Khore-1 and Khore-1...?

29th of Planting, Low Summer

The Fellowship now stand on a high pedestal looking out into a vast space that goes down as far as the eyes can see. Having recently been transported by Khore-1 from the shoulder of the colossus - FERA - to the head. Specifically on top of what appears to be the spinal column.

From the pedestal, a gently ascending ramps about 20 feet wide go up to left and right through a vast open space, and meeting again above and away from the party approximately 100' above. The ascending ramps have no railings and standing looking over, the adventurers cannot help feelings of vertigo looking so far down. Lighting arcs through the open spaces all around as well below. 

Above where the ramps meet, a hallway leads off into another larger room where what seems a pulsing blue light emanates from. Khore-1 points to the hallway up the ramp. The party spellcasters realize - Gothi in particular - insight that magic is alien to the foreclaimer society. Science and similar non-magical technology was the backbone of Gothi's civilization. She realizes also that the black blaster pistols used by the insectoids is not their creation but her ancestors - the Foreclaimers.

Tentatively at first, the heroes slowly move up the left ramp. Obaz takes one last look over the edge and for a moments though they saw movement far below, but then it is gone.

Gothi hears a whisper voice in her mind..: "Gothi." The Ranger hesitates and feels memories(?) flooding back to her that FERA - the colossus did exist during her civilization, but the thoughts and feelings coming from FERA seem to hamper any more memories.

The party moves up: Doc, Kantif, Obaz, Grax and finally Gothi with JawBone and Khore-1 bringing up the rear. As Doc moves ahead he notices something on the walkway ahead, holding up a hand he cocks his pistol and takes a step forward. near one of the ramp is the body of an insectoid swarmer but it looks to be dead, fried and burnt, from the 1/2 orc's estimation by electrical or lighting, perhaps 3 weeks dead one of the jumping arcs hit it.. looks to have dragged itself opposite direction the party is moving.

The adventurers reach the hallway that opens up without further incident to see:

They step up on to a long walkway overlooking a limitless expanse into space. A parallel walkway goes
along next to towards a raised dais with what appears to be a massive liquid gold sphere, it ripples and moves with eddies and currents, never still. 2 smaller platforms each are empty but perhaps held similar spheres at one time. The walkway or floor beneath the party is clear glass or similar and is very disconcerting.. As if walking on nothing.

The eddies and currents in the what looks like gold sphere disappear for a moment and all hear in their mind.. A soft voice in each character's racial language speaks to them. "Come forward.. Do not be afraid.."

"Ahh Gothi.. It has been so long since one of you have visited.."

The voice seemingly has no ill intent, so the party slowly moves forward. Grax looks back to see Khore-1 is kneeling and seemingly humming something.. a song perhaps. Obaz and Gothi whom both are in the lead approach the main platform and the rippling golden sphere goes perfectly still and shiny. Gothi feels purse bliss, safety and comfort. At that moment Gothi realizes with astonishment that FERA is not a goddess, but more like a Mother/Father to her and to all the Foreclaimers. The colossus was.. were.. constructs, servants, companions to Gothi's long departed culture.

With this insight the group continues to approach until reaching the main platform a large very strange looking bipedal figure steps out from one wall.

Gothi feels FERA's pain, fear and helplessness at this point as this massive strange monster approaches. It seems to be partly amour made of jagged ice, areas not covered by the ice appear to be body parts incased in the ice. There are three humanoid skulls in the chest(?) of the creature, all looking at the Fellowship, eyes glowing red.

As the party react and prepare to battle, the creature seemingly ignores them and looks to Khore-1.

In a strange high-pitched voice from one of the heads (the right) calls out, "You! Khore-167! You did this!" Pointing a massive clawed finger at Khore-1, behind the party.

The golden sphere is swirling and massive waves are going across its surface. Gothi and the party all feel that  FERA is agitated to the extreme. Fear as well..?

At this point, Khore-1 stands up and slowly lumbers forward.

The 2nd skull in the chest calls out, "Why did you betray all of us.. Khore-167?!"

Gothi steps up and calls out "How did Khore-1 betray you?"

One of the skulls looks over to the ranger and seemingly in surprise call out, "Founder! There is a Founder here!" 

A 2nd skull rebukes harshly, "There are no Founders left! They are all dead."

The 1st skull replies back, "Right there, look!"

The 3rd skull wonders, "The Founder travels with Khore-167.. hoe can that be..?"

The 1st skull replies again to Gothi, "That is NOT Khore-1." pointing a massive claw again at Khore-1(?) that is still moving slowly towards the group, "That is Khore-167!"

Doc, first putting the comatose body of the BlackRune dwarf down [DM: blogpost]. moves in front of Khore-167. 

With a wave of a clawed hand energy eave moves from the large 3 skulled creature and Doc notices the letters and number of Khore-1 have 2 more runes under grime and rust next to them, Gothi had translated this for the party early on... Khore-167 in Foreclaimer language?

Gothi steps up and calls out, "You have not answered my question, what did Khore-167 do to you?" 

"He allowed the insectoids to invade FERA!" the 1st skull barks out. 

"He did not follow his programming!" The 2nd skull screams.

The party tries to defend Khore-167, but for naught.

"Oh! he is trying to make-up for over 300 years of failure." Shouts the 1st skull.

"327 years to be exact!" screeches the high voice of the 2nd skull.

Gothi intently looks at both Khore-1 and Khore-167.

Khore-167 pushes Doc to the side as well as Kantif. Doc asks, "What're ya doin' Khore-167"

The 9' tall caretaker looks briefly at Doc and then rumbles out, I must atone for my failure."

Gothi looking astonished, calls out, "What did you do Khore-167!?"

Khore-167 looks at Gothi and the automaton seems to sag, "I am sorry Founder. My duties were to take care of the heel - right heel - of FERA. But.. I.. wished for more.. I.. I have.." He cannot seem to think of a word to explain or his low power perhaps.. "I wished for more and I went into a dormant state and during that time.."

The 2nd skull interrupts, "AAAnd during that time, the invasive insectoid mold and creatures invaded FERA! IT grew and took over and it is all Khore-167's fault. 

And for the 1st time all 3 skulls look at the Fellowship. "and you.. ALL of you are invading FERA as

well now!" The creature jumps with great agility close to the golden sphere "FERA, Goddess! They invade you. Destroy them, We have to destroy them all!"

Khore-167 looks at Gothi and then the rest of the Fellowship, pointing a long arm at the 3 skulled monstrosity. "That.. is Khore-1, but he is wrong, he has been infected by the insectoids or some other entity.." 

At that moment a blast of energy comes out from Khore-1 slamming into Khore-167 and knocking him back. nearly also bowling over Kantif and Doc both slightly knocked the party prepares to battle!

Kantif jumps forward and attacks with his dagger. jabbing the dagger into the ice armour of Khore-1. The icy armour seems to deflect some of the damage and then Graxxuzzaz - as a firegiant - steps forward. Declining to try and open his bag of holding to get his magic hammer,  he swings to massive fists but the agile Khore-1 dodges both fists.

Gothi pulls 2 arrows and fires both. 1 hits Khore-1 cuts into the Icey shoulder. JawBone jumps forward to also engage Khore-1.

At that moment, Khore-1 raises a fist towards FERA and calls out, "Goddess! Summon your defenders!" Lighting arcs or wisps seems to swirl out of the golden sphere and race out towards the
Fellowship. They look like a bouncing lighting charge, pulsing skull shape and continuously morphs and changes. 

Doc pulls his blunderbuss and blasts three of the pulsing Mind-Mite [DM: Gothi advises after the battle] into nothing as it shreds all three of them.

Obaz takes out one of the Foreclaimer blasters and takes a shot missing.

Khore-1 fighting giant-form Grax, says, "That is not your true form! You should change back!" This wave of energy flows over Graxuzzaz but the lizard-folk keeps his concentration of his spell. Another of the skulls, screams, "That is not the way!" Swinging a jagged claw at the giant digging into the firegiant's darkskin, blood pumping out. With his other arm he pulls out a rod and this expands into a large electric glaive, slashing it into Grax.

Khore-167 is able to stand up and fights the mind-mites.

The battle rages on, going back and forth. The mind-mites all destroyed and Khore-1 is heavily
damaged the centre skull invokes a plea to FERA, "We must take them to Version TWO." 

The other 2 skulls call out in unison, "Version 2!"

The party appear to have transported to a different area, strange.. nearly like a temple, some of the blocks seem to shift or move.

The arty move forward and engage with Khore-1 with missile weapons, spells - if they can activate them as some of the party moves forward to try to get into melee.

The blocks are treacherous, smooth and falling does not look healthy so the party carefully moves forward.

Khore-1 calls out to FERA, "Invade their thoughts, FERA!" 

At this moment, creatures appear near each of the party, perhaps each of their most fearful enemy or worse..

A skeletal figure near Grax and JawBone

A hydra next to Gothi and Kantif

A drider and BlackRune appear near them as well

A demon similar to one Doc fought in Wayberry barks and howls next to the gunslinger

2 massive rat like creatures morphs into being next to Obaz.

2 hybrid insectoids appear next to Khore-1

Khore-167 calls out to Gothi, "It is in your mind, Founder! These are not real!" as he rips one of the hybrid insectoids in half and it seemingly vaporizes

Some of the Fellowship are able to confirm the creatures are figments of their imagination but others are not able to.

Gothi [DM: with a NAT20] realizes these are just images possibly created by FERA, words like "virtual reality" and similar but unsure what they mean..

Gothi tries to contact FERA to stop this, and for a moment feels a connection like a child to a mother with the colossus. The ranger thinks that Khore-1 has some type of control over FERA, an item perhaps that allows control over FERA.

It seems that this is an illusion or simulation that the party is in as Khore-1 looks to be draining each party member of energy to heal and restore himself. 

Doc fighting the demon feels the burning blood from its wounds as he cuts into the demon but then calling on the favour of the Raven Queen, he is able to fight it off - it was only an illusion.. all an illusion, then suddenly all are back in the main room with FERA. A long thin cord of lightning is attached to each of the Fellowship leading to Khore-1 whom appears to be draining their energy to heal himself!

A line of mind-mites face the party with Khore-1 behind with the lighting cord going to each of their chests.

Battle continues as the mind-mites are taken out and then Khore-1 is engaged in battle, as he heals each turn, the Fellowship are drained of life energy. Khore-167 falls, JawBone falls, Graxuzzaz falls, every party member heaping blows and attacks on Khore-1 and then..

Gothi shrugs off the pain, spits blood and aims her bow with Hunters Mark cast, looses the arrow and it pierces the broken ice armour of Khore-1;  a second arrow slams into Khore-1, bleeding pure blue energy that fizzes and mists out of all the wounds, the arrow goes through the front skull and the other 2 skulls look surprised as Khore-1 crashes to the ground. Gothi jumps forward and for a full 30 seconds pounds her trident into the monstrous creature.

FINALLY, after multiple party members go down and close to death, Khore-1 is defeated by the Red Water Fellowship!

The party after a few moments to rest and rejoice.. then in a moment of inspiration, realize they have not heard from their 2nd crew that is in charge of the town.. what could be going on there as the party realize they were not getting the Sending from Skrit.. (DM: normally daily call - possibly no bars in the Colossus? Blogpost]

Inside the Colossus - FERA

 

28th of  Planting Low Summer

The Fellowship looks out into a large chamber dominated by a large structure in the centre. Swarmers scuttle and move all around and about the building. Khore-1 advises this is Power module juncture. The caretaker of Fera advises and also that the insectoids have been converting them to nests all over through the body of Fera for their clutches of eggs and infected.

