Corym's thoughts were torn in twain. On the one hand, if he'd been caught in that dispel an untold wealth of potions would have been lost along with his armor and his precious stoneskin. We have enough spellcasters, we should be able to diversify our remedies for magical ailments so that we don't have to default to such a blunt instrument. He watched as Kitheras exhibited his high mastery of the short sword, and his thoughts were wrenched back to the present danger to make an account of himself. I'll never be the sword-arm Kitheras is...

Attack 1: 11 = AC 3; Damage 6+1 = 7

15:26, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 6 using 1d6 with rolls of 6.  Short Sword Damage.

15:26, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 11 using 1d20 with rolls of 11.  Short Sword Attack.

15:25, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 7 using 1d10 with rolls of 7.  Initiative.

Lianthorn makes another spellcasting gesture. You tense, but nothing emerges. Lianthorn looks at her hands in disbelief and shrieks. Then as the rest of you descend on her, she spins around in her vortex, her body canting at an acute angle as she tries to dodge your attacks. Corym and Krackor get their weapons whipped around in the rainbow-colored winds and nearly have them torn from their grasp. Kitheras follows her movements more easily, and manages to stab her twice. Lianthorn is leaking prismatic mist from several large wounds.

Then Karilla reaches out with her mind, grabs hold of Lianthorn, and tries to steal all of her momentum. It's a trick she's done many times before, and usually leaves the victim staggered, if not collapsed on the ground. Against Lianthorn... it grabs something. Her form flickers badly as she suddenly freezes in mid air. Even the vortex's swirling winds stutter. Then everything speeds back up again, though not quite to the same speed and sinuousness as previously.

((ooc: Everyone gets a +2 to hit Lianthorn next round, thanks to the Momentum Theft.))

Kitheras sensed a conclusion to the conflict and redoubled his efforts.  This, however, broke his zen state and cause one of his strikes to go awry.

Initiative: 9  (Roll 8 + [Speed Factor 1 = 3 Short Sword, -1 High Mastery, -1 Magic])

To Hit: +1 Elf, +3 for Mastery, +1 enchantment + 2 immobilized target +Base THAC0 15 = THAC0 7
Damage: +3 Mastery, +1 Enchantment,  = +4

Attack 1: 12 = AC -5; Damage 5+4 = 9
Attack 2:  2 = AC  5; Damage 4+3 = 7



22:21, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 8 using 2d6 with rolls of 5,3.  Short Sword Damage.

22:21, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 14 using 2d20 with rolls of 12,2.  2 Short Sword Attacks.

22:21, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 12 using 2d20.  2 Short Sword Attacks.  ((forgot to specify record each die))

22:20, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 8 using 1d10.  Initiative.

Corym continued flailing uselessly at Lianthorn. How humiliating.


22:25, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.

22:25, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 9 using 1d20 with rolls of 9.

22:25, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 8 using 1d10 with rolls of 8.  Initiative.

Karilla swiftly snuck up behind the raging elf to flank the creature and brought her singing sticks down in quick succession. The first hit struck true but still felt off. As if she was trying to strike through pudding. It knocked her off balance enough that the second attack missed entirely.

((ooc: Karilla flanks Lianthorn to smack her in the back of the head.
Initiative: 1
Weapon speed: 2
Total:3
Modified THAC0: 14
Attack: 09:49, Today: Karilla Silveroak rolled 16 using 1d20+6 ((10)).
Damage: 09:59, Today: Karilla Silveroak rolled 6 using 1d6+2 ((4)).

Second Attack: 10:00, Today: Karilla Silveroak rolled 6 using 1d20+4 ((2)).

Relieved that his companions were moving again, Elorfindar decided to move in and attempt to hit Lianthorn with his quarterstaff.

((OOC: I mistakenly rolled an attack roll instead of an initiative roll first: 21:22, Today: Elorfindar Silveroak rolled 7 using 1d20.  Initiative roll - attack with quarterstaff. Given that I am sure it missed, I did not roll initiative again.))

And the priest of Labelas tried again.

((OOC: Initiative roll: 9. Attack roll: 11, THAC0 14.))

Karilla rushes up behind Lianthorn and smacks her hard between the shoulders with one of her singing sticks. She tries to do the same with the one in her off hand, but it's a simple stick of Forest Ridge wood, and passes through Lianthorn as though she wasn't there.

Lianthorn twists around, waving her hands and pushing towards Karilla. Once again, nothing happens. She tries to yell something, but Kitheras steps in and drives his sword deep into her exposed neck. Lianthorn's back arches, the vortex swirls crazily, and then they both shatter into wisps of multi-colored smoke. A few moments later the smoke has disappeared completely.

((ooc: Congratulations, everyone! The battle has been won.))

Krackor was both elated and disappointed. The latter because the lady didn't accept the gift he offered, elated that she was now peaceful.

Corym immediately begins securing the area from further threats, and examining the final door.

10:29, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 538 using 10d100 with rolls of 69,61,10,89,9,55,10,98,89,48.  Find Traps/Secrets.

As Kitheras withdraws his blade from the vanishing body of Lianthorn, he utters the words of an old poem. His eyes linger where Lianthorn perished, but then flick to Karilla as he speaks.

