Aarakess's ray hits the Ebon Aspect, slowing it down. Dryn'taka hits the ebon aspect with acid, but like with the fire, it does not seem to even notice it. Kilthan misses with his axe but connects with the klar, barely injuring it. However Justin connects with his magic axe leaving a large wound
Fort Save vs Ray of Exhaustion DC 19 *Fail Exhausted*
The Ebon Aspect roars and you can see it shimmer with some necromantic energy. Some of its wounds close up while it seems invigorated despite the fatigue given to it by Aarakess. It concentrates its attacks on Justin, the palizard with the shiny axe. At the end it steps over to avoid getting surrounded by Tohall.
Bite
Damage
Bite
Damage
Bite
Damage
Bite
Damage
The Ebon Flail continues its attack vs Dryn'taka scoring a hit.
Attack #1 *Hit*
Damage
Attack #2
Damage
- Kilthan, Justin Aarakess, Tohall, Dryn'taka, Ingrid, Ebon Aspect
AC ???
Justin closes to try and flank with Tohall again.
Round3 shield
Justin gets another strike to sink even deeper noting the evasion of the creature is now limited due to witchcraft.
Kilthan shrugs off his Klar as he sees the beast shrug off the worst of the attacks.
Guess I need to hit it harder....
He takes a small step to the south, putting him on the beast's side, looking to help with flanking. Taking a two-handed grip on his axe, he plants his foot and swings hard, snarling, "Blasted thing! Take your lumps!"
for
Move Action: 5' step south while dropping shield
AC: 19/12/17 {includes +2 natural due to Adaptation};
HP: 36/58
Active Effects:
Adaptation (+2 Natural AC, included above): 99 rounds remain
Justin bites at the hexopod.
With the strange necromantic energy surrounding the Ebon Aspect, it seems more resistant to weapons, including the magic weapon Justin has! Justin still re-opens the wound with his axe that the thing had just healed, and Kilthan's hit scratched the creature as well, but Justin's bite is unable to pierce the hide of it while the energy is in place.
Seeking to further diminish the strange monstrosity's ability to fight, Aarakess stares at the creature making it realize that the palizard and dwelf may be tougher than it realized. As a result, the creatures become less accurate.
Standard Action: Evil Eye Hex: -2 to all attacks for 9 rounds - DC19 Will reduces to 1 round - maintained by cackle
Move: Cackle - maintains both EE Hexes and all the Fortunes
Round 3
Tohall also makes a few steps to his right before he swings at the creature with the magical morningstar whispering to himself, "Let this hit Erastil... let this hit."
AC: 19 (17 Flat-footed / 12 Touch) w/o shield, 21 (19 Flat-footed / 12 Touch) w/ shield
In Hand: Darkwood Composite Long Bow (Str +1) +6 (1d8+1, piercing, /x3)
Conditions: Bless (70 rounds remaining)
Spells (0-level, DC 14, at will) Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Guidance;
(1st level, DC 15) bless©, bless© , magic weapon©, magic fang©(d)
(2nd level, DC 16) bull's strength©, bull's strength©, Grace©, Hold Animal(d)
(3rd level, DC 17) Nap Stack©, Prayer©, Circle of Protection from Evil(d)©
Channel Energy (3d6, DC 14) 4 of 7 remaining
Predator’s Grace 4 of 7 remaining (+10 ft movement, low-light vision for 1 round)
Touch of Good 7 of 7 remaining (+1 sacred bonus to attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws)
Wand of Cure lights wounds charges remaining 21 of 50
Dryn'taka up last, does she have a different rick up her sleeve?
Round 3
HP 38/48
AC 25 FF19 T15 CMD19 (+2 if evil)
F/R/W 6/9/0
Bombs 0/9
Mutagen None
Extracts
1st - 1 open
2nd - 1 open
Effects
Dexterity Mutagen
Magic Circle Against Evil
Shield 6/10
Dryn moves south, attempting to get out of range of the Ebon blade, and shoots the creature with her crossbow. "C'mon, lucky hit! And stay away you stupid magic sword!!"
Dryn'taka hits with her crossbow but the necromatic energy shield the Ebon Aspect from damage. As it rears to a full attack again, the energy fades away leaving a hexed exhausted creature to fight your group.
