20040619 Sightless01

<H1> NullQuest: The Sightless Seven </H1>
<H2> Roll Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TD> Tharrek </TD>
 <TD> 7th Orc Barbarian </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Grackle </TD>
 <TD> 10th/6th/4th/2nd Half-Elf Rogue/Fighter/Divine Seeker/Planar Champion </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Foradun </TD>
 <TD> 5th/3nd Githzerai Psychic Warrior/Soul Knife (10th CL) </TD>
 <TD> Rick DiRicco </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Mandos </TD>
 <TD> 5th/1st Aasimar Ranger/Horizon Walker </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Deluwen Seradrake </TD>
 <TD> ?/?/? Grey Elf Sorcerer/Psion/Cerebremancer </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Thorfinn the Lucky </TD>
 <TD> 8th Human Bard </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kha'Narek </TD>
 <TD> 7th Githzerai Monk (9th CL) </TD>
 <TD> Matt Miller (Safe Passage) </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Session Summary </H2>
<H2> A Note from Kieran </H2>
Before he begins his mission, Grackle gets a letter from Kieran:
<BLOCKQUOTE>
Grackle,
Sorry this took so long. There are an awful lot of references to mysterious sunken complexes and dead races here in the Library. I think I’ve finally found a reference that could closely fit the subterranean complex Auric explored.
There are places referred to as Sightless Strongholds in an old saga, "Kas the Outlander," written by Babbit Busyboot, a gnomish bard who traveled the (softest, cushiest taverns of the) outer planes. Sightless Strongholds were the hidden fortresses of Kas, a mad artificer. These citadels were places of darkness and secrecy where, it was said, no psionic, divine, or arcane power could be relied upon with certainty.
Kas worshipped the Outer Gods. These entities live outside the Planescape, as they refused to abide by the Covenant. Their existence is unproven and doubtful, but that doesn’t stop various religions and madmen from claiming they exist. Kas built a machine that, he said, let him communicate with the Outer Gods. He was probably simply schizophrenic and used the device to explain the voices in his head. Kas could not visit the Outer Gods, however, as he was not a god and could therefore never leave the Planescape. Kas spent his life and expertise in the pursuit of chaos, as he believed that was the only way to destroy the Planescape and thus escape it.
Hey, I said he was mad, didn't I?
Among other things in the saga, Kas is said to have created, dominated, and/or befriended a race of beings called the Nulls. These Nulls either took the form of another race, or else were created from them. It's not clear in the saga. Either way, the Nulls could be almost anything "trolls, slaadi, tanar'ri, humans, illithid" but tended to be humanoid. They were devoid of emotion and personality, never engaged in any form of entertainment or ritual, and rarely spoke except to convey information to one another.
The Nulls set about devising means of dispersing the powers that bind things together. They became feared for their ability to disintegrate matter, dispel arcane and divine magic, and nullify psionics. The most common device they created and used was called a Null Crystal, a gem whose structure had been altered to absorb energy. These Null Crystals could be attuned to any of a number of energies, including elemental sources, psionics, and arcane and divine magic. They were known to make suits of armor that included many such crystals, granting the wearer near immunity to many forms of energy attack. The mightiest artifact of the Nulls was the Annulus. It was a hoop forged of Outland adamant, containing a rift in the fabric of the Planescape. This rift absorbed all energy near it, creating a space of utter darkness and powerlessness.
With the help of the Nulls, Kas deposed some very powerful rulers and sowed chaos. He would select a power group, eliminate or disempower its leaders, eliminate or disempower the leaders of its opposition, then simply leave and allow chaos to reign. Kas destroyed entire civilizations in this way.
Ultimately, Kas and the Nulls were destroyed in a great war with the Inevitables of Mechanus. Many of the Sightless Strongholds were found and destroyed. However, the Annulus was never recovered, nor was Kas' machine, and very few of the Null Crystals were ever found. It may be that this place you are about to explore is one of the lost Sightless Strongholds of Kas the Outlander.
On the topic of the Tyrant, I found multiple references to his disappearance from Sigil. But none of them agree on how or why it happened. The only agreement is that the Tyrant still lives and vanished from Sigil leaving no heir apparent. Ever since, Sigil has been a "free city," with no official rulers other than local district bosses whose authority extends only as far as their reach.
Hope this helps!<BR />Kieran
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<H2> Gathering the Troops </H2>
Foradun and Kha approach Grackle in Home with a letter of recommendation from Colin. The letter indicates that they were helpful in his quest. Ansrak has sent word that there are a couple of people who were looking for him in Kennetar.
Grackle decides to head to Kennetar to examine these new possible recruits. He manages to make it to Kennetar easily enough.
