GMRed's Pregen |
"No, Shohiraj, I want to watch as a thousand arrows pierce the flesh of whoever inhabits this place," jokes Falth. "Pop open a door - any door - and let's get going."
GM Erich |
Shohiraj made the necessary rolls to get safely in the front door, so we will just do that to move this along.
Taking a quick look (and smell) in the outbuilding, you realize it is a stable and makeshift smithy. All is quiet now and there is room for five horses, but all the stalls are empty, although the presence of fresh hay suggests that may be just for the day. The smithy shows signs of infrequent use.
Shohiraj works to disable the alarm spell and unlock the main front doors so the group can proceed. Within moments she nods that it is safe to proceed and the group draws weapons and opens them quietly.
Half a dozen upholstered sofas make a lazy circle around the middle of this high-peaked hall. A broad, brass brazier smolders with banked coals. Thin tapestries in bold, dark colors hang from the walls, as well as tall elaborate mirrors to both the north and south that flank doors to the other wings of the manor.
Overhead, a curious chandelier of coarse crystal and twisted, inhuman, metallic arms radiates blue light from a handful of glowing stones, leaving a bright and unnerving glow to the surroundings.
RePete Pregen |
"Well, I suggest we search the place." he whispers. "Never know what intel we'll find. Remember we need to collect all the data we can before we destroy this place. Keep anything you find written down."
Looking around, he mumbles a few words and flicks his wrist. Cast Detect Magic
"Don't forget from the sounds of it, the entrance to the caverns below is in here somewhere."
Pregen with an Evil Goatee |
"Right. And kill anyone we come across," Zurnzal adds darkly. He enters the manor, moving as quietly as he can manage, and makes his way toward the door on the northern end of the hall. Stepping close to the door, he leans in to listen for any activity on the other side.
Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
GMRed's Pregen |
"Kill anyone we come across, hm? I like the way you think, orc." Falth says as he moves forward with his bow drawn.
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
Shohiraj DHq |
"I'm sure I heard you say 'avoid anyone we come across and kill only when we can't avoid them' right? nothing will makes things go to hell faster than bodies stacked in the hallways" Shohiraj states to Zurnzal as she moves alongside him "I'm sure the time to kill will come soon enough, let's at least try and reign in the bloodlust" with a pointed glance at Faith.
perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32
stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29
Qwerty's Pregen |
Eremay walks around the room before joining the others at the next doorway. "I said that and that is still the plan. Bluff quickly at first, and if that fails then take them down fast, just remember once we go into kill mode we will be hunted and we do not know everything we need to know about this place. Lets go."
GM Erich |
No particular auras here, other than your own
As you spread out and maneuver throughout the room, something strange happens to each of you in turn.
A Knowledge Planes check may reveal what is happening.
Pregen with an Evil Goatee |
Zurnzal freezes in his tracks, a stunned look on his face. "What the hells was that?!" he stutters. "Any of you see something...unusual?"
Qwerty's Pregen |
"Arrghh!!!" Eremay yells out as she swings her scimitar around her as if attacking unseen enemies, then she looks around the area and then shields her eyes from some unseen explosion....
After recovering her senses she staggers around and then looks at the others in turn..."I saw something.....I cannot explain..." she says as her voice trails off...
GMRed's Pregen |
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Falth watches the illusion closely and a low laugh erupts from with him. When the scene shatters before his eyes, he nods. "It's the chandelier. It's a theletos aeon attempting to communicate with us." Falth concentrates and tries to communicate back, grinning up at the chandelier. Is this a hint? 'Cause that sure looks like a smoldering ruin to me.
He likely can't, but here's some flavor.
RePete Pregen |
K Planes: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25
Jumping at the unexpected sight, he relaxes and watches the events unfold. Hmm...that's an interesting illustration.
Looking up to the chandelier, he grins. "The beast is right. Though, it could try being more straight forward. Cut the theatrics and just tell us what you mean."
Good sign or bad? Seemed the place was afflame so....reinstated? Course the hourglass...
Glancing back up to the creature he whispers, "You trying to tell us time is short?"
Qwerty's Pregen |
Eremay looks up at the chandelier and then backs away from it until her back is against a wall. "What does it want with us? Is this some sort of trick?"
GM Erich |
Sensing its discovery, the chandelier twists upon itself and the metallic arms grow pink and gnarled, like the branches of an ancient fleshy tree. It hangs heavily from the ceiling and the centerpiece of crystalline switches rapidly from blue to yellow to pink hues. It stretches in languid succession between Rataji and Falth, it's spiky tendrils vibrating rapidly.
You are also aware that the Aeon is very gifted in prophecy, but that you must touch it to receive such a gift.
You are also aware that the Aeon is very gifted in prophecy, but that you must touch it to receive such a gift.
The rest of you envisage a set of scales teetering as if unbalanced. One side sinks down to show a debt unpaid.
Evil Pregen |
Thestil takes a step back, and shakes her head, as though trying to clear it. At the information of it being a communication, she described what she saw.
Wait, if it's trying to talk to us, then we need to figure out what it's saying! I saw a picture frame with rapidly cycling images of everyone I've ever impersonated hovers behind me. Suddenly , it changed to a bird's eye view of Wirholt's Rictus. A set of hulking manacles writhe around the perimeter of the plantation and suddenly clamp shut, entangling the frame like a noose. Almost instantly, the frame melts the manacle with a fiery burst, monsters surge from the manor in all directions and the scene blurs to that of a hourglass, which suddenly shatters to pieces.... Do you think that means we don't have much time before this place is attacked by something?
RePete Pregen |
"Calm your selves. Let me give this a try."
Glancing around the room to ensure none of his companions are acting in haste, he cautiously reaches out for the tendril closest him.
'Oh, I do hope the images shown are straight forward' ponders the man as his shaking hand makes contact with the being.
GM Erich |
The aeon leans with unnatural grace toward Rataji and extends an arm. When they touch, Rataji freezes for a moment as the vision overtakes him.
Through your frustration, you also realize that in order to truly communicate with this creature, you will need to think symbolically as well
Pregen with an Evil Goatee |
While Rataji is attempting to commune with the aeon, Zurnzal talks with Thestil about his own vision. "I saw something like that too, except instead of the frame, it was a vine that rose up and tried to entangle me. After that it was the same as your vision, except the manacles closed on the vine. I think you're right. We don't have much time, but I think we're counting down to some kind of horrible monster getting out of here. Not coming in. Remember that the worker said the people who run the estate have been sneaking beasts in at night. Could be the beasts want out."
GMRed's Pregen |
"Hang on, give me a shot of that too," Falth says as he extends his arms to the aeon with a smug grin on his face. "Don't be shy. I don't bite. Usually."
RePete Pregen |
Taking a moment to relive the vision, Rataji takes a deep breath. Opening his eyes slowly, he looks to Thestil. "My first vision was very similar. Save a coin instead of a frame."
"This creature is quite powerful at foretelling possible futures. Yet, it speaks mostly in imagery. When I touched it, I saw the sun's light and warmth bleed out, shrouding the world in shadow. Then millions upon millions of ants flooded across the jungle bringing carnage and mayhem in a crimson light."
Pausing to let his words sink in, he adds "Remember this being's images are almost always symbolic in nature."
GM Erich |
Falth extends his arm and a sly greeting and the aeon reflexively sways slowly towards him. When they finally touch, the aeon squeals, recoiling in pain, and curls into half its size.
Falth will save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Falth feels a sudden burst of images and feelings, too numerous to make any sense of, threatening his psyche, but he quickly steels his mind.
The aeon turns its gaze a upon the rest of you, almost pleading.
Shohiraj DHq |
"All of us saw something different initially, right? Shohiraj looks around, nodding at those she mentions "I saw a shadow, Zurnzal vines, Thestil those you have impersonated, Rataji a coin and so on. Was it trying to introduce itself with how it sees us? I'll admit, I'm a little bit too pragmatic to deal with symbolism. Is the manacle a symbol for a trap or slavery?
She looks frustrated "I have no ideas about the ants though.
RePete Pregen |
"I think you're right. I think the red ants...whatever symbol is used...bursing forth is showing something spreading out into Goloria and destroying all we hold dear. I can not think of anything other than time for the hourglass. So it must be trying to say time is running short?"
"From the workers description, it would make sense to refer to the underground section as a trap...none have returned from it."
Looking back to the chandelier, he reaches out again. "Good creature, can you show us what waits below? What kind of creature would we be encountering?"
GMRed's Pregen |
"Heh, he doesn't seem to like me much," Falth jokes as he wards off the shock. "I saw a hallway full of corpses and a bunch of seemingly random items floating before them. A coin, a tangled vine, a ball of flame, a shadowy figure, a coil of writhing snakes, and a hazy picture frame. Six items, and there's six of us...? Maybe. These items were for, some reason, staring at the bodies. Who cares, though? The corpses were much more delightful."
GM Erich |
The aeon flexes nervously from side to side. It leans toward Rataji.
Each of you receive the vision of the unbalanced set of scales once again. This time one of the sides slams down for emphasis. When it hits the ground, a flock of birds emerges and takes flight to the sky.
If that doesn't ring any bells.
Visions fill your heads of breaking chains and free-falling rocks.
Finally, an infant appears surrounded by the vacuum of space.
As those creatures and objects fade away, the scales return, this time completely balanced, as if a debt has been repaid.
GM Erich |
Don't want to dwell here too long (in this odd little encounter), since we don't have the ability to play off each other as much as in a real game, and I bet some of you are waiting politely for others to do something. Basically, the aeon is trying to communicate with everyone via the symbiolism. It is offering "help" if you do "something" to show it your intentions and that they align with its own. Given the nature of the creature I can't really be more specific than that. Additionally, you all know that it can grant you a look into your individual futures with a touch.
Pregen with an Evil Goatee |
"Possible futures, eh? Hmm..." Zurnzal looks thoughtful for a moment, then turns and approaches the aeon, his right arm extended toward the creature. "You, beast! Show me what you will." He watches and waits for the aeon to meet his touch and show him his fate.
Does the aeon seem to be trapped somehow? Like, is it chained to the ceiling and unable to get out of the chains? Maybe it wants to be freed.
Qwerty's Pregen |
"This is unnerving...if this...'thing'... can help us here then so be it... if not then we have a job to do."
GM Erich |
It is not chained itself, perhaps it thinks of "others" though. As in the most general sense. Any subjugated creature. You are getting warmer.
As Zurnzal reaches out and the theletos aeon reciprocates, the strange beast portends his fate.
RePete Pregen |
Watching the creature interact with Zurnzal, he ponders "If you are concerned of the common workers, we can try to release them. We are here to stop the...the ants from bursting forth into the world."
Looking to his companions for some sign of agreement, he adds "Would you help us make this right?"
Evil Pregen |
Thestil ponders for a moment.
If it can tell me something about my future, maybe it can show me how to get back on top in the Consortium... I just have to convince it that I wish the same thing it does...
Here, let me try. I have an idea.
Thestil reaches out to the tendril, and thinks in imagery, like the aeon. She thinks in the image of the six agents, standing at the scales, and then rebalancing them. She thinks of the image of herself, holding the frame still and bracing it against whatever is coming out, and of her and her allies stemming the tide of ants by blocking the exit of the anthill.
GM Erich |
As Rataji's words trail off, he suddenly envisions a koi fish nervously bumping into the side of the marbled pool outside.
Thestil reaches out to the gnarled arm and the aeon leans toward her. When they touch the aeon recoils once again in pain and takes a few moments to gather its composure and communicate again.
Thestil will save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
A flood of images and emotions overwhelm Thestil, an infinite myriad of dooms and boons that she quickly pushes aside. As the onslaught subsides it is replaced by a response to Thestil's own imagery.
Evil Pregen |
Thestil nods, and speaks to rest of the group, describing the imagery in detail. Read the spoiler, for some reason my copy paste is stuck on an attack routine from a previous game.
I think it's trying to tell me that a group of people in red coats will try to stop us from stemming the tide of monstrosities, but there is a... crab creature(?) somewhere that will aid us. At least, that's how I interpreted it.
Pregen with an Evil Goatee |
Zurnzal's left eyebrow raises an inch as he gives Thestil a quizzical look. "Hrm. Makes about as much sense as anything we've learned here. We should get moving, though. Can't spend all day swapping picture stories in our heads with some under wrought chandelier. Come on, let's find the way downstairs. Or do we think we should check around on the main levels first to see if there's any documentation we need to secure?"
RePete Pregen |
"I'm inclined to agree with Zurnzal here. Let check the main floors and secure all the documents we can find, I'm willing to keep track of them. Then we can venture below."
Turning away from the chandelier, Rataji heads further into the compound, cautiously keep his eyes open.
Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Disguise: 1d20 + 5 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 10 = 21
Pregen with an Evil Goatee |
Zurnzal also begins to make his way further into the compound, beginning with the door he had initially checked before the aeon made its presence known.
Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
GM Erich |
Feel free to wrap up any interaction with the aeon if you wish.
The group starts to fan out to the wings of the mansion. A large well appointed bedroom anchors this area. It shows signs of recent use and the covers are still disarrayed. Careful searching of the room leads to no other clues.
A decent-sized kitchen (small signs of recent use, but only dry goods in containers left) and several functional sleeping rooms line the hallway, capped by a guardroom. The sleeping rooms contain chests with minor personal effects. The guardroom is empty but for a stack of Molthuni playing cards neatly arrayed on the table.
Qwerty's Pregen |
Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33
Eremay looks around the guards quarters before moving on...
GMRed's Pregen |
"These rooms look far too empty and plain. There's gotta be something here." Falth scopes out the sleeping rooms.
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33
GM Erich |
After thorough investigation, the rooms do appear to be simple living quarters. Although apart from the larger bedroom, do not seem to be in recent use.
I'll assume you move to the other wing. Please give a few more perception checks.
GMRed's Pregen |
"Gah, this place bores me. Knew I should've tossed a few arrows at that tendriled chandelier," Falth mutters to himself as he proceeds to the other wing.
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18
Shohiraj DHq |
"Patience, there is more to explore" Shohiraj looks around trying to spot anything missed by the others, darting a dirty look at the Aeon as she passes stupid creature, symbols are only meaningful with a shared reference, without it they can mean anything and so mean nothing
perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33
Pregen with an Evil Goatee |
Zurnzal continues to quietly stalk through the estate, looking for anything unusual or possibly pertinent to their investigation in the other wing.
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
GM Erich |
Much of this wing of the mansion resembles the rooms on the other side. A large bedroom adjacent to a sitting room seems to have a recent occupant, female by the looks of it, as the wardrobe is filled with all manner of outfits from fancy dresses to work leathers and even a Kuthite shawl of fine barbed chain-links for religious practices.
The northern bedroom highlighted in yellow is slightly different. It shows no sign of recent use. In fact, several small spiderwebs fill the corners. As Shohiraj and Zurnzal examine the furniture, they suddenly stop.
RePete Pregen |
Rataji will be casting Detect Magic each time they enter a new room
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Looking around the rooms as they explore, Rataji's thoughts drift away. What was she doing here? Has she abandoned the consortium again? Those images the aeon showed...am I to die? This is supposed to be a simple way to regain my status...