon was here, bathing in mercury. He looked the "strangest" from the rest. While the others had scales, this one looked like he was a crystal being. The last one was the Umbral Dragon. When they got close, they heard whispers coming from the tunnel. The whole area was filled with thick black fog that nobody could see through. There were also black crystals standing above it, but they couldn't see the dragon. They heard him sleeping and also smelled the Shadow Violet concoction. He must be bathing in it. The group went back with this information to Lord Magmos.
They decided that Lord Magmos will take care of them and since they are sleeping now, they can leave them in peace. The group went to the other cave. This time, the travel that took another couple of minutes, exhausted the group. This cave was just below the one were the Wyverns and the Dragon Kobold lived. It was very close to the cave. Here Frirdayn slept but it wasn't his lair. Now it all made sense why the kobolds never saw the dragon, they didn't need to see the dragon to change into the Dragon Kobolds. Frirdayn slept so near to them, that they changed on their own due to proximity and then thanked Shuggend for the transformation. The group debated what to do next, so Lord Magmos went alone to check what is in the last cave, which was dangerously close to the lava. He returned after a couple of minutes. He saw Fire Elementals walking around and a portal to the Fire Plane. This portal might be open for days after Frirdayn's death. The group debated what to do and decided it will not be a good idea to check out the cave. They need to get back to the castle. Baâ changed into a bird and took one of the teleport balls. She flew to the castle, while the rest went back to Shuggend's chamber. It would take her about 2 hours to get to the castle, so Lord Magmos went down to check out the rest. He was attacked. Apparently, when he got close an Effreti came out with minions that were like warriors of flame. The fire didn't do anything to the dragon, but sharp swords did. He had to run away. When the portal opened, the group went through it with Cleig and Punn, but the dragon and his kobolds stayed behind.
Our druid saw that it was quite peaceful around the castle. The once big orc encampment was pretty empty, maybe a hundred orcs were there. She came through the hole in the castle and was almost killed by overly aggressive dwarves. She changed back and was escorted to Gwendolyn. Everybody was there. The plan went perfectly and the enemies were crushed. Some escaped and ran to the camp to the south, but everything was good. They used the teleportation ball and the group got back. They showed Frirdayn's head and proclaimed that they won against the kobolds. Now, they needed to take care of the orcs. There were some problems with Dvorak, the leader of the goliath mercenaries, but his eagerness to fight was soothed. The group decided to talk to the orcs there. They successfully persuaded the lesser clans to join them. Some didn't because they lost their men defending the castle. They also took care of the hole - Finn used his magical ink to paint a rock wall. Badly, but it worked. The group had to wait for the orcs.
It was a couple of days. The orcs came. Saw that the castle was closed and decided to camp outside, about a couple of minutes from the walls. There they waited. More orcs came from the south. It was steadily growing to a legion, one thousand strong army. The group didn't know what to do, but to defend. Then they saw airships on the horizon. The dwarves came! Elhaeltôr used his Misty Step and with his special ability, made it to miles to land on the ship.
Vathez Brightaxe
Rune Master
There he saw the dwarves, ready to jump down onto the orcs. He persuaded them to not to do it, but the dwarves really wanted to use the surprise. Elhaeltôr used Sending to tell the rest that the moment to attack is now. The two armies were about to clash. When the allied armies went out from the castle and marched on the orcs. The dwarves started to jump from the airships. Bright runes started to appear on wooden boards of the airship. Elhaeltôr recognized the creator, one dwarf, a Rune Master. He inscribed runes onto the airships to allow Feather Fall for everybody that jumps down. The dwarves descended on the back of the orcs, while the allied armies attacked the front.
The battle commenced. At the back of the orcs, the professional army of the Brightaxe Clan was steadily gaining ground. However, the allied forces were not. The orcs didn't jump on them, they stood their ground and didn't allow passage. The group spoke to Gwendolyn and she told them that this battle might take hours unless they take the heads of their leaders. On both flanks, the allied orcs were still holding up. On the left side, the most experienced group, but alas the smallest one was of the goliaths of Dvorak, half-orcs of Odon and the mages of Kenway. They stood their group. The right side had more dwarves, from Logemakam, with dwarven monks. The main part of the army was made up by the Orth's army. The elves were awaiting orders, since, before the battle, Solange wanted a group of fast and sneaky people to be strike force. If there was a moment to use them, it was now. The group went with the elves, joined forces with Elhaeltôr and started to cleave their way inside, by using a gap between allied orcs and Brightaxe dwarves. The group then saw that these elves didn't have a "small village" training.
Elhaeltôr and Balasar quickly understood that these elves had training from the Sanctuary or similar. That means they are of the Way of the Sword, which in turn meant that they specialized in one thing in their life - close combat, nothing else. They were born to be warriors and they will die like warriors. They went through the orcs like they were nothing. It looked like choreographed dancing than combat. Especially, when Finn started to play a song to help his companions fight. Baâ used a Wind Wall to block some orcs. Solange tossed radiant spears. Elhaeltôr used his cantrips and bow to take care of enemies. Mario inspired the group, while Balasar used his tactical skills of a Battle Master to use to his advantage the battlefield and unwary orcs. The group got close. Fealyn and his men took care of the armies, while the group went ahead to attack the bosses.
Xuldan
The Great Shaman
Chosen of Gamygyn
There they saw a big altar to the Demon Lord, Gamygyn. The orcs were planning to do a ritual. No. They were ending a ritual. The group saw a big statue of the Demon Lord, almost all soaked in blood. At the bottom, they saw bodies of orcs and kobolds. Five altars were around the statue, on each a body of an orc and a shaman wanting to extract the heart. Two bodies of orcs were actually still alive. One they didn't recognize, but the other was none other than Boghat, the orc that helped them get to Crommash. They also saw the leaders and one mysterious orc. Ulumpha was the furthest one, strangling one of the shamans for some reason. Zugorim and Nagrub stood nearby the Great Shaman, Xuldan. When the group got close, the shaman ordered the rest to kill them, to not allow the ritual to be disrupted.
The combat was very hard, but not impossible. Some highlights. The group decided to rescue Boghat and heal him, this allowed him to be freed and attack the shaman that tried to cut out his heart. Ulumpha saw the group and attacked Solange, two crits, and one hit, she one-hit-KO Solange making over 90 damage. It was mainly due to the crits and her weapon. However, she didn't continue the fight against the group, since she could be persuaded to fight for the group - she was against the demon-worshippers. Boghat convinced her with a... natural 20 on his roll. She was on their side and helped in the fight. Solange then was healed back on his feet. Zugorim was busy fighting Finn and missing most of the time. Nagrub was hitting hard Mario. Zugorim was using the flail that Crommash had, while Nagrub only wore Crommash armor, he used his hands to rip and tear enemies. The group killed most of the shamans, who were gathering hearts to put on the main circle before the statue, where a pile of hearts was already put in place.
The group was successful. The orcs were beaten. Xuldan wanted to use Word of Recall. He grabbed Nagrub, who was the closest and used it to cast the spell. However, Elhaeltôr had a reaction (not Finn, since he used it to not get hit) and successfully counter-spelled it. Xuldan didn't escape and died before his next turn. Zugorim was next, he tried to run away but was critted by Solange. However, that was the end of the "peaceful" combat. Nagrub was the only one that stayed. Then they heard a laughter. The pile of hearts started to wiggle. The orc shaman corpses were sucked into the pile in a burst of blood and gore. The whole statue was now covered in blood. The laughter changed into words - "I like what you do. Let me 'help' you." The statue shook and exploded. A demon appeared.
Glabrezu
He cast Darkness and the group and the fight continued. However, it was quickly dispelled. He tried to kill Balasar, using Power Word Stun but was killed in turn the next turn. Nagrub was the next to fall. Overall, a decent and hard combat. It would have been harder if they didn't succeed in persuading Ulumpha that they are on her side all along. Glabrezu, before getting KO'ed by Mario, said these words "Oh, Quickstep, we shall meet again." Which was something nobody excepted the demon to say. The funny thing is that it happened again. The group again made that I don't have a "bigger" villain because they kill him or befriend before he can become a big boss. Ragmaw? Became the group's biggest ally and friend. Xuldan? Got killed. The gnoll demonologist? Murdered. I didn't expect the Elf-Werewolf Ranger to survive, but maybe the group would not decide to attack him or not even get their information - so he could become a big bad later. Meh, the power of friendship and all that jazz. Let's return to your normal program.
The combat ended. The orc leaders were dead. Ulumpha and Boghat didn't attack the group and the latter was heavily wounded. He received help from... Quennar. The elven druid. The group didn't see from where he came but guessed that Magmos is nearby. A shadow appeared above them and suddenly the dragon landed nearby, on a high ground. The landing didn't stop the fight, but his giant roar did. He stood high and the whole battle stopped. He told the orcs, in orcish, that the battle was over.
The orcs and allied forces stood, watching were happened at the center of the battle. The enemies started to surrender. Dropping their weapons. One by one, until every orc surrendered their weapons. Suddenly, a light appeared. Rexgladio started to glow brighter. Another rune showed up. Mario held the sword up high for everybody to see. Soon. Some people started to bow and kneel before the group. Not everybody, but there were people that kneeled before them everywhere they looked. Humans. Dwarves. Goliaths. Orcs. Half-orcs. Even Elves. They were victorious. A true, rare breed of Heroes. Their days of simple adventuring were over.
The battle is over and the group can rest up a bit. After three months in-game, the castle will be ready and we will be starting Kingdom Building. So, in the meantime, the group will do other stuff like take care of Castra Vetera, maybe the dragon fortress to the west or other stuff.
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Session 46: Work has Begun
Our little party, after the battle, finally had a moment to rest. Just after defeating the orcs and showing of Rexgladio, the surrendered enemies were rounded up. Many orcs died (more than 10%), not many on the allied side. However, there were a lot of wounded orcs. The party decided that they will get their wounds patched up, so the army had to take the orcs near the castle's keep and make a makeshift camp for them. Boghat and Ulumpha were to "take care" of them with the other orcs that were loyal to the party or Ulumpha. When the group was alone, they sat down to think what to do next. The rest of leaders would await them in the throne room. They discussed the orc situation and the future of the castle. Genocide wasn't on the table, but they had to do something with them. They couldn't agree on a course of action since they needed advice from other leaders. For now, they will ask the orcs to stop worshipping the Demon Lord, and join them or leave.
When the group got to the throne room, it was packed with many different people. The room itself was cleaned up and the only furniture that was there was six wooden chairs. Exactly for the party. Gwendolyn stood next to them. Some of the group stood, while the rest sat down. Mario took this moment to make a simple speech to those gathered. Mainly about unity, rejecting prejudice and the fights to come. Next, people came to the group to gratulate them and speak to them about their plans. Faelyn Eagle Song was first. He notified the group that he won't be staying here for long since he must go back to Estel'Anoron. He congratulated the group and said that if they will visit the village again, he will be honored. After that, Captain Alano went up. This man was the leader of the Orth's forces, not counting Gwendolyn as the general. He kneeled before the group and told them that he is here to serve. He sees in them the hope for the canyon and its people. He made an oath to defend the people of Orth but an oath to serve the group will not interfere with it. They thanked the soldier and appreciated the offer, but first, he needs to talk to Edrathil about his post. Next was Havifgar, who just smiled and laughed. He said that he and Sigurd predicted that the party will be good, but not this good. Not only killing a dragon but also having a powerful artifact in their hands. Havifgar wasn't going to stay for long and might leave with the elves since he is needed in Orth. The group knows what's up and doesn't inquire.
Thalal Giantsbane
Captain of the Brightaxe Clan Forces
The dwarves were next. Vathez Brightaxe stepped up. He was pretty short for a dwarf but the headgear gave him enough height to be one of the tallest dwarves. The group recognized the book atop of his head - Holy Book of Anvil (Kironthîkutzuntîr), which is the holy book of Urist Thunder, their god. Something like a bible. Many dwarves would kill anybody who even touched this book. It wasn't the original, however, but one of few still revered as holy. Vathez congratulated the party on their fight and explained his situation. He came here to rebuild this fortress. He will pay for the dwarf regiment until he will fix everything up. After that, they will need to speak to their captain - Thalal Giantsbane, if they still will want their help. They aren't going to Logemakam and will be staying at Golden Spring Castle. Vathez explained that there is a lot of to fix here. Most of it will be fixed in coming months, but the group will need to find the funds for it. The group then heard a whisper, since there was a pause in Rune Master's speech. Thalal spoke to Amkol in dwarven. He was eager to take care of the "duergars", but Amkol shot it down as "not now, later." The party knew before that this will be the price and now they had confirmation. They didn't comment on those words and thanked Vathez for his help but also complimented his people landing from the sky.
After that, Lord Magmos spoke to the group. As everybody, he congratulated them and spoke about the mountain. First, he came back to Frirdayn's lair, scared off the Effreeti, but the genie took off with most of the hoard, so there is little there. If the group wants it, he will transport it later. Second, he planned on taking care of the kobolds, but they are scattered as of now, with the wyverns included. Logemakam could get hit, but he doesn't worry about the dwarves, they can take care of themselves. It will take time to gather them and it might become a problem if he won't find a place for their numbers. Third, the sword reveals that they will need to speak about Sedyryn. Frirdayn was hidden for nearly a hundred years, something a red dragon very much dislikes. Now, with his death and Magmos appearance, he will be confronted by Sedyryn. "I might not survive the meeting. Let's hope he won't kill me." He said to the group. This isn't something they can plan since the ancient dragon is a green dragon, which loves intrigue and lies. The last thing, the mountain is just one hour from the castle, so if the party needs help, they need only to ask.
The last party that stepped up was Boghat and Ulumpha. Both of them kneeled before the group, seeing some people doing the same thing. The group told them to stand up, there was no need, but only Boghat stood up. He asked what now and heard the group's plan. He agreed to check with the orcs about the demon worship, however, this won't be the last of them. Half of the orcs are in the south, this was just half of their warriors. It will take time to convince them to leave the demon cultists and Boghat explained that the group already did a crippling blow. They defeated the heads of the major tribes that worshiped the demon but also the great shaman - Xuldan. The group didn't want to impose what the orcs will do next, so if they need a new chieftain, they will need to choose themselves. They would like Boghat for the role, but it's up to them. They agreed to it. Later, Solange persuaded Ulumpha to stand up, since she was kneeling all the time.
Luigi de Capodimonte
Former Bastardo
There were minor exchanges like with Quennar, who thanked the group and said he will be leaving with Fealyn. Baâ asked if he could mentor her in the future, which wasn't a problem for him. Balthier and Basch were also asked to come to the steps. They were still on their pay, for about two weeks. So, the group wanted to use their ships for transporting people and stuff from Orth, which they agreed to do. The pair also revealed that they were about to help in the battle, but it was over before they could get low enough to fire ballistae. Also, some parties wanted to talk to the group, but only in private. This left one thing for Mario to do. He asked Luigi to come closer and he knighted him. Luigi stopped being a bastard son and became Luigi de Capodimonte. The kid of course cried and couldn't speak even a word, grasping Mario and calling him finally "father." Even Elhaeltôr came to do a "killing blow" by getting near the boy, telling him is the greatest student he ever had and granting him a wand of magic missiles.
Later, the party met with different groups to speak about their private matter. Lord Magmos was asked if the group can examine the dragon wyrmlings in the volcano, which he said that there is no problem there. The other people had "tasks" for the group and here comes Kingdom Building. What I did for my players is made a list of different "tasks" that the NPCs will have for the group and they can only be achieved by Kingdom Building - building buildings, settlements, gathering resources and such. For example, we had Om's Brewery, where he needed his own brewery building in Golden Spring settlement. This would grant the group access to his signature brew called Arse-kicker (Cogerlakish), which works like the spell Heroes' Feast for 1 person, but costs the same. They could lower the cost by gaining access to Rare Herbs, Honey and such, which are resources found during exploration on the map. However, there was a cost associated with it, which was that Om is chaos incarnate and it will bring danger to the settlement - fires and other stuff. There was some "advice" from Gwendolyn and Lord Magmos also, giving their opinions on the matter (Gwendolyn wasn't happy since it would lead to more disaster, while Lord Magmos didn't want Om's skills to be wasted). Here's a picture. There were other "tasks", but I won't go into detail until the group won't complete them. Also, there were some hidden ones, since some people had to get to the party like a certain gnome Magister or shopkeeper before they could ask for something. Here is a simple list:
- A brewery for Om
- A smithy (armory) for Odon, the half-orc armorer
- A college of magic for Kenway, the mage from the guild
- An airship port for Balthier and Basch, the airship captains
- A monastery for Egmash, the dwarf monk
- A garrison for Alano, the human captain
- A settlement for kobolds, led by Cleig
- A settlement for orcs, led by Boghat or Ulumpha
- And a magic laboratory for the party to create magic items
After that, the party had to tie a loose end - the ghost of the castle, Duke Salvatore. They went to him alone. The ghost saw everything happen in the last couple of days but still couldn't understand what was said. He asked why the orcs are still alive and didn't agree with the group's decision to leave them be. The group discussed with the ghost about their goals. He only stayed, because he wanted somebody worthy to keep the castle. The players prepared for combat during the conversation, when the ghost started asking them "who are you?" He didn't care about their individual names nor the names others give them. The party, their nation needed a name. Something my players hated because after 45 sessions they still didn't think of a name. It wasn't needed then, but it's needed now and times up. If they couldn't think of a name or would attack the ghost, of course, they would be a combat encounter. However, after nearly 30 minutes of talking, they came up with a name that they agreed upon - Aegis Aurae (which is Golden Shield in Actuvian). The ghost nearly lost his patience, since the room was filling with a dark fog, completely blinding them. However, when they spoke their name, it cleared and the ghost looked cleaner. Looked very similar to Mario, even the same mustache. The ghost thanked them, said to them he has only one request - to be placed with his wife, Gloria, in the castle's secret crypt. Before vanishing into the armor, he said to Mario "I hope my shield will serve you."
The ghost was gone and they took the armor and skeleton inside with them. For some reason, which would be obvious, the skeleton didn't break or crumble like it should. Duke Salvatore was keeping it in place. The crypt was nearby and last time they missed it since they failed their perception rolls. It was hidden behind a wall in the "kitchen" room, just before the teleportation room. They clicked one of the stones and a secret passage was opened. There they saw many sarcophagi, most of them already occupied by previous Duke's and people honored to stay here. A lot of sarcophagi mind you. Here they found Duke Salvatore's final resting place. They moved the lid and sawdust from the previous skeleton inside, his wife's remains. They wanted to put the body inside, with the armor, however, when it was above it, the skeleton also turned to ash and poured inside. The armor was theirs. However, something was amiss. Solange and Elhaeltôr felt a light breeze on their feet. A door or passage was opened. Quickly they found a secret entrance and behind it, the castle's treasury, filled with gold. The group reconvened in the Duke's throne room.
The armor and throne were magical. Even Mario's shield reacted to it, gaining more color and vigor, stopped being just a dusty shield. Armour of the Mountain Protector was ideal for a paladin, since it double his levels for Lay on Hands, immunity to Prone, gave him one per day usage of Aura of Life (which gave resistance to Necrotic damage and healed anybody at 0 HP to 1 HP), but also gave him a special move to change the target of attack to himself. The Throne of Mountain Protector was cursed and some of the magical stuff there stopped working. It had to stay where it was, but it could be repaired in time. The most notorious curse was if somebody of not the Contegoaurum blood, can't use it, but if somebody was, he would lose his lifeforce (2d10 necrotic damage) and didn't allow to leave (DC 20 Charisma Saving Throw). If you died on the throne, you become an undead protector. This was the reason he died on the throne and became undead. There was some stuff there about stone guardians, but the magic didn't work there.
After that, they met with Boghat and Ulumpha. They found that most of the orcs agreed to leave the demon worship, but some didn't even upon death threats. Boghat suggested killed them. The group discussed it for a long moment, which made Boghat angry, he even suggested that if they hesitate, they will be seen as weak. They shut down the orc by commenting this is their decision and country and he doesn't have a say. However, they agreed to what he said with the execution. Boghat was the executioner and started to cut the heads of those monstrous orcs that wanted to stay demon worshippers. Some, due to fear, told the group that they changed their minds. Solange saw that it was just because they were scared and they will change their minds later, the execution continued. The group could work on their next project - Castra Vetera.
Castra Vetera
This port city was once a beautiful diamond. Now, it looks destroyed, ruined and corrupted. The rivers stopped flowing from the mountains, so the water in the city and "river" are stale smelly water. The bay has some water flowing since it's connected to the river that goes through the mountains, but it's not enough to clean up the "river." The group also saw some old ships in the docks, but nothing else. And the place where the palace once stood, now just filled with water empty place. Their first stop was an abandoned orc village. The orcs tried to enter and take the city for themselves, but the fiends and undead kept coming. After a couple of generations, it became useless to do so. When the group got near the center of the village, they heard moaning of zombies.
---
Chapter V
Session 46: Work has Begun
Our little party, after the battle, finally had a moment to rest. Just after defeating the orcs and showing of Rexgladio, the surrendered enemies were rounded up. Many orcs died (more than 10%), not many on the allied side. However, there were a lot of wounded orcs. The party decided that they will get their wounds patched up, so the army had to take the orcs near the castle's keep and make a makeshift camp for them. Boghat and Ulumpha were to "take care" of them with the other orcs that were loyal to the party or Ulumpha. When the group was alone, they sat down to think what to do next. The rest of leaders would await them in the throne room. They discussed the orc situation and the future of the castle. Genocide wasn't on the table, but they had to do something with them. They couldn't agree on a course of action since they needed advice from other leaders. For now, they will ask the orcs to stop worshipping the Demon Lord, and join them or leave.
When the group got to the throne room, it was packed with many different people. The room itself was cleaned up and the only furniture that was there was six wooden chairs. Exactly for the party. Gwendolyn stood next to them. Some of the group stood, while the rest sat down. Mario took this moment to make a simple speech to those gathered. Mainly about unity, rejecting prejudice and the fights to come. Next, people came to the group to gratulate them and speak to them about their plans. Faelyn Eagle Song was first. He notified the group that he won't be staying here for long since he must go back to Estel'Anoron. He congratulated the group and said that if they will visit the village again, he will be honored. After that, Captain Alano went up. This man was the leader of the Orth's forces, not counting Gwendolyn as the general. He kneeled before the group and told them that he is here to serve. He sees in them the hope for the canyon and its people. He made an oath to defend the people of Orth but an oath to serve the group will not interfere with it. They thanked the soldier and appreciated the offer, but first, he needs to talk to Edrathil about his post. Next was Havifgar, who just smiled and laughed. He said that he and Sigurd predicted that the party will be good, but not this good. Not only killing a dragon but also having a powerful artifact in their hands. Havifgar wasn't going to stay for long and might leave with the elves since he is needed in Orth. The group knows what's up and doesn't inquire.
Thalal Giantsbane
Captain of the Brightaxe Clan Forces
The dwarves were next. Vathez Brightaxe stepped up. He was pretty short for a dwarf but the headgear gave him enough height to be one of the tallest dwarves. The group recognized the book atop of his head - Holy Book of Anvil (Kironthîkutzuntîr), which is the holy book of Urist Thunder, their god. Something like a bible. Many dwarves would kill anybody who even touched this book. It wasn't the original, however, but one of few still revered as holy. Vathez congratulated the party on their fight and explained his situation. He came here to rebuild this fortress. He will pay for the dwarf regiment until he will fix everything up. After that, they will need to speak to their captain - Thalal Giantsbane, if they still will want their help. They aren't going to Logemakam and will be staying at Golden Spring Castle. Vathez explained that there is a lot of to fix here. Most of it will be fixed in coming months, but the group will need to find the funds for it. The group then heard a whisper, since there was a pause in Rune Master's speech. Thalal spoke to Amkol in dwarven. He was eager to take care of the "duergars", but Amkol shot it down as "not now, later." The party knew before that this will be the price and now they had confirmation. They didn't comment on those words and thanked Vathez for his help but also complimented his people landing from the sky.
After that, Lord Magmos spoke to the group. As everybody, he congratulated them and spoke about the mountain. First, he came back to Frirdayn's lair, scared off the Effreeti, but the genie took off with most of the hoard, so there is little there. If the group wants it, he will transport it later. Second, he planned on taking care of the kobolds, but they are scattered as of now, with the wyverns included. Logemakam could get hit, but he doesn't worry about the dwarves, they can take care of themselves. It will take time to gather them and it might become a problem if he won't find a place for their numbers. Third, the sword reveals that they will need to speak about Sedyryn. Frirdayn was hidden for nearly a hundred years, something a red dragon very much dislikes. Now, with his death and Magmos appearance, he will be confronted by Sedyryn. "I might not survive the meeting. Let's hope he won't kill me." He said to the group. This isn't something they can plan since the ancient dragon is a green dragon, which loves intrigue and lies. The last thing, the mountain is just one hour from the castle, so if the party needs help, they need only to ask.
The last party that stepped up was Boghat and Ulumpha. Both of them kneeled before the group, seeing some people doing the same thing. The group told them to stand up, there was no need, but only Boghat stood up. He asked what now and heard the group's plan. He agreed to check with the orcs about the demon worship, however, this won't be the last of them. Half of the orcs are in the south, this was just half of their warriors. It will take time to convince them to leave the demon cultists and Boghat explained that the group already did a crippling blow. They defeated the heads of the major tribes that worshiped the demon but also the great shaman - Xuldan. The group didn't want to impose what the orcs will do next, so if they need a new chieftain, they will need to choose themselves. They would like Boghat for the role, but it's up to them. They agreed to it. Later, Solange persuaded Ulumpha to stand up, since she was kneeling all the time.
Luigi de Capodimonte
Former Bastardo
Previous Portrait
There were minor exchanges like with Quennar, who thanked the group and said he will be leaving with Fealyn. Baâ asked if he could mentor her in the future, which wasn't a problem for him. Balthier and Basch were also asked to come to the steps. They were still on their pay, for about two weeks. So, the group wanted to use their ships for transporting people and stuff from Orth, which they agreed to do. The pair also revealed that they were about to help in the battle, but it was over before they could get low enough to fire ballistae. Also, some parties wanted to talk to the group, but only in private. This left one thing for Mario to do. He asked Luigi to come closer and he knighted him. Luigi stopped being a bastard son and became Luigi de Capodimonte. The kid of course cried and couldn't speak even a word, grasping Mario and calling him finally "father." Even Elhaeltôr came to do a "killing blow" by getting near the boy, telling him is the greatest student he ever had and granting him a wand of magic missiles.
Later, the party met with different groups to speak about their private matter. Lord Magmos was asked if the group can examine the dragon wyrmlings in the volcano, which he said that there is no problem there. The other people had "tasks" for the group and here comes Kingdom Building. What I did for my players is made a list of different "tasks" that the NPCs will have for the group and they can only be achieved by Kingdom Building - building buildings, settlements, gathering resources and such. For example, we had Om's Brewery, where he needed his own brewery building in Golden Spring settlement. This would grant the group access to his signature brew called Arse-kicker (Cogerlakish), which works like the spell Heroes' Feast for 1 person, but costs the same. They could lower the cost by gaining access to Rare Herbs, Honey and such, which are resources found during exploration on the map. However, there was a cost associated with it, which was that Om is chaos incarnate and it will bring danger to the settlement - fires and other stuff. There was some "advice" from Gwendolyn and Lord Magmos also, giving their opinions on the matter (Gwendolyn wasn't happy since it would lead to more disaster, while Lord Magmos didn't want Om's skills to be wasted). Here's a picture. There were other "tasks", but I won't go into detail until the group won't complete them. Also, there were some hidden ones, since some people had to get to the party like a certain gnome Magister or shopkeeper before they could ask for something. Here is a simple list:
- A brewery for Om
- A smithy (armory) for Odon, the half-orc armorer
- A college of magic for Kenway, the mage from the guild
- An airship port for Balthier and Basch, the airship captains
- A monastery for Egmash, the dwarf monk
- A garrison for Alano, the human captain
- A settlement for kobolds, led by Cleig
- A settlement for orcs, led by Boghat or Ulumpha
- And a magic laboratory for the party to create magic items
After that, the party had to tie a loose end - the ghost of the castle, Duke Salvatore. They went to him alone. The ghost saw everything happen in the last couple of days but still couldn't understand what was said. He asked why the orcs are still alive and didn't agree with the group's decision to leave them be. The group discussed with the ghost about their goals. He only stayed, because he wanted somebody worthy to keep the castle. The players prepared for combat during the conversation, when the ghost started asking them "who are you?" He didn't care about their individual names nor the names others give them. The party, their nation needed a name. Something my players hated because after 45 sessions they still didn't think of a name. It wasn't needed then, but it's needed now and times up. If they couldn't think of a name or would attack the ghost, of course, they would be a combat encounter. However, after nearly 30 minutes of talking, they came up with a name that they agreed upon - Aegis Aurae (which is Golden Shield in Actuvian). The ghost nearly lost his patience, since the room was filling with a dark fog, completely blinding them. However, when they spoke their name, it cleared and the ghost looked cleaner. Looked very similar to Mario, even the same mustache. The ghost thanked them, said to them he has only one request - to be placed with his wife, Gloria, in the castle's secret crypt. Before vanishing into the armor, he said to Mario "I hope my shield will serve you."
The ghost was gone and they took the armor and skeleton inside with them. For some reason, which would be obvious, the skeleton didn't break or crumble like it should. Duke Salvatore was keeping it in place. The crypt was nearby and last time they missed it since they failed their perception rolls. It was hidden behind a wall in the "kitchen" room, just before the teleportation room. They clicked one of the stones and a secret passage was opened. There they saw many sarcophagi, most of them already occupied by previous Duke's and people honored to stay here. A lot of sarcophagi mind you. Here they found Duke Salvatore's final resting place. They moved the lid and sawdust from the previous skeleton inside, his wife's remains. They wanted to put the body inside, with the armor, however, when it was above it, the skeleton also turned to ash and poured inside. The armor was theirs. However, something was amiss. Solange and Elhaeltôr felt a light breeze on their feet. A door or passage was opened. Quickly they found a secret entrance and behind it, the castle's treasury, filled with gold. The group reconvened in the Duke's throne room.
The armor and throne were magical. Even Mario's shield reacted to it, gaining more color and vigor, stopped being just a dusty shield. Armour of the Mountain Protector was ideal for a paladin, since it double his levels for Lay on Hands, immunity to Prone, gave him one per day usage of Aura of Life (which gave resistance to Necrotic damage and healed anybody at 0 HP to 1 HP), but also gave him a special move to change the target of attack to himself. The Throne of Mountain Protector was cursed and some of the magical stuff there stopped working. It had to stay where it was, but it could be repaired in time. The most notorious curse was if somebody of not the Contegoaurum blood, can't use it, but if somebody was, he would lose his lifeforce (2d10 necrotic damage) and didn't allow to leave (DC 20 Charisma Saving Throw). If you died on the throne, you become an undead protector. This was the reason he died on the throne and became undead. There was some stuff there about stone guardians, but the magic didn't work there.
After that, they met with Boghat and Ulumpha. They found that most of the orcs agreed to leave the demon worship, but some didn't even upon death threats. Boghat suggested killed them. The group discussed it for a long moment, which made Boghat angry, he even suggested that if they hesitate, they will be seen as weak. They shut down the orc by commenting this is their decision and country and he doesn't have a say. However, they agreed to what he said with the execution. Boghat was the executioner and started to cut the heads of those monstrous orcs that wanted to stay demon worshippers. Some, due to fear, told the group that they changed their minds. Solange saw that it was just because they were scared and they will change their minds later, the execution continued. The group could work on their next project - Castra Vetera.
Castra Vetera
This port city was once a beautiful diamond. Now, it looks destroyed, ruined and corrupted. The rivers stopped flowing from the mountains, so the water in the city and "river" are stale smelly water. The bay has some water flowing since it's connected to the river that goes through the mountains, but it's not enough to clean up the "river." The group also saw some old ships in the docks, but nothing else. And the place where the palace once stood, now just filled with water empty place. Their first stop was an abandoned orc village. The orcs tried to enter and take the city for themselves, but the fiends and undead kept coming. After a couple of generations, it became useless to do so. When the group got near the center of the village, they heard moaning of zombies.
People were on and off during these sessions. After the meeting with the white monster, there were only four players present, so no Solange and Mario, but the latter was used as NPC for combat.
---
Session 47-48: The Dead and The Restless
Just when the party thought it will be an easy encounter, it went downhill pretty fast. The group was separated (half of the players weren't at the start of the game). They felt too indestructible. When the orc zombies came out at them, especially one large orc with a giant hammer, they thought it will be easy. It wasn't. The huge orc almost one shot Mario, doing over 60 damage with just two swings. It went pretty dark pretty quickly. Mario was at less than 10 HP twice and went up thanks to quick healing from Finn, Baâ and his own Lay on Hands. Thankfully, the party persevered. Balasar took care of three enemies, so not to allow them to swarm the rest. Mario took care of the big orc, while Solange was going around damaging enemies. Finn tried his best to help with healing and spell damage. Elhaeltôr joined last and used Steel Wind Strike, which allowed him to "jump" from enemy to enemy and finish off the rest of the zombies. The group checked the camp and didn't find anything of importance. The orcs here were from a smaller tribe and they wanted to get rich by robbing the ruins but paid the cost. The riches were taken away by those that survived and others that checked this dead over months ago camp. Solange decided to check the ruins himself, while rest stayed in the camp and rested.
Before he got into the city, he first had to traverse very old farmland. This wasn't any normal wheat and weeds. It moved. Looked too sinister. He saw it in time, so he moved past it without problems. The city is in bad shape. The water in the rivers is putrid, corrupted, stale. The buildings are piles of rubble, however, some did survive. The palace was supposed to be in the center but it crumbled and is under the water. Solange saw one big building that still stood, mostly complete, and it was a cathedral to Valena. He sneaked up to that place. However, when going from one place to another, he stumbled upon something. When he went behind a black rock, he saw it move. He didn't see in time that this wasn't a rock. This creature stood on all fours and breathed fire. He quickly recognized it as a hellhound and there were more nearby. He started to run away towards the cathedral and successfully hid again.
Hellhound
Bearded Devil
He waited. Hellhounds returned but with more creatures. He recognized them as Bearded Devils, soldiers of devils. What were they doing here? He didn't know, but apparently, he was surrounded by infernal forces. He also saw another type of devil, a Bone Devil. Which was one of the highest ranking of Lesser Devils that use other lower ranking devils to do their busy work. The cathedral must be their headquarters in the city. Solange decided to sneak out and check the other part of town. There was more undead in this part. Many undead. Mainly zombies of previous inhabitants, orcs, kobolds and those that wanted to check this place and died. This was a very cursed land. He saw a theater, one of few buildings still whole. Hearing music coming out of the building, he went inside to check it out. There he saw a single skeleton in jester's garbs, playing the violin. He read about this undead called Grim Jester, a master of illusions, deception and virtually unkillable - he can be temporary destroyed but comes back unless you kill him in a humorous manner. He went further and there was more undead. Counting them, he thought that it might be thousands of them in the city. This won't be easy to take care of. He saw a statue of a knight and he barely recognized it as Lord Sun, it might have been an altar in the city. However, he saw a lot of bodies and bones around it. Feeling uneasy, he decided not to investigate further. He didn't go deeper into the city and went back to inform the group.
The party debated their next course of action for some time until they decided upon "talking" to one of the devils. Gaining information from them would be possible, unlike with demons. However, they want to do it next day, since they want to see what is going on during the night. When nightfall came, they saw a dark, ominous fog cover the city. They saw the city "move" during the night, just more evidence there a lot of undead. This must be the reason why the people think this place is haunted. There was one more thing that added to that - the cathedral was the single source of light. However, it was reddish in color, infernal like. Maybe there is something there, like a portal? The devils had to come from that place. When resting for the night, Elhaeltôr spell, Alarm, was activated. The party then checked and Solange saw a zombie going through the river. He must have approached the camp, then heard a commotion and returned. However, this isn't something a zombie would do. Somebody was controlling it. He decided to use his Cloak of the Bat and fly, with invisibility from Finn, over the city to check the situation out. The zombie just returned to a bigger mass of undead and started to act like the rest, like the domination ended right there. Solange also saw two more things. First, there was a lot of ravens flying around, the undead kind. Second, a party of devils was traveling around the city, killing undead on their path and searching for something in the rubble. The party debated and deduced that something very powerful was controlling the undead in the city and he might see through the undead like from his own eyes. The party decided not to dwell on it, rest and go to the devils. When it was morning, they sneaked up to the city again, this time looking for a small group of devils. One had only three Bearded Devils and one Bone Devil.
Bone Devil
Elhaeltôr and Finn talked to the devils, while the rest waited behind. Mario had Finn's helmet of Comprehend Languages, that helped the group in understanding what was going on. The Devils were surprised that adventurers were here, coming from the mountains and also spoke Infernal. The Bone Devil spoke, while the rest stood. They didn't need to exchange words since devils could communicate telephatically. With guile and silver-tongue, the group was able to gain information from the devils. First, they served one of the Archdevils, Arbeyach, Lord of Swarms. Second, they aren't allied with the undead. Third, they are searching for a powerful artifact that belonged to the Archdevil called the Gold Hive. Forth, they confirmed that the light from cathedral was the portal. This meant, the devils will have a lot of reinforcements. Before the talks went ugly, Elhaeltôr used Banishment on the Bone Devil. It worked and the rest ran away. He took his time, he needed to concentrate for a minute, to make the Banishment permanent. The party needed to decide fast what to do. The devils will be informed about them, if they wanted a surprise, they needed to act now. While the rest of the group looked for a place to hide, Solange went ahead and scouted the area.
The cathedral was mostly intact, from outside at least. There were a lot of devils around and he only saw the three types, nothing more. No leaders. There was a single entrance, the main one. However, there were others but were destroyed or heavily guarded. He returned to the group and they decided to use Finn's new item - Nolzur's Marvelous Pigments. It would take about a minute to create an entrance for the group. They could use it also to make a wall so that when they will try to close the portal, the other devils won't come inside. With this plan in their head, they sneaked up to the cathedral and found a place where the devils didn't patrol that much and were just a wall. Finn created a passage for them, then close it behind them with the same pigments. They were in a corridor. It went darker after closing the entrance but didn't go completely. Something was wrong. The whole cathedral inside was lit with reddish light without a visible source of light. Magical light. The group saw bugs around them.
Soon they found the source of the strange light that shines from the temple. In the main room of the cathedral, a rift, in reality, shines bright red. Circular, about 5 to 6 meters in diameter. Inside they saw dark and red clouds mixing together. No matter from where you looked at the portal, the position of the clouds didn't change, they didn't rotate like the portal always looked at you. Finn scouted a little. The first problem was that the passage to the main entrance was nearby and it was quite wide. The plan to wall it in might not work, since they needed about 5 to 6 minutes to do so. The second problem was that devils were going in and out from the portal at different intervals. Even by watching the portal for 30 minutes, they weren't ready to assess the time it would take. Furthermore, there might be spies around here and that's when Balasar remembered about their lantern, the Lantern of Revealing. They used it and found that an Imp was flying over them. They did catch him but found out that they were being observed since the moment they sneaked in and the imp's boss already knows about them. It was no use to hide, so they decided to meet with the devil, ordering the imp to show them the way. Of course, holding him by his tail. The imp flew into the main room, behind the portal, where they saw on a high rise, where once the altar stood, a giant pile of bugs. This is also the moment they realized, there are no signs of worship inside the cathedral, the devils had to remove them or destroy them. When the imp stopped moving, the pile of bugs shook and the group saw a pair of red eyes beneath.
