Eyre 19th, Zor, 998 Y.K. (continued)
Katerina suddenly falls into a blank state, a few moments later she comes to and explains that she has just had a vision.
*Katerina comments
All of a sudden the darkness was washed away and I was standing on a vast plain amidst the cyclopean ruins of a city that was lost hundreds of millenia ago. Above me in the endless silver sky a dark vortex swirled, drawing in the faint whisps of cloud and dust that hang in the atmosphere. Orbiting this vast and distant vortex was a single dark speck almost imperceptible in its distance.
Surrounding the ruins were countless emaciated humanoids with skin ranging in colour from black to white and all hues that lie between, a low sonorous chant droned steadily forward from their masked faces. As they raised their faces to the sky, the tendrils that could be seen from behind their masks began to writhe frantically.
The ground began to erupt as decayed hands reached from the barren earth, and from the cracked ground crawled all the creatures that accompany decay; centipedes, flies, maggots, spiders and all types of vermin.
Almost in unison with the crescendo of the humanoids the centre of the ruined city erupted and a great creature with a scorpion-like body and an almost indescribable countenance burst forth and began to devour the humanoids.
The object orbiting the vortex grew in size with each consumption and swirled into the whirling clouds before disappearing from view.
Then there was simply nothing.......
1.00 p.m.
The heroes have spent some time checking over the new equipment that they have found. They have also dragged the bodies of the fallen adventuring party to the room that once served as a kitchen. Here they erect a crude pyre, as the flames begin to lick about the wood, Katerina speaks a brief prayer for their souls and as the fire begins to take and the smoke begins to thicken the party close the door and bid the "Lightbearers" safe travels in their new existence.
Anvil collapses. Everyone shows concern and begin examining him but he regains composure in a few moments.
*Anvil comments
The world about you suddenly falls away, like paint running from a water-colour on a rainy day.
You are suddenly bathed in light and your senses are filled with the gentle hum of magic. As you step forward you see, for the first time, your creator. He smiles as he looks you over, walking around you with eyes filled with pride.
Glancing towards the man you came to know as master he says, "This one is special Devlin, take great care of him his potential is strong."
Once more the world swims and you are standing on the plains, far behind you the collection of buildings that housed the Cannith forges stand silent, hidden by the rocky outcrops that border the plains. To the east, over the plains and hills you are aware of an gathered army, ready for battle. As the sun gradually descends behind you, you hear the ring of steel far in the distance and the sounds of war reach you. Looking down you are surrounded by a ring of nine children, all under the age of two. With fear in their eyes they turn their faces upwards and watch as as the sky begins to burn, as they do so a fog rises from the ground about your feet, enveloping you in its obscuration. You hear voices nearby calling to the children and as you look down into their pleading eyes one steps forward on legs unaccustomed to walking, leaning down you take the child in your arms and as you lift him from the ground he whispers one word as he touches your Ghulra, "Dream....."
The light from the sky intensifies and the children one by one simply vanish before it engulfs you, taking your sight and once more leaving you in darkness, the world you are familiar drifts back into focus.
Anvil collapses. Everyone shows concern and begin examining him but he regains composure in a few moments.
*Anvil comments
The world about you suddenly falls away, like paint running from a water-colour on a rainy day.
You are suddenly bathed in light and your senses are filled with the gentle hum of magic. As you step forward you see, for the first time, your creator. He smiles as he looks you over, walking around you with eyes filled with pride.
Glancing towards the man you came to know as master he says, "This one is special Devlin, take great care of him his potential is strong."
Once more the world swims and you are standing on the plains, far behind you the collection of buildings that housed the Cannith forges stand silent, hidden by the rocky outcrops that border the plains. To the east, over the plains and hills you are aware of an gathered army, ready for battle. As the sun gradually descends behind you, you hear the ring of steel far in the distance and the sounds of war reach you. Looking down you are surrounded by a ring of nine children, all under the age of two. With fear in their eyes they turn their faces upwards and watch as as the sky begins to burn, as they do so a fog rises from the ground about your feet, enveloping you in its obscuration. You hear voices nearby calling to the children and as you look down into their pleading eyes one steps forward on legs unaccustomed to walking, leaning down you take the child in your arms and as you lift him from the ground he whispers one word as he touches your Ghulra, "Dream....."
The light from the sky intensifies and the children one by one simply vanish before it engulfs you, taking your sight and once more leaving you in darkness, the world you are familiar drifts back into focus.
The group head back the way they came to the Inner Sanctum (50) and head down the tunnel. The tunnel is reasonably well travelled and after about 75 feet the tunnel splits, the main tunnel carries on and the sound of crashing water can be heard ahead. A less well travelled and more natural looking passage through the rock carries the rich smell of sea air and the cold wind of the sea, the party head down this tunnel.
