GM SpiderBeard's Carrion Crown (Inactive)

Game Master motteditor

Upon seeing the horrible creature Arval looks terrified.
"I will not go down there... I will defend you Lena!"
He readies an attack for the moment the creature comes within range.

Atk roll: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Dmg roll: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Atk roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Dmg roll: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

"Well isn't this a large chap!" Eldon says as he arrives at the scene.

"Luckily I know exactly how to deal with it! Just do exactly as I say, which has proven to be the best course of action in any previous situation ever..."

Inspire Courage +2 is up! :)

I've added some smaller tokens which show how much of the Beast and the Promethean you can see and moved Arval so he can take a swing.

Arval only gets one attack in, and it just bounces off of the tough hide of the enormous golem. Meanwhile, Eldon starts excitedly babbling over the fight. The storm rages overhead, lightning repeatedly striking the tower as Lena attempts to work with the Beast.

Lena, Kawrock, Wren, and Whiskeyjack are up!

Thanks for the map update. Can we close the floor/ceiling so we're not all in immediate combat range of the bird autokilling machine? How many rounds would that take?

Round 1, Init 14

1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30 Cast Defensively vs. DC 17

Wren casts Stumble Gap (DC18 reflex or 1d6 ⇒ 3 & prone) under the horror's feet.

Wren 5' steps toward the ladder with the intent to get away.

Whiskeyjack moved up behind Arval adn touched the man's sword. It glowed blue slightly, and the edge sparked.

Casting Magic Weapon on Arval's blade

Lena gestures a bolt of fire strikes at the Monster. Not to harm, but to distract.

firebolt to aid arvals next attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

gettt himmm arvallll! I'mmm not doinggg thiss forr youu to hanggg arounddd.

arval, +2 on your next hit.

Wren: Closing the shutter is a full round action, but any number of things could stop you. That said, you can just scamper up a level. Keep in mind there's three levels of iron platform. You have cover so no AoO.

Lena and Whiskeyjack cast spells, assisting Arval against the promethean.

GMPCing Kawrock to keep things moving.

Circling overhead, Kawrock fires down a bolt of fire into the webbing that traps Brodur. He breaks free, and leaps at the Promethean, whipping out an enormous ogre hook as the two enormous golems clash.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Wren flicks her hand, and a little gap opens in the floor. As the Promethean leaps at Brodur, its foot catches and with a roar it crashes to the ground! The entire tower shakes as the mighty creature collapses, and Brodur quickly leaps upon it, pummeling it with an ogre hook.

Attack: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22 Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (7, 2) + 10 = 19
Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27 Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (2, 1) + 10 = 13
Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20 Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (8, 6) + 10 = 24

Two of the attacks hit solidly. The Promethean roars to its feet, and Brodur swings out again, connecting.

Attack: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25 Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (2, 3) + 10 = 15

Looking around, and seeing all of you crowded over the top of the tower, it rears back, and lets out a horrific moan! Everyone feels an insidious vibration pass through their body, panicking their senses.

Overhead, the storm rages, and lightning crashes down by Lena, but she quickly leaps to the side.

Lightning!: 1d7 ⇒ 5 Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 2) = 6
Lena's Reflex Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Everyone except for Lena must make a DC 14 will save or be panicked! Arval and Whiskeyjack get attacks of opportunity as the Promethean stands. Wren gets one too if she threatens.

Wren does not threaten...probably anyone ever. She's not threatening at all. And if we have cover from it, then it has cover from us, in theory, unless one of us has a AoO ranged ability, which I doubt.

Round 2, Init 14

"Oh dear! What was that!?" Wren starts at the sound.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 Will Save

Wren twists the ring on her finger and again casts Stumble Gap (DC18 reflex or 1d6 ⇒ 4 & prone) under the horror's feet.

I'm hand-waving here because this fight is weird. You are on a ledge with an enormous creature beneath you and within easy whacking distance are its head and some tentacles. So no cover penalty. However, it has to attack over the rim of the ledge to get at you, which gives you cover against it. So it's at a disadvantage against you unless it climbs out of the hole.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

WHUMP The Promethean falls once more as Wren trips it again!

"GOOD JOB, WEIRD BIRD-LADY!" shouts Brodur.

