Heroes
Connal Ragnirsson - Jarecki
Jarod - Jacek
Ren Howl - Adrian
Steven - Leon
Heroes stepped once more into a portal. They chose to arrive in ruins of Al-Asif, one year after it's fall. What they found, were a ruins of once domain enclave. Party made camp among the devastated towers and walls. Surrounding country looked the same as they remembered it. While heroes prepared for night, Steven tried to reach Iolaum via magical crystal but instead found no one linked to it.It was definitely strange, but wizard concluded it could be connected to magical whirlpools or changes in time passage.
It was about midnight, during Connal's watch, when he saw something disturbing. All around lights and shades were creating. Transparent at first, they solidified and became more substantial. When he awoke rest of party, streets and houses were visible. Ghostly human figures moved around, carrying about their business. When party readied themselves, all around them was Al-Asif again, reliving it's last day of existence. Connal tried contact spectral humans, but was pierced by cold and grave chill. when heroes discussed, what should they do, Ren saw that Al-Asif inhabitants began to notice them. soon crowd gathered around and murmur spread, saying" It's them!" Heroes decided it is time to flee. Steven cast a teleport spell and transported whole group to village, where he spent some of his pastimes.
It turned out, village was small, clean, peaceful community. while heroes mad a big entrance, materialising inside inn, they were quickly accepted, served meals and rented rooms. After a full night rest heroes decided to contact Jamal and find out, how to meet Iolaum one more time. Arcanist has not responded immediately. Instead, next morning he sent heroes familiar looking box with scroll. It was spell of teleportation to fixed location. Alas, it has not worked as intended.
After completing the spell, heroes found themselves in dark cave. At first glance there were no exit but soon the found a passage, leading to much larger chamber. Flying familiar reported strange things: valley, fields of wheat, river in middle of cave, along with the village. Soon heroes found that land too. They speculated it could be an illusion or pocket plane but came to no conclusion. Instead they found village and it's inhabitants. All butchered without mercy. Connal ordered burial and for few hours heroes gathered dead bodies. When they finished task and were cleaning themselves, Jarod heard cries for help. From underneath pile of dead he rescued a girl. Stiff and scarred she was alive... at leas she looked like living being, until she tried to tear rouge's throat. Suddenly all of dead rose and attacked heroes.
It was first combat on such a scale. Connal was channelling positive energy time after time and Steven burned marching dead with area blasting spells. While Jarod and Ren fought single enemies, it was area effects that allowed heroes to defeat undead. When finished with wights, heroes moved on and found a corridor, leading up. There was a steamy, hot and humid air coming from it and soon the emerged in middle of... jungle. Travel through it was difficult but proved to be fruitful. In swamps heroes found tracks of village butchers. It was one big hove like of oversized bull. Before the had time to inspect it, whole party was attacked and swallowed by giant fly-trap. It's poisonous lashes stroke, flowers tried to devour heroes but once again magic and fists proved to be able to defeat even most inhuman monster. What more, inside of i's stalk was a half digested, winged Minotaur.
Soon heroes escaped from savage garden and found a gazebo with teleportation circle. It was place the were meant to arrive but for some reasons spell had malfunctioned. Reaching gazebo was not a finish of adventure. In halls of place above it a viscous battle raged. Human screams mixed with bull-like bellowing. Waves of magical energies engulfed a crystal dome above great hall. At first heroes dealt with blood-mad Minotaurs. They were brutal adversaries but spells and arms felled them one by one. After dispatching three of ravening monsters, heroes moved upward and soon arrived on balcony.
Upon a platform a raven-haired man with beard, fought a hard fight using waves of magic in way, no hero except of Steven has witnessed. It was magic in Netheril's Arcanist way and it's target was flying warship. contrary to "Sky Mill" it used balloons and sails to raise into air. Before heroes had chance to join combat, it was struck down and cast out of heavens.
Meeting with mysterious wizard had place after mess was cleaned and wounded treated. To heroes (and players!) surprise he introduced himself as Iolaum, tutor of Jamal and first among Netherils's Arcanists. He had no recollection of heroes, claimed never met them and certainly hadn't given them crystal. He explained the war was waging between Arcanists and Grey Wraith, who crowned himself emperor of Magic. In reality it was petty magician, even not considered Arcanist, but with sheer of luck or moreover lies and intrigue he came into possession Cylinder of Nether. It was stuff of pure magic, potent artefact, able to redefine laws of Wave and magic. With it he was trying to usurp rule over Netheril.
