Session 31 - Gnomish Bastards

General Summary

Valeria Cogsworth, an esteemed artificer and the original creator of the Cogsworth Labyrinth, reflected on her past and the changes that had overtaken her creation over the past century. Originally designed to protect the brass dragon Pyraxus and his hoard during his hibernation, the labyrinth had become a deadly, ever-shifting maze due to corrupted enchantments. Valeria once had complete control over the labyrinth, with failsafe commands embedded within its magical framework. However, these safeguards had been compromised, and now, not even Valeria could access the heart of the labyrinth where the hoard—and the source of the corruption—lay. Valeria gave the Ruinlords a powerful artifact known as the Command Rod of the Labyrinth. It was an intricately designed rod meant to override the labyrinth's defenses and reset it once they reached its core. However, even this tool was not as reliable as it once was, and the labyrinth's current state of corruption might limit its effectiveness. The party also received an Arcane Transport Crystal from Valeria, a teleportation device that would transport them directly to the labyrinth's high mountain entrance. They activated the crystal and found themselves precariously perched on a narrow ledge, facing the imposing, gear-lined entrance to the Cogsworth Labyrinth. Navigating the entrance puzzle, the party successfully unlocked the massive door by deciphering the celestial gear symbols, representing the natural cycle of day and night. They entered a dark, foreboding corridor filled with grinding gears and hissing steam. Inside, they faced a Corrupted Clockwork Shredder, a massive, humanoid construct twisted by the same corruption overtaking the labyrinth. This terrifying guardian attacked with lethal precision, its sawblade arms whirling with deadly intent. As they delved deeper, the party encountered the Shifting Corridor, a dynamic, ever-changing passage that tested their agility and wit. Successfully navigating this treacherous hallway, they pressed forward, determined to reach the labyrinth's heart. The labyrinth itself, a complex maze of ever-shifting passages and deadly traps, required constant vigilance and skill to traverse. The party faced various challenges, each demanding a different approach—whether through perceptive insights, survival instincts, or sheer intellectual prowess. After navigating the labyrinth’s mechanical horrors, the party entered the Gear Garden, a vast chamber dominated by massive, rotating gears and filled with malevolent energy. Here, they faced off against two Corrupted Clockwork Incubi, demonic beings twisted by the labyrinth’s corruption. The battle was fierce, with the very ground beneath them proving hazardous as they fought to survive. As the party pushed forward, they encountered an unexpected ally: Kaldir Stormrage, a half-dragon elf trapped within the labyrinth for longer than he could recall. Kaldir, clearly no longer possessing his full mental faculties, had been corrupted by the labyrinth's malevolent influence. His draconic bloodline was twisted and unstable, and he hoped to find Pyraxus to give him answers. Despite his fierce appearance and volatile nature, he agreed to guide the party deeper into the labyrinth, driven by his desire to confront the corruption and protect his dragon progenitor. Kaldir led the party to the Entrance Hall, where they were met with a new set of dangers: irradiated creatures and deranged, mutated gnomes who had been driven mad by the labyrinth’s dark magic. As they battled their way through these twisted adversaries, the party was confronted by a unique adversary - theyrium veins snaked their way off the walls and bound themselves together, while a mechanical voice mocked them and threatened to show them the true power of the abyssal ore.

Character(s) interacted with

Valeria Cogsworth: A master artificer and creator of the labyrinth. Struggling with guilt over the labyrinth's corruption, she provides essential tools and guidance to the party.
Pyraxus: The brass dragon the labyrinth was originally designed to protect, currently in hibernation. His presence is central to the labyrinth’s purpose.
Morgella: Valeria's sister who no longer speaks to her after the death of her daughter.
Trixwynn: Valeria's niece and former apprentice, who was tragically killed in the labyrinth.
Kaldir Stormrage: A half-dragon elf, ally, and guide, corrupted by the labyrinth. He possesses immense strength but is unstable due to his draconic bloodline being tainted by prolonged exposure to the labyrinth’s corruption.