Charles Plemons' Blog

Game summary for August 26, 2014, Carrion Crown Adventure Path campaign, Ashes at Dawn adventure; PCs included Brutus Bonesmasher (human fighter), Dario Malavasi (human oracle), Emilian Sandulescu (human paladin/ranger), Gnok Thatek (dwarf monk), and Malthus Brightray (half-elf cleric), accompanied by NPC companions Alleric Swiftblade (half-elf rogue) and Nyssa Pagonis (human cleric).

Setting off into the dark tunnels toward the Vampire Underground, the team advanced cautiously with detect undead and death ward active. However after quite a while of travel and encountering nothing, their spells expired. After a bit, the team was suddenly surrounded by a pack of flushed vampires whom some of the team noticed had dilated eyes. After a few quick words, the group convinced them to take them to an audience with the eldest vampire, Luvick Siervage.

The team was escorted before the court of the ancient one and greeted as either brave men or fools. They discussed the vampire murders and entered into an agreement with Luvick. If they bring the murderer to him, he will tell all he knows about the Whispering Way. He gave them a signet ring and fairly free reign to roam his territory and speak with the other vampires.

The group first spoke with Luvick’s retainer and tailor, Radvir Giovanni. He revealed documents taken from the nobles of Caliphas showing contracts for the slaying of various vampires. It also included the mark of Ramoska Arkminos, a nosferatu currently imprisoned by Luvick. He also told them one of the slain vampires was an elder named Lucian.

Next, the team met Ramoska in his cell. The disturbing creature formed out of a pile of vermin to appear as a bald, gaunt, horrific humanoid. The bizarre monster told them it was being framed because of its connection to the Whispering Way. It claimed to have helped the Way with a potion that could transform a single individual, willing or otherwise, into a lich! He said the Way betrayed him and never paid, so if the party would clear his name with Luvick, he would tell them all about the Way including where they have gone after leaving Caliphas!

The team then moved to the parlor of Lady Evgenya Zunaida, a decadent vampire noble obsessed with nobility and pleasure. She insisted Gnok dance with her to prove the legendary grace and dexterity of the dwarves. He did his best version of a dance, much to her delight. Pleased, she told them all the victims were master vampires with enslaved thralls. She also indicated those released thralls were acting somewhat strange, seemed flushed, and acted almost as if they had a new master.

Desmond Kote was next on their list to visit. This powerful religious zealot is a servant of Zaebos, the infernal duke of arrogance, nobility, and perversion. He was in the middle of sparing with two other vampires and soundly thumbing them when the team arrived. Dario politely apologized for disturbing them, which seemed to infuriate Desmond. He demanded Dario step out of his shrine, but Dario stood his ground and stared down the great vampire. Soon the vampire laughed and appreciated the tenacity of the mortal in the face of certain death. He gave the team a furniture leg carved into a stake. He showed them others; the collected murder weapons! He tasked them with finding the source of the furniture legs in the city above.

The team went back to the surface, got breakfast, and they slept for eight hours. Next they got up, had lunch and started scouring the city for the right furniture maker. After some time, the located the craftsman. They spoke with the man and learned the tailor next door had purchased dozens of such furniture legs a couple of weeks earlier…

Game summary for August 19, 2014, Carrion Crown Adventure Path campaign, Ashes at Dawn adventure; PCs included Brutus Bonesmasher (human fighter), Dario Malavasi (human oracle), Emilian Sandulescu (human paladin/ranger), Gnok Thatek (dwarf monk), Malthus Brightray (half-elf cleric), and Radimir Dragomirov (human cleric), accompanied by NPC companions Alleric Swiftblade (half-elf rogue) and Nyssa Pagonis (human cleric).

The dropped down into the underground chamber and found two storage rooms filled with gardening tools. They then went down another tunnel and found a connection to the sewer. Crossing the bridge, the team discovered half a dozen vampire spawn! Brutus was dominated and forced to turn on his allies with his flaming hammer! The group moved in to engage, and several flame strike spells from Malthus and Dario burnt the vampires into mist form.

The team chased down the mist and found the vampires recovering in their coffins. They staked each through the heart and decapitated them, sending the foul undead into the afterlife. The group then discovered another door leading to the Vampire Underground! They decided, however, to investigate a room they left behind them.

Entering the room, they found three upright coffins, four large clay urns, and an ash tree growing underground in troughs of soil. Radimir used true seeing and discovered the tree was actually the vampire they fought in the greenhouse! They pieced together that she must be a druid! Instead of resting in a coffin, she takes a tree form. Nyssa used dispel magic to force her back into her humanoid form where the group promptly staked and decapitated her. They stole her treasure and headed back toward the Underground.

Game summary for August 7, 2014, Carrion Crown Adventure Path campaign, Ashes at Dawn adventure; PCs included Dario Malavasi (human oracle), Emilian Sandulescu (human paladin/ranger), Gnok Thatek (dwarf monk), Radimir Dragomirov (human cleric), and Zeddicus Zu’l Zorander (human abjurer/cleric/mystic theurge), accompanied by NPC companions Alleric Swiftblade (half-elf rogue) and Nyssa Pagonis (human cleric).

The exotic woman gazed intently at Emilian, and he felt her unholy touch reaching into his soul. He shook off her suggestive mental commands and drew forth his bow. Gnok charged in and found the vegetation razor sharp and entangling! As he struggled to close in the party cast enhancing spells such as haste and blessing of fervor. When Gnok finally closed in, he punched her in the face but discovered it was like hitting a granite statue! She backhanded him in the face, rattling his resolve! Dario unleashed flame strike while Radimir cast searing light, both to good effect. The vampire countered with spells of her own, ice storm and sirocco. All of these effects meant the team was pinned down and very limited in ability to close in with her. However, Gnok finally got her in a grapple to which she responded by turning into gaseous form. Radimir channeled positive energy as well. The vampire remained in gaseous form and disappeared down into a tunnel below the slain flytrap. Dario and Emilian cut away the plant material to reveal an underground chamber with two hallways leading away.

Game summary for July 31, 2014, Carrion Crown Adventure Path campaign, Ashes at Dawn adventure; PCs included Dario Malavasi (human oracle), Emilian Sandulescu (human paladin/ranger), and Gnok Thatek (dwarf monk), accompanied by NPC companions Alleric Swiftblade (half-elf rogue) and Nyssa Pagonis (human cleric).

With their demon-delivered information, the team hit the streets of Caliphas seeking someone who could connect them with the underground. They spent hours talking to various sources, running down leads, filtering through myths, and puzzling out contacts. Finally, they ended up in a dark alley speaking with a dhampir named Quinley Basdel. He revealed his mother, a vampire, was the first murdered in the spree. He offered to help the PCs get to the leader of the vampire clans, Luvick Siervage, a several-millennia old elder vampire. He indicated the Vampire Underground was on lock down and they would need to fight their way in. Once in, they may be able to talk their way past various vampire factions and individuals but many need to do additional battle. The group prepared to fight vampires by purchasing a wand of death ward and numerous wooden stakes. They decided with the vampires physically underground, night or day didn’t matter and set out immediately.

Quinley led them to the Glass House in Restoration Park. The massive greenhouse was apparently an entrance to the Vampire Underground. The group picked the lock and went in where Dario detected the overwhelming presence of an undead. A group of shrieker mushrooms alerted any creatures within before the group could silence them. They discovered a massive flytrap plant that gobbled up Emelian! The group fought valiantly as the paladin began to be digested by the acidic carnivore! Several flame strike spells later, Dario killed the plant! From out behind several trees stepped a beautiful and mesmerizing half-elven woman clad in armor made of plants. She smiled, revealing her fangs, as she began to approach!

Game summary for July 24, 2014, Carrion Crown Adventure Path campaign, Ashes at Dawn adventure; PCs included Dario Malavasi (human oracle), Emilian Sandulescu (human paladin/ranger), Gnok Thatek (dwarf monk), Radimir Dragomirov (human cleric), and Zeddicus Zu’l Zorander (human abjurer/cleric/mystic theurge), accompanied by NPC companions Alleric Swiftblade (half-elf rogue) and Nyssa Pagonis (human cleric).

With no leads, the team returned to their tavern room and tied Zedd to a chair. They then had him activate the Face of Dagon and commune with the demon lord! Zedd asked him a series of 13 questions about the murders, the Whispering Way, and the vampires of Caliphas. Once finished, they examined Zedd and declared him “okay” from the ordeal and untied him.

Game summary for July 10, 2014, Carrion Crown Adventure Path campaign, Ashes at Dawn adventure; PCs included Kelemen Ambrus (human cleric/transmuter/mystic theurge) and Gnok Thatek (dwarf monk), accompanied by NPC companions Alleric Swiftblade (half-elf rogue) and Nyssa Pagonis (human cleric).

The team decided to investigate the murders and went about trying to find more details. They did not get much information and discovered Captain Hoptler was unable to bring them in any further on the investigation. They dropped by the church of Pharasma and had a somewhat cool meeting with Inquisitor Zetiah Mardhalas who told them she thought if vampires were being killed, she is okay with it. Desperate, the group used their spirit board to contact the other world and ask who killed the body they watched burn up. The spirit spelled out a single name, one letter at a time. “D.” “A.” “R.” “I.” “O.”

Perplexed, the team spent another night at the Hound’s Tooth and used a divination spell to try and learn more, but the spell failed. Next, they used the spirit board again and asked if it was the Dario they know that committed the murder? The spirit indicated “Yes.” They developed a theory that Dario had killed the individual in a fight and then the body was staged to make it look like murder. They at first thought it was the body of Rask, but they discovered Captain Hoptler and crew had just discovered the body of the headless horseman at the bridge.

Uncertain, the team went around town plotting all the murder scenes on the map. They were unable to find any pattern. The team then went back to the church of Pharasma and revealed the Raven’s Head mace! After some discussion and re-evaluating the Carrion Crown poem, they realized it is not just a recipe but prophesy. The Whispering Way does not need the mace for the formula; it seems to be named as the weapon that can undo what is happening! The team agreed to take on a priest of Pharasma into fold to wield the mace and bring the fight to the Way!

Game summary for July 3, 2014, Carrion Crown Adventure Path campaign, Ashes at Dawn adventure; PCs included Dario Malavasi (human oracle), Emilian Sandulescu (human paladin/ranger), and Gnok Thatek (dwarf monk), accompanied by NPC companions Alleric Swiftblade (half-elf rogue) and Nyssa Pagonis (human cleric).

The team entered Caliphas and found the Hound’s Tooth tavern. The group had a good meal, a bath, a shave, and got their clothing stitched up and cleaned. They then got to know some of the townsfolk and found out about a contact in the Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye named Abraun Chalest. They agreed to go to the Quarterfaux Archives the next morning to meet with him. The group then learned the city had several murders over the last few weeks with the bodies found drained of blood and crumbled to ash in sunlight!

The next morning they learned of another murder next door! They went over and met Captain Boverde Hoptler of the city watch. He was initially suspicious of the group, but he took a liking to the paladin, Emilian. The team discovered the bodies had been decapitated and impaled with a wooden stake. In this instance, there were 3 bodies, not just one.

After looking around the crime scene, the party went to the Quarterfaux Archives and met Abraun Chalest. After talking for a while, they convinced him to introduce them to the local chapter of the Esoteric Order and seek admission to the fabled Esoteric Vaults. The next meeting would be at the Haraday Theater on Oathday.

Game summary for June 26, 2014, Carrion Crown Adventure Path campaign, Wake of the Watcher adventure and Ashes at Dawn adventure; PCs included Dario Malavasi (human oracle), Emilian Sandulescu (human paladin/ranger), Varus Archlight (elf magus/arcane archer), and Zedd Zu’l Zorander (human abjurer/cleric/mystic theurge), accompanied by NPC companions Goldar (human barbarian) and Nyssa Pagonis (human cleric).

The group attempted to leave the tunnels but was attacked by a previously invisible gug savant! The horror tore into the group and activated a spike stones effect. The razor-sharp floor tore into the party’s feet while the monster slashed and bit. It grabbed up Varus and ripped him in half! The magus was thrown to two different sides of the cavern! The party tore into the gug, and soon Goldar hit it with a critical blow from his axe! Zedd then cast dispel magic to disperse the spike stones.

The team exited the caverns and returned to the surface via the sub-aqueous research and exploration vehicle. They then returned to Illmarsh and slept at Horace Croon’s. Zedd began studying the Book of Abstruse Geometries. The team then set out on horseback toward Caliphas.

On the third day, the team came to a stone bridge guarded by a headless horseman astride a flaming nightmare! The dullahan called out asking the party’s names, which they offered. It then called out to Dario, affected him with its death call. As it came thundering over the bridge, a pair of rotting dire ghoul wolves darted from the woods! One bit Goldar and paralyzed him! As he lay helpless, the wolf ripped out his throat! Emilian unleashed a barrage of arrows while the second wolf paralyzed Zedd. Fortunately, Emilian was able to provoke the creature to attacking him, which likely spared Zedd from Goldar’s fate. The paladin switched to his sword while Dario engaged the dullahan one-on-one.

Nyssa, and Zedd once he recovered, layered spell enhancements upon Emilian. He quickly cut down the dire ghoul wolves while Dario strategically fought a withdrawal to lure the horsemen closer to the team. Zedd unleashed two lightning bolts while Emilian and Dario fought in melee. Zedd warded the team from fire, and soon Dario cut down the headless undead!

The group searched the body and discovered powerful armor and weapons along with an exotic amulet of powerful and evil necromantic magic!

Game summary for June 17, 2014, Carrion Crown Adventure Path campaign, Wake of the Watcher adventure; PCs included Gnok Thatek (dwarf monk) and Zedd Zu’l Zorander (human abjurer/cleric/mystic theurge), accompanied by NPC companions Goldar (human barbarian) and Nyssa Pagonis (human cleric).

As the dark young of Shub-Niggurath spawned, Zedd and Nyssa cast a number of enhancing spells while Gnok consumed potions. The team then surged into the dome to engage the monstrosity! Nyssa cast haste while Zedd cast blessing of fervor. Gnok charged the creature and found his punches did little damage. He quickly changed stances to tiger style and slashed into its hide! Goldar entered a rage and began hacking with his axe! The dark young tore into Gnok and Goldar with flailing tentacles and grappled Gnok. Nonplussed, the dwarven monk continued to strike it repeatedly from within its coils. Zedd unleashed magic missile along with a critical scorching ray! Nyssa tried using acid arrows from her wand but missed. Gnok and Goldar continued to wear down the monster, but it was Zedd’s magic that finally took it down. As it died, the manifesting form of Shub-Niggurath outside the sphere vanished in a violent flash that cracked the dome. The team snatched up various items, including the Seasage Effigy (actually the Face of Dagon) from the area before the dome came down!

The group nursed their injuries and read a letter discovered in the dome.

“Necrophagous secrets whisper Through chronicles of Raven’s tongue”

These words, no doubt familiar to you, are your next task. Take the Seasage Effigy to G.L. in Illmarsh. He will exchange it for the legendary mace. When the item is in your possession, join your partner in Caliphas, and the Carrion Crown can finally be completed.

For the glory of the Whisperer,

A.A.

The group then investigated the side chambers by-passed earlier. Within they discovered an insane cerebric fungus oracle! It posed several nonsense questions. “How do crustaceans propagate with barns?”, “Why are three ears better than seven?”, and “What is the orbital declension of the Lilac Star when sea snails cry beryllium tears?” Furious when the party could not respond, it attacked! It unleashed a star-shriek and then cast black tentacles. The grasping, grappling tentacles began crushing the party, but the team had gotten close enough to lay numerous attacks on the orb. Soon, it exploded with a sickening plop of goo!