The Forgotten God (Table 1) (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

As the creature's head bounces away - how had it reattached before? - you have another moment of respite from the violence. It does, however, take Orithos a good three rounds to settle down from the fear and have the opportunity to do anything with the body - such as grabbing the keys or that cloak.

Regaining his composure, Orithos went over to the body, tore off his shirt, and gathered the keys, cloak, and scimitar in a bundle. Dumping them over by the chest, he then began breaking the throne into manageable pieces with the scimitar, and dumped them on the trog's body. Lastly, he pulled the massive rug over the body, and snapped his fingers.

Orithos cast Spark.

A spark lit up the already disintegrating fabric, and eventually, the flames grew to envelope the wood. Snapping his fingers additional times applied the flame vigorously the other portions of the rug, further achieving a blaze.

Orithos waited for the fire to engulf everything, and waited a few more moments to make sure that the body would catch flame as well. If portions of it remained, he would gather more material from the room, and continue with the burning.

After that was finished, Orithos began his work upon the sword and cloak

Orithos cast Detect Magic and Guidance on each item.

Spellcraft (Scimitar): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Spellcraft (Cloak): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Hadran will tiredly stand and stab into the heart every few moments until Orithos regains his composure and is set to burn the body.

I thought the effect ended if the caster was dead just like any other spells with durations do, but I am not sure, but it doesn't really matter now either :)

It takes some time, but the flames eventually begin burning through all that's there... and by the time you're done, only ashes and rubble are remaining in the pile.

The scimitar doesn't seem to have any magical properties - it's simply very well-made, probably by a talented craftsman somewhere. The cloak, on the other hand, is definitely magical... but your examination is insufficient to identify the properties of the item. You'll need to try again tomorrow - or ask someone else to try examining it.

After the body is burned and the items are collected Hadran will approach Orithos.

That one was close my friend. So not able to identify the cloak. Let me give it a shot. Maybe you can offer some insight since you already examined it.

Hadran will speak some arcane words until his eyes light up with the different shades of magic.

Now lets see

SpellCraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 Will get +2 if Orithos can aid.

Wow this roller. I'm not sure if its Karma or what. I am in a bunch of games but it seems all the magic is happening in this one. Probably will roll a 1 on a save that matters soon :)

"Maybe I can help."

Spellcraft Assist: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Finally, the purpose of the cloak becomes clear - it's a solid, well-made cloak of resistance (+1), popular among people for its ability to help protect them from various sorts of harm. Fortunately, it doesn't seem too damaged by the battle and is in perfectly usable condition.

After resting a bit Hadran stands up and looks to Orithos.

Lets grab the Trogs from downstairs and have them show us to the captives. We can free them and head back to the village to rest. What do you think?

"Well, since that's taken care of, yeah, It'd be a good idea for us to leave. Although, I'd like the scimitar, and I suggest you take the cloak. You seem to be in the front most. In any case, let's continue."

Hadran, you can have the cloak if you want. The scimitar is really all I'll need for a bit.

Fortunately, the way downstairs seems to be clear - especially of the spiders, which seem to have crawled out of sight after being called up in that swarm earlier, and it doesn't look like you'll have any trouble heading down.

Very well Orithos. I am excited to see you in battle my friend. I'm sure you will show valor and earn glory.

Hadran takes up the cloak and throws it over his shoulders and fastens the pin to hold it in place.

Lets find and free the captives and get out of here then.

Picking up the scimitar, Orithos flew through a few maneuvers to test its weight and balance. Finding it rather exceptional, but heavy for his preference, the fiery one unstrapped the javelins on his back, wrapped the leather around his waste to make a belt, and then fit the scimitar through one of the loops.

Facing Hadran, Orithos gave a nod in agreement, and proceeded down the stairs.

As you return to the fourth floor, it seems to be... deserted. There's no sign of the Troglodytes who were here before, only the open door leading into what was apparently the big, nasty one's room. Inside his room, you can see a chest to the south and a door on the far wall. The northern door of your current room (heading to Room 8) is still shut.

Guess we should see what stinky felt was valuable enough to lock away. You have his keys right?

Hadran walks to the shut door and stands guard as Orithos checks out the chest.

Orithos pulls forth the keys and rummages through them to open the chest.

There's a satisfying click as the lock on the chest opens and the contents are revealed. Within are a suit of masterwork studded leather armor, a masterwork buckler, a masterwork rapier, a shortbow with 15 arrows, a scroll of cure moderate wounds, a scroll of invisibility, a wayfinder (standard), and a climber’s kit. This seems to have been Tulok's personal stash, though one important detail is immediately apparent: none of the items are sized for troglodytes.

Interesting find. Stuff may belong to one of the captives. Lets take it all with, but I wouldn'g get too attached. I don't want to steal from anyone.

Hadran will try the door. If it is locked he will go through all the keys we have.

There's a short scream as you open the door - but it cuts off a moment later. Inside the room, you're met almost immediately by the sight of several humans chained to the walls... including two children. They look like they've been thoroughly beaten, and all of them are on the thin side.

"You... you're not one of those monsters?" the oldest male among them croaks out. "Please, let us out of here, quickly! That big jailer has the key on him!"

Don't worry now. We are hear to help. I am Hadran. This is Oirthos. We have slain the jailer and the chief. Any remaining trogs have ran off. Are you from the village?

Hadran talks as he works to start freeing up the people.

Orithos if you could create some clean water for our friends here. I know you all are probably hungry too, the villiage is not far, lets head there. Are any of you too weak to travel?

The oldest woman quickly kneels down, wincing as she does, and starts examining the children more closely. After a few seconds, she stands up and nods. "A-as long as it isn't too far. If there is any food at all, would you please let the children have it first, my lord?" she begs. "The rest of us will manage, but they're so weak they can't even cry..." Her own safety seems to be the least of her concerns.

Standing three feet away from the doorway, Orithos replied, "If you wouldn't mind bringing the children and yourselves under the water, you can clean yourselves off rather quickly. I do apologize, though, for I do not have any food in my possession. Lastly, do you by any chance know who that equipment in the chest belongs to?"

With a short phrase, and an air-written glyph, Orithos summoned a small shower of water, and began maintaining it for however long it would take for them to clean themselves up.

The children are the first to go - though they drink before washing off as best they can, and though the women look a bit nervous, all of the prisoners eventually manage to get the worst of the dirt off. The eldest man simply glances over at the chest. "Well, they're not ours. The lizards probably grabbed them in a raid somewhere - and I wouldn't bet on their being any survivors to look for the stuff. Those monsters aren't..." he sighs and shakes his head. "You killed them? Just the two of you? How?"

Seizing the flow of rain, Orithos turned back to the civilians and stated, "A few thumps here and there was all that was needed. Here, gather around me. Any wounds you might have I can mend."

Hadran, may I have the buckler and rapier? I have no need for the shortbow and arrows. And since you have hide armor, I suppose the studded armor would go to me. Both of us can heal, but since you're in the front most often, I'd suggest you take the scroll of invisibility, and I'll take the moderate wounds one. I don't know what you'd like to do with the wayfinder, nor the climber's kit.

Oh, additionally, I don't have to use the buckler with the rapier. You can gain another ac bonus from the buckler with a -1 to strike. If you want, you can have that as well. Any thoughts?

Take it all, I will carry anything you can't. My AC will go up when we level. I'm all about Valor and Glory, So I wouldn't use the invisibility besides for maybe scouting or spying. I assume we had enough food for our journey to the city, but we never restocked. I will freely give any we may have left.

Its a couple hours journey no more. I believe it to be safe now. I will run ahead. You are in good hands here with Orithos. When you are ready head to the village. I will gather the abled body and some food and we will come to meet you.

Hadran looks to the old man

Ah stories to be shared later. Lets get you safe first my friend. Orithos if you have no objections I will run off.

There are bumps and bruises aplenty, but the children are quickly picked up, and they stagger towards the stairway heading down... which, as before, is blocked at the very bottom. It seems like the only way down will be to climb, and one of the women swallows quite audibly as she sees the state of the tower. However, they do start looking around... and eventually, the oldest man tentatively suggests tying the children to their bodies somehow and being extraordinarily careful on the way down.

