Starting where we left off, Luapan was out of spells, and Sarril was also starting to get low. Pontus had some unhealed damage, but otherwise, the party was reasonably ready for action. They followed a short hallway beyond the secret door from the treasure room to find a door. Pontus opened the door to find a large cavern. Inside the cavern were some long crates, some barrels, and a pentagram on the floor. The long crates were being used as tables and had books and papers splayed out across them. At the far end of the cavern, behind one of the crates, was an old man reading some books.
Being a barbarian, Pontus decided the best course of action was to make a full run at the old man, then use his barbarian leaping ability to jump over the crate and bring his sword crashing down on the man's head in proper Cold Crow fashion. Initiatives were rolled because, despite that the man appeared to be busy reading books, he was fully aware of the party approaching and was prepared to act if they didn't want to speak. He was ready to cast Blade Barrier on the entire party as his first combat action, but since the rest of the party was still in the hallway and Pontus was rushing in full barbarian rage, he used it to surround Pontus as soon as he came through the door. This had the dual effect of both forcing Pontus to run through the Blade Barrier for full damage, while also blocking the door so the rest of the party couldn't get through. A bloodied Pontus took a massive amount of damage from the spinning blades, but in his rage he hardly noticed and leapt, screaming, over the crates and connected with the man, who, at this point, had shapeshifted back into his original form - that of Hellthrax, high priest of Iuz (the same man depicted in a statue the party encountered earlier). While the blow did not kill him, it was, nonetheless, significant.
The next significant move came from Sarril, who cast Dimension Door, grabbed Jarrus, and stepped through to appear immediately behind Hellthrax with Jarrus in tow. Jarrus, who had held his action, immediately attacked Hellthrax, laying on more significant damage. Generally, at this point, most enemies drop, and the toughest ones know they have only one more round to live, and the choice of which one of a long list of prepared spells to use becomes crucial. Escape is generally contemplated, if possible, but Hellthrax had a panic button already prepared in the form of a Type IV demon (a nalfeshnee) whom he seemed to have some kind of relationship with. He called its name and it stepped through a gateway formed over the pentagram, and immediately closed in on Jarrus.
The first thing everyone who encounters a Type IV demon must do is roll a save vs. wand or succumb to fear (unless they are immune). Everyone saved except Luapan, who immediately ran back up the hallway and was now out of the fight. The demon used Levitate to attempt to levitate Jarrus to the ceiling, and thus out of the fight, but Jarrus managed to make his saving throw and hold fast to the ground, forcing the demon to resort to old fashioned melee attacks (I skipped the psionics, as I figured making Luapan run away was good enough). Jarrus, used to not being hit with his superior magic armor and defender sword, found himself starting to take damage. The fight had returned to even.
Though Cadwin was still stuck behind the Blade Barrier, he wasn't completely helpless. He has a Lightning Bolt at the demon, but unfortunately, failed to penetrate its magic resistance. It looks like it would be up to Jarrus to take this demon down, which he was willing to do, but he wanted to kill Hellthrax first. Hellthrax, however, was focused on Pontus, and unleashed a devastating spell - Lifebane. This spell, unique to clerics of Iuz, drains the victim of 1-4 points of constitution and heals the cleric in return. Unfortunately for Pontus, the attack hit and I rolled a 4. The devastation of this spell is only truly realized on a barbarian. Pontus has a natural 18 constitution, and gets double HP bonuses every level. At level 7, he has 54 extra hit points that come solely from his constitution score, and he just lost them all. He found his altered body suddenly unable to handle all of the damage it had sustained, and he dropped completely and utterly dead.
(At this point, I don't remember all of the details of what happened in each round, so I'll cover what each character did, which may not be in exact order)
Both Sarril and Cadwin attempted to dispel the Blade Barrier and failed.
The demon gated in another demon - luckily for the party, it was only a Type I (a vrock), which are fairly weak as far as demons go. Nonetheless, with Pontus dead and Luapan still out of the fight, it was a distraction for Jarrus and Sarril.
Sarril cast Boccob's Rolling Thunder on Hellthrax and the vrock, but both were kept safe by magic resistance.
Hellthrax cast a spell that seemed to enhance both himself and the nalfeshnee demon, though its unclear what, exactly, it was.
Cadwin decided to unleash another lightning bolt, this time at Hellthrax. It was enough damage that it triggered a Word of Recall that he somehow had setup as a contingency. Hellthrax was teleported away to somewhere to recover (or suffer punishment for failure, who knows). Having no more ranged spells available, Cadwin decided the best option would be to turn into a bat and fly through the blade barrier, taking the damage, and then healing himself upon transforming on the other side. Since the barrier was in a circular column, he took damage once going in, and once coming out, leave him with only 4 hit points, but still alive. He was able to transform back to human form, healing another 24 damage.
Pontus' dead body re-animated as a juju zombie, and joined the fight (a direct result of the Lifebane spell, so this is one of the higher HD Iuz juju zombies)
The nalfeshnee demon used telekinesis to grab Jarrus and send him over into the still-spinning blade barrier and hold him in it until dead. Telekinesis can only move him at 20 ft. per round, and the blade barrier was 45 feet away. This gave everyone two rounds to kill the demon before Jarrus was turned into a smoothie. The good news was, the demon could do nothing else while focused on the telekinesis, so everyone who was able to attack the demon, did so. The bad news was that Sarril was the only one able to do anything at this time.
One round before reaching the blade barrier, Sarril managed to kill the demon, releasing Jarrus, who immediately rushed at the vrock and cut it down. That same round, an earth elemental that Cadwin had previously summoned, managed to appear, but was no longer needed. Luapan also returned that round and, with the demon gone, was able turn the Juju-Pontus. Once turned, the party decided to have the earth elemental pick up the juju zombie while the party experimented with it by poking it, slicing it, and hitting it with spells. They learned that it takes half damage from blunt and piercing weapons, half damage from fire, and is completely immune to magic missiles. They then killed it and kept the body in the hopes that Pontus could still be raised.
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A search of the cavern revealed a lot of interesting details. First, many of the books Hellthrax was reading were books related to the Isles of Woe and related mythology and history. Some of the books Sarril recognized from his own research into that place. There was also a short letter which read:
Hellthrax,
The Falcon has been freed and no doubt is going to attack the Temple of Cuthbert in Greyhawk. I am going there to make sure she doesn’t make a mess of our plans. It is up to you to finish what Hedrack failed to do.
- Maskaleyne
The party guessed that Maskaleyne must be the vampire they encountered in the fight with the Falcon.
Finally, they discovered that the entire southern wall of the cavern was actually freshly mortared rock. Cadwin had the earth elemental smash through the wall to reveal a crypt and a long hallway. The long hallway was lined with hundreds of weapons and armor - enough for a small invading force. In the crypt was a man who looked like the form Hellthrax had taken when the party first encountered him. This must be Carlan Dieg, the party determined. The man was in stasis inside what looked like a Forcecage. Sarril determined that if it was a forcecage, as per the spell of the same name, it has a limited duration and should wear off soon. The party decided to wait two hours, but the cage did not dissipate. At this point, the party decided it was best to go get help, and left the dungeon to go to the Temple of Trithereon.
Jarrus grabbed the body of the dead Juju-Pontus and everyone headed to the temple. It was morning now, and the temple compound was open for visitors. Based on the magnitude of their story, the party was able to get the attention of the one of the high-priests, a patriarch named Balthazar. After confirming their story had merit, Balthazar agreed to bring some of his priests into the manor to examine it for themselves. As for Pontus, the priests took the body to another room to study it and learn what they can. It was not clear whether or not he could be resurrected from such a state, but they would try to find out.
The first thing the high priest did was dispell the forcecage around Carlan Dieg, which also removed the stasis around him. Carlan Dieg was able to tell the party that he had been captured about three months ago, and Hellthrax was keeping him prisoner and pulling him out of the cage to question, and sometimes torture him. Most of the questions were mundane, asking about his daily routine and what he likes to eat, where he likes to go and who he associates with. Other questions were more obscure, such as asking if he knows a gnome named Lysander (DMs note: its been a long time, but the party last heard about Lysander from a gnome prisoner during the Temple of Elemental Evil adventure, as the TOEE inhabitants were asking the same question). Dieg also revealed that his business is real-estate in the city, and he owns several properties that he rents out. This led the party to determine that he was targeted by Hellthrax for this very reason, and it was possible that the renters of his other properties could now be agents of Iuz as well, or planned to be replaced by agents (who seem to be able to shapeshift). After a thorough search of the place, Balthazar took the party to see the Viscount, Lord Wilfrick.
