Auranghzeb
The rocky bead of the barren lands gave way to a low grass hill of blue blade grass that slope gently into a meadow. It would have seem idilic, but for the broken trees and the scars of the land were battles beyond recount had taken place during the war. The land still seeped. Its open wounds made even mid distance teleportation impossible, and flying above certain heights perilous.

This was once the richest realms of humans. The vast blue grass fed countless herds of cattle that traveled unbound and free and the weirdwoods where the fae lived, were a blessing of soft magic and pleasure.

Now, devastation took the shape of craggy cliffs that opened suddenly under the roads like hungry mouths eager to devour travelers. Ahead, at the other side of the vast plains, the Blue peaks cut the horizon sharply like imposing towers of a castle. And a castle they were. The most inexpugnable fortress ever built had nothing on the massive fortress carved of live stone where once the Thane of Cawdor ruled.

But the forest came to the mountains and with it the end of Cawdor.

If the war with the fae and their corrupted fiend allies was cruel elsewhere, it took on another dimension here in Cawdor.

Alas, here you were. The last heroes of men, looking for an answer. First, you had to find the dreamer. A creature of myth that was rumored to dwell in the ruins of the weirwood across the vast blue plain.

A thunder rolled in the distance as the wild magic clouds darkened the horizon. A storm was coming.
Chimaera
Minerva was still wearing her brother's face and made her steed to a halt once she got a better view of the devastation that befell the Thane of Cawdor.

" Storm ahead ", she speaks outloud, pointing to the ominous lightning in the distance, " You dont have some trick to control this thunderstorm, do you, Magda?" 

The old crane sharing her mount made an ugly face, "  Not today, my lady  ".

Lord Glam's firstborn's face turn into a more feminine shape, " You were supposed to call me, 'my lord', Magda. But the cat is out the hat now ".

The travel was tiresome to both of women and the horses. Even the other thane with them was looking tired.

" I dont mind the rain, but wouldnt it be wise to take shelter before venturing in the weirdwoods? ", she asks him, " Not that rain or sun will make this place more dangerous ". She thinks for a moment as she scans the area before adding, " I guess ".
BelGareth
He merely nodded at the declaration of the storm ahead.

 indeed  he thought to himself silently, while his eyed tried to find his fickle companion, Blink.

It took him a few seconds, but yes, there he was, and gone. He frowned, sometimes that dog liked to teleport a little too much,  but, if I had that ability, I can't say I wouldn't do the same .

Frowning, he remarked   "Alas storms are outside of my area of expertise."   He says flatly, he still didn't know much about Minerva, other than their small interactions as leaders of their people. This was different, they would have to show each other what they were made of, and then they would see each other differently. It was only a matter of time.

Blink vanished several more times, before appearing back to them.

  "Blink find us some shelter as close to the Weirwoods as possible please."   Blink nods lols his tongue, flops over and starts to scratch his back against the dirt, squirming like some four-armed snake, he then popped up, and simply vanished, after a few seconds of scanning, you can see where he went.

 
 Spoiler 

 Hakkon Sigurt Nornson 
M LN Human (native outsider) Rogue 1\Sorcerer 4\Daggerspell Mage 10\Unseen Seer 1,  Level  16
 Init  8,  HP  146/146,  Speed  30
 AC  26,  Touch  19,  Flat-footed  20
 Fort  11,  Ref  20,  Will  13
 main hand [0/10] off hand [0/10] +1 Bloodfeeding bloodstone Mithral Dagger     (1d4+1, 19-20x2)
 Abilities  Str 14, Dex 22, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 22
[B]Effects[B] Mage Armor (16 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits
 Condition  None

 Blink 
Blink dog 2/RHD 4/ Ranger 8,  Level  12
 Init  9,  HP   / ,  Speed  50ft
 AC  17,  Touch  14,  Flat-footed  13
 Fort  8,  Ref  12,  Will  6
 Abilities  Str 10, Dex 18, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
[B]Effects[B] Primal Instinct (24 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, low-light vision, scent
 Condition  None
 Special  Dimension Door (Su; DD as CL 8thl 1/round;free; 720ft), Blink (Su; at will; free)
 
Auranghzeb
Magda's eyes see more than you suspect in the barren lands ahead. He knowledge of magic brings forward her suspicions.

The scars of the land are scars in the fabric of reality. They seep wild magic into everything here. The cut is pretty clear to her, she traces her hands in the air.

 "M'lady"  She says.  "Beware, magic is unpredictable from a hundred yards behind up to everything in front." 

Blink obeys, his Supernatural abilities to Teleport seem to work unimpeded by the wild magic. But it is not unerring, the direction is always somehow off, the distance not reliable to its certainty.

