Being a Vampire he could still be around. Yet the nobles apparently don't fear the night. Could he be in power here somewhere?
In the Knot? I very much doubt it. No doubt he is laired somewhere in the city. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he has some nice posh lair.
Ilnerik came back to Cheliax to provide a service to Westcrown, when he was called to do so - he and his shadow beasts would guard the night, and those that remained inside would be safe. Those that were unfortunate to be outside are dealt horrible fates. Sort of ironic that he was called back to Westcrown, where he once left in a fit of jealous anger." He yawns widely. "You provided me with a valuable service and I have returned the favor...find the Chelish Crux...it is with The Outcast King here in the knot." He points to the flickering lights and shifting shadow stuff, "Hell's becoming...not this week, but in the near future by those those energy spikes. My obligation for your service is now fulfilled." He will cast greater teleporation.
Duncan if you detect magic again on his cell you will understand that there was an arcane spell cast in the cell. A strong dimensional lock spell, you will also see a faint conjuration spell inside each cell. Basically, the cells acted as ring of sustenance to keep the inmates alive.
Andrea blinks as the devil teleports away. So at least we have some information on why this whole debacle happened. PLus this Knot may be where Hell breaks through in the future. Andrea shrugs. So the Shadowbeasts are supposed to be here? The previous mayors or someone in power in Chelix arranged it all?
"I wonder what the other part of the relic did, he never explained that. We should start checking out the rest of the cells. The Outcast king the devil mentioned was probably a prisoner here."
Yes, let us check the other cells. As for the other half of the relic, since the bat thing seemed to have something to do with Ilnerik's vampire and shadow powers, the other half might have something to do with light since it was an eagle head of gold.
The other cells contain the mummified corpses which do not rise to attack. There is the sustenance spell cast on the cells so the occupants did not need to eat, drink or sleep much. However, it did nothing to prolong their age.
Hmmm. Old victims of past powers. Namu. Andrea claps her hands in a short prayer. We might as well check the door to the south. Andrea indicated the door to the 'south'.
Awright, let's keep looking
When the group gets to the southern door, Andrea will suggest Lucrezia look it over.
As you progress you find yourself at two separate doors. I placed you at the last one.
The door that you are looking at does not appear locked. It looks like every other door that you have come across.
Well let us get ready for whatever lies behind there. Hear anything, Duncan?
Want me to wiggle up past ya'll and check out the door before we open it?" If the answer is yes, Lucrezia does so.
*wiggle wiggle* Yes.
"Okay."
*wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, yeah.*
See anything on the door Lucrezia? Or hear anything?
Lucrezia you don't see a lock on the door, not does it look trapped. The door is the same sturdy design found throughout the knot, so far.
Orsin lets Lucrezia by so that she may better examine that lock. He reflects on the devil's tale. "Who was the fiend referring to when he said that the crux was with 'The Outcast King'?"
I don't really know. It could be meow a kind of guardian of the Knot who keeps it safe. Wouldn't be surprised since whenever we try to do anything we get into a fight.
You see a domed ceiling above this large chamber sags, with long mildewy strips of wood paneling hanging down from above like drooping branches. A large pool of churning muddy water fills much of the room, flowing down a trough further into the room between a pair of slippery stairs to gather in a smaller pool beyond. Dozens of bones lie scattered along the five-footwide ledge that surrounds the pool.
Lucrezia peers warily into the water, wondering if there is anything unpleasant in it that will jump out at them.
Given the narrow ledges that surround the pool how is the party proceeding? In a straight line or are they breaking into two smaller groups and walking on both ledges with the pool in the middle?
Andrea looks at the bones to see if they look fresh/chewed on.
Let's keep together and head down one side.
Yep. Help each other along one ledge I think.
Duncan casts detect magic and scans along the pool and the ledges for 3 rounds apiece.
I'll look fer magical auras that might be on magic traps first. Then if ye want lecrezia ye can go first an check for mundane ones.
Lucrezia nods. "Thanks, I would like to check ahead for any traps or weak or slippery spots that could send any of us down into that murk."
Andrea is all set. Perhaps we should tie ourselves together in case one falls? I am not very sure footed and don't want to tumble down to god's know hwere.
"Do we have enough rope to anchor ourselves in case we all fall in?" Orsin looks over the ledge, fairly disturbed.
The water is filthy, a mix of mud and rot, and smells foul. Although the water constantly flows down in to the lower pool, the water level above does not deplete and the water below does not overflow. This appears to be another twisted kink in the realty of the Asmodean Knot.
"Not a bad idea. Though if something comes at us from up ahead or jumps up out of the water at us, being tied together could hinder out fighting abilities."
Tie one end to the door or John and Duncan can take the lead with the rope tied to himself since he has excellent stability. We then help each each other along the ledge. John can anchor the rear since he has great strength and heavy armor.
I also have this pole we can use to prod the water Would Duncan like to prod the water?
Sure lass, Gimme yer pole! And get whatever foul thoughts ye got outta yer head.
You wound me. Andea teases and hands the pole over to Duncan.Just drop that thing if something objects to being poked.
One way looks as good as the other unless Lucrezia sees soemthing wrong with the ledges. So left?
Andrea casts Guidance on herself and Lucrezia and Orsin as they move across. (+1 on one roll of your choice)
"I don't think I see anything wrong yet, so left sounds okay to me."
Lucrezia you don't see any differences between the ledges, neither looks excessively wet. There is mildew on the paneled walls and some on the ledge.
Andrea grips her morning star tightly.
"Well, it might not be quite the topic that men feel comfortable with. Ya know, talking about feelings and raising kids and such. Are ya maybe feeling guilty about wanting to have a life of your own when there might still be more to be done even after the Shadowbeasts are gone?"
Lucrezia
Out of the water pops four humanoids with long, sharp teeth and pallid flesh stretched over starved bones. One is significantly larger and it is closest to Duncan.
Initiative:
ghouls
Duncan
ghast
Andrea
John
Lucrezia
Orsin
I haloed the Lacedone ghast in red. I haloed the Laacedons in megenta. Although you don't necessarily know what the creatures are yet.
RD 1 begins