Gestalt Carrion Hill (Inactive)

Game Master Just a Mort

Carrion Hill backdrop

Slipper Market

Sunless grove Pt 1

Sunless grove Pt 2

Rupman's Vat

Elm's Way Church

The Great Filth

Asylum map

Crove Asylum Lv 1

Crove Asylum Basement


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Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

Looking at the room, the party finds mounds of rubble line the walls of this partially collapsed chamber, but here and there patches of brickwork are visible on the floor and walls. One rounded alcove remains in the northern wall, though it lacks a sarcophagus. There is nothing of interest, and the party descends the long stairwell.

The long stairwell descends several hundred feet, passing through multiple architectural styles as it winds deeper into Carrion Hill’s past. At the bottom of the stairwell, the style is of carved stone and leads to a natural cave.

Howard:

You have a sense of dejavu. The place seems familiar, as if you've been here before...

The descent is 800 ft down, 15 min have passed, adjust your buffs accordingly.


as an alchemist would Angus be able to tell what the substance is?

'Interesting, a substance on the daggers.' Angus begins to collect the daggers he has found, carefully wrapping them in some the rags laying beside them, turning to Howard he asks, "Is Hastur going to be ok? When he is ready shall we head back to the west where I felt the necromancy emanating from?"

Edit: Howard, never mind the question Mort ninja'd my post, were on our way!


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

You can retcon RP. Sorry if I'm pushing too fast. I'm going to class now so I won't be available for 1.5h thereabouts

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

"The daggers have been dipped in a poison crafted from underground fungi, called 'Green Smear'. It saps the victim's strength."

When they descend down the stairs, and reach the bottom, Howard frowns.

"This place... feels familiar."

He then casts Shield on Hastur, who moves to explore the area.


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

Swaths of dried and foul-smelling (but not sickening) black slime cake the entire length of the stairs. Water drips down along the walls here and there as well, leaving narrow trickles along the stairs.

Ancient stone pillars support a stone ceiling here. Thick sheets of pale fungus and mold cake most surfaces. To the south, the hall has collapsed in rubble, but to the north it opens into a vast cavern in which eerie glowing light flickers. A thick, dry smear of black slime and strange circular prints in the mold runs from a flight of stairs in the west wall north into this cavern.

An immense cavern sprawls here, its floor an uneven jumble of loose stone and fungus, its ceiling rising like a church cathedral to a height of nearly a hundred feet above. Glowing fungus grows thick on the walls, bathing the cavern in ugly hues of purple and pale blue. Toppled pillars and mounds of rubble dot the western half of the cave, while to the east a mound of fungus, bones, and rubble rises.

At the mound’s apex squats a flat-topped altar stone, with towering barren trees rising on three sides, their leafless branches twisted and groping toward the ceiling above as if in search for a sun’s warmth they shall never feel. The trees are almost fossilized now, their bark as hard as iron, their branches extending across the ceiling and touching, like fingers groping in the dark, decorated with hanging bones and other cult fetishes.

A trickle of what appears to be sludge runs thickly and slowly from a hollow under the altar stone to gather to the northwest of the hill in a swampy pool. Four cave passages branch off from the cavern, but only the one to the southeast has not been blocked by a series of relatively new-looking iron bars. A swath of black slime and round footprints winds from the wide passageway to the southwest up to the southern bank of the pool of sludge.

On top of the mould lies the mangled and bloodless bodies of two old men dressed in dark robes, twisted like rags and covered with deep incisions like circular bites or cuts.

An emaciated looking humanoid with long, curved claws crouches next to the mound, chewing upon a human arm while holding a book with an amethyst on its inset.

Knowledge religion to find out about that humanoid


Angus follows Hastur and Howard down the stairs into the immense cavern, as they stop and look around Angus admires the architecture. 'Those stairs were a nightmare, but seeing this place was worth it. Look at these pillars, even covered in fungus and mold it's interesting,' Seeing the ceiling, the trees and the alter. 'A place of religion no doubt, how did they get the trees to grow here...Odd to block the passageways with iron bars, and they seem to be new.' Seeing the bodies and the emaciated beast. 'What the heck is that, is it evil also?' Pointing his drawn pistol at the creature he whispers. "We have company"

casts detect evil, uses monster lore in the knowledge roll
knowledge: religion: 1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 3 = 12
Monster lore: The inquisitor adds her Wisdom modifier on Knowledge skill checks in addition to her Intelligence modifier, when making skill checks to identify the abilities and weaknesses of creatures

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

Howard squints, and tries to identify the cannibalistic creature.

