Morkeleb the Mighty's page

As Elena leaves Wrin's shop, Wrin stops her. Oh, I received this for you. Wrin hands Elena a sealed scroll.

And suddenly, in their midst, appears a figure—no fanfare, no flash of light or puff of smoke or thunderclap sound other than the initial noise. Between one breath and the next, a stranger in brown robes is among them.

He immediately raises his left hand in a gesture of peace, making no other movement. Hail, travelers… After the shock of the appearance, the Huntsmen take in the visitor. A man of medium height and slight build, in nondescript brown robes, but with a rich purple stole draped around his neck. His right hand holds a worn wooden staff with a green gem capstone, which exudes a subtle eldritch glow. His hood is up, making his face a bit difficult to see due to the cowl’s shadow.

His quiet voice sounds again, while Unrak reacts to his sudden appearance by reaching for his sword. The visitor gives a small smirk at the hulking man, shakes his head a bit, and faces his left palm at the warrior, apparently unconcerned. I come in peace. Trust that, had I intended violence, at least two of you would have been dead before you knew you were being attacked. Leave that sword in its sheath, warrior, lest you do something you regret…very briefly.

The figure slowly reaches up with his left hand to draw back his hood, revealing a rather plain human face. The only really interesting feature is his eyes—they're black! No, not black…just a brown deep enough to make the distinction between iris and pupil difficult to discern.

My friend and liege requires… he slowly looks around the group, making brief eye contact with each member, before stopping on Zed YOU. Zed the Unbroken, King Odric kindly requests your presence. I will bring you to him, then return you here, if that is the King's pleasure. I will cast the spell, and you will take my hand so I may complete my charge. He glances at the rest of the group with another slight smirk. Once again, had I wished you violence, I would not have made my presence known, so trust that I wish none now as I cast this spell—and please (here he looks directly at Unrak do nothing foolish! The stranger makes a quick mark on the ground with his staff, then completes a brief incantation, causing his staff gem to glow brightly for a moment. He holds out his hand toward Zed, staring intently, waiting.

You realize that (aside from his black-appearing eyes) the odd nature of this man’s stare is mainly due to the fact that he has not blinked. At all. And these unblinking, black eyes are trained on Zed…waiting…

Art hunkers down, beckoning the crew down with him. Boys, I'm all for recon, but I can't see our situation improving with time. It *looks* like we've caught them with a skeleton crew, and can take the place. If they've got a ship or three out there, and they show up tonight, we're in too tight a spot, with us on land and our ship out there--we'll lose everything. I say we strike while the iron is hot, and take this place NOW.

What say you? Speak up, and don't be shy!

Please put on a shirt.

Morkeleb hears a buzzing in his ears, and knows that somewhere, someone is fighting a losing battle...

Of course. If you are needful of any other common spell, I'm certain I can acquire access to it, either from my own library or from the Acadamae--it sounds like your limiting factor is time, though...but yes, it's the least I can do to assist your quest.

The mage nods in acknowledgement of the statement. Perhaps.

He looks directly at Vael, gestures briefly, and the dwarf feels the weight of compulsion over his mind like a sodden blanket while his vision gains a slight green cast. Having agreed to not resist, he allows the magic to take hold. He hears a dissonant ringing tone, like a musical cord waiting for a resolution.

I suggest you tell me your story again, and speak only the truth, leaving out nothing of import.

For expediency...

As Oakfist repeats the story with few (if any) changes in detail, he feels the compulsion wash away, as the suggested task is complete (and he's none the worse for wear). The wizard nods in satisfaction. Thank you. Please come with me.

He leaves the room, leading the pair through the corridors of a castle. King Odric needs to hear your tale, before you see to your friend. I shall present you immediately.

No more words are wasted as the wizard leads them with some haste to the King's council chamber. He slows not a whit as he calls to the guards on duty I will speak with the King. They respond smartly and immediately, opening the doors so as to prevent him from breaking stride.

Morkeleb calls out King Odric! I present Raen Varkath and Vael Oakfist with news from the north which you must hear. He puts out a "stop" hand behind him to indicate the guests should stay in front of the king, while he strides up to stand behind the king to his right. I have verified their story to the best of my ability and I believe they speak the truth.

He gives the guests a slight nod, giving them the floor, then steps back into the shadowed area behind the throne.

The archmage's eyes narrow slightly in surprise at the brief tale. He lightly grasps the papers, and reads (and re-reads) them carefully, eyes going slightly blank as he commits the words to memory. They then float back to Raen.

