BTOD (Low Magic Campaign / Play test) (Inactive)

Game Master Lareg

Campaign started. Recruitment Closed. Inquires for future alternates welcome. See recruitment thread for more information.


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Maps: Travel * Hut and more

Standing slowly while she speaks.
"I'm afraid I have only now heard of such things from you. The other travelers seem to have some purpose they are set on. I'm not sure what this dome you speak of is. I simply mean that the travelers have been human. Let me show you all the second floor. Answers may be found there."

She walks toward the spiral staircase, which she descended earlier. As she ascends the stairs, she motions for everyone to follow.

Second floor:
The second floor contains a grand library, filled with hundreds of texts, she smiles with joy as she briefly describes their contents. "When I was young I longed to read all the books I could fine. The texts here feature a myriad languages—some so ancient I doubt their native speakers still live. Many of these books were here when I arrived. Others I gathered in my own travels before it was unsafe for me to leave this place without a guardian." At the center of the library is an elaborate eldritch diagram painted in stark, white lines on the floor.

Knowledge (nature OR arcana) >17:
The diagram is a form of astrological chart designed to divine portents of the future.

Closer examination of the texts:
The books and scrolls seem to be part of a collection of lore gathered from across the planes dealing with topics of arcane lore and astrology. (If studied for one hour, they grant a +4 bonus on any Knowledge check.0


Male Symbiont (Human) Cleric (Ancestral Priest) 5; HP 30/30; +0 Init; +7 Perception; AC 18 (Flat 18, Touch 10); Fort +6, Ref +1, Will +8

Iron Sprocket looks marvelously at the sheer amount of knowledge stored in this room, however then sighs in despair.

"Unfortunately, I don't think there's a way we could go through all of this in any reasonable amount of time. Our world is under siege, and while some answers may be in here, it's unlikely we'd be able to find out anything in time."

He continues,

"Are you able to point us in the direction of these other travelers? Maybe they might know more about the attacks."


Female Human Obsidian Gunner Lev 5 | HP 51/51HP | AC 18 (FF 13 Touch 15) | Init+6 | Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) | Grit 3/3 | Per +11

Rheynold, perhaps you can research something on these portal travelling beings and find something that would identify them from this library. Then we track them down to their source.


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

The woman smiles again, this time at Rheynold's amazement.
"Perhaps I can consult the volumes for you? All of you look ready for action. Maybe these dusty old tomes don't take advantage of your strengths? "


Female Human Obsidian Walker (Ranger) 5

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Tamayra stares at the diagram, her eyes widening as undertstanding comes. "That diagram.....it is designed for divination of the future isn't it?"


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

Nodding and looking a bit surprised in Tamayra's direction.
"I'm imagine now can guess why this place must be protected. I'd suggest consulting the volumes for a bit before you do any divination of your own."


Female Human Obsidian Gunner Lev 5 | HP 51/51HP | AC 18 (FF 13 Touch 15) | Init+6 | Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) | Grit 3/3 | Per +11

Divination.. any advantage we could gain over these unknown travelers would be of benefit.


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

I've DMPCed a bit of action here just to keep things moving. Let me know if you all decide to take another approach.

The woman nods before sharing what she's gathered concerning other travelers.

"They seem to have been navigating the twilight forest much like you have. Though they stay away from this place now since they last faced me, I suspect that they are locating other portals as they appear to return to your world or the shadowy beyond. I have not had the opportunity to follow them."

As Tamayra settles in to spend some time with the volumes before consulting the diagram, the woman shares several suggestions

"All of you are welcome to use the library or if you'd like I'd be happy to break fast with you."

Tamayra:
As you settle in to look over the volumes you notice some are dusty from not being used, but most are fairly clean and in great shape concerning their age. As you glance over them for titles you can recognize, you notice one volume that seems to have pages that have been slightly burnt.

Aak:
It occurs to you that the library might help you make sense of the notes you were given in the barracks before entering the mines.

Grand Lodge

Male Half-Orc

Aak enters the second story library, His jaw drops a little as he looks at the sheer amount of books contained within. He asks if he could look at some. When given the go ahead, he starts to look at random spines of books for the subjects contained within.

He then remembers the notes that he was given, from Father regarding the cults, and the connection to the ongoings of the battle underground.

Miss, may I read some of the books, I would like to see if I could find a link to something told to me earlier from a friend?

Aak will sit down, and peruse some of the volumes he thinks may be of help to understand Father's notes.


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

As Aak settles in to look over the books, the woman approaches. She seems interested in the notes he's brought with him.
"May I see what you've brought with you? I might be of some assistance."

