Episode 15
Session Summary
Unearthing Gruesome Secrets
The adventurers continued their perilous climb through the crumbling tower, only to stumble upon a grisly discovery. The remains of a bandit, previously encountered atop the tower, lay on the ground with his back grotesquely torn open. His spine appeared to have been violently removed, sparking horror and unease among the group. Voscheck and Peppercorn investigated the body and found an alchemical item allowing them to cast Speak with Dead.
Using the item, the group questioned the corpse. They learned the man had been killed in the tower’s lobby, where his spine was animated into a hostile creature. This chilling revelation left the party on edge as they continued their ascent.
The Spine Threat
As the group ascended further, the tower’s ominous vibrations seemed to echo the tension of their discovery. The knowledge that the animated spine was still lurking created an ever-present sense of danger. The party worked together to secure their position, with Shadow and HJ Ripley taking charge of navigating the increasingly unstable pathways.
Debris rained down intermittently as the tower shuddered, forcing the group to adapt quickly to the hazardous conditions. Nedra’s divine resilience shone through as she protected her allies from falling debris while maintaining her calm.
Character Highlights and Giggles
- Peppercorn, while investigating the torn-back corpse, commented in mock horror, "It’s always the spine! Why not an elbow for once?" adding her usual comedic flair to lighten the grim moment.
- Voscheck led the investigation into the body, noting, "This wasn’t a killing—this was a warning," which spurred the group’s speculation about the tower’s dangers.
- Shadow remarked on the tower’s structural decay: "This place is a death trap held together by rust and bad decisions." Her observation earned agreement and laughter from the group.
- HJ Ripley quietly pointed out, "If we’re careful, the trap can be our weapon," referring to the precarious terrain that might be used against future foes.
- Nedra, after experiencing the vision from the alchemical amulet, said solemnly, "The gods don’t leave wounds—they leave lessons." Her remark deepened the group’s reflection on the tower’s sinister nature.
Enemies Encountered
- Animated Spine: Though not encountered directly in this session, the revelation of its existence set a foreboding tone. The knowledge of its hostile nature loomed over the group’s every move.
NPCs Met
- Torn-Back Bandit: The remains of this individual provided a chilling clue to the tower’s horrors. His testimony, obtained through Speak with Dead, revealed the spine’s animation and hinted at the tower’s deadly nature.
Treasure
- Alchemical Item: An item allowing the group to cast Speak with Dead, enabling crucial insight into the bandit’s fate and the dangers of the tower.