Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

[scottjen]

Fydmar
We are close to the goal (found the Bricks that Bleed), but retreating & recuperating gets Fydmar's support. Then we can get the team back together, with hopefully a couple more PCs and return to finish the job.

[kwll]

Genaromes agrees to retreat, and will help Durgo with the map with goodwill. Even though the expedition was not a complete success, he feels proud of what was achieved. Obviously, finding Wincey was worth any other discovery for him!

[Straither]

Even though the expedition was not a complete success,

Well we know within reason, the body is behind those 'bleeding bricks'. We have also scared away the last of the Harpy flock, found out that Orcus cultists are to the north (behind a big metal door)?, two groups of Gargoyles are to the west (from the description it seemed separate groups hostile to each other) and 'grisly scholars' dwell past the bricks (Halfling & ogre/larger Ghasts & ghouls).

We have some treasure each and probably a few afflictions to clear up, lots of xp to acquire. And we only lost one dead party member.

All in all, we did good.

So, report to Church, Manse, Forge. Recruit in tavern, bit of personal downtime & research. Then come back wiser, upgraded and better equipped.

[Cwreando]

Even though the expedition was not a complete success,

Well we know within reason, the body is behind those 'bleeding bricks'. We have also scared away the last of the Harpy flock, found out that Orcus cultists are to the north (behind a big metal door)?, two groups of Gargoyles are to the west (from the description it seemed separate groups hostile to each other) and 'grisly scholars' dwell past the bricks (Halfling & ogre/larger Ghasts & ghouls).

We have some treasure each and probably a few afflictions to clear up, lots of xp to acquire. And we only lost one dead party member.

All in all, we did good.

So, report to Church, Manse, Forge. Recruit in tavern, bit of personal downtime & research. Then come back wiser, upgraded and better equipped.

Durgo adds, "Agreed. Let's make sure we get any stuff that wasn't stashed away for later retrieval, so we have all the things we have found so far."

Durgo will coordinate with the others to grab anything out of the rooms they've stayed in before they head out.

[Spearmint]

An Expeditious Retreat:

The group consolidate and withdraw, quickly shinning up the rope that was left dangling down the Harpy Shaft. Durgo shepherds everyone above, tying Brutus to be hauled up before evacuating himself last. The retreat is not hindered but is watched wary Gargoyles.

You have much to consider, but armed with precious intelligence regarding the bitter factions who dwell in the labyrinthine tombs, you can return with a greater awareness of the dangers, risks and rewards. 'Beyond the Bleeding Bricks' lies the remains of the famed knight. But those bricks, seemingly blocking access to a Librarian's Crypt, are warded in some way. Certainly the strange ghast-folk, a Halfling undead-resurrectee and the Ghast matriarch Griselda have some definitive interest in the crypt contents. Taking rubbings of crimson blood scripts, perhaps leeching the very arcane formulae to concoct their own unholy spells from the times stored beyond. And Gargoyles, living statues, devilish caricature figures becoming flesh and eeking an existence in their own warring factions. A cult of Orcus followers shielding themselves behind another metal door and like yourselves, patrolling and exploring for relics and artefacts of power.

The group trek back, slow and cautious but thankfully unhindered. Arriving in the safety of civilization and the comforts of Helix in the pre-dawn hours of July 13th

And so, here ends this expedition:

I awarded some experience points earlier. To conclude the trek, you also faced: the two Ghasts in the interior crypts, +540xp

inadvertently summoned the gatekeeper Daemon, +500xp

chased off four Gargoyles +1060xp

and encountered the Ghasts of Griselda and the 'western Gargoyles'. +535xp

locating 'the bleeding bricks' +500xp

Total: 3135xp / five surviving characters full share and half shares to NPC's (mercenaries & Bro Symeon) = +482xp per share.

Bhelnus, Durgo & Fydmar each get a 10% prime requisite bonus added to the above, +48xp

and every character player receives a +100xp expedition participation award.

Awards: adjusted in public records.

Bhelnus: +630xp
Durgo: +630xp
Fydmar: +630xp
Genaromes: +582xp
Wrathbone: +582xp

Brother Symeon: +241xp
Rickford: +241xp
Duvall: +241xp

I believe Baltobruiser has kept a list of acquired treasure trove, so you may wish to go over those things, especially the items not investigated or allocated.

I will advance 'the calendar' a week to July 20th 1066which brings you in line with other new players currently in Helix.

Any last actions or comments from the expedition? Any strategy for next treks or group activity, decisions on who might take responsibility for any post expedition research or reports? If so, post here.

Otherwise each post in the Helix: settlement location threads and private threads for how you spend your week of downtime.

Congrats to Bhelnus & Wrathbone who both advance to 2nd level Fighter / or take an option to adopt a second class if preferred.

[Straither]

Wrathbone

"Whoop!"

I have added the final xp and will stay as a Fighter class dwarf.

Was an epic first adventure, thank you to all involved.

Wrathbone: 2nd level Fighter hp: [1d10+2]=6+2=8

[kwll]

Thanks to all as well, that was great.

Do we split the loot right now?

[BaltoBruiser]

Well played folks! Loved delving you with you. I need a couple of days to catch up on my treasure and encounter tracker. Based on where we were, I don't think any of the characters are going to be able to retire but I think our pockets will be much better off then they were and some of us might be able to upgrade some equipment and armor.

Thanks Spearmint this was a blast and I look forward to more adventures in and around the Barrowmaze. I am just glad my character leveled up! I think that is a bit of an accomplishment in this game.

I will add the XP to sheet and roll hit points for Bhelnus' new level!

[Straither]

I have added my xp and rolled new hp, adjusted my THAC0. Nothing else changes on my character sheet.

I have some items to deal with. I carried back the sack of medicinal bones, labelled up which had been noted before as being a great item to gift to the village hospice as those healers would benefit from studying the bones to help in their healing practices. In exchange we get some xp/gp? So I don't mind posting that action in the chapel thread.

I had two personal items already taken. One was a Pterandon beak which I aim to craft into a dagger blade (I will visit the Forge)

and a 'polished bone skull' which has my own bloody handprint upon it, which I named 'Wilson'. I don't think it is enchanted, just a shiny skull. So I might try to make this some kind of tribute item for me.

I understand we can get extra xp from a corporate tribute; a bard song about the expedition or some tribute in Yngvar's memory (maybe using the medicine bones?).

Other than that, Wrathbone will chill until the next expedition. I might chime in with tavern comments if other newbies are around. Just let me know if any extra share of gold pieces.

I can also 'use a few days' to help Fydmar with his Construct if he needs to get an extra pair of hands to lift, screw, bash, whatever with his tin-man project.

[scottjen]

Fydmar
Would be happy to show Wrathbone the Construct, and introduce him to Mooney.
Did we find any coins this time around? (can't remember, and hoping someone else does so don't have to page through the quest)

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Durgo has some stuff to take care of as well.

1. Get Duvall, Rickford back to the Mercenary guild (Osen, GBH)
2. Give an overview of the expedition to Osen, His new Vision, Update on what's in the barrow.
3. Get the loot sorted out and identified possibly.
4. Tithe to St. Ygg, Discuss ghast with the priests
5. Get the map of the Barrow tweaked for clarity.
6. Speak with Lord Krothos Update on what's in the barrow.
7. Turn in the items below for xp/coin Tower Mazzah or Rosy Quartz.
2 Pteradon Beaks, Talons, wing bones
1 Pteradon meat, Liver, Heart wrapped in skin
8. Contribute to a bard song for our lost friend.
9. Set up our follow-up expedition. Get weapons to better deal with Gargoyles, Ghasts and more.
10. Help the others should they need it to strengthen the group as a whole.

I believe we found some coins; it may be that more coins are possible from selling stuff too.
Baltron's Beacon Treasure Tracker has a list of stuff, I think.
Thanks, Spearmint, for a fantastic nail-biting expedition. super fun.

[kwll]

I noted down that Genaromes took hold of a 3 spells book (Floating Disc / Message / Shatter), 2 spurs of blinking (whatever those items are). Did we find any other scroll or unknown magical item during our delve?

[Spearmint]

Treasure and Trove

I went through the Expedition and listed all the finds and any detailed allocations:

Most characters took some trophy from the Pterandons. Bits of claw & beak. They are 'trinket' value at most from crafting into an expedition momento. The harvested meat was eaten or offered on the dwarven forge hearth. A wing and skin was left by Durgo on the Mammoth Bones.

Python skin harvested by Wrathbone can be tailored into a snakeskin shirt or set of boots, subject to village artisans skill.

Only two Orcus goat-hoof cloaks were taken, given to Rickford & Duvall.

Harpy ankle bracelets: ornamental stones. Taken by Fydmar. Can be appraised in the Rosy Quartz. (along with 'ornate pottery & wrought silver utensils).

Azer Assegai: given to Bhelnus by the summoned elemental for being the first to join him in the fires.

Glass Skull Lantern: rock crystal powered lantern, taken by Fydmar.

Medicinal Bones: sacked up and carried by Wrathbone. Needs post in chapel thread to action giving them to the Hospice.

Inspirational battle cry: prose written on sheet and studied by Durgo. He may repeat the verses to inspire comrades, invoking a Bless spell.

Polished Skull: trinket value, taken by Wrathbone.

Enchanted Waxwork Neshralk trooper: taken and used by Wrathbone in defensive retreat from raging Gargoyles.

Rosary of beads with iron St Ygg symbol inset with ruby gem: taken by Brother Symeon from the body in the interior crypt cubby.

Small St Ygg icon: vandalised and beheaded. Taken by Durgo to repair and offer to chapel in tribute.

Chainmail shirt (+1): allocated to Bhelnus.

Spell book: allocated to Genaromes.

Coins: 33gp, 85sp, 222cp: allocated to Durgo to replenish parry gear and cover mercenary hire.

Unallocated: Mummy signet ring, from House of Pelinor (enchanted), currently in Durgo's pocket.

Two Ioun stones: in Fydmar's pocket.

Some house keeping notes. See post #367 too.

The Mummy has a signet ring. It is inscribed with Templar designs and indicates him to be a member of a Ygg militant order, which confirms his dying breath revelations of involvement with Sir Guy O'Veargne. Fragments of burned and ashen cloth with sewn insignia can be assessed and you can give a speculative guess he might be of 'the House of Pelinor', a minor noble family in the Aerik dynasties. detects as enchanted,

The skull made from glass is an interesting item. It has two horns protruding from its forehead which flick back and forth in a singular on/off position. Inside the interior cavity are grainy crushed crystals which Fydmar from his Construct rebuild can identify as typical geode formations. Which suggest it has a working purpose though the remaining grains of dulled gemstone flakes are inert. from the Margoyle statue. Actually fuelled up with geode crystals, the moveable horns turn the skull on to illuminate as a lantern or to shine two cones of light through the eye sockets and act as a bullseye lanthorn. 1gp of crushed crystal activates a four hour period of illumination, like a typical flask of oil might.

The Chainmail shirt taken from a coffin also pings enchantment, to a similar degree as the Mummy's ring.

The two Ioun stones can be activated and after assessing their traits, you figure that each affects a character's base attributes, the pink rhomboid shaped boosting overall health and stamina via a +1 Con boon and the pink and green speckled spherical stone improving a character's persona and first impressions via a +1 bonus to Charisma.
Ioun stones random: [1d14]=6 [1d14]=5

The Medicinal Skeleton was detailed prior. If studied, (via character skill upgrade) it will enhance a character's Medic checks and give a bonus to 1st Aid applications. All 206 bones are labelled, a human body. Studying this will aid physical medical checks and gain a bonus to Wisdom checks concerning bone breaking or body related injuries.

Neshralk enchantment: vs 10% [1d100]=10 [1d100]=63 [1d100]=28 While two of the Neshralk burial figures are inert and quite normal, one is enchanted and upon speaking the trigger or command word inscribed upon its feet, the figure animates as a little Duchy guardsman who points a crossbow at a random figure. "Just give the signal to loose Capt' and I'll nail this bigwig right in the ghoulies for yer!" the miniature figure insists, bravado belittling his miniature few inch stature.

Genaromes scours the spellbook:
Sage's spellbook: 1st level [1d30]=27 [1d30]=18 2nd [1d24]=20 It contains three spells, Floating Disc, Message (both 1st level) & Shatter (2nd level).

The anthem sheet is written in pale ink that fades even more as the verses are studied, the parchment crinkling with age and finally becoming as dust upon your fingers. Unfortunately, it is a single use item but the committal to memory can be invoked at any stage. Use pre-battle as per Bless spell dynamics.

Not a lot of money, but richer for the experience!

[Straither]

Not a lot of money, but richer for the experience!

my thoughts exactly.

Medicinal Bones: sacked up and carried by Wrathbone. Needs post in chapel thread to action giving them to the Hospice.

this is done now.

Enchanted Waxwork Neshralk trooper: taken and used by Wrathbone in defensive retreat from raging Gargoyles.

deleted from my inventory.

Wrathbone, has no problem with any division of loot, we all got something hopefully and most anyway will only benefit the group as a whole.

I wonder if the + Constitution Ioun stones could be kept within the group. Using it on a sick colleague in need of a Constitution buff could mean someone surviving a 1st Aid/negative hp check or some magic effect. The Charisma one is less needed in adventuring. I wonder to sell it to Gir Hurwen of the Rosy Quartz, it might makes his sales pitch more appealing to the gullible? He could pay us handsomely for such?

[kwll]

If Durgo is willing, Genaromes can take the Mummy ring to Mazzah in order to know more about its nature.

[scottjen]

Fydmar
As to the ioun stones, one was CHA & one was CON. Don't think Fydmar is a good choice for either, so will pass them on to whoever wants them.

[kwll]

What is a ioun stone?

Never mind, found the description (from OSRIC):
Ioun Stones (any): These are magical crystals that orbit the user’s head at a distance of 1d3 ft and grant various benefits. The stones each have an AC -5, 10 hp, and ignore the first 5 points of damage from all attacks. Ioun stones may be stored at will but will grant no benefits unless circling the user’s head.

(I guess I now know where they took inspiration for the Defect orbs in Slay the Spire...)

Genaromes could use the CHA stone.

[scottjen]

Fydmar
They actually are originated by Jack Vance (where Gary got them from).
Yours if no one else is interested. Give the others another day or 2?
Which one of you fighters want the con one?

[BaltoBruiser]

Bhelnus

I already got the +1 chain mail. I good with someone else getting the CON Ioun Stone (I loved Vance and agree that was Gary's "inspiration" for them).

[Cwreando]

If Durgo is willing, Genaromes can take the Mummy ring to Mazzah in order to know more about its nature.

Durgo took it to the chapel since they keep family records there for at least verifying the family origins and claim to the ring. I'd love for Genaromes to take it to the tower too though. My timeline puts me at the chapel on the 14th so you can take it to the tower on the 15th or so.