Wandered Roads 47

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 47
March 24, 2018

Campaign Timeline

Sorshen, Here We Come

Oathday 11th of Neth

A Quick Rest then Upward

After returning to the chamber with the spiral stairs, they quickly check behind the remaining two doors and find nothing but small, empty chambers. Realizing their only course forwarward is actually upward, the group decides rest and recuperate before advancing. 

Wizard eye

After several hours of sleep, study and meditation it is decided that it is time to go and face their final opponent, but first, Vexeron decides to send one of his Wizard Eye’s up the stairs to do some scouting. The Wizard Eye flies up the stairs, about 200 feet up into what ever expects is the actual monument of the Lady’s Light. Finally the stairs stop and it comes out in a large oval room with 8 alcoves, each alcove holding a large, full color statue of one of the seven Runelords. The 8th alcove is empty. 

Embrace the Lady and the Lie

Not seeing anything threatening, the group ascends the stairs and begins to try to figure out where to go next, as there are no visible exits from this chamber. Vexeron tries to translate a ring of Thassalonian runes on the floor and manages to come up with the phrase, “Embrace the Lady and the Lie” or something like that. Having had some familarity with some other teleport magic in the tower, the Heroes begin hugging statues. They find that hugging one statue seems to start the process, but have difficulty sorting it out enough to make the teleporter work. Kallin decides he is going to attempt a divination, but the spell takes some time and the rest of the group keeps trying different ideas. At one point, they accidentally trigger some sort of trap that releases a windstorm and several lightning spewing air elementals. Finally, through sheer luck, they manage to find the right combination of statues to hug, causing the teleporter to activate. They all jump in the flashing alcove and are instantly teleported somewhere else.

Sorshen, Runelord of Lust

Karzoug, Runelord of Greed

The group suddenly finds themselves separate in pairs in different 7-sided chambers with a red metal door in the wall and a serpent mosaic on the floor. After just a brief moment, they are quickly reunited as all three chambers open out into the same area, which appears to be two 7-sided chambers connected together. Each of these areas has a large serpent mosaic on the floor with a post and wheel sticking out of the center of it. Vexeron tests the wheel and post and finds that by turn it, he can rotate the snake tile on the floor. He notes that the two snakes currently face away from each other and begins turning one to make it point toward the middle. As he turns the wheel, a loud, grinding sound can be heard coming from the floors and walls of the chamber and and the entire area seems to vibrate. 

Sad Maiden and Broken Mage

Oriana, Grey Maiden

Others notice that there is an additional red metal door in the area, across from one of the teleporter rooms. Behind this door they find Oriana, the leader of the Grey Maidens and an unconscious person. Oriana immediately postures to attack, accusing the heroes of being Sorshen’s new pawns and playthings. After some is calmed and the situation is diffused. She seems in a very fragile and sad state, having recently been ejected from the Runelord’s presence and realizing that she had been under the effects of strong mind control magic for some time. She has many questions about the rest of her Grey Maidens and though not happy about it, she understands that there had even been some fighting and death between them and the heroes. 

Alistar Gavin Lourdis, Mageknight

She explains that the unconscious form is some sort of warrior mage that Sorshen had been toying with recently. He is wounded and broken but Kallin sets to healing him. Once awakened he introduces himself as Alistar Gavin Lourdis of Mendev far to the east. He says he had been hunting some demons in the Mushfens south of Magnimar when he encountered the Runelord and she placed some powerful mind control over him. He cannot recall all the details of his imprisonment, but knows it was harsh and depraved. Both Oriana and Alistar agree to join the group on an assault against the Runelord, who is said to reside in the chambers above. Oriana explains that by turning the wheels and pointing the snake tiles directly at each other, a magical gate will open, allowing access to Sorshen’s boudoir. Daellin passes out Wax of Defiance for everyone to place in their ears, as it is known to defend against mind control magics and the gate is activated. They also spend some time casting invisibility, defensive, and movement based magics on each other to gain the advantage in the tough battle to come.

The Runelord’s Bedchamber

Stepping through the portal, the group finds themselves in large oval chamber with a seven black pillars supporting a high domed ceiling. The room is opulent and richly adorned. A canopy bed sits against one wall with a half naked woman reclining. She sits up and smiles seductively, welcoming everyone to her chamber. Several Lemures, blob-like devils flank her and two Human women hang from shackles on separate pillars. A lustspawn is also shackled to a third column. Sorshen stands and demands that everyone immediately prostrate themselves in her presence and when they do not, she becomes irritated but in that moment, the heroes attack.

Runelord Sorshen

At first things look grim for the Heroes of Sandpoint as Vexeron identifies himself as a powerful mage, Sorshen calls upon demonic magics and opens a rift directly beneath his feet. The good natured mage is then dragged by clawing and reaching hands into the rift. It closes up before anyone else can attempt to help him. Calina starts peppering the now flying Runelord with arrows as Daellin and Samad step up to deal with the devil Lemures. Ehlyna, enchanted with great speed and the ability to fly, engages the Runelord directly. Kallin, hidden by invisibility, moves to help one of the shackled and wounded Grey Maidens. Oriana, seeing her companions shackled, moves to help them as well. The other newcomer, Alistar, engages his magic in an attempt to dispel some of the magical protections Sorshen seems to have surrounding her. 

The battle rages on for a few moments and it seems that Ehlyna’s axes are slowly but surely whittling the Runelord down. Finally, Sorshen breaks free and flies across the chamber, readying a wand and opening a magical portal in the air and passing through it. Not wasting a moment, Ehlyna speeds through the portal as well. Daellin starts casting flight to follow through the portal sitting up near the ceiling of the domed chamber while the others turn to face the approaching Sinspawn that has released itself from its shackles. 

Here in your bedroom...

Facing the enemy

Flyin' and fightin'

The battle rages on.. overseen by the architect himself!

The final moments

Session Notes

Another session in the books. The Heroes of Sandpoint (ever hear of 'em?) get ever so much closer to defeating their enemy and completing their mission, to recover the Shard of Lust. This session was the untimely death of a PC (to make way for a new PC). We tip our hats and drop our fireballs to the powerful and highly flammable Vexeron. Thank you Don for taking over Vexeron when Greg left the group. It was time to get Don his very own character so Vexeron was unwillingly dragged into the abyss by numerous demons! Ouch!

Looking forward to introducing a new character for Malcolm soon as well!

Our final battle took place in the well designed and made 3d battle arena created by my cousin, Ben. Thanks for work on all that awesome stuff Ben. The pillars, with black marble paint job and gold manacles were tops and that canopy bed was amazing!

The session ended with the big bad fleeing through a portal to who knows where.. and the flying Dwarf following right through as well!

Characters Present:

Kallin Hawkril, Half-Orc shaman and budding Priest of Pharasma - played by +Daniel Ernst
Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout - played by +Carol Coburn
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by +Ben Lipe
Vexeron, Human wizard - driven into the abyss by Don K
Ehlyna Fuzziface - Dwarven Warrior - taken over by Malcolm G
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by +JeCorey Holder
Alistar Gavin Lourdis, Human mage-knight and demon hunter played by Don K

and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Grand Duchy 97

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 97
August 4-22, 2016

Sorting Out the Puzzle

Tserdain 6th Klarmont

Sharing the Knowledge

After a long day of hitting the books, the Grey Company comes back together to share what they have found. Draven, excited that he has been granted a new gift from his patrons, explains that he can now cast a spell allowing anyone the ability to read any language, though only for a limited time. Kifein and a young male Hutaakan bring trays of fruit, veggies and bread to the companions as well as several carafes of wine.
“You have been so studious,” Kifein says, “you worked all through lunch. What have you discovered?”

At that very moment, Griffin’s Pixie necklace, which normally glows magically with a faint light, dims and goes out. He looks at Draven and shrugs.

Remar flutters his eyelashes to to help uncross his eyes, and says to the group at large, “I found a lot of books containing pictures of the unknown symbol on the key that are thought to be arcane in nature.  I can’t read Traldar, let alone speak it well.  The books are here if anyone wants to take a look.”  To Kifein in her recommended approach to Traldar he says, “PICTURES. BOOKS. LOTS. ARCANE. KNOW.  WORDS-WITH-EYES.”

“Whatever the language is on that key, it’s not one that my magic could make form into words. It doesn’t look at all familiar to any of our mages?”

Ooo, oooo, me, me, me, pick me!  I bet I know!

“Fat chance,” the mage seemingly mutters to himself.  To Draven he says more audibly, “They didn’t focus us much into linguistic development during my...time...in the Thyatian military.”  Scratching his furry chin, he continues, “As I said though, this book here does have some matching symbols.  Iris, any chance you could use it as a cypher...picking out the relevant symbols from this text that Draven is able to read, then using those as a key to figuring out what this key-spell says?”

“Worth a shot, I guess,” offers Draven, a little deflated that he wasn’t able to answer the mystery himself. “Iris, if I grant you the gift of tongues, do you think you’ll be able to parse this out?”

Iris nods and says she thinks she should be able to.

“okay, get ready. You’ll only get a minute, maybe two, to get it sorted out…” Draven closes his eyes and steadies himself, taking a single deep breath and exhaling before silently beseeching the gods to grant the gift of tongues once more. A feeling of deep peace comes over him and he reaches out to touch Iris’s forehead, passing the gift to her. “There, go now, see what you can see.”

Iris turns the key and lines the rows of symbols up and studies it for several moments then explains that the cylinder is something akin to a scroll. It contains one spell, in Nithian, designed to open a door. From what she can tell it only opens one specific door, no doubt the door to the Vault of Elders.

“So, while I may need to cast my spell again to give you the ability to read it when we get there, it should suffice to get us inside. Now can someone remind me what we’re supposed to find inside? I had hoped the silver bowl might be there, but we’ve since been disabused of that notion.”

Iris reminds Draven that the Hutaakans believe that the Vault holds a tome with a specific ritual that will end the undead trouble in the valley. The Vault is locked and can only be opened with the key, which is in their possession and figured out. Kforedz says that the ritual will have to be performed in the Temple of Pflarr and Kifein says that the bowl, which was not on the altar, will be required, as will some water from the Singing Pool, which the Company has.

Kifein informs the Company that she and a few other Hutaakan have volunteered to join the expedition to the Vault, assuming they are welcome and wanted.

After some consideration, Draven urges the rest of the party to bring the Hutaakan along to the vault. “We will need someone who knows how to engage in the appropriate rituals. But I fear that, at least as we approach the lands that are… held by the Traldar we will need to resort to disguises, mundane or magical,” with a nod to the handful of wizards on the team, “to keep the peace long enough to allow us to complete our work.”

Glancing over at Kifein, at her reversed knees and her other jackal-like features.

Yea Rema.’  Go ahead.  ‘Ide em in a costum o’ fire!  Hahahahaha….

Many memories of those previously veiled in the guise of the wizard’s fire flash through his mind.

The Alphatian swallows, wipes a little sweat from his brow and looks back over to Iris and Draven shrugging.  “I...I don’t have anything magically inclined that I can think of that can hide a...pack of us while we are on the move heading west.  Do you Draven?  Do you Iris?  If not…”

Remar adjusts his view to include Griffin as well.  “Is there anything we can do to act as peacekeeping, diplomats representing both the Hutaakan and Traldar?  It would be ideal to get them to work together.  If not that, maybe we can convince them both to at least defer their hostile actions until a later time.  Like, tell them both the Traldar’s and Hutaakans’ help are needed in the ritual to rid the valley of undead?  Maybe we can say it is in the book when we read it, if we have to?”

Draven chuckles under his breath. “I’m an earthly representative of the goddess of truth and justice. My gifts are for unmasking hidden things, not doing the hiding in the first place.” He too looks Kifein up and down once before realizing just what that sort of look might mean and jerking his eyes away. “L-long robes, perhaps, with hoods. Some sort of minor glamour that would work with more mundane disguises?”

Introductions to a Wildsteward

Kifein seems unaffected by Draven’s glances and she starts to speak, then another Hutaakan enters the area. He is tall and muscular and has a dark gleam in his eye. He does not look too old but carries himself with the air of experience. A short blade rests at his belt and a long bow hangs from his shoulder, a weapon not seen carried by other Hutaakan thus far. He wears a thick leather skirt and worn scale mail can be seen from beneath his tunic. A brown, grey and green heavy cloak falls from his shoulders.

Kifein smiles, “Ahh, Kasiex, you have returned.” She turns to the Company and waves her arm toward the newcomer. “This is Kasiex, Wildsteward of the Valley. He will be accompanying us to the Vault of Elders. He has great knowledge of the valley and its many ways. He should be able to get us past the Traldar easily enough.” Following his introduction, the Hutaakan bows slightly toward the members of the Grey Company.

Draven, about to extend his hand in a very Thyatian manner of greeting, instead bows in return. “We are coming to know this country well, having traversed it a time or three already, but having an expert will only be helpful.”
Kasiex’ ears flick as he surveys the Company. “You're the outsiders who saved our man from the Rhagodessa? Kifein speaks well of you, as do your deeds. You have my thanks. Kifein asks that I guide her, and those of you who choose to accompany us, through the Valley to the Vault. I will do all I can to bring you there safely.”

Like Draven, Remar also stands and nods his head toward the newly introduced Jackalman.  My Traldar is coming along as far as I can tell.  I’ll try and tell him, “A pleasure to meet you...Kasiex?  Or do you prefer Wildsteward?”

In Traldar he says, “PLEASURE MEAT KASIEX?  OR PREFER WILDSTYLE?”

His eyebrows bunch together sincerely.

“Kasiex is proper. Wildsteward…” the jackal-headed being stresses the second syllable “ is my task and title.” He glances at Kifein, unsure if he should continue; she did not appear to have difficulty conversing with these outsiders, though...  “I, and those few like me, patrol and care for the wild places, guide the lost, ensure that violent actors are...contained.  The Rhagodessa, for example - me and mine would have ultimately been responsible for taking care of them.  I appreciate your help there - the Stewards are stretched thin, these days.”

The wizard smiles and nods in feigned acknowledgement.  I think he said he prefers Kasiex.  I’ll tell him “Ah, I see.  Well, very good then.  Kasiex!  It has a nice ring to it, that name...and easy for me to remember at least.  It reminds me of a spellword ‘KacՅx'a.’  It means ‘Grounded,’ ‘Rooted,’ or ‘In the earth.’”

In Traldar he says, “AAAA I SEE YOU KASIEX NICE RING.  WILL REMEMBER YOU ARE EASY.”

Kasiex’ brow furrows, and his ears betray his confusion for those who notice such things.

The mage continues.

“MIND ME OR SPELLWORD KACEX’A.  PUT YOU UNDER EARTH.”

Sorta like buryin’ thems otha Jackals in tha dirt, tha first time you met em, eh?

What?  No.  What are you babbling about?  I was complimenting him!

Hellova compliment!  Hahahaha...

Remar flushes, looks uncertain, and then with a final nod and weak smile, begins busying himself with his gear.

Kasiex’ hackles rise and he takes a half-step back; a low growl rumbles deep in his chest for a moment before he strangles it back into silence.  He slides himself more directly between Kifein and the Company, Remar in particular.  Addressing the Company as a group he says “You...threaten us? Or not speak Traladar well?” His fur stays bristled  as he cuts a glance over his shoulder to Kifein, looking to the other Hutaakan for direction. Surely she wouldn’t bring enemies to us; surely they cannot have fooled her…

Remar’s heart pounds at the canine-rumbling.

Oooo boy, doggies!  Hey Rema, I guess tha feelin’s o’ panic are still thar with ya afterall!  I was beginnin’ t’wonder.

Turning at the sound, he looks wide-eyed first at Kasiex, who seems to be focusing on him, and then at the rest of his companions.

In Thyatian he says, “Was it something I said?”

Kifein raises her paw, and in Traldar says, “These are our friends. They have shown they want to help.They do not understand our language, only some of the base language of the Traldar.” She looks at Iris, “This one, Iris, speaks it the best while the dark haired one there, the one that often mumbles to himself, well he must have other talents.” She smiles at Remar, or at least he thinks she is smiling. There are a lot of teeth being shown…

Not wanting to be rude, Remar smiles back just as enthusiastically.

Watching from the sidelines, Griffin hides a smile as Remar’s intentions again exceed his abilities. He approaches Kasiex slowly, arms spread at his sides, hands empty. “I greet you, Kasiex, Wildsteward. I am called Griffin. Let me introduce you to our company.” He goes around, making sure all are familiar with each other.

Cast of Characters: 

Garrett "Griffin" Constantine, a Thyatian rogue of a gambler from Penhaligon rolled by +Arne Jamtgaard 

Draven Rickart, a Thyatian Acolyte of the Church of Karameikos ministered by +Jason Packer with help from +Patrick Burke 

Remar Umerus, an Alphatian battle mage that escaped forced service in the Thyatian army currently marshalled by +Patrick Kelly 

Iris Varda, a Thyatian explorer and historian searching for answers and adventure, now guided by +Stephanie Kelly 

Kasiex, a Hutaakan Wildsteward used to ranging the mountains and valleys now led down a new path by +Patrick Burke 

and +Jason Woollard as The DM