Act 2, Scene 3: Haram Alia-Tiwa

General Summary

Following the brazen undead attack on the streets of Cyrecuze, the nerds-cum-adventurers made their way to the abandoned, yet apparently haunted, prison called Haram Alia-Tiwa. Farmers reported hearing screams and other unsettling sounds issuing from within; nearby crops have also blighted. Haram Alia-Tiwa may be the location of the fabled “degeneration.” Perhaps the Preserver awaits within, but no doubt The Fisher of souls has taken up residence.   The architecture befits a prison; Haram Alia-Tiwa is a spartan square stone building with a portico facing the road south to the city. The massive doors show signs of damage, hewn and dented, but remain massive and imposing. They are flanked by two stone golems programmed to attack any escapees (or at least those wearing prisoner bracelets).   Tiberius thrust open the massive doors to reveal the interior of the prison. Directly before the main entrance is a processing room and control center for portcullises, containment systems, and storage. A mummified warden guarded the control room, but again the party made short work of it. They then set to exploring. A wight and three zombies haunted a staff kitchen, the door to which Aemon locked with sorcery to prevent their interference. The group discovered an imprisoned succubus named Madame Tezgel, who charmed Tybalt Muse into facilitating her release. Madame Tezgel did confirm that the Degeneration is at the lower level of the prison (an intrusion of Abyssal energy), and that The Fisher has gone below. She bestowed a kiss upon Tybalt for his good service, which he barely survived. The succubus fled through the front gates, freed from her prisoner’s bracelet.   After taking time to recover, the ever-curious Cilash started messing with the buttons and levers in the main processing room. And, of course, in grand tradition, he pushed a big red button. The button activated a lockdown protocol and alarm system, which alerted the level’s vampire captain to their presence. “Misty,” as they dubbed her, materialized out of mist in the processing room and attacked the curious heroes. Cilash drove her off with the power of Brittannicus. Meanwhile, another prisoner, one Rafique le Magnifique, began supplicating for release. Before investigating the loudmouthed prisoner, though, Misty returned. Thanks to a series of divine smites from Tiberius and spells from the casters, Misty was forced to retreat a second time.   Tiberius, ever the tactician, insisted that they destroy the wights and zombies in the kitchen. The party used the door as a “pez dispenser” and killed the monsters one at a time. All the while Rafique annoyingly called out for release.   Finally, Tybalt went to Rafique’s cell. Turns out he’s a skeleton who claims to be a mage (a children’s party magician, to be specific). In return for release, he agreed to help the party fight the guards. Evidently, he has a bone to pick with “Misty.” Tiberius was less than enthused, especially when it seemed that Rafique may have stretched the truth about his abilities. Tybalt quickly restored the peace, and everyone agreed that it was time to attack the remaining undead guards on this this level.