Attacks vs Justin
Bite
Damage
Claw #1
Damage
Claw #2
Damage
Claw #3
Damage
The Ebon Flail attacks Dryn'taka once more
Attack #1
Damage
Attack #1
Damage
- Kilthan, Justin Aarakess, Tohall, Dryn'taka, Ingrid, Ebon Aspect
AC ???
Kilthan grumbles, "Hope that means it's easier to kill now." and takes another powerful, unbalanced swing with his axe.
for
AC: 19/12/17 {includes +2 natural due to Adaptation};
HP: 36/58
Active Effects:
Adaptation (+2 Natural AC, included above): 98 rounds remain
Seeing the effect of her patron slowly sucking the monster's ability to fight, Aarakess continues bringing a sense of doom upon the aspect.
Evil Eye Hex: -2 AC for 9 rounds, DC19 Will reduces to 1 round
Move: Cackle
Round 4
Tohall waits until the creature concentrates on Justin ocne again and then takes a swing with the morningstar as it is distracted. "Let us send this creature back from where it came!"
AC: 19 (17 Flat-footed / 12 Touch) w/o shield, 21 (19 Flat-footed / 12 Touch) w/ shield
In Hand: Darkwood Composite Long Bow (Str +1) +6 (1d8+1, piercing, /x3)
Conditions: Bless (70 rounds remaining)
Spells (0-level, DC 14, at will) Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Guidance;
(1st level, DC 15) bless©, bless© , magic weapon©, magic fang©(d)
(2nd level, DC 16) bull's strength©, bull's strength©, Grace, Hold Animal(d)
(3rd level, DC 17) Nap Stack©, Prayer©, Circle of Protection from Evil(d)©
Channel Energy (3d6, DC 14) 4 of 7 remaining
Predator’s Grace 4 of 7 remaining (+10 ft movement, low-light vision for 1 round)
Touch of Good 7 of 7 remaining (+1 sacred bonus to attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws)
Wand of Cure lights wounds charges remaining 21 of 50
Round 4
Justin feels truly blessed by Iomedae. His magic shield often failed versus lesser creatures, but versus this creature, it was holding up fine.
Justin continues to move around the creature and attack with axe and bite.
Justin and Kilthan continue to rain blows down upon the Ebon Aspect. Despite the heavy wounds it still keeps coming at you.
Dryn up last before it and maybe the final round?
Round 4
HP 48/48
AC 25 FF19 T15 CMD19 (+2 if evil)
F/R/W 6/9/0
Bombs 0/9
Mutagen None
Extracts
1st - 1 open
2nd - 1 open
Effects
Dexterity Mutagen
Magic Circle Against Evil
Shield 5/10
"Stupid blade!" Dryn reloads her crossbow, watching the ebon blade intently. "Stay away from me. I'm warning you!"
The creature tries to take out its attackers but cannot score a hit
Bite
Damage
Claw #1
Damage
Claw #2
Damage
Claw #3
Damage
The Ebon Flail attacks Dryn'taka once more
Attack #1
Damage
Attack #1
Damage
- Kilthan, Justin Aarakess, Tohall, Dryn'taka, Ingrid, Ebon Aspect
AC ???
Justin resumes his assault on the surrounded and tired creature.
Justin's final swing cuts through the neck of the Ebon Aspect, the creature falls to the ground twiching one last time before staying still
Kilthan looks up at Justin as the thing falls and grumbles, "Not bad, but next time, try not to spray your flanking buddy with ichor." He winks at the Paladin and starts wiping his waraxe, before turning to the others behind him.
"It may have been our axes that hacked that thing to bits, but it was your magic and support that let us do it. I could kiss all of you for keeping us alive.... Except maybe Tohall." He smiles and adds, "...though I did grow up with bearded women."
Kilthan slings his axe and walks over to pick up his shield, then turns and asks, "Do we need to worry about that corpse? Should we be destroying it?"
Tohall is gratefull that the ebon colored creature was taken down. He is aware that his part in the whole thing was small but it was a relief to be done with the whole matter.
"Thank Erastil." the man comments as he moves over to a wall and slumps down to the floor looking exhausted at the entire ordeal, "It is over here... I hope that puts their attacks on those nearby to and end... even If I could not save the others."
