Aubrey's Eberron campaign. (Inactive)

Game Master Aubrey the Malformed


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Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

Ooooops. "That reliably un-forthcoming Havakhad and his equally uncommunicative assistant Selkatari. I'm sure they mean well, but they can be rather frustrating to work for at times. Getting information out of them is like pulling teeth. No insult meant."

"Personally, I lean towards visiting the Dragon Crypts first and get that out of the way. No need to go back there again after that."

Haladon ir'Tarravan wrote:
I'm just going for a straight paladin with the Oathbound (oath against fiends) archetype. It meshes well with the Silver Flame church and Haladon's return to his faith.

Nice. I like that archetype. It would have been amusing if Haladon was an acrobat-thief or something equally different, but a straight paladin will be both a good fit and very useful.


Haste, Divine Power, Air Walk, Death Ward Dwarf Fighter 1 / Cleric 8 / Sovereign Speaker 3; HP 87/116

would have been COOLER if you weren't a Flamer! :D


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

“Yes, don’t mind Janosz, Nevharath my friend,” says Rodergo, walking between the two and placing a hand on each man’s shoulder. “He gets grumpy when he meets aberrations he doesn’t kill.” He turns his head towards Janosz. “I still get lost in this city – up or out, which is closer? I feel like it would be closer to visit the kalashtar first – and Nevharath might be eager to get back to his friends – but it matters not to me.” In a lower voice he adds, “Janosz, did you keep your eyes on the shards the whole time? I didn’t notice any sleight of hand, but your eyes are better than mine …”


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

Interesting point. Perception to spot sleight of hand: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (4) + 27 = 31

"I kept my eyes on it throughout the whole process. As much as it pains me to say this, I think the mindflayer dealt with us honourably and honestly. Not that that will stop me from killing it if the opportunity presents itself, of course."


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Janosz:

Spoiler:
You notice no switch going on.

Led by Saoonah, the adventurers walk out of the cellar into the corridor. The Master adds as they depart, Indeed, this has been a most interesting turn of events on multiple levels. It is shame you could not stay longer and recount your adventures in Gath's Mausoleum. But no matter, Gelb was with you and he can provide me with an eye-witness account.

The claw descends from the ceiling, grabs Gelb and shoves him into the chair. Gelb is surprised for a moment and then begins shouting, "Master! Please, I will tell you everything you need to know!"

I know, Gelb, but you are so inarticulate. Any description you could provide would be a paltry thing, unworthy of the experience. It is better simply to extract the information directly.

"Master, please, no!" Gelb squirms desperately as the chair grips him.

Now, Gelb, the pain will not last too long. The Master moves to stand behind the chair and places its tentacles across the back of Gelb's head. Then the doorway puckers closed. It blocks the view, but not Gelb's screams.

Saoonah emotionlessly waves a hand towards the exit. "This way," it intones.


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

"Oh man, this day just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?" Janosz is grinning broadly as the party walks out of Master's domain. "This has been a great day, yes it has."


Haste, Divine Power, Air Walk, Death Ward Dwarf Fighter 1 / Cleric 8 / Sovereign Speaker 3; HP 87/116

"Well, I don't wish ill on him, but he was rather cowardly, which I cannot condone."

"In any event, where are we going to next? I need to make a full report to the church, but I can do that at a Sivis station on the way to anywhere. Aside from that, I am free to continue with your group, if that is amenable."


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

"I do. Gelb was a child-killer. He murdered Father Erfan and impersonated him while working for a drug-smuggling cult of that thrice-damned flayed god. He is a priest of the Dragon Below. F$&@ that guy. I hope the Master keeps him in horrific pain and then devours his brain and tosses his body in the sewer to be eaten by diseased rats. The only thing I regret is that I didn't get to kill him myself."


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

“Hhrrrmm …” Rodergo clears his throat. “Yes, well, it’s certainly no less than he deserves … paedocide, episcopicide … yes, the punishment is fitting in a way I suppose. Still, what a way to go. I … I almost feel bad for him.”


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk
Kazadar Soranath wrote:

"In any event, where are we going to next? I need to make a full report to the church, but I can do that at a Sivis station on the way to anywhere. Aside from that, I am free to continue with your group, if that is amenable."

“You did a good job of keeping them alive in Gath’s domain,” Rodergo tells Kazadar, “You’ll all have to tell me about how it went with Gath at some point … anyway, I’d be glad to have you on board. It will be good to have someone to have, let’s say ‘vigorous’ religious discussions with now that Rolund – Haladon – has re-embraced his faith. To be honest I’m not sure what my long term plans are … there’s never a dull moment with this lot, and I certainly feel as if I am doing the Flame’s work, but … well, I do occasionally miss Thrane … well, not so much miss as wonder if I should try to make a difference there – get the higher-up’s to see a different point of view …”

The priest clears this throat again. “But I digress. Shall we return to see Warden Sotharr – Gaia? I’m … not sure whether or not I made a good impression on her … I feel like there was a connection, but … Hmmm. Janosz, no offense my friend, but I don’t think she liked you much, maybe less talk of looting corpses this time?”

