Session0046

Episode 0046 - A Joyous Reunion
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**Setting:**

Asaria - Crypt of Ramesses the Great - June 4th, 211 AW
**Synopsis:**

* As XVIII reunites with his family, the party speaks to Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel about his experiments and research, and his intentions regarding XVIII. Dr. Dippel explains that he intends to eradicate death itself, and insinuates that XVIII will be staying with him.
* Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel reveals that he is holding Tamrius Grimm prisoner until Grimm agrees to share research with him, and Malkoth and Patches convince Dr. Dippel to allow them inside, under the pretense of trying to convince Grimm to comply with his requests.
* Inside, when Patches makes physical contact with Tamrius Grimm, a rift to the Star Road appears, and Patches (Deity) whisks Tamrius away into extraplanar space.
* Upset by the loss of Tamrius Grimm, Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel tells the party to leave. They comply, but remain nearby, making a campsite in the woods and remaining in telepathic contact with XVIII.
* Meanwhile, inside, after overhearing Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel berate XV for allowing XVIII to drink the vampiric blood, XVIII speaks privately with Dr. Dippel.
* XVIII asks for an explanation of what Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel has been trying to achieve with his experiments, and demands that he release the children from his control and allow XVIII to take them home.
* Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel refuses XVIII's demands, but after a tense standoff in which XVIII threatens his life, he offers to show XVIII what he has been working on, and leads him into a hidden crypt beneath his laboratory.
* In the crypt, Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel begins a ritual to resurrect the remains of Ramesses the Great, an ancient dragon king. He refers to the dragon as XXX, and explains that he intends to use him as his own living phylactery, to prolong his life and allow him to finish his life's work.
* XVIII encapsulates Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel in a *bead of force* and takes him to a dungeon cell, preventing him from completing his ritual.
* Curious about what's going on, the other children accompany XVIII to the dungeon, where XVIII explains that Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel was a danger to himself. As everyone else heads outside to regroup with the party, XIII remains behind to watch over Dr. Dippel.
* XVIII and the other children head outside, where they regroup with the party, and XVIII explains what has happened.
* After spending a few minutes talking, the group heads back inside, where they discover that Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel escaped from his cell in their brief absence (presumably with the help of XIII), and has completed his ritual to resurrect Ramesses the Great, as they hear loud commotion in the crypt beneath the laboratory.
* Hurrying to the laboratory, the party finds a resurrected XXX, and Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel bleeding out on the ground nearby, mortally wounded by the dragon.
* As the rest of the party battles XXX, XVIII teleports away with Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel. Outside, after stabilizing Dr. Dippel long enough to share parting words with him, XVIII kills Dr. Dippel, and animates him as an undead thrall.
* Meanwhile, the party battles and defeats XXX.

## June 4th

As XVIII is inside the keep of Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel reuniting with their family, outside, Malkoth and Gragnok begin making preparations to sneak inside invisibly and search for Tamrius Grimm. The party debates whether or not this is a good idea, worrying that they are sabotaging their chances of a peaceful interaction with Dr. Dippel. Valomir Quinn inserts himself as well, insisting that he cannot allow the party to sneak in because it would put his family at risk. He pleads with them to just give XVIII a little more time. Malkoth backs down from the idea of sneaking in, but Gragnok casts a *pass without trace* spell on himself and slinks off to try to find a way inside.

Meanwhile, inside, XVIII is reunited with their siblings. They only have a few minutes to greet each other, however, before Valomir Quinn sends a telepathic message through the party's *telepathic bond*, and warns XVIII and XV that Gragnok is attempting to sneak inside. In response, XV instructs XXIX to "pay attention," as XVIII telepathically pleads for the party to give them time to speak with their family, assuring them that it is safe inside. XV also tells Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel that the party outside is growing impatient, and together they head toward the entrance to meet with the party. XVIII offers to join, but Dr. Dippel insists that they stay behind. Nonetheless, XVIII conjures a bat familiar to follow Dr. Dippel and report back if anything goes wrong.

Back outside, Gragnok sneaks up to a nearby watchtower and discovers an alternate entrance to the keep. Simultaneously, inside, XXIX telepathically informs Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel that someone is approaching the watch tower, and XV heads towards the watch tower to protect the entrance.

Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel arrives at the entrance of the keep and meets the party. As they begin to make introductions, Gragnok, coming out of hiding, uses a magic item to attempt to temporarily freeze Dr. Dippel in time, but Dr. Dippel resists the effect. XV rushes to attack Gragnok in Dr. Dippel's defense, but Dr. Dippel orders him to stop, as Gragnok goes back into hiding. XV searches for Gragnok unsuccessfully for a short while, until Dr. Dippel orders him to use his revenant ability to track Gragnok, and he magically becomes aware of Gragnok's location. XV keeps track of Gragnok's location, but no longer gives chase, remaining with Dr. Dippel.

Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel seems quite shaken by the sudden violence, but the party manages to deescalate the situation and convince him to talk to them. Nonetheless, he does not allow them inside his keep, offering only to speak to them outside. During the following conversation, it becomes obvious that Dr. Dippel is in very poor health, as he falls into several coughing fits, spitting up blood on multiple occasions.

The party asks Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel about XVIII and their wellbeing, and what his intentions are for them. Dr. Dippel assures them that XVIII is alive and well, and insinuates that XVIII will be staying with him from now on, though he ultimately concedes that the choice is XVIII's. Several party members express their admiration for Dr. Dippel's work, which he seems to receive well. Louche asks if Dr. Dippel ever found out the source of the Pale Death during his time as a doctor, and Dr. Dippel says that he suspects it was simply a fluke of magic.

Meanwhile, inside, XVIII speaks with their siblings, and catches up with them regarding their lives for the last thirty years. XVIII asks about Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel's research, but they don't know very much about it, explaining that they aren't really involved in experiments any more these days. They explains that Dr. Dippel does currently have a visitor - a wizard that he is trying to learn from - but that they are forbidden from speaking with him. XVIII asks if they are all happy, and casts a *detect thoughts* spell to discern their responses. All of them seem to be largely content with their circumstances and as happy as they've ever been, with the exception of XXI, whose thoughts are extremely dark and morose, and focus on escape, death, and vengeance against Dr. Dippel. XVIII also finds that XXIX's mind is unreadable, as they are seemingly also simultaneously reading XVIII's thoughts.

Shortly thereafter, XVIII's bat familiar returns and informs them telepathically of what happened outside between Gragnok and Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel. XVIII heads out front to check on the situation.

Out front with the rest of the party, Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel tells XVIII that it would be best for them to go back to their family, as he is discussing things that XVIII ought not be privy to. He assures XVIII that he is fine and that XV will keep him safe, and XVIII complies, returning to their siblings. Telepathically, Louche tells XVIII about everything they've discussed so far, and assures them that he'll relay everything else that they talk about.

After XVIII returns inside, the party asks about Tamrius Grimm. Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel confirms that Grimm is with him, but based on the circumstances of their meeting, he is reluctant to allow the party inside to meet him. He explains that Grimm has information that Dr. Dippel needs for his research, though he won't share specifics. Dr. Dippel asks why the party is interested in Grimm, and Patches explains that he is a distant relative of Grimm's. When Dr. Dippel expresses some skepticism that this is possible, Malkoth explains that there is time and multiverse magic involved.

Malkoth asks Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel about his research, explaining that he has read some of Dr. Dippel's work from the former keep. Dr. Dippel is somewhat hesitant to go into detail, but vaguely explains that he intends to eradicate death itself for all of mortalkind, describing death as a disease and an evil.

Pepper, with Jack's permission, asks about the possibility of resurrecting Djinni, if they party could recover her ghost from Avourel Orion. Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel speculates that it would be theoretically possible, explaining that the movement of souls between vessels is a facet of his research. He is unsure of exactly how such a process would work, however, and suggests that even if possible, such a feat would require great sacrifice.

After some more conversation regarding Tamrius Grimm, Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel eventually agrees to allow Patches and Malkoth inside to speak with Grimm, in hopes that they can convince him to share his information with Dippel. Malkoth asks if the information is related to Grimm's creation of a living phylactery, and Dippel admits that this is the correct.

Before Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel takes Malkoth and Patches inside, Odell asks for permission to peruse Dippel's library. Dr. Dippel says that if things go well with Tamrius Grimm, he will personally escort Odell to his library.

Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel, XV, Malkoth, and Patches head inside and make their way toward the dungeon, where Dr. Dippel explains Tamrius Grimm is being kept. On the way, Malkoth offers Dr. Dippel *dust of longevity*, but Dippel declines, explaining that even if it extended his lifespan, it would not cure the disease that ails him.

Arriving at the keep's dungeon, Malkoth casts a *detect magic* spell with Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel's permission, and takes note of a few magic items in Dr. Dippel's possession, as well as an aura of abjuration magic on the entire keep. Dr. Dippel explains that the keep is effected by a *private sanctum* spell.

Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel leads the others to a cell in the dungeon, where they discover Tamrius Grimm. Tamrius asks the others to kill Dr. Dippel and free him, and Dr. Dippel retorts that Grimm will be released as soon as he shares his information with him.

Malkoth shakes Tamrius Grimm's hand, and suggests that Patches do the same. When Patches does so, a rift in space tears open violently between them, shredding the dungeon cell bars and knocking Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel over, sending him into a coughing fit.

A silhouette of Patches (Deity) appears within the rift, and briefly explains the situation to Tamrius Grimm, saying that he is Grimm's son and phylactery from the future, and needs to take Grimm to a different universe. After some discussion, Grimm agrees, and follows Patches (Deity) into the rift. Before departing, Grimm tells Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel that his experiments will never work, because a living phylactery must be a living creature with its own will, not an undead thrall. Upon departing, Patches (Deity) leaves behind rewards for Malkoth and Patches.

Afterwards, Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel, shaken by the events that transpired, tells Malkoth and Patches that they are of no more use to him, and that they need to leave.

Meanwhile, back outside, Frog talk to Jack about the idea of resurrecting Djinni, and Jack expresses some hesitation about trusting Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel. Frog gives Jack two magical *1-up mushrooms* - one for him and one for Pepper.

Shortly thereafter, Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel returns to the party outside, accompanied by Malkoth, Patches, and XV. Malkoth telepathically explains what happened with Tamrius Grimm. Dr. Dippel tells the party that their usefulness to him has expired, and demands that they leave, inviting Valomir Quinn inside to talk. After briefly consulting with XVIII telepathically, the party agrees, and they go to make a campsite in the nearby woods, as Dr. Dippel, XV, and Valomir head inside.

Inside, Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel leads Valomir Quinn to be reunited with his siblings and XVIII. As Valomir greets the other children, Dr. Dippel asks XV for a private word, and leads him towards his laboratory. XVIII once again sends his bat familiar to follow and eavesdrop.

In Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel's laboratory, overheard by XVIII's bat, Dr. Dippel berates XV for his failure in allowing XVIII to drink the vampiric blood. He accuses XV of betraying him, and bemoans the fact that XVIII is now useless to him. XV is apologetic, but Dr. Dippel dismisses him, telling him to go fetch Valomir Quinn for a conversation.

XVIII's bat returns to them, and relays the conversation that it overheard. When XV returns to the rest of the family and asks Valomir Quinn to accompany him to Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel, XVIII asks them both to wait for a minute while XVIII has his own conversation with Dr. Dippel. Both of them agree, and XVIII goes to Dr. Dippel's laboratory, locking the door behind them.

Inside Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel's laboratory, XVIII admits that he drank the vampiric blood, though they suspect Dr. Dippel already knows. XVIII assures Dr. Dippel that it was their own choice, and that XV is not at fault. Dr. Dippel accuses XVIII of being childish and ungrateful, and admonishes them for drinking the unfinished potion that killed them thirty years ago. XVIII asks why Dr. Dippel never told the children's families about what happened with them, referencing his acquisition ledger. Dr. Dippel defensively explains that if anyone found out the nature of his experiments he would have been lynched, and that he could not risk the children's families reporting the truth of what happened to their children. Despite Dr. Dippel's defensiveness, XVIII explains that they understand the decision, and respect what Dr. Dippel did.

XVIII asks Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel what was the point of all of the experiments, and what he has been trying to accomplish with all of his experimentation. Dr. Dippel explains that he intends to develop a potion to eradicate death and immunize against mortality, but that the potion is still unfinished, and he needs more time to work on it.

XVIII asks Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel to cure his siblings of the mind control that he has placed on them, using an antidote that they assume Dr. Dippel must have developed. Dr. Dippel denies the existence of any such antidote, describing the idea as fantasy, and claiming that it wouldn't be possible. XVIII pushes back, rejecting the notion that Dr. Dippel couldn't develop an antidote if he needed to, and says that they cannot leave the rest of the family with Dr. Dippel any longer. Dr. Dippel grows angry, assuring XVIII that their family is happy in his care, and accusing XVIII of trying to steal them and put them in danger. XVIII says that the children's "happiness" is simply ignorance, and argues that neither Valomir Quinn nor XXI are happy - insisting that Dr. Dippel could have saved XXI's life instead of turning her into an undead experiment. Dr. Dippel describes them both as ungrateful, and says that if XVIII doesn't want to remain with the family then they can leave.

XVIII draws weapons and threatens Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel's life if he refuses to comply. Dr. Dippel admits that he cannot contend with XVIII in a fight, but still refuses to comply. Just then, there is a knock on the door of the laboratory, as XV and Valomir Quinn arrive, asking to come in. XVIII unlocks the door and allows them in.

Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel asks for a private word with Valomir Quinn, but Valomir declines, and says that the others can stay. He asks why Dr. Dippel brought him here, and Dr. Dippel says that he just wanted to understand why Valomir betrayed his family. Valomir says that Dr. Dippel could have proven his innocence and freed him, but chose not to, but Dr. Dippel deflects responsibility. Valomir explains that he originally came here to kill Dr. Dippel, but now that he sees how sick Dr. Dippel is, he intends to just let him die from his ailment, and then he will take care of the family afterwards. Valomir then storms off. Dr. Dippel instructs XV to follow him, and not to let him leave, to which XV complies.

Meanwhile, back outside, the rest of the party makes a campsite in the nearby woods. Odell spends some time investigating the exterior of the ruins that Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel has turned into his keep, and deduces that the structure was an ancient draconic fortress, and the burial place of a great dragon king named Ramesses the Great (or Ozymandias, in draconic).

Inside, XVIII asks Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel to share his notes and research, but Dr. Dippel refuses, and asks XVIII what they want from him, since he cannot give them the antidote they request. XVIII asks him to apologize to XV, but Dr. Dippel refuses. XVIII then draws weapons once again, and begs Dr. Dippel to comply, saying that they do not wish to harm him. Dr. Dippel attempts to use mind control on XVIII, telling them that they can either accept their life and stay with the family, or leave alone. XVIII resists the magic, and attacks Dr. Dippel. XVIII finds Dr. Dippel extremely weak and frail, as a single strike nearly kills him.

Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel surrenders to XVIII, and says that he will show XVIII what he wants to see. After using some magical healing to restore himself, Dr. Dippel leads XVIII through a secret passageway in his laboratory, and down into a basement crypt beneath the keep. There, he shows XVIII the bones of an ancient dragon, carved with necromancy glyphs. A pedestal identifies the dragon as Ramesses the Great (a.k.a. Ozymandias). Dr. Dippel approaches the bones, and explains that the dragon will be XXX - XVIII's newest sibling, and Dr. Dippel's last chance at success after having lost Tamrius Grimm. XVIII asks what Dr. Dippel intends to do with XXX, and Dr. Dippel explains that he is trying to become a lich by creating a living phylactery, which must be a compliant and obedient vessel. He reveals that all of the siblings were similar experiments which failed, and XXX is his last hope now. He blames XVIII for the current circumstances, saying that even if XVIII leaves now, the rest of the party has become a threat to him. Berating XVIII's childishness and foolishness, he orders XVIII to leave, as he begins casting a ritual to resurrect XXX.

XVIII traps Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel in a *bead of force* to interrupt his ritual, and takes him out of the crypt and back up to the laboratory. They take Dr. Dippel to the dungeon and lock them in a cell, taking his keys. The rest of the siblings follow, asking what's happening. XVIII explains that Dr. Dippel has become a danger to himself, and they are protecting him. As the group beings to exit the dungeon and leave Dr. Dippel in his cell, XIII expresses sympathy and concern for Dr. Dippel's wellbeing, and stays behind to keep him company and watch over him. XVIII and the remaining siblings head outside to reconvene with the party.

Outside, XVIII and the siblings meet with the party. The siblings introduce themselves to the party, and XVIII briefly explains what happened with Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel. After a few minutes of conversation, Odell asks to see Dr. Dippel's library, and XVIII invites everyone inside.

When the group steps inside, they immediately hear the sound of commotion and a dragon's roar from the crypt beneath the keep, which couldn't be heard from outside due to the *private sanctum* spell on the keep. The party rushes in that direction, as Valomir Quinn and XV take the rest of the siblings towards the dungeon to safety.

Arriving at the crypt, the party discovers Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel, as well as the resurrected remains of Ramesses the Great. They deduce that Dr. Dippel must have somehow escaped his cell - presumably with the aid of XIII - and completed his ritual. Dr. Dippel is lying on the floor mortally wounded, with a shard of bone through his chest, as he was evidently unable to establish control over the awakened XXX.

XVIII runs to Dr. Johann Conrad Dippel and uses a *dimension door* to escape the crypt with him, arriving in his laboratory above. As the rest of the party begins battling XXX, XVIII stabilizes Dr. Dippel long enough to share some parting words with him, then kills him and animates his corpse as an undead thrall.

Within the crypt, the party battles and defeats XXX.