tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45991590760311055262024-03-16T03:08:50.741-04:00Vanadorn D&D CampaignThis site is an online accumulation of the Post Reports for my current ongoing D&D Campaign - for anyone who might be interested in reading them.Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.comBlogger1215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-43011310005369760422024-02-11T22:39:00.006-05:002024-02-11T22:39:44.035-05:00Meet 68, Adv 12, 10/7/23<p> e figured we’d visit a few places – specifically the Office of Sanction and the Office of Portals. So the group divided into two and just before 2 we went on our missions.</p><p>At the Office of Sanctions we had the chance to talk to Inquisitor #11, an undead woman named Manenna. She had been briefed on us and was happy to help us out and answer questions if need be. We had learned earlier the names of Bundus’ original 2 prospecting partners from 4 plus years ago and learned they were Bethen and Tennet. According to the hall of records – both men had passed away recently.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiFf9eAjZaJza3xeZOHb33WKlWT61DOSDeX1J1lGWk6lMPYcBobkfL6aI9lP9fH317bNRe5Yeb0_qlTZ15Uq2On3Hkw8OR4R4JoWukD0R32zskOqFcd6gpPSA07RyXSzQzdjGyx3UoK4WqbtxshDG2SwWMLI60jyfWESeOJIxDauoqaQy9iUhqpjPMCY/s259/1007%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiFf9eAjZaJza3xeZOHb33WKlWT61DOSDeX1J1lGWk6lMPYcBobkfL6aI9lP9fH317bNRe5Yeb0_qlTZ15Uq2On3Hkw8OR4R4JoWukD0R32zskOqFcd6gpPSA07RyXSzQzdjGyx3UoK4WqbtxshDG2SwWMLI60jyfWESeOJIxDauoqaQy9iUhqpjPMCY/w400-h300/1007%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Ok. So we asked Manenna about the death of both men and she pulled up the file. Bethen died 2 and a half months ago outside of the Horse and Hound Tavern on the west side of Vitalia. According to the death record, he had stumbled out of the door near the alley to the Privies at a fast rate and fell into the street where a passing cart happened to run over his neck and killed him.</p><p>As for Tennet, he had died a month and a half ago where he fell down a set of stairs at his tenement home, clipped the couch at the landing, and fell all the way to the bottom where the now falling couch crushed his neck.</p><p>Really?</p><p>We asked about the Office of Sanction and their checking of these two deaths. Both of them were caught during a period of unauthorized sanctioning. We learned that there are 12 Inquisitors and each works an 8 hour shift. At all times, 1 must remain in the office which means at best, 3 inquisitors can be out. If there is a time of too many inquisitors being wrapped up in other issues, the local Constabulary takes care of the initial investigation and submits it.</p><p>And that’s what happened here.</p><p>Bethen was reported by a Constable Clamence. He happened to be very close to the Horse and Hound at the time of the accident and took care of the body and report by the time the local Inquisitor was able to arrive.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWlu0is52r7lxGPXntQdEW_uuZkHtMdI8dQyBWhZjWVRLeEwlM69AiiW7DrIzXRuoofCPsbMB_g2Av2n439xJEWpy3b8GnUhM2Dx4_nsoZD1BToCZZrXROa1AruGkaILqJnA5tfdVvb85W5XXgyAM8hlQLRUJVUtTihm7CcUm2ySO7PtvOme9_QXhDHY/s295/1007%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="295" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWlu0is52r7lxGPXntQdEW_uuZkHtMdI8dQyBWhZjWVRLeEwlM69AiiW7DrIzXRuoofCPsbMB_g2Av2n439xJEWpy3b8GnUhM2Dx4_nsoZD1BToCZZrXROa1AruGkaILqJnA5tfdVvb85W5XXgyAM8hlQLRUJVUtTihm7CcUm2ySO7PtvOme9_QXhDHY/w400-h232/1007%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>And for Tennet, that was the day of the accident at the reservoir. 3 people had been playing along the edge of the water body and one by one, had fallen in and drowned in a half hour period. Tennet had his accident right around then. And as for the sanction report? It too was filled out by a Constable Clamence. Hmmm – very peculiar. We thanked her for her time and decided we would need to go to the3 Constable’s Office at some point soon.