Spiteful evil stirs beneath the mysterious lighthouse called Gauntlight. When the lighthouse emits an eerie glow, locals suspect that something sinister threatens the countryside. Brave heroes must explore the ruins around the lighthouse and delve into the dungeon levels beneath it. Hideous monsters, deadly traps, unexpected allies, vengeful ghosts, and more await the heroes who dare to enter the sprawling megadungeon called the Abomination Vaults!
30th day of Rova
4721 AR
A brisk autumn breeze blows through the 1200-person lumber town of Otari today. As luck and the alignment of the stars would have it, all five of our characters happen to be in town on this day.
The dwarven cousins, Mac and Hagrym, arrived shortly after two in the afternoon with their shipment of ore from the mining settlement of Galizhur to the south of the Isle of Kortos. Their stops in town included the Otari Garrison and the short-tempered Captain Lardus Longsaddle, as well as Blades for Glades, the town's primary smithy. Its human proprietor, Carman Rajani, was polite to the dwarves as he usually is to non-locals, but he appeared anxious for the upcoming mayoral election in a week. He made it clear to the cousins, as he did every time that they visited him, that he questioned the legitimacy of the results of his last three straight mayoral election defeats to Oseph Menhemes, the current mayor. Carman's 18-year old daughter, Athena, as always managed to calm her father down and usher the dwarves out of the shop, before her father could start ranting about his conspiracy theories and descendant in the Roseguard.
The human gunslinger, Jon Yddina, was in town visiting Odd Stories, the town bookstore, and chatting up the wizard proprietor, Morlibint, on his latest acquisitions. In their chat, the wizard lamented not finding any truly unique books or treatises lately, as his curiosity about knowledge and magic was insatiable. He told the half-elf to keep an eye for any true literary treasures in his adventures.
Penflower spent his day in the Dawnflower Library, Otari's largest temple, with shrines to Cayden Cailean, Erastil, Gozreh, and of course, Sarenrae. Vandy Banderdash, a female halfling devotee of Sarenrae and head librarian, helped the elven magus find books of interest to him.
Willorn, a local, spent his days working at the Giant's Wheel doing lumber work.
At some time during the day, you are each handed notes personally addressed to each of you by persons of confidence. The notes, written in beautiful calligraphy, read:
”Maclin, you see this,” Hahrym asks his younger cousin as he opened the strange envelope that had been delivered to him. ”Does yours say the same thing? Wonder what in the blazes this is all about?”
Harry put his letter down on a closeby table and stood up, walking around it to see if the contents of the letter actually changed. He pulled off his red hat and brushed his face with it. He was a larger than average dwarf, even more stocky than most of his ilk. Easily noticeable was his chain mail and warhammer at his side. The next most prominent feature would probably be the holy symbol of Torag hanging around his neck.
Untrained Society check
He looks closer at the initials. ”Nope, I’ve got no idea who those initials could be.”. He shrugs his shoulders at his cousin. ”Maybe they’ll buy dinner, if nothing else!”
"Yes it does say the same thing." Mac holds out the message for his older cousin to read. He thought about the signature and whose name might fit those initials. "Wait, Grym, could it be Wrin Sin...Sin something or other. Remember, some of the townsfolk told us to avoid her, because she's.....how shall we say it, politely? A little off..." Mac furrows his brow. "What could she want from us? We've never dealt with her before..doesn't seem like someone who'd be interested in our ore."
Upon hearing Grym's reason for attending, Mac unleashes a bellowing laugh. "Cuz, ya always thinking with yer gut. Fine, we'll go visit and see what Wrin wants with us."
The dwarven cousins first visit Brelda Venkervale at The Rowdy Rockfish and check in with the dwarven proprietor and ask about any news on her son. Then at the appointed time, we head over to the address indicated in the note.
In the evening, Jon is taking Morlibint through the finer points of ghost charge bomb crafting when he receives the letter and scans it. "It looks like Wrin Sivinxi has some business with me, commanded by the stars no less. I hope she isn't trying to rope me into buying anything again tonight. Woe betide me for questioning the will of the stars, but I'm down to my last two silvers. Who knows though, maybe she'll tell me a windfall is in my future," he muses before bidding the wizard farewell, slinging his pack onto his back and heading out toward 60 Osprey St.
"Huh, what's that about?" Willorn scratches his head, because so far he had never gotten the impression to be of any interest to what was maybe the only person people considered as even more crazy than he already was. "Guess I'll find out if Brelda lets me".
A few hours later, when he has finished his work at the Wheel, he enters the Rowdy Rockfish, where already a few guests are enjoying their meals and ales, and eventually finds and greets Brelda in the kitchen.
"Got a favor to ask, Brelda. Got this invitation to a meeting from Vrin tonight", he shows her the letter, "but that would mean I can't do my shift here. Think you can do without me for a spell? I'd come back when that meeting is over."
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Penflower has spent the last days at the Dawnflower Library to hide his shame to himself. He still wants to go closer to the Gauntlight, but still has no courage to by himself. He hopes to find something by studying it, and maybe decide that it's safe after all.
He is handed the letter by Vandy herself, as he is too focused on a tome about rock climbing. He opens it immediately and after pondering for a moment says "Look, Wrin needs something!" He watches as Vandy rolls her eyes and walks away. However, he is actually happy. Although eccentric, Wrin is occasionally very capable of bringing some excitement to a dull day.
Even though he walks around with this sword and shield, he still feels a bit unprepared all the time, so he decides to grab a light meal to calm his stomach. A hot spicy soup at the Rowdy Rockfish is actually just what he needs and he almost forgets to go to Wrin's meeting.
He rushes into the building, thinking he is very late, but actually arrives 5 minutes early. He turns around and says "Willorn? What are you doing here? And who are you people?", addressing Jon and the dwarf cousins. He forgot to bring his etiquette.
The address on the card leads you to a curio shop, which bears no sign, but locals know it as Wrin’s Wonders. The structure consists of a ring of what appear to be standing stones arranged in a 60-foot-diameter circle surrounding a 15-foot-high dome of wooden beams covered with triangular pieces of canvas. Closer inspection of the standing “stones” reveals that they are also made of wood frames and canvas, cleverly painted to resemble granite. The area between the central dome and the surrounding circle is a collection of other dome-shaped tents used to store the shop’s wares.
This is a good artistic interpretation of her shop.
You approach the central domed tent and as you enter, you notice that the interior surfaces are painted to resemble a night sky featuring all the constellations. In the center of the room, is an elegant yet eccentrically dressed female tiefling, with pupilless white eyes, sitting cross-legged on a silken tapestry, a deck of Harrow cards laid out in front of her. Pillows on the ground have also been laid out for each of you to sit and be comfortable. The smell of incense and spices fills the air with a calming odor. The tiefling sits still, without looking up, as she picks up the deck of cards, shuffles it, and deals nine cards. Her eyes narrow as she views the results. Again, without looking up, she speaks in a silky voice, "Thank you for accepting my invitation and arriving on time. Please sit and make yourselves comfortable. We have much to discuss."
Mac looks a little strange at the structure when he arrives at the address. He whispers over to Grym, "I hope this Wrin doesn't want us to join a circus or something like that. That would be too weird." Mac leads his cousin inside the central tent and marvels at the constellations in the "sky" and without meaning to, he says, "Pretty." Having met his seal of approval, Mac nods his head at Willorn, the elf, and the guy in the duster. Trying to be polite, Mac uncomfortably sits down on the rug and the pillows. He preferred to stand but did not want to be rude. He waited for the strange-looking lady with devil horns to tell him what they needed to discuss. Mac notes the aroma in the tent and finds it agreeable.
"Hello, Penflower, I have no idea, so that's what I'm here to find out." Willorn gives the other dwarves, that he already saw at the Rockfish a quick, inquisitive nod, then he follows Wrin's invitation to sit down, shoving the pillow that would sit between him and the ground to the side.
Hagrym nods at the collection of ne’er-do-wells sitting and listening to the woman. He gave a quick glance around the tent, hoping for at least biscuits to be offered. Seeing none, he takes a seat, his tummy giving a low rumble as he did so. ”The spices smell good…” he gave as a quick explanation because quieting down and listening to the Harrow reader. He wasn’t much for the Harrow, but decided to be polite as the woman continued.
"Hello!" Jon calls jovially. He removes his duster and hangs it nonchalantly on the nearest hook or anything similar. He strides over to a cushion and sits. Without the duster, the double-barreled pistol resting in its holster at his hip is especially noticeable. He breathes in the spices serenely and regards his hostess. "So good to see you again, Wrin. I was rather surprised to receive your invitation. What can I do for you and, er, the stars?"