Heroes in meantime explained (once more), why they came to Netheril. Iolaum deduced the can join forces and solve their problems at once. If heroes were able to take possession of Cylinder of Nether and removed it from Netheril, it would not threaten it's magical nature. What's more, if they define magic according to their desire, the would be able to prevent Spellplague, save Mystra or even halt colliding worlds. The only obstacle wa Carlin the Grey or isn't him, like Ren deducted?
Friday 27 May 2011
Tuesday 24 May 2011
Third birthday!
It just occurred to me, exactly three years ago we met at Adrian's place, discussed things with Terence, Jarecki and our generous host.Happy birthday!
I thought I'll share some thoughts about running campaign, Pathfinder, Forgotten Realms but on a second thought, I'll do it when campaign will be closed.
I thought I'll share some thoughts about running campaign, Pathfinder, Forgotten Realms but on a second thought, I'll do it when campaign will be closed.
Chapter Six: Netheril - Session 44 - All the petty lies of Carlin the Grey part 1 of 3
Heroes
Connal Ragnirsson - Jarecki
Jarod - Jacek
Ren Howl - Adrian
Steven - Leon
Elaya - Dagmara
Fall of al-Azif was terrible disaster, that rocked and shocked not only earth itself but magical energies of the Weave as well. Mythallar exploded and in one instant many living beings cried out in fear and perished. Form of the wind saved heroes from death but their essence was dispersed and it took some time for them to recuperate. When they finally did it a servant girl guided heroes to door, behind which was a huge, vaulted chamber. And material world. There they were met by middle-age, ordinary man, whose aura of power was unmistakeable. He introduced himself as Iolaum and guided heroes to library and office.
Asking many questions and listening patiently, Iolaum learned of heroes' deeds and adventures. He was very inquisitive concerning fall of Al-Asif and interested in many topics, alas he was not able to hear anything about Netheril's future. Finally reaching Faerun's most learned sage, heroes were granted with an opportunity to ask questions, the answers for which they were seeking for. Iolaum had not granted straight and immediate answer. He admitted he needs time to find answers. In exchange he asked for little help in acquiring a relic long lost, he located. To guide heroes during this adventure, he introduced Elaya, an elven arcane archer, who was his aide.
When heroes agreed, the were teleported and found themselves in desert. All around there were cliffs and sand and in a skyline tall mountains were visible. Heroes moved on and soon a ruined city appeared. In rock walls that encircled it were cut temples and building, worming deep inside mountain. heroes began to poke around ruins, finding traces of struggle and desperate defence. At one pint they stumbled upon a ritual bath and sensed, that their mere presence was a blasphemy to that place.
Deciding there is nothing to gain here, party moved on and climbed up mountain. Atop of it was huge boulder, blocking way inside. After removing it, one by one heroes descended into cavern below. There they found six mummified corpses in strange tiaras, bearded and all male. Behind them was corridor: low, narrow and uneven. Here and there were even smaller corridors more like tubes, leading to very cramped cells. Everywhere there were almost no furniture or any items. Also there were no sign of religious symbols, arcane items or any other things like that. Finally heroes discovered a large chamber. Large in sense of that barren, narrow dungeon. It was room about twenty feet long and wide with simple altar and no other furniture. Heroes began search for hidden passages, items left or traps, even watering down the floor. When it froze to ice, it was sure sign, something bad was happening.
Suddenly all around there were full of apparitions and phantoms. Bearded, harsh and stern faces gleamed with hatred on trespassers and blasphemers. Everything that heroes had seen leaded to conclusion that some orthodox and strict sect had taken place here. Ghosts of those monks attacked in silence only grave chill of their presence speaking of their power. Moreover Connal's holy power seemed to be ineffective, fortunately ordinary weapons and Steven's spells still had effect.
After defeating congregation, Jarod searched chamber once more and found secret doors. Another narrow and low corridor led to chamber well below. there was prize, heroes and Iolaum sought: a tall, magical cylinder engulfed in calm blue light. Ren, Connal and Jarod inspected it, finding it covered with some strange marks, letters and hieroglyphs. they called Steven and Elaya and then all the hell broke loose. when wizard closed in, cylinder began to spin, emanating bright light. Steven retreated above but cylinder spun faster and faster. He contacted Iolaum via small crystal but he was not able to help. Heroes tried do something but had no idea what to and when they began withdraw, a blinding light exploded.