Yes, my good dwarf, you are indeed in Korvosa, don't worry about that. And there are means here to raise your friend--I suggest the Cathedral to Abadar. However, if what you're saying is true...

After a brief pause, Morkeleb gives a small, sharp nod of his head. It is my responsibility to verify your claims to the best of my ability before I inform the King. I am no cleric and cannot use divine magic to do so; I must rely on my own specialties. The gem capping his staff begins to glow brighter, reflected in his eyes--or are his eyes also starting to glow too? weird--as he looks upon you both. I will cast a spell that I promise will not harm you, and I request that you do not resist it. Please be assured I mean you no ill, unless and until you prove to be hostile--but, as I said, I take my responsibilities to city and King very seriously. With your leave...?

He raises his left hand, ready to make some gesture, but holds for an answer from his reluctant guests.

Morkeleb steeples his fingers, contemplating the pair. After a few beats, he breaks the silence. I am inclined to believe you. Please indulge me a bit further...what battle took place near Korvosa that took the life of a powerful adventurer? For, I can only assume that with a wizard knowledgeable enough to teleport, the rest of your group must be equally potent in their own way. And this would mean your foes must have been quite dangerous. Tell me...how, exactly, did your friend here die?

Raen finds herself in a nondescript room, roughly 15'x15'. The room has no furniture.

Until it does.

A pair of chairs materialize out of thin air. The accomplished illusionist knows they're real and not a figment.

The only door into the room opens...

...and calmly enters a human male. He is relatively nondescript, wearing a plain, but exquisitely made robe; its only adornment is a rich purple stole. His staff has a green gem as the headpiece, which casts a slight eldritch glow. Greetings, wizard. He gives a quick glance at the corpse, his brow creasing ever so slightly, as he calmly closes the door behind him. He holds the back of one chair politely, looking in the direction of the images. Please, be at ease. You are not my enemy...at least, I like to assume the best, and I will not treat you as an enemy unless you do so first.

Once the visitor is seated, the newcomer sits in the chair opposite. I am Morkeleb. Kindly excuse the...intervention; guarding Korvosa is a duty I take extremely seriously. I make it my business to insure I know of any incoming teleportations--the "who" and the "why." And... he makes a meaningful glance at the dead body ...wizards who enter Korvosa with corpses require a bit of extra scrutiny, given our history. So, please, whom have I inconvenienced? And what, exactly, brings you to our city?

Thank you all for a remarkable and memorable experience. This campaign was a lot of fun!! Everyone contributed to memorable times, and you are all peeps I would go out of my way to game with again, and eagerly.

Special thanks to our tireless DM. Believe me, I understand how spoiled I am when I gloat that (and I think I'm the only one who can say it) I have been in every one of his completed AP's/campaigns, from start to finish.

My brother...
My captain...
My king!

Marid

a bit longer than I anticipated...

Morkeleb the Mighty's return to the Acadamae sent ripples through the institution with alarming speed; it was not often an Alumnus returned from the field to trade a staff of considerable power for a diamond precious enough to cast Wish. His magical prowess was clearly something to be feared and respected; this seemed to be his childhood dream come true! Upon proof of his powers, the Acadamae staff bestowed upon him the very next day the Stole of Arch-Magi, along with an immediate offer of tenure. He surprisingly declined this offer, and countered with a desire to "teach when he felt like it," as well as offer up his spellbooks when he was available, for copying (for the going rates, of course). The Acadamae accepted, and Morkeleb was known to give classes & seminars approximately once every quarter or so. They always filled up the largest lecture hall, with spillover into the hallways.

It was only days after his return that he was wed to the genie Alwa, as was decreed by the Fates and the Drawing of the Three. The ceremony was an odd juxtaposition of comical (the bride was 16 feet tall!) and serious—who would dare do anything but take seriously a Wearer of the Stole of the Arch-Magi? It was also difficult to do anything but gape at the genie's beauty in her white-and-silver gown set off by the stunning mithral circlet at her brow. The members of the Upturned Cup stood at Morkeleb's side, with Gaius taking the spot at the wizard’s right hand.

Immediately after the wedding, the couple commissioned a home built in Korvosa. Of course they had it built; there was no other house with ceilings high enough! It was complete by the time they returned from their honeymoon. Within two weeks of their return, the couple could be seen from time to time strolling about the city, but she was now “normal sized;” the two had worked together to create a spell that would temporarily shrink a willing genie to human height. They both felt that her size intimidated other mortals, and that this was the obvious solution. She was grateful to experience this, and other, mortal cities as not quite as much of a distraction (blue skin notwithstanding), and he was ecstatic to walk about in public with her this way: “Now they’re only staring at you because of your amazing beauty!”

