JD's Abomination Vaults

Game Master Jack Daniels

*Stack of loose papers and scrolls also written in Aklo: "These documents contain a wealth of information about the actual Gauntlight (lighthouse). The lighthouse is an actual artifact. It cannot be damaged by normal means. Its walls are impenetrable and impervious to any attempt to breach them by anybody except for followers of Nhimbaloth. They block effects that allow temporary passage, such as passwall, and also create a barrier against dimensional travel. To activate Gauntlight, a creature must be in the deepest portion of the artifact, where a creature can observe the world outside remotely through Gauntlight’s lens in its cuploa, including any area Gauntlight’s beam can reach. The beam can be shot once per month. 3 weeks and counting to the next shot."

*A folio containing several esoteric diagrams is sandwiched between several books on teleportation on the north shelf: "The folio details
Belcorra’s series of linked teleportation circles to quickly move around the Abomination Vaults, and it notes the importance of using the awaken portal ritual to activate them should time or mischance deplete them of power. The awaken portal ritual is included in the documents."

A caster trained in Arcana or Occultism who can cast 3rd level spells can learn the ritual.

*Largest book in the room, on the southern shelf, is a rare text called The Whispering Reeds: "I am glad that you asked me to study this book rather than study it yourself. This magical book appears to simply describe 77 supposed encounters with the Outer Goddess Nhimbaloth and how each encounter left physical or mental scars. The book is heavily annotated in Belcorra’s hand, particularly in areas where themes of Nhimbaloth as an “eater of ghosts” play into the parables and tales. The book can be used against the cult of Nhimbaloth as a weapon, allowing you to inflict positive damage on undead. However, exposure to the book may subject you to a curse from the Outer God. I would not recommend that you read or study this book. The choice, however, is yours. You can leave it in my care, if you wish. Destroying it may also subject you to the curse."

Garidan listens carefully to Wrin's summaries. He especially makes a mental note that there's some one down at the bottom that has control over the Gauntlight and they have less than three weeks left before the beam scmight shoot again.

At the end, he starts the discussion. "Pen, you should certainly try to learn that ritual, as you are the most versed in the arcane and occult. I will certainly try to assist you, but my knowledge is limited, due to the lack of practice. This will help us traverse the tower much faster."

”What do you all think about The Whispering Reeds? Sounds like it could be a powerful weapon! Of course, that curse sounds gnarly as well. Should we try to harness the power or leave the book here?”

Penflower thinks he should try and learn Aklo, despite having no love for the language. He answers Garidan "You're right, I should study this. It looks complicated, but at least the steps are well documented." He takes the awaken portal ritual and folds the diagrams carefully in his backpack.

Then, about the Reeds, he says "I think it's dangerous to use that. Wrin says it could curse us. Suppose we do defeat our enemies with it, what happens then, do we have to fight each other? It doesn't sound like a good idea to me."

Mac is intrigued by Wrin's recount of her study of the papers. "Interesting, so Belcorra has a hatred for Absalom. If you remember, there was a room on the second level, near where Jon disabled the traps, that had miniatures of a city being devastated by natural disasters and undead and monsters. There was also a painting of Absalom on fire being consumed by ghosts on the island where we fought the doll...must have been a fascination of Belcorra to imagine Absalom's destruction. Maybe she was gathering all of the denizens of the vaults to mount an invasion of the city. And if I recall correctly, with the lighthouse beam, she was able to transport that gruesome spider-like creature in the middle of the graveyard. Maybe she was planning to beam the monsters into the heart of the city before the Rose Guard killed her." Mac pauses, "About this drow apprentice Volluk, we've heard this name before. The brownie mentioned Volluk Azrinae was an apprentice to Belcorra (Pages 6-7 of PbP). The goblin, Borbo, who had his soul trapped in a gem stuffed in a doll said Volluk was his master (Page 17 of PbP). He told us:"

"A powerful mastermind drow occultist artist craftsman." Borbo seems happy with himself that he remembered. He continues, "I know he had a relation with a book lady down below and that he worked for...." Borbo pauses and looks around and whispers, "Mistress Belcorra, who is very frightening and absolutely none of my business. I remember that he did research for the Mistress on some lenses in room up above, but he never shared details about it with me. Said it was very secret. He also experimented on transferring of souls...he said he wanted to live forever. He liked to torture any who displeased the Mistress before he killed them."..."Master Azrinae was not nice. He was mean and cruel to all. And vain, extremely vain. He thought he was the most beautiful elf that ever was. There was a portrait of him before on the level above in the Hall. It was titled "Artist at Work". He could not stop talking about it. Did you see it? His vanity was his weak point. He would get really mad and lose his composure when I would call him ugly or imperfect. He once got so mad at me when I told him about ugly he would look if he transferred his soul to vermin. He could not handle that. Said that he had to do it because his lifespan would end soon.

