1. GM Edwin's Zeitgeist Campaign

Game Master Insnare

When the people and King of Risur have internal or external enemies but won't or can't call in the military... They Call in the RHC(Royal Homeland Constabulary)

Act 1: The Investigation Begins!
Chapter 1: The Island at the Axis of the World
Chapter 2: The Dying Skyseer
Chapter 3: Digging for Lies
Chapter 4: Always on Time
Chapter 5: Cauldron Born
RHC HQ
FLINT CITY
Zeigeist World Map
Avery Coast Train
Lantern

Act 2: The Grand Design

Chapter 6: Revelations From the Mouth of a Mad Man

Ber


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Claude Waithe M Human Sorcerer (6) AC 15+2/14t/13+2ff, HP 53/53, Fort+6, Ref+5, Will+6, Init+7, Perc+4

"There is no way out, Sarya. Not up. Never up." Johnathan seems to get a hold of himself and stops muttering. "Asher was not supposed to die there. He dies in sand. Not here," he scowls at Falko like it's his fault somehow. Climbing a bit further, Johnathan is panting and sweating. He turns to face the swamp and the hordes of undead, listening to the rumbling with his head tilted slightly--then the Fae titan erupts and crushes the undead horde.

Johnathan quickly bows in subservience and respect, keeping his head bowed as he speaks in a slightly oddly accented Primordal, "Thank you for your most generous hospitality m'lord, we are greatly indebted to you. You are most gracious for allowing us this chance to try and repay you, we will gladly do as you command."


Falko had made his mind, he was ready to die and join his father, before the Fae emerged. Filled with paralyzing terror, he watched the titanesque godly creature deal with the zombies and, almost absent-mindedly perform the greatest of miracles.

Twice.

He shook violently as the Titan-Fey words rattled through him, while he was trying to make sense of the scene he was in, and his friends' return.

And his survival.


As Johnathan speaks to the ancient god, Falko's mouth shapes a perfect O of disbelief at his friend's courage or folly. It dawns on Falko then that he was spoken to, and given orders, but it made no sense to him.

Until it did, and the blood drained from his face.

The professor!


HP: 17/34, |AC: 20; T: 15, FF: 15(+2 against non-magic ranged)| Fort: 4, Ref: 8, Will: 3| Resist 5 elec| Init: +6*| Perc: +9 (DV 60), Se Mo: +3| Grit 3/4

GM: can both the negative levels and the charisma loss be restored?

After Asher is resurrected by the fey titan, he turns to face it and goes still. He quietly listens to him speak, in a state of horror and confusion.

His thoughts are scattered, and his mannerisms distracted. He stays quiet for now.


Tiefling map Armiger (Machinehead) 9/ Aristocrat 1 // AC 26/22/15 / HP 62/84 / F +10 R +11 W +9 / Init. +3 / Perc. +15 / Sense Motive +13

Questions, always questions.

"These creatures do not serve you?"


Shot Putter Funkmeister

Probably, but it will cost some cash.

In response to John, "Splendid."

To Chretien, "The Ziggurat predates we Fey Titans, these beasts are my servants yes but this Ziggurat is even more powerful that the fey. And as such they had to be dealt with. The ancients were extremely learned in the ways of the universe. "


HP: 17/34, |AC: 20; T: 15, FF: 15(+2 against non-magic ranged)| Fort: 4, Ref: 8, Will: 3| Resist 5 elec| Init: +6*| Perc: +9 (DV 60), Se Mo: +3| Grit 3/4

Asher raises his hand to chest height to find it shaking. His other is gripping, white-knuckled, his blackened musket. Hearing the others attempting to deduce out what to do, to stick to duty, calms him somehow.

He opens his mouth to find it dry, parched and without conviction, but he powers through it and commands himself to speak, still trying hard to ignore the memory of being impaled on a mummy's spear.

"Mortal... Trap?" he croaks, his usual growl concealed by a shaking tremor. "You want us to find something... responsible for waking you? Something that fled our trap? What trap?"

He stares into the shining eyes of the Fey with eyes of his own that has seen far too much death for their years, knowing that this gift of life will allow him to see more death still. "I... want to understand. Who do you need us to cut for you?"


Claude Waithe M Human Sorcerer (6) AC 15+2/14t/13+2ff, HP 53/53, Fort+6, Ref+5, Will+6, Init+7, Perc+4

Johnathan whispers like a parent scolding a child that said something rude at a dinner party. "Doesn't matter who. I can track them by scent now, the scent of the Bleak Gate." Then he pauses a moment to look at Asher as if realizing something. He mutters: "So my sight wasn't entirely wrong..."


Shot Putter Funkmeister

The titan looks at Lemond and says, "Ancient mortals constructed this ziggurat as a trap for the beings within. You are servants of King Kelland or his descendants, are you not? It is an alien being, use the gift presented to you and follow the trail, find this being and then Lanjyr will be safe and we will be appeased."


Stephan DeWir (Black Market Arms Dealer) Hp 53/53 AC 25 (+7 Perc; +1 Init; Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4)

While i don't pretend to understaind evertyhing of the mysteries we saw, i know enought to be able to solve a somwhat basic task when i am presented with one: Track, Find and Dispose of he says trying to sound confident after the whole ordeal he just went trough


Hearing his companions' voices calms Falko. He takes a deep breath, his eyes remaining trained on the godlike creature.

They're alive. They're really alive... Oh Father, I wish you can see this!

Hesitantly, surprised by his own voice, he says to his companions: "V- Voice of Rot ref- refers to the professor, I bel- believe..."

Then, he straightens up and shouts at the ancestral one: "I pledge to do as you ask! But how can we defeat them?! Our weapons are weak..."


Stephan DeWir (Black Market Arms Dealer) Hp 53/53 AC 25 (+7 Perc; +1 Init; Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4)

I bet he is Falko, i bet he is. he says lightly tapping on his weapon


Tiefling map Armiger (Machinehead) 9/ Aristocrat 1 // AC 26/22/15 / HP 62/84 / F +10 R +11 W +9 / Init. +3 / Perc. +15 / Sense Motive +13

OOC for all:

So, trying to piece it together for myself. Is this true, or do i have something wrong? Cretien will ask the titan to clarify points if he can. no sense running off in fear and doing the wrong thing.

1. The ziggurat was created by ancient people (or aliens?)

2. the ziggurat was made to contain the undead that we fought?

3. voice of rot doesnt reside in the ziggurat but in the whole swamp, i guess?

4. the professor that authorized this dig is to blame for the titan's anger?

5. who/what is Lanjyr?

6. the professor is an alien being from another plane?


Claude Waithe M Human Sorcerer (6) AC 15+2/14t/13+2ff, HP 53/53, Fort+6, Ref+5, Will+6, Init+7, Perc+4

Re: Cretien:

1. Ancient Mortals, possibly orc or half-orc judging by the statues and whatnot.
2. Likely made to contain the portal that's been unsealed, and possibly other such portals. Likely the ancients traveled between planes and that was a sort of gatehouse. A safety measure in case things came through the portal that were unfriendly.
3. The ziggurat is within VoR's realm, the swamp. A sort of island of weirdness in his domain.
4. Doubtful. VoR has referred to our target as being 'alien', having come from another plane (I'm guessing Bleak Gate, witch oil, etc.), so, shadowy man, or something like it. Probably whoever killed the Cauldron Hill Mayor.
5. Lanjyr is the continent we're on.
6. Doubtful, but maybe a disguise. Either way, we can sniff the target out with the given spell.


Shot Putter Funkmeister

Spoiler:
1) yes, 2) The undead you fought were the guardians. 3) yes to Johnathan. 4) Yes and No... 5) Lanjyr is the continent 6.) Remember there is two professors and a tiefling.


Tiefling map Armiger (Machinehead) 9/ Aristocrat 1 // AC 26/22/15 / HP 62/84 / F +10 R +11 W +9 / Init. +3 / Perc. +15 / Sense Motive +13

Cretien thinks on the subject, but appears to have nothing to add. He clearly isnt excited at the prospect of being a hired hitman, even if their payment was to live.


Angus McCormick wrote:
I bet he is Falko, i bet he is. he says lightly tapping on his weapon

After swallowing hard: "I mean the lady prof, Angus, the one that had us come all the way here. I wonder if that was her intent..." Falko replies, but his fascinated eyes never stray from the fae titan's eye, never blinking...


