Reonnyn waves off the offering of healing from the priest as he dusts himself off of the dirt and grime from his searching. "Well, much as I would like to say it is time for a long hot bath now...with Lindara's help too!..."we should head back to meet with Tirra at the safehouse. She is undoubtedly waiting for us to fulfill our deal...and knowing the Guild, they are certainly watching the Inn, prepared to witness our arrival without a doubt!"
I hope we can explain what happened to her satisfaction...I have no wish to be battling for my life a second tim this evening!
"A long, hot bath would be nice.... But let's not make Tirra wonder. Besides, they'll want to know what happened to one of their own."
Sunday, 2nd day of Planting, 594 C.Y.
Weather outside the Wizard’s Guild is unknown.
Current time is probably around 9:30 p.m.
-------------------------------------------------
Verdan heals Morrow with the curative wand and dream of taking hot baths with enjoyable company as they make plans to try and make contact with Tirra at the safehouse they are familiar with. Arriving after a half hour or so of travel, the party notices that the two young urchins they have grown used to seeing outside the doors are absent. The following moment sees the group fairly surrounded as shadowy figures emerge from a couple of nearby alleys and others from around corners – even behind them. There are at least fifteen ruffians, maybe closer to twenty all told and all of them bear loaded crossbows or swords. The door of the safehouse opens in the next instant and out steps Tirra, flanked by two more thugs that carry bared swords. The half-elf’s usual flirtatious attitude is noticeably absent however, as she calls out in challenge, her voice is tinged with anger, though there is a tone of curiosity as well. “Stop right where you are, and keep your hands away from your weapons if you value your lives. I admit that I did not expect you to return here, though you have saved the Guild time and manpower from tracking you down. Why did you skip out on our deal? And where is Birdy?”
Items claimed or held in the extra-dimensional castle to be sold later:
x2 Heavy Mace +1
x2 Greatsword +1
x4 Splint Mail +2
x4 Potion of Cure Serious Wounds (one claimed by each party member)
x4 Holy Symbol of Iuz
x4 Vestments
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk
----------------------------------------------
PC Health & Notes
Verdan 56/61
Nebuzaradan 50/50
Morrow 75/75
Reonnyn 61/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation)]
Reonnyn glances about him with a look of disappointment towards Morrow, "Looks like your hot bath with Tirra may be postponed for a spell..." Turning his attention back to the rogue leader he fixes her with a steely glare. "Put down your weapons else more blood be shed this evening!" Shifting from anger to disgust in a blink of an eye, he adds "We have no intention of brooking our deal with you, or the Guild, but circumstances beyond our control overtook us! We would be more than happy to conclude our deal...and explain further in a more...private venue." while pointing to the door of the safehouse.
"As Reonnyn states, We followed instructions and had success. Then we were ambushed after the planned departure from the target. We had to fight our way out of a stronghold of cultists. We can explain in detail and produce the proof that you no doubt will want, as well as the prize that you requested. But not out here?"
Morrow misses Reonnyn's wince as the forthright duskblade undoes the halfling's more subtle intentions. Tiarra eyes them both for a long moment, then gives a curt nod. "Surround the building. None leave, none enter." The two burly bodyguards seem about to argue the point, but the steely eyes of the slim half-elf appear to glue their tongues in place.
Without a backward glance, she turns and heads back into the building, then up the stairs to the room in which they'd originally met. By the time the party arrives, she is standing by the window with arms crossed, her gaze is still angry, but perhaps not as hot as it was earlier. "Well? Out with it, then. What the hell happened? Give me details, and proof if you have it. The fact you returned here on your own gives me some reason to believe you, but I know Birdy. He's always careful and very loyal to the Guild."
Outside Nebuzaradan gives a big exasperated sigh when the ruffians appear.
Inside, he is obviously agitated with the elf but he keeps his mouth shut and let's those better at diplomacy explain the situation.
Reonnyn takes a deep breath here, knowing their lives depended on his words here. "Tirra, we don't know all the details but this is what we DO know. The plan to infiltrate the Wizard's Guild went off smoothly...We penetrated the hidden study, gathered what we came for, and returned to where your...friend Birdy was supposed to join us." Here he pauses knowing the next part would be difficult to hear, "After that, we are not sure what happened. We suddenly found ourselves ambushed by members of the Cult of the Old One -- trapped in a safe house of theirs...where sadly Birdy met his doom by their hand. If you wish proof of this, then simply enter the bottle...we gathered his body, along with those of his torturers." He sighs tiredly here, "We would all have joined him in death...had it not been for the sacrifice of one of our own." Rubbing his eyes here he fixes her a stare, "We found several items of interest there concerning what their intentions may be, which troubles me greatly. I would tread carefully here, Tirra."
Morrow waits, letting Reonnyn handle telling the story. Before anyone can enter the bottle though he adds, "Birdy's body is there, and the priest and his soldiers. If Birdie could be raised he might know more. The enemy bodies.... Well, I've heard that magic could force the bodies to speak, but also that some can resist telling the truth even in death. They were servants of the Old one. We took the symbols from the bodies just in case they had some way to reanimate...."
He thinks for a second. "But you may not believe us yet. Not enough to enter the bottle while we are here. If you ask, I'll enter to bring the proof out. Ask, or command and I'll do it."
Vaerdan adds in "I swear on the name of Pelor, what they say is true."
He says standing their with his head held high.
Sunday, 2nd day of Planting, 594 C.Y.
Weather outside the Wizard’s Guild is unknown.
Current time is probably around 10:00 p.m.
-------------------------------------------------
It takes some time to establish a foothold of trust with the skeptical Lidda, who is perhaps more accustomed to dealing with liars and thieves. But eventually, the party is able to show her the truth of the story by showing her the bodies of the Iuzites and the corpse of Birdy himself. After getting those that accompanied her to confront the adventurers to assist in getting their Guild brother back home where he can perhaps be raised and the bodies of his murderers taken away to an unknown fate, she addresses the party in a somber, yet apologetic tone. “Forgive me for my initial reaction. Our careful plans didn’t go as intended, though it appears that the outcome was the same. For most of us, at least. I’m sorry for the loss of your comrade, and I presume you managed to obtain your own treasure. Our client will be very pleased with the Guild at the retrieval of this bronze monkey. As for your reward, I give you this.”
Reaching into a heavy bag at her waist, she draws forth a sheath that is clearly too big for the small sack – attesting to its magical properties. She draws forth the blade it holds, revealing a gleaming longsword with what appear to be tiny arcs of electricity blazing through the depths of its metal – or perhaps a trick of the eye? “This blade is called Norebo’s Hand, and though it is powerful it seems to… have issue with being wielded by anyone in the Guild. Perhaps our ethos doesn’t appeal to it… for the blade is intelligent – or so it is said by those that have examined it on the Guild’s behalf. Wield it well, and know you have done a great service to the Guild. We are in your debt.” She has been eyeing Morrow as she speaks, and with a smile she inclines her head slightly and hands the longsword to the duskblade…
Items claimed or held in the extra-dimensional castle to be sold later:
x2 Heavy Mace +1
x2 Greatsword +1
x4 Splint Mail +2
x4 Potion of Cure Serious Wounds (one claimed by each party member)
x4 Holy Symbol of Iuz
x4 Vestments
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk
----------------------------------------------
PC Health & Notes
Verdan 56/61
Nebuzaradan 50/50
Morrow 75/75
Reonnyn 61/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation)]
Nebuzaradan remains quiet. He waits for when the group departs the safe house and is a good distance away from prying ears. "We need to sell off the items we recovered from those men. It will help cover some of the costs of prepping for this thing."
Reonnyn has no problem speaking up here. "Thanks for your well-wishes Tirra. Morgrym died as he wished, fighting to the last gasp of breath. As for this sword...this Norebo’s Hand--" Here he glances at the blade with an alarmed look on his face. He had heard of such weapons and knew their portent for trouble. Still he would let Morrow discover this on his own.
"Your assistance has been most useful Tirra. As you can imagine we do have some preparation before we tackle our next goal. Should you know of any armorer or weaponsmith that would be in need of these items, we would be more than happy to sell them off."
Just before the party leaves he gives Tirra a serious look. "What do you make of these foul cultists plans here?" Pulling out the ledger here he points out a couple of items he notes, "This Ladav Idnorsea, ordered from the Bandit Kingdoms to the north a box containing the bones of someone named Sir Bluto Sans Pite. According to the note, the box was delivered to someone named Zirelle just a few weeks back. One of the undead we fought and destroyed was the incarnation of this Sir Bluto!" He gives her a winning smile, "I know the Guild does little besides working for profit, yet this news troubles me greatly. These priests also possessed robes of the priests of Boccob...I like this not! I think we need to discover what plans they have here!"
