Session XLI : Lyrium Road part IV Report

General Summary

The demon's meet

The Tribute

Although John Doe first appeared to be as Frightened as his fellow adventurers, he manages to shake off the visions of fear and despair as Oswald Fleetfeet approaches the stone basin to cut his hand. John rushes to Oswald, jumping him and holding him on the ground. In a brief moment, John attempts to dissuade Oswald from taking the demon's offer, warning them for their treacherous nature. John is however quickly stricken with fear as the Fear demon lifts one of its legs, loosing his grip on Oswald. This allows Oswald to escape with a Misty Step and he takes the knife from the fear demon. He cuts himself, dripping blood into the basin speaking "Pavor, Pavor... Pavor". Suddenly Oswald seems to be somewhere else entirely as a small impish creature approaches him speaking with a softer fiendish voice:

Nice to meet you host Oswald. I'm sure we can mutually benefit from this pact of ours

— Pavor

Oswald shakes hands with the demon as he enters his mind and body to co-exist.

Pavor, demon of Dread

The Gain

With the bargain struck, the basin dissappears as the Fear demon asks the adventurers what question they wish to ask. Debating among themselves for a while, thinking whether to ask about Vex, the last Gundyr King, the road to the Conflux Mountain, acquiring power. They finally decide to ask how Vex can be stopped, should he break free from his imprisonment. The Fear demon the only way to stop Vex is to take away his very essence using an empty Ominex Stone. While none of the adventurers have ever heard of an Ominex Stone, Oswald recalls a portal he learnt of during cosmology & conjuration classes at the Wayspire. A Ominex Gate is the only means of transportation between planes where no power-essence remains on the plane of origin. Daedric Princes for instance can only by these means arrive on the mortal plane of Mundus in full glory and essence. The most recent known example of an Ominex Gate being used was in 1404 when Valthor used an Ominex Gate in the Dragontail Mountains to challenge Akatosh for godhood, ascending as the new God of Dragons.
With knowledge gained the demon starts to dissappear as everyone catches a glimpse of the other adventurers' worst fear. First an almighty-lich appears, then a High Flame corrupted by the powers of Beliar, an elf blacken of hair with eyes red as the dawning sun and lastly the Lyrium Monstrosity (battled in Session XXXVII: Mount Krembor Report) appears. Suddenly the fog dissapates as the adventurers find themselves back at their camp. Balin Thornbow starts asking what the hell happened with Oswald as an intervention for Oswald is sprung. Oswald attempts to reassure them nothing is wrong and striking this bargain was there only way out. While Balin agrees on the latter, the others are definitely not at peace yet with Oswald's possession. Nevertheless, they continue their Long Rest to continue their journeys again the next day.

Shinies of Arium

Continuing their journey northward, the adventurers see mosses changing color to purple as large magenta crystal spikes appear in the distance. The adventurers approach to inspect, with Nalan inspecting the crystals through licking. While damaging him, he is certain the material is indeed Arium as blood caused by small imperfections in the crystals starts filling his mouth. Balin then starts prospecting for Arium as the rock suddenly comes to live : A Arium crystal lizard!!

Crystal Lizard (imagine purple)
Balin is quickly slammed Unconscious into the ground as Nalan jump to shield him from danger. The lizard curls up and rolls over all of them, dealing large amounts of damage. Oswald uses his Homing Soulmass to damage the lizard, Nalan his Spiritual Weapon, John his rapier. Nalan saves Balin from his inbetween state with his Lay on Hands with Balin unleashing his fury on the lizard. Together they kill the lizard and start scavenging his body for supplies. Ultimately, they manage to obtain 1 scale and John & Balin prospect 4 lumps before their prospecting results in a damaging Arium blast. As John spotted more of the lizards living in this grove, the adventurers decide to turn around, going to the west/NW.
Crafting possibilities Arium lumps

• 10 scales can be used to craft scale armor +2
• 1 scale can be used to craft 2-4 Arium arrow tips
• 1 lump can be used to craft 1-2 scales
• 1 scale = 1 empty Grand Soul Gem
• Every scale and lump can be used as a magical grenade, with lumps giving larger AOEs than scales

A reunion of Watchlanders

Having walked for multiple hours, the adventurers find themselves in a very large open cavern. Within an hour walking distance, they see a large bonfire while to their right again an opening with Arium crystals protruding. The adventurers decide to sneak to the bonfire as they are met by a Night's Watch ranger with drawn bow. He quickly lowers his arms however when he recognizes them to be fellow watchlanders. The ranger bids them to follow him to the Bonfire where Bolus can be found. As they approach, the adventurers start to become suspiscous and Nalan learns their true appearance by his Divine Sense : demons.
All of them suddenly see visions of content, their goals fulfilled and them growing tired. Oswald rises to be Arch-Mage of the Wayspire surrounded by fellow magicians praising his name and work. Nalan, Paladin-Commander, vanquished corruption from the Chantry of Fire, Balin Chaptermaster of Karak Azul and John surrounded by knowledge and male-servants. All but Oswald manage to break free from their Sloths as they now see a Shade next to them instead of a ranger. The distant watchmen have also changed form with a Sloth demon found at the Bonfire. The adventurers quickly destroy the Shade next to them, causing the other demons to flee the scene.

The long-awaited arrival

Uncertain where to find an exit, the adventurers decide to approach the Arium crystals to the north. As they sneak, they see an Arium golem guarding the grounds with multiple lizard hiding among the crystals. The adventurers decide to prepare for even more stealth, with John's Pass without a Trace and Oswald's Invisibility. They sneak past the golem to find a small tunnel going through the crystals before reaching a larger two-way tunnel. They decide to pursue north, take a Long Rest, before amassing at a very spacious cavern (80 m in height) filled with various ruined buildings. At the other side of the cavern, multiple kms away, they see large magic blasts as they realize they have made it : The Conflux Mountain... With 1 full day remaining before their invasion starts, what will they do?

Path travelled through the Lyrium Road

Rewards Granted

• 1 scale of Arium taken from a crystal lizard
• 4 lumps of Arium mined from Arium spikes in the Lyrium Road - Rhunaar

Campaign

The Island of Runaar

Protagonists

Nalan

Oswald Fleetfeet

TN halfling(gnome) (cloistered scholar)
wizard 5

26 / 26 HP

STR
8

DEX
15

CON
13

INT
19

WIS
16

CHA
10

John Doe

Lawful Neutral Wood Elf (Inheritor)
Ranger 6

63 / 63 HP

STR
9

DEX
18

CON
14

INT
18

WIS
16

CHA
13

Report Date

31 Mar 2022