He finds the orc quickly enough. He appears to be from the Bearjaw tribe, who live in the Parapets. There is a conflicting report in that he came from the Westmarch. It's unclear what he's doing here, but he has also asked for Grackle. For a barbarian, he appears to be fairly well behaved. Whispered word is that he has probably killed at least three people (from the underworld crowd) since arriving in town, with one report that he killed him with his bare hands.
The seer is currently at the library. He may be a tourist of the library. He has been able to find out things that aren't written down. He appears to be an inquisitive sort--for someone who doesn't need to ask many questions, he does ask questions a fair amount. Lately, the questions have focused on locations of lost places and legendary items. He is a historian or archaeologist. He is a Grey Elf, which is unusual since they are unusually reclusive.
The horizon walker just came into town. Interesting, is that he didn't walk across the plains to get to Kennetar. It appears that he came from the Underdark. There are rumors that he isn't quite human.
Grackle looks over them with the Gem of Seeing. Nothing unusual, but the Horizon Walker has something celestial in his heritage.
He arranges to have messages sent to each of their lodgings. 
Deluwen gets a note in his lodgings from Grackle. He decides to meet him. Grackle notes that there is an undefined regality to him.
Tharrek arrives in his hotel room and sees a note from Grackle.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Grackle:</B> Master Deluwen I presume.
<B>Seer:</B> You may call be Del.
<B>Grackle:</B> We are waiting for a couple of other candidates to join us. Please be seated.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
There is some kind of commotion at the front door. It appears as though the guard doesn't want to let someone in. Grackle sees that they don't want to let in some large orc.
Just then someone murmurs into the ear of one of the guards and they let him in. As he enters the room, he appears to be a large orog.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Grackle:</B> Excuse me a moment. (Walks over) I understand that you're looking for me.
<B>Orc:</B> My name is Tharrek
<B>Grackle:</B> What brings you to Kennetar?
<B>Tharrek:</B> Yes, I have done many a journey since leaving the Parapets. I come at the behest of the Bearjaw tribe, most of which is in the southern Westmarch. We are looking for either safe passage or a new home. I am here to help you.
<B>Grackle:</B> What have they been doing and what are they doing now?
<B>Tharrek:</B> We are protecting the citizens there from the creatures and rogue orcish tribes in the area.
<B>Grackle:</B> I though you were in the Parapets.
<B>Tharrek:</B> Most of the small ones and women are there.
<B>Grackle:</B> So, why don't you just go to your home in the Parapets.
<B>Tharrek:</B> It was a very difficult journey. We had to fight our way through the Underdark to get there. However, we now have a situation where the lower kingdoms are united against the orcs, so we would have to go back through the Underdark or fight our way through human lands to get back.
<B>Grackle:</B> You want me to intercede with Donner for you? I hope you brought a lot of money...
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Mandos overhears the conversation. He knows something of the Bearjaw tribe and relates the information to Grakcle: In the Underdark, there are a lot of stories about the March of the Bearjaw. Approximately 1000 orcs marched their way killing anything to get to the Westmarch. They were brave and honorable--they were not murderous (they didn't loot and pillage). They definitely demonstrated restraint in their trip. Upon hearing this, Grackle remembers hearing about the Bearjaw tribe. Their berserkers were known to be formidable opponents amongst the Aquitainian army. Regular troops were often warned when facing members of that tribe.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Grackle:</B> One of the people that's going to be coming along is a HIgh Elf, so is there any problem with that? If not, there's the table.
<B>Tharrek:</B> No problem for me.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
At this point, everyone is sitting at the table.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Grackle:</B> You may or may not have heard of me, but I work for Donner I'm putting together a team to do some special operations at Donner's direction. One of these operations will involve the Underdark. I probably can't say more about it in this setting.
<B>Mandos:</B> That sounds good to me.
<B>Seer:</B> I couldn't commit to anything without further information.
<B>Tharrek:</B> I agree. I have great knowledge of the Underdark.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The group finishes dinner. Grackle has everyone move to the secure room for further conversation.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Grackle:</B> Have any of you heard of the Sightless Strongholds?
<B>Mandos:</B> I am afraid that I have not.
<B>Seer:</B> Continue.
<B>Grackle:</B> We may have located such a place. It's a possible repository of equipment and devices that may be of use to us in the upcoming war.
<B>Seer:</B> And what do you plan to do there?
<B>Grackle:</B> At this point, investigate. If we can acquire items without undue risk, then...
</p>
<B>Seer:</B> Can you describe what you know of it? Or can you describe the physical location?
<B>Grackle:</B> I suspect that we're going to have to find it. The information we have on where we actually live.
<B>Seer:</B> Is there anywhere where I may read any accounting of its location.
