The six travelers made their way through the crowded streets. They did not walk together, but they all had the same destination. The city seemed to draw all who entered it towards the center. The canals flowed along their predestined paths. The pathways crossed and turned into the main boulevards that formed the arteries of the city. For a city of nearly twenty thousand residents, it was nearly silent.
The six observed the silence and saw the city in a new light. It was a city of nobility, but those less well off were not pushed aside. It was a city of gardens and beauty, but it was a welcoming beauty. It was a city of majestic houses and a grand palace, but the marks of war some six years past were evident. The man who ruled this city saw to it that his keep was repaired last. He made sure his people would be safe behind strong towers and fortified walls. He was a fierce warrior priest, a noble of nobles, but he was also father to a beloved people.
The six had come to pay their respects, and they were not alone. The triumvirate rulers of Ulek had come. The Knight Commander of the Shield Lands was there with her court. The venerable Hazen, Shepherd of the Faithful, High Priest of Rao and Archcleric of Veluna sat on the center podium in the center of the Grand Pavilion. The mayors of the Highfolk and the Free City of Greyhawk were in attendance. The magistrate of Dyvers, the capital of old Ferrond stood and watched the procession. In short, the leaders of the good and free countries of the Flanaess had come to pay their respects.
The procession commenced and great speeches were given. All befitting a man of the greatest stature. The seven nobles of the seven families were seated in a semicircle around the empty throne. They assured the people that order would continue. The kingdom would be safe. The legacy of Belvor would continue even if it was not by his blood.
As the last of the nobles finished speaking, Canon Hazen stood slowly and made his way to the lectern. He looked over the faces of the people, and then he surveyed the faces of the nobles.
“People of Furyondy and visitors from a far. We have heard many speeches today. Much wisdom is gathered here. We are a blessed people. Today is a sad day, but it is not a dark day. We celebrate a life well lived. A man who would listen to reason. A man who would look to the olive branch before he would take to the sword. To be granted five years of his wise rule would be a gift, but we were given fifty. There may be dark times ahead, but that is not today. For today, we rejoice. Serenity is found in the simple and the grand. And this man we honor here today was simple in his devotion and grand in his rule. He was obedient to authority as a servant and royal in authority as a true king. He was above all a friend.”
The services ended, but barely anyone moved. For over an hour, the throng stood there in the pavilion. The tears were silent. Slowly, the crowd began to disperse. The ale houses will be busy this night. Stories will be told about the king. He will be remembered for many generations, and he will be missed.
The six did not visit the taverns. They made their way out of the city much as they had entered. The people of the city did not mark their passing. Though perhaps in years to come all would know their names. It was time to go. There was work to be done.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Turtle and Snake
19th – 21st Day of Fireseek, CY 592
The Pool
We searched the body of Naquent and found among other things a strange medallion with a faint divination aura. At this point, we had to decide whether to pursue the fleeing nagas, or return to the dwarven temple to rest. We decided that we should take care of the nagas first, so we made our way down to the double doors at the eastern end of the chamber.
Within moments of opening the door, we began to question our decision to continue. One of the nagas charmed Uthgar, but Creden called upon his god to give Uthgar another chance to resist it. The other naga cast a crackling, black ray of negative energy at Creden. Safadin shot a sonic orb out of his staff damaging one of the nagas. The “turtles” that the bugbears mentioned were actually powerful extraplanar beings known as tojanida. They came up out of the pool that dominated the room, and attacked Creden and Uthgar. The one on Uthgar managed to lock its powerful bite down on him, and Victor was not able to break the vice-like grip. Delvanos cast haste on the party, and Vannay began summoning a creature to deal with the tojanidas.
One tojanida pulled Uthgar into the pool, while the other one split Creden’s maul in two with its bite. It also filled the northern half of the pool with an inky black liquid obscuring all sight. Before Vannay was able to finish his summoning, one of the nagas fired two scorching rays at him. Luckily, they both missed their mark, and a huge orca whale appeared in the pool next to the tojanidas. The other naga paralyzed Creden with an enchantment, making him easy prey for the tojanida. The orca and Safadin combined their attacks to take out one naga. Delvanos began inspiring our courage with one of his memorable epic tales. Victor cast Righteous Might and moved into a position to attack the tojanida.
