[Spoilers] Heroes of the North

[Tundrra]

Recap 105
Uktar the 8th 1492 10:30am

Ra presents a thoughtful platinum holy symbol necklace of a holy symbol to the new king before the party heads to the Starhaunt royal crypts. Norm puts his hand in the carved dragon’s mouth like before, its closes down revealing a door in the center of the mural. "The Kings gate will close in 30 secs" comes from a magic mouth within and a count down begins. The north wall has a table displaying a lance and pike, south wall is a locked magic case, and the central left wall is a case of has a large collection of holy symbols of all kinds. While Ra was looking for keys to the south cabinet, she discovered subtle drag marks on ground where the symbol cabinet has been pulled away from the wall. Beneath we find a hidden stair case.

Detect Magic in here is in over drive with Abjuration Magic. The steep stairs lead down a quarter mile, then shift and then another quarter...repeat… a mile of stairs later. The Abjuration magic continues to fill this whole area. The rooms are empty with the exception of pedestals to honoring Norm’s uncle Sebastian’s adventuring party. They could be graves or just memorials, the only ones missing are Emirikol and Sebation which we believe remain alive. Behind on of the monuments is a large dragon statue, with a riddle. Norm solves the puzzle quickly opening a passage behind the dragon where a brazier burns. This area is dustless, as a drinking well, a full books shelf and a sleeping chamber. It has been determined that the Abjuration Magic covering everything since opening the Kings Gate is the “Private Sanctum” spell, protecting the whole area. Ra yells for Norm, she has found a radiating crystal the size as a large cantaloupe. "She wants it" … anyone that sees it wants it.

The Vallis Crystal, Norm has finally found what he has been searching for… and many other interested parties want it. The crystal contains a whole, complete with a sun. We could go inside? Is Sebastian hiding within? We have been in the sanctum for a while now and off the radar of scrying, who will notice us being gone? It is only safe to speak of Vallis here in these sanctum rooms. We agree not to speak a word of it outside of the crypt in case we are being scryed upon. King Tarklin makes Haund swear to secrecy before we hike back up the mile long stairs up and return to room behind the tomb. The locked case has kept our curiosity so Ra twin casts dispel removing the arcane lock magic and chaos magic erupts changing her skin to match her blue hair. The cabinet is opened and the room fills with acid and a necrotic wave of energy, protecting evil weapons once used by Champions of Tiamat.

The party heads back upstairs for lunch and recover some hit die, while Friynaf talks of Shadowfell and how some of us could go with her and if we should travel towards the High Forest to see if it is familiar to her dreams. We decide to camp in the forest tonight to see if Friynaf dreams or if the area rings any bells of what she saw, but all is quiet… no dreams happen. What if the trigger for Friynaf’s teleportation to the Shadowfell is when her senses are overloaded with voices like it had been during the coronation? With no word yet about where the red wizards are holding Devon captivate, its decided we would head for a city with lots of people. The true test of voices in Friynaf’s head is a city and what’s better that’s the largest city of two million… Waterdeep, Ra’s home town and she has a teleportation circle to it. It is also closest to the Goldenfields, the location of the Lord Alliance contact that is monitoring the Storm Giants of the Maelstrom.

Norm has Boske to send a message to Hopea of their travels and moments later we are right outside the south gate of Waterdeep, where guards have surrounded the summoning circle... “We need to see your permit!” Ra does not have one and we find ourselves placed separated holding rooms.
(S105): XP
1000 xP RP Session
200 xP Bookkeeper (Boske)

DM Talolan

Level 13 Players:
HealMageNine (Koram) xP: 136,811 +ABSENT | Piety: 0
Norm (Ojike) xP: 122,366 +1000= 123,366 | Piety: 22
Ra (Kermit) xP: 131,516 +1000= 132,516 | Piety: 28
<LVL 14 = 140,000>

Level 14 Players:
Bos’ke (Tundrra) xP: 142,058 +1000+200= 143,258 | Piety: 35
Friynaf (Stelmarii) xP: 147,792 +1000= 148,792 | Piety: 32
Gutbur (Lasarian) xP: 141,560 +1000= 142,560 | Piety: 62
<LVL 15 = 165,000>

[Tundrra]

Recap 106
Uktar the 9th 1492 8:43a

After our successful check with the Watch, Ra leads the party to its first stop the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors. Ra inquires about how to get a permit to use the Teleportation circle. It is restricted mostly to those that are members of the Order, being that Ra is a resident of the city which is the first requirement she signs up. She pays her dues, is registered, pledge to defend the city, has authorization to volunteer with city watch and take work orders from the rich citizens to created various protective wards for them.

Next stop is Ra’s Uncle Todok’s Taste of the Wild Brewery. Ra reminds the group of the kidnapping and fire that caused her to leave the city so months ago, which involved some corporate espionage with Starlight Brewery. She walks us past the shop on Beacon street for a peak, but the building is chained and boarded up and a sign hangs “Closed by the Order of the Guild”. On arriving at the family brewery everyone greets Ra warmly and we are invited to tonight’s dinner. Todok asks what brought us back to town and Boske states they are headed to Goldenfields, Todok assures us the roads are heavily traveled and very safe.Ra asks what happened to Starlight Brewery? “Foscoe was supposed to tell you, the delivery you were making was a setup, the Gralhund Family were working with the Zhentarium and the Starlight Brewery and after the fire there was a investigation and the guild shut down their brewery. Todok is now considering buying the Starlight’s vacant brewery to expand, but just needs capital.

The day is early and lots of time before dinner so we head back to the Castle Ward for more component shopping and Ra recommends we get rooms at the Ra Maelstrom's Notch Inn just south of the cemetery, which Boske is sad to hear the Inn’s name is based on the storms and not the Giants they seek information about. While we walk the busy city Friynaf begins to bleed from her nose as "to many voices" have entered her mind and a searing pain follows. Ra leads us to Hospice of St Laupsenn (Ilmater temple) where we can consult a cleric. Friynaf offers to trade services as possible payment. The cleric recommends either spending more time in city to climatize or magical enhancement to block out the voices and gives Fryinaf 2 greater healing potions. The cleric presents a gold ring with a carved brain on top, ring of mind shielding, but the downside is if you die while wearing it your soul could get trapped inside it. Fryinaf stays to work in the temple, while Ra goes off to find a couple 1000g piece agate to purchase, so Friynaf can use it to cast the Awaken spell on a future creature.
(S106): XP
500 xp for Session
200 xP Bookkeeper (Boske)

DM Talolan

Level 13 Players:
* HealMageNine (Koram) xP: 136,811 +ABSENT | Piety: 0
* Norm (Ojike) xP: 123,366 +ABSENT | Piety: 22
* Ra (Kermit) xP: 132,516 +500= 133,016 | Piety: 28
<LVL 14 = 140,000>

Level 14 Players:
* Bos’ke (Tundrra) xP: 143,258+200+500 = 143,958 | Piety: 35
* Friynaf (Stelmarii) xP: 148,792 +500= 149,292 | Piety: 32
* Gutbur (Lasarian) xP: 142,560+ABSENT | Piety: 62
<LVL 15 = 165,000>

[Tundrra]

Recap 107
Date: 2024 Wednesday, March 6th
Uktar the 9th 1492 13:30 Waterdeep: Maelstrom's Notch Inn

Norm leads the way to the Palace of Waterdeep to see Lady Silverhand. While waiting we see two masked lords, leave the room we are about to enter, both looking identical. An attendee welcomes us in to see the Lady, whom is wearing a white robe of the archmagi. Gutbur senses that Silverhand is the chosen of Mystra goddess of magic. Norm explains the ritual chamber, and the two casters that were involved in the summoning, he then asks for more info about Astrid, but only confirms things we know. Silverhand does state there is a Thay embassy here in the city that they watch closely and she can have them start following them out of the city to help with tracking down those that are working with Astrid. She asks why Devon was kidnapped and gives more details on Norms uncle and how they ended up in the 9hells.

