Headmaster Qdoba tested the strangers on their first visit to the tower. Five wraiths were vanquished with ease by the heroes. The next day, the headmaster met the group. He shared some history of the city and the academy. He answered questions about the current inhabitants of the city. And he defined his purpose here.
His portals were already locked, and the party soon discovered that he had a vast knowledge of rituals. Ritualists compared notes and swapped some information. Eventually, once he was comfortable with the group, he requested their assistance.
Another of the academy’s senior staff, Gulthias, left many centuries ago. He took with him all of his ritual notes and research regarding golems and animation techniques. Qdoba has located Gulthias’ last known home. He would like the brave adventurers to visit the mage’s tower and recover the ritual books. The books would be returned to the academy library, where they would be guarded from misuse.
The headmaster provided some traveling gear and a portal to the coastal trade metropolis of Lundon, far to the south of Elsir Vale. The city was a grand mixture of many races and cultures from all over the world. Most had come here to trade their goods and find exotic merchandise to return home with. The sights and sounds of this great port captivated the adventurers for two days. They eventually struck out from town for the broken keep in the wilds.
Gulthias’ tower was an old broken down keep in the middle of nowhere. There were three stories, a gatehouse and a small courtyard. The mage’s symbol was discovered in several places, the focal points of some waning abjuration. There were virtually no signs of humanoid life here. The well in the basement (one of 3) showed signs of activity. So, down the party went.
Shadow bats attacked in the first cavern, a minor nuisance. The demons in the next two rooms though were proof that the tower wasn’t as vacant as it first appeared. Two succubi were put down (sorry Toradin) and a nasty chain devil as well. The chain devil was in possession of a yellow ring (round loop, not finger jewelry). It appears to fit together with two other rings to form Gilthias’ symbol. The symbol was also found on a few walls, with active divination magic on it.
The next cavern was filled with dozens of statues, some of which came to life. These “golems” shattered into thousands of crystal shards when destroyed. Gilthias’ symbol was on the breast of each golem, until it shattered.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Session 26 Rewards
Handy Haversack
Rope of Climbing
Floating Lantern
2 Potions of Regeneration
3 Potions of Clarity +2
1000g in jewelry off the devils
Boots of Eagerness
2200 xp each
Encounters:
2600 xp Bat cave (10 Shadowhunter Bats)
2700 xp Wine party (2 Succubi, 6 Legion Devil Grunts)
3000 xp Chains (1 Chain Devil)
2700 xp Cave of statues (6 Crystal Golems)
Rope of Climbing
Floating Lantern
2 Potions of Regeneration
3 Potions of Clarity +2
1000g in jewelry off the devils
Boots of Eagerness
2200 xp each
Encounters:
2600 xp Bat cave (10 Shadowhunter Bats)
2700 xp Wine party (2 Succubi, 6 Legion Devil Grunts)
3000 xp Chains (1 Chain Devil)
2700 xp Cave of statues (6 Crystal Golems)
Session 25 Recap
Concerned that the githyanki would try to gain a foothold in the vale elsewhere, Amyria tasked the heroes with locking any portals they could find in the vale. They spent the next three weeks popping from town to town, temple to tower, visiting anyone with a known portal. Some of the owners were thankful for the portal lock; many agreed to it with some discussion; and a few flat out refused.
Once the civilized areas were taken care of, portals off the beaten path were visited. Ancient portals in vacant forests and abandoned ruins were known to historians, but rarely visited. One such portal was connected to the Happy Beggar.
The adventurers arrived in Rhest mid-day. The sun was bright and the landscape was expected. Ruined stone structures lay all about, overgrown with plants, and lots of water everywhere. The swamp was well on its way to reclaiming the city proper. The portal opened into an open air coliseum. There were many other portals here, but most were non-functional. What was functional were the two T-Rex’s. They had made a nest in the coliseum. The heroes had one near beaten, but were overmatched when the second one arrived. They fled the structure and found cover elsewhere.
The next two days were spent familiarizing themselves with the area and its inhabitants. Lizard men had a village down near the lake. Towers across town were home to kobolds mounted on giant bees. A Treant claimed guardianship of the entire area, and the dinosaurs. And there was the mage academy. This 500+ year old building was clean and in good repair, though the lower floors held nothing of value. This was the only remaining usable building from the capital of Rhest. And the headmaster was still in office.
Once the civilized areas were taken care of, portals off the beaten path were visited. Ancient portals in vacant forests and abandoned ruins were known to historians, but rarely visited. One such portal was connected to the Happy Beggar.
The adventurers arrived in Rhest mid-day. The sun was bright and the landscape was expected. Ruined stone structures lay all about, overgrown with plants, and lots of water everywhere. The swamp was well on its way to reclaiming the city proper. The portal opened into an open air coliseum. There were many other portals here, but most were non-functional. What was functional were the two T-Rex’s. They had made a nest in the coliseum. The heroes had one near beaten, but were overmatched when the second one arrived. They fled the structure and found cover elsewhere.
The next two days were spent familiarizing themselves with the area and its inhabitants. Lizard men had a village down near the lake. Towers across town were home to kobolds mounted on giant bees. A Treant claimed guardianship of the entire area, and the dinosaurs. And there was the mage academy. This 500+ year old building was clean and in good repair, though the lower floors held nothing of value. This was the only remaining usable building from the capital of Rhest. And the headmaster was still in office.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Session 25 Rewards
Ritual Candle (on loan from Amyria)
Bag of Residium (for Portal Lock rituals)
1000 xp each
Encounters:
2000 xp Escape T-Rex den alive
500 xp Quest – Discover the various factions in Rhest & their relationships
2500 xp Magic academy (5 wraiths)
Bag of Residium (for Portal Lock rituals)
1000 xp each
Encounters:
2000 xp Escape T-Rex den alive
500 xp Quest – Discover the various factions in Rhest & their relationships
2500 xp Magic academy (5 wraiths)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Session 24 Recap
The Mountainroot Temple was secure, and Overlook was preparing for battle. The city council had called in all militia, doubled guards & patrols and reinforced gates. Wall guards were equipped with flaming arrows and boiling oil. And they waited…
Meanwhile the adventurers were arcane locking every portal they could find in Overlook. They were determined that the enemy would NOT attack from within.
Finally, just before dawn on the third day since their return to the city, alarms were raised. The eastern gate was under attack. The heroes rushed across town to assist. They arrived to find Trolls coming through the battered & burned gate. The guards had put down several of the beasts, but were nearly wiped out. The party quickly stepped up & handled business. Having fought similar Trolls in Mountainroot, they knew exactly how to vanquish them quickly. The battle was short. Reinforcements arrived soon, followed by a messenger. Ogres were terrorizing the Stonehammer district.
On the way to Stonehammer, the group came across a Lamia and her fey mercenaries. These invaders put up a good fight. The fey dwarves smashed several heroes around, shoving them away & knocking them down. The Banshrae showered the group with darts. And the Lamia’s beattles swarmed over her enemies. These foes had descent tactics and kept the heroes disorganized for several rounds. The defenders outlasted them though, even the Lamia. The Lamia proved quite resilient and near deadly.
The Ogres were dead when the group finally reached Stonehammer. City guards had beat them down. Buildings around town were on fire though. And rumors of a dragon spread quickly.
Nearby, Councilwoman Mountainhome’s place was on fire too. The servants in the street were begging for assistance. “M’Lady is still in there!” The heroes rushed into the burning building & searched until they found her, but it was too late. She had been knocked unconscious and died of smoke inhalation. They pulled her from the building and left her in the servants’ care.
Just then a shadow fell across the group as a dragon flew over. The heroes gave chase for several blocks until they came upon a group of Goliaths. They were smashing storefronts, looting and pillaging. Obviously, these were invaders. Both sides demanded the other surrender. The defenders beat down most of the invaders, and the last few fled. “I’m not getting paid enough to die.”
General Zithiruun landed in the street about this time, mounted on an undead red dragon. There was a brief exchange as everyone identified themselves. Then the fight was on! The party focused fire on the dragon first. Radiant damage ripped through it’s flesh. But it was deadly too. It charged and slashed, breathed and knocked prone. It nearly took Teregor down in one combo of attacks. But alas… it died… again.
Zithiruun carved his way through the battle field, a whirling vortex of silver sabers. He was quite mobile and quick with his strikes. His defenses were equally admirable. He just couldn’t dish out the damage. Once the dragon was down, the party focused on the Githyanki. He fought on for a little longer, then attempted an escape. Too little, too late. He didn’t get away.
Overlook suffered Trolls, Ogres and fey for several hours. The clergy of Moradin defeated many invaders, including a flying demon. Durkik used the ancient tome from Mountainroot to great effect. Fires burned out and the wounded were tended to. The city had survived.
Bordrin’s Watch to the west, in the mountain pass, suffered brutal attacks too. Over a dozen trolls stormed the gatehouse from behind and nearly destroyed it. Thousands of Orcs beyond the wall attacked, but without control of the gatehouse, their attack was futile. Rumors indicate Kalad and Amyria were the only survivors in the gatehouse attack.
