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18:49, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Well of demons.

Posted by StorytellerFor group 0
Khalid ibn Faizal
player, 1080 posts
Swdmg, 64/64 7/9 (16)
AC 23 F 18 R 18 W 17
Mon 12 Dec 2022
at 02:54
  • msg #552

Re: Well of demons

Khalid keeps up a steady rhythm with his sword, weaving it through patterns that would leave a mundane swordsman scratching his head. He lashes out when Paldemar leaves himself open to attack and then calls out a word that blurs his weapon into a spray of metal. Paldemar's counterspells cause it to dissipate before it can take effect.


Opportunity attack: (if Khalid was in position when the ranged attacks went off). 18:50, Today: Khalid ibn Faizal rolled 20 using 1d20+11.  Melee basic attack (scimitar) +11 vs. AC 23 of Paldemar. Miss.
Standard: 18:52, Today: Khalid ibn Faizal rolled 21 using 1d20+9.  Sword burst +9 vs. Reflex 23 of Paldemar. Miss.
Move: None.
Minor: None.
End of turn: Assuming Paldemar uses and hits with his interrupt: 18:53, Today: Khalid ibn Faizal rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  Save vs. illusion, +5. Failed.



EnemyHPLocationACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:
Paldemar4/178M1423222323Saving Throws +2; Action Points 1, Minor action: R20, 14 damage. Pluck the minds eye: Trigger - when targeted; interrupt; +16 vs will. If hit, invisible(save ends). Only one target!; Pillars - minor, gain +1 att/+2 dmgInvisible to Nezumi, marked (Khalid), Cursed (Rynoth); Vul 3 Cold EoNezumiTurn;
Bronze Warder91/168R523211818RESIST 5/ALL - Guard - At will, take half of Paldemars damage. Must be within 2 SQ of him.Cursed (Rynoth), marked (Khalid)




PlayerHPLocationACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:AP/Surges
Khalid05/64L1523181817Bloodied! +2 to all defenses.Warder and Paldemar under aegisAP: 0, Surges:4/9 SV: 16
Rynoth23/61J1420212119Glove charge 0/5;bloodied!AP: 0, Surges:10/10 SV: 15
Grock49/55Q529242523 Centered Defense: +2 all defenses, Resist 5 Necrotic, 5 Temp HP, Second WindAP: 1, Surges:6/9, SV: 13
Nezumi38/59N1427221921 +1 Class vs Death; Immediate Reaction when attacked;AP: 0, Surges:6/9, SV: 14
Jhaartael06/55L1120162021Bloodied! AP: 0, Surges:8/8, SV: 14


MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit


Jhartael is up!
Jhaartael
player, 67 posts
HP: 55 / Surges (14) 8
AC/NADS: 20/16/20/21
Mon 12 Dec 2022
at 06:35
  • msg #553

Re: Well of demons

Jhaartael winced as his vision was restored only to feel a blast of power from Paldamar burn him. "Inept magus. Couldn't you at least kill me properly?"

He smiled as he took one last risk, all or nothing. He gave that strange yell again that he gave near the beginning of the battle, defiant and proud as a tyrant's martyr, as he strummed one final chord of defiance from it.

01:33, Today: Jhaartael rolled 28 using 1d20+9.  Vicious Mockery, aimed at Paldamar vs Will.
01:34, Today: Jhaartael rolled 6 using 1d6+4.  Damage with Mockery.


"The beauty of an end." He wasn't even sure if the wizard was going to drop with that attack.



EnemyHPLocationACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:
Paldemar4/178M1423222323Saving Throws +2; Action Points 1, Minor action: R20, 14 damage. Pluck the minds eye: Trigger - when targeted; interrupt; +16 vs will. If hit, invisible(save ends). Only one target!; Pillars - minor, gain +1 att/+2 dmgInvisible to Nezumi, marked (Khalid), Cursed (Rynoth); Vul 3 Cold EoNezumiTurn;
Bronze Warder91/168R523211818RESIST 5/ALL - Guard - At will, take half of Paldemars damage. Must be within 2 SQ of him.Cursed (Rynoth), marked (Khalid)




PlayerHPLocationACFRWCurrent conditions:Effects/ongoing:AP/Surges
Khalid05/64L1523181817Bloodied! +2 to all defenses.Warder and Paldemar under aegisAP: 0, Surges:4/9 SV: 16
Rynoth23/61J1420212119Glove charge 0/5;bloodied!AP: 0, Surges:10/10 SV: 15
Grock49/55Q529242523 Centered Defense: +2 all defenses, Resist 5 Necrotic, 5 Temp HP, Second WindAP: 1, Surges:6/9, SV: 13
Nezumi38/59N1427221921 +1 Class vs Death; Immediate Reaction when attacked;AP: 0, Surges:6/9, SV: 14
Jhaartael06/55L1120162021Bloodied! AP: 0, Surges:8/8, SV: 14


MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit
Storyteller
GM, 1309 posts
Wed 14 Dec 2022
at 09:20
  • msg #554

Re: Well of demons

The cries of Paldemar is exhumed as the final blow crippled his animated body, and he falls heavily to the ground.

The warder eyes and suddenly appears as if shut off instantly, bending over and appearing lifeless.

The room is quiet - the doors to the sideroom open behind you, and show what is available inside. The crystal pillars before the altars appear clear to dim a bit, but not shut off really.

With everything calm, the horrid temple and signals to the foul lord of death, still emanates as the place is clearly defiled and wretched with hatred and pain.

The southern room, where Paldemar remained, is open however and within you find a carefully made study.

A table adorned with books and scrolls(Perception 22 check to further), and a bed with a large chest at the end appeared to hold further belongings.
A bookcase also appeared close by, but most curiously on a small pillar - a large crystal orb lay on a piece of dark cloth.
(Wisdom dc 20 to use, but any other skills may be used to check it).

On the table there also appears to be a finely bound leather book.
Jhaartael
player, 70 posts
HP: 55 / Surges (14) 8
AC/NADS: 20/16/20/21
Wed 14 Dec 2022
at 10:32
  • msg #555

Re: Well of demons

Jhaartael takes a moment to breathe, before speaking in his normal, quiet fashion. "Breath that in. Mildly noxious, corrupted, and yet - a bit of light has cut into this shadow this day. It is insignificant, but it is still victory."

He begins playing a tune on the sitar, moving slowly as he drew subtle energies of strength into all allies who heard his mournful tune, a lyric from a song he had picked up on the road that he felt like practicing. His voice was clear and clarion, a far cry from the quiet eladrin who normally spoke.

"Even here
it is not safe,
Even this place
has been defaced.
Someone has written
on this stone
In an angry hand,
'Hope Rides Alone.'"


OOC: Each healing surge spent during a short rest heals you for an additional 3 HP each, because he is a better musician than I am.

Also, I notice nothing. Passive Perception 19 and didn't roll better.

Rynoth
player, 172 posts
HP 61/61 | S(15) 10/10
Def 20/21/21/19
Wed 14 Dec 2022
at 11:57
  • msg #556

Re: Well of demons

Rynoth took a cursory glance at the other items, but focused on the book. He sensed first for wards - which would change his approach considerably if present - before lifting the cover to take a look inside. Even in doing that he was careful, using the tip of his dagger rather than his fingers.

Arcana 18, Religion 13, Perception 13 - probably not getting anything with the latter two, but maybe with the former?
Storyteller
GM, 1312 posts
Tue 20 Dec 2022
at 11:20
  • msg #557

Re: Well of demons

The books and scrolls are empty, curiously empty, as if the true origin of its content is hidden to all but those initiated.

You notice a crystal orb, which when gazed at briefly, appears to be able to scry - what is uncertain for now - but it is obviously used for divination of sorts. It is faded with the fall of Paldemar.

A brief search expose 1800 gold and a staff which he used, that appears magical(+2 base), and aside them you find a small book of rituals.

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Arcane Lock, Brew Potion, and Leomund’s Secret Chest.

The scroll features a ritual in progress, but which one is beyond Rynoth for now.

