After four more days the island of Candlemere is cleared of Will O Wisps however the unnerving taint on this place remains, it does not grow weaker in any way. It would seem that the aberrations were drawn to this place because of it rather than be causing it.
Magus (8) CD (+17) W (0) HP (64) AC (29/21/19) S (10/9/10) Lvl 1 (3/5) Lvl 2 (4/4) Lvl 3 (2/2) WF (1/1) AP (4/7) BAP (2/2) Initiative (+20)
Healed of body, but tired of mind, Eluvias sat down wearily. ”An admirable job. The lands will certainly be safer. But it would seem that we are not finished here. The power in here still remains, and it is likely what drew the wisps here in the first place. Perhaps...perhaps this place might become a wizard’s tower? I am most interest in studying the ruins. To understand it, and perhaps, to find a way to harness it.” What he left unsaid was that his own research into his blade had been going agonizingly slow. And to fail in that meant a slow, lingering demise. Anything which could save him, without losing his precious power, was something he had to pursue. Regardless of the source or danger involved.
Female CN Elf Witch 8 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (15 Tch, 14 Fl) | CMB: +3, CMD: 16 | F +5, R +8, W +9 | Init: +10 | Per +12, SM +9, Stl +15, Darkvision 60ft | Speed 30ft | Spells: 1st 4/6, 2nd 5/5, 3rd 2/4, 4th 1/3 | Active conditions: mage armour if combat obviously near
Amadeen grins.
"We were more than fair to them! If they negotiated instead of making demands, we might have had a tasty deal. But alas, they were foolish and now they are dead. As for the tower, let's do what we do - march in and clear it out!"
The tower itself is in ruins whatever taint is there doesn't seem to have an avatar made manifest to confront you. Perhaps research back in your Capital will help reveal more.
Rumors fly that a secret mystery cult dedicated to the hag-goddess Gyronna has taken root in the town. As goddess of hatred, extortion, and spite, Gyronna’s cult represents a threat to any community, and tales abound of isolated communities throughout the River Kingdoms that tore themselves apart from within due to the machinations of the Angry Hag’s priestesses. If the cult has indeed infltrated the town, it must be found and eliminated before it can set the townspeople at one another’s throats... If there is something of substance to the rumors it's a grave concern.
HP 67/67 | AC (29) 25 T 16 FF (26) 22 | F +10 R+7 W+11 | CMB +12 CMD 27 | Init +3 Perc +2 | Blessings 5/7 | Fervor 7/7 (3d6) | Sacred Armor 8/8 (+1) | Sacred Weapon 7/8 (+2) | [Crest] | [Loot]
"If they's one thing I can't stand it's hags. And cultists. And mouthy minstrels. A'ight, they's many things I can't stand, but hags 'n cultists is highly ranked!"
Knowledge (religion) to know a likely hideout, guidance:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Magus (8) CD (+17) W (0) HP (64) AC (29/21/19) S (10/9/10) Lvl 1 (3/5) Lvl 2 (4/4) Lvl 3 (2/2) WF (1/1) AP (4/7) BAP (2/2) Initiative (+20)
”A long list, but a fair one. So, how best to go about this? I suppose that we will need to walk through the town talking to commoners about their petty problems and their inane rumors.” He sounded anything but thrilled.
Female CN Elf Witch 8 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (15 Tch, 14 Fl) | CMB: +3, CMD: 16 | F +5, R +8, W +9 | Init: +10 | Per +12, SM +9, Stl +15, Darkvision 60ft | Speed 30ft | Spells: 1st 4/6, 2nd 5/5, 3rd 2/4, 4th 1/3 | Active conditions: mage armour if combat obviously near
"Let's think about this for a moment. What do we know already?"
Knowledge Nature on hags and whether they are likely to be present personally in town:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
Knowledge Religion on Gyronna and her cults:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
"Who do we know, rich or poor, that gossips - or might sign up?"
Knowledge Local:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Knowledge Nobility:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
"Then we can start sweet-talking them, see if they spill juicy details."
Diplomacy:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
"After that, we either have the cultists handy, or have to squeeze. By the way, I see every reason to execute the entire cult. Particularly if they're important. Because I won't tolerate treachery, at least not for a bloody hag-goddess!"
