The Dark is Rising - WotW Part II (Inactive)

Game Master Darkness Rising

"The wicked envy and hate; it is their way of admiring."

-- Victor Hugo

Administration | Map of Farholde | Horn Environs | Horn of Abaddon | Crucial.Important.Vital.Document. |

Talingarde is the most virtuous, peaceful, noble nation in the world today. This is the story of how you burned it to the ground.


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Shadow Lodge

Female Vampire(neophyte) Oracle(Heavens mystery)/7 - [HP 91/91); AC28,T17,FF22; F+9,R+10,W+8; Per+15; Init +11]

If she breathed, Tkaara would probably let out an unconscious breath as she looks about the grand chamber.
Many ceremonies, or horrors as the Mitrans would call them, undoubtedly took place here. Homage to the Four Horsemen, and prayers for profane guidance.

After reading the script on the key, her eyes narrow.
There is a phrase on the key, a phrase of honor to the daemon lord. I would say it, but I am unsure if the phrase is some type of a command.

After considering this, she casts a quick spell to determine whether there is any magic in the area. She also carefully surveys the room for anything that might be hidden, considering that there have been many other concealed passages in the Horn that the party has previously found.

Mechanics:

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

Cast Detect Magic

Spellcraft(if applicable): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9


Tkaara's searching reveals a hidden door on the Eastern (right-hand) side of the chamber. It pulses with conjuration (creation) magic.

The opening mechanism however is not near the door; it appears to be connected to the statue of Vetra-Kali. More than that is not apparent right now.

Shadow Lodge

Female Vampire(neophyte) Oracle(Heavens mystery)/7 - [HP 91/91); AC28,T17,FF22; F+9,R+10,W+8; Per+15; Init +11]

Tkaara easily notices the outlines of a hidden passageway.
Another door over there. Opening them is not my specialty. But, it appears to be tied to the statue, and some sort of conjuration magic is connected to it as a protective device, or at least a trap. Perhaps it will summon the wonder-twins friends?

OOC:
Tkaara will go under it if needed, but will let Felrin use his skills to disable the for first.


Mechanics:
Anyone - other than Tkaara - who approaches within 20 feet of the statue of Vetra-Kali (E on the map) must make a Will save (DC 25) or be afflicted with mind-numbing, soul-crushing, bowel-churning fear; as per the Fear spell.

Tkaara:
The atmosphere in this room is rather dreamy, actually, especially when you get close to the statue. But you can't get through the secret door: as you sidle through a gap at the bottom, you reappear in this room through a gap in the top. And vice versa. Bah. Stupid magic.


map | M Tiefling Inquisitor (Heretic) 7 | HP 66/66 | AC 21 | T 14 | FF 18 | CMD 25 | Fort +9 | Ref +6 | Will +11 | Init +8 | Perc +17

Felrin listens to Tkaara's views on the altars, and raises an eyebrow as she spots the hidden door. "Nice work," he offers. "I'd wager the words on the key - which you're wise not to speak glibly, given where we are - will open that door you've spotted. Why write them on a key otherwise?"

He carefully examines the door and any connection to the statue, in an effort to confirm his theory. Unfortunately, as he approaches the terrible figure, an eye-rolling, teeth-chattering fear envelops him, and he runs rapidly back the way they've come.

Mechanics:

Will: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22
Disable Device: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21


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Outsider(Devil, Evil, Native, Lawful) Sorcerer (Wishcrafter) 7
Stats:
HP 47/47:| AC: 16; T: 14; FF: 14; CMD: 15 | Fort: +5; Ref: +5; Will: +5 |Init: +13
Skill, Spells and Abilities:
Emissary 1/1 | Cantrips: At will | Level 1 7/8 | Level 2 8/8 | Level 3 6/6 | Perc: +2;Diplomacy+20;Bluff+19;Intimidate+11

That's the first time we've seen an image of Vetra-Kali, right? What does he looks like?
"Looks like the Mitrans didn't reach this place." Etna comments, as she looks at the bas relief on the walls and ceilings "I have to say, the subject isn't as boring as the Mitrans', but the decor is starting to look a little too gaudy."

The Ifrit nods at Tkaara's findings. "Yes, let's looks first for another way to proceed, but I too think that that inscription could be-Felrin?" the fire-haired woman starts, before she's interrupted by the Tiefling's flight. She's about to ask him what in the world had taken over him, but putting together his reaction and Tkaara's lack thereof (what with her condition and all), the Ifrit assumes that a spell was probably involved. Steeling herself, Etna moves for the bas relief, to investigate any detail of it or the altars.

Even at several feet of distance from the image of Vetra-Kali, Etna's hair already start to lose their bright color, slowing their movements in the air and growing to a pale orange.
I can't be stopped by something so trivial...we've faced much fearsome thing than this...
Despite what she's saying to herself, the Ifrit's hearth starts beating like mad, and her breath grows short.
And I, in particular, have been to That place. No spell cast by some raving cultist could ever manage to conjure something more terrifying than those screams!
For a moment, Etna strides again with confidence toward the bas relief, her hair flaring back up brighter than before, before she freezes.
But if this spell wasn't just conjuring fear, but could actually harm me. Does...does that mean that there's a chance it could harm me, that I could die? Am I going to go There, even after all I've been trough? I should have become something more than I was, and still here's my hearth beating like a drum in my chest, even if I'm not sure still to have one.
In one moment, Etna's hair are completely snuffed out, turning into a dull grey as they fall onto the Ifrit's shoulders.
Am I going to become just another scream into that hellish cacophony?
AAAAAAAAH!
Etna's scream of utter panic echoes trough the others' ears, giving them the sensation that an hot poker was held a few centimeters from their head; as you were looking at her back, you're not really sure if she actually opened her mouth, but nonetheless the Ifrit flees into a corner and cowers in panic, her arms over her head.

Mechanics:
Will, DC 25: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16


Vitals:
HP:20/20| AC: 16; T: 12; FF: 15; CMD: 11 CMB: +0|Fort: +6; Ref: +3; Will: +6| Perception +5 (Scent)
Male Dog (Basset Hound)

Winston was on edge the whole time they had been on that cursed place, but the room with the bas relief in particular left him almost completely frozen at the entrance. Only Etna's panic attack manages to snap him off it, as the dog runs to her mistress, whining and trying to calm her down by licking her cheeks.


LN Female Half-elf (Chelaxian) Bard (Archaeologist) 9 | HP: 66/66 | AC: 21/23 (w/shield) ( 12 Tch, 19 Ff) | CMB: +9, CMD: 21 | F:+5 R:+9 (+3 vs traps) W:+7 (+2 vs. enchantments) | Init: +2 | Perc: +20; SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft | Spells: 1st: 4/6 2nd: 3/5 3rd: 1/3| Performance: 9/16 | Active conditions: AL 2/3, Alter self 9 minutes (darkvision 60', swim 30', +2 size bonus to Str), haste 9/9 rounds (+1 attack, +1 AC)

Frowning as Felrin runs away, Tatienne studies the ifrit's reaction as next Etna screams and cowers in the corner.

"It is a trick of mind and magic, dears. Buck up, you've got nothing to fear."

Taking a bird's skull from her pack and folding her hands over it, Tatienne summons her pet raven. Together they wait for the others to get their wits about them, and once everyone has recovered, Taty sends the raven in towards the statue of Vetra Kali.

"Everyone back up, as far as you can. Edgar, take the key from the statue in your beak. Failing that, croak the words 'Hail Vetra-Kali.' Barring that, have a good look at the statue and tell me if anything is amiss."

With a flapping of featherless wings, the bird alights towards the statue.

Mechanics:

spellcraft: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32
Edgar perception to search statue: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Shadow Lodge

Female Vampire(neophyte) Oracle(Heavens mystery)/7 - [HP 91/91); AC28,T17,FF22; F+9,R+10,W+8; Per+15; Init +11]

Initially not paying attention to her companions, Tkaara walks up to the bas relief carving of the daemon lord. As she does so, see opens her arms, feeling the unsettling coldness flowing from the daemon symbol. In the depths of her memory, she recalls such a feeling, a feeling similar to that she experienced with a skilled lover. The pleasure is so great, that she simply stands, basking as the waves of coldness flow from the icon and through her. After far too few moments, she hears a low, and then a high pitched scream from behind her. Gritting her teeth that she must move, and thus change from the position from which she was being basked.

She looks and sees Etna cringing in one corner and Felrin fleeing out he door. Uncaring, she moves to the secret door to see what lies beyond. She attempts to glide beneath the door, only to find her self ejected from above the door. And when she seeks to go above the door, she gets ejected from beneath. After several more attempts, she resumes her material form and turns to the others.

Someone get the tiefling and the fire lady, we can't have them running around and falling down the side of the Horn, I am sure the Cardinal would not appreciate having someone to die from falling out of a cave.

If someone thinks it is safe, I can use the key. I would just prefer one of you confirming that it is not harmful before I take it or say any magical command words.

When Taty mentions moving back, Tkaara shrugs and retreats back with the others.
Lets see what your skeletal friend can do.


Tatienne Talbot wrote:
"Edgar, take the key from the statue in your beak. Failing that, croak the words 'Hail Vetra-Kali.' "

The key proves to be part of the statue, impenetrable to the bird's attempts at removing it. Edgar cannot speak, being skeletal, but the instant Tatienne herself says the words "Hail Vetra-Kali" she finds that the fear aura emanating from the statue ceases to affect her at all.

Tatienne:
I didn't see a Will save in your post? Not that it matters now you've discovered how to avoid it


LN Female Half-elf (Chelaxian) Bard (Archaeologist) 9 | HP: 66/66 | AC: 21/23 (w/shield) ( 12 Tch, 19 Ff) | CMB: +9, CMD: 21 | F:+5 R:+9 (+3 vs traps) W:+7 (+2 vs. enchantments) | Init: +2 | Perc: +20; SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft | Spells: 1st: 4/6 2nd: 3/5 3rd: 1/3| Performance: 9/16 | Active conditions: AL 2/3, Alter self 9 minutes (darkvision 60', swim 30', +2 size bonus to Str), haste 9/9 rounds (+1 attack, +1 AC)

DMD:
Taty's too cautious - she's not going anywhere near the statue if she can avoid it (hence her minions, live or undead, to do her dirty work). So I figured she's fine where she's at and not going to need the will save as she's not getting in range of the fear trap. I'm not sure if she'd suppress the fear aura by not being within the range of the trap though. If nothing else works, she'll approach the statue and while not touching the statue, she'll go over the same steps as she instructed Edgar to do.

fear/will save, expend mental focus to gain further +4 bonus: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 2 + 4 = 26

Let me know if this is the action, and I'll reduce my mental focus for the day. Sorry I wasn't clear!


Tatienne:
Gotcha, hadn't realised she wasn't going near the statue. Makes sense.


