The temperature in the enclosed room begins to slowly drop. The room remains silent apart from the minor echo of your voice. The creature remains still and focused. Once again creeping into your mind, 'I have a feeling that if we had met under different circumstances we would have got along, after all everybody has a dark side.' A wicked grin spreads across the creatures face. 'Your offer is very tempting...but is there nothing else you wish to offer to sweeten the deal? After all, you will never find the boy without me.'
The creatures expression does not change, his button eyes remain fixated on yours. You hear his voice, but his lips do not move. 'Jolan was my masterpiece, come... let me show him to you.'
Creature Information:
You know that the creature in front of you is commonly known as a doll devil. They are known as the corruptors of children and can turn the most innocent child evil. Once the child is corrupted they draw from their essence until the child slips into a coma or dies outright. As the child passes they snatch their soul and shift to hell with their prize.
Feel free to ask two specific questions with regards to the creature.
With a creek the figure raises its head thoughtfully to the ceiling 'Jolan, Jolan, Jolan... that name I recognise. Now, what did I do with little Jolan... Oh Yes, now I remember.' His eyes snap back to yours. 'Don't look at me like that... do I look like a monster?' The figure laughs wildly. 'Come closer and maybe, just maybe I will tell you what you wish to know.'
This is a good opportunity to roll any knowledge checks etc. that you would like to make.
Lorenzo receives no response from the booming voice. With great effort you manage to slowly open the door which reveals a small figure sat in the centre of a 40ft by 40ft circular room. A childish laugh travels towards you. The small figures head turns 180 degrees to face you. A boys flawless porcelain face stares blankly at you. He has two buttons for eyes, red lips and is dressed in a school boy outfit. 'Have you come to play with me?'
Your fortitude safe was successful. The liquid you drank was laced with Drow Poison, you managed to resist the effects.
As you finish the last drop of the bitter liquid Lorenzo feels a burning sensation concourse through his body. You see the mass of tiny creatures that were encircling the girl turn and begin to swarm towards you. At the last second, they veer off and disappear from sight. The unseen light source encircling the girl begins to expand, highlighting a walkway leading to the furthest end of the room where two indiscernible figures await. Salandra hugging her teddy tight once more glances towards the figures and back towards you before bowing ever so slightly ‘Thank You Sir’. With that the girl begins to skip down the corridor humming softly before disappearing out of sight.
You hear a booming grating voice ‘Well, well, well. You were willing to do what it took to save the girl. But the question is, at what cost?’ The 60ft by 60ft chamber becomes alight. Blood stained walls encircle you. Three doors appear on the wall to the left. Each engraved: Jolan Age 7, Zara Age 29 and Johnas Age 27. ‘Why don’t you take a look at the cost of your actions?’ An evil laugh fills the chamber before disappearing leaving the air thick with silence.
Without question she closes her eyes, she begins humming ever so quietly.
As you study the symbols you discern that they represent a binding spell. The five symbols repeat as far as you can see.
Common writing suddenly appears on the ground in front of you, behind which a vial of white liquid now sits.
The writing states, "Drink the substance within the vial and the girl is free. The challenge is that simple. Or you can try and complete it the hard way... The choice is yours."
The girls jaw drops as she looks around the room and up towards the floating orbs of light, “WWOOWW!” The light reveals a vast empty circular room. Apart from the inner circle where Salandra stands every inch of the ground is etched with a variety of symbols. Surrounding the girl is a swarm of tiny centipedes.
Facing Lorenzo once more, “I can not leave I have tried. They are keeping me here.” As your eyes begin to adjust to the darkness a writhing mass of legs and poisonous pincers can be seen swarming around the outskirts of the light. “I do not like them. Can you make them go away?”
A burning sensation concourses through your veins as your hand touches the remorseless cold of the iron door. The scratching ceases, a single soft clicking noise can be heard prior to the door opening inwards. The centre of the room is lit by an unseen light source. Within the centre a small girl sits on the ground clutching a small brown teddy. She slowly raises her head and looks in Lorenzos direction. In a quiet shaken voice, “Where are my parents? Help me…I can’t find my parents.” The girl pulls her teddy in close to her chest before slowly looking around the room.
You estimate the girl to be 20ft away.