Amadeen knows those attracted to Gyronna’s cult are often adulterous wives, embittered prostitutes, and spurned lovers. She can also think of about a dozen women in town who fit this profile.
A sense motive check to narrow down this group of suspects would be wise!... or break into homes or however you want to handle it... no one is going to admit flat out to being a member of this cult to the Man... or Woman in this case.
HP 67/67 | AC (29) 25 T 16 FF (26) 22 | F +10 R+7 W+11 | CMB +12 CMD 27 | Init +3 Perc +2 | Blessings 5/7 | Fervor 7/7 (3d6) | Sacred Armor 8/8 (+1) | Sacred Weapon 7/8 (+2) | [Crest] | [Loot]
Sense Motive, guidance:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Given what they know, Johund spends some time speaking to harlots, especially the embittered ones, and eavesdropping at taverns whilst enjoying the season's better ales.
Magus (8) CD (+17) W (0) HP (64) AC (29/21/19) S (10/9/10) Lvl 1 (3/5) Lvl 2 (4/4) Lvl 3 (2/2) WF (1/1) AP (4/7) BAP (2/2) Initiative (+20)
SM:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Eluvias, for his part, was of little help. A blunt tongue and a lack of understanding for romantic relationships made for very poor detective work. That, coupled with the general populace already fearing his rumored experiments, made his inquiries less effective.
Its hard to not let paranoia get the better of you but Amadeen is quite suspicious of a woman named Margaret Felt. But so far you have no proof and only suspicious regarding this lone member of the cult. What will you do to deal with the situation now?
Margaret is a human widower in her early forties. She has family in Brevoy, she moved here after he husbands death which there were a few rumours about her having a hand in but nothing was proven. She largely keeps to herself and works as a seamstress.
Amadeen is able to follow Margaret to what seems to be a gathering of all women... and they are bearing symbols of Gyrona once they go into a small cave just outside of town.
Female CN Elf Witch 8 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (15 Tch, 14 Fl) | CMB: +3, CMD: 16 | F +5, R +8, W +9 | Init: +10 | Per +12, SM +9, Stl +15, Darkvision 60ft | Speed 30ft | Spells: 1st 4/6, 2nd 5/5, 3rd 2/4, 4th 1/3 | Active conditions: mage armour if combat obviously near
"Oh, we kill the lot of them. Unless someone surrenders. Then we pump them for tales of what they were up to, *then* kill them. Heads on pikes all around."
Amadeen draws her magics around her - and vanishes.
Fun fact there's no off switch for that spell so unless someone cracks out dispell magic this horrible outmatched group are dying. On minimum damage most can't survive the round...
Loot
Dagger x5
Holy symbol of Gyronna x5
25 gp
The fist-sized cat’s eye chrysoberyl atop the altar is worth 500 gp
DC 20 Knowledge (religion):
The goddess Gyronna watches the world through such stones, and you risk incurring her wrath and being cursed should you defile or steal from her shrine.
Female CN Elf Witch 8 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (15 Tch, 14 Fl) | CMB: +3, CMD: 16 | F +5, R +8, W +9 | Init: +10 | Per +12, SM +9, Stl +15, Darkvision 60ft | Speed 30ft | Spells: 1st 4/6, 2nd 5/5, 3rd 2/4, 4th 1/3 | Active conditions: mage armour if combat obviously near
Amadeen stands away from the mass of tentacles and slowly crushed cultists.
"Now that spell hit harder than I expected! I should make sure that I keep a dispel handy in case it snags someone worth saving. Wait until it fades, then move in."
Knowledge Religion:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
"Oh and no matter what, do not touch that altar, even for that gem. Gyronna's watching and she has a mean streak for defilers. Looting this lot should be fine though."
With the affairs of State dealt with and the burgeoning cult crushed underfoot your capital is somewhat safe once more. Still rumours of troll sightings have become more common with each passing day. Young Tig is still missing... it would seem the Stolen Lands are restless and seek to challenge your right to rule with these trials.
Want to go exploring? Go to Thornkeep, the Emerald Spire or relax for the month?
Delving into the Emerald Spire once more you find there are new occupants, bandits and monsters but easily overcome and of little note.