Aak:
As you settle in to look over the volumes you notice some are dusty from not being used, but most are fairly clean and in great shape considering their age. As you glance over them for titles you can recognize, you notice one volume that seems to have pages that have been slightly burnt.(Feel free to make a knowledge (religion) check with a +4 modifier whenever you wish. If you accept the help of the guardian of this place, you may add an additional +2.)


Male Symbiont (Human) Cleric (Ancestral Priest) 5; HP 30/30; +0 Init; +7 Perception; AC 18 (Flat 18, Touch 10); Fort +6, Ref +1, Will +8

Iron Sprocket patiently wait for Aak to finish his research, occasionally browsing through random books to pass the time, unless something that triggers something shows up in his reading.


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

Rheynold:
As you browse, off and on through the books you notice some are dusty from not being used, but most are fairly clean and in great shape considering their age. As you glance over them for titles you might recognize, you notice one volume that seems to have pages that have been slightly burnt.

GM:
>74: 1d100 ⇒ 17

Grand Lodge

Male Half-Orc

Aak, will be hesitant at first, but will show the guardian what he is researching with help of her library. He explains that right now it is confusing, but he hopes that her extensive library may make some things clearer. He asks her what has happened to the slightly burnt book, since most of the others seems in such good shape.

k religion: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7

I can roll well to not get us killed by crazy fire chick, but suck at reading books XD


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

Seeing the confused look cross over Aak's face, the woman sits and begins looking through the notes. She gestures for Aak to take open the burnt book.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Turning to speak to Aak, "It seems that these notes track the shifting religious beliefs of what I believe is a cult. The same cult that the travelers seem to represent, now that I've read this description. Their fixation on fire grows from old beliefs in a fire god, but now they take it's power to mean eliminating all those like you or me - anyone that isn't human." With great sadness she hands the notes back to Aak and walks toward one of the windows, looking off into the every looming twilight sky.

That's two horrible knowledge rolls now - lol

Grand Lodge

Male Half-Orc

Aak will open the book that has some burnt pages, ad skim through it.


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

As Aak opens the book, the burnt pages move and unfold. What at first appeared to be pages within the book is actually a creature of some kind. Unfolding itself, the creature appears bird like. The woman smiles, speaking with a hint of amusement. The creature's eyes open and it carefully exams everyone.

"It appears Pagella has decided to introduce herself."

Aak:
The creature reminds you of the illustrations of dragons you saw some time ago when reading in the monastery's library. Of course it's much to small to be a dragon.


Female Human Obsidian Walker (Ranger) 5

Tamayra also moves over paying attention to Aak's interaction with the creature from the burnt book.


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

Pagella inclines her head toward Aak, speaking in a mock stage whisper.
"I suppose you're not sure if you should introduce yourself. Motioning toward the woman with one of its paper claws. As the keeper mentioned, I am Pagella. And from what I've overheard you and I may have an enemy in common. Tell me. What do you know of the cult that burns all in its path? If what you say interests me I may even have some answers for you."

Aak, pushing away his initial shock begins telling his story. A story not even the others have heard.

"I can only just remember my mother. I do not know what happened to her or any other family I may have. My friends are likely dead, but I do not know. I awoke far from here in the shelter of a cave amid an endless dessert. Next thing I knew I was falling down a sinkhole. And then I encountered these three. Motioning toward the others. We encountered strange elementals and their leader. She seemed to think this cult I've encountered wants nothing more than to burn in a corrupted way, not for renewal. All I know is that the times I've come face to face with cult members they wish to destroy me because I am not 'pure.' From what I've read it seems you and your kind were thought to have been destroyed. I know fire can keep us warm in the cold, but what I've seen them do cannot be the way forward."

As Aak trails off, Pagella nods. She looks toward the others.
"What he speaks seems to me much as what I've encountered. Much like what I've experienced. She nuzzles singed bits of her hide with her beak. Now tell me. Has he spoken the truth of his meeting with all of you? Why were all of you underground?" She looks curiously toward Jenya, Tamayra, and Rheynold.


Female Human Obsidian Gunner Lev 5 | HP 51/51HP | AC 18 (FF 13 Touch 15) | Init+6 | Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) | Grit 3/3 | Per +11

He has Jenya nods As for being underground... Rheynold, Tamayra and I live underground. We are from the Obsidian Dome which... well.. I thought it was the entire world. Our histories speak of once living above ground before we were driven underground by the ceaseless assault of sand creatures bringing an unending desert of sand to engulf us. The only way we were able to hold it off is by specially treated obsidian that dampens magic and holds off the sand. We were under attack by the elementals of the area that suddenly stopped their hostilities in fear of these portals, one of which led us here.


