MercuryAlpha's page

A few days after our return from the Crow, Akrem finally took the second shard and concentrated on it until he received visions of the next shard. He didn't recognize the scene he saw and after trying to describe it I suggested he hand the shard to others and let us see the vision itself. It was Vander who finally recognized the scene as the Lady's Light south of the city. We consulted with Sheila and she said she would set about booking passage for us on a ship. We also voiced our concern if we do find the shard and don't have the ioun stone to put it in so she gave us the only ioun stone she had available. She informed us that she thinks adding another member to our group will help us in our task. We went with her suggestion and she introduced us to Illyanna that evening at dinner and also informed us a ship would be ready to leave at dawn in a few days. The next few days past uneventful as I just took my time to relax around the mansion while most the others busied themselves with getting some more supplies or doing research on the Lady's Light and its surrounding area.

Before dawn of the appointed day we boarded the Wanton Ways and settled in for the day and a half trip to where we were going to be dropped off. Akrem took the opportunity to socialize with the captain and some crew speaking another language. Dagon on the other hand avoided being on deck and complained about the swaying. The rest of us would occasionally scope out the deck but otherwise just stayed out of the way. The first day passed uneventful but early the next day a thick fog had settled and the ship slowed down. We were told we might not make our drop off point until the next day.

As we rested below decks that evening I noticed a commotion was occurring on the deck. As some of us were just about to head up to the deck a loud roar sounded and ship itself shuddered. We moved up onto the deck and a passing crewman mention there was a dragon nearby. Akrem and I decided it might be best to grab all our gear and be ready to leave the ship but as we were approaching our quarters below deck the ship suddenly lunged to one side. I managed to keep my footing but Akrem was knocked to the ground. I grabbed up my pack and Illyanna's while Akrem grabbed up his and Vander's, it looked like the other two were already carrying their bags. As we turned to start making our way out of the hold water began to rush in. I was able to avoid being knocked down while Akrem was knocked down again. As I moved back onto the deck I was confronted with a rather different situation that earlier, a dragon was hanging onto the side of the ship and it appeared to have killed much of the crew, the few remaining were fleeing. The ship itself was heavily damage from what appeared to be acid the dragon spewed and destroyed one of the masts. As I moved forward to help Vander was brought down by the dragon and Dagon began to pull him away to heal him. I moved up to the dragon and began doing my best to keep it distracted.

Illyanna and Aeolys had set about attacking the dragon with ranged so I found myself fighting the dragon alone in melee. It didn't seem to care much for Illyanna's bow but it was definitely wanting to attack Aeolys but it seems hesitant to ignore me and let me get behind it. After a few attempts to hurt the dragon Akrem emerged from the hold just when the dragon let out another breath attack. I evaded the attack but Akrem and Aeolys were not as lucky which prompted Dagon to pray to his deity and healed everyone. Akrem moved to confront the dragon and Vander got back to his feet now that he had been healed by Dagon. At this point the dragon was fed up with Aeolys and moved along the edge of the boat to attack him which irritated Akrem as he now had to chase down the dragon but the next moment Illyanna used some magic on Akrem and he grew in size. I moved back to confront the dragon and Akrem stepped up with his increased size and gave the dragon a grievous wound. As the ship was nearing its demise the dragon finally withdrew partying with words that Skyra will get us back for this as it dived into the sea and disappeared.

We then hurried into one of the dinkies and began to try to get away from the sinking boat so as not to get dragged down with it. Thanks to Akrems increased size he was able to push us to safety before the Wanton Ways slipped away from sight. Now we just have to make it to shore.

We now continued into the next intersection which we were had an idea of what to expect straight ahead and down the west passage but he didn't mention anything about the east passage that just continued out of sight. As we began to cross the elevated platform two large eel like creatures got the jump on Aeolys and I. I took to the defense and continued to bait the one that had attacked me while Akrem and Vander grabbed Ransuer's that were being carried and used them to attack the creatures from the platform without getting into the stagnant water. Dagon moved into the middle of the group and cast a spell while Aeolys took the chance to start attacking the closest eel with a cone of fire. Aeolys quickly drew the attention of second eel and found himself in dire straits. Luckily Akrem finished the first eel and Dagon was able to reach Aeolys to heal him some before the second was finished.

We then took the opportunity to check the tunnel that was straight ahead and found it collapsed. Back at the intersection we then moved according to the captains information and took a peek into the room he had said was trapped. From here we had two paths to go a western passage and a southern before we would venture down the unknown corridor to the east. He said there was something dangerous in the western most room from where we spoke with him but we found ourselves looking at what appeared to be a different room so we stepped in to peek around. On a wall near a pool of stagnant water was an everburning torch. Vander, the only one in the group without his own light showed interest in it and Akrem moved to grab it when a large ball of slime dropped from the ceiling narrowly missing him and eating away the stone floor. At this point we found the torch to be permanently attached to the wall and gave up on it.

We now moved down the remaining southern passage and entered into a large room with several doors and a small balcony overlooking the room, also around the room was some blue mushrooms which can be dangerous in prolonged exposure. According to info from the Lizza Jane captain there should be Darrow dwarves here. We split up into the room, I took to the east hugging the wall and found steps leading into a room below. At this point I noticed Aeolys started to act oddly and began to fumble along the southern wall of the room. I moved to stay close to Aeolys but as I stopped to watch over him I suddenly felt compelled to walk back the way we came and through the trapped room. As I began to walk out the exit of the room two of these Darrow dwarves appeared and began attacking Akrem and Dagon. I walked right through the middle of the scrum that started which drew some yells from Aeolys as to what I was doing. I walked down the tunnel hearing the sounds of the fight fading behind me when suddenly Aeolys ran up and slapped me but I continued to walk into the trapped room. At this point I heard Aeolys run off while I found myself dodging various traps before I felt my muscles begin to seize up from some fumes in the air. As I finally finished my compulsion to walk through the trapped room I began to run using the safer passage we had previously cleared to get back to the fight. As I entered back into the room I found myself looking into a room with a burning body, the two Darrow that had attacked earlier were slain, a golem of some type which appeared to be destroyed and the majority of the party looking worse for wear. At this point a fire bomb was thrown out of the room behind the golem's dead body so I moved to see if I could help. As an opening appeared I moved in to the fight but the dwarf was very nimble and as I tried to tumble past him so the others could move in to engage as well he kept foiling my attempts. After the 3rd attempt I just withdrew from the room and let Akrem move in to finish him off.

