You have not searche4d the northern most crypt, and the elevated area that was above the western chamber where the two thrones were on this map. Everything else you have been through.
"The next area to check would be the northern most crypt..." Khessa evaluates "I think it's the unexplored area closest to here. Better make sure there are no residual threats hidden there right away".
The blonde arcane warrior then begins to farstride towards there with determination...
[[OOC: Because of the way the crypt is laid out, it looks like it's 240 ft. of movement to get from the south end of the catacombs to the north.]]
As far as Vrox knows, the party has thwarted the cult's rituals, and the urgency has passed. He stows his longbow and equips his shield and dagger. If he runs into enemies among these crypts, it would mean close combat.
Vrox heads across the catacombs, weaving through the crypts in the mausoleum, and heading as directly as he can toward the north end of the chamber. Vrox uses Stealth and moves slowly and cautiously, keeping an eye open for danger. He also looks at the crypts as he passes them to see whether any of them seem to have been disturbed or recently opened. After defeating demons and stopping dark rituals to summon demon gods, it would be stupid for someone to get hurt because the party stumbles heedlessly into a trap or an ambush set by cultists who refuse to surrender.
[[OOC: Because of the way the crypt is laid out, it looks like it's 240 ft. of movement to get from the south end of the catacombs to the north.]]
As far as Vrox knows, the party has thwarted the cult's rituals, and the urgency has passed. He stows his longbow and equips his shield and dagger. If he runs into enemies among these crypts, it would mean close combat.
Vrox heads across the catacombs, weaving through the crypts in the mausoleum, and heading as directly as he can toward the north end of the chamber. Vrox uses Stealth and moves slowly and cautiously, keeping an eye open for danger. He also looks at the crypts as he passes them to see whether any of them seem to have been disturbed or recently opened. After defeating demons and stopping dark rituals to summon demon gods, it would be stupid for someone to get hurt because the party stumbles heedlessly into a trap or an ambush set by cultists who refuse to surrender.
Once Vrox has cleared the way, Clarac follows him and Khessa across the crypt. She strides with purpose and makes no attempt to be quiet. If there be a trap or ambush in one of these cavities, better it happen to her here and now rather than an unsuspecting innocent later on.
For all purposes, it seems everything is reverting back to normal. The corrupting energies from Azash and Slaanesh have dissipated, and the dim light of the catacombs, the flickering torch light, all seem to be normal now.
[[ OOC: OK, just to clarify... does this mean the castle is now completely clear and we're fast-forwarding to when the party, after finishing reconnoitering it, realizes this? Or is it just a hunch we have, but we're continuing to role-play the exploration? ]]
[[ OOC: OK, just to clarify... does this mean the castle is now completely clear and we're fast-forwarding to when the party, after finishing reconnoitering it, realizes this? Or is it just a hunch we have, but we're continuing to role-play the exploration? ]]
The castle is clear, you hear nothing, or sense anything but you are welcomed to explore
If everything is cleared out, Lord Akkron would like to settle in for four hours of meditation (Long Rest)... he's used up all of his level 3+ spell slots clearing the castle...
As he sits in meditation, he gently cradles the gilded skull that is the material component of summon undead in his withered hands and quietly begins humming... a lullaby.
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Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Once the complete reconnaissance of the castle confirms its totsl liberation, Khessa proposes to use tje servant's quarters to rest - together with the surviving servants, so that she can make the environment safe from intrusions as a precaution ( casting Private Sanctum and Alarm). She also takes advantage of the opportunity, before resting, to restore a Haste spell in the faithful Alfred.
A bittersweet smile appears on the face of the blonde arcane warrior, upon hearing the lullaby of her powerful undead master... She knows its meaning and approaches hom, discreetly, resting at his side to make him feel her closeness (emotional, before physical).
Once the rest is over, othe tall adventuress proposes to return and announce the success and leave the task od retaking possession of the castle to the authorities... The party, in her opinion, would now do well to continue without delay towards the Troll Gods - considering that it has just achived yet another success against the Nefarious Duo that should not benefit the prestige of the evil deities...
After the rituals are stopped, the party would look for enemies and search the remaining rooms:
the chamber at the north end of the catacombs
the elevated area that was above the western chamber where the two thrones were on the map
If that doesn't yield anything of interest, it's time to rest.
Vrox offers to cast Healing Spirit or upcast Cure Wounds to help get everyone closer to full health before they do anything else. In case something attacks during the night, Vrox wants to make sure that everyone is in relatively good shape (spend HD, burn some spell slots on healing, etc.) before they start a Long Rest.
