DM Talomyr's The Lost City

Game Master Talomyr

"He, has had a rough time of it...heat stroke." Baheera explains with an apologetic shrug.

Deception/Persuasion: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Realizing the two citizens were either the most strong willed and stout hearted cultist's he'd ever encountered or they were just what they said they were, Tekumbray turns with a muttering snort. It is at that moment Baheera's words sink in and he realizes his last exchange with Rupert was not all in his head.

Flushing with embarrassment, the gnome rubs a hand across his face.

"Aye...the blasted heat of the desert." He mumbles quietly. "It'll soon pass, best we move on."

And so he does. With shoulders hunched and stepping softly, the gnome moves past the mosaics barely even acknowledging their presence. His mind instead occupied with trying to ignore the 'I told you so' look plastered across the ghostly paladin's face.

The pair of fox-masked individuals nod, before slipping out of the room through the way you had entered.

Mosaic 11: The deaths of King Alexander and Queen Zenobia and their subsequent burial within the pyramid.

"Mosaic" 15: The final picture is not a mosaic, but more of a crudely painted sketch that shows the barbaric tribesme looting Cynidicea.

There is more room on the walls for more mosaics, but the space is blank.

Approaching the large double doors, you inspect them before attempting to open them, only to find them all but immovable.

Searching around the chamber for anything else of note, you find a well concealed trapdoor in the floor.

What would you like to do?

The sealed doors force Tekumbray to pause and take a moment to regather his thoughts. Breathing deeply of the dry, cool, subterranean air he finally takes a few moments to look at the mosaics. Seeing the history of the city displayed upon the ancient walls he can't help but shake his head at the final piece.

"One could say the old gods have already exacted their punishment upon Cynidicea." He says looking at the crude painting so clearly created by the last looters of the city. "The city tosses the old ones aside for Zargon the Squiggly and next thing you know the place is overrun by barbarians. Kind of makes you wonder why the three would want it back after all these years."

He works a kink out of his shoulders and turns toward the trapdoor. He thinks of his own two fickle goddesses and their constant games and competitions. "I suppose it is beyond our mortal ken to understand, so best we just continue on." He adds, squatting to check the hidden door for traps or alarms. Not finding any, he pulls the door open and looks below.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Opening the trapdoor reveals a roughly hewn tunnel leading down and away from the pyramid. Could this be one the exits to the city below?

"Well, I for one, want to overthrow Zargon and return Cynidicea to its former glory provided by Gorm." Adonius replies to the gnome.

When the trapdoor is revealed, "Ah ha!. Excellent discovery, Tekumbray."

Down the hole?

”Yes, let us go through the tunnel,” agrees Cayde, though he looks a bit uncomfortable at the narrow confines.

After a moment's hesitation, Tekumbray nods and then climbs down into the tunnel below.

Slowly, the party descends into the rough-hewn passage, landing in a roughly ten-foot diameter, vaguely circular chamber. A narrow tunnel leads northwest away from the pyramid.

While Tekumbray has little issue navigating the passage, there are definitely sections that a bit more difficult for Cayde and Andonius to navigate without scraping up their arms and legs on the rough stone sides of the tunnel. Some twenty-to-thirty minutes later after traveling throug the twisting and turning narrow tunnel, you exit into an enormous chamber containing the lost city of Cynidicea.

From your current location, you see ten to fifteen relatively large, stone structures and large subterranean lake though the omnipresent haze that dominates the chamber. In the center of the lake lies an island.

The closest structure to you is a walled, two-towered structure. Outside the walls, a number of stumbling, masked Cynidiceans.

Nimbly twisting and turning through the narrow, winding tunnel, Baheera is truly amazed by the wonder of the massive chamber containing the Lost City. Her mind is almost overwhelmed, processing the large stone structures, the impressive lake, and pondering the unique subterranean climate the must have developed completely independent of the outside world above.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The first thing Cayde does upon exiting is to mark well the pyramid entrance they just came out of so they can get back as needed. He then looks around curiously and, not for the first time, wishes he had managed to hold onto that magic sword…

For those of you wanting an image of the city itself, see the Lost City Map Link under my name above.

Tek whistles at the sight of the sunken city as sudden understanding dawns upon him.

"So....what we found on the surface was just a small bit of what was buried." He says with wonder filling his voice. "I've cousins who would love living in a place like this. No pesky weather to disrupt one's day or night. The temperature always constant." He shakes his head again. [b]"I kind of enjoy the wind, rain, sunlight, open air experience myself, but now I see why you all want to rid yourselves of Zargon."

As he looks around his brow furrows into a frown. Turning to both Cayde and Adonius he points at the stumbling citizens. "What's wrong with those folk? Do either of you know why they stagger about like that?"

Perception DC 20: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Adonius stretches when he finally emerges into the cavern. "Might want to take that trip as a snake or spider next time."

Have the locals ever been to the lost city of Cynidicea? Or did they just use a different way?

The locals in the group have not been to the city proper as of yet. You have heard stories of those who have been, but most of those end in the traveler never returning or if they do return, utterly insane. How much truth is there in those stories? That's hard to say as neither Adonius nor Cayde know anyone personally who has been to the city below. You suspect that the leaders of the factions may have been, but you can not confirm that.

As to why the masked folk of the city stagger around, it is thought that Zargon keeps the inhabitants of the city in a drugged stupor.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Tekumbray looks around for further clues as to where their enemies might be lying in wait, but with the mist obscuring much of the landscape there he can't make out many specifics from his current vantage point. Suspicious of underground mists in general, but especially seeing the citizens of this lost city staggering around like drunks trapped in a brewery, he ties his kerchief around his neck and pulls it over his nose and mouth as an added precaution in case the stuff happened to be the cause of their behavior. Turning to his companions he stretches an arm out toward the wide open city.

"Any preference my friends?" He says before pointing out the nearest building with its twin towers and the inebriated crowd stumbling outside its doors. "Or shall we simply start our search at this closest structure?"

As you stand not too far from the cave mouth that leads back to the pyramid, delirious Cynidiceans continue to wander around the area, some getting a bit closer to you. Occasionally it seems one or two even stop in their tracks to regard you all a bit more critically.

"I do have some coin," says Cayde, "Perhaps if there is a market or some shops specializing in weapons and armor we might find useful things worth buying."

"It may be worth trying to interact with them, although if everyone is kept in this daze by their masters, attracting attention could be a mistake" Baheera points out.

"Nearest building is a good place to start." Adonius offers Tek.

"These people don't look like they could operate a marketplace. They look drugged. And, if a tentacled Zargon did it, then we probably don't want to interact with them too much, as Baheera suggests."

"Let's go."

Recalling how the folk in the pyramid casino originally seemed to be in some sort of gambling fueled stupor only to suddenly start lashing out with all their might, Tek is more than a little wary of approaching or letting the wandering citizens approach him. Still, in order to reach the building, he'd have to navigate the crows somehow. So checking his mask he takes a breath and then lets his eyes glaze over as he begins to slowly wander in the general direction of the two-towered building. Taking on the same slowly vacant-eyed, shambling, staggering gate as the others milling around the area.

Deception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Question: Do either of my locals wear their masks that would mark them as members of the Brotherhood of Gorm?

(Cayde has been a recluse and a survivalist, so he typically doesn’t wear a mask…Though he could be convinced to do so if the Gormite allies impress him…)

Yes. Frankly I missed that Adonius had a mask. How is it different than the foxes and what he sees down here. He may take it off if he looks like he would draw attention to himself

Unlike the masks worn by those in the city and the majority of the Cynidecians you have encountered in the lower levels of the pyramid, the masks of the Brotherhood of Gorm are not animals, rather made of gold and are in the form of a stern, bearded man - obviously a representation of the countence of Gorm himself.

Adonius removes his golden mask and tucks it in his pack to not draw attention from the Zargonites.

Tek would seem to be just another of the addled citizens of the city were it not for his short stature and pigmentation that belies his surface world origin as he staggers and leads the party toward the two towered building.

All of you notice that the citizenry are paying a bit of extra attention to you despite their vacant demeanor...must be the the two surface dwellers and the lack of animal masks on the part of the two natives.

Ignoring the curious stares from the general population, Tek continues making his stupor-like way toward the entrance of the building. As he bumbles along, he keeps an eye out for any signs of Zargonite cultists or traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

As you approach the two towered building, you see a number of men walking the wall, seemingly ready for a fight, all wearing the golden masks you associate with the Brotherhood of Gorm.

