I say zaxx what what do you make of these runes dear fellow? I’d say we have found a passage to the under dark and our spider drow nemesis. If true we could gain an advantage here as this looks unused for quite some time and with any luck may be completely forgotten or unknown by our enemies
After returning the map to Gundren, I tell him of the dwarf corpse, and ask if he knew who it was. I will then go and collect the remains and put them in a clean sack.
"I swear by Clanggedin Silverbeard, I will avenge thee brother, the Grobbi will pay in blood for their crimes agin' us."
Each companion places the items they carry into the magic circle that Zaxx has drawn on the stone floor. The young wizard preforms the ritual and some if the items begin to glow with familiar auras.
The feather engraved staff from Kryinor glows with an aura of transmutation, the Golden statuette with divination, the three potions from Kin Groll's bed do indeed glow with the healing aura of evocation, as do two more potions from the Owl Bear chest. The two scrolls form the same chest glow with auras of illusion and conjuration.
Kryinor begins the grisly task of collecting the remains of the fallen in the Owl Bear tower and moving them outside for burial.
Kargan retrieves the map and brings it to Gundren. The old Dwarves hands close eagerly around the leather tube and he breathes a sigh of relief. "Thanks Kargan my heart beats easier now that map is back in my hands. I suspect they have had a look at it, but not the time to copy the thing. We need to keep the whereabouts of the cave safe, evil things want its secrets."
When Kargan questions him about the Dwarven remains in the tower Gundren looks quite sad and says, "I don't know lad, some poor unfortunate waylaid like me I suspect. I've not seen anyone else in my time here and cannot fathom their fates..."
Kargan then joins Kryinor in the woods to bury his kinsman.
OCC: Are there any other items you wish Zaxx to identity? Zaxx are you going to have a look a the Hearth where Titus made his interesting find? Is there anything else anyone wishes to do in the mean time?
I will dig a deep grave for the dwarf, and line it with fallen stone from the castle to make a crude sarcophagus.
"I know not your name, nor your clan, nor your fathers name, but I know you as a brother. You have been cruelly killed by the cursed Grobbi, I swear vengeance will be taken for the crimes committed agin' ye brother. By the will of Clanggedin Silverbeard, it shall be done!"
After helping Kryinor bury the other remains, I return to the castle and find zaxx
"Zaxx, what can be done with Groll's mace? It plainly is wreathed in foul magics, how can it be destroyed so the Grobbi cannot claim it?"
You should run your eye over the neverwinter sword and the the former kings gear wizard. Strong magic for sure on grolls gear I’m sure. He was far to nimble and hard to hit for such a sack of puss.
Titus clears more of the rubble away from the old hearth exposing what he thinks is the extent of the panel he discovered in the back of the structure. It takes up about two thirds of the overly large fireplace, more than enough for a comfortably proportioned doorway of some kind for a Human, or elf, sized creature.
Digging through his knowledge of magic, using his heightened elf senses, and keen observational skills he is sure that this some kind of magical portal, or magically warded portal. He is also sure that it would have remained invisible if not for the weathering and damage caused by the castles ruination over the centuries.
On more thorough examination the runes bear a resemblance to Drow writing in their execution, but the form and syntax, although unfamiliar and beyond his magical ken, are quite distinct from the language of the subterranean elf race.
All in all Titus is very sure he has discovered some kind of spell warded door...
Talking to himself: "Right then, this requires more thought and action! mmm perhaps Gundren......"
As the others are all off doing their thing Titus whilst he still has detect magic in effect will take a wander through the castle back toward Gundren in the throne room. (anything thats glows magical he will mentally note its place and keep moving, his primary goal is to see Gundren)
once expired Titus sits down next to Gundren and offers him a piece of ration and his flask of spirit from his pouch.
"It is indeed a warming sight to see you my dear fellow! I trust you are feeling a bit better now that you are in better company haha! Alas my stout friend I do not have any leaf. I left it with your merchant cart, so at least you can look forward to that! But on a serious note we have much to talk about friend. Perhaps we can take a walk and have chat whilst the others are busy with their activities?"
Once we are up Titus will walk back through the castle slowly leading Gundren back to the fireplace.