You find another scroll, which seems interesting:
Its a map shows a glowing pyramid hovering in the sky, somewhere close to Fallcrest in the Nentir Vale. Notes scribbled on the side of the page read: “Place of power.” “Secrets of undeath and eternal life.” And “Seek Karavakos.”

Lastly, you find the large leatherbound book to be a diary.
- See thread: Paldemars Diary if interested into reading it, long read!

Paldemar is passed out, near death and of no risk. Using the portal some way back, you should be able to get to the mages of Saruun quickly.
Rynoth
player, 176 posts
HP 61/61 | S(15) 10/10
Def 20/21/21/19
Tue 20 Dec 2022
at 12:42
  • msg #558

Re: Well of demons

"I don't want to stay here any longer than we have to," Rynoth stated with an askance look at the demonic trappings of the main chamber. "Destroying those pillars would be prudent but that's a slow prospect unless someone has the right tools."

He stared hard at the pillars in question, appraising them, then shook his head. "I don't think that he'll be able to connect to them again unless he's able to return, so we can leave them for later."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:07, Tue 20 Dec 2022.
Jhaartael
player, 74 posts
HP: 55 / Surges (14) 8
AC/NADS: 20/16/20/21
Tue 20 Dec 2022
at 12:44
  • msg #559

Re: Well of demons

Jhaartael, while playing was reading over Rynoth's shoulder. "I know a bit of these Ashen fellows. Unusual for demon cultists. They coordinate under one insane scheme or another to replace the goddess of death with a demon lord. One Orcus, I believe, one of the more active among the forces of darkness."

He chuckled as he read the next line mockingly. "'Some historians claim.' Muk-balfung, is what this historian is claiming it is, until a non-demonic source confirms otherwise."

"Torog..." He frowned. "That sounds familiar. Dark god, torture, pain, darkness. Somehow not more popular among my dark skinned and morally atavistic kindred."

He waited before speaking again, unhelpfully not providing context for his next words. "Ah, so that's what it does. I was close."

He smiled as he neared the end, unconsciously strumming to the cadence of what he had envisioned with his mind's eye as he read. "You had quite the adventure that I missed. I hope I do not miss the next one, should you have one."
Rynoth
player, 177 posts
HP 61/61 | S(15) 10/10
Def 20/21/21/19
Tue 20 Dec 2022
at 13:11
  • msg #560

Re: Well of demons

"We've got two more coming if this journal is anything to judge by. That ritual at the Lake of Shadows still needs to be stopped, and the Mages there rescued if they're still in any shape for it. Then there's the Pyramid. Karavakos is mentioned twice, and if it's the same person, odds are good that he's trying to break out of a planar prison, or that he already has thanks to Paldemar."
Grock
player, 356 posts
HP 55/55 S 9/9 SV 12
AC 22/ F 17/ R 18/ W 16
Tue 20 Dec 2022
at 15:09
  • msg #561

Re: Well of demons

Grock leaned against the wall while the smart magic people read over books and scrolls. He made sure to bind, blind, and gag the lich for transport. With the guy strung up like a sack of potatoes, he looked over to the others. “Ready to go whenever you all are. I assume we’re heading back to the Mages with this bag of bones.”
Storyteller
GM, 1318 posts
Fri 6 Jan 2023
at 13:36
  • msg #562

Re: Well of demons

The road back is short; the damp caverns lead you to a shimmering portal, just off the side into a small almost hidden junction, making it hard to discern if it had not been for someone knowing it was there. Orentor did well to place it here.

With the mage, almost dead and tied into safety, you go through the portal and hear a loud "PHWOOOSH" before light flicker and you stand in a room with a circular pattern surrounded by stone and marble. The blue stone and energy laden crystals fade.
You eye around and notice Orentor waiting, hiding that the passage is not a silent one.
His eyes raise in curiosity.
"Is..that...yes! You found him...and defeated him. This...is huge. With him here, the hidden wards, and marks attuned to him and the order he serves can be broken. One danger less threathen our lands. But to do so, I need my brothers and sister back...Indeed. My pardons, what have you learned?"
He waves and two members enter and escort Paldemar off, to secure him for later 'use'.
He nods and eyes you, obviously impressed but also with a concerned grimace.
"I owe you much - do tell me more, but once done, let me reward you!"