Knowledge(Religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28.

This place is ancient... and definitely sacred to some deity... although I have a feeling it is not to one of the so-called 'benevolent' ones.


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

Sorry Angus, rolls too low

Howard:

Prologue wrote:


You've been having strange dreams lately. Of an ancient altar stone beneath the earth. Of a grove of fossilised trees, growing upon purple-blue earth. A book inlaid with an amethyst, closed by insect-like clasps.

You've "been" here before.

The creature is a ghoul, and its bite and claws can cause paralysis. Its bite spreads a disease. Its undead and feeds on corpses.

Angus:

Yup, detects as evil.


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

"My..my...what do we have here? More "Visitors?" It gives the party a ghastly leer."So unfriendly...drawing a gun on ol' Yarresh here."It looks at Angus's drawn pistol.

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

Ah, I think I will want that book...

Howard then whispers to Angus:

"It's a ghoul."

He then gives a mirthless smile.

"I take it that you don't want to talk to this one?"


? ?

At that, Hastur pounces!

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 4 = 18.

Leaping through the air, he lands essentially on top of the hapless undead beast crouching atop the mound, and attempts to rend it limb from limb.

Claw: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 = 20, for 1d6 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + (2, 2) = 19 damage.
1d6 ⇒ 1
Claw: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 = 25, for 1d6 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + (3, 3) = 21 damage.
1d6 ⇒ 4
Bite: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 = 28, for 1d6 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + (6, 5) = 26 damage.
1d6 ⇒ 4


'evil, and a ghoul' Angus looks at Howard and smirks, "No, I guess we can pass, I doubt if he would tell the truth anyway." As he lifts his pistol to fire he sees Hastur land on the creature and appear to rend it limb from limb.

uuummm at a quick glance that looks like 75 points of damage, are we rolling init?


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

Hastur rends the ghoul into small pieces.Both of you search the ghoul and find an iron ring with a ruby (ring of protection +2), as well as a book with an amethyst on its cover, closed by insect-like clasps. Howard realizes the book is clamped shut by those insect-like clasps. DC25 disable device or int check to open.

On the dismembered body there is an electrum bracer studded with emeralds (bracers of armor +1). and an ebony wand (wand of chill touch (15 charges). On the other body there is a filthy muddy brown cloak, (cloak of protection +1) and a wooden ring with symbols inscribed on it(ring of swimming.)

Howard also spots something glinting at the bottom of the sludge pool.


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

The book

DC 30 knowledge arcana and knowlwdge of Aklo:

Its a translation of a translation of the original Pnakotic Manuscripts,


Hastur is nothing if not effective. Angus approaches the mutilated undead and the carcasses that it had been gnawing on. Seeing the insect-like clamps on the book with the amethyst on its inset. Angus tucks his pistol back in the belt, drawing out his lock picks he asks, "Do you mind if I open that?" As he works on the book, he wonders. 'Why would this be so important to the undead. I wonder if it's magical.' casting detect magic Angus turns and asks Howard, "Why would the undead cling so tightly to this?"

taking 10(25) on disable device, will roll for traps just in case
disable potential traps: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

Book is not trapped, but the aura of magic is so strong you're stunned for a round.

With a little bit of fiddling, and some nifty finger work to prevent the strange insects from biting him, Angus manages to get the book open. There is a red silk bookmark attached to one of the sections.

Its like the monstrous book of monsters from Harry Potter, except the mouth is replaced with insects

Angus:

There is writing in the book but you do not understand what it says. The inner cover sports some spidery text and 5 signatures.

Howard:

In the inner cover the following is written:
"May we, the Keepers of the Oldest, prevail over the scourge of simplistic thought and lesser men." There are 5 signatures under the writing, one of which you recognise as Crove's.

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

"Interesting..."

Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14.

Howard gingerly takes the book from Angus, and pulling out a Scroll of Kreighton's Perusal, quickly flips through the text.


? ?

Meanwhile, Hastur claims the ruby ring from the ghoul that he dismembered, and goes to investigate the shiny object in the water.

"Someone should check that side chamber."


I assume that Angus saw that the items were magical
handing the book to Howard, he began to gather the other items that showed magical, then knodding, 'Hastur is right. Turing to the south east, Angus continues, "I will check the south east, what shall we do with the other magical items?" Angus continues through the narrow doorway looking into the cavern.

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

Hastur pulls out a scimitar from the sludge. +1 scimitar The passages to the north lead further into the darkness, but are too small for a medium creature to go through.

Angus:

This cavern contains what looks to have been a campsite for five, judging by the number of empty bedrolls along the walls. A few shelves with scattered books on them, a fire pit, and even a crude wooden table provide the furnishings for the site. The books are written in a language you do not understand.

Howard:

I need to read up the spell and see how much I can give you.

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

Howard briefly glances over the other items.

"Feel free to claim any of the others that you so wish; I have no real use for the swimming ring, the bracers, the cloak, or the wand."

GM Mort:
Once Angus is comfortably out of the cavern, Howard pulls out a Scroll of Erase, and deletes the section written by Crove.

Plausible deniability is a wonderful thing. I just hope he hasn't implicated himself elsewhere.

Is there any way to work out whom the other signatures belong to?


Angus has the cloak and magic armor, can Hastur use either or the scimitar? Angus will put whatever no one uses in his pack.

Angus looks at the ring and wand, "I can use the ring but I don't think I can use the wand." Putting the ring on and the rest of the stuff in his pack.

when he sees the items in the room, he calls back, "Got a camp in here, books I can't read, Howard do you want to take a look at them before we leave?" Angus continues carefully searching the cave attempting to discern when the camp was used last.

if the 30 didn't reveal everything he will search the room more taking 20. He will roll a survival to determine when the camp was used last

survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

Howard:

On using Scroll of Kreighton's Perusal
The book functions as a spellbook and contains the following arcane spells: Gate, Greater teleport, greater planar binding, interplanetary teleport, lesser planar binding, planar binding, plane shift, teleport, teleport object and teleportation circle.

The red silk bookmarked portion indicates the begining of a relatively lengthy discussion on how to use special rituals to open portals in key locations, with the section heavily annoted with Crove's handwriting. You deduce that these "Keepers of the Oldest" were hoping to use the ritual described in the book to try to open a portal in the Sunless Grove to contact "spawn of the Dark Tapestry" and further enhance their knowledge of forbidden magic and arcane secrets.

Study further? If you do, also give me another knowledge arcana check.

Erase Caster level check v DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
You remove Crove's writing and signature on the first page, but there are simply too many pages with his handwriting after the bookmarked portion to remove.


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

Angus:

You think the people who set up this camp left in a hurry, and it was last used about 3 days ago. There is nothing further of interest in the room.


Angus walks out of the camp cave, "That camp was left in a hurry. probably three days ago. If you gentlemen are ready, shall we continue." Turning to Hastur, "Are you going to use the sword? If it's magical, I may attempt to use it." Looking back at Howard He's the brains of the operation.' Resettling his pack on his shoulders and drawing his pistol "Which way Howard?"

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

GM Mort:
Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17.

Well, a partial job is better than none at all.

"Sure thing!"

Howard moves to check-out the books indicated by Angus.

Neither I, nor Hastur, wish to claim any of the items (apart from the aforementioned ring by Hastur, and the Book by Howard).


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

Howard:

Studying the book for another 10 min yields the following:

A section near the end cautions those who would attempt this ritual, warning that forcing open such portals draws forth the spiritual essence of the casters, and that any entity contacted by the portal can make “hideous use of this essence by consuming it, growing more powerful in the bargain, such that only the end of such essence can challenge the intruder’s rights upon your world.”

Howard also realises that he recognises the other keepers by their signatures:Gave Howard a take 10 knowledge local

Keeper Baskerwhel(one of the bodies earlier found): Glem Baskerwhel is (was) a hunch-backed hermit who lives in the Wrythe about a day’s travel east of Carrion Hill. The swamp druid is nonetheless well known in Carrion Hill as a potion-maker, and he visits the city often, always staying with his friend Arlend Hyve at the Elm Way Church on these visits.

Keeper Crove : Waldur Crove is well known as the warden of Crove’s Asylum, a building located in the Crown that the Crows have long used to dispose of lunatics and the insane too dangerous to keep in regular prisons.

Keeper Hyve: Arlend Hyve is an authority on regional history and lore, a sage who dwells in an abandoned church of Aroden on Elm Way on the southern slope of the Tangles. There are whispers that he dabbles in the black market poison and drug trade.

Keeper Marshan(the dismembered body found): Sulm Marshan is (was) a goggle-eyed man said to have moved to Carrion Hill recently from the coastal town of Illmarsh; he owned and lived in the house in Slipper Market that was destroyed this morning.

Keeper Myre: Rupman Myre is a middenstone baron. He owns a large vathouse down in the Filth along the river banks, and is rumored to be involved with illegal necromancy, but to date the Crows have not been able to find enough evidence to arrest him.

The books and some of the notes that Argus shows you are mostly about ancient and blasphemous religions, the Dark Tapestry, the Great Old Ones, monsters from other dimensions, and magical portals. The notes and books are relatively difficult to decipher. Futher study will require h: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9 and a DC25 linguistics check, despite you knowing Aklo.

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

Howard's frown deepens.

"Angus, I think I know what happened. A group of... let's call them 'esoteric researchers'... delved too greedily and too deep when it came to researching ancient and forbidden knowledge, and opened a portal which drew through something from elsewhere.

Two of them appear to have been killed immediately, but a few others managed to escape.

The bad news is, for each one of them that the creature kills, it will grow stronger.

The good news is, I recognise their names, and by killing them, we can stop the beast from drawing strength from their souls."

Howard quickly adds:

"If it helps to salve your conscience, one is rumored to be a necromancer, and the other is a poison-maker."

He then carefully collects up the other books, storing them in a backpack worn by Hastur.

"I think we should go and report what we have discovered... and then do a little shopping."

Howard frowns thoughtfully.

"There is also someone that I should go and consult with... he may be able to provide some additional insight."


that's interesting, and a little odd, so many questions.' Angus scratches his head a little. "So these carcasses that the undead was chewing on were two of them and the other three are still alive, are they here in the caves or have they returned to the city. Do we have enough information to give to the Mayor to help? Will we be able to tell him what the monster is. Also will we be returning to the caverns here." Remembering, he informed Hastur. "When we were in the entry chamber I sensed some necromancy if we are returning that was we should check it out."

Sorry about the wall of questions Howard.


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

Grove of trees detect as strong necromantic energy. Also GM on lunch break.

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

Howard nods in the direction of the dismembered corpse.

"That was Marsham - his bulging eyes are fairly distinctive. He came up this way from the town of Illmarsh over a year ago."

He then gestures at the (mostly intact) corpse.

"That was Baskerwhel - a local hermit who lived out in the swamp, but was known to be an excellent potion-maker."

Howard then gestures at the corpse of the ghoul.

"You mentioned necromantic energy was perfusing the area? Well, I dare say that's why he was here. Him, I do not recognise, but his interest in the book speaks volumes."

He pauses for a moment, thoughtfully, before continuing.

"The two live ones that we need to deal with are Arlend Hyve, a local sage who dwells in an abandoned church of Aroden on Elm Way here in the city, and Rupman Myre, a middenstone baron. For the record, Hyve is the poison-maker, and Myre is the necromancer (allegedly)."

Howard's shoulders then slump.

"As to what the creature that came through is... I don't know. Maybe if I had time to study all of these books properly, I would have a better idea, but for the moment, suffice to say that it is a being that should not exist in our reality; if I had to hazard a guess, I would say that it is entirely possible that many of the normal laws of physics may not apply to it. I realise that is essentially saying, 'prepare for anything', but I am afraid that I cannot offer any clearer guidance at this time - hence, why I wish to make a consult."


'Well that explains some of it.' Angus continues the conversation, ”So we need to eliminate the two who help cause this, and we need to go to a consultation. I assume we are going to eliminate the two first.” Looking to Howard as he responds, ’I wonder if my new friends have any ulterior motives.’ Continuing the questions: ”You mentioned that we need to do a little shopping, can I handle that while you go to the consultation or should I go with you?” As they leave the cavern he asks ”Do you think we will be returning to this evil place?”

I think an inquisitor would be suspicious of everyone’s motives so I am going to do “sense motive on Howard, I don’t mind if Howard gives the appropriate information or Mort, Whichever would be simplest ;)
sense motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18 well that's about useless, but if there is anything anyone wants to share I will take it!

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

Angus believes that Howard is not lying (even if he fires-up his Discern Lies ability as an immediate action, which is something that I know *I* would do).