LN Female Half-elf (Chelaxian) Bard (Archaeologist) 9 | HP: 66/66 | AC: 21/23 (w/shield) ( 12 Tch, 19 Ff) | CMB: +9, CMD: 21 | F:+5 R:+9 (+3 vs traps) W:+7 (+2 vs. enchantments) | Init: +2 | Perc: +20; SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft | Spells: 1st: 4/6 2nd: 3/5 3rd: 1/3| Performance: 9/16 | Active conditions: AL 2/3, Alter self 9 minutes (darkvision 60', swim 30', +2 size bonus to Str), haste 9/9 rounds (+1 attack, +1 AC)

Tatienne takes a deep breath and begins inching towards the statue, mumbling under her breath, "Hail Vetra-Kali, hail Vetra-Kali, hail Vetra-Kali," silently cursing the Cardinal for disposing of her living, talking minions. The fear that gripped her companions begins to gain hold on the relic hunter, Taty's brow begins to sweat, her body shakes like a leaf on a gust of wind. And then, just as quickly as it came on, it passes. Standing straight as Edgar flutters his skeletal wings and lands softly on her shoulder, Tatienne smiles. "Just offer the supplication as you approach the statue and you'll be fine."


map | M Tiefling Inquisitor (Heretic) 7 | HP 66/66 | AC 21 | T 14 | FF 18 | CMD 25 | Fort +9 | Ref +6 | Will +11 | Init +8 | Perc +17

Felrin makes his way back to the temple, both angry and embarrassed at the way he's behaved. He returns just in time to hear Tatienne's advice on how to approach the statue, and he nods appreciatively, though he keeps his distance from the carving of Vetra-Kali, all the same.

"Well, know we know what the words are for," he comments, his eyes moving to look at the secret door that has so challenged Tkaara, "which means they don't open the door. So we can turn off the damned magic that caused me and Etna to run away like gibbering fools, which is useful, but now we have to sort out opening the door."

He takes a deep breath, steeling himself, then speaks the words, "Hail Vetra-Kali," several times before and during his approach to the statue. As he attempted previously, before being interrupted by soul-wrenching fear, he studies the door and the statue for any clues to how the door might be opened.

Mechanics:

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22
Disable Device: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

Shadow Lodge

Female Vampire(neophyte) Oracle(Heavens mystery)/7 - [HP 91/91); AC28,T17,FF22; F+9,R+10,W+8; Per+15; Init +11]

Tkaara simply stands, arms crossed beneath her chest, and watches as Felrin goes about his methodical search of the room and the statue.

The living, little do they know the wonders of unlife.


The fear aura disappears completely for Felrin as he says the words, and approaches the statue. On examination, it's the same mechanism that Felrin encountered previously: push the three eyes of the statue to open the door. Daemons are not known for creativity, after all. Rather the reverse.

As he does so, the door swings open...

3-6

This is - or was - clearly built as a treasure vault; but it is empty.

Long empty - there's no evidence that the Mitrans even found this place during their purge of 80 years ago. It contains only a heap of worthless discarded temple paraphernalia covered in cobwebs: wrecked pews, broken bits of assorted masonry, piles of mouldering boards and rotting clerical garments.

Spellcraft DC 25:
The aura of conjuration on the secret door is unaltered; clearly the physical trigger mechanism alone is not enough.

MAP LINK

Shadow Lodge

Female Vampire(neophyte) Oracle(Heavens mystery)/7 - [HP 91/91); AC28,T17,FF22; F+9,R+10,W+8; Per+15; Init +11]

Confused, more bewildered, by the lack of anything in what is clearly a treasure vault, Tkaara whispers a brief prayer to the Pallid Princess. Unfortunately, perhaps due to not having had a satisfying meal in a while, or perhaps the goddess is simply focussing her energies elsewhere, the prayer results in nothing more than a brief headache for the former barrister.

Anyone have a clue what happened here? The release for the door seemed simple enough, yet it does not appear as though the Mitrans were the ones who cleared this place. Maybe it was even before Vetra-Kali created this place? Or, perhaps Vetra-Kali's minions did not create this fortress, but rather took it from someone before. Although that would not explain the trigger being in the eyes of the daemon lord.

Mechanics:

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8


map | M Tiefling Inquisitor (Heretic) 7 | HP 66/66 | AC 21 | T 14 | FF 18 | CMD 25 | Fort +9 | Ref +6 | Will +11 | Init +8 | Perc +17

"It does seem odd, does it not?" Felrin muses aloud, once he's sorted out the door mechanism and gained access to the treasure room. "If the acolytes of this temple had time to flee, perhaps that would explain it, but nothing else we've found suggests it ended that way for them. I wonder, could it be an illusion of some sort, to protect their hoard?"

He approaches a heap of rotting garments resting on a badly cracked pew and attempts to put his hand through them, as it to prove to himself they are not there.

Mechanics:

Attempting to disbelieve:

Will, if needed: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21


It is - as far as Felrin can determine - all real.


LN Female Half-elf (Chelaxian) Bard (Archaeologist) 9 | HP: 66/66 | AC: 21/23 (w/shield) ( 12 Tch, 19 Ff) | CMB: +9, CMD: 21 | F:+5 R:+9 (+3 vs traps) W:+7 (+2 vs. enchantments) | Init: +2 | Perc: +20; SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft | Spells: 1st: 4/6 2nd: 3/5 3rd: 1/3| Performance: 9/16 | Active conditions: AL 2/3, Alter self 9 minutes (darkvision 60', swim 30', +2 size bonus to Str), haste 9/9 rounds (+1 attack, +1 AC)

Tatienne slowly paces the room, picking up a piece of broken masonry or moldering scrap of cloth and tossing it aside. "There's always the chance that something hidden in history's mists has happened here, in which case we may never know exactly why the room was emptied. On the other hand, there is something tricksy going on as well. The aura of conjuration on the secret door is unaltered; clearly the physical trigger mechanism alone is not enough. Perhaps if we trigger the conjuration, it will summon the contents of the vault? Or its guardian? Or a trap? Once we figure out the trigger, perhaps the Templar can provide us of his services and spring the conjuration itself."

