Campaign Chronicles-11-An Empty Guardtower and The Secret Catacombs
View the previous chapter of the chronicles: Campaign Chronicles-10-The Cake is a Lie
Not wanting to cause a scene in the city after having fought such a battle, the party split up. The arcanists Drakom and Alderick began exploring the cemetery in depth, hoping to glean some hidden truths from the lives and deaths written upon the tombstones, while Syrin departed to the north, wishing to commune with Nature before returning to The Dukes Chalice. Pengarond, Astronom, and Shamil decided to enter Aspenwood the way they had exited - through the western gate.
The three noticed that the guardhouse was still deserted, the fire in the top of the tower still burning. Thinking it odd that guards of such a law-abiding city would be derelict in their duties, Pengarond decided to investigate. Shamil picked the door's lock, and the three entered. Shamil cautiously crept up the stairs to the top floor to search for information, while the dwarf and elf took their time in perusing everything in the main room. They discovered several vials of liquid, two cases (one with eyeglasses and the other with a spyglass), and some gloves embroidered with arrows. The gnome, meanwhile, found a sack full of platinum pieces, and after informing the others, all three crept out and headed to the Duke's Chalice.
Drakom and Alderick, though, had stumbled upon something interesting. Using their knowledge of geography and urban landscaping, they deduced that a large underground crypt or lair was hidden nearby, and after thoroughly searching one of the mausoleums, discovered the entrance. The place had been undisturbed for many years, though, and after they moved a sarcophagus to reveal a stairway leading down, a cloud of vile spores was released into the air and into their lungs. Coughing and gagging, the two descended. Drakom knew something was wrong when Alderick began laughing uncontrollably and asking random esoteric questions, so he quickly cast a spell that allowed him to inform Pengarond of their location.
After hearing the wizard's words on the wind, the priest Pengarond informed his comrades and the three returned to the cemetery. They eventually stumbled upon the secret staircase, though their fortitude was stronger than that of the mages and they did not succumb to the disease. Once they caught up with Alderick and Drakom, though, they were in for a surprise, for Alderick had it in mind to buff them with any wands he could find - including his wand of magic missile! Realizing that his friends were not in their right minds, Pengarond and Astronom moved to subdue them and prevent them from doing more harm, but this happened at an inopportune time, for buried in the crypts were several tiny undead creatures who were drawn to the life force of the adventurers. It took several rounds, but eventually the foes were destroyed and the friends were either behaving or tied up. Pengarond darted further into the catacombs to scout for anything of note, and returned quickly, stating there was an unnatural girl in the next room but that they should be able to outrun her. The reunited party then exited the secret catacombs and made their way to the Duke's Chalice.
The next day, the two arcanists were still under the effects of the laughing disease, so the cleric and druid prayed for spells that would aid them. After removing their friends' afflictions, the group went to the dining area for some food, and it was there that they met the Marquis Sardeaux again.
Continue on to the next chapter of the chronicles: Campaign Chronicles-12-The last 3.5 game