Over the ensuing weeks, months, and years, Morkeleb kept in semi-frequent contact with his friends from the Upturned Cup, usually via Sending spell. He was always ready to jump to their aid if it was requested, be that simple advice, travel, crafting of items, or whatever—but he was rarely called upon for these services. (For example, Sandor would typically answer to the effect of “Thank ye for checking in, me friend. Now mind yer own damned business!”) He did keep a close eye on King Odric--closer than the King realized, as the Wizard *did* have the crystal ball the company won from the erstwhile Queen. On those occasions where the King seemed about to make a questionable decision, Morkeleb was at the Castle gate, respectfully requesting audience with the King, offering sage advice and an even-tempered guiding hand. This was exceedingly rare, though, as Odric proved to be capable of a maturity of thought and action that belied his sometimes juvenile outbursts.

The one exception to his “semi-frequent” contact was Gaius, with whom he had a weekly visit to play chess, drink wine (Morkeleb’s cellar was easily the best in the city, since he could magically travel anywhere in the world—or in the Planes!—to stock it), and discuss events recent and past. Through these visits, Gaius saw a deep change in the wizard. No longer a power-hungry creature of ambition, Morkeleb had become practically obsessed with his wife, and she with him—though at first glance it was certainly difficult to see what the exotic beauty saw in the quite average-looking man. The couple travelled the world and the planes together, seeking knowledge, experiences, art, and light adventure. When not travelling, the wizard would do his easy work at the Acadamae, or his own research. He would occasionally assist with some plan of Gaius’ or another, always with as subtle a hand as he could manage. In short, Morkeleb was becoming a “family man.” And he seemed genuinely happy for it.

Over the years, the genie naturally never showed signs of aging, but surprisingly neither did the wizard. There were some whispers about this, but most in the Acadamae rightly guessed that Alwa had used one of her yearly Wishes to prevent the wizard from physically aging (in truth, she had given the Wish as a wedding present, and Morkeleb had wished for “the same youth & vigor of body I have today, until I am no longer wed to my beloved”). Some foolishly thought that meant Morkeleb was immortal, but he did not go out of his way to squelch such ridiculous rumors.

They did eventually produce heirs, much to the couple’s delight. It remains to be seen whether any of his children will follow in their father’s footsteps to embrace wizardry…

Hey Rich...double wedding with our Genie Babes? Or you going solo? (do those 2 species of genies get along??? If not, then a double wedding would be a BAAAAD idea)

After wiping the second-hand-beer residue deposited by Sandor's whiskers on his face, the wizard smiles at his once-again-voiceferous friend.

You owe me nothing. However, I do lack an appropriate wedding gift...maybe a mithral circlet would look appropriate on blue skin?

At some private time and place, Morkeleb takes Sandor aside. The wizard draws forth a diamond of astonishing size and beauty--the size of a pomegranate!! His eyes glow in the telltale green light, which engulfs the gem. It takes on its own glow, until the wizard is holding a tiny green sun in his palm

He looks in the dwarf's eyes, and speaks in barely a whisper--but the power the voice carries seems it will bend reality...because it DOES.

It is my Wish that my friend and shieldmate, Sandor Stouthammer, regain his ability to speak.

The green glow flashes to incandescence, forcing all present to blink away the spots...and when sight is returned, the gem is gone. The dwarf gasps, and his first words are...

You know, I sort of knew that...but I only recall 1 Wish being drawn (by Sandor) and him using it to save our asses, so I forgot about yours.

On the day after the UC's return to Korvosa, Sandor and Grym each receive a magical missive from Morkeleb.

Would you like to speak again? Come see me.

Oh, one more piece of treasure morkeleb would like from the stash: the crystal ball :-)

Sounds a lot like King Odric (the Usurper...) :-)

I'm for going back to Korvosa now (or in an hour or so, once we've cleaned everything up here) using my spell for everyone but one guy who uses the Boots.

Kroft indicated that there seems to be nothing but good news, and that things have returned to normal. We have no pressing need to return immediately--aside from wanting to.

Heh..in a way, it's good the campaign is over so we don't have to argue over such sweet lewtz!

Morkeleb points out the Rod, the Bracers, adn the Ring of Spell Storing as what he would like.

He also picks up the iridecent spindle ioun stone. Maybe I should take this as well. He looks at Gaius. Since I don't have your training, this could prove invaluable on my honeymoon.

