Rise of the Runelords by DM Doctor Evil (again)

Game Master DM DoctorEvil

Rise of the Runelord. Chapter 3

Hook Mountain Clanhold Overview Map

Hook Mountain Battle Mapb


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Inactive

"Okay, let's go from bottom to top, this time," suggests Robin. B26, 27 and 28


HP 40/40 | AC (22) 20 T 13 FF 17 | F +8 R +6 W +2 (+2 vs betraying allies) Female Human (Varisian) Cavalier 4 (Sister-in-Arms) | AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 40 | F +8 R +6 W +2| Init +3 | Per +6 | S.M. -1

"Well, if anyone's likely to be unaffected by an evil artifact, it's you." Qetsiyah feels a sense of relief that Robin can't take on Marcellano's appearance, though she isn't really sure why...

She turns to the half-elf who seems lost in her own thoughts. "Adolina, would you like to take point? I've always heard elves have really keen eyes." She knew the events of the day must be hard on her, but she hoped the stranger would stick around. "So... what do you think is next for you? Do you have business at home you need to be getting back to?" She asked, hoping the answer was no.

When they reached the next level, Kizzy remembered her strange experience with the books. "Marcel, I think you should check out those strange books in the first room. We didn't have time on the way down, but I think those books and the stained glass is important somehow."

For ease of wrapping up, why don't we just go in numerical order? B26, B27, B28 and then B29 again more thoroughly before we head back up to the top floor.
Edit: oops, missed that Robin had suggested the same.

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

Adolina looks at Kizzy as she is spoken to and visibly comes back from wherever her thoughts had taken her. "Sorry... memories. I don't have anything urgent to get back to no. My affairs are mostly long term investments and my housekeeper looks after my home well enough. I wasn't sure how long I'd be gone so I tied everything up before I left." She shivers. "Most of my friends said I was being ridiculous but I just had a bad feeling about this whole business, so I didn't want to leave loose ends."

As suggested she takes point, following the others whispered directions until she reaches the rooms they want to return to. Put slightly on edge by the mention of 'strange books', a detail she had missed in their headlong pursuit of Iesha, Adolina keeps her eyes open and guard up.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

"Hmmmmmm?" Marcellano has been watching the burning of the fungus with a combination of fascination and satisfaction, but when Kizzy suggests that he go through the books in the other room, he brightens up. "Ah, of course! Yes, that might shed some light on things."

When the group reaches the room with the bookshelves, the wizard says, "This may take me a few minutes--feel free to investigate the surrounding rooms while I work. Narcizia, you start on that end, and I'll start on this."

For several minutes, the man and the raven pore over the bookshelves, searching for valuable, unusual, or potentially helpful volumes.

A bunch of checks in case they're needed:

Perception (Marcellano): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Perception (Narcizia): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
Appraise: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

Perception:

Adolina: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20 Use 18 she rolled several posts above.
Cadas: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
Kizzy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Marcellano: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 +2 familiar near
Robin: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
DM rolls:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 31d4 ⇒ 3
Marcellano:
From the earlier Knowledge (arcana) DC 20: The box that Narcizia found is the remains of a phylactery that could have been used by a lich, or wannabe lich.

Heading back up the circular stairwell, you move back to the room with books and other materials on the table.(B29) While Marcellano looks over the books, Cadas asks Kizzy to get the puzzle box out again, and Cadas points to it and one of the stained glass windows on the wall and "isn't that the same box?"

Marcellano:
The books are in sorry shape, but a look through them reveals that they all cover various arts of necromancy and the creation of undeath. Worm-eaten and crumbling, they won’t stand up to much investigation, but looking through them and makes note of where the previous owner had glossed the text with marks and observations you realize that whoever studied these books was investigating the transformation of mortal into a lich.

As well as the books on the table, there are three iron cages containing a dead rat in each one. Close examination of any of these cages reveals a small symbol of a pig with a mouthful of lock picks peering at a keyhole; under the pig is a guild sign that says “Pug’s Contraptions — Magnimar.”

Assumption, you will be searching thoroughly since you believe that the black fungus is dead.

