Bran gets the gist of the gesture and keeps the story of the phylactery and the Ghostlord silent. There must be more to this.
Once he sees the firm and noble stature of the halfling he gives a huge smile, "Zell! Its been ages." He looks at the others and gives a chuckle, "I am doing fine but only due to the efforts of all these fine folk here."
Throughout the meal he puzzles out what could be done about this map, "Do you know anyone else in the city who may know? The captain seems to want me to keep it quiet, and I don't want to rattle the regular folk with such cosmic matters." He eats as much as he can, the great company masking the taste, and continues, "Have you had any dealings with Immerstal the Red? How much can we trust a wizard as he with delicate information. You hear all of these stories about wizards..." He looks around embarrassed, "No, not all wizards I mean but you know."
The digging is surprisingly enjoyable for Gaius. It's been some time since he did something as simple and physical as digging a trench. The rhythm is soothing and he falls almost into a trance as he works.
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Oh i see, you are that Zelligar! Forgive me, i didn't make the connection. I'm really pleased to meet you, since i heard some good things about you! And yes, Tal'Ariels skills are quite good. It's sad though that we don't have the time to properly cook food. The threat of the Red Hand is overshadowing everything it seems, affecting all life like a plague.
Do you think there is anything i can do to help prepare Brindol in the short time remaining?
"Hamailii, I think figuring out this Ghostlord situation is your best bet. If he is allied with the Red Hand we could be in for a world of hurt if even half the writings about his power are true. But if you can break that alliance, we may have a chance."
"Yes, Bran, I've met Immerstal the Red. He's a very accomplished wizard - "
"He dresses well," interrupts Sertieren.
"Well, his arcane skills - " continues Zelligar -
"Are mostly used on his hair." The halfling wizard is perhaps a bit envious.
"Okay, it's true that Immerstal is a bit vain. And he doesn't have high regard for 'vagabond mages' - he fancies himself a scholar and a businessman. Works as a tutor to the upper crust, and also a purveyor of alchemical goods. He's... a bit competitive. And he likes gold. Still, he's not Aragathos. People don't dread having to work with him; in fact, his students quite like him. And as I said, he is very accomplished. He has even forged a magic ring."
"We'll ask around about the book. There are only a few places I might have seen it."
Sertieren and Zelligar go off to search some other libraries.
They'll meet up with you in the evening with some findings!
In the meantime, you go off and try to unload some gear.
"These are nice bows," says Larch (the Lion of Brindol who was with Captain Ulverth). "You have 14 of them? I think I can find 14 strong archers who would be better off with these. But money is tight. We have sent for mercenary reinforcements, and that took most of our coin. I could try to barter with you, but I don't imagine we have much that you might want. Immerstal probably does. I can persuade him to take a letter of credit for, I'd say, up to 2500. And the swords... well, I don't think Immerstal will take more than 2500 in credit from us. But if you make a donation of the swords, I will see what Lord Jarmaath has, or what the High Priestess has, that could be useful to you. Does that sound good?"
Immerstal the Red is found in "Red Magic and Sundries." It is a tall, thin multistory building - one of the few all-stone buildings in Brindol. The ground floor is a cluttered but well-stocked magic shop. Potions, scrolls, wands, and miscellaneous items. A beautiful Kelish woman is running the shop. Silken scarves drape over her shoulders, and bangles adorn her forearms. A handsome and well-dressed Taldan man pops his head out from a back room, looks you over only slightly disdainfully, and says, "Alandri, dear, these are the ones. Let me know if they have any special requests. I'll make it a priority. As a favor to Lord Jarmaath." He goes back into the back room.
Alandri looks you over, not as disapprovingly. She is amused by your presence. "You are to be the Heroes of Brindol? Well, what do you need?"
"I'm willing to give them away on goodwill, at least my portion. These people fighting, they have families and land and love and they need good weapons to defend it... if it comes down to that." Bran gives Larch a sincere look and starts walking off before he can answer and try to force the credit on him, "Truly, take my portion."
