Guardians of the Grove - No Contract for You - 11/16/23

 No Contract for You

With Barrett defeated, the Guardians waste no time pushing forward to the next destination, Duvall’s villa. Wulf and Corvus decide to carry the two children, Ani and Oni, on their backs as the Guardians decide to scale the cliffside. With a combined use of the spider climb spell and several climbing kits, the group can climb towards the top with some ease. However, Corvus and Wulf have difficulty keeping the children sitting tight and climbing the mountain. Atheya relieves Corvus of his burden, and Wulf pushes on. Blood recasts Pass Without a Trace again, but it wasn’t enough to prevent them from being discovered by a group of Imps (3 groups worth). While difficult, the Guardians are able to eliminate the threat before more show up and arrive at the top and into the Villa.

The Guardians are able to discover the entryway into the villa, but before entering, they devise a plan to keep the children safe. Blood will use his rope trick spell, and Wulf casts Alarm to keep the children “safe.” Hoping to return alive, the Guardians enter Duvall's bedroom. Amongst Duvall’s collection are living pictures, blankets of Unicorn fur, and an ornate platinum chest about the size of a shoebox that is possibly trapped. Eltuire has held herself back since the last time she tried to steal something, which went poorly.

Meanwhile, Wulf discovers a leather-bound book with gold decor and an unknown language. With the help of the tongues potion, Wulf is able to discover that this is Duvall’s Journal. With some time, he is able to read a middle entry among the entry keywords that pop up, such as

•  Cabal of ascension

• serve and survive,

• needs more power

•  infernal writing today's date

•  materials gathered

• a rite of ascension

• plans to ___ Tyrax

• one step closer to advancing Cabals’ goals,

• Barret has located the last of the ingredients

With a limited understanding of these entries, the group pushes forward again into a hallway filled with magical darkness. Eltuire, trying to make herself more useful, is able to dispel the Magic. The Guardians make their way through the hallway into another unlit room with only a small glimmer of light, that is, until they step inside and hear Duvall. Duvall admits that while it is disappointing that the Guardians would choose the path against him, he cannot deny their capabilities and offers them a new contract to work under him. Before refusing the contract, the Guardians are able to goad Duvall into talking about the Rite of Ascension. Duvall reveals that the time is close for a cycle to end where new gods may be born, and he plans to become one, a god of “who knows what.” Duvall reveals more about the Divine Cataclysm, a Civil War based on a disagreement on dealing with the approaching cycle. In order to ascend, you must survive the cycle Duvall repeats to the group, offering them a chance to become part of his circle and survive the cycle. The Guardians, unwilling to sell their soul individually, deny Duvall the satisfaction of a contract with the mightiest heroes. One by one, the Guardians push aside the contracts as Blood pushes his aside and says, “It’s in my line of sight."

The battle begins with Blood being shunted to a Maze-space, Wulf enduring a barrage of attacks, El barely dodging a disintegrate spell, Atheya transforming into a draconic state, and Corvus doing his paladin slive and dice smite combos. It’s only just begun. 

Guardians of the Grove - The Smoldering Ashes of Hopelessness - 11/9/23

     The Smoldering Ashes of Hopelessness - 11/9/23

    The Guardians successfully reunite and avoid being possibly kidnapped by a creepy individual offering “shelter.” Wulf adamantly declines the offer, and Blood can do his Ranger thing and search for a more discreet location to set up. While the group waits for Blood’s return, Wulf asks, “What the hell happened?” So, Eltuire explains how she heroically acquired a black diamond, a black diamond that is used for currency down in the Nine Hells. However, she immediately regrets her choice because of the haunting voices of possible 100s of souls in the diamond. Corvus remembers from his studies of Iya and Oya that these diamonds are against the practice of his god. El offers to pass it over to another party member, but the group refuses, knowing she wouldn't pass off something so valuable if there were not a catch.

     Blood returns with the Guardians' next location. Wulf casts Pass Without a Trace, and the group moves towards an abandoned building. Once inside, they find the lower floor destroyed; the Guardians make their way around the house and into a second-floor room. Wulf proposes a short rest to restore some of the resources lost traversing the Hells. Not requiring much rest, Eltuire agrees to cast Catnap on Atheya, Blood, and Wulf, so instead of an hour, they take 10 minutes. Eltuire and Blood spend 4 minutes(an eternity) together before she can make out a voice outside speaking in Infernal; familiar to her, it sounds like Barrett. While her blood boils with the opportunity to repay him for stabbing her, she must keep watch over the bodies of the sleeping Guardians. Time passes, and the voice continues onward; the Guardians are able to rest and prepare for the next steps. 

