Crypt of the Everflame (Inactive)

Game Master Nathan Hartshorn

Bel surges toward the last remaining guard sweeping his scythe down once more.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 3 = 27
Damage: 2d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 4) + 4 + 3 = 14

2K posts and going strong! Grats everyone. Thank you for this great group.

Qina used her wand to fire another pair of force missiles, but this time both missiles struck the same target.

Magic Missiles: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 = 7

As the barrage of attacks befall the last priest, Vivian scans the bloody execution scene. 'I understand Brezik's point of view, but this was an evil man who could never reassimilate. If he had seen the corporal punishments in the military, the interrogation techniques.. then maybe this act would hold more wisdom in it. I don't know, not my call and too late now.'

She then does a quick mental check, 'What have we forgotten?..' "Shit! Evlar! We can't leave without checking for him!"

Combat Over!

A voice calls out from above you, "You called? Here, let me get this portcullis raised!" Sounds of exertion come from the gatehouse, and eventually the portcullis blocking your exit rises freeing you from this terrible place.

When everyone is through it comes crashing back down to the ground, followed by a rope made of terribly scratchy blankets. Evlar descends on the rope and joins your group, "Sorry, there was no lock on the wheelhouse and it's normally operated by two men instead of just me. Let's avoid the patrol of priests I've got on a wild goose chase through the city, yes?"

Official end of the module, everyone gains a level!

Moving to Evlar, Gad will grasp him in a hug and will speak with a tired, but proud voice.

"Evlar! You make me proud. I could only pray to Irori that I could have a son as strong of will, quick-witted, intelligent,
and as brave as you! If you ever have the need, you can always call any of us and we will be there to help you. May I
suggest? Rather than joining the army or something similar...maybe you should apply to be a town constable? It is obvious
the local organization has its corruptible members. It would be nice to know that you were here, trying to make our country a
better place from within. Think on this?"

Moving to Evlar, Gad will grasp him in a hug and will speak with a tired, but proud voice.

"Evlar! You make me proud. I could only pray to Irori that I could have a son as strong of will, quick-witted, intelligent,
and as brave as you! If you ever have the need, you can always call any of us and we will be there to help you. May I
suggest? Rather than joining the army or something similar...maybe you should apply to be a town constable? It is obvious
the local organization has its corruptible members. It would be nice to know that you were here, trying to make our country a
better place from within. Think on this? By the gods! We even know someone who might give you a leg up there...come meet him with us?"

Did we have time to check for loot before the escape?

Bel is last through the portcullis,

"Let the patrol return, we shall deal with all false priests. All spirals come to their end."

I (player) am not suggesting that we stay for a fight but Bel's blood is up, he may need talking down...

"I agree Bel. We cut off the head and the rest needs to be dealt with, but I wish to call on the local temple of Gorum for clean up. If they refused I will be here with you can purge this place, but I think it's important that the people of Tamran have a hand in this erratication and transition. So they have someone local to turn to and follow, like Evlar and the Gorumites."

Dibs band name ;)

So we have some time before the actual meetup. Vivian plans to march straight to the temple of Gorum and throw down Krants head or something dramatic like that. Make a speech and try to rally the temple to rise with her and clear the temple of Razmir permanently and publicly. Of course this is her path, all are welcome but not forced.

Brezik shakes his head and nervously chew on the end io his beard... it takes him a few moments to say something....

Look... what... we did here.... it had to be done...

He looks at Vivian...

And there is honor in defending those who can't defend themselves and fighting a good fight.

then towards Bel...

and yes everyone dies eventually.... But a spiral has a start a stop and lots of space between.

The dwarf absentmindedly reaches into his pack and pulls out a pouch obviously thinking allot about his next words.

To cut short some ones life early... It shouldn't be an easy thing. It should be a hard thing to do. It should be something you do when you have to... and... we don't have to anymore. The fight is over.

He opens the pouch and pops an old dried peace of fruit into his mouth.

and whelp. I dink... (Gulp) I think it's time we stepped aside and let this town take care of its own business. We did the heavy lifting. But we all know how the cult tries to seduce people and change them inta sumthin else. Let the people who actually live here decide what should be done with those that are left. Maybe with Egarthis and Krant gone, and the Cult banished.... maybe they have a chance at repairing some of the bad they did with good.

