Episode 20
Session Summary
The Spirit's Lament
The party began in the wreckage of the underground chapel, where Davia’s ghostly form lingered in sorrow near the desecrated altar. While exploring the room, they found remnants of arcane and religious rituals, revealing the complicated and conflicting purpose of the altar—a tool capable of resurrection, but at a price.
Uncovering Secrets
Through investigation, the party discovered several hidden areas and relics:
- A hidden storeroom containing Marvin Cedric’s belongings, including a journal that revealed his role as an apprentice of "Q." The journal outlined Cedric’s assignment to observe Davos’ obsession with resurrection, shedding light on Davos’ sinister methods and motivations.
- A maintenance room behind the organ, filled with spare parts and arcane mechanisms. Shadow deduced its purpose related to the tower's construction and uncovered notes documenting the tower’s creation 42 years prior.
The Door to the Mausoleum
The session culminated in a deeper exploration of the massive steel door at the end of the chapel, sealed with intricate arcane and mechanical locks. Voscheck identified the veins of necromantic and abjuration magic emanating from the mausoleum, suggesting it was a containment structure tied to the ghostly activity and Davos’ work.
Character Highlights and Giggles
- Professor Peppercorn: Climbed the towering statue of Pawelos to deliver a heartfelt, raccoon-style prayer, evoking laughter and mild divine interest.
- Shadow: Used her analytical skills to decipher the altar’s dual-purpose design and later pieced together critical details about the tower’s construction.
- Queequeg: Stepped forward to lead the investigation into the organ’s inner workings and the arcane locks on the mausoleum door.
- Voscheck: Insightfully traced the magical network connecting the tower's sinister activities to the mausoleum, recognizing its power and scope.
- Aubrey: Studied the arcane and clerical inscriptions on the altar, connecting the ritual’s purpose to Davos’ obsession with his family lineage.
Enemies Encountered
- No direct combat this session; the tension remained high as the group pieced together the mysteries of the tower and the ghostly presence of Davia.
NPCs Met
- Davia (Ghost): Continued to haunt the altar, cryptically revealing her torment and the price of her brother’s obsession.
- Marvin Cedric (via journal): An elven apprentice sent to observe Davos’ work, whose journal hinted at moral conflict with Davos’ methods.
Treasure
- Marvin Cedric’s Satchel:
- A journal detailing his assignment.
- A spellbook containing unknown arcane knowledge.
- Several healing potions.
- 53 gold pieces.
- Scroll of Cure Wounds: Discovered among the priestly belongings.
- Organ Music Manuscripts: Sheet music found in the maintenance room, with a cryptic eight-measure sequence written with extraordinary care. This ended up being the key to opening the Mausoleum door.