Ia'Affrat the Insatiable
Servant of Archdevil Arbeyach
He didn't introduce himself, just sighed. He told the group he is tired of another group of adventurers coming here. He asked them what's the party goal. There was a simple change of information and the devil made a proposal. If they want them gone, the devils, all the group needs to do is bring him the item his master wants - the Gold Hive. If they do that, he will leave. The group had to discuss this. They left the imp alone, which the Greater Devil took and threw into the portal. Discussing it alone, they already saw "flaws" in this contract. First, he didn't specify if he will come back. Second, what about other devils? What about those that aren't under his command? Third, what if he turns on the party and uses the Gold Hive against them? Fourth, it was a "secret" deal between them. The devil didn't want the other devils to know that they made any contract and the mortals did his work for the Archdevil. Lastly, they didn't sign anything. The party went into a heated debate. Over half of them wanted to destroy the devil, not to bargain with him nor make contracts. Even going to lengths by saying they will not help the rest if they will search for the item for the devil. Elhaeltôr was the only one willing to sign a contract with the devil because combat might not go as they think it will. The group decided that if they won't fight right now, he will just get stronger later (by getting more devils to his side), so it was now or never. They went to him, Elhaeltôr told him that he agrees but it must be signed in contract, however, the devil saw through this deception and combat started.
He quickly rose up, black smoke gathered around him. He didn't have a body. The swarm around him was actually his "body", which made physical attacks useless against him. He wasn't a weak opponent. He could create whirlwinds and more insects. Two Bone Devils came to help, but they were stopped by Elhaeltôr Banishment spell, again saving the day, since it would be a deadly combat. Especially that the AFK player, Mario, was an NPC this time and he did 50% of the damage to Ia'Affrat. This meant, that this could have ended pretty badly for the group if something went wrong. Especially that with everything in mind, Balasar went from 90% to 0% HP in one attack of the whirlwind. The same would be with the druid, but she was in Wild Shape, so most the damage went to her bear form. The combat wasn't going as planned by the Greater Devil, so when it got to a point when he was below a certain HP percentage, he escaped using the portal. The group used druid's Dispel Magic to close the portal and with a high roll on her check, the portal started to close from the start, they didn't need to hold their positions. When the portal closed, all the light in the cathedral vanished and the group ran from where they came. They won. They escaped the cathedral without the other devils knowing what was going on and back to their camp.
Undead Ravens
Spies for Baron Castra
When the night came, the light was no more. This was a clear sign for the undead. The group saw the zombie armies gathering in specific locations in the ruins and going to the cathedral. It was over for the Outsiders. The group debated what to do next, when Elhaeltôr saw a raven on one of the trees, clearly spying them from the start. Before they could decide what to do with him next or how to communicate with his master, a strange voice came out of the raven. He could speak through them. The voice was sickly and disgusting. He introduced himself as Baron Castra, which wasn't his real name. The group then started to discuss stuff with the undead master. Even enticing him with knowledge, that he so readily seeks, like Elhaeltôr real name - Harthion Gold Leaf. The Baron's real name is Sandro and he controls all the undead in the ruins. He loves knowledge and he kept the devils in the city, just so he can eavesdrop on them and gain more knowledge from their whining and things they talk about. Apparently, he existed before the fall of the city and knows A LOT. First, he knows about the Eye of Many. Second, what is Rexgladio. Third, that he heard about Harthion Gold Leaf and that he was conceited, who thought he knew better than everybody and never apologized. A true High Elf you might say. The Baron knew that their next meeting will be combat, so he tells the group that he awaits their armies because he won't be going anywhere.
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Chapter V
Session 47-48: The Dead and The Restless
Just when the party thought it will be an easy encounter, it went downhill pretty fast. The group was separated (half of the players weren't at the start of the game). They felt too indestructible. When the orc zombies came out at them, especially one large orc with a giant hammer, they thought it will be easy. It wasn't. The huge orc almost one shot Mario, doing over 60 damage with just two swings. It went pretty dark pretty quickly. Mario was at less than 10 HP twice and went up thanks to quick healing from Finn, Baâ and his own Lay on Hands. Thankfully, the party persevered. Balasar took care of three enemies, so not to allow them to swarm the rest. Mario took care of the big orc, while Solange was going around damaging enemies. Finn tried his best to help with healing and spell damage. Elhaeltôr joined last and used Steel Wind Strike, which allowed him to "jump" from enemy to enemy and finish off the rest of the zombies. The group checked the camp and didn't find anything of importance. The orcs here were from a smaller tribe and they wanted to get rich by robbing the ruins but paid the cost. The riches were taken away by those that survived and others that checked this dead over months ago camp. Solange decided to check the ruins himself, while rest stayed in the camp and rested.
Before he got into the city, he first had to traverse very old farmland. This wasn't any normal wheat and weeds. It moved. Looked too sinister. He saw it in time, so he moved past it without problems. The city is in bad shape. The water in the rivers is putrid, corrupted, stale. The buildings are piles of rubble, however, some did survive. The palace was supposed to be in the center but it crumbled and is under the water. Solange saw one big building that still stood, mostly complete, and it was a cathedral to Valena. He sneaked up to that place. However, when going from one place to another, he stumbled upon something. When he went behind a black rock, he saw it move. He didn't see in time that this wasn't a rock. This creature stood on all fours and breathed fire. He quickly recognized it as a hellhound and there were more nearby. He started to run away towards the cathedral and successfully hid again.
Hellhound
Bearded Devil
He waited. Hellhounds returned but with more creatures. He recognized them as Bearded Devils, soldiers of devils. What were they doing here? He didn't know, but apparently, he was surrounded by infernal forces. He also saw another type of devil, a Bone Devil. Which was one of the highest ranking of Lesser Devils that use other lower ranking devils to do their busy work. The cathedral must be their headquarters in the city. Solange decided to sneak out and check the other part of town. There was more undead in this part. Many undead. Mainly zombies of previous inhabitants, orcs, kobolds and those that wanted to check this place and died. This was a very cursed land. He saw a theater, one of few buildings still whole. Hearing music coming out of the building, he went inside to check it out. There he saw a single skeleton in jester's garbs, playing the violin. He read about this undead called Grim Jester, a master of illusions, deception and virtually unkillable - he can be temporary destroyed but comes back unless you kill him in a humorous manner. He went further and there was more undead. Counting them, he thought that it might be thousands of them in the city. This won't be easy to take care of. He saw a statue of a knight and he barely recognized it as Lord Sun, it might have been an altar in the city. However, he saw a lot of bodies and bones around it. Feeling uneasy, he decided not to investigate further. He didn't go deeper into the city and went back to inform the group.
The party debated their next course of action for some time until they decided upon "talking" to one of the devils. Gaining information from them would be possible, unlike with demons. However, they want to do it next day, since they want to see what is going on during the night. When nightfall came, they saw a dark, ominous fog cover the city. They saw the city "move" during the night, just more evidence there a lot of undead. This must be the reason why the people think this place is haunted. There was one more thing that added to that - the cathedral was the single source of light. However, it was reddish in color, infernal like. Maybe there is something there, like a portal? The devils had to come from that place. When resting for the night, Elhaeltôr spell, Alarm, was activated. The party then checked and Solange saw a zombie going through the river. He must have approached the camp, then heard a commotion and returned. However, this isn't something a zombie would do. Somebody was controlling it. He decided to use his Cloak of the Bat and fly, with invisibility from Finn, over the city to check the situation out. The zombie just returned to a bigger mass of undead and started to act like the rest, like the domination ended right there. Solange also saw two more things. First, there was a lot of ravens flying around, the undead kind. Second, a party of devils was traveling around the city, killing undead on their path and searching for something in the rubble. The party debated and deduced that something very powerful was controlling the undead in the city and he might see through the undead like from his own eyes. The party decided not to dwell on it, rest and go to the devils. When it was morning, they sneaked up to the city again, this time looking for a small group of devils. One had only three Bearded Devils and one Bone Devil.
Bone Devil
Elhaeltôr and Finn talked to the devils, while the rest waited behind. Mario had Finn's helmet of Comprehend Languages, that helped the group in understanding what was going on. The Devils were surprised that adventurers were here, coming from the mountains and also spoke Infernal. The Bone Devil spoke, while the rest stood. They didn't need to exchange words since devils could communicate telephatically. With guile and silver-tongue, the group was able to gain information from the devils. First, they served one of the Archdevils, Arbeyach, Lord of Swarms. Second, they aren't allied with the undead. Third, they are searching for a powerful artifact that belonged to the Archdevil called the Gold Hive. Forth, they confirmed that the light from cathedral was the portal. This meant, the devils will have a lot of reinforcements. Before the talks went ugly, Elhaeltôr used Banishment on the Bone Devil. It worked and the rest ran away. He took his time, he needed to concentrate for a minute, to make the Banishment permanent. The party needed to decide fast what to do. The devils will be informed about them, if they wanted a surprise, they needed to act now. While the rest of the group looked for a place to hide, Solange went ahead and scouted the area.
The cathedral was mostly intact, from outside at least. There were a lot of devils around and he only saw the three types, nothing more. No leaders. There was a single entrance, the main one. However, there were others but were destroyed or heavily guarded. He returned to the group and they decided to use Finn's new item - Nolzur's Marvelous Pigments. It would take about a minute to create an entrance for the group. They could use it also to make a wall so that when they will try to close the portal, the other devils won't come inside. With this plan in their head, they sneaked up to the cathedral and found a place where the devils didn't patrol that much and were just a wall. Finn created a passage for them, then close it behind them with the same pigments. They were in a corridor. It went darker after closing the entrance but didn't go completely. Something was wrong. The whole cathedral inside was lit with reddish light without a visible source of light. Magical light. The group saw bugs around them.
Soon they found the source of the strange light that shines from the temple. In the main room of the cathedral, a rift, in reality, shines bright red. Circular, about 5 to 6 meters in diameter. Inside they saw dark and red clouds mixing together. No matter from where you looked at the portal, the position of the clouds didn't change, they didn't rotate like the portal always looked at you. Finn scouted a little. The first problem was that the passage to the main entrance was nearby and it was quite wide. The plan to wall it in might not work, since they needed about 5 to 6 minutes to do so. The second problem was that devils were going in and out from the portal at different intervals. Even by watching the portal for 30 minutes, they weren't ready to assess the time it would take. Furthermore, there might be spies around here and that's when Balasar remembered about their lantern, the Lantern of Revealing. They used it and found that an Imp was flying over them. They did catch him but found out that they were being observed since the moment they sneaked in and the imp's boss already knows about them. It was no use to hide, so they decided to meet with the devil, ordering the imp to show them the way. Of course, holding him by his tail. The imp flew into the main room, behind the portal, where they saw on a high rise, where once the altar stood, a giant pile of bugs. This is also the moment they realized, there are no signs of worship inside the cathedral, the devils had to remove them or destroy them. When the imp stopped moving, the pile of bugs shook and the group saw a pair of red eyes beneath.
Ia'Affrat the Insatiable
Servant of Archdevil Arbeyach
He didn't introduce himself, just sighed. He told the group he is tired of another group of adventurers coming here. He asked them what's the party goal. There was a simple change of information and the devil made a proposal. If they want them gone, the devils, all the group needs to do is bring him the item his master wants - the Gold Hive. If they do that, he will leave. The group had to discuss this. They left the imp alone, which the Greater Devil took and threw into the portal. Discussing it alone, they already saw "flaws" in this contract. First, he didn't specify if he will come back. Second, what about other devils? What about those that aren't under his command? Third, what if he turns on the party and uses the Gold Hive against them? Fourth, it was a "secret" deal between them. The devil didn't want the other devils to know that they made any contract and the mortals did his work for the Archdevil. Lastly, they didn't sign anything. The party went into a heated debate. Over half of them wanted to destroy the devil, not to bargain with him nor make contracts. Even going to lengths by saying they will not help the rest if they will search for the item for the devil. Elhaeltôr was the only one willing to sign a contract with the devil because combat might not go as they think it will. The group decided that if they won't fight right now, he will just get stronger later (by getting more devils to his side), so it was now or never. They went to him, Elhaeltôr told him that he agrees but it must be signed in contract, however, the devil saw through this deception and combat started.
He quickly rose up, black smoke gathered around him. He didn't have a body. The swarm around him was actually his "body", which made physical attacks useless against him. He wasn't a weak opponent. He could create whirlwinds and more insects. Two Bone Devils came to help, but they were stopped by Elhaeltôr Banishment spell, again saving the day, since it would be a deadly combat. Especially that the AFK player, Mario, was an NPC this time and he did 50% of the damage to Ia'Affrat. This meant, that this could have ended pretty badly for the group if something went wrong. Especially that with everything in mind, Balasar went from 90% to 0% HP in one attack of the whirlwind. The same would be with the druid, but she was in Wild Shape, so most the damage went to her bear form. The combat wasn't going as planned by the Greater Devil, so when it got to a point when he was below a certain HP percentage, he escaped using the portal. The group used druid's Dispel Magic to close the portal and with a high roll on her check, the portal started to close from the start, they didn't need to hold their positions. When the portal closed, all the light in the cathedral vanished and the group ran from where they came. They won. They escaped the cathedral without the other devils knowing what was going on and back to their camp.
Undead Ravens
Spies for Baron Castra
When the night came, the light was no more. This was a clear sign for the undead. The group saw the zombie armies gathering in specific locations in the ruins and going to the cathedral. It was over for the Outsiders. The group debated what to do next, when Elhaeltôr saw a raven on one of the trees, clearly spying them from the start. Before they could decide what to do with him next or how to communicate with his master, a strange voice came out of the raven. He could speak through them. The voice was sickly and disgusting. He introduced himself as Baron Castra, which wasn't his real name. The group then started to discuss stuff with the undead master. Even enticing him with knowledge, that he so readily seeks, like Elhaeltôr real name - Harthion Gold Leaf. The Baron's real name is Sandro and he controls all the undead in the ruins. He loves knowledge and he kept the devils in the city, just so he can eavesdrop on them and gain more knowledge from their whining and things they talk about. Apparently, he existed before the fall of the city and knows A LOT. First, he knows about the Eye of Many. Second, what is Rexgladio. Third, that he heard about Harthion Gold Leaf and that he was conceited, who thought he knew better than everybody and never apologized. A true High Elf you might say. The Baron knew that their next meeting will be combat, so he tells the group that he awaits their armies because he won't be going anywhere.
50 sessions! Feels like a milestone. This is also the end of another chapter. A short one, but the players wanted to check something out. Kingdom Building stuff is at the end of the post, it will be added to the first post and updated there.
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Session 49-50: The Kingdom and Party
When the party returned to the castle, they started to debate what to do next. There was a lot to do - the west filled with undead and demons, Castra Verta with the undead, Sigurd's parasite and other things. After a heated discussion, they decided to take care of their starting kingdom before going further. Balasar checked some information about Castra Verta and the information they had was little, but the most important note - the last Baron of Castra Verta was Vanni de Contegoaurum, not Sandro. Who was this Sandro? They didn't know and they wouldn't find out soon. Taking care of that city will take time and resources, the latter they don't have. So, they thought of going to Orth to meet with people, gather resources and hire workers.
Alice was working on advertisements. The heroic things the party did will go around the world and in spring should bring many new adventurers. The quests from the notice board will soon disappear. A lot changed in the last months. They aren't mere adventurers anymore, now they seek adventure themselves and have people they need to take care of. Then they visited other people in the town, really taking care of preparations - hiring skilled workers, signing contracts and the like. They also met with the Magister, Fablen Gummen, who was still in town. This gnome was an expert explorer and geographer, something they needed in their kingdom. He was willing to work with them since he will stay some time in the canyon and he couldn't pass the opportunity to map the mountains, that were barred by monsters for over 300 years. He also suggested building a guildhall for his guild to strengthen their relations. They had a drink and went their way.
Zutshosh Dragonsbane
Weaponsmith
Owner of "Axes and 'nives"
Knowing they will need weapons for their people, they went to the weaponsmith in Orth that they heard about. People slowly started to recognize them, everywhere in town. Zutshosh came to them and they discussed his work. He would be willing to work for them, but wasn't sure. That wasn't until they offered him a job - making a dragon dagger for Solange. They gave him some claws and dragon blood. At that moment he was ready to work with them - but they needed to create a workshop for him. The dwarf also had other weapons for sale, but the group didn't have enough money to pay for it.
Solaire Solaire
Cleric of Lord Sun
Childhood friend of Solange
It was not long after the group met with someone else. When they were eating breakfast, a figure in plate armor entered the guild. "Praise the Sun" he shouted. The attire suggested a cleric of Lord Sun. Quickly Balasar and Solange rose up to greet him. The cleric recognized Solange, but the monk didn't until the helmet was taken off. Solange quickly recognized him as his childhood friend - Solaire Solaire. This man was the only in the Brotherhood that didn't pick on him and they quickly become friends, when they both were growing up. Solange was still non-human, even as an Aasimar, he was seen as an oddity among the children, so they picked on him. Solaire was different. However, they had to go their ways. Solaire went to become a cleric, while Solange a monk. Two years before Solange's departure, Solaire went on his own pilgrimage around the world to teach about Lord Sun. Solange later would have his vision. The group discussed stuff with the cleric. Apparently, Solange is the only follower of Lord Sun that believes his vision, that Lord Sun is the only god while the rest are false ones. Solaire heard about everything through the mail with the brotherhood and feared that his friend would get killed by an angry mob. Now he is happy that he is alive and better, a true hero. Solaire also revealed that he was sent to the canyon not by Lord Sun but by the Brotherhood to keep an eye on Solange. However, seeing how things are, he will send a message that everything is alright with the monk but not with the canyon. Later, Solaire would take care of the chapel in Orth. It was decided that Solaire would stay in the canyon and help people here, since his days of travelling around the world are over.
This meeting also divided the group. They needed a High Priest as their advisor in the kingdom. Balasar and Solange wanted Solaire, Mario wanted Cleo (cleric of Valena in Orth) and Finn wanted Jasper. The rest didn't care enough or didn't have a candidate. This divide was reconciled with the suggestion of having a neutral party as the High Priest. Quennar Wood Step and the Logemakam monks were thought as good ideas. Soon, they figured that Quennar would be the best bet. The group decided to finish up in Orth, Finn also visited Ellyjoybell to inform her about everything, and then walk with the Magister back, exploring on the way. Also, they sent invites to a lot of people in the canyon to their castle, since a holiday was coming up and Finn with Luigi wanted to make that day as their birthday party.
I won't go into too much detail in their Kingdom Building but will explain how it goes. If you know how Kingdom Building in Pathfinder works, then it's identical with minor changes here and there. The "rounds" are still there, but are done three times - so we do Kingdom Building for each season. Now, it was Winter of 312. The castle wasn't ready and wouldn't be until Spring of 313, but the group could start building, exploring and other stuff in that time. First, their exploration revealed that the area was rich with resources, this was truly a wealthy country long ago. Gold veins under their own beds, more to the south and even Mithril not far from the castle. Aquamarines gems also not far. Coal, honey, iron, silver, copper, rare flowers and good crops in form of wheat and cows. The nearby area of full of it. Second, they had some problems with them. To the south, the orcs were still controlling a part of the mountains, now more at the hills. Also, a lot of drow. To the north, the remnants of Shuggends army gathered and would be a threat in the future. These two places weren't ready to claim. Further north, the goblin tribes resided and east the foreign armies had their headquarters. However, with that one of the Contegoaurum's keep was taken over by Order of the Crimson Griffon, the same from Kingdom of the Vale. So, if they wanted to claim that land, they would need to take care of them. Third, the group expanded their lands to the west, wanting to create a road to Orth. Having access to the gold, it was easier than they thought. They built mines (over the gold and mithral deposits), farms and vineyards. Soon, their little land boomed with over 500 people under them, when the Spring would start. That's not counting the 200 dwarves that work as defenders of the castle nor orcs and kobolds that need a place to stay. Fourth, there was a minor event during that time, a commoner found a magic item that he was willing to sell (magic balloons), but the group didn't care about it. Fifth, they made an embassy in Orth, since it's still counted as a "country" for Diplomatic edicts. Sixth, they paid for two more months of their mercenaries, told Balthier and Basch to come in Spring, so they could rent their ships and also, they paid for Jaxi's, Arena boss in Orth, mercenaries called Red Mercs, which were 100 strong, but this was for the Spring. Finally, the group found something very important - entrance to the "Underdark", here called Underground Tunnels or Undertethys. It is right under their noses - the rivers dried up with their springs also. That meant that the aquifers were dry, so the gold deposits were ready to mine safely. However, that also created an opening from under the castle, where once a river flowed, giving access during the siege to fresh water. Now, it was an entrance to the infamous cavern system. Before that, the party needed to take care of one thing - the holiday and party.
The group paid a couple of thousands of gold pieces and invited everybody they knew in the canyon to the party. Some didn't come, others did. Here's a simple list of guests and those that declined:
- Lord Magmos and his shaman, Meev
- Ellyjoybell, Kenway and some students (Odo and Percival also)
- Udir, Amkol, Emgash, Thalal, and Vathez but not Thosbut
- Quennar, Mahtan, Annael and some elves (Faelyn and Aredhel couldn't come)
- Solaire Solaire
- Mozkith (the captain from the first session) and Jaxi (the arena boss)
- Wyne, a "good" friend of Luigi
- Orleen, the owner of the magic shop in Orth
- Alastor Corbora and Conrad Stenbaum
- Lady Baron Allura, but without not her husband
- Alice, Gwendolyn and Alano
- Boghat and Ulumpha
- Cleric of Valena from Morqueto that helped them with Balasar's curse
- The three agents - Letizia, Oliver, and Gordiano
- Odon, Zutshosh, Dvorak
- Havifgar and Sigurd
- Cleo, the cleric of Valena from Orth
- Ahmed, the Southerner merchant
- Jasper Elderberry, Nevil Fastfoot and the halfling family of the jeweler
- Cleig and Punn
- Hannah, Finn's student, and Eldon Glittergem, the theater's owner
- Magister Fablen Gummen
- Zook Fabblestabble
- Luigi and Om
- Balthier and Basch
- Miller and his family from Green Leaf (the first sessions)
- The dwarf merchants from Logemakam that were stranded in Estel'Anoron
- Enialis, alone because the rest of the Council declined to come
- Cassius Bordeaux declined their invitation
- The drow couldn't come even if they wanted
- Edrathil Silver Blade declined
So, it was over 50 NPCs in one place. The picture doesn't show those that are without portraits.
The holiday is named Shared Meal (or Common Meal, I don't know how to call it). It is considered a holiday where the races get together, families at the same table to eat and thank for everything (the harvest, life, success and other stuff). Also, a day of heavy drinking. The group could invent how it was celebrated in their homes. Balasar's was more of reconciling of bad things they did in their life. Mario brought a special wine created for this occasion. Baâ brought a boar she killed for her friends and Finn, because she only had enough for one person, was given a pipe to smoke. Finn wanted a big round table, so everybody could see everybody, however, they were too many for such a thing. It was nearly 100 people at their party. Solange's holiday was more relaxing at the table, thanks for everything they went through. Elhaeltôr wasn't during this session, so I took the initiative and made up how it looked for the elves. It was more of a tradition for the elves, they connected it to the first time Humans and Elves worked together, against the All-Father. So, they ate as a sign of tradition, but some, mainly Moon Elves, as something more, as a sign of friendship.
Finn and Luigi got presents from some people who gathered. Mainly insignificant gifts. Like alcohol, chocolates, jewelry, rare spices and the like. The party talked to a lot of people, which made me almost lose my voice at the end of the session. I will not go into details, but note the most important things:
- Lord Magmos and Ellyjoybell talked together about his nature
- Jafar went back to his home, so Ahmed brought the amulet back
- Ahmed had an offer to work for the group
- The group didn't have anything for his deck of cards again, so as a present to Finn, he allowed him to draw one card - Ghost, it made him incorporeal for 24 hours
- Ahmed made a promise to ask his friends about Balasar's home and how it's going there
- Annael came because they made him to, but he wasn't angry being there
- Quennar accepted to work for the group as their High Priest
- Boghat accepted to work as a Royal Enforcer
- Lord Magmos accepted to work as a Treasurer
- Gwendolyn accepted to work as a General
- Thalal accepted to work as a Warden
- Baroness Allura gave nearly 100,000gp worth of stuff for the Kingdom Building thingy
- Allura didn't recognize Sandro name, but she used Sending and talked to her husband, who knew and reminded her
- Sandro was a servant of Baron Vanni. A very studious and knowledgeable person, who might have magical talents. A short and fat man.
- Orcs are in good shape, but the "evil" ones are rallying. However, in the winter they need to worry about it.
- Mozkith and Jaxi weren't angry for killing a Red Dragon. Mozkith declined an offer to work with the group, his allegiances were somewhere else.
And that's it. The party would take another month to take care of the Kingdom Building stuff and go to the Undertethys in the 11th month of the year (Nymm). This would give them about two months time of adventuring before they needed to return. Going down would take them about ten days. God knows how much time it will take them underground.
---
Kingdom Building
Time - Round 1-3, Season Winter, Year 312
Kingdom Building Full Stats - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FdgMRzQZO6Qd9xBBT0YqN68V3LkRQliva9ZFslM-G8o/edit?usp=sharing
Roles:
Ruler
Mario de Capodimonte
Consort
None
Councilor
Balasar Faamtenargakexud
General
Gwendolyn
Grand Diplomat
Finnean Quickstep
Heir
Luigi de Capodimonte
High Priest
Quennar Wood Step
Magister
Elhaeltôr
Marshal
Baâ
Royal Enforcer
Boghat Reborn
Spymaster
Solange Sunseer
Treasurer
Lord Magmos
Viceroy
None
Warden
Thalal Giantsbane
Kingdom Map
Undertethys Map
Settlements
Golden Spring Settlement
Buildings:
- Castle (Golden Spring)
- Houses x1
- Brewery (Oms)
- Smithy (Odons)
---
Chapter V
Session 49-50: The Kingdom and Party
When the party returned to the castle, they started to debate what to do next. There was a lot to do - the west filled with undead and demons, Castra Verta with the undead, Sigurd's parasite and other things. After a heated discussion, they decided to take care of their starting kingdom before going further. Balasar checked some information about Castra Verta and the information they had was little, but the most important note - the last Baron of Castra Verta was Vanni de Contegoaurum, not Sandro. Who was this Sandro? They didn't know and they wouldn't find out soon. Taking care of that city will take time and resources, the latter they don't have. So, they thought of going to Orth to meet with people, gather resources and hire workers.
Alice was working on advertisements. The heroic things the party did will go around the world and in spring should bring many new adventurers. The quests from the notice board will soon disappear. A lot changed in the last months. They aren't mere adventurers anymore, now they seek adventure themselves and have people they need to take care of. Then they visited other people in the town, really taking care of preparations - hiring skilled workers, signing contracts and the like. They also met with the Magister, Fablen Gummen, who was still in town. This gnome was an expert explorer and geographer, something they needed in their kingdom. He was willing to work with them since he will stay some time in the canyon and he couldn't pass the opportunity to map the mountains, that were barred by monsters for over 300 years. He also suggested building a guildhall for his guild to strengthen their relations. They had a drink and went their way.
Zutshosh Dragonsbane
Weaponsmith
Owner of "Axes and 'nives"
Knowing they will need weapons for their people, they went to the weaponsmith in Orth that they heard about. People slowly started to recognize them, everywhere in town. Zutshosh came to them and they discussed his work. He would be willing to work for them, but wasn't sure. That wasn't until they offered him a job - making a dragon dagger for Solange. They gave him some claws and dragon blood. At that moment he was ready to work with them - but they needed to create a workshop for him. The dwarf also had other weapons for sale, but the group didn't have enough money to pay for it.
Solaire Solaire
Cleric of Lord Sun
Childhood friend of Solange
It was not long after the group met with someone else. When they were eating breakfast, a figure in plate armor entered the guild. "Praise the Sun" he shouted. The attire suggested a cleric of Lord Sun. Quickly Balasar and Solange rose up to greet him. The cleric recognized Solange, but the monk didn't until the helmet was taken off. Solange quickly recognized him as his childhood friend - Solaire Solaire. This man was the only in the Brotherhood that didn't pick on him and they quickly become friends, when they both were growing up. Solange was still non-human, even as an Aasimar, he was seen as an oddity among the children, so they picked on him. Solaire was different. However, they had to go their ways. Solaire went to become a cleric, while Solange a monk. Two years before Solange's departure, Solaire went on his own pilgrimage around the world to teach about Lord Sun. Solange later would have his vision. The group discussed stuff with the cleric. Apparently, Solange is the only follower of Lord Sun that believes his vision, that Lord Sun is the only god while the rest are false ones. Solaire heard about everything through the mail with the brotherhood and feared that his friend would get killed by an angry mob. Now he is happy that he is alive and better, a true hero. Solaire also revealed that he was sent to the canyon not by Lord Sun but by the Brotherhood to keep an eye on Solange. However, seeing how things are, he will send a message that everything is alright with the monk but not with the canyon. Later, Solaire would take care of the chapel in Orth. It was decided that Solaire would stay in the canyon and help people here, since his days of travelling around the world are over.
This meeting also divided the group. They needed a High Priest as their advisor in the kingdom. Balasar and Solange wanted Solaire, Mario wanted Cleo (cleric of Valena in Orth) and Finn wanted Jasper. The rest didn't care enough or didn't have a candidate. This divide was reconciled with the suggestion of having a neutral party as the High Priest. Quennar Wood Step and the Logemakam monks were thought as good ideas. Soon, they figured that Quennar would be the best bet. The group decided to finish up in Orth, Finn also visited Ellyjoybell to inform her about everything, and then walk with the Magister back, exploring on the way. Also, they sent invites to a lot of people in the canyon to their castle, since a holiday was coming up and Finn with Luigi wanted to make that day as their birthday party.
I won't go into too much detail in their Kingdom Building but will explain how it goes. If you know how Kingdom Building in Pathfinder works, then it's identical with minor changes here and there. The "rounds" are still there, but are done three times - so we do Kingdom Building for each season. Now, it was Winter of 312. The castle wasn't ready and wouldn't be until Spring of 313, but the group could start building, exploring and other stuff in that time. First, their exploration revealed that the area was rich with resources, this was truly a wealthy country long ago. Gold veins under their own beds, more to the south and even Mithril not far from the castle. Aquamarines gems also not far. Coal, honey, iron, silver, copper, rare flowers and good crops in form of wheat and cows. The nearby area of full of it. Second, they had some problems with them. To the south, the orcs were still controlling a part of the mountains, now more at the hills. Also, a lot of drow. To the north, the remnants of Shuggends army gathered and would be a threat in the future. These two places weren't ready to claim. Further north, the goblin tribes resided and east the foreign armies had their headquarters. However, with that one of the Contegoaurum's keep was taken over by Order of the Crimson Griffon, the same from Kingdom of the Vale. So, if they wanted to claim that land, they would need to take care of them. Third, the group expanded their lands to the west, wanting to create a road to Orth. Having access to the gold, it was easier than they thought. They built mines (over the gold and mithral deposits), farms and vineyards. Soon, their little land boomed with over 500 people under them, when the Spring would start. That's not counting the 200 dwarves that work as defenders of the castle nor orcs and kobolds that need a place to stay. Fourth, there was a minor event during that time, a commoner found a magic item that he was willing to sell (magic balloons), but the group didn't care about it. Fifth, they made an embassy in Orth, since it's still counted as a "country" for Diplomatic edicts. Sixth, they paid for two more months of their mercenaries, told Balthier and Basch to come in Spring, so they could rent their ships and also, they paid for Jaxi's, Arena boss in Orth, mercenaries called Red Mercs, which were 100 strong, but this was for the Spring. Finally, the group found something very important - entrance to the "Underdark", here called Underground Tunnels or Undertethys. It is right under their noses - the rivers dried up with their springs also. That meant that the aquifers were dry, so the gold deposits were ready to mine safely. However, that also created an opening from under the castle, where once a river flowed, giving access during the siege to fresh water. Now, it was an entrance to the infamous cavern system. Before that, the party needed to take care of one thing - the holiday and party.
The group paid a couple of thousands of gold pieces and invited everybody they knew in the canyon to the party. Some didn't come, others did. Here's a simple list of guests and those that declined:
- Lord Magmos and his shaman, Meev
- Ellyjoybell, Kenway and some students (Odo and Percival also)
- Udir, Amkol, Emgash, Thalal, and Vathez but not Thosbut
- Quennar, Mahtan, Annael and some elves (Faelyn and Aredhel couldn't come)
- Solaire Solaire
- Mozkith (the captain from the first session) and Jaxi (the arena boss)
- Wyne, a "good" friend of Luigi
- Orleen, the owner of the magic shop in Orth
- Alastor Corbora and Conrad Stenbaum
- Lady Baron Allura, but without not her husband
- Alice, Gwendolyn and Alano
- Boghat and Ulumpha
- Cleric of Valena from Morqueto that helped them with Balasar's curse
- The three agents - Letizia, Oliver, and Gordiano
- Odon, Zutshosh, Dvorak
- Havifgar and Sigurd
- Cleo, the cleric of Valena from Orth
- Ahmed, the Southerner merchant
- Jasper Elderberry, Nevil Fastfoot and the halfling family of the jeweler
- Cleig and Punn
- Hannah, Finn's student, and Eldon Glittergem, the theater's owner
- Magister Fablen Gummen
- Zook Fabblestabble
- Luigi and Om
- Balthier and Basch
- Miller and his family from Green Leaf (the first sessions)
- The dwarf merchants from Logemakam that were stranded in Estel'Anoron
- Enialis, alone because the rest of the Council declined to come
- Cassius Bordeaux declined their invitation
- The drow couldn't come even if they wanted
- Edrathil Silver Blade declined
So, it was over 50 NPCs in one place. The picture doesn't show those that are without portraits.
The holiday is named Shared Meal (or Common Meal, I don't know how to call it). It is considered a holiday where the races get together, families at the same table to eat and thank for everything (the harvest, life, success and other stuff). Also, a day of heavy drinking. The group could invent how it was celebrated in their homes. Balasar's was more of reconciling of bad things they did in their life. Mario brought a special wine created for this occasion. Baâ brought a boar she killed for her friends and Finn, because she only had enough for one person, was given a pipe to smoke. Finn wanted a big round table, so everybody could see everybody, however, they were too many for such a thing. It was nearly 100 people at their party. Solange's holiday was more relaxing at the table, thanks for everything they went through. Elhaeltôr wasn't during this session, so I took the initiative and made up how it looked for the elves. It was more of a tradition for the elves, they connected it to the first time Humans and Elves worked together, against the All-Father. So, they ate as a sign of tradition, but some, mainly Moon Elves, as something more, as a sign of friendship.
Finn and Luigi got presents from some people who gathered. Mainly insignificant gifts. Like alcohol, chocolates, jewelry, rare spices and the like. The party talked to a lot of people, which made me almost lose my voice at the end of the session. I will not go into details, but note the most important things:
- Lord Magmos and Ellyjoybell talked together about his nature
- Jafar went back to his home, so Ahmed brought the amulet back
- Ahmed had an offer to work for the group
- The group didn't have anything for his deck of cards again, so as a present to Finn, he allowed him to draw one card - Ghost, it made him incorporeal for 24 hours
- Ahmed made a promise to ask his friends about Balasar's home and how it's going there
- Annael came because they made him to, but he wasn't angry being there
- Quennar accepted to work for the group as their High Priest
- Boghat accepted to work as a Royal Enforcer
- Lord Magmos accepted to work as a Treasurer
- Gwendolyn accepted to work as a General
- Thalal accepted to work as a Warden
- Baroness Allura gave nearly 100,000gp worth of stuff for the Kingdom Building thingy
- Allura didn't recognize Sandro name, but she used Sending and talked to her husband, who knew and reminded her
- Sandro was a servant of Baron Vanni. A very studious and knowledgeable person, who might have magical talents. A short and fat man.
- Orcs are in good shape, but the "evil" ones are rallying. However, in the winter they need to worry about it.
- Mozkith and Jaxi weren't angry for killing a Red Dragon. Mozkith declined an offer to work with the group, his allegiances were somewhere else.
And that's it. The party would take another month to take care of the Kingdom Building stuff and go to the Undertethys in the 11th month of the year (Nymm). This would give them about two months time of adventuring before they needed to return. Going down would take them about ten days. God knows how much time it will take them underground.
---
Kingdom Building
Time - Round 1-3, Season Winter, Year 312
Kingdom Building Full Stats - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FdgMRzQZO6Qd9xBBT0YqN68V3LkRQliva9ZFslM-G8o/edit?usp=sharing
Roles:
Ruler
Mario de Capodimonte
Consort
None
Councilor
Balasar Faamtenargakexud
General
Gwendolyn
Grand Diplomat
Finnean Quickstep
Heir
Luigi de Capodimonte
High Priest
Quennar Wood Step
Magister
Elhaeltôr
Marshal
Baâ
Royal Enforcer
Boghat Reborn
Spymaster
Solange Sunseer
Treasurer
Lord Magmos
Viceroy
None
Warden
Thalal Giantsbane
Kingdom Map
Undertethys Map
Settlements
Golden Spring Settlement
Buildings:
- Castle (Golden Spring)
- Houses x1
- Brewery (Oms)
- Smithy (Odons)
Last edited:
Our little party of heroes ventures deep into the unknown.
---
Session 51: Dark Folk
The heroes first stack up on supplies. There's little to discuss. Their main goal is to explore the caverns beneath the castle and see for themselves the place called Underground Tunnels or Undertethys. They made supplies and hope to come back before the end of the winter. First, they went to the castle's keep, where the entrance laid. Once, beneath the castle, a river flowed, but since the fall, it went dry. From a secret source of water to a passage. They went inside and started their descent.
It took days before they came to the same spot the previous group was. They sent a small scouting party to check out the tunnels and they only went down for about 4 to 5 days of marching. Rock walls had symbols, the men counted their steps. After a day of travel, they stopped counting by every ten moving to by every hundred. Then two hundred. After a while, they stopped counting that way and when their supplies were running low, they noted the steps on a rock nearby and went back. Thousands of steps. The way was treacherous. It wasn't a smooth descent down since that would just take hours. Thanks to Elhaeltôr work, the group had two more darkvision goggles, so the whole party saw in the darkness. At least that's something. It took them a couple more days to feel like they are "in the right place." About four to six kilometers below the surface. This would correspond to the Upperdark in Forgotten Realms. The place felt warm and quiet. Eerie is the right word to describe the feeling the characters felt. The place didn't quite feel right and in time many races feel it in their bodies. For now, the group barely descended to Undertethys.