Howard has not told a single lie (to the best of his knowledge).

Technically 'getting a hunch' about someone who isn't lying is a flat DC 20 ;-)

Howard shrugs.

"Well, it is not so much *need* to go shopping, as maybe it would be advisable? I know I didn't come to Carrion Hill equipped for big game hunting...

As to returning here, I don't know whether there is more that needs to be done; the creature was summoned here - perhaps its essence needs to be banished here as well? Hopefully not; I would vastly prefer that containing or killing it solved the issue.

As for my consult, I think it best that I go without you; it's not that I don't trust you; it's more that when I was called here, he requested that I visit him alone."

As far as Howard is concerned, once we have updated the mayor, feel free to sell the (unclaimed) items we have discovered thus far, and buy whatever you want - Howard is a man of (relatively) simple tastes.


I'm going with "trust someone until he catches them lying"

'That's interesting, I didn't know that he was called here by someone who wants to remain unanimous.' Angus nods in understanding, "Big game Hunting of the "not from here" kind, so what would that entail? I've mostly dealt with undead and the sort who uses them, of course the occasional monster as well. But that's something that everyone has to deal with. do you have anything in mind? I will sell this gear and start a list of items. Do you think your contact can give us information about how to defeat it?"

the murder-hobo in Angus wants to explore the rest of the tunnels, oh well we have a big bad to kill, after we deal with the idiots who brought it here ;)

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

"Honestly? I don't know whether he will be any help. That said, I certainly hope he can give us an idea about how to defeat it."

Howard looks thoughtful for a moment.

"In terms of monsters that are 'not from here', I would say the best bet would be to get gear that is useful against outsiders, and aberrations - this thing came from The Dark Tapestry, after all. Eyewitnesses also said that the beast may have been invisible, so things that allow you to see the unseen may also be useful."


'Aberrations and see the unseen, ok' Angus nods in understanding, "So I guess the next step is reporting to the Mayor. How much detail should we go into about removing two of his fine citizens?"


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

Howard:

You believe the strong necromantic energies came from the ritual - the Keepers used powerful magics to bind the spirits of the grove to breach the barriers between this world and the Dark Tapestry.

The tunnels north lead further on into darkness, but are too small for medium creatures to pass through. Unless you want to squeeze all the way.


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

Angus:

You saw 5 signatures on the inside cover of the book. Why did Howard mention only 2 dead people, and 2 live ones only?


as they head to the Mayors Angus musses.

'Interesting... Hastur and Howard were sent for, by there unknown contact... before the mayor calls for volunteers... When the mayor does call for volunteers they are there ready to offer their services... Howard appears to be able to read everything he has seen, like he has been trained for this... there were five names but only four people mentioned... It sounds like a friend of Howards got in too deep and sent for him... can't say that I blame the mystery man, Howard and Hastur appear to know what they are doing... and if this mystery person's name came out it would ruin them... can't say I blame Howard for protecting his friend... no consequence to me, I get paid either way and it doesn't appear that we are dealing with a necromancer, at least I hope were not.

or something like that ;-0


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

After an arduous climb back up the stairs you arrive at the Slipper market. The rain has now lessened to a drizzle, but the sky remains overcast. The streets are in chaos, as word of the destruction of the houses has began to spread and the citizens are starting to panic. There are people stampeding towards coach houses and stables and the overworked Crows are desperately trying to maintain order.

The party manages to jostle your way through the crowd, suffering nothing more then a couple of bruises for their trouble. On seeing the party, the Crows standing guard let you in without further delay.

Mayor Heggry seems to have aged 10 years for the morning the party has been gone. His face has become careworn, and his shoulder slump with defeat. On hearing your entry, he rises to greet you, "Please tell me you've found something useful. 3 Crows were killed in the South Quarter riots, and god knows how many citizens were killed or injured in that mad rush,"He pleads desperately, in the way that a child might hope his father to come and set things right. "So many good men, dead for nothing." He gives an anguished wail, while wringing his hands."I'm at my wits end."


'He looks terrible, of course his city is in ruin, good thing we are here. Angus shook off his wet cloak, draping it over his bucklered arm, nodding in ascent. "Yes we found something, I will let Howard tell you the specifics, he was able to decipher some of what we found." Angus turns and defers to his new acquaintance. 'Howard will tell him what he needs to know, I would rather not get involved in local politics.'

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

Howard clears his throat, and then launches into an explanation.

"Yes, we found out some actually quite useful things, but you are probably not going to like it...

Apparently, a group of scholars calling themselves 'The Keepers of the Oldest' discovered an old shrine deep beneath the present incarnation of Carrion Hill, and used it to summon a creature from beyond the veil of our reality, in a quest to further their own knowledge of esoteric magical rites. Unfortunately, this ritual went spectacularly wrong; instead of binding the beast, they shackled it to their own essences. The beast killed two of them immediately, and will grow more powerful if it can kill the rest of them. We were able to to identify the signatures of the rest - by killing them ourselves, we will be able to prevent the beast from achieving its full potential, and allow them to go to the Boneyard, rather than having their souls consumed."


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

"Pharasma preserve us all. Mayor Heggry buries his head in his hands."You have my heartfelt thanks for volunteeering to deal with the Keepers. I wish I could dispatch Crows to assist you, but they have too much on their hands, trying to keep the city from falling apart."He gives a helpless shrug.

"Guards, see to their reward."The guards bring out a sack of 1500 gp and gives it to the party."My resources are thinly spread, and I have no other choice but to ask you for further assistance. Will you help us defeat the fearsome beast?" He pleads.


'Yes, Pharasma preserve us all' Angus looks from Howard to the Mayor, clearing his throat, "We can see your city is in turmoil and your Crows are having difficulty with it. I cannot speak for Howard and Hastur, but I am willing to help if they are. However we may need assistance of another sort. It would be beneficial to be able to purchase certain magical items. I believe we will need your influence to convince those of esoteric means to come out of hiding to sell us their wares. Would you provide a document demanding their willingness to selling us the items they may have in inventory that we will need?"

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

Howard nods.

"I think that can be arranged. First, though, we will need to make sure that it does not get any stronger..."


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

"I will pay you 3000 gp to help us get rid of this beast. I have also managed to scourge out some supplies that may be useful."Mayor Heggry answers.

"Guards, give them the emergency supplies." He orders.

A guard hands Angus a bag. Inside the bag there are the following items, neatly labelled: 10 potions of cure moderate wounds, five potions of lesser restoration, a scroll of see invisibility, a scroll of invisibility purge, and a dose of dust of appearance.

"Please, take these. I hope they will be of assistance in your quest in slaying this fearsome horror. I've heard there may be shops in the Smugglers Alley that might still be open in this chaos."

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

Howard's eyes light up when he sees the selection of items available.

"Excellent. Those should be extremely helpful. Thank-you!"

He then turns to Angus.

"Right then. Let's see what we can find - you in Smuggler's Alley, and me with my research... Shall we meet back in front of the Slipper Market? It seems relatively central... I take it that you would prefer to go after the Necromancer first, yes?"

Assuming there are no objections to this plan, Howard toddles off on his assignment, Hastur in tow.

GM Mort:
Essentially, I want to go find Crove, and see if I can gain some further insight into what is going on.


'shops in the Smugglers Alley. If they are wise they will open for me, so I don't need to ask for Hasturs help.' Angus nods to the mayor, "Also if you would be kind enough to let your "Crows" know that we are about your business and we are not to be interrupted." Giving a slight bow to the Mayor. "Please excuse us then, we have things to do."

As they exit the mayor's office Angus asks Howard "These two men we are searching for, do you know where we are to find them?"

Edit:
"It matters not to me which one we end first, they will be dead soon either at our hands or the beasts. Yes I shall go to the Smugglers alley and then to the Slipper Market, are there any potions or scrolls I may acquire for you?"


Strange Aeons Grp 2 |

Who is taking the bag the mayor gave? I'm at class so I'll work out your separate posts later

Dark Archive

Male Human Conjuror (Spirit Binder) / Summoner (Synthesist) 17 (HP 173+123.5/173+123.5) (AC 52/15/47) (CMD 39) (Fort +22, Ref +23, Will +24 (+32 Vs Enchantment; additional +3 Vs Mind-affecting) (Init +17) (Perception +42)

"Yes, the Vats are fairly well known, as is the Old Church. We should not have any problems navigating to them. I have no specific requests in terms of items."

GM Mort:
Once a safe distance away, Howard pulls out a wand, and heals Hastur.

LRE: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10.
LRE: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2.
LRE: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4.
LRE: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9.

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