The areas are covered in a green fungus, similar to the bulbous pods all around the room. The green fungus seems to spread from the pods. Gothi notes the electrical / lightning emanating from the charges as the energy. Graxusas notes that some are hurt - assumedly from the electricity. One area of the power module juncture where one of these pools is.

The party arranges a gauntlet death trap after a scouting mission goes around the room:

Graxxuzzaz - after failing to activate the wand and then successfully shoots out a sticky area of webs [20'x20'] in front of the party as Doc fires his musket, Gothi shoots her bow, Kantif as well shoots while Obaz flies up using a multiple of spells. Swarmers poured out to move towards the Fellowship. [DM: it turned into a Tower defense game] Battle started, as the mass of swarmers were cut down efficiently by the heroes. JawBone - Gothi's dog/shark waits impatiently for the swarmers to get close.. it takes a while for them to.

Obaz flying over top has an excellent view to keep the swarmers at bay. Kantiff, pops out of cover and fires using his sneak attack to deadly effect. They summon a fire elemental that enjoys destroying masses of the swarming insectoids.

Gothi continues to shoot accurately and deadly shots with her bow. The foreclaimer ranger staying near Khore-1.

Graxxuzzaz fights the mental blocks to cast his spells blasting many with fire.

After some time, all the swarmers are dead as well as a larger scorpiod, and the Fellowship moves up to the large building. 

With Khore-1's assistance the party is able to gain access to the structure. Gothi notes drag marks where it seems bodies are being dragged further in to passages.

The Fellowship grit their teeth, grip weapons, and move onwards. The party comes up to an iris door that is closed. Khore-1 advises Gothi that as one of the Founders, she can access this area as the automaton gestures to a plate to the left of the door with what looks like a handprint. Gothi places her hand on this and the door slides open to reveal further passage way.

Stealthily as possible the adventurers move onwards. The party can here a humming and it gets louder as the move deeper in. Gothi has many  feelings that this is familiar to her.. she notes inscriptions and pictures on the wall that remind her of - she thinks - her childhood. The ranger feels a contentment even as she feels an emptiness at the centre of her being..

They come to what seems to be an antechamber as Khore-1 reminds the party that the next chamber is the area the insectoids have their egg pods and infected. A large round room, there is a number of pods all around the room, as well as many swarmers fill the area as well as a large number humanoid bodies. In the centre of this room is one of the leaders, it is holding one of the silver rods aimed at the party and lets loose a blast of dark energy right at the group.

The party also ready, attack.

 All the insectoids avoid the centre iris of the round room where the Master stays. Using his rod, a rolling black wave of energy hits the group as if something was trying to control them. Gothi seeming under control of the Master, fires her bow at the party. 

A blast of psychic energy rolls out from the Master knocking all the Fellowship down.

The battle rages as the swarmers and hybrids attack while the Master invokes energy blasts and more on the group. Graxxuzzaz uses his spells as best he can to hit the insectoids as well as Obaz. 

[DM: We have never seen that many NAT20s - 6 and NAT1s - 11!]

Obaz tries to cast tidal wave spell but unable to invoke the magic. The fire elemental still under control

moves in and starts to destroy more swarmers.

Gothi as well as JawBone starts tearing into the swarmers, very much enjoying the taste of the swarmers.

In the end, the insectoids and Master are defeated. Searching, they discover two humanoids that are being infected, and possible to be saved - swarmer hatchling to be extracted. Grax, and Obaz assisting the Doctor, the first is unable to be saved. The second humanoid - a BlackRune dwarf is able to be saved - removing the insectoid and killing it. The young dwarf is still in a comatose state. The rest of the infected are put to the sword before they .. turn. 

On the body of the Master a silver rod is found, which it looked to control the swarmers, an armlet that healed him as well what looks like a bandoleer - with 2 pouches. The rod - about 3' long with 3 buttons. Graxxuzzaz is unsure if magical or not.

Obaz takes a 2nd check of the Master to ensure it is dead. Looking over.. the party. Gothi comes over, and realizes this creature may be a servant of or ally of.. something called an illithid or.. mindflayer. The inside of the tentacles, are curved teeth or fangs, helpful for removing a flesh, or bone.. or similar.

Jawbone does not seem to be interested in eating the flesh of the Master, but does enjoy feasting on the insectoids which tells the parry that perhaps the Master is not an insectoid..

Doc finds markings gear or uniforms of the BlackRunes, caravans and even an elf of the Duchy of Ulek. This reminds the party of what Khore-1 had said, the insectoids had been invading Fera for 100s of years now.

Khore-1 moves to the centre of the room and shuts down, a blue glow encompassing the caretaker. Doc goes on guard, while Gothi closes the doors into the structure. Gothi notes the fungus has receded off the power module. When Gothi steps into the circle area, she feels at home.

Around six hours pass, and Khore-1 reactivates. Addressing the founder - Gothi - "I can now take you to her - Fera = Founder. I have not been there for many of your years - close to 200 years. I do not know what the status is, and suggest you prepare for any eventualities for when I transport us there." Looking at the rest of the group, the automaton, intones, "your what you call magic will be even less efficient there near Her. So invoking it now may allow it to work." 

Khore-1 stands in the centre and looks at Gothi, "Doing this will deplete me nearly of all power, Founder, so I will invoke clarity or a temporal shield on you all."

Khore-1 invokes clarity on the Fellowship [DM-equivalent of a bless spell] 

Graxxuzzaz tried to cast polymorph but the magic does work the 1st time and then is able to polymorph into a firegiant

Obaz does a barkskin

Doc calls upon his goddess and casts divine favour

Gathering around Khore-1 the party waits. Khore-1 holds out both hands over the party. A bluish glow encompasses the party and with a whoosh they are transported.