Mechanics:

spellcraft: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

Shadow Lodge

Female Vampire(neophyte) Oracle(Heavens mystery)/7 - [HP 91/91); AC28,T17,FF22; F+9,R+10,W+8; Per+15; Init +11]

Tkaara, standing outside the treasure room, and continuing to enjoy to coldness radiating from the Vetra-Kali statue, peers into the treasure room.

Interesting thought Taty. It is possible that the treasure never was here, and the room is designed to confuse would be pillagers. That, instead, the room is designed to somehow transport items of value elsewhere, and then bring them back upon a certain command. The question is what would that command be?


Outsider(Devil, Evil, Native, Lawful) Sorcerer (Wishcrafter) 7
Stats:
HP 47/47:| AC: 16; T: 14; FF: 14; CMD: 15 | Fort: +5; Ref: +5; Will: +5 |Init: +13
Skill, Spells and Abilities:
Emissary 1/1 | Cantrips: At will | Level 1 7/8 | Level 2 8/8 | Level 3 6/6 | Perc: +2;Diplomacy+20;Bluff+19;Intimidate+11

Taking an hold of herself, Etna gets back on her feet, dusting her dress
"I-I apologize for the unseemly display." the ifrit apologizes, slightly embarrassed, as she moves toward the newly opened door. "Hail Vetra-Kali, Hail Vetra-Kali, Hail Vetra-Kali..."

Entering the seemingly empty room, the Ifrit focuses to Detect Magic, in case they had missed something.


map | M Tiefling Inquisitor (Heretic) 7 | HP 66/66 | AC 21 | T 14 | FF 18 | CMD 25 | Fort +9 | Ref +6 | Will +11 | Init +8 | Perc +17

Felrin notices Etna saying the prescribed words as she approaches the room, and it gives him an idea. "Hail Vetra-Kali," he says clearly as he stands within the treasure room, hoping to bring about some change in what they've found.

If that doesn't work:

He shrugs at the failed attempt, and goes back out to the statue, careful to say the words again as he approaches it. He then pushes the three eyes once more, hoping to reveal the secret of the treasure chamber.


With the secret door closed, Felrin presses the three eyes while saying the mystic words "Hail Vetra Kali."

The door swings open...

3-6

The room glows with an ambient green light; there is no source for this - it just is present.

Spellcraft DC 25:
Interesting. This appears to be a 'pocket dimension' that is only brought into being when the door is opened with the right code. No wonder the Mitrans never found it.

Heaped around the room is a trove - several troves - of gold, of silver, of jewels; piled high in stacks, spilled carelessly across the floor, stashed against the walls; there is literally more wealth here than any of you have ever seen in one place. In addition to all of this, there is at the centre a small podium that rises like a claw. Between its talons it clutches a single dark radiant emerald, that seethes and pulses with magic. It is the counterpart to the one you found in the caverns below, that Tatienne is currently carrying.

However, you do not have as much time as you might like to examine these things - the chamber is not empty. A shadowy, malevolent figure coalesces in front of you as you enter, flanked by three lesser such shadows. They exude evil and menace.

The foremost figure addresses you:

Daemonic:
"Who DARES disturb me here?!"


LN Female Half-elf (Chelaxian) Bard (Archaeologist) 9 | HP: 66/66 | AC: 21/23 (w/shield) ( 12 Tch, 19 Ff) | CMB: +9, CMD: 21 | F:+5 R:+9 (+3 vs traps) W:+7 (+2 vs. enchantments) | Init: +2 | Perc: +20; SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft | Spells: 1st: 4/6 2nd: 3/5 3rd: 1/3| Performance: 9/16 | Active conditions: AL 2/3, Alter self 9 minutes (darkvision 60', swim 30', +2 size bonus to Str), haste 9/9 rounds (+1 attack, +1 AC)

"A pocket dimension, that appears to be brought into being when the right code is produced. Good thing we-"

Tatienne flinches as the shadowy figure appears, her small body shrinking even further into itself. Frowingn, her mind turns over the unfamliar sounds of the creature's speech, much like thief turns a lock's tumblers, trying to find the right combination.

Here we dare the here?

Deciding now may not be the best time to practice her language skills, Tatienne shifts away from the shadows, her good hand grasping at her broken wand. Just in case.

Mechanics:

spellcraft: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31


Outsider(Devil, Evil, Native, Lawful) Sorcerer (Wishcrafter) 7
Stats:
HP 47/47:| AC: 16; T: 14; FF: 14; CMD: 15 | Fort: +5; Ref: +5; Will: +5 |Init: +13
Skill, Spells and Abilities:
Emissary 1/1 | Cantrips: At will | Level 1 7/8 | Level 2 8/8 | Level 3 6/6 | Perc: +2;Diplomacy+20;Bluff+19;Intimidate+11

As they enter the room, Etna tries to discern the nature of what spell had made it possible, but doesn't reach the conclusion until Tatienne explains it. On the other hand, the Ifrit has no problem understanding what the coalescence of malice says, and tries to reason with it after a curtsy.

Daemonic:
""Greetings. We are terribly sorry to have disturbed your sleep. We have been exploring the Horn, searching for a way to restore it to its former glory before those hateful Mitrans attacked. In particular, we are searching for a way to bring the Daemon Prince Vetra-Kali back into this realm, and we are fairly sure to have found a way, devised by one of the former denizens of this place.

