[Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

A game that seems to change settings every couple of years; currently following the Age of Worms Adventure Path.

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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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The party makes its way through the final tunnel on their route to Eligos' manor. They pass through the quirky neighborhood known as the Midnight Muddle (E), which seems to have a large population of gnomes and halflings. Then they cross a bridge and ascend an arcane elevator to reach the affluent Garden District (D), which is on a higher tier of the city. There are guards at the top of the elevator, and they look at the party with some obvious suspicion, but do not bar the group's entry.

Not far from the edge of the tier, the party arrives at the address they were given for Eligos' home (19). A white stone wall surrounds a manicured yard of trimmed hedges and exotic fauna. A cobbled path, flanked by a pair of pools and rearing dragon statues, leads to a white marble manor house with gilded double doors and flickering golden lanterns. As the party approaches the front door to the opulent manor, it opens as if they are expected. An aging elf in a servant's uniform says, Hmm, yes, I think perhaps you are lost? This is a private estate. Or do you have business with the master?
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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"We have a message for Master Eligos," replies Worrel. "From Sage Penkawr."
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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"We have a message for Master Eligos," replies Worrel. "From Sage Penkawr in Rastingdrung."

Worrel hesitates for a moment. "May we speak with him?
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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Tex says nothing.
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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Lola stands in the back, not speaking unless spoken to.
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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The elderly elf appears to recognize the name Penkawr. He nods and says, Walk this way, please. Assuming you follow him inside the manor, he escorts the party through the grand foyer, dominated by a marble staircase lined with suits of ancient armor, and topped by an ancient battle banner used as a curtain. Off to one side, a short hallway leads to a parlor, where the austere manservant says, You may wait here while I fetch Master Eligos. Can I offer you some refreshement while you wait? Wine? Water? A light snack?

Looking around you can see that the parlor is lined with packed bookcases, framed by various oil paintings of faraway places and fantastic locales (such as a great road of bones, a bustling city set inside a dormant volcano, and an abstract painting of a vast featureless ashen plain). All of the furniture is gilt with fine gold tracery and padded with plush red velvet cushions. The floor is polished wood, but covered by a well-worn carpet depicting some forgotten battle between the forces of good and evil.
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

Post by Jinxs-3d »

Ardrea responds to the servant. Thank you. Some refreshment would be much appreciated.
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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Prost replys Refreshments would be great and could you bring some dog treats for Fluffy Fluffy ears 👂 perks up when he hears treat.
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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"I would also appreciate some water," replies Worrel.

While he waits, Worrel studies the scene on the carpet while trying to remember if it was part of his instruction.

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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

Post by ElectroZman »

Tex wanders around the room looking at the scenes. Does anything strike a chord or memory?

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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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Tex does not recognize the places shown in the paintings. They must be very exotic or maybe even fictional. Likewise, Worrel does not know anything about the battle scene on the carpet.

The elf provides the party with fine wine, water, and a platter of fresh fruit. He pats Fluffy on the head and gives the dog a piece of jerky before leaving you to await the sage.

After a few minutes, a middle-aged man wearing an open red robe with a silver breastplate underneath enters the room. His eyes are sharp wells of deep gray accented by specks of red. His hair, red like the setting sun, shows the first signs of receding. My manservant, Pollard, tells me that Allustan Penkawr sent you, he says in a calm, even voice. Honestly, I never thought I would hear from him again. But nevertheless, my name is Eligos. How can I be of assistance?
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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Prost steps forward...My name is Evan Prost, Allustan Penkawr believes you will be able to make sense of the cultist and Age of Worms business. We have a letter from him here... Prost hands him the letter. My companions and I will be happy to relate our experience with this business. Perhaps you could shed any light on what we have seen. Any aid you could provide would be welcomed.
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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Eligos reads the letter quickly, frowning as he takes in Penkawr's message. Hmmm, yes, this Age of Worms does seem to be a matter of some concern, says the Sage, Penkawr, for all his faults, is not usually one to exaggerate. Can you show me these documents he mentioned? And then tell me the tale of your adventures. No detail will be too small...
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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Worrel will wait for someone to turn over the documents and for Eligos to indicate that he is ready to hear about their battles with the worm-ridden creatures.
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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Lola, while listening in on what is being talked about, will help herself to some of the snacks. Smiling at whoever brought them in.
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

Post by ElectroZman »

Tex helps himself to wine and food. He listens in and adds commentary to the story whenever needed.
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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Eligos reviews the documents the party has recovered, then listens to the stories of the group's adventures, asking clarifying questions at various points. He seems particularly interested in the descriptions of the green worms, but also in the runes and writings associated with the Triad of Sixes.

Finally, he comments, Although not my area of expertise, I do know a bit of what you speak and am greatly disturbed. I will look into this matter, but it will take some time. There are many books to consult, and most are kept in the Great Library. I should be able to gather the information you seek within the week. While you wait, might I recommend that you stay at the Crooked House? It is in the Midnight Muddle, the tier just below this one. It is an excellent inn and the keeper and I are old friends—mention my name and he’s sure to give you a discount on rooms. I shall contact you there when I have found the knowledge you seek. Until then, I suggest you enjoy the comforts Tula has to offer.
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If you have no specific questions for the sage at this time, let me know if you agree to his suggestion to stay at the Crooked House. Also let me know anything else you'd like to do or accomplish while here in the big city. Depending on what you want to do, we might fast forward to the next event...

 

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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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OUT OF CHARACTER
Prost would be wanting search about town, particularly for anything that would improve the deadly effect of his sling staff or the quickness of his reload

 

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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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OUT OF CHARACTER
Worrel will agree to staying at the inn. While waiting, he will seek out a Temple of MItra. If one exists, he will pray and see if there is any news concerning the worms.

 

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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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OUT OF CHARACTER
Tex also agrees to take his recommendation of lodging. If Prost doesn't mind, Tex will tag along and see what weapons or other items are available. He's starting to go through arrows very quickly.

 

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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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OUT OF CHARACTER
Lola agrees with both the lodging, and the shopping spree.

 

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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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ElectroZman wrote: Tue Sep 07, 2021 7:56 am
OUT OF CHARACTER
Tex also agrees to take his recommendation of lodging. If Prost doesn't mind, Tex will tag along and see what weapons or other items are available. He's starting to go through arrows very quickly.

 

Prost welcomes Tex’s company.
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

Post by Jinxs-3d »

Ardrea is good with staying at the inn. She wouldn't object to keeping an eye out at some shops.
OUT OF CHARACTER
In addition, she would like to explore the option to retrain one of her early hexes. If there are facilities within the city. She would like to re-train her Hex: Ward to Hex: Swamp's Grasp. Ward has nearly outlived any usefulness. +2 deflection is redundant with her companions current equipment. My understanding is this takes about 5 days, 8 hours/day.

 

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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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After meeting with Eligos and telling their story, it is getting on towards evening so the party makes its way back down from the Garden District tier into the Midnight Muddle neighborhood. This is a busy neighborhood, packed with shops and inns that appear to be mostly run by halflings and gnomes but cater to folk of all sizes. The buildings here reflect this diversity, as few look alike and construction styles vary wildly from building to building. Structures made are from stone, fancifully carved wood, and countless other more exotic materials.

Following the sage's directions, the party is easily able to locate the Crooked House (on the map here it is #20). One of the larger buildings in the neighborhood, the Crooked House, is just that—a bit off tilt. Its walls are all at odd angles while none of its windows and doors are quite square. Despite this, the building looks to be in good repair, freshly painted and clean. Inside the inn, the taproom is busy with patrons and decorated with numerous trophies, primarily owlbear heads. The tables have uneven legs so that they sit level on the slightly sloping floor.

In spite of the dinnertime crowd, the party is easily able to get the attention of the owner, a gnome who introduces himself as Tarquin Shortstone
XXIV. He is busy serving up a meal and asks if the PCs are interested in joining. When the group indicates they are interested in staying at the inn, he says number of rooms available, all singles. His double rooms and party rooms are currently rented out to a merchant caravan that just arrived in Tula. The single rooms go for 6 silver peices per night, including a small meal in the morning, he says.
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

Post by ElectroZman »

Tex says, We shall be here at least a week. Is there a weekly rate? Eligos thought you might be able to help us.
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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When Tex mentions Eligos, Tarquin immediately brightens, Ah, Eligos sent you did he? What a friend he is! I have a special deal for mutual friends: 4 silver pieces per night and free drinks, as well!
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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"Yes, Eligos did refer us to your establishment," replies Worrel. And, I believe, we will accept your offer."
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

Post by ElectroZman »

Tex nods, Sounds good! now, I heard something about drinks?

As it is dinner time, he'll stow his gear in the room provided, then join his companions for food and ale.

Looks like we've time to kill. I want ta see if in this city there might be a fletcher. Going through arrows fast and very nearly ran out down there in that Lizard warren. He takes a deep drink, I'm also wonderin what happened to that Chimera. He upends his tankard, But for tonight I'm gonna get *BURAAAP*, More Ale!

Tex will drink while listening to his friends...
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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Lola also agrees, stores her gear and goes back down for food and drink.
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Re: [Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

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Cyrius joins the rest for the meal.
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