Quest #21 "Island Hopping"

[Jernau35]

Maag

Maag stands by the door, watching the hallway and listening.

[OGRE MAGE]

Every time I start to think you guys aren't paying attention.......

The Cube
Sunday, 21st of Goodmonth
Early Morning?

Alordan inquires about the dead kobolds just as Andron starts searching them, he and Lerrick quietly discussing this rumored temple of Pelor they might need to seek out next. Andron finds a single gold coin on the monster he searches, and just like the ones in Maag's chest, they are stamped with the silhouette of a wizards profile on one side, with the letters MS stamped on the other. None of the group has ever seen this style or design of minting before.

The ranger finds further proof that these tiny pests were never searched initially when he pulls out a tiny wooden cube, about one inch wide, from a hidden pocket on the second dead kobold. The cube of wood is very plain looking and shows no markings on any of its 6 sides, but Alordan cant "shake" the feeling that it holds a much larger purpose.

The others search the room again and watch the hall for trouble, but nothing new is found other than the missed treasures on their vanquished enemy.

The area outside the secret room is dark and silent.

Actions?

If we are going to do some more searching through the tunnels, lets get lined back up into some kind of marching order again. Thanks! (those light stones have moved around from hand to hand a lot recently too, so please get them back to any rightful owner as well)

5B6E3256-141C-4F99-8973-1B0380DE2B81.jpeg (102.28 KiB) Viewed 382 times

Lerrick 10/11 1/4 1st (Light stone 40'r)
Gramble 14/16
Alordan 18/18 (Light stone 40'r)
Tlachtga 7/8 3/4 1st
Maag 11/12
Andronichishche 5/6 3/3 1st / CL, DM, RM 0/1 1st (Light stone 40'r)

Deceased
Sir Crestbrook 0/11 LoH (Petrified and Broken in Melania’s bedroom)
Cu AC:3 0/13
Carucenus -5.5/10[/color]
message on tiny decorative box
Mina's note
Notes and other Bookkeeping:

Melania
You have been warned several times now about your unwillingness to remain in your designated location. Since you cannot control your desire to destroy my hard earned collection by turning them into useless statuary, you leave me little other choice but to relocate you somewhere safer.

Melaina
I have decided on a far more suitable spot for you to reside. There is a cave complex on the other side of the island that will suit your needs perfectly. It is an old experiment of mine, that never panned out the way that I had hoped. But there is a fresh water source inside and a magical summoning device of my own creation that should provide you with an endless supply of food. You will be relocated there as soon as I get it ready. I am still working on filling your request for companionship. As I told you before, they are extremely rare and nearly impossible to locate.

Melania
I understand you are not happy with your new accommodations, but it is simply the best I can do for now. I think you will be much more at ease living here once I am able to fill your request for a mate. The reoccurring minotaur should provide you plenty of food and enough sport to keep you preoccupied while I search. Please remember that your captor was also once your savior, and that you wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for me. I know this isn’t an easy adjustment for you, but it must be preferable to the horrible death you would have endured without my aid.

Melania
At long last, after several years of searching and burning through countless resources, I have finally found what you seek the most. An unmatched Maedar, one of the rarest of all creatures known to man. And he is all for you. I sincerely hope this will suffice to keep you happy for the rest of your years here. You must stop meddling in my experiments. You of all people should know they can be very dangerous, especially when they are unfinished. Once I have checked him over for myself, I will release him to you. Once that is done, I must insist that you stay put in your area and stop breaking your containment. By the way, his name is Marquees, and he is magnificent.

Melania
Once again you need to learn the hard way that you are no match for my powers. It saddens me greatly that after everything I’ve done to make you happy, you continue to defy me, routinely breaking your pact without remorse. I thought you to be one of the more intelligent of your kind, but you have proven to me that I was mistaken. Since I have invested so much, I will give you one last chance to comply. However, you will now be marked. Breaking the rules of your containment again will result in your termination.

Melania
This last attempt at wreaking havoc on my experiments was all I can take. I have warned you multiple times now and you simply wont listen. Therefore, you have left me no other choice. I cannot allow you or anyone else here to undermine my work as you have. I know you were never really happy here, but with the amount of monies, time, sacrifice, and effort I have put into this place already, finishing my ultimate creation must continue to be my main focus. I will allow Marquees to remain on the island, since he has done nothing that I know of to aid you in your constant meddling. The treasures you were supposed to protect for me will also remain inside the complex, now under the supervision of your lover. However, the next time you see me will be the last. I wish things could have worked out better, but you have only yourself to blame for this outcome.