I've got 1 teleport prepped and 1 scroll. So, no multiple trips today.

However, if you've got Wind Walk prepped, that and 1 teleport should be enough.

I've also got 1 water breathing left, so we can get out of the pyramid safely (assuming no significant delays in the swim--20 minutes per person for the spell) in order to use the teleport.

We must make sure we bring back proof of the queen's death--will her head suffice, do you think?

As I did not expect to survive this encounter, I have not yet planned anything. Apparently I've got a wedding coming up, and I'd expect it to be polite to at least discuss long-term plans with my betrothed.

And yes, my spellcasting does, in fact, look exactly like that.

in that case...

Usurper slain, danger gone. Prepare Korvosan treasury for large deposit. We'll return tomorrow, unless needed sooner. Odric will summon Korvosan elite to discuss future.

With a perfectly straight face, Morkeleb turns to Odric. Better the devil you know...

That would usually, probably be true--as well as a 30' radius around the hole/bag as a rift in the Astral Plane is torn. However, there is no guarantee that even such a cataclysmic event would destroy the Fangs. Artifacts--and these may well count as such, I'm not sure--often have very specific methods of destruction, and literally NOTHING else will do.

awww I wanted someone to jump in The Hole

That sounds about right. I'll only change it slightly...

Morkeleb brings out the scroll which gives others a change to chime in if they think the message needs something else

Sending, to Kroft.

Usurper slain, danger gone. Prepare Korvosan treasury for large deposit. We'll return tomorrow, unless needed sooner. We'll summon Korvosan elite to discuss future.

know (arcana): 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (18) + 26 = 44
know (religion): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (12) + 20 = 32

Odric, I don't know what means will be necessary to destroy the Fangs of Kazavon. It will require research--which I am very willing to do. But our more immediate needs are...more immediate.

I have the means to teleport myself and 6 others--once we're out of the pyramid--somewhere, presumably Korvosa. this would still leave one of us here, unless we tried something risky like someone travelling in the Portable Hole. I don't have the magic to make 3 trips today. I *do* have a scroll of Sending, so here is what I propose.

I can Send to Field Marshall Kroft, to the effect that the Queen is slain & we can provide proof; that we found a large cache of cash that we presume belongs to the City; and that we could return today if necessary, but tomorrow would be easier. Then we await her reply, and take it from there.

As Morkeleb's magically enhanced gaze passes over the room, he squints and gasps as he spies the erstwhile Queen's posessions. By Nethys' Nethers!!

He takes up the ring of Spell Storing. who is worst off from the mental assault? This should do the trick...

see spoiler above. I wish we'd had some of this stuff before teh fight!! Also, this is my 2nd campaign with a wizard who found a greater metamagic rod of quicken spell as the last treasure of the campaign. harumpf

When he's able to sit up, the wizard does so, gathering about his robes & staff. He gratefully takes Ferox's offered hand to help him stand--being careful the Inquisitor doesn't take it away at the last minute--and he looks about the now silent room.

So that happened.

He inhales deeply, and exhales. First, he scans the room with his magical senses, to be sure the threat is actually gone.

Detect Magic know (spellcraft): 1d20 + 26 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 26 + 4 + 1 = 41

Once he's convinced no new devilry will reveal itslef, he takes stock of his companions.

I am injured, but only in body. We need to get some assistance to these others...

He goes over to Bucho and makes sure the dog is still breathing, then he trickles a potion of CSW into his maw.

CSW: 3d8 + 7 ⇒ (2, 6, 6) + 7 = 21

He then backs away so that Grym can see to his friend himself. As the ranger passes, Morkeleb puts his hand on the warrior's shoulder. Well struck. And...that is one remarkable dog!

fort v blindness: 1d20 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 5 = 22

Morkeleb's stunned body is still on the ground; he happens to be blinking when the brightest of the flash occurs

boy, couldn't resist not one, but TWO digs couldja????

Question for DMS: technically I was "stunned" but I was also rendered unconscious. so, no actions for me this round? (if that's the case...i'm likely to need more healing, or to be brought out of this room!!)

Fort: 1d20 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 5 = 23
ref: 1d20 + 10 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 5 = 20
Will: 1d20 + 12 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 5 = 34

Morkeleb falls to the electricity & stones.

HP: -10 Dead at -12

nice knowin y'all! :-)

As he falls, he cries out GRYM! STRIKE!!

Polluting/diluting the blood? Holy water? Acid?