Once awakened, the group discusses the potential threat of Barret and their willingness to deal with him if he should become an obstacle. Wulf reminds the Guardians of the time set against them and where they need to go to defeat Duvall. Once done, Wulf opens the portal using the object Lysandra gave him. He states the passphrase “The Smoldering Ashes of Hopelessness,” and an orange portal opens. Still, in the abandoned house, the guardians can feel the pressure and heat from the portal; where they go will not be a safe environment. Wulf casts Oasis on the group to keep them safe; at the level cast, it will last 24 hours(?) in a 15ft radius around him. The Guardians head through the portal and witness a new circle of hell around them; smoke and ash fill the air. Volcanic craters wrap around a twisted path that stretches for miles. If not for the protection of Wulf’s Oasis spell, the Guardians would be experiencing a crippling discomfort, and would make traveling much more difficult. 

    As the group progresses, they can make out a familiar bald-headed figure. Stealthily, they approach the figure without giving their position. Quickly, they can identify Barret accompanied by several fiend-like creatures and pull the two Aasimar children that Eltuire saw from the auction. Eltuire, unwilling to let Barret escape again, asks the Guardians for permission to engage. Surprisingly, the Guardians give the green light. Gleefully, Eltuire sneaks in closer and casts Hold Person on Barret. Unable to resist the surprise effect, Barret is immediately paralyzed, and the fiends are surprised. Eltuire signals to attack and take down Barret once and for all. 

                                                                  -Enter Combat-

    Blood releases a barrage of arrows at Barret while Corvus, Eltuire, and Wulf rush the surprised enemy. Atheya wildshapes into a giant eagle and flies above the group. Blood can penetrate Barrett's defenses but with minimal damage. Barret, in response, is able to break free of the Hold Person spell and join the fray, deflecting and returning arrows at Blood with his bare hands. Eltuire and Wulf attempt a combo barrage toward Barret, causing more damage than expected.  Meanwhile, Corvus and Atheya attempt to subdue the other creatures. Corvus rips and tears through the enemies, supporting the best friend duo(EL and Wulf). Atheya, in her eagle form, claws away at the flesh of the enemy as an eagle in the nine circles of hell is definitely a rare sight. Wulf and Barrett enter a heated match as the two exchange mighty blows. However, Barrett is surprised to see that Wulf, through magic and sheer will, can overcome the barrage of attacks and almost appear unphased.

     Barrett may have underestimated his enemy this time and prepared his next move, instructing the other creatures to kill the chained children as it would distract the Guardians long enough to escape. As the battle intensifies and Barrett starts pulling away from the fight, the fiends make short work of the children. Despite the group's best efforts, they are unable to prevent the deaths of the two children as they are slaughtered in front of the Guardians. Seeing two children like herself triggers Eltuire into a fit of rage as she momentarily surpasses her limits and bypasses the reactions of the creatures around her and sprints towards Barrett with piercing speed and jabs her blade inside his lower abdomen, triggering her weapon psychic burst effect and splits Barett in half. His lower body fell into a ravine and was burned two smithereens, along with any possible items. With the main threat dealt with, the other Guardians slice, smash, tear, and shoot the remaining creatures to death.

                                                                  -End Combat-

    After Guardians regain their composure, Wulf and Atheya work fast to revive the children, while more challenging in the Nine Circles of Hells, they are both able to bring back the two children who are at first frightened at the sight of the group and their blood covered attire. Still under the effects of his tongues potion, Wulf can communicate with the children along with Eltuire, who can speak Celestial. They discover that the two children (Ani and Oni?) are from Gladesedge but have no way back home. Wulf pockets their infernal manacles and agrees to carry them to Duvall’s, as leaving them alone to fend for themselves would be impossible in the current environment. With the details of the assault on Duvalls yet to be discussed, the Guardians move forward with contracts to fulfill, tiefling children to rescue, and two new companions in tow. What other promises can they make and keep? 

Guardians of the Grove - Recap 11/2/23

Blame it all on Me

    The Guardians continue their adventures in hell, searching for Edson Duvall and ignoring their natural talent to help people and to cause trouble…at least at first. Blood got distracted by a bow, Corvus promised to save a Tiefling child, Freida, and Eltuire traded her blood for information. It is not the best start, but the Guardians' luck turns around quickly as they are able to meet with Finneas, a disguised seeker, who turns out to be an old “friend” of the group. After the shock passes and everyone's wallets are confirmed safe, Lexa provides the deets on Edson Duvall, to be more exact, his informant with an entire network of spies across several realms, Lysandra. No one is 100% loyal in hell. Their next destination would be Lysandra, with raven black hair, ashen skin, mourning-like attire, and orange eyes that burn like fire. Lexa warns that Lysandra can be quite the manipulator.

 

Self-Control

        The Guardians decide on their next destination, the Auction Blocks, to speak with Lysandra and convince her to give up information on Edson Duvall. When arriving, they witness several “items” on display. Sadly, the group could do nothing, and their mission must take priority, or they would endanger themselves and lose the chance to eliminate Duvall for good. Atheya finds Lysandra, and after an awkward exchange of looks, she makes her way to Lysandra with Corvus and Wulf. At the same time, Eltuire and Blood are left alone, and Eltuire does nothing wrong……

Meanwhile, the trio speaks with Lysandra and arranges sorts. In exchange for the information on Edson Duvall, the Guardians will eliminate him and provide Lysandra with most of  Duvall’s assets, the details to be worked out upon his death, and the freeing of one Tiefling girl, Frieda. The collateral being held is the trio's souls; if they were to break their word, they would lose their souls. The information provided tells them that Duvall is located in the smoldering ash of hopelessness circle at the pinnacle of pride, a villa owned by Duvall that may provide him certain enhancements (lair actions) if confronted in specific areas such as the courtyard. A frontal assault is not recommended. 

 Not My Fault

      While the group discusses their arrangement with Lysandra, Eltuire gets into a bit of mischief with another patron at the auction blocks; Eltuire, unfortunately, fumbles the “trade” and is rescued by Blood, not before being slapped. Blood pops a smoke arrow and the two escape towards the Hollowed Inn. El successfully steals the black diamond, and the attention of the crowd as a major image goes off with both her and Blood's faces appearing as wanted criminals. The other trio makes their way back to the Hollowed Inn, cursing El and Blood the whole way. El and Blood are both able to rendevous with the rest of the Guardians in new temporary forms.  Wulf inquires about what the fuck happened but quickly changes his tone and expresses the urgency to move against Duvall NOW! 

                                                

 

Guardians of the Grove - Recap October 2023 5/12/19/26

 

Oh Way Way Down We Go

With the aid of Vaughn, the Guardians make their way to Alya and reach the Divine Phineas, The baddest-looking mother fucker you ever met. With reflexes so quick that they leave the most dextrous of the Guardians dumbfounded. The Divine acknowledges the group's efforts in dealing with the Master and addresses a unique way to dispatch the ring and permanently destroy the soul. A spell that could save Diego’s soul as well if brought to the correct location. The Divine begins the ritual to destroy the ring, and the Guardians face off with the Master one final time. In a continuous stream of mind blasts and charm attempts, the group is able to finally destroy the menace that is the Master and rid the world of his evil for good, as the ritual finally destroys the trapped soul. After some time and grieving for a slain soldier, the Divine provides the Guardians with proper intel about the Circles of Hell and a possible ally. He bids the heroes farewell and provides a powerful Aid spell to boost their vitality for the trip.

*Eltuire Notes*

Seven Circles/layers/domain   -    Circles of Hell Concentric/intertwine with each other at the is the Crossroads of the Damned. Souls travel through there first and are led to different circles.  You can move to different circles from the crossroads. You would need to help to open a passage (pay a toll or make a deal). Options: Devil? Deal? Mercenary info? Disguise Seeker? if found use the passphrase “when is it darkest” to which the other party will reply “before the dawn” Operation center: The Hollowed Inn, an unsavory/ damnable tavern that takes the appearance of “a ship in a sea of flames”.

Arrival

With the proper intel retrieved and a single objective, the Guardians arrive at the crossroads and are immediately struck by the sight of this hellscape. Some are more stricken than others as EL begins to feel immediately ill. Through some expert persuasion, Corvus can eventually deduce the location of the Tavern and enter. El has a brief encounter with a pit friend, and a brand is placed on her hand. As the Guardians enter the tavern, the investigation begins, which concludes when El pays the price in blood for information, and Corvus learns about a tiefling child bound to the Edson Duvall. With Objectives piling up, the group makes their way to the possible only ally in this new plane. They knock on the dwarf’s door and exchange the passphrase. Upon being let in, the dwarf begins to change and shapeshift into……..