You get a bit closer when one of the golden masked guards calls out, "Hold. Who are you? State your business. Where are your masks?"

Tekumbray straightens himself when he recognizes the masks as similar to those worn by his allies above. When addressed, he bows to the guards and points back toward the stone mass of the pyramid.

"I am Tekumbray Cobblepot and traveler of the desert and whom the gods in their everlasting whimsy chose to guide to your city along with these companions." He says. "We are here at the behest of Kanadius your brother as well as those who lead the Magi and the Sisterhood. They have united together in order to free your city of Zargon's curse now that the bright sun once again falls upon the upper reaches of its stone."

Adonius nods and supports the gnome.

"The Master still lives?" one of the guards asks, looking around the area before coming down off of the wall and opening the door to let you in.

"Please, hurry. Enter. Tell us what you know."

Assuming you enter, you find yourselves in a room containing a large stone table with chair placed behind it and a number of wooden benches set throughout the room. Is this used as a house of worship? A court? Both?

Mosaics on the back wall show Gorm dispensing justice to his followers and the royals alike.

An ornately carved wooden door is in the wall behind the stone table.

Tek, follows the guard inside grateful to be away from all the curious eyes. Picking out a bench he sits himself down and finally nods at the man's question.

"If Kanadius is your master, then yes, he is still very much among the living." He says, pausing to take a long drink from his canteen. "It seems that those within the pyramid have been trapped there and cut off from the rest of the city for quite a long time. My companions and I managed to break through the cultist's lair and open a path."

He pauses looks at the folk gathered around. A coin flips in his mind. They'll need to know sooner or later. He thinks to himself as Tymora's profile lands face up on the mental image.

"Indeed, the leaders of the Magi and Sisterhood are also alive within the pyramid." His eyes pass along each of those in the room as he continues to speak. "All three orders have come together in an alliance to try and free your city from Zargon's grip."

Cause follows in and listens intently to the conversation. The Gormites within the pyramid treated him well…If these ones in the city do likewise, he might consider joining officially.

Insight: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

The same guard takes a more unsure stance. "An alliance with the Magi and the Warrior Maidens? Kanadius? You can't be serious..." the guard says incredulously.

Adonius pulls out his golden mask and shows his holy amulet of Gorm. "It's true. We've united to defeat Zargon. Can you tell us what's going on down here? In what ways might we overthrow the corrupting influence of Zargon."

"Indeed, it is as your fellow citizen says, the leaders of the three saw that fighting each other only led to strength for Zargon." The gnome says. "In their wisdom and with the best interests of the city in their minds, they have set aside old grudges and differences in order to see your home free of Zargon's and his ancient evil."

Tek focuses his gaze upon the Brother of Gorm. "Will you choose to do the same as Kanadius? Will you join with the other sects and us to help overthrow Zargon?" He pauses holding the other man with a steady gaze until he answers.

Persuasion if needed: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Another one of the guards enters the chamber as the first begins to respond.

"Surviving. The vast majority of the populace is under the sway of the Zagonites. As a fellow brother in Gorm, I choose to believe that the triad is reunited above, but I suspect you will have a hard time convincing the enclaves of the Magi and Warrior Maidens down here." he says to Adonius.

Turing to Tekumbray, he says, "If that is the will of the Master, of course. As I have said, getting the others to do the same down here without a representative from those factions may be difficult."

"What remains of the Magi and the Warrior Maidens reside along this side of the city-cavern on the southern end."

"Then we will have to be very persuasive I suppose." Baheera replies.

"Would you be able to describe the Zargonite strongholds down here? Perhaps we can show the other factions that we mean business by defeating Zargonites, and they will follow." Adonius asks.

”An excellent idea!” agrees Cayde with Adonis.

"Zargon's Temple lies across from what's left of the Magi's stronhold south of here." the guard begins. "The temple serves as a center of power and a prison for those who defy Zargon. We've seen a number of hobgoblins on the temple grounds and it is known that the master of the temple is High Priest Danacretes."

