The village of Checcar - where a dragon looks to be asleep.
- Dragon resting
- Percy's Smoker Pipes
D&D5e Campaign
The village of Checcar - where a dragon looks to be asleep.
The Fellowship have a number of potential quests, old friends, optional side quests, personal quests and more as they deliberate their next move. Having recovered their tower, what is next?
There is still an over-arching interest to work against:
Work with:
Overlord Romack (and son Lord Royce & Lady Cowl)
Uncertain party's relationship - at least to me as DM:
Robin [former party member now worshipper of Orcus] and his ever expanding Undead realm - capital being Enstad. Now called: The DreadKing of the realm of DarkReach
There also was - as some in party know - the Lost City of Herodia (area now controlled by Orcus worshippers) which the party barely explored.
Next steps, quests, old friends and..:
Location: the Lortmill mountains - former Duchy of Ulek. Near the village of Hallowuud
Date: 20th of Reaping, High Summer
The RedWater Fellowship:
Doc Holliday - Male 1/2 Orc | Gunslinger/Paladin
Nenwin Albion - Male Aasimar | Paladin
Graxxuzzaz - Male Lizard-folk | Sorcerer
Tibaltuous - Male 1/2 elf | Bard/Rogue/Warrior
Hester - Male Tabaxi | Cleric
The battle continues between the RedWater Fellowship and the black dragon, Zemycran. The glittering black scaled dragon hovering about 15 feet high roars again and a rain of acid pours from the cavern ceiling scalding all the heroes.
Tibaltuous calls out in support to all his allies using Mantle of Inspiration which allows them all to move and heals some wounds and then the bard casts a faerie fire spell engulfing the bone dragon.
The bone dragon lungs at the demonic cloud giant, cutting deeply with claws into the giant's chest and arm. Chief Tomklagg roars in pain falling to one knee, his hammer slipping from his grip. He looks up grimly and taking up the hammer in blood-soaked hands, swings the hammer at the bone dragon's head crashing it into one glowing green eye. At that moment, a hoard of dragonlings pour out of the tunnel mouth behind the party swarming the cloud giant. The small creatures look like a combination of a kobold and a draconian. A single larger dragonling flies out and hovers in the far depths of the cavern.Graxxuzazz casts a fireball centered on the bone dragon, sculpting it around Hester and partially around the giant..
WHUMP!
Many of the dragonlings perish in the fire, but the rest ravage and tear into the cloud giant while breathing small gouts of acid into the giant. A white-scaled draconian leaps out hissing and attacks Hester, cutting into the cleric with a jagged bladed scimitar.Nenwin held by Zemycran in one massive claw attacks the black dragon with his holy sword. The magical blade slices through the black scales into black flesh as the dragon roars in pain. The power of the sword drains a spell from the dragon [Mass Suggestion] and this heals some of the paladin's wounds. Grinning, Nenwin swings again and cuts into the dragon even deeper, acidic blood spraying over the paladin. The blow cuts into the claw and the dragon releases the paladin who swoops away on his wings.
Zemycran buffets his wings, a cloud of caustic acid blows over all the party and knocks back some, the acid eating into skin and clothing. The dragon seeing the battle not going well, flies up the passage out of sight. Tibaltuous calls out an insult but all that can be heard is the dragon's laughter - possibly strained.
Doc flies down to engage the bone dragon and makes two perfect hits guided by his deity the Raven Queen [DM: 2 critical hits!] with his magical longsword, Lucky Seven. The blows infused with holy power, cut through bone and dried sinew.Tibaltuous runs up the passage after Zemycran as the tunnel starts to shake and rumble. Large chunks
of stone start to fall, clouds of dust and debris coming down as the bard rounds a corner and sees a long tunnel, the dragon no where in view. Nenwin catches up to the bard who had gone down crushed under rock and burned by acid. The paladin pulls the bard out of the collapsing passage, and moves back down to the main cavern.
The Cloud giant looks down at the Fellowship. His body is covered in acid burns and razor thin cuts from the dragonling claws and jaws, roasted in places from the fireball, deep gouges from the bone dragon. He picks up his giant hammer. The head of the weapon swirls with clouds of mist as he heaves a sigh and winces. "Our contract.." he rumbles, "is complete. My oath fulfilled."
Doc, Tibaltuous and Graxxuzazz look up at the giant and feel a burning sensation in their brain for a moment with a smell of brimstone..