</p><p>At the Office of Portals, things were a bit different. The two mages were overwhelmed on arrival there. Seems the office is built right on a Ley Line, an exposed root of Yggrassil close to the surface. The amount of untamed Chaos was enough to have both Connal and Godrick have to fight their way in and master themselves, but it worked out.</p><p>We talked to Moud, the Director of the Office, an animate of some obvious magical skill. We discussed spell books and the copying of them, the number of magisters currently working at the Office, and the parameters of the Portal stones and how they work. A portal stone must be signed out and has to be used within 30 days of assignment. Each is numbered uniquely and normally, the common man cannot afford to use one and needs to put up collateral – or if none is available- the promise of their soul.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOHhKCYKUMLyWxZXO49DjVRaT1Z4GWhGV5H57PT1fi3PfyMfEh41SmiWNtA69z5KjN6DGkxUeq_G8anAKE02ezVNh3hjCnt2ARcmACOnRgQJ6b042_zP7E3M97GkYDzFJ7xNZL1I2yrRrdqDk4dCjaKkhkkc-jU835PE0BECWCKJFZdixZh5myb0MsGo/s225/1007%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOHhKCYKUMLyWxZXO49DjVRaT1Z4GWhGV5H57PT1fi3PfyMfEh41SmiWNtA69z5KjN6DGkxUeq_G8anAKE02ezVNh3hjCnt2ARcmACOnRgQJ6b042_zP7E3M97GkYDzFJ7xNZL1I2yrRrdqDk4dCjaKkhkkc-jU835PE0BECWCKJFZdixZh5myb0MsGo/w400-h400/1007%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A portal can be opened, it is a 10’ diameter circle, and will open unerringly from Anywhere in Grymeria to anywhere else on the planet that a person has been to. It will remain open for a maximum of 1 hour at which time the person who opened it must step through the portal, subsequently closing it – or the portal will warp and wend, and suck the opener through at the expiration of the hour. It is mentioned that this hurts. Then, within the 30 day period, the original opener reactivates the portal from where it originally let out (or within 25’ feet of that spot) and it will bring them back to where the portal originally opened in Grymeria. The only constant MUST be the original operator of the portal – the number or types of people going through after the fact can change.</p><p>There is a way to double the size of a portal, but it is not recommended. A second portal is opened at the location of the first and the portal opens to 20’ diameter – but the window of time is reduced to 10 minutes.</p><p>We thanked Moud for the information and the group all met up again. We discussed what we had learned and as it was a bit after 4 now, wanted to go to the Constabulary – Clamence's name seems to come up a lot – as he was also the Constable that originally reported the burglary to Goliene.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxBapmRUR1hQvFtvExwcfgYcU8iNhpSLbFlwYhqOIlG03wOPb5rT9f7eqBYXfLG7NDcLrV_Z1rwLF4pi3Pix5Bm-p5oL8_Yuqj1O3D8d8VG8VMD3WhDcUIT8R4Zi17aQk5WSQvtf4-z58JDBJf0Eljq1NKdZjZEy7XpWpAUwcchQ8ygNR577q7SKRk_0/s239/1007%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="211" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxBapmRUR1hQvFtvExwcfgYcU8iNhpSLbFlwYhqOIlG03wOPb5rT9f7eqBYXfLG7NDcLrV_Z1rwLF4pi3Pix5Bm-p5oL8_Yuqj1O3D8d8VG8VMD3WhDcUIT8R4Zi17aQk5WSQvtf4-z58JDBJf0Eljq1NKdZjZEy7XpWpAUwcchQ8ygNR577q7SKRk_0/w353-h400/1007%204.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><p></p><p>At the Constabulary, we made sure not to ask for or mention Clamence at first, and were set up with Captain Ariassant. The Captain was happy to meet with us and we gave him the broad strokes of our investigation after getting comfortable that he was a man of integrity. He was dismayed to hear our concerns about Clamence who had been an exemplary officer for a number of years. Plus we learned that Clamence was at one point a member of the Arcane Academy but opted not to pursue his test and instead shifted his career path to law enforcement. Great – he’s a wizard too.</p><p>We looked over a number of records and incident reports and although they were in order, it still seemed shady. We asked then about the 2 dead men, Bethen and Tennet. Their wills both indicated that neither man wished to be animated so after a few days, their remains were auctioned off to various parties that would buy the remains for medical needs or the creation of low order animates. And it turns out that Lord Gatraise purchased both bodies after they died. The first one for 20 odd crowns, the 2nd one? For over 140 – turns out there was a bidding war with another local banker/lord Named Mergonius. We thanked Captain Ariassant and promised to come to him with more information once we uncover it.