The Emerald Spire

Game Master Stormstrider

"If Gansu wants to comb through for tidbits about this ancient hag, fine by me, but I think the whole lot needs to go to the Lady of the Fort. She and hers can decide what best to do with the evidence and the criminals." Aldhranhald says, handing the books over to Gansu to separate out whatever he wishes. "Best be quick about it," Aldhranhald points to the pinnacle of the town's parapets appearing over the horizon, "we're almost there."

Gansu (with Boudacia’s help, if she will) goes through the detailed papers and pulls out the details on the witch. A quick glance indicates that they were not actually blackmailing the witch, but they were trying to profit from some crazy idea she had about the Emerald Spire.

He stows the papers and says, “ I am ready. Let us proceed.”

Boudacia does indeed help, carefully checking that the details on the witch are pulled out and that what remains does not show signs of having been tampered with. Boudacia also reads what information there is on this witch and what her "crazy" idea about the emerald spire is. In reply to Aldhranhald, Boudacia says "Patience my friend. We are quite done, all in good time as you see. "

There is a lot to the crazy idea, but the basics are that Agatha has divined that a village in Minkai has not been destroyed, but instead transported to somewhere she calls the “Jade Mirror”. She thinks the “Jade” tower is the key to activating a portal to this village, but she is not sure how. The bandit leader thinks that the green glass piece of the Spire she has found my be the key to the witch’s obsession, but was unsure what she could extort for this item and information...

I do feel a need to point out that, there are the blackmail documents themselves, and as a separate item, there is the book that had a lock on it, which is "The Reader's Digest - Condensed Version" of the documents. So the now un-locked book would have a 'mention' of the witch, and you have no way of removing that, without removing pages from the book which would make it obvious that something is missing. You do not HAVE to turn in the condensed version book if you don't want, after all that was just the bandit leader's own private notes. I hope that's clear.

Sounds like a good plan. Turn in the detailed notes except about the witch, keep the condensed version.

"I dunno about the rest of you but I'm looking forward to some food that's both warm and fresh," says Sama. "Everything else is second fiddle to that."

Upon arrival at the gates with the all the prisoners in tow, the guards ask you to halt and explain. As you tell them these are all bandits you captured, you notice more Hellknights coming out the door of the tower and lining up one right behind each of the prisoners. The sergeant then asks if you have your warrant giving you the authority to stop bandits. Upon presenting your warrant, the sergeant & guards look a bit puzzled. The sergeant asks, "Why did you go to all the trouble of bringing them back alive? Having the warrant gives you the authority to execute bandits on the spot. That is exactly what is going to happen here anyways." And suddenly you realize, he meant it, literally, as each Hellknight immediately executes the bandit in front of them. The sergeant says, "We appreciate you stopping these bandits, but next time just save everyone the time and trouble and go ahead and execute them please. I will give you a writ for the value of these nice crossbows and we will incorporate them into our arsenal. ... Oh, now I see why you kept these prisoners alive. You used them as 'pack-mules'! Ha! Very smart of you!" He then proceeds to do exactly that, and gives you a writ usable anywhere in town for the value of the masterwork crossbows sold at half price as per usual.

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When the group goes to Lord Royst's mansion to present the map drawings, he has his servant deliver 1,000 Gp per map. (I believe it was only one new level to be delivered now correct? So 1 map = 1,000 Gp. If I'm wrong then correct it to what it should be please.)

”Excuse me sergeant, we have evidence of further crimes and blackmail material we found in the office of the lead bandit. Would that be of interest to you as well?”

Uriel Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

We hand over the detailed papers (not the summary packet) to the sergeant or otherwise follow his directions.

The sergeant replies to Uriel, "Certainly. I'll take those and make sure it gets into the right hands."

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As the group spends some days in town recovering and refreshing themselves and re-supplying, one day while the group is all having lunch together, enjoying some hot, fresh, real-food, and fresh drinks of their choice, a group of Hellknights from the order of the Pike comes striding in. There is an actual captain leading them, and four more knights come in behind him. Through the open door you see a literal wall of Hellknights forming up outside, so thick that you can see nothing but Hellknights in the street. The captain looks around the room and upon spotting your group he and his 4 men walk over to you. The captain speaks up, "Pardon my interruption, are you the group of adventurers being referred to as the 'Splinter-killers'? Consisting of the following persons; Aldhranhald, Boudacia, Gansu, Sama & Uriel? Yes, from your descriptions I can see it clearly is the group I'm looking for. Don't worry, you're not in trouble. We heard about you bringing in a fairly large group of bandits ALIVE into town and our commander has decided to assign one of our knights here, Chalkou," as he indicates the knight standing to his right, "to join your group until further notice simply to make sure that things are being done properly. In case it was not clear, this is NOT up for discussion."