Later the evening back at Maelstrom's Notch Inn Fryinaf rejoins the party at the inn, feeling much calmer and refreshed. That night watches are set to watch over her to see if she is slips into the shadowfell... but nothing happens. The day at temple calmed the voices in her head, so we spend the next three days as guards on a peaceful trip to Goldenfields, which is the largest food production town of the North. When Friynaf hugs a tree right inside the town and a druid approaches saying you have to be a member of the emerald enclave to stride within the city, but outside the city limits is fine. Fryinaf wanting access to the striding leads to a political discussion of the Uthgar raiding party’s stealing food from the villages they try and feed and discussions on how things would need to change begin.

Boske and Norm’ informant is located at Northfurrow's End Inn, Naxene_Drathkala, is the one overseeing the observations of the giants of Maelstrom. Boske asks they wish to seek a audience with King Hekaton and what the best way to do so is. She replies lots of groveling, but getting there is a task. The conch turns out was previous owned by giants who opposed Hekaton ‘s rule and he should be ok with us using the conch. The Maelstrom is palace size and not a city, the bed chambers are underwater but most of the palace is breathable. She asks why we want a audience and a recap of the Kraken priests being partially responsible for the Kings kidnapping, would definitely make him interested in some retribution, he has sent his own agents unsuccessfully. Before going to the Hekaton meeting, Naxene can cast a sending when we are ready to go to tell the youngest daughter to prepare of the arrival.

After the meeting we leave the town so fryinaf can tree stride outside the gates to head back to Waterdeep. Off to see the wizards to find out why fryinaf moves to the shadowfell. At the Watchful Order of Magists and protectors, we sit in a room with one of the Wizards who wish to see her sleep, while she prepares for sleep we are told to think loud thoughts. After a few hours, she starts speaking our thoughts, Gutbur holds her hand, faster and faster she speaks, and then she says "Transitus Planarum” the somatic command for plane shift. Her and gutbur disappear waking in the shadowfell where Fryinaf left the dead beast several days prior. They follow the mysterious lights deeper into the forest for hours. At dawn they awake and we all head back to Uluvin by tree stride, with a plan to investigate Vallis and a new planeshift spell at Friynaf’s command.


(S107): XP
500 xp for Session
200 xP Bookkeeper (Boske)

DM Talolan

Level 13 Players:
* HealMageNine (Koram) xP: 136,811 +ABSENT | Piety: 0
* Norm (Ojike) xP: 123,366 +500= 123,866 | Piety: 22
* Ra (Kermit) xP: 133,016 +500= 133,516 | Piety: 28
<LVL 14 = 140,000>

Level 14 Players:
* Bos’ke (Tundrra) xP: 143,958 +500+200= 144,658 | Piety: 35
* Friynaf (Stelmarii) xP:149,292 +500= 149,792 | Piety: 32
* Gutbur (Lasarian) xP: 142,560 +500= 143,060 | Piety: 62
<LVL 15 = 165,000>

[Tundrra]

Recap 108
Date: 2024 Wednesday, March 20th
Uktar 14th 8:10 1492

We tree strided back to Uluvin where we find that the new mage has moved into the observatory tower and Norm’s great Uncle Elroheal, prepares for his new position as the new Lord Marshall. We waste little time as we head back to the sanctum behind the Kings Gate where we find in front of Vallis a note and a small stone sitting on a table that previously wasn’t there. It reads, "95% of our kingdom died protecting this, and you find it and leave? Call me when you are done being a moron." Norm picks up the sending stone and says "this is Ezekiel" and A elf in fine robes appears in front of the group. “What took you so long?” A bit of introductions with Norm’s much sought after Uncle Sebastian take place and some surprise revelations about Vallis being the origin world of humans and Malavise’s original home.