Truth be Forgotten,
As thy Lost, Wayward Child
Returns Home Once More

Kitheras sheathes his swords with elegeance, and comments, "A strange encounter certainly. Sirenya, let Kora and Talindra know that Lianthorn has passed.  We will prepare to breach the next door."  He walks past Corym and touches him on the shoulder as he passes recognizing his focus on the task.  Reuniting with the rest of the party he inquires after everyone's wellbeing and preparedness, commending them on their good work.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:39, Thu 11 June 2020.

Now that Lianthorn is gone, you're able to take a closer look at the room. Unfortunately, it is completely wrecked. You assume, based on the quality of the casting chamber and the library on the first floor, that this was once an excellent alchemical laboratory. Centuries of Lianthorn's raging haven't just smashed it to pieces, they smashed the pieces to pieces. Every step crunches those pieces against the floor, and you wonder whether it would even be possible to fully clean the room without some serious cleansing magics.

You don't find any traps, or anything in one piece. The closest is a massive slab of granite that was once the top of a work table. It's in a mere three dozen pieces. All of the doors are scorched and pitted on this side. Karilla is able to wrench her door open with a little work. The door to the east, which Talindra said led to the master bed chamber, is mostly sound and unlocked.

Corym will open the door and continue to check for traps/secrets the same way he’s done all along.

In reply to DM (msg # 860):

Krackor kneels and says a prayer for Lianthorn and asked that Gorm guards her journey to her true divine sponsor.  After a few moments, he stands, brushes himself off I hear a Cantrip can be used to sweep all this away or is that not what young mages learn it for?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:47, Fri 12 June 2020.

The master bedroom is relatively sparse. There are two beds, in surprisingly good condition. The linens are only half rotted, which allows you to see that while one of them was clearly used as a bed, the other had been converted to something like a desk. At least, books and papers are strewn over the bedspread.

There are a pair of wardrobes, a small night table between the beds, and a relatively small table between the wardrobes with a set of combs, brushes, and scent bottles an elven man interested in keeping a good appearance would make use of.

Corym does a circuit of the room, but doesn't find any traps.

((ooc: Here is the map of the entire first floor.))



((ooc: Here is the map of the entire second floor. The blacked out area was the map's original basement, which I have replaced with something else. So pay it no mind; if you go down there, there will be a different map.))

Are the wardrobes in good condition?  He'll check those for traps, activate Mage sight and open them.

"Given Talindra's dominion over the tower, I daresay we should simply leave things lie here once we've certified that there is no danger.  We'll simply have to trust that if there is something of use and that we merit it, that she will pass it along.  Our acquisitions will have to come from elsewhere."

Kitheras nodded at Corym's words without looking at him.  "Prudent."  Kitheras regarded the books and writings scattered on the bed to make some sense of them.  Was the master looking for something in particular? What was going on in the final moments here?

((DM: I'm trying to use Kitheras' human intelligence/espionage training to sort of reconstruct what went on in here.  Is there a roll for that?))

((ooc: Since you don't have Spellcraft, roll an Intelligence check. Let's see what the result is.))

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 865):

Will leave it to your judgement Captain, to speak with our Ghostly host. Let her know that if she doesn't want papers being read but as the new owner of the tower until her master returns, that since I can not read Elven, I will turn papers and pages for her to review until, if possible, she is able to turn them herself. That is those here and in the office downstairs.

Under the circumstances, there was very little else Krackor could do.

08:29, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 5 using 1d20.  Intelligence check.

The wardrobes are built of thick, solid oak. If their maker boasted that they would stand for centuries, they've been proven correct. Even the hinges aren't in too bad a condition. Inside, most of the clothing had degraded badly, but there are several pieces that are in excellent condition. Unsurprisingly, all of them radiate magic. There are several other magical auras scattered about the room.

The material on the bed seems to be private research. Elaethen Bhephel seems to have been one of those people who just couldn't leave his work alone, even when he was trying to rest. From reading his notes and skimming some of the books, he seemed to be looking into the alchemical properties of plants exposed to the mythal's influence. You're not sure whether he was making any progress.

Corym rose from his work and engaged the rest of the group.

"The upper levels of the tower are secure.  Our strategic goal remains the Irithilium--it is the closest of the great schools to our current position. Today marks a tactical victory and a step further along that road. Congratulations, all."

"As I see it, there are three options that stand before us and I put to the Company for consideration and vote.

Option 1: We may further explore and secure the basement area. Several of us have been uneasy at the prospect of an unknown lower level beneath our feet. What we currently know about the basement is that:

1. it was a family crypt
   
2. it was occupied by potentially hostile entities during Myth Drannor's living days
   
3. the Archmage that dwelt here considered disturbing the basement to be dangerous
   
4. the Archmage that dwelt here considered leaving the basement undisturbed to be sufficiently safe to live his life and administer his school without thinking about it over much.

My analysis: It seems to me that Option 1 neither advances our cause, nor improves the safety and security of the tower, and as such, I am not in favor of exploration of those areas.

