# Summary ## [[Laverasala Mission]] *[[Campaign 2 Adventuring Party]]'s quest to lift the curse on [[Balevon Lake]] and reclaim [[Laverasala]].* # Adventure Log ## [[16 Alturiak 1489]], [[Vevososova]] [[Ag|Ag]], [[Amalie Adin|Amalie]], [[Asher Yurei|Asher]], [[Big Inky]], [[Dalas Greybark|Dalas]], [[Prynazalya|Pryn]], and [[Yeepo]] along with their allies [[Rilker Gelesar|Rilker]], [[Pauma]], [[Tanuryn]] and their sole surviving [[The Havlov Mercenary Group|Havlov Mercenary]] escort, [[John Dungeon]] arrive in [[Vevososova]] after completing their 36 day long [[Journey to Vevososova|Journey from Haven's Breach]]. Those who have not seen Vevososova before are amazed by what they see, the city is half above and half below the water with aquatically inspired architecture and a variety of races rarely seen in other parts of the world, [[Triton]], [[Sea Elf|Sea Elves]], and [[Merfolk]] abound. As the group travels to the city center, it becomes clear there is a growing refugee crisis as a result of [[The Corruption of Laverasala]]. The city is full to the bursting with displaced people from [[Laverasala]]. The group eventually arrives at [[Conch]], the [[Tavern]] near the center of the city where Big Inky and Amalie previously met [[Prince Levi Ovlorn|Prince Ovlorn]] who requested their aid. Inside the tavern, the group finds it similarly packed with refugees. The bartender, [[Kreelo]] is incredibly busy putting a huge quantity of simple meals out: just trying to feed the masses, nothing fancy. Behind the bar there is a make-shift war room where [[Prince Levi Ovlorn|Prince Ovlorn]] consults with his military leaders. Big Inky pushes through the crowded tavern with the party in tow. Prince Ovlorn, noticing that Big Inky and Amalie have finally returned with aid reacts with joy and a glimmer of hope. Ovlorn greets the duo and thanks them for bringing aid. Big Inky asks Ovlorn what has changed since their last visit. Ovlorn explains that there has been a steady stream of refugees arriving since [[Balevon Lake]] was corrupted. Vevososova is currently at double it's capacity, overflowing with refugees. Ovlorn explains further that they have sent some [[Scout|Scouts]] to try and determine what has happened to the lake with middling results. The [[Vela]]'s [[Water Weaver|Water Weavers]] and [[Pearl Weaver|Pearl Weavers]] are all engaged in holding back the cursed waters of the lake, keeping them from spreading down the [[Balevon River]] and wiping out Vevososova as well. However they estimate that in 14 days this will become unmaintainable and [[The Laverasala Curse|The Curse]] will begin to spread. Big Inky asks if there is anyone suspicious amongst the refugees. Prince Ovlorn replies that there has been an uptick in crime, as one might expect in these circumstances, but nothing more sinister. The rest o the group introduces themselves. Pryn compliment's Prince Ovlorn's rock-like coral crown, but Dalas corrects her that it's actually not a rock. Prince Ovlorn explains the situation to the group in detail: - He shares a map of Laverasala. The city is divided into [[Upper Laverasala|Upper]], [[Middle Laverasala|Middle]], and [[Lower Laverasala|Lower]] regions: - [[Upper Laverasala]] is home to [[The Royal Palace of Laverasala]]. ![[Upper Laverasala#Layout]] - [[Middle Laverasala]] is home to temples and barracks. ![[Middle Laverasala]] - [[Lower Laverasala]] is home to markets and residential housing for the commonfolk. ![[Lower Laverasala#Layout]] - The city is currently completely submerged due to the weavers holding back the waters. This is not normally the case, so there may be some pockets of air within. - The curse seems to make everything it touches more aggressive. The afflicted become aggressive, with glowing purple veins within two days of exposure. - The group mentions that this is similar to [[The Murmur|"The Murmur"]] that they fought and defeated recently. - They share the flask of [[Great Beast Blood]] that they collected after the beast's defeat. A [[Pearl Weaver]] takes the flask away for study. - Asher shows the effect the blood had on his hand. Prince Ovlorn seems relieved that his limited exposure did not fully corrupt him. - [[King Levan Ovlorn|King Ovlorn]] stayed behind when Laverasala fell, and is believed to be extremely dangerous. Several scouting parties have been sent to make contact with him, none have returned. It is unknown if the King has succumbed to the curse and is killing those who have been sent to him or if something else is intercepting them. - Prince Ovlorn explains that the Lake's protector and namesake, the [[Dragon Turtle]] [[Balevon the Deep]] has been corrupted by the curse as well, and has become enraged. He is to be avoided at all costs. - The Vela will aid the party in traversing the upper portion of the [[Balevon River]]. The journey from Vevososova to Laverasala will take approximately 8 days. - Previous attempts to resolve the curse include: - Destroying artifacts that have magical properties that affect the entire city and could be used to essentially "broadcast" the curse. This effort failed. - Attempts to fight Balevon the Deep have failed - Attempts to rescue or coordinate with King Ovlorn have failed - [[Court Weaver]] [[Aveliana Nautilii]] stayed behind to attempt to find some way to lift the curse. There is a [[Contingency]] spell placed on her that would notify Prince Ovlorn of her death, which has not occurred. - Prince Ovlorn will provide [[Potion of Water Breathing|Potions of Water Breathing]] to the group, but can only spare seven, enough for one 8 hour mission into the city. - Prince Ovlorn also offers the [[Ovlorn Royal Seal]] to the group. Anyone they encounter within Laverasala will know they act with his authority. The plan is set: The group will travel for approximately 8 days north along [[Balevon River]] by boat and enter the royal palace by a secret entrance. They will rendezvous with Aveliana in hopes that she has devised some way to lift the curse. If no way to lift the curse is found, the group may need to resort to more violent measures to try to break the curse. The priority for the mission is first and foremost to lift the curse, with rescuing King Ovlorn and Balevon the Deep being secondary objectives. Big Inky is curious why Prince Ovlorn is giving this mission to them. The Prince replies that he is hoping fresh faces with no connection to the Vela will provide new avenues for success. He seems desperate. Ag seems certain the group will die. Prince Ovlorn admits that he suspects someone is conspiring against the Vela, creating an army of cursed monsters for some other ends. Pryn seems to think this sounds like [[Urgan, Doombringer|Urgan]]'s doing. Dalas explains that the rest of the world is also being attacked by Urgan. Prince Ovlorn promises the aid of his people to the cause of fighting Urgan once this curse situation is resolved. Pryn asks Ovlorn to be her follower, but he politely declines and in the end the group is happy just to have an ally. Prince Ovlorn calls Ag "[[Sea-touched]]", and offers to have his Pearl Weavers unlock Ag's latent abilities. Pryn says this will make Ag not so weak, and he agrees. Dalas asks about a quartermaster to purchase equipment suitable for underwater use from. Ovlorn directs them and gives them their payment, 