Alright, big things are dead now. Ulgurstasta and Froghemoth down, Auric's Warband is left and then this book is largely finished. I have preparations to make before Wednesday, but I think I can manage.
So Hazard and I go underground to bury our companions... only to see them again in a different room, fighting by our sides again, but not quite like themselves. It was quite unnerving. Enter Unanas and Rendul. They are posing as our lost allies until the tournament is over.
Round two and I almost died. Unanas saved me somehow. I'm not sure how I feel about his being able to completely drain another being's life force with one thought, but I lived and we won so I'll worry about it at another time
Back in the underground, I remember having a "chat" with a cleric of Kyuss. The next thing I know I'm with Unanas at eh Temple of Vecna (sp?) being told that I was dead, but now I'm just broke. Glad I saved!
Considering our playtime we only had two battles. Well, Auric's Warband took forever to go down, but at least we won in the end. Ilthane the Black wasn't much trouble for us, though. I think, for this next book, to make the paperwork easier for me, is just double the enemies and HP, add 2 to all their rolls, and reduce the CR by 1. We leveled a bit early, plus we're gestalt, and we still won't likely have too much difficulty considering that. We deal loads of damage, and it's only going to be more from here on (@ 13th, Hazard can full attack channel. That's 6 melee touch attacks for 1d8 +2d6 +5d6 +11 +3 each, avg. 258 before Power Attack). The point is, enjoy it, because it's not likely we'll have characters this powerful in any regular game again.
Hang on, Allustan! I'm comin' for ya!
We've rescued Allustan, after several battles, and we've taken him back to the mine manager's house we still own outside of the Whispering Cairn. He decided to join the rebuilding effort for Diamond Lake while we explore the rest of Icosiol's tomb.
I glad we found Allustan before he left us as well. He wasn't very happy to hear that his home/shop was destroyed, though. I guess he will use our abode that is just outside of the cairn for now while we explore the rest of this tomb. I wonder how many more elementals we will have to face...
It's been a long time since I've championed any cause, and I wonder if I do it now for the effort or just the boredom that fills eternity.
I've meet other Thunderweilders in my time, but never one so adept at battle. This large individual, Hazard, has peaked my interest. Most I've met with this gift seclude themselves to a mountaintop and ponder the meaning of their power, without doing anything useful with it. He has potential to change the world. Is that why I stay?
Maybe The Bladedancer? It's as if she is a personification of the grace of battle; a guillotine that was taught that its being was art. But her drive seems to be forced upon her. I wonder if the angel and devil fighting inside her will one day break free?
Could it be that my curiosity was peaked by Rendul? Since we were paired together I'd heard of nothing but the end to "That pompous bastard on Auric's team", Yet when the time comes he fires not one shot in his direction. Normally mortals grasp at every chance to avenge themselves; could I have witnessed true forgiveness or just foresight. Once a man gets revenge he rarely knows what to do with it.
Never the less, here I am. Maybe if I help them it may help me understand. I'll try my hardest to be indispensable.
LOL, was that so hard? I have gears turning on how to use this already.
Wow, I shouldn't procrastinate like this for a post; we played on Monday.
Okay, we just battled and got hung up on a couple things last session. I'll detail them here.
We fought the Xorns off the stone bridge, wasted a bunch of time on the super complex series of gates that went nowhere, went a bit downriver to fight some bloody skeletons (clever fight; they were in their element with the close quarters and the spiked pit spell turned it against them), hacked through an ice column to face some ice golems, largely ignored an elemental bed (it was making the ice), and we stopped outside of the room with one intelligent construct inside, deciding how to approach the situation.
In the past session we destroyed the inevitable guarding an empty room, and then proceeded down the waterfall using flight and wind walk (way better than climbing and swimming). During our descent, we fought six advanced wind warriors, and we left one alive to be dominated for answers (he wasn't much help, but did point out the entrance to the true tomb). At the bottom of the falls, we entered the star chamber where we encountered a true ghoul named Moreto. After the party probed him for some answers, he was disintegrated without remorse, his specter form disappearing along with it (critical hits are awesome), and his Mohrg lackeys took off running after losing their leader so easily.
Next session we enter the True Tomb of Icosiol. The last stretch of this book, and then, we cross the halfway point into book 7: The Spire of Long Shadows.
I feel bad for the construct; perhaps it was better that we put him to rest, but to think he was guarding an empty room for ages is depressing. Those wind warriors, though, they got what they had coming to them. They embarrassed me in the past, acting high and mighty. Well, even when I warned them what they had coming, they still showed no sign of relent. That Moreto guy, though, made me sick. He showed me visions of my nightmares, and was only too happy to see him disappear. He knew more than he was telling us, that I'm sure of.
Wait... why didn't we press him on the matter of the Ghoul's Heart?
Well, today's session involved getting to the true tomb, figuring out the curious room with pillars, fighting off the air elementals there, entering the crypt-room, and fighting off 4 thousand-eye demons there in a fairly close call. We talked to Allustan, and he told us to go to Magepoint to converse with Manzorian the Archmage. Next session we make our way there, and into the seventh book.
I try to rest and all I see are eyes; thousands of eye staring at me, paralyzing me. This list battle will take some time to forget. I pray that this doesn't add to Hazard's nightmares as well. The bounty we received for our troubles was more than worth it, though.
It seems that our... confrontations... have been increasing in number as well as difficulty as of late. I wonder what we shall encounter on this next trek that Allustan is sending us on. Away to MagePoint we go.
Thanks, Swiv... I love my new toys!!
Alright, so devils are after us now. We got some down, but that might not be the last we hear of them. Unless...
The session itself was pretty relaxed. Next time, though, Manzorian arrives.
Thanks, Swiv... I love my new toys!!
I know you can't wait to use them on something more than just a couple of devils, too.
I'm pretty sure that we'll all be caught up in wealth-by-level (as well as level) in this book. If not, definitely the next one.
For me, this has been a path of scars. Those demons left me with physical scars deeper than most any opponent I've faced. Moreto the True Ghoul seemed to be haunting my dreams long ago, taunting me with the horror of my brother corrupted.
Though I suffer, I never falter. I never plan to. I will see this through. I will survive the onslaught. Kyuss has a new foe, and he'd better shiver in his boots and tremble before the might of his new enemies. I'm after you, now, Kyuss! Those writhing worms of yours will be crushed into oblivion, and my lightning will strike you down where you stand!
Transdimensional tombs, axiomatic artifacts, and defeasible devils... Oh, my.
I haven't had this much fun in years. I just wish the rest of The Coib were having as much fun. Every time I turn one of them is bleeding or vomiting or being carried off into an indoor thunderstorm and I can't help but think, "Neat". I'm beginning to think they may have become suspicious of my "unerring ability to to not be dead so much". I may have to let them in on my secret (as I don't really know at what moment suspicions may have arose, therefore cannot rewrite that memory).
...And now we're in the town of an archmage! And Elegos is alive! and so is Nexus' twin! And we get to spend gold! And I'm gonna buy the biggest magical rock I can! Oh, this will be fun!
Just one question, why would a "magic central" community with such powerful residents pick this little plot of lake-front property to live on over a metropolis like the free city?
We left off mid-fight inside the obsidian ring, just before the spire of long shadows. This is starting to pick up in intensity again. ;-)
I think the next game should go where we get all our XP at the end of the session, so we can level out-of-game and be ready for action the session after. We can handle that, I think.
So after realizing I had a reading comprehension error and accidentally a much tougher encounter, we still got through it (thankfully, though not without struggle). After that we decided to exit the obsidian ring and take in the surrounding ruins of Kuluth-Mar. Due south, we didn't find much worth finding there, but waffles had what looks like an old crumbled complex. Approaching it, we were attacked by a couple of T-Rexes and shortly followed by teleporting-in bone devil, erinyes, and ice devil demanding our portion of the rod of 7 parts. After subduing our opponents, the erinyes went on a hunt for the other part that his master Visciannix holds and attempt to deliver the rod to us.
Up next: who knows? Deeper into the jungle, pressing on into the complex, moving on to a new area of Kuluth-Mar, or straight into the Spire itself. Anything goes.
So have I told you just how much I hate fracking dinosaurs? Like it wasn't bad enough seeing Hazard disappear down the beasts gullet; then I regain consciousness covered in the beast's phlegm! Thank you, Rendul, I will not forget your archery prowess!
Thanks, Swiv... I love my new toys!!I know you can't wait to use them on something more than just a couple of devils, too.
I'm pretty sure that we'll all be caught up in wealth-by-level (as well as level) in this book. If not, definitely the next one.
I keep trying... damn those will saves!!
Alright, so we cleared out much of most threats found outside in the Kuluth-Mar region; okay, it was a bloodbath like no other, especially in the north quarter. There we faced 24 trolls and a beholder all at once. After scouring for their treasure, we headed to the east quarter, where some Yuan-ti scouts had spotted our slaughter machine and avoided us at all costs.
Heading, then, further inward and into the spire, we faced 3 corrupted celestial beings and a few more Kyuss-made undead. We then experienced some visions of the past that explain what had happened here 2,000 years ago, and why the potent magic still lingers after such a passing of age.
With no place to go but down, we sabotaged some worm nagas while they climbed out of their lair, and so we face the remnants of that while we head deep into the spire's underground complex.
As half giant-kin, it's hard to find humanoids bigger than me in societies that I've lived in. These trolls... in a way, I'm saddened by the state of their feral, evil minds. I see my own face in their visage, almost. It made me... no, that's not it. I think my distant cousins can learn from the likes of me. Knowing what I do about the reputation of giants over other human-types, we don't mix well. None of them perfectly fit, of course, but there's no place for a giant in most any city aside from doing hard labor. Giants are much more capable than the state I see them in, and how they relate.
The difference between a dwarf and a giant isn't just size, but the dwarf knows how to live in a society larger than his own.
Giants may have their own, and with companion races and species, too, but it pales in comparison to the potential of allying with humans.
Maybe it's my half-blood, but maybe I see something bigger than me in a world of allies.
After scouring for their treasure, we headed to the east quarter, where some Yuan-ti scouts had spotted our slaughter machine and avoided us at all costs.
The AWESOMNESS that is me!! j/k You guys helped, too lol
The worm-eaten dead are showing up in much more frequency as we find the trail of Kyuss' ascension, and are sure to resist us in fuller force in the future as we gain on the scent of the green monstrosity himself. Facing a spell weaver lich, and some knights, a massive worm, and few others as minions, the Spire revealed all of its secrets to us and its magic has finally told its story.
Well, the Spire of Long Shadows fades into history now, and ahead of us is The Prince of Redhand. The city of Alhaster awaits us with anticipation.
Okay, so last time we got acquainted with Alhaster and learned some things. First, that nobody cares if we drag 4 dragon corpses through the city streets. Second, hobgoblins tend to get in over their heads. Third (more serious now), the Ebon Triad has a role to play here. Fourth, prince Zeech rules Redhand with an iron fist. Fifth, the vanity of the nobility is well served by the masses. Sixth, Lashonna, being a close advisor of Zeech, has much to do with the current state of Alhaster.
After listing all that, I realize that there's more going on that nobody has thought of or mentioned. Next session we should explore new questions and get more acquainted with our new city.
Moving on in the city exploration, we come across Rhorsk himself, though not himself, but became himself again. Onward from there we explored under the sick house Sinner's Sanctum and found the first Ebon Triad shrine with a well down into the lair of The Overgod (which was killed instantly with one power, and didn't get an action. Rawdda). In between battles we find the populous a desperate and fearful lot, and trying to be happy despite all their miseries.
Next session we get into the main event. Then, this book is over and on to the Library of Last Resort.
We're making a big impact here. The people here are desperate for courage. Adventurous courage.
Soon we will meet the leadership of the kingdom, and those of the surrounding territories as well. I hate to say that I don't fit in with a crowd like that, but, isn't it weird to see a brute like me mingle with foppish, pampered royalty? I'll have to ask Zeech if he thinks I'm fit to lead.
Hopefully I can stop Unanus from doing anything too crazy, at the least.
I hate to say that I don't fit in with a crowd like that, but, isn't it weird to see a brute like me mingle with foppish, pampered royalty?
Hopefully I can stop Unanus from doing anything too crazy, at the least.
Foppish??? Love it!! lol
Oh, and if you can keep Unanus from getting any crazier with his actions, I'll do your laundry for a month! (just don't tell him I said that lol)
So here we are now with the book over and done with, and I can't list a single monster battle. Sure, we saw a couple of monsters, but no fights broke out. Of course, that's exactly as the book hopes us to do, so we did just fine.
Our party now has a much better idea of what to make of the city and its ruler. Now if only Lashonna will meet up with us soon, we can coax some information out of her.
Foppish??? Love it!! lol
I'll go ahead and use words I know, because Hazard isn't dumb. It's not out of the question that he might know a word like foppish.
That said, it is a pretty funny word.
Oh wow, now I didn't post? Yikes.
Anyway, um, we met with Lashonna and she told us at length what transpired long ago when Balakarde paid her a visit. Additionally, we witnessed some rivals heading towards our new destination before we'd arrived there ourselves. We encountered (but didn't fight) 9 orc sailors working to fix their ship (it looked a mess, so who knows if they even can), and a group of ropers with strange marks on them (slew all but 3, who were then dominated).
In the very center of a stone labyrinth, we make our towards the Library as we press on.
Rendul is becoming quite powerful as our adventure continues. I almost don't need my blades any more. And Unanus really seems to enjoy creating minions from our enemies. I do appreciate the ride, though. OH, and I'd really like to know how a tree could move faster than a bolt of lightning (that is a most prodigious feat by the way, Hazard). At least I can still help by healing. Maybe it is all just a sign from my God that I have been too violent as of late.
Making our way around the stone labyrinth, we come across a large whomping willow tree (that's just how we'll remember it, as the name didn't stick with me either). Moving along, we gathered crystals of colors and placed them in a stone circle and were transported to the real island as it seems to be. Meeting up with the Wild Watchers, we agree to their test and make our way to the mountain peak. After finding the dead Roc King, we resurrect it, and it becomes dominated immediately after. Chasing the man with the Hand of Vecna, riding on the King of Roc, we're set up for an interesting encounter next session.
Well that battle turned out... um... more difficult than I thought. I knew it was the hardest battle we would fight so far, but the battle lasted the whole session; a good 6-7 hours or so. And with 2 deaths on our side, we will have a handicap of sorts until that is completely recovered from. Being apart from our teleportation has changed our situation as well. Three trials to go now, and the pressure has eased up a bit.
We fought an efreet riding the back of a cauchemar nightmare, a cleric of Vecna with the Hand, a horned devil, a kenku assassin, a tiefling monk (who was polymorphed into a blue dragon), and the twin tiefling monk (who was polymorphed into an earth elemental).
Totally underestimated the damage ability in this last battle. I was overcome during an attack of opportunity of all things! Hopefully the "new" me will still be able to use Arathana's abilities.
Wow, having no internet at home sucks. Anyway...
Two more trials are done, and one left to go. The somber tree thing (a Night Twist) forced a lot of saves on us (Hazard failed and killed Rendul while being confused), and the titan just went crazy on us while the Roc King distracted the advanced gargoyles. The Death of the Thorn Vale Nightmare is ahead of us.
Rendul's death by whip was a blessing in disguise... at least for Rendul. I know Hazard has his regrets for doing what he could not control, but the body of a halfling did not suit our companion. He is much happier to have his Elven traits back.
As for my self, it will take some time getting used to my new appearance. I have been informed that my eyes have become a light shade of green. I can not wait to see how it goes with my new hair.
I hope to get us into the next book right away. The Kings of the Rift are waiting for us.
Last night we got ourselves into some issues with quite a few dragons. Hazard died thanks to the full attack of a fang dragon, which was subsequently dominated (pretty lucky rolls there). We had to pull some good resources to make it alive last battle. As we head through Kongen-Thulnir, towards the palace, we tread over ever more dangerous ground.
Vengeance...
There's no holding back anymore. I will no longer see my people suffer and die protecting their land and family. I will make these dragons suffer!
I lost my closest friend to a dragon today. My grief was such that my first thoughts were not of revenge but of resurrection. I may not be quite my self anymore, but the memories of all the Hazard and I have been through will always be embedded in my subconscious.
Many thanks to Unanus and Rendul for eliminating our immediate threat of dragons while I attended to our fallen comrade. I will not remain passive for long, however, and my retribution will me merciless!
Our session this time involved one large fight with several dragons. Finding refuge in the Riftlord palace with Achaime Silvereye as our host, Unanus scryed and retrieved one of the keys used to open the vault that holds Dragotha's phylactery (it was inside a massive carrion crawler). After a bit of planning, we did some teleporting and decided to rest before the big fight with the mightiest dragons of the siege, who were assaulting the citadel when we last saw them.
Next session we'll have a big fight somewhere, and we'll learn more of the giants' plight and what Hazard has to do with any of this.
At last! Looking back at our map, Allustan was right, in his own way. From his house, looking on in the direction of the Whispering Cairn, go far enough and you find the canyon! Hah! The old man had one thing left to teach me after all.
Baag is his name... I never knew it before today. At least, I don't think I've ever known it before today. Still, it is great to see him well. He looks just like I remember him. It's interesting to see our struggle of the past seem simple in comparison to our current oppressors. Hopefully our fight won't separate us again.
Achaime... Silvereyes. From what they tell me, he and I are very much alike. I've come a long way from being spat on out on the street to being compared to royalty. There is some other uneasiness from the giantkin, though. It's as though my possible, perhaps likely lineage isn't what concerns them.
Arathana, I can't thank you enough. I couldn't ask for a better companion throughout my travels. We've seen many things of the world up close and dangerous. Unanus and Rendul have been great, too.
Despite the sounds of war echoing through the giants' corridors and alcoves, I feel I can rest more easily tonight than I have in quite a while.
Arathana, I can't thank you enough. I couldn't ask for a better companion throughout my travels. We've seen many things of the world up close and dangerous. Unanus and Rendul have been great, too.
You watch my back, I'll heal yours ;)
Arathana, I can't thank you enough. I couldn't ask for a better companion throughout my travels. We've seen many things of the world up close and dangerous. Unanus and Rendul have been great, too.
You watch my back, I'll heal yours ;)
Arathana, I can't thank you enough. I couldn't ask for a better companion throughout my travels. We've seen many things of the world up close and dangerous. Unanus and Rendul have been great, too.
You watch my back, I'll heal yours ;)
Sorry, Swiv... I'm feeling a tad brain dead at the moment. At least I had your posts to remind me of what happened last lol