Wrin seems to be in a trance of some sort as she fails to respond to your questions. She shuffles the cards, while speaking, "I know how this town views me, as a kook, a loon, a crazy woman, and it does not bother me. If I were honest, that image helps the sale of my oddities and my star readings. But, the last couple of days, no matter how much I may shuffle the cards, I receive the same reading over and over..." She stops to look up, as she unveils each of the cards, one by one, in front of each of you. She deals a card in front of Mac: "The Forge, signifying strength with weapons." She deals a card to Hagrym, "The Owl, signifying wisdom and devotion." She turns over the next card in front of Jon, "The Juggler, signifying dexterity and the intertwined fates." She turns over the next card in front of Willorn, "The Locksmith, signifying the keys the subject needs to unlock his fate." She turns over the last card in front of Penflower, "And finally, the Vision, representing esoteric and arcane knowledge." Wrin pauses, "It appears that the fates of you five are intertwined in order to prevent...." She turns the next 4 cards over: "The Avalanche, representing disaster; The Fiend, a devil who devours the masses of the innocent; The Tangled Briar, representing a historical thing or creature that seeks to have influence over the future; and The Tyrant, representing one who wants to rule over all of us."
Wrin's trance seems to end as she puts the deck of cards down. She looks at each of you intently. "You may consider me a parlor trick, but my abilities do not lie. A great evil is upon us and if we do not act, the apocalypse I foresee may come to pass." She pauses, "Forgiveness for my manners, would any of you like some wine? My abilities have left me thirsty." She intones some magic and decanter of wine and some glasses float over from a cart. Wrin pours herself some wine as well for anyone who wishes to join her.
With her thirst satiated, Wrin continues, "If you're a local or were raised in Otari, then surely you must have heard the following rhyme as a child: Wrin's voice changes to match the voice you imagine may belong to a witch or hag.
"When the fog is creeping,
And the moon is low;
When the town is sleeping,
Gauntlight starts to glow!
That’s when she arises
For her midnight lunch.
Naughty kids are prizes
For her teeth to crunch.
But if you obey me,
And obey the rules;
You’re safe from Belcorra;
She just eats the fools!
Wrin's voice returns to normal. "Besides Penflower, are you all familiar with the story of Belcorra and the Roseguard? If not, I can give you a brief summary. More than 500 years ago, the evil sorceress Belcorra raised the Gauntlight, a lighthouse, for nefarious purposes. The adventuring group known as the Roseguard, consisting of a warrior, priestess, rogue, and wizard went to the lighthouse to defeat her and ended up killing her. But the group's rogue, Otari Ilvashti, perished in the climactic battle. The rest of the Roseguard found this town and named it Otari in his honor."
Wrin pauses to sip on some wine. Since then, the Gauntlight has remained unlit and quiet....until two days ago that is, when I saw with my arcane sight a blue eerie glow atop the lighthouse! It was the same night that I first had the card reading I just shared with you. I do not know what this means. I need for the five of you to travel to the Gauntlight in the FogFen swamp and quell my fears if something truly evil is afoot there. The Roseguard is long dead and the town needs new heroes. Please, all I ask is that you investigate. What say you?"
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Penflower's expression changes to be a bit more serious as Wrin does her reading, especially since she's in a trance. He takes her opinion quite seriously and frequently comes for a reading. Now her gift seems very powerful, so the elf listens very attentively.
He has heard of the short rhyme, but since he has not grown up in Otari, it doesn't strike him nostalgically or particularly eerie. However, the words now seem to bear more meaning.
After rejecting Wrin's wine, he gets up from his pillow and says "Well, it seems that the cards have brought us together. I don't know some of you, so I'll just introduce myself. My name is Penflower Khan. I come from an unremarkable family in Kyonin and decided to study magic and steel in Absalom. What brought me to Otari is that I found out that my birthday is the same day that Belcorra was defeated. I don't believe in coincidences, so I came to Otari to learn of the Roseguard. I have been wanting to go to the Gauntlight for a while, but I... Never mind. I look forward to getting to know you and, if necessary, fighting alongside you." He sits back down.
Harm raised his hand when asked if he wanted any wine. He looked around for some accompanying bread or olives or nuts, but sighed and took the preferred glass and took a deep drink.
”I don’t know anything about a local nursery rhyme. But Torag preaches community and protection. I’m not sure this is anything but a bunch of hooey or gobbledygook, but He directs me to investigate and protect this town. So, you can count me in. What about you, Maclin? Interested in getting some exercise for your hammer arm?”
Willorn has politely declined the wine offered to him, as he promised Brelda to return to the Rockfish after the meeting and he never drinks while at work. When Wrin does her reading he shifts uneasily when she shows him the Locksmith card. But as soon as she starts to speak about the Fogfen and Gauntlight he is all attention. 'tis my chance, perhaps.
He looks at Hagrym and Penflower.
"You really want to go there? You know how dangerous this is, with all the creepy monsters roaming the swamp, yes?" Willorn shudders. "Barely escaped their tentacles last time I went there."
The dwarf sighs, then he squares his shoulders.
"Of course, I'll go with you, I owe Brelda that much. And there's safety in numbers, that is, if you're willing to go as well."
Willorn looks questioningly at Maclin and Jon.
And maybe they'll finally believe me when there's others seeing it for themselves.
Mac refuses the wine, as he did not want his senses dulled during the meeting. Ever the skeptic, Mac speaks plainly, trying not to offend, ”Wrin, if I may call you that. I am not a big believer in the mystic arts or fate or destiny or all that mumbo jumbo you foretold in the cards. In my opinion, each person makes his own fate. Like Grym just said, I believe in what these arms and hands can do in battle with a weapon, when there’s a goblin looking to take yer head. Or when a mine is collapsing and about to fall on yer head. Having said that, I’ve seen the dead walk through walls and try to take my soul so I’m open to the spiritual side of matters….but that’s a story for another day. I am curious about this Gauntlight and what may be causing the blue glow. So my cousin and I will gladly investigate it for you and prove you either right or wrong.”
To Penflower’s introduction, ”I am Maclin Stoneheart, but call me Mac. This is my cousin Hagrym, servant of Torag. We hail from the mining settlement of Galizhur."
After Willorn speaks, "Seems almost everyone is in agreement to go." Mac turns his head toward the silent half-elf in the duster.
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Penflower adds to the discussion about going there. He says "Well, if nothing's there, we just come back to drink some whine. Or we could poke around the ruins a bit and maybe something shiny will come up." He is, of course, aiming to poke at the famous dwarf greed, but in reality, the only thing he wants to do is go to the Gauntlight.
Mac nods his head, "I would not mind finding gold and gems, but in a lighthouse...I am sure that place has been picked clean over the years, right? According to the story, Belcorra died over 500 years ago. Unless, she haunts the place...I have some experience with a ghost. Well, let's hope that's not the case and the place is abandoned."
The auivarin gladly accepted the wine when offered, though declines any refills. At Mac's gaze, he considers for a moment, then smiles, "I was just passing through on my way back to Absalom, but I can never resist a good mystery, especially something so unexplained as this. I'm in!"
Upon hearing Jon’s response, Wrin lets out a breath that she was holding. ”Wonderful! The Gauntlight is about a 30-minute walk to the NW of town. Given my card readings, I would not suggest that your first foray there be in the night. Perhaps, tomorrow morning then? It’s your decision in the end. I thank you for your assistance on behalf of the town and may Desna keep you all safe. If you have any questions now, please let me know. And please visit me when you return from the lighthouse with your findings.”
Mac strokes his beard. "Curious that it's up to band of demi-humans to protect this human town from perceived danger." Mac chuckles. "While I am tempted to head over to the lighthouse right now, Wrin is right. The swamp may be more dangerous at night than in the morning. So let's meet up after breakfast. Grym and I will be staying at The Rowdy Rockfish if we're needed. Wrin, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
”Any other rumors about the Lighthouse? Has anyone seen anything untowards around the place? Skeletons, goblins, any other pest that might have been seen that we could prepare for? It’s best to be prepared for any possible threat,” he said with a nod at Maclin. Maclin’s nod to the past with a history of their run in with that ghost was not unnoticed.
”And yes, it’s nice to meet all of you. As my cousin said, I’m Hagrym. You lot probably recognize my holy symbol ,” he added, holding it out for the others to admire.
Jon rubs his chin thoughtfully. "Wrin, in your children's rhyme about the Gauntlight, you said if we obey you and your rules, we'd be safe from Belcorra. Was that just in the rhyme to scare kids into obeying their parents, or are there certain rules or rituals we might use to keep ourselves safer at the Gauntlight?"
To the others, he says, "I'm staying over at Crow's Casks. I dabble in alchemy, so Magiloy and I are kindred spirits, though her concoctions are less likely to explode than mine," he muses. "I'll head over to the Rowdy Rockfish after breakfast and meet you there."
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Penflower is suddenly very nervous, as all agree and plan to go to the Guantlight. He says "Yes, the Rowdy Rockfish is a good meeting place.", but cannot bring himself to say more. He sticks around trying to remember all he read and studied about the Roseguard to see if anything special needs to be done before going.
”Any other rumors about the Lighthouse? Has anyone seen anything untowards around the place? Skeletons, goblins, any other pest that might have been seen that we could prepare for? It’s best to be prepared for any possible threat,” he said with a nod at Maclin. Maclin’s nod to the past with a history of their run in with that ghost was not unnoticed.
”And yes, it’s nice to meet all of you. As my cousin said, I’m Hagrym. You lot probably recognize my holy symbol ,” he added, holding it out for the others to admire.
As you look at Wrin, her tiefling ancestry is impossible to miss: eyes devoid of pupils, small ram horns curling around her elven ears, a thin tail, and fingertips that sparkle with motes of glittering lights leave no doubt that she’s touched by supernatural forces. However, she smiles quickly at Hagrym's question. "Dangers? I would surmise the natural hazards of a swamp, i.e. quicksand, sinkholes, as well as enemies common to the terrain, such as undead, lizardfolk, crocodiles, and even wisps. You should be prepared for all. I do not know if anything inhabits the Gauntlight currently. I hope not. You are there to gauge any creatures' intentions and if said intentions are hostile to Otari. Then act accordingly."
Jon rubs his chin thoughtfully. "Wrin, in your children's rhyme about the Gauntlight, you said if we obey you and your rules, we'd be safe from Belcorra. Was that just in the rhyme to scare kids into obeying their parents, or are there certain rules or rituals we might use to keep ourselves safer at the Gauntlight?"
To the others, he says, "I'm staying over at Crow's Casks. I dabble in alchemy, so Magiloy and I are kindred spirits, though her concoctions are less likely to explode than mine," he muses. "I'll head over to the Rowdy Rockfish after breakfast and meet you there."
Wrin lets out a chuckle. "To the best of my knowledge, the nursery rhyme was used principally to scare kids into what would happen if they would misbehave. I am not aware of any rituals needed for your protection. Also, I forgot to mention. If you find any works of art or literature in a salvageable state, I, as well as maybe Morlibint, would love to recover them. So keep your eyes open for any cultural artifacts."
Mac strokes his beard. "Curious that it's up to band of demi-humans to protect this human town from perceived danger." Mac chuckles. "While I am tempted to head over to the lighthouse right now, Wrin is right. The swamp may be more dangerous at night than in the morning. So let's meet up after breakfast. Grym and I will be staying at The Rowdy Rockfish if we're needed. Wrin, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Before he leaves, Wrin smiles at Mac. "I do not begrudge you your skepticism. But please note that I would love to hear about your encounter with the ghost. It sounds fascinating. You must come and tell me more over tea some day."
Penflower is suddenly very nervous, as all agree and plan to go to the Guantlight. He says "Yes, the Rowdy Rockfish is a good meeting place.", but cannot bring himself to say more. He sticks around trying to remember all he read and studied about the Roseguard to see if anything special needs to be done before going.
Penflower does not recall any special preparations that the Roseguard took before they entered the Gauntlight and defeated Belcorra over 500 years ago. What he does remember is that the Roseguard were experienced adventurers with access to powerful magic spells and items at that time. He also knows that the current mayor, Oseph Menhemes, and Carman Rajani, both of whom live in town, are direct descendants of two of the members of the Roseguard.
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The elf shifts his weight nervously. He tells the others "Well, from what I've studied, the Roseguard were very powerful combatants, so... I hope it is indeed empty, and crocodiles are the biggest danger we encounter. But... we could ask the mayor and Carman if they have any relics from their family we can borrow. Given they are... you know... descendant of Roseguards members."
"Praised be the Father of Creation." Willorns eyes widen in recognition when he sees the holy symbol produced by Hagrym. Then he collects himself.
"Promised to return to the Rockfish myself. I'll also have to ask for leave with Klorte, who will probably be there as well at this time. Though I guess he won't mind it. So yes, let's meet in the mourning."
Mac shoots Penflower a look. After we have left Wrin's shop, Mac approaches the elf. "Wrin doesn't exactly have a stellar reputation in town, she's kind of a crazy lady. I do not think the mayor or anyone will let us borrow "relics" because Wrin foretold in some card reading that the town was possibly in danger. We'd probably get laughed out of town. So let us build some reputation and find actual proof of danger and then we can talk with the mayor. Have good night." Mac turns away and goes to the tavern to rest.