Chalkou, feel free to give a description of yourself.

"Yes, that is us. I am Boudacia, and we are pleased and honoured sir."replies Boudacia, while thinking Oh Crap! A Hellknight watching over us at all times, this is not good.

Gansu had already discussed the witch’s notes during some quiet moments before the Hellknights showed up. Between them, and with consultation of Sama and Aldhranhald, they determine that the village Agatha referred to is Gansu’s hometown! Boudacia has pieced together the necessary ritual to activate the Spire’s power to open a portal to the stranded village.

Gansu must take the Spire fragment to the original location of the villiage on the material plane, then crush the shard as part of the ritual. Stepping through the portal that appears will take him to his village in the “Jade mirror” plane. There is also the chance of reopening the portal from the other side to return to the material plane, but it is by no means certain and requires somehow reconstituting the Spire shard from its dust to complete the ritual from the other side.

After the Hellknight joins the group, Gansu seems to come to a decision. Knowing it may be a one-way trip, Gansu thanks everyone and bids the group a somber farewell, then he leaves to attempt to reclaim his honor.

Umm, ... ok. Technically pieces of the Spire can't be easily crushed to dust just to be clear for future reference, but since this is just 'fluff' that has no actual effect on the game I have no issue with it. Just want to keep it clear that the Spire (nor pieces thereof) can NOT be just casually crushed, broken, ground-up, or anything like that.

Perhaps Gansu misunderstood that part of the ritual, or perhaps the intent to crush the shard is the important thing...we may never know...

... A Hellknight watching over us at all times, this is not good.

Party conflict? No, I would NEVER! Or would I? ;-) :-D

And my apologies to Chalkou if this gives you a difficult time at all getting included into the group. By no means are you required to stick to this, or make it difficult for the group or anything like that. I just thought it seemed to be an 'interesting' way to add you to the group.

Aldhranhald stands, then bows low at the waist, and finally offers his hand to the lavishly decked out Hellknight that has been assigned to the troupe for oversight. "It is our great pleasure to make your acquaintance, Chalkou was it? Your companionship and instruction are most welcome among us. Please, have a seat and enjoy a drink and supper. We'd be happy to regale you with stories of our adventures in the Spire thus far." After offering the greeting, Aldhranhald sits back down in his chair, raises a sturdy stone tankard and toasts. "To heroic friends who've died too soon. To Brother Guinness! May his soul rest in peace, and may he drink Cayden Cailean under the table."

Sama is partway through tearing into a piece of bread when the introduction is made. She pauses mid-bite, tosses the bread down on her plate, and her mouth turns downward into an unhappy frown. Her hair lazily whips back and forth like the tail of an angry cat.

"What 'things' will be overseen for 'properness'?" she asks innocently.

Aldhranhald sits back down in his chair, raises a sturdy stone tankard and toasts. "To heroic friends who've died too soon. To Brother Guinness! May his soul rest in peace, and may he drink Cayden Cailean under the table."

;o)

... and may he drink Cayden Cailean under the table."

Me - Jaw hanging slack leaving my mouth wide open ... (Call me impressed with such an idea!)

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"What 'things' will be overseen for 'properness'?"

EDIT: Sorry, if you read the previous post with the 'political intrigue' - I got caught up in the idea but got my Hellknight orders mixed up! I'll have to re-post from home when I can get my correct 'orders'. Please ignore if you red the previous!

When introduced, Chalkou nods impassively at his new companions, but says nothing. Later, when alone with the others, he answers questions when asked, but says little else.

To Sama:
"My Order exists to exterminate monsters which would jeopardize the safety of innocents. The Lady Commander has assigned me to your force to ensure that no such beasts escape the Spire to terrorize the lands beyond. Ridding this area of dangerous bandits who might menace travelers is a secondary concern, but one still not to be taken lightly." His voice is somewhat flat, as though he were reciting orders given to him rather than explaining in his own words.

Adding to party treasure the 1000 gp for the map and subtracting the sell price of the masterwork shortsword I mistakenly included in our "sell" pile, each person gets an additional 169 gp. That should finish it unless we get some kind of reward for turning in the blackmail material.

Uriel will nod back at our new arrival, pleased by his words about protecting the innocent from marauding monsters. He will interject in Aldhranhald’s stories when important tactical information arises, at least as he sees it—somewhat simplistic given his limited intelligence, but effective nonetheless.

What can he intuit about this new arrival? Why is he really here?

Uriel Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

"What 'things' will be overseen for 'properness'?" she asks innocently.

The captain leans in. "As Chalkou says, certainly his purpose is to kill monsters & make sure they are killed 'properly' if necessary. But we also heard that you turned in certain 'blackmail' materials to the sergeant of the guard? Regrettably the sergeant on duty was from the order of the Gate, not one of ours, and those supposed 'blackmail' documents never were turned in to the proper authorities. So we want one of our men along so that we have confirmation of such things from now on. ... You won't be seeing that sergeant again."

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As far as anyone can tell, the intent/purpose of the new knight Chalkou seem very straight-forward, almost ... fanatical? ;-)

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Feel free to make purchases & etc as you are able & wanting. Let me know what they are asap please. I'm going ahead and moving the game forward in my next post momentarily.

The group finally heads back to the Spire the next morning. As you walk along, different people explain to Chalkou that there is a 'perimeter' of sorts around the Spire out to about 500 yards where portals seem to appear completely randomly and they go to other horrific planes where NO ONE wants to go to, so when they arrive at the tower, they rush through this area as quickly as possible just hoping for the best.

You arrive at the Spire and start making your way down through the top 3 levels you have already cleared. You do find some wolves had started to occupy the top area, but you easily either run them off or kill them.

From the 3rd level you start down a staircase. It descends more than 300 feet before you start to notice an acrid, nauseating reek fills the air at the bottom of the stairs — a musky, reptilian stench.

The Battle Grid link has been updated and should now take you to the map for the 4th level. Not that there is much to see as of yet!

The group is thinking, What shall we do? Do we continue on or wait to see if the stink goes away? when you realize you are starting to have trouble breathing.

Fortitude saves for everyone please! Include any anti-poison bonus please.

Uriel has made the purchases he wants to for now. He does seem to be rather confused by the whole ‘Hellknight Orders’ thing, though—he has a feeling that each different order might have a different opinion of what the ‘proper authorities’ are...

”Welcome aboard, Chalkou. I am Uriel, Paladin of Iomedae. Let us leave for the Spire when you are ready.”

Uriel Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Uriel will start detecting evil (60' cone, angled basically straight into the room).

Fortitude Save, Boudacia: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Chalkou nods knowingly as the others talk of planes and portals. ”Yes. I have heard the Order of the Gate’s signifiers talk about these portals. They are quite interested in studying them more closely. I believe that that is most of the reason the Gate keeps a detachment here.”

Fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Something stinks. Chalkou thinks, glancing about for the source of the noxious odor.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Can I tell it's a troglodyte (yes, being a long time player I know it's a troglodyte just based off of your description and my knowledge of their stench ability) just based off of the stench? Aldy does have quite an extensive monster knowledge... Just in case I can, I'm going to roll a knowledge check. Cool?

Knowledge: Local with Monster Lore: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 3 = 27

Just waiting on Sama's Fort save.

Anyone want to join Uriel on the Battle Grid?

Anyone want to join Uriel on the Battle Grid?

To be clear, if you refer back to my post you will see that no one has actually arrived at the bottom of the stairs yet.

Sama's fort save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

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Everyone manages to shake off the effects of the horrible smell.

Aldhranhald confirms this is definitely a smell that Troglodytes tend to emit, but it is not necessarily a 'hostile' maneuver, it is just the way they smell. Aldy also recalls that Troglodytes have exceptional darkvision (90 ft) and they tend to be VERY Religious in whatever religious belief they get caught up into.

As you get closer to the bottom of the stairwell, you see there is a soft glowing greenish light and you hear sounds of shuffling feet. It is hard to be certain, but you believe it is only 1 pair of feet. but there is something not quite right about it? Ah! Yes! Trogs have tails! ;-P

If the group wishes, you may now advance to the bottom of the stairs and place your icons either on the stairs, and 1 character out in front of the stairs (For lack of space).

Sama whispers, "Light?"

Uriel has low light vision, but not darkvision. He needs light if it is completely dark. That being said, it appears that there is sufficient light ahead for him to see. Does that answer Sama’s question?

Boudacia casts Mage Armour and then shifts to Bestial Form, granting herself a +1 to Natural Armour.

Chalkou takes a half-step back from the witch when she transforms, then visibly relaxes. Many have done the same when I remove my helm. I will be better.

Uriel has low light vision, but not darkvision. He needs light if it is completely dark. That being said, it appears that there is sufficient light ahead for him to see. Does that answer Sama’s question?

I may be wrong of course, but I got the impression that Sama was being 'surprised' that there is 'light?' at the bottom of the stairwell.

Still waiting for everybody to position themselves on the Battle Grid. Chalkou, you will see an icon for your character at the top left in the 'box of mini's' section. Black border seemed appropriate to me for a Hellknight, but feel free to change it, just so long as it is not the color of another player please. And THANK YOU for filling out all the detail on your tag line AND EVERYTHING on the skills doc! Great job!

Boudacia, you are welcome to perch on Uriel's shoulder if you want, or take up your own square if you like. If someone needs to be at the bottom of the stairs, Uriel can move a step forward.

Boudacia hasn't transformed into a bat. She has used the Shape Change racial ability to transform into a human form with some bestial features. And I misread the ability, I can also gain a +2 to a physical attribute, which will be +2 dex. As the transformation is a standard action, this will take 2 rounds to do this and cast the spell. Sorry for not being clear.

My question is more whether Uriel wants me to cast light for those who can't see in complete darkness.

Yes please for light when it is completely dark. Feel free to put it on his blade--he is of the "Order of the Sunrise Sword", after all.

"Tread carefully. Troglodytes are not always hostile. They are intelligent enough to be reasoned with, but they also tend toward religious zealotry. Sometimes the objects of their 'religion' are nothing more than ancient bones they consider sacred relics. By which I mean, be careful what you bump into." Aldhranhald says, gripping his quarterstaff good and tight. He then casts Light on Uriel's sword, and says, "It's a good chance that light alone will make them aware of our presence, if they are not already aware. Troglodytes have exceptional darkvision."

On whom are we waiting?

The stairs descend to a small chamber of smooth, hewn stone lit by a dim greenish light from two strange, torch-like devices on the walls. A metal door with a simple latch mechanism glows with a dim green light in the middle of the north wall. The walls and ceiling are decorated with drawings and writings in bright colors. The depictions are abstract but somehow alien and disturbing.

Those who can read Draconic realize it is a primitive form of it, and it basically keeps referring and / or repeating the word 'godhome' over and over.

What most draws everyone's attention though, is the Troglodyte standing across the room from you. It holds an empty hand out, palm up, as it says in common, "We welcome you to god-home. You wish to make sacrifice now, or visit? Take holy grub maybe?" as it looks at you expectantly.

I have played this level before, but Uriel is probably the right spokesperson. How would you guys like me to approach this creature?

Well Troglodytes are CE so not to be trusted. I suggest saying we come to visit and in peace. But be v cautious.

Well Troglodytes are CE so not to be trusted. I suggest saying we come to visit and in peace. But be v cautious.

Uriel was detecting evil as we came down the stairs. Did he get a ping from this creature?

Looking a bit nonplussed, Uriel speaks carefully, ”We were unaware of a god in residence. We have, however, seen worshippers of the masked god in the level above, but they did much evil in his name. Tell us of your god.”

Uriel will further react once the status of his detect evil is known, but for now we go with Diplomacy.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

When the creature speaks, Chalkou grips the haft of his spear more tightly, but remains silent. He nods cautiously when Uriel speaks.

Boudacia wrote:

Well Troglodytes are CE so not to be trusted. I suggest saying we come to visit and in peace. But be v cautious.

Uriel was detecting evil as we came down the stairs. Did he get a ping from this creature?

If it's not a cleric, demon, or undead, it might not detect at all if it's low-level.

Sama waits to see how this plays out, though given Uriel's approach she seems ready for things to go really poorly.