</p><p>We then went to Goliene and talked to him about his needs and how things were going. The Basketweaver was very concerned as there were only 4 days remaining and we said we were doing our best.</p><p>It was about 6 PM and the party wanted to go to the Horse and Hound to look around; the site of Bethen’s death. There was also Tennet’s home and partner – a half ogre woman named Brannade and how she seemed to have disappeared. Word was she moved shortly after Tennet’s death and managed to pay off all her debts before doing so. We wanted to find out where she went. And someone was going to have to talk to Mergonius, the other Lord who seemed to have a knowledge of whatever Lord Gatraise now knows. Lots to do tomorrow.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-34941340824780272062023-11-18T18:00:00.003-05:002023-11-18T18:00:21.380-05:00Meet 67, Adv 12, 9/23/23<p>Gryg and Hoggar moved back but were intercepted by a batch of 20 of the Gingerbread men. They assaulted the two of them, some of them hitting, and surprisingly, some damage came about. Mebian was laughing as the rest of the party leapt from the table and slammed back to the wall. The larger gingerbread cookie stalked forward, swinging its busted broom handle as it stalked forward. Godrik levitated himself up to the catwalk to get away from the now descended horde. Hoggar stomped and gored, busting some of the cookies and the party had weapons out ready to hit them all.</p><p>It was Asher Reed, our Captain, who called to Tyr and Maglubiyet, to blast an echoing reverberating note so loud that it shattered a large batch of the closest gingerbread men. “Damn!” Dizzy exclaimed following suit, and then the same thing was done by Brading – reducing the number of cookies to a notch under 20.</p><p>The rest of the fight went much better as the group was able to fire off another sonic burst and then tear into the giant gingerbread man. Mebian was now captured and the entirety of his crimes had been transmitted to the hall of records. We wanted to get him in place to confess his crimes directly to Venains and Baelin. We would need to use a conference room at the Heart of Vitalia to have this occur. We looked through his stuff quickly and found a sheaf of scrolls acting as a spell book – but the spells were strange, things we had never seen before.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DCpag1UsW11ASm2RrqPGqJ9nnji2FvZdher-eJIIvkh8h5O8U9URcIkDSXjnhCDAeAMn8CnZJExdA7lFWxnMITXDWtwZxZaeJIhHniCpffWIn-eNOXjuaNU4vvDN65YO3DvSY9ZYsFYqGel_OFOU2Ax8Qxyah9cEqjQlfNsC6VrwUukM3g0N2iHdTzI/s286/923%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="286" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DCpag1UsW11ASm2RrqPGqJ9nnji2FvZdher-eJIIvkh8h5O8U9URcIkDSXjnhCDAeAMn8CnZJExdA7lFWxnMITXDWtwZxZaeJIhHniCpffWIn-eNOXjuaNU4vvDN65YO3DvSY9ZYsFYqGel_OFOU2Ax8Qxyah9cEqjQlfNsC6VrwUukM3g0N2iHdTzI/w400-h246/923%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We split up, a few of us went to the Hotel to arrange with Amathadwan the room, while the rest of us knocked Mebian out and Gugg carried him in a sack through town and towards the hotel. Two others went off to the Dough Will Rise and Ragamuffins to entice the 2 bakers to come to the Heart. They did so, anticipating they were going to hire the adventuring party to do damage – when they were surprised to see not only each other there – but also Mebian.</p><p>The group laid out the situation to the 2 bakers and Mebian’s part in it. The angry small baker was adamant that this would have worked but now that it didn’t, it was time for everyone to go home as he had orders to do tomorrow. Um. No, not how this works. You are going to be remanded to custody and then put in jail. He didn’t get it, assuming that he was sorry was enough. What about his people and staff?