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 +1 if it counts as fear

Arval seems unfazed by the giant roar and swings at the creature as it raises his head in front of his sword. He lets out a might roar himself as he starts hacking away the creature's flesh.
"RRRGGRRRAAAAAAAAA!!!!"

AoO: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 2 + 2 = 26 +2 IC +2 fireball
Dmg roll: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 13 +1 magic weapon +2 IC

Not sure if my attack come before wren or not:
+2 IC on atk +1 MW on dmg
Atk roll 1: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 = 33
Dmg roll: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 15
Crit roll: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 2 = 18
Dmg roll: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 16

Atk roll #2: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 = 29
Dmg roll: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 14
Crit roll #2: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 = 19
Dmg roll: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 19

Not really sure about the cover rules atm. So haven't applied any of the rules. I believe I get +1 atk from higher ground and he gets a bonus to AC and reflex saves?

Oh and... WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?!?!?! Those rolls are amazing...

will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

aoo,ic, higher ground: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 31
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

aoo confirm,ic, higher ground: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 29
damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (4, 8) + 10 = 22

As the monster stood. Whiskeyjack slammed out the hammer in his hand. He grinned through his beard as the hammer struck home.

No AoOs after my rules discussion with Wren, however I'll give Whiskey that attack as a conventional roll.

Arval and Whiskeyjack raise their weapons, bringing them down mightily on the Promethean, despite the horrible moan that almost sends the group into a panic! Despite the promethean's incredibly thick skull, they do frightening damage to the monstrosity. Unfortunately, they have also attracted its attention.

Lightning crashes overhead as the battle rages on.

Lena, Eldon, and Kawrock are up!

Eldon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Eldon's unfazed by the promethean's roar, because he's experienced much worse in his short and epic life. Or so he claims and believes.

"I had an assistant once, who snore just as loud as this fiend roars. After I gave him some helpful advice, he never snored again!"

Eldon draws his rapier and tries to poke the promethean with it.

Rapier, IC: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 2 = 14 Damage, IC: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Inspire Courage +2 continues!

Lena looses another firebolt, to aid Arval

firebolt to aid arval: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

+2 to arvals first attack

Eldonnn, don'ttt hit ittt. You can'tttt hurttt ittt. Helppp whishyjackkk to hittt ittt.

Brodur, keep going! You are doing very well!

Kawrock would have cast barkskin in the time they waited for Bigguns to make his way over.

Kawrock follows Vladlena's lead and sends a firebolt down to aid Whiskeyjack.

Aid Whiskyjack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Lena By attacking you're not operating the thrall and so can't give Brodur your AC bonus. That said, you can take over control of him if you so wish (through suggestion or control). Stat block is below.

Lena and Kawrock fire firebolts to distract and assist while Eldon assumes a perfect fencing stance and utterly fails to damage the Promethean.

As the group continues to work to help Brodur, the huge golem rips his ogre hook down at the prone Promethean, striking repeatedly!

Attack: 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 21 + 2 = 35 Damage: 2d8 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 10 + 2 = 14
Attack: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 16 + 2 = 36 Damage: 2d8 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 10 + 2 = 17
Attack: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 2 = 29 Damage: 2d8 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (4, 8) + 10 + 2 = 24

The promethean scrambles to his feet, and again Brodur attacks, striking again.

Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 21 + 2 = 30 Damage: 2d8 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5) + 10 + 2 = 22

Showing incredible quickness, the promethean is back on its feet, and lunges at Brodur, attacking brutally.

Attack: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35 Damage: 4d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 4, 4, 3) + 9 = 24
Attack: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (19) + 21 = 40 Damage: 4d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 1, 5, 1) + 9 = 21
Grab: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (14) + 29 = 43

The entire tower rocks as Brodur is slammed against the opposite wall. The promethean's tentacles then wrap around Brodur, lifting him up to begin squeezing.

Everyone is up! Brodur is currently grappled.

i was unaware of that, and you implied above I could when I asked what actions it took to run it. Moving along though, in that case I give the bonus to brodur, and naught else.

Round 3, Init 14

Wren moves over to Arval, trusting the ledge to prevent the tentacled beast from attacking her.

She comes over to touch Arval and provide some helpful advice.

"Hit him hard, Arval. Yes, that's a grand idea!"

Arval: Take +3 insight bonus to your attacks, saves, skills, ability checks for 1 round (until Wren's turn again).

