Session0012

Episode 0012 - The Clearin' Boys
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**Setting:**

Paxeter - Molldorf - April 10th-13th, 211 AW
**Synopsis:**

* The party concludes their business with the Free Arcanists Lodge in Paxeter, making arrangements to travel to the Luxturrim Obelisk and investigate the Inquisitors' interests.
* Odell and XVIII meet with Grenfi Nackle, and they discuss Rune Magic, the writings of Halimath Wasanthi, and the whereabouts of Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel.
* Along with Grenfi Nackle, Odell and XVIII meet with a reclusive wizard named Federico Tinelli. They strike a deal with Tinelli to retrieve an ancient archmage's clone from the city of Saltcrest, in exchange for access to a book of elven genealogies.
* After regrouping, the party is approached by a molefolk named Murty Mole, who implores their assistance with a recent incident at the Molldorf mines.
* The party travels with Murty Mole to Molldorf, where they delve into the mine, discovering that it has been invaded by forces from Kameshima.
* Deep within the Molldorf mine, the party reaches a hidden druid grove, where they find the Kameshiman forces holding the druids as prisoners, and making preparations to set off explosives near a nexus of earth elemental energy.
* The party, accompanied by Murty Mole, battles and defeats the Kameshimans, preventing their plot and rescuing the druids.

## April 10th

At the headquarters of the Free Arcanists Lodge in Paxeter, the party continues to question to Lorekeeper Orb.

Odell asks the orb about the current world leaders, and the orb offers a list of leaders that corroborates the date of its existence.

Among the most notable world leaders, the orb says that the current political leader of Kameshima is King Daimao, but that Daimao serves at the behest of the Demon Lord Araumycos. The orb refers to Mycorrhiza as a newly-formed kingdom, and says that its current leader is Loganii, whom Frog recognizes as the first queen of the Myconid Kingdom. Regarding the region of Chwaka, the orb explains that though it has a political leader, it is regarded as actually being ruled by Asmodeus.

Rye asks about Passeri, and the orb recognizes him as a heretical arcanist, as a practitioner of unholy magic. He also asks about the whereabouts of a portal from the Material Plane to Sigil, but the orb does not know of any such portal.

Gragnok asks what the orb knows of the Raven Queen. The orb refers to the Raven Queen as a living arcanist, calling her a heretic and an enemy of Ayn Sitael.

Patches asks about the Phaelux Beacon. The orb explains that the Beacon is a magical candle created by the High Council of Ayn Sitael, the flame of which is required in order to access a maximum security prison called the Purgatory, which houses the most heinous heretics and criminals apprehended by the forces of Ayn Sitael. Asked about the location of the Purgatory, the orb explains that it is located in the capitol city of Volus. Gragnok shares that he has heard stories that the city of Volus - once a flying city - fell into the sea after the fall of Ayn Sitael. When asked, Patches reveals that his god told him that the Phaelux Beacon is within the Luxturrim Obelisk.

Ylstin Aeydark asks Gragnok about his lineage, and what he knows of his heritage. Gragnok explains that his father was human, and he doesn't know anything about his mother. Ylstin explains that Alusfaen Orion is believed to only have one living descendant - Avourel Orion - and that the Orion family lineage is very well documented. She warns that the existence of another descendant of Orion would likely not be well-received in the elvish kingdom of Shaeserin, and warns Gragnok that others might be motivated to harm or kill him.

After the party finishes their conversation with the Lorekeeper Orb, they finalize their arrangement with the Free Arcanists Lodge. They agree to travel to the Luxturrim Obelisk and investigate the Inquistors' interest there, and the Lodge agrees to outfit them with magic items to assist in this task. Gragnok emphasizes that he can't gaurantee that he will bring whatever is found within the Obelisk back to the Lodge, and Raakasi Sunmane accepts that stipulation, expressing that her only interest is ensuring that the Inquisitors don't get whatever they're after.

Per their arrangement, the party is each offered a magic item from the Lodge's stock. Gragnok is also given an extra payment of gold, as compensation for the fact that only he is capable of activating the Lorekeeper Orb. At Ylstin Aeydark's request, Gragnok agrees to leave the Lorekeeper Orb in the care of the Lodge. Ylstin asks him for a sample of his blood to activate the orb in his absence, but he refuses.

When offered a magic item from the Lodge's stock, Harper Wood declines, revealing that he intends to stay with the Lodge, if they'll have him. Raakasi Sunmane welcomes him to stay, and also offers the rest of the party safe lodging, though they decide to return to their inn instead.

XVIII asks Binti Redroot what she knows about Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel, based on comments that she made earlier regarding him. Binti admits that she doesn't know much, only that Dippel tortured children as part of his business with the Weavers Conclave, and later went into hiding after being ousted by the Conclave. When asked about their interest in Dippel, XVIII reveals that they were raised by Dippel.

Before the party departs from the Free Arcanists Lodge, Ylstin Aeydark offers to research the location of Orion's Crypt for them, and tells them to come back in the morning and she'll tell them her findings.

The party leaves the Lodge, and spends the day registering some of the magic items that they received with the Weavers Conclave, so that they can trade them for other items from the local adventuring guilds. Afterwards, the party reconvenes at the Harvest Cup Inn.

At the inn, Frog is approached by a heavily-armored molefolk, who introduces himself as Murtough "Murty" Mole. Murty Mole explains that he is from the Mycorrhizan colony of Molldorf, and that there has been a recent incident at the town's coal and silver mine, which has left the mines infested by dangerous elementals, and some molefolk trapped within the mine. He says that he has come to request the Crown Prince's aid in clearing out the mine and rescuing the trapped molefolk. Frog agrees to assist, explaining that the party was headed to Molldorf anyway, and they arrange to depart for Molldorf in the morning.

Odell is given a note by the innkeeper, left for him by Grenfi Nackle. The note requests that Odell meet Grenfi at the tower of Federico Tinelli, a reclusive wizard in Paxeter who apparently possesses a record book of elvish genealogies. Odell heads to Tinelli's tower, accompanied by XVIII and Gragnok.

Arriving at Federico Tinelli's tower, Odell, XVIII, and Gragnok find Grenfi Nackle waiting outside. Introducing themselves, Odell says that Gragnok and XVIII are his assistants. Gragnok calls himself "Gragnok Orion," but Grenfi doesn't seem to make any notice of it.

Grenfi Nackle explains to Odell that she has a mutual interest in Rune Magic. She claims that she found the journal of Halimath Wasanthi within the library at the College of Mimrinoth, and took up an interest in its mysteries. She asked for permission to borrow the journal from the College, but by then, Odell had already claimed it. Still interested in pursuing more information, Grenfi traveled to Karaad, where she ordered Wasanthi's grave exhumed. Within, she found that the body had completely decomposed; however, there was a magical device buried with him. The device, she explains, can be used as a cipher for Wasanthi's journal, but requires the blood of Wasanthi or one of his descendants in order to activate. Grenfi corroborates what the party learned from Ylstin Aeydark - that Federico Tinelli is in possession of a record book of elvish genealogies - and explains that she wants to convince Tinelli to let her see the book, so that she can find a descendant of Halimath Wasanthi and use their blood to activate the cipher.

Grenfi Nackle and Odell decide that they should speak to Federico Tinelli together for starters, and they approach the tower.

Speaking with them from a upper-level window, Federico Tinelli begrudgingly agrees to speak with Grenfi, Odell, XVIII, and Gragnok, after they explain their business. He asks for their names, and expresses some extra scrutiny at XVIII's strange name, and Gragnok, who once again introduces himself as "Gragnok Orion." Before allowing them to enter his tower, Tinelli requires that they remove all of their magic items, spell effects, and weapons. Gragnok refuses to do so, and waits outside. The others comply, and are allowed to enter.

Inside, Odell, XVIII, and Grenfi Nackle meet with Federico Tinelli. After some convincing, he reveals that he does own a record book of elven genealogies, as expected. In exchange for allowing them to view the book, Tinelli requests that they undertake an errand for him. Specifically, he says that he needs them to retrieve a clone of Tamrius Grimm, a powerful necromancer and alchemist from the Age of Arcana. He explains that this clone is in the possession of someone named XV, located in the city of Saltcrest. Tinelli does not reveal how he acquired this information, but says that he believes that the clone is magically shrank or stored somehow, as its current form weighs under 10 pounds.

Hearing the name XV, XVIII attempts to magically charm Federico Tinelli, and demands more information about XV's whereabouts. Tinelli says that he doesn't know anything else.