Morrow accepts the sword with care. While Lidda has a smile, Morrow's face is serious. If the blade had intelligence and rejected the members of the guild.... He tenses and takes the hilt in hand, slowly pulling it from the scabbard.
Sunday, 2nd day of Planting, 594 C.Y.
Weather outside the Wizard’s Guild is unknown.
Current time is probably around 9:30 p.m.
-------------------------------------------------
Tirra returns Morrow’s smile warmly as she hands over the sword. He immediately knows there is something special about this weapon the moment he touches it. The sword feels somehow… right in his hand. Perhaps it is because of the magic that runs through his own veins? The duskblade is perhaps disappointed (or maybe relieved) that it doesn’t start chatting him up – in fact there is no real sense that the blade can communicate at all. And yet… he can feel what the weapon is capable of immediately, and that its powers go beyond the martial (though even those are formidable) and Morrow knows that the sword could prove very helpful indeed in their journey beneath Castle Greyhawk.
Lidda shrugs at Reonnyn’s words. “Those responsible for the murder have been put to death, and for that the Guild is grateful to you all once again. As for the designs of these priests, the Guild – nor I – couldn’t care less. Taking sides in a religious squabble rarely pays much, and is usually more trouble than it’s worth when it does. However, for your service I’ll have some of my contacts take a look into this Zirelle, if you’d like. I’ll send word to the inn where you’re staying if I learn anything.”
She glances coquettishly at Morrow. “Maybe I’ll even deliver the message myself. Though first I’ll have that ring of ours that you’re wearing, and the bottle of course. I’ll have my men transport the… loot that you stored inside to your rooms in the morning. I’m sure you’ll bring in a fair amount of coin for the armor and weapons – they were of very fine craftsmanship, maybe even magical. Farewell to you all, I hope you find what you’re looking for in those forsaken ruins. I’ve heard it’s a dangerous place, but you all seem to certainly be able to take care of yourselves.” Her usual mocking smile is back in place as she waves her fingers at your party before heading down the stairs and back out into the night.
Norebo’s Hand is a +2 Shocking Burst Longsword (+1d6 electricity damage on a hit, +1d10 ‘extra’ on a critical hit) and grants the wielder the following abilities:
~Darkvision out to 120’
~Blindsense to 60’
~Cure Moderate Wounds (2d8+3) up to 3/day on its wielder
~Detect Magic at will
Items claimed or held in the extra-dimensional castle to be sold later:
x2 Heavy Mace +1
x2 Greatsword +1
x4 Splint Mail +2
x4 Potion of Cure Serious Wounds (one claimed by each party member)
x4 Holy Symbol of Iuz
x4 Vestments
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk
----------------------------------------------
PC Health & Notes
Verdan 56/61
Nebuzaradan 50/50
Morrow 75/75
Reonnyn 61/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation)]
Reonnyn watches the bottle disappear with a wistful look, That item would have been useful in our travels!
Once the party is headed back to the Inn he nods in reply to Neb, "Agreed, we need to replenish our supplies here...plus don't forget those tomes we discovered! I believe it will take several days to peruse them..."
"Yes poor Morgrym, it was hard for me to respect his wishes for me not to raise him. I am sure he has found peace in the afterlife."
As the bottle is handed over.
"My complements for the library. It made passing of the time quite enjoyable."
On the way back to the inn. Verdan asks the group.
"Should we report in with the monks of what we have learned?"
"Does your company work for the monks? That tidbit was not shared with me when I signed on. And yes, as for that tome, I would very much like to review it in detail if we have time. I'm thinking at least a week to full study and apply its benefits." Nebuzaradan says in response to Reonnyn. "Will we have that kind of time?"
Reonnyn shakes his head at Verdan's query, "I don't think we need to inform the monks yet of the truth...at last not until we have found this Orb we are looking for! The more I think of this, I fear Captain Gallanz may be in league with the cultists...our time may be shorter than I thought!"
