"Yes, we will chase Rezmir soon, my friend" Khessa smiles. "We're just evaluating whether there's still something we want to do here first. But we'll pursue it soon anyway".
Among the things to do before leaving, the blonde arcane warrior comes to mind the need to sell the bulkiest part of the treasure: the matched onyx carvings of Black Dragons (A serious collector would pay up to 3,000 gp) and the damaged 2- foot-tall statuette of a Black Dragon, made from actual Black Dragon scales and claws, with ruby eyes and diamond teeth (damaged by acid, but It should still fetch 1000-1200 gp).
Might the Lizardfolk be interested in purchasing? They might appreciate that kind of art - but even if they didn't, they, unlike the party, would have time to look for 'a serious collector' and make a deal...
The dwarf waves his hand murmuring a brief prayer. a thin wire of light, materialize in the air from his hands, goes up in the direction of the ceiling and fades, like a shining copper wire pointed to the sky. He casts Sending to comunicate with Ontarr Frume
"We snatched from the Cult the Academy of Stargazers Castle in the Mere of Dead Men. Rezmir and Jos fled throug a portal. We chase." he says
"Great!" Khessa compliments her beloved dwarf "Succinct but accurate report. I couldn't have done better myself!"
Then, to everyone: "So, what do you prefer as a next step, friends? Shall we explore the underwater areas as well, or rather chase Rezmir and Jos through the portal straight away, while they don't have too much of an advantage yet?"
"Yes, we will chase Rezmir soon, my friend" Khessa smiles. "We're just evaluating whether there's still something we want to do here first. But we'll pursue it soon anyway".
Among the things to do before leaving, the blonde arcane warrior comes to mind the need to sell the bulkiest part of the treasure: the matched onyx carvings of Black Dragons (A serious collector would pay up to 3,000 gp) and the damaged 2- foot-tall statuette of a Black Dragon, made from actual Black Dragon scales and claws, with ruby eyes and diamond teeth (damaged by acid, but It should still fetch 1000-1200 gp).
Might the Lizardfolk be interested in purchasing? They might appreciate that kind of art - but even if they didn't, they, unlike the party, would have time to look for 'a serious collector' and make a deal...
The Lizardfolk leader seems confused why he has to pay for the 2 onyx carvings of black dragons that they already own...
The dwarf waves his hand murmuring a brief prayer. a thin wire of light, materialize in the air from his hands, goes up in the direction of the ceiling and fades, like a shining copper wire pointed to the sky. He casts Sending to comunicate with Ontarr Frume
"We snatched from the Cult the Academy of Stargazers Castle in the Mere of Dead Men. Rezmir and Jos fled throug a portal. We chase." he says
After a short silence Frume replies: Good! Follow but keep save. Knowing where treasure goes more important than killing Rezmir. Find out Cult's plan if you can.
Zale happily helps Khessa haul the dragon statues wherever she wants. Though she laughs when she tries to sell them back to the lizardfolk.
After helping Khessa, Zale is content to take a break until her wounds are healed. Though once the party starts considering their next move she is sure to listen. "Hmmm, I'd much be preferin to chase Rezmir, or look for more information. I don't be thinkin that swimin in frog water will be much use at the present."
Khessa, sighing, mentally crosses out a career as a merchant from the list of possible occupations for the day she decides to abandon the life of an adventuress.
The blonde arcane warrior then focuses instead on her current career - and on Tiamat's machinations to stop: "Well, it seems that the majority prefer to avoid underwater exploration and set out on the trail of Rezmir. So that's it... we know the portal, we know the word to activate it... let's go!"
With a final farewell to Kriv and the Lizardfolk, the tall adventurer leads the way to the portal, activates it and leads the party through it.
As Khessa whispers the command word Dreazir the mist in the room swirls and before you know it you find yourself in a mountainous enviroment. The change in climate is very stark; the portal and consequently you too are buffeted by chill winds.
Dark pine woods are all around on the slopes of a mountain valley; the air is cold and fresh. Two ancient stones stand to either side of you, and no more than a bowshot ahead along a path is a large house, with stone on the ground floor, timbers above. Within sight are more standing stones.
Pine branches shift and sway in a gusting, fitful wind. A squirrel chitters and then falls silent.
"I wonder if Rezmir and Azbara went towards those buildings or if they avoided them..." Khessa muses aloud "Let's try to keep behind the vegetation as we approach. In the meantime, I will send Anator to take a look.. . at least to know what people are there... whether armed people... or people with cult insignia... or just common settlers".
And, after having lovingly scratched her brother's fur a little, the blonde arcane warrior sends him on a discreet intelligence mission... She simply asks him to get an idea of what people are there, without necessarily getting too close or entering in the buildings... and then come back to report to her.
The ancient building has a wood and plaster upper floor over a fieldstone lower floor. Its shuttered windows are all closed. In places, the roof is overgrown with moss. A single door stands slightly open. Smoke pours from one of three large chimneys.
Two stone outbuildings (not shown on map) are located behind the lodge, near a well (shown on map) and a woodpile.
Khessa doesn't know what to think of all this... 'If the buildings represent a garrison of the Cult forces,' she reasons 'then these cult forces should put more effort in monitoring those who pass by... unless the way to chase the Cult is inside the buildings!'
'And why are the shuttered windows all closed? It's not night, but morning so...' the blonde arcane warrior shivers 'is there perhaps someone inside who fears the light?'
However, determined to find out where Rezmir and Azbara have gone, the tall adventuress Lights a small pebble (in case there is no light inside), calls Anator to hide under her long blonde curls (which won't stop him from seeing with his Blindsight), and slowly opens the door.
Eric remains at Khessa's side. Before opening the door:
Eric casts Detect Magic ritual. He also spends some time in observing the building, perhaps tis stone-crafted architecture may indicate to his dwarfish eyes something about the purpose of its construction or some information about the builders (he rolls History check with his Stonecunning trait: 16)
When approaching Eric also will try to listen carefully if any suspicious sound comes from inside (Perception check: 5)
Eric remains at Khessa's side. Before opening the door:
Eric casts Detect Magic ritual. He also spends some time in observing the building, perhaps tis stone-crafted architecture may indicate to his dwarfish eyes something about the purpose of its construction or some information about the builders (he rolls History check with his Stonecunning trait: 16)
When approaching Eric also will try to listen carefully if any suspicious sound comes from inside (Perception check: 5)
The Lodge is old. Real old! Although it does not contain any magical elements, you are convinced that magic was certainly used in the construction of (parts of) the lodge.
Khessa doesn't know what to think of all this... 'If the buildings represent a garrison of the Cult forces,' she reasons 'then these cult forces should put more effort in monitoring those who pass by... unless the way to chase the Cult is inside the buildings!'
'And why are the shuttered windows all closed? It's not night, but morning so...' the blonde arcane warrior shivers 'is there perhaps someone inside who fears the light?'
However, determined to find out where Rezmir and Azbara have gone, the tall adventuress Lights a small pebble (in case there is no light inside), calls Anator to hide under her long blonde curls (which won't stop him from seeing with his Blindsight), and slowly opens the door.
Just inside the front door is a chamber with pegs and benches for cloaks and boots. A set of rusty spears rests in one corner, held in the claw of a small drake statue.
The guard post to the right seems currently unoccupied (you can't enter it from here, it had 2 small arrow slits).
Zale squints at the structure. As Eric casts his magic she says, "I could go scout it out if ye like. Stealthy is me specialty after all. heheh."
I assumed this didn't happen. You can try to sneak into teh next room if you want?
“Of course, Zale” Khessa murmurs to her dragonborn friend. "Go and have fun. I'm sure your contribution will be priceless as always".
"Just be craeful - I'm suspicious of the apparent so relaxed security..." the blonde arcane warrior adds "Rezmir should have foreseen that we would follow him, sooner or later. It's strange that the response to this eventuality was to leave the guard post unoccupied".
Good roll Zale! You sneak in and... you find yoourself in a small hall.
This central hallway has stairs, large wooden doors, and a set of fine plate armor. Flanking the main entrance are two freestanding suits of elven plate armor, both coated in chipped green paint. Man-sized demonic statues stand near the base of the stairs.
The heavy carpet near the entryway is stained with the muddy boots of returning hunters. The wooden floor is scarred by paws or claws.
Eric, as Zale sneaks in you sense some magic from there. Looks like Abjuration.
"Yes, we will chase Rezmir soon, my friend" Khessa smiles. "We're just evaluating whether there's still something we want to do here first. But we'll pursue it soon anyway".
Among the things to do before leaving, the blonde arcane warrior comes to mind the need to sell the bulkiest part of the treasure: the matched onyx carvings of Black Dragons (A serious collector would pay up to 3,000 gp) and the damaged 2- foot-tall statuette of a Black Dragon, made from actual Black Dragon scales and claws, with ruby eyes and diamond teeth (damaged by acid, but It should still fetch 1000-1200 gp).
Might the Lizardfolk be interested in purchasing? They might appreciate that kind of art - but even if they didn't, they, unlike the party, would have time to look for 'a serious collector' and make a deal...
The dwarf waves his hand murmuring a brief prayer. a thin wire of light, materialize in the air from his hands, goes up in the direction of the ceiling and fades, like a shining copper wire pointed to the sky. He casts Sending to comunicate with Ontarr Frume
"We snatched from the Cult the Academy of Stargazers Castle in the Mere of Dead Men. Rezmir and Jos fled throug a portal. We chase." he says
"Great!" Khessa compliments her beloved dwarf "Succinct but accurate report. I couldn't have done better myself!"
Then, to everyone: "So, what do you prefer as a next step, friends? Shall we explore the underwater areas as well, or rather chase Rezmir and Jos through the portal straight away, while they don't have too much of an advantage yet?"
"As You know dear, dwarfs don't perform well underwater, my advice is to pursue Rezmir straight away"
"I am happy to explore the underwater areas," Calvin chimes in. "It really wouldn't be much of a problem for me."
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
The Lizardfolk leader seems confused why he has to pay for the 2 onyx carvings of black dragons that they already own...
After a short silence Frume replies: Good! Follow but keep save. Knowing where treasure goes more important than killing Rezmir. Find out Cult's plan if you can.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Zale happily helps Khessa haul the dragon statues wherever she wants. Though she laughs when she tries to sell them back to the lizardfolk.
After helping Khessa, Zale is content to take a break until her wounds are healed. Though once the party starts considering their next move she is sure to listen. "Hmmm, I'd much be preferin to chase Rezmir, or look for more information. I don't be thinkin that swimin in frog water will be much use at the present."
Khessa, sighing, mentally crosses out a career as a merchant from the list of possible occupations for the day she decides to abandon the life of an adventuress.
The blonde arcane warrior then focuses instead on her current career - and on Tiamat's machinations to stop: "Well, it seems that the majority prefer to avoid underwater exploration and set out on the trail of Rezmir. So that's it... we know the portal, we know the word to activate it... let's go!"
With a final farewell to Kriv and the Lizardfolk, the tall adventurer leads the way to the portal, activates it and leads the party through it.
As Khessa whispers the command word Dreazir the mist in the room swirls and before you know it you find yourself in a mountainous enviroment. The change in climate is very stark; the portal and consequently you too are buffeted by chill winds.
Dark pine woods are all around on the slopes of a mountain valley; the air is cold and fresh. Two ancient stones stand to either side of you, and no more than a bowshot ahead along a path is a large house, with stone on the ground floor, timbers above. Within sight are more standing stones.
Pine branches shift and sway in a gusting, fitful wind. A squirrel chitters and then falls silent.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
"I wonder if Rezmir and Azbara went towards those buildings or if they avoided them..." Khessa muses aloud "Let's try to keep behind the vegetation as we approach. In the meantime, I will send Anator to take a look.. . at least to know what people are there... whether armed people... or people with cult insignia... or just common settlers".
And, after having lovingly scratched her brother's fur a little, the blonde arcane warrior sends him on a discreet intelligence mission... She simply asks him to get an idea of what people are there, without necessarily getting too close or entering in the buildings... and then come back to report to her.
The ancient building has a wood and plaster upper floor over a fieldstone lower floor. Its shuttered windows are all closed. In places, the roof is overgrown with moss. A single door stands slightly open. Smoke pours from one of three large chimneys.
Two stone outbuildings (not shown on map) are located behind the lodge, near a well (shown on map) and a woodpile.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Khessa doesn't know what to think of all this... 'If the buildings represent a garrison of the Cult forces,' she reasons 'then these cult forces should put more effort in monitoring those who pass by... unless the way to chase the Cult is inside the buildings!'
'And why are the shuttered windows all closed? It's not night, but morning so...' the blonde arcane warrior shivers 'is there perhaps someone inside who fears the light?'
However, determined to find out where Rezmir and Azbara have gone, the tall adventuress Lights a small pebble (in case there is no light inside), calls Anator to hide under her long blonde curls (which won't stop him from seeing with his Blindsight), and slowly opens the door.
Eric remains at Khessa's side. Before opening the door:
Eric casts Detect Magic ritual. He also spends some time in observing the building, perhaps tis stone-crafted architecture may indicate to his dwarfish eyes something about the purpose of its construction or some information about the builders (he rolls History check with his Stonecunning trait: 16)
When approaching Eric also will try to listen carefully if any suspicious sound comes from inside (Perception check: 5)
Zale squints at the structure. As Eric casts his magic she says, "I could go scout it out if ye like. Stealthy is me specialty after all. heheh."
The Lodge is old. Real old! Although it does not contain any magical elements, you are convinced that magic was certainly used in the construction of (parts of) the lodge.
You don't hear anything suspicious.
Just inside the front door is a chamber with pegs and benches for cloaks and boots. A set of rusty spears rests in one corner, held in the claw of a small drake statue.
The guard post to the right seems currently unoccupied (you can't enter it from here, it had 2 small arrow slits).
Eric detects no magic in this room.
I assumed this didn't happen. You can try to sneak into teh next room if you want?
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
“Of course, Zale” Khessa murmurs to her dragonborn friend. "Go and have fun. I'm sure your contribution will be priceless as always".
"Just be craeful - I'm suspicious of the apparent so relaxed security..." the blonde arcane warrior adds "Rezmir should have foreseen that we would follow him, sooner or later. It's strange that the response to this eventuality was to leave the guard post unoccupied".
[That will be a Stealth check for Zale]
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Zale grins at Khessa then sneaks ahead:
Stealth: 17
Good roll Zale! You sneak in and... you find yoourself in a small hall.
This central hallway has stairs, large wooden doors, and a set of fine plate armor. Flanking the main entrance are two freestanding suits of elven plate armor, both coated in chipped green paint. Man-sized demonic statues stand near the base of the stairs.
The heavy carpet near the entryway is stained with the muddy boots of returning hunters. The wooden floor is scarred by paws or claws.
Eric, as Zale sneaks in you sense some magic from there. Looks like Abjuration.
Zale, make CON save.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
"Watch out!" Eric says "there is Abjuration magic close by, magic of ward and protection it may have been used to ward or trap a door or an object "
OCC: is Eric able to catch what spell is and where it comes from more precisely?