Grenfi Nackle expresses some scruples about the legality and ethics of stealing a clone, but Tinelli says that these are the only conditions under which he will allow them to see his book. Odell and XVIII agree with his arrangement, and eventually Grenfi complies as well. Once the deal is struck, Tinelli ushers the visitors out of his tower.

After leaving the tower, Grenfi Nackle and Odell discuss their arrangement. Grenfi again expresses scruples about stealing the clone of Tamrius Grimm, particularly given her status in the Weavers Conclave. Odell offers to retrieve the clone, and the two agree to work together using the journal and the cipher, once they are able to find a descendant of Halimath Wasanthi. In exchange, Grenfi agrees to make no mention of Odell to her colleagues in the Weavers Conclave.

Grenfi reveals that she is not actually physically present, but rather is using a *project image* spell. She offers to meet Odell in person in Saltcrest, and teleport them back to Paxeter after the clone of Tamrius Grimm is retrieved. She also explains that through her search for a descendant of Halimath Wasanthi, she has a theory that Ava Aloro - a former College of Mimrinoth student who died several years past - might have been one such descendant. According to Grenfi, Ava Aloro has a daughter, Valania Aloro, who supposedly lives in Saltcrest. She proposes that while in Saltcrest, they try to find Valania as well.

Odell asks Grenfi Nackle who the Inquisitors are. Grenfi says that they are a rogue organization impersonating the Weavers Conclave. She's unsure of their motives, but suspects some sort of political motivation.

XVIII asks Grenfi Nackle if she knows what's become of Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel. Grenfi says that she doesn't know exactly. She explains that after he was ousted from the Weavers Conclave and reported to the authorities, Dippel fled his keep in the mountains before he could be apprehended, and no one knows where he went. When asked, she says she doesn't know the exact nature of his experiments, because most of his notes and other remnants of his work were missing from his keep when it was investigated. The extent of her knowledge is that Dippel was performing necromantic experiments on sick children to try to turn them into undead.

When asked about their interest in Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel, XVIII reveals that he was one of the children that grew up with Dippel. Grenfi explains that she didn't think that any such children survived, and expresses an eagerness to ask XVIII more questions and learn more about what happened with Dippel, if they are willing to share. XVIII agrees that when they meet again in Saltcrest, they will answer Grenfi's questions.

After their conversation, Grenfi Nackle disappears, telling Odell that she will keep in touch with a *sending* spell. After Grenfi departs, Odell attempts to send a message to "Ava Wasanthi" using a magical *paper bird*, but the attempt fails.

In the evening, the party reconvenes at the Harvest Cup Inn to rest for the evening, preparing to set out for Molldorf in the morning.

## April 11th

The party makes preparations to depart Paxeter for Molldorf. Before leaving, they stop by the Free Arcanists Lodge once more to check in with Ylstin Aeydark about her research regarding Orion's Crypt. Ylstin reveals that she found the location of the crypt, on the borderlands between Aerzen and the Golden Wastes, where it is guarded by forces from Hartwell in an effort to prevent the elves of Shaeserin from accessing it.

After speaking with Ylstin, the party bids farewell to Harper Wood, who again thanks them for saving his life and bringing him here safely. Raakasi Sunmane also gives Jack a clockwork *sending stone*, made by the Lodge's artificer Fodruc Bohlen, so that he can keep in touch with the Lodge during their venture. Jack reassures Raakasi that he intends to help take down the Inquisitors, and assures her that he can be counted on.

After concluding their business in Paxeter, the party departs for Molldorf, accompanied by Murty Mole.

During the day's travel, the party encounters a pair of winged basilisks, which they handily defeat. Afterwards, they continue on through an uneventful day of travel, arriving at the Bastion River by nightfall, where they make camp.

At camp in the evening, XVIII asks Gragnok to teach him how to fight, and the two spend some time sparring. Meanwhile, Odell and Rye discuss the nature of Rune Magic, and its ability to utilize arcane methodology to access divine magic. Rye takes notes, saying that he wishes to eventually share them with his best friend, Mahadi. Odell also tells the party about his meeting with Grenfi Nackle and Federico Tinelli, and his task of retrieving the clone of Tamrius Grimm from Saltcrest.