Also, doesn’t the group have one of Kazadar’s sick or injured companions in the tent?


Haste, Divine Power, Air Walk, Death Ward Dwarf Fighter 1 / Cleric 8 / Sovereign Speaker 3; HP 87/116

ah yes i should see to him. perhaps upgrade my pit stop from sivis to actual church. i suppose the middle-central district has Sovereign Towers Temple District.


Kaz can recover his mate from the tent and drop him off at a temple of the Sovereign Host while the others go and see Gaia - Kaz has never met her so has no compelling reason to go and see her, except possibly curiosity, and so may not wish to yomp up to another graveyard. You could then agree to meet at the kalashtar meeting house - the others have been there (some more than once) and so know the address.


Haste, Divine Power, Air Walk, Death Ward Dwarf Fighter 1 / Cleric 8 / Sovereign Speaker 3; HP 87/116

that makes the most sense in and out of character


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

Ok, so once we’re in a place safe to do so, we’ll unpack the tent and hand Kazadar’s friend over into his care. We’ll give him the address to the kalashtar’s place and agree to meet outside in x hours (enough time to do what we need to do in the meantime). While Kazadar heads to an appropriate temple of the Sovereign Host, the rest of us will go back to the Dragon Crypts, give the bits and pieces of Sotharr’s companions back to her, then head back to see Havakhad and Selkatari – sound like a plan?


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

Yeah, pretty much.


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

“So Haladon,” Father Rodergo begins, after the group has parted ways with Kazadar and are making their way to the Dragon Crypts. “I’ll bet it feels good to be out of that bone armour … but I s’pose you’ll need to buy something new …”


"Indeed, Father. I'll feel better once I've recovered my sword."


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

“Ah, your sword,” Rodergo taps the side of his nose, then frowns slightly. “Actually, remind me about your sword … to be honest I never paid that much attention to your alter ego …”


"It was flametouched, Father. The sword was given to me when I was ordained as a knight of the Order of Templars. Surely, you must have seen me wield it."


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

"Oh, THAT sword," answers the priest. "Yes, of course. My apologies Haladon. I ... I think that place - the Sphincter of Doom as Janosz so aptly put it - has rattled me somewhat. It doesn't seem right, leaving those abominations to, well, do whatever it is they are doing under Sharn. And yet ... they kept their side of the bargain, it seemed right to keep ours..." he trails off and sighs. "Well, we may deal with them yet. And of course, you'll do better in such an endeavour if you have your sword ..."

Just ooc, 'cos I either forget or missed it, what happened to Rolund's sword and where would we retrieve it from?


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

"Didn't you trade it in for your current one? Your skull'n'bones brethren probably still have it."

Father Rod wrote:
"Oh, THAT sword," answers the priest.

"Oh, that one. Yes, of course." *sage nod* Man, Rod is so full of shit. :D


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

Yes, yes he is. Or I am anyway.


I've been putting off a big long post setting out what everyone was doing while apart. I think I'll write a fairly short one instead so we can get a move on.

The group ascend tiredly from the bowels or Sharn. Finally they climb a ladder, push aside a manhole, and clamber into a side street. After a brief conference, they erect the tent and Kazadar retrieves his apprentice. Then, the tent stowed once more, they part ways. Kazadar and friend head for the temple in Sovereign Towers and Nevharath for the kalashtar enclave. But the others have a final task to perform.

Kaz, you basically head to the temple, drop off your mate in their tender care, and rest up for a day or so before heading off to the kalashtar place the following morning. I'll not spoiler what the others are doing so you can see it and can comment, but Kaz isn't there.

After pausing for a stiff drink in a bar in Menthis, they head up the crag to the Dragon Tombs. It is a long climb in the afternoon sunshine, but the open air is welcome after several days spent underground with undead and aberrations. Finally they find themselves approaching Gaia's lonely tower.


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

"Ah." Janosz is clearly in a very good mood. "Fresh air, a breeze in our hair, the sun on our faces, Gelb slowly and messily murdered by his master... A great day indeed."

"So...."

"I'll behave once we get to the tower, so don't worry about that." Janosz makes a face at, primarily, Rod. "The main issue is, I would argue, whether we tell her about the guardians of Gath's inner sanctum or not. The skeleton was wearing Flame gear, and I'd wager real money that the guy trapped inside that thing was the last of her companions. However, if we tell her any of this, she's nuts enough to try to go back there, and I don't really want her blood on my hands."