---
Bran gives a small laugh as he eyes the Kelish purveyor, "We are. Looks are deceiving but everyone plays the part of hero when its scale like this. Bran." He extends his arm out, looking to shake hands.
He wanders around the shop a little, before making some chit chat, "Do you fear for this war at all? Immerstal seems... unphased by it."
Larch takes the weapons with gratitude.
"Thank you, sir. You are an honorable man."
He turns to Tal'ariel. "I'm still going to tell Immerstal to extend him the credit, since Brindol's survival depends on you being successful, and if the wizard can help you at all, he should."
---
The Kelish woman looks back at Bran. "Looks can be deceiving? You have no idea." She smiles.
"I think I have a pretty good idea what I'm looking at, though."
Alandri looks Bran up and down. "A lot of scars, I think. Not all of them physical. But your heart is still good. And you're smarter than you look, aren't you? I can see the way you are looking at the wares. You have a good eye for quality."
Bran is pretty sure she is talking about the actual merchandise in the shop, but there is some playful teasing in her tone.
"So what does a warrior like you need? Armor for the mind and soul? We can do that."
"Or if you want... a necklace of the Crocodile, to toughen your skin? Or Boots of the Cat? If you plan on wrestling dragons in mid-air; your friend Zelligar told us the story over tea a couple of nights ago."
"As to Immerstal and me, we are not happy with the thought of our home being invaded, but we have time to make plans. Thanks to you. We'll do our part to defend the city, but if all is lost we do have options to make an escape. The first thing a wizard of quality learns is to make herself as difficult to kill as possible. Even those who shun the vagabond life. But that is a reason why we prefer coins and gems to trade goods or letters of credit."
He tries to understand the woman's intentions, but is clearly distracted by the situation at hand. "I say you got the most of it, I'm not much for hiding it." He gives a friendly smile, "Those boots, I tend to tumble around a lot, what can they do exactly?" He looks intrigued before continuing, , "I tend to fall, they'll make me nimble like one I hope."
"I need something to help fight off the power of dragon's breath and fear, anything that can help?"
He turns around and shows the burnt out cloak, "This has some magic on it, last I was told at least."
Tal'ariel focuses her attention on Immerstal the Vain Red. And decides she's going to completely sell out for the greater good.
"It is truly an honor to be in the presence of someone so skilled, and so magnificent, as you! As you can tell, I've been trained more with the sword than the wand. But I've learned a lot from teachers such as Sertieren and Zelligar. I know I can become even stronger as a student of a mighty and powerful wizard such as yourself. Will you teach me, please? I know your knowledge and training would be greater than any sword."
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Mh, probably you are right. I believed this to be a fairytale, but then faeries are real and there's a truth to every story. So Immerstal the red it is.
Hamailii seems thoughtfull. The thought of having to deal with undead on top of hobgoblin hordes clearly doesn't please her.
-------------------------------------------------------
Keeping a bit behind, she watches the bantering between Bran and Alandri with amusement, but steps in after Tal'ariel raises her voice.
I can testify for her talent. Sharing your knowledge and training with good Tal'ariel here would go a long way to help protect this human settlement and your interests.
She then raises her voice just loud enough to be heard in the back.
Perhaps you could let your ...asociate?... know that there are other things we wish to discuss with him. In private.
She gives Alandri a friendly and innocent smile.
Alandri responds to Bran first. "Boots of the Cat will help you always land on your feet. And the fall will be less painful than otherwise. We have such a pair."
The boots have thick platform soles and are a striking dark blue.
"We can also improve the magic on that cloak, I think... given about three days."
Tal'ariel goes over to the door to the back room and Immerstal opens it. He listens for a minute, then erupts in disbelief.
"Zelligar? He's a cleric! No wonder your skills are in need of a proper tutor! And Sertieren, he's fine enough for a little village like Drellin's Ferry, and he tries hard, but just doesn't have the natural talent.
