After Starker finishes messing around with the locked door you all find some welcome comfort in a warm bed and sleep outside of your armor and gear. The morning arrives without incident and you all feel more able to meet the demands of the day. (( Everyone is successfully 4th level )) The meeting at Jotrun's is next up on your To-Do List.
Starker wakes up, gets out of bed, drags a comb across his head, casts Mage Armor. After a quick bfast he heads out to Jotrun’s, grabbing a bunch of grapes on the way out for the murder monkey’s juggling practice.
Chadwick wolfs down a quick breakfast, then heads over to the temple to pray and meditate for a bit. If Bessie is around he'll make a donation (10gp 12sp) and apologizes that he forgot last visit due to the haste to go look for the villagers.
He'll then head over to Jotrun's. If it isn't open yet he'll head over to the smithy and see if anybody is about.
The morning arrives and you partake in your usual morning actions. One thing to address is division of the treasure from your latest adventure. From the dragon's lair you retrieved enough to split up as: 416cp, 173sp, 19gp each with 2cp and 5sp left over for expenses. In addition you have the following other treasure:
Potion - Water Breathing
3 x Moonstone 50g each
Zircon 50g
Scroll: Minor Illusion (Currently held by Starker)
Scroll: Faerie Fire (Currently held by Kragen)
Signet Ring (Look for Found Signet Ring to add to inventory) 25g
Jotrun has his front door cracked open when you arrive. Sitting inside are Jotrun, Galban and Bessia. Arnak and Hanny have also joined them. There are trays of breakfast buns, sausages and Jotrun has opened a keg of small beer to drink. Flagons are passed around and you are welcomed inside. Jotrun closes the door behind you.
Galban begins, "Arnak, it is good to have to you back. We were able to drive off the dragon and orcs, but having you here will certain help us if they return." He then turns the group of you, "But, it seems that may not be a threat anymore thanks to all of you. What did you find and accomplish over these past few days at the ruins?"
“The dragon is dead as are a dozen or so orcs. We saw nothing to suggest bears or any sort of leadership for the orcs. And, unfortunately, it appears the six missing villagers were sacrificed. There is a tower at the ruins where the dragon made his lair, but it seems impenetrable.
There are likely more details that my compatriots can flesh out.”
We were able to rescue Henilen and Belgger. Henilen is a spell caster and merchant. He said he hails from Waterdeep. Belgger was a guard for a caravan from the spine if the world. Apparently Azurixtan, the dragon, would keep some prisoners alive and try to bend them to his will to use as spies. The rest of the prisoners were used as sacrifices to appease two wraiths that we suspect live in the tower at the ruins.
Of the guards sent to rescue the townsfolk we only found Aaden still alive.
Our plan is to resupply, hopefully acquire some more substantial silvered (or magic) weapons, then head back and dispatch those abominations. Each hour that passes I fear they may prey on another traveler.
The others listen to the story of your exploits against the dragon and the orcs. They all seem relieved that the dragon was killed. Jotrun offers to introduce you a taxidermist if you would like pointing to all of the mounted heads and claws of beasts on his tavern walls. The mood seems lifted and conversation drifts a bit until Arnak clears his throat, "What about the tower? What were you able to learn about the tower?" The rest quiet their side discussions and resume a more serious look. "I have been investigating these ruins for quite some time and have learned little. What information can you offer about it?"
Not much, it repels people and things. I thought perhaps it was like a protection versus evil spell, but our wizard confirmed it was not. Something about testing a hypothesis?
Chadwick glances at Starker to see if he got the phrase correct.
If you would like the head to hang as a memorial to those who perished, it is yours.
Starker: “Neither the paladin not I were able to physically touch the door, and my Mage Hand could not interact with it, either. It did not appear that the nearby well hid an alternate means of accessing the tower. There was a pool in a cavern nearby that we did not explore, it is conceivable that it could form an aquatic, subterranean adit.
”The two wraith-like figures seemed to retreat from Daylight, but I am not convinced they were not inferior scouts working for a more puissant master.”
"I'd hate to think of the kind of creature that uses wraiths as minions". Chadwick tries to stifle a shudder, but only partly succeeds.
"Starker, you might be on to something about another being that is involved. When I used my Divine Sense in the caves, and when the creatures were near I picked up on the presence of something. Not evil, not good, not elemental, but, definitely from another plane. Something alien I've never sensed before. I also was able to sense it from a much greater distance than I normally can."
Hanny gives Arnak an impatient look, "Will you just tell them what you know, please? I have work to get to." He then continues before Arnak's protest can be voiced, "And, people will trust you more if you trust them."
Arnak gives Hanny a not to subtle glare and then responds to Chadwick, "You are sensing something that is not of the outer planes as we are familiar with them. My understanding of a Paladin's ability is that you can detect the presence of fey creatures, elemental creatures or those from the outer planes?" He looks to Bessia as he says this. She nods and he continues, "What you are sensing is not from this plane, but, also not from any of those planes. I believe you are sensing something from the Far Realm. Something powerful from the Far Realm to be precise." Arnak gives you a moment to process that information and then continues, "The ruins you visited are the remains of the manor and tower constructed by the wizard Kellistor. Kellistor was alive around 500 years ago. He was a well known Conjuror and excelled at this. He attracted powerful apprentices to study with him and explore the bounds of conjuration. He became to be no longer satisfied with calling and binding to service powerful beings of the outer planes and looked beyond those realms into the chaos of the Far Realm. This got him expelled from the magical societies of Waterdeep and led him to find a place alone where he could work without interruption or judgement."
Arnak pauses to take a long draught from his flagon. "His tower is all that remains of his stronghold. At some point, all communication with him stopped. It was believed that there were apprentices working with him at the time. And by apprentices I mean fully trained mages capable of high level magicks. They would have been masters in any school in Faerûn. Investigation by his peers discovered his tower enshrouded by an anti-magic field surrounding a Wall of Force. None have been able to disable the anti-magic field. None have been able to enter the tower by any means, including extra-planar travel using Astral or Ethereal means."
Arnak then fixes his beady, gnomish eyes on each of you, "But, something is in there. I have been trying to solve the riddle of this place for many years without success. You should definitely NOT return with the intent of 'cleansing' that place. You will be swept aside by forces you cannot imagine, forces that *I* can barely imagine. If you do return, be far away by sundown. There are wraith like creatures that are tied to that place somehow. They have only been seen at night. Galban's men approached too closely when following the orcs. The dragon making a deal with those creatures is worrisome. I am glad you ended that dragon as it was a youth and did not give it a chance to grow more powerful."
“Arnak, thank you. Perhaps my overly zealous religious compatriots will now think more clearly about their crusade of revenge and cleansing. Is there anything we could do to aid you in your research? Clearly entry is beyond our ability, and likely suicidal, but perhaps there is something somewhere else?”
I'm not comfortable letting those wraiths continue to hunt the area around the tower. We were about two hours away (Chadwick glances around to get confirmation that the estimate is close) from the tower when they came up on us, so they have a rather large hunting area.
We could at least vanquish the two we've seen, then see if anymore return the next night. That should let us test the hypothesis that the creature inhabiting the tower is capable of conjuring more. (Chadwick gives Starker a brief grin)
“Jotrun, your exploits are greater than ours and your experienced insight would be useful. My estimation is that a single wraith is a greater foe than a dragon wyrmling. I ask because the wyrmling nearly ended us and I fear that one wraith, let alone two, would be a task beyond our present capabilities. Particularly in view of my compatriots’ lack of preparation to vanquish beings that are resistant to mundane weapons.”
Looking to Bessia and then back to Arnak “Master Arnak, I am no expert in arcane knowledge, however that account sounds concerning.” “We obviously encountered similar challenges after our harrowing fight with the Dragon.” “However, how can we allow such vile creatures as ghosts and ghouls to continue to endanger good folk.” “Clearly all here are more traveled and knowledgable of the dangers.” “Is there nothing can be done?”
turning to Bessia “Priestess, can we Marshall other brothers and sisters to assist with vanquishing this evil?”
Chadwick holds the eye contact and says "I do not fear death. It will come for me eventually and when it does I'll go with the knowledge that I lived a life of spreading the laws and goodness of Tyr.
Chadwick then raises his mug towards Arnak.
"I meant no disrespect, I don't know your powers, nor your exploits. I would have no idea if you had the power to combat a wraith. Some mages are more inclined to research than combat. Judging from the company you keep I have no question of your character.
I don't have any experience with these kind of creatures, but wish vengeance for the sacrificed townsfolk. However, I will listen to the guidance of priestess Bessia and follow her lead."
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After Starker finishes messing around with the locked door you all find some welcome comfort in a warm bed and sleep outside of your armor and gear. The morning arrives without incident and you all feel more able to meet the demands of the day. (( Everyone is successfully 4th level )) The meeting at Jotrun's is next up on your To-Do List.
Starker wakes up, gets out of bed, drags a comb across his head, casts Mage Armor. After a quick bfast he heads out to Jotrun’s, grabbing a bunch of grapes on the way out for the murder monkey’s juggling practice.
Gneuman wakes just before dawn.
He heads outside to an area to get a good view of the sunrise and plays his staff flute as the sun begins to come up.
Gneuman then starts his morning meditations and monk-type exercises
Upon completion, he prepares for the morning and heads over to Jotrun's to meet his companions.
Chadwick wolfs down a quick breakfast, then heads over to the temple to pray and meditate for a bit. If Bessie is around he'll make a donation (10gp 12sp) and apologizes that he forgot last visit due to the haste to go look for the villagers.
He'll then head over to Jotrun's. If it isn't open yet he'll head over to the smithy and see if anybody is about.
The morning arrives and you partake in your usual morning actions. One thing to address is division of the treasure from your latest adventure. From the dragon's lair you retrieved enough to split up as: 416cp, 173sp, 19gp each with 2cp and 5sp left over for expenses. In addition you have the following other treasure:
Potion - Water Breathing
3 x Moonstone 50g each
Zircon 50g
Scroll: Minor Illusion (Currently held by Starker)
Scroll: Faerie Fire (Currently held by Kragen)
Signet Ring (Look for Found Signet Ring to add to inventory) 25g
Jotrun has his front door cracked open when you arrive. Sitting inside are Jotrun, Galban and Bessia. Arnak and Hanny have also joined them. There are trays of breakfast buns, sausages and Jotrun has opened a keg of small beer to drink. Flagons are passed around and you are welcomed inside. Jotrun closes the door behind you.
Galban begins, "Arnak, it is good to have to you back. We were able to drive off the dragon and orcs, but having you here will certain help us if they return." He then turns the group of you, "But, it seems that may not be a threat anymore thanks to all of you. What did you find and accomplish over these past few days at the ruins?"
“The dragon is dead as are a dozen or so orcs. We saw nothing to suggest bears or any sort of leadership for the orcs. And, unfortunately, it appears the six missing villagers were sacrificed. There is a tower at the ruins where the dragon made his lair, but it seems impenetrable.
There are likely more details that my compatriots can flesh out.”
“I misspoke. There appeared to be an orc that was in charge, but it was nothing remarkable.”
We were able to rescue Henilen and Belgger. Henilen is a spell caster and merchant. He said he hails from Waterdeep. Belgger was a guard for a caravan from the spine if the world. Apparently Azurixtan, the dragon, would keep some prisoners alive and try to bend them to his will to use as spies. The rest of the prisoners were used as sacrifices to appease two wraiths that we suspect live in the tower at the ruins.
Of the guards sent to rescue the townsfolk we only found Aaden still alive.
Our plan is to resupply, hopefully acquire some more substantial silvered (or magic) weapons, then head back and dispatch those abominations. Each hour that passes I fear they may prey on another traveler.
The others listen to the story of your exploits against the dragon and the orcs. They all seem relieved that the dragon was killed. Jotrun offers to introduce you a taxidermist if you would like pointing to all of the mounted heads and claws of beasts on his tavern walls. The mood seems lifted and conversation drifts a bit until Arnak clears his throat, "What about the tower? What were you able to learn about the tower?" The rest quiet their side discussions and resume a more serious look. "I have been investigating these ruins for quite some time and have learned little. What information can you offer about it?"
Not much, it repels people and things. I thought perhaps it was like a protection versus evil spell, but our wizard confirmed it was not. Something about testing a hypothesis?
Chadwick glances at Starker to see if he got the phrase correct.
If you would like the head to hang as a memorial to those who perished, it is yours.
Starker: “Neither the paladin not I were able to physically touch the door, and my Mage Hand could not interact with it, either. It did not appear that the nearby well hid an alternate means of accessing the tower. There was a pool in a cavern nearby that we did not explore, it is conceivable that it could form an aquatic, subterranean adit.
”The two wraith-like figures seemed to retreat from Daylight, but I am not convinced they were not inferior scouts working for a more puissant master.”
"I'd hate to think of the kind of creature that uses wraiths as minions". Chadwick tries to stifle a shudder, but only partly succeeds.
"Starker, you might be on to something about another being that is involved. When I used my Divine Sense in the caves, and when the creatures were near I picked up on the presence of something. Not evil, not good, not elemental, but, definitely from another plane. Something alien I've never sensed before. I also was able to sense it from a much greater distance than I normally can."
Hanny gives Arnak an impatient look, "Will you just tell them what you know, please? I have work to get to." He then continues before Arnak's protest can be voiced, "And, people will trust you more if you trust them."
Arnak gives Hanny a not to subtle glare and then responds to Chadwick, "You are sensing something that is not of the outer planes as we are familiar with them. My understanding of a Paladin's ability is that you can detect the presence of fey creatures, elemental creatures or those from the outer planes?" He looks to Bessia as he says this. She nods and he continues, "What you are sensing is not from this plane, but, also not from any of those planes. I believe you are sensing something from the Far Realm. Something powerful from the Far Realm to be precise." Arnak gives you a moment to process that information and then continues, "The ruins you visited are the remains of the manor and tower constructed by the wizard Kellistor. Kellistor was alive around 500 years ago. He was a well known Conjuror and excelled at this. He attracted powerful apprentices to study with him and explore the bounds of conjuration. He became to be no longer satisfied with calling and binding to service powerful beings of the outer planes and looked beyond those realms into the chaos of the Far Realm. This got him expelled from the magical societies of Waterdeep and led him to find a place alone where he could work without interruption or judgement."
Arnak pauses to take a long draught from his flagon. "His tower is all that remains of his stronghold. At some point, all communication with him stopped. It was believed that there were apprentices working with him at the time. And by apprentices I mean fully trained mages capable of high level magicks. They would have been masters in any school in Faerûn. Investigation by his peers discovered his tower enshrouded by an anti-magic field surrounding a Wall of Force. None have been able to disable the anti-magic field. None have been able to enter the tower by any means, including extra-planar travel using Astral or Ethereal means."
Arnak then fixes his beady, gnomish eyes on each of you, "But, something is in there. I have been trying to solve the riddle of this place for many years without success. You should definitely NOT return with the intent of 'cleansing' that place. You will be swept aside by forces you cannot imagine, forces that *I* can barely imagine. If you do return, be far away by sundown. There are wraith like creatures that are tied to that place somehow. They have only been seen at night. Galban's men approached too closely when following the orcs. The dragon making a deal with those creatures is worrisome. I am glad you ended that dragon as it was a youth and did not give it a chance to grow more powerful."
“Arnak, thank you. Perhaps my overly zealous religious compatriots will now think more clearly about their crusade of revenge and cleansing. Is there anything we could do to aid you in your research? Clearly entry is beyond our ability, and likely suicidal, but perhaps there is something somewhere else?”
I'm not comfortable letting those wraiths continue to hunt the area around the tower. We were about two hours away (Chadwick glances around to get confirmation that the estimate is close) from the tower when they came up on us, so they have a rather large hunting area.
We could at least vanquish the two we've seen, then see if anymore return the next night. That should let us test the hypothesis that the creature inhabiting the tower is capable of conjuring more. (Chadwick gives Starker a brief grin)
“Jotrun, your exploits are greater than ours and your experienced insight would be useful. My estimation is that a single wraith is a greater foe than a dragon wyrmling. I ask because the wyrmling nearly ended us and I fear that one wraith, let alone two, would be a task beyond our present capabilities. Particularly in view of my compatriots’ lack of preparation to vanquish beings that are resistant to mundane weapons.”
Looking to Bessia and then back to Arnak “Master Arnak, I am no expert in arcane knowledge, however that account sounds concerning.” “We obviously encountered similar challenges after our harrowing fight with the Dragon.” “However, how can we allow such vile creatures as ghosts and ghouls to continue to endanger good folk.” “Clearly all here are more traveled and knowledgable of the dangers.” “Is there nothing can be done?”
turning to Bessia “Priestess, can we Marshall other brothers and sisters to assist with vanquishing this evil?”
Arnak looks Chadwick in the eye, “You will die attempting that. And, do you think I would abide these creatures if I could stop them?”
Chadwick holds the eye contact and says "I do not fear death. It will come for me eventually and when it does I'll go with the knowledge that I lived a life of spreading the laws and goodness of Tyr.
Chadwick then raises his mug towards Arnak.
"I meant no disrespect, I don't know your powers, nor your exploits. I would have no idea if you had the power to combat a wraith. Some mages are more inclined to research than combat. Judging from the company you keep I have no question of your character.
I don't have any experience with these kind of creatures, but wish vengeance for the sacrificed townsfolk. However, I will listen to the guidance of priestess Bessia and follow her lead."