Session 292 - A Trap For A Fire Wizard
General Summary
10th to 11th of Nolus (Summer) 726TR
The Story So Far
The heroes have learned from Lady Bresyn Risai of the Order of the White Hand that the Esoterical Order of Lothrim, a shadowy organization of evil wizards, is plotting to create a mage-ruled Empire.
They are led by a mysterious figure calling herself the Daughter of Lothrim, who wields a Ring of Domination. This powerful artifact can be used to control anyone, and Lady Bresyn does not know who she can trust. She has asked the heroes to test one White Hand operative, Khâl, a fire and metal wizard, and determine if the enemy has corrupted him.
This is the continuation of Session 291 - Rat Poison.
Location - The Wilderness west of Castle Olokand in the Kingdom of Kaldor.
Part 1 - The Testing of Khâl
The heroes continue following the tracks of the dwarven White Hand operative Khâl, and soon spot him examining a small waterfall. Nearby are the burnt-out remains of two destroyed Wood Golems. Keeping their distance, they observe. The dwarf is cursing, and after half an hour, it looks as if he is about to enter the river, so Rycon and Valeria make their presence known while Dryueh stays hidden in the foliage.
Having passed the loyalty test, Khâl tells the party he was instructed to investigate Amebris, an artificer who claims he is creating a "Wooden Army of Death." He has tracked him down to his lair, a reported hidden laboratory located behind the nearby waterfall. Even though flammable wooden constructions would be little threat to Khâl, a master of fire magic, he asks the party to help out.
Part 2 - Dangerous Waters
The group agrees and wades into the river. As they approach the waterfall, a large elemental emerges. The Living Waterfall is a dangerous opponent; Khal's fire magic is useless, and the party obliterates it with physical weapons. Without the hero's assistance, Khâl would have been in serious trouble.
The party rest for the night to regain strength and become acquainted. Meanwhile, Dryueh, still concealed, sneaks into the cave behind the waterfall. He spots a gigantic insect and backs off. The following day before Khâl, Rycon, and Valeria enter the river, Dryueh sneaks in again, evading the Giant Bettle finds a concealed spot to monitor events. Shortly after, the remaining characters enter the cave, discover the giant insect and destroy it in quick order.
Further in, the characters spot another Wood Golem submerged in a pool of water. The waterlogged automation is fire-resistant and is a severe threat to the heroes. As the battle turns against them, Dryueh is forced to reveal himself and help. The Wood Golem is eventually cut down, and the party is exhausted. The heroes suspect the water-resistant monsters seem to be perfect for killing Khal. They speculate that this is a trap designed for the fire-based dwarven wizard.
Part 3 - The Screaming Roots
As Dryueh provided medical attention, two more waterlogged creatures attacked. These look like twisted tree roots bound together in a humanoid form. The party hastily assembles a barricade and battles the animated roots that strike with thorny, poisonous tendrils and sicking screams. Rycon slices the first of the Mandragora in half, but the second proves more dangerous, injecting deadly poison into Dryueh's. As the skilled physician begins to pass out, the second construct is destroyed. With toxic venom passing through his veins, Valeria uses her magic to keep him conscious just long enough so he can concoct a treatment.
Part 4 - It's A Trap
The party finds no evidence of any secret workshop or laboratory and is convinced this was a trap specially designed to kill Khâl. The dwarf decides to fake his death and disappear for a while. He will use Dryueh's network of informers to communicate with the party.
Khâl is also informed that the local sheriff is investigating him for theft. He has been accused of stealing a valuable locket from Lady Aubrey Kobarn. The sheepish dwarf confirms he did the deed. He couldn't help himself; the pompous noblewoman was complaining about all the persecuted Jarinese refugees from Kingdom of Orbaal, lowering the tone of the Kingdom's better towns and villages. He pilfered the brooch and gave it to an Aenghysa Agent (Jarinese resistance fighter with instructions to have it sold and use the funds for the cause of Jarinese freedom.
To be continued.
NPC Interactions
Khâl - White Hand Agent.
Challenges
Tested Khâl.
1 x Living waterfall.
1 x Giant Bettle.
1 x Water-soaked Wood Golem.
2 x Water-soaked Mandragora.
Rewards
Nothing this week.
Created Content
Nothing this week.
Related Reports
Player Characters
Valeria - Human Magical Experiment - L4 Shadow Sorcerer - Beastmaster.
Rycon - Human Rebel Knight - L4 Fighter - Liberator Champion.
Dryueh - 1/2 Elf Scout - L4 Thief Rogue - Vigilante/Medic.
Next Session
Rycon
Dryueh
Valeria
Symbol of the Esoterical Order of Lothrim
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