Brezik looks down at the ground obviously tired of the killing.

I don't know about all of you. but I just feel like a nap and getting to a forge for a little while, and then figuring out what has to be done next.

Allister nods along with his Dwarf friend.

"Captain, Brezik has the right of it. You know I have no issue with voilence - it is the way of the Dawnguard - but we are not the law in this city, and most of these people aren't evil. They were tricked by this cult, promised power and wealth. They were broken and used."

He wipes the blood from his blade, then begins to pick out the black soot and paint that hid the glorious markings of the Dawnguard. "Let the city leaders decide their fate, not us. The Keepers of the Flame are not executioners, and murdering these lost cultists makes us no better than our enemy. Worse, maybe."

When he sees Brezik rummaging around for food, Allister realizes how hungry he is and holds out his hand like a beggar. "Got any more of that?"

Regaining focus, he continues. "Now that the head of the cult has been cut off, most of them will crawl back to their families and their homes. Maybe we can help lead them to better lives so they do not make the same mistake. This city was sick, but now it can start to heal."

Nodding and pointing at the fallen Temple behind them, Gad looks as serious as he has ever been.

"Allister and Brezik are right. We are not the law, nor are the Gorumites. We were merely the lance that has pierced the boil.
Now this town...these people...need to see real justice done, so they can begin to heal."

Evlar nods, "I will indeed think on this, and would be glad to meet whomever it is you wish to bring me to."

After listening to everyone

"I think Brezik and everyone make a lot of sense. I know I came to the temple for power and to get myself off the street, and I'm certain there are others here just looking to improve on their station. The leaders, and those most likely to do evil are dead now, let us let it die here. Though, I'm not sure how we can get the town to remove the Razmirans completely..."

Vivian is conflicted. She worships war, battle, and the honorable death. She is aware that not all men share this fearlessness and if these leftover priests really are of such stock then it'd only be slaughtering cattle. No honor in it, just a waste of manpower. Yet, it should be the right way, the only way for these priests. If the church of Gorum ever fell... she didn't believe any of her friends could save her from that doomed final battle..

"I still must bring word to the temple. This IS their city. They were of Tamran before they joined the faith and they are still citizens of it. For your sakes though, and only because of my respect for you, I will not incite anymore violence. Though, if it comes on its own I will not stop it either. Those were grown men in there. They must stand by their choices, made in whatever conscience. Those within that temple choose to take an easy way, an evil way, a cowardly way. They thought they could be lucky and get away with abusing their neighbors. They are NOT innocent, Evlar took action when the opportunity came to him. Any of those priests could have as well when we began to rise up."

She sighs and looks at the gate. "This cult attracted a type of man, like a magnet it pulled the bandits out of the crowds. I know it's not an easy choice, but I doubt most of these men will honor the generous break some wish to give them. Many will find a new way to benefit off of good people's suffering. I guess I just don't trust them, but we'll see what the city thinks soon enough."

Vivian will then turn to go to the Temple of Gorum if there is nothing else, "I'll meet you at the Inn? Oh, Brezik, the Gorumites have immaculate forges. I promise you a spot at one if you wish it. We don't have to speak of any of this on the walk either.. I could go for picking your brain on armor."

Brezik jumps at the chance to turn the conversation away from killing and death.

Yeah I've had some ideas about your armor. I think I've figured out how to make it more resilient. I figure if I magically mend the arm continuously as I go... I think I can get the magic to stick....

Allister cannot argue with Vivian, and understands her position and supports her. "Captain, can I join you too? I was thinking and I think I had an idea. Maybe your friends can help keep the peace until the city leaders take action? The town guard is busy enough, and all the Razmir cultists could get unruly now that their world is coming apart."

The paladin hands his bag of holding with all their evidence and findings to Gad'larr, then takes off with his two friends.

When the discussion turns to armor, Allister speaks up. "I've also been thinking, I think I'd like some heavier armor. Brezik, would you have time to build me some full plate? If you're busy maybe I could get one from the forges of Gorum. Vivian asked first and I don't want to slow down her magic set."

Lifting the bags of loot and evidence, Gad'larr moves toward their rendezvous with their contact.

"We need to get this evidence to our contact as soon as possible. Anybody who wants to go with Vivian, go catch up with them.
The rest of us need to finish this quickly."

Thank the Lady!

