DM Rah's Thornkeep (II) - "Part 1 - The Accursed Halls" (Inactive)

Game Master Kobash

"Long ago, the evil Nhur Athemon — a powerful wizard and devotee of the demon lord Abraxas — fled Azlant with his household and slaves, making the distant Echo Wood his home in exile." In a meeting chamber within the Grand Lodge of Absalom, Aram Zey, the Master of Spells, tells the story with expert diction and organized thought, but little care for storytelling. As usual, he's giving information in the quickest way possible, as if talking to slow children. "He raised a tower atop the very hill where Thornkeep now stands. Ever fearful of discovery by his enemies in Azlant, the wizard-lord raised webs of illusion and magical wards to conceal his presence. Ultimately, however, Athemon’s efforts were to no avail — in time, his enemies succeeded in divining his location. Azlanti wizards and soldiers broke into the hidden stronghold and destroyed Athemon and his followers, leaving little trace of the outcast’s stronghold above ground."

Zey pauses as if to make sure you listening, before continues without really caring if you are. "However, the soldiers missed the workrooms and conjuring chambers under his palace. Over thousands of years, Nhur Athemon’s wards slowly failed, but enough magic remained to make the hidden vaults a place of darkness and horror. The humans of the nearby lands avoided Brokenhelm Hill, but the goblins of Zog delved eagerly, seeking the power they sensed sleeping here. Goblin miners cut tunnels to reach parts of the complex buried during the long-ago destruction of Nhur Athemon’s palace, and goblin adepts eagerly experimented with the magical properties of the halls, often causing their own demise."

"It has long been rumored that old treasures stolen by the goblins of Zog and one or two ancient prizes from the days of Nhur Athemon still wait to be found in the Halls Under the Hill, and adventurers have explored the Accursed Halls numerous times for glory and wealth. The Baron posts guards at the gate, but their only purpose is to make note of those wishing to enter and stop anything dangerous from wandering out."

"However, something decided to kill the watchmen on duty a week ago, and the Society has since approached the Baron with a request to investigate before any adventurers decide to ransack the place again."

Raising an eyebrow at those assembled, he poses a challenge. "Are any of you courageous enough" He emphasizes the word as if it might mean the same thing as "foolish" "to enter the Accursed Halls and see what new secrets might be unearthed there?"

Wizards, goblins, they all bleed when my blade blessed by Gorum hits'em! Figuring out what's down there will be simple," the heavy set dwarf blusters. "We'll be back with all kinds of information afore you know it."

Well you'll surely need some help, Master Dwarf, as I'm sure you have your shortcomings, says a man of Cheliax descent. I'm sure I should be able to help make up for whatever shortcomings you and whoever else that has been selected for this quest might have. Together we should be able to rid this place of whatever secrets it may hold.

"Just what do you mean by shortcomings, long shanks? That sword of yours don't look like it has any notches in it to me. Better stay close to me, while you learn to swing it, "the dwarf guffaws, and smacks the human on the back. "Just playing with ya' young fella. I'm sure you'll be fine....and if not, we'll toast to your memory after we get back!"

Aram Zey rolls his eyes at Hagrym's bravado, but sputters a moment at Darvik's words. "What are you, a bunch of murderous hobos! I don't want any secrets "gotten rid of", I want them preserved with care and brought back!"

He thrusts out a shaking finger that jabs back and forth at the first two recruits. "In. One. Piece!"

This is going to be fun. :)

The door to the office bursts open several minutes after the briefing has been finished. "Behold!" a voice calls out. A tall, lithe man leaps through the door, a cape flowing behind him, "Did someone say courageous?! Why, you are all in luck! For you are graced by the Best and Most Amazing Magician in all of Qadira-nay, all of the Inner Sea-nay, all of GOLARION!"

The man pauses for terribly cheezy dramatic effect as he looks around at the assembled party, noting the sour look on Aram Zey's face. "For I am The Almighty Ali Khalid Mustafa Ansari ibn Adeeb!"

Taking a seat, the man who obviously has some sort of taint in his blood from a genie or somesuch creature spends a moment dusting off his robes before looking up at Aram Zey and saying calmly, "So, did I miss the briefing?"

