Ashe C2 Episode 12 - In the Mines of Terror
Previously on Liters of Tomorrow -
You all spent several days in the town of Porsk, acquiring new skills and also resting after several days of travel and combat. As the sun set you all settled in at the Blue Jetsam Tavern to swig some ale and decide when to leave. You also discussed the fate of young Nicovar Thelpyteris who was secreted away in the stables.
Finnix also brought up the subject of the strange chest that Wes and Crashe seemed to be hiding. The chest seems to have drawn the attention of the advisor to the baroness known as Ionn Castaliogne. As the conversation began to get a little heated, Wes notices a couple of new comers to town who were trying to get bar service. A tall half orc man began to harass them, blaming them for a spilled drink.
The slight half elven man known as Tanalir attempted to placate the towering drunk but was instead grabbed by his lapels. In an instant a bar brawl broke out with dozens of patrons. With some quick thinking by the strange Tiefling girl she used thaumaturgy to frighten the half orc. Her illusion worked as the drunken lout fled the tavern. With some quick moves by Wes, Crashe and Finnix the bar calmed down.
Unfortunately moments later three strange mutated creatures smashed through the back wall and fixed their gaze on the group. A bloody battle ensued but after several minutes the team was victorious and the bar saved. The town guards came in to investigate and after a few tense moments allowed you all to leave. Mausim expertly followed the trail the creatures took to get to Porsk and the team put together a plan to find out the origins of these monsters.
The following morning the team set out on foot for the Porskan Crater, a massive depression in the earth caused by a meteor strike several millenia ago. It is now mined by dozens of companies for it's rare metals and minerals. You left Nicovar in the stables for a few more days paying the owner for his secrecy and Nicovar's meals.
On the road you met a pair of Clerics calling themselves Daughters of Light. A female only religious sect dedicated to the god Vellenox. When they heard your story of the creatures they ordered you to stay away as they took off on their horses to deal with the monsters themselves.
Using Mausim and Wes's tracking abilities the team found a trail through the forest to cut off the clerics and get to the site first. During their trek however they were attacked by wereravens and a dangerous minotaur man. The fight was brutal and exhausting but once more the team came out victorious. We return now to the Retellis forest just north of the Porskan Crater.
Plot points/Scenes
A Note for Archos
Archos you are handed a note. The high end parchment paper and impeccable calligraphy stands out as something important . It reads "Meet me in the back room of the Bronze Dragon Tooth Inn, alone…" [DM Note: Imply that maybe messendria or the Baroness is sending this note. If Archos agrees he will see a man sitting at an ornate wooden table.]
Ionn Castaliogne sits at the table relaxed he holds up his hands and smiles. "Please, I am unarmed, I invited you here for a drink and a proposal. Relax and have a seat, there are no traps here."
"I see that you have drawn the attention of the Assembly of the Weave I also have many issues with their organization as well. Perhaps you and I could do something about that. I have a plan if you would be so good as to hear me out?" "When you have had your dealings with the Assembly have you noticed the medallions around their necks that bear their seal? These are not only a symbol that you are in good standing with the Assembly, they are also enchanted for communication and monitoring. They are all linked by the same magicks. I am creating a device that will unravel those enchantments and reweave them into a magical block cutting them all off from magic indefinitely and simultaneously. With one flick of a switch you and I could destroy the entire organization!"
"You only need to acquire the box that has mysteriously vanished amongst your companions, the ranger and the elf. Do not be alarmed my boy, the contents are only a focus. Once this is added to my device it will amplify the signal and encompass the entire continent. The focus is a carved statue of a horse's head fitted with several crystals. It is carved from shardrock and enhanced to magnify magic."
"Think of the good we could do by freeing all of us from the oppression of the Assembly, how many good people would be free to travel the globe like you do without worrying that they will be gentled?"
A Walk through the forest -
The Minotaur and the wereravens lay dead before you in the clearing. The battle was bloody and exhausting but you prevailed. Now a cool autumn breeze blows past you as you discuss what to do next.
