Ashe C2 Episode 72 - Kovara Manor and Releasing the Spell
Previously on Liters of Tomorrow...
Over the last few days you have been acting as guards to escort an East Tellenheim Company merchant caravan to Westinox. Suspicious of it's cargo you spent the last couple days attempting to access the contents of the carriage. This led you to being watched by the two dragonborn mercenaries who accompanied you on the mission. Yesterday morning you were waylaid by a group of bandits calling themselves the green banshees. These same thieves recogized you from a similar job a year ago and instead of attacking they became quite chummy with Finn and Mausim.
Now the thieves have rebranded themselves as a Robin Hood style guild that are sworn to only knock over East Tellenheim Company assets. Tensions began to rise as the two dragon born warriors that had been sworn to protect the caravan drew their swords. Leaving all of you as strange intermediaries who just want to see what's in the carriage. You convinced the dragon born that a possible threat to the city of Westinox lay in that carriage.
If you were allowed to compare the actual items with the manifest that there would be a descrepancy. All agreed and the carriage's contents were laid out. Along with explosive rune stones, that were much more potent than they should be, you found three strange barrels that were unmarked.
The expedition leader, Gregg Fettleman, demanded to be the only one to open ETC property. When he looked in the barrel a black oozing substance exploded onto his face and he immediately turned on all of you and attacked in a rage.
The blue dragon born warrior, hatamoto, spun his sword and Gregg was split in twain ending the threat. Next the hubristic Verdan Wizard known as Nuth, using his incredible arcane knowledge stepped in to assess the dangers of the goo. His expertise on history and magic are unmatched, though his dexterity with a J-bar were found lacking. A wrong flick of the wood allowed the black substance to infect him as well!
Instead of attacking like a crazed zombie the black eyed Nuth now smiled and began casting. Magic missiles flew throughout the camp attacking the rest of the group. He went into full attack mode and activated his blade song and his shield. As the entire group of bandits and mercenaries surrounded him he grinned and a fireball blossomed beneath all of your feet. Amidst the smoke and heat most of you got back to your feet wiping stinging eyes and batting down singed clothing. You all looked in horror as the man known as Medio'Cre lay in the center of the firestorm a charred husk.
Knowing that Nuth's mind was not his own, you renewed your attacks and brought him down. Unsure of what to do next you watched as the strange substance retreated into Nuth's body. Demaia consulted the cricket Jeremy and he suggested that she try to moonbeam him, noting that the black goo may be susceptible to the radiance. Though Nuth's body took quite a bit of damage you watched as the substance vaporized. You spent the next few moments destroying all of the goo in the barrels. You split up the spoils with the Banshee's and the Dragonborn and asked if the thieves may have a safe place to spend the night so as to recover.
Over the last few days you have been acting as guards to escort an East Tellenheim Company merchant caravan to Westinox. Suspicious of it's cargo you spent the last couple days attempting to access the contents of the carriage. This led you to being watched by the two dragonborn mercenaries who accompanied you on the mission. Yesterday morning you were waylaid by a group of bandits calling themselves the green banshees. These same thieves recogized you from a similar job a year ago and instead of attacking they became quite chummy with Finn and Mausim.
Now the thieves have rebranded themselves as a Robin Hood style guild that are sworn to only knock over East Tellenheim Company assets. Tensions began to rise as the two dragon born warriors that had been sworn to protect the caravan drew their swords. Leaving all of you as strange intermediaries who just want to see what's in the carriage. You convinced the dragon born that a possible threat to the city of Westinox lay in that carriage.
If you were allowed to compare the actual items with the manifest that there would be a descrepancy. All agreed and the carriage's contents were laid out. Along with explosive rune stones, that were much more potent than they should be, you found three strange barrels that were unmarked.
The expedition leader, Gregg Fettleman, demanded to be the only one to open ETC property. When he looked in the barrel a black oozing substance exploded onto his face and he immediately turned on all of you and attacked in a rage.
The blue dragon born warrior, hatamoto, spun his sword and Gregg was split in twain ending the threat. Next the hubristic Verdan Wizard known as Nuth, using his incredible arcane knowledge stepped in to assess the dangers of the goo. His expertise on history and magic are unmatched, though his dexterity with a J-bar were found lacking. A wrong flick of the wood allowed the black substance to infect him as well!