The night passes uneventfully and Tohall is able to repair the elevator with a few spells. The trip up is long with anticipation but you are surprised when you reach the top there are no sounds of work at all. You cautiously exit the mine to see the compound filled with the town's soldiers. A few of them don't know what to make of you and draw their weapons, but are soon told to stand down as the captain of the guard, Tolliver Trask appears, "Governor-Mayor Neff had said that you guys were doubtlessly involved somehow with that quake that hit yesterday. Allustan had begged his brother to send us here to investigate, and what we found when coming here was Ragnolin and his closest aids fleeing the city. I don't know what what on, but I am sure the Governor-Mayor would like to know. Meanwhile the mine is forfeit and belongs to the city now. I think you should all follow me to the Governor-Mayor's residence immediately."
There is no hint of suspicion or malice, but neither is there really a question of whether he expects you to comply
Justin nods.
"We will see this governor-mayor. Does he collect two distributions of pay for holding two jobs or just one?"
Justin looks serious in his question.
Aarakess, feeling drained, slumps to the ground as the creature falls to the ground. She quickly takes a long drink from her waterskin the soothe her throat. After a few minutes, she stands and goes over to the warriors.
Contrary to what your said. While my magic may have softened it up a little, it was your blades which did the damage. I can make you stronger and make the enemy weaker, but few of my spells or powers truly injure the enemy. That is your job, and a job which I must say you all performed with great skill.
____________
When they finally exit the caves, the tall elf looks up at the sun and gives praise to Sarenrae and the other good gods that she is once more able to breathe fresh air and see the beautiful sun.
After the captain of the guard speaks, Aarakess is about to respond than Justin speaks. At his comment, Aarakess almost breaks out laughing, and is forced to hold her tongue lest she make a similar comment.
"What of your fallen companion, will she be tended to in a proper fashion? If you need a priest to give her rites, please, ask." Tohall says to the others prior to the ride up the elevator.
The man is taken aback for a moment at being surrounded by armed men but relaxes some at seeing it is some sort of city guard. After the Captain's statement Tohall looks to the guard captain and states, "I will accept the 'invitation' of your Mayor. It would be good of him to know of the kidnap and torture of his neighbors."
Tohall looks to the others as they move along and asks quietly, "Do you know this Neff? What can one expect of him."
Information about the Mayor
Former commander of the watch in Magnimar, he was appointed his position a few years back. Most say his family influence got him the job as most view him as a lying, cheating philanderer. He exerts his capricious will via the agency of the grandiloquent Sheriff Cubbin, a man so renowned for corruption that many citizens assumed the announcement of his commission was a joke until he started arresting people.
However his influence keeps the corrupt mine managers at bay which keeps the city in relative balance. Also his brother Allustan tends to keep him in line when needed. (And his presence keeps any of his brother's enemies from making a move.
You are taken to the Neff manor house, a large opulent , estate surrounded by a wooden stockade. You are brought around a large fountain into a side entrance and up to the second level. A pair of guards stands ready in front of a door and when opened reveal a spacious library with a number of chairs, many of which looks to not belong in this room. Sitting in some of the more comfortable reading chairs are Governor-Mayor Neff, Vlakus Dun the high priest of Pharasma, and Allustan. As you enter Allustan stops his conversation with his brother and stands smiling wide, "I knew you would make it, but even so I am happy to see that you made it!" He sees Tohall with confusion, and looks around for your missing member, "Wait where is Rohara?"
Kilthan looks downward at the question, "She fell in combat....", then looks up to face Allustan, "...but she was avenged."
Justin's face darkens. "I did all I could, I even begged the cultist to help her as she bled, but to no avail."
"The last priest mentioned completing a ritual that sealed our doom. I don't know if it summoned the six armed nasty we fought or not. What do you know?"
Allustan seems sad, "I am truly sorry for what happened to her. We shall have a ceremony for her and honor her sacrifice. Now however, I will stop moving your story to the middle and let you start at the beginning from when you left me to explore what was going on in the mine. Tell us what you saw, what you did, and what the result of it all was."
Knowledge(local): <-- apparently I paid attention to local politics
Aarakess tells the others what she knows.
As the story of what happened to Rohara is told, tears swell in Dryn's eyes. Unable to hold back, she eventually grabs hold of the nearest person, Tohall, and begins sobbing uncontrollaby. As the conversation continues, she eventually manages to control herself as the rest of the story gets told.
After a quick conversation with Aarakess, Justin realizes that she has managed to grasp the local situation better than many locals.
He opines: "I see no reason to leave our somewhat unsavory agreement with the local boss out of it. But you make the final call."
run down what you well tell him or if easier what you will leave out
When Tohall is able he does introduce himself, "I am Tohall a Cleric of Erastil from Coppertree, a community near where the Sanos Forest and the Yondabakari River meet. I came in search of those that killed many of my region and tracked them to the mine in which we were discovered. I attempted to infiltrate the mine, but was captured, and tortured. I was rescued by those present." he will then let one of the others continue on with the story.
As Dryn grabs onto him he attempts to comfort her, warping his arms about her to console her.
He will add near the end of the story, "With the death of those within, they revived the justice befitting what they did to those of Coppertree."
Aarakess is not the most charismatic. But would have discussed with Justin or Tohall to tell about what we found, but leaving out how we got in there and our connection/discussion with the owner of the mine.
You spend the next few hours discussing the events of the last few days down the in various Ebon Triad temples. Allustan looks over the journals and notes found on the cultists faction leaders. Occasionally one of the men would ask questions for more information but the three are mainly quiet through the whole thing trying to absorb all the information. Food and refreshments are also brought for you.
When you are done, the Governor-Mayor seems satisfied, "This town owes you a great debt. I am hereby awarding you all 500 gp for saving the town from the cultists and at Allustan's suggestions, waving the Treasure Tax for the items found there. Vlakus has also stated that they will pay you full price for any evil holy symbol found there so they can destroy it. Of course over the next weeks we will be sending people down to make sure everything has been taken care of. We would like for you to come and walk through everything down there if we have any questions. We appreciate any help you can give us."
Allustan than speaks, "I thank you all for the job you have done for this town. The notes and you found are proving most useful as I see it says they are looking for undead in the Mushfens and in particular with the lizardfolk. If you remember I sent my old friend, Marzena to deliver the worm to Eligos whom some of you know, and then she was going to Blackwall Keep on the border of the swamp. Blackwall Keep was initially built by Magnimar 3 decades ago to withstand the raids the lizardfolk on farms and trade routes. This has been largely successful and the last couple years have been quiet."
"For now you have earned some downtime. Work with the town guard this next week and remove the items found down there. Get some rest, spend some money, enjoy yourselves! You know where to find me if anyone of you want to confer on anything else, and I will let you know what Marzena finds out."
For the first two days Tohall days he does return to the mine with some of the others of the group and the town guard, after that though he is not seen often, and when he is there is scraggly wolf with him that does not seem to leave his side.
He will explain to the others that Felan, the wolf, had followed him from his home.
Tohall also is spending a lot of time with Dryn over the next week or so after going into the mines. He expresses feelings for the young tiefling woman...
Dryn helps with the town guards, interested in what they were doing down there despite the bad memories. After when not working in her lab she spends the time with Tohall.
Aarakess helps to tend to any wounded in the town, falling into her old routine - although healing people much more effectively now.
Justin supervises the disbursement of goods from the mine.
He finds after liquidating many of the items, 15088gp left.
After adding 3088gp to the party fund, he divides up the 12000gp among the party members.
He looks at three items they had difficulty assessing, a wand, a ring, and a gem on a 20 foot statue.
The lizardman encourages Dryn to make as many potions as possible. He is interested in potions of bull's strength if possible. Justin purchases a wand of expeditious retreat and cure light wounds (using party funds for the healing wand).
Justin spends much of the week training his dog and horse. As he is expecting a new horse to arrive, he offers his fully equipped horse first to Kilthan and then to Dryn.
Over the next couple of weeks the city guard and militia in concert with you get all of the items found, bodies identified, and events recorded. After the guards make a complete sweep and everything is confirmed cleared out, Allustan spends time below taking notes and seeing with his own eyes what is down there.
