DM Rah's Thornkeep - "Part 2 - The Forgotten Laboratory" (Inactive)

Game Master Kobash

Hidden within the twisting paths of the Echo Wood, the lawless settlement of Thornkeep gives shelter to folk both dangerous and desperate. Here, the hardiest settlers and artisans ply their trades, ready to defend their own with blade or arrow; mercenaries and barbarians brawl in dismal taphouses, fueled by turbid moonshine and illicit backwater drugs; brigands and river pirates come to spend their bloody gold in unruly and dingy establishments; and monsters both benign and otherwise hide among the populace, eking out their debauched existences as they seek to inflict cruelties on their neighbors. Mercy, charity, trust—these virtues are in short supply in Thornkeep. This forest stronghold is a place where the bold and enterprising can make a fortune and perhaps even keep it—so long as they are strong enough to protect their wealth from the myriad dangers, both human and otherwise, that plague the town.

****

Beneath Brokenhelm Hill and the weathered walls of Thornkeep lies an ancient maze of magic and madness. Once the workrooms and summoning chamber of a rebel Azlanti lord, these subterranean chambers were forgotten thousands of years ago after the eradication of the evil lord and his followers. Over the centuries, adventurers have found their way into these twisting passages and magnificent chambers, only to discover that the fading magic of the ancient Azlanti still lingers here.

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. 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 aboveground.

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. Just recently, after a tribe of goblins were discovered and defeated within the Accursed Halls, a new section was discovered - a long Forgotten Laboratory.

****

One evening, you find yourselves at the Greenforest Inn of Thornkeep. One of the oldest buildings in town, the Greenforest is a respectable inn and taphouse with fieldstone walls and finely carved woodwork adorning its posts and eaves. It's a good place to gather rumors, look for work, get a meal, or waste time.

Dotting.

A very young looking Tengu stands waiting for everyone to arrive. His accent is thick and it is obvious that he is not from around these parts. He carries an oversized sword, and has a bow and a quiver of arrows. When the party arrives he opens up

"Comrades, many thanks and blessings for coming to assist me in delving deeper into this.... dungeon? Before you arrived the other Pathfinders I was exploring with assisted me in clearing out some little oni's that had taken up residence in the top two levels of the place. There was an unlockable door that we had to figure out on the second level down. It turns out that it was a simple cypher. Not knowing how deep these caverns go or how many levels the complex contains, the others decided to call in a group of more experienced Pathfinders after we cracked the code. I believe I am the only one that remains here to meet you. As soon as everyone arrives I can lead you down to the Pool of Seeing and we can proceed."

I should have posted this here instead of the discussion.

A Varisian of medium height, wearing a chain shirt, rises from his meal to greet to the tengu. "Ah, my friend, how could I turn down such an invitation? This place is far more pleasant than the last bit of archaeological exploration our masters in the Society saw fit to send me on. Thornkeep puts me in mind of the fine 'city'--I use the term loosely--of Bloodcove, though. I am called László Kovács. And you are?" Behind him at the table leans an unstrung and cased longbow, and he has a rapier at his hip.

"Pleasure to meet you Lashlo-San, I am called Ayaki. I spend a lot of my time in subterranean environments. I am happy to meet you."

A tiny gnome pops up, seeing the other two obvious foreigners introducing themselves. "Hey guys, I'm Alie. Nice to meet you two. I've been sent by the Pathfinders as well. I haven't done much dungeon exploring before, this should be neat. Usually, I'm more comfortable outside. The Pool of Seeing? What's that? I've never even heard of that before...did you figure out what it does?" Her words came out in almost a single excitable syllable.

"Pleasure to meet you Alie-san. When gazing into the pool I was given fleeting look into the lower depths of the dungeon, but I'm really not sure what I saw. Whatever it is my companions saw, caused them to abandon me. Sadly when we figured out the puzzle, the pools magic stopped functioning."

Hope that explanation is fair DM

So far so good.

”Please forgive me for eavesdropping...” A young human woman says in a clear, tempered tone, emerging from the shadows of a nearby corner. Her features somewhat obscured by the black cloak she wears, under which is there is obviously some sort of armor. ”My name is Maddie, I am a servant of the goddess Pharasma. I believe you are the group I was sent here to assist by the Society. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. ”

Her large blue-gray eyes sweep over the three other Pathfinders in a attendance and she smiles mildly, ”This place sounds quite interesting. I look forward to exploring it. You mentioned... oni? What are those exactly?” Maddie asks their Tengu guide.

" We would call them oni in Goka. They are little green men, with over sized heads and sharp teeth, with red eyes. My comrades called them Gorblinz, but they looked like the onis that my grandfather described in my bedtime stories."

