Difference between revisions of "The Abyss Stares Back"

Latest revision as of 15:39, 14 October 2026

This adventure began following the party's success at learning the fate of Ocsiban at the abandoned fortress north of Promise Junction. After Christine Barberry and the priestess Phaedra bid farewell and returned to Imor, life in the village continued.

The big fight

Emi, the town's Elven messenger, returned from her run and unveiled a new sign, offering scribing in addition to messenger services. Meanwhile, at the temple of Perasin, Dwarven High Priestess Shale prayed for guidance regarding the Sundered who had arrived the previous day. When she exited her trance, however, she noticed that the axe which had been recovered from the fortress, and of which possession was to be fought that afternoon by the Dwarf Klaven and her own subordinate, the half-Orc Pete, had disappeared. She decided to keep this hidden as she returned to the Red Dragon Inn to let Klaven know that said contest would be fought with sumo rules. Klaven complained about not being able to use his armor, to which Pete's friend and fellow half-Orc Stom took offense as a penitent of Fhqwhgads. The half-Orc stormed off to train Pete, while one of the Sundered, naming himself Prauer, said he'd attend the event and encouraged Klaven.

Around that time, Bardo, town librarian Shirella, and Zammocaz met to discuss the planned formation of the mages' guild. Afterwards, Bardo asked Sinjamin, daytime barkeep at the RDI, to use the inn's meeting room, while Shirella talked to Oashute, the town's treasurer, about the administrative requirements. Zammo was tasked with talking to Karresh, the newly returned necromancer, regarding possible sources for supplies in Sandpit. The necromancer stated that he would contact Plubium, from whom he had acquired such supplies in Sandpit, and secured Emi's services to do so.

Halfling rogue Lyden met with Toshiro, high-ranking member of the town guard, about the situation regarding Maul, a troublemaker from the nearby Unkkill farm. He agreed to send word to his contacts, and set off for the farm to gather information about Maul. Meanwhile, Shale and Klaven made an effort to advertise the fight later that day, with local bard-in-residence Gilbert and Bardo spreading word throughout the village. Klaven also arranged for Golbin, the RDI's stablehand, to sell Dwarven ale, which had magically created by Alvin Haler, at the arena.

The time arrived for the fight, and Shale's assistant Sato introduced the competitors. The fight lasted for several minutes, with Pete nearly winning after tripping Klaven on a charge, but the Dwarf was able to slip away thanks to his greased-up body. In the end, it was Klaven who won with a well-executed double-leg takedown, sending the half-Orc flipping out of the circle. As Pete tried to get up, a jet of flame shot down from the roof of the temple, setting his hair on fire. The fire was soon extinguished, and Perasin acolyte Shmo healed both competitors. Afterwards, Gilbert announced that a wrestling tournament would soon take place.

Klaven approached Shale to claim his prize, and Shale finally informed him that the halberd had disappeared. Klaven fumed, but left without incident, while the temple staff talked about acquiring equipment for the tournament. Stom suggested sending a message to Nazivonema, where he, Sato and Pete had been previously employed, to entreat Great Priest Molbo to lend them some. Sato also went up to the roof to check the source of the flame.

Town sheriff Bramus and Toshiro took to discussing the next move for protecting the village, whether it should be returning to the fortress or returning to the tunnels to face the Drow. They asked Sinjamin to contact his superiors regarding the disappearing equipment of "Blackie", and later that evening one of the RDI's support wizards, AutumnRose, arrived. She agreed to prepare the necessary spells for the next day. Word was then spread that there would be a meeting of the town staff after breakfast the following morning.

After learning from priestess of art Rin that she would need to rewrite her message to Molbo, Shale sat with Rakeor, Reckem and Isu. Sato reported that he had found only scorch marks on the roof, and those present mused on how to learn more about the demon roaches and the gate through which they were coming to infest the area. Isu suggested that her friend Stan from Sigil would be more knowledgeable, but that she also knew someone named StormWatch who might be able to help.

Before the mission

Planning begins

Before the meeting, the Orcish bard Duper, who had been hiding out in the RDI in fear of the kobold priest Bokbok, borrowed a cloak from Bardo so she could go out to the old mill, where Rin was staying in a room above D&B Clothiers, and ask the Elf to make her clothing more attractive. Pleased with the results, she set off for the temple of Gruumsh to perform repairs she had promised some time ago. She used her feminine wiles as a worshiper of Luthic to convince associate priest Domjot to let her do the repairs, and perhaps be allowed to perform at the Blood, Bone and Brew again.

The meeting proceeded on schedule, and Bramus put forth the options to either continue investigating the fortress, or attempt to drive out the Drow of Kiaransalee from the tunnels where they'd been forced to retreat. The possibility that AutumnRose, as an artificer, might know some magic item they could use to seal the gate was brought up. Bardo said that if Levi were to returned, she could seek his insight as well. Karresh, who had been invited to discuss the necromantic nature of some of the fortress events, was eager to investigate, and wondered if the odd patterns of bones in the tunnels below the forest might have been a vanquished bone lurker. Bramus and Shirella, however, argued for returning to the tunnels beneath the temple of Perasin, with the Drow presenting a more immediate threat. The logistical issues of accessing those tunnels were noted, and Toshiro agreed to check in on Tula, the swanmay of Lake Shen, to see if she had returned from relocating the winter wolf from the fortress and, if so, consult her regarding the entrance to the UnderWorld located along the lake. If that way wasn't feasible, High Priest Shazbot of Gruumsh would be approached to allow entry through their lower levels. After also noting the forest surrounding the fortress seemed to be the source of the mutated animals that had been plaguing the town, Bramus asked to again consult Rodney, a local ranger. Town advisor Eckhorn believed that things might soon become more active, and that patrols should be beefed up in the near term. The adventuring staff members discussed the magic items they'd collected during their travels, and asking AutumnRose about tapping into the nexus beneath the town also came up.

After the meeting, the staff were sent on their various errands. On their way out, Toshiro and the Dwarves saw activity at the future site of the temple of Varice. They saw Stromica, the newly-arrived holy warrior of the sun, directing Solidus, the Halfling priest, and several Orcs as they cleared trees to make room for the building.

Out at the lake, Tula told Toshiro that since their encounter with the reptilian humanoids in the caves north of the lake, she had explored them a bit, finding many side passages before the main passage ended about two miles to the south. She also urged him to make peace with Tara Goldmoon, druid of Eskalikor. Meanwhile, Klaven, Shale and Rakeor went to the eastern woods, where they found that the remains of the constructs that they'd deposited outside the fortress had indeed disappeared.

Bardo set out to consult Rodney, accompanied by Stom, Pete, and Nyla. As they passed the marketplace, Ishmakha, the guard on patrol, flagged them down and asked if they could escort Bashanni, a hand at Maud Frickert's farm, to Eskalikor to find Tara. Bardo agrees, and along the road west, they encountered Lebeaux, a local woodsman. Bashanni goes into a defensive stance, and Bardo recognized her as a fellow arcane caster. Lebeaux showed interest in helping clear the trees for Varice's temple, and went on his way.

After getting directions from Lebeaux, the five arrived at Rodney's cabin. Bardo's familiar and Rodney's cat took an instant dislike to each other as everyone settled down to discuss the situation. Rodney suggested finding a grey ranger to explore the tunnels before agreeing to return with them to search for the lairs of the mutant animals.

Toshiro reported back to Bramus, and it was decided he would move his camp north so that it was closer to the lake so that he could keep an eye on things. The Dwarves also made their report before Shale and Rakeor returned to their temple. Sato suggested hiring guards if Stom and Pete continued to be unavailable, and mentioned speaking to Ishmakha about recruiting some of the newly-arrived mercenaries. The priestess then rewrote and sent her request to Nazivonema.

After lunch at Rodney's cabin, the group there set off for the road. They soon heard the sound of horses and wagons approaching along the road, and moved closer to observe. They were discovered by Makoto, the kitsune thief, in fox form, and Bardo then saw Siege, the Elven warrior leading the group meeting the caravan from Floyk, along with Dax. Rodney also noted Brozhin, who, along with a number of the village's Orcs, had gone with the previous caravan led by Sku as escort, and talked to him while Siege filled in Bardo on Lily's departure with Rancidna and Gruelyere to Vamnik Outpost. After their reunion, the group was introduced to Perf Eland, the leader of the caravan, along with a pair of priests: Illiya, an Elven priestess of Losyera who was hoping to open a patisserie; and Hydralanus, a Human priest of Bassik who had gotten lost along the road. Both priests seemed eager to introduce culture to the village.

The caravan soon arrived in Promise Junction, and after the horses and wagons were sorted the various personages associated with it filtered into the RDI. Bardo and Zammo were most interested in the priests, although Makoto expressed her displeasure at their complaining along the road. When Hydralanus ordered his meal, he was recognized by Klaven, with whom he had adventured some years ago. The Dwarf also expressed his negative opinion of the priest, but this only encouraged his companion to express her desire to improve the village.

That evening, Domjot came to the RDI to let Duper know that the Orcs that had gone along to protect Sku's caravan were demanding her presence, since she had promised them a reward if they returned. While Stom went to get her, Hydralanus introduced himself to his fellow priest. After dinner, Duper went to the Blood, Bone & Brew, where rather than entertain the common Orcs she flirted with and eventually went to bed with High Priest Shazbot.

While his sometime bed partner played at the Orc bar, Stom drowned his sorrows at the RDI, commisserating with Klaven. As Gilbert finished for the night, two hobgoblins entered and began throwing insults at everyone in the RDI. The two, named Horbul and Terbul, said they'd come to Promise Junction after hearing there was mercenary work. Klaven and Stom started flinging insults back at them, which eventually led to a brawl, with the two town guards being dropped through the floor by the inn's protection system, forcing them to cool their heels overnight on the Astral Plane.

The next morning, after Eckhorn retrieved the wayward warriors, Bramus called another meeting to learn what information had been gathered the previous day. Shirella relayed AutumnRose's finding that, indeed, powerful conjuration magic had been used against the RDI's barriers. Discussion then turned to the composition of the party to be sent into the Drow enclave. Many options were discussed regarding group composition, focusing on priestly specialties and the lack of scouting personnel. Karresh was invited to join, but stated that he would require compensation. Hydralanus was also put forth by Brozhin due to his healing skills, and Lyden was mentioned as a possible scout. Bardo and Dax agreed to approach Rin, Siege would inquire about Alvin's availability, Solidus would talk to Stromica about further delaying their temple's construction, while Bramus and Klaven would ask Shazbot about using their entrance to the tunnels. A final roster would be decided upon by the next morning.

As the meeting concluded, Bardo and Dax made their way to Rin's room at the mill building, above D&B Clothiers. They found Burkh working the sales floor, and Bardo inquired about a new cloak. They went upstairs to find Rin, who had not slept or ate since yesterday, and they convinced her to visit the "Muse of Desserts" with them. After Bardo bought her cloak, leaving Rin to use her old one, they went out to the marketplace. They purchased pastries from Illiya, then visited Tammra, where they bought a charm shaped into a clasp to hold the cloak closed, for which Rin agreed to color some items in trade. The trio then adjourned to the RDI to continue their discussion.

Team Perasin went back to their temple, where Shale told Shmo that he should join the mission to gain experience. Stom brought up the idea of hiring the two new hobgoblins as temple guards before Eckhorn corralled him and Klaven to finish their punishment by scrubbing pots for Cellani in the RDI's kitchen. Hydralanus and Solidus had a discussion about their respective temples, and Solidus mentioned his ability to create healing potions for the upcoming mission.

Meanwhile, Nyla approached Rodney to accompany him out to the eastern forest. Bashanni, who was chatting with the ranger at the time, decided to join them. The three went to the path that had begun being formed into the wood, and tried to find the area where the two-headed flying pig-cat had been seen. While they did not locate that spot, they did run across another oddly-colored stirge like the one Toshiro had seen a few days earlier. Bashanni went back to the Frickert farm while Nyla went to report to Bramus.

While they scouted, Bardo and Zammo rounded up the local mages for their meeting, letting Karresh know that the underground mission would involve the Drow goddess of the undead to pique his curiosity. The necromancer went to the marketplace, where he asked Tammra to predict how that would go, getting a positive response, finalizing his decision to join. Meanwhile, Duper came downstairs, and Bramus asked her about her work in the temple of Gruumsh. After confirming it had been completed, he invited her to accompany himself and Klaven back to the temple later to talk to Shazbot.

After lunch, a commotion from the back of the Red Dragon heralded the arrival of Molbo, with a scrawny, scruffy man in tow. The priest told Shale that he would provide the requested training equipment, but that in exchange, she would have to perform a service. It seemed that he had been tasked by Prince Uncouthma, ruler of his homeland, Odiferous, had entrusted the training of the scruffy fellow to him. This turned out to be Flimzir, son of the prince's disgraced vizier Runtar, who was too frail to endure Molbo's training. Shale agreed to undertake the task for one year.

As Molbo left, there was another commotion, this time along the road coming from the east. Customers looked out to see Emi approaching on horseback at full gallop, being pursued by another horsed figure. While Shale watched from the doorway, Bardo ran past her to check on Emi. The rogue tried and failed to guide her horse into an alleyway while the other figure slowed his horse. After ensuring Emi's safety, Bardo questioned the man following. Calling himself Skirry, he claimed to be trying to escort Emi through the rough country. As Bardo gave him the side-eye, another horse came up bearing a larger Human, whom Skirry called Donk. The two claimed they were looking for jobs, and Bramus brought them inside to talk. Rin emerged to calm the horse, named Strawberry, which Emi had bought in Sandpit as an investment in her messenger business.

Plans coming together

After the excitement ended, Bardo gathered the mages for their meeting. They discussed the various specialties, calling upon Karresh for his knowledge of undead and Zammo for his skill with lightning to combat the electrified door into the drow enclave. The genasi called upon Ozone, the lightning mephit tasked by his mother to watch out for him, to return to his mistress to ask about protection against electricity. Those present agreed as a group that it would be at least a full day, perhaps two, to prepare for the upcoming mission.

During the meeting, Rodney and Nyla returned to the inn with the unconscious stirge, and the ranger brought it back to the compound for Quaithan to watch. Overhearing the discussion, Skirry mentioned that his own home island was lousy with stirges, which prefer warmer climes. Emi suggested to Bramus that maybe he and Donk could join the mission, to which the sheriff agreed. However, several of the mercenaries already present -- Al de'Bran, Emwun, and the two Sundered Ones -- objected, wanting the chance to go as well.

Pete of all people had a bright idea: making them fight in a tournament for the right to join the mission. Stom suggested he go tell the High Priestess his idea, and so he went to the temple to do so. Shale actually agreed, and she returned to the RDI to ask Bramus. As he was still busy with the stirge, Brozhin told her she had permission to stage the tournament, but that she would need to clear it with Oashute if she wanted to charge admission. After confirming the prices, Shale asked Emi to make a poster to advertise the event. Klaven, while not interested in attending, asked Alvin to prepare a barrel of Dwarven ale to sell at the arena.

As the mages wrapped things up, Emi told Bardo what she'd learned from Plubium regarding supplies for magical scroll-making. Groping for magical creatures to use to create the ink, they landed upon using the numerous demon roaches. Alvin would create the ink, but an alchemist would be needed to transform it into the proper quality to scribe spells. Alvin went on to mention that Solidus' mother was an alchemist, and the meeting wrapped up.

When the mages returned to the common room, Zammo went out with Bramus to check the stirge for magic, thinking perhaps its blood could be used instead of demon ichor. Upon learning it did radiate magic, Rodney was recruited to drain enough blood to fill a vial. Meanwhile, Bardo approached Solidus, who professed no skill at alchemy himself. However, he remembered that Sku sold potions and other such materials and thus might be of some help. The mage proceeded to ask Emi if she could carry a message to Sku back in Floyk, but the rogue was concerned that she would be needed on the underground mission.

After dinner, Gilbert began his set by announcing the new tournament the following day, which brought cheers from the increasing group of mercenaries in the RDI. Once that was settled, Bramus gathered Klaven and Duper and went out to the temple of Gruumsh. They chatted up the guards outside, seeing if they were interested in the tournament or the mission, and agreed to continue the discussion at the BB&B. Eventually, Shazbot agreed to meet them, and said the party could use their entrance if they agreed to a favor in exchange. As to the nature of the favor, the priest would confer with Chief Dadbod. The three of them then went to the Orcish bar, where they drank until nearly sunrise.

Choosing the meat shields

The next morning, Toshiro reported the ongoing lack of activity at the lake to Bramus. He had a chat with Skirry and Donk, who were sitting at his usual table, while the sheriff went over to the temple of Perasin to talk to Shale. He explained that he wanted to find three or four people to join the underground mission, and Shale and Sato made plans to organize the tournament to test the skills he said he would need.

Illiya and Diblahr, the goblin rat-tail vendor, moved their carts near the arena. Klaven and Golbin also set up a barrel to sell the magical Dwarven ale. Bramus asked Hydralanus if he would be available to heal the combatants, and after being offered free room and board he agreed. Meanwhile, Emi, Rin and Makoto discussed methods of using traps and illusions to test the participants' focus. Makoto and Rin alter Stom and Pete's appearance to make them scarier, and then Gilbert arrived to be the "ring announcer".

The first round of testing involved throwing weapons at a target while being distracted. Skirry and Al de'Bran performed the best, while Flimzir and Prower did particularly poorly. Melee combat was then assessed, with Donk scoring highest and Flimzir again faring poorly. The final test was grappling, scored via a ladder system. Flimzir, at the bottom, faced Reckem, who won before climbing two more ranks on the ladder for a good score. His performance was equaled by Homex, a local hobgoblin member of the city guard. In the end, however, it was Skirry, Al de'Bran, Donk and Mukluk -- one of the Chipmunk Orc temple guards -- who were chosen to join the mission...

Cast of characters

This adventure is being run by John Proulx. Characters involved are still to be determined.

Adventure timeline