"If you visit me in my fortress in Kalscihgarrak" [DM: a realm on the 374th layer of the Abyss was confirmed later], the word seems strange and extremely hard to pronounce, the giant cracks his neck with a loud pop as he says this, "you can expect a WARM welcome." The giant grins, leering evilly down at the party. Raising his hammer he calls out and with a swirling cloud of black dust, he sinks into the ground.
The heroes look about, the one flying dragonling has disappeared up into some small tunnels near the ceiling of the cavern. The acid continues to drip down around them burning their skin and clothing on occasion. A distant roar echoes in the cavern, Zemycran is still out there. The party loot the draconians and make haste back the way they came.Discussion on the size of a dragon's heart for converting the power demonic power source for the flying tower, Vencer, Lukann as well as Graxxuzazz had agreed that a young to adult dragon would be required for the size of the tower. Based on the conversations the three had had with Overlord Romack's flying fortress, which takes at least five ancient dragon hearts for that massive structure to stay aloft.
The party has Graxxuzazz cast identify spell on some magic items acquired from the white draconian. Heward's Handy Haversack. 2 pouches were filled to the rim - one with seawater and one with fine dirt. The large pouch holds a skeleton and a black leather cloak as well as 2 stone runes - look to be Runes of power - possibly evil language . Graxxuzazz does not recognize the language, but the runes can explode. Nenwin takes those even as the others protest as the paladin detected evil from the two stone runes.
While this happens the heavily wounded Tibaltuous continues to regenerate [DM: very good ring to have - Ring of Regeneration].The party exit out of the cavern following the stream filled with the acidic flow. The party then move up and over the cliff where the 2 waterfalls meet. Moving towards the ruins of the monastery, it takes about 15 minutes, the area starts to fill with a heavy mist that is once again caustic and burning. The group cannot see further than 30 feet.
The party decide to fly up and over the mist. The party see in the far distance near the flooded village a smaller black dragon. It does not appear to be coming this way.
Graxxuzazz in eagle form, Nenwin flying with his wings, Tibaltuous flying with Sir Lawrence his sword, Hester flying held aloft by his Celestial guardian and Doc is flying on his Nightmare stallion.
The party prepare and hover close together, over the ruins. Knowing the dragon is near.. maybe?Nenwin flies around in a circle, holding up his sword. He roars, "Dragon! Come fight me!" The words echo across the area.. nothing. The mist swirls below them, every once in a while the ruins of the dwarven monastery glimpsed.
Nenwin calls out again, "Zemycran! don't be a coward!"
A deep chuckling can be heard in the mist below somewhere, "Come join me in the mist." The party look down but do not see the creature.
The party prepares, all looking down. Some use healing potions and start to cast healing spells. Then Nenwin and Tibaltuous see two glowing orbs below.. eyes!
Then as they calls out a warning, a great gout of acid blasts up out of the mist catching the whole party! Tibaltuous falls to the ground dying. Doc falls as his nightmare dies, the gunslinger/paladin groaning and unconscious after he crashes into the ground. Hester falls as his avenger guardian dies in the blast of acid. The cleric falls to the ground and is dying.
Nenwin tucks his wings in and drops quickly sword blade first right into the dragon. He carves down through the neck of Zemycran, doing extensive damage with the blade. The dragon roars again.All start to feel the caustic mist burning them. Nenwin continues to hack and thrust his Holy Avenger blade into the dragon. The blade sucks more magic from the dragon, [DM: pulling a legendary ability to resist] which then heals Nenwin. The Aasimar continues to swing and dart around the dragon. Graxxuzzaz casting a lightning bolt at the black dragon. The dragon is able to counter spell this, At this point, Nenwin reacts quickly using his mage hunter abilities thrusts the blade into the chest. Zemycran is extremely wounded his acidic blood pouring over the paladin.
The dragon roars in pain as well as frustration at these puny humanoids. They just won't die! He has destroyed so many over the many years, these - he realizes, are not like the townsfolk or even the soldiers and warriors he had fought before. A new feeling enters him.. dread.. fear.. of losing his own life!
Nenwin is able to drain another ability with the last hit [DM: Synaptic static spell] healing the paladin once again as the magic energy is drained from the dragon.
Graxxuzazz calls upon his sorcery skills and casts a lighting bolt again, this one arcing across to hit the large creature. The lizardfolk teleports away so he can just stay in view.
