Session 256 - Lost Observatory
General Summary
25th of Larane (Second month of Summer) 725TR
The story so far
The heroes continue their explorations of Tesien and the ruined Observatory of Workol, the Astrologer.
Jolanta's rival, the renegade wizard Richemanus Hyrdeman has shown interest in this building and may be hiding nearby.
This is the continuation of Session 247 - An Eclectic Collection of Books and Session 255 - History Lessons.
Location - The mysterious site of Tesien in the Kingdom of Kanday.
Part 1 - Workol's Observatory
Exploring the ruined observatory, the party finds three well-hidden secret doors. One opens to what looks like an archive. Unfortunately, it is occupied by vaguely humanoid forms created from salt. Avon closes the door before they can react. The heroes will investigate this later.
Another secret door's damaged locks are beyond Avon's ability to open, so Moneypenny transforms Avon into a cloud of smoke (Gaseous Form), and he makes his way into the concealed chamber through the numerous cracks in the wall. This chamber contains an elaborate mechanism. It is old and rusted and, when working, operates the rotating roof on the level above. This elaborate ceiling is a map of the night sky.
The third secret room opens to the hidden living quarters of the infamous Workol the Astrologer. This has not been looted before and contains star charts, with numerous books on astrology and astronomy. However, a hidden compartment in the wall has precious treasures. Unfortunately, Avon triggers a magic trap, a Prismatic Blast; nevertheless, the nimble heroes skilfully avoid harm.
The treasures include Workol's journal, a chaotic diary of much value to a historian. However, Avon finds it also details many hidden secret passages in the City of Coranan's Chamber of Red Domes used to listen or spy on the old Corani Empires' elite. Avon could use this lost knowledge in his political machinations.
The other treasure is Workol's Spellbook, the Grimoire of Mergus. Jolanta plans to study this tome of arcane lore intently.
Part 2 - The Archive
The characters now decide to explore the archive, and the agile Avon lures the salt creatures into following him while the rest of the party hides. The plan works perfectly; the salt monsters race after Avon while the rest of the party sneaks into the archive. Avon quickly joins them and locks the door, trapping the monsters in the narrow corridors of the observatory.
This room has recently been looted, and secret compartments in the far wall have been opened. The library has also been ransacked.
Jolanta finds ash from a torch and uses Ashen Memories to learn the most significant event occurring when the fire that caused the ash was burning.
Her magic creates a vision of three men opening the hidden compartments in the wall and taking out valuable treasures. These include papers, lenses, astrolabes, strange devices, and large books.Richemanus, art by ArtbreederOne of the men is Richemanus Hyrdeman, a powerful renegade wizard who previously tried to murder Jolanta and Blaine. The vision shows him examining some text and saying, "So that is where the Eggkeeper hid the nest. Eagle Point above Sirion! We must inform the Daughter".
The men depart.
None of the heroes know where this Sirion is.
With this information, the party decides to escape. Blaine skillfully clears the escape hole through a damaged wall section, and the explorers avoid the salt creatures and make their way outside the ruins of the observatory. Acheron finds tracks leading in the direction of a hut on the water of a nearby lake.
Part 3 - The House in the Pond
The party examines the structure built on a small lake with a small fishing boat moored next to its entrance. They approach and find the corpses of a dozen dead bandits. Murdered by sorcery, and their bodies sliced into pieces by Steelwind Strikes or blasted by Magic Missiles.
Searching around, the characters find the lowermost level is flooded, and some type of water pump lies dormant. This part of the building is made out of Pseudostone, an extremely strong material created by the mysterious Earthmasters. Using Water Breathing, Jolanta finds a psionically hidden door and opens it. This extends to a small air-filled passage leading down. The water in the room the characters occupy drains into a chamber below, violently dragging most of the heroes down as it goes.
Richemanus Hyrdeman, the cunning wizard, has left a surprise for Jolanta. Three Invisible Stalkers lie in wait and attack; luckily, their outlines are noticeable as large bubbles in the murky water. The evil elementals are destroyed.
Part 4 - Gateways of the Gods
The heroes find the chamber with a Godstone and three psionically locked doors. One the heroes cannot open, and another leads to a dark passage the heroes decide not to explore.
The other door opens to a water-filled passageway. Large ooze-like creatures, occasionally flaring with storage-colored light or sparks, are lurking nearby. The Foxfire Oozes are well suited for battling in water and are dangerous opponents. However, they are not particularly agile and are soon turned to dust by Jolanta's disintegration magic.
Jolanta considers her options and decides to confer with the leadership of the Order of the White Hand; maybe they know this Sirion revealed by her Ashen Memories divination. She enters the Godstone, walks through the mystical gateway, and makes her way to the Primary Chantry of the Guild of Arcane Lore in the distant City of Cherefir.
To be continued.NPC Interactions
No-one.
Challenges Overcome
Found a hidden Archive, Workol's Chamber, and avoided 2 x Salt Golems.
Destroyed 3 x Invisible Stalkers and 2 x Foxfire Ooze.
Rewards
The Grimoire of Mergus.Created Content
Nothing this week.
Related Reports
List of Renegade Spellcasters.
Player Character Status
Acheron - Human - L6 Devotion Paladin, L4 Hexblade, and L8 Divine Soul.
Jolanta - Human- L18 Evoker.
Avon- Half-Elf - L18 Thief.
Next Session
Session 257 - Dirty Deeds.
Avon
Jolanta
Acheron
NPC Companions
Moneypenny
Avon's able assistant
Blaine
Jolanta's loyal and often drunk bodyguard.
Comments