The Brink [of Madness] Act 1, Scene 1

[Lord Torath]

Steven stands with a smile and sweeps the group an elegant bow. “I am Steve, or Stephen, if you prefer. I come from the Stormlands. I heard of the imprisonment of the great paladin Sorril Venir and decided to come aid in his rescue. I am primarily a mind bender, but I am proficient in many disciplines of The Way. My focus was more mental, with less training in physical manipulation like the esteemed Master Brasspick has acheived.”

“Alas, I arrived too late to join you on your first foray into the elaborate prison that holds Sir Venir, but I feel I could be a great addition to your expedition.”

Steve smiles warmly at Allikhaine. “That is a wonderful spell you cast, Mistress Gellantra, that allowed everyone to speak mind-to-mind with each other. I can achieve a similar effect, albeit you will only be able to communicate with me, instead of directly with each other. It has the benefit of not expiring, but it will also, unfortunately, exclude any fellow masters of The Way. Apologies, Master Axid, but your well-trained mind will automatically reject the changes I would need to make to include you.”

“Mighty Master Landro, I believe I can augment your fantastic blade to make it even more lethal, given a day or two to put something together. With enough time, I could create minor healing and health-boosting items for the group as well.

“I should also be able to facilitate quicker travel to and from the labyrinth. Master Axid, the dimensional door you employed so excellently against the trolls can, with study and effort, be improved upon to allow larger distances to be covered, and without the disorientation that typically affects those passing through the lesser portals.

Steve grins at Axid. “And finally, yes, I do have soap. Perhaps you would care to bathe, Master Tav'Lux?” he says, presenting it to Ke'Sha with a flourish and a friendly grin. “I’ve found that smelling nice can greatly improve the willingness of others to do as you ask.”

[Styrius]

Axid reaches into his pouch and pulls out a silver piece and tenders it to Steve. “I hope it is extra strength soap because the assault on our olfactory senses has been, impressive. I don’t know how often you travel in the company of the undead but this day has been a test in more ways than one. If you dare venture forth to save this hapless paladin it would welcome company. Your skills can prove useful. We have learned so far that to progress through some parts of the cave system you will need a mark or more than one to explore. We can lead you to the one we now all bear” Axid reveals the mark to him. “Not the most pleasant experience I assure you. There are several of these we may need. If you don’t have the mark you won’t or can’t see or feel what the marked creatures do. The place is frustrating to say the least.”

[BishGada]

As Steve offers the soap to Ke'Sha, Ke'Sha raises his eyebrows in complete confusion. "All this smells and cleaning talk was addressed at me? Well, thanks for the soap. Don't mind to have some extra." When he opens one of the small pouches in his belt, all can see and smell that Ke'Sha actually has soap and other preparation to keep himself clean. He grins, his perfect teeth shine and says, "So Steve, you and the dwarf are of the same kind? That's a relief, you can keep each other busy and give me some quiet. This will be a blessing and you are more than welcome to join."
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(OOC: No harm meant. Ke'Sha was a loner for most of his life. It seems you missed the description where it says that Ke'Sha keeps high hygiene. He only doesn't care how he looks and what people think of him, so he has very worn out cloth, and his hair is not combed, but working with the dead for so long time he is well aware of diseases and keeps his body in perfect shape.
The zombies are a different story )

[TristenC]

Lena listens atentively to the description of their encounters in the Labyrinth so far. She seems suspicious of the Sigil tattoos but reserves comment on that matter. It seems you've made some quick progress, that is good. To Steve's point, I have agreed to allow him to establish mental contact with myself. In this way you will be able to keep in contact with us here on the surface, provided . Of course whether or not you each choose to do the same is up to you.

Landro shrugs, I suppose I'm game, but no funny business. He says with a grin.

Allikain frowns, I believe I will decline for now. I'm not familiar enough with such practices to be comfortable with it at this time.


Lena follows up, addressing the group So what is your plan for the next steps? I presume you're returning to the Labyrinth in the morning?

[Lord Torath]

Stephen sweeps Allikhain a brief bow. "As you wish. Should you later change your mind, let me know."

He turns to the rest of the group. “Yes, about those ‘tattoos’. Is there some way to learn more about them? Some sort of divination we could make? I am aware of a few of psionic powers that could be of aid. Master Axid, are you versed in either Spirit Lore or Retrospection? I confess, I myself am not.

“Regardless, here are some things I would very much like to know: The scepter was made by a priest of Dyris. Is Dyris a god? What kind? It is likely he or his servant imprisoned the great Sorril Venir. What do we know about the priest, Im-Ravin? Does either he (assuming Im-Ravin is a ‘he’) or Dyris have a great plan in the works that we should be attempting to thwart? Is going through the labyrinth the best way to thwart them, or is it just a distraction? Should I be capitalizing “Labyrinth” in my mind? Sorry, getting a bit off track.

“Who or what created the item that bestowed the sigil? I suppose the specifics are not really all that important. I am really more interested in if the sigil-bestowing item was made by the same entity that created the labyrinth. If not, is it something added by an entity that is allied with or inimical to the Labyrinth’s creator? Do we have an unknown ally? Again, this could probably be better answered by my next question:

“What is the full intent behind ‘tattooing’ us with the sigils?

“Is there an entity that intends to use the ‘tattoos’ against explorers of the Labyrinth? This might be answered by the previous question, but also might not.

“What would be the impact of having all 20 sigils ‘tattooed’ on you?

“Is the pool we’re supposed to plunge the scepter into actually in the labyrinth?

“So, that’s what I would like to know.”



Later that night, Stephen takes Landro aside for just over 20 minutes
********
Contact Roll on Landro (power score: 19): [1d20]=3 - 18 PSPs + 10 to maintain for 10 rounds.
Psychic Surgery Roll – Contact (power score: 15): [1d20]=3 - 10 PSPs
Mindlink Roll (power score: 16): [1d20]=17 – failure 4 PSPs
Mindlink Roll (power score: 16): [1d20]=13 – 8 PSPs/round for eleven rounds => 88 PSPs
Psychic Surgery Roll - Mindlink (power score: 15): [1d20]=8 - 10 PSPs
Total of 28+10+4+88+10 = 140 PSPs.
********
<There. All done. You can send me images as well as thoughts, but I will only see what you specifically send. For example, you could send me the images of your path through the labyrinth. I’m particularly interested in the bone chamber that’s had black puddings dumped in it.>

[BishGada]

Ke'Sha loudly "pfffsss" at Lena assertion that they will return tomorrow to the Labyrinth and later yawns in the middle of Stefan list of things he would like to know. When he suggests the mental link Ke'Sha asks, "I don't mind but are you sure you can handle it?" he grins.

Moments later he gets close to Allakhain, "We have some real work to do. We shall start tonight planning it. And maybe we will need to find clear space to arrange some kind of a working ground for it."

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(OOC: Your questions are more than vali, but we got the impression that all high powers already investigated the source of Sorril capture with no clue of the nature of it. In any case as a player I agree with the question as well as with using all sorts of divination to be better prepared to the fights. This includes those spells that help you "feel" what is the right path or action to choose when faced with certain dillemas and such.
Ke'Sha has several divination spells from weak to strong ones.
Thought capture - impressions from the location they are in
Idea, Augury, Genius, Commune, illumination, Revelation, Divine Inspiration

There is also stone tell, speak with animals and speak with dead which he means to cast on the body they found (and maybe on other that will be found later) that you can ask the "witnesses" what happened in the place.

So if Lena won't say they already failed to get the answers for your questions, Ke'Sha can ask these on his behalf.)

[Lord Torath]

Steve grins at Ke’Sha. “Rest assured, should any of the mental images you send me prove to be too disturbing, the same power I use to make the link with you can purge those images from my own mind.”

He faces the rest of the group. “Regarding venturing into the Labyrinth in the morning, I think it might be best to wait at least a day or two before returning. While it only takes about 20 minutes to establish the Mindlink with each person, it is a taxing process, and it will require 5-6 hours for me to recover the strength required to do it again. It will be near midnight before I can establish the link with Ke’Sha, and that's only two out of our party."

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I was going to suggest Find the Path, but I realized it’s a divination spell above 3rd level, so none of our clerics probably have access to it.

I’m not actually certain if Psychic Surgery can remove selected memories – that might require Mindwipe. It can cure mental illnesses, though, including things like PTSD. And it’s not like Ke’Sha knows enough to call Steve out on this.

The first set of Contact Other Plane questions didn’t include the sigil ‘tattoos’, since we didn’t know about them. Presumably Lena’s crew didn’t know to ask about them either.

Information about Dyris can probably gained by someone with a Religion NWP. Or possibly Ancient History. Who created the sigil-tattooing item is really much less important than the full intent behind the tattooing. So really, Steve only has the last four questions that might need Contact Other Plane – style answering.

Information about Im-Ravin might require divinations as well. Steve could probably get some very basic information via Contact and Identity Penetration, but until we’re within 6 feet of him and can use Probe, that’s about it.

Perhaps “What types of opposition are we likely to encounter?” Is that that too open-ended?

Making Mindlink permanent on Ke'Sha:
Contact Roll on Ke’Sha (power score: 19): [1d20]=9 - 18 PSPs + 10 to maintain for 10 rounds.
Psychic Surgery Roll – Contact (power score: 15): [1d20]=14 - 10 PSPs
Mindlink Roll (power score: 16): [1d20]=20 - failure, save vs Petrification or stunned for 1d4 rounds - not terribly relevant this time - 4 PSPs
Mindlink Roll (power score: 16): [1d20]=10 - 8 PSPs/round for eleven rounds => 88 PSPs
Psychic Surgery Roll - Mindlink (power score: 15): [1d20]=9 - 10 PSPs
Total of 28+4+88+20 = 140 PSPs.

[TristenC]

[Yeah, the first 6 questions were from Allikhain's familiar using his ability, which activates 1/week. Ke'Sha could have his own familiar do a similar thing if the party wants to use that for more questions.]

Lena's addresses some of the questions, We are not sure who or what the Dyris is. From the way the answer was phrased it could be a god or a people. We were not able to discern anything new about 'Dyris' or 'Im-Ravin', and nothing of their motivations.

Allikhain chimes in. It seemed many of the powerful divination magics used prior to our expedition here were unable to determine much. However, once inside this strange jungle valley, they seem to be more effective... perhaps there was some interference or strong protection between this valley and the world beyond. At least Binky's questions produced some reasonable answers. I have plied my own knowledge of the Netherworld and Ancient lore against these two references, but come up with nothing yet. Perhaps Gur could use his own ability in a similar way, now that we are slightly more informed after our short foray into the caverns. I also have the ability to Contact another plane, even Pandemonium itself, but for me it carries much more risk than for our familiars. Either way, the answers are always brief. Such beings as have the knowledge are often less than enthused to be answering questions, so we should prepare the list beforehand if possible.


The paladin's mouth tightens at the mention of delay, but she speaks Make what preparations you wish quickly. Now that you have entered the Labyrinth they will surely soon know of our presence here. The camp itself may come under attack. In fact, some of the scouts have found evidence of many large predators in the area... Turning to a nearby table she removes a blanket covering a lumpy object to reveal the head of a massive cat with long protruding fangs. Some of the rangers in the group claim the creature was thought extinct... And they have seen tracks, three-toed like birds but over a pace long for a single footprint. She says, letting the information sink in.

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Bish's comments are correct, I tried to use Allikhain's response to clarify a little for Steve in-character as well

Gur would be able to ask 6 questions if he uses his weekly ability
Allikhain could ask up to 8 questions, but she might go insane depending on which plane she contacts.

[Lord Torath]

“Sounds like it may be time to start building a palisade around the camp, then. After one day, only one sigil has been acquired. Assuming all 20 are required to reach the pool, (we might know better after some divinations have been cast) that’s at least another 19 days, assuming we dive back in tomorrow and proceed at the same rate.” Stephen sends a commiserating look at Lena. “I know you want your mentor rescued as quickly as possible, but it doesn’t seem like this is going to be a quick in-and-out expedition. You may want to think about arranging for supply deliveries and additional defensive personnel. I can probably assist with getting it here, as it’s otherwise a rather long trek through the wilderness.”

“Allikhain, I may be able to provide relief should your psyche be damaged while contacting planar powers for information. As I told Ke’Sha, I really can treat such ailments. It is rather difficult to use this power on myself, but it is much easier on another. I give you my word that I would do no more than check that your psyche is undamaged, and repair it if necessary, unless you give me your express permission to do otherwise.

[BishGada]

When Allakhain suggests Gur would do something for the team his eyes opens wide. He doesn't like being told or even suggested what he or his familiar can do. He is the one suggesting to *OTHERS* what they should do. But before he snaps he considers Allakhain again. Top to bottom. And her usefulness, and their shared interests. So he takes a deep breath and says, "Sure Allakhain, how could I refuse your sweet suggestion? We should finish with it quickly and deal with the really important stuff, right?"

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(OOC: I don't mind using Gur connection with the abyss but again, Idea, Augury, Genius, Commune, illumination, Revelation, Divine Inspiration can have similar effects without the risk that Allakhain may suffer.

I'll try to list what I understand you want to ask with my comments regarding it:
1. Who are the Drys - I assume no one knows. Not much chance we will get answer
2. Who is Im-Ravin - same
3. Who created the sigil branding machine? - new info, legit question. Probably the builder of the Labyrinth which is either the snake god or his high priesthood. But you want to know if someone that want to help us added it to the Labyrinth later. It is somewhat hard to imagine, since if that was the case he would put all the sigils together and free Sorril but maybe...
4. What is the full intent behind ‘tattooing’ us with the sigils? Good or bad. - we can ask, probably get answer that it is both good and bad and the obvious function of revealing new layers within places we have already searched.
5. What would be the impact of having all 20 sigils ‘tattooed’ on you? - You will look very cool
6. Is the pool we’re supposed to plunge the scepter into actually in the labyrinth? - we can ask. I think that even if not, the path must go through the labyrinth, but who knows, there might be a loophole in the module

Additions:
7. How does the sigils function, is it dimensional shifting and if so can it be bypassed by dimensional/phase/planes spells?
8. What monsters lurk in the labyrinth, specifically, undead? demons? spell-casters? - (the answer will probably be 'yes' )
9. Are there protective spells casted on the labyrinth and how could such be cancelled?

Anything else? From anyone in the team?
)

[TristenC]

Supplies are being handled by some of the other adventurers. As soon as we set up quite a bit was unpacked via extradimensional devices and portals. We also have quite a few clerics able to create fresh food and water, if somewhat bland. The defenses are being seen to as well. I understand it may take some time. My main concern is, now they know we are here.

Allikhain seems intrigued by the psychic repair option. Good to know. Though I'll do my best not to be in need of your services. she grins. What questions should we ask?

[Lord Torath]

“It seems that asking just how critical the passage time is to our mission might be another thing to inquire about. And whether or not our opponents will act against our camp, and what forces they are able to bring to bear.

“As far as light, is there a possibility we could each get a bead on a string? Or even just a scrap of cloth knotted about something we could wrap around our necks? If we imbue the bead or knotted cloth with the light spell, the light will emerge from beneath our chins, freeing up our hands and (mostly) preventing us from blinding each other.”

[BishGada]

Ke'Sha rolls his eye impatiently. "Right, so first question is if we have time. I bet most godlings would say that we have time. Especially my lord... we have pretty much eternity... Then if the camp is in danger, which is probably true as well. Between the two of us Allakhain and myself can finish the list of questions in one day but we will probably need at least another day to recover our spells, and I would like to conduct few more tests, including talking with the spirit of the body we have found. I assume two or three days are the minimum we should spend here." Ke'Sha informs. Then he walks to Allakhain and says, "So if we dedicate tomorrow for divination spells, I think using few 'idea' casts, several 'augury' spells, for example verifying we can spend time in camp to better prepare for the dungeon, two 'genius' casts, one 'commune' and one 'illumination' will allow us about 30 yes/no questions or short answers, 4-5 gut feelings about future actions, and two general purpose questions/answers, which I feel is enough. Gur can commune as well, and if you have your own divination I'm pretty sure we are covered. On top of that we can speak with the dead to get more information about the dungeon or the questions the new guy presented, and I'll also be able to raise the trolls we killed, summon undead and maybe also a varaggoind to serve us. Give me another day and we can summon strong animals and raise them as undead. I may even be able to find me the means to raise a juju-zombie."

[Lord Torath]

“That will give me time to create mental links with Jagrinder and Jack, and augment Landro's weapon. Who else tends to fight up close and personal with the enemy? I can get started upgrading their weapon as well.”

[Nocturno]

"What that sounds like is you are going to piss off your patrons. Far too many questions, in what seems to them an instant. From past experience you'll get the first few questions, but after that they started treating me like a child who keeps asking 'why'."
Jag straightens.
"The Elf in me wants to stay in camp and learn more, the Orc in me wants to guide Landro to bash more of these Trolls into fine dust. The Human in me wants both. I suggest we try and learn something new, but we best not test our patron's nerves, if we want them to answer our call for healing and renewal."
He then looks at Steve. "I must politely decline your offer to mess with my noodle. My arcane and divine thoughts already scramble this about. However the link Allikhain provided was quite useful. Maybe we can work a deal for that one to make it's way into my spellbook as well."
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Jack looks intrigued. "Maybe you can fill some of this chip on my shoulder while you are in there messing with my thoughts."
(That is Jack agreeing)
"While this is all going on, I would like to go back and retrace some steps, maybe I can find something we missed the first time through."