"What manner of creature is this?" - Telurion questions - "It seems built of stone"
Standing back from the fight for the time being, the longspear poised protectively in front of him, the oracle elects to boost his companions abilities, conjuring a minor divine enchantment.
Round 1
Damnit, Clay Golem! We need to down it quickly! Only Durin is going to be able to fully harm it with his adamantium, aid him!
Sorting through his few remaining spells, Marcus settles on the sole remaining one that may be able to affect the construct, a quick incantation results in the golem's upper torso and head being coated in glittering dust.
Without any way to affect the giant, Kiri draws her cure wand and moves behind Telurion.
Barak will delay to be just above Durin so he can utilise aiding attacks
Having become accustomed to far more fights for their life per day than they were used to in their time pre-Desolation, the adventurers reacted swiftly to the clay golem that was about to attack. Standing a little over 8 foot tall, the construct likely weighed 800 pounds or more.
Marcus conjured bright golden particles of dust that obscured the vision of the carved eyes the golem had been given upon creation, while Telurion blessed the group. Arachiel moved in, taking advantage of the construct's blindness. Striking the golem's torse sent a shudder up his sword arm, like he had been striking solid rock. He was able to secure a flanking position with Durin.
Durin had more success; his heavy adamantine hammer caving in part of the golem's leg and almost forcing it to one knee. Rising slowly, the blind construct lashed out with its stony fists at Durin, one of its wild swings catching the Dwarf in the gut and forcing him back two steps from the strength behind the blow.
Round 2-
Ordered Initiative-
Marcus- 28
Kirilarien- 20
Telurion- 17
Arachiel- 13
Barak- 11
Durin- 10
Clay Golem- 1
Active Effects-
Golem is Blind.
Bless spell (+1 to all party attacks).
Map-
Notes-
Construct is large sized and has reach.
Action-
Again focusing on improving his allies chance of succeeding, the Oracle taps his powers, beggining a droning incantation, that similarly bolsters his companions, and weakens their opponents.
Barak fires a bolt at the creatures head aiming to distract the construct and thereby giving Durin an easier swing.
Round 2
It deals cursed wounds that resist healing. Marcus points out unhelpfully.
It can speed itself as well if we let it. We need to drop it fast.
Durin keeps up his attack, pounding away at the golem with his hammer...
...landing two more tremendous blows before sliding away to a new position to try and avoid retaliation from the blinded construct.
Putting all of his strength and Telurion's blessings behind his sword arm, Arachiel forced his magical blade against the golem, actually managing to deal some superficial damage to it despite the rapid numbing of his arm. Blind, the golem's head was also struct by Barak's bolt which sent a small chunk of clay off the construct as the bolt ricocheted.
Every blow upon the golem was needed though, in the end. Barak's bolt, Arachiel's sword-work and Durin's vital hammer swings finally brought the golem down- the final hammer blow striking the golem just as its body seemed to be speeding up and its heavy arms were descending on Arachiel. In a small explosion of messy clay, the golem lost its structure and form as Durin bashed it apart.
The building it had been hidden inside seemed to have once had a clear purpose. This building obviously once served as storage for special munitions for the onagers. The metal slivers are fragments of heavy brass canisters that once held special explosive ordinance. At the rear of the building, three large brass canisters were still intact. They were easily opened and each one had five flasks of alchemists fire inside; once part of the formula for the explosive canisters, but the rest of the mechanism had been rendered inert by time.
Having seen the canisters, Marcus now understood the role of the golem. Because of the fragile nature of these canisters in the war, the artillerists trusted only the steadiest of hands to carry them. The golem had never been intended to serve as a combatant- it had been created to handle explosives.
A short time later into the afternoon, the Firebase had been thoroughly searched and conquered, including the wagon by the trailside on approach. Other than the basic gear (breastplates, longswords and longspears, non-masterwork) used by the Undead garrison and the vials of alchemist's fire found, the Firebase was devoid of anything valuable.
