Session 20231012 Death manse delving
General Summary
Bertrum's Journal
Dear Journal,
As the ink of time flows unceasingly through the tapestry of our adventures, we retraced our steps to the encampment, there to convalesce and restore our spirits before embarking on our mission to unearth the enigmatic manse connected to the hearthstone we had unearthed.
Under the imprimatur of King Bloodaxe, a regal pronouncement resounded in our ears, revealing that a formal sealing of our alliance would soon transpire in their regal capital, a solemn affair requiring our presence.
On the morrow, a fellowship composed of myself, Bertrum, Nightshade, Lyris, Mufasa, and the ethereal pixies set forth on an aerial voyage to track the elusive manse. By means of triangulation and Nightshade's enchanted compass, we gauged our progress, stopping a measured distance away for stealth to prevail.
Our nimble spy, Nightshade, embarked on a clandestine mission to reconnoiter the terrain. With great care, she returned to us, bearing tidings that the area seemed secure. Thus, we launched the whirlwind once more, the entire party whirling toward the manse's shrouded presence.
The enigmatic manse emerged before us, shrouded in death's somber embrace, its forbidding threshold bedecked with grisly remnants of the fallen. They were naught but morbid offerings, fated to birth ravenous Hungry Ghosts once nightfall descended. By barring the entry from the inside, we could secure our safety, a purpose confirmed by the presence of a mechanism designed to fulfil such a role. Within, we were greeted by a cavern of primordial origin, a nexus with five passages branching forth. Thorough examination revealed the concealed maw of a pit trap, whose precipice threatened to devour the unwary. Though its existence raised questions, as the dimensions seemed incompatible with any human form, my decision to enlist the aid of the pixies, our delicate messengers, offered a key to unlock the trap's mysteries. Upon venturing into one of the passages, we encountered a chamber designed for the morbid art of reanimating the deceased. Glyphs of warding adorned its walls, intended to safeguard against restless spirits. Though the room held no further exits, its purpose was revealed. Another passageway led us to a room equipped with bedrolls and chests of sustenance, evidently used intermittently by some enigmatic presence. The pixies, after their journey below, recounted the existence of a tunnel on the other side of the pit. With wariness and watchful eyes, I constructed a sturdy bridge, woven from available supplies, and we moved to examine this hitherto uncharted passage. As we progressed, Nightshade's discerning gaze detected fine threads, drenched in a pernicious contact poison, their invisible malevolence poised to ensnare the unwary traveler. With the utmost care, Nightshade liberated them from their deadly tether, while the rest of us advanced cautiously. Approaching a bronze door, our senses were assailed by the telltale shuffling within. We opted for a stealthy entry, led by Nightshade. The creature residing within the chamber noticed the door's motion but not her clandestine presence. It beckoned, voicing awareness of an intruder, inviting conversation. As swords were unsheathed and the party entered the chamber, I, Bertrum, noted its pentagonal shape, with five braziers casting a sullen, spectral glow. In the midst lay the hearthstone, its rightful place. The creature, unmistakably undead, boasted brawn and armament, signalling its lineage as either a War Ghost or the notorious Nemessary, both perilous adversaries of formidable strength. Hovering stealthily above, Nightshade poised for an ambush. Words and gestures unfolded, a discourse between the living and the deathless. The nameless warden of this grim sanctum divulged a sinister pact with local Tear Eaters, the promise of cadavers traded for a spectral host. But an enigma still shrouded this abomination, and the questions loomed: Was there more to this fiend than met the eye? Could he offer insights into the Tear Eaters and their dark designs?
While deliberations hung in the balance, a signal passed between us, and Nightshade descended with deadly grace, her blade cleaving through the creature's lifeless form. A spirit was released, a parting remnant, and with a casual "How rude," it vanished, leaving no trail for pursuit. My concern lingered, as the nature of this entity had hinted at the Nemessary, a formidable foe. Had our strike been hasty, initiated without sufficient preparation, or had we truly thwarted a potential threat? With the immediate danger abated, I embarked on the task of attuning to the manse, my fervent hope that mastery over the hearthstone would permit influence over the ghostly legions that lurked within, a tether of dominion in our grasp. Yours, Bertrum
The enigmatic manse emerged before us, shrouded in death's somber embrace, its forbidding threshold bedecked with grisly remnants of the fallen. They were naught but morbid offerings, fated to birth ravenous Hungry Ghosts once nightfall descended. By barring the entry from the inside, we could secure our safety, a purpose confirmed by the presence of a mechanism designed to fulfil such a role. Within, we were greeted by a cavern of primordial origin, a nexus with five passages branching forth. Thorough examination revealed the concealed maw of a pit trap, whose precipice threatened to devour the unwary. Though its existence raised questions, as the dimensions seemed incompatible with any human form, my decision to enlist the aid of the pixies, our delicate messengers, offered a key to unlock the trap's mysteries. Upon venturing into one of the passages, we encountered a chamber designed for the morbid art of reanimating the deceased. Glyphs of warding adorned its walls, intended to safeguard against restless spirits. Though the room held no further exits, its purpose was revealed. Another passageway led us to a room equipped with bedrolls and chests of sustenance, evidently used intermittently by some enigmatic presence. The pixies, after their journey below, recounted the existence of a tunnel on the other side of the pit. With wariness and watchful eyes, I constructed a sturdy bridge, woven from available supplies, and we moved to examine this hitherto uncharted passage. As we progressed, Nightshade's discerning gaze detected fine threads, drenched in a pernicious contact poison, their invisible malevolence poised to ensnare the unwary traveler. With the utmost care, Nightshade liberated them from their deadly tether, while the rest of us advanced cautiously. Approaching a bronze door, our senses were assailed by the telltale shuffling within. We opted for a stealthy entry, led by Nightshade. The creature residing within the chamber noticed the door's motion but not her clandestine presence. It beckoned, voicing awareness of an intruder, inviting conversation. As swords were unsheathed and the party entered the chamber, I, Bertrum, noted its pentagonal shape, with five braziers casting a sullen, spectral glow. In the midst lay the hearthstone, its rightful place. The creature, unmistakably undead, boasted brawn and armament, signalling its lineage as either a War Ghost or the notorious Nemessary, both perilous adversaries of formidable strength. Hovering stealthily above, Nightshade poised for an ambush. Words and gestures unfolded, a discourse between the living and the deathless. The nameless warden of this grim sanctum divulged a sinister pact with local Tear Eaters, the promise of cadavers traded for a spectral host. But an enigma still shrouded this abomination, and the questions loomed: Was there more to this fiend than met the eye? Could he offer insights into the Tear Eaters and their dark designs?
While deliberations hung in the balance, a signal passed between us, and Nightshade descended with deadly grace, her blade cleaving through the creature's lifeless form. A spirit was released, a parting remnant, and with a casual "How rude," it vanished, leaving no trail for pursuit. My concern lingered, as the nature of this entity had hinted at the Nemessary, a formidable foe. Had our strike been hasty, initiated without sufficient preparation, or had we truly thwarted a potential threat? With the immediate danger abated, I embarked on the task of attuning to the manse, my fervent hope that mastery over the hearthstone would permit influence over the ghostly legions that lurked within, a tether of dominion in our grasp. Yours, Bertrum
Report Date
12 Oct 2023
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