The acidic mist continues to eat away at the Fellowship, those already unconscious one step closer to death..
Zemycran now bleeding and near death sees these puny creatures keep coming back. Healing each other. Growling he rumbles, "No longer." With one claw he swipes at Doc lying in the ground, the claw rips through the 1/2 orc killing him, Then with another claw, he does the same to Tibaltuous. The bard dies with a grin and an insult on his lips..
The dragon looks around a grin starting to form his jagged teeth dripping acid as he looks down at the final two. They are going to die he thinks. Zemycran calls out, "I will supp on your melted flesh and bone!" The dragon breathes a stream of acid at Graxxuzazz, the sorcerer dodges part of the spray. Nenwin dives out of the way as well, and then dodges a bite from the massive jaws of the dragon and swings again with his two-handed sword, cutting through a large scale on the dragon's chest.
The paladin rips the blade out of the chest of the dragon, a gout of acidic blood washing over Nenwin. He then thrusts the blade deep into wound already in Zemycran's chest, his arms deep, pushing the blade further. He feels the blade hit bone as it goes into the spine.
The dragon gasps and cries out still unbelieving that he could be dying. "No.. how.. I.. arggh... gurgle" and the dragon crashes to the ground. Not moving.
Location: the Lortmill mountains - former Duchy of Ulek. Near the village of Hallowuud
Date: 20th of Reaping, High Summer
The RedWater Fellowship:
Doc Holliday - Male 1/2 Orc | Gunslinger/Paladin
Nenwin Albion - Male Aasimar | Paladin
Graxxuzzaz - Male Lizard-folk | Sorcerer
Tibaltuous - Male 1/2 elf | Bard/Rogue/Warrior
Hester - Male Tabaxi | Cleric
The Fellowship gather in he control room, Lukann is recovered a little, still unconscious. The tower's demonic engine has drained his lifeforce down to near death. The once Master mage in the fullness of life, is now an ancient man seemingly in his 90s. [he has 2 hit points MAX now]. All his knowledge and power is gone. Divine level or a wish spell could potentially restore him. The party make the man has comfortable as possible as they all take stock of their recent retaken tower from the drow elves.
Graxxuzzaz notes a figure appear nearby in the crater. As the tower hovers over the lake, a grey skin man with angelic wings and a ghostly halo drifts down from the sky, landing in the crater. He looks around as if searching for something before his eyes drift to the armored drow elf lying submerged in the bottom of the lake. He floats towards the dead elf, hovering over him, gives the man a prayer before looking at the great sword lying in the clear water stuck into the silt, blade 1st. He picks up the sword water cascading down the blade, while giving another prayer and what appears to be a salute to the dead drow elf.
"I will carry this sword with honor, I pray your.. troubled spirit goes to a better place, than the one you
The humanoid holds his hands together gripping the hilt - sword blade up as he turns around, flying up towards the tower. "As I take this gift with me, you will not be forgotten."
The party move down to the ground floor and meet this new person warily, warily, weapons at the ready.
After some dialogue, this is Nenwin - a male Aasimar paladin of Heironeous who had been hunting the drow anti-paladin. Delighted the tasks was done, he is intrigue by the group. An offer is made for Nenwin to join them and hearing of this evil black dragon lair being the next location the Fellowship heading towards, agrees to adventure with them.
Discussion was made on Graxx's continued - or recent - denial to 1 god, another denial to a demon lord and take up of a 3rd elder being. [DM blogpost]
The party then rest and recuperate as Gothi and Graxxuzzaz fly the tower South towards this black dragon's lair.
Doc notices that the formerly glum gargoyle, is gone and then sees Gargoyle is gone. Figure of a gargoyle on the shelf, as well, the door is gone he was guarding. This door led to a layer or area of the Abyss.
Newwin learns a great deal about the Holy/unholy blade he now has. It appears to suck the soul of the dying wielder into the blade as part of the sentience it has. Nenwin is soon speaking to the enraged former anti-paladin, recently killed in the battle, now part of the two-handed sword's sentience.
Avenger's Blade +5 to hit/damage
• Retribution if opponent misses in melee, wielder can use reaction to make melee swing at opponent. This can be used twice between short/long rests
The tower flies without incident tot he noted area. Then Tibaltuous and Nenwin fly out as the tower lands to explore the area. The two note a destroyed village with only one building still standing. A wispy smoke comes from the chimney.
