Session 63: The Molten Enclave part 2. Report

General Summary

Session 63 – Wednesday December 27, 2023 – The Molten Enclave Part 2.

4- battle/revenge session 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM

The Stone Bearers. Party of 5

It is the 17th day of the month of Nightal (The Drawing Down) in the 50th year of the Age of Enialis (Mid December.)

• Abrash – Wood (Desert) Elf, L10 Druid – Jacob Munson (Absent)
• Ajani– High Elf, L10 Wizard – Nathan Gioconda
• Gazlowe – Goblin, L10 Artificer – Josh Pozsonyi
• Cassidy – Human, L10 Blood hunter – Ryan Armstrong (Remote)
• Isabella – Forest Gnome, L10 Barbarian – Jackie Armstrong
• Juan Peyote – Gnome L10 Paladin – Will Johnson

We’re not looking so good

Isabella and Cassidy lay on the ground unconscious, Juan and Gazlowe were bloodied and Zenith, the leader of the Sunlight Legion of Fire Giants had just teleported to see the hiding Ajani. Zenith hurled a flame at Ajani hurting him badly. She then attempted to hit Gazlowe with her fist but slipped and accidentally killed one of her minions. Smoking from Zenith’s attack, Ajani chugged a potion of invisibility and then tried to sneak past Zenith. Unfortunately, he was very noisy, and Zenith smacked him, leaving him bloody as he passed by. Ajani took some bloodantimonium and stuffed it into his superior potion of healing causing it to bubble over and splash all over himself and Cassidy, healing them both a bit and reviving Cassidy.   Some of the fire giant minions were frightened by Juan, and the psychic damage killed 3 of them. The remining minion swung at Juan but missed. Juan considered banishing Zenith with his amulet, but Cassidy and Ajani saw that the crown she wore was magical and could be important, so they dissuaded Juan from using the Amulet. Instead, Juan killed two of the minions and then positioned himself close to Ajani to give him some more protection. Zenith’s lieutenant (a Fire Giant Lightbearer) used a flame whip to pull Juan back where he was before, and it left him badly bloodied. Gazlowe used his spell storing ring to restore a 3rd level spell. He then cast magic missiles and took out the last two remaining minions. He then punched Zenith hurting her a little bit.   Cassidy cast spare the dying on Isabella to stabilize her. Zenith regained her Lava Pillar again and a pillar of lava engulfed everyone but Isabella. It knocked out Juan and Cassidy and left Ajani and Gazlowe in very bad shape. Ajani shot a 5th level chromatic orb of cold at her, leaving her badly bloodied. Zenith shouted, “Enough” and a burst of radiant heat was unleashed from her and the other Fire Giant. Everyone except Isabella was hit by the heat. Both Cassidy and Juan were brought 1 step closer to death and Gazlowe was left with 4 HP. The Fire Giant Lightbearer shot a blaze of fire at Ajani (leaving him with 2 HP) and then whipped at Gazlowe who (with the help of some inspiration and advantage from being hasted) barely avoided the hit.

3 party members down and the last 2 have a combined total of 6HP

Gazlowe disengaged and then ran to Juan to split a healing potion and then ran to Cassidy and split another healing potion. He then punched Zenith. Cassidy stood up and said, “I’m tired and I want to go home.” And tried to hit the fire giants but missed. Zenith looked at Gazlowe and screamed Die! She then swung 3 times at him and missed all 3. Zenith’s heat radiated from her giving both Cassidy and Gazlowe a level of exhaustion. With only 2 HP remaining Ajani shot another 5th level chromatic orb at Zenith and hit her dead in the chest. As she died, her flames were extinguished and her body froze over. She fell, hitting the floor hard where her frozen body cracked.

The Queen is dead!

The last remaining Fire Giant in the room saw his spiritual leader get killed and he fled, diving into the lava pool. As he fled, Gazlowe yelled out, “Tell the others, your queen is dead by the Stone Bearers and loose affiliates!” Cassidy examined the crown and saw some conjuration and abjuration runes on it. Gazlowe removed the crown from her head, and it shrank in his hands down to his size. He then cast detect magic on it and learned it’s properties-> Aastrika’s Crown    The party heard the other fire giants trying to exit the enclave but they couldn’t get the portcullis open. Isabella heard the Fire Giants yell “To the lava pools” and they all fled the caverns. The party then went to the barracks where Isabella had seen some chests in the room. The Fire giants took much of their belongings with them when the fled but they left behind 2 chests. Isabella ripped open the chests and they found a Golden brooch with a platinum star on it—the symbol of a long-lost knightly order (worth 100 gp) and a Feather token (whip.) The Party then took a short rest.