Instead of attacking like a crazed zombie the black eyed Nuth now smiled and began casting. Magic missiles flew throughout the camp attacking the rest of the group. He went into full attack mode and activated his blade song and his shield. As the entire group of bandits and mercenaries surrounded him he grinned and a fireball blossomed beneath all of your feet. Amidst the smoke and heat most of you got back to your feet wiping stinging eyes and batting down singed clothing. You all looked in horror as the man known as Medio'Cre lay in the center of the firestorm a charred husk.
Knowing that Nuth's mind was not his own, you renewed your attacks and brought him down. Unsure of what to do next you watched as the strange substance retreated into Nuth's body. Demaia consulted the cricket Jeremy and he suggested that she try to moonbeam him, noting that the black goo may be susceptible to the radiance. Though Nuth's body took quite a bit of damage you watched as the substance vaporized. You spent the next few moments destroying all of the goo in the barrels. You split up the spoils with the Banshee's and the Dragonborn and asked if the thieves may have a safe place to spend the night so as to recover.
Plot points/Scenes
You wake up in the morning to the strange mix of musty tarps and old bedding and the smells of coffee and bacon. Underground in the basement of one of the Green Banshee's safehouses. O'dango Jim and Pocketwatch stand over a cast iron griddle and a steel pot filled with coffee.
Flickering torches line the walls that look to be made of worn stones. The area looks to be an old wine cellar possibly from an old church. [Investigation or History checks reveal it to be an old church dedicated to the god Ferrar.]
In the alcoves that once held casks of wine now there are sleeping bunks. There are also tables and chairs that have dozens of parchments and books laid out on them. The Green Banshees do a lot of research on ETC trade routes and how many guards they usually post to their caravans. Their little library is mostly scouting reports and stolen record books that are all printed with the ETC logo.
Flickering torches line the walls that look to be made of worn stones. The area looks to be an old wine cellar possibly from an old church. [Investigation or History checks reveal it to be an old church dedicated to the god Ferrar.]
In the alcoves that once held casks of wine now there are sleeping bunks. There are also tables and chairs that have dozens of parchments and books laid out on them. The Green Banshees do a lot of research on ETC trade routes and how many guards they usually post to their caravans. Their little library is mostly scouting reports and stolen record books that are all printed with the ETC logo.
Themes
Heading Back to Kovara Manor
When they head back to Kovara Manor they will find Anak quite alone in the building. [DM Note: Kovara has hidden a dozen of his elite guard with a Greater invisibility spell on the grounds in case the adventurers renege on the deal.] Despite the stillness of his surroundings he bids the group to set up the arcane focus on a large alter he has created in the center of his foyer. It has clamps to hold the focus in place and several rune stones to help maintain a flow of power. He addresses all of them with a hearty greeting and then begins to lay out his plan."Though I have some magical ability at my disposal the only way for this to work is with your help. Nuth Welker! I need you to stand over to the right of the device and cast a third level spell into this rod. Mausim, the canny sorceror I need your innate magical power to be cast into the rod on the left. I will handle the center position. Finn, the great artificer, I would ask that you monitor the device in the center of the altar and to make sure that the power level stays within green range. If it peaks and you see the needle drift into the red use the dampening controls to bring us back down. If the focus overcharges we will be in for one hell of a wild magic explosion!"
If the Druids offer help he gives them a minor task of shepherding any cats or small animals away from the property, for their own safety. Make the team roll some checks as the ritual begins. Once the three spellcasters funnel their spells into the arcane focus the gem at the front fires out a thin beam of bright white.
"Whatever happens do not touch that beam of light! the power contained within will not just burn through your flesh but will unravel your very existence on this plane. You will be destroyed atomically and beyond the help of even the gods!." As the beam strikes the through the front door frame you see it hit the magical barrier that holds Kovara within. A cascade of colors begins to stream off of the sphere beginning at the striking point.
"It's working! Nuth! Mausim! Another spell if you would!" Kovara continues to cast his spells into the arcane focus as well. As he begins to sweat you see flashes of his true form. A not entirely unattractive horned man with slighlty darker skin and longer hair. Finn you watch as the needle flicks past the green portion and hits the red. The beam briefly becomes unstable and begins to undulate.
Roll an arcana check DC 14. If Finn fails make him roll on the wild magic table to see what the result is. See Magical Mishaps! Demaia or Kavax would be vulnerable to these as well as the rest of the team.
Repeat this a couple of times, give Finn at least five checks to make sure nothing goes wrong. Have Mausim and Nuth give constitution checks as well with every fail becoming a magical Mishap. When the ritual is complete the barrier shatters and explodes outward like a massive soap bubble!
You watch as the beam shatters the barrier! Now completely filled with hazy colors like oil on pavement, the colors intensify and the barrier explodes outward! Instead of fire and brick it explodes like a massive soap bubble. The millions of complex weaves of magic untangle at the same time and a rainbow of colors sails off into the atmosphere and the rest of the city. Despite the size it seems to be harmless. Mausim and Nuth you both go down on one knee and suffer two points of exhaustion. The ritual was a success and you watch as the arcane focus begins to crumble as the stone of the horse head breaks down and devolves into sand. The gems around it fall with it into a fine pile of white.
[DM Note: This is a final illusion cast by Anak Kovara! the arcane focus is still whole he is desperately trying to trick the players. Allow Finn an arcana check DC 21 to notice anything amiss]
History of Anak Kovara: "The answer is I was summoned to this plane of existence by a powerful wizard. See pretty boring story now that I say it outloud. Yes, you would term my provenance as a demon or a djinn but that doesn't make me evil or out to rule the world. Doesn't make me the same as the Dark One. After I was summoned I was trapped in the ritual circle. It's still right upstairs in the room above me. The wizard who called himself Melvikothe, trapped me and decided to use my divination abilties to help him defeat another mage. Not too long after he fought his rival and died just outside, whatever wild magic explosions were created resulted in me being trapped here for even longer. In the last few centuries I have managed to expand my limits to the edges of the manor house, I can now roam it's halls and rooms but no more." The arcane focus that you carried and protected for so long would allow me to destroy the barrier and live like anyone else. You get me the arcane focus and I give you a workforce to help lift your airship out of the river. Before you tell me that you already have a deal with Herod I would remind you that Herod only has his company and wealth because of me. Over the years I helped him and the rest of the Eyes of the Basilisk achieve their money and power. I can make that deal evaporate with a snap of my fingers."
Anak Kovara is indeed what we be called a demon, he comes a plane of existence adjacent to the Ethereal plane, called Tel'Aran'Rhiod. It is a traveling dimension and a dimension that allows access to dreaming. He claims that if he severs his connection to the his home plane he would never return and would find a manner of mortality here on Tanaheim. His lifespan is very long and he grew very bored moving through the worlds of others never being able to touch or interact with them.
Once he was summoned to the material plane he experienced a rush of sensations. He immediately became addicted to the sounds and feelings all around him. His secret is that he set up the battle of the two wizards by contacting Melvikothe's rival Oriander Orindrase. He came to him in a dream and told him of the treachery of Melvikothe. He expected to be set free immediately but the binding did not come apart, and despite it's elastic nature it has only strengthened over the years.
After the Ritual Anak who also claims to be exhausted offers them a feast in exchange for their incredible service. He tells them that he has made arrangements for them to dine at the Dryad's Globes.
"An establishment of some ill repute that I have been dying to try! What fun it will be to walk amongst the citizens of this great city, especially those that actually live and work. I am so tired of the wealthy stuffed shirts I have been entertaining for the last several decades."
He slumps in exhaustion and fails to maintain his illusory form but even in his true form he is an attractive charismatic sort of Tiefling. "Come let us discuss the details of getting you that air ship!"
Structure
Exposition
The Fierce Stargazer
Currently it still sits at the bottom of the river that flows around Westinox. It will need to be repaired and restaffed once it is pulled out of the water. Some of the crew who operated under Exatron Saul will still be in the city including
- Crew of the Fierce Stargazer:
- Navigator - Mevi Flashfoot, halfling woman
- Pilot - Bevenar Font, human man with brown skin and a shaved head.
- Cook - Pelly Portnut, half orc man with a large belly and a topknot of black hair.
- Engineer - Gnome man by the name of Tumtum Brushnickel
- Assistant engineer - Firbolg woman named Sippi Cashelhorne
- Squabbie - Halfling man by the name of Nock "Gaffer" Littlefoot.
Conflict
The Dryad's Globes - Tavern & Inn
In the center of the tavern is a lewd statue of a naked dryad that stands over 10 feet tall and is surrounded by a pool of water. It is said the pool is enchanted to always be clean water and ever full.
The owner is a half elven woman named Ursula Mistavech.
The common room is decorated with living vines which sprout different color flowers depending on the season. The current bartender is a half elven woman with jet black hair by the name of Vestovich Daguerre. She has a thick Ventenian accent and hails from Serpico. The barback and server is a green elven man by the name of Ploch Zinnia, he dreams of being accepted into the Trevalyan bard college someday soon. He plays the flute and the mandolin.
In the Dryad’s Globes -
The group are approached by Genesee Red, Crashe, and Natali Irkinthand. As they sit down to share a drink they begin to cough and sputter. A black oil erupts from their lips and they begin to retch. Soon Genesee Red’s eyes turn an opaque black and her mouth turns to a sickening grin. A voice emanates from her mouth, the genteel charismatic voice of Lord Vedemire Darkhorse.
“Did you really think the shipment you destroyed was my only supply? I’ve been doing these deliveries for weeks now, this shipment was specially sent to infect your friends though. Information that only I could have gathered, a way to strike at both of you Finn and Mausim. I missed you in Warshaw, my friends, when you fled like cowards.”
While he speaks, Crashe and Natali rush forward possessed with a need to kill and infect. Others in the crowd begin to double over and cough black oil. First just a few and then dozens of the patrons begin to attack any uninflected in their eye line. Six of these fix their black eyes on the team and rush forward to attack.
Darkhorse continues to taunt them from the mouth of Genesee Red “Do you like my new surprise? This fire Genasi woman is quite attractive isn’t she? She will make an excellent addition to the Dark One’s army.”
Have the Daughter’s of Light and Anak Kovara offer assistance. The Daughter’s send their clerics out into the city to help any who are infected with radiant spells. At the door to the Dryad’s Globe you see Qesa Huss stride into the room wielding the light of Vellenox.
Anak Kovara offers a device he has in his possession, A censer of radiance. By swinging it around your head you can create an aura of radiance.
In the center of the tavern is a lewd statue of a naked dryad that stands over 10 feet tall and is surrounded by a pool of water. It is said the pool is enchanted to always be clean water and ever full.
The owner is a half elven woman named Ursula Mistavech.
The common room is decorated with living vines which sprout different color flowers depending on the season. The current bartender is a half elven woman with jet black hair by the name of Vestovich Daguerre. She has a thick Ventenian accent and hails from Serpico. The barback and server is a green elven man by the name of Ploch Zinnia, he dreams of being accepted into the Trevalyan bard college someday soon. He plays the flute and the mandolin.
In the Dryad’s Globes -
The group are approached by Genesee Red, Crashe, and Natali Irkinthand. As they sit down to share a drink they begin to cough and sputter. A black oil erupts from their lips and they begin to retch. Soon Genesee Red’s eyes turn an opaque black and her mouth turns to a sickening grin. A voice emanates from her mouth, the genteel charismatic voice of Lord Vedemire Darkhorse.
“Did you really think the shipment you destroyed was my only supply? I’ve been doing these deliveries for weeks now, this shipment was specially sent to infect your friends though. Information that only I could have gathered, a way to strike at both of you Finn and Mausim. I missed you in Warshaw, my friends, when you fled like cowards.”
While he speaks, Crashe and Natali rush forward possessed with a need to kill and infect. Others in the crowd begin to double over and cough black oil. First just a few and then dozens of the patrons begin to attack any uninflected in their eye line. Six of these fix their black eyes on the team and rush forward to attack.
Darkhorse continues to taunt them from the mouth of Genesee Red “Do you like my new surprise? This fire Genasi woman is quite attractive isn’t she? She will make an excellent addition to the Dark One’s army.”
Have the Daughter’s of Light and Anak Kovara offer assistance. The Daughter’s send their clerics out into the city to help any who are infected with radiant spells. At the door to the Dryad’s Globe you see Qesa Huss stride into the room wielding the light of Vellenox.
Anak Kovara offers a device he has in his possession, A censer of radiance. By swinging it around your head you can create an aura of radiance.
Rising Action
This week 05/30/2024
End with the team in Westinox getting attacked by undead creatures. The Dark One Himself takes control of one of the dead citizens and begins to mock the team “You think that substance you found the work of Lord Darkhorse? His thoughts and plans are gifts from me. His worldview is bound to this simple plane of existence. My forces will run rampant through this world soon enough.”
That finish with Mausim in a dream “A man with dark blonde hair streaked with gray walks out of the mists. His armor is a mix of gold and silver plates bound with thick leather. He wears a think cloak of dark blue embroidered with silver leaves and branches. He looks at you with bright blue eyes under thick blonde eyebrows. “Mausim, I believe it is time we met. My name is Encealadus Calwyn.”
Following session we will have Mausim and Calwyn spar with swords. Mausim can notice that Calwyn’s sword is of elven make and form House Rivendrias. Eventually Jeremy will notice that Mausim is thrashing in his sleep and he will Urge Demaia to try to help him. She can try to enter Thra Onerios with a Wisdom check. If she makes it Calwyn will be quite surprised and alarmed that she is there.
End with the team in Westinox getting attacked by undead creatures. The Dark One Himself takes control of one of the dead citizens and begins to mock the team “You think that substance you found the work of Lord Darkhorse? His thoughts and plans are gifts from me. His worldview is bound to this simple plane of existence. My forces will run rampant through this world soon enough.”
That finish with Mausim in a dream “A man with dark blonde hair streaked with gray walks out of the mists. His armor is a mix of gold and silver plates bound with thick leather. He wears a think cloak of dark blue embroidered with silver leaves and branches. He looks at you with bright blue eyes under thick blonde eyebrows. “Mausim, I believe it is time we met. My name is Encealadus Calwyn.”
Following session we will have Mausim and Calwyn spar with swords. Mausim can notice that Calwyn’s sword is of elven make and form House Rivendrias. Eventually Jeremy will notice that Mausim is thrashing in his sleep and he will Urge Demaia to try to help him. She can try to enter Thra Onerios with a Wisdom check. If she makes it Calwyn will be quite surprised and alarmed that she is there.
Current Date : The Year SF3, 3029 the month of Ventel (June)
The Daughters of Light -
A religious order dedicated to Vellenox, they only accept females. They are a backlash to the Adherents of Iron, the religious zealots who said they were clerics of Eigeralon. The truth is they were devoted to the evil creature known as Anaxis. When the deception was revealed the order fell apart. After the battle of Penthos many of the higher officers were arrested. With Vellenox being the last god targeted by the Adherents of Iron, the Clerics devoted to her rallied and recruited thousands of new acolytes. One of their main temples is in the city of Westinox.
This organization has been radicalized especially against males. There are rumors that they have been castrating any men that they deem criminals or heretics. They have also set up an adversarial relationship with the Clerics of Eigeralon and the EMP. Notable Members:
A religious order dedicated to Vellenox, they only accept females. They are a backlash to the Adherents of Iron, the religious zealots who said they were clerics of Eigeralon. The truth is they were devoted to the evil creature known as Anaxis. When the deception was revealed the order fell apart. After the battle of Penthos many of the higher officers were arrested. With Vellenox being the last god targeted by the Adherents of Iron, the Clerics devoted to her rallied and recruited thousands of new acolytes. One of their main temples is in the city of Westinox.
This organization has been radicalized especially against males. There are rumors that they have been castrating any men that they deem criminals or heretics. They have also set up an adversarial relationship with the Clerics of Eigeralon and the EMP. Notable Members:
- Acolyte - Kellin Cross, A human woman in her 20s with tight cropped blonde hair.
- Priest - Mariah Tellenborne, A tiefling woman in her 40's with light purple skin and long black hair.
- Acolyte - Rithia Force, A half elven woman with short black hair and one ear clipped.
- Cleric - Opela Barn
- Cleric - Qesa Huss
Completion Date
05 / 30 /24
05 / 30 /24
Plot type
Main Story
Related Characters
Related Organizations
Related Locations
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