Session XLV: The Dawn Report

General Summary

Into the Fort

A report from below

As the adventurers continue to inspect the iron grate gate ahead, they hear a slight fluttering and scraping sound. Uncertain what this must mean they go into an awareness state, before continuing their sneaking up. There, they quickly discover the source of the previous sound : an imp familiar. The imp calls for Gireon Uthram, and soon the imp's master speaks through the small reddish body.
"Aah, master Daveth, always a pleasure. To what do I owe the honors" Gireon spoke with a calm voice. A voice erupted unlike what would be expected from the imp's small vocal chords: "Spare me the introductions Gireon, my troops have discovered the presence of our enemies in the Catacombs. Yesterday we discovered a burned-out caravan, its troops decimated". "So we have a breach. Anything remarkable about the scene?" "Yes indeed, the scene shows heavy signs of fire magic, pierced soldiers by bolts, and a decapitated captain of ours." Intrigued Gireon answers : "Bolts you say? I know of only one adversary on this island using bolts and being capable of defeating a squad of ours, and that's that blasted Balin." "I don't care who this is, I want you to fix it Gireon. Show them who the butcher of Fezzan is and get it handled. I cannot allow further distractions in these final hours. "Very well Daveth, I will handle it. I will leave the imp on standby, should there be need for him."
Gireon continues by issueing commands. First he orders the lockdown of gates further in the tunnel, sending word to Belrax. Furthermore, he orders the assembly of a kill & locator squad to eradicate Rhunaar from their adversaries. He comments how he will not underestimate them again, commenting how he should have finished them when he had the chance.

Invisible traversing

Having allowed messengers for Belrax and the further camps to pass, the adventurers contemplate how to proceed. After quite some bickering, they decide it's best if Oswald continues scouting ahead with his Invisibility. The main hall has a large throne located rather close to the gate, a balcony one floor up, three doors (1 on the left, 2 on the right) on the side walls and a large wooden gate ahead. Oswald decides to check the doors closest to the tunnel's exit, with the direct left likely leading to Gireon's quarters as he hears slight talking there, while the left leads to a small study with circular steps going further up at its far end. With this information, Oswald returns to report & discuss with his fellow adventurers.
Having made a plan, Oswald & Nalan decide to proceed to the direct right-hand exit. They face a Uthramian scholar who is reading through archives listing history of the island and reports by the Uthramians. While Nalan decides to sneak onwards to the circular steps. Oswald fetches 2 report scrolls and one demon-summoning description, while the wizard reads the most recent log. Oswald reads over the shoulder of the wizard about the Uthramians being nearly ready for their final push in pursuit of an Ominex Stone.
Up in the tower, Nalan & Oswald discover abandoned wizard quarters, likely previously housing Daveth Uthram. Meanwhile, John & Balin have fortified themselves in a crevice near the road to the tunnels. While being cautious, Oswald manages to 'suprise' them later on and they all together make their way up to the tower.

A vantagepoint for planning

As Balin & John in the remainder of the party, they sight a rider approaching in the distance. Upon closer inspection, Balin recognizes the rider's cloak fashioned from Manticore hide : it's Rafael de Scorpión. Rafael rides into the hall to report to Gireon. Oswald while Invisible, decides to sneak down and eavesdrop on Rafael & Gireon. Rafael reports an allied army of Ban Grond and the Windhelm Trading Company is marching towards them. Gireon commands the troops to be mobilized, while Rafael approaches as Gireon whispers into his ear. Oswald decides to close-in to listen to the spoken words, before nearly being discovered. Oswald does learn of the ballistas on the walls being prepared for action and the Scorpions laying traps at the foot of the mountain.
The adventurers decide to sit tight for the time being and discuss their further plans. John starts going into a trance while Oswald also starts a Long Rest. During their rest they spot a wizard in white with a very pointy hat starting to draw symbols in Lyrium on the ground. Oswald quickly recognizes some of the symbols from the previously acquired scrolls. They decide on the following plan:

• The adventurers split up in teams of two: John & Nalan and Oswald & Balin.
• John & Nalan will try to destroy the (1st) gate to the plateau. They will attempt this with their Arium bombs.
• Balin & Oswald will try to remain hidden for longer. Their goal will be to blow the fortress's gate with Zulk's bomb crafted from the Xivilai heart.
• John & Nalan will attempt to blow up the Lyrium casting grounds on their way to the walls. Should they fail, Balin will attempt the same feat with a well placed shot.

• Learn of pointy-hat wizard walking from second tower to return and see large lyrium-inscription being made on the ground (#DemonRift).
• Make plan that John & Nalan disable ballista's at walls, while Oswald & Balin stay behind. Not sure yet who destroys the lyrium summoning circle, but plan is that outer gate is destroyed prior to attack, while Oswald & Balin destroy inner gate afterwards.

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

08 Aug 2022