IC AoW - Encounter at Blackwall Keep (PF) (Take 2)

[MuffinMan]

Lydia sighs heavily and leans on her spear as the battle comes to a dramatic end. "Was that the last of them, or did they have any more "gifts" for the tribe?" While she waits for Hishka's response she paces the perimeter of the room looking for hidden threats, now taking the time to place her steps carefully among the uncrushed eggs.

[JWallyR]

"Good thinking, Marzena. Have you given thought to the next few weeks? We could certainly use more aid like that in our coming struggles."

"No joke!" squeals Jan, with a tone that is equal parts relief at the sudden end to the squirming menace of the questionably-living worms and sheer glee at the sounds and sights of the energy discharged by the battlemage. "That was incredible!! The way you were all, zoom! " the gnome pantomimes the battlemage's unexpected flight, "and then WHOOSH, ZAP!" tiny splayed hands gesture the eruption of lightning from swirling winds.

With a deep exhalation, the gnome lapses into silence to catch her breath. As she does, her gaze drifts to the reptilian shaman, as the latter gathers shards that represent lives lost before they even began. Her demeanor changes in an instant, the thrill of combat seemingly forgotten as she solemnly observes. A few times, the gnome lifts a hand as though to gesture, opening her mouth as though to speak... before thinking better of it, and leaving the lizardfolk to its sober task.

---

Several minutes later, as the party prepares to depart, Frederick turns aside to the shaman once more. "I don't know that the people of Greyhawk will forgive the theft of their people. While I'm pleased we were able to rescue them, and pleased further that you and your people have been forthcoming with your own plights, the situation remains problematic." The hulkish Paladin remains an imposing sight, despite his efforts to affect an approachable presence.

"Maybe, maybe not... " murmurs Jan thoughtfully, "while tensions may not be... 'unusual' between your folk and theirs, I'm sure that the presence of an overbearing black dragon, whose eggs spawn undead monstrosities is evidence that there was some coercion going on. I suspect that an individual of sufficient charm and, shall we say, 'stage presence' might well be able to rouse the sympathy of even the most dour man-at-arms." She grins her trademark impish, infectious grin, though it fades into a wan smile. "And after all, your own folk have suffered enough, I think."

[Gwynfrid]

Marzena responds to Frederick's and Jan's praise with a wry smile and a bow. "Thank you. One does what one knows best. Whatever this Ilthane and this Kyuss have in mind, their methods are disgusting, so their plans have to be disgusting too. With enemies like that, it makes sense to look for allies... even... unlikely ones." She eyes the lizardfolk shaman sideways. "With their leader gone, hopefully they will have no quarrel with Blackwall Keep anymore?"

She looks intently at Frederick - upwards, unavoidably, as the immense half-orc towers over her lithe frame. Her piercing dark blue eyes evaluate the earnestness of the knight's intent. "You want me to join you? Makes sense. Your wizard, he did look the worse for wear. As for me... Well, I consider myself in your debt, all of you. And my second year is nearly done, I just have to decline the offer to reenlist. Can't say I'll regret the place, either. So... Just, please allow me a bit of time to think about it. And we have a few things to check here, too."

She goes around the chamber, inspecting things very carefully, casting a magic detection cantrip from time to time, making sure she doesn't crush any more eggs, helping Hishka with the gathering of the remains of the destroyed ones. She's keenly aware that her electric effects didn't distinguish between worms and eggs, and are likely responsible for a good portion of the losses. Could have been much worse for them, but still...

She picks up the superb ring, and whistles softly, between her teeth. Identifying its properties doesn't cause her much difficulty. "That would be helpful, no kidding. I have half a dozen ideas in mind on how to use this thing." She eyes the potions. "Likely not usable, but I'd like to keep them still, for study. Maybe I can learn some more about the worms."

Spoiler

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Perception (1d20+10)[15] to find anything else of note in the chamber.
Spellcraft (1d20+15)[28] if needed. She keeps Detect Magic on as she surveys the area.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Olofire's closer look at the worms confirms that the worms are not entirely natural - they were alive and seem capable of natural processes like eating, burrowing, etc...but are clearly not acting naturally. Nor are the diseases that you have seen so far or their behavior when attempting to burrow inside a person natural in any way. Further study will be necessary, perhaps of live worms, in an environment prepared for such work. The worms in the potions may provide suitable specimens if removed in an appropriate lab.

Upon discovery of the chest and Frederick's questions, Hishka resumes its natural state and replies, "No - it wassss left here by the wyrm along with the egg. My people have no usssse for coinssss, ssssave in trade with the people of the fort. We haven't been on good termssss since Ssssukak and Ilthane came - I would like to help correct that. The Twissssted Branch musssst choosssse a new leader, though. I cannot lead in that way, I can only advisssse." When Jan pipes up with some enthusiastic optimism the shaman nods at the little gnome. "Do you know ssssomeone of ssssuch charm and pressssencccce, little one? If they were willing to help sssspeak on our behalf, it would be welcome. I do not wissssh ussss to return to war with Greyhawk - the Twissssted Branch will not ssssurvive ssssuch conflict without a dragon on our sssside."

The shaman looks to Lydia and responds, "That issss all - down there issss an underwater tunnel far longer than the one we ussssed to get here. Ilthane ussssed it to enter the chamber. I will have it blocked off and sssstrengthened to prevent the wyrm from returning here."

Looking around at the destruction and the remains of many unhatched lizardfolk, the shaman sighs deeply and slumps. Though reptilian and not capable (or inclined) to express itself as a mammal might, it is clear that the events of the day have weighed heavily on Hishka. The lizardfolk shaman squats on its powerful legs and inclines its head, its snout nearly in the muddy, egg yolk laden water for several minutes, just breathing silently. Were it human, the extended silence would be very uncomfortable as it shows its grief - instead it is alien and strange, though not without its poignance. After a time the shaman begins to invoke some druidic magic, causing water to rise and flow about the eggs in such a way that the egg chamber is cleaned. Once done it rises again and leads the party back towards the submerged tunnel they used to enter.

"You cannot leave the other way - it issss too long - sssso let me help lead you back. I will tell my tribe that you helped protect our clutch, but then you sssshould probably leave. Many of the Twissssted Branch will be upsssset by this losssss and it would be good for you to be gone quickly. Sssshall I ssssend an emisssssary to the fort in a couple of dayssss? How can we make peacccce between our people?"

The party makes it back to the lair without incident (no need to roll to avoid drowning). Please discuss how you catch up with Amearin, reconnect with Ssayth, and begin the trek back to the fort. I will "fast-forward" during the travel in the swamp, but want a chance for a DM post before you get back to the Keep.

Who is carrying what and how? I ask, because it is certainly possible to just carry the chest, but you may have better plans.

Finally, we need to discuss plans to help (or not help) with brokering peace between the Twisted Branch and Blackwall Keep (and by extension, Greyhawk City). If JWallyR (or others) wants to take part in this, we can set up an off-shoot thread for that purpose. By the end of the campaign it will be valuable to have allies, and the Twisted Branch could help if you invest in them. There are several lizardfolk with class levels that have had their lives changed (saved?) by your intervention and may be willing to help in the future if they aren't burdened with defense of their home from vengeful humans. Leadership is a thing, both with and without the feat.

Finally, do you wish to inform Hishka that Ssayth helped to bring about these events? It may be a complicated topic...

[Farmerbink]

Frederick chortles quietly at the conversation between Gnome and Lizard. "I believe Jan is volunteering, Hishka," he offers, with a wry grin. "I too would like to see the return of more peaceful times here. If this is just one small piece to that puzzle, so be it. Whatever I can do to help, I am happy to do."

He makes a point of approaching Lydia, with a fairly bland expression. He inclines his head politely, a faint echo of past encounters. "Miss Cons- uh, that is, Lydia," he begins, awkwardly. After a few silent, uncomfortable moments, he nods. "Well fought," and moves on.

A few minutes later, the Hulking paladin mourns silently with Hishka. Though the mannerisms are alien, the idea of the loss of one's young is not. He has difficulty truly empathizing, a near-orphaned bachelor himself, but nonetheless waits respectfully for the shaman to complete his ritual.

He remains content to follow Hishka's lead, as the shaman has proven the truth of its claims many times over now. Without complaint, Frederick trudges silently into the dark, flooded tunnel once more, this time weighed down even further by the heavy chest of coin. When they emerge from the other side, he is still relieved, though his anxiety was greatly lessened already.

Spoiler: OOC

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A couple thoughts.
1: Frederick (and I) would like to fully disclose Ssayth's involvement.
2: I don't think he would have the wisdom to recognize the significance and broach the subject himself.
3: I'm a little surprised that it didn't come about more organically, actually. IIRC, the timeline of kidnapping to rescue doesn't allow for much time floundering in the swamp. I would think Hishka is likely to suspect *some* outside force led us to their lair already. Dunno how that would go down.

As they make their way back towards the swamp in earnest, Frederick grunts. "I don't mean to complain," he starts, his speech a bit labored. "but if we could divide this load a bit, my trip back would be much more pleasant."

[MuffinMan]

"It is good to hear that you seek peace, Hishka," Lydia responds. "While the soldiers at the keep will no doubt harbor a grievance for some time, I do not believe anyone truly wishes more bloodshed. Let us return and present the matter to the officials there - I'm sure we can work something out."

To Frederick's awkward complement a she replies with her own curt nod. "Of course. Erm... you as well. All of you, in fact" she raises her voice, finding it easier to address the group collectively. "You held true and did not falter in the face of that... that abomination and its allies. The Archpaladin would be proud - well done."

---

On the other side of the underwater tunnel, she gestures Hishka aside after it has finished giving the solemn news to its kinsmen. "Hishka, there is... one other matter we must discuss with you before we depart. One other... relationship to be reexamined." She briefly looks to Frederick, Jan, and Olofire for confirmation as she continues, not having met Ssayth before Blackstone Keep, herself. "It was no accident that we found our way to the Twisted Branch so quickly, or knew what to expect inside. We had help, from one who I believe was until recently part of your tribe - the lizardman called Ssayth." She falls silent, awaiting to see how Hishka reacts to the name.

[JWallyR]

"I believe Jan is volunteering, Hishka," he offers, with a wry grin.

"Let us return and present the matter to the officials there - I'm sure we can work something out."

Jan's momentary look of confusion melts into a lopsided grin as the paladin clarifies. "Yes, quite! Between myself and Freddie," she hooks a tiny thumb upward at the imposing half-orc, "I don't doubt that we can make quite the impression. Which is not even considering," she continues in a more serious tone, "that that your tribe is as much a victim of Ilthane's insidious influence as were the soldiers at the keep."

"Sssshall I ssssend an emisssssary to the fort in a couple of dayssss? How can we make peacccce between our people?"

Jan thinks, adopting a theatrical posture with her chin nestled between thumb and forefinger. "Given... recent unpleasantries, it might be better for us to escort such an emissary to the fortress. I would hate for further... misunderstandings. But now that you mention it..."

"It was no accident that we found our way to the Twisted Branch so quickly, or knew what to expect inside. We had help, from one who I believe was until recently part of your tribe - the lizardman called Ssayth." She falls silent, awaiting to see how Hishka reacts to the name.

Jan, apparently oblivious to the cleric's watchful pause, continues her address to the shaman, "Yes, but not only was Ssayth a great help in navigating through the swamp, but he also shared with us the situation with Ilthane... We were on our way to rescue your... captives from the keep anyway, but if we hadn't known about the dragon, we wouldn't have known that you and your tribe were being manipulated for his dark purposes, and who knows what kind of bloodshed might have occurred?"

A sudden look of realization enters the gnome's eyes, and she turns to face the shaman more directly. "Now I know that your folk have... different ways than ours, and it may not be possible for Ssayth to rejoin his tribe... but please know that he remained loyal to the Twisted Branch, and that he was desperate to save his former tribesmen from the predations of the dragon. He also impressed upon us his hope to avoid any of their unnecessary deaths at our hands, though he knew it might not be possible if we were to root out the dragon's influence. So... all I ask is that you remember his name with respect, as one willing to die to his tribe for its good, even if he couldn't die for it." She looks at the shaman with a wan, but determined gaze. "If nothing else, I would like to be able to let him know that his name will not carry the stain of dishonor among his kin."

Spoiler: Actions

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Diplomacy Check to... influence his attitude on Ssayth's behalf? Or request that his tribe treat Ssayth's memory with respect and not dishonor? (1d20+12)[31]

[Albinobrow]

Olofire's closer look at the worms confirms that the worms are not entirely natural - they were alive and seem capable of natural processes like eating, burrowing, etc...but are clearly not acting naturally. Nor are the diseases that you have seen so far or their behavior when attempting to burrow inside a person natural in any way. Further study will be necessary, perhaps of live worms, in an environment prepared for such work. The worms in the potions may provide suitable specimens if removed in an appropriate lab.[/COLOR]

"Frederick, I will take the potions as they have active worms in them. I really would like to get back to the lab as soon as possible when we are finished here. I need to study these things more. They are.. interesting.. Also, I was not adequately prepared to take them on. I'll need some time to craft some items that might help should we decide to pursue this further.."

Olofire helps how he can moving things around, but mostly trying to stay out of the way of Hishka and the others. He still feels fairly responsible for the resentment between the fort of Twisted Branch and their tribe. Hopefully, by learning more of these worms he can help prevent anything repeating in the future.

[Gwynfrid]

Marzena silently listens to the conversation. She hasn’t heard much of the events that brought the group to the Twisted Branch tribal home, and is curious to learn about that. However, she refrains from questions, just to be sure she avoids the possibility of any diplomatic incident.

[DarkOne-Rob]

At the mention of the name "Ssayth" the Twisted Branch shaman grows quiet and turns to face the party members as they speak. The creature's intense eye contact is a bit uncomfortable, but it makes no signs of anger or pending hostility - it just looks and listens closely. As Jan's passionate entreaty ends the reptile blinks its eyes slowly as it seems to think. Once again, the silence is longer than comfortable and the shaman stands very still as it thinks. "Sssssayth musssst negotiate peacccce for the Twissssted Branch. Then he can protect hissss clutchmatessss while kept far from - and safe from - them," it finally says. "Ssssemuanya will not have ussss change our traditionssss, even for one with good intent. Thank him for me, but remind him that he cannot return to the Twissssted Branch. The Watcher will look after him and guide him to a new clutch, if that issss itssss will."

Spoiler: Knowledge (Religion) DC 10

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Semuanya is the lizardfolk deity. Much like its favored representatives, the deity is not male or female. Unlike its most honored shaman, it is in fact both. The god is focused intently upon the survival of the lizardfolk species and basically nothing else. Its teachings discourage innovation and change, which have resulted in thousands of years of stagnation in the lizardfolk cultures around the world.

One of its titles is "The Watcher," because it watches over the tribes (and their clutches of eggs).

Spoiler: Sense Motive DC 20

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The party's efforts, especially Jan's, have moved Hishka, but the shaman is too devoted to Semuanya and the traditions of their people to retract the exile that Ssayth suffers. It is hard to know what it might do regarding his reputation with the tribe, but this response is not a bad one. The situation is very difficult and unlikely to be easily resolved.

Its recommendation that he be the emissary to try and broker peace is genuine, as are the reasons it outlines. He will do good for the tribe and be safer from unjust retribution by the tribe by doing this on their behalf.

It may be possible to have Hishka see Ssayth before you all leave, though that will require another Diplomacy check at least.

"I will ssssend my apprenticccce assss an envoy to the Keep after ssssufficient time has passsssed. How sssshall they approach sssso that the ssssoldierssss know sssshe comessss to learn the termssss of peacccce? How long sssshall we wait?"

Spoiler: OoC

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How the apprentice approaches is up to you - use your best judgement. As for a time frame, there are two chapters planned between this point and a significant return to Diamond Lake. The Adventure Path does not have you return to the Mistmarsh or Blackwall Keep specifically, but it wouldn't be unreasonable to have you come back (with or without Ssayth) sometime after a couple of chapters to conclude the peace treaty. In game time this would be maybe two or three months...? More or less would be an option and you could delegate this to others if you don't want to have the PCs deal with it themselves.

Feel free to take some ownership of this. There is nothing in the campaign material that strictly directs any of this, though it is mentioned as a possibility. This is up to you all as players to make as much or as little of it as you want.

[Farmerbink]

Frederick frowns, thoughtfully, as he listens to the discussion. Finally, he responds to Hishka's final question. "There is a symbol," he begins, "among our people. The carrying of a black flag is a message that you intend to speak, though you may be considered an enemy. Anyone at the keep would recognize it, and treat accordingly with the carrier."

"I would think little benefit would come from delay."

[JWallyR]

"Sssssayth musssst negotiate peacccce for the Twissssted Branch. Then he can protect hissss clutchmatessss while kept far from - and safe from - them," it finally says. "Ssssemuanya will not have ussss change our traditionssss, even for one with good intent. Thank him for me, but remind him that he cannot return to the Twissssted Branch. The Watcher will look after him and guide him to a new clutch, if that issss itssss will."

Jan nods thoughtfully at the shaman, her face a mixture of sadness and tight-lipped resolve. "Thank you, Hishka. That will have to be enough."

"I would think little benefit would come from delay."

"I think we can say the same about our departure as well, wouldn't you say?" Jan looks up at Hishka thoughtfully. "I'm sure it will take some time to heal from the dragon's influence... and your tribe's tragic, but unavoidable, losses today.

Unless you think there's something else we can do to help, I think it's probably best that we regroup with Ssayth and make our way back to the keep. They'll be relieved to see their captured soldiers, and we can explain the situation and hopefully ensure your apprentice a peaceable welcome."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Hishka nods at Frederick's recommendation and says, "Sssshessssht will vissssit the fort in sssseveral dayssss, then. Sssshe will come alone, carrying a flag assss you ssssay." Then, seeing that the party is ready to leave the shaman guides them back to the throne room of the late king of the Twisted Branch. There they find Amearin, still shaken from the earlier battle, and the three male soldiers captured when Marzena was. All are ready to go and clearly uncomfortable with the reptilian tribe members all around. Without hesitation they follow the party as Hishka leads them out of the underground lair into the sunlight.

After gathering together and determining the right direction to go, the PCs begin walking away from the grove of mangaroo trees and into the marsh. They walk for about ten minutes before Ssayth appears silently in their path. As the ranger looks and sees the rescued prisoners he bows low to the lead PC, his dorsal frill ruffling with pleasure. "I am glad to ssssee you return. Pleasssse, tell me of my clutch - will they be alright? Did you have to kill many of them?" he asks as he takes point and makes a minor adjustment to keep the small band on course for Blackwall Keep. "Our path issss clear for now - if you will, I would like to hear all you will tell me."

You may write your responses or not - I will assume Ssayth gets a summary of what happened. The three male soldiers have met him before, but are shaken by their experience and won't talk to him - or anyone else - much until the party makes camp.

@Gwynfrid - Marzena has seen Ssayth around the Keep, but has not spent any significant amount of time with him. She knows that he is an outcast from the Twisted Branch who arrived at Blackwall Keep to try and help improve relations between the tribe who exiled him and the humans there, but that's about it.

With the addition of the three soldiers, Ssayth seems to make it a point to break a trail that is easier, but slower, than the one that brought the party to the Twisted Branch lair. Skirting around any threats and carefully avoiding the more difficult swampland takes longer, but is at least marginally easier. The heat and humidity haven't decreased, making the slower progress at least as tiring, but when Ssayth has a successful hunt on the third day (a small deer) the party eats well the night before arriving back at the Keep. Each evening is spent with rotating watches, protecting their food from scavengers (including green worms burrowing up from the ground in unpleasantly large numbers), and trying to rest in spite of mosquitoes and other biting insects, but the party arrives back at the fort mid-morning on the fourth day out from the lair.

As they exit the treeline and come into view they are hailed from the ramparts with a cheer as one of the lookouts spies them. "Ho there! The heroes have returned! And they have all four of them! Open the gate, let them in!" he calls, and the party is able to walk into the keep through the somewhat repaired door. Corporal Howard meets them at the gate with a weary-looking salute. His uniform still looks dirty and torn, as if he hadn't had time in the last week to repair it or clean up, and his face is grim in spite of the safe return of his comrades.

"Praise to Heironeous! We were beginning to worry that you wouldn't return. Lieutenant Marzena, welcome back, Ma'am," he says, first addressing the heroes that saved the fort before and then greeting the now-highest-ranking officer at the Keep. "Unfortunately, I have bad news - I am sorry...Ma'am," The young man hesitates for a moment before taking a deep breath and saying in rush, "There-are-creatures-in-the-basement-they've-taken-Privates-George-and-Timmony. We-barricaded-them-downstairs-but-we can't-hold-them...

We need your help again..." He finishes his request by looking at the PCs, his face pained and embarrassed.

@Gwynfrid - no pressure intended on the ranking officer bit. This won't be an issue long. Feel free to have Marzena be as comfortable or uncomfortable as you wish. As a junior officer (by virtue of being a spellcaster) she wouldn't be used to leading the keep and the enlisted soldiers that have survived the ordeals of the last two weeks have matured significantly, even if they haven't been able to handle the new threat in the PCs' absence

@Everyone - you have time to ask questions and try to figure out what you are about to fight. There is a story here that will come out as you prepare.

[MuffinMan]

"Unfortunately, I have bad news - I am sorry...Ma'am," The young man hesitates for a moment before taking a deep breath and saying in rush, "There-are-creatures-in-the-basement-they've-taken-Privates-George-and-Timmony. We-barricaded-them-downstairs-but-we can't-hold-them...

We need your help again..." He finishes his request by looking at the PCs, his face pained and embarrassed.

"There are WHAT?!" Lydia bursts out from beside Marzena. "We've been gone a week - when we left this place the threat had been dealt with! How did an enemy get inside the keep?! Someone nodding off on watch? Or," her face darkens even more, "TREACHERY?! Out with it, man - what's in the basement and how did they get there?"

[DarkOne-Rob]

Corporal Howard looks nearly sick as he turns to answer Lydia. "Truth is, he never left. He's been there for about two years now..." he starts before seeing the incredulous expressions on the faces of the PCs. "See, before Lieutenant Marzena arrived we had a different battle mage. Lieutenant Leon thought we should have an escape tunnel and the Commander agreed. Leon led some men to dig the tunnel, starting from a back wall in deep storage. Before it was done something happened - I don't know what - and the Lieutenant got really sick. He kept working as long as he could, but one afternoon he lost it. He attacked a couple of the men, ranting about the "worms," and then began to vomit violently. His puke was full of little green worms and when he looked at us...well...it wasn't really him anymore."

The young man takes a deep, shaky breath as he looks at the ground. "What happened to him scared me more than death. We locked him in deep storage - all the men liked Lieutenant Leon you see...we didn't want to have to kill him - but during the lizard attack one of them got into the keep and apparently weakened the locks. Leon - or whatever he became - was still in there, alive, I guess. He came out two nights back and grabbed George. This morning the two of them grabbed Timmony. They're too strong for us to stop, and they aren't themselves anymore.

I'm really sorry, and all the men who were here for that have hidden their shame for a long time. We just didn't know what to do and were afraid. Without a chaplain at the Keep we weren't sure who to talk to or what to say, so we told the Commander that Lieutenant Leon wandered off into the marsh one night. It was a lie, and we're sorry, but now it's gotten worse. Please, can you help us?"

[Gwynfrid]

The look from Marzena's dark sea-colored eyes has always made her fellow soldiers a little uneasy. But this is nothing, nothing, compared to the intensity of the glare she gives the corporal now.

"Let me make sure I heard you right, Corporal." She doesn't raise her voice, speaks her words with a deliberately slow pace. "You're telling me we've had a worm-infested threat in the basement. For two years. And it's an officer of this unit. Transformed by some sort of evil power. And you lied to your commander about it. Is that... correct?"

Her eyes are like a blue fire that could incinerate anything she sets them on.

[DarkOne-Rob]

If Corporal Howard looked miserable before, he looks even worse now. "Ma'am, yes Ma'am," he responds, after an audible gulp. "I have no excuses, Ma'am. But we do need your help now...We have set a watch of three men on the passageway at all times now. Whatever they have become, they are strong, fast, and smart - they took Timmony while he was on watch and did it too fast for the others to stop them...I haven't slept in about four days now, and the others are running out too. We won't make it through the day if you all can't stop them."

[Gwynfrid]

Marzena keeps looking at the man, burning with fury, but unable to find a proper answer. What am I gonna do with these wretches? Not like I have ever given an order around here. The corporal looks like he's going to melt under the scrutiny, right here and then. Finally, she opens her mouth.

"I'll... leave it to a court martial or whoever is qualified, to decide what is to be done with you. Meanwhile, and it pains me to say this, but you have a point. We need to deal with the threat."

She turns her back on the poor man, and addresses the group. "Sir Frederick, I'm afraid we don't have a choice. I can lead the way."

[Farmerbink]

Frederick is pleased to lay eyes on the keep again. The prospects of a hot bath, and an imminent reunion with Leroy lend a little extra pep to his step for the last several dozen yards.

When Corporal Howard meets them still looking unkempt, the broad-framed paladin frowns, scowling. He nods, acknowledging the man's address, and continues staring expectantly as the corporal begins to spill the metaphorical beans.

"If you have the means, get those three men to the surface immediately," Frederick interrupts, somehow simultaneously unused to giving orders and yet utterly sure of himself. "And everyone else, for that matter. Into the sunlight until we settle this. If it's anything like what I expect it to be, they're little more than bait for the hook, now."

He doesn't even wait for the rest of the party to confirm. Reaching over his shoulder to loosen the traveling steps on his blade, he turns to Marzena. "Do it." He tromps off, close at her heels, muttering, "no blasted rest for the weary..."

Spoiler: OOC

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I'm perfectly content for the falchion to bear a continual flame, if that's still an option.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Corporal Howard nods, seemingly motivated by the clear directions he has received. "Private Jaspen, call up the watch! Everyone is to be topside now! Tell them to leave anything they have with them and move!" he barks with more authority than his youth would suggest. The soldier he addressed jumps and rushes to a door in the earth near the wall of the Keep. Moments later three bedraggled soldiers drag themselves up into the light and the rest of the survivors gather together in ranks before Corporal Howard as far from the doorway as possible while remaining in the Keep itself.

"The Lieutenant has returned, along with the other captives. The adventuring party that saved us a week ago is going to do their best again. I want everyone prepared to give them any support we can - arm up, get the first aid, food, and water ready, and form up again outside the door to the basement in five minutes. Now move!" directs the non-commissioned officer before he turns and follows the party towards the door.

"Anyone who won't be helping you can stay with my men. We will be ready to help in any way we can..." he says to the party as he stands before them, ready for further orders.

Amearin, Ssayth, and the three rescued captives won't participate in the fight below ground.

The doorway into the basement opens into stairs that descend for about 15 feet. The rugged construction of the area is clear, though the quality of the work is good. Instead of an earthen floor the stairs and floor at the bottom have wooden planks and the walls are supported by stonework. It is clear that when the fort was built the environment was kept in mind - swampland and the wet weather would make it difficult to build permanent fixtures and the basement needed to remain dry. Everything needed to be repairable or replaceable. As a result the area is easy to traverse if not exactly comfortable.

The enlisted men would have bunked down in this level, if not for the new threat. There is a kitchen, some storage, and several rooms for the different ranks of soldiers. The commissioned officers would live, eat, and work in their rooms above ground, so while Marzena has been down here once or twice it hasn't been a common thing. When she has visited (for inspections, mostly) the space was clean with a bit of a subdued energy that she was sure bounced back when she was gone.

Now it feels like an unholy tomb. The air is still and smells of decay. No sounds can be heard except the whisper of flames in the lantern at the bottom of the stairs. The only thing meant to be down these stairs is death...and perhaps worms. As the party looks down the stairs the floor seems to move. It's not covered in worms, but you also cannot miss the segmented, green vermin crawling all over...

I am preparing a combat map for this area. In the meantime, you all should prepare buffs and a battle plan. Marzena can tell everyone that the basement is a loop with the kitchen and dining room in the middle and sleeping areas and storage rooms on the outside. At the bottom of the stairs you can go either left or right and there are plenty of places where the creatures could be hiding to try and ambush someone. It's not a large basement, but this is a deathtrap - you should be prepared.

[Farmerbink]

Facing the door, Frederick grunts noncommittally. "Just stay out of the way," he grumbles to the corporal. Then he stomps resolutely down the wood-floored stairs, peering into the depths.

"Jan, Marzena. Stay as close to me as you can. Little one, can you call more of those glowing creature to aid us? Olofire, you best take rear guard, and everyone be careful." Frederick closes his eyes for a moment, and when he reopens them, they are attuned to the presence of near-tangible evil. He waits, several feet up on the stairs, for his allies to make their own preparation, keeping his attention focused on the floor of the cellar.

Spoiler: OOC

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Obviously, as soon as he detects anything, or sees anything, Frederick will stop concentrating on the spell. In the meantime, he'll move slowly, to continue scanning for auras.

[MuffinMan]

Lydia looks down the earthen passageway with obvious distrust. "Right. Whatever these things are now, they were trained soldiers - we have to assume that they're still intelligent. Expect an ambush, and coordinated attacks from multiple directions. Mind the worms - you remember what happened with Amearin. Once I call upon Heironeous' power we'll have about five minutes, so we'll need to move decisively."

Spoiler: OOC Buffs

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Lydia will provide the following buff spells just before we descend:

- Bull's Strength on Frederick and herself (+4 STR, 6 min duration)
- Bless on everyone (+1 atk & saves vs fear, 6 min duration)
- Protection from Evil on Olofire and herself (+2 AC & saves vs evil creatures, 6 min duration)
- Magic Vestment on Olofire's armor (+1 AC, 6 hour duration)

Just before the group descends she turns to Corporal Howard. "Corporal, barricade this door behind us so the enemy can't circle out and escape. Don't open it for anyone but us. If we're not back by nightfall... pray that Allustan returns soon. May the Archpaladin watch over you."

[JWallyR]

"I am glad to ssssee you return. Pleasssse, tell me of my clutch - will they be alright? Did you have to kill many of them?"

Jan's expression of discomfort from the swampy weather and conditions brightens significantly as their reptilian guide reveals himself. "I think your clutch is going to be ok, Ssayth!" she reports, "I think we kept the casualties to a minimum... and with luck, Ilthane will be leaving them alone for a long time." The gnome's expression saddens for just a moment, but recovering her poise, she continues, "Hishka thinks it best that you serve your clutch by returning with us to the keep, and helping to explain the situation to them. From there, who knows... freedom is the chance to make new and interesting mistakes!" she chuckles in a theatrically rueful manner.

---

Jan's irritation at the swampy conditions improves visibly as they crest a hill, and the keep comes into view. With a fresh spring in her step, the diminutive sorceress gambols towards the gate; adopting a self-satisfied and expectant expression, she awaits the accolades of the remaining solders... but very quickly, the evident tension among the keep's residents causes the expression to fade into one of genuine concern; this expression further blanches into shock and disgust at the description of the questionably-living-after-2-years-buried-alive Lieutenant.

Slack-jawed and blinking, Jan watches the frenzied discussion between Heironeans and soldiers with a glazed expression.

"Jan, Marzena. Stay as close to me as you can. Little one, can you call more of those glowing creature to aid us?"

Frederick's terse command seems to jar the gnome from her reverie, but his term of endearment softens the blow somewhat. "That I can, my friend!" she grins up at the paladin, though worry still tugs at the corners of her eyes.

"Right. Whatever these things are now, they were trained soldiers - we have to assume that they're still intelligent. Expect an ambush, and coordinated attacks from multiple directions. Mind the worms - you remember what happened with Amearin. Once I call upon Heironeous' power we'll have about five minutes, so we'll need to move decisively."

Jan gulps away a sudden lump in her throat. She quickly retrieves a wand from her pack, invoking its power before stowing it and readying another. With her free hand she gestures, and suddenly winks out of sight. "Don't worry, I'll stay close!" she says from somewhere in the vicinity of Frederick's hip.

Spoiler: Actions

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Using a wand of Mage Armor, 1 hr duration; Casting Invisibility on herself, 6 minute duration.

[Gwynfrid]

"Decisively. Right you are", Marzena replies to Lydia. As the cleric warns the corporal about the possibility the group might fail to return, she nods in appreciation of her direct language. This one doesn't muck around. Still, for herself, she can't resist a parting shot at the junior officer:

"Not to worry. We're going to clean up this mess of yours."

On that, the door closes, and the battlemage takes out her orbiting lightstone. Calmly, she begins on a couple of spells in preparation for the trouble ahead.

Finally, she takes off, hovering one arm's length above the ground, at Frederick's side.

Spoiler

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Casting on herself: Hermean Potential, Arcane Sight, and Investigative Mind, and Message with all team members. Then she activates her Flight hex.

Spoiler: Stats

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Marzena Human (F) Cartomancer Witch 6
CG
HP 38 / 38
Speed 30ft
Init +3
AC 12
Fort +5 Ref +7 Will +9
CMB +2
BAB +3
Harrow Card +5 (1d4+2, 20/x2)
Dagger +2 (1d4-1, 19/x2)
Str 8 (-1) Dex 14 (2) Con 12 (1) Wis 12 (1) Int 20 (6) Cha 10 (0)

Active spells: Hermean Potential (6 min), Arcane Sight (8 min), Investigative Mind (60 min), Message (60 min), and the Flight hex up to 6 min)

[Albinobrow]

Olofire is fairly quiet in the journey back, keeping mostly to himself and his studies. He is eager to get back to a full lab to study these creatures more, but in the meantime had come up with some temporary solutions to gain more information should they encounter these worms again.

However, he did not anticipate it being so soon that he would have to confront them again. He nods to Frederick and his recommendation of taking up the rear. He embibes the now familiar to all, save Marzena, the swirling green blue flask. His body writhing as the composition ones again shifts to a more lithe and feral version of himself, but with less agony. It seems he is growing accustomed to the change. He takes one more ruddy grey elixir and a pale grey vibrancy shines dimly from his eyes. After receiving the boons from Lydia, he readies on more elixir to take before entering the basement.

"Let's get this over with."

Spoiler: OoC

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Olofire will buff himself with his mutagen and with Deathwatch for 40 minutes each. I will also ready expeditious retreat for when we reach the basement before entering or to immediately drink when we encounter the enemy whichever comes first.

Spoiler: Character Stats Buffed

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Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 4/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 6, Init 7, HP 39/39, Speed 60 ft
AC 24 (26 vs Evil*), Touch 17 (19 vs Evil)*, Flat-footed 18 (20 vs Evil)*, CMD 19, Fort 10, Ref 19, Will 6, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +10 (not mutated) (1d3, 19-20/x2)
Sling (Bullets) +10 (not mutated, +12 mutated) (1d3, x2)
only while mutated, Claw +13** (1d4+6, x2)
Mithral Chain Shirt (+5 Armor, +6 Dex, +1 Size, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 24, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 9
Condition **Bless: +1 atk and Saves vs fear 6:00
*Protection from Evil: +2 AC and saves Vs Evil creatures 6:00
Magic Vestment 6:00:00
Mutagen 40:00
Deathwatch 40:00
-Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 0/1
-Extracts prepared: CLW 1/1, Expeditious Retreat 1/1, Shield 1/1, Deathwatch 0/1,
Alchemical Allocation 2/2
-Panache 3/3

[DarkOne-Rob]

As Frederick's armored boots squish several worms underfoot he finds the basement immediately opens into three paths. The left path goes around and behind him, leading to the deep storage and intended-to-be-escape tunnel where the first creature was confined for nearly two years. Going to the right are two paths - one along the outside of a large "O" shape that leads to various sleeping quarters. The other opens immediately into a kitchen and dining area that passes through to the other side of the "O."

There is no sign of the three creatures. All the doors to the bedrooms are closed, as is the door into the storage pantry in the kitchen. The only sources of light are a dim lamp at the bottom of the stairs and those lights brought by the PCs.

[Albinobrow]

Walking down, Olofire cannot help but observe the faint white aura given from each member of the party. Not obscuring them but reassuring them that they are all indeed healthy as they descend. Before the group nears the bottom of the steps, Olofire quickly takes his final elixir and comes forward moving faster than expected.

"I'm going to take a look around. See if I can find them."

Quickly and Quietly he makes his way around the floor looking into each room and peeking under the beds.

Spoiler: OoC

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Want to look for any signs of them and if there are any traps. Trying to be quiet all the while. I want to specify that I am not entering any room, just looking into them. Including where the stove is located. Popping my head to check the inner corners. But not fully walking in.

I will go clockwise around the outside walls of the kitchen area. With my now 60ft speed, I believe I can circle this floor in one round.

Perception (Addtl. +1 for traps) (1d20+10)[30]
Stealth (1d20+16)[29]

Spoiler: Character Stats

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Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 4/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 6, Init 7, HP 39/39, Speed 60 ft
AC 24 (26 vs Evil*), Touch 17 (19 vs Evil*), Flat-footed 18 (20 vs Evil*), CMD 19, Fort 10, Ref 19, Will 6, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +10 (not mutated) (1d3, 19-20/x2)
Sling (Bullets) +10 (not mutated, +12 mutated) (1d3, x2)
only while mutated, Claw +13** (1d4+6, x2)
Mithral Chain Shirt (+5 Armor, +6 Dex, +1 Size, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 24, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 9
Condition **Bless: +1 atk and Saves vs fear 5:54
*Protection from Evil: +2 AC and saves Vs Evil creatures 5:54
Magic Vestment 5:59:54
Mutagen 39:54
Deathwatch 39:54
Expeditious Retreat 6:00
-Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 0/1
-Extracts prepared: CLW 1/1, Expeditious Retreat 0/1, Shield 1/1, Deathwatch 0/1,
Alchemical Allocation 2/2
-Panache 3/3

[Farmerbink]

Frederick nods, not quite silently, as his mail rustles gently at the motion. He steps to the right and keeps Olofire in his peripheral vision as he watches the nearer doors suspiciously. As Olofire disappears around a corner, Frederick turns his attention to the next gap where his friend should soon be visible.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Olofire makes his dash around the outside loop of the basement in near silence and finds no sign of immediate threat. All the doors are closed and there is no sign of any life, death, or undeath visible except the worms wriggling on the floor (who detect as "alive"). He returns to the party several seconds after he has left with no indication of being worse for the move.

[Farmerbink]

Frederick releases a breath he hadn't realized he was holding when Olofire returns. "Shall I begin kicking in doors?" he asks, through the magical conduit.