”Oh? Goblins? I've never encountered one myself, but I've heard stories that suggest they can be troublesome little creatures.” Maddie pauses and takes a long look at Ayaki again, ”You are a long way from Goka, that must be some story.”

The tengu swells with pride as he gives a brief history.

"My grandfather is a close friend of Amara Li, I made my way to Absalom with her after the Ruby Phoenix tournament, I was one of the first members of her Lantern Lodge. "

"I've heard of that tournament. One day, I wouldn't mind competing myself."

”Impressive.” Maddie replies to Ayaki with a nod, “I had figured Amara Li would figure somewhere in the story. Most Pathfinders I meet from that side of the world tend to have some sort of affiliation with her.”

”I'm not familiar with this tournament, do either of you know any of the specifics?” She asks, looking genuinely curious.

Ayaki eagerly relays the history as if reading from a script.

" Once every 10 years, the city of Goka hosts the Ruby Phoenix Tournament on an Island off the coast. It is famous for its strange spectacles and exciting mix of fighting styles. People come to both compete and watch from all over the world. The tournament's winner gets his or her choice of a single item fr the legendary treasury of an ancient and mysterious spell caster. Western Pathfinders won it last year, it was very impressive."

The Varisian nods. "I have heard tales of what the Pathfinders chose, yes? Though I have not myself seen the fabled tapestry." He looks around. "Are there others yet to join us? I should warn you that close combat is not what I do best; I am far more effective at a distance."

”Ah, my last mission for the society involved entering that tapestry. It was somewhat interesting. Now that I think over it, the Venture-Captain did mention something about that tournament, but I didn't know the details. I need to become more well-versed with that side of the world.” She lightly shrugs and looks around in response to László, ”I'm most useful when utilizing the divine powers my goddess has granted me, but I can engage in direct combat when necessary.”

" What is it you do best Lashlo-San? I can fill the roll of front liner."

"I am a reasonably accurate archer, friend Ayaki. Though I may not hit the target as often as some, I am extremely skilled at not hitting such of my companions as may be in close combat with the enemy."

The Varisian gives Ayaki a wink and adds, "I have some skill with locks as well, though I am accused of thievery far more often when I am buying and selling."

A brown skinned, bright-green haired female gnome barges in on the conversation. "You're looking to cowtow those accursed gobs?" She puts her hands on her hips, which is adorned with armor leathers and druidic robes. "They refuse to bow to me in lieu of that Graalsk, the fools they are. If you goals align with mine, perchance you desire my army of mite-y (mighty) warriors at your side?" She merely carries a pouch of spell bits intermingled with coin, as well as a beating stick and gnarled root adorned with a mistletoe on the end.

" I can see no army, but I am inclined to believe you. "

With a knocking at the door, Alie's attention turns.

"Ms. Saechel, it appears there has been a mix up. Your talents are needed elsewhere." The Captain at the door address the others, "Don't fear, we have a very capable substitute, a Ms. Pai Kromnite."

The gnome wizard trots into the room, with scrolls, a wand, and a spellbook all packed somewhat haphazardly in her bag. "Hey, I'm Pai. Nice to meet all of you. Good luck on your new mission, Alie!"]

Alie steps out of the room, and receives her new information.

This post is to confirm I am swapping Alie and Pai. Pai will be the character here.

László smiles broadly as the replacement gnome arrives. "Ah, friend Pai! It is good to see you again. I have been in the jungles of the Mwangi Expanse since our little embassy visit; what have you been doing for our lords and masters of the Decemvirate?"

" I can see no army, but I am inclined to believe you. "

"To march an army around town would be an act of pure folly! Now, to conjure them from the beyond, however, is a perfection of warfare. No travel costs, bringing them when they are needed, and such and such."

”Hello again, Pai. Nice to work with you again.” Maddie greets the gnome wizard pleasantly.

Her eyes then scan the tavern, ”I wonder if anyone else is joining us. If not, we should get to work.”

Pai's face brightens as she looks up and sees two of her former compatriots. "Laszlo! Maddie! Great to see the both of you again. You wouldn't believe it Laszlo--Maddie and I, along with a few others, actually got to be transported into the North... via tapestry! It was the coolest thing. I've never even heard of teleporting that way, so you can imagine how awesome it was. We found some Apsis agents, and took them out. How about you? Anything fun recently?"

"My old comrades have no honor"

Obviously impatient at the thought of glory, Turg both interrupts and responds to a comment not directed at her. "Honor is worthless when you're dead. Now, are we going to conquer this Gob tower or what? If we're leaving soon, give me a minute outside; I don't feel like walking there."

"I spent too much time walking through the jungle, though that was better than the fights with Aspis agents. And Barlor--remember him? He and Ing had a fine time out in the wild. Such places are not for me."

