GM Tealk's - Core - Thornkeep Series (Inactive)

Game Master Tealk

Sanctum of a Lost Age - Maps!


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The Exchange

Male N Medium Human Bard 8 | HP 64/64 | AC 25, T 18, FF 17 | CMB +7 CMD 25 | F +8 R +19 W +10 | Init +8 | Perc +16 SM +19 | Speed 30ft | 1st:5/5 2nd:2/4 3rd:3/3 | Bardic Performance 18/21 | Active Conditions: heroism

Will suggests,” Should we start shooting it with arrows?

The Exchange

Male Halfling Air Elemental Sorcerer 10 | HP 42/42 | AC 23 T 17 FF 20 resist electricity 10 | CMB +3 CMD 18 | F+4 R+7 W+9; +2 vs. Fear | Init+9 | Perc+3 SM+1 | Speed 20' | Elemental Ray 8/8 | Elemental Blast 1/1 | Spells 1st 8/8; 2nd 6/7; 3rd 7/7; 4th 6/6; 5th 4/4 | Extend (rod; up to 6th) 3/3 | Active conditions: none

Sure, and spell rays.

Telos sends a ray of frost at it.

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Cleric of Cayden Cailean 10 | hp 54/84 | AC 23 T 9 FF 23 | CMD 19 {21} | F +11 R +4 W +11 | Spd 20' | Init -1 | KnPla +10, KnRel +10, Perc +3 (darkvision 60'), SensM +8 | channel 2/5 | daze touch 6/6 | Str surge +5 2/6 | Might 0/9 | cmw wand 3/5 | clw wand 34/50 | prot evil wand 7/7 | enlage person, heroism, tongues both 90min

The Hell? I thought everyone was on vacation last week. I've been waiting to see a notice of a new post now forever and the I check in and find a bunch of new posts. I'm at work just now but will try to read everything new and post when I can.

Dark Archive

Module - Cradle of Night | Society - Glories of the Past | Campaign - Return of the Runelords

The group, does their opening volley on the creature!

Initiative:

Pietro: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
Roran: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Seward: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Telos: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Ooze: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (8) - 4 = 4

Take your surprise round, then first turn worth of actions.

Combat Tracker! wrote:


Round 1
@ Seward -2 lethal
@ Will (mirror image 4)
@ Pietro -3 lethal
@ Roran -14 lethal (bull strength)
@ Telos

! Deathtrap Ooze.

Everyone may act!

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Cleric of Cayden Cailean 10 | hp 54/84 | AC 23 T 9 FF 23 | CMD 19 {21} | F +11 R +4 W +11 | Spd 20' | Init -1 | KnPla +10, KnRel +10, Perc +3 (darkvision 60'), SensM +8 | channel 2/5 | daze touch 6/6 | Str surge +5 2/6 | Might 0/9 | cmw wand 3/5 | clw wand 34/50 | prot evil wand 7/7 | enlage person, heroism, tongues both 90min
GM Tealk wrote:

"This room served two purposes. The crushing mechanism in this room worked as a stamping mill for pulverizing soft stone to use in mortar, grain for menagerie feed, and bones into bone meal. The room also served as a sleeping quarters for Master - but it looks like he hasn't been here since I was put to sleep..." The helmet, seems saddened by this fact.

Scanning the room, Will cautions the rest of the group not to enter, as he points out a trap. Above the stamping mill in this room, the chain to take control of the huge stone block is unnaturally still. This might be a deathtrap ooze in the form of a falling block trap.

The worktable in this room is covered in various tools and devices that Nhur Athemon’s assistants used when they worked in the menagerie. Though most of these are worn with use and not particularly valuable, anyone searching the table finds a set of masterwork thieves’ tools, a masterwork dagger, and an ornate hourglass the size of a fist. The hourglass is filled with particles of sapphire dust instead of sand, and its golden stand is etched with Azlanti runes.

What do you do?

Let's all just walk past the table without looking. It's probably a swarm of baby mimics anyhow. ;)

"'CLAPTRAP OOZE?'" Pietro asks. "LOOKS MORE LIKE A BLOCK AND TACKKLE OOZE IF YOU ASK ME!"

To humor his allies in their delusion that the mechanical monstrosity is some sort of pudding he prays for Cayden's guidance. He casts sound burst (DC 15) over the thing.

sonic damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Suddenly there comes a cacophony of sound loud enough to even drown the boisterous cleric out.

Silver Crusade

Male LG Human Paladin of Iomedae 6 | HP 48/52 | AC 26 T 11 FF 25 | CMB +9, CMD 21 | F: +9, R: +8, W: +10 | Init: +2 | Perc: +6; SM: +11 | Speed 30ft (20 ft in armor) | Detect Evil: At Will | Smite Evil: 0/2 | Lay on Hands: 6/6 | Aura of Courage (10ft) | Active conditions:

Roran will sheath his sword and heal himself before the blob can do anything.