"Very well. If you think we can trust the the authorities I suppose we shall try. Life and death are for none to administer, we all have our spirals and our place in the spirals of others, let us not be fooled to thinking that we hold the power of gods."

... But I am truly thankful that through your words I have found my part in this over. Killing may be necessary, fated even, but I'd does not come easily or pleasurably no matter the face I put on for the consciences of others

"I'm with you Gad. There may yet be life in this snake, there may be those in the city that would see those bags reburied."

Qina chased after Brezik calling out "hey, if you're going to work the forge, wait for me!" She then stopped and turned around. Running back to hug Gad. She quietly traced a small symbol on the back of his shoulder before turning around again and heading back after Brezik and the others.

"Be safe" she shouted as she waved.

casting mage armor on Gad, lasts 6 hours.

Brezik realizes that people are splitting up for the first time...

Um splitting up seems like a bad idea. Especially if the Razmiran's have a patrol. How stupid would we look if the happened on Gad and Bel and managed to grab all the evidence before we turned it in. I think turning that into our contact should be first priority.

Always easily swayed by his friends' suggestions, Allister changes his mind.

"Guys, Brezik is right. I'm going to go with Gad'larr, at least. Keep the proof safe. Captain, if you want to go get help from the Gromulites, that's fine. I am going to stay with the bag."

Allister will probably change his mind for every argument made, but for the moment his decision is made."

"That's fine, the Forest Bounty is on the way. I just figured out contact wouldn't be waiting for us three days early. We'll go there first and then the Temple of Gorum, or Gar's Last Meal, or wherever people choose."

Bel will cover his scythe and stow it over his shoulder for the journey through the city, making sure his black robes are suitably arranged.

Let's roll out!

Your group makes it out of the market near the temple fairly easily, and though you occasionally spot a Razmiran mask in the crowd it never seems to notice you. The Forest Bounty is quiet this time of day, though Reginar is back where you first met him in the corner. He looks up in surprise and checks the calendar on the wall, "I thought I gave you a week before you needed to report in. What happened?"

Gad shrugs.

"We are the Keepers of the Flame. The task is done, and glad we are that the project finished early!"

He will then hold the bag of holding out and withdraw all the ledgers for Reginar to peruse.

"There is more circumstantial evidence too, but those ledgers are the most damning of it."

Brezik walks up to the table looking to see if there's anything that looks good to eat in a fairly obvious fashion.

Well we couldn't rightly stomach that place and those parasites, so we found evidence for yah and got out. Those Razmiran's didn't like that so a few heads had to get crushed. Egarthis and Krant both died trying. Too bad I say they'll never suffer the indignities of a trial now.... Hey, you gonna eat that?

Reginar glances through the ledgers, eyebrows rising higher and higher on his head until they disappear into the wild mess of his hair. "I've got to get these to the people in power immediately. Stay here, order whatever you want on my tab, I'll be back shortly."

He gathers the ledgers and any other evidence you provide and rushes out the door.

Without further action from you things move very fast. Within hours, Forest Marshal Gavrik has the faith outlawed in Tamran, and a garrison of rangers moves on the temple to arrest any remaining cultists. Later on that evening, the garrison pulls down the entire building and puts it to the torch. So my question to you is what do you want to do before the Forest Marshal begins his crusade?

Allister'stands eyes light up at Reginar's offer. He looks to Brezik with a grin. "Whatever we want?"

When the server returns, Allister is quick to order. "I'd like a juice please, with lots of sugar. And some toast. And some fruit, do you have fruit? And cheese? A lot of cheese."

Once focused again, Allister asks the others for ideas. "Should we go back in, see what else we can find? What do we want to do with all the stolen stuff we found?"

"I wonder how agressive the city will be as well Al, Reginar's tone held more than a hint of haste. This might be our only chance to find more information on the key stolen from Kassen’s crypt. I'd hate to lose our only lead to fire or greedy fingers. Are we sure we turned over every stone?" Viv looks to the master craftsman Brezik on that note. While she thinks he is distracted in thought she grabs a half rack of pork ribs from a newly delivered plate.

After some have voiced their opinions she interjects, "Gathering more evidence must take precedence, in that case I'll send a messenger to the Gorumites so we can waste no time."

Allister'stands eyes light up at Reginar's offer. He looks to Brezik with a grin. "Whatever we want?"

