Session 86: "Do you want to live forever........." or "Live fast die young............."

Dates: 1492 - 1ST DAY OF FROSTMOOT - MOONDAY

Mission: Return to the Tomb of Moving Stones

Campaign: Elemental Cult Campaign

Location(s): Red Larch, Blackstaff Tower

Present: Aerie, Anor, Aramil, Bandur, Fabien, Fenn, Garet, Grog, Karion, Zindra 

Leaving Field: None

1492, 1st Day of Frostmoot, Moonday: Continued

The group advanced. Zindra to the left side of the 'temple' to cover the left side of the chamber with her bow. Fabien moved to the other side of the obelisk ready to play her magical, bardic, melodies. 

Grog and Aerie concentrated as again wailing undead appeared from the sarcophagus' around the walls. A ghost appeared next to Aramil, a Carin Wraith charged Zindra, two more ghosts moved down the side of the chamber towards Anor and Zindra. 

Grog prayed and the wraith disintegrated into nothing. Aramil and Bandur dispatched the ghost attacking Aramil, Aerie turned the ghost on the right side as Anor and Garet moved in to finish it off. Zindra's deadly fir arrows dispatched the last ghost.

Moving towards the temple, Grog and Aerie cast dispel magic on the altar, Grog moving into the actual temple itself. The group moved closer to the temple on two sides. Garet shadow stepped behind the altar and completed 2 mighty kicks that hit something that he couldn't see. The necromancer made a wild swing but missed as Garet's final attacks killed the elusive enemy.

Before they could gather themselves the ground trembled, more undead? No two gargantuan purple worms broke surface and attacked the members of the group at the front of the temple. Aramil, Bandur where hit hard. Fenn the dog managed to evade the attack but Zindra took a mighty blow and the worm nearly swallowed her whole.

The group moved in to attack and mighty blows were landed but the gargantuan worms would take some killing. Aramil was hit, Bandur again, Grog rushed forward and was bitten badly, he crumpled to the floor. Anor ran through the temple and poured a healing potion down Grogs throat taking no heed of the danger he was in. Aerie took to the air over the temple. Zindra manged to fire a number of arrows into a worm as Aerie cast a healing prayer. Again and again the group slashed, hacked and bludgeoned the two worms. Again and again the worms shrugged off the damage.

Aerie resorted to swoop attacks, resuming her position above the temple each time. Aramil cast magic fire bolts and missiles, Bandur and Anor were swinging their battle axe and sword respectively with devastating precision. Grog, back on his feet joined in the attacks. Fabien struck with her rapier time and again, Zindra fired more fire arrows. Garet shadow stepped behind a worm and was striking away with sword, dagger, fist and foot.

Eventually the group wore the worms down and both collapsed dead to the floor of the chamber. Grog turned round towards the temple and pointed at Aerie and cried out in terror. Aerie turned. Behind her, flying right behind her was the Demon Lord of her nightmares. Before the demon could react Grog cast a banish prayer, luck was with him that day for the Demon froze in space and time then disappeared.

Aramil was just about to take some healing when he suddenly found himself, not in the chamber but laying on a bed in a familiar room. As he sat up he could see the others of the group doing the same. Aerie was last to rise.

Standing to one side where Elminster and The Blackstaff herself. 

Elminster: "Welcome back to the land of the living, so to speak. Don't speak listen. When Garet activated the pendent it brought you all here, with the help of The Blackstaff we were able to do this. Aerie needed more healing, for deep in the back of her mind was something that had to be brought out. I am sure she will tell you, when she is ready. As for Red Larch.....I am sure you will want to get there as soon as possible, friends to meet etc, etc. Now be assured nothing bad has happened to you other than a dream, a nightmare if you wish.      You are not injured, you have not wasted your precious potions or anything like that. But I will say we did not create those 'things' you met in that dream, they were all of your making. I would dare say that some things were not as powerful as you may have imagined, in real life they would be more so. The reason......you have no knowledge of these creatures other than your own worst nightmares. One final thing......Aramil, I hear you've found out about your father?"

Aramil: "Yes, from a book, the Dwarven historical tome we returned".

Elminster: "Then you know the truth of it and no longer need to seek me out. That said I will grant you one question, think well what it is. Come and find me in the room next door when you're ready. You others, you have nothing to fear except fear itself."

Elminster and The Blackstaff leave the room.

Aerie gave a nervous cough.......

Aerie: "When I was struck with the scythe, the phantom scythe weapon of the wraith and was as close to death as I ever want to be I had a dream vision, a real nightmare vision. I could see myself on a sacrificial altar.

(Aerie paused awhile, going into a trance like look and recounted)                                                                                     

You are prone on what feels like cold stone.                                                                              Looking up You see a horned beast. 

 

                                            (As shown by Aerie from a sketch in her journal)   

                                                                                                                                                      You try to move but unseen restraints bind your hands and feet.                                                It raises its arm and slams a bejewelled curved dagger blade deep into your chest.    A moment later the creature plunges its free hand into your chest and rips out your heart.        Arise my child.                                                                                                                          Somehow free if your bonds You are able to stand.                                                                  The creature beckons you over to a black mirror.                                                                     As you approach the mirror shimmers and you see....

                                            (As shown by Aerie from a sketch in her journal)

'You are no longer that bitches thrall. You are hear to do my bidding as those who have passed before you. Your kind provide the greatest of my children not all demons have the gift of flight. You will lead under me, for We are Legion and our time shall come'.

(Aerie screams inwardly in her trance)

"LIKE HELL I AM! ONLY SERVE AND WILL ONLY EVER SERVE THE GREAT AND HOLY WINGED MOTHER, AERDRIE FAENYA! TIME TO DIE YOU EVIL SACK OF SHIT!" 

You bow your head and say yes my Father. I now only follow you like my brothers and sisters who came before me, for We are Legion.

The creature beckons you over to the edge he stands on. "Feast your eyes for We are Legion".

Below you is a vast multitude of all kinds of fell creatures. Many hooved and horned, in the likeness of the creature now towering above you. Above the multitude are vast numbers of Winged creatures like yourself."

                                             (As shown by Aerie from a sketch in her journal)

Aerie slumps forward, this recounting of the nightmare has taken much out of her. But she sits back up and continues:

Aerie: "As a cleric of the Avariel I know about the primordial wars when the demons first roamed the land before being banished. Countless Avariel fell in these wars. It is not written but it is thought that fallen/captured Avariel were or became winged demons.

Aramil leaves the room and visits Elminster next door, he knows what he will ask him.

Session 85: "The time for rest is over........." or "Let's get back to doing what we do............."

Dates: 1491 4TH SOLSTICE - 1492 1ST DAY OF FROSTMOOT - MOONDAY

Mission: Return to the Tomb of Moving Stones

Campaign: Elemental Cult Campaign

Location(s): Waterdeep, Red Larch

Present: Aerie, Anor, Aramil, Bandur, Fabien, Fenn, Garet, Grog, Karion, Zindra 

Leaving Field: None

4th Solstice of the Year 1491:

The group welcomed back Aerie. Outwardly she seemed fine. Inwardly, that could be another matter.

Fabien introduced his new companion.........the tale of which had to be recounted in true bardic fashion. Garet just spread his arms wide again in silent exclamation......

Fabien: "Twas the middling of the dark watch when 2 furtive figures dressed in dark clothing slid along the side wall. The taller of the 2, by a scant inch or so and the topic of many friendly disagreements in the various taverns and inns; pointed to the wall climber and offered a hand to his companion. Helping each other they lay flat on too to ensure there were no guards, not that the taller of the 2, by a scant inch or so, knew there could be, for it was a long while since he had been here.

Rolling off the wall and landing softly on their feet the furtive two stealthy went from shadow to shadow. The smaller of the two, by a few scant inches, seemed to dart unseen ahead before appearing beside his companion and indicating all was clear.

The building was grand, imposing and was 3 stories high. Nearby a stable block, and some other out buildings which formed a courtyard. A large formal garden was on the far side of the house with a maze if the taller  by a scant inch or so remembered.

Entry was gained by use of The Key . A special key. Leading the way the taller of the two stopped by the grand fireplace, grand....everything was grand, opulent and vulgar, of tasteless expense. Hanging above the family great sword, emblazoned with the family crest.

The taller watched the smaller move odd  ornaments, turn odd pictures to face the wall, an item here an item there as they moved silently from room to room.

A noise, the padding of familiar feet on the wooden floors. A familiar face nuzzling into his leg. Decision made, the smaller, by a scant few inches, looked at his Co conspirator and raised his arms in silent exclamation.

Leaving the main house, locking the door behind, the taller, by a few scant inches, led the smaller and the dog to a different side wall. There amongst the bushes was a small locked door. Producing the key he opened the door. Slowly they inched it open for fear the hinges were rusty. It opened silently.

Locking the door they made their way back to the Inn. The taller, by a few scant inches, happy now the offspring of his childhood friend was safely with him. Their bond when the pup had been born was instantaneous. 

The shorter, by a few scant inches, smiled as he closed the door. What would tomorrow bring."

Aerie: "Ah, he's cute, whats his name?"

Fabien: "Fenn".

Aramil: "Fenn?"

Fabien: "Yes, Fenn."

Grog: "Ok then, I'll ask, why Fenn?".

Fabien: "To upset my parents, it's another tale, It's a grand reminiscence of a lowly peasant, Elroy Earnest, who by luck slipped in a pile of horse manure and jostled young prince Fenthick, causing said prince to fall to the side of the curb just in time to miss being trampled by a runaway carriage. In a dramatic turn of events, thinking the hapless commoner had pushed him out of the way and thus saving his life, Fenthick knighted the terrified chap on the spot, and Sir Earnest (as he became to be known) went on to become a champion of the people, saving many a unfortunate soul from the unfair retribution of those holding a higher social title. 

Widely frowned upon by nobility far and wide as a song encouraging commoners to attempt to rise in social status to their elevated ranks; most royalty unofficially blacklist any Bard who is heard recounting this parable and from ever singing in the high courts again. Sadly this has made the tune all the more popular amongst the peasantry and poorly skilled Bards who know they will never have the skill to play for the royal houses anyway."

Fabien then broke into song:

"Earnest the just

 was never full of pride,

known and loved 

by commoners far and wide!

He'd take a stand, 

or fight a duel quite grand

at any peasants' behest

no matter your standing 

he'd bend an ear

and carefully hear 

your humble request"

Garet: "Ok, ok, we stole a damn dog, puppy, whatever. Now what are we going to do, longer we stay here the quicker we......." 

He left the rest unsaid. The others got the picture as Aerie and Fabien spoilt Fenn with tickles and hugs.

The group decided they had unfinished business in Red Larch, plus their horses were there. First thing in the morning they would depart for Red Larch.

1492, 1st Day of Frostmoot, Moonday:

Garet ensured that everything was ready, Fabien would carry Fenn in his arms. Garet knew the stable should be clear of people as the animals were fed well before their planned arrival. Garet disappeared. Arriving in the stables a scant 5 seconds before the remainder of the group appeared around him. They checked their horses were still there and made their way to the inn. The owner was really surprised and pleased they were back. He quickly recounted what had happened and sent one of his lads to fetch the constable.

Breakfast was ordered but no payment was accepted. The group thought this very generous. Shortly the constable arrived and began to fill them in, constantly having to stop as the inn owner added detail and pieces the constable forgot. The constable recounted that after a day he had led a volunteer party down the hole to find out what had happened. They had found 4 dead bodies in a small room off a side passage, one the group hadn't scouted. They also found Baragustas Harbuckler, he denied everything to do with the bodies blaming other Believers, the constable had rounded them all up and one by one they denounced each other for the murders and the person called Larrakh. He was awaiting a troop of soldiers from Amphail to arrive and transport them to Waterdeep for trial.

They thanked the constable and asked how much they owed for 10 days stabling and feed. They were again pleasantly surprised when they were told the payment was covered. The constable explained, not 5 days before a group of travellers had came to Red Larch seeking one Garet Jax, Garet indicated that that was he, he was astounded to learn that his friends, Mavrithan, Arwynne, Myst, Tor and Horst had been here. They left payment for the horses and a hearty breakfast, they also left a message and a package for Garet.

Wrapped in a fur, Garet unwrapped a finely crafted Short Sword. The message was simple:

'Spent your share of the dragon hoard, Arwynne thought you could do with this, bought from your temple for a hefty price I might add. It's a Ki Sword. Use it well. We're heading north, trouble on the border, sheltering in Silverymoon. Myst says have you found a good woman yet, Horst says f'k you, Tor says next round is on you, Arwynne sends her love. Be safe my friend.'

Breakfast finished the constable showed them the way into the tunnels via the hidden entrance in the north quarry.

The constable added they had gone as far as a door but no one would enter so they boarded it up. He confirmed it was at the end of a long tunnel just after some metal cages.

It wasn't long before they stood before the door of the room in which Karion and Aerie had nearly died. Grog ripped the planking away, the door had no lock, Bandur prepared himself and rushed into the room, Aramil followed him but hugged the wall heading to the right. Anor rushed in taking up position between Bandur and Aramil, Zindra moved off to the left. Garet darted forward to hide in the shadows, Aerie moved up behind Bandur as Karion and Fabien took position behind a large obelisk. The room seemed familiar but it was different. A structure no stood in the middle of the room, not random stone blocks, the obelisk had been furthest from the door was now closest. Grog activated 'Light Bringer', his mace.

The group moved forward, to scout out the structure, wary of the undead they had encountered before. Suddenly centred on the corner of the structure a vast cloud of poisonous gas erupted from nowhere. Garet, suing his skills evaded, Aerie, Bandur and Anor were not so fortunate. 

Caught in the middle Anor and Bandur took minor damage whilst Aerie seemed impervious. As the cloud of poisonous gas cleared, Garet could sense the ground trembling, before he could shout a warning skeleton warriors burst from the ground.

Grog threw himself in a mad charge into the midst of 6 skeletons and was battered to the ground for his foolish effort, Bandur stepped in a smashed two skeletons with 2 swings of his battle axe. Aramil quickly cast a cantrip of acid splash and killed 2 more. Anor destroyed another 2. 

Aerie prayed a quick prayer of power against undead and unleashed a mighty blast of  spiritual energy shattering 5 more. 

Zindra stepped to her left and let fly 2 fire arrows at a lone skeleton warrior and was happy to see it disintegrate as her arrows smashed into it.

Zindra: "What's that liquid coming out of the fountains?"

Bandur: "Looks like blood, like blood.....!"

TBC

Sparing no expense the backroom boys from GoT have managed to up date the countryside backdrop to stonework.