The Fellowship stands now on a high platform looking down into a long deep abyss. They stand at the top of what Khore-1 tells them is the spinal column of Fera. 2 curved walkways lead up to a set of stairs that lead up to Her. The brain of this colossus. Streaks of blue energy and lighting arc around the large space constantly. Looking down brings a wave of vertigo to all..

Looking up beyond the stairs and ramp, the heroes see a pulsing blue glow. Fera. Gothi starts to hear a voice in her head.. "Gothi..."

In the shoulder of the Colossus

A chamber inside the Colossus - Fera. A Foreclaimer god..? or construct or being...?

The Fellowship - travelling with the caretaker automaton - Khore-1 explore inside the crystalline body of Fera.

[DM: not the actual character models in use here.]

Inside a Colossus

 

27th of Planting, Low Summer

The Fellowship continue the battle with the insectoids in the Crystal tunnels infested with strange glowing bulbous carapace covered with fungus.

Obaz casts Erupting Earth on the area where the scorpion like insectoid is lumbering forward. The massive creature looking back at the automaton, walks right into the full effect of the blasting ground of crystals. Shrugging it off, it continues to move forward slowly through the rough terrain. The druid's fire elemental continues to engulf the other scorpi-pede that is in battle with the automaton. The fire seems to have full effect on the insectoids.

Graxusas flies a circuitous route to then cast Destructive Wave on all the insectoids, killing the swarmers, doing great damage to all the other creatures. 

Fortunately for the Fellowship, the two powerful spells work fine. (DM: magic seems to not be quite as effective in all respects in these crystal tunnels).

The two flying insectoids spray a burning acid that hampers movement, slowing Obaz and Doc for a little. After doing an attack on one of the flying insectoids, Kantif moves back to hide and goes near one of the glowing bulbous fungoid carapaces that are along the wall. As the rogue/monk moves by, it the carapace shudders and bursts with a group of swarmers attacking the 1/2 elf. The party comes to the rescues finishing off the two fliers as well as the swarmers.

The large automaton clanks forward. Standing over 9 feet in height, it steps right up to Gothi and starts to speak in the same language Gothi had yelled earlier.

"Founder."

Gothi looks surprised at first and realizes after some discussion that this creature - called Khore-1 - is a caretaker of the colossus the adventurers are now inside. Khore-1 advises Gothi that once his brethren
numbered over 100. As far as he is aware, he is the final caretaker of "HER". Gothi explains this is one of the Foreclaimer titans. A god-like creature. Her name is quite long probably over a page, and takes a few minutes to pronounce, but in short: "FERA". The insectoids invaded Her / FERA. They have been attacking her for over a century. The battle has raged inside the body of the colossus. The insectoids started at the feet and have been slowly gaining ground, now at the chest/neck. It seems the black 'blaster' gun the hybrids use is actually Foreclaimer 'Tech" - a word from a bygone age, referring to various types of devices and or capabilities used long ago - some would consider magic now. As Khore-1 speaks, Gothi translates and after a while, Khore-1 is learning the common tongue. Asking about the source of power and where the mind of Fera is, the party decide to explore further. It seems that the crystallin passages are inside the bone structure of Fera. The party having entered through the "thumb" of Fera. They will have to travel into the hand, then down the arm and then up past the elbow (on a humanoid

body is the humerus) to the main body then over to the neck and into the
"head" of Fera. The travel along the thumb is over 50 feet, so the party come to realize the vast distance and SIZE of this colossal Foreclaimer titan.. probably over a 1000 or 2000 feet tall... Khore-1 offers to transport Gothi - "Founder" to the heart of Fera as they discuss options. Reaching out a massive hand, the ranger takes it and with a phasing blue glow disappear from the Fellowship. Gothi and Khore-1 reappear on a wide gallery overlooking a massive open chamber  100s of feet wide. A glowing blue sphere about 50 feet across us suspended in the air, lightning arcing off it every few moments. Khore-1 raises a massive hand to point at a gallery below on the opposite side. A massive number of swarmer insectoids pour out and continue to drop onto the sphere. Each time they hit it, a spark and plume of smoke as the swarmer is engulfed in bluelight and disappears. But Khore-1 advises Gothi that Fera's power is diminishing as the insectoids continue to advance upwards and take control of the colossus. It seems the two's entry into the area did not go unnoticed as 2 groups of insectoids - swarmers and hybrids - race along the gallery towards the ranger and automaton. 

Gothi asks Khore-1 to take her back and they reappear at the party once again.

The party moves along the "thumb" and then down into the right hand, seeing a large chamber and four other tunnels - the fingers - and then down into the wrist. As they move along, the party destroy with fire the infestations - Obaz' elemental and Graxxuzazz and Gothi's flaming arrows. Slippery crystalline passages but the party are able with rope, wildshape, polymorph spell and Khore-1 offers to carry Gothi.

Moving downwards, the party makes it to the 'elbow' where the party decide to rest. The next tunnel heads upwards at a steep angle, the humerus. All are exhausted and with Doc on guard the party rest. A
few hours into the 1st watch, Doc is dozing a little arm resting on his musket. as his eyelids droop he hears the familiar - now - chittering of insectoids as they drop all around the party from above. A large number seem to gravitate to Khore-1. The insectoids seem to want to destroy the caretaker. All battle desperately as they had had time yet to regain spells and power. The insectoids are defeated but it looks as if Khore-1 is quite damaged and advises that only time and being close to the KHORE - the large sphere at the centre of Fera - will heal it, where it and Gothi transported to. Khore-1 offers to 'hide the party behind a forcefield, a useful ability it advises that allowed the caretakers to battle the insectoids. This will use much of its power for a full rest - 8 hours -

but the party are tired and supplies and spells depleted so agree. Moving close to a wall, the party look on as Khore-1 looks to shutdown while a glowing blue shield spreads out from it to the walls and all around the Fellowship. A few hours in, the party are awakened to a horrible sight, a vast multitude of swarmers, fifty, hundred, two hundred pass by even clambering over the forcefield Khore-1 created
coming from the passage way ahead towards the hand and thumb - "exit" to the upper world. A strange creature seems to be controlling them, part animal and alien like.. insectoid. It seems to hold a long silver rod that allows it to control the swarmers. The multitude move out of sight up the 'arm' and the Fellowship are able to complete their rest. Khore-1 has minimal power now, but definitely still able to travel with the party. It advises in somewhat broken common, that it can make it to Fera = the head - but will not be able to assist too much due to the massive power expenditure to 'cloak' the party. Using similar ways to travel up the 'arm' - although the inhibiting magical affect stops Obaz's wildshape and polymorph spell. Each time a spiking pain shoots through the druid's head. In the end they able to use a potion of flying to move on!

Travelling up the 'humerus' the party come to the 'shoulder after about a 1/2 hour of flight. A large chamber, a hundred feet wide and another hundred long and at least fifty feet high is seen where in the center is a round tower or large column of silver crystal that is nearly covered in fungus and insectoid carapaces. A number of swarmers can be seen scuttling over and around it.

Khore-1 advises this is one of the main Power Module junctures. It seems the insectoids are trying to convert it to a nest for their clutches of young/infected.. or other nefarious reasons perhaps..

Stealth and avoid or Attack and destroy.. next time, the Fellowship will have to decide.

Tunnels & Bugs

 26th of Planting, Low Summer

We rejoin our heroes after a battle and supreme effort of medical skill by Doc, Obaz with Graxxuzazz lending assistance to an old orc woman being transformed by the strange insectoid creatures.

Assisting the woman to the level below, the party discusses strategy to go up to the 3rd level of the tower. Either through the hole created by the insectoids, or removing the barrier of furniture, boxes boards, and any other material the Black Runes could use. Noise can be heard above on next level of at least 2-3 creatures scuttling around. 

After much discussion, the final plan was to go up the centre stairwell. As the party moves to start moving the blockage, Forming a 'bucket brigade' they start to clear the stairwell. Gothi and Kantif decide to take a short rest
and while doing so, Kantif inspects one of the black metal 'pistols' the humanoid - insectoid hybrid was carrying, and nearly blasts Gothi with it as it goes off in the rogues hands. At that moment, both look up to see a number of the swarmer insectoids climbing stealthily along the ceiling and drop amongst them both.

Battling the insectoids more of the humanoid hybrids appear as more swarmers scuttle around the party.

Using well-versed tactics across the team, the party defeat the swarmers, but the hybrid retreats out of sight. It seems the creatures had come from a room the party had neglected to explore. The door slightly ajar. Moving around the curved passage, two more of the hybrid insectoids are encountered, one killed by the blight spell of Obaz and the other wounded retreats again. The creatures seem to have learned some different tactics.. 

Carefully moving forward, the party view an unsettling sight. In the room are four humanoids - all look to be Black Runes. All have a swarmer attached to their spinal column, alive, and in a coma it seems.  Moaning and the wet sounds of pincers being slowly inserted into the forms on he ground. The final hybrid is no where to be seen.. Doc and Obaz try to save one man embedded with a swarmer not quite as far gone, but fortune wanes and the creature on the back  awakens and the mandibles cut through the man's neck. With a bloody gurgle, the man dies. Finishing off the other 3, giving them a quick death with his Executioner's sword.

Gothi encountered two more swarmers both injured and the ranger is able to finish them off easily. A few more creatures are found dead at the bottom of the hole where Gothi and Kantif set a trap.

Further discussion on using the hole or the stairwell, the decision is made to clear the stairwell. Moving stealthily and carefully up, they discover another body, possibly an orc as it had no head. Coming up to the final floor of the tower, they find a circular room with wall on one side. Moving up, Kantif decides to scuttle into the room. Silent and in shadows the 1/2 elf notes with his dark vision a woman on the floor in the room as well as some type of wolfhound standing over the woman. He returns to the party and advises what was seen in the dark. Obaz offers to try and calm the wolfhound using their druidic abilities. Stepping forward with torch up, they seems more of the room as well as what at first looked like a large wolf, but now it seems the wolf is more than what Kantif had seen. Large sharp jagged spikes push up through the fur along its spine and a stinger on a long prehensile tail.

The druid is taken aback, but still reaches out to the still animal spirit of the creature. 

The wolf hound insectoid at first seems to be about to attack, and then quickly become docile and friendly to the druid. While Obaz keeps the creature busy, the rest of the party carefully move into the room. Investigating the woman and the room. The elf, is infected a swarmer fully inserted into her spinal column. Only time now before she.. it.. becomes what the party is an insectoid.

A work table with a variety of documents are found, as well. After some discussion, the wolf-insectoid as well as woman are both given a mercy killing.

A hole in the wall is found melted similarly to the floor which looks to have allowed the creatures access to the tower. A trail of yellow blood trails down the wall to the lake, where a hole in the thick ice is found. The excavation out on the lake and the pyre on the rock column in the centre on the small island, dominate the lake.

The party carefully moves out, with Gothi scouting ahead. Coming up upon the large excavation, a  set of rail tracks reach out to the hole, what appears to be a large steam cannon (?) or stream-thrower on extendable set of arms is cracked and dented, half destroyed. Obaz looks down and perceives a glint and then with a start realizes it is from an eye.. way down in the ice. But this eye is probably 10 feet across. The dragon? ..must be gargantuan in size!

The hole is about 30 feet across, and goes down into darkness pass the edge of view, probably about 100 feet down.

Obaz wildshapes into a large bat while Graxxuzazz sends his familiar a bat and carrying the rodent, the bat flies down to investigate, with party looking on.

Ropes and cables can be seen hanging down on one side, assumedly from gear used by the Black Runes. The two see a tunnel
heading off into darkness at around 100'. It is around 6-8' in height and 10' wide. The druid and sorcerer assume a smaller steam-cannon may have bene lowered to create this smooth sided tunnel.

Dropping off the scrumptious looking rat, Obaz the bat flies further down into the gloom. It seems the tunnel - starting out as ice, turns into a bluish crystalline formed walls, floor and ceiling. Flying another 100' down, Obaz sees massive crystalline scales of the creature, he realizes that the passage above, possibly connected to an arm of the vast creature encased in ice. Continuing to glide down, another 100 feet, the bottom of the shaft is reached. Obaz notes a broken gondola with frayed and torn ropes, other broken wooden beams, more rope and cables, a steam apparatus with dented metal bulbous shape. 2 Black Runes - 1 human and 1 dwarf - bodies charred by the black missile weapons of the insectoids. Assuming the gondola was used by the Black Runes to transport down troops as well as the steam cannon to melt the tunnels in the ice.

Obaz determine he is about chest level on the 'dragon'. Further investigations the druid realizes the creature may not be a dragon.. seemed to be a more humanoid shape, with a dragon-like head.

Meanwhile.. Graxxuzazz's rat explores the icy passage that become crystalline, walls floor and ceiling to the tunnel. There are glowing patches of bulbous carapaces material along the walls, and ceiling. Asif something is growing on the crystalline passages, filled with masses of the bulbous material, as if it is being taken over.  At that point, the Lizard-folk seems to start losing the connection to his familiar, as if it was 'cutting out' or a bad connection'. Graxx realizes he may lose his connection to
his familiar sending the rat forward.

Obaz flies back up and Graxxuzazz summons his familiar to him. Obaz advises the party that he has determined it is not a dragon. More humanoid shaped - a massive 100s of feet tall creature. Plan formed, some use ropes. Gothi activates her boots of spider climbing. Graxxuzazz turns into an air elemental. Kantif slow falls using monkish abilities, while Obaz still a bat floats down and Doc easily with his enhanced giant strength climbs down a rope, feet dangling free. The party all make it successfully to the tunnel and start to move in stealthily. The bulbous carapaces give off a glowing green light so the druid and sorcerer can see a little.

Obaz flits forward as their bat, and hears a commotion ahead of the familiar sounds of the insectoids as well as other more strange sounds. The passage opens up and a battle is in progress ahead.

An automaton - warforged (?) - is being swarmed over by a variety of insectoids. The swarmers scuttle all around and over the large automaton, a hybrid is closer to the druid and a massive scorpion like creature in the rear moves forward to engage as well.

Gothi feels a connection while down here and even a greater connection to this creature. The Fellowship quickly getting ready battle is prepared for and the party engages the creatures.

Calling out to it in her ancient language of the Foreclaimers the ranger tells the autmaton they are here to help.

The battle seems to be going well, the hybrid is killed and many of the swarmers until the scorpion insectoid engages. Shrugging off blows and blasts and shots it hammers on the automaton. Obaz summons a fire elemental to assist in the battle.

Then a buzzing can be heard and large flying insects appear from around the bend.. and another of the scorpion insectoids. 

The battle it seems is just starting.. 

Until next time!

High Outpost - MAPS

 3D Maps of the area [DM: using Dungeon Alchemist]

Bird's eye view of the High Outpost

Dock and buildings

The outpost and tower

The Pyre, and excavation into the ice

The High Outpost of Enstad

 25th Day of LowSummer

The battle starts with Doc pulling his pistol and firing at Vicen the bounty hunter. 

"Click - ffsss" as the gun misfires. Everyone looks on in amazement and surprise. Doc Misty Steps away on to a ridge and quickly starts trying to unjam the pistol. Then Obaz calls down the forces of nature and Blight on the man and the necrotic waves wash over the man as he groans in pain.

Vicen changes before the Fellowship's eyes morphing into a strange humanoid form. The Disguise spell seemingly unable to hold under the affects of the necrotic waves of energy.

Crouching now is a hunched vulture humanoid creature.. wispy dark curls of shadow weaving around the body. A withered claw holds on to a staff as it has a glimmering aura around it.

Vicen starts to cast a spell and Graxusas quickly Counterspells this easily, noting it was some form of dominate directed at Gothi and Obaz. Foiled, the creature snaps its large beak and hisses. Kantif rushes up and takes a dueling poise slashing with his dagger finding a opening in the creature's robes and shoves the dagger deep. As the rogue/monk disengages and runs away a blast of necrotic energy from what seems to be a shadowy shield around Vicen lashes out to do similar damage to a surprised Kantif.  Graxusas then blasts Bounty Hunter with energy and both the humanoid vulture and its tent crash to the ground. Gothi pulls her bow and makes a perfect shot - NAT20 on both stealth and to hit - doing EXTENSIVE [70+] damage to Vicen. The 1st arrow is centre chest and then second arrow in his arm.

Obaz throws another Blight spell which Vicen is able to dodge partially but the continued attacks are wearing the creature down, coughing up black blood. Its eyes glow briefly as it peers at Obaz and the druid seems to enter a daze.. But at this point, Doc pulls his musket out and never happening before it misfires as well! The extreme cold weather flying perhaps affected the gunslinger's weapons as Doc grist his teeth in frustration.. and then seeing  the Fellowship all bearing down on him, Vicen decides living is the best option and Dimension Doors away.. 

The Fellowship realize they have made a very dangerous enemy..

Recovering and resting they find a black metal box as well as the 2 forms under the tarp. A human older man and a younger female dwarf. Both in a coma - Doc, Gothi and Obaz determine that this is a poison - assumedly making it easier for the bounty hunter to transport his captives? Discussion on killing, reviving or keeping them in a coma takes place, until the decision is to awaken.

The grizzled man is a blacksmith and cook named Quiston. The young dwarf - one Bara Closter - a scout and guard. Both are from the Outpost of Enstad at the top of the high mountain pass. The two were part of a scouting party waylaid by Vicen, the rest killed by the efficient and deadly creature. The party is able to spin a tale that the group are a mercenary company called the Rat Catchers [DM Blog update] from Wayberry as well.

Bara and Quiston pass on some good details on the outpost, at least 100 troops dwell there at any one time. An excavation had started before they went on patrol - about a week or more ago the group finally calculate - by Obaz and Gothi's estimation on how the coma poison works. 

Quiston easily and quickly takes on the role of cook and prepares some good stew using various veggies and some meet that Gothi had taken down with her bow. 

Bara advises that in the centre of the frozen lake is a small island. Under the ice locked in its icy grasp

is a gargantuan dragon like creature which Gothi had some connection to. She felt drawn to the area. On the island the party recalls is where the blazing tower is or was, the fiery beacon no longer burns as it did when the Fellowship passed this way previously.. Bara and Quiston are not sure why or what was going on there other than they had heard an excavation down to the creature in the ice had started into the ice using a steam cannon on rails out onto the ice. 

The party makes camp and rests, keeping vigilant for Vicen, but the Bounty hunter - whom was near death - does not make an appearance. Under the destroyed tent a box had bene found which foiled all attempts to open, Obaz taking it as a personal mission to open. After most of the Fellowship had spent some time investigating, Obaz stepped back in frustration. They glanced around at the trees and nature centering themselves, took a deep breath and then glancing back at the box noted a barely visible heraldry on the top(?) of the case. Something rattled around slightly the sound muffled, as the druid slowly picked up the case. Kantif had determined no mechanical traps were on it, and Graxusas had not noted any magical traps but was not sure.

Taking a closer look at the heraldry, a  few members of the Fellowship look troubled as they recognize the sign. They had heard of this group - The Scarlet Brotherhood (DM: Info). A VERY shadowy organization from the South East jungles on the peninsula of Tilvanot (DM: Info). Rumours have said they are allied with the Black Runes, others say they command and control the Black Runes from the shadowy dark behind the Black Lords of the Black Rune Council. 

After some further experimentation, Obaz determines with Doc's help that there are minute traces of

blood along the wavy lines of the heraldry. The druid cuts a finger and they drop the blood into the lines. After a moment, the blood disappears, and they trace the full emblem. "CLICK". As the box opens. A felt-lined case with a bone tube scroll case lies inside. 2 wax seals on the tube, the Black Runes and the Scarlet Brotherhood. What did Vicen the BountyHnter have..? the party discussed further asking both Bara and Quiston, Quiston shrugged not caring, while Bara lamented and cried advising the party that opening this case was a death sentence from the Scarlet Brotherhood. After some persuasion and deception, the two Black Runes seemed to believe the party that there was nothing in there..

Opening the scroll tube in secret, the party unroll a parchment with strange writings on it. Unfortunately none could read it! They were able to determine it was a language of the Underdark: Drow, DarkDwarf, Deep Gnome or some other.. language of the Underworld denizens.

After a restful sleep the party's next stop would be the outpost at the top mountain pass. The party flies over noting the large frozen lake, the shadowy form in the ice - which still has a connection to Gothi. The plume of fire and smoke that was at the tall column of stone on the little island in the middle of the

lake is now out. No light or smoke coming from the once burning pyre that had been lit and never gone out in living memory.. the group circle the column high up, not seeing any movement or activity and then Gothi motions to the group to the Outpost on the lake's edge where a fortified compound and all had originally been the Duchy of Ulek and the Elves of Enstad before being overrun by BlackRunes. Now the area was also deserted, many of the walls destroyed as well as some of the buildings in shambles blackened with soot and rubble.

The Fellowship had devised some hand and call signals for the polymorphed adventurers to communicate with the riders and the group decided to land outside the outpost and investigate first.

Landing all changed back except Obaz, preferring to stay in wyvern form for now with Quiston and Bara both still recovering from the poison coma induced by Vicen. Snow crunching under feet and breath puffing out in the very cold air, the adventurers moved forward cautiously.

The gate was still intact, bit multiple areas of the wall had been blasted out, black with flame or magic..?

Moving to an opening, Doc, Kantif and Gothi slipped through carefully. Then Gothi spied it a crumpled humanoid form near one of the buildings. An orc. Was missing an arm, torso blackened and cauterized, flame or magic again. Another larger form was near the squat tower - an ogre. It was missing a section of one leg thigh to knee. Also black and burned.

Then as she moved forward, Gothi heard sounds from inside the tower. The door and all windows and arrow slits were blocked. The ranger did not understand the language but knew it was goblin. The rest of the party moved up and then after some quiet discussion, Doc knocked on the door, they were friends of the Black Runes, so why not?

There is a shuffling at the door but no response. Then Doc calls out the group is an ally. At this, there are whoops and shout of joy and more and a huge shuffling and banging as it seems many items were moved away from the door. A wounded goblin cracks open the door and grins, saying, "Did you bring a regiment to save us!?"

Doc leans his musket on his shoulder looking down shaking his head, "Nope, there's 7 of us." 

The goblins face falls noticeably and then with a shriek, he motions the group in frantically. "In! Get in here.. before they get you and me!" 

Pulling on their arms, the Fellowship are drawn into the tower.

Inside all the windows and arrow slits are blocked and covered haphazardly with furniture and boxes and more.

A body of an orc lies nearby, one of of her chest blasted, burned and blackened.

The adventurers, hear a tale of strange creatures attacking, ever since the stream crew mining into the ice had reached the gargantuan creature. As well, the burning pyre, which had never gone out in anyone's memory - even an old dwarf recalled back over 300 years - had gone out once they had drilled/melted through the ice to the dragon-like creature. Then the insectoids had come. Taking wounded, bodies and prisoners alive - the Black Rune soldiers screaming as they were dragged away. The insectoid creatures used powerful fire magic that burned and blasted anyone that opposed them. A force of two hundred Black Runes had once guarded the outpost. Now there were less than ten.. Obaz arrives with Bara and Quiston and all are now safe in the tower. 

"No escape we are all going to die!" Moaned the goblin - Greebil - that had let them in. At that moment, a scream is heard from an upper level. All the Black Rune soldiers just cringe and huddle. The Fellowship nod to each other, draw and load weapons and head up the stairs..

It is now quiet and dark.. only the drip-drip-drip of water puddling in the round stairwell.

Gripping weapons, the heroes step cautiously onto the landing. A humanoid is laying in the darkness

ahead, as the light shines from a lantern it is an orc, but there is something wrong.. laying face down something is on the orc's back.. some type of insect which is slowly moving. As Doc moves up slowly, an insectoid body with many legs - some type of centipedal creature over two feet long - is attached to the orc's body, long pincers push in to the orc's neck as the insectoid pulses, with each pulse, the orc's body convulses. Long spindly legs dig into the back of the orc.

Pulling his pistol and cocking the hammer, Doc hesitates noting he may hit the orc too.

Kantif runs passed Doc and stabs the creature on the orcs back with his dagger trying to hit the insectoid to stun it. the blade pierces the insectoid killing it, but also the blade cuts into the spinal column and with a gurgle the orc dies as well. Doc moves forward and peers into each room, pistol at the ready. He notes that the majority of the furniture boxes and other heavier items were taken down to

the ground floor to block windows, arrow slits and the main door. As the gunslinger carefully moves around the circular hall, he sees a goblin on the ground, another of these insectoid creatures on the back, long pincers again around the neck. The body convulses as the insectoid burrows its many spindly legs into the back. Raising his pistol, "CRACK!" a loud gunshot echoes down the circular hallways. A high pitched screech from the creature, and Doc fans the hammer and hits the creature again as it is blasted. The body convulses and the pincers cut through the goblin's neck and starts to bleed out heavily. Doc calls out "There seem to be more of them!"

Gothi goes left and hearing a gasp from a female voice, the ranger moves quickly and quietly down the passage. She sees a horrific sight: an old orc woman tries to hold back a  large creature with a broken
chair. A hybrid centipede-humanoid, with tendrils or antennae coming out of bloody eye sockets, and the wide mouth large mandibles clack and click as it is attacking the old orc woman. In one hand is some sort of what looks to be a hand crossbow - without the bow mechanism. The other clawed hand grasps at the old orc, to try and pull her towards the writing tendrils.

Goth draws an arrow and shoots. the first arrow hits the centipede-humanoid in the shoulder, and then the 2nd shot by the ranger is a again a perfect shot. (DM: NAT20). The 2nd shot takes the creature in its wide open mouth as it was about to sink the long mandibles into the old woman.

The creature shudders gaging on its own blood and is flung back from the force of the shot. Legs and body still moving even though it is dead.

The old orc woman turns to Gothi and thanks the ranger profusely.

As she is about to move towards Gothi, more of the smaller creatures swarm up to her and on top of her. [DM: now called "Swarmers"] Down the other side passage, a number of these swarmers scuttle towards Doc, along the wall, floor and ceiling.

Doc, Gothi and the old orc woman are all being attacked by a number of these creatures. Doc is able to fight off the poison, but one swarmer has climbed up his leg, heading towards the orc's neck. Similarly, Gothi is hit twice and both are climbing the ranger's legs. The orc woman already injured, slumps to the ground under the assault, one oft he swarmers moving along her spine, pincers around her neck. A hybrid-centipede appears around the corner coming towards Doc. Graxxuzzaz moves up, casting

a lightning bolt making it so Doc saves using the lizardfolk's sorcerous power and it blasts all the swarmers and the hybrid-centipede, burned and smoking. One swarmer barely alive is then destroyed and screeching in pain as Graxxuzzaz pulls more of his power to cast a firebolt. 

Obaz, comes around the corner to support Gothi and casts a thornwhip to pull one of the swarmers off the ranger toward the druid. It screeches and chitters as it is tangled in the whip. Kantif moves up, with monkish speed, and then stabs the swarmer tanged in Obaz's thornwhip. The blade easily pierces and kills the wounded insectoid. Darting into the shadows the rogue fades from view.

Doc sees the hybrid ahead, reloading a chamber on his pistol, he moves up. As he does, the hybrid holds up the black metal device, and a blast of dark energy hits Doc. Burning black energy hits the 1/2 orc in the shoulder. Shrugging it off, Doc pulls out his blunderbuss and fires at point blank. A fine yellow mist is what the creature is turned into [DM 168 damage from CRIT and more!]

More swarmers and two of the hybrids attack but are put down by the Fellowship.

The old orc woman is on the ground, in a coma with one of the swarmers on her back, long pincers around the neck, while the many legs are slowly sinking into the back along the spinal column. Fast and very creative medical and nature work by Doc and Obaz with Graxxuzzaz supporting are able to pull off a miracle by killing the swarmer at the moment of removal. The long sharp pincers clack shut but Obaz deftly removes it before it cuts the neck, while Doc surgically removes the many legs burrowing into
the orc's skin. A gasp of pain, surprise and emotion from the old woman as she wakes up momentarily with a smile looks up and then faints.

Gothi notes a hole into the ceiling [DM: red circle] in one of the rooms, seems to be where the creatures are coming through. As the Black Runes had blocked the circular stairwell passage to the next floor. 

Gothi and Kantif make a combined trap on the hole, so any creature coming through is pinned as well as sounds an alarm for the Fellowship and Black Runes to be aware..

Rest or move onwards.. the Fellowship will decide next session.