Strange Aeons: In Search of Sanity II [IC - Group #1]

[Swami Monsoon]

Akbar agrees.

[lostsole31]

Dorn gets the syringe.

The group then falls back before tackling the Administrator's Office to the north, moving to the western spur of the central hallway to the first door to the north, just west of the library's northern entrance. Normal door checks.

Two desks are crammed into this crowded office. More space has been dedicated to filing cabinets, bookshelves, and stacks of loose research than room for occupants. Despite the cramped nature of this office, there is room for two junior doctors to work closely here. This is evidenced by two bodies slumped over the desks. Brother Jaume and Dorn, as before, can point out that the young doctors here were slain by blows to the back of the head. This time, however, Dorn realizes some further evidence than the first time he came through: the doctor's legs have been savaged, as if by something small but vicious. The blows to the back of the head seem to have been made by small claws, digging into the base of the skulls - the results, the two healers are sure, of the pickled punks trying to "liberate" more members of their family from their prisons of bone.

Ever on the look out for fun things, as the group does their search, Javert finds a thick yew wand etched with the symbol of Sarenrae hidden in the back of the eastern desk. A piece of twine is wrapped around it, connecting to a note that reads, "Mr. Lantz, this is a place of science, not faith. Please keep your religion at home."

This is something that was not found in the "other reality." Akbar and Brother Jaume, despite both having detect magic, are useless with that spell without having any theoretical knowledge to help guide what they see. Lord Hanley asks to see the wand and studies it. He likewise shrugs (he didn't cast a spell). For now, the wand - which detects as magic but of an unknown type - goes into treasury.

Spoiler: Detect Magic

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Yeah, you can't even begin to figure out what the aura is that you're looking at without training in Knowledge (Arcana). And only after that can you take knowledge of what school of magic you discover and then apply what you know about magic items to actually identify an object .... Spellcraft. So, it's probably a good idea ... if Akbar and Brother Jaume are going to be the ones with detect magic prepared, for them to start learning Knowledge (Arcana) and beefing up Spellcraft.

The next room to the west is the conference room where you fought the pickled punks.

Does Brother Jaume or Dorn or Jean have anything to say about that threat .... that given everything else is likely still there in "this reality?"

[PSinger]

"In the next room," says Dorn, "Are a handful of tiny guys that are basically walking, deformed brains that died and are now undead brains ... that walk and claw. Their juices can irritate you, as Brother Jaume found out. I recommend we have a firing line of pure missile hatred and positive energy channeling."

[lostsole31]

Okay, then, what's the plan?

[PSinger]

Dorn recommends the following plan: Jean opens the door. Brother Jaume and I step in and create a two-man wall. Brother Jaume to channel-burn them (or simply super-smash them), based on his knowledge of his abilities as to which is most effective - but channeling hurts more at once. I will whomp them with my hammer; Torag protects me from minor damage (and these things are Tiny) while bringing greater pain to evil enemies. Everyone else is more susceptible to them, so stay back unless you really feel the need to whomp little undead brain creatures; attack as possible over our heads with spells or whatever.

[Blackhawk101]

Brother Jaume agrees with the positioning of the party. “I will try to save my positive energy bursts as they are relatively weak and better used for healing and turning the undead.” He grins and spins the worn quarterstaff between his beefy hands.

Spoiler: Staff always sounds dirty

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I can’t make it not sound dirty when he plays with his staff, so I am going the other way now.”

[lostsole31]

Proceedingly, thusly, Jean opens the door as Brother Jaume and Dorn rush forth. A once-handsome wood conference table now sits marred by the partially toppled southwest walls. Between heaps of collapsed stone, a closet door still stands ... shut.

So, using the same concept as before, they get to the closet door. This time, however, Jean stands back - scimitar in hand to pick off any stragglers - as Javert perches on the table. The casters and "civilians" stand to the east. Brother Jaume opens the door under which the slime trail has led. Unlike last time, the two pickled punks on the shelf do not seem to have been aware of the party. Brother Jaume and Dorn both know that if they go into the crowded closet with the shelves, they will be at an disadvantage in the tight space, so it is best to make them come to you. They can't drop jars on you this time, and the jars are too big and heavy for them to throw.

Spoiler: Visual of Pickled Punks

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Begin Round One ...

R1T20: Nadya delays.

R1T18: Brother Jaume, what do you do?

Spoiler: Battle Map

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[Blackhawk101]

Brother Jaume will draw a silvered dagger from his belt and flick it at one of the little monsters.

Spoiler

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Retrieve item for a move equivalent action.
(1d20+5)[12] to hit
(1d4+5)[6] to damage

[lostsole31]

R1T18: Brother Jaume draws a silvered dagger from his belt and flicks it at one of the little monsters, but it is a difficult shot with the doorway, the shelves, and their small size and the dagger smashes a jar of preserved fluid which splashes to the ground.

R1T14: Akbar, you have no bead on any target. What do you do?

[Swami Monsoon]

Akbar waits for a target to emerge from the cabinet...

Spoiler

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Ready an action to use Fire Ray against any enemy that becomes visible with a clear shot.

[lostsole31]

R1T14: Akbar waits for a target to emerge from the closet.

R1T12: Javert delays, waiting for a punk to puncture with its beak (but not excited to bite into formaldehyde-brined brain).

R1T11: Dorn, what do you do?

[PSinger]

Dorn allows his grace to flow forth.

Spoiler

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Stop suppressing his Grace ability.

[lostsole31]

R1T11: Dorn stands in graceful readiness for the enemy.

R1T10-7: One of the punks (PP1) comes out of the closet towards Brother Jaume. Brother Jaume and Dorn both destroy it. The other punk then comes out to likewise attack Brother Jaume, but Dorn destroys that one in a single stroke as well.

Combat Ends ...

There is a single shelf in the closet, 6' off the ground. The late Dr. Chawaar's entire collection of floating, aberrant brains, spinal columns, and dissections have been relocated into the closet here. There, the pickled punks created a nest for themselves from lab coats and the remains of Doctor Chawaar himself.

Those who search the body of Doctor Chawaar get a hint of his intention in coming here. There are six flasks of alchemist fire on his body. Additionally, PCs can find eight lab coats about the room. These coats might help to impersonate a doctor, but are otherwise worthless.

Spoiler: Loot

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So, there are exactly six flasks of alchemist's fire and six humanoid members of the party. Does anyone NOT want a lab coat?

[lostsole31]

The group, feeling that you've made a huge "recovery circuit" of what you've seen before (and recovering new, or doubled up, goods), heads back to give the debrief to Winter. She suggests tomorrow that you push forth into the Administrator's Office (which I'm sure you were going to do, anyway).

If nobody has anything pressing, I'll push forward and we'll get to the next day.

Spoiler: Leve-Ups

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Hold off on selecting anything for the new day, since the ones who do that all leveled up, anyway. I will inform each of you when I am done adjusting your sheets.

[Blackhawk101]

BJ agrees that we should return to camp.

Spoiler

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He will use the rest of his channels and swap spells to heal the party and then anyone else at the chapel. He will try to save one spell to Enhance Water.

[lostsole31]

The group returns to the sanctuary to rest and reflect on what you've learned, remembered, and exercised. After the debrief with Winter, the group has plenty of time for other pursuits.

Akbar seeks out Captain York's help. Not having any armor of his own, the red-bearded man surprises the captain when a pair of armor of an off-duty guard is lent to him, for it seems that Akbar is not unskilled in simple armor. Captain York runs Akbar through physical drills with the armor before he has to remove it and it goes back to its owner who awakes for evening duty. Brother Jaume spends time among the patients, helping Winter and the staff calm the more anxious ones. Dorn and Lord Hanley discuss strategies. Jean meditates on something he thinks he discovered within himself. Nadya does nothing special, though once Brother Jaume makes some magic wine later, she is first in line for a drink.

---

DAY 11

Brother Jaume wakes up today feeling under the weather. Sure enough, with Winter and Dorn the three of them determine quite easily ... given the symptoms and the fact he was bitten by rats yesterday, that he has contracted filth fever (2 DEX damage, 2 CON damage). On the other hand, Brother Jaume is also elated to find in his morning prayers that Erastil has blessed him with a mightiness of holy power nearly double what he had before, and perhaps this is a small price to pay. Then, Winter prays over Brother Jaume to at least buoy his health. He gets 1 CON healing (lesser restoration), but that is enough to do the trick, and Brother Jaume only has to worry about being a little slower in his reflexes for the day.

When he returns from looking over Brother Jaume, Dorn prays to Torag as usual. Torag's helper, who had temporarily shown Dorn a possible other path, no longer answers her intercession. Nonetheless, Dorn receives a holy vision and a charge!

Spoiler: Dorn

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Go ahead and post your thing.

Jean, likewise, realizes he has made psychic breakthroughs across the board.

Spoiler: Jean

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Please set up your mental focus and maneuvers for the day, then let me know when done.

To shake the cobwebs and limber up minds and bodies for the day, Winter wants the group to train before heading out. Jean and Javert work on meditative combat drills together. Akbar meditates to strengthen his mind. Dorn prays and studies strategy. Brother Jaume works on unarmed power kata.

Brother Jaume, is being down 2 DEX (and 1 CON, not enough to drop you a rank) enough to deter you from adventuring today?

[Blackhawk101]

”I feel a little dizzy, but I ...*sneeze* should be able to join you today on the quest to escape this place”, Says a slightly flushed Brother Jaume as he wipes his nose on the sleeve of his robe.

[PSinger]

Dorn nods at Brother Jaume. "I need a formal witness for holy vows I am to take. Will you be my witness, Brother Jaume, cleric of Erastil?"

[Blackhawk101]

“It will be a great honor to assist you in taking your vows, friend Dorn!”

[PSinger]

Dorn goes over to the shrine that includes Torag (since you mentioned that most of the gods are represented in little shrines here).

"Father of Creation, you have sent your servant to teach me your will, but also to help me find my own. I accept these signs and teachings that age shall not be an impediment to the pursuit of duty, and I dedicate myself to protecting not just the lives, but the way of life for those under my charge, to hold the ways of your chosen people as holy, especially when they are the centuries-old works and traditions of an entire race. Though I am human, yet I shall endeavor to be as your chosen people and commit myself to the following affirmations:

• "My word is my bond. When I give my word formally, I defend my oath to my death. Traps lie in idle banter or thoughtless talk, and so I watch my tongue.
  
• "I am at all times truthful, honorable, and forthright, but my allegiance is to my people. I will do what is necessary to serve them, including misleading others if need be.
  
• "I respect the forge, and never sully it with half-hearted work. My creations reflect the depth of my faith, and I will not allow flaws save in direst need.
  
• "Against my people’s enemies, I will show no mercy. I will not allow their surrender, except when strategy warrants. I will defeat them, yet even in the direst struggle, I will act in a way that brings honor to Torag.
  

"I do commit myself to this task, and shall observe your obediences all the days of my life until such time as death or senility take me. So say I, Dorn Krolaeg Blackminer, so blessed by your favor four years prior as St. Dorn the Protector."

And with that, Dorn takes out his masterwork silver dagger and tries to cut his hand to seal the oath.

And he tries again. There is an awkward pause.

And still he tries again.

Not missing a beat, he looks up and continues, "And in witness whereof, Brother Jaume of the allied faith of Erastil, shall notarize this pledge by drawing your servant's blood!"

Dorn hands the silver knife to Brother Jaume, and points to the meaty part of his left hand. "Don't hold back."

[Blackhawk101]

BJ will solemnly take the dagger from Dorn.
“Erastil, please bear witness to the commitment of this member of our community as he continues a life of devotion and self sacrifice to the ideals of Lawful community and Goodwill. Bless this blade, so that the blood spilled by this devoted servant shall be sanctified and his sacrifice be seen as worthy to his God and his people.”

Spoiler

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BJ casts “magic weapon”

BJ will draw the blade across Dorn’s palm.

[lostsole31]

Brother Jaume is surprised when the first pass fails to cut Dorn's skin. Perhaps he was a little squeamish. But the second pass manages to do 1 mod, and therefore draw blood. And with that, the ceremony is sanctified.

Spoiler: Brother Jaume (and Dorn)

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Brother Jaume rolled a '1' on the d4 for the first attempt. Even with magic weapon off-setting the 1-point penalty to damage for using a silver weapon, it wasn't enough. The second attempt was a '2' on the d4, and that was just barely enough.

Brother Jaume, it appears that Dorn possesses DR 5/? ... and that DR is not overcome by magic. When you think about it, there have been times you have witnessed Dorn get hit in battle (not often, actually), and he sometimes doesn't get hurt. Against the rat swarm for example, the hundreds of rats didn't seem to mark him at all. This isn't a new development. This is just the first time you've squarely faced this issue .... with, admittedly, a tongue-in-cheek comic effect.

PSinger, well played on making your DR a comic hindrance in a sacred ceremony. Oh, and it wasn't lost on the fellow Jew that you now have a second, dwarf-god-worshipping holy guy with a schechitah for ceremonies.

Blackhawk, for your edification, a schechitah - in Judaism - is a silver blade used for sacrifices in holy rituals back in the times of the Temple, Leviticus, and those Old Testament days.

Anything else before the morning debrief?

[PSinger]

Dorn thanks Brother Jaume for being a witness for him, cleans his knife, and then takes 10 minutes to carefully clean and polish his warhammer, all the while muttering prayers to Torag.

After that he's ready to face the morning.

[Blackhawk101]

Not to be outdone, Brother Jaume grasps his thick shaft and performs a series of thrusts and parries while working up a good sweat. Nothing better than a good workout to get the juices flowing when you are ill.

[lostsole31]

At the morning briefing, Jean, Brother Jaume, and Dorn mention what is to be expected in the Administrator's Office, but it is necessary ... including putting the monstrosity that is what remains of Eliege Losandro out of her horrific misery (remember, she's an "inert" oneirogen). Once there, the party can recover all of the creepy, wild things you had gotten before ... Eliege's notes, Zandalus' sketches, and the useful items that were in Losandro's desk. In fact, Dorn still has the ring of keys to open the desk.

The party gets into formation and heads towards the office of the administrator.

---

Opening the door ...

Yellow fog soundlessly roils against the cathedral-like windows of this opulent, two-story office. The ground floor features overstuffed furnishings, elegant side tables, and an altar-like desk of dark marble. A delicate spiral staircase and balcony of dark iron rises to a lofty library overhead. Both floors’ fixtures frame the lake of blood spread across the room’s center.

The office of Briarstone’s administrator, Eliege Losandro, combines the features of a psychologist’s office and a queen’s lounge. While dedicated to her work, Losandro still made herself and her favorite aides comfortable with Count Lowls’s excessive donations. Rich appointments in soothingly dark shades once left office visitors with an impression of Losandro’s even-temperedness and good taste. Now, the place bears the gruesome evidence of something gone incredibly wrong.

The pool of blood here belongs to Losandro herself. Her office’s appointments have fared better than she has. While the furnishings and books in the administrator’s personal library are impressive, there’s nothing especially remarkable here.

Before the "veterans" of this site point it out, Lord Hanley notices a set of six small but powerful images sketched with coal upon torn parchment and set in fine frames. They depict eerie vistas of an endless, empty city under a sky of whirling mist. In the corner of each, a delicate copperplate records a year from 4708 to 4715 and the name "Ulver Zandalus." Characters who study the images find that they feel familiar, finding them quite similar to the city from the shared nightmare they experienced at the adventure’s beginning.

Spoiler: Nightmare Miasma

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You remember, don't you? That short, shared vision of something stalking everyone in the mist and killing all of you before you awoke in the cellar?

Before you go too far, though, in the mist in the middle of the room (about a 10-foot-radius worth), the weird multi-colored mist unlike the normal yellow, is the oneirogen that was once Administrator Eliege Losandro. She/ it is inoffensive. What do you do?

[Blackhawk101]

BJ frowns. I remember that my previous group avoided harming the Oneirogen. Does anyone remember something different?”

[PSinger]

"Additional," says Dorn. "I remember something additional. That sparkly cloud is a sleep-maker, so anyone going in there should be careful. Also, just seeing the strangeness of the former administrator was a jarring experience, and we shouldn't make Akbar, Lord Hanley, or Nadya view it, so as to protect them from the sight."

He breathes low. "Also, I have been plagued with doubt. But this is a sin that I can correct this time around. I truly feel that ending Losandro's misery is the best thing we can do for her. Her spirit is trapped in a shell of a body she can do nothing with. As a mortal she is done, but she is trapped. I am willing to be the one to brave the drowsying cloud, say a pray to Torag to protect her spirit, and then to end her torment. I am pretty sure that what has occurred to her is irreversible. What say you?"

[Blackhawk101]

”I don’t have enough information to make the decision to end this persons life,” says BJ sadly. “Maybe she can still be saved. I wish there was a way to communicate with her. Do as you must, Dorn.”

[pfm1995]

"No-one here has a bow, do they?" Jean asks. "I would prefer we do this from afar, lest we lose more people trying to carry you out if you succumb."

[PSinger]

"It's not like we can see her in there, anyway," Dorn heads into the fog to find Losandro.