GMEuan's War for the Crown (Inactive)

Game Master Euan

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Taldor Map - Oppara Map - Meratt County


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Edelmira finally switches back into her social identity after such a long period out of it. Like an old outfit, it does not seem to fit right on her, but she pushes past the feeling. She does indeed break away to go about reestablishing herself and the Night Swan in the area before returning to the matter of the Princess.

”Yes, let us speak to this executor.”


M Half Elf
Stats:
Arc30,Dun30,Eng17,Geog127,Hist30,Loc/Nat/Pla/Rel30,Nob23, Perc 27, Sense 36, Spell30,Stlh26,DisDev31,UMD31
Edelmira wrote:
"”Yes, let us speak to this executor.”

Though the Socratic Major Kort would prefer to get going to the Marches, he concedes that there might be some benefit from seeing what provisions were made in the will.

He will follow along to support the inquiry.


Female Jininese Elf Lvl 16

"That may be the better lead, let us be prepared." Elen activates her mask for the executor when she sees them.


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The executor is preparing - making sure she has the final document, confirming all the signatures, making sure an old draft isn’t in the current file, etc. So she begs off an interview until after the will is read - she will then meet with you as long as you like. She’s happy to answer questions then.

So you have lunch, and assemble for Eutropia’s ‘internment’.

As a result of the complicated political situation, and the hope of eventual resurrection, there is no procession for Eutropia. No speeches are made. No black banners fly. You are invited to attend a small ceremony in the late afternoon in the private courtyard of the Palace of Birdsong where the royal mausoleum stands. Eutropia’s ancestors lie in state there, and so shall the Princess - at least for a time.

It’s a dark day, with heavy gray clouds overhead. A constant dampening rain falls like a shroud over the courtyard. Prince Carrius stands at the entrance to the mausoleum. Behind his slight form, the body of Eutropia lies on a slab. Servants and other guests crowd around windows in the Palace.

The princess has been adorned in royal regalia. A golden silk gown enrobes her body, and an emerald-studded tiara lies on her cold brow. Carrius bows his head and speaks a brief eulogy, his voice weary with grief.

“I knew my sister for far too short a time,” Carrius says. “First, I was taken from Her. Now, She has been taken from me. We should have been there to support each other as we grew up, and worked together to lead our nation into security and prosperity. We live in a world too callous to allow a brother and sister the simple comfort of happiness in family. Now, all we survivors can do is mourn Her, and carry on.”

His voice cracks and he descends into weeping over His sister’s body. After a time, Martella indicates departure, and all but His personal guard, and the royal guard over the Princess’ body, depart for the main house.

”We’ll start the reading in the library in an hour to give the Prince time.” She leaves to attend to other tasks in the meantime, leaving you to yourselves for a bit.


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In the library, the rainstorm intensifies as the wet Prince joins you.

Rain beats on the library windows and the crackling fire in the hearth hardly seems to warm the room at all. Carrius waves away a servant and pours his own cup of tea, but lets it grow cold on the table next to him while he broods.

As the conversation winds down, Carrius seems to rouse himself. He fixes the PCs with his intense gaze and says, “A callous world didn’t take my sister away from me. People did. Do whatever it takes to find Eutropia’s killer. I beg you to stop them. Bring them to justice. Do this and you may have anything I now possess: my wealth, even this palace. Send my sister’s killers to answer before the same courts She now stands before!”

He sinks back into his chair a moment not appearing to hear your responses - if any. Eventually a servant brings an old lockbox and sets it before him. It seems to rouse him from his reverie, however briefly. “I recovered these items from the Palace of Birdsong’s vault. I trust you can put them to good use.”

He slides you the box. Though you aren’t likely to open it now (how gauche!), when you do you find significant treasures indeed.

Pearly white spindle ioun stone
Ring of spell storing
Rod of cancellation
Scroll of Mage’s Magnificent Mansion (2,275gp ea, x5)
Scroll of Mass Cure Serious Wounds (2,275gp ea, x3)

You have a short time to respond (if you wish) before the reading.


M Half Elf
Stats:
Arc30,Dun30,Eng17,Geog127,Hist30,Loc/Nat/Pla/Rel30,Nob23, Perc 27, Sense 36, Spell30,Stlh26,DisDev31,UMD31

Kort refuses to truly mourn the Princess yet, as he still feels it is within his power to bring her back.

