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HALLOWIGHT


Out of the fog (DM John) 
Monday November 9th, 2020 6:04:47 PM


The Keepers respond to the voice in the mist that their greatest need is to find the Castle of Marteus.

Each receives an answer, “Volzak will show you the way.”

A vague sensation passes through the mist similar to the feeling one experiences in a closed room when a door suddenly opens. The fog lifts to a ceiling of about fifty feet above the ground, revealing an undulating landscape of gentle slopes and rounded hills interspersed with shallow depressions where some fog has remained. Though there is no visible source, the intensity of the lighting here is akin to that experienced at dusk. The road before is now paved with smooth, dark stained cobblestones, slippery with moisture and glistening even in the dim illumination. In the distance, perhaps two hundred yards or so, a wall extending up into the fog and stretching across the entire horizon blocks the road.

Please accept 100,000 xp each for completing scene 4.

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing 
Monday November 9th, 2020 7:30:59 PM
Like the others, Emrys also says Marteus' Castle. Might as well keep with the theme, he thinks.

Emrys is surprised by the sudden appearance of their new surroundings. "Well now, this is more like it."

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Monday November 9th, 2020 9:35:35 PM
"Me too", Lanliss replies to Emrys.
"Lets go", he adds.
'Who is or what is Volzak?', Lanliss thinks.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Tuesday November 10th, 2020 6:51:01 AM
Velarin feels a great sense of relief as the fog lifts. "At least we can see what we are doing now."

"Looks like your idea may have worked Barratore. That's why the road took the halfling to the realm of the undead. It's where he most wanted to go. With a little luck, beyond this wall is the realm we seek."

"Hopefully Lanliss, Volzak is some sort of gate keeper. Shall we proceed to the wall?"

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Tuesday November 10th, 2020 8:14:16 AM
Barratore looks to V and tires some levity at the situation, "Bound to happen eventually."

The fighter tests his footing a bit on the stones and keeps his sword in hand. The wall looked impressive as one would imagine surrounded a gods castle. Chances were, the entire realm was one enormous castle. "Aside from 'trying to get to the center' do we have any resources that might aid in locating the gem. Even a big gem is going to be a trick to find in such a vast structure as we will likely be coming to?"

Barratore looks to his much more learned colleagues, "Have any of you religious, planar or arcane studies mentioned Volzak? Perhaps an apprentice of Maerteus long ago or something like that?"

Barratore wants to hash out the semblance of a plan before heading up to to wall.
"That way, we know what we're ignoring as we veer off into some random chaotic choice of action"

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK)  d20+25=45 ;
Tuesday November 10th, 2020 10:05:44 AM
Tishe’ is less optimistic. “There is no saying this is where we need to go, only that we have a clue to how to get to the path to where we need to go. Let’s keep shuttlecocked and look for someone to learn about Volzak.”

Tishe’ keeps her head on a swivel.
.....

Perception. DC. 45

Endure Elements
Detect Scrying.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Tuesday November 10th, 2020 4:08:18 PM
" Stay away from those pocket of fog. Who knows what lies beneath. Step there and fall in some god forsaken burial plot. Doesn't sound bad, until some demonic undead takes you to their grave."

The Wall (DM John) 
Tuesday November 10th, 2020 4:22:27 PM



Emrys likes the change.
Lanliss asks who Volzak is.
Velarin congratulates Barratore and speculates on Volzak, proposing the Keepers advance.
Barratore speculates the wall is of the castle and proposes formulating a plan before advancing.
Tishe’ is not sure that this is their destination and expresses a desire to learn more of Volzak. She watches carefully.
Edson warns the others to stay clear of the low spots filled with fog.

All the talk of Volzak jogs no one’s memory. There was a fellow name Volza who sold premium cabbages in Plateau City, but that is probably not who (or what) the Keepers are seeking.

As the Keepers have had more time to adjust to their surroundings a few details become clearer. What at first appeared to be cobblestones in the road, upon closer examination, are actually skulls, creating a macabre pavement of sightless eyes and wordless mouths. As Barratore takes steps, the “stones” shift and occasionally crackle as his weight exceeds their strength. The road leads up to the wall but no gatehouse or sign of any portal is evident.
The surface of the wall, though difficult to discern details at this distance, appears to be in motion, or perhaps something on its entire height and breadth is moving up and down as well as sideways, the effect being similar to the wakes of multiple creatures moving unseen beneath the surface of a pond.

A subtle low frequency rumble comes from the direction of the wall.


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220  d20+27=40 ;
Tuesday November 10th, 2020 7:10:21 PM
Lanliss feels uneasiness as he scans the wall
'perhaps an illusion or something to scare away intruders'. he thinks.
"don't be afraid, don't be afraid', he says to himself, trying to encourage himself as he looks up too see what is in front of him.

Perception 49

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 3:18:20 AM
Tishe’ grimly accepts the depravity of whoever made this road. “This is what I imagined the pattern of a nightmare realm.” She looks ahead and shrugs. “Nothing to do but continue weaving. The wall may be an entire wall of bones? Even an undead wall if this is the undead realm our friend told us about.”

Tishe’ continues to walk the road until the Keepers can get a better look at the wall, even going up to within 100’ of the edifice, if needed.

Endure Elements
Detect Scrying.


Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 6:18:34 AM
V racks his memory, but comes up with nothing on Volzak.

"Agreed Tishe'. This seems like something that the creator of this realm would take personal pride in. All we can do is move forward, and hope to be shown a way in. We've come too far to do anything else."

V continues to follow along behind Barratore.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 9:21:36 AM
Edson gets a pinched nose look, as if he smelled something bad. The thought of stepping on the many skulls of the deceased makes him feel ill. Moving with the others towards the wall, his face doesn't dissapear. " Should we walk along it, or do you think there is some perplexing riddle to open this to us. I'd refrain from touching it."

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind  d20+17=26 ;
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 10:47:10 AM
Barratore snorts loudly as he discerns the nature of the 'road' upon which he stands. The fighter switches his blade for his bow and nods grimly and wordlessly at moving forward. Barratore steps to the front of the small column and approaches, keeping his own gaze straight ahead and lets the others worry about the flanks and the air.

Barratore pulls up at 75' to take everything in from this distance and more to the point, let the other more perceptive members do so

Perception 26

The Wall (DM John) 
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 6:03:01 PM


Lanliss scans the wall.
Tishe’ ponders the road and wonders what the wall is made of as she walks closer.
Velarin agrees and trudges forward.
Edson does not like the thought of stepping on the road of skulls and wonders if it might contain a hint of a solution to getting through the wall.
Barratore snorts, draws his bow and moves forward to within 75’ of the wall.
Emrys cautiously moves forward.


As the Keepers approach the wall, the background noise they had been hearing since they exited the fog intensifies as they near it, sounding like the constant rattling of countless dice in an impossibly vast cup. The source of this sound is the constant motion of the material of the wall. Composed of bones of various types and sizes, the osseous remains of countless creatures shift and rearrange themselves, producing a grinding and clattering cacophony. Periodically, a bone gets trapped by its companions and eventually gives way with a resounding crack, sending splinters and dust spraying into the air before being reabsorbed into the swirling mass of bones. The cobbleskull road leads to the wall and ends at it with no sign of portal, gate, or any other opening.

As the Keepers stand and watch, a form appears in the wall about ten feet above the ground. Near human size, it appears to be an animate and intact skeleton. Its head, shoulders, and upper torso, but not its hands, extend from the surface of the teaming bones. It looks around for a moment before silently disappearing back into the wall.


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Wednesday November 11th, 2020 11:15:39 PM
"we have been spotted", Lanlies States.
He walks slowly towards the wall.
His whole state of being ... staggered from this auditory experience of skulls cracking like dice.
He moves slowly somewhat staggeringly.
Not able to say or ask anything.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157  d20+31=47 ; d20+27=37 ; d20+29=43 ;
Thursday November 12th, 2020 5:52:11 AM
V delves deep into his memory for tales of such a wall in Koshe Marr or tales of Marteus (knowledge arcane 47, religion 37, planes 43)

Failing that, V will stop short of the wall. "Should we stand and wait for a bit to see what happens, or perhaps speak to it and ask for entry?"

"Any chance you could use your ring to command the undead in that wall to allow us to pass Emrys?"

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

Spell DC 21+
1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin X2, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, Rev. Gravity, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish, Mass Invis.X2
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball



Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Thursday November 12th, 2020 9:47:21 AM
" Oh... that can't be good. None of that can be good. " Edson remarks. He silently pulls out his krukhis and waits for the inevitable

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Thursday November 12th, 2020 10:32:54 AM
Barratore broadens his stance as the the skeleton emerges to take up more space for the others to use as a shield. Hearing some of his companions concerns, he is a bit unsure that is correct.
"Might that be Voltaz? Some type of gatekeeper and we are going to need to answer some questions and gain entrance."

"My first thought is representatives of the Sages Guild on commissioned to learn firsthand of the lands beyond and our information to this point suggests we need to speak to Voltaz"

He looks to the others, "What do you think?"

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Thursday November 12th, 2020 1:54:26 PM
Tishe’ waits to see if Velarin or Emrys have any insight. Failing that, Barratorre seems to be on the right track...

The Wall (DM John) 
Thursday November 12th, 2020 6:34:33 PM

Lanliss notes that they have been spotted. Reluctantly he approaches the wall.
Velarin considers what he knows and compares it to what he has seen.
Based on what he knows due to his dizzying intellect and vast knowledge, Valeran thinks that the wall resembles the working of a blade barrier spell, but composed entirely of bone and thicker and larger than anything he has ever encountered or possibly even imagined. The skeleton that appeared behaved more intelligently than a typical animated skeleton, but Velarin did not see enough to identify it more precisely. He did note that it could pass through the wall, seemingly unharmed, but cannot extrapolate that to what might happen to a living creature. He thinks it likely that Emrys’ ring could control the skeleton, but doubts it would have any effect on the wall.

He proposes waiting or asking for entry.

Edson pulls out his kukris, preparing for the worst.
Barratore wonders if the skeleton is Volzak or perhaps a gatekeeper. He proposes subterfuge and asks the others' opinion.
Tishe’ thinks Barratore might be on the right track.
Emrys is overwhelmed.



As the Keepers watch and wait, the wall continues its bony writhing. Occasionally, one may catch a glimpse of something moving with more purpose than the bones of the wall. Perhaps it is that skeleton or one like it. Given the distances and timing between appearances it is unlikely that it could be a single creature.



Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Thursday November 12th, 2020 7:37:18 PM
"Fair enough", Lanliss comments on Barratore idea.
"We are here on the behalf of the Sages Guild", he says to himself

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Friday November 13th, 2020 5:47:25 AM
V shares what he knows regarding the wall thanks to his dizzying intellect.

"Sounds good to me Barratore. Perhaps we get about 15 feet from the wall and call out to Volzak? Perhaps he will come forth. If I get a longer look at that skeleton, I may be able to identify what it is."

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind  d20-2=2 ;
Friday November 13th, 2020 9:24:15 AM
Barratore nods to the others, "Let's do this then." He leads the group to within 20' of the wall, swapping weapons back to his blade and as no one in the group has ever stepped up as a more charismatic or skilled diplomat then himself, he addresses the wall

"We come seeking Voltaz."

Diplomacy 2

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Friday November 13th, 2020 2:55:34 PM
Tishe’ keeps quiet, as Barratorre already executed plan B.

The Wall (DM John) 
Friday November 13th, 2020 10:35:09 PM


Lanliss consents to Barratore’s idea.
Velarin adds some details to the plan.
Barratore leads the group to stop 20’ from the wall, sword in hand, and says bluntly, “We seek Voltaz”.

Tishe’ follows along with the plan.
Emrys and Edson move forward.


At this distance the clatter of the writhing, whirling bones is near deafening and the constant motion creates a breeze that carries bone dust with it, itching nostrils and watering eyes. Not too far from Barratore, a large bone gets momentarily wedged in the osseous maelstrom before finally yielding with a resounding crack sufficiently loud to be heard even above the continuous grinding of the wall. Shards land at his feet.


There appears to be no reaction to his call.


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220  d20+25=29 ;
Friday November 13th, 2020 11:18:14 PM
" I am Lanliss and I am...Looking for Voltaz as well..
For the Sages Guild ", Lanliss says loudly trying to bluff as well hoping it might ring a bell for someone who might listen. Behind the wall.

Bluff 29

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK)  d20+25=36 ;
Saturday November 14th, 2020 4:35:25 AM
Tishe’ harrumphs. “Well, that didn’t weave. Gotta try another pattern.” She considers if a Passwall spell would get them through, and provides that information. “Through, over, or around, Sieur Velarin? I don’t think under is an shady pick.”

......

Passwall. “You create a passage through wooden, plaster, or stone walls, but not through metal or other harder materials.” Tishe’ contemplates if this means ONLY wood plaster or stone, OR if any substance less hard than metal.

Spellcraft. 36. (Spellcraft is used whenever your knowledge and skill of the technical art of casting a spell or crafting a magic item comes into question.)



Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Sunday November 15th, 2020 11:52:45 AM
Edson ponders for a few, but nothing comes to him. He silently moves in the back, looking around the wall for any clues but not throwing any suggestions or his name out to the wall.

Tishe's idea seems sound, but he waited to see Velarin's confirmation. Afterall, they are the spell casters.

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing 
Sunday November 15th, 2020 3:59:54 PM
(ooc: Sorry, I've been out of commission past several days, I will post something this afternoon or evening after I catch up with what's happening.)

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing  d20+34=39 ; d20+23=36 ;
Sunday November 15th, 2020 7:13:31 PM
Velarin's intellect is dizzying, but maybe his deep understanding of necromancy will help him form a plan to get around this bony obstacle or determine if this wall is itself a single undead creature.

(Knowledge [Arcana]: 39, + feats Spell Focus and Greater Spell Focus Necromancy.)

In a loud voice, Emrys says, "Well then ... if this Voltaz doesn't wish to speak ... we should go home! Let's teleport out of here." Emrys casts a spell.

(Emrys casts Hide from Undead, enhanced by Heighten Spell Metamagic Feat. Spell cast as a level 8 spell. Will Save to Intelligent Undead: 30. Spell Penetration: 36, if necessary. If fail, undead cannot see, hear, or smell creatures warded by this spell. Emrys touches himself and then everyone else.)

In a low tone, Emrys explains, "I just cast a Hide from Undead spell on each of us. Maybe if the undead wall doesn't perceive us, it will lower its defenses."

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157  d20+31=47 ;
Monday November 16th, 2020 6:35:57 AM
"Alright Emrys. Let's give it a try for a couple minutes." V waits a couple minutes to see if Emrys deception has any effect. Failing that he offers up a couple thoughts.

"The voice in the fog said that Volzak would show us the way. Perhaps the voice calls itself volzak, and it showed us the way here. We will likely have to figure this one out on our own"

"The passwall is worth a shot first Tishe'" (V uses spellcraft as well, to ascertain the likely success or failure of passwall--- 47)."

"Beyond that we could try to dispel it, which I doubt will succeed. We could try a disintegrate, but the moving parts would probably just absorb a hole if we created one. We could try and dim door to the other side, but not knowing whats there or how thick the wall is makes that a desperation move. So the up and over may be the best plan, assuming it has a height that is within our flight capability."

V looks up to see if he can see a top to the wall.

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Monday November 16th, 2020 8:41:07 AM
Barratore snorts in reply to Tishe's harrumph and glances down back at his companions, "Always the hard way." He lifts his sword readying to take a massive swing at the wall when the others interrupt.

Barratore pauses, blade high up over his right shoulder and hooves shifting to provide power to his strike.

Lanliss made his call and then Emrys.

"The wall extends into the mist above us V, I do not think over is an option." However the fighter only has one other suggestion and it is likely painful and so for now he keeps it to himself.

The Wall (DM John) 
Monday November 16th, 2020 5:55:16 PM

Lanliss attempts to bluff his wall through the wall with similar results to Barratore.
Tishe’ weighs their options. She concludes that passwall is not likely to be effective here as that spell creates passages through static material. Since the wall of bones is in constant motion, she suspects passwall would not work.
Edson doesn’t think he can add much to the ideas of the spellcasters.
Emrys attempts to get through the wall by casting hide from undead on each of them.
Velarin throws out several ideas.
Barratore considers the suggestions of the others. He observes that the wall extends into the mist above.


The wall does not seem to react to the sudden disappearance of the Keepers. However, several skeletal heads emerge from it at different times as if looking for them.

Given the pool of arcane knowledge they have among them, the Keepers conclude this wall is likely not a creature, but a permanent magical barrier, comparable, perhaps, to a blade barrier. A passwall or disintegrate spell would not likely create an opening that wouldn’t immediately fill. It does in fact disappear into the mist above and spreads as far as can be seen to both the left and right.


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Monday November 16th, 2020 10:56:54 PM
"I volunteer....to at least try and touch .....the wall or whatever it is......", Lanliss says and then keeps quiet.

Still processing what he said, he just didn't find any other solution in his mind...nothing came up....climbing on this kind of wall would by quite....deadly....

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 6:45:35 AM
"A most troublesome problem. Our normal means of circumventing a wall are currently irrelevant. We have no idea how thick it is, which makes both dim door, and trying to walk through it while accepting the damage, relatively impossible. Any thoughts on Gaseous form? We could also let Barratore taking a few swings at the wall and see what happens."

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 8:18:58 AM
"The wall seems to extend in both directions quite far and the road leads to this point, but before we get more direct and certainly before Lanliss touches it, I want to back off to a hundred feet or so where it's not so loud and move to the right for a day and barring finding anything, repeat the experieince to the left of the road. This Voltaz we are supposed to find to assist us may not be at the wall, but hiding elsewhere?"

Barratore will lead the group back and then to the right

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing 
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 1:06:16 PM
(ooc Question: Did the wall just move out of the way ... extending outward and disappearing into the mist? Does the wall no longer perceive us? Am I interpreting your post correctly?)

"With this ward I place upon us, undead shouldn't be able to perceive us in any way; sight, sound or smell ... or any other means of detection. For the next 3 or so hours, at least. Unless one of us attacks an undead and the ward will be broken for everyone."

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 1:48:40 PM
“I think Voltaz is somewhere on the other side of the wall, not the wall itself. So we need to get to the other side.”

Tishe’’ considers. “Not over, under, or around but the road sent us here: we have to go through. But the moving bones makes Passwall or pushing through no good. Dimensional travel without knowing the other side is no good.” She pauses and considers.

First, she takes out her Portable hole, tossing it up against the wall to make an interdimemsioanl hole through the wall.

Second, if that fails, she uses Limited Wish to cast a Wall of Iron perpendicular and into the wall of bones to test if three walls of iron could make a tunnel. (Hardness 10 HP 30)

Third, she goes to depend on Emrys. Does he have a Scrying way to get a good look on the other side for the group to teleport or dim door?

....


The Wall (DM John) 

30d6=117 ;
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 5:51:48 PM

clarification: The wall did not change when the party disappeared. The skeletons appear to not be part of the wall, but, rather, separate creatures that are able to travel through it. The skeletons no longer appear to be able to perceive the Keepers.


Lanliss volunteers to touch the wall.
Velarin rules out some options on proposes gaseous form or violence.
Barratore proposes exploring the extent of the wall.
Emrys explains his ward.
Edson keeps watching the wall.
Tishe’ speculates that Volzak is not within the wall. She thinks that since the road leads them to this point, they should try to enter here. She then tries a few experiments.

As Tishe’ approaches the wall with the portable hole, it occurs to her that there really is no surface here to spread it on. The moving bones provides nothing to rest the fabric of the hole on.

When Tishe’ creates the wall of iron, the result is a deafening din like the barrage of a hundred catapult stones striking a castle wall as the whirling bones of the wall crash against the newly formed obstruction. At least eight skeletal heads pop out at different places around the wall, appearing to be trying to observe what is happening. The instant the iron wall appears, there is a momentary breach, revealing that the wall of bones is about twenty feet thick with the road continuing beyond it in terrain that appears to be no different than it is on the side of the Keepers. After a few seconds the iron is shredded and the bones continue their swirling motion as before and no more skeletons can be seen.


OOC: You mentioned 30 hp. That is per inch. Given Tishe’s caster level this could be up to 3” thick; therefore, 90 hp. There is the option to half the thickness to enlarge the size of the wall. Since no mention of halving the thickness was made, I assumed the thickest it would be for this experiment is 3”; thus, the result shown is for an iron wall that has 90 hp and hardness 10.


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 7:15:46 PM
Lanliss accepts Barratore idea...
"We can explore and see....and then decide....", Lanliss says.

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing  d20+19=29 ;
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 8:51:13 PM
"Allow me a moment to cast a divination. Maybe I can find a suitable location on the other side to teleport or dimensional door to."

(ooc: Still not understanding this bone wall. I may have missed a vital piece of description from a previous post. I don't know if there are loose gaps between the swirling bones that allows someone to see through or if it's a solid mass where you can't.)

IF Emrys can see through the bone wall to the other side, he will cast Arcane Eye and materialize the sensor in a safe location and move it beyond the wall's reach.

IF Emrys can't see through the bone wall, he will cast Vision. He will burn some incense and cast some rune-covered bones into a divining bowl. His eyes go white and he asks if there is a safe location beyond the wall, along their path, to teleport to. (Caster Level Check: d20+19 = 29 vs DC 20.)

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Tuesday November 17th, 2020 10:51:31 PM
Edsons eyes go wide as the bones shred the iron wall. "Imagine what it would do to flesh. "



Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Wednesday November 18th, 2020 8:06:27 AM
V is about to agree with Barratore when Tishe' steps forward and casts a wall of iron into the wall of bone.

If Emrys goes to cast a vision spell, V quickly stops him. "I don't think casting any divinations would be wise Emrys. Being as we are in the realm of Marteus, he is the likely deity that may be answering said question, and we don't want him knowing that we are here, let alone trying to breach his wall."

"I think Tishe' has solved our problem though. Although it was only brief, the interruption of the walls movement by Tishe's spell showed us it was about 20 feet thick, and that a road was on the other side, similar to this one. While I was going to agree with Barratore, spending multiple days walking the length of the wall should be avoided if possible, as this was supposed to be a sneaky and time sensitive mission."

"If we saw that the wall was about 20' thick, and a road is beyond, we can simply Dim Door or teleport 50 feet to the other side. There should be no trickery to the vision with the true sight capability of my robe. What we saw is likely what there is. Thoughts?"

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

Spell DC 21+
1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin X2, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, Rev. Gravity, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish, Mass Invis.X2
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball


AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Wednesday November 18th, 2020 11:58:04 AM
Tishe’ agrees with Velarin. “Dim Door would be easiest now that we have a target. And I can Dim Door everyone easily.” Tishe’ has everyone touch her with a hand and casts Dim Door for 100’ beyond the wall and on the road on the other side.

“Good job on the Hide from Undead, Sieur Emrys. We may have been found when I cast the Wall of Iron otherwise.”

Once on the other side, Tishe’ continues on the road.

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing 
Wednesday November 18th, 2020 12:29:35 PM
Emrys will hold off on the divinations if that is what everyone thinks is best.

On the other side (DM John) 
Wednesday November 18th, 2020 5:46:25 PM

Lanliss is still wanting to explore.
Emrys starts to conduct some divination, but realizes that Tishe’s “experiment” gave them the information they needed.
Edson is intimidated by the fate of the iron wall.
Velarin advises against divination in Koshe Marr and points out that a dimension door should work.
Tishe’ commends Emrys’ casting of the hide from undead and sends the Keepers to the other side of the wall.
Barratore takes point on the other side of the wall.


OOC: How is everyone getting dim doored? I believe Tishe' is CL 14 which would allow 4 other medium creatures to tag along. Given that Barratore is large, there are 6 other medium (equivalent) creatures. Assuming that is dealt with, the DM post continues as follows:


The terrain on this side of the wall is no different than the side the Keepers left. The dense mist enshrouds the land remaining at an elevation of about fifty feet above the ground. The road, still of cobbleskull, meanders over and through rises, occasionally passing by an ominously fog filled hollow, disappearing into the tenebrous horizon. The wall behind them continues its relentless roiling. While deafening up close, at this distance the wall creates only a low pitched hum sounding like the distant rumble of some monstrous macabre machine.

Approximately thirty of the skeletons similar to those partially seen protruding from the wall are at the base of the wall where it crosses the road . Some stand at attention while others jog either direction along the wall, occasionally disappearing into it and eventually returning to jog to another position along the wall. Each skeleton stands about middle height and moves with a sense of purpose and self determination not typical of merely animated skeletons. Their most distinctive feature, however, is their hands, rather, what they have in place of hands. Starting at the elbow, each arm ends with a darkened blade the size and shape of a bastard sword, the length such that their tips barely clear the ground when a skeleton is standing with its arms pointed down. There is no indication that they are aware of the Keepers; rather, they appear to be looking for them, obviously expecting them to still be outside the wall.

Ahead of the Keepers in the opposite direction of the wall, perhaps a half a mile away and travelling toward them along the road is what appears to be a company of the sword skeletons. They are jogging in step in a column three ranks abreast and twelve ranks deep. They, too, give no indication of any awareness of intruders, but they are clearly moving with a purpose.



Some great role playing, especially the horror aspect, and problem solving here. Everyone receives 1 hero point.


Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Thursday November 19th, 2020 6:15:47 AM
If Tishe' can't get the entire group, V has a Dim door at the ready as well, and will plan to dim door the remainder of the group 10 feet short of the 100 feet that Tishe' chooses.

Upon arriving at the other side of the wall, V assesses the situation. "Well done on the hide from undead Emrys. We have close to three hours before we will need to find our target or have you cast another one of those. Very handy spell in this situation. Let's get a move on down the cobbleskull road, and avoid any physical contact with the undead. If we can avoid any fights, or drawing attention to ourselves in what may Be the home realm of Marteus, we should definitely do so."

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

Spell DC 21+
1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin X2, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, Rev. Gravity, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish, Mass Invis.X2
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Thursday November 19th, 2020 7:01:40 AM
Barraotre takes in the potential opponents and agrees that Emry's spell definately saved a great deal of fighting just now. Barratore moves to take point, keeping his blade in hand and leads the group off the road 100' and then away from the wall. "With a company of skeletons on the road, best to go around by some distance"

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Thursday November 19th, 2020 8:19:02 AM
Edson is getting more and more freaked out.

"What in all the underworld are those skeletons. "

He moves with Barratore, weapons ready for any of the group of skeletons coming their way.

Search Parties (DM John)  d20=7 ; d20=13 ; d20=5 ; d20=4 ;
Thursday November 19th, 2020 5:55:24 PM

Velarin assists with the transport and commends Emrys use of the hide from undead spell. He summarizes the situation and advocates avoiding fights if possible.
Barratore agrees, takes point, and leads them along, but 100’ off of the road, bypassing the patrol.
Edson comments on the skeletons, and proceeds with weapons ready.

Lanliss, Emrys, Tishe’ continue on.


Aided by Emrys’ spell, and staying clear of the road, the Keepers avoid being detected by the sword skeleton patrol. As the skeletons jog pass, the Keepers can see that all thirty six wordlessly step in perfect unison, their sword-arms pumping in rhythm with their stride. Once they approach the wall, the formation splits, with half going left and the other going right.

As the Keepers continue they observe that the dismal land is devoid of any trees or shrubs. The only vegetation is a short, dense ground cover consisting of stubby green needles so dark they are nearly black providing a thick, cushioned blanket smothering the rolling terrain. Although there is no breeze, the chill is damp and penetrating.

Not long after the first patrol passes, another one similarly composed can be seen going in the same direction across along the road. Once again, the Keepers have little fear of discovery.

As they continue on, pacing the road about one hundred feet distant, shadows appear on the horizon, soon it becomes clear that a patrol of flying creatures about thirty feet above the ground is heading towards them. About twenty of them are traveling together in a line spread about twenty feet apart such that their formation extends over several hundred feet. The formation flies straight for a while then, in unison it changes direction and continues onward. The body of each creature is about the size of a large dog with massive bat wings carrying them gracefully along their trajectory.


Their current course will have a portion of the line fly directly over the Keepers in about two minutes.




Knowledge Religion DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {These are some type of undead bat.}
If Knowledge Religion check beats DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {This is an intelligent undead creature called a berbalang. Its bite and claws can cause paralysis. It has DR that can be overcome with good or silver weapons and can cast charm person. }
If Knowledge Religion check beats DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {It can create an incorporeal projection of itself whose touch causes constitution damage.}


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Thursday November 19th, 2020 7:01:34 PM
Lanliss stays close to Barratore
'The big one can handle everything', Lanliss thinks to himself
'Or at least deal with the first big wave of....', :Lanliss thinks more.
He stays quiet, trying not to think about the absurdity of being inside what seemed a place...full of skeleton...and not the friendly bunch.

.
.
Lanliss mind is blank the more he sees.
He almost touches Barratore out of fear just like a little kid.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157  d20+27=31 ;
Friday November 20th, 2020 7:11:11 AM
V shares his knowledge of the flying creatures with the rest of the group.(know religion 31)

"This is an intelligent undead creature called a berbalang. Its bite and claws can cause paralysis. It has DR that can be overcome with good or silver weapons and can cast charm person.It can create an incorporeal projection of itself whose touch causes constitution damage."

"Fortunately, since they are undead, Emrys' spell should work. Unfortunately, intelligent undead may be able to see through the spell. We should adjust our course to remain as far from them as possible, and then take cover as best we can when they get closer."

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Friday November 20th, 2020 8:51:41 AM
First Edson goes invisible, and then swaps his kukhris for his bow. "Hopefully you're right, but I have a feeling they are looking for us and will succeed in finding us."

Edson stands near the others, getting ready in case the undead come for them.

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Friday November 20th, 2020 10:42:17 AM
Tishe’ remains quiet, shiluddering silently at the wired skeletons, and happy for Emrys’ spell!

Ooc: Tishe’, for spellcasting, is CL19. (My mistake on my CS)
Moreover, even though only even levels advance spell casting progression, every spellweaver level stacks with the character's base spellcasting levels to determine caster level.

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing  d20+30=48 ;
Friday November 20th, 2020 6:58:36 PM
(Knowledge [Religion]: 48)

Emrys knows exactly what they are and he agrees with Velarin's assessment.

Knowing that the undead can't hear him, he instinctively speaks in a hushed tone, "I don't wish to sound like a repetitive hobbit, but please no contact with any undead ... that would break the ward on us all."

"I did cast a much heightened version of this ward against undeath, but I would welcome an extra layer of concealment for comforts sake. I do have a Wand of Invisibility, but we would need to time it correctly."

Search Parties (DM John) 
Saturday November 21st, 2020 12:07:48 PM


Lanliss finds some comfort in having Barratore close, trying not to think too much of his surroundings.
Velarin recognizes the berbalangs and warns the others of the possibility of them penetrating Emrys’ spell.
Edson goes invisible and switches to his bow, ready should they be discovered.
Tishe’ stays quiet, trusting in Emrys’ spell to hide them. OOC: Thank you for the clarification as I am unfamiliar with the SW class
Emrys also recognizes them and reminds the others of the limits of his spell and offers invisibility as an additional protection.
Barratore watches.


Amplified by the dense fog cloud cover, the whoosh of the oncoming berbalangs’ wings can be heard long before they are near. Almost in unison, Edson and Lanliss realize that the Keeper’s feet are visibly compressing the thick carpet of vegetation they are standing in. Too late to react, they can but watch as the search line brings one of the berbalangs almost directly overhead, its bat wings rhythmically beating like a funereal drum.

A stench of putrescence and foul mildew assaults the Keepers as it flies overhead. As it passes, its pallid wings buffet them with cold, damp, fetid air. Moments pass interminably before it becomes evident that it is unaware that its objective is directly beneath it as it continues onward, maintaining its position in line with its companions.

The line of flying searchers disappears behind them.

The road continues winding through low rolling hills, taking them farther away from the wall. With nothing but a gray shroud above, featureless terrain, and no landmarks in any direction, were it not for the road, the Keepers would have difficulty maintaining a course.

After about another hour of travel the Keepers have seen yet another patrol of blade skeletons jogging along the road and two other berbalang patrols searching distantly in the air. A darker shadow can be seen on the horizon, too far away to identify but indicative of a bank of mountains or other sizable feature. The road appears to head toward it. At their current speed they would reach it long after Emrys’ spell has expired. The echo of footsteps marching in unison indicates yet another patrol is approaching along the road. It appears the frequency of patrols may be increasing...


AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Sunday November 22nd, 2020 5:51:18 AM
Tishe’ points to the mountain or whatever it is. “I think Voltaz would be there,” she states matter of factly. “But how do we get there without fighting this entire undead nightmare realm?”

Tishe’s ideas include teleporting directly to the darker shadow to reduce the time on Emrys’ spell and the chance to be noticed in other ways, or to hole up in the Magnificent Mansion to see if the searches reduce.

As usual, Tishe’ will do whatever Velarin decides.

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Sunday November 22nd, 2020 10:49:48 AM
Barratore crouches as the winged create passes overhead. His stomach was in a knot, his mind back in the kobold caves beneath the founding of Rum. Emrys said his spell would keep them hidden, but his mind railed against that comforting thought. In a place such as this, against opponents such as these, how could that be true?

His heart, his nearly unquenchable thirst of adventure and faith in Imod and his friends, however, prove stronger and gripping his blade he watches the thing fly off.

Barratore agrees with Tishe on either course of action. "As we get closer to the castle, which is my guess to that mountain, the patrols are going to be increasing. We need to increase our speed greatly."

"Emrys, how many times can you cast this at maximum protection?"

"I am not sure I would trust the mansion to be secure as we get closer. Perhaps we retreat into it now and come out with renewed capability to cover vast distance quickly and hidden form undead. Even to the point of Teleport back to the other side of the wall, where no patrols are. Recover within the mansion. Hide ourselves with Emrys spell, teleport back to his spot and then teleport to the base of the 'mountain"

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Sunday November 22nd, 2020 9:20:38 PM
Lanliss almost vomits as the smells and the coldness from the fould beasts make him sick...after walking for a little bit he starts to feel a little better.
He doesn't say anything in particular and keeps quiet.

'We won't be able to fight all this army of undead ., he thinks to himself.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Monday November 23rd, 2020 6:28:17 AM
V waits and watches the airborne patrol, fingers crossed that the group is not noticed. a sigh of relief passes his lips as they pass overhead.

V listens to the input from Tishe' and Barratore, and briefly contemplates. "The patrols are all looking and preparing for us. They know we were outside the wall, and then disappeared, and somebody wants to know where we went. If we wait it out in the mansion, we will likely regain some element of surprise. If we go now, perhaps the extra forces have been sent to the wall."

"Being as we don't wish to be in a fight currently anyway, I'm in agreement that we Hide out in the mansion to rest and rememorize spells as best we can for what likely lays ahead. to be safest, we want to locate it a little ways off the road, but at the same time, we don't want a trail leading right up to where we created it."

"What about using fly spells now to move us along quickly for a bit right now? a little off the road, but leaving no tracks on the ground. we fly for most of the duration of the spell and then I will cast the mansion a ways off the road while hovering, and we all fly in. I have two fly spells memorized. If Tishe' and Emrys can come up with four more, it will work. If they can't, I have potions which are of a much shorter duration."

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

Spell DC 21+
1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin X2, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, Rev. Gravity, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish, Mass Invis.X2
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball



AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Monday November 23rd, 2020 8:11:38 AM
Tishe’ steps up to the task. “Four more Fly spells coming right up!” And she casts.

And then she is flying with the group to speed them along.

.....
4 Fly spells

Endure Elements
Detect Scrying

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 1. 0. 0. 1


Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing 
Monday November 23rd, 2020 10:46:20 AM
Emrys is much relieved that his ward held up against these intelligent undead.

To answer Barratore's question, he says, "At that same power level, I can cast it four more times. However I can cast is many more times if necessary, a little more or less powerful versions, but that will consume my most powerful spells for the day."

Upon hearing the idea to hide out in a Magnificent Mansion, he adds, "I can cast a powerful Screen over the area where we place the mansion that will hide us from all detection, through divinations or otherwise."

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Monday November 23rd, 2020 11:54:29 AM
"Sounds like a good plan. Fly us and let's back off the road a bit more, Emrys, Screens and V opens the mansion."

Barratore takes point on the flight and heads out at about 45 degrees towards the mountain and further from the road. With flying patrols and a 50' cloud ceiling, Barratore stays 5' off the ground on his path.

Inside the Mansion the Fighter does not have a lot of prep, but will join in any conversation about what the group should be doing

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Monday November 23rd, 2020 3:34:47 PM
"that's pretty smart" Edson says to Velarin's idea.

Edson follows Barratore's lead, and heads off in flight to head for Velarin's mansion.

Search Parties (DM John) 
Monday November 23rd, 2020 4:02:17 PM

Tishe’ suggests that Volzak might be at whatever is on the horizon, and considers some options for getting there without detection.
Barratore heart proving stronger than the perceived threat of discovery. He confers with the others about advancing, expressing concern about the safety of a magical mansion.
Lanliss is relieved to have not been found and silently considers the threat posed by the numbers of undead around them.

Velarin is also relieved. And proposed hiding their tracks by flight then resting for new spells.

Edson stays alert.
Emrys clarifies how many more times he can cast his hide spell and proposes augmenting a mansion spell.

After discussion, Tishe’ and Velarin provide magical flight and Barratore leads the group in flying formation some ways away from the road, staying clear of the fog cloud above.


How far do the Keepers travel before resting?

As the Keepers fly, the shadow on the horizon does not appear much larger. It clearly is quite a distance away, but having a landmark it is now possible to orientate without relying on the road.

The patrols continue, but the travelers are easily able to avoid them before they get close. At one point a patrol different than previously seen can be seen. Approximately a score of medium size humanoids, flying without the aid of wings approach near enough to be identified, but easily detected to avoid as their blood curdling howls clearly pinpoint their location.

Resting in the Magnificent Mansion with the added precaution of the Screen enables the Keepers to safely rest and recover.


[i]Knowledge Check DC 24 Highlight to display spoiler: { These are undead creatures known as Baykoks. They fly without wings and hunt with bows that fire deadly arrows of bone causing negative energy damage upon a successful hit and potentially paralyzing its prey. }
Knowledge Check DC 29 Highlight to display spoiler: { Their howl frightens nearby foes (distance is within 30’). Can cause target to be paralyzed with fear}
[i]Knowledge Check DC 34Highlight to display spoiler: { They can devour the souls of an adjacent dead or dying creature, instantly slaying their foe if dying, or prevent it from being raised if already dead.}


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Monday November 23rd, 2020 8:39:37 PM
Lanliss is happy to have some respite from all of this horror.
He still keeps quiet to himself.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157  d20+27=45 ;
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 7:08:59 AM
"Let's fly for about 10 minutes, and then start looking for our campsite."

"The screen is a good idea Emrys."

V follows Barratore in formation for about 10 minutes, and once he has found a good spot, V will wait on Emrys' screen before casting and opening the mansion. Once inside, V will share what he knew of the most recent air patrol, which is everything. (know religion 45)

Once inside, and everyone has had a chance to relax and grab a beverage, V will open up discussions about tomorrows plans. "It appears that the distance we need to cover is significant, so We need to move a lot faster than we have been. With dim door, I could only move us 1160 feet per spell, which doesn't seem worth it. teleport has a much greater range, but having never been to or seen where we are going would be a problem, so it would have to be line of sight teleports. I could memprize quite a few of them, however there is always the rare chance of ending up at the wrong spot unless I use greater teleport. Any brilliant thoughts or ideas?"

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

Spell DC 21+
1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Mirror imageX2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis.X2, Stoneskin X2, Fly
5th: Teleport X2, Emp. Lightning bolt, Emp. fireball X2, Wall of force X2,
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic, true seeing, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, Rev. Gravity, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish, Mass Invis.X2
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball



Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 8:09:55 AM
" Is it some sort of magic, that we keep running towards it and it doesn't seem like it moved any closer? Like this is some sort of joke from our host of this demonic zone?"

Edson sips his magical conjured drink, wandering around the room in the magical mansion listening to the discussion.

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 10:26:22 AM
Barratore follows V's direction and leads the party for about 10 minutes and then moves back and forth for a few moments while the Screen and Mansion are created, as he cannot reliably hover

Inside...
"Well those sound terrible. Undead land doesn't disappoint"

How to get there....
"Teleport can work on Line of sight, I think that is our best move. Hidden by Emrys spell and capable of flight with Tishe. V sights in on a spot 10' off the ground and zaps us there. Rinse and repeat on teleport until we feel close enough to move in on flight or foot"

Protections.....
"Seems clear to me we do not want to be noticed. We can't fight through the hordes we've seen Emrys, V, I don't see much use in combat spells other than to make yourself feel better as you get torn apart. Not being found is best. What is sound like from everything V says about nearly everything we've seen, is three are 3 major things we need to worry about.
Negative Energy
Fear
Paralyzation
What can do about them proactively and after the fact?"

Bug Out......
"Lastly, we need a bug out plan if everything goes south immediately. I think teleport outside the wall and run for the mist with the NEED to get back to the land of happy houses."


AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 2:22:10 PM
Tishe’ nods, Barratorre’s plan sounds good. “And if it is a morph-able land, we will try something else!”

The Spellweaver helps out with the Hide/Fly/Teleport plan.

......

Endure Elements
Detect Scrying

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 1. 0. 0. 1

At Horizon's End (DM John)  d20=13 ; d20=3 ; d20=13 ; d20=3 ; d20=15 ;
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 3:59:23 PM


Lanliss quietly enjoys the momentary respite from the horror.
Velarin identifies the creatures in the new patrol, then coordinates with Emrys as he sets up the mansion. He then opens a discussion about their next plans.
Edson asks about the distance of the shadow on the horizon.
Barratore comments on the Baykoks, then adds to the discussion of transport and protection. He raises the need for an exit strategy.
Tishe’ is ready to help with spells as needed.
Emrys stays ready.


Given the low cloud cover, the absence of any other landmarks or features, and the dim lighting, the distance of the shadow on the horizon is difficult to gauge. It is not shifting. It is merely farther than it first appeared to be.

When the Keepers exit the Mansion, there is no indication from the exterior conditions that time has passed. The fog cloud above remains unchanged and the gloomy, damp conditions appear to be the perpetual state of this realm.

Flying and teleportation spells cast, they transport nearer to the shadow on the horizon. They arrive about two miles distant from a sprawling structure of intricately carved blackened stone. At first glance it appears to be a city, but closer inspection reveals that it is a single building composed of lofty arched towers rising and disappearing into the mist, connected by lengthy vaulted halls supported by flying buttresses and ornamented with gargoyles of various sizes and styles. This structure spans miles in either direction and teems with scores of undead of various types and forms, both on the ground and in the air, the most prevalent being the bladed skeletons seen at the wall and along the road.

Another feature also catches the eye of the newly arrived adventurers. About one mile to their right is a solitary building two miles distant from the massive structure. This building sets atop a hill rising about forty feet above the otherwise gently sloping terrain, the highest ground the Keepers have yet seen in this realm. It appears to be a chapel of some sort, containing a nave, transepts, and a rounded chancel. Constructed of large stones, it rises about forty feet above its foundation, the mist oddly rising around and above it to avoid the vaulted arch of its roof. The stones of its construction,though aged and weathered, are not nearly as blackened as the massive stone city/building it looks down on. No path or trail leads to it, but its perimeter is marked by a series of wood stakes each about eight feet tall and six feet apart and topped with a writhing body impaled upon it, the struggles of the tortured creatures visible even at this distance. Marching outside this macabre palisade are approximately eighty heavily armored soldiers, each cloaked in ragged black robes and wielding a glistening longsword, their absence of a head creating a grotesque silhouette. They march in groups of eight evenly spaced around the perimeter of the fence.





Summary of what the Keepers see: Two miles ahead of where the Keepers appear is a massive, sprawling building stretching miles in either direction. Even with their distance from that building and about one mile to their right, is a chapel on a hilltop. The chapel is surrounded by a fence of impaled victims which is surrounded by a cordon of headless creatures. The diameter of the space enclosed by the fence is about one hundred yards. The guard consists of ten squads of eight, evenly spaced around the perimeter with each squad being about one hundred feet from the next one.



Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 10:40:15 PM
Lanliss feels uneasy by all of this.
'Ok try to calm down , try to calm down', he tries to think by himself.
He focuses on the building and the headless knights didn't scare him more than the other undead.
It's only when Lanliss saw the perpetually tortured bodies that something in him....just flipped ,a flicker of an image came to mind of the keepers tortured forever, he starts crying and laughing at the same time as tears begin to drain from his eyes.
After a minute...perhaps a two he get close to whomever is close to him (perhaps Barratore maybe Emrys or anyone else) and says in a slow whisper " I'm scared "


Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing  d20+23=43 ;
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 11:34:49 PM
(Sorry, dead tired. We kinda fast forward through morning prep for the next day.)

Emrys was going to suggest a Heroes "Breakfast" Feast in the morning. Before he casts his Heightened Hide from Undead spell, he was going to first Surrender Blood to empower it.

(Casting Hide From Undead with Heighten Spell metamagic (Cast as a Level 8 spell), +4 boosted Caster Level from Surrender Blood. Duration: 230 minutes. Intelligent Undead get a Will Save DC 30. Caster Level vs SR: 43, natural 20 ... actually it's a 47! Highest Caster Level Check EVAH!)

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing  d12=4 ; d12=6 ;
Tuesday November 24th, 2020 11:38:43 PM
Then Emrys almost forgot to heal himself from the Surrender Blood. He cast a Cure Moderate Spell on himself.

(Casting Cure Moderate Wounds, empowered by Spiritual Healing. Cures 2d12+10: 4+6+10 = 20, just enough!)

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Wednesday November 25th, 2020 5:11:24 AM
Tishe' is refreshed and happy to see they weren't ambushed while hiding/resting in the Magnificent Mansion. "One pick sucessfully weaved", she comments. And then it's time for Hiding / Flying / Teleporting...

The black mass of fortress is intimidating and the chapel hill with headless guards and still-writhing victims is positively ghastly, but the Spellweaver tries to at least focus on what the Keepers came here for. "Are those guards trying to keep people out... or something in? I say the chapel is a more private setting where we may ask some one questions and get answers. A place where we are more likely to find Voltaz."

"Lets fly within 2,000 feet of the chapel entrance, and then I will cast Extend Dim Door to take us all past the headless guards and other obstacles directly to the chapel doors? That should be far enough from detection of the headless guards, you know, in case they are intelligent undead."

......
If Velarin agrees, Casting Extend Dimension Door (4+3-1 = 6 lvl spell slot) Medium extended at 19CL = 2.320' to Dim Door all Keepers.

Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 1. 0. 0*. 0

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Wednesday November 25th, 2020 7:01:40 AM
(ooc: how many teleports did V need to get here? He would have memorized 7)

"Agreed on the bug out plan Barratore.The other side of the wall it is, and then back into the mist."

V looks around upon arriving close enough from the last teleport. "This isn't good. Stealth will be imperative. Fighting our way out of this would not end well for us I think. Does anyone think this looks like the castle from the vision? We have no way of knowing if this is actually Marteus' place, or some other undead lord of the realm."

"Your idea gets us to the chapel doors Tishe'. What then? It's likely trapped and alarmed, so Edson and Lanliss will have to work some magic, but opening the door could alert the guards unless we are quick and quiet about it. Odds are, we already know who that chapel is dedicated to. But, if it's that heavily guarded, there is a reason. Hopefully it's not some sort of crypt."

"We should probably check it out, starting with Tishe' getting us there. Then Lanliss and Edson need to get us in. If everything goes downhill, I'll teleport us all outside the wall.

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

Spell DC 21+
1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Knock X2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis., Stoneskin X2, Fly X2
5th: Teleport X4, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, teleport X3, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish,
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Wednesday November 25th, 2020 8:50:21 AM
Edson was always mistaken for being sickly due to being so skinny. Now he could be mistaken because his skin was white as bone. The size of the buidling, the chapel with the impaled bodies,,,, it all added up and was too much to the elf. His psyche held on by a single thread, ready to dip into insanity.

He hears his name mentioned by Velarin, and he looks to the man... " Aye... " is all he mutters, to show he heard and understands his role.

"Hey.... before we do this. With all this oddness of this place, we don't know how the usual spells will work if one of us drops... notably myself. I just want you to know I love you all, and it has been nothing short of a pleasure. You're the only family I have in this wold... and I wouldn't change that for anything, If i die... I die by your side, and as you're brother. Now... lets boogie."

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Wednesday November 25th, 2020 5:16:14 PM
Barratore enjoys the Heros Feast, always a good idea before doing things like this Emrys

Arriving within sight of the chapel and castle Barraotre finds himself purposefully having to slow his breathing. "Being scared is not the problem Lanliss, Letting it take hold and control you is. Push it down and focus. One problem at a time. SOlve enough, we go home."

Barratore agrees with the thoughts laid out by Tishe. Fly in close enough to Dim Door and then Lanliss and Edson taking care of alarms and traps. "Ill be rear guard on the doorstep then."

"My honor Edson."

Going to the Chapel... (DM John) 
Wednesday November 25th, 2020 5:48:17 PM

Lanliss is overwhelmed by the horrors confronting him, but regains some control after a minute or two.
Emrys prepares a Heroes Breakfast and protects the Keepers with a heightened hide from undead, then heals himself before departing.
Tishe’ suggests that Vorzak is most likely in the guarded chapel. She suggests a means of getting past the guards.
Velarin agrees with Barratore’s exit plan. He questions whether this looks like the castle from the vision. The answer is it does not. It looks more like a gothic cathedral with hormonal issues.
He raises the concern of what to do once the Keepers arrive at the chapel doors, but agrees it should be investigated.
Only a single casting of teleport required to get the location and the number of companions. The imprecision of establishing the base of the structure is why the Keepers arrived two miles away.
Edson barely holds on to his sanity, unable to respond to Velarin. He then shares a deathbed proclamation and a commitment to get on with it.
Barratore supports Lanliss, recognizes Edson’s gift, and offers to be rear guard at the chapel door.

I moved the Keepers closer, but will not activate the dimension door until Velarin’s concerns are addressed.


As the Keepers fly closer, they observe a constant flux of undead patrols, on foot and in the air, going in and out of the sprawling cathedral. Although one band of berbalangs heads in their general direction, the Keepers have no difficulty in altering their course to avoid them.

At about a distance of two thousand feet from the chapel, the Keepers stop their approach and are able to see more details. The end of the nave is facing them, its entrance a single heavy wooden door bound with verdigris coated bronze. The writhing victims on the stakes produce a mournful keening, barely audible at this distance while the headless guard continues their patrols outside this grisly fence.


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Wednesday November 25th, 2020 7:26:48 PM
Lanliss tries to sway his mind in a different direction.
He asks the keepers
"How do we get inside?", "Surely we might need to find a way inside....but I don't want to end up.......in eternal.......Nightmare", Lanliss asks and explains.



AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Thursday November 26th, 2020 3:16:04 AM
Tishe’ keenly feels what Lanliss, Edson, and Barratorre. And becoming one more soul in eternal torment is nearly the worst thing she can think of. The only thing worse... “we are here to stop this from being the whole Wold”, she reminds herself aloud. “Even the Powers say we are the best possibility to succeed, but to do so we have to go in somewhere and make contact with something. It will be Voltaz or know where to find her.” She turns to the others, nodding. “Honor. I feel it too, and am with you all the way and beyond. Our exit strategy should be the same but in reverse.”

.......
If Velarin agrees, Casting Extend Dimension Door (4+3-1 = 6 lvl spell slot) Medium extended at 19CL = 2.320' to Dim Door all Keepers.

Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 1. 0. 0*. 0

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157  d20+27=46 ; d20+29=43 ;
Thursday November 26th, 2020 6:53:35 AM
"Same here Edson."

"Don't quite get the Exit strategy in reverse Tishe'. Could you explain a little?"

"Now that we are closer, before we make our move, let's take a few seconds and look at this tactically. Barratore, do you see any break points in the patrol, or patterns that we could exploit to our advantage?"

"If most beings here have roots from times and places in the real Wold or other planes, then it would make sense that the structures created do as well. can we garner any information from what lays before us? Either architecturally or historically." (know history 46, know planes 43)

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

Spell DC 21+
1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Knock X2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis., Stoneskin X2, Fly X2
5th: Teleport X4 - cx1, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, teleport X3, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish,
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball


Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Thursday November 26th, 2020 8:46:52 AM
Edson continues trying to maintain his composure. He scans around, listening to the others talk about the plan. Lanliss and himself had the usual plan, and that was all he needed to hear.

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind  d20+13=24 ; d20+17=31 ;
Thursday November 26th, 2020 1:29:07 PM
Barratore looks best he can over the structure from where the party stands. Cathedral's have lofty interiors, usually a choir loft which may or may not be ideal. Such a horror as this place, Barratore thinks has an eternal chior or torment. The door is probably best
Perception 31 Know Engineering 24

"Reverse would be Dim Door out and teleport away"

Barratore points out the Nave, "Arriving right at the door will allow the structure to shield us somewhat and the rest would rely on Emrys' spell. Edson and Lanliss and examine the door and then open it. I think Emrys' True Sight should be cast before Tishe brings us in as that he can add to Lanliss and Edson's examination. We then open the door, slip in and close it behind us

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Thursday November 26th, 2020 8:31:57 PM
Lanliss mumbles and agrees with the group not paying attention to his surroundings now.
He is lost in his own world, only half of his attention was in the present moment and surroundings.

At the Chapel... (DM John) 
Thursday November 26th, 2020 10:49:14 PM


Lanliss wonders how to get inside the chapel, but finds it difficult to stay focused.
Tishe’ is ready to open a door to door.
Velarin asks about the exit strategy and takes a moment to evaluate their surroundings.
Emrys warily watches.
Edson waits, watches, and keeps a watchful eye.
Barratore examines the chapel, clarifies the exit strategy for Valerin, and suggests entering the front door is the best option.


The chapel is simple and elegant. Something about it seems different compared to the sprawling behemoth of a building nearby. Whereas the black building seems sinister and foreboding, the weathered gray chapel almost seems peaceful, incongruously so in this realm of unliving nightmare. The chapel seems typical of many temples occurring in the Wold and would likely have high vaulted ceilings supported by columns and arches. Mezzanines are also a common feature and smaller doors on the transepts would also be typical. Such a structure may also have underground chambers where liturgical objects are stored and crypts may be located. Though many such structures would have unique features indicating association with a particular deity, this one is atypically generic in its design and details.

The headless guards march in unison counterclockwise around the perimeter with each squad maintaining its separation from the one before and after it. After having some time to observe the victims on the stakes, it becomes quite clear that these also are some type of undead creature.


AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Friday November 27th, 2020 2:52:42 AM
Tishe’ nods, “Sieur Barratorre has it right. So, let’s go?”

.......
If Velarin agrees, Casting Extend Dimension Door (4+3-1 = 6 lvl spell slot) Medium extended at 19CL = 2.320' to Dim Door all Keepers.

Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 1. 0. 0*. 0

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Friday November 27th, 2020 6:55:39 AM
"Alright Tishe'. Let's do it."

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Friday November 27th, 2020 11:00:53 AM
"Do you think the peacefulness of this place is some kind of trap, making us feel like its a safe place when its really not. "

The invisible elf continues scanning, but heads out with the others when they advance.

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Friday November 27th, 2020 1:52:26 PM
Lanliss regains composure from hearing Edson talking about a trap.
He quickly looks around.
He points at what seemed to be a chapel...
"Seems possible"
"If it is heavily guarded it wouldn't be suspicious.", he says and recollects his thoughts.

"If only so few protect this place than WE have to assume that the enemies in front of us might not be the only obstacle or danger
Be careful, it is either a trap or a lucky almost unguarded place for some unknown reason."
.

At the Chapel... (DM John) 
Saturday November 28th, 2020 5:39:59 PM

Friday Nov 27

Tishe’ is ready to go.
Velarin is,too.
Edson suspects a trap, remaining invisible.
Lanliss agrees that it may be a trap and advises caution.
Emrys and Barratore are also ready.

The Keeper’s step through Tishe’s portal, arriving at the cobblestone (not skull) paved entrance in front of the entry door. Lanliss and Edson quickly inspect the door, finding no evident hazards. The door is large, almost large enough for Barratore to enter with stooping, and unlocked. Heavy and seeming to have seen little use, it requires a bit of a shove to push it open. It emits a penetrating squeal as its metal hinges protest at the use.

The nave is about fifty feet wide with a row of arched columns running ten feet along each side, forming an open chamber within. The ceiling soars above, with high windows allowing the dim exterior light to filter in. Ahead, past the nave at a distance of about fifty feet, an ornate wooden rail surrounds a raised platform upon which sits a flat altar of smooth stone. Another open area is beyond that, but the lighting is too dim to be able to make out any details from the doorway.


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Saturday November 28th, 2020 8:03:17 PM
Lanliss tries to calm down.
'dont worry', he thinks.
As he sees very little of the place .
He tries to go first or second as he tries to fight his fear.
'Being the last won't save me...or the others from the horror,'Lanliss thinks and rationalizes his decision



AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK)  d20+25=37 ;
Sunday November 29th, 2020 5:26:03 AM
Tishe’ winces at the screeching metal sound and looks quickly behind them at the writhing impaled and marching headless undead: do they notice? She tells the others what she sees.

Hurrying inside, she pauses to see if one of the Keepers closes the door again. Whether they do or not, the Spellweaver takes a few more steps into the soaring cathedral and casts a Daylight spell to shine from her wand of Protection v Evil (that she pulls from her Pants o Plenty)

“Hello?”, she calls. “We are seeking knowledge, and have been told to look for someone. Can you help?” She shrugs at any stares from her friends. “No harm to ask right away is there? Can’t make a pattern without throwing some thread on the loom.”

.....
Check the outside. Perception 37
Cast Daylight: 60’ radius bright light (doesn’t hurt undead)

Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing  d20+23=30 ;
Sunday November 29th, 2020 11:20:05 PM
Emrys scurries into the door with everyone else. He casts True Seeing on himself and anyone else who would request it.

"Edson ... Lanliss, would either of you require True Seeing?"

Emrys looks all about to with his true sight, trying to see anything that is possibly unseen.

(Each cast of True Seeing has a duration of 19 minutes)

(Perception: 30)

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Monday November 30th, 2020 8:14:10 AM
"Barratore, would you be so kind as to close the door? I think it would be wise for Edson and Lanliss check for traps as we go. It's obvious that someone doesn't want anyone else in here, so they may have taken precautions beyond what's outside."

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Monday November 30th, 2020 2:10:58 PM
Edson nods to Emrys. " That would be good. Thank you "

The elf moves with the group, searching as he goes.

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Monday November 30th, 2020 2:44:58 PM
Barratore has his back to the group, blade out and prepares to o be the last line of defense as Edon and Lanliss go over the door. He hears and squeal of the hinges and winces at he sound. As the others move in, he slowly backs through and closes the door, then turns and press his back and weight against it to hold it closed.

Barratore looks over at Tishe with a small grin on his face. "What could go wrong with asking?" he replies a bit cheerful for the first time in what seemed far too long. As the others move forward, the fighter stays at the door, a 1 ton door jam

Inside the Chapel... (DM John) 
Monday November 30th, 2020 5:21:37 PM

Lanliss, barely able to stay calm, at least outwardly, enters the chapel with the others.
Tishe’ winces at the sound of the door opening and looks for a reaction by from the undead outside. She hurries inside and looks to see that the door is closed behind them. Casting a daylight spell she illuminates the interior for all to see. She then calls out, “Hello? We are seeking knowledge, and have been told to look for someone. Can you help?” and explains her doing so to the others.
Emrys casts True Seeing on himself and offers it to Edson and Lanliss.
Velarin asks Barratore to close the door and suggests Edson and Lanliss check for traps.
Edson starts searching the areas. Typically, I would need die rolls for perception checks. I will assume Edson is “taking ten”.
Barratore stands guard as the rogues inspect the door, then backs in through it, closing it once inside. He then stands guard again as the others examine the interior.

When the door screeches, Tishe’, Barratore, and Velarin (and anyone else who is looking), see the patrol in view of the doorway turn in unison to face them. Of course, they have no heads, so it is impossible to perceive their reaction, but they obviously reacted to the sound.

Tishe’s call echoes gently within the wide expanse of the chapel, but there is no response. Once inside, thanks to her daylight spell, the Keepers see the extent of the chapel interior. The ceiling of the entire chapel rises about forty feet above the marble tiled floor. Edson finds no indication of traps or other danger. The additional illumination reveals nothing new in the nave, or the altar bearing chancel, but the space beyond it is now clearly visible. A series of aged wooden platforms rise beyond the altar, providing three rows for a choir to stand on. Behind the choir platform is an arched opening about ten feet wide and fifteen feet high at its peak. This archway is closed off by an ornate wrought iron gate with vertical bars spaced about eight inches apart. Through the arch the Keepers can see what appears to be some furnishings and shelf lined walls. Surprisingly, although clearly a place of worship, nothing visible gives any indication of what deity this structure might be dedicated to.

But the most striking feature of this chapel is the sense of peace within. The tranquility provided by the simple, yet elegant architectural elements combined with the calm quiet interior of this chapel, create a stark contrast to the nightmare world without. All senses, mundane and arcane, indicate that this is a safe haven.

There appears to be nothing in the main chambers. The gate leading to the rear chamber is ornately constructed of whorled wrought iron. It is secured with a simple chain and padlock. Beyond the gate, Edson, and whoever advances with him, can see that the walls are lined with wooden shelves that would typically store the vestments and other instruments of worship, but are completely bare. To one side of this chamber, a set of stairs descends through the floor, surrounded on three sides by a solid wooden rail.


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Monday November 30th, 2020 10:01:01 PM
Lanliss anxiety subsides as he starts to feel more safe in this place.
Whatever it was, it made him hopeful about their situation.

'They will find a way to banish the darkness....or at least not end up on a stick', Lanliss thinks as he follows the others.

OOC : I have troubles putting a mental image of the place described any tips?
OOC: Will try to read again tomrrow

Additional description of the chapel layout.(DM John) 
Monday November 30th, 2020 10:54:43 PM

Attempt to clarify the layout.


Cross shaped building, like this. ------|---

Here is an attempt at a link to a sketch.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chancel#/media/File:Binnenchor.svg



Keeper's entered at the left of the above diagram.
At the cross is a raised platform surrounded by a wooden railing. On the platform is a stone altar.
Past the altar is a series of low, raised steps that a choir could stand on.
Beyond the choir stand is a wall with the archway.
That wall is the only interior wall. Access is blocked by a gate. This would be on the right end of the above diagram.
Through the gate can be seen some shelves and stairs going down.


hope this helps.



Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 7:45:00 AM
"I don't know about you guys, but there is definitely a sense of peace here. A welcome break from the outside."

"We may not be able to teleport out of here. Many temples have protections from magical transport in or out. Shall we check out the altar and then see what's behind the locked door before taking the stairs? I have a knock spell prepared in case of issues with picking the lock."

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

Spell DC 21+
1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Knock X2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis., Stoneskin X2, Fly X2
5th: Teleport X4 - cx1, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, teleport X3, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish,
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball



Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE  d20=14 ;
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 11:53:14 AM
Edson carefully clears away from the raised alter.

" yeah, the peace feels good...but it might just be lulling us in to a false sense of security... right before some wretched undead rips our hearts out. "

Edson keeps searching... 44 perception, 53 trapfinding,



Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing  d20+20=30 ;
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 11:54:08 AM
"Yes, I feel that same sense of peace as well ... but I can't help but not trust my senses in this place. It could all be an illusion ... like the Screen spell I cast around your mansion."

Emrys chooses to disbelieve and attempts to see through it. (Will Save: 30)

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 12:50:55 PM
Barratore remains put. "They heard the door if not us. But it very much feels as though they cannot enter here, and the powers that be do not like it. So they do their best to keep any beings seeking refuge from getting in and once inside, from getting out again."

Barratore slowly backs from the door, keeping a careful eye upon it, in case he is wrong. He then turns after a few moments and makes his way to the gate. He calls through it loudly
"We were told we might find Voltaz here and that would could gain much needed assistance."

Barring a reply, "Edson, if you wouldn't mind." gesturing to the lock

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 12:58:35 PM
Tishe’ takes a deep breath and exhales: maybe the first one in the nightmare realm!

Emrys is still suspicious which piques Tishe’s interest. “Good would find no objection”, she murmurs, and casts a Detect Evil from her wand, then takes her time to move to the center of the nave and turn in place to ensure she notes any evil found.

“Many Shadows!”, she calls again, “Is there any here that can speak with us?”

Cast Detect Evil CL 5. (5 minutes)

Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

To the interior gate. (DM John) 
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 3:43:48 PM


Lanliss regains some hope and follows the others.
Velarin comments on the peaceful feel of the chapel, and warns that teleportation magic may not work within it. He has a high probability of being correct. He proposes checking out the altar and checking behind the locked gate before descending the stairs.
Edson gives the place a thorough inspection and finds no indication of any traps or hazards.
Despite having the benefits of an active True Seeing spell,Emrys, he conducts a reality check on his surroundings, confirming that everything seems to be as it appears to be.
Barratore stays at the main door for a while and speculates that, though possibly aware that the door opened, the undead may not be able to enter the chapel themselves, but wish to keep others from entering. He then advances to the gate, calling out, “We were told we might find Voltaz here and that we could gain much needed assistance."
He then asks Edson to address the lock.
Tishe’ relaxes for the first time in quite a while. She then casts detect evil and calls out as well.

The altar is well constructed of smooth stone. It appears to be of the type one would place regalia and objects of worship rather than one sacrifices would be conducted on. Again, nothing indicates a particular religion and there is no trace of anything having been placed upon it.

Tishe’s spell reveals no auras of evil, Emrys’ suspicions do not appear to be founded, and Edson finds no indication of traps.

Neither Barratore's nor Tishe's calls receive any reply.

The padlock on the gate, untrapped, is of a type that Edson could open without tools, without trying, in a hailstorm. The gate, when opened, moves easily, only emitting the slightest hint of a squeal. The chamber beyond it, lit by Tishe’s spell, has high windows about twenty feet above the floor. The patterns of the stained glass are geometric and elegant, but without any apparent religious significance. The chamber contains empty shelves along the walls, solid wood tables with nothing on them, and a wooden rail guarding the sides of the stairway descending down through the floor.

The cool temperature inside the chapel seems refreshing and clean like a sunny autumn day, contrasting starkly with the soul chilling damp typical of the rest of Hallowight.

The only sound is that of the Keepers’ footsteps and voices.

Other than the open stairs going down, there appears to be nothing else to examine.


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Tuesday December 1st, 2020 9:19:35 PM
"Shall we take the stairs", Lanliss asks rhetorically ...
"It seems safe for the time being", he adds

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 9:56:04 AM
“Perhaps we should ask Edson to check the altar and chained room for secret doors before taking the stairs. After that, though, it would seem that the stairs are our next place to investigate.”

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 10:20:33 AM
Barratore will keep himself as rear guard. No one behind him could possibly see or get by on the stairs anyway. The fighter puts his sword away, the first truly relaxing experience he has had since entering Hallowight

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 12:03:43 PM
Tishe’ shrugs, she agrees with Lanliss but admits Velarin is thinking strategically. She holds her place in the middle while checks and direction are determined.
....

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE  d20=12 ;
Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 3:25:03 PM
Edson overly exaggerates cracking his fingers as he moves to look for secret doors.

Searching 42



Additional Investigations in the Chapel (DM John) 
Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 4:15:50 PM

Lanliss suggests taking the stairs and observes all appears to be safe.
Velarin proposes checking for secret doors before proceeding down the stairs.
Barratore takes rear guard, taking the opportunity to relax.
Tishe’ agrees with Lanliss and with Velarin, waiting for the group to proceed.
Edson makes a display of checking for secret doors.
Emrys waits.


Edson finds no secret doors in either location. Somehow in this place, it seems easier to breathe, as unrecognized tension slowly releases from each of the adventures.



Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Wednesday December 2nd, 2020 8:28:57 PM
Lanliss moves near the stairs.
He points at them and says.
"I am going to be first, it seems this place is...quite the opposite of the...", Lanliss pauses to find the right word ," outside", he says after a few moments of thinking.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 7:58:29 AM
"I got your back Lanliss." edson says, after turning up nothing for the secret doors.
He falls in line, following his fellow rogue.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 8:24:46 AM
"Alright. Stairs it is. Lanliss and Edson want the lead. Barratore, you want next in line or to continue as rear guard?"

"At some point, we will need to come up with an exit strategy, because it's likely that a rather large group will be waiting out side for us. We would likely need to be clear of the building before attempting a teleport."

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 1:22:40 PM
Tishe’ nods. She minimizes her efforts in order to keep her concentration on the Detect Evil spell. She follows Lanliss and Edson down the stair.

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

Down the stairs... (DM John) 
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 5:10:53 PM

Lanliss, encouraged by the peacefulness of the chapel, leads the way down the stairs.
Edson backs him up.
Velarin follows and points out several considerations for making a successful escape.
Tishe’ nods agreement and continues to focus on detecting evil as she follows Lanliss and Edson.
Barratore keeps guard.
Emrys keeps an eye out.


The smooth stone steps descend a depth of approximately twenty feet, curving such that they remain within the walls of the structure above. The stairs lead to a five-foot wide arched hallway that extends another thirty feet heading in the direction of the main entrance, ending at a gate identical to the one above, even down to the simple padlock and chain, The location of this gate is on the entrance side of the altar, placing the Keepers in the hallway directly beneath it. Illuminated by Tishe’s spell, the chamber the gate is about forty foot wide with a ten foot ceiling supported by arches and a barrel vaulted ceiling to support the stone floor of the nave above. The walls are lined with wooden shelves, but unlike those on the main floor, these are filled with books and scrolls. The center of the room bears four large heavy wooden tables placed in two rows of two. In the middle of the tables is a standing desk upon which sits a large open book.

Edson and Lanliss find no traps on this gate leading into the book filled room and have no trouble opening the lock on it. Tishe’ detects no evil. Those with true sight see nothing different than what the others see.

Straight ahead, beyond the shelves and tables, is yet another chained and locked metal gate, similar to the other two already encountered, but with one exception. The view through this gate is blocked by a curtain of thick gray cloth hanging on the other side of it.


(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 5:55:38 PM
Barratore follows the rest down as rear guard, but more so that the others can see where they are going. Another gate and Edson easily open, Barratore will step into the room and while others might check out the book, he moves to the gate. Reaching between the bars, he attempts to move the curtain aside and reveal the other side

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Thursday December 3rd, 2020 11:31:28 PM
Lanliss wants to look at some of the books and scrolls.
Lanliss feels his heart beat increasing as he sees Barratore trying to move the curtains.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Friday December 4th, 2020 6:51:25 AM
"Good idea Barratore. Let's make sure we have checked out the place before seeing if any clues await us in the books. Not sure I want to take a look at any sacred holy texts in this place though."

V waits to see if Barratore can move the curtain or if Edson needs to unlock it first.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE  d20+39=50 ;
Friday December 4th, 2020 8:48:48 AM
Edson grabs Barratore's big hand. "Woh big man. You reach through and you might come back with one less hand. It seems everyone's first instinct would be to reach through, "

Edson checks it for traps, before giving Barratore the heads up to pull the curtain,

Trap finding 50



Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing  d20+20=24 ;
Friday December 4th, 2020 11:41:48 AM
Emrys continues checking for hidden things with his extra perception of True Sight.

(Perception: 24)

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Friday December 4th, 2020 2:26:00 PM
Tishe’ keeps her wand out for the Daylight spell, and keeps concentrating on the Detect Evil spell as the others take care of passage and cloth.

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

Beyond the curtain (DM John) 
Sunday December 6th, 2020 6:14:53 PM

Barratore, once in the room, moves to the next gate to move the curtain aside.
Lanliss takes a look at books and scrolls, but gets a bit anxious when Barratore makes his move.
Velarin agrees with Barratore’s action.
Edson rushes to intervene, checking for traps before Barratore can act.
Emrys takes a careful look around with his true sight.
Tishe’ keeps the daylight and detect evil spells active.


Edson finds no traps and observes that the padlock is as simple as all the others encountered so far in this chapel. Emrys sees nothing amiss and Tishe’ detects no evil auras.


Once cleared by Edson, Barratore is able to push the curtain aside by reaching through the ornate wrought iron bars of the gate. The revealed chamber is about twenty feet across by forty foot wide with the gate being in the middle of the longer dimension. This appears to be a cryptorium, but only a single vault is present, located on the right end of the chamber. Light from Tishe’s spell penetrates sufficiently to reveal the simple low vault of marble with an inscription, “Here lies Volzak, beloved husband, and sore loser.” Most notable, however, is the translucent figure postured as if sitting on an unseen chair next to the vault. A man of middle height wearing the ragged remnants of what were once robes of exquisite cloth, slowly stands and addresses Barratore in a gentle baritone, “I take it that you are the reason my wife is in such a state of vexation.” He pauses a moment, then with a grin adds, “Spendid”. With a broad sweep of his arm and a bow, he finishes, “Welcome to my humble grave. Vozalk the Master of Arts Arcane, at your service.”


(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Sunday December 6th, 2020 8:02:33 PM
Barratore chuckles as Edson stops him, but does not fuss about it. ONce cleared, he draws back the tapestry to find the spirit, Volzak. Barratore turns to llok at the others quizacally, and then back

"Master Volzak, a pleasure to find you." Barratore bites the words 'in good spirits' back and continues, "we were told you could help us and we truly hope you can."

More, Barratore does not want to say until the others weigh in

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Monday December 7th, 2020 6:33:49 AM
Velarin is briefly stunned by the apparition, sitting guard duty by his own grave. Taking a second to digest his surprise as Barratore speaks, V follows up the massive warrior's statement with a brief statement of his own.

"We hope that you will be able to answer some questions, and perhaps steer the path of our journey in the proper direction."

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

Spell DC 21+
1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Knock X2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis., Stoneskin X2, Fly X2
5th: Teleport X4 - cx1, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, teleport X3, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish,
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball


Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Monday December 7th, 2020 8:12:51 AM
It was a weird seeing a dead man.. even weirder seeing through him.

The elf rogue hangs back, not opening his mouth. Afraid he'll say the wrong thing and anger the spirit.

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Monday December 7th, 2020 10:43:51 AM
Tishe’ feels the peace of the place, and struggles within herself: is this Volzak to be trusted or not? What decides the short woman is that mistrust is a weapon of the enemy. Well, that, and she usually only keeps as still as a shuttle on a loom.

“Sore loser?”, she inquiries about the inscription. “ Were you and your wife both vying for who controls this realm for the god of Testing? So the impaled and headless minions outside are yours? Or are they your wife’s to ensure you stay in?”

The peace of the place makes Tishe’ already guess the answer, and she rushes out in a single breath. “We were told you can help us by giving us directions to M... the god of Testing’s Palace in the nightmare realm.”

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

Volzak speaks (DM John) 
Monday December 7th, 2020 4:52:29 PM

Barratore greets Volzak.
Velarin expands upon Barratore’s greeting.
Edson holds his tongue to avoid saying the wrong thing.
Tishe’ asks about the inscription and the guard around the chapel.
Lanliss and Emrys watch on.

Volzak, still standing, but with feet not quite touching the surface of the paved stone floor, responds to Barratore, “You were told I could help, were you? By whom and with what?” Although his features are translucent, they remain expressive, conveying the impression he suspects he already knows the answer to his question.”

When Velarin speaks, Volzak turns to him and responds with a mischievous grin, “Anyone who annoys my wife has earned a few answers. Where do you journey and why?”

He laughs aloud at Tishe’s question. “Actually, I wrote that. It wasn’t that she and I struggled for control of this realm, it is that she and I struggled for her soul. When she cursed this realm with undeath she lost it, and with it, I lost her. This crypt I made in the basement of the very chapel in which she and I wed is my constant reminder of my failure.

“The guardians, however, are a new addition, presumably to keep you out. I suspect they had the opposite effect, as putting them there alerted you to this place. Though brilliant and powerful, she is, in fact, quite insane and does not always make the wisest of choices.” As he says this last, Volzak looks away, pensive.

Tishe’s continues, ““We were told you can help us by giving us directions to M... the god of Testing’s Palace in the nightmare realm.” His head jerks up in reaction, “The Palace! Izzozentia is not the only one insane, I see.”

He pauses for an uncomfortable period of time before continuing, “I can help, but for a price. And it will take some time, as it will require me to do some research here in my library.” His sweeping gesture clearly designates that the chamber containing the shelves and tables is what he means. “If I tell you how to get there, will you grant me one request in exchange? I promise you that it will not impede your journey nor put any of your souls or bodies in any greater danger.”



(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Monday December 7th, 2020 10:20:24 PM
Barratore looks painfully at Tishe as she blurts out the mission and his heart goes out to V. The poor wizard might actually go into cardiac arrest on the spot. Barratore inhales and bites his cheek to deal with it. If the wizard drops, well, Emrys could surely help.

The apparition, now know as Voltaz, makes his offer and Barratore grins. His mouth is in motion before his brain tells him to shut up

"Doing really stupid things is what we excel at."

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Monday December 7th, 2020 10:30:34 PM
Lanliss let the others speak....
He is quite perplexed by their discovery.....
He regains composure and asks "Do you agree with what is happening around here ?", Lanliss asks and doesn't stop with that.
"With all this horror out there....it doesn't make you heart broken but also angry with that love of your life that done this?" he gestures around, "Do you think about her? can't this place become....more magnificent much more peaceful and...happy?"

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157  d20+31=35 ; d20+27=46 ; d20+27=30 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2020 6:43:44 AM
Velarin's eyes go wide as Tishe' reveals their exact destination to the undead spirit in the undead realm, possibly the lord of said realm. V works on recovering is composure as Voltaz responds

As the spirit talks, V hears the name Izzozentia, and quickly scours his memory for recollection of the name.(know arcane 35, religion 46, history 30)

When Voltaz offers to make a deal, V is about to logically reply that they obviously couldn't agree without knowing the details of the agreement. When, instead, Barratore seemingly agrees to the not yet known deal, Velarins eyes once again go wide, and his shoulders sag.

V takes a split second to compose himself once again, and wonders if his friends intentionally torture him mentally, or if it just happens.

"What is it exactly that you would like us to do Voltaz?"

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday December 8th, 2020 9:54:00 AM
Tishe’, at one time in her life, was completely oblivious to social nuances. Time and experience, lots of experience, has made her at least a little better. For instance, she is fairly certain that Barratorre’s comment and Velarin’s evident headache are because of her... lack of subtlety. As the conversation is going in the right direction (and to avoid putting a tangle in the tapestry) the Sorceress judges she should keep quiet. For now.

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0



Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing  d20+20=34 ;
Tuesday December 8th, 2020 3:11:50 PM
"And you have no trouble seeing or hearing us? That is quite impressive since no one else in this realm have been able to do so. Why is that?" Emrys asks thinking this 'person' may not be what it appears to be.

(Perception: 34, with True Seeing.)

Volzak speaks (DM John) 
Tuesday December 8th, 2020 4:58:47 PM

Barratore reacts to Tishe’s reveal and responds to Volzak with, "Doing really stupid things is what we excel at."
Lanliss finds his voice and asks some questions. See answers below
Velarin is nonplussed by his colleagues’ statements and attempts to place the name Izzozentia. He does not recognize the name. Either she was very obscure in the Wold, is not from the Wold, or went by a different name there. There is no way of knowing which is the case. He finally finds his voice, too. See answer below.
Tishe’, having spoken boldly before, remains silent now.
Emrys asks how Volzak can perceive them. Nothing revealed with perception check or true sight.
Edson listens.

Observing the reactions of the Keepers to Tishe’s outburst, Volzak bursts out laughing. “I have so missed mortals,” he finally manages to say.

Lanliss finally asks, "Do you agree with what is happening around here ?", Lanliss asks and doesn't stop with that. "With all this horror out there....it doesn't make you heart broken but also angry with that love of your life that done this?" he gestures around, "Do you think about her? can't this place become....more magnificent much more peaceful and...happy?"

Volzak shakes his head in response, “Agree? She is the darklord. My opinion is irrelevant. Horror, broken hears, anger, peace, happiness? Those are mortal constructs.” He gestures to his incorporeal body, “I left those behind long ago. But, yes, I do think about her for I have no choice.” Again, he looks away, his ghostly features forlorn and distant.

Emrys asks "And you have no trouble seeing or hearing us? That is quite impressive since no one else in this realm have been able to do so. Why is that?"

Volzak appears puzzled at first, then exclaims, “Ahhh. You are referring to your hide from undead spell. I have left my body behind, not my intelligence nor my knowledge. It is a well crafted adjuration, but insufficient protection against one of my skills aaaanddd,” he adds with a smile, “the daylight spell did give you away.”

Then Velarin speaks up. “Volzak. VOLZAK!” he responds violently to Velarin’s mispronunciation of his name. As quickly as it appeared, his apparent anger recedes. “My apologies,” he responds, “it is a fair question. My request is simple: if I show you how to get where you want, you will take me with you so that I can leave this place once and for all.”



Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Tuesday December 8th, 2020 7:31:31 PM
Lanliss keeps quit.
They had a dark lord to deal with...
"So I guess we have no choice but help you.....assuming that your request is not evil in mortal constructs...?"


(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Tuesday December 8th, 2020 10:44:24 PM
Barratore is sorely tempted to repeat himself, but holds the remark in check. "So they are your jailors then, the host outside. We have little experience transporting spirits." Barratore looks to Tiche and V, "Would your transportation magic work on him?

The fighter sees little choice and given the the feeling of sanctuary within the chapel where they stand and the complete lack of any power they have to say Volzak is anything but a non evil spirit, "I see no reason to say no"

DM CORRECTION FOR EMRYS (DM John) 
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 11:04:20 AM


Emrys only Highlight to display spoiler: {From the very first moment Emrys viewed he saw Volzak, he saw him as a withered corpse with glowing blue eyes. He sees this as an overlay to the urbane elderly man the others see. OOC: My apologies for missing this earlier.}

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 1:38:09 PM
Tishe’ looks at Velarin. “He’s not evil, so helping him leave a prison run by a Dark Lord in the nightmare realm sounds reasonable. Especially if we have to do the thing we have to do.”

She looks again at Volzak. “Do you want anywhere other than here, or are you looking for a particular place. We happen to know someone one realm over that is not evil and would absolutely love to talk with you for decades.” She pauses and considers. “And how do we move you? Is there a particular object or something you are linked with?”

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 1:56:18 PM
Velarin contemplates all that has been said for a moment.

"My apologies on the mispronunciation Volzak. Are you not tied to this place or unable to leave? It seems obvious that the darklord of this realm is not likely to want any of us going anywhere. I assume transportational magic will not work within this building. How far outside of it would we need to be?"

"Tishe', I would not so readily assume that he is not evil. A detect evil spell would not be all that difficult to deceive. Volzak is after all, Master of Arts Arcane."

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 3:01:29 PM
Edson audibly sighs. There was nothing they could do about this. They needed the spirits help, so they would have to do the side mission.

Volzak's Offer (DM John) 
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 5:28:06 PM


Lanliss states, “"So I guess we have no choice but help you.....assuming that your request is not evil in mortal constructs...?

Volzak responds with a smile, “Evil is for each individual to decide. I cannot do that for you.”



Barratore replies to Volzak "So they are your jailors then, the host outside. We have little experience transporting spirits." and then asks the party teleporters about transporting a spirit.

Volzak answers, “Not so much my jailors as they are, inadvertently, my guard. It appears that Izzozentia did not want you here as those guards were not here until what I suspect is about the time you entered this realm.”


Velarin apologies for getting his name wrong. He then asks, “Are you not tied to this place or unable to leave? It seems obvious that the darklord of this realm is not likely to want any of us going anywhere. I assume transportational magic will not work within this building. How far outside of it would we need to be?"

“If we take the urn that contains my ashes, I should be able to depart,” he answers. “Regarding leaving the chapel. Once we are outside the walls, we should be able to teleport.”


Tishe’ comments, “He’s not evil, so helping him leave a prison run by a Dark Lord in the nightmare realm sounds reasonable. Especially if we have to do the thing we have to do.”
But Velarin counters with Tishe', I would not so readily assume that he is not evil. A detect evil spell would not be all that difficult to deceive. Volzak is after all, Master of Arts Arcane."

Volzak nods to Velarin without comment, but perhaps with a hint of a smile.


Tishe’ then asks the spirit, “Do you want anywhere other than here, or are you looking for a particular place. We happen to know someone one realm over that is not evil and would absolutely love to talk with you for decades.” She pauses and considers. “And how do we move you? Is there a particular object or something you are linked with?”

He sighs, an odd sight in one who does not actually breathe, then replies, “That realm sounds wonderful. Same answer as for Velarin: the urn.


Edson sighs in resignation to the need to help Volzak.

Emrys looks perplexed.



Volzak looks at each Keeper then asks, “Are we agreed? In exchange for me helping you get to where you wish to go, you allow me and my remains to leave this realm with you.”


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 9:21:12 PM
"Yes", Lanliss says.
Hoping that the others agree...
'It is not like we have another way.', he thinks to himself.
'and besides that....it does seem like this place is safe from evil', he think more.

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 9:41:57 PM
Barratore straightens a bit at the notion the sprit is actually evil and therefore they could be unleashing this being on another realm. The fighter makes a note to find his way back and end the creature if that is the case.

Barraotre looks to Lanliss, surprised the rogue is so outspoken, but he agrees and puts his opinion behind that of Lanliss. "So how do we get to the castle."

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing  d20+30=42 ; d20+17=33 ;
Wednesday December 9th, 2020 10:37:44 PM
Emrys is not ready to reveal his hand just yet, to what he was seeing. Being a master of the Necromantic arts, he is almost certain at what he is looking at.

(Knowledge [Religion]: 42, to identify what he is seeing. Sense Motive: 33, Hunch: discern bluffing or ulterior motives .)

His mind races with dozens of possibilities. Is the "good" Volzak here not a spirit but actually a lich, and his urn a phylactery or something more ominous. This chapel, a consecrated sanctuary, would be volatile home for a lich. Maybe that is what's keeping him here, he thinks. A constant cycle with Volzak powerless to act before his mortal remains are destroyed by holy energy and the dormancy of his corpse in a state of rejuvenation. A clever prison for sure.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Thursday December 10th, 2020 6:54:27 AM
V takes a quick look at the group to make sure that no obvious disagreement with the deal is apparent before saying "We are agreed. You tell us how to get to the palace of the God of Testing and We will take you to a different realm within these lands."

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Thursday December 10th, 2020 7:58:12 AM
Edson scans around the others, and then looks back to Volzak. "I agree. Im in."

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Thursday December 10th, 2020 1:51:27 PM
Tishe’ echoes Edson. “I’m in.”

“Show us your urn and the directions to the Palace, and we will take you to Manfrit in Prohovia.”

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

An agreement reached (DM John) 
Thursday December 10th, 2020 7:15:34 PM


Lanliss voices assent to Volzak’s proposition.
Barratore considers the potential implications and a possible solution of helping Volzak leave Harrowight. He implies agreement with, “"So how do we get to the castle."
Emrys does not yet reveal what he has seen with this True Sight. Emrys only Highlight to display spoiler: {Oh, yes. He is definitely a lich and he can deduce that the urn is likely his phylactery. Emrys suspects that Volzak is being very careful to not reveal too much.}
Velarin also voices agreement, but adds a condition.
Edson agrees.
Tishe’ makes it unanimous.

Volzak again nods to Velarin in acknowledgment. “I accept your amendment,” he states. To Tishe’ he responds, “Manfrit, not a name I recognize, but no matter.”

He pauses to, once again, gaze at each Keeper. “Excellent. Agreed. Now…. to the library”, he says as he soars into the book filled room, careful to avoid actually going through anyone. As he gazes at the titles on the shelf, “This may take a while. There are some details I need to verify. Please, make yourself comfortable. You will need your rest as I am certain that I am not the only one who noticed the presence of light inside this building. My wife will surely have this place surrounded by her armies by the time we are ready to depart.” He pauses in reflection before adding, “But don’t worry until then. We are only in danger once we attempt to leave the confines of this building.”

Seeing what he is looking for, Volzak turns to the Keepers and explains, “I will be summoning a servant to turn the pages for me. Do not be alarmed.” He then casts unseen servant and directs it to retrieve one of the books and lay it open on the nearest table. “Hmmm…..yes…. Interesting…” he mutters as he has the servant flip through the pages.


This continues with many books and scrolls. While the spirit conducts his research, what will the Keepers do?


(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Thursday December 10th, 2020 9:37:58 PM
Barratore clears out of the way and finds an empty spot in the room. As far as he knew, the group was ready and there was nothing to prepare or discuss and so the fighter hangs out. Thins will get ugly and hurried soon enough, 'Enjoy the quite moments too young Barratore.' Metascar's voice softly whispers

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing  d20+23=37 ;
Thursday December 10th, 2020 10:43:04 PM
"I think before we all decide to help you, dear Volzak, you should be completely honest with us. You're not the only one who can 'see things'. I was giving you the opportunity to come clean, but my friends should know what you really are ... a Lich ... and this urn, of which you speak, is in fact your phylactery. I say this in all sincerity, but please don't waste our time. What is it you truly want?"

(Ready an Action. If Volzak performs a hostile act, Emrys will cast Control Undead, Heightened to 9th Level Spell, with Heighten Metamagic. Range: Close. Targets: 38 HD of Undead. Duration: 19 minutes. Will Save: 35. Spell Penetration: 37.)

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Friday December 11th, 2020 6:45:41 AM
V raises an eye brow at Emrys' statement, but the wizard was not all that surprised, and suspected as much when Volzak said the urn needed to come with him. The annoying part to Velarin was that Emrys was able to see it, and he had not. V reminds himself that he needed to make true sight permanent upon himself if they survived this quest.

V then waits for Volzak's response before suggesting the party come up with a plan for exiting the building.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Friday December 11th, 2020 7:59:37 AM
Edson almost chokes on his own tongue when Emrys reveals what he knows. Edsons hand drops to his dagger, ready incase the lich decides to attack.

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Friday December 11th, 2020 8:28:05 AM
Lanliss doesn't react at first but readies himself to a possible defensive maneuver.

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Friday December 11th, 2020 12:51:57 PM
Barratore snorts loudly, quiet moment gone. There was always something Metascar. Then again, that's why they got paid the big money though. A phrase a Venturer once told him rings in his head.

He looks at Voltaz and at the others and at the urn in his hands. "So how do we want to play this out. Aggressive negotiations? Contentious partners or drop the whole thing? I'm good for any those really, but leaning towards negotiations to be honest." The glint of adventure sparks in the fighters eye as he finishes his thought

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Friday December 11th, 2020 2:23:07 PM
Tishe’ again keeps quiet. She couldn’t see what Velarin and Emrys were talking about, but she trusted her companions more than just about anything else in the Wold. “We need the information”, she reminds her friends.

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

An agreement reached? (DM John) 
Saturday December 12th, 2020 5:55:01 PM

Barratore is initially content to wait out the down time.
Emrys confronts Volzak, “"I think before we all decide to help you, dear Volzak, you should be completely honest with us. You're not the only one who can 'see things'. I was giving you the opportunity to come clean, but my friends should know what you really are ... a Lich ... and this urn, of which you speak, is in fact your phylactery. I say this in all sincerity, but please don't waste our time. What is it you truly want?"
Velarin quietly chastises himself for not being able to see through Volzak’s ruse. He awaits the spirit’s response.

Edson reacts to Emrys’ revelation and drops his hand to his dagger.
Lanliss prepares to defend himself.
Barratore presses with "So how do we want to play this out. Aggressive negotiations? Contentious partners or drop the whole thing? I'm good for any those really, but leaning towards negotiations to be honest."
Tishe’ reminds the others about their need for the information.

Volzak seems completely unperturbed by Emrys’ revelation. “I was a bit disappointed that you seemed to be deceived so easily, but I see that I was premature in that judgment,” he responds with a slight bow in Emrys’ direction. “But my subterfuge did give us an opportunity to talk calmly before anyone felt the need to get all heroed up.

“As for what I want? I want out of here, just as you do, plus the fact that my escape would put Izzozentia’s knickers in a knot is an added bonus.” He pauses to calmly look at the group before asking, “Do we still have a deal?”


Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Monday December 14th, 2020 6:44:05 AM
V tries to weigh all the possibilities, and consider why they were truly here. "Yes Volzak, we still have a deal. We will take you from this realm and take you to another realm within these lands. That is all moot however, if you can't tell us how to get to the castle we seek."

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Monday December 14th, 2020 7:55:47 AM
Edson wasn;t sure they could trust him. Lichs' were evil, yet this one seemed like he was content to honor the deal.

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Monday December 14th, 2020 1:14:08 PM
Tishe’ sighs and nods. “We will honor the deal”, she echoes Velarin. Volzak seems smart, most liches are, she thinks. The droll exchanging of threats on ‘what will happen if’ don’t really need to be said, since both sides can pretty much figure it out themselves.

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Monday December 14th, 2020 5:20:06 PM
"Even orcs think further ahead than that and I believe you are smarter than an orc Volzak, so while I agree with my companions I would like a bit more of your intentions after here. I also have one other bit. We need your physical remains so that you may inhabit them again do we not/"

the fighter glances to V and Emrys, who know far more than he, "Otherwise will Volzak not be forced to usurp another's body?"

An agreement reached (DM John) 
Monday December 14th, 2020 5:35:23 PM

Velarin reaffirms that they have a deal with Volzak.
Edson is mostly willing to set aside his doubts about dealing with a lich.
Tishe’ also accepts and notes that much is left unsaid.
Lanliss and Emrys silently watch on.
Barratore agrees and raises another concern. “We need your physical remains so that you may inhabit them again do we not? Otherwise will Volzak not be forced to usurp another's body?"

Volzak nods knowingly at Barratore. “No need to be concerned. My remains are in the urn which is why it must accompany me.”

After a brief pause, he claps his hands, incongruously without sound and exclaims, ““Well then, Let’s get on with the research.” He then resumes his studies.

“By the way,” he says, without looking up from the ancient scroll he is perusing. “Does anyone have any idea what’s going on outside?”


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Monday December 14th, 2020 8:22:54 PM
Lanliss agrees with the group to help the lich and goes to check outside.
The lich was right.
'His ex could prepare a surprise or ambush for sure', Lanliss thinks

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Tuesday December 15th, 2020 6:42:30 AM
V nods at the agreement and the taking with of the urn.

"Volzak is right. We should see what's going on outside. preferably without opening the door. anyone want to go with Lanliss to check it out?"

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

Spell DC 21+
1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Knock X2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis., Stoneskin X2, Fly X2
5th: Teleport X4 - cx1, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, teleport X3, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish,
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball


Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE  d20+36=40 ;
Tuesday December 15th, 2020 8:02:15 AM
"I'll go V." Edson replies as he heads with Lanliss to check outside. He was still invisible, though he was sure the Lich could see him. He checks to see if there is anyway he can get a view of outside without opening the door.

Stealth 40

INVISIBLE
TRUE SEEING

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Tuesday December 15th, 2020 11:32:13 AM
Barratore snorts just because and answers Volzak, "Yes I do."

The fighter knows that Volzak is not going to do anything against them, not until they are away from here at least. He may even be the being responsible for his own 'prison' and thus the sore loser comment. At any rate, while they were in the chapel, the party was safe from the inevitable betrayal. Not wanting to simply stand about bored stupid, Barratore heads up the stairs with Edson and Lanliss.

Up top, he strides to the nearest window and begins counting...

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing 
Tuesday December 15th, 2020 11:36:08 AM
Before Edson goes to stick his head outside, Emrys recommends, "Edson, if you have any oil in your Thieves Tools, I'd put some on those rusty hinges on the front door."

Emrys visually scans what tomes the lich has in his collection. He tries to notice any titles that peak his curiosity.

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday December 15th, 2020 1:35:53 PM
Tishe’ nods and smiles as most of the more... active... members of the Keepers to take a look topside. The Spellweaver prefers to keep Volzak company. As he does his research, she peruses book titles and the things that always accompany a rich room.

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

Having a look around (DM John) 
Tuesday December 15th, 2020 5:02:08 PM

Lanliss prepares to look outside.
Velarin advises not opening any doors to do so.
Edson looks for a view outside.
Barratore responds to Volzak and goes to a window to look out.
Emrys advises Edson to oil the hinges before opening any doors.
Tishe’ keeps an eye on Volzak and takes a look at some titles.

The windows are all twenty feet above the ground floor, too high for even Barratore to peek through, not that would matter for they are all of stained glass, translucent, but not transparent.

There appears to be no mundane way to look out without opening one of the doors.


In the basement, Volzak seems uninterested in Tishe’s exploration as he continues his research. The first thing Tishe’s notes about the collection of written material is that there appears to be absolutely no logical order to them. A history of hog rearing in various regions of the Wold appears next to a bound libram of alchemical formulae. Before long, however, she does notice a title, or more precisely, an author that catches her eye: “The Book of Mists by Izzozentia Wright.” She recognizes this as the name of Volzak’s wife.


Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Wednesday December 16th, 2020 7:09:14 AM
V waits and watches, keeping a close eye on what Volzak is doing.

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Wednesday December 16th, 2020 7:58:58 AM
Edson puts his finger in the year, ready to pontificate.,... "Thats why we pay you the big bucks Emrys." The thief digs through his back and looks for the oil in this thieve's kit. Once found, he moves up to the door and starts pouring some liberally on the hinges. " A drip drip here, a drip drip there... " he hums as he does.

Once ready, he waits for Lanliss and tries opening the door as quietly as possible.

Invisible
True Seeing

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Wednesday December 16th, 2020 8:11:04 AM
Tishe’ pulls the book off the shelf. “Interesting. The Book of Mists by Izzozentia Wright.” She recognizes this as the name of Volzak’s wife. Tishe’ uses her Detect Evil on the book and if safe opens to read a bit. “I think our friend would be interested in this too.”

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing 
Wednesday December 16th, 2020 10:09:45 AM
Emrys gives Edson a thumbs up. His heart nearly stopped when the doors creaked so loudly when they first entered the chapel. Who knows what's standing outside the doors.

He was scrutinizing the books from a distance. Now that Tishe has helped herself to Volzak's collection, and the lich doesn't seem to care, Emrys will do the same. "Notice anything interesting Tishe?"

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Wednesday December 16th, 2020 2:13:26 PM
Barratore moves up behind the rogue, draws his sword and waits. "Remember they should not be able to see hear or detect us unless we attack them. If something tries to get in, let it. We then close the door and I'll waste it."

Observations (DM John) 
Wednesday December 16th, 2020 5:56:08 PM


Velarin keeps a close eye on Volzak.
Edson greases the hinges and carefully opens the door. Although not stated, I am assuming Edson is only opening the door no more than is necessary to see out.
Barratore[/] stands guard at the door, preparing for a fight.
[b]Emrys starts to take a look at the library’s collection.
Tishe’ determines that the book is safe to read and does so.
Lanliss takes a peek out the door.

Please note. The external doors are on the ground floor. The library is in the basement. This is who I have on the ground floor: Edson, Lanliss, Barratore. Basement: Tishe’, Valerin, Emrys.

Inside the library Volzak continues to study, his unseen servant retrieving and opening various books and scrolls.

Emrys finds a diverse collection of topics. There is no obvious organization and many of the tomes are have no titles on their exterior.


What Tishe’ finds.
It appears, based on what she reads, that Volzak was not joking when he called Izzozentia insane. This bound book, handwritten in a jerky script of disjointed phrases and seemingly random words, obsesses about anger and passion and the struggle for power and the ruthless need to maintain it once obtained. One passage seems slightly more lucid than others. It reads, “The Powers trapped me here because I’m just like them. I always want more. When I need a response from the Powers, I do what would scare me or offer what would obtain my help. More Power or a chance of escape. Escape is impossible, but each of us yearns for it anyway and will bite on any chance to obtain it even though we know we will fail at the effort. Thus the pattern repeats.”


What is outside the door.
An army. That is what Edson, Lanliss, and Barratore see. They remain at a distance, seemingly unwilling to approach the chapel, but they have formed an impenetrable blockade around it. The impaled beings have repositioned their stakes so that they now point inward towards the chapel, like grisly archer’s stakes, still sporting their writhing hosts. The headless guard has increased in number such that they form a continuous cordon around the building. No longer on foot, each rides a massive war horse with a smoking mane and glowing crimson eyes. Above them, the sky is filled with aerial patrols of screeching baykoks and swooping berbalangs. Other creatures, the sword skeletons, hideous undead spiders, shambling mummies, and countless other undead horrors. Directly across from the door about sixteen of the mummies are different than the others. Wrapped in dirty linen, their eyes burn with a greenish light. Each stares unceasingly at the door. It appears, however, that the Keepers have not been noticed.


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Wednesday December 16th, 2020 7:15:08 PM
Lanliss whispers to Edson, " I think they know we are inside the building but not actually....in front of them"

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Thursday December 17th, 2020 6:41:02 AM
V keeps an eye on Volzak while Tishe and Emrys peruse the books. "You guys find anything of interest?"

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Thursday December 17th, 2020 12:29:30 PM
Edson whispers back to Lanliss. "Maybe the magic from this temple shields us or something."

Edson turns to the others behind him and relays what he sees.

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Thursday December 17th, 2020 2:25:48 PM
Tishe’ pockets the book and responds. “Maybe, I do not know yet if this spins hidden wisdom or yet another trap of the nightmare realm.” She shakes her head. “Volzak needs us and we need him and on that basis we may spin this pattern. He may only seek self-gain, but his spinning will help the entire Wold. Let us go to our friends and share our finds.” And she leaves Volzak to his study.

At the ground floor, she tells the others of the book and the one found sentence that may, eventually, help their mission for the Wold and the Powers.

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

Observations continue (DM John) 
Thursday December 17th, 2020 6:30:40 PM


Lanliss whispers that he thinks the undead know they’re in the building but not at the door.
Velarin watches Volzak and asks Tishe and Emrys for an update.
Edson speculates as to why and shares back with the others.
Tishe’ pockets Izzozentia’s book and leaves to check in with the others.
Barratore[/] and [b]Emrys continue as they were.


At one point Volzak suddenly darts to another part of the library, impatiently instructing his servant to pull something out. He takes a look at the opened scrolls then sends the servant back to the original book he was reading. “I thought so,” he says, obviously speaking to himself.


When Tishe’ takes the book she had found, Volzak looks up. “Oh, sure. You may have it,” he responds, before returning to his research.

As the others pull away from the door, they observe that even more hordes of undead are approaching the blockade, but none come any closer than the original cordone.



Emrys finds not so much a book, but a collection of loose pages contained in a folded piece of leather. He almost dumps it as he pulls it from the shelf. It appears that this collection of vignettes that has not yet been bound, despite having an obvious title page.

MUSINGS on DISEASE for your GREAT NEED
By
Izzozentia Wright



Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Friday December 18th, 2020 9:20:05 AM
V continues to hang about near Volzak, waiting for word from him or from his friends upstairs.

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Friday December 18th, 2020 9:25:16 AM
Barratore takes in the horde assembling outside and with a step forward, reaches out to close the door. "Safe bet Lanliss. Let's let the others know we confirmed what we all knew. We are going to need to make our exit before Emrys' spell wears off."

Barratore heads back downstairs to tell Emrys, V and Tishe. "Its an impressive pile of disarray to be sure." Barratore notes about the 'library' or rather scattered collection of books and scrolls, "But we are on a time clock. We are leaving here before Emrys's spell wears off."

The fighter starts gauging the pile of lore and the groups ability to transport it. "Tishe, how full is that dimensional hole of yours?"

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Friday December 18th, 2020 1:07:16 PM
Tishe’ gives a half bow to Volzak at his permission, “The library won’t survive your removal, after all,Volzak. May as well save one or two items to remember your enmity.”

At conversing with Barratorre, she shakes her head, “Ten foot deep and twelve foot across doesn’t have a lot of room, bilirubin certainly enough for a phylacety and some books!” She considers the report of the army. “I think we shouldn’t just leave, but have a diversion. Maybe a fireball in the chapel, and an illusionary group that looks like us running in a different direction before we Dim Door out?”

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Friday December 18th, 2020 3:44:26 PM
"She knows we are here and we are surrounded ", Lanliss says plainly.

Additional discoveries (DM John) 
Friday December 18th, 2020 5:31:29 PM

Lanliss notes that their presence is known and that they are surrounded.
Velarin awaits the others while watching Volzak.
Barratore responds to Lanliss and joins the others in the basement. He states that they need to leave before Emrys' spell wears off and asks about hauling off the contents of the library.
Tishe’ acknowledges Volzak’s permission and suggests that the writings might not survive his departure. She proposes a diversion or two upon their departure.

Edson and Emrys report their observations.


“My books?” Volzak asks, obviously distracted by Tishe’s comment. “Yes, yes. They do not do much good here, but stop distracting me. It seems you mortals are always in a rush.”

He pauses a moment to cast a spell. Soon he has another invisible assistant pulling out references. At one point, Tishe’s feels a tug at the book she has taken. Apparently, Volzak wants another look at it. “Don’t worry,” explains the lich, “I only need to look at it a moment, then I will return it to you.”

In the collection of papers Emrys’ found, each page seems to be a discussion and description of a different diseases. The only details provided are those of the symptoms and progression of each disease. Rather than any mention of treatment, diagnosis, or cure, each entry focuses entirely on giving a vivid description of the disease’s effects much like an ornithologist might describe a newly discovered species of bird.
In the midst of these pages is a scrawled note, with mistakes and markouts [shown as underlined text].

“If I should could obtain the disease that is in your heart and pass through the walls of the pain in palace of your heart for you, I would. So today I will. This, however, is the pinnacle of your destiny. May you find your great need, Izzozentia. Even though I don’t think you need it. I am still leaving you, though I love you.

Happy birthday,
Vorzak.”



AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Saturday December 19th, 2020 3:31:50 AM
Tishe’ takes the time to seek out Lanliss and pat his hand. “I think being surrounded is good. In fact, the closer they press in the easier it will be for us to teleport away.”

Tishe’ of course allows the use of what is, after all, not her book.

Detect Evil
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

Volzak's Answer (DM John) 
Sunday January 3rd, 2021 8:55:06 PM

Lanliss comments on the growing army surrounding the chapel.
Velarin keeps an eye on Volzak.
Edson also notes the extent of the cordone around them.
Barratore closes the door to the outside and reminds the others the need to leave before Emrys’ spell expires.
Emrys found a marked up note from Volzak.
Tishe’ permits Volzak to review the book she had taken, then gets it back.



After a flurry of scrambling unseen servants, moving books, and shuffling scrolls, Volzak appears to have come up with an answer on how to get to the Palace. He approaches the Keepers, appearing simultaneously excited and gravely concerned. Once all have gathered, he explains, “The solution is quite straightforward. Head to any border--it does not matter which one--and continue through the mists. The key is to refuse to go anywhere except for where you want to go. Only the Powers that rule Koshe-Marr can give entrance and they will attempt to divert you to other locations instead. However, if you stay true to your course, you should be able to make it to your destination. Should you fail though, you may all be trapped here forever--if you are lucky perhaps as Darklords of your own realms. If unlucky, well...” At this last, the lich shrugs his incorporeal shoulders.

After a moment’s pause, he continues, a bit more cheerfully, “Of course, if you wished to return to the Wold, the same strategy should take you back to the gate you entered through.”

“Let me know when you are ready to depart and I will collect my things.”


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Monday January 4th, 2021 8:27:12 AM
Lanliss waits for the others.
"The faster we go , the less time your loved one has to prepare for our arrival", Lanliss comments/says.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Monday January 4th, 2021 9:55:01 AM
"V carefully listens as Volzak explains the way forward.

"Volzak, How do we refuse to go anywhere else? We don't know where we are until we step out of the mists, at which point we are already there. We didn't know that this wasn't Koshe Marr until we exited the mists and got to the wall.

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

Spell DC 21+
1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Knock X2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis., Stoneskin X2, Fly X2
5th: Teleport X4 - cx1, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, teleport X3, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish,
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball


Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Monday January 4th, 2021 12:29:56 PM
Edson keeps looking back to the door, nervous about the army at their doorstep. He quietly waits for the next plan.

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Monday January 4th, 2021 3:04:58 PM
Tishe’ thinks Velarin has an excellent question. “You may as well answer while we collect you, weaving braids is stronger than a single strand.”

“For Grizzelda”, Tishe’ purses her lips after deliberately mis-pronouncing Izzozentia‘a name, “ I expect she may be keeping tabs on Volzak, so I should cast a Mages Private Sanctum before we decide which direction to kill a thousand undead.”

Tishe’ begins the complicated spell to make the area around the Keepers invulnerable to divinations or spying.

.....
Cast Mages Magnificant Mansion

Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 0. 1.0

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Monday January 4th, 2021 4:42:49 PM
Nearly everything being bantered about was beyond the fighter as far as to the how's and what for's. Keeping to task was something he was not overly good at either ad compared to Tishe, he was a veritable paladin of singlemindedness.

also, Barratore was pretty sure he was trying to get the the Castle when the Mists put the group out right here in the first place. "Isn't that what we did when we were told to seek out Volzak here in the first place?"

Volzak's Further Answer (DM John) 
Monday January 4th, 2021 5:35:02 PM

Lanliss is ready to go.
Velarin asks for clarification.
Edson nervously watches the exterior door.
Tishe’ weaves magical protection for them.
Barratore adds to Velarin’s question, “Isn't that what we did when we were told to seek out Volzak here in the first place?"
Emrys waits.

Velarin responds to Volzak with a question, “How do we refuse to go anywhere else? We don't know where we are until we step out of the mists, at which point we are already there. We didn't know that this wasn't Koshe Marr until we exited the mists and got to the wall.”

The lich thinks a moment before responding to Velarin and Barratore, “It appears from my research that the powers will offer a response to one’s greatest need, but that response will be provided in the most literally precise and limited way. Your coming here was probably technically honoring your request to go to the Palace as this place is closer than where you were and, I am in fact providing you information as to how to achieve your final destination. Thus, they fulfilled your desire, albeit only partially.

“To make it to your final destination you must obtain a precise agreement from them to take you all the way. This will likely not come without some cost to you. I cannot surmise what you might have to offer that they will want, but this appears to be how they will operate.

“Of course, you could always choose to leave and return to the Wold….”


Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 9:15:44 AM
V nods after Volzak clarifies as best he can, and waits for Tishe' to finish her spell before continuing.

"Fair enough then. We will deal with that as it happens. Onto the most pressing matter currently. Getting out of here."

"Volzak, do you know how far we need to be outside of the building before teleport will work? Izzozentia may even have spellcasters at the ready, whose only purpose is to counter teleports. I don't suppose in your exile in this building you have located any secret underground tunnels? Barring some sort of tunnel, we should at least exit in a location that they are not expecting. I could disintegrate a section of wall for us to exit through."

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 1:27:55 PM
Tishe’ assumed they could teleport within the chapel, thus depriving any possible Izzozentia casters a clear shot, so Velarin’s question catches her off guard. “Busy prepositions...”, she mumbles to herself, “...up, down, around, through... Can anyone make duplicates of ourselves that can fool undead to chasing them? Maybe summon up a group of creatures that can alter themselves. They shouldnt know what we look like, so it could be any diversion.”

Tishe’ listens to the answer and tries to think of an alternate plan, but is coming up blank.

.....
Mages Magnificant Mansion (can’t see or hear or Scry into area)
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 1. 1. 0



Departure Preparations (DM John) 
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 5:12:02 PM


Velarin asks, “"Volzak, do you know how far we need to be outside of the building before teleport will work? Izzozentia may even have spellcasters at the ready, whose only purpose is to counter teleports. I don't suppose in your exile in this building you have located any secret underground tunnels? Barring some sort of tunnel, we should at least exit in a location that they are not expecting. I could disintegrate a section of wall for us to exit through.``


The spirit tilts his head to one side in surprise at Velarin’s mention of breaching the wall. After a moment, he nods to himself, muttering, “Of course.” He then answers the wizard’s questions, “As long as we are outside the walls and threshold, there should be no problem with using teleportation magic. And, no, I have found no secret exits or tunnels. Aside from the windows which are all glazed, the only openings to the outside are the main door you entered through and the two side doors on either end of the transept.

“The most unexpected location to exit then, would be on the doorless wall behind the chamber opposite the main entrance.”

===============

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transept#/media/File:Transept1.png
Using this drawing as a reference, the three doors are on the N, W, & S. Vorzak identifies the East wall as being the location less likely to be watched. The Keepers originally entered through the main door on the west.



Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing 
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 7:34:23 PM
(ooc: Sorry, Jerry just called and reminded me that all this has started up again. It was completely out of my mind. Reading up on what I missed.)

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing  d20+34=36 ; d20+34=44 ;
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 7:50:45 PM
"I don't believe I can ward Volzak with my Hide From Undead. As soon as I touched him, the spell would end."

Emrys discerns how much longer their current Hide From Undead spell will remain active. (Knowledge [Arcana]: 36. OR Spellcraft: 44.)

"Volzak, is the Ethereal Plane accessible in this realm ... or is it filled with undead as well? It could possibly provide the cover we need once we leave Tishe's sanctum? Or do the Powers that be prevent such entry?"

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Tuesday January 5th, 2021 9:29:07 PM
Lanliss comments.
"I think that going in unexpected way would be very vital to our survival and our ease...of fleeing without fighting and I really don't want to fight with an army of undead."

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 7:21:05 AM
"I'm not sure we should mess with the ethereal plane within these realms Emrys', unless we have no other options."

"Theoretically, I could disintegrate a 10' cube of the eastern wall. If we all exit quickly, all we should have to do is get a few feet from the building, and then we can teleport. If we do it quickly, we should be able to get outside before they have time to react. With the addition of Volzak, two of us may need to cast teleport. Although I'm not sure if he would actually count toward the creature limitations of the spell if all we needed to bring was his urn, which can be carried as an item."

"I would suggest teleporting to the the spot we stood and watched the wall from the outside of it, while trying to figure out how to get in. We were there a good while, and got a good look at the location."

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 9:09:06 AM
Planes, Spells, Dissinigrating walls... this was all above Edsons pay grade.

He continues to look back and forth from everyone ad they make suggestions.

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 11:13:24 AM
Tishe’ shudders at the comment on a ‘final destination, but covers with an unladylike snort. “Volzak, sweetie, you get to ride in my Portable Hole”, and she opens her magic item for the lich and his phylacerty. “And then, Sieur Velarin, I can Ready a Passwall spell for the wall opposite the main entrance. We move quickly through, and you cast Greater Teleport on all of us right back to *outside* the Bone Wall. After all, we’ve been here before!”

“Six seconds and we are gone from here.”

.....
Mages Magnificant Mansion (can’t see or hear or Scry into area)
Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 1. 1. 0

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 1:27:15 PM
"We opened the door and everything outside just pretty much hung out. As we are under the Hiding spell from Emrys,I think we are good. Open doo, step out and zap, V ports us to the area outside of the gate. Tishe can stand ready to counter a counter and Emrys could too. I think overthinking is going to cause trouble."

Barratore having said his peace on the matter is ready as he can be. Before opening the door, he drinks a potion of Magic Circle Protection from evil

Effects:
Hide From Undead - Emrys
Magic Circle Protection from Evil - potion

Final Preparations (DM John) 
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 4:58:51 PM

Lanliss agrees that the unexpected route is best.
Velarin has concerns about the ethereal plane which Volzak’s answer proves to be moot. He then provides some details about teleporting and disintegrating the wall.
Edson defers to the arcane experts.
Barratore adds his suggestion and quaffs a potion of to protect from undead.
Emrys checks on his Hide from Undead spell status. About three hours have passed since this was cast. Thus, about 10 minutes remain.
Tishe’ gives her suggestions on how to proceed.

Emrys asks "Volzak, is the Ethereal Plane accessible in this realm ... or is it filled with undead as well? It could possibly provide the cover we need once we leave Tishe's sanctum? Or do the Powers that be prevent such entry?"

“No,” responds Volzak with a shake of his head, “the ethereal plane is not accessible here.”

Tishe’ says, Volzak sweetie, you get to ride in my portable hole.”

Volzak replies, “Excellent suggestion, good lady. First, let me get my urn and a little something I would like each of you to have.” As he finishes speaking, he descends into the floor. It is not long before he reappears suddenly, obviously through the use of a dimension door. Accompanying him is an unseen servant dragging a closed metal box about eighteen inches in each dimension with a simple brass urn resting atop it. “The box is yours once we exit Hallowight,” he explains as he waits for it and the urn to be transferred into the portable hole.


Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Wednesday January 6th, 2021 9:33:44 PM
Lanliss waits for the others...

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Thursday January 7th, 2021 9:24:26 AM
"Sounds like a good plan Tishe'. I've got several greater teleports memorized. You pass wall us through the wall opposite the door. we move out a few feet, and then I greater teleport us to the other side of the wall. Not seeing a down side. I love it when a plan comes together."

Once the urn and the box are in the portable hole, and everyone is ready, V moves with the group to the East wall, directly across from the main entrance.

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

Spell DC 21+
1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Knock X2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis., Stoneskin X2, Fly X2
5th: Teleport X4 - cx1, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X3, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish,
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball


Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Thursday January 7th, 2021 10:05:18 AM
The invisibility to the undead settled his nerves a bit, but walking outside to an army was raising them again. He differed to the others, knowing he was among the smartest people around. The thought of doing this with the company of a lich was another cog in the machine of nerves.



Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing 
Thursday January 7th, 2021 12:05:42 PM
Emrys nods with acceptance upon hearing his answer.

"We have 10 minutes remaining of my Hide from Undead spell." He looks to Tishe and says, "Excellent idea about the portable hole. I was wondering how we'd hide him."

He follows everyone's lead and they make their leave of this place.

(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Thursday January 7th, 2021 1:47:40 PM
Barratore gives Edson a pat on the shoulder, "Stay close my friend. I'll see you out of here." Barratore starts to draw his blade, but reconsiders and lets it slip back into the scabbard. He could get to it quick enough if need be.

"Start making with the magic fellas."

Rolling Conventions (DM John) 
Thursday January 7th, 2021 3:44:57 PM

OOC: On a 50% miss chance: 01 to 50 is a miss; 51 to 00 is a hit. Targets are selected randomly by die roll with characters numbered alphabetically by character 1st name.



Breakout! (DM John)  d20+11=26 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+8=28 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d20+6=21 ; d3=2 ;
Thursday January 7th, 2021 5:15:08 PM

Lanliss is ready.
Velarin agrees with Tishe’s proposal and prepares to exit, ready to cast greater teleport once they exit the building.
Edson manages his nerves as he prepares to depart.
Emrys informs the others of the time remaining on his hide spell and is ready to go.
Barratore reassures Edson and waits for the magic.
Tishe’ casts passwall.

Vorzak slips into the opened portable hole, his servant pulling his objects along with him.

Tishe’ casts her spell. Through the newly made opening in the wall, the Keepers see, some not for the first time, a literal army forming a nightmarish cordone around the chapel. The impaled beings form the inner boundary of the army, their poles pointing inward towards the chapel, like grisly archer’s stakes, their “hosts’ writhing in gruesome anguish. The headless guard, now mounted on massive war horses with smoking manes and glowing crimson eyes, face toward the building, their mounts impatiently stamping their iron shod hooves. The sky above is filled with aerial patrols of screeching baykoks and swooping berbalangs, creating a swirling array of airborne observers. Other creatures, the sword skeletons, hideous undead spiders, shambling mummies, and countless other undead horrors add to the macabre throng surrounding the Keeper’s sanctuary..

Shouts of surprise ring out from several locations in the surrounding horde. Per the plan, the Keepers step through the opening and Velarin begins casting his spell.
Similar to what was seen at the main entrance, the two side doors also have a concentration of mummies directly across from them. On each side a single mummy has line of sight to where the escapees are making their surprise exit. Each turns to face the adventurers, gesturing and extending a hand in the Keepers direction. A thin green beam emits from a hand of each of these creatures in an obvious attack.

From how widely the rays miss any of the Keepers, the casters are obviously firing blindly. Velarin is able to cast his spell unhindered and the Keepers mak are able to safely teleport away.


Spellcraft DC 19 Highlight to display spoiler: {The green rays are dimensional anchor spells.}


The Keepers arrive between the massive wall of bones and the boundary mist. Both seem unchanged from when they first arrived.



Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Thursday January 7th, 2021 8:54:43 PM
"One’s greatest need", Lanliss says thinking about the Lich wisdom.
Lanliss think about the place they want to be at most....right now or rather the place they should go to now.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157  d20+31=39 ;
Friday January 8th, 2021 9:57:48 AM
V sighs a sight of relief as they arrive between the wall of bone and the mist. "That could have been ugly. those green rays were dimensional anchor spells. If they would have hit anyone, they would have stayed where they were, probably to a quick and gruesome ending."

"Shall we head into the mist and go? We have a castle to sneak into, a distraction to request using the gem we were given, a different gem to steal, and an escape to make. All while preferably not dying."

"While we are having a discussion, with Volzak in the portable hole. I have no intention of taking him back to the small village that was trying to live in peace. He would try to take over and rule that realm. As far as I'm concerned, we promised to take him to another realm within these lands, the realm containing Marteus' castle would abide by that agreement. Let him deal with Marteus after we have left, or leave him here, and let him make his way through the mist as he sees fit."

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing 
Friday January 8th, 2021 3:17:06 PM
Emrys' heart almost stops beating at the sight of the Armies of the Dead. So many he has only studied from books and story ... and now seeing many of them for the first time, has both disgusts and fascinates him. He quickly looks to Velarin as he casts his spell ... he's much relieved the mage hadn't lost his nerve and concentration.

Now that they stand at the boney gates once again, he says, "Well now, that was certainly interesting ... however, we should probably be on our way before we wear out our welcome."

AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Saturday January 9th, 2021 4:32:59 AM
Tishe’ is glad they have a plan, because just seeing that host of horror turns her blood to ice water. But she leaves the Private Sanctum spell and teleports with Velarin and the group.

She nods at Velarin. “Don’t take him to the village, agreed, but I don’t want to release him in Marteus’ Castle either. We would be immediately betrayed so Volzak could have his own nightmare realm. I also don’t like holding him indefinitely in the Portable Hole. It doesn’t feel right. Better to release him here and now.”

Tishe’ retrieves her portable hole and pops it open for Volzak to emerge. “Volzak, we are outside the Bone Barrier. Time for us to part ways in the mists.”

Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 1. 1. 0

Final Preparations (DM John) 
Saturday January 9th, 2021 12:17:14 PM


Lanliss psyches himself up for entering the mist.
Velarin is relieved to have escaped the chapel and readies to take the next step. He proposes a precise interpretation to their agreement with Volzak.
Emrys is struck by the sight of the army and states a need to depart Hallowight as well.
Tishe’ agrees with Velarin and releases Volzak.
Edson and Barratore silently make their escape with the others.


Volzak glides out of the hole, his invisible servant dragging the box behind him. He looks at each Keeper in the eye, pausing a moment before moving his gaze to the next, he apparently comes to a decision, “You appear to indeed be honoring our agreement. Here accept this gift as a token of my appreciation for the trouble you have caused my wife.” The box is pushed forward. With a word and a gesture from Volzak, the top unfolds and the sides drop outward revealing a stack of six books.

Slapping his palms together in anticipation, the silence of the gesture another reminder of his being incorporeal, he faces the mist with his urn hovering before him, but he does not proceed, obviously waiting for the Keepers’ to depart as well.


If anyone examines the books, Highlight to display spoiler: {
The six books are magical tomes that when read will provide a +3 inherent bonus to a single ability score. There is one book for each ability (Str, Dex, Con, Int, Wil, Cha).
Manual of Gainful Exercise +3 (Price 82,500 gp)
Manual of Quickness of Action +3 (Price 82,500 gp)
Manual of Bodily Health +3 (Price 82,500 gp)
Tome of Clear Thought +3 (Price 82,500 gp)
Tome of Understanding +3 (Price 82,500 gp)
Tome of Leadership and Influence +3 (Price 82,500 gp)
}


OOC: When the party enters the mist, please provide a marching order and how and to whom everyone is connected (ropes, hands, etc.)



AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Sunday January 10th, 2021 4:36:17 AM
Tishe’ meets Volzak’s gaze without flinching. “You have helped and kept your own part as well. Even a lich should be given the opportunity for your own redemption arc. May the Powers be with you on your journey.”

The Sorceress remembers and old saying about never counting your money while sitting at the table. So instead of examine the books right then, she just scoops them into her Portable Hole and closes it up. She then turns to Barratorre to lead them into the Mist. She falls in behind Emrys and thinks of Marteus’ Palace as what she most wants in the whole Wold....

Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 1. 1. 0

Edson Kazil - Shawn R; AC: 31(T 21, FF 20), CMD: 24 HP: 128/128 INVISIBLE 
Sunday January 10th, 2021 12:24:55 PM
"thank You Volzak." Edson says as Tishe takes the books.
" You are indeed honorable, and kept your part of the deal. Thank you"

Edson moves with the others, taking point if needed.

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Monday January 11th, 2021 9:31:21 AM
Lanliss takes a boom but doesn't check it.
The Keepers had more urgent things now.
Lanliss will be in the middle or rear.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Monday January 11th, 2021 9:36:24 AM
Velarin looks at the books, and is about to take a closer inspection out of habit and curiosity as Tishe' scoops them into the portable hole. There will be time for that later, he thinks to himself.

"Yes Volzak, thank you. May you fare well in your travels from here. Hopefully the next time we meet, the circumstances will be as or more pleasant. You do not intend to follow us to the realm of Marteus, correct?"

Turning to his companions, "I assume we are tying off with ropes again? In what order shall we proceed? Barratore, Emrys, Myself, Tishe', and then Lanliss and Edson guarding the rear?"



Final Farewells (DM John) 
Monday January 11th, 2021 4:33:36 PM

Tishe’ wishes Volzak well and takes the books for later examination. She then turns to Barratore and takes a place behind Emrys.
Lanliss takes a place in the middle.
Edson thanks Volzak and steps in line.
Velarin acquiscesses to Tishe’s, taking of the books and speaks to Volzak before speaking proposing a marching order to the others.

Barratore and Emrys prepare to step into the fog.


Velarin says, “Yes, Volzak. Thank you. May you fare well in your travels from here. Hopefully the next time we meet, the circumstances will be as or more pleasant. You do not intend to follow us to the realm of Marteus, correct?”

“No, No,” replies the lich. “I think I shall go to that other place you told me about. Based on what I confirmed looking through the library and now that you have helped me get outside the chapel and the boundary wall, I should be able to navigate the mists from here.”

He glides toward the bank of fog, superimposing his incorporeal self over the floating urn, then pauses to turn and face the Keepers. He bows gratefully, then, with a wide expression of pleasant anticipation, steps into the mists.

He appears to melt into and merge with the vapors of the barrier. Oddly, the urn does as well. His form is almost completely absorbed when he suddenly starts thrashing wildly about. His voice, sounding distant despite originating less than twenty feet away, cries out in obvious anguish and fear, “NO! NO! Noooooooooooo!”

As abruptly as it started, the screaming stops. The urn and the spirit are gone without a trace. The wall of mist returns to its quiescent state, once again ominously still.



OOC: To confirm marching order. Single file in this order:
Barratore
Emrys
Velarin
Tishe’
Lanliss
Edson

Tied of with ropes. Barratore connected to Emrys. Emrys to Barratore and Velarin, etc.

Is this correct?

“


(Dan K) AC: 39 (T 30 FF 34), CMD:43; HP: 246/246 Barratore Steelwind 
Monday January 11th, 2021 5:05:47 PM
Barrtore takes the lead into the fog once more, having little to say to the lich and the books now in the portable hole. He makes sure that every has a rope so as where he goes, so should they.

Barratore stiffens as the lich cries out. Then quickly trying to determine the tone, and settling on a fate of the thing. "It appears that for the dead, even one as Volzak, leaving Hallowight is not to be. Barratore steels himself, "Let us be away from here." he snorts and strides into the mist, his demand, his need, to find the castle of Marteus, the center of the castle.

Emrys Myrridanmyl, Stephen F. ac17 hp125/125. rituals: Warding, Spiritual Healing, Charming, Contingency: BoL. Bless, True Seeing 
Monday January 11th, 2021 7:16:07 PM
"Maybe," answering Barratore, "Or his wife got the last laugh ... that probably wasn't his true phylactery."

Like his friend, he too steels himself. Emrys suddenly gets pulled along in a jerk, being tethered to the minotaur. Apparently the witch's stride is not as confident.

Lanliss Drakeguard Michael A; AC: 36 (T 19, FF 18), CMD:31 HP:127/220 
Monday January 11th, 2021 7:41:18 PM
"I guess if is not imprisoned again he is definitely dead", Lanliss states the obvious.
He continues to walk in the marching order.
Not knowing what to expect.

Velarin Xilontheel(Chris J), AC 18(FF 18), hp 157/157 
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 8:40:32 AM
V watches with interest as Volzak appears to go somewhere he doesn't wish to go. "Interesting" is all the wizard mutters at the moment. He then proceeds to tie himself off, with Emrys in front of him, and Tishe' Behind.

"Let's get this over with. Remember, we need to refuse to go anywhere but the realm of Marteus and his castle. When we do get to his realm, I will need to rememorize spells. My spells are not ready for sneaking or stealth, but was picked for fast transport across an unknown distance, and undead hordes."

Contingency: Break enchantment activated when affected by mind or body control spells
Bless(permanent)
SR 18, +6 to overcome SR

Spell DC 21+
1st: Prot from evil X2, Magic missile X6,
2nd: Invisibility X2, Knock X2, resist energy X3
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Haste X2, Dispel magic, Fireball X2, fly
4th: Dim Door X2, Greater Invis., Stoneskin X2, Fly X2
5th: Teleport X4 - cx1, Empowered fireball, Wall of force X2
6th: Chain lightning, Greater dispel magic X2, Disintegrate, wall force X2
7th: Plane Shift, grtr teleport X3-cx1, Mage's mansion, Lmtd. Wish,
8th: empowered chain lightningX3, Sunburst X2
9th: Meteor Swarm X3, Wish, Quickened empowered fireball



AC 26/ T26/ F26 CMD24 (Fdom of Move) HP 164/164 Tishe’ (SteveK) 
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 1:50:17 PM


Tishe’ is shocked at Volzak’s screams, and even takes a step towards the fog to help before he just... fades away. “I don’t think we should stop weaving”, she shakily tells the others. “Volzak is either confronting his wife or the Diseased One right now, and I don’t fancy the tapestry of words he is providing.”

The sorceress obediently ties up between Velarin and Lanliss, and marches into the mist. When the voices come, she concentrates her hardest: Marteus’ Palace!

Endure Elements
Detect Scrying
Hide from Undead (from Emrys)
Fly, Extended [38 minutes] (Tishe', Barratorre, Edson, Lanliss)
Daylight 60’ radius

Lvl.... 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7
Slot....* 8. 8. 8. 7. 7. 6. 3
Used. * 0. 1. 4. 2. 1. 1. 0

Exit stage left (DM John) 
Tuesday January 12th, 2021 5:52:31 PM


Barratore comments on Volzak’s fate and heads into the mist.
Emrys offers another possible explanation and likewise heads in, being pulled by the minotaur.
Lanliss comments and walks.
Velarin reminds the others of Volzak’s instructions and alerts the others of his current spell selection.
Edson forms up.
Tishe’ reacts to Volzak’s screams. She urges action and ties up in formation.


Congratulations for completing the scene. Everyone has earned 150,000 xp for successfully learning how to navigate the mists and evading the Queen’s Army.

Also, the spellcasters really shone with some clever casting. Valerin, Tishe’, and Emrys please accept 1 hero point each.

Valerin successfully anticipated and countered the army’s strategy. For this he earns an additional 10,000 xp and Izzontia’s eternal resentment.


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