Thsoe who still have stoneskin, it'll help against the bludgeoning damage, but not the electricity

Gather up the Fangs themselves!! Maybe Serithiel can destroy them individually!!

he takes a breath, calming himself quickly.

No, not the fangs. It's the blood itself.

DMS...is there still blood "coming in" to this pool? I'm thinking maybe a wall of force to block (some of) the flow?

Ferox, Gaius...can either of you Dispel Evil this day?? if you can,
try it now!

Morkeleb casts about, thinking of ways they might affect this Huge Nasty Magic...

Know (Arcana): 1d20 + 26 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 26 + 4 + 1 = 35

Morkeleb is very badly injured...also I added a move

also also...can I get an answer on the physical location of the Fangs?

where are the Fangs relative to the now-appearing dragon?

Dam, those are some hot rolls for me, but DAAAAM ferox!!!!

Fort: 1d20 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 5 = 29
Ref: 1d20 + 10 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 5 = 29
Will: 1d20 + 12 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 5 = 30

Seeing what is happening, the wizard makes an uncharacteristically bold move...

Disintegrate the dwindling blood pool!!

ranged touch: 1d20 + 8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 4 + 1 = 19
Damage: 30d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 3, 1, 2, 4, 5, 5, 3, 1, 4, 1, 1, 6, 5, 5, 6, 4, 2, 6, 4, 1, 5, 1, 4, 2, 6, 5, 3, 1) = 107

Missing the armor class.

a freakin' forty-one? kroikey...

Sandor opts for the crossbow, but the bolt fails to penetrate her defenses!

what the eff magic stopped a bolt that flew that truly from connecting???

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 26 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 26 + 4 + 1 = 36

With a surge of hope, Morkeleb sees the end of the battle in sight, as his friends and their new allies converge on the Queen, her defenses vanishing like so much smoke. He engages in a rare bit of taunting.

Do not bother to ask for quarter. Your life is forfeit. We shall destroy you.

ROUND VI

For all the good it's doing, Morkeleb's Sword continues its mindless assault on the image.

Attack: 1d20 + 15 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 15 + 3 = 27
damage: 4d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 6, 4, 2) + 3 = 19

The wizard then strides up to his wall, and through it as if it weren't there. He fixes his gaze upon the flying Queen, and casts Greater Dispel magic (using Bonded Item ability) to try to remove as many dweomers as he can!

POINT OF ORDER/QUESTION: does a dispel check count as a skill check for purposes of Greater Heroism or Prayer? I'll assume "no" but feel free to add as many as +5 if I'm wrong.

dispel check big bucks no whammies: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34 <---WHAMOKABLAMO!!!

Starting from the highest level spell effect on her, up to 3 spells can be dispelled by my awesoemtude. thank you.

Morkeleb shouts out Shall I dismiss the Wall? is it more hindrance to us now? that will take my standard action for the turn...but i'll do if if that works best

Mental reply: Acknowledged.

ROUND V

Morkeleb's Sword continues to savage the queen. And again, the Rabbit Prince seems to guide the blade to strike where she is most vulnerable!!

S WORD: 1d20 + 15 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 15 + 3 + 1 = 38 <--BAZUCKINFINGA!!! Crit threat AUTO-CONFIRMED
Damage: 8d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 1, 4, 2, 3, 4, 2, 3) + 6 = 28

Then, he stares up at her, hatred in his eyes. He holds his staff in one hand, his other in a claw with the fingers facing down. Two green beams fire out from his staff, one at his hand and the other at the queen...

SR: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 15 + 4 = 39 <---KABLAMO!!!!

...which finds purchase through her protection. His hand, and her body, are engulfed in Morkeleb's green magical fire--and both of *these* emit their own beams. The wizard's hand fires off a beam directly above the queen, creating an exact duplicate, but much larger, above her head, and the green light extends like strings to attach to her limbs. The fire around the queen also fires a beam, which lands beneath the wizard's actual glowing hand, creating a miniature duplicate of the queen--and also creates a duplicate of the green strings, which attach themselves to the wizard's hand exactly as they did to the disembodied copy above the queen.

The wizard then starts moving his fingers and wrist as if he were an expert puppeteer, making the miniature duplicate of the queen dance in a grotesque, silly fashion. The giant hand above her mimics the wizard's movements, and the queen also starts to jerk about helplessly.

He smiles grimly up at her. You have made others dance for you for too long. NOW YOU DANCE FOR ME!!

Irresistible Dance. Duration: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 rounds, Will Save DC 28 to reduce to 1 round