"So do we omit some key sights and sounds, or do we tell her everything and then try our damndest to discourage her from taking action against Gath? After all, Gath seems to pose little actual threat to Sharn; leaving him alone seems like the best option to me."


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

"Janosz, you know how I normally feel about behaving," says Rodergo, "but I wanted to make a good impression on the Warden - Gaia ... you were cramping my style man." He laughs, showing that he should not be taken too seriously in this regard.

"Yes ... bending the truth a little may be best for this purpose," he muses. "For all that I would like to see Gath buried and gone, he doesn't seem to do much harm as far as the outside world is concerned. Gaia seems to adequately deal with his grave-robbers and lesser necromancers, but I fear she would fare little better in a rematch against the lich than she did on her first try. Do as I say Haladon, not as I do," he adds as an aside, trying to take his new role as Haladon's spiritual advisor seriously.

"So ... perhaps we simply tell her that the remains and relics we will deliver to her are the only ones we could recover ... not a lie, as such. I'm sure that the Flame will forgive us if it spares the life of a devout servant ... Of course, she may be upset that we did not destroy Gath as was our original plan ... "


"It might be best if I am not there, gentlemen...and lady. I would hate to ruin your plans if I am questioned."

"I must answer truthfully."


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

“Ah … yes, yes of course you do. I would not ask you to lie Haladon, but perhaps simply saying nothing will serve? Or you could truthfully say that you did not enter Gath’s sanctum – absolutely no lie in that. It would be a pity for you to miss meeting one of the Flame’s servants such as Gaia … it’s true that past events and her present isolation have left her a little … hmmm, unsociable, but she is still quite a remarkable lady.”


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

"She's nuttier than a squirrel turd. Keeping quiet will be your best option."


The group arrive at the entrance to the tower. Before they can knock, Gaia appears in the doorway. "You've come back!" she blurts out.


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

“Warden Sotharr,” says Rodergo formally, bowing slightly and making the sign of the Flame. “We have indeed returned. It is a pleasure to see you again, although … I am afraid we come with mixed tidings. It was our intent, when we spoke to you several days ago, to face Gath and attempt to defeat him. That … didn’t happen. Even strong in faith and at arms, the defences of Haldon’s Tomb were greater than we anticipated. Although we destroyed many cultists and undead abominations, the pall over that place, or some insidious sorcery turned some of our numbers away. I myself, I am ashamed to say was forced to withdraw from the quest in order to assist a companion.

“By the time those of my companions who remained had fought their way past the guardians and traps to face Gath, they were too … depleted I think, in numbers and spirit to have stood against him. It was only through quick thinking and fast talk that they managed to avoid a battle with the lich, a battle of which I fear they would have fared little better than when you once faced him. I am truly sorry Warden Sotharr … I wish that we had been able to avenge your companions and remove this evil from the world.

“I take some solace in the fact that we did defeat a number of powerful necromancers and undead creatures, and that we were able to recover the remains and relics of what we believe to be some of your companions, to return to you for proper rites and burial.”

I’m not sure exactly what the group recovered, but I recall reading about some Flamic equipment and associated bones that were picked up. We will have removed these from the tent previously and now return them to Gaia with appropriate ceremony and blessings.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29 to sort of smooth over the fact that we didn’t actually fight Gath at all and put a good spin on the positive factors.


79/79 hp, 0 nonlethal; Effects: ; Perception +16, vs traps +20; Guise: Non-descript male gambler
Haladon ir'Tarravan wrote:

"It might be best if I am not there, gentlemen...and lady. I would hate to ruin your plans if I am questioned."

"I must answer truthfully."

"Pfft, thank you for the acknowledgement, but it's not necessary. Or technically correct. Not all the time."

At the tower, Gil listens to the Father's description and watches the Warden's reaction. She offers encouraging nods and noises in a mostly silent effort to back up his story. Unless she needs to actually say something to aid on the Diplomacy roll, which she is happy to do. And would auto-make the DC 10.


Gaia takes the items, hugging them too her as if for comfort. She seems lost for words. "I... I see. But the lich - it still remains?"


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

"Sadly, yes. However, as Rod..., uh, Father Rodergo pointed out, we defeated many of his strongest servants and guardian beasts - killing his vampire lieutenant by dragging it into the sunlight and watching it burn and dissolve was particularly gratifying. Thus, though his defenses remain unassailable, the threat Gath poses to Sharn has been greatly reduced."


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

"Just so," agrees Rodergo. "I am truly sorry Gaia - may I call you Gaia? - that we did not achieve more. But I feel that our efforts were not entirely in vain, that we did achieve some good."