Guardians of the Grove - Recap 09/28

 

Where Do We Go From Here?

The Guardians take some time to relax at Nathee’s shop and talk about the next steps. El flexes on Blood that she knows more about Corvus than he does, proving her superiority as usual. Blood and Corvus try to learn more about El, but she politely refuses to share the intimate details of her life. Moving forward, the Guardians explore the town as they make their way to the Divine Pansophical. They discover that their restaurant, the Greasy Unicorn, was shut down due to poor wages. Diego's school is deserted with no teacher, but High High Tea flourishes under Siegurd’s command. Siegurd buys out Atheyas' share and honors her with a founder’s plaque above the customers, never to be forgotten. The heroes finally find their way to divine pansophical and seek assistance from Lady Kieva and additional support through some sending-like magic to the Divine.

Discovery

Fennec's staff is called the Soul Siphon, crafted by the fallen god Bazozan; it can hold up to 100 souls and possesses powerful necromantic magic. The staff currently holds two souls, one being Diego, most likely, but the other is unclear. The souls contained are fractured and trapped inside, unable to pass on. The only way to restore Diego’s soul is to bring the fractured pieces to Valora and have them restored, which means traveling to the Astral Sea.  Current Options: A deal with the Withered One (known only to Wulf) Using Astral Projection to travel the Astral Sea Seeking a powerful Illithid or Gith to guide us through the Astral Sea to the Divine Gate.  The visit also reveals that the ring must be brought directly to the city of Alya on the Ulvari Coast, where the Divine Phineas will guide how to destroy the ring and the soul inside.

Home Visit

Making their way back home and preparing for the long trip ahead, the group tries to decide again on what to do next. Their patron then visits them, the silver dragon Vaughn. He asks them to don their wings and fly with him, providing a brief moment for them to answer some questions. As the wing power runs out, Eltuire pleads with Vaughn to provide just a little more guidance as the group is in dire need of some. Vaughn returns to the Villa to continue the conversation, warning them of the trials ahead if they should choose to travel to the Astral Sea, as he has heard of a towering creature called the Astral Dreadnaught that can sever the strings from an Astral Projection spell. The best way would be to seek out a Gith or Illthid to guide the Guardians through the sea. Before Vaughn takes off, he is curious to hear from Wulf…….

Guardians of the Grove - Recap 07/13-09/28

 

Master No More

The Guardians are able to dispatch the purple worms and salvage a stinger and some poison for the approaching battle with the Master. When they return to Warcester, they find the town bakery wrecked and Scrum dead, or at least they believe so until it is revealed to be an expertly baked cake replica. Scrum reveals himself and the news of Dante’s hunt for the Guardians. The Guardians are surrounded by Dante’s forces, who burn the bakery with heroes inside. After an unsuccessful escape attempt, the group confronts Dante and his elite guard. As the battle intensifies, the Guardians receive a message from Oval that the Master has nearly arrived. The Guardians manage to pull off some quick shenanigans and escape toward the Master. They prepare the best they can and make their way into Oval’s Oddities through the front instead of the agreed-upon sky route.

Planned so Much; HE Planned Better

The group decides to pretend Wulf is captured and lock him up with special cuffs (red flag #1). Blood takes Atheya and Corvus into a rope trick to hide their presence (red flag #2). Eltuire stays behind to receive protection magic against the Master when he arrives (red flag# 3). Finally, the trap is set, and the Master finally makes his move in an attempt to feeblemind Eltuire. She is able to resist, and the battle begins. Blood, Atheya, and Corvus struggle to free themselves from a Forcecage spell, and Wulf frees himself and Niru from their cage. Eltuire does her best to buy some time and sacrifices Whiplash to weaken the Master for the Guardians to make their move and strike the Master down. In retaliation, the Master strikes down Corvus with a Power Word Kill spell. After a few seconds, the group reacts quickly to buy time for Atheya to revive Corvus. Meanwhile, Wulf and Niru rejoin the fight along with an old and new ally, Mira and Scrum.

