Session 62 Report: The Molten Enclave Part 1

General Summary

Session 62 – Wednesday December 20, 2023 – The Molten Enclave Part 1.

4.5-hour Social/ battle session 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM

The Stone Bearers. Party of 5

It is the 17th day of the month of Nightal (The Drawing Down) in the 50th year of the Age of Enialis (Mid December.)

• Abrash – Wood (Desert) Elf, L10 Druid – Jacob Munson (Absent)
• Ajani– High Elf, L10 Wizard – Nathan Gioconda (Remote)
• Gazlowe – Goblin, L10 Artificer – Josh Pozsonyi
• Cassidy – Human, L10 Blood hunter – Ryan Armstrong (Remote)
• Isabella – Forest Gnome, L10 Barbarian – Jackie Armstrong
• Juan Peyote – Gnome L10 Paladin – Will Johnson

A Rest

The party needed to rest. Cassidy asked if Gazlowe could somehow combine the +1 studded leather she has with the glamoured leather to give the +1 leather the wispy smokey look. Gazlowe pulled out his tools and was able to do this. The party woke up late in the morning, ate some breakfast and traveled north to Nithrithyinae to see what happened to the Emerald Knight. They prepared themselves, knowing they may be walking into a trap.

The Emerald Knight

It took the greater part of the day to make it to Nithrithyinae. As they cautiously entered the village, they noticed a couple Elves standing guard outside the main building. The elves acknowledged the presence of the Stone bearers with a simple nod. The party walked up the stairs to the front door that was slightly ajar. Pushing the door open they saw the Emerald Knight. His body, gagged with his arms stretched out and tied to a shelf to prevent him from casting any spells. His throat was cut, and he clearly bled to death. Above his body was written: “Traitor to true elves.” Just below that was the signature of the message: “The Stone Bearers.”

Victor Rathmore

In the room were 4 more elves plus the man in the golden mask, Victor Rathmore, the right-hand man of the Red Lady (who has usually been accompanied by Eversus.) Victor told the party to please huddle together, and they did. He cast Zone of Truth. Juan resisted the spell and Victor asked him to stand back. He asked a series of yes/no questions. Knowing that the party couldn’t lie directly the questions were straight to the point. He confirmed the party did not kill the Emerald Knight, but they know who did. He confirmed that party does not plan on harming the Red Lady physically or her reputation. He confirmed the party is not in league with the White lady.
He then asked the party who did this and why they would want to frame the Stone Bearers. The party explained that they believe Niptu was doing this and that this is part of his strategy to cause chaos and strife in the forest. They started to briefly cover the various other plots they’ve interrupted.
Victor then asked, “Why do yo torment Eversus?” Gazlowe explained for several minutes how they saved the Eclivian Drow and rescued them but apparently one of them was a bit crazy and somehow wound up killing all the others. Eversus blamed the party for not detecting that and Gazlowe explained that he could have figure it out too and found the whole situation suspect and as a result he hates him. Plus, he interrupted their well-deserved vacation.
Victor stood in the zone of truth and offered to answer questions. He explained that Eversus is a very accomplished wizard and fully trusted by the Red Lady and he is an asset to her, completely loyal. The party asked him about his relationship with the Emerald Knight, and he explained that the Emerald Knight is one of several leaders of the forest along with Ogian, The Beast Lord (Lord of the Hunt), the Grandfather Tree druids, the Mistmaster etc. Every elf in the Forest knows of the Emerald Knight.

Gaerradh and Sheeril

The Zone of Truth ended. Victor pulled out a sending stone and spoke to it in ancient Elvish. He then led the party out of the room and told them that the Red Lady wishes to speak with them. She arrived through a tree along with several other elves including some guards, a young Druid Elf, and a strong female Ranger Elf with a Dire Wolf at her side.
The Ranger saw Victor and she and the wolf ran up the stairs to see the Emerald Knight. The Red Lady (Morgwais Nightmeadow) told the party telepathically to be quite and give Gaerradh and her wolf Sheeril a moment. The Ranger Gaerradh and her wolf ran into the room where the Emerald knight was. She fell to her knees and bowed her head. After a few moments she stood, re-read the message, and asked: “Are you the Stone Bearers? The party said, “Yes” and victor stood in front of them telling Gaerradh, “They did not do this.” Gaerradh and the dire wolf Sheeril, quickly left the room.

