Grizzly Hills session 3: Trial of the Titans part 2 and the eldritch horrors
Hey team!
Sorry for the late post! I've been beesy. But! I've gotten my patreon rolling a bit faster, and I have my first few patron-exclusive posts, including a prestige class the power blade.
But! My players continued their trial this session. They obviously weren't there to take the trial - it's an automated trial the city had for their worthy residents - and they know that the nature spirits, the Sons of Ursoc, took shelter within Thor Modan - and a corrupt force destroyed the trial door and went within, implying there was something--or someone--of value behind the trials.
After their tangle with Aggramar and defeating the images of Golganneth, they moved down the spiral staircase that brought them from smooth, brick walls, to a cragged dark cavern with no light but the one that came from a blacksmith hammer.
Their knowledge religion check reminded them that it was Khaz'goroth from outside, the world-shaper. He told them that the world molds, it moves, and if the people do not adjust and protect the world, then it will consume them all. He rose with a plafrom that turned a cavern tunnel to a small room with a 100 ft. rock wall in front of them, and told them to complete their trial by reaching the top. If not, the earth will consume them.
Rosalia could tell (being a geonmancer) that there was vast heat rising from the cracked floor beneath them. The climb began! Rosalia used monkey fish on her earth elemental eidolon (giving them a climb speed) then carrying them up. Fish used his support call ability, giving everyone 10 ft. bonus movement, and Dr. Torval used haste on everyone for an extra 30! Made everything a lot easier.
IT was a race against time, as two rounds following, lava would rise up, and fast, so they had to move! The good doctor failed twice on his first climb (rolling 2s and 3s doesn't help...) so Rosalia's Eidolon went to have him ride the elemental up. Easy!
And then the lava emerged!
As they began to ascend, the earth shifted and moved randomly, causing a variety of effects. If they made a successful perception check, they could navigate it a little better, which actually increased their chances of 'nothing happening' and decreased the danger window. The base rolls were as following for every climb. I rolled a d%, and then they'd have to either roll against a higher DC, or
make a save, depending!
d%:
0-50: normal DC 10 climb
51-60: Slippery wall, DC 15
61-70: Smooth wall, DC 15
71-80: Burst of flame, DC 20 reflex or take 3d6 fire. DC 20 climb, Reflex 15 to catch themselves 10 feet down.
81-90: The wall grows molten, DC 20 reflex to hold on, and take 3d6 fire automatically
91-95: Lava bursts onto them, Reflex DC 25 to dodge lava. On fail, full round to get some off, DC +5 on all climbs and 2d6 fire damage until they get it off
96-99: Rock thunders, reflex 25, failure is falling. DC 20 to catch themselves 20 feet down.
100: reflex DC 30 or fall, no save to catch themselves.
Somehow, I rolled between 96 and 99 a LOT. probably more than 5 times in 20 rolls. BUT! Most of them went on fish (who has a good reflex save, and made great rolls) so we had some epic acrobatic moves going on along the walls! Some damage happened, a couple delays, but no pure falls. By the time they got to the top of the wall (all of them) the lava reached halfway up - when they rose over the edge, the lava dispersed, the wall fell to the floor (slowly) and they met a cavern end out into forests.
"Maintaining a balance of life is most important, and protecting those that cannot protect themselves is part of our duty in the world"
Simple statement, means different things to different people, but the players eventually came to a clearing where a sheep, bird with an injured wing, raccoon, and young deer were huddled in the centre. Hearing howls from all around them, wolves emerged from the edge of the forest with eyes on the critters in the cowering in the centre.
The task was clear - stop the wolves from killing the critters. They came very close to losing two of them, but their companion Zigg threw down a earthen shield totem to raise their AC, and healed the bird. After taking down two waves of 8 wolves, two dire wolves emerged, and after those, the party was victorious!
Easy peasy. While they wolves were weak, the critters had very low health and AC so it was imperative that the wolves didn't get more than one attack on them.
Another clearing opened, leading into what seemed like an old wooden temple door.
This I did narrate. I liked Norgannon, as I always enjoy questions and riddles in D&D even if I don;t get them.
Turning the page, he points a finger to the air as he begins reading. “As they brought corruption to the last titan, the hands of azeroth were left to the mortals and titan-keepers of the world.” His eyes draw toward you again. “Tell me. Who is it that brought this corruption? Who brought the old gods here?”
For each question, they could either use their knowledge, or knowledge rolls for the answers.
“Indeed. One must understand the history and the source to truly know how to defeat or stop the spread of corruption. The void lords brought the old gods here - but there are four. Names whispered in the shadows.” His eyes draw away from the large tome once again. “Tell me, what are their names?”
C’thun, N’zoth, Yogg Saron, Y’sharrj (yah-shar-azsh) (Help: knowledge religion, dungeoneering, or planes)
“They created a name for their land in the far history before we, the titans, arrived. Tell me, what is the name of the world they made?
The Black Empire (Help: knowledge religion, history, or planes)
“Violent creatures, beings of insanity that would destroy all in their path if it weren’t for those who resist. The people of this world have been weakened permanently, however. A curse given by one of the old gods - Yogg Saron. Tell me, what is this curse?”
The curse of flesh (Help: knowledge religion, history, or nature)
There are some that were so ancient they were not part of the curse, but already lived the horror of it. Lived through the era of the black empire. One race of individuals, who all elves originated from, whom still roam this world. Tell me, which race is the source of all elves?
Zandalari (Help: knowledge history, geography, or nature)
Corruption spreads, evil rises, it all comes to the same end of all. Some of you seek to destroy evil, whether for your own selfish benefit, or for the better of others. The lich King - he was once a man. One must understand their enemy to know their weakness. Tell me, what is his family name?
Menethil (Help: knowledge history or nobility)
"Indeed. But what was his title before he betrayed us all?"
Prince of Lordaeron (Help: knowledge history, geography, or nobility)
They entered into a round room, with a four by four grid of 16 10-ft. wide squares like depressions in the ground. Aman'thul, with his flowing grey robe and knee-length beard, spoke to them from the back of the room.
“Welcome, my children. Time counts against you, as it counts against us all. One must analyze all aspects of our surroundings. We must look ahead to what comes next and what consequences our actions have. We must listen to others to understand their motives and actions so we can deduce the truth. I have three tests to impart upon you based on these creeds. You may only reverse actions once, and you may ask me to restart the task at any time. But if there is one thing you must remember, is that time is of the essence."
This is how task #1 started.
Stepping on one tile made the others invert, like so:
"We must listen to others to understand their motives and actions so we can deduce the truth."
Each person had one saying, and one saying only.
Elf: I came third in swimming…
Orc: I was in the same place for swimming and climbing, but two others beat me in the running part.
Drakken: I beat the Tauren at the climb, and he was never able to pass me after that!
Tauren: I dropped to 4th place during the climb, but I came in the same spot in the run as I did swimming.
They came down to the final floor.
"Coming down the final set of stairs, you come to a massive round forum where a large, veil of white light 100 ft. wide stands in the middle, where its light seems to be stolen by the figures surrounding it, darkening it - and corrupting it.
Around its edge are multiple hounds, bears, and wolves with a slight black mist emanating from them, with dark eyes with red irises and mouths dripping with black liquid.
At the centre, is a massive abomination with multiple tendrils watching, waiting, in front of the veil of light before it. It seems to be concentrating on a black beam emerging from its tendrils that it’s channel on the door. However, the eyes on the back of its head fix on you.
“Seems the spirits have found minions. Small, young races, one which already has the master’s essence. The foolish titans are long disparate, now only automated images for us to use, just like their watchers.”"
Sorry for the late post! I've been beesy. But! I've gotten my patreon rolling a bit faster, and I have my first few patron-exclusive posts, including a prestige class the power blade.
But! My players continued their trial this session. They obviously weren't there to take the trial - it's an automated trial the city had for their worthy residents - and they know that the nature spirits, the Sons of Ursoc, took shelter within Thor Modan - and a corrupt force destroyed the trial door and went within, implying there was something--or someone--of value behind the trials.
After their tangle with Aggramar and defeating the images of Golganneth, they moved down the spiral staircase that brought them from smooth, brick walls, to a cragged dark cavern with no light but the one that came from a blacksmith hammer.
Trial of Khaz'goroth
Their knowledge religion check reminded them that it was Khaz'goroth from outside, the world-shaper. He told them that the world molds, it moves, and if the people do not adjust and protect the world, then it will consume them all. He rose with a plafrom that turned a cavern tunnel to a small room with a 100 ft. rock wall in front of them, and told them to complete their trial by reaching the top. If not, the earth will consume them.
Rosalia could tell (being a geonmancer) that there was vast heat rising from the cracked floor beneath them. The climb began! Rosalia used monkey fish on her earth elemental eidolon (giving them a climb speed) then carrying them up. Fish used his support call ability, giving everyone 10 ft. bonus movement, and Dr. Torval used haste on everyone for an extra 30! Made everything a lot easier.
IT was a race against time, as two rounds following, lava would rise up, and fast, so they had to move! The good doctor failed twice on his first climb (rolling 2s and 3s doesn't help...) so Rosalia's Eidolon went to have him ride the elemental up. Easy!
And then the lava emerged!
As they began to ascend, the earth shifted and moved randomly, causing a variety of effects. If they made a successful perception check, they could navigate it a little better, which actually increased their chances of 'nothing happening' and decreased the danger window. The base rolls were as following for every climb. I rolled a d%, and then they'd have to either roll against a higher DC, or
make a save, depending!
d%:
0-50: normal DC 10 climb
51-60: Slippery wall, DC 15
61-70: Smooth wall, DC 15
71-80: Burst of flame, DC 20 reflex or take 3d6 fire. DC 20 climb, Reflex 15 to catch themselves 10 feet down.
81-90: The wall grows molten, DC 20 reflex to hold on, and take 3d6 fire automatically
91-95: Lava bursts onto them, Reflex DC 25 to dodge lava. On fail, full round to get some off, DC +5 on all climbs and 2d6 fire damage until they get it off
96-99: Rock thunders, reflex 25, failure is falling. DC 20 to catch themselves 20 feet down.
100: reflex DC 30 or fall, no save to catch themselves.
Somehow, I rolled between 96 and 99 a LOT. probably more than 5 times in 20 rolls. BUT! Most of them went on fish (who has a good reflex save, and made great rolls) so we had some epic acrobatic moves going on along the walls! Some damage happened, a couple delays, but no pure falls. By the time they got to the top of the wall (all of them) the lava reached halfway up - when they rose over the edge, the lava dispersed, the wall fell to the floor (slowly) and they met a cavern end out into forests.
Trial of Eonar
(played the forest temple theme from Ocarina of Time!)
I had minimal narrative as a whole this session. But! They entered into a thick forest path, with a dense canopy high above. As they passed through the forest they heard a soothing female voice call out within their minds.
"Maintaining a balance of life is most important, and protecting those that cannot protect themselves is part of our duty in the world"
Simple statement, means different things to different people, but the players eventually came to a clearing where a sheep, bird with an injured wing, raccoon, and young deer were huddled in the centre. Hearing howls from all around them, wolves emerged from the edge of the forest with eyes on the critters in the cowering in the centre.
The task was clear - stop the wolves from killing the critters. They came very close to losing two of them, but their companion Zigg threw down a earthen shield totem to raise their AC, and healed the bird. After taking down two waves of 8 wolves, two dire wolves emerged, and after those, the party was victorious!
Easy peasy. While they wolves were weak, the critters had very low health and AC so it was imperative that the wolves didn't get more than one attack on them.
Another clearing opened, leading into what seemed like an old wooden temple door.
Trial of Norgannon
(I played music from this mix of cathedral themes)
"You come to a large room lined with bookcases, with books of various sizes, ages, and topics. One old man wearing a long, grey robe with a large hood walks from side to side of the room, looking into a book called The lore of the last titan as he strokes the white beard that falls down to his lower stomach. He stops in the centre, eyes not leaving the old, weathered pages, and speaks aloud. “Ah, I see another bunch have come seeking the trial.” His eyes, bright as a blue torch, draw toward you now, briefly, as he says “But for something much more than that, I see.”
Turning the page, he points a finger to the air as he begins reading. “As they brought corruption to the last titan, the hands of azeroth were left to the mortals and titan-keepers of the world.” His eyes draw toward you again. “Tell me. Who is it that brought this corruption? Who brought the old gods here?”
For each question, they could either use their knowledge, or knowledge rolls for the answers.
The Void Lords (Help: knowledge religion or planes)
“Indeed. One must understand the history and the source to truly know how to defeat or stop the spread of corruption. The void lords brought the old gods here - but there are four. Names whispered in the shadows.” His eyes draw away from the large tome once again. “Tell me, what are their names?”
C’thun, N’zoth, Yogg Saron, Y’sharrj (yah-shar-azsh) (Help: knowledge religion, dungeoneering, or planes)
“They created a name for their land in the far history before we, the titans, arrived. Tell me, what is the name of the world they made?
The Black Empire (Help: knowledge religion, history, or planes)
“Violent creatures, beings of insanity that would destroy all in their path if it weren’t for those who resist. The people of this world have been weakened permanently, however. A curse given by one of the old gods - Yogg Saron. Tell me, what is this curse?”
The curse of flesh (Help: knowledge religion, history, or nature)
There are some that were so ancient they were not part of the curse, but already lived the horror of it. Lived through the era of the black empire. One race of individuals, who all elves originated from, whom still roam this world. Tell me, which race is the source of all elves?
Zandalari (Help: knowledge history, geography, or nature)
Corruption spreads, evil rises, it all comes to the same end of all. Some of you seek to destroy evil, whether for your own selfish benefit, or for the better of others. The lich King - he was once a man. One must understand their enemy to know their weakness. Tell me, what is his family name?
Menethil (Help: knowledge history or nobility)
"Indeed. But what was his title before he betrayed us all?"
Prince of Lordaeron (Help: knowledge history, geography, or nobility)
---
They answered them all correctly! Came close on a couple knowledge rolls, but those skills do come in handy! They had some with history, nature, geography, and religion/nobility, so it worked out!
He congratulated them, and sent them on their way. Dr. Torval attempted to steal a book on diseases, but Norgannon (after shocking the Doctor) simply said to ask if he wishes for knowledge - and he gave each player a book of their choice to increase one knowledge skill.
Off they went to the final trial.
Trial of Aman'thul
I played a mix of this clock ticking, and this mix. Not appropriate, but I liked the music for a time puzzle.
They entered into a round room, with a four by four grid of 16 10-ft. wide squares like depressions in the ground. Aman'thul, with his flowing grey robe and knee-length beard, spoke to them from the back of the room.
“Welcome, my children. Time counts against you, as it counts against us all. One must analyze all aspects of our surroundings. We must look ahead to what comes next and what consequences our actions have. We must listen to others to understand their motives and actions so we can deduce the truth. I have three tests to impart upon you based on these creeds. You may only reverse actions once, and you may ask me to restart the task at any time. But if there is one thing you must remember, is that time is of the essence."
The first trial began, and I started a timer for 15 minutes. "First you must analyze all aspects of your surroundings and know how one action affects those around you."
Each 10-ft. square raised into a pressure plate, and each pressed down or stayed up depending on which they stomped on.
This is how task #1 started.
Stepping on one tile made the others invert, like so:
Pressing on the second down, third from the left, the following would happen:
And so on. Their task was to raise them all (or turn all the squares black). In about 4 minutes they completed it!
For task #2: 'We must look ahead to what comes next and what consequences our actions have."
This was a more permanent form of the last one. Incorporeal statues that they could push stood in each square, and they could push one in a straight line, through others to make them disappear, as long as the one they pushed stopped in an empty space. They started with one spot empty.
The clock reset to 15 minutes.
The bottom statue that's second from the right goes through the next two, and ends in the one empty space Aman'thul left. Thus leaving them with this:
Now the one they moved is in the empty space, and there are two gone. They had to continue moving statues until there was one left. They couldn't skip over empty spaces, or move in anything but one single straight line per move, and had to move through at least one statue.
They used their "reverse" to go back a couple moves here, and got this after a few minutes without needing a re-try. Nice!
The final task awaited.
"We must listen to others to understand their motives and actions so we can deduce the truth."
Four people appeared. A Tauren, an Elf, a Drakken, and an Orc. There was an athletic event, with a climb, a swim, and a run event. They were not told the order of events. Aman'thul told them he wanted them to tell him the order of completion of the event for the final event.
The clock restarted to 15 minutes.
Each person had one saying, and one saying only.
Elf: I came third in swimming…
Orc: I was in the same place for swimming and climbing, but two others beat me in the running part.
Drakken: I beat the Tauren at the climb, and he was never able to pass me after that!
Tauren: I dropped to 4th place during the climb, but I came in the same spot in the run as I did swimming.
This one was a tad tough - partly because they weren't told the order of events. They typed it out, and tried to figure it out.
Using an int check near their time-up, they found out the swim was first, and the run was last. However, Fish blurted out an answer as they ran out of time, which was incorrect. They all took 2 constitution drain, and the clock reset to 15 minutes and kept going.
The logic is this:
The tauren dropped to 4th during the climb, but then came in the same spot in the run as he did in swimming. This slightly implies the run is last, but makes it known that the climb is the middle event - confirmed by the Drakken, who said he beat the tauren at the climb, and the Tauren never beat him after that - implying that further.
The Tauren then has a bare minimum of coming in third for the run and swim - and the same place. However, the Elf came third in swimming - therefore the Tauren was second or first - before and after the climb.
The Drakken beat the Tauren after the climb, so the Tauren couldn't have been first. So he comes second. The Drakken is then first.
Since the run was the final event, the Elf is not confirmed third or fourth - but the Orc had two people (the Drakken and Tauren) beat him at the run - and thus comes in third, leaving the Elf in fourth.
Thus the order is: Drakken, Tauren, Orc, Elf.
Once they completed their final choice, Aman'thul congratulated them on their victory, and sent them on their way.
The Titan Vault
"Coming down the final set of stairs, you come to a massive round forum where a large, veil of white light 100 ft. wide stands in the middle, where its light seems to be stolen by the figures surrounding it, darkening it - and corrupting it.
Around its edge are multiple hounds, bears, and wolves with a slight black mist emanating from them, with dark eyes with red irises and mouths dripping with black liquid.
At the centre, is a massive abomination with multiple tendrils watching, waiting, in front of the veil of light before it. It seems to be concentrating on a black beam emerging from its tendrils that it’s channel on the door. However, the eyes on the back of its head fix on you.
“Seems the spirits have found minions. Small, young races, one which already has the master’s essence. The foolish titans are long disparate, now only automated images for us to use, just like their watchers.”"
---
With their perception, they saw a large number of animals and humanoids within, but most fixed behind them, where a large polar bear resides, roaring and writhing in agony as two faceless abominations fix black beams of energy upon it.
With their perception, they saw a large number of animals and humanoids within, but most fixed behind them, where a large polar bear resides, roaring and writhing in agony as two faceless abominations fix black beams of energy upon it.
This was where we stopped! Starting with combat against this strange horror - and much going on. There are multiple animals with vile maws, the horror itself with eyes all around, and the two faceless abominations corrupting a large (seemingly important) bear behind the protective veil.
Many things to decide on what to do first - and possible consequences if they choose one thing over another.
---
It was a fun session! I enjoy a mix of combat, puzzles, and riddles. The Aman'thul puzzles were taken from super mario RPG for SNES! Very fun game. Also fun puzzles!
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