Option 2: Scout and clear the area surrounding Bhephel Tower of major threats in-residence.

My analysis: the city will never be without danger, but if there are dangers that reside in the immediate area around Bhephel Tower, the security of the tower can be improved significantly by eliminating them.  I further believe that such activities will improve our confidence and fighting spirit relative to the denizens of Myth Drannor.  While it does not immediately advance our progress toward our strategic goal, it does improve the stability of our campaign.  This is the option that I favor as it represents incremental improvements of our position.

Option 3: Proceed to the Irithilium.

My analysis: Talindra ought to be able to give us improved directions to help us locate it with greater certainty.  By determining its location and disposition, we can determine whether we need establish another safe-area en route or whether we can work directly from Bhephel Tower.  This obviously advances our strategic objective, but I worry that it may constitute an overreach at this time.


One item further--I would like to consult with Talindra to create a care-package of emotionally significant items from Bhephel Tower to be carried from Myth Drannor when we depart. The Bhephel family may appreciate this if they yet endure, and it's always possible that Master Bhepel himself survived the Fall and would appreciate the return of some of his lost things.

Doing so achieves a moral purpose for our campaign and could potentially result in sponsorship of further missions.

What say you all?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:23, Mon 15 June 2020.

Kitheras considers Corym's long and technical description of the situation.  He might have made a fine officer if he weren't so self-conscious about the conditions of his birth and his father's fallen glory. Evereska's loss seemed to be Cormanthor's gain.

Kitheras tried to think back to his days at the Academy to see if he remembered anything of Master Bhephel that would imply that he or a relative were extant.

((I rolled a Wisdom check to function as base-line character memory, and a bardic knowledge check to see if I knew some story or something about Master Bhephel.  Both rolls passed, the Bardic Knowledge check by a lot:


13:28, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 14 using 1d100.  Bardic Knowledge.

13:28, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 13 using 1d20.  Wisdom.))

Kitheras responded.  "I think Option 2 must be pursued eventually, and I volunteer for the scouting and planning of assaults.  Coordinating surprise attacks en masse are my specialty, but I must be able to observe the field of battle for some time to be able to do so.  I don't think, however, that the time is now."

Kitheras assumed a stance that suggested he was aware that he was making a public appeal.  You nearly feel like members of a court rather than a band of adventurers huddled in a ruin.

"Our company and campaign have a theory--a raison d'etre.  But that theory is not yet proven.  As of yet, all that we have found to fortify ourselves and our people is... nothing. As you know, Corym, from our time clearing the tombs of the Grey Hills, the most monstrously guarded tombs are frequently the wealthier whether in Art or wealth.  Here in the basements we have the opportunity to prove the worth of our theory and company--that here in Myth Drannor's ruins, guarded by all the horrors of the Hells and the Abyss is the lore and the craft and the treasure that shall lift the fallen heirs of this city."

"Can this tomb be more deadly than whatever has taken up residence in the Irithilium?  Would this not also sharpen our skills and heighten our understanding of the dangers of Myth Drannor? And since the spells for scouting cannot be prepared until the morning, and we yet are strong in heart and arms--shall we not seize the moment?"

"My friends, I vote for the basements. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may!"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:41, Mon 15 June 2020.

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 871):

Krackor wasn't a master tactitian, he wasn't a mage, nor was he historically linked to this city, not that he knew of anyway.  He looked at this from a pragmatic angle.

Captain, to respond in like to your Options in reverse order...

Option 3, as you said, this may be over reaching and we have very little knowledge of what to expect out in the city beyond what we have seen so far and if this building is anything to go by, we need to gain a foothold first before pressing forward.  We would, as you rightly point out, need a staging post further in, assuming we are not actually already at that post.

Option 2, this looks at the potential for the staging post that Option 3 may require however, there is a tower to clear out and would we want to scour through it and leave an area that has potentially magically locked areas that may collapse, freeing who knows what, because we haven't checked out a place that already has such an area but where the building is otherwise secured.

Option 1, the building is already secured and although the Archmage secured the cellar, this could have been to prevent his apprentices searching it and locating things which may have held power enough to overthrow him as master!  Just look at Lianthorn as an example of such brazen self-superiority.  Yet it is secured but this would test our mettle and potentially train our thinking for such an encounter further along, also, what if this cellar actually leads to another tower, thus making this one more secure or even, leading us to the Irithilium or Bhephel Tower!

I therefore opt for Option 1, not because it offers a spearhead into our quest, but it may hone our thinking and save us time, resources and the possibility of our location being discovered in the first place.

I do understand your desire to proceed, I'd just rather not return here to find that what ever is in the cellar has escaped because it was linked to Lianthorn or the Efreet's prison, both of which are not there anymore.

Karilla listened to her cohorts discuss the possible moves for the future with minimal interest.

"It all sounds like dust and death to me. I have no strong opinion on the matter. This is not my mission and I don't care one way or another how or if it is completed. I will say, however, if an Archmage thought that the basement was too dangerous to mess with, it might be wise to follow in his thinking. The fact that we all lost our healing potions to my dear brother's magic makes me less interested in delving into dark tombs in magic infested areas."