2400 [[Gold]], which the party splits 7 ways (346 Gold each). The party disperses and begins to prepare. --- Pryn finds a [[Furniture Store]] that sells [[Glowing Coral]] and [[Glowing Kelp]]. She finds an [[Elaborate Glowing Coral Reef Centerpiece]] that glows purple, pink, blue and green with hollow chambers and spiral patterns. The shop keep offers to sell it for 70 Gold, but Pryn haggles down to 50 and buys it. The shop keep will hold it until Pryn returns from her mission, but she has no idea how she's going to carry it all the way back to [[Haven's Breach]] afterwards. --- Dalas and Yeepo go shopping for equipment suitable for the water. Dalas buys a set of lighter weight [[Scale Mail]] armor but becomes concerned that it is less protective than his [[Chainmail]]. Yeepo buys an enchanted [[Spear, +1]]. Many items such as this exist amongst the Vela, as Balevon the deep's draconic magic passively enhances items under his protection. Dalas goes on to visit an [[Enchanter]] and has [[Damnstein's Old Wooden Shield|His Shield]] enchanted, turning it into a [[Shield, +1]]. Dalas also picks up an additional [[Potion of Healing]]. --- Asher searches the market for some way to protect [[The Shadow Deck|His Cards]] from being ruined in the water. He eventually finds a [[Hunter's Stall]] where the shopkeeper suggests he use a sort of translucent film from the skin of a jellyfish. Asher does so. The shop keep says they normally use them for [[Jellyfish Condom|Condoms]]. Asher doesn't know what a condom is. --- Ag visits the [[Vevososova Pearl Weaver|Pearl Weaver]] in [[The Wizard Quarter]]. The weaver wonders what happened to Ag to cause him to change into a [[Shifter]]. Ag explains that he was out swimming when he got sucked into a strange vortex and emerged as a shifter. Since then, he sometimes looks more fishy and sometimes less fishy. The Weaver empathizes that the changes must have been difficult, but amongst the Vela people like Ag are considered to be chosen by the sea itself. The Weaver hopes to help Ag control, accept, and even be proud of his gift. The two step into a pool of [[Lunara-Blessed Water]] and the Weaver guides Ag through a [[Potential Unlocking Ritual]]. Ag takes off his hat and scarf and receives no judgement from the weaver. To begin, the Weaver asks Ag to channel [[The Weave]] as if casting a spell. ([[Arcana]]) Ag feels his mind expand as magic flows through him. The weaver pulls Ag deeper into the water as he asks Ag to recall the Vortex. ([[Arcana]]) Ag feels himself pulled by the Vortex, panicking, out of control, as the Weaver calls to him, trying to call him. ([[Arcana]]) Ag regains control and dives deep into the vortex. In the dark depths he shifts and morphs and grows into a huge [[Manta Ray]]. The Pearl Weaver talks Ag through his new form. Ag feels at ease, euphoric, weightless. Carefree. Ag comes back to reality, still in the form of a manta ray in the blessed pool. As Ag surfaces, he returns to his normal form. The Pearl Weaver thanks Ag for allowing him to help. The Weaver says the pain of what has happened to Ag in the past will not change, but he may yet take control of it. Ag gains [[Curse of the Manta Ray]]. --- Big Inky has his [[Maul]] enchanted, turning it into a [[Maul, +1]]. He also picks up a [[Potion of Piercing Resistance]]. --- Amalie gets a pack of [[Coral Reefer|Coral Reefers]], a form of waterproof cigarettes used by the Vela. --- Prepared as well as they can be for the mission ahead, the group departs north along the river aboard a Vela [[Ship]], [[The Viaghara]]. The group is accompanied by Prince Ovlorn and his [[Ovlorn Royal Guards|Royal Guards]], as well as a foreign [[Druid]] named [[Dolod]]. It is a cool day with nice weather on the river. Dalas serves as the group's hunter, fishing from the deck of the ship. Big Inky acts as the guide, leading the group on a straightforward and direct path. Yeepo acts as the scout, swinging through the jungle canopy to scout ahead. He discovers a [[Grippli Guiding Stone]] denoting a [[Safe Haven]] nearby. Ag acts as the chronicler. Asher acts as the lookout. He spots a swarm of 8 [[Water Snake|Water Snakes]] and a raging [[Plesiosaurus]]. Pryn tries to call out to the Plesiosaurus in dinosaur sounds but it doesn't respond. The group decides to veer away from the Plesiosaurus, fearing it will damage their ship and ends up near the Water Snakes instead. Combat begins as the water snakes leap from the water onto the boat! - The snakes lash out and bite Dalas twice, Tanuryn once, Asher once, and Pryn once. The snakes try to bite Dolod and fail. - Pauma makes a [[Dagger]] attack at one of the snakes but misses. - John Dungeon slashes at one of the snakes with his [[Shortsword]], wounding it. - Dolod casts [[Healing Word]] on Dalas, saying "Let life be restored to you." - Tanuryn steps into melee range with one of the nearby snakes, avoiding an attack of opportunity from another snake in the process. He lets out a taunting cry before obliterating one of the snakes with two hits from his [[Songmace]]. - Ovlorn draws and fires his [[Longbow]], hitting and killing one of the snakes. - Asher disengages from melee range with the snakes and steps back. - Pryn tries to slit the throat of one of the snakes, mainly wondering where the throat of a snake even is. are they all throat? She slices through one of the snakes, knocking it's head off with her tail before giving a [[Bardic Inspiration]] to Dalas, playing a [[Snake Song Dalas Doesn't Know]]. She walks over to Dolod, who is 7 feet tall, and greets him, remarking about how tall he is. - Dalas draws his [[Longsword]] and slices through one of the snakes, killing it, before [[Fighter#Level 2 Action Surge|Action Surging]] and attacking another snake, wounding it. Dalas uses [[Fighter#Level 1 Second Wind|Second Wind]]. - Rilker strikes at a snake with his [[Mace]] and misses. - Two snakes attack Tanuryn, but their attacks miss. A third wounded snake flees. - Pauma [[Rogue#Level 3 Steady Aim|Steadies her Aim]] before attacking and killing one of the snakes. - John Dungeon charges at one of the remaining snake and attacks it, but misses. - Dolod casts [[Ray of Sickness]], hitting one of the snakes. "Disease is part of the cycle of life." Pryn finds this profound. - Tanuryn hits one of the remaining snakes twice, killing it. - Prince Ovlorn throws [[Prince Ovlorn's Trident|His Trident]] at the fleeing snake but misses. He holds his hand out and the trident returns to his hand. - Pryn tries to one-up Prince Ovlorn, throwing one of [[Ovranzo's Modified Songsword|Her Songswords]], killing the fleeing snake before also calling the blade back to her hand. Prince Ovlorn is impressed, and Pryn again asks him to be her follower, he beats around the bush about mutual respect on the battlefield or something like that before refusing. Combat ends. Dalas approaches Dolod and thanks him for heeling him. The group chats with Dolod for a while, discussing the [[Jellyfish Condom|Jellyfish Condoms]] Asher is using to protect his [[The Shadow Deck|Cards]] from the water. Pryn brags cheerfully about having discovered the location of a snake's neck. Dolod says that Pryn reminds him of someone he once knew. Pryn asks who, but Dolod doesn't want to discuss it further. The party continues sailing upstream until they eventually rest for the night. Dalas cooks fish that they caught throughout the day. Dolod shows off his [[Slippers of Spider Climbing]], but says the core strength required to use them is intense. He asks if the party could make use of his [[Wand of the War Mage, +1]], but ultimately decides to keep it for himself. Dolod explains he didn't really think of his abilities as magic. Pryn doesn't think of her abilities as magic either. They're both much more magical than Dalas, but Pryn insists Dalas' cooking is magic. Dolod decides he likes the party, and asks Prince Ovlorn for his leave so that he might join them on their adventure. Ovlorn agrees and Dolod is welcomed into the group. Dolod continues showing off his slippers, which he says are [[Jordans|Air Jordans]]. Dalas explains that they are a popular brand originating from [[Crescada]]. ## [[17 Alturiak 1489]], [[Balevon River]] *13 Days until the Pearl Weavers can no longer hold back the curse.