Abadius 27, 4713
After a successful hunt of the manticore, but following an unsuccessful attempt at finding Dhukhean. Ruddy and Savra return to Feathergale Spire and join the Feathergale Knights to celebrate. Before he knows it, the gnome has been partying hard for five days. Awakening with a hangover, Ruddy realizes that he hasn't seen any member of his party since his return to the Spire. Discret inquiries indicate that none of them have been spotted, but the knights suspect that they sabotaged the flying animals' pens in the basement, as about half of the creatures had to be guided back to their stable. Ruddy decides to head back to Red Larch.
Naga has spent an entire week alone in his room in Feathergale Spire,
surviving on the rations in his adventurer's pack. He has been waiting
for others to come and get him, but it has now become obvious that no
one will retrieve him. Spotting Ruddy leaving the Spire, Naga flies out of the window and joins the gnome for the long trip back to Red Larch.
Thorne and Lawrence spend a week exploring the Spire, staying away from Thurl and his men. Aside from the prisoners they previously located in the basement of the tower, they find no additional victims of the Howling Hatred. Their investigation reveals that about a third of the Spire's personnel are members of the cult. The knights are oblivious, but the rest of the staff give the cultists a wide berth. Thorne also discovered several letters that strongly suggest a link between Thurl Merosska, commander of the Feathergale Knights and the Howling Hatred. Desiring to share their discoveries, they surmise that their friends most likely headed back to Red Larch. Even if they didn't, the village seems like a good place to look for them.
All four of them meet on the road. Arriving late in Red Larch, they are informed that the Cooper sisters and the dwarf Dhukhean were here four days ago with a female dwarf and a female elf. They left early in the morning following breakfast, and have not returned since. Ruddy decides to order a late dinner, and they then head up to their rooms for a well-deserved rest.
Abadius 28, 4713
Dhukhean and the Cooper sisters return to Red Larch on the cloud following their accidental destruction of Yartar's merchant quarter. Landing a mile outside of the village, they trek in, and arrive at the Swinging Sword Inn in time to join their friends for lunch. Reunited, the group share news of what they learned over the last week. Ruddy regale the dwarf with his exploits with Savra, much to the sisters' dismay.
Now aware that there are several cults operating in the Sumber Hills, the party argues as to their next location to explore. Eventually, Dhukhean convinces everyone else that the Sacred Stone Monastery might be the place that holds information about Tyar-Besil. After packing their gear and bundling in their winter clothes, the Coopers head out in the cold afternoon, and trek towards the Monastery.
Abadius 30, 4713
Light flurries are the only events that change the monotony of trekking in the wilderness of the Sumber Hills. Darelle and Daryle successfully hunt winter hare, but larger game proves elusive. During the trip Dhukhean asks Ruddy for advice on how to disguise himself as a gnome, given that he has been attacked several times for being a dwarf. Ruddy suggests that only shaving his beard would help. Dhukhean is opposed to the idea, so Ruddy proposes using a high collar to hide most of his face and walk hunched over. Dhukhean agrees that this is a good idea, and he modifies his outfit to hide as much of his true nature as possible.
Late in the morning, they clear the treeline and see, sitting on a small hill, an imposing stone structure about fifty feet tall, with two large metal doors up three steps. Windows about four inches wide and four feet tall sprinkle the facade of the building. A dozen chimneys on top of the structure release smoke in the air, indicating that the building is occupied. The fresh coat of snow that fell on their way here shows no tracks in or out of the Sacred Stone Monastery.
Carefully, the party approaches the building. Stepping up the three steps, Thorne reaches the stone porch. The metal doors are twelve feet tall, and each has a large iron knocker attached to it. The rogue uses the knocker to rap against the door. A few moments pass, and the door silently cracks open. A monk dressed in robes of various shades of brown informs Thorne and his friends that the Monastery does not receive guests. Using his intimidate stature, Naga pushes the monk aside and enters the Monastery. He is immediately attacked by four stone golems, while the receiving monk and one of his colleagues engage as well. Overpowered and outmatched, Naga manage to leave the Monastery's receiving hall. The golems do not exit, and the door is soon closed.
Dismayed, the party attempts to attract the occupants' attention by yelling in dwarven, but they get no reaction. Dhukhean's disguise worked as planned. The dwarf steps up to the door, but the door has been locked. Thorne tries to wedge the visor opened, and is almost successful. While the dwarf and the rogue struggle with the front door, the rest of the party splits up. Darelle and Daryle head left. Lawrence and Naga move right. Ruddy climbs the Monastery's facade, and makes for the roof.
Lawrence discovers a small metal door on the side of the Monastery. It is locked. Using his magic, he shrinks the door, which falls the ground, making a clattering sound that reverberates throughout the structure. The door's absence reveals a hallway with a corner heading west. Lawrence enters the hallway, but he hears footsteps and jumps against the wall. His attempt is clumsy, however, and he is ambushed by three monks. The rogue's yells for help reach Naga, who also enters the hallway. The battle immediately goes poorly for both of them, and Naga is forced to cast shout. The sound travels throughout the Monastery, affecting one of the monks who immediately drops to the ground, bood dripping out of her ears. The other two keep on fighting, however, and soon Naga and Lawrence are forced to flee. On the way out Naga casts a lightning bolt, killing one monk. Two stone golems soon arrive and take a defending position, protecting the breach. Lawrence can see a set of legs behind the golems, and he hears the melodious sound of a spell being cast. Stones stitch themselves together, closing the space where the door used to be.
Daryle and Darelle walk around the building. They find a locked door next to a snow-covered path. This appears to be a delivery area. Darelle checks the door, but it is locked. Using her gloves of magnetism Darelle unlocks the door and pushes it open, revealing a busy kitchen, with sweet and savory smells fighting with that of freshly bread.
She notices four apprentices laying prone on the floor, holding their bleeding
ears, while a monk stands. She attempts to strike a conversation with the monk, but he inform her that no one is allowed in the Sacred Stone Monastery. The sisters depart the building.
Ruddy climbs the roof and looks for an entrance. He finds several chimneys, but all of them are releasing smoke. He rigs a chimney so that its flue is blocked, forcing the smoke back inside the building. Meanwhile, Dhukhean tires of standing at the front door, and he heads left. At the building's corner, he enters a gully, and misses the sisters coming out of the kitchen. He walks an arm's length away from the building, slowing exploring its perimeter. Hearing noises, Ruddy peers over the edge and spots the dwarf. Standing on the edge, he urinates on him. Bent on his quest to find an opening, Dhukhean does not notice and continues on. Ruddy returns to his blocked chimney, chuckling. He is soon joined on the roof by Naga and Lawrence, who are still bleeding from their previous encounter.
Two monks use abundant step and come to the roof to investigate. They are surprised to see enemies on the roof, but Ruddy is able to convince them they are simply lost. Dubious, the monks explain that the Sacred Stone Monastery is run by Hellenrae, an abbess. Monks and priests who spend their time here worship Ferrakus, the Lord Beneath. Lawrence questions how one could join the Monastery. The monks reply that in order to petition admittance to the Sacred Stone Monastery as an acolyte, one must present himself or herself to the front door with a precious stone or precious sand as an offering. The person must use the knocker on the door, then kneel with palms open upwards with their offering. Once admitted, they must undergo several trials and indoctrination sessions, and their faith will be severely tested. Only the righteous are allowed to become members of the Sacred Stone Monastery.
Dhukhean walks back on the path, and meets the sisters. He smells strongly of urine, and Daryle asks him: "Dhukhean, what did you do? Make out with a bobcat in a gully?" The dwarf appears confused, and only now notices the strong smell. The three of them are soon joined by Thorne, who reports seeing Lawrence and Naga join Ruddy on the roof.
Having failed to find an opening to enter the Sacred Stone Monastery, the Coopers regroup at dusk about a mile from the Sacred Stone Monastery. With the sun about to set, the party decides to spend the night here, then head out to Yartar to purchase magical equipment that would help them in their quest. Darelle sends a tree token to each of the acolyte she saw in the kitchen to begin a whisper campaign against the monks of the monastery. She tells them that the monastery has been infiltrated by a death cult planning to kill them for their own evil purposes.
Calistril 4, 4713
Arriving in Yartar, the party discovers that though the fires are now out, the town has not recovered from its destruction. The Cooper sisters and Dhukhean decide to remain outside, knowing that they are most unwelcomed. The rest of the party heads in town and locate shops. At the Forsaken Pixie, Thorne purchases a +3 gravity bow and bracers of armor +1, which he swipes for the +5 next to them with a successful sleight of hand. Naga buys a +3 breastplate of the planes and a +3 gloom blade, while Ruddy purchases a +3 wasp's kiss crossbow. Feigning an interest in the recent incident that destroyed part of the town, Thorne questions the merchant on its causes, and reports that the Coopers have been spotted hiding at the Sacred Stone Monastery. At the Raven's Quill, Lawrence purchases the amazing I heart Kenny belt and a rod of shrinkage.
Now armed with better weapons and equipment, the Coopers head back to the Sumber Hills, hoping for a more successful trip.
Showing posts with label Lawrence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lawrence. Show all posts
Friday, October 19, 2018
Friday, August 24, 2018
The hospitality of the Feathergale Society
Abadius 21, 4713
The sun rises on a beautiful if cold winter day in Red Larch. Following the blizzard that has affected the area, the Coopers are happy to have a second straight day without any snow precipitation. Last night, when the party had returned to the Swinging Sword Inn, Ruddy had retold their fight against the Lord of Lance Rock, embellishing some of the encounters. The patrons present in the inn's common room had listened to the gnome, mesmerized by the tale. So it is not surprising, when the Coopers and their friends come downstairs for breakfast, that every seat in the common room is taken by locals, who cheer and demand to hear the story again. Ruddy regales them again, adding even more fanciful details. Kaylessa Irkell, proprietress of the inn, thanks the gnome and his friends profusely for drawing such a large crowd and offers them a free breakfast. Thorne uses the occasion to pick some pockets and collects 24 crowns during Ruddy's tale.
Following this hearty breakfast, the Coopers pack their gear and head out to Feathergale Spire. They lost track of the raiders they were trailing in the area, and their morning encounter with Savra Belabranta, a griffon rider who invited them to visit, seals the deal. Hopefully this trip will prove less dangerous than that to Lance Rock.
Though no snow falls from the sky, the winds blow hard enough that large snow drifts have formed, and visibility is limited. Darelle uses her jar of cloud to protect the party from the worst of the elements. In the late afternoon, as the sun begins to set, the party reaches the imposing structure of the Feathergale Spire. Standing hundreds of feet higher than the surrounding hills, the Spire can be approached by a large road climbing a steep hill to a drawbridge. The base of the tower is about a hundred feet lower, with wide arches about halfway up. Aside from the drawbridge level, there are two more stories above, and the structure is topped by a parapet. Throughout the afternoon, the Coopers have kept their eyes on flying patrols high up in the sky.
As they near the structure, Ruddy suggest they approach the main entrance in a sign of respect, instead of the usual sneaking the party is known for. Climbing the path, they reach the top and stand on the edge of a lowered drawbridge. A large set of double doors stand at the other end of the drawbridge. Ruddy calmly strolls on the bridge and knocks on the door. Darelle, who followed the gnome, rings the bell attached to the wall. Daryle and the remaining party members stand on the other side, ready if combat proves necessary.
A small panel soon opens, and the familiar face of Savra Belabranta appears. Upon seeing Ruddy, her face lights up, and she gushes her excitement at seeing him, and his friends, again. Opening one of the doors, she welcomes them to Feathergale Spire. The Coopers enter the main hall, made of marble with a giant iron eagle hanging from the ceiling. Two other guards stand in this room, but a quick assessment reveal that they are poorly trained. Savra questions them on the newest developments since their last encounter, and Ruddy tells her he has a tale to recount. She invites them to the Great Hall, where they are joined by four Feathergale knights, as well as Thurl Merosska, leader of the Feathergale Spire. Over a delicious meal, Ruddy once again retells the tale once again. Savra offers a toast, and the knights heartily partake. Ruddy draws the symbol they observed at Lance Rock. Thurl closely examines the symbol. He shows the parchment to everyone, and during the discussion he pockets the drawing. Dhukean notices and attempts to discern Thurl's motive. The dwarf suspects that Thurl has seen this symbol before. When questioned, Thurl replies that he wishes to compare this drawing to information he has in his chambers.
The knights are clearly unaware of the larger happenings in the Dessarin Valley, for they relentlessly question the Coopers about happenings around them. Darelle questions Savra about the Spire. Savra replies that the Feathergale Society moved in a dozen years ago in what was then an abandoned keep, and made it their own. Dhukhean overhears the exchange between Savra and Darelle about the tower being empty before the Feathergale Society's arrival. He suspects that this might have been part of the Bessamir kingdom, but the tower is clearly of human craftmanship.
Seeing that it is late, Thurl invites the Coopers to spend the night with them. Savra and the other knights can barely contain their excitement. Thurl then excuses himself, claiming a headache. However, he invites the Coopers to participate in a manticore hunt on the morrow. The Coopers are assigned three bunk rooms that usually serve as bedrooms to the knights. One for the ladies, one for the men, and one for the short people. Of course, everyone is invited to remain in the Great Hall and enjoy the knights' hospitality. Every member of the party claims to be tired, however, and they withdraw to their lodgings.
After about an hour, Thorne opens the window and sees two knights flying in the air. Carefully hiding in the shadows, he climbs to the third floor. In the first window he sees a room very much like his own. A man is sleeping in one of the bunks. He maneuvers to the next window on his left. Through the panes of glass he sees Thurl, sitting at a desk and writing a letter. Thorne returns to the other window, and breaks in without waking up the sleeping knight. He then sneaks out through the door, and moves to Thurl's door. His attempt to pick the lock is noisy, however, and he suddenly hears footsteps from the other side. Thurl has gotten up and is coming this way. Thorne rushes back to the room and closes the door. Thurl's door does not immediately open, however. It takes a few minutes, but eventually Thurl himself steps on the landing and goes downstairs.
Not knowing that Thorne is gone, Lawrence silently opens his door, and steps in the short hallway leading back to the Great Hall. He plans on moving down the stairs, but is unfortunately spotted by the partying knights and is invited to join them. Unable to leave without arising suspicion, the thief stays with the crowd.
A knock on the short people's door awakens Ruddy. Savra is at the door, and invites the gnome to her chambers. He readily agrees, proving the old adage, "Once you go gnome you never go home."
With Thurl gone, Thorne enters his room. He finds a letter scribbled in a child's hand writing. He memorizes it, before putting it back on Thurl's desk. Who is this Aerisi Kalinoth?
As Lawrence pretends to laugh at the antics of the drunken knights, he notices four burly guards make their ways to his room. The guards knock on the door, and awaken the dwarf. They politely request that Dhukhean follow them, as Thurl wants to share a startling discovery. The dwarf grabs his weapons and agrees to go with them. The noise was loud enough to alert the Cooper sisters, who also emerge from their room. Lawrence joins the party as well, and the now large group heads back to the ground floor. They are led to a conservatory where they find Thurl. The master of Feathergale Spire is clearly unhappy to see that Dhukhean is not alone, but he makes the most of it by showing the group what he discovered. One of the exotic plants in the conservatory features a similar pattern to the symbol Ruddy drew on its leaves. Darelle cannot identify the plant, but knows that it is very poisonous. The ranger takes a few cuttings. Dhukhean suspects it could be used in ceremonies by cult members.
The party then returns to their respective rooms accompanied by their guards. Thorne, meanwhile, had rejoined his bedroom and shares what he learned with Naga.
Abadius 22, 4713
The Coopers awaken in the morning to find a clear sky but bitterly cold temperature. As they come out of their respective rooms, Thorne informs the rest of the party about the letter he discovered in Thurl's room. Welcomed to breakfast by the knights, they are soon joined by Thurl, who appears not to have slept very well. Thorne questions Thurl about the Black Earth Cult. Thurl tells them this renegade cult is made up of scoundrels and beggars who hide their desire for wealth behind a facade of worshiping the ground. He then shares with them the location of the Sacred Stone Monastery, the headquarters of the Black Earth Cult.
As the Coopers ready to hunt the manticore, Thorne, Daryle and Lawrence decide to stay behind and investigate Feathergale Spire. While the Coopers ready their mounts, Thorne begins exploring the Spire. He first stops in the kitchen. A team of servants is busy preparing the noon meal. The rogue approaches one of the servants, and quietly engages in conversation with him. After he pays the servant five crowns, Thorne hears about the prisoner the knights are keeping in the basement of the Spire. He decides to return to the basement and watch the remaining members of the party outfit themselves for the hunt.
In the basement the Coopers find stables. Though most of the alcoves are empty, there are three giant vultures, two griffons, and one hippogriff. Ruddy agrees to ride with Savra her griffon. Darelle and Dhukhean also ride on a griffon. Two knights accompany them on their own mounts. As they fly away, Lawrence realizes that he had not seen the two riders accompanying the party before.
The mounts quick rise above the clouds, and begin searching the canyon where the manticore dwells. Savra explains to Ruddy that the Feathergale Knights have been hunting it for months, but have never successfully gotten close enough to kill it. They've struck a few blows, but have been unable to wound it enough to force it to land.
The group separates but remain within visual range. As they fly, Savra points out evidence of the manticore's passage to Ruddy. The canyon where they are flying is filled with low-level fog, making the ground all but impossible to spot. Darelle is the first one to spot the creature, and she banks her flying mount. Spotting the maneuver, Ruddy points, and Savra imitates the ranger. The other knights follow suit. A pursuit ensues, and when they get close enough the party engage the manticore. While Darelle fires volleys of magic missiles at it, Savra launches arrows. Ruddy, not to be outdone and perhaps showing off for Savra, signs that he wants to get closer, and when above the monster he jumps out of the saddle and on its back. The manticore attempts to shake him off, but is unable to do so.
As Ruddy lands a series of blows, the two knights spring a surprise attack on Darelle and Dhukhean's mount, which is quickly killed. Plummeting out of the sky, Darelle jumps on the jar of cloud, while Dhukhean, perhaps not thinking as clearly due to the altitude, tergiversates. As the ground rapidly approaches, he attempts an escape, but the straps holding him in place prevent him from doing so, and he hits the ground at a prodigious speed. The last conscious thing he sees before passing out are two pairs of heavy combat boots walking towards him. Darelle spends some time on the cloud looking for the paladin, but does not find him. The fog is just too thick. She decides to return to Feathergale Spire and report the treacherous news.
Meanwhile, flying now at a fair distance, Ruddy successfully kills the manticore. As it too falls to the ground, the gnome realizes his predicament. Fortunately, Savra closes the gap again, and Ruddy performs a manly jump back on her mount. When the falling body of the manticore disappears in the fog, Savra proposes that they return to Feathergale Spire. The cold will keep the body, and they can come back when the fog clears off. Ruddy ponders on why there would be fog on this freezingly clear day...
After watching their friends fly away, the remaining Coopers continue their exploration of Feathergale Spire. Carefully pacing around the stable, they come upon an angry hippogriff. When questioned, one of the stable boys informs them that this mount was hurt in a battle with the manticore a few weeks ago, and its rider was killed. It is ill tempered, and lets no one approach it. Daryle enters its stall, and uses her ranger skills to heal the hippogriff. Still distrustful, the creature nonetheless appears thankful. Lawrence then notices a trap door in the floor of the hippogriff's stall. While no one is looking, Daryle opens the door, and lowers herself in it. She is quickly followed by Lawrence and Thorne, who closes the door behind him.
In the dungeon below the stable floor, they discover a series of twelve jail cells. Each cell is occupied by a humanoid. One female dwarf is present, but she is clearly not Zeshan Wayfinder, the wife of Dhukhean's cheftain. Though the creatures are mostly human, there is an elf, a halfling, and a bugbear. The bugbear sports this symbol tattooed on his large arm. They have seen this sign before, and Daryle remembers that the tube and the message they found in the brigands' camp bore a similar triangular symbol.
Thorne questions the bugbear, who grudgingly reveals that he was on a mission to find and make prisonners any dwarf he could find, before he was captured by knights and imprisoned here. The female dwarf, Broga, is more talkative, and tells the Coopers she was captured by the Howling Hatred Cult, but their plans for her are not clear. She doesn't know much about them, nor how they are associated with the Feathergale Society, but she does know that they worship Yan-C Bin. Unfortunately, this name doesn't mean anything to the Coopers.
When a guard comes to check on the prisoners, the Coopers quickly dispatch him. Armed with the keys, they decide to free the prisoners ...
The sun rises on a beautiful if cold winter day in Red Larch. Following the blizzard that has affected the area, the Coopers are happy to have a second straight day without any snow precipitation. Last night, when the party had returned to the Swinging Sword Inn, Ruddy had retold their fight against the Lord of Lance Rock, embellishing some of the encounters. The patrons present in the inn's common room had listened to the gnome, mesmerized by the tale. So it is not surprising, when the Coopers and their friends come downstairs for breakfast, that every seat in the common room is taken by locals, who cheer and demand to hear the story again. Ruddy regales them again, adding even more fanciful details. Kaylessa Irkell, proprietress of the inn, thanks the gnome and his friends profusely for drawing such a large crowd and offers them a free breakfast. Thorne uses the occasion to pick some pockets and collects 24 crowns during Ruddy's tale.
Following this hearty breakfast, the Coopers pack their gear and head out to Feathergale Spire. They lost track of the raiders they were trailing in the area, and their morning encounter with Savra Belabranta, a griffon rider who invited them to visit, seals the deal. Hopefully this trip will prove less dangerous than that to Lance Rock.
Though no snow falls from the sky, the winds blow hard enough that large snow drifts have formed, and visibility is limited. Darelle uses her jar of cloud to protect the party from the worst of the elements. In the late afternoon, as the sun begins to set, the party reaches the imposing structure of the Feathergale Spire. Standing hundreds of feet higher than the surrounding hills, the Spire can be approached by a large road climbing a steep hill to a drawbridge. The base of the tower is about a hundred feet lower, with wide arches about halfway up. Aside from the drawbridge level, there are two more stories above, and the structure is topped by a parapet. Throughout the afternoon, the Coopers have kept their eyes on flying patrols high up in the sky.
As they near the structure, Ruddy suggest they approach the main entrance in a sign of respect, instead of the usual sneaking the party is known for. Climbing the path, they reach the top and stand on the edge of a lowered drawbridge. A large set of double doors stand at the other end of the drawbridge. Ruddy calmly strolls on the bridge and knocks on the door. Darelle, who followed the gnome, rings the bell attached to the wall. Daryle and the remaining party members stand on the other side, ready if combat proves necessary.
A small panel soon opens, and the familiar face of Savra Belabranta appears. Upon seeing Ruddy, her face lights up, and she gushes her excitement at seeing him, and his friends, again. Opening one of the doors, she welcomes them to Feathergale Spire. The Coopers enter the main hall, made of marble with a giant iron eagle hanging from the ceiling. Two other guards stand in this room, but a quick assessment reveal that they are poorly trained. Savra questions them on the newest developments since their last encounter, and Ruddy tells her he has a tale to recount. She invites them to the Great Hall, where they are joined by four Feathergale knights, as well as Thurl Merosska, leader of the Feathergale Spire. Over a delicious meal, Ruddy once again retells the tale once again. Savra offers a toast, and the knights heartily partake. Ruddy draws the symbol they observed at Lance Rock. Thurl closely examines the symbol. He shows the parchment to everyone, and during the discussion he pockets the drawing. Dhukean notices and attempts to discern Thurl's motive. The dwarf suspects that Thurl has seen this symbol before. When questioned, Thurl replies that he wishes to compare this drawing to information he has in his chambers.
The knights are clearly unaware of the larger happenings in the Dessarin Valley, for they relentlessly question the Coopers about happenings around them. Darelle questions Savra about the Spire. Savra replies that the Feathergale Society moved in a dozen years ago in what was then an abandoned keep, and made it their own. Dhukhean overhears the exchange between Savra and Darelle about the tower being empty before the Feathergale Society's arrival. He suspects that this might have been part of the Bessamir kingdom, but the tower is clearly of human craftmanship.
Seeing that it is late, Thurl invites the Coopers to spend the night with them. Savra and the other knights can barely contain their excitement. Thurl then excuses himself, claiming a headache. However, he invites the Coopers to participate in a manticore hunt on the morrow. The Coopers are assigned three bunk rooms that usually serve as bedrooms to the knights. One for the ladies, one for the men, and one for the short people. Of course, everyone is invited to remain in the Great Hall and enjoy the knights' hospitality. Every member of the party claims to be tired, however, and they withdraw to their lodgings.
After about an hour, Thorne opens the window and sees two knights flying in the air. Carefully hiding in the shadows, he climbs to the third floor. In the first window he sees a room very much like his own. A man is sleeping in one of the bunks. He maneuvers to the next window on his left. Through the panes of glass he sees Thurl, sitting at a desk and writing a letter. Thorne returns to the other window, and breaks in without waking up the sleeping knight. He then sneaks out through the door, and moves to Thurl's door. His attempt to pick the lock is noisy, however, and he suddenly hears footsteps from the other side. Thurl has gotten up and is coming this way. Thorne rushes back to the room and closes the door. Thurl's door does not immediately open, however. It takes a few minutes, but eventually Thurl himself steps on the landing and goes downstairs.
Not knowing that Thorne is gone, Lawrence silently opens his door, and steps in the short hallway leading back to the Great Hall. He plans on moving down the stairs, but is unfortunately spotted by the partying knights and is invited to join them. Unable to leave without arising suspicion, the thief stays with the crowd.
A knock on the short people's door awakens Ruddy. Savra is at the door, and invites the gnome to her chambers. He readily agrees, proving the old adage, "Once you go gnome you never go home."
With Thurl gone, Thorne enters his room. He finds a letter scribbled in a child's hand writing. He memorizes it, before putting it back on Thurl's desk. Who is this Aerisi Kalinoth?
Merosska,
We are pleased to hear about the outcome of
your altercation with the Black Earth cult,
We are pleased to hear about the outcome of
your altercation with the Black Earth cult,
and we praise you for the capture of one of their
prisoners. This noblewoman from Ustalav
has an interesting tale to tell,
prisoners. This noblewoman from Ustalav
has an interesting tale to tell,
and we shall enjoy interrogating her further.
Keep a close watch on the Sacred Stone Monastery.
I want to know what our enemy is planning next.
Your beloved queen,
Your beloved queen,
Aerisi Kalinoth
As Lawrence pretends to laugh at the antics of the drunken knights, he notices four burly guards make their ways to his room. The guards knock on the door, and awaken the dwarf. They politely request that Dhukhean follow them, as Thurl wants to share a startling discovery. The dwarf grabs his weapons and agrees to go with them. The noise was loud enough to alert the Cooper sisters, who also emerge from their room. Lawrence joins the party as well, and the now large group heads back to the ground floor. They are led to a conservatory where they find Thurl. The master of Feathergale Spire is clearly unhappy to see that Dhukhean is not alone, but he makes the most of it by showing the group what he discovered. One of the exotic plants in the conservatory features a similar pattern to the symbol Ruddy drew on its leaves. Darelle cannot identify the plant, but knows that it is very poisonous. The ranger takes a few cuttings. Dhukhean suspects it could be used in ceremonies by cult members.
 |
| Map of Feathergale Spire |
The party then returns to their respective rooms accompanied by their guards. Thorne, meanwhile, had rejoined his bedroom and shares what he learned with Naga.
Abadius 22, 4713
The Coopers awaken in the morning to find a clear sky but bitterly cold temperature. As they come out of their respective rooms, Thorne informs the rest of the party about the letter he discovered in Thurl's room. Welcomed to breakfast by the knights, they are soon joined by Thurl, who appears not to have slept very well. Thorne questions Thurl about the Black Earth Cult. Thurl tells them this renegade cult is made up of scoundrels and beggars who hide their desire for wealth behind a facade of worshiping the ground. He then shares with them the location of the Sacred Stone Monastery, the headquarters of the Black Earth Cult.
As the Coopers ready to hunt the manticore, Thorne, Daryle and Lawrence decide to stay behind and investigate Feathergale Spire. While the Coopers ready their mounts, Thorne begins exploring the Spire. He first stops in the kitchen. A team of servants is busy preparing the noon meal. The rogue approaches one of the servants, and quietly engages in conversation with him. After he pays the servant five crowns, Thorne hears about the prisoner the knights are keeping in the basement of the Spire. He decides to return to the basement and watch the remaining members of the party outfit themselves for the hunt.
In the basement the Coopers find stables. Though most of the alcoves are empty, there are three giant vultures, two griffons, and one hippogriff. Ruddy agrees to ride with Savra her griffon. Darelle and Dhukhean also ride on a griffon. Two knights accompany them on their own mounts. As they fly away, Lawrence realizes that he had not seen the two riders accompanying the party before.
The mounts quick rise above the clouds, and begin searching the canyon where the manticore dwells. Savra explains to Ruddy that the Feathergale Knights have been hunting it for months, but have never successfully gotten close enough to kill it. They've struck a few blows, but have been unable to wound it enough to force it to land.
The group separates but remain within visual range. As they fly, Savra points out evidence of the manticore's passage to Ruddy. The canyon where they are flying is filled with low-level fog, making the ground all but impossible to spot. Darelle is the first one to spot the creature, and she banks her flying mount. Spotting the maneuver, Ruddy points, and Savra imitates the ranger. The other knights follow suit. A pursuit ensues, and when they get close enough the party engage the manticore. While Darelle fires volleys of magic missiles at it, Savra launches arrows. Ruddy, not to be outdone and perhaps showing off for Savra, signs that he wants to get closer, and when above the monster he jumps out of the saddle and on its back. The manticore attempts to shake him off, but is unable to do so.
As Ruddy lands a series of blows, the two knights spring a surprise attack on Darelle and Dhukhean's mount, which is quickly killed. Plummeting out of the sky, Darelle jumps on the jar of cloud, while Dhukhean, perhaps not thinking as clearly due to the altitude, tergiversates. As the ground rapidly approaches, he attempts an escape, but the straps holding him in place prevent him from doing so, and he hits the ground at a prodigious speed. The last conscious thing he sees before passing out are two pairs of heavy combat boots walking towards him. Darelle spends some time on the cloud looking for the paladin, but does not find him. The fog is just too thick. She decides to return to Feathergale Spire and report the treacherous news.
Meanwhile, flying now at a fair distance, Ruddy successfully kills the manticore. As it too falls to the ground, the gnome realizes his predicament. Fortunately, Savra closes the gap again, and Ruddy performs a manly jump back on her mount. When the falling body of the manticore disappears in the fog, Savra proposes that they return to Feathergale Spire. The cold will keep the body, and they can come back when the fog clears off. Ruddy ponders on why there would be fog on this freezingly clear day...
After watching their friends fly away, the remaining Coopers continue their exploration of Feathergale Spire. Carefully pacing around the stable, they come upon an angry hippogriff. When questioned, one of the stable boys informs them that this mount was hurt in a battle with the manticore a few weeks ago, and its rider was killed. It is ill tempered, and lets no one approach it. Daryle enters its stall, and uses her ranger skills to heal the hippogriff. Still distrustful, the creature nonetheless appears thankful. Lawrence then notices a trap door in the floor of the hippogriff's stall. While no one is looking, Daryle opens the door, and lowers herself in it. She is quickly followed by Lawrence and Thorne, who closes the door behind him.
In the dungeon below the stable floor, they discover a series of twelve jail cells. Each cell is occupied by a humanoid. One female dwarf is present, but she is clearly not Zeshan Wayfinder, the wife of Dhukhean's cheftain. Though the creatures are mostly human, there is an elf, a halfling, and a bugbear. The bugbear sports this symbol tattooed on his large arm. They have seen this sign before, and Daryle remembers that the tube and the message they found in the brigands' camp bore a similar triangular symbol.
 |
| Black Earth Cult |
Thorne questions the bugbear, who grudgingly reveals that he was on a mission to find and make prisonners any dwarf he could find, before he was captured by knights and imprisoned here. The female dwarf, Broga, is more talkative, and tells the Coopers she was captured by the Howling Hatred Cult, but their plans for her are not clear. She doesn't know much about them, nor how they are associated with the Feathergale Society, but she does know that they worship Yan-C Bin. Unfortunately, this name doesn't mean anything to the Coopers.
When a guard comes to check on the prisoners, the Coopers quickly dispatch him. Armed with the keys, they decide to free the prisoners ...
Friday, July 20, 2018
Assault in the Wilderness
Abadius 14, 4713
Zeshan Wayfinder and her dwarven convoy, which Dhukhean has been tasked with escorting back to Korvosa, are due today. Dhukhean arrives at the Swinging Sword Inn for breakfast. He has polished his boots, his beard, and his bald spot, and his ceremonial clothes are impeccably pressed. The scent of beard oil is pervasive throughout the dining room, and some of the patrons silently gag. Kaylessa Irkell thanks the Coopers for their help in getting most of her staff back. Breakfast is heartier and more abundant this morning, but the weather outside remains unseasonably cold and snowy, unusual weather for this area.
The Coopers decide to brave the weather and meet the convoy on the road. They saddle their horses and head north on the Long Road towards Westbridge. A few hours out of Red Larch, a storm strikes from the west and soon the road all but disappear beneath a blanket of snow. Only the trees and boulders on the side of the road indicate its direction. The snow keeps pilling on, and after eight hours of traveling the Coopers are exhausted.
Daryle finds a sheltered space and pitches her tent. Darelle outdoes her sister and uses the jar of cloud to create a cloud castle on the ground. Lawrence wraps himself in his warm blanket. Ruddy finds a rock, and has Naga heat it to a comfortable temperature. He then climbs a tall tree, bundles up in his sleeping bag with the rock radiating heat and keeps guard, watching the area despite the blinding snow. Daryle sets up a few traps that will trigger an alarm if someone, or something, approaches during the night. The Coopers divide the watches among themselves, but the night is uneventful and they are able to rest.
Abadius 15, 4713
At midpoint in the night, Ruddy notices the storm abating, and soon the last flake fall from the sky. When a weak sun rises in the east, the entire countryside is covered with a deep blanket of white snow. Over 20 inches fell over the last day. Though it is not snowing anymore, the winds continue to blow and the temperature remains very cold. In the distance, a few miles north, Lawrence spots a flock of carrion birds, while two larger flying creatures are moving east, away from the flock at vertiginous speeds.
The Coopers trek north through the snow with difficulty. After an hour, they come to the scene of a battle, covered with snow. Two wagons have been overturned and broken, and a dozen human corpses lay underneath the snow. Though some have been slashed and pierced, most show blunt damage similar to the dead bodies from another encountered caravan under attack. Each human body wears a livery of a red star on black tunics, which Dhukhean recognizes as that of his clan. There are no dwarven bodies in the ruins of the caravan, and everything has been thoroughly looted. Lawrence and Thorne search for secret compartments and hidden places, and find that even these did not escape the pilfering.
On the edge of the battle are two cairns. One stands about ten feet tall and appears crudely built. The other one, about three feet tall, is of human origin. Dhukhean examines the larger cairn and determines that it was built by bugbears. Digging through the stones, Dhukhean discovers that at least five bugbears wearing a distinctive brown leather armor bearing a strange symbol are buried there.
After watching Dhukhean explore the larger cairn, Daryle examines the smaller one but realizes there is no easy way to remove enough stones to peek inside, and she's not comfortable desecrating someone's resting place, even if it is an enemy. Lawrence, meanwhile, looks for evidence of trails on the west side of the road, and eventually finds a large trail blazed through the wilderness. An attempt has been made in camouflaging its entrance into the clearing where the battle has taken place, and the depth of snow indicates that a large group of about fifty individuals came through here, then returned the same way.
Lawrence advises the party of his discovery, and soon they are on the enemies' trail. Darelle and Daryle estimate that they are probably about twelve hours behind them. The Coopers follow the trail north over ten miles, and eventually turn back east towards the Long Road. Once again the trail blazed by the large group has been camouflaged so that it would be less visible from the road. They then travel on the road for another four miles, before another trail, once again camouflaged, heads east in the Sumber Hills. Naga transforms into an owl and flies up. He can see far towards the horizon northward, but the Sumber Hills stretch eastward. He can spot evidence of the trail heading along the foothills, and then reconnects to the Stone Trail. He returns to report his findings.
The trek through the wilderness emerges back on the Stone Trail, but once again the trail veers off the road and enters the Sumber Hills. Lawrence discovers a finely made white scarf. Thorne identifies it as dwarven, while Dhukhean recognizes it as Zeshan's scarf.
With night rapidly approaching, the Coopers set up camp. Naga spots several fires in the distance, probably the town of Beliard. Closer to their camp, however, along the Stone Trail about two miles away, is a small fire. Naga flies towards it, and lands nearby. Four heavily armed men protect a small wagon. Two of them are cooking dinner, while one is guarding and the other is putting the finishing touches to the tents. He eavesdrop on their conversations. Aside from their concerns about possible attacks by bandits, the men are worried about rumors they have heard in Westbridge that Old Gnawbone, a green dragon who dwells in the Sumber Hills, has been more active of late. Naga flies away, startling the guards, who let arrows fly. He informs the Coopers of what he overheard, and the party gets ready to spend one more frigid night in the wilderness.
Abadius 16, 4713
After a light breakfast, the Coopers break camp, and examine their options. Lawrence spots three flying creatures in the distance, about four miles away, flying a northerly course following the Dessarin River. Should they attempt to contact them, or are they hostiles? Daryle uses a mirror to shine the sun towards them, and the creatures immediately turn and head their way. Soon the Coopers realize that the three creatures are actually griffons with riders on their backs. One of the rider lands. A beautiful human woman wearing a winged helmet and a finely crafted armor lands her griffon, and disembarks. She introduces herself as Savra Belabranta, a captain in the Feathergale Society, a group of flying enthusiasts with deep pockets who repurposed a small castle south of here in the Sumber Hills, and who enjoy flying with their griffons. Given all of the troubles around the Dessarin Valley, they've been keeping an eye out, and her patrol has been on the lookout for a large group of bugbears who traveled through this area two days ago, but lost them in the storm.
Thorne asks her what the Feathergale Society is. She replies that the Feathergale Society is a group of well off individuals, mostly hailing from Korvosa, Tanram and as far away as Caliphas, in Ustalav. These individual share an interest in the noble calling of aerial steeds and found the Sumber Hills to be perfect for their sport due to the high winds and turbulence. Talking to her, Thorne gets the distinctive impression that she's a rich and spoiled person who achieved her title not through her accomplishments but through her family's influence. Savra invites the Coopers to Feathergale Spire next time they are in the area, so that they can ride together. Thorne gives her a healing flower.
Resuming their pursuit, the Coopers continue deep in the Sumber Hills, and find themselves at the end of another exhausting day still in the wilderness. They pitch camp, select watches, and they try to get as much rest as possible.Unfortunately, during the night their camp is attacked. During Naga's watch, he hears growling and scratching sounds coming from outside the cloud castle. He wakes Ruddy, and the two of them step outside to investigate. They are confronted by three large toad-like beasts with six legs, each ridden by a small fey creature. They immediately attack. The battle goes poorly for Ruddy and Naga at first, but soon, with the rest of the Coopers joining the attack, they are able to defeat the attackers, killing all fey and two of the beasts while one escapes.
Abadius 18, 4713
With injuries and running low on supplies, the Coopers return to Red Larch. On their way through the southern part of the Sumber Hills, they see Feathergale Spire in the distance...
Zeshan Wayfinder and her dwarven convoy, which Dhukhean has been tasked with escorting back to Korvosa, are due today. Dhukhean arrives at the Swinging Sword Inn for breakfast. He has polished his boots, his beard, and his bald spot, and his ceremonial clothes are impeccably pressed. The scent of beard oil is pervasive throughout the dining room, and some of the patrons silently gag. Kaylessa Irkell thanks the Coopers for their help in getting most of her staff back. Breakfast is heartier and more abundant this morning, but the weather outside remains unseasonably cold and snowy, unusual weather for this area.
The Coopers decide to brave the weather and meet the convoy on the road. They saddle their horses and head north on the Long Road towards Westbridge. A few hours out of Red Larch, a storm strikes from the west and soon the road all but disappear beneath a blanket of snow. Only the trees and boulders on the side of the road indicate its direction. The snow keeps pilling on, and after eight hours of traveling the Coopers are exhausted.
Daryle finds a sheltered space and pitches her tent. Darelle outdoes her sister and uses the jar of cloud to create a cloud castle on the ground. Lawrence wraps himself in his warm blanket. Ruddy finds a rock, and has Naga heat it to a comfortable temperature. He then climbs a tall tree, bundles up in his sleeping bag with the rock radiating heat and keeps guard, watching the area despite the blinding snow. Daryle sets up a few traps that will trigger an alarm if someone, or something, approaches during the night. The Coopers divide the watches among themselves, but the night is uneventful and they are able to rest.
Abadius 15, 4713
At midpoint in the night, Ruddy notices the storm abating, and soon the last flake fall from the sky. When a weak sun rises in the east, the entire countryside is covered with a deep blanket of white snow. Over 20 inches fell over the last day. Though it is not snowing anymore, the winds continue to blow and the temperature remains very cold. In the distance, a few miles north, Lawrence spots a flock of carrion birds, while two larger flying creatures are moving east, away from the flock at vertiginous speeds.
The Coopers trek north through the snow with difficulty. After an hour, they come to the scene of a battle, covered with snow. Two wagons have been overturned and broken, and a dozen human corpses lay underneath the snow. Though some have been slashed and pierced, most show blunt damage similar to the dead bodies from another encountered caravan under attack. Each human body wears a livery of a red star on black tunics, which Dhukhean recognizes as that of his clan. There are no dwarven bodies in the ruins of the caravan, and everything has been thoroughly looted. Lawrence and Thorne search for secret compartments and hidden places, and find that even these did not escape the pilfering.
On the edge of the battle are two cairns. One stands about ten feet tall and appears crudely built. The other one, about three feet tall, is of human origin. Dhukhean examines the larger cairn and determines that it was built by bugbears. Digging through the stones, Dhukhean discovers that at least five bugbears wearing a distinctive brown leather armor bearing a strange symbol are buried there.
Lawrence advises the party of his discovery, and soon they are on the enemies' trail. Darelle and Daryle estimate that they are probably about twelve hours behind them. The Coopers follow the trail north over ten miles, and eventually turn back east towards the Long Road. Once again the trail blazed by the large group has been camouflaged so that it would be less visible from the road. They then travel on the road for another four miles, before another trail, once again camouflaged, heads east in the Sumber Hills. Naga transforms into an owl and flies up. He can see far towards the horizon northward, but the Sumber Hills stretch eastward. He can spot evidence of the trail heading along the foothills, and then reconnects to the Stone Trail. He returns to report his findings.
The trek through the wilderness emerges back on the Stone Trail, but once again the trail veers off the road and enters the Sumber Hills. Lawrence discovers a finely made white scarf. Thorne identifies it as dwarven, while Dhukhean recognizes it as Zeshan's scarf.
With night rapidly approaching, the Coopers set up camp. Naga spots several fires in the distance, probably the town of Beliard. Closer to their camp, however, along the Stone Trail about two miles away, is a small fire. Naga flies towards it, and lands nearby. Four heavily armed men protect a small wagon. Two of them are cooking dinner, while one is guarding and the other is putting the finishing touches to the tents. He eavesdrop on their conversations. Aside from their concerns about possible attacks by bandits, the men are worried about rumors they have heard in Westbridge that Old Gnawbone, a green dragon who dwells in the Sumber Hills, has been more active of late. Naga flies away, startling the guards, who let arrows fly. He informs the Coopers of what he overheard, and the party gets ready to spend one more frigid night in the wilderness.
Abadius 16, 4713
After a light breakfast, the Coopers break camp, and examine their options. Lawrence spots three flying creatures in the distance, about four miles away, flying a northerly course following the Dessarin River. Should they attempt to contact them, or are they hostiles? Daryle uses a mirror to shine the sun towards them, and the creatures immediately turn and head their way. Soon the Coopers realize that the three creatures are actually griffons with riders on their backs. One of the rider lands. A beautiful human woman wearing a winged helmet and a finely crafted armor lands her griffon, and disembarks. She introduces herself as Savra Belabranta, a captain in the Feathergale Society, a group of flying enthusiasts with deep pockets who repurposed a small castle south of here in the Sumber Hills, and who enjoy flying with their griffons. Given all of the troubles around the Dessarin Valley, they've been keeping an eye out, and her patrol has been on the lookout for a large group of bugbears who traveled through this area two days ago, but lost them in the storm.
Thorne asks her what the Feathergale Society is. She replies that the Feathergale Society is a group of well off individuals, mostly hailing from Korvosa, Tanram and as far away as Caliphas, in Ustalav. These individual share an interest in the noble calling of aerial steeds and found the Sumber Hills to be perfect for their sport due to the high winds and turbulence. Talking to her, Thorne gets the distinctive impression that she's a rich and spoiled person who achieved her title not through her accomplishments but through her family's influence. Savra invites the Coopers to Feathergale Spire next time they are in the area, so that they can ride together. Thorne gives her a healing flower.
Resuming their pursuit, the Coopers continue deep in the Sumber Hills, and find themselves at the end of another exhausting day still in the wilderness. They pitch camp, select watches, and they try to get as much rest as possible.Unfortunately, during the night their camp is attacked. During Naga's watch, he hears growling and scratching sounds coming from outside the cloud castle. He wakes Ruddy, and the two of them step outside to investigate. They are confronted by three large toad-like beasts with six legs, each ridden by a small fey creature. They immediately attack. The battle goes poorly for Ruddy and Naga at first, but soon, with the rest of the Coopers joining the attack, they are able to defeat the attackers, killing all fey and two of the beasts while one escapes.
Abadius 18, 4713
With injuries and running low on supplies, the Coopers return to Red Larch. On their way through the southern part of the Sumber Hills, they see Feathergale Spire in the distance...
Friday, June 29, 2018
The path less traveled
Abadius 3, 4713
The riots of Korvosa eventually settle into a simmering low-level civil war, with Korvosian troops putting down roving bands of opponents. Queen Ileosa remains unpopular, but martial law and Hellknight support have now brought the situation to a stalemate. Having returned from their trip to Magnimar as escorts to Duke Mosley's niece Olivia nearly three months ago, the Coopers put their affairs in order and clean Zellara's house to make it their own. Dhukhean pursues his dwarven clan's mission of setting up its embassy despite the troubling times. Thorne secretly conducts several missions for Mosley, while keeping an eye on the local Hellknights for him.
Ruddy McStabby, a rugged gnome slayer bounty hunter, arrived in Korvosa a month ago, hot on the trail of Geralds. He has been hunting them down all over Golarion after receiving a commission from Duke Mosley, who remains holed up in the Emerald Spire, exploiting its magical energy. In the last six months Ruddy has eliminated seven of the pesky Geralds. In Korvasa, he ran into the Cooper sisters and they commiserated over the plague of Geralds that have been unleashed on the continent. The sister loved their triplet brother, but also hated him.
Naga spends the three months following the Breaching Festival in Korvosa working as a mercenary on ships plying the trade routes between Korvosa and Cheliax. Along the way he hears that Duke Mosley has finally been disinherited and disowned from his mother, her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune and a price has been put on his head. Rumors of forces gathering on both sides of what promises to be a bloody conflict for the future of Cheliax are spreading rapidly along the Inner Sea and even faraway coasts.
Early in the morning, Dhukhean receives a messenger from his clan. This dwarf informs him he must travel on the Long Road leading from Korvosa to Kaer Maga. The chief's wife, Zeshan Wayfinder is traveling with a retinue from the Kodar Mountains, where she visited family, and is now heading to Korvosa to inaugurate the clan's new embassy. Dhukhean is instructed to meet her caravan in the village of Red Larch, where she is expected in about ten days, and escort her back to Korvosa. Dhukhean is proud of the honor of being asked, and he decides to ask the Cooper sisters if they would like to accompany him on what he expects to be an uneventful trip.
Gathering together for a communal evening meal at the Pier's Lantern to celebrate the new year, Dhukhean outlines his upcoming travel plans. Darelle and Daryle readily agree to escort the dwarf, happy to be leaving the city behind for a few weeks. Naga, Lawrence, and Ruddy are cajoled in coming with them. Thorne, who arrives late, elects to go with the group as well. Thus, arrangements are made to depart the following morning and head to the village of Red Larch, a few days south of Kaer Maga.
Abadius 12, 4713
For nine days the Coopers' trip is uneventful. Instead of journeying on the Long Road, they choose the Kheldell Path. Less traveled and longer than the Long Road, Kheldell Path avoids many settlements and, paradoxically, offers a speedier trip. The weather remains cold and gloomy, with a few days of sunshine and decent temperatures. Spring is still a few months away in this part of Varisia. The rangers successfully gather food along the path, and for nine days the expedition makes good progress
priest wearing dun colored robes leading the search of the wagon. The priest appears agitated and is clearly looking for something, as he yells at his men to hurry up and find the object he desires. The remaining Coopers cannot see the priest from their vantage point, and Ruddy has no way to notify them. Thorne moves forward and, using a tree for partial cover, fires an arrow at the bandit he deduces is in charge. Surprised by this attack, the bandits are slow to react and the Coopers rain arrows on the hapless bandits. Soon, however, the battle is joined.
When Dhukhean enters the fray, the bandits' attention shift to him. The priest emerges from the shelter of the overturned wagon and casts a spell. The ground in front of Dhukhean erupts like a geyser, spraying stones everywhere and inflicting serious damage to many members of the party. Then, three huge earth elementals emerge from the ground and launch themselves at the dwarf. Lawrence moves through the forest on the opposite side of Ruddy, and stabs a bandit to death. Thorne continues to fire arrows along with Daryle, while Darelle and Dhukhean move in for close quarter combat. Thorne notices that though the elementals appear to collaborate with the bandits, they are not commanded by them. The elementals' movement blocks their view of the rest of the battle, however, and Dhukhean soon finds himself in trouble. Incapacitated by a powerful blow, he is unceremoniously grabbed by an elemental, who attempts to pull him underground. Quick thinking by Naga and Darelle slays the elemental, but Dhukhean is buried to his beard in hard-packed ground. The remaining elementals are soon dispatched, and efforts are undertaken to revive and dig Dhukhean from the ground.
Meanwhile, Ruddy and Lawrence kill several bandits. Seeing his troops depleted, the bandit chief gives the retreat signal, and the remaining bandits, including the priest, manage to slip away back in the forest.
Ruddy boards the wagon and begins searching it. He discovers a crate containing four silver candlesticks marked with a strange symbol, an X with a squiggle line underneath:
He also finds evidence that two dwarves were aboard the wagon. Part of a cloak remain behind, and a booth is found partially buried in the road, indicating that the dwarves were most likely pulled underground by elementals. Lawrence, who also climbs aboard the overturned wagon, discovers two books in a secret compartment. Both books are covered in dark leather with iron bindings and inscribed in golden letters. Written in dwarven, the books are eventually shown to Dhukhean, who identifies them as volumes III and IV of the history of Besilmer, a dwarven kingdom which, atypically, was pastoral in nature. They built their capital at Tyar-Besil, site of a mighty battle between dwarves and the last outpost of a Drow empire.
Ruddy shows the cloak and the boot to Dhukhean, who identifies the items as belonging to dwarves of the Mindspin Mountains to the East and not part of the caravan from the North the party is expecting to meet in Red Larch. The Coopers clean up the battle scene, and after a pause to recuperate continue on their trip, arriving at Red Larch an hour before sunset.
In the village, Darelle, Daryle, Thorne and Ruddy book rooms at the Swinging Sword Inn, a three-story stone inn topped with a very steep slate roof dotted with a multitude of chimneys. The signboard, which hangs from chains above the door, displays a wooden scimitar emblazoned with the inn's name in red paint on each side. The property also features stables and several outbuildings to accommodate patrons' needs. Welcoming and luxurious by the area's otherwise rustic standards, each room features a hearth with a light fire, warm draperies and tapestries illustrating several scenes of recent history of the Dessarin Valley. Each room also has its own private bathroom with running water, provided by an intricate rooftop cisterns and heating system.
Despite the winter cold, Naga and Lawrence look for and locate a barn. The local farmer reluctantly agrees to let the halfling and tiefling use his barn for shelter for the night.
Dhukhean visits the Allfaiths Shrine, and meets both Imdar Relvaunder, a priest of Gorum, and Lymmura Auldarhk, a priestess of Shelyn. The priests are pleased to see the dwarf and agree to let him stay with them for the night.
The riots of Korvosa eventually settle into a simmering low-level civil war, with Korvosian troops putting down roving bands of opponents. Queen Ileosa remains unpopular, but martial law and Hellknight support have now brought the situation to a stalemate. Having returned from their trip to Magnimar as escorts to Duke Mosley's niece Olivia nearly three months ago, the Coopers put their affairs in order and clean Zellara's house to make it their own. Dhukhean pursues his dwarven clan's mission of setting up its embassy despite the troubling times. Thorne secretly conducts several missions for Mosley, while keeping an eye on the local Hellknights for him.
Ruddy McStabby, a rugged gnome slayer bounty hunter, arrived in Korvosa a month ago, hot on the trail of Geralds. He has been hunting them down all over Golarion after receiving a commission from Duke Mosley, who remains holed up in the Emerald Spire, exploiting its magical energy. In the last six months Ruddy has eliminated seven of the pesky Geralds. In Korvasa, he ran into the Cooper sisters and they commiserated over the plague of Geralds that have been unleashed on the continent. The sister loved their triplet brother, but also hated him.
Naga spends the three months following the Breaching Festival in Korvosa working as a mercenary on ships plying the trade routes between Korvosa and Cheliax. Along the way he hears that Duke Mosley has finally been disinherited and disowned from his mother, her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune and a price has been put on his head. Rumors of forces gathering on both sides of what promises to be a bloody conflict for the future of Cheliax are spreading rapidly along the Inner Sea and even faraway coasts.
Early in the morning, Dhukhean receives a messenger from his clan. This dwarf informs him he must travel on the Long Road leading from Korvosa to Kaer Maga. The chief's wife, Zeshan Wayfinder is traveling with a retinue from the Kodar Mountains, where she visited family, and is now heading to Korvosa to inaugurate the clan's new embassy. Dhukhean is instructed to meet her caravan in the village of Red Larch, where she is expected in about ten days, and escort her back to Korvosa. Dhukhean is proud of the honor of being asked, and he decides to ask the Cooper sisters if they would like to accompany him on what he expects to be an uneventful trip.
Gathering together for a communal evening meal at the Pier's Lantern to celebrate the new year, Dhukhean outlines his upcoming travel plans. Darelle and Daryle readily agree to escort the dwarf, happy to be leaving the city behind for a few weeks. Naga, Lawrence, and Ruddy are cajoled in coming with them. Thorne, who arrives late, elects to go with the group as well. Thus, arrangements are made to depart the following morning and head to the village of Red Larch, a few days south of Kaer Maga.
Abadius 12, 4713
For nine days the Coopers' trip is uneventful. Instead of journeying on the Long Road, they choose the Kheldell Path. Less traveled and longer than the Long Road, Kheldell Path avoids many settlements and, paradoxically, offers a speedier trip. The weather remains cold and gloomy, with a few days of sunshine and decent temperatures. Spring is still a few months away in this part of Varisia. The rangers successfully gather food along the path, and for nine days the expedition makes good progress
priest wearing dun colored robes leading the search of the wagon. The priest appears agitated and is clearly looking for something, as he yells at his men to hurry up and find the object he desires. The remaining Coopers cannot see the priest from their vantage point, and Ruddy has no way to notify them. Thorne moves forward and, using a tree for partial cover, fires an arrow at the bandit he deduces is in charge. Surprised by this attack, the bandits are slow to react and the Coopers rain arrows on the hapless bandits. Soon, however, the battle is joined.
When Dhukhean enters the fray, the bandits' attention shift to him. The priest emerges from the shelter of the overturned wagon and casts a spell. The ground in front of Dhukhean erupts like a geyser, spraying stones everywhere and inflicting serious damage to many members of the party. Then, three huge earth elementals emerge from the ground and launch themselves at the dwarf. Lawrence moves through the forest on the opposite side of Ruddy, and stabs a bandit to death. Thorne continues to fire arrows along with Daryle, while Darelle and Dhukhean move in for close quarter combat. Thorne notices that though the elementals appear to collaborate with the bandits, they are not commanded by them. The elementals' movement blocks their view of the rest of the battle, however, and Dhukhean soon finds himself in trouble. Incapacitated by a powerful blow, he is unceremoniously grabbed by an elemental, who attempts to pull him underground. Quick thinking by Naga and Darelle slays the elemental, but Dhukhean is buried to his beard in hard-packed ground. The remaining elementals are soon dispatched, and efforts are undertaken to revive and dig Dhukhean from the ground.
Meanwhile, Ruddy and Lawrence kill several bandits. Seeing his troops depleted, the bandit chief gives the retreat signal, and the remaining bandits, including the priest, manage to slip away back in the forest.
Ruddy boards the wagon and begins searching it. He discovers a crate containing four silver candlesticks marked with a strange symbol, an X with a squiggle line underneath:
He also finds evidence that two dwarves were aboard the wagon. Part of a cloak remain behind, and a booth is found partially buried in the road, indicating that the dwarves were most likely pulled underground by elementals. Lawrence, who also climbs aboard the overturned wagon, discovers two books in a secret compartment. Both books are covered in dark leather with iron bindings and inscribed in golden letters. Written in dwarven, the books are eventually shown to Dhukhean, who identifies them as volumes III and IV of the history of Besilmer, a dwarven kingdom which, atypically, was pastoral in nature. They built their capital at Tyar-Besil, site of a mighty battle between dwarves and the last outpost of a Drow empire.
Ruddy shows the cloak and the boot to Dhukhean, who identifies the items as belonging to dwarves of the Mindspin Mountains to the East and not part of the caravan from the North the party is expecting to meet in Red Larch. The Coopers clean up the battle scene, and after a pause to recuperate continue on their trip, arriving at Red Larch an hour before sunset.
In the village, Darelle, Daryle, Thorne and Ruddy book rooms at the Swinging Sword Inn, a three-story stone inn topped with a very steep slate roof dotted with a multitude of chimneys. The signboard, which hangs from chains above the door, displays a wooden scimitar emblazoned with the inn's name in red paint on each side. The property also features stables and several outbuildings to accommodate patrons' needs. Welcoming and luxurious by the area's otherwise rustic standards, each room features a hearth with a light fire, warm draperies and tapestries illustrating several scenes of recent history of the Dessarin Valley. Each room also has its own private bathroom with running water, provided by an intricate rooftop cisterns and heating system.
Despite the winter cold, Naga and Lawrence look for and locate a barn. The local farmer reluctantly agrees to let the halfling and tiefling use his barn for shelter for the night.
Dhukhean visits the Allfaiths Shrine, and meets both Imdar Relvaunder, a priest of Gorum, and Lymmura Auldarhk, a priestess of Shelyn. The priests are pleased to see the dwarf and agree to let him stay with them for the night.
Friday, November 10, 2017
Devils and contracts
Lamashan 1, 4712, continued
With the key in hand, Darelle considers her options. Should she open the magical door ahead of them and step through to claim the prize, or is there a trap awaiting her? Nervously, she inserts the key and turns it slowly. The door opens, and reveals the auditorium of the Hall of Summoning. But something is off. Grunt pushes past Daryle and Darelle. Daryle attempts to trip him but misses. Grunt enters the auditorium first, followed by the rest of the group except Whilelor, who decide to hang back and explore the remaining rooms.
In the balcony of the auditorium stand two devils, a barbed devil and a devourer who are arguing with each other. Daryle senses that they are about to come to blows. Darelle, who can comprehend languages thanks to an item she picked up in the Emerald Spire, understands the conversation perfectly. They are both angrily discussing the future of a soul the devourer has seized but that rightfully belongs to the barbed devil, who had a contract with the soul's owner for possession. Apparently, the barbed devil's contract has been lost in the library and the barbed devil is upset that the devourer is not following hellish law and relinquishing its hold on the soul.
Grunt turns back and motions to the party to be quiet. Darelle, Daryle and Lawrence move quietly into the room. Whilelor follows a moment later, having decided to explore the rooms later. The party stops and observes the discussion. The devils have not noticed them yet. Lawrence can't understand the conversation, but also feels like the devils are about to come to blows. Whilelor sneaks to the door across the auditorium, but Grunt yells out an obscenity, disturbing the devils' argument. They turn and face the Coopers on the main floor. There follows a short discussion during which Grunt convinces the barbed devil that his claim is indeed the right one and that the Coopers are willing to assist him in destroying the devourer. The barbed devil agrees and a fight erupts. Grunt charges up the stairs, but soon finds himself in the middle of a summoning circle, unable to break free. The barbed devil slashes the devourer.. The devourer. in turns offers a deal to the barbed devil. He will relinquish the soul currently in his chest, if the barbed devil will agree that three of the five new souls in the auditorium belong to the devourer., including the fiesty dwarf's soul. The barbed devil agrees.
Daryle and Darelle launch missile attacks against both devils. Daryle notices that the soul inside the devil's chest bears a strange likeness to Lord Garrett, the lich necromancer who entered the Breaching Festival with them earlier in the day. The lich must have gotten here before they did. Grunt insults the devourer. Lawrence breaks the summoning circle and releases Grunt. The devourer slashes at Grunt but the dwarf avoids it. The devourer lashes back, inflicting pain on the dwarf. Lawrence uses his shuriken and reduces the devourer to half his size. He strikes the dwarf again, but a mighty blow from Grunt decapitates it, releasing the soul of Lord Garrett, which floats away accompanied by a sigh.
Meanwhile, Whilelor backtracks through the auditorium and returns to the hallway behind the magical door. He goes to the first of three rooms the Coopers did not explore. He opens the door and spikes it to ensure it does not close behind him, This room is a small lecture hall, with desks on either side of a central aisle. At the back of the room a man is chained by the hands and the feet. Whilelor recognizes the poor tortured soul as Gerald, babbling incomprehensibly. Whilelor casts cure moderate wounds then adds a lesser restoration to provide the sorcerer with some semblance of intelligence. He then removes the bonds that secure Gerald to the wall, then drags him out of the room. The sorcerer babbles incomprehensible words, but Whilelor is able to make sense of "the void behind the door," and "the devil wants a deal."
Back in the auditorium, the fight moves to the barbed devil. As the devil is busy hurling attacks at Daryle and Darelle, Lawrence sneaks behind him and strikes a mighty blow. Unfortunately, in the process he becomes grappled by the devil's barbs. The fight continues but the barbed devil is hopelessly outmatched and Grunt delivers the killing blow. Among the devil's possession, Lawrence finds a magical key as well as a hellish contract, signed by a Gerald. He pockets both, but not before Grunt notices the rogue's movement.
At the other end of the hall, Whilelor and Gerald explore the two remaining rooms and discover several doors that lead to a void of nothing. Whilelor is puzzled. Where are they?
Holding the key, Lawrence descends the stairs back to the main floor and unlocks the magical door and enters the room first, followed by Daryle, Darelle and Grunt. Whilelor and Gerald run down the hall and barely make it in before the halfling closes the door. Inside stands Chyvvom, a contract devil, in the middle of a room similar to the previous one, with balconies on either side. The ceiling features a large mural of a man resembling Toff Ornelos signing a document in the presence of Chyvvom. In each balcony are various devils, clearly part of Chyvvom's court. Chyvvom offers each member of the group the ability to bargain for anything exchange for a day of unfaltering and absolute obedience in the future. Lawrence agrees to such a contract in exchange not to be harmed by Chyvvom, who readily places his signature on top of Lawrence's, sealing the deal. None of the others choose to follow the rogue's example.
Itching for a fight, Grunt challenges Chyvvom, who is too happy to oblige. The rest of the devils, along with the Coopers, join the fray and are quickly bloodied. In a fair fight, the Coopers would have stood a chance, but with the odds stacked against them the combat is much unequal. Chyvvom launches attack after attack, striking blow after blow. The sisters focus their energies on the lesser devils, while Grunt suffers the brunt of the contract devil's wrath. A deadly delayed blast fireball incinerates Gerald and inflicts great damage on the remaining Coopers. Seeking to escape this room, Whilelor rushes past Chyvvom and opens the door at the end of the room. He only finds the void there. Desperate, he throws himself out of the room. Thus ends the life of the great Whilelor, forever lost in the void of Nothingness.
Combat continues, and the Coopers are relentlessly pursued and harried. Grunt takes a lot of punishment, and find himself needing to yield to Chyvvom before he loses his life. He inquires if the contract devil would entertain a bargain. Chyvvom agrees to hear the dwarf out, and they soon agree to the following terms: "In exchange for stopping his attack, Grunt wins the contest of retaining your soul, the gold and the fame, and he leaves immediately to return to the school and nothing more." Grunt signs the contract, and Chyvvom countersigns it. Grunt is immediately transported away from Chyvvom's kingdom.
The remaining Coopers continue the fight but are hopelessly outmatched. Chyvvom offers them another opportunity to negotiate their release, but Daryle and Daryle refuse. Chyvvom disappears in a cloud of smoke, informing them to call him when they are ready to bargain with him. The Cooper sisters and Lawrence are stuck! If they die here, Chyvvom will own their soul. Should they agree to his terms?
Fearing the end, Darelle summons the power of her rainbow star flower and calls upon its power to assist her in her time of great need. Chyvvom's realm is pierced with hundreds of plant tendrils which tear a hole in the demi-plane. Angry, the contract devil reappears with his cronies. The plants strike at the lesser devils, and even push back Chyvvom while an opening large enough for the ranger and her friends. Lawrence and Daryle jump in, followed closely by Darelle to Chyvvom's cries of anguish and dismay. The contract devil has lost!
They reappear in front of the Hall of Summoning, to the applause of the crowd. It is near midday, and only a few hours have elapsed. Toff Ornelos welcomes them back, but informs them that they were not the first ones out. That honor belongs to Grunt, who unfortunately emerged from the Hall of Summoning dead. The dwarf had won the contest and retained his soul, and earned the 153,000 crowns for being first out, but unfortunately fell from the sky and died on impact. Toff thanks the Coopers for participating, and informs them that if Grunt's heirs cannot be located they may receive some of the reward.
Lawrence confronts Toff with the happenings in the Breaching Festival, and focuses on the presence of Chyvvom. Toff professes his innocence and lack of knowledge, but Lawrence knows better and presses on. Queen Ileosa, who is present, orders the wizard's arrest, and thanks the Coopers for the services they rendered. She agrees to resurrect Grunt, and awards each of them 40,000 crowns in thanks from the Crown of Korvosa. Queen Ileosa herself is wearing a beautiful brooch that depicts a pseudodragon and an imp coiled around each other in an almost yin-yang pattern. The pseudodragon’s eye is an amethyst, while the imp’s eye is an emerald. Lawrence is quite fascinated by this one of a kind jewel ...
With the key in hand, Darelle considers her options. Should she open the magical door ahead of them and step through to claim the prize, or is there a trap awaiting her? Nervously, she inserts the key and turns it slowly. The door opens, and reveals the auditorium of the Hall of Summoning. But something is off. Grunt pushes past Daryle and Darelle. Daryle attempts to trip him but misses. Grunt enters the auditorium first, followed by the rest of the group except Whilelor, who decide to hang back and explore the remaining rooms.
In the balcony of the auditorium stand two devils, a barbed devil and a devourer who are arguing with each other. Daryle senses that they are about to come to blows. Darelle, who can comprehend languages thanks to an item she picked up in the Emerald Spire, understands the conversation perfectly. They are both angrily discussing the future of a soul the devourer has seized but that rightfully belongs to the barbed devil, who had a contract with the soul's owner for possession. Apparently, the barbed devil's contract has been lost in the library and the barbed devil is upset that the devourer is not following hellish law and relinquishing its hold on the soul.
Grunt turns back and motions to the party to be quiet. Darelle, Daryle and Lawrence move quietly into the room. Whilelor follows a moment later, having decided to explore the rooms later. The party stops and observes the discussion. The devils have not noticed them yet. Lawrence can't understand the conversation, but also feels like the devils are about to come to blows. Whilelor sneaks to the door across the auditorium, but Grunt yells out an obscenity, disturbing the devils' argument. They turn and face the Coopers on the main floor. There follows a short discussion during which Grunt convinces the barbed devil that his claim is indeed the right one and that the Coopers are willing to assist him in destroying the devourer. The barbed devil agrees and a fight erupts. Grunt charges up the stairs, but soon finds himself in the middle of a summoning circle, unable to break free. The barbed devil slashes the devourer.. The devourer. in turns offers a deal to the barbed devil. He will relinquish the soul currently in his chest, if the barbed devil will agree that three of the five new souls in the auditorium belong to the devourer., including the fiesty dwarf's soul. The barbed devil agrees.
Daryle and Darelle launch missile attacks against both devils. Daryle notices that the soul inside the devil's chest bears a strange likeness to Lord Garrett, the lich necromancer who entered the Breaching Festival with them earlier in the day. The lich must have gotten here before they did. Grunt insults the devourer. Lawrence breaks the summoning circle and releases Grunt. The devourer slashes at Grunt but the dwarf avoids it. The devourer lashes back, inflicting pain on the dwarf. Lawrence uses his shuriken and reduces the devourer to half his size. He strikes the dwarf again, but a mighty blow from Grunt decapitates it, releasing the soul of Lord Garrett, which floats away accompanied by a sigh.
Meanwhile, Whilelor backtracks through the auditorium and returns to the hallway behind the magical door. He goes to the first of three rooms the Coopers did not explore. He opens the door and spikes it to ensure it does not close behind him, This room is a small lecture hall, with desks on either side of a central aisle. At the back of the room a man is chained by the hands and the feet. Whilelor recognizes the poor tortured soul as Gerald, babbling incomprehensibly. Whilelor casts cure moderate wounds then adds a lesser restoration to provide the sorcerer with some semblance of intelligence. He then removes the bonds that secure Gerald to the wall, then drags him out of the room. The sorcerer babbles incomprehensible words, but Whilelor is able to make sense of "the void behind the door," and "the devil wants a deal."
Back in the auditorium, the fight moves to the barbed devil. As the devil is busy hurling attacks at Daryle and Darelle, Lawrence sneaks behind him and strikes a mighty blow. Unfortunately, in the process he becomes grappled by the devil's barbs. The fight continues but the barbed devil is hopelessly outmatched and Grunt delivers the killing blow. Among the devil's possession, Lawrence finds a magical key as well as a hellish contract, signed by a Gerald. He pockets both, but not before Grunt notices the rogue's movement.
At the other end of the hall, Whilelor and Gerald explore the two remaining rooms and discover several doors that lead to a void of nothing. Whilelor is puzzled. Where are they?
Holding the key, Lawrence descends the stairs back to the main floor and unlocks the magical door and enters the room first, followed by Daryle, Darelle and Grunt. Whilelor and Gerald run down the hall and barely make it in before the halfling closes the door. Inside stands Chyvvom, a contract devil, in the middle of a room similar to the previous one, with balconies on either side. The ceiling features a large mural of a man resembling Toff Ornelos signing a document in the presence of Chyvvom. In each balcony are various devils, clearly part of Chyvvom's court. Chyvvom offers each member of the group the ability to bargain for anything exchange for a day of unfaltering and absolute obedience in the future. Lawrence agrees to such a contract in exchange not to be harmed by Chyvvom, who readily places his signature on top of Lawrence's, sealing the deal. None of the others choose to follow the rogue's example.
Itching for a fight, Grunt challenges Chyvvom, who is too happy to oblige. The rest of the devils, along with the Coopers, join the fray and are quickly bloodied. In a fair fight, the Coopers would have stood a chance, but with the odds stacked against them the combat is much unequal. Chyvvom launches attack after attack, striking blow after blow. The sisters focus their energies on the lesser devils, while Grunt suffers the brunt of the contract devil's wrath. A deadly delayed blast fireball incinerates Gerald and inflicts great damage on the remaining Coopers. Seeking to escape this room, Whilelor rushes past Chyvvom and opens the door at the end of the room. He only finds the void there. Desperate, he throws himself out of the room. Thus ends the life of the great Whilelor, forever lost in the void of Nothingness.
Combat continues, and the Coopers are relentlessly pursued and harried. Grunt takes a lot of punishment, and find himself needing to yield to Chyvvom before he loses his life. He inquires if the contract devil would entertain a bargain. Chyvvom agrees to hear the dwarf out, and they soon agree to the following terms: "In exchange for stopping his attack, Grunt wins the contest of retaining your soul, the gold and the fame, and he leaves immediately to return to the school and nothing more." Grunt signs the contract, and Chyvvom countersigns it. Grunt is immediately transported away from Chyvvom's kingdom.
The remaining Coopers continue the fight but are hopelessly outmatched. Chyvvom offers them another opportunity to negotiate their release, but Daryle and Daryle refuse. Chyvvom disappears in a cloud of smoke, informing them to call him when they are ready to bargain with him. The Cooper sisters and Lawrence are stuck! If they die here, Chyvvom will own their soul. Should they agree to his terms?
Fearing the end, Darelle summons the power of her rainbow star flower and calls upon its power to assist her in her time of great need. Chyvvom's realm is pierced with hundreds of plant tendrils which tear a hole in the demi-plane. Angry, the contract devil reappears with his cronies. The plants strike at the lesser devils, and even push back Chyvvom while an opening large enough for the ranger and her friends. Lawrence and Daryle jump in, followed closely by Darelle to Chyvvom's cries of anguish and dismay. The contract devil has lost!
They reappear in front of the Hall of Summoning, to the applause of the crowd. It is near midday, and only a few hours have elapsed. Toff Ornelos welcomes them back, but informs them that they were not the first ones out. That honor belongs to Grunt, who unfortunately emerged from the Hall of Summoning dead. The dwarf had won the contest and retained his soul, and earned the 153,000 crowns for being first out, but unfortunately fell from the sky and died on impact. Toff thanks the Coopers for participating, and informs them that if Grunt's heirs cannot be located they may receive some of the reward.
Lawrence confronts Toff with the happenings in the Breaching Festival, and focuses on the presence of Chyvvom. Toff professes his innocence and lack of knowledge, but Lawrence knows better and presses on. Queen Ileosa, who is present, orders the wizard's arrest, and thanks the Coopers for the services they rendered. She agrees to resurrect Grunt, and awards each of them 40,000 crowns in thanks from the Crown of Korvosa. Queen Ileosa herself is wearing a beautiful brooch that depicts a pseudodragon and an imp coiled around each other in an almost yin-yang pattern. The pseudodragon’s eye is an amethyst, while the imp’s eye is an emerald. Lawrence is quite fascinated by this one of a kind jewel ...
Friday, October 20, 2017
A rainbow of keylights
Lamashan 1, 4712
About an hour before dawn, the Coopers report to the Ornelos Building, ready for the Breaching Festival to begin. The remaining participants all trickle in over the following quarter of an hour. Toff Ornelos himself finally stands and addresses the crowd. Toff reminds the participants of the rules. They cannot attack other participants directly. They must also find a light key of a different color per individual in a group. He then asks if there are any questions, but no one asks any. His speech is interrupted by the arrival of Queen Ileosa of Korvosa and her large retinue, here to witness the day's graduation challenges.
When the first ray of light hits the Hall of Summoning, the Breaching Festival begins. The Coopers' group decide to start there, since it is the closest building. Darelle and Daryle are joined by Grunt Farnsworth the dwarf and four of his kinsmen, as well as by Lawrence the halfling and two of his henchmen, the Naga, and Whilenor. Mangarad and his crew head to the Hall of Charms. Gerald runs towards the Hall of Lies. Finally, Lord Garrett of Ged glides towards the Hall of Whispers. Roscoe, feeling under the weather, decides not to participates.
The Coopers search the Hall of Summoning. Inside a classroom on the ground floor, they find four red keylights, each hovering eight feet from the ground above a different desk. They carefully enter the classroom and approach the lights. Upon further examination, they are simply floating in the air. Grunt stands on a desk and touches the red light. Three of the lights immediately transform into Furies, while one of the light continues to hover. Whilenor sees that the red key light by him has not changed, so he grabs it. Grunt expected this attack, so he hits his target with his hammer. Lawrence throws two shurikens designed to shrink his target, but unfortunately both miss. The Naga also lands a series of forceful blows. The rest of the Coopers engage the Furies. For a while the combat proceeds in the Furies's favor, but a brilliant move by Whilenor, who transforms the table into a set of jaws which catches one of the monsters, flips the table in the Coopers' favor, and soon the Furies are no more. Grunt grabs one of the +1 longsword and one +1 flaming composite longbow, while Lawrence takes the remaining three +1 longswords and sets them aside in one of the empty classrooms, hoping to come back for them and eventually sell them.
The Coopers and their allies move next to the Hall of Seeing. This building features a set of double doors that display giant harrow cards, which change to reflect the past or the future of the last person to touch the door. There are scrying devices everywhere. Inside there is a large hallway stretching from one end to the other. In the middle of the hallway are four mirrors. Each of them reflect an orange key-light in the middle of the room, but the room itself is empty. The Coopers puzzle this challenge for quite some time. Darelle is the first to touch the mirror. She sees a hellish vision. In her mind a large devil appears, and asks her to pose her question. Intimidated by the devil, she has difficulty forming a question. Lawrence and Grunt also touch the mirror, and encounter the same vision. Lawrence agrees to visit hell, but only on the day he can be heard shouting "I invoke the mark of the old god Throth." Grunt makes no bargain with the devil, and instead threatens him with the end of his hammer. Finally, Darelle figures out that by walking backwards she's able to reach the orange light and grabs it.
The Coopers then move to the Hall of Induction. Resembling a cube, this building is built of thick iron on three sides, and a series of iron plates on the fourth. It contains nothing aside from a spiral staircase and five empty floors. All walls in here are made of force, and keep all evocation spells contained inside the building. On the fourth floor the Coopers find some sort of alchemical apparatus. On one side is a large clear tank with a green liquid. On the other side, is a similar tank with a red liquid. In the middle is a pipe linking both tanks. The liquid in this section is yellow, and the Coopers can tell there is a yellow keylight inside the tube. Daryle takes no time and smashes the red tube. An explosion fills the floor, badly injuring he Coopers and their allies. however, they also acquire a yellow keylight.
Moving on to the Hall of Charms, they enter the building and quickly locate a blue keylight. Soon, though, all of the Coopers become confused and attack each other. Darelle lands a few good blows on her sister, who in turns attack Whilenor. Grunt and Lawrence manage to avoid most of the effects of the confusion and retrieve the blue light. They then depart the building.
The Hall of Whispers is the final home for many of the students (and participants) who were unable to complete their tasks. Home to powerful necromancy, this building is the site of many gruesome experiments. In the basement, they find several crates, one of which contains a purple light. Unfortunately, retrieving it releases a powerful horrid whilting spell that affects everyone in the group.
With enough lights for everyone, the group returns to the Hall of Wards and each person uses one of the keylight to enter the building. They find themselves in a large hall with doors at the end and several doors on either side. Proceeding down, they stop and examine the double doors at the end of the hallway. Grunt is not an expert, but he quickly determines that without a magical key they will be unable to open this door. Meanwhile, Whilenor, possibly in a fit of Geraldicitis (the inability to control's one actions and therefore unleash chaos on unsuspecting friends), decides to open a side door. He discovers a strange library where books fly from one shelf to another in a seemingly random pattern. Bookcases stretch three stories in the air, all around the room, with a desk with two lights in the middle of the room. At any one time there are hundred of books hurling from place to place.
Whilenor hears a voice behind one of the stacks and he discovers a disheveled human desperately searching for a specific book among the thousands of volumes. Every time he has looked at five or six books they quickly rearrange themselves and are replaced with more. Whilenor attempts to communicate with the man and quickly realizes that he's looking for a spellbook. Through careful diplomacy the druid is able to secure a description, and he endeavors to find the book, only to be thwarted by the powers of this room.
Meanwhile, Daryle spikes the doors to the library closed, and Lawrence takes care of the second set of doors leading to this cursed room. They enter the opposite room, and discover another alchemy lab. There they are confronted by Marrijkal, who informs them they have no hope of leaving this place. The Coopers quickly engage in combat against this devil agent and are almost overpowered before finally triumphing, thanks to massive hits by the Naga and Grunt. Amid the equipment, ingredients, body parts and various objects they find a large gold key with a ruby in the handle. Darelle picks it up. They also discover a spellbook. Daryle immediately connects this spellbook to the book the man was looking for in the library.
The Coopers return to the library, only to discover that while they were engaging the devil for half an hour Whilenor was locked in the library for over five days. Haggard, hungry, and disheveled, the druid reports that he had to lay motionless all of this time as the books and the human alternatively attacked him. When the man shows up in the door, Daryle threatens to destroy his spellbook, but Whilenor takes it from her hands and gives it to the man. He exhales slowly, then thanks Whilenor for saving his soul.
Armed with the magical key, the Coopers are ready to open the double doors and exit the building and claim the Breaching Festival's rewards. Only one question remain. Who should walk out first?
About an hour before dawn, the Coopers report to the Ornelos Building, ready for the Breaching Festival to begin. The remaining participants all trickle in over the following quarter of an hour. Toff Ornelos himself finally stands and addresses the crowd. Toff reminds the participants of the rules. They cannot attack other participants directly. They must also find a light key of a different color per individual in a group. He then asks if there are any questions, but no one asks any. His speech is interrupted by the arrival of Queen Ileosa of Korvosa and her large retinue, here to witness the day's graduation challenges.
When the first ray of light hits the Hall of Summoning, the Breaching Festival begins. The Coopers' group decide to start there, since it is the closest building. Darelle and Daryle are joined by Grunt Farnsworth the dwarf and four of his kinsmen, as well as by Lawrence the halfling and two of his henchmen, the Naga, and Whilenor. Mangarad and his crew head to the Hall of Charms. Gerald runs towards the Hall of Lies. Finally, Lord Garrett of Ged glides towards the Hall of Whispers. Roscoe, feeling under the weather, decides not to participates.
The Coopers search the Hall of Summoning. Inside a classroom on the ground floor, they find four red keylights, each hovering eight feet from the ground above a different desk. They carefully enter the classroom and approach the lights. Upon further examination, they are simply floating in the air. Grunt stands on a desk and touches the red light. Three of the lights immediately transform into Furies, while one of the light continues to hover. Whilenor sees that the red key light by him has not changed, so he grabs it. Grunt expected this attack, so he hits his target with his hammer. Lawrence throws two shurikens designed to shrink his target, but unfortunately both miss. The Naga also lands a series of forceful blows. The rest of the Coopers engage the Furies. For a while the combat proceeds in the Furies's favor, but a brilliant move by Whilenor, who transforms the table into a set of jaws which catches one of the monsters, flips the table in the Coopers' favor, and soon the Furies are no more. Grunt grabs one of the +1 longsword and one +1 flaming composite longbow, while Lawrence takes the remaining three +1 longswords and sets them aside in one of the empty classrooms, hoping to come back for them and eventually sell them.
The Coopers and their allies move next to the Hall of Seeing. This building features a set of double doors that display giant harrow cards, which change to reflect the past or the future of the last person to touch the door. There are scrying devices everywhere. Inside there is a large hallway stretching from one end to the other. In the middle of the hallway are four mirrors. Each of them reflect an orange key-light in the middle of the room, but the room itself is empty. The Coopers puzzle this challenge for quite some time. Darelle is the first to touch the mirror. She sees a hellish vision. In her mind a large devil appears, and asks her to pose her question. Intimidated by the devil, she has difficulty forming a question. Lawrence and Grunt also touch the mirror, and encounter the same vision. Lawrence agrees to visit hell, but only on the day he can be heard shouting "I invoke the mark of the old god Throth." Grunt makes no bargain with the devil, and instead threatens him with the end of his hammer. Finally, Darelle figures out that by walking backwards she's able to reach the orange light and grabs it.
The Coopers then move to the Hall of Induction. Resembling a cube, this building is built of thick iron on three sides, and a series of iron plates on the fourth. It contains nothing aside from a spiral staircase and five empty floors. All walls in here are made of force, and keep all evocation spells contained inside the building. On the fourth floor the Coopers find some sort of alchemical apparatus. On one side is a large clear tank with a green liquid. On the other side, is a similar tank with a red liquid. In the middle is a pipe linking both tanks. The liquid in this section is yellow, and the Coopers can tell there is a yellow keylight inside the tube. Daryle takes no time and smashes the red tube. An explosion fills the floor, badly injuring he Coopers and their allies. however, they also acquire a yellow keylight.
Moving on to the Hall of Charms, they enter the building and quickly locate a blue keylight. Soon, though, all of the Coopers become confused and attack each other. Darelle lands a few good blows on her sister, who in turns attack Whilenor. Grunt and Lawrence manage to avoid most of the effects of the confusion and retrieve the blue light. They then depart the building.
The Hall of Whispers is the final home for many of the students (and participants) who were unable to complete their tasks. Home to powerful necromancy, this building is the site of many gruesome experiments. In the basement, they find several crates, one of which contains a purple light. Unfortunately, retrieving it releases a powerful horrid whilting spell that affects everyone in the group.
With enough lights for everyone, the group returns to the Hall of Wards and each person uses one of the keylight to enter the building. They find themselves in a large hall with doors at the end and several doors on either side. Proceeding down, they stop and examine the double doors at the end of the hallway. Grunt is not an expert, but he quickly determines that without a magical key they will be unable to open this door. Meanwhile, Whilenor, possibly in a fit of Geraldicitis (the inability to control's one actions and therefore unleash chaos on unsuspecting friends), decides to open a side door. He discovers a strange library where books fly from one shelf to another in a seemingly random pattern. Bookcases stretch three stories in the air, all around the room, with a desk with two lights in the middle of the room. At any one time there are hundred of books hurling from place to place.
Whilenor hears a voice behind one of the stacks and he discovers a disheveled human desperately searching for a specific book among the thousands of volumes. Every time he has looked at five or six books they quickly rearrange themselves and are replaced with more. Whilenor attempts to communicate with the man and quickly realizes that he's looking for a spellbook. Through careful diplomacy the druid is able to secure a description, and he endeavors to find the book, only to be thwarted by the powers of this room.
Meanwhile, Daryle spikes the doors to the library closed, and Lawrence takes care of the second set of doors leading to this cursed room. They enter the opposite room, and discover another alchemy lab. There they are confronted by Marrijkal, who informs them they have no hope of leaving this place. The Coopers quickly engage in combat against this devil agent and are almost overpowered before finally triumphing, thanks to massive hits by the Naga and Grunt. Amid the equipment, ingredients, body parts and various objects they find a large gold key with a ruby in the handle. Darelle picks it up. They also discover a spellbook. Daryle immediately connects this spellbook to the book the man was looking for in the library.
The Coopers return to the library, only to discover that while they were engaging the devil for half an hour Whilenor was locked in the library for over five days. Haggard, hungry, and disheveled, the druid reports that he had to lay motionless all of this time as the books and the human alternatively attacked him. When the man shows up in the door, Daryle threatens to destroy his spellbook, but Whilenor takes it from her hands and gives it to the man. He exhales slowly, then thanks Whilenor for saving his soul.
Armed with the magical key, the Coopers are ready to open the double doors and exit the building and claim the Breaching Festival's rewards. Only one question remain. Who should walk out first?
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