20010512 LookNotIntoTheAbyss

<H1> Look Not Into the Abyss... </H1>
<H2> Role Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TD> Travian </TD>
 <TD> 12th Human Paladin </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kieran </TD>
 <TD> 8th/5th Half-Elf Cleric/Wizard </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kill'Dar </TD>
 <TD> 11th/3rd Elf Wizard/Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Rick DiRicco </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Colin </TD>
 <TD> 14th Human Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Prince Donner </TD>
 <TD> 6th/9th Human Fighter/Wizard </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Grackle </TD>
 <TD> 6th/8th Half-Elf Fighter/Rogue </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Fingle </TD>
 <TD> 3rd/10th Gnome Cleric/Wizard </TD>
 <TD> Richard Jacobsen </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Auric </TD>
 <TD> 10th Human Druid </TD>
 <TD> Keith Farrar </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Session Summary </H2>
<H3> Loot at Last </H3>
<P>
As Fingle is being resurrected by Father Cullaim, he gains some understanding of the planes of existence:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
The Prime Material Plane is the only "real" plane. All the others are closer to the chaos of the other planes. All planes derive material from the Prime Material (e.g. the existence of fire allows for the existence of the Elemental Plane of Fire).
If a mortal dies on another plane, it can often be easier to raise someone on that plane rather than from the Prime Material. This is mainly because the soul doesn't need to travel as far, so less power is needed to bring the soul back to the body.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>
Kieran distributes the last few spells he has for healing Grackle, Travian, and Colin. He then casts an Augury for Grackle to examine the two pouches, scroll case, and a purse--"Weal". Grackle looks at the pile of items:
</P>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Pouch:</B> Finds a collection of small baubles and trinkets inside the first pouch.
<B>Pouch:</B> One gem. Doesn't look very big or valuable. Handful of coppers.
<B>Purse:</B> Small change </p>
<B>Scroll Case:</B> Grackle finds a flip catch which appears to be some kind of trap. He easily disables it. Inside there is a scroll. Donner grabs it. He notices that the scroll isn't paper and the ink isn't ink. There appear to be two evil Divine spells.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Fingle agrees with Donner's assessment. He notices that the spells are Summon Fiend III and Magic Circle Against Good. The characters agree to destroy the scroll.
Travian looks over the body of the priest and the bodyguard with Detect Evil. He spots two evil auras, both rated as "Strong" (i.e. created by caster level 10-20). One is the cloak and the other is the scimitar. Travian examines the rest of the items and determines that none of the rest are evil.
Upon closer inspection, the following items appear to be magical:
<UL>
<LI> Gem (Faint)
<LI> Ring (Moderate)
<LI> Purse (Moderate)
<LI> Staff (Strong)
<LI> Battle Axe (Faint)
<LI> Heavy Crossbow (Moderate)
<LI> Large Shield (Strong)
<LI> Small Shield (Faint)
<LI> Scimitar (Strong)
<LI> Cloak (Strong)
<LI> Mask (Strong)
</UL>
<H3> Information Gathering </H3>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> So, how did you get that sword?
<B>Philip:</B> Really the person who would tell you would be Marden. The blade that I have were earned in battle and we had to face its power. There have been times when we have died. Very few of our items have been created by us. Like yourselves, most of our items were found by us as well.
<B>Donner:</B> How did you go about getting these items?
<B>Philip:</B> What we discovered was that powerful evil beings searched out and collected these items. In the process of defeating such evil creatures, we ended up facing the items they collected. The recovery of George's staff was quite harrowing.
<B>Donner:</B> Really? What happened?
<B>Philip:</B> I can't actually tell you, since I died before we recovered it. However, the others tell me that the owner was a lesser lich.
<B>Donner:</B> So, what else has been happening on the Plateau? We've been thinking about making a quit trip to Dulax Moir to take a crack at Blackvault.
<B>Philip:</B> We've been hearing rumors of the Imperium who have been helping the residents migrate from Dulax Moir to Regis Vale.
<B>Donner:</B> We've been hearing rumors along those lines too. They could already be heading after Blackvault.
<B>Philip:</B> I highly doubt that the Imperium has gone after Blackvault. Very few people know of its existence.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Fingle reduces the body of the priest and he, Grackle, and Kieran teleport to Kennetar. They go to the temple of Hades. Next to the temple, there is a really large wooden structure. A couple of templars appear to be overseeing the construction.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Grackle:</B> What's been going on in the temple?
<B>Templar:</B> More people have seen the light. It's been happening since the miracles have been happening with more frequency. Many of our ceremonies have turned into the gift of life. Since then, more people have realized the glory of Hades.
<B>Grackle:</B> May it ever be so.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
They go inside.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kultos:</B> I assume that you've come with a dire need or some interesting news as usual?
<B>Grackle:</B> (Tells the story)
<B>Fingle:</B> (Shows the body)
<B>Kultos:</B> I thought you said that this was a priest of Grummsh. He appears to be a pixie.
<B>Kieran:</B> He is magically reduced.
<B>Kultos:</B> Ah. Well, put the body here. (1 action later) It is done.
<B>Kieran:</B> So, he can't be raised?
<B>Kultos:</B> It's not impossible, but it would take both a Miracle and a True Resurrection to bring him back. Very few people are willing to go to such measures to bring back an individual.
<B>Grackle:</B> Well, considering how difficult he was to bring down, that's good news.
<B>Kultos:</B> You have good reason to keep him dead?
<B>Grackle:</B> When we fought him he had some 50 shadows working for him.
<B>Kultos:</B> That is indeed impressive. I feel fairly certain that this cloak aided in his control. We will examine it extensively before destroying it.
<B>Kieran:</B> So, is there any interesting news?
<B>Kultos:</B> We are as always, preparing for the final destruction of the lich king. Our plans proceed at pace. Donations and new membership is at an all time high.
<B>Grackle:</B> I noticed the new construction.
<B>Kultos:</B> We must house our new templars. Our standing in the protectorate has increased substantially. We are a bit concerned with developments in the Underdark, but we cannot focus our concerns there.
<B>Grackle:</B> Any other unusual events?
<B>Kultos:</B> There have been some troubles. The authorities have discovered tunnels leading to the Kennetar graves and most of the bodies have been taken by the tunnelers. The grave sites are outside the walls, and thus not protected by the Protectorate. Someone is definitely interested in charnel.
<B>Grackle:</B> We have heard that the Imperium is moving in.
<B>Kultos:</B> They have a diplomatic office here. They have an overpopulation problem there and they have been farming people to this side of the parapets. We sent an expedition to Regis Vale to properly care for the people.
<B>Grackle:</B> Is there anything else?
<B>Kultos:</B> If you see the prince again, tell him that we intend to destroy the lich king. If he wishes to assist us, his aid would be welcome.
<B>Grackle:</B> I could be of some assistance there. I can see through the mists that hide the Grey Vales.
<B>Kultos:</B> When we go, we will call upon all the faithful. We are expecting a contingent from the Imperium.
<B>Kultos:</B> It will take as much as a year to be really ready.
<B>Kieran:</B> Is there any particular reason you believe that he will be commanding a large force soon?
<B>Kultos:</B> We have our reasons.
<B>Kieran:</B> Why?
<B>Kultos:</B> We occasionally divine from Hades. We interpreted the signs to mean that he will have a large force at his disposal soon.
<B>Kieran:</B> Ah, I see.
<B>Kultos:</B> By the way, have you lost a friend recently?
<B>Kieran:</B> Uh, yes. How do you know? (Thinks of the death priest) Uh, never mind.
<B>Kultos:</B> I believe I can say this without disturbing the prophecy: You should not fear death. In fact, my advice to you would be to embrace it.
<B>Kieran:</B> I believe I catch your meaning.
<B>Kultos:</B> Perhaps I could explain things better. There is a prophecy about how the lich king will most likely fall. It is in the prophecy that those who will destroy him will not know of it.
<B>Grackle:</B> Have any of the brethren been to the Abyss?
<B>Kultos:</B> None here, but Saint Morbios may know.
<B>Grackle:</B> If an audience can be arranged with Morbios.
<B>Kultos:</B> Oh yes, one last note. We were unable to destroy the ring. It definitely seems to be an artifact. It would have to destroyed in its home plane of Ravenloft.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The group stops by the library, but Kellian is in research with a member of the Protectorate. 
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Grackle:</B> Have you heard the latest information about Home?
<B>Sindar:</B> We have heard that there is some difficult near the village.
<B>Grackle:</B> Aishopra is loose.
<B>Sindar:</B> (Thinks for a bit) Ah, the demon they all fear. (Looks mostly disinterested)
<B>Fingle:</B> (To Kellian) Do you have any knowledge about raising people on other planes?
<B>Kellian:</B> There is a risk that the owner of the domain has the rights to your eternal soul. The difficulty then is getting that permission.
<B>Fingle:</B> What about souls trapped on eternal planes?
<B>Kellian:</B> Crossing between planes requires very powerful magic and generally only occurs briefly. There are several ways. (Explains travelling physically to other planes)
<B>Fingle:</B> We'll we're thinking about taking an actual portal to the Abyss.
<B>Kellian:</B> Really? Such things are extremely rare.
<B>Kieran:</B> We believe that it may have been created by Braegus.
<B>Kellian:</B> Be very careful about using such a thing. You will be stepping into the most fiercely guarded core of some demon lord's territory. You will be using its most valuable treasure. To them, such a thing grants them an opportunity to exercise the Covenant. Such a power is greatly prized in the Outer Realms.
<B>Kieran:</B> Well, I understand.
<B>Kellian:</B> Did you say Braegus?
<B>Kieran:</B> Yes.
<B>Kellian:</B> It most likely leads to some domain owned by Baphomet. It may not be used, but it will be in his domain. If you mean to do this, I suggest you examine the volumes of Baphomet, the Bragian Guard, and the Ghour.
<B>Kieran:</B> Ghour?
<B>Kellian:</B> They are large beast of tremendous strength and ferocity. They are what minotaurs fear.
<B>Grackle:</B> I was wondering if you could tell me something about Aishopra.
<B>Kellian:</B> Aishopra is the demon of the Abyss. She is the general serving one of the major demon lords there. Specifically, she serves the outer lord, Yeenoghu, Demon Lord of Gnolls.
<B>Grackle:</B> Given what we've seen, that would make sense.
<B>Kellian:</B> On the Abyss, every outer lord battles with every other.
<B>Kellian:</B> If you really did intend to go to the Abyss. There are a few things you should know. First, the entire place is Unhallowed ground. Also, spells from the Good realm may have difficulty reaching you.
<B>Kieran:</B> Well, we certainly appreciate the information.
<B>Grackle:</B> What of Bellairno?
<B>Sindar:</B> We are curious to know what has become of Bellairno. We have no new information.
<B>Kieran:</B> What type of creature came through?
<B>Sindar:</B> We believe it is perhaps some adult or master form of doppelganger.
<B>Kellian:</B> We know that there are several forms of doppelganger. They do not have any known lifespan.
<B>Kieran:</B> Interesting.
<B>Kellian:</B> One other thing. I have heard that you're in pursuit of some knowledge recorded by Tenseval Taine.
<B>Kieran:</B> Yes. We hope to find some information that he has written.
<B>Kellian:</B> Any documents written by him are immensely valuable to us. They will, of course, be owned by you. However, we would be paying for the privilege of guarding it. As a ex-librarian, you know that there most of our documents aren't actually owned by us but we do pay for the privilege of guarding it.
<B>Kieran:</B> Really? (Thinks of grabbing all the documents from Blackvault and retiring on the proceeds)
<B>Kellian:</B> This is something that you should consider. You yourself have answers to questions and knowledge that others have not documented. If you would take the time to do so, we would gladly house such information.
<B>Fingle:</B> There haven't been other people who have traveled to the Outer Planes?
<B>Kellian:</B> There have been no recorded travels to the Outer Planes since the Darkness. There may have been individuals who have accomplished such a feat, but they haven't written it down that we know of.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Fingle teleports the group back to Home.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> So, what happened?
<B>Grackle:</B> (Blah. Passes on information.)
<B>Donner:</B> The only other way I can think of is to use the Rod that George owns.
<B>Kieran:</B> Actually there is another way. I believe that Father Cullaim can cast a spell of planar shifting.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The next day comes. The battle axe is no longer magical. Further examination of the magic items continue:
<UL>
<LI> Gem (Faint): Alteration
<LI> Ring (Moderate): Abjuration
<LI> Purse (Moderate): Conjuration/Summoning. Kieran looks in the bag and sees some copper and silver. The bag appears to have produced more coins.
<LI> Staff (Strong): Divine. Healing.
<LI> Heavy Crossbow (Moderate): Evocation. Grackle experiments and gets a flaming bolt on a successful crit.
<LI> Large Shield (Strong): Transmutation.
<LI> Small Shield (Faint): Transmutation
<LI> Mask (Strong)
</UL>
Kieran performs the Divination about going through the gate in the Teeth to the Abyss. The cards form into two groups. One group seems to be a linear progression (battle, death, friendship, loss, The Fool, The Hero). The other group is The Hermit and the Inverted Tower as though the two are the one and the same.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>George:</B> Aishopra is a known type of demon. She is a Marolith. She carries several magical weapons. She is also a powerful sorceress. She has powerful resistances to magic, but she had to go through a great deal of trouble to get here and would not have any wish to go through that again.<BR /> The sword that slew her was broken. That is why we value Philip's sword so much. It could, in one swing, send her back to the Abyss. It is worth noting that she has the personal favor of Yeenoghu.
<B>Fingle:</B> What does that mean?
<B>George:</B> It means that he will rely on her judgement. If she were to say, break the Covenant, then she has his support in such a decision.
<B>Cullaim:</B> I believe I have the solution to your problem. It would take me two days to create a scroll of Plane Shift. Then, one of your party could use it to return to the Prime Material Plane.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The group mulls around for two days. Donner scries on his father. He appears to be sitting around a war pavilion with several advisors. Donner's next brother is also there. All appear to have recently dressed wounds. They appear to be looking over a tactical map. A woman nearby in a cloak appears to be peering around and looks at the scrying point. She smiles a half smile and looks back down. There appear to be pegasi in the air in the background.
Kieran casts Identify on the items found from the previous encounter.
<UL>
<LI> Staff: Heal, 1 charge left
<LI> Gem: Dead Gray Ioun Stone
<LI> Ring: Protection from Cold (Minor)
<LI> Large Shield: +3
<LI> Small Shield: +1
</UL>
Fingle claims the gem. He believes that it was once some other stone. He might be able to restore it to its former power. He thinks (20+10 Craft Jewelry check) that it used to have the ability to absorb spells. He teleports to his home.
Kill'Dar teleports to the Elven wood.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Cerethan:</B> Ah excellent, are you ready to help?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> I still have plans elsewhere.
<B>King:</B> How's my son?
<B>(Donner's Brother):</B> Dad, I'm fine.
<B>King:</B> Not you.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> He's fine, your Majesty.
<B>King:</B> Can we expect reinforcements?
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, I don't know how soon the army...
<B>King:</B> *Orcish* reinforcements.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Oh. Uh, I believe that the orcs won't be sending many more reinforcements at this point. How goes the battle here?
<B>King:</B> Things are going well, but we are paying a heavy price.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Right now, we're doing some cleaning up of the orcs, but we're dealing with a crisis on the Plateau. There is a demon loose up there.
<B>King:</B> These things happen.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> With Home's defenses down and the a demon loose, the stability of the Westmarch is...
<B>King:</B> But that's on the Plateau. It is imperative that we finish the war here first before we turn our attention towards the Plateau.<BR /> It's good that my son has forged and made alliances with some powerful allies. However, it's his continued gambling that disturbs me.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Well, he has been successful so far.
<B>King:</B> No one complains when you're winning. I only asked him to do the impossible. I didn't ask him how.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> So, how goes things here?
<B>King:</B> We are accomplishing our goal, but we are paying a heavier price than we wanted. That includes more powerful undead than we expected. There has also a large population of fiendish orcs. And occasional direct intervention of powerful origin.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Is there anything you'd like me to convey back.
<B>King:</B> Yes, please shut down the reinforcement flow. In our weakened state, it could be catastrophic. Because we have not easily accomplished our tasks, any blindsiding would be catastrophic.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> (Starts trying to ask for equipment)
<B>GM:</B> (Cuts it short--Are there any magic items available? No.)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Later, Kill'Dar is in private council with Lord Cerethan.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> So, is the King's report true?
<B>Cerethan:</B> Their view is accurate. We have fought hard, we have lost many, we should continue to press on. The situation is as grim as they say.
<B>Kill'Dar:</B> Is there anything else..?
<B>Cerethan:</B> We have committed everything not given to Donner. If you finish with Donner's legendary alacrity, your aid would be greatly appreciated.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Colin talks to Philip about tactics against inhabitants of the Abyss.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Philip:</B> I can tell you some things about the Abyss. It's really hot. You will continuously take damage unless you have some magical protection. The other thing is that Evil spells are easier to cast there. And similarly, many of the Good spells are harder to cast there. Almost all the fiends have spell resistance and damage resistance and have the ability to teleport freely.<BR /> Most of the fiends are not as fearsome in combat as they are in the use of their powers. Elemental attacks are not the way to defeat them. The nice thing is that even in the Abyss, the True fiends are few and far between.
<B>Colin:</B> So, you were there?
<B>Philip:</B> In the Abyss, we went after someone who was once a powerful wizard. When we encountered him there, not only was he as bad as he had been in life, he had more powers. He wanted to become a true fiend.
<B>George:</B> When I scried upon Marden, he was guarded by at least three fiends. I should also warn you that they probably have set up a trap. Most likely, they have set up the trap for us and not for you.
<B>Colin:</B> From what I can tell, you are individually more powerful than us. What would they have there that would work well against you, but not against us?
<B>George:</B> Well, there are only three of us. Any tactics that they have prepared might not work against your numbers.
<B>Colin:</B> Ah, I see.
<B>George:</B> Plus, we would not let you go there unprotected. We would provide some magical protection, much like we would use if we were to go there.
<B>Colin:</B> Is there anything else you can tell me about the demons?
<B>George:</B> Yeenoghu's minions include Hebrazu, who are fearsome fighters. (Shows picture) They also have a smell which is almost unbearable.
<B>Colin:</B> (Takes notes)
<B>George:</B> Also one other thing. Please do not bring back any fiends back with you. They may count against the Covenant, but it's best not to test that.
<B>Philip:</B> I should let you know, we lost that fight. We fled. That's how I know how fast they can bring help. The problem is that this particular sorcerer was attempting to aid her in his return, so we were forced to discourage him.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Kieran makes a Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds. Fingle makes a
magical scroll and a Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds.
<H3> Once More, Into the Breach </H3>
There are two teleport groups: Fingle, Colin, Grackle, and Donner. Kill'Dar, Kieran, Travian, and Auric.
George teleports the group to the maze. Kill'Dar concentrates on the Find the Path spell. He makes his way to the stone gate and utters some words (unfortunately, no one in the party knows Abyssal). The door grows deep black and the room grows warm. The party steps through...
There is a large circular hall with two dozen hallways that lead into the room. The place is lit by dimly flickering fire. The first thing the party notices is, standing directly over the group, a gargantuan burly creature. It appears to be a minotaur or ogre itself. It appeared to be guarding the gate from the outside. Around the gate are many large minotaurs with large double-bladed axes--presumably the Bragean Guard. They move with unnatural fluidity.
<H2> Loot </H2>
<UL>
<LI> Orc High Priest
 <UL>
 <LI> Dead Grey Ioun Stone
 <LI> Ring of Protection from Cold (Minor)
 <LI> Bucknard's Everfull Purse
 <LI> Staff of Life (1 charge)
 <LI> Cloak of Shades (Given to Hades' priests to destroy)
 <LI> Mask of the Skull
 </UL>
<LI> Battle Axe (Temporary enchantment)
<LI> Heavy Crossbow +1, Flaming Burst
<LI> Large Shield +3
<LI> Small Shield +1
<LI> Scimitar (Detects as CE)
<LI> Scroll: Slay Living (CL9), Mass Heal (CL15), Elemental Swarm (CL17)
</UL>
<H2> Foes Fought </H2>
<P>
(None)
</P>