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The Task of Tenvillah.

Posted by DM HeathFor group 0
DM Heath
GM, 5845 posts
Wed 20 Feb 2019
at 22:12
  • msg #1

The Task of Tenvillah

Due to the delays on my part, here is a summary that hopefully catches you all back up to speed.  I keep saying this, but I'm hoping to get back up to normal faster posting again.

Characters:
-Unther: The gnome village leader who sent you with Geebo to find Tenvillah.

-Geebo:  A young gnome (Unther’s nephew) who is still learning the ropes of magic but who studied with Tenvillah and vaguely remembers where he went to hide out.  He is easily confused and scared but tries to be brave and is your best bet for navigating the outside world.  He also learned some spells from Tenvillah to survive the dangers of the mist like making “earthsoil rock.”  He does not speak your language very well.

-Fingus Hatt:  you met him in the Doomed Temple.  He has bravado and seems to take credit where credit isn’t due (including for killing the “dragon,” which was actually the baby of the real dragon, and which led to the dragon becoming infuriated with you).  He is a warrior type whose companion is a more modest mage named Battrus.  He accompanies you to help find the cure for Battrus.
-White Haired Man:  You rescued a man who was being held captive and chained down in a pool of Earthsilver in the dragon’s lair.  He may have been there for years or centuries.  He has gone possibly insane and speaks incoherently.  After being removed from the Earthsilver, he seems to have contracted some sickness, possibly the Black Curse, and remains in bed with the gnomes.



DANGERS:
Black Curse or Black Death:  This disease takes over the body in the course of a few days, turning the extremities red and black at first, and then spreading until it makes the person incomprehensible, violent, and then suicidal.  No spells work on it.  The only one knowing the cure is Tenvillah.  It involves using the earthberries and earthsilver (which you have collected) to make a cure.

Angry Earth:  You are safe when there is mist.  When the mist clears, you must be on solid rock to avoid being cursed with the earth.  The danger depends on the color of the foliage.  If they are red, the leaves and branches will turn to sharp bladed spikes.  If they have a brownish tint, they will emanate an evil magic that could take many different forms.  If they have a bluish tint, all they touch will be drained of water--even human flesh--immediately.  If they glow yellow, then touching them is touching poison or acid.  And if they glow black...all the gnomes know is that it is “pure evil.”


ITEMS:
Earth Berries:  When you find earth berries on bushes, their effect lasts only for about 10-15 minutes after being plucked from a bush unless preserved in Earthsilver.  They have healing properties but not as powerful as Earthsilver.

Earthsilver:  This is a healing water that looks bluish with a silvery tint.  It heals all wounds instantly but is rare and has no magical properties when removed from whatever spring it sprouts from—except that it will help preserve earth berries for up to one day.  It will preserve their nonmagical properties even longer.



SYNOPSIS

You seek Tenvillah.  He is the only gnome who knows how to cure the Black Curse.  Six gnomes you rescued, as well as Battrus (and perhaps some of you), have come down with the Black Curse while wandering through the Doomed Temple taking on the Trials of the Faithful.  You have already collected the needed earthberries and earthsilver for the cure, but the gnomes say Tenvillah will require a payment or task before helping you.

In the temple caves, you managed to wake and let escape a powerful dragon of unknown power (Ozymandius) whose breath turns those affected into crystalline statues.  It now seeks revenge on you and historically terrorized the area surrounding the gnome village.

The ground changes daily depending on the color of glow of the foliage.  You can tell when it is about to change because the fog dissipates.  This dangerous earth is called the “Angry Earth.” At such times, you must be upon solid rock to escape becoming part of it.

There is also a terrible creature that roams the mist (and is impervious to the Angry Earth) called the “Fiend in the Mist.”  You met it and found it to be a spiked giant creature with no intention except to rent and kill--although this was different from the description given you by the gnomes.  You defeated it and sent it back into the woods only to discover there is an even larger version of the metal spiked fiend.  The fog started parting, and you fled to the rock where the clues led you.  But between the clearing of the fog and your higher ground, the dragon spotted you from above. Geebo informed you that the tunnel had caved in, leaving you no entrance and a giant dragon coming straight at you.

But just as it swooped down toward you, the new giant spiked fiend engaged the dragon.  Geebo tried his spell to affect the earth and rocks, but instead of clearing the caved in rocks, it collapsed the ground beneath you, and you fell through the loose rocks and holes into a dark cavern...

…where you have now met something approaching you from the far end.

For those of you with private information, here is a reminder:
DM Heath
GM, 5846 posts
Wed 20 Feb 2019
at 22:29
  • msg #2

The Task of Tenvillah

With the light from Tahldar's spell, you see the walls covered with skulls and bones.  And you see the figure coming close.  It is a bald gnome peering at you with suspicion.

"Tenvillah?" Geebo says.  "Tenvillah!"  He says in Gnomish, translated by Tahldar, "It is I, Geebo.  We are in need of your help."

Tenvillah stands there stoically.  In his arms is a white rabbit that he strokes slowly.  You also see several white rabbits at his feet.  "You speak Ashian tongue?" he says in a grated voice.  When you nod, he says, "Rabbits immune to Angry Earth but die when caves bring danger.  You come with me"

Geebo explains what you need and the items you have already collected to complete the cure for the Black Curse as Tenvillah leads you down the corridors, which are all stacked with bones and skulls.

Tenvillah leads you back to his hovel in the cave, where he prepares you all tea.  He uses hot coal-like rocks to warm the food and the cave instead of fire.  And only the dim glowing veins of purplish gemlight fill the room as he listens to all you have to tell him.

"What you see was not Fiend of Mist.  You see Shirinkah, an abomination borne from mist and Angry earth.  It was perhaps once gnome or human, perhaps not.  Fiend of Mist much more dangerous.  As for cure, no cure comes without price.  I do not seek price for myself.  The gods seek it as recompense for my powers.  Those seeking help must prove themselves worthy of the magic of the gods.  And remember this:  if I make cure, you have but one day to give it to afflicted or else it go wasted."

He points to one of the four exits from his hovel.  "Task is simple.  You go there.  You follow and make right decision on way.  You survive.  And you return to me with Chalice of Sanction filled with Earthgold.  Earthgold like Earthsilver--heal almost anything--but last much longer.  You take only one cup of Earthgold in the chalice, no more, else you anger the gods.  I help you when you return."

He reaches out to hand you the rabbit in his hands.  "You take rabbit.  If rabbit die, you know cave about to kill you.  If you no return, this healing was not meant to be.  So say the gods."
Borimer
player, 2815 posts
Ac 0 Hp 24/90
Thac0 12 Mvt18"
Thu 21 Feb 2019
at 19:09
  • msg #3

The Task of Tenvillah

Borimer takes the dubious gift from Tenvilla and wraps it in one arm to keep it safe, "Yeah..thx little buddy." He gives a wolfish grin and looks to his companions. "Let's rest a bit and then go get that chalice of gold, eh?"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:50, Fri 22 Feb 2019.
Kahan Singh
player, 1939 posts
81/81 HP AC 1
Thac0 16 Level 9 Cleric
Thu 21 Feb 2019
at 21:17
  • msg #4

The Task of Tenvillah

Kahan listened to Tenvillah, and commits his words to memory. "How many cures can you make from one chalice? There are many affected by the curse," he asked, hoping they wouldn't have to make too many trips back and forth.
Tahldar of Tyrannia
player, 570 posts
Ac 3 Hp 54/54
Thac0 18
Fri 22 Feb 2019
at 02:25
  • msg #5

The Task of Tenvillah

Tahldar is weary.  In many places his body is battered and bruised from exploits the like he never dreamed he would take part in.  But he is hardier than his wispy limbs would suggest.  In fact he has found he has a surprising constitution when it comes to life threatening, epic battles.  For the better part of a century he spent most of his time in research and quiet contemplation and never gave thought to an adventuring career.

If one could call his current life a career.  In truth he is just surviving as best he can.  His entire world literally is gone and he finds himself in a strange land where the rules are entirely different, rendering much of his previous learning useless.

Keeping his dagger aloft, Tahldar follows Geebo and Tenvillah using his dim light as a guide.

Addressing Tenvillah in his native tongue the mage says, [Language unknown:  P bleoreter no hishisone wer enc lat n werpa larametin hoee mi?  Nccom of nc iouos seder t aldi les Wasourvor m Ionave'artand ver any Stimenticwil?  Pa sela ineie p om it mi nint?]

OOC:  I have Talhdar down 12hp's but I don't know if this is still correct or not.

DM Heath
GM, 5847 posts
Wed 6 Mar 2019
at 20:05
  • msg #6

The Task of Tenvillah

Tenvillah says, "It needs but filled once to make many cures."

He listens to Tahldar and says, "I can say nothing of the task before you.  To give you the knowledge you seek, I would anger the gods.  They make test, not me.  They require secrecy.  You go. You explore.  You do as I say and I make many cures."

When you describe your weariness, Tenvillah nods and finds furs for you to rest in an adjoining cave.  Kahan performs healing spells, bringing you all back up to full health, and you rest, slumbering long and awaking in fits, remembering that time is short.

OOC:  You have now awakened.  Anything else you want to do before setting off?
Kahan Singh
player, 1941 posts
81/81 HP AC 1
Thac0 16 Level 9 Cleric
Wed 6 Mar 2019
at 20:52
  • msg #7

The Task of Tenvillah

When the others wake, they see Kahan, looking down at his hands. "We need to hurry, or I will not be making the return journey," the priest comments, showing the others the signs of the Black Death in his fingers.
Tahldar of Tyrannia
player, 572 posts
Ac 3 Hp 54/54
Thac0 18
Fri 8 Mar 2019
at 00:16
  • msg #8

The Task of Tenvillah

Tahldar wakes up stiffly and rubs his feet absentmindedly.  He should feel refreshed after his rest but something is off.  He lifts the furs off his body and notices his toes are covered in purple splotches and are oddly numb.

He lets the visual of what he sees sink in.

"I agree Kahan.  I think our time is running short.  I have it too.  We must hurry."
Borimer
player, 2818 posts
Ac 0 Hp 90/90
Thac0 12 Mvt18"
Sun 10 Mar 2019
at 20:51
  • msg #9

The Task of Tenvillah

Borimer tries to rub the crick out of his back but stops short at the purplish look of his fingers. He dons his armor and checks his weapons before showing his hands to Tenvillah. "How long do you think we have?"
Leogold Silvershaper
player, 255 posts
33/56
Sun 10 Mar 2019
at 21:03
  • msg #10

The Task of Tenvillah

Leo checks his gear and makes sure everything else is in order.  He really didn't think there were any issues but he needed something to do and keep his mind off the apparent extreme danger that was coming.
DM Heath
GM, 5852 posts
Fri 24 Jan 2020
at 06:58
  • msg #11

The Task of Tenvillah

IF YOU COULD PLEASE REREAD THIS CHAIN OF POSTS ABOVE, I THINK IT SHOULD BE ALL YOU NEED TO GET CAUGHT BACK UP AND MOVE FORWARD.

You are in the cave of Tenvillah the gnome, who is the only one with power to craft the cure to the Black Curse.  You all woke up finding the signs of the disease on you, so now your time is limited. You have 3, perhaps 4 days. (You have two people back at the gnome camp, the white haired old man and Batruss Moonshadow.)

Battrus is a monk and the companion of Fingas Hatt. He is quiet, but Fingas is a braggart who likes to take credit for others' work.

Fingas accompanies you, along with Geebo, the young gnome who trained with Tenvillah and knows a little magic, though it often goes awry and he is easily frightened.

Previously, Borimer saw a vision of something called the Source of Magic and a warning whispered in his ear about the 'man with the white hair.'

You currently have the following tasks:

1) Find the Chalice of Sanction (but take no other treasure)
2) Fill the Chalice of Sanction with Earthgold (a healing golden liquid)
3) Return the filled Chalice to Tenvillah to finish the cure
4) After healing yourselves, take the cure to heal Batruss and the white haired man back at the gnome village. (Using Earthsilver and making them rest, their disease has been slowed temporarily, giving you about 4 days from the present to save them.)

Your only directions are to take the white rabbit with you (which will die if you go into a part of the cave that is dangerous, as a warning) and go down into the caves and make the "right" decisions to get to the Chalice and Earthgold.

When ready, you need to start down the caves. [Note that it said four cave exits, but let's go with one for now and then move forward.]

This message was last edited by the GM at 06:59, Fri 24 Jan 2020.
DM Heath
GM, 5854 posts
Fri 24 Jan 2020
at 07:24
  • msg #12

The Task of Tenvillah

I have been updating the game wiki. You might want to check it out as a reminder of some items. I put the exposition of Etag the Drow in there where he explains most of what you need to know about Allevia to date.
DM Heath
GM, 5857 posts
Thu 30 Jan 2020
at 06:23
  • msg #13

The Task of Tenvillah

Let me know when you are all ready.
DM Heath
GM, 5859 posts
Fri 31 Jan 2020
at 01:51
  • msg #14

The Task of Tenvillah

Tenvillah feeds you breakfast and then strokes his white rabbit while waiting for you to go. He is ominously silent, and his eyes burn as coals in deep thought.

The path down the caves leads down into a wood door that Tenvillah opens for you. He hands you the white rabbit with another warning that should the rabbit die, the poisons in the air will soon kill you as well.

You start down the sloping cave, which is barely 6 feet in width and 7 in height. At most, you can go two by two, and that's without swinging anything.

I assume the following marching order, including going single file:

Borimer (holding torch) Kahan

Fingas Hatt (with torch) Shae

Tahldar  Geebo

Leo

You can change it as desired.


After about 100 yards, the walls begin to have niches in them like this:



Looking in some of the niches, you see some skeletons of ancient peoples laid to rest. They appear primarily gnome and human.

Soon after, the niches give way to layers of bones in patterns, like this:



Then it suddenly branches left or right. To the right path, there is a line of skulls leading that way, like this:



To the left, there is no such line of skulls, just piles of bones.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:53, Fri 31 Jan 2020.
Tahldar of Tyrannia
player, 582 posts
Ac 3 Hp 54/54
Thac0 18
Fri 31 Jan 2020
at 15:54
  • msg #15

The Task of Tenvillah

Tahldar walks along with his party.  He is pensive.  Both about the scourge currently attacking his body, and the skull and bones that litter the passageways.  He wonders who had the grisly task of compiling the bones and arranging them as they are.  He also wonders who these people were and what they did to not warrant a proper burial.

In any event, he turns his focus to the rabbit.  Geebo holds the creature in his arms and gently strokes the rabbit around his ears.  "Mind him close.  If he falters we won't have much time." he says evenly.

"Bones or Skulls.  Anyone have a preference?" he asks in reference to the choice in direction in front of them.

OOC:  I assume Geebo will hold the rabbit.

Shae Shadowglen
player, 263 posts
Mon 3 Feb 2020
at 07:58
  • msg #16

The Task of Tenvillah

Shae leans on her ancestral spear. She eyes the fork in the road. "It appears the skulls are leading in a direction. I say we follow them. It will prevent us from getting lost if this turns into a maze."
Kahan Singh
player, 1947 posts
81/81 HP AC 1
Thac0 16 Level 9 Cleric
Mon 3 Feb 2020
at 21:38
  • msg #17

The Task of Tenvillah

"Shae is right, it would be easiest to backtrack with that path," Kahan agreed, covering his mouth as he coughed a few times.
DM Heath
GM, 5861 posts
Tue 4 Feb 2020
at 01:04
  • msg #18

The Task of Tenvillah

You follow the right path with the line of skulls. It weaves for almost a hundred yards, surrounding you with walls of bones and skulls.

And then it opens up into a roundish room with the entrance you came in and continuing down another skull and bone filled corridor on the far end.

In the center of the room is a stone bowl. Upon inspection, the bowl inside is splotched red from bloodstains going back years, decades...perhaps centuries.

And sitting on the edge of the bowl with its tip in the center and hilt resting on the rim is an ancient dagger. It is covered in dust and also is blood stained on its blades.

Written in ancient script on the rim of the bowl is writing that translates as, "Fill the bowl. Leave the dagger." The bowl is large enough to hold 2.5 gallons (20 pints) of liquid.



GM NOTE: FYI, some pictures I'm posting were taken by me when I visited the Catacombs of Paris. Others are taken off the internet to advance the story.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:25, Tue 04 Feb 2020.
Leogold Silvershaper
player, 257 posts
33/56
Tue 4 Feb 2020
at 03:31
  • msg #19

The Task of Tenvillah

Leo quietly brings up the rear and tries to keep a lookout from behind.  But, glancing forward too, he is curious about the bowl.
Tahldar of Tyrannia
player, 583 posts
Ac 3 Hp 54/54
Thac0 18
Tue 4 Feb 2020
at 18:06
  • msg #20

The Task of Tenvillah

Talhdar looks the bowl and dagger over with a disdainful look.  "Fill the bowl he?" he says suspiciously.  "I would guess from the look of it, it would be blood and plenty of it.  Maybe as much as three human sized creatures to fill it, likely more."

Looking to move on he says, "This isn't the chalice.  I say we leave it and keep going."
Kahan Singh
player, 1948 posts
81/81 HP AC 1
Thac0 16 Level 9 Cleric
Tue 4 Feb 2020
at 20:37
  • msg #21

The Task of Tenvillah

"That may not be an option," Kahan remarked, flipping the bowl over if he could pick it up, looking for any other markings or signs of what would happen when they filled the bowl successfully.
Tahldar of Tyrannia
player, 584 posts
Ac 3 Hp 54/54
Thac0 18
Tue 4 Feb 2020
at 21:57
  • msg #22

The Task of Tenvillah

Before Kahan can touch the bowl, Tahldar says "Maybe you should check for evil first?"

"Those things give me a bad feeling." he adds as he points at the bowl and dagger.
Kahan Singh
player, 1949 posts
81/81 HP AC 1
Thac0 16 Level 9 Cleric
Wed 5 Feb 2020
at 02:07
  • msg #23

The Task of Tenvillah

Nodding, Kahan casts Detect Evil.
DM Heath
GM, 5862 posts
Thu 6 Feb 2020
at 04:25
  • msg #24

The Task of Tenvillah

After casting the spell, you find nothing intrinsically evil about the bowl.

The bowl is built into the platform and cannot be removed. It is a stone bowl and stone platform.
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