Where to start that alas is the question is it not? Well finally poor Caspian has been intimidated by witnessing and Elf of the non Drow variety I might add on the side of Shar. Talk about depressing so depressing as a matter of fact that I the brilliant Asp had to pull myself from within our conscious and actually take over. In my humble opinion not a moment too soon actually for while everyone eventually survived the journey into the Tomb it became apparent that the minions of Shar were prepared to pull out all the stops to stop Donavan and the Associates from acquiring the fabled Amulet of Light.
Perhaps Caspian has spoken of me in the past and I will not in these entries be actually revealing a lot more about certain aspects of mission or my nature. Suffice to say it will be my task to relate and record the events as they transpire in order for there to be shall we say a record in the future. For as I always say for those who do not study and learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. With that being said I shall progress in a manner somewhat different then what has in the past been shown so let us begin.
We had located and freed the comely young Human female priest of Mystra who quickly related to us a tale of her torture and torment as well as information she felt we needed. Her tale included information related to the leader of the Shar band that we had been encountering within the tomb. She informed us that she had heard them say that they were in the process of unlocking the final ward which would give them access to the Mummy tomb guardian. It seemed they had just left and left behind the group that had been just dispatched to deal with us while they proceeded ahead to the northeast area of the tomb to unlock the last of the three wards.
It should for the sake of clarity also be stated that during that time gold and items of magic were also found in the amount of 384 gold pieces and a suit of magical chainmail. Now of course those items were not identified at the time but they were added to the ever increasing amount of gold that was being acquired by the Associates.
So instead of escorting her out of the tomb she instead accompanied us as we had moved the area she had described. It was there that while many Caspian not included felt feelings of dread and refused to even enter a room that a few preceded ahead. Donavan the Reformed, D’jet the Bright, Alrond the Eager and Linda the Determined had moved forward into the room. Inside they had approached a rune covered skull and as they approached they had been blasted by infernal cold. They survived but it was then that they were attacked by a mysterious undead intent upon their death and they called for aid.
Eventually everyone either made their way into the room or into position to affect the Undead from range. Also as I would have predicted Caspian was seen as the weakest link and singled out and attacked. I was a grievous attack that once again brought Caspian to the brink between life and death and it was a time that I realized that things needed to change but I was powerless to assert myself. In the end only due to the perseverance of the Associates do I even live at this moment. Granted why I even chose to stay within this environment to begin with is of course a very good question but even while Caspian’s very life force had been drained leaving him weaker than ever he had pushed on.
It was during this time while the rune cold trap was disabled by Invelous the Survivor and the journey to the now opened crypt of the Mummy guardian that Caspian had believed that his death might very well be imminent. He had asked Donavan to please take his magical haversack and Spellbook back to Waterdeep if he survived as well as taken Invelous, Naiem the Greedy and Bolora the Bold into his confidence leaving similar requests. Sadly it was of course only Bolora who had seemed to believe in the end that the Associates would be victorious and for that I will always give her credit as well as owed her a debt.
At the conclusion of that shall we say event another 300 gold and a magical robe were added to the pile of loot that was being acquired within the tomb. I have to admit not exactly profitable in the long run and from what we had acquired we would be lucky to even acquire enougth gold to replenish the magical Wands we had been expending a phenomenal rate. For at the rate we were progressing and remembering the fact that this was only the first tomb the odds were beginning to stack against the Associates.
Finally the Associates had arrived at the Crypt of the Mummy and it seemed just in time for the Shar Lead Priest had just released the Mummy whom he had called Kuno-Teph and was in to process of attempting to bind it to his will by the power of Shar. He was not alone for with him were two Human Archers as well as believe it or not an Elven Ranger in service or hire to Shar. Perhaps it was almost dying at the hands of another Elf that weakened Caspian’s hold or the fact that the Mummy was laying waste to all who opposed him I will not say but finally I was free.
I had of course attempted to use my Wand of Magic Missiles but it was useless against the Mummy. I had even offered the Elf the chance to withdraw which he eventually took but of course not without out almost killing Naiem and a few of the Associates. He had made a tempting offer to join him and looking back he might have only been in a similar situation to which I had found myself in the past when Donavan the Dark and Arrol the Possessed led the Associates which was why I had not attacked him. Can I honestly say that Mister Thorn would have done any different had he been in the Elf’s place I think not actually. So while even then I knew that he planned to circle back it given the chance I also realized if he did not hinder us when we attempted to leave the tomb then I would in the future be willing to show him quarter if we met in the future.