As you move, though, you do pass the locked door on the third floor...

After putting on the studded leather armor, and finding a proper weapon harness for the rapier, Orithos rummaged around the room until he found a good length of cloth. Using the leather he had found for the javelins, Orithos fashioned a decent sack, used a mending spell to fix any faulty portions, and then placed the rest of the gear in it. He still needed a suitable quiver for the bow and arrows, though.

Looking back in the chest, Orithos smacked his forehead for the oversight. Strapping the quiver to his back and stringing the bow, the fiery one finally felt prepared for battle. If he had to, he could use a spell or two for healing, and actually deal damage with his rapier.

Following Hadran down the rope, Orithos spots the last door, and yells down to Hadran, "There's one more spot we missed. Now that I have a decent weapon, I should be able to take care of this one. If need be, I will haul myself back to the village, if it is too dangerous I mean. I do have a few spells for healing, though, so I should be good. What do you think?"

We shouldn't put these people at risk, lets get them safe first. We can come back.

Hadran helps the children and any other unable by strpping them to his back and making multiple trips climbing down and up, down and up.

It takes some time - and you're quite tired by the time you're done, after all the things you've done today - but eventually all of the villagers have been brought to safety. The oldest keeps glancing nervously towards the top of the tower, but seems happy to get as far away as possible, as quickly as possible. Fortunately, their homes aren't very far - after all, the farming community was built where it was for a reason.

Following behind the group to make sure the return trip wasn't interrupted, Orithos joined back up at the front with Hadran when they arrived back at the village.

Perception for any followers or oncoming danger: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Yeah with all the climbing and stuff the plan would change. We will get them all down then escort the whole group home.

Alright Orithos lets get these people home and get them some food.

As you reach the village, the people you rescued quickly disperse, heading back to their homes - and their families, with profuse expressions of gratitude as their long ordeal is finally over. However, several issues still remain - the disappearance of the remaining Troglodytes, the locked rooms within the tower, and the monstrous power that the leader of the cult conveyed. Nevertheless, it's been a lot of work for one day... and the leader of the village soon approaches you.

"Thank you." he says simply, bowing his head. "I heard about what happened, and that was very brave of both of you. You're welcome to rest in my house for as long as you need."

You've gained 500 experience for completing this quest and are now Level 2! Please post your changes for review in the discussion thread - they'll take effect the next time you rest for eight hours.

Thank you. You are a kind man. We will take you up on your hospitality and rest the night. It has been a bit of an exhausting day. Orithos I am going to get some rest my friend.

As the old man shows the two strange heros to a place they may rest Hadran staggers in seeing a simple pallet with some straw and blankets. He walks to the edge and falls into the blanket pile with a thud. He tiredly lifts his righ leg and pulls off his boot enough to kick it into the corner, before doing the same with his left leg.

Good night old man. Good night Orithos. Thank you again for yourrr..... Snoar!, Snoar!

"Get some rest, friend. You'll need it," Orithos said before chuckling to himself. It would seem his companion was more to the point than he had first let on. Such a headstrong will might prove invaluable. Then again, the sword dancer might be more flamboyant than he first let on. Only time would tell.

Turning to the elder with an exhausted sigh, Orithos replied, "There are a few things I would like to bring to your attention before I retire for the day, as well. Is there a place that we could speak privately?"

The elder nods - clearly trusting you - and leads you to a small office in the back of his house. It's clearly a well-used working room, though it doesn't have nearly as much paperwork as another location would. "How may I help?" he asks.

Taking a breath to calm himself, for the tower made him uneasy, Orithos began relaying all of the information that Hadran and he had found within the structure. "I wanted to speak with you privately because if the village heard what we had experienced, fear might have taken hold. I also wanted you to know that Hadran and I are trying our best to investigate this tower. If it becomes too much for us, we will let you know, and evacuate everyone."

The elder nods, listening carefully. "Well... if the leaders of the beasts are dead, I don't think we'll have too many problems." he says as you finish - though it's clear he's not making light of any threats. "Would you mind bringing back the head of their leader? Such things are gruesome... but this is a hard land to begin with. Seeing the proof of your victory should give these people the confidence they need."

Chuckling to himself, Orithos wearily sighed. He continued with, "Sir, I apologize, but we burned the body to ash. My friend and I are going back to the tower to investigate a door we had not approached, but I'm sure we can also check the top floor for the remains of the leader."

"Be much appreciated if you could. Sometimes, all people really need is a symbol to give them some hope." he said. "Is there anything else on your mind?" If there isn't, it seems like resting may be the best option, and a bed awaits your body.

"That is all. Thank you for your time, and I shall head out for rest."

We can assume Orithos headed off to bed. He has two spells left that can be used for cure light wounds, so anyone who has a physical injury, he would be more than willing to heal.

There don't seem to be many injuries that some good food and a few days of rest won't fix - especially for the children, who seem like they're bouncing back quite well.

The night passes by in peace, and you're woken late in the morning by the smell of fresh food coming out of the kitchen - the villagers seem like they allowed you to sleep in and get as much rest as possible, but there's no point in spending the entire day in bed. Mere minutes after you're awake, breakfast is served on the table and a middle-aged woman - probably the wife of the village's leader - puts her hands on her hips. "So, I heard you two were looking to get into the Capital?" she asked - and you note that she could be a valuable source of information about the region and what to expect there should you care to ask her anything.

Standing up immediately, Orithos brushed his clothes off and gave a liberal bow. "I apologize, my lady, that I am not clean and fully kept. I was not notified of your coming, and would have prepared myself properly if I had known. Please forgive me."

Hadran sits at the table he has his head down and food already in his mouth when the lady speaks up and Orithos stands. He looks up to the lady and then to Orithos then back to the lady. He finishes chewing as he too stands and mimics Orithos's moves.

His first words are muffled still with the chunk of bread he is trying to get down.

Yes my lady, sorry please forgive my manners. I don't have the proper teachings as my friend here. We would like to get into the capital as soon as we finish our investigation of the tower.

He smiles widely.

The woman merely smiled. "Such manners will serve you well in the Capital." she told Orithos. She tilted her head a moment later. "You're not from around here." It wasn't a question. "Well, our little village is fairly relaxed about things, but the capital is rather strict about it. Would you like some advice before you leave? It's the least I can do for you after you saved my friends."

Hadran, friend of friends, you surprise me every time.

Orithos' mind whirred in more directions than one, but soon he realized they wouldn't be able to converse all morning. Hadran and he would have to check the tower, again, as they had promised, additionally he would be tasked with making sure it was hospitable. Who knows exactly how long it had stood there?

"We would be honored, but seeing as we don't have much time, is there a book or tome you could write down any information you might have? Hadran and I still have the tower to attend to."

"Books are much too fancy for this town of ours." the woman sniffed... "But if you're really in such a rush to run, then don't let me hold you back." She didn't seem like she actually objected to the idea of ensuring the tower was totally clear of enemies that might want to harm the village.

Looking back at Hadran, Orithos said, "Why don't we inquire for information once the tower has been fully explored? That way, the village's safety can be assured, and we'll have all the time necessary for getting to know the region."

Sounds fine. i have had my fill. Thank you for the food. We will be off now. No worries this is just a clean up sweep. The bit bads have been enliminated.

He smiles again as he stands and finishes his glass of water. He then gathers his things.

Lets go Orithos.

Assuming you have nothing else to do, it's an easy journey back to the foot of the tower, which seems to largely be the way you left it... though an examination does reveal a collapsed hole on the bottom floor, going beneath the tower. The passage is no longer usable, but this may be how the Troglodytes arrived in the first place - you were a bit distracted with helping the citizens yesterday, and didn't have the chance to notice it them.

On the bright side, you don't have to fight a giant spider to get in this time.

"Well, two options. Would you rather we take a peek at the door upstairs, or climb down the hole to make sure there are no more trogs that might ambush from below?" Orithos inquires to Hadran.

The hole looks caved in now. Unless you wish to do some heavy labor? He smiles before going on. Lets climb up and check out the door. I don't expect any more trouble from those guys. I'm sure the one in charge was making them stay here and work for him. Probably broke off of their tribe. Well lets go.

Hadran starts the climb up.