"Great Fae Titan, Voice of Rot, Lord of the Marsh, is the seal between the worlds still broken? Does it need to be mended?" he then ask, trying to project his faltering voice, but not too much.

You're discussing with a Fae Titan...


HP: 17/34, |AC: 20; T: 15, FF: 15(+2 against non-magic ranged)| Fort: 4, Ref: 8, Will: 3| Resist 5 elec| Init: +6*| Perc: +9 (DV 60), Se Mo: +3| Grit 3/4

'Those eyes... I've seen those eyes before. In Darling's eyes. In Seymers' eyes. In the eyes of all the men I've shot or buried.'

Asher stares back into The Voice of Rot's eyes with a morbid fascination. He finds himself smiling and not knowing why. Coming back to his senses...

I think. GM, are we still crazy? Is Angus' blade still freaking me out?

... he begins looking over his weapon, making sure it is alright.

"Doctor Meredith? I doubt she would send us here were she the alien that escaped, at least I think that's what our friend here is saying. Maybe Bergeron?"

Asher turns his attention back to VoR. "How long ago did this One-With-Reason flee?" He pulls out his notepad to find it wet. He holds it out to Johnathan to dry before jotting down the details of this rather unusual testimony.


Claude Waithe M Human Sorcerer (6) AC 15+2/14t/13+2ff, HP 53/53, Fort+6, Ref+5, Will+6, Init+7, Perc+4

Johnathan seems embarrassed by Asher in front of the prestigious company, but quickly dries the notepad with a gesture.


Shot Putter Funkmeister

The Voice of Rot says, "That seal was but a small one, it is now safe"

The titan responds to Asher, "It left about one and a half moons ago."


Stephan DeWir (Black Market Arms Dealer) Hp 53/53 AC 25 (+7 Perc; +1 Init; Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4)

I guess that answers norrows down our list of possible suspects he says still shaken about the dying experience


Tiefling map Armiger (Machinehead) 9/ Aristocrat 1 // AC 26/22/15 / HP 62/84 / F +10 R +11 W +9 / Init. +3 / Perc. +15 / Sense Motive +13

"Which of our suspicions is most in line with one-and-a-half-moons, based on what we know? Does that eliminate anyone?" Cretien asks the group.


Claude Waithe M Human Sorcerer (6) AC 15+2/14t/13+2ff, HP 53/53, Fort+6, Ref+5, Will+6, Init+7, Perc+4

"We need to go home..." Johnathan answers softly.


"Great Elder! We will take our leave from you and this place, to return to Flint and hunt the alien. May our deeds bring you pleasure!" Falko manages, uncertain on how best to take leave of a god...

And he takes a hesitant step down the ziggurat...


Shot Putter Funkmeister

Any other questions for the VOR or is there anything you want to do at the campsite? If not I can move it forward towards Agate.


HP: 17/34, |AC: 20; T: 15, FF: 15(+2 against non-magic ranged)| Fort: 4, Ref: 8, Will: 3| Resist 5 elec| Init: +6*| Perc: +9 (DV 60), Se Mo: +3| Grit 3/4

Being still out of sorts from his recent death, Asher is unsure if he had asked everything he should have.

He sighs, puts his notepad away and looks into the eyes of the Voice of Rot again, and remembers the look on the faces of corpses at the archipelago. "... Why must we all rot." he says, almost as a thought to himself before turning and following the others down the ziggurat.

Ready to head back to Agate, I think.


Claude Waithe M Human Sorcerer (6) AC 15+2/14t/13+2ff, HP 53/53, Fort+6, Ref+5, Will+6, Init+7, Perc+4

yup


Stephan DeWir (Black Market Arms Dealer) Hp 53/53 AC 25 (+7 Perc; +1 Init; Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4)

well i rather not get VoR's bade side. Anyway we have some clues, and a spell in order to help track down our quarry. So ready to move


Falko Escheus wrote:

Hearing his companions' voices calms Falko. He takes a deep breath, his eyes remaining trained on the godlike creature.

They're alive. They're really alive... Oh Father, I wish you can see this!

Hesitantly, surprised by his own voice, he says to his companions: "V- Voice of Rot ref- refers to the professor, I bel- believe..."

Then, he straightens up and shouts at the ancestral one: "I pledge to do as you ask! But how can we defeat them?! Our weapons are weak..."