Ingrid leaves during the first few days with Allustan's friend Marzena to deliver a few things to Allustan's associate Eligos in Magnimar.
Things were beginning to calm down and get back to normal when you get a message from Allustan to meet him at his house as soon as you can. You sense urgency in his note so you gather yourselves up and head over as soon as you can. Once there, Allustan looks like he hasn't slept in a couple days and has a worried look on his face. He is accompanied by a young woman with lightly tanned skin and brown hair. She wears the symbols of Sarenrae.
"Thank you for coming over right away. I have been busy going over the documents you recovered below as well as seeing for myself what is down there. What you don't know and hasn't been told to anyone but a select few up until now, is that we caught Ragnolin Dourstone soon after hist attempted escape. We have managed to get some information out of him.
"About two years ago the Faceless One came to Ragnolin and convinced him by extortion and no doubt magical means to carve a secret deep shaft within the earth to the hidden chamber below. Somehow the Faceless One discovered its whereabouts before he was cast out of the Zon Kuthon faith for heresy. Soon others appeared from the Ebon Triad, the tieflings and the former Zon Kuthon priests led by Theldrick. Then within a few months after they arrived, the grimlocks were involved, most likely came from the darklands below the surface."
"Now if you remember you found that green worm in a jar that the necromancer Filge had that Smenk had stolen from them. I had sent Ingrid and my friend Marzena to visit Eligos, an old colleague of mine in Magnimar, and give him the worm to study as well as a copy of the documents found below. I was able to send Marzena a message and she came back here where I filled her in on what was found below, then she took off for Blackwall Keep south of here on the border of the Mushfens."
"Marzena's goal there was to talk to the garrison there on lizardfolk activity over the last few months and any reports of the green worms in that area. That was two weeks ago and I am unable to contact her in any way which worries me. I know you have done a lot for me and for this town in the last month with the discoveries in the Whispering Cairn and defeating the cultists below the city, but I would beg of you to help me in a more personal matter. Please go to Blackwall Keep and make sure she and Ingrid are alright. She is very important to me and it would ease my mind if I knew that she is ok. Blackwall keep is about 2 days journey from here so hopefully you can be back in town within a few days. Also please bring back any information that she has found out so far as I am anxious to know what she has discovered so far!"
He introduces the woman, "This is Anala, the daughter of a former adventuring companion of mine. She was in the area and we have been catching up. She is looking to get back out there on the road and I thought since Ingrid is still in Magnimar and you might not all want to go..."Allustan looks at Tohall, "I thought having another capable person accompanying you would be a good idea."
"So are you willing to do this for me? I sure we can come to an agreement for compensation. I know Justin may be anxious to return home again."
Kilthan bows his head in greeting to Anala as Allustan introduces her, then quickly returns his attention to Allustan as he finishes. He looks over at Justin for a moment to try to study his reaction to the thought of returning home before looking back to the wizard and speaking.
"I'm willing. You've certainly been willing to help us in the past."
He turns back to Anala and says, "Well met. I am Kilthan of Clan Hammerstone...." He pauses, noting the expression on her face, and grumbles, "...It's a long story."
Tohall speaks up almost immediately before giving any of the others a chance, "I have already spoken to the others, I really must return to Coppertree. I have been gone far too long and while I know I am welcome," he casts a glance towards Dryn as he continues, "and after what we found of the Triad's plans I can see a need to look into the matter, I have a greater duty to those under my care at home. I hope you can understand, members of this Traid caused much destruction to the communities I tend to, and they have need of me."
He turns to look to all the others, "Thank you once more for rescuing me from certain death, or worse. Also in getting some closure in dispatching this Triad that caused so much pain. If you have a great need of me, send word and I will come. Allustan knows where to send such a message."
The man moves to Dryn and embraces her and gives her a quick kiss, "You are a special woman, Dryn'taka Devilschild. Keep the others safe. I will will see you again, my word to Erastil."
The man looks about and gives a curt nod to everyone and says in a slightly chocked up manner and clears his throat as he says, "Fare thee well. Old Oneye's blessings upon you all on your journey ahead."
He turns and grabs up his backpack and opens the door, a scraggly wolf is there to greet him. The pair then depart Allustan's home.