Although the party already had an appointment for an audience with Lord Wilfrick in a few days, the urgency of the current situation demanded an immediate visit. Balthazar, being one of the high-priests of Trithereon, is an important enough figure that he was able to get an emergency audience with the Viscount. The party met with Lord Wilfrick briefly in private chambers and recounted their story. Wilfrick, in turn, ordered his city watch, along with clerics of Trithereon (armed with Detect Lie spells), to investigate each of the properties owned by Dieg. The party also handed over the staff they found so that Lord Wilfrick's mages can attempt to identify it.
On a brief side expedition, Cadwin decided to spend a few days investigating a cult of Pholtus worshipers who have both been harassing people in the city, and, apparently, healing people who were suffering from the Red Death plague. This cult has been showing up in other cities and have been little more than a nuisance, but their ability to heal the plague when no other clerics are able, was something worth investigating. There wasn't enough time to go thoroughly undercover (as that would be another side quest the party was not prepared to undertake), but Cadwin was able to determine that they were, in fact, healing people - for a price. Everyone who agreed to be healed were themselves converted to become members of the cult. They would disappearing for a few days, and then emerge, fully plague free, but wearing the plain tunic the cultists were known for, and having the symbol of Pholtus branded into their foreheads. Every member of the cult, regardless of their previous lot in life, now espoused absolute fanatical devotion to the pale one. They even went so far as to take on new names and, in many cases, shaving their heads to blend in and remove all traces of their former life. To the best of Cadwin's knowledge, these were the only known cases of anyone being able to cure the disease.
A few days later, the party was invited to the castle for a ceremony to honor their good deeds for the city. Present were many people of importance in the city, as well as several of the petty nobles from around the countryside. Those in attendance included Rufus and Burne (nobles from Hommlet) and Otis (brother of Elmo from Hommlet and agent of Lord Wilfrick). Lord Wilfrick proclaimed the great deeds that the party had performed, including the destruction of the Temple of Elemental Evil, and, most recently, exposing a cult of Iuz in the city and foiling their plans for an invasion. As thanks for their service, Lord Wilfrick has offered a gift to each of the surviving party (which the players are still contemplating). Additionally, the priests of Trithereon brought forth a living, breathing Pontus, stating that it was no simple resurrection, but they were able to bring him back after applying a number of rituals to cleanse the body and undo the curse that was laid upon him. Because this was not a normal resurrection, and possibly due to some strange effects of divine magic recently, rather than lose a point of Constitution, as is normal, Pontus instead lost two points of Wisdom.
Wilfrick was able to confirm that several co-conspirators of Hellthrax have been found and brought to justice thanks to the party's efforts. He also confirmed that sages studying the staff have determined that it is a unique Staff of Curing that they believe can be used to cure the Red Death, but that its power seems limited based on location, and that location seems tied to the lands surrounding Dorakaa. Nonetheless, having it is useful, as they will continue to study it in the hopes of making their own version of it that will work elsewhere.
Finally, Lord Wilfrick informed that party that a little more than a year ago, a newly freed Prince Thrommel came through Verbobonc and paid him a visit. Lord Wilfrick gave him a meal, a fresh horse, and a contingent of guards to accompany him on his trip to Chendyl. Prince Thrommel was riding a strange Ebony Fly, which he left with Wilfrick, should he be able to return it to its owner. He was pleased to hand it back to Sarril (DMs Note: The party now has two Ebony Flies. It is their goal to eventually have five of them and paint them in a matching color scheme so they can ride into town on them like a biker gang. They are now one step closer to this goal).
It is now the evening of the 6th Day of Harvester, CY 580. The party is in the company of Lord Wilfrick, Viscount of Verbobonc, figuring out what they want to request of him as their gift.
Jarrus grabbed the body of the dead Juju-Pontus and everyone headed to the temple. It was morning now, and the temple compound was open for visitors. Based on the magnitude of their story, the party was able to get the attention of the one of the high-priests, a patriarch named Balthazar. After confirming their story had merit, Balthazar agreed to bring some of his priests into the manor to examine it for themselves. As for Pontus, the priests took the body to another room to study it and learn what they can. It was not clear whether or not he could be resurrected from such a state, but they would try to find out.
The first thing the high priest did was dispell the forcecage around Carlan Dieg, which also removed the stasis around him. Carlan Dieg was able to tell the party that he had been captured about three months ago, and Hellthrax was keeping him prisoner and pulling him out of the cage to question, and sometimes torture him. Most of the questions were mundane, asking about his daily routine and what he likes to eat, where he likes to go and who he associates with. Other questions were more obscure, such as asking if he knows a gnome named Lysander (DMs note: its been a long time, but the party last heard about Lysander from a gnome prisoner during the Temple of Elemental Evil adventure, as the TOEE inhabitants were asking the same question). Dieg also revealed that his business is real-estate in the city, and he owns several properties that he rents out. This led the party to determine that he was targeted by Hellthrax for this very reason, and it was possible that the renters of his other properties could now be agents of Iuz as well, or planned to be replaced by agents (who seem to be able to shapeshift). After a thorough search of the place, Balthazar took the party to see the Viscount, Lord Wilfrick.
Although the party already had an appointment for an audience with Lord Wilfrick in a few days, the urgency of the current situation demanded an immediate visit. Balthazar, being one of the high-priests of Trithereon, is an important enough figure that he was able to get an emergency audience with the Viscount. The party met with Lord Wilfrick briefly in private chambers and recounted their story. Wilfrick, in turn, ordered his city watch, along with clerics of Trithereon (armed with Detect Lie spells), to investigate each of the properties owned by Dieg. The party also handed over the staff they found so that Lord Wilfrick's mages can attempt to identify it.
On a brief side expedition, Cadwin decided to spend a few days investigating a cult of Pholtus worshipers who have both been harassing people in the city, and, apparently, healing people who were suffering from the Red Death plague. This cult has been showing up in other cities and have been little more than a nuisance, but their ability to heal the plague when no other clerics are able, was something worth investigating. There wasn't enough time to go thoroughly undercover (as that would be another side quest the party was not prepared to undertake), but Cadwin was able to determine that they were, in fact, healing people - for a price. Everyone who agreed to be healed were themselves converted to become members of the cult. They would disappearing for a few days, and then emerge, fully plague free, but wearing the plain tunic the cultists were known for, and having the symbol of Pholtus branded into their foreheads. Every member of the cult, regardless of their previous lot in life, now espoused absolute fanatical devotion to the pale one. They even went so far as to take on new names and, in many cases, shaving their heads to blend in and remove all traces of their former life. To the best of Cadwin's knowledge, these were the only known cases of anyone being able to cure the disease.
A few days later, the party was invited to the castle for a ceremony to honor their good deeds for the city. Present were many people of importance in the city, as well as several of the petty nobles from around the countryside. Those in attendance included Rufus and Burne (nobles from Hommlet) and Otis (brother of Elmo from Hommlet and agent of Lord Wilfrick). Lord Wilfrick proclaimed the great deeds that the party had performed, including the destruction of the Temple of Elemental Evil, and, most recently, exposing a cult of Iuz in the city and foiling their plans for an invasion. As thanks for their service, Lord Wilfrick has offered a gift to each of the surviving party (which the players are still contemplating). Additionally, the priests of Trithereon brought forth a living, breathing Pontus, stating that it was no simple resurrection, but they were able to bring him back after applying a number of rituals to cleanse the body and undo the curse that was laid upon him. Because this was not a normal resurrection, and possibly due to some strange effects of divine magic recently, rather than lose a point of Constitution, as is normal, Pontus instead lost two points of Wisdom.
Wilfrick was able to confirm that several co-conspirators of Hellthrax have been found and brought to justice thanks to the party's efforts. He also confirmed that sages studying the staff have determined that it is a unique Staff of Curing that they believe can be used to cure the Red Death, but that its power seems limited based on location, and that location seems tied to the lands surrounding Dorakaa. Nonetheless, having it is useful, as they will continue to study it in the hopes of making their own version of it that will work elsewhere.
Finally, Lord Wilfrick informed that party that a little more than a year ago, a newly freed Prince Thrommel came through Verbobonc and paid him a visit. Lord Wilfrick gave him a meal, a fresh horse, and a contingent of guards to accompany him on his trip to Chendyl. Prince Thrommel was riding a strange Ebony Fly, which he left with Wilfrick, should he be able to return it to its owner. He was pleased to hand it back to Sarril (DMs Note: The party now has two Ebony Flies. It is their goal to eventually have five of them and paint them in a matching color scheme so they can ride into town on them like a biker gang. They are now one step closer to this goal).
It is now the evening of the 6th Day of Harvester, CY 580. The party is in the company of Lord Wilfrick, Viscount of Verbobonc, figuring out what they want to request of him as their gift.
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