S040: Beneath River's Keep
The Mighty Menagerie go to Jacoby's Eushia Hideout
General Summary
Lowsun 6, 2023 KC, Early Evening
River's Keep, The Dark Rain Forest, Kampos Recap
The party ventured deeper into the ancient caverns beneath the keep, discovering a room where a Goblin boss and Orc slept among weapons and supplies. Shadow swiftly killed the Orc and a regular Goblin while the Goblin boss remained mysteriously asleep, allowing the party to bind him and loot the room, finding Gold, potions, an ornate ring, and another mysterious black stone. Upon awakening, the terrified Goblin boss revealed he was part of the Bloodhand organization that guarded tunnels, moved slaves, and watched for shadow Beasts from the north, and he led them to a chamber containing four cages of prisoners: an elderly Tortle with a damaged shell, Barlo's sister Sister of Barlo, Mellow Robin "Mellow" (a Tabaxi), and two Leonin. After a chaotic struggle to subdue the awakened guards and lock them in the now-empty cages, the party freed the prisoners and learned that Sister of Barlo, Mellow Robin "Mellow" had fragmented memories of being hired to retrieve Grognard's Journal before being drugged and enslaved.
The most significant revelation came when Sas discovered the Tortle prisoner was her long-lost father, Solec, who had allowed himself to be captured to protect vital knowledge hidden in a sigil embedded within his shell. After an emotional reunion and Bastion magically repairing his damaged shell to reveal the hidden sigil, tragedy struck when one of the rescued Leonin prisoners, Kryrez Roughpride, suddenly touched Solec and both vanished through teleportation. Sas was left devastated, having reunited with her father only to lose him moments later, while Bastion explained that the sigil could store knowledge and secrets, meaning whatever information Solec had been protecting was now in enemy hands. The party was left with a mute Leonin prisoner who couldn't explain the betrayal, Sister of Barlo, Mellow Robin "Mellow"'s desperate need to find her companion Beast, and the disturbing realization that their enemies remained one step ahead.
The most significant revelation came when Sas discovered the Tortle prisoner was her long-lost father, Solec, who had allowed himself to be captured to protect vital knowledge hidden in a sigil embedded within his shell. After an emotional reunion and Bastion magically repairing his damaged shell to reveal the hidden sigil, tragedy struck when one of the rescued Leonin prisoners, Kryrez Roughpride, suddenly touched Solec and both vanished through teleportation. Sas was left devastated, having reunited with her father only to lose him moments later, while Bastion explained that the sigil could store knowledge and secrets, meaning whatever information Solec had been protecting was now in enemy hands. The party was left with a mute Leonin prisoner who couldn't explain the betrayal, Sister of Barlo, Mellow Robin "Mellow"'s desperate need to find her companion Beast, and the disturbing realization that their enemies remained one step ahead.
Summary
As Barlo and Shadow worked to move the bodies of their defeated enemies into the cages, a mishap occurred when Barlo accidentally let one slip, causing the prisoner to wake with a start. A brief but intense combat ensued as the party scrambled to subdue the awakened captive and secure the others. Once the chaos settled and some prisoners were locked away while others were dispatched, the group finally had a moment to breathe. During this respite, Sas took the opportunity to speak with her father, beginning to reconnect after their long separation. Among the freed prisoners was a Leonin named Kryrez, who slowly made his way through the group, his intentions unclear and causing Shadow to grow increasingly wary. Before anyone could react, Kryrez thanked the party and reached out toward Sas's father, and in an instant, both vanished in a flash of teleportation magic. Calliope, still in her Bat form, was unable to intervene with a Counterspell, leaving the party Stunned and helpless as Sas's father was taken from them once more.The party remained in the chamber with Mellow, Barlo's sister, who had been freed, and Bajol, a silent Leonin who stood motionless and unresponsive. Determined to understand what had just happened, Barlo rushed to investigate the cell where Kryrez had been held. He discovered that the bed appeared barely used and suspiciously new, and upon closer inspection of the cell bars, he found a hidden mechanism that would allow someone to unlock the door easily from the inside. This revelation suggested that Kryrez had never truly been a prisoner at all, but rather an accomplice in some larger scheme. Sas, meanwhile, examined her father's former cell and found fragments of his damaged shell scattered about, along with various furs indicating the cell had housed many different creatures over time. She carefully collected the shell pieces, placing them in her Bag of Holding, sensing they might prove useful later.
It was then that Sas heard a voice echo in her mind—the unmistakable telepathic contact of Jacoby. He informed her that he now held her father captive and demanded the book that her brother had once possessed, the one she had hidden in her shell. Jacoby claimed he wanted the book for the secrets it contained and offered Sas two paths to reach him: a dangerous quick route through his room via a teleportation device, or a long journey of many days to the distant city of Eushia. Sas relayed this information to the party, and they used magic to determine whether Jacoby was lying, but the Divination revealed it was very doubtful he was being dishonest. The party's attention then turned to Bajol, the silent Leonin who had remained eerily still throughout the ordeal. When Shadow slapped him to test his nature, her hand struck something as hard as Rock, and Bajol retaliated with a powerful bludgeoning strike that sent her reeling. Further magical investigation revealed that Bajol was not a Living creature at all, but rather a construct covered by an Illusion spell, and he was actively Sending messages to Jacoby, serving as a spy.
With this disturbing revelation, the party freed Mellow from the magical bracelet that had been suppressing her powers. Barlo worked carefully to pick the intricate lock, and when the bracelet finally fell away, Mellow expressed her gratitude but immediately announced her intention to leave and find her love, a figure she called "the beast," who was waiting at the Skola Vale. Despite Barlo's concerns for her safety, Mellow insisted she had not seen her beloved in over three years and could not wait any longer. She vanished, leaving the party to deal with the remaining threats. They attempted to contain Bajol by using magic to transform a Metal bar into restraints that wrapped around his legs, then sealed the area behind a conjured Iron door, hoping to prevent him from following or reporting their movements.
Before proceeding further, Sas used a magical scroll to contact their distant allies, Lars and Ursa, Sending a brief Message to ensure they were safe and to inform them that Jacoby was still alive. Ursa responded, confirming they were well and had heard news of Jacoby from Jeets, one of their companions. Shadow then retrieved Artie, her loyal Owlbear companion, who squeezed through the tight tunnels to rejoin the group, though he was slightly singed by flames in one of the passages. With their party reassembled, they turned their attention to Jacoby's private quarters, knowing that the path ahead would be fraught with danger.
The entrance to Jacoby's room was heavily trapped and secured. Barlo carefully investigated the first door, finding it locked, and when he managed to unlock it, a trap triggered, Sending Poisoned darts flying toward him. His instincts saved him as he dodged the projectiles, which struck the wall and oozed a sickly green substance. Beyond the door lay a hallway that led to a second door bearing a warning plaque that read, "if you see this, you shouldn't be here." Barlo discovered that this door was protected by both a mechanical and a magical lock, as well as a gas trap. He successfully disarmed the trap, collecting the vial of gas for later use, and the party used two magical chimes to unlock both the mechanical and magical seals. When the door finally opened, Barlo stepped forward and triggered yet another trap—a pressure plate that unleashed writhing purple and black tentacles that reached for him. Once again, his reflexes saved him, and after a tense minute, the tentacles receded, allowing the party to proceed.
Inside Jacoby's private room, they found a sad and lonely space containing a bed, a desk covered in notes and objects, and a chest. Bastion immediately set to Work examining the desk, uncovering a wealth of critical information. Among the notes were details about the Arcane Order's manipulation of Reginald's Family, revealing that they had helped Reginald's uncle gain power but later turned against him when he became too arrogant, restoring the kingdom to Reginald's father as punishment. Bastion also discovered a notebook describing a rare and powerful element called Residuum, which could substitute for any spell material component and was central to two ancient, outlawed spells that could disenchant and enchant magical items. The notebook detailed Jacoby's research into manufacturing Residuum from black Chardalyn crystals, which the party realized were the mysterious black stones they had been finding throughout their journey. Additionally, Bastion found a strange drawing featuring symbols associated with mind flayers and the words "Ship's Haven," a city on Karsus, as well as a Brass and Gold Dodecahedron covered in intricate magical runes whose purpose remained unclear.
As Barlo investigated the chest in the room, it suddenly animated, revealing itself to be a Mimic. The creature's sticky pseudopods Grappled Barlo, but he managed to break free, and the party quickly dispatched the monster with a combination of Shadow's burning sword and Bastion's rapier strikes. Within the Mimic's remains, they found a small cache of Electrum coins. Barlo then turned his attention to the bed, discovering a hidden mechanism that caused it to rise like a Murphy bed, revealing a stairwell descending into a secret chamber. The party descended and found themselves in a room containing a transportation circle, complete with runes on the floor, a raised platform, and an ornate, unbroken mirror with small cubby holes on its sides. They recognized the setup as a portal, similar to one they had encountered in Tharos's hideout in the Underdark, though this mirror was whole and functional.
Recognizing the danger of what lay ahead, the party decided to rest and prepare. Bastion used a scroll to conjure a magnificent extra-dimensional mansion, a grand castle with luxurious accommodations, where the party could safely take a long rest. During this time, Bastion reconfigured his magical ring to store new spells, Calliope spent hours carefully tattooing a magical mark onto her arm using glowing ink, granting her enhanced accuracy with ranged weapons, and Shadow attuned to her Crystal longbow, discovering it would grant her attacks additional force damage. Barlo practiced his lockpicking skills, and the entire party recovered their strength, knowing they would need every advantage for the confrontation to come.
When they were ready, Sas received another telepathic Message from Jacoby, instructing her to speak specific words to the mirror to activate the portal. The party gathered, including Artie, and spoke the incantation. The mirror shimmered and glowed, and they leaped through the portal, emerging in a room with greenish stonework and glowing elements. Before them stood Jacoby, his younger self beside him, and Sas's father, held captive by a massive Stone Golem. Jacoby revealed his desire for the book, claiming it contained secrets put together by Captain Meklan and Jariah Kronamenser, and that it had tormented Barlo and helped him locate Sas's father, who had been hiding his mind for years. When the party refused to surrender the book, Jacoby threatened to have the golem crush Sas's father.
Barlo immediately attempted to grapple the golem's arm to free Sas's father, but he slammed into an Invisible barrier that surrounded Jacoby and his captive. The party frantically tried various spells and tactics to penetrate the barrier, but nothing seemed to Work. In a moment of desperate inspiration, Bastion used a teleportation spell to bypass the barrier, appearing directly above Jacoby, and then transformed himself into a massive Tyrannosaurus Rex, crashing down onto the Wizard and grappling him in his enormous jaws. The impact was not enough to break Jacoby's concentration on the force Shield, but it did bring the fight directly to him. Calliope, thinking quickly, cast a spell that caused the T-Rex to dance uncontrollably, forcing Jacoby to escape the grapple, but Bastion managed to bite down on him again, dealing significant damage.
Jacoby retaliated by casting a powerful slowing magic that affected several members of the party, reducing their speed and limiting their actions. He then attempted to unleash a devastating Fireball, but Calliope reacted instantly, countering the spell and saving the party from certain destruction. Shadow fired arrows that struck Jacoby, breaking his concentration on the force Shield and allowing the rest of the party to join the fray. Sas transformed into a giant vulture to attack from above, while Barlo Grappled the Stone Golem's arm and shoved it to the ground, making it Prone. Calliope conjured a swirling cloud of magical daggers that began to cut into both Jacoby and his golem, dealing continuous damage.
The battle raged on, with Bastion casting additional magic to enhance his abilities and striking Jacoby with powerful attacks. Jacoby, weakened and bloodied, attempted to maintain his defenses, but the relentless assault from the party proved too much. As he stood within the Cloud of Daggers, the magical blades sliced into his flesh, and he fell to the ground, defeated. The party then turned their full attention to the Stone Golem, which continued to fight with relentless determination. Sas, realizing her non-magical attacks could not Harm the construct, reverted to her normal form to prepare a more effective strike. Artie, the Owlbear, successfully Grappled and Restrained the golem with a powerful Bear hug, holding it in place. Shadow, seizing the opportunity, took careful aim and fired an arrow directly into the largest crack in the golem's chest. The arrow struck true, and the construct shuddered before shattering into a pile of rubble.
With the immediate threats eliminated, the party stood victorious in Jacoby's lair, surrounded by the remnants of their enemies. Sas's father, though shaken and weakened, was finally free from captivity. The party knew they still had much to address and many questions to answer, but for now, they had succeeded in rescuing Sas's father and defeating the cunning Wizard who had tormented them. The secrets of the book, the mysteries of Residuum and the Chardalyn crystals, and the implications of the strange dodecahedron and the drawing of Ship's Haven all awaited further investigation, but those challenges would have to wait for another day.
Scenes
Aftermath and Abduction
Following a brief skirmish while caging prisoners, a Leonin named Kryrez, who was just freed, thanks the party and then mysteriously disappears with Sas's father.Investigating Kryrez's Cell
The party investigates the cell where Kryrez was held, discovering it was unusually clean and had a hidden mechanism for easy escape, suggesting he might have been an accomplice.Sas's Father's Cell and Shell Fragments
Sas investigates her father's cell, finding remnants of his damaged shell and other furs, indicating the cell's prior use for various creatures.Jacoby's Message and the Book
Jacoby telepathically contacts Sas, demanding 'the book' in exchange for her father, and offers two paths to reach him: a dangerous quick way or a long journey.Investigating Bajol
The party investigates Bajol, the silent Leonin, discovering he is an illusion-covered construct Sending messages to Jacoby.Mellow's Freedom and Departure
The party frees Mellow, Barlo's sister, from her magical bracelet, and she promptly leaves to find her love, 'the beast,' in the Skola Vale.Containing Bajol
The party attempts to contain Bajol by fabricating manacles and sealing him behind an Iron door.Contacting Allies and Retrieving Artie
Sas uses a magical scroll to contact distant allies, and Shadow retrieves Artie, preparing the party for their next move.Jacoby's Room Entrance and Traps
The party attempts to enter Jacoby's room, encountering multiple traps and locks before finally gaining access.Jacoby's Study: Unveiling Secrets
The party enters Jacoby's personal study, a sad and lonely room, where Bastion meticulously examines a desk filled with notes, uncovering critical information about the Arcane Order, a rare element called Residuum, and Jacoby's ambitious research.Mimic in Jacoby's Room
While investigating Jacoby's room, Barlo encounters a chest that reveals itself to be a Mimic, leading to a brief but intense combat.Discovery of a Secret Passage and Transportation Circle
After defeating the Mimic, Barlo investigates the bed in Jacoby's room, uncovering a hidden stairwell that leads to a room containing a magical transportation circle.Resting in Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion
Recognizing the danger of the transportation circle, the party decides to take a long rest, with Bastion conjuring a magnificent mansion for their safety and recuperation.Jacoby's Lair
The party uses the mirror portal to Teleport directly into Jacoby's lair, where they find him holding Sas's father captive, guarded by a Stone Golem, leading to an immediate, chaotic battle.Session Conclusion
Left at Jacoby's Eushia Hideout as they finish defeating the twoExperience & Leveling Combat Experience: 700 (90 ea) | Total: 39,730 (Next Goal: 48,000)
Combat Experience: 13100 (2620 ea) | Total: 42,350 (Next Goal: 48,000)
Current Location: Left at Jacoby's Eushia Hideout as they finish defeating the two
Rewards Granted
- Broken Dimeritium Bracelet
- Mysterious vial of something from mechanical lock on Jacoby's room
- used some charges from Chime of Opening
- Journal from Jacoby about Reginald's Father
- Journal from Jacoby about Shadowfell Well
- Strange Drawing from Jacoby
- Brass and Gold Dodecahedron
- learned the black stones previously found are possibly Chardalyn
- 14 ep
- Bastion used Iron Door from Robe of Useful Items
- Bastion used Mordenkainen's Private Sanctum from Ring of Spell Storing, then charged it with other spells...
- Shadow gave herself a Magic Tattoo of "Mark of the Archer"
- Shadow also shifted Attunement from Frost Brand Weapon to Arcane-Forged Weapons of Outding Refuge Longbow
Experience
t Combat Experience: 700 (90 ea) | Total: 39,730 (Next Goal: 48,000) t
t Combat Experience: 13100 (2620 ea) | Total: 42,350 (Next Goal: 48,000) t
Missions/Quests Completed
- cleared out more of the dungeon
- fought and defeated Jacoby
Character(s) interacted with
Characters
"Mellow"
Barlo's sister, a warlock with a genie patron, who was imprisoned and had her magic blocked by a special bracelet. After being freed by the party, she quickly departs to find her love, 'the beast,' in the Skola Vale, stating she hasn't seen him in over three years. She provides crucial information about Bajol and Kryrez's suspicious behavior.Bajol
A silent Leonin who appeared to be a prisoner but was revealed to be a construct or golem covered by an Illusion spell and actively Sending messages to Jacoby via a Sending spell. He feels like Rock, takes no damage from non-magical attacks, and retaliates with powerful bludgeoning strikes. He was often seen with Kryrez and frequently taken to Jacoby's bedroom.Bargle
Brother of Shadow, Belly of a Beast
Captain Meklan
Dolne Ivoryclaw
Jacoby Drexelhand
A powerful and cunning Wizard who holds Sas's father captive, seeking a mysterious book for the secrets it contains. He uses magical defenses including an Invisible force barrier and a Stone Golem, and is capable of powerful spells like Fireball, Otto's Irresistible Dance, and a slow-like effect. He is ultimately defeated by the party in his lair, falling to Calliope's Cloud of Daggers spell. He resembles Jeremy Irons in appearance.Jeets
A Halfling who was part of the 'Fortunate Mead Heroes' and was the first to find the party on the beach. He is currently outside the party's keep and has informed Ursa and Lars about Jacoby.Jeriah Chronos
Kryrez Roughpride
Lars Heyton
An ally of the party, contacted by Sas via a Sending spell.Reginald Ivoryclaw
Solec
A turtle held captive by Jacoby and his golem. He was initially abducted by Kryrez and later used as leverage by Jacoby to acquire a powerful book. His shell was damaged during his captivity. He is eventually rescued by the party.Tharros the Wanderer
Ursa
An ally of the party who responds to Sas's Sending spell, confirming she and Lars are well and have heard about Jacoby from Jeets.Zirin Shadowtooth
Kryrez Roughpride
A Leonin prisoner who was freed by the party. He thanked them before mysteriously teleporting away with Sas's father, suggesting he might have been an accomplice to Jacoby. His cell had a trick lock and appeared unusually clean and unused.Stone Golem
A very large, rock-like statue that serves as Jacoby's bodyguard, holding Sas's father captive. It is immune to non-magical, non-adamantine attacks and possesses magic Resistance, making it a formidable opponent. It is eventually Grappled and Restrained by Artie and destroyed by Shadow's arrows.Mimic
A creature disguised as a wooden chest in Jacoby's room. It has sticky pseudopods and sharp teeth, attacking Barlo when he attempts to investigate it. It was quickly defeated by the party.
Creatures
Created Content
2023
9 (Lowsun)
Lowsun 6, 2023 KC - Lowsun 7, 2023 KC, Early Morning
- The Menagerie travel to Jacoby's Hideout on Eushia
Memorable Moments
Kryrez, a freed Leonin prisoner, suddenly teleports away with Sas's father after thanking the party, leaving them shocked and unable to prevent it.The party had just freed prisoners and were beginning to relax when this unexpected betrayal occurred.
Bastion uses Misty Step to Teleport above Jacoby, then polymorphs into a massive T-Rex, crashing down on him and grappling him in his jaws.
A bold and unexpected move to bypass Jacoby's Invisible force barrier and engage him directly in combat.
Calliope casts Otto's Irresistible Dance on Bastion while he's polymorphed into a T-Rex, causing the massive dinosaur to dance uncontrollably.
An attempt to control the chaotic situation, resulting in a comical image of a dancing T-Rex with Jacoby in its mouth.
Calliope successfully counterspells Jacoby's Fireball, saving the entire party from a devastating explosion.
A critical moment where Calliope's quick reaction prevented massive damage to the party.
Shadow delivers the final arrow shot into the Stone Golem's chest, causing it to Shatter into rubble and ending the threat.
After a long and difficult battle, Shadow's precise shot brings down the formidable construct.
Locations
Astral Plane
Eushia
A distant location mentioned by Jacoby as the destination for the 'long way' to reach him, implying many days of travel.Kampos
Outding Refuge
River's Keep
Shadowfell
Ship's Haven
A city located on Karsus, mentioned in a drawing found in Jacoby's study. It is associated with mind flayers and their astral ships (nautiloids).Tharros Underdark Hideout "Near" Outding Refuge
The Dark Rain Forest
The Shadowed Highland
Wildspace
Chamber (Prison Area)
The current location of the party after the initial combat, where they have just finished caging prisoners. It contains multiple cells, including those that held Kryrez, Bajol, Sas's father, and Mellow. Jacoby's bedroom is said to be to the northeast from here.Kryrez's Cell
A cell that appears unusually clean with a bed that seems barely used. It contains a hidden trick mechanism in the bars allowing for easy unlocking from the inside, suggesting Kryrez was not a genuine prisoner.Sas's Father's Cell
A cell where Sas's father was held, containing fragments of his damaged shell and other furs, indicating it housed various creatures over time. The bed shows signs of long-term use.Bajol's Cell
A prison cell where the silent Leonin, Bajol, was held. It features a trick lock and a bed that appears largely unused, similar to Kryrez's cell, suggesting it was not a genuine place of confinement for him.Weapons Room
A room where the party previously found various weapons and items, including a Gold ring and some powdered Diamond dust. Artie joins the party here after being retrieved by Shadow.Jacoby's Hallway
A short, trapped hallway leading to Jacoby's private room, featuring dart traps with green ooze, a gas trap, and both mechanical and magical locks on the doors, as well as a pressure plate that unleashes magical tentacles (Evard's Black Tentacles).Jacoby's Private Room
A sad and lonely room containing a bed, a desk covered in extensive research notes, and a chest (which turned out to be a Mimic). It serves as Jacoby's research area and contains a hidden passage beneath the bed to a transportation circle.Transportation Circle Room (Portal Room)
A small, hidden room accessed via a stairwell from Jacoby's private room. It features a transportation circle with runes on the floor, a raised platform, and an ornate, unbroken mirror with cubby holes on its sides, indicating it's a portal. The setup is similar to one previously encountered in Tharos's hideout in the Underdark.Extra-Dimensional Mansion
A conjured, safe dwelling appearing as a large, gray castle with white roofs and blue mold, complete with servants and jacuzzis in each room, used by the party for a long rest. It was created by Bastion using a scroll of Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion and exists for 24 hours.Jacoby's Lair
A room with nice greenish stonework and glowing elements in the seams and flower pots, accessed via the mirror portal. It features double doors on two sides and a single door on another. This is where the final confrontation with Jacoby and his Stone Golem takes place, with an Invisible force barrier initially protecting Jacoby and his captive.Skola Vale
A location mentioned by Mellow as where 'the beast' (her love) is located, prompting her departure after being freed.
Items of Note
- Basalt's Magic Ball
- book
- Books
- Brass and Gold Dodecahedron
- Chardalyn
- Chime of Opening
- Dimeritium Bracelet
- Documents found under Abandoned Keep in Kampos
- Frost Brand Weapon
- Gem
- Iron
- Journal from Jacoby about Reginald's Father
- Journal from Jacoby about Shadowfell Well
- Journal of Grognard, Meenlock Caves
- Known Claims of the Far Realm
- Magic Tattoo
- Residuum
- Ring of Spell Storing
- Scroll of Telescription
- Strange Drawing from Jacoby
- Thieves' Tools
- Transportation Mirror
Factions
Misc
- Disenchant Magic Item
- Documents found under Abandoned Keep in Kampos
- Draconic
- Enchant Magic item
- Evard's Black Tentacles
- Gem Magic
- Grappled
- Hex
- Hunter's Mark
- Identify
- Illusion
- Invisible
- Jacoby Drexelhand
- Lowsun
- Mage Hand
- Misty Step
- Mordenkainen's Private Sanctum
- Otto's Irresistible Dance
- Polymorph
- Prone
- Restrained
- Scorching Ray
- Shatter
Related Reports
Original Notes
The party starts at the cells in the dungeon and Kryrez Roughpride, the supposed Leonin slave, just teleported out with Solec.Shadow in the Snow begins to investigate his cell and notice that it is not as old or used as much in this place. There is a latch on the inside of the door which seems to make it easy to unlock the gate from the inside.
Bastion Bladesinger investigates the Tortle cage and just finds that it is well-used, run-down, and has some pieces of shell and other animal bits.
Sas W.T. Rayce gets a Message from Jacoby Drexelhand. he wants the book and will trade for her dad.
"Hello there, Sas. I have your father and I would love to return him to you, I just need the book"
sas: whats the long way ...
Jacoby: I'm in Eushia... many days travel. I might be willling to travel there if I deem it safe.
He tells her there is a transportation device in his room, but it will be very dangerous to get to it. Or they can waste a long time trying to get to Eushia.
Bastion asks the Basalt's Magic Ball about the integrity of Jacoby Drexelhand.
The party then notices how still Bajol is. Shadow in the Snow takes a hand strike at Bajol. Learns he is very hard, like stone. Bajol strikes back.
It seems that his fur doesn't seem to move much, except some strange Illusion effect at the ends.
Shadow uses "detect Magic" and doesn't learn anything new.
Bastion uses Identify on Bajol, learns it has some Illusion magic on it and there is some messaging time spell going on with it.
Mellow also speaks bout how the two Leonin (Bajol and Kryrez Roughpride both seemed to be treated differently and were taken to Jacoby's room on occasion.
Turns out that "Mellow" is wearing a Dimeritium Bracelet. Barlo was able to free her and they learned that she has a Djinni patron.
Calliope drops her Bat form.
Mellow speaks about how the Blood Hand Orcs have been running low on their "drugs" used to keep the prisoners compliant and unthinking lately.
She left to find Brother of Shadow, Belly of a Beast by "blinking out".
Barlo tries to move Bajol and it looked like Bajol might strike, but that was held back. He then asked the goblins about Bajol.
The party tied up Bajol's legs and ten left him behind. Taking off the "Iron Door" from his robe it creates a locked Iron door.
They used the Scroll of Telescription to send a Message to Ursa and Lars Heyton, they both seem to be okay. They do know about the Jacoby clones.
Using the Scroll of Telescription to send a Message:
"Jacoby's still alive, Are you all okay?"
"We had heard from Jeets about Jacoby, we're doing great."
Shadow in the Snow goes and gets Arktos.
They then go to the Eastern door which is actually locked. but Barlo missed the trap -- he unlocked it and his Barbarian traits saved him from two acid darts.
The party got to Jacoby's room. It had a sign "If you see this, you should not be here." It was heavily trapped on the door -- magically and mechanically. He saw the mechanical lock and trap, as well as magical lock.. did not see a magical trap.
Barlo took care of the mechanical lock, and got a small vial of something from the mechanical trap, and using the Chime of Opening also voided out the magical lock...
But still triggered the hidden magical trap that casted a type of Evard's Black Tentacles which missed Barlo and then disappeared after a minute.
In the room it had a desk, a bed, and a chest.
There were many Documents found under Abandoned Keep in Kampos
Journal from Jacoby about Reginald's Father: It seems that the Arcane Order was working with Zirin Shadowtooth and they betrayed him as he was trying to not work with the order anymore. The Order was then responsible for restoring Reginald Ivoryclaw's father, Dolne Ivoryclaw into power and then assassinating him. They had hoped to teach Zirin a lesson, and were sure they could control the young and brash Reginald the easiest.
Journal from Jacoby about Shadowfell Well: The Shadowfell well journal goes into Residuum and Chardalyn and how it might be possible to create Chardalyn here with the well and then turn that into Residuum. It also seems that Residuum is somewhat similar to the crystals growing on Outding Refuge, yet it doesn't seem as if that could be Residuum.
Also, there seems to be spell out there, Disenchant Magic Item, which allows you to turn a magic item into Residuum. That Residuum can then be used as a replacement for a cost-incured spell component or with the other lost spell, Enchant Magic item, to create a new magic item.
The Brass and Gold Dodecahedron is an odd thing...
And the Strange Drawing from Jacoby says Ship's Haven which is a settlement on Kampos and the symbols are used by Mindflayer.
Bastion Bladesinger has an ability to have an uncanny knack on researching lore. As he thinks about the drawing and dodecahedron; He has heard of Ship's Haven, it is a settlement on Kampos and he recalls hearing it might be connected to the twins outside. The symbols looke like Mindflayer symbols he remembers from Known Claims of the Far Realm as well as the ship being one they used to traverse the Astral Plane and other locations in Wildspace.
Looking at the Brass and Gold Dodecahedron he sees all types of runes and symbols - he realizes he will need to go to a more established library or one focused on magic or history.
Gems
Then Barlo examines the Mimic he is Grappled by this pseudopod that stretches out and smacks him, sticking him to the chest.
The Battle:
R.1
Barlo is Grappled. He is able to get one of his arms out. He goes to take the other hand out and succeeds. He takes a step back, giving the Mimic an opportunity attack, which misses.Snow does her Hunter's Mark and then attacks with her fire sword which strikes true on both attacks. Then runs away.
Bastion casts Hex, then stabs it twice. This was enough to kill it.
t Combat Experience: 700 (90 ea) | Total: 39,730 (Next Goal: 48,000) t
14 Ep
Tabletalk on EP & PP
Generally EP and PP are not created these days, they are generally coins of older civilizations. They can create questions in some places.
Shadow in the Snow discovered a mechanism to raise and lower the bed and there is a stairwell to a room with circular symbol of runes (transportation circle). This was similar to the one in the Tharros Underdark Hideout "Near" Outding Refuge where Tharros the Wanderer had a broken one.
It has two little cubbies on it, this is a Transportation Mirror.
The party discussed whether they should go or not, and then decided to take a rest.
Bastion casts Mordenkainen's Private Sanctum from the Ring of Spell Storing to rest. They cast it in the bedroom and a light starts at the bottom of the wall and it burns these sparks on the left and right which create an entranceway. It has a light shimmer.
It opens up to a large mansion, each room has a jacuzzi, grey castle, white roof, blue molding. Many servants of various races help the party get the rest they need. For some reason this version of the spell gave them the full mansion experience...
After all this Shadow in the Snow gave herself a Magic Tattoo, mark of the archer, giving her a +1 to attack rolls. An arrow that is circling the The Shadowed Highland as the tribe roams the hills in their yearly cycle. Uses the glowing ink from the Chaos Quadrapod.
Shadow attuned to longbow and it added 1d6 force damage, giving up the attunement to the Frost Brand Weapon
Barlo practices his Thieves' Tools with a room of locked boxes.
The Books here are either based on Bastion Bladesinger's reading history or knowledge.
Lowsun 7, 2023 KC, Around Noon
As they exit:
Jacoby to Sas: "I hope you're done with your nap, if you would like to come here -- I will save you the cost, and all you have to say is 'Jacoby's Eushia Home houpetor skatuch' at the mirror"
Shadow speaks Draconic and so she knows that "houpetor skatuch" is Draconic for "Hidden Home"
Jacoby to Sas: "I hope you're done with your nap, if you would like to come here -- I will save you the cost, and all you have to say is 'Jacoby's Eushia Home houpetor skatuch' at the mirror"
Shadow speaks Draconic and so she knows that "houpetor skatuch" is Draconic for "Hidden Home"
As they say the words the mirror shimmers, and they all jump in (including Arktos who barely makes it.
They get an 82 on the roll.
They went through the portal and saw Jacoby Drexelhand, a large golem (Stonecloak), and Solec.
Jacoby: "welcome to my home."
Bastion: "We have been constantly underestimated, and came up on top - unscathed. Do you really want to test us?"
Jacoby: "I'll say, I was surprised you made it through the door, I was sure the traps would take care of you. So, I did underestimate you... a little bit. This transaction is simple, you want the Tortle and I just want the book."
The party: "What's so important about the book?"
Jacoby: "The book isn't important, the secrets it holds are. What I'm willing to tell you is that the book alone has tormented Bargle for a long time, I am the one who realized it needed your father to unlock it. He has long ago locked up that part of his mind and then put himself into the slave trade to hide from anyone seeking him out. The book unlocks some secrets, and that's all I want. Then you can leave, take your father and do whatever it is you people do."
The party asked something else...
Jacoby: "That book was put together with the efforts of Captain Meklan and Jeriah Chronos to hide their secrets. The secrets in there are something your little minds would never understand.
...
Jacoby: "How about you give me the book and I'll give you the Tortle..."
Bastion: "This ends only one way and that is your death. Your true death this time."
Jacoby: "We can sit here in a stalemate forever, if your plan was to just come here and not honor the trade. As it stands right now, I could just kill him, I just need his shell."
The Stonecloak grabs him and with the other hand begins to squeeze on his chest.
Jacoby: "If I don't get it today, I'll just get it another day. But, I'm giving you one chance to keep your father.
Barlo looks at Sas and then goes for the Golem, as he goes for the arm he hits a "window" and his face smacks some Invisible barrier. Jacoby Laughs...
Jacoby: "Did you think I would just let you come in here? I expected such treachery."
Barlo bangs on the wall.
Shadow tries to cast Mage Hand, but it doesn't cross the barrier.
Calliope tries to cast Shatter, but it also doesn't cross the barrier.
Barlo climbs the wall and tries to see if the Invisible wall reaches the roof.
Bastion casts Misty Step and then polymorphs into a Tyrannosaurus Rex above Jacoby Drexelhand then tries to trap him. Gets his leg caught... Combat
Bastion: "We have been constantly underestimated, and came up on top - unscathed. Do you really want to test us?"
Jacoby: "I'll say, I was surprised you made it through the door, I was sure the traps would take care of you. So, I did underestimate you... a little bit. This transaction is simple, you want the Tortle and I just want the book."
The party: "What's so important about the book?"
Jacoby: "The book isn't important, the secrets it holds are. What I'm willing to tell you is that the book alone has tormented Bargle for a long time, I am the one who realized it needed your father to unlock it. He has long ago locked up that part of his mind and then put himself into the slave trade to hide from anyone seeking him out. The book unlocks some secrets, and that's all I want. Then you can leave, take your father and do whatever it is you people do."
The party asked something else...
Jacoby: "That book was put together with the efforts of Captain Meklan and Jeriah Chronos to hide their secrets. The secrets in there are something your little minds would never understand.
...
Jacoby: "How about you give me the book and I'll give you the Tortle..."
Bastion: "This ends only one way and that is your death. Your true death this time."
Jacoby: "We can sit here in a stalemate forever, if your plan was to just come here and not honor the trade. As it stands right now, I could just kill him, I just need his shell."
The Stonecloak grabs him and with the other hand begins to squeeze on his chest.
Jacoby: "If I don't get it today, I'll just get it another day. But, I'm giving you one chance to keep your father.
Barlo looks at Sas and then goes for the Golem, as he goes for the arm he hits a "window" and his face smacks some Invisible barrier. Jacoby Laughs...
Jacoby: "Did you think I would just let you come in here? I expected such treachery."
Barlo bangs on the wall.
Shadow tries to cast Mage Hand, but it doesn't cross the barrier.
Calliope tries to cast Shatter, but it also doesn't cross the barrier.
Barlo climbs the wall and tries to see if the Invisible wall reaches the roof.
Bastion casts Misty Step and then polymorphs into a Tyrannosaurus Rex above Jacoby Drexelhand then tries to trap him. Gets his leg caught... Combat
Show spoiler
the ceiling is 20' high.
Learned that Captain Meklan and Jeriah Chronos made the Journal of Grognard, Meenlock Caves to hide secrets
Learned that Captain Meklan and Jeriah Chronos made the Journal of Grognard, Meenlock Caves to hide secrets
The Battle:
Combat Round 1
Jacoby Drexelhand casts Otto's Irresistible Dance on Bastion Bladesinger and is able to avoid the feet. As he is about to move then Jacoby bites him and is able to grapple him.
Shadow in the Snow shoots an arrow, hoping the force wall is down, the first arrow misses Jacoby Drexelhand, but shows the wall is down. The second shot hits the mark. Jacoby fails the concentration roll, so uses 1st LEGENDARY RESISTANCE.
Sas W.T. Rayce turns into a Giant Vulture.
Calliope Galanodel thinks about casting Suggestion but then realizes that it might not work on a construct. Goes for Command, but the Stonecloak has a high resistance to magic.
Barlo goes to grab the arm of the Stonecloak and help Solec. Then he pushes him down to the ground, making him Prone.
Bastion Bladesinger Bites again on Jacoby Drexelhand
Stonecloak uses its SLOW effect... affecting Bastion, and partly Barlo due to Freedom of Movement.
Shadow in the Snow shoots an arrow, hoping the force wall is down, the first arrow misses Jacoby Drexelhand, but shows the wall is down. The second shot hits the mark. Jacoby fails the concentration roll, so uses 1st LEGENDARY RESISTANCE.
Sas W.T. Rayce turns into a Giant Vulture.
Calliope Galanodel thinks about casting Suggestion but then realizes that it might not work on a construct. Goes for Command, but the Stonecloak has a high resistance to magic.
Barlo goes to grab the arm of the Stonecloak and help Solec. Then he pushes him down to the ground, making him Prone.
Bastion Bladesinger Bites again on Jacoby Drexelhand
Stonecloak uses its SLOW effect... affecting Bastion, and partly Barlo due to Freedom of Movement.
Combat Round 2
Jacoby Drexelhand uses his second LEGENDARY RESIST to overturn his failed save, and then goes to cast Fireball and Calliope Galanodel casts Counterspell which works. He looks at her and spits on the ground. Burns up 3rd LEGENDARY RESISTANCE on keeping the dance up.
Calliope casted Cloud of Daggers... (I THINK WE SKIPPED TURNS DUE TO HER DOING THIS AFTER Counterspell...)
Barlo goes for his attack, misses -- then misses his save.
Bastion Bladesinger drops his Polymorph then casts a bunch of Scorching Rays at him.
Stonecloak stands up, takes damage from the Cloud of Daggers, throws aside Solec then attacks Barlo.
Calliope casted Cloud of Daggers... (I THINK WE SKIPPED TURNS DUE TO HER DOING THIS AFTER Counterspell...)
Barlo goes for his attack, misses -- then misses his save.
Bastion Bladesinger drops his Polymorph then casts a bunch of Scorching Rays at him.
Stonecloak stands up, takes damage from the Cloud of Daggers, throws aside Solec then attacks Barlo.
Combat Round 3
Jacoby Drexelhand: "I had hoped this would be the easy way..."
Bastion Bladesinger: "I warned you."
Then Jacoby prepares to cast a spell but is sliced by the Cloud of Daggers... he falls down. And this releases the Otto's Irresistible Dance on Bastion Bladesinger.
Shadow in the Snow attacks and uses her WRITHING TIDE.
Sas W.T. Rayce causes no damage as she attacks with her multiattack, since she is not magical or made of Adamantine, she then reverts back to a @tortle.
Calliope Galanodel casts Command something that he saved against. And gives BARDIC INSPIRATION to Barlo.
Barlo shoves Solec who then moves.
Bastion Bladesinger: "I warned you."
Then Jacoby prepares to cast a spell but is sliced by the Cloud of Daggers... he falls down. And this releases the Otto's Irresistible Dance on Bastion Bladesinger.
Shadow in the Snow attacks and uses her WRITHING TIDE.
Sas W.T. Rayce causes no damage as she attacks with her multiattack, since she is not magical or made of Adamantine, she then reverts back to a @tortle.
Calliope Galanodel casts Command something that he saved against. And gives BARDIC INSPIRATION to Barlo.
Barlo shoves Solec who then moves.
Combat Round 4
Bastion Bladesinger casts Haste Attacked with Rapier, then saved on Slow.
Stonecloak attacked Barlo and critted, he went to block one of the hits with his tail (not the crit). Also takes damage from the Cloud of Daggers.
Shadow in the Snow attacks with 2 arrows.
Arktos BEARHUGS so it RESTRAINS the Stonecloak
Sas W.T. Rayce casts SHILLEALEGHL> and attacks.
Calliope Galanodel casts HIDEOUS LAUGHTER and then gives a BARDIC INSPIRATION to
Barlo attacks.
Stonecloak attacked Barlo and critted, he went to block one of the hits with his tail (not the crit). Also takes damage from the Cloud of Daggers.
Shadow in the Snow attacks with 2 arrows.
Arktos BEARHUGS so it RESTRAINS the Stonecloak
Sas W.T. Rayce casts SHILLEALEGHL> and attacks.
Calliope Galanodel casts HIDEOUS LAUGHTER and then gives a BARDIC INSPIRATION to
Barlo attacks.
Combat Round 5
Bastion Bladesinger casts Hex
3 attacks with Arcane-Forged Weapons of Outding Refuge 2 hit him.
Stonecloak takes damage from the Cloud of Daggers. then strikes at Bastion Bladesinger who casts Shield... he's at disadvantage on them so only 1 hits.
Shadow in the Snow double strike with arrows which goes into a crack and it turns him to rubble.
Stonecloak takes damage from the Cloud of Daggers. then strikes at Bastion Bladesinger who casts Shield... he's at disadvantage on them so only 1 hits.
Shadow in the Snow double strike with arrows which goes into a crack and it turns him to rubble.
☠️ (Jacoby) Calliope Galanodel ☠️ (Stonecloak) Shadow in the Snow
t Combat Experience: 13100 (2620 ea) | Total: 42,350 (Next Goal: 48,000) t
Haste & Slow
Didn't look yet...
[/aloud]
notes brought up about helping a Restrained_Character
A character can "help" giving the Restrained character a bonus to breaking it on their next turn). Maybe ask players for future sake, if they think a player should be able to do a strength check to undo it -- granted this would apply to both sides.
Jacoby Drexelhand died, again...
**Left at Jacoby's Eushia Hideout as they finish defeating the two**
Notes
Notes
-
Jacoby is looking for an alternate way to craft magic items using Residuum. He is seeking out two ancient lost spells: Enchant Magic item and Disenchant Magic Item.
Jacoby also is under the belief that he can use diamond dust and chardalyn in some well connected to the Shadowfell (possibly under the River's Keep) and make the Chardalyns able to help create more residuum...
The party learned that the Arcane Order was working with Zirin Shadowtooth, but at some point needed to teach him a lesson. They were responsible for putting Dolne Ivoryclaw back in power, then assassinating him to give Reginald Ivoryclaw back the throne. They believe his youth might make him more malleable in being controlled.
Jacoby said he would pay for their travel, they just needed to say "Jacoby's Eushia Home houpetor skatuch", and Shadow knows Draconic, so "houpetor skatuch" is Draconic for "Hidden Home"
Learned that Captain Meklan and Jeriah Chronos made the Journal of Grognard, Meen-lock Caves to hide secrets
Transcript
AI TRANScript NTORoll20 Chatlogs
Roll20 Chatlogs
Table of Contents
Campaign
The Wild Cards
Protagonists
Session 040: Beneath River's Keep Report
Table of Contents
Bastion Bladesinger
/
Sas W.T. Rayce
Calliope Galanodel
Barlo
Chaotic Neutral Tabaxi (Smuggler)
Barbarian 8
Barbarian 8
85 / 85 HP
STR
18
18
DEX
16
16
CON
16
16
INT
10
10
WIS
11
11
CHA
14
14
Shadow in the Snow
Report Date
04 Nov 2022
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Related Characters
- Arktos
- Bajol
- Barlo
- Bastion Bladesinger
- Brother of Shadow, Belly of a Beast
- Calliope Galanodel
- Captain Meklan
- Dolne Ivoryclaw
- Jeriah Chronos
- Kryrez Roughpride
- Lars Heyton
- Reginald Ivoryclaw
- Sas W.T. Rayce
- Shadow in the Snow
- Sister of Barlo, Mellow Robin "Mellow"
- Solec
- Tharros the Wanderer
- Ursa
- Zirin Shadowtooth