”Of course we will find who did this, my Prince,” Kort answers Carrius, accepting the box. ”Thank you so much. I’m sure whatever is in here will help so much.”

When it is time, Kort accepts the magics, passing them out as needed.

We’re still waiting for the will to be read and to speak with the executor before heading out, right?


Male Halfling Herder/17
Prince RisenCorpse wrote:
"A callous world didn’t take my sister away from me. People did. Do whatever it takes to find Eutropia’s killer. I beg you to stop them. Bring them to justice. Do this and you may have anything I now possess: my wealth, even this palace. Send my sister’s killers to answer before the same courts She now stands before!”

Muri remains at the back of the gathering, stoically measuring the Prince, wondering if the Prince himself faced the same Courts. He still doesn't trust the Prince, for his own recent history of resurrection at the hands of the Immaculate Circle, for his clouding of the Princess's skies.

The halfling waits to learn more at the Reading of the Will, expectantly hopeful that the words of the Princess will shed some light on the grey.


Female Half-Elf aka Katherine Weaver

Kamari nods at the Prince's statements.

Justice? No there is none is this world.

"Vengeance will be brought down upon them and the barriers that bar the Princesses' return shattered."

Kamari is disappointed that as powerful as they've become they still have limitations.

"Could we at least make the horses faster?
Horseshoes/doggy booties of speed.


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horseshoes of speed are really only 3,000gp? Wow, that’s cheap for such as you. As the Princess is loved throughout the countryside, including by the nobles, who are more likely to have horseshoes of this type, you’re able to find as many as you need. You still need to pay for them of course, but they’re available.

For the fun of it, I’ll say there are even available booties of speed for Underfoot. Same price.

It’ll shorten a three to four day trip to two days - though you’ll arrive very late.

Princess Eutropia’s legal advisor, a plump, elderly woman with an enormous pompadour, invites you all to sit. Carrius sits next to Martella. In a precise voice, the legal advisor reads out a seemingly endless number of dry legal paragraphs detailing all the assets under Eutropia’s control. Most goes to Carrius, with various bequests for Martella, Ferna, and other beloved servants and friends. There is nothing unusual in the distribution as far as you can see. No one receives much, in the grand scheme of things, other than Carrius of course.

Finally, the legal advisor reads an addendum added at the end. “To those heroes who have recently entered my life, and done so much for the country I love, I can think of no suitable bequest. Their deeds go far beyond monetary compensation. I ask instead that they receive the silver chain kept in the wooden box in my dressing-table - a gift from my mother that always helped me feel close to her. I beseech them to keep it always near, as a reminder of our bond of friendship and trust.”

With a look to you, Carrius retires as soon as the will-reading is complete. Ferna retrieves the necklace and offers it to you. Martella smiles at seeing the simple chain and its teardrop pendant. “She got that back in charm school. She used to wear it all the time.”

Martella leaves you to question the executor. It’s late, nearly supper, and you have an early start tomorrow. But the woman sits, ready to answer any questions you may have about the various tenets in the will.


M Half Elf
Stats:
Arc30,Dun30,Eng17,Geog127,Hist30,Loc/Nat/Pla/Rel30,Nob23, Perc 27, Sense 36, Spell30,Stlh26,DisDev31,UMD31

Kort will help track down the fancy horse shoes. He has little gold to spare at the moment, but could sell an item or two for the needed items.

And Kort listens with rapt attention at the reading of the will. He nods as most of it goes to Carrius, as it should and lets others don the special teardrop charm.

"It's late. And we have a lot of riding to do. Let's get to bed, as we need to leave at first light," Kort says, stretching out his legs and knees and making for bed.


Edelmira graciously accepts the necklace and makes no fuss over it beyond what is required by politeness and ceremony.

When the rest of her comrades are alone, she produces it. ”We know for a fact that the Princess was aware of her upcoming murder. And it would have been obvious that we would be called upon to investigate it. Do you think there could a clue contained in this necklace? Or perhaps the necklace itself is a clue?”

She will take 20 on perception for 31 to look it over


Female Jininese Elf Lvl 16

Elen ponders, not surprised that the Princess left Carrius most everything -- being that the two siblings had just beem reunited and all...

But who is really behind the Cult of the Twilight Child?

Martella wrote:
Martella smiles at seeing the simple chain and its teardrop pendant. “She got that back in charm school. She used to wear it all the time.”

Charm school? Wasn't there supposed to be a mantle?

"Clue in the necklace? Maybe. I don't suppose it can turn into a cloak somehow..."


Female Jininese Elf Lvl 16

"Well, I mean I guess we have the mantle. Maybe it transcends death? We can try it. And Edelmira, you have a good point. Maybe the Royal Princess was somehow manipulated by some charms or magic in the necklace."


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Let me know if you all buy horseshoes of speed. If one of you doesn’t, it won’t work terribly well. :) If there are no objections, I can just put a 3,000gp each pull on the treasure sheet for the next divvy. Simpler math.

Edelmira carefully examines the necklace. Other than being very fine indeed, it is not terribly unusual a piece. Not dissimilar from other jewelry the Princess has worn. Well, perhaps a bit more precious, but in the neighborhood.

You do still have the mantle, duly blessed by Taldaris. You don't think it will work until Princess Eutropia is alive. But at that point, Taldaris said the mantle would indicate her as the rightful ruler of Taldor - thanks to your impassioned defense of her.

If you try the mantle on the Princess:
Nothing happens at this time. The mantle won't empower a dead emperor of Taldor.
- - -

Perhaps following Elen’s question - I imagine someone is going to detect magic at some point. The necklace doesn’t ping as magical, though it is certainly considered masterwork. It's a very fine piece of jewelry.

Does anyone wear it? If not, who is carrying it?

Don’t forget, you can question the executor of the will now if you wish.


Female Half-Elf aka Katherine Weaver

Kamari is all for using party funds to buy the horseshoes of speed. Not sure if it really makes a difference but is definitely in character.

Kamari won't wear the necklace but would be honored to carry it. No objections if anyone wants to put it on. Avoiding the meta-gaming again. She wouldn't wear it as jewelry, but she would likely try it on in her desperation to see if anything works to reach the Princess.

"Where was this 'charm school' located?" Kamari inquires. "Who gave it to her or where did she buy it."


Female Jininese Elf Lvl 16

Yes to horseshoes of speed!

Also, is it just a charm on a chain? If so, what is the charm?

”Would it be safest on/with me, or Edelmira with all of her glorious armor? How about you speedy Kamari? Does anyone want to carry or wear the necklace? If not, I’ll take it.”

Elen thinks.

”So, what sort of questions can we think of for the executor? Does anyone have any? Maybe – ‘To whom did she bequeath her estate before it was revealed that her brother Carius lives?', or 'Was anyone cut out?’ Yes, let’s at least ask them that and anything else of which you might think. Then, we can make preparations for travel to Hayden Marches.”


”Executor, we appreciate your hard and precise work. We are charged with investigating the circumstances of the Princess’s passing, and I was hoping we could ask you a few questions. Did the Princess make any alterations to her will recently? Or were there any other out-of-the-ordinary behaviors?”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (3) + 27 = 30


M Half Elf
Stats:
Arc30,Dun30,Eng17,Geog127,Hist30,Loc/Nat/Pla/Rel30,Nob23, Perc 27, Sense 36, Spell30,Stlh26,DisDev31,UMD31

Kort waits for the final questions to be asked and answered.

He will help purchase the fancy horseshoes, and will not be donning the fancy necklace.


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Kamari wrote:
"Where was this 'charm school' located?" Kamari inquires. "Who gave it to her or where did she buy it."

"Oh? Oppara. Her mother gave it to her." Martella informs the group.

I have Elen wearing the necklace for now. It is on a simple mithral chain and is predominately a very pretty piece of amber with a flower within it. At least that's the story - it's kind of hard to tell what is inside exactly. But it is very beautiful.

Mallë-o i Otos Elen wrote:
”So, what sort of questions can we think of for the executor? Does anyone have any? Maybe – ‘To whom did she bequeath her estate before it was revealed that her brother Carius lives?', or 'Was anyone cut out?’”

The plump elderly executor sits calmly awaiting your questions after the reading. Everyone has left but yourselves.

”She did change Her bequests when Her brother was returned to us. Prior to that it was a series of gifts to various institutions throughout Taldor, many in Oppara. Those were all changed to Carrius when He returned - as I suggested to Her. Oh there was some vague language in the event She married and had a child, but as that hasn’t happened yet, none of those riders are in force.”

”Those who were cut out though likely never knew they were in. A will is a very private document.”

Edelmira Karthis wrote:
”Executor, we appreciate your hard and precise work. We are charged with investigating the circumstances of the Princess’s passing, and I was hoping we could ask you a few questions. Did the Princess make any alterations to her will recently? Or were there any other out-of-the-ordinary behaviors?”

The executor nods, ”It was strange, adding a bequest so suddenly, and a day before She died. But of course you are beyond reproach, and were in Axis besides, so you are unlikely to have done the assassination.” …though it’s clear she investigated you a bit.

”Yes, the only alteration She made was the addition of the necklace to you. And strange it was, for She summoned me from Lotheedar quite insistently. It was of paramount importance she make the change that day. I can confirm she was in her right mind of course, but she was a bit flustered.”


Female Jininese Elf Lvl 16

Elen holds up the chain with the charm around her neck to showcase the charm. "This then, we shall keep safe." She drops it into the neckline of her dress and hides it from view for now.

"So, maybe she changed the will just after she received the letter... Just out of curiosity, if she wasn't wearing the pendant when she was killed, where was it being kept?"


M Half Elf
Stats:
Arc30,Dun30,Eng17,Geog127,Hist30,Loc/Nat/Pla/Rel30,Nob23, Perc 27, Sense 36, Spell30,Stlh26,DisDev31,UMD31
Mallë-o i Otos Elen wrote:
"So, maybe she changed the will just after she received the letter... Just out of curiosity, if she wasn't wearing the pendant when she was killed, where was it being kept?"

Kort’s eyes widen at this line inquiry, thinking it a good one.


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Mallë-o i Otos Elen wrote:
"So, maybe she changed the will just after she received the letter... Just out of curiosity, if she wasn't wearing the pendant when she was killed, where was it being kept?"

The executor doesn’t know, but you re-question the maid, Ferna, and she’ll tell you it was in a box on her dressing table where she was killed. That itself was slightly unusual as the Princess usually kept it in her jewel case, not in a separate box.


Male Halfling Herder/17

Underfoot performs her signature transformation, becoming something of a lounge chair for the halfling to ensconce himself while the proceedings and legalities are unfolding.

So much so, Muri accidentally nods off.

Only when Edelmira's voice sounds the room does Muri stir. He leans forward, and does his best to hear the exchanges with the executor. The circumstances of the Princess's rewrite, and their new possession of the Princess's necklace doesn't confuse the halfling.

...

When Betony is alone, and readying for the Marches, Muri asks about their new possession. "So, what can we cast on the pendant to find out more? You know, like we did with the holy symbol? Is there a magical message tucked in it? Do we bring the necklace somewhere to open something?" Muri's not able to outside-the-box things, but he does try and use what's been used recently to paint a picture in his head.

What he sees is the ghost of the Princess clinging desperately to this world through a piece of jewelry they now own, based on a recently edited will.

Blood on the Pendant? Blood Biography
Princess's previous possession- Discern Location
Anything Legend Lore would provide?

"Do we wait and try to speak with Princess Eutropia again? I know it failed before, but it sounded like we could try again after we waited a week."

Do we have access to the spell Speak with Soul? (Planar Adventures)


M Half Elf
Stats:
Arc30,Dun30,Eng17,Geog127,Hist30,Loc/Nat/Pla/Rel30,Nob23, Perc 27, Sense 36, Spell30,Stlh26,DisDev31,UMD31
Muri Daybreaker wrote:
"So, what can we cast on the pendant to find out more? You know, like we did with the holy symbol? Is there a magical message tucked in it? Do we bring the necklace somewhere to open something?"

Kort nods, understanding.

"While I think we've established that her soul is no longer hers to command, to willfully return to this realm, I do believe I can learn a lot more about the pendant with magics that I have already established. Given an hour or more, and also with the right incenses and ivories, I 'should' be able to identify the providence of the teardrop. It will be expensive, and also take time, but might be worth it," Kort explains, talking about the already cast previously Legend Lore.

"Shall I, Muri?" Kort asks, readying orders to make preparations to learn more about the necklace.

If Muri wishes, Kort will Legend the freakin' sh*t out Lore out of the necklace...and share the results. -450 gp in ingredients.


Male Halfling Herder/17

"We spare no expense, right?" Muri sounds confident, understanding that they still learn something when they fail.


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Female Jininese Elf Lvl 16
Kort wrote:
"While I think we've established that her soul is no longer hers to command..."

"I think her soul could be in this pendant. Is that possible? Is it what you are thinking? So let's try it. 450, 451 -- whatever if takes."


Female Half-Elf aka Katherine Weaver

Kamari wants to scream at the Princess for being as cryptic as the gods.

Would it really have been too much trouble to leave us a letter if you knew you were going to die?

Kamari is happy to spend whatever to try to establish contact with the Princess.

With the necklace being their only lead until they leave for the Marshes, she holds the necklace up to candlelight, sunlight, moonlight. She tugs and pulls at it gently. She examines all the individual pieces. She thinks about putting it in her mouth but decides against that.

Defeated, she slumps into any available chair as her tummy rumbles.

Rapier Koriana:

"Your stomach will shut up if you put food in it.
...
"How about you shut up unless you have any answers."


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I’ll allow speak with soul, but it’s an easy allowance as you don’t have access to this high level spell. :) Also, I think Legend Lore is only 250gp in ingredients. 200gp worth is a focus and not consumed each time.

Major Kort legend lore’s the necklace as you delay supper further to Kamari’s chagrin.

You learn much about the Princess, but most of it you already knew. Still there are a few pivotal points in her life that are drawn in sharp relief - and it speaks of a life of service and kindness. As well as the pursuit of power - though not ruthlessly.

You also learn a bit about her mother, who originally obtained or crafted the necklace - a powerful woman in her own right. The wife of an obsessed ruler, she nevertheless had her own agendas and provided for her people in ways her husband did not. You can see where the Princess gets her kindness. Certainly not from her father.

Unfortunately, other than seeing clearly that the mother and daughter both wore the necklace most of the time, you don’t learn anything new to the purpose. The necklace, in all the legends, is just that. It never flares with magic or power. It appears always as just a necklace. A powerful totem perhaps, but only due to the attention paid to it by the owners - legends in their own right.


Edelmira massages her temples. ”That she did not leave a note suggesting her purpose in leaving the pendant for us suggests she was not able to. Perhaps she was being watched and did not want to draw too interested of a gaze on it.”

She stares at the pendant, wishing she could just peer through it and divine its purpose through sheer force of will. She tumbles over the words that accompanied it in her head. A thought arrives and her eyes grow large. ”What if we are thinking about this all wrong.” She recites a line of the executor’s statement from memory:

”A gift from my mother that always helped me feel close to her. I beseech them to keep it always near, as a reminder of our bond of friendship and trust.”

She holds up a hand. ”The pendant always helped her feel close to her mother. And now she is giving it to us. Which rhetorically implies she wants us to feel close to her mother. What if the pendant itself is not important, but is just meant to point us in a direction of inquiry?”


M Half Elf
Stats:
Arc30,Dun30,Eng17,Geog127,Hist30,Loc/Nat/Pla/Rel30,Nob23, Perc 27, Sense 36, Spell30,Stlh26,DisDev31,UMD31

Kort reveals what he learns from his spell, taking a moment to reflect on it.

”It doesn’t seem like much help, to be honest. But, it’s a truth that was revealed,” he opines, and then listens to Edelmira. He shakes his head.

”It’s too bad that we did not know the Princess better. We might be better able to divine the clue. But I’m not seeing where it might point.” He considers it more, however, as something might occur to him.

1d20 + 29 + 2 + 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 29 + 2 + (1) + 3 = 43 Sense Motive (the meaning behind leaving the necklace)


Edelmira sighs at the Major’s reticence. ”We know that the Immaculate Circle is a secret society that goes back quite a ways in Taldan history. Maybe the killer is a member who has some connection to her mother, such as a relative? Resentful distant relatives often resort to drastic measures to bring themselves closer to power. Or perhaps whatever or whoever killed her mother is also responsible for her death?”


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Princess Eutropia’s mother’s tomb is in Oppara. Little is known of her locally, though Martella does remember her death many years ago not too long after charm school. As she recalls, it was disease - something she carried for some time and was apparently irreversible even with the usual spells and magics. It happens, though rarely for those with the wealth to see things done. Martella doesn’t recall anything particularly unusual about the death. Other than the long illness of course.

Bereft of useful leads, you get some sleep and rise early on your fast steeds…

You ride hard for two days, and reach the region late in the day of Lamashan 12, a Fireday. The leaves are starting to turn as winter approaches, making the trip most beautiful - though your minds tends to remain fixed on the Princess.

The town of Hyden was once a prosperous mining and farming community in the foothills of the World’s Edge Mountains, in the Porthmos Prefecture. The Lotheeds have ruled the Hyden Marches - the surrounding foothills and lakes - since the family earned their noble title for cunning and magical mastery during the Fifth Army of Exploration.

Most assume that, like countless similar towns across Taldor, Hyden simply ran afoul of the nation’s dwindling fortunes, and its people moved on as the soil was depleted and the mines played out. However, as you close with great speed, you can see the soil is quite fertile - black and rich with nutrients. Further the roads are intentionally blocked to the town, with only a few side trails still available to you to gain entrance to the region.

Hyden’s urban core was a bustling population center at one time, handling administration for the entire county and supporting a thriving population of jewelers, metalworkers, and even a national mint. Today, most of the buildings are vacant and crumbling, but signs of passage - from carriages and horses, primarily - are abundant even to the untrained eye. Someone has been coming to Hyden recently, and by the dozens.

Let me know if you make any preparations prior to entering the town proper.


Female Jininese Elf Lvl 16

Just the usual Mage Armor.

"Let's let the horses rest for a bit while we observe it -- then cautiously head into town."


M Half Elf
Stats:
Arc30,Dun30,Eng17,Geog127,Hist30,Loc/Nat/Pla/Rel30,Nob23, Perc 27, Sense 36, Spell30,Stlh26,DisDev31,UMD31

Kort rides as long as his knees will allow, grateful for every second that the fancy shoes save.

Kort will cast his usual magical protections before entering town.

"We can also circle around it, but I'd hate to waste the time. Besides, there still might be an inn...maybe..." Kort says, taking his time to prepare.

Kort's usual protections: Ext See Invisibility (320 min), extended Heroism on himself and Kamari (320 min), Ext Magic Circle Against Evil 10' (320 min). Daybreak Arrows (150 min), Resist Fire 30.


Female Half-Elf aka Katherine Weaver

Kamari holds off on any of her spells as they only last a minute or five.

"This place isn't suspicious at all."

She walks slowly with the party, looking for any signs of life, traps, etc.
Take 10 perception of 27.


Male Halfling Herder/17

Underfoot slows herself, even more than a regular trot, now that the Booties have reset her expectations for what land speed is. She decides to wing it, instead. Black and white whip about the malinois's sides, and Muri and Underfoot ascend swiftly, to give Hyden a bird's eye view. They attain an altitude sufficient to frustrate projectiles, even if only a little.

If they spy anything moving about the blocked streets, they return to the land-locked group, and report.


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Muri takes flight, riding on Underfoot. He inspects, as best he can from his height, the town.

Even squinting into the late afternoon sun, he'll note that many buildings are, well, decrepit. But a few, particularly clustered around a large central imposing structure, are solid. They look almost maintained, from the point of view of the roof.

The central building sports four crumbling stone columns flanking bricked-over front doors. There's something carved into the stone lintel above the doors, but you don't get close enough to see what (not with your perception - unless you want to land in front). The cupola roof shows obvious scratches and gouges where the former gilding was scraped away by looters, but otherwise seems sound.

You don't see any movement, and if anyone noticed your shadow over the town, they do not do so in the light.

Muri returns to the group unscathed.


M Half Elf
Stats:
Arc30,Dun30,Eng17,Geog127,Hist30,Loc/Nat/Pla/Rel30,Nob23, Perc 27, Sense 36, Spell30,Stlh26,DisDev31,UMD31

Kort follows the party in, keeping his eyes open, provided Muri's scouting report does not offer any threats or ambushes.