Whilst we are walking: "I do not know how much you are willing share, and I understand your race is secretive by nature but we are all friends here, I am prepared to vouch for the barbarian and the wizard if you do not know them already. Granted the Wizard seems a little mad but what of their kind are not? Eedim seems to have found his cups rather deep , but he is still as effective as he ever was. The others are worthy fellows but of course you already know that my friend. I am happy to tell you that we found the Triboar Trail Map. Sildar is safe in Phandalin. Larno the Neverwinter Mage and Grista the Dwarven inn keeper were in league with your enemies. We have however bested both of them and they are safely on their way to Neverwinter for trial. We have put a serious dent in the goblin kind numbers about these environs. Phandalin and your merchant caravans will be safer for it. But tell me Gundren, what do know of this Drow, the Black Spider? Seems he has been pegged as the leader of this effort to find your cave. I must say your secret cave is not so secret either haha! Halia Thornton at the miners exchange also knows it exists and is offering a reward for any who give information about it. So you see friend we still have lots to do in these parts I suspect. But you must tell me everything you know. I wish to see your cave protected from those with ill intent."
As we come come upon the fireplace: "What do you make of this? It seems to be very old. It is magically warded so have a care."
Assuming Kryinor is the last person to come back in from the burials if he sees that everything else has been moved but the mace is still there he will pick it up and take it to the rest of the group (OOC: all of his attention was on the worgs when fighting, i doubt he would have seen the magic mace in action). If it is still smouldering he will pick it up with a cloth assuming that it must have been singed by Zaxx's flame...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"So many wonderful toys!" exclaims Zaxx, as he examines the items.
Zaxx will describe the various schools of magic on these items and what that could mean.
"If you all wish I can identify each item in turn to determine its true dweomer. It will take some time but it seems we have some of that up our respective sleeves."
When Titus asks about the runes over the hidden door Zaxx will go over to assist him in his analysis.
After that he will talk to Kargan about the mace. "I am loathe to dispose of this item, especially because dark magics are about it. Better to study these things and gain understanding. I suggest we wrap it in a thick blanket and stow it away ... for now."
[OOC: Arcana check for the runes: 24. Also Zaxx will spend time to also detect magic on the portal. I need to perform Identify as a ritual so it could be some time to get through everything but I am happy to do it.]
As Zaxx weaves his investigative magics over the objects in his circle.
Titus stops his excavation of the hearth and moves off into the castle towards the throne room and other companions.
Zaxx feels movement on the back of his robe and only half notices Mr Skittles scamper across the stone flags and begin sniffing and scratching at the newly exposed wall at he rear of the ancient fireplace.
Gundren is happy to see the Elf ranger on his return and eagerly accepts the offed food and fortifying drink. He nods at the snoring form of Eedim and says, "The lil bugger polished off what we had and went off to sleep, but it is good to have his company again none-the-less."
Kargan enters the feasting hall to find Zaxx completing his ritual, the dwarfs face lined with concern and grief for his fallen kinsman, he broaches the subject of Groll's spell laden mace. Both at least agreeing that it must not fall into the wrong hands again.
Titus returns soon thereafter with Gundren, the old dwarf taking slow deliberate steps as if the floor might give way beneath him at any moment. The old dwarf is very glad to hear that Sildar is well and entrenched in Phandalin. When Titus mentions the map he observes Gundrenss hand clamp down on the leather tube containing it and an air of concern, almost nervous panic, sets in for a moment. Then he calms somewhat and says, "Yes, yes tis good to have it back in my hands again. We need to find out who knows what master ranger, and find a way to deal with unwanted interest. The secret of the forge of spells must not fall into the wrong hands. Tis a great tool for good or ill."
Then under guidance from Titus, Zaxx and Gundren begin to examine the secret panel in the hearth. Zax confirms it is magical, a fine and complex weave of illusion, abjuration, evocation, and transmutation magics permeate the ancient stone. Mr Skittles scurries back to Zaxx and climbs up his leg, arm and neck to sit on the brim of his hat and watch all of the goings on with whiskery interest.
Gundren looks hard at the stone, running his old scared hands over the faint runes and weathered surface, "I'm not surprised its magical. That's some mighty fine stone work there, ancient, older than the Phandalin ruins, and the work in Wave Echo Cave too if I'm not mistaken. A thousand years at least or I'm a day old."
The runes look tatalisingly familiar to Zaxx, and confirm his suspicions about this place being something important to the ancient kingdom of Phanlorn. He remembers reading some old texts in his organisations library that contained some reproductions of runes very similar to these. Some kind of High Arcane Runes used by one of the more powerful cabals of wizards of the time. His superiors would be very interested in this find and would most likely send a team to the castle for a more thorough investigation if he notified them.
Zaxx's overall impression is that this is very old, very powerful, and probably very dangerous. To learn more he would have to do some research and come back much better prepared.
As they muse further over the hearth and its mystery Kryinor returns with the mace of King Groll carefully held within thick cloth in an outstretched hand. the young druid looks highly suspicious of the object as if it might try to bite him at any moment.