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Penflower scoffs at Mac's assessment. According to him, this is exactly the kind of thinking that increases distrust towards Wrin. He says "After such display of power that you just saw back there, how could you not defend Wrin? I never knew dwarves to value reputation over what's right." He doesn't look at the dwarf, partially because he doesn't particularly like getting into arguments, but the words just slipped out and now he can't take them back. He moves on to try and get some sleep, although he doubts he will get any. He's more excited than he's ever been.
”Was that a display of power, or just a charlatan with a good skill of dazzle dazzle? I reckon we won’t know until we investigate further, but I suspect cousin Maclin is right…I doubt we will get any help unless we prove something actionable first.”
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Penflower frowns and simply walks away. He lays down to rest for the night, but tosses and turns. He starts talking to himself "Those dwarves wouldn't know a display of power if Desna herself came down and turned them into turnips." He stresses out so much that he eventually falls asleep.
The next morning...You have made the 30 minute travel NW outside of town, past the graveyard, past the Druid circle, and into the Fogfen. A slowly shifting fog bank hangs in the air over the rotting vegetation of a swamp. The fog seems almost sullen, oppressive, as stagnant as the marshland itself, stubbornly clinging near the muddy earth and murky waters and refusing to dissipate.
The sound of frogs and mosquitoes mixes with water sloshing against muddy shores, all muffled by the ever-present mists that linger in the aptly named Fogfen. As the mists clear, a shadow looms from the cloying swamp
vapors—a sprawling ruin of stone and wood squats atop an island in the soggy marsh. The upper floors have largely collapsed, leaving only the stone walls of the ground floor intact. Above these ruins towers an out-of-place monument—a colossal lighthouse whose painted walls and iron-cased crown, untouched by the corrosive swamp air and the passage of time.
An overgrown trail leads to a set of double doors. However, you are free to walk around the ruins if you wish or you can enter through the main doors.
Jon starts off his day disassembling and cleaning his pistol and using his infused reagents to create 10 rounds of basic ammunition before eating a quick meal of bacon and eggs and heading off with the others.
When they approach the ruins, Jon slows. "Unless there are objections, let's poke around the ruins before we enter the lighthouse. I like eating the hors d'hoeuvres before moving onto the main course."
”At least there were no alligators in the swamp,” Hagrym adds, trying to be cheerful. ”But, to be honest, this place doesn’t really look inviting does it,” he says as he looks at the lighthouse.
The dwarf nods at Jon’s suggestion to check the ruins. His stomach rumbled at the discussion of hors d’oeuvres and main courses for dinner. He sighs at the noise breaking the silence.
Since you decide to poke about the ruins, you see an odd sight to the east of the entrance. A vine 30' up stretches from the roof of the entrance building to another structure further east, crossing over a pond. The vine does not look like it could hold much weight, maybe 50 lbs. at max. You also see in the distance a corpse of a small creature on the north side of the pond. However, you cannot make out the details at this distance.
"Sure, we can search the ruins. There's a vine stretching from one building to the other and small corpse in the distance north of the pond. Do you want to give it a look?"
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Penflower eats a light breakfast before meeting the others. He doesn't say much as he is more of a night person than a morning one. He sets out and as the group approaches the woods, he draws out his longsword and shield and says "Let me go in first. I can put a shield between us and whatever comes."
He goes on without saying anything, trying to listen to the environment, but focused on defending against any attack. He also pauses occasionally to detect magic.
Hagrym uses his sharp eyes to Search the area around the group
Willorn nods to Maclin.
"Would like to know who or what's lying over there. Could give us some clues what me might have to expect here.
He cautiously moves to the edge of the pond, in hope to get a better view on the corpse lying on the other side.
Penflower, with shield raised, leads the players north, sticking to the western wall, to avoid stepping into the pond. As you get closer, you catch the following details:
Tangles of reeds grow in thick clusters around the edge of this muddy pond. The water appears murky with algae, and the half-decayed body of a three-foot-tall scaly humanoid lies on the pool’s northern bank, half-buried in mud and leaves.
As you move forward, a sticky, slimy, 5' tall, tusked frog-beast suddenly rises from the pond, a guttural croak resonating from within, with foul intentions! Thankfully, you are all prepared for battle and no one is surprised!