"Well, if it seems clear, let's move in."

1d20 + 23 + 2 + 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 23 + 2 + (6) + 3 = 46 Perception


Female Jininese Elf Lvl 16

"What do you think, Underfoot? Surely your ears are more keen than ours. Do you hear anything?" she follows Major Kort and the others.


The Night Swan is wary and intrigued. Somebody has been using this town for something, she is sure of that, but to what purpose remains to be seen.

Since only *most* of the buildings seem vacant, does there appear to be some kind of tavern where people gather? If so, I say we check there. Otherwise, let’s go for the central building with the pillars


Female Celestial Dog

"No life. There should be. When it's this quiet, the prey is hiding, and the wolves are watching."


Female Half-Elf aka Katherine Weaver

If they reach the tavern or central building without being molested, then Kamari will cast shield from a wand on herself before entering the building.


Roll20 Map - Tracking Sheet

Muri didn’t see anything like a tavern in his areal sweep. Or at least not a functional one.

It’s quiet as you enter the town - passing by abandoned and gutted homes and shops. Some still look reasonably solid as I mentioned earlier, while others are clearly collapsing. As you work your way into town, suddenly a creature appears next to 1d4 ⇒ 3 … Kamari! (I'm assuming Muri is flying)

Terrible jaws ringed with clawed arms open atop this towering mass of flesh. A probing tongue flops from another orifice. It’s tongue lashes out and tries to grab at poor Kamari - pulling her in!
tongue on Kamari: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (17) + 26 = 43 damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 5) + 9 = 15 grab: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (9) + 28 = 37

(It's reasonable to predict it's going to swallow you whole if it has a chance. You're also not completely sure how it appeared there. Seemed like a teleport/dimension door/plane shift sort of maneuver.)

Knowledge Planes DC 26:
You face a Qolok. NE Large outsider (evil, extraplanar, sahkil).

Psychopomps oversee one of the most fundamental functions of the multiverse: the progress of mortal souls. Through this infinite cycle of lives, deaths, and rebirths, the forces of the planes calibrate and evolve. Psychopomps serve as caretakers of this process, yet no matter their might or influence, they all know their place, their duty, and a shared secret: that the order of the planes is not perfect, and that one distant day it will end. For most psychopomps, this burdensome truth reinforces the great need for their diligence in fending off the decay of all things. For others, it is an onrushing nihilistic destiny. And for the most brazen, selfish psychopomps, it is a reason to rebel.

Those psychopomps that dissent are known as sahkils. Not content to serve as clerks in an endlessly deteriorating cycle of meaningless lives, these former psychopomps abandoned their duties. Escaping the strictures of their previous brethren, they flee to the empty places of reality—most congregating in the misty Ethereal Plane. There, where the great procession of newly departed souls endlessly marches toward judgment, death’s rebels remake themselves. Embracing the dread with which mortals already view them, they restyle themselves as tyrants of terror. No longer servants to souls, they would become their terrifying masters. Reality’s days might be numbered, but for those finite eons, sahkils resolve to rule.

Sahkils bear little resemblance to the psychopomps they once were. Although some embrace the morbidity of their former brethren, most sahkil forms are inspired by common or particularly potent mortal fears. Unnatural fusions, insectile limbs, and bloody phantasmagorias abound among sahkil shapes, each designed and destined to terrify. The least sahkils have the most recognizable forms—familiar limbs seemingly twisted by unimaginable excruciations. The greatest of their kind, though, are near-indescribable horrors, obscene in both shape and proportions. Yet sahkils share the single drive to give all creatures reason to fear.
- - -

- Round 1 -
Elen - 12
Kamari - 11 (-15hp, grappled)
Good Folks - 10
Edelmira - 5
Muri - 4+
Major Kort - 4-

Initiative Rolls:
Edelmira: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Elen: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Kamari: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Major Kort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Muri: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Good Folk: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

• First up Elen and Kamari (who is grappled)


M Half Elf
Stats:
Arc30,Dun30,Eng17,Geog127,Hist30,Loc/Nat/Pla/Rel30,Nob23, Perc 27, Sense 36, Spell30,Stlh26,DisDev31,UMD31

1d20 + 25 + 2 + 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 25 + 2 + (2) + 3 = 39 Know (Planes) - DRs? Special attacks? Weaknesses? SR?

Kort examines the creature, thinking about to best beat it.


Roll20 Map - Tracking Sheet

DR 10/good

Instill Phobia (Su) A creature swallowed by a qolok for 2 or more rounds must succeed at a DC 26 Will save or gain a phobia. The subject of the affected creature’s phobia is a commonplace creature, object, or situation the target encountered in the last 24 hours (likely, a horse).

Swallow whole (16d6 bludgeoning damage and frightened, AC 19, 24 hp)


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Female Jininese Elf Lvl 16

Elen flies up, then swoops down on the "garly but not nary gnawing needle toothed nugget".

[+7 to hit/damage everyone. Poetic Inspiration)

GreaterFeint Pink: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (10) + 32 = 42
SpringAttack: 1d20 + 27 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 27 + 7 = 52 +4 (Holy), Adamantine
for Damage: 1d8 + 15 + 7 + 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 15 + 7 + (1, 6) + 7 = 42 Diva, Holy

No one is getting swallowed whole.

On a successful feint, flatfooted until the beginning of Elen’s next turn. +6 Diva

Status:

Hits: 118/118
Current AC: 34 +3 Ring,+2 Amulet, +4 Mage Armor
Current Saves: Fort: +15; Ref +17; Will: +10, +12 if Enchant (Elf) (+2 cloak), Con Loss
(Normal) AC: 25 (Bare naked save for Mask and Dodge)
flat: 18 (ring +3, nat armor +2, mage armor +4)
touch: 28 (ring +3, Dex +6, Cha +7, Dodge +1)
Crits on 19-20
CMD = 35
WandofMageArmorCharges = 9/50
Wand of CW: 47/50
Resolve = 8/8
Challenge = 5/5
Hero Pts: 3/3


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Female Half-Elf aka Katherine Weaver

Round 1

"Ewww!!"

Kamari slithers out of the tongue--hopefully--and takes a 5' step back while drawing her rapier.

Escape artist (10) + Corset of the vishkanya (5) + panache + deering-do rerolls for '6': 1d20 + 10 + 5 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 5 + (6) + (6) + (4) = 50


Roll20 Map - Tracking Sheet

Elen manages to make the mass flat-footed - and though it has no feet per se, it’s stumpy legs are rather more sprawled out than usual. She also manages a fearsome blow - bypassing DR. Kamari focuses her energy on getting free - and she does!

The single minded creature slathers it’s tongue around Kamari and tries to slurp her up once more, while also attacking with slam, bite, and claw.

tongue on Kamari: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (4) + 26 = 30 damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 2) + 9 = 15 grab: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (17) + 28 = 45

slam on Kamari: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (16) + 26 = 42 damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
slam on Kamari: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (5) + 26 = 31 damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
bite on Kamari: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (14) + 26 = 40 damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
claw on Kamari: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (11) + 26 = 37 damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
claw on Kamari: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (3) + 26 = 29 damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Though it fails to grab Kamari, it does manage a few hits doing serious damage overall.

- Round 1 -
Edelmira - 5
Muri - 4+
Major Kort - 4-
- Round 2 -
Elen - 12
Kamari - 11 (-54hp)
Good Folks - 10 (-41hp)

• Next up - everyone.


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M Half Elf
Stats:
Arc30,Dun30,Eng17,Geog127,Hist30,Loc/Nat/Pla/Rel30,Nob23, Perc 27, Sense 36, Spell30,Stlh26,DisDev31,UMD31

Kort admires Kamari’s ability to wriggle out of a jam, avoiding the tongue like the ceiling at a gibbering mouther party. Yeah, that’s awful, but it’s what I got.

Kort, acting swiftly, tries to find an easy escape from the grappling foe. He casts a slothful escape that is unlikely to work, but just might.

1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28 SR

Well, that probably passed SR…so…we need a ::checks notes:: a DC14 Will to avoid losing the ability to make AoOs for the round. Well, you think you can do that, Mr. CR 1billion monster?

Kort waits to see if his magics worked.


Roll20 Map - Tracking Sheet

You did indeed beat SR. :)

Will: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36

Alas, you did not beat the will. The creature eyes the Major, licking its tongue...

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