</p><p>The other 2 bakers agreed that they would send their best journeyman to Look to the Yeast in the morning and have them run the place together for now while Mebian’s situation gets resolved. The constables had come now after being asked to and Mebian was taken away. We returned the sending head and felt that we had done a good job. So it was a bit before 11 when we chucked it all in and went to bed.</p><p>We awoke the next day, Birthmonth the 27th, and after breaking our fast, went off to go see Adjunct Rawanis. He thanked us for resolving the matter and filled us in on Mebian for a bit. He thanked us for the work they had done with and for him, but as of now, he was going to hand them over to the Outer Circle Councilor Mide; his superior. From this point out, upon completion of their jobs they will be paid for their efforts (nice) and after doing some problem solving for her, they will be sent to her boss on the Inner Circle Council, Marrions, – and then the Necrolord Duncan Eternal.</p><p>He did give us a bit of advice – for all of OCC Mide’s apparent youth, she is not a force to be trifled with. She is smart, connected, ruthless in her own way, driven, and does not suffer fools or foolishness. She is not your friend and must be given full respect at all times. We thanked him and he brought us down the hall to Mide’s office where she met with us and smiled.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-b7QJ-nH5xfzE-pOWPkCRf1tI4J028eNoTfad7UAkJQXbLdURbjG_HT_DW3UJhUyWcPfFnKNArzvPZHPyjmrjW-ZlAxAsrF_B4CE7z_Zw20-SeEm43lzdU5iIKhK9JyiC44Wjzwg-nTX1SFjjKsqqjp2wQvPP12jn2zQXCkPzhLJCymqFw0VRv_o_co/s275/923%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-b7QJ-nH5xfzE-pOWPkCRf1tI4J028eNoTfad7UAkJQXbLdURbjG_HT_DW3UJhUyWcPfFnKNArzvPZHPyjmrjW-ZlAxAsrF_B4CE7z_Zw20-SeEm43lzdU5iIKhK9JyiC44Wjzwg-nTX1SFjjKsqqjp2wQvPP12jn2zQXCkPzhLJCymqFw0VRv_o_co/w400-h266/923%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Right away the back and forth was different, and we recognized what Rawanis said about her not being a friend. Immediately she let us know her most pressing problem. There is an industrial Basketweaver on 3rd and 18th who 3 weeks ago had every bit of stock, store, raw goods, and even furnishings and machinery and looms stolen. His name is Goliene and he is well respected and liked around town, employing 23 people and supplying just about every industrial and large scan weaving project in all of Grymeria. He has been a loyal constituent and supporter of the OCC Mide and she wants his issue resolved.</p><p>It seems that he borrowed 1,500 crowns from a local banker/lord who was willing to front the Basketweaver and when the month was at an end, was expecting to extend the contract for another month. It's fairly common. The banker/lord though informed Goliene that he no interest in extending the contract and he had till the end of the week to pay the 1,500 crowns or the terms would come due and he would be indentured. For 10 years.</p><p>She wants the party to investigate the situation and help resolve Goliene’s dilemma. The contract is fairly standard but the OCC Mide does not know why the banker/lord I being so inflexible.</p><p>It was about 9:30 when we arrived at Grymerian Basketworks. It was a 2 story factory style warehouse with a smaller office door and larger loading bay door. We entered and then met with Goliene’s wife and kids – working on planks of wood and sawhorses. They had a lot of paper strewn about and they were struggling to make sense of it. We could even see the office furnishings had been stolen – including the carpets.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjHxnkZmUjZwDkw8vLk6ng6-AUwTBJNXzVIpu3uWL1NMpWa_dqamaB9Fc97v7iCEHnFct7xjw5DcpkOkDwfn7LStlcrsnOJLIW_N1EtgrIpkHMNuuKNa4Jyh7_NzCejaofwOehQrwGxTcDReqI7hZKPh15Wjul6juCFTjoN_52YXVottpkB-SKWipDz0/s275/923%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjHxnkZmUjZwDkw8vLk6ng6-AUwTBJNXzVIpu3uWL1NMpWa_dqamaB9Fc97v7iCEHnFct7xjw5DcpkOkDwfn7LStlcrsnOJLIW_N1EtgrIpkHMNuuKNa4Jyh7_NzCejaofwOehQrwGxTcDReqI7hZKPh15Wjul6juCFTjoN_52YXVottpkB-SKWipDz0/w400-h266/923%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Once they learned who we were we had a chance to meet with Goliene. He was a harried man, a bit under 6’ and in his late 40’s . He thanked us for coming and was very worried and upset. Lord Gatraise was being inflexible and even though Goliene had spoken with him 3 times now, he was adamant that in 5 days – this was going to happen.