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Keys from the Golden Vault Session 6

Starring
Varrow, level 3 gnome Thief Rogue
Stayzie Diamondz, level 3 orc Champion Fighter
Elowen Fernwhisper, level 3 wood elf Circle of the Moon Druid
Chéri Powder, level 3 human Illusionist Wizard
Taveen, level 3 aasimar Warrior of Mercy Monk

Elowen reunites with the party at the manor, having identified the magic items from the museum (which we totally forgot about): a +1 spear, a Mask of the Beast (from ToA), and a Dagger of Venom, which Varrow eagerly accepts.

While Varrow catches her up on what’s going on, Stayzie is struggling in the Shadowfell side, her bright, bedazzled color scheme completely muted. She and Varrow begin exploring the second floor, as another shadowy monster harasses them with its strength-draining attacks.

Both warriors easily fend it off, but when Elowen steps through the doorway and enters the realm, she’s not so lucky. Strength is not her strong suit, and she’s left weakend by its attack.

Varrow and Chéri were close behind her, but the magic doesn’t work that quick, and they stay on the material plane. The pair explore the rooms, but as they walk through certain doorways, they too are teleported. 

Both continue to make the CHA saves to remain on the light side, but end up teleporting around the house. 

Varrow discovers a giant wolf spider in a trapdoor leading to the parapet, easily dispatching it and finding some gold in a pouch. While Chéri finds some boxes in an attic storage, only to get teleported away from them when he tries to approach.

Chéri finds the study on the third flor with the shadow rift, but not knowing what he’s looking for, he leaves it behind. Only when he randomly meets up with Varrow do the two realize he’s found the portal — and perhaps their missing friends.

On the shadow side, the trio doesn’t have to worry about teleportation — only shadow monsters!

On the third floor, they too find the study and the rift between worlds, but it’s guarded by a larger shadow. The Shadow Demon claims that this is his house, and they’ll either die, or join him as shadows.

Finally, a proper fight! But the shadows are pesky combatants, flying through walls and ambushing the trio where they can.

Taveen and Elowen both possess powerful radiant abilities, however; the monk with Celestial Revelation, and the druid via the moonbeam spell.

However, this part of the Shadowfell is under the effects of the Stifling Shadows feature from the Shadow Dragon lair traits, which dims all bright lit into dim light. I allowed the effects to still go off on their turns, but when it wasn’t their turns, the lights would dim, allowing the shadows to attack normally.

One shadow demon plus two shadows isn’t a big battle, but the party was still split up, leaving Stayzie, Taveen, and Elowen alone while Varrow and Chéri figuring out where to go, and how to help them.

By the time Varrow makes it through the portal, Stayzie and Taveen have chased and cornered the monstrous demon, leaving Elowen with the single remaining shadow. But the shadow closes in on her, dealing its maximum strength-reduction, completely draining her energy, and killing-her instantly!

Oh no!

The tense final battle suddenly became deadly, as the remaining party must finish off the shadows, then deal with their fallen ally.

Live post-session discussion: 

Next session: Fallen Druid

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