Flight to Enstad and encounters along the way

 

7th of Reaping

The party, inflight over the mountains towards Enstad have been intercepted by what appears to be a BlackRune wyvern patrol. Wanting them to land for further discussion, the Fellowship have a quick yelled and signal discussion and agree.

Looks to be 4 small white dragons from a distance, then they realize all are wyverns of the BlackRune Katsarlash Dragon Flight. A BR wyvern unit based out of Enstad on patrol.

These are wyverns stained or painted white with one stained blue. [Kantif make history check to glean knowledge of wyvern units that each have a dragon as their name and based on colour stain the wyverns same]

After some discussions and negotiations, the party drink and eat with the BlackRunes. The leader an albino orc named Aramez, seems eager to hear any news. She advises that the BlackRunes have retreated further, basically using the Lortmill mountains as the new front with the demonic forces of IUZ.

North, the forces of Overlord Romack have retreated eastwards further now the front is near the Kron hills, much of the North is now under the Demonic lord's control.

[DM: left of red line is under IUZ control]

1. DragonKeep town

2. Fellowship current location

Aramez, asks the party if the Fellowship can do her a favour as well as pass on the news of the High mountain outpost. Doc and Kantif agree, she passes them a satchel with a scroll tube for a "Lord Siginar". Kantif knows this person is a Dragonborn, navy, from the south of Fax. Interesting - or strange - that a Navy commander of the BlackRune fleets is in Enstad. [DM: Kantif does not advise rest of the party]

Kantif asks if this information is secret, which seems to raise some suspicion in Aramez. Kantif has to decide quickly and provides a name of a Flight unit from Wayberry - BlackRune Dassinar Flight.

A keg is uncorked and some of the party partake in some drinks, Doc does lay of hands [expunging poison], a pungent mulled plum wine, one of the most powerful drinks Doc has tasted. Gothi does not partake. Aramez advises this will keep a drinker warm and Kantif realizes it seems to have a magical property to keep one warm.

The BlackRune flight takes off, saluting the heroes. The party travels onwards and make it over the peaks and down the East side of the mountains seeing large areas of forests as well as darker areas.. these are the once beautiful forests now burnt to the ground. The party makes camp. Gothi does some hunting and takes out a moose and the party dines well on moose meat. 

Graxxuzzaz checked the satchel from Aramez, the lizardfolk does not Large "BR" on both clasps. There does not appear to be any visible magical traps on it. None detected. Laying the bag on the ground, uses a magehand cantrip to open the satchel. Copper metal scroll tube, with a wax seal. The party decides to leave it for now until further tools are acquired. 

Gothi has a dream about F.E.R.A. and the colossus seems to speak with the ranger, "Gothi, I will always be with you.." With a start Gothi wakes up and everything looks to be transparent, she blinks her eyes and shakes her head as a pain shoots behind her eyes. 

During the night watch, about 3AM, Doc receives a message from Skrit. "The Marshall has taken over he town. We are all safe in the mines or hills travelling back to Crescent Moon Monastery. The Marshall has new allies, strange 4-armed creatures, I have never encountered or heard of these. We prepare a counter-attack to retake our town! I hope you all are doing well. Salute."

Doc replies and then morning comes. Flight continues towards Enstad.

The Fellowship see 2 wagons along a track zigzagging up into the mountains.

2 wagons pulled by mules as well as a single horserider can be seen following a narrow track going Southwards off the main road. A closer look will with high perception show both wagons are full of furniture, boxes, and people. One wagon has a broken wheel. 1 wagon is 2-wheeled [not covered] pulled by 3 mules. Stacked high with boxes, chairs, a table, and even what appears to be a large harp wrapped up in a tarp. 4 people huddle on top as well. 2 children, a woman and a lizardfolk holding the reigns. 2nd wagon is 4-wheeled pulled by 5 mules and what appears to be a warhorse in barding. Also stacked with bags, boxes, and furniture, covered. A large heavy crossbow is mounted at front. 2 drivers, human and a dwarf. 

The party land nearby and approach. At first, both parties are wary and then after some greetings, it seems these are refugees from the area in or around, were going towards

The refugees are coming from Enstad when the explosion mushroomed up it destroyed the mountain pass so they have had to turn back and found a small path - they hope - will taken them over the mountains south. The city of Enstad is at WAR.