Huh... I think more than anything I would like a piece of Ma's Chicken pie... The dwarf smiles... but I guess we should see how much damage we can do to Reginar's wallet. HAHA

When the server returns, Allister is quick to order. "I'd like a juice please, with lots of sugar. And some toast. And some fruit, do you have fruit? And cheese? A lot of cheese."

And don't forget the sausage... I want sausage... and do you have pie? Prolly not as good as Qina's but I'm sure you have to have good pie...

Once focused again, Allister asks the others for ideas. "Should we go back in, see what else we can find? What do we want to do with all the stolen stuff we found?"

If anyone has a chance... I would like the curtains from the throne room... I have a plan for them... The Dwarf gets a mischievous look in his eyes...

"I wonder how agressive the city will be as well Al, Reginar's tone held more than a hint of haste. This might be our only chance to find more information on the key stolen from Kassen’s crypt. I'd hate to lose our only lead to fire or greedy fingers. Are we sure we turned over every stone?" Viv looks to the master craftsman Brezik on that note. While she thinks he is distracted in thought she grabs a half rack of pork ribs from a newly delivered plate.

I think there was a door we didn't ever check out. It was opposite the cells if I remember right....

After some have voiced their opinions she interjects, "Gathering more evidence must take precedence, in that case I'll send a messenger to the Gorumites so we can waste no time."

Well do we wan to be at the temple when things go down... Or would it be better to wait here for Reginar to come back.

The third ledger, though mostly empty, covers all of the temple’s exploits in Kassen, including detailed reports from the priests sent there to retrieve the “fragments.” This ledger ends with a short paragraph

dated around 2 weeks ago.

Now that I have the completed
amulet, I shall return to the City
of Golden Death to finish what
was started all those years ago.
At the time, I thought Kassen was a
fool for insisting that we abandon
such wealth, but now I must thank
him. The treasure shall enrich the
Living God, so that he will never
die. Such is the price of immortality.
Now I must return to the Isle
of Terror, and I cannot say that my
journey will be without terrible
danger. May Razmir protect me.

I will wait for Reginar to return, if any wish to go back into the temple. But I believe we have the information for where we need to go next: The Isle of Terror.

Vivian nods as she remembers the third book as well, her mind moving to the Gorumites once more.

"If we're going back to the temple, we should go soon. The tavern's likely to be here when we get back."

Bel, having eaten sparingly but treated himself to a flagon of watered fine red wine, stands and synches his robes. Rolling and securing the sleeves to just above his elbows reveals the pale and slender forearms beneath

"You are right as ever little one. We should make our haste. Rest can come when the work is done."

He begins to prepare his belongings, slinging his scythe once more over his back.

Brezik stands up and cynches his belt. Then grabs a turkey leg off the table.

Ready!!!

Then the dwarf takes a bite from the leg and pauses as if in thought. He grabs another leg for his other hand and takes a bite of that leg.

Mgjhk (gulp)...Okay... Now I'm ready.

Brezik takes another bite from the first turkey leg.

Allister eats so quickly he barely tastes the food, then begins to fidget at the table.

"We should go back... I know Reginald said he would be here soon, but now that we've turned in the books... There was a chair made out of gems. GEMS. And Brezik said he wanted those tapeytrees, too. We could rent a room here, empty our bags, then go back and get the rest... A chair MADE OF GEMS."

Greed does not often make so strong a showing in Allister, but he is excited by the thought of action and reward.

"But if we want to wait instead... I'm sure I'll find another chair made of gems some day..."

Looking through the pile of holy symbols that were recovered, Vivian sorts out those of Gorum. One is rather nice, a fine polished metal that is as clear as a mirror. She puts it around her neck and under her armor. Then she notices something that disgusts her, it is a sword in a mountain that was carved from wood. Vivian removes it from the others and walks over to the fireplace where she tosses it into the flames. "...sacrilege.." she whispers as it is destroyed.

Returning to the table Vivian drops the Razmir mask she had worn as an initiate onto the floor. Picking up her great sword she slams it down onto onto the mask.
Power Attack Great Sword Coup-de-Grace in the name of Gorum!: 4d6 + 6 + 8 ⇒ (3, 4, 6, 1) + 6 + 8 = 28

Several conversations stop as people turn and stare at her. "I need a messenger, someone to run to the Temple of Gorum with haste." She bellows out in a loud voice. Scanning the room and sees a young boy who stands.

"W, what's in it for me?" he asks.
"One silver, and likely their favor." As he walks over Vivian continues, picking up the smashed mask she lays the remaining symbols of Gorum inside. "Take this, tell them teh Cult of Razmir has fallen and the city is now free. Tell them that the Keepers of the Flame did it."

As the boy runs off she turns and nods to the others. "Let's head back quickly then."

Gad smiles sadly.

"While treasures have their pull, you don't need me for this. Go on with my blessing. I refuse to step back into that 'temple'
again if I can help it. I will wait for Reginar, and the rest of you, here."

At that, Gad will order some hearty stew and dig in comfortably.

As Viv talks to the boy, Bel muses over the pile of holy icons. I smile creeps to his lip. He extracts all of the Pharasmin icons from the pile and, after casting any wooden or other non metal items into the fire, bundles the others into a pouch.

"Take these as well please. See that the Gorumites melt them all down and mix the metals into their general castings."

It is all they are fit for

"You may keep whatever the Gorumites will give you for the metals themselves."

The boy scurries off, masks in hand.

Stepping back into the streets it is clear Reginar has some pull in the city, guards are everywhere rushing to and fro in haste. Any cultists you see are quickly manacled and led elsewhere much to their vocal displeasure. You make it back to the city block sized temple, finding it cordoned off by other guardsmen and the Forest Marshal himself. Reginar stands beside him and waves as you approach. "I thought you'd be cleaning me out down at the Forest's Bounty. Want to curse this particular building one more time before it's put to the torch?"

Belathorian steps forward, standing tall and confident, speaking in a voice like his own but... different

"The issue at hand, our quest, is bigger than this temple sirs. It spans powers above kingdoms and churches..."

He starts and sags slightly, then in a voice you are more accustomed

"Sorry... That is to say... erm... please, if we may, we believe there may be information, important to us, within."

Bel is still having flashback to being a mighty paladin...

Allister gives Belathorian a confused look.

"In our hurry to leave we may have left some stuff behind. If it's alright with you, we'd like to check one more time before you light it up. We will be fast about it."

The paladin looks up at the temple, excited to see it wiped clean.

"We'll be quick, after seeing it from the inside none of us want to keep this place from burning."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

The Forest Marshal and Reginar look at each other. One shrugs, the other scratches his head, then the Forest Marshal looks back at you. "Alright, but be quick about it. I've been trying to burn this infestation out of my town for almost a year."

Qina gave her best military salute before rushing towards the temple entrance. A few feet from the entrance, she skidded to a stop.

"Well, come on guys. What are we waiting for?" She glanced back at the others and blushed. She had learned a lot from her friends. Battle formations, tactics, teamwork, and even trust. One thing that she hadn't learned was patience.

Ya heard the lass lets go... before these guys get too anxious and set the whole place ablaze....

Brezik shuffles after Qina stopping just for a second to pull his belt up.

"Alright!" Vivian jumps to it behind her friends, "We're not here to engage but we will defend, all persons on the ready, double time, move move move!"

Allister is fast behind the others. All he can think of is the gemstone chair.

"Have you guys ever seen a gemstone chair before? I haven't. And we can't forget Brezik's drapes. Was there anything else?... I can't believe they were going to burn the gemstone chair."

He keeps expecting to see Krant, or Eg, then remembers they are dead.

"What should we get first?

Once the journals and other evidence were given to the authorities, then Gad would have quickly given it to Qina, since she was getting the bag of holding in the end.

Bel follows the others once more, his eye is not on treasure this time, but on exploration, Brezik's mention of an unexplored door drew him forward.

As the group reenters the Temple, Vivian huddles them up.
"So big reasons we're here are the gem throne and the mystery room. Since we know of that .. dirty puppy.. trap Brezik and Gad ran into, it'd be best to stick together and just push through the whole place systematically. Should only take 5 or 10 minutes. Let's go down first, then up. Sounds good?"

Vivian is excited, 'This is like a raid, someone could still be here, or something..'

Vivian puts her hands on the shoulders of the two next to her,"Before we start.."
Channel: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 2) = 10
"..kay, let's clear this place."

Viv can tap anyone who needs more healing with the happy stick.