Move action-sheath, swift-lay on hand
LOH: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 3) = 12

The Exchange

Male N Medium Human Bard 8 | HP 64/64 | AC 25, T 18, FF 17 | CMB +7 CMD 25 | F +8 R +19 W +10 | Init +8 | Perc +16 SM +19 | Speed 30ft | 1st:5/5 2nd:2/4 3rd:3/3 | Bardic Performance 18/21 | Active Conditions: heroism

Will begins pelting it with arrows.
attack, PBS, Heroism: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 21damage,IC,PBS: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 8
Rapid Shot, PBS, Heroism: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 27damage,IC,PBS: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9
Rapid Shot, PBS, Heroism: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 18damage,IC,PBS: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11

The Exchange

Male Halfling Air Elemental Sorcerer 10 | HP 42/42 | AC 23 T 17 FF 20 resist electricity 10 | CMB +3 CMD 18 | F+4 R+7 W+9; +2 vs. Fear | Init+9 | Perc+3 SM+1 | Speed 20' | Elemental Ray 8/8 | Elemental Blast 1/1 | Spells 1st 8/8; 2nd 6/7; 3rd 7/7; 4th 6/6; 5th 4/4 | Extend (rod; up to 6th) 3/3 | Active conditions: none

Surprise round

ray of frost attack, cold damage (point blank): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 131d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Round 1

The halfling frowns at it first shots and steps back from the ooze. He cracks his knuckles, holds out his hands in front of him, and splays his fingers towards it releasing a fan of electricity.

Now, young ooze, you will die.

[5' step] S
[standard] Burning hands (electricity), DC16
Electricity damage, DC16 Reflex half: 5d4 ⇒ (1, 3, 3, 3, 3) = 13


Prototype GM Tool CR-X

Seward will take his shots.
Shoot: 1d20 + 9 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 - 4 + 2 = 181d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Shoot: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 9 - 4 = 91d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Shoot: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 4 = 61d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Dark Archive

Module - Cradle of Night | Society - Glories of the Past | Campaign - Return of the Runelords

The party unleashes a devastating assault on the defenceless creature. To be fair, you know that it is designed to lure you in and murder you, but still, at this point, defenceless.

Fort, vs SB: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Ref, vs BH: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11

Suddently, the creature shoots out a globule which oozes around towards Telos and does his best to grab hold of the small halfling.
Slam: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 322d6 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 + (3, 1) = 161d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 222d6 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) + 6 + (5, 6) = 25
Normal attack; constrict!

The creature takes a hold Telos, and injects him whole. You watch as the poor halfling gulps for breath, and loses consciousness.

Combat Tracker! wrote:


Round 2
@ Seward -2 lethal
@ Will (mirror image 4)
@ Pietro -3 lethal
@ Roran -2 lethal (bull strength)
@ Telos -31 lethal (unconscious, bleeding, prone)

! Deathtrap Ooze -56 lethal
Everyone may act!

The Concordance

NG Halfling Ranger 9 Init +5 Perception +16 AC 24 (27), t 18, ff 19 (22), hp 86/86 Fort +12, Ref +14, Will +7 +2 vs. fear,

Seward sighs and plugs the ooze full of arrows.

Rapid Shot Deadly Aim: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 161d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Rapid Shot Deadly Aim: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 241d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

The Exchange

Male N Medium Human Bard 8 | HP 64/64 | AC 25, T 18, FF 17 | CMB +7 CMD 25 | F +8 R +19 W +10 | Init +8 | Perc +16 SM +19 | Speed 30ft | 1st:5/5 2nd:2/4 3rd:3/3 | Bardic Performance 18/21 | Active Conditions: heroism

Will continues shooting arrows at it, hoping it falls before it squeezes the life out of all of them.
I'll wait to shoot for Roran and Pietro to go, hoping their movement affords Seward and I clear shots. Assuming they do move in, I'll move to the NE corner of the room and take a single shot from there so Seward's shots are sans cover. If they don't move up, I'll just shoot from where I'm at.
Atk, PBS, Heroism: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 29damage,IC,PBS: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12

If Roran doesn't move into the room:
minus 2 (or more likely 6 if cover) to the first shot and second shot
Rapid Shot, cover, PBS, Heroism: 1d20 + 6 - 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 4 + 1 + 2 = 13damage,IC,PBS: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9

Silver Crusade

Male LG Human Paladin of Iomedae 6 | HP 48/52 | AC 26 T 11 FF 25 | CMB +9, CMD 21 | F: +9, R: +8, W: +10 | Init: +2 | Perc: +6; SM: +11 | Speed 30ft (20 ft in armor) | Detect Evil: At Will | Smite Evil: 0/2 | Lay on Hands: 6/6 | Aura of Courage (10ft) | Active conditions:

Roran moves into the room, drawing his sword as he goes, and slashes down the center of the beast.

"Pietro, see to the halfling"

Power attack+bull's strength
+1 longsword: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 2 - 2 = 211d8 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 + 2 = 12

The Exchange

Male Halfling Air Elemental Sorcerer 10 | HP 42/42 | AC 23 T 17 FF 20 resist electricity 10 | CMB +3 CMD 18 | F+4 R+7 W+9; +2 vs. Fear | Init+9 | Perc+3 SM+1 | Speed 20' | Elemental Ray 8/8 | Elemental Blast 1/1 | Spells 1st 8/8; 2nd 6/7; 3rd 7/7; 4th 6/6; 5th 4/4 | Extend (rod; up to 6th) 3/3 | Active conditions: none

Down I go.... woah ooooooh!