And Brodur is up, so you can take an action with him if you wish Lena. CMB is +21.

Wren pokes Arval, empowering him.

Arval swings at the creature again.
"Bad! Release him! "

Atk roll #1: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 2 + 3 + 2 = 34
Dmg roll: 1d10 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 19
Atk roll #2: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 + 3 = 23
Dmg roll: 1d10 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 17

-Posted with Wayfinder

Whiskeyjack reached over to Arval, the young man being surprisingly competent in battle, and granted him a little more competence in the form of Angradd's battle wisdom.

Granting War Mind to Arval. At the start of its turn each round, he can select one of the following bonuses: +10 feet to base land speed, +1 dodge bonus to AC, +1 insight bonus on attack rolls, or a +1 luck bonus on saving throws.

Kawrock casts liberating command on Brodur.

Brodur gets an immediate action to break free with a +10 bonus to escape artist, Or just use his normal CMB. If he does get free he should get all his normal attacks.

break free brodur!
break free: 1d20 + 21 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 21 + 10 = 36

With the aid of Kawrock's spell, Brodur snaps free of the promethean before the tentacles start to do their work!

Meanwhile, Arval continues wailing on the promethean's head, scoring one good hit.

Wren and Eldon are up! Lena, your CMB check was an immedaite action thanks to Kawrock and Brodur can now attack.

Round 4, Init 14

Wren aids Arval again. "Hit him hard, Arval. Yes, that's a grand idea!"

Arval: Take +3 insight bonus to your attacks, saves, skills, ability checks for 1 round (until Wren's turn again).

Brodur attack it!

ogre hook: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29

ogre hook: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

ogre hook: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Arval stole my rolls, lol

damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (1, 6) + 10 = 17

damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (7, 1) + 10 = 18

damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (2, 2) + 10 = 14

Bofur has inspire courage for his +2 hit/damage. Adding those in.

Freed of the tentacles, although badly damaged Bofur leaps at the promethean, his ogre hook repeatedly slamming into the tentacled monstrosity.

Realizing that his rapier isn't going to do much damage, Eldon scampers up a level to stay out of range of the promethean.

Badly damaged, the Promethean finally lashes out at that which was attacking it from behind. Arval is almost knocked clear off of the tower as a tentacle slams into him viciously, however he dodges the second attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 21 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 21 - 2 = 28 Damage: 4d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 4, 1, 1) + 9 = 16
Attack: 1d20 + 21 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 21 - 2 = 21 Damage: 4d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 2, 2, 5) + 9 = 20

Lightning: 1d7 ⇒ 1
Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 2) = 10

Lightning strikes down into the tower, electrocuting the Promethean! Horrifyingly, the lighting appears to heal its wounds.

Arval takes 16 damage! Everyone is up!

Eldon sheaths his rapier and takes his crossbow from his back. Meanwhile, he continues to chat.

"Very well aimed, Arval! Just like I always do! Now do it a little harder, like I also always do!"

Inspire Courage +2 continues!

Whiskeyjack moved behind Arval once more, reaching out to heal the young man's wounds.

"Ye go' 'im, lad. Jest keep hittin' him an' keep 'im distracted. Brodur is doing a world's worth o' hurt to i'."

cmw: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 = 9

Converting last level 2 spell to cmw

Round 5, Init 14

Wren continues to instruct Arval on how to fight.

"Hit him hard, Arval. Yes, that's a grand idea!"

Arval: Take +3 insight bonus to your attacks, saves, skills, ability checks for 1 round (until Wren's turn again).

RAUGH! the beast roars.

Keep going, brodur. I'll shield you.

ogre hook: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (10) + 23 = 33

ogre hook: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30

ogre hook: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

damage: 2d8 + 12 ⇒ (2, 3) + 12 = 17

damage: 2d8 + 12 ⇒ (7, 4) + 12 = 23

damage: 2d8 + 12 ⇒ (1, 7) + 12 = 20

Arval grunts from the tentacle slamming into him, he soon launches another attack at the creature though. Encouraged by nearly everyone behind him.