## April 12th

In the morning, Murty Mole tells the party the full story of the incident at the Molldorf mines. He explains that a shipment of mining equipment was brought into the the mines from Paxeter, but deep in the mines, a group of masked kobolds sprung out of the equipment and attacked. The miners fled, and a loud explosion was heard, which caused a cave-in, trapping some molefolk within. Ever since the incident, the mines have been infested with hostile elementals, making much of the mine too dangerous to operate.

The party travels through the remainder of the day, arriving in Molldorf around sundown. In Molldorf, Murty Mole briefly escorts the party into the mine to scout out the situation. They find that while the mines are still operational in sections, the deeper parts of the mines have been closed off due to the danger of elementals. The party decides to rest for the evening, and investigate the mines the following day.

Back above ground, the party visits the Mycorrhizan consulate, where they are greeted by Boletus, the representative from Mycorrhiza that oversees the town. Boletus recognizes and welcomes Frog, seeming surprised to see him. Frog explains that hte party have come to resolve the issue in the mines and rescue the trapped molefolk. After a brief conversation, the consulate staff prepares and serves a fine meal for the party. Boletus also showcases the party some signature Mycorrhizan magic items that are available for purchase.

During the dinner, Malkoth receives a magical *sending* from Immanuel Belder, who expresses his concern for Malkoth's wellbeing, explaining that the forces from Hartwell passed through Hillenbrook and reported that Malkoth had been found dead. Malkoth responds and explains the situation that took place, wherein the Hartwellians agreed to falsely report having found him dead.

Privately, Boletus tells Frog that the molefolk that are trapped within the mines are the town's druid circle.

After their dinner and meeting with Boletus, the party spends some time shopping for general goods in town.

Later that evening, Rye tries to convince Malkoth to stop using his infernal amulet as a spellcasting focus, warning of its ties to Asmodeus and its potential dangers. He offers to develop his own spellcasting focus for Malkoth to use instead. Malkoth declines, explaining that the amulet has sentimental value to him and he wants to keep using it. The two briefly argue about who the amulet truly belongs to, and Rye recounts the story of the amulet being stolen from him by Natalie Shaw after the two had a tryst in the city of Sigil. He also explains that after Mahadi gave him the amulet, he was not heard from for years, and Rye assumes that he was somehow punished for giving him the amulet. Malkoth deflects, blaming Rye for carelessly losing the amulet, and refuses to give it to Rye.

Afterwards, Malkoth privately casts *identify* on the amulet to ensure it doesn't have any unexpected properties. He learns that it can be used to operate the controls of the Imlaq Colossus, as expected, but has no other unexpected properties.

## April 13th

In the morning, the party heads into the mines, led by Murty Mole. Delving into the depths of the mines, the party eventually reaches a cave-in. Murty explains that this was the location of the kobold ambush, and subsequent explosion. The party works to clear away the rubble to bypass the cave-in. In doing so, they inadvertently trigger a complex series of traps, wherein they find themselves trapped between flame-throwing crystals and a flaming arrow-launching bust of King Daimao. They manage to disable the traps safely, and after briefly recuperating, they find kobold tracks that lead deeper into the mines, which they follow.

Following the kobold tracks, Murty Mole leads the party to a mine track turnstile, which he explains serves as the secret entrance into a druid grove below. As the party begins investigating the turnstile, they are ambushed by elementals made of silver, coal, and crystals. They battle and successfully defeat the elementals.

After regrouping from the fight, the party finds the mechanism for raising the turnstile and gaining access to the druid grove, disabling another trap that had been placed on the opening. The way clear, they head downward, finding a more natural-looking cavern formation below.

Approaching quietly, the party finds the druid grove within the caverns. From the distance, they spot colossal sentient mushrooms that seem to have been killed and burned - presumably elements of the grove's defenses. A group of masked and red-robed Kameshiman kobold cultists are gathered within the grove, with unconscious molefolk and myconid prisoners being kept in a makeshift cage. The kobolds are accompanied by a large construct that is producing bombs and placing them throughout the grove, seemingly making preparations to destroy the grove. Within the grove, the party also sees a large nexus of earth elemental energy, centered atop a stone pedestal.

Still undetected by the Kameshimans, the party sets up an ambush, then springs into the grove to attack. They battle and defeat the kobolds and their construct, preventing them from detonating their bombs and destroying the grove.