Next thing the saw was fire. It was everywhere around, burning and devouring everything on it's path. Heroes ran through long walkway. finally they got from hellish chamber to find themselves in broodingly familiar place. It was cave leading to gate, they used to travel to Netheril. Apparently magical auras thrown them back to their time. Deciding the want explore what happened, heroes ventured outside. to their surprise they have not found "Sky Mill"! Flying ship was gone and nowhere to be seen. What more curious and disturbing, seeds Ren had been planting had grown into thin, young trees. It was obvious that something bad happened. Heroes decided it was their duty to finish whole affair and after rest descended one more time and crossed portal again.
Connal Ragnirsson - Jarecki
Jarod - Jacek
Ren Howl - Adrian
Steven - Leon
Elaya - Dagmara
Fall of al-Azif was terrible disaster, that rocked and shocked not only earth itself but magical energies of the Weave as well. Mythallar exploded and in one instant many living beings cried out in fear and perished. Form of the wind saved heroes from death but their essence was dispersed and it took some time for them to recuperate. When they finally did it a servant girl guided heroes to door, behind which was a huge, vaulted chamber. And material world. There they were met by middle-age, ordinary man, whose aura of power was unmistakeable. He introduced himself as Iolaum and guided heroes to library and office.
Asking many questions and listening patiently, Iolaum learned of heroes' deeds and adventures. He was very inquisitive concerning fall of Al-Asif and interested in many topics, alas he was not able to hear anything about Netheril's future. Finally reaching Faerun's most learned sage, heroes were granted with an opportunity to ask questions, the answers for which they were seeking for. Iolaum had not granted straight and immediate answer. He admitted he needs time to find answers. In exchange he asked for little help in acquiring a relic long lost, he located. To guide heroes during this adventure, he introduced Elaya, an elven arcane archer, who was his aide.
When heroes agreed, the were teleported and found themselves in desert. All around there were cliffs and sand and in a skyline tall mountains were visible. Heroes moved on and soon a ruined city appeared. In rock walls that encircled it were cut temples and building, worming deep inside mountain. heroes began to poke around ruins, finding traces of struggle and desperate defence. At one pint they stumbled upon a ritual bath and sensed, that their mere presence was a blasphemy to that place.
Deciding there is nothing to gain here, party moved on and climbed up mountain. Atop of it was huge boulder, blocking way inside. After removing it, one by one heroes descended into cavern below. There they found six mummified corpses in strange tiaras, bearded and all male. Behind them was corridor: low, narrow and uneven. Here and there were even smaller corridors more like tubes, leading to very cramped cells. Everywhere there were almost no furniture or any items. Also there were no sign of religious symbols, arcane items or any other things like that. Finally heroes discovered a large chamber. Large in sense of that barren, narrow dungeon. It was room about twenty feet long and wide with simple altar and no other furniture. Heroes began search for hidden passages, items left or traps, even watering down the floor. When it froze to ice, it was sure sign, something bad was happening.
Suddenly all around there were full of apparitions and phantoms. Bearded, harsh and stern faces gleamed with hatred on trespassers and blasphemers. Everything that heroes had seen leaded to conclusion that some orthodox and strict sect had taken place here. Ghosts of those monks attacked in silence only grave chill of their presence speaking of their power. Moreover Connal's holy power seemed to be ineffective, fortunately ordinary weapons and Steven's spells still had effect.
After defeating congregation, Jarod searched chamber once more and found secret doors. Another narrow and low corridor led to chamber well below. there was prize, heroes and Iolaum sought: a tall, magical cylinder engulfed in calm blue light. Ren, Connal and Jarod inspected it, finding it covered with some strange marks, letters and hieroglyphs. they called Steven and Elaya and then all the hell broke loose. when wizard closed in, cylinder began to spin, emanating bright light. Steven retreated above but cylinder spun faster and faster. He contacted Iolaum via small crystal but he was not able to help. Heroes tried do something but had no idea what to and when they began withdraw, a blinding light exploded.
Next thing the saw was fire. It was everywhere around, burning and devouring everything on it's path. Heroes ran through long walkway. finally they got from hellish chamber to find themselves in broodingly familiar place. It was cave leading to gate, they used to travel to Netheril. Apparently magical auras thrown them back to their time. Deciding the want explore what happened, heroes ventured outside. to their surprise they have not found "Sky Mill"! Flying ship was gone and nowhere to be seen. What more curious and disturbing, seeds Ren had been planting had grown into thin, young trees. It was obvious that something bad happened. Heroes decided it was their duty to finish whole affair and after rest descended one more time and crossed portal again.
Thursday 19 May 2011
Chapter Six: Netheril - Session 43 - One thousand and first night
This is second of reports that should be posted long ago, but I had no time or rather no will to write them. This is issue I'd like discuss in greater detail in a future here or on on my other blog.
Heroes
Heroes
Connal Ragnirsson - Jarecki
Jarod - Jacek
Steven - Leon
Heroes were set free to their own devices and left to live as they please. With Steven help they mad way around a city. It was full of shadowy squares, white, flat topped houses, minarets, secret gardens and bazaars full of wares and merchants. While city was bursting with activity and everywhere was common day magic seen, party was still keen to find and meet Iolaum. At first the wanted to meet with reigning arcanist Al-Asif, but it turned out that his palace was locked and guards turned everybody off. Moreover nobody cam out of it and nobody went inside for weeks.
Despite several attempts, heroes were not able to enter it. Walls were guarded by magical wards, palace watchmen, but something sinister was in the air. After much deliberation, there was a suggestion to seek other arcanist. Steven happened to know one, that lived outside of palace. He led his new friends to his compartments, hidden deep in the luxurious districts of city.
What they found, exceeded their expectations. Arcanist Jamal was lying on his bed, shaking and trembling. Around it was a protection circle drawn and ashes of scroll were scattered on bed. A careful search proved, that he cast a spell called Astral Projection and ventured outside. It was obvious that something went terribly wrong. Search proved to be fruitful, Jarod found a case that contained a second copy of spell. Heroes decided the do not want to venture into Astral Sea and called Jamal back. After feeding and taking care of him he revealed that he had tried enter a palace but failed. Something terrible and evil happened there. Wards were still strong and kept something inside, but it was matter of time, when the will have fail.
Heroes decided it is their turn to act. The made agreement with Jamal, that he will teleports them to Yolaum's enclave but first the wanted to inspect situation inside palace. They were to meet at dawn and leave Al-Asif despite their findings.
Getting into palace was no small task, but heroes succeeded in it. Inside they found a living hell of people dying in most inhuman ways, working themselves to death, living in constant fear and terror. In main chamber, a former throne room, the found a large table and crude gate. Dome above it was shattered and moon shone on table. It was a Midnight Clock and upon it's flat cadran there were many strange, mysterious and blaspheme symbols inscribed. Soon somebody approached, so heroes hid. It was lean and tall an with little, pig-like eyes and thin beard. He was constantly murmuring under his breath of greatness he will achieve, glories he deserves and enemies that plague him. while he was about to perform some magical ritual on Midnight Clock, hereoes took action.
It was Ren who attacked first, stunning mysterious figure. Seconds later Jarod sneak-attacked him twice and Connal finished enemy, calling a column of holy fire. In that last moment it became obvious that petty magician was weak and almost devoid of magical craft. Carlin the Grey, because it was him, died on knees, slain in less than one round! But it was too soon to celebrate victory. Moon's ray was travelling around clock and something else came through the door. It was bloated and overgrown, mutated and malformed man, arcanist and lord Al-Asif. Flesh was his, bot no will or soul. His body was shell, a merely vessel for demon, who erupted from inside and furiously attacked heroes. It was Chain Devil, who had been summoned by arcanist and broke free. His intention was to come back to his hellish home and when the gate opened, he went there but Connal, keen on finishing him, anchored demon and drawn back to city. More fierce fight erupted and than something became apparent.
enclaves as flying cities are known are linked to their creators. Mythalls that give them magical energies to exists are directly linked to their creators. with Al-Azif horrible death, whole magic was gone. City has crumbled and fell down to earth. It was desperate fight, heroes had to defeat demon, before city smashes to the ground. Just before it crashed down, demon's mortal part was killed, Connal transformed his friends into ghosts and flying city smashed into ground, destroyed forever!
Tuesday 17 May 2011
Chapter Six: Netheril - Session 42 - The Green Shadow part 3 of 3
This report is a first of series much delayed posts, I hope write during this week. As we are going to play this week, I'd like to catch-up, before memory will fail me. This meeting took place on March 12th and was strange one. first of all we introduced Leon to party and have been waiting for Jarecki, whose duties kept from playing. All in all, session was brief and segmented.
