20050226 Dulax05

<H1> Dulax Moir: Deux Ex Machina </H1>
<H2> Roll Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TD> Foradun </TD>
 <TD> 6th/4th Githzerai Psychic Warrior/Soul Knife (12th ECL) </TD>
 <TD> Rick DiRicco </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Mandos </TD>
 <TD> 6th/2nd Aasimar Ranger/Horizon Walker (9th ECL) </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Deluwen Seradrake </TD>
 <TD> 3rd/3rd/3nd Wizard/Psion/Cerebremancer Grey Elf </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kha'Narek </TD>
 <TD> 8th Githzerai Monk (10th CL) </TD>
 <TD> Matt Miller (Full Risk, Full Reward) </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Thorfinn the Lucky (Dead) </TD>
 <TD> 10th Human Bard </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Mirto </TD>
 <TD> 11th Human Wizard </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Travian </TD>
 <TD> 21st Human Paladin </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Gulgin (Dead) </TD>
 <TD> 7th Half-Orc Barbarian </TD>
 <TD> Keith Farrar </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Session Summary </H2>
<H3> Rescuing Travian </H3>
Mirto teleports back with the dead bodies back to Home. In short order, he arranges to meet with Father Cullaim.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Mirto:</B> We've run into a snag.
<B>Father Cullaim:</B> (Looks at the corpses) So I see. And how is this different from the usual "snag?"
<B>Mirto:</B> This time, it came in the form of the Lich King. Travian has been taken, but we have a not-so-cunning plan to attempt a rescue. We've captured one of his servants who could kill him and we could attempt to rescue him. We're hoping whether this would be a good idea or not.
<B>Cullaim:</B> (Dubiously) Well, that could work...
<B>Mirto:</B> The basis is that the agent will infiltrate a place that we can't and perform a coup de grace and you will be able to recall Travian's soul.
<B>Cullaim:</B> I see.
<B>Mirto:</B> However, our ability to control this entity is limited and of a short duration.
<B>Cullaim:</B> We're facing a similar problem and we've had to take similar meaures. Difficult sometimes means "must be employed."
<B>Mirto:</B> It's a difficult decision. We don't do this lightly either.
<B>Cullaim:</B> Well, (ponders a bit) I would be will to divine for you to see if we can get any information. We stand ready to aid you if needed.
	 There are also allies of Travian in town that would be willing to shoulder the cost of his return should that be necessary. I even suspect that there would be individual that would be willing to join on a rescue mission.
<B>Mirto:</B> Well, my ability to transport is limited. We could certainly use a cleric or two.
<B>Cullaim:</B> Well, let's see. Of course, my information source would be inclined not to have anyone slain. Well, let us see what we can do. (Casts Divination)
<B>Mirto:</B> (Waits patiently)
<B>Cullaim:</B> There appears to be some retribution or soemthing... It's difficult to understand. The imagery I got--there were not words. I got an image of a man in the desert who gets a skin of water that is poisoned, but he dies later from the poison. Perhaps it's not a temporal thing. Perhaps is so doing, something bad may happen immediately.
<B>Mirto:</B> Well, can you raise Golgun and Thorfinn for now?
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Father Cullaim offers to cast the Miracle to cure Travian in place of Estus, but Estus has to promise to return the favor when Home is in need of it. Estus agrees. Both Father Cullaim and Kill'Dar casts their spells. Travian is still unconscious when his body arrives and Kill'Dar banishes and evil enchantments on him.
Mirto arrives with everyone alive, plus Travian alive. Everyone is impressed as Mirto arrives with everyone, including Travian. The party continues with the plan and Deluwen sends the Bone Devil to get Travian's items from the Lich King's lair.
The Devil returns about 10 minutes later and looks injured. He was able to recover most of Travian's items. The magical items had been pulled off separately and Vorn Kalak was identifying them at the time.
Deluwen and Mirto think about the Iron Flask for a bit. Deluwen believes that command word fails to work a second time when you release him again.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Mirto:</B> (To Bone Devil) What happens when you die on this plane?
<B>Deluwen:</B> (To Devil) Answer him.
<B>Bone Devil:</B> If I'm slain, I will return to my home place.
 
<B>Deluwen:</B> Well, can I simply command you to not defend yourself
<B>Bone Devil:</B> I believe it would be slightly dishonorable and Evil. At this point, my fate is sealed. The Lich King will come after me and may re-enslave me.
<B>Bone Devil:</B> I am currently here under the rules of the Covenant. In keeping balance with my arrival, an agent of good was allowed here on this plane.
<B>Deluwen:</B> Who was summoned first?
<B>Bone Devil:</B> I was called first, and my master as he was bound to inform the opposition that I was here on a persistent basis.
<B>Deluwen:</B> Well, I guess we'll have to send him back now.
<B>Travian:</B> (To Devil) And what do you prefer?
<B>Bone Devil:</B> I would prefer a simple duel. I would promise not to use any magical transportation devil.
<B>Deluwen:</B> How many of your kind could you defeat?
<B>Bone Devil:</B> It depends on several things, but all things considered, I could defeat around two or three.
<B>Deluwen:</B> How many have you defeated?
<B>Bone Devil:</B> I have defeated 473. But I have been demoted to this form. But this is over the course over the 4000 years since I was granted this form.
<B>Deluwen:</B> How long have you been here?
<B>Bone Devil:</B> I'd say 123 years or so.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
After some discussion, the Devil's assumption is that he's already in trouble, but Travian seems reluctant to kill the Devil outright.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Travian:</B> (Does best to ignore the devil)
<B>Deluwen:</B> (Thinks a moment) So, what crimes have you committed?
<B>Bone Devil:</B> Oh, murder, assassination, torture.
<B>Deluwen:</B> Who?
<B>Bone Devil:</B> I've tortured several of Vorn Kalak's enemies to death. I've also brought several people to the dark side.
<B>Travian:</B> (Continues ignoring the devil)
<B>Deluwen:</B> Killed any paladins?
<B>Bone Devil:</B> Oh, I'd say two...no...three.
<B>Deluwen:</B> Any from Hensen?
<B>Bone Devil:</B> Honestly, I don't check ID.
 
<B>Travian:</B> (Appears bristling, but hold steadfast)
<B>Bone Devil:</B> I've been in service to the Lich King for decades. So, I've done several horrid things.
 Primarily, what I've done is provide the Lich King with advice and discipline. His troops would not be in the shape they're in. When you go to the Gray Vales and face those troops, you can blame me.
<B>Deluwen:</B> What is your name?
<B>Bone Devil:</B> Virok. I am also called by some, "The Flayer". You know, if you're really good, you can strip all the skin from a living being and keep them alive. Children are quicker though. And babies, just moments.
<B>Travian:</B> (Puts hand on sword)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
With the deliberate taunting from Virok, Travian appears less reluctant to dispatch the Devil to the Abyss. Within short order (and some minor wounds to Travian), he defeats the Devil.
<H3> Enter the Machine </H3>
The group applies the Oil of Etherealness stolen by Virok and enters the ethereal door. Inside, there appears to be a large honeycombed room. There also appear to be about 20 mechanical wasps hovering about the room.
<B>Round 1:</B> The bees delay. Mandos fires two arrows, hitting once. The bees swarm over the party, hitting various people (lots of DC16 Fortitude saves). Mirto casts a Cone of Cold, killing one and injuring two. Travian steps and hits twice, but does not kill it. Foradun moves and manifests a power. Golgun attacks a nearby bee, wounding it. Kha'Narek moves and activates his Cloak of Displacement. Thorfinn begins to sing (Inspire Courage). Deluwen casts Firebolt and destroys two bees.
<B>Round 2:</B> Mandos steps back and fires three times, hitting several times, but failing to destroy. The bees attack the party several more times, only causing minimal damage. Mirto casts a lightning bolt on two bees, killing one. Travian swings and kills one. Foradun steps up and hits several times, wounding it. Golgun hits twice, wounding the bee attacking him as well. Kha'Narek kicks the bee twice. Deluwen casts Energy Missile (Fire) on the bees, destroying two.
<B>Round 3:</B> Mandos fires three arrows, hitting one wounded one on Travian and killing it. Mirto delays, Travian steps to the last bee, and destroys it.
There are nine open portholes and hundreds of unopened ones. And there are many levers on the remaining flat wall.
The machine appears to be part of a machine within Mechanus. The main beings living in Mechanus are hive-like bees beings call Formorians. The party can hear endless humming and clicks and clacks (many small gears).
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Deluwen:</B> Machine, we wish to converse with you.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
One of the sections lights up.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Foradun:</B> I think it's trying to talk to you.
<B>Deluwen:</B> Everybody keep an eye on a section.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Deluwen goes up to the lit section.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Deluwen:</B> We understand that you require a sacrifice
<B>Rusty Voice:</B> The Machine sleeps.
<B>Deluwen:</B> What must we do to awaken it?
<B>Rusty Voice:</B> The Machine sleeps.
<B>Deluwen:</B> Awaken the Machine.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
More clicks come from deep within the structure.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Deluwen:</B> We offer blood, fire, and silver. Where should it go?
</BLOCKQUOTE>
More clicks come from deep within the structure.
Kha'Narek offers blood. The section near him opens up and a pillar comes up. It appears to be bristling with spikes and needles and hooks. As he lowers his hand, he takes 24 points of damage. Kha's arm appears to be locked in.
Thorfinn pulls out a torch. A section opens up and it appears to be dark. The torch goes out as if it were too weak. Mirto casts a fireball and some small glow appears burning at the end of the tunnel.
The party notices that the fire has brightened from yellow, to red, to white. There appear to be traces of silver scrapings on the tube. Foradun tosses two silvered daggers into the fire. Now, most of the controls light up amber.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Voice:</B> The machine awakes.
<B>Deluwen:</B> We ask that the Machine activate the protective screen around the village.
<B>Voice:</B> This is within the power of the machine. The price must be paid.
<B>Deluwen:</B> And what is the price?
<B>Voice:</B> He who will pay. Do you do this of your own Free Will?
<B>Delwuen:</B> What is the price?
<B>Voice:</B> You will survive.
<B>Deluwen:</B> (Hesitates)
<B>Voice:</B> He who would pay. For how long do you need this Machine's assistance?
<B>Deluwen:</B> In six days time, there will be a force arriving that we wish to shield from. Is this within your power?
<B>Voice:</B> Everything is within the machine's power. In six days, you need protection from these forces. For how long?
<B>Party:</B> (Much discussion ensues)
<B>Deluwen:</B> Two weeks or less if the forces retreat.
<B>Voice:</B> The Machine requires more information.
<B>Deluwen:</B> What is the price to learn how big the field was before?
<B>Voice:</B> You will survive.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Travian uses the Bands of the Martyr to take 29 points from Kha'Narek. This doesn't appear to be normal damage.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Voice:</B> The town has been protected many times. Protection has ranged from one mile to six miles across.
<B>Deluwen:</B> Can we have the shield activated from within the Village?
<B>Voice:</B> Only here could you speak to the Machine.
<B>Kha'Narek:</B> If the price is paid, can I leave?
<B>Voice:</B> The price is paid in advance.
<B>Deluwen:</B> Does the machine have any wishes? Does it wish to return to Mechanus?
<B>Voice:</B> Information has a cost.
<B>Deluwen:</B> Even if it furthers the machine desires?
<B>Voice:</B> Information has a cost.
<B>Voice:</B> The more you know, the more expensive the price.
<B>Voice:</B> Yes.
<B>Voice:</B> That will raise the price. Do you understand?
<B>Deluwen:</B> Can the price be paid by more than one person?
<B>Deluwen:</B> At sunrise three days from now, we would like you to erect shield around the village of Dulax Moir lasting for two weeks.
<B>Voice:</B> This is your wish?
<B>Deluwen:</B> This is my wish.
<B>Voice:</B> Deliver the silver.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Various party members contribute silver coins and arrowheads. After 2000 silver is entered. Kha'Narek loses 17 damage and takes 2 points of permanent damage.
<H3> The Meaning of Sacrifice </H3>
As the party deliberates further, Golgun steps up to the machine.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Golgun:</B> For how long will that block of mithril and my life keep the Imperium out of the village?
<B>Voice:</B> Do you wish to pay for that information?
<B>Golgun:</B> (Thinks) How about sealing the border between the Imperium and the Westmarch?
<B>Voice:</B> Knowledge of the price raises the price. Do you still wish to know the price?
<B>Golgun:</B> No
<B>Voice:</B> What you offer would be sufficient to provide some protection.
<B>Golgun:</B> How about for the longest duration that I can survive?
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Golgun is released. He begins taking off his armor and weapons.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Mandos:</B> Look, I'll throw in the Mithril if you want, but are you sure you want to do this?
<B>Golgun:</B> (Looks determined) Yes.
<B>Thorfinn:</B> The bards will sing of this moment, I assure you.
<B>Golgun:</B> (Nods his acknowledgement. Puts his arm back into the machine.)
<B>Voice:</B> You wish to seal the border between the Imperium and the Westmarch.
<B>Golgun:</B> Yes.
<B>Voice:</B> You offer truesilver and your life?
<B>Golgun:</B> Yes.
<B>Voice:</B> Do you do this freely of your own free will.
<B>Golgun:</B> Yes, I do.
<B>Voice:</B> It will be done.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Golgun issues a huge cry (failed Will save). Huge wires and mesh and wires envelop his body. None of the blood hits the floor.
Mandos throws the Mithril down the tube and the dials glow a horrific red. There is an ominous feeling throughout the room. No one in the party will forget this moment. The mesh pulls Golgun's body into the floor. The room becomes strangely quiet.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Deluwen:</B> Well, I don't know about you guys, but I don't really feel like staying.
<B>Party:</B> (Nods in agreement)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Deluwen uses his psychic conversation to send Kieran a description of the powerful machine that may seal the border between here and the Imperium for some time. Don't know how long, but it might be imperative to find out quickly.
In a few days time, the Imperium does attack. At the crack of dawn, the army attacks the village. The group doesn't even notice that they had attacked. After a few days, they leave, then return. Then, they leave permanently.
As part of the final cleanup, the party takes out the lycanthrope problem that has been plaguing the villagers. The inhabitants of Dulax Moir are grateful for Travian's help.
<H2> Foes Fought </H2>
20 Big Metal Bees<BR />Imperial forces