Once Durin is healed, the Oracle casts a healing spell to recover his vital strength.
He also takes his time to try and repair his broken weapon, by casting a restorative spell on it repeatedly.
As they have apparently managed to recover the ancient base, Telurion congratulates his companions - "This was a combat to be remembered my friends. What makes me happier amongst all the bloodshed is the fact that we always stood together, holding our ground - you have all shown valour above and beyond duty" - he smiles - "It is a pleasure to walk with all of you" - he nods to each and everyone of his companions.
Searching the compound, his focus is mainly on trying to find any detais about the place - perhaps old documentation or maps that could hint at the exact role this outpost may have played in the past - "I would enjoy immensely to have the opportunity to know more about the history of this place" - he comments as they move along - "But I believe our main goal should be to guarantee a way that it becomes useful for our endeavours - leaving it simply abandoned may cause other... Creatures to wander in, and encroach themselves" - he ponders to his companions - "Assuming these undead were simply here as a reminder of the past mishaps, and not for some other ulterior motive..."
Marcus breathes a great sigh of relief as the formidable golem is dispatched so quickly.
Great work all.
Answering Telurion he muses, I believe the undead were the original compliment of this fortification. If so the soliders were members of the Army of the Light. The ogres may have been charmed or simply mercenaries.
So we've done a great thing. Released these men from their undead shackles after centuries. A very great thing.
The golem was probably ordered to guard the munitions. And so it did for all these years.
Now what killed and/or raised the soldiers I can't say. Perhaps this "master" that the other undead mentioned might have something to do with it? But it must have been at the end of the war or the Army of the Light would have just reclaimed this position. Or at least the bodies...
The wizard looks tired as he stretches his neck and places his palm on the wall of the building. Our resources are very nearly spent and its getting late so I for one vote to camp. I'm also concerned that the difficulty of our opponents this close to Tsar is getting uncomfortably close to what we can manage without losing anyone.
I'm thinking of asking Kiri to Commune with the higher powers of her plane. We need information badly about the timing of the threat this ghost poses and whether we can risk wandering the quadrant looking for the dwarves who may or may not be able to help us with it.
I also wouldn't mind picking up another warm body or two, if we think we can find someone we can trust?
|
"A bit of rest would certainly seem to be in order, Marcus." Arachiel says, casting his vote.
"Telurion if it is not too much trouble, would you be able to continue the repairs to my sword?" the paladin asks, glancing and the numerous cracks along the enchanted blade.
"As far as what is next? We need to deal with the bones of the dwarf, lest we have to face his ghost again. After that is done, we can head back to the camp...who knows maybe we will meet someone else we know. Seems to have worked so far in re-uniting with Barak and Telurion."
Durin has been unusually quiet since the end of the ferocious battle. The curious nature of his latest wounds, taken from the golem, seem to the be the source of his concern. After they are finally healed, Durin seems more at ease. We better damn well do something with these heap of rubble! Even if it is just sleep in it for a night. Otherwise what was the point storming this hill?
And I'm sure you know well enough my thoughts when it comes to the bones... after that I don't care where we go or what we do. It is all the same to me.
"A bit of rest would certainly seem to be in order, Marcus." Arachiel says, casting his vote.
"Telurion if it is not too much trouble, would you be able to continue the repairs to my sword?" the paladin asks, glancing and the numerous cracks along the enchanted blade.
"As far as what is next? We need to deal with the bones of the dwarf, lest we have to face his ghost again. After that is done, we can head back to the camp...who knows maybe we will meet someone else we know. Seems to have worked so far in re-uniting with Barak and Telurion."
"Of course Arachiel" - the Oracle responds - "My apologies - I had forgotten about the damage your weapon sustained"
"As far as the questions Marcus, if you believe we should recruit further, perhaps inquire if there would be someone willing to accompany us back at the Camp? And if I understood correctly from your recount before, inquire if the dwarves can be found at the location you expect them to be?" - he adds to Marcus.
