This is not to say I won’t kill a character.

(Ilea turned to stone by a beholder. Sadi bitten in half by a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. Alek’s head crushed by a fire giant. Sadi blown to bits by an evil sorcerer. Indira blown to bits by a beholder’s eye stalk.)

Or that every character shouldn’t be worried about dying. (Cinder dragged underwater by a sea monster.  Myntilly grappled by two chokers.  Ian grappled by a tarry demon. Acgar singled out by a black dragon. Indira and Brus embroiled in a column of flame.)

.

.

But death in Dungeon and Dragons is so…done.  It lacks creativity.  Not only this, it is not even a difficult obstacle to overcome.  All you need is a night’s rest and 10,000gp worth of diamonds.  Bah.

So much more interesting to put the party to sleep and have them wake up in a dark cavern tied up, naked, and bereft of gear.  Or to teleport them 500 miles away to a barren desert.  Or capture one of the characters and take her to places unknown.  Or capture two characters and take them to two different places.

Buzz said it best in his post about the beholder.  Sure, the beholder could just eat the bear, or use its finger of death eyestalk and that would be it.  But no, the beholder is truly evil.  Instead charm the bear and make everyone work hard.  Put the strongest, beefiest hitter to sleep.  Distract, hinder, confuse, and otherwise wield chaos on the players to suit the beholder’s own evil whims.

In fact, now that I mention it, is anyone wondering why the beholder didn’t play for keeps?  I mean really, with 9 eyestalks (one is missing), it has 9 attacks each round.  That’s enough for each character to get hit each round.  Sure the save DC of 18 is reasonably low.  But roll low on them and the character is incapacitated or dead.  Come to think of it, that beholder didn’t really use all of his attacks each round.

So what is that beholder up to?

Location: House Rhiavadi
Present: Thirfane Rhiavadi, Khyron Bonesworn, Thearynn Louvel, Gau Kleeoch, Nabthatoron, Kaurophon, Zarn Kyass, Ssythar Nahazir, Shebeleth Regidin, Nulin Wiejeron, Kyann Winterstrike
Absent: Dyr’ryd, Alurad Sozizan, Skaven Umbermead, Fetor Abradius, Embril Aloustinai, Oskar Vhalantru
Minutes submitted by: Kaurophon

Introduction

Thirfane began the Summit with a fine dinner. During this time, Cagewright members were introduced to one another and discussed their roles in the organization.

An Organization Chart was presented to all members present. Until now, operatives have conducted their business in isolated cells. Some connections between members had been previously established, but a full picture of the organization had not been revealed. The Thirteen are identified in yellow, their assistants (when applicable) are in green. Those in grey are dead.

The Cagewrights are divided into four departments: Development, Historical Lore, Safety and Security, Cagebuilding. A representative from each department presented information.

Historical Lore Report

Shebeleth presented a brief history of our organization and its mission. Approximately 700 years ago, demons from the Demonskar raged in battle against Redgorge. These demons, led by Nabthatoron, were defeated. However, they managed to create hybrid descendants who spread throughout the land. This line of descendants become The Marked Ones.

Approximately 75 years ago, Dyr’ryd (bottom right) heard the message from Adimarchus. In a quest for power, he founded the Cagewrights. Our organization has been tasked with opening a portal from Carceri to free Adimarchus from his prison.

At this point, Phase I is complete. The Marked Ones, descendants of the demonspawn, have been identified. Thirteen of them are collected. Through careful study at Karran Kural, Fetor Abradius has understood how to complete the ritual. This has been at some cost to his sanity. However, we have been able to understand messages from Adimarchus as well as the stories of the Spellweavers who were in the region 3000 years ago.

Cagebuilders Report

Nabthatoron presented on behalf of the Cagebuilders. Using information from Thearynn and Fetor, cages were forged from platinum. Forging occurred in three different locations to avoid detection (the Demonskar, the Kopru Ruins, and the Dixie Mattress Company). A structure for these cages, the Tree of Shackled Souls, required materials to be shipped through Drakthar’s Way. Everything has run smoothly; the Tree is in the Fiery Sanctum awaiting the final Ritual.

Safety and Security Report

Gau presented for Safety and Security. The city of Cauldron is sedated. The Stormblades are broken, the Mayor has been eliminated, and the half-orc (provided by Zarn Kyass) are keeping the city under control. However, plans must be made to eliminate the Divas who continue to plague us.

This graph compares our power to those who would challenge us. We incorporated the Yin Yang Gang into our plans, so they are no longer a threat. The Stormblades interfered with some of our cagebuilding last year. Thankfully, Orbius was able to send them on a fatal mission recently. The Divas were a mild annoyance until last winter when they began to investigate and learn our plans. They are now targeting members of our organization becoming an increasing threat.

Development Report

Khyron presented on behalf of Development. The undead we’ve created are docile and diligent workers. Together with skilled slaves, they have been able to mine materials for building the cages and the tree. Additionally, we have been able to sell mined materials for profit to fund our other efforts. We are also making strong progress for Phase IV of our plans, reviving the plans of the sorcerer Kyuss, which were interrupted 2000 years earlier.

The loss of Xokek is a minor setback. Thirfane’s aide, Oskar Valantru (a.k.a. Orbius) was nominated to replace him. This motion was passed unanimously.

Obstacles

Thearynn presented issues to be addressed. In response to seismic activity in the Cauldron area, Thearynn has developed a magical object that can halt the gathering power of the Tree of Shackled Souls. If needed, this Dispersal Collar can be wrapped around the base of the tree and halt the Planar Ritual. So that this collar does not fall into enemy hands, it is currently being guarded by Moltenwing in the Fiery Sanctum.

At this knowledge, discussion ensued. Relevant points include: Better for the volcano to erupt than stop the Ritual for anyone to get hands on a safety measure; Moltenwing is more than a match for anyone who wants the dispersal collar; If no enemy can get the dispersal collar from Moltenwing, how can we get it if we need it?

Additionally, Skaven needs to complete his lich ritual. Orbius needs to complete his shator ritual. Skaven remains in the ruins of the former Kopru city, and Orbius is hidden in the lower depths of his mansion in Cauldron. When these conversions are complete, we will be prepared to move ahead.

Future Plans

Thirfane summarized the next stage of our plan.

This schematic diagram shows the current plan. With Phase I complete, the gathering and shackling of The Marked Ones, we can begin Phase II, the opening of the Planar Portal. We will divide into two groups. One group remains here in the Fiery Sanctum. The other group goes to Carceri to work to open the portal from the other side.

Once open, the Interplanar Portal will give us great power. From this projected graph, we can see that the Demons will keep the Divas occupied and most likely kill them off. As the power for the Divas wanes, our power will continue to grow.

Thirfane summarized and closed by reminding us of our upcoming summit when Phase II is complete. This will be in seven days, again at House Rhiavadi. After this second meeting, we will begin Phase III, the release of Adimarchus from his prison.

Action Items

The following action items were detailed during the meeting.

Everyone else discussed the visit over breakfast. Acgar was coming off second watch and saw the creature. Sadi woke to their voices and peaked out of the hut to see. Even Myntilly woke up. I slept soundly, although Cinder said she tried to wake me. The creature, who said its name was Netzaquotl, travels to Octipitus every so often to see if anyone is attempting the test of the Burning Eye. Cinder said she asked the creature for advice on how to pass the three tests. According to Acgar, we got chided for trying to cheat. The creature then paused and then said “I will tell you this: You must work as a team. Stay together; stay true to each other.”

After breakfast Myntilly was standing beside Kaurophon talking. I caught the word “library” and joined them. “There’s a library? Where?”

Kaurophon turned to me. “You have a test to pass! This is not a Sunday picnic! Forget about the library!” Myntilly walked toward the right-hand door. “Is this the library?”

I opened the door. In case it was trapped I didn’t want Myntilly to be hurt. The room was huge and if I’d expected it to be in ruins like the rest of the cathedral, I was wrong. There were hundreds of books. the only thing was, the books were flying around about 20 feet above our heads. Myntilly cast mage hand to bring a book to her. As the selected book came forward seven other books flew at her. In a second they had all slammed into Myntilly and she collapsed at my feet. As she fell, the books fell.

Kaurophon began waving his hands and shouting. “I told you to forget the library!”

Sadi strolled up. “Those books attacked Myntilly? Well.” And she fiddled with the string of beads around her neck. Cinder grabbed Myntilly’s arms and tried to drag her out of the room. Before I could move Sadi threw the bead towards the back wall. A huge fireball erupted and the flames came with in a few feet of me. I turned to glare at Sadi. But she was being attacked by eight or nine books, so the look would have been lost on her.

Kaurophon was practically hopping around in anger. “We. Are. Wasting. Time!” Sadi was still standing after the book attack, but she was bleeding from several wounds. I healed them both and cast mend on Myntilly’s robes.

As we walked to the far door, Kaurophon was chattering on about the ancient ruler of Ocipitus. I was not listening. Instead I was thumbing through my spell book thinking about the upcoming fight with a bebolith.

Kaurophon had told us that it was a huge spider-like creature. “But,” he cautioned, “it’s been 20 years since I was here. You might fight a different monster.”

As we entered the room, I saw a dessicated figure in a chair. It’s been awhile since I’ve turned any undead and the spell sprang to the front of my mind. When the figure began to rise, I reached for my Pelorian symbol. Kaurophon stayed my hand.

“Welcome” said the figure. At his words, Cinder, Sadi and Alek leapt backwards. Acgar, Myntilly and I stood still. “My name is Adimarchus. You have come to try the Test of the Burning Eye? Who has the strength? Who has the courage? Step forth now!”

I started forward and checked myself. The serpent had said we need to be a team. But half the team was behind us, fearful of Adimarchus…… Myntilly waved one hand and calmed the three in the blink of an eye. She turned to me, winked and said “Love being a favored Soul.”

We all lined up and stepped forward. “We do!” We spoke in unison. He nodded. “Behind this door (he motioned vaguely with his right hand) is an evil creature. Behind this door (the other hand moved) is a good creature. Choose! Choose now and fight that creature! Destroy the creature and you will have passed the first test. I have spoken.”

He slumped in his chair. Alek walked quickly to the left. “Alek? Wrong door.” Acgar shook her head. Cinder opened the right-hand door and stepped in. We could see a door at the far end of the room. The only way to get there was by using a series of narrow suspension bridges. Kaurophon began to speak. “The bebo–” and he disappeared. The door opened and Kaurophon tried to come back in the room. He reappeared at the threshold of the door.

Cinder walked up to him and said, “I guess you’ll be our anchor for the rope.”

The last thing I wanted was to be attached to anyone. I am not very nimble and I’m not fond of heights. If I lost my footing and pulled one of my companions into a pit, if I survived, I’d never forgive myself.

Cinder took the front part of the rope. She stepped on to the first bridge. At that, we heard a scuttering noise coming towards us. Out of the gloom came a huge spider. Huge.

When it was still pretty far away, Sadi and Cinder let arrows fly. I murmured a blessing on their aim. The arrows did hit the bebolith, but it did not slow. Alek had his sword in one hand and his bow in the other. He looked between them for a moment and dropped the bow. He stepped past Cinder and about half way over the first bridge.

Myntilly threw an orb of acid at it. Acgar unleashed her acid breath on it. I called down the vengeance of Pelor upon it. All that and it slowed its approach to us. It stopped about 50 feet from us. Suddenly a spray of webbing flew at Acgar. She sidestepped it easily. She’s pretty big so it was an impressive move.

Alek took that moment as a chance to strike the spider unaware. But the bebolith was not surprised and grabbed Alek with three of its arms. With another two, it began to pull off his armor. The metal clanged as it hit the pit floor 30 feet below.

While Alek tried to swing his longsword, Sadi and Cinder shot more arrows. If they hit Alek, I’d heal him later. Their arrows might ensure there was a “later” for all of us. Acgar moved out on to the bridge, hoping to use her longspear. Myntilly fired magic missile after magic missile. Alek somehow stabbed the spider. In its surprise, it dropped him. He hit the edge of the bridge and fell into the pit.

I stood my ground. I could not heal Alek in the middle of battle. I could only hope that he was still alive. Myntilly’s orb reminded me of a spell I’d rarely used: Nimbus of Light. I concentrated and felt a heat in my hands. I looked down at the glowing ball forming between them. I waited, waited until the heat of the ball was almost too  much and then I flung it at the bebolith. As it hit, the bebolith simply exploded.

Myntilly levitated Alek from the pit. He was pretty banged up. Between the bebolith and the spikes in the pit, he had several serious wounds. As I tended him, Sadi looked in the bag of holding for spare armor.

The battle was not even over and Kaurophon was talking about the test of the smoking eye or some such. Alek took some serious damage and I wanted to focus on healing. I overheard the others talking. Kaurophon made a strong case that we shift to the Ocipitus plane, pass the tests and then head back to Cauldron.

We decided to message Jenya with news in hopes that she could keep the mayor from attacking the merchants. We heard back that Cauldron is at a balance point. For the moment, there is peace. Her final words were, of course, about Alek.

Kaurophon says that the strength elixir saps the person’s wisdom. It makes sense why Alek seems so deranged. I thought it was simply god madness. Sadi cast owl’s wisdom on him to help focus his thoughts. It helped.

The next morning we joined hands, the eight of us, and Kaurophon cast plane shift. Suddenly we found ourselves on this hot smoky plateau. In the distance, in all directions, were huge mountains. Blasts of fire periodically filled the sky. Kaurophon had explained that there are three tests to pass in order to control this plane. If we can do it, perhaps we all become the savior.

As we started to the first test, we practically stumbled on to three vulture-like creatures. We saw them first and before we could group to discuss what to do, Alek pulled out his sword and charged the one on the far left. “Pelor, give me patience”, I thought. He certainly caught it by surprise, but his sword seemed to glance off the creature’s shoulder instead of taking off its head. Alek took a step back in surprise and the creature opened its mouth and spewed chunks of something all over him. The other two creatures cast a circle of darkness over themselves.

I whispered a quick prayer to Pelor for aid. Cinder and Sadi took cover on opposite sides. Glonda and Acgar moved to the left near Sadi. I wondered what Kaurophon would do, would he turn on us? He took two big steps towards Cinder but then let off a huge fireball right in the middle of the dark cloud. We heard squawks of pain. I ran up behind Alek as the vulture raked him with both claws and tried to tear his arm off with that powerful beak. Alek kind of sighed and slumped to the ground. As I reached him I saw that small plants were growing out of his face. The chunks from the vulture’s mouth had been seeds, I guess. It was horrible to see his handsome face covered with small green tendrils. And I couldn’t help but be aware of how close I was to the creature. If he decided to spew again, I would be hit. I could sense the life force ebbing in Alek. I called upon my most powerful healing spell; I would save him for Jenya. The wounds were most important — the spores could wait until after the battle.

I heard Sadi’s bow close by. The arrows bounced off the vulture. Myntilly, Kaurophon and Cinder were working on the other two. I heard Acgar say “Move!” I pulled Alek closer to me as Acgar breathed acid at the vulture. That got his attention! With Alek stabilized I turned to the battle. I pulled out my golden sun, held over my head and cried out. “Hear me, demon spawn. The great god Pelor commands you fall in supplication. Fall to the ground. I command it!” The one in front of me swayed but stayed upright. Damn. I couldn’t see if the others were affected.

At that moment Glonda called down lightning on them. It seemed to hit all three and my heart lifted. The vulture in front of me flapped his wings and flew about 30 feet behind me. Double damn. He landed near Kaurophon and Myntilly. They half bowed to each other and let loose with fireballs. He almost exploded from the impact.

Acgar opened her mouth to breathe acid again and this time Alek got splashed. Since he was unconscious, he didn’t flinch. I shot her a dirty look and she shrugged her shoulders. I healed Alek again and by the time I looked up the cloud had dissolved and I could see Cinder ramming her rapier into one of the vultures. The other collapsed from three spells fired at once.

Sadi ran over to tell me that Cinder had been hit by some of the spores from her vulture. I removed the disease completely. Unfortunately I can only do that spell once a day. Sadi, however, was able to neutralize the spores in Alek. I can’t help but wonder if he will bear scars of the attack. And if so, what will Jenya think when she sees his face?

Ten days after Election Night, results show adventurer turned politician Elvis Krylscar lost narrowly by just 725 votes. However, incumbent Severen Navalant’s slim margin of victory means that there will be an automatic recount.

The official recount will begin next week.

11/28/08 – Recount Begins

The Great Cauldron Recount kicked off Wednesday with masses of volunteers for Mayor Severen Navalant and challenger Elvis Krylscar moving into a fresh phase of the struggle: eyeballing ballots, ready to pounce on anything that looked questionable.

By day’s end, with about 18 percent of the vote recounted, Navalant continued to lead Krylscar — but by only 215 votes, notably narrower than the unofficial gap of 725 votes at which the recount had begun.

12/7/08 – Recount Over, Decisions Beginning

The largest recount in Cauldron history is over, but the task of determining a winner has barely begun. We still don’t know who Cauldron’s mayor is. After Navalant started the recount with a 725-vote lead, Krylscar was able to whittle that number to 174.

But the number means little because of 655 challenged ballots not included in the recount. These are absentee ballots submitted by adventurers abroad and by half-orcs in the town guard currently posted just outside of Cauldron. The ruling on whether to count these votes will be made sometime next week.

12/10/08 – House of Lords to Rule on Absentee Ballots

This election year marks the first that Cauldron residents not present on election day have been allowed to cast ballots. Organized by the Church of St. Cuthbert, the absentee ballot drive was an effort to have representation by those who call Cauldron home. Jenya Urikas, Head Cleric of the Church of St. Cuthbert holds the ballots with several protective spells, awaiting decision by the House of Lords.

The trouble is that these absentee ballots were organized without prior authorization by the House of Lords. “I have every belief that the Church of St. Cuthbert was well-intentioned,” stated Lord Zachary Aslaxin. “However, without precedent, it is difficult to know how to proceed.”

These absentee ballots will likely favor Krylscar, as his history as an adventurer resonates with those adventurers abroad and the half-orcs in the town guard. Given the connection between the House of Lords and the Mayor’s Office, many conclude the House of Lords will rule against the absentee ballots for this reason.

However, there is also speculation that the House of Lords could rule in favor of counting the absentee ballots anyway. If Krylscar wins the recount, then the challenge to Severen Navalant issued by Paladin for St. Cuthbert, Alek Tercival, will be negated.

Readers may recall that months before the election, merchant Maavu Arlintal organized a demonstration in the Town Square. Elvis Krylscar joined the demonstration to announce a challenge by Alek Tercival according to the Old Law of Peers. According to this ancient law, anyone of noble heritage can issue a challenge of no confidence to the current Mayor. Before becoming paladin for St. Cuthbert, Alek Tercival was heir to the Tercival name. After the Tercivals fell on hard times, Alek joined the Church.

Reports that Alek Tercival was last seen in Redgorge prompted Mayor Navalant to declare that city a target for invasion. “Mayor Navalant has had half-orcs suited up and ready to march on Redgorge for several weeks now,” Captain of the Town Guard Quinlan Ghelve stated. “If Navalant is declared winner of the election, Redgorge will certainly be invaded.”

12/17/08 – Krylscar Pushes for Absentee Count

Today, Elvis Krylscar spoke in the Town Square to a large crowd of supporters. “In the best of worlds all valid absentee ballots will be counted.” The disputed Mayoral election was held six weeks ago, and there is still no result. Although incumbent Mayor Severen Navalant is ahead by 175 votes after a recount, the result is not confirmed until a ruling is made about the absentee ballots that have yet to be counted.

Challenger Elvis Krylscar has pushed adding those ballots, which were never counted, back into the mix before the House of Lords certifies a winner.

12/19/08 – The Votes are In!

The House of Lords has ruled to include the absentee ballots submitted in the Cauldron Mayoral Election. Challenger Elvis Krylscar was elated by the news. “After generations of adventurers fighting for the city of Cauldron, it’s about time their voices were heard in the governance of the City.”

Appearing in person for the first time in months, incumbent mayor Severen Navalant stated his opinion. “I trust that the House of Lords made the correct decision to include these absentee ballots. For generations, adventurers have defended this city, and I have statues in their honor. I’m glad to honor them during their lives with their votes.”

Krylscar officials tried to contain their glee. “We went into this recount at a virtual tie,” said Marc Elias, attorney for Krylscar. “Anyone who watched the challenge process will tell you we won more votes than they did.”

The Navalant camp, however, remained cool. “We think when the recount process is completed, Mayor Navalant’s going to come out on top,” said Lord Vhalantru, Navalant’s campaign spokesman.

A second recount including the absentee ballots will begin next week.

12/26/08 – Re-ReCount Begins

The Mayoral election in Cauldron was seven weeks ago but they’re still counting ballots in a seemingly never-ending process.

Volunteers pore over contested ballots from the November 4 election between incumbent Severen Navalant and challenger Elvis Krylscar.

Krylscar, an adventurer running for office for the first time, is currently leading the recount by 46 votes from the more than 2.9 million cast in the election.

For citizens who want to keep a close eye on results, Vortimax Weer is selling an animated “recount widget” for readers to embed on their globs, FaceSpace, SpaceBook, MyFace or MyBook pages which provides the recount numbers and latest headlines.

Navalant led Krylscar by 725 votes in the initial election, then by only 174 votes after the first recount. After including the contested absentee ballots, a second recount was begun. Currently, Krylscar has edged ahead during the scrutiny of the ballots.