I think you missed more than that, Ahlmiti Ally Khali Moo.... whatever your name is. The human clad in scale then makes a brief examination of the Pathfinder that just made his grand entrance. What the hell is this, an albino half-breed? Darvik looks at Aram Zey as if he would know the answer to the insensitive question from the Cheliaxian. This is like no magician I have ever seen, or heard. I do hope I can safely assume that you know what you are doing?

As if his words had settled the matter the fighter then takes a seat with a look of wonder on his face. So where is the rest of our company? I'm sure you have gathered only the best and brightest for this quest.

Mouth agape at the outrageous interruption, Aram Zey takes a moment to regain composure.

"Indeed." He sneers at Davik's comment about the best and brightest. His nose wrinkling up like it just crossed a bad smell, he continues staring at Ali as he points again at Hagrym and Darvik. "I think I'll let Hack and Slash fill you in on the details."

"We are to be exploring a dungeon, Magician! I trust your arts will be well received by the monsters no doubt located there. Aw Hell's, you just get behind me, too. I'll already be keepin'em off long shanks over here. What's one more to the party?"

We'll see who will be keeping what off of who, my dear dwarf. I'm sure we'll make a fine team with you swinging for their knees while I remove their heads. Darvik gives a coy smile toward the dwarf. I'm sure the others will be along soon. We'll be protecting more than this one I'm sure.

"A dungeon? Monsters?! Fabulous! It will be a grand time I am sure. You three can provide the circumstance-" Ali stands up suddenly and dramatically "-and I will provide the pomp!" Ali puts his hands out and sparks fly from his fingertips.

Turning back to his companions, Ali says, "Well then, shall we be off? Oh, and you may refer to me as Ali Khalid Mustafa Ansari or, if you prefer, The Amazing Ali. Either will suit me, I believe, and I answer to both but not less than that." I am the *greatest* magician of all time, after all!

"I will see you. . . outside!" With a brilliant burst of smoke* Ali seemingly disappears, leaving Aram Zey to stare dumbfoundedly at the tornado of spectacular ridiculousness that just passed through his office.

"Master Zey, can we leave that one in the dungeon? Let someone else discover that secret, if ya will," he laughs again! yet again pounding Darvik on the back.

Parlor tricks. Aram Zey mutters as he waves away the smoke.

Will someone go outside and tell that fool it's a cold swim and very long walk from Absalom to to the River Kingdoms? The Society wants someone exploring the Accursed Halls yesterday, not a month from now!"

I might just get along with this dwarf after all. I may have to since this Ali character may drive us both mad.

And where are the others? If time is of the essence then they should be here. This delay is unacceptable. Find replacements, preferably those that might respect authority and their betters.

After a few moments another flash of light goes off and Ali appears back in the room. "Right, so where is this place again?"

"The Halls Under The Hill in the Echo Wood is our destination."

A tall, slender woman with straight, obsidian hair reaching to her shoulder blades sits quietly as Master Zey relates the information that's needed. Being new to the Society, she's still unsure of her role in relation to the Venture Captain. Was that last question rhetorical? I was not given the impression that Society missions were optional.

She smiles at the antics of the magician. From the shadows, she speaks up. "Master Ali, perhaps you should listen carefully to our diminutive friend here," waving a hand at Hagrym. "The short people of the mountains may lack for social graces, but their minds are quite like steel traps."

As she speaks, she keeps her gaze on the magician, not acknowledging the dwarf any further than the previous hand-wave.

As Aram Zey is briefing, an irregular snoring can be heard from the back of the room, though there doesn't seem to be much room for anyone to be behind the back seats.

As Ali the Bombastic breaks into the room and starts declaring his greatness, the snoring gets louder. It stops, suddenly, and one of the chairs seems to have caught fire. As the gentle, flickering glow (and warmth) start to grow, the snoring returns . . ..

Hagrym doesn't hide his eyes rolling at the comments from the elf. He whispers loudly to his new friend Darvik, "By the gods, they've let an elvish female with a blade into the Society. Is she here to give us shaves before we depart? I'm not letting her near my beard!"

"The Halls Under The Hill in the Echo Wood is our destination."

*blank look*

". . . right. . . and where is that, again?"

"Just follow along quietly, Magician, and we'll lead you to where we are going!"

