A Keleshite woman joins the group after they exit the Venture-Captain's chambers. "Well met. My name is Kyra and I will be your healer on this journey."
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She turns to Fethril, "Besides, having an elf in your group might prove useful."
Uh-oh...
Kavor Doan thinks Fethril might not appreciate being told that he "might prove useful".Even though in context it was clear what was meant.
"Venture-Captain, while having just any elf around is definitely an asset to a mission for their impressive skill in all manner of endeavors, you are speaking to Fethril, servant of Nethys. His knowledge and magical prowess are extensive.
There is no doubt that his contributions will be valuable.
Naturally, if we are to deal with representatives of Kyonin, he would be even more critical to our success."
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The venture captain nods at Kyra as she arrives, and then replies to Kavor, "I am sure Fethril, servant of Nethys will find many ways to contribute with this extensive knowledge and magical prowess. As I am sure the rest of you will too. This is why you have been chosen, on such an important mission. Now please, make your preparations and get going." She makes herself immediately look busy, by going over some papers on her desk.
Setting off from the Venture Captain's manor and taking a moment to discuss the route with the Convoys members willing to share with you, it is not long until you have left the City of Magnimar altogether. You have been given fairly concise directions to the ancient tower and that is that way you head. A few hours of travel from the main route sees you into a vast countryside dotted with copses of trees and not much else.
In the distance you spy a lump of weathered stone, standing alone on a lonely plain in the Velashu Uplands where it protrudes from a low hill. Three closely grouped stone turrets arranged in a triangle form the bulk of the tower, though all but the ground floor seems to have collapsed since the tower's abandonment.
What at first looked like a cave reveals itself as the foundation of an ancient building. Crumbling stone walls, their blocks blanketed in moisture trails and weeds, slowly give way to the soil of the surrounding plains. The ceiling is partially open to the sky, beneath which shards of fallen stone litter compete for space with small mushrooms and other fungi that grow out of the spiderweb pattern of cracks in the floor. Against the chamber's western wall, the remains of a door made from petrified wood lies open, barely clinging to the door frame with nearly disintegrated hinges.
Merisiel looks around the area, trying to find out any information.
Footprint. I'm no tracker, but this is an elven foot...rather heavy footed for an elf, too, I might add...
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Fethril glowers as he is about to comment before Kavor raises an objection. Wonderful! My reputation is being protected from impunement by a dwarf. Never in a hundred years have I been so mortified. This day can only improve. The stoic elf continues to stew as Heidmarch blathers on. She should have more care how she speaks. Despite her idle pleasantries and opulent adornments, she is nothing more than a thick-mouthed human.
Much to the pleasure of others, Fethril speaks little more the rest of the day.
Hmm...more than likely elven. Fethril keeps his council to himself for the time being.
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Kavor Doan does not see on his own, but nods at Merisiel's words.
"Good eyes."
He turns to Fethril. "The Haste spell is useful for warriors in battle, but I would not presume upon you to expend your own arcane power for my benefit or that of James and Merisiel.
However, if the situation warrants it, I would ask that you consider casting the spell from this scroll that I purchased. Use it or not at your discretion."
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Deluge rubs his head at the naivety of all that back thumping and mutual boasting during the briefing.
Really? A few successes and they think they are heroes or something!
During the trip he has a pack goat in tow, who hauls all manner of comforts including food, lots of food, survival gear, a bedroll, 5 waterskins bulging with his favorite beverage, and more food. During the trip Deluge makes frequent stops to look for some special snack or another and to take a swig of the sour smelling concoction, which he seems to enjoy greatly.
Deluge also spots the footprints but makes no mention of it. When Kavor mentions expending arcane power, though, he does chime in.
"Well, I do have an extra barkskin spell. If you don't mind the looks it's particularly good for giving back scratches. Any takers?"
Naturally, Deluge casts one on himself first as well as a Longstrider spell and a goodberry spell which produces berries.
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Preparations complete, you move on through the single doorway and into a large chamber. Stone walls stretch between three rounded turrets to form a vaguely triangular central room. Long forgotten elven heroes bearing swords and hunting hawks stand proudly immortalized as marble statues, silently guarding the shadowed alcoves between the towers. A damp, earthy smell rises from the carpet of moss and small fungi that covers the floor. As you enter and gawk, a voice rings out from both statues in unison.
Immediately after the magic voice rings out, there is a burst of energy as a force field covers the chamber. For those of you who meddle in the magical arts you feel your inner knowledge harder to access. Simultaneously, there is a puff of sand launched from the statues, and the entire group is hit with a very potent sleeping powder.
You can hear something approaching, but due to the make-up of the ancient tower, you can’t be sure where it originates.
Well, that doesn't sound good...
Quit yawning...getting...tired....zzzz Meri says as she nods off mid-sentence
Wait...if there was an alarm, there would likely be a trap of some sort..I'll check. Meri says as she holds up her hand to stop the others from advancing. She scans the area for any thing trap related.
"Clever trap! try to keep the sands out of your eyes!" says Kyra, raising her scarf over her face.
"Kavor Doan! accept these blessings of protection from Sarenrae. They will shield you, as you shield us by courageously stepping forth in the front lines!"
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The rogue does not spot any traps, believing now that they must be magical in nature.
Kyra a begins to chant and focus on a simple spell cast countless times before, however there is an off presence in the room that makes it feel like thought is slowing and the chanting jumbles with no result. Fethril however, manages to power through the strange happenings and use the wand without a misfunction.
Bursting out of the room to the right are two man-sized plant creatures. This strange plant consists of four spidery stalks, long green tendrils, and an inverted bell-shaped cap. They call out in a strange language as they seem to sense your warm blood.
Round 2
Fethril (--)
James (Enlarged) -prone but awake
Merisiel (--)
Deluge (Barkskin)
Kavor (SoF, Barkskin)! Basidironds (red, blue)
Kyra
Everyone but Kyra may act!
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"Good gods! What are they? Don't look like any plant I'm familiar with! I don't suppose anyone can communicate with them before they go all defensive and suicidal on us? My guess is that they are protecting a lair or something."
Duluge holds his hands up in the universal sign of peace, leaving his weapon holstered.
"Nice veggie, nice veggie. I'm a nice druid and I mean you no harm."
Meri prepeares to strike if attacked
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Everyone prepares and attack for if the plants come any closer. The one at the front, lazily shambles over and comes into striking range for both James and Kavor. The two warriors step forward, and strike the creature.
The plant strikes at Fethril.
The other plant, walks into the room, and starts shaking off the pollen which is stock to it's tendrils. A thick yellow mist carpets the area inside the room. As you breath this strange substance in, you cannot help but to begin to hallucinate.
1. You’re sinking in quicksand! Fall prone and spend 1 round flailing your arms and legs as if trying to swim.
2. Attacked by a swarm of spiders! Spend a full round action to attack the floor near you with your weapon.
3. An item you hold has turned into a viper! Drop it and flee from the item at top speed for 1 round.
4. You’re suffocating! Stand in place, hold your breath, and clutch at your throat for 1 round.
5. You’ve shrunk to 1/10th your normal size! Take no actions for 1 round and monsters won’t see you.
6. You’re melting! Grasp hold of yourself in an attempt to hold yourself together, and take no actions for 1 round.
Round 3
Kyra (--)
Fethril (--)
James (Enlarged)
Merisiel (--)
Deluge (Barkskin)
Kavor (SoF, Barkskin)! Basidironds (red -35, blue)
Everyone may act!
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, +4 if resist Nature's Lure applies.
Aside from a little extra coloration on his tunic to mingle with the food stains he is constantly battling, Deluge is unaffected by the spores. It saddens him greatly to have to do this, but he steps back and conjures a blade of flame.
Kyra draws her scimitar and attacks!
Ahh! A snake! Why does it always have to snakes! Meri screams as she drops her rapier and bolts away.
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Deluge is unable to produce any magic, his power being stunted by the powers inside this room.
Merisiel and James hallucinate, while the rest of the team gets to work. Kyra slashes at the plant, while Fethril blesses the party, and Kavor manages to dispel the fog.
The creature take's an attack of opportunity on Fethril who moves back outside the room, and then strikes at Kyra. The other, advances onto Deluge and also strikes.
You quickly learn, that you have not entirely escaped the poisonous cloud. Rather, there are still lingering effects.
Round 4
Kyra -8 lethal (--)
Fethril -10 lethal (--)
James (Enlarged)
Merisiel (--)
Deluge (Barkskin)
Kavor (SoF, Barkskin)! Basidironds (red -39, blue)
Everyone may act!