<B>Grackle:</B> (Does best description)
<B>Seer:</B> I see.
<B>Grackle:</B> If this is what we think it is, this mission will not be free of risk.
<B>Seer:</B> I must apologize. I'm not an adventurer. I don't travel along looking for trinkets or other things. So if you are expecting someone to assist you in that capacity then I must decline.
<B>Grackle:</B> I suspect that the rest of the team that I'm putting together will be able to handle those issues.
<B>Seer:</B> I don't make myself clear. I must apologize. It is not for effort that I must decline. If indeed you are offering an invitation, I must pass on that.
<B>Grackle:</B> What would induce you to come with us?
<B>Seer:</B> I didn't say that I would come. I said that I must decline your invitation as it was stated. I take it that you don't know much of the place you're going into. With such simple goals, I think that you have the potential to unleash something that will bump the wheel off its course.
<B>Grackle:</B> I would welcome someone with the intellectual prowess that could guide me in such matters. I have seen devices that I'd rather not see unleash.
<B>Seer:</B> What did you do with it?
<B>Grackle:</B> (Thinks of the Sphere of Annihilation floating high in the atmosphere) I'm not at liberty to say at the moment.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
During this discussion, Mandos is looking at maps. It appears to be a map of gates, showing linkages between planes. There is an Upper Wyrm's Way that appears to head towards the area where Grackle describes.
Grackle gets Kieran to send a message to Kill'Dar. I need either the three people left at Home to me, or I can use a ride from Home to the area of the dragon challenge. Kill'Dar's response is for the group to head to Home and he can take them to the dragon challenge.
So, the next morning Grackle takes his new compatriots back to Home. The trip is generally uneventful, since they are able to avoid most of the dangers of the Plateau. As Grackle arrives back at home, Thorfinn the Lucky is there to greet him.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Thorfinn:</B> I have been looking for you guys since you have made use of Krodol's Bane. I was hoping to find out how it worked.
<B>Grackle:</B> It worked just fine.
<B>Grackle:</B> I'm actually about to head off to another mission. Do you think you'd be interested?
<B>Thorfinn:</B> What's it about?
<B>Grackle:</B> Well, it's rather secret right now.
<B>Thorfinn:</B> Will I be allowed to tell the tales of the trip?
<B>Grackle:</B> When we get back, we'll have to discuss it. But in case we don't 
<B>Thorfinn:</B> You disappoint me sir. I had heard that you've taken on great dangers and defeated great evils.
<B>Grackle:</B> I've also been to Hades three times.
<B>Thorfinn:</B> But you've also made it back.
<B>Grackle:</B> The reason 
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Grackle sends word to Seledan, requesting the services of a miracle worker. Seledan sends one of the officers from the Marshall Healer Corps of the army. He is a priest of Tyr. He takes orders very well and he doesn't do much else. He has distinguished himself very well in the Army and he can be relied upon for stay quiet. His name is Major Argos. 
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Major Argos:</B> Reporting for duty, whatever you need.
<B>Grackle:</B> Your job will be to keep us alive. The orc's on probation, he may not be coming back. In particular, the Grey Elf is a resource that needs to be maintained, but if the cost is the of the rest of the mission, follow my lead.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Gathers group for one last meeting.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
Grackle: I don't
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Grackle scouts out the area. This particular area was probably formed by a gas pocket. Most of the area that the party has landed is
Mandos starts scouting out a direction to the surface.
Grackle heads off to scout out the direction of the city. At the entrance, he sees spilt blood (very old). Near there, the tunnel has been chipped away, as if by tools. There are four entrances that have been widened. Grackle notices an elbow or a knee of something hiding around the corner from where he stands. He goes ethereal and spots four of the beings hiding as guards. They look like large (6-6.5 feet tall) guys with stone axes.
Mandos looks around and finds a possibly good tunnel, but there appears to be an ooze in the walls. He sends his bat to go scout out a different tunnel that looks to be safe. The bat returns an indicates the tunnel heads a ways back. Mandos heads back to the group just as Grackle returns from his scouting mission. After Grackle reports back with what he saw, Mandos indicates that they're Grimlocks.
 XXX TODO:
 Battle with Grimlocks
 Meeting the Delver
 Into the chamber with the Umber Hulk
<B>Round 1:</B> Foradun delays. Grackle delays. The Delver digs 10 feet straight down. Argos casts Prayer. Thorfinn casts Displacement on Grackle. Tharrek runs across the back of the Delver, taking acid damage. He then attacks the Umber Hulk and does 32 points of damage. Mandos runs up and shoots and hits for 12 pts.