There appear to be 2 factions:

One is the BlackRunes and the other is a large Undead infestation that surprisingly appears to be well directed and controlled by some intelligence…

The Black Runes hold about just under 1/2 the city. Engaging with undead as and when needed to hold them off but other than a sometimes blocked river causeway, are cut off from outside. The approaching forces of IUZ from the Kron hills to the North is a major concern to all...

The refugees advise they are not associated with the BlackRunes or others. Just trying to get away from the war and all the horror.

After helping with the wheel they hear of a wounded knight in the group.

Keernik [H-M] Keernok [D-M] they are aware of the joke on their name and have worked together for many years as a crew. "Not related" is their 1st comment giving names. 5 other people huddle in back amongst the furniture and boxes. 2 children, 1 baby a teenager and a wounded elf male.

Boen and Boek [twins human boys], Spring [H-F baby] Şefika [H-F], Ser Brancin Tolinnar Zinotrris and ELF male.

Ser Brancin is wounded with a necrotic wound in his chest - a large open wound into his lung that he wheezes and coughs to breathe - defending the refugees.  A gaping hole in his chest shows his beating heart - a powerful undead attack - specter, wight or powerful ghoul. standard magical or normal healing would not be able to have any effect on the powerful curse or similar. Obaz and Doc assist the knight to the point where he is stable but still slipping in and out of consciousness. Gothi is able to provide a poultice as well to assist with his healing. 

The refugees are very grateful. They hear of the town the Fellowship have created and advise on how to get there. They will travel the back roads to try and get there, but it looks like a difficult road but the best option. 

The two lizardfolk meet, as Graxxuzazz recites his many titles, the other - Sillissar is tall and thin. All stop working as the sorcerer listen to the vast list of titles. Sillissar advises he has seen the circus and it is still there! It seems the circus is not quite as good, trying to escape, but due to the exotic creatures and moving them is difficult. They reside at the Golden River Inn [DM: BlogPost].

Kantif asks if any of the refugees have a forgery kit then backtracks to a 'writer's kit'. None do. The party moves on flying again.

That night, they come upon some ruins and make camp. 

During watch, Grax and Kantif hear voices in the dark. Speaking in giant, far from the dark. "Light ahead.. let's take a look."

The head of a giant peers at the group and then battle is engaged and rocks start to fly through into the party in the camp fire.

At first attacking from the dark the party is hampered but then lights and sunlight spell lights up the area. The sorcerer turns one giant into a chicken!

Graxxuzazz polymorphs into his other favourite form - fire giant. gunfire from Doc blast the giants, arrows cut deeply into giant and troll flesh from Gothi's bow. Kantif attacks using sneak attacks and monk abilities to great effect. 

The giants realize to late this is a lost battle and are defeated, except for a shaman whom flees.

The shaman is trying to hide, but Graxxuzazz - in giant form - sees him and lobs a rock at the shaman smashing into his back. Kantiff shadowsteps and races ahead.

Seeing the three coming at him, the giant sees no escape, holds up his large hands and yells, "Truce!"

"Let me live." The giant pleas. 

Graxxuzazz takes negotiations while Doc holds rifle levelled. The shaman, undoes a belt with a shortsword and backpack (dagger and pouch for giant sized). They hand over the chicken - giant. 

They advise the name of the Fellowship and Graxxuzazz lists off his titles to the bemusement of the giant. Honeycomb [Imperial honeycomb 4 chunks - eating this allows is equal to a short rest], various coins and a armlet, crystal in a headband - belt for humanoid size creatures.

Crystal of darkvision [30' vision]

Shortsword of speed, +2

Armlet of intellect, +1 intelligence

Keg of whiskey - Duchy of Ulek

Necklace of tethers of hair from 15 different creatures

The party moves to a new camp and then finishes resting for the night. Flying again, they near Enstad.. 

Fera and the Insectoid Swarm

 6th of Reaping

The heroes have a little time to converse and realize that Khore-1 had control over FERA. Gothi is able to heal JawBone.

All take some time to catch their breath.

Gothi advises the party of her vivid but strange memories flooding back of her culture and more. It seems FERA was a servant, construct created by the Foreclaimers. It seems overtime, FERA had become a god to the caretakers.

FERA seems upbeat and different now no longer under control of Khore-1. She seems wounded or still troubled by something.. perhaps it is the insectoids infesting her body. FERA advises that she is dying. as the insectoids had taken over 95% of  her body.

Doc puts forth an idea to have FERA take over the flying keep, but at this point with unfortunately 

At this point, Obaz and Graxxuzazz hear sounds coming form the two long walkways behind them.. Swarmers. A LARGE number of swarmers are coming quickly.

FERA advises Gothi of 2 options. 

"All you need is your Khore, Gothi. You can fight as FERA. Or I must destroy myself." At this point a shard of pulsing blue crystal dripping gold comes out of the golden sphere. Gothi reaches out and touches it. It disappears into the ranger. Gothi is fully healed, rested and looks better than she ever has!

FERA advises that the battle would take years to remove the insectoid infestation. Also, Gothi realizes FERA can remove the anti-magic area around her. At this point, Swarmers start to flow up both walkways. All party members feel a rush as they have full access to their magic. Full access to spells, magic AND their gods.

"Gothi you must decide."

Gothi feels that the self-destruct will destroy all of FERA as well as surrounding area. Including the outpost and area.

FERA needs time to prepare the self destruct, transporting the party out of the area.

Battle.

A spikegrowth from Obaz on one walkway, and then a web from Graxxuzazz across a large area of the 2nd walkway slow down the insectoids drastically allowed the party to destroy many of the creatures as they move closer and closer.

Doc and others target one of the Masters, and this slows the hordes of swarmers down. Doc moves up to take what looks like the core from what was Khore-1.

Kantif and Graxxuzazz uses spells and bow to take out the insectoid flies as they avoid the dangerous areas. Some of the swarmers make it through but so far the party is holding them off. 

Obaz summons some zombies using a magic item from Grax and send them forward to slow the horde down. Hybrid insectoids are firing the Foreclaimer blaster pistols. Grax fires a lighting bolt frying two of the flying insectoids. [DM: a summoned rat is also in battle!]

All are low or out of spells, low on hit points and the swarmers continue to come. The flow of them increases..

And then the Insectoid Queen arrives.

Tendrils coming out of the all extremities, mouth, eyes, nose, ears, she jumps forward over 40 feet. A blast of energy vibrates out and hits all the Fellowship coming from her. Gothi continues to assist FERA in preparing the self-destruct and teleport.

The Queen focuses her attacks on Gothi. Necrotic energy blasts hit the ranger and as the swarmers nearly are about to overcome them..

..the party is transported OUT of FERA into the wilderness on a ridge. Looking down at the outpost. Blue light shoots out of the cracks in the ice and for a moment the party have a view of the top part of FERA's body as waves of insectoids flow over and through the colossus. A MASSIVE blue sphere blasts out in all directions blinding the party and all get knocked back. WHHHUUUMMMPP!!

A mushroom cloud of debris and dust is seen and settles slowly. A vast crater now is located where the outpost, lake, and where FERA and the insectoids were. All gone.

They had done it. Gothi is holding on to a large glass blue scale or shard as well from the outer body/armour of FERA.

After a long rest, the party hear from Skrit and the BETA crew at their town. It seems they had no contact due to the magic block in FERA. It has been under attack by the Marshall Drogarr. [DM: BlogPost ]. Skrit and crew are able to escape into the mines for now. The party decides they need to finish their mission and let the BETA crew take this challenge on to retake their town! They ask Skrit to stay in touch. [DM: ahead we will have a return of the BETA crew!]

it the party contact the mysterious voice through the coin. Grax casts identify on it to activate the audio connection. It seems this entity knows where the Heart of Enstad. After some discussion they find out this is a Professor in Fax. They get some interesting information from this man. Perhaps a visit if they make it to the town of Fax. They confirm the Heart of Enstad has not moved, it is located in Enstad and the Sea of Dust. It seems it is still being used to flow water into the Sea of Dust where there is an expedition of Black Runes. It is in a central area there. Passing on the scale or shard armour to the professor by placing the coin on it and it disappears. 

Taking flight, the Fellowship move towards Enstad. While flying they see a flight of what look to be small dragons or wyverns. It seems to be a Black Rune patrol. Yelling back and forth the Fellowship advise they are mercenaries under employ. The leader female 1/2 orc, motions for the party to land..  

Until next time..

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!