The Sylvan Realm #5 (#49)

[GM Mad]

Sylvan Realm #5

November 28th, CR 571 or Deepnight 22nd, 20,519 AP

In their pursuit of Chandra and the elves who follow him, the Heroes of the Mother Tree have found an ancient ruined city that the orcs call home. The buildings are made of a strange type of stone that absorbs heat and then radiates it out again. While warm, the stone glows a hellish red color. Reaching the ruins on their griffons, the heroes locate the rocs Chandra and is followers used to arrive here. A few elves guard the rocs, their only fast escape route. A small horde of orcs were attacking the guards, but the heroes quickly removed them using fire magic.

Five of the guards remain alive, while two others have succumbed to their wounds. The men are given healing magic, food and water. Lilia instructs the men to hold this position as long as they can, but to withdraw should circumstance dictate it. Laucian questions the elves about the mystery ship seen much further north on this ancient city.

“Was it known to him or the other elves?” he asks curiously.

“It was not familiar to anyone,” an elf will answer.


Mounting up once more, the heroes fly their griffons deeper into the ruins. The ground below looks deserted as before. A few of the buildings are inspected from above. The balconies that Talen noted earlier are noted. A few of them have household items on them, suggesting that someone, most likely orcs, live there. However, no orcs are seen. A few ladders are also noted, but these only reach the lower balconies. Most likely there are stairs inside the building allowing access to the higher levels.

The elves reach the main tower and note that it is larger and grander than the other buildings around it. The tower is taller and somewhat bottle shaped. It's wider down below and comes to a thinner top. With the area seeming secure the elves split into two groups. Kylie leads Talen and Lia as they examine the upper levels of the main tower. Lilia, Laucian and Valena land near the battle field to search for survivors and clues.

The large tower is around 90' wide at its base. The lowest three stories are this wide and they have balconies are regular intervals around it's outsides. The balconies are staggered on each level, so they do not line up with each other on the outside. After the third floor above ground, the tower narrows like the neck of a bottle. There are no more balconies at this point, but a few windows are noted. The outside stone is translucent in the daylight and behind it two sets of stairs circling along the outer wall of the building are seen. Opaque stone blocks your sight deeper into the tower.

Reaching to top of the tower you discover something of interest. The top of the tower ends at a point, but below it most of the top floor is open to the outside. This area area here is around 30' across and is circular. In the center of this area two steps lead up to a raised circular platform.

This smaller platform is around 15' wide and its most striking feature is a collection of six 7' tall stone pillars arranged in a hexagon shape. The platform and the stone pillars do not glow. This rooftop area is mostly open to the outside. There are stone supports to hold up the top of the tower, but the area between these supports are wide enough to fly a griffon through. There are six such openings and each opening is centered on the stone pillar closest to it.

No one seems to be around. There are two openings in the floor along the outer edge of this rooftop area. Each has stairs going down from the openings. These stairs spiral down through the tower.

[GM Mad]

Down on the ground, the elves land their griffons on the outer edge of the battlefield. Nothing seems to be moving here, other than a few scavenger birds picking at the dead and other vermin. A few elves are note here and there, long since passed on to the afterlife. There are many, many more orc bodies present in various states of battle damage. As is typical for their kind, their dress varies wildly and they seem to favor color combinations that would any other civilized race would find repulsive. There is no uniformity to the orcs style of dress.

As the elves slowly make their way along, something odd is spotted. Up further ahead are what must be orc bodies given their size dressed in similar attire. Fairly close to each other are three orc bodies dressed in what appears to be uniforms! These uniforms consists of a mustard colored tabard with pea-soup green clothing underneath. It is a hideous as it sounds!

It's at this point to a faint buzzing sound reaches the elves ears. The buzzing is intermittent and seems to be coming from the same place where the uniformed orcs are laying. As Lilia gets closer to the uniformed orcs and the buzzing sound, her Sixth Sense warns her of danger close by...


GM Notes:

Spell Activity:

Lilia has 65 Mage Spell Points left and has cast 1 2nd level spell and 1 3rd level spell thus far. She also has 34 Priest Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Valena has 34 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“None are alive,” she tries to call out and the sudden smell of burnt flesh comes to her and she looses her fruits and nuts. Wiping away the sick, she looks up to Kylie wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She shakes her head then heads back to the Gryphon and then to the others.

Hearing Lia's pronouncement that there are none alive among the orcs below, Kylie returns her arrow to the quiver and turns her attention back to Lilia.

“Half an hour should be enough time for us to find anything,” Lilia will answer. “Sooner if either one of us finds something dire and calls for assistance. Use your good judgment, Kylie.”

Kylie nods. "We'll meet up with you then."

Taking flight upon the griffons, the group proceeds toward the largest tower. They pass several of the smaller buildings, but no one is seen. As they approach the main tower, they can see many bodies strewn about the open space before it. Lilia, Laucian and Valena descend to investigate.

As per the queen's plan, Kylie, Lia and Talen proceed toward the top of the tower. They fly in ascending circles around the tower to make their way to the top, passing some windows and being able to see somewhat into the tower through the transparent stone. Nearing the peak, there has been no signs of life or activity within the tower. Perhaps those who survived the battle went elsewhere, or descended into levels below the ground.

Kylie calls out to her companions. "I'm going to land and take a look. Cover me. I'll signal for you to land as soon as I'm sure it's clear." Once Talen and Lia acknowledge, Kylie will slide off her griffin and fly down toward the raised circular platform. She will avoid making contact with the platform or pillars as she approaches.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

While waiting for Lia to finish up her mission, Lilia will speak the elves on guard. They numbered seven, but two have died in the orc attack.

“Our fallen will need to be gathered up,” Lilia states. “Wrap them in blankets for now. All of them will need to be taken back to the Sylvan Realm with us. Once the Rainbow Bridge opens, they will need to be taken back to the Elfholds so that their spirits can finally rest in Arvanaith.”


The area around the central tower is strangely quiet as we fly closer. No orc activity is noted on the ground nor in the buildings. Unfortunately, no elves either. Lilia directs her griffon to land on the outer edge of the battlefield. Slipping down from her griffon, Lilia asks her mount to wait here while she goes forth on foot. Lilia casts Sixth Sense at this time.

A few elf bodies are find, but most of the dead are orcs. She stops to examine the first elf she comes across, but finds that given the wounds he has that there is no chance that he still lives.

“Let's move our kin away from these rotting orcs,” Lilia says. “They also will need to be sent back home to the Elfholds.”

Moving deeper into the battlefield something odd is noted. Orcs are not noted for their fashion sense nor their uniform appearance as they tend to wear and use whatever they find or steal. But up ahead are a trio of orcs dressed in uniforms like human military tends to do!

Lilia gestures to Laucian and Valena and points out the orcs up ahead. Quietly the group moves closer to the odd orcs until Lilia sudden stops. Her spell is warning her that there is danger close by and there is a strange buzzing sound!

“There is danger here,” Lilia tells her companions. “Be on guard. Maybe one of the orcs still lives!”

At this point Lilia will cast Magic Missile and spread it to hit each of the orcs at least once. After that, she'll draw her longsword and advance closer. Lilia will use the blade to prod and nudge the orcs to see if they are really dead.

[Talen]

Talen:

"Are the ladders still in place, Talen?" Kylie asks. "We may need to use the same approach." Of course, she could just fly up, but the others do not have that gift though some can achieve flight through a spell.

“Some are,” Talen answers. “Just the ones to the lowest balconies. I guess others might have been grabbed by the orcs and used to reach the roc nest. They were probably burned up by now with all the fire magic used.”

Talen also keeps an eye on Lia as she goes to see if any orcs survived. But he also listens to the conversation among the elves. He finds it strange that the dead elves need to be taken back to the Elfholds so that they can find peace.

“Excuse me,” Talen calls out, “But what is this Arvandor or Arvanaith place that you spoke of. I've never heard of it before.”


Soon we are on our griffons once more and flying after the rest of the elves. After making sure the area is clear, Kylie leads up to the tallest tower to examine it. The area seems to be deserted, but there is an open area near the top of the tower. Six pillars on a platform are found there.

Kylie calls out to her companions. "I'm going to land and take a look. Cover me. I'll signal for you to land as soon as I'm sure it's clear." Once Talen and Lia acknowledge, Kylie will slide off her griffin and fly down toward the raised circular platform. She will avoid making contact with the platform or pillars as she approaches.

Talen waves his understanding back to Kylie. He has his griffon start to circle the tower top at an easy pace looking out for trouble.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

“A Ring of Free Action will not work on such an spell?” she asks curiously. If Valena advises against it she will withdraw the hunt for a prisoner.

“Oh,” Valena utters. “I forgot that you had such a ring, Lia. My warning should not apply to you then.”

“Our fallen will need to be gathered up,” Lilia states. “Wrap them in blankets for now. All of them will need to be taken back to the Sylvan Realm with us. Once the Rainbow Bridge opens, they will need to be taken back to the Elfholds so that their spirits can finally rest in Arvanaith.”