Volluk's name keeps popping up so it might be important so gave the party a summary from what I recall. And the painting "Artist at Work" which we found on the island was all disfigured and unrecognizable. Book lady? We are on the library level - I do not remember running into anyone, do any of you?

Mac continues his thoughts. "We have a real deadline now. 3 weeks to stop the beam from recharging." Guess we have to stop retraining feats in the future because those take a week - lol.

"I agree with Garidan that Pen should learn the Awaken Portal Ritual to activate the portals we have found on each level. My vote is to leave the Whispering Reeds alone, do not want to mess with objects that can inflict godly curses."

Mac will also offer Jon and Hagrym a moderate and lesser alchemist's fire each. "Against the wood golem, we were screwed because we did not have fire. Garidan and Pen have access to fire by spell or supplies. We should all have access to it just in case."

Mac continues his thoughts. "We have a real deadline now. 3 weeks to stop the beam from recharging." Guess we have to stop retraining feats in the future because those take a week - lol.

"We should alert the temple of Sarenrae before we leave town. Perhaps they can gather their clerics and hallow the ground of the graveyard to mitigate the effects of the Gauntlight or at least be on alert 3 weeks from now, assuming we miss the deadline."

"I agree with Garidan that Pen should learn the Awaken Portal Ritual to activate the portals we have found on each level. My vote is to leave the Whispering Reeds alone, do not want to mess with objects that can inflict godly curses."

"I can't pretend some additional power against the undead isn't tempting, but I think you're right. The less we meddle with the gods, the less they meddle with us, and I'm not keen to give them a direct line," Jon agrees.

Mac will also offer Jon and Hagrym a moderate and lesser alchemist's fire each. "Against the wood golem, we were screwed because we did not have fire. Garidan and Pen have access to fire by spell or supplies. We should all have access to it just in case."

"Thank you. I can use alchemy to create fire rounds ahead of time, but it's just chip damage if they ignore the force of the bullet," Jon says, taking the offered bombs. "By the way, Wrin, there wasn't a contract regarding the services of a devil among any of those papers, was there?"

Wrin raises an eyebrow at Jon's comment, "You have dealings with devils? My, my, how things have changed in such a short time. No, no infernal contracts among the possessions that you gave me to review. Be careful when dealing with devils. While they tend to be lawful, do not forget that they are innately evil."

"We didn't forget," Jon says guiltily. "We were going to trade it its contract for safe passage through a door it was guarding, but maybe it's safer for everyone if it remains bound to its post. Or dead."

I'm all ready to go back to the Vaults as soon as we've told the high priestess and possibly the mayor about the Gauntlight's being able to be fired in 3 weeks.

"I still think that is a safe plan, Jon, once we find the contract. If they're lawful, as Wrin says, then the devil will keep his word and poof back home, giving us access to the room."

After a week, Penflower feels ready to return. He says "Come friends, it's time to get to it again."

Wrin and the mayor are not thrilled to hear that the deadline for the tower to become operational to fire is now 3 weeks. They plead with the party, with Wring taking the lead, "We appreciate the good work that you are doing and putting an end to a ghoulish cult. But please, you have to stop the lighthouse from charging. You need the find the power source and disconnect it or the equivalent. Imagine if those demon spider creatures started popping up through town. Countless would be slaughtered. Please keep your eye on the ball and no more delays."

Penflower assumes a military posture and says "We'll do everything in our power to do that. To help us do that, any resources the town can spare will be welcome."

”We aren’t planning on delays, but there are plenty of nasty critters in that place, making each time we enter more and more dangerous. We have to allow our bones to knit sometimes and get some food from town. A proper party can’t survive long just on hardtack and water,” Hagrym grumbles, not enjoying the scolding tone of Wrin.

Wrin winces at Hagrym's words. "A day to rest and recover is fine. I am referring to taking a week off - we just can't spare the time until the lighthouse's energy beam is neutralized. Apologies for my tone. The town is desperate and you are our only hope."

