Session 40: Tempest, Tanyth 14th

 The Kobold Flint was eager and proud of his trap for the purple worm, and still holding a lit torch, he wanted to demonstrate to the group what the barrels can do. The group promptly stopped him.

The kobolds told the group that the tunnel to the east leads to the forest and if they cross that forest they will get to the lake. It takes about half a day in the tunnel to get to the forest. If they continue south, it will take about a day to reach a different forest, the one that has the big tree (Yigdrasiil). If they continue south from that forest they will get to some towns, but the Kobolds don’t really go there.

The party took a long rest and heard crunching sounds in the caves, but decided not to trigger any more creatures. Ariadne collected some manganese. Zannan asked the group some questions about dragons and revealed a bit of what he knows about the dragon Nidhogg and about the creatures at Lake Avaranthia.

The party took the tunnel to the east, and saw a few petrified Kobolds. Some of them were smashed and broken. The party proceeded cautiously through the tunnel, until they reached the forest’s edge. It was overcast and drizzling a bit, but they still had a few hours of daylight ahead and decided to proceed into the dense forest.

After travelling through the forest for a few hours, the group came across an area with a very large number of giant lizards that seemed to have been trying to get the last bit of sunlight, but now retiring to there hideouts under the rocks and foliage. This area also had lit candles (hundreds of them) hanging from trees. The group also noticed a lizard that looked smaller and red (in fact a drake), as well as a person hiding in the tree.

At first, this woman with reptilian features was defensive, but eventually introduced herself as Alitheiamitl (Ali for short), and she revealed that the red drake (T’Kashi) is in fact her pet.

Ali also told the group that strange fish-like people are taking over the lake, and that they are aggressive. This started happening only a few weeks ago. The lake itself is dying, lots of dead animals (fish, crocodiles, otters, capibaras, waterfowl) washing up on the shores. She also mentioned that the corruption had been advancing quickly in the last few years, but just over two weeks ago it came to a near halt, maybe even retreating a little bit, and suddenly there’s a bit of hope. However, those creatures started emerging from the lake. Ali and her father came to this area to try and stop the corruption. Ali told the group that her family is originally from the Braen’ She-Ran Wilds, but they didn’t bother wanting to help, only hide underground. Ali is determined to protect the forest.

Her father asked Zannan if he would trade books or knowledge, after noticing Zannan was carrying his spell book. The old man and Ali live underground, the entrance to their den is concealed by an illusion that makes it look like a rock. The inside of the den is very cozy and welcoming, there is a living area with a small book shelf, as well as a trunk that Zannan noticed to be enchanted in the same way as a bag of holding. Zannan offered to teach him Comprehend Languages, and in return he can borrow one of the old man’s books.

Meanwhile, the rest of the party is safely inside a tower that Zannan magically conjured. Elenion interrogated Brandybuck, as she is very suspicious of him, and the fact that he had Coleen’s lute. The party is about to take a long rest for the night.

Session 39: Terrane, Tanyth 13

Novasset asked the party to not harm the Kobolds, as they are longtime friends. She also let them know that If they greets the Kobolds with “Howdy There” they’ll know that they are friends.

Kalim gave Lennie the Bag of Holding, which she hesitantly accepted. Armando also explained that he would rather stay at the keep, because he finally has the chance to see his family reunited. He gave his Blodrur to the group as well.

Ariadne woke up Olena to offer to do something nice. Olena was a bit confused with the request. Ariadne still made a gift: a locket with small pieces of parchment inside where Olena and Rabak can write something nice for Armando.

Kalim promised Ariadne he would help, should the group ever face the Drow Queen.

Brandybuck approached the party inquiring about passage to Multruvia. Lennie recognized the lute he had on his back as Coleen’s.

The group had dinner and went to sleep. Ariadne enlisted 2 vampires (giving each a star sapphire) to help out with stained glass window repair. She thought maybe a tree pattern would be nice. She also left things in Kalim’s room:

-     That valuable book she had stolen in Menell Dilth

-     2 star sapphires

-     A note saying “sorry”

-     2 Silver Goblets taken from the Temple of Zafros

Brandybuck hid the lute under his bed at the keep.

The next morning, the party proceeded into the tunnels. The access is through the hoard cave, through a wooden trap door on the floor. A rope ladder is released and the group descends 20 feet into the tunnel system. The ladder then got pulled back up and the trap door closed again. From inside the tunnel, the trap door is indistinguishable from the surrounding rock, as it has been enchanted to look that way. Novasset also put alarms in case anyone tries to gain entry through the keep that way.

During their walk in the tunnels, the group heard scratching noises behind the walls, and an occasional shifting and crunching, followed by deep tremors, as if something very large was moving about.

After a few hours, the party came across an exasperated Kobold, by the name of Cliff. Cliff told the party that the Kobolds had been helping dig the tunnels. After they opened the east tunnel, some creatures that were desperate for a new home moved in, and some are very vicious and dangerous.  His family was in danger (they were hiding, but he was not sure how much longer they would be safe). He was on his way to ask Novasset for help.

Lennie cast Hold Person on the Kobold and the group carried him for one minute in the direction he came from, at which point he just told them which way to go. Vano continued carrying him, and he didn’t mind that. After a few hours, the group came across a half-elven male (Zannan) being attacked by two basilisks and a behir. A fierce battle began, Vano finished the behir, but got swallowed by a purple worm. Eventually Ariadne landed the finishing blow on the purple worm, and the party was happily greeted by a group of Kobolds.

And there was joy.

Session 38: Demis, Tanyth 12th

         Hazel told Lennie (via sending) that she’s on her way to Shel Alari via Airship, and also told her that Ascal Olovalur is on his way to Multruvia via a regular ship.
    The party welcomed 10 newcomers to the West Wing. A dwarven woman (later revealed to 
    Novasset’s humanoid form) greeted them first, followed by the Twilight wings. They recognized farmer Tanner. Among the newcomers were a few people that looked like they could hold their own in battle, but half of this new group looks like civilians more suited for general labor or other skilled work. Farmer Tanner brought an oxen drawn cart with some supplies (farmers tools, cooking gadgets, gardening and cleaning tools), and a soggy box with some grease stains addressed to “My dearies the Twilight Wings, with love from Tatiana” (it contains about 2 dozen soggy and cold buffalo wings).
    The party met Vano, a Leonin who proved to be quite capable in battle. They shared with him the information about friendly vampires and drow, he seemed surprised, but trusting of the party.
They then proceeded to the Chapel (a chapel of the God Zafros). The front door was barred from the outside by wood planks, which the party removed. On the door a carving of a five pointed star (the symbol of Zafros) glowed as the group approached it, in response to the amulet that Lennie was carrying.
    Inside were a few undead creatures, as well as two wraiths. Once the group finished fighting them, Lennie found a heavily bound red book (in dwarvish) by the altar on the main floor. Ariadne found two silver goblets.
    The lower level contained catacombs. In the centre of the catacombs there was a brasier with blue magical flames. The flames reacted to the presence of the amulet, intensifying as the Lennie got closer to the brasier. The flames felt cool to the touch, and a pull of the amulet could be felt. Lennie cast the amulet into the flames, and an impact wave was felt. The flames were be extinguished. The zafrine in the amulet disappeared, leaving behind the gold setting and chain of the amulet, as well as a star sapphire.
    After this, the party still had a bit of down time, and they decided to keep Ugoa’s skull as s trophy in the main hall of the West Wing.
Kalim also revealed to the group that he wished to stay at the keep, because he feels a sense of responsibility for the groups that currently reside at West Wing, and is committed to protecting them, as well as making the keep a functional and welcoming place, hopefully sustainable once all repairs are completed.
    The group received the news with a heavy hard, however they understood his motivations. Ariadne had concerns about Kalim’s money managing ability, and entrusted one of the newcomers (Brandybuck) to help out with the financial side of things. She gave Brandybuck the star sapphires she had previously taken from the horde.
    The group decided the next step would be to take the tunnels to travel to their next goal.

Session 37: Demis, Tanyth 12

 The party spent a few days at the hold to recover and work on a few things.

-     Lennie spent a bit of time each day flirting with Garth.

-     Garth gifted Lennie with a clockwork wind up music box.

-     He told her: ”I wanted you to have this. I bring this with me when I travel to remind me of happier times. In the last several years, I feel like many of my acquaintances have only ever been interested in my magic or fighting abilities, which of course is because that’s what has been needed. But you have been the first person who tried to get to know me. When you asked me if I ever tried a …. What did you call it? A churro? I was caught by surprise… nobody ever asked me about things that aren’t related to battle or strategy. I know it may seem very little to you, but I was touched, and especially after the last few days when you came to talk to me so many times, you are the closest thing I ever had to a friend. I will not forget you, and hope to see you again. I hope this music box brings you happiness too. I no longer need it, as you have given me another source of happiness. You are very special to me. (blushes)”.

-     Lennie was touched by this and gave Garth a mimic tooth as a gesture, telling him that a mimic can also change its appearance and also that is all she had to give him. Garth liked that and went to hug her, Lennie managed to sneak in a kiss on his cheek, which made him blush again.

-     Garth suggested that in the future he would like for her to visit his  home.

-     The party noticed that Novasset’s presence while they rest made everyone feel more energized. Additionally, the following things about the area were noticed:

-     Regional Effects of Crystal Dragon’s Lair

-     Clear Skies. The skies above a crystal dragon’s lair remain clear and free of precipitation unless magically altered. Winds blow lightly, posing little threat to those approaching the lair, and visibility is the best possible for the time of day.

-     Crystal Profusion. Plentiful quartz crystals form in natural stone within 6 miles of the lair, particularly in places where natural light can shine on the crystals.

-     Positive Energy. Any creature that finishes a long rest within 6 miles of the lair regains two additional spent Hit Dice.

-     Thriving Wildlife. Animal populations flourish within 6 miles of the lair. Ability checks made to forage for food by hunting, fishing, or trapping in that area are made with advantage.

-     Novasset lets the group know that there are extensive underground tunnels now, which can be used to escape in an emergency, but they also lead to paths within the mountains and can be used to travel. There are creatures residing in some tunnels, however, so beware!

-     Ariadne and Kalim sparred in the training grounds – Kalim won. That’s what you get for sparring with a monk!

-     Kalim spends time bonding with vampires, getting to understand them better. He also sends 2 monks to Menell Dilth to recruit additional help for the West Wing.

-     Kalim also deciphers new recipes.

-     Lennie helps Ariadne with her memories, and Ariadne reveals what she remembers about the drow, the corruption and vampires, describing what different ranks of drow look like. She also revealed that she has a brother that has been stationed at Skyhorn Lighthouse. 

-     Lennie communicated with Hazel (in Aerie), who revealed that a master blacksmith can be found in Multruvia.

-     There was also communication with Rabak (Armando’s father), who is eager to join the group in West Wing, and revealed that the Seldarine is not safe. The location of West Wing was revealed to Rabak so he could make his way there.

Session 36: Tempest, Tanyth 7th

 The group proceeded to the upper level of the hold, where they encountered a dwarven woman better preserved than the remainder of the undead. She appeared mummified, was capable of speaking a language unknown to the group.

She was aggressive, however, and eventually the group defeated her. The group found a number of books and other items. The books included: 

Genesis for the Survivor, a mystery story by Abbanna Myvlonaise 

Freedom's Land, an adventure story collected by Yukyssa Dichly 

How to talk to your Mother about Sorcery by Alisha McCrimsonrel

They also found recipes for potions, and had some time to explore the potential of the keep.

Armando harvested parts from the white dragon (Ugoa) with Lennie's help:

- 1 dragon skull (can be mastercrafted into a wall trophy, warhorse barding, or a ship’s figurehead)

- 1 dragon wing (can be mastercrafted into a cloak) - 9 dragon claws (each can be mastercrafted into a blade weapon)

- 4 dragon fangs (each can be mastercrafted into a lockpick, arrowhead or bolt)

- 1 thoracic rib (can be mastercrafted into a long bow)

- 4 units of dragon hide (each can be mastercrafted into a full set of armour)

- 7 dragon scales (no immediate use, but can be sold for a good price)

- 1 adult white dragon frond (can be mastercrafted into a handaxe)

The chapel will require some "things" to be dealt with first. The doors are still closed, but the party can hear noises/movement from the inside, and now that the ice and snow is mostly gone, they see small windows with thick glass panes at the base of the chapel, small enough to let through light, but not to fit a person. These windows indicate the presence of a sub-level at the chapel, like catacombs. There is a flickering blue light coming from the inside of this sub-level.

Lennie also helps Halaema and Olena in creating a teleportation circle at the hold.