Session 58: Nithrithyinae nith-rith-YIN-æ Report

General Summary

Session 58 – Wednesday November 1, 2023 – Nithrithyinae (nith-rith-YIN-æ)

4-hour exploration session 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM

The Stone Bearers. Party of 5

It is the 15th 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 (Remote)
• Ajani– High Elf, L10 Wizard – Nathan Gioconda (Absent)
• 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

Aftermath

The battle was over and Cassidy Sneezed. Ajani disappeared and Abrash re-appeared sitting in the corner eating some berries, his left leg was 6 inches shorter than his right. Gazlowe took the necklace of fireballs and split it carefully into one necklace of 3 and another of 2. The party looked at Isabella and determined that she needs a Greater Restoration. Abrash unfortunately didn’t have it prepared. They also realized that Ajani would also need a greater restoration to fix his head.   They filled the bag of holding with all the treasure. The contemplated what to do with Isabella who needed to be submerged in water every hour. Gazlowe pulled out his chemistry set and learned that the water was no longer affecting people. He then used his tools to purify the water in his cauldron. Juan re-summoned Bird and Bird forgave him for his untimely demise. The party completed a short rest.   Gazlowe and Cassidy went into the caverns to see what the denizens were doing. They saw a mass exodus of all the slime servants wearing their travel coats and hats and carrying their suitcases, swimming away. Gazlowe flagged one of the Slime Servant Bosses and asked them what’s going on. The Goblin told him that the big boss seemed to be dead as effects were starting to fade and the mental connections are broken. All the servants and other minions were leaving to look for new employment.   The party examined the runes in the dome within the temple and theorized Ithu’rath created them and controlled them with his psionic abilities. Gazlowe attempted to examine the slime and saw it was starting to break down. Cassidy determined that Ithu’rath’s psionic ability must have held its form together. Feeling safe, the party took a long rest in the temple.

Slime boys

The party made it safely out of the tunnels and into the swampy ruins of the castle. There were plenty of signs of people leaving the area. They searched the area and found signs of 2 creatures exiting the lake with slimy partial fins. Following the tracks, they found 2 slimy elven boys who told them, “Feeling better.” The party escorted the “boys” to their village.   About an hour into the walk, Isabella started gasping for water. Abrash placed a Dimond on her forehead and cast Greater Restoration. Shortly thereafter they entered the small elven village. They met a couple guards who took the 2 slime children. Gazlowe asked them the name of the father of the first slime boy they met, ‘Aymer’. The guards told them. “Dakath.” Shortly after that Dakath came out to meet the Stone Bearers and told them that Aymer is showing signs of restoration.

Heroic feast

The party regaled the village of their wonderful heroic deeds and let them know the village is now safe from Slime creatures. As a reward, Gazlowe asked that the village name the next born child after him. The elves agreed to have the elf Aywin name her child Ondo (meaning Stone) if it is a boy and Ando if it is a girl.   The village gave the party a Brunch feast. The Clerics gave the party 2 greater healing potions, 1 Superior Splash potion of healing, a scroll of Greater Restoration and 20 crossbow bolts. The party talked with various tribe members and learned that they hadn’t heard from Nithrithyinae in about a tenday. They asked about the village and leaned quite a bit.

Nith-rith-YIN-ae and the tomb of Nith-rith-VIN-ae

The villagers told the Stone bearers that the village of Nithrithyinae is an ancient village of the long lost Sharrven Elven empire. The elves of Nithrithyinae are also care takers of the tombs of Nithrithvinae. The Tombs are the burial grounds for the long dead leaders of the twelve royal families of Sharrven. The area contains acres of family crypts, but the tombs of royal families are within the catacombs.   The High Royal tombs of Nithrithvinae are heavily protected. First an Adamantine door and magical spells block the way. Only one of royal Sharrven Blood has the ability to open the doors. Once inside, a vast labyrinth with Banshees, Death Knights, ghosts, and revenants protects the halls. Then if you make it to one of the 12 royal chambers you will find the Baelnorns of the royal family. Ancient house mages who are effectively Elven Liches who served as counselors to the royal families.

Nith-rith-YIN-ae is deserted.

The party walked to Nithrithyinae and found the village deserted. Beautiful elven tree homes blended into the forest canopy. The architecture was clearly elven but very natural. It's not "camouflaged" per se, but a blend of nature and function that made it look like portions of the elven homes were beautiful fruit of large trees and other portions such as the walkways were like a symbiotic elegant vine intertwined with the trees. But not a sole was in sight. The only noise was that of the forest. There were also no signs of any destruction or struggle.   They spotted the largest home and went into it. The home had a massive library and they party found some signs of a struggle. The party pieced together various clues and reasoned that whoever came in the home was at first welcomed but then quickly turned. There was no sign of blood anywhere but indications that magic spells were cast (necrotic damage) and bludgeoning marks here and there. The food was rotten, about 10 days old." Isabella said, “They were purposely not trying to spill blood.” Gazlowe applauded Isabella and said, “Perhaps they captured the elves for blood antimoniumumumumum”

That book is out of place…

With a keen eye, the party noticed that the book on the Tomb of Nithrithvinae was out of place. Cassidy picked up the book and spent some time reading it. The others continued to search around the room looking for secret compartments or other clues. Gazlowe found a small pouch in a desk drawer that contained 25 platinum pieces. Examining he saw that they were well kept but thousands of years old. Perhaps from the Sharrven empire.   In the book Cassidy read about the Tombs of Nithrithvinae: Three Seldarine gods protect the entrance, along with a set of adamantine doors with no key. Only one of royal Sharrven Blood has the ability to open the doors. Beyond the adamantine door is a massive labyrinth of rough-hewn catacombs that extends deep under the earth as a vast complex of tombs. It is guarded by undead such as mummies, banshees, shades, ghosts, revenants and deathknights. Winding passages, each leading to a separate crypt designated for one of the 12 royal noble households, branch off in dozens of different directions. Each family crypt is an elaborate vault containing one or more stone mausoleums. Several of these crypts are guarded by baelnorn spellcasters - usually members of the crypt's noble house who accepted unlife to stand guard over the dead and protect their families' secrets. When Sharrven was a living realm, its leaders frequently came to the tombs to ask respected Baelnorns for advice and magical aid.

A fire pit

The party went out to search the rest of the village. Juan found a large fire pit that had some odd things in it. Cassidy looked and saw bone fragments and could tell they weren’t elven bones. Gazlowe did a thorough examination and found they were a dozen or so creatures, Fey’ri and Tanarukk. After further examination of the area, they found a few arrows that had Fey’ri or Tanarukk blood on them embedded in bushes. The other homes were similarly vacant with only subtle signs of struggle. Cassidy took a hairbrush and Gazlowe took a pillow.   The party then speculated what could have happened. Some thought the Elves were victorious and burned the bodies and then fled. Gazlowe surmised the Fey’ri and Tanarukk were victorious and burned the dead bodies to cover their tracks and kidnapped the Elves. Most agreed that the elder was probably taken to Nithrithvinae.   Gazlowe contacted the Emerald knight to let him know they completed his mission. He said, “Signs of Tanarukk and Fey’ri at Nithrithyinae. Elder presumed taken to Nithrithvinae. No bloodshed, all elves missing, either ran or taken to Nithrithvinae. Please update.” The Emerald knight replied, “Sounds like you need to go to Nithrithvinae. Fill me in after with conclusive evidence.” Nithrithvinae was 24 miles away, so they journeyed south.

The edge of the valley

The party continued well into the evening planning on making it to the tombs, taking a rest and then exploring in the morning. The night was clear and cold. The moon illuminated the way fairly clearly and they saw glimpses of the red comet in the sky through the trees. The comet was brighter, longer and redder than they had seen before. They made it over the hill looking into the valley of tombs bathed in the moonlight. In the distance they saw a tall 3-sided statue with 4 living creatures sitting on its base. Then they saw three Tanarukk’s approaching aggressively. There was a large Tanarukk, a normal Tanarukk and a smaller Tanarukk.   Gazlowe shouted in Abyssal, “We’re here on Niptu’s orders, let us pass.” The Tanarukk looked confused, but they stopped and asked, “What more does he want?” Gazlowe replied, “We’re here to make sure the job is complete.” The Tanarukk looked more confused and replied, “He completed the job personally.” Gazlowe said, “He forgot something.” The Tanarukks replied, “What is today’s code?” Gazlowe said, “Niptu 9…. Uh… get them!” Abrash had already turned into a spider.

Tanarukk guards

Abrash the spider shot a web at the big guy and restrained him. The medium one ran up and attacked Cassidy. The big one flexed his muscles and ripped the webs off and charged in front of Isabella she pulled out her gem of brightness and tried to blind him saying. “Itchy gitchi ya ya da da.” The small Tanarukk ran up to Gazlowe but couldn’t land a blow. Gazlowe stood to the side and shot a lightning bolt through all 3. The Tanarukk all dodged some of the damage. Bird scratched the big one and Juan tried to menace him, but the creature wasn’t intimidated.   Cassidy swung her whip striking one of the creatures. Abrash cast a line of fire on the creatures but they all dodged and were fire resistant. The big on stepped out of the fire and hit Cassidy. Another Tanarukk bit Juan. Isabella swung her axe and hit the small Tanarukk twice. The creature in turn, hit Isabella and bit her. Gazlowe took out a vial of ugly yellow acid and smashed it directly on the large Tanarukk, it splashed onto Gazlowe and the medium Tanarukk and everyone took acid damage, leaving all the Tanarukks bloodied.   Juan looked at the medium Tanarukk and frightened him. Cassidy stepped back 5 feet and struck it twice with her whip, leaving it near death. Abrash moved up and cast thunderwave, killing the medium Tanarukk. The big one stepped up to Cassidy and slashed her and bit her. Isabella struck the creature with her axe. The little one critically bit Gazlowe and injected venom into Gazlowe hurting him badly. Gazlowe punched the creature.   Juan finished off one the little one with his lance and a smite. The big one slashed Cassidy and Cassidy whipped him once. Abrash finished him off with a guiding bolt burning right through its chest. As the last creature fell, the party heard a slow clap coming from the figures sitting on the statue across the way.

Fey’ri

The party walked across the field of graves to a large statue, they Heald themselves a little along the way eating goodberries and using potions and healing spirits. They saw 4 fey’ri sitting on top of the base of the stature who said, “Impressive.” Gazlowe asked who they were, and they simply said, “Servants of one who is greater.” Cassidy asked, “Where is Niptu?” and was told, “Away.” Gazlowe asked, “And the Elves of Nithrithyinae?” The response was, “Indisposed.”   The Fey’ri asked who they were in their normal staggering way the response was, “The Stone Bearers.” The Fey’ri recognized the name and asked which one was Ajani, and Abrash. They bantered back and forth for a bit exchanging subtle insults. Gazlowe asked what was in the tombs, and the Fey’ri said, “There is nothing here for you but death.” Gazlowe relayed that they’ve been to Nithrithyinae and along the way killed the aberration Ithu’rath.   A look of surprise came across the Fey’ri’s face and he looked a little paler. Abrash cast detect thoughts silently. The fey’ri’s thoughts were, “No, that can’t be… must warn others.” The Fey’ri snapped his fingers and the Fey’ri in the back spread his bat wings and took off into the air. Abrash telepathically told Cassidy and Gazlowe their intentions of warning others. Gazlowe didn’t take action quite yet. Cassidy looked at Juan who was itching to fight with his hand shaking in anticipation and then Cassidy pulled out her crossbow and shot it at the fleeing Fey’ri.

Fey’ri fight.

Cassidy wounded the fleeing messenger and branded it so they could track it. The party prepared to fight the remaining 3. The Fey’ri all took a defensive posture. Two of them stepped forward, clearly warriors and the one who was talking was the leader (with nice hair.) The third stepped back with a staff and began casting spells.   The leader pulled out a long bow and fired 3 flaming shots at Cassidy only landing one. Bird carried Juan forward and tried to frighten them, but it had no effect on them. The fey’ri messenger flew overhead. Gazlowe looked at the escaping creature and then at Cassidy who shook her head. They messenger turned into a whisp of smoke and disappeared. Cassidy knew it was 500 feet way and must have cast dimension door.   Isabella raged and swung at the 2nd warrior Fey’ri striking it twice. Abrash summoned his 4th level green fey and used his wild shape to maintain concentration. The green went to the Fey’ri sorcerer and hit it. The sorcerer sent a fireball at Cassidy, Gazlowe and Abrash. The three of them jumped out of the way but still took some fire damage. The Sorcerer rose into the air 20 feet. Cassidy used her curse to reduce the fey’ri sorcerer’s speed to nothing and it fell to the ground. Cassidy jumped up on the platform and swung at the sorcerer but missed. The 2nd warrior swung his burning sword and hit Isabella and Cassidy.   Gazlowe stepped forward and activated his haste. He ran to the sorcerer and punched it. The leader struck both Juan and green with his flaming sword. Juan hit the sorcerer twice with his lance and smited both. Juan then summoned his spiritual weapon, “rock.” Isabella hit the 2nd warrior twice with her axe leaving it bloodied. Abrash shot a guiding bolt at the sorcerer but missed. The Green shot vines into the head of the sorcerer, lifting it off the ground and slamming it down, killing it. The green then hit the 2nd warrior.   Cassidy, badly hurt swung at the warrior but couldn’t land a blow. The warrior saw what Green did and destroyed it with his flaming sword. It then went to Cassidy and struck her in the chest, knocking here unconscious. Using his action surge, it then struck Isabella. Gazlowe moved to the 2nd warrior who just knocked out Cassidy and punched it hard. The leader swung twice at Gazlowe but missed. Bird hit the leader and then Juan took out the 2nd warrior.   Isabella used a healing potion and brought Cassidy back up. Abrash then polymorphed Cassidy into a giant ape. Cassidy (the ape) then jumped onto the Fey’ri with the nice hair and badly hurt it. Gazlowe punched the Fey’ri twice bloodying it. The Fey’ri disappeared in a whisp of black smoke. Abrash quickly looked around and saw the Fey’ri flying away in the distance.

Rewards Granted

Treasure

From Village

• 2 potions of greater healing
• 1 Splash potion of superior healing
• 1 scroll of Greater Restoration
• 20 crossbow bolts.

From Nithrithyinae Elder home

• Pouch with 20 ancient platinum pieces.