* The group continues traveling up river. There is a light rain and the air is cooler than normal. - Dolod guides the group (Success). - Pryn scouts ahead (Success). - Asher acts as the lookout (Failure). - Dalas hunts for fish (Success). As the group travels, the [[Balevon Falls|Waterfall]] connecting [[Balevon Lake]] to [[Balevon River]] becomes visible in the distance. While scouting, Pryn spots a breathing light in a hollow on the bank of the river. It appears to be some sort of [[Luminescent Moss]]. ([[Nature]]) Pryn determines it would be very hard to take a sample of this moss without harming it. Prince Ovlorn swims over and explains that this species of moss is actually a single organism. The Vela use it to light up underwater caverns. Using a [[Vela Sea Creature Tooth Knife]] and some form of sedative, Prince Ovlorn safely removes a sample of the creature and gives it to Pryn. They discuss the composition of the plant and it's similarity to broccoli. Pryn doesn't know what broccoli is. Travel otherwise continues at a good pace uneventfully. ## [[18 Alturiak 1489]], [[Balevon River]] *12 Days until the Pearl Weavers can no longer hold back the curse.* The group continues traveling up river. It is a hot day with heavy rain. Dalas acts as the guide (Success). Dolod acts as the lookout (Success). Asher acts as the scout (Success). Pryn acts as the hunter, trying to ambush birds as if she were a larger bird of prey (Failure). The group arrives at [[Lower Balevon Lake]] at the bottom of [[Balevon Falls]]. They see an [[Anklyosaurus]] and a family of [[Plesiosaurus|Plesiosauri]] in the distance, but avoid contact with the enormous beasts. As the group approaches Balevon Falls, they notice that the water color is different at the top, swirling with a dark blue or purplish coloration. [[Pearl Weaver|Pearl Weavers]], Ovlorn's [[Court Weavers]], are holding back the water at the top of the falls, preventing the lake's corruption from spreading downstream. Ovlorn explains that they will do this work for a few more days until their energies are expended and these defenses fall unless the curse can be resolved. Asher comments that the water looks delicious and Dolod agrees. ([[Arcana]]) Dolod inspects the water. He determines that the cursed water is probably deliberately *designed* to seem delicious, to encourage it's consumption and therefore the spread of the curse. It is, however, absolutely cursed and dangerous. Dolod relays what he has learned to the group. The weavers cast [[Control Water]] to raise the ship up the waterfall. The party argues as to whether or not this is equivalent to Dolod standing sideways on a wall with his Slippers of Spider-Climbing. The argument is inconclusive. The group arrives at the top of the waterfall, where they can see the expansive [[Balevon Lake]] filled with cursed water. Asher still wants to drink the water, which brings into question his intelligence. The group is baffled that Asher went to college, let alone at the prestigious [[The Arcantome Institute|Arcantome Institute]], though the group seems to come to the conclusion that Asher was admitted through blatant nepotism after he mentions that [[David Yurei|His Grandfather]] worked at the institute. The group discusses [[The Fall of Valikin's Landing]] and the presumed death of Asher's grandfather with Dolod. Dolod shares that he is from [[Crescada]], across [[The Deep]] where things are also quite bad. Pryn wonders if it is related to Urgan, but Dolod does not want to discuss it in detail. He lost everything. The group continues traveling, skirting the edge of the lake to avoid the domain of [[Balevon the Deep]]. Travel otherwise continues at a good pace uneventfully. ## [[19 Alturiak 1489]], [[Balevon Lake]] *11 Days until the Pearl Weavers can no longer hold back the curse.* There is no precipitation and the temperature is average. Dalas acts as the chronicler (Success). Dolod acts as the Scout (Success), which proceeds uneventfully. Asher acts as the guide (Success), [[Persuasion|Persuading]] the crew to maneuver the boat straight towards the most cursed area of the lake, which is near Laverasala itself. Pryn acts as the lookout (Failure). As they travel, the group comes across a large stone [[Vela Waypoint Pillar (Valendare Range Watchtower)|Pillar]] sticking up out of the lake. Ovlorn explains that, when observed from the correct angle, the pillar quite literally points to an area on the land nearby of interest to the Vela. Ovlorn translates the runes and determines the correct angle, highlighting a [[Valendare Range Watchtower|Watchtower]] in the [[Western Highland Forest of Northern Valendare Range]] to the east of the lake. It seems to be relatively recent, perhaps a base camp for adventures into the mountains, but more detail is undiscernible at this distance. Dalas remarks at how clever the design is. Ovlorn responds that the Vela have remained neutral for over 1,000 years, using these pillars to spot outsiders and divert them away from their lands. Travel continues and the upper spires of Laverasala come into view. As Dolod scouts ahead, he begins to hear a dissonant harmony in the distance. He asks the party to listen, and they all can hear it. Prince Ovlorn says that it is a [[Vela Mourning Song]], indicating that someone has survived, though they may be cursed. Dolod wonders if the song is bait for some kind of trap. Ovlorn says that the curse was seemingly enacted by *someone*, so a trap is possible. Dalas points out that if somebody has laid a trap, then there is somebody here to spring it. They could be found and questioned as to how to stop the curse. Travel continues at a good pace otherwise uneventfully. The party continues to prepare as approximately one day of travel remains before they reach Laverasala. ## [[20 Alturiak 1489]], [[Balevon Lake]] *10 Days until the Pearl Weavers can no longer hold back the curse.