Meanwhile the adventurers were arcane locking every portal they could find in Overlook. They were determined that the enemy would NOT attack from within.
Finally, just before dawn on the third day since their return to the city, alarms were raised. The eastern gate was under attack. The heroes rushed across town to assist. They arrived to find Trolls coming through the battered & burned gate. The guards had put down several of the beasts, but were nearly wiped out. The party quickly stepped up & handled business. Having fought similar Trolls in Mountainroot, they knew exactly how to vanquish them quickly. The battle was short. Reinforcements arrived soon, followed by a messenger. Ogres were terrorizing the Stonehammer district.
On the way to Stonehammer, the group came across a Lamia and her fey mercenaries. These invaders put up a good fight. The fey dwarves smashed several heroes around, shoving them away & knocking them down. The Banshrae showered the group with darts. And the Lamia’s beattles swarmed over her enemies. These foes had descent tactics and kept the heroes disorganized for several rounds. The defenders outlasted them though, even the Lamia. The Lamia proved quite resilient and near deadly.
The Ogres were dead when the group finally reached Stonehammer. City guards had beat them down. Buildings around town were on fire though. And rumors of a dragon spread quickly.
Nearby, Councilwoman Mountainhome’s place was on fire too. The servants in the street were begging for assistance. “M’Lady is still in there!” The heroes rushed into the burning building & searched until they found her, but it was too late. She had been knocked unconscious and died of smoke inhalation. They pulled her from the building and left her in the servants’ care.
Just then a shadow fell across the group as a dragon flew over. The heroes gave chase for several blocks until they came upon a group of Goliaths. They were smashing storefronts, looting and pillaging. Obviously, these were invaders. Both sides demanded the other surrender. The defenders beat down most of the invaders, and the last few fled. “I’m not getting paid enough to die.”
General Zithiruun landed in the street about this time, mounted on an undead red dragon. There was a brief exchange as everyone identified themselves. Then the fight was on! The party focused fire on the dragon first. Radiant damage ripped through it’s flesh. But it was deadly too. It charged and slashed, breathed and knocked prone. It nearly took Teregor down in one combo of attacks. But alas… it died… again.
Zithiruun carved his way through the battle field, a whirling vortex of silver sabers. He was quite mobile and quick with his strikes. His defenses were equally admirable. He just couldn’t dish out the damage. Once the dragon was down, the party focused on the Githyanki. He fought on for a little longer, then attempted an escape. Too little, too late. He didn’t get away.
Overlook suffered Trolls, Ogres and fey for several hours. The clergy of Moradin defeated many invaders, including a flying demon. Durkik used the ancient tome from Mountainroot to great effect. Fires burned out and the wounded were tended to. The city had survived.
Bordrin’s Watch to the west, in the mountain pass, suffered brutal attacks too. Over a dozen trolls stormed the gatehouse from behind and nearly destroyed it. Thousands of Orcs beyond the wall attacked, but without control of the gatehouse, their attack was futile. Rumors indicate Kalad and Amyria were the only survivors in the gatehouse attack.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Session 24 Rewards
Loot:
+1 Platemail (Acid Resist 5)
+1 Large Greatsword
Parry Gauntlets
Shielding Girdle
2500g
Zithiruun’s armor & weapons (trophies)
City Rewards:
5000g
Titles: Lord/Lady – minor nobility
Lands: modest homes in Overlook, or 1 mansion
Blessing of Bahamut (Toradin)
2613 xp each (current total = 26,001; level 11)
Encounters:
2800 xp Gate (4 Trolls, 1 Red Dragonspawn)
3200 xp Beatles (1 Lamia, 1 Dartswarmer, 3 Fey Dwarves)
0 xp Firefighter (skill challenge)
4565 xp The General (1 Githyanki, 1 undead dragon, 6 Goliaths)
2500 xp Victory in Overlook (major quest)
For simplicity sake... everyone is at 4700g and the minor items no one would use have been sold.
+1 Platemail (Acid Resist 5)
+1 Large Greatsword
Parry Gauntlets
Shielding Girdle
2500g
Zithiruun’s armor & weapons (trophies)
City Rewards:
5000g
Titles: Lord/Lady – minor nobility
Lands: modest homes in Overlook, or 1 mansion
Blessing of Bahamut (Toradin)
2613 xp each (current total = 26,001; level 11)
Encounters:
2800 xp Gate (4 Trolls, 1 Red Dragonspawn)
3200 xp Beatles (1 Lamia, 1 Dartswarmer, 3 Fey Dwarves)
0 xp Firefighter (skill challenge)
4565 xp The General (1 Githyanki, 1 undead dragon, 6 Goliaths)
2500 xp Victory in Overlook (major quest)
For simplicity sake... everyone is at 4700g and the minor items no one would use have been sold.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Zithiruun's Plot Reveiled
The githyanki are known to be very militaristic and aggresive. They are constantly working to expand their influence & control over others (who become slaves on some level). Regardless of their current focus, the ability to rapidly move troops around the world & between planes is a huge military advantage.
Elsir Vale has an abundance of portals, natural and man-made, to this world & other planes. The entire vale is abnormally conducive to portals. You've encountered at least 4 natural crossover points. Any other region of the world might have 1. Additionally, man-made portals are faster, easier & cheaper to create here. This is the resource the Githyanki have been after.
Zithiruun has been the puppetmaster behind many of the troubles in Elsir Vale lately; many of the issues the party has come across. Amyria shares the following info...
General Zithiruun was a great hero — one of the most respected military leaders of a militant race. From the great city of Tu’narath, he led armies of the githyanki on raids across the Astral Sea, and into a dozen different regions and kingdoms of the mortal realm. From the deck of the astral galleon Siun’kara or the back of Rathoraiax, his great red dragon steed, Zithiruun proved an unstoppable force — a champion among a race of champions. Even Vlaakith, the fearsome githyanki lich queen, acknowledged his greatness, heaped great praise upon him.
It’s said that he was crippled and his mount slain in a battle against a mighty dragon or fiend. Rumors disagree on whether he still lives and what position he might hold (if any) among the weakness-intolerant githyanki.
Elsir Vale has an abundance of portals, natural and man-made, to this world & other planes. The entire vale is abnormally conducive to portals. You've encountered at least 4 natural crossover points. Any other region of the world might have 1. Additionally, man-made portals are faster, easier & cheaper to create here. This is the resource the Githyanki have been after.
Zithiruun has been the puppetmaster behind many of the troubles in Elsir Vale lately; many of the issues the party has come across. Amyria shares the following info...
General Zithiruun was a great hero — one of the most respected military leaders of a militant race. From the great city of Tu’narath, he led armies of the githyanki on raids across the Astral Sea, and into a dozen different regions and kingdoms of the mortal realm. From the deck of the astral galleon Siun’kara or the back of Rathoraiax, his great red dragon steed, Zithiruun proved an unstoppable force — a champion among a race of champions. Even Vlaakith, the fearsome githyanki lich queen, acknowledged his greatness, heaped great praise upon him.
It’s said that he was crippled and his mount slain in a battle against a mighty dragon or fiend. Rumors disagree on whether he still lives and what position he might hold (if any) among the weakness-intolerant githyanki.
Session 23 Recap
Having cleared the fey mercenaries, the temple was very quiet. There were several doors along the side & back of the main sanctuary. Toradin ventured in from Overlook, done with his family matters. Kava and Reed decided to go home, but couldn’t exit the temple. They stood guard in the entry hall, while the others pressed on.
One of the back doors led to living quarters and a smaller sanctuary. The earthquake had heavily damaged the room and the ceiling was unstable. Seregdur spotted some shinies near the altar at the other end of the room. He worked his way through the rubble as the others watched from the entry. Scattered around the altar were various ritual tools (goblets, ceremonial dagger, tray). He grabbed what he could and headed back. The venture was nearly done, when the ceiling decided to drop on Seregdur. He dodged, weaved and made it out alive, but not untouched.
The other hallway at the back of the main sanctuary led to additional living quarters, storage, a kitchen and the reliquary (library). The door was shut & locked. Peering through the keyhole, the adventurers were able to see several Goliaths standing guard over an Azer. No one understood their conversations, and others could be heard in the room. The lock was picked, but some of the adventurers decided the Azer wasn’t worth the trouble. Should they bother? At that point a couple Goliaths came up behind the group and sounded the alarm.
The fight started in the hall, but quickly moved into the library. The trolls were tough. Fire was less effective than expected. The redspawn firebelcher granted it’s allies some resistance (unknown to the heroes). And even when the trolls took fire or acid damage, it didn’t always negate their regeneration. So, they focused down the Goliaths first. Then the dragonspawn. Once it went down, the trolls weren’t so tough. They fought on for a while, but died in the end.
The Azer was chained and half-mad. Torture had driven him (near) insane. It took the party over an hour of soothing talk, religious compulsion and healing to bring some sense to the man. He eventually snapped out of it, though he was exhausted and confused. The “Caretaker” was normally the sole inhabitant of the temple. He had magical control of all the guards, wards and entrances. General Zithiruun wanted control of the various portals for troop movement. He could bring soldiers in from the Astral Sea, then out to Overlook, or elsewhere. In his madness, the Caretaker lost control of the portals. Zithiruun took control and left the temple (guarded) to progress his plans elsewhere. Now that the Caretaker is alert again, he has re-established control. The heroes may leave at their leisure. He will actively block entry to the temple for a time to thwart the Githyanki.
The group recuperated and assisted the Caretaker in reconsecrating the temple. Then they returned to Overlook. Ancestor Durkik was given the relic/book. Then they visited the city council to warn them of the pending Githyanki attack. General Zithiruun used Sarshan (Shadar-kai), Sinruth (Hobgoblin), Tusker (Orc) and others to further his plans. He has mercenaries (fey, trolls, goliaths, orcs, others) staged to assault Overlook from within & without. The council asked the group for input on how to best defend against these foes since they are familiar with many of the Githyanki’s troops. The rest of the day was spent discussing city defenses, portals and enemy weaknesses.
One of the back doors led to living quarters and a smaller sanctuary. The earthquake had heavily damaged the room and the ceiling was unstable. Seregdur spotted some shinies near the altar at the other end of the room. He worked his way through the rubble as the others watched from the entry. Scattered around the altar were various ritual tools (goblets, ceremonial dagger, tray). He grabbed what he could and headed back. The venture was nearly done, when the ceiling decided to drop on Seregdur. He dodged, weaved and made it out alive, but not untouched.
The other hallway at the back of the main sanctuary led to additional living quarters, storage, a kitchen and the reliquary (library). The door was shut & locked. Peering through the keyhole, the adventurers were able to see several Goliaths standing guard over an Azer. No one understood their conversations, and others could be heard in the room. The lock was picked, but some of the adventurers decided the Azer wasn’t worth the trouble. Should they bother? At that point a couple Goliaths came up behind the group and sounded the alarm.
The fight started in the hall, but quickly moved into the library. The trolls were tough. Fire was less effective than expected. The redspawn firebelcher granted it’s allies some resistance (unknown to the heroes). And even when the trolls took fire or acid damage, it didn’t always negate their regeneration. So, they focused down the Goliaths first. Then the dragonspawn. Once it went down, the trolls weren’t so tough. They fought on for a while, but died in the end.
The Azer was chained and half-mad. Torture had driven him (near) insane. It took the party over an hour of soothing talk, religious compulsion and healing to bring some sense to the man. He eventually snapped out of it, though he was exhausted and confused. The “Caretaker” was normally the sole inhabitant of the temple. He had magical control of all the guards, wards and entrances. General Zithiruun wanted control of the various portals for troop movement. He could bring soldiers in from the Astral Sea, then out to Overlook, or elsewhere. In his madness, the Caretaker lost control of the portals. Zithiruun took control and left the temple (guarded) to progress his plans elsewhere. Now that the Caretaker is alert again, he has re-established control. The heroes may leave at their leisure. He will actively block entry to the temple for a time to thwart the Githyanki.
The group recuperated and assisted the Caretaker in reconsecrating the temple. Then they returned to Overlook. Ancestor Durkik was given the relic/book. Then they visited the city council to warn them of the pending Githyanki attack. General Zithiruun used Sarshan (Shadar-kai), Sinruth (Hobgoblin), Tusker (Orc) and others to further his plans. He has mercenaries (fey, trolls, goliaths, orcs, others) staged to assault Overlook from within & without. The council asked the group for input on how to best defend against these foes since they are familiar with many of the Githyanki’s troops. The rest of the day was spent discussing city defenses, portals and enemy weaknesses.
Session 23 Rewards
Gloves of the Healer
+2 Cloak of Distortion (Seregdur, upgrade)
+1 Cloak of Distortion (vendor?)
600g
1200 xp each
Encounters:
3900 xp Reliquary (3 Trolls, 5 Goliaths, 1 Red dragonspawn)
700 xp Quest – Control of Mountainroot Temple
700 xp Quest – Relic / book brought to Durkik
700 xp War Council (skill)
+2 Cloak of Distortion (Seregdur, upgrade)
+1 Cloak of Distortion (vendor?)
600g
1200 xp each
Encounters:
3900 xp Reliquary (3 Trolls, 5 Goliaths, 1 Red dragonspawn)
700 xp Quest – Control of Mountainroot Temple
700 xp Quest – Relic / book brought to Durkik
700 xp War Council (skill)
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