Agree. The Camp is only the settlement in miles although the pickings are certainly a bit slim. We did ask around about the dwarves. The only lead we have is that they are here. He gestures to the south. Somewhere.
With part of the group picking up scattered spears and large chunks of golem, Marcus and Kiri move out to a clear section of the hillock and the wizard kneels in the dirt while the azata hovers delicately in front.
The lyrakien closes her eyes and enters some kind of meditative trance, her skin and hair beginning to glow faintly with a yellow-red light, like a sunset.
Those close enough begin to smell flowers and the aroma only grows in intensity as the lyrakien concentrates. Lillies, roses, wildflowers. The smell is so intense, so pure, that tears start to track down Marcus' face, his eyes firmly placed on his familiar.
The conduit between the physical and celestial plane is finally established after ten minutes. By then the azata is almost completely bathed in light and impossibly a ring of flowers have bloomed around her, crowning out of the Desolation's dead soil.
Marcus asks his questions then: it seems the higher powers of good and freedom will speak directly through the lyrakien.
1. If we bury the dwarven ghost's physical remains outside of the Desolation in accordance with dwarven burial practises known to Durin or Barak will it still reform again?
If yes to 1. 2. Will the dwarven ghost reform at the tower where it died or in the vicinity of its physical remains?
3. Will the dwarven ghost reform within one week?
From afar, Telurion watches the communion between the beautiful creature and the powers above and smiles, admiring the sheer purity of it all - "Quite amazing..."
The group combed over the firebase with the Gem of Seeing, while Telurion busied himself with Arachiel's weapon and Marcus and Kirilarien performed the commune. It took Telurion over an hour to fully fix the extensive damage to Arachiel's weapon.
Bone Storm
The higher powers deigned to answer through the Azata.
Yes.
...
Yes.
Yes.
Marcus grimmaces at his basic error. Yeah some genius you are.... stop, focus or you'll lose the connection entirely.
The conjurer quickly asks his remaining two questions, issues that he has been mulling over for a while.
Is the midnight peddler attempting to aid us with its advice?
Is there a servant of Orcus or his priesthood residing in the Camp?
Uncertain.
Uncertain.
As the commune finished, the ray of sunshine focused on Kirilarien faded away. Without magic to sustain the freshly grown flowers, the Desolation would be quick to devastate the flora. They would likely have a very short life span.
After a full sweep of the fire-base, setting up a large fire in which the corpses were burned and having found nothing else of note in the place, a couple of hours had passed. Acting as a lookout while putting the finishing touches on Arachiel's sword, Telurion spied something in the last of the day's light...
A lone humanoid figure is approaching the firebase from the south. She looks lightly armoured and has a longbow over her shoulder. Other than her gender you can't make out details at this distance.
You set out at dawn and you were heading towards the crossroads of Tsar to travel to The Camp and sticking to the road; rumor has it this is a safer route. However, you spotted movement and fresh tracks of a small party heading towards a large hill to the north. Intrigued, you have moved to investigate. There is a sentry who appears to have spotted you around the same time you spotted him. You can't make out details but the figure seems to be armoured, sat facing the south trail that led into the hill. The hill seems to be fortified somewhat, with a barricade beside him creating a bottleneck.
Bone Storm.
5 minutes.
Here goes nothing, Lara thinks. Abandoning any pretense of stealth, she walks toward the camp projecting a confidence she doesn't feel. She silently hails the sentry with a sky-ward wave, wary of drawing too much attention to herself in the Desolation.
Telurion stands up as he spots a lonely, brave traveller seemingly crossing the Desolation on his own. The Oracle's eyes scan the surrounding area for additional signs of movement - when he detects none, he raises his hand in return to the greeting, and warns his companions - "Someone approaches"
Durin stands and joins Telurion at his watch. As he squints to make out the figure, he remarks, Strutting about the Desolation all alone? The whole lot of us have a damned difficult time of it. She is either crazy, brave or powerful. Perhaps a mix of any and all of those. I suggest we be wary...
Durin flips his mask down and takes up his hammer, holding it in an easy readiness.
As the commune ends, Marcus plucks one of the already decaying flowers and smells it briefly. The celestial link is gone though and a faint fragrance is all he gets.
The lyrakien sags and is soon softly snoring in the corner of the store room.
Well at least we know the ghost isn't going to pop up and murder Vincent... thats something even if it that its going to murder us. It give me some ideas though. Maybe for the morning.
------------------------------------
Later Marcus wanders up to join Telurin and Durin at the gate.
It seems very possible this is a trick of some sort.
The wizard plucks out the gem of seeing from a cloak pocket and prepares to use it.
Maybe don't let her get too close before we work out what is going on?
Lara approaches slowly, choosing to stop about thirty feet out from the firebase. The distance closed, it becomes apparent that she is a young human woman, pretty and probably not much older than her early 20s, with brown eyes and chestnut-brown hair gathered in a ponytail. Dressed like an explorer with bandoliers and pouches criss-crossing an athletic frame garbed in earth-toned clothing covered in dust and mud, she seems to be armed with a longsword and a longbow, and does not seem to be armored.
Close enough not to need to yell, she says, "Hail! I am Lara Evangeline Ellicott-Tillingsworth, an archaeologist out of Bard's Gate. Are you adventurers?"
Just out for a stroll are ya?
Lara smiles and shakes her head. After a moment's consideration, she puts all of her cards on the table. "My expedition needs aid. You are a dwarf--surely you would recognize the importance of discovering the resting place of King Kroma. We are looking for it, but our numbers grow thin."
'Are you adventurers?' - the question is so simple, but at the same time so to the point and encompassing, it makes Telurion smile.
The name is familiar, but Telurion cannot place it immediately - "Well met Miss Tillingsworth" - he returns the greeting without raising his voice - "May I ask where is the remaining of your expedition?" - he inquires.
The woman motions back the way she had come. "Thane Fenris awaits at the camp with the remainder of our expedition," she says.
"You navigated the path from the Camp here all on your own? Why?" - the Oracle adds with a smile.
The slim man in the olive-green cloak carefully puts the small piece of clear crystal he has been viewing the woman through back into his pocket.
King Kroma was the leader of the dwarven contingent that fought with the Army of the Light.
He seems wary but willing to hear the woman out.
She may mean camp rather than the Camp? Miss Ellicott-Tillingsworth are you saying you are with a group of dwarves encamped in this part of the Desolation?
Lara nods in reply to Marcus' question. "I am."
Durin keeps his eyes and ears focused on the newcomer, studying her body language, every motion, and weighing everything she says for its veracity. Addressing her in dwarven, Durin asks simply, What clan do you accompany?
She gives Durin a curious look before replying in Dwarven, "I have told you the name of their thane, and he claims to be a descendant of King Kroma." She seems to be telling the truth, at least insofar as she knows it. "Are you willing to aid them, or do I need to continue on toward The Camp?"
Never heard of him. Hence my question about the clan name. Durin says flatly.
Continue towards the Camp? I'm not sure how you have made it this far on your own. I would like to know the name of the dwarven clan that lets... anyone... go it alone in the Desolation.
And just how exactly did you just happen upon us? At this time? In this place? A few hours earlier and you would have been up to your ears in zombies.
Durin's hand clenches and un-clenches. To his comrades he quips, Remember the "old man"?
"I've managed to avoid the various dangers of the Desolation so far," Lara says. "And I imagine that had they sent any dwarves with me, it would have only complicated my errand."
She shrugs at the incredulous questions Durin lobs at her. "Yenomesh is with me."
Durin's tone is accusatory and suspiscious not incredulous.