B12
This large room has a wide hole in the center of its floor. A heavy, welded steel ladder descends straight down from the lip of this shaft. The extent and depth of the space below are concealed behind the many
crisscrossing, whitish-gray spider webs filling the pit.
The ladder’s shaft ends in a wide staircase descending into darkness. On the floor at the top of the stairs, a dead moon spider lies on its back, its legs drawn up and frozen in a curled-in position. An unpleasant rotting reek emanates from a sunken hole in its belly.
C1
Broad stone stairs open into a small, irregularly shaped chamber lit
by oil lamps. To the east, a short flight of steps leads up to a sturdy
door set in the middle of a wall and flanked by arrow slits. To the
north, a wide gate of iron bars blocks an archway leading to a larger
chamber filled with the eerie green glow of the Emerald Spire.
A voice calls out from the other side of the arrow slits. "Why hello there, would you be hoping to go further down the spire?"
DC20 Perception Check:
You notice a hidden door near the foot of the stairs
"The one where you get argumentative and violent. Your choices are pay a toll of fifty gold and we'll leave you pass. Or you can decide it's too rich for your blood and leave. Or you can sit out there getting nowhere. The last option is where you get violent and that's where the arrows come in. There's plenty of dangers and riches in this place... we've just stacked the deck here for a lesser price, I'm sure you'll either make much more below or you'll die so it wont matter! No rush, discuss it among yourselves..."
Eluvias is incredibly obvious but is also outside their field of vision. The door doesn't appear to be trapped or locked, just reasonably well hidden.
Magus (8) CD (+17) W (0) HP (64) AC (29/21/19) S (10/9/10) Lvl 1 (3/5) Lvl 2 (4/4) Lvl 3 (2/2) WF (1/1) AP (4/7) BAP (2/2) Initiative (+20)
Eluvias had reached the point in every elf’s life where being shot in the face seemed mundane. A dangerous feeling happened when one lived long enough to be so threatened many a time. It also meant that more than a few elves learned the hard way why such threats should never be old. As is, he went to open the hidden door, his blade out and ready to use.
The blackguards only wanted fifty gold. A paltry sum which spoke to their inexperience. The most logical thing would be to just pay it and move on. But that set a bad precedent. If word got out, then every peasant with a bow would think that there was profit in such business. And that was, in his mind, bad policy.
HP 67/67 | AC (29) 25 T 16 FF (26) 22 | F +10 R+7 W+11 | CMB +12 CMD 27 | Init +3 Perc +2 | Blessings 5/7 | Fervor 7/7 (3d6) | Sacred Armor 8/8 (+1) | Sacred Weapon 7/8 (+2) | [Crest] | [Loot]
"Right, then." Seeing where this is going, Johund steps next to the wall near Eluvias, prepared to rush the foolish gatekeeper. As he goes he whispers a prayer, steeling himself for the fight.
Swift action to activate sacred armor for 1min (+1 enhancement bonus).
C5
Weapon racks and wooden wardrobes line the walls of this room. The dummies in the center of the room wear suits of armor. Masks hang on the wall near the door; each consists of a brass nose piece with cheek guards, from which a veil of red silk hangs.
Peeking through the door Eluvias can see a hallway with a statue, this room is near a turn in the corridor, the bandits should be to the left going down the corridor.
Treasure
The racks and arming dummies contain 10 short swords, 12 daggers, four light crossbows, three composite short bows (+2 Str), two suits of leather armor, and three suits of padded armor. The wardrobes contain 15 blood-red ceremonial robes. There are 12 masks. A reservoir in each mask’s nosepiece holds an antidote for the synesthesia gas, which drips into the cloth.
Magus (8) CD (+17) W (0) HP (64) AC (29/21/19) S (10/9/10) Lvl 1 (3/5) Lvl 2 (4/4) Lvl 3 (2/2) WF (1/1) AP (4/7) BAP (2/2) Initiative (+20)
Donning the robes and mask, Eluvias followed suit. ”And now we are disguised as idiots. It is distressing how easily we play the part.” He said as he adjusted the robes to ensure that he would have easy access to his blade.
