Without missing a beat Cerina answers Tabby's question, "They're jewelry. They may be meant to stretch the earlobes out. Some cultures see that as a measure of worth. I've met a few fellow Dragonborn who wear them. I think they're stupid. Now on to more practical things, William bring your axe over here. I can't get? my claws under the lid."

"I miss the old days." Cthulhu

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 11:30:36 AM PDT, Tabby <tacobobman@...> wrote:

OOC: UGH. Tabby is talking about the earplugs.

On Wed, Apr 17, 2024 at 2:27?PM Tabby via ?<tacobobman=[email protected]> wrote:

Tabby watched silently as the treasure was discovered. "Besides the obvious thing, I wonder what those earplugs were used for? Maybe a trap somewhere

that required you not to hear something, or it would kill you?"

On Wed, Apr 17, 2024 at 2:14?PM Dungeon Master/Infinitum3D via ?<infinitum3d=[email protected]> wrote:

DM/

Sweet William?works his fingers into the gap between lid and chest, gives it a test tug, sets his feet, and engages his shoulders to pry the chest open-

STR check, DC: 15

But unfortunately he can’t apply proper leverage from this angle. Wedging the head of his magical axe into the narrow gap, he gives the handle a firm push to twist it in-

12 +5 STR bonus = 17, DC: 15, success!

Prying the chest open with his axe, the Half-Orc discovers ten coin necklaces (1 gp each), six pairs of jade earplugs (Flynn appraises them at 15 gp a set), an alabaster statuette (worth 50 gp), and an agate ring (worth 50 gp) within.

Mira admires the pale statuette. It stands just under a half meter tall (18 inches), and resembles a female form reaching up to the sky, back arched slightly and hands with thumbs touching. The craftsmanship is typical of the Payit natives (excellent proportions but poor polishing/surface), and the theme is obviously worship for their Sun God. “Does anyone mind?” she asks, starting to tuck it into her backpack.

Flynn?is certain the ring is not magical, but the stone is high quality and obviously was cut by a master. It likely was acquired through trade from an Amnian merchant.

“How much did you pay for this map?”

“Twelve gold,” Levenfingers answers. “The buffoon wanted a hundred,” the Rogue scoffs. “I think we overpaid at twelve.”

North?considers casting Mending but realizes that the improvements will be negligible. It’s not a high quality map to begin with, more of just a sketch likely done from memory. Given enough time, with some trial and error, mending could possibly make the map look a little more like it originally did, but even then it wasn’t great to begin with. He can take some time to try if he wants to, but the risk is potentially multiple Wild Magic surges.

"We haven't seen much for giant Lizards... yet. Or worms"

Brother Ashley reminds him of the huge beasts as they first approached the temple.

“I guess we're both looking for spears... or Staves - really, and Charm staves at that... I do wonder if this weapon actually?is sentient... or if it's being wielded. Why would a Staff be evil?"

“I’ve read that certain staves can be aligned either Good, Evil, or even Neutral whether sentient or not,” Brother Ashley mentions. “From the description by the twin Druids it sounds to me that the Spear is reliant on a maintenance of balance, so it may be Neutral,” he explains. “Then again, it’s possible the Druids are Neutral and the Evil spear balances the Leonin Good?” he ponders.

"Who's?Sir Fenngrave?"

“That is I,” Fenn reminds the Gnome.?

“Carmantle Jameson D’Fenngrave Ollistair the fourth,” Mira says in a haughty, slightly mocking tone.

And what do you do?

/DM

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 3:53 PM, Cerina/JediJon via groups.io <dwarfjsgm@...> wrote:

Without missing a beat Cerina answers Tabby's question, "They're jewelry. They may be meant to stretch the earlobes out. Some cultures see that as a measure of worth. I've met a few fellow Dragonborn who wear them. I think they're stupid. Now on to more practical things, William bring your axe over here. I can't get? my claws under the lid."

"I miss the old days." Cthulhu

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 11:30:36 AM PDT, Tabby <tacobobman@...> wrote:

OOC: UGH. Tabby is talking about the earplugs.

On Wed, Apr 17, 2024 at 2:27?PM Tabby via <tacobobman=[email protected]> wrote:

Tabby watched silently as the treasure was discovered. "Besides the obvious thing, I wonder what those earplugs were used for? Maybe a trap somewhere

that required you not to hear something, or it would kill you?"

On Wed, Apr 17, 2024 at 2:14?PM Dungeon Master/Infinitum3D via <infinitum3d=[email protected]> wrote:

DM/

Sweet William works his fingers into the gap between lid and chest, gives it a test tug, sets his feet, and engages his shoulders to pry the chest open-

STR check, DC: 15

But unfortunately he can’t apply proper leverage from this angle. Wedging the head of his magical axe into the narrow gap, he gives the handle a firm push to twist it in-

12 +5 STR bonus = 17, DC: 15, success!

Prying the chest open with his axe, the Half-Orc discovers ten coin necklaces (1 gp each), six pairs of jade earplugs (Flynn appraises them at 15 gp a set), an alabaster statuette (worth 50 gp), and an agate ring (worth 50 gp) within.

Mira admires the pale statuette. It stands just under a half meter tall (18 inches), and resembles a female form reaching up to the sky, back arched slightly and hands with thumbs touching. The craftsmanship is typical of the Payit natives (excellent proportions but poor polishing/surface), and the theme is obviously worship for their Sun God. “Does anyone mind?” she asks, starting to tuck it into her backpack.

Flynn?is certain the ring is not magical, but the stone is high quality and obviously was cut by a master. It likely was acquired through trade from an Amnian merchant.

“How much did you pay for this map?”

“Twelve gold,” Levenfingers answers. “The buffoon wanted a hundred,” the Rogue scoffs. “I think we overpaid at twelve.”

North considers casting Mending but realizes that the improvements will be negligible. It’s not a high quality map to begin with, more of just a sketch likely done from memory. Given enough time, with some trial and error, mending could possibly make the map look a little more like it originally did, but even then it wasn’t great to begin with. He can take some time to try if he wants to, but the risk is potentially multiple Wild Magic surges.

"We haven't seen much for giant Lizards... yet. Or worms"

Brother Ashley reminds him of the huge beasts as they first approached the temple.

“I guess we're both looking for spears... or Staves - really, and Charm staves at that... I do wonder if this weapon actually?is sentient... or if it's being wielded. Why would a Staff be evil?"

“I’ve read that certain staves can be aligned either Good, Evil, or even Neutral whether sentient or not,” Brother Ashley mentions. “From the description by the twin Druids it sounds to me that the Spear is reliant on a maintenance of balance, so it may be Neutral,” he explains. “Then again, it’s possible the Druids are Neutral and the Evil spear balances the Leonin Good?” he ponders.

"Who's?Sir Fenngrave?"

“That is I,” Fenn reminds the Gnome.?

“Carmantle Jameson D’Fenngrave Ollistair the fourth,” Mira says in a haughty, slightly mocking tone.

And what do you do?

/DM

DM/

Sweet William works his fingers into the gap between lid and chest, gives it a test tug, sets his feet, and engages his shoulders to pry the chest open-

STR check, DC: 15

But unfortunately he can’t apply proper leverage from this angle. Wedging the head of his magical axe into the narrow gap, he gives the handle a firm push to twist it in-

12 +5 STR bonus = 17, DC: 15, success!

Prying the chest open with his axe, the Half-Orc discovers ten coin necklaces (1 gp each), six pairs of jade earplugs (Flynn appraises them at 15 gp a set), an alabaster statuette (worth 50 gp), and an agate ring (worth 50 gp) within.

Mira admires the pale statuette. It stands just under a half meter tall (18 inches), and resembles a female form reaching up to the sky, back arched slightly and hands with thumbs touching. The craftsmanship is typical of the Payit natives (excellent proportions but poor polishing/surface), and the theme is obviously worship for their Sun God. “Does anyone mind?” she asks, starting to tuck it into her backpack.

Flynn?is certain the ring is not magical, but the stone is high quality and obviously was cut by a master. It likely was acquired through trade from an Amnian merchant.

“How much did you pay for this map?”

“Twelve gold,” Levenfingers answers. “The buffoon wanted a hundred,” the Rogue scoffs. “I think we overpaid at twelve.”

North considers casting Mending but realizes that the improvements will be negligible. It’s not a high quality map to begin with, more of just a sketch likely done from memory. Given enough time, with some trial and error, mending could possibly make the map look a little more like it originally did, but even then it wasn’t great to begin with. He can take some time to try if he wants to, but the risk is potentially multiple Wild Magic surges.

"We haven't seen much for giant Lizards... yet. Or worms"

Brother Ashley reminds him of the huge beasts as they first approached the temple.

“I guess we're both looking for spears... or Staves - really, and Charm staves at that... I do wonder if this weapon actually?is sentient... or if it's being wielded. Why would a Staff be evil?"

“I’ve read that certain staves can be aligned either Good, Evil, or even Neutral whether sentient or not,” Brother Ashley mentions. “From the description by the twin Druids it sounds to me that the Spear is reliant on a maintenance of balance, so it may be Neutral,” he explains. “Then again, it’s possible the Druids are Neutral and the Evil spear balances the Leonin Good?” he ponders.

"Who's?Sir Fenngrave?"

“That is I,” Fenn reminds the Gnome.?

“Carmantle Jameson D’Fenngrave Ollistair the fourth,” Mira says in a haughty, slightly mocking tone.

And what do you do?

/DM

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 2:14 PM, Dungeon Master/Infinitum3D <infinitum3d@...> wrote:

DM/

Sweet William works his fingers into the gap between lid and chest, gives it a test tug, sets his feet, and engages his shoulders to pry the chest open-

STR check, DC: 15

But unfortunately he can’t apply proper leverage from this angle. Wedging the head of his magical axe into the narrow gap, he gives the handle a firm push to twist it in-

12 +5 STR bonus = 17, DC: 15, success!

Prying the chest open with his axe, the Half-Orc discovers ten coin necklaces (1 gp each), six pairs of jade earplugs (Flynn appraises them at 15 gp a set), an alabaster statuette (worth 50 gp), and an agate ring (worth 50 gp) within.

Mira admires the pale statuette. It stands just under a half meter tall (18 inches), and resembles a female form reaching up to the sky, back arched slightly and hands with thumbs touching. The craftsmanship is typical of the Payit natives (excellent proportions but poor polishing/surface), and the theme is obviously worship for their Sun God. “Does anyone mind?” she asks, starting to tuck it into her backpack.

Flynn?is certain the ring is not magical, but the stone is high quality and obviously was cut by a master. It likely was acquired through trade from an Amnian merchant.

“How much did you pay for this map?”

“Twelve gold,” Levenfingers answers. “The buffoon wanted a hundred,” the Rogue scoffs. “I think we overpaid at twelve.”

North considers casting Mending but realizes that the improvements will be negligible. It’s not a high quality map to begin with, more of just a sketch likely done from memory. Given enough time, with some trial and error, mending could possibly make the map look a little more like it originally did, but even then it wasn’t great to begin with. He can take some time to try if he wants to, but the risk is potentially multiple Wild Magic surges.

"We haven't seen much for giant Lizards... yet. Or worms"

Brother Ashley reminds him of the huge beasts as they first approached the temple.

“I guess we're both looking for spears... or Staves - really, and Charm staves at that... I do wonder if this weapon actually?is sentient... or if it's being wielded. Why would a Staff be evil?"

“I’ve read that certain staves can be aligned either Good, Evil, or even Neutral whether sentient or not,” Brother Ashley mentions. “From the description by the twin Druids it sounds to me that the Spear is reliant on a maintenance of balance, so it may be Neutral,” he explains. “Then again, it’s possible the Druids are Neutral and the Evil spear balances the Leonin Good?” he ponders.

"Who's?Sir Fenngrave?"

“That is I,” Fenn reminds the Gnome.?

“Carmantle Jameson D’Fenngrave Ollistair the fourth,” Mira says in a haughty, slightly mocking tone.

And what do you do?

/DM

OOC: Thanks for the recap!

IC:?Sweet William will try to force open the lid of the first pyramid (the one with the trap that glhad already been triggered.)

On Monday, April 15, 2024, 8:25 AM, Dungeon Master/Infinitum3D <infinitum3d@...> wrote:

DM-

While?Flynn,?Cerina?and ‘Levenfingers?search for traps and secret doors,?Gordon?recounts the conversation with the pair of Tabaxi Druids.

The Druids warned that The?Khenńdo M?hra?(the holiest ranking Monk of the House of the Great Mother,) named “Morning Song” is trying to recover a stolen artifact-?Onotlatlatzan; the?Spear of Necalli.?

The sentient and bombastic spear was stolen from the monastery. Since then, the Khenńdo M?hra has been kidnapping leonin and using them to hunt for the spear. These wicked acts have unbalanced nature and created a Swamp Naga that threatens the water supply of the Otomi (the “dog people”).?

Tabby?remembers what?Dances in Rain?told them- that the Spear has been manipulating Morning Song (corrupting her) and they need to stop her without killing her;?after all, she?IS?the most holy person of Tabby’s birth parents religion.?

Dances in Rain?told them The Spear of Destiny is headstrong and in a moment of vulnerability, the Khenńdo M?hra was overcome. She believed that an Avatar of Zaltec possessed a monk and that monk stole the spear. Then when?Morning Song?tried to use hishna to locate it, the spear turned it into an obsession. Its Will overpowered her. Returning the spear may break the curse.

Meanwhile?

The searchers discover that three of the pyramid-temples likely conceal treasure. The top of each temple is hinged like the lid of a chest, and the catch is released by pressing down on the altar at the top. The lid is jammed on the first chest.?Flynn?notes that a trap had been triggered at some time in the past and now the cover is stuck.?

‘Levenfingers states calmly that the second chest is also trapped. He can attempt to disable it, or allow someone else to if they prefer.

Cerina?is unable to open the third lid by herself. It seems to require one person to press down with significant force on one side while a second person rotates it up from the other. It’s certainly likely that this one is also trapped, since all the others were, but she cannot see anything that resembles a needle hole or gas vent.

And what do you do?

/DM

On Monday, April 15, 2024, 8:25 AM, Dungeon Master/Infinitum3D <infinitum3d@...> wrote:

DM-

While?Flynn,?Cerina?and ‘Levenfingers?search for traps and secret doors,?Gordon?recounts the conversation with the pair of Tabaxi Druids.

The Druids warned that The?Khenńdo M?hra?(the holiest ranking Monk of the House of the Great Mother,) named “Morning Song” is trying to recover a stolen artifact-?Onotlatlatzan; the?Spear of Necalli.?

The sentient and bombastic spear was stolen from the monastery. Since then, the Khenńdo M?hra has been kidnapping leonin and using them to hunt for the spear. These wicked acts have unbalanced nature and created a Swamp Naga that threatens the water supply of the Otomi (the “dog people”).?

Tabby?remembers what?Dances in Rain?told them- that the Spear has been manipulating Morning Song (corrupting her) and they need to stop her without killing her;?after all, she?IS?the most holy person of Tabby’s birth parents religion.?

Dances in Rain?told them The Spear of Destiny is headstrong and in a moment of vulnerability, the Khenńdo M?hra was overcome. She believed that an Avatar of Zaltec possessed a monk and that monk stole the spear. Then when?Morning Song?tried to use hishna to locate it, the spear turned it into an obsession. Its Will overpowered her. Returning the spear may break the curse.

Meanwhile?

The searchers discover that three of the pyramid-temples likely conceal treasure. The top of each temple is hinged like the lid of a chest, and the catch is released by pressing down on the altar at the top. The lid is jammed on the first chest.?Flynn?notes that a trap had been triggered at some time in the past and now the cover is stuck.?

‘Levenfingers states calmly that the second chest is also trapped. He can attempt to disable it, or allow someone else to if they prefer.

Cerina?is unable to open the third lid by herself. It seems to require one person to press down with significant force on one side while a second person rotates it up from the other. It’s certainly likely that this one is also trapped, since all the others were, but she cannot see anything that resembles a needle hole or gas vent.

And what do you do?

/DM

On Sunday, April 14, 2024, 5:02 PM, Tabby <tacobobman@...> wrote:

"I'm pretty sure we need a rod that does not free bugs. But cat people like me.", Tabby whispered back to the bard. "At least I believe the staff was supposed to free them. We managed to free a bunch of them without a rod. Still, the 'Shadow Witch' sounds like a cool villain to fight. Probably looks like a standard witch, but you only see her shadow. And imagine seeing her as she cackles away. Eh-heh-heh-heh!"

When asked to sell her special necklace, Tabby shook her head, "No, I could not part with it as it was a gift and it would be very rude to sell it for any amount of coin."

On Sun, Apr 14, 2024 at 1:09?PM Flynn/Derek Walters via <thegamerzedge=[email protected]> wrote:

Flynn scratched his beard an turned to North and the others. ”Does this sound like the rod we are searching for?”

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Dungeon Master/Infinitum3D
Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2024 11:29 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [DaleOfShadows] DaleOfShadows: Maztica, 13 Eleasis

?

DM-

?

“You check for secret doors?”

?

“Not yet,” the Rogue answers. “We were still searching for traps when we came upon this.”

?

In the alcove, framed by pillars, stands a stone bench on which a shriveled corpse huddles. Scattered around its feet are various trinkets- straw dolls decorated with colorful feathers, braided grass necklaces adorned with animal teeth, and shiny rocks that have been cut but not polished including an agate carved in the shape of a heart, a tiny gold llama, a ring of polished pink granite, and a silver plaque bearing the face of the sun.

?

“Nothing magical about it,” Mira explains, gesturing at the mess. “The mummified body of some ancient sacrifice. I don’t have a name, but it might’ve been some King by the looks of this room,” she says, glancing out into the area.

?

?

?

In the center of the room is an enormous, tarnished copper raft, crafted to resemble a dragon, bearing a copper coffin. The raft is afloat on a sea of silvery-white, flowing metal, fed by several rivers that trail along the floor of the room. The flowing liquid appears to be cool.

?

Between the waterways, stepped pyramid-temples rise skyward in mute paean to the gods of ancient Olman. Three of the pyramids appear to have tops that can be removed. In the rest of the area, a royal complex sprawls across verdant fields, and courtyards and ringed marketplaces dot the miniature countryside. There is a blight on this spectacle, however, for several of the models have been smashed and melted.

?

“Fenn, this rod you seek can you tell us more?? We also seek a rod-type object."?

?

“Greyst’s Rod of Ixtzul,” Fenn explains. “A Commanding Hishna-enchanted Rod. An artifact variant of the more common Staff of Command with one major difference in function – it affected insects and insectoid creatures only.”

?

"Whom told you about said rod? I find it interesting that the nine of us are seeking the same item.”

?

“Mira was in the Library of Prose in the Bardic college of New Olamn when she discovered a diary of Mirandos of Helm,” Fenn says.

?

Mira takes over, explaining, “Mirandos of Helm was a missionary sent to Maztica to convert the native population. Until she went rogue, Mirandos was considered an excellent missionary. One of her duties was to gather and interpret native texts and while engaged in this activity she stumbled upon books that referenced the ruined city of Ixtz and its guardian, an entity called The Star Worm.”

?

Mira pauses momentarily to see if that means anything to anyone, then continues. “According to her journal, Mirandos became convinced she could use magic as a means to control the Star Worm and turn it into a tool for Helm's greater glory. She went missing with a small group of Payit warriors shortly thereafter and hasn’t been heard of in the hundred plus years since.”

?

“However,” Kallan takes over the tale. “A merchant mariner with trade route between Murann on the Sword Coast of Amn and Helmsport here in North Ulatos whispered of rumors that Greyst Seven Cloud and Mirandos of Helm were interred deep within a tomb in High Payit.”

?

‘Levenfingers digs through his pack and pulls forth a scroll tube. “Sold us this map, he did,” he says, popping off the cork and spilling out a rolled parchment. He peels it open show you.

?

The image is waterlogged, badly creased and the edges are burnt, but Cerina is confident it’s a map. And she does see the resemblance to the areas you’ve been traveling. It very well could be an authentic map of this tomb.

?

“And you think this Rod of Insect Control is somewhere in this temple?” Brother Ashley asks.

?

“Aye,” Fenn answers. “Our guide took one look at th’map and as much told us so. He’d be here for you to ask him yourself if it wasn’t for those terrible lizards. Tall as a tavern, I swear,” he says, raising his arm to gesture the height.

?

“With the Rod, Sir Fenngrave shall be able to raise an army to drive out the Shadow Witch and her minions,” Kallan says. “What need have you of it?” he asks.

?

?

And what do you do?

?

/DM

Flynn scratched his beard an turned to North and the others. ”Does this sound like the rod we are searching for?”

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Dungeon Master/Infinitum3D
Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2024 11:29 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [DaleOfShadows] DaleOfShadows: Maztica, 13 Eleasis

?

DM-

?

“You check for secret doors?”

?

“Not yet,” the Rogue answers. “We were still searching for traps when we came upon this.”

?

In the alcove, framed by pillars, stands a stone bench on which a shriveled corpse huddles. Scattered around its feet are various trinkets- straw dolls decorated with colorful feathers, braided grass necklaces adorned with animal teeth, and shiny rocks that have been cut but not polished including an agate carved in the shape of a heart, a tiny gold llama, a ring of polished pink granite, and a silver plaque bearing the face of the sun.

?

“Nothing magical about it,” Mira explains, gesturing at the mess. “The mummified body of some ancient sacrifice. I don’t have a name, but it might’ve been some King by the looks of this room,” she says, glancing out into the area.

?

?

?

In the center of the room is an enormous, tarnished copper raft, crafted to resemble a dragon, bearing a copper coffin. The raft is afloat on a sea of silvery-white, flowing metal, fed by several rivers that trail along the floor of the room. The flowing liquid appears to be cool.

?

Between the waterways, stepped pyramid-temples rise skyward in mute paean to the gods of ancient Olman. Three of the pyramids appear to have tops that can be removed. In the rest of the area, a royal complex sprawls across verdant fields, and courtyards and ringed marketplaces dot the miniature countryside. There is a blight on this spectacle, however, for several of the models have been smashed and melted.

?

“Fenn, this rod you seek can you tell us more?? We also seek a rod-type object."?

?

“Greyst’s Rod of Ixtzul,” Fenn explains. “A Commanding Hishna-enchanted Rod. An artifact variant of the more common Staff of Command with one major difference in function – it affected insects and insectoid creatures only.”

?

"Whom told you about said rod? I find it interesting that the nine of us are seeking the same item.”

?

“Mira was in the Library of Prose in the Bardic college of New Olamn when she discovered a diary of Mirandos of Helm,” Fenn says.

?

Mira takes over, explaining, “Mirandos of Helm was a missionary sent to Maztica to convert the native population. Until she went rogue, Mirandos was considered an excellent missionary. One of her duties was to gather and interpret native texts and while engaged in this activity she stumbled upon books that referenced the ruined city of Ixtz and its guardian, an entity called The Star Worm.”

?

Mira pauses momentarily to see if that means anything to anyone, then continues. “According to her journal, Mirandos became convinced she could use magic as a means to control the Star Worm and turn it into a tool for Helm's greater glory. She went missing with a small group of Payit warriors shortly thereafter and hasn’t been heard of in the hundred plus years since.”

?

“However,” Kallan takes over the tale. “A merchant mariner with trade route between Murann on the Sword Coast of Amn and Helmsport here in North Ulatos whispered of rumors that Greyst Seven Cloud and Mirandos of Helm were interred deep within a tomb in High Payit.”

?

‘Levenfingers digs through his pack and pulls forth a scroll tube. “Sold us this map, he did,” he says, popping off the cork and spilling out a rolled parchment. He peels it open show you.

?

The image is waterlogged, badly creased and the edges are burnt, but Cerina is confident it’s a map. And she does see the resemblance to the areas you’ve been traveling. It very well could be an authentic map of this tomb.

?

“And you think this Rod of Insect Control is somewhere in this temple?” Brother Ashley asks.

?

“Aye,” Fenn answers. “Our guide took one look at th’map and as much told us so. He’d be here for you to ask him yourself if it wasn’t for those terrible lizards. Tall as a tavern, I swear,” he says, raising his arm to gesture the height.

?

“With the Rod, Sir Fenngrave shall be able to raise an army to drive out the Shadow Witch and her minions,” Kallan says. “What need have you of it?” he asks.

?

?

And what do you do?

?

/DM

?

DM-

?

“You check for secret doors?”

?

“Not yet,” the Rogue answers. “We were still searching for traps when we came upon this.”

?

In the alcove, framed by pillars, stands a stone bench on which a shriveled corpse huddles. Scattered around its feet are various trinkets- straw dolls decorated with colorful feathers, braided grass necklaces adorned with animal teeth, and shiny rocks that have been cut but not polished including an agate carved in the shape of a heart, a tiny gold llama, a ring of polished pink granite, and a silver plaque bearing the face of the sun.

?

“Nothing magical about it,” Mira explains, gesturing at the mess. “The mummified body of some ancient sacrifice. I don’t have a name, but it might’ve been some King by the looks of this room,” she says, glancing out into the area.

?

?

?

In the center of the room is an enormous, tarnished copper raft, crafted to resemble a dragon, bearing a copper coffin. The raft is afloat on a sea of silvery-white, flowing metal, fed by several rivers that trail along the floor of the room. The flowing liquid appears to be cool.

?

Between the waterways, stepped pyramid-temples rise skyward in mute paean to the gods of ancient Olman. Three of the pyramids appear to have tops that can be removed. In the rest of the area, a royal complex sprawls across verdant fields, and courtyards and ringed marketplaces dot the miniature countryside. There is a blight on this spectacle, however, for several of the models have been smashed and melted.

?

“Fenn, this rod you seek can you tell us more?? We also seek a rod-type object."?

?

“Greyst’s Rod of Ixtzul,” Fenn explains. “A Commanding Hishna-enchanted Rod. An artifact variant of the more common Staff of Command with one major difference in function – it affected insects and insectoid creatures only.”

?

"Whom told you about said rod? I find it interesting that the nine of us are seeking the same item.”

?

“Mira was in the Library of Prose in the Bardic college of New Olamn when she discovered a diary of Mirandos of Helm,” Fenn says.

?

Mira takes over, explaining, “Mirandos of Helm was a missionary sent to Maztica to convert the native population. Until she went rogue, Mirandos was considered an excellent missionary. One of her duties was to gather and interpret native texts and while engaged in this activity she stumbled upon books that referenced the ruined city of Ixtz and its guardian, an entity called The Star Worm.”

?

Mira pauses momentarily to see if that means anything to anyone, then continues. “According to her journal, Mirandos became convinced she could use magic as a means to control the Star Worm and turn it into a tool for Helm's greater glory. She went missing with a small group of Payit warriors shortly thereafter and hasn’t been heard of in the hundred plus years since.”

?

“However,” Kallan takes over the tale. “A merchant mariner with trade route between Murann on the Sword Coast of Amn and Helmsport here in North Ulatos whispered of rumors that Greyst Seven Cloud and Mirandos of Helm were interred deep within a tomb in High Payit.”

?

‘Levenfingers digs through his pack and pulls forth a scroll tube. “Sold us this map, he did,” he says, popping off the cork and spilling out a rolled parchment. He peels it open show you.

?

The image is waterlogged, badly creased and the edges are burnt, but Cerina is confident it’s a map. And she does see the resemblance to the areas you’ve been traveling. It very well could be an authentic map of this tomb.

?

“And you think this Rod of Insect Control is somewhere in this temple?” Brother Ashley asks.

?

“Aye,” Fenn answers. “Our guide took one look at th’map and as much told us so. He’d be here for you to ask him yourself if it wasn’t for those terrible lizards. Tall as a tavern, I swear,” he says, raising his arm to gesture the height.

?

“With the Rod, Sir Fenngrave shall be able to raise an army to drive out the Shadow Witch and her minions,” Kallan says. “What need have you of it?” he asks.

?

?

And what do you do?

?

/DM

On Thursday, April 11, 2024, 6:02 PM, Dungeon Master/Infinitum3D <infinitum3d@...> wrote:

DM-

“Way I see it, we’re even. You agree?”

Mira rubs her cheek and glances at Fenn, who nods. “Agreed”, she says holding out her forearm for a handshake, and grins a crooked smile.“Mira Zawad,” she introduces herself to Sweet William. “Coulda been much worse all around,” she adds, digging through her belt pouch. “Say, I got something for ya,” she says, pulling out an unworked lump of copper ore about the size and shape of a Halfling tooth, hanging from a simple silver thread. “Put this on,” she offers the necklace. “Go on,” she encourages. “Next time someone hits you with a minor spell, it’ll absorb it,” she explains. “Only one use, but coulda protected you from the blinding.”

“Now that this issue has been resolved... Perhaps introductions are in ordered all the way around.? I am Flynn, entertainer extraordinaire. You already know valiant Fenn. so maybe a quick tale of what has transpired since Fenn was waylaid by the doppelg?nger, No?"

“Good move, Mr. Sweet. Hi, I’m Tabby!”

"If we're introducing ourselves, then Hi, I'm?Cerina, 5th Clutch, Daughter of Vuma - Lady Of The Skies. We are sorry about all this, but this false Fenn was very convincing. Had we had Bub out earlier, we probably wouldn't have ended up almost killing each other."

“Well met Tabby, and Daughter of Vuma,” the gray Dragonborne greets. “I hail by Kallan of??Clan-kin of Ophinshtalajiir Perra and Vanquisher-“

“Interim Vanquisher,” Mira quickly corrects.

“-, <ahem>?Interim?Vanquisher of Tymanther,” he states formally.

“I'm Master Magi North, Banisher of Shadows, Saver of Serpents, Hero of Ordulen, Chosen One of the Sybil... Uh, and Hungerer of the Table... Destroyer of Desserts... Masher of Potatoes, Battler of the Broth, uh... Toaster of... the Toast... Umm and... and Captain of the Cutlery!"

“Mira Zawad,” the Antiquarian says absently, her attention suddenly focused deeply on Tabby’s dead bird amulet. “Cactus wren,” she mumbles to no one in particular, leaning in closer to inspect it. “Not native to Maztica,” she adds. “I’ll give you five for it,” she says still examining it closely.

“What’s with this group wanting to buy everything from us,” Brother Ashley leans in and whispers to Cerina.

“And this is Jarkle ‘Levenfingers,” Fenn says proudly, resting a hand on the Rogue’s shoulder. “Rescued from hanging in the City of Splendors by Yours Truly and given a second chance at repentance and making the world a better place.” The Rogue forces an awkward grin.

Brother Ashley gives Flynn a nervous side eye glance.

“Upon fleeing the attacking jungle cats,” Kallan begins explaining, “we made our way down the tunnel to this room. We had no idea Fenn had been replaced by the Shifter,” he states. “Mira dispelled a curse on the seal, Jarkle opened it and led the way in, and we followed along. I did wonder why you were so quiet,” the Dragonborne says to the bearded warrior.?

“Aye,” Fenn says. “That should have been noted as odd. So what have we here?” he goes on, gesturing wide to the room. “Any sign of the rod?” he asks his companions.

“Not here,” ‘Levenfingers complains. “Nothing worth anything here.”

And what do you do?

/DM