Hmmm.
You would learn a lot more if you would settle down with some of the classic texts for a decade or so. Nex, of course, and then maybe some of the Thassilonian works. Sorshen, for example. You're an elf, you have the time! Instead of gallavanting about with that sword.
Still, I know you are in a hurry. There are pressing matters to attend to. I will give you what help I can."
Alandri looks Hamailii up and down. "Very well. Why don't you take this space - more room to talk. I'll go out for a walk."
She leaves the building, seemingly not bothered in the least.
Immerstal comes out from the back room, looking a bit confused and slightly impatient.
"What was that about? Do you need something besides merchandise?"
As Alandri leaves Gaius, still in his dirt stained tunic, peels off from the wall and falls into step with the man.
"Hey, do you and the wizard in there do armor enchantments? My breastplate has been taking a beating recently and I was hoping to have the enchantments reinforced, before I need to pay for it to be done on my ribs instead!"
"Then let it be so. I'd rather fall on my feet than on my back, its certainly happened before." He takes the cloak off and hands it over, "Three days it is then, I hope I never have to see its magic in action but that's being hopeful."
Bran chuckles a little at the magic-talk then interrupts, "Yes. We have some important information that we need, and you seem the right type of person to have delved into lore like this." He thinks of how to put it, but just runs with it, "We need information about the Ghostlord of Rhest, more importantly, where we can find him and anything else about his... disposition."
He holds back further information, hoping he doesn't have to reveal more about the accursed task.
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Hamailii keeps her elven calm towards Alandri, but seems relieved when Immerstal actually comes out.
Thank you for having time for us. Indeed we might need something beyond merchandise. As you know, a dire situation is unfolding upon the land since some time now. We have reason to believe it might become even darker and strife the realm of legends. Perhaps you knowledge can help us clear it up a bit. Do you know anything about a man called the ghostlord, who is rumored to have been an evil druid in his life and seemingly gave himself to undeath?
She speaks at the same time as Bran, then looks at him and holds her words, biting on her lip at the fauxpax.
Immerstal looks troubled. He sits down.
"The Ghostlord? Yes, I believe he existed. Does he still exist, or did the dark powers just give him enough time after his demise to wreak revenge on the city of Rhest? I don't know. There are legends, of course, but they are exaggerated by storytellers. Hard to know what is true. More than one traveler in the Thornwaste has claimed to see ghostly lions. But that is the power of suggestion and legend."
"If the Ghostlord still exists, he is a lich or a ghost. But either way, a creature of enormous power. As to his location, Lady Verrasa Kaal once told me that she had a map showing the location of the great stone lion that is the Ghostlord's lair. Probably a fanciful fabrication but you could check with her."
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Mh interesting and perturbing at the same time. There seems to be something true about that legend and we have to investigate the lead. We can't risk having any threat on that front. A lich or ghost set free upon us would be a very unpleasant surprise. I trust you will keep this to yourself? You are a serious wizard, aren't you?
Hamailii looks deeply into Immerstals eyes, trying to let him find some peace there, the depths of Desna's wisdom shimmering through. Or so she hopes...
This Lady Verrasa Kaal, where would we find her? I remember hearing something about a map before.
Realizing she was getting trained causes a genuine smile to break out. "Thank you, thank you, Immerstal! I want to sit down and do a proper study, I really do! It's a chance I never really had. I'll learn what I can now, but I would love to come back and spend my years in proper study."
It suddenly occurs to her that this crisis was opening up a world of wizardly training that had been missing from her entire life. She had now met on a whirlwind tour some of the greatest wizards (and clerics) of the Veil. Though she wasn't particularly religious, she felt compelled to offer a silent thanks to the gods for favoring her in her travels outside of Kyonin.
Immerstal gives a surprisingly sincere smile in response to Tal'ariel's words. There is nothing tawdry or arrogant, just a man who has worked hard and is thankful that his expertise is valued. "Yes, let us do that when this all done. I can tell you have talent."
Then he catches Tal'ariel eyeing a seemingly nondescript shawl. On closer look, it is such a dark violet that it seems to absorb the light.
"That? Oh yes. If you have to take the fight to these wretched goblins, it could be wise to rely on stealth. I think I got it right; it's a design from Nidal that I had read about. Made partially from shadowstuff, in fact. Do let me know how it works out for you.
I will be happy to take some time for lessons later. Now, with time of the essence, I can give you some scrolls of those that are maybe just beyond the edge of your ability. What would be useful? Clairvoyance? Tongues? Er, probably not Conjure Carriage. It's a very nice carriage, though. Something more martial, like Haste? Oh, Fireball, that's always a favorite. What? You can't do Evocation at all? Oh my. Invisibility Sphere? What? No Illusion? What kind of education did they give you?"
Immerstal rants for a bit about this oversight. "I understand that Lightning Bolt is not useful in civilized society, but Light and Spark? And Disguise Self?
Okay... Uh... Let's see. Blink. That's a good one. Keen Edge, for your sword?"
He also gives you directions to Lady Verrasa Kaal's manor. "But be wary; she always has an angle and is going to try to turn this situation to her advantage."
Alandri knocks on the door and returns to work the counter at the shop. You place your orders and head back to the Academy to check in with Zelligar and Sertieren.
----
"We found it!" shouts Sertieren as you enter the library.
"A bookseller in Brindol Market had no idea what he had," adds Zelligar.
They unfolded a faded and stained map.
"The notation is that this is a copy of a copy of the one in The Account of Bavick Whiteriver. See the lion symbol with the bones under it? That's the great stone lion that is the lair of the Ghostlord. You can see it's near the east end of the Thornwaste. Flying on giant owls, you should be able to see it without much trouble - assuming that it exists."
----
It will be three days to get your orders made. There are a few other casters in town who can help Immerstal with the work. Assuming you wish to stay in Brindol, the days pass uneventfully. A few more refugees show up, the Lions of Brindol ask you for more information on the Red Hand's equipment and tactics, the people of the town treat you well, and the owls are happy in the grove. You visit them a few times a day and keep in practice with flying.
"I knew Nethys would provide you with the insight you needed. You've yet to let us down old friend." Bran eyes the map warily, almost looking like the parchment itself is trapped. "So can we make it with the owls? They won't be driven off by some magical evil force?" He doesn't know what else to ask as it isn't his area of expertise, but has heard stories of overwhelming evil forces driving away animals.
"I'll help them with the fortifications until we're ready to go. We fly as early as we can."
Tal'ariel finds herself drawn to the shawl, intrigued by how the item itself seemed capable of hiding in the shadows. She puts it on, then steps into a shadow. "How do I look?" she says, feigning some modeling poses. She's thrilled to learn she doesn't look like much at all in the darkness created by its magics.
After playing around a bit, she brings the shawl back around her neck, and starts looking through the magics. "I definitely want to learn magic to fight dragons!" she says excitedly. "And I guess hordes of goblins, too." She picks out a few, putting aside the Evocation and Illusion spells, though she's a little embarrassed when she's chided for not having any such knowledge at all. "I though everyone specializes in schools of magic. I always liked things that are tangible and real, not illusory or ephemeral. My father was someone who made things to last through the ages. I guess some of that rubbed off on me!"
She ends up selecting quite a few spells. And over the next three days studies them to try and learn their magics.
* * *
Tal'ariel confesses some doubts about exactly what they were about to do.
"So, all we need to do is fly to some ancient hidden layer and deliver a lich's own phylactyry to him, while pleading for him to leave us alone and not kill us. You know, if the owls want to turn back, maybe we should just listen to them."
"More along the lines of fly to a hidden lair, tell the lich that we have his phylactery and then bargain with him for its return. To which end I'd suggest at least one of us stays a long way away with the phylactery so that he can't simply kill us all for it." Gaius adds lightly.