The long, narrow guardroom has a heavy wooden door in the western wall, along with a row of arrow slits that look out over the landing of the stairs to the levels above. An iron lever is set in the northwest corner, and a pull rope hangs on the northeast corner.
Two figures stand by the arrow slits.
Good news surprise round, bad news after that they are up first. Initiative Amadeen:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 Initiative Eluvias:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 Initiative Johund:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Initiative Poor fools...:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Magus (8) CD (+17) W (0) HP (64) AC (29/21/19) S (10/9/10) Lvl 1 (3/5) Lvl 2 (4/4) Lvl 3 (2/2) WF (1/1) AP (4/7) BAP (2/2) Initiative (+20)
5ft step and shocking grasp orange
Hit:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26+2 if he has metal armor or weapons Damage:1d6 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19 Shocking Grasp:7d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 3, 3, 5, 4, 5) = 29
The first poor fool learned of Eluvias’ presence when a Black Blade was slashed across his chest. Which would have been bad enough...but the blade was also encased with electricity.
HP 67/67 | AC (29) 25 T 16 FF (26) 22 | F +10 R+7 W+11 | CMB +12 CMD 27 | Init +3 Perc +2 | Blessings 5/7 | Fervor 7/7 (3d6) | Sacred Armor 8/8 (+1) | Sacred Weapon 7/8 (+2) | [Crest] | [Loot]
swift to activate sacred weapon, standard to throw.
Seeing Eluvias frying up one of the scoundrels like a freshly cracked egg, Johund flips one of his daggers in his hands and launches it at the chest of the other!
Seeing Eluvias moving up to one of the scoundrels, Johund flips one of his daggers in his hands and launches it at the chest of the other!
The first poor fool learned of Eluvias’ presence when a Black Blade was slashed across his chest. Which would have been bad enough...but the blade was also encased with electricity.
Amadeen had to stifle her laughter but now she gets to cackle maniacally with her new mask on!
All while Johund's target has a sudden stroke of terrible luck.
Will Save:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Badly injured the lone survivor moves over to the wall and quickly tugs on some rope twice as he coughs up some blood.
No roll needed for that Amadeen
And of course Thorneholm's settlement stats should be made note of. Eluvias if you're in your home city and using it's resources for research about old settlements in the area it's a total of a +6 bonus currently for Knowledge history checks if any research is being done in character.
Thorneholm: Crime -1, Defense +13, Law +3, +4 Lore (+2 extra for Knowledge History), +2 Society
Descriptions of what rolls these effects can be found here. https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/settlements/
...except defence. That comes into mass combat.
Oh yes since ye have a casters tower now magic items start getting made their mechanically. Background wise it's Eluvias's tower but lets not deprive ye of the mechanics. Obviously with the establishment of the tower other spellcasters are paying a bit more notice to your settlement. You guys would still need to buy these if you want them. Or the slot could be cleared with an economy check.
Minor Items
[4,350 gp] necklace of fireballs (type iii) [no external clues]
[13 gp] divine scroll of create water (CL 1)
[25 gp] divine scroll of doom (CL 1)
Medium Items
[9,000 gp] rod of metamagic, concussive (lesser) [clue indicates function]
[750 gp] potion/oil of keen edge (CL 5)
But good options but Eluvias downs one and dodges the counter attack. If he can destroy it great... if not well every round brings the other characters closer to regaining their senses.
Magus (8) CD (+17) W (0) HP (64) AC (29/21/19) S (10/9/10) Lvl 1 (3/5) Lvl 2 (4/4) Lvl 3 (2/2) WF (1/1) AP (4/7) BAP (2/2) Initiative (+20)
We are VERY fortunate on the ruling that it was will Saves and then get attacked. Almost a TPK
Also Eluvias is made to go nova. Sadly, after this fight his damage potential will go down. At best he will get +10/+10 and 1d6+12 damage. Which is still pretty good, but it isn’t +11/+11 with 6d6+10 good.
Well to be fair it is a constant area effect that causes the AOE. The wisdom damage is only when it hits you so the AOE goes off first...
...but yeah I was concerned. If a PC dies it happens as many of you saw in my Rise game. It sucks but it keeps the stakes high. TPKs, aren't quite so palatable.
