Tower of Magic #4

[GM Mad]

Tower of Magic #4

Two more members of Aric Cozar’s adventuring group have been rescued. The seeming leader of the group is Geena Latrian, a spellfiltcher in the service of Mystra. With her is Ulak, a luckmaiden who serves Haele Brightaxe.

"Pleased to meet you, as well. You are correct that Mystra has commissioned me to defeat the enemies who have taken up residence in this Tower of War." She will produce the mace, given to her. "This weapon is very powerful and was given to me by Midnight, an avatar of the Lady of Mysteries."

“I can feel the Lady’s touch on it from here,” Geena says almost in awe. “You have been truly blessed to be awarded such a powerful weapon.”

"We are to find the great black pyramid on the lowest level and use the mace to destroy it. I was told this would seal off the Towers from the Underworld and allow us to cleanse the Towers of the invaders. But the Towers here are known as the Tower of War, the Tower of Power and the Tower of Gaz. There is no Tower of Magic. Do you know something that I do not?" she queries.

“I knew nothing of the state of this area before arriving here,” Geena explains. “All I knew was that a mage named Gaz began the great work to build this area so that the Tower of Magic could be located here. And I agree, what is here does not seem to fit what I little I have heard about the Tower of Magic. The Tower is huge, over 1000’ feet high! It’s the home of a great temple to Mystra and schools of learning. It’s the center of Mystran worship in the world and place where students can come to learn magic. Nothing here fits that description.”

"The last planet is a part of the original Alphatian home world. Perhaps the Tower of Magic is there, or the means to construct it are there. I do not know." Kharyna pauses for a moment as she contemplates these revelations. "Interesting...."

“I do not know either,” Geena adds. “The only thing that makes sense is that the ruins of the old Tower of Magic is there. That we are to go there to retrieve the knowledge that has been lost from it. But the very nature of Specter (the name of the last planet) makes getting there difficult. It’s habit of appearing and disappearing seemingly at random has prevented anyone from getting close to it before. Since you are the Chosen One, perhaps you’ll be able to do what no one else has yet to.”

"We still have much to do. But at this point, I can only assume that most of the enemies here can be avoided if possible as we need to get down to the lower level and with haste. Others are interested in the Towers and it seems that this time is of particular importance as well."

“If that is the case,” Geena suggest, “then we should not be wasting our time with these priests. We need to continue to move down. But how? We need information.”

“I could ask the derro,” Aric suggests. “They should know what’s going on down here.”

Both Ulak and Zera are not happy with that idea as Derro are considered little more than filthy, degenerate creatures by most dwarves.

'That is what we are trying to determine," Kharyna responds. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."

“Nice place you got here,” Ulak responds. “The Lady of the Fray does approve!”

As quickly as she can she will look for any traps upon the items upon the shelves, if untrapped she will take anything of value. Using the robes to touch them and place them in a bag.

The items on the shelves are of minor religious significance to followers of Nerull. Virtually worthless to non-followers.

Following the others Virae moves deeper into the complex, she doesn’t notice the change in temperature and is rather unbothered by it. Looking about she sees the bridge over the molten Lava and the wall resting beneath it. But no sign of the Half-orc that fled. Seeing the others begin to get bothered by the Heat Virae looks to Kharyna. “We need to breech that wall.” stating the obvious, (Does the wall go all the way to the ceiling? Are there any gaps one could switch through? So maybe a rope can be tied off close to the rock wall?)

The man-made wall is large enough to cover the opening behind it, so a regular person couldn’t squeeze past it. The wall does not go to the ceiling. There does not appear to be any gaps around the wall. It’s so hot in this chamber that rope might start to burn!

Only Virae isn’t bothered by the intense heat. Everyone else is taking minor damage and trying to breath the air is worse as the heat sears your lungs! Everyone is forced back to a safer distance.

Depending on what they face, Virae will see if the Wall is an Illusion or not. If there is room she will look to the others, “ I can probably secure a line but you may not like how I have to do it” she says evenly looking to Kharyna, hoping the others will understand.

The wall is really there. It can be touched and felt.

Now what?

[Kharyna]

Kharyna of Mystra -

Kharyna and her group have rescued more of Aric's companions. One is Geena, a follower of Mystra also and the group's leader, as well as another dwarven battlemaiden.

Kharyna shows her mace to Geena to confirm her mission here.

“I can feel the Lady’s touch on it from here,” Geena says almost in awe. “You have been truly blessed to be awarded such a powerful weapon.”

"I seek to further the knowledge of magic and in doing so we have come upon this place. Clearly it is of some powerful significance, especially if it is to be the location of the Tower of Magic, whatever that may be. Mystra is very interested in the recovery of this place; of that I am certain."


"We are to find the great black pyramid on the lowest level and use the mace to destroy it. I was told this would seal off the Towers from the Underworld and allow us to cleanse the Towers of the invaders. But the Towers here are known as the Tower of War, the Tower of Power and the Tower of Gaz. There is no Tower of Magic. Do you know something that I do not?" she queries.

“I knew nothing of the state of this area before arriving here,” Geena explains. “All I knew was that a mage named Gaz began the great work to build this area so that the Tower of Magic could be located here. And I agree, what is here does not seem to fit what I little I have heard about the Tower of Magic. The Tower is huge, over 1000’ feet high! It’s the home of a great temple to Mystra and schools of learning. It’s the center of Mystran worship in the world and place where students can come to learn magic. Nothing here fits that description.”

"I see," Kharyna says as she contemplates these words. Suddenly a thought hits her from out of the blue. "What if these three towers are not truly towers at all? What if they are simply the platform for the Tower of Magic? It may be that the Tower must be rebuilt, or it may still be intact and need to be moved here from Spectre. I suppose we will find out when the time is right."

“I do not know either,” Geena adds. “The only thing that makes sense is that the ruins of the old Tower of Magic is there. That we are to go there to retrieve the knowledge that has been lost from it. But the very nature of Specter (the name of the last planet) makes getting there difficult. It’s habit of appearing and disappearing seemingly at random has prevented anyone from getting close to it before. Since you are the Chosen One, perhaps you’ll be able to do what no one else has yet to.”

The Chosen One. Those words echo through the mind of Kharyna. It was not long ago that she was also called the Chosen One of Auril. She still bears the stark white hair that supposedly signified her status within that priesthood. "We will see about such a title," she says finally. "For now, I wish to complete our mission for the Lady of Mysteries."


After a bit more discussion, the group (with some dissenters) decides to ask the derro for what information they know. "The derro may not be our friends, but it has been said that 'the enemy of my enemy is my ally', at the very least. Go and ask them what they know. The knowledge may prove helpful."

[Kharyna]

Kharyna of Mystra -

The group continues on after the half-orc priests who escaped. The pass by what seems like a naturally heated steam bath and then the area gets hotter and hotter. Perspiration begins to form at Kharyna's brow and the stone beneath her bare feet is getting too hot to walk on as they progress.

"It feels like an oven in here," she says, stopping before the pain becomes too great. Kharyna will cast a Fly spell so as to avoid further contact with her bare skin and the rock. "There, that's much better."

Soon, the group reaches a much larger chamber and they are greated by the source of the extreme heat: a lava flow! A barrier has been erected on the other side of a bridge across the chasm.

Virae goes to examine the wall and it is determined to truly be there. She is the only one who does not feel the effects of the heat and everyone retreats a bit to safety.

"The way I see it, we have two choices. We can either circumvent the barrier or we can look for another way down further. As I was told by Mystra we do still have some distance to decend."

"I can easily change the barrier with a Stoneshape spell or else use Wraithform while I have my Fly activated. The question is: does the barrier keep us out or does it keep something else on the other side?"

"Since I can Fly and not take damage from the heat in Wraithform, I will inspect the other side and see what there is. If it seems promising then we will remove the barrier, otherwise we will have to look for alternative paths."

Kharyna will cast a Protection from Evil on herself since she may end up alone at some point, as well as Wraithform. From there, she will fly across the chasm and past the wall.

[Virae]

Virae

After a bit more discussion, the group (with some dissenters) decides to ask the derro for what information they know. "The derro may not be our friends, but it has been said that 'the enemy of my enemy is my ally', at the very least. Go and ask them what they know. The knowledge may prove helpful."

“It maybe in your best interest not to keep me about if you seek this. If the Derro see through my disguise it will hamper you greatly, My kin are no the friendliest to deal with.” she states evenly knowing full well Kharnya knows of what she speaks.

"It feels like an oven in here," she says, stopping before the pain becomes too great. Kharyna will cast a Fly spell so as to avoid further contact with her bare skin and the rock. "There, that's much better."

“It is to my liking.” Virae states apparently unbothered by the fact that lava is free flowing beneath them.

"Since I can Fly and not take damage from the heat in Wraithform, I will inspect the other side and see what there is. If it seems promising then we will remove the barrier, otherwise we will have to look for alternative paths."

“Then you won’t do so alone, Kharyna. Upon looking up at Kharyna she concentrates on dropping a part of her disguise. Two Bat-like wings begin to unveiled/shimmer into existence as the magic allows her form to come through. Giving her natural wings a few flaps to see how much control she has, she will fly to the ledge in back of the wall, and have a look about. (Judging by the picture, I think this is done. I dont have her sheet on me Fairly sure she can fly with her wings, If she can only glide she will refrain from this and move down the ledge the way the lava flows looking for any signs of passage, though doubtful.)

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

New allies in the quest to clear out the Tower of War have been gained. They come in the form of three adventurers who hail from Alphatia. It appears that they came here at the request of a Lady Dahlia Mingor, a Priestess of Mystra in Alphatia. However, the leader of the group, Geena Latrian believes that Kharyna is the Chosen One to restore the Tower of Magic. She only used Dahlia’s resources to get here.

"I seek to further the knowledge of magic and in doing so we have come upon this place. Clearly it is of some powerful significance, especially if it is to be the location of the Tower of Magic, whatever that may be. Mystra is very interested in the recovery of this place; of that I am certain."

“I would have to agree,” Geena answers. “There is a special significance to this location, but what I do not know. Something made Gaz come here to begin with. Perhaps it is something within these massive underground towers?”

"I see," Kharyna says as she contemplates these words. Suddenly a thought hits her from out of the blue. "What if these three towers are not truly towers at all? What if they are simply the platform for the Tower of Magic? It may be that the Tower must be rebuilt, or it may still be intact and need to be moved here from Specter. I suppose we will find out when the time is right."

“Again, I would tend to agree. What is here is clearly not the Tower of Magic and just what it is will be revealed once we have reached Spectre.”

The Chosen One. Those words echo through the mind of Kharyna. It was not long ago that she was also called the Chosen One of Auril. She still bears the stark white hair that supposedly signified her status within that priesthood. "We will see about such a title," she says finally. "For now, I wish to complete our mission for the Lady of Mysteries."

“Yes, by all means,” Geena adds. “Let us continue with the task given to us by the Lady.”

“Chosen One?” Swanny repeats in amusement. “We’ve been down that road before. Let’s hope it turns out better this time!”

“Now there will be no living with her,” Lara wryly notes.

After a bit more discussion, the group (with some dissenters) decides to ask the derro for what information they know. "The derro may not be our friends, but it has been said that 'the enemy of my enemy is my ally', at the very least. Go and ask them what they know. The knowledge may prove helpful."

“It maybe in your best interest not to keep me about if you seek this. If the Derro see through my disguise it will hamper you greatly, My kin are not the friendliest to deal with.” she states evenly knowing full well Kharyna knows of what she speaks.

“Bah!” Zera sneers. “No need to be so nice to those scum!”

“They are just a twisted and evil mockery of a true dwarf!” Ulak adds. “Fodder for my axe!”

“It might not be all that complicated either,” Swanny speaks up, adding her own thoughts. “There might be a secret passage in here that those priests used to get away in, avoiding all this heat. Let Aric go talk to these derro and the rest of us will see if we can find anything.”

“I’ll go with Aric,” Geena offers. “We can then regroup back here to compare notes.”

Aric and Geena retrace the path back to the large temple to go find some derro for information, while Kharyna and Virae investigate the stone wall above the lava flow. Everyone else moves a safe distance down the passage leading to the lava to search for secret doors.

Kharyna casts more spells on herself, in addition to the earlier Fly spell. Protection from Evil follows and then a Wraithform spell.

Once safely away from the others, Virae drops part of her disguise, allowing her natural bat-like wings to emerge. Spreading her wings, Virae can easily fly over the lava flow. Kharyna flies up to the stonewall and passes through the narrow opening surrounding it. Virae cannot follow at this point, so instead she scouts out the tunnel over the lava flow looking for another way around the wall.


Behind the stone wall, Kharyna immediately finds stairs going up to a door. Flying upwards she passes under the door and into the room beyond. The room is large and oddly shaped. It is decorated in black and rust-red tapestries. Setting in the room is a large gold-framed sofa, two gold-framed chairs, and matching tables. It’s clearly yet another priest of Nerull living area!

Four doors are noted. Three of them lead to priests' sleeping areas, similar to the ones explored before. The last door seems to be a closet. There does not appear to be any exists from this area.


Back in the lava tunnel, Virae finds that the right hand passage (the right side from the way you entered) eventually dead-ends. The lava just emerges from underground into this cavern at that point.

The left hand way is much more promising. After a few twists and turns, the drawbridge is spotted spanning the lava flow! A pair of chains supports two small bridges that can be raised and lowered on either side. These chains glow red from the intense heat!

As Virae approaches, she catches just a glimpse of a figure in rust-red robes vanishing into the opening to her right. The lava flow continues on past this drawbridge.


GM Notes:

The map for this area has been updated in the usual location.

Now what?

[Kharyna]

Kharyna of Mystra -

“I would have to agree,” Geena answers. “There is a special significance to this location, but what I do not know. Something made Gaz come here to begin with. Perhaps it is something within these massive underground towers?”

"That is a likely conclusion," Kharyna says, giving it some thought. "Otherwise, they might seek to simply have it elsewhere. Clearly it seems to be meant to be here."


“Yes, by all means,” Geena adds. “Let us continue with the task given to us by the Lady.”

“Chosen One?” Swanny repeats in amusement. “We’ve been down that road before. Let’s hope it turns out better this time!”

“Now there will be no living with her,” Lara wryly notes.

"Now, now, girls," Kharyna says jokingly. "Don't be jealous just because you're in the presence of greatness."



“It maybe in your best interest not to keep me about if you seek this. If the Derro see through my disguise it will hamper you greatly, My kin are no the friendliest to deal with.” she states evenly knowing full well Kharnya knows of what she speaks.

"Understood," Kharyna responds. "It sounds like a few of our other friends will also be avoiding the discussion with the derro," she continues, referring to the dwarves.

“It might not be all that complicated either,” Swanny speaks up, adding her own thoughts. “There might be a secret passage in here that those priests used to get away in, avoiding all this heat. Let Aric go talk to these derro and the rest of us will see if we can find anything.”

“I’ll go with Aric,” Geena offers. “We can then regroup back here to compare notes.”

"That sounds reasonable," Kharyna agrees. "Let's not linger too long. There are all sorts of twists and turns in this place and it could be easy to get separated."

[Kharyna]

Kharyna of Mystra -

As the group progresses through the tunnels, the trek becomes more and more uncomfortable due to the heat.

"It feels like an oven in here," she says, stopping before the pain becomes too great. Kharyna will cast a Fly spell so as to avoid further contact with her bare skin and the rock. "There, that's much better."

“It is to my liking.” Virae states apparently unbothered by the fact that lava is free flowing beneath them.

"Nice," is all Kharyna can say. This must be what it feels like to most everyone else, when she flaunts her immunity to cold.

When they reach the point where the way is blocked by stone, Kharyna decides to go on alone, in Wraithform. Virae offers to go along, as she is basically immune to the heat and can fly naturally as well.

Beyond the wall, Kharyna finds what looks to be a living area, consisting of four rooms and a closet. "Odd," she says to herself, in a voice that sounds wispy and haunting. "Why would they close off a simple living area? There must be a secret passage somewhere here."

Kharyna will fly around the area, looking for ways to slip through the walls, as she cannot truly touch anything well enough to operate a scret door. She concentrates on the closet as well as the areas that are beyond the lava flow behind her.

[Virae]

Virae

“Bah!” Zera sneers. “No need to be so nice to those scum!”

“They are just a twisted and evil mockery of a true dwarf!” Ulak adds. “Fodder for my axe!”

Virae looks at them wondering is all the people of the world so full of hatred toward others. Then there isn’t many places for her she thinks sullenly to herself.
Spreading her wings Virae begins to flap them, taking off to the sky, she stops by the wall seeing no way through, “Looks like I was mistaken.” She says loudly so Khayrna can hear her. Veering off Virae decides to fly the length of the cavern seeing nothing but where the lava emerges she begins to fly the other way.

Spotting the a brief visual of the priest’s robes run to the right, Virae merely pulls off the chase and flaps her wings as she gazes down the drawbridge and two fortress that stand against each others.

Allowing the priest to scamper away, Virae decides to head back to the others. Thinking
perhaps this left hand passage has another way to it. If they can get their numbers through that they should be okay. When she lands back at the others she will remake her normal disguise hiding all traces of her demon/drow features.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The explorers have split up. Geena and Aric have gone back to talk to the derro to see if there is a way to reach the lower levels. Kharyna and Virae have gone forward to explore the area beyond the lava flow, while everyone else searches for secret doors.

Only Kharyna was able to slip past the stone wall using her magic. In the chambers beyond, she finds a living area and three sleeping quarters. Suspiciously, there seems to be no way to reach these rooms other than circumventing the wall. Suspecting a secret passage, Kharyna begins to search.

A closet is the first object of her search. It holds several old rust-red cloaks. But a small space is noted on the bottom of the back wall and Kharyna seeps through it in Wraithform. Beyond the wall is another corridor. After a few paces it turns to her right and then left a bit further along. The passage ends at a door straight ahead and another door to the right. The door straight ahead seems to have been tightly constructed to its opening. There is no gap for Kharyna to pass though.

The other door can easily be bypassed. Beyond the door is a small chamber. Kharyna immediately notices two huge armored figures standing to her left and her right. Both are far taller than a human and are poised to attack!


Elsewhere, Virae has discovered a stone drawbridge that goes over the lava flow further along. She catches a glimpse of the fleeing priests in the process. Turning back, Virae deduces that this bridge has to be reached from the way that the explorers came. Swanny was right. There is a secret passage somewhere!

Flying back, Virae lands before reaching the passage back and resumes her normal form. Rushing into the passageway, Virae can hear the sounds of combat up ahead! An opening that was not there before is noted and the noise seems to be coming from that way.

The opening leads into a small room where the only feature is a large winch which is bolted to the floor. A thick chain is attached to the winch, wound about it a few times and then exits the room through a hole in the left hand wall. The hole is only large enough for the chain to pass through.

On the other side of the room is another opening and beyond this is a second room. In this second room the group is making quick work of a pair of ogres wearing gold sashes. There doesn’t seem to be any exit from this second room.


GM Notes:

The map for this area has been updated in the usual location.

Now what?

[Kharyna]

Kharyna of Mystra -

Kharyna begins to explore further and finds a secret door. The two obvious options located beyond this give her some pause however. The first door is too tight to pass through as a Wraithform and the next leads to an empty room with two armored statues. She is startled for a brief moment upon seeing them ready to strike, but she quickly exits the room, ignoring them.

"This just doesn't make any sense," Kharyna says to herself. "This area wouldn't be blocked off if there wasn't something here." She thinks to go an follow Virae for the moment, but decides look once more for secret doors. "There seems to be many of them in this structure," she remembers.

Kharyna will look for more secret passages, concentrating on the area past the last secret door she found. If nothing is found, she will backtrack and see how Virae is faring.

[Virae]

Virae

Flying back, Virae lands before reaching the passage back and resumes her normal form. Rushing into the passageway, Virae can hear the sounds of combat up ahead! An opening that was not there before is noted and the noise seems to be coming from that way.

The opening leads into a small room where the only feature is a large winch which is bolted to the floor. A thick chain is attached to the winch, wound about it a few times and then exits the room through a hole in the left hand wall. The hole is only large enough for the chain to pass through.

On the other side of the room is another opening and beyond this is a second room. In this second room the group is making quick work of a pair of ogres wearing gold sashes. There doesn’t seem to be any exit from this second room.

Drawing her shortswords and moving toward the clashes of steel, Virae makes her way througha room with a winch within it. Not seeing her companions she moves to the next room where two Ogres are being dispatched as she approaches.

Looking to Swanny and Lara, “I found out where the priest is heading, there is a draw bridge that splits and raises upon the Lava Flow. It looks to be a fortress of some sort or another.” She says evenly to them. “Have you found anything?” she asks looking around the room, then notices the odd shaped room. She tilts her head as she advances upon the area, where she will check that Alcove for any passages.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The explorations continue. Kharyna slipped into yet another room while in Wraithform. Before her she finds two huge armored figures poised to attack that startle her. Strangely enough neither figure makes any moves! It’s as if they are statues.

Seeing that this chamber doesn’t go anywhere, Kharyna exits back out to the hallway. She makes her way back to where she first entered, suspecting that there’s another secret door somewhere along the way. While searching, her Wraithform spell gives out and she reverts back to flesh and blood.


Elsewhere, Virae has rejoined the main group. They found a secret door that led them into a room with a huge winch. Another secret door led them to an adjoining chamber where two ogres were defeated. There appears to be no exit from this room.

Looking to Swanny and Lara, "I found out where the priests are heading, there is a draw bridge that splits and raises upon the Lava Flow. It looks to be a fortress of some sort or another." She says evenly to them. "Have you found anything?" she asks looking around the room, then notices the odd shaped room. She tilts her head as she advances upon the area, where she will check that Alcove for any passages.

“Just these rooms here,” Swanny answers. “A bridge over the lava you say? Then we must be on the right track then! Keep searching for more hidden doors!”

“Where is Kharyna?” Lara asks of Virae.


Virae joins Talia in the odd corner of the room. Sure enough another secret door is found! The door is opened, but several crates are stacked in front of it. Swanny and the dwarves easily remove the obstacle.

Before the group can go any further, Geena and Aric return from their meeting with the derro.

“I’m not sure they were of any great help,” Geena states. “But we did learn some things. Aric?”

“They say that the mines where they toil are on the level below this one. But to reach them, we have to go back up. There’s a passage up there that leads to another area where they are trying to excavate a collapsed tunnel. A platform and winch arrangement leads them down into a large chamber that’s like an island surrounded by a river of black tar-like substance. A second winch takes you down into the mines. The winches are used to lower debris down and bring gold and gems back up.”

“But they also talk about these Nerull priests seemingly coming and going at will,” Geena continues. “Appearing in rooms from seemingly out of nowhere. I suspect that much like the area we are in now, these priests have an entire network of concealed passageways and hidden doors that they use to move about the complex.”

“This seems reasonable, as the derro know of no way to reach the lowest level of this tower,” Aric adds.

“Therefore it must be a part of the hidden areas used by these priests,” Swanny deduces. “So we are on the right path.”

“There is one more thing,” Geena says. “Apparently these priests have masters. Nine of them in all, and they all dwell on the lowest level. They and a whole host of monsters guard the black pyramid Kharyna seeks.”

“The Lady of the Fray does approve!” Ulak eagerly announces. “A pitched battle against monsters and great enemies is truly a blessing! Let’s get moving! They ain’t gonna wait forever!”

“Who am I to argue with that?” Swanny wonders aloud. “Perhaps we’ll be able to catch up with Kharyna this way.”

[GM Mad]

After pushing their way through the crates, the group enters into a small storage chamber. Stairs lead up to a door on the opposite wall. The door opens into a hallway. It goes to the left for a little bit and then ends, but it continues on to the right. Some forty feet in, the passage turns to the right. As the group moves closer, they begin to feel the intense heat of the lava flow once more.

The turn is actually steps going upwards. As you go up the steps the stone drawbridge Virae found is spotted. The area seems clear, but Swanny has everyone move back.

“Virae,” Swanny says, “you’ll need to scout ahead to see if we can safely pass. The rest of us won’t last long in that heat. If the way is clear, we’ll have to hold our breaths and run across until we can reach a tolerable area. Get a move on.”


On the other side of the lava flow, Kharyna explores the hallway. The priestess locates another secret door in the wall opposite of where the hallway turned originally. Opening the door, Kharyna moves into a six-sided room. A statue of Nerull stands in the middle of this secret shrine. It is a rust-red skeletal figure with dark green hair and green eyes. It holds a red veined staff in one hand and a skull in the other. Several small sickles are mounted on the wall.

There is an opening to the right of the secret door where stairs leading up can be spotted.



Not too far away, Virae explores the bridge area. No one is currently in the area. In the chamber on the far side of the bridge, a wall has been erected to bisect the room. There doesn’t to be any reason for this. Just past the room with the wall is a hallway. Two sets of stairs lead away from the hallway. One is much larger and the other and both go downwards. The hallway itself ends.

Retracing her steps, Virae returns to the others with her report. Swanny begins to send the group over the bridge as fast as they can move to avoid damage from the intense heat. The purpose of the wall in the far room quickly becomes apparent. It’s a heat barrier and once past it, the temperatures become far more comfortable. The explorers regroup and move on to the hallway with the stairs.


Back in the secret shrine, Kharyna can hear familiar voices. Taking the stairs up, she emerges into the hallway behind the heat barrier! Reunited, the group compares notes.

[GM Mad]

The second set of stairs in the hallway are wider and Aric regards them with interest. “The derro didn’t know about these stairs here. I think we’re on the right track.”

Moving down the stairs, the explorers go down about fifteen feet before arriving at a landing. More stairs leading down continue on from the landing, flip-flopping back and forth as the group moves deeper and deeper into the earth. Finally, the stairs stop at a landing with a narrow hallway leading away to your right. The dwarves estimate that you’ve descended about seventy-five feet in all.

The narrow hallway is long and featureless. It goes farther than anyone can see. Kharyna takes a step into the hallway and her enchanted mace begins to glow! She moves it back and forth and when pointed down the hallway, it glows brighter.

“It seems that the Lady wishes us to go that way,” Geena notes with a smile. “Perhaps we are close now?”


The hallway leads on for nearly three hundred feet before entering into another small hallway. At each end of this hallway are spiral stairs leading down. The glow of the mace grows in intensity as you move along. Its glow does not favor any of the two spiral staircases. It is equally intense for both of them.

Once more the group goes down stairs. These ones take you down further than the last set did. Both sets of stairs open up to the same platform, some one hundred feet below the long hallway. The platform is at the top of a pyramid-like arrangement. The back wall is solid rock, but other three sides slope down to the floor of a vast cavern. It is easily two hundred feet long and at least as high.

The main feature of the cavern is an incredible pyramid like construction. It is 100’ wide at the base. It has an adamantine foundation. The sides run steeply up to a statue that which stands at the top of the black pyramid like some godlike guardian of this cavern. The 100’ high statue is of a skeletal figure with dull rust-red skin, a skull like head, locks of dark green hair, green eyes, talons, and teeth. It holds a red vein staff in its right hand and a large 10’ skull in its left. There is an opening in the side of the pyramid where a blackish flame does burn.

Surrounding the pyramid are several large huts that appear to be made of oozing tar. A couple of stone buildings set to the right of the black pyramid. There is movement on the ground before the pyramid. Several giant trolls and two-headed trolls are spotted. Mixed in among them are skeletons of some giant humanoids, perhaps ogres. The masters of this level are quickly spotted. They are ogre-magi and there are nine of them!

“You wanted a great battle, Ulak”, Geena mutters. “I think you’re going to get your wish.”

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

A way to quickly move things along fell into place, so I advanced you to the bottom of the Tower of War. Maps for levels 8, 9, and 10 are now in the private area.

Oh, and here’s a picture of what you see.



Now what?

[Kharyna]

Kharyna of Mystra -

After searching for some time, Kharyna finds a secret door and this leads her to the rest of the group, who managed to find their way to the drawbridge that Virae discovered.

The reunited group manages find a way down and down and down they go. Eventually they reach what appears to be the bottom of the 'tower' as a huge black pyramid looms before them.

There are giant trolls and two-headed trolls about as well as the nine masters of the enemy that the derro spoke about.

"I have to admit that I was sort of hoping we'd have time to recover before this battle, but no time like the present." Kharyna pauses for a moment as she considers the situation. "We need to get to the altar of this pyramid, which means getting inside. While that could be easy, I don't like that flame shooting out of the entrance. That could be a problem."

"Unless we can figure out a way to eliminate it, we may be forced to defeat all the enemies around before we can try to Dispel or otherwise bypass the black flames. I am not sure. It may not even be magickal."

"In any case, we need to hit the enemy hard. Perhaps we are not as ready as we could be, but at this point I think we have what we need to prevail. We can have everyone move in close and then the sneakiest ones separate to better vantage points. Then we can hit them from multiple locations at range. The fighters can move in and we'll hit them all together. We'll try to tie up the Ogre Magi as much as possible and if we hit them from two or three locations, they may be more disorganized and confused."

"The first group will go in together, moving towards our right primarily. I can cast an Invisibility 10' Radius on some doodad and it should make it easy for everyone to get close and I can provide some aerial support. Then when ready, the fighters will start to move in, we'll hit them at range and then you guys get to kill what's left."

"Anyone have any questions or suggestions?" Once everyone is ready she will cast Invisibility 10' Radius on someone's knife or a rock and hand it to Swanny.

Kharyna will take flight and try to stay above the enemy view. She will cast Detect Magic while the sneaks are getting into place and see what else may detect as magickal. She will also cast a Mirror Image, if there is time. When the fighters start their move forward, Kharyna will cast her Ice Storm first to try and soften up as many of the enemy as possible. Ideally she will get several of the Ogre Magi together.

[Virae]

Virae

“Just these rooms here,” Swanny answers. “A bridge over the lava you say? Then we must be on the right track then! Keep searching for more hidden doors!”

“Where is Kharyna?” Lara asks of Virae.

“She has not come back?” she asks concern in her voice. “Last I saw her,she went through the wall, we were separated so I came back to search you out.”

“Virae,” Swanny says, “you’ll need to scout ahead to see if we can safely pass. The rest of us won’t last long in that heat. If the way is clear, we’ll have to hold our breaths and run across until we can reach a tolerable area. Get a move on.”

Nodding her head in understanding, Virae moves forward, looking up at the ramparts infront of her, Not too far away, Virae explores the bridge area. No one is currently in the area. In the chamber on the far side of the bridge, a wall has been erected to bisect the room. There doesn’t to be any reason for this. Just past the room with the wall is a hallway. Two sets of stairs lead away from the hallway. One is much larger and the other and both go downwards. The hallway itself ends.

Retracing her steps, Virae returns to the others with her report. Swanny begins to send the group over the bridge as fast as they can move to avoid damage from the intense heat. The purpose of the wall in the far room quickly becomes apparent. It’s a heat barrier and once past it, the temperatures become far more comfortable. The explorers regroup and move on to the hallway with the stairs.

“You wanted a great battle, Ulak”, Geena mutters. “I think you’re going to get your wish.”

Swallowing hard, Virae’s hands rest upon her sword hilts, as she takes in the site before her,

"In any case, we need to hit the enemy hard. Perhaps we are not as ready as we could be, but at this point I think we have what we need to prevail. We can have everyone move in close and then the sneakiest ones separate to better vantage points. Then we can hit them from multiple locations at range. The fighters can move in and we'll hit them all together. We'll try to tie up the Ogre Magi as much as possible and if we hit them from two or three locations, they may be more disorganized and confused."

"Anyone have any questions or suggestions?" Once everyone is ready she will cast Invisibility 10' Radius on someone's knife or a rock and hand it to Swanny.

Looking over the scene as Kharyna speaks Virae has a slight idea, but it could prove dangerous for any who attempt it. “The statue, is it not what they hold dear? Then they would dare not destroy it, if one could fly with another and place themselves upon its head, they could see the battle unfold and with arrow and magics assist those within need.” She said looking to the others, “The only flaw is,” thinking back to the statues that animated in their presence. “If that awakens, those who are upon it are in no mans land.”

(Would Virae be familiar with anything that is about? The tar stuff for instance, or even the black flame, not sure if wither would be within a drow society.)

[Kharyna]

Kharyna of Mystra -

Looking over the scene as Kharyna speaks Virae has a slight idea, but it could prove dangerous for any who attempt it. “The statue, is it not what they hold dear? Then they would dare not destroy it, if one could fly with another and place themselves upon its head, they could see the battle unfold and with arrow and magics assist those within need.” She said looking to the others, “The only flaw is,” thinking back to the statues that animated in their presence. “If that awakens, those who are upon it are in no mans land.”

"Yes, that could be a problem. And I wouldn't be surprised if this damn thing DID come to life. Also I couldn't carry anyone myself and cast spells, so taking someone seems to be out as well."

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

At long last, the explorers have reached their goal: the bottom of the Tower of War! There a large black pyramid with an equally huge statue of Nerull stands on top of it. Numerous creatures are seen in the area. Giant trolls, two-headed trolls, ogres, and the masters of all of this, ogre-magi!

The group considers how to proceed from here. Fortunately they proceeded cautiously and haven’t been spotted by the enemy yet.

"I have to admit that I was sort of hoping we'd have time to recover before this battle, but no time like the present." Kharyna pauses for a moment as she considers the situation. "We need to get to the altar of this pyramid, which means getting inside. While that could be easy, I don't like that flame shooting out of the entrance. That could be a problem."

"Unless we can figure out a way to eliminate it, we may be forced to defeat all the enemies around before we can try to Dispel or otherwise bypass the black flames. I am not sure. It may not even be magickal."

“You need to have faith, sister” Geena speaks up. “Mystra did provide you with the weapon which to destroy this black pyramid. Do you think she was unaware of what guards it? The mace will protect you from harm if you are strong in your faith.”

“That does sort of make sense,” Swanny adds. “Why give you a task, a tool to carry it out with, and then have you be blocked by its defenses? Awfully inefficient for a goddess.”

“You should rush to go and destroy the altar as directed,” Geena continues. “The rest of us will draw their attention to allow you to carry out this great task.”

"In any case, we need to hit the enemy hard. Perhaps we are not as ready as we could be, but at this point I think we have what we need to prevail. We can have everyone move in close and then the sneakiest ones separate to better vantage points. Then we can hit them from multiple locations at range. The fighters can move in and we'll hit them all together. We'll try to tie up the Ogre Magi as much as possible and if we hit them from two or three locations, they may be more disorganized and confused."

"The first group will go in together, moving towards our right primarily. I can cast an Invisibility 10' Radius on some doodad and it should make it easy for everyone to get close and I can provide some aerial support. Then when ready, the fighters will start to move in, we'll hit them at range and then you guys get to kill what's left."

"Anyone have any questions or suggestions?" Once everyone is ready she will cast Invisibility 10' Radius on someone's knife or a rock and hand it to Swanny.

Looking over the scene as Kharyna speaks Virae has a slight idea, but it could prove dangerous for any who attempt it. “The statue, is it not what they hold dear? Then they would dare not destroy it, if one could fly with another and place themselves upon its head, they could see the battle unfold and with arrow and magicks assist those within need.” She said looking to the others, “The only flaw is,” thinking back to the statues that animated in their presence. “If that awakens, those who are upon it are in no mans land.”

“The top of the pyramid does make for a great firing platform,” Lara agrees. “But I don’t think I want to be up there when Kharyna does her thing, so that is out. The top of those buildings off to the left is a possibility, but right here higher.”

“Where we are at is a very good defensive position,” Zera states. “Any attacker would have to climb up to reach us, allow ranged attacks before they arrive. Then we fighters can just push them back and down on to the others. Just don’t destroy that adamantine! It’s worth a king’s ransom!”

“The dwarf has a point,” Aric adds. “And if someone has magic that blocks them from coming up here, then all those ground troops are worthless.”

“While not exactly what you’re looking for, I have a Black Tentacles spell in memory,” Lara mentions. “I can cast it at the base and anyone who gets close will be attacked by it. Otherwise my spell selection is thin. I can move about almost unnoticed thanks to my elfin garments.”

“Moving is no problem for me either” Talia explains. “My boots and cloak give me great mobility. I’m not sure what I could against monsters like this though.”

“Bah! Let them come and test our mettle,” Ulak boldly cries out, shaking her axe.

“My spells are nearly spent too,” Geena explains. “But I can move about quickly and silently. The black cloak I wear allows me to move from shadow to shadow in the blink of an eye. Thus I can move about the battle field quickly.”

Kharyna will take flight and try to stay above the enemy view. She will cast Detect Magic while the sneaks are getting into place and see what else may detect as magickal. She will also cast a Mirror Image, if there is time. When the fighters start their move forward, Kharyna will cast her Ice Storm first to try and soften up as many of the enemy as possible. Ideally she will get several of the Ogre Magi together.

Detect Magic will reveal multiple sources of magic in the chamber. The black pyramid is the strongest source of magic, while all the ogre magi have enchanted armor and shields. Some of the magi have other sources of magic.

Would Virae be familiar with anything that is about? The tar stuff for instance, or even the black flame, not sure if whither would be within a drow society.

Tar can be found naturally underground, so it’s not uncommon. Huts oozing it are! (Kharyna notes that the huts are magical.) There is no special lore about black flame in drow society.

Now what?

[Kharyna]

Kharyna of Mystra -

“You need to have faith, sister” Geena speaks up. “Mystra did provide you with the weapon which to destroy this black pyramid. Do you think she was unaware of what guards it? The mace will protect you from harm if you are strong in your faith.”

“That does sort of make sense,” Swanny adds. “Why give you a task, a tool to carry it out with, and then have you be blocked by its defenses? Awfully inefficient for a goddess.”

“You should rush to go and destroy the altar as directed,” Geena continues. “The rest of us will draw their attention to allow you to carry out this great task.”

"Just because Mystra gave me the means to destroy the pyramid, doesn't mean it won't require some incredible actions on our part. Otherwise, why didn't she just teleport all of us right here?" Kharyna says. "Still the direct approach may be the best way."

Kharyna considers for a bit more. "Okay, we'll set up the base group here, as suggested, since it is defensible and the only obvious way out, should that be necessary. Those who are sneaky enough to move about unseen, can take up positions around the pyramid with the idea of causing as much mischief and damage as possible."

"I will fly in under the effect of Invisibility and see if I can enter the pyramid unseen or undetected. I somehow doubt that will be the case. Go ahead and cast the Black Tentacles, but if possible do not block the entire access to the stairs. In that way, it will still draw them up and may allow us to cause more problems for them." Kharyna will first cast Protection fro Evil on Swanny, then cast Invisibility 10' Radius on a rock and hand it to Swanny. Then she will Cast her Ice Storm as noted before, then take the Invisibilty rock from Swanny. She will then Fly over the group and try to enter the pyramid.

[Virae]

Virae

For the moment Virae will stand ready with her shortbow and begin firing down on the enemy when word is given to do so, Anything that looks like its starting to cast a spell she will aim at. Once the battle begins Virae will try and keep tabs on Kharyna, if she gets surrounded Virae will Fly down and draw her shortswords and join Kharyna.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The goal to the mission given to Kharyna by Mystra is in sight! The explorers have reached the lowest level of the Tower of War and have the black pyramid in view. All that remains is to get past the legion of creatures guarding it.

"Just because Mystra gave me the means to destroy the pyramid, doesn't mean it won't require some incredible actions on our part. Otherwise, why didn't she just teleport all of us right here?" Kharyna says. "Still the direct approach may be the best way."

“We are priestess,” Geena responds. “Faith is the very foundation of our powers. She gave you what was needed and pointed you in the proper direction. Mystra has faith in you to carry out this task. Having faith in her back isn’t all that much to ask for.”


Preparatory spells are cast. Kharyna casts Protection from Evil on Swanny, Geena casts Bless on all, and Ulak casts a spell called Haele’s Battle Blessing on Aric. Zera shoo’s Bacon back to the stairs and out of harm’s way. Lara casts Blur on herself.

Talia and Geena move out. Talia leaps up, sticks to the cavern wall and begins to move across overhead. Geena’s method is much more stealthier. She steps into a shadow, draws her cloak about her and seems to vanish! Geena reappears in another shadow down near the base of the pyramid. (Basically a limited version of Dimension Door.)

The festivities then begin in earnest. Kharyna creates an Ice Storm and targets the largest group of enemies with it. Great hailstones pound all those within the area of effect.

Lara casts Evard’s Black Tentacles and it fills most of the area between the half-pyramid the group is standing on and the black pyramid. “Should anyone go down there, stay close to this pyramid and then circle around to avoid being caught up in the spell.”

In the area indicated by Lara, nearly a dozen of black tentacles erupt from the ground. These tentacles lash on to anything close them and proceed to crush it! Some of the ogres, skeletons, and ogre magi are captured this way. Attacks with ranged weapons follow.


Kharyna then takes the Invisibility rock from Swanny and flies off on her mission to destroy the altar in the black pyramid. She quickly reaches the opening with the black flames. The flames can be seen and heard, and yet Kharyna does not feel them. She pushes onward and passes through the black fire without injury.

Kharyna now founds herself in a room behind the black fire in the base of the pyramid. The only exit is up ahead where a rust-red curtain blocks the way. As Kharyna looks on a pair of specters approach!


Back outside, the enemy forces pick themselves up from the initial assault. The passage of Kharyna is noted as part of the black flames vanishes, only to reappear again. Geena is close to the area where the Ice Storm hit. There, one of the ogre magi shoves the snow away. Geena sneaks up on him from behind and backstabs him with her dagger! The ogre magi drops to the ground.

Talia adds bow fire from the roof of the cavern, while those on the platform continue their ranged attacks. Virae uses her shortbow, along with Lara. Those creatures that simply rush the half-pyramid run smack into Lara’s trap. Black tentacles grab more and more creatures.

Much to everyone’s surprise, several of the ogre magi rise up into the air, completely circumventing the field of black tentacles!


Inside the black pyramid, the specters move closer, but then stop as if some force was holding them at bay. While Kharyna cannot see the mace she’s holding glowing, she cannot help but feel the power of Mystra about her. It’s almost like being in her presence!

Passing through the curtain, Kharyna comes to the final temple to Nerull! Up ahead is a rust red altar that reeks of evil. A sense of death and foreboding fills Kharyna’s soul. The specters are following, but cannot come closer then ten feet.


And outside once more, the ranged attacks on the flying ogre magi continue. They grow closer and then stop, hovering safely out of hand-to-hand combat reach. Then the magi begin to cast spells!

“Take cover!” Swanny warns.

The ogre magi unleash multiple Cones of Cold completely covering the top of the half-pyramid! A pair of them hits Lara and she falls down unconscious. Everyone else his hurt, but still on their feet.


Now what?

[Virae]

Virae

And outside once more, the ranged attacks on the flying ogre magi continue. They grow closer and then stop, hovering safely out of hand-to-hand combat reach. Then the magi begin to cast spells!

“Take cover!” Swanny warns.

The ogre magi unleash multiple Cones of Cold completely covering the top of the half-pyramid! A pair of them hits Lara and she falls down unconscious. Everyone else his hurt, but still on their feet.

Shielding her eyes with her arms, Virae feels the icy cold chill her bones as two spells envelope them. As it finishes she realizes Lara is unconscious on the floor, the damage done to her also makes her lose part of her concentration upon her disguise, two black horns appear from her forehead, as her auburn hair begins to turn white in places.

Unaware of this, she shouts to the others as she drops her bow and draws her shortswords. “Lara’s down!” At the realization one of her companions might be dead, Virae’s wings spring forth, “They want a fight, then they shall have one!” her voice dripping with surprising venom as she takes to the air.

Virae will fly as fast as she can towards the closest Ogre magi, slashing at it with wild abandon.

[Kharyna]

Kharyna of Mystra -

Kharyna has done this sort of thing before, so she is rather calm about the destruction of the deity's altar and power base here.

“We are priestess,” Geena responds. “Faith is the very foundation of our powers. She gave you what was needed and pointed you in the proper direction. Mystra has faith in you to carry out this task. Having faith in her back isn’t all that much to ask for.”

"It's not a question of faith as much as it is expecting her to do all the work and cover every base. There is still a considerable amount of danger involved and maybe more for the rest of you staying out here!"

Spells are cast. First the prepatory ones, then the attacks begin. Kharyna's Ice Storm has the desired effect and then she goes invisible. Flying forward, she approaches the black flames. While then can be seen and heard, she doesn't feel them as she approaches.

"Maybe Geena was right," she thinks to herself and passes right through. A rust-red curtain blocks her way once inside. As she looks for any other details to the room, a pair of spectres can be seen approaching.

Kharyna holds her mace out in front of her, the power of Mystra very palpable in the air around here. The spectres come to a halt. They allow her to pass, unable to approach to within more than a few feet.

Passing through the curtain, Kharyna comes to the final temple to Nerull! Up ahead is a rust red altar that reeks of evil. A sense of death and foreboding fills Kharyna’s soul. The specters are following, but cannot come closer then ten feet.

"This seems to be the place," she says to herself, trying to keep her mood light with the weight of her task upon her. Although confidence is not a problem, this is still no minor mission.

Not seeing any further interuptions, Kharyna continues forward. "In Mystra's name!" She screams as she swings the enchanted mace at the altar!

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Inside the black pyramid of Nerull, Kharyna closes in on the object of her quest. The altar lies before her. Her instructions given to her by Midnight was to take the mace in her hands and smash it into the altar, thereby destroying it. A pair of specters glides forth in an attempt to stop her, but they are kept at bay by the power of the mace. Seeing that the specters are no threat, Kharyna advances towards the altar.


Outside the pyramid, the ogre magi high priests of Nerull have brought their full powers to bear on the rest of the explorers. Multiple Cones of Cold have struck, while the ogre magi hover safely out of reach. Lara drops from the attacks. This is more than Virae can stand.

Shielding her eyes with her arms, Virae feels the icy cold chill her bones as two spells envelope them. As it finishes she realizes Lara is unconscious on the floor, the damage done to her also makes her lose part of her concentration upon her disguise, two black horns appear from her forehead, as her auburn hair begins to turn white in places.

Unaware of this, she shouts to the others as she drops her bow and draws her shortswords. "Lara's down!" At the realization one of her companions might be dead, Virae's wings spring forth, "They want a fight, then they shall have one!" her voice dripping with surprising venom as she takes to the air.

Virae takes flight, unaware that in the process her true form has been revealed. Aric, Zera, and Ulak are stunned by this development. Ulak regains her wits enough to rush to Lara’s side and administer aid.

This time it’s the ogre magi who are surprised by the direct assault. Virae drives both her blades into the ogre magi before it can defend itself. The ogre-like creature is badly wounded and begins to fall from the sky. It lands hard amongst Lara’s writhing black tentacles. A tentacle grabs the creature and begins to crush what little life remains.


Back inside the pyramid, Kharyna closes in on the altar. The temple guards, the specters’, are unable to close in due to the protective aura of the mace. Taking the mace in both hands, Kharyna lifts it over her head and then brings it down in one quick motion!

There is a burst of blue and white energy at the point of impact. The rust-red altar begins to splinter, but mostly remains intact.

Gathering all her strength, Kharyna slams the mace down upon the altar once more! At the moment of impact, a tremendous burst of energy is unleashed! The altar shatters, as does the mace! Kharyna is vaguely aware of flying backwards before darkness claims her.


Back outside the pyramid a burst of bluish white energy is seen and felt. This energy seems to harm the enemy forces gathered among you. A few seconds later, an even great burst of energy is felt! It’s like a wall of energy moving in all directions from within the black pyramid. The black pyramid is blown apart from the unleashed energy. The Nerull statue on top of the pyramid is destroyed and the way into the Underdark the enemy was using is sealed.

All the ogre magi, regular ogres, trolls, and undead are gone after the burst of energy passes them. The energy hits the explorers and that’s the last thing each remembers before falling into blackness.

[GM Mad]

Sometime later, Kharyna’s eyes begin to flutter open. She doesn’t feel hurt, just a little tired. She’s lying amongst the rubble of the black pyramid. Kharyna slowly becomes aware that she isn’t alone.

Seated nearby on a large piece of rubble is a woman of above average looks dressed in the robes of a Priestess of Mystra. The stranger has brown hair and eyes.

“Hello there,” the woman says with a smile once aware that Kharyna is awake. “You have done a great deed this day and Mystra has awarded you by increasing your priestly skills. I will be your liaison with the goddess from now on. When you meditate and pray for new spells, we may converse. Oh, forgive my manners. You may call me Renee.”

“The energy unleashed from the destruction of the altar has traveled throughout the Tower of War. Any follower of Nerull is now gone and they will not be back to trouble you. All their altars and temples are now gone. The passage to the Underdark has been sealed and any baneful magic left behind has been neutralized. You and your friends may rest safely before making your journey back up the tower again.”


Elsewhere among the ruins, the rest of the explorers regain consciousness. The black pyramid is gone. None of Nerull’s followers remain, although you can spot their armor and weapons here and there. The oozing black huts are gone as well. All spell affects have ceased.

On the top of the half-pyramid, Swanny quickly locates Aric, Zera, Ulak, and Lara. Lara is awake and coherent as well. Talia finds herself down on the ground, disorientated, but no worse for wear. Virae is also now on the ground and back in her normal form. Geena recovers not too far away.

Once he is able, Aric rushes to Geena’s side. The two hug and embrace while Geena gathers her wits about her.

“We have witness very powerful magic this day. The Lady of Mysteries has cleansed this tower of the invader gods. I doubt they’ll but up much of a fight now.”

After a few minutes, the group realizes that Kharyna is still missing. A quick search of the area locates her, lying unconscious among the ruins of the black pyramid.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Midnight’s task has been completed! Xp’s have been awarded to all in the usual place.

The forces of Nerull are gone, but you’ve got a long way to go to leave the Tower. The mirror-portal is located at #607, many levels overhead.

Now what?

[Aswansea]

Swanny:

“Take cover!” Swanny warns.

The ogre magi unleash multiple Cones of Cold completely covering the top of the half-pyramid! A pair of them hits Lara and she falls down unconscious. Everyone else his hurt, but still on their feet.

“Why didn’t someone say they could do that?” Swanny complains.

Unaware of this, she shouts to the others as she drops her bow and draws her shortswords. “Lara’s down!” At the realization one of her companions might be dead, Virae’s wings spring forth, “They want a fight, then they shall have one!” her voice dripping with surprising venom as she takes to the air.

Virae takes flight, unaware that in the process her true form has been revealed. Aric, Zera, and Ulak are stunned by this development. Ulak regains her wits enough to rush to Lara’s side and administer aid.

“Virae!” Swanny yells, but its too late as the strange girl is already gone. Seeing the stunned looks on Aric and the dwarfs’ faces, Swanny quickly adds, “It’s a magical thing she can do.” Shrugging off the transformation as if it’s not a big deal. “Ulak, see if you can do anything for Lara!”


Not long after that there is a burst of energy from the pyramid.

“She’s found the altar!” Swanny happily cries out.

Another wave passes. This one destroys the pyramid and seems to take out all the monsters as well. It also knocks everyone else out in the process.


Swanny recovers after what seems only a few seconds, but she has no idea just how long she was out. Rising, Swanny finds Aric and Zera close by. They don’t seem to be hurt. Ulak and Lara are coming around close by. That’s a good sign as it means that Lara wasn’t seriously hurt.

“Good to have you back.” Swanny tells Lara. “I’m going to go find Kharyna!”


Swanny makes her way down the side of the pyramid. The black tentacles Lara summoned seem to be gone. Both Virae and Talia are spotted in the area and nothing is bothering them. Figuring that the spell is gone, Swanny moves closer to her companions. After making sure they are safe, Swanny moves deeper into the cavern to try and find Kharyna.

Eventually, she’s found among the debris, but is unconscious.

“Is she all right?”

[Lara Spellsword]

Lara:

The last thing Lara remembers is the freezing cold before blacking out.

“You’d think that after all that time on Everwinter, I’d be used to the cold,” is her last thought before blackness claims her.


Sometime later, Lara awakes with a start as something heavy is laying on top of her! Very confused, Lara pushes the weight away to discover that it was the dwarven priestess. Swanny approaches.

“Good to have you back.” Swanny tells Lara. “I’m going to go find Kharyna!”

“What happened? Why was that dwarf on top of me? Where are you going? Wait for me!”


As Lara stands up, she realizes that the fighting is already over with. The black pyramid has been destroyed and there doesn’t seem to be anyone left to fight.

“I missed the good stuff!” Lara complains.

The petite elf follows Swanny down the pyramid. Lara is about to object when Swanny enters the area where she cast the Ebon Tentacles, but they don’t seem to be active any more. Talia and Virae are located, but the search for Kharyna continues. She’s located amongst the rubble, seemingly unconscious, but breathing.

“We found Kharyna!” Lara calls out. “We need a cleric right now!”

[Talia]

Talia:

Talia is horrified when those creatures rise up into the air and attack with magic! She can’t help but wonder just how we’re going to survive this, when there is a burst of energy. The black pyramid explodes with the next burst and that’s about the last thing Talia remembers.

The next thing the dungeon scout knows, she’s laying on the ground. Swanny checks up on her.

“I’m all right,” Talia answers. “A bit of a headache, but nothing serious. What happened?”

It seems that Kharyna completed her task and destroyed the altar, taking the pyramid with it. Kharyna’s is found in the ruins, seemingly unhurt but not awake either. Lara calls for a cleric.

“She has to be okay!”

[Virae]

Virae

Vaguely she hears the yell of Swanny, as her eyes hone in and narrow upon the Ogre magi. Her wings beating steadily carrying her to the Orge Magi within moments. Its eyes dart open in surprise as she draws closer her blades diving deep into its flesh, feasting upon its life blood.

Slowly the creature falls from her blades to fall into the tentacles below, A burst of light comes from the alter as Swanny let’s them no of Kharyna’s success, a smile coming across her face as she looks back seeing Lara getting tended to.

A second bright light erupts and collapses the Pyramid, drawing her gaze for the briefest of seconds. “Khary”… is all she can get out before she knows no more.

Sometime later her eyes flicker open, shaking her head as she looks about searching for the others. Gathering up her shortswords, Virae stands and looks at Swanny as she asks of her condition. “I’m no worse for ware, Where’s Kharyna?.” She says evenly and then sees Lara walking up behind her. “Its good to see your alright.” She says to the tiny elf.

Talia and Virae are located, but the search for Kharyna continues. She’s located amongst the rubble, seemingly unconscious, but breathing.

“We found Kharyna!” Lara calls out. “We need a cleric right now!”

Moving to the others, Virae waits for the clerics to arrive. Hoping she is ok Virae remains silent and looks to the others, slowly realizing the bond between them, almost as if they were a family of sorts.

[Kharyna]

Kharyna of Mystra -

With the spectres as no threat, she could dispel them with her own powers, much less the power of the mace pulsating in her hands. Ignoring them, she advances on the altar and slams the mace down overhead with both hands. She is not exceptionally strong, but the power of the mace erupts in a blue and white display of energy and the altar splinters.

She looks at it for a moment. Clearly it will take another strike or even several to be successful. Once more, she gathers all her strength and shouts "In Mystra's name!" This time, the impact point is even bigger. The altar shatters and Kharyna also sees the mace shatter in her hands. She worries for a split second, even though she knows that was supposed to happen. With a sensation of flying backwards, Kharyna then goes unconscious.

Sometime later, her eyes flutter open. Looking around, she finds herself lying amongst the rubble of the black pyramid. She sits up an looks around, brushing the blackish dust from her clothes and running her fingers through her hair.

Then she notices she is not alone. She wasn't surprised to see someone else, but figured it would be one fo her colleagues. This was a stranger.

Seated nearby on a large piece of rubble is a woman of above average looks dressed in the robes of a Priestess of Mystra. The stranger has brown hair and eyes.

“Hello there,” the woman says with a smile once aware that Kharyna is awake. “You have done a great deed this day and Mystra has awarded you by increasing your priestly skills. I will be your liaison with the goddess from now on. When you meditate and pray for new spells, we may converse. Oh, forgive my manners. You may call me Renee.”

"Hello, Renee," Kharyna responds looking over the woman.

“The energy unleashed from the destruction of the altar has traveled throughout the Tower of War. Any follower of Nerull is now gone and they will not be back to trouble you. All their altars and temples are now gone. The passage to the Underdark has been sealed and any baneful magic left behind has been neutralized. You and your friends may rest safely before making your journey back up the tower again.”

"That's good to know," Kharyna says. "I guess I have quite a few questions now..."

[Kharyna]

Kharyna of Mystra -

"There is a lot that comes to mind, so pardon me if it doesn't come out in the most organized of manners," Kharyna warns. "Anything you can clear up would certainly be helpful."

"Firstly, there seems to be a lot of interest in the Towers at this particular time. Is there a specific reason for that or is it just coincidence?"

"The priestess Geena mentioned something about seeing me in some visions. That I was to restore the Tower of Magic? Is this true? If so, why did Mystra only tell me that I was to destroy the temple here and not the whole story? Was it a test or simply to not overwhelm me at the time?"

"Geena was told to take me to the last planet of the solar system, part of the original Alphatian homeworld. Is the Tower of Magic there or is the method for restoring it there?"

"What is the signifance of the Tower of Magic being restored now. Gaz supposedly started it over 1100 years ago, so it's been a dormant project all that time. What is different now?"

"Supposedly Gaz was charged by Mystra to build the Tower of Magic, but he went mad. Was it part of the process of creating the Tower or was it a flawed choice on Mystra's part?"

"So much of the Towers have been plundered and corrupted. Is it worth recreating it here in the same failed spot?"

"The Tower of Magic was purported to be the premier Temple to Mystra and School of Magic in the world. Is this true? Is that was the Tower is to be and why in such a secluded place?"

"What is my purpose to be in the reclamation of the Tower of Magic?"

"There are many rumors about the Towers. Are any of them true? It has been told that a grand temple to Mystra is said to exist in the Tower of Power, or that Gaz's apprentices still inhabit the Towers and they are known as the Ring of Five. We heard that Gaz's troops still haunt the Tower of War as undead. Others have claimed that the Tower of Gaz is said to house that Archmage's greatest treasures, protected by his deadliest of traps. Another rumor says that the Gaz built his towers in this location because he discovered a great artifact deep within the Earth."

"Logically some must not be true, but in a case like this, anything could be true, when a mage goes truly mad. What caused Gaz to go mad and where is he now?"

"How long will it take to move or rebuild the Tower of Magic and is it to be done by people or through some power manifested by Mystra herself?"

"I recognize the name, Renee, from some old history on Cynalon. Are you that same woman and what is your role with Mystra?"

"How did Vaprak and Nerull's forces manage to take some hold on this place and are the other tower levels corrupted by others like this was?"

"What is to be found in the other towers and what needs to be done here to make it proper?"

"Where is everyone else, anyway?"

[GM Mad]

Post Closed