[[OOC: By my count, Vrox, Lord Akkron, Khessa, and Saintess are still at full HP. Tyek is at 193/265, Clarac is at 192/239. It looks like Sparkhawk is down to 84/167. Not sure about Robert and Brother Maynard.]]
Once Vrox has helped to heal the injured party members, he would want to go somewhere (a tower, a balcony, etc.) where he could get a view of the castle grounds to ensure that there are not additional demonic forces outside the castle but on the castle grounds or in the lands around the castle. They may have cleared the castle, but there could still be demons hiding outside the castle walls nearby. Once they think that the castle grounds are clear, Vrox would take Tyekanik down to the castle's outer wall and entrance to close any portcullis or castle gate that would help them defend the castle in case something attacked during the night.
I am assuming you are doing a long rest somewhere else than the catacombs?
Vrox would not sleep in the catacombs. He'd actually prefer to spend the night under the open sky if he can convince a few others to sleep outside with him and share the watch rotation. "The stars are beautiful, even on your plane." If he succeeds at that, he'll spend the night on a terrace or balcony (if the castle has one) or in the courtyard (if it does not). If the castle is safe, he just doesn't want to leave the castle gate and walls completely unwatched while the party sleeps indoors. If forces gather during the night to attack the castle, he wants to know about it before they get into the castle itself.
The only overlook is from the battlements on the third floor. As you search the castle, you only find the two boys still hiding in the wine cellar. They come out of hiding, not hearing any noise or sound of the demons. Everyone else is gone, all of the dead demons are gone, all of the dead civilians are gone. It is as though some power cleaned the castle and removed the dead.
"You know... most people prefer not to spend their free time sleeping in crypts," he says. "Still... I appreciate your company."
He stares ahead, lost in thoughts of better times, when he was still a young father playing happily with his daughter on the lush island of Mouver... before Lolth's scourge took his child and turned his beautiful home into the accursed rock that is now known as the Shaded Isle.
"Two thousand years... and still it is the life I once had that feels like the reality... it as if the centuries since then have been nothing more than one long dream."
Another sigh escapes the ancient corpse as he holds the little skull to his chest.
(OOC: Lord Akkron feels like he belongs in the crypt... but he only needs four hours to complete a Long Rest, so he should be able to join the others upstairs once he's finished and take a watch or something)
With the castle clear, Clarac reunites with Wetherbee. She calls him to the castle's stable, where she (hopefully) can find food and water for him. She spends a few hours caring for her pegasus while telling him what happened inside the castle. She then spends a only a few minutes cleaning her sword, armor, and Wetherbee's barding. (Thank goodness for Prestidigitation!) Clarac doesn't mind doing what should be a squire's job—she could never ask someone to follow her into demon-infested lands, and Wetherbee made for pleasant company.
Clarac sleeps somewhere inside the castle while Wetherbee joins Vrox outside and takes a shift of the night watch.
"You know... most people prefer not to spend their free time sleeping in crypts," he says. "Still... I appreciate your company."
He stares ahead, lost in thoughts of better times, when he was still a young father playing happily with his daughter on the lush island of Mouver... before Lolth's scourge took his child and turned his beautiful home into the accursed rock that is now known as the Shaded Isle.
"Two thousand years... and still it is the life I once had that feels like the reality... it as if the centuries since then have been nothing more than one long dream."
Another sigh escapes the ancient corpse as he holds the little skull to his chest.
(OOC: Lord Akkron feels like he belongs in the crypt... but he only needs four hours to complete a Long Rest, so he should be able to join the others upstairs once he's finished and take a watch or something)
Khessa hugs her undead mentor in turn. Given the difference in size, it's probably as if she were cradling him in turn (and perhaps, unconsciously, she's also starting to do so... considering that she knows well how much humanity there is still in the spirit that animates those old bones): "I'll be fine here, because no place is more beautiful than where there are people you love".
"Maybe you feel that that's reality... because it's a reality that's still alive in you, in your heart" the blonde arcane warrior murmurs. "And it's a testament to your good soul, that you still feel this reality alive, inside you, after two thousand years... I don't want to be so superficial as to say that I could do the same, if someone took Yondra, Sarvin, or Jasper from me... I know it's not easy... but I would certainly try too. Keep alive inside me the memories of the good times spent with them. At least, that way I might feel grateful of what they gave me... rather than sorry for what they can no longer give me".
The only overlook is from the battlements on the third floor. As you search the castle, you only find the two boys still hiding in the wine cellar. They come out of hiding, not hearing any noise or sound of the demons. Everyone else is gone, all of the dead demons are gone, all of the dead civilians are gone. It is as though some power cleaned the castle and removed the dead.
Tyekanik had planned to help gather all of the demons' and cultists' bodies out in the field before the castle and to lay out all of the innocents' bodies in a separate place. He's surprised to find all of the bodies gone, but it certainly makes their work lighter!
Tyek asks the serving boys to help find any food and drink that's still fresh and edible. The kitchen is presumably well-stocked, so perhaps Khessa could help him prepare a meal for the party. Tyek is happy with whatever he can put on a spit over the fire, but someone who actually knows paprika from cayenne pepper could probably make a proper meal out of the ingredients they gather. Tyek also accepts any assistance the healers offer, but he tells them, "I'm used to fighting, and I heal pretty fast on my own." He has already shrugged off injuries today that would kill even an experienced soldier.
Once Tyek has finished eating, he finds a spot large enough to accommodate his large frame and stretches out to rest. He'll share the watch with Vrox and Wetherbee up on the 3rd floor balcony.
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This is the current level you are on, the bottom most of the castle.
You have not searche4d the northern most crypt, and the elevated area that was above the western chamber where the two thrones were on this map. Everything else you have been through.
"The next area to check would be the northern most crypt..." Khessa evaluates "I think it's the unexplored area closest to here. Better make sure there are no residual threats hidden there right away".
The blonde arcane warrior then begins to farstride towards there with determination...
[[OOC: Because of the way the crypt is laid out, it looks like it's 240 ft. of movement to get from the south end of the catacombs to the north.]]
As far as Vrox knows, the party has thwarted the cult's rituals, and the urgency has passed. He stows his longbow and equips his shield and dagger. If he runs into enemies among these crypts, it would mean close combat.
Vrox heads across the catacombs, weaving through the crypts in the mausoleum, and heading as directly as he can toward the north end of the chamber. Vrox uses Stealth and moves slowly and cautiously, keeping an eye open for danger. He also looks at the crypts as he passes them to see whether any of them seem to have been disturbed or recently opened. After defeating demons and stopping dark rituals to summon demon gods, it would be stupid for someone to get hurt because the party stumbles heedlessly into a trap or an ambush set by cultists who refuse to surrender.
Stealth 29, advantage from Shadowfell Brand Tattoo
Perception 27, advantage from Sentinel Shield
The tombs all appear to settle back to normal, no odd colors, just stone
What do we see once the party gets to the chamber at the north end of the catacombs?
Vrox - Perception: 25, advantage from Sentinel Shield
Once Vrox has cleared the way, Clarac follows him and Khessa across the crypt. She strides with purpose and makes no attempt to be quiet. If there be a trap or ambush in one of these cavities, better it happen to her here and now rather than an unsuspecting innocent later on.
For all purposes, it seems everything is reverting back to normal. The corrupting energies from Azash and Slaanesh have dissipated, and the dim light of the catacombs, the flickering torch light, all seem to be normal now.
[[ OOC: OK, just to clarify... does this mean the castle is now completely clear and we're fast-forwarding to when the party, after finishing reconnoitering it, realizes this? Or is it just a hunch we have, but we're continuing to role-play the exploration? ]]
The castle is clear, you hear nothing, or sense anything but you are welcomed to explore
If everything is cleared out, Lord Akkron would like to settle in for four hours of meditation (Long Rest)... he's used up all of his level 3+ spell slots clearing the castle...
As he sits in meditation, he gently cradles the gilded skull that is the material component of summon undead in his withered hands and quietly begins humming... a lullaby.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
I am assuming you are doing a long rest somewhere else than the catacombs?
Honestly, the Crypt is probably where Lord Akkron would be most comfortable... the man is a lich, after all.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Once the complete reconnaissance of the castle confirms its totsl liberation, Khessa proposes to use tje servant's quarters to rest - together with the surviving servants, so that she can make the environment safe from intrusions as a precaution ( casting Private Sanctum and Alarm). She also takes advantage of the opportunity, before resting, to restore a Haste spell in the faithful Alfred.
A bittersweet smile appears on the face of the blonde arcane warrior, upon hearing the lullaby of her powerful undead master... She knows its meaning and approaches hom, discreetly, resting at his side to make him feel her closeness (emotional, before physical).
Once the rest is over, othe tall adventuress proposes to return and announce the success and leave the task od retaking possession of the castle to the authorities... The party, in her opinion, would now do well to continue without delay towards the Troll Gods - considering that it has just achived yet another success against the Nefarious Duo that should not benefit the prestige of the evil deities...
After the rituals are stopped, the party would look for enemies and search the remaining rooms:
If that doesn't yield anything of interest, it's time to rest.
Vrox offers to cast Healing Spirit or upcast Cure Wounds to help get everyone closer to full health before they do anything else. In case something attacks during the night, Vrox wants to make sure that everyone is in relatively good shape (spend HD, burn some spell slots on healing, etc.) before they start a Long Rest.
[[OOC: By my count, Vrox, Lord Akkron, Khessa, and Saintess are still at full HP. Tyek is at 193/265, Clarac is at 192/239. It looks like Sparkhawk is down to 84/167. Not sure about Robert and Brother Maynard.]]
Once Vrox has helped to heal the injured party members, he would want to go somewhere (a tower, a balcony, etc.) where he could get a view of the castle grounds to ensure that there are not additional demonic forces outside the castle but on the castle grounds or in the lands around the castle. They may have cleared the castle, but there could still be demons hiding outside the castle walls nearby. Once they think that the castle grounds are clear, Vrox would take Tyekanik down to the castle's outer wall and entrance to close any portcullis or castle gate that would help them defend the castle in case something attacked during the night.
Vrox would not sleep in the catacombs. He'd actually prefer to spend the night under the open sky if he can convince a few others to sleep outside with him and share the watch rotation. "The stars are beautiful, even on your plane." If he succeeds at that, he'll spend the night on a terrace or balcony (if the castle has one) or in the courtyard (if it does not). If the castle is safe, he just doesn't want to leave the castle gate and walls completely unwatched while the party sleeps indoors. If forces gather during the night to attack the castle, he wants to know about it before they get into the castle itself.
The only overlook is from the battlements on the third floor. As you search the castle, you only find the two boys still hiding in the wine cellar. They come out of hiding, not hearing any noise or sound of the demons. Everyone else is gone, all of the dead demons are gone, all of the dead civilians are gone. It is as though some power cleaned the castle and removed the dead.
Lord Akkron sighs as Khessa sits next to him.
"You know... most people prefer not to spend their free time sleeping in crypts," he says. "Still... I appreciate your company."
He stares ahead, lost in thoughts of better times, when he was still a young father playing happily with his daughter on the lush island of Mouver... before Lolth's scourge took his child and turned his beautiful home into the accursed rock that is now known as the Shaded Isle.
"Two thousand years... and still it is the life I once had that feels like the reality... it as if the centuries since then have been nothing more than one long dream."
Another sigh escapes the ancient corpse as he holds the little skull to his chest.
(OOC: Lord Akkron feels like he belongs in the crypt... but he only needs four hours to complete a Long Rest, so he should be able to join the others upstairs once he's finished and take a watch or something)
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
With the castle clear, Clarac reunites with Wetherbee. She calls him to the castle's stable, where she (hopefully) can find food and water for him. She spends a few hours caring for her pegasus while telling him what happened inside the castle. She then spends a only a few minutes cleaning her sword, armor, and Wetherbee's barding. (Thank goodness for Prestidigitation!) Clarac doesn't mind doing what should be a squire's job—she could never ask someone to follow her into demon-infested lands, and Wetherbee made for pleasant company.
Clarac sleeps somewhere inside the castle while Wetherbee joins Vrox outside and takes a shift of the night watch.
Khessa hugs her undead mentor in turn. Given the difference in size, it's probably as if she were cradling him in turn (and perhaps, unconsciously, she's also starting to do so... considering that she knows well how much humanity there is still in the spirit that animates those old bones): "I'll be fine here, because no place is more beautiful than where there are people you love".
"Maybe you feel that that's reality... because it's a reality that's still alive in you, in your heart" the blonde arcane warrior murmurs. "And it's a testament to your good soul, that you still feel this reality alive, inside you, after two thousand years... I don't want to be so superficial as to say that I could do the same, if someone took Yondra, Sarvin, or Jasper from me... I know it's not easy... but I would certainly try too. Keep alive inside me the memories of the good times spent with them. At least, that way I might feel grateful of what they gave me... rather than sorry for what they can no longer give me".
Tyekanik had planned to help gather all of the demons' and cultists' bodies out in the field before the castle and to lay out all of the innocents' bodies in a separate place. He's surprised to find all of the bodies gone, but it certainly makes their work lighter!
Tyek asks the serving boys to help find any food and drink that's still fresh and edible. The kitchen is presumably well-stocked, so perhaps Khessa could help him prepare a meal for the party. Tyek is happy with whatever he can put on a spit over the fire, but someone who actually knows paprika from cayenne pepper could probably make a proper meal out of the ingredients they gather. Tyek also accepts any assistance the healers offer, but he tells them, "I'm used to fighting, and I heal pretty fast on my own." He has already shrugged off injuries today that would kill even an experienced soldier.
Once Tyek has finished eating, he finds a spot large enough to accommodate his large frame and stretches out to rest. He'll share the watch with Vrox and Wetherbee up on the 3rd floor balcony.