11th Nightal 1371 DRlate afternoonManzorian's Fortress of Unknown DepthsCold and clearSpell Report - Active SpellsHeroes Feast (9 Temp HPs)
Injury ReportNone
After an evening of carousing the Heroes bedded down for the night. All were well rested except Kamist who had been sleeping in a barn. Kamist recovered magically but still was not suited for living amongst goats competing for patches of dung stained hay with hoofed companions.
The Heroes choose to not take advantage of the Library Temple of the Binder, instead Tyree, Storn, and Alobron spent most of their carousing time dealing with Eligos who with his new lease on life seemed determined to live it up the best he could. While at the Gambling Golem in LongSaddle, Tyree tried his hand at Dragon Chess and was introduced to the game by a Damaran Pit manager named Yuri. He introduced the Heroes to one of his best girls named Svetlana, also a Damaran. Storn met a bearded dwarven maiden named Magra who begged Storn to pay the bar fine for her and spend the night with her. The ever stoic Storn declined.
After setting a loose watch, the Heroes bedded down for the night and spent a restful uneventful evening. Kamist made some new four legged friends.
In the morning, Cymria woke the Heroes early and after the usual Heroes Feast the party set out for Manzorian's Fortress of Unknown Depths. Here they encounter the Fountain of Fortune's Folly and the massive mechanical elevator that lowered the Heroes to the subterranean paradise below to the location of the Fortress.
Here they were led to Manzorian's dinning hall where Allustan, Eligos, Celeste, and of course Manzorian greeted them. Manzorin was much like the Heroes expected, an aged Illuskan human, bald with a grey moustache and beard, and wearing a simple grey robe over worn leather pants and boots. Rumple immediately noticed the sparkling necklace around his neck and a platinum headband with a glowing green fist-sized gem ($$$) in the center. Kamist immediately took notice of the three wands precisely tucked in his belt and a magical scimitar on his hip.
After introductions, Manzorian discussed the present predicament with the Heroes. Allustan had previously filled Manzorian in on what had already transpired. Manzorian then began a discussion with the heroes over a large meal in which the 'already feasted' Heroes ate very little except for Tyree who has an extra large appetite anyways.
The Age of Worms -
"The Age of Worms is foretold in a prophecy that speaks of a coming apocalypse, an age of death and writhing doom. Normally such rumors should be dismissed...doomsday prophecies are typically the product of nothing more sinister than madness. This prophecy is different. It can be traced back, through various incarnations in books, tablets, and ancient carvings on walls , for over two thousand years. It does not change in content during this time...it has not evolved through clumsy attempts of fanatics desperate to reword its predictions to support their agendas." "This alone would be enough to merit further study...But even more interesting is the fact that in the last few years several of its predictions have actually come true. In one prophecy, it predicts the rise of a powerful sect bent on bringing about the destruction of all after some major set-back in their own agenda. It describes them as the 'fallen of the lost gods'. After what Allustan has discussed with me I believe you have discovered this sect as that of the Ebon Triad and they are worshipers of the dead three gods that fell during the Time of Troubles just 12 years earlier. This corresponds exactly to the Fraction of the Zhentarium and the rise of Fzoul Chembryl after the defeat of Lord Manshoon and the purges of the former Zhent followers of Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul. Other prophesies speak of the recrudescence of the worm-eaten dead, the recovery of potent artifacts from ancient tombs, the death of the last true King, and the rise again of Dragons.""These events have all come to pass, and quite recently. In fact, there are only two prophecies remaining to be fulfilled. The first of these mentions the reunification of a tripartite spirit or god being...I assume this is a nod to the goals of the Ebon Triad. The second remaining prophecy reads, "And on the eve of the Age of Worms, a hero of the pit shall use his fame to gift a city to the dead". I believe this last line may have been speaking of Loris Raknian (certainly a Hero from the gladiator's pit) and his recent attempt to sacrifice thousands at the end if the Champion's Games. Yes, Celeste told me all about this as well. It remains to be seen if your actions actually made a difference or not, but it would be foolhardy to assume that those who are trying to fulfill the prophecies will abate their efforts. I mean they may try again." The Ebon Triad -