----
You can select one parcel; basically one magical item up to level+1.
You can add it on at your convinience.
----

Rynoth
player, 181 posts
HP 61/61 | S(15) 10/10
Def 20/21/21/19
Fri 6 Jan 2023
at 17:41
  • msg #563

Re: Well of demons

Rynoth related the full story - he had a bit more context than anyone else, having briefly "worked" for Paldemar - and produced the confiscated journal that laid out Paldemar's further plans. It helped that he was of an academic background and mind, more akin to a wizard than to most of those whose power came from pacts.

"...so it seems that we'll need to free them from the Lake of Shadows, along with any other mages that he was holding there, if they're still in any shape to be freed."
Grock
player, 358 posts
HP 55/55 S 9/9 SV 12
AC 22/ F 17/ R 18/ W 16
Fri 6 Jan 2023
at 22:39
  • msg #564

Re: Well of demons

Grock leaned against a wall and listened while adding what little bits weren’t covered. “We need to have something to breathe underwater or swim in this lake of Shadow?”
Jhaartael
player, 77 posts
HP: 55 / Surges (14) 8
AC/NADS: 20/16/20/21
Sat 7 Jan 2023
at 01:12
  • msg #565

Re: Well of demons

Jhaartael's request was simple - he wanted to have a real sword again, and a real sword he got. "Wonderful. I studied the ways of the spellsword, and while I am hardly a devotee, I can hold my own." His understanding of swordsmanship was rooted in anticipation rather than strength or coordination, but he gave the illusion of being fast to those who didn't understand.

Besides, his illusions could absolutely kill, so the outcome was close to the real thing.

"So, my involvement in this tale comes in three acts." He slowly felt out the weight and balance of his new weapon. "Wonderful. It can sing in my hands."
Khalid ibn Faizal
player, 1082 posts
Swdmg, 64/64 7/9 (16)
AC 23 F 18 R 18 W 17
Sat 7 Jan 2023
at 05:55
  • msg #566

Re: Well of demons

In reply to Jhaartael (msg # 565):

"Why, this is marvelous! I have long suspected that the mage-duelist tradition might have been developed in other parts of Faerûn! I offer my humble services as instructor or sparring partner, should you wish to benefit from my own meager skills."


Khalid picks up a circlet of indomitability to tick his Will up a bit.
Storyteller
GM, 1322 posts
Tue 10 Jan 2023
at 08:46
  • msg #567

Re: Well of demons

Orentor nodded at the questions of the sea.
"What is know is this: The Sea of Shadows is an underground lake deep under the Thunderspire Mountain. Locked inside an enormous cavern, nearly 2 miles across, it lays in eternal darkness with stagnant black mirror-like water.
For reasons unknown the border to the Shadowfell grew thin at the lake – maybe it was the constant darkness, or something related to the Nentir Vale itself – nobody knows.
What I have learned is harrowing - the Demon Prince of Undeath saw this thin border and tried to use it for his own dark schemes to spread darkness and undeath to the living world.
The Shadowfell is a twisted reflection of the living world, and its necrotic energies animates the undead. In the Shadowfell reflection of the Nentir Vale, his loyal undead hordes have dammed the Nentir River in the world of shadows. The Lake Nen, called “Lake Night” in Shadowfell has filled the surrounding plains with black shadow water. The counterparts of the Old Hills (the “Bone Hills”), Gray Downs and Moon Hills now form islands in the great lake. By capturing and sacrificing souls headed for the halls of the Raven Queen in vile rites over the last 500 years,
Orcus have tainted the waters with mourning souls, blood and necrotic energies."


He sighed deeply.
"You must be careful. The path is hard to find, but I have a map - an ancient tunnel leads deep down to the roots and bottom, and will be the path forward. Six of my brothers and sisters remain below, but I can not determine nor scry how they are - or if they are alive. But their part in a ritual likely to break the veil and wall between the two worlds - the world we know will be changed forever."