They started exploring around the first couple of kilometers that would correspond to their upper kingdom. Gold deposits were found in the bedrock. Here, barely anywhere, there was dirt and very little water or eatable plants. Creatures were even more scarce. The group, however, did find a place they could build a mining operation settlement. There was also a big cave with boiling mud, but they decided not to check it out. After taking those days to explore around, they decided to check other passages. Here is how it works. Exploring a hex takes 3 days in which time, the players can find things that would be of use to them - ruins, resources, good spots for settlements and the like. Going to a different hex takes longer. First, they need to "find da whey" which takes from 1 to 3 days (depending on rolls). After I will tell them if there is a way to the neighboring hex or there isn't. If there isn't, there isn't, there is no going to check again. There can be whole hexes that are blocked or just "walls" that don't allow passage between hexes. This place is more a series of tunnels than humongous caves. If they there was a way, they can go to the next hex which will take them from 3 to 6 days of travel. Three if they don't need to be careful. Four if for normal travel. Six if they want to sneak past something.
Going back. The party decided to go North-East. During their travels, when they talked to each other, Solange almost fell into a sinkhole, when part of their tunnel collapsed. However, there was no way to go North-East from here, so they decided to go North. They knew Illithids exists here and the one they met was to the north from them. This time it took 2 days to find a way and then they took 4 days to travel to the next hex. They are already about 20 days below the surface. It didn't take long before the group met with somebody. Thanks to a natural 20 from Baâ, they were able to see an ambush incoming. She saw somebody small, like a gnome in shaggy rags with a giant nose peer out the edge of her darkvision before going back. It kinda knew the range of their sight and moved without making a noise. The group went towards it, trying even to communicate. The group didn't have a light with them, but they were intruding on somebody's home. However, what everybody first saw wasn't a pleasant sight. Large creatures with hook arms, chicken legs and heads and a chitin armor. A first for them.
Hook Horror
These creatures shrieked at the group and lunged themselves when they got too close. A fight started during which the group felt something was off. Crossbow bolts were flying around. Solange was able to catch one of them, even when he didn't see the attacker. Laced with poison. They couldn't see the snipers. However, Solange and Mario were able to pierce through the darkness while fighting the hooked horrors. Two distinct creatures. One was close to what Baâ saw. The other was human height with leather armor. The hook horrors were taken care of. Solange leaped onto one of the smaller creatures and when he killed him, the creature burst into bright light and disappeared, leaving only his possessions. It almost blinded Solange. The human-like creature cast Darkness and also disappeared. When the monstrosities were dead, the caves went silent. No more bolts. They didn't hear them running away. Solange was able to catch one of them.
Dark Creeper
The small creature was wrapped, tightly in rags. The group tried to take it off, but it wasn't easy. They would have to cut it off, however, they decided not to. Only to see its face. Not seeing colors, Baâ lighted up a candle. His skin was grayish, darker than normal. He wasn't a duergar, drow nor svirfneblin. He was something different. Large nose, black hair. White eyes. He stank of old food and mushrooms. His blade and crossbow weren't hidden, so they took them off the creature and tied it. Elhaeltôr was able to deduce something important. He felt that long ago he had to research curses that tainted the drow. It was a similar curse, may be connected to these tunnels somehow. The most important thing was, that this creature not only saw in the dark, it had a perfect vision. Something Elhaeltôr also deduced watching the creature react to others. It had to see the opposite - darkness as light and light as darkness, so it went blind in places of bright light. The group waited for it to wake up to try to communicate. It wasn't willing to talk nor even react to words spoken by the group. It wasn't until Finn tried to intimidate it to speak using Common, that it indeed spoke. The language was very rough. Only Elhaeltôr and Finn understood. Finn because he lived a couple of years in Quadropolis, where gangs created their own slangs and code words spoken in Common. While Elhaeltôr was pretty bright and was able to understand what the creature tried to say.
The group tried to gain information from the creature. It didn't have a name or more like it tried to say it in his "native tongue" than nobody in the group understood since he didn't make a sound even. His people are called "The People", so nothing spectacular. The bigger creature was called "Stalker" and they were the masters of their race. They always lived here, in these tunnels, since the "Great Cataclysm", which the creature doesn't know what it is, only that it happened. Since then, they always existed. The creatures never go to "the above", so they don't know anything about it. They know that other creatures dwell here like duergar, drow or svirfneblin. Asked about illithid, the creature froze and said he knows of them and they are scary. From what they could gather from him, duergars were seen "in the west and east" like the illithid are. However, the creature saw people similar to duergars in the west but dressed differently. They didn't bother anybody since they didn't carry light, which the creature hates with a passion and wants to destroy. Why was the group attacked? Their home is nearby and the group was going towards it. Another problem also arose, this was their land, so the group had to move through it to the other caverns, there was no other way around it unless they take a detour that would take days, weeks or even months. The creature wasn't going to speak about his culture, but they gathered that they don't have any gods nor worship anything. The Stalkers, as their leaders, were willing to trade. Armed with this information, the group decided to rest. They weren't bothered. When they woke up, they gave the creature his weapons back, told him that they want to speak with their leaders and let him leave, which he did. He moved without making a sound, which was pretty odd for the group. It wasn't long before the group was approached by a group of similar beings. One of them, looking closely at what Solange and Mario saw, lead the smaller creatures by standing behind them. They didn't hear them come near.
Dark Stalker
Finn tried to speak with the Stalker, but he didn't utter a word. It wasn't until Elhaeltôr used Tongues. Finn understood what was said. The creatures spoke somehow in such a pitch that normal ears didn't hear nor it didn't echo. The Stalker was less talkative than the Creeper. The only information they gained was that other creatures call them "Dark Ones." He was, however, willing to trade. Since the party didn't have any fresh meat, the creatures asked for one thing - kill a fungus nearby. It generated light and they want it gone. Finn was willing and later asked about a guide or maybe a map, but both of those suggestions were ignored. "Destroy the fungus, gain passage." Simple quest. The group debated what to do, but decided that cooperation would be fine. They went to the passage where the fungi were. A corridor "south" so it was ignored by the group since it would be going back or to a dead end.
They descended down. It wasn't long before they saw something at the end of the tunnel. Moss and fungi covered the whole corner and light emanated from around it. The terrain was thick and rough. Baâ used her magic, Commune with Nature, to check around. Only one creature, besides them, was registered, a fungus of some sorts, but she couldn't decipher what it was. There was no elementals or strange creatures around. Her magic only worked 90 meters (300 feet) around, so it wasn't spectacular. The group went around the corner and saw that it was a big cave, overgrown with this fungi. A single fungus sat in the middle an emanated the most light, like a luminescence torch. Before the group moved forwards, they were stopped by Solange. He saw a faint light coming from other places, one even before them. This overgrowth could hide well. Baâ quickly understood what was going on - it was a trap for living creatures. These fungi wanted them dead for food. The party decided it was better to defeat these creatures now than to talk it over with magic. Elhaeltôr used his fireball, changing the element to force, to disrupt the fungi and the combat commenced.
Creeping Moss
These large moss creatures moved slowly, as per Dark Stalker's words, however, here they were quite fast (from 5 feet to 20 feet of movement). They were able to get close to the group. They were barraged with magical spells and attacks, so they died quite quickly. Only three characters were hit. Elhaeltôr got hit once and almost went under. He was grappled by vines that the moss had and wanted to crush the elf, but wasn't able to make him suffer more - it had a poison that took out his strength (1 level of fatigue). Balasar was the second one, trying to guard his friends from harm. He was hit and didn't save for poison, so he was weakened. Solange also was hit, but he used his tattoo in time, so only the poison could do anything, but it failed. The creatures were killed one by one. Last two hits were from Mario's critical hit + divine smite combo and Elhaeltôr dagger dash spell. When it was over, when they could look around and the light was still here thanks to the dead moss, they saw something in the cave. Bones of a dwarf.
---
Chapter VI
Session 51: Dark Folk
The heroes first stack up on supplies. There's little to discuss. Their main goal is to explore the caverns beneath the castle and see for themselves the place called Underground Tunnels or Undertethys. They made supplies and hope to come back before the end of the winter. First, they went to the castle's keep, where the entrance laid. Once, beneath the castle, a river flowed, but since the fall, it went dry. From a secret source of water to a passage. They went inside and started their descent.
It took days before they came to the same spot the previous group was. They sent a small scouting party to check out the tunnels and they only went down for about 4 to 5 days of marching. Rock walls had symbols, the men counted their steps. After a day of travel, they stopped counting by every ten moving to by every hundred. Then two hundred. After a while, they stopped counting that way and when their supplies were running low, they noted the steps on a rock nearby and went back. Thousands of steps. The way was treacherous. It wasn't a smooth descent down since that would just take hours. Thanks to Elhaeltôr work, the group had two more darkvision goggles, so the whole party saw in the darkness. At least that's something. It took them a couple more days to feel like they are "in the right place." About four to six kilometers below the surface. This would correspond to the Upperdark in Forgotten Realms. The place felt warm and quiet. Eerie is the right word to describe the feeling the characters felt. The place didn't quite feel right and in time many races feel it in their bodies. For now, the group barely descended to Undertethys.
They started exploring around the first couple of kilometers that would correspond to their upper kingdom. Gold deposits were found in the bedrock. Here, barely anywhere, there was dirt and very little water or eatable plants. Creatures were even more scarce. The group, however, did find a place they could build a mining operation settlement. There was also a big cave with boiling mud, but they decided not to check it out. After taking those days to explore around, they decided to check other passages. Here is how it works. Exploring a hex takes 3 days in which time, the players can find things that would be of use to them - ruins, resources, good spots for settlements and the like. Going to a different hex takes longer. First, they need to "find da whey" which takes from 1 to 3 days (depending on rolls). After I will tell them if there is a way to the neighboring hex or there isn't. If there isn't, there isn't, there is no going to check again. There can be whole hexes that are blocked or just "walls" that don't allow passage between hexes. This place is more a series of tunnels than humongous caves. If they there was a way, they can go to the next hex which will take them from 3 to 6 days of travel. Three if they don't need to be careful. Four if for normal travel. Six if they want to sneak past something.
Going back. The party decided to go North-East. During their travels, when they talked to each other, Solange almost fell into a sinkhole, when part of their tunnel collapsed. However, there was no way to go North-East from here, so they decided to go North. They knew Illithids exists here and the one they met was to the north from them. This time it took 2 days to find a way and then they took 4 days to travel to the next hex. They are already about 20 days below the surface. It didn't take long before the group met with somebody. Thanks to a natural 20 from Baâ, they were able to see an ambush incoming. She saw somebody small, like a gnome in shaggy rags with a giant nose peer out the edge of her darkvision before going back. It kinda knew the range of their sight and moved without making a noise. The group went towards it, trying even to communicate. The group didn't have a light with them, but they were intruding on somebody's home. However, what everybody first saw wasn't a pleasant sight. Large creatures with hook arms, chicken legs and heads and a chitin armor. A first for them.
Hook Horror
These creatures shrieked at the group and lunged themselves when they got too close. A fight started during which the group felt something was off. Crossbow bolts were flying around. Solange was able to catch one of them, even when he didn't see the attacker. Laced with poison. They couldn't see the snipers. However, Solange and Mario were able to pierce through the darkness while fighting the hooked horrors. Two distinct creatures. One was close to what Baâ saw. The other was human height with leather armor. The hook horrors were taken care of. Solange leaped onto one of the smaller creatures and when he killed him, the creature burst into bright light and disappeared, leaving only his possessions. It almost blinded Solange. The human-like creature cast Darkness and also disappeared. When the monstrosities were dead, the caves went silent. No more bolts. They didn't hear them running away. Solange was able to catch one of them.
Dark Creeper
The small creature was wrapped, tightly in rags. The group tried to take it off, but it wasn't easy. They would have to cut it off, however, they decided not to. Only to see its face. Not seeing colors, Baâ lighted up a candle. His skin was grayish, darker than normal. He wasn't a duergar, drow nor svirfneblin. He was something different. Large nose, black hair. White eyes. He stank of old food and mushrooms. His blade and crossbow weren't hidden, so they took them off the creature and tied it. Elhaeltôr was able to deduce something important. He felt that long ago he had to research curses that tainted the drow. It was a similar curse, may be connected to these tunnels somehow. The most important thing was, that this creature not only saw in the dark, it had a perfect vision. Something Elhaeltôr also deduced watching the creature react to others. It had to see the opposite - darkness as light and light as darkness, so it went blind in places of bright light. The group waited for it to wake up to try to communicate. It wasn't willing to talk nor even react to words spoken by the group. It wasn't until Finn tried to intimidate it to speak using Common, that it indeed spoke. The language was very rough. Only Elhaeltôr and Finn understood. Finn because he lived a couple of years in Quadropolis, where gangs created their own slangs and code words spoken in Common. While Elhaeltôr was pretty bright and was able to understand what the creature tried to say.
The group tried to gain information from the creature. It didn't have a name or more like it tried to say it in his "native tongue" than nobody in the group understood since he didn't make a sound even. His people are called "The People", so nothing spectacular. The bigger creature was called "Stalker" and they were the masters of their race. They always lived here, in these tunnels, since the "Great Cataclysm", which the creature doesn't know what it is, only that it happened. Since then, they always existed. The creatures never go to "the above", so they don't know anything about it. They know that other creatures dwell here like duergar, drow or svirfneblin. Asked about illithid, the creature froze and said he knows of them and they are scary. From what they could gather from him, duergars were seen "in the west and east" like the illithid are. However, the creature saw people similar to duergars in the west but dressed differently. They didn't bother anybody since they didn't carry light, which the creature hates with a passion and wants to destroy. Why was the group attacked? Their home is nearby and the group was going towards it. Another problem also arose, this was their land, so the group had to move through it to the other caverns, there was no other way around it unless they take a detour that would take days, weeks or even months. The creature wasn't going to speak about his culture, but they gathered that they don't have any gods nor worship anything. The Stalkers, as their leaders, were willing to trade. Armed with this information, the group decided to rest. They weren't bothered. When they woke up, they gave the creature his weapons back, told him that they want to speak with their leaders and let him leave, which he did. He moved without making a sound, which was pretty odd for the group. It wasn't long before the group was approached by a group of similar beings. One of them, looking closely at what Solange and Mario saw, lead the smaller creatures by standing behind them. They didn't hear them come near.
Dark Stalker
Finn tried to speak with the Stalker, but he didn't utter a word. It wasn't until Elhaeltôr used Tongues. Finn understood what was said. The creatures spoke somehow in such a pitch that normal ears didn't hear nor it didn't echo. The Stalker was less talkative than the Creeper. The only information they gained was that other creatures call them "Dark Ones." He was, however, willing to trade. Since the party didn't have any fresh meat, the creatures asked for one thing - kill a fungus nearby. It generated light and they want it gone. Finn was willing and later asked about a guide or maybe a map, but both of those suggestions were ignored. "Destroy the fungus, gain passage." Simple quest. The group debated what to do, but decided that cooperation would be fine. They went to the passage where the fungi were. A corridor "south" so it was ignored by the group since it would be going back or to a dead end.
They descended down. It wasn't long before they saw something at the end of the tunnel. Moss and fungi covered the whole corner and light emanated from around it. The terrain was thick and rough. Baâ used her magic, Commune with Nature, to check around. Only one creature, besides them, was registered, a fungus of some sorts, but she couldn't decipher what it was. There was no elementals or strange creatures around. Her magic only worked 90 meters (300 feet) around, so it wasn't spectacular. The group went around the corner and saw that it was a big cave, overgrown with this fungi. A single fungus sat in the middle an emanated the most light, like a luminescence torch. Before the group moved forwards, they were stopped by Solange. He saw a faint light coming from other places, one even before them. This overgrowth could hide well. Baâ quickly understood what was going on - it was a trap for living creatures. These fungi wanted them dead for food. The party decided it was better to defeat these creatures now than to talk it over with magic. Elhaeltôr used his fireball, changing the element to force, to disrupt the fungi and the combat commenced.
Creeping Moss
These large moss creatures moved slowly, as per Dark Stalker's words, however, here they were quite fast (from 5 feet to 20 feet of movement). They were able to get close to the group. They were barraged with magical spells and attacks, so they died quite quickly. Only three characters were hit. Elhaeltôr got hit once and almost went under. He was grappled by vines that the moss had and wanted to crush the elf, but wasn't able to make him suffer more - it had a poison that took out his strength (1 level of fatigue). Balasar was the second one, trying to guard his friends from harm. He was hit and didn't save for poison, so he was weakened. Solange also was hit, but he used his tattoo in time, so only the poison could do anything, but it failed. The creatures were killed one by one. Last two hits were from Mario's critical hit + divine smite combo and Elhaeltôr dagger dash spell. When it was over, when they could look around and the light was still here thanks to the dead moss, they saw something in the cave. Bones of a dwarf.
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Baâ wasn't during this session. Also, some fucking lucky rolls made the group do a "detour."
---
Session 52: Masters of Stone
Our heroes went to check the dead dwarf. Upon further investigation, they determined that the skeleton survived due to moisture, but the rest of his belongings - armor, clothes, and weapons didn't. They couldn't see any symbols, so they couldn't determine his clan. However, they were certain that this dwarf was dead for over 300 years. This meant, that he died here before High King Actur's death. Balasar also saw something under the dwarf, while they were moving him from the fungus sludge. He took it out and with magic cleared it up. It was some kind of wood and metal case. Baâ was able to determine that the wood was Ironwood, a special kind of material that is hard as steel, but more resilient to environmental hazards and much lighter. It was quite pricey. The metal, however, was silver. These were the reasons why the box didn't break due to time. There were no symbols on it, apart from a keyhole. Elhaeltôr was able to open it with his tools. It was quite the mechanism. When you moved it around, metal stuff rattled inside. When you pulled to open it, there was an additional case inside to increase safety from damage. Inside the group found two things. One was a silver signet ring with a jewel with a color similar that to a beach. Finn was able to recognize this as a Royal Signet Ring of Clan Thunderhammer. This one belonged to the king of Adilmishos, which meant Walled Beach, which is why they chose that jewel for their recognizable ring. This meant, that this was a royal courier.
The letter inside had a seal with the Thunderhammer symbol. They broke it, but later Elhaeltôr would fix it with a simple spell. The letter was for King Idash Thunderhammer of Glimmermagak, Platinium Spring. The same fortress the group was searching for.
King Idash Thunderhammer
Platinium Lord
Ruler of Glimmermagak
Before you stand Alud Furrowbeard. He doesn't know what he carries but reward him greatly for his dedication. These underground tunnels are becoming more treacherous by the day and only the best couriers are able to venture through them.
I have talked to the Highest King, Dain Thunderhammer, about our plans. After thousands of years, the other races must know about Undertethys. We cannot hide this world, which is just under our feet forever from them. The help from High King Actur against the horrors of these dark corridors would be appreciated. The Highest King has decided, that he will ask for it after the war on the surface will come to an end. Lately, he has his doubts. Even after decades of friendship, something bad is happening. Dark clouds start to swirl around the Avatar of Trinity. Our king fears that a tragedy will occur and we must be ready for everything. Please, don't inform the rest of the nobility about this matter. However, in regards to your own doubts about the laws, that the Dominium starts to enforce upon us, I have passed them to our king. He will try to persuade the situation to the High King Actur.
Brining the conversation to more peaceful matters. I hope everything is well with your family? Your beloved wife, Askaka, last time baked the most delicious precels I have ever eaten. They remain in my mind to this moment and I truly hope I will have a chance again to taste them. How is your first sun? Is Ubur in good health? He was very dignified at our last meeting and my daughters are starting to miss him. I bet his smile melted their little cool hearts. Please send my warm regards to your family and the rest of your sons, Lanlar, Udor, Isos and Enshal, and your daughters, Tezulia, Ubasa and Ilromia.
Be hard as a stone. Let the thunder guide you. Let the heat of the forge be in your hearts.
Your Friend,
King Uzan Thunderhammer
Orc-Breaker
Ruler of Adilmishos
Now they had more information than barely anybody in Tethys. First, the dwarves knew about the Underground Tunnels before all other races, but never spoke about them. Second, the draconic laws the Dominium set onto the non-human races were in the minds of everybody. Third, something sinister was going on near the end of the war, the crusade against the Imperium of Monsters. The group discussed what all this meant. One of the ideas was that Udor Ironfist, the dwarf monk who established Logemakam, the father to Udir Ironfist, must be the same Udor from the letter, the son of Idash Thunderhammer, ruler of Glimmermagak. The party then went back to the Dark Ones, collecting some fungi with them as evidence. They met with them just outside the tunnels. There was little to no exchange of words. However, the group deduced that these people thought the group will die in that cave. With the situation going differently, they kept their word and the Dark Stalker pointed them to tunnels leading to East and West. The group decided to leave and go to the east.
Ochre Jelly
During their travels, they needed to stop. A ravine was before them. Thanks to Solange going first, they were able to spot something afoot. Slime. It was all over the ravine edge, where the group was. Using bait in the form of summoning creatures from Finn's magic bag and Elhaeltôr using force(fire)ball it was quickly resolved. Killing the strange yellow ichor. Finn used his boots to fly around the ravine. It was a pretty big drop, but it wasn't very wide. They needed to pass this place, so they descended down, went to the other side and went up. It wasn't a hard thing to do, but it took time from their travels. Their next interesting spot was a place filled with cracks. Solange smelled natural gas, deadly stuff, so he told the rest and with that were able to traverse the cave system without going to a more deadly spot where they could suffocate to death.
Stone Golem
However, their travels didn't end there. When they got to the other side, Finn saw something with the corner of his eye. At first, it just looked like a part of a rock, but it was really a fist. At the end of his darkvision. He told the rest to wait and check out what was there. When they got closer, they saw a three-meter creature, humanoid, but his head "melted" to his torso. It was a golem. Balasar, knowing his masonry stuff, he recognized that this golem wasn't created using tools nor he was created by accident of nature, he saw handprints. The golem was molded by hand. The group tried to get closer and saw another, similar golem to the other side. Between them, they saw some structure on the wall. No windows. No doors. Better done than the golems. When they got too near, the golems moved, so the group stopped. This place wasn't abandoned or the golems just defended ruins. Finn shouted, trying to be heard on the other side of the wall. It didn't take long for something to appear.
Azimal
The Mighty
Dao (Gennie)
A creature passed through the structure like it was water for him. He was a big, humanoid with rock-like skin. They didn't see color, but it was enough to understand he wasn't something "normal" like a genasi. He wasn't talkative either, however, they did get his name - Azimal the Mighty and the fact that he is a genie, more precisely a Dao. Was he one of those that grant wishes? They didn't know. They did know that Dao are selfish pricks and would fuck over them. At the same time, they were quite powerful creatures. Finn could communicate with him, because Elhaeltôr used the Tongue spell again and the elf could speak Primordial, so he understood what was going on and translated. The Dao spoke by tapping his fingers when he crossed his arms. He was interested in a trade, but it depended on what the group had. When they told him exactly what kind of gems they hoarded, like about 40 gems, nearly 90% of them were different gems. He told them he will exchange for them a set of wings, a magical, rare item. Dao was interested in the gems since he could eat them and maybe even flavor other food using them as a powder. The group debated what to do but declined the offer. They didn't have a chance to do a counteroffer or anything because the Dao just went back into his "home" and disappeared without a word.
After nearly five days of travel, they were in the next hex. So the group started to explore the area, searching whatever might be here. They were good with that, weak rolls. However, they were able to "find" something. During their exploration, they stumbled upon a tunnel entrance, which had a dwarf rune next to it saying "Beware! Demons!" The group discussed what to do for a second and when Mario felt a fiend inside, they decided to go and check. When they go to the place, where Mario's Divine Sense pointed to, there was nothing there, so they went ahead and started to use their Lantern of Revealing.
Barlgura
Barlgura, a demon, was in the tunnels before them. The group attacked him but wasn't a threat (he didn't get his turn). Finn and Solange were able to overpower him. Mario in turn, "teleported" behind him and crit divine smite him to oblivion. In that time, Balasar and Elhaeltôr heard something happen behind them. Balasar heard a crossbow bolt fly over him and his friend's scream. Elhaeltôr was hit by a bolt and force(fire)bolted the darkness. They heard screams and sounds of bodies exploding. The Barlgura was defeated, his body disappeared. The creatures behind them were in such bad shape, the group couldn't tell what attacked them. They were in bits and pieces (he did over 40 damage, to creatures having little over 10 and it was all Force damage, dear god the massacre). They were able to discern that they were armed with crossbows and shortswords. The eyes, hair, and size of their skulls told them that it had to be svirfneblins or something similar. Balasar found some strange pieces of metal, that the creatures had around their necks. Elhaeltôr used Mending to fix the item and it looked like a collar. Since the group was fast, they saw the collar flash for a moment, it's magic disappearing forever. They looked like slave collars, but they have never seen such a kind ever. Maybe Illithid? Maybe Duergar? Maybe Drow? Who knows. Elhaeltôr took one for later.
Their next travels stopped when Elhaeltôr saw something on the ground at the edge of a huge ravine. Rolling at least 20 for Perception was the only reason somebody saw this. Another point is that everybody had a disadvantage since darkvision gives you "dim light" and that is with Wisdom (Perception) disadvantage. What did they find? A sign of something hitting the floor. This was at least 6 meters wide and 3 meters long. Their deduction lead them to believe that something heavy, like a flat rock, fell onto this place many times and an imprint. Solange flew up, but there was nothing there that could fall and leave such a trace. When he got back, Balasar handed Finn a rock with the Light spell on it. He threw it at the other side. They almost saw something on the other side, when the Light spell was dispelled somehow. Elhaeltôr correctly deduced that there was some anti-magic field going on there. The ravine was about 200 feet wide for them, but they didn't know that yet. Solange used his cloak that allowed him flight when it was dark, so he used it to fly over the ravine. When he got near to see a flat, chiseled surface, he started to fall. Yes, to fall into the endless ravine. However, he was able to catch his cloak again and fly. The anti-magic sphere didn't work everywhere. The group thought that this meant there was some structure on the other side, maybe they found Glimmermagak? When Solange got back, they started to plan their next move. Finn used his paints, and Balasar helped to design a bridge, so to at least be to the point when the magic starts to fizzle out. Elhaeltôr looked around the ravine, but there was nothing to inform those on the other side to lower the bridge. When he finished the bridge and his oil stopped working, he informed the rest and they went with another plan. Finn would change into a giant ape and throw Solange, who would have one end of the rope with a grappling hook. Yes. It's inverted. The halfling throws others now! It succeeded. Solange went flying to the other side, almost hitting face first at the well-chiseled wall. When he started to fall, he noticed a small window, an arrowslit. He threw the grapple hook and successfully grappled onto it. He started to go up but stopped when he heard something. Movement. He sneaked up and saw the edge of a bolt. Thanks to a high stealth roll (19+13=32), he wasn't seen peering just from the side to the inside. He saw a dwarf figure, dressed in plate armor, holding a crossbow and aiming it at the arrowslit and grapple hook. The room inside was masterfully crafted with big dwarf runes. No light inside. He tried to persuade the dwarf. Yes. He tried to PERSUADE THE DWARF. He told them they come in peace, that they only wanted to talk, that they have a message for their king. I asked him to roll for persuasion. I wanted to give him a disadvantage for it, but his compelling stuff made me give him just a normal roll. Yes. You guessed it. Natural 20. Oh my fucking god this team. The room went silent. He shouted in dwarven to someone, another dwarf came, also full plate, you only could see his eyes. He spoke Common with Solange. The monk told him the exact thing, that they wanted to speak with them, that they have something for their king, a royal letter and they are just adventurers that stumbled upon their fortress. The dwarf started to think what to do but agreed to meet with them. He told him to go back to his friends and wait. Solange did so, but when he started to go back using the rope, he felt the other end to be cut off. The dwarves cut the grappling hook off.
Something I hoped to happen later, happened much sooner. Dear god, these rolls will be a premature end of the campaign. Solange told the group what was going on. They also feared that these might be duergars, so Solange and Mario had to be on guard, they told Mario to keep his senses and all that - remember this for later. They even took Rexgladio from him for a moment to not use against the duergars. Ready, they waited about half an hour, when they heard sounds of metal and stone mechanisms in the cave, coming from the wall, but above them. The dwarf bridge was a mix of retracting and drawbridge. First, to the half point, the mechanism with the bridge retracted from the wall. Next, they heard large chains being moved. The bridge started to be lowered down. It was more like metal stairs than a bridge. They heard a large group descend down. Twenty dwarves in plate armor went down. Remember that moment with drow? Solange and Mario had to roll for Charisma Saving Throw. Yes, these were duergars. Mario made the save. Solange had to beat DC 5. He rolled natural 1. He lunged onto the duergars and only thanks to his monk ability to cleanse his mind, he was able to shrug off the dominate thingy. He quickly went back. The duergars looked the situation with aimed crossbows. Ten crossbows aimed at them. Then a row of five longaxe dwarves stood behind a row of tower shields. They waited for a moment, quietly talking what to do next, but they went ahead. They stayed on the rock which was the counterweight for the bridge. Somebody started to speak from behind the shields. The group greeted them and told them who they were and that they found a letter and royal ring. Soon, one of the dwarves moved before the shields. He had a slight different armor, calling himself Larkush the Captain of the Great Wall. Elhaeltôr used his mage hand to give these things to the dwarf. Yes, they just gave them these items. The duergar took them and hid it behind his armor. The group only wanted to speak to someone from the royal family if not the king. They wanted to talk about possible trade, even if they have to do it from the cave and not behind the walls, since, from the order of the king, the wall is closed. Who was the king? Egeth Thunderhammer, son of Ubur, so the first son of the king in the letter. The captain didn't promise anything and that he will relay their request to the king. Asked how long they need to wait for the reply, he said "one day." Finn asked why don't they just notify them that they declined the offer or that they will not meet, the dwarves laughed and went back.
---
Chapter VI
Session 52: Masters of Stone
Our heroes went to check the dead dwarf. Upon further investigation, they determined that the skeleton survived due to moisture, but the rest of his belongings - armor, clothes, and weapons didn't. They couldn't see any symbols, so they couldn't determine his clan. However, they were certain that this dwarf was dead for over 300 years. This meant, that he died here before High King Actur's death. Balasar also saw something under the dwarf, while they were moving him from the fungus sludge. He took it out and with magic cleared it up. It was some kind of wood and metal case. Baâ was able to determine that the wood was Ironwood, a special kind of material that is hard as steel, but more resilient to environmental hazards and much lighter. It was quite pricey. The metal, however, was silver. These were the reasons why the box didn't break due to time. There were no symbols on it, apart from a keyhole. Elhaeltôr was able to open it with his tools. It was quite the mechanism. When you moved it around, metal stuff rattled inside. When you pulled to open it, there was an additional case inside to increase safety from damage. Inside the group found two things. One was a silver signet ring with a jewel with a color similar that to a beach. Finn was able to recognize this as a Royal Signet Ring of Clan Thunderhammer. This one belonged to the king of Adilmishos, which meant Walled Beach, which is why they chose that jewel for their recognizable ring. This meant, that this was a royal courier.
The letter inside had a seal with the Thunderhammer symbol. They broke it, but later Elhaeltôr would fix it with a simple spell. The letter was for King Idash Thunderhammer of Glimmermagak, Platinium Spring. The same fortress the group was searching for.
King Idash Thunderhammer
Platinium Lord
Ruler of Glimmermagak
Before you stand Alud Furrowbeard. He doesn't know what he carries but reward him greatly for his dedication. These underground tunnels are becoming more treacherous by the day and only the best couriers are able to venture through them.
I have talked to the Highest King, Dain Thunderhammer, about our plans. After thousands of years, the other races must know about Undertethys. We cannot hide this world, which is just under our feet forever from them. The help from High King Actur against the horrors of these dark corridors would be appreciated. The Highest King has decided, that he will ask for it after the war on the surface will come to an end. Lately, he has his doubts. Even after decades of friendship, something bad is happening. Dark clouds start to swirl around the Avatar of Trinity. Our king fears that a tragedy will occur and we must be ready for everything. Please, don't inform the rest of the nobility about this matter. However, in regards to your own doubts about the laws, that the Dominium starts to enforce upon us, I have passed them to our king. He will try to persuade the situation to the High King Actur.
Brining the conversation to more peaceful matters. I hope everything is well with your family? Your beloved wife, Askaka, last time baked the most delicious precels I have ever eaten. They remain in my mind to this moment and I truly hope I will have a chance again to taste them. How is your first sun? Is Ubur in good health? He was very dignified at our last meeting and my daughters are starting to miss him. I bet his smile melted their little cool hearts. Please send my warm regards to your family and the rest of your sons, Lanlar, Udor, Isos and Enshal, and your daughters, Tezulia, Ubasa and Ilromia.
Be hard as a stone. Let the thunder guide you. Let the heat of the forge be in your hearts.
Your Friend,
King Uzan Thunderhammer
Orc-Breaker
Ruler of Adilmishos
Now they had more information than barely anybody in Tethys. First, the dwarves knew about the Underground Tunnels before all other races, but never spoke about them. Second, the draconic laws the Dominium set onto the non-human races were in the minds of everybody. Third, something sinister was going on near the end of the war, the crusade against the Imperium of Monsters. The group discussed what all this meant. One of the ideas was that Udor Ironfist, the dwarf monk who established Logemakam, the father to Udir Ironfist, must be the same Udor from the letter, the son of Idash Thunderhammer, ruler of Glimmermagak. The party then went back to the Dark Ones, collecting some fungi with them as evidence. They met with them just outside the tunnels. There was little to no exchange of words. However, the group deduced that these people thought the group will die in that cave. With the situation going differently, they kept their word and the Dark Stalker pointed them to tunnels leading to East and West. The group decided to leave and go to the east.
Ochre Jelly
During their travels, they needed to stop. A ravine was before them. Thanks to Solange going first, they were able to spot something afoot. Slime. It was all over the ravine edge, where the group was. Using bait in the form of summoning creatures from Finn's magic bag and Elhaeltôr using force(fire)ball it was quickly resolved. Killing the strange yellow ichor. Finn used his boots to fly around the ravine. It was a pretty big drop, but it wasn't very wide. They needed to pass this place, so they descended down, went to the other side and went up. It wasn't a hard thing to do, but it took time from their travels. Their next interesting spot was a place filled with cracks. Solange smelled natural gas, deadly stuff, so he told the rest and with that were able to traverse the cave system without going to a more deadly spot where they could suffocate to death.
Stone Golem
However, their travels didn't end there. When they got to the other side, Finn saw something with the corner of his eye. At first, it just looked like a part of a rock, but it was really a fist. At the end of his darkvision. He told the rest to wait and check out what was there. When they got closer, they saw a three-meter creature, humanoid, but his head "melted" to his torso. It was a golem. Balasar, knowing his masonry stuff, he recognized that this golem wasn't created using tools nor he was created by accident of nature, he saw handprints. The golem was molded by hand. The group tried to get closer and saw another, similar golem to the other side. Between them, they saw some structure on the wall. No windows. No doors. Better done than the golems. When they got too near, the golems moved, so the group stopped. This place wasn't abandoned or the golems just defended ruins. Finn shouted, trying to be heard on the other side of the wall. It didn't take long for something to appear.
Azimal
The Mighty
Dao (Gennie)
A creature passed through the structure like it was water for him. He was a big, humanoid with rock-like skin. They didn't see color, but it was enough to understand he wasn't something "normal" like a genasi. He wasn't talkative either, however, they did get his name - Azimal the Mighty and the fact that he is a genie, more precisely a Dao. Was he one of those that grant wishes? They didn't know. They did know that Dao are selfish pricks and would fuck over them. At the same time, they were quite powerful creatures. Finn could communicate with him, because Elhaeltôr used the Tongue spell again and the elf could speak Primordial, so he understood what was going on and translated. The Dao spoke by tapping his fingers when he crossed his arms. He was interested in a trade, but it depended on what the group had. When they told him exactly what kind of gems they hoarded, like about 40 gems, nearly 90% of them were different gems. He told them he will exchange for them a set of wings, a magical, rare item. Dao was interested in the gems since he could eat them and maybe even flavor other food using them as a powder. The group debated what to do but declined the offer. They didn't have a chance to do a counteroffer or anything because the Dao just went back into his "home" and disappeared without a word.
After nearly five days of travel, they were in the next hex. So the group started to explore the area, searching whatever might be here. They were good with that, weak rolls. However, they were able to "find" something. During their exploration, they stumbled upon a tunnel entrance, which had a dwarf rune next to it saying "Beware! Demons!" The group discussed what to do for a second and when Mario felt a fiend inside, they decided to go and check. When they go to the place, where Mario's Divine Sense pointed to, there was nothing there, so they went ahead and started to use their Lantern of Revealing.
Barlgura
Barlgura, a demon, was in the tunnels before them. The group attacked him but wasn't a threat (he didn't get his turn). Finn and Solange were able to overpower him. Mario in turn, "teleported" behind him and crit divine smite him to oblivion. In that time, Balasar and Elhaeltôr heard something happen behind them. Balasar heard a crossbow bolt fly over him and his friend's scream. Elhaeltôr was hit by a bolt and force(fire)bolted the darkness. They heard screams and sounds of bodies exploding. The Barlgura was defeated, his body disappeared. The creatures behind them were in such bad shape, the group couldn't tell what attacked them. They were in bits and pieces (he did over 40 damage, to creatures having little over 10 and it was all Force damage, dear god the massacre). They were able to discern that they were armed with crossbows and shortswords. The eyes, hair, and size of their skulls told them that it had to be svirfneblins or something similar. Balasar found some strange pieces of metal, that the creatures had around their necks. Elhaeltôr used Mending to fix the item and it looked like a collar. Since the group was fast, they saw the collar flash for a moment, it's magic disappearing forever. They looked like slave collars, but they have never seen such a kind ever. Maybe Illithid? Maybe Duergar? Maybe Drow? Who knows. Elhaeltôr took one for later.
Their next travels stopped when Elhaeltôr saw something on the ground at the edge of a huge ravine. Rolling at least 20 for Perception was the only reason somebody saw this. Another point is that everybody had a disadvantage since darkvision gives you "dim light" and that is with Wisdom (Perception) disadvantage. What did they find? A sign of something hitting the floor. This was at least 6 meters wide and 3 meters long. Their deduction lead them to believe that something heavy, like a flat rock, fell onto this place many times and an imprint. Solange flew up, but there was nothing there that could fall and leave such a trace. When he got back, Balasar handed Finn a rock with the Light spell on it. He threw it at the other side. They almost saw something on the other side, when the Light spell was dispelled somehow. Elhaeltôr correctly deduced that there was some anti-magic field going on there. The ravine was about 200 feet wide for them, but they didn't know that yet. Solange used his cloak that allowed him flight when it was dark, so he used it to fly over the ravine. When he got near to see a flat, chiseled surface, he started to fall. Yes, to fall into the endless ravine. However, he was able to catch his cloak again and fly. The anti-magic sphere didn't work everywhere. The group thought that this meant there was some structure on the other side, maybe they found Glimmermagak? When Solange got back, they started to plan their next move. Finn used his paints, and Balasar helped to design a bridge, so to at least be to the point when the magic starts to fizzle out. Elhaeltôr looked around the ravine, but there was nothing to inform those on the other side to lower the bridge. When he finished the bridge and his oil stopped working, he informed the rest and they went with another plan. Finn would change into a giant ape and throw Solange, who would have one end of the rope with a grappling hook. Yes. It's inverted. The halfling throws others now! It succeeded. Solange went flying to the other side, almost hitting face first at the well-chiseled wall. When he started to fall, he noticed a small window, an arrowslit. He threw the grapple hook and successfully grappled onto it. He started to go up but stopped when he heard something. Movement. He sneaked up and saw the edge of a bolt. Thanks to a high stealth roll (19+13=32), he wasn't seen peering just from the side to the inside. He saw a dwarf figure, dressed in plate armor, holding a crossbow and aiming it at the arrowslit and grapple hook. The room inside was masterfully crafted with big dwarf runes. No light inside. He tried to persuade the dwarf. Yes. He tried to PERSUADE THE DWARF. He told them they come in peace, that they only wanted to talk, that they have a message for their king. I asked him to roll for persuasion. I wanted to give him a disadvantage for it, but his compelling stuff made me give him just a normal roll. Yes. You guessed it. Natural 20. Oh my fucking god this team. The room went silent. He shouted in dwarven to someone, another dwarf came, also full plate, you only could see his eyes. He spoke Common with Solange. The monk told him the exact thing, that they wanted to speak with them, that they have something for their king, a royal letter and they are just adventurers that stumbled upon their fortress. The dwarf started to think what to do but agreed to meet with them. He told him to go back to his friends and wait. Solange did so, but when he started to go back using the rope, he felt the other end to be cut off. The dwarves cut the grappling hook off.
Something I hoped to happen later, happened much sooner. Dear god, these rolls will be a premature end of the campaign. Solange told the group what was going on. They also feared that these might be duergars, so Solange and Mario had to be on guard, they told Mario to keep his senses and all that - remember this for later. They even took Rexgladio from him for a moment to not use against the duergars. Ready, they waited about half an hour, when they heard sounds of metal and stone mechanisms in the cave, coming from the wall, but above them. The dwarf bridge was a mix of retracting and drawbridge. First, to the half point, the mechanism with the bridge retracted from the wall. Next, they heard large chains being moved. The bridge started to be lowered down. It was more like metal stairs than a bridge. They heard a large group descend down. Twenty dwarves in plate armor went down. Remember that moment with drow? Solange and Mario had to roll for Charisma Saving Throw. Yes, these were duergars. Mario made the save. Solange had to beat DC 5. He rolled natural 1. He lunged onto the duergars and only thanks to his monk ability to cleanse his mind, he was able to shrug off the dominate thingy. He quickly went back. The duergars looked the situation with aimed crossbows. Ten crossbows aimed at them. Then a row of five longaxe dwarves stood behind a row of tower shields. They waited for a moment, quietly talking what to do next, but they went ahead. They stayed on the rock which was the counterweight for the bridge. Somebody started to speak from behind the shields. The group greeted them and told them who they were and that they found a letter and royal ring. Soon, one of the dwarves moved before the shields. He had a slight different armor, calling himself Larkush the Captain of the Great Wall. Elhaeltôr used his mage hand to give these things to the dwarf. Yes, they just gave them these items. The duergar took them and hid it behind his armor. The group only wanted to speak to someone from the royal family if not the king. They wanted to talk about possible trade, even if they have to do it from the cave and not behind the walls, since, from the order of the king, the wall is closed. Who was the king? Egeth Thunderhammer, son of Ubur, so the first son of the king in the letter. The captain didn't promise anything and that he will relay their request to the king. Asked how long they need to wait for the reply, he said "one day." Finn asked why don't they just notify them that they declined the offer or that they will not meet, the dwarves laughed and went back.
Baâ wasn't during this session. Short session.
---
Session 53: Glimmermagak
Our little group rested a bit. Something Finn remembered about the duergars he saw - their armor didn't look new. If they are closed, isolated, why does their armor look used and old? This didn't add up. The group heard the mechanism like thunder echo in the caves. When it went silent, it went really silent. Again, these tunnels felt eerie. The group made camp nearby the chasm. Many hours passed when the mechanism again roared. The duergars had a message for them or wanted to fight them. The group got ready. When they got down, their leader spoke to them that the king is ready to see them, but they need to give them their weapons, come peacefully under escort and do not do anything stupid on their way. The group agreed, even by giving Rexgladio to the duergars. The blade was hidden, so the dwarves didn't magically recognize the sword for what it was nor did they touch the handle, since Mario told them it might kill them since it's very magical. Solange was the only one able to hide a dagger, the rest went "without weapons." They had to use a non-magical light to see since the duergars said that once they reach the walls, magic stops working. Using the Lantern of Revealing, they exposed ten more duergars that hid in invisibility. They didn't attack but were annoyed. Their invisibility would disappear anyway when they reached the walls.
The group was escorted up the bridge-stairs, onto retracting metal platform. Giant chains pulled the bridge back and the platform, heading straight to the wall, where a giant dwarven head "ate" them up. The platform extended enough to pass the antimagic field, this allowed the special, magic rock to work in getting the bridge-stairs back up since the chains weren't enough to do it in such an angle (it was over 180). When they got inside, walking past a giant gate, inside the walls they saw many runes inscribed on the walls, none of them light up since magic didn't work here. This wasn't the reason for the antimagic field. Elhaeltôr theorized that the duergars built their stronghold on a dead magic field or they have some kind of crystal that emanates antimagic around it, that passed through walls. This also wasn't built to accept caravans nor many travelers. When they moved past the wall, they saw that it was actually one part. There were two sets of walls. One where they stood, between two chasms, the other was before them. This one had light and they saw everything there, beautiful craftsmanship. However, the city wasn't still there, only more dwarven walls, that covered the whole way. The antimagic field went away when they got close to the other gate. When they passed it, they were in the city proper.
Glimmermagak
The first thing that hit them was the light. It was too much since they saw something so bright. The ceiling was lit and shined like the brightest night stars. Ore. Platinium, silver, gold, copper, and others. Shined brightly, thanks to the lights below. A dwarven stronghold. They saw a lot of movement there. Thousands of people lived here. How did they survive? The duergars didn't answer their questions. Those that guarded the wall, told them that now the other group will escort them. With all this light, they saw that the other group was equipped with worse armor and weapons. These also looked used and old. The dwarves did take care of their stuff but you can't cheat time. The group also heard a mine to their right. It was time to enter Glimmermagak.
Here they mostly saw duergars, who feared them, not knowing what they were nor why they were here. However, being escorted by the guard, they didn't do anything nor say. They just observed the situation. The group suddenly saw a scream, somebody in dwarven asked for help. The guards didn't react but the group saw what it was in the nearby alley. A dwarf, not a duergar, was lying on the ground with his hands up and a slave collar on his neck, different than that the group found. He asked for mercy, while a duergar stood above him, in better clothes. He started to beat him up, while nearby two guards stood, watched and didn't do anything. The group wanted to act, but they knew this wouldn't change anything. Mario tried to stop it by shouting, but they didn't answer and their escort shoved him to move. Finn also tried but it did nothing. They saw sadistic joy in the eyes of the duergar, but before he killed the dwarf, the guards stopped him. This was the curse of the dwarves, deep dwarves if you will. Their souls see only one joy and it's to inflict pain unto others. The group also saw something very interesting. The guards with them had metal weapons, but almost nobody else had them nor metal armor. The other guards had leather armor, clubs, and whips. Can't they make anything new? Also, they saw that there were indeed other slaves, not only dwarves, but duergar slaves also. Most of them had stone collars, while others had platinum collars. It was easy to understand. Those with platinum collars had more freedom and could walk without their master, while the rest were pulled by a rope. When the group was taken higher, since the king's palace was in the upper levels, they saw a strange sight over the stronghold. There was almost no distinction in districts, except for one place. The mine. It was walled off, but not that high wall. There the slaves must live and work. They had a lot of questions.
When the group got to the palace entrance, they saw statues of dwarves, previous kings of Glimmermagak. However, there was no Idash nor Ubur statue. These were unknown names to the group, but they did write them down. This information was of no use for now, until they need to convince somebody that they indeed were inside this fortress. When the group got near the entrance, which was small compared to the others, royal guards went to meet them. Now, these looked like they had the right equipment. It looked new, shined brightly under the light and even had magical, dwarven runes inscribed upon it. Similiar to those at the walls, these were separated between longaxe users and tower shields. Inside, they were escorted to a big chamber with statues around them. They saw another thirty warriors here, watching their every move. At the end of this hall, they saw the biggest platinum ore they ever saw, going down onto a throne. Near the throne, they saw three duergars, two of them looked like spellcasters, that stood and watched what the group did. The third stood near the king and, strangely, he was a dwarf, not a duergar. It was a very old dwarf. The king sat on his throne, wearing a platinum crown, wearing expensive clothing, sporting a long, white beard, and to his side, a big platinum hammer.
King Egeth Thunderhammer
Ruler of Glimmermagak
Platinium Lord
Son of Ubur Thunderhammer
Grandson of Idash Thunderhammer
The group kneeled before the king and the old dwarf spoke. He was the only one who spoke. The king only watched the group. He introduced the king and asked for what purpose the group comes. It went back and forth. The king was unwilling to sit at the dinner table with the group and hear their tales. The scribe told them that the king has many enemies and vanquished a lot of them but many come still. There was nothing fruitful in this discussion. The old dwarf said to them that they had one day to rest, then they need to leave since the gates will be closed, as always. However, the group was able to persuade the king and his advisor to let them stay for longer, that they need to discuss the situation and also, they have a lot of questions. This was the only time the king spoke, but only in a whisper to his advisor. They agreed that the group can stay for longer if they wish. They will be escorted and their questions answered by the scribe later. The group thanked for this and went out. They were put in a servants' apartment, not far from the royal palace. They discussed what to do.
The most important thing was - if they ally themselves with the duergars, the Brightaxe clan will hate them. They see the iron shortage here and could take care of it, however, what do they want to gain? The most was getting the slaves out of here, they didn't care about the duergars since it seemed they were doing okay. What about Udir? He is of royal blood, so he can fight for the crown. This was also the moment I wept that the group didn't have a dwarf in their party. They could get a dwarven stronghold! Oh, well, they got a better one in the end. The group agreed that they needed more information on what is going on before they decide on anything. During their discussion, the door opened and the old dwarf came inside.
Zengod
First Scribe
Advisor to King Egeth Thunderhammer
He introduced himself as Zengod, the First Scribe, and advisor to King Egeth Thunderhammer. He was barraged with questions, so I'll write what the party now knows:
- Zengod is one of the oldest dwarves in the stronghold. He recognized not only Mario's shield but the armor he wears. Remember the Duke's armor? Yeah. He was, however, a small child when he saw the Duke. He was also here when the curse fell upon the dwarves. He was the First Scribe and advisor to King Idash, but once he died, he became just a slave, until he worked hard and was taken by King Egeth back to service.
- The curse fell hard on the dwarves here. Most of them changed. Most of the Thunderhammer, but also some of the other clans as well. It was chaos at first. The stronghold felt the world collapsing and when it stopped, the air was full of dust and dirt. The first year was just survival. Then the civil war happened. The duergars won. King Idash wasn't changed, but his son Ubur was. He killed his father in a duel. However, Ubur later died in his sleep, so his son, Egeth took over. More infighting resulted with almost all of the royal family dying at one point or the other. Egeth rules for over 200 years and since then, he ordered the walls to be closed, since the horrors there were too much to bear.
- During the rule of Ubur, after the duergars took over. Over 500 dwarves and duergars where thrown out of the stronghold to fend for themselves. Zengod doesn't know what happened to them.
- The dwarves here do patrol around, from time to time. The wall isn't sealed shut. On their patrols they kill or take prisoners, they, in turn, become slaves. Zengod says they have drow, svirfneblin, goblin, and human slaves, from what he can recall, working in the mines or taking care of mushrooms. He speaks also that this is also a form of punishment, the worst is the exile. Even for small crimes, you will become a slave and work your ass off, until you paid what you owe. They do not kill their prisoners.
- They know about illithid or mind flayer city that is "north" from the stronghold. He didn't suggest going there. He knows about the Dark Folk, which the duergars just ignore and a giant hole to the west. There is also a passage east, where there a tonne of undead.
- He tells the group that there two castes - Erlin Thedak (The High Caste) and Lushòb Thedak (The Low Caste). Erlins are only duergars while Lushòb is only dwarves. Other races are only slaves. Erlins have a lot of freedoms, while Lushòb does not. However, both caste work. There are "nobles" in both caste, but Erlins are still higher ranking. He didn't speak like this caste system was bad, indeed he was happy it was in place.
- There are three religions in the city. First, the most practiced is Urist Thunder or how he calls him Urist Gracious. Clerics of Pain are his servants. Which is something the group never heard of and didn't ask the scribe more, but I will write here. The Clerics of Pain do sermons where duergars only come and they whip each other, taking care of their sadistic urges. This makes the duergar population more complacent. The second religion that isn't outright banned is All-Father. The scribe knows that there are worshippers of the giant and they showed up not long ago, just after the curse, when they spoke that we need to go back to worship the dwarven "hero". The third is a sect that works in the city, which are devil worshippers. They worship the archdevil called Moloch. The group had good rolls and recognized him as Hell's Fury, The General of Infernal Forces, Anger Incarnate and Lord of War. Strange someone like him would be worshipped here, where there is no war or conflict going on.
There were some more talks afterward. The group needed to think what to do next. They asked if they can explore the city, so the scribe said only with the escort. They could go to the market, but not such a place like a library, this is only for the High Caste. He told the group, that they can feel safe here. This was one of the "famous last words." They heard a fight outside, duergars dying and suddenly a couple of them burst inside, wearing robes, hooded.
---
Chapter VI
Session 53: Glimmermagak
Our little group rested a bit. Something Finn remembered about the duergars he saw - their armor didn't look new. If they are closed, isolated, why does their armor look used and old? This didn't add up. The group heard the mechanism like thunder echo in the caves. When it went silent, it went really silent. Again, these tunnels felt eerie. The group made camp nearby the chasm. Many hours passed when the mechanism again roared. The duergars had a message for them or wanted to fight them. The group got ready. When they got down, their leader spoke to them that the king is ready to see them, but they need to give them their weapons, come peacefully under escort and do not do anything stupid on their way. The group agreed, even by giving Rexgladio to the duergars. The blade was hidden, so the dwarves didn't magically recognize the sword for what it was nor did they touch the handle, since Mario told them it might kill them since it's very magical. Solange was the only one able to hide a dagger, the rest went "without weapons." They had to use a non-magical light to see since the duergars said that once they reach the walls, magic stops working. Using the Lantern of Revealing, they exposed ten more duergars that hid in invisibility. They didn't attack but were annoyed. Their invisibility would disappear anyway when they reached the walls.
The group was escorted up the bridge-stairs, onto retracting metal platform. Giant chains pulled the bridge back and the platform, heading straight to the wall, where a giant dwarven head "ate" them up. The platform extended enough to pass the antimagic field, this allowed the special, magic rock to work in getting the bridge-stairs back up since the chains weren't enough to do it in such an angle (it was over 180). When they got inside, walking past a giant gate, inside the walls they saw many runes inscribed on the walls, none of them light up since magic didn't work here. This wasn't the reason for the antimagic field. Elhaeltôr theorized that the duergars built their stronghold on a dead magic field or they have some kind of crystal that emanates antimagic around it, that passed through walls. This also wasn't built to accept caravans nor many travelers. When they moved past the wall, they saw that it was actually one part. There were two sets of walls. One where they stood, between two chasms, the other was before them. This one had light and they saw everything there, beautiful craftsmanship. However, the city wasn't still there, only more dwarven walls, that covered the whole way. The antimagic field went away when they got close to the other gate. When they passed it, they were in the city proper.
Glimmermagak
The first thing that hit them was the light. It was too much since they saw something so bright. The ceiling was lit and shined like the brightest night stars. Ore. Platinium, silver, gold, copper, and others. Shined brightly, thanks to the lights below. A dwarven stronghold. They saw a lot of movement there. Thousands of people lived here. How did they survive? The duergars didn't answer their questions. Those that guarded the wall, told them that now the other group will escort them. With all this light, they saw that the other group was equipped with worse armor and weapons. These also looked used and old. The dwarves did take care of their stuff but you can't cheat time. The group also heard a mine to their right. It was time to enter Glimmermagak.
Here they mostly saw duergars, who feared them, not knowing what they were nor why they were here. However, being escorted by the guard, they didn't do anything nor say. They just observed the situation. The group suddenly saw a scream, somebody in dwarven asked for help. The guards didn't react but the group saw what it was in the nearby alley. A dwarf, not a duergar, was lying on the ground with his hands up and a slave collar on his neck, different than that the group found. He asked for mercy, while a duergar stood above him, in better clothes. He started to beat him up, while nearby two guards stood, watched and didn't do anything. The group wanted to act, but they knew this wouldn't change anything. Mario tried to stop it by shouting, but they didn't answer and their escort shoved him to move. Finn also tried but it did nothing. They saw sadistic joy in the eyes of the duergar, but before he killed the dwarf, the guards stopped him. This was the curse of the dwarves, deep dwarves if you will. Their souls see only one joy and it's to inflict pain unto others. The group also saw something very interesting. The guards with them had metal weapons, but almost nobody else had them nor metal armor. The other guards had leather armor, clubs, and whips. Can't they make anything new? Also, they saw that there were indeed other slaves, not only dwarves, but duergar slaves also. Most of them had stone collars, while others had platinum collars. It was easy to understand. Those with platinum collars had more freedom and could walk without their master, while the rest were pulled by a rope. When the group was taken higher, since the king's palace was in the upper levels, they saw a strange sight over the stronghold. There was almost no distinction in districts, except for one place. The mine. It was walled off, but not that high wall. There the slaves must live and work. They had a lot of questions.
When the group got to the palace entrance, they saw statues of dwarves, previous kings of Glimmermagak. However, there was no Idash nor Ubur statue. These were unknown names to the group, but they did write them down. This information was of no use for now, until they need to convince somebody that they indeed were inside this fortress. When the group got near the entrance, which was small compared to the others, royal guards went to meet them. Now, these looked like they had the right equipment. It looked new, shined brightly under the light and even had magical, dwarven runes inscribed upon it. Similiar to those at the walls, these were separated between longaxe users and tower shields. Inside, they were escorted to a big chamber with statues around them. They saw another thirty warriors here, watching their every move. At the end of this hall, they saw the biggest platinum ore they ever saw, going down onto a throne. Near the throne, they saw three duergars, two of them looked like spellcasters, that stood and watched what the group did. The third stood near the king and, strangely, he was a dwarf, not a duergar. It was a very old dwarf. The king sat on his throne, wearing a platinum crown, wearing expensive clothing, sporting a long, white beard, and to his side, a big platinum hammer.
King Egeth Thunderhammer
Ruler of Glimmermagak
Platinium Lord
Son of Ubur Thunderhammer
Grandson of Idash Thunderhammer
The group kneeled before the king and the old dwarf spoke. He was the only one who spoke. The king only watched the group. He introduced the king and asked for what purpose the group comes. It went back and forth. The king was unwilling to sit at the dinner table with the group and hear their tales. The scribe told them that the king has many enemies and vanquished a lot of them but many come still. There was nothing fruitful in this discussion. The old dwarf said to them that they had one day to rest, then they need to leave since the gates will be closed, as always. However, the group was able to persuade the king and his advisor to let them stay for longer, that they need to discuss the situation and also, they have a lot of questions. This was the only time the king spoke, but only in a whisper to his advisor. They agreed that the group can stay for longer if they wish. They will be escorted and their questions answered by the scribe later. The group thanked for this and went out. They were put in a servants' apartment, not far from the royal palace. They discussed what to do.
The most important thing was - if they ally themselves with the duergars, the Brightaxe clan will hate them. They see the iron shortage here and could take care of it, however, what do they want to gain? The most was getting the slaves out of here, they didn't care about the duergars since it seemed they were doing okay. What about Udir? He is of royal blood, so he can fight for the crown. This was also the moment I wept that the group didn't have a dwarf in their party. They could get a dwarven stronghold! Oh, well, they got a better one in the end. The group agreed that they needed more information on what is going on before they decide on anything. During their discussion, the door opened and the old dwarf came inside.
Zengod
First Scribe
Advisor to King Egeth Thunderhammer
He introduced himself as Zengod, the First Scribe, and advisor to King Egeth Thunderhammer. He was barraged with questions, so I'll write what the party now knows:
- Zengod is one of the oldest dwarves in the stronghold. He recognized not only Mario's shield but the armor he wears. Remember the Duke's armor? Yeah. He was, however, a small child when he saw the Duke. He was also here when the curse fell upon the dwarves. He was the First Scribe and advisor to King Idash, but once he died, he became just a slave, until he worked hard and was taken by King Egeth back to service.
- The curse fell hard on the dwarves here. Most of them changed. Most of the Thunderhammer, but also some of the other clans as well. It was chaos at first. The stronghold felt the world collapsing and when it stopped, the air was full of dust and dirt. The first year was just survival. Then the civil war happened. The duergars won. King Idash wasn't changed, but his son Ubur was. He killed his father in a duel. However, Ubur later died in his sleep, so his son, Egeth took over. More infighting resulted with almost all of the royal family dying at one point or the other. Egeth rules for over 200 years and since then, he ordered the walls to be closed, since the horrors there were too much to bear.
- During the rule of Ubur, after the duergars took over. Over 500 dwarves and duergars where thrown out of the stronghold to fend for themselves. Zengod doesn't know what happened to them.
- The dwarves here do patrol around, from time to time. The wall isn't sealed shut. On their patrols they kill or take prisoners, they, in turn, become slaves. Zengod says they have drow, svirfneblin, goblin, and human slaves, from what he can recall, working in the mines or taking care of mushrooms. He speaks also that this is also a form of punishment, the worst is the exile. Even for small crimes, you will become a slave and work your ass off, until you paid what you owe. They do not kill their prisoners.
- They know about illithid or mind flayer city that is "north" from the stronghold. He didn't suggest going there. He knows about the Dark Folk, which the duergars just ignore and a giant hole to the west. There is also a passage east, where there a tonne of undead.
- He tells the group that there two castes - Erlin Thedak (The High Caste) and Lushòb Thedak (The Low Caste). Erlins are only duergars while Lushòb is only dwarves. Other races are only slaves. Erlins have a lot of freedoms, while Lushòb does not. However, both caste work. There are "nobles" in both caste, but Erlins are still higher ranking. He didn't speak like this caste system was bad, indeed he was happy it was in place.
- There are three religions in the city. First, the most practiced is Urist Thunder or how he calls him Urist Gracious. Clerics of Pain are his servants. Which is something the group never heard of and didn't ask the scribe more, but I will write here. The Clerics of Pain do sermons where duergars only come and they whip each other, taking care of their sadistic urges. This makes the duergar population more complacent. The second religion that isn't outright banned is All-Father. The scribe knows that there are worshippers of the giant and they showed up not long ago, just after the curse, when they spoke that we need to go back to worship the dwarven "hero". The third is a sect that works in the city, which are devil worshippers. They worship the archdevil called Moloch. The group had good rolls and recognized him as Hell's Fury, The General of Infernal Forces, Anger Incarnate and Lord of War. Strange someone like him would be worshipped here, where there is no war or conflict going on.
There were some more talks afterward. The group needed to think what to do next. They asked if they can explore the city, so the scribe said only with the escort. They could go to the market, but not such a place like a library, this is only for the High Caste. He told the group, that they can feel safe here. This was one of the "famous last words." They heard a fight outside, duergars dying and suddenly a couple of them burst inside, wearing robes, hooded.
Short session, most of it combat. The players also achieved 10 level.
---
Session 54: Ignite a War
The group quickly got into action, when they were attacked by hooded duergars. It quickly became apparent that these were the Archdevil cultists. They used warlock powers and even their burning maces were of magic, just like Balasar's. This meant, if they have fallen, their weapons disappear. This gave them an edge over other guards, who barely had iron weapons if any. When the combat started, the group tried to help Zengod to hide, however, the enemies used fire-based spells that had an area of effect. Before the group could help the old dwarf, he was already dead. Burning hands, flame strikes were their main weapons, but also Wall of Fire. Baâ tried to summon giant spiders for help, but when the wall was created, they all died. Balasar and Solange were the most hit. Even one of the duergars tried to Banish both of them, but only Balasar failed. This, of course, saved him, since he was inside the wall of fire. Baâ tried to heal Zengod, but he already succumbed to his wounds. Finn tried his best to support his team. Mario teleported outside, where their weapons were held to take out Rexgladio. There he saw the carnage that was going on. Bodies of duergars laid around them. Two still remained and guarded their place, near the sack with the weapons. Mario took out the artifact, healed one the warriors and helped them against the warlocks. Elhaeltôr cast powerful spells to take care of the enemies, even chasing after them with Solange. He quickly saw that this wasn't the main place of attack. Even words that one of the duergars spoke, that their master predicted their coming and the war that the group will create. The warlocks attacked the higher levels of the fortress and Elhaeltôr saw not far from where he stood, another place that was attacked. The group wanted to help, so they started to run that way after defeating their enemies and taking their stuff. Balasar stayed for a little longer to revivify Zengod and send him towards a group of Royal Guards that was rushing to them.
Solange and Elhaeltôr were first to arrive at the next attack spot and saw that this place was no ordinary place. It was just outside a temple to Urist Thunder, the dwarven god. He looked different here than from his normal depictions. Here looked furious, looking down onto his worshippers. Elhaeltôr saw that inside, the warlocks massacred the worshippers - men, women, and children, then put them onto a ritual spot and started chanting. He quickly saw that this was meant to summon a devil. It if didn't get here as soon as he did, they would already finish their job. Acting quickly and informing the rest of the group, he went inside and attacked the cultists, while Solange tried to get over the enemies. They had some help from duergar guards, who, like the warlocks, enlarged themselves to deal more deadly blows. When the rest of the group got to the place, the ritual was disrupted and whatever was going to emerge from it, was stopped. The duergar guards didn't waste any time and went to the other attack spots to help. When the group was gathering their stuff, trying to understand what was going on here, the ritual circle moved and two glowing, fiery eyes showed up.
Moloch?
It seemed that it was none other than the Archdevil, Moloch, speaking to them. He congratulated them on a successful battle, that they stopped him and he likes that where ever the group goes, death and destruction goes with them. He told them that the battle was lost to him, but not the war and he will show again. He also said that he will bring a war to this place, one way or another. The group cursed the creature to go back whence it came. When they looked outside, they saw a group of Royal Guards approaching. Not deciding to run away or hide, the group went outside and waited. The guards got near and surrounded the group. The leader demanded an explanation. It took a couple of back and forth to explain that the group isn't on the enemy side and that they helped. With a good roll and the fact that the duergars aren't yet fully Evil creatures, the Royal Guard listened to their words, escorted them to their apartment and told them that they can't interfere anymore with what is happening, but he is grateful for their help. The group also asked if they could help, at least, by healing the wounded. The duergar didn't say no but later wounded did come to their resting place to get treated.
The group later started to discuss what to do with this place. There was a lot of debate going on. Mainly on which side they want to be - should they help people here, trade with the duergars or go with the Brightaxe. There was no entrance to this place that they know of to use against the army here, they will get slaughtered at the gates since they can't get inside that way. In the end, the group decided to slowly gain the trust of people here - trade food, maybe iron. Try to get the groups to reconcile, make the Brightaxe not so wanting carnage against the duergars. Before an agreement was taken, there was a knock on the door and another duergar entered the room.
Tharnas Uzollecad
The leader of the Royal Guards
He introduced himself as Tharnas Uzollecad, the leader of the Royal Guard. His great suit of armor was fitting his position. He came to thank the group for their bravery. He explained to them the situation - the group can't interfere with the infernalist any longer. It will make the king and the guard look weak, then make the opposing duergars want to dethrone the king. He told the group that the infernalist goals are simple - to bring war that will give the duergars glory and wealth. The fortress is closed for 200 years and only those at the gates can leave but only for patrol. There are no iron deposits in these tunnels and it means a big iron shortage, which angers many dwarves, not only duergars. The other problem is food and drinks, they mainly live on mushrooms and underground creature meat, that isn't enough to appease the higher ranking duergars. So a rebellion might happen. This means, that the royal guard will now check the infernalist bodies, who they were and get to their families and friends. The group also learned that the infernalist must have a different way of getting goods since they are always seen with more stuff that it's possible in these conditions. Tharnas suspects maybe a tunnel or somebody at the gates, but the second is very unlikely to him. He also states that the king will surely want to see the group, sooner or later, so for now, they will have time to rest.
---
Chapter VI
Session 54: Ignite a War
The group quickly got into action, when they were attacked by hooded duergars. It quickly became apparent that these were the Archdevil cultists. They used warlock powers and even their burning maces were of magic, just like Balasar's. This meant, if they have fallen, their weapons disappear. This gave them an edge over other guards, who barely had iron weapons if any. When the combat started, the group tried to help Zengod to hide, however, the enemies used fire-based spells that had an area of effect. Before the group could help the old dwarf, he was already dead. Burning hands, flame strikes were their main weapons, but also Wall of Fire. Baâ tried to summon giant spiders for help, but when the wall was created, they all died. Balasar and Solange were the most hit. Even one of the duergars tried to Banish both of them, but only Balasar failed. This, of course, saved him, since he was inside the wall of fire. Baâ tried to heal Zengod, but he already succumbed to his wounds. Finn tried his best to support his team. Mario teleported outside, where their weapons were held to take out Rexgladio. There he saw the carnage that was going on. Bodies of duergars laid around them. Two still remained and guarded their place, near the sack with the weapons. Mario took out the artifact, healed one the warriors and helped them against the warlocks. Elhaeltôr cast powerful spells to take care of the enemies, even chasing after them with Solange. He quickly saw that this wasn't the main place of attack. Even words that one of the duergars spoke, that their master predicted their coming and the war that the group will create. The warlocks attacked the higher levels of the fortress and Elhaeltôr saw not far from where he stood, another place that was attacked. The group wanted to help, so they started to run that way after defeating their enemies and taking their stuff. Balasar stayed for a little longer to revivify Zengod and send him towards a group of Royal Guards that was rushing to them.
Solange and Elhaeltôr were first to arrive at the next attack spot and saw that this place was no ordinary place. It was just outside a temple to Urist Thunder, the dwarven god. He looked different here than from his normal depictions. Here looked furious, looking down onto his worshippers. Elhaeltôr saw that inside, the warlocks massacred the worshippers - men, women, and children, then put them onto a ritual spot and started chanting. He quickly saw that this was meant to summon a devil. It if didn't get here as soon as he did, they would already finish their job. Acting quickly and informing the rest of the group, he went inside and attacked the cultists, while Solange tried to get over the enemies. They had some help from duergar guards, who, like the warlocks, enlarged themselves to deal more deadly blows. When the rest of the group got to the place, the ritual was disrupted and whatever was going to emerge from it, was stopped. The duergar guards didn't waste any time and went to the other attack spots to help. When the group was gathering their stuff, trying to understand what was going on here, the ritual circle moved and two glowing, fiery eyes showed up.
Moloch?
It seemed that it was none other than the Archdevil, Moloch, speaking to them. He congratulated them on a successful battle, that they stopped him and he likes that where ever the group goes, death and destruction goes with them. He told them that the battle was lost to him, but not the war and he will show again. He also said that he will bring a war to this place, one way or another. The group cursed the creature to go back whence it came. When they looked outside, they saw a group of Royal Guards approaching. Not deciding to run away or hide, the group went outside and waited. The guards got near and surrounded the group. The leader demanded an explanation. It took a couple of back and forth to explain that the group isn't on the enemy side and that they helped. With a good roll and the fact that the duergars aren't yet fully Evil creatures, the Royal Guard listened to their words, escorted them to their apartment and told them that they can't interfere anymore with what is happening, but he is grateful for their help. The group also asked if they could help, at least, by healing the wounded. The duergar didn't say no but later wounded did come to their resting place to get treated.
The group later started to discuss what to do with this place. There was a lot of debate going on. Mainly on which side they want to be - should they help people here, trade with the duergars or go with the Brightaxe. There was no entrance to this place that they know of to use against the army here, they will get slaughtered at the gates since they can't get inside that way. In the end, the group decided to slowly gain the trust of people here - trade food, maybe iron. Try to get the groups to reconcile, make the Brightaxe not so wanting carnage against the duergars. Before an agreement was taken, there was a knock on the door and another duergar entered the room.
Tharnas Uzollecad
The leader of the Royal Guards
He introduced himself as Tharnas Uzollecad, the leader of the Royal Guard. His great suit of armor was fitting his position. He came to thank the group for their bravery. He explained to them the situation - the group can't interfere with the infernalist any longer. It will make the king and the guard look weak, then make the opposing duergars want to dethrone the king. He told the group that the infernalist goals are simple - to bring war that will give the duergars glory and wealth. The fortress is closed for 200 years and only those at the gates can leave but only for patrol. There are no iron deposits in these tunnels and it means a big iron shortage, which angers many dwarves, not only duergars. The other problem is food and drinks, they mainly live on mushrooms and underground creature meat, that isn't enough to appease the higher ranking duergars. So a rebellion might happen. This means, that the royal guard will now check the infernalist bodies, who they were and get to their families and friends. The group also learned that the infernalist must have a different way of getting goods since they are always seen with more stuff that it's possible in these conditions. Tharnas suspects maybe a tunnel or somebody at the gates, but the second is very unlikely to him. He also states that the king will surely want to see the group, sooner or later, so for now, they will have time to rest.
Baâ wasn't during this session and mainly we talked, even Solange was late to the game. We are finishing the "underdark" chapter, for now, the players will return here because there is a lot of threat to deal with.
---
Session 55: A Good Way Out
After waking up, our heroes debated what decision they should take with the duergars. In the end, they will try to broker some peace and gain information. They met with the king. The scribe again started the talks, so this prompted Mario to speak up. He told the king about their ancient friendship, that they should work together and he should talk to them, not use his scribe for it. Another natural 20. No fucking way. The king stood up, took his hammer with him and spoke calmly to the group. Thanked them personally for their help but barred them from further investigating the matter of cultists. There were some discussions and back and forth about their new relations. It ended with a simple deal - if they bring three wagons full of iron, the king will release all slaves that aren't criminals. Until then, no more deals will be made. The group are allowed to enter the fortress but have to find a way to notify the guards at the gate about arrival, since the gong used to call for the bridge fell into the chasm. The group also asked about information about the tunnels. In the end, they were recompensated with 2000gp (in 200pp) and a Driftglobe (a magical orb that can create enough light that looks like sunlight and follows the user).
Later, they followed Zengod to his chamber, where he worked as First Scribe. His main job is to write the history of the fortress. Mainly it's about births, deaths and important events. They didn't gain any major information from him, except maybe that this fortress started as a military outpost and after finding a magical crystal of antimagic and two chams, they were able to create an impossible to siege keep. That changed into a home of many dwarves. He gave them a map of patrols that were done in last 200 years. The tunnels changed and maps used by the dwarves were wrong to a point that they lost one of their patrols because of it. The patrols are once a year or couple of years, so they didn't have a lot of information to share. They gained information where the dwarves saw Humans, Drow, Svirfneblins, Illithids, Beholders, and Undead. The last were nearby, where the Golden City was (above). Illithid city was to the north like the group predicted. Beholders, Drow and Svirfneblins were to the south-west of the Golden Spring descent. While the humans were seen near the Abyss. The Duergars knew about Orth. They also asked about a jeweler shop and were guided by young duergar on orders from Zengod.
The duergars watched the group while they walked the halls of the fortress. They got to the market district. It looked different than what they thought it will look. There was no open space, just alleys with shops around. Even some shops on other shops, that you have to walk the stairs around them. When they entered the shop of Vashzud Asasedan, they saw three slaves inside, working on stuff. When they walked here, they saw mainly duergar and dwarf slaves. Most of then had stone collars, some had platinum. Here there were two goblins and a drow, all wearing platinum collars. The goblins were working on inserting gems into rings, while the drow worked on polishing and grinding. The slaves were shocked to see the party and the drow went for his master. A duergar wearing expensive attire came from the back. The group started their barter thingy. They wanted to buy diamonds for Revivify, which is 300gp in diamonds per spell. They wanted to trade something but decided only to sell their old weapons and armor. While the duergar went to the back to get bigger diamonds, Elhaeltôr talked to the drow. Apparently, his name was Ilmryn, he was heading somewhere in the tunnels but got caught by the duergars. He worked his ass off in the mushroom farms until he was able to show his skills as a jeweler. Since then he works for his master. The drow was paranoid of the group and watched their hands all the time. The duergar later came with bigger diamonds, they exchanged money and equipment, after that they left the shop. There was nothing more to do here, so they went back home.
There was nothing major happening on the way back. They explored the hexes and found coal on the hex where the Dark Folk were. The game ended in a cave full of mushrooms. The group was traveling, already close to their exit. This mushroom cave wasn't big but was a shortcut. Suddenly they heard something happen underground. They casted defensive spells and when they moved again, something burst out from the ground. A large creature with mandibles and big arms. They saw the head of such a creature in the guild when Elementars came with their trophy. This was an Umber Hulk and there were more than one.
Tethys Kingdom Map (Better looking)
Undertethys Kingdom Map
---
Chapter VI
Session 55: A Good Way Out
After waking up, our heroes debated what decision they should take with the duergars. In the end, they will try to broker some peace and gain information. They met with the king. The scribe again started the talks, so this prompted Mario to speak up. He told the king about their ancient friendship, that they should work together and he should talk to them, not use his scribe for it. Another natural 20. No fucking way. The king stood up, took his hammer with him and spoke calmly to the group. Thanked them personally for their help but barred them from further investigating the matter of cultists. There were some discussions and back and forth about their new relations. It ended with a simple deal - if they bring three wagons full of iron, the king will release all slaves that aren't criminals. Until then, no more deals will be made. The group are allowed to enter the fortress but have to find a way to notify the guards at the gate about arrival, since the gong used to call for the bridge fell into the chasm. The group also asked about information about the tunnels. In the end, they were recompensated with 2000gp (in 200pp) and a Driftglobe (a magical orb that can create enough light that looks like sunlight and follows the user).
Later, they followed Zengod to his chamber, where he worked as First Scribe. His main job is to write the history of the fortress. Mainly it's about births, deaths and important events. They didn't gain any major information from him, except maybe that this fortress started as a military outpost and after finding a magical crystal of antimagic and two chams, they were able to create an impossible to siege keep. That changed into a home of many dwarves. He gave them a map of patrols that were done in last 200 years. The tunnels changed and maps used by the dwarves were wrong to a point that they lost one of their patrols because of it. The patrols are once a year or couple of years, so they didn't have a lot of information to share. They gained information where the dwarves saw Humans, Drow, Svirfneblins, Illithids, Beholders, and Undead. The last were nearby, where the Golden City was (above). Illithid city was to the north like the group predicted. Beholders, Drow and Svirfneblins were to the south-west of the Golden Spring descent. While the humans were seen near the Abyss. The Duergars knew about Orth. They also asked about a jeweler shop and were guided by young duergar on orders from Zengod.
The duergars watched the group while they walked the halls of the fortress. They got to the market district. It looked different than what they thought it will look. There was no open space, just alleys with shops around. Even some shops on other shops, that you have to walk the stairs around them. When they entered the shop of Vashzud Asasedan, they saw three slaves inside, working on stuff. When they walked here, they saw mainly duergar and dwarf slaves. Most of then had stone collars, some had platinum. Here there were two goblins and a drow, all wearing platinum collars. The goblins were working on inserting gems into rings, while the drow worked on polishing and grinding. The slaves were shocked to see the party and the drow went for his master. A duergar wearing expensive attire came from the back. The group started their barter thingy. They wanted to buy diamonds for Revivify, which is 300gp in diamonds per spell. They wanted to trade something but decided only to sell their old weapons and armor. While the duergar went to the back to get bigger diamonds, Elhaeltôr talked to the drow. Apparently, his name was Ilmryn, he was heading somewhere in the tunnels but got caught by the duergars. He worked his ass off in the mushroom farms until he was able to show his skills as a jeweler. Since then he works for his master. The drow was paranoid of the group and watched their hands all the time. The duergar later came with bigger diamonds, they exchanged money and equipment, after that they left the shop. There was nothing more to do here, so they went back home.
There was nothing major happening on the way back. They explored the hexes and found coal on the hex where the Dark Folk were. The game ended in a cave full of mushrooms. The group was traveling, already close to their exit. This mushroom cave wasn't big but was a shortcut. Suddenly they heard something happen underground. They casted defensive spells and when they moved again, something burst out from the ground. A large creature with mandibles and big arms. They saw the head of such a creature in the guild when Elementars came with their trophy. This was an Umber Hulk and there were more than one.
Tethys Kingdom Map (Better looking)
Undertethys Kingdom Map
Arrows are where other creatures live, so near P26 are goblins and near X20 are drow, svirfneblin and beholders. Q23 are Illithids. W27 are Undead. S19 is the Abyss/Orth.
The red is where you can't pass and the rule is that three hexes must have at least one red wall separating them. In other words, it's more tunnels, corridors than gigantic caves. There are however underseas!
The red is where you can't pass and the rule is that three hexes must have at least one red wall separating them. In other words, it's more tunnels, corridors than gigantic caves. There are however underseas!
Our little party returns to the surface. Their adventures don't stop there.
---
Session 56: Spring Cometh
Combat started. Using their skills, they tried to take care of one Umber Hulk that stood before them, while Solange attacked one behind. Elhaeltôr got to use Telekinesis and made one of the creatures completely useless in combat. However, when the monster turn has started, two more appeared and all of them started to "look" at the heroes. This wasn't so effective, everybody succeeded each time they looked on one of them. The combat continued, mainly Solange got hurt. Apparently, they went into a place, where the Umber Hulks ate their prey. Later Elhaeltôr found a scroll of Reverse Gravity on the bodies of long-dead elves and dwarves. The guys tried to use some of their new skills like Balasar with Guardian of Faith, but that didn't work as planned. The fight went really well for the group. The creatures weren't able to take them on and lost the advantage of surprise quickly thanks to Misty Step spells that allow you to tactically move around the battle. After that, Solange wanted to check the meat, but the rest suggested not to. Balasar only noted during the discussion that dragonborns have their own way of traveling in the skies - by using giant, flying beetles. Also, this was the moment that Solange told everybody that he will try to become an assassin and will try to gain training from an assassin guild in Orth. There was a lot of debate and discussion but in the end, they didn't worry about their monk friend and his conviction to Lord Sun and doing good. When everything was over, the group moved onwards. It took them another ten days until they reached the top. Their allies hearing them come, opened the hatch. Mario saw his son Luigi sporting a small, prepubescent mustache.
Outside, everything changed. The snow started to melt. Spring was coming. Buildings surrounded the castle and keep. It was looking more like a village now. They learned that during their departure, the kingdom grew quickly to nearly 500 people. Half of which work in Golden Spring, while the rest work at their mithril mine, honey vineyard, and farm. The Golden Shield Kingdom is growing every day and more will come, the more the group invests in their expansion. They planned their next moves for the spring of 313. Just like I said before, the players do all three months in advance, need to be 20 days in their kingdom and everything happens "just when they are in town." There were three events. First, the dwarves were so happy with stonework here, that they added something from themselves. Upon the castle (not the keep) main gate, they erected a dragon head. This giant engraving was so beautiful, it made people come to Golden Spring castle more and buy stuff, giving the kingdom more fame and money. Second, was due to the settlement gaining such fame, that people from around the world started to come, mainly merchants. This created a marketplace in the town, where many different merchants sold their goods from travels. Making it a similar place to what is in Orth. You could call it a Legendary Marketplace. Third, there were problems with crops in the mountains at Golden Spring. However, because there were no actual farms around the castle (settlement hex and neighboring), it had no negative consequences for the kingdom. Later, the party found more resources like gold, rare lumber, gems (aquamarine), clay, hops, and spices. They also scouted out lands to the east, to see how it all looks (the map you can find at the bottom). Expanding their kingdom, they built three more mines (gold, gems, and iron), built more road and an aqueduct (to bring water closer to Golden Spring). They also started construction on a Foundry and Exotic Aristan (jeweler, Maria). They also started working on a Caster's Tower for Elhaeltôr's laboratory. Nothing major after that.
Solange got a letter from Brotherhood of Sun, but it was also addressed to Solaire Solaire. In the letter, they are happy that their work is giving fruit and that the castle, the one in Brotherhood's hands, is almost finished and the territory seems a lot safer. Now, they want to expand and stop being so concentrated on one place, so they are entrusting this to Solange and Solaire. Both of them gain a promotion. Solange becomes Master of Light, which gives him high authority for his religion in the canyon and becomes the leader of the religion there, while Solaire becomes Lord of Light, which is one of the highest-ranking clerics ranks in the brotherhood. Now he can ordain new clerics and train acolytes. However, that isn't all. They are ordered to build a Citadel of Sun (or Sun Citadel) in the canyon as the main operation spot for the religion, where not only clerics and monks will be trained but also paladins, all to take care of the undead threat in the canyon.
Finn also met with someone and it was Myria Fastfoot, the jeweler. She came to him with a proposal, that she can work for him if they could help her build a jeweler shop in Golden Spring. Balasar got a letter from Ahmed about Isfahan. Apparently, Balasar's clan took over the city that is a Dragon Fortress, that once belonged to Cloud Giants. They took over on the orders of the Great Empire (so you could say they joined with the Big Bad). However, they were rumors that they serve and help Cloud Giants or Dragons in that city. Elhaeltôr also had a visitor, she was locked up in the cells. Zhindia, the drow, came to visit. However, when she was rescued by Elhaeltôr and taken to the party, Baâ failed her roll (rolled a 1) to save again the rage. She jumped onto the drow, wanting to kill her, while the rest restrained her. The elf tried to calm her using Protection from Evil and Good. This allowed her to roll again with advantage. Finn wanted to inspire her to give her additional 1d10 to the result. However, I said, "come on, there is no need, what are the chances of her rolling two 1 now." She rolled two ones. I shit you not. The rage still continued and it wasn't until the drow was taken back, out of sight that Baâ calmed down. However, after gaining her senses, she was embarrassed and flew out the window. Zhindia later, during breakfast, talked about an idea she had with other drow in Estel'Anoron, to help the party and live as they want to, not in some ghetto. She asked if they will ever build an underground city, then the drows will able to work there.
Gianetta
Would be Assassin
Not everything was dandy in the kingdom. When Mario was asleep, he felt a sharp pain, then warmth and wetness on his stomach. Somebody stabbed him. Before the killer could deal the second blow, he jumped away. This assassin looked like one of the servants but had her face covered. She shouted at Mario many strange things like "You killed my mother!" Mario defended himself as best he could, he reached for Rexgladio and tried to knock the woman unconscious, but she was very well versed in combat. However, she didn't last a chance when Mario started to use all of his power to make her drop. When she did, he called the guards, saw her beautiful face underneath the mask. A young woman. She wore some kind of necklace. Mario checked it out and saw a picture inside, which he quickly recognized.
Vittoria de Albarate
One time love
The woman in the picture was Vittoria de Albarate. When he was very young, at least 13 of age. He was best friends with a girl of same age called Vittoria of house de Albarate, during the reign of the Red Tyrant. They felt true love and even "tried" to do "some stuff." This backfired when Vittoria's parents learned what happened. Her father accused Mario's family of taking his daughter virginity. Long friends became bitter enemies. This didn't escalate further and de Albarate moved out. Later Mario learned that she died. This was the last straw. His mind broke and became the Mario you learn about in the first sessions. A drunkard, lecherous, glory seeking, never apologizing fuck. His friends joined up with him. Mario stayed with the girl alone and used his powers to heal her when he recognized that she might be his daughter. He tried to reason with her that he is a different man, even gave her the dagger she wanted to stab him with if she wants to finish the job. It wasn't until Finn's persuasion that she was willing to give up. She ran away crying. Later the group revealed to Mario that Vittoria is alive, through tears Gianetta told them. The woman took her stuff, got to the village, stayed there for a day and then moved to Orth. This is what Solange and Balasar learned, the latter tried to convince the woman to stay with them, talk it out, but wasn't able to convince her. Here's a little tidbit. If Mario didn't heal the woman, let her "rest" and regain strength on her own, I would have taken his paladin powers on the spot. So a bullet dodged there.
Pog Bafflestone
Forest Gnome Druid of the Moon
Baâ had her own meeting. While resting outside the castle, she was approached by a big toad (not giant toad), but when it saw it was seen, it started to hop somewhere. Baâ had to stop her hippogryph friend not to attack it. "Hipcio" (or Hippy if you like) is already Medium-Sized. She went to spy on the strange toad since that creature shouldn't be here by her knowledge. There she saw a big mushroom head and when she came down in her bird form, she saw that it was more of a hat. A gnome and his toad friend. Later she learned that it was a forest gnome, a really rare sighting. He was very shy but friendly to Baâ. Mainly spoke with druid signs with her, but later opened up. He was traveling through the canyon when he saw that this place lacks druids and the only place there are is in Estel'Anoron. He saw Baâ's symbols from months ago and decided, after long thinking, to seek her out. They talked about strange plants in the east, but also about what Baâ found in the underground. She learned his name and he told her that he will check the strange forest, that she doesn't need to worry.
Hildegunn
Master of the Silent Order
Cleric of the Grave
They met with Hildegunn. This big woman was called by them to come to talk about Castra Vetera. She is the master of the order in the canyon and they are 100 strong. After some talks, they learned she is very against undead of any sort, a fanatic if you will. The discussion leads to her telling them two things. First, she and her order will help them, changing their priorities for a moment, but only if they build a base for them, a garrison to train new recruits will suffice. They will obey the law if there won't be any necromancy (undead) involved in the kingdom. The second is that she is very knowledgeable about undead. She recognized the puppetmaster as a Shambling Lord, a supreme zombie, who is able to link to other undead (mainly zombies) with his mind and control them. He is very resilient and if the group wants to take over Castra Vetera, they need to destroy him before work can be started cleaning up the place. She later departed and the players still need to make a decision, if they want fanatics in their midsts.
Our friends also learned a lot of new stuff about what changed during the last couple of months (winter and spring).
- First off, their "rivals" called Elementars, took from the goblins the city to the north (more like ruins). Rebuilt it and started to create their own kingdom called Elementi Revivo (Revival of the Elements). They know that they gained access to gems, but don't know much more. They will need some spies.
- Second, the orcs to the south have more problems than normal with the drows. Attacks and kidnappings occur.
- They learned that in Corbara, a Dragon Fortress in Kingdom of Actur, a rebellion succeeded and took over surrounding lands. These rebels declared independence from Kingdom of Actur. This made the neighboring kingdoms (Kingdom of Easthaven and Kingdom of Upper Midlands) move their armies to attack the rebels.
- The Great Empire of Freedom makes their moves. Apparently, there are talks between Oasis and them but also they talk to Thunderhammer Confederacy. A secret even came out, apparently, duergars and dwarves are working in the Confederacy.
- Conrad Stenbaum. The one that helped them gain access to Goliath mercenaries. That gave them a fur cloak and later helped them with wood and leather for their new kingdom. He was assassinated. Found dead in his house.
---
Kingdom Building
Time - Round 4-6, Season Spring, Year 313
Kingdom Building Full Stats - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FdgMRzQZO6Qd9xBBT0YqN68V3LkRQliva9ZFslM-G8o/edit?usp=sharing
Roles:
Ruler
Mario de Capodimonte
Consort
None
Councilor
Balasar Faamtenargakexud
General
Gwendolyn
Grand Diplomat
Finnean Quickstep
Heir
Luigi de Capodimonte
High Priest
Quennar Wood Step
Magister
Elhaeltôr
Marshal
Baâ
Royal Enforcer
Boghat Reborn
Spymaster
Solange Sunseer
Treasurer
Lord Magmos
Viceroy
None
Warden
Thalal Giantsbane
Kingdom Map
Undertethys Map
Settlements
Golden Spring Settlement
Buildings:
- Castle (Golden Spring)
- Houses x1
- Brewery (Om's)
- Smithy (Odon's)
- Foundry (building, will be ready on Turn 8)
- Exotic Artisan (Maria Jeweler) (building, will be ready on Turn 7)
- Caster's Tower (Elhaeltôr's Laboratory) (building, will be ready on turn 9)
---
Chapter VI
Session 56: Spring Cometh
Combat started. Using their skills, they tried to take care of one Umber Hulk that stood before them, while Solange attacked one behind. Elhaeltôr got to use Telekinesis and made one of the creatures completely useless in combat. However, when the monster turn has started, two more appeared and all of them started to "look" at the heroes. This wasn't so effective, everybody succeeded each time they looked on one of them. The combat continued, mainly Solange got hurt. Apparently, they went into a place, where the Umber Hulks ate their prey. Later Elhaeltôr found a scroll of Reverse Gravity on the bodies of long-dead elves and dwarves. The guys tried to use some of their new skills like Balasar with Guardian of Faith, but that didn't work as planned. The fight went really well for the group. The creatures weren't able to take them on and lost the advantage of surprise quickly thanks to Misty Step spells that allow you to tactically move around the battle. After that, Solange wanted to check the meat, but the rest suggested not to. Balasar only noted during the discussion that dragonborns have their own way of traveling in the skies - by using giant, flying beetles. Also, this was the moment that Solange told everybody that he will try to become an assassin and will try to gain training from an assassin guild in Orth. There was a lot of debate and discussion but in the end, they didn't worry about their monk friend and his conviction to Lord Sun and doing good. When everything was over, the group moved onwards. It took them another ten days until they reached the top. Their allies hearing them come, opened the hatch. Mario saw his son Luigi sporting a small, prepubescent mustache.
Outside, everything changed. The snow started to melt. Spring was coming. Buildings surrounded the castle and keep. It was looking more like a village now. They learned that during their departure, the kingdom grew quickly to nearly 500 people. Half of which work in Golden Spring, while the rest work at their mithril mine, honey vineyard, and farm. The Golden Shield Kingdom is growing every day and more will come, the more the group invests in their expansion. They planned their next moves for the spring of 313. Just like I said before, the players do all three months in advance, need to be 20 days in their kingdom and everything happens "just when they are in town." There were three events. First, the dwarves were so happy with stonework here, that they added something from themselves. Upon the castle (not the keep) main gate, they erected a dragon head. This giant engraving was so beautiful, it made people come to Golden Spring castle more and buy stuff, giving the kingdom more fame and money. Second, was due to the settlement gaining such fame, that people from around the world started to come, mainly merchants. This created a marketplace in the town, where many different merchants sold their goods from travels. Making it a similar place to what is in Orth. You could call it a Legendary Marketplace. Third, there were problems with crops in the mountains at Golden Spring. However, because there were no actual farms around the castle (settlement hex and neighboring), it had no negative consequences for the kingdom. Later, the party found more resources like gold, rare lumber, gems (aquamarine), clay, hops, and spices. They also scouted out lands to the east, to see how it all looks (the map you can find at the bottom). Expanding their kingdom, they built three more mines (gold, gems, and iron), built more road and an aqueduct (to bring water closer to Golden Spring). They also started construction on a Foundry and Exotic Aristan (jeweler, Maria). They also started working on a Caster's Tower for Elhaeltôr's laboratory. Nothing major after that.
Solange got a letter from Brotherhood of Sun, but it was also addressed to Solaire Solaire. In the letter, they are happy that their work is giving fruit and that the castle, the one in Brotherhood's hands, is almost finished and the territory seems a lot safer. Now, they want to expand and stop being so concentrated on one place, so they are entrusting this to Solange and Solaire. Both of them gain a promotion. Solange becomes Master of Light, which gives him high authority for his religion in the canyon and becomes the leader of the religion there, while Solaire becomes Lord of Light, which is one of the highest-ranking clerics ranks in the brotherhood. Now he can ordain new clerics and train acolytes. However, that isn't all. They are ordered to build a Citadel of Sun (or Sun Citadel) in the canyon as the main operation spot for the religion, where not only clerics and monks will be trained but also paladins, all to take care of the undead threat in the canyon.
Finn also met with someone and it was Myria Fastfoot, the jeweler. She came to him with a proposal, that she can work for him if they could help her build a jeweler shop in Golden Spring. Balasar got a letter from Ahmed about Isfahan. Apparently, Balasar's clan took over the city that is a Dragon Fortress, that once belonged to Cloud Giants. They took over on the orders of the Great Empire (so you could say they joined with the Big Bad). However, they were rumors that they serve and help Cloud Giants or Dragons in that city. Elhaeltôr also had a visitor, she was locked up in the cells. Zhindia, the drow, came to visit. However, when she was rescued by Elhaeltôr and taken to the party, Baâ failed her roll (rolled a 1) to save again the rage. She jumped onto the drow, wanting to kill her, while the rest restrained her. The elf tried to calm her using Protection from Evil and Good. This allowed her to roll again with advantage. Finn wanted to inspire her to give her additional 1d10 to the result. However, I said, "come on, there is no need, what are the chances of her rolling two 1 now." She rolled two ones. I shit you not. The rage still continued and it wasn't until the drow was taken back, out of sight that Baâ calmed down. However, after gaining her senses, she was embarrassed and flew out the window. Zhindia later, during breakfast, talked about an idea she had with other drow in Estel'Anoron, to help the party and live as they want to, not in some ghetto. She asked if they will ever build an underground city, then the drows will able to work there.
Gianetta
Would be Assassin
Not everything was dandy in the kingdom. When Mario was asleep, he felt a sharp pain, then warmth and wetness on his stomach. Somebody stabbed him. Before the killer could deal the second blow, he jumped away. This assassin looked like one of the servants but had her face covered. She shouted at Mario many strange things like "You killed my mother!" Mario defended himself as best he could, he reached for Rexgladio and tried to knock the woman unconscious, but she was very well versed in combat. However, she didn't last a chance when Mario started to use all of his power to make her drop. When she did, he called the guards, saw her beautiful face underneath the mask. A young woman. She wore some kind of necklace. Mario checked it out and saw a picture inside, which he quickly recognized.
Vittoria de Albarate
One time love
The woman in the picture was Vittoria de Albarate. When he was very young, at least 13 of age. He was best friends with a girl of same age called Vittoria of house de Albarate, during the reign of the Red Tyrant. They felt true love and even "tried" to do "some stuff." This backfired when Vittoria's parents learned what happened. Her father accused Mario's family of taking his daughter virginity. Long friends became bitter enemies. This didn't escalate further and de Albarate moved out. Later Mario learned that she died. This was the last straw. His mind broke and became the Mario you learn about in the first sessions. A drunkard, lecherous, glory seeking, never apologizing fuck. His friends joined up with him. Mario stayed with the girl alone and used his powers to heal her when he recognized that she might be his daughter. He tried to reason with her that he is a different man, even gave her the dagger she wanted to stab him with if she wants to finish the job. It wasn't until Finn's persuasion that she was willing to give up. She ran away crying. Later the group revealed to Mario that Vittoria is alive, through tears Gianetta told them. The woman took her stuff, got to the village, stayed there for a day and then moved to Orth. This is what Solange and Balasar learned, the latter tried to convince the woman to stay with them, talk it out, but wasn't able to convince her. Here's a little tidbit. If Mario didn't heal the woman, let her "rest" and regain strength on her own, I would have taken his paladin powers on the spot. So a bullet dodged there.
Pog Bafflestone
Forest Gnome Druid of the Moon
Baâ had her own meeting. While resting outside the castle, she was approached by a big toad (not giant toad), but when it saw it was seen, it started to hop somewhere. Baâ had to stop her hippogryph friend not to attack it. "Hipcio" (or Hippy if you like) is already Medium-Sized. She went to spy on the strange toad since that creature shouldn't be here by her knowledge. There she saw a big mushroom head and when she came down in her bird form, she saw that it was more of a hat. A gnome and his toad friend. Later she learned that it was a forest gnome, a really rare sighting. He was very shy but friendly to Baâ. Mainly spoke with druid signs with her, but later opened up. He was traveling through the canyon when he saw that this place lacks druids and the only place there are is in Estel'Anoron. He saw Baâ's symbols from months ago and decided, after long thinking, to seek her out. They talked about strange plants in the east, but also about what Baâ found in the underground. She learned his name and he told her that he will check the strange forest, that she doesn't need to worry.
Hildegunn
Master of the Silent Order
Cleric of the Grave
They met with Hildegunn. This big woman was called by them to come to talk about Castra Vetera. She is the master of the order in the canyon and they are 100 strong. After some talks, they learned she is very against undead of any sort, a fanatic if you will. The discussion leads to her telling them two things. First, she and her order will help them, changing their priorities for a moment, but only if they build a base for them, a garrison to train new recruits will suffice. They will obey the law if there won't be any necromancy (undead) involved in the kingdom. The second is that she is very knowledgeable about undead. She recognized the puppetmaster as a Shambling Lord, a supreme zombie, who is able to link to other undead (mainly zombies) with his mind and control them. He is very resilient and if the group wants to take over Castra Vetera, they need to destroy him before work can be started cleaning up the place. She later departed and the players still need to make a decision, if they want fanatics in their midsts.
Our friends also learned a lot of new stuff about what changed during the last couple of months (winter and spring).
- First off, their "rivals" called Elementars, took from the goblins the city to the north (more like ruins). Rebuilt it and started to create their own kingdom called Elementi Revivo (Revival of the Elements). They know that they gained access to gems, but don't know much more. They will need some spies.
- Second, the orcs to the south have more problems than normal with the drows. Attacks and kidnappings occur.
- They learned that in Corbara, a Dragon Fortress in Kingdom of Actur, a rebellion succeeded and took over surrounding lands. These rebels declared independence from Kingdom of Actur. This made the neighboring kingdoms (Kingdom of Easthaven and Kingdom of Upper Midlands) move their armies to attack the rebels.
- Conrad Stenbaum. The one that helped them gain access to Goliath mercenaries. That gave them a fur cloak and later helped them with wood and leather for their new kingdom. He was assassinated. Found dead in his house.
---
Kingdom Building
Time - Round 4-6, Season Spring, Year 313
Kingdom Building Full Stats - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FdgMRzQZO6Qd9xBBT0YqN68V3LkRQliva9ZFslM-G8o/edit?usp=sharing
Roles:
Ruler
Mario de Capodimonte
Consort
None
Councilor
Balasar Faamtenargakexud
General
Gwendolyn
Grand Diplomat
Finnean Quickstep
Heir
Luigi de Capodimonte
High Priest
Quennar Wood Step
Magister
Elhaeltôr
Marshal
Baâ
Royal Enforcer
Boghat Reborn
Spymaster
Solange Sunseer
Treasurer
Lord Magmos
Viceroy
None
Warden
Thalal Giantsbane
Kingdom Map
Undertethys Map
Settlements
Golden Spring Settlement
Buildings:
- Castle (Golden Spring)
- Houses x1
- Brewery (Om's)
- Smithy (Odon's)
- Foundry (building, will be ready on Turn 8)
- Exotic Artisan (Maria Jeweler) (building, will be ready on Turn 7)
- Caster's Tower (Elhaeltôr's Laboratory) (building, will be ready on turn 9)
No Solange and Mario, but the latter joined up late.
---
Session 56: Sky the Limit
Our group of heroes debated what to do next. After long discussions, they decided to take a "break" or downtime if you will of a month. Everybody had some time to do their stuff and when they returned they continued their adventures. Next was deciding on the next course of action. There were four options that the group saw at this moment. First, was getting to the Dao they met to defeat him or just get his blood since it's a component to cleanse the magical throne of one of its many curses, so they can use for defenses. Second, was talking to their advisors and Udir about the duergars and what to do with them, the latter would be the first to talk to. Third, was getting to Orth and trying to unravel who killed Conrad Stenbaum. And last, but also what they have chosen, was to take the airships and fly around the canyon, to get a better grasp of the land they are going to rule. They called Balthier and Basch to come the first day of the third month of spring, which was also the third month of the year called Planting, 313 After Dominium.
Basch and Balthier, of course, came after hearing their Sending. The group had to pay, like always, but this time there was no transporting troops, only their group. The group discussed where to go first and how to do the exploring. In the end, they decided to be on one ship, Basch's was chosen, which was also a part of a bet Basch and Balthier had since the group saw Balthier throwing a coin to Basch. Also, to go east first, far from the canyon wall, but enough to see it, just to make maps. You will be able to see the updated map at the bottom of this post and later in the first post. This is just the campaign map, I will update the kingdom map after the next turn. Soon, however, the party will be able to scout out the whole area thanks to the ships.
When they went east, they tried to stay away as far from the Traitor's Forest as far as possible and the Golden City as well. The drow forest was high and big trees, that created a giant canopy that made the forest engulfed in perpetual night. Even from afar with the one-kilometer high cliff, the forest looked like a black line standing strong over it. The Golden City was a gigantic construction, kilometers wide, right on the river. Surrounded by dozens of kilometers of dead lands, where undead roamed the landscape. A terrifying place. The group traveled more east to find the end of the canyon. During that, to the south, they saw one of the drow cities, which was high enough to poke out the canopy with its dark constructions. East from that, next to the lake that formed when the west seas flooded into the canyon, there was more dead lands, where undead roamed. In the center of it, they saw a large, dark tower that stood high with brooding, black clouds stretching kilometers from it. The stereotypical necromancer/evil tower.
That land seemed a lot drier than the rest, since north from the tower and even east, above the cliff, there were just swamps. Long ago, this was just part of the Inner Sea. However, when High King Actur died and tsunamis and earthquakes hit the continent. The Inner Sea changed the shorelines. The elven island became a full island, no more connected to the forest and to the far east, islands and two peninsulas became one stretch of land. Now, the mighty Dukedom of Delta was in ruins. Most of it in the swamps, while the rest underwater. Their capital, Brook Delta, was a just a bunch of flooded, swampy ruins. The group saw some movement there but didn't investigate. The group also saw to the northeast one of the human fortresses and a giant wall that stretches from the canyon to the shore. This was created after the fall of the canyon by the Kingdom of Actur to safeguard the kingdom against the attacks from drows.
Last stop to the east, was the enigmatic Goldplated Keep and the Dukedom of Decerto. Garden Forest looked strange. They knew that it was created by magic hundreds of years ago, but now it grows on its own. Once this land had different climates, thanks to magic, to house different animals and plants. For tourists. Nothing more. The Goldplated Keep was especially such a place that created a lot of different pockets of "dimensions" of the continent, so rich nobles didn't need to travel, for example, to the desert to see how it looks there. Now? It's all overgrown. Even the gold statues are barely seen under all that green plants. The whole party saw that this place "moved". It didn't look like a safe place to go anymore. They didn't investigate further and traveled west but this time being on the north side of the canyon. They returned to the Green Forest, where they started their adventure. There they saw mines, travelers, and many more different people. Soldiers wearing strange colors. This was the spot of the Kingdom of Elementi Revivo. They already grew a lot. Even the village of Green Leaf had many of their soldiers and had stone walls. Seems like the village has new masters. At least, that's what the group saw. They moved west.
The lands of the gnolls were unremarkable, however, there were a lot of them. Especially to the southwest, where big elven ruins stood. Now overrun by the beasts. When the group was looking around, Baâ saw something on the horizon. To their west, there was a single airship, while to the east, southeast to be exact, she saw something, but couldn't make out the details. The group concentrated their attention to the ship. Balthier using his spyglass he recognized the ship as Quick Falcon, Menny Boddyknock ship. While the other, he couldn't also make the details. It took a couple of hours before they met, during which the other spot went away, maybe went down to the land or something. Soon it will be dark. When the airship was about one kilometer from the group, Finn used his boots to fly to it, wanting to talk to their captain, while Elhaeltôr used invisibility and Misty Step (range changed thanks to his class ability to one mile).
Menny Boddynock
"Free Spirit" (just a Sky Pirate)
Captain of Quick Falcon
Finn quickly recognized the gnome captain. The ship was a gnome invention, it was mostly magical. Their sails and wood were magically prepared that takes decades of work. Unlike Basch and Balthier's ships, which weren't magical at all. This allowed the gnomes to have cannons on their ships, while the humans had ballistae. In a ship-to-ship fight, the group will lose. Finn landed on the ship after the captain invited him. The sky pirates only smiled, like he landed right into their lair. Menny was happy that "a trophy" came to her ship willingly, she won't have to wrestle him from the hands of Basch and Balthier. At first, she wanted to see if they had anything worthwhile. Now she sees that they did and it came to her. While Finn was talking with Menny, Elhaeltôr snuck into the ship, cutting some ropes and stuff, even going to her cabin. Inside, it revealed that Menny traveled around the continent, having trophies from different places and cultures. One looked strange enough that caught Elhaeltôr's eye. It was a small stone statue, a ball if you will, made from tentacles, while inside them, how it was possible to create by the creator to chisel something like this, he saw one eye. Thinking that this must be connected to Eye of Many, he took it, but also some of the maps Menny had. Outside the talks weren't going well. Menny tried to intimidate Finn by getting close and placing her dagger to his throat, also trying to make him become her "cabin boy" and joining her crew. However, she failed to do so and Finn was able to joke about it. When things went too deadly, Elhaeltôr showed up just in time and thunder clapped (you make a giant noise, a thunder wave, and teleport) back to their ship which was close. Before the pirates could do anything, Basch and Balthier ordered their ships to move faster. It was thanks to Elhaeltôr's meddling that the gnome's ship had a bad turn but in a straight chase, she will catch up. Using their skills, they were able to run enough from the redheaded pirate, when suddenly something flew between them.
Wyverns. A lot o them. The creatures attacked their ships and Menny's. However, the gnome was far enough that they couldn't help her, even if they wanted to. Combat ensued. The ships were armed with ballistae, which the crew used almost all the time to fire against the wyverns. However, the creatures were very deadly. If they hit with their claws and stinger, a single crewman was dead. During the course of the combat, seven of the crew died. All of them fought bravely. Basch used a blunderbuss and greatsword to fight the wyverns, while Basch used a pistol and a pair of dagger and rapier. The captains both fought good, but with the group, they would have died. These wyverns were the same that escaped from the kobold volcano. Nobody took care of them, so they attacked something. Balthier's ship was on the "losing" side since the whole group was on Basch's ship. However, using ballistae and our casters using long range damage spells like Moonbeam or fireballs, they were able to kill the wyverns there. It took some time to kill them, many of the bodies piled on the ship. Even when the fight looked won, it wasn't over. Menny's ship was going away, chased by many wyverns, while the group's ships were hit hard and needed to land. Basch told the group to go below the deck because nobody knows what might happen. This wasn't planned mind you. I didn't plan a crash landing. Basch rolled less than 10 to at least land safely. He rolled nat 3, so it was a big crash land, but not a total destruction. Mario and Balasar flew overboard, flying underdeck into the windows, but thanks to Elhaeltôr telekinesis he saved Mario, while Finn using his flying boots saved Balasar. The ship hit the land hard. The rest of the group, while going down saw that they are far west, into the lands of the undead and demons. Nightfall came. When the ship crashed, the sound echoed through the hills, creatures that roamed the area stopped and ran towards the sound. It's going to be night siege.
Updated Campaign Map
---
Chapter VII
Session 56: Sky the Limit
Our group of heroes debated what to do next. After long discussions, they decided to take a "break" or downtime if you will of a month. Everybody had some time to do their stuff and when they returned they continued their adventures. Next was deciding on the next course of action. There were four options that the group saw at this moment. First, was getting to the Dao they met to defeat him or just get his blood since it's a component to cleanse the magical throne of one of its many curses, so they can use for defenses. Second, was talking to their advisors and Udir about the duergars and what to do with them, the latter would be the first to talk to. Third, was getting to Orth and trying to unravel who killed Conrad Stenbaum. And last, but also what they have chosen, was to take the airships and fly around the canyon, to get a better grasp of the land they are going to rule. They called Balthier and Basch to come the first day of the third month of spring, which was also the third month of the year called Planting, 313 After Dominium.
Basch and Balthier, of course, came after hearing their Sending. The group had to pay, like always, but this time there was no transporting troops, only their group. The group discussed where to go first and how to do the exploring. In the end, they decided to be on one ship, Basch's was chosen, which was also a part of a bet Basch and Balthier had since the group saw Balthier throwing a coin to Basch. Also, to go east first, far from the canyon wall, but enough to see it, just to make maps. You will be able to see the updated map at the bottom of this post and later in the first post. This is just the campaign map, I will update the kingdom map after the next turn. Soon, however, the party will be able to scout out the whole area thanks to the ships.
When they went east, they tried to stay away as far from the Traitor's Forest as far as possible and the Golden City as well. The drow forest was high and big trees, that created a giant canopy that made the forest engulfed in perpetual night. Even from afar with the one-kilometer high cliff, the forest looked like a black line standing strong over it. The Golden City was a gigantic construction, kilometers wide, right on the river. Surrounded by dozens of kilometers of dead lands, where undead roamed the landscape. A terrifying place. The group traveled more east to find the end of the canyon. During that, to the south, they saw one of the drow cities, which was high enough to poke out the canopy with its dark constructions. East from that, next to the lake that formed when the west seas flooded into the canyon, there was more dead lands, where undead roamed. In the center of it, they saw a large, dark tower that stood high with brooding, black clouds stretching kilometers from it. The stereotypical necromancer/evil tower.
That land seemed a lot drier than the rest, since north from the tower and even east, above the cliff, there were just swamps. Long ago, this was just part of the Inner Sea. However, when High King Actur died and tsunamis and earthquakes hit the continent. The Inner Sea changed the shorelines. The elven island became a full island, no more connected to the forest and to the far east, islands and two peninsulas became one stretch of land. Now, the mighty Dukedom of Delta was in ruins. Most of it in the swamps, while the rest underwater. Their capital, Brook Delta, was a just a bunch of flooded, swampy ruins. The group saw some movement there but didn't investigate. The group also saw to the northeast one of the human fortresses and a giant wall that stretches from the canyon to the shore. This was created after the fall of the canyon by the Kingdom of Actur to safeguard the kingdom against the attacks from drows.
Last stop to the east, was the enigmatic Goldplated Keep and the Dukedom of Decerto. Garden Forest looked strange. They knew that it was created by magic hundreds of years ago, but now it grows on its own. Once this land had different climates, thanks to magic, to house different animals and plants. For tourists. Nothing more. The Goldplated Keep was especially such a place that created a lot of different pockets of "dimensions" of the continent, so rich nobles didn't need to travel, for example, to the desert to see how it looks there. Now? It's all overgrown. Even the gold statues are barely seen under all that green plants. The whole party saw that this place "moved". It didn't look like a safe place to go anymore. They didn't investigate further and traveled west but this time being on the north side of the canyon. They returned to the Green Forest, where they started their adventure. There they saw mines, travelers, and many more different people. Soldiers wearing strange colors. This was the spot of the Kingdom of Elementi Revivo. They already grew a lot. Even the village of Green Leaf had many of their soldiers and had stone walls. Seems like the village has new masters. At least, that's what the group saw. They moved west.
The lands of the gnolls were unremarkable, however, there were a lot of them. Especially to the southwest, where big elven ruins stood. Now overrun by the beasts. When the group was looking around, Baâ saw something on the horizon. To their west, there was a single airship, while to the east, southeast to be exact, she saw something, but couldn't make out the details. The group concentrated their attention to the ship. Balthier using his spyglass he recognized the ship as Quick Falcon, Menny Boddyknock ship. While the other, he couldn't also make the details. It took a couple of hours before they met, during which the other spot went away, maybe went down to the land or something. Soon it will be dark. When the airship was about one kilometer from the group, Finn used his boots to fly to it, wanting to talk to their captain, while Elhaeltôr used invisibility and Misty Step (range changed thanks to his class ability to one mile).
Menny Boddynock
"Free Spirit" (just a Sky Pirate)
Captain of Quick Falcon
Finn quickly recognized the gnome captain. The ship was a gnome invention, it was mostly magical. Their sails and wood were magically prepared that takes decades of work. Unlike Basch and Balthier's ships, which weren't magical at all. This allowed the gnomes to have cannons on their ships, while the humans had ballistae. In a ship-to-ship fight, the group will lose. Finn landed on the ship after the captain invited him. The sky pirates only smiled, like he landed right into their lair. Menny was happy that "a trophy" came to her ship willingly, she won't have to wrestle him from the hands of Basch and Balthier. At first, she wanted to see if they had anything worthwhile. Now she sees that they did and it came to her. While Finn was talking with Menny, Elhaeltôr snuck into the ship, cutting some ropes and stuff, even going to her cabin. Inside, it revealed that Menny traveled around the continent, having trophies from different places and cultures. One looked strange enough that caught Elhaeltôr's eye. It was a small stone statue, a ball if you will, made from tentacles, while inside them, how it was possible to create by the creator to chisel something like this, he saw one eye. Thinking that this must be connected to Eye of Many, he took it, but also some of the maps Menny had. Outside the talks weren't going well. Menny tried to intimidate Finn by getting close and placing her dagger to his throat, also trying to make him become her "cabin boy" and joining her crew. However, she failed to do so and Finn was able to joke about it. When things went too deadly, Elhaeltôr showed up just in time and thunder clapped (you make a giant noise, a thunder wave, and teleport) back to their ship which was close. Before the pirates could do anything, Basch and Balthier ordered their ships to move faster. It was thanks to Elhaeltôr's meddling that the gnome's ship had a bad turn but in a straight chase, she will catch up. Using their skills, they were able to run enough from the redheaded pirate, when suddenly something flew between them.