Blink teleports three times and then back, his ears flat against its head, concerned.

 
 Spoiler: How far? 
How far do you want to send him?
 
Auranghzeb
Blink moves as far as he can, but after two dimension doors he is off a couple hundred feet. He decideds to go back. Between his first and second jump back, his survival and observation give a picture of this wild land. The open wounds of the land are sometimes pretty deep and narrow crags that could swallow someone unaware. One must thread with care in this land.


The rolling thunder and lightning  in the horizon break the sky far far away. But no rain seems to come.
BelGareth
Regarding Magda he sighs   "Can we fly over it safely?"  
 
 Spoiler 

His own checks
  Spellcraft  - (1d20+18)[ 21 ] 
  k.arcana  - (1d20+13)[ 19 ] 
 Hakkon Sigurt Nornson 
M LN Human (native outsider) Rogue 1\Sorcerer 4\Daggerspell Mage 10\Unseen Seer 1,  Level  16
 Init  8,  HP  146/146,  Speed  30
 AC  26,  Touch  19,  Flat-footed  20
 Fort  11,  Ref  20,  Will  13
 main hand [0/10] off hand [0/10] +1 Bloodfeeding bloodstone Mithral Dagger     (1d4+1, 19-20x2)
 Abilities  Str 14, Dex 22, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 22
[B]Effects[B] Mage Armor (16 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits
 Condition  None

 Blink 
Blink dog 2/RHD 4/ Ranger 8,  Level  12
 Init  9,  HP   / ,  Speed  50ft
 AC  17,  Touch  14,  Flat-footed  13
 Fort  8,  Ref  12,  Will  6
 Abilities  Str 10, Dex 18, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
[B]Effects[B] Primal Instinct (24 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, low-light vision, scent
 Condition  None
 Special  Dimension Door (Su; DD as CL 8thl 1/round;free; 720ft), Blink (Su; at will; free)
 
Chimaera
" I guess even if your specialty was storms, this must probably be a weirdstorm ", she says and listens to Magda's advice about the strange land they were and wild magic.

" Well, that should be more of a concern for you than for me ", she hoists the magical gretaxe she carried but droped it quickly when a flash of lightning illuminated the skies. Best not to attract any lightning nor anything. " But yeah, let's try not to need magic while we are in these wild lands. But worry not: I'll protect you ".

The old lady show a short smile before correcting the noblewoman, "  I'm the one with a oath to protect and guide, my'lady  "

As they approach the zone of wild magic, Minerva looks at the stormy sky.
" What would happen to magic cast before entering these weirdwoods? If it is safe, I'd rather be protected from lightning ".

 
 Spoiler: History and Bard Knowledge 
Minerva wants to try to remember what she could about the ruined kingdom they stood now and  use her bard knowledge to try to remember of any fairy tale she might know about these weirdwoods.

History  (1d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Bardic Knowledge  (1d20+9)[ 29 ] 
 


"  If you wanted safe I believe you'd rather be in the safety of your castle, instead of fleeing to this dangerous place... but here are we  ".
Auranghzeb
The story of Cawdor is well known, They were the realm that got hit the worse by the war with the fae because of its location in the midst of ancient lands and a crossroads of realities. The fae from the weirdwood summoned creatures from beyond and forged alliances with fiends. Cawdor resisted, the Thane was convinced he was immortal. But the realm was ravaged by the summoned fiends. It was sudden and quick, and then as a wild fire, the hordes of madness moved into the other realms were war ensued. United, the other thanes and the fae queen pushed back the attack over time. But Cawdor was lost. Even after the creatures retreated, the land remained curse. Nothing grows and magic is erratic. And some of the beast  and fiends still roam the barrens. Who knows what horrors remain.

Blink sense of survival is enough to lead you safely around the hidden chasms from where wild magic emanates and soon you are a mile into the barrens.

Little dots moving through the blue grass.
Chimaera
As they progress through the area with chasms, Minerva take a peek at one of them.

" I guess falling into one of these would be really bad ", she raises her eyes once again to the thunderstorm and sighs, " Maybe looking for shelter wont help much at all. Let"s press forward and find this dreamer as soon as we can ".

At some point, Magda asks for a quick break, as she gathers a few specimens of the blue grass and of the soil in this strange land.

"  Maybe some colleague at thr Arcane Order might find these worthy researching  ",she explains herself before having Melissa help her back to the horseback.

" You say your boyfriend? ", Melissa ask the lady that simples deny with her head, " Alright, let's keep moving ".
BelGareth
  "Agreed"   Hakkon said nodding in response   "Let's try to do it sooner than later, that storm out here may as well force us into a crevasse."  
 
