The Lord of Space and Time - Legend

Battle of Aeolides and the Destruction of the Phylactery

The Battle of Aeolides and the Destruction of the Phylactery was a significant event in which a party of adventurers infiltrated a comet containing the lair of the ancient Netherese Lich Aeolides. After navigating various magical defenses, they confronted and defeated the Lich before destroying its phylactery, triggering the collapse of the comet.

Prelude

The session began with the party awaiting the activation of Telion’s teleportation circle. While they prepared, Zeromus anxiously watched the comet, Telion monitored his pocket watch, and Olaf prayed to Selûne, feeling a warmth emanating from the celestial body. Jember summoned Butty, his donkey, in anticipation of the mission. When the teleportation circle activated, the party steeled themselves and stepped through.

Upon arrival, the party found themselves inside a Tiny Hut on the comet. Fjord had sustained injuries during his flight into space but was quickly stabilized by Olaf. After a short rest, the party discussed how to proceed. Zeromus activated his father’s Cube of Force, while Jember cast Locate Creature, determining that the Lich was beneath them inside the comet. Zeromus then cast Detect Magic before leading the group outside.

Infiltration of the Comet

After ten minutes of searching the comet’s surface, Alencia discovered a cube-shaped rock, revealing a concealed doorway. Fjord forced it open, uncovering a staircase leading inside. Zeromus deduced that the comet was actually an ancient Netherese flying object that had accumulated a thick layer of ice and rock over millennia.

The party descended and encountered a Glyph of Warding, which would have released a poisonous gas. Zeromus activated the Cube of Force, allowing them to bypass it safely. They then discovered a Rune of Crippling on the floor. To avoid it, Zeromus used Jember’s portable hole, allowing the party to bypass the hazard. The hallway eventually led to a second staircase.

Combat with the Warden and Ghasts

At the bottom of the stairs, the party encountered six Ghasts and a large undead Warden, who carried an imprisoned Ghast on his back. Olaf summoned his spiritual weapon and attacked the Warden, while Alencia launched a series of fiery strikes. Zeromus polymorphed Butty into a Giant Ape, who dealt heavy damage. Jember fired volleys of arrows, while Fjord entered a rage and defeated several Ghasts. After three rounds, Fjord delivered the finishing blow to the Warden, ending the combat.

Following the battle, Zeromus interrogated the imprisoned Ghast, but it provided no useful information. He asked Alencia to end the creature’s suffering. He then discovered that a skull was needed to proceed, and Fjord removed it, allowing Zeromus to open the passage to the next chamber.

Confrontation with Aeolides

The next room contained a research facility, bearing a striking resemblance to one previously used by Zeromus’s father. At the far end stood Aeolides, the ancient Netherese Lich. Zeromus attempted to persuade him to abandon his work, but the Lich refused. When Zeromus attempted to imprison Aeolides in a momentary stasis, he found that a Globe of Invulnerability rendered his efforts ineffective. Combat ensued.

Alencia destroyed the Lich’s research equipment, while Fjord raged and attacked with his war pick. Olaf summoned his spiritual weapon, while Jember launched a volley of arrows, some of which were deflected by the Lich’s Shield spell. Zeromus cast Haste on Jember and took cover behind Butty. Aeolides Dominated Fjord, temporarily turning him against his allies. After several rounds, Jember delivered the killing blow with an arrow through the Lich’s eye socket, ending the battle.

Destruction of the Phylactery

Following Aeolides’ defeat, Zeromus investigated the chamber, collecting the Lich’s research journals and a Staff of Power. He discovered that a Wall of Force protected the final chamber and could only be bypassed by someone of Netherese descent. Taking a deep breath, he stepped through and found himself in a demi-plane housing the Lich’s phylactery, a small glass box with brass fittings.

As Zeromus approached, he saw his father’s face within the phylactery. His father urged him to claim the box and consider the benefits of millennia of research. Zeromus, unmoved, declared that love and friendship were more important than power and knowledge. He then raised the phylactery above his head and shattered it, triggering the collapse of the comet.

Escape from the Comet

With only moments before the comet’s destruction, Zeromus left the demi-plane and urged his party to follow. The group raced through the corridors, retracing their path to the teleportation circle. Just before the comet broke apart, the adventurers activated the circle and escaped to the planet’s surface, successfully ending Aeolides’ reign.