So some thoughts as we head back into the vaults:
1. Are we stopping first for Pen to activate the portals on the 2nd and 3rd levels?
2. Are we leaving the stitched "flesh golem" that it looks like the ghoul priestess was making in honor of Belcorra alone? Maybe Pen or anyone trained in Arcana can opine on that?
3. I believe we have 2 doors to choose from in the library that head south. Eastern door ok to try first?
4. We are still looking for the infernal contract and Volluk's "book lady" with whom he had a relation on this level or below.

1) That seems like a good idea so we can make a hasty retreat if necessary.
2) We should definitely give the flesh golem a closer look and RK
3) Eastern door first is fine.

1) Yes, it's little cost for good benefit.
2) I can get a book on golems from Morlibint for some bonuses maybe?
3) Either is fine.
4) We are looking for it. The thing is to remember it once we find it.

Refreshed and rested, the party returns to the vaults, stopping at the 2nd floor teleportation room.

The walls of this octagonal chamber are adorned with swirling runes carved into the stone and then filled with dull, silvery metal. The floor is polished smooth, as is the ceiling ten feet above.

Pen has to make an Arcana or Occultism check to awaken the portal.

Here we go Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Opened duration in days: 1d6 ⇒ 5

That is a success! However, you have to open the other side for the portal to fully function.

You head to the 3rd level Portal chamber - the room description is identical to the one on the second level.

Another Arcana or Occultism check for Pen, please. As he begins weaving his magic to awaken the portal's energy, he feels the process is more difficult than it was on the prior level. DC is harder.

”Keep your wits about you, Pen. You can crack this thing,” Hargym says, encouraging the elf.

Garidan nods and wonders about the arcane principles. if allowed and feasible Garidan casts Guidance on Pen.

I'd like to help, but I don't know if I understand this.
Aid Arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

"Here goes nothing.", says the elf as he starts the ritual again.

Arcana with Guidance: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Hot damn!

Jon keeps watch on the door during the ritual to make sure no one disturbs Pen as he works.

Pen flows with the complications of the magic on this level and manages to activate the portal! You can now travel from the portal on Level 2 (near the deceased river drake's lair) to the portal on Level 3 (room next to the Gauntlight Reading Room where you killed the tattooed ghoul). You get 30 xp for activating the portal!

You head back to the library where you left off, after having killed Nhakazarin, where 2 doors lead south. You take the eastern southern door in your usual formation: Pen and Mac in the lead, followed by Jon and Garidan, and Hagrym in the back. You move forward 10' into the following room:

This room is lined with tables divided up into several narrow carrels with old wooden chairs pushed in against them. Upon them, old stacks of paper and tattered books sit amid dry inkwells and brittle writing quills. To the south, a skeleton dressed in shiny-looking chain shirt lies slumped on the floor, clutching something in its bony hands.

Suddenly, through the wall, a ghostly female drow passes into the room, floating above the air. The ghost sees the party and speaks in an enchanting voice, "Are you the new scribes assigned to me? You're late. Please try to be on time next time. These books are not going to fix themselves. Please start transcribing the books stacked there..now!" The ghostly female drow does not seem to be very patient and is waiting for you to start.

Garidan acts quickly and grabs a quill with the lantern-holding hand. He fakes reading one of the books traing to buy some time for the party.
"If we need to transcribe these books to release this ghost, we're really unlucky," he whispers to the others.

@GM: I'm sorry, but I stopped keeping track of XP for a long time now. I hope someone is keeping track.

Penflower is impressed with himself for activating the portals. He confidently leads the group forward. As the ghost appears, he opens his eyes wide. Instead of doing anything he looks at her carefully, trying to remember who she is.

Recall Knowledge society: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Religion skill 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Hagrym tries to figure out anything else about this ghostly figure.

Mac really hates ghosts, but seeing the rest of the party react in non-violent manner, he contain his urges to lash out at the non-threatening ghost. He mumbles quietly, "Could this be Volluk's book lady? They're both drow." Mac then smiles and says, "Right away, madam!" He follows Garidan to one of the cubicles and picks up one of the books with one hand, while maintaining the other on his pick in case things change.

"Er, sorry. We'll get on that," Jon says. "Do any of you have quills and ink? These inkwells are dry and the quills look like they'll disintegrate the moment we touch them," he whispers to the group.