I'm going to bleed on your insides. See if you like that!

Dark Archive

Module - Cradle of Night | Society - Glories of the Past | Campaign - Return of the Runelords

The paladin moves in, provoking as he moves past the creatures threatened area.
...slap?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 162d6 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 2) + (5, 5) + 6 = 231d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 252d6 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 4) + (1, 4) + 6 = 16

The armor on Roran proves to be too strong, as he charges in, landing a powerful blow on the creature. The rest of his team follows suit with powerful attacks of their own. The creature still stands.

...slap?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 142d6 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 3) + (3, 5) + 6 = 181d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 362d6 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 5) + (3, 6) + 6 = 23...wow okay.

Combat Tracker! wrote:


Round 3
@ Seward -2 lethal
@ Will (mirror image 4)
@ Pietro -3 lethal - MAY ACT TWICE
@ Roran -2 lethal (bull strength)
@ Telos -32 lethal (unconscious, bleeding, prone)

! Deathtrap Ooze -99 lethal

Everyone may act!

Will, I have moved you there as you requested, but also please note, the creature has reach, as you've seen it use before, would you still want to be there?

The Exchange

Male Halfling Air Elemental Sorcerer 10 | HP 42/42 | AC 23 T 17 FF 20 resist electricity 10 | CMB +3 CMD 18 | F+4 R+7 W+9; +2 vs. Fear | Init+9 | Perc+3 SM+1 | Speed 20' | Elemental Ray 8/8 | Elemental Blast 1/1 | Spells 1st 8/8; 2nd 6/7; 3rd 7/7; 4th 6/6; 5th 4/4 | Extend (rod; up to 6th) 3/3 | Active conditions: none

I missed this last round.
Stabilization (at -6), DC10: 1d20 - 6 ⇒ (14) - 6 = 8
Stabilization (at -7), DC10: 1d20 - 7 ⇒ (20) - 7 = 13

Is the helmet still with Telos? What is it doing?

Silver Crusade

Male LG Human Paladin of Iomedae 6 | HP 48/52 | AC 26 T 11 FF 25 | CMB +9, CMD 21 | F: +9, R: +8, W: +10 | Init: +2 | Perc: +6; SM: +11 | Speed 30ft (20 ft in armor) | Detect Evil: At Will | Smite Evil: 0/2 | Lay on Hands: 6/6 | Aura of Courage (10ft) | Active conditions:

Roran slashes again at the creature.

Power Attack+bull's strength
+1 long sword: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 10 - 2 + 2 = 191d8 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 + 2 = 13

The Exchange

Male N Medium Human Bard 8 | HP 64/64 | AC 25, T 18, FF 17 | CMB +7 CMD 25 | F +8 R +19 W +10 | Init +8 | Perc +16 SM +19 | Speed 30ft | 1st:5/5 2nd:2/4 3rd:3/3 | Bardic Performance 18/21 | Active Conditions: heroism

It does look like I can’t get rid of cover so after seeing it try to hit Roran on the way in I would have just taken my second shot last round instead. See spoiler above or details.

Die already!” Will exclaims before adding,” Ooze, not you Telos.

Rapid Shot, cover, PBS, Heroism: 1d20 + 6 - 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 4 + 1 + 2 = 16damage,IC,PBS: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11
Rapid Shot, cover, PBS, Heroism: 1d20 + 6 - 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 4 + 1 + 2 = 6damage,IC,PBS: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

For some reason I was thinking of the opening scene of minions where they keep getting new masters when you asked your question about helmet Telos

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Cleric of Cayden Cailean 10 | hp 54/84 | AC 23 T 9 FF 23 | CMD 19 {21} | F +11 R +4 W +11 | Spd 20' | Init -1 | KnPla +10, KnRel +10, Perc +3 (darkvision 60'), SensM +8 | channel 2/5 | daze touch 6/6 | Str surge +5 2/6 | Might 0/9 | cmw wand 3/5 | clw wand 34/50 | prot evil wand 7/7 | enlage person, heroism, tongues both 90min

Round 2

GM Tealk wrote:
Suddently, the creature shoots out a globule which oozes around towards Telos....

"OH!"

GM Tealk wrote:
The creature takes a hold Telos...

"UGH!"

GM Tealk wrote:
...and injects him whole.

"YEEUCK!"

GM Tealk wrote:
You watch as the poor halfling gulps for breath, and loses consciousness.

"Ewwww."

Pietro goes through the 4 Stages of Digestion while watching the process.

Pietro moves (20') into the room (to the space just north of Telos) immediately after Roran (hoping that the thing doesn't have Combat Reflexes; this might change Will's actions) and tends to the halfling (losing lesser restoration for cure moderate wounds).

concentration (cast defensively, DC 17): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

"DEAR GOD, THE SMELL!"

cure moderate wounds v Telos: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (8, 1) + 3 = 12

Round 3
5' step north from previous position and smack!

+1 morningstar v monster: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

The Exchange

Male Halfling Air Elemental Sorcerer 10 | HP 42/42 | AC 23 T 17 FF 20 resist electricity 10 | CMB +3 CMD 18 | F+4 R+7 W+9; +2 vs. Fear | Init+9 | Perc+3 SM+1 | Speed 20' | Elemental Ray 8/8 | Elemental Blast 1/1 | Spells 1st 8/8; 2nd 6/7; 3rd 7/7; 4th 6/6; 5th 4/4 | Extend (rod; up to 6th) 3/3 | Active conditions: none

That gets Telos back to 5hp, and consciousness.

*Cough*, *cough*, *spit*

Ugh... well that was awful.

If Telos gets an action this round...:

elemental ray attack, electricity damage (point blank): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 261d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Dark Archive

Module - Cradle of Night | Society - Glories of the Past | Campaign - Return of the Runelords

The party does some good damage to the creature. As Pietro heals Telos to put some life back into the halfling, his eyes open and he releases a powerful elemental ray targeting the ooze. The electricity sparks in between the metal cage surrounding the ooze, sparking small flames inside the creature as they pass through its body. The smell of burst dead flesh permeates through the room.

DC 17 Perception:
Hidden beneath one of the beds in this room
is a pair of boots of friendly terrain (underground).

The helmet, apologises to the party, "I am sorry...things have changed...time...has not been kind to this place..."

Party Status! wrote:


@ Seward -2 lethal
@ Will (mirror image 4)
@ Pietro -3 lethal
@ Roran -2 lethal (bull strength)
@ Telos -20 lethal

Let me where you guys go next.

Silver Crusade

Male LG Human Paladin of Iomedae 6 | HP 48/52 | AC 26 T 11 FF 25 | CMB +9, CMD 21 | F: +9, R: +8, W: +10 | Init: +2 | Perc: +6; SM: +11 | Speed 30ft (20 ft in armor) | Detect Evil: At Will | Smite Evil: 0/2 | Lay on Hands: 6/6 | Aura of Courage (10ft) | Active conditions:

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Roran spots a set of under the bed. "Anyone where this size?" he asks showing them off.

Great item for Ranger's. Not really seeing the advantage for other classes though.

Roran heads back to and than through the scorpion room.

The Exchange

Male Halfling Air Elemental Sorcerer 10 | HP 42/42 | AC 23 T 17 FF 20 resist electricity 10 | CMB +3 CMD 18 | F+4 R+7 W+9; +2 vs. Fear | Init+9 | Perc+3 SM+1 | Speed 20' | Elemental Ray 8/8 | Elemental Blast 1/1 | Spells 1st 8/8; 2nd 6/7; 3rd 7/7; 4th 6/6; 5th 4/4 | Extend (rod; up to 6th) 3/3 | Active conditions: none

Telos eyes the boots and looks over at Seward.

Ooh, I think these would be perfect for your line of work.

He then sits down to fish out his wand of cure light wounds, handing it to Pietro.

If you would do the honors... tickle me with this for a bit!

cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

3 charges

After he takes the wand back from Pietro he gets out another one and taps himself.

Wand of mage armor, duration 1 hours

Finally a third wand makes an appearance.

Does anyone need a tap of Magic Weapon?

Silver Crusade

Male LG Human Paladin of Iomedae 6 | HP 48/52 | AC 26 T 11 FF 25 | CMB +9, CMD 21 | F: +9, R: +8, W: +10 | Init: +2 | Perc: +6; SM: +11 | Speed 30ft (20 ft in armor) | Detect Evil: At Will | Smite Evil: 0/2 | Lay on Hands: 6/6 | Aura of Courage (10ft) | Active conditions:

"No, my sword has already been enchanted." He then peaks around the corner and scopes out the next few feet.

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Cleric of Cayden Cailean 10 | hp 54/84 | AC 23 T 9 FF 23 | CMD 19 {21} | F +11 R +4 W +11 | Spd 20' | Init -1 | KnPla +10, KnRel +10, Perc +3 (darkvision 60'), SensM +8 | channel 2/5 | daze touch 6/6 | Str surge +5 2/6 | Might 0/9 | cmw wand 3/5 | clw wand 34/50 | prot evil wand 7/7 | enlage person, heroism, tongues both 90min

Pietro sniff at the boots and makes a face. "YEESH! IT'S LIKE THEY WERE MADE FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. LOOK THEY'RE EVEN STICKY."

Brandishing his tankard, Pietro proclaims that "IT'S CAYDEN TI-!"

Channel positive mojo: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 5) = 8 **Sound of a record needle suddenly slipping**

But before he can continue Telos pokes him in the thigh with a decorative, wooden back scratcher. "OH VERY WELL. IF I MUST. WHAT'S THE COMMAND PHRASE? I SWEAR, ALL OF THIS ADVENTURING STUFF IS PUTTING A SERIOUS CRIMP IN MY DOWNTIME."

The Exchange

Male Halfling Air Elemental Sorcerer 10 | HP 42/42 | AC 23 T 17 FF 20 resist electricity 10 | CMB +3 CMD 18 | F+4 R+7 W+9; +2 vs. Fear | Init+9 | Perc+3 SM+1 | Speed 20' | Elemental Ray 8/8 | Elemental Blast 1/1 | Spells 1st 8/8; 2nd 6/7; 3rd 7/7; 4th 6/6; 5th 4/4 | Extend (rod; up to 6th) 3/3 | Active conditions: none

The command phrase is... "Halfling Beards".

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Cleric of Cayden Cailean 10 | hp 54/84 | AC 23 T 9 FF 23 | CMD 19 {21} | F +11 R +4 W +11 | Spd 20' | Init -1 | KnPla +10, KnRel +10, Perc +3 (darkvision 60'), SensM +8 | channel 2/5 | daze touch 6/6 | Str surge +5 2/6 | Might 0/9 | cmw wand 3/5 | clw wand 34/50 | prot evil wand 7/7 | enlage person, heroism, tongues both 90min
Telos Downshot wrote:
The command phrase is... "Halfling Beards".

"YOU MEAN LIKE LADY ILIARA? SHE'S NOT A HALFLING OF COURSE, BUT-" Pietro says in a loud whisper.

Dark Archive

Module - Cradle of Night | Society - Glories of the Past | Campaign - Return of the Runelords

You move onwards, feeling like the end of the dungeon is close. The next room contains dozens of stalactites which hang from this dark chamber’s ceiling. The champed itself has been sculpted into the semblance of countless overlapping carapaces, as if many crabs were clinging to it in a mass. Two sets of stone stairs built into the northern portion of the room descend 10 feet to the ground floor of the chamber. A set of carved stone stairs to the west leads further downward.

Otherwise, this room is unremarkable.

"Careful. The creature through the next room is a vile and despicable beast. It lies and colludes. Be careful of it's silver tongue." The helmet warns, as you pass into the next and final room.

Black chains and metal rings—eerily bedecked in animal paws, humanoid hands, and skeletal fists—hang from the archway of this chamber’s entrance. Inside, a single row of stone columns files down the center of this long, soaring chamber. A short ledge at the south end of the room leads up to a pronounced dais, which is decorated with two mighty statues carved from black stone. The statues depict a scholarly man bedecked in robes from the waist up, but with thick, writhing snakes for legs. Cobwebs hang from the ceiling and pillars like dozens of sagging tapestries.

As you step through, you feel a cold chill on the back of your neck. A rather pleasant, and rash voice ecchos through the chamber. "ເຈົ້າມີຂ້ອຍຫຼາຍເທົ່າໃດ, ເຈົ້າກໍ່ຈະເຫັນ ໜ້ອຍ ລົງເທົ່ານັ້ນ. ຂ້ອຍແມ່ນຫຍັງ …"

Ancient Osirian, or Azlanti.:
"The more you have of me, the less you see. What am I...?"

Map updated, there is a "something" on the map, but you can't see it yet.

The Exchange

Male Halfling Air Elemental Sorcerer 10 | HP 42/42 | AC 23 T 17 FF 20 resist electricity 10 | CMB +3 CMD 18 | F+4 R+7 W+9; +2 vs. Fear | Init+9 | Perc+3 SM+1 | Speed 20' | Elemental Ray 8/8 | Elemental Blast 1/1 | Spells 1st 8/8; 2nd 6/7; 3rd 7/7; 4th 6/6; 5th 4/4 | Extend (rod; up to 6th) 3/3 | Active conditions: none

Did anybody catch that? I don't recognize the language, but it seemed rather pleasant. I can't wait to meet her! Helmet, it doesn't sound vile or despicable.

The halfling takes a relaxed tone as they prepare to meet a new friend.

The Exchange

Male N Medium Human Bard 8 | HP 64/64 | AC 25, T 18, FF 17 | CMB +7 CMD 25 | F +8 R +19 W +10 | Init +8 | Perc +16 SM +19 | Speed 30ft | 1st:5/5 2nd:2/4 3rd:3/3 | Bardic Performance 18/21 | Active Conditions: heroism

Can you translate that? Will asks their helmet companion.

Silver Crusade

Male LG Human Paladin of Iomedae 6 | HP 48/52 | AC 26 T 11 FF 25 | CMB +9, CMD 21 | F: +9, R: +8, W: +10 | Init: +2 | Perc: +6; SM: +11 | Speed 30ft (20 ft in armor) | Detect Evil: At Will | Smite Evil: 0/2 | Lay on Hands: 6/6 | Aura of Courage (10ft) | Active conditions:

Roran says nothing, he looks to others for answers.

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Cleric of Cayden Cailean 10 | hp 54/84 | AC 23 T 9 FF 23 | CMD 19 {21} | F +11 R +4 W +11 | Spd 20' | Init -1 | KnPla +10, KnRel +10, Perc +3 (darkvision 60'), SensM +8 | channel 2/5 | daze touch 6/6 | Str surge +5 2/6 | Might 0/9 | cmw wand 3/5 | clw wand 34/50 | prot evil wand 7/7 | enlage person, heroism, tongues both 90min
GM Tealk wrote:

You move onwards, feeling like the end of the dungeon is close. The next room contains dozens of stalactites which hang from this dark chamber’s ceiling. The champed itself has been sculpted into the semblance of countless overlapping carapaces, as if many crabs were clinging to it in a mass. Two sets of stone stairs built into the northern portion of the room descend 10 feet to the ground floor of the chamber. A set of carved stone stairs to the west leads further downward.

Otherwise, this room is unremarkable.

"Careful. The creature through the next room is a vile and despicable beast. It lies and colludes. Be careful of it's silver tongue." The helmet warns, as you pass into the next and final room.

Pietro looks into the helmet to check and see if it has a tongue. Then he blows into the opening.

Dark Archive

Module - Cradle of Night | Society - Glories of the Past | Campaign - Return of the Runelords

The helmet responds quite quickly this time, "I believe it asking us some sort of riddle. It said - "The more you have of me, the less you see. What am I...?" It speaks the tongue of the ancient ones."

Pietro notices that the helmet has no tongue, rather is communicating with you telepathically.

The Exchange

Male Halfling Air Elemental Sorcerer 10 | HP 42/42 | AC 23 T 17 FF 20 resist electricity 10 | CMB +3 CMD 18 | F+4 R+7 W+9; +2 vs. Fear | Init+9 | Perc+3 SM+1 | Speed 20' | Elemental Ray 8/8 | Elemental Blast 1/1 | Spells 1st 8/8; 2nd 6/7; 3rd 7/7; 4th 6/6; 5th 4/4 | Extend (rod; up to 6th) 3/3 | Active conditions: none

Telos groans as if he's been asked to do a chore.

Cool. Simple bar riddles. Hey little buddy, do you know how to say "Darkness" in... whatever that language is? Could you give the answer back?

Dark Archive

Module - Cradle of Night | Society - Glories of the Past | Campaign - Return of the Runelords

I just remembered that we have Blemia with us this entire time...woops. Haha. I completely forgot about her to be honest...

Before the helmet can respond, you see the shadows move at the end of the room. Stepping out from the darkness, a large creature with a lion body and the head of a ram with sad, wise eyes. Her wings are tucked inwards and bound by a silver chain which holds them in place. She peaks in draconic, assuming a more simpler language. "You are smart, for a small one. Ah, it has been centuries since a smart one has idled be with their presence. Who are you, smart halfling and friends? Why have you come into my lair?"

Blemia, who has been following you this entire time, investigating the previous room as you cleared it to make sure everything was in fact dead, sticks her small head through the door and barks irritatingly, "You're lair! This is my lair now - you are in the presence of royalty! I am Blemia - descendant of Argrinyxia, ruler over all that shadows touch! Who are you to challenge me! RAWR!"

The sphinx laughs casually, and waits for you to respond.

FYI - they are speaking draconic.

The Exchange

Male Halfling Air Elemental Sorcerer 10 | HP 42/42 | AC 23 T 17 FF 20 resist electricity 10 | CMB +3 CMD 18 | F+4 R+7 W+9; +2 vs. Fear | Init+9 | Perc+3 SM+1 | Speed 20' | Elemental Ray 8/8 | Elemental Blast 1/1 | Spells 1st 8/8; 2nd 6/7; 3rd 7/7; 4th 6/6; 5th 4/4 | Extend (rod; up to 6th) 3/3 | Active conditions: none

It looks like only Will has Draconic, but we should still be able to communicate with Blemia in Common.

Telos looks over at Blemia, the look of apprehension growing on his face.

Blemia, it seemed like she was addressing me. What did she say, is my riddle answer right or wrong by some unforeseen technicality?

The Exchange

2 people marked this as a favorite.
Male N Medium Human Bard 8 | HP 64/64 | AC 25, T 18, FF 17 | CMB +7 CMD 25 | F +8 R +19 W +10 | Init +8 | Perc +16 SM +19 | Speed 30ft | 1st:5/5 2nd:2/4 3rd:3/3 | Bardic Performance 18/21 | Active Conditions: heroism

Will translates the Draconic conversation for his party, first into Taldane for almost everyone, then an all caps sub-dialect for Pietro.

It seemed like a good answer to me... Will wonders if it is accepted as well.

Silver Crusade

Male LG Human Paladin of Iomedae 6 | HP 48/52 | AC 26 T 11 FF 25 | CMB +9, CMD 21 | F: +9, R: +8, W: +10 | Init: +2 | Perc: +6; SM: +11 | Speed 30ft (20 ft in armor) | Detect Evil: At Will | Smite Evil: 0/2 | Lay on Hands: 6/6 | Aura of Courage (10ft) | Active conditions:

"I have never been one for riddles." Roran shrugs. "But it is an answer and I agree."

Dark Archive

Module - Cradle of Night | Society - Glories of the Past | Campaign - Return of the Runelords
Will Shenrit wrote:
Will translates the Draconic conversation for his party, first into Taldane for almost everyone, then an all caps sub-dialect for Pietro.

This made my day. :)

Dark Archive

Module - Cradle of Night | Society - Glories of the Past | Campaign - Return of the Runelords

The large sphinx notices and glares at the helmet on Telos's shoulder and backs away slightly. The creature moves around the other side of the dias, revealing her old scars and bruises, possibly from the silver chains around her body. She continues in draconic, happy with the translator in the group. She holds her gaze on Telos as she speaks, "Your answer is correct, do not worry yourselves. Now tell me, have you come to free me from this prison. I notice that you hold the Azlant's servant with you, but the wizard is no where to be seen. Are you his new disciples? Strange...could I have been asleep for so long...?"

The Concordance

NG Halfling Ranger 9 Init +5 Perception +16 AC 24 (27), t 18, ff 19 (22), hp 86/86 Fort +12, Ref +14, Will +7 +2 vs. fear,

Seward is twirling an arrow absently

Yes. Free from this prison. Not his disciples. His murderers. You may leave

Liberty's Edge

Male Human Cleric of Cayden Cailean 10 | hp 54/84 | AC 23 T 9 FF 23 | CMD 19 {21} | F +11 R +4 W +11 | Spd 20' | Init -1 | KnPla +10, KnRel +10, Perc +3 (darkvision 60'), SensM +8 | channel 2/5 | daze touch 6/6 | Str surge +5 2/6 | Might 0/9 | cmw wand 3/5 | clw wand 34/50 | prot evil wand 7/7 | enlage person, heroism, tongues both 90min
GM Tealk wrote:
Pietro notices that the helmet has no tongue, rather is communicating with you telepathically.

Pietro digs around in his ears with his calloused, sausage-like, pinkie fingers.

GM Tealk wrote:
Will Shenrit wrote:
Will translates the Draconic conversation for his party, first into Taldane for almost everyone, then an all caps sub-dialect for Pietro.
This made my day. :)

"WHAT!!"

Pietro's fingers emerge from his ears with an audible **pop!**

"WHAT WERE YOU ON ABOUT, WILL? DIDN'T YOU SEE? I HAD MY FINGERS IN MY EARS."

Seward Sodalug wrote:

Seward is twirling an arrow absently

Yes. Free from this prison. Not his disciples. His murderers. You may leave

Pietro looks suddenly concerned.

"WAIT! DID THAT MAKE ANY SENSE TO YOU?" he asks Will while pointing at Seward. "SOMEHOW MY HEARING HAS BECOME IMPAIRED. IT'S LIKE I CAN ONLY HEAR HALF OF ANY SENTENCE UTTERED BY THE HALFLING!"

"TELOS, YOU SAY SOMETHING!" implores the overwrought clergyman.

Dark Archive

Module - Cradle of Night | Society - Glories of the Past | Campaign - Return of the Runelords
Seward Sodalug wrote:
Seward is twirling an arrow absently. "Yes. Free from this prison. Not his disciples. His murderers. You may leave "

The creature looks curiously at the other halfling, "Oh? That simple then? I have not seen the sun over the Sahure Wastes in Osirion since the day the Azlant brought me here. Oh how I wish to spread my wings again." The creature tugs at her chained wings. She moves up closer towards you, but now you can see a 25ft adamantine chain securing her to the back wall. "If you have come to free me, then do so quickly, before the Azlant returns."

The Exchange

Male Halfling Air Elemental Sorcerer 10 | HP 42/42 | AC 23 T 17 FF 20 resist electricity 10 | CMB +3 CMD 18 | F+4 R+7 W+9; +2 vs. Fear | Init+9 | Perc+3 SM+1 | Speed 20' | Elemental Ray 8/8 | Elemental Blast 1/1 | Spells 1st 8/8; 2nd 6/7; 3rd 7/7; 4th 6/6; 5th 4/4 | Extend (rod; up to 6th) 3/3 | Active conditions: none

The halfling watches the sphinx intently while she talks, and Will translates.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Telos whispers to Seward.

How do we know it won't kill us after we free it?

Will, don't translate that...

The Concordance

NG Halfling Ranger 9 Init +5 Perception +16 AC 24 (27), t 18, ff 19 (22), hp 86/86 Fort +12, Ref +14, Will +7 +2 vs. fear,

If we have to kill it at least killing a creature that isnt bound by chains is good sport he whispers.

He proceeds forward and unlocks the chains

Dark Archive

Module - Cradle of Night | Society - Glories of the Past | Campaign - Return of the Runelords

As the group approaches closer to the sphinx, she bows "My name is Melabdara. Thank you, for your help."

"Unlike most other chambers in the Dark Menagerie, Nhur Athemon did not use this room to house treasured pets or create a grandiose display for his guests. Instead, he imprisoned only the currently most prized and most powerful creature in this chamber, using me to cow apprentices and business partners into submission. He claimed he would eventually free me when he found a new prize, but your words make wonder if he will ever return. I only awoke recently from the magic that preserves this place, I wonder... how long was the Menagerie in status?"

Once set to the task, freeing Melabdara is only a matter of time. As a group, you are able to eventually pull the anchors to the walls which bind the creature.

Blemia, happy that you are freeing the powerful beast to let her go, barks softly, "Good, she can go, and i can stay. I like this place, it will make for a good home."

Melabdara offers all the treasure in her possession, admitting that most of it was placed there by by Nhur Athemon to make the appropriate impression on his guests. Among the treasures offered is one piece of particular value and importance - a pendant, consisting of a leather cord attached to a clear spindle ioun stone. Melabdara explains the powers of the stone, and tells you about another connection the stone has to Nhur Athemon's dungeons. ""At the peak of Nhur Athemon’s power, three of his apprentices sought to betray their master by constructing a powerful array of ioun stones meant to project themselves into the distant future, far from their mad master’s grasp. The enraged archmage discovered their treachery too late to put an end to the plot, but early enough to bend and pervert the magic that fueled it. Instead of transporting the wizards to safety, the corrupted time vortex became a time lock, sequestering the three apprentices and their sprawling lair into a single moment of time that would itself stretch into eternity. The traitorous apprentices were forced to eke out their endless existences in these isolated halls for millennia. In the dungeon above is a hallway of lights and mist that is the entrance to their prison. This stone is one key to their prison, used by Nhur Athemon himself at times. Should you be brave enough to venuture within, you might find great knowledge and treasure in that Sanctum of a Lost Age.""

Congratulations! We have finished the Dark Menagerie! I will work on getting your chronicles uploaded for you before the end of the week, and then we can get started on the final floor. Please level yourselves up, and roll your day-job checks in the discussion thread. Any purchases you wish me to include on your chronicles, please let me know.

The Exchange

Male Halfling Air Elemental Sorcerer 10 | HP 42/42 | AC 23 T 17 FF 20 resist electricity 10 | CMB +3 CMD 18 | F+4 R+7 W+9; +2 vs. Fear | Init+9 | Perc+3 SM+1 | Speed 20' | Elemental Ray 8/8 | Elemental Blast 1/1 | Spells 1st 8/8; 2nd 6/7; 3rd 7/7; 4th 6/6; 5th 4/4 | Extend (rod; up to 6th) 3/3 | Active conditions: none

oh, wow! I really thought the sphinx was going to turn into the boss fight :)

Telos releases his tension as Will translates the story of the sphinx's imprisonment.

Millennia... and many many of them. I wonder if they are even in their right minds by now. I suppose we will find out. And you, Melabdara, what will you do with your newfound freedom? Unfinished business in Osirian or wide open possibilities?

Telos waits for Will to translate both ways and then turns to Blemia.

So.... now that you've seen your new home what do you plan to do with it? Horde treasure here? Collect prized creatures (no sphinxes, of course)? Or just sleep alot? (I suggest the last option.)

He looks down at the sentient helmet on his shoulder.

And what of you? Will you continue to venture with us, in hopes of finding your master? You know, I never asked, what should we call you?

Silver Crusade

Male LG Human Paladin of Iomedae 6 | HP 48/52 | AC 26 T 11 FF 25 | CMB +9, CMD 21 | F: +9, R: +8, W: +10 | Init: +2 | Perc: +6; SM: +11 | Speed 30ft (20 ft in armor) | Detect Evil: At Will | Smite Evil: 0/2 | Lay on Hands: 6/6 | Aura of Courage (10ft) | Active conditions:

Same. I think solving the riddle and actually being able to communicate with it saved us.

"We do seem to be making friends with an array of odd creatures along the way" Roran says sheathing his swords once more. "I'd say we head up to the surface for a night and start fresh in the morning."

Liberty's Edge

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Male Human Cleric of Cayden Cailean 10 | hp 54/84 | AC 23 T 9 FF 23 | CMD 19 {21} | F +11 R +4 W +11 | Spd 20' | Init -1 | KnPla +10, KnRel +10, Perc +3 (darkvision 60'), SensM +8 | channel 2/5 | daze touch 6/6 | Str surge +5 2/6 | Might 0/9 | cmw wand 3/5 | clw wand 34/50 | prot evil wand 7/7 | enlage person, heroism, tongues both 90min
Telos Downshot wrote:
oh, wow! I really thought the sphinx was going to turn into the boss fight :)

Well, if you want....

"I HAVE A QUESTION-."

Dark Archive

Module - Cradle of Night | Society - Glories of the Past | Campaign - Return of the Runelords
Telos Downshot wrote:


Millennia... and many many of them. I wonder if they are even in their right minds by now. I suppose we will find out. And you, Melabdara, what will you do with your newfound freedom? Unfinished business in Osirian or wide open possibilities?

The sphinx bows deeply, as she uncurls her large wings. "I will make my way south, where the great . The Mother of Monsters will likely want to hear my tale of what I have endured. She must know the threat the Azlanti race pose on this world. I will help us prepare for their next coming."

Telos Downshot wrote:


Telos waits for Will to translate both ways and then turns to Blemia. So.... now that you've seen your new home what do you plan to do with it? Horde treasure here? Collect prized creatures (no sphinxes, of course)? Or just sleep alot? (I suggest the last option.)

The dragon does a few circles around this final room, dusting some of the cobwebs away with her tail. She finally picks a spot, and lies down, closing her eyes. You watch as the room grows darker around her. "I am tired of all this exploring. The lion lady mentioned that there is another floor above this, sealed by some powerful magic. Well, as my servants, I decree that you clear my new home of any threats. Return to me once this is done, and I will reward you handsomely." She quickly falls asleep.

Telos Downshot wrote:


He looks down at the sentient helmet on his shoulder. And what of you? Will you continue to venture with us, in hopes of finding your master? You know, I never asked, what should we call you?

The helmet thinks for a moment before answering, I...can see that my master is still no where to be seen. Has he abandoned the Menagerie? Why...would he do this? I will follow you to find his apprentices to understand what has happened here...

Leaving the dungeon behind you, you return back outside to the town of Thornkeep to restock supplies, and escort a new friend to freedom.

As you watch Melabdara fly off into the evening sky, she turns her head slightly and purs warmly so only Will can understand, "You're kindness will be remembered, humans. Thank you."

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