Dagon healed the party with prayers to his god and I gave him the wand of cure light wounds I had to offset his use of spells so far. We gathered anything useful from the room and as we look about which door to go to next Aeolys pointed to the wall from earlier and said we had to go that way now. He pointed out a hidden door which Akrem pryed open. Moving into the new passage Akrem pointed out there was a very large dead spider and Aeolys noted it was a type of spider that was the cause of a commotion in Magnimar a while back. We made our way down the steps, eventually coming to an end in a room where two large fires ignited as we entered. Ahead was a golden door. Nothing seemed unusual about it and Akrem was able to swing the door open with ease.

In the new room we found what appears to be a depression of a 7 pointed star on the floor with another smaller one inside it. The inner star appeared to be a place to put the various shards, one of them already sitting in the star. Before we could decide anything about the shard two large spiders dropped down on us from above and began to attack Akrem and Aeolys. Akrem and I took to one of them while the others work the second one. Dagon tried the best he could to keep Aeolys up. Aeolys used several fire attacks which appeared to scare off the spider he was fighting for a little bit but it quickly regained its nerves and jump back into the fight. Before long Aeolys and one of the spiders was out of the fight while Dagon, Vander and Akrem were on the edge of falling. Then as Vander was dropped, Akrem and I finished the second spider where I pulled out the wand of Cure Light Wounds and began to assist Dagon in getting our party members back on their feet.

Back to the shard in the ground we began to debate what to do about it. Eventually Dagon just reached down and picked it up. He immediately began to express his desire for some of the items in the groups possession. A greedy dwarf indeed, anything handed to him he found some way to carry it but at the same time didn't seem to be feeling all that well. Heading back up the steps he mentioned that he was spent for the day and suggested we rest. At this point we made our way back to the passage near the ex-captain and settled in for the night. In the morning we went through the remaining rooms. Most interesting among them was notes from various Darrow that had been investigating a way to overcome their weakness to sunlight. We had heard about people being taken and now we know why. As we were clearing out what appeared to be cells to hold prisoners we were surprised to find Fenster curled up in a ball in the last cell. He appeared to be mentally broken as he wouldn't respond to us and just stayed curled up.

After finishing going over the rooms we went back to the room where we were stumped before to see if we could figure something out but to no luck. So we made our way back down to the tunnel that went off to the east. We started walking down the tunnel and quickly found the tunnel was partially flooded but eventually we came to an end. The tunnel ended at a door which opened into the sewers of Magnimar. At this point we discussed heading to Heidmarch manor but Dagon said he was heading back for the loot. Aeolys, Vander, and I decided to go inform Heidmarch of our current predicament and as the door closed, took note so that we could find it again on our way back. Sheila was surprised to find us still alive after we had been gone for almost a week. We informed her of Dagon's behavior after picking up the shard and she handed us a stone to try and put the shard into to see if it would help him. Aoelys dropped off some of the documents and items he carried out with him and we made a stop to pick up some food on the way back, and a warm, fresh meal.

Once we got back we gave the stone to Dagon and once he put the shard in he returned to normal. We then finished moving all the goods to the dock. As we returned to the city with the first load of items and Fenster, we stopped to talk with the dock master about the wife of the captain for the Lizza Jane. We then went to her residence and returned the broach, she was very thankful. We next took Fenster and the evidence that we took care of the disappearing people problem to the mayor. Finally we reported back to Heidmarch manor and reported our findings and informed Natalia of Ayala's demise.

Following the steps down we came upon a short hallway and a room with two carved statues. Akrem and Aeolys deciphered some thassalonian on the floor which indicated something about reaffirming your pledge to the female runelord holding the ransuer. Akrem and Dagon touched the runelord's statue and each time the touched it the statue glowed but the rest of us avoided it. Continuing through the next passage we came upon a drop down to a sandy floor where a magic scimitar was found among some remains.

Following the passage we came upon three doors and a small fountain. Immediately Akrem went over to the found and noticed something sitting in the fountain. After removing it we decided it might be the key needed for the golem we saw in the alchemist lab storage room. Akrem then tried the north door but found it locked so while I moved to unlock the door he went to the southern door and opened it. He was startled and said a greeting but then told the rest of us the creature just disappeared. Him and Dagon then looked around the small room and came out with a verify fine instrument right as I was unlocking the north door. Upon opening I was confronted with an imp which I later surmised to be the Lord Bazz and similar creatures we had seen with the previous imp.

I moved back to let Akrem move into the doorway to fight the creatures but apparently Lord Bazz had set his sights on me. As I moved back into the room that Akrem and Dagon had just left the imp appeared next to me and began to take bites out of me. As others moved into the room to help kill the imp Akrem finished off the two flesh creatures and came to assist as well. Dagon had his work cut out for him as he used his abilities to heal my wounds as Lord Bazz just kept up his attacks. Initially I was doing ok from his bites but just before he died he landed a bite and I suddenly felt my strength drained.

At this point we moved down the central door. There were two magical tapestries on the east wall and Dagon noticed one of the rods holding up the tapestries was unusual. After pulling it down he found it was hollow and contained a wand. We then focused on a pillar with a hole and an upside down cehedron. After we spent some time trying to figure out what to do, Vander had a crazy idea and turned the cehedron on the pillar and found it moved but in the process was burnt. Upon turning it right side up the entire north wall turned into a face of the runelord we have seen all over. At this point we once again found ourselves stumped and decided to move on.

We now returned to the door with the salty smell strong in the air. After again failing to push the door open we just smashed the wooden door. We found to more doors and 4 dead bodies similar to the ones we found tethered a little while back. I heard some whimpering coming from the east door and upon opening it was confronted with the wailing of a large creature of the same type and was cowering in the corner. We decided to ignore it for now as it didn't seem to be doing anything. Now to the southern door we found a small room with another door to the east but more strange was what appeared to be steps leading into the sea with a magic field holding the water out. Down through this passage Dagon spotted a shipwreck and a recent one at that. Akrem readied himself went through the passage and began to swim down to the ship but just as he was about to reach two creatures appeared and attacked him. Taking a roped from Dagon, I followed Vander through the passage to go help Akrem. After finishing the creatures off we swam about the wreck and recovered a small chest which we found contained a broach with LB inscribed upon it along with a mithril rapier and magical buckler. The shipwreck was that of the Lizza Jane.

Behind the east door we were confronted with a strange room which appeared to be in the sea but was not. From it the sea could be observed and there was some stairs leading up to a small platform which Aeolys found two scrolls but was not able to identify the spell. At this point we discussed the creature cowering in the small room we had skipped and decided it was best to kill it instead of leaving it. Vander moved up and attacked the creature, he got a good swing in but apparently the creature was quite hardy and it spun around and began to beat Vander to a pulp. Like with the fight with Lord Bazz earlier, Dagon found himself doing all he could to keep Vander alive during the onslaught.

We decided it was best to rest for the day and returned back to the prison again. Upon drinking from the fountain I felt some of my strength return. Dagon set about mending the damaged half-plate we had. Around this time Akrem drank from the fountain and pulled the crystal that had been embedded there for the last few days out and approached Aeolys. After a brief conversation he handed the crystal to Aeolys who pulled his robes out of the way just in time as the crystal plunged into his chest nearly killing him. Dagon jumped to his feet and quickly called upon all the healing power he could and prevented Aeolys from dying. Akrem said he was extremely sorry, he didn't realize the stone would be that violent when he himself barely noticed it when it had attached to him originally.

In the morning I found it hard to move as once again my strength seemed sapped but with a drink from the fountain it went away. At this point I must suspect something is wrong but Dagon could not identify it. Need to get out of here and seek some help. We only had one path left unexplored and so we made our way there.

This new path led to another transition in the stone work similar to some of the upper levels and apparently we had entered the sewers of this complex. We found a glowing torch at a intersection and some, what could only be described as, singing coming from the east arm. As we entered the next chamber we found ourselves looking upon a recently painted mural of Magnimar. At this point a voice called out to us and told us to leave it be. Akrem questioned it and said it would give us some information if we do a task for it. The task was to locate a shipwreck and return a broach to the man's wife in Magnimar which we realized was the broach with LB we had recovered from the Lizza Jane earlier. He was hesitant to give us the information but Dagon swore on his life that we would return the broach so the man gave us some information about the creatures and traps setup here in the sewers. Dagon mentioned to the rest of us that the person we were talking to was no longer human.

At this point Dagon suggested we should head back to the previous room with the protection enchantment to rest for the night. As we left the room where the imp was and enterred the room with the fire floating in the air it began to sputter. Then from the fire two fire elementals appeared, guess the trap was still partially working. We quickly killed the two elementals but not without Vander suffring serious burns. We decided that with things as they are we would be better off going back to the prison section with the fountain and trapped door. As we settled in I finished the last of my rations I brought with me. It was suggested we could go back and see if anything could be recovered from the giant spiders and ants we killed.

This morning Vander and Aeolys handed out some rations to those of us that had run out. Moving down the corridor with the fire trap and past the imp's room we came upon the remains of an alchemy lab. Found a few vials, one of which is an alchemist fire which I was given should we encounter a swarm of creatures again. Along the corridor opposite the lab, Akrem pried open a door to reveal a storage room. Inside we found what appeared to be a golem of some sort but needed a key or crank to get functioning. Among the rubble in the room also found a pearl inlaid crank for something else and some mithril smithing tools.

Following the corridor father we turned a corner to find a hall with a large mural on the north wall. Aeolys said that the mountain dipected in the mural was that of the Hollow Mountain. There was a door opposite of the mural but the corridor continued past the mural so we continued down the corridor first. As we began moving down this next section we quicky came upon another ransuer wielding statue but based on its appearance I suspected it was a trap of some sorts. As I moved forward to check the statue I think Vander must have tripped the trap but the trap was not functioning correctly and began to emit a clicking sound. Everyone quickly went back down the tunnel we came but Vander continued father down the corridor. After a few seconds the statue errupted with fire but it was not focused in the way I suspect the trap was designed to work. We waited a few seconds after the fire ceased and then quickly joined Vander down the corridor. At the end we found a door and the air was strong with the smell of salt water. After Akrem tried to force the door we decided we can come back to this later if the door is stuck and went back to clear the other doors we passed up.

Opening the door opposite of the Hollow Mountain mural we had three ways to go, directly ahead was another door but the corridor branched both left and right. We decided to check right first as it appeared to enter a cave. Dagon moved forward and with his darkvision said he could see some fungus and bones of some creature in the room but there was a large pool of water blocking entrance to the room which Dagon was not happy with. Akrem slid into the water which was covered in scum and found it to be around 5 feet deep. He then climbed out the other side but as he turned to help the next person a slime jumped him. Aeolys and I jumped over the water and began to assist Akrem but Dagon and Vander did not clear the pool and took a moment to climb out. The ooze was making quick work of Akrem and Aeolys surprised when his initial spell failed to do anything to the creature. As Dagon and Vander moved in to help Akrem succumbed to the oozes attacks which prompted Dagon to switch from fighting the ooze to aiding Akrem. Eventually we finally killed the creature and set about checking the cavern for anything useful. Aeolys noticed that some of the mushrooms were not poisonous and so we collected those up which should supply us with food for the next day or so.

The cavern curved back around and we found ourselves at the door that had been the direct path from the mural room. There was a door on the east wall and a short corridor to the south. We moved down this short corridor and found a double door which opened up to a pool of water which reminds me some of the one above where Akrem had encountered the stone that is now implanted in his chest and the stone serphant that tried to kill us. Akrem moved to swim across first to see what was around the corner of a corridor that could be seen opposite. About halfway across three creatures very similar to some we found in the prison section attacked Akrem. I dived into the water and nearly gutted the first creature. Akrem then finished off the one I had injured while Aeolys blasted one with a spell and killed it outright. We then killed the third one so Akrem and I moved out of the pool on the opposite side. As Akrem began to take off his armor so he could dive down into the water to see if anything was valuable down there we were surprised to see Dagon brave the water and swim across to check on Akrem's wounds. Akrem spent about a minute in the water before he showed back up hauling a skeleton with near pristine looking robes and a wand. Both of these items Aeolys accepted and he quickly changed into the robes. After looking down the corridor and seeing that it descends some distance we decided it would be best to finish clearing this floor before following this path any farther.

At this point we went back to the corridor and take the path opposite of the cavern since it didn't seem like it went very far. As we moved into the corridor it did end very quickly in a strange wall with runes on it. Aeolys found it to be similar to some of the other puzzles we came accross and took a minute for him to find the right combination. At this point the wall, or maybe I should call it a door, became semi-clear and we were able to pass through it. On the other side we found a very warm room with glowing red runes that pulsed in a steady rythem. As the others began to move east, Aeolys set about examing the runes and I watched his back. Right as Aeolys realized that the current configuration meant this place was a device that was connected to Hell when a howl was heard and a fight broke out. As Aeolys and I caught up with the party we found Vander was being mauled by a hellhound but it was already in its death throws as we moved to help.

At this point Aeolys informed the others of the purpose of this room and suggested we destory it. Initially Akrem tried to pry some of the runed metal plating off the wall but quickly devolved down to Akrem, Dagon, and Vander just beating the panels with their two handed weapons. I decided to start moving around some of the corridors since the room was very maze like and search for anything. After about 20 seconds the room suddenly shifted in color and the temperature suddenly dropped about 20 degrees. Another 10 seconds or so later the room shifted again and dropped down some more. At this point I heard a howl and as I rushed back to the group I found Dagon and Aeolys had just killed a tree like creature. At that moment the room shifted again and became very cold and next to Dagon a creature of ice now stood. As I moved to help with this creature the room changed again but now I noticed this appears to be caused by Akrem and Vander who are still focusing on breaking the runed metal panels however another creature now appeared which prompted Aeolys to use his a spell to create a cone of fire and quickly took care of these creatures. After a few more panels were destroyed the room suddenly went dark as the runes stopped glowing. Dagon said the tree like creature was very unusual and that we should take it back with us so we tied some rope to it so we could drag it back to the steps.

Going down the only section we hadn't gone yet we found a corpse with some rather damage half-plate. Examinging the armor it still appeared to be somewhat usable and Dagon said he could use his spells to mend the armor when we take a break later. Just past the corpse was a portculis and a small room. Using the pearl inlaid crank from earlier we were able to open the protculis and Aeolys used his magic to retrieve the crank after we entered into the next room. Leaving this room we entered a room full of cages, most of which were smashed. As we moved to the next door a creature in a bird cage stirred which we decided it was best to ignore it for now since we were dragging some stuff with us and the room was already croweded. Through the next door was a rather small room with a plaque which was engraved "Do not leave cages open" in Thassalonian.

We decided at this point to head back over to the first room were we had bypassed a door. This door opened without problem to reveal 2 roughly humanoid creatures wielding spears and teathered to the wall with red rope. We quickly rushed in and dispatched the creatures. Among the scattered rubble in the room Dagon found a bag which Aeolys identified as carrying 4 explosive runes. Along the south wall we found steps going down but didn't seem to go that far.

As we finished gathering up our gear I took a drink from the fountain which soothed my throat. Vander then opened the door to where Clicky Legs was and found himself hit by the electrical discharge of the magic trap which I thought was disarmed. Everyone glared at me briefly but we moved on.

Going straight down the passage we entered an old kitchen with two ovens. As we poked around the kitchen Aeolys said he can hear something stirring in the oven I was about to poke my head into. As I stepped away a mass of spiders spilled forth and attacked Aeolys. Akrem moved to one entrance and Vander to the other while I readied a torch. Aeolys used several bursts of fire to kill many of the spiders and I burnt a handful with the torch. Dagon did all he could to keep Aeolys from succumbing to the attack. Finally with his third blast Aeolys finished off the swarm. Aeolys then went back to the fountain as he appeared to be strongly affected by the spider venom.

Turning back to the next passage Vander led the way. There was several side doors which I checked for traps before Dagon opened the doors. One appeared to be a closet and the second was a store room. Aeolys rummaged through a chest and reported he found some spice containers with Thassilonian writing on them. Behind the third door we found a partially collapsed room. Vander forced the door open at which point Akrem suggested we might want to knock on doors to see if we can differentiate between a flooded room or not. Inside the room appeared to be a store room where the north wall had collapsed, another body was found here along with a ranseur and crushed helm. Dagon pointed out a hidden panel on the west wall. It opened with ease and presented a short hallway. I looked the door over and was positive it was trapped but I could not figure out how exactly. Everyone else moved out of the hallway while I unlocked the door and opened it. I was suddenly forced back and briefly my vision narrowed but I was able to resist the traps. Inside the room, which Aeolys suggested was a panic room of sorts, we found a skeleton along with a magic helm and greatsword which Vander took the greatsword. We discussed what to do with the helm and agreed Vander should take it as well.

At this point we went back to the room where the three spiders had been and moved through the other passage. In the next hallway we had a T instersection. One way seemed to head back to the prison section and the other was unknown. We decided to head back to verify the passage back to the prison. As we knocked then opened the door heading that way we encountered what I knew to be some form of Sin Spawn. We moved in and quickly took out two of them but the third proved to be difficult in the confined area as Akrem and I were switching spots trying to take it down. Vander was hit during the fight and was apparently sickened for several minutes so we took a short break for him to recover. During this time Aeolys found a magic ring on what we assume was the corpse of a guard that was escorting these Sin Spawn when he became trapped in here with them a long time ago. After identifying the rings power it was taken by Dagon. We continued on the last passage at this point and found another set of descending stairs.

As we approached the end of the steps Dagon mentioned that we have moved into rooms that were crafted using different techniques than before. After checking the only door we could find Vander opened the door were upon we found a rather disgusting room. The walls and floor were slimy and inside the room a large creature was moving around on the other side of a statue. Akrem moved in which drew the creatures attention. Vander, Dagon, and I then moved into the room were Vander was struck by the creature when he moved to close. I tried to strike the creature but missed. At this point the creature moved up on Akrem and spewed maggots all over him. We quickly killed the vile creature and Dagon saw to treating Vander and Akrems wound. Aeolys summoned water to help Akrem clean off some of the mess. Looking around the room there were two doors to chose from and Aeolys pointed out the statue was holding a magic weapon. Dagon commented that he could not identify the red stone that the statue was made of so when Akrem broke the hand to free the weapon I collected up the stone to take back to be identified.

Upon opening the door we decided to take we came upon a room with the warm glow of a fire burning in the air. Aeolys looked it over and identified what used to be the runes of an ancient trap. With time the trap has ceased to work but a protection enchantment remained. He also pointed out the fire was non-magical but could not explain then how the fire existed the way it was just floating in the air without any wood or oil to maintain it. We discussed that the protection could make this a good place for us to make our next rest place. At this point the discussion came up on our current supplies. Most of us were almost out of food supplies and Vander pointed out he had a few days more which he could share with us but likely meant after tomorrow we would have nothing.

We then moved to the down the corridor to the first door. After checking it like normal we opened it and inside found two creatures. Vander rushed in first followed by Aeolys. Eventually I tumbled in and with Akrem's help was able to kill the first one which then allowed us to focus on the one Vander was still engaging. After we finished the second one and we started to search the room we were greeted to the voice of someone congratulating us. The voice named itself as Suzerian and asked us to kill his archenemy Lord Bazz. While Aeolys asked for some information Dagon spotted the source and grabbed it. Dagon informed us he was an imp and that nothing good would come from him as he started to strangle the imp. Akrem pulled out his kukuri and moved over and killed the imp which put an end to any questions we had. If nothing else I guess we know his archenemy should be close by as well.

The night passed without event although I think I must have caught the cold Akrem has as my throat is a little raw today. After getting ready to continue on we first went back up a floor to our prisoners who were awake and clearly had tried some to get free. We fed them and gave them some water before setting off back down the stairs.

Down two floors we came across an empty crypt with 6 large dirt mounds. As we entered the room I noticed what appeared to be Mite tracks, I think Aeolys also recognized them but as we were just about to discuss it when a large ant emerged from each of the dirt piles and attacked us. Akrem took care of some of them while the rest of us struggled to take down the others. I believe Dagon was irritated with my fighting skills. As we checked the room Dagon pointed out a small door in the wall but which we looked inside and could see a hand dug tunnel. We decided to skip it and move on down the corridor. I made note to Akrem before we leave we should smash the ant mounds so they don't become a problem later. I handed my wand of cure light wounds to Dagon to use.

In the next passage we found a second small door which may very well meet up with the first tunnel. As we rounded the corner we entering into a room full of spider webs, we lit a torch and began to burn some of the webs to advance when two giant spiders with a pack of mites on each attacked. I quickly moved to the other side of the room so if the spiders attacked me they would not block the passage. Aeolys cone of fire and the blows from Akrem, Vander, and Dagon made quick work of both the spiders and the mites.

Down this last passage we came across steps but decided we should go back and take care of the tunnels. Akrem and I waited at the second door, Akrem removed his armor and switch his weapons. The others went to the first door where Aeolys would enter first and let us know if he needed help. He was jumped by a spider but once Akrem went in was quickly taken care of. Down the other tunnel was a mite that didn't seem to be all the dangerous, according to Aeolys he could understand him and the mite claimed to be the king of this floor. He asked us to find his pet Clicky Legs and he would reward us with a large gem.

On the next floor we came upon a tee, on direction was thick with spider webs and the other appeared to enter into some prison cells. Aeolys and I set about checking a short wing with 5 cells were in the second cell a spider jumped me and injected me with poison. Feeling my strength drain out of me I stumbled down the corridor while Vandor and Aeolys tried to kill the Spider, finally succeeding with Akrem's help. In the fifth cell another spider was found which Vander and Akrem took care of with not too much of an issue. Back to the main corridor where a few more cells were Akrem and Dagon took to clearing them rather spectacularly while Aeolys checked over the cells and Vandor brought up the rear. I left most of my stuff in my bag at the base of the steps.