Could you roll me a perception check please.
As you take a step through the iron doors the air becomes icy cold. The doorway you entered through begins shimmering before abruptly fading into seamless solid iron. You find yourself stood in a dimly lit hallway with sleek iron walls. Two doors are apparent on each side of the hallway, each with a sole handprint in the centre. A few steps away lies a rugged sheet of A4 paper, writing encompassing the entirety of it.
“That you stand within my haven suggests that you have little regard for your own life. Are you naïve? Or do you possess what is required for survival? Failing the tasks now set before you will not result in your death as many presume, but ensure your enslavement. You will pray for death as you serve Zon Kuthon, he will make you do unimaginable things… things that you will never forget and things that can never be forgiven. You will serve for centuries each year hoping for it all to end, ultimately death will never come. Good Luck.”
Darkness descends over the room; abruptly water begins pouring from above. You feel the note beginning to tear as the pressure increases. A young innocent voice echoes through the room “You have to choose who you wish to save. You must choose.” The water ceasing light fills the room once more; you can hear scratching coming from the direction of each door.
On Closer Inspection:
On each door you find writing engraved:
1. Jolan Age 7 | Hallway | 3. Zara Age 29
2. Salandra Age 5 | Hallway | 4. Johnas Age 27
Jaskara looks around nervously, “ Yes… I guess I do mean death…But I am sure it will not come to such an untidy ending for a person of your kind. You will love it…it is very exciting.” His grin broadens as he leads Lorenzo down several creaking ramps. Many goblins watch the two descend, their eyes gleaming with excitement...watching…waiting. You descend to the fourth layer this island considerably smaller than the above. In the centre stands a sole smooth stone bunker surrounded by a gently flowing moat. Jaskara leads you along the stone steps and across a reinforced bridge to the bunkers single Iron door. “As you enter the challenges will automatically begin. Once you enter the only way out is to complete the challenges." Jaskara turns and takes a few steps back across the bridge, "I will be on my way now unless you have any further questions? Good Luck Mr.”
Distractedly, “Yes I believe it will. Completing the initiation will allow you safe passage through their settlement for as long as it stands. I shall leave you two to figure the details out; I have a little business to conduct.” Somar walks down the same walkway that Jaskara traversed. As he reaches the bottom he veers off to the right seemingly towards the largest of the huts. Jaskara stands at attention, in a high pitched rehearsed voice, “The initiation is a task undergone by all who wish to enter this glorious place. It is a simple task that requires skill. If you are not proficient in combat I suggest you do not participate and leave this place, for once you enter you can not leave until either the task is complete or you are defeated. Do you have any questions before we proceed Mr?”
One of the creatures begins to ascend the ramp nearest you, its characteristics differing slightly from the toll collectors. Large bulbous eyes filled with curiosity and excitement dominating its oversized head. His long spidery limbs moving with ease. “Simply put they are Goblins, several different variations dwell here. There are those like the toll collectors who enjoy the pleasures of life down here and life above. Others prefer to dwell solely below like young Jaskara here. They call this place Romender.” Jaskara stands before the two and squeels in excitement fidgeting immensely, “Papa says that all newcomers have to earn the right to be here…Isn’t that right Somar? Mr…Mr do you kind sir accept to participate in the initiation event? I promise its super fun.” Jaskara holds out his scrawny hand, biting his lip in anticipation awaiting Lorenzo’s answer.
Slight disappointment followed by relief passes over Somars features. With a single nod he turns to walk past the two, “It seems your luck has yet to run out.” With a grim smile he continues down the corridor. The two creatures do not acknowledge the statement, both there posture and gaze fixated on the motionless gold on the floor.
Somar leads you down the ever narrowing corridor. As you reach the end of the tunnel the lowering ceiling forces you to crouch, the sides brushing tightly against your shoulders as you move. Several inches of water encompasses the floor at your feet. There is a small wooden door, half the size of a normal door. A metal handle swinging lightly in the tunnels breeze. Somar turns the handle… the door opens with a creak. An idyllic setting is revealed. Running streams stretch through the vast cavern, the running water echoing a soothing sound. The wet ground itself is staggered onto 7 different layers. Wooden ramps providing walk ways between each. On top of the ground sits dozens of small basic huts made out of straw and mud of various sizes. Small creatures similar to the toll collectors can be seen moving between the huts and chatting to one another excitedly.
The creatures shuffle to the side, the closest focused entirely on Lorenzo, the other shifting his gaze from Lorenzo to his companion. Indecision stained across his pearl green eyes. Looking back Lorenzo sees Somar effortlessly climb down the final section of the ladder. As he turns to face the others he grins slightly, wiping his hands onto his cloak. “You never fail to impress Lorenzo…I see you have met the toll collectors…It seems you have made quite the introduction.” He walks towards the creatures and drops gold pieces at their feet. “It is a small price to pay. You will see soon enough.” His grin fading, “Although if you wish to kill them, I shall not stand in your way. I do enjoy the calmness of watching blood seeping into the cracks of the earth.”
Temporary confusion passes over the creatures face as it scratches the back of its head, the hysterical laughter of the other slowly dying to a gentle chuckle. The speaker takes a step forward and stands at attention. “How wrong of us to underestimate one such as you. Please find us at your service.” The other kneels onto the floor mockingly, not quite certain of whats occuring.
The creature on your right folds his arms and puffs out his chest. “Unfortunately for your unusual self the toll has gone up since yesterday…Today we require 25gp…Pay the fee or get out.” The creature bares his teeth; the other continues to laugh hysterically clutching at his stomach.
From what you can see no other creatures seem to be lurking in the tunnels. You notice two passage ways veering off to each side towards the end of the tunnel. The torches cause the shadows of the tunnels to dance along the textured walls.
Do you have knowledge local? If so you may recognise the creatures. Without the knowledge roll you recognise they are some form of humanoid creature.
As you climb down the ladder the fresh smell of a running river drifts upward. The bars become damper and damper making it harder to get a secure grip. Your hands and clothes attract the reddish-brown rust. The gentle dripping of water echos throughout the enclosed surroundings.
As the ground becomes closer the gentle glow from the torch reveals a 10ft wide tunnel with a curved ceiling. Your feet reach the ground with a squelch. Further along the corridor you can see torches lining the chipped stone walls. Two scrawny figures no taller than 3 feet can be seen 15ft away. The one on the left giggles hysterically as it spots you. The figure on the right speaks in a high pitched manic voice, "You have to pay the toll or the consequences will be very dear."
“The answer to that question is uncertain…it depends on whether the cretins are in a foul mood. Many have died climbing down this very ladder…each death was labelled an accident of course.” With a forced smile, “Do not fret I have done this many a time and I am still here to do the journey once again." Somar moves closer.
Anya looks around as each individual is introduced, her gaze lingering slightly on each. She listens intentively before defensively replying, "And what is it that you are not impressed with Lady Tiboros? I imagine being so quick to judge has not worked to your advantage in the past. But what do I know." Anya's eyes widen as she sunddenly realises who she has addressed so rashly, her throat beginning to feel dry. Hoping to ease the situation she looks down to the contract, barely reading it before signing it. She slides the document back across the table to Ser Harod.
Somar peers down the weathered well, "Unguarded from up here yes, down there? it depends if the toll collectors are awaiting our arrival." He walks to the back of the well, crouching down momentarily before reappearing with a lit torch. He drops it down the well focusing on its decent. Distractedly he continues, "Yes I have great knowledge of spells, in part this helps contribute towards my reputation. I am sure you know as well as I that knowledge is power." A soft orange glow emanates from the well, partially lighting the clearing. Soft muffled scuttering can be heard coming from below.
From your peripheral vision you notice Somars eyes beginning to glow red, growing brigther and then dimmer with each second. You feel a dark troublesome aura decending strong waves emanating from both Somars and the wolves location.
Wolf:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
The wolf becomes fixated on Somar, it begins to shake frantically before attempting to turn in haste. The hatred in its eyes replaced with fear. It stumbles briefly before launching itself into the shrouding fog. The dark aura disappearing with it. Grinning slightly Somar turns to Lorenzo, "The entrance is just ahead." After traversing a further 30ft the two come across a weathered water well. Moss covering the stone sides. Somar points to a rusty ladder on the inside. "After you..."
As the frightenly sharp blade slashes into the wolfs face with expert precision a high pitched whimper is released, a whimper great enough to send shivers down the spine of a seasoned warrior. For an age it seems to echo throughout the chilled fog choked area. An increasing amount of thick red blood spraying into the air, covering the two with a warm thin blanket as the swords edge digs deeper and deeper into the creatures skull. The wolfs body begins convulsing before evidently becoming still.
Out of the darkness emerges another, although this one is much larger and its fur is of a dark shade of grey allowing it to easily blend into the backdrop of the fog. Its large paws sinking in and out of the mud trodden ground with a squelch as it traverses closer. The creature approahces the fallen wolf and begins licking the beasts fatal head wound, letting out small high pitched cries after each lick. Bald patches and a multitude of scaring can be seen on the newcomer. Several minutes seem to pass before the wolf raises its head to the two, hatred and despair burning in its eyes.
Yellow eyes burning with fierce hunger emanate from the gloomy fog. As one of the creatures stalks closer the wolves jet black muscled figure is divulged. Its mouth ajar, numerous sharp fangs drip with a sickly mix of saliva and blood. Its tongue darting back and forth.
The turn order is as follows: Somar, Lorenzo, Creature 1, Creature 2. Somar will delay his turn until Lorenzo's intentions are revealed.
"A very interesting story indeed. It sounds like you had quite the fun. I suspect your power will grow rapidly."Anya puts a hand on the boys shoulder, looking directly into his eyes "Do not let anybody try to control you, remember it is your power and yours alone. Unleash the destruction that you see just." With a slight smile she removes her hand. "My story is in fact very long, I believe another time would suit best or brother Andrell will not be pleased with our tardiness." She continues with excitement in her tone,"Come and find me on the morrow and maybe I will be able to show you."Am I to trust a boy who cannot resist telling his own story so eagerly.
A puzzled look on his face Somar heads towards the swirling vapor. "I will accompany you until the time is right for me to leave. I believe you deserve at least that." The further you traverse the poorer visibility becomes. The icy crisp air relentlessly brushing against your skin.
Rustling leaves can be heard coming from all angles, unrecognizable dark shadows continuously moving in and out of view.
Could you please roll a perception check and an initiative check.
I do love an interesting story. Disregarding everything else Anya matches her pace with Coll, looking down on him with curious eyes she speaks in a hushed voice, "What did you do to those who were mean to you Coll? If you tell me your story I will tell you mine. Nobody will have to know."
Somar considers his response carefully, "Understand my intentions are not bad, but the plan is and always was to eventually enter the darklands with you. All I am doing is making sure you do not get lost along the way. Each of our lives are full of risk, but the darklands presents less risk than most places for me. I am in fact well known there." A cold chill flows through the air. Piercing howling can be heard in the distance.
Too tired to do anything other Anya slowly nods. Recognition slowly seeping in she visibly shakes herself awake. "One moment...uhm...Sorry what is your name? She quickly closes all the scattered books on her desk before returning to the door. I should really be nice to this one... She smiles softly, "Where is Brother Andrell waiting? Would you be so kind to lead the way."
Somar merely shrugs, "The possibilities are endless. It is not uncommon for the darklands to target people from Westcrown." As you pass underneath the quaters entrance Somar wraps his cloak around himself. Indifferent to the matter he continues "Maybe they recognise the possibility of you becoming a host."The sturdy path becomes a dirt ridden track,grim and unpopulated. Mist encompasses the path reducing visibility to 50ft. Somar stops and faces Lorenzo, "This track will eventually lead to one of many entrances to the darklands where inturn we will find the achient city of Ilvarandin. The deepest of the levels of the darklands. In truth Ilvarandin is home to the intellect devourers. They survive by using others as hosts giving humans the appearence of immortality. But little know that the person once inside is no longer. Your former master seems to be quite fond of these creatures."
Brushing sleep from her eyes Anya slowly moves the woolen blanket to the side and sits on the edge of the bed. Ngngh, what is so imperative that I am awoken at such an ungodly hour. She wraps her robe tightly around her before sauntering towards the door. "I will be right there." She grips the cold handle of the door, with a twist she pulls it towards her.
After reading the note Somar carefully folds it. With a smile he puts one hand on to Antheas shoulder. "I am afraid my earlier presumption was wrong, sadly we must now embark. Please do take care until our paths cross once again... I shall not forget your kindness." Somar turns his gaze to Lorenzo "Yes I know well of this letter, I will explain on the way."
He bows to Anthea before taking his leave. After briefly entering another room he returns to wait for Lorenzo by the entrance, cloak in hand.
As the two leave the streets present a calmness. The time could be no later than 18:00. Somar leads Lorenzo through the pristine streets towards the quarters exit. "The letter is of a poem wrote by the alchemist Vumeshki. He was one of the drugs earliest victims. The consumption of him was slow and gradual and allowed a framework to be created for the invasion of dreams. He was convinced that Ilvarandin was a true paradise where one could seek immortality and perpetual youth. How wrong he was. I fear somebody may be taunting you."
She gently takes the note from Lorenzo and peers down at it. After a few moments she shrugs, "I am sorry but I fear you are asking the wrong person, for I do not know of this place." She passes the letter back to Lorenzo. "The letter was passed under my door earlier this morning, by the time I noticed it the deliverer was gone."
Somar walks into the room, "Lorenzo, we leave when darkness falls. We have a few hours to spare. Is there anything you wish to do before we leave?"
She picks two potions from the shelf, with great care she slowly walks over to Lorenzo, "Here you go my dear. I hope you will not need the second." After handing over the potions she momentarily sits on the bench in the centre of the room gazing into nothingness "Sometimes I wonder if secrets can do more harm than good...Ahh yes the letter, very strange indeed. For I did not even know you would be here."She wanders out of the room and returns promtly with a sealed envelope in hand. Lorenzo's name is clearly printed on the front of the brown envelope. She holds it out towards Lorvenzo.
Contents of the letter if you choose to open it:
In deepest dark where corpselight glows,
And love and life eternal flows;
The spiral path of midnight shows:
The route to Ilvarandin.
Bright towers reach from sunless stones,
Strange steeples vie with terraced cones;
A blessed sight for aching bones:
The spires of Ilvarandin.
To live a life on sunless coast,
To love and lust amid the host,
To seek and feel what pleases most:
The joys of Ilvarandin.
Long life for all and death for none,
The mortal coil at last undone;
Eternal bliss and joy begun:
The gift of Ilvarandin.
Yet distant lords of dark yesteryear,
Draw plans in caverns stepped in fear-
The worm-kings of Denebrum draw near:
The end of Ilvarandin.
On passing through the doorway you enter a small square closet like room, shelves lining every inch of the walls. Each stacked with what appears to be different varieties of potions and wands. Positioned directly in the centre of the room is a wooden bench. Books piled high on each end. Anthea walks over to the shelves directly in front and surveys the contents. Several minutes pass before she turns to face Lorenzo with a smile, "What do you prefer my dear? I have both potions and wands." after a brief moment she continues "What is it that you and Somar are up to?"
Fine wood lines the floor of the hallway. Four more finely carved wooden doors can be seen. Elegant candles line each side of the hallway none of which are lit.
Somar listens to Lorenzo's response before wandering through the nearest door. Anthea pays him no notice her attention solely focused on Lorenzo. After he finishes speaking she shakes her head, sorrow in her eyes "It is terrible the things that happen in today's society and sure enough it always happens to those that don't deserve it. Come on let's get you fixed up..." She takes several steps before suddenly halting in the hall. She meets Lorenzo's eyes. "Lorenzo...Lorenzo...Lorenzo... I knew that name rung a bell. I have something for you, but It can wait until you are fully rested." With a sweet smile she heads towards the farthest door ushering for Lorenzo to follow.
Upon entering the noble quarter gate two elegantly dressed guards are revealed positioned just within. As the guards percieve the two they smile at each other before bowing mockingly. Somar slowly shakes his head before approaching and shaking each of their hands in turn. "And you wonder why they always put you both on the uneventful shifts." The taller of the guards chuckled gently, "One day we will make you laugh sir."
With a slight bow Somar continued on down the street. The quarters condition was strikingly different from the rest of the city. Each and every building was in pristene condition and the sweet smell of baked goods filled the air. All of the inhabitants were finely dressed and politely mannered. Many paid a glance to Lorenzo but none approached.
Finally Somar stopped outside of a Wooden door and knocked twice. Promptly a beautiful finely dressed lady answered. She opened her mouth to speak to Somar but didn't as she noticed Lorenzos condition. She moved to the side of the door and ushered for the two to enter before closing it behind them. She placed a hand on Lorenzos shoulder, in a sweet voice she spoke, "I assume you are here to be healed? Who did this? We surely have to report it. oo where are my manners, I am Anthea. It is a pleasure to meet you Mr..."
A cold chill swept through the clearing before dissipating. Somar nodded in acknowledgement. The tension easing from his posture, "Indeed I do, a very good healer resides within the noble quarter. A friend in fact. I shall take you to her."
With a awkward smile Somar turned and began walking along the path towards the city gate.
Have you any more questions? If not I will proceed to the next part :)
Somar smiles uneasily,"Yes, that may be so. It is not necessary to complete the former mission as I have already completed the required tasks. You have been absent for several days..." He surveys their surroundings, "Although as promised, I think now is the time for us to go underground if you still wish. There we will meet many of Zon-Kuthons followers and may in fact run into your former master."
As Lorenzo grips his shoulder Somars eyes fixate on his injuries. A brief flash of sorrow flashes across his features before he Solemnly shakes his head, "I am afraid it was not me, I was escorting the family to safety as discussed. I returned to the alley only when I grew suspicious that things had not gone as planned... When I returned the alley was desolate, you were already gone." Looking into the trees behind Lorenzo Somar continues, "I took the family to the cities border. As for where we are, we are on the outskirts of the Noble Quater of Westcrown."
As Lorenzo approaches he recognises the figure as Somar. Although he no longer wears his cloak. Instead he is dressed in a white fitted shirt tucked in to black trousers. The clothing greatly ephasising the paleness of his skin. As he notices lorenzo approaching he straightens and begins to stride towards him.
As Lorenzo follows the trail throughout the woodland animals can be heard rustling in the underbrush, although none stray onto the twig filled path.
After several miles the trees begin to thin and the imposing walls of the city come into view. A figure can be seen leaning against the wall adjacent to one of the cities many side gates.
The door swings open with a groan. The fresh air flowing with force into the dusky shack. From the positioning of the sun in the cool blue sky above it appears to be no later than noon. Birds of all kinds are positioned in the towering trees surrounding the shack singing in perfect harmony. Overgrown verdant green grass spans out in all directions. Opposite the shacks entrance a winding trail can be seen leading deep into the trees.
Scrawled writing takes up the entirety of the page. Although the writing is legible it is clear it was written in a rush. Lorenzo reads 'So the rumours are true. You are in the city looking for me. Sadly I have to go but I am sure we will meet again. I trust you can find your own way back to the city.'
No he isn't tied up, he's completely free to move as normal :)
Looking around the room Lorenzo can see very little. It seems the entirety of the building is the one room. A draft can be felt coming from the single door opposite him. An A5 sheet of paper positioned next to him on the stone floor.
Marvs attack hits with such precision that it forces Lorenzo down to his knees. On the return swing he bludgeons Lorenzo in the side of the head. The earth around him spinning Lorenzo hits the ground.
As reality begins to fade he can feel the thugs bats pounding on his body, the pain shooting through each and every limb with each hit. As the overwhelming darkness finally arrives Lorenzo unexpectedly hears the screams of the Thugs followed by complete silence.
Battered and bruised Lorenzo awakes in a cold dark room. Although the windows are boarded up light still manages to protrude. The sweet tweeting of birds flows into the room.
Shrak swings the club but underestimates the effectiveness of Lorenzo's armor. The club hits the armor with a ringing sound but is bounced away effortlessly. Shrak growls in anger.
Marv seeing the failure of his brothers attack has a glint of hope in his eyes. Maybe this is the time I will outshine my brother. He approaches and positions himself in front of Lorenzo. Marv swings back the club and aims for Lorenzo's legs.
Shrak moves forward and positions himself to Lorenzo's left hand side, the stench of sweat suffocating the night air. He swings the club attempting to strike Lorenzo in the gut.