What appears at first glance to be an old human farmer stumbles into the Greenforest Inn and orders a drink. Soon it becomes clear this short, wide, old farmer is in fact a dwarf, and he seems to have brought a smelly pig in with him.
"I need somethin' tah drink!" he cries at the nearest waiter or bartender. "Place down the road dried up. Not even a cheap jug o' Andoran girly-wine left in the place." he complains loudly to no one in particular.

When the pig goes running off, the dwarf looks over to see that Ing has discovered an old friend.
"Lasler? 'S that you?" Barlor strains to see clearly from under his straw hat and thick drunken stupor.

The Varisian claps Barlor on the shoulder. "Barlor, my friend. And Ing! It is good to see you both. See? Pai is here, too!"

"What? Peri? She's here too?" Barlor looks around, confused.
"Is that that Yanos fella?" he makes a wild gesture with his hand, making it impossible to tell who he might mean. "Thought he died or somethin'."

Ing continues to sniff around Laszlo, snorting expectantly.

"Hey there you two! How are tricks," the gnome inquires of the dirty creatures standing in front of her.

"So you guys have worked together before?"

"Yes, my friend. The four of us have solved mysteries in the Chelish embassy in Absalom, and Barlor and Ing and I slogged through the jungles of Mwangi in search of odd and ancient secrets. With the help of others, of course! I am not sure what has become of János and Shel. Or the lovely Peri Tilki...doubtless they are all off having grand adventures, yes?"

"Oh..." Barlor stands, looking confused. "Oh yeah. Pai! That's right. 'Course. Nice ta see you again, little wizard." At that, Barlor laughs a hearty but rattly laugh. Then an expression of sobriety crosses his face.
"Hold on now. This many pathfinders, and yer all in one place. Ya don't suppose..." he begins scanning the room suspiciously.

"We are going to explode a dungeon."

Did that come out right? oh well.

Turg nods emphatically. "Yes, some gobs are to be conquered and exploded."

"Sounds like a great way to spend a couple days, if you ask me. There's no telling what interesting items we will find down in the dungeon!"

"Well I believe this is everybody. Shall we depart?"

With that Ayaki pulls out his bow and an arrow and begins heading toward Thornkeep if nobody objects.

"Please, follow me. This way is safe."

While outside, Turg meditates for a minute. A large Medium growth of plantlife merges together into a crumpled face with a tail. Both Turg and this plant-beast-outsider bear a matching glowing rune on their foreheads. She sits atop the vine and will be riding it to Thornkeep. "If you don't mind, I need to buy some exploders for the gobs later. That Irovetti has some of the best engineers ever, I swear..."

Since the party is entirely on board for exploding gobs, Turg is going to buy a flint and steel and 3 Pellet Grenades. I will also be buying a torch, despite the fact that I have Darkvision, because I will need a source of fire. 151 gp, 1 cp

"What is that thing, Turg? Is it a plant, or a creature, or something more? Does he bite," Pai asks resiting her natural urge to reach out and touch it.

"You may pet Snave, fellow First-spawn, should you wish to. And while Snave may technically 'bite,' he's also quite atrocious at it. The only thing he's good for is seeing things. The one thing I know is that while the Eldest have bestowed upon me power over commanding the fae, they permanently gave me this loser." She waves her hand dismissively. "I presume it to be because of his uselessness." Turg then gets an idea and a wicked grin. "I have yet to see if he can carry two First-spawn at the same time. Would you care to test this theory?"

"You don't have to be so mean to him, you know. He looks quite competent to me. Snave, do you think you could carry me," she asks. Assuming he can make any sort of acknowledgement, she agrees to climb on him and test his fey-carrying ability.

*Nods meekly*

His speed slows to a leisurely 15 feet as he strains a little to move under the weight of two passengers and their gear.

As the other gnome boards the plant-train, she responds. "Nonsense. Runts of the litter need learn their place. It's nature's way. There is a reason Gnomes are more renown than plant... things." She attempts to muster more speed from the slowing plant creature, but to no avail.

"You are doing fine, Snave. Don't get intimidated--you're just as good as any other...um, plant type thing."

"ノーム"

A narrow, overgrown trail across the road from a nearby farm leads through a thick copse to a stepping-stone crossing of the Echo Stream. On the far side of the stream, under the beetling bluffs of Brokenhelm Hill, a wide crevice leads into the hillside and reveals a pair of enormous stone columns built into the rocky wall. This is the path to Thornkeep’s notorious Halls Under the Hill, or the Accursed Halls as they are better known.

Akyaki leads the way down through a few chambers still bearing the signs of recent combat. After passing through an impressive stone door you find yourselves at the top of a set of stairs leading down into darkness.

Light sources are needed for those without darkvision. Also, please give me a marching order.