</p><p>He told us about the robbery a bit over 3 weeks ago now. The constable had come to alert him of the break in about 7. They took everything –tons of raw goods, every finished product – but most troubling were the actual looms and machines that had been taken. Some of them were 10’ tall. We walked the factory floor and could see the space where 6 of them had once stood. Right now there was only 1 weaving loom here – they had purchased it from Ashar a few weeks ago and had it in place to help clear out the massive backlog he has.</p><p>Everyone was working hard – many of them for free. Goliene admitted that if he cannibalized everything – he could come up with 500 crowns…maybe – but it would leave him in a terrible situation for next month – and Lord Gatraise was not interested in a partial payment. He did offer that if his family agreed to the indenture as well – he would reduce the time to 4 years.</p><p>He had some animates working here, one of them was his brother, Bundus. Bundus died 4 years ago and was raised, staying here with the family to work. He had been a prospector in his younger/living days and part of a 3 person crew that would go out and find possible gold mines in the Rises – in the northwest section of Grymeria. On his passing, Goliene was his executor and for now he was happy to stay here and help out.</p><p>We asked some questions and learned the constable who had discovered and reported the situation was named Clamance. And that Goliene had a friendly fence named Lolloran who was looking all over for where the equipment and machinery might be. So far nothing has been discovered.</p><p>We left and figured we’d bite the bullet and go talk to Lord Gatraise first. We made our way to the upper class section in the north part of town eventually coming to 1st and 5th. The place was macabre. Wrought iron fence, half dead skeletal trees, tall black edifice and flying buttresses and towers. There were some undead wandering the grounds cutting rose bushes and just standing around moaning. The gate guard took our name and said to wait shortly. Eventually he came back and said that Lord Gatraise was waiting for us and to follow – stay on the path.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZNvVOMe-PNPAVds9dnmlnqWl-dq7Y9-6lOeWe4vgRNt9uldSCpIjs1Kh6ygFgzmaidCfrP0WD5lley6_sXaD2R3PXzI6aVCaLEvAqKzixzdIZ_m5fP_zs809cDnsYvCmGY_SSEN47LIOzZEk7oAK229_v9v8kuX7I9ZlobGtHUIbEZtQz__YEGR6DI0/s347/923%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="145" data-original-width="347" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZNvVOMe-PNPAVds9dnmlnqWl-dq7Y9-6lOeWe4vgRNt9uldSCpIjs1Kh6ygFgzmaidCfrP0WD5lley6_sXaD2R3PXzI6aVCaLEvAqKzixzdIZ_m5fP_zs809cDnsYvCmGY_SSEN47LIOzZEk7oAK229_v9v8kuX7I9ZlobGtHUIbEZtQz__YEGR6DI0/w400-h168/923%204.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We entered and it was more of the same. Some of the animates try to fit in with the locals – but Lord Gatraise was practically shoving the fact that he was an undead down your throats. We met him in a large office area where he was seated at a wingback chair and gilded desk. There were signs of opulence everywhere. He greeted us and seemed to know a bit about us already.</p><p>We broached the contract and our reason for being here and Lord Gatraise did his best to explain it. He was not interested in letting Goliene to get off with an extension. True, he had lent the weaver money in the past and both times he had extended terms. IN fact the extension of terms was a normal part of the deals – but in this case – he did not care. He WANTED the basket weaver to be indentured to him. For if doing so, he would get all of his property and owned items as well.