Female CN Elf Witch 8 | HP: 50/50 | AC: 18 (15 Tch, 14 Fl) | CMB: +3, CMD: 16 | F +5, R +8, W +9 | Init: +10 | Per +12, SM +9, Stl +15, Darkvision 60ft | Speed 30ft | Spells: 1st 4/6, 2nd 5/5, 3rd 2/4, 4th 1/3 | Active conditions: mage armour if combat obviously near
A thought.
Should we tpk in this campaign, a potentially very fun continuation / sequel could be had in a new party trying to seize power in the fledgling kingdom. Passing themselves off as "distant relatives", saviours or flat out battles for power.
You don't have to spend build points on it, he can just use some of his downtime on it. Various buildings that help with lore would help him with some checks when the time for checks is right.
Magus (8) CD (+17) W (0) HP (64) AC (29/21/19) S (10/9/10) Lvl 1 (3/5) Lvl 2 (4/4) Lvl 3 (2/2) WF (1/1) AP (4/7) BAP (2/2) Initiative (+20)
Sounds good, thanks! I’ll write fluff to go with it. I’d like to start building towards an academy to go with our Wizard Tower and Museum. Maybe bring the River Freedoms to the practice of magic...make our kingdom a wilderness refuge for those seeking to learn and research magic.
Library: 6 BP
Can later build a luxury store and then an academy and/or magic academy. Start building towards things like a magic shop as well so we can upgrade our gear.
Magus (8) CD (+17) W (0) HP (64) AC (29/21/19) S (10/9/10) Lvl 1 (3/5) Lvl 2 (4/4) Lvl 3 (2/2) WF (1/1) AP (4/7) BAP (2/2) Initiative (+20)
Waiting for Barek to make his knowledge dungeoneering check. I don't think any of us want Eluvias to shocking grasp this thing.
----
So then...assuming we get out of this dungeon alive, here is my current plan.
(1) We have a library. Eluvias will begin researching his sword in the library. If he makes the right checks, I'd ask our dear friend GM to clue him in on a ritual that he will need to conduct to free himself of the curse which is eating his mind and personality.
(2) Following this, when we have a luxury store, he will begin collecting what is needed for the ritual. This would require more checks, and hopefully a quest to find what items the shop doesn't have.
(3) Finally, when we have a Magical Academy, he'll be able to conduct the ritual using the aid of the students there. Eluvias would be the head master of the academy, given that he is the magister.
The ritual itself is to find out what the purpose of the Black Blade is. Once Eluvias finds that out (which is the GM's choice...I didn't pick any goal for it), Eluvias would then have to complete this goal. Whatever it is. Doing so would break the curse, and it would restore him to being his former self.
----
The overall goal is to "restore" him to being Cha7 (his pre-curse charisma). This would take his diplomacy and bluff from -3 to -2. And mechanically...that's it. I know, right? But RP wise it would mean breaking the curse, and for him to start taking his duties as magister for the kingdom more seriously. He'd actually start *caring* about things.
Now, what if he fails? Then in my head-canon he'd eventually fade as being his own person. The sword would be all that is left. Eluvias would die, and serve the sword until he dies, and which point the sword would find it's next host to take over and dominate.
How does that sound to everyone? Is it something the party would support Eluvias for?
Edict Phase
42BP... note I've put a white border on two hexes ye have surrounded in by your territory but not claimed so ye don't forget them. Think of them like unclaimed enclaves.
Month 21
Edict Phase
Claim hexes 0103 and 0204, and build farms on same. -2 Consumption. +2 Kingdom DC. 6BP
Roads on 0204 and 0304. -You can only do one more terrain improvement for this turn. 4BP as it has a bridge.
Build luxury shop 28BP
Kingdom Economy +1
Limit Adjacent to 1 House
Upgrade To Magic Shop; Upgrade From Shop
Special Base value +2,000 gp
Magic Items 2 minor rings, wands, or wondrous items
Left Over: 4BP
No but certain buildings need to be built beside houses like the Inn or the Luxury Shop. Consider the houses lot to be more like a housing estate. I imagine there's houses and apartments sprinkled about the city.