<B>Round 2:</B> Delluwen delayed. Foradun runs across the back of the Delver. The Delver digs down further. Argo casts Spiritual Weapon. Grackle jumps across the pit. Thorfinn casts Good Hope on the party. The Umber Hulk unloads on Tharrek for 64 points using two claws, killing him. Mandos shoots twice and misses.
<B>Round 3:</B> Foradun tumbles around the Umber Hulk and attacks it once. Grackle attacks and first two attacks hit twice for 78 pts. His next two hits for 82 pts. The last attack hits for 35, finishing it. As he tears out huge chunks of the Umber Hulk, there are large red insects instead of blood flying out of its wounds. Grackle identifies them as Hellwasps. Thorfinn attempts Dispel Magic. The wasps sting Grackle for 14 points and makes a Fortitude save. Mandos delays.
<B>Round 4:</B> Foradun does a telekinetic blast and takes out some chunks from the swarm (12 pts). Deluwen delays. Grackle fails the second Fortitude save, is nauseated and moves out of the swarm. Argo uses the Spiritual Weapon again. Argo casts Magic Circle Against Evil. The swarm moves on Foradun and he makes his Fortitude save. Mandos moves back behind Argo. Grackle casts Fireball on the swarm, killing more bugs. The bugs swarm around Grackle again, wounding him for 13 pts. Thorfinn tosses a rope. Mandos helps Thorfinn with the rope.
<B>Round 5:</B> Foradun does another Telekinetic Blast and does 11 pts. Grackle casts Magic Missile from Hexbane, doing 7 pts. Deluwen, seeing that, casts his magic missile for 6 pts. Grackle gets swarmed. Mandos and Thorfinn wait.
<B>Round 6:</B> Foradun uses his last Telekinetic Blast for 5 pts. Deluwen casts Magic Missile for 7 pts. Grackle makes his save, and moves around the room some more and casts Magic Missile for 10 pts. Argo hits the swarm with Spiritual Weapon and tosses a bag of holy water to Foradun. The swarm moves to Grackle who does more damage, but makes his save.
<B>Round 7:</B> Deluwen asks those in the room to step closer. Grackle casts Magic Missile for 9 pts. Argo swings the Spiritual Weapon and disperses the swarm.
Grackle gets a Sending from George: "Need help". Grackle replies "We've got one fatality, the rest of the injuries are minor. If you can do something about the fatality that would be great." Looking closely, the Umber Hulk is held by some silvery metal. Doing his best guess, (Bardic Lore 26) Thorfinn thinks the metal is adamantine. The symbols on the floor (Bardic Lore 28) indicates time-based magic as well as warding magic. His best guess is that whatever was held in this room was in a Time Stop once the wall broke.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Seer:</B> That's impressive knowledge.
<B>Skald:</B> Well, you travel a lot and see a lot of things, then you 
<B>Grackle:</B> Hey, buddy, come back here!
<B>Delver:</B> Not lying?
<B>Grackle:</B> Nope. It's safe.
<B>Delver:</B> Not lying?
<B>Delver:</B> Ooh, very scary.
<B>Grackle:</B> Here's the deal. I don't think it would be good for you to have too many of these. But here's the deal, if you clear out the rock, we'll share with you.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The delver dissolves the rock. When it gets to the adamantine, it passes out. It eats away a chunk of the platform. The group manages to extract two complete bars of adamantine and a third partial bar. The symbols are probably mithril, based on its hardness.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
Grackle: I'm not sure, but I'm sure we're going to get some kind of company soon.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Grackle estimates on an ounce for ounce basis, it's about 1000 times more valuable than gold. The party appears to have 26 lbs, estimated at 260K GP in value. While they wait around, they pull up about 10 lbs of mithril. Grackle finds a hidden door on the other side of the room. It appears to be the shape of a door. Grackle sees indications of traps on the other side. The group gets the chainless manacles off the Umber Hulk.
Deluwen gets an impression of bitterness. There is a large enemy brought to the pedestal in chains. There is an intensely bitter being with feelings of vengeance that is half chanting or half cursing his enemies as he goes around the room. The impression he gets is like a Magic Circle Against Time. He then does an Object Reading on the manacles. He gets two readings (Umber Hulk/Hellwasp) and the second is Slaad/Null (middle-aged).
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Grackle:</B> Gather around kiddies. This is most likely one of the Sightless Strongholds.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
He gets another Sending from George: We can send help but it is costly. Hopefully you will find something equally costly. "Tell Donner that our suspicions are confirmed" They could drop off a Staff of Healing or do a Teleport round trip. Grackle opts for the True Resurrection on Tharrek and getting him delivered. They send back the metals and various notes back.
<H2> Foes Fought </H2>
4 Grimlocks<BR />Umber Hulk<BR />Hellwasp Swarm