Session 046 - Valley of the Obelisks
General Summary
11th to 12th Nuzyael (1) (Spring) 721TR
The story so far
Quazzy learns from her Warlock Patron, Desridaen that her lost memories correspond to events carried out in the isolated Earthmaster site of Anisha. The party join with her to investigate, traveling first by fishing boat across Lake Benath.
Continuation of Session 45 - Aftermath.
Part 1- Naga Ford
The fisherman drops the hero's off at Naga Ford, an inlet of the River Anish. Quazzy has vague memories of fleeing over this waterway and believes Anisha is only a few miles away. However, lurking in the water are three huge insectoid monsters. One stuns half the party with a high pitch screech, while the others attack with huge pincers, and anyone grappled were subjected to slimy paralyzing tentacles. Eventually, the heroes win but are badly battered.
After a short rest and with sundown imminent, they decide to make camp, choosing a relatively secure higher ground overlooking the ford. About midnight a hunting band of Red Orcs arrived at the crossing and attracted the camp's light. They attack. Their defensive position and distracting illusions prevent the heroes from being overrun. The Orcs could not surround or mob the party and or make effective use of their numbers. They were easily beaten, although several escaped.
Part 2 - Lesela the Oracle
The next morning the party makes its way along the river to Anisha. They see a series of obelisks towering over the treeline and a small fortified village nearby. They decide to travel to the village, noting the ruins of stone buildings scattered everywhere. There must have been a very sophisticated settlement here hundreds of years ago.
Passing by a house and see an older woman looking out from a window. Investigating, they meet with Lesela the Oracle, who appears slightly senile but seems to have some ability to see the future. She remembers Quazzy, confused, covered in blood, and running away and gave her some food.
Quazzy asks when she will die Lesela says cryptically;
Athena asks if she will kill Sir Scarow, the Order of the Cohorts of Gashang knight who has challenged her to a duel to the death. Lesela predicts;
Part 3 - The Village of Huruch
The party's presence in the valley has been noted, and a dozen archers line the wooden walls into the village. Their Leader Chief Skoll recognizes Quazzy and is willing to talk. He invites the characters into the village common room. The players observe that the village's houses are made from stone, all of the warriors have well-made steal weapons, although of unusual design, and most appear quite old. Chief Skoll has a Silver Sword and Gem Encrusted Silver Armbands, both of which Yureb identifies the sword as magical and the armbands as being of Earthmasters origin.
Chief Skoll tells Quazzy of the events three years ago when he saw lights from Anisha.
Suspecting that someone was defiling their holy site, he led a Warband up into the building. He found an "evil" ceremony being carried out with dark magical energy in the air. Attacking with surprise, they interrupted this ceremony, and he saw Quazzy, covered in blood, grab a dagger from a woman dressed all in black and flee. The Cultists tried to stop her, but his Warband killed several, but could not stop the leaders, a man in a golden skull mask and black-masked women, from escaping. He lost 3 of his friends that day.
The party convinces him that they are not looters; they only want to deal with these trespasses. He reluctantly agrees to allow the party to investigate Anisha. The heroes pledge not to defile their holy site.
Part 4 - Anisha
Then the party starts exploring Anisha's many buildings.
First, they investigate what appears to be a well-maintained tomb. Yureb finds a hidden entrance, and Quazzy uses magic to read the inscription identifying it as the Tomb of Lewel Anadis. The party does not enter, thinking it is of no relevance to their mission.
Next, they find the remains of an old library. It is in a poor state. Most are the books and scrolls are ruined, and they see nothing of apparent value or help.
The many Obelisks are all covered with strange writing and pictograms. Yureb notes a slight discoloration on the stonework and soon finds a door with no physical opening mechanism. It is psionically locked. He and Quazzy attune to it and can open it with a mere thought. They see a passage down but decide to explore further before investigating.
Next, they search a series of what looks like living quarters of priests or holy men. Frescoes on the walls show a man in robes teaching or preaching. He is wearing a silver headband and has a heart-shaped necklace. Both look very similar to the Heart, and Soul of Tondan, which the party has previously been hired, by the wine merchant Jehan Chusselrin, to investigate.
The central and most significant building, distinguishing feature are three huge pink crystal skylights. At the back of the building, Yureb finds another psionically hidden door, but this time they are unable to attune to it. The main entrance stone door is carved with many strange inscriptions. Some of them seem to represent the Heart and Soul of Trondan and the Silver Armbands worn by Chief Skroll. The Psionic Lock is very strong. Both Quazzy and Yureb are unable to open it.
With the main and back entrance closed to the heroes, they decide to investigate the secret door they found under the Obelisks.
To be continued next week.
Rewards Granted
4 Chuul Plates - If worked by a skilled weapon-crafter, they can be converted to Shields or Scalemail which will faint glow in the presence of magic items. This property will fade in a few years.
Character(s) interacted with
Lesela the Oracle - A slightly senile old woman with the ability to foretell. She is not a member of the village but appeared 30 years ago, and the villages supply her with aid and food.
Chief Skoll - Chief of the Village of Haruch and Protector of Anisha.
[h21]Challenges Overcome3 Chuul's (one being an Elite and another had a stunning high pitch screech).
18 Gargu-Viasal (Red Orcs). 3 escaped.
Negotiated entry to Anisha with Chief Skoll.
Related Reports
The Earthmasters - Updated.
Psionics - Updated.
Notes
Players Character Status
Athena the Banshee - Level 12 Paladin of Vengeance.
Yureb - Level 12 Arcane Trickster.
Quazzy - Level 5 Necromancer and Level 7 Warlock Disciple of Desridaen.