The area - called the Old Hills - gnomish and dwarven mines, copper and rubies were found. This looks to be the village of Checcar nearby, dragon repeatedly attacked until remaining folks fled. The party note a flow of putrid acidic flow from upstream has infused the river and streams so no fish or other creature can live in or near it. Except.. one.Tibaltuous land and knock on the door. After some back and forth dialogue, a 1/2ling opens the door slightly and speaks to the party warily at 1st. One arm is a melted ruin, has a metal armlet that can take various tools attached. His long hair tied back in a pony tail. It seems the party has found their dragon. The dragon - Zemycran - likes smoking hobbit leaf weed so allows the hobbit to stay and continue his business. Percy a farmer and pipe maker is most open with the two heroes telling them of the destruction as well as the monastery up river where the dragon makes their lair.
It seems that the halfling has some good information on the dragon. "Whatever he wants he gets, so that makes him very reasonable."
The halfling tells the two of a variety of pipeweed and pipes he sells.
His pipeweeds - besides some basic standard types..:
• Hobbiton Glimmerroot - allows a person to see in the dark up to 20' for 1 hour after smoking a pipeful
• Mossglen Blend
• Duskwood Twists - hallucinogenic
• Shadewell Leaf
• Twilight Briar
• Wyrmbane Whiff - masks pain, gives +1 on CON checks for 1 hour after smoking a pipeful
• Fallowshade Blend
Other than standard smoking pipes he has some unique ones created:
1. The Hollowthorn
A pipe carved from the gnarled wood of an ancient thornbush, its twisted stem mimics the shape of the plant’s spiny branches. The Hollowthorn is said to imbue its smoke with a subtle, calming effect, like the whisper of a forest breeze. Smokers often speak of a faint aroma of moss and earth that lingers in the air, evoking the deep, secretive groves of the wilderness.
2. The Ironroot
Crafted from the root of a long-dead tree imbued with the essence of iron, this pipe has a strong, metallic finish. Its bowl is dark and pitted, as if scorched by time itself. Smokers claim that the Ironroot pipes channel an intense warmth, filling the lungs with a deep, rich smoke that feels like fire without the burn. It's favored by those seeking strength in both the pipe and the spirit.
3. The Moonlit Bowl
This pipe has a bowl that shimmers with an iridescent sheen, as though kissed by the light of a full moon. It is carved from bone-like material, polished to a soft luster. Legend says that the Moonlit Bowl helps the smoker see beyond the veil of the mundane, offering glimpses of hidden truths. The smoke it produces is light and fragrant, with notes of lavender and night-blooming jasmine.
4. The Thornspike
A pipe with a dark, jagged stem that tapers to a sharp, almost dangerous point. The Thornspike is rumored to be crafted from the wood of trees that grow on the border of the Faewood, where the mortal and magical worlds meet. It is said that the pipe’s pointed tip draws out the most potent and rare tobacco leaves, producing a heady smoke with an almost otherworldly, enchanting quality. Those who smoke from it often report heightened senses and vivid dreams.
5. The Emberstone
Carved from volcanic stone - from an active volcano in the Jotun mountains far to the West. This pipe feels cool to the touch but retains heat longer than most. The bowl is naturally etched with veins of glowing orange, reminiscent of the embers deep within a hearth. When lit, the Emberstone crackles gently as if the fire itself is contained within. The smoke it produces is warm and smoky, with a hint of sulfur and charcoal, perfect for those who seek a grounding, earthier experience.
Each of these pipes carries its own story, enhancing the ritual of pipe smoking with history, magic, and atmosphere.
Nenwin slices a draconian in half and moves onwards to the dragon!
Hester casts a healing spell on Tibaltuous and this brings the bard back from death's door, insulting the dragon from his resting place on the ground.
The massive head of the dragon turns towards the bard, then the gunslinger, then the priest, then the sorcerer and then the paladin and finally the giant. All resolute on his death.
Until next time!
Location: the Lortmill mountains - former Duchy of Ulek. Near the village of Hallowuud
Date: 19th of Reaping High summer
The Fellowship:
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Lukann |
Graxxuzazz goes up to the control room with the sphere and controls. They are smeared with blood, and the lizard-folk grins and takes control and then the tower slows it ascendance, and then slowly moves over to an open area near the camp. Doc and Tibaltuous, nod and smile.
