Session 71: The Frozen Valley Report

General Summary

Starting off as the party landed in a swampy ruin after having touched a painting in the last session (Session 70: Golden Dawn Report). In this ruin, they were in a chamber with two pillars, several mirrors, and 4 metal plates. Near the south end of the chamber was a metal door with four dials. A light near the door was directed at one of the metal plates and text appeared on the plate as it was hit by the light. With this information, they swiftly figured out how to direct the light to the metal plates using the mirrors and got the four clues to open the door. The four clues that they found were:

First was the ceiling of infinity, home of one and all.

Third was that which we hold most sacred, what makes us move.

Second was what we take from to craft, what we came from, where we return.

Fourth was what hides all it has, where nothing but it exists.

Using these clues and the eight possible words on the dials, they figured out the order:

4. Fuin (Darkness).

Ithil (Moon).

Tinu (Star).

Anor (Sun).

Gurth (Death).

3. Cuil (Life).

1. Aiwenor (Sky).

2. Coe (Earth).

The door unlocked and led to another, slightly larger chamber with eight pillars arranged in a rhombus shape. In this one, the moonlight was insufficient to fully light the chamber, but two braziers lit parts of it. In addition, the members of the party who could usually see in the dark found themselves unable to and magic was unable to alight the chamber. They also found four torches placed near each chamber for a total of eight torches. when four torches were lit, one of the braziers was extinguished, and when all the torches were lit, both braziers were extinguished. The characters also noticed that parts of the floor weren't made from stone but brass and what was once a part of the ceiling, with an eye painted on it was leaning against one of the pillars.
After much time spent attempting to arrange the eye, illuminating the entire chamber, leaving the chamber in darkness, and trying from different directions, they noticed how only specific parts of the floor were made from brass and created a shape from the shadows if viewed from above, where the eye would've been.

Having solved the puzzle, a hidden space opened in the center of the chamber where they found 5 Platinum Bars (1000 gp each), a Rod of Instant Pillars, a pair Thomas' Dimensional Trousers, and the Endless Blade of Drethen, as well as the deed to the manor. They then managed to return to the manor and discussed their next plans, deciding to head to Verdenon and the Encio Valley after finishing the business in Niduin. Thus, they took the rest of the day off and prepared to attend the ceremony at the Menel'Dath Spire.
The following afternoon, they attended the ceremony at the palace where the queen, Lythril Dhinthas held a Speech of Gratitude, rewarded the party with a large number of diamonds, enough to bring back Nitt, a magical spellbook known as the Tome of Lost Knowledge, and a promise that Niduin would aid in the battles to the north. Late during the ceremony, Omen ei' Taure noticed Lythril leaving the party alone and followed her to the city walls as she went to look over the river. There, Omen spoke to her about how she had said she didn't feel fit for being a queen, but her speech said that she was more than worthy. She expressed gratitude and spoke about how she and her sister would often go there with their father and he would tell them: "This is where we chose to stay. Here, next to the river of understanding where we temper our minds not to repeat the mistakes of the old world." and that now they have done naught but repeat those mistakes.
The party then returned to the manor and Baradin brought back Nitt, who had a Surreal Experience

Baradin stands before a meticulously arranged circle of radiant diamonds. With unwavering devotion, they begin the arduous hour-long ritual, their voice resonating with ancient words of power and restoration.
As Baradin's voice reverberates, the diamonds shimmer with an ethereal glow, their facets catching the ambient light and refracting it into a dazzling display of radiance. The air grows charged with energy as if the very essence of life itself stirs within the room.
With each passing minute, the diamonds seem to hum with increasing intensity, their luminosity pulsating in time with Baradin's fervent prayers. The chamber becomes a sanctuary of focused determination, a bridge between the realms of the living and the departed.
As the final moments of the hour tick away, a surge of divine energy cascades through the diamonds, infusing them with unrivaled power. In a blinding flash, the diamonds shatter, their fragments dissipating into a myriad of sparkling motes.
In the wake of this radiant eruption, the body of Nitt is restored, crafted anew with profound mastery. Flesh knits together, wounds are healed, and life's vitality courses through veins once more.

After this, they did some reconvening and catching up, and Baradin cast Speak with Dead on Takemura Yoshiro's master, letting Takemura ask five questions:

"What is my final commission?"

"If you wish to redeem your honor, speak with actions like I know you will. But do not take the easy way out, do not aim to take another life, but instead work to save them.
There is no heir to my land. To me, though but a servant, you have always been my true son. Our people are but farmers, weavers, smiths, and laborers. So, dedicate your life to protecting those who cannot fend for themselves."

"What shall I do with your remains?"

"Return my body to the waters."
The next day, the party said farewell to Takemura, telling him to bring Marble, their mount back with him. Tash then cast Wind Walk on the remaining people before Plane Shifting to Elysium. The party then made towards Verdenon.
There, they ate some food and spoke with Ignato Castol, Director of the Valian Trading Company. He answered some questions they had about the valley and offered them some drinks as well as cold-weather gear.
They then bought some things before setting out towards the valley. They made their way to Wikrum, telling the guards that the director had sent them. Thus, the governor of the town, Aliya Sloan showed them to the Chimney-stack, and Vork, the caretaker, gave them accommodations as the session ended.

Campaign

The Excursionists

Protagonists

Nitt

Neutral Vedalkan ()
Wizard 17
Rouge 2

92 / 92 HP

STR
8

DEX
16

CON
10

INT
20

WIS
14

CHA
14

Maro Rei 'Sky'

Chaotic Good Air Genasi (Aspirant)
Fighter 8
Monk 4

92 / 92 HP

STR
12

DEX
18

CON
16

INT
13

WIS
12

CHA
10

Omen ei' Taure

Chaotic Good Tabaxi (Temple Guard)
Monk 16
Cleric 2

172 / 172 HP

STR
23

DEX
20

CON
18

INT
8

WIS
20

CHA
8

Arten Veronica Lagurdo

Lawful Neutral Fallen Aasimar (Mercenary Veteran)
Paladin 14

113 / 113 HP

STR
8

DEX
18

CON
16

INT
10

WIS
14

CHA
20

Eldon Caufield

Neutral good Halfling (Fisherman)
Bard 15

77 / 77 HP

STR
9

DEX
16

CON
10

INT
10

WIS
16

CHA
20

Baradin Godchosen

Neutral Good Hill Dwarf (Far traveler)
Cleric 14

150 / 150 HP

STR
8

DEX
14

CON
20

INT
10

WIS
20

CHA
8

Takemura Yoshiro

Report Date

06 Jun 2023