The tojanida saw the giant orca in the water, so it dropped Uthgar, submerged out of sight and attacked the whale. It also shot its inky black jet into Victor’s eyes blinding him. Creden’s second chance to resist the paralyzing enchantment worked just before the other tojanida attacked him. One of its claws managed to hold onto Creden pulling him closer to the turtle. Victor tried to attack the tojanida near Uthgar, but the blindness rendered all of his attacks useless. Safadin’s magic and Delvanos’ arrows took the other naga down. Vannay began summoning a celestial griffon.
Now we had one visible tojanida left to kill. It pulled Creden into the water and dropped him. Uthgar managed to pull himself out of the water, and Creden was able to as well with a little help from the griffon. Vannay and Safadin cast energy missiles, while Delvanos fired a number of arrows at it. Then Victor went to work on it. His first punch cracked the shell, and he followed up with a flurry of blows in the breach. The tojanida was dead. We considered waiting for the other one to surface, but decided to go ahead and get out of there. We returned to our sanctuary in the dwarven temple, and the next day we teleported to Verbobonc.
Verbobonc
Creden found a master craftsman, who said he could repair the maul in two days. A number of people were making preparations to travel to Chendl for the funeral of King Belvor. After some discussion, we decided that we would attend the funeral before resuming our assault on the fane.
When we checked in at the Rook’s Cove, there was a letter waiting on us from Canon Heldenster.
Dear Friends,
We expect that you are making plans to attend the services of our departed sovereign. This is of course acceptable. There are a number of groups within Furyondy and without that have interest in the progress of your quest. We do not wish to distract from the honor due our king, and we do not want other complications to arise related to that most holy of relics that you hold. Please take all necessary precautions, and you should consider arriving “in cognito”. Only contact the council if you have news to report. If you do not contact us, we will assume that the quest is proceeding as planned. I am sure you realize that with recent events, this has taken on an even greater importance.
May the Invincible One protect you,
Canon Heldenster
Prelate of Heironeous
The Pool
We searched the body of Naquent and found among other things a strange medallion with a faint divination aura. At this point, we had to decide whether to pursue the fleeing nagas, or return to the dwarven temple to rest. We decided that we should take care of the nagas first, so we made our way down to the double doors at the eastern end of the chamber.
Within moments of opening the door, we began to question our decision to continue. One of the nagas charmed Uthgar, but Creden called upon his god to give Uthgar another chance to resist it. The other naga cast a crackling, black ray of negative energy at Creden. Safadin shot a sonic orb out of his staff damaging one of the nagas. The “turtles” that the bugbears mentioned were actually powerful extraplanar beings known as tojanida. They came up out of the pool that dominated the room, and attacked Creden and Uthgar. The one on Uthgar managed to lock its powerful bite down on him, and Victor was not able to break the vice-like grip. Delvanos cast haste on the party, and Vannay began summoning a creature to deal with the tojanidas.
One tojanida pulled Uthgar into the pool, while the other one split Creden’s maul in two with its bite. It also filled the northern half of the pool with an inky black liquid obscuring all sight. Before Vannay was able to finish his summoning, one of the nagas fired two scorching rays at him. Luckily, they both missed their mark, and a huge orca whale appeared in the pool next to the tojanidas. The other naga paralyzed Creden with an enchantment, making him easy prey for the tojanida. The orca and Safadin combined their attacks to take out one naga. Delvanos began inspiring our courage with one of his memorable epic tales. Victor cast Righteous Might and moved into a position to attack the tojanida.
The tojanida saw the giant orca in the water, so it dropped Uthgar, submerged out of sight and attacked the whale. It also shot its inky black jet into Victor’s eyes blinding him. Creden’s second chance to resist the paralyzing enchantment worked just before the other tojanida attacked him. One of its claws managed to hold onto Creden pulling him closer to the turtle. Victor tried to attack the tojanida near Uthgar, but the blindness rendered all of his attacks useless. Safadin’s magic and Delvanos’ arrows took the other naga down. Vannay began summoning a celestial griffon.
Now we had one visible tojanida left to kill. It pulled Creden into the water and dropped him. Uthgar managed to pull himself out of the water, and Creden was able to as well with a little help from the griffon. Vannay and Safadin cast energy missiles, while Delvanos fired a number of arrows at it. Then Victor went to work on it. His first punch cracked the shell, and he followed up with a flurry of blows in the breach. The tojanida was dead. We considered waiting for the other one to surface, but decided to go ahead and get out of there. We returned to our sanctuary in the dwarven temple, and the next day we teleported to Verbobonc.