Month 22
Edict Phase
Claim hexes 0105 and 0205. +2 Consumption, +2 Kingdom Size, +2 Kingdom DC 2BP
Road in 0205 (you can only do 3 terrain improvements a turn). +1 Economy +1 Stability, 2BP
Sawmills on 0105 and 0406 0305. +2 Stability, +2BP A turn. 6BP
Unspent BP21
Month 23
Edict Phase
Claim hexes 0206 and 0306. +2 Consumption, +2 Kingdom Size, +2 Kingdom DC. 2BP
Roads on 0203 and 0402. 2BP
Sawmill on 0105 0205. +1 Stability, +1 BP a turn. 3BP
39BP unspent... not enough for a Magical Academy.
Event Phase
Event Chance 75:1d100 ⇒ 15 Event:1d100 ⇒ 38 Dangerous Event:1d100 ⇒ 51
Improvement Demand (hex)
This event is identical to the building demand event, but the citizens want the construction or destruction of a terrain improvement in the hex. If the demand is not met by the next Event Phase, Unrest increases by 1. Alternatively, you can suppress the citizens’ demands and negate the event by succeeding at a Loyalty check, but this reduces Loyalty by 2 and increases Unrest by 1.
Your subjects demand a road be constructed in 0402 as many complain to get to their farms in the wests to Oleg's they must go cross country as the roads have not been connected yet!... give me a minute ye just did this.
A road and bridge in 0504
Kingdom Size 26+
Amadeen can choose Stability or Economy and add her Charimsa modifier to it.
Improvement a turn limit has increased for buildings, terrain and hexes!
New Settlements 1, Buildings 5, Terrain Improvement 5, Hexes 3
Magus (8) CD (+17) W (0) HP (64) AC (29/21/19) S (10/9/10) Lvl 1 (3/5) Lvl 2 (4/4) Lvl 3 (2/2) WF (1/1) AP (4/7) BAP (2/2) Initiative (+20)
Eluvias' Quest: Researching in the Library:
Knowledge Arcana:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Eluvias sat within the recently built library. He was this kingdom's magister. A strange title, but one that he had earned through the spilling of blood. He was fortunate, he knew, to have the position. There were so many out there who would kill for it. He smiled, sardonically. He had.
The library itself was new. Rows upon rows of books stretched out. Eluvias had ordered the books from Brevoy, something which had cost a pretty copper. As this was his project, he had near complete control over what would be in the library. There were the usual history books, focusing on their rejoin. And there were the standard religious texts such as unbinding the fetters and the like. Overall, the library was practical. The books had been chosen carefully to be of the most use to him and to his group. But mainly, they were on eldritch knowledge. He had sold the queen on the idea of building their way up to having a college of magic. Of eventually attracting wizards from around the region, who would come to practice and study in safety. It would make them both wealthy and strong, so long as they were willing to turn a blind eye once in awhile. As such, the library had a focus. There was book upon book on magical theory, history and practice. But in truth, Eluvias did not care about the kingdom. Nor did he care about the academy which he was planning. He did not care about anything. It was like he was in a dream, where nothing was real, and he was just going through the motions. A small voice, deep inside of him, still screamed. It screamed that this was not right. That he should be terrified. That he should curl up in a ball and cry. It screamed that he was dying.
Not physically. He was an elf, and as such he had several centuries of productivity ahead of him. More if he took care of himself through magical means. No, his soul was withering. It had started off small, and it was getting progressively worse. Already it was advancing to the point where he was losing his ability to taste. The finest wines and the rarest spices all tasted bland. Flavorless. Lifeless. He ate because he had to, not out of any need. When he became hungry it was almost academic. The thought that Oh, my body needs sustenance. What would be the most expedient way to get the nutrients it needs? Even the most basic of wants was gone. And intellectually, he knew that was wrong.
And he knew when it had started. When he had found the sword. With it, his latent magical power had exploded. He had gone from being a mediocre swordsman who knew a few cantrips into being a warrior. Lightning, especially, became easy to form and to control. But always through his sword.
Hours stretched into days which stretched into weeks. The others were focused on building the kingdom. Lands was being claimed, farms were being built and roads were created. People came and went. But Eluvias did not leave his library. Every few days he would come out and yell to the librarians that he *needed* a book. Anything besides "Yes, sir." would be met with threats of bodily harm.
It paid off. One night, where had forgotten once again to eat dinner, he came across what he was looking for. It was a book written by a priest of Pharasma, who recorded the final confessions of criminals sentenced to die. It had never been meant for publication, but a few copies existed, and he managed to get his hands on one of them. All because of the sorcerer-warrior whose tale was told within. Copies of the confessions had circulated through the noble courts of Brevoy, and the stories were told on cold winter nights. Getting one was not cheap.
"The Black Blade..." he said, his fingers running across the words as if though they were runes of power.
The book went into the story of a wandering wizard-warrior by the name of Eldric of the Storm. The man had come across a cursed blade, blacker than night. A blade which at first glance appeared to be made of obsidian, but on closer examination was of a metal not native to our world.
Eluvias' heart beat faster. It was an unfamiliar sensation. He had nearly died several times, and had only registered his impending death with the cold logic of an uninterested observer. But this? It stirred something within him. He felt the urge, then, to take his sword and to destroy the book. WIthout thinking his hand went to his blade and unsheathed it.
He stopped. Why was he doing that? It didn't make any sense. He tried to put the sword away, but the thought kept nagging at him. Destroy the book. Destroy it. Destroy it. Destroy it. WIth a furrowed brow Eluvias returned his sword to it's scabbard. His hand was shaking, and he couldn't tell why.
The elf continued to read. Eldric's blade was theorized to not be a weapon at all, but rather, an outsider. Eldric never did learn exactly what the blade was, though he did come to learn that it his had a purpose. To consume souls. Eldric of the Storm learned that his blade was but one of many, and that each one had it's own purpose. For Eldric, he found that the only way to keep the curse of the weapon at bay was to fulfill it's goal. According to the author, the mage went mad, for when he failed to sate his sword's bloodlust, it would take over his mind. The author detailed how the swordmaster seemingly went insane, killing everyone he cared about. The authorities hunted him down, and caught him mid-ritual. When he was finally arrested, his blade was nowhere to be found. All that was left was a thin, pale, and broken sorcerer.
Eluvias felt the urge to close the book, but forced the compulsion away.
Was this what the sword was? The pharasmite priest wrote that Eldric claimed that the sword was intelligent, though it never spoke to him. That the sword had a mind of it's own. And while the curse wasn't stated, Eluvias could guess what the man had gone through.
Eluvias slowly and deliberately closed the book. He pulled out his sword and looked at it. The blade seemed to suck in the light of the candle and consume it.
"Sword." He said. "I do not know if you can hear me. But I am Eluvias Rodrimson. I am my own elf, and I do not belong to you." Already his heart rate slowed. The passion was dying. Eluvias fought with all of his might to hold onto it. Or at least the memory of it. It was easier now, that he knew what was causing his condition.
"I do not know what you are. I do not know what you were made for. But I am going to find out. I am stronger than you know, and I will not be consumed by you."
The blade, of course. just sat there, as blades are wont to do. It did not respond in any way, or show any sign that it heard him. Eluvias felt slightly foolish. He looked up and saw the librarian...whats his name? It was so hard to remember sometimes. It was the third librarian. The other two had quit. The librarian was watching him, and looked quite afraid.
"You!" Eluvias said, pointing at the man. "Bring me Hemmler's treatise on magical maladies, von Lichenstein's guide to rituals...and the Confessions of Sir Gorst of Lastwall." The librarian scurried off. Eluvias turned back to the sword, and glared at it.
Lost the entire second part! Re-writing it. Sadly isn't as long as it first was. God I hate these boards sometimes
Eluvias' Quest: Preparing for the Ritual:
Spellcraft:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Time went by. Eluvias worked at a feverish rate. From his tower to the library he went back and forth, glaring at anyone who got in his way. Eluvias didn't sleep. He hadn't slept since he had found the blade. True, he needed to meditate to recover expended magical power, but he didn't have to sleep. And when researching, that meant that he didn't have to stop. Time became meaningless to him as he worked to uncover the mystery of what was destroying him.
The fourth librarian had long since stopped trying to get him to cease writing in the books, or to stop yelling at those in the library who interrupted his research. Having a blade encased in lightning waved around tended to have that effect. He was starting to see why the first three librarians resigned. Dutifully he put the books back that Eluvias left sprawled throughout the building. One of his few joys was reading what was inevitably written in the margins. Notes, theories, mathematical equations, and sometimes even arguments. Eluvias the Grim, he thought, had become Eluvias the Mad.
Not that Eluvias saw it that way. He was more alive than he had been in years. The blade had been slowly draining him, while at the same time filling him with power. He knew now, that it wanted him to be an empty shell, but for what purpose he did not know. But he *would* find out.
What helped was that Queen Amadeen had been very accommodating in the plans to build a magical academy. One thing that was needed for that was a shop that sold the luxury goods that would attract a wizard...and keep them from leaving. And the shop had been built! Eluvias hurried to it, clutching his notes. His eyes darted, his face frozen in a perpetual scowl. The sword had tried to slowly destroy him, but that had failed. Now it was poisoning his mind. Nightmares assailed his sleep, and bouts of panic and fear haunted his waking hours. When reading he could hear the distant sounds of claws on stone, which always vanished whenever he tried to focus on it. The blade did not speak to him, but it made it's point clear. Eluvias, in return, was determined. He would master the blade, he would make it his own. He would establish dominance. It would work with him, or he would find a way to destroy it. The blade underestimated him. He would ensure that it knew that the only way to fulfill it's goal was through Eluvias' cooperation. A war was being fought within his head, and he was far too stubborn to back down.
Eluvias threw open the doors to the luxury shop. But he was not the strongest of elves, so all that did was make some noise. He stalked forward. This wasn't his first time in the store, but he hoped that it would be his last. He now knew what his ritual needed! And once he had secured some fools within the academy they were building, then he would make them join him in casting the spell!
He slammed the paper on the counter. There was scratching coming from under the floor? No. It wasn't real. Sometimes it was hard to tell.
Magus (8) CD (+17) W (0) HP (64) AC (29/21/19) S (10/9/10) Lvl 1 (3/5) Lvl 2 (4/4) Lvl 3 (2/2) WF (1/1) AP (4/7) BAP (2/2) Initiative (+20)
Whew! There we go. Two checks made. Now just need a quest to find whatever materials Kevin decides are needed, and then a ritual with an academy to find out what the blade wants. And finally to fulfill whatever that is...so...easy, right?
----
And the funny thing about all of this? Just reread my character sheet.
Intelligence for Intimidate (class skill)
Wisdom for Diplomacy (not a class skill)
Charisma for Bluff (have +4 racial, not a class skill)
So right now my face skills are: Intimidate +11 Diplomacy +2 Bluff +0
After finishing this quest? The grand result of it? Assuming no level ups...
Road and bridge in 0504 to quiet the whinging. 4BP.
Claim hexes 0202, 0705, and 0806.Claim Three Hexes 3BP
Farm and a road in 0202 with 1BP
Unspent 1BP
Income
Economy:1d20 + 36 ⇒ (6) + 36 = 4214+1+14=29
We'll be putting a pin in Kingdom building for now.
Eluvias:
I like the enthusiasm but like I said there are plans so tweaking some bits... lets see a 25 and a 24...
Eluvias does come across a tale of a warrior called Eldric. The warrior was drawn to an area to the south east of Brevoy, a wild place unbridled by the trappings of civilization. Eldric claimed the blade was intelligent but never spoke to him he felt somehow it was granting him power but it was drawing upon his soul to fuel this.
In his journeys he came across another warrior with a black blade. Both suspicious they could see parallels between their lives after finding the blades. The other warrior had a greatsword. The other warrior theorised that both blades were merely an echo of the original, a few more powerful weapon.
Both warriors fell out shortly after this but Eldric survived for a few more years before disappearing. Before this apparently he conducted a ritual to bolster himself against he negative effects of the blade and still draw on it's power.
Eldric looked to dragons for this ritual. It is said by some scholars that Dragons draw upon the energy of the land. One of the reasons dragons covet gold and wealth is that it works as a conductor, younger dragons growing physically quicker if exposed to a larger hoard regularly. Though some of the details are missing it is known Eldric gathered a hoard as well as parts of a dragon to conduct this ritual... this could be scales, bones, or flesh... the text does not say...