Bran gives off a laugh, hiding the fear he has, "You're probably right Gauis... but if the stories are true they can probably detect the evil within it; it would just leave one of us in a deathtrap." He breathes heavily, "We've gone so far standing together, I don't think we should change our plan."
"If that's what you think is best." Gaius responds, before taking a closer look at his friend. "You aren't... afraid, are you Bran? You've wrestled dragons! I'd think an old bag of bones wouldn't put up much of a challenge!"
"I know what a dragon is. It's real, tangible. I have no idea what a dangerous undead can do to our body or soul." He gives Gauis a hand on the back, "So yes. But I do really appreciate the concern. Maybe I'm also worried that the world hinges on us speaking to an uncaring immortal."
He clenches his chain and shows a determined look.
"But we have done great work already, we can perform another impossible task yet."
Three days pass. You meet up with Mikail, who is taking part in a multi-day ritual that will (hopefully) keep the Cathedral of Iomedae warded against dragonfire.
The aasimar warpriest can spare a few minutes to talk. "Red dragons can be the most powerful of the lot. And that red dragon you saw over the army at Cinder Hill... from Shishka's notes it was bigger than either Ozzyrandion or the black dragon of Rhest. If all else fails, the Cathedral will be our last redoubt."
Shishka and her brother Dingle arrive from Terrelton. The gnomes are fumbling with a new invention, a portable catapult that flings vials of acid. Dingle has managed to convince Shishka to stick to flasks of water until they have the accuracy correct. Shishka says, "The Town Council has kept up their end of the bargain, corrupt as they may be. No bandit attacks lately, and we've gotten some reports of the Red Hand movements." She expect the Town Council and Lielle (the priestess of Abadar) to be along in about a week.
You get word a few times that Lord Kerden Jarmaath wants to meet with you, but he keeps getting called away to other business. Tal'ariel starts to get an odd feeling about the various strangers chatting you up in taverns. Most of them either really are curious locals or do a good job pretending to be, but at least a couple she thinks are trained agents trying to learn more about you. On behalf of who? Probably either Lord Jarmaath or Lady Kaal. You piece together that she is head of Brindol's largest mercantile house and keeps a sizeable force of retainers, as well as rumored connections to some subtler elements in the city.
For the most part you are busy with fortifications, training, and multiple rounds of debriefing with Captain Lars Ulverth. Tredora Goldenbrow, the aasimar high priestess of Iomedae, also is interested in your reports. "The clergy of the Inheritor are well versed in tactics," she reminds you, and listens with interest to any details you can provide of the Red Hand's tactics. "That night-time ambush was well coordinated, but it sounds like you responded with better at the roadblock."
Finally, your goods are ready.
You mount up in the morning on your eagles and take off towards the Thornwaste.
It would be a bit over two days travel to the location on the map. It's roughly 130 miles, and the owls normally fly 56 miles a day. If you pushed them, you might arrive late on the second day, and a bit tired.
But you could town-hop on your way.
Dauth is a sleepy little hamlet about 40 miles south-southwest of Brindol. The area in between is largely farmland. This is the breadbasket of the Elsir Vale. Dauth itself is noted on Wyrmlord Koth's invasion map as a place to take prisoners, and halflings in particular. That does ring a bell. Before you departed, Captain Ulverth had noted that you could stay at the Tired Giant, an inn and taphouse run by a halfling named Galadan Ryethresher. However, the owls do draw attention and need a place. The burned-out shell of Dauth Keep provides a secure spot to stay for the night.
You do the usual warning, the locals ask their questions and start talking about evacuating, and they leave you alone in the ruined Keep.
The next day you set off again. There is once more an extensive swath of farmland, although more pasture mixed in now. You see the Wyvernwatch Mountains rising ahead of you. Eventually the ground starts rising to foothills.
