Ptolus - Star Children and Ancient Connections

The Meeting with Fell

In the backroom of the Ghostly Minstrel Inn, our story took an unexpected turn. ZD led us to meet Fell, a mysterious figure who had been watching us from afar. In the privacy of the basement, Fell revealed an ancient truth that would shake our understanding of who we were.

We learned of a connection between the Outlands and Plains that had been severed 3,333 years ago. More surprisingly, we discovered our true identity as the Star Children—a group that had appeared mysteriously on the planes two years ago, without memories of our past lives. The Watcher in the Skies had noticed our arrival and our gradually returning abilities, suggesting we were more than mere adventurers.

Brotherhood Troubles and Street Magic

Our contemplation of these revelations was interrupted by Hirus Feek, owner of the Bull and Bear Armory, who expressed concern about Iltumar Shon's involvement with a group called The Brotherhood of Ptolus. The situation grew more complex when Iltumar himself entered the inn, wearing a new ring bearing the symbol of the Shadowy Coiled Serpent.

The streets of Ptolus soon erupted in chaos. We witnessed a half-orc burning from within, a dwarf casting involuntary magic, and confronted Tavan Zith, a dangerous drow monk whose defeat yielded a powerful +3 cloak of resistance. These incidents seemed connected to a larger mystery unfolding in the city.

The Crystal-Armed Emissary

Our path crossed with Jevicca Norr, a striking figure with a crystalline right arm, who represented the Inverted Pyramid. She offered us 850 gold pieces each for information about the Banewarrens—ancient vaults designed to contain powerful evil artifacts. Her interest in an old wine cellar in Old Town, from where Tavan Zith had emerged, suggested deeper mysteries yet to be uncovered.

The Church's Request

Brother Fabitor Thisk approached us with news of missing church brothers, including a paladin named Kalerecent. The promise of 2,000 gold pieces led us to track Kalerecent to an old manor house. Inside, we faced an orc warrior wielding magical weapons and discovered a mysterious bone ring that would later prove significant.

Descent into Darkness

Our exploration led us through treacherous tunnels where we confronted an Umberhulk whose confusion magic tested our resolve. We discovered valuable treasures, including jeweled necklaces and a black pearl ring, but also signs of darker forces at work.

The true challenge came when we faced a wraith that drained our constitution, followed by the discovery of four dead kobolds before a massive iron door. Here we found Kalerecent, who spoke of forced labor, mysterious creatures, and battles with lamias and a minotaur.

The Prisoners' Tale

In the depths of the dungeons, we discovered more than we bargained for. Behind iron bars, desperate faces told stories of capture and torment. Some had been there for weeks, others had lost track of time entirely. Their testimonies painted a picture of systematic evil at work beneath the city's streets.

Ancient Guardians

The deeper we ventured, the more formidable our opponents became. We encountered an ancient iron golem, its metallic form towering above us, its purpose long forgotten but its deadly efficiency intact. These constructs, we learned, were part of the original defenses of the Banewarrens, still functioning after millennia.

The Wraiths' Warning

Perhaps most chilling were our encounters with the undead. The wraiths we faced weren't merely mindless spirits—they carried warnings from beyond the grave, their hollow voices speaking of ancient seals and terrible consequences should they be broken.

The Church's Gratitude and New Mission

Upon returning Kalerecent to Saint Gustov's Chapel, we met with church officials including Sister Mara von Witten, Brother Tobias Thad, and others. Brother Heth Neferul provided us with a scroll of Legend Lore to investigate the magic sealing the iron door, marking our deeper involvement in the church's mission to contain ancient evils.

Battles in the Depths

Our return to the dungeons brought us face-to-face with formidable foes: a lamia wielding powerful magical items, a fearsome minotaur, and various other creatures. Each victory brought us closer to understanding the mysteries of the Banewarrens, though each answer seemed to spawn more questions.

The Asylum's Vision

Perhaps the most cryptic development came from Mahdot's Asylum, where a patient named Tabaen shared a vision about a key shaped like a hand, hidden deep within House Vladaam. His words echoed with prophetic weight: "You must use it so that they cannot. Use it to find the staff that will destroy it."

The Path Forward

As our session concluded, we found ourselves working with Nicalon Regelis to plan our infiltration of House Vladaam. The promise of magical items worth 2,000 gold pieces each from Jevicca Norr sweetened our dangerous mission, but the true reward lay in unraveling the mysteries of our own identity as Star Children and our connection to these ancient powers.

Location: Villa Ilona, Ylämaantie 3005, 54410 Ylämaa
Session Date: August 11, 2023