* ### Approaching [[Laverasala]] It is a foggy day with a light drizzle. Prince Ovlorn and his Pearl Weavers prepare for the day's travel. Today, the group will effectively sprint the last leg of the journey across the lake, through the territory of Balevon the Deep, into Laverasala. The Pearl Weavers will expend their magic distracting and diverting Balevon from pursuing the boat as the group speeds to their destination. Dalas gives one of his [[Potion of Healing|Potions of Healing]] to Ag. Asher admits to the group he can't swim. Dalas complains that he should have told them a month ago before they left Haven's Breach. Pryn says it's like flying, but Asher can't fly either so that advice isn't very helpful. Asher says he will put rocks on his shoes so he sinks down and walk along the bottom, then eat the rocks so he can float back up. Pryn points out that eating the rocks won't make him any lighter. Dalas asks "Mr. Shark" to team up with Asher, tied together by his [[Rope of Mending]]. Dolod asks if "Mr. Shark" is his real name, and Ag insists it's "Ag". Dalas explains that that was the first time he had heard Ag's name. Prepared for the journey ahead, the group sets out. The Weavers use [[Control Water]] to launch the boat forward at high speeds. As they travel, Asher and Pryn keep lookout for Balevon ([[Perception]]). Pryn notices nothing, but Asher eventually sees a shape bulging out from under the surface of the water, speeding towards them. Balevon is enormous, his shell at least 60 feet in diameter. The weavers begin conjuring creatures and whirlpools to distract and divert Balevon as he slowly, surely gains on the party over hours of travel. As the group approaches Laverasala, Balevon is close behind them, 400... 300 feet behind and gaining. The group arrives at their destination, with Balevon. 150 feet behind. The weavers aboard have run out of spells to divert the enormous Dragon Turtle. With no other choice, the group drinks their [[Potion of Water Breathing|Potions of Water Breathing]] and dives into the lake, hoping they dive the 75 feet to the entrance to the palace before Balevon reaches them. As they dive in, they find the water slightly viscous, unusual, but not substantially more difficult to swim through. They can barely see the secret entrance below, and visibility is extremely limited in the cursed waters. - Ag uses [[Water Whip]] to pull himself and Asher along, moving 40 feet towards the entrance. - Asher flounders helplessly as he is pulled along by Ag. - Big Inky makes a big cannonball splash into the water before his [[Grippli]] instincts take over and he swims effortlessly 60 feet towards the entrance. - Dalas swims as quickly as he can towards the entrance, gaining 30 feet. - Dolod uses [[Wildshape]] to turn into a [[Dolphin]] with red emo hair and swims effortlessly to the entrance. - Pryn is in awe of Dolod's dolphin form. She swims 30 feet closer to the entrance. - Yeepo swims as quickly as he can, moving 40 feet towards the entrance. The group sees nothing, but hears a deep groaning from behind them as Balevon surely approaches. - Ag continues swimming and pulling himself forward with Water Whip, moving the remaining 35 feet to the entrance with Asher in tow. - Asher pulls on the rope to bring himself closer to the entrance. - Big Inky swims the remaining 15 feet to the entrance and begins pulling away at the cover to the chimney-like secret entrance, partially uncovering it. - Dalas continues swimming as quickly as he can, bringing himself 30 feet closer. - Dolod remains at the entrance, readying the Help action to help others if need be. - Pryn moves 30 feet closer to the entrance, but hopes that she can see and say "hi" to Balevon the Deep. - Yeepo swims another 40 feet forward, crashing through the entrance with a flying (swimming?) knee, shattering the cover. Behind them the group sees the silhouette of Balevon, mouth wide open as he means to consume them all. Prince Ovlorn dives in to the water between the group and Balevon, beginning to channel some form of lightning magic to divert the beast, ensuring the group can escape. - Ag prepares to pull Dalas closer with Water Whip before swimming into the entrance himself. - Asher is pulled in behind Ag. - Big Inky pulls Pryn in. - Pryn reaches out to Balevon telepathically to greet him as a fellow dragon. In response, he only roars, enraged, in pain, suffering. Pryn promises to help him. Balevon continues roaring, but Pryn can sense some small amount of relief. - Ovlorn begins to combine his spell with his trident, urging the party to complete the mission, happy to sacrifice himself for his people. - Dalas rushes back out after Ovlorn, refusing to allow him to sacrifice himself, and pulls him back, using [[Fighter#Level 2 Action Surge|Action Surge]] and Ag's Water Whip to pull them the rest of the way to safety! The entire group enters the palace with Balevon only 20 feet behind. ### Inside [[The Royal Palace of Laverasala]] Cramped inside the storage room in the [[Kingsguard Barracks]], lit by fading [[Dancing Lights]] the party can hear a commotion in the barracks. Outside, there is a [[Captain Thalasso|Kingsguard Captain]] who is fighting off 3 members of the [[Ovlorn Kingsguard]] who have succumbed to the corruption. Yeepo rushes in to fight, combat begins! - Ag Water Whips Corrupted Vela Kingsguard C toward Yeepo - Yeepo stabs towards Kingsguard C with his [[Spear, +1]] and misses, but follows up with a kick that connects. The Kingsguard's leg folds in in an unnatural way. - Big Inky moves into the room, attacking Kingsguard A with his [[Maul, +1]], missing. - Dalas moves into melee range with Kingsguard C and attacks him with his [[Trident|Pitchfork]] and placing an [[Cavalier#Level 3 - Unwavering Mark|Unwavering Mark]] on him. - Asher fires an [[Eldritch Blast]] at Kingsguard C and misses. - Pryn moves up and hits Kingsguard B with [[Green-Flame Blade]]. The radiant magic of the spell also hits Kingsguard A. She gives the Captain a [[Bardic Inspiration]], playing the [[Vela Mourning Song]] they heard outside. She swipes at Kingsguard B with her tail and misses, spinning in place in the water. - Kingsguard A moves towards the Captain. Big Inky takes an Attack of Opportunity and misses. Kingsguard A attacks the Captain, hitting him once and bringing him to [[Death's Door]]. - Kingsguard B attacks Pryn twice, missing both times. - Kingsguard C attacks Dalas twice, but Dalas blocks both hits with [[Damnstein's Old Wooden Shield|His Shield]], the magical Vela enchantment sends opalescent ripples outwards from the point of impact. - The Captain attacks Kingsguard A, hitting once and missing once. He remarks that he didn't expect a rescue mission. - Dolod sees that the Captain has been partially corrupted. It is only a matter of time before the corruption takes him too. He casts [[Healing Word]] on the Captain. - Ag casts [[Torrential Burst]] at Kingsguard C, and misses. - Yeepo approaches Kingsguard A, nearly taking an attack of opportunity from Kingsguard B, which Pryn casts [[Silvery Barbs]] to divert. Yeepo attacks Kingsguard A with his spear and misses, but follows up with a punch that connects. Kingsguard A is [[Bloodied]]. - Big Inky grapples Kingsguard B, pulling him away from the group and backing into a corner. He inflicts Kingsguard B with a [[Blood Curse of Bloated Agony]]. - Dalas attack Kingsguard C again with his pitchfork, hitting and continuing his mark. - Asher casts Eldritch Blast at Kingsguard C again, missing again. Frustrated, he casts [[Compelled Duel|Compelled D-D-D-D-D-DUEL]] on Kingsguard C. - Pryn casts [[Guiding Bolt]] on Kingsguard A, hitting him. - Kingsguard A attacks Yeepo, hitting once and missing once. - Kingsguard B attacks Big Inky, hitting once and missing once. - Kingsguard C attacks Dalas, missing twice. - The Captain hits Kingsguard A due to Guiding Bolt, killing him before giving a cool tough guy nod to Pryn. He moves on to attack Kingsguard B. - Dolod casts [[Produce Flame]] and throws a bolt of magical fire at Kingsguard C. - Ag casts Torrential burst again on Kingsguard C and hits - Yeepo forgoes his spear and punches Kingsguard B twice, hitting both times. - Big Inky attacks Kingsguard B with his maul and misses. - Dalas hits Kingsguard C again with his pitchfork, hitting him again. - Asher casts Eldritch Blast on C again and misses **AGAIN**. - Pryn attacks and kills Kingsguard C, slicing him in half and shaving the barnacles off him in one clean movement. - Kingsguard B attacks Yeepo, hitting once. Dalas partially [[Interception|Intecepts]] the blow with his shield. The guard attacks Yeepo again and misses. Big Inky's curse pains him as he attacks the second time. - The Captain attacks Kingsguard B and misses twice. - Dolod casts Produce Flame and throws a bolt of fire at B and misses. - Ag casts Water Whip on Kingsguard B and hits. - Yeepo attacks Kingsguard B twice and misses before preparing to dodge the next attack. - Pryn attacks and misses, grants a Bardic Inspiration to the Captain, makes an unarmed strike and misses again. - Kingsguard B attacks wildly, he misses the captain and hits Big Inky. - The Captain attacks Kingsguard B again and misses twice. - Dolod casts Produce Flame again at Kingsguard B and hits. - Ag casts Water Whip at Kingsguard B again and misses. - Yeepo hits Kingsguard B with a gut punch and he **pops**. Combat ends. The Captain asks what sort of suicide mission the group was sent on. As Prince Ovlorn enters the room Thalasso straights and salutes, but the Prince assures him that in this situation there is no need for formality. Prince Ovlorn thanks Dalas for saving him from Balevon, but Dalas insists it is Ag's spell that saved both of them. Despite a sense of genuine gratitude, the weight of the situation presses more heavily now. In being saved from sacrificing himself against Balevon, Prince Ovlorn now is along for the mission, and is directly responsible for the outcome and the salvation of his people. In the barracks the group finds: - Weapon and Armor racks - [[Studded Leather Armor]] x2 - [[Scale Mail (Without Stealth Disadvantage)]] - [[Dagger, +1]] x2 - [[Javelin, +1]] x2 - [[Lance, +1]] x2 - [[Trident, +1]] x2 - [[Net]] x2 - Storage Room - [[Potion of Healing]] x2 - [[Healer's Kit]] x2 - [[Manacles]] - Asher takes a Potion of Healing. - Big Inky takes the Lance, +1. - Dalas takes a Trident, +1 and a Net. - Pryn takes the manacles for bracelets. Dalas holds on to the key, just in case. - Yeepo takes the Daggers and downs the other Potion of Healing. - Dolod takes the Healer's Kits, Javelins, remaining Trident and remaining net. The group sets out towards [[The Court Weavers' Tower]]. Dalas peeks out the door and sees a shambling cursed Vela down the hallway. It does not yet notice him, and turns and shambles away. When the coast is relatively clear, Dalas opens the door the rest of the way and takes a defensive position near the stairs to Aveliana's Tower, however the corrupted Vela notices him and approaches while the rest of the group hurries up the stairs. As Dalas takes up the rear guard of the group he is attacked by the Corrupted Vela, but easily blocks their attacks and quickly kills them with his trident before joining the group upstairs. Upstairs, the group finds [[Aveliana Nautilii]] picking up pieces of glass amidst a ruined spell circle. She is shocked that anyone would come to help, but begins to tear up when she realizes the Prince is also present. If she fails now, he shall die too. The stakes are high, and all that's left is this last ditch effort. The group exchanges introductions and Aveliana asks what the party intends to do. The party was hoping that she would have a solution to the curse. Aveliana composes herself and explains her plan, which has been impossible before now: - Aveliana has composed a [[Aveliana's Regenerative Ritual|Ritual]] that strengthens the natural healing abilities of the Vela, potentially lifting the curse. This ritual requires three items which Aveliana does not have access to: 1. An [[Ancient Sea Serpent Horn]]. Aveliana has a [[Vela Market Ledger|Ledger]] from [[Center Market]] in [[Lower Laverasala]] showing that one is currently somewhere in the sprawling market. 2. A [[Tablet with Supportive Runes]], sold in [[Tablets and Scrolls]] in [[Upper Laverasala]], though even traveling from the tower to the shop would be too dangerous for Aveliana, who is wounded and slowly succumbing to the curse as well. 3. A [[Pendant of Luszara]] from [[Laverasala Temple]] in [[Middle Laverasala]]. - The ritual will also require as many healthy Vela as possible. Any survivors that can be found would be beneficial. - The ritual must be completed at the [[Heart of the City]], where the magic is strongest. - Finally, the group must buy Aveliana time to complete the ritual, defending her from any attackers. The party agrees to help Aveliana complete her ritual. Before they depart to begin gathering the components of the ritual, Dalas asks Thalasso about the situation in the city, including any particularly dangerous areas. Thalasso says that the throne room in the palace should be avoided at all costs, as a large number of corrupted individuals are trapped inside. However, the throne room is seemingly the only path into the city. Prince Ovlorn says that there is a secret tunnel from his quarters all the way down to [[Lower Laverasala]]. They can take the tunnel down and then gather the reagents for the ritual as they ascend. The party wonders what else the Prince has used this tunnel for (fucking???), but he insists it is just for escaping. Aveliana offers the party her supplies before they depart: - A [[Spell Scroll of Water Breathing]] - A [[Spell Scroll of Armor of Agathys]] - A [[Spell Scroll of Sleep]] - A [[Spell Scroll of Healing Word]] - A [[Potion of Healing]] - A [[Potion of Aqueous Forum]] With their new supplies in hands, the party departs back down the stairs and onto the main level of the palace. The party proceeds towards the [[Prince's Quarters]], with Prince Ovlorn leading the way. They pass by the [[King's Quarters|King and Queen's quarters]]. Big Inky listens at the door ([[Perception]]) and hears sound from within. The party debates opening the door but assumes [[Queen Veletha Ovlorn]] is inside, having succumbed to the curse. The party determines she would be safer inside and leaves the door closed. They will need to look for uncursed individuals in pockets of air. Further down the hallway, the Prince rounds the corner and is faced with a corrupted Vela. As the prince fights the Vela, he thinks of his corrupted mother, and ultimately chooses to knock the Vela unconscious, hoping they can be saved. He asks the party to spare his people if they can. The group enters the Prince's chambers. The chambers are fancy as is the rest of the palace, but with careful consideration for practicality. Outside the window the group can see [[Balevon the Deep]] swim by in the distance. On the wall above his dresser there is a well made [[Shortsword]] with a beautiful wave pattern on the scabbard. As the group enters the room. a corrupted Kingsguard enters the room from the closet! He is holding his head, seemingly trying to resist the bloodlust of the curse. Ovlorn recognizes him immediately as his [[Bodyguard]], [[Gailevan Trill]]. He hesitates to act. Big Inky senses Ovlorn's hesitation and pushes him out of the room. Pryn takes the [[Manacles]] that she picked up earlier and moves to trap Gailevan. Big Inky assists, grappling him and placing a [[Blood Curse of Bloated Agony]] on him while Pryn puts him in the manacles, trapping him on the bedpost of Prince Ovlorn's bed. Ovlorn searches Gailevan, finding a [[Gailevan's Tablet|Tablet]]. He tosses it to Dalas, who reads it aloud: ![[Gailevan's Tablet#^Text]] Ovlorn takes Gailevan's trident, [[Seacaller]] and hands it to Dalas. Dalas affirms that Gailevan's sacrifice will not be in vain. Next, Ovlorn takes his shortsword, [[Tide's Breath]] from the wall and offers it to the group. [[Amalie Adin|Amalie]] takes it. Amalie smokes some of her [[Coral Reefer|Coral Reefers]], blowing smoke bubbles. Dalas bums a smoke and blows a ring shaped bubble. A trick he says he picked up a long time ago. The group proceeds into the tunnels, shutting the entrance behind them. ### Traversing The [[Sea Caves]] In the [[Sea Caves]] below the group finds themselves amongst a stash of Ovlorn's treasures. The closest thing he has to a [[Dragon Hoard]]. Pryn asks Ovlorn about whether or not he ever snuck out. Prince Ovlorn doesn't want to admit it, but says he did a long time ago. Amalie inspects [[Prince Ovlorn's First Place Arm Wrestling Trophy]]. Amalie is surprised Ovlorn has such a thing. He says it was a long time ago. When he's distracted, she stelas the [[Pearl|Pearls]] and [[Opal|Opals]] off the trophy ([[Sleight of Hand]]). They're worth about 250 [[Gold]]. The prince explains the tunnels to the group. They are filled with [[Pop Quartz]] and potentially some sea creatures. There are two pressure plates that must be activated to open the door into [[Lower Laverasala]], and two pressure plates on the other side of that door that keep it open, allowing the whole group to pass through. The group, for whatever reason unwilling to simply stand on the pressure plates, attempts to find some way to trigger them to activate remotely. Asher has some rocks in his pocket, but it's unlikely to be enough. The group approaches the first pressure plate, finding it surrounded by two [[Piranha]] swarms. Dolod suggests he try casting [[Elementalism]] and the group agrees to give it a try. Dalas steps between Dolod and the Piranhas, preparing to attack, just in case. From a distance, Dolod casts Elementalism, conjuring a cube (with rounded corners) of sand on the pressure plate. The plate *clicks* as if activated, but the Piranhas are alerted and rush towards the group. Combat begins! - Pryn casts [[Cloud of Daggers]] in the path of the Piranhas, then hides behind Dolod. - Asher moves closer. - The Piranhas continue advancing, foolishly swimming through Pryn's Cloud of Daggers. They approach Dalas, who unleashes his held attack, hitting the swarm. The Piranha swarms swarm Dalas, attacking and wounding him. - Big Inky casts [[Infestation]] on one of the swarms, wounding them. - Dalas swings wildly with Seacaller, but fails to damage the Piranhas. - Amalie summons and throws a [[Soulknife#Level 3 Psychic Blades|Psychic Blade]] at the swarm around Dalas, killing several of the piranhas and dispersing the swarm. - Dolod casts [[Produce Flame]] and throws it at the remaining swarm, dispersing them as well. Combat ends. Big Inky peeks around the corner into one of the central chambers of the sea caves, finding it full of [[Shark|Sharks]]! Unnoticed, he backs up and the group chooses to take a different route to the next pressure plate. Pryn moves her Cloud of Daggers to block the way in case the sharks follow. ([[Stealth]]) Amalie scouts ahead as the group trails behind. Pryn tries to sneak alongside Amalie, but it goes poorly and Amalie glares at her. Eventually, the group makes their way to the next pressure plate. Amalie sees the pressure plate is guarded by another Piranha swarm. There is also a [[Giant Octopus]] nearby. The group ambushes the Piranhas! Combat begins. - Pryn moves her Cloud of Daggers nearby, scaring Asher in the process. - Asher prepares to cast [[Eldritch Blast]] if the Piranhas approach. - Big Inky prepares to throw a [[Net]], capturing the Piranhas if they approach. - Dalas gets into position to intercept an attack on the front line fighters. - Amalie uses [[Rogue#Level 3 Steady Aim|Steady Aim]] and throws a Psychic Dagger at the Piranhas, wounding them. They are [[Bloodied]]. - Dolod produces another flame, preparing to throw it. - Prince Ovlorn readies himself to attack. - Pryn moves Cloud of Daggers into the hallway in front of the piranhas - Asher keeps his readied Eldritch Blast for if piranhas round the corner. - Piranha A takes 11 damage as it passes through the cloud of daggers. - Big Inky lets off his readied Net throw at the piranhas and whiffs. - The piranhas attack Big Inky but miss. Piranha B takes 10 damage as it passes through the cloud of daggers. - Asher lets off his readied Eldritch Blast and crits! for 13 damage. - Prince Ovlorn let off his readied trident throw and kills the Piranha B. - Big Inky attacks Piranha A with his lance, rolling max damage (16) and killing Piranha A. Dolod plays Minecraft and activates the second pressure plate. The party hears the sound of a door opening in the distance. The group wonders what to do about the cursed [[Giant Octopus]] nearby. Dalas asks Prince Ovlorn if it's his pet, but Ovlorn says that they do not keep fellow denizens of the deep as pets, as they are intelligent beings that they speak to. The Prince is sure that the surface is similar, but Dalas says that animals don't talk on the surface. Asher insists that he *can* talk to his pets, and the Prince is confused. The group decides to swim by without disturbing the Giant Octopus, with Amalie scouting ahead. They exit through the previously-hidden-door and find themselves in the next chamber, filled with arching rock structures, [[Pop Quartz]] and a colony of [[Vegepygmy|Vegepygmies]]. The group can also see three closed drains in the cavern as well as the exit into [[Lower Laverasala]]. The Vegepygmies regard the party, prepared to throw various improvised weapons when the party approaches. The group decides to make a run for, or "a paddle for" according to Prince Ovlorn, the exit, hoping to avoid prolonged combat. Combat begins! - Prince Ovlorn swims ahead and prepares to [[Dodge (Action)|Dodge]] the Vegepygmies' attacks. - Dolod swims ahead, [[Dash (Action)|Dashes]], and casts [[Produce Flame]]. - Amalie swims forward and also dashes. - The Vegepygmies throw their various improvised objects at Prince Ovlorn. Four miss, and four hit. - Yeepo uses [[Monk#Level 2 Uncanny Metabolism|Uncanny Metabolism]], regaining some health. He swims and dashes but is attacked and [[Restrained]] buy an unseen attacker. Yeepo flails with a flurry of blows but misses his attacker. - Asher swims towards the exit. - Dalas swims and dashes up towards Yeepo. - The Prince recognizes that the unseen attacker is a [[Water Weird]], a [[Water Elemental]] that blends in underwater, and instructs us to attack the water near Yeepo's position. He attacks the Vegepygmies near him, killing one and wounding another. - Dolod swims up and throws his produced flame in the general direction of the Weird, but probably misses. He surmises that whatever this attacker is is resistant to fire damage. He readies another flame anyway. - The Water Weird attacks Dalas, who blocks the attack with his shield. The weird swims away. Dalas, Amalie, and Dolod all take attacks of Opportunity, all of which miss. - Amalie throws a Psychic Blade at the weird and misses. She swims ahead. - The Vegepygmies attack again: - They attack Prince Ovlorn 3 times and miss. - They Amalie 2 times and miss. - They attack Yeepo 2 times and miss. - ([[Athletics]]) Yeepo escapes from the Water Weird's grasp and attacks it, but misses. - Pryn casts [[Cloud of Daggers]] where she believes the Weird to be, wounding it, and gives Yeepo a [[Bardic Inspiration]]. - Asher swims up close and casts [[Spray of Cards]] in the direction of the Water Weird. The Weird succeeds on it save, only taking half damage. - Dalas calls out to the group to open drains spread throughout the room and pulls Amalie forward, slinging her towards the first drain. - The Prince opens the drain nearest to him. - Dolod swims towards the Water Weird and casts [[Magnetobolt]] at it, but misses. - The Weird takes additional damage from Pryn's Cloud of Daggers. It attacks Amalie and misses. - Amalie [[Disengage (Action)|Disengages]] and dashes to the drain nearest to her. - The Vegepygmies attack again: - They attack Amalie twice and hit once. - They attack Dalas an miss. - They attack Dolod and miss. - They attack Yeepo and hit, but he uses [[Monk#Level 3 Deflect Attacks|Deflect Attacks]] to avoid taking damage. - They attack Ovlorn twice and miss. - Yeepo attacks the Weird with his spear and hits. He kicks at it and misses. - Asher casts [[Eldritch Blast]] at the Weird and hits (Lucky feat) - Dalas attacks the Weird with [[Seacaller]] and hits it, placing an [[Cavalier#Level 3 - Unwavering Mark|Unwavering Mark]] on it. - Pryn casts [[Healing Word]] on Yeepo, attempting to say something to him in [[Gripptronik]]. She swims closer. - Ovlorn attacks the Vegepygmies near him, hitting once. He yells out that he will secure the last drain and swims closer to it. - Dolod hits the Weird with his [[Quarterstaff]] - The Weird is killed by Pryn's Cloud of Daggers. Arcane energy leaks out of it as it disperses and becomes one with the water around it. - Amalie opens the drain near her. Water is now steadily draining from the cavern. - The Vegepygmies attack again: - They hit Ovlorn once. - They hit Amalie once. - They miss Dolod once. - They hit Dalas once. - Pryn moves her Cloud of Daggers closer to the Vegepygmies. - Yeepo swims forward. - Asher swims forward, dashing. - Dalas swims forward, dashing. - The Prince kills one of the remaining Vegepygmies and wounds another. - Dolod throws his flame at one of the Vegepygmies, hitting them. - Amalie pulls the last drain open. Water flows rapidly out of the cavern. - The Vegepygmies attack: - They miss Dolod. - They miss Yeepo. - They miss Prince Ovlorn. - They miss Amalie. - They miss Dalas. - They miss Asher. - Pryn brings her Cloud of Daggers over to two Vegepygmies, killing one of them. She throws her [[Ovranzo's Modified Songsword|Songsword]] at the other and misses. - Yeepo attacks one of the Vegepygmies with his spear and hits. He punches at it as well and misses. - Asher dashes towards the exit. - Dalas moves into position to defend Pryn and Dolod. - The water fully drains from the room. The remaining Vegepygmies go limp and are easily defeated. The group decides to take a [[Short Rest]] in this relatively safe space and plans to use a [[Spell Scroll of Water Breathing]] to renew their water breathing afterwards. Dalas cooks some un-cursed canned beans he brought along for the group. Asher resummons his familiars [[Ayula (Familiar)|Ayula]] and [[Bud]]. The group can start to see early signs of the curse on them, including places where barnacles are starting to form. Dalas aloud where the curse is coming from, as with [[The Murmur]] the corruption came from the blood flowing out of the beast, but they haven't found any definitive source of cursed blood within the city yet. Pryn thinks that [[Balevon the Deep]] is the source, as he was clearly in pain when she spoke with him outside the city. She tries to see if the cursed water tastes like dragon blood (her blood), but it just tastes like water. Throughout the rest, Dalas studies the [[Spell Scroll of Water Breathing]], eventually figuring it out and activating the spell though it takes him some effort ([[Fighter#Level 2 Tactical Mind|Tactical Mind]]). It is nearing midnight as the rest comes to a close. The group proceeds through the tunnel into [[Lower Laverasala]]. They exit the tunnel into a wide open space, where the shadow of Balevon looms far above. They can faintly hear his groaning. The group quickly exits the open space into the [[Center Market]], which is tightly packed with stalls. ### Searching for the [[Ancient Sea Serpent Horn]] In [[Lower Laverasala]] The North-West section of the market is largely food and produce, though it has all spoiled. The North-East section of the market is furniture and household goods. Neither seems a likely candidate for the location of the [[Ancient Sea Serpent Horn]]. There are no people visible in the Market, though the group sees some sort of [[Shark]] swimming by in the distance. The group swims up to a nearby [[Central Market NW Guard Tower|Guard Tower]] to get a better view. Atop the guard tower is a corrupted member of the [[Laverasala City Guard]], seemingly still following some sense of routine despite their corruption. Pryn tries to smother him, knocking him unconscious relatively quietly, while tickling him to force him to exhale. The rest of the group readies attacks in case things go wrong. After a moment, the Vela breaks free. Dalas, Asher, Big Inky and Ovlorn attack! - Dalas misses his attack. - Asher hits the Vela with an [[Eldritch Blast]]. - Big Inky hits the Vela with his [[Lance, +1]]. - Dalas attacks again, hitting the Vela with the blunt end of [[Seacaller]]. - Ovlorn begs the party to spare his subject before hitting him with two non-lethal attacks himself, knocking the Vela unconscious. The group scouts the market and finds: - 2 Corrupted [[Reef Shark|Reef Sharks]] - 1 Corrupted [[Hunter Shark]] - Corrupted Vela citizens and guards throughout the market - The [[Central Market SE Guard Tower|Guard Tower to the South East]] shows signs of intelligent life, as if it has been converted into a home, with someone, seemingly uncursed, moving around inside. However, there is no sign of the [[Ancient Sea Serpent Horn]]. Pryn asks the Prince if he knows this survivor. The Prince does not recognize him right away, but says he appears to be youthful from this distance. The group plans for how to reach the uncorrupted Vela without drawing the attention of the corrupted sharks and Vela in the market, hoping the youth can help them find the Horn and join them in completing [[Aveliana Nautilii|Aveliana]]'s [[Aveliana's Regenerative Ritual|Ritual]]. They eventually settle on having Dolod [[Wildshape]] into a [[Giant Crab]], swim up to the ceiling of the cavern, sneak across the ceiling using his [[Slippers of Spider Climbing|Jordans of Spider Climbing]] before dropping down onto the other guard tower and speaking to the kid. Dolod begrudgingly accepts this plan, though he thinks it's not much of a plan at all, as it doesn't account for how they will retrieve the horn or rescue the kid. The group hopes that the kid, having survived this long amongst the corrupted, will have some ideas. Pryn says she will use her telepathy to communicate with Dolod, though he cannot communicate back in this way. Dolod assumes the form of a Giant Crab, swims up, crawls across the ceiling and drops down unseen. Pryn sends a telepathic message to the kid, telling him the crab is a friend, interrupting him as he was in preparations to immediately butcher Dolod. Dolod shifts back into his [[Aasimar]] form and speaks with the kid, who introduces himself as [[Egevan Trill|Egevan]]. Egevan appears completely unaffected by the curse, though Egevan himself is unsure why, guessing that he may have some natural immunity. Egevan shows Dolod a bite wound he received, showing that he remains unaffected even after being wounded by the infected. The inside of the Guard Tower shows that Egevan has prepared well, he is stocked with food. Dolod asks him if he knows a way back over to the guard tower where the rest of the party is. Egevan explains that he has been using makeshift [[Fish Grenade|Fish Grenades]], designed to shred a fish contained within and distract the sharks nearby, to traverse the market without being attacked. Egevan seems shocked that the group sent Dolod over with no plan. Dolod asks Egevan about the location of the horn. Egevan says that he thinks it is right beneath his guard tower. The two swim down to go look while discussing the underratedness and obscurity of the [[Bident]] in relation to the [[Trident]]. They quickly find the horn, which is approximately 4 feet long and weighs several hundred pounds. It's bigger than Dolod expected. Egevan understands, as those not from underwater wouldn't know the size of specific creatures. He admits that he is completely unaware of how big or small a [[Moose]] should be in return. They discuss the logistics of escaping with the horn unseen. When there are no sharks nearby, they return to the guard tower with the horn to show the party that they have found it. The group is impressed and awed by it's size. Pryn telepathically asks Dolod how he's gonna get it back, but he can't respond. Dolod gestures to try and communicate with Pryn. Dolod is trying to asks the group what to do to get it back, but they're just happy he found the horn and beckon him back over. Dolod casts [[Bubble Lift]] to make the horn float relatively weightlessly. Egevan throws his fish shredding grenades to distract the sharks and corrupted Vela nearby and the two make a dash for the other side. As they approach, the party notices that there are some corrupted Vela immediately below their watchtower that will intercept Dolod. Pryn casts [[Light (Spell)|Light]] on a bell and throws it to try and distract them. Asher casts [[Thaumaturgy]] to make the bell's sound louder, however the distraction still fails. Dalas and Big Inky jump out to intercept the approaching Corrupted Vela. Their attacks both connect and when they do, the cursed Vela begin to swell until they burst! Dalas and Big Inky are cut by the the barnacles flung like shrapnel from the blast. Big Inky quickly throws the bodies elsewhere so that the scent of their blood does not draw sharks to their location. The group swims back to the tunnels. As they do, Dolod casts [[Elementalism]] to create the scent of blood elsewhere in the water, further distracting the creatures of the market. As the group enters the tunnels, they feel a sense of pressure in the water as [[Balevon the Deep|Balevon]] passes nearby. Dalas peeks out to try and spot some kind of wound on Balevon through which [[Great Beast Blood|Cursed Blood]] could contaminate the lake. He sees a trail of blood from Balevon's tail. Dalas agrees with Pryn that Balevon is probably the source of the curse. Finally having a moment of peace, the group speaks with Egevan. Prince Ovlorn knows Egevan, who he says is the son of [[Gailevan Trill|Gailevan]], the semi-corrupted Bodyguard that the group apprehended earlier. Egevan explains that just prior to the evacuation he had snuck away to the [[Middle Laverasala Barracks|Barracks]] to watch the soldiers and was separated from his family, and has been surviving here ever since, miraculously uncursed. Dalas tells him about the ritual Aveliana intends to perform and that he might be the key to it's success. Dalas hands [[Seacaller]] to Egevan, as it is rightfully his. Dalas asks Egevan if he knows of any other survivors. Egevan says that sections of the barracks are unflooded and may still contain survivors. The group heads up to [[Middle Laverasala]] in search of the [[Pendant of Luszara]]. ### Searching for the [[Pendant of Luszara]] in [[Middle Laverasala]] The group enters [[Middle Laverasala]] and from the exit of the tunnel can see [[Balevon the Deep]] roaming this level of the city. When the coast is clear, the group makes a break for the [[Laverasala Temple|Temple]]. Inside the temple, there are several statues dedicated to [[God|Gods]], [[Demi-God|Demi-Gods]], and [[Vela Legends]], including [[Lunara]], the Goddess of Truth and Tides, [[Luszara]], the [[Primal]] of [[Water]]. Dalas inspects one of the statues. It is of [[Alavon]], who is depicted as being surrounded by children and stone tablets. He is revered for his contributions to language and education. Prince Ovlorn stops and observes the statue as well. To the right, the group sees the [[Laverasala Temple Vault]], doors wide open. The [[The Laverasala Curse|Curse]] seemingly has altered even the protective wards, turning them into twisted dark magic. ([[Arcana]]) Dolod confirms that the spell, once only for binding, has become a potentially lethal trap. Asher identifies the inscribed spell as being similar to [[Hunger of Hadar]]. The group decides to search the rest of the temple, hoping the Pendant is in an un-trapped, less dangerous location. Big Inky searches the [[Cleric's Quarters]]. Inside he sees 9 corpses floating in the water, though there are signs that people escaped in a panic. Most of the personal chests of the priests have been smashed open and looted, however there is a large, locked chest in the room that Amalie opens with ease. Inside they find: - A [[Spell Scroll of Dispel Magic]] - A [[Vela Prayer Book With Hidden Message|Prayer Book]] - A [[High Priest's Map of Upper Laverasala|Map of Upper Laverasala with room "L" marked]] on it. Big Inky can't understand the book as it's written in [[Aquan]]. He hands it to Ovlorn, who discovers a secret message inside: ![[Vela Prayer Book With Hidden Message#^SecretMessage]] Big Inky is suspicious of Egevan, a seemingly miraculous sole survivor. Prince Ovlorn goes to inspect the corpses and finds the [[High Priest of the Laverasala Temple|High Priest]]. The High Priest, unlike the other priests, seems to have died from a single stab wound to the back. ([[Medicine]]) Dalas determines that this wound is very similar to the wound on Balevon's tail. *To be continued.*