The Hammerfist Holds are a collection of dwarf clanholds about 60 miles southwest of Dauth. All together they constitute a large town (about 3,000 dwarves and a smattering of others). If the map is accurate, it is about 40 miles from the northernmost of the Holds to the Ghostlord's lair. There are several surface buildings, including a watchtower manned by a human - a ranger by the look of him. It's dusk when you arrive. He doesn't seem alarmed by the owls, but waves for you to land.
"Name's Sandro. Yes, we've heard about the Red Hand. We are making preparations. We don't think the hobgoblins will attack us here, but we have stepped up watches and militia drills just in case. This valley is pretty secure, if you wish to rest here tonight."
It's a bit cooler in these foothills than in the lower parts of the Vale, but still a pleasant summer night. You will be fine camping under the stars. Sandro casts a spell that Tal'ariel recognizes as Speak with Animals and begins talking to the owls.
In the morning, Thaardin Ironhand, the High Priest of Torag, joins you for breakfast. "Anything you need from us, we will do our best to help." He doesn't know anything about the Ghostlord if you ask him.
You set off again in the morning, flying mostly over the foothills. The change to the Thornwaste is dramatic. Broken hills, briar-choked ravines, and thistle-clogged fissures. It would have been very difficult getting through this land on foot. The thorns and brambles seem to be everywhere... until they aren't.
Within the Thornwaste is a place even more forsaken, a barren wasteland with no plant life at all. It appears to be a rough circle about four miles across, as you can see from the air.
And near the center of this dead land is your destination.
Rising from a low mesa is an intimidating sight. A massive lion of stone crouches, as if ready to pounce on a nearby hill. The cyclopean monolith is composed of a dull tawny stone. It looks to be about two hundred forty feet in length, and the top of its maned head rises over eighty feet from the ground. There seems to be some sort of hollow between the lion's front paws, in the area bordered by its chest. Likewise, hints of a dark cave are apparent in its gaping maw.
Tal'ariel spies their obvious destination in the Thornwaste. "Well, so much for struggling to find this place. Do you think it's the Lich's foul magics at work. It seems no life can take hold."
"Probably!" Gaius calls from his owl. "Shall I go down there first? I don't mind being the sacrificial goblin!"
Bran sees the area from the skies and wonders, What kind of evil are we allying ourselves with to do what we must? He pats the back of the owl for some small comfort then steels his will. "Seems like this place is drenched with evil, I can't feel it but well..." He waves a hand at the ground below, "If you feel confident Gauis I won't stop you, though who knows what disease and poison lies in wait."
Letting out a sigh then taking a deep breath he looks down at the noble animal, "You don't want to land here do you? I can jump down if it makes you feel better about it my friend."
Following Bran's lead, Tal'ariel speaks to her owl Blackthorn in Sylvan.
"We will go on ahead. If we do not return, flee to your homes so they shall know of our fate."
She steadies herself and casts a spell to keep an eye on nearby magics.
The owls drop you off some distance from the great stone lion. They will circle back periodically to see if you wish to be retrieved.
How far away do you wish to be?
And do you wish to cast any other spells at this time?
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Hamailii casts detect magic on the area as well.
It is indeed surprisingly obvious. Perhaps the area has been cursed.
She looks confused at Gaius though...
Do you sacrifice goblins? That seems... evil. Even though they are annoying and pitiful creatures.
Probably near the edge of the wasteland is best, somewhere with possible cover.
Tal'ariel suppresses a chuckle at Hamailii's lack of understanding, but doesn't try to correct her.
"I like the idea of sending someone ahead, but not to get sacrificed."
Tal'ariel casts Message on everyone, and then begins to whisper. Her words are audible to the rest of the party. "I can scout ahead to see if there's trouble. You guys stay back, but not too far back. If there's trouble we can handle, I'll ask for your help. And if there's trouble we can't, I'll let you know that too."
