GM 101 - Ladile's Manor (Phantom Phenomena) (Inactive)

Game Master Lady Ladile

perc dc 20: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

"Oy! Qui' tha racke'!" Gulch yells as he storms into the hallway.

Perception, Gulch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Perception, Wormling: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

He then rushes over to the south wall and bends over. His face mere inches away from the opening, he shouts "'ey, 'nyone 'ome? KNOCK KNOCK! See?! I ca' make noise toooooo!" his meaty fists slamming against the wall near the hole.

Wormling merely points to the same location, "There is another hole on that wall." Realizing the candles have lit themselves, he turns to his friends, "Would anyone be able to detect magic upon that painting?"

From Wormling's limited vantage point, he can see long, dusty sheets trailing down to the floor here and there in the room beyond. These are likely more pieces of furniture that have been covered up. He also notices what look to be the uncovered legs of a stone table.

Elena enters into the hallway with the rest of the group.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11 Nope.

Elena winces at Gulch’s speech, but she assumes something of interest in is that general area. She approaches Gulch to try to peer over his shoulder to see what he is looking at. ”That room?” Elena asks the group. She holds her sword and shield, in anticipation for the door to be opened.

"What have you got there, Gulch? Chasing a rat down its hole?"

Hakon casts detect magic and looks at the painting before turning to Elena.

"We might as well see what he's going on about. Get it out of his system before we follow the light."

Rhasuel also fires up his own detection magic and keeps an eye out behind the group, just in case. The last thing he wants in a place as creepy as this is to get snuck up on.

Mr. Sunshine continues to quietly stalk Rhasuel.

"We might as well see what he's going on about. Get it out of his system before we follow the light."

Elena nods solemnly, tightening her grip on her longsword and shield. Elena lowers her voice to a whisper: "Perhaps someone should open the door the hole leads into. I'll rush into the space and surprise anyone - anything - that's lurking in there." Elena positions herself in front of the door but leaves enough space for someone to turn the knob.

Making sure to cover all of their bases before proceeding, Hakon and Rhasuel cast their spells and look around for any sneaky magical auras. Rhasuel's efforts don't reveal anything lingering behind the party - at least not at the moment.

Mr. Sunshine (Stealth): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
Rhasuel (Perception): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

He also doesn't notice that he has a stalker fan creeping up behind him...

Meanwhile, Hakon's focus is more narrow, focusing on Lady Illirigarde's painting and the immediate vicinity around it. He immediately notes a faint aura of magic surrounding not the painting itself but the lit candelabras flanking each side.

The party as a whole also has a decision to make - investigate the light shining from further up the hallway to the northeast or see what lies behind the door to the south. Elena and Hakon have already made their own opinions clear, with Elena readying herself to rush into the room as soon as someone flings the doors open...
_________

So, into the southern room?

Spellcraft DC15: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Herald peers closely at the candles.

It's a simple Light spell. First one I learned as a young apprentice...

He stares off in the distance, lost in reverie or perhaps trying to remember something just out of reach. In any case, he recovers after a few moments and moves to back up Elena after casting Magic Weapon on his morningstar.

Southern room!

seconded!

Knowledge: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

"Yes, light would explain the faint aura of evocation."

Seeing both The Herald and Elena ready at the door to the southern room, Hakon opens the door.

With the party ready Hakon flings open the door to the southern room as Elena rushes in, sword and shield in hand, ready to surprise anything foul that might be lurking inside! But after the initial rush of adrenaline, the paladin and her companions realize that there aren't any nasty ghosts or other critters there to greet them.

As expected from the cursory glance through the hole in the wall earlier, this is yet another room filled with dusty bookshelves and sheet-covered furniture as well as a large stone table whose surface is surprisingly clean and free of dust. Sitting near the table is a large, ivory box carved with a skull motif which stands open. A smaller door with a hanging mirror stands partially open to the north revealing more bookshelves - this clearly must have been Lady Illirigarde's personal library and study. Dim light filters in from the cracked and dirty windows on the eastern wall and the only sounds that can be heard are the sounds of the party's footsteps.

Okay folks, place yourselves in the room as you like and tell me what you're up to in here!

Herald moves into the room, immediately focusing on the private library.

Ah, books. My old friends. And worst enemies. Perhaps you have the answer I need.

He peers into the room without touching the door.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

He's apparently so enamored of the private library that he doesn't notice the stone table or the ivory box.

Rhasuel enters the room carefully. This place was giving him the creeps in spades.
Nevertheless he enters and is careful to touch nothing.

Spellcaft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Nope.

Well that's a little disappointing, I thought the intruder might be in here. Elena approaches the table. See map. Elena sheaths her sword and jostles the papers on the table, looking for clues as to the missing Lady's whereabouts. "Hmm, do you all think there could be something of interest hidden in these parchments?"

Should Elena try to roll anything for the papers?

Elena uses detect magic as she examines the table's contents.

Spellcaft (papers): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

______

Side note, not having the My Campaigns tab working and not having the updates when new posts arrive is really throwing me off.

Mathos has no interest in staying in the room with the oldsters. He follows the armoured Imodean into to room and looks around. He takes a good look at the bookcase. I am not touching that box. We got jumped by skulls in the tavern, and now skulls here.

Skulls here again. Coincidence?

Hakon enters the room and scans the room, "I'm not much for libraries. Sagas should be sung. We should look for a workshop."

Estra and Honaire enter the room, Honaire at Estra's side at all times, ready to interpose himself between her and danger. She peers at the box, curious as to it's purpose and what might be in it, or what might HAVE been in it. "Why is the desk free of dust, eh? that's odd... it's not like anyone's been cleaning in here."

She walks over to the box and looks inside without touching it.

Eager discover what has been playing with them, Gulch becomes silent and creeps into the room. You can tell two things buy his actions: first, he is trying very hard to be sneaky. Second, he has no idea how to actually be sneaky. His over long, awkward steps creating only slightly less noise than normal. He "sneaks" over to the box and tries to open it. I placed my characters, but I am unsure which room is the one he could see through the hole, but that is the one he is currently in.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Wormling enters the room and immediately begins scanning the books for anything of interest.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

The party files into the library and begin looking around, disappointed to not find any intruders but somewhat hopeful that answers might at least be found among the dusty and forgotten tomes. Elena's scanning of the papers on the table doesn't turn up any magical auras but she does notice that they appear to be research notes, likely made by Lady Illirigarde. Closer reading reveals that they appear to be observations regarding the strange phenomena in the area as well as technical notes on objects called 'etheric compasses' - the same devices that Dr. Quolorum had urged you to find, if possible. Surely this means you're on the right track! However, the purpose of the box or what it once contained remains elusive.

Gulch and Wormling are indeed in the room that they were peeking into earlier! Also I moved the rest of you into the library, but feel free to place yourselves elsewhere in the room if you wanted to spread out.

"Oh my, that's not good... not good at all... I feel an unnatural chill in the air. And there's frost on the table! She backs away from the table as quickly as an old woman can... Honaire taking a defensive stance between her and the table.

Elena sighs and lays the papers back on the table. "Lady Illirigarde was definitely studying strange phenomena in the area," Elena states obviously. Elena rests her free hand on a chair back. "Have you all found any books of interest? Perhaps something that'll lead us to Lady Illirigarde?"

"Oh my, that's not good... not good at all... I feel an unnatural chill in the air. And there's frost on the table!" She backs away from the table as quickly as an old woman can... Honaire taking a defensive stance between her and the table.

"Huh?" Elena looks confused for a moment and stares down at the table to see what Estra is talking about. ...Frost? There may be evil afoot! Her eyes immediately narrow and she draws her longsword in a gallant flourish. "Don't worry! In the name of Iomedae, I'll protect you Estra!" Elena scours the room with her eyes, trying to identify the source of the frost or possible dangers (Detect Evil?)

Perhaps a shawl may be better defense against the cold than your he clears his throat cold steel.

Concerned about his own wellbeing Mathos mives about trying to locate the source if the cold.

Perception?
Perception to locate source of cold: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Rhasuel also keeps his distance from the table. Why do creepy thing always insist on being cold? He grumbles.

The temperature continues to plunge and now all of you are aware that something is terribly wrong. Elena instinctively calls on the power of Iomedae to reveal any evil presences within the room...and evil she indeed detects! For those still looking at the table the frost continues to race along its surface, forming what almost looks to be a mirror or window...and within that space, a scene begins to take shape...

Within the table's reflective surface you see a woman with lightly bronzed skin and flowing, dark brown hair sitting at the very same table you stand beside now. You note that the woman possesses a strong widow's peak and then it hits you - you look upon Lady Rena Illirigarde. Though she appears tired, you can see that she works furiously to align two delicate silver disks etched with compass directions. You can also see a familiar-looking box etched with skull carvings sitting on the floor behind her, though here the box lid is closed rather than open.

As lightning flashes from a window outside, she pauses in her work to look down at a book that she seems to be using as a guideline. When the lightning subsides, you can see that the box sitting behind her now lies open and a tiny, winged creature hanging from a nearby bookcase. Lady Illirigarde looks up from her work just as the tiny creature leaps from the shelf, hate in its eyes, aiming for her throat...

...and as suddenly as it began, the vision fades and you're left with two things. The first is a feeling of horror at what you've just witnessed...

Everyone make a DC 11 Will save or be shaken for 10 minutes!

...and the second is the feeling of surprise as not one, not two, but three blue and puffy-faced creatures, each about the size of a child, step out of their hiding places around the room. They are joined by a tiny, winged-looking creature that you instantly recognize as being the creature from the vision that attacked Lady Illrigarde!
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Surprise Round

Having managed to remain well-hidden while you were investigating the room and distracted by the vision, all four creatures spring into action before anyone has a chance to react. The winged creature leaps from its hiding place in the corner and snaps its teeth viciously at The Herald.

Andolf vs. Herald (Bite): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0 1 Non-Lethal

Luckily, its teeth catch only air though the old man is still winded a bit by the creature crashing against his chest!

The Herald may take an AoO against this creature as he's tiny and just invaded your personal space!

The three blue creatures cackle gleefully and begin to sing a little song and make jazz hands, their eyes bugging out of their skulls. Despite having gotten the drop on you, these guys almost seem too ridiculous to take seriously.

Rhasuel, Gulch, and Elena, I need a second Will save from each of you, DC 10.

Round 1

The Herald (1 Non-Lethal)
M3
Andolf
Hakon
Gulch
Estra
Rhasuel
M2
Mathos
Elena
Honaire
M1

Bold is up! Show them your stuff, Herald! Everyone else feel free to roll your Will saves and make Knowledge checks even if it isn't your turn yet!

Will DC11: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Gaaa-aah! What the...?

Herald is shaken by the sudden appearance of the tiny creatures, but not so much that he can't strike out at the horrid little thing.

AoO, Magic Weapon, Shaken: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 3 - 2 = 13 Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Assuming that on the off chance that actually hit, it doesn't drop him. If not, he'll move to the nearest critter (probably the one on the West wall).

Stand still and stop scuttling, stupid stabby sprite!

He lashes out angrily at the wee creature.

Morningstar, Magic Weapon, Shaken: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 2 = 18 Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Smash is more satisfying than stab, you say so?

He glances up at the creatures to the south.

Stop your stupid silly song! Stay silent instead!

will 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
will 2: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 3 - 2 = 21
Using one round of bardic performance to Countersong the second will save as it looks like a sound based effect
perform: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 2 = 13
All allies my use my perform check for their save so everyone effectively auto-succeeds

Rhasuel is thoroughly freaked out by flying thing from the vision, but the little song and dance number is a step to far. His voice thunders across their routine like a wave drowning a sand castle.
Shut up you pesky bugs! I haven't seen a show that bad since that traveling Druid and his troupe of singing porpoises!

Acting on pure instinct and adrenaline, The Herald swings his morningstar at the winged creature as it leaps upon him but the weapon just barely misses its mark! For its' part the creature registers no surprise or even fear at the near miss, wings flapping furiously as it readies itself for another attack.

Luckily, The Herald proves a hair faster and swings his weapon yet again. This time the cleric's aim is true and he connects solidly against the little monster with a meaty *THWACK*, sending it zipping across the room and into the wall, where it slowly slides down to the floor - dead.

"NoOoOoo-er...doOOoOoom!" the blue creatures continue to shriek and sing, as one of them pulls out a dart and whips it across the room at Elena.

M3 (Purple) vs. Elena (Dart): 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4
Damage: 1d3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 + 1 = 3

Apparently this one should've spent more time practicing his throwing instead of singing, as the dart falls well short of its target. The little creature begins jumping up and down and shrieking incoherently with rage!

Round 1 Cont.

The Herald (-1 Non-Lethal)
M3 (Purple)
Andolf (-11 HP, Dead)
Hakon
Gulch
Estra
Rhasuel
M2 (Blue)
Mathos
Wormling
Elena
Honaire
M1 (Green)

Bold are now up!
___________

Rhasuel, I owe you an apology. The song bit was meant to be for flavor rather than a mechanical description; I will say that these creatures used a SLA that is considered to have a verbal component which means your Countersong would be ineffective. In light of that, feel free to do something else with your action this round. Also forgot to add Wormling to the initiative tracker earlier but got him there now!

Will(DC 11): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 Hakon is now shaken

Hakon begins inspiring his allies to battle, then draws his handaxes.

"Fear is how you know that what your doing is important. Use it, feel it, fuel it, and we shall win the day."

AC is 15 with Inspired Rage active

No worries! Consider that above tirade to be the start of Inspiration then, which provides +1 vs charm and fear effects as well as attack and damage, just so everyone remembers. :)

will dc 11: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

will honaire dc 11: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

wouldn't Honaire go on Estra's init, like an animal companion or familiar?

Estra casts shield on herself, increasing her ac to 16.

The battle rages on, with Hakon calling on his allies to master their fear and turn it to their advantage and Rhasuel unleashing an impressive tirade against the strange little blue men that the rest of the party finds oddly inspiring! Estra proves that she is no fool either, calling upon protective magics for herself.

Round 1 Cont.

The Herald (-1 Non-Lethal)
M3 (Purple)
Andolf (-11 HP, Dead)
Hakon
Estra (Shield) + Honaire
Rhasuel
M2 (Blue)
Mathos
Wormling + Gulch
Elena
M1 (Green)

Party Buffs Active: Inspire Courage

Bold are now up!
________

D'oh, you're right Estra. Honaire may take his action now and I shifted Gulch to act on Wormling's initiative when it rolls around. Everyone remember to mention whether you opt in on Hakon's Inspire Rage or not!

Will save here, action on my turn

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Through some miraculous means Mathos manages to not succome to fear after viewing the images.

Honaire doesn't take the inspired rage this round. He moves up and attacks the closest mite.

to hit shortbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
dmg if hits: 1d6 ⇒ 2

but sadly his fist hits nothing but air.

Honaire boldly steps up to the nearest mite and directs a mighty swing at the creature's head. The mite's eyes widen at the sight of the ghostly man and it emits a terrified shriek, managing to duck under the phantom's blow!

The second mite's eyes settle on Wormling's pale, bleached form and an evil, cruel smile crosses its face. It too draws a dart and sends it spinning towards the poor gnome...

M2 (Blue) vs. Wormling (Dart): 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5
Damage: 1d4 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 + 1 = 2

....only to miss, sticking into one of the books on a nearby shelf instead!

Round 1 Cont.

The Herald (-1 Non-Lethal)
M3 (Purple)
Andolf (-11 HP, Dead)
Hakon
Estra (Shield) + Honaire
Rhasuel
M2 (Blue)
Mathos
Wormling + Gulch
Elena
M1 (Green)

Party Buffs Active: Inspire Courage

Bold are now up!

Bolstered by his own apparent courage, the inspirational sentiments of his party mates and the song Mathos strides over the the red enemy and swings the book.

Do not try me. I never lose

Tome attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Will Save, DC 11 Gulch: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Will Save, DC 10 Gulch: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Will Save, DC 11 Wormling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Both shaken

Gulch is overwhelmed by the vision, not sure what he just saw. As the creatures appear, he flies into a frenzy of inspiration. "WO'MLIN'! A'MO' NNNNOOO'!" Wormling steps in behind Gulch and casts his typical spell. Mage Armor, Gulch accepts rage, Wormling does not

Ready for battle, Gulch attempts to acquaint one of the little blue faced things with his jaws!

Bite (Inspire Courage/Rage, Shaken) vs Blue: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 181d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Gulch has Step Up, just fyi in the event one of them tries to 5ft away from him to blow more darts.

Whoops...that's the one that The Herald killed, so I'll shift Mathos to attack the nearest mite instead. Note to self: take slain enemies off the map to avoid confusion!

Having readied himself to attack the winged creature Mathos quickly finds it unnecessary, The Herald having polished him off nicely seconds before. So the bold inquisitor ducks around his companions until he's face to face with the nearest mite, whom he soundly clobbers with his book.

*THUD!*

The poor mite never knew what hit him as he collapses to the floor, lifeless.

Mite #1 is dead!

Meanwhile, Wormling and Gulch spring into action as well. The little gnome calls forth protective magics for his otherworldly companion, fearful of what might happen if he doesn't! Gulch flies into a rage, inspired by Hakon's words as well as Rhasuel's angry tirade - he rushes up to the two remaining mites without hesitation and clamps his jaws down on Blue! The little mite scarcely has time to squeak before the cracking and snapping of bones is heard and the body goes limp.

Mite #2 is dead!

Round 1 Cont./ Round 2 Start

The Herald (-1 Non-Lethal)
M3 (Purple)
Andolf (-11 HP, Dead)
Hakon
Estra (Shield) + Honaire
Rhasuel
M2 (Blue) (Very Dead)
Mathos
Wormling + Gulch (Inspire Rage, Mage Armor)
Elena
M1 (Green) (Totally Dead)

Party Buffs Active: Inspire Courage

Bold are now up!

Herald does not accept the Rage. A stoic acceptance is more his style. Instead he opts to move closer 30ft Move action, then push his morningstar at the remaining critter. Rather than falling to the floor as one might expect, it continues on a straight line toward the little creature's head.

Hand of the Acolyte, Shaken, Magic Weapon: 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 2 + 1 = 7 Damage, Magic Weapon: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

After presumably missing, the weapon returns neatly to his hand.

HotA 5/6

Round 1:

Everyone make a DC 11 Will save or be shaken for 10 minutes!

...and the second is the feeling of surprise as not one, not two, but three blue and puffy-faced creatures, each about the size of a child, step out of their hiding places around the room. They are joined by a tiny, winged-looking creature that you instantly recognize as being the creature from the vision that attacked Lady Illrigarde!

DC Will (11): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 Oooh, Nat 20

Elena heroically laughs (her laugh might remind you of Santa’s if she was overweight.) ”HAH HAH HAH, you don’t scare me!”

Rhasuel, Gulch, and Elena, I need a second Will save from each of you, DC 10.

DC Will (10): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Elena is not too surprised. She was expecting a fight all along.

Move Action: Elena moves 4 squares (20 feet) towards the purple creature.

Free Action: Even though the creatures look small and ridiculous – even more absurd singing Gir’s Doom song, Elena takes the creatures seriously. Elena yells at her enemies as she swings: ”In the name of Iomedae, repent for your crimes!”

Standard Action: Elena swings her sword in the direction of the purple one (the only one still alive.)

To hit: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20 BAB +4, Inspire Courage +1

Damage (Longsword, slashing): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 Inspire Courage +1

_________

Finally off work <3

The Herald and Elena turn their attention to the one remaining mite, who has found himself wishing he were anywhere else but here right about now. In a surprising display The Herald takes his morningstar and flings it at the mite, who dodges it with ease. The weapon clatters harmlessly against the wall and then immediately vanishes, reappearing in The Herald's hand.

Thinking that he might be home free, the mite sticks his tongue out at The Herald...but in his distraction, fails to realize that Elena is upon him as well. As the paladin swings her sword around in an arc and down, he utters a pitiful, "NoOooOoOOo-!" that is mercifully cut short as the sword slices cleanly through him.

Mite #3 is dead!

With the final mite disposed of, the room falls silent once more.

Combat Over!

As the adrenaline rush of combat begins to ebb you all realize that the temperature in the room has returned to normal and the frost has disappeared from the table. However, the table's reflective surface now reveals a gentle, swirling mist and the faint vision of a woman - Lady Illirigarde. In each hand she holds one of the delicate, silvery disks from the earlier vision. Though her expression still seems weary, it's also tinged with curiosity as she regards each of you.

"Who are you and why have you come to my home, after all these years?" she asks in a faint, whispery voice.

Elena approaches the table once more, "Fair Lady!" Regardless of her appearance, Lady Illirigarde is a Lady - part of the nobility - none the less. "What sorcery is this?! Why are you in a mirror? Are you in need of saving, my lady?" Elena puffs out her chest heroically, still holding her longsword and shield although the battle is long over.

Elena remembers her manners after a few accusing questions. "Err - terribly sorry, we are members of the Pathfinder Society. Dr. Quolorum sent us on a quest to find out what's causing paranormal activity in the area. Dr. Quolorum wants to pick up where you left off but he needs your notes and tools." (Elena goes on quests, not missions.)

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 Whelp.

Gulch looks over at the paladin as she converses with the table. He he, Woman's gon' daft! He decides that investigating the fresh corpses of the puffy faced blue creatures is more entertaining.

Wormling, however, is much more astute. "Indeed, we are here to help others continue your work. Won't you help us gather your note and equipment so you may get the credit you deserve?"

Wormling Diplomacy, Aid Elena: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Herald struggles to recall what little diplomacy with the nobility he ever knew.

Diplomacy, aid another: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

He recalls just enough to avoid offense.

"Our apologies for the intrusion, m'lady. We mean no offense, only a search for the truth."

-Posted with Wayfinder

At your words, Lady Illirigarde's eyes widen with surprise. "You too seek to put an end to these happenings? Then please, I beg of you - take my notes and these etheric compasses! If your Dr. Quolorum knew enough to send you here then I have no doubt that he had an inkling as to their existence. Maybe together, you can finish what I started and end these phenomena for good."

As she speaks she holds her hands out, offering the two silvery disks to you. "I wish that I could offer you more, but my time here is short. With my task complete and Andolf's hatred no longer binding me to this place I'm now free to go meet the Lady of Graves...and accept her judgement, whatever it may be." She bows her head. "I was wrong to give life to a creature such as Andolf, no matter how noble my intentions were. Even worse to treat him as I did in search of answers to the phenomena plaguing the Hungry Mountains. Thank you for putting an end to his misery."

Is that essentially the end of this section? Should we explore the rest of the manor just for completeness?

"You are quite welcome, young lady. An object lesson in why not to mess with the occult, but it seems you have learned the lesson well. I wish you a long and happy afterlife... Blessed be." Estra frowns as she considers the possibility. "There is much to be learned in this place. Yes, the lady's notes and compasses should go to the good Doctor Q. but I think I can learn more in this place than what we send to him. I sense... and Honaire senses too... an etheric calm and connection here. We would like to pursue it further... So while you folks head off to deliver the notes and compasses, I think I will stay here a little while. I will try to meet up with you later, as I'd like to know more about how you are progressing."

just giving a rationale for Estra leaving the party for a bit since the next section is mine to run.

"Yes, thank you. Hopefully my tale can at least be a lesson to others," the Lady responds, glancing at Wormling and then Gulch. "Now, take the compasses from my hands. I promise that whoever does so will not come to any harm."

Lady Illirigarde holds the two compasses up, one in each hand. For a moment, you all hesitate before Elena boldly reaches down and into the vision reflected in the table. Grasping a compass in each hand, she slowly pulls them through the veil between this world and the in-between. In this world they seem as wispy, slimy shadows and as you watch, they seem to be slowly evaporating in Elena's hands. Thinking quickly, Mathis remembers the ectoplasmic containers that Dr. Quorum had entrusted to you. Once placed into those containers, the compasses stabilize and solidify.

"Wonderful," Lady Illirigarde smiles. "I believe that you fine folks and your Dr. Quorum will be able to put a stop to the phenomena once and for all. And now, my time here is at an end. Good luck friends, and farewell!" she cries as the vision slowly fades and the table's surface returns to normal.
_______________

With your task of locating Lady Illirigarde's etheric compasses complete, you spend some time making a sweep of the rest of the manor in order to make sure that all is secure as well as to gather up any additional notes and research that might prove useful.

Although you do make sure to investigate the room where you all had seen the strange light, you find nothing but Lady Illirigarde's abandoned laboratory. There is no way to be certain, but some of you suspect that the strange lights and visions were somehow Andolf's doing and that by defeating him you have put an end to them for good.

Once you are satisfied that there is little else to be done, you bid Estra and Honaire goodbye for now and depart the manor for the comfort and warmth of the Sage and Mug...and the next leg of your strange journey in the Hungry Mountains.

To Be Continued...