It is not long before the group see the cold light of day and the grim storm that rages outside, the tunnel emerges on the face of the cliff and the party take some respite in a more 'natural' environment.
*Ajax comments
After the unatural darkness and oppressive atmosphere of the mine, even a cold day and a storm are a welcome touch of nature in a unnatural place. Ajax as a shifter is partially beast and feels the atmosphere of the mines especially, though Kapek who grew up on the open plains also seems badly effected both by the atmosphere and the enclosed space of the mine.
*Anvil comments
Anvil indeed delights in the cold rain drops splashing against his Adamantine plates and ash toned living wood. He also marvels at the many changes and different places the world has to offer him, most of his time and memories are of the heat and grime of the Cogs deep within the bowels of Sharn. Exploring forests and caves seeing the vastness of the ocean before him, Anvil wonders what other sights will be seen and exotic places he will travel to.
A grappling is secured at the tunnel mouth, over the edge of the cliff a rope hangs to more easily scalable rocks below. The keen eyes of Lorric and Anvil spy a rope tethered to a rock by the crashing waves at the waterline. It is not apparent whether or not there was perhaps a boat tied here. Looking about the rocks far below they can see remains of many ship wrecks, broken masts and the like crash into the sharp rocks at the foot of the cliff.
*Ajax comments
After the unatural darkness and oppressive atmosphere of the mine, even a cold day and a storm are a welcome touch of nature in a unnatural place. Ajax as a shifter is partially beast and feels the atmosphere of the mines especially, though Kapek who grew up on the open plains also seems badly effected both by the atmosphere and the enclosed space of the mine.
*Anvil comments
Anvil indeed delights in the cold rain drops splashing against his Adamantine plates and ash toned living wood. He also marvels at the many changes and different places the world has to offer him, most of his time and memories are of the heat and grime of the Cogs deep within the bowels of Sharn. Exploring forests and caves seeing the vastness of the ocean before him, Anvil wonders what other sights will be seen and exotic places he will travel to.
A grappling is secured at the tunnel mouth, over the edge of the cliff a rope hangs to more easily scalable rocks below. The keen eyes of Lorric and Anvil spy a rope tethered to a rock by the crashing waves at the waterline. It is not apparent whether or not there was perhaps a boat tied here. Looking about the rocks far below they can see remains of many ship wrecks, broken masts and the like crash into the sharp rocks at the foot of the cliff.
2.30 p.m.
Having had some time to enjoy the fresh air, and make suppositions as to why the rope is here, they decide to head back into the caves and take the tunnel that leads to the sound of crashing water.
The Lake Level
The Cave Entrance (1)
The temperature drops substantially and the air takes on dampness. Ahead of you the sound of crashing water booms through the tunnel. The narrow passage you are travelling along widens out into a 15 foot wide platform that overlooks a huge lake filling a natural cavern.
Water from the river above gushes through the ceiling here in a spectacular display of mist and dim blue light. The heavy rains over the past few days have swollen the river and so the force of the water here seems to be particularly amplified.
Around the edges of the lake are walkways some 10 feet above the water level, and dotted throughout the lake are huge natural pillars that connect to the walkways by natural arched bridges. The who area is illuminated with dim light, Kapek surmises it is emitted by natural glowing algae that has grown on the bed of the lake.
*Anvil comments
Anvil is pleased to have his halfling friend with him and hopes to learn much about the natural world from him.
*Anvil comments
Anvil is pleased to have his halfling friend with him and hopes to learn much about the natural world from him.
As the cavern is entered the darkness that has hampered the party this far becomes even worse, movement becomes even more hampered as the darkness takes form, tenebrous tendrils reach out from shadowy areas to pull at the group, the pervasive feeling of being observed becomes ever worse and their limbs feel tired and sluggish. A dark intellect fills the air.
(All players are now at -3 attack/damage/AC, movement is reduced by 10ft., light sources are one quarter as effective. Thoughts become distracted, concentration is difficult. Any activity that requires any kind of coherent thought requires a Concentration check DC 20 to even attempt.)
*Ajax comments
The atmosphere worsens and Ajax weapons seem heavier and his strength sapped by the foul atmposphere of this place. Even worse the tentacled goblins seem to be getting bigger. Well aware of the fate of the LightBearers and the other group the group wonder how far they dare push on. The matter is discussed but no firm conclusion come to. All feel, though for different reasons, (duty, reputation, stubborness, compassion) that they should push on.
(All players are now at -3 attack/damage/AC, movement is reduced by 10ft., light sources are one quarter as effective. Thoughts become distracted, concentration is difficult. Any activity that requires any kind of coherent thought requires a Concentration check DC 20 to even attempt.)
*Ajax comments
The atmosphere worsens and Ajax weapons seem heavier and his strength sapped by the foul atmposphere of this place. Even worse the tentacled goblins seem to be getting bigger. Well aware of the fate of the LightBearers and the other group the group wonder how far they dare push on. The matter is discussed but no firm conclusion come to. All feel, though for different reasons, (duty, reputation, stubborness, compassion) that they should push on.
The party head out across the bridges of the nearest pillars and look out onto the beach ahead. They can make out many strange effigies crafted from driftwood, rags and other organic materials, that litter the beach. These bizarre designs look as though they may have some kind of religeous importance, but it is unclear from this distance.
The Camp (2)
The strong smell of fish oils and salt-water drift from the mouth of a recess ahead.
The hushed chattering of strange gurgling voices emanates from the darkness.
The group stumble upon five of the strange tentacled aberrations, these are somewhat larger than those they have previously encountered, seemingly created from hobgoblin stock. As the fight progresses Katerina notices two dark shapes coming through the water towards them, it is not long before two more tentacled creatures join the battle.
Several severe wounds are taken before the foes are slain, but the party prevail victorious and head on.
As the group reach the peninsula-like protrusion on the path they are following, Lorric notices a large mass of tentacles deep in the centre of the lake, after pointing them out to the others Anvil decides to pull out his new wand of Magic Missiles and send some in the direction of the aberration, it recoils in pain. After several more volley of magic missiles it sinks out of view and the group wait with baited breath.
After a few moments they see the large mass of dozens of tentacles moving towards them and as Lorric move back to hide in the shadows he is stopped by an impenetrable and invisible wall of force, preventing any retreat. Kapek feels his limbs begin to stiffen, but with great resolve he shrugs the effect off. Ajax begins to continue along the walkway, effectively leaving the fight. The tentacles sink back into the deeper waters.
*Ajax comments
Just after Kapek has thrown off the strange paralyzing effect a strange feeling dawns on Ajax. He realises the creature below is friendly and means them no harm. He moves along the path and tries to encourage his comrades to follow him hoping to forestall any violence by removing the group from this friendly creatures home.
Suddenly with a surging of water the mass of tentacles thrusts out of the water and onto the walkway. Kapek recognises the creature from tales he heard from Q'barra, it is a creature that normally lives in swamps, it is known as Darktentacles. After several frenzied attacks by the creature, Lorric steps forward and with a flurry of lethal blows with his favourite tankard he strikes into the heart of the creature and it slumps lifeless to the ground. The group begin to move on.
*Ajax comments
When the creature surges from the water Ajax grips his sword and prepares to hurl himself back towards the group with the intention of disarming the rest of the Crimson Fist and preventing them hurting his new friend. However before he can take more than a step the creature is dispatched with lethal efficiency and Ajax is left standing there wondering what on earth he was thinking.
No-one in the Crimson Fist seems to have noticed anything strange about his behaviour so, in a rare burst of wisdom, Ajax decides to keep quiet.
*Ajax comments
Just after Kapek has thrown off the strange paralyzing effect a strange feeling dawns on Ajax. He realises the creature below is friendly and means them no harm. He moves along the path and tries to encourage his comrades to follow him hoping to forestall any violence by removing the group from this friendly creatures home.
Suddenly with a surging of water the mass of tentacles thrusts out of the water and onto the walkway. Kapek recognises the creature from tales he heard from Q'barra, it is a creature that normally lives in swamps, it is known as Darktentacles. After several frenzied attacks by the creature, Lorric steps forward and with a flurry of lethal blows with his favourite tankard he strikes into the heart of the creature and it slumps lifeless to the ground. The group begin to move on.
*Ajax comments
When the creature surges from the water Ajax grips his sword and prepares to hurl himself back towards the group with the intention of disarming the rest of the Crimson Fist and preventing them hurting his new friend. However before he can take more than a step the creature is dispatched with lethal efficiency and Ajax is left standing there wondering what on earth he was thinking.
No-one in the Crimson Fist seems to have noticed anything strange about his behaviour so, in a rare burst of wisdom, Ajax decides to keep quiet.
As they continue around the walkway sudden movement catches their eye from a huge pillar across the water (5). A flock of creatures fly from it and begin circling the area. These small creatures are identified as stirges, evil blood-drinkers that are bear a passing resemblance to huge mosquitoes.
They circle several times before returning to the pillar from which they emerged.
The group see a shingle beach ahead and Ajax decides to try out his new boots, granting everyon the ability to walk on water for a limited time, they step out onto the lake and head for the beach (3).
*Ajax comments
Ajax has been dying to try out his new gear and so jumps at the chance. He is delighted with the effect and happily bounces along the water. Once again he is delighted by the wonders the world has, all the things he would never have known if he had never left the Fallen.
As they are crossing, Lorric spies several forms hiding on the platform of a nearby pillar (6). He informs the rest and as he does the creatures slip silently into the water and move to attack.
*Ajax comments
Ajax has been dying to try out his new gear and so jumps at the chance. He is delighted with the effect and happily bounces along the water. Once again he is delighted by the wonders the world has, all the things he would never have known if he had never left the Fallen.
As they are crossing, Lorric spies several forms hiding on the platform of a nearby pillar (6). He informs the rest and as he does the creatures slip silently into the water and move to attack.
In perhaps the strangest battle the group have had so far, they meet six of the hobgoblin-like creatures, all of their attacks are aimed beneath them as the creatures remain under the water as they attack. This being their home environment, the creatures are also able to rake at the group with their 'feet'. The attack is vicious and the party take some severe wounds but are ultimately victorious.
The Shingle Beach (3)
The walkway slopes down gently to a smooth pebbled beach. The water here appears shallow enough for a medium creature to wade across waist deep to the nearest pillar of rock (6).
The shore is littered with organic debris, branches, bones and dead leaves, two battered chests lay amidst the debris, well away from the water line, it looks as though they may have been dragged here away from the fluctuating water level.
They reach the shingle beach to find two large chests that have recently been forced open, their interior is dry and empty, tracks where they have been dragged up the beach are less than two weeks old.
The Whirlpool (7)
From this corner of the cavern comes the source of the thunderous roaring that fills the air. Here the water turns white with rage as it swirls maddeningly into depths below.
The Passage Down (8)
A corridor off the walkway leads gently down to a natural spiral stairway leading down, the smell of rock-pools and sea water drifts up from below.The party head down the stairs and eventually come across an more well hewn stretch of level corridor, investigating one way they find that the tunnel has collapsed, and about fifty feet from the stairs a vertical shaft in the ceiling heads up into the darkness. Once they find that they can travel no further, they double back and head towards the smell of the sea.
Yberrigan’s Lair
As you head down this tunnel the smell of salt air fills your nostrils and the sound of lapping water can be heard ahead.The further down you get the greener and slicker the walls and floor become.
Anvil is the first to enter the room and is immediately assaulted by crossbow fire from a natural crack in the cave wall. Some of the other party members move into the cave ready for attack.
The sound of water echoes as it laps against the walls of this large cavern, a gentle greenish glow emanates from the farthest point of the pool, probably diffused daylight from a submerged source. The rocks beneath the feet are slick with fine green algae or sea-weed like growth, making movement treacherous.
From within the water shadowy shapes can be seen moving and circling, the occasional flash as light reflects from something shiny, like a fishes scale.
A moment later several forms move out of the water towards the group, four of them are the hobgoblin creatures and two are apprently from bugbear stock. A final figure can be seen in the water, hideous in appearance, almost jellyfish-like in translucency, with the visage of an old woman dressed in tatters.
The battle commences. The goblinoids move forward across the slick rocks while the group decide to make a tactical retreat into the corridors so they are fighting the creatures one at a time.
The old woman figure catches Kapek with a glance, his heart fills with terror and threatens to stop beating completely, he draws upon all of his will and shrugs the effect off.
Several Sound Bursts, are centred on the group as they pull back. And then the Goblinoids reach them.
Lorric throws a flask of alchemist's fire into the throng and Anvil and Kapek hold the front line. One by one the creatures fall.
Then a nauseating mist rises from the ground about their feet. The stinking cloud succeeds in causing Ajax to vomit uncontrollably, the rest of the group, and several of the attackers move back into the cave to escape the cloud, some of the attackers are also worse for wear due to the cloud. Attacks are focused onto the witch, who gradually moves back into the water.Lorric in a heroic moment leaps into action, deftly skipping across the slick rocks he leaps into the water and proceeds to grapple the creature, Anvil follows closely behind, beating the woman with Guardian, his shield. In a few short moments her lifeless body lies limp in Lorric's grasp, he continues to beat her.
Meanwhile on the shore the rest of the group are faced with the last of her guards and one by one they fall, as Lorric emerges from the water carrying the corpse of the sea witch he spies his moment, and the last blow of the battle is struck as he beats the bugbear creature to death with the corpse of its master.
The water is searched and amongst a pile of coins and other trinkets they group find a flask of vile smelling black liquid and heavily wrapped in cloth made from seaweed is the incredibly huge and startlingly bright Eberron Dragonshard that once graced the lighthouse above.
*Kapek comments
Kapek muses that if the Lightbearers did indeed come in from the sea entrance, it was a grim jest that made them turn left instead of right in the corridors. Who knows if their strength would have prevailed here, where it failed against the Tombspider?
*Kapek comments
Kapek muses that if the Lightbearers did indeed come in from the sea entrance, it was a grim jest that made them turn left instead of right in the corridors. Who knows if their strength would have prevailed here, where it failed against the Tombspider?
The Profile of the Tunnels Beneath the Lighthouse