A Reckoning

Finally united together, the Guardians relentlessly exchange blows with the Master. Throughout multiple shapeshifting forms, both Dragon-like and Ape-like, the Guardians weaken the Master, destroying his tendrils that protect his source. Wulf pursues the Master before he can flee and charges with all his strength. In that splitting moment, Wulf is visited by a familiar presence, a brother-in-arms, Diego. At that moment, Wulf delivers a final and devastating blow to split the Master in half, ending at least his physical form for now. Niru sends the Guardians on their way home to Gladesegde, and only one battle is one, but another battle awaits them in a literal Hell.

Guardians of the Grove - Recap 06/22-07/06

 

Rakshasa, Illithid, Hell, and Undead Friends

The Guardians engaged with Edson Duvall and defeated him in another tough encounter. Catching him off guard contributed to their victory as he was unprepared for the prepared combination of the Guardians. With some assistance from a herd of boars, the Guardians dispatched him, fully aware that he could not be truly killed unless he was defeated in his plane of existence. Edson Duvall would remember the face of a Wolf with silver dragon features and learn not to underestimate Atheya again, a lesson painfully learned. However, ever the multitasking adventurers, they turn their attention to a former enemy.  Loot: +1 Longsword + 3d6 Poison x2 Armor?

The Plan so Far

Wulf decides he will be the bait to be “captured” by the Elder Brain; when the Elder Brain summons the Master, the group will dimension door inside and attack. However, the “go” signal has yet to be determined. The heroes return to town once more and discover that the magic shop they frequented was destroyed and the owner deceased. They have time to kill and decide to visit a bakery in town. At first, a little creepy, the owner serves them some delicious treats. With some hesitancy, the group eats and feels rejuvenated in different but fascinating ways. Upon their delight, the owner tells them how it is his first day (sus) and a delicacy he could make using the stingers from a creature resembling a purple worm. He would pay 10,000 gold for one; Wulf’s eyes light up, and he accepts the job. With no real strategy in mind, the group travels a few hours northwest and encounters a cave.

bLiNdSiGhT

The group elects Atheya and Blood to go in the Nature-y and sneaky ones. They enter casting invisibility and are able to go unnoticed for a time until a creature appears near them; they successfully escape unbothered. The one thing they did learn is that sound is a trigger for them. This would be a good thing to remember later….. The group prepares an ambush with Atheya sounding off the alarm, the creature appears outside, and the Guardians are able to dispatch the creature. However, the victory is shortlived as a more booming sound rings out from below as two larger worms appear and strike down the group with aggression. The Guardians find themselves in a pickle again, but Corvus breaks out a Powerful Banishment spell and cuts the threat in half.. for now.

Guardians of the Grove - Recap 06/15

 

Familial Troubles

The Guardians find themselves in a new and unique situation as an old acquaintance Nirru the sister of Nirruk, is captured inside the mysterious cage. She quips about the group being responsible for the death of Nirruk. After some coaxing, Nirru reluctantly revealed that an Illithid creature captured her. Within minutes the creature appeared as an Elder Brain and Dragon fused. The creature is also known to some Guardians as the brain released from the Master’s control less than two years ago. The Master has regained control over the brain and resides in another plane. The Brain reveals that Nirru is the token for which The Brain would trade for his freedom and control over the Hive. The Guardians quickly point out the folly of a trade with the Master as he would more likely kill anyone who would strip any form of power from him.  After some discussion, the group agreed 72 hours to devise a plan to stop the Master or Anthama once and for all or the brain would trade Niru instead. But first, the kitty problem.

Cleaning up the Past or Preventing a Disaster

The group returns to the playground to discuss the next steps. They agreed to help the brain but had another debt to pay. Edson Duvall would not simply leave the group alone, and having Atheya constantly hunted is no bueno. They decide to contact the Fiend the next morning to meet at a clearing and confront him. Now well-rested and mentally prepared, they arrive at the meeting and deliver a fake vial to the Merchant. However, Duvall perceives some deceitful behavior from the group and investigates the Vial. Disappointed, he launches an attack from his angelic-like bodyguards to “teach a lesson” to the Guardians. This time they were ready and used their tools, wits, and luck to stand up against the fiend capable of showering the group in a meteor storm at the beginning of the fight. Edson Duvall would represent himself as a high threat that the Guardian would have to put down now or face heavier consequences later.

The Sound of Bugbear
Wulf has been quiet through this venture and consistently complies with teaming up with Eltuire, but something is coming. A change and the true Wulf may suddenly reappear!! (Welcome Back, Anthony if you read this, haha)

Guardians of the Grove - Recap 06/01

 

Knife for Your Troubles 🗡️

Eltuire and Atheya find themselves trapped in a room with an Illthid Oival. They quickly eliminated him after he tried to take over their minds. Afterward, several more Illthid appears and engage the duo. Fighting them off the best they can until Corvus finally perceives a disturbance on the other side. He quickly grabs Wulf and Dimension Doors to the other side.  The fight is fair with 4v4, and the Guardians come out on top as the battle continues. Corvus and the others remember that the Master was on a completely different level with a sigh of relief. After further investigation, El is able to open a pathway to Blood, and the team regroups.  The group proceeds further into the Museum, realizing that something is truly amiss and there is more to this than they originally thought.

Stop, Drop, and Roll

Eltuire marches ahead into the next room and is immediately set ablaze, but to everyone else is simply screaming in pain. After amateurishly falling into a trap, El pushes forward with the group. Blood snickers to himself quietly.  But Eltuire quickly shows him up by making quick work of every locked door in the dungeons below before he can even find his pick set.  As the group explores further, they discover pools of blood, bones, and instruments of torture below. Disgusted, they press further to a back room and discover several weapons and books of possible magical origin. But there’s no time to sit and identify magic as El opens the door to several abominations. Unable to shut the door quickly, the group confronts the new foes. Afterward, they continue to push the Museum of Horrors and encounter more victims of the Illithid's mind control, leaving El feeling disturbed. Another Illthid reveals himself with a motley crew of abominations and mind-controlled soldiers. With Murderous intent Atheya and Eltuire do quick work of the Illtihid and, unfortunately, several innocent people.

Here We Go Again

Once the Illthid is defeated, the mind control wears off the remaining soldiers and civilians. Covered in blood, Corvus does his best to convince them we are the good guys, which they believe with some reluctance.  Determined to push on, the group rounds up the remaining survivors, brings them to the entrance, pushes further into the main corridor, and encounters an odd cage-like contraption suspended in the ceiling. Before the Guardians could plan or move, they noticed an eerie light from the cage and an unknown shape forming.

Guardians of the Grove - Recap 05/18

Always on Your Mind 🧠🍽️

After coming to a decision, the group decides to seek help from the Brokers instead of making a powerful enemy. Corvus, Atheya, and Wulf meet with the elderly lady to discuss the truth about their visit to Warcester and the ordeal Edson Duvall laid out in front of them. Corvus tells them about the silver vial and Edson Duvall’s plot to rob them of it. The Broker seems unphased and unconcerned with the “threat” of Edson Duvall, as they know of him already but have not considered him an enemy yet. Corvus purchases some information about Mr. Duvall and learns that he is a Rakshasa, a powerful creature with amazing abilities such as being immune to 6th level and lower magic and the ability to return to life after death; the only way to kill him would be to visit the Nine Hells and destroy him there. With no other choice, the group agrees to do just that.

                                                                                Let’s go Shopping!                           

Reunited once more, the group plans their next steps with the illusion of “shit being done” They plan to visit the museum and end the atrocities there.  Meanwhile, the guards would cause a distraction elsewhere. Hoping this would be enough to confuse Duvall into thinking they pulled off the heist when presenting him with a fake silver vial. While there is much time to prepare, the Guardians quickly return home, retrieve items, and go on a full shopping spree. With the plan for Duvall in place, they make their way to the museum to reach the higher floors and discover a way to free the creatures inside.

                                                  Doors are Always Open

The Guardians stake out the museum at night, prepare to enter unseen and move quickly. Immediately they waste precious time and resources on a door that is unlocked. Returning to the top floor, the group finds themselves at a dead end. Eltuire cleverly uses her detect thoughts to read the dragon’s thoughts to see a path behind one of the walls. Wulf deduces that it is a stone shape spell that created the path. Without hesitation, Atheya grabs Eltuire and teleports directly in front of a door. Eltuire is relieved she doesn’t have a foot sticking into a wall. The duo finds a book with a list of creatures and one empty slot for the next creature to be added. After doing so, the curator of the Museum, an Illitihid, appears and attempts to detain the pair. After a brief encounter, Eltuire dispatches the threat, but before she can enjoy taking out a Master look alike, several more appear. Being called rude and intrusive is the least of their concerns, as they are separated from the group and with no immediate means of escape.