Mechanics:
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28

Shadow Lodge

Female Vampire(neophyte) Oracle(Heavens mystery)/7 - [HP 91/91); AC28,T17,FF22; F+9,R+10,W+8; Per+15; Init +11]

Although unsure how these malevolent ghostly figures may affect her, Tkaara steps forward in front of her companions. Following Etna's response, she speaks to the forms:

Daemonic:

We are here to return the Horn to its former glory. To rain destruction upon the masses who would worship the weak sun god. We have spoken the praise to Vetra-Kali, and he has rewarded us with this hidden trove in which you have been confined all these years.

Mechanics:

Knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26 <-- any clue what these are?
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22


Male Half-Elf Vigilante (Avenger) 1; AC 16, touch 14, flat-footed 12, CMD 18; HP 6/10; Fort +2, Ref +6, Will +3; Initiative +6; Perception +5 (darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision), Sense Motive +6

Erevan lets the ones with the necessary language skills do the talking, though he does let out a barely audible sigh as he leans against his spear.

'Perhaps I should make an effort to pay attention and start picking this language up,' he ponders, realizing how much he dislikes not entirely understanding what is going on. 'Well, at least we are not being attacked on the spot, so I am assuming the chat must be going well.'


map | M Tiefling Inquisitor (Heretic) 7 | HP 66/66 | AC 21 | T 14 | FF 18 | CMD 25 | Fort +9 | Ref +6 | Will +11 | Init +8 | Perc +17

Felrin listens attentively to the conversation, but can make out not a word of the bizarre language. He scans the room briefly, notes Erevan is in the same boat, and gives a shrug. It's clear he's thinking it's time to learn to speak Daemonic.


The dark, shadowy figure holds still for a moment, considering your words. Then, billowing and swirling, it replies.

Daemonic:
"Since you come to free Vetra-Kali, you are welcome here, Knot of the Asmodean Cardinal. I trust you will have better success than your late colleagues."

With a sweep of its arm, it gestures at the lesser shadowy figures that hover in its wake.

Daemonic:
"The great seal that binds My Lord may be found in the Sanctum upstairs. Proceed as you will. I shall rejoice in your success. Do not think of failing."

With that, it drifts out, leaving you alone in the treasure vault.

Shadow Lodge

Female Vampire(neophyte) Oracle(Heavens mystery)/7 - [HP 91/91); AC28,T17,FF22; F+9,R+10,W+8; Per+15; Init +11]

Tkaara raises her eyebrows in surprise at the dark figures response, but does not object to its non confrontational response.

She then turns to the rest of the party.
That was much simpler than expected.

Then a smile slowly creeps up the edges of her face.
It also appears we have found what happened to the Fourth Knot.

With that, she casts a spell to see if there is anything of value other than the pile of gold in the treasure room.

Mechanics:

Cast Detect Magic


Outsider(Devil, Evil, Native, Lawful) Sorcerer (Wishcrafter) 7
Stats:
HP 47/47:| AC: 16; T: 14; FF: 14; CMD: 15 | Fort: +5; Ref: +5; Will: +5 |Init: +13
Skill, Spells and Abilities:
Emissary 1/1 | Cantrips: At will | Level 1 7/8 | Level 2 8/8 | Level 3 6/6 | Perc: +2;Diplomacy+20;Bluff+19;Intimidate+11

"It is strange, however." Etna muses "The elf ended up being Hexor and Vexor's dinner, but the rest of them perished here. I wonder if they got here separately..."

Shadow Lodge

Female Vampire(neophyte) Oracle(Heavens mystery)/7 - [HP 91/91); AC28,T17,FF22; F+9,R+10,W+8; Per+15; Init +11]

Tkaara glances over at Etna:
The elf probably turned tail and fled when he saw his companions getting destroyed. The bigger question is why they were unable to befriend Hexer and Vexor. And what they might have said to get the shadow to attack them.

She then looks to the leader of the shadowy forms.

Daemonic:

Who are you? Or who were you? Why have you remained all these decades protecting the sanctum of Vetra-Kali?


The shadowy figure turns and stares eyelessly at Tkaara.

Daemonic:
"The details of my life are utterly inconsequential. I am Ezra Thrice-Damned, High Priest of Vetra-Kali. That is all you need know. Bring him back, and the wealth of the Sons is yours."

It gestures at the trove of treasure within the room, before it and its cohort pass through one of the walls and disappear - for now.

OOC:
I'll get a list of what's here up as soon as I can.

Shadow Lodge

Female Vampire(neophyte) Oracle(Heavens mystery)/7 - [HP 91/91); AC28,T17,FF22; F+9,R+10,W+8; Per+15; Init +11]

Tkaara watches silently as the former priest and his cohorts disappear from the chamber. She then turns to the others.
It appears that we have found the former high priest of Vetra-Kali. Seems he went down with the ship, but stayed around to protect what is left.

She then turns back to the treasure trove.
So, what do we have here.

With that, she returns to scanning the room for magical auras, assuming that Etna is likely doing the same thing.


You find that the room contains the following treasures, both magical and mundane:

  • An ornate silver belt studded with obsidian (belt of giant’s strength +2)
  • A plain golden ring (ring of mind shielding)
  • An ornate teak wood box holding a glass lens (a lens of detection)
  • A walking stick of hard black wood adorned with silver fixtures and green semi-precious stones (a rod of elemental metamagic [acid], lesser)
  • Two iron plates both carved in abyssal that read “Aticus” and “Andian” (Hexor and Vexor’s control amulets)
  • A ton (yes, really) of solid silver ornaments: plates, cruets, goblets, candelabra, circlets, jewellery and the like (worth 20,000 gp total)
  • Nearly half a ton of similar items in gold (worth 90,000 gp total)
  • Six chests full of mixed coinage from dozens of nations worth 10,000 gp in total (approximately a quarter-ton of coinage)
  • A carefully packed crate holding a dozen potions of cure moderate wounds (labelled as such in Daemonic)

In addition to all of this, there is at the center a small podium that rises like a claw. Between its talons it clutches a single dark radiant emerald. This is the another eye of Vetra-Kali – the Eye of Hatred. This jewel seethes with magic; an artefact.


Outsider(Devil, Evil, Native, Lawful) Sorcerer (Wishcrafter) 7
Stats:
HP 47/47:| AC: 16; T: 14; FF: 14; CMD: 15 | Fort: +5; Ref: +5; Will: +5 |Init: +13
Skill, Spells and Abilities:
Emissary 1/1 | Cantrips: At will | Level 1 7/8 | Level 2 8/8 | Level 3 6/6 | Perc: +2;Diplomacy+20;Bluff+19;Intimidate+11

"From what Hexor and Vexor told us, if the Elf was with the others and ran away, he simply wasn't the one that was able to talk Daemonic. That, or he was uncouth and didn't try to introduce himself to our friends." Etna smiles, examining the last Eye of Vetra-Kali without touching it. "In any case, it appears we have all of the eyes now. Once we've finished exploring all of the floors, we can start securing this place and start the preparations for the ritual." she gesture at the trove of the Sons "We have no shortage of funds, it appears."

Mechanics:
Any information on the control plates?
Know.(Planes): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Shadow Lodge

Female Vampire(neophyte) Oracle(Heavens mystery)/7 - [HP 91/91); AC28,T17,FF22; F+9,R+10,W+8; Per+15; Init +11]

A slight whistle escapes the former barrister's lips, surprising as her general lack of breathing causes few of the normal human sounds one would expect from the living.

I've seen more in the estates of pompous nobles, but don't think I have ever just seen wealth like this piled up. It truly is amazing how unperceptive the Mitran fools are.


LN Female Half-elf (Chelaxian) Bard (Archaeologist) 9 | HP: 66/66 | AC: 21/23 (w/shield) ( 12 Tch, 19 Ff) | CMB: +9, CMD: 21 | F:+5 R:+9 (+3 vs traps) W:+7 (+2 vs. enchantments) | Init: +2 | Perc: +20; SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft | Spells: 1st: 4/6 2nd: 3/5 3rd: 1/3| Performance: 9/16 | Active conditions: AL 2/3, Alter self 9 minutes (darkvision 60', swim 30', +2 size bonus to Str), haste 9/9 rounds (+1 attack, +1 AC)

Tatienne clucks approvingly. "Well, this is a most welcome sight." Taking the other Eye in her possession, she places it next to the Eye of Hatred, her hand lingering on her jewel. "I'll look into these more when we've got everything secured. In the mean time, this treasure is probably safest where it lies."

Sighing, Tatienne releases the grip. "When the time comes, we can use some of the gold to animate some skeletons if we need all this gold moved."


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map | M Tiefling Inquisitor (Heretic) 7 | HP 66/66 | AC 21 | T 14 | FF 18 | CMD 25 | Fort +9 | Ref +6 | Will +11 | Init +8 | Perc +17

As the true scale of the treasure hoard dawns on him, Felrin continues to stare in silence for some time. "This is beyond anything I've imagined," he says when his tongue finally comes unstuck. He notes Tatienne collecting the second Eye and nods, and then an intense light comes into his eyes.

"We have worked hard to reach this point," he says, his voice fervid as he approaches a massive pile of coins, "but we must give thanks to the one who truly guides us." Dropping to his knees, the pile of coins shifting and burying his thighs in a shimmering wave of gold and silver, Felrin lowers his head and offers a prayer to Asmodeus, pledging to dedicate the treasures they've found to the glory of his name and the establishment of his rule over Talingarde.

When he's done, he collects a single coin as a token, to remind him of his pledge, and gets to his feet. Pulling a pair of the healing potions from the crate and stowing them, he says simply, "We've more work to do, as Taty and Etna say. We must secure the rest of the Horn, and we still must select the best place for a shrine to the Dark Prince, may his name live forever."

Shadow Lodge

Female Vampire(neophyte) Oracle(Heavens mystery)/7 - [HP 91/91); AC28,T17,FF22; F+9,R+10,W+8; Per+15; Init +11]

Tkaara watches Felrin as he gives praise to the Dark Lord, but does not join in the ceremony.
A time will come and it will not just be worshippers of the Dark Lord who run rampant across this land.


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Now that you have found the concealed room, the rest of this level gives up its secrets with relative ease.

MAP LINK

3-2

This was once the personal chamber of the high priest. Now it is empty save for ash and splinters. The chamber was wrecked by a tremendous explosion such as a fireball.

There is a secret door here but it partially cracked open. What was once a finely made secret door hangs partially off its hinges, visible to all. If this room were cleaned, and the door patched and closed this could again be a well concealed secret door.

3-3

This room once held one of the greatest collections of blasphemous and evil tomes ever assembled on this plane. Now it contains only ashes. When the Victor discovered this chamber, his words were terse: “To the fire.”

His order was obeyed. Every scroll, tome and treatise was consigned to flame. All that remains is an inscription in Daemonic.

Daemonic:
“Behold the secrets of death. Use them for my glory.”

There are no secrets here anymore. Only ashes and charred book cases.

3-7

Priests once waited within this antechamber to greet visitors. Now it is empty and devoid of anything interesting or valuable.

3-8

A great magical battle was fought here between the wizards of the “Sons” and the priests of Mitra. The deep gouges cut into the stonework reveal where powerful spells once blasted out again and again. Now, other than its scars, this room is empty and unremarkable.

3-9

This room has no furnishings. The walls and floor of this chamber are covered in Daemonic script. One phrase is written prominently on the curved northern wall.

Daemonic:
“Receive the wisdom of Abaddon”

There is a circle of such script in the center of the floor that is the same word repeated over and over again.

Daemonic:
It is a nonsense word: “nen”

Tatienne:
You have a sudden flash across your conscious mind - this is where the high priest once meditated to receive vision, instruction and higher learning. Naturally, this was likely inferior to what he could have received had he meditated on the planes of Hell rather than Abaddon, but nevertheless, who knows what revelations were given out here?

3-10

This long row of six cells (A-F) having stout steel doors and good locks (still intact). Here the “Sons” kept their sacrificial victims and playthings until the moment was right to offer them to their daemon gods. Now it is empty.

3-11

Once this was the great brothel chamber of the high priesthood. The rewards for serving Vetra-Kali were doled out here in sumptious excess. When the Victor raided this hall, he ordered the erotic murals defaced and the great chamber purged of any hint of its original purpose.

Now it is simply a gigantic empty room. The only hint of its former uses are a few defaced murals. A close examination reveals hints of the wanton excesses once depicted here. Most disturbing are the clear signs that not everyone who visited the brothel was human or even humanoid.

...

..

.

With that, you have explored the Horn almost in its entirety. The only place left to go is up, via the stairs in 3-13...


Outsider(Devil, Evil, Native, Lawful) Sorcerer (Wishcrafter) 7
Stats:
HP 47/47:| AC: 16; T: 14; FF: 14; CMD: 15 | Fort: +5; Ref: +5; Will: +5 |Init: +13
Skill, Spells and Abilities:
Emissary 1/1 | Cantrips: At will | Level 1 7/8 | Level 2 8/8 | Level 3 6/6 | Perc: +2;Diplomacy+20;Bluff+19;Intimidate+11

Etna carefully picks up the Metamagic Rod disguised as a walking stick, marveling at the craftsmanship.
I have to say, I didn't expect anything this tasteful from the Horsemen.
Seeing Felrin prostrating himself and praying to the Dark Lord, the fire-haired woman stays silent for a bit, before uttering a prayer to Asmodeus herself. She had never done so before, but it was plain to her that she wouldn't have been here if it wasn't for the Lord of the Ninth and his agents.

3-9
"This room is curious. I wonder what purpose it had." Etna says, moving closer to the circle at the center of the room "The word in this circle 'nen', doesn't make any sense like those on the thrones."


LN Female Half-elf (Chelaxian) Bard (Archaeologist) 9 | HP: 66/66 | AC: 21/23 (w/shield) ( 12 Tch, 19 Ff) | CMB: +9, CMD: 21 | F:+5 R:+9 (+3 vs traps) W:+7 (+2 vs. enchantments) | Init: +2 | Perc: +20; SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft | Spells: 1st: 4/6 2nd: 3/5 3rd: 1/3| Performance: 9/16 | Active conditions: AL 2/3, Alter self 9 minutes (darkvision 60', swim 30', +2 size bonus to Str), haste 9/9 rounds (+1 attack, +1 AC)

Lowering her head, Tatienne runs Felrin's prayer through her head silently even as the tiefling speaks it aloud, with a slight difference here and there, accounted for by distance and culture. It was rote, really, at this point. Though Taty seldom attended mass, Elnora the Explorer did, and Asmodeus' might was easily absorbed by Taty's young self. Those early readings lead to a life of religious contemplation, even if the relic hunter wasn't always outwardly servile.

Now, in the vault, Taty sighs, as content as she's ever been. Of course Asmodeus' teachings were convoluted and many-faceted, as befitted a Lord of Law, but if Tatienne had to boil them down to one phrase, it would simply be Might begets right. In front of them was a whole pile of might. There were grand things in store for the future.

3-9

"It was a meditation chamber for Vetra-Kali's high priest. Oh, the revelations that were shared here, one can only imagine. I'll have to spend some time here."

OOC:
Up the steps! Let's close this horn out!


Outsider(Devil, Evil, Native, Lawful) Sorcerer (Wishcrafter) 7
Stats:
HP 47/47:| AC: 16; T: 14; FF: 14; CMD: 15 | Fort: +5; Ref: +5; Will: +5 |Init: +13
Skill, Spells and Abilities:
Emissary 1/1 | Cantrips: At will | Level 1 7/8 | Level 2 8/8 | Level 3 6/6 | Perc: +2;Diplomacy+20;Bluff+19;Intimidate+11

OOC:
Yup! Let's go up!

Shadow Lodge

Female Vampire(neophyte) Oracle(Heavens mystery)/7 - [HP 91/91); AC28,T17,FF22; F+9,R+10,W+8; Per+15; Init +11]

3-3
Tkaara stands in the room reading the inscription.
Behold the secrets of death. Use them for my glory.

Interesting. I think that we can follow these instructions. The fallen of Mitra would make for a fine army.

---------

3-13
Tkaara looks around at the defaced murals, and as she does, she recalls more than a few nobel parties. While the parties she attended in a past, or is it former, life, were not quite as . . . adventurous as those portrayed here. She has no doubt that the Victor would disapprove of the actions of the young nobles as he was of what was depicted on the walls.

OOC:

Onward and upward. 4th floor it is.


MAP LINK

The spiral staircase winds for several hundred feet straight up; they are lit every twenty feet by green flickering continual flames contained within rough iron sconces. The walls are decorated with images of the Horsemen ascending to higher planes and slaying celestials.

Once you reach the top, a number of interesting things happen.

S-1

The stairway brings you into the middle of a large domed chamber baroquely decorated and everywhere adorned with jagged daemonic iconography and visions of spreading pestilence and mortal suffering. It is a grand chamber: eighty feet across at its widest, ninety feet long and rising at its apex to a dome fifty feet high. Low partition walls section off two ritual preparation chambers (B and C). And dominating the chamber is the statue of Vetra-Kali himself (A), carved from hard green alabastar. He holds three knives and three bowls and leers eyeless over the altar before him. He presents a figure of brutal alien malice. The holes where his eyes should be are the same shape as the great emeralds you have found.

The green stone of the altar is stained black in many places, doubtless from the countless victims who met their end upon its block. There is a reservoir at the base of the statue and any water placed there is instantly polluted and transformed into unholy water.

The statue radiates evil. But - by far - that is not the most powerful aura in this room.

Completely out of place are the heavy silver chains that bind the altar and connect to a heavy argent seal pressed with the holy sunburst of blessed Mitra -- the Silver Seal. The chains and the seal radiate an overwhelming aura of Good; this is a most powerful divine artifact and as long as it persists, Vetra-Kali will never again manifest upon this mortal plane.

Before Tkaara and Etna even set foot into the room, the Silver Seal acts to prevent them.

Tkaara & Etna:
Undead and Evil outsiders can't enter the room - there's a barrier preventing you. Besides, it's seriously uncomfortable; you wouldn't want to enter there in the same way that humans don't dive into volcanoes.

The room seems to pulse with electrical energy - which you suddenly realise is not just a metaphor: directly above you, circling the top of the dome in perpetual motion, is a huge creature of living energy. This lightning elemental is a conglomeration of magical energy spontaneously achieving life: there is so much raw magic here that the elemental formed years ago and has been growing ever since.

It hasn't noticed you yet.

Mechanics:
Everyone with an E in their alignment is sickened while in this chamber.

If you choose to attack the elemental, you get a surprise round.

S-2

An open balcony overlooks the surrounding countryside. From here you can see the other strange jagged hills that rise around the Horn. The hills seem almost to be bowing as if each of these ancient stone giants recognize they are lesser than the grand and magnificent spectacle that is the Horn of Abaddon.


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Male Beast-Cursed Half-Elf Beastmorph Vivisectionist 6, Master Chymist 1 AC 20, tch 12, ff 19; CMB +11; CMD 23; hp 66/66; Fort +10, Ref +8, Will +6 (+8 vs. Enchantment, +10 vs. charms/compulsions); Init +5; Perception +11 (+13 at night), Sense Motive +10, Stealth +11 (+13 at night)

Ottakar watches Felrin mess about with the statue for a while, idly wondering how long it will take the man to... ah, there it goes, finally. Religious people are always so... predictable.

The spirit... things are disconcerting. The idea of creatures that can travel throughout the place with impunity, loyal only to the ideal of spreading pestilence and death? No, that simply will not do. They will have to be dealt with sooner rather than later.

He physically rolls his eyes when Felrin starts his supplication.
***

The Beast recoils in disgust at the energy emanating from the Seal, and for once the Doctor is in total agreement. Still, he looks up at the elemental hungrily. Its blood is needed elsewhere...


Outsider(Devil, Evil, Native, Lawful) Sorcerer (Wishcrafter) 7
Stats:
HP 47/47:| AC: 16; T: 14; FF: 14; CMD: 15 | Fort: +5; Ref: +5; Will: +5 |Init: +13
Skill, Spells and Abilities:
Emissary 1/1 | Cantrips: At will | Level 1 7/8 | Level 2 8/8 | Level 3 6/6 | Perc: +2;Diplomacy+20;Bluff+19;Intimidate+11

Ascending the great flight of stairs, Etna stops on the first of the steps, visibly bothered by the aura around the room.
"We knew that a powerful seal had to be in place to hold a Daemon prince, but it is certainly worrying to have such an overwhelming aura just above our head." the ifrit comments, looking to the ceiling "Do you think we should dispatch this elemental above here, first and foremost?"

Sense Motive DC 39:
You don't know why, but Etna had started to proceed into the room after she ascended the stairs, but stopped just after a moment. Furthermore, the Good aura around the room is unnerving her much more than she's showing.

Mechanics:
Bluff: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39


LN Female Half-elf (Chelaxian) Bard (Archaeologist) 9 | HP: 66/66 | AC: 21/23 (w/shield) ( 12 Tch, 19 Ff) | CMB: +9, CMD: 21 | F:+5 R:+9 (+3 vs traps) W:+7 (+2 vs. enchantments) | Init: +2 | Perc: +20; SM: +0 | Speed 30 ft | Spells: 1st: 4/6 2nd: 3/5 3rd: 1/3| Performance: 9/16 | Active conditions: AL 2/3, Alter self 9 minutes (darkvision 60', swim 30', +2 size bonus to Str), haste 9/9 rounds (+1 attack, +1 AC)

Quickly retreating to the stairwell, Tatienne ushers the others back down a level. Meditating briefly on the nature of the great libraries of the world - their smell, sounds, and sights, Taty thinks back to anything she can remember about elementals, hoping to recall something of use to their mission.

"The elemental has been here years. I doubt another night will change anything. Let's come back in the morning refreshed and prepared, and get the Doctor some blood for his golem."

Mechanics:
Casting guidance and using a mental focus to up the knowledge roll to identify weaknesses/abilities of the elemental. Pretty sure that's a planes roll, but if I'm wrong it is a nature roll, the result is 28.

knowledge planes, guidance, mental focus: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 16 + 1 + 3 = 37

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