"The Ebon Triad seems to be involved, a least on some level, with most of the events associated with these prophecies. Their involvement merits further investigation, although I believe that they may in fact themselves be little more than agents of a larger power...perhaps Kyuss himself, certainly their goal of bringing back and unifying Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul into a single overgod seems ridiculous, although as far as the Age of Worms prophecies about this triparte spirit or god being are concerned, it seems that the actual manifestation of an overgod is not what is being predicted as it is predicting the heretical beliefs of the cultist themselves". Kyuss -
"Kyuss is an enigma...what we know of him is sparse. We know that he was once a mortal, a powerful priest who ascended to godhood. He ruled a city named Kuluth-Mar far to the south, deep within the Chultangar, and was famed for the creation of undead. My nephew, Edward, was fascinated with Kyuss and his ways. You might say he was possessed and a few years ago he left to investigate Kulth-Mar".Edward Harpell - "Such a peculiar boy, Edward. When he was 18, having mastered enough magical powers to protect himself in the dangers of the Chultangar, he decided, at the urging of my sister Mylindee, to explore Kuluth-Mar...Alone. You see, when he had learned that Kuluth-Mar was the likely location of Kyuss' divine apotheosis, he could barely restrain himself. His only obstacle was a boyhood love for you Egwaine. Well...his mother put him straight and he realized that if he told you about his plans that you would demand to accompany him. He knew he only was powerful enough to protect himself so he left without a word...sadly, leaving you heartbroken. Despite my sister, I cautioned Edward that one does not simply teleport into an unknown region without doing more research. Yet Edward wouldn't listen. Faced with you Egwaine and knowing that you would/could not understand he left immediately. He returned two 10-days later with a wild look in his eye, as if he had stared deep into eye of the abyss and lived. He wouldn't say much of what he had found there, and before he moved on he asked me to hold on to some of his notes. He promised to return later and tell me more, but that time was short and he had to head east to follow a new lead. He vanished without a trace not long after. I intended to try to track him down, but unfortunately, other events conspired to take my attention away. I suspect he is dead now. Or worse..." Kuluth-Mar - "The notes Edward left with me are unfortunately rather sparse. They confirm that Kuluth-Mar is located in the Eastern Chultangar, far to the south, and estimate that Kyuss ruled the city more than two thousand years ago from a fortress called the Spire of Long Shadows. Edward wrote in his notes that this spire was the site of Kyuss' ascension to godhood. Kyuss built a ziggurat to serve as the foundation of the Spire of Long Shadows. Edward wrote how the ziggurat was a powerful magical focus for the ritual that propelled Kyuss into divinity. He further indicated that much of Kyuss' might has since left the city of Kuluth-Mar, but powerful undead servants and lingering touches of Kyuss' own miasma make the ziggurat a fell and dangerous place. Edward visted the ruined city several times, but never seemed to penetrate the spire itself."Artifacts - "The Age of Worms prophecy predicts that several major artifacts shall surface in the months before the end. It does not indicate that these artifacts have a role to play in the realization of the Age of Worms itself, only that their appearance marks that the time is near. I know of several items that have surfaced of late; the Black Blade of Aknar Ratalla, the Tome of the Black Heart, the Obsidian Eye, the Dread Forge, the Bindings of Erivatius,
and now, as you are aware the Shattered Scepter of Calim.
I'm sure there are more to come."Manzorian then explains that the Devil attack was probably the first of many in that the Scepter of Calim is a treasured artifact that is sought by not only mortals but beings of great power that operate across the various planes. Manzorian argues that it would be best if the Heroes would levae the fragment with him so that these types of attacks will stop. Manzorian explains that the artifact gives off powerful magic that can be tracked. And explains that a moment of time to the heores might be diufferent for Devils on another plane and they can track movements as the time/space is bended to allow teleportation. Manzorian also asks to examine all the Heroes equipment for what he describes as 'bugs" that the devils may have placed on them. After some time he actually discovers variuos "bugs" and removes and destroys them. Manzorian offers the following items in exchange for the fragment of the
Scepter of Calim.
Kamist -
Robe of the InfernoA magical coal-colored cloth robe that is decorated with crimson-stitched runes that run around the bottom and up the length of the garment in meandering lines. The runes are a mixture of arcane formulas and praises to fire written in an eastern human Dethek runes possibly Thayan or Rasheman. When the robe is active, the sigils and runes flare up and seem to burn and smolder, as if the flesh beneith it were on fire. The faint odor of brimstone and a gentle warmth surround the wearer. Additionally, upon activation, four firery orbs zoom around the wearer. Each Orb is about 6 inches in diameter.