“It will be done,” Valena vows.

“Excuse me,” Talen calls out, “But what is this Arvandor or Arvanaith place that you spoke of. I've never heard of it before.”

“That is not a surprise, Talen,” Valena easily answers as she wraps a blanket around one of the deceased elves. “As it is something that is only known to the elves. Elves are a unique race in that we do not die of old age. When an elf feels that their time in the world is nearing the end, they feel the urge to take a great journey. Where this journey leads is unique to each elf, but the result is the same. They pass from our world without a trace and arrive in Arvandor or Arvanaith. Both names refer to the same place, the elfin afterlife where we join the All-Father in a forest so grand, so magnificent that mere words can never do it justice. That is what Arvandor means.”

“However, these elves here died before their time,” Valena continues. “Their spirits are trapped here until their bodies are returned to the land of their birth. Once there, they can freely travel to Arvanaith and be with the All-Father. That is why it is so important to recover as many of our fallen that we can. Their place in the afterlife depends on our actions.”


Later, we ride our griffons to the battle site in search of survivors. However other than those creatures that feed on the dead, no one is found alive. We land and advance closer. Valena has an arrow ready to fire at a moment's notice.

Once we land our griffons to inspect the battlefield, Lilia will cast Sixth Sense at this time. “The magic I am invoking upon myself is specialty spell for Corellon priests,” Lilia tells her companions. “It will alert me to any danger in the area around me. Regardless, we should proceed with great caution."

“A wise spell to have active,” Valena agrees. As we reach the bodies, we find a few elves but far more orcs. To their credit our kin took out many of the enemy.

“Let's move our kin away from these rotting orcs,” Lilia says. “They also will need to be sent back home to the Elfholds.”

“It's the right thing to do,” Valena adds. She'll help move the bodies away from the orcs and the other vermin.

After a time, something odd is noted up ahead. Several orcs are dressed alike and a buzzing sound is heard, but the source cannot be seen.

“There is danger here,” Lilia tells her companions. “Be on guard. Maybe one of the orcs still lives!”

“If it moves, I will put an arrow into it,” Valena says, ready to fire her bow. “I just need a target.”

[Lia]

Lia’

Lilia wrote:“Half an hour should be enough time for us to find anything,” Lilia will answer. “Sooner if either one of us finds something dire and calls for assistance. Use your good judgment, Kylie.”

“Safe travels.”Lia says to the others s she makes ready her mount.

As per the queen's plan, Kylie, Lia and Talen proceed toward the top of the tower. They fly in ascending circles around the tower to make their way to the top, passing some windows and being able to see somewhat into the tower through the transparent stone. Nearing the peak, there has been no signs of life or activity within the tower. Perhaps those who survived the battle went elsewhere, or descended into levels below the ground.

Kylie calls out to her companions. "I'm going to land and take a look. Cover me. I'll signal for you to land as soon as I'm sure it's clear." Once Talen and Lia acknowledge, Kylie will slide off her griffin and fly down toward the raised circular platform. She will avoid making contact with the platform or pillars as she approaches.

Lia looks at the stone buildings looking for a orcs and other enemies that maybe lying in wait. After circling the tower, Kylie gestures to them saying that she wishes to inspect further. Lia gives a nod as she looks to the center pillars. She will cast her gaze looking for any signs within the stone as she keeps an eyes out for Kylie.

[Laucian]

Laucian
Laucian listens as Valena explains what the elven afterlife is. “If not their spirits will never know peace, they would dwell within purgatory.”looking at Talen, “It is a fate that is most feared among our people.” Wondering if his father ever suffered this fate, Laucian makes Aura ready.
As the others land, Laucian dismounts and pats Aura’s side, Be watchful, and wait my friend.”he says as he knocks and arrow to his bow as Lilia casts a spell that gives her another sense! He agrees full heartedly with Valena as she speaks her thoughts.
Laucian eyes narrow as he looks about the battlefield. Many orcs have fallen with a few prone elves in between. Our people have fought well this day. He thinks as he reaches the fallen and looks at it’s wounds as well as the ground about them.
Laucian helps move the bodies of the elves with Valena. Several long minutes later a slight buzzing noise is heard and Lilia calls out warning.

lilia wrote:“There is danger here,” Lilia tells her companions. “Be on guard. Maybe one of the orcs still lives!”


“If it moves, I will put an arrow into it,” Valena says, ready to fire her bow. “I just need a target.”

With his arrow already nocked to his bow Laucian squats down as he hears the slight buzzing. He places a free hand on the ground, wondering the buzzing is coming from the ground. Perhaps a bug of some sort? He surmises as he brings his hand back and draws back his bow.
“Careful Lilia, We know not what we are dealing with….Though we will see our people avenged.”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Some are,” Talen answers. “Just the ones to the lowest balconies. I guess others might have been grabbed by the orcs and used to reach the roc nest. They were probably burned up by now with all the fire magic used.”

"Good. As long as there are a few available," Kylie replies, "we can move them if need be."

“That is not a surprise, Talen,” Valena easily answers as she wraps a blanket around one of the deceased elves. “As it is something that is only known to the elves. Elves are a unique race in that we do not die of old age. When an elf feels that their time in the world is nearing the end, they feel the urge to take a great journey. Where this journey leads is unique to each elf, but the result is the same. They pass from our world without a trace and arrive in Arvandor or Arvanaith. Both names refer to the same place, the elfin afterlife where we join the All-Father in a forest so grand, so magnificent that mere words can never do it justice. That is what Arvandor means.”

“However, these elves here died before their time,” Valena continues. “Their spirits are trapped here until their bodies are returned to the land of their birth. Once there, they can freely travel to Arvanaith and be with the All-Father. That is why it is so important to recover as many of our fallen that we can. Their place in the afterlife depends on our actions.”

Laucian listens as Valena explains what the elven afterlife is. “If not their spirits will never know peace, they would dwell within purgatory.”looking at Talen, “It is a fate that is most feared among our people.” Wondering if his father ever suffered this fate, Laucian makes Aura ready.

Kylie had been reluctant to ask as she did not want to appear ignorant, but she finds Valena's and Laucian's answers very interesting. There is so much about her own elven heritage that she doesn't know! "So while human souls can end up in any number of realms after death depending on their actions and beliefs, all elves end up in the same realm? What about half-elves? Can they travel to Arvandor, do they have their own separate place in the afterlife, or do they end up in one of the realms that the humans go to?"

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The tall tower has been reached in the ruined city to the north of the Sylvan Realm. One group checks out the battlefield around the base of the tower, while the other examines the upper levels of the tower itself. Kylie, Lia and Talen ride their griffons around the top of the tower and find an open area there. In this area is a collection of six stone pillars in a hexagon pattern on a raised platform. No one or thing is around.

Kylie decides to take a closer look and alerts her companions as to her intent. Kylie's griffon easily lands off to the side and the young half-elf slides off. The platform and the pillars are not made of the same stone as the rest of the build and do not glow. Moving closer, Kylie can see that there are some sort of symbols carved into the pillars. While she cannot understand these symbols, they do remind Kylie of something she saw before, but can't quite place it right now.

Both openings in the floor immediately have steps going down in them. These stairs gently curve following the outside of the tower itself. Both steps go in the same direction, but at different starting points, so they do not intersect each other. One set of stairs passes underneath the other. While at the top of the stairs, Kylie just faintly make out noise coming from below. It's to far away to clearly make out anything at this point.

As Lia and Talen continue to fly on their griffons, they do note a flash of light down on the ground when Lilia casts a Magic Missile spell. The griffon riders are too far away to make out any other details clearly.


Down on the ground, the elves find a few of their kin that fell in battle. Their remains are moved away from the orcs that liter the battlefield. A trio of uniformed orcs are noted up ahead and the elves close in on them. As they get closer a soft buzzing sound is heard and Lilia's Sixth Sense spell tells her that danger is close.

Laucian reaches down and touches the ground, but finds that the earth is not the source of the buzzing sound. Lilia casts Magic Missile and four enchanted bolts are launched. All three orcs are stuck and one of them takes two hits. All three orcs show no real reaction to being struck.

While Laucian and Valena have arrows at the ready, Lilia draws her longsword and gingerly moves closer. Using her sword, Lilia nudges the first uniformed orc that she comes across. There is no reaction to her prodding. The second orc likewise is unresponsive.

At this point the third orc moves and sits up! A close look shows that he had numerous wounds on his body that should be fatal, and yet this orc had moved! The most disturbing thing is that there is something on its head! A reddish-black insect-like creature is on the head of this seemingly dead orc! The insect's eyes rest on the orcs forehead and they glow a sickly yellow in color. The mandibles around its mouth are buried into the orcs forehead. Most of its legs are locked onto the sides of the orcs head, while one set go into the ears. The insects pincer-like tail is driven into the back of the orcs neck. A pair of silver wings begin to beat and the buzzing sound starts to get louder.

“You... will... join... the... Hive...”, the orcs struggles to say in an emotionless voice in its native tongue. As the orc is speaking, the malevolent insect starts to pull itself free of the orcs head, its wings beating faster in the process.

At this point both Laucian and Valena fire their already prepared arrows and both puncture the insect before it can completely pull free of the orc it was seated on. The buzzing stops and the orc falls back to the ground. After the few moments the insect stops moving and seems very dead. Those who get closer to the orc can see that the mandibles of the insect broke through the skull and dig into the orcs brain! Likewise the rear pincers did the same into the spine.

At this point, Lilia's Sixth Sense tells her that there is no danger in the immediate area.


GM Notes:

Gruesome, isn't it?

Now what?

[Laucian]

Laucian

At this point the third orc moves and sits up! A close look shows that he had numerous wounds on his body that should be fatal, and yet this orc had moved! The most disturbing thing is that there is something on its head! A reddish-black insect-like creature is on the head of this seemingly dead orc! The insect's eyes rest on the orcs forehead and they glow a sickly yellow in color. The mandibles around its mouth are buried into the orcs forehead. Most of its legs are locked onto the sides of the orcs head, while one set go into the ears. The insects pincer-like tail is driven into the back of the orcs neck. A pair of silver wings begin to beat and the buzzing sound starts to get louder.

“You... will... join... the... Hive...”, the orcs struggles to say in an emotionless voice in its native tongue. As the orc is speaking, the malevolent insect starts to pull itself free of the orcs head, its wings beating faster in the process.

Laucian looks on in shock and a bit of horror as the undead orc rises up with an insect burrowed into its head. Its eyes glow sickly yellow causing Laucian to grimace slightly as he readies his bow at the thing before him. It begins to talking in it’s native tongue. Laucian watches as the insect begins to pull itself from the orc.

“Not this day.”He says grimly letting a loose his arrow, hoping to strike it before it attacks Lilia. It strikes home as does Valena’s.

The buzzing stops and the orc falls back to the ground. After the few moments the insect stops moving and seems very dead. Those who get closer to the orc can see that the mandibles of the insect broke through the skull and dig into the orcs brain! Likewise the rear pincers did the same into the spine.

“Are you alright? He asks Lilia as he approaches, with another arrow knocked to his bow. Upon reaching the queen, Laucian squats down by the fallen orc, taking out a dagger he will make sure it is dead. Looking up at Lilia, “What is it? Some kind of insect?” he says looking back at the fallen orc and the wounds that it made and makes a horrible realisation… “If they did this to orcs… they can do so to others, including our kin and who knows what else!”

Not having read the books, Laucian asks, "was there ever mention of such a thing within the outposts records?"

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Kylie had been reluctant to ask as she did not want to appear ignorant, but she finds Valena's and Laucian's answers very interesting. There is so much about her own elven heritage that she doesn't know! "So while human souls can end up in any number of realms after death depending on their actions and beliefs, all elves end up in the same realm? What about half-elves? Can they travel to Arvandor, do they have their own separate place in the afterlife, or do they end up in one of the realms that the humans go to?"

“All elves?”, Lilia repeats. “No, only those elves who are not evil can reach the All-Father's domain. I would imagine that those elves who follow the teachings of another god would go to that powers afterlife, where ever that may be. In this case, Arvandor is essentially what you might call elfin heaven. Arvanaith is specifically the domain of the All-Father himself. As for half-elves, I cannot say. From what I can tell only a full blooded elf can reach Arvandor.”


While removing our kin from the pile of slain orcs, I sense danger close by near a group of oddly dressed orcs.

“Careful Lilia, We know not what we are dealing with….Though we will see our people avenged.”

“Nor do they know what they are dealing with,” Lilia says, trying to sound confident. The Magic Missile is cast and it strikes each orc with no visible affect. That is until the farthest orc sits up and some bizarre insect is seen on his head like a living helmet!

“You... will... join... the... Hive...”, the orcs struggles to say in an emotionless voice in its native tongue. As the orc is speaking, the malevolent insect starts to pull itself free of the orcs head, its wings beating faster in the process.

“Not this day.”He says grimly letting a loose his arrow, hoping to strike it before it attacks Lilia. It strikes home as does Valena’s.

“Not ever,” Lilia adds as the horrid insect is skewered by the arrows. Using her longsword, Lilia stabs the creature for good measure.

“The danger has passed,” Lilia informs her companions. “For now at least.”

“Are you alright? He asks Lilia as he approaches, with another arrow knocked to his bow.

“I am unharmed,” Lilia says, her eyes still locked on the strange insect.

Upon reaching the queen, Laucian squats down by the fallen orc, taking out a dagger he will make sure it is dead. Looking up at Lilia, “What is it? Some kind of insect?” he says looking back at the fallen orc and the wounds that it made and makes a horrible realization… “If they did this to orcs… they can do so to others, including our kin and who knows what else!”

Not having read the books, Laucian asks, "was there ever mention of such a thing within the outposts records?"

“I've never seen or read anything like this sort of monster before,” Lilia admits. “This is something new. Or is it something very old. The ancient evil from the depths of the earth? But yes, if this creature can control others, then it is a danger to any and all. This might be way the elves and the orcs joined forces to battle this new enemy.”

While Laucian examines the insect closer, Lilia will take a better look at the orcs. If they do wear tabards like humans and those who are a member of certain orders do, then she is curious as to what symbols are on these orcs.

“We must make sure that no more of these insects are here and alive. They must be exterminated with extreme prejudice!”

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

“All elves?”, Lilia repeats. “No, only those elves who are not evil can reach the All-Father's domain. I would imagine that those elves who follow the teachings of another god would go to that powers afterlife, where ever that may be. In this case, Arvandor is essentially what you might call elfin heaven. Arvanaith is specifically the domain of the All-Father himself. As for half-elves, I cannot say. From what I can tell only a full blooded elf can reach Arvandor.”

“True followers of Ehlonna will go to the plane of Krigala in what is called the Beastlands,” Valena adds. “There exists the Grove of the Unicorns, the divine seat of power for Ehlonna. It is also said that the Grove has connections to Arvandor and that elves can pass back and forth between the two. I would imagine that this movement is limited only to elves who serve Ehlonna. Half-elves who serve Ehlonna are welcomed in the Grove, as are humans, as the Lady of the Forests has followers among them all.”

The strange insect appears, makes its ominous proclamation and is quickly pierced by arrows and then steel.

“That was suitable unpleasant,” is Valena's comment on the matter. While Laucian and Lilia examine the orcs and the insect, Valena keeps her eyes peeled for any other danger in the area.

“I've never seen or read anything like this sort of monster before,” Lilia admits. “This is something new. Or is it something very old. The ancient evil from the depths of the earth? But yes, if this creature can control others, then it is a danger to any and all. This might be way the elves and the orcs joined forces to battle this new enemy.”

“Aye, that could be,” Valena says in agreement. “More questions do remain. Are these odd orcs part of the horde that lives here, or did they come from else where? Perhaps on that ship? Is there uniform appearance something they choose or were they directed to dress like that because of this Hive?”

“We must make sure that no more of these insects are here and alive. They must be exterminated with extreme prejudice!”

“Our path is clear,” Valena states as she keeps watch and her bow ready to fire. “Save as many of our kin that we can and stomp every bug that we find. I always preferred missions with clear objectives.”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“All elves?”, Lilia repeats. “No, only those elves who are not evil can reach the All-Father's domain. I would imagine that those elves who follow the teachings of another god would go to that powers afterlife, where ever that may be. In this case, Arvandor is essentially what you might call elfin heaven. Arvanaith is specifically the domain of the All-Father himself. As for half-elves, I cannot say. From what I can tell only a full blooded elf can reach Arvandor.”

“True followers of Ehlonna will go to the plane of Krigala in what is called the Beastlands,” Valena adds. “There exists the Grove of the Unicorns, the divine seat of power for Ehlonna. It is also said that the Grove has connections to Arvandor and that elves can pass back and forth between the two. I would imagine that this movement is limited only to elves who serve Ehlonna. Half-elves who serve Ehlonna are welcomed in the Grove, as are humans, as the Lady of the Forests has followers among them all.”

Kylie absorbs the information from both Lilia and Valena. "Ah, that helps a lot. Thank you. When we return, I may ask some of the elders more about this. For now, I should get ready."


Landing her griffin at the top of the tower, Kylie takes a quick look around. She finds markings on the strange pylons that seem familiar, but cannot place remember exactly where she has seen something similar before.

A few steps take her over to the opening of one of the stairs down. She can hear faint sounds from below, but the seem to be coming from far down the tower.

Kylie moves back toward the raised platform, then signals for Lia and Talen to land and join her. Once they arrive, Kylie fills them in. "The pylons on this platform are not made of the same stone as the rest of the building. Also, they have some markings etched into them that are tickling at a memory, but I cannot seem to remember clearly what it is. The two openings are stairways down. A caught some faint noise coming from far below, but do not know what it is.

"I recommend that we scout a little further. Lia, if you wouldn't mind staying here and covering our backs, I think Talen and I should check out the stairways on either side. Let's not go any further than the first floor we come to, and avoid contact if we find any living beings."

If they agree, Kylie will pick one of the stairwells and begin to float slowly downward.

[Talen]

Talen:

“All elves?”, Lilia repeats. “No, only those elves who are not evil can reach the All-Father's domain. I would imagine that those elves who follow the teachings of another god would go to that powers afterlife, where ever that may be. In this case, Arvandor is essentially what you might call elfin heaven. Arvanaith is specifically the domain of the All-Father himself. As for half-elves, I cannot say. From what I can tell only a full blooded elf can reach Arvandor.”

Talen quietly listens about the talk where elves go when they die. This seems to be another area where half-elves are left out when it comes to things about the elves. But there is one bright spot in what he hears.

“So if any non-evil elf can reach Arvandor,” Talen reasons, “then some drow can go there as well. I think I like that.” Talen takes comfort that his grandmother and sister will have a pleasant place in the afterlife, even if his is currently unknown.


As Lia and Talen continue to fly on their griffons, they do note a flash of light down on the ground when Lilia casts a Magic Missile spell. The griffon riders are too far away to make out any other details clearly.

As Talen flies his griffon around the tower top, he spots a flash of light from down below. He wonders what is going on down there, but fights the urge to investigate as he already has a job up here. After a time, Kylie signals for us to land.

Kylie moves back toward the raised platform, then signals for Lia and Talen to land and join her. Once they arrive, Kylie fills them in. "The pylons on this platform are not made of the same stone as the rest of the building. Also, they have some markings etched into them that are tickling at a memory, but I cannot seem to remember clearly what it is. The two openings are stairways down. A caught some faint noise coming from far below, but do not know what it is.

"I recommend that we scout a little further. Lia, it you wouldn't mind staying here and covering our backs, I think Talen and I should check out the stairways on either side. Let's not go any further than the first floor we come to, and avoid any contact if we find any living beings."

“Uhm, sure,” Talen says as he dismounts his griffon. Moving towards the stairs opposite of the one Kylie picks, Talen draws his sword and when she's ready starts to head down the stairs as quietly as he can. He'll hug the outside wall, as it will give him a better view of the stairs.

[Lia]

Lia

Kylie moves back toward the raised platform, then signals for Lia and Talen to land and join her. Once they arrive, Kylie fills them in. "The pylons on this platform are not made of the same stone as the rest of the building. Also, they have some markings etched into them that are tickling at a memory, but I cannot seem to remember clearly what it is. The two openings are stairways down. A caught some faint noise coming from far below, but do not know what it is.

"I recommend that we scout a little further. Lia, it you wouldn't mind staying here and covering our backs, I think Talen and I should check out the stairways on either side. Let's not go any further than the first floor we come to, and avoid any contact if we find any living beings."

Crossing her arms stubbornly before her, Lia looks to Talen and Kylie, “I’ll do so, but we are all thieves here in part and if it is dark down below, I can probably see much further than the both of you.” She keeps her final thoughts of letting them go down in a hostile environment without a healer is not wise in her eyes.
Lia will draw her sword and walk about the pillars looking at the markings, trying to make heads or tails of them, while waiting for the others.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

November 28th, CR 571 or Deepnight 22nd, 20,519 AP

A strange, insect-like creature has been encountered among the dead on the battlefield at the base of the tallest tower. Three orcs in uniforms were found and one of them moved and even spoke after it appeared that he should be dead. A strange reddish-black insect was perched on his head and gave the impression of controlling the orc! The insect was punctured by arrows and then stabbed to make sure that it was dead. After that, Lilia's Sixth Sense registered no danger in the immediate area.

Laucian examines the insect, but doesn't not spot anything beyond what could already be seen. It's about a foot long in total and perhaps half as thick. Other than it size, it doesn't seem all that different from a normal insect.

Lilia examines the orc closer, particularly to see what symbols it may have on its tabard. The symbol of a blood red dagger sits on the mustard colored tabard. It does look very much like the symbol seen on the sails of the ship docked in the harbor miles to the north.

After dealing with the orc and the insect, the elves continue to pull dead elves from the battlefield. No other uniformed orcs or insects are noted.


Higher up, the half-elves are exploring the top of the tower. There a pillar and platform formation has been discovered. Two sets of stairs lead down into the tower and from her earlier exploration Kylie could hear faint noises coming from down below.

It is decided that Kylie and Talen go down the stairs to explore while Lia keeps guard. Lia is unhappy with this but obliges. The drow priestess draws her sword and inspects the strange pillars. While the symbols on the pillar are meaningless to her, the symbols are mostly identical from pillar to pillar. Only the upper portion, about the last foot, varies from pillar to pillar.

Meanwhile, Kylie and Talen starts to go down the stairs. Each set of stairs curves away to their left as they go down them. Kylie uses her natural flight and slowly descends without touching the steps. Talen draws his sword and hugs the outer wall.

The steps are spaced comfortably for Talen as he walks along. The ceiling is about 12' overhead. The inner wall of the stairs is opaque, unlike the outside wall, so it cannot be seen through. Talen can just barely hear the noise that Kylie spoke of earlier, but it is too far away to make out clearly. It's just white noise off in the distance right now.

About halfway around the tower each set of stairs has an opening on the left hand side. Talen and Kylie reach this area at about the same time. A walkway extends between the two openings and Kylie and Talen can see each other once more. This walkway bisects a central chamber about twenty feet wide. On either side of the walkway is a sheer drop that extends far beyond either can see. This central shaft extends below the above surface portion of the tower. More openings with other walkways between them can be seen on lower floors. There seems to be one opening per floor for as far as the eye can see.

At this moment, the noise from down below suddenly grows louder as the unmistakable cry of someone or thing in great pain is heard! Far below it sounds like someone is being killed! Or worse...

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

The cry at the end can be heard by the elves outside as well. There is a balcony that can be reached close to them should they want to investigate this noise.

Spell Activity:

Lilia has 64 Mage Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell, 1 2nd level spell and 1 3rd level spell thus far. She also has 34 Priest Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Valena has 34 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Now what?

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“Aye, that could be,” Valena says in agreement. “More questions do remain. Are these odd orcs part of the horde that lives here, or did they come from else where? Perhaps on that ship? Is there uniform appearance something they choose or were they directed to dress like that because of this Hive?”

Lilia simply shrugs at Valena's questions. She has no answers either.

Lilia examines the orc closer, particularly to see what symbols it may have on its tabard. The symbol of a blood red dagger sits on the mustard colored tabard. It does look very much like the symbol seen on the sails of the ship docked in the harbor miles to the north.

“Look at this,” Lilia says upon her discovery. “The orcs bear the same symbol of the ship we saw. Obviously, they must be connected. It might be as you suggested, Valena. These orcs are not part of the horde already living here. They came from somewhere else. I would surmise that they captured the ship, as it seems more like a human vessel then one an orc would build. Perhaps these insects came with them as well.”

Standing back up from the uniformed orc, Lilia ponders what to do next. “Once we have cleared our kin from the battlefield we should torch the orc bodies to permanently remove their presence. Then--”

At this moment, the noise from down below suddenly grows louder as the unmistakable cry of someone or thing in great pain is heard! Far below it sounds like someone is being killed! Or worse..

.

The shrill cuts off Lilia and she draws her longsword by reflex and looks about to find the source of the scream.

“We must investigate!” Lilia calls out. “That could be our kin! Maybe some were captured and are now facing more of those insects!”

Seeing the low balcony, Lilia will cast a Fly spell at this point and go up there to try and determine where the scream came from.

[Lia]

Lia

It is decided that Kylie and Talen go down the stairs to explore while Lia keeps guard. Lia is unhappy with this but obliges. The drow priestess draws her sword and inspects the strange pillars. While the symbols on the pillar are meaningless to her, the symbols are mostly identical from pillar to pillar. Only the upper portion, about the last foot, varies from pillar to pillar.

Lia looks at the pillars curiously as she slowly makes her way around the pillars. After a times she realizes that all the symbols are the same. Minus one. Lia focuses on the different pillars committing them to memory. Perhaps Lilia or one of the other elves in the Slyvian realms will know of it’s meaning.

At this moment, the noise from down below suddenly grows louder as the unmistakable cry of someone or thing in great pain is heard! Far below it sounds like someone is being killed! Or worse...

Lia hears the cry of pain and her eyes dart to the stairway her eyes narrowing hoping her brother and Kylie are okay. For a long few moments, Lia looks to the stairwell, “Why am I waiting here…” she says as she makes her way to the steps and begins to make her waydown the stairs( Talen’s side)

[Laucian]

Laucian

Laucian examines the insect, but doesn't not spot anything beyond what could already be seen. It's about a foot long in total and perhaps half as thick. Other than it size, it doesn't seem all that different from a normal insect.

Laucian takes a few moments to look at the insect, taking note of the pincers and wings and the eyes as well. A thought comes to the follower of Ehlonna and he begins removing the arrows from the Insect. A slight smile etches his face as he inspects the dead insect. Looking up at Lilia and Valena. “Perhaps this will still be of use.” Looking at the two elves.

“Look at this,” Lilia says upon her discovery. “The orcs bear the same symbol of the ship we saw. Obviously, they must be connected. It might be as you suggested, Valena. These orcs are not part of the horde already living here. They came from somewhere else. I would surmise that they captured the ship, as it seems more like a human vessel then one an orc would build. Perhaps these insects came with them as well.

“Perhaps, but how would they know to come here? Does the insect see into their minds as if it were their own?” he guesses as the insect did make the orc speak orcish.

Tucking the insect away for later, Laucian hears the scream of pain and a small shutter goes through his spine.

“We must investigate!” Lilia calls out. “That could be our kin! Maybe some were captured and are now facing more of those insects!”

Seeing the low balcony, Lilia will cast a Fly spell at this point and go up there to try and determine where the scream came from.

Laucian will look to the Balcony and then try to figure a way to get up there. ( Ladder or rope nearby?)
(How beat up is the insect corpse?)

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Crossing her arms stubbornly before her, Lia looks to Talen and Kylie, “I’ll do so, but we are all thieves here in part and if it is dark down below, I can probably see much further than the both of you.” She keeps her final thoughts of letting them go down in a hostile environment without a healer is not wise in her eyes.

"That is certainly true," Kylie replies with a nod. "On the other hand, you are the only healer among the three of us. From what we saw flying up here, the two stairways are clearly separated by one or more walls and those walls are not transparent like the outer ones. If you choose to descend with your brother and I get hurt, you may not be able to hear me cry out. And even if you are, you would have to return all the way back up here, cross to the other stairwell, then descend down to where I am before you could render any aid.

"By staying here and listening carefully, you're more likely to be able to hear if one of us is hurt, and will have less distance to travel to reach us. Still, it is your choice; I was just making a recommendation based on what seemed prudent to me." Kylie then moves to one of the stairwells, pauses to see what the siblings choose to do, then begins her silent descent. As always, she keeps her eyes open for any sign of traps along the way. Fortunately, the glowing stone provides plenty of light to see by, as it had in the griffin stable the previous night.

After floating down for a ways, perhaps half a circuit of the tower, Kylie comes to an opening in the inner wall. Beyond is a wide open central shaft stretching far below. There is a narrow walkway that crosses the open space to the other side, and Kylie glances across just in time to see Talen appear at the opening on the other side.

A shrill wail of agony suddenly sweeps up from below, jerking Kylie's gaze downward. For a moment, she stares into the abyss that stretches into darkness far below. Shaking her head, Kylie forces her gaze back up to look back across at Talen once more. She gestures to her friend that they should return to the top and rejoin his sister, then turns and begins to glide back up the stairway.

[GM Mad]

Quick GM Notes:

Laucian will look to the Balcony and then try to figure a way to get up there. ( Ladder or rope nearby?)

The balcony is low enough that Laucian can reach up, grab a hold and pull himself up.

(How beat up is the insect corpse?)

It's in pieces from the arrows and stabbing it endured. Unpleasant colored goo drips from it and it smells.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

While she keeps guard, Laucian examines the icky bug and Lilia inspects the uniformed orcs.

Laucian takes a few moments to look at the insect, taking note of the pincers and wings and the eyes as well. A thought comes to the follower of Ehlonna and he begins removing the arrows from the Insect. A slight smile etches his face as he inspects the dead insect. Looking up at Lilia and Valena. “Perhaps this will still be of use.” Looking at the two elves.

If her arrow can be reused, Valena will take it and wipe off any bug guts on one of the orcs before putting it back in her quiver.

“How so?” Valena asks skeptically to Laucian. “And why would you want to carry that thing around with you?”

“Look at this,” Lilia says upon her discovery. “The orcs bear the same symbol of the ship we saw. Obviously, they must be connected. It might be as you suggested, Valena. These orcs are not part of the horde already living here. They came from somewhere else. I would surmise that they captured the ship, as it seems more like a human vessel then one an orc would build. Perhaps these insects came with them as well.”

“Perhaps, but how would they know to come here? Does the insect see into their minds as if it were their own?” he guesses as the insect did make the orc speak orcish.

“We can interrogate them at a later date,” Valena says. “If these bugs are as dangerous as suspected, then this is a shoot first ask questions later type of mission.”

“We must investigate!” Lilia calls out. “That could be our kin! Maybe some were captured and are now facing more of those insects!”

A cry of anguish is heard from deeper in the tower and Lilia flies to investigate. Laucian leaps to grab the balcony and pulls himself up. Valena offers her hand in hopes of getting a pull up.

“You better follow our Queen and keep her out of trouble,” Valena says. “I'll direct our companions to follow us.”

Assuming that Laucian agrees, Valena will remain on the balcony. She puts two fingers into her month and lets out a loud whistle to get their attention. The archer will remain on the balcony so that Kylie, Lia and Talen know where they went.

[Talen]

Talen:

Talen wisely keeps out of the conversation between his sister and Kylie. Once everything seems to be settled, he makes his way down the stairs as directed. Talen hugs the wall and has his sword drawn.

After about halfway around the tower, Talen sees an opening up ahead. Inching closer, he peaks and sees a walkway that connects to the other set of stairs. Kylie is there looking back at him. Talen just waves.

“The center of this tower must be open,” Talen notes taking in the area. “There must be a walkway for each level and it seems to go down a long way.”

And then a horrible cry is heard! The hair on the back of Talen's neck stands up and goosebumps rise on his arms.

“What was that?!”

Kylie gestures to go back up the stairs. After a beat, Talen turns and starts to run up the stairs. He comes across Lia along the way.

“That came from deeper in the tower,” Talen tells his sister. “Kylie wants us back up top.”

Once back up on the roof, Talen thought he heard something far off.

“Did anyone hear a whistle?”

[Laucian]

Laucian

After looking over the remains of the insect, Laucian decides not to take the remains with him.

“How so?” Valena asks skeptically to Laucian. “And why would you want to carry that thing around with you?”

”If it were in better shape, one could don it like a helm, perhaps it would buy a few moments of hesitation by the insects, hesitation that might be worth while for us. Possibly enough time to deal a lot of damage before they realize the mistake... A wolf in sheeps clothing.” Laucian adds his features looking at the badly smelling oozing corpse, “But that is neither here nor there given it’s state.”

“We can interrogate them at a later date,” Valena says. “If these bugs are as dangerous as suspected, then this is a shoot first ask questions later type of mission.”

“I will not hesitate when our kin is involved.” He says somewhat cold.

A cry of anguish is heard from deeper in the tower and Lilia flies to investigate. Laucian leaps to grab the balcony and pulls himself up. Valena offers her hand in hopes of getting a pull up.

Laucian sees the balcony is not far out of his reach. He will grab the ledge and pull himself up, then reach down to Valena extending his forearm and takes Valena’s hand.

“You better follow our Queen and keep her out of trouble,” Valena says. “I'll direct our companions to follow us.”

“Or she will get me into it.” He playfully adds. Laucian will after the Lilia, arrow knocked to his bow.

[Lia]

Lia

"That is certainly true," Kylie replies with a nod. "On the other hand, you are the only healer among the three of us. From what we saw flying up here, the two stairways are clearly separated by one or more walls and those walls are not transparent like the outer ones. If you choose to descend with your brother and I get hurt, you may not be able to hear me cry out. And even if you are, you would have to return all the way back up here, cross to the other stairwell, then descend down to where I am before you could render any aid.

"By staying here and listening carefully, you're more likely to be able to hear if one of us is hurt, and will have less distance to travel to reach us. Still, it is your choice; I was just making a recommendation based on what seemed prudent to me." Kylie then moves to one of the stairwells, pauses to see what the siblings choose to do, then begins her silent descent. As always, she keeps her eyes open for any sign of traps along the way. Fortunately, the glowing stone provides plenty of light to see by, as it had in the griffin stable the previous night.

Lia takes a deep breath steadying herself, "I understand your reasoning.Though as you said if I heard you. Also, If both of you are hurt or dying, you are asking me to make a choice, between you and my brother. In two different directions…” She adds.

Moving silently down the stairs, Lia sees a shadow against the wall and she prepares herself, raising her sword. Within moments Lia realizes its her brother. He comes across Lia.

“That came from deeper in the tower,” Talen tells his sister. “Kylie wants us back up top.”

Lia will make her way back to the roof where her brother asks,

“Did anyone hear a whistle?”

“It could have been the wind? But with the cry and the glow from down below I saw earlier, perhaps they are calling for us?”
Lia will not wait and mount up on her griffon, She will fly down to the base where she last saw her friends.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Lia takes a deep breath steadying herself, "I understand your reasoning.Though as you said if I heard you. Also, If both of you are hurt or dying, you are asking me to make a choice, between you and my brother. In two different directions…” She adds.

"A choice between me and your brother is no choice at all," Kylie says, "your brother would always come first." Kylie pauses for a second. "I have no authority over you, Lia. I made a recommendation, and you can accept or reject it as you see fit."

“What was that?!”

Some part of Kylie's brain registers Talen's startled shout from the other end of the walkway, but she is too surprised herself to respond immediately. Eventually, she pulls herself together, gestures that they should return to the roof, then both head up their separate stairways.

“Did anyone hear a whistle?”

“It could have been the wind? But with the cry and the glow from down below I saw earlier, perhaps they are calling for us?”

"I think I heard something of that sort, though it was faint and far off. Whatever it was, I think we should return to meet up with Lilia and the others before investigating deeper into the tower."

While the others mount up on their griffins, Kylie leaves hers behind and dives off the rooftop on the side facing the battlefield. She flies directly down, following the slope of the wall. When she spots Valena on the balcony, Kylie angles in that direction to land beside her elven friend.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

November 28th, CR 571 or Deepnight 22nd, 20,519 AP

A cry of great anguish has been heard emanating from somewhere deep within the tower. At this point Lilia casts Fly on herself and goes to investigate. Laucian climbs up on nearby low balcony and pulls Valena up. Valena suggests that Laucian follow the Queen, while the Priestess of Ehlonna signals the others to her location and waits for them to arrive.

At the top of the tower, Kylie and Talen head back up to the top after the cry is heard. Talen meets Lia along the way and once on the roof they faintly hear Valena whistle. Lia rushes to her griffon mount, followed shortly later by Talen. Kylie simply flies down using her innate ability.

Following Lilia, Laucian moves into the tower. The room off the balcony is a good sized chamber and its outer wall curves with the tower. The chamber looks lived in and smells of orc. There are openings to the left and to the right that lead to similar chambers. Both rooms have several bedrolls in them suggesting that they are sleeping quarters. There are no other exits from these side rooms and no one seems to be around.

Another opening from the chamber from the balcony goes deeper into the tower. It's a small hallway and once more there are openings on the left and right hand sides. These also lead into chambers that also appear to be sleeping areas. Once more there are no other exits from these side rooms.

The hallway opens up into a single room that seems to be the entry chamber for this suite of rooms. Once more this room seems to be lived in, but there is no sleeping mats here. A single exit leads out of this room.

Leaving the living area behind, Laucian finds himself in a circular hallway. By his estimation, he's traveled some 30' deep into the tower. This hallway branches off to the left and to the right and remains level. No one direction seems any better than the other.

Picking randomly, Laucian heads off once more. As he jogs along, more openings to other suites are seen along the outer side of the hall. Finally, there is an opening leading towards the center of the tower. This opening immediately leads into a second curved hallway that runs along the first, but this one has steps going down to his right and up on his left.

There is another opening across the way and this leads to a platform that spans the otherwise open center of the tower. Across the way is another opening. Hovering in the center of this area is Lilia. The noises that you heard earlier seem to be coming deeper down inside the tower.


By now the half-elves have reached Valena and she fills them in on what they found. Once everyone has arrived, everyone moves deeper into the tower. This groups passes through the chambers that Laucian has already traveled. They reach the hallway and randomly pick a direction to go in. More suites are passed and finally they reach the opening to the central part of the tower where Laucian and Lilia are at.

While the group compares notes, more noise is heard from deeper down in the tower. There is the sound of footfalls of beings coming up the stairs from down below! Then there is multiple soft buzzing sounds as more of those strange head sitting insects emerge into the central shaft of the tower from down below! They start to fly up towards the group!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Right now its hard to tell just how long it will take those approaching on foot to arrive or in which set of stairs they are in. You'll have one round to deal with the flying insects with ranged attacks before they are in melee combat range.

The group with Kylie, Lia, Talen, and Valena can pick either direction to go in, as they will end up in the same place. Just need to decide if you want to be on the side Laucian is on or not. You could also split up and again, you'll all end up in the same place.

The suite of rooms is basically wedge shaped, with the three rooms across the bottom, two in the middle and then one at the top.


Spell Activity:

Lilia has 61 Mage Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell, 1 2nd level spell and 2 3rd level spell thus far. She also has 34 Priest Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Valena has 34 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Now what?

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

”If it were in better shape, one could don it like a helm, perhaps it would buy a few moments of hesitation by the insects, hesitation that might be worth while for us. Possibly enough time to deal a lot of damage before they realize the mistake... A wolf in sheeps clothing.” Laucian adds his features looking at the badly smelling oozing corpse, “But that is neither here nor there given it’s state.”

“Camouflage,” Valena simply states. “I had not considered that.”

“Or she will get me into it.” He playfully adds. Laucian will after the Lilia, arrow knocked to his bow.

Reaching out, Valena will grab Laucian's arm before he rushes off after Lilia. “Stay close to her,” Valena says barely above a whisper. “She listens to you. It seems me that the Queen is taking these turn of events very personally and I do not wish to see her making any rash decisions based on emotion. While we must save as many of our kin as we can, we must keep her safe as well.”

After releasing Laucian, Valena lets out a loud whistle in hopes of attracting the attention of the half-elves. Lia and then Talen are soon seen riding their griffons to the ground, while Kylie flies without visible aid.

“Lilia and Laucian have gone off to find the source of that scream,” Valena will say once they are close enough. “We found several oddly dressed orcs and one had a large insect on its head that seemed to be controlling it. It's been slain, but we fear that there are more and that our kin have been captured and served up to more of these insects. Follow me!”

Her bow ready to fire, Valena dashes off in the direction she saw Laucian go in. In short order a hallway is reached and neither direction looks any better. The Priestess of Ehlonna gestures for two to go one way, while she and another proceed down the other. Not long after that, the central area of the tower is located. Footsteps are heard coming up the stairs and there is more buzzing. Daring a look, Valena sees more bugs flying up from below. Figuring that the mages will deal with those, Valena trains her bow down the stairs and waits for a target to arrive.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Flying down the side of the strange building, Kylie spots Valena on a balcony and angles over to land next to the nature priestess.

“Lilia and Laucian have gone off to find the source of that scream,” Valena will say once they are close enough. “We found several oddly dressed orcs and one had a large insect on its head that seemed to be controlling it. It's been slain, but we fear that there are more and that our kin have been captured and served up to more of these insects. Follow me!”

"Bugs? Yech!" Kylie spits out, her face contorted in disgust. "Why did it have to be bugs...?"

She follows Valena down the hallways, winding this way and that. Once she is within sight of the central shaft and realizes that the buzzing is coming from there, Kylie leaps into the air and races toward the opening. Seeing Lilia hovering over the open shaft, Kylie calls out, "I Web, you burn, okay Lilia?!"

Hopefully the queen will understand and agree, at which point Kylie will cast Web to fill the shaft below, with the intent to trap as many of the bugs as possible.

[Talen]

Talen:

After the horrible scream is heard, we return to the top of the tower. Then a faint whistle is heard.

“It could have been the wind? But with the cry and the glow from down below I saw earlier, perhaps they are calling for us?”

“That could be,” Talen agrees. “Obviously something is going on down there”

"I think I heard something of that sort, though it was faint and far off. Whatever it was, I think we should return to meet up with Lilia and the others before investigating deeper into the tower."

“Sounds like a plan to me,” Talen says. He turns to Lia, but finds that she is already gone off on her griffon! Kylie departs as well, flying under her own power.

“Okay, I'll bring up the rear,” Talen says to no one.


Once close to the ground, Valena is seen and she reports what has happened.

“Lilia and Laucian have gone off to find the source of that scream,” Valena will say once they are close enough. “We found several oddly dressed orcs and one had a large insect on its head that seemed to be controlling it. It's been slain, but we fear that there are more and that our kin have been captured and served up to more of these insects. Follow me!”

"Bugs? Yech!" Kylie spits out, her face contorted in disgust. "Why did it have to be bugs...?”

“Insects that control others?” Talen mutters. “How strange!”

Valena, Kylie and Lia are all off after the others leaving Talen to the rear guard once more. He draws his blade and keeps an eye to the rear to make sure nothing sneaks up on us.

The center of the tower is reached in short order and it seems similar to what was found earlier and higher up. However there is a buzzing sound rising from the central shaft and the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs. Eyeing the stairs going down on his and Lia's side, Talen will cast Grease starting at the step right before the landing and going down.

“I'm putting a Grease spell down the steps,” Talen whispers to Lia. “So keep your distance if you don't want to wind up on your butt!”

[Lilia]

Lilia:

After casting her Fly spell, Lilia uses it to enter into the tower. The chambers off the balcony seem to have been used as a dwelling by several orcs. It seems to have been a family dwelling back in its day. However, all that remains is the tower itself. There does not seem to be any other trace of the builders. There are no sign of doors nor anything that is not made of stone. Just how long ago were these ruins built?

The center of the tower is reached and Lilia is surprised to find that there is a central shaft that goes down into darkness and upwards as well. The fact that there are both stairs and a central shaft surprises the elf maiden. Stairs indicate to her that the builders walked much like elves do. But the central shaft also seems to suggest that they also had a way to either fly or levitate through the air.

The answer comes soon enough as a buzzing sound is heard and still others are approaching on foot. Perhaps this 'hive' has members that fly and members that do not, thus the need to for multiple modes of movement. Was these ruins created by the bugs or built by others by their bidding?

Lilia's musing are interrupted first by Laucian, then Kylie and the rest of the group.

She follows Valena down the hallways, winding this way and that. Once she is within sight of the central shaft and realizes that the buzzing is coming from there, Kylie leaps into the air and races toward the opening. Seeing Lilia hovering over the open shaft, Kylie calls out, "I Web, you burn, okay Lilia?!"

Lilia nods her agreement to Kylie. “We cannot allow any of these bugs to get past us. They are a danger to all!”

After Kylie casts her web, Lilia will add Burning Hands to ignite it.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“Camouflage,” Valena simply states. “I had not considered that.”

“A silly idea. If you don’t mind the smell or goo.”he says as he wipes the goo off his hand on the orc’s tabard.”

Reaching out, Valena will grab Laucian's arm before he rushes off after Lilia. “Stay close to her,” Valena says barely above a whisper. “She listens to you. It seems me that the Queen is taking these turn of events very personally and I do not wish to see her making any rash decisions based on emotion. While we must save as many of our kin as we can, we must keep her safe as well.”

Laucian looks down at Valena’s hand then slowly up to her face, seeing the concern he dismisses her hand as he hears her words barely above a whisper. He takes a silent gulp and states, “I do not know why. She always seemed so strong willed and sure of herself.” He says casting a gaze to the direction Lilia went then to Valena. “She is of my clan. I will stand by her side and guard her.” He says firmly to his companion and fellow follower of Ehlonna.

Leaving the living area behind, Laucian finds himself in a circular hallway. By his estimation, he's traveled some 30' deep into the tower. This hallway branches off to the left and to the right and remains level. No one direction seems any better than the other.

Picking randomly, Laucian heads off once more. As he jogs along, more openings to other suites are seen along the outer side of the hall. Finally, there is an opening leading towards the center of the tower. This opening immediately leads into a second curved hallway that runs along the first, but this one has steps going down to his right and up on his left.

There is another opening across the way and this leads to a platform that spans the otherwise open center of the tower. Across the way is another opening. Hovering in the center of this area is Lilia. The noises that you heard earlier seem to be coming deeper down inside the tower.

Laucian sees rooms that seemed to house orcs and other creatures. Laucian sees no sign of them and continues on. He follows the hallway and finds stairs and an opening in the floor where Lilia is hovering. “Lilia, I know you want to save our kin, I do too, but do not rush forward. We are stronger together and we will see our kin freed.”he says to his queen, hoping that Lilia is not blaming herself for this mess

. The noises he heard earlier seem to be coming from deep below as the half elves come with Valena.
She follows Valena down the hallways, winding this way and that. Once she is within sight of the central shaft and realizes that the buzzing is coming from there, Kylie leaps into the air and races toward the opening. Seeing Lilia hovering over the open shaft, Kylie calls out, "I Web, you burn, okay Lilia?!"

Seeing Valena, train her bow on the stairs, Laucian does the same.

[Lia]

Lia

“Lilia and Laucian have gone off to find the source of that scream,” Valena will say once they are close enough. “We found several oddly dressed orcs and one had a large insect on its head that seemed to be controlling it. It's been slain, but we fear that there are more and that our kin have been captured and served up to more of these insects. Follow me!”

A confused and disgusted look comes over the drow as her mind wraps about what Valena states, a bug that controls people by sitting on their head.

"Bugs? Yech!" Kylie spits out, her face contorted in disgust. "Why did it have to be bugs...?”

“Insects that control others?” Talen mutters. “How strange!”

A shudder comes to her as she pictures a insect controlling her ever whim. Not to mention those eyes!
Lia follows the others through the tower where they soon find Laucian and Lilia. Within a few moments a battle plan has been laid out before them. Taking up position towards the front of the stairs she hears her brother’s warnings.

“I'm putting a Grease spell down the steps,” Talen whispers to Lia. “So keep your distance if you don't want to wind up on your butt!”

Drawing her sword, a metallic hiss sounded, she looks at her brother smiles and laughs, “I’ll do so. I would want to look clumsily to a bunch of bugs."

Lia will be ready for the coming tide being mindful of her brother’s spell. When a creature steps within range, Lia will cast her magic missile spell, concentrating on the creatures coming up the stairs. ( if bug heads, target the bug.)

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

November 28th, CR 571 or Deepnight 22nd, 20,519 AP

The Heroes of the Mother Tree are reunited in the center of the tall tower in the ruins to the north of the Sylvan Realm. Screams and other noises have drawn them to this location. More of the flying insects that controlled the orc on the surface are flying up the central shaft! Kylie and Lilia hover over the shaft, while everyone else is at one of the two entrances to this area.

Kylie casts a Web and fills the area below the bridge with thick, sticky strands. The insects fly into the web and are held fast. Lilia follows up with a Burning Hands spell and the web is ignited. It burns hot and fast, and Kylie and Lilia have to move away to keep from being burned. In a just a few moments, the web is burned away and the crispy bugs fall back down the shaft. The central shaft is clear of enemies for the moment. The buzzing sound is now gone.

Attention is then turned to the pair of stairs on either side of the central shaft. The sounds of footsteps are getting louder. Suddenly, a sickly sweet smell is noticed and it's almost nauseating. A low clacking sound can now be heard among the footfalls. Shadows begin to appear on the walls of the stairs and finally something is seen. There are orcs coming up both sets of stairs!

These orcs are not wearing uniforms like the one with the bug on its head outside had been. No, these look more like the orcs that were threatening the elves guarding the rocs. They are all raggedly dressed and nothing even comes close to matching. All of these orcs do have bugs on their heads!

However, as gruesome as that is, the horror does not end there. Several of the orcs are in the process of changing! Their normally gray-green skin tone is more reddish-black in complexion. Even stranger, the bug on the top of the head of these orcs no longer seems to be a separate entity! It as if the bug and the orc are in the process of 'merging' into a whole new creature! Several of the orcs now have compound, insect eyes instead of their normal ones. A few even have antenna growing from their heads!

As the heroes recover from the horror before they eyes they attack! Laucian and Valena rain arrows down on the bug infested orcs before them. Given the short distance, each simply aims for the head of an approaching orc. Each fires two shafts in quick succession and two orcs drop to the stairs. With the four bodies blocking their path, the orcs behind have to slow their advance and crawl over.

At the other set of stairs, Talen casts a Grease spell and enchants the steps to be super slippery. The orcs finally appear here and they are gruesome a sight as the other batch are. Lia tags the first two orcs she sees with a spread Magic Missile. Each orc takes two missiles and that is enough to drop them.

The rest of the orcs move past their fallen comrades and hit the Greased area of the stairs. Each orc suddenly slips and falls back down the stairs taking their comrades with them! The whole scene would be quite humorous under different circumstances! Once regaining their feet, the orcs start to advance once more.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

That covers 2 rounds of combat. Talen, Kylie and Lilia can still act in the second round, as the spells they cast were in the first round of action. The orcs on the stairs where Laucian and Valena are are slowed by the bodies before them, so the elves will get be able to fire arrows before they are reached. That is unless Kylie or Lilia does something to block them first.

The orcs on Lia and Talen side are far enough away that ranged attacks can be used right away. With the Grease spell in action, its very unlikely that any of those orcs will actually reach hand to hand combat range. Talen estimates that the spell will last 5 or 6 more rounds before it fades.

There is roughly around a dozen orcs per stair. That leaves about 8 on Laucian and Valena's side and 10 on Talen and Lia's side.


Spell Activity:

Lilia has 61 Mage Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell, 1 2nd level spell and 2 3rd level spell thus far. She also has 34 Priest Spell Points left and has cast 1 1st level spell.

Talen has 10 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Valena has 34 Spell Points remaining and has cast 1 first level spell thus far.

Now what?

[Lia]

Lia

These orcs are not wearing uniforms like the one with the bug on its head outside had been. No, these look more like the orcs that were threatening the elves guarding the rocs. They are all raggedly dressed and nothing even comes close to matching. All of these orcs do have bugs on their heads!

However, as gruesome as that is, the horror does not end there. Several of the orcs are in the process of changing! Their normally gray-green skin tone is more reddish-black in complexion. Even stranger, the bug on the top of the head of these orcs no longer seems to be a separate entity! It as if the bug and the orc are in the process of 'merging' into a whole new creature! Several of the orcs now have compound, insect eyes instead of their normal ones. A few even have antenna growing from their heads!

As the heroes recover from the horror before they eyes they attack! Laucian and Valena rain arrows down on the bug infested orcs before them. Given the short distance, each simply aims for the head of an approaching orc. Each fires two shafts in quick succession and two orcs drop to the stairs. With the four bodies blocking their path, the orcs behind have to slow their advance and crawl over.

At the other set of stairs, Talen casts a Grease spell and enchants the steps to be super slippery. The orcs finally appear here and they are gruesome a sight as the other batch are. Lia tags the first two orcs she sees with a spread Magic Missile. Each orc takes two missiles and that is enough to drop them.

Lia stares in disgust and horror as she sees orcs with the bugs within their heads. Worst off some of the orcs have eyes like an insect; a sick crossing between orc and bug! This horror awaits their kin and possibly them if they are not careful!

Lia calls upon her deity and a spread of magic missiles comes forth tagging their target effectively dropping them to the ground, yet still more come forward. Lia is thankful for Talen’s spell of grease as they tumble and slip losing their footing.

“I like that spell Talen!”Liasays looking at the mayhem that it is causing. Without a moments hesitation Liacalls upon her deity once more casting her last magic missile for the day and spreading into two orcs.

[Talen]

Talen:

Drawing her sword, a metallic hiss sounded, she looks at her brother smiles and laughs, “I’ll do so. I would want to look clumsily to a bunch of bugs."

“No, we wouldn't want that,” Talen adds with smirk. As typically when something like that happens, it ends with a punch in his shoulder!

Attention is then turned to the pair of stairs on either side of the central shaft. The sounds of footsteps are getting louder. Suddenly, a sickly sweet smell is noticed and it's almost nauseating. A low clacking sound can now be heard among the footfalls. Shadows begin to appear on the walls of the stairs and finally something is seen. There are orcs coming up both sets of stairs!

However, as gruesome as that is, the horror does not end there. Several of the orcs are in the process of changing! Their normally gray-green skin tone is more reddish-black in complexion. Even stranger, the bug on the top of the head of these orcs no longer seems to be a separate entity! It as if the bug and the orc are in the process of 'merging' into a whole new creature! Several of the orcs now have compound, insect eyes instead of their normal ones. A few even have antenna growing from their heads!

“Gods above!”, Talen utters in shock at what he sees rushing towards them. What Valena told them earlier did not fully cover the scope of this! Its far worse then he ever imagined! The sight, the smell and the noise is horrible!

“I like that spell Talen!”Lia says looking at the mayhem that it is causing. Without a moments hesitation Lia calls upon her deity once more casting her last magic missile for the day and spreading into two orcs.

“Its handy in keeping horrible things away,” Talen adds. Deciding to save his magic for now, Talen grabs his longbow and an arrow. “Let's see how good a student I was at this.” Taken will fire arrows at the stumbling and bumbling orcs.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

“A silly idea. If you don’t mind the smell or goo,” he says as he wipes the goo off his hand on the orc’s tabard.

“I do mind the smell and the goo,” Valena answers, “but the notion was a sound one. Any advantage is an advantage.”

Laucian looks down at Valena’s hand then slowly up to her face, seeing the concern he dismisses her hand as he hears her words barely above a whisper. He takes a silent gulp and states, “I do not know why. She always seemed so strong willed and sure of herself.”

“That all my be true,” Valena gently counters, “but Chandra betrayed her. That has to sting.”

He says casting a gaze to the direction Lilia went then to Valena. “She is of my clan. I will stand by her side and guard her.” He says firmly to his companion and fellow follower of Ehlonna.

Valena nods her understanding and lets the matter drop as there is no time to waste on a drawn out conversation. “I'll be right behind you with the others.”

As the heroes recover from the horror before they eyes they attack! Laucian and Valena rain arrows down on the bug infested orcs before them. Given the short distance, each simply aims for the head of an approaching orc. Each fires two shafts in quick succession and two orcs drop to the stairs. With the four bodies blocking their path, the orcs behind have to slow their advance and crawl over.

A look of disgust comes over Valena's face when she sees that these bugs and orcs are merging! This bugs are parasites infecting and transforming its host! Arrows are fired and the orcs and the parasite attached to it fall.

“That's two for me and two for you,” Valena tells Laucian in an attempt to lighten this dark moment. “You think you can keep up?”

Valena continues to fire her normal arrows at the approaching foes.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

He follows the hallway and finds stairs and an opening in the floor where Lilia is hovering. “Lilia, I know you want to save our kin, I do too, but do not rush forward. We are stronger together and we will see our kin freed,” he says to his queen, hoping that Lilia is not blaming herself for this mess.

“My apologies,” Lilia states, her eyes still looking down the central shaft. “But I knew that you would be following, so my flank would not be exposed. I did not plan to go any further then you could easily follow. That is why I stopped here.”

A buzzing sound is heard down below, along with pounding footsteps signifying that the enemy is approaching! The others arrive in short order and Kylie flies into the central shaft. It is decided to web and burn they flying insects.

Kylie casts a Web and fills the area below the bridge with thick, sticky strands. The insects fly into the web and are held fast. Lilia follows up with a Burning Hands spell and the web is ignited. It burns hot and fast, and Kylie and Lilia have to move away to keep from being burned. In a just a few moments, the web is burned away and the crispy bugs fall back down the shaft. The central shaft is clear of enemies for the moment. The buzzing sound is now gone.

Lilia surges upwards several feet to escape the flames shooting up from the burning web. The spells have the desired effect and the flying bugs are destroyed. The enemy on the steps are drawing closer. There is a sickening sweet smell and an odd clacking sound coming from them.

“Back up our friends,” Lilia tells Kylie as she moves towards Talen and Lia. “And keep an eye on the shaft so that no more enemies come up it.”

Lilia reaches the landing where Talen and Lia are confronting the enemy. Lilia will draw her Manabow and hover higher up so that she can shoot over the twins. Following her own advice, Lilia will look back to the central shaft after every shot to make sure we are not attacked from the flank.

“Let me assist you,” Lilia tells the twins as she fires her Manabow.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“That all my be true,” Valena gently counters, “but Chandra betrayed her. That has to sting.”
Laucian simply nods in agreement then turns to leave after Lilia.

These orcs are not wearing uniforms like the one with the bug on its head outside had been. No, these look more like the orcs that were threatening the elves guarding the rocs. They are all raggedly dressed and nothing even comes close to matching. All of these orcs do have bugs on their heads!

However, as gruesome as that is, the horror does not end there. Several of the orcs are in the process of changing! Their normally gray-green skin tone is more reddish-black in complexion. Even stranger, the bug on the top of the head of these orcs no longer seems to be a separate entity! It as if the bug and the orc are in the process of 'merging' into a whole new creature! Several of the orcs now have compound, insect eyes instead of their normal ones. A few even have antenna growing from their heads!

As the heroes recover from the horror before they eyes they attack! Laucian and Valena rain arrows down on the bug infested orcs before them. Given the short distance, each simply aims for the head of an approaching orc. Each fires two shafts in quick succession and two orcs drop to the stairs. With the four bodies blocking their path, the orcs behind have to slow their advance and crawl over.

Laucian watches as the mages effectively take out the bugs with a web and fire. A few moments later Orcs or what used to be orcs begin walking up the stairs. He begins to take aim and rain arrows down upon the orcflies.Taking two from this world and Valena does the same.

“That's two for me and two for you,” Valena tells Laucian in an attempt to lighten this dark moment. “You think you can keep up?”

“Is an orc ugly? He says a slight smirk across his face, as he draws an arrow and knocks it to his bow.
Laucian will continue to put arrows into the orcs/insects.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Insects that control others?” Talen mutters. “How strange!”

Kylie is hard-pressed to imagine a worse fate, but says nothing as revulsion sweeps down her spine.

Lilia nods her agreement to Kylie. “We cannot allow any of these bugs to get past us. They are a danger to all!”

Kylie doesn't need any more encouragement. She fills the central shaft below the walkway with magical webbing, apparently catching all of the strange and repulsive insects on the first try. Immediately, Lilia lights the webbing on fire with a simple spell, and the bugs all perish in the resulting conflagration. The heat and smell generated by the burning webs and insects drive Kylie toward the opening back into the dormitory area.

“Back up our friends,” Lilia tells Kylie as she moves towards Talen and Lia. “And keep an eye on the shaft so that no more enemies come up it.”

With a quick nod, Kylie flies over to join the Laucian and Valena guarding one of the stairways. She is confronted by a sight yet more offensive than the bugs: orcs in various stages of mutating into bizarre hybrid creatures are forcing their way up the stairs in an attempt to attack them. From the elves' banter and the bodies below, it is apparent that they have already killed several of the horrifying creatures. It takes Kylie a great effort of will to suppress the urge to empty her stomach onto the floor.

Floating slightly above and behind her two elven companions, Kylie pulls her bow and begins raining her enchanted arrows down upon the disgusting orc-bugs.
______________________________________________________________________
Kylie will alternate between Fire and Ice arrows as she does not want to run out of either one.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed