Session 9 - 3/11/24

We took a breather after that tough fight, and went into the next room south. It was strangely empty, but it was almost more concerning that it was. A large manacle bolted to the middle of the room was left unoccupied, but we suspect that was not always the case. However, on the ceiling was that mark of the skull - a symbol used by the dwarves that signified valuables, but also danger. However, since its on the ceiling almost 15 feet high, we had to climb up using a ladder. I hit the seam with an axe and heard it start to give way, so we climbed down quickly and moved out of the way.
 
And it's a good thing we did, because some kind of terrible living black ooze spilled out, very much with the intent to eat us. As we hit it with our blades, the black ooze coated my sword an armor and seemed to corrode it. The splash itself burned against my skin. I'm starting to think swinging my sword at the things in here is a bad idea. I tried to get away but they grasped me with their...appendages. It burned horribly. Another brush with death. I've learned my lesson now - its crossbow bolts for these things from now on.
 
They split a few more times, but thankfully we were able to break them down into a harmless pool. Within one of them though we found a metal of sorts, too orange to be gold - Ambersteel. Good for working magic into and very valuable to smiths. How lucky! Maybe we can make something of this? And if not, we can likely sell it for a fine sack of coin!
 
In the next room, we saw something I certainly didn't expect. A lone hobgoblin looking...scared. It seems his smaller companions found the traps we've been disarming, far too late. With no will on either side to fight, we agreed to pass each other by in cease fire. Chael said something to him, I think he told him to leave, which he wasted no time doing.
 
It's unfortunate for the goblins, because the room we found beyond was incredible! It must've been the Treasury, because found a literal PILE of gold, and also a locked chest that contained an ornate tiara of sorts.
 
 
Starmetal Helmet - absorbs the blood of the wearer, but in turn allows them to heal on command
 
Mara and I rolled for ownership and fate deemed it better in the hands of Mara. Fair is fair, and after all I have these greaves already.
 
 
It was the last room on this floor, so we returned to the stairs and descended once more. We finally found the source of these strange green energy pulses. The room we found was incredible, flickering with brilliant lights and colors. In the middle of the room was an energy vortex that left the room feeling incredibly charged. Its a difficult feeling to explain, but it felt as though the room was flooded with magic and energy.
 
On the altar is an elfen man, strangely made of stone, who seems to be chained to it. Why would anyone need to chain up a stone statue? Chael saw it was held by pins, so he started removing them. That sent out another such green shockwave, the very same we were experiencing before. Shortly afterwards, a crack grew in the arm. Even stranger, returning the pin reverses the effect, restoring the crack.
 
Whatever is going on feels much bigger than any of us so I asked Chael to stop before we do something irreversible. Instead we turned our attention to four more sarcophagi in the corners of the room (as much as corners could be). Chael could read a small part of it, stating "guard against the darkness"
 
Velvet meanwhile looked deep into the vortex and claimed to see a vibrant forest. More than that, it seems that all the energy we're feeling is coming out of that portal, from wherever this forest is. While we were distracted by the vortex though, Arlen seemed to start freeing the statue
 
 
His name is Droman Selezan, and he explained that his fellow elves chained him here to act as an anchor for this portal. He was also almost 10 feet tall, with long, lankey arms. His demeanor was very unnerving, with a grin that almost looks wicked. But he called himself a creature of the fae
 
He explained the portal is called a Leyline, and they are scattered all over the land. He was also quick to correct me in saying that they are NOT his *fellow* elves.
 
 
A lot happened, almost too much to try and write down...my quick notes were...
 
fae escaped
crystal from Arlen shattered
room darkened
a portal opened(?)
guardians(?) from each of the 4 corners activated
fighting 2 shadow demons, they slayed 2 of the guardians before being taken down
but a new figure emerged
Harper seems to recognize them
Arlen attacked and dealt what looked like a horrid fatal blow, but it didnt stop her
She retaliated with a magic missile
Ashton wanted to attack but Harper bade him to stop
Then Chael erupted suddenly into a radiant light
we beat back the shadows attacking the guardians
Both Chael and the guardians (entirely) expended themselves to break the portal
gathered up 4 spears with bronze tip
 
we left and took the statues with us
 
 
We returned to Twin River after a long, long delve.