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

Pagella nods.
"It is as I feared then. The cult has found away to not only use this place as a passage, but must be strengthening the power of the Plane of Shadows somehow. Perhaps we can work together? Gesturing toward the woman. With her help I can get in contact with another of my kind that can help. Looking toward everyone. Is there I way I can earn your trust, quickly? There is little time to spare."


Female Human Obsidian Gunner Lev 5 | HP 51/51HP | AC 18 (FF 13 Touch 15) | Init+6 | Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) | Grit 3/3 | Per +11

Plane of Shadows..? Is that where these enemies are coming from and using this place as a bridge? Do they have anything to do with the sands?


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

Shaking her head.
"I fear the cult is working for some force that is using the Plane of Shadows for some reason. I have searched these books since The Keeper rescued me from cult members as they came through this place. Gesturing toward the ample volumes while smiling at the woman. There are many stories. Stories of a fallen land that floated. Of a glorious city in the northern part of the land you know as a vast desert above. I cannot say for sure, but I think these stories are connected. If I could travel with you all I might be able to learn more, but it is unsafe for my kind to travel without protection. Looking toward Aak. As your friend here has said, it is believed all the dragons of this land have been hunted to extinction. Likewise, few drakes like myself still live. The cult seems to have an interest in destroying those they find, like they would have done with me."


Female Human Obsidian Walker (Ranger) 5

"I would be happy to offer you protection for the knowledge you bring with you." Tamayra says with an intrigued smile.


Male Symbiont (Human) Cleric (Ancestral Priest) 5; HP 30/30; +0 Init; +7 Perception; AC 18 (Flat 18, Touch 10); Fort +6, Ref +1, Will +8

[ooc]So the "dragon" is made of paper?[ooc]

Iron Sprocket continues Tamayra's statement. "If you can help us end this threat, I'll gladly protect you."


Female Human Obsidian Gunner Lev 5 | HP 51/51HP | AC 18 (FF 13 Touch 15) | Init+6 | Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) | Grit 3/3 | Per +11

Jenya nods We are lost in this place. Your guidance would be invaluable


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

The drake seems to very much resemble paper.
Smiling and nodding toward the woman.
"I am very glad to hear that we can work together. If you would do the honors Lady Keeper. The woman begins making motions and begins speaking in a unknown language. She will contact another of my kind. It does not look like me, but it is also a drake. One of the only other surviving that I know. He works with a half-elf whose home was destroyed by the cult."

Shortly after the woman finishes speaking the strange words she turns toward Tamayra.
"I would suggest you make use of the diagram before our visitor arrives."


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

With Pagella and the woman's assistance, Tamayra consults the diagram after studying volumes from the library.

Knowledge (nature), Tamayra: 1d20 + 5 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 4 + 2 = 24

Tamayra:
You may divine future events of another creature, object or place equivalent to a divination spell. Let me know the creature, object, or place you'd like to know about.

GM:
Divination %, <73: 1d100 ⇒ 39; Success.


Male Symbiont (Human) Cleric (Ancestral Priest) 5; HP 30/30; +0 Init; +7 Perception; AC 18 (Flat 18, Touch 10); Fort +6, Ref +1, Will +8

Iron Sprocket patiently awaits the arrival of the second drake, though wary that this all seems a little too weird.


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

Ok, we're going to move forward on a group choice. We'll play it as if Tamayra brought the choice to the group. So for a divination spell, what creature, object or place would the group be interested in finding out about? Please role play the suggestions and conversation. Feel free to OOC comments and questions if needed.


Female Human Obsidian Gunner Lev 5 | HP 51/51HP | AC 18 (FF 13 Touch 15) | Init+6 | Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) | Grit 3/3 | Per +11

I would like to know about the source of the encroaching sands that have the dome under siege Jenya suggests.

Grand Lodge

Male Half-Orc

Aak is amazed that there will be another drake on the way...the current events seem to get bigger and bigger. I wonder how my mother is, if she is still alive. Perhaps I could use a divination when all this is over to see if she is somehow still alive, although I fear that is probably not the case

Aak, looks to the others, when he is told that there needs to be a place, object, or person to "spy" on.

We only get one shot, so we need to make it count. The sands and the dome is a good place to start/ Perhaps we will learn how much time is left, or a way to reduce the effect the sands have on the dome.