Insight bonus from Wren +3 to attack, +1 from Magic sword to damage, +2 from inspire courage, +1 from war mind on attack

Atk roll: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 2 + 3 + 1 = 20
Dmg roll: 1d10 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 15
Atk roll: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 + 3 + 1 = 35
Dmg roll: 1d10 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 18

Brodur roars as Lena encourages him on, and he slams the promethean into the opposite wall before hacking down with his ogre hook. Part of the promethean's torso is completely ripped out as the two behemoths battle. It retaliates, wrapping its tentacles around Brodur and lifting the golem into the air. Slowly, it begins to squeeze the life out of Brodur until Arval, spying his opening, drops his shield and leaps from the top of the tower. With both hands he slams his sword into the promethean's head, and then holds on for deal life, wrenching it downwards as he falls.

Its tentacles go slack, and Brodur lands on the ground, holding out his arms. Arval falls right into Brodur's arms as the warped, tentacles golem staggers, turns, and collapses. Brodur nicely puts down Arval and wraps him in a big hug.

"FRIEND!"

End of Combat

Ding! Welcome to level seven!

After putting Arval down Brodur rushes over to the iron doll, ripping the lid off. Count Caromarc lies within.

"Water..." he gasps. Brodur picks up his master in his arms, and after being given some water, the Count passes out.

==========
At the Count's Manse
==========

You all now stand within the count's manse. Whiskeyjack's skill with healing and the attentive unseen servants have helped bring the count back to consciousness. It is obvious he has barely eaten or had any water for a long time.

The Count looks at all of you, and hangs his head.

"I am ruined by my own hubris," he croaks. "My own creation turned against me. My home destroyed. And my own defenses and creations nearly turned out to be my undoing. All I have left is sorrow. Please, ask your questions, or make your accusations. I will respond as best I can. I would most certainly be dead without your help and the assistance of my brave, wonderful Beast."

Eldon offers the count his waterskin and one of his trail rations. "You should drink some more and eat something."

He sits down next to the count. "My name's Eldon Appleton, as you undoubtedly know. I am the most epic storyteller and adventurer ever. I and my assistants plan to destroy the device that controls our friend. We don't want anyone with ill intentions to make him do something bad. He should be able to live freely."

"Could you perhaps tell us what you know of the Whispering Way, Count? They killed our dear friend professor Lorrimor, and appear to be involved in the destruction of your house."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Good job, everyone! :)

Wren dodders of the Count, making herself helpful when she can. She offers to feed the count, to help with any magics he might night, and generally hovering like a new grandma meeting her first grandchild.

"Oh dearie. Oh dearie. Tell us more about what happened...and why Brodur did what he did. Why?" Wren says gently. "There will be plenty of time for wallowing in the misery of your failure after you explain what happened."

Arval, dead tired from the nerve wracking fight, nearly gets crushed to death by Brodur's hug.
"Thank god that's over..."
He says while the count is freed.

Later he sits down to rest, whilst the others question the count.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Lena struggles out of the bondslave device once the battle is done.

ha we did it!

Later@ Sternly she looks at the ex rulerCount, you have created a mass of evil creations, with one good result. No more! Let Brodur, your beast, be your legacy. Blasphemous spells are used in their creation. If we hear of more of these golems, the authorities in the palantates will be informed of all you have done.

She smiles and pats brodur's arm. he is all you need.

She turns back to the count. oh, and one more thing.

Making sure no one is nearthe bondslave caller, she quickly casts a spell, and blasts it with a pair of scorching rays. If needed she follows up with a molten orb.

that thing is no more. Brodur should never be compelled again.

Her eyes blazing she says to Eldon, her hair glowing like flame.

Eldon folds his arms and gives Lena an offended look. "Wu oould ebano virus pensare Dipartimento dello H? I chis Prodör oill rigitfyl persiane compensato non muscolari, lasciare vrave muscolo sidekisk!"

After having some food and water, the count is a little better, and speaks to the group, weakly. He looks at Lena as she admonishes him and he sighs wearily, slumping back.

"My wife died and left me. And... no matter the spells, no matter the alchemy used, I could not bring her back. I was left without a family and I knew, I knew she had always wanted a son. So I built one."

The Count looks fondly over to the Beast, who looks sceptically at his master.

"My greatest creation. But... by giving him a mind and heart, I gave him the capacity to hurt. To feel rejection. The hatred of the commonfolk was too much for my poor Beast, and I lost him."

He sips some water.