Sensing the power of the sword Morrow hesitantly sheaths it. He won't need the light of the other sword, and this one was much better for the fighting ahead. Maybe they'd have time to sell his extra weaponry? He waits to discuss it with the rest of the team after they were away from the guild.
Starday, 8th day of Planting, 594 C.Y.
Weather outside is warm and fair.
Current time is around 8:00 a.m.
-------------------------------------------------
The adventurers take some well-earned time off, studying the magical tomes, selling off the magical loot they gained from their brief captivity by the Iuzites, and looking into the name Zirelle. Their friend Glorb also makes some discreet inquiries to determine on their behalf amongst his contacts to figure out what fell purpose the uniforms of the guardsmen and robes of the Boccob priests might have served the cultists as well as the names they came across.
At the end of the week, they have a couple of their answers at least. Glorb brings back news that there was an attempt to desecrate Riggby’s body when an unknown villain threw an acid vial at the coffin several days ago. He also knows that Sir Bluto Sans Pite was a notorious serial killer in Greyhawk a couple decades back. His handiwork became known as the River of Blood murders, and though he was captured, he managed to escape before his trial and was believed to have fled to the Bandit Kingdoms. Nothing more was ever heard. The rest of that little mystery is solved a couple days later when a visitor arrives at the Green Dragon late on Freeday, bringing a message to the group, addressed from Lidda. Her agents, the letter states, have confirmed that Zirelle was one of the slain Iuzites, along with Vokos, Glamog, Sarunsen and Asher, who all dwelled at a home in the River Quarter owned by a man named Garvent, a teamster for the Able Carter Coaching Company.
It was this merchant group that bore the brunt of a rash of bad luck in recent weeks, victimized by raids of evil humanoids – such as those that ambushed the wagon owned by Ricard Damaris, whom the party rescued some weeks ago. She also confirms the identity of Sir Bluto Sans Pite, which matches Glorb’s recollections, and further that the box with Sir Bluto’s remains (delivered by none other than the Able Carter Coaching Company) originated in the city of Rookroost, located in the Bandit Kingdoms. And though Lidda writes that Iuz is known to have some influence on that chaotic kingdom (if one could call it such), she professes little interest and even less of an idea of how it all ties together. She does, however, pass on “all her best to the big guy with the impressive sword,” by way of closing out the missive.
It also turns out that the messenger, a rather odd female human named Aurora, professes some interest in joining the party, if they should be headed to Castle Greyhawk (as Lidda apparently told her they were.)
Magical Items claimed/sold:
Tome of Clear Thought (+1) – Read by Neb
Manual of Bodily Health (+2) – Read by Reonnyn
Scroll of Wish – Carried by Neb
Longsword +1 'Flaming' – To be sold
x2 Heavy Mace +1 - To be sold
x3 Greatsword +1 - To be sold
x4 Splint Mail +2 - To be sold
x4 Potion of Cure Serious Wounds (one claimed by each party member)
x4 Holy Symbol of Iuz - To be destroyed?
x4 Vestments - To be destroyed?
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk
----------------------------------------------
PC Health & Notes
Verdan 56/61
Nebuzaradan 50/50
Morrow 75/75
Reonnyn 61/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation)]
Morrow listens to all of the details, then shakes his head. He recognizes some of the names, but... "Politics and evil. Pretty much the same!"
Reonnyn ponders the details carefully before shrugging here, "Well it does sound like there is a puppet master behind the scenes here...probably Skull-Face is the true threat here!" Turning to the newcomer woman, he gazes at her intently, "So you wish to join our humble band of mercenaries? To plunder the untold riches under the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk?" Shrugging slightly he asks, "We could use and extra pair of arms...what are your talents? Lidda seems to think highly of you..."
"Well Aurora if you wish to travel with us would you please take my mace and give it a swing or two? I just want to see what type of person we are traveling with."
Verdan hands over his mace and watches for any reaction of the young lady.
Regarding the news of the Iuzites and their ilk, "I think it is safer to steer clear of the machinations of politics unless we have a clearer view of the players. It's probably best that we crawl down under Castle Greyhawk and do battle with demons in this instance."
"Welcome aboard young lady. It is sure not be a boring partnership. I recently joined this band and they have contrived some shenanigans to try and get me killed three times already." Nebuzaradan says.
Before you stand a human female wearing a jet black chain shirt, seemenly blending into the shadows of the torches illuminating the room. On her back is she wearing a black cloak embroidered with a weblike pattern.
She is holstering a longword and wearing a crossbow on her back.
"My name is Aurora, and my skillset is rather... unique
I have a fine grasps of finding and dissasembling traps, and a very keen skill on determing, making and repairing magic items.
I do also possess diverse ...spells which you can call them, infusions I call them, but they require a minute to deploy. If we have time before we meet some bad guys, they they be very benificial.
But I am not defensless. I have my wands, a trusty crossbow and my longsword should the need arise. And I have her...." Aurora says while pointing to the corner ceiling.
In the darkish corner you suddenly notice a small sized, black painted metallic spider, with facetted black obsidian eyes looking at you, it head titling from left to right observing the humanoids with can only be explained as curiousity. Where its mouth should be, it holds a circular saw with she demonstrates with a short buzz and you see small sparks of lightning dancing on it.
"Don't let her size fool you, she can deliver a mean punch"
While giving the mace, Aurora examines the mace [skill Artificer Knowledge: roll 10+17 = 27 ]. A she examines the mace thouroughly, her eyes light up and she seems to caress the item as her examination continues. Oh you are very pretty, aren't you. Yes ... yes. Who is that beautifull holy mace.... Yes you are....
She then snaps out of the examinations, and then reluctantly gives the mace back..
So.. I passed your test? If I wanted so, I could just have this enchantment temporary supressed. I have a friend who has some mindreading orb, should I get that one too?
Not waiting for an answer she continues speaking:
If you want to know exactly what kind of magic this mace owns, then give me some more time, and a nice pearl.
Lidda says you are to be trusted. So I say am here to help you, to fill my pockets with a same share of coins and items we find as you do.
OOC: I assume I have to make my own dice rolls?
OOC2: I assume Aurora can see the aura's of the magic item but not its magical qualities , so holy would be good guess assuming it would radiant the good aura.
Morrow is a bit surprised by Verdan's test with his mace. But, he considers that Aurora did come to them from the thieves guild. There could be an agenda....
"I'll keep my sword to myself. Lidda said it didn't sit well with her friends that tried to use it. No real idea why though...."
"Neb? Contrived shenanigans? We've all faced the risks together. It's the Old One and his minions that have been working to kill us. We're just trying to survive and block the plans of those minions."
"But Aurora, Welcome to our rag-tag team and I hope your pockets are deep. We've not always returned from the castle with great riches, but have enough times returned with valuables that were more than any of us could comfortably carry...."
"Don't forget returning here with our lives Morrow," Reonnyn chimes in here. "Actually, Aurora, there is a particular item we are looking for in which is under the Castle ruins...so we wish to locate that priceless artifact, your unique skills will prove most valuable in tracking it down! Along with striking a blow against the Old One!"
And against the Guild...should you prove to be disloyal...
I search for nothing in particular, just things that might enchance any future expedition I will undertake. Things that might make me not seen, or let me see things that are hidden. Maybe an heart of an fire elemental, or parhaps a rod that lets you teleport you do that last place you have been.
You know I always wanted a ring that could let me sink through the floor, it would have saved me on several occasions, or or yes.. a item that would let me shrink or enlarge on command. Or one of those small boxes that could play any music you ask for, good for wintery nights when I am crafting. Yes, what do I really want?
Then Aurora seemenly goes in deep pondering state of thoughts, making hand gestures to mimic her thoughts on this.
Seeing that Aurora did not recoil from holding the mace. Verdan smiles,
"Yes, I believe your soul is in the right place.
Your magic, or infusions as you call them. Do they only work for you or can others take them?"
"Bah, lighten up Morrow, shenanigans in jest. I would not still be here if I truly thought you meant to kill me or your actions were such that they nearly got me killed." Neb responds to Morrow.
"We will probably have some interesting conversations on our different magics. I have an interest in studying arts outside of my own." Nebuzaradan says to Aurora.
Morrow grins at Neb, "Figured as much, but wanted to hear it! We've got a hard row ahead but I'm sure we can prevail as a team. The enemy doesn't believe in teamwork and that's one of their greatest weaknesses!"
Starday, 8th day of Planting, 594 C.Y.
Weather outside is warm and fair.
Current time is around 10:30 a.m.
-------------------------------------------------
The adventurers size each other up a bit (especially the creepy arachnid-thing lurking in the corner) and eventually make their way out of the city, in the direction of the ruins of Castle Greyhawk. Arriving around late morning at the Tower of Magic, the party sees a few robed figures that avoid contact, hurrying away if approached. However, it is long staying prudently out of the way, until they spot a robed man striding toward them with an imperious air. His robes are a deep purple, decorated garishly with moons and stars of silver. His hair is wispy and gray, the lines of his face attesting to his age – which may be somewhere between 70 and 200 years from the looks of him. His face is pinched and his eyebrows are nearly as long as the sparse hair on his head, seeming to almost brush against the tip of his hooked nose. A belt is wrapped around his thin waist, though huge pouches and bags hang precariously from the leather strap, bulging here and there as though their contents are scarcely contained by their closed flaps. Even as he closes within a dozen yards you can all smell the acrid stench of the old man, though whether it might be his body or whatever fills those pouches he carries is hard to say.
The oldster stops about twenty feet from your group and screeches in a voice that might issue forth from the beaked mouth of a harpy. “Stand right there! Come no further! Trespassers! What business have you here at the Tower of Magic? Blessed site of Zagyg’s awesome power? I saw your motely lot in a vision, you know! Come to commit sacrilege in this most holy of places, have you?! Well, not while Grandfather Magic yet breathes, I tell you that! Prepare to meet whatever demon you call your master!” The old man rolls up his sleeves as though ready for a fight, though whether with fists or spells it’s difficult to determine…
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk
----------------------------------------------
PC Health & Notes
Verdan 56/61
Nebuzaradan 50/50
Morrow 75/75
Reonnyn 61/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation)]
Nebuzaradan, knowing he would just agitate the old man should he open his mouth, wisely stays silent but prepares to cast.
A single old geezer, confronting all of us... he must have a deathwish or has something in his sleeves. She has met over zaelous people before, finding their own truth and knowlegde the only right way. Talking with them often leads to shouting, and mostly giving a headache afterwards.
Not today, not now..
Not wanting to know if this is just an old geezer or parhaps a powerfull mage, she hopes to diffuse the situation and brings forth a wand a points at the oldster...
Reonnyn stares at the loony old man, mindful of Mordenkainen's warning here. This one appears harmless...but I would not wager on it...
Seeing their new companion about to initiate combat he hastily waves Aurora to hold here.
Calling out in a strong clear voice he says, "Ho! We have no quarrel with you good sir! We only seek passage into the Tower...and we can offer tribute for such!"
Morrow steps up with Reonnyn. "Exactly right. We were told to seek out the man known as Grandfather Magic. We don't plan to desecrate the tower, but we do need to pass. And we carry tribute to you as we were directed. Please hold your attack and speak with us."
Aurora uses her wand even as Reonnyn and Morrow speak to 'Grandfather Magic'. But the artificer curses softly as she fails to activate the wand as the old man blinks at her. "Don't go pointin' sticks at yer elders, missy! Plain rude that is! And besides, you think you can silence Grandfather Magic that easy? I'll have you know I was casting spells far more powerful when I was yer age and you weren't even a mote in your parents' eyes! By the Gods, yer parents probably weren't even born yet! And in my day wands were as rare as diamonds! No sir, we had to work harder for our spells than youth these days! Pray harder! Study harder! And for far fewer spells! None of this willy-nilly casting of spells all day long as we explored dangerous dungeons! In my day spellcasters used daggers, maces, crossbows, slings... whatever we could get our hands on when our magic ran out before lunch! Wands... scrolls... Gods, nowadays merchants sell 'em in shops! No magic shops when I was your age missy! Hmph!" The fact that the oldster seemed to know at a glance what kind of spell the wand tried (and failed) to evoke is not lost on Aurora.
The old man blinks again, then focuses on the halfling and the duskblade standing before him. "Tribute? Paaahh! Don't care who you talked to or what they told you! There's only one thing in this universe and the others beside us that I'm seeking, and I very much doubt you've got the Key of the Ruby Skull in yer pockets! Now get gone from here, or we'll see how long you can swim when I dump you all in the middle of the Nyr Dyv!"
= Failure!
Reonnyn smiles at the foolish (?) old man, "Well before you send us off on our way perhaps you should see what tribute we have to offer you..." pulling out the Obsidian key known as Zagyg's Key.
The sight of the obsidian key almost sends the old man into an apoplectic fit as his face turns red and his eyes literally bulge from their sockets, then darting forward to stand within reach of the halfling where he dances and cavorts like a man possessed! "It! It!! It's THE KEY!!! You have it!!!!"
He stops his crazed movements for a moment, and stuffing a gnarled hand into one of the pouches that hang from his belt, he withdraws a small humanoid skull that appears to be encrusted with unpolished rubies. A seam runs around the cranium of the skull, and in the very top is a slot, as though for a key. With a trembling hand, the old man reaches out for the key in Reonnyn's hand. "At last! At long, long last! The centuries-held secret of Zagyg's magic is almost in my grasp! Gimmee! Oh please, gimmeee gimmmmeeee gimmmmmmeeeeeee!!!"
Morrow does his best to not react to the strange actions of the ancient mage. Perhaps magic had driven him insane? But.... "Yes. And you will allow us access to the tower?"
Grandfather Magic waves his free hand wildly in response to Morrow's question, never taking his eyes off the key as his legs start to twitch again and soon he is dancing another jig. "Yes! Yes, of course! I'll bring the ward down immediately! All that matters is the secret! THE SECRET OF MAGIC! From Zagyg's lips to mine own ears!"
Aurora was preparing to give the old geezer a piece of her mind, what the hell does he think. I have put blood, sweat, tears and love in my wands. So yes, this one wasn't tested yet, but it tried to do it bests.
But is seems that no other action is neccesary, because the halfling succeeded with a ...key?
Reonnyn nods slowly here, "OK you may have the Key...once the wards are dispelled. Don't worry we do honor our deals!"
Starday, 8th day of Planting, 594 C.Y.
Weather outside is warm and fair.
Current time is around 10:30 a.m.
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The old man stops his hopping for a moment, then concentrates and gives a flourish of his hands. Nothing feels different, but he grabs the key from Reonnyn’s hand and squeals “Done! Apologies for my earlier presumption of your evil intent! Surely you must be the agents of Zagyg sent to liberate the Tower of Magic! Good luck! I fear it will not be easy!”
Before the adventures can question him further, Grandfather Magic is already fitting the key into the slot in the top of the ruby-encrusted skull, which dissolves into dust, releasing a very strange, multi-hued insect with delicate wings that resemble skulls! The old man claps excitedly and exclaims in a high-pitched voice. “Behold! The Butterfly of Zagyg!! Isn’t she beautiful? Come my children! She will show us the way to the One True Portal!”
The butterfly flaps around the oldsters head as he shouts, and then flutters off across the grasslands surrounding the towers. Grandfather Magic heeds no further questions as he cavorts and dances along in pursuit of the bright, flying insect and the other priests follow their master in stately silence, though at a fast pace so as to catch up. The insane spectacle is nearly a hundred yards away when suddenly, the air around the butterfly seems to tear apart, as though a monstrous claw has ripped a gaping wound in the very sky! The rift is some thirty feet wide or so, and beyond can be seen what appears to be deep space – with bright stars, strange, but beautiful streaks of lights of all the colors of the spectrum, including some that hurt the eyes because they aren’t immediately identifiable as colors at all! The butterfly flaps through the rift, followed swiftly by the cackling Grandfather Magic, and finally the priests – none of whom seem to even pause for a moment of contemplation before pursuing their master into the void.
In the next instant, the portal closes with a snap and a strange, popping noise – leaving the entire area in absolute silence. Birds and insects all seem to be holding their breath for a long span of moments before the normal sounds you would expect to hear in the outdoors begin their subtle callings again. If it weren’t for the fact that others with you had seen the exact same spectacle, you might question your sanity, as to whether it had happened at all…
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk
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PC Health & Notes
Verdan 56/61
Nebuzaradan 50/50
Morrow 75/75
Reonnyn 61/64 [DR 1 / Cold Iron; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation)]
Morrow shakes his head sadly seeing the strange, perhaps insane mage follow the butterfly to.... whatever, and the others blindly following. Did the pursuit of magic drive everyone crazy, eventually? He hoped not as he draws his new sword. "Well, I guess we can continue."