To Rescue an Elf

In the cold and dark depths of an unfamiliar realm, our heroes Kailute, DonBrapp, and Quilro embark on a rescue mission to save Draxos from the clutches of the Demon Klavikus and his companions. It is the year 1358DR, a time of conflict in the Moonsea area. Inside a twisted arcane tower, the party confronts Klavikus, the steward of Zenghyi's efforts. Draxos had been forcefully taken through a dimensional door under the command of Orcus and now sits helplessly witnessing the gathering of summoned demons in Klavikus' library.

In the chamber, the party faces two unusually large humanoid tigers and the muscular demon across the table, perched on a stone throne. Klavikus, surrounded by shelves of magically shaped homes, appears lost in thought or perhaps reading from a tome. Tension fills the air as the cohort of summoned demons, including mariliths, barbazus, and other fiends, express their frustration and anger, only to be silenced by Klavikus' dark and electric whip.

Draxos is horrified by the scene, his mind filled with visions of his home under assault.

Meanwhile, the rest of the heroes find refuge in the crypt of the notorious Moon Sea pirate, Brenkan Oarfell. With Quilro's Moon Blade now imbued with the soul of the famous pirate, they regroup and discuss their plan. They have obtained Draxos' weapons through negotiation and are determined to rescue him. They consider either continuing negotiations with Klavikus or directly confronting him using protection from evil spell.

DonBrapp begins preparations for the spell, arranging his workspace within the salt-covered crypt. The unnaturally silent environment unsettles him, but he pushes forward, confident in his ability to channel his deity's power. The heroes debate their approach, considering disguising Draxos as someone who disagreed with their plan or using vials of blood for resurrection purposes.

As they strategize, DonBrapp casts Magic Stone, charging two stones with extra power. The group decides to create a protection from evil circle and then proceed to engage Klavikus directly. They discuss the use of haste and fire shield spells to enhance their abilities during the confrontation. However, they are aware that their actions might alert Klavikus and his minions of their intentions.

Despite this concern, DonBrapp believes that defensive magic would be expected in a dangerous situation, even by interplanar beings. He argues for the use of protective spells, emphasizing the importance of being fully prepared and armed.

Draxos, while also feeling the tension in the room, senses that defensive magic wouldn't immediately give away their intentions.

In the midst of their deliberation, Draxos and Quilro experience unsettling visions. Draxos sees his beloved elven forest village burning due to reckless civilization, while Quilro envisions a place of repentance for beings of law or chaos. These visions serve as reminders of the stakes involved in their mission.

As they continue their discussion, the heroes remain vigilant of their surroundings, aware of the demons' presence and Klavikus' indifference. They weigh their options and determine the best course of action to rescue Draxos and confront the demon threatening their world.

Noon, 8th of Alturiak

DonBrapp stood in front of a large, ornate door. It was intricately carved from a black material that radiated powerful magical energy. Four pythons were positioned in a square around an ever-shifting centerpiece. When observed, the display would transform into something familiar and comforting, and the pythons would change color, indicating the steps needed to unlock the door.

Kailute: We need to identify the spells necessary to proceed. I can cast spells and identify them. Quilro: We should consider using protection against negative energy and passing it on to Caillou. That could be effective against undead creatures. DonBrapp: Hold on, let me double-check. Are we really dealing with undead here?

Kailute: We're talking about protection from negative material energy, right?
Quilro: Negative plane protection, yes.

The elf identifies a ring of spell turning.

Kailute: I would love that ring.

DonBrapp: It's a magic ring, you can't wear it.

Quilro: It's an antimagic ring, designed to counter other wizards.

DonBrapp: Yes, it's a classic wizard tool. Quilro, are you comfortable wearing something self-destructive?

Quilro: If it's created by a wizard to counter and harm other wizards, I guess I can handle it.

DonBrapp: Good, then it's settled.

Quilro approaches the door and examines it.

The door shows a familiar scene, resembling a rug shop in Hills Farm combined with elements of Elventree. It's a strange mix, but it's probably designed to maximize trade and access to unique materials.

Quilro casts ESP to detect sentient beings beyond the door.

Quilro: I don't sense anyone behind the door, but there is a significant amount of magical energy. There seems to be more sentient energy to the northwest.

The soul of Brenkan Oarfell speaks through the moonblade: "I'm telling you, for a tree-loving elf who's learning to swim, what lies beyond this door is more than enough to make you yearn for your roots and the embrace of nature."

Kailute: Let's be cautious and check for traps before we proceed.

Quilro: I'll take care of that. I'm an expert at locating traps.

Quilro carefully examines the door for any traps.

The door is protected by a mix of fiendish magical traps and an elaborate Calishite poison trap. But interestingly, when Kailute finished speaking, both the magic and the trap went inert without triggering.

DonBrapp: That's fortunate. Quilro, your knock was successful. Now push the door open.
Quilro pushes the door open, revealing a room overflowing with treasure. In the center lies a large rug resembling a great brown bear, large enough to cover the center of a grand hall. Giant-sized treasure chests line one wall, filled with coins that spill onto the floor. There's also a table filled with chests of Brandy, liquor, and high-quality wines. Along another wall, there are stacks of magical components and spellcasting items. Racks of weapons adorn the room.

DonBrapp: This is a treasure horde beyond imagination. Be cautious; it may not all be as it seems.

Kailute: I will attempt to disbelieve any illusions or enchantments.

The party cautiously enters the treasure-filled room, prepared to face any challenges that may lie ahead.