"Legend of him grew, and eventually The Whispering Way contacted me, claiming they were aware I had created the Beast and would expose my creation of the local boogeyman, and other things unless I did what they said. I refused to be blackmailed, and so contacted my Beast to meet them in my stead. They expected that, and while he was at the meeting place they attacked. With my greatest creation out of the Schloss, they invaded, avoided my greater creations and destroyed my lesser ones, and took over the Bondslave Thrall. With it, they commanded my Beast to steal a statue for them - something called the Seasage Effigy which my Beast passed on to a homunculus of theirs. When that was done, they let go of their control, leaving my Beast to be apprehended and placed on trial."

He takes a sip of water.

"With my creations running amok, they locked me in a misery idol and my dear, sweet creation Waxwood kept me alive for - well, I don't know how long I've been in there. I was approaching madness in that thing. When the Aberrant Promethean went berserk I was sure I was doomed."

The tiny homunculus, who had followed the group, hops up and down.

"I'll get you fixed, dearest."

He looks to the group evenly.

"My life is in shambles. Please destroy the Bondslave Thrall - let my Beast live with me and I will attempt to make right. I have one request of you. The Whispering Way must be stopped. I know that they are next bound for the Shudderwood; likely Ascanor Lodge which is the only island of civility in that cursed forest. There is a path called the Silent Trail. Follow it, and stop them before they cause more harm. For your saving my life, and for saving my Beast I will order the release of six thousand gold from my treasury to you."

Eldon folds his arms and gives Lena an offended look. "Wu oould ebano virus pensare Dipartimento dello H? I chis Prodör oill rigitfyl persiane compensato non muscolari, lasciare vrave muscolo sidekisk!"

** spoiler omitted **

Lean looks Eldon in the eye. She ways her hands angrily

Then she walks away, ignoring him.

Last we heard, there may be a mob hunting Brodur. I guess we should return to town and see what is what. The seasage effigy? But we are know where near the sea. They stole a ghost, and then a statue. What are they up to?

"With it, they commanded my Beast to steal a statue for them - something called the Seasage Effigy which my Beast passed on to a homunculus of theirs."

"There. there," Wren says, trying to comfort the man. "There will be plenty of time to relive your mistakes after we're gone. Seems like you'll get your health back and with it, you'll have a long life of regret to look forward to."

Wren thinks about what he man had said.

"What can you tell us about the Sausage Effigy? Do you have any tomes amongst your library where we might learn more?" Wren asks, showing ravenlike focus on the shiny nugget of information.

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16 Know (History/Local) - Shudderwood;
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 Know (History/Local) - Ascanor Lodge;
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19 Know (History/Local) - Silent Trail;
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 Know (History/Local) - Seasage Effigy?

Kawrock chuckles at Lena's cryptic words to Eldon.

"Yes , I am sure Wren would love to see any books, especially if they have pictures of this sausage effigy."

"Clean th' feathers from yer ears, elf! 'E said See-sage no' saw-sage, ye twit! An' I be wonderin' wha's so dadgum special 'bout this Seasage Effigy tha' they went t' all this trouble t' get fer it? "

know arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Could be valuble, or a ritual item? Maybe it controls a monster. No clue really, but i know one thing. Whatever they are doing, it killed the prof. Which means they are very much up to no good, and must be stopped

She looks at the others.

By us!

Even though they had just ate, Wren crestfalls after she is corrected by 'Jack. She was quite excited about a Sausage Effigy, less so about a Seasage one.

The group recalls the conversations with the Professor back at the University of Lepidstadt. The Seasage Effigy is a curious item, a green statuette of what looks like an octopus or other tentacled creature. It had no notable features and was just ugly and weird. No other information is known about it.

From what Wren can recall, the Shudderwood is an enormous forest that dominates Northern Usatalav. Schloss Caromarc is on its outskirts. She doesn't know much about the Silent Trail. Ascanor Lodge is one of the only "civilized" part of the Shudderwood, and is a posh hunting lodge.

The count shakes his head at Wren.

"I know nothing of this Seasage Effigy. Just that it was something they stole from the University."

"I suspect the Whispering Way required a creepy statue for their evil hideout," Eldon says, completely ignoring Lena with his selective hearing.

"It's what villains do, you see. They decorate their hideouts with evil and creepy stuff."