</p><p>With nothing left in the Basket Weaving place, we were unsure what he meant. At this point he was pressuring Gugg, the half-ogre, to cast off his other needs and to join him. He would gladly pay 65 crowns for him to join his staff. He has a need for half-ogres. Gugg was uncomfortable and said no. Then the Lord turned to Godrick and offered to give him 45 crowns if he stabbed Gugg in the sleep tonight. He also refused. This was getting weird.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTHci425vyJnJatltIZyiLNrDvf48_3Z3k8cfg8A405kBEi-u3xf71a9h3Soj9KX1h_gcSxEhrbgy7NAzszCO17WPcPhp3W66O0_W2HF0EVT97g9wW_s8SXG5JSJFF53v4Iy5owPd28pE3xozPgPgWqacpb84gBDY_6vkmCr0MPXFF5hBipn45Ir4Ock/s225/923%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTHci425vyJnJatltIZyiLNrDvf48_3Z3k8cfg8A405kBEi-u3xf71a9h3Soj9KX1h_gcSxEhrbgy7NAzszCO17WPcPhp3W66O0_W2HF0EVT97g9wW_s8SXG5JSJFF53v4Iy5owPd28pE3xozPgPgWqacpb84gBDY_6vkmCr0MPXFF5hBipn45Ir4Ock/w400-h400/923%205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Plus he was laughing and chuckling. Like he knew something we did not. From here he made no bones about it. Getting the Basketweaver was a nice plus – but as the executor of his brother’s estate, Bundus, he would get control of that person as well. Why did he want Bundus, an ex prospector who died 4 years ago?</p><p>Because he was 1/3 of a company that registered a possible mining site that had been here-to-for looked over. And Lord Gatraise wanted it. It was supposedly going to yield an immeasurable amount of possible gold – and the Lord had been putting plans in place to make it happen. He was cackling again with glee. We pointed out, what about the other2/3rd? And he laughed aloud, burning eyes flashing and dancing, that he had already taken care of that problem as well.</p><p>So there was nothing more for it, tell Goliene that he has to report to him in 5 days and expect to be indentured to the Lord for the long near future. Now go and deliver the bad news, Adventurers. Hahahah.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_q12IawMOnyrrZBHg2WSrXSugAk1eWbU_pStUZoFf0DZc6VnjdtJJLPlzJvGoqL-fzfSYPRFuLvu58s74L9LXPhukq3Nq1b_kmjOnbZabMg7nU6jCjISSPQN0fsXzKDHQrHIokPcPaharqJnFo6d-PB-pP8__-c9PIcdh4ZPNjeJwbP5Q9X010c_v_o/s225/923%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_q12IawMOnyrrZBHg2WSrXSugAk1eWbU_pStUZoFf0DZc6VnjdtJJLPlzJvGoqL-fzfSYPRFuLvu58s74L9LXPhukq3Nq1b_kmjOnbZabMg7nU6jCjISSPQN0fsXzKDHQrHIokPcPaharqJnFo6d-PB-pP8__-c9PIcdh4ZPNjeJwbP5Q9X010c_v_o/w400-h400/923%206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Damn – we left. We talked about solutions. What kind of undead was Lord Gatraise? We did not know, but he did radiate a power. Also, as Goliene has a loan out – no other lender will give him money at this time. What about this mine? We went back and talked to Bundus and Goliene a bit, without tipping off what we had learned. Bundus was partnered with two other men for a few years before his death, Bethen and Tenet. They had prospected many sites in The Rises, but there was one that at first glance seemed to be a poor yield. But the 3 of them were convinced the veins were deeper and more robust once the talus and pyrite and nickel were peeled away. How good? They guessed 150 to 200 thousand in possible gold piece yield.</p><p>Holy crap.</p><p>It would be a 2 year venture and some 20,000 in investment to make it happen, but a 7 to 10 times return would make anyone well off. Like a Lord Gatraise. But why now, after 4 years of Bundus’ death? And what did he mean about already taking care of the other 2/3rds of the prospecting claim? We would need to visit some places and answer soon. The Office of Records, the Office of Sanctions, the Office of Portals, and the Constabulary. And we didn’t have that much time.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-84812511519485408852023-11-17T22:57:00.002-05:002023-11-17T22:57:09.440-05:00Meet 66, Adv 12, 9/16/23<p>Birthmonth the 25th. We went over all we had learned while sharing a small plate of muffins and some milk, angling over the questions again and again. Gryg felt that someone was playing the two bakeries off against each other and have been doing so for the last 4 years. Seems to have started at the award ceremony. We figured to get some information from the town records for now, there were barely a dozen bakeries in town, so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. One of them had a contract with the fire brigade, the other had one with the constabulary office. We needed to see who had those contracts at a period prior to 4 years ago.