The Red Lady

The Red lady came into the room shortly thereafter and told the party they are free to speak. They quickly covered recent events and she told the party that she was uncomfortable having a long conversation in the presence of her dead friend. The went back outside and down the steps where the Red Lady told them that she will take them to the Elven sanctuary of Reitheillaethor (RHY-thigh-WAY-eh-thor.) The Druid cast Transport Via Plants. The Red lady said, “follow quickly” as she walked through the glowing tree.

Reitheillaethor (RHY-thigh-WAY-eh-thor.)

They came to a village filled mostly with makeshift housing of tents and lean-tos and shabby huts surrounding what looked like some restored ancient elven buildings. Morgwais explained that Reitheillaethor was once a center of trade for Elves and humans and was long ago destroyed by Daemon-fey and Orcs. She told them that it is once again being rebuilt as the first city in the restored kingdom of Eaerlann.
She invited the party to join her as she walked away from the tent city and to a staircase that was previously not visible. She led them up to the real city in the canopy that was more beautiful than any elven city anyone had seen before. She led them to a central building where she told them that she wanted them to tell the Caerilcarn (The council of the wood) and the council of Reitheillaethor what they know.

The Council

They walked into a building into a large room where there was a table at the front with 5 chairs. The Red Lady sat in the center and the Druid (who was introduced as Orist Lightbane) took a seat to the far left. She Introduced Lady Jaementh, High Cleric of Reitheillaethor and Captain Hulrune Silverbow, Captain of the guard. She mentioned the last chair was for Gaerradh but she is currently excused.
Isabella asked for food and Captain Hulrune requested food for the Stone Bearers. Gazlowe stepped out of his armor and explained all they learned from Nithrithvinae and the tombs Nithrithyinae. They told them about the Olothec named Ithu’rath and the fact that Niptu plans on summoning an Overmind. They explained what they learned about all the magic Niptu is learning and the things and creatures removed from the Tombs.
The party told the Red Lady that Niptu is becoming very powerful and the peoples of Faerûn need to band together. The Red Lady told them that she will have scouts investigate the the Dire Wood and other regions of the forest. The Druid Orist gave the party a sending stone. The Red Lady told them to go to the Enclave of the Sunlight Legion of the Fire Giants and destroy the Orb of Dragon kind. She told them that the Fire Giants are not the most observant and if they have a Druid that can cast Pass Without a Trace, they may be able to sneak around unseen. She also explained that this particular sect is unusual, and their leader Zenith Aastrika is more of a Guru and if she is killed the other Giants will most likely flee. However, they will defend her to the death, and she is not one who will ever surrender.

Emissaries of the Red Lady

The Red Lady provided the party with elven cloaks with a unique red embroidery. She told them that with those cloaks, they are authorized envois of the Red Lady. She told them, after they destroy the Orb of Dragonkind to please speak with the Lord’s alliance and negotiate a parley between their leader and the Red Lady. She also told them that if they are doing anything untoward to please not be wearing the cloaks. The party took off the cloaks and put them in their backpacks.
The Party asked for anything that could help them against the Fire Giants. The Red Lady explained that the food they had been served is what is called a “Hero’s feast”, and it will help. Gazlowe asked if they know the whereabouts of Revalor? Victor told them that he was never found but if he is found, then Victor will have the Stone Bearers notified. Gazlowe asked if the elves could help with the creation of a mechanical body for Abby. They agreed to help, but after the urgent matters are taken care of.
They finished eating the meal (Gaining 18 HP for 24 hours) and then the Druid Orist took them back to the forest floor. He went to a tree and opened a doorway through the tree to the edge of the Star Mounts and the entrance to the lava caverns that lead to the Fire Giants.

Through the lava caverns.

It was 2:00 in the afternoon and the day was moderately cold. They came out of the tree at the base of the mountain and saw the cave entrance with a bit of smoke coming out. The party went in somewhat stealthily. Abrash was stuck in the Ethereal plane, so the party had to navigate the labyrinth without him. The party worked together and did a great job making it through the hot tunnels without gaining a level of exhaustion. They saw evidence of Giant patrols but were able to avoid them. They eventually came to a set of large stairs going down to a massive portcullis and a huge winch.
Isabella squeezed through the bars easily. Gazlowe couldn’t quite get his chest plate through. Cassidy took the chest plate and turned ethereal and walked through the portcullis. Gazlowe cast grease on Ajani so he could squeeze through but after that he couldn’t stand. Gazlowe cast vortex warp under Ajani teleporting him into the room. Juan’s belt got stuck but Gazlowe helped him get through.

Gems

Inside the room there were two large statues with a pool of magma in between them. Gazlowe noticed that the eyes were large rubies. Gazlowe (with much protest from Isabella) climbed the statue to acquire the rubies. Gazlowe didn’t notice the hinge when he grabbed the arm and it moved, triggering a trap. A massive stone fell from the ceiling towards, Gazlowe, Isabella and Cassidy. They all dogged out of the way (mostly) and only took 22 damage. The crash made a tremendous noise. Seeing the trap was now sprung Gazlowe continued up the statue and removed the two ruby eyes.
The party heard the footsteps of a giant approaching. Gazlowe called down to the party asking, “Are we hiding?” He saw Isabella quaff a potion of invisibility. Ajani hid behind the large stone that fell from the ceiling. Cassidy clicked her boots and rose to the ceiling. Gazlowe squeezed behind the statue head. Juan quickly hid behind the 2nd statue.
The fire giant came around the corner and didn’t spot any of the party. He walked over to the fallen stone and looked up at the statue. He noticed the gems were missing from one of the statues.

Getting rid of the Fire Giant

The Fire giant went to the fallen rock where Ajani was hiding and began to crawl over it. Isabella took a rock and tried to throw it, but it fell at her feet. Gazlowe saw this failed attempt and saw the Giant looking in the room. Gazlowe took a dagger it threw it at the portcullis. The Fire giant heard the clink at the portcullis and ran to the winch. He raised the winch and yelled into the caverns alerting the other fire giants, “Intruders, I think they left, going to alert the sentries.” The fire giant left and closed the portcullis from the other side and walked into the tunnels.
Seeing the fire giant gone, Gazlowe hopped to the 2nd statue and tried to extract the remaining 2 ruby eyes. He popped one out easily but the other shattered. In total he collected 3 rubies worth 300gp each plus 50gp of Ruby dust. Isabella glared angrily at him as he came down.
The sounds in the caves got quite after the fire giant yelled, but they started to build up again. Hammering in the distance, and a crowd of voices in the south. The party started to head south but Ajani turned around and jammed his dagger into the winch. He cast “Immoveable object” on the dagger. The party decided to head away from the voices in the south and followed a passageway north.

A Fire giant and his hound

The party walked into what looked like a dining hall, but they weren’t as quiet as they were before. There was a single fire giant eating a meal and tossing scraps to his hell hound. Now that the fire giants were on alert the giant spotted the party walking into the room. He stood up and in Giant told the hound to attack. The Fire Gaint shot a bolt of fire at Gazlowe, and it glanced off his armor. Gazlowe said thanks, I needed the warmup. The Fire Giant shot a 2nd bolt that was a critical hit and then it ricocheted off Gazlowe and hit Juan.
Ajani cast psychic lance at the Fire Giant and incapacitated him. Ajani backed down the hall and backed into another winch set into the wall. Cassidy moved along the ceiling and shot the hell hound with her crossbow. The Hellhound ran up and bumped into the invisible Isabella and used his fire breath on Juan, Isabella and Gazlowe. Isabella sliced into the hellhound with her axe and bloodied it.
Juan pulled out the Rakshasa paw and said, “Here boy, Fetch!” and threw it away from the dog. The Dog didn’t fall for it so Juan killed it with his hammer. Gazlowe hit the fire giant with chill touch. Ajani looked at the lever next to the wench but then cast a chromatic orb of cold at the Fire Giant Lightbearer. The cold damage did more than Ajani expected and left him bloody. Cassidy pushed herself along the ceiling and used her blood malidict to change the type of damage her whips do from radiant to cold. But in doing so she lost concentration on the levitating boots and floated to the floor. She whipped the giant good and left the Fire giant near death. Cassidy took fire damage from her melee attack. Isabella pulled out her +2 arrows and finished off the Fire Giant with 2 arrows.