The world/solar system had been in stasis for 60k years before Sebastian was able to restart time. Within the world only 3 cities remain standing, one controlled by agents of Asmodeus, one over run my illuminated monsters and the one Sebastian now rules called Ironwood Citadel. The Citadel have been trying to recover the Essences of “He Who Was” the creator of humans and Malavise, but are stopped by Asmodeus’ agents everytime. Norm wants to keep his promise to Malavise and bring her back to Vallis and believes she would be a big help in restoring “He Who Was” to life and free the world from Asmodeus’ influence. Boske warns if we tell her, then she will stop looking for Devin and anything else she has promised us because Vallis is her only goal. Boske was over ruled and the party leaves to seek out her Paramour Arik and make arrangements for her return. Five whispered secrets, revealing the darkest depths of one's soul are needed to preform the ritual. Some are more willing than others to share such information.

Malavise arrives back at Ulivin moments later and is escorted back to the sanctuary where she is introduced to Sebastian. The plan of freeing Vallis from Asmodeus‘ influence is agreed up, but trying to raise “He who Was” back from the dead is not advised. Malavise says the god was a uncaring god who left his creations to their own doom long ago. Sebastian lists some of the locations the crystal will allow us to go within Vallis, but the Castle in Ironwood Citadel is our destination. The guards give us curious looks upon arrival, everyone is human here and have never seen the likes of Gutbur or his little folk companions. We are introduced to Sebastian’s war council and a bit of lore about the remaining cities and the state of the world are explained. This world was once technological advanced and destroyed itself in a atomic aftermath. The center of worship for “He Who Was” is the cursed city of High Vallis, which is now occupied by illuminated monstrosities who believe they are the direct descendants of the old god. The war council believes the grand cathedral in the center of the city is where we would check first for the essence of the god.
(S108): XP
500xp for Wednesday Session
100xp for each person that offered a secret to the ritual (per secret)
200 xP Bookkeeper (Boske)

DM Talolan

Level 13 Players:
* HealMageNine (Koram) xP: 136,811 +ABSENT | Piety: 0
* Norm (Ojike) xP: 123,866 +500+100+100= 124,566 | Piety: 22
* Ra (Kermit) xP: 133,516 +500= 134,016 | Piety: 28
<LVL 14 = 140,000>

Level 14 Players:
* Bos’ke (Tundrra) xP: 144,658 +500+200= 145,358 | Piety: 35
* Friynaf (Stelmarii) xP: 149,792 +500+100+100= 150,492 | Piety: 32
* Gutbur (Lasarian) xP: 143,060 +500+100= 143.660 | Piety: 62
<LVL 15 = 165,000>

[Tundrra]

Recap 109
Date: 2024 Wednesday, April 3rd
Uktar 18th 18:00 1492DR

Three days south of ironwood citadel in the world of Vallis, Malavise tells the party she has located Astrid and Devin via her steward in Gehenna. The steward has a map of the location and the sigils of a teleportation circle within. Malavise stays behind while the party heads back to Ulivan. Arik sets up a meet and greet with the steward and a few minutes later a blue skinned dark haired elf teleports into the shop. Vespera, the Sable Enchantress, daughter of Malavise. She provides Norm a map of the complex and debriefs the party of the location. Norm wants the teleport circle dispelled, so astrid doesn’t have a way to escape. While discussing the plan, Friynf discovers a tuning fork in her pocket? "My mother must really like you?" its attuned to Gehenna says Vespera.

Vespera offers to come with the party along with Hopea. After dinner and a long rest the party awakes in the middle of the night to surprise the wizards in their secret lair south of Secomber.
Enchanted with fly the party quickly make it to the imps and Cambions guarding the circle. Vespera and Boske head south to guard the door, while the rest of the party head north to the sleeping quarters. Awakened by Gutbur pouncing the red wizard’s bed she awakes with a cone of cold blasting the intruders. Astrid is surrounded and out numbered, making Norms justice arrives quick and easy.