[DM Note: One of the wereravens has a piece of parchment tucked into it's belt. A small note that reads: The minotaur has no choice but to serve us. Use his talents to ambush the thieves and return the chest." The hand writing is neat and the penmanship is excellent. They also have
Archos you are handed a note. The high end parchment paper and impeccable calligraphy stands out as something important . It reads "Meet me in the back room of the Bronze Dragon Tooth Inn, alone…" [DM Note: Imply that maybe messendria or the Baroness is sending this note. If Archos agrees he will see a man sitting at an ornate wooden table.]
Ionn Castaliogne sits at the table relaxed he holds up his hands and smiles. "Please, I am unarmed, I invited you here for a drink and a proposal. Relax and have a seat, there are no traps here."
"I see that you have drawn the attention of the Assembly of the Weave I also have many issues with their organization as well. Perhaps you and I could do something about that. I have a plan if you would be so good as to hear me out?" "When you have had your dealings with the Assembly have you noticed the medallions around their necks that bear their seal? These are not only a symbol that you are in good standing with the Assembly, they are also enchanted for communication and monitoring. They are all linked by the same magicks. I am creating a device that will unravel those enchantments and reweave them into a magical block cutting them all off from magic indefinitely and simultaneously. With one flick of a switch you and I could destroy the entire organization!"
"You only need to acquire the box that has mysteriously vanished amongst your companions, the ranger and the elf. Do not be alarmed my boy, the contents are only a focus. Once this is added to my device it will amplify the signal and encompass the entire continent. The focus is a carved statue of a horse's head fitted with several crystals. It is carved from shardrock and enhanced to magnify magic."
"Think of the good we could do by freeing all of us from the oppression of the Assembly, how many good people would be free to travel the globe like you do without worrying that they will be gentled?"
A Walk through the forest -
The Minotaur and the wereravens lay dead before you in the clearing. The battle was bloody and exhausting but you prevailed. Now a cool autumn breeze blows past you as you discuss what to do next.
[DM Note: One of the wereravens has a piece of parchment tucked into it's belt. A small note that reads: The minotaur has no choice but to serve us. Use his talents to ambush the thieves and return the chest." The hand writing is neat and the penmanship is excellent. They also have
Themes
The Mining Camp of Clan Lockhouse
First the team will run into a small tent village. Hundreds of semi permanent tents of all sizes hold mine workers who work for the strong Dwarven Clan.
As the sun goes down the forest around you gets dark quickly. The air takes on a chill and the bright cheery sounds of the birds and insects gives way to the hoots and cricket sounds of the night. As you think about setting up camp you hear movement up ahead. As you look through the trees you see a glow of firelight and smell the faint aroma of cooking fires.
As you peer through the brush and small trees You see a large swath of the forest is clear cut and several dozen tents of all shapes and sizes. The glow of several cooking fires tells you that this encampment is home to probably over one hundred people. It is tough to make out features, clothing or armor in the low light conditions but you can see people of all races milling about. A few sentries ring the outside moving in a circular pattern on the outside of the tents. They seem to just have hunting bows as if on the lookout for dangerous animals that may wander to close to the tent city. The people within seem to be settling in for the night with food and drink.
[DM Note: This is a mine laborer camp used by Clan Lockhouse when they set up a new mine. Eventually they will build row houses, a general store, and a tavern for the workers. For now this tent city will suffice. ]
Mine manager - Yusuf Chainguard - A dwarven man who is the mine's Managing officer. He has dark brown hair and a braided beard. He looks middle aged with several hard wrinkles in his face.
Head of Security - Thurlis Stem - A green elven man with a shaved head and a tight red haired beard.
Cook - Harldown Brunt - Firbold man with shaggy black dreadlocks.
Commerce Manager - Notham Lockhouse - A Dwarven woman with blonde hair and long sideburns.
What they know:
The group saw several shaggy animalistic creatures run near the camp just the day before. They raised a general alarm but the creatures disappeared before they could muster. Thurlis tracked them for a bit but headed back to the camp when it got dark. He claims to have never seen creatures like that before but is looking into it.
There is an old abandoned mine that went dry over a thousand years ago at the western edge of the Porskan Crater. There are rumors of a strange gathering at that location but no one in this camp has checked it out. It's an entire days hike from here and these folks are here to work not investigate old mines.
Clan Lockhouse is a rival to Clan Raspgrinder and both Yusuf and Notham don't have much good to say about them.
First the team will run into a small tent village. Hundreds of semi permanent tents of all sizes hold mine workers who work for the strong Dwarven Clan.
As the sun goes down the forest around you gets dark quickly. The air takes on a chill and the bright cheery sounds of the birds and insects gives way to the hoots and cricket sounds of the night. As you think about setting up camp you hear movement up ahead. As you look through the trees you see a glow of firelight and smell the faint aroma of cooking fires.
As you peer through the brush and small trees You see a large swath of the forest is clear cut and several dozen tents of all shapes and sizes. The glow of several cooking fires tells you that this encampment is home to probably over one hundred people. It is tough to make out features, clothing or armor in the low light conditions but you can see people of all races milling about. A few sentries ring the outside moving in a circular pattern on the outside of the tents. They seem to just have hunting bows as if on the lookout for dangerous animals that may wander to close to the tent city. The people within seem to be settling in for the night with food and drink.
[DM Note: This is a mine laborer camp used by Clan Lockhouse when they set up a new mine. Eventually they will build row houses, a general store, and a tavern for the workers. For now this tent city will suffice. ]
Mine manager - Yusuf Chainguard - A dwarven man who is the mine's Managing officer. He has dark brown hair and a braided beard. He looks middle aged with several hard wrinkles in his face.
Head of Security - Thurlis Stem - A green elven man with a shaved head and a tight red haired beard.
Cook - Harldown Brunt - Firbold man with shaggy black dreadlocks.
Commerce Manager - Notham Lockhouse - A Dwarven woman with blonde hair and long sideburns.
What they know:
The group saw several shaggy animalistic creatures run near the camp just the day before. They raised a general alarm but the creatures disappeared before they could muster. Thurlis tracked them for a bit but headed back to the camp when it got dark. He claims to have never seen creatures like that before but is looking into it.
There is an old abandoned mine that went dry over a thousand years ago at the western edge of the Porskan Crater. There are rumors of a strange gathering at that location but no one in this camp has checked it out. It's an entire days hike from here and these folks are here to work not investigate old mines.
Clan Lockhouse is a rival to Clan Raspgrinder and both Yusuf and Notham don't have much good to say about them.
Structure
Exposition
The cult of Ebon Noctua
In the distance as you look down the massive cliff of the Porskan Crater you see a Mine entrance. Carved of massive granite slabs the ancient mine looks very intimidating. On the ground in front of the enormous rectangular entrance is an encampment of over 45 tents. Easily 150 figures move about the area below right in front of the huge opening. Dozens of cooking fires have large stew pots hanging over them and workers go about their daily routines. Several tanners rub drying leather, a blacksmith pounds a bar of metal, and several people drop piles of chopped wood near the fires. You see all manner of races move about both male and female. You notices some of them wear black robes with large hoods as they move about. Others seem to defer to them or take orders.
As you watch you see movement right by the entrance, several people move quickly and fearfully away even diving over baskets to get out of the way. Two creatures, similar to the ones you fought, bound out of the mine and take off towards the crater edge about a quarter mile from where you are. A human man gets caught in the way of one of the creatures, it seems to have a bison like head. The man is trampled and shoved forcefully out of the way. He doesn't get up. They are moving in a southerly direction, they easily climb the cliff like face of the crater using their powerful arms and legs.
[DM Note: This cult is dedicated to the Dark One himself. They currently serve Lord Vedemire Dark Horse as he is a chose one. Dark Horse and Istencia Greencloak have created an army of Krullocs and will use them to further his own ends. Using alchemy, magic and artificer ingenuity they are creating mutant chimerae using living and dead tissue.
The creatures are very powerful and take basic instruction but are dumb enough not to ask too many questions. Deep in the back chamber of the mine is a huge open space. The wall is pockmarked with hundreds of indentations.
Greencloak is using them to gestate her creatures, they are sealed in with a waxy material made form the stomach lining of wyverns. The strange brew of alchemical ingredients allows the bone and tissue to reform and strengthen. When the Krulloc is developed it tears out of the lining in a horrifying display of resurrection. Several goats and lambs are tied up in the mine for the creatures to immediately feed on.]
Notable members on site:
Dark Cleric Leader - A human woman named Oxela Namuria. Completely devoted to Lord Dark Horse she has dedicated her cult to his service, hoping to release the Dark One from his prison.
Porter Arcwell - Enforcer, A goliath man and a 8th level fighter. He loves Oxela deeply and has devoted his life to her service.
Frede Waylock - A human man who is also a high ranking officer of the East Tellenheim Company. He is a major bank roller for this chapter of the cult. He has wire rim spectacles and wears a dark red coat. Culture
Istencia Greencloak - A green elven woman and a brilliant artificer. She is working directly with Lord Dark Horse to create the Krullocs. Mutated creatures that can be created with enough blood and sinew from different creatures.
In the distance as you look down the massive cliff of the Porskan Crater you see a Mine entrance. Carved of massive granite slabs the ancient mine looks very intimidating. On the ground in front of the enormous rectangular entrance is an encampment of over 45 tents. Easily 150 figures move about the area below right in front of the huge opening. Dozens of cooking fires have large stew pots hanging over them and workers go about their daily routines. Several tanners rub drying leather, a blacksmith pounds a bar of metal, and several people drop piles of chopped wood near the fires. You see all manner of races move about both male and female. You notices some of them wear black robes with large hoods as they move about. Others seem to defer to them or take orders.
As you watch you see movement right by the entrance, several people move quickly and fearfully away even diving over baskets to get out of the way. Two creatures, similar to the ones you fought, bound out of the mine and take off towards the crater edge about a quarter mile from where you are. A human man gets caught in the way of one of the creatures, it seems to have a bison like head. The man is trampled and shoved forcefully out of the way. He doesn't get up. They are moving in a southerly direction, they easily climb the cliff like face of the crater using their powerful arms and legs.
[DM Note: This cult is dedicated to the Dark One himself. They currently serve Lord Vedemire Dark Horse as he is a chose one. Dark Horse and Istencia Greencloak have created an army of Krullocs and will use them to further his own ends. Using alchemy, magic and artificer ingenuity they are creating mutant chimerae using living and dead tissue.
The creatures are very powerful and take basic instruction but are dumb enough not to ask too many questions. Deep in the back chamber of the mine is a huge open space. The wall is pockmarked with hundreds of indentations.
Greencloak is using them to gestate her creatures, they are sealed in with a waxy material made form the stomach lining of wyverns. The strange brew of alchemical ingredients allows the bone and tissue to reform and strengthen. When the Krulloc is developed it tears out of the lining in a horrifying display of resurrection. Several goats and lambs are tied up in the mine for the creatures to immediately feed on.]
Notable members on site:
Dark Cleric Leader - A human woman named Oxela Namuria. Completely devoted to Lord Dark Horse she has dedicated her cult to his service, hoping to release the Dark One from his prison.
Porter Arcwell - Enforcer, A goliath man and a 8th level fighter. He loves Oxela deeply and has devoted his life to her service.
Frede Waylock - A human man who is also a high ranking officer of the East Tellenheim Company. He is a major bank roller for this chapter of the cult. He has wire rim spectacles and wears a dark red coat. Culture
Istencia Greencloak - A green elven woman and a brilliant artificer. She is working directly with Lord Dark Horse to create the Krullocs. Mutated creatures that can be created with enough blood and sinew from different creatures.
The Year SF3, 3027 the month of Lothor
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