Verbobonc
Creden found a master craftsman, who said he could repair the maul in two days. A number of people were making preparations to travel to Chendl for the funeral of King Belvor. After some discussion, we decided that we would attend the funeral before resuming our assault on the fane.
When we checked in at the Rook’s Cove, there was a letter waiting on us from Canon Heldenster.
Dear Friends,
We expect that you are making plans to attend the services of our departed sovereign. This is of course acceptable. There are a number of groups within Furyondy and without that have interest in the progress of your quest. We do not wish to distract from the honor due our king, and we do not want other complications to arise related to that most holy of relics that you hold. Please take all necessary precautions, and you should consider arriving “in cognito”. Only contact the council if you have news to report. If you do not contact us, we will assume that the quest is proceeding as planned. I am sure you realize that with recent events, this has taken on an even greater importance.
May the Invincible One protect you,
Canon Heldenster
Prelate of Heironeous
Monday, December 12, 2005
The Book of Elhoriad
Excerpts from the book found in the temple library . . .
The research and power which my master, Unariq Vol’talsimol, invested in this most wonderful of creations is truly astounding. He has joined with our unjustly imprisoned god, so it is up to me, Susain Carun, to finish this work. What joy and secret pleasure I have derived from this. Our new master will realize in time that it is I who should have been given the rank of Third. The one who holds this position is a gift from the prince, but has she earned this title? Has she brought such gifts forward? No! It is not so. Did I not pass through the reverie?! Have I not brought greatness and honor to the Imprisoned One? It is of no matter. All will be set right in time.
(In the margin next to these opening comments)
This is most interesting. Is Mistress Carun so foolish that she did not think anyone would read these notes after she left for the excavation project. This sort of petty rivalry is beyond the First or Second, but I imagine that the Third would be interested in this bit of news. Once I have joined the dreamer’s ranks, this will be another tool for my advancement.
That these elhoriads are the perfect union of undeath and entropy is not in doubt. Their form of burned bone and cloaked darkness will strike fear in the most stalwart priest. Vol’talsimol did not complete his work, but I have made the necessary steps to ensure that the destructive energies do not overwhelm the frame of these creatures. Greatness surrounds all that I do!
I have created the first generation of these creatures. They will serve as guardians for our temple in (words deleted). The (word deleted) environment should not pose any difficulty for them.
(margin notes)
Are we now giving away our hidden temples? Has she not considered who might one day read this? Her power has blinded her reason.
The next two generations of this great creation are now complete. They have been sent out into the world. The fools who think they are encountering the weakest of the walking dead will find their vim and vigor sucked from their worthless bodies.
The third generation has developed a cunning intellect. What an interesting side effect of keeping the subjects alive until the last moment of the transformation. Perhaps a more liberal use of healing followed by liquid pain will even further enhance the elhoriad’s mental capacity. The cries of the supplicants are like singing!
(margin notes)
She certainly seems happy with these creations. I have seen them, and they are impressive, but they are hardly the greatest of the undead which she portends.
The fourth generation is complete! The rapid flensing of the flesh while healing of the wounds was a master stroke. The subject's minds remain stimulated until the point of death. This allows a full transfer of the cerebral functions into the elhoriads.
All will praise my name! These are easily the most powerful of the whole lot. Vol’talsimol’s dream is realized in me. If he were still with us, I would be elevated to his right hand. They will be placed in the blasted yard securing our inner fane forever. When the Imprisoned One is freed, I will stand before him. He will look down upon me and say, “Well done my most faithful servant!”.
(margin notes)
Tychon’s opinion of Susain has merit. It is good that she has been assigned to oversee the excavation. Her incessant ramblings about the skeletons was grinding. Though the horde of them in the blasted yard is impressive.
The research and power which my master, Unariq Vol’talsimol, invested in this most wonderful of creations is truly astounding. He has joined with our unjustly imprisoned god, so it is up to me, Susain Carun, to finish this work. What joy and secret pleasure I have derived from this. Our new master will realize in time that it is I who should have been given the rank of Third. The one who holds this position is a gift from the prince, but has she earned this title? Has she brought such gifts forward? No! It is not so. Did I not pass through the reverie?! Have I not brought greatness and honor to the Imprisoned One? It is of no matter. All will be set right in time.
(In the margin next to these opening comments)
This is most interesting. Is Mistress Carun so foolish that she did not think anyone would read these notes after she left for the excavation project. This sort of petty rivalry is beyond the First or Second, but I imagine that the Third would be interested in this bit of news. Once I have joined the dreamer’s ranks, this will be another tool for my advancement.
That these elhoriads are the perfect union of undeath and entropy is not in doubt. Their form of burned bone and cloaked darkness will strike fear in the most stalwart priest. Vol’talsimol did not complete his work, but I have made the necessary steps to ensure that the destructive energies do not overwhelm the frame of these creatures. Greatness surrounds all that I do!
I have created the first generation of these creatures. They will serve as guardians for our temple in (words deleted). The (word deleted) environment should not pose any difficulty for them.
(margin notes)
Are we now giving away our hidden temples? Has she not considered who might one day read this? Her power has blinded her reason.
The next two generations of this great creation are now complete. They have been sent out into the world. The fools who think they are encountering the weakest of the walking dead will find their vim and vigor sucked from their worthless bodies.
The third generation has developed a cunning intellect. What an interesting side effect of keeping the subjects alive until the last moment of the transformation. Perhaps a more liberal use of healing followed by liquid pain will even further enhance the elhoriad’s mental capacity. The cries of the supplicants are like singing!
(margin notes)
She certainly seems happy with these creations. I have seen them, and they are impressive, but they are hardly the greatest of the undead which she portends.
The fourth generation is complete! The rapid flensing of the flesh while healing of the wounds was a master stroke. The subject's minds remain stimulated until the point of death. This allows a full transfer of the cerebral functions into the elhoriads.
All will praise my name! These are easily the most powerful of the whole lot. Vol’talsimol’s dream is realized in me. If he were still with us, I would be elevated to his right hand. They will be placed in the blasted yard securing our inner fane forever. When the Imprisoned One is freed, I will stand before him. He will look down upon me and say, “Well done my most faithful servant!”.
(margin notes)
Tychon’s opinion of Susain has merit. It is good that she has been assigned to oversee the excavation. Her incessant ramblings about the skeletons was grinding. Though the horde of them in the blasted yard is impressive.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
The Black Sun
19th Day of Fireseek, CY 592
The Library
After leaving the illithid’s chamber, we found a library. It had nearly 700 books on various dark topics related to summoning, magic and an assortment of religious topics. Safadin found one book in particular detailing the creation of a new form of undead called elhoriads. They are skeletons who have entropic power fused into them.
We then followed a staircase leading down to a study. It appeared that someone had left the room recently, because we found an open book and a recently snuffed pipe. The book was a study of stone giants. It had a section on how to approach them, and various theories on diplomacy with giantfolk. The pipe had a mixture of tobacco and tanbrosh.
The Shrine
The next room appeared to be a shrine, because it had simple pews facing a small enclosed room. The room had a transparent glass wall with a purple stone in the center of the door. Beyond the wall was a black ball with a purple and red corona hovering in the center of the room. Its form was slightly different, but Vannay recognized it as a sphere of annihilation. Vannay knew that these balls of entropy can be controlled, so he attempted to move it mentally. He was sure that he gave it the proper command, but it completely ignored him. It began slowly moving towards us. We fled the room with all due haste. Victor waited until he was sure everyone was safely away, before he left. We waited in the study to see if it was still following us. After a short time, we could see that it was. Safadin and Vannay teleported us to the dwarven temple in the ridge mines.
We returned to the room, and we found that the flaming black sun had returned to its original position. Victor remembered seeing an engraving of this flaming sun on the floor of the obelisk chamber in the moathouse. After some pondering on the matter, we thought that maybe the purple veins running through the walls of the fane were a ward against the destructive power of the ball.
The Vestry
A small room off to the side of the shrine had an assortment of ceremonial items. There were six ochre colored robes and four purple robes hanging on hooks in the vestry. The purple robes matched the attire worn by the Third. Vannay identified these robes and determined that they are meant to protect against unnatural cold. These robes were seen on Varachan, Hedrack and Tessimon when Vannay scried on them. They were in some sort of temple, and it was obviously cold because he could see their breath. We took the robes.
A locked iron box was on a table in the center of the room. Vannay opened it with his wand. It contained an iron torch and a black censer. There was also incense that was meant to be used in the torch and censer. We used a torch like this in the moathouse, and it revealed some hidden features of the obelisk.
Naquent
We left the vestry and continued east, where we encountered a woman in full plate. Just before the encounter, someone attempted a greater scrying on Vannay, but it was not successful. The woman had four bugbears and two dark nagas with her. She identified herself as Naquent, and she told us that her master, Hedrack, was aware of our presence in the fane.
Safadin started things off by exploding a ball of lightning in their midst. One of the bugbears evaded the damage, but everyone else was hurt by it. One of the nagas charmed Creden, but Victor called upon Kord to give Creden another chance to resist the enchantment. The other naga attempted to counter Victor’s spell, but it failed. Creden was freed from the enchantment, and we all breathed a bit easier. It would have created many problems if we had to deal with him as well. Vannay suspected that Naquent had some buffing spells in place, so he targeted a dispel magic against her. It was also successful. Delvanos began telling a story to inspire our courage, and Creden called upon divine power to boost his attacks. The bugbear scouts used a spring attack against us dealing some damage. Naquent cast corrupt weapon on her flail and moved in.
Another group of bow wielding bugbears came into view just before Safadin cast arc of lightning. They tried to disrupt his spell, but were not successful. Vannay decided to take the nagas out of the battle by placing a wall of force between us and them. The nagas discovered that they were cut off, and they cast some buffing spells. Uthgar went into his defender’s stance and killed one of the scouts. Naquent filled the gap in the scout line by charging Uthgar. She made a vicious strike against his neck dealing a sizeable amount of damage. Creden saw the bleeding wound on Uthgar, so he stepped back five feet and cast heal. One of the scouts stepped into the position vacated by Creden and attacked Vannay. Victor activated his flaming fists, and Delvanos took down one archer and severely damaged another.
The battle came to a swift conclusion. Naquent attempted a full assault on Creden, but only connected once. Creden’s aim was true. His maul made short work of Naquent. Uthgar and Delvanos combined their efforts to take down all but two of the bugbears. The nagas fled through a set of double doors at the end of the room. The last two bugbears surrendered.
We questioned them quickly to find out if the nagas were going to try and circle around. They said no. They said the nagas were going to the room with the turtles. We spared their lives, and said they could leave the fane through the fire door. They seemed surprised that the dragon was no longer guarding it. We searched the fallen foes, and then began discussing our next move.
The Library
After leaving the illithid’s chamber, we found a library. It had nearly 700 books on various dark topics related to summoning, magic and an assortment of religious topics. Safadin found one book in particular detailing the creation of a new form of undead called elhoriads. They are skeletons who have entropic power fused into them.
We then followed a staircase leading down to a study. It appeared that someone had left the room recently, because we found an open book and a recently snuffed pipe. The book was a study of stone giants. It had a section on how to approach them, and various theories on diplomacy with giantfolk. The pipe had a mixture of tobacco and tanbrosh.
The Shrine
The next room appeared to be a shrine, because it had simple pews facing a small enclosed room. The room had a transparent glass wall with a purple stone in the center of the door. Beyond the wall was a black ball with a purple and red corona hovering in the center of the room. Its form was slightly different, but Vannay recognized it as a sphere of annihilation. Vannay knew that these balls of entropy can be controlled, so he attempted to move it mentally. He was sure that he gave it the proper command, but it completely ignored him. It began slowly moving towards us. We fled the room with all due haste. Victor waited until he was sure everyone was safely away, before he left. We waited in the study to see if it was still following us. After a short time, we could see that it was. Safadin and Vannay teleported us to the dwarven temple in the ridge mines.
We returned to the room, and we found that the flaming black sun had returned to its original position. Victor remembered seeing an engraving of this flaming sun on the floor of the obelisk chamber in the moathouse. After some pondering on the matter, we thought that maybe the purple veins running through the walls of the fane were a ward against the destructive power of the ball.
The Vestry
A small room off to the side of the shrine had an assortment of ceremonial items. There were six ochre colored robes and four purple robes hanging on hooks in the vestry. The purple robes matched the attire worn by the Third. Vannay identified these robes and determined that they are meant to protect against unnatural cold. These robes were seen on Varachan, Hedrack and Tessimon when Vannay scried on them. They were in some sort of temple, and it was obviously cold because he could see their breath. We took the robes.
A locked iron box was on a table in the center of the room. Vannay opened it with his wand. It contained an iron torch and a black censer. There was also incense that was meant to be used in the torch and censer. We used a torch like this in the moathouse, and it revealed some hidden features of the obelisk.
Naquent
We left the vestry and continued east, where we encountered a woman in full plate. Just before the encounter, someone attempted a greater scrying on Vannay, but it was not successful. The woman had four bugbears and two dark nagas with her. She identified herself as Naquent, and she told us that her master, Hedrack, was aware of our presence in the fane.
Safadin started things off by exploding a ball of lightning in their midst. One of the bugbears evaded the damage, but everyone else was hurt by it. One of the nagas charmed Creden, but Victor called upon Kord to give Creden another chance to resist the enchantment. The other naga attempted to counter Victor’s spell, but it failed. Creden was freed from the enchantment, and we all breathed a bit easier. It would have created many problems if we had to deal with him as well. Vannay suspected that Naquent had some buffing spells in place, so he targeted a dispel magic against her. It was also successful. Delvanos began telling a story to inspire our courage, and Creden called upon divine power to boost his attacks. The bugbear scouts used a spring attack against us dealing some damage. Naquent cast corrupt weapon on her flail and moved in.
Another group of bow wielding bugbears came into view just before Safadin cast arc of lightning. They tried to disrupt his spell, but were not successful. Vannay decided to take the nagas out of the battle by placing a wall of force between us and them. The nagas discovered that they were cut off, and they cast some buffing spells. Uthgar went into his defender’s stance and killed one of the scouts. Naquent filled the gap in the scout line by charging Uthgar. She made a vicious strike against his neck dealing a sizeable amount of damage. Creden saw the bleeding wound on Uthgar, so he stepped back five feet and cast heal. One of the scouts stepped into the position vacated by Creden and attacked Vannay. Victor activated his flaming fists, and Delvanos took down one archer and severely damaged another.
The battle came to a swift conclusion. Naquent attempted a full assault on Creden, but only connected once. Creden’s aim was true. His maul made short work of Naquent. Uthgar and Delvanos combined their efforts to take down all but two of the bugbears. The nagas fled through a set of double doors at the end of the room. The last two bugbears surrendered.
We questioned them quickly to find out if the nagas were going to try and circle around. They said no. They said the nagas were going to the room with the turtles. We spared their lives, and said they could leave the fane through the fire door. They seemed surprised that the dragon was no longer guarding it. We searched the fallen foes, and then began discussing our next move.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Lair of the Illithid
8th to the 19th Day of Fireseek, CY 592
Verbobonc
We spent about ten days in the viscounty getting to know our new companions and selling off the hoard we recovered from the dragon. Some of us had our magic items upgraded as well. Delvanos gave a few performances at the Rook’s Cove, and they were well received. We learned that King Belvor of Furyondy has died, and there is a lot of tension regarding who will be named regent in place of the missing crown prince. We also learned that there was a large industrial fire in the Caronis, capital of the Reach. Apparently there is an investigation underway, but it seemed clear to us that there may be demonic involvement. Why else would the major producer of cold iron in Furyondy be targeted for destruction?
The Tapestries
We teleported back to the temple of Moradin, and the next day we entered the Outer Fane. We decided to follow the path where the ogres came from. There was a large chamber with purple and white tapestries along the east and west walls and a table with foodstuffs, a keg and other various items in the center of the room. The tapestries depicted various scenes of demons ripping the hearts out of humans, and then taking their prizes off to a large mountain in the distance. Upon closer inspection, we found questions embroidered into the tapestries.
In order they are:
The Illithid
We took the eastern staircase which lead to a black stone door with a demon head over the lintel. The eyes of the demon were glowing red, and the door had no handle. Creden was preparing to bash the door in, when Vannay ordered the demon to open the door. The demon tried to overcome Vannay’s will, but was unable to. The door slowly slid open.
The room was quite large with a pit dominating the eastern side of the chamber. Thurlkosij moved to investigate the contents of the pit when a mental blast struck the party. Vannay, Creden, and Delvanos were stunned by the blast. Levitating out of the pit was a humanoid creature in a black form-fitting suit with an obex displayed prominently on it. It had greenish-purple skin that seemed to glisten. The defining feature of the thing was four tentacles extending from its head.
Safadin attempted to disintegrate the creature, but the creature’s innate resistance prevented it from working. Victor cast mass resurgence and everyone but Delvanos was freed from the stunning blast. The creature then crushed Uthgar’s mind dropping him to the floor dying. It followed up with an attack on Vannay attempting to rob him of his breath, but Vannay resisted. Vannay cast fly on Creden, but before Creden could close with the creature he healed Uthgar. The dwarf drank his potion of flying and Victor cast righteous might. Safadin attempted to turn the creature into stone, but once again its resistance protected it.
The creature, who was identified as an illithid by Vannay, then gave Victor an urge to kill himself, but Victor resisted the power. Vannay was not so lucky with the next attack. He disappeared in a shimmer of silver energy. Safadin correctly deduced that Vannay had been sent forward in time. Safadin targeted the creature with an orb of electricity, which damaged and sickened it. Creden cast recitation to help our attacks and bolster our ability to resist its attacks.
The illithid was able to cloud Uthgar’s mind, so that he could not see the creature, and then attempted to charm Victor, but was not successful. Vannay was able to stop his passage in time and reappeared, and he began summoning an air elemental. Victor and Creden closed with the creature. Safadin was very successful with a targeted dispel. The creature lost both of its protective auras and levitation ability, so dropped to the bottom of the pit.
The illithid then attempted to stun both Credin and Victor, and he followed that up with an attempt to charm Creden. None of it was successful. The creature knew that its time was drawing to a close as both priests descended into the pit to engage it in melee. Safadin hit it with five magic missiles. The elemental appeared and slammed the creature. Victor began a grapple and dealt severe damage to it, and Creden crushed its tentacled skull with his maul.
We collected ourselves and began searching the pit area. It was larger at the bottom, and it was clearly the mind flayer’s living quarters. Along the walls of the chamber were areas that gave strange visions of illithids and vast subterranean cities. Vannay identified these things as psychic statuary. He surmised that the illithid used these visions as a form of meditation. The table in the center of the chamber had bits of bone and other tools of divination. Vannay found a secret door on the east wall. Creden was not able to force the door open, but Uthgar easily opened it.
Uthgar entered the room and immediately found himself bound in ropes in the middle of six illithids. Two of them were moving in to consume his brains, and the other four were watching and clapping. Uthgar resisted the illusory effect. On the east wall of the smaller room was an ebony table with a silver ewer. There was magical dust in the ewer that radiated a moderate conjuration aura.
We then began making our plans on where to go next.
Verbobonc
We spent about ten days in the viscounty getting to know our new companions and selling off the hoard we recovered from the dragon. Some of us had our magic items upgraded as well. Delvanos gave a few performances at the Rook’s Cove, and they were well received. We learned that King Belvor of Furyondy has died, and there is a lot of tension regarding who will be named regent in place of the missing crown prince. We also learned that there was a large industrial fire in the Caronis, capital of the Reach. Apparently there is an investigation underway, but it seemed clear to us that there may be demonic involvement. Why else would the major producer of cold iron in Furyondy be targeted for destruction?
The Tapestries
We teleported back to the temple of Moradin, and the next day we entered the Outer Fane. We decided to follow the path where the ogres came from. There was a large chamber with purple and white tapestries along the east and west walls and a table with foodstuffs, a keg and other various items in the center of the room. The tapestries depicted various scenes of demons ripping the hearts out of humans, and then taking their prizes off to a large mountain in the distance. Upon closer inspection, we found questions embroidered into the tapestries.
In order they are:
- Who are you?
- What do you bring before me?
- Where are you now?
- Why have you come here?
- When shall I be free?
- Who am I?
The Illithid
We took the eastern staircase which lead to a black stone door with a demon head over the lintel. The eyes of the demon were glowing red, and the door had no handle. Creden was preparing to bash the door in, when Vannay ordered the demon to open the door. The demon tried to overcome Vannay’s will, but was unable to. The door slowly slid open.
The room was quite large with a pit dominating the eastern side of the chamber. Thurlkosij moved to investigate the contents of the pit when a mental blast struck the party. Vannay, Creden, and Delvanos were stunned by the blast. Levitating out of the pit was a humanoid creature in a black form-fitting suit with an obex displayed prominently on it. It had greenish-purple skin that seemed to glisten. The defining feature of the thing was four tentacles extending from its head.
Safadin attempted to disintegrate the creature, but the creature’s innate resistance prevented it from working. Victor cast mass resurgence and everyone but Delvanos was freed from the stunning blast. The creature then crushed Uthgar’s mind dropping him to the floor dying. It followed up with an attack on Vannay attempting to rob him of his breath, but Vannay resisted. Vannay cast fly on Creden, but before Creden could close with the creature he healed Uthgar. The dwarf drank his potion of flying and Victor cast righteous might. Safadin attempted to turn the creature into stone, but once again its resistance protected it.
The creature, who was identified as an illithid by Vannay, then gave Victor an urge to kill himself, but Victor resisted the power. Vannay was not so lucky with the next attack. He disappeared in a shimmer of silver energy. Safadin correctly deduced that Vannay had been sent forward in time. Safadin targeted the creature with an orb of electricity, which damaged and sickened it. Creden cast recitation to help our attacks and bolster our ability to resist its attacks.
The illithid was able to cloud Uthgar’s mind, so that he could not see the creature, and then attempted to charm Victor, but was not successful. Vannay was able to stop his passage in time and reappeared, and he began summoning an air elemental. Victor and Creden closed with the creature. Safadin was very successful with a targeted dispel. The creature lost both of its protective auras and levitation ability, so dropped to the bottom of the pit.
The illithid then attempted to stun both Credin and Victor, and he followed that up with an attempt to charm Creden. None of it was successful. The creature knew that its time was drawing to a close as both priests descended into the pit to engage it in melee. Safadin hit it with five magic missiles. The elemental appeared and slammed the creature. Victor began a grapple and dealt severe damage to it, and Creden crushed its tentacled skull with his maul.
We collected ourselves and began searching the pit area. It was larger at the bottom, and it was clearly the mind flayer’s living quarters. Along the walls of the chamber were areas that gave strange visions of illithids and vast subterranean cities. Vannay identified these things as psychic statuary. He surmised that the illithid used these visions as a form of meditation. The table in the center of the chamber had bits of bone and other tools of divination. Vannay found a secret door on the east wall. Creden was not able to force the door open, but Uthgar easily opened it.
Uthgar entered the room and immediately found himself bound in ropes in the middle of six illithids. Two of them were moving in to consume his brains, and the other four were watching and clapping. Uthgar resisted the illusory effect. On the east wall of the smaller room was an ebony table with a silver ewer. There was magical dust in the ewer that radiated a moderate conjuration aura.
We then began making our plans on where to go next.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Fire in Caronis
From the Furyondy Beacon
16th Day of Fireseek, CY 592
In the early morning hours yesterday, an intense fire ripped through the industrial district of Caronis. Many of the morning work shifts had just arrived for the day, and several people are missing and presumed dead. An early report of casualties stands at 33 dead with over one hundred injuries.
Before containment measures were effected, several buildings were destroyed. The major businesses included Jonvar Textiles, Allison Boats and Barton Iron Works. Initial reports said that the devastation was total. Investigators believe that a series of explosions occurred at Barton, and the conflagration spread to the surrounding area within a matter of minutes. The intensity of the fire hindered rescue efforts and kept firemen out of the area for over two hours. The fire marshall, John Henry, said that arson has not been ruled out.
Barton is the premier iron works in Furyondy, and it is well known for its low point iron smelting. Allison Boats is known from Mitrik to Greyhawk as a top tier producer of river craft and large vessel keels.
A representative of the duke gave the following statement, “This is a tragic loss of life, and the economic impact will be felt for years. If this was the work of vandals, we will use every available resource to track them down.”
Rethgon Stromburrow, head of Carnalion Mines, said, “Barton was the main client for our cold ore, and they supply markets all around the Flanaess. Obviously, this is a setback, but we expect to have replacement forges ready within six to eight months.”
16th Day of Fireseek, CY 592
In the early morning hours yesterday, an intense fire ripped through the industrial district of Caronis. Many of the morning work shifts had just arrived for the day, and several people are missing and presumed dead. An early report of casualties stands at 33 dead with over one hundred injuries.
Before containment measures were effected, several buildings were destroyed. The major businesses included Jonvar Textiles, Allison Boats and Barton Iron Works. Initial reports said that the devastation was total. Investigators believe that a series of explosions occurred at Barton, and the conflagration spread to the surrounding area within a matter of minutes. The intensity of the fire hindered rescue efforts and kept firemen out of the area for over two hours. The fire marshall, John Henry, said that arson has not been ruled out.
Barton is the premier iron works in Furyondy, and it is well known for its low point iron smelting. Allison Boats is known from Mitrik to Greyhawk as a top tier producer of river craft and large vessel keels.
A representative of the duke gave the following statement, “This is a tragic loss of life, and the economic impact will be felt for years. If this was the work of vandals, we will use every available resource to track them down.”
Rethgon Stromburrow, head of Carnalion Mines, said, “Barton was the main client for our cold ore, and they supply markets all around the Flanaess. Obviously, this is a setback, but we expect to have replacement forges ready within six to eight months.”
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)