Grakh'tuul kept his wits sharp. He was still pretty bruised and battered from the encounter with the Ghasts, and was secretly hoping that nothing else would be found below.

When they found the chest his first though was to simply smash the lock with a rock or the edge of his blade. But before he did so he glanced over at Miralla. Maybe the young elfling had some talents in this field. "What do you think? Can you get that open?"

"I can try," replied Miralla proudly.

The young half-elf had been badly affected by the realisation one of the undead had been Saliq Musfara, with whom she had been closely aquainted at times. It had taken a while to get over that shock and inform Eagle. "You might have known him better and longer than I but I do know he was a devout follower of the moon goddess. If the temple of Sehanine has the skill, he'd want them to try and bring him back."

Crouching by the strong box she removed a small leather case from her backpack. Opening it she extracted a gleaming metal sliver about nine inces long and scarely thicker than a pin. Then she set to work on the lock.

---

OOC: 11:01, Today: Miralla rolled 49 using 1d100 with rolls of 49. Open Locks: 30%.

Miralla inserts the long, slender metal rod into the iron lock and has only a brief opportunity to tinker with the mechanism when a loud explosion rocks the area...

BOOM!

...and the ruined chamber is filled with a violently swirling, infernal roar of fire!

WHOOOOOOSH!



OOC: Everyone make a saving throw vs spells!
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:10, Sun 08 Feb 2015.

Shale caught the worst of the blast.


OOC:was going to ask if the DEX modifier applies, but it doesn't matter. FAIL.

Today: Shale rolled 4 using 1d20 with rolls of 4. save vs spells target 12.

Miralla realised she had made a mistake but did not even have time to open her mouth to shout a warning before being hit by the blast.

---

OOC: 18:12, Today: Miralla rolled 6 using 1d20 with rolls of 6. save vs. spells target 12

In reply to Miralla (msg # 83):

Eagle ducks backwards to try and avoid the worst of the fire.

OOC:1:21, Today: Eagle rolled 17 using 1d20 with rolls of 17.

It never occurred to Grakh'tuul that the lock might be booby trapped. He stood watching intently as the fireball engulfed them all.

21:27, Today: Grakh'tuul rolled 9 using 1d20 with rolls of 9. Save vs Spells, tgt19.

14:11, Today: Bethany Scristos rolled 11 using 1d20 with rolls of 11. target 15 sv vs spell.

fail

At the Druid pronouncing they will go below, Tyrien turns and leaves the keep.  He had his own mission of faith, to help the townsfolk recover their dead, he had not come for adventures.  Bahamut would look poorly on him seeking glory for himself before tending to the others who had come with heavy hearts this day.

The force of the blast rocks Miralla, Grakh and Shale, all of which are fairly close to the trapped lock when it goes off. One moment they are there, watching in anticipation of what treasures might be held within that strongbox, and when the dust settles, they are gone!

The other party members must surely be horrified by what they see next, for the gore is beyond words to adequately describe. Suffice it to say, picking out what belongs to who proves especially challenging in a situation like this, for what little remains is millions of bits of charred skin, gristle and bone. The horror.

Though surely such concerns are secondary, any who might be cold-hearted enough to look might notice the strongbox remained intact after the blast, though the same cannot be said for those poor three would-be adventurers.

Adventure is fraught with peril, but the rewards can be huge for those whom Avandra smiles upon.

OOC: Miralla, Grakh and Shale took 20 points of damage from the trap, driving them all well below -10, aka Dead.

:(

In reply to DM Storm (msg # 88):

Eagle took a moment to recover himself from the blast, and then takes in the gory scene with sad eyes. In truth he barely knew the departed adventurers, and he couldn't pretend to be too upset, but still. . .

Turning to Bethany he nods his head and acknowledges her pain. 'I'm sorry', are the simple words that he offers.

After some time he returns to the courtyard, where presumably the villagers are recovering their dead with the aid of Tyrien. Making sure the bodies of his friends are recovered, he offers a couple of gold pieces to a couple of likely lads to recover the strong box. Ushering everyone else back he then proceeds to invoke his strange power, hoping to split the very wood of the box apart.

Assuming he is still alive after this, he will then enter any unexplored towers of the - presumably abandoned - keep, and give a quick search for anything else of value. If this can be accomplished safely he will then invite Bethany and Tyrien to accompany him back to stormhaven with a wagon of his old friends.

OOC: will cast warp wood on the strongbox to try to destroy it. Obviously if there's any roleplay needed for any of these tasks, let's do that, otherwise I'm trying to expedite a return to stormhaven and an attempt to raise/roll up old/new characters!
This message was last edited by the player at 00:02, Wed 11 Feb 2015.

I'm with the Eagle. Bethany will be shocked about the explosion but stoic. it is, after all, a part of life, and she had barely known the victims, she is much more concerned with getting her brother home,a nd potentially raised.

One of the strongboxes' planks is twisted violently as a result of Eagle's magic, and eventually snaps in half. As a result of the boxes' compromised state, loose coins, curiously platinum and copper, spill out of the chest onto the ground.

The strongbox appears to only have been protected by a single explosive ward, for further tampering with the chest does not produce any ill effects.

Inside the now damaged chest, the survivors find: 3000 pp, 3000 cp, 20 gems of differing type, quality and weight, a wrought gold scepter with a braided band and a setting for a large stone, and seven vials filled with liquid substances of differing hue and viscosity. Additionally, the slain ghast wears a golden circlet set with several deep purple stones. Finally, the party also recovers the treasure wrested from the Horned One.

This is perhaps the greatest hoard recovered by Eagle, but sadly, the cost was quite steep.

Meanwhile, the villagers, led by Eagle and company, make the somber journey back to Windham, their horse-drawn carts loaded down with the corpses of their loved ones and neighbors. It is a bittersweet affair for all, for even though the Horned One's reign of tyranny has ended, it came at a great cost. Much blood was shed at that ruined keep and in truth, it will likely take little time before some new foe moves in to occupy the site.

The Forlorn Hills are a danger-filled land and ogres and demons are but a fraction of the terror that dwells within those dark, rolling hills. But for now, the threat has been vanquished and a new day dawns.

Eagle and company are well-received by Lord Mayor Kazmerak, who owes them a debt of gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice. Well, not just gratitude, but also a bounty of 500 gold and a parcel of land just south of the village, which he honors without quarrel. With a cart loaded down in gold and treasure, those 500 gold pieces might seem a pittance now, but the Lord Mayor pays nonetheless.

The next several days are spent seeing to the proper disposition of the deceased, the cemeteries and graveyards heavy with the scent of freshly-dug earth and floral bouquets and the air rent with sobs and wails as the villagers come to terms with their loved ones' fates.

But, there is little time for Eagle to mourn. He still has much work to do, and it must be done back in his home city of Stormhaven...



Returning back to Stormhaven, Eagle consorts with the High Priestess of his patron deity, Ulaa Elliastrae, a half-elven woman who has cordial relations with the druids of that city. The High Priestess agrees to aid Eagle, but will require a considerable payment to do so. In total, the High Priestess asks for 6,000 gp to cast the raise dead spell, which may be used on all of the deceased companions, though those who were turned to ghasts must have the spell cast on them twice, for the first casting merely removes their undead state. It is a risky proposition, for sure, but the only option, for the ressurrection spell is beyond her ability to cast.

High Priestess Ulaa Elliastrae claims the only cleric powerful enough to cast the resurrection spell is the High Priestess of Erathis, Aldanna Fairhand, whom presides over the most opulent temple in the city, the Golden Hall.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:34, Wed 11 Feb 2015.

In reply to DM Storm (msg # 92):

Before they leave the keep, Eagle does his best to repectfully clear up the remains of the novice adventurers, though it's clear that he has no intention of recovering the remains.

When he reaches the temple, Eagle listens intently to the high priestess, slightly awed to be in the presence of someone his diety shines so brightly upon. 'Thank you for your offer, I must try to raise the funds for the donation. But tell me, could you introduce me to this Aldanna Fairhand - I would like so much to try to bring the dwarf back to this plane.'.

Afterwards he speaks to Bethany - 'your brother knew many in this city who could dispose of treasure. Can I leave you to help turn this jewellery into gold, while I attempt to speak to Aldanna Fairhand?

With or without an introduction Eagle will then seek an audience at the temple of Erathis.

After returning to the town, Tyrien continues to help the townsfolk bury their dead, offering what comfort he can.  He bids farewell to the powerful druid, thanking him for helping these people, but he chooses to go another path.  He has seen an awful lot of death and gore for one so new to adventuring, he will need time to gather himself before striking out again on any quests.

Eagle is well aware of The Golden Hall, the most opulent of all Stormhaven's temples, its three gleaming gilded towers visible from any point within the city. A magnificent structure of polished marble and golden filigree, its well-furnished interior is equally lavish in apportionment. This temple, more than any others in the city, is well justified in its employment of armed guards to protect its contents.

Eagle inquires with an acolyte and begs an audience with the High Priestess herself. The acolyte initially says that the High Priestess is extremely busy with clerical matters, but eventually concedes and escorts Eagle to a private audience chamber located in a sprawling wing off the main hall. There, he tells Eagle to wait while he informs the High Priestess.

Several minutes transpire before High Priestess Fairhand arrives.  The High Priestess is a study in contrast against the much simpler dressed Eagle. The half-elven woman of middle years is dressed in a showy white robe, over which an embroidered golden sash rests across her thin shoulders. The woman's flaxen hair is pulled back in a braided bun and a thin golden circlet rests at he top of her brow.

She enters the room like a cool breeze and proceeds directly toward Eagle. Two mailed attendants wait a few feet beyond her, their posture stiff and formal.

The High Priestess stops about five arm lengths from Eagle and holds her proudly aloft while studying the man before her. This lasts for a few seconds before a hint of a smile forms.

"Acolyte Isak informs me you wish to speak to me, Eagle, Initiate of the Fifth Circle of Stormhaven. Well, you have my audience. Speak your piece." Her tone in calm and businesslike as she studies Eagle through icy blue orbs.

In reply to DM Storm (msg # 95):

'Thank you so much for your time, high priestess. I come to seek the aid of your just and goodly Lord, who I know is compassionate and protective of those who seek to protect the weak from evil.

'My companions and I have been in the wilds these last few months. We have slain an evil lizard king, who was abducting Stormhaven's people for blood sacrifices, we have restored the lizards tribe to its rightful home in the forlorn hills, we have sealed up an entrance to the under dark from which evil drow have emerged, and most recently we have tackled a band of dread ogres and giants who were preying on the outlying villages of Windham.

'In the last task we encountered great evil indeed - 4 demons from the depths of the abyss. We faught bravely, and while it nearly overcame us we succeeded. Alas my friends - among them a dwarf with nothing but good in his heart - were so weakened they fell in the night to foul undead while I fetched help.

'The dwarf has done so much good, for so many people, and I hoped your lord could recognise that in his infinite wisdom.

'I'm sure if aid was given, then thanks would be offered - not just in immediate tribute ("though you might like that," Eagle thinks wistfully to himself as he takes in the opulence around him) - but in future: my friends planned to develop the land around Windham into a protected enclave, which I'm sure could include a chapel and some acolytes of your order. So through their future actions your Lord's will will be furthered.

'For my part, if I cannot recover my friends I will probably wander my newly acquired land and let nature take its own course, wherever it might lead,' he finishes softly and sadly.

He then looks the priestess in the eye, not with pride or hubris, but with hope.

High Priestess Fairhand's cool demeanor warms a bit upon hearing Eagle relate the party's exploits. This is a woman who is impressed by people of status and clearly the city druid who stands before her is a man of action and accomplishment, if his words are indeed true. She does not know the Druids of Melora to be boastful or liars as a general rule, and given what she has heard of recent events, it comes as some pleasure for her to finally meet one of the young adventurers responsible for the tales she has heard.

"Well met indeed, Eagle," she responds after Eagle has told his tale. "Your exploits are not entirely unknown to me, for I am ever mindful of those who tame the dark corners of the world."

The High Priestess' posture remains erect and formal throughout, though her tone softens considerably. "It seems we work toward similar purpose and I cannot speak false to say what you have told me does not greatly pique my interests to lend aid to your cause."

"But what you ask does not come without great sacrifice. Nor of piety. For while it is true the Raven Queen's specter can be staved, I would need assurances that it will be a worthwhile venture for Erathis' benevolence."

THe High Priestess continues to explain she is willing to help, but only if Eagle agrees to do as he has suggested: clear the area and build a shrine worthy of Erathis' good will. Additionally, she will request a sacrifice of 6,000 gold pieces, a sum much lower than what she might ordinarily request, were it not for his other assurances.

In reply to DM Storm (msg # 97):

Eagle nods. 'My friends are dead, so in truth I cannot promise on their behalf, but I can give you my word on three things: they are men of honour; they were intending to clear the land; and - the dwarf especially - they are not people who would not honour a debt. And in your debt we would certainly be.'

Eagle thinks for a moment. 'One thing I should add. Our funds will be low, and building requires funds. We may not be able to immediately start clearing land, but if you can trust me - and our past actions - you have my word we will honour these conditions if we are able.'

The High Priestess nods and replies, "Then let's agree to have a shrine established by the Festival of Light." The Festival of Light was an annual holiday held to honor the occasion when the hours of day begin tipping in favor of day, the arrival of spring.

"Let the coming of spring be a rebirth on both accounts!" she adds hopefully.

Assuming the conditions are agreeable, The High Priestess will raise Norion, for the sum of 6,000 gold pieces.

In reply to DM Storm (msg # 99):

Eagle nods. 'You have my word we will do all that we can.'. Assuming Bethany has been successful at liquidating the assets, Eagle will then make payments to the temples and start getting his friends raised.

OOC: do we have enough? Would the temple of Melora take an IOU if we're a bit short? And I guess over to you guys to start making survival rolls!

BTW, did you dish out XP for treasure in the end? Interesting to see what level Bethany ends up as!

Meanwhile, Bethany has been working the Bazaar District to find potential buyers for the large sum of party treasure. Indeed, she finds several merchants quite interested in the many items the group has come in the possession of.

All told, Eagle needs 54,000 gold pieces to raise Ben, Inas, Norion, Rath and Saliq. May the Raven Queen be merciful in granting each of their release from the bond of eternal servitude in the Realm of the White Wall.

OOC: You can liquidate any of the treasures you currently own. Additionally, with effort, you may identify any of your magical items at a base cost of 100 gp for each magical property identified. Some of your items will actually require several castings of that spell, because they contain more than one magical property. Go ahead and let me know what you want to do in this regard.

Now that word of the party's exploits has had a chance to travel through Windham and the other villages, and Stormhaven itself, I will add the XP value of the non-magical treasure. The magic treasure value will be added after it is identified.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:50, Sat 14 Feb 2015.

Meanwhile, in the Seaside District, at the Temple of the Good Wind, High Priestess Ulaa Elliastrae prepares her staff for the raising ritual which is to be performed at high tide. The air is filled with the scent of freshly cut flowers and burning incense as the sun crashes into the horizon, spraying the sky with splashes of violent, orange and crimson. Outside the temple, a polished avatar of Melora watches the sea, her right hand drawn clutching a length of seaweed to her bossom.

Sea scale tarnishes her visage, but the statue is no less majestic for it. A bed of flowers is spread at her feet, while braziers burn lowly, casting her alabaster robes in a soft glow. The bodies of Ben, Inas, Rath and Saliq are lying in gentle repose atop the flowers. Their bodies have been washed clean of their wounds, but all color has now faded from their corpses. A group of acolytes gathers in a circle around the altar and begins humming lowly, a hymnal of the Goddess of the Wild Sea. This will continue through the ritual, their voices combining to mimic the rhythm of lapping waves.

When low tide finally comes, the High Priestess of Melora finishes the ritual by calling upon the power of her deity. The waves crash harder into the dock beams, causing shoots of sea foam rise higher around the shrine. Soon a wall of water rises well above the shrine and crashes down upon the bed of flowers. The flowers are swept out to sea, leaving Ben, Inas, Rath and Saliq, soaked, weakened, but alive at the heels of Melora's avatar. The acolytes cease their hymnal and come to the side of the freshly raised adventurers.

Praise to the Sea Goddess!

OOC: Ths group is alive again, but will require extensive bed rest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:11, Sun 15 Feb 2015.

Meanwhile, in the Council Halls district, The Golden Hall prepares their own rites. Norion's corpse is dressed in silken robes,lying atop a gilded altar. A beam of sun filters in through a crystal window, illuminating the slain dwarf. A group of acolytes stands beyond High Priestess Fairhand, whom is standing by Norion's side. The High Priestess raises her hands heavenward and slowly release flecks of gold dust which fall over Norion's body.

When this ritual is complete, she begins chanting the Sacred Oath of Erathis, her eyes closed and mind bent toward the task at hand. Her face progressively twists into one of deeper concern as troubling visions flash through her mind. The Priestess' chants become more forceful, before finally subsiding into little more than a whimper. Then, she collapses at Norion's side, covered in deep sweat.

Her acolytes gasp and race to her side. She is still moving, though barely. The same cannot be said for Norion, whom still lies still upon the gilded altar.

"I am sorry," she whispers weakly. "Your companion has been forever claimed to the Raven Queen's domain. The only hope for him is to be allowed entry to his God's Hall, should she be willing to release him. Norion Ironaxe is no more for this world. Let his mortal deeds be known in song."

With that, she collapses and is then rushed off to her private chambers to rest.

OOC: Norion did not make it...