Just that question pending for me.


Shot Putter Funkmeister

To Asher, "Renewal, what was once, comes as something new again."

To Falko, "Guile and Willpower." then the titan disappears into the High Bayou from whence it came.

You trudge through the bayou back to Agate this time being easier due to you already knowing the general direction, which you find pretty much as you left it yesterday.

There are two pubs (the 'Reckless Adventurer' and 'Miner's Gold', the latter also having some rooms), a cluster of well-built masonry warehouses near the gate, and a spread of shacks hosting a mostly temporary population of 200 or so. It looks poor, quiet, and depressing.

The barkeep in Miner's Gold is glad to see you again. 'I have your room ready', she says, winking at Chretien and slipping a naggon of the local firewater ('Agate Red') to him as well.

Please all of you affected by a mental condition give me a WILL save, with your travel summary post. Thanks!


Tiefling map Armiger (Machinehead) 9/ Aristocrat 1 // AC 26/22/15 / HP 62/84 / F +10 R +11 W +9 / Init. +3 / Perc. +15 / Sense Motive +13

will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Cretien travels, largely in the silence of contemplation. Even as they escaped the ziggurat, some things didn't add up.

I don't see the professor, but the boy says I am the professor. How can that be? I have his fur now. I have his horns. His gun. His tools. But on the inside I dont feel like him.

Cretien takes the firewater, taking just a little too long to turn and thank the barkeep. The haunted and exhausted look in his eyes screams something amiss, but likewise suggests that asking about it won't yield results. The man clearly needs sleep.


HP: 17/34, |AC: 20; T: 15, FF: 15(+2 against non-magic ranged)| Fort: 4, Ref: 8, Will: 3| Resist 5 elec| Init: +6*| Perc: +9 (DV 60), Se Mo: +3| Grit 3/4

GM: If I understand right, you're saying that since the shadow energy in Flint is of a different type than the kind we are looking for, we shouldn't automatically expect the spell to fail?

Will save @ -2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Asher does his best to focus on their way back to town, hoping for an easier trip than the way out was. He contemplates the last words of the Voice of Rot mostly in silence.

"Bottle of whatever." Asher says, slapping down a gold coin on the bar when they enter the Miner's Gold.


Shot Putter Funkmeister

yes, there will be rolls for that stuff like any "detect" spell.


Claude Waithe M Human Sorcerer (6) AC 15+2/14t/13+2ff, HP 53/53, Fort+6, Ref+5, Will+6, Init+7, Perc+4

Johnathan sticks with Cretien, but doesn't press him. He sits silently next to the tiefling on the journey home, and at the bar. Eventually he says quietly, "You should sleep," he says as he gets up.

"I hope you'll help us find Cretien, Sarya," he smiles warmly, then goes to sleep under the stars.


Shot Putter Funkmeister

Angus don't forget your two negative levels and charisma minus.


Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Falko sticks his head to the window, staring numbly at the passing scenery. He feels anxious and a knot tightens in his stomach every time the train hits a bump, for he fears the swamp now. He fears the power of nature.

Was it true what he saw? He feels different, on edge, tired, and frightened. Did Johnathan and Lemond really died. Did he really see a Fey Titan in the bayou?

Once the train clears the swamp, he feels a little better, though a quick look at the shacking in his hands shows that's o far from the truth. He tries to think back about the last moments on the ziggurat. He can't picture the titan fey anymore, just its presence and the power of it.

Guile and willpower... What does the mean!?

Finally, he gets his head to spin back towards his companions, all lost in speechless fear. He swallows hard, then lets his voice do the rest.

"Guys, we need to talk about all... this. This place, it changed us. Messed us up. We need to know it. We need to recognize we need help. Serious help. And rest, lots of rest."

And we need to figure out how to carry our mission, but rest first I guess...


Shot Putter Funkmeister

What train? you were taking a skiff to the town. The next day in the town you could use the Planar Energy spell to get some leads and then make your way to Bole, where you can then jump the train back to Flint.


Claude Waithe M Human Sorcerer (6) AC 15+2/14t/13+2ff, HP 53/53, Fort+6, Ref+5, Will+6, Init+7, Perc+4

Also Johnathan didn't die :D


Shot Putter Funkmeister

Angus, can I get a will save and swamp summary please.