The Forge

After the rest Gazlowe had attuned to the crown and sensed all the magma pools in the enclave. He determined where the treasure room must be and offered to take the highest bidder with him. Juan won the bidding war with 300gp. Gazlowe took Juan into the magma pool and they first ended up in a forge area. They spotted a magnificent statue -> Monument of Molten Blades . Unfortunately, it was too large for them to take. They also spotted some coal and a couple piles of 50lb steel and iron ingots. Juan took one of the steel ingots for Gazlowe and they teleported again through the magma.

The Secret Sanctum

On the 2nd try they found themselves in the Fire Giants Secret Sanctum. The chamber’s ceiling was 80 feet high. There were six 20-foot-high shelves carved into the walls holding massive stone tablets. To the west was a smaller chamber holding piles of treasure including the orb of Dragonkind (See Treasure Found below.) Gazlowe then went and ferried the others to the room.   Gazlowe identified the orb and confirmed it was the one they were looking for. They distributed the treasure and Cassidy destroyed the orb. The shards were of a volcanic glass. Gazlowe took some to the forge where he and Juan spent some time making 3 translucent visors for Abby.   Cassidy examined the tablets and the party put together the fact that the tablets are a record of the Sunlight Legion’s history, carved in Giant. It is incredibly thorough, containing not only their story, but also records of all their dead, their missions, their laws, and their treatises. Each tablet weighed 25 pounds and there were 87 of them. Gazlowe knew that places like Candlekeep would pay up to 1,000gp for an original document such as this. But they had no way to transport it. Ajani had plenty of parchment and said they could do rubbing if they had some charcoal. Gazlowe retrieved charcoal from the forge and several party members spent a few hours making wonderful rubbings of the stone tablets.

Resting

Isabella mentioned that she was hungry. They went to the Dining hall and found 2,000 pounds of grains, dried meat, water, wine, beer, and other provisions. The party drank too much but they were all able to hold their liquor. Isabella ate till she was satiated, and the party stuffed their pockets with rations. The party then went back to the Barracks and slept in the Giant beds.

Back to the Elves

In the morning Cassidy was still exhausted (level 2) from the NPT-48. Seeing that Cassidy had gone down many times, Gazlowe gave her a cloak of protection. Isabella went to raise the portcullis; Ajani removed the dagger. Isabella, however, didn’t quite have the strength. Gazlowe teased her and gave her a flash of genius. In her anger she was able to raise the portcullis and the party left the lava tunnels.   Exiting into the cold, Gazlowe contacted the Druid elf Orist Lightbane from the Council of Reitheillaethor (RHY-thigh-WAY-eh-thor). A few minutes later Orist arrived and transported the party via plants back to Reitheillaethor. Several elves, including the ranger Gaerradh and her direwolf Sheeril were waiting for the Stone Bearers return. Gaerradh spoke on behalf of the council and Ajani noted a tinge of hostility in her voice. Gazlowe tried to make friends, but Gaerradh was not moved. The party confirmed the orb had been destroyed.   Gaerradh thanked the party for their service and explained that the council would like to them to convince the Lord’s Alliance to have a discussion with Red Lady. The party was offered to go anywhere, and they choose to go to Zelbross. Orist wasn’t familiar with Zelbross proper but he know of an underground market at the southern end of the forest about a days’ walk from Zelbross. The party was delighted to hear that he was talking about Bertrude’s Bazaar of Wonders. They were happy to go there first as Gazlowe had unfinished business with a Goblin who had ripped him off way back in Session 9.

Entrance to the Bazaar

Orist cast transport via plants again and the party walked out of a tree into the forest near a familiar tree with a distinguishing knot. Gazlowe reminded the party that he’s here to get the Goblin Eek to refund him for the “magical items” he bought that were not magical. Thomas wanted to find out about a book. Gazlowe told the party, “I get a refund with appropriate compensation, or he dies.” The party took off their robes representing the Red lady and agreed.   Gazlowe spotted a nail on the tree with a small corner of a piece of parchment attached. Looking on the ground amongst the leaves and the melting snow, he found a piece of parchment that had fallen off the tree. It read:

“This Trading post has been closed by order of the Lords Alliance. This trading post has been deemed illegal. Legal trading posts have been established in Zelbross for your convenience.”