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm70QSWctlSJ8KD9mEed51CJQVFMYGgTQea5I4d4YbzVPsV6p6Xow2sY_4VXEEgxrd9sPQBUSJVG30Z8M_-zDCyBAzs46MPi4BN-TBFKwBvmeMcvkQVXSwTfgglrkx7Gk4VDWrC7UEnXPOLsfGx2fIBQ-x5J2Y1O3VPEHX3J0Y2NgN53JuR8I4tlxNpA/s275/916%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm70QSWctlSJ8KD9mEed51CJQVFMYGgTQea5I4d4YbzVPsV6p6Xow2sY_4VXEEgxrd9sPQBUSJVG30Z8M_-zDCyBAzs46MPi4BN-TBFKwBvmeMcvkQVXSwTfgglrkx7Gk4VDWrC7UEnXPOLsfGx2fIBQ-x5J2Y1O3VPEHX3J0Y2NgN53JuR8I4tlxNpA/w400-h266/916%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The proprietor of the Breakfast Nook was looking to get paid and we forgot the gold standard here, grumbling to him about the cost of things and our own dwindling pouch of coins. Some terse words were exchanged but we did eventually move on and made our way to the hall of records.</p><p>Information was not so easily forthcoming, but it seems that a bakery, Look to the Yeast, had both of those contracts as some earlier date and the proprietor for the last 10 years has been Baker Mebian. Ok, we had a destination.</p><p>Back on Bakers Street we went to the end of the block where a large bakery was located. In the narrow alley to the east was a ramshackle temple and shrine to Odin, the All Father. There had been other shrines around Grymeria, it’s not shunned but it also isn’t promoted; to all sorts of gods and goddesses. But this one was poorly built even though it was lovingly maintained. The clergy in question was a large half-ogre ex-pat from west of Erylond named Gugg Darktooth. He had a clearer way of speaking, testament to a human-centric upbringing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5ASjnNfnoqWFh1u_Ms1TXF7kLIXXkSraO5cu3pCJg_nPtNVzRNGSlWFYjiYlOFMnuEjiXUzUmOY7iGjB_JUHyTiaYrlXCZ9VpDX0S-MfNhCd79Gxs6-8wPwD_4Ert60iiU6Yprgk72aoKI1uAcepuw5m6PW8M8TtG2_x2pCWgNB7P4E3yRWeIqcK50E/s300/916%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5ASjnNfnoqWFh1u_Ms1TXF7kLIXXkSraO5cu3pCJg_nPtNVzRNGSlWFYjiYlOFMnuEjiXUzUmOY7iGjB_JUHyTiaYrlXCZ9VpDX0S-MfNhCd79Gxs6-8wPwD_4Ert60iiU6Yprgk72aoKI1uAcepuw5m6PW8M8TtG2_x2pCWgNB7P4E3yRWeIqcK50E/w400-h224/916%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Gugg had been sent here at the behest of his order to run this shrine and cater to the flock here. However, most people around here seemed to associate Odin to more of a luck god that the all father. Gugg had been rethinking his purpose and felt that Odin was guiding him to a new path. We chatted with the Half-Ogre and learned that Mebian is generally disliked by most people. He has been on and off generous with Gugg over the years so the Odinian Priest occasionally takes care of Mebian and watches his back.</p><p>We went to talk with Mebian and Gugg smoothed the way. We identified ourselves as the Adventuring group and he thought we were here for a possible supply and trade agreement with the GRSAG. We didn’t dissuade him of that thought but did dance the conversation about for a while. An attempt to Mind Read the man was put into place (Dizzy) and we discovered that he had some nefarious thoughts about us. At the end of it he suggested we come back tonight, after 8, and we could put a contract together. We left, thanking Gugg and Mebian for their time.</p><p>The party headed back to the Heart of Vitalia by way of Adjunct Rawanis. Gugg was concerned about Mebian, the baker was anxious and barely contained in his rage. He too cast Mind Read, and discovered that the Baker was going to set a trap for the party tonight. He went off to the Heart of Vitalia where he found the group and let them know of Mebian’s assumed to be treachery. He offered his help in this matter and the party was happy to accept his offered help and aid.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qB56DAG-kqKS1WArYq47ldUDyvyQ-LCF6MPC3OHdFv4gDdJhReO-khqh0krjST8s0aDDDqiwJiMtowwk5SIVomxo45DqDMgUbhVnS9neKiEfM-8PpFsK8-IKaoNRPwUenvZvOOVQBvC-vd4e-aDieYQsvRyOLHYaBwHKNYVioUfqCqK7-vