Having spoken at length with Durkik and rested overnight, the heroes were poised for action. Durkik led them deep under the Stone Anvil to an ancient sepulcher. “The portal is through there. My vows prohibit me from going any further. May Moradin watch over you.”
The sepulcher was huge and well crafted. No doubt, many import dwarves were buried here hundreds of years ago. The statue at the far end was the centerpiece of this wondrous room. The 15 foot tall statue of Moradin was made of mithril filigree. The room showed signs of a recent fight. Several smaller guardian statues lay in ruins about the room.
The adventurers approached the mithril statue & spotted the portal in an alcove behind it. It would take some squeezing to get past the statue, but they didn’t get that far. The statue sprang to life and addressed them: “Those who would enter the Mountainroot Temple must first prove their understanding of Moradin’s ways.” The party talked it out, pieced together their knowledge of religion & history, worked it all into a poem and recited their answer with reverence and grace. The statue examined them for a few moments… “Very well then. Welcome to Mountainroot.” The statue twisted and moved, and an opening formed between his massive legs.
The other end of the portal was in the entry room of the temple. Several portals, magical and mundane, dotted the walls of this chamber, and a small stage was in the center. An earthquake had severely damaged one end of the room. Guarding this room were fey guards working for Zithiruun. The harpy, thugs and various fey creatures swarmed to the party and gave them a good beating the first round. The heroes shrugged it off though and slaughtered the attackers after offering terms. The quickling darted off through the rubble.
The cathedral was larger than some keeps the heroes have seen. There were two sections. The lower cathedral had rows of low stone benches. The upper had statues of Moradin, angels and an altar. They were immediately beset by more fey creatures, including Cyclopi this time. They were hard to hit, but went down with a nice thud. Another of the fey dwarves was spotted up top, but the adventurers retreated for a short rest. One they didn’t get.
The remaining fey were pressed into action by their hag leader. She blasted several of the heroes with her screams, multiple times. Meanwhile, her displacer beast pets maneuvered into flank on various people. Reed evaded them, but Paleus could not. The fight wouldn’t have been so bad, but the beasts were blurry and difficult to hit. The adventurers cleared everything else, then finished the displacer beasts.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Session 22 Rewards
+3 Quickcurse Rod
Gem of Colloquy (Giant)
750 gp
1500 xp each
Encounters:
500 xp Moradin statue (skill)
2300 xp Temple entry (1 harpy, 1 quickling, 2 fey dwarves, 6 thugs)
2800 xp Lower Cathedral (1 banshrae, 1 quickling, 2 fey dwarves, 4 cyclopi)
3400 xp Upper Cathedral (1 hag, 1 banshrae, 3 fey dwarves, 2 displacer beasts)
Gem of Colloquy (Giant)
750 gp
1500 xp each
Encounters:
500 xp Moradin statue (skill)
2300 xp Temple entry (1 harpy, 1 quickling, 2 fey dwarves, 6 thugs)
2800 xp Lower Cathedral (1 banshrae, 1 quickling, 2 fey dwarves, 4 cyclopi)
3400 xp Upper Cathedral (1 hag, 1 banshrae, 3 fey dwarves, 2 displacer beasts)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Durkik's Speech
“Zithiruun has subjugated a number of Overlook’s priests and military officers. Most of them were kidnapped and subject to a difficult psychic ritual cast by githyanki. The result is that these poor people’s minds were destroyed, and they have been 'possessed' by githyanki, who are even capable of manifesting some of their normal powers (albeit in weakened form).”
“The possessing githyanki cannot access the host’s memories. So I have not been possessed. Rather, I was held captive and tortured for information, while a hired doppelganger took my place in public.”
“All of the questions have centered around the Mountainroot Temple.” See separate post on this temple.
“As you’ve doubtless guessed,” he says to you, his voice still weak, “the Stone Anvil contains a portal to the Mountainroot Temple. I don’t know why this General Zithiruun wants the temple, but it’s clearly what he’s after.”
“It’s funny, he’s had me tortured for days to make me describe the Mountainroot’s mystical defenses, but the truth is, I don’t know much about them. I know about the temple only because, as High Priest, I was told of it by my predecessor. I can tell you that the defenses are psychically linked to the ‘Caretaker’, allowing him to control them, but beyond that, I know little. But even had I told them that much, I doubt they’d have believed me.”
“I don’t know why he wants the temple,” he repeats, “but I know it cannot be good for us. I know not who else in this city might have been compromised—who can be trusted. That leaves only you.
“The entrance from the Stone Anvil is carefully hidden within an old sepulcher. The chamber is hidden behind a secret door; I can escort you to it, but no farther. What I cannot do is tell you how to access the portal, for I don’t know, and I am oathbound never to enter the sepulcher. But my hope is that, once you find it, you can figure out how to use it.”
“I must ask you one thing more,” he adds swiftly. “When the Mountainroot Temple was abandoned, the priesthood took most of our ancient religious relics with them. Most, but not all. Somewhere within the temple lies a tome entitled, when translated into Common, The Incunabulum Primeval. It is a book of great power for those who know how to use it. If you can find it and return it to us, I can promise you a reward of (upgrade Seregdur’s cloak), as well as legal right to any other treasure you find in, and can carry out of, the Mountainroot.”
“The possessing githyanki cannot access the host’s memories. So I have not been possessed. Rather, I was held captive and tortured for information, while a hired doppelganger took my place in public.”
“All of the questions have centered around the Mountainroot Temple.” See separate post on this temple.
“As you’ve doubtless guessed,” he says to you, his voice still weak, “the Stone Anvil contains a portal to the Mountainroot Temple. I don’t know why this General Zithiruun wants the temple, but it’s clearly what he’s after.”
“It’s funny, he’s had me tortured for days to make me describe the Mountainroot’s mystical defenses, but the truth is, I don’t know much about them. I know about the temple only because, as High Priest, I was told of it by my predecessor. I can tell you that the defenses are psychically linked to the ‘Caretaker’, allowing him to control them, but beyond that, I know little. But even had I told them that much, I doubt they’d have believed me.”
“I don’t know why he wants the temple,” he repeats, “but I know it cannot be good for us. I know not who else in this city might have been compromised—who can be trusted. That leaves only you.
“The entrance from the Stone Anvil is carefully hidden within an old sepulcher. The chamber is hidden behind a secret door; I can escort you to it, but no farther. What I cannot do is tell you how to access the portal, for I don’t know, and I am oathbound never to enter the sepulcher. But my hope is that, once you find it, you can figure out how to use it.”
“I must ask you one thing more,” he adds swiftly. “When the Mountainroot Temple was abandoned, the priesthood took most of our ancient religious relics with them. Most, but not all. Somewhere within the temple lies a tome entitled, when translated into Common, The Incunabulum Primeval. It is a book of great power for those who know how to use it. If you can find it and return it to us, I can promise you a reward of (upgrade Seregdur’s cloak), as well as legal right to any other treasure you find in, and can carry out of, the Mountainroot.”
Mountainroot Temple
A subterranean structure built by the same order that would later go on to construct the Monastery of the Sundered Chain, the Mountainroot Temple stands deep beneath the Stonehome Mountains. Built when the dwarves were still celebrating their freedom from the giants, it was not a dwarven structure, but a temple built for anyone who wanted to pay tribute to Moradin, of any race. It held great reliquaries of holy icons, enormous cathedrals where hundreds could worship at once, and even a doorway to the Astral Plane whence angels and exarchs of Moradin would appear to discourse with the god’s most favored priests and champions.
To facilitate a grand community of Moradin worshipers, the Mountainroot Temple had, in addition to its astral doors and its main entryway into the mountains, four mystical doorways constructed. Each linked to another temple of Moradin elsewhere in the world, so the faithful could come and go with ease.
And for decades, even centuries, the temple thrived. Slowly, however, relations between Moradin’s faithful grew strained. Priests assigned to other, “lesser” temples grew envious of those at Mountainroot. Many of the dwarf faithful grew haughty, considering themselves Moradin’s “true” children, and sought to oust all others, or at least put them in lesser places, denying them access to the temple’s wonders.
Was it Moradin’s wrath? A curse brought upon them by the giants they’d so long ago escaped? Or simply a natural catastrophe without greater meaning? None can say. Whatever the case, some centuries ago, the mountain was struck by an earthquake. Portions of the inner tunnels collapsed, damaging several chambers of the Mountainroot Temple, destroying others entirely. Panicked, the priests and the faithful grabbed up their treasures and holy icons—at least most of them—and fled using the surviving magical portals.
Once they’d settled elsewhere, the bulk of Moradin’s priests decided that this way was better. By scattering from the temple, they would allow the dwarves to build their own shrines, without feeling constrained by the other races, and the jealousy that marred the priesthood would fade. Although they mourned the loss of the great cathedral, and those few treasures they’d been unable to save, they declared the quake to have been Moradin’s will and left the temple abandoned. In time, most faithful, even most priests save those most thoroughly learned in their history, forgot it had ever been.
To facilitate a grand community of Moradin worshipers, the Mountainroot Temple had, in addition to its astral doors and its main entryway into the mountains, four mystical doorways constructed. Each linked to another temple of Moradin elsewhere in the world, so the faithful could come and go with ease.
And for decades, even centuries, the temple thrived. Slowly, however, relations between Moradin’s faithful grew strained. Priests assigned to other, “lesser” temples grew envious of those at Mountainroot. Many of the dwarf faithful grew haughty, considering themselves Moradin’s “true” children, and sought to oust all others, or at least put them in lesser places, denying them access to the temple’s wonders.
Was it Moradin’s wrath? A curse brought upon them by the giants they’d so long ago escaped? Or simply a natural catastrophe without greater meaning? None can say. Whatever the case, some centuries ago, the mountain was struck by an earthquake. Portions of the inner tunnels collapsed, damaging several chambers of the Mountainroot Temple, destroying others entirely. Panicked, the priests and the faithful grabbed up their treasures and holy icons—at least most of them—and fled using the surviving magical portals.
Once they’d settled elsewhere, the bulk of Moradin’s priests decided that this way was better. By scattering from the temple, they would allow the dwarves to build their own shrines, without feeling constrained by the other races, and the jealousy that marred the priesthood would fade. Although they mourned the loss of the great cathedral, and those few treasures they’d been unable to save, they declared the quake to have been Moradin’s will and left the temple abandoned. In time, most faithful, even most priests save those most thoroughly learned in their history, forgot it had ever been.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Session 21 Recap
Grovald, Haelyn & Lavinya all indicated that priests of various denominations have been acting strange. Per Grovald, General Zitheruun operates in part through the church of Moradin. So, the party went to investigate, starting with the temple of Bahamut. Amyria was found there praying. She promised to speak with the clergy of Bahamut & root out any trouble. She also suggested that the Moradin temples might be a better place to look. Off to the Moradin temple in Nine Bells (the one undergoing reconstruction)…
The whole place was busy with construction workers. Megan Swiftblade of the Freeriders kept a close eye on the heroes when they entered. The temple had hired her adventuring company as security. She didn’t seem very eager to do anything though when some of the workers got riled up. Clan Flameforge made up a significant number of workers. And they didn’t like the Brindol group’s presence. Eventually, she worked her way over to calm the workers & throw the trouble makers out. The adventurers were stubborn though. It took a high priest of Moradin to finally break up the gathering in the foyer. Ancestor Karros walked the heroes out & chatted with them briefly.
The construction work was ordered by Ancestor Durkik, the highest ranking priest of Moradin in Overlook (and probably the entire vale). A great deal of time & money was put in play to refurbish the old temple in Nine Bells (run down part of town). Many of the clergy were on site to assist. Loans had been taken out for financing, and contributions were made by many prominent clans in town. But Karros, a high ranking priest himself, was unclear on the purpose of it all. While Karros would never speak against Durkik, he was… concerned with the high priest’s recent behavior.
The Stone Anvil was the party’s next stop. This massive temple was virtually a fortress, built of solid stone and towering over all other buildings in the upscale part of town. Inside, the place was… less than spotless. The floors hadn’t been swept in days. Candle wax coated various altars and racks. There were dozens of parishioners in the main sanctuary attending the daily service. There were scant few people elsewhere in the temple though. Brother Freyd was hustling along with an armful of candles and incense when the adventurers stopped him. He indicated he was quite busy, but Durkik was around here somewhere. “Walk around for a few minutes. You’re bound to come across him.” So, the party did.
They looked in a few alcoves and lesser sanctuaries, no one. The kitchen was empty. The mess hall was empty. The supply closets were disorganized. The clergy’s quarters were vacant. But Durkik did show up, with 6 city guards. “You are nosing around private areas of the temple. I’m going to have to ask you to leave. Captain, please escort these ladies and gentlemen to the front door.” But the adventurers would have none of that. They insisted that Durkik answer some questions before they would leave. “Captain, throw them out of my temple.” The captain was obviously uncomfortable with the situation, but asked the party to leave. Durkik headed for the front door, and urged the captain to send for reinforcements. The group continued asking questions, refusing to leave, and Durkik continued towards the front door refusing to answer them.
By the time Durkik reached the front door, another 20 city guards had arrived. People looked nervous, but intent to do their duty. Once the trespassers were outside, Durkik disappeared back into the temple. The captain was much nicer about things and answered questions as best he could. He had seen and spoken to Durkik on several occasions, but did not know the man. While Durkik’s behavior was a bit unfriendly today, he was the senior priest of the temple & completely within his rights to throw anyone out. The captain had removed thieves and beggars before, but never anyone as prestigious as the heroes.
Preferring the city officials on their side, the party paid a visit to the council of elders. They were very supportive of the adventurers’ efforts to protect the city from threats, both external & internal. They were however bound to handle problems in a moral & legal manner. “We can do little without proof of treason or wrong doing. Captain Aerun, please investigate Ancestor Durkik, discretely.” This public statement wasn’t true to all of their hearts though. Council woman Mountainhome met privately with the group afterwards. She agreed that more drastic measures were needed, but wouldn’t commit to anything. “If our enemies have infiltrated various clergy, they have most certainly also infiltrated the city guard and other groups. I trust few.”
The council woman agreed to assist with questioning Durkik, no torture or killings. Ancestor Karros also assisted. Durkik was called to the old temple for his review & consultation. The adventurers abducted him in route. They soon discovered that dopplegangers had replaced Durkik. Quai’thalas (an Oni / Ogre Mage) had hired a lot of thugs and assassins around town. Quai’thalas works for General Zitheruun. The real Durkik is being interrogated at the Oni’s hideout, in a local warehouse. General Zitheruun has been present for most of the questioning.
The dopplegangers were turned over to the council woman. The situation was explained, and the heroes set off for the warehouse.
Quai’thalas fought to the death with his men. The thugs and assassins were easy. The Oni not so much. A second Oni (smaller) and two strange dwarves filled out his ranks. The party eventually bested them all. Durkik was located in a cell under the warehouse. Traps were disabled, and the dwarf was freed. Teregor healed him up and a long conversation ensued…
The whole place was busy with construction workers. Megan Swiftblade of the Freeriders kept a close eye on the heroes when they entered. The temple had hired her adventuring company as security. She didn’t seem very eager to do anything though when some of the workers got riled up. Clan Flameforge made up a significant number of workers. And they didn’t like the Brindol group’s presence. Eventually, she worked her way over to calm the workers & throw the trouble makers out. The adventurers were stubborn though. It took a high priest of Moradin to finally break up the gathering in the foyer. Ancestor Karros walked the heroes out & chatted with them briefly.
The construction work was ordered by Ancestor Durkik, the highest ranking priest of Moradin in Overlook (and probably the entire vale). A great deal of time & money was put in play to refurbish the old temple in Nine Bells (run down part of town). Many of the clergy were on site to assist. Loans had been taken out for financing, and contributions were made by many prominent clans in town. But Karros, a high ranking priest himself, was unclear on the purpose of it all. While Karros would never speak against Durkik, he was… concerned with the high priest’s recent behavior.
The Stone Anvil was the party’s next stop. This massive temple was virtually a fortress, built of solid stone and towering over all other buildings in the upscale part of town. Inside, the place was… less than spotless. The floors hadn’t been swept in days. Candle wax coated various altars and racks. There were dozens of parishioners in the main sanctuary attending the daily service. There were scant few people elsewhere in the temple though. Brother Freyd was hustling along with an armful of candles and incense when the adventurers stopped him. He indicated he was quite busy, but Durkik was around here somewhere. “Walk around for a few minutes. You’re bound to come across him.” So, the party did.
They looked in a few alcoves and lesser sanctuaries, no one. The kitchen was empty. The mess hall was empty. The supply closets were disorganized. The clergy’s quarters were vacant. But Durkik did show up, with 6 city guards. “You are nosing around private areas of the temple. I’m going to have to ask you to leave. Captain, please escort these ladies and gentlemen to the front door.” But the adventurers would have none of that. They insisted that Durkik answer some questions before they would leave. “Captain, throw them out of my temple.” The captain was obviously uncomfortable with the situation, but asked the party to leave. Durkik headed for the front door, and urged the captain to send for reinforcements. The group continued asking questions, refusing to leave, and Durkik continued towards the front door refusing to answer them.
By the time Durkik reached the front door, another 20 city guards had arrived. People looked nervous, but intent to do their duty. Once the trespassers were outside, Durkik disappeared back into the temple. The captain was much nicer about things and answered questions as best he could. He had seen and spoken to Durkik on several occasions, but did not know the man. While Durkik’s behavior was a bit unfriendly today, he was the senior priest of the temple & completely within his rights to throw anyone out. The captain had removed thieves and beggars before, but never anyone as prestigious as the heroes.
Preferring the city officials on their side, the party paid a visit to the council of elders. They were very supportive of the adventurers’ efforts to protect the city from threats, both external & internal. They were however bound to handle problems in a moral & legal manner. “We can do little without proof of treason or wrong doing. Captain Aerun, please investigate Ancestor Durkik, discretely.” This public statement wasn’t true to all of their hearts though. Council woman Mountainhome met privately with the group afterwards. She agreed that more drastic measures were needed, but wouldn’t commit to anything. “If our enemies have infiltrated various clergy, they have most certainly also infiltrated the city guard and other groups. I trust few.”
The council woman agreed to assist with questioning Durkik, no torture or killings. Ancestor Karros also assisted. Durkik was called to the old temple for his review & consultation. The adventurers abducted him in route. They soon discovered that dopplegangers had replaced Durkik. Quai’thalas (an Oni / Ogre Mage) had hired a lot of thugs and assassins around town. Quai’thalas works for General Zitheruun. The real Durkik is being interrogated at the Oni’s hideout, in a local warehouse. General Zitheruun has been present for most of the questioning.
The dopplegangers were turned over to the council woman. The situation was explained, and the heroes set off for the warehouse.
Quai’thalas fought to the death with his men. The thugs and assassins were easy. The Oni not so much. A second Oni (smaller) and two strange dwarves filled out his ranks. The party eventually bested them all. Durkik was located in a cell under the warehouse. Traps were disabled, and the dwarf was freed. Teregor healed him up and a long conversation ensued…
Session 21 Rewards
Cord of Divine Favor (reward from Durkik)
100g Ambush
500g Warehouse
1100 xp each
Encounters:
1900 xp Ambush (1 Oni, 2 Dopplegangers, 5 Thugs; partial for Oni)
600 xp Interogation (skill challenge)
3500 xp Warehouse (2 Oni, 2 Dw Guards, 2 Dopplegangers, 4 Thugs)
600 xp Rescue Durkik (skill / quest)
100g Ambush
500g Warehouse
1100 xp each
Encounters:
1900 xp Ambush (1 Oni, 2 Dopplegangers, 5 Thugs; partial for Oni)
600 xp Interogation (skill challenge)
3500 xp Warehouse (2 Oni, 2 Dw Guards, 2 Dopplegangers, 4 Thugs)
600 xp Rescue Durkik (skill / quest)
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