Wyverns. A lot o them. The creatures attacked their ships and Menny's. However, the gnome was far enough that they couldn't help her, even if they wanted to. Combat ensued. The ships were armed with ballistae, which the crew used almost all the time to fire against the wyverns. However, the creatures were very deadly. If they hit with their claws and stinger, a single crewman was dead. During the course of the combat, seven of the crew died. All of them fought bravely. Basch used a blunderbuss and greatsword to fight the wyverns, while Basch used a pistol and a pair of dagger and rapier. The captains both fought good, but with the group, they would have died. These wyverns were the same that escaped from the kobold volcano. Nobody took care of them, so they attacked something. Balthier's ship was on the "losing" side since the whole group was on Basch's ship. However, using ballistae and our casters using long range damage spells like Moonbeam or fireballs, they were able to kill the wyverns there. It took some time to kill them, many of the bodies piled on the ship. Even when the fight looked won, it wasn't over. Menny's ship was going away, chased by many wyverns, while the group's ships were hit hard and needed to land. Basch told the group to go below the deck because nobody knows what might happen. This wasn't planned mind you. I didn't plan a crash landing. Basch rolled less than 10 to at least land safely. He rolled nat 3, so it was a big crash land, but not a total destruction. Mario and Balasar flew overboard, flying underdeck into the windows, but thanks to Elhaeltôr telekinesis he saved Mario, while Finn using his flying boots saved Balasar. The ship hit the land hard. The rest of the group, while going down saw that they are far west, into the lands of the undead and demons. Nightfall came. When the ship crashed, the sound echoed through the hills, creatures that roamed the area stopped and ran towards the sound. It's going to be night siege.
Updated Campaign Map
Soon the party, using a downtime, will get the whole map. Having access to ships is all they need.
Baâ wasn't during this session.
---
Session 58: Boarding? Siege?
Our group had only a couple of minutes before the enemy showed their ugly heads. Everybody tried their best to help in the combat. The revived sailors went to the other ship to man the ballistae and help the fight below. Baâ also went there. Balthier and Basch would help on the ground and work on the remaining three ballistae from Basch's ship. Balasar worked on creating better routes since the ship was on the side. One side would be a "wall" while the other is just difficult terrain, so making a "bridge" on the latter would help the sailors retreat. He also helped with putting barricades where they could since two ballistae dropped to the ground and they didn't have time to transport it back on the ship. Mario also helped with barricades. Elhaeltôr used his telekinesis to make more barricades from logs and he made some traps to slow down the enemies. Finn with Solange flew above to scout around. A giant group was coming towards them. Humanoid creatures. Most of them bigger than humans, more beast like. They recognized that Balrugas, demon apes, were among them. However, also giants. Yes, huge creatures among the undead and demons. Solange went to hide, while Finn helped with music.
Zombie Gnolls
When the combat started, it became obvious that the undead are in the dozens. The main bunch was zombie gnolls. Must be those from the east that came to these lands and were turned into the demon army of undead. They were however stupid and just ran towards the ship, attacking everything in their ways like barricades or ballistae - even if a living enemy was just two meters from them. Balrugas jumped on the ship, while the zombies tried to climb it. Elhaeltôr used his spells to destroy most of the undead. The other used their weapons, sparing spells for bigger enemies. Their allies were getting hurt but not enough to defeat them. Ballistae shot a lot of enemies, even from the skies thanks to the second ship. One funny thing happened, Solange was hiding in rocks when a Balruga jumped over him. Since he made a Delay, he could act, so he jumped onto it, grappled it and did a piledriver. Balruga lost over 50% and its morale went to shit, so it ran away. Everything went smoothly until the giants came to the fight.
Nalfeshnee and Zombie Giants
The group quickly recognized the giants as Fire Giants. Balasar even recognized that these undead creatures are "fresh." They aren't hundreds of years old but only years. There are Fire Giants in the canyon! These creatures threw rocks until they didn't have any and ran to kill enemies. Their leader even showed up - Nalfeshnee. This was the biggest threat. It teleported to Elhaeltôr and due to my bad luck and Elhaeltôr Shield, the elf survived the onslaught. Even saved against frightened. Mario teleported to his back and did a lot of damage, thanks to a critical damage (he then used Divine Smite on 3 level, so he did 2d8 (base) + 2d8 (higher level) + 1d8 (because of fiend) and since it's critical that 5d8 changed into 10d8). The combat was going badly for a moment. They lost two ballistae, the Balrugas did a lot of damage and the zombie giants started to move. However, most of the Balrugas were defeated and Nalfeshnee ran away, so the pendulum started to shift the other way. The combat ended on the ship, where everybody was swarmed with enemies. Giants were defeated, the crew ran under the ship. Everybody survived. All enemies were defeated. Only one escaped, the Balruga that got piledrivered. Nalfeshnee tried to escape but was defeated thanks to Solange quick movements and radiant bolts. The group is now in enemy territory. Basch wants to repair the ship but it will take days, so the group has a moment to rest and maybe start scouting the area.
Combat Screens
---
Chapter VII
Session 58: Boarding? Siege?
Our group had only a couple of minutes before the enemy showed their ugly heads. Everybody tried their best to help in the combat. The revived sailors went to the other ship to man the ballistae and help the fight below. Baâ also went there. Balthier and Basch would help on the ground and work on the remaining three ballistae from Basch's ship. Balasar worked on creating better routes since the ship was on the side. One side would be a "wall" while the other is just difficult terrain, so making a "bridge" on the latter would help the sailors retreat. He also helped with putting barricades where they could since two ballistae dropped to the ground and they didn't have time to transport it back on the ship. Mario also helped with barricades. Elhaeltôr used his telekinesis to make more barricades from logs and he made some traps to slow down the enemies. Finn with Solange flew above to scout around. A giant group was coming towards them. Humanoid creatures. Most of them bigger than humans, more beast like. They recognized that Balrugas, demon apes, were among them. However, also giants. Yes, huge creatures among the undead and demons. Solange went to hide, while Finn helped with music.
Zombie Gnolls
When the combat started, it became obvious that the undead are in the dozens. The main bunch was zombie gnolls. Must be those from the east that came to these lands and were turned into the demon army of undead. They were however stupid and just ran towards the ship, attacking everything in their ways like barricades or ballistae - even if a living enemy was just two meters from them. Balrugas jumped on the ship, while the zombies tried to climb it. Elhaeltôr used his spells to destroy most of the undead. The other used their weapons, sparing spells for bigger enemies. Their allies were getting hurt but not enough to defeat them. Ballistae shot a lot of enemies, even from the skies thanks to the second ship. One funny thing happened, Solange was hiding in rocks when a Balruga jumped over him. Since he made a Delay, he could act, so he jumped onto it, grappled it and did a piledriver. Balruga lost over 50% and its morale went to shit, so it ran away. Everything went smoothly until the giants came to the fight.
Nalfeshnee and Zombie Giants
The group quickly recognized the giants as Fire Giants. Balasar even recognized that these undead creatures are "fresh." They aren't hundreds of years old but only years. There are Fire Giants in the canyon! These creatures threw rocks until they didn't have any and ran to kill enemies. Their leader even showed up - Nalfeshnee. This was the biggest threat. It teleported to Elhaeltôr and due to my bad luck and Elhaeltôr Shield, the elf survived the onslaught. Even saved against frightened. Mario teleported to his back and did a lot of damage, thanks to a critical damage (he then used Divine Smite on 3 level, so he did 2d8 (base) + 2d8 (higher level) + 1d8 (because of fiend) and since it's critical that 5d8 changed into 10d8). The combat was going badly for a moment. They lost two ballistae, the Balrugas did a lot of damage and the zombie giants started to move. However, most of the Balrugas were defeated and Nalfeshnee ran away, so the pendulum started to shift the other way. The combat ended on the ship, where everybody was swarmed with enemies. Giants were defeated, the crew ran under the ship. Everybody survived. All enemies were defeated. Only one escaped, the Balruga that got piledrivered. Nalfeshnee tried to escape but was defeated thanks to Solange quick movements and radiant bolts. The group is now in enemy territory. Basch wants to repair the ship but it will take days, so the group has a moment to rest and maybe start scouting the area.
Combat Screens
Start
End
How Solange sees the lightning
End
How Solange sees the lightning
Elhaeltôr wasn't during this session, which is sad since he would have liked this encounter, I think.
---
Session 59: Old Man and the Fortress
Our heroes are left with a choice. After debating for a long time, they deduced they have a couple of options. They could stay and help with the repairs, which the Basch and Balthier were keen on doing - they weren't going to leave the ship here. They could go south to Estel'Anoron to get help. The third was the most obvious and productive - to check the Golden West fortress. It was just two days from their landing and the ship was going to be in repairs for much longer. Elhaeltôr decided to stay behind and help with the repairs, but also become their wizard defender. Balasar also checked a book he had about Dragon Fortresses and the Golden West was mentioned in it. The author suggested that one of two dragons lived there - a Gold or Copper. The former, since there were a lot of beautiful hallways, missing golden pieces, something a Gold Dragon likes. The latter, however, was more of a speculation based on the fact, that the dwarf couldn't enter some rooms, where he heard there were a lot of traps and mazes there, something a Copper Dragon would create in his lair.
Before moving forth with their scouting mission, they went with Balthier on his ship to look around. The airship could go very high up, which allowed the group to see far. They saw the canyon's rock wall to the north. East was gnoll territory. Many camps were set there. One even in some ancient ruins of elven origin, something the group already had noted on their map. Southeast Estel'Anoron was hidden by magical treetops, something barely recognized by the group. Their nearest surroundings were safe. There were no bigger threats around for a day or two. The terrain was mainly hills, little to no forests. This allowed the group to see a big fortress to the west. Golden West looked like a golden city, however, Balasar recognized the stone which the fortress was built from and it was just an illusion - the stone really is white. Finn had a nat 20 roll, so he saw a small hut with palisade walls about an hour from the fortress. The group decided to go there.
On foot, they had to stop after the two days of travel. They were just near the walled hut, that was built between two hills. Secluded and pretty well hidden. However, being just half an hour from the hut wasn't the reason they stopped, they saw enemies. More undead near the river, about fifteen minutes from them. A big group. They decided to sneak around, so Finn used his invisibility to cast it on the most visible people, while the rest sneaked around. They successfully past through. The monster did run near them after the group got half of the way to the hut. They saw that these were gnoll abominations turned into undead. Terrible things. The group saw that the creatures went towards the hut, but turned at the "last minute." Something wasn't right. When the group got near, they saw that the place was in pretty good shape. There was no gate, but coming near they saw from afar a garden of sorts, so somebody had to live here, at least recently. Balasar using Detect Magic saw that there was a lot of Abjuration magic going on here. Mario didn't recognize anything with his Paladin Senses. Baâ using her Commune with Nature got some info about the surrounding area. There was little to no animals nearby, one human, and powerful undead and demons. The last two the group thought must be with the Dragon Fortress. However, the human was something Finn saw. When he used his boots to fly up, he saw an old man in the window.
Raerlin
Old Wizard Hermit
Finn asked if the group can come in, the old man obliged and went to the palisade. On his side, he had a rollable ladder. He used it to get the group inside. The old man lived a very hermit life. He had all he needed and used magic to help himself with many tasks. He had even a chicken coop. The group talked with the old man and gained some information from him. His name was Raerlin and he is here for about 50 years. He came from the University. He looked for power and knowledge. Thinking he can find it here, he started his quest. He was too deep into it to quit. In time he made himself a home. He regrets many things from his youth, but he endured everyone since the first days were the toughest and he was on the brink of death many times. The old man knew a lot of stuff. First, he recognized Mario's armor as Contegoaurum. Second, he knew about Brotherhood of Sun's reclamation of their old fortress. Third, he gained a lot of information from the fortress and as proof he said that one of the secrets the fortress family had, was that their leadership had dragon blood in their veins. Lastly, he gained many magical items. Since he was content with dying here, Finn jokingly asked for his stuff, since when he will die, he won't need it. The old man agreed, only if the group takes out the leader of the demons. He doesn't know who he is, but the magic that is used makes him a powerful servant to Orcus. The group was willing to take care of this, without the reward. Finn even sang a song to the old man, since he mentioned dragons before, so he sang about their first adventure.
This was something that changed the flow of the meeting. Solange and Baâ saw something in the man's eyes when Finn started to sign about the dragon and the adventure. Baâ recognized it as melancholy of being alone. After the song, Baâ did something the others didn't think she would ever do to anyone, she sat down next to the old man's rocking chair and started to talk about herself since he wanted to know more about the group. Not only about herself, but about her whole family. Balasar thinking that something is not right, he went out for a moment to cast Detect Magic. The whole place lit up with Abjuration magic. When he came back, he saw something he shouldn't have. You see. The power he saw shouldn't be detected with Detect Magic, at least near impossible, since it's something he can use at will. However, Balasar rolled a nat 20 to detect it. He saw that the old man had Transformation School magic on himself. This means the old man is shapeshifted, at least that's what he deduced. After the talk, the old man said it was going dark and the group was welcome to stay, he just went out to take some vegetables for his salad. The group had a moment to talk about what has happened and Baâ was unwilling to confront or even ask the old man about his true nature. However, the group wanted to know, so when the old man came back, they tried to persuade him that he doesn't need to be scared of anything, to hide. Raerlin told them that he isn't scared and is fine how everything is. Finn with his pesky words tried to get the old man to reveal more about himself. Raerlin told them that this won't change anything. The evil is still waiting there. However, he told the group the truth, he was the son of the true master of the fortress. This would mean he would be older than 300 years old. The group asked some more questions. Solange asked about Eclipsed and Rearlin said that he knows names, but will tell more if they take care of the evil. Mario only asked if it's gold or copper, and the old man replied gold. Yes, this was suppossed to be a big reveal later that the old man is really a dragon. However, since the group became heroes and very good people, the dragon didn't have a problem talking to them normally. This would go very differently, if the group decided on the first sessions to go here. They would met a very different old man. Next session, the group goes to the fortress to take care of the demons.
---
Chapter VII
Session 59: Old Man and the Fortress
Our heroes are left with a choice. After debating for a long time, they deduced they have a couple of options. They could stay and help with the repairs, which the Basch and Balthier were keen on doing - they weren't going to leave the ship here. They could go south to Estel'Anoron to get help. The third was the most obvious and productive - to check the Golden West fortress. It was just two days from their landing and the ship was going to be in repairs for much longer. Elhaeltôr decided to stay behind and help with the repairs, but also become their wizard defender. Balasar also checked a book he had about Dragon Fortresses and the Golden West was mentioned in it. The author suggested that one of two dragons lived there - a Gold or Copper. The former, since there were a lot of beautiful hallways, missing golden pieces, something a Gold Dragon likes. The latter, however, was more of a speculation based on the fact, that the dwarf couldn't enter some rooms, where he heard there were a lot of traps and mazes there, something a Copper Dragon would create in his lair.
Before moving forth with their scouting mission, they went with Balthier on his ship to look around. The airship could go very high up, which allowed the group to see far. They saw the canyon's rock wall to the north. East was gnoll territory. Many camps were set there. One even in some ancient ruins of elven origin, something the group already had noted on their map. Southeast Estel'Anoron was hidden by magical treetops, something barely recognized by the group. Their nearest surroundings were safe. There were no bigger threats around for a day or two. The terrain was mainly hills, little to no forests. This allowed the group to see a big fortress to the west. Golden West looked like a golden city, however, Balasar recognized the stone which the fortress was built from and it was just an illusion - the stone really is white. Finn had a nat 20 roll, so he saw a small hut with palisade walls about an hour from the fortress. The group decided to go there.
On foot, they had to stop after the two days of travel. They were just near the walled hut, that was built between two hills. Secluded and pretty well hidden. However, being just half an hour from the hut wasn't the reason they stopped, they saw enemies. More undead near the river, about fifteen minutes from them. A big group. They decided to sneak around, so Finn used his invisibility to cast it on the most visible people, while the rest sneaked around. They successfully past through. The monster did run near them after the group got half of the way to the hut. They saw that these were gnoll abominations turned into undead. Terrible things. The group saw that the creatures went towards the hut, but turned at the "last minute." Something wasn't right. When the group got near, they saw that the place was in pretty good shape. There was no gate, but coming near they saw from afar a garden of sorts, so somebody had to live here, at least recently. Balasar using Detect Magic saw that there was a lot of Abjuration magic going on here. Mario didn't recognize anything with his Paladin Senses. Baâ using her Commune with Nature got some info about the surrounding area. There was little to no animals nearby, one human, and powerful undead and demons. The last two the group thought must be with the Dragon Fortress. However, the human was something Finn saw. When he used his boots to fly up, he saw an old man in the window.
Raerlin
Old Wizard Hermit
Finn asked if the group can come in, the old man obliged and went to the palisade. On his side, he had a rollable ladder. He used it to get the group inside. The old man lived a very hermit life. He had all he needed and used magic to help himself with many tasks. He had even a chicken coop. The group talked with the old man and gained some information from him. His name was Raerlin and he is here for about 50 years. He came from the University. He looked for power and knowledge. Thinking he can find it here, he started his quest. He was too deep into it to quit. In time he made himself a home. He regrets many things from his youth, but he endured everyone since the first days were the toughest and he was on the brink of death many times. The old man knew a lot of stuff. First, he recognized Mario's armor as Contegoaurum. Second, he knew about Brotherhood of Sun's reclamation of their old fortress. Third, he gained a lot of information from the fortress and as proof he said that one of the secrets the fortress family had, was that their leadership had dragon blood in their veins. Lastly, he gained many magical items. Since he was content with dying here, Finn jokingly asked for his stuff, since when he will die, he won't need it. The old man agreed, only if the group takes out the leader of the demons. He doesn't know who he is, but the magic that is used makes him a powerful servant to Orcus. The group was willing to take care of this, without the reward. Finn even sang a song to the old man, since he mentioned dragons before, so he sang about their first adventure.
This was something that changed the flow of the meeting. Solange and Baâ saw something in the man's eyes when Finn started to sign about the dragon and the adventure. Baâ recognized it as melancholy of being alone. After the song, Baâ did something the others didn't think she would ever do to anyone, she sat down next to the old man's rocking chair and started to talk about herself since he wanted to know more about the group. Not only about herself, but about her whole family. Balasar thinking that something is not right, he went out for a moment to cast Detect Magic. The whole place lit up with Abjuration magic. When he came back, he saw something he shouldn't have. You see. The power he saw shouldn't be detected with Detect Magic, at least near impossible, since it's something he can use at will. However, Balasar rolled a nat 20 to detect it. He saw that the old man had Transformation School magic on himself. This means the old man is shapeshifted, at least that's what he deduced. After the talk, the old man said it was going dark and the group was welcome to stay, he just went out to take some vegetables for his salad. The group had a moment to talk about what has happened and Baâ was unwilling to confront or even ask the old man about his true nature. However, the group wanted to know, so when the old man came back, they tried to persuade him that he doesn't need to be scared of anything, to hide. Raerlin told them that he isn't scared and is fine how everything is. Finn with his pesky words tried to get the old man to reveal more about himself. Raerlin told them that this won't change anything. The evil is still waiting there. However, he told the group the truth, he was the son of the true master of the fortress. This would mean he would be older than 300 years old. The group asked some more questions. Solange asked about Eclipsed and Rearlin said that he knows names, but will tell more if they take care of the evil. Mario only asked if it's gold or copper, and the old man replied gold. Yes, this was suppossed to be a big reveal later that the old man is really a dragon. However, since the group became heroes and very good people, the dragon didn't have a problem talking to them normally. This would go very differently, if the group decided on the first sessions to go here. They would met a very different old man. Next session, the group goes to the fortress to take care of the demons.
Elhaeltôr joined near the end. Also, we have a small downtime with Balasar and Solange, where Solange goes to find an assassin to train him.
---
Session 60: A Grim Tale
When the group was sleeping, they shared the same dream. Raerlin is a gold dragon, so he can visit other creatures dreams. Here he showed the group the canyon before the fall. How the giant fortress and surrounding areas looked. He also talked to the group about their individual dreams and hopes, wanting to know more about them. It was a short encounter, which ended with the whole group waking up together, while the old man was taking care of his chickens. Raerlin showed them a map of a possible passage to the fortress. Through the underground, using old tunnels and with their magical paints, they could easily get to the demon that lords over this land. Raerlin never met him but tried many times to get inside. Almost losing his life. He knows about another powerful creature. He showed on the map how to get to him if the group will decide. He told them that this creature is Orcus' creation. A fallen angel reshaped into a new form. He doesn't lead the demons but steers the undead. The group will have to decide what to do. When they will be inside, Rearlin will attack the fortress to drawn out as many enemies as he can. He also gave the group five diamonds for Revivify, but he wanted Finn to sing a song after it all will be done. The group took care of their belongings and went to the cave.
Nearly an hour of a trek. The cave entrance revealed that a big beast burrowed from here, which is actually what Rearlin can do as a gold dragon. It took them another couple of minutes to traverse the tunnels until they found themselves in a room. Apparently, under the city, that was around the fortress, there were underground tunnels, connecting secret rooms and basements. Finn felt something foul in the air, the rest didn't, which was strange, because they were standing in front of the exit. The air should push the foul stench towards them. It wasn't until Solange used Light that the group saw something. Green gas. A miasma if you will. This was magical in nature, that's why they didn't see it without light and their darkvision allowed them to see past it. The group didn't want to lose any magic nor try to pass through it, better not to risk it. Using Finn's magic paints, they made themselves a passage to the side and just where they needed to be. Solange was doing scouting duty. He found something black, like ichor in a tunnel to the side, but their goal was in the opposite way, so he backed up and scouted forwards. However, he didn't see black ichor on the ground near him.
Black Pudding
When the party regrouped, the black pudding saw the rest (since Solange had over 30 in Stealth). Thanks to Finn's high roll on Arcane he recognized what must be done and not to these creatures. This meant that no lighting nor slashing damage could be done since it could replicate the enemies. The fight wasn't hard but it took them at least four rounds. Mario had to use his shield as a weapon. Balasar, Baâ, and Finn used their magic, while Solange used his radiant bolts. The creatures went dead quickly. There were only four of them. Two that they stepped in and two more came from the other tunnel. The group went to the next room, passing another tunnel filled with green miasma. There Solange stepped on the wrong rock and the room exploded in green ichor, quickly turning into another green miasma room. Their light was dispelled by somebody and Shadow Demons attacked. They did some serious damage to the group. However, the tide turned when Daylight spell was used and Elhaeltôr came to the rescue. Two demons ran into the wall and disappeared, the rest was defeated. The group didn't find them later. Elhaeltôr was quickly explained what has happened and joined the group.
The green miasma was destroyed by fire. A huge explosion shook the whole place. This isn't something they should have done if they wanted to do it quietly. Not wanting to waste time exploring more rooms, they went with the map. The group decided that the best course of action would be to take care of the demon general and the rift in the Material Plane. The other demon, fallen angel, can be taken care of later. That's at least what the group thinks. During their run towards their goal, they were chased many times, but thanks to having a map and using magic paints, they were able to pass through many hard encounters. They quickly got themselves into a big room, at least 50 meters wide. This giant hall had a mosaic of a starry night with a giant sun in the center. This gave out enough light to illuminate the whole room. The white stone looked golden in these halls, thanks to this light. The room had four corridors. One they came in, another that lead to the roof and two more, that the old man didn't explain on the map where they lead. However, they weren't alone in the room. When they got near the giant, purple rift, similar to that in Castra Vetera, but a couple of times bigger, something shifted and came out.
Grimm
Abyssal Rotfiend
Two creatures got out. One had to "get up" from the portal. It had nearly five meters in height, big black armor on him, red hair and burnt color skin. It looked like a fire giant. However, when he moved his face towards the group, they saw that the other part of his head was rotten. He was clearly undead. The other monster looked like something from a horror story. A stitched creature. Many demon parts made up this abomination. The group felt that this had to be the leader. There was no other way.
---
Now, we do something different. Solange needs a teacher since he wants to become an assassin. Balasar goes with him. They need to visit the cathouse "Caresses", a brothel. Inside, they didn't see the black dragonborn, which Solange knows is a member of the Bloody Tongues assassin guild. Many half-naked women walk around here. The two of them try to not look the part, hiding their faces and bodies with big cloaks. However, while going inside, Solange almost bumps into somebody.
Debauch
Quickly they recognize the woman as a tiefling. Beautiful, ashen body. Black hair ending with red. Horns, as always. She recognizes the pair as heroes. Solange reveals that they are looking for someone. Balasar almost got caught off guard, looking the woman straight into her chest. The group was invited to be Debauch (Rozpusta in polish, sounds better there), since she is the owner, to the upper rooms. There the group talked about their goal. She says to them that indeed this dragonborn visits her establishment and she agreed to help them in meeting him. The pair tried to not make a big scene, so they only drank and refused any lap dances. After a half hour, one of the women working in the brother came up to them to tell them about the dragonborn. The group went to him. He sat alone and nearest two lounged were empty. Nobody wanted to sit next to him or they were afraid.
Maagog Uvelucalcayosin
Of Acidblade Clan
Member of the Bloody Tongues, Assassin Guild
Balasar spoke first, thanking the man for saving him. Solange recognized the symbol on the black dragonborn's tongue - he indeed was a member of the Blood Tongues. He told the group that his name is Maagog Uvelucalcayosin, which Balasar recognized. This clan murdered a lot of his clan not long ago. There were skilled assassins. Balasar kept his cool, which allowed to the group to talk about Solange's request. The talks were straightforward. This Drakon had an Actuvian weapon, that shot pure energy, scorching everything on its path and making holes. Balasar didn't see its full glory but remembered it. Maagog explained that Orth is neutral territory. The other guilds and organizations meet here, but their contracts never can be on people living in Orth. So, when Conrad Stenbaum was killed, he was found with a sign from the assassin guild and with traces of Maagog's weapon as the main killing instrument. The party believed the assassin that he didn't kill him. There was some back and forth because he didn't want to reveal everything, but they were able to persuade him. Maagog not only lost his magazines that are used for his weapon, but also a second weapon that can fire them when he got drunk. They retrieve the weapon, his magazines and tell him who did it, and Maagog will train Solange as an assassin without the need to become a part of the guild. Which should be a red flag for the players, but they didn't catch up.
On their way down, they talked to Debauch about the situation. Wanting to gain more information from her. She wanted payment for the help, which wasn't money. At first, she wanted to touch Solange's hand. Later, before revealing the most important info, she wanted a kiss from him, which she got. In short, Edrathil Silver Blade is steering the investigation, since it must be connected to the fact that this is neutral ground and Edrathil doesn't want the guild to kill his citizens. Not even trusting the guard with this. Alastor Corbora, Bordeux, Orthson and Fastfoot are his suspects. Alastor Corbora, because he wanted to buy Stenbaum's lumberyard, now he has a chance. Cassius Bordeux, because there were some problems with wood lately and Bordeux has many workshops and doesn't want a spike in prices. Wolfgang Orthson made a loan for 10,000 gold pieces, he repaid half, but he still owes a lot. Nevil Fastfoot was last seen visiting Stenbaum. However, Debauch didn't believe that anyone of them did it. With the payment from Solange she revealed one more suspect that Edrathil doesn't yet know about - Erevan. He owns a carpenter workshop that he is master of. Debauch revealed that Stenbaum is very "gifted" and visited her brother many times. She knows that Erevan's wife, Iliona was seen with Stenbaum, then during winter, when she has her child, it is a human one with ginger hair just like Stenbaum. Big contrast to two half-elf parents with black hair. This could be their killer.
Erevan
Master Carpenter
The group didn't wait. Solange went to sneak into Erevan's house, while Balasar went to meet with Abdul, the carpet salesman. Balasar found there Ahmed and even Orleen. Everybody that night went to smoke some good stuff. Balasar also found out that the three of them have to work for Malifax, a great organization that unites magic item creators, many times on hostile terms with the University. Solange found three people and a child. Erevan was sleeping in a different room, while two women - his wife an midwife, that must help the pair with their newborn. Solange looked around and quickly found a metal box, inside the strange weapon and three magazines, one of which was empty. The pair reunited later on the streets and decided to go to Edrathil, tell him about the assassin and persuade him not to take the gun.
It didn't take long. Edrathil trusted the pair. Even tested the weapon for himself in his quarters. He asked for Havifgar to use Zone of Truth to gain the needed confession if needed. Something that Edrathil didn't like, but had no choice since the pair already tampered with evidence. He sent his men and later they returned with Erevan confessing that he indeed killed Stenbaum. With the issue resolved, the pair returned and gave the assassin his weapon back. He didn't want to talk to Balasar, only to repay what he owed.
---
Chapter VII
Session 60: A Grim Tale
When the group was sleeping, they shared the same dream. Raerlin is a gold dragon, so he can visit other creatures dreams. Here he showed the group the canyon before the fall. How the giant fortress and surrounding areas looked. He also talked to the group about their individual dreams and hopes, wanting to know more about them. It was a short encounter, which ended with the whole group waking up together, while the old man was taking care of his chickens. Raerlin showed them a map of a possible passage to the fortress. Through the underground, using old tunnels and with their magical paints, they could easily get to the demon that lords over this land. Raerlin never met him but tried many times to get inside. Almost losing his life. He knows about another powerful creature. He showed on the map how to get to him if the group will decide. He told them that this creature is Orcus' creation. A fallen angel reshaped into a new form. He doesn't lead the demons but steers the undead. The group will have to decide what to do. When they will be inside, Rearlin will attack the fortress to drawn out as many enemies as he can. He also gave the group five diamonds for Revivify, but he wanted Finn to sing a song after it all will be done. The group took care of their belongings and went to the cave.
Nearly an hour of a trek. The cave entrance revealed that a big beast burrowed from here, which is actually what Rearlin can do as a gold dragon. It took them another couple of minutes to traverse the tunnels until they found themselves in a room. Apparently, under the city, that was around the fortress, there were underground tunnels, connecting secret rooms and basements. Finn felt something foul in the air, the rest didn't, which was strange, because they were standing in front of the exit. The air should push the foul stench towards them. It wasn't until Solange used Light that the group saw something. Green gas. A miasma if you will. This was magical in nature, that's why they didn't see it without light and their darkvision allowed them to see past it. The group didn't want to lose any magic nor try to pass through it, better not to risk it. Using Finn's magic paints, they made themselves a passage to the side and just where they needed to be. Solange was doing scouting duty. He found something black, like ichor in a tunnel to the side, but their goal was in the opposite way, so he backed up and scouted forwards. However, he didn't see black ichor on the ground near him.
Black Pudding
When the party regrouped, the black pudding saw the rest (since Solange had over 30 in Stealth). Thanks to Finn's high roll on Arcane he recognized what must be done and not to these creatures. This meant that no lighting nor slashing damage could be done since it could replicate the enemies. The fight wasn't hard but it took them at least four rounds. Mario had to use his shield as a weapon. Balasar, Baâ, and Finn used their magic, while Solange used his radiant bolts. The creatures went dead quickly. There were only four of them. Two that they stepped in and two more came from the other tunnel. The group went to the next room, passing another tunnel filled with green miasma. There Solange stepped on the wrong rock and the room exploded in green ichor, quickly turning into another green miasma room. Their light was dispelled by somebody and Shadow Demons attacked. They did some serious damage to the group. However, the tide turned when Daylight spell was used and Elhaeltôr came to the rescue. Two demons ran into the wall and disappeared, the rest was defeated. The group didn't find them later. Elhaeltôr was quickly explained what has happened and joined the group.
The green miasma was destroyed by fire. A huge explosion shook the whole place. This isn't something they should have done if they wanted to do it quietly. Not wanting to waste time exploring more rooms, they went with the map. The group decided that the best course of action would be to take care of the demon general and the rift in the Material Plane. The other demon, fallen angel, can be taken care of later. That's at least what the group thinks. During their run towards their goal, they were chased many times, but thanks to having a map and using magic paints, they were able to pass through many hard encounters. They quickly got themselves into a big room, at least 50 meters wide. This giant hall had a mosaic of a starry night with a giant sun in the center. This gave out enough light to illuminate the whole room. The white stone looked golden in these halls, thanks to this light. The room had four corridors. One they came in, another that lead to the roof and two more, that the old man didn't explain on the map where they lead. However, they weren't alone in the room. When they got near the giant, purple rift, similar to that in Castra Vetera, but a couple of times bigger, something shifted and came out.
Grimm
Abyssal Rotfiend
Two creatures got out. One had to "get up" from the portal. It had nearly five meters in height, big black armor on him, red hair and burnt color skin. It looked like a fire giant. However, when he moved his face towards the group, they saw that the other part of his head was rotten. He was clearly undead. The other monster looked like something from a horror story. A stitched creature. Many demon parts made up this abomination. The group felt that this had to be the leader. There was no other way.
---
Now, we do something different. Solange needs a teacher since he wants to become an assassin. Balasar goes with him. They need to visit the cathouse "Caresses", a brothel. Inside, they didn't see the black dragonborn, which Solange knows is a member of the Bloody Tongues assassin guild. Many half-naked women walk around here. The two of them try to not look the part, hiding their faces and bodies with big cloaks. However, while going inside, Solange almost bumps into somebody.
Debauch
Quickly they recognize the woman as a tiefling. Beautiful, ashen body. Black hair ending with red. Horns, as always. She recognizes the pair as heroes. Solange reveals that they are looking for someone. Balasar almost got caught off guard, looking the woman straight into her chest. The group was invited to be Debauch (Rozpusta in polish, sounds better there), since she is the owner, to the upper rooms. There the group talked about their goal. She says to them that indeed this dragonborn visits her establishment and she agreed to help them in meeting him. The pair tried to not make a big scene, so they only drank and refused any lap dances. After a half hour, one of the women working in the brother came up to them to tell them about the dragonborn. The group went to him. He sat alone and nearest two lounged were empty. Nobody wanted to sit next to him or they were afraid.
Maagog Uvelucalcayosin
Of Acidblade Clan
Member of the Bloody Tongues, Assassin Guild
Balasar spoke first, thanking the man for saving him. Solange recognized the symbol on the black dragonborn's tongue - he indeed was a member of the Blood Tongues. He told the group that his name is Maagog Uvelucalcayosin, which Balasar recognized. This clan murdered a lot of his clan not long ago. There were skilled assassins. Balasar kept his cool, which allowed to the group to talk about Solange's request. The talks were straightforward. This Drakon had an Actuvian weapon, that shot pure energy, scorching everything on its path and making holes. Balasar didn't see its full glory but remembered it. Maagog explained that Orth is neutral territory. The other guilds and organizations meet here, but their contracts never can be on people living in Orth. So, when Conrad Stenbaum was killed, he was found with a sign from the assassin guild and with traces of Maagog's weapon as the main killing instrument. The party believed the assassin that he didn't kill him. There was some back and forth because he didn't want to reveal everything, but they were able to persuade him. Maagog not only lost his magazines that are used for his weapon, but also a second weapon that can fire them when he got drunk. They retrieve the weapon, his magazines and tell him who did it, and Maagog will train Solange as an assassin without the need to become a part of the guild. Which should be a red flag for the players, but they didn't catch up.
On their way down, they talked to Debauch about the situation. Wanting to gain more information from her. She wanted payment for the help, which wasn't money. At first, she wanted to touch Solange's hand. Later, before revealing the most important info, she wanted a kiss from him, which she got. In short, Edrathil Silver Blade is steering the investigation, since it must be connected to the fact that this is neutral ground and Edrathil doesn't want the guild to kill his citizens. Not even trusting the guard with this. Alastor Corbora, Bordeux, Orthson and Fastfoot are his suspects. Alastor Corbora, because he wanted to buy Stenbaum's lumberyard, now he has a chance. Cassius Bordeux, because there were some problems with wood lately and Bordeux has many workshops and doesn't want a spike in prices. Wolfgang Orthson made a loan for 10,000 gold pieces, he repaid half, but he still owes a lot. Nevil Fastfoot was last seen visiting Stenbaum. However, Debauch didn't believe that anyone of them did it. With the payment from Solange she revealed one more suspect that Edrathil doesn't yet know about - Erevan. He owns a carpenter workshop that he is master of. Debauch revealed that Stenbaum is very "gifted" and visited her brother many times. She knows that Erevan's wife, Iliona was seen with Stenbaum, then during winter, when she has her child, it is a human one with ginger hair just like Stenbaum. Big contrast to two half-elf parents with black hair. This could be their killer.
Erevan
Master Carpenter
The group didn't wait. Solange went to sneak into Erevan's house, while Balasar went to meet with Abdul, the carpet salesman. Balasar found there Ahmed and even Orleen. Everybody that night went to smoke some good stuff. Balasar also found out that the three of them have to work for Malifax, a great organization that unites magic item creators, many times on hostile terms with the University. Solange found three people and a child. Erevan was sleeping in a different room, while two women - his wife an midwife, that must help the pair with their newborn. Solange looked around and quickly found a metal box, inside the strange weapon and three magazines, one of which was empty. The pair reunited later on the streets and decided to go to Edrathil, tell him about the assassin and persuade him not to take the gun.
It didn't take long. Edrathil trusted the pair. Even tested the weapon for himself in his quarters. He asked for Havifgar to use Zone of Truth to gain the needed confession if needed. Something that Edrathil didn't like, but had no choice since the pair already tampered with evidence. He sent his men and later they returned with Erevan confessing that he indeed killed Stenbaum. With the issue resolved, the pair returned and gave the assassin his weapon back. He didn't want to talk to Balasar, only to repay what he owed.
They only fought the first fight, the other was just a skill challenge.
---
Session 61: Forthcoming Despair
Our little band of heroes went straight into combat. The demon, calling himself Grimm, recognized them and was apparently waiting for them. He knew Quickstep and even recognized the wizard as Harthion, the arrogant elf ready to sacrifice everything for power. The group decided to concentrate their power on the giant since he could do the most damage, which was kinda true. In one turn, Solange was near death due to two hits from the giant. He was however dropped after three turns. Grimm not only was a combat challenge, but also a deadly one. He had an aura of despair and rot, which made people around him doubt themselves. This made people easier to hit. This cumulated with him using his skin and stitches as weapons, with his inner dark aura as the amplifier. Finn got critted and fell down in one turn. Even when he got healed by Mario, he got hit again, but he survived this one (Mario healed 40, he got hit with 34). Elhaeltôr used his offensive damage to deal the most before the monsters could get to them. Baâ turned into an earth elemental and hit for a lot of damage. When they thought they won, when Grimm fell, he didn't disappear. His leathery skins just smiled and stitched back together. He could be unkillable. They fought bravely for two more turns, finally getting Grimm to 0 HP. However, this wasn't the time to celebrate. His body didn't disappear and the rift was still opened. Then the skins again smiled.
"This is futile. You are out of time." the skins said. Then from the rift demons and undead came pouring in. Lots of them, weaklings for the heroes, but when bunched up, they were a threat. The demon laughed, but suddenly the party heard a voice from one of the corridors. "Not this time, neighbor." Golden eyes glowed in the darkness and the old man appeared, turning himself into a gargantuan golden dragon. He breathed fire onto the portal while screaming to the others to fight and close the rift. Baâ and Elhaeltôr used their magic to do just that. Mario and Solange fought with all their might to stop the tide. Finn before Grimm fall turned into a Giant Ape. Using its great strength, he took the giant's undead leg to squash as many enemies as he could. Balasar used his magic and combat prowess to hold the line for the magic users to stop the rift. After a long battle, they were victorious. They threw Grimm's skin into the portal, so he could return from whence he came, screaming something about this not being over and that the rift will still be opened thanks to the Deadgate. However, this wasn't a full victory. The demons and undead still roamed this fortress and these lands. The fallen angel still was around. Also, the rift didn't close fully. A slither of it, like a violet string, hovered above the ground.