He extends a map, showing a location, well hidden - roughly half an hours walk way.
Rynoth
player, 185 posts
HP 61/61 | S(15) 10/10
Def 20/21/21/19
Thu 12 Jan 2023
at 04:29
  • msg #568

Re: Well of demons

Rynoth took the map and studied it closely, matching its markings to the features that they'd seen. The relic had come dangerously close to this thin place and its ritual; it hadn't quite made it, and with Paldemar no longer orchestrating things he could only hope that the ritual itself would start to lapse even without their interference.

Lapse, not destabilize...

"If it's anything like what we've seen elsewhere then their life force is likely to be part of it. I..." He hesitated, sounding uncomfortable, then let out a small sigh. "We'll save them if we can."

If they weren't well beyond saving already...
Grock
player, 360 posts
HP 55/55 S 9/9 SV 12
AC 22/ F 17/ R 18/ W 16
Fri 13 Jan 2023
at 18:16
  • msg #569

Re: Well of demons

Grock nodded. “Sounds like a plan. Any people or creatures we need to be aware of before we go?”
Nezumi
player, 83 posts
Fri 13 Jan 2023
at 18:43
  • msg #570

Re: Well of demons

"You coming along on this outing or should I get you a place to stay here in town Baaz?" *Nezumi draws attention to her new employee to make sure that he receives his proper due.*
Rynoth
player, 186 posts
HP 61/61 | S(15) 10/10
Def 20/21/21/19
Fri 13 Jan 2023
at 19:18
  • msg #571

Re: Well of demons

Grock's question prompted an immediate response. "I can think of one: that lich-shadow creature. We don't have many sources of luminance, do we?"
Jhaartael
player, 79 posts
HP: 55 / Surges (14) 8
AC/NADS: 20/16/20/21
Sun 15 Jan 2023
at 10:49
  • msg #572

Re: Well of demons

"Breaking the veil between this world and the Shadowfell generally creates a large quantity of undead as pure necrotic and shadow energy seeps into the ground and reanimates the corpses as free-willed undead. There is a considerable amount of academic debate as to whether such beings are the corrupted deceased or not. I find it easier to go with the theory they are not. Makes fighting them less stressful." Jhaartael sheathed his new weapon.

"Some of the mages may have been reanimated, if the worst has happened, and their knowledge may serve a dark force. I'm hoping it is not held against us if we do what must be done."

Jhaartael checked his supplies. "No. Merely a duo of sunrods and an everburning torch."
Nezumi
player, 84 posts
Sun 15 Jan 2023
at 19:52
  • msg #573

Re: Well of demons

In reply to Rynoth (msg # 571):

"I can call upon elemental light to form a barrier around me once a day but that's the extent of my connection to those entities. My connection to Ice is far greater, and these new gloves will make my connection deeper still." *Nezumi slips on the silky soft gloves she chose as her reward.*
Storyteller
GM, 1323 posts
Mon 16 Jan 2023
at 09:24
  • msg #574

Re: Well of demons

Orentor nodded and listened.
"I can not advise what is down there, but urge that you save my brothers and sisters if doable. If they are indeed beyond saving, and beyond salvation - no grudge nor malice will fall upon you, as they are no longer of the order then. Do what you must."

Baaz eyed Nezumi with concern.
"I stay here, if okay? That place sounds like not for me, and I understand you need to go."
Nezumi
player, 86 posts
Mon 16 Jan 2023
at 14:05
  • msg #575

Re: Well of demons

"Sounds good Baaz, I'll get you a room in town before we head out then." (Just let me know how much it costs and I'll mark it off. I doubt we want to RP finding a place for him to stay.)
Grock
player, 361 posts
HP 55/55 S 9/9 SV 12
AC 22/ F 17/ R 18/ W 16
Thu 19 Jan 2023
at 11:22
  • msg #576

Re: Well of demons

Grock got some food in him and was ready to go unless they wanted to rest for the night.
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