Episode 13
Session Summary
Exploration and Unease
The adventurers began their journey at the base of a spiraling staircase within a vast metallic tower. The air was heavy with tension, punctuated by the groans of stressed metal and the faint flicker of unreliable lighting. Voscheck led the way with his torch, revealing a maze of vents, drains, and steel beams that painted the environment as both industrial and ominous.
The group discovered key features, including a locked staircase door requiring a strange punch card mechanism and two elevators. Dirk unearthed a corpse within the freight elevator, its uniform marked by a whistle, key card, and silver buttons. As he retreated, the elevator door slammed shut, and a passenger elevator ominously dinged open, heightening the unease.
Power and Peril
Nedra took charge of the control panel, switching from "Main" to "Auxiliary" power. Her efforts illuminated parts of the tower but came at a cost—a powerful shock that left her momentarily reeling. Meanwhile, Professor Peppercorn, ever the entertainer, added humor to the tense situation with exaggerated reactions and dramatic commentary.
The adventurers pressed onward, navigating dimly lit corridors and staircases. Margery healed the group with her druidic magic, while Shadow and HJ Ripley assessed structural weaknesses in the staircase, revealing critical hazards.
The Chasm Challenge
A 12-foot gap in the staircase with a girder running diagonally above forced the party to work together creatively:
- Margery, using a spider climb spell, anchored ropes and secured a safe crossing.
- Voscheck identified frayed harness straps, ensuring the group’s safety.
- Maya lifted spirits with a stirring performance, mimicking a beloved NPC to calm nerves.
- HJ Ripley expertly led the crossing and assisted others with precise movements.
- Nedra used her strength to steady teammates as they crossed.
- Peppercorn, ever the wildcard, caused minor mishaps during an overzealous inspection of the rigging.
Despite their efforts, Margery slipped while retrieving rigging, falling 30 feet and narrowly catching herself. Though bruised, her determination remained unshaken.
The Climb Continues
Further up, the tower’s instability became evident. Peppercorn, with her raccoon-like curiosity, detected vibrations from the structure above. Suddenly, a tensioned cable snapped, raining debris that the party narrowly avoided.
The group’s path led them to a grisly discovery: a humanoid corpse, its back grotesquely torn open. Voscheck and Peppercorn investigated, finding an alchemical amulet marked by the god Palev. The amulet triggered a vivid vision in Nedra, hinting at divine wrath and unspoken truths.
Character Highlights and Giggles
- Voscheck led the charge in exploration, combining investigation with survival instincts.
- Peppercorn balanced humor and chaos, from inspecting the rigging to dramatic commentary.
- Margery showcased magical versatility, healing the party and anchoring traversal solutions.
- Shadow and HJ Ripley demonstrated strategic insight and teamwork, especially in dangerous terrain.
- Nedra emerged as the party’s pillar of strength and resilience.
- Maya’s uplifting performance brought levity and unity to the group.
Enemies Encountered
No direct combat occurred this session, though the snapping cables, dangerous terrain, and ominous discoveries added an ever-present sense of danger.
NPCs Met
- Corpse in the Elevator: A mysterious figure in a uniform, clutching a whistle and punch card, suggesting a tragic end while working in the tower.
- Torn-Back Corpse: A guard, brutally killed by an unknown force. His back was torn open, and he carried a mysterious alchemical amulet bearing Palev’s mark.
Treasure
- Alchemical Amulet: Marked by the god Palev, this amulet triggered a vision in Nedra and hints at powerful magic.
- Key Card: Found on the corpse in the elevator, potentially critical for unlocking sections of the tower.
- Whistle: An ordinary whistle, though its original purpose remains unclear.