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The Librarian |
With a crunch and grinding, the tower lands, and then both Hester and Graxxuzazz hear the click on heels on the stairs coming from above. Gothi comes up into the control room and the three then see a female drown elf in black leather shiny boots on at the bottom of stairs. Tibaltuous and Doc search the tents - Doc finding two children tied up, the paladin releases them as Tibaltuous searches boxes and bags.
Gothi nocks an arrow and pulls back, aimed at the black armoured drow elf woman. Looks exactly like the one recently killed. Clone or twin..? "Well my friends..." She starts.. then smiles as Graxxuzazz holds up a finger as if "one moment". Graxxuzazz notes a sensor that blocks all communication or scrying and it is turned on. So the Fellowship's telepathic comm. units cannot connect to the two outside.
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One of the Drow Sisters |
The party then engage in conversation with the drow. back and forth until they reach an agreement to allow the drow to acquire an item from one of the levels behind the glum gargoyle. Doc and Tibaltuous rejoin the group as the negotiations continue when another drow female who looks the same as well - triplets? The drow advises there are thirty drow still in the tower, so at first, the party decide allow the drow to acquire what they want an amulet to take over control of a level of the Abyss. The party continue to debate - telepathically - about taking the drow crew on. It doesn't appear that the drow is lying about this [DM: multiple insight checks]
Graxxuzazz offers to go get the amulet, and the drow readily agrees, asking "Once he dies," pointing at the lizardfolk, "who goes next?"
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Entry to the Forbidden Zone |
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The party confront a LOT of drow |
Doc and Gothi confront the drow followers - a group of mercenary types it seems - and intimidate them to leave their masters. Gothi requesting them to speak in elvish - rather than drow. Gothi counts eleven drow as they head down the stairs. The ranger very resolute to make sure they ALL leave. Gothi for a moment thought she saw something going up the stairs and Gothi shouts out in anger. Was there ten.. or eleven drow out into the darkness around the tower? The party race through the tower, checking rooms and searching. Gothi heads to the Power room and the dead sister is not there!
Behind the bars the prisoner says "He came down grabbed her and headed up the stairs!" Gothi jumping up the stairs, then stops, activating her X-ray vision. There is something strange about the figure in the cell. An illusion! Gothi shouts telepathically - In the engine room! Hester moves down to assist.
The humanoid casts a spell on both Hester and Gothi.
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Graxxuzzaz and Tibaltuous delve into the Abyss |
Graxxuzazz takes the time to summon his owl familiar and it flies through the portal. The sorcerer thinks he no longer has contact with his owl. Tibaltuous draws Sir Lawrence - his sentient sword - and puts the blade through the portal. The sword sounds like he is 100s' of feed away yelling, but the bard cannot hear. Tibaltuous steps through the portal, stepping onto a spongy surface, flesh like, with oozing sores, gangrene pock marks, blood and other fluids oozing from wounds. The passage walls seem similar as well, oozing wounds dribbling blood and other puss like fluids trailing down them. The two look back and the passage looks to be about a 100' back
Meanwhile, Hester fights off a charm like feeling while Gothi does not want to attack the drow. Hester fires a guiding bolt at the drow. Hitting and the energy washes over the female dark elf. The drow tellsDoc having taken control of the tower and raised it into the sky to around 300', heads down to assist Hester and Gothi. Doc yells down to take the spike growth spell, but she declines, after the drow whispers to not do this. Doc jumps down taking some damage and joins the fray. Hester summons a Spiritual weapon. The moon sickle swings and hits, but she is able to keep concentration of the charm on Gothi. Doc calls forth the power of the Raven Queen and fires his pistol, still holding the concentration to dominate Gothi.
Back to Tibaltuous and Graxxuzzaz, the two move down the passage, a wall with a skull inset seems to recede as the two move forward, but the two start to sink into the blood and puss filled fleshy ground. The two pray to their patron? - Orcus. [DM: Blogpost].
Tibaltuous is starting to struggle and sink into the fleshy ground, the puss and bloody ooze seeping into his clothes and all over. For Graxxuzzaz though he is able to step forward and the skull wall appears closer. The lizardfolk looks back, pausing reaching down to assist the 1/2 elf bard but then stops and stands up tall, as the bard tells sorcerer to go onwards! The bard prays top Orcus and ponders realizes he is losing his connection to the tome of Orcus and sinks to his waste into the spongy gangrenous ground - even as Graxxuzazz gains the power and understanding.