A shave is all I'd want from the like of the she-elf. I never cared for the skinny frail types, Darvik replies to the dwarf quietly. However do not be so short-sighted, sir. The elves are fine swordsman in their own right. Yes, even their women. As long as she can defend herself and follow directions she should be an asset to our company.

"You can give her directions. I'll be watching to make sure that sword doesn't slip out of her hands and hurt us more than any foes we might encounter!"

Gorum help me with this crew...

"I doubt my sword could be any more dangerous than that mess of brambles you call a beard, little one. But don't worry yourself; I'll prove myself worthy of the Society." This last statement comes out sounding a little desperate, as if she's trying to convince herself more than anyone else.

I must hold my honor as an elf, but I must put aside this eternal grudge to do the task that is needed.

Afraid to speak further, Rhoswen folds her arms petulantly and keeps quiet.

"Just follow along quietly, Magician, and we'll lead you to where we are going!"

"*HMPH!* That's The Amazing Ali, Greatest Magician of Qadira to you, Master Dwarf! How do you expect me to be quiet? I must be the one to add some," sparks shoot out of his fingertips once more, "flare to this party!"

The drawf for all his concerns, couldn't help but laugh at the Mage. "Aye, just don't set us on fire, Mage, and we'll all get along just peachy keen. Maybe you're all right after all, who knows?"

As the elf did him, he decided to ignore her for the time being. He might not trust her abilities, but he needed to be willing to work with her if the situation called for it. Hold yer tongue. If she's got the goods, maybe she'll somehow impress both me and Gorum! She's clearly admiring my impressive mane anyway...

Pirate Rob here.

Kudor is dressed in very regal yet old Kellid clothes. His eyes sparkle with a new hope while his leathery skin and bum leg betray his many years.

He is armed with a chain shirt and old wooden shield who's design has long since faded. other than that he appears to travel quite light.

I forget to copy/paste my character profile right before I submitted so of course Paizo ate it. I'll have it up later today.

Speaking of fire, Zey glares at the small one flickering on the furniture near the snoring gnome. He points a couple fingers and a blue ray extinguishes the hazard. He takes a breath, as if to unload verbal Avernus on the sleeper, then seems to think better of it.

"Any last questions?"

Seems simple enough. Lead this band of misfits to the halls, see what's there, report back to you. We will see it done. Darvik states simply. Was there any clue as to what killed the guards at all, sir?

"Yes, and not only will we do the job. . . but it will be the most spectacular show on Golarion!"

We are to be an adventuring party on Pathfinder business, not a Varisian circus sideshow! Darvik spits as the bard blurts out his self-absorbed announcement. In a calmer, monotone voice he then says, Please keep your mind at the matter at hand and not on your.... hobby, or whatever you call this... The fighter waves his hands around as if a blind man swatting flies.

This bloke is going to be the death of us all unless he has the capability of falling in line when he should. We need to be a team, not acting like a bunch of sideshow freaks.

"We're a motley bunch, aren't we?" Rhoswen mutters with a giggle. She stands up and swaggers over to Darvik.

"Don't worry, m'lord. I shall follow your careful directions with the ever-most devotion." Her voice dripping with sarcasm.

She walks over to where the pyrotechnic gnome is still snoring. She gives him a gentle nudge with her boot. "Wake up, fireplug. I don't think we should keep the folk of the Echo Woods waiting."

She walks to the exit, but pauses. She turns her head to face Darvik, "If it's okay with you, m'lord." She gives her fellow fighter a sly grin.

I will not allow others to use my gender as an excuse to think me weak.

"Qadiran sideshow, my good dwarf. Qadiran. I bring with me the power of the great jann of Qadira!"

When Rhoswen motions to leave, there is a burst of smoke in the room once more and Ali goes running for the door, hoping you didn't notice his poor disappearing act.

"Remember now: explore, report, cooperate. We've each got our strengths to bring."

Character sheet should be all ready now and I'm ready to go!

I'm a human, he's the dwarf (pointing at Hagrym). Then again, maybe you thought he said it!

You need not ask for my direction upon every move you make, elf-girl. I would imagine you have some degree of self-ambition. Sighing (or is it coughing?) as the bard creates more smoke with his cantrips, the human makes his way for the door. Lets not keep the great Halls waiting, shall we? The sooner the better!

I'm ready to go if everyone else is.

@Darvik, I believe I did address you in my post. Sorry if it wasn't clear.

You did and I did reply. My ooc content was toward Ali. Sorry if I wasn't clear!

My bad. My fault for checking this when I should be working. :-)

The distinct sound of someone forcefully clearing their throat gathers the attention of those headed for the door. Aram Zey stands in the room with arms folded, his face just a shade more red. When he speaks, it is through clenched teeth. "Will someone bring that poor excuse for a street magician back again? We are still not done."

Once Ali returns, he gathers everyone around the still sleeping gnome. After checking a wayfinder he carries on a pocket chain, he opens a scrollcase hanging at his hip and withdraws a scroll from within. "The Society deems this urgent enough to warrant teleportation. Now gather close."

Zey takes a deep breath and intones one deep powerful arcane word. The air about the room shimmers and the sounds of the Grand Lodge are sucked away. There is a sudden falling sensation...

*SPLASH!*

You find yourselves floundering in the chilly waters of a stream. Light from the sun filters down through the woods about you. Standing on an outcropping over the stream is Aram Zey, a smug little smile curling his lips.

"One last thing, Pathfinders." He says, detaching a small scrollcase from his belt and hanging it from a nearby branch. "The Baron gave the Society a small riddle to consider. Previous adventurers returned from the Accursed Halls with a scrap of an ancient scroll depicting a drawing of a sealed portal they called the Door of Seven Stars. Within this case is the original. Please do not destroy it."

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Help! Help!" The screams come from a very wet gnome, with the water splashing over him, moving like he's trying to swim, though he's simply laying in the stream, with no real danger involved.

Lol. Whoops, I wasn't paying attention to who was talking to me. Ali doesn't pay attention to who says what.

"Splendid work, Master Zey! We shall get to the bottom of this, never fear!"

Rhoswen makes her way to the bank of the stream, helping Swarmholio as needed.

"Yes, Master Zey. We'll root out the evil within." She draws her blade emphatically.

"Strange way to travel, but better than listening to the Magician prattle on for two weeks on horseback. First thing we need to do is decide on a marching order through this dungeon. I'm fine with taking a spot in the front. Anyone want to volunteer to be beside me? ".

Looking at Hagrym

"I must decline the glory of your offer Hagrym, my body does not hold the strength it used to."

Kudor will draw his shield and mentally prepare himself for the dangers ahead.

Yes, an order is smart thinking. I will join you at your side.

"The entrance is there." Zey points across to the far side of the stream to where a hill rises, topped by the infamous Thornkeep. At its base, under the beetling bluffs, a wide crevice leads into the hillside where a pair of enormous stone columns stand, built into the rocky wall. As you are taking in the view, Zey intones another arcane word and a flash of light marks his return to Absalom.

Wading ashore, you find the entrance to the Accursed Halls currently unguarded. Passing beyond the columns you traverse a short passage that opens into a large hall. Directly ahead, a doorway is sealed with stone blocks. In the center of the floor, the flagstones have been pulled up, revealing a staircase leading downward. The stench of rotting meat hangs in the air.

An editable map is linked up top. Tokens have been placed, but feel free to adjust positions.

Downward we go. Guess I can lead the way.

"Do ya need some light? Thankfully I kin see fine in the dark. And hold in' this sword doesn't leave a hand for a torch," Hagrym notes as he pulls his Greatsword.

"You are a good servant!" That's probably meant as gratitude . . .. As they move out of the water, The Great Swarmholio casts a minor magic and dries himself, and then Rhoswen. "This could be GREAT FUN! Proceed, and let us find many things to burn!"

In response to Hagrym's question: "The Great Swarmholio does not need light!"

"Oh, you have no idea," Rhoswen responds, thinking about her younger days. She holds out a hand to the gnome, "I'm Rhoswen by the way."

As the party approaches the entry, Rhoswen offers to stick close to the gnome and the aasimar. "I'll keep close to these two," she says, drawing her blade to the ready.

She mutters to Swarmholio, "I do pretty well in low-light situations, but I'll need some help if things get too dark."