Shot Putter Funkmeister

Angus Will 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10 fail

do you guys use the spell before leaving town or do you want to continue?


Claude Waithe M Human Sorcerer (6) AC 15+2/14t/13+2ff, HP 53/53, Fort+6, Ref+5, Will+6, Init+7, Perc+4

Yes, sorry, definitely. Johnathan will.

Johnathan steps tentatively out onto the cobblestone road as if it might collapse underneath him at any moment. He stops, and shuts his eyes, concentrating.


Shot Putter Funkmeister

Spellcraft DC10 if successful

Perception DC10

Spoiler:
You are able to find a boat with high levels of Planar energy


Claude Waithe M Human Sorcerer (6) AC 15+2/14t/13+2ff, HP 53/53, Fort+6, Ref+5, Will+6, Init+7, Perc+4

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

"There," Johnathan says, opening his eyes. Regardless of if anyone paid attention to him, he starts walking away. After about 10 minutes of walking, he stops at a nondescript boat and points at it, then finally looks around to see if anyone's actually with him.


Sorry, I over-interpreted heading back. And also sorry for having John die instead of Angus. Fortunately, that was in Falko's head!

Falko shrugs as his companions give no answer to his comment and goes back to watching their surroundings, certain that some crazy creature will jump at them and end their misery.

Might be best that way, no? he thinks to himself, feeling very, very low.

When Johnathan starts, all he can say is: "What now?"

But he follows, albeit at a slower pace.


HP: 17/34, |AC: 20; T: 15, FF: 15(+2 against non-magic ranged)| Fort: 4, Ref: 8, Will: 3| Resist 5 elec| Init: +6*| Perc: +9 (DV 60), Se Mo: +3| Grit 3/4

Sorry, Falko. Wasn't trying to ignore your question. I was waiting for everyone to chime in on the first bit before responding to it.

"Need help?" Asher growls, almost laughingly. "I agree. Constable Dufrene is clearly in need of some attention. And McCormick... Are you still talking nonsense?" he raises his voice to address the elf. "Maybe now's a great time to drop that blade in the swamps and leave it behind us, eh? The f$!%ing thing drove half of us mad, you could get rid of it right now you know!" he finishes, completely ignoring his own psychosis.

---

Asher follows Johnathan to the boat, curious to see the spell's effects at work. When they reach the boat, Asher echos Falko's earlier question. ... "What now?"

GM: Not sure if it matters at this moment, but in case we're attacked before heading to the next town, and then back to Flint, we got in a night's rest before seeking out the boat, yes?"


Tiefling map Armiger (Machinehead) 9/ Aristocrat 1 // AC 26/22/15 / HP 62/84 / F +10 R +11 W +9 / Init. +3 / Perc. +15 / Sense Motive +13

what time of day does Jon head to the boat? after we rest at the inn? if so, Cretien follows.


Claude Waithe M Human Sorcerer (6) AC 15+2/14t/13+2ff, HP 53/53, Fort+6, Ref+5, Will+6, Init+7, Perc+4

I assume so, after resting but before we leave.

Johnathan looks frustrated by their questions, "Just go check it out, it's there, or it was. Maybe a lead." He gets a bit closer to the boat but seems wary of it.


Stephan DeWir (Black Market Arms Dealer) Hp 53/53 AC 25 (+7 Perc; +1 Init; Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4)

Way away for the weekend, Char sheet has been adjusted for the 2 neg levels


Stephan DeWir (Black Market Arms Dealer) Hp 53/53 AC 25 (+7 Perc; +1 Init; Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4)

On the way back angus tried tho take it all in. The zigguroat, the hord of undead, the Fey Titan. It all swirled into his head, but the vision of the Plane of Nem that he didn't really take attention to what Ashed said as he was talking to him. He was strong of body and soul of course and a decent warrior on his own and better with the support in his magic but that last fight has taken some wind of of him. He reasoned that it was partly because his melee weapon wasn't magic enough but he was glad the magic of the ancient was there as it meant he and the others were able to kill the otherworldly creature. And that tough brought his mind back to the other world and the ANCIENTS.

Will: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 - 2 = 15

I definitely need a rest before going anywhere and probably need to hit a temple when we are back in flint. I am after all in a weakened state for the moment.

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