It had been close and at times Bolora, D’jet, Bolorax the Defender, and even Alrond had fallen Invelous and Naiem had come to the rescue and with Donavan and Linda had in the end kept them alive and the Associates as Bolora had stated prevailed. The price for our victory although had been a high one indeed for they had contracted a vile and deadly disease called Mummy Rot which literally which according to D’jet would soon begin to sap them of their very life. So while I knew we would leave magic and gold behind since Invelous had already recovered the first piece of the rune of which we needed three more in order to open the final tomb I was not worried. For I knew unless he was stopped Naiem the Greedy would leave nothing behind if he was able.
So it had come to pass that eventually both Bolora and her brother Bolorax collapsed as we made our way out of the tomb with Invelous running head in order to inform the priests at the camp town that we would be in need of aid. I had learned quite a great deal in a short time one that Bolora I realized was someone who I would always watch after even if she was a Dwarf. Another valuable piece of the puzzle that was revealed concerned Invelous. For regardless of his greed Invelous truly saw the Associates as family and for that I would show him respect and honor for he had proven himself on many occasions forsaking his desire for gold in order aid members of the Associates who needed aid. Finally I learned that while Caspian had decided to speak of our sister Caspia as a lure in the hopes that if he failed and his life was lost then perhaps Caspia might be able to lead Naiem who by right should be called Naiem the Undead Slayer to the embrace of the Seldarine which might very well save his very soul.
There was even a conversation later with Alrond where he had asked about the Undercommon tongue that I had used to converse with Bolora, Invelous and Naiem where he had informed me that he had been upset. I cannot really blame him he was only Human and I informed him that I has spoken to them concerning matters of a personal nature of which I felt the others would have no concern. Bolora had backed me up for it seemed that he had felt that perhaps I might have been speaking of something that might have been something worthy of his ears. Don’t get me wrong I respect Paladin’s for what it is worth and I believe having him with the Associates is indeed an asset but I had no doubt that in the future he might prove to be also a hindrance.
The big picture everyone had survived and items of magic acquired and identified while everyone was cured of any new diseases they may have acquired and the first piece of the rune stone deciphered to a lesser extent. I would soon claim magical bracers, one of the amulets which provided magical armor as well as a Robe that enhanced life and protected against fire. I would also grow in magical power by two degrees so in the end the journey into the tomb was not a total loss. On the down side after dividing all of the gold among the Associates I was left with the equivalent of 293 gold of which 4900 was copper. Not even enough for either I or for that matter Donavan to construct a Wand of Curing or myself a new Wand of Magic Missiles.
Of course upon returning to the tomb we had found the chests that we had left behind and the bodies of those left behind looted of what we could assume was magic. We were left with only a few items magical and mundane to share among the rest of the Associates. In the end two heavy maces (+1), three potions of acid resistance, a longbow (+1 magical/+2 strength) , chainmail armor (+1), Dwarven War Axe (+1 Magical/Keen/Spell blade (melfs acid arrow)) and three scrolls ((Detect secret door, protection from evil, shield),( Prayer, Owl's wisdom),(Prayer, Owl's wisdom)) had been left to divide which had proven to be magical. Leaving only a suit of masterwork Halfplate, four flasks of Alchemical fire, a tapestry, ceremonial robes and a silver medallion.
I had learned only four new spells and while I was prepared to learn more it would depend on how much time the Associates were willing to take in preparation for the next tomb. It had been noted that the final resting place of the rune piece had lead to another area that we did not explore but I had a feeling that Donavan would wish to push on. It was sad actually that we were not better funded otherwise even if we had to money for which even Naiem was willing to aid financially the creation of new Wands was beyond us as the Camp/Town lacked the materials in order to make our desire a reality. Many of the Associates had even chosen to donate their copper pieces with the exception of Naiem and I now while Naiem’s reasons were based solely upon greed mine were based instead on necessity for without gold I could not add new spells to my Spellbook or fund research into magic of my own creation.