Activation word = "Zuthoss"
+4 AC at all times
-4 Firery Orbs provide
Resist Fire 10 (when activated)
-Light equivalent to a torch (when activated)
-Each orb can be sent at an an opponent with a ranged touch attack for 8d6 damage once per day. Save DC 16 Fort or target is dazzeled for 1 round. Additionally target and anyone within 5' radius is outlined as if by
Faerie Fire. (when activated)
-any invisible creature that comes within 5' radius of the wearer is outlined as if by
Faerie Fire for 10 rounds (when activated)
Alobron -
White Skull MaskThis bone colored mask is shaped like a skull and painted black around the eyes. When worn it transforms the wearer's visage to look like an actual skull. The wearer gets a +4 morale bonus on saves against disease, fear, and paralysis, and is IMMUNE to energy drain attacks. The wearer also immediately recognizes any creature seen as alive, dead, undead, or inanimate. The mask counts as a head slot item. Storn -
+2 Laeral's Storm Armor (Full Plate-dwarven size)
This ornate set of full plate armor is inscribed with raised dwarven dethek runes. The armor was orginally crafted for a dwarven royal of Mithril Halls. It is +2 full plate armor, constructed of a magical non-metallic material. It is lighter and more flexible than normal metal. ACP is -2, Max DEX bonus is +2. It does not conduct electricity and provides Lightning Resit 20. It also does not conduct heat either anbd gives Resist Fire 10.
Tyree -
Cloak of Hidden DangersThis magical cloak is made of a thin coat of animal fur. It wisks away water and is an excellent protection from wet weather.
+2 Cloak of Resistance.
1. As a swift action can transform into a +2 Flaming Bastard Sword. (forfeiting the Cloak's abilities while in sword form). Activation word "Flamberg".
2. As a standard Action 1/day can Blade Burst hundreds of daggers that shoot out in a 20' radius (fireball template centered on wearer) for 8d6 damage to all within radius, DC 18 Ref for half damage.
3. Any thieves attmepting to pick pocket the wearer are automatically attacked by a magical badger for +12 melee 1d6+5 damage and wearer is alerted by badger ferocious snarls.
Egwaine -
Eye of DruuthbaneThis yellow crystal is the size of a human fist (Rumple will want this this for the Seekers Guild). Originally created by a wizard who opposed a druuth (a cabal of dopplegangers led by a mind flayer), it glows with a red light when a doppleganger is within 60', blue when an illithid is within 60', and violet when both are within range. If held in an off hand provides a +4 Resistance bonus to all saves. Once per day the crystal can fire a red ray (as a ranged touch attack) that forces a doppleganger back into its true shape for 1d4+1 rounds if it fails a Fort Save DC 18.
Rumple -
Troll Gut RopeThis braided 50' rope has a slightly pungent oder, feels rubbery, and bears a large complex knot at one end. 1/day the rope can be commanded (activation word ="Tugotlug") to grow up to 350 feet for a total length of 400'. After a time period or the command word again the additional 350' of rope will decay and return to normal size.
And
Rumple -
Modified Boots of Striding and SpringingThese jet black magical boots are as a standard set of magical Boots of Striding and Springing but also contain a +3 Keen Boot Blade hidden inside the right boot. Swift action to deploy or return blade. Damage is 1d4+3 Crits on (17-20 x2).
Manzorian asked the Heroes to follow in Edward's footsteps and investigate Kuluth-Mar and learn for how Kyuss came to be. Manzorian pointed out that the best way to know an enemy is to know what made him...and what better place to learm Kyuss' history than an expedition to the site of his divine apotheosis. Manzorian indicated that while the Heroes explore the ancient city, he intends on leading Agath Harpell, Eligos, Celeste, and Allustan in a session of intense research on the Ebon Triad, Kyuss, and the cause of Edward's dissapearance. The findings from the research combined with what the Heroes discover in Kuluth-Mar will show the next steps to take.
(Eligos in the picture)
Manzorian provides the Heroes with two very powerful teleport scrolls that should be powerful enough to reach Kuluth-Mar some 1800 miles away. Manzorian indicates that the Heroes should view the painting on the wall and that it will provide magical insight into the exact location of Kuluth-Mar such that the Scrolls can be used with near certainty. Manzorian suggests the Heroes equip themselves for hot, sticky jungle enviorn and indicates that the Heros should be very cautious in their exploration, as surely strong evil lurks the deserted ruins of Kuluth-Mar.
Will the Heroes survive the dark and dangerous jungles of the Chultangar? Who really was Kyuss? Will Tyree accidently kill the Party with the Cloak of Hidden Dangers? And what has become of poor Edward Harpell? For the answers to these questions and more, tune in to the next session of the Age of Worms.
