Session 56, Draconian Torture Chamber and a Robo Zombie
Paldegora
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Session 56 – 2025-07-12
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Summary
The battle had just concluded, leaving the group in an area with two side chambers with a couple of tables. Angelique looked at a glowing object up some steps but hadn’t examined it closely. The object appeared to be a statue of a god unfamiliar to her. It radiated a profoundly strange and malevolent aura that nearly sickened her. Unfamiliar with such evil, her curiosity urged her to investigate further and discern its nature.
Before approaching the object, Angelique scanned the room’s desks for references to a god or deity connected to it, noting papers in the back. She also checked the floor and walls for rune marks or symbols but found none, which seemed odd. She turned to the desk, which matched a picture she recalled, laden with papers mostly operational notes that meant little to her, except for one that caught her attention.
The document was a manifest of shipment from Port Ahn, dated Naafall 17th, Year of the Red Dragon 2364, addressed to Captain John Samuel Hawthorn of the S.C.S. Vengeance, with destination The Rook's Eye for armament in the Great Work. The cargo included 12 alchemist powder weapons forged by Fritz Grimm, 50 barrels of alchemist powder, 20 crates of iron shot, and 5 alchemical vials, with instructions to load at a hidden dock and ship additional 70 barrels. Orders specified delivery by Naafall 25th and keeping captives at The Rook's Eye until transfer to Nox.
The manifest invoked the will of Kragoth, Child of Sahn, Lord of Chaos and Ruin, with Shirva, High Acolyte of Kragoth, swearing it would pave the way for Sahn's ascension and the coming Dragon Emperors' dominion. It mentioned the descendants of the five bloodlines awakening to anoint the world with ruin and unleash chaos. A red ink scrawl warned to beware Blackmoore's Mob seeking the alchemist and to keep The Rook's Eye hidden. It was signed by Shirva with a sigil of a broken skull wreathed in flames, though the handwriting differed, suggesting another author, and The Rook's location was unknown and mislocated.
The actual manifest is below.
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Manifest of Shipment – Port Ahn Naafall 17th, Year of the Red Dragon 2364
To: Captain John Samuel Hawthorn, S.C.S. Vengeance Destination: The Rook's Eye Purpose: Armament for the Great Work
Cargo: - 12 Alchemist Powder Weapons (alchemical, forged by Fritz Grimm) * Specifications: Iron-barrels, 8-pound shot, alchemical powder (10 barrels per Weapon, *120 total) * Instructions: Load at hidden dock for deployment. - 50 Barrels of Alchemist Powder (Grimm Alchemy, volatile, store below deck) - 20 Crates of Iron Shot (500 rounds, 8-pound) - 5 Alchemical Vials (ignition catalysts, handle with care) * Ship additional 70 barrels of Alchemist Powder when ready.
Orders: - Deliver to the Rook's Eye by Naafall 25th. - All captives to remain at the Rook's Eye until transferred to Nox.
By the will of Kragoth, Child of Sahn, Lord of Chaos and Ruin: - Shirva, High Acolyte of Kragoth, swears this shall help pave the way for Sahn's ascension and the coming Dragon Emperors' dominion. The descendants of the five bloodlines of old will awaken and anoint the world with ruin to unleash chaos.
[Red ink scrawl]: Beware Blackmoore's Mob. They seek the alchemist. The Rook's Eye must remain hidden.
Signed, Shirva, High Acolyte of Kragoth [Sigil: A broken skull wreathed in flames.]
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Eryn inspected another table, finding only a romance novel, food, and lounging items. She searched both desks thoroughly, uncovering no hidden compartments or additional items. Returning to the glowing object, Angelique experienced a split-second event unnoticed by others: she stopped and stared briefly, becoming one with the evil artifact.
Angelique paused, stepped back, looked puzzled, then shifted to awe, piecing together the information mentally. Cal, on the other side of a column, was unaware, his attention focused on the stairs leading down. Angelique reached to her neck and pulled at the now-glowing amulet. Eryn and Cassandra noticed the glow, questioning its sudden appearance. Angelique stepped back 10 feet, and the glow faded, though the amulet remained as a Lotus Flower.