Tibaltuous calls out to Graxxuzazz to help, the sorcerer turns and contemplates the bard, Graxxuzzaz tells him head back. Friendship or power.. It seems power wins out as Graxxuzzaz leaves the bard.
Tibaltuous raises his sword and tries use the flying power to raises himself but it only stops him from sinking. Tibaltuous slowly tries to continue. The two talk about treachery and more. Drama in the Book club [other party name]. The bard starts to sink again, all his power and more to try and hold steady.
Meanwhile, back with Gothi, Doc and Hester. Gothi is n o longer affected by the charm and the drow disappears [combo misty step and invisibility] and then up to the top of the stairs they see her. Hester brings the spiritual weapon forward but misses. Gothi action jumps around the corner and as she is leaping fires two arrows at the drow sorcerer - she slumps to the ground as the first arrow hits and the ranger ensures she is down with the second arrow cuts into her neck, Gothi walks up and stabs her fiercely with her trident. The drow sorcerer is dead drained of blood.
Meanwhile in the abyssal pocket dimension - Graxxuzzaz moves forward into a large room and find the two drow, he negotiates with the two and is able to grab the amulet from drow. Before they can react, Graxxuzzaz puts the amulet ON.
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gods and patrons |
The lizardfolk feels like he is pulling in three directions by omnipotent beings:
His Lizard-folk God Essyliss - is starting to fade
OR
Orcus his patron working with Tibaltuous for the last weeks and months - is starting to fade
OR
This new being that is coming up behind the sorcerer. A formless entity, power emanating and pulsing - massive in size. He feels his bones, tendons and muscles being pulled in three ways and screams in pain, having never felt this level of agony before. He has a major decision to make choose his god, his patron or a NEW patron.
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The Book Of Orcus |
Tibaltuous chest deep in the bloody ooze of the spongy ground. He feels newly energized and no longer tied to the book of Orcus. The bard is able to move forward and sees a massive room filled with lava with pedestals across the area.
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The NEW Patron |
Location: the Lortmill mountains - former Duchy of Ulek. Near the village of Hallowuud
Date: 18th of Reaping, High Summer. Close to midnight.
The party leap into battle, a hobbit having come out of one tent, as well as rustling and high squeaking yips coming from another. Gothi's cavebear, Morsel and Graxxuzazz the direwolf noses to the ground
catch the scent of the female drow. She was about 30' away invisible. Seems a combination spell of misty step and invisibility were activated.The hobbit tries to backstab Tibaltuous but misses and calls out for aid! To cover his 'tactical retreat' a new enemy emerges from one of the tents. At that moment, Graxxuzazz the direwolf - polymorphed - runs over to the hobbit - in dire wolf form - and tears a chunk out of the small creature's leg. Yelping the hobbit looks for a way out. Hester casts Circle of life which allows the Fellowship to be much more agile [DM: dodge area effect spells]
In the dim light, the evil knight emerges from the shadows, his armor a twisted amalgamation of dark steel and jagged spikes. His helmet, adorned with menacing horns, conceals a face twisted by malevolence, with eyes that burn like green embers in the night.He wields a massive two-handed sword, its blade etched with ancient runes that seem to pulse with a sinister energy. The sword’s edge glows faintly, as if thirsting for the blood of its next victim. Each step he takes echoes with a chilling metallic clang, sending shivers down the spines of those who dare to oppose him.
His presence exudes an aura of dread, and the very air around him seems to grow colder, as if the warmth of life itself recoils from his touch. This knight is a harbinger of doom, a relentless force of darkness that leaves only despair in his wake.
The battle then is engaged with the drow knight. The sword he wields appears to have an enhanced effect of draining magic ability and spells from the opponents mind as a number of spellcasters are hit and drained of the ability to remember to cast a spell! This also appears to have the separate effect of healing the fallen knight. His sweeping blade cuts deep as he fights the party. The anti-magic blade hits Tibaltuous and he forgets how to cast some of his keys spells. The knight then hits Doc, slicing into the gunslinger/paladin. Morsel, having lost the scent for the female drow leader sets his sights on the hobbit and barrels forward to rip him apart. The hobbit
scuttles away behind some boxes and one of the tents with a cry of fear as Gothi's cavebear towers over him. Tibaltuous casts Heat Metal on the drow knight then the dark elf's black armour starts to smoke under the effect. Tibaltuous checks one of the tents and encounters a kobold with mace in hand. The ever-quick and silver-tongued bard persuades the kobold to go back to sleep! During battle! [DM: extremely high persuade roll!]The female drow appears in a blink near the bridge and invokes dark energy. A swirling necromantic fog drains life energy from a few of the party, fortunately, Hester's spell allows a few party members to fully avoid the deathly tendrils. She then disappears again!
Gothi activating her X-Ray vision, blood starts to drip down from both her eyes as the vision allows the ranger to see through the tent walls. She sees 2 small tied up figures in the tents as well as the kobold the bard persuaded to sleep. She then notes motion on rope bridge - the female drow? Calling out to the party, she leaps towards the rope bridge. Morsel appears from the fallen tent, the limp body of the hobbit drops from the massive cave bear's jaws.Tibaltuous tackles the drow knight over cliff, the spiked armour digging deeply into his flesh as he bowls the surprised dark knight over the edge! Trying to let go, the bard is then caught in a deadly grip about his throat as the knight squeezes. The two fall, the drow's helmet flung off into the dark, and then they start to drift down gently. Tibaltuous grimaces. Featherfall! Damnation. Tibaltuous sees the blazing eyes of the grinning drow.
"I'll take you with me.. halfbreed." The drow grins, blood dripping and falling away.There is a crack and echo of a gun shot. Doc fires at the knight's arm holding the bard, and with a cry of pain he lets Tibaltuous go and Tibaltuous falls! Tumbling and smashing against the lake bed walls. The bard's wisecracking sword - Sir Lawrence activates a newly enhanced power - used to be levitate, but now the wielder can fly. Good timing.
Doc and Graxxuzazz both here a commanding word from the female drow elf: "Jump!". She apepars again on the rope bridge with a wicked smile as both the heroes, shake their heads and then under the command powerful spell, jump off the edge! She then darts towards the tower.
Tibaltuous is able to save one of the two and reaches Graxxuzazz the sorcerer and stops his fall, the two then move towards the tower. Doc falls and starts to tumble down the side of the empty lake. Getting pummeled and smashed by outcroppings the 1/2 orc is able to stop his fall. Able to slow his tumbling, Doc starts to climb back up slowly.
Hester casts guiding bolt at the fleeing drow but misses and then invokes his power and summons an avenger - a large celestial angelic form of his deity. The 15' being filled with stars hovers before Hester and then gently picks up the cat like humanoid to carry him forth across the large empty lake
toward the tower perched against one cliff wall. Tibaltuous is flying there as well, Graxxuzazz in tow, the bard holding the tail of the lizardfolk as they fly onwards. Graxxuzazz casts lightning bolt, enhancing the spell to fire. It bolts into the slowly falling drow knight. The combined fire and lightning doing extensive damage.All hear a grinding noise as the tower seems to push and pull against the cliff wall. dust and debris fall. The female drow screams out, "Noooo!" her cry of outrage echoing around the walls of the dry lake. The tower seems to be leaving them behind..
Gothi now on the rope bridge, nocks an arrow and shoots true, hitting the female drow in the shoulder, the arrow dripping blood. Grimacing, the drow limps away taking a potion which seems to visibly heal some of her wounds. She casts dispel magic on the avenger but then Graxxuzazz casts counter spell on it! Frustrated in rage and she then slips into the open doorway on the balcony on the 3rd flor of the tower.
Doc holding on with one hand to precarious outcropping over the deep water below, pulls out some climbing claws which allow him to climb faster.The drow knight then starts to float upwards! The drow's levitation ability taking him past Doc and towards the edge of the cliff. Flying towards the tower being carried by his tail, the sorcerer launches a final lighting/fire bolt at the drow knight. The drow is able to hold on to his spell and continues to levitate upwards. He tosses a rope and snags an outcropping pulling himself to safety. The drow knight grins down at the climbing paladin/gunslinger, bandaging a wound on his arm,
Morsel attacks the drow knight and the fight slicing the bear, and massive bites out of the drow. The evil power affects the bear and it runs in fear. Morsel is howling in fear and rage into the darkness as it runs away.The party come to the door at the balcony. It is closed and locked. Graxxuzazz and Tibaltuous summon their ghast - "Sir Ghastly" using the power of Orcus. [DM blogpost for more info] . It starts to hammer and smash the door. The stench is atrocious, all of the party- Gothi, Hester, Tibaltuous and Graxxuzazz nearby eyes are watering.
Gothi remembers her key! All the party have a key to the doors. This allows them to gain full access. They enter but are is in full darkness - magical it seems. Fortunately Graxxuzazz and Gothi know the layout of the tower well. Inside the tower, Hester invokes his gods power to allow the party to see in any type of darkness. Graxxuzazz using a fell amulet sees fine in the darkness.The party explore, now able to see in the dark. The adventurers, enter their study, the books on bookshelves primarily look to still be there of the small library they had been collecting. Graxxuzazz notes his small friend's little house on one of the shelves is still there, somewhat enhanced since he had last seen it. They move through into the hallway, the circular stairwell going up and down. The avenger angle unfortunately cannot make it up the stairs, it's massive size not able to navigate the tight circular stairs. They go up to the control room, and see the a fallen male drown at the controls, his
Gothi leaps after and enters the familiar by dreadful room. Strange beds or racks flat have chains and
shackles. Glowing glass chambers line one wall and at the head of each rack. There are 3 beds - or racks - with 3 humanoids strapped in.Lukann the wizard's apprentice to the famous Leomund is strapped into one, he looks to now be an ancient frail man, with withered skin, sunken eyes; hair falling out to point of being just long wisps on a shiny skull. He once was a vibrant man, with long black hair, well-trimmed goatee and moustache. Fairly fit even in his fortyish looking age when the Fellowship met him.
A large glowing orb like chamber at his head is pulsing and the wizard convulses, crying out weakly as tears run from his wincing closed eyes with each pulse.
The 2nd rack holds what appears to be a firbolg. The tall - 8' - humanoid is not moving the orb at near her head has just a glimmer of light in it. The body of the firbolg - female from appearance - is now a dried husk. Sunken features - mummified.
The 3rd rack holds what appears to be a very small scaly figure - Graxxuzazz knows this as the caretaker of the library. She is secured down with 1 of the shackles that would fit a humanoid around
her waist. She convulses as well, as the orb at the far end of the rack glimmers and pulses.The drow hovers near Lukann, a dagger at his throat. "Stop or I kill him. This blade will drain his soul."
She grin bloody from the constant attacks of the Fellowship. Gothi stops, Graxxuzazz comes down with Hester to also see the tragic scene. There appear to be some figures huddled in some cells. Appear to be townsfolk possibly.Meanwhile outside, The drow knight then yells down to Doc, "want a rope? Then we can fight as equals. One on one combat." Doc nods and he pulls himself up. The drow knight steps back, swinging his sword around easily, waiting for the1/2 orc to prepare. Then they battle. Both cleave and slice into the other, their sharp blades hacking and cutting back and forth.
Back in the Power chamber, Graxxuzazz uses his sorcerous skills to command the drow to "Drop" the blade. An echoing clatter of the blade as it hits the floor. [DM: bad wisdom save!]
Gothi scoops up her bow and looses four arrows at the drow. All hitting, she convulses and falls back. Graxxuzazz casts another scoring ray and the blasts drill into the drow's chest. She falls down between the racks, gurgling and crying out and then.. nothing.
Outside the melee duel continues. Doc, desperate and realizing this drown was a master swordsman, uses all his skills and pulls his pistol, the shot echoing around the cliffs, a disarming shot, and the drow drops the massive sword. Doc tries to kick it off the edge, but the drow knight stops it, stamping on the blade.
The drow picks up his sword and raises it for a killing blow as there is a rumbling from the tower as it starts to rise into the air.
Tibaltuous quips, "You cannot call us cowards and start to run away." The drow growls and then launches himself hitting the bard multiple times. Tibaltuous falls to the ground. Putting his sword to the bard's throat, threatens Doc.Both Doc and the drow knight are surprised when with a roar of rage, Morsel appears again, no longer affected by the fear and launches himself at the knight, Both go tumbling off the edge into the dark!
Morsel is able to stop with his claws, the tumbling drow smashes down the side, sword clanging and spinning and then with a splash of water as the drow sinks into the water.
Tibaltuous is being healed up by Doc, as the 1/2 orc looks up at the tower rising and down at Morsel.
It appears.. the tower is once again under the control of the Fellowship, Lukann and the librarian being drained of energy, and the tower is ascending very quickly with no one at the controls!
Audio Summary: