Valandil finishes summoning an air elemental and it tries to slam the ghost, but its non-magical attack has no effect at all. The Magaambyan arcanist then casts a spell that strikes one of the fire elementals with spears of ice. The ice spell is quite potent against the fire creature and the elemental loses its 'footing.'
After her protection spell negates fire damage from the wall she's floating in, Quiella heals herself, flies up 5 feet and attempts to strike the ghost three times. Only the first strike hits, even with Valik's guidance.
Galdron's ghost points to Quiella, and the two elemental nod, targeting her with all their slam attacks. None of those attacks hit the gnome paladin, with the eastern elemental attacking from prone.
Initiative (Round 3)
Valandil [Protection from Energy (fire) 96]
2 Huge Fire Elementals
Melufiuos [3 Mirror Images, Protection from Energy (fire) 96] <= Up
Valik [10 Dmg; 5 Dmg on Quiella's turn. Bull's Strength, Protection from Energy (fire) 81; Life link with Quiella] <= Up
Heccan [Cat's Grace, Shield, Mage Armor, Protection from Energy (fire) 96' Life link with Quiella] <= Up
Ophelia [10 Dmg; 5 Dmg on Quiella's turn. Shield of Faith, Protection from Energy (fire) 87; Life link with Quiella] <= Up
Galdron Greenheart's Ghost
Quiella [9 damage; Will take 10 Dmg on her next turn. Shield of Faith, Shield, Divine Favor, Protection from Energy (fire) 59. Life link with Ophelia, Valik, & Heccan]
Group Effects
Resist Energy 20 (Damage goes to Prot. from Energy first)
Bless: +1 att, fear saves
Prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack and damage rolls, skill checks, and saves, enemies get a -1 to those rolls
Blessing of Fervor: See Link in Ophelia's last post for options.
Heccan casts more Magic Missiles into the ghost, but despite the injury remains an incorporate threat.
Melufiuos attacks the ghost once more with spell combat, casting a Frigid Touch spell defensively as it hits it with his rapier and releases the spell. Since the enemy is undead, it appears unaffected by the spell's staggering properties. The magus follows up with another rapier strike, but he misses.
With Valik's punch, the ghost's incorporeal form wavers for only a moment. Galdron's expression then becomes solemn and with a wave of his hands he dismisses the fire elementals. Proud and hot ectoplasmic tears roll down his cheeks as he begins to explain, "In returning to my original self, I forgot who I had later become, and why I was right to do so."
The ghost casts aside his short spear, and his armor passes through him to land on the ground with a thud. Galdron clutches at his chest and seems to pull the flames from his body into his heart as he closes his fist around it. Squeezing, he forms it into a glimmering red gem which he also tosses to the ground. "It is not weapons or armor which prevent peace, but succumbing to wrath. I see this now. I will no protect the Green Market, as others must find their own unity, unmotivated by fear."
The Shoanti ghost, now no longer smoldering and smoking, levitates above his sacred altar, salutes you all as though raising a spear, and then melds with the stone table. A few moments later, after you collect the items that he dropped, the Ethereal Plane begins to waver and you return to the Green Market on the Material Plane.
* * *
Zeeva Foxglove seems happy to see you as you return to the Market, then relieved once she is told that Galdron Greenheart is now at peace. She thanks you for eliminating the Aspis Consortium threat—at least for the time being—but wonders if reports of giant plant monsters, ghosts, and outsiders may have contributed to this as much as your fight earlier.
In the coming months, you all hear that Zeeva has the shrine permanently unearthed and restored as a fountain in the center of the Green Market in honor of Galdron Greenheart. This in the turn pleases Telmayne Fire-Eyes and goes a long way toward ensuring the market and the South Shore district have peaceful relations with the Shoanti.
The Market also continues to be preternaturally lucky and successful, especially as Zeeva opens it up to all goods, including weapons, armor, and magical items.
Tower of the Ironwood Watch
Sheila Heidmarch stands before a window in her study, sunlight glittering on her signature emerald garments. She speaks in a deep and sonorous voice, and wastes no time getting to her point.
"First, thank you for gathering here on such short notice. Please have a seat. Once you’ve heard what I have to tell you, I believe you will forgive my enthusiasm. Documents we recovered from our Thassilonian excavations describe an elven fortress on the border between the Mierani Forest and the former Thassilonian province of Cyrusian. Because the borders of the forest have receded in the years since, any remaining ruins must be well outside of the forest as it now stands. As I’m sure you’re aware, the elves of Kyonin typically guard elven historical sites closely, but in this case it seems the elves have lost all record of the site; they don’t even know it exists. Needless to say, this discovery represents an invaluable opportunity for the society to explore without supervision. Take this map and make your preparations. I want you to reach the tower before news of its discovery reaches any of our rivals."
"First, verify that the ruin even exists. Assuming there’s still something there, I want a detailed report on the architecture of the site. We don’t gain access to ancient elven ruins often, and this investigation must be thorough. Finally, bring back any surviving artifacts left by the elves who built and occupied the tower."
As she finishes speaking, she looks to the group for any questions.
Each of the seven runelords specialized in a different school of arcane magic and an associated sin (divination was considered universal). Xanderghul, the ruler of Cyrusian, was the Runelord of Pride, and his specialty was illusion magic. He claimed to be “first among equals” and while society records state this claim is “difficult to verify,” records indicate he had many resources at his disposal, including—if the legends are to be believed—armies of bound angels.
The runelords never went to war with the elves, likely due to a combination of the elves’ own strength and the runelords’ fear of treachery from their fellows. The elves were isolationists even then, however scholars speculate that there was at least some cultural exchange between the Mierani elves and the Thassilonians, especially in the area of arcane magic.
Travelers often disappear in the area, and local farmers report that their tools and livestock sometimes go missing on particularly dark nights.
A hunter recently spotted a heavily armed group of the elven Shin’Rakorath, also known as “Lantern Bearers,” crossing the uplands as if they were in hot pursuit of their quarry.
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A tall, pale skinned raven haired man, impeccably dressed enters the room holding an ornate goblet. He sips the drink as he listens to Venturte-Captain Heidmarch. He looks about the room, tipping his cup to Meufious and by outward appearances seems to be only giving their host half his attention. A wide grin creeps across his face as Sheila begins to discuss the elves and their lack of awareness of the recently found site.
"Ho ho! I am not sure I heard you right dear captain. Are we truly sneaking into a prized elven ruin that they don;t even know about. Ha! How rich! I love it, even if this whole trip turns out to be a dud, trap sing around one of their precious ancient cities will be well worth it. Is it alright if I carve my name in a tree while we are there?" He laughs to himself before spying Mel once again. His face grows sheepish, if just for a moment. [b]"Um, no offense my good fellow. Moving on...allow me to prepare provisions. Hopefully some fine Chellish red will loosen a few tongues on our way to this secret site."
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Not possessing either of those skills, the young elf contents himself with smarting off under his breath, "Well 'the elves' know now, Missy!" He then leans over to the other elf in the part and whispers, "You ever heard of this place?"
"As a matter of fact, I have," Interrupts an icy calm voice from behind Melufiuos. It turns out it belongs to yet another Elf, this one with straw-blond hair, ice-blue eyes that smolder with an ominous coldness, and clad in the immaculate formal garb of a physician, bedecked with a brace of exquisitely-crafted (albeit with a rather macabre aesthetic) Elven weapons. At his sides are a heavy black bag and two notebooks, one appearing thick, the other thin.
"Each of the seven Runelords," He continues in his level, strangely handsome monotone, "specialized in a different school of arcane 'Sin Magic'. They did not exalt Divination as they did the others. Xanderghul, the ruler of Cyrusian, was the Runelord of Pride, and his specialty was illusion. He claimed to be 'first among equals' and what I've read on that particular matter describe that claim as 'difficult to verify', (a verdict that I would normally classify as academical sloth); regardless, it is known that he had many resources at his disposal, including — if the legends are to be believed — armies of bound Angels."
"The Runelords never went to war with the Elves; the Elves were powerful, and the Runelords’ confidence in each other and their allies was weak. Kyonin was isolationist even then, of course, but it makes sense that there was at least some cultural exchange between the Thassilonians and their Elven neighbors, especially in the area of arcane magic. To learn and to teach...come whatever else may, that has always been our way."
He begins flipping through his thicker notebook.
...
...
...
If this were Call of Cthulhu, you'd have taken SAN damage from seeing some of that. Short of that, you momentarily behave a bit like someone who had.
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The curious young elf sneaks a peek over the shoulder of the Dr.. and immediately regrets it. "Ahhhhhh! My eyes! His hands come up to his face and claw at his eyes. He stumbles backwards, tripping over a chair and falling on the floor. "Nooo! Keep them away!" Despite having his eyes closed, he swats at things that are not there and retreats to a corner, cowering in a fetal position .
I could have sworn that was a 1, not a 10.
The magus sneaks a peek over the shoulder of the Dr.. His eyes widen as he steps slowly away.
"Well, we cannot be completely certain that the Celwynvian elves aren't aware of the ruins." The Venture-Captain replies to Quiella, "Although I doubt we'd be able to access them if that were the case. I can tell you that many of those elves believe the territory to be haunted by spirits that feast on foreigners. If there are some truth to those rumors, I am certain that a professional team of your skills can handle it."
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Valik stands near the back of the room as he always does. His eyes closed, listening closely to his superior’s words and goals to be met.
I am more intrigued how the Elves would forget such a place. Was forgetting by design? What lurks within the fortress other than trinkets and archeological finds? I best prepare well, hopefully no more ghosts are present, but I suppose over preparation is better than none
Yes Captain, I believe those goals do not seem too strenuous. Verify, and bring some artifacts back. I shall meet you all at the gate as I have some preparations to make for our new mission. And it’s a pleasure to meet you our newly joined ally
Valik leaves after the briefing and heads to various magical shops and other places to gear up for the next mission.
The group's journey goes without incident, while Heccan and Quiella speak to various caravans and Velashu riders on the way and learn some interesting facts about the area.
Eventually, Heidmarch's map leads you to your destination. What at first looked like a cave reveals itself as the foundation of an ancient building. Crumbling stone walls, their blocks blanketed in moisture trails and weeds, slowly give way to the soil of the surrounding plains. The ceiling is partially open to the sky, beneath which shards of fallen stone litter compete for space with small mushrooms and other fungi that grow out of the spiderweb pattern of cracks in the floor. Against the chamber’s western wall, the remains of a door made from petrified wood lies open, barely clinging to the door frame with nearly disintegrated hinges.
You discover a single humanoid footprint in the dust. It appears fairly recent.
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Heccan shares information gleaned from his brief carousing on their way to the site and seems impressed with the knowledge Quiella is able to uncover. "Interesting indeed Quiella. I cannot say I am familiar with these "Lantern Bearers' but they sound very elven." Heccan turns to the elves of the group "Does anyone know anything about these lantern fellows? Is it possible they would abduct innocents to protect this place?' It sounds more and more that the elves of Kyonin know more about this place than we were led to believe. Well, I suppose there is only one way to be certain. Shall we?" Heccan motions for the party to proceed.
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Examining the door, Melufiuos believes it most likely petrified from age. As he ask his porter for note-taking material, the man speaks up, "Um, Sir? Forgive me but I forgot to give you this letter."
The letter appears to be from Ambrus Valsin, the faction leader of the Grand Lodge.
Loyal Pathfinder,
The chance to explore an ancient elven structure is not just an opportunity to study that site alone; such a fortress must also contain a map showing the location of other elven sites—perhaps even more that the elves have forgotten about since their exodus in the Age of Darkness. Either retrieve any such map that you come across or, if it cannot be removed, record the locations of any other ancient settlements that it depicts.
Remember to check for traps,
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
Afterwards Melufiuos uses a scroll to create an Unseen Servant, equips it with some items and sends it into the next room. Nothing appears to happen as it stands in the center.
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Surprised, Mel gently admonishes his servant and then reads the letter. "Hmmm...." He looks up and realizes that everyone is staring at him. "Oh! Sorry! Lemme check for traps ahead." He moves into the next area, checking for traps and using Detect Magic.
He keeps the Unseen Servant moving around the area but keeping in range.
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Dr. Vitruvian reaches into his heavy black bag and pulls out what looks like a small fibrous biscuit, which he eats , followed by a ampoule of faintly glowing sepia liquid , then a spongy black ball reminiscent of treacle mixed with blood, which he proffers to Quiella...
...and two small vials of lambent, nearly-vaporous blue liquid, one of which he quaffs himself and the other of which he hands off to Melufiuos .
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Vailis contemplates the large ruins with a wide smile "We found this prettiness to explore at last. Let's see what can we find out"
The half-elf casts see invisibility on himself, then steps into the ruins after Melufiuos "What can you see there?" the summoner picks up a stone a cast light on it. Then conceals it behind his clothes while he holds his crossbow in the other hand.
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Heccan nods at Quiella's words "Fair enough Quiella, but I do not think we can rule out their possible invovlement here. Something to keep in mind at least." Heccan observes the various edibles offered by Dr. Vitruvian. "Indeed Doctor, it seems your talents extend beyond medicine. I certainly hope those have no unintended side effects. I would hate to have chase down Master Benidictus if he should be inadvertently sent on a bad 'journey'." Heccan smirks at the thought.
Melufiuos moves into the room first after his Unseen Servant, followed by Vailis. Stone walls stretch between three rounded turrets to form a vaguely triangular central room. Long forgotten elven heroes bearing swords and hunting hawks stand proudly immortalized as marble statues, silently guarding the shadowed alcoves between the towers. A damp, earthy smell rises from the carpet of moss and small fungi that covers the floor.
After a brief search, Melufiuos doesn't find any traps in the room, although both statues radiate a magical aura. Vailis doesn't find anything hidden in the room either.
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"Doc, I sure hope this makes me braver."
"'Braver'? Is courage really a positive quantity, or rather a dearth of fear?"
"Indeed Doctor, it seems your talents extend beyond medicine. I certainly hope those have no unintended side effects. I would hate to have chase down Master Benidictus if he should be inadvertently sent on a bad 'journey'."
"Nothing probable or terribly serious, or at least not both at once, but if you must know...." Dr. Vitruvian reaches for his larger notebook, turns to a later page, and holds it out for Heccan to see, one hand keeping it in a deathgrip, the other pointing with one long, delicate finger to a segment near the bottom.
...OW...
...Melufiuos would look pretty strange if that happened to him...
...well, okay, that one's not so bad...
...and some might even consider that one a perk...
...and given that some people are undeniably depraved, they might consider this one a perk, too...
...OH NO, OH NOoh wait, that's just an inkstain...
...how could that one even be morphologically possible for an anthropoid?...
...wait, what does that one even MEAN???
Melufiuos finds no traps on the doors, nor footprints in the fungal blooms on the ground.
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Heccan quirks an eyebrow as Dr. Vitruvian. His look of interest quickly turns to confusion and finally to fear as he reads the Doctor's notes. "Oh dear." The normally unflappable sorcerer blinks and attempts to regain his composure then glances at Melufious as he looks about the room. He watches the magus with obvious concern. He smiles affably to Melufious "Excellent work lad... then under his breath "but I am certainly affording you a wider berth."
The former barrister turns his attention to Vailis. "Anything of interest here?"
Vailis begins to take a closer look at the statues to deduce their magical properties, but his initial examination reveals that they are not constructs. As he begins to investigate further with his knowledge of spellcraft, Heccan joins him in the room to give assistance.
Before the investigation can proceed any further, a loud disembodied voice booms in Elven, Just then, a spell erupts from the statues and Heccan begins to feel very sleepy.
Afterwards, those with arcane training get a strange feeling about the room.
Melufiuos is the first spellcaster to realize that there is some type of magical field suppressing magic. Most likely it originates from the abjuration aura he detected earlier.