Zith Zinyra
Children
Related Reports
- S02E43. Laying it on in Leilon Report
- S03E13: Emberlost Report
- S03E14: Gol Badwind Report
- S03E17: Reunited Report
- S03E18: Dragons Gone Wild Report
- S03E21: Gnawbones Report
- S03E22: Rested Report
- S03E23: That Scratches the Ol' Lich Report
- S03E25 HOARDERS! Report
- S03E26 - This Party was a GAS! Report
- S03E28 - Mugshot Chimeras! Report
- S03E30 Iniarv's Keep Part 2 Report
- S03E31 - Iniarv's Part 3 Report
Soulless on the Sword Coast
Well... how do I even start. I'd say the day started off well, we met a fellow elf (drow but I won't hold that against her, I kinda always liked them) adventurer named Xoeamarra. She seems sufficiently pleasant and I think Kanny vouches for her, which was good enough for me. I do love her crazy accent and turns out, she's pretty damned good in a fight. Without question, meeting her has been the high point so far. I feel terrible that we immediately led her into such a complete and utter shit show.
Surprising pretty much no one, Gallio Elibro proved to be an unrepentant asshole until the very end. Burying all of our distrust and ill will, we decided to help him try to control these extra-planar monstrosities he was conjuring. He couldn't leave the god damned beacon alone and now, of course, he was in over his head... Or that's what we naively thought...ugh...it's times like this when I'd trade all my young brains for just a pinch of sagacity. How the hell would we even GUESS that conniving cockroach actually just wanted us to fight off those monsters so he could take a shot at the Ruinstone; the same one that killed Thalivar and destroyed this town once already.
The fight was, in fact, tough but everyone played their part to down those aliens. Constantly flipping back and forth between the Material and Ethereal planes was definitely a first for me but we managed ok. Then we found the son of a bitch...unconscious at the foot of the Ruinstone! Even more shockingly, we saw THEM; the Swords of Leilon themselves! Well, two of them at least; Augusta Krul and Ogri Ninebeards (I didn't ask them what happened to the 3rd, which we should probably before we leave)... this explains why we saw Augusta that one day on the perimeter of the Tower.
After pleasantries, they went on to tell us the story of why (and how) they were still there and shared some of the secrets of the Ruinstone. Unbelievable and horrible secrets along with credible information that Ularan, Ebonbeath and potentially others now know of its existence and will be actively searching for it. The stone could make Ularan & Ebondeath unstoppable and I knew I had to do everything possible to ensure that did not happen. They CANNOT under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES win; it could mean the end of the Sword Coast, our families, us, everything. I couldn't fathom my family and our friends subjugated, OR WORSE, by that demented necromancer. Though I have a good 900+ years left to go, I did the, heretofore, unfathomable. With family, friends and this motley crew in my thoughts and tears leaking out of my eyes I bound my young soul to that cursed gem. I have never been so terrified. I didn't think I had it in me, I don't think anyone has ever thought I had it in me...but there didn't seem to be another way out. Hopefully Augusta and Ogri can keep it safe long enough for us to get to Ularan... but if either of us fail, no one will remember I was ever here.
p.s. I also can't die. No way, no how. I must find more ways to protect myself. Study has kept me alive so far....hopefully study can take me the rest of the way.
p.p.s Turns out Gallio was nowhere near as powerful as I thoguht, I should have taken my shot when I had the chance. Maybe I wouldn't be in this impossible predicament if I did!
!!!ruuuunnnnnnnn!!!
Ruuuunnnnnn... well, that was my initial plan at least. I should have lobbied the team hard but so be it, they eventually came around. We are in the meat grinder and though collectively powerful, there are just too many of them. My one hope, that the zombie horde would be as much a threat to the Chimera Crew as us, sadly did not come to pass. My mighty magic wall did help a bit as did Ozus' fire wall but it's just not enough against their sheer numbers. Like what care does a zombie care about life preservation? I think we've learned exactly zero; right through the fire wall into Ezra's spirit soup with not a care in the world.
And now we have to see just how they react once we all get clear. Do they have it in them to leave the keep and come after us in the open? Do they hole back up and take pot shots from safety? Do they just let us go and wait our return? I also wonder how they are going to put the proverbial genie back in the bottle. They aren't threatened by them but we did see the scuffle the other day. Maybe those were rebels, or maybe there is some magic control going on here.
Whatever happens, we all need a rest, this was far more than we bargained for. I do blame myself, I was the one getting bored running from their archers. I wanted a fight, just not this one. I know we can take this Keep knowing what we know, but we definitely have no real shot in our current state.
The Long Road to Leilon
Well that was an inauspicious start. I don't know why I thought it would be any different as we headed to Leilon right through the Mere but lo and behold, we find out the hard way that the undead are getting tougher and stronger. Surely Ularan is behind this. As he gets stronger and more powerful, as his new pet Gnawbone gets stronger and more powerful it only makes sense that he will be able to put more dangerous foes on the battlefield. I really failed the team in this encounter again trying to be too clever by half. They need better of me if we are going to stand any chance of surviving this adventure. I have so many new abilities but when it comes right down to being useful to these guys, I can't look at it as a showcase opportunity as it could mean real trouble.
And what the hell with those asshole guards? First they ask for our help and like idiots we blindly oblige? Then they turn on us? Thank God they didn't do that while we were engaged with the zombies. But why? What would be their angle? No way they could have known about the horde we just risked our lives to pilfer...they just wanted to tangle with us for other reasons. Hmmm... I'm glad Kanny left the last guy alive, maybe we'll get some answers. Maybe they can be of some use or maybe they've seen where these specific undead came from. They were different than the others and I suspect they aren't the garden variety you'd find in the Mere.
I would search the dead guard and the live one's arms for distinguishing tattoos then sit back and watch the guys get it out of him. And is there something else we can do with that damned skull?
OF COURSE...
As soon as I see Kanenas place the right statue on the right slot without getting blown to bits again I realized my idiotic mistake. OF COURSE the dragon who breathes poison would have leave it's essence to finish off anyone coming close to it's horde. OF COURSE we should have prepared for this eventuality with a blessing from our priests; esp with everything I know from Mother. Gods I wish I'd summoned her teachings and been thoughtful before this mess. And OF COURSE, I don't stand a chance against such a powerful dragon's trap. Sure... I'm soooooo smart and sooooo powerful with my new staff, I'm obvisouly the smartest of us all.... but I couldn't see this coming? Idiot. If I had the time, this oversight would have shaken me to my core but, I don't. I ran toward the lake as soon as I saw the gas but I wasn't fast enough.
Not longer being able to hold my breath, my eyes burning and my skin feeling as it's peeling off I fall to the ground trying to choke myself so I don't take in any of the noxious gas. Hands at my own throat I pass out thinking....OF COURSE.
I was too greedy, maybe we all were...except Ozus. He was the only one of pure heart in that moment. His initial reaction after we fought off the undead ghost warriors was to speed back to Leilon and prepare to defend our adopted home. I thought he was being an idiot. I thought we'd need every bit of that potential horde to even have a chance at ridding Gnawbone of her demon. All I thought of was the powerful spells and possibly enchanted items the horde would provide, one way or another. Leilon would HAVE to wait. And now...as far as I can tell... we are all dying; at least that's my assumption. I did get one look back before I could no longer keep my eyes open and saw Kanny and Ezra upright but withering quickly. They'd be no match for this.
As my life drains away, my lungs ablaze and flesh searing I think of what everyone I guess thinks of: family, regrets, and accomplishments. The "smartest" one in my family, too smart for the family business... the "easy" way I thought was not good enough. A profession for elves not willing to study and put the time into developing their brains but relying on trickery, deception and, well, killing. The "smartest" one of this new group of friends, the most "powerful" of them and the one thing they relied on me for, I couldn't provide. Divination powers, intelligence, strategy. Damn it, I've let them all down and it's come to this. Driven by my greed and my arrogance, we are here, dying while surely Leilon, and maybe even the whole coast, happily drinks their ales, and roasts their pigs unaware what is to come. No one I've met so far will be a match for Ularan and his army but we could have made a difference... I think. Me and these poor fools who trusted that I might have the brains and foresight to keep us in the fight. I wonder if the stories about reincarnation are true...what will I be next...
Well, this isn't really that suprising
I tell the guys, let's maybe go take care of the undead...maybe it's actually Ularan and we have a chance at nipping this whole thing in the bud. I tell the guys, this place is probably heavily boobie trapped and guarded.... but nooooo. Everyone want to go talk to the ancient green dragon and who am I to stop them. Sure enough, the ground erupts with magic making it harder to make progress while deeper inside the cave the vines come alive and almost kill Ezra. I don't know what the hell is going on with Kanny but he just made a run for it and after bashing a few vines, I hear him screaming about teleporting spiders. Sending Olly up, I see what he means, this doesn't look good at all and we JUST entered this cursed lair. Ozus thankfully has made a dent up there and seems to be the only one actually fighting the possessed foliage. What? Kanny is down again? Damnit. I have to clear these creatures out so we can get up to help Kanny though they do take quite a punch. Fire doesn't seem to work as well as you'd think. And I can't shake the feeling that we are just clearing the hazards so Ularan can sneak up the rear and take us out on the way to his more vile aims.
I don't often frolic, but when I do...
Well, I can't say that's ever happened. I mean, I know my poisons (and for that matter, I need to get back to my studies on them... you know to make mom proud and all) but I have never had one have THAT kind of effect on me. Mother claimed some of her recipes could do similar things but honestly I never believed her. So we just got ambushed by those wood things who must be helping guard the lair. There were knots where their hearts should have been, I didn't know what to make of that and will have to read up on it later.
Everything happened so fast I haven't really got to discuss my Ularan theory with the group. I'll do it tonight when we camp. I think we also need to discuss the obvious... the guards gave us enough trouble that I think we need to figure out a way, any way, not to tangle with Gnawbone as I don't think we'll make it through that. I mean, thank the God's for Ezra, whatever that hammer is is the only reason we made it out of there with our limbs intact; the new guy really did the deed! Ok back to Gnawbone...
How should we go about this? I would have to assume the ramp in from the ground is the most heavily guarded, booby-trapped, etc. The place we tried to enter had that damned poison that threw me and Ezra off the cliff! From what I know, Gnawbone can be reasoned with but how do we get to her alive? Anea went down pretty quick and I'd assume that Ollie would meet the same fate. Maybe a different form for her; I'll think on it. That highest entrance is maybe closer to where Gnawbone is and a place less guarded or trapped...hmmm... but no one can get up there. I mean I could eventually but I can't take anyone with me. I've heard of magic carpets, this would be great to come across one right now!
I'm fairly certain the priests have access to blessings that could inure us to the poison effect for a while, maybe at least long enough to get an audience with the great dragon. I can't believe I'm saying this but we don't want her treasure and we have zero interest in fighting her (I hate myself!!!), so maybe we have a shot.
You know, the other thing we cooouuulllldddd do is double back and search for Ularan. Maybe that is a more winnable fight. Sure he'll have hordes of undead but that might be better than an ancient green dragon! On that note, I maaayyyy have heard that Gnawbone hates undead as much as we do (RULING HERE JIM, WOULD THAT BE WELL KNOWN?). Maybe a scalp or two might convince her we are only here to protect her and by extension, protect innocents all along the Sword Coast.
Oh, and I'm really getting to like Sparky. He has more bite than bark and I deeply appreciate that. I've never really been fond of dogs as most I've met were guard dogs but that mutt is one of a kind.
Amuse Bouche
Well that seemed a bit too easy which is worrisome. That flaming flying skull and the ghouls had to just be an amuse bouche, right? That thing reconstituted and flew back to a boss which I have to assume has much more heat to bring. Hold on... Ghouls, flying skulls, near Gnawbone... Were those assholes working for Ularan? I have no idea how powerful he could be at this point but would I rather fight him or a possessed and pissed off ancient dragon? I think there is only 1 choice...if that's what's actually happening. Ok, I gotta talk this through with the guys. Do we try to get to Gnawbone first, do we double back to see if it's in fact Ularan, or maybe we wait here to ambush Ularan and his (hopefully small) army of undead as they try to get at Gnawbone.
And WTF is Galio doing. He was definitely NOT there when we looked and then he just appears, incredulous that our search skills were up to par. I think he still might be possessed by Thalivar and trying to restart his experiments; this can only lead to no good. I wonder if I can get him to come clean or probe his mind without him knowning. There are deep, dark depths to that wizard and I feel like we need to get to the bottom of his motivations before it's too late. Leilon didn't last through an extra-planer invasion, they definitely aren't going to last through another one and/or a possessed ancient dragon attack.
I do really really so much stronger with that staff. I sleep with it, I talk to it, I even bring it to the bathroom with me. She has given me powers I've only dreamed about. I must keep her safe; my spellbook I could at least copy (though those damn inks are so expensive). and stow. This bow can never leave my sight.
Now back to figureing out what to do with Gnawbone and, maybe, Ularan.
F**king Kanenas
Begin writing your story here...zith 10/24
Man Sslusi is kinda wonderful. So tough, so smart, so kinda hot. I mean, elf women haven’t found me exciting… maybe her? Maybe there are some love spells, not charms or anything where she’ll know what I’m doing, untraceable, obscured, occult. I did save her life, maybe that’s enough? I can’t let guys know, they’ll think I’ve cracked. Anyways, back to her soon enough.
This bow staff is incredible, it’s the most powerful magic item I’ve ever actually held. I’ve meditated and meditated on it and I feel like I’m just scratching the surface of her capabilities. There is so much to learn but she makes me feel…well, I’m mean stronger than I’ve ever felt before. I wish it was shorter, it makes me look tiny but what the hell, it’s a long bow that needs no arrow and can cast magic… much more to learn. I wonder if Kanny will show me how to properly wield it. I hate asking him for anything that will make him feel ever more superior than he already does but I think, in a pinch, I might be able to lay some hurt down in close quarters.
Speaking of Kanenas, wtf is his problem with water?? He almost let Ezra drown? I honestly didn’t think I could save his armored squat dwarf ass… but there you have it. I mean, it's the least I could do, that crazy cleric basically saved the 3 of em. Was it a flash, a vision, or was it just self-inspiration in the form of a vision? How will I ever know? Can I summon a vision yet? Is that a thing? Can I convince my mind that a vision is true? Lord, can I manifest reality in some tiny way? I must study and meditate on these questions, they could be the difference between ending up grifting travelers in Leilon and having my name be feared and revered in Waterdeep… having mom and dad hear of my exploits and beam with pride. Anyways, back to that chicken Kanny, now he has us in a potential dust up with a Bronze dragon and a tomb full of guards! I have to find a way to get us out of this with the visions we came for, the visions we need to save the Coast. How can I do this without ending up like Ezra? Did I apologize for stabbing him? I forget. Have to remember to at some point but for now… I knew I should have studied flight, damn it. Maybe the staff can help, but it’s more my master than I its’ at this point. F**king Kanenas…"I’m coming…"
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