Heroes
Connal Ragnirsson - Jarecki
Jarod - Jacek
Ren Howl - Adrian
Steven - Leon
Last mission laid before party was a Winter Tale. Heroes returned to a castle, only to find it in ruins. There was chill in the air and coldness all around. Heave snow covered all country and only crows and wolves were left for company. Ren decided to scout ahead while Jarod looked for camping site. After much deliberation, the decided to go into marshlands, where they suspected winter's Queen dwelled. From what they heard, Isandrea, bitter over quarrel with Syntira and mourning his late husband, joined hag coven.
That night, under a full moon, the caught glimpse of wicked shape moving between trees. Soon Jarod found a huge cauldron and to their horror heard childish screams from inside it. When trio of hags gathered around it, it was composed of creatures they have encountered during their previous adventures, and when the lit fire under a bowl, reluctantly Jarod and Ren attacked.
Playing their speed and manoeuvrability, heroes were able to rescue cooked children and slay all wicked women. Just when the last of them was killed, Winter Queen appeared. In the same moment Jarecki returned in words and diplomacy, that are Connal's field of expertise, he calmed her anger and explained situation. when Queen agreed she led heroes to castle high in mountains and while she walked, spring has returned. Soon after also fay came out of hiding and castle was full of laughter again. Called by it, Syntira appeared to reunite with her mother. Heroes have succeeded, all wrongs were repaired.
With their quest completed, heroes returned to crossroads and found, that they also freed twins from their task. After an awkward farewell, party set out to tree-gate. There they one more time met with Isandrea, Kiander's ghost and Syntira. They thanked one more time and shown a way back to Netheril.
What heroes found out after returning, was a thick, ancient and verdant forest. There was almost no trace after Falcon's Hollow and Siriana was barely a small fishing village. Wandering around those wilds heroes came to realisation, that correcting events in Green Shadow had an impact on Prime Material world too.
While staying in Siriana, they were witness to sight incredible and fascinating. Sky darkened on midday and floating city swam across the blue sky. Soon winged riders descended to see, what has happened. Arcanist Al-Azif of Al-Azif domain wanted to inspect sudden reformation of land. Heroes were taken high above to city, where they were questioned and allowed to stay in a city. Their guide was also newcomer, a wizard Steven, whom they met.
Steven - Leon
Last mission laid before party was a Winter Tale. Heroes returned to a castle, only to find it in ruins. There was chill in the air and coldness all around. Heave snow covered all country and only crows and wolves were left for company. Ren decided to scout ahead while Jarod looked for camping site. After much deliberation, the decided to go into marshlands, where they suspected winter's Queen dwelled. From what they heard, Isandrea, bitter over quarrel with Syntira and mourning his late husband, joined hag coven.
That night, under a full moon, the caught glimpse of wicked shape moving between trees. Soon Jarod found a huge cauldron and to their horror heard childish screams from inside it. When trio of hags gathered around it, it was composed of creatures they have encountered during their previous adventures, and when the lit fire under a bowl, reluctantly Jarod and Ren attacked.
Playing their speed and manoeuvrability, heroes were able to rescue cooked children and slay all wicked women. Just when the last of them was killed, Winter Queen appeared. In the same moment Jarecki returned in words and diplomacy, that are Connal's field of expertise, he calmed her anger and explained situation. when Queen agreed she led heroes to castle high in mountains and while she walked, spring has returned. Soon after also fay came out of hiding and castle was full of laughter again. Called by it, Syntira appeared to reunite with her mother. Heroes have succeeded, all wrongs were repaired.
With their quest completed, heroes returned to crossroads and found, that they also freed twins from their task. After an awkward farewell, party set out to tree-gate. There they one more time met with Isandrea, Kiander's ghost and Syntira. They thanked one more time and shown a way back to Netheril.
What heroes found out after returning, was a thick, ancient and verdant forest. There was almost no trace after Falcon's Hollow and Siriana was barely a small fishing village. Wandering around those wilds heroes came to realisation, that correcting events in Green Shadow had an impact on Prime Material world too.
While staying in Siriana, they were witness to sight incredible and fascinating. Sky darkened on midday and floating city swam across the blue sky. Soon winged riders descended to see, what has happened. Arcanist Al-Azif of Al-Azif domain wanted to inspect sudden reformation of land. Heroes were taken high above to city, where they were questioned and allowed to stay in a city. Their guide was also newcomer, a wizard Steven, whom they met.
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