For Kryinor
When you lift the mace after wrapping it in cloth, you feel an itching at the back of your mind. The itching grows to something like a far off whisper. You're sure the thing is trying to talk to you, you just can't quite make out the words. The tone however is aggressive, dark, and cruel.
"For now, we cannae stop the Grobbi from returning here aft' we leave, but i'll no leave the scum a tool or crumb of food, they will find naught but stone here!"
I gather every weapon/tool/armour and pile them in the entrance, all the food I throw out on the grass for the birds, I will also smash Grolls throne and the furniture in the castle
After inspecting the hearth titus sits and brings out his notebook and pen and begins writing. Carefully sketching the hearth and runes and recording the recent happenings at the castle. Including a map of the ruins and its location referenced from phandalin. He then brjngs out the collected coinage and makes 6 piles with a substantially smaller seventh pile.
"righto gents paymaster time! Collect your bounty. This smaller pile I'll give to masters hallwinter and edermath for the town guard. I say i do believe its time we had a name for our endeavours. Its frightfully bland leaving a blank space, surely we can come up with an appropriate moniker. Any suggestions? I say Zaxx we have the time why not tell us what these items are capable of. I propose that we cover up this door for now and perhaps come back later to investigate. Gundren dear fellow perhaps you could regale us with more about this spider and your cave while we are about our business.
Breccha will help the dwarf destroy the Gobbo supplies and gear and especially have an especially good time smashing the throne - with much laughter and jolly jappery...
While the others are busy destroying things Kryinor will go back to our camp in the forest and retrieve the Oxen and carts that Kargan had found, so that we can load up all the weapons and items. He will tell the others his intent and any wanting to join him are welcome.
Whilst sitting at the hearth and making his book entries, Titus looks up at Kryinor: "Very good Very good. Alas I will stay here, much to do yet. I say before you go would you do me a favor? Please make sure we pack Groll's armour and shield, whilst not magical they will make a fine wall hanging. The Neverwinter sword, would you mind bringing it to me before you go?"
I say zaxx what what do you make of these runes dear fellow? I’d say we have found a passage to the under dark and our spider drow nemesis. If true we could gain an advantage here as this looks unused for quite some time and with any luck may be completely forgotten or unknown by our enemies
Kriynor will be out digging graves, he will hand over the quaterstaff to Zaxx when he needs to.
After returning the map to Gundren, I tell him of the dwarf corpse, and ask if he knew who it was. I will then go and collect the remains and put them in a clean sack.
"I swear by Clanggedin Silverbeard, I will avenge thee brother, the Grobbi will pay in blood for their crimes agin' us."
Each companion places the items they carry into the magic circle that Zaxx has drawn on the stone floor. The young wizard preforms the ritual and some if the items begin to glow with familiar auras.
The feather engraved staff from Kryinor glows with an aura of transmutation, the Golden statuette with divination, the three potions from Kin Groll's bed do indeed glow with the healing aura of evocation, as do two more potions from the Owl Bear chest. The two scrolls form the same chest glow with auras of illusion and conjuration.
Kryinor begins the grisly task of collecting the remains of the fallen in the Owl Bear tower and moving them outside for burial.
Kargan retrieves the map and brings it to Gundren. The old Dwarves hands close eagerly around the leather tube and he breathes a sigh of relief. "Thanks Kargan my heart beats easier now that map is back in my hands. I suspect they have had a look at it, but not the time to copy the thing. We need to keep the whereabouts of the cave safe, evil things want its secrets."
When Kargan questions him about the Dwarven remains in the tower Gundren looks quite sad and says, "I don't know lad, some poor unfortunate waylaid like me I suspect. I've not seen anyone else in my time here and cannot fathom their fates..."
Kargan then joins Kryinor in the woods to bury his kinsman.
OCC: Are there any other items you wish Zaxx to identity? Zaxx are you going to have a look a the Hearth where Titus made his interesting find? Is there anything else anyone wishes to do in the mean time?
I will dig a deep grave for the dwarf, and line it with fallen stone from the castle to make a crude sarcophagus.
"I know not your name, nor your clan, nor your fathers name, but I know you as a brother. You have been cruelly killed by the cursed Grobbi, I swear vengeance will be taken for the crimes committed agin' ye brother. By the will of Clanggedin Silverbeard, it shall be done!"
After helping Kryinor bury the other remains, I return to the castle and find zaxx
"Zaxx, what can be done with Groll's mace? It plainly is wreathed in foul magics, how can it be destroyed so the Grobbi cannot claim it?"
You should run your eye over the neverwinter sword and the the former kings gear wizard. Strong magic for sure on grolls gear I’m sure. He was far to nimble and hard to hit for such a sack of puss.