The south door opens revealing a imp who attacks Vespera, she responds with a lightning bolt Once inside she defends the female figure we believe to be Devin and a Cambion clogs the corridor blocking the rest of the party from moving forward. The party flanks the cambion making quick work of the obstruction. Norm rushes in to awake Devin from her magical slumber and Ra launches a fireball into a room with awakened wizards. A large Black Necrotic sphere fills the area killing Devin and wounded wizards alike. Friynaf quickly restores Devin to life as the fighters clear the remaining red wizards.
(S109): XP
XP Totals
---------
Astrid - 8400xp
Red Wizard (Necromancer) - 5000
Red Wizard (Illusionist) - 700
Red Wizard (Enchnanter) - 1800
Cambion Gladiator - 3900
Cambion Warlock of the Fiend - 5000
Imp - 200x7 - 1400

Total XP - 26,200
XP Per Participant - 3,742
Undamaged NPC Bonus XP - 2,000
***Total XP per Player - 5,742***

Piety Totals
------------
+1 for everybody
200 xP Bookkeeper (Boske)

DM Talolan

Level 13 Players:
* HealMageNine (Koram) xP: 136,811 +ABSENT | Piety: 0
* Norm (Ojike) xP: 124,566 +5742= 130,308 | Piety: 22+1= 23
* Ra (Kermit) xP: 134,016 +5742= 139,758 | Piety: 28+1= 29
<LVL 14 = 140,000>

Level 14 Players:
* Bos’ke (Tundrra) xP: 145,358 +5742+200= 151,300 | Piety: 35+1= 36
* Friynaf (Stelmarii) xP: 150,492 +5742= 156,234 | Piety: 32+1= 33
* Gutbur (Lasarian) xP: 143.660 +5742= 149,402 | Piety: 62+1= 63
<LVL 15 = 165,000>

[Tundrra]

Recap 110
Date: 2024 Wednesday, April 10TH
Uktar 19th 3:42 1492DR Astrid's Hideout

The party gathers around a cage within Astrid’s Lair, it is a portal to the abyss, should we use it to hunt down Geryon? Should we at least scout what is beyond? Should we speak with dead and interrogate Astrid’s knowledge? Malavise is left behind in Vallis and will be alone there for as long as we take. So first thing we decide to do is speak with Astrid. Learning she is the only one that uses the gate and Geryon speaks directly to her on very rare occasions. After more discussion Ra unpredictable nature incinerates the cage, negotiations are closed.

The swampy High Moor is outside the cave and Frynaf quickly finds a large twisted tree but she is unable to travel us back to Uluvin until the next day. However with a full day ahead of us and a distraught Devon in tow we decided to head to Waterdeep. Hopea and Vespera both head back to Ulivin using their own methods while the rest of us head for the city to sell the red wizards loot and to return Devon to more comfortable surroundings. The party splits for the day, Norm takes Devon to relax in the park, Friynaf buys tuning forks and volunteers at the temple, and Boske contemplates his kidnapped siblings. At dinner when the party reunites Boske believes now that Devon is safe it is time he should confirm that his own family is brought to safety. So arranges are made with Naxene Drathkala in Goldenfields to set up a meeting in the Maelstrom on Nightal the 1st, a tenday from now.
(S110): XP
500 RP Session
200 xP Bookkeeper (Boske)

DM Talolan

Level 13 Players:
* HealMageNine (Koram) xP: 136,811 +ABSENT | Piety: 0
* Norm (Ojike) xP: 130,308 +500= 130,808 | Piety: 23
<LVL 14 = 140,000>

Level 14 Players:
* Ra (Kermit) xP: 139,758 +500= 140,258 | Piety: 29
* Bos’ke (Tundrra) xP: 151,300 +500+200= 152,000 | Piety: 36
* Friynaf (Stelmarii) xP: 156,234 +500= 157,335 | Piety: 33
* Gutbur (Lasarian) xP: 149,402 +500= 149,902 | Piety: 63
<LVL 15 = 165,000>


level 14 Ra