Gazlowe, determined to find any trace of Eek convinced the party to go in anyway and see if they can find any clues to his whereabouts. The party agreed and opened the secret door. Descending the stairs in the tree they found two bugbears at the bottom who stopped them and asked for the password. The party rifled through their notes but couldn’t find it quickly and the guards brandished their weapons. Ajani took some Bloodantimoniumumumum and combined it with some Clamupium and a piece of Nomoveium and was able to cast Detect Thoughts with no verbal or somatic components. He quickly learned that the Bugbears were impatient and concerned this was another raid from the Lord’s Alliance unless they quickly said they password “Nying” which means “Gift” in Goblin. Ajani quickly said “Nying” and they were allowed into the Bazaar.

Bertrude’s Bazaar of Wonders

The Bazaar was clearly up and running with quite a few customers. There were 4 hobgoblin guards roaming the place with two wolves. A few of the booths had been closed including the place that sold Niptu’s components (Wykoop’s Scrolls and Elixirs), Pissaria’s Perfect Pets and the Lizardfolks’s place, Wattie’s Glorious Deeds. Those shops either went out of business or the proprietors may have been imprisoned by the Lords Alliance. However, there were still plenty of shops open and Gazlowe notieced that Eeks Easy Pawn was still there in the far corner of the Bazaar. The party decided to explore a bit before they caused a ruckus.

Bertrude’s Giant Slug and Poisons

Cassidy went directly to the largest tent in the center, Bertrude’s. A Female bugbear chief had a display of a few poisons. She had 4 different types of poison and only 3 vials of each. Cassidy asked how much for it all. Bertrude did some math and said 4,800 gp. Cassidy offered 4,669gp and Bertrude agreed. She said, “I can close up early today.” Gazlowe agreed and suggested she go home. Bertrude put up a “Closed” sign and walked into her large Snail Shell home and closed the door. (See Treasure for poison details)

Auntie Zersha’s Fabulous Fortunes

Ajani wanted to purchase some Tarot cards and perhaps get his fortune told so he went to Auntie Zersha’s. He encountered a scraggly old woman with green skin (clearly a hag.) Ajani saw a crystal ball in the background but immediately saw it had an illusion spell around it so he knew it was a fake. He asked for a Tarot reading and she was happy to comply. She asked what he wanted to learn, and he said, “Past present and future.”   She said, “Frist the past.” She looked at the party (seeing scorch marks on Gazlowe) she began her reading of the past. She flipped over a card and told Ajani that he’s recently been near death with flames surrounding him. Ajani confirmed that it was true.   She said, “Next the present.” She flipped over the 2nd card and told Ajani that he’s an emissary on a mission. He asked, “Do you know the Red Lady.” She responded with a bit of disgust saying, “I know of her.” She said, “You need to negotiate with humans.”   She said, “The future” as she flipped over the 3rd card and told Ajani that there is death and loss in his future and that his overall mission will succeed but there will be loss. She warned them to be warry of the humans, “they will be difficult… but it’s getting cloudy.” She then told Ajani, “For 150gp, I can tell you more.” Ajani declined.   Ajani knew she would not sell the Tarot cards, so he looked at Gazlowe and Juan. Juan went to pick up some of the glass jars and Zersha quickly got up and yelled at Juan, “Don’t touch that.” Gazlowe deftly swiped the cards and Ajani cast silent image to make it look like they were still there. The party then thanked Zersha and quickly left.

Hey Eversus

Isabella stopped by the music booth and saw they had a copy of the Lyrics to the smash hit by Gart Brooks. She purchased a copy for only a few gold and the party smiled -> Hey Eversus 

Havoc!

Gazlowe approached Eek and Eek didn’t remember him. Gazlowe complained about the items he purchased and Eek pointed to his sign, “All sales are final.” Gazlowe threated and Eek wasn’t moved. Gazlowe gave a final warning and Eek called for the guards. Gazlowe’s eyes went wild as he shot a lightning bolt through Eek, leaving nothing but ash!   The guards rushed towards the party. Bertrude the bugbear chief (the proprietor of the Bazaar) came out of her snail shell looking to see what was going on. And the hag Auntie Zersha realized her Tarot cards were stolen and yelled out “I’ve been deceived” and she ran towards the commotion.   Isabella quickly ran to one of the guards and killed him with her axe. She then jumped up on to the walkway and killed another of the hobgoblin guards. The wolves tried to attack but missed. Gazlowe pulled out a piece of paper and crossed off the name Eek from his list. Cackling with a wild look in his eyes he shot a firebolt at one of the wolfs and destroyed it. Ajani looked and saw people running out the main exit and vendors grabbing stuff and fleeing through a small exit in the north. He spotted Betrude and shot a chromatic orb at her but her armor deflected it. The hobgoblin guard saw what happened, pulled out a bow and hit Ajani with an arrow.   Cassidy walked through a wolf (that used its reaction and bit her) and then Cassidy killed the hobgoblin guard. She turned around and wounded the wolf. Juan took care of the wolf with his hammer. Bertrude ran to Cassidy but couldn’t hit her. The Green Hag tried to cast polymorph on Isabella but missed her. She then swapped places with her. Isabella then ran back to the Hag and hit her once with her axe. With a crazy grin, Gazlowe cast “heat metal” on Bertrude’s chain shirt. Gazlowe jumped up onto the walkway.   Ajani shot a chromatic orb at the Green Hag yelling, “Did you see this in your future?!” leaving the Hag bloodied. Cassidy pulled out a vial of poison and threw it at Bertrude but it fell to the ground (unbroken.) Cassidy then hit her with her whip. Juan ran up and wounded Bertrude leaving her barely alive. Bertrude (with the chain mail burning into her skin) couldn’t land a blow on anyone. The Hag however turned Ajani into a mouse and cackled with glee as she then traded places with Juan.   Isabella killed the last guard with her axe and ran to Bertrude. She couldn’t quite reach her, so she hit her with an arrow. Bertrude was barely alive, Thomas smiled knowing that he’ll have the final blow. But before he could strike Gazlowe smiled and the chain mail glowed brightly, killing Bertrude. The Hag’s eyes grew wide as she saw Bertrude burst into flames. Gazlowe then shot a firebolt at the Hag. Ajani was able to break free of the polymorph. Bertrude called out for mercy, but Cassidy said “no” as he cast chill touch on her. It didn’t quite kill her, so he froze her in place. The hag scratched Cassidy and teleported away. Isabella landed the killing blow.

We don’t have much time!

Everyone knew that the fleeing people will most likely raise alarms and draw attention of others, so they knew they had to leave quickly. Cassidy tried to obtain the hag’s ears and teeth but failed. She instead cut off two fingers. They party ran to the various tents to quickly grab what they could…

Rewards Granted

Treasure found:

From the Barracks

• Golden brooch with a platinum star on it—the symbol of a long-lost knightly order (worth 100 gp)
• a Feather token (whip.)

From the Forge

• 1 fifty-pound Steel ingot worth 50gp

From the Giant Storage area

• As many Rations as the party could carry without a bag of holding and without being encumbered

From Zenith’s hoard

• An Orb of Dragonkind (Destroyed it.)
• 2 Potions of the Seer
• Sonic Screwdriver
• Flame tongue (greatsword)
• Necklace of Prayer Beads (3 Curing and 1 Favor Beads)
• Elemental gem (red corundum)
• 3 Splash potions of Better Healing
• 2 Splash Potions of Better Superioreor Healing
• Palm-sized rose quartz carved to look like a blazing bonfire (worth 150 gp)
• 4 bars of silver weighing 40 pounds each (worth 200 gp each)
• Ruby carved to look like an eye (worth 250 gp)
• Silver flute engraved with scales, the bell of which resembles a dragon’s head, with yellow diamonds for eyes (worth 600 gp)
• Finely crafted ornamental longsword, the pommel of which contains a topaz set in gold (worth 800 gp)
• 1 bar of gold weighing 20 pounds (worth 1,000 gp)
• 876 gp
• 1,589 sp
• 25,872cp

Bertrude’s Poisons

• 3 of Jade Frog - 300 gp each: Once the poison has entered a victim’s system either by ingesting it or being attack by a weapon that is coated in the poison, the target begins suffering from itching, and weeping lesions start to form upon their flesh. The affected target must succeed a DC 14 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
• 3 of Ghost Blossom Extract - 400 gp each: This poison elicits violent muscle contractions, often causing broken bones and shattered teeth. The affected target must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw, taking 19 (3d12) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
• 3 of Dust of the Desert Winds - 400gp each: This toxin immediately beings leaching all the moisture from a victim’s body after it has been ingested or inflicted by a wound. The affected target must succeed a DC 16 Constitution saving throw, taking 7 (2d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. If this damage kills the creature, it is little more than a desiccated husk.
• 3 of Tears of the Infernal - 500gp each: This oily poison dissolves organic material upon contact and is meant to be applied to a blade or other weapon. On a hit, a creature begins to take 7 (2d6) acid damage at the beginning of each of its turns for the next five rounds. At the end of each of its turns, the creature may make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw to end the effect.