"On the far western edge of the cavern, there is a crater known as the Eye of Zargon, in the eye is a fortress commanded by an Efreeti called Nizzar al-Rasul. The efreeti guards the entrance to the Verdant Prison, an extra dimensional space where Zargon keeps those most disruptive to his rule, although I do not know how to access the prison once there."

Another guard speaks up, "Rumors...legends really say that the true heir to Alexander and Zenobia, Prince Alec-zander remains trapped within the Verdant Prison...if you were to recover him, you would surely have the support of all of those who oppose Zargon."

"You could also strike a blow against the vile-one by destroying his goblins. They reside in caves on the western shore of Lake Moldvay."

Tekumbray rubs his chin as he listens to the Brothers describe the various strongholds of their enemy. Rupert leans against the wall listening with keen interest to the news of an Efreeti.

Ahhhh...now there is a worthy opponent and target. The knight says, his ghostly image shimmering with excitement and righteousness. That should be your first target for certain my friend. Putting an end to such a creature will surely advance your cause in the eyes of our Holy Lord. Glowing eyes look upon Tek with beaming hope and anticipation only to meet the gnome's incredulous and hard glare.

Having learned a lesson from earlier, Tek says nothing to the ghost and instead offers the slightest shake of his head. Anything that Rupert thought was a good idea, the gnome was determined to avoid. At least for now.

"We are still few in number." He says, ignoring Rupert's frustrated curses and pleas. "It will take strength in numbers to assault either temple or fortress. If we were to rout his goblin minions, then perhaps we would gain a two fold advantage. First, Zargon's forces would be weakened. Second, a quick victory could rally others to our cause. Third, the goblins likely have their own entrances or knowledge of the various ways into both the prison and the temple. Armed with a little extra intelligence, we might then be able to mount an expedition to free the Prince."

"What say the rest of you my friends?" He says turning to Cayde, Baheera and Adonius.

Adonius listens to the lay of the land from his brother of Gorm. Lots to do. But what to do first?

The goblins seem the easiest target, so he had to agree with the gnome. "Good logic, Tec. I'm in."

”There is wisdom in eradicating the goblins first, though I wish to have a stronger weapon to do so if possible,” replies Cayde.

Turning to their hosts, he asks, ”Where could I buy or trade for more powerful equipment? Perhaps a great weapon or a blade and shield?”

"Trade perhaps. But likely only with the Brotherhood, the Magi, or the Warrior Maidens. The rest of the city would be dangerous for the likes of you." one of the guards says.

Another adds, "If its weaponry you are after, the Warrior Maidens are your best bet."

Off to the goblin caves it is then. This will require me getting a number of maps loaded up and unfortunately I do not have time to do that tonight. I will get it done over the next few days.

Realizing it had been quite a while since they had anything to eat or rested, Tekumbray turns to the man who seems to be in charge.

"It has been a while since we've had a moment to tend our wounds or fill our bellies. Is it possible for us to rest here before we set off for the caves? That will also give my companion a chance to locate some gear that may better suit his needs."

Can't recall the last time we rested and I know Tek is short a few HP. Assuming we can long rest here before setting off.

By time you got down to here after dealing with Darius and the social encounters you handled before getting to the city proper, you all are likely ready for a rest.

"What food we have is meager, but we freely share it with Brothers and their allies." one of Brotherhood states plainly in response to Tek's question. "Likewise you may shelter and rest here until you are ready to move on the goblin caves."

I've got the maps scanned, including a picture of what the cave system looks like from the outside (see link below my name). The caves are built into the side of a cliff over Lake Moldvay.

Grateful for the food and safe place to rest, Tekumbray takes full advantage of both. Awakening after a much needed sleep, the gnome notices Rupert is nowhere to be seen which eases the knot in Tek's stomach even further. Feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the next task in their endeavor to take over...errrr...free this lost city from Zargon, Tekumbray seeks out his fellow companions and sets out for the goblin caves.

Ready to proceed whenever everyone else is.

Resting as well, Cayde thanks the Gormites for their hospitality and asks for an escort to the Maidens who might be willing to trade powerful armaments for coin. He keenly misses the magic sword he had before, but he did have some coin that might purchase himself better equipment.

(Cayde is looking for one handed weapons, shield, and medium armor that might be of high quality or magic. He has just over 3600 gp)