Eryn examined the podium for traps or secrets, advancing cautiously. Failing her saving throw the aura repelled her, inducing nausea, preventing further approach. The group debated destroying the object or the new amulet, deeming them evil. Angelique urged backing away, suggesting they lacked the means to destroy the object.
Angelique explained her vision:
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[As you look into the blue aura of the temple shrine you see a cracked skull and flames surrounding it, the name “Kragoth”enters your mind. Suddenly a searing warmth blooms at your throat. A silver lotus flower amulet, its petals shimmering with divine light, materializes around your neck, your new holy symbol. The dank sewer air grows heavy, and your vision blurs, overtaken by a radiant presence. A figure appears, wreathed in silver flames, her eyes glowing like twin stars, her voice both gentle and commanding, resonating in your soul.]
“Child of Naa, daughter of my sacred mother, I am Lirien, goddess of light and redemption. Naa, goddess of balance, birthed you to stand against the chaos of Kragoth, spawn of Sahn. His darkness fuels the Sahn Cult's altars, seeking to overthrow the Dragon Emperors. Your Blazecaller blood holds the power to defy them or be seduced by them. I join Naa as your patron, weaving my light into her balance. Embrace your divine heritage, Angelique, but guard against it and wield it to shatter the rites at Nox. Seek the path to restore balance and banish chaos, for you are the last of your ancient bloodline and our chosen.”
[The vision fades, leaving the silver lotus flower amulet around your neck, pulsing with divine strength, marking you as the daughter of Naa, blessed by Lirien's light.]
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Angelique felt the weight of the vision, thinking the amulet appeared as part of a blessing facing Kragoth’s evil. Cal inspected the amulet, feeling nothing bad from it. Angelique nodded, sensing good would come from this. She assessed the evil object again, the glow returning to the amulet as she approached, concluding they lacked strength or means to destroy it now.
Eryn, exploring, fell into a pit trap, taking eight points of damage—two from the fall, six from spikes—and was stuck. Cal lowered a rope and pulled her out. There were two side chambers on this end of the area. Eryn noticed two statues in the eastern chamber and an alcove with an iron chest bearing a glowing symbol of a rope and flame. Checking for traps with a 75% skill, she found none. Attempting to open it with her dagger, she found it locked. Her 50% lock-picking skill failed initially, as she discovered that she'd failed to find the trap. The sigil blazed, delivering eight points of electrical damage. After lubricating the lock with oil, she succeeded in picking it, revealing a scroll and three potion bottles inside.
The group gathered to examine the chest’s contents. The scroll, not magical, seemed like written notes tied with a string. The potions included two of extra healing and one unidentified. Symon and Angelique inspected them, identifying the unknown as a potion of speed, matching one Eryn had, giving them a third bottle. They distributed one to Cal, one to X’or, with Eryn already having one.
Symon opened the scroll, revealing several sheets, one falling to the floor in Shirva’s writing proclaiming the litany of Sahn’s dominion. The Litany of Sahn's Dominion, proclaimed by Shirva, High Priestess of Kragoth, described in the Fourth Era, shadows lengthening, the chosen of Sahn singing glory of his divine progeny. From chaos, Sahn birthed three children to drown Phi's light and shatter Naa's balance, heralding triumph of darkness.
Vorathis, God of Tyrannical Shadows, rises to crush Auralith. Nythera, Goddess of Subtle Corruption, poisons Lirien. Kragoth, God of Savage Ruin, consumes Zephyris, with Shirva devoting her soul to him. The children of Phi and Naa are adversaries: Auralith, Lirien, Zephyris, Thalindra, Eryndor, Veyraxis. The faithful reject their lies, forging tools for Sahn's victory, pledging blood to usher in darkness.
The actual letter is below.
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The Litany of Sahn's Dominion, Proclaimed by Shirva, High Priestess of Kragoth
In the Fourth Era, as shadows lengthen and the world trembles, we, the chosen of Sahn, God of Darkness and Eternal Void, sing the glory of his divine progeny. From the abyss of chaos, Sahn has birthed three children to drown the light of Phi and shatter the frail balance of Naa. These sacred words, etched in fire and blood, herald the triumph of darkness over a world unworthy of salvation.
Vorathis, God of Tyrannical Shadows, rises with his life-draining scepter to crush Auralith, the radiant pretender who cloaks her tyranny in justice. His black crown pierces the heavens, casting down her golden flames and trampling her knights beneath a reign of iron. Where Auralith's scales seek order, Vorathis sows dread, forging an empire where fear is law and submission is eternal.
Nythera, Goddess of Subtle Corruption, coils her serpentine will to poison Lirien, the healer whose glowing lotus dares to mend what must rot. Nythera's chalice brims with deceit, seeping into the hearts of Phi's caregivers and Naa's druids, turning their mercy to greed. Her whispers guide our sacred rites in these shadowed depths, where fire and steel prepare a reckoning for the unworthy.
Kragoth, God of Savage Ruin, my eternal lord, roars with the fury of a shattered world, his burning skull a pyre to consume Zephyris, the rebel whose flaming torch defies chaos with false freedom. Kragoth's claws rend the earth, his rage a tempest that topples forests and cities alike. I, Shirva, devote my soul to his ruin, vowing to wield his fire against all who cling to Phi's light or Naa's balance. My life is his offering, my breath his flame.
Yet the children of Phi and Naa stand as cursed adversaries. Auralith, with her blinding sun, rallies paladins to enforce her sterile order, blinding them to the beauty of decay. Lirien, with her silver hair and blooming staff, seeks to heal a world that craves destruction. Zephyris, with her molten sword, incites rebellion, her chaotic spark a mockery of Kragoth's true ruin. Thalindra, Naa's stone-hearted warden, binds the earth to resist our tide, while Eryndor, the stag-wolf, guards a futile equilibrium. Veyraxis, the storm-bringer, weaves chaos to rival ours, her lightning spear a pale shadow of Kragoth's wrath.
We, the faithful, reject their lies. In these hallowed depths, we forge the tools of Sahn's victory, our rites fueling the awakening of his chosen. Let Vorathis chain the heavens, Nythera corrupt the hearts, and Kragoth burn the world to ash. By Sahn's will, I, Shirva, pledge my blood to Kragoth's eternal pyre, to cast down the false gods and usher in the age of darkness.
In the name of Sahn, let ruin reign.
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Another letter addressed to Nyra Vexis, Faithful Servant of Sahn's Eternal Shadow, from Mathias, Chosen of Sahn, written from recovery after resurrection. It expressed impatience with Aphobis's failures, noting the Company Clandestine eluding them, crushing the Bloodmoon Syndicate. Aphobis's gambit to sway the Grand Council failed, making it vital to seize Azar's map, the Orb of Dragon Mastery, and the Rod of Soul Trapping to bind Dragon Emperors to Sahn.
Mathias praised the operation in Port Ahn's sewers, with Fritz Grimm bending to their will, his powder fueling Hawthorn's weapons on the Vengeance. He warned not to trust the pirate or allies like Blackspire, Vardek Báthory. Mott's madness taints loyalty, to keep him leashed. The capture of Princess Seraphine Valoris was foolish, risking Royal Navy, to keep her secure in The Rook's Eye. The Company threatens plans, to find them using Shadow Drake and Angelique's blood, detonate powder if needed.
The actual letter is below.
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To Nyra Vexis, Faithful Servant of Sahn's Eternal Shadow,
By the grace of Nythera, whose subtle corruption now guides our hand, I write to you from my wretched recovery, my soul dragged back from the void by our master's dark arts. The pain of resurrection is a small price for our divine cause, but my patience wanes with Aphobis's failures. I have consulted with him and our allies in Ravenspire, and his blunders weigh heavily on our plans. The Company Clandestine, those accursed heretics, elude us still, their strength growing like a plague. They crushed the Bloodmoon Syndicate north of Port Ahn, severing Aphobis's eyes on their trail.
His gambit to sway the Grand Council of Spires was a fool's errand—Tinkledorf, Blazecaller, and Lord Aldric Valoris are no fools. They saw through his motion to charge the outcasts, and Valoris's vote with him has kept ther combined forces from his grasp. This makes it all the more vital we find the Company first and seize Azar's map, the Orb of Dragon Mastery, and the Rod of Soul Trapping. These artifacts are the key to binding the Dragon Emperors to Sahn's will, and we cannot allow them to reach Montague's Island.
I am pleased with your operation in Port Ahn's sewers. The alchemist Fritz Grim bends to our will, his alchemist powder fueling Captain Hawthorn's weapons aboard the Vengeance. These weapons will be vital to secure the isle, but I warn you: do not trust that obnoxious fat pirate he sails for or any of his cronies. Hawthorn's alliance with Aphobis, Blackspire and the necromantic lords—Vardek Báthory and his ilk—makes him a treacherous ally, necessary though he is. His ship, armed with Grim's devices, may yet turn the tide, but his ambitions rival Aphobis's. Watch him closely.
As for Mott, his madness taints his loyalty. His psychotic fervor for Sahn is useful, but his recklessness and necromancy endangers us. Keep him and his pets on a tight leash, lest he unravel our plans.
The capture of Princess Seraphine Valoris was a foolish move, even if it does draw out Hawthorn's pirate stalker. The Bladedogs his every move, and while this oddly serves our purpose, it risks drawing the Royal Navy's wrath. Ensure the princess remains secure in the Rook's Eye, but do not let her become a liability. She is a card I do not wish Aphobis to have available to play.
The Company Clandestine has become a danger we cannot ignore. Their defeat of the Syndicate and their pursuit of the Heart of the Dragon threaten all we have built. Find them, Nyra. Use the Shadow Drake and the blood of the priestess Angelique to track them. If our enemies breach the forge and tinkery, detonate the powder as a last resort—let Port Ahn's smoldering ruin be a testament to Sahn's power. Search for the artifacts with all your skill, for the domination by Sahn of the dragons depends on our success.
In Nythera's name, we shall cast this world into darkness.
Mathias, Chosen of Sahn
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They moved down the stairs to a split. Cal moved south, finding a room with beds and exits on the far side and northern wall. Eryn moved north, finding a room with a table, crates, a door in the southern wall, and a trap door. They returned to the bedroom with the group. Eryn opened the northern door, revealing the room she'd seen. They checked the trap door. It appeared to have been unused for a long time. They opened it with their combined strength, revealing an area flooded sewage. They closed immediately.
They moved to the eastern door in the bedroom, opening to a long room with stacked crates. The crates contained saltpeter and sulphur powders. They searched thoroughly, finding no secret doors. Cassandra held the healing ring for three hours, nearly fully healed, then passed it to X’or, who passed it to Eryn. The group rested, one against the door, with no disturbances, and Angelique casting heals on Cal.
They returned to the room with two big tables, opening another eastern door after listening to hammering and pounding. No traps found, Eryn opened it quietly, hearing moans, wails, and orders. Stairs led to iron bars and a locked double door, unlocked with keys they'd found earlier. Eryn sneaked in but was attacked by Kapac and Baaz draconians.
The fight erupted, with everyone moving in: Eryn, X'or, and Cal to the north facing draconians; Angelique attacked from the south, joined by Cassandra; Symon pelting from distance. Draconians died, their bodies trapping and holding weapons or collapsing into acid causing additional damage over time. They cleared them. Using wine and scraping off some of the acid, they managed to lessen acid damage.
They found cages with goblins, men, women, a half-orc, and torture devices. Eryn freed the prisoners, who were battered and grateful; the half-orc snuck out. Asked about a gnome, goblins pointed to a barred door as the “fire room” down eastern stairs, with more draconians. The freed people waited in the previous room with food and rest.
They checked other doors: southern wall to beds for draconian shifts; northern wall a locked door picked by Eryn, opening to a room with body parts and dismembering tools, reminding them of Mott's rooms. Through a northern wall opening, stairs led east ending after a short distance; west hall had a lit opening to a small chamber with sarcophagi. There was also an opening leading to a large round room with domed ceiling, burning brazier, and more sarcophagi, with eastern and northern exits.
Eryn moved to the center to see into openings, but sarcophagi opened, blood reaver skeletons attacked. She backed to the door so her friends could join. A zombie-like creature with machinery components appeared from the eastern opening. They fought from inside the door; Angelique turned some, affecting two—one fled, one cut down. They defeated all, but the mechanical zombie was a very tough opponent.
They searched sarcophagi, finding 100 gold pieces, a 100-worth ruby, two 250-worth diamonds, and 150-worth sapphires. The eastern opening led nowhere; northern to a small chamber with boxes. In the leading room, they found spell components.
This is where the session ended.
Please start the recorder.
Exp: 3558 + 356 = 3914
Detail
The battle had just concluded. A couple of tables stood in the two side chambers. Angelique looked at a glowing object, up some steps, but hadn’t examined it closely. The object seemed to be a statue of a god but not any she knew of. The object felt profoundly strange to her. The aura radiated such malevolence that it nearly sickened her. Unfamiliar with such evil, her curiosity was piqued, urging her to investigate further and discern its nature.
Before approaching, Angelique scanned the room’s desks for references to a god or deity connected to the object, noting papers in the back. She also checked the floor and walls for rune marks or symbols. Finding no runes, which seemed odd, she turned to the desk, which matched a picture she recalled. The desk was laden with papers, mostly operational notes that meant little to her, except for one that caught her attention.
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Manifest of Shipment – Port Ahn Naafall 17th, Year of the Red Dragon 2364
To: Captain John Samuel Hawthorn, S.C.S. Vengeance Destination: The Rook's Eye Purpose: Armament for the Great Work
Cargo: - 12 Alchemist Powder Weapons (alchemical, forged by Fritz Grimm) * Specifications: Iron-barrels, 8-pound shot, alchemical powder (10 barrels per Weapon, *120 total) * Instructions: Load at hidden dock for deployment. - 50 Barrels of Alchemist Powder (Grimm Alchemy, volatile, store below deck) - 20 Crates of Iron Shot (500 rounds, 8-pound) - 5 Alchemical Vials (ignition catalysts, handle with care) * Ship additional 70 barrels of Alchemist Powder when ready.
Orders: - Deliver to the Rook's Eye by Naafall 25th. - All captives to remain at the Rook's Eye until transferred to Nox.
By the will of Kragoth, Child of Sahn, Lord of Chaos and Ruin: - Shirva, High Acolyte of Kragoth, swears this shall help pave the way for Sahn's ascension and the coming Dragon Emperors' dominion. The descendants of the five bloodlines of old will awaken and anoint the world with ruin to unleash chaos.
[Red ink scrawl]: Beware Blackmoore's Mob. They seek the alchemist. The Rook's Eye must remain hidden.
Signed, Shirva, High Acolyte of Kragoth [Sigil: A broken skull wreathed in flames.]
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Signed again by Shirva with a symbol of a broken skull and wreathed in flames, the handwriting differed from Shirva’s, suggesting another author. The Rooks’ location was unknown, mislocated.
Eryn inspected another table, finding only a romance novel, food, and lounging items. She searched both desks thoroughly, uncovering no hidden compartments or additional items. Returning to the glowing object, Angelique experienced a split-second event unnoticed by others: she stopped and stared briefly, becoming one with the evil artifact.
Angelique paused, stepped back, looked puzzled, then shifted to awe, piecing together the information mentally. Cal, stood on the other side of a column, unaware. His attention was focused on the stairs leading down. Reaching to her neck, Angelique pulled at the now-glowing amulet. Eryn and Cassandra noticed the glow, questioning its sudden appearance. Angelique stepped back 10 feet, and the glow faded, though the amulet remained. It was a Lotus Flower.
Eryn examined the podium for traps or secrets, advancing cautiously but failing a saving throw. The aura repelled her, inducing nausea; she couldn’t approach further. They debated destroying the object or the new amulet, deeming them evil. Angelique urged backing away, suggesting that they were not capable of destroying the object as they simply lacked the means.
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Angelique explains her vision
I just pasted the vision below.
[As you look into the blue aura of the temple shrine you see a cracked skull and flames surrounding it, the name “Kragoth”enters your mind. Suddenly a searing warmth blooms at your throat. A silver lotus flower amulet, its petals shimmering with divine light, materializes around your neck, your new holy symbol. The dank sewer air grows heavy, and your vision blurs, overtaken by a radiant presence. A figure appears, wreathed in silver flames, her eyes glowing like twin stars, her voice both gentle and commanding, resonating in your soul.] “Child of Naa, daughter of my sacred mother, I am Lirien, goddess of light and redemption. Naa, goddess of balance, birthed you to stand against the chaos of Kragoth, spawn of Sahn. His darkness fuels the Sahn Cult's altars, seeking to overthrow the Dragon Emperors. Your Blazecaller blood holds the power to defy them or be seduced by them. I join Naa as your patron, weaving my light into her balance. Embrace your divine heritage, Angelique, but guard against it and wield it to shatter the rites at Nox. Seek the path to restore balance and banish chaos, for you are the last of your ancient bloodline and our chosen.” [The vision fades, leaving the silver lotus flower amulet around your neck, pulsing with divine strength, marking you as the daughter of Naa, blessed by Lirien's light.] = = = = = = = = = =
Angelique, felt the weight of the vision. She thought the amulet appeared as part of a blessing as she faced Kragoth’s evil. Cal, inspecting the amulet, felt nothing bad from it. Angelique nodded, sensing good would come from this.
She assessed the evil object again, the glow returning to the amulet as she approached. She concluded they lacked the strength or means to destroy the object now. Eryn, exploring, fell into a pit trap, taking eight points of damage—two from the fall, six from spikes—and was stuck. Cal lowered a rope and pulled her out.
Eryn noticed two statues to the east, possibly part of a shrine, and an alcove with an iron chest bearing a glowing symbol of a rope and flame. Checking for traps with a 75% skill, she found none. Attempting to open it with her dagger, she found it locked. Her 50% lock-picking skill failed initially. She'd failed to find the trap. The sigil blazed, delivering eight points of electrical damage. After lubricating the lock with oil, she succeeded in picking it, revealing a scroll and three potion bottles inside.
The group gathered to examine the chest’s contents. The scroll, not magical, seemed like written notes tied with a string. The potions included two of extra healing and one unidentified. Symon and Angelique inspected them, identifying the unknown as a potion of speed, matching one Eryn had. They had a third bottle of that. They distributed one to Cal, one to X’or. Eryn already had one. They decided to stay for 30 minutes, using Cassandra's healing ring to recover three more points, as Angelique's healing brought Eryn to 13 hit points.
Symon opened the scroll, revealing several sheets, one falling to the floor. It was Shirva’s writing proclaiming the litany of Saan’s dominion.
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The Litany of Sahn's Dominion, Proclaimed by Shirva, High Priestess of Kragoth
In the Fourth Era, as shadows lengthen and the world trembles, we, the chosen of Sahn, God of Darkness and Eternal Void, sing the glory of his divine progeny. From the abyss of chaos, Sahn has birthed three children to drown the light of Phi and shatter the frail balance of Naa. These sacred words, etched in fire and blood, herald the triumph of darkness over a world unworthy of salvation.
Vorathis, God of Tyrannical Shadows, rises with his life-draining scepter to crush Auralith, the radiant pretender who cloaks her tyranny in justice. His black crown pierces the heavens, casting down her golden flames and trampling her knights beneath a reign of iron. Where Auralith's scales seek order, Vorathis sows dread, forging an empire where fear is law and submission is eternal.
Nythera, Goddess of Subtle Corruption, coils her serpentine will to poison Lirien, the healer whose glowing lotus dares to mend what must rot. Nythera's chalice brims with deceit, seeping into the hearts of Phi's caregivers and Naa's druids, turning their mercy to greed. Her whispers guide our sacred rites in these shadowed depths, where fire and steel prepare a reckoning for the unworthy.
Kragoth, God of Savage Ruin, my eternal lord, roars with the fury of a shattered world, his burning skull a pyre to consume Zephyris, the rebel whose flaming torch defies chaos with false freedom. Kragoth's claws rend the earth, his rage a tempest that topples forests and cities alike. I, Shirva, devote my soul to his ruin, vowing to wield his fire against all who cling to Phi's light or Naa's balance. My life is his offering, my breath his flame.
Yet the children of Phi and Naa stand as cursed adversaries. Auralith, with her blinding sun, rallies paladins to enforce her sterile order, blinding them to the beauty of decay. Lirien, with her silver hair and blooming staff, seeks to heal a world that craves destruction. Zephyris, with her molten sword, incites rebellion, her chaotic spark a mockery of Kragoth's true ruin. Thalindra, Naa's stone-hearted warden, binds the earth to resist our tide, while Eryndor, the stag-wolf, guards a futile equilibrium. Veyraxis, the storm-bringer, weaves chaos to rival ours, her lightning spear a pale shadow of Kragoth's wrath.
We, the faithful, reject their lies. In these hallowed depths, we forge the tools of Sahn's victory, our rites fueling the awakening of his chosen. Let Vorathis chain the heavens, Nythera corrupt the hearts, and Kragoth burn the world to ash. By Sahn's will, I, Shirva, pledge my blood to Kragoth's eternal pyre, to cast down the false gods and usher in the age of darkness.
In the name of Sahn, let ruin reign.
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Another letter, addressed to Vexas, a servant of Saan.
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To Nyra Vexis, Faithful Servant of Sahn's Eternal Shadow,
By the grace of Nythera, whose subtle corruption now guides our hand, I write to you from my wretched recovery, my soul dragged back from the void by our master's dark arts. The pain of resurrection is a small price for our divine cause, but my patience wanes with Aphobis's failures. I have consulted with him and our allies in Ravenspire, and his blunders weigh heavily on our plans. The Company Clandestine, those accursed heretics, elude us still, their strength growing like a plague. They crushed the Bloodmoon Syndicate north of Port Ahn, severing Aphobis's eyes on their trail.
His gambit to sway the Grand Council of Spires was a fool's errand—Tinkledorf, Blazecaller, and Lord Aldric Valoris are no fools. They saw through his motion to charge the outcasts, and Valoris's vote with him has kept ther combined forces from his grasp. This makes it all the more vital we find the Company first and seize Azar's map, the Orb of Dragon Mastery, and the Rod of Soul Trapping. These artifacts are the key to binding the Dragon Emperors to Sahn's will, and we cannot allow them to reach Montague's Island.
I am pleased with your operation in Port Ahn's sewers. The alchemist Fritz Grim bends to our will, his alchemist powder fueling Captain Hawthorn's weapons aboard the Vengeance. These weapons will be vital to secure the isle, but I warn you: do not trust that obnoxious fat pirate he sails for or any of his cronies. Hawthorn's alliance with Aphobis, Blackspire and the necromantic lords—Vardek Báthory and his ilk—makes him a treacherous ally, necessary though he is. His ship, armed with Grim's devices, may yet turn the tide, but his ambitions rival Aphobis's. Watch him closely.
As for Mott, his madness taints his loyalty. His psychotic fervor for Sahn is useful, but his recklessness and necromancy endangers us. Keep him and his pets on a tight leash, lest he unravel our plans.
The capture of Princess Seraphine Valoris was a foolish move, even if it does draw out Hawthorn's pirate stalker. The Bladedogs his every move, and while this oddly serves our purpose, it risks drawing the Royal Navy's wrath. Ensure the princess remains secure in the Rook's Eye, but do not let her become a liability. She is a card I do not wish Aphobis to have available to play.
The Company Clandestine has become a danger we cannot ignore. Their defeat of the Syndicate and their pursuit of the Heart of the Dragon threaten all we have built. Find them, Nyra. Use the Shadow Drake and the blood of the priestess Angelique to track them. If our enemies breach the forge and tinkery, detonate the powder as a last resort—let Port Ahn's smoldering ruin be a testament to Sahn's power. Search for the artifacts with all your skill, for the domination by Sahn of the dragons depends on our success.
In Nythera's name, we shall cast this world into darkness.
Mathias, Chosen of Sahn
= = = = = = = = = =
They moved down the stairs to a split. Cal moved south while Eryn moved North. Eryn found a room with a table and come crates. There was a door in the southern wall and a trap door on the far side of the room. She returned to check on Cal's findings. He'd found a room with beds and an exits on the far side of the room and the northern wall. They both returned to that room with the rest of the group following.
Eryn realized the door to the north matched the southern door in the room she'd checked. She opened it revealing the room she'd seen. Eryn decided they should check the trap door. Cal determined that it hadn't seen use in a long time. Eryn was determined to open it though. She attempted to open it but failed. Joined with Cal's strength, they were able to pull it open. They regretted it immediately and closed it. It was a opening to a flooded area full of sewage.
They moved to the eastern door in the bedroom and opened it. It was a long room with many crates stacked around. They checked the crates finding two different kinds of powder in them. One powder was saltpeter while the other was sulphur.
They searched the room thoroughly, finding no secret doors. Cassandra held the healing ring for three hours, nearly fully healed, then passed it to X’or, and he passed it to Eryn when he was done. The group rested, one resting against the door at all times. No disturbances occurred, healing was pretty thorough with Angelique casting a few heals on Cal.
They returned to the room with two big tables. There was another door to the east. Cal and Eryn each listened at the door, hearing hammering and pounding from a large, echoey room. Checking for traps and finding none, Eryn opened the door quietly, hearing moans, wails, and people shouting orders. Stairs leading down led to iron bars and a locked double door. Using keys from earlier foes, she unlocked it and sneaked in, only to be attacked by Kapac and Baaz draconian.
The fight erupted. Everyone moved in, Eryn, Xor, and Cal moved to the north side facing the draconians. Angelique moved in and postioned herself to cast a spell when she was attacked by more draconians from the south. Cassandra joined her while Symon picked a point to pelt the creatures from a distance.
The draconians began dying and in true draconian fashion, each death managed to hurt the party even more. Some died and their bodies would hold the weapon tight not allowing it to be used. The other draconian type died resulting in a colapse and acid being thrown out. The acid would to additional damage over time.
Eventually, they cleared the draconians. They used wine on the acid to lessen the damage as well as scrapping some of it off. They found cages with goblins, men, and women, a half-orc, and torture devices throughout the chamber. Eryn freed the prisoners, who were battered and grateful. The half-orc snuck out. When asked about a gnome, the goblins pointed to another barred door and called if the “fire room” down the eastern stairs. They mentioned more more draconians down there.
They had the freed people wait in the room that led to this chamber. There was food and a place to sit and rest. Then they checked some of the other doors in the main chamber. The door in the southern wall opened to beds. The draconians but have been taking shifts resting. On the northern wall, the found a locked door. Eryn picked the lock and opened the door. The found a room with body parts and tools used to dismember then. Everything about this room reminded them of Mott's rooms.
They moved through an opening in the northern wall to find a set of stairs leading off to the east and seemingly ending there. The hall to the west had an opening with some light showing. Beyond that opening was a small chamber with a couple of sarcophagi. Eryn looked into the lit room and saw many more sarcophagi. It was a large round room with a domed ceiling. There was a brazier burning in the middle. There appeared to be two exits. One exit was in the eastern wall and one was in the northern wall.
Eryn moved to the center of the room, trying to get an angle where she could see into both of the openings. As she reached the middle of the room, many of the sarcophagi opened and blood reaver skeletons attacked. She backed up quickly, near to the door so her friends could join her in the fight. Out of the eastern opening appeared a zombie like creature with machinery components.
They fought them from just inside the door. The blood reaver skeletons were bad enough, but the mechanical zombie was very tough and dangerous. Angelique did attempt to turn several times, affecting two of them. One ran away to the far side of the room, one was cut down as it attempted to flee. They eventually cut them all down.
They searched the sarcophagi, finding 100 gold pieces, a ruby worth 100, two diamonds worth 250 each, and sapphires worth 150 each. The eastern opening appeared to lead nowhere. The northern opening led to a small chamber with a few boxes in it. Looking through the room leading into this area, they found some components for use in their spells.
This is where the session ended.
Please start the recorder.
Exp: 3558 + 356 = 3914