Moving on back to the large kitchen area(B25), your search reveals in a cupboard near the oven sits a very fine silver dinner set, with an exceptionally large silver salver and a dozen crystal decanters. Searching the other three room, (B26) ywo bunks stand in this room, relatively free of dust and mold. A single chair lies on its side between them. (B27) Once a pantry, this room has become a filthy, reeking lair of what must be hundreds, if not thousands, of rats. Swaths of fur cling to everything, and mounds of rat droppings cover the floor. (B28) Two wine racks line the walls here, their shelves empty and dusty. Mounds of broken glass bottles clutter the floor. However, searching the room thoroughly, you find a hidden compartment on top of the western wine rack. Beyond is a narrow nook in which are hidden eight fine vintages of wine, that Robin will tell you come from the famed Vigardeis vineyard in distant Cheliax.

Next?
Level Map Updated

Up to main floor, 2nd floor and then search the attic, I presume....

Edit: Argh, missed the appraise roll. Silver dinner set with salver and decanters: 1000 gp. Wine bottles: 100 gp each, total 800 gp.


HP 40/40 | AC (22) 20 T 13 FF 17 | F +8 R +6 W +2 (+2 vs betraying allies) Female Human (Varisian) Cavalier 4 (Sister-in-Arms) | AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 40 | F +8 R +6 W +2| Init +3 | Per +6 | S.M. -1
DM Papa.DRB wrote:
Heading back up the circular stairwell, you move back to the room with books and other materials on the table.(B29) While Marcellano looks over the books, Cadas asks Kizzy to get the puzzle box out again, and Cadas points to it and one of the stained glass windows on the wall and "isn't that the same box?"

Kizzy does as she is asked, thinking back to the strange vision she'd had as she folds back the sack to look on the pieces without actually touching them. "You know, I think you're right... But hey, that's good news, isn't it? If this box was a lich's phylactery... and it's destroyed, then the lich must be no more... right?" She didn't have much experience with such things beyond the vision and scary monster stories, but she thought that was how it worked.

She rattled the dead rats cages, making sure they were dead-dead and not undead, remembering the experiments she'd seen in the vision.

DM Papa.DRB wrote:
Assumption, you will be searching thoroughly since you believe that the black fungus is dead.

Oh boy, if that statement doesn't set your player-senses tingling, I dunno what would! But yes, that assumption is valid. XD

Qetsiyah grins as they find some good items for trade at last. "Finally, some decent loot! Let's take care with that."


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]
Qetsiyah "Kizzy" wrote:
DM Papa.DRB wrote:
Assumption, you will be searching thoroughly since you believe that the black fungus is dead.
Oh boy, if that statement doesn't set your player-senses tingling, I dunno what would! But yes, that assumption is valid. XD

As well it should....


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

There is a lot going on here. Further ties to Magnamar. Someone trying to become a lich. Generations of murder and betrayal. I have to tell you it all seems to blend together in my mind. Is this what happens to people who try to live in cities?


Inactive

Robin first takes a look at the rat cages. "Pug's Contraptions, eh? Sounds like the kind of place I might've heard of before . . . " Robin think about scuttlebutt he's heard regarding some sort of thieves' shop, to see if anything comes to mind. Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19.

He then looks at the wine bottles wistfully. "I used to sneak a drink of this stuff under the noses of Chelaxian nobles. Wine from Vigardeis, some of the finest in the land. Worth a pretty penny!"

Ready to move to the 2nd floor.


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM rolls:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 111d4 ⇒ 2
Robin:
Pug's Contraptions is an innocuous tinker’s shop, run by a gnome called Pug (for short), and he makes odds and ends sort of things, such as the bird cages you found.

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

Adolina actually looks appreciative when Robin originates the wine. "He was a bastard, but he had good taste." She murmurs, more or less to herself. As the rest progress back through the house she continues to say little, more focused on observing since she missed most of the detail on her first trip through.

The stained glass windows have her particularly intrigued and she spends a long time staring at them, trying to decipher its meaning. At Cadas's question she turns with a small smile. "Unfortunately these kinds of things can happen anywhere. I wouldn't exactly call this house a city, nor Sandpoint either, but it has unmistakably been the source of something tragic."

She starts lookng around for a window that will actually open. Does anyone know what time it is? I left my horse outside the gates when I arrived and I don't want him out at night by himself..."


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

"I don't think it should be too late, yet," Marcellano murmurs, still thumbing through the last few pages of interest he found on the shelves. "And no, Cadas, Adolina is quite right--Vorel Foxglove, the original much aspirant, seems to have spent most of his time here. It's knowledge--and a lack of scruples--that lead to the desire to cheat death."

Also ready to head upstairs!


Inactive

"By the way, the guy who made these little rat cages is a gnome named Pug, from Pug's Contraptions in Magnimar. They're supposed to be bird cages"


HP 40/40 | AC (22) 20 T 13 FF 17 | F +8 R +6 W +2 (+2 vs betraying allies) Female Human (Varisian) Cavalier 4 (Sister-in-Arms) | AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 40 | F +8 R +6 W +2| Init +3 | Per +6 | S.M. -1
Cadas wrote:
There is a lot going on here. Further ties to Magnamar. Someone trying to become a lich. Generations of murder and betrayal. I have to tell you it all seems to blend together in my mind. Is this what happens to people who try to live in cities?

Qetsiyah chuckles, her mood lifting quite a bit as she looks forward to being done with and leaving this place and heading back home for a visit. She could almost smell her adoptive mother's cooking...

"It's really not so bad as all that, Cadas. Most folk like to live in cities and thrive there. There's more goods to trade for, more services available and more work to be had. More things to see and do, taste and smell. More people to get to know and befriend. And there's more safety in numbers... true, some will choose to prey on their neighbors, but all but the most reckless will show restraint for fear of being caught. And those are very few and far between. Is it really so different among the Shoanti? Does no one learn to take advantage of others among your kind?" Kizzy's tone was genuinely curious as she knew little of the tribal folk from whom Cadas came.

Perception for next area: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

In the clans our groups are smaller. Everyone is known. If they do not to their share of the work it is also known and it brings shame on their family. If that happens too often they can be put out and not allowed to travel with the clan. If someone tries to take advantage then no one will follow that man and the shaman will speak against them and soon they would be outside the clan as well. To be outside the clan is a very bad thing. Cadas explains with a more serious tone than Kizzy had yet heard her use.


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM rolls:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 201d4 ⇒ 4
Up to the main floor, then you follow the path back up to the attic by way of stairway 3, then around the upper floor to stairway 4 and finally to the unsearched attic.

With Adolina checking each door for traps, and everyone listening as intently as possible, you begin the search of the top most floor of the Manor.

The first room you come to(B19) is a workroom. A large number of wooden planks, rope, and other repair supplies are stored here. The ceiling above sags noticeably; in several areas patches of the sky above are visible.

The next four rooms(B20) are storerooms. Each of these rooms is stacked with old furniture, sheets and linens, boxes and crates, and other bits.

The room you stepped into while allowing Iesha to pass(B21) appears to be a simple bedroom. The ceiling of this room angles down steeply, leaving only four feet of headroom to the southeast. A low cot and a dresser are the room’s only furnishings.

The next room(B22) looks to be an observatory. A desk and a chair sit in the middle of this drafty room. Chimneys rise to the west, while to the east, two intricate stained-glass windows are set into the wall. The northern window depicts a dark-haired woman with pale skin, large green eyes, and a black-and-red gown; with both hands she wields a jagged iron staff. The southern window’s lower half has been broken and patched with canvas; what remains of its upper half depicts a handsome man dressed in regal finery and a crown of ivory and jade. Small scorch marks mar the wood near the broken window. A battered and ruined telescope lies on its side near the desk and a large trap door in the roof has been tied shut by several lengths of rope.

Robin:
For the briefest instant as you step into the room you begin to feel hot and smell burning flesh, but as quickly as you feel and smell, it goes away.

Next?
Level Map Updated


Inactive

"Wait, I smell it again - the smell of burning flesh! It's the same smell I noticed at the bottom level. But this time, I felt hot, too. Maybe this is the room where it happened? And it looks like the victim might've then fallen out the window. Look at those scorch marks!" Robin goes to remove the canvas from the window, trying to understand what happened. Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Don't suppose Marcellano prepared featherfall today? :P


HP 40/40 | AC (22) 20 T 13 FF 17 | F +8 R +6 W +2 (+2 vs betraying allies) Female Human (Varisian) Cavalier 4 (Sister-in-Arms) | AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 40 | F +8 R +6 W +2| Init +3 | Per +6 | S.M. -1
Cadas wrote:
In the clans our groups are smaller. Everyone is known. If they do not to their share of the work it is also known and it brings shame on their family. If that happens too often they can be put out and not allowed to travel with the clan. If someone tries to take advantage then no one will follow that man and the shaman will speak against them and soon they would be outside the clan as well. To be outside the clan is a very bad thing. Cadas explains with a more serious tone than Kizzy had yet heard her use.

Qetsiyah nods solemnly, feeling like Cadas has opened up in a rare moment. "I see. Your good reputation is something to maintain among city-folk as well. If you are known to do good work, more people will seek you out and pay you more to do it. If you do bad work or make bad goods, you can hardly give it away. Banishment can happen for crimes, I think, but more likely the opposite will happen. Imprisonment. Both sound pretty bad to me though." Being banished from a city didn't sound like much of a punishment to Kizzy, but being thrust from her family... surely that would give anyone pause.

She considered what Robin was sensing here. "One of the portraits downstairs showed a charred, blackened figure, didn't it? Before it went back to normal, I mean. It was one of the women, wasn't it? A redhead, I think." She grimaces slightly as she glances at Adolina. "Not you, obviously, but maybe keep clear of the window anyway, yeah?" She takes a hold of Robin as he moves nearer, determined to keep his furry feet on the floor.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

No, but I can set you on fire if that's helpful. :P I came prepped for a bit more combat/heavier combat than we actually saw today...

Marcellano nods. "Cyralie Foxglove, Aldern's mother...who, if memory serves died in a fire. Possibly killed by her husband." He glances around the room suspiciously, sniffing the air.

And using detect magic, of course!


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM rolls:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 11d4 ⇒ 2
Separate rolls for the next two Knowledge checks please
Knowledge (History) DC 20 - Northern Window:
Arazni, the Harlot Queen of Geb
Knowledge (History) DC 20 - Southern Window:
Socorro, the Butcher of Carrion Hill

Robin, moving towards the window, feels Kizzy grab onto his shirt from the back, and he removes the canvas from the window. Looking out, he sees the Bay, and its white cap swells clearly as there is no stained glass window to block his view.

Marcellano casts detect magic and looks around the room, but finds no magical emanation, other than the ones that each of his friends has. He also sniffs the air to see if he can smell the burnt flesh that Robin reported, but nothing. It seems that only the halfling smelt that particular odor.

Next?

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

Adolina hangs back after checking the room for traps, the easy camaraderie of her new acquaintances still eludes her somewhat.

Responding to Kizzy's advice she doesn't approach the window. "It sounds like the Foxgloves have had a long string of misfortune. Is this Lich perhaps haunting the family or the house somehow? That might explain all the tragedy that seems to have gone on here... We'd best finish our search and get out, maybe come back with some more backing from a major church."

Despite saying this she does nothing else to chivy the group on, waiting patiently (although slightly nervously) for the others to conduct their investigation.


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

Cadas postulates its almost like this person tried to become a lich and failed and so instead is here as part of this house. Could that be? I wonder if we could somehow exorcise or put his spirit to rest?

Cadas will keep detecting magic in each room, hoping to find either a clue or something valuable.


HP 40/40 | AC (22) 20 T 13 FF 17 | F +8 R +6 W +2 (+2 vs betraying allies) Female Human (Varisian) Cavalier 4 (Sister-in-Arms) | AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 40 | F +8 R +6 W +2| Init +3 | Per +6 | S.M. -1

Kizzy had been fairly at ease since dealing with Aldern, but Cadas' theory stirs some deeply rooted Varisian superstition and her eyes grow wide. "Puh... Part of the house? Which part, where?" She looks around worriedly and makes the sign of the evil eye and spits to ward off bad spirits.

There's a Varisian seer back in Sandpoint we might confer with along with the priest.

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

"It might have been that thing in the cellar. Maybe Cadas dealt with it..." Adolina says, although not much optimism can be heard in her tone.


Inactive

Knowledge (history) north: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Knowledge (history) south: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

"Hey look! These windows show different servants of Tar-Baphon, the Whispering Tyrant. The woman is Arazni, also known as the Harlot Queen and ruler of Geb. The man is Socorro, also called the Butcher of Carrion Hill. It's said he still lives in hiding. They both ended up becoming liches."

Robin is not particularly sure what to do to stop the haunting of this house.


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

Perception:

Adolina: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Cadas: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Kizzy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Marcellano: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 +2 familiar near
Robin: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
DM rolls:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 191d4 ⇒ 3
Moving on from this room.

Moving to the last room(B23) in the Manor house that you have not explored yet, Adolina checks the door and pronounces it safe. With Kizzy up front you open the door. Shelves of books line the walls of this room, interspersed with curious objects such as skulls fitted with stubs of candles, tribal fetishes, and decorative scroll cases. An empty birdcage lies near the southern wall beside a small desk and a fine leather chair. Statues and sculptures grin from all corners of the room.

There is a feeling among everyone that something is wrong, but unlike the feelings in the other rooms, this feeling is very simple to ignore, and very fleeting. Almost as if it was fading, or perhaps coming back from nothingness.

Searching the room, Kizzy finds a loose brick in the outer wall, and in it finds three sacks of platinum coins, some books mostly on Shoanti tribal cultures and history, and a scroll case. The scroll cases contains a scroll of lightning bolt and a scroll of keen edge.

Next?
Level Map Updated


HP 40/40 | AC (22) 20 T 13 FF 17 | F +8 R +6 W +2 (+2 vs betraying allies) Female Human (Varisian) Cavalier 4 (Sister-in-Arms) | AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 40 | F +8 R +6 W +2| Init +3 | Per +6 | S.M. -1

Qetsiyah hefts the bags of coin appreciatively but eyes the books about the Shoanti with concern. "Is this more of Aldern's obsession with Cadas? Or something more?"

Still, she brightens visibly as she realizes they are done exploring now. "So, that's it, right? Back to Sandpoint to report in and then on to Magnimar!"

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

So were there rules that if we took out Aldern it negated all other combats? Or was this whole place really just haunts and a few ghouls in the basement? Oh, and the creepy mold we still haven't resolved.


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

Yes, I think so Kizzy, unless someone has an idea as to how to put all these restless spirits of the house to rest. Cadas considers the haunts of the house for a moment wondering how they might be quelled.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Not a bad time for a nat. 20 :)


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

Marcellano nods sagely at Robin's assessment of the windows. "Indeed. Socorro and Arazni are two of the most fearsome liches left in existence. Well, if Socorro does indeed exist still. Arazni certainly does." He gazes on the pictures long and thoughtfully before shaking himself slightly and following the others out of the room.

Marcellano smiles when it's revealed that the final room is full of books, though he winces slightly as the strange unease washes over him. "I'll just take a look around, shall I?" He and Narcizia pore over the texts together, looking for any indication of provenance, focus, or usefulness.

Perception (Take 10, Narcizia): 10 + 6 + 2 = 18

Once the scroll case is discovered, Marcellano chuckles triumphantly, skimming the two scrolls it contains. "A powerful and perhaps useful evocation, and a transmutation that those of you who have blades will be glad for me to know. Well, I'll hang onto these!" He tucks the scroll case in his belt, looking inordinately pleased.

Knowledge (Religion) (Aid Cadas): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

"I think this is everything." Adolina responds to Kizzy, "I agree about going back to Sandpoint. We can rest and resupply there before returning to Magnimar. Something did this to Aldern and I want to find out who and why!" Her voice is extremely emphatic by the end of this statement, betraying a little of the grief she has been keeping hidden since Iesha died.

Unless anyone else objects Adolina leads everyone back down the stairs and out to the front door.

Foxglove Manor is very combat light. It's a haunted house not a dungeon so almost all the encounters are haunts. It plays really well IRL if you have creepy music etc but I think it loses something in PBP.


Inactive

Robin follows along with the others back out of the manor. "The mystery continues! Let's report back to the Sheriff." Robin tries his mask on and off a few times, seeing how it works. "Now you see me - now you don't!"

Yep, let's regroup and rest.


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM rolls:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 181d4 ⇒ 1
Cadas:
With Marcellano helping concentrate your thoughts and remembering all the stained glass windows, you believe that the "black fungus" in the caves underneath the manor were what was left of Vorel trying to become a lich. You also think, but am not quite sure that it was driving these visions that some of you have had ("haunts") and that you really did not destroy it with the fire, just put it on hold for a day or so.

Cadas and Marcellano speak in low tones about the visions, and what has been going on in the Manor.

I play Knowledge (x) aid as "bouncing ideas off each other"
Well, the wifi is still very lousy but I have been able to get some signal at my camper, without too much dropping, although still get some.


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

Camas explains her theory to the others. Marcellano and I have been working all this out. I believe Vorel failed at becoming a lich, but did not fail to achieve undead status completely. He exists as that black fungus we found in the caves below the house and is somehow responsible for the haunts and visions of this place. Burning the fungus did not end him though. We will need some stronger measure to do that.

With the rolls made does Cadas have any ideas how to completely destroy the black fungus that is Vorel?.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

As the party treks back to Sandpoint, Marcellano listens to Cadas's theories, deeply focused. "This is not the first time--not even the first today--that I've wished I knew more about the science of necromancy," he says grimly. "The process of attaining lichdom is idiosyncratic, and difficult in the extreme to predict--therefore difficult to undo or counter. The one bright spot is that, confined as he is to some sort of fungal form, the damage that Vorel can do seems to be limited to the house. The first thing we ought to do is get Sheriff Hemlock to cordon off the place for others' safety."

As the hours of the march drag on, he grimaces and rubs at his shoulder, which clearly pains him.


HP 40/40 | AC (22) 20 T 13 FF 17 | F +8 R +6 W +2 (+2 vs betraying allies) Female Human (Varisian) Cavalier 4 (Sister-in-Arms) | AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 40 | F +8 R +6 W +2| Init +3 | Per +6 | S.M. -1
Marcellano Gallenica wrote:

"The process of attaining lichdom is idiosyncratic, and difficult in the extreme to predict--therefore difficult to undo or counter. The one bright spot is that, confined as he is to some sort of fungal form, the damage that Vorel can do seems to be limited to the house. The first thing we ought to do is get Sheriff Hemlock to cordon off the place for others' safety."

As the hours of the march drag on, he grimaces and rubs at his shoulder, which clearly pains him.

Glad to be out of the place as this little revelation comes out, Kizzy glares back at the fell house. "Idi-otic, you mean. You're saying that whole damn manor is alive? Uh... undead? Freaking sentient? And has been for years and years?" A wave of revulsion rolls over her and she shudders, trying to shake off the sudden slimy feeling. "Cadas' original plan of burning the whole thing down is sounding better and better all the time."

Perception(for travel or watch): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

So what time is it anyway? Should we rest or just travel back? I've forgotten how far we are from Sandpoint here...

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

Upon leaving the house Adolina heads slightly off the road and returns leading a familiar horse. Shadowmist looks a lot healthier than when you last saw him and he nuzzles affectionately against Cadas in welcome.

Cadas' revelations don't startle Adolina quite a much as Kizzy, but she still seems very glad to be a long way from the building. "Maybe powerful enough clerics could disperse the evil magic somehow? For now though I suggest we avoid going back. The locals call it the Misgivings for a reason, I don't think anyone is going there any time soon."

I think we're a few hours from Sandpoint but since this day started v. early we probably have enough time to get back before midnight?


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

Marcellano grimaces. "I'm not sure I'd say the house is sentient, exactly...it's more that it may be acting as a corporeal, superstructural matrix housing the psychic imprints of the former inhabitants. But it's not really my area of expertise."

I think we can get back to Sandpoint? Marcellano has a scroll of mount for himself if we ever need to get anywhere in a hurry, but unfortunately that would still leave three members of the crew behind. :P


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

Camas greets the horse affectionately. The beast seems health and happy now. Has she chosen you? she asks Adeline.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

"Or perhaps the house itself is not the matrix," Marcellano adds thoughtfully as the group walks, clearly just thinking aloud, "but simply the host to the mold, which carries the imprint of Voral..." He shakes his head. Whatever it is, it is vile and dangerous.


HP 40/40 | AC (22) 20 T 13 FF 17 | F +8 R +6 W +2 (+2 vs betraying allies) Female Human (Varisian) Cavalier 4 (Sister-in-Arms) | AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 40 | F +8 R +6 W +2| Init +3 | Per +6 | S.M. -1

Kizzy tries to follow Marcel's line of thought since he was responding to her question, but it's pretty clear he loses her somewhere around 'superstructural matrix'... "Uhh huhhh. So maybe we should leave a sign or something in case strangers wander by and think it's a good place to rest... Something like BEWARE LICH FUNGUS or maybe CONDEMNED: UNDEAD MOLD?" She is mostly serious, but somehow the idea sets her to chuckling. "You gonna write a song about all this Robin? What rhymes with superstructural matrix?"

I don't think Kizzy has met the horse before, probably before I joined the group.


Inactive

Robin also chuckles at the thought of Kizzy's warning. "What rhymes with superstructural matrix? How about fungicidal hatred!"


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM roll:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 151d4 ⇒ 1

The campground is almost empty of people, and the wifi is freed up, so back to our regularly scheduled posting.

@Cadas:
You do not know of a specific method to destroy the fungus. You believe, perhaps, a hallow and a consecrate spell or a dispel evil spell might do the trick, but at this point it is only a guess, based on general knowledge of those spells.

Leaving the manor, you notice that it is late afternoon. It took longer than you thought it would to explore the manor, but it is much earlier than you would have guessed with all the goings on inside.

The ride back to Sandpoint is only about two hours, as you have to ride back to the Lost Coast Road then then go north to the village, but it is a clear afternoon and the ride passes swiftly, each with their own thoughts as to what happened at the Foxglove Manor, sometimes sharing them with the group. Entering the city just around dusk, you find the village winding down after a typical day since the goblin attack, and things getting back to normal. There are some folks in the street, and they wave hello as you pass by, "them's da heroes that saved us", several of them say.

Where do you go and what are your intentions for the evening and night?

I have added the Sandpoint Hinterlands map (area around Sandpoint including Foxglove Manor) to the Campaign Tab
.
I thought that I had showed you this handout before, but I can not find it, so this is a note that you found in the basement area (B37) of Foxglove Manor, where Aldern and Iesha died. NOTE


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

Hmm. Do we have an address for the Townhouse?

Cadas has a final comment on the manor house. I think I know what must be done to end the threat, but if I am right then I lack the power to complete the required rituals. I could send for one of my sisters or perhaps the high priest in Sandpoint would be able to cast the right spells. Shall we go and see him after checking in with the sheriff?


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]
Cadas wrote:
Hmm. Do we have an address for the Townhouse?

Nope, however Adolina would know, and Kizzy has contacts in Magnimar and she could find out also.

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

"I'd certainly go and check in with Sandpoint's priest. I don't imagine he'll have the power himself but he might be able to contact his superiors in the church to arrange something. Should I come with you to the sheriff? I'm not exactly one of you heroes or anything like that..."

Depending on the response Adolina will either leave or hang at the back of the group when they go to see Hemlock.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

"Oh, come with us," Marcellano says affably as the party heads up Market Street. "Sheriff Hemlock's a good man, and they're always looking for strong arms around here. I'm not one of the much-vaunted heroes, either--these fine folks started that reputation defending the town from a very nasty goblin raid a few weeks back. I've just ridden in on their coattails with my interest in archaeological discoveries."

He pulls up slightly. "Speaking of which--whatever are we going to do with that giant helm we recovered from Thistletop? As far as I know it's still in the cathedral square...it better be, at any rate!"

I concur--talk to Sheriff Hemlock first, then Father Dantus (is that his name?). After that Marcel may want to do some errands--get a claim staked on Thistletop, make some scrolls/copy some spells, etc.--but that can wait.


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

Yes, come Adolina. You fought fiercely back there. And I value the type of loyalty you showed to your friend. I would be honored to introduce you to the sheriff.


Inactive

"Adolina, you just traveled across Varisia and faced down an army of ghouls, saving her soul from the clutches of her undead husband. That is exactly what it means to be a hero! If you can convince a Shoanti priestess that you're a friend, than you must've done something right, eh?" Robin nudges Cadas cheerfully. "Now let's go meet up with Sheriff Hemlock."


HP 40/40 | AC (22) 20 T 13 FF 17 | F +8 R +6 W +2 (+2 vs betraying allies) Female Human (Varisian) Cavalier 4 (Sister-in-Arms) | AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 40 | F +8 R +6 W +2| Init +3 | Per +6 | S.M. -1

Qetsiyah sighs with relief as the familiar landscape of Sandpoint comes into view. She waves back to the people, enjoying the attention. She bats away Adolina's concerns with a flippant gesture. "Don't be silly, you have to come. You're the only one who can speak to Aldern's behavior while he was still in Magnimar. Plus you can testify that Iesha was his wife and that it's clear he murdered her. That story needs to be told, and no one can speak for your friend better than you." She tries to soften the words with a sympathetic smile and a consoling pat on the back.

Kizzy will go along to the Sheriff but then she wants to consult with the Varisian seer, Madame Mvashti, while the rest go see Father Zantus. Now that I'm GM'ing a RotRL game, I'm much more familiar with the people in our neighborhood! ^_~
Anyone want to come with me?


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

Eh, I was close. :P Marcellano's concern is going to be getting the Misgivings locked away.

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