After a pause, and looking at the star chart, What if we spy on the shadowy beings? Maybe we can learn about their next "move" or plans?

In any event, I think any news is helpful, and I will agree to the consensus of the group we have


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

Assuming Rheynold doesn't disagree, I'll post an update tomorrow with the divination results.


Female Human Obsidian Walker (Ranger) 5

Tamayra moves over to the divination circle, painstakingly meticulous in her actions as she goes through the ritual of divining the nature of the enemy threat that endangers all life within the dome.


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

Tamayra:
As you complete the ritual you hear a voice, as if carried on the wind. "With shadow crystals the corupters of fire endanger the dome."


Female Human Obsidian Walker (Ranger) 5

"Shadow Crystals...the once that corrupt fire and threaten the dome do so using 'shadow crystals'. Does anyone have any idea what they are or how they can be destroyed?" Tamayra says tiredly as she completes the divination.


Female Human Obsidian Gunner Lev 5 | HP 51/51HP | AC 18 (FF 13 Touch 15) | Init+6 | Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) | Grit 3/3 | Per +11

Corrupt fire? The elemental controller attacking the dome uses fire... but she was terrified of whatever is coming in through the portal... I think... the beings that are coming through here are using these shadow crystals may be responsible for all of our troubles. The plan to follow them sounds like the best move we have at the moment


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

The woman nods her head.
"I have seen what could be these 'shadow crystals'. The travelers have been carrying crystals with them, dark colored - nearly opaque. I've only gotten close to them once. Pausing as a look of fear flashes over her face. They.. they used them to become corrupted creatures, like those beasts from the shadowy beyond - what others call the plane of shadow."


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

With the possibilities of what has been discovered hanging in the air, as if the talk of shadow has conjured it, a patch of light near one of the windows begins to dim.

The paper drake cautions everyone, "My kin arrives. Do not get to close."

As the patch of light continues to darken to a blurry shadow, a figure quickly materializes. At first glance, the blackened drake seems to have a typically draconic appearance. However, on closer examination it is clear that the drake's metallic scales appear to have been blackened severely, with hints of silver or gold barely visible and a shadowy mote orbiting its body.

The blackened drake looks with purpose toward its paper like kin. "I received your message. Tell me, what hope have you discovered." Without a pause the paper drake looks toward all of you.

"I believe we have found allies that can help us fight those who hunt us." The blackened drake looks suspiciously at all of you.

"Tell me humanoids, why should we ally ourselves with you? Gesturing toward its kin, She has not seen what your kind has done to your own world as I have so you'll have to pardon me if I don't believe you. Answer quickly and I may agree to give you a chance. So what do you say?" It asks bluntly

Perception>19:
You see subtle signs that give a clue as to the blackened drake's past, deep scars line patches of its close to two foot long body.


Female Human Obsidian Gunner Lev 5 | HP 51/51HP | AC 18 (FF 13 Touch 15) | Init+6 | Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) | Grit 3/3 | Per +11

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

"Our lands are threatened by these creatures just as yours are. You can see that they come at us prepared for invasion. What sense is there in not allying in common purpose against a dangerous foe?"


Female Human Obsidian Walker (Ranger) 5

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

"I see you have suffered greatly at the hands of a powerful enemy, felt the pain of fire and claw." Tamayra says quietly, looking the dragon in the eyes. "I can see why trust would be a hard thing to give strangers, but we seek to protect out home, as I'm sure you did against those that hurt you, only we hope to do so before it is to late."


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

The blackened drake looks shocked for a moment, but then nods toward it's kin. It's paper kin nods in agreement at its words.
"They do understand, don't they. You've done well my sister. We may yet find a way to undo this cult. Looking toward everyone else. I will introduce you to the one humanoid I trust. If you are as you say, you too may gain my trust yet. He, like me has lost much. Are you prepared for a journey through shadow?"


Female Human Obsidian Gunner Lev 5 | HP 51/51HP | AC 18 (FF 13 Touch 15) | Init+6 | Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) | Grit 3/3 | Per +11

Though it rankles her Jenya admits to their limitations [b]Tamayra, Rheynold and I cannot see in the dark, I do not think Aak can either. I do not know if this would be a problem when we head into the darkness. As well we have discovered in our journey here that we have not provisioned ourselves with healing equipment."


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

The blackened drake nods, but as it shares your concern the woman chimes in.

"The journey through shadow will be like it is here. There will be time for you to prepare as I cannot take us until tomorrow. Though I must say, I am no healer so I don't know how to help in that matter. Also, I will have to return here to bring my kin to us in the coming day as I am not powerful enough to bring us all."

The woman moves toward the book shelves, removing a specific book, thens turn to Jenya, "This book can help me craft for you, but first I must know. What is it that you need? How does healing work for all of you?"

So Rheynold can heal everyone but Aak, who can heal himself. There are some item options that might be of use, such as this one, but let me know what your concern is.


Female Human Obsidian Gunner Lev 5 | HP 51/51HP | AC 18 (FF 13 Touch 15) | Init+6 | Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) | Grit 3/3 | Per +11

Just a lack of healing potions or a CLW wand really :). Don't know if anyone here can use magic device but not being able to bring Rheynold back when he went down to the moth was pretty sad on our part. Plus the fact that 3 or us are negative energy aligned so we'd need something for Jenya, Tamayra, and Rheynold, and something else for Aak


Male Symbiont (Human) Cleric (Ancestral Priest) 5; HP 30/30; +0 Init; +7 Perception; AC 18 (Flat 18, Touch 10); Fort +6, Ref +1, Will +8

Iron Sprocket decides to speak at this time.

"While I cannot speak for my companions, the goddess has entrusted me with the ability to mend the wounds of all living creatures. Though it does appear that Aak too has been entrusted with the power to heal his kind at least. I will be ready to travel by morning, no special equipment necessary milady."


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

Yes, important correction. Rheynold can indeed heal everyone. Previously I had said he cannot heal Aak. This was a mistake on my part. Further, a clarification on Rheynold's class abilities, he can channel positive energy at one level below (-1), rather than two levels below (-2) his class level as is typically the case when using versatile channeling.

With a days rest in the shelter of the building, everyone feels prepared to depart - if a bit apprehensive of the mode of travel. The strange woman is able to provide basic supplies and does so happily. She voices only one concern.

"I have means to communicate with you and the drakes, but do you have any way to send word to your people?"

The clockwork creature can send messages. She is able to provide the group with two potions of cure moderate wounds and a scroll of raise dead.


Female Human Obsidian Gunner Lev 5 | HP 51/51HP | AC 18 (FF 13 Touch 15) | Init+6 | Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) | Grit 3/3 | Per +11

These will come in very useful. Thank you for your generosity. I believe we are ready. We can use the clockwork device to send a message to our people. I believe it should have no problems with going through the portal we came through


Female Human Obsidian Walker (Ranger) 5

"Thank you very much...for everything...I don't even know your name." Tamayra says clasping the woman's forearm.


Maps: Travel * Hut and more

Smiling, the woman leaves here identity a mystery.
"I keep this place, that is all you need to know."

The nights rest leaves everyone as prepared as they can be for the journey through shadow. As everyone gather's the woman finishes speaking with Pagella, then turns to the party.

"I haven't finished what I've been working on for all of you, but Pagella seems to think she can bring it to you when it is her turn to travel through the shadow. It seems best if you move on as soon as you can, but I'll be sure to send word as soon as it is finished."

Whatever she is working on it seems she's been at it all night. The blackened drake gestures.

"As soon as you are ready, come close and join hands."

Journey through shadow:
Once everyone is touching the blackened drake perches itself upon Aak's shoulder, nodding toward Pagella - who dims the nearby light. Quickly the shadow grows, encompassing the group and morphing into a corridor, not unlike the one you traveled through to arrive at this place. The corridor elongates as the feeling of movement sweeps everyone up and along a coiling path of shadowstuff to the edge of this strange twilight place and beyond. Speeding along you see the strange forest you walked through, other nearby - unfamiliar areas - and glimpses of the stone sculptures that guided you. There are also glimpses of a shadowy world, but theses seem to fade - quickly being replaced by something more solid coming into focus. The light becomes stronger as the pace seems to slow. When the shadow fades completely you find yourselves in a clearing among trees. There is light and rock. Rock that is tall - towering toward a strange openness.

Aak:
You recognize the mountainous terrain that is quickly becoming visible as the pace of movement seems to slow. Once the travel stops you are sure that this is the mountain range near where you and your friends discovered the lost temple, seized by orcs. The light is that of dawn, the rocky mountain nearby. The sky seems clear and blue. You notice smoke in the distance that seems to be fading.


Female Human Obsidian Gunner Lev 5 | HP 51/51HP | AC 18 (FF 13 Touch 15) | Init+6 | Saves (Fort+5,Reflex+8,Will+4) | Grit 3/3 | Per +11

Jenya looks around. Trees.. and sky... I think.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

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