Palarandusk
Invisible Defender
Ancient Gold Dragon
The group could finally talk. The dragon was grateful to them. He recognized Elhaeltôr as Harthion (or Harthion as Elhaeltôr) even. This wasn't the end for him. He told the group he needs to check out something and went to the opposite tunnel. Ruined corridor with a destroyed stone door. They followed the dragon to a giant room. They recognized something here. The floor was going down here, similar to that of Ragmaw's lair. Could this be where the dragon lived? However, there was nothing here. Nothing precious. No bodies. Empty room. This made the dragon angry, even going into a rage. He screamed "where is he!" over and over again. Demanded answers from the group. The group saw signs that there was a giant battle here, but no bodies or weapons left. "Where are his bones?" the dragon asked in fury. It was quickly apparent that the gold dragon lost his father here and thought he would still find his bones, at least, after all those centuries. They were able to calm him down after he cried for some time. The dragon thanked them and introduced himself fully - Palarandusk, The Invisible Defender. His name, nor his father's, Temmiag, The Bright were known to the group nor in the book, they recovered from Shuggend.
The dragon explained his story. He was far from the country when the fall happened. When he got to the place, dust was still high in the air, making giant clouds that hid the canyon from everybody. He flew into the fortress but saw it littered with bodies of undead, demons and the members of his dukedom. Even the half-dragons, last of his father, died during the defense. He went to the lair but saw his father fighting and an endless horde of monsters. He told him to run away. Palarandusk wished that this once, he would not listen and do the stupid thing, but he didn't do it and fled. He walked Tethys for over 200 years in despair, but saw that after generations, the humans rebuild everything and have hope, so why not him? He returned to the fortress, but it was still overrun. He tried many times to get to the lair, but he failed each time, sometimes almost dying in the process. He hoped to find his father here, but he didn't and doesn't want to know what happened to the bones. The group promised to help him, even fight against Orcus. They even talked to him about reuniting the canyon, helping rebuild everything, that they can help him. However, the dragon saw that this place would take many decades to rebuild, not just a couple of years. He wanted to focus his attention on something else, something more important - the heroes. Even if the lair was robbed, he still can gain a lot of knowledge and the group will need powers, artifacts of significance. He will try to help them group find them.
The group also learned a lot of about the golden dragon. First, they ruled over the dukedom since it's conception. Plaarandusk didn't live during Tiberion Courvelux reign, but his father did. They hid ever since. Second, they were the leaders of the Eclipsed for the north of the continent, however, the main part of the organization was in the furthest south (beyond a giant jungle, you can see it on the maps). After the fall, the Eclipsed were shattered completely and even their home was destroyed, Palarandust didn't revive them nor heard of anyone trying to. Third, they did a lot of questionable stuff to defend their organizations, with this killing a historian to hide the knowledge of Eclipsed. However, Palarandusk saved a copy of his manuscript, so that was given to Solange. Fourth, he knows that the manuscript was copied by someone else and got to the University, so if Solange wants more information, it might be there. Palarandusk even revealed he has many friends there, even a Silver Dragon that is hiding from others. Fifth, the name Raerlin was something Elhaeltôr recognized and it made him remember a time when he was an arrogant High Elf, before the fall.
The group learned later that the undead attacked the demons. However, this wasn't the end of the dangers here. It will take an army to clear it up. The fallen angel must have fled. Palarandusk decided that the group needs to rest and they are always welcomed in his home, be it in the fortress or his lair not far from the house they first met him. The group decided to take the offer and rest in the chamber. In their dreams, they were met with their patrons or higher beings that wanted to become them. However, this is a story of another time, if it will be it to reveal.
Also, new portrait for Solange.
Old One
---
Chapter VII
Session 61: Forthcoming Despair
Our little band of heroes went straight into combat. The demon, calling himself Grimm, recognized them and was apparently waiting for them. He knew Quickstep and even recognized the wizard as Harthion, the arrogant elf ready to sacrifice everything for power. The group decided to concentrate their power on the giant since he could do the most damage, which was kinda true. In one turn, Solange was near death due to two hits from the giant. He was however dropped after three turns. Grimm not only was a combat challenge, but also a deadly one. He had an aura of despair and rot, which made people around him doubt themselves. This made people easier to hit. This cumulated with him using his skin and stitches as weapons, with his inner dark aura as the amplifier. Finn got critted and fell down in one turn. Even when he got healed by Mario, he got hit again, but he survived this one (Mario healed 40, he got hit with 34). Elhaeltôr used his offensive damage to deal the most before the monsters could get to them. Baâ turned into an earth elemental and hit for a lot of damage. When they thought they won, when Grimm fell, he didn't disappear. His leathery skins just smiled and stitched back together. He could be unkillable. They fought bravely for two more turns, finally getting Grimm to 0 HP. However, this wasn't the time to celebrate. His body didn't disappear and the rift was still opened. Then the skins again smiled.
"This is futile. You are out of time." the skins said. Then from the rift demons and undead came pouring in. Lots of them, weaklings for the heroes, but when bunched up, they were a threat. The demon laughed, but suddenly the party heard a voice from one of the corridors. "Not this time, neighbor." Golden eyes glowed in the darkness and the old man appeared, turning himself into a gargantuan golden dragon. He breathed fire onto the portal while screaming to the others to fight and close the rift. Baâ and Elhaeltôr used their magic to do just that. Mario and Solange fought with all their might to stop the tide. Finn before Grimm fall turned into a Giant Ape. Using its great strength, he took the giant's undead leg to squash as many enemies as he could. Balasar used his magic and combat prowess to hold the line for the magic users to stop the rift. After a long battle, they were victorious. They threw Grimm's skin into the portal, so he could return from whence he came, screaming something about this not being over and that the rift will still be opened thanks to the Deadgate. However, this wasn't a full victory. The demons and undead still roamed this fortress and these lands. The fallen angel still was around. Also, the rift didn't close fully. A slither of it, like a violet string, hovered above the ground.
Palarandusk
Invisible Defender
Ancient Gold Dragon
The group could finally talk. The dragon was grateful to them. He recognized Elhaeltôr as Harthion (or Harthion as Elhaeltôr) even. This wasn't the end for him. He told the group he needs to check out something and went to the opposite tunnel. Ruined corridor with a destroyed stone door. They followed the dragon to a giant room. They recognized something here. The floor was going down here, similar to that of Ragmaw's lair. Could this be where the dragon lived? However, there was nothing here. Nothing precious. No bodies. Empty room. This made the dragon angry, even going into a rage. He screamed "where is he!" over and over again. Demanded answers from the group. The group saw signs that there was a giant battle here, but no bodies or weapons left. "Where are his bones?" the dragon asked in fury. It was quickly apparent that the gold dragon lost his father here and thought he would still find his bones, at least, after all those centuries. They were able to calm him down after he cried for some time. The dragon thanked them and introduced himself fully - Palarandusk, The Invisible Defender. His name, nor his father's, Temmiag, The Bright were known to the group nor in the book, they recovered from Shuggend.
The dragon explained his story. He was far from the country when the fall happened. When he got to the place, dust was still high in the air, making giant clouds that hid the canyon from everybody. He flew into the fortress but saw it littered with bodies of undead, demons and the members of his dukedom. Even the half-dragons, last of his father, died during the defense. He went to the lair but saw his father fighting and an endless horde of monsters. He told him to run away. Palarandusk wished that this once, he would not listen and do the stupid thing, but he didn't do it and fled. He walked Tethys for over 200 years in despair, but saw that after generations, the humans rebuild everything and have hope, so why not him? He returned to the fortress, but it was still overrun. He tried many times to get to the lair, but he failed each time, sometimes almost dying in the process. He hoped to find his father here, but he didn't and doesn't want to know what happened to the bones. The group promised to help him, even fight against Orcus. They even talked to him about reuniting the canyon, helping rebuild everything, that they can help him. However, the dragon saw that this place would take many decades to rebuild, not just a couple of years. He wanted to focus his attention on something else, something more important - the heroes. Even if the lair was robbed, he still can gain a lot of knowledge and the group will need powers, artifacts of significance. He will try to help them group find them.
The group also learned a lot of about the golden dragon. First, they ruled over the dukedom since it's conception. Plaarandusk didn't live during Tiberion Courvelux reign, but his father did. They hid ever since. Second, they were the leaders of the Eclipsed for the north of the continent, however, the main part of the organization was in the furthest south (beyond a giant jungle, you can see it on the maps). After the fall, the Eclipsed were shattered completely and even their home was destroyed, Palarandust didn't revive them nor heard of anyone trying to. Third, they did a lot of questionable stuff to defend their organizations, with this killing a historian to hide the knowledge of Eclipsed. However, Palarandusk saved a copy of his manuscript, so that was given to Solange. Fourth, he knows that the manuscript was copied by someone else and got to the University, so if Solange wants more information, it might be there. Palarandusk even revealed he has many friends there, even a Silver Dragon that is hiding from others. Fifth, the name Raerlin was something Elhaeltôr recognized and it made him remember a time when he was an arrogant High Elf, before the fall.
The group learned later that the undead attacked the demons. However, this wasn't the end of the dangers here. It will take an army to clear it up. The fallen angel must have fled. Palarandusk decided that the group needs to rest and they are always welcomed in his home, be it in the fortress or his lair not far from the house they first met him. The group decided to take the offer and rest in the chamber. In their dreams, they were met with their patrons or higher beings that wanted to become them. However, this is a story of another time, if it will be it to reveal.
Also, new portrait for Solange.
Old One
Mario came later, so he didn't have a moment with the dragon.
---
Session 62: Tales of the Past and Truths
Elhaeltôr was first to wake up from his rest to see the room changed. The dragon didn't waste time and repaired what he could. All the cracks were gone, but that didn't mean this place wasn't a ruin. Many missing stones made it clear that this place needed a lot of work. The bodies were cleared out and the dragon was creating a place for himself in the upper levels while closing the lower ones. Elhaeltôr talked to Palarandusk about himself, wanting to see if the dragon knows anything. He did actually, a lot. Elhaeltôr over 300 years ago was known as Harthion Gold Leaf, a powerful wizard, but very arrogant and full of himself. A true High Elf. From what the dragon knew, heard or his men told him, Harthion wanted to be the student or something to Archmage Vannozzo the Great, a powerful human wizard. The most powerful that existed in this world, to the dragon's knowledge, he could even level a city with a wave of his hand. Vannozzo already was over 200 years old when the fall happened, but nobody confirmed his death nor his students. He could still be alive. There were a couple of theories - his tower in the southeast canyon (the place the party saw before), his tower in the Gold City or some underground laboratory there. The Archmage was so powerful that he could even create a plane of existence just to escape from his death. From what the dragon gathered, Harthion worked on something for Vannozzo, but he couldn't decipher what it was. However, his work was taken over by Harthion's only student - Avcen Silver Blade (yes, his brothers are the two elves in the canyon). Elhaeltôr gained a lot of information about his past thanks to the dragon. If he needs more answers, maybe he could gain them in the Gold City or in the University. The latter he could use his Silver Dragon friend or Elhaeltôr could use his old name since that name should still allow him to enter some parts of the guild. Elhaeltôr was skeptical of using it to not remind some old enemies he is still alive.
When the rest woke up, it was apparent that everybody had a dream, a vision set to them by a powerful being. Balasar saw the Golden Throne, the plane of Lawful Good entities. Finn was visited by the Celestial Lion, a Chaotic Good entity from the Elysium. Elhaeltôr saw his god but was pretty angry about the "answers" he got, except for one - Elhaeltôr was ready to sacrifice his life for Balasar, but only the intervention of Corellon made Eye of Many do something else (the curse that is upon Elhaeltôr). Baâ saw the plane of her patron but she didn't understand what he actually wanted from her. Mario visited Valena, but he wasn't during the session, so he didn't tell the group about his dream. Solange had a talk with Lord Sun. Here, the god explained that he is happy about Solange's journey and that he has a long road before him. He told him that the gods need faith to exist but it's also the thing that powers them and creates them. He also told him about freeing someone from shackles of imprisonment and that those in slavery still can do something, even without their master noticing. This prompted Solange request for the dragon to show everybody one of his visions. The first vision he had, that made him even go here. The dragon obliged since he was interested in it.
The room went dark and while everything was invisible in this illusion, the only things that were still visible to the naked eye were Rexgladio, because it was an artifact, and the rift in existence, which still didn't fully close. I will not recreate what I wrote Solange, but will just copy the handout (and translate it).
"During the darkest night, I will come and bring the light of hope.
When the character was on his path of enlightenment, he spent many days and nights over the waterfall, wanting to reach the state of "Zen." However, nothing helped and he could not feel the wonderful sunshine, until one gloomy evening. One night the character was attacked by a group of undead riders and left in the river with a deadly wound. A familiar voice heard at sunrise, but the soul had already left the body.
He flew to the heavens, through the realm that surrounds the world and came across a place that seemed terribly strange to him - the statues of beings were holding some huge marble plate. On this plate, another mass of statues held the next one. It seemed that each of them was a priest or paladin, or perhaps a more faithful devotee. But when the character wanted to go up, it saw infinite darkness and was terrified. Something was there.
Then he felt a warm touch on his shoulder. A shining person in armor came to save him. "Return and spread the news, my friend." He recognized him immediately. The God who spoke to him could not be anyone else but the truest god and those priests, paladins and faithful, those statues worshiped lies.
The character awakened, changed and with a new purpose in life. Only will others believe in his story?"
This made the dragon really think about what he just saw. Solange wanted to recreate the Eclipsed and wanted to share this vision with the only living member of the organization. The dragon wasn't sure about his future with the Eclipsed but was willing to help Solange on his journey. He needed a lot of time to think about what he saw. The others also didn't have anything insightful to say. The dragon revealed that his goal is before him. The group really just began their adventure and he will help them in whatever way he can. He also told them about other stuff he knows and the group about their secrets. The dragon now knows that there are other survivors (in Aramoor and Castra Vetera), while the group now knows that Sedyryn, the son of the dragon killed by King Tiberion, the last wielder of Rexgladio knows about the group holding onto the sword. Palarandusk reveals that he doesn't have a chance against Sedyryn and every time he came here to talk, he revealed his goal - to reunite the dragonkind. He didn't reveal how he would do so. The dragon got to know about Lord Magmos and he will talk to him later. After more back and forth, it was time to leave the place. They were escorted by Palarandusk in his Raerlin form, where Balthier and Basch were waiting. The two captains weren't too keen on letting the newly met old man leave in these ruins, but the group assured them that everything is fine. Their goal was to meet with Alastor Corbora next.
During their travel, Balthier came to their cabin, after the group discussed their next course of action. He told them that the ships need to leave to Quadropolis for repairs. So they won't be able to serve them in the next month. However, he revealed that he talked to Basch about their future and the mercenary works seem dull lately and they came to a conclusion, that if the group will build the skyport like he suggested, they will for them for a much lower wage. Most of the money goes to maintenance and repairs, that the pair now needs to do in Quadropolis. With a skyport in Golden Spring, would help tremendously.
When they visited Alastor Corbora, he greeted as usual with warm food and drink. The group didn't hide anything and revealed all the information, which made Alastor go into shock. He revealed to the group that his family has a legend, passed from father to son. They were just simple farmers near the city of Corbara, so it was improbable for it to be true. However, everything pointed that it was the truth. Alastor Corbora and his family are descendants of people saved by Palarandusk's father, Temmiag, when the fall was happening and the rift opened, the people of the keep were escorted to a portal. Not all of them survived this, but enough. The dragon stayed behind, being the only thing between the innocent and hordes of undead and demons. Alastor revealed also that his family is the main rebel in the Corbara situation in the Kingdom of Actur. That means, his personal assets here are null since he must send them to his family to help them. He can't pay the group what he wanted, to help their growth in the region. However, he doesn't want to leave them emptyhanded. He gave them 2500gp that was promised on the notice board in the Adventurer's Guild. Someday he might visit the dragon, but now he must think what to do next.
The group next visited the dwarves. They wanted to talk to Udir mainly, but he didn't care about the rest of his council knowing since they already know about his roots - that his father was from the Platinium Spring. They revealed about visiting the duergar fortress. This infuriated Amkol Brightaxe, but was calmed down to let them speak about the matter. This was a long, drawn-out debate. The dwarves knew that attacking the fortress is suicide, but there is another way - a secret entrance in the mountains, however, Udir's father never found it, since the mountains changed after the fall. They tried to find it later, when he revealed on his deathbed that the fortress is deep underground, in the Undertethys, Underground Tunnels. They searched there but never found anything. Now, the group found something. It was also revealed that the dwarf hatred for duergars is more of a religious and survival matter. A vision was sent to the clerics of Urist before the fall by their god.
This vision is so essential in the religion of Urist, that the mere thought that the dwarves misread it made them angry. This happened when Mario suggested that the vision can be read differently. Amkol lost his cool, slammed his fist onto the marble table, breaking his fingers and even spilling blood, with fury he couldn't even tell them that what Mario said is a grave offense to the dwarven race. The party was able to calm down everybody, since not only Amkol was angry with them, but also Avush, Udir, and Thosbut. After everything, it was apparent, no matter how the group goes about this, it's all about a choice. It's going with Duergars or with Brightaxe. If they will choose the dark-skinned ones, it will lead to conflict or even war. Thalal will leave with his men, so will the Master of Runes. They will not have their service anymore. Amkol can't go to his own and even suggest negotiation with the duergars, since even that would make him lose his beard or, worse, his head. He knows that the group has only good in their hearts, but this isn't something that can be changed, not after three hundred years of conflict. The group also suggested, before the outburst, that Udir could challenge the king to a duel. However, what then? Amkol told Udir that if he became the king of the duergars, he would be branded a traitor by the Brightaxe. The dwarves honor their traditions and oaths. They will not back down. The group decided that, for now, they will leave the issue behind, since there is a lot more to do. They only asked for this to be kept quiet, which the dwarves agreed. Whatever their plans will be with the duergars? I don't know. They are more willing to live and forgive, so are more willing to try their luck with Duergars than with Brightaxe.
Elhaeltôr new portrait
---
Chapter VII
Session 62: Tales of the Past and Truths
Elhaeltôr was first to wake up from his rest to see the room changed. The dragon didn't waste time and repaired what he could. All the cracks were gone, but that didn't mean this place wasn't a ruin. Many missing stones made it clear that this place needed a lot of work. The bodies were cleared out and the dragon was creating a place for himself in the upper levels while closing the lower ones. Elhaeltôr talked to Palarandusk about himself, wanting to see if the dragon knows anything. He did actually, a lot. Elhaeltôr over 300 years ago was known as Harthion Gold Leaf, a powerful wizard, but very arrogant and full of himself. A true High Elf. From what the dragon knew, heard or his men told him, Harthion wanted to be the student or something to Archmage Vannozzo the Great, a powerful human wizard. The most powerful that existed in this world, to the dragon's knowledge, he could even level a city with a wave of his hand. Vannozzo already was over 200 years old when the fall happened, but nobody confirmed his death nor his students. He could still be alive. There were a couple of theories - his tower in the southeast canyon (the place the party saw before), his tower in the Gold City or some underground laboratory there. The Archmage was so powerful that he could even create a plane of existence just to escape from his death. From what the dragon gathered, Harthion worked on something for Vannozzo, but he couldn't decipher what it was. However, his work was taken over by Harthion's only student - Avcen Silver Blade (yes, his brothers are the two elves in the canyon). Elhaeltôr gained a lot of information about his past thanks to the dragon. If he needs more answers, maybe he could gain them in the Gold City or in the University. The latter he could use his Silver Dragon friend or Elhaeltôr could use his old name since that name should still allow him to enter some parts of the guild. Elhaeltôr was skeptical of using it to not remind some old enemies he is still alive.
When the rest woke up, it was apparent that everybody had a dream, a vision set to them by a powerful being. Balasar saw the Golden Throne, the plane of Lawful Good entities. Finn was visited by the Celestial Lion, a Chaotic Good entity from the Elysium. Elhaeltôr saw his god but was pretty angry about the "answers" he got, except for one - Elhaeltôr was ready to sacrifice his life for Balasar, but only the intervention of Corellon made Eye of Many do something else (the curse that is upon Elhaeltôr). Baâ saw the plane of her patron but she didn't understand what he actually wanted from her. Mario visited Valena, but he wasn't during the session, so he didn't tell the group about his dream. Solange had a talk with Lord Sun. Here, the god explained that he is happy about Solange's journey and that he has a long road before him. He told him that the gods need faith to exist but it's also the thing that powers them and creates them. He also told him about freeing someone from shackles of imprisonment and that those in slavery still can do something, even without their master noticing. This prompted Solange request for the dragon to show everybody one of his visions. The first vision he had, that made him even go here. The dragon obliged since he was interested in it.
The room went dark and while everything was invisible in this illusion, the only things that were still visible to the naked eye were Rexgladio, because it was an artifact, and the rift in existence, which still didn't fully close. I will not recreate what I wrote Solange, but will just copy the handout (and translate it).
"During the darkest night, I will come and bring the light of hope.
When the character was on his path of enlightenment, he spent many days and nights over the waterfall, wanting to reach the state of "Zen." However, nothing helped and he could not feel the wonderful sunshine, until one gloomy evening. One night the character was attacked by a group of undead riders and left in the river with a deadly wound. A familiar voice heard at sunrise, but the soul had already left the body.
He flew to the heavens, through the realm that surrounds the world and came across a place that seemed terribly strange to him - the statues of beings were holding some huge marble plate. On this plate, another mass of statues held the next one. It seemed that each of them was a priest or paladin, or perhaps a more faithful devotee. But when the character wanted to go up, it saw infinite darkness and was terrified. Something was there.
Then he felt a warm touch on his shoulder. A shining person in armor came to save him. "Return and spread the news, my friend." He recognized him immediately. The God who spoke to him could not be anyone else but the truest god and those priests, paladins and faithful, those statues worshiped lies.
The character awakened, changed and with a new purpose in life. Only will others believe in his story?"
This made the dragon really think about what he just saw. Solange wanted to recreate the Eclipsed and wanted to share this vision with the only living member of the organization. The dragon wasn't sure about his future with the Eclipsed but was willing to help Solange on his journey. He needed a lot of time to think about what he saw. The others also didn't have anything insightful to say. The dragon revealed that his goal is before him. The group really just began their adventure and he will help them in whatever way he can. He also told them about other stuff he knows and the group about their secrets. The dragon now knows that there are other survivors (in Aramoor and Castra Vetera), while the group now knows that Sedyryn, the son of the dragon killed by King Tiberion, the last wielder of Rexgladio knows about the group holding onto the sword. Palarandusk reveals that he doesn't have a chance against Sedyryn and every time he came here to talk, he revealed his goal - to reunite the dragonkind. He didn't reveal how he would do so. The dragon got to know about Lord Magmos and he will talk to him later. After more back and forth, it was time to leave the place. They were escorted by Palarandusk in his Raerlin form, where Balthier and Basch were waiting. The two captains weren't too keen on letting the newly met old man leave in these ruins, but the group assured them that everything is fine. Their goal was to meet with Alastor Corbora next.
During their travel, Balthier came to their cabin, after the group discussed their next course of action. He told them that the ships need to leave to Quadropolis for repairs. So they won't be able to serve them in the next month. However, he revealed that he talked to Basch about their future and the mercenary works seem dull lately and they came to a conclusion, that if the group will build the skyport like he suggested, they will for them for a much lower wage. Most of the money goes to maintenance and repairs, that the pair now needs to do in Quadropolis. With a skyport in Golden Spring, would help tremendously.
When they visited Alastor Corbora, he greeted as usual with warm food and drink. The group didn't hide anything and revealed all the information, which made Alastor go into shock. He revealed to the group that his family has a legend, passed from father to son. They were just simple farmers near the city of Corbara, so it was improbable for it to be true. However, everything pointed that it was the truth. Alastor Corbora and his family are descendants of people saved by Palarandusk's father, Temmiag, when the fall was happening and the rift opened, the people of the keep were escorted to a portal. Not all of them survived this, but enough. The dragon stayed behind, being the only thing between the innocent and hordes of undead and demons. Alastor revealed also that his family is the main rebel in the Corbara situation in the Kingdom of Actur. That means, his personal assets here are null since he must send them to his family to help them. He can't pay the group what he wanted, to help their growth in the region. However, he doesn't want to leave them emptyhanded. He gave them 2500gp that was promised on the notice board in the Adventurer's Guild. Someday he might visit the dragon, but now he must think what to do next.
The group next visited the dwarves. They wanted to talk to Udir mainly, but he didn't care about the rest of his council knowing since they already know about his roots - that his father was from the Platinium Spring. They revealed about visiting the duergar fortress. This infuriated Amkol Brightaxe, but was calmed down to let them speak about the matter. This was a long, drawn-out debate. The dwarves knew that attacking the fortress is suicide, but there is another way - a secret entrance in the mountains, however, Udir's father never found it, since the mountains changed after the fall. They tried to find it later, when he revealed on his deathbed that the fortress is deep underground, in the Undertethys, Underground Tunnels. They searched there but never found anything. Now, the group found something. It was also revealed that the dwarf hatred for duergars is more of a religious and survival matter. A vision was sent to the clerics of Urist before the fall by their god.
When the sword breaks through the heart and the curse falls on the people
Blood will flow on the ground, those who are changed and those who are not
There will come a time of change and destruction
Those who like suffering will be the tools of the end
They will bring disaster to the anvil
The blood will flow a second time and will dry out
Those who carry the curse will be the last
And the rest will leave on the shield
Only remembered by historians
Blood will flow on the ground, those who are changed and those who are not
There will come a time of change and destruction
Those who like suffering will be the tools of the end
They will bring disaster to the anvil
The blood will flow a second time and will dry out
Those who carry the curse will be the last
And the rest will leave on the shield
Only remembered by historians
This vision is so essential in the religion of Urist, that the mere thought that the dwarves misread it made them angry. This happened when Mario suggested that the vision can be read differently. Amkol lost his cool, slammed his fist onto the marble table, breaking his fingers and even spilling blood, with fury he couldn't even tell them that what Mario said is a grave offense to the dwarven race. The party was able to calm down everybody, since not only Amkol was angry with them, but also Avush, Udir, and Thosbut. After everything, it was apparent, no matter how the group goes about this, it's all about a choice. It's going with Duergars or with Brightaxe. If they will choose the dark-skinned ones, it will lead to conflict or even war. Thalal will leave with his men, so will the Master of Runes. They will not have their service anymore. Amkol can't go to his own and even suggest negotiation with the duergars, since even that would make him lose his beard or, worse, his head. He knows that the group has only good in their hearts, but this isn't something that can be changed, not after three hundred years of conflict. The group also suggested, before the outburst, that Udir could challenge the king to a duel. However, what then? Amkol told Udir that if he became the king of the duergars, he would be branded a traitor by the Brightaxe. The dwarves honor their traditions and oaths. They will not back down. The group decided that, for now, they will leave the issue behind, since there is a lot more to do. They only asked for this to be kept quiet, which the dwarves agreed. Whatever their plans will be with the duergars? I don't know. They are more willing to live and forgive, so are more willing to try their luck with Duergars than with Brightaxe.
Elhaeltôr new portrait
Little downtime. Won't waste time here.
---
Session 63: Some missing stuff
Lindal Quickstep
Brother to Finnean Quickstep
Finn was first. The first scene was that he was visited by his brother - Lindal Quickstep, who is about 8 years younger than Finnean. After talking with him, it became apparent that his brother ran away from home since the father is bragging about Finnean to the point of annoyance. Lindal had enough and went to visit his brother, not really knowing where to go or what to do. However, he did decide to stay for some time in the keep and visit the gnome artificer, since Lindal likes to experiment too. He didn't know anything about the family history, the demon and devil stuff, but he did make a valid point - if it was something heroic, wouldn't you brag about it? Then whatever happened in the past, had to be something of a black sheep.
Simon
The Satyr
Fey
The second encounter was Finnean talking to his white mouse. Remember that bag of fuzzy creatures Finnean had at the start of the campaign? Which he now rarely uses? The one where a single, white mouse came out of and stayed with him for some unknown reason. Finn had a dream with the Celestial Dragon and the little mouse was supposed to show him another path he could take. Using magic, he was able to speak with the animal and the little rat wasn't a good liar. It was apparent he was actually a spy for someone. Making Finn go sleep at the cherry tree was supposed to help him get his answers and it dit - by transporting him into the fey realm called Neverending Green. There he met a satyr and spoke to him, just after successfully saving against charm. The satyr revealed that the Fey have their eyes on the group, especially when they wield Rexgladio, something the Archfey created. The satyr, called Simon the Satyr (or Satyr Simon), knew a lot more, however, Finn wasn't ready to take the next step and be escorted to one of the archfey. He didn't gain information for whom the white rat truly served, only that he is an agent of the fey and he serves many masters.
Noah and Frur
Baâ's Brothers
Druids of the Circle of the Moon
Next was Baâ. When she was in her little glade, not far from the castle, she was attacked by a pair of Great Wolves. This huge creatures, could easily kill a horse and swallow whole a human. They were native to the deadly north. She didn't know what they were doing here and when she was attacked, instead of a bite to her throat, she was licked. The wolves turned into their humanoid forms to reveal they actually were her brothers. She called for them, so they came to help her. They had a little sobbing reunion, after which they agreed to help her in the canyon. However, she also got information that the north isn't a safe place anymore. Hundreds of years ago a Great Wyrm White Dragon terrorized the area until it was killed by the dwarves, mainly from the Crownaxe clan but also from the Giantsbane clan. Another white dragon came and is stirring up trouble, it might be the son or daughter.
Beniamino de Capodimonte and Benedetto Albergotti
Second Cousin to Mario
and paladin, master of Knights of the Table
A caravan came to the castle and seeing his old heraldry, Mario greeted them with a great feast. He talked first with the nobles and his close family about every possible matter of importance. They were shocked seeing the change. Mario got information that the family isn't doing so good in the Oasis, or at least not the main branch. His uncle is the king's right hand and gained a lot of influence. Beniamino and his part of the family are thinking of moving to a new place, to this canyon if time allows. Another quest for Kingdom Building, to create a noble villa for the nobles. The kingdom needs nobles! The second person he talked to was Benedetto and he quickly recognized him as his old swordsmanship teacher. They sparred in the training grounds and talked about the future. The Grand Master, who is blessed by Valena (and stopped being 100% human), is thinking of expanding his order and the canyon seems a good place - it is a crucial trade border. Mario would need to build watchtowers and create some patrols in the canyon to fully gain the order's approval, but the old master is going to stay here for a while.
Malledius Malefricum
The University Wizard
Elhaeltôr was the last one. He was visited by Syltas who revealed him information about The Eye of Many. Apparently, he existed long before the elves came. Syltas investigated the matter and found that his appearances coincide with the destruction of his places of worship or at least that's what he thinks is going on. The Eye of Many, like a god, needs mortal servants to be able to act in the material world. If the group destroys the places of worship, they could weaken the entity. Elhaeltôr was given places where the entity was worshiped. Two of these places are considered destroyed - the north in the mountain region known as The Crown and the steppes in the east where it was an island. Two other places - the west jungle in the Continent of Trials and to the south in the Jungle of All-Races. Elhaeltôr would talk to the group, but with this, they have now a weapon against the entity.
The other person that visited the group was Malledius Malefricum, a tiefling from the University. He revealed to the group that one of the oldest teleportation circles was activated months ago and he was investigating to whom it belonged and what might cause. It took some time to get the information to where the circle teleported, and since it was offline (Elhaeltôr took the magic ball), he came here in person to offer the renewal of the contract. However, he revealed that this meant exclusivity for the University, so they can't work with the local guild nor Malifex, the magic item creators.
Elhaeltôr found a special book that gave him more Intelligence.
Mario also changed portrait.
---
Chapter VII
Session 63: Some missing stuff
Lindal Quickstep
Brother to Finnean Quickstep
Finn was first. The first scene was that he was visited by his brother - Lindal Quickstep, who is about 8 years younger than Finnean. After talking with him, it became apparent that his brother ran away from home since the father is bragging about Finnean to the point of annoyance. Lindal had enough and went to visit his brother, not really knowing where to go or what to do. However, he did decide to stay for some time in the keep and visit the gnome artificer, since Lindal likes to experiment too. He didn't know anything about the family history, the demon and devil stuff, but he did make a valid point - if it was something heroic, wouldn't you brag about it? Then whatever happened in the past, had to be something of a black sheep.
Simon
The Satyr
Fey
The second encounter was Finnean talking to his white mouse. Remember that bag of fuzzy creatures Finnean had at the start of the campaign? Which he now rarely uses? The one where a single, white mouse came out of and stayed with him for some unknown reason. Finn had a dream with the Celestial Dragon and the little mouse was supposed to show him another path he could take. Using magic, he was able to speak with the animal and the little rat wasn't a good liar. It was apparent he was actually a spy for someone. Making Finn go sleep at the cherry tree was supposed to help him get his answers and it dit - by transporting him into the fey realm called Neverending Green. There he met a satyr and spoke to him, just after successfully saving against charm. The satyr revealed that the Fey have their eyes on the group, especially when they wield Rexgladio, something the Archfey created. The satyr, called Simon the Satyr (or Satyr Simon), knew a lot more, however, Finn wasn't ready to take the next step and be escorted to one of the archfey. He didn't gain information for whom the white rat truly served, only that he is an agent of the fey and he serves many masters.
Noah and Frur
Baâ's Brothers
Druids of the Circle of the Moon
Next was Baâ. When she was in her little glade, not far from the castle, she was attacked by a pair of Great Wolves. This huge creatures, could easily kill a horse and swallow whole a human. They were native to the deadly north. She didn't know what they were doing here and when she was attacked, instead of a bite to her throat, she was licked. The wolves turned into their humanoid forms to reveal they actually were her brothers. She called for them, so they came to help her. They had a little sobbing reunion, after which they agreed to help her in the canyon. However, she also got information that the north isn't a safe place anymore. Hundreds of years ago a Great Wyrm White Dragon terrorized the area until it was killed by the dwarves, mainly from the Crownaxe clan but also from the Giantsbane clan. Another white dragon came and is stirring up trouble, it might be the son or daughter.
Beniamino de Capodimonte and Benedetto Albergotti
Second Cousin to Mario
and paladin, master of Knights of the Table
A caravan came to the castle and seeing his old heraldry, Mario greeted them with a great feast. He talked first with the nobles and his close family about every possible matter of importance. They were shocked seeing the change. Mario got information that the family isn't doing so good in the Oasis, or at least not the main branch. His uncle is the king's right hand and gained a lot of influence. Beniamino and his part of the family are thinking of moving to a new place, to this canyon if time allows. Another quest for Kingdom Building, to create a noble villa for the nobles. The kingdom needs nobles! The second person he talked to was Benedetto and he quickly recognized him as his old swordsmanship teacher. They sparred in the training grounds and talked about the future. The Grand Master, who is blessed by Valena (and stopped being 100% human), is thinking of expanding his order and the canyon seems a good place - it is a crucial trade border. Mario would need to build watchtowers and create some patrols in the canyon to fully gain the order's approval, but the old master is going to stay here for a while.
Malledius Malefricum
The University Wizard
Elhaeltôr was the last one. He was visited by Syltas who revealed him information about The Eye of Many. Apparently, he existed long before the elves came. Syltas investigated the matter and found that his appearances coincide with the destruction of his places of worship or at least that's what he thinks is going on. The Eye of Many, like a god, needs mortal servants to be able to act in the material world. If the group destroys the places of worship, they could weaken the entity. Elhaeltôr was given places where the entity was worshiped. Two of these places are considered destroyed - the north in the mountain region known as The Crown and the steppes in the east where it was an island. Two other places - the west jungle in the Continent of Trials and to the south in the Jungle of All-Races. Elhaeltôr would talk to the group, but with this, they have now a weapon against the entity.
The other person that visited the group was Malledius Malefricum, a tiefling from the University. He revealed to the group that one of the oldest teleportation circles was activated months ago and he was investigating to whom it belonged and what might cause. It took some time to get the information to where the circle teleported, and since it was offline (Elhaeltôr took the magic ball), he came here in person to offer the renewal of the contract. However, he revealed that this meant exclusivity for the University, so they can't work with the local guild nor Malifex, the magic item creators.
Elhaeltôr found a special book that gave him more Intelligence.
Mario also changed portrait.
The group wants to check the east since Baâ wants to go there, where the overgrown fortress is. However, the player wasn't during this session, Mario too, so they decided to check nearest keep-ruins, to the south. Also, this was the session they gained their 11th level.
---
Session 64: Risky Treasures
Our group met with Finn's brother, during one of Solange's many feasts. They had a lively discussion, even the monk wanted to take the young man and teach him about monastic traditions and Lord Sun, maybe that would make him change his mind what to do in his life. When the group started to talk about different stuff, Lindal went on his way. They talked about their next goals and what they know. There was a lot of discussion out of the game, roleplaying over the Discord. In short, they exchanged information and ideas about the visions everybody had. Balasar revealed that the statue Elhaeltôr stole from the gnome pirate was actually a cult object and he found that two entities were worshipped in Tethys. One is called Eye of Many and most information is about him. The second was only mentioned a couple of times, his symbol being a black circle and the names Eternal Chaos or Hidden Master.
Cyclops
The group went to the south to one of the keeps. This one was almost completely destroyed. Quickly, they found creatures here. Giants. Three cyclopes counting their gold and eating orcs. They tried to talk to them, get near them, however, with Balasar they didn't look peaceful, especially when they tried to sneak up to them. Finn tried to talk in Giant, but he used too many words and mostly confused them. The combat wasn't hard and the group was able to down the giants. They surrendered quite quickly. The group then debated what to do with them. Solange was with killed them outright, while the rest outweighed using them. Creating a special magical item to give them some intelligence, so they follow orders and don't kill anyone from their country. The cyclopes weren't a smart bunch, more than idiots that barely talked in Giant. For now, they took the stashes of gold and shiny objects from them and told them to go back to their caves. The portal was beneath the keep but the group couldn't get there without excavating the area.
Purple Worm
The second keep was in some good shape, but since the orcs were defeated, most of this land was deserted. The most important place was underwater. They swam underground and found traces of a giant worm-like creature that roamed these tunnels. The group started to explore. This place wasn't touched by anybody from the surface and some stuff survived. It was all flooded with water long ago and when the water went away, it washed with itself most of the things. Quickly, the group found smaller worms and combat quickly ensured the coming of the big momma - the Purple Worm. Elhaeltôr was swallowed whole, Solange almost went down and the rest had some pitiful damage. Until Finn changed into the giant ape and did some huge damage to it before Elhaeltôr magic ball disappeared and he would be eaten alive. Killing the worm and its children allowed the group to gain access to another ball from the portal and more treasures. Some magical swag - Elemental gem (Blue Saphire), Wand of Web, Ring of spell storing and Dwarven plate. They finished two keeps. That was all. Maybe next time we will go to the next chapter.