"I'm not sure," says Trellara, "but I think this might be the work of... a blighter. A fallen druid who turned his back on life and growth to embrace death and decay. It would fit with the stories."
She gives a shiver and begins quietly singing a mournful tune.
From the distance you are, there are no magical auras to be found, other than a general aura of necromantic magic suffusing the land. There is really no cover to be found that you could see through - no living or even recently-dead vegetation for miles around the stone lion. At best, you can crouch behind a rock outcrop while Tal'ariel scouts.
Tal'ariel gets a closer look at what seems to be the entrance.
Flanked by massive stone paws to the north and south, this hollow is hidden in the shadow of its great stone head above. A worn stone path leads between the great paws to a low stone ramp, which climbs up to an impressive archway in the lion's chest. Two basalt statues of skeletal lions stand facing each other on either side of that arch, as if passing judgment on those who travel between them.
"Doesn't look like we'll find much cover here. You think you can scout it out with some magic?"
Tal'ariel looks about for anything of interest.
Unless she sees anything that catches her eye, she reports back. "Not much hiding to be done past this point. Join me around this bend and we can just approach the entrance together. I'll scout ahead again once we pass this massive entrance."
Gaius follows Tal closer to the lion, making surprisingly little noise in his armour.
Tal'ariel's exceptional eyes pick out a strange set of tracks. Mostly a long but broad slithering trail in the dust, with occasional clawed footprints to either side of it. Something big.
Drawing on her vast knowledge, she concludes that the tracks belong to a Behir, a multi-legged reptilian predator with a lightning breath weapon. Not quite a dragon, but dragon-like.
The tracks seem to lead away from the stone lion.
"It pains me Hamailii but a single blight is better than what would happen should Tiamat come up from Hell. Should we need to end this thing though, I will stand by you."
"Oh boy, there's tracks for a large, multi-legged, dragon-like reptile called a Behir. Shoots lightning from its mouth. Probably wants to eat us for lunch. The good news is that the tracks lead away from the stone lion, and not deeper inside. But let's be careful when we exit."
With that report, and feeling that the area was "safe," Tal'ariel advances further ahead. And searches for magic.
Tal'ariel moves up to look towards the cave in the center of the lion's chest. She detects no magic auras.
Moving a bit further, she peers inside.
This large chamber with rough-hewn walls has a domed ceiling rising fifteen feet overhead. To the north is heaped a large mound of crushed nettles and briars, arranged in some sort of nest, while to the south lies a massive mound of bones. The area smells strangely musty and acrid.
With no enemy present (the tracks leading away are about an hour old), the rest of the party joins Tal'ariel in the cave. After a bit of searching, a secret door is found in the east.
Tal'ariel searches for magic again, just in case. She'll attempt to identify anything she sees.
She'll also check for traps.
Quite sure there are no traps, she will attempt to open the secret door.
Bran stands next to Tal'ariel and gives a nod before she opens the door, his gauntlet raised.
Tal'ariel finds no traps on the door, and detects no magical auras. The door opens to reveal a corridor, about 10' wide and curving upwards with a gentle slope.
Because the text says it is 10' wide, you can have two tokens side by side even though they don't quite fit on the map. But I will need tokens in the corridor... Who goes first?
Gaius steps up next to Tal'ariel before looking back at Bran. "I'm quieter than you my friend, better that I lead." He says.
Flame, now a good four feet in size, nudges Bran as if to say 'Don't worry, you can come with me!'
Tal'ariel nods to Gaius, and begins to ascend the curving slope.
"Ok. I'll watch our flank in case those footsteps storm back on us."
Gaius follows a pace behind, not as stealthy as the elf, but by no means loud.
A ghostly lion leaps out of the wall and attacks Tal'ariel!
Her magic ring almost deflects the spectral claw, but it gets through.
Tal'ariel feels unnatural cold as the ghost's touch wracks her body.
Round 1
Tal'ariel
Hamailii
Trellara
Ghost
Gaius
Bran