@Penflower: No need to track xp. Whenever you level, like you just did, your xp drops to 0, so you now have 30 xp.

Pen does not recall who she is, but the ghost's tone leads him to believe that she was some type of administrator in life, most likely in a book setting.

What are Hagrym and Pen doing?

Penflower comments to the others "Remember the other ghosts we found here? There was something in the room that was preventing them to move on to the river Styx. We just need to find what it is."

He tries aiding Hagrym on his check.

Aid Recall knowledge religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

”Im guessing that skeleton in the floor has something to do with the ghost being here. And it seems to be clutching something in its hand.maybe that is the unfinished business keeping the spirit from its rest,” Hagrym muses.

He slowly moves towards the skeleton and tries to grab whatever was being c,itched for further inspection.

Pen's assistance does not help reveal any new info to Hagrym.

The ghost moves in to step in front of Hagrym before he can reach the skeleton. In a threatening voice, she speaks to the dwarven cleric, "Report for duty, scribe! Now! Or face my wrath...." Due to his unique connection with the spiritual world, Hagrym senses the void energy emanating off the ghost as she stands 5' away from him.

Now what?

Penflower understands they need a distraction. He wanders off to the books and tries to act the same way he did when he used to upset his teachers in Kyonin. He says "Excuse me, do you need this, or this one?" He keeps bothering her with questions so that her back is to Hagrym, and he can reach for the item.

The ghost's ire increases. She responds in a loud tone without even turning around. "Not now, scribe! Can't you see I am berating this scribe for not moving fast enough." Her eyes start to glow. Her tone is unearthly and cold, as she stares into Hagrym's eyes. "Well, what's it going to be scribe? Are you going to work or not?"

Penflower says "I guess we all have to scribe... for now." He takes a book and starts to pretend he is scribing on it.

Waiting on Hagrym's reaction to move on...

Hagrym decides to see how this plays out for a bit. ”Er, yeah. I’m here to scribe, I guess….could you show me exactly what you’d like for me to scribe,” he asks the ghost.

When we are all pretending to scribe, Mac will look at the ghost and say, "Madam, I apologize for the interruption, but do you know of Volluk Azrinae? Have you seen him recently?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Oops!

The ghost floats around the room, checking to see if the party is following her prompts to start transcribing the books. She does not look closely, so your pretending appears to fool her for now. When Mac mentions Volluk, she looks up from her review. "What do you know of my love, scribe? He would pay you no heed. He has more important things to do. And why do you say his name with such disgust?" The ghost flies over to Mac, anger on her face. She looks at Mac. "Apologize for your insolence."

Jon scribbles invisible letters with a dry quill while glancing over at Mac and the ghost scribe, curious to see how the dwarf will respond. His left hand itches to grab the ghost charge bomb in his belt pouch.

While still pretending to scribe, Penflower looks over at Hagrym and mimes "Now!" with his mouth. A single drop of sweat rolls down his stern.

Hagrym took the opportunity to grab what the corpse was clasping in its grasp while the ghost was distracted.

Hagrym, you can do so, but unless you roll a successful check, you're going to make noise as your armor creaks as you move from your cubicle. Let me know. Hagrym, if you proceed.

The ghost floats around the room, checking to see if the party is following her prompts to start transcribing the books. She does not look closely, so your pretending appears to fool her for now. When Mac mentions Volluk, she looks up from her review. "What do you know of my love, scribe? He would pay you no heed. He has more important things to do. And why do you say his name with such disgust?" The ghost flies over to Mac, anger on her face. She looks at Mac. "Apologize for your insolence."

Mac realizes that he is the distraction now. "I readily apologize, Madam, if I offended you with my tone." He looks at the ghost and speaks plainly without deception. "But your love, if we can call it that, for Volluk, is really misplaced. From all accounts that I have heard, he is extremely vain and vain people only care about themselves. Also, he is the right-hand man to Belcorra, right? So where does that put you? Third?! After his devotion to Belcorra and himself I would imagine. Tell me, did he treat you well? Did he protect you? Why is he not here at your side? Is he truly worthy of your adoration?"

Mac is trying to keep her attention solely focused on him.

Knowing this was probably a terrible plan, Hagrym tries to grab the note. If the ghost notices him, he will mutter, “…sorry, dropped my pen. I’ll get back at it,” and see how it shakes out.

Stealth 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20