Bookkeeping:
01-05= The “Key”
06-10= Intact Copper Bowl of Wax Fruit (25gp)
11-15= Solid Copper Decorative Serving Tray (40gp)
16-20= Broken Cartouche
21-25= List of 7 Unknown Items
26-30= Note About the Contacts
31-35= Moldy Sack of 254 Copper Coins
36-40= Melania's Note About Escaping
41-45= Small Locked Chest: (312gp and 18-25gp gems)
46-50= Grey Stone Sphere
51-55= Fancy String of 21 Pearls (yet to be evaluated)
56=60=
61=65= Large Copper Cube: viewtopic.php?p=501032#p501032
66-70= Ornate Latched Scroll Case
71-75= Copper Armband w/ Circular Diagram (20gp)
76-80= Fairy Tale Storybook
81-85= Hand Written Notes
86-90= Notes on Minotaur Summoning Dais
91-95= Small Wooden Puzzle Box
96-100= Magical Golden Ring

This is a list of the items you will be "protecting" for me in here. Please remember the terms of our earlier agreement before you get any ridiculous ideas to use any of these against me.

Chime of Serpent’s Desire

Protecting Egg

Withering Venom

Shedding Strike

Band of Fools

Green Manalishi

Dansden

Marquees

I know you like this place, but I am not about to spend the rest of my days preforming for this pompous bastard. We are getting out of here, and I think I finally figured out how. The ring of glass obelisks have something to do with the mobility of this place, so through them, there must be a way out. I know the colored stone spheres are the keys, all I need to do is figure out how they function. There must be a way to use the spheres to activate the obelisks, since the ones I have investigated don’t seem to do anything yet. Once I can figure out their secrets, I am hoping we will be able to go anywhere we want. I know you want to concentrate on making more eggs and raising new babies, but you cant expect me to be happy about bringing more of our kind into existence while we are all being held here against our will. We must find a way out! We can discuss this further once I've returned.

scrollcase note:

I have used the magic scrolls to find three of them so far. They are a sight to behold, so tall and crystal clear. One is in the jungle near the black cliffs, a second deep in the swamp, and the third by the lake to the northwest. I promise you that I will figure out what they do and how they function. Once I do, we will be free again.

note about the contacts:

Marquees

My love, I know you don't like wearing the contacts, but their use will be quintessential in making our eventual escape from this place. The wizard doesn't know about them, so it is imperative that we keep them secret for now. Please continue to wear them when you can, since they have no affect on us or our young. You must try to get accustomed to them so they can be used to their utmost effectiveness against our foes once the time comes.

It is important that you keep them wet when you are not wearing them. The case is filled with a salty solution of mannish extract and fairy tears, which should keep them crystal clear and usable forever, so take caution not to spill any of it. Since they will allow both you and I to turn our enemies to stone, I cant wait for you to put them to use.

[ravenn4544]

Alordan passes the cube to Andron. "You're welcome."

[Quonundrum]

Every time I start to think you guys aren't paying attention.......

The bold "Last Chance" was the hint for me.

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche

Andronichishche briefly examines the gold coin he found. "Interesting. Bears the same inscriptions as the copper coins. The letters 'MS' ... I assume are the wizard's initials, being the erstwhile sovereign of these islands. That suggests the marking on Melania's forehead to be some kind of ownership stamp?" The mere thought this evokes is plainly distasteful to the priest of Rao as his face twists into a scowl.

He pockets the coin in a belt pouch and accepts the odd wooden box from Alordan with a raised eyebrow. "Thank you, Mr. Alordan. How does the saying go? Finders ... keepers?" He shrugs. "I assume this item is Dansden. I can attempt to identify its purpose when we return to town. It may be these objects must be activated in the proper manner to achieve the intended result. If so, then as the finder it would be yours to keep, if desired." He turns the cube about between his fingers with a clearly bemused expression. "Nice fellow. He provides the names, but not the instructions."

Andron checks to ensure his light stone is firmly affixed to the end of his bamboo pole before extending it into the tunnel. "Indeed, Mr. Gramble and Mr. Alordan. The southeastern tunnel with the two minotaur statues is directly south of Cora's chamber." He unfolds his map and indicates the area in question. "We can first check for a hidden lair in the tunnel then revisit the pool in her chamber. If I remember correctly, it appears the well in Melania's bedroom may be connected to that pool?"

He stands to one side to allow another to lead the way. "Mr. Gramble, if you would occupy the vanguard, please?"

Map.jpeg

Suggested group order:

Gramble
Alordan
Tlachtga
Andronichishche
Lerrick
Maag

[kruk]

Lerrick

The cleric moves behind Andron in the marching order. She holds the bamboo pole (with the glow rock attached) with her left hand and her mace in her right hand.

[Jernau35]

Maag

Maag takes his sword out and joins the end of the line. He makes sure to keep a good watch behind them as they proceed.

[Rex]

Tlachtga

Tlachtga follows along.

Fine with the order.

[ravenn4544]

Alordan follows with sword in hand.

[OGRE MAGE]

The Cube
Sunday, 21st of Goodmonth
Early Morning?

Lining up and moving south through the dark, tight tunnels again, there is nothing new to be heard or seen. The path is clear to the pair of statues in the southern tunnel, and no new secrets are discovered.

Returning to the chamber where they first encountered Cora, they find nothing new in that area either, but at least Alordan and Maag have a chance to clean themselves up a bit in the fresh water basin that still appears to be full of the precious liquid.

Actions?

Gramble 14/16
Alordan 18/18 (Light stone 40'r)
Tlachtga 7/8 3/4 1st
Andronichishche 5/6 3/3 1st / CL, DM, RM 0/1 1st (Light stone 40'r)
Lerrick 10/11 1/4 1st (Light stone 40'r)
Maag 11/12

Deceased
Sir Crestbrook 0/11 LoH (Petrified and Broken in Melania’s bedroom)
Cu AC:3 0/13
Carucenus -5.5/10[/color]
message on tiny decorative box
Mina's note
Notes and other Bookkeeping:

Melania
You have been warned several times now about your unwillingness to remain in your designated location. Since you cannot control your desire to destroy my hard earned collection by turning them into useless statuary, you leave me little other choice but to relocate you somewhere safer.

Melaina
I have decided on a far more suitable spot for you to reside. There is a cave complex on the other side of the island that will suit your needs perfectly. It is an old experiment of mine, that never panned out the way that I had hoped. But there is a fresh water source inside and a magical summoning device of my own creation that should provide you with an endless supply of food. You will be relocated there as soon as I get it ready. I am still working on filling your request for companionship. As I told you before, they are extremely rare and nearly impossible to locate.

Melania
I understand you are not happy with your new accommodations, but it is simply the best I can do for now. I think you will be much more at ease living here once I am able to fill your request for a mate. The reoccurring minotaur should provide you plenty of food and enough sport to keep you preoccupied while I search. Please remember that your captor was also once your savior, and that you wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for me. I know this isn’t an easy adjustment for you, but it must be preferable to the horrible death you would have endured without my aid.

Melania
At long last, after several years of searching and burning through countless resources, I have finally found what you seek the most. An unmatched Maedar, one of the rarest of all creatures known to man. And he is all for you. I sincerely hope this will suffice to keep you happy for the rest of your years here. You must stop meddling in my experiments. You of all people should know they can be very dangerous, especially when they are unfinished. Once I have checked him over for myself, I will release him to you. Once that is done, I must insist that you stay put in your area and stop breaking your containment. By the way, his name is Marquees, and he is magnificent.

Melania
Once again you need to learn the hard way that you are no match for my powers. It saddens me greatly that after everything I’ve done to make you happy, you continue to defy me, routinely breaking your pact without remorse. I thought you to be one of the more intelligent of your kind, but you have proven to me that I was mistaken. Since I have invested so much, I will give you one last chance to comply. However, you will now be marked. Breaking the rules of your containment again will result in your termination.

Melania
This last attempt at wreaking havoc on my experiments was all I can take. I have warned you multiple times now and you simply wont listen. Therefore, you have left me no other choice. I cannot allow you or anyone else here to undermine my work as you have. I know you were never really happy here, but with the amount of monies, time, sacrifice, and effort I have put into this place already, finishing my ultimate creation must continue to be my main focus. I will allow Marquees to remain on the island, since he has done nothing that I know of to aid you in your constant meddling. The treasures you were supposed to protect for me will also remain inside the complex, now under the supervision of your lover. However, the next time you see me will be the last. I wish things could have worked out better, but you have only yourself to blame for this outcome.

Bookkeeping:
01-05= The “Key”
06-10= Intact Copper Bowl of Wax Fruit (25gp)
11-15= Solid Copper Decorative Serving Tray (40gp)
16-20= Broken Cartouche
21-25= List of 7 Unknown Items
26-30= Note About the Contacts
31-35= Moldy Sack of 254 Copper Coins
36-40= Melania's Note About Escaping
41-45= Small Locked Chest: (312gp and 18-25gp gems)
46-50= Grey Stone Sphere
51-55= Fancy String of 21 Pearls (yet to be evaluated)
56=60=
61=65= Large Copper Cube: viewtopic.php?p=501032#p501032
66-70= Ornate Latched Scroll Case
71-75= Copper Armband w/ Circular Diagram (20gp)
76-80= Fairy Tale Storybook
81-85= Hand Written Notes
86-90= Notes on Minotaur Summoning Dais
91-95= Small Wooden Puzzle Box
96-100= Magical Golden Ring

This is a list of the items you will be "protecting" for me in here. Please remember the terms of our earlier agreement before you get any ridiculous ideas to use any of these against me.

Chime of Serpent’s Desire

Protecting Egg

Withering Venom

Shedding Strike

Band of Fools

Green Manalishi

Dansden

Marquees

I know you like this place, but I am not about to spend the rest of my days preforming for this pompous bastard. We are getting out of here, and I think I finally figured out how. The ring of glass obelisks have something to do with the mobility of this place, so through them, there must be a way out. I know the colored stone spheres are the keys, all I need to do is figure out how they function. There must be a way to use the spheres to activate the obelisks, since the ones I have investigated don’t seem to do anything yet. Once I can figure out their secrets, I am hoping we will be able to go anywhere we want. I know you want to concentrate on making more eggs and raising new babies, but you cant expect me to be happy about bringing more of our kind into existence while we are all being held here against our will. We must find a way out! We can discuss this further once I've returned.

scrollcase note:

I have used the magic scrolls to find three of them so far. They are a sight to behold, so tall and crystal clear. One is in the jungle near the black cliffs, a second deep in the swamp, and the third by the lake to the northwest. I promise you that I will figure out what they do and how they function. Once I do, we will be free again.

note about the contacts:

Marquees

My love, I know you don't like wearing the contacts, but their use will be quintessential in making our eventual escape from this place. The wizard doesn't know about them, so it is imperative that we keep them secret for now. Please continue to wear them when you can, since they have no affect on us or our young. You must try to get accustomed to them so they can be used to their utmost effectiveness against our foes once the time comes.

It is important that you keep them wet when you are not wearing them. The case is filled with a salty solution of mannish extract and fairy tears, which should keep them crystal clear and usable forever, so take caution not to spill any of it. Since they will allow both you and I to turn our enemies to stone, I cant wait for you to put them to use.

[wolfpack]

Gramble makes sure to get his stone back form whoever had it.

OK so anywhere else we still need to check out? or have we searched the whole place.

[ravenn4544]

Alordan will check out the water closely and then stick his sword in there to make sure nothing nasty is waiting before cleaning himself off.

[Rex]

Tlachtga

"The map is more Andron's thing. It may be time to head back and try and figure out what we have."

[Quonundrum]

Andronichishche

Andronichishche takes the opportunity to wash off the kobold blood covering his chest, arms, and face. The grisly evidence of his deadly knife fight with one of those minute monsters ... and the unmentionable aftermath. After drying himself with one of the many rags hanging on the walls, he waits for Alordan to complete his examination of the pool. "It would seem if Brutus had a lair, he was evicted when Melania arrived. He moved the woven reed mats from the entrance to her bed. Probably to reclaim what was once his."

Andron unfolds his map onto the floor for the others to view more clearly. "The wizard certainly doesn't think much of his collection when he has no further use of them." He points to the northwest section of the map where the natural grotto is. "Mr. Alordan wished to check the wells. Aside from this pool and the well in Melania's bedroom, there is the pool in the grotto. I suspect the latter feeds the former two."

He folds the map and returns it to his pack. "We could also bury Mr. Cu in the soft dirt of the fungal garden, if Miss Tlachtga prefers. It would prevent the carnivorous trees from taking him, at least. I have no prefererence in direction, though."

[Jernau35]

Maag

Maag looks at Andron. Didn't yer say der was a secret room in der corridor wiv der two statues? An' dat's where yer reckon der real key is? I thought dat is where we are goin' " He frowns, puzzled.

[Quonundrum]

The path is clear to the pair of statues in the southern tunnel, and no new secrets are discovered.

Andronichishche

Andronichishche arches an eyebrow at Maag. "We just came from that tunnel, Mr. Maag. Are you certain you're feeling better after that ordeal with the chime?" He smiles and attempts to wink as Lerrick does in jest. "I only suspected there was a secret lair for Brutus. And another key, of course. With no sign of a secret door it would seem that those items may indeed be the intended treasure. Unless Marquees buried another key in the grotto, we don't have much else to go by. When we return to town I can examine the items much more thoroughly."

[Jernau35]

Must be the effect of those mushrooms he ate.

Maag

"Well let's go to der grotto den."

[Quonundrum]

Did we leave Cu in the junk room? We'll need to swing by on the way to the grotto if it's decided to bury him there.

[Rex]

I thought we took him outside already.

[Jernau35]

I thought we took him outside too.