Moving through the prison cells we encountered what could only be described as a torture room. In a one of the cells in this room we found the remains of a victim with his bones cracked and broken. We found two ways from this room, one was a secured door so we decided to go the other way. Down this second passage was a small water fountain that filled as soon as water was taken from it. Akrem drank some of the water and said it was very refreshing and passed it to the rest of us. Upon drinking it I felt my strength return. Dagon warned us about drinking it too much as he reminded us of the torture victim and that it could likely cause harm as well.

Into the next room we came upon a locked door, I checked it from traps and unlocked the door but as Akrem opened the door he received a huge jolt of electricity. Guess the poison must have dulled my senses as well, not just my strength. I did not have long to ponder this however as a large spider could be seen on the other side of the door. Dagon moved out and took up a defensive position as a spindle of spider web shot out and attached to him and drew him closer to the spider. Akrem moved in and took a swing to subdue the spider saying this must be Clicky Legs. Vander then moved through and was getting into position to flank the spider. I moved out and tumbled past Akrem but to no avail as the spider winded me pretty good. The spider focused on Akrem and Dagon but eventually we managed to bring down the spider, all of us were in pretty bad shape. Only a few hours had passed but both Dagon and Aeolys said they were already near spent for the day. I cannot help but think I could be the cause of this, I have done almost nothing all day other than take blow after blow.

In a pouch on the leg we found some polished stones, teeth, and the second crown of the Mite King. I thought it looked like a bracer earlier and now with this in our possession it definitely was. We took it back upstairs to the king but were greeted by the ravings of madness. Aoelys said he was no longer making much sense so we check the room over and Akrem took the bracer from the kings head. We left him alive but I don't know if that was wise, he seems to have lost all sanity. Moving down the other end of the corridor from where Clicky Legs was we came across a large cavern that split off from the tunnel. Akrem, Dagon, and Aeolys went in to check out a statue that could be seen when 3 large spiders dropped down on them. We took care of them fairly but at this point Aeolys and Dagon warned of continuing on to much more since they have few spells left to aide us. We quickly inspected the room where Dagon found the body of someone under a collapsed wall. Among the remains was a magical short sword which I took, maybe it will help me to pull my weight. A ring of protection was found as well which I suggested go to Vander to buff up our heavy armor wearing companions, especially since he does not use a shield.

It should now be around noon, it was not very late in the day but we decided it was best to rest. At this point we decided we would escort the two tower girl prisoners to their boat and let them go free. We gave them a silver statue we had picked up and told them to not come back. On the way back to the fountain room where we decided to camp I stopped by the room where Ayala had been and took the magical studded leather she had leaving some of my gear in the hidden compartment in the room. Very tired by the time we returned to the fountain room and settled in for the night.

This morning my throat was now very dry and my muscles ache some, guess my cold is getting worse. Hopefully we will find this shard we seek and can leave this place today. Even my food is starting to run low and I dare not touch the food the Tower Girls had, I'm sick enough as is.

Hi all, this is Ragnar. I'm posting my journal entries for our first few sessions in one go. Hopefully I keep up and don't have another large update.

-- Build --

I'm a Shoanti Rogue with high dex and my build focuses on using Feint to catch opponents flat footed so that I can go solo.

-- Background --

My family as members of the Shriikirri-quah went to the south as emissaries while I was very young. Traveled back and forth several times over the years. Eventually as a young teenager I set out on my own, becoming a thief to make a living. Some years later I joined the pathfinder lodge in Andoran, seeking adventure and of course the riches. Not long after joining the society I received a letter informing me to a new lodge to be opened in Magnimar. Due to its proximity to my homeland I had been selected by the lodge to go there and assist the new lodge. So here I am in Magnimar, arrived a week ago and set about familiarizing myself with the city I passed through a few times in past but never stayed long.

-- 1st Session --

Heading to the Heidmarch Manor I was asked to wait in a room with 4 other individuals, some appear to be seasoned agents and others new to the society, especially when the armor they are wearing appears to have never been in battle before. Two appear to be skilled fighters, one is a cleric, and that last one is a follower of the arcane arts. After introductions we found ourselves waiting for a while longer, we were informed that an unexpected guess had dropped by and delayed the meeting.

Eventually Sheila Heidmarch and her guest made their appearance. We were informed the guest had just returned from an outing. We were led to a library and told to work on solving a puzzle box that was brought back while Sheila saw her guest to the door. I move forward first and quickly looked over the box for traps. As we examined it we found some runes on the box which Akrem and Aeolys could read. Aeolys looked into the notes that were sitting next to the box and found the runes could be rearranged to be opened. After some experimentation Aeolys suggested an answer which proved correct but when the box opened some creatures were summoned. While not much of a threat and quickly dispatched the ruckus was noticed and Sheila with guest rushed in as we were moving to inspect the box. After distributing a healing potion to several of us and letting us keep the contents of the box Sheila left again to see her guest off.

Upon her return she gave us a task to perform, recently an informant of hers among the Sczarni had indicated that one of the gangs had found something. But since then she has heard nothing. Our task was to find out what happened to Natalia Vancaskerkin, what the item was, and retrieve them both if possible. She gave us some leads to follow, ask around about the Sczarni gangs as we did not know who she belonged to, ask the city guards if they had any recent dealings with her, or look into some recent activity reported about slavers. The consensus was to go the guards first as it was just asking some questions.

Arriving at the busy guardhouse I found myself starting to sweat, this is exactly the place I've been avoiding for years. Nervously I walked up to the 3 attendants directing the flow and was informed to that we should wait till they can get to us. We moved off and sat at a bench but after about an hour the others got restless and began to pursue inquiries on their own. Aeolys tried a little bribery which while seem to get the attention of one of the attendants did not get anything other than a stern lecture. Akrem was walking around and befriended a guard getting off duty and came back with some info that one of the attendants, an Officer Kasadie. Returning to the attendants we asked for her specifically with some persuasion who finally answered some of our questions. We learned she was a member of the Tower Girls and pointed us to our next destination. Before leaving the area Akrem had us stop and get some food while he treated some guards to a drink for their help.

Following a map that Kasadie gave us we arrived in a rather shady part of town. Well, normal for me but the some of the others were uncomfortable of the area. We approached the building indicated by the map and found a note instructing some payment. Dropping in a coin we heard shuffling around inside the building and we waited. After almost a minute Vander became impatient and tried to open the door and in response was greeted with a shank right in the gaps of his armor. I told Vander to back away and tried to calm the man down. Aeolys started talking to the man and the man responded calling himself Fenster. Fenster while not the most reliable in appearance was able to give us some useful information and pointed us to the building he last saw Natalia. He also mentioned he had seen blue or purple dwarves kidnapping people which could be related to the slaver issue or people disappearing in general.

Going to the building pointed out by Fenster we found a guy sleeping in a small attached shack. Moving into the house we found the fire damage we saw from outside was only part of the issue, many of the floors were damaged and sewage was pooling in some of the rooms. As I walked across a plank to get into the next room small goblins ambushed me. Aeolys responded by setting them on fire and Akrem finished them off after jumping into the waste deep sewage. Then as I moved into the next room two more hit me with some crossbow bolts which left me a little woozy. Again Aeolys moved in and took them out immediately, which I was thankful for as I retrieved a healing potion and chugged it down.

As the rest of the group entered the house I went to help Vander who had fallen into the sewage in the first room but was struggling to climb out. Meanwhile Akrem set about trying to move through the next room. I abandoned Vander and went to help Akrem while Aeolys used some rope to move through a hole in the ceiling and into the rafters. Moving into what appeared to be the last room in the house I could see a ladder leading up into the rafters and asked back if Aeolys could get there from where he climbed up but he was unable to. I tried to continue climbing along the wall while Akrem climbed down to the floor which was only ankle deep in here. As he approached the wall with the ladder a voice from above called out to her minions to protect her kingdom. I spent some time dodging crossbow bolts as I struggled to untie myself from the rope I was using so I could move down to the floor and make my way to the ladder. Akrem rushed up the ladder and pinned the woman commanding the goblins. As we dispatched the goblins Akrem finished subduing the woman. At this point we concluded this must be Natalia and began to collect ourselves and move out of the house. Akrem picked up the belongings that Natalia had dropped.

As we were leaving the house a group approached us which included the guy that had been sleeping in the shack. A woman in the group demanded that we hand over Natalia to the Tower Girls. Akrem then did something odd, all day he was quite agreeable but all of a sudden he began to speak back about Natalia being his possession. This was very alarming but the immediate threat was the armed group confronting us. Aeolys jumped out in front and released another burst of fire hurting the 3 armed men who then turned on him and knocked him unconscious. Vander rushed Tower Girl leading them and was clipped pretty well by one of the men. Akrem and I moved to engage the three men, we each killed one and the last surrendered as the Tower Girl began to flee following a grievous wound inflicted by Vander. Treating Aeolys wounds we then began our way back to Heidmarch Manor, though we all followed behind Akrem who was still acting different from this morning.

Arriving at the manor Sheila quickly caught on something was off as he handed over Natalia. Sheila asked to see the item which Natalia had found and Akrem was carrying. Immediately, Sheila began talking in a subservient manner and began to treat Akrem like he was her superior as she led him into the manor. She then went and retrieved a large jewel that appeared to be damaged and asked Akrem place the item he was carrying into the damaged section. Upon doing so he seemed to regain his previous composure and apologized for his rudeness. At this point Sheila informed us what we had found was part of the Shattered Star. We decided the completed item would best suit Aeolys which then Sheila asked him to concentrate on it to get a clue to where the next shard could be. Aeolys informed us that his vision pointed to The Crow, a pilling of the ancient shattered bridge just out to sea.

-- 2nd Session --

After revealing information of the Shattered Star to us and telling us to seek out the next fragment at The Crow we were invited to grab a bite to eat and settle in the make-shift barracks for the night. The food was good just like it was this morning and the barracks were not much more than a cleaned up stable, but for me this was fairly normal and quite comfy. Akrem grabbed one of the mayor's fliers and brought it over for the rest of us to look it over.

The next morning the group decided to head over to the mayors place and see if any new leads were available since the flier was posted but the rather cold servant said he had nothing new to report to us. At this point the group went down to the bazaar to sell a few items we picked up last night and do a little shopping with the reward money. I sought out a wand to keep myself healed up, not as reliable as the potions I used last night, but easier to carry around. After we met back up and were grabbing some lunch we realized we forgot to meet with Sheila Heidmarch this morning so we set back to the lodge.

Sheila Heidmarch informed us on our return that Natalia has regained conscience. From talked with Natalia she found the shard in a hidden panel at The Crow where once she obtained it caused her to lose control. She informed us the Tower Girls have moved into The Crow, possibly not a coincidence, and that several of them are were-rat's including the leader Ayala. Recalling that silver weapons are useful against them the other sought out weapons to use. Luckily, the dagger from the box yesterday will prove itself useful. As we gathered to leave Sheila Heidmarch informed us that a boat was to us as the dock. We went back to the bazaar to acquire some additional silver weapons before going to the docks.

Finally at the docks we found our contact and loaded into the boat. Arkem and Vander took to rowing while I kept an eye out. As we approach The Crow we found a small dock had been assembled and two more boats were tied up. On entering there definitely appeared to be a number of occupants at this time based on the filth that had accumulated.

Just up the first flight of steps we encountered the first Tower Girl who ran shrieking up the next stairwell to alert others. Giving pursuit Akrem was the first up the steps which cut back several times before finally coming to a barricade at the top of the steps. Akrem tried to shove the barricade to the side but was harried by crossbow bolts. I quickly leapt past Akrem and over the barricade, tumbling to the side and engaging the two of the Tower Girls. This provided a distraction for the others to follow and we quickly took down the first group.

Moving into the next room we found an open secret passage and what would appear to be the blood of an unfortunate person encountering a trap. Vandalism to the murals would appear to have been made in an attempt to find other passages. Moving through the open passage we came upon a rope contraption to move people from one platform to the next, some 200 feet above the water. I stepped back to secure myself with a rope but Akrem and Aeolys stepped up and began to mess with it. Eventually Aeolys managed to get Akrem to a different platform that was not visible from where we stood but Akrem informed us a similar system was setup there and he was able to bring the rest of us over.

Going down this new path I found a trap with some cans attached to it. Moving quietly into the room we observed more vandalism and then as we moved into the next passage we found two Tower Girls asleep. I signaled to Vander and we approached to kill them but the others whispered for us to subdue them. I pulled out my sap and struggled to knockout the girl while Vander clubbed his good. Eventually Akrem stepped in and demanded she surrender which she obeyed. We gleamed a bit of information out of her and tied the two up.

On down the steps we came to a room that split off a couple different directions. Akrem moved to cover two of the passages while Vander and I moved to investigate the large passage. I found myself at the end of a short hall with a window looking out to sea. As I turned to see where Vander went we realized there was a group just down the hall and they spotted us as well. We rushed to confront them but in our haste we found ourselves pinned when a were-rat emerged from a small room that split off from the corridor we were fighting in. A bit of a challenge, especially with the were-rat trying to engage Aeolys which restricted his arcane attacks. Some of us were bloodied but eventually our attacks began to hit home and we finally eliminated the group.

-- 3rd Session --

We finished dusting ourselves off and started onto the next passage from the previous room. Vander jumped in front and made his way into the next room. Upon entering he was met by some of the large rats. Once dispatched we found some consumable supplies which the dwarf seemed very interested in the wine.

Finally onto the last passage we turned. Along this passage is was what appeared to be a shrine that split off the passage with 3 Tower Girls playing a game. Vander rushed into the room but they were quick to strike and quickly spilt his blood upon the floor. We quickly rushed in to help him but they had already taken up a good position. While we were able to protect him from a second round of viscious strikes it was Akrem who found himself exposed. Now in position I was able to grievously wound one and with Vander's help was finished. Akrem then made quick work of the second. Then eliminating the third we examined a statue but all of us were unsure the significance other than it was similar to some of the figures on the murals.

Down the passage and stairs we reached a room with a door with runes that had a similar appearance to the puzzle box back at the lodge. Decided to save that for last and began to check the other doors in the room. Inside one of the doors two donkey-rats and a wererat with a bladed-scarf. She removed Akrem from the fight with a tanglefoot bag and proceeded to begin assaulting the group. Almost all of us suffered a healthy chunk of hurt but Aeolys suffered the most between sheer damage and a poison that appeared to have been applied to the blades caused him to pass out. Even after some help from the cleric he was still a little pale and sickly looking.

Checking the room we found the hidden panel that Natalia mentioned and are sure that the we killed Ayala since her journal was in the room. We gathered several items and as we were getting ready to leave it was suggested I put on the amulet we found. Doing so I found a strong illusion on one of the walls which led to an outside balcony some distance up from the water below.

Back to the Thassilonian puzzle door we pondered the answer. Finally we came up with a phrase to try and when Akrem started to use it he found the door would burn as you changed the runes. Upon opening the door we found an intact corridor with little signs of wear and as one entered lights appeared along the walls to illuminate the passage.

Moving down a set of stairs we came up to rather filthy area where bat guano was thick and a pool of dirty water just covered in slime. As I started to walk past it two slimey creatures reached out from the pool and tried to pull me into it. I was able to slip away but not before it burned and peeled off some of my skin quite painfully. Aeolys, Akrem and Vander made quick work of them but not without a bit of trouble. Akrem then went and check the other path just to see what was over there. He stirred up a flock of bats which become a bit hectic to take care of and spent all of Aeolys magic but we drove off the bats.

At this point we discussed heading back or finding a place to rest. Akrem didn't think rest was necessary yet and said we should go just a bit farther before we decide to rest. We didn't get more than 50 feet before Dagon spotted a secret passage before the next set of steps. Opening the door and going down the passage we found a pool of water with a set of steps leading to an elevated platform on the other side. Akrem swam over to some steps and observed a crystal on a pedestal. I climbed a rope over and took a look but didn't see any traps. Aeolys then went over and tried to remove the item using arcane means.

Fairly positive a trap is still involved we got into position to make a quick escape while Akrem would grab the crystal and go. As soon as he picked it up it dug into his chest and the water began to churn. A stone serpent then raised out of the water and began to attack Akrem. I dived into the water and moved to support Akrem while Vander volunteered to be a decoy. Dagon moved to escape as he did not have any means to engage the creature.

As every one was moving to escape the creature breathed fire (the 2nd time) and nearly took down Aeolys. So everyone began to hastily retreat out the secret door except I had failed swim past the creature so I decided to get up on the platform. The creature unable to move down the passage began attacking me and I was being widdled away. Finally into position I dodged, tumbled and leapt from the platform onto the ledge where Akrem was waiting for me. From there we moved out of the secret passage and decided it was time to rest after all.