DM's Report: Descent into the Tower
General Summary
Gathered in the landing, surrounded by broken bookshelves, our heroes feared the regiment of skeletons below them. A plan was hatched to both test and assault their undead foes. While the others surrounded the stairs, Kepisk descended to the landing and cast Ice Knife, immediately destroying two of the six skeletons and injuring more. The attack broke the skeletons from their stillness and they were quickly after the lizardman shaman, chasing him up the stairs and falling into the trap laid by the heroes. Between a second ice knife and controlling the enemies at the stairwell chokepoint, they were able to make quick work of the undead fiends. From the apparent commander they recovered an extremely well crafted sword.
Safely entering the once guarded room, the heroes found no further path beyond a broom closet. An archway in one wall seemed curious an on investigation Vyth found a sigil of Zaklaka inscribed upon it. Meanwhile Pijarr was very curious about the far corner of the room which seemed misshapen given the construction of the tower. On speaking the dark lord's name Vyth revealed a secret entrance through the archway, leading to a ritual chamber beyond.
Pijarr and Bimpnottin were also able to find a secret door in the corner, revealing a small treasure room. The room included some ceremonial robes and paraphernalia as well as a small container of coin and a sword which shed moonlight when held.
In the ritual chamber, the heroes found the remains of an altar at the far end and beyond that a glowing, pulsing run set in the wall. Caution was their watchword, which served them well as Alara found an old arrow trap hidden in the corner closest to her. Examining the opposite corner, they found a similar trap and deduced these were constructed to protect the rune at the far end of the chamber. Alara was able to deactivate the trap, freeing them to investigate the rune. It was quickly discovered that simply touching it led unpleasant effects, to whit a shocking grasp spell. Alara supposed that the proper command word could prevent this and reveal it's true purpose, or possibly a dispel magic spell might work just as well. George reminded the group they had the Dust of Disenchantment. They sprinkled their one portion of the dust over the rune and watched as it's magic dissipated, revealing a secret stairwell down to a lower level.
While they pondered their next step a voice invited them down.
Entering the lower chamber the heroes found themselves in a pentagram shaped room. A small table occupied the centre of the room and a single, black candle occupied the centre of the table. A solitary figured hunched over the table, his fingers playing in the flames of the candle. He introduced himself as Garl the Watchdog, keeper of the tower, and spoke of the return of the gods, a coming reckoning. "I am not the reckoning, but I will be yours." With that he stood to his full height, revealing an enormous maul.
As battle was met, Kepisk saw they were not alone. The shadows themselves came forward to attack, one form close to Garl and another across the room. Kepisk was quick to act against the later and it was felled with little issue. Meanwhile a mighty blow from Garl's maul knocked George into unconsciousness. A couple blows to Alara from the shadow revealed their ability to sap strength! Finally with a flesh-rending bite, Vyth tore Garl's throat from his neck and the evil priest crumpled to the floor.
The heroes took Garl's Maul and a ruby which had been attached to it, and Bimpnottin grabbed the candle from the table. As they considered their next move the tower began to shake and fall once again. They ran back through to the roof, emerging and running free of the tower. Bimpnottin, slowest of the group, was nearly pulled back as the tower sank once more below the marsh. Finally the marsh was once more at peace.
Missions/Quests Completed
Exploration and destruction of the Black Tower.
Character(s) interacted with
Garl the Watchdog
Dust of Disenchantment
Wondrous Item Magical Rare [Abjuration]
This fine white powder, similar to confectioner's sugar, is a simple utility item, though rare enough to find. Sprinkle the dust on a target and it casts Dispell Magic. A spell caster can use their spell casting ability to dispel magics above level 3. A non-spell caster makes makes a straight check adding their proficiency bonus. The normal range of the dust is touch but it can be thrown up to 10'. A successful dexterity attack is required to hit a target further than 5' or one in combat. Dust of Disenchantment is usually found in a small container, such as a pouch which can hold 1-5 uses.
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