Breccha will help did the grave for the dwarf body...
Once Tutus has cleared away more of the rubble so that he can inspect the door he will cast detect magic and investigate the fireplace
Arcana roll: 19
Investigation roll: 17
Perception roll: 11
Titus clears more of the rubble away from the old hearth exposing what he thinks is the extent of the panel he discovered in the back of the structure. It takes up about two thirds of the overly large fireplace, more than enough for a comfortably proportioned doorway of some kind for a Human, or elf, sized creature.
Digging through his knowledge of magic, using his heightened elf senses, and keen observational skills he is sure that this some kind of magical portal, or magically warded portal. He is also sure that it would have remained invisible if not for the weathering and damage caused by the castles ruination over the centuries.
On more thorough examination the runes bear a resemblance to Drow writing in their execution, but the form and syntax, although unfamiliar and beyond his magical ken, are quite distinct from the language of the subterranean elf race.
All in all Titus is very sure he has discovered some kind of spell warded door...
Talking to himself: "Right then, this requires more thought and action! mmm perhaps Gundren......"
As the others are all off doing their thing Titus whilst he still has detect magic in effect will take a wander through the castle back toward Gundren in the throne room. (anything thats glows magical he will mentally note its place and keep moving, his primary goal is to see Gundren)
once expired Titus sits down next to Gundren and offers him a piece of ration and his flask of spirit from his pouch.
"It is indeed a warming sight to see you my dear fellow! I trust you are feeling a bit better now that you are in better company haha! Alas my stout friend I do not have any leaf. I left it with your merchant cart, so at least you can look forward to that! But on a serious note we have much to talk about friend. Perhaps we can take a walk and have chat whilst the others are busy with their activities?"
Once we are up Titus will walk back through the castle slowly leading Gundren back to the fireplace.
Whilst we are walking: "I do not know how much you are willing share, and I understand your race is secretive by nature but we are all friends here, I am prepared to vouch for the barbarian and the wizard if you do not know them already. Granted the Wizard seems a little mad but what of their kind are not? Eedim seems to have found his cups rather deep , but he is still as effective as he ever was. The others are worthy fellows but of course you already know that my friend. I am happy to tell you that we found the Triboar Trail Map. Sildar is safe in Phandalin. Larno the Neverwinter Mage and Grista the Dwarven inn keeper were in league with your enemies. We have however bested both of them and they are safely on their way to Neverwinter for trial. We have put a serious dent in the goblin kind numbers about these environs. Phandalin and your merchant caravans will be safer for it. But tell me Gundren, what do know of this Drow, the Black Spider? Seems he has been pegged as the leader of this effort to find your cave. I must say your secret cave is not so secret either haha! Halia Thornton at the miners exchange also knows it exists and is offering a reward for any who give information about it. So you see friend we still have lots to do in these parts I suspect. But you must tell me everything you know. I wish to see your cave protected from those with ill intent."
As we come come upon the fireplace: "What do you make of this? It seems to be very old. It is magically warded so have a care."
Assuming Kryinor is the last person to come back in from the burials if he sees that everything else has been moved but the mace is still there he will pick it up and take it to the rest of the group (OOC: all of his attention was on the worgs when fighting, i doubt he would have seen the magic mace in action). If it is still smouldering he will pick it up with a cloth assuming that it must have been singed by Zaxx's flame...
"So many wonderful toys!" exclaims Zaxx, as he examines the items.
Zaxx will describe the various schools of magic on these items and what that could mean.
"If you all wish I can identify each item in turn to determine its true dweomer. It will take some time but it seems we have some of that up our respective sleeves."
When Titus asks about the runes over the hidden door Zaxx will go over to assist him in his analysis.
After that he will talk to Kargan about the mace. "I am loathe to dispose of this item, especially because dark magics are about it. Better to study these things and gain understanding. I suggest we wrap it in a thick blanket and stow it away ... for now."
[OOC: Arcana check for the runes: 24. Also Zaxx will spend time to also detect magic on the portal. I need to perform Identify as a ritual so it could be some time to get through everything but I am happy to do it.]
As Zaxx weaves his investigative magics over the objects in his circle.
Titus stops his excavation of the hearth and moves off into the castle towards the throne room and other companions.
Zaxx feels movement on the back of his robe and only half notices Mr Skittles scamper across the stone flags and begin sniffing and scratching at the newly exposed wall at he rear of the ancient fireplace.
Gundren is happy to see the Elf ranger on his return and eagerly accepts the offed food and fortifying drink. He nods at the snoring form of Eedim and says, "The lil bugger polished off what we had and went off to sleep, but it is good to have his company again none-the-less."
Kargan enters the feasting hall to find Zaxx completing his ritual, the dwarfs face lined with concern and grief for his fallen kinsman, he broaches the subject of Groll's spell laden mace. Both at least agreeing that it must not fall into the wrong hands again.
Titus returns soon thereafter with Gundren, the old dwarf taking slow deliberate steps as if the floor might give way beneath him at any moment. The old dwarf is very glad to hear that Sildar is well and entrenched in Phandalin. When Titus mentions the map he observes Gundrenss hand clamp down on the leather tube containing it and an air of concern, almost nervous panic, sets in for a moment. Then he calms somewhat and says, "Yes, yes tis good to have it back in my hands again. We need to find out who knows what master ranger, and find a way to deal with unwanted interest. The secret of the forge of spells must not fall into the wrong hands. Tis a great tool for good or ill."
Then under guidance from Titus, Zaxx and Gundren begin to examine the secret panel in the hearth. Zax confirms it is magical, a fine and complex weave of illusion, abjuration, evocation, and transmutation magics permeate the ancient stone. Mr Skittles scurries back to Zaxx and climbs up his leg, arm and neck to sit on the brim of his hat and watch all of the goings on with whiskery interest.
Gundren looks hard at the stone, running his old scared hands over the faint runes and weathered surface, "I'm not surprised its magical. That's some mighty fine stone work there, ancient, older than the Phandalin ruins, and the work in Wave Echo Cave too if I'm not mistaken. A thousand years at least or I'm a day old."
The runes look tatalisingly familiar to Zaxx, and confirm his suspicions about this place being something important to the ancient kingdom of Phanlorn. He remembers reading some old texts in his organisations library that contained some reproductions of runes very similar to these. Some kind of High Arcane Runes used by one of the more powerful cabals of wizards of the time. His superiors would be very interested in this find and would most likely send a team to the castle for a more thorough investigation if he notified them.
Zaxx's overall impression is that this is very old, very powerful, and probably very dangerous. To learn more he would have to do some research and come back much better prepared.
As they muse further over the hearth and its mystery Kryinor returns with the mace of King Groll carefully held within thick cloth in an outstretched hand. the young druid looks highly suspicious of the object as if it might try to bite him at any moment.
For Kryinor
When you lift the mace after wrapping it in cloth, you feel an itching at the back of your mind. The itching grows to something like a far off whisper. You're sure the thing is trying to talk to you, you just can't quite make out the words. The tone however is aggressive, dark, and cruel.
Emotions check: 5 - 14
Fail: Kryinor will take the cloth off and hold the item with his bare hand
Pass: Kryinor will ignore the voice and warn the group of its evilness
‘Beware friends, this mace carries with it a dark presence, I think its trying to communicate.... keep your guard up’
"For now, we cannae stop the Grobbi from returning here aft' we leave, but i'll no leave the scum a tool or crumb of food, they will find naught but stone here!"
I gather every weapon/tool/armour and pile them in the entrance, all the food I throw out on the grass for the birds, I will also smash Grolls throne and the furniture in the castle
After inspecting the hearth titus sits and brings out his notebook and pen and begins writing. Carefully sketching the hearth and runes and recording the recent happenings at the castle. Including a map of the ruins and its location referenced from phandalin. He then brjngs out the collected coinage and makes 6 piles with a substantially smaller seventh pile.
"righto gents paymaster time! Collect your bounty. This smaller pile I'll give to masters hallwinter and edermath for the town guard. I say i do believe its time we had a name for our endeavours. Its frightfully bland leaving a blank space, surely we can come up with an appropriate moniker. Any suggestions? I say Zaxx we have the time why not tell us what these items are capable of. I propose that we cover up this door for now and perhaps come back later to investigate. Gundren dear fellow perhaps you could regale us with more about this spider and your cave while we are about our business.
Breccha will help the dwarf destroy the Gobbo supplies and gear and especially have an especially good time smashing the throne - with much laughter and jolly jappery...
While the others are busy destroying things Kryinor will go back to our camp in the forest and retrieve the Oxen and carts that Kargan had found, so that we can load up all the weapons and items. He will tell the others his intent and any wanting to join him are welcome.
Whilst sitting at the hearth and making his book entries, Titus looks up at Kryinor: "Very good Very good. Alas I will stay here, much to do yet. I say before you go would you do me a favor? Please make sure we pack Groll's armour and shield, whilst not magical they will make a fine wall hanging. The Neverwinter sword, would you mind bringing it to me before you go?"
"I will stay and guard Gundren, in case the grobbi return"
short rest 8