---
Chapter VII
Session 64: Risky Treasures
Our group met with Finn's brother, during one of Solange's many feasts. They had a lively discussion, even the monk wanted to take the young man and teach him about monastic traditions and Lord Sun, maybe that would make him change his mind what to do in his life. When the group started to talk about different stuff, Lindal went on his way. They talked about their next goals and what they know. There was a lot of discussion out of the game, roleplaying over the Discord. In short, they exchanged information and ideas about the visions everybody had. Balasar revealed that the statue Elhaeltôr stole from the gnome pirate was actually a cult object and he found that two entities were worshipped in Tethys. One is called Eye of Many and most information is about him. The second was only mentioned a couple of times, his symbol being a black circle and the names Eternal Chaos or Hidden Master.
Cyclops
The group went to the south to one of the keeps. This one was almost completely destroyed. Quickly, they found creatures here. Giants. Three cyclopes counting their gold and eating orcs. They tried to talk to them, get near them, however, with Balasar they didn't look peaceful, especially when they tried to sneak up to them. Finn tried to talk in Giant, but he used too many words and mostly confused them. The combat wasn't hard and the group was able to down the giants. They surrendered quite quickly. The group then debated what to do with them. Solange was with killed them outright, while the rest outweighed using them. Creating a special magical item to give them some intelligence, so they follow orders and don't kill anyone from their country. The cyclopes weren't a smart bunch, more than idiots that barely talked in Giant. For now, they took the stashes of gold and shiny objects from them and told them to go back to their caves. The portal was beneath the keep but the group couldn't get there without excavating the area.
Purple Worm
The second keep was in some good shape, but since the orcs were defeated, most of this land was deserted. The most important place was underwater. They swam underground and found traces of a giant worm-like creature that roamed these tunnels. The group started to explore. This place wasn't touched by anybody from the surface and some stuff survived. It was all flooded with water long ago and when the water went away, it washed with itself most of the things. Quickly, the group found smaller worms and combat quickly ensured the coming of the big momma - the Purple Worm. Elhaeltôr was swallowed whole, Solange almost went down and the rest had some pitiful damage. Until Finn changed into the giant ape and did some huge damage to it before Elhaeltôr magic ball disappeared and he would be eaten alive. Killing the worm and its children allowed the group to gain access to another ball from the portal and more treasures. Some magical swag - Elemental gem (Blue Saphire), Wand of Web, Ring of spell storing and Dwarven plate. They finished two keeps. That was all. Maybe next time we will go to the next chapter.
A new chapter. Again Baâ wasn't during this session and the players really want her to be if they go to the east to check the "corruption." Instead, they decided to roll for what to do next and it landed on "check the dark tower of Vannozzo," so we are here. Also, there was some Kingdom Building at the start. Players are getting really rich every turn, but spending it all on the Kingdom every time.
---
Session 65: The Dark Tower
First off, our little group did their Kingdom Building duty. During the three months, many things have happened. Buildings were commissioned and completed like the Orth's Embassy, a Foundry (that allowed them now to put their mined metals into bar forms quicker), a Weaponsmith (the dwarf got himself a new shop), a Jeweler (the halfling one) and a Barracks (to house their new army). They also started work on a Market and a Noble Villa. With this, their little kingdom grew over 1000 in members. They also took land to the north and started a new settlement to be built, for their goal to build a Sun Citadel. They trained and geared up a hundred strong regular army. Now, they could tackle the undead problem, however, they wanted to wait and prepare better, since we are talking about thousands of undead. The group also gained knowledge into the neighboring kingdom. Now they knew their borders and some information about their buildings. It was revealed that the rumor about Cassius Bourdeux wasn't a rumor, he really supports them and has even a noble villa built there. With that done with, the group went traveling to the east. The wizard tower awaits.
Drow
And boy it was something. The terrain reminded them of that around the Golden City. Many undead creatures roamed in these cursed lands. However, thanks to their guile and perception, they were able to safely and slowly move towards their goal. Even to a point that they were able to miss encounters with almost invisible undead like ghosts or wraiths. They weren't the only ones. The group quickly found tracks of other creatures wandering here. Drow patrols are very regular in these parts. The other was a single human, somebody was here many times. The group wasn't able to admire the dread scenery any longer, because they were attacked by the drow. This wasn't a hard encounter, they just met one of their patrols. They even had mages, which dished out some damage to the party, but were dealt with first, pretty quickly. Two of the drow ran away, when their mages fell down, not wanting to die also. The group tried to reason with them, to talk instead of fighting, but it was no use. Something important happened. When the last drow was still standing, Mario wanted to take him alive, however, he was stopped from doing so, even from saying it out loud. Rexgladio took control over him and made him kill the drow. No mercy for the wicked. It was the first time it happened, but now it became apparent that it won't be an easy task handling the artifact. After the victory, they took whatever the drow had - some poisons and valuables. There was something that made Elhaeltôr reminiscence, a necklace with a spider. Long ago, when the Kingdom of the Elves prospered, their capital was in the forest now known as Traitors' Forest (before that Elven Forest), their culture and architecture adapted to what they saw there. The giant forest was always engulfed in darkness or twilight, sun's rays never could pierce the canopy. There creatures like huge spiders could live their life to the fullest and the elves there befriended them. Their architecture became dark, even black sometimes, their clothes also. Even their Queen wore clothes similar to webs. This persistent even after they became drow, however, this necklace was worn more as a religious symbol than a fancy jewelry. The group didn't ponder for long and moved along.
The land around them was dark, so it was an easy ground to attack by the drow. They needed a place to stay, the safer the better. Thanks to a high roll, they were able to find a secret entrance. Somebody moved a heavy stone to block a tunnel. In there they saw arcane traps, that Elhaeltôr disarmed with ease. At the end of the tunnel, the group found a place of respite for somebody, a wizard perhaps. Desk with an inkwell and empty papers. Even a comfy bed. The spellcaster used this place to rest, before going to or returning from the tower that was nearby. The group decided to rest here. This wasn't for long. Nearing the halfway mark, Elhaeltôr's Alarm spells sounded off. Somebody got near the rock, that they put back before going to sleep. Who it might be?
---
Kingdom Building
Time - Round 7-9, Season Summer, Year 313
Kingdom Building Full Stats - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FdgMRzQZO6Qd9xBBT0YqN68V3LkRQliva9ZFslM-G8o/edit?usp=sharing
Roles:
Ruler
Mario de Capodimonte
Consort
None
Councilor
Balasar Faamtenargakexud
General
Gwendolyn
Grand Diplomat
Finnean Quickstep
Heir
Luigi de Capodimonte
High Priest
Quennar Wood Step
Magister
Elhaeltôr
Marshal
Baâ
Royal Enforcer
Boghat Reborn
Spymaster
Solange Sunseer
Treasurer
Lord Magmos
Viceroy
None
Warden
Thalal Giantsbane
Kingdom Map
Undertethys Map
Settlements
Golden Spring Settlement
Buildings:
- Castle (Golden Spring)
- Houses x1
- Mansion (Orth Embassy)
- Brewery (Om's)
- Smithy (Odon's Armorsmith)
- Smithy (Zutshosh's Weaponsmith)
- Foundry
- Barracks
- Exotic Artisan (Maria Jeweler)
- Caster's Tower (Elhaeltôr's Laboratory)
- Market (building...)
- Noble Villa (building...)
Armies
---
Chapter VIII
Session 65: The Dark Tower
First off, our little group did their Kingdom Building duty. During the three months, many things have happened. Buildings were commissioned and completed like the Orth's Embassy, a Foundry (that allowed them now to put their mined metals into bar forms quicker), a Weaponsmith (the dwarf got himself a new shop), a Jeweler (the halfling one) and a Barracks (to house their new army). They also started work on a Market and a Noble Villa. With this, their little kingdom grew over 1000 in members. They also took land to the north and started a new settlement to be built, for their goal to build a Sun Citadel. They trained and geared up a hundred strong regular army. Now, they could tackle the undead problem, however, they wanted to wait and prepare better, since we are talking about thousands of undead. The group also gained knowledge into the neighboring kingdom. Now they knew their borders and some information about their buildings. It was revealed that the rumor about Cassius Bourdeux wasn't a rumor, he really supports them and has even a noble villa built there. With that done with, the group went traveling to the east. The wizard tower awaits.
Drow
And boy it was something. The terrain reminded them of that around the Golden City. Many undead creatures roamed in these cursed lands. However, thanks to their guile and perception, they were able to safely and slowly move towards their goal. Even to a point that they were able to miss encounters with almost invisible undead like ghosts or wraiths. They weren't the only ones. The group quickly found tracks of other creatures wandering here. Drow patrols are very regular in these parts. The other was a single human, somebody was here many times. The group wasn't able to admire the dread scenery any longer, because they were attacked by the drow. This wasn't a hard encounter, they just met one of their patrols. They even had mages, which dished out some damage to the party, but were dealt with first, pretty quickly. Two of the drow ran away, when their mages fell down, not wanting to die also. The group tried to reason with them, to talk instead of fighting, but it was no use. Something important happened. When the last drow was still standing, Mario wanted to take him alive, however, he was stopped from doing so, even from saying it out loud. Rexgladio took control over him and made him kill the drow. No mercy for the wicked. It was the first time it happened, but now it became apparent that it won't be an easy task handling the artifact. After the victory, they took whatever the drow had - some poisons and valuables. There was something that made Elhaeltôr reminiscence, a necklace with a spider. Long ago, when the Kingdom of the Elves prospered, their capital was in the forest now known as Traitors' Forest (before that Elven Forest), their culture and architecture adapted to what they saw there. The giant forest was always engulfed in darkness or twilight, sun's rays never could pierce the canopy. There creatures like huge spiders could live their life to the fullest and the elves there befriended them. Their architecture became dark, even black sometimes, their clothes also. Even their Queen wore clothes similar to webs. This persistent even after they became drow, however, this necklace was worn more as a religious symbol than a fancy jewelry. The group didn't ponder for long and moved along.
The land around them was dark, so it was an easy ground to attack by the drow. They needed a place to stay, the safer the better. Thanks to a high roll, they were able to find a secret entrance. Somebody moved a heavy stone to block a tunnel. In there they saw arcane traps, that Elhaeltôr disarmed with ease. At the end of the tunnel, the group found a place of respite for somebody, a wizard perhaps. Desk with an inkwell and empty papers. Even a comfy bed. The spellcaster used this place to rest, before going to or returning from the tower that was nearby. The group decided to rest here. This wasn't for long. Nearing the halfway mark, Elhaeltôr's Alarm spells sounded off. Somebody got near the rock, that they put back before going to sleep. Who it might be?
---
Kingdom Building
Time - Round 7-9, Season Summer, Year 313
Kingdom Building Full Stats - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FdgMRzQZO6Qd9xBBT0YqN68V3LkRQliva9ZFslM-G8o/edit?usp=sharing
Roles:
Ruler
Mario de Capodimonte
Consort
None
Councilor
Balasar Faamtenargakexud
General
Gwendolyn
Grand Diplomat
Finnean Quickstep
Heir
Luigi de Capodimonte
High Priest
Quennar Wood Step
Magister
Elhaeltôr
Marshal
Baâ
Royal Enforcer
Boghat Reborn
Spymaster
Solange Sunseer
Treasurer
Lord Magmos
Viceroy
None
Warden
Thalal Giantsbane
Kingdom Map
Undertethys Map
Settlements
Golden Spring Settlement
Buildings:
- Castle (Golden Spring)
- Houses x1
- Mansion (Orth Embassy)
- Brewery (Om's)
- Smithy (Odon's Armorsmith)
- Smithy (Zutshosh's Weaponsmith)
- Foundry
- Barracks
- Exotic Artisan (Maria Jeweler)
- Caster's Tower (Elhaeltôr's Laboratory)
- Market (building...)
- Noble Villa (building...)
Armies
- Regular Army - 100 men, 2nd level Fighters, Equipped with Magic Weapon and Magic Armor
- Red Mercenaries (Orth) - 100 men, 1st level Fighters, Normal Equipment
- Gantholorank (Goliath Mercenaries) - 20 men, 4th level Barbarians, Normal Equipment
- Brightaxe Company (free, only for defense) - 200 men, 4th level Fighters, Equipped with Magic Weapon and Magic Armor
- Red Mercenaries (Orth) - 100 men, 1st level Fighters, Normal Equipment
- Gantholorank (Goliath Mercenaries) - 20 men, 4th level Barbarians, Normal Equipment
- Brightaxe Company (free, only for defense) - 200 men, 4th level Fighters, Equipped with Magic Weapon and Magic Armor
Long time no session. We are back. Our little heroes continue their journey. Mario couldn't be at the start of the game but was for the first and second session. Baâ joined for the second session, which was pretty short. Balasar joined after the talks with the visitor. The group made a unique decision in the end, you will see. The party will soon achieve 12th level. The wizard's tower gave them a lot of experience.
---
Session 66-67: One Step Fowards, Two Steps Back
Elhaeltôr's alarm went wild. Our little party of misfits had a guest in their newly acquired cave. At first glance, there was nothing in the corridor, but somebody did move the stone. They used their Lantern of Revealing. The light showed that the only that was in the corridor was a black cat. When they realized that the cat could understand them, Elhaeltôr used his Telekinesis to lift him up, but the cat disappeared. The wizard quickly understood that it was a Familiar and the caster was nearby. They ran outside. They saw the man standing about 20 meters from the cave. He was ready to cast something, however, Elhaeltôr recognized the circle of teleport under the man's feet. He wanted to escape. Now. The elf ran towards him and used a gust of wind to break the teleportation circle. The stranger used Wall of Stone to hide. The rest tried to get to him. Elhaeltôr was able to persuade the caster to not run away because they just want to talk.
Baltsar
Wizard from Orth
Necromancer?
He lowered the wall. His looks were quite familiar to the group, but they couldn't recall. After a discussion, it was revealed that this was Baltsar, a wizard that has his own tower in Orth. Two years ago he helped saving people in the town and later he was granted his own tower, by his own request. Baltsar told the group that he didn't work for the Mages' Guild, but he did do some jobs for them. He still needed money. The group just never interacted or met with Baltsar, but always passed by his tower, that was not far from one of the gates. The man studied this tower for his own benefit and later he revealed that people didn't trust him because he worked as a Necromancer. Not the one who raises undead, but so-called "white" necromancer.
Baltsar told the group about the tower, or at least what he knew. The Archmage used this tower and had a similar place in the Golden City. People came here to meet him, so he created a place for guests. The first two floors are evidence of that. Places to live, eat and study. Even a tavern was in the tower, it was that big. Outside one was only a barn was built for horses and other creatures. Also, a well. The Archmage didn't allow anything else. The place now is deserted. Long ago, it had to be full of undead, but the drow took care of that. They plundered the first two floors. Going to the next was tricky. Apparently, it was because an Iron Golem stood in a room full of fire. There was no other way up and in that room, the next way should be. Nobody ever succeeded in defeating the construct in combat nor guessed the password. Vannozzo's tower now is locked with magic. No teleportation works inside. Nothing can fly up to the highest point. There are no windows, nor you can use magic to change the thick walls. The group thanked Baltsar for his knowledge. The group went together to rest back to his cave because he used it to hide from the drow. The tower was too risky for that. The next day, he teleported back to Orth.
The group went to the tower and it was like Baltsar said. It was full of magical auras. Mainly Abjuration and Transformation, but also Divination. It blocked all scyring methods. This was also the moment Balasar came to the group, using the griffon statue. In the last moment, he felt something wrong and landed meters before the tower, instead of trying to fly on top of it to check it out. If he did try, the griffon would turn back into the statuette. Nothing can get there since the tower is locked. The group ventured inside. They found evidence for Baltsar's claims. The whole place was cleaned up. First by the drow, next by invisible servants. Only scratches on the wall indicated combat. They also found a teleportation circle, a permanent one. However, it was broken and nobody was willing to spend, in those 300 years, a year of casting the spell here. Not Baltsar, not even the drow. The group went upward to the only corridor leading them to the next level. There, in a circular room, stood an iron golem, all in flames coming from the ground. These flames healed him. The only way to destroy him was to bring him out of the flames and damage him that way. Or, instead, you could guess the password. Elhaeltôr found out that not only the Iron Golem was the protector of this place, but also four fire myrmidons, elemental constructs of fire. "Can we guess the password?" "As many times as you wish." Now, this might be impossible to do. No matter how many times the group will try, they won't succeed. Unless there is something else. Elhaeltôr once had a dream of meeting with Vannozzo, wanting to learn from him. Maybe he was in this tower? Maybe he learned what words Vannozzo used? I said, "only on natural 20." Yeah, you know how that went. He rolled a natural 20 and Elhaeltôr remembered that the Archmage liked old sayings, that mainly new teachers of magic used for young students. After trying about 12 sayings, the Iron Golem accepted the password and a door opened. Not sliding wall style, but "these stones disappear, not an illusion but a transformation." This is something to note. Since the group doesn't know how to lock the place up!
Silk
The Firebird
This floor was full of Conjuration magic. One room even revealed a place full of small creatures of other planes - celestial, fiend and fey alike. These were harmless to them. Later they met with a firebird, called Silk. Now they learned some stuff about the place they were in. The floor was used to conjure and prison creatures. In the next room, they would meet aberrations, fiends, and celestials. However, the firebird heard after the earthquake (the fall of the canyon) screams from the corridor, the creatures there must have gone out of their prisons. Silk told them that the magic anchor stopped working in the whole tower, so that means when they remove the magic circle under him, he will go back to his home plane. The other creatures, however, are blocked by an anchor that is on this floor. They need to be defeated or the anchor completely destroyed. The firebird doesn't know anything else. He had a deal with Vannozzo but didn't see him since the earthquake nor his students. Silk revealed that the Archmage had something that allowed him to move in the stonework, so he can bypass everything. After a small interrogation by Solange, he revealed that Vannozzo wanted the firebird's feathers, which are powerful magic components if he gives them willingly, for a food that is done in the south. Solange promised that if they meet again, he would make him such a dish. He gave them two feathers, since Elhaeltôr asked nicely, and they promised to release him. The bird disappeared after Balasar removed the circle.
Abishais
The next room was the start of the anchor. Three corridors. The group checked the side corridors, to find more. However, they heard some creatures move. There was something there. Solange scouted out and found out Abishai, black ones. Mario checked the other doorway and found himself under attack by white Abishai. The combat was pretty onesided, but the creatures did pack a punch. They couldn't flood the place since the corridors were small. They were defeated one by one. These devils went insane here, by staying over 300 years in imprisonment. They weren't willing to attack each other. However, being destroyed by other creatures was a better way to go - their demotion would be smaller that way. The group defeated them and checked the side corridors. Found more prisons, empty. Going by the side corridor, they found a room with the teleportation circle intact, which they could use to get out or into the tower. There were also stairs up, so they found the way to the next level, which was guarded by a corridor of abjuration traps, a riddle of some sort. However, they wanted to check one more place.
It was a big room. The main conjuration room. Here you could summon colossal creatures. Filled with strange gems, which Elhaeltôr after study recognized as the power to the anchor. This was a safety precaution. If the room had a summoned creature, that couldn't be tamed, after activating all the gems, you banished it back. There was one more thing. A big, human-sized, egg. Reddish in color and warm, when nearby. It stood on magic circles, that safeguarded if from aging. The group looked upon it, but when Mario touched it, it started to break. Instantly breaking into small pieces and burning to ash. This ash light up again. The fire rose up and flew into the main chamber. Almost engulfing it whole. A Phoenix!
Phoenix
This was also the moment Baâ joined the group. The Phoenix was a bugger because he never was on the ground, which made many of the group's attacks null. They decided not to DPS it but go for the gems, crystal of the banishment spells. The Phoenix did some serious damage to some, but nothing close to getting someone down. When it came down to it, if they went all on it, they could have defeated him. He would rose later, however, in a days time. After clicking the last one, the Phoenix failed his saves and was banished. His egg with him. The place was quiet again, which moaning from the wounded heroes. The group talked about what to do next. They tried to close the door at the Iron Golem side since they wanted to return to base and maybe go for the forest stuff. Yes, the group wanted to leave the place that was in drow's attention for generations and some drow even escaped, maybe even informing higher-ups that something is going on. Their decision. Their plan was to use magic paint to make it look like the rest of the walls, but the wall wasn't cheap, so the copy wasn't 100% perfect. Elhaeltôr used a spell to hide the wall by making a magic signature look similar to the walls nearby, however, that would last a day. The group got out, used a teleportation circle and went back.
The group decided to go to the Garden Forest. They heard tales of one of the Duke's wanting to create something special, to attract people and gain money and influence. He changed his whole dukedom with magic, making something similar to a luna park. Different climate zones. Jungles. Deserts. Cold north. With creatures from those place. Now, no nobility had to go there, unsafe, and just come to his dukedom and experience and see those places. A wonderful attraction. After the fall, the magic changed the place. Now it was one big jungle. Full of living plants and something the locals call "a mixture of undead and plants." Whatever that might be. The group had to travel about 8 days to this place (note the time, because I did). During their travels, they discussed the new kingdom, the Elementi Revivo. What to do with them? First, they wanted knowledge, information. Then, they would need to talk to them, but at the same time, build up the north of the mountain range, so they had some line of defense. Baâ communed with nature and told them, that there were no undead nearby, but she did found the forest gnome, who didn't return to the castle. The group quickly moved to find him. The place was filled with goblin corpses. The gnome was lying on the group, unconscious, looked dehydrated. Mario ran towards him before the rest could react. When he got near, the jungle moved. They were surrounded.
---
Chapter VIII
Session 66-67: One Step Fowards, Two Steps Back
Elhaeltôr's alarm went wild. Our little party of misfits had a guest in their newly acquired cave. At first glance, there was nothing in the corridor, but somebody did move the stone. They used their Lantern of Revealing. The light showed that the only that was in the corridor was a black cat. When they realized that the cat could understand them, Elhaeltôr used his Telekinesis to lift him up, but the cat disappeared. The wizard quickly understood that it was a Familiar and the caster was nearby. They ran outside. They saw the man standing about 20 meters from the cave. He was ready to cast something, however, Elhaeltôr recognized the circle of teleport under the man's feet. He wanted to escape. Now. The elf ran towards him and used a gust of wind to break the teleportation circle. The stranger used Wall of Stone to hide. The rest tried to get to him. Elhaeltôr was able to persuade the caster to not run away because they just want to talk.
Baltsar
Wizard from Orth
Necromancer?
He lowered the wall. His looks were quite familiar to the group, but they couldn't recall. After a discussion, it was revealed that this was Baltsar, a wizard that has his own tower in Orth. Two years ago he helped saving people in the town and later he was granted his own tower, by his own request. Baltsar told the group that he didn't work for the Mages' Guild, but he did do some jobs for them. He still needed money. The group just never interacted or met with Baltsar, but always passed by his tower, that was not far from one of the gates. The man studied this tower for his own benefit and later he revealed that people didn't trust him because he worked as a Necromancer. Not the one who raises undead, but so-called "white" necromancer.
Baltsar told the group about the tower, or at least what he knew. The Archmage used this tower and had a similar place in the Golden City. People came here to meet him, so he created a place for guests. The first two floors are evidence of that. Places to live, eat and study. Even a tavern was in the tower, it was that big. Outside one was only a barn was built for horses and other creatures. Also, a well. The Archmage didn't allow anything else. The place now is deserted. Long ago, it had to be full of undead, but the drow took care of that. They plundered the first two floors. Going to the next was tricky. Apparently, it was because an Iron Golem stood in a room full of fire. There was no other way up and in that room, the next way should be. Nobody ever succeeded in defeating the construct in combat nor guessed the password. Vannozzo's tower now is locked with magic. No teleportation works inside. Nothing can fly up to the highest point. There are no windows, nor you can use magic to change the thick walls. The group thanked Baltsar for his knowledge. The group went together to rest back to his cave because he used it to hide from the drow. The tower was too risky for that. The next day, he teleported back to Orth.
The group went to the tower and it was like Baltsar said. It was full of magical auras. Mainly Abjuration and Transformation, but also Divination. It blocked all scyring methods. This was also the moment Balasar came to the group, using the griffon statue. In the last moment, he felt something wrong and landed meters before the tower, instead of trying to fly on top of it to check it out. If he did try, the griffon would turn back into the statuette. Nothing can get there since the tower is locked. The group ventured inside. They found evidence for Baltsar's claims. The whole place was cleaned up. First by the drow, next by invisible servants. Only scratches on the wall indicated combat. They also found a teleportation circle, a permanent one. However, it was broken and nobody was willing to spend, in those 300 years, a year of casting the spell here. Not Baltsar, not even the drow. The group went upward to the only corridor leading them to the next level. There, in a circular room, stood an iron golem, all in flames coming from the ground. These flames healed him. The only way to destroy him was to bring him out of the flames and damage him that way. Or, instead, you could guess the password. Elhaeltôr found out that not only the Iron Golem was the protector of this place, but also four fire myrmidons, elemental constructs of fire. "Can we guess the password?" "As many times as you wish." Now, this might be impossible to do. No matter how many times the group will try, they won't succeed. Unless there is something else. Elhaeltôr once had a dream of meeting with Vannozzo, wanting to learn from him. Maybe he was in this tower? Maybe he learned what words Vannozzo used? I said, "only on natural 20." Yeah, you know how that went. He rolled a natural 20 and Elhaeltôr remembered that the Archmage liked old sayings, that mainly new teachers of magic used for young students. After trying about 12 sayings, the Iron Golem accepted the password and a door opened. Not sliding wall style, but "these stones disappear, not an illusion but a transformation." This is something to note. Since the group doesn't know how to lock the place up!
Silk
The Firebird
This floor was full of Conjuration magic. One room even revealed a place full of small creatures of other planes - celestial, fiend and fey alike. These were harmless to them. Later they met with a firebird, called Silk. Now they learned some stuff about the place they were in. The floor was used to conjure and prison creatures. In the next room, they would meet aberrations, fiends, and celestials. However, the firebird heard after the earthquake (the fall of the canyon) screams from the corridor, the creatures there must have gone out of their prisons. Silk told them that the magic anchor stopped working in the whole tower, so that means when they remove the magic circle under him, he will go back to his home plane. The other creatures, however, are blocked by an anchor that is on this floor. They need to be defeated or the anchor completely destroyed. The firebird doesn't know anything else. He had a deal with Vannozzo but didn't see him since the earthquake nor his students. Silk revealed that the Archmage had something that allowed him to move in the stonework, so he can bypass everything. After a small interrogation by Solange, he revealed that Vannozzo wanted the firebird's feathers, which are powerful magic components if he gives them willingly, for a food that is done in the south. Solange promised that if they meet again, he would make him such a dish. He gave them two feathers, since Elhaeltôr asked nicely, and they promised to release him. The bird disappeared after Balasar removed the circle.
Abishais
The next room was the start of the anchor. Three corridors. The group checked the side corridors, to find more. However, they heard some creatures move. There was something there. Solange scouted out and found out Abishai, black ones. Mario checked the other doorway and found himself under attack by white Abishai. The combat was pretty onesided, but the creatures did pack a punch. They couldn't flood the place since the corridors were small. They were defeated one by one. These devils went insane here, by staying over 300 years in imprisonment. They weren't willing to attack each other. However, being destroyed by other creatures was a better way to go - their demotion would be smaller that way. The group defeated them and checked the side corridors. Found more prisons, empty. Going by the side corridor, they found a room with the teleportation circle intact, which they could use to get out or into the tower. There were also stairs up, so they found the way to the next level, which was guarded by a corridor of abjuration traps, a riddle of some sort. However, they wanted to check one more place.
It was a big room. The main conjuration room. Here you could summon colossal creatures. Filled with strange gems, which Elhaeltôr after study recognized as the power to the anchor. This was a safety precaution. If the room had a summoned creature, that couldn't be tamed, after activating all the gems, you banished it back. There was one more thing. A big, human-sized, egg. Reddish in color and warm, when nearby. It stood on magic circles, that safeguarded if from aging. The group looked upon it, but when Mario touched it, it started to break. Instantly breaking into small pieces and burning to ash. This ash light up again. The fire rose up and flew into the main chamber. Almost engulfing it whole. A Phoenix!
Phoenix
This was also the moment Baâ joined the group. The Phoenix was a bugger because he never was on the ground, which made many of the group's attacks null. They decided not to DPS it but go for the gems, crystal of the banishment spells. The Phoenix did some serious damage to some, but nothing close to getting someone down. When it came down to it, if they went all on it, they could have defeated him. He would rose later, however, in a days time. After clicking the last one, the Phoenix failed his saves and was banished. His egg with him. The place was quiet again, which moaning from the wounded heroes. The group talked about what to do next. They tried to close the door at the Iron Golem side since they wanted to return to base and maybe go for the forest stuff. Yes, the group wanted to leave the place that was in drow's attention for generations and some drow even escaped, maybe even informing higher-ups that something is going on. Their decision. Their plan was to use magic paint to make it look like the rest of the walls, but the wall wasn't cheap, so the copy wasn't 100% perfect. Elhaeltôr used a spell to hide the wall by making a magic signature look similar to the walls nearby, however, that would last a day. The group got out, used a teleportation circle and went back.
The group decided to go to the Garden Forest. They heard tales of one of the Duke's wanting to create something special, to attract people and gain money and influence. He changed his whole dukedom with magic, making something similar to a luna park. Different climate zones. Jungles. Deserts. Cold north. With creatures from those place. Now, no nobility had to go there, unsafe, and just come to his dukedom and experience and see those places. A wonderful attraction. After the fall, the magic changed the place. Now it was one big jungle. Full of living plants and something the locals call "a mixture of undead and plants." Whatever that might be. The group had to travel about 8 days to this place (note the time, because I did). During their travels, they discussed the new kingdom, the Elementi Revivo. What to do with them? First, they wanted knowledge, information. Then, they would need to talk to them, but at the same time, build up the north of the mountain range, so they had some line of defense. Baâ communed with nature and told them, that there were no undead nearby, but she did found the forest gnome, who didn't return to the castle. The group quickly moved to find him. The place was filled with goblin corpses. The gnome was lying on the group, unconscious, looked dehydrated. Mario ran towards him before the rest could react. When he got near, the jungle moved. They were surrounded.
Long time no session, again. Lots of things happening, so we play once per week or two. In a couple of days, we play again. The group leveled up in this session. Level 12th! Elhaeltôr wasn't during this session.
---
Session 68: When the Forest is Against You
Our little group was immediately attacked by unknown creatures that looked like plants. They held bodies of the dead goblins, like their second skin. They were corrupted amalgamations of undead and magical plants. Whatever or whoever created them was unknown. Mario was first to get hit. Long tentacles rose from their big bodies and hit him hard. The group went to the rescue. While Finn and Baâ stood behind, holding some of them behind, Balasar and Solange flew to help him fight and guard the forest gnome, who was still unconscious. They held their ground and were winning until Solange shouted in pain. Sudden jolt, an arrow, he barely caught it with his unnatural monk senses, another flew. They were precise and painful. He didn't see the enemy. That was until he took his time to look around.
Sylvan Stalker
A humanoid creature stood between the trees. Nobody was able to see it, but Solange (good roll on his part and it had an ability that negated any chances to see the sniper position after firing an arrow, so no automatic reveal until you roll). He decided to sneak up to her, while the rest fought bravely. Another corpse flower stood near hear, but the monk was quiet, still flying thanks to Balasar's fly spell, so he didn't even need to touch the ground to sneak. He got close enough to see the creature. It was humanoid, made out of wood and bark. Her arm was replaced by a bow without a string. Nothing happened when she pulled, only when she released. The forest made the arrow into reality on the way and hit the target. He attacked her from the shadows. When he hit her, he heard bones cracking. This wasn't a plant. After some bark fell down, he saw some skull bone. The creature lept back and shot arrows at him, running away. It was supposed to be a chase. However, the rest took care of their enemies and were closing in on the last corpse flower, that was near Solange. Balasar took care of the fleeing creature with an Eldritch Blast. It fell down, not moving. The group returned to the gnome.
Baâ (New Portrait)
He was unconscious, no matter the amount of healing spell expended. The group was able to recognize that he was weakened by disease or a poison, however, his body was wrecked by it and he needed some immediate help or he will die. Elhaeltôr volunteered to teleport out of the forest and come back later. He will take the forest gnome with him to the clerics, who can cast Greater Restoration. The gnome, in essence, had only 1 Constitution point and was used as a lure. Later, they would hear stories, thanks to Elhaeltôr's Sending spell and Telepathic Bond that was cast previously. The gnome was getting well. He scouted the Goldplated Keep for Baâ and found many creatures, similar to that what the group found, also strange creatures, which the group recognized as dinosaurs. The place was infested with jungle goblins, a stealthier and deadlier variant of a goblin, which hails mainly from the south. This whole forest was once a "holiday resort". It had jungles, snowy terrain, and even deserts. Created by magic to bring tourists and reap even more money from curious nobles. This explained why the forest seems magical and not in the right climate, but also the creatures. However, not everything.
The group checked the body of the archer. They found that the forest moved, allowing them to check the body. There they saw that the bark was falling apart and inside a dead body laid, now just a skeleton. However, it was very old and after some contact with the air, it started to break apart. The creature had nothing of value with it and more investigation, checking the body, revealed it that it decomposed rather quickly, leaving no trace. This was a sign of two possible things - powerful necromancy or the nature of the forest. The group decided to make camp. Balasar saw something disturbing, their path back was changed. It didn't look the same as before. The forest was alive and maybe didn't want them to leave. Baâ used her magic to talk to nature. The answers she heard, she didn't like. She returned to the group with information. Nature was in control by a creature called Hand of Midnight. They serve her and deny Baâ answers to questions, even about their own safety. She knows where the creature is, nature told her.
Goldplated Keep
Balasar and Finn recognized the name, while the dragonborn read more about her. High Lady Seroposterus had that nickname. She understood that there is just too many tourists and nobles partying during the day, visiting many places in the dukedom. So, she decided to take the easy route. She would control the night. All places which were open in the night, she would have a stake in, also the night parties she would rule over. That way she controlled many people and in a short period of time, she became known as Hand of Midnight, the lady of the night you don't want to mess with. Some say that she was more of a prostitute, but nothing was revealed. The group decided to venture forth and meet with this Hand of Midnight. They did get near the Goldplated Keep, seeing a lot of ruins, districts. Many of them were to resemble those around Tethys, like a multicultural hub. However, this wasn't something that becomes natural, on its own (like Waterdeep in FR or the Golden City in my setting), but it was enforced. People were bought out to relocate and open shop in the Goldplated City. The group didn't have time to seek out more information. They saw something make a ripple on the nearby lake. Then they felt the tremors under their feet. The trees parted and a giant dinosaur reared its head, roared at the group and charged.
---
Chapter VIII
Session 68: When the Forest is Against You
Our little group was immediately attacked by unknown creatures that looked like plants. They held bodies of the dead goblins, like their second skin. They were corrupted amalgamations of undead and magical plants. Whatever or whoever created them was unknown. Mario was first to get hit. Long tentacles rose from their big bodies and hit him hard. The group went to the rescue. While Finn and Baâ stood behind, holding some of them behind, Balasar and Solange flew to help him fight and guard the forest gnome, who was still unconscious. They held their ground and were winning until Solange shouted in pain. Sudden jolt, an arrow, he barely caught it with his unnatural monk senses, another flew. They were precise and painful. He didn't see the enemy. That was until he took his time to look around.
Sylvan Stalker
A humanoid creature stood between the trees. Nobody was able to see it, but Solange (good roll on his part and it had an ability that negated any chances to see the sniper position after firing an arrow, so no automatic reveal until you roll). He decided to sneak up to her, while the rest fought bravely. Another corpse flower stood near hear, but the monk was quiet, still flying thanks to Balasar's fly spell, so he didn't even need to touch the ground to sneak. He got close enough to see the creature. It was humanoid, made out of wood and bark. Her arm was replaced by a bow without a string. Nothing happened when she pulled, only when she released. The forest made the arrow into reality on the way and hit the target. He attacked her from the shadows. When he hit her, he heard bones cracking. This wasn't a plant. After some bark fell down, he saw some skull bone. The creature lept back and shot arrows at him, running away. It was supposed to be a chase. However, the rest took care of their enemies and were closing in on the last corpse flower, that was near Solange. Balasar took care of the fleeing creature with an Eldritch Blast. It fell down, not moving. The group returned to the gnome.
Baâ (New Portrait)
Old one
He was unconscious, no matter the amount of healing spell expended. The group was able to recognize that he was weakened by disease or a poison, however, his body was wrecked by it and he needed some immediate help or he will die. Elhaeltôr volunteered to teleport out of the forest and come back later. He will take the forest gnome with him to the clerics, who can cast Greater Restoration. The gnome, in essence, had only 1 Constitution point and was used as a lure. Later, they would hear stories, thanks to Elhaeltôr's Sending spell and Telepathic Bond that was cast previously. The gnome was getting well. He scouted the Goldplated Keep for Baâ and found many creatures, similar to that what the group found, also strange creatures, which the group recognized as dinosaurs. The place was infested with jungle goblins, a stealthier and deadlier variant of a goblin, which hails mainly from the south. This whole forest was once a "holiday resort". It had jungles, snowy terrain, and even deserts. Created by magic to bring tourists and reap even more money from curious nobles. This explained why the forest seems magical and not in the right climate, but also the creatures. However, not everything.
The group checked the body of the archer. They found that the forest moved, allowing them to check the body. There they saw that the bark was falling apart and inside a dead body laid, now just a skeleton. However, it was very old and after some contact with the air, it started to break apart. The creature had nothing of value with it and more investigation, checking the body, revealed it that it decomposed rather quickly, leaving no trace. This was a sign of two possible things - powerful necromancy or the nature of the forest. The group decided to make camp. Balasar saw something disturbing, their path back was changed. It didn't look the same as before. The forest was alive and maybe didn't want them to leave. Baâ used her magic to talk to nature. The answers she heard, she didn't like. She returned to the group with information. Nature was in control by a creature called Hand of Midnight. They serve her and deny Baâ answers to questions, even about their own safety. She knows where the creature is, nature told her.
Goldplated Keep
Balasar and Finn recognized the name, while the dragonborn read more about her. High Lady Seroposterus had that nickname. She understood that there is just too many tourists and nobles partying during the day, visiting many places in the dukedom. So, she decided to take the easy route. She would control the night. All places which were open in the night, she would have a stake in, also the night parties she would rule over. That way she controlled many people and in a short period of time, she became known as Hand of Midnight, the lady of the night you don't want to mess with. Some say that she was more of a prostitute, but nothing was revealed. The group decided to venture forth and meet with this Hand of Midnight. They did get near the Goldplated Keep, seeing a lot of ruins, districts. Many of them were to resemble those around Tethys, like a multicultural hub. However, this wasn't something that becomes natural, on its own (like Waterdeep in FR or the Golden City in my setting), but it was enforced. People were bought out to relocate and open shop in the Goldplated City. The group didn't have time to seek out more information. They saw something make a ripple on the nearby lake. Then they felt the tremors under their feet. The trees parted and a giant dinosaur reared its head, roared at the group and charged.
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