Perversely, hearing that the lich has not been destroyed seems to cheer Gaia up. "Very well, Father Xativa," she says coolly, "I thank you for your efforts and for recovering what you can." She gently takes the remains of her erstwhile companions. "I shall bury them here. And the fight against Gath shall go on. Goodbye."

Abruptly, she closes the door.


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

"Huh," says Rod, bemused. "Could it be that Gath's continued existence gives her purpose? That his sparing of her has forged some unnatural bond or obsession?" He looks at Janosz. "Or maybe it was me calling her Gaia ... Too much?"

"At any rate I feel that our obligation to the Warden is discharged. Let's go see some kalashtar about some shards."


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

"Nice seeing you too," Janosz mutters under his breath as Gaia slams the door shut.

"Y'know, I'd say it's the first - she quite literally lives to oppose Gath and all his works. We've let her keep her purpose, as it were." He straightens up and starts walking back towards the path leading back down to the city. "A beer, some junk food at the market, then a skycab to Havakhad's compound, where he will undoubtedly ask us to acquire a necklace made from the teeth of the dread Dragon Duck of Argonnessen or something equally absurd. Actually, I take that back - our next trip will take us to the Everice. Any bets on where we're going or what kind of preposterous item we will recover for him next?"

"Bah. Make that two beers..."


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

“I’ll join you in a beer Janosz. Um, in moderation as usual of course … But perhaps we should see Havakhad before the beers? Kazadar is probably waiting for us there by now … he seems like a good sort, for a priest of the Host. Of course, I’ve always liked dwarves … have I ever told you about the dwarven lass I, hmmm, courted briefly at the seminary? No? Perhaps over that beer later …”


"I will join you for a drink, Janosz, but the good Father is right. We should see to your new friend. And it is my hope, he will see me as a friend as well."


OK, sorry for being a bit quiet - one of those weeks at work.

By the time they clamber down from the crags above Sharn, the sun is dipping low. The kalashtar base in Overlook is a climb through the levels of Dura to the top. Outside the building they find Kazadar waiting for them, and the go in. A few minutes later they are in a plain room with Havakhad and Selkatiri.


Haste, Divine Power, Air Walk, Death Ward Dwarf Fighter 1 / Cleric 8 / Sovereign Speaker 3; HP 87/116

i thought those NPC names sounded familiar...


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

“Kazadar,” Rodergo nods in greeting. “Been waiting long? How did it go with your friend, were they able to help him at your temple?”


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk
Aubrey the Demented/Malformed wrote:

OK, sorry for being a bit quiet - one of those weeks at work.

By the time they clamber down from the crags above Sharn, the sun is dipping low. The kalashtar base in Overlook is a climb through the levels of Dura to the top. Outside the building they find Kazadar waiting for them, and the go in. A few minutes later they are in a plain room with Havakhad and Selkatiri.

“Hello again Hav, Selk,” says Rodergo, looking about for a chair or something to settle himself onto. “Well … it took some more time and effort than we anticipated, but we have the shards. It's been a long few days ...”


Haste, Divine Power, Air Walk, Death Ward Dwarf Fighter 1 / Cleric 8 / Sovereign Speaker 3; HP 87/116
Father Rod wrote:
“Kazadar,” Rodergo nods in greeting. “Been waiting long? How did it go with your friend, were they able to help him at your temple?”

"Yes. I made the report, grave as it was. They were able to help him, blessings being what they are, though it will take time for him to regain all that had been taken from him during his times in the mausoleum. What is it that you lot are up to? You made a report as well? Do you have superiors?"


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

"Superiors? Well, we have these guys..."


Selkatiri coolly keeps her counsel at Rodergo's banter, but Havakhad excitedly says, "You have the shards? Incredible! Can you tell which one holds the spirit of Goshasanan?"


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

"All of 'em. The, uh, previous owner said that each of the three shards hold a part of personalities of the three spirits. So - three personalities, three shards; each shard holds a bit of each personality."


"But... How can this be?" asks Selkatiri, clearly confused.


Hp 92 of 92; AC 28 (29); Fort +13; Ref +9 (+10); Will +18 Human Male Cleric 7/ Exorcist of the Silver Flame 6; effects: Bless, Airwalk

Rod shrugs. "That's your area of expertise, not ours. P'rhaps were were told wrong, though I don't have any particular reason to think that, um, person was lying to us. You're welcome to look at the shards for yourself."

I guess we hand them over.


79/79 hp, 0 nonlethal; Effects: ; Perception +16, vs traps +20; Guise: Non-descript male gambler

"We have no way of verifying the claims, but they were speaking from a perspective of fascination and interest - I did not get the feeling that they were trying to lead us astray. Perhaps the dividing and overlap of the personalities explains the 'forged's state of mind?"

The changeling pauses, "But the other two do - or did - seem to have their whole mind and no other, so that seems unlikely. Interesting."

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