Also of note Xavier is finally able to talk since to be honest it is no secret that with the exception of I not a single member of the Associates are the talkative type. In truth I doubt many of the Associates would even listen to me unless I made an effort to insure that each conversation with each of them somehow tempted their own desires. Ironically that is something that is within my repertoire for it is time to learn a little more about the Associates and see what motivates them to adventure and risk their very lives on a daily basis. I know my reasons and those for now I shall keep to myself but we shall have to see if the path of the Associates is one that will aid me in fulfilling my Destiny or one that will only lead to their Ruin.
Caspian Thorn
The Real Deal Durothil
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Kythorn,21,----)6/21/--- (Part 2)
Well to be honest making an oath to change and seeing it through is not always the same thing and while I did my best to aid my companions within the Associates I had to wonder if loving those who not doubt would ever love me back was a concern of mine. The loss of the chaotic Krolis due to the fatigue and stress of the mission and the addition of D’jet a Aasimar from a distant land and Bolorak or Rak as Bolora likes to call him had actually changed the dynamic of the Associates and the mystery that seems to surround the Amulet of Light continues to grow.
Events started to taken a different direction after I had awoken and reached my revelation regarding my new calling as it were. I had looked down to a barely breathing Alemore and handed my Wand of Curing to Donavan so that he might bring him conscious. As he rose the others spoke of parting ways with the two weakened Paladins who we had recently rescued and so it came to pass that we escorted them to the surface.
On the way Krolis told us that he had had enough and that he would not be rejoining us in the Tomb. He was kind enough before he left with Neil and Jarvis the Torm and Tyr Paladins to return to the camp to use what remaining healing he possessed to aid in restoring those of who remained to full health. It was at that time that we also came upon a Dwarf dressed in a Breast Plate wielding a Dwarven Waraxe and a Heavy Crossbow with the black-gloved hand holding a coin with a two-faced head symbol of Hoar the Human Deity upon his chest. He was obviously the twin Brother of Bolora and told us that he had been tracking down his sister as they were bonded twins.
Bolora seemed glad to see her twin and he was quickly seamlessly worked into our formation and while I was still somewhat subdued after the recent changes in my outlook Bolorak was soon to become a very important part of our formation as he proved to be adept at a very impressive style of combat that actually aided all those close to him. I will admit I missed the chaotic Krolis just a little but in truth his presence seemed to put Alemore at ease. He had even been willing to in a few formations alter his normal position in the front of our lines. His presence also cause me to consider holding back a little on the use of my Wand of Magic Missiles as I hoped with more warriors on the line I might be able to conserve. Since serious we had not even been in the first tomb of four and my primary offensive Wand was already diminished by two fifths. At the rate I had been using it I would be lucky to see it burn out before I gained the skill to craft another one.
So began another assault upon the dungeon of doom as I had come to call it. Now I could go on about the mapping errors made by Donavan and my corrections or I could elaborate on our countless battles with the Undead and minions of the obscure Cult that seems loyal to Shar. I could even talk about my own tactical errors or the holy powers displayed by D’jet. Then again I could even speak of the load voices used by Arrol and D’jet combined which I am sure helped attribute to a few additional conflicts but I will not dwell upon those things. Perhaps the fact that we had during this time added to our treasure haul an unidentified potion, a set of magical bracers attuned to conjuration and 900 gold is worth mentioning. Then again the existence of Tyrantfog Zombies which I knew from study were the remains of previous evil priests killed by the power of evil deities that was in fact personally confirmed was quite the impressive development. Or for that matter we had even located the sealed tomb of the reputed Guardian who we would have to come back for later but that would be yet another development for the Associates to deal with in the near future as our current priority had been the Priestess of Mystra.
Now the most impressive development by far that overshadowed literally everything I had seen so far that reminded me of Elven High Magic was the existence of a room of restoration. It was a room we had found when all of our spirits had been low. Even now stoic Donovan who was determined to not leave a Priestess of Mystra behind might have been close to wavering. I will even admit as much as I would have hated to leave a woman behind knowing what fate might await her as well as Donavan at the hands of a Cult dedicated to Shar I was beginning to have my doubts. It was then as if my divine luck that we came upon a room that Donavan and I were able to confirm was a magical pool that which the correct procedures followed could fully heal and restore a living being.
The others were a bit perplexed but not Donavan whose faith is Mystra drove him forward first to use the aspect of the pool that would fully cure him be if from disease, poison or even life energy lost to Undead. I had of course followed as my faith in Corellon Larethian a more ancient deity and my Patron also a deity of Magic led me to do so. I do not doubt that the magic of this world is the providence of Mystra but I also know she is contested but she is also the same deity that has given her life more than once for the magic of the world so I respect her shall we say. Donavan and I had been deciphering two rune covered pillars near a pool that lay between them from which we had drank and while he had been able to decipher the curing pillar he had failed to comprehend the restorative pillar so I had go first. The experience was miraculous and being someone addicted to pleasure I can assure anyone that I know for a fact that it was. I was as if I had fully rested and I even felt that I would be able to restore the depleted spells I had already cast during the day.
As a side note it should be mentioned for the record that it seemed the Amulet of Light was becoming quite the popular relic. For it seemed that not only was Alemore the Paladin of Lathander a human deity of light interested in the Amulet but so it seemed was the new arrival D’jet Fra a priest of another obscure Human Deity named Horus-Re was also interested. It was something that I decided to leave to the Priests and Holy Men. For while personally I had not interest in the Amulet of Light the fact that it was perhaps buried over an ancient Elven battleground was of slight concern. My mind had I will admit drifted to a darker place one filled memories of the descent of the Lolth and the fall of the Drow as well as the seduction of the Sun Elves but I knew that the time for such thoughts needed to be put aside and the mission at hand dealt with.
There had been a little debate regarding if everyone would drink from the pool but in the end everyone had and the pool that had once glowed with positive white light had diminished as if needed to itself be restored. We had decided against a few to attempt to rest before explored a nearby secret door that had been uncovered by Invelous and while resting may not have been the most wise idea it did bring those who had been holding the Priestess of Mystra out of hiding and after a fierce battle against two archers, two spell casting Wights, two warriors and a Priest of Shar we had prevailed all and before us stood a room similar to the one’s we had found the Paladins Neil and Jarvis ready to be explored. As we began to move forward I realized two things one that we had found the Priestess and two who knew what evil await us within the chamber. Either way this time the Associates would be going in together and if I had anything to say about it we were going to stick together and exit this tome as Associates and that meant together. As I prepared myself I said a quick prayer in the ancient elven tongue Seldruin to my patron “Thank you, Corellon, for guidance this day, may our arrows fly swift, may our blades strike true, may our spells smite our foes and shield us from harm, as the Seldarine will so I Caspian Thorn of House Durothil pray.” I was ready as I looked to the Associates they were ready as well and if this be my last entry than as my people the Quessir say may your life be filled with sweet water and light laughter forever.
Events started to taken a different direction after I had awoken and reached my revelation regarding my new calling as it were. I had looked down to a barely breathing Alemore and handed my Wand of Curing to Donavan so that he might bring him conscious. As he rose the others spoke of parting ways with the two weakened Paladins who we had recently rescued and so it came to pass that we escorted them to the surface.
On the way Krolis told us that he had had enough and that he would not be rejoining us in the Tomb. He was kind enough before he left with Neil and Jarvis the Torm and Tyr Paladins to return to the camp to use what remaining healing he possessed to aid in restoring those of who remained to full health. It was at that time that we also came upon a Dwarf dressed in a Breast Plate wielding a Dwarven Waraxe and a Heavy Crossbow with the black-gloved hand holding a coin with a two-faced head symbol of Hoar the Human Deity upon his chest. He was obviously the twin Brother of Bolora and told us that he had been tracking down his sister as they were bonded twins.
Bolora seemed glad to see her twin and he was quickly seamlessly worked into our formation and while I was still somewhat subdued after the recent changes in my outlook Bolorak was soon to become a very important part of our formation as he proved to be adept at a very impressive style of combat that actually aided all those close to him. I will admit I missed the chaotic Krolis just a little but in truth his presence seemed to put Alemore at ease. He had even been willing to in a few formations alter his normal position in the front of our lines. His presence also cause me to consider holding back a little on the use of my Wand of Magic Missiles as I hoped with more warriors on the line I might be able to conserve. Since serious we had not even been in the first tomb of four and my primary offensive Wand was already diminished by two fifths. At the rate I had been using it I would be lucky to see it burn out before I gained the skill to craft another one.
So began another assault upon the dungeon of doom as I had come to call it. Now I could go on about the mapping errors made by Donavan and my corrections or I could elaborate on our countless battles with the Undead and minions of the obscure Cult that seems loyal to Shar. I could even talk about my own tactical errors or the holy powers displayed by D’jet. Then again I could even speak of the load voices used by Arrol and D’jet combined which I am sure helped attribute to a few additional conflicts but I will not dwell upon those things. Perhaps the fact that we had during this time added to our treasure haul an unidentified potion, a set of magical bracers attuned to conjuration and 900 gold is worth mentioning. Then again the existence of Tyrantfog Zombies which I knew from study were the remains of previous evil priests killed by the power of evil deities that was in fact personally confirmed was quite the impressive development. Or for that matter we had even located the sealed tomb of the reputed Guardian who we would have to come back for later but that would be yet another development for the Associates to deal with in the near future as our current priority had been the Priestess of Mystra.
Now the most impressive development by far that overshadowed literally everything I had seen so far that reminded me of Elven High Magic was the existence of a room of restoration. It was a room we had found when all of our spirits had been low. Even now stoic Donovan who was determined to not leave a Priestess of Mystra behind might have been close to wavering. I will even admit as much as I would have hated to leave a woman behind knowing what fate might await her as well as Donavan at the hands of a Cult dedicated to Shar I was beginning to have my doubts. It was then as if my divine luck that we came upon a room that Donavan and I were able to confirm was a magical pool that which the correct procedures followed could fully heal and restore a living being.
The others were a bit perplexed but not Donavan whose faith is Mystra drove him forward first to use the aspect of the pool that would fully cure him be if from disease, poison or even life energy lost to Undead. I had of course followed as my faith in Corellon Larethian a more ancient deity and my Patron also a deity of Magic led me to do so. I do not doubt that the magic of this world is the providence of Mystra but I also know she is contested but she is also the same deity that has given her life more than once for the magic of the world so I respect her shall we say. Donavan and I had been deciphering two rune covered pillars near a pool that lay between them from which we had drank and while he had been able to decipher the curing pillar he had failed to comprehend the restorative pillar so I had go first. The experience was miraculous and being someone addicted to pleasure I can assure anyone that I know for a fact that it was. I was as if I had fully rested and I even felt that I would be able to restore the depleted spells I had already cast during the day.
As a side note it should be mentioned for the record that it seemed the Amulet of Light was becoming quite the popular relic. For it seemed that not only was Alemore the Paladin of Lathander a human deity of light interested in the Amulet but so it seemed was the new arrival D’jet Fra a priest of another obscure Human Deity named Horus-Re was also interested. It was something that I decided to leave to the Priests and Holy Men. For while personally I had not interest in the Amulet of Light the fact that it was perhaps buried over an ancient Elven battleground was of slight concern. My mind had I will admit drifted to a darker place one filled memories of the descent of the Lolth and the fall of the Drow as well as the seduction of the Sun Elves but I knew that the time for such thoughts needed to be put aside and the mission at hand dealt with.
There had been a little debate regarding if everyone would drink from the pool but in the end everyone had and the pool that had once glowed with positive white light had diminished as if needed to itself be restored. We had decided against a few to attempt to rest before explored a nearby secret door that had been uncovered by Invelous and while resting may not have been the most wise idea it did bring those who had been holding the Priestess of Mystra out of hiding and after a fierce battle against two archers, two spell casting Wights, two warriors and a Priest of Shar we had prevailed all and before us stood a room similar to the one’s we had found the Paladins Neil and Jarvis ready to be explored. As we began to move forward I realized two things one that we had found the Priestess and two who knew what evil await us within the chamber. Either way this time the Associates would be going in together and if I had anything to say about it we were going to stick together and exit this tome as Associates and that meant together. As I prepared myself I said a quick prayer in the ancient elven tongue Seldruin to my patron “Thank you, Corellon, for guidance this day, may our arrows fly swift, may our blades strike true, may our spells smite our foes and shield us from harm, as the Seldarine will so I Caspian Thorn of House Durothil pray.” I was ready as I looked to the Associates they were ready as well and if this be my last entry than as my people the Quessir say may your life be filled with sweet water and light laughter forever.
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