 Spoiler 

Lets go!

 Hakkon Sigurt Nornson 
M LN Human (native outsider) Rogue 1\Sorcerer 4\Daggerspell Mage 10\Unseen Seer 1,  Level  16
 Init  8,  HP  146/146,  Speed  30
 AC  26,  Touch  19,  Flat-footed  20
 Fort  11,  Ref  20,  Will  13
 main hand [0/10] off hand [0/10] +1 Bloodfeeding bloodstone Mithral Dagger     (1d4+1, 19-20x2)
 Abilities  Str 14, Dex 22, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 22
 Effects  Mage Armor (16 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits
 Condition  None

 Blink 
Blink dog 2/RHD 4/ Ranger 8,  Level  12
 Init  9,  HP   / ,  Speed  50ft
 AC  17,  Touch  14,  Flat-footed  13
 Fort  8,  Ref  12,  Will  6
 Abilities  Str 10, Dex 18, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
 Effects  Primal Instinct (24 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, low-light vision, scent
 Condition  None
 Special  Dimension Door (Su; DD as CL 8thl 1/round;free; 720ft), Blink (Su; at will; free)
 
Auranghzeb
Specks of dust you are in the stormy barren lands as you move towards the weirdwood, the rain never comes, only the thunder and the electricity that hangs in the sky, horizontal lightning exchanging energy in the high clouds.


About three hours into your walk, you spot something massive coming your way about 4000' away. Its colossal shape cut against the horizon as it lumbering strides move your way. It's like seeing a tower of a fortress rolling towards you.
Chimaera
Magda's eyes widen as she realize what the massive creature was.

"  This is bad... That gigantic creature is an incarnum titan. They were called by the fae in the past to serve as their generals and lietnaunts. They despise creatures they perceive as weak and are master strategists  ", she tells her companions, "  They can also fly and can see through invisibility easily  ".

" And he seems to have noticed us as it seems to be dashing our way ", Minerva adds, " We better brace ourselves and get ready to deal with him: forget the wild magic, give us some of your magic and find cover, Magda ".

Minerva pick up her greataxe and begin to sing a song of valiant heroes facing powerful villains... and triumphing.

 
 Spoiler: Minerva's War Song 
She'll start with Inspire Legion and Inspire Toughness.

She'll be dodging the titan for Elusive Target's purpose
 


Magda looks for some cover and get ready to haste her allies once the titan get within 300ft from them.
BelGareth
Hakkon frowns listening to the details of this new obstacle.    "Are we sure it means us harm?"   he says watching the thing lumber towards them.

He casts a spell to fly and slowly floats above the ground,   "Perhaps we can talk to it?"   he says turning to this new companions.

 
 Spoiler 

 Hakkon Sigurt Nornson 
M LN Human (native outsider) Rogue 1\Sorcerer 4\Daggerspell Mage 10\Unseen Seer 1,  Level  16
 Init  8,  HP  146/146,  Speed  30
 AC  26,  Touch  19,  Flat-footed  20
 Fort  11,  Ref  20,  Will  13
 main hand [0/10] off hand [0/10] +1 Bloodfeeding bloodstone Mithral Dagger     (1d4+1, 19-20x2)
 Abilities  Str 14, Dex 22, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 22
 Effects  Mage Armor (16 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, Fly (16/minutes)
 Condition  None

 Blink 
Blink dog 2/RHD 4/ Ranger 8,  Level  12
 Init  9,  HP   / ,  Speed  50ft
 AC  17,  Touch  14,  Flat-footed  13
 Fort  8,  Ref  12,  Will  6
 Abilities  Str 10, Dex 18, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
 Effects  Primal Instinct (24 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, low-light vision, scent
 Condition  None
 Special  Dimension Door (Su; DD as CL 8thl 1/round;free; 720ft), Blink (Su; at will; free)
 
Auranghzeb
The titan continues its march towards you, not dashing or sprinting, simply taking immense long strides. As it comes close, you start understanding the dimensions of the creature. THe size of 15 men with legs thick as oaks and long muscular arms.

Its eyes pierce the distance as the Titan stops 700' away from you and it's voice booms across the barrens In the ancient language of the Fae


    WHO ARE YOU?    
Chimaera
Singing, Melissa look at thr titanic creature and answer him with the refrain of her inspiring song.

" We are the champions, my friend ".

Magda look at the titan and hesitate a moment, "  I'm Magda Winter and this is Lady Melissa from House Glam. Who are you?  "
Auranghzeb
The thunder rolls as you try speaking. Your voice barely making it through.


The Titan's booms once again.



  INSECTS, NOTHING ELSE. THIS OUGHTA DO IT!  


It opens a hand and from across the barren lands you see four metheoric spheres fly your way striking each of you and exploding in a rage of fire and burning stone, the barrens explode.


The Titan does not even stop to see the damage, turns around and continues his march through the barren lands. When the explosion dust settles, you see it walking away from you 1000' with his back turned.


 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Quickened Meteor Swarm
 
BelGareth
After being blasted by the feral Fae Titan, Hakkon picked him selfup and patted his clothes down, regarding Blink he was none too happy   "Lets try to avoid things like that, eh Blink?"   he says implying it was his fault   "I have no wish to sever the fate lines of such a magnificent creature, especially not in a place like this, where magic isn't functioning well."   
 
 Spoiler 

 Hakkon Sigurt Nornson 
M LN Human (native outsider) Rogue 1\Sorcerer 4\Daggerspell Mage 10\Unseen Seer 1,  Level  16
 Init  8,  HP  156/146,  Speed  30
 AC  26,  Touch  19,  Flat-footed  20
 Fort  11,  Ref  20,  Will  13
 main hand [0/10] off hand [0/10] +1 Bloodfeeding bloodstone Mithral Dagger     (1d4+1, 19-20x2)
 Abilities  Str 14, Dex 22, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 22
 Effects  Mage Armor (16 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, Fly (16/minutes)
 Condition  None

 Blink 
Blink dog 2/RHD 4/ Ranger 8,  Level  12
 Init  9,  HP   104/132,  Speed  50ft
 AC  18,  Touch  15,  Flat-footed  13
 Fort  8,  Ref  13,  Will  6
 Abilities  Str 10, Dex 20, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
 Effects  Primal Instinct (24 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, low-light vision, scent
 Condition  None
 Special  Dimension Door (Su; DD as CL 8thl 1/round;free; 720ft), Blink (Su; at will; free)
 
Chimaera
Magda is taken by surprise by the fiery assault of the titan.

They survived it: they have endured far worse. What was tbe worse however was that she forgot to cast her usual protective spells, some of which would make her mostly immume to the attack.

Could it be her old age was already taking her memory away? The thought of becoming a nuisance and losing her mind terrorized the old lady: she had to be on her sharpest wits to protect Minerva.

The warlady was pretty much unactached by the meteor swarm and would even go charging the titan, but saw that her handmaiden suffered far worse, so she stoped her singing amd look at the thane.

Seems they prefered to avoid harm and trouble, so she remained silent and watched the titan leave. Omce its further away, she says to her group.

" Next time we meet this titan I'll rip his heart out ", she promised outloud, " Where we go next? And come closer, Magda. Let me patch your wounds ".

 
 Spoiler: Wand of Lesser Vigor 
She'll risk 4 charges over 4 minutes.
 
BelGareth
  "I'd say we move with all haste to our location, if possible avoiding any 'Titan's"   he says dryly, already annoyed.

He turns to Magda   "You don't have any of that to spare for Blink do you?"  
 
 Spoiler 

 Hakkon Sigurt Nornson 
M LN Human (native outsider) Rogue 1\Sorcerer 4\Daggerspell Mage 10\Unseen Seer 1,  Level  16
 Init  8,  HP  156/146,  Speed  30
 AC  26,  Touch  19,  Flat-footed  20
 Fort  11,  Ref  20,  Will  13
 main hand [0/10] off hand [0/10] +1 Bloodfeeding bloodstone Mithral Dagger     (1d4+1, 19-20x2)
 Abilities  Str 14, Dex 22, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 22
 Effects  Mage Armor (16 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, Fly (16/minutes)
 Condition  None

 Blink 
Blink dog 2/RHD 4/ Ranger 8,  Level  12
 Init  9,  HP   104/132,  Speed  50ft
 AC  18,  Touch  15,  Flat-footed  13
 Fort  8,  Ref  13,  Will  6
 Abilities  Str 10, Dex 20, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
 Effects  Primal Instinct (24 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, low-light vision, scent
 Condition  None
 Special  Dimension Door (Su; DD as CL 8thl 1/round;free; 720ft), Blink (Su; at will; free)
 
Auranghzeb
For the rest of the day you travel under the threat of rolling storms that never manifest looking for whatever little hope you have of finding the Dreamer's lair. By the end of the day you come across a cavern almost hidden in the plain barrens, a meadow that opens into a maw: A long cavern untouched by the weather.

This long, dry cavern is free of stalagmites and rubble. The floor is smooth and covered with a thick layer of pale yellow fungus. Dozens of humanoid statues lie in a jumbled heap against the walls. At the far end of the cavern, a 10-foot-wide circular passageway opens into the rough cavern wall.
Chimaera
" Of course I do ", Minerva says and tap the magic dog with her wand until its wounds are sealed.

 
 Spoiler: Wand of Lesser Vigor 
7 charges spent: 3 on Blink and 4 on Magda
 


" Yeah, lets avoid titans for now ", she agrees with the thane and proceed their journey through the barrens until they reach the mysterious cavern.

" This might provide some shelter, but we must be cautious as it may be inhabited ", she says to the oarty and turn to Magda, " Wild magic or not, you cant risk going inside without any protection, old lady ".

Magda sighs and take a few steps away from them, "  Alright, my lady. Let me cast a few spells then  ".

The old wizard then cast a series of wards on her, hoping for the best.

 
 Spoiler: Magda's Wards 
Get your d% ready!

Heart of Earth
Heart of Fire
Heart of Water
Heart of Air
Mage Armor
 


Once all spells are cast, she approaches back the others, ready to investigate the cave.
Auranghzeb
Magda's wards work under the wild magic, all except two. One makes Minerva feel the elemental magic of earth in her body. The other one blesses Magda but produces a burst of blinding light that affects everyone else and blinds them for six seconds.
Chimaera
Minerva find it weird as Magda's Heart of Earth wards herself instead of the old advisor.

" Thanks, I... ", but a flash of light interrupt her as she blink several times before being able to see again, " I guess? "

Magda is surprised by the sudden flash and the absence of the elemental earth, but was glad none spell misfired really bad. This make her a  bit more bold and she try her luck once more, casting a divination spell that will hopefully let her find secret passages.

 
 Spoiler: Spontaneous Extended Detect Secret Doors 
Roll a d% for me please!

She's casting it spontaneously, so it will be a full-round action, as she will apply the Extended Spell metamagic feat.
She's burning a Heroics for this.

If it works, it will last for 28 minutes.
 


Magda focus around the cavern entrance and look for secrets, that if her spell do work.

"  It would be wise to investigate this place: it might prove to be a good hiding spot and shelter for weirdstorm outside  ", she suggests to the warrior lady.

Minerva nods and agree and confident after seeing Magda's spells work relatively well, she casts one herself and help her handmaiden to scan the area.

 
 Spoiler: Detect Magic 
Minerva will also try her luck and use Detect Magic to scan the cavern entrance.
 
BelGareth
Seeing everything failing on them, Hakkon sighed, and floated down to the floor on his magical flight.

He frowns as he moves towards one of the 'statues'  "how perplexing"  he mutters to himself.

  "Have you ever seen anything like it?"  
 
 Spoiler 

 Hakkon Sigurt Nornson 
M LN Human (native outsider) Rogue 1\Sorcerer 4\Daggerspell Mage 10\Unseen Seer 1,  Level  16
 Init  8,  HP  156/146,  Speed  30
 AC  26,  Touch  19,  Flat-footed  20
 Fort  11,  Ref  20,  Will  13
 main hand [0/10] off hand [0/10] +1 Bloodfeeding bloodstone Mithral Dagger     (1d4+1, 19-20x2)
 Abilities  Str 14, Dex 22, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 22
 Effects  Mage Armor (16 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, Fly (16/minutes)
 Condition  None

 Blink 
Blink dog 2/RHD 4/ Ranger 8,  Level  12
 Init  9,  HP   104/132,  Speed  50ft
 AC  18,  Touch  15,  Flat-footed  13
 Fort  8,  Ref  13,  Will  6
 Abilities  Str 10, Dex 20, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
 Effects  Primal Instinct (24 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, low-light vision, scent
 Condition  None
 Special  Dimension Door (Su; DD as CL 8thl 1/round;free; 720ft), Blink (Su; at will; free)
 
Auranghzeb
Perplexed, Hakkon examines the statues while Magda and Minerva focus on the entrance to the cave. The daggermage notices that most statues are chopped off, missing parts, full heads, chunks of torsos.

Then he remembers an old saying " nobody sculpts statues of panicking warriors" 

These are not statues but dozen of warriors petrified in battle. Most are humans, but looking carefully you even see fae. Their petrified armors and weapons are old-fashioned, with the banners of a now gone Cawdor.


***
Ahead, Minerva and Magda do not detect magic, the cavern opens wide and almost perfectly circular into a descending angle. Magda looks at the smooth stone and with much considerations says:

"This rock has been disintegrated. Let's be careful."
Chimaera
" I know you can turn people into stone, but can you revert them back? ", Minerva asks her companion watching the dismembered and partially disintegrated statues, " Whatever befell these warriors and fae seems capable of both petrification and disintegration, so let's move with caution ".

"  Yes, I can break the petrification, but if I di so in a statue missing its head I'll just make it die.  ", Magda answers.

" What if it is just missing a feet or hand? It might be able to survive before bleding out. Maybe we can ask directly to one of them what attacked them ".

With that thought, Minerva and Magda try to find a statue that couod survive depetrification.
Auranghzeb
After a few minutes you lose all hope of finding a statue who could be safely de-petrified. Someone or something has taken the time to dismember or chop vital parts of the statues, to a extend that parts of the statues are completely missing, not even present as debris.

Is this a graveyard? or is this poultry?
Chimaera
After a few minutes looking for an intact statue, Magda loses her patience and cast a simple divination to end the task at hand.

 
 Spoiler: Locate Object 
ERROR 404: NO INTACT STATUES FOUND.
She spent a Ray of Stupidity for that.

Took 10 on the caster level check for wild magic (total 26).
 


"  Seems there is whatever caused this petrification amde sure that no statues would return alive from their demise. Something really bad happened in this place. Let me SEE  ".

Magdas eyes turn white and radiate light as she cast a more powerful divination to  foresee what actually happened in tehse caverns.

 
 Spoiler: Vision 
Spending a Greater Teleport for that.
Taking 10 on the caster level check for total 26.
 


"  What happened here that caused these statues's fate?  ", she speaks outloud.
Auranghzeb
   Something wicked this may come   Recites the old hag as she peers through the ages to what transpired in this cave. Soon, however, she realizes that this is not a single story, but many over hundreds of years. There's however one thread from the yarn of history that resonates more clearly and actually can be shaped into a vision.



The scene is the battle of Dul Waren, where the forces of Cawdor managed to outwitt the fae and their demonic allies and flank them into the treacherous gorges of the weirdwood. The battle was won and Cawdor forces claimed defensive positions.
But a few scores of Cawdor's soldiers were separated from the main lines by demonic fae marauders and pursuit through the gorges. Cut from support and reinforcements, they ventured through the dense forests -Here Magda has a vision of the once lush and exuberant woods that are not these barren lands.
Magda can see the faces of warriors and hear them arguing, and she makes enough from their conversation. Many of them were scared to venture forth into the gorge as they feared the  Dreamer , but pressured and under pursuit they came into the very grounds where you are standing.

Then, the vision becomes confusing, the fleeting troop came into this very cave entrance where they found already some statues. Magda can see them lighting the partially broken statues with low burning torches and faces of utter terror.

Then a sound came from the cavern and many eyes glowed in the darkness beyond. Then, the memory goes black, as death will often do.
Chimaera
As Magda enters her trance, Minerva look to Hakkon amd answer his question.

" Have seen many strange things before but nothing like this. These weirdwoods are surely weird ".

She look at a headless statue and then to a fairy one, " Not even the fae was spared. We must proceed with caution ".

"  I saw the battle of Dul Warren: Cawdor forces won the fae in this one, but some were separated and ended having to seek refuge here, back when these barrens lands used to be a forest.

They were affraid that moving into the gorge would led them into reaching the Dreamer. But they didnt manage to go much further than here as many eyes showed up in here and ghey were soon killed or turned to stone: that part was tricky as divinations usually do  ".

After speaking her tale, Magda feel a wave of exhaustion coursing through her body and so that support on Minerva's shoulder.

" This place is dangerous and isnt safe for us to use for shelter. If they thought coming into the gorge would take them closer to the Dreamer, maybe we are on the right track. Be ready to fight and try to not turn into a statue ".
BelGareth
Hakkon narrowed his eyes, the old saying about statues fluttered through his thoughts as he analyzed the strands of fate that were loose and flapping int he ethereal wind, as if they had been torn asunder, not cut, not severed, not....this wasn't how you did it, whoever...whatever did this, is brutal, powerful, and....careless.

Turning around, he listened to his new companion...who was a tad more chatty than he preferred. He had already come to the same conclusion as their magical  Vision , but it was nice to have confirmation. He was imagining an ancient monster, one his mothers had told him about when he was young. There were several that could turn you to stone, but the one that made his guts churn in fear....well that one was in the form of a beautiful women.

He shuddered and looked towards the entrance.

This was worth investigating, if they were ever to claim these lands back. If that was even possible, but fate was fickle, and it had bought them here.

Staring at the cave entrance he pulls out his daggers, and mutters a spell   "Lets investigate this lair then."   he says simply.   "Blink, stay close to Minerva here"  
 
 Spoiler 

Attempts to cast Greater Invisibility

 Hakkon Sigurt Nornson 
M LN Human (native outsider) Rogue 1\Sorcerer 4\Daggerspell Mage 10\Unseen Seer 1,  Level  16
 Init  8,  HP  156/146,  Speed  30
 AC  26,  Touch  19,  Flat-footed  20
 Fort  11,  Ref  20,  Will  13
 main hand [0/10] off hand [0/10] +1 Bloodfeeding bloodstone Mithral Dagger     (1d4+1, 19-20x2)
 Abilities  Str 14, Dex 22, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 22
 Effects  Mage Armor (16 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, Fly (16/minutes)
 Condition  None

 Blink 
Blink dog 2/RHD 4/ Ranger 8,  Level  12
 Init  9,  HP   104/132,  Speed  50ft
 AC  18,  Touch  15,  Flat-footed  13
 Fort  8,  Ref  13,  Will  6
 Abilities  Str 10, Dex 20, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
 Effects  Primal Instinct (24 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, low-light vision, scent
 Condition  None
 Special  Dimension Door (Su; DD as CL 8thl 1/round;free; 720ft), Blink (Su; at will; free)
 
Chimaera
Melissa pick up her greataxe and tag along Hakkon.

" Let's try not to be disintegrated. Lead the way, thane ".

Magda get back from her revelation trance and follow the two nobles as well, but stay a bit away from them.

"  If you're turned to stone I can save you and bring you back to flesh, let just hope Im not the one who turn to stone  ".
Auranghzeb
The entrance is a downward hole, perfectly excavated that descends in a spiral 30' down. You manage to get down with some trouble and find yourselves in a circular room that glitters and shines under de illumination of five free standing torches along the edge of the room. The floor glitters because it is veritably hidden by a carpet of coins of all metals that sparkle with the  flowing light.
There are rings and necklaces, and gemstones and small statues and sculptures. This is quite the hoard!

At the other end of the room (some 60' away) there's a large golden divan where a lounging figure with glowering eyes and writhing hair sits, staring at you!
Chimaera
As they proceed into the cave, Magda and Minerva look at the many treasures scattered through floor and frown.

" These arent real, but a deception ", Minerva warns the others, even though none was fooled.

"  Mere illusions  ", Magda agrees, "  Something is trying to trick us  ".

Magda's eyes glow with golden light as she cast yet another divination, this time one to let her pierce the illusion and see the truth.

 
 Spoiler: True Seeing 
Casting True Seeing (spending a Veil spell for that).

Taking 10 on the casterlevel check vs wild magic.
 


The old lady take a look around with truesight and begins to describe what really is in the area for the others.
BelGareth
Hakkon moved through the strange curving tunnel, he immediately thought of a great wyrm, wiggling it's way up from the roots of the great Yggdrasil, as his mothers had taught him, that he was maybe, walking right into the mouth of the great beast, but then it flattened out...into a room of gold, this was a great....wait, it...was a mirage, a trick of magic. Frowning, he paused for a moment, listening to Minerva and Magda confirm his suspicions.

He looked to the strange figure and instantly recognized what it was, a Medusa....he didn't know if it could see him, and perhaps that would save him from their stare.....perhaps.

Maybe words would work here....  "Hello"   he says to the Medusa.

 
 Spoiler 

Move to O12
is invisibile.

 Hakkon Sigurt Nornson 
M LN Human (native outsider) Rogue 1\Sorcerer 4\Daggerspell Mage 10\Unseen Seer 1,  Level  16
 Init  8,  HP  156/146,  Speed  30
 AC  26,  Touch  19,  Flat-footed  20
 Fort  11,  Ref  20,  Will  13
 main hand [0/10] off hand [0/10] +1 Bloodfeeding bloodstone Mithral Dagger     (1d4+1, 19-20x2)
 Abilities  Str 14, Dex 22, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 22
 Effects  Mage Armor (16 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, Fly (16/minutes), Greater Invisbility
 Condition  None

 Blink 
Blink dog 2/RHD 4/ Ranger 8,  Level  12
 Init  9,  HP   104/132,  Speed  50ft
 AC  18,  Touch  15,  Flat-footed  13
 Fort  8,  Ref  13,  Will  6
 Abilities  Str 10, Dex 20, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
 Effects  Primal Instinct (24 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, low-light vision, scent
 Condition  None
 Special  Dimension Door (Su; DD as CL 8thl 1/round;free; 720ft), Blink (Su; at will; free)
 
Auranghzeb
The medusa rises its ugly head towards the  tree  of you and her eyes shine with murderous intent as her hands grab the edges of the divan where she was sitting.

The tree of you, except Magda, peer into her gaze of stone! (Will DC 25)


 
 Spoiler: Only Magda 
Magda sees through the veil of illusions, even if this one is particularly impenetrable, she knows the Medusa is not there and her gaze is harmless. But you are not alone, there's present danger in this room.
 
Auranghzeb
The Medusa gaze freezes your  blood, but it does not quite turn you to stone...

Then, you feel magi trying to slow you down, making your bodies slower.

The Medusa walks towards you, her snake hair snapping the air, But Magda is sure the power does not come from her... what's going on?


 
 Spoiler: SLOW 
Slow DC 18
 
Chimaera
Seeing the faux medusa start casting spells, Magda watch as her master believe she's turning to stone and the other lord fails to resist the slow spell.

"  The medusa is an illusion! Whoever is attacking us is hidden somewhere else!  ", she shouts to her allies and cast a transmutation of her own to undo the medusa's spell.

 
 Spoiler: Surprise Round 
She's casting Haste.

Take 10 on casterlevel check vs wild magic.
 


"  We need to find out where the culprit is hiding  ".
Chimaera
"  These old eyes of mine is having trouble finding the culprit, but it got be somewhere around!  ", Magda says looking around for the lurking enemy, "  Find him!  ".

She casts a protective spell and create a magical barrier of force around her, "  And you're not turning into stone, my dear! It is all in your head!  ".


 
 Spoiler: Magda's Shield 
Casting Shield on self and looking for the enemy.
Spot (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 

If spoting is an action, she wont cast Shield and will just try to find the enemy.
 


Minerva isnt so sure as she feel her body slowly solidifying.
" Ward! ", she says and her magical shield jump into the fray and float around her to protect her, " And let us fight! "

The warlady then let out a war cry, raising her allies with fighting prowess.

 
 Spoiler: Warlady Song 
Singing Inspire Legion, so everyone's in the party base attack bonus is now 16. Have fun.

Also get a +2 to damage.
 
BelGareth
Hakkon slowed down, his limbs began to stiffen,  &lt;the medusa is an illusion, how??&gt;  he thought to himself before his new companion dispelled the effect, his limbs jerked foward as if they were held back by some invisible force.

He looked around   "I can't see ****."  
 
 Spoiler 

no clue what to do here...i only have glitterdust, but thats only  a 10ft burst.

 Hakkon Sigurt Nornson 
M LN Human (native outsider) Rogue 1\Sorcerer 4\Daggerspell Mage 10\Unseen Seer 1,  Level  16
 Init  8,  HP  156/146,  Speed  30
 AC  26,  Touch  19,  Flat-footed  20
 Fort  11,  Ref  20,  Will  13
 main hand [0/10] off hand [0/10] +1 Bloodfeeding bloodstone Mithral Dagger     (1d4+1, 19-20x2)
 Abilities  Str 14, Dex 22, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 22
 Effects  Mage Armor (16 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, Fly (16/minutes), Greater Invisbility
 Condition  None

 Blink 
Blink dog 2/RHD 4/ Ranger 8,  Level  12
 Init  9,  HP   104/132,  Speed  50ft
 AC  18,  Touch  15,  Flat-footed  13
 Fort  8,  Ref  13,  Will  6
 Abilities  Str 10, Dex 20, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
 Effects  Primal Instinct (24 hours), Darkvision, outsider traits, low-light vision, scent
 Condition  None
 Special  Dimension Door (Su; DD as CL 8thl 1/round;free; 720ft), Blink (Su; at will; free)
 
Auranghzeb
 
Round 2: 

With a roar, the ceiling around the tunnel you came through starts to collapse and tons of rock starts rolling your way as a cloud of dust rolls towards you!


 
 Spoiler: Will Save 
DC 21  then Reflexes DC 22 to avoid the rocks and move towards the inside of the cave.   
 Spoiler: Magda 
Magda does not see this happening
 

 
Chimaera
Melissa ducks and roll, avoiding the avalanche of rocks and debris, still singing her song of valiant heroic deeds.

 
 Spoiler: Warlady Singing 
Combine songs to start Inspire Toughness along with Inspire Legion
 


"  What are you doing, my child? I told you already it is only in your mind. Someone is messing with our minds  ", Magda says as she watch Melissa tumbling around.

The old crone look at the illusion and focus her truesight at the medusa. She then chants some magical words and try to dispel the illusory effect.

 
 Spoiler: Greater Dispel Magic 
Taking 10 on both caster level checks: for wild magic and for dispel.
 
Auranghzeb
Magda easily dispels the illusion effect. And the rocks that seemed trapping the other warriors disappear.


Then, silence follows.


 Round 3 

The ilusions dispeled, this time is something more material which attacks you.

A gray ball comes flying from the darkness above and it explodes in a web of dense threads quickly expanding and trapping you!


 Web, as the spell. Reflex save DC 18 
 you are allowed another spot check  