Moving on.

Ajani examined the winch and determined that the chains lead to another large stone over the 2nd statue where Galzowe had stolen the ruby eyes. Juan took took the teeth out of the Hellhound. Isabella quaffed her potion of Storm Giant Strength, and the party pushed the bodies under the dining table. The party then debated on the best direction, north south or west and in the end, they decided to proceed north.
They came to another intersection and to the east and west they head all sorts of snoring. They decided not to disturb the sleeping giants and proceeded north. They came to a massive steel door. Cassidy listened at the door and heard a giant humming. She assumed that the giant may be attuning.
The door was massive, and it would take a significant amount of strength to open it. Fortunately, Isabella had already taken the potion of storm giant strength, so the party had no problems working together to open the door.

Crater of the Core.

The angled ceiling of the room rose to a height of 60 feet, and the whole room was brightly lit. Intense heat radiated from an enormous magma crater at the north end of the room. Four massive support pillars rose to the ceiling. The hollow base of each pillar held a brazier that billowed with black smoke. Seven fire giants, one wearing an obsidian crown and standing taller than the rest, were meditating in the room. The one with the crown (Zenith Aastrika) turned to the intruders and said, “You’ve interrupted our tranquility.”

Attacking Zenith.

Zenith turned and raised her arms causing a 20-foot wide, 60-foot-high cylinder of lava to engulf the party, everyone dodged a portion of the lava but it was still painful. Ajani cast lightning bolt and killed 3 of the Fire Giant Minions and hurt Zenith a little. She had resisted the damage but doing so caused some of the flames emanating from her to dim. In return Zenith used a legendary action to command the giants to make a free attack. The Minions smashed Cassidy. The Lightbearer fire giant shot a bolt of fire at Gazlowe but missed.
The Lightbearer shot a blaze of fire at Isabella and badly hurt her (she had not begun to rage yet.) Gazlowe cast fly on Isabella. Isabella took off and the minions slammed her leaving her bloodied. Isabella flew around Aastrika and slashed her with her axe twice, the 2nd just being a glancing blow. Cassidy dropped concentration on the levitate and took NPT-48, doubling her intelligence. She tried to curse Zenith but Zenith again used a legendary resistance, her flames again gowing a bit dimmer.

Zenith gets the upper hand

Zenith swung at Isabella. Gazlowe used his reaction to try to have Isabella evade the strike but it didn’t help and Zenith smacked Isabella hard, leaving her glowing red. Zenith then hurled a flame at Cassidy and struck her in the chest, knocking her unconscious. Zenith then struck Isabella a 2nd time leaving her badly bloodied.
Ajani came out from behind a pillar and hit Zenith with a chromatic orb of cold hurting Zenith badly. He quickly hid again behind a pillar. Frustrated, Zenith used her 2nd legendary action and Teleport so that she would be within sight of Ajani. Ajani gasped! When Zenith teleported 5 more Fire Giant Troopers (Minions) appeared right where she was standing, and they immediately pounded Isabella to unconsciousness. The rest of the party gasped!
Juan then cast an aura of fear causing 3 of the minions to be frightened. Zenith however was immune to being frightened. The Fire Giant Lightbearer then slammed Juan, leaving him bloodied and prone on the ground. He then shot a firebolt at Zenith and healed her.

Gazlowe breaks the rules.

Gazlowe saw two party members down and everyone else in really bad shape. So he did an unusually risky thing. He cast Haste on himself and with the hasted action drank a potion of speed. With the 3rd hasted action he drank a potion of storm giant strength. Luckily the interactions of the potions worked but their durations were halved. Gazlowe then used a bonus action to splash a greater potion of healing on himself giving himself 17 points of healing so he is just barely no longer bloodied.

Campaign

The Forest

Protagonists

Thomas Elliot

Abrash Asim

Chaotic Good Moon Wood Elf (Folk Hero)
Druid 1

9 / 9 HP

STR
7

DEX
10

CON
13

INT
8

WIS
19

CHA
14

Report Date

26 Dec 2023