Aruum, who had been unusually subdued and pallid throughout the encounter with Oscar, clutched at himself as he followed the party toward the locked door. He had joined their ranks only hours ago, casting aside the chains of his former employer to align himself with this motley crew. Little had he known that danger would so swiftly become his companion. Though Cendriane was known for its ruthless reputation, he hadn't quite anticipated the trials that awaited him within the corrupted temple - battles against sinister serpentfolk, encounters with amorphous dark entities, and now a spellcaster capable of disappearing from sight at will? The mere thought sends shivers down Aruum's spine, causing him to flail at the empty air beside him in a futile attempt to strike at his invisible adversary.
Shadows danced upon the walls as the party returned to the locked door. The labyrinthine tunnels remained hushed, allowing only the familiar symphony of water's trickle, verdant growth, and the melodic clink of keys in Boyd's grasp to fill the air. Methodically, Boyd tried each key, testing their fit within the ancient lock. After several attempts, a gratifying click reverberated as the lock's mechanisms surrendered to the chosen key, granting passage as the door swung open.
The newly revealed passageway stretched beyond the threshold. To the east, stone steps spiralled upward, their path veiled by a cloak of overgrowth and partial concealment. To the west, the corridor extended its invitation, eventually turning northward. From that direction wafted a potent stench, the promise of a possibly unpleasant discovery. To the south, the hallway beckoned, its illumination offering an illusion of warmth and comfort, yet with the lingering understanding that it might merely veil a new layer of horrors.
Faila cautiously trails the party, her wide eyes taking in everything around the group. She notices Aruum's pallor and terror, and she falls back beside him, reaching down a hand to touch the goblin reassuringly on the shoulder. "Don't be afraid, Aruum," she whispers. "We're in a lot of danger, but you and I know better than to touch weird water or tempting objects held by unnatural creatures. Not that following the rules will save us, but, remember, it's better than working for Maud. Here." With her other hand she reaches into the pouch at her belt and holds out another gold coin to him.
As Boyd jimmies the lock and the party peers out at their options, Faila is drawn immediately to the staircase. "Let's go up," she suggests. "We've gone down so much already."
Nikita and Thumbtack once again attempt to discern their surroundings, the elf looking for tracks and the owl watching and listening from her shoulder.
Faila -Aruum eagerly snatches the gold coin and immediately shoves it into his mouth, seemingly relieved by the distraction. "Thanking yous, Faila Golds-giver,"he says with a bow. "Don'ts yous worry, Aruum won'ts touch nothingses. Aruum is not stupid."
As you set foot on the winding stone staircase, a creeping unease takes root within you. The passage upwards appears promising at first, but before long, the surrounding vegetation appears to respond to your presence. Sinister black vines, like insidious serpents, begin to writhe and coil, steadily thickening and weaving themselves into an impenetrable barricade, as if they harbour a malevolent intent to ensnare and confound any escape. You can't help but wonder if this is more than mere happenstance, if it's a deliberate, malefic effort to keep you within the temple's dark, oppressive embrace.
Nikita's Checks:
Survival
Traces of footprints, some clearly human, others decidedly less so, mark a recurring pattern along your path. Judging by the regularity of these tracks, it becomes evident that this corridor serves as a frequently traversed route. Taking your bearings into account, it becomes apparent that this passage ultimately leads westward, connecting to the labyrinthine network of cells where you recently encountered Oscar. It is reasonable to infer that vigilant guards patrol these passageways regularly, overseeing their captive charges.
Perception
Perched upon your shoulder, Thumbtack's perceptive senses momentarily merge with your own. Firstly, the owl's acute hearing discerns the unmistakable rush of an underground river originating to the east. The reverberations echo through the tunnel, suggesting that the passageway to the southeast likely leads to a broader, open expanse—quite possibly the central nucleus of the subterranean temple.
Secondly, far to the north, Thumbtack detects the ominous resonance of chanting. The words uttered bear an eerie and malevolent tone, yet their meaning remains beyond the grasp of both Thumbtack and yourself.
Lastly, in the western direction, the keen ears of Thumbtack pick up the pitiable sounds of moans and desperate cries for aid. These wails are infused with profound agony and suffering, echoing from the depths of despair. The voice behind them bears the weight of many years, strained and weakened by the passage of time. An oppressive stench of filth and something more unsettling comes from this direction.
Nikita humbly thanks Thumbtack in her mind once more, but is momentarily at a loss for what to do or which way to go.
Southeast to the underground river and possible central nexus of the temple?
Backtracking north to where Thumbtack hears ominous, malevolent chanting?
West towards more cells from which the agonized pleas for aid are coming?
East up the stairs as Faila suggests?
She dutifully reveals her and the owl's findings (see spoiler for Nikita's checks above) in a whisper to her companions, adding that she leans towards moving to rescue whoever is begging for aid to the west, while admitting that it could be a ruse and a trap, given what just happened with Oscar.
"Someone whose head is clearer than my own at the moment should make the decision," she finishes, gripping her rapier, white-knuckled.
The Lord of Autumn remains in quiet contemplation throughout the exchange with Oscar. As the devilish individual makes mention of the Court of Autumn, the firbolg cocks his head to the side. Listening intently, though not giving into the honeyed response from Oscar, the Lord of Autumn avoids betraying his thoughts via his expression illuminated in the flickering bonfire.
Faila stands partly behind Boyd, her eyes narrowed, never taking her gaze from the halfling as he waxes eloquent to her companions. Not one ruffle of surprise crosses her face or demeanor at Nikita's revelation of his nature nor at his transformation. She just continues staring at him with the same suspicious, defensive posture, as if ready to run or attack the moment it becomes necessary.
After Oscar disappears, Faila slowly, cautiously, relaxes a little, looking around. She wanders around a little between her companions, touching Meresaa's robe, handing Aruum another gold piece, as if these small acts of connection give her something to hold onto in the face of the shifting and unpredictable world in which they find themselves. Finally, she stands next to the Lord of Autumn's bonfire, gazing solemnly into the flames. After a minute, she looks at Nikita. "There are stronger powers. Fiends are liars. They want you to believe there's no escape. But it isn't true. Even I have heard enough stories to know that.
"Curious. The tidings of this fiend Oscar signifies change that has come to the feywild. In soothe, the Court of Autumn approves," the firbolg states with a tone of ancient authority in his voice before continuing, "Though the Summer Court will view this news as different portents. Whether this change is linked to the blight gripping this region, that yet remains uncertain. Verily, the hunt must press forward."
The Lord of Autumn regards the others with a look of sly satisfaction, "By estimation, it would appear this crew stands as harbingers of this change to the realm. Know that the jurisdiction and, in the case of this crew, their favor resides over our current arrangement."
As the others come to terms with the transpired events, the Lord of Autumn reverts back to his usual stoicism. He regards the other and their matters politely, like some shrewd merchant or diplomat staying well within the boundary for some terms of agreement.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Standing at the crossroads, the Lord of Autumn crosses his arms and lets his lead cloak envelop him. Raising a hand to scratch at his beard, he nods towards Faila and Nikita, "Verily, passage upwards represents a sound decision. Tactically, it would be best to ensure these reaches are secure before venturing further downward lest unknown adversaries descend from above down upon this crew."
The firbolg readies himself and begins to march towards the steps, his left hand shuddering as he proceeds, "The Lord of Autumn will take point, should this crew approve."
Perception check while walking up the steps to see if there are any noises in the distance upstairs: 17
Nikita sees no reason to gainsay the Lord of Autumn's (and Faila's) decision. The tactics seem sound, covering the party's rear before exploring further out and down, though she half-expects the twisted nature of this accursed place and the strangeness of the Fey Realm itself to render such logic moot.
She follows just behind the firbolg towards the stairs, her rapier in hand and Thumbtack on her shoulder.
Standing in the crossroads, Boyd looks longingly upwards... Maybe he will see the sky once more, after all; however, knowing this strange realm, going up will lead them down, or some such nonsense. "Up's a good idea."he states matter-of-factly and then falls in behind the Lord of Autumn.
"How are we all holding up?" He asks the group in general. "Every step in this place I'm starting to feel more and more over my head..." he laments. "Let's finish what we need to in this temple and get out. Maybe things will be better away from here..."
With arms crossed, Meresaa chews a fingernail, seeming to have been lost in thought for some time.
"I don't like it," she states simply. "The way we came down is right there." She motions to the north with her head, through the open door. "This way is choked by dangerous-looking plants or plant creatures or whatever other vile surprises we couldn't possibly expect. I don't think any of use believe that what we seek is in this direction and I don't think it offers a better or particularly faster means of escape than the one we already have. I think we'd just be wearing ourselves out and spreading our resources too thin."
She looks around to the group. "Of course, I'll follow where I'm lead, as I have considerably slimmer chances on my own (as do we all), but I don't think this is our best way forward. Faila's right in that we've been poking every hornet nest we come across. While I'm all for that in the relatively controlled environment of my laboratory, I'm worried our resources will run out before we've exhausted all avenues of possibility in this place. I think we should either retreat and continue on our original path to the courts or head deeper to where the artifact undoubtedly lies."
For once, Nikita sincerely has no idea which direction to proceed in this fell place, itself embedded within a strange realm where reason seems to twist.
"You speak sense, Lady Meresaa. I truly do not know, yet am inclined to follow the Lord of Autumn's lead, as he knows this realm, if not this temple, better than we. Regardless, we should not delay. The sooner we can finish our task and be done with this place, or cleanse it, the better."
As needed, she quietly outlines the choices of path once more as she had earlier (Post 325):
Southeast to the underground river and possible central nexus of the temple?
Backtracking north to where Thumbtack hears ominous, malevolent chanting?
West towards more cells from which the agonized pleas for aid are coming?
East up the stairs as Faila and the Lord of Autumn suggest and Boyd agreed?
Evening - Day 1 - Backtracking
Aruum, who had been unusually subdued and pallid throughout the encounter with Oscar, clutched at himself as he followed the party toward the locked door. He had joined their ranks only hours ago, casting aside the chains of his former employer to align himself with this motley crew. Little had he known that danger would so swiftly become his companion. Though Cendriane was known for its ruthless reputation, he hadn't quite anticipated the trials that awaited him within the corrupted temple - battles against sinister serpentfolk, encounters with amorphous dark entities, and now a spellcaster capable of disappearing from sight at will? The mere thought sends shivers down Aruum's spine, causing him to flail at the empty air beside him in a futile attempt to strike at his invisible adversary.
Shadows danced upon the walls as the party returned to the locked door. The labyrinthine tunnels remained hushed, allowing only the familiar symphony of water's trickle, verdant growth, and the melodic clink of keys in Boyd's grasp to fill the air. Methodically, Boyd tried each key, testing their fit within the ancient lock. After several attempts, a gratifying click reverberated as the lock's mechanisms surrendered to the chosen key, granting passage as the door swung open.
The newly revealed passageway stretched beyond the threshold. To the east, stone steps spiralled upward, their path veiled by a cloak of overgrowth and partial concealment. To the west, the corridor extended its invitation, eventually turning northward. From that direction wafted a potent stench, the promise of a possibly unpleasant discovery. To the south, the hallway beckoned, its illumination offering an illusion of warmth and comfort, yet with the lingering understanding that it might merely veil a new layer of horrors.
Map:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Faila cautiously trails the party, her wide eyes taking in everything around the group. She notices Aruum's pallor and terror, and she falls back beside him, reaching down a hand to touch the goblin reassuringly on the shoulder. "Don't be afraid, Aruum," she whispers. "We're in a lot of danger, but you and I know better than to touch weird water or tempting objects held by unnatural creatures. Not that following the rules will save us, but, remember, it's better than working for Maud. Here." With her other hand she reaches into the pouch at her belt and holds out another gold coin to him.
As Boyd jimmies the lock and the party peers out at their options, Faila is drawn immediately to the staircase. "Let's go up," she suggests. "We've gone down so much already."
Nikita and Thumbtack once again attempt to discern their surroundings, the elf looking for tracks and the owl watching and listening from her shoulder.
Nikita Survival: 13
Thumbtack Perception: 22
"My Lord of Autumn," Nikita murmurs in a low voice, "should we bear east up the stairs as Faila suggests or do your instincts guide you elsewhere?"
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
Faila - Aruum eagerly snatches the gold coin and immediately shoves it into his mouth, seemingly relieved by the distraction. "Thanking yous, Faila Golds-giver," he says with a bow. "Don'ts yous worry, Aruum won'ts touch nothingses. Aruum is not stupid."
Faila's Perception check:
As you set foot on the winding stone staircase, a creeping unease takes root within you. The passage upwards appears promising at first, but before long, the surrounding vegetation appears to respond to your presence. Sinister black vines, like insidious serpents, begin to writhe and coil, steadily thickening and weaving themselves into an impenetrable barricade, as if they harbour a malevolent intent to ensnare and confound any escape. You can't help but wonder if this is more than mere happenstance, if it's a deliberate, malefic effort to keep you within the temple's dark, oppressive embrace.
Nikita's Checks:
Survival
Traces of footprints, some clearly human, others decidedly less so, mark a recurring pattern along your path. Judging by the regularity of these tracks, it becomes evident that this corridor serves as a frequently traversed route. Taking your bearings into account, it becomes apparent that this passage ultimately leads westward, connecting to the labyrinthine network of cells where you recently encountered Oscar. It is reasonable to infer that vigilant guards patrol these passageways regularly, overseeing their captive charges.
Perception
Perched upon your shoulder, Thumbtack's perceptive senses momentarily merge with your own. Firstly, the owl's acute hearing discerns the unmistakable rush of an underground river originating to the east. The reverberations echo through the tunnel, suggesting that the passageway to the southeast likely leads to a broader, open expanse—quite possibly the central nucleus of the subterranean temple.
Secondly, far to the north, Thumbtack detects the ominous resonance of chanting. The words uttered bear an eerie and malevolent tone, yet their meaning remains beyond the grasp of both Thumbtack and yourself.
Lastly, in the western direction, the keen ears of Thumbtack pick up the pitiable sounds of moans and desperate cries for aid. These wails are infused with profound agony and suffering, echoing from the depths of despair. The voice behind them bears the weight of many years, strained and weakened by the passage of time. An oppressive stench of filth and something more unsettling comes from this direction.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Nikita humbly thanks Thumbtack in her mind once more, but is momentarily at a loss for what to do or which way to go.
She dutifully reveals her and the owl's findings (see spoiler for Nikita's checks above) in a whisper to her companions, adding that she leans towards moving to rescue whoever is begging for aid to the west, while admitting that it could be a ruse and a trap, given what just happened with Oscar.
"Someone whose head is clearer than my own at the moment should make the decision," she finishes, gripping her rapier, white-knuckled.
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
((Jumping back in time a little bit))
The Lord of Autumn remains in quiet contemplation throughout the exchange with Oscar. As the devilish individual makes mention of the Court of Autumn, the firbolg cocks his head to the side. Listening intently, though not giving into the honeyed response from Oscar, the Lord of Autumn avoids betraying his thoughts via his expression illuminated in the flickering bonfire.
"Curious. The tidings of this fiend Oscar signifies change that has come to the feywild. In soothe, the Court of Autumn approves," the firbolg states with a tone of ancient authority in his voice before continuing, "Though the Summer Court will view this news as different portents. Whether this change is linked to the blight gripping this region, that yet remains uncertain. Verily, the hunt must press forward."
The Lord of Autumn regards the others with a look of sly satisfaction, "By estimation, it would appear this crew stands as harbingers of this change to the realm. Know that the jurisdiction and, in the case of this crew, their favor resides over our current arrangement."
As the others come to terms with the transpired events, the Lord of Autumn reverts back to his usual stoicism. He regards the other and their matters politely, like some shrewd merchant or diplomat staying well within the boundary for some terms of agreement.
Standing at the crossroads, the Lord of Autumn crosses his arms and lets his lead cloak envelop him. Raising a hand to scratch at his beard, he nods towards Faila and Nikita, "Verily, passage upwards represents a sound decision. Tactically, it would be best to ensure these reaches are secure before venturing further downward lest unknown adversaries descend from above down upon this crew."
The firbolg readies himself and begins to march towards the steps, his left hand shuddering as he proceeds, "The Lord of Autumn will take point, should this crew approve."
Perception check while walking up the steps to see if there are any noises in the distance upstairs: 17
Nikita sees no reason to gainsay the Lord of Autumn's (and Faila's) decision. The tactics seem sound, covering the party's rear before exploring further out and down, though she half-expects the twisted nature of this accursed place and the strangeness of the Fey Realm itself to render such logic moot.
She follows just behind the firbolg towards the stairs, her rapier in hand and Thumbtack on her shoulder.
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim
Standing in the crossroads, Boyd looks longingly upwards... Maybe he will see the sky once more, after all; however, knowing this strange realm, going up will lead them down, or some such nonsense. "Up's a good idea." he states matter-of-factly and then falls in behind the Lord of Autumn.
"How are we all holding up?" He asks the group in general. "Every step in this place I'm starting to feel more and more over my head..." he laments. "Let's finish what we need to in this temple and get out. Maybe things will be better away from here..."
With arms crossed, Meresaa chews a fingernail, seeming to have been lost in thought for some time.
"I don't like it," she states simply. "The way we came down is right there." She motions to the north with her head, through the open door. "This way is choked by dangerous-looking plants or plant creatures or whatever other vile surprises we couldn't possibly expect. I don't think any of use believe that what we seek is in this direction and I don't think it offers a better or particularly faster means of escape than the one we already have. I think we'd just be wearing ourselves out and spreading our resources too thin."
She looks around to the group. "Of course, I'll follow where I'm lead, as I have considerably slimmer chances on my own (as do we all), but I don't think this is our best way forward. Faila's right in that we've been poking every hornet nest we come across. While I'm all for that in the relatively controlled environment of my laboratory, I'm worried our resources will run out before we've exhausted all avenues of possibility in this place. I think we should either retreat and continue on our original path to the courts or head deeper to where the artifact undoubtedly lies."
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Mis'tuv (Halfling Fathomless Warlock) - The Voyage of the Fallen Star
Meresaa (Vedalken Artillerist Artificer) - Destination Unknown
Hutton Crowcreek (Human Fighter) - Curse of the Crimson Throne
For once, Nikita sincerely has no idea which direction to proceed in this fell place, itself embedded within a strange realm where reason seems to twist.
"You speak sense, Lady Meresaa. I truly do not know, yet am inclined to follow the Lord of Autumn's lead, as he knows this realm, if not this temple, better than we. Regardless, we should not delay. The sooner we can finish our task and be done with this place, or cleanse it, the better."
As needed, she quietly outlines the choices of path once more as she had earlier (Post 325):
Mud(Paladin2):Frandal's Scourge/Inge(Barbarian1):Krayveneer's After the Fall/Seri(Cleric1/Sorcerer1):Uhtred's Windward Isles/Shin(Wizard2):Dimir_MTG's Surviving
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric3):Vos' Beyond the Veil/Soren(Druid4):Bartjeebus' Ravenloft/Nivi(Rogue3):Raiketsu's CoS/Lyra(Warlock2/Bard2):BlameItOnWinter's Will of the Ancients
Joren(Fighter5):NotDrizzt's Simple Request/Quyen(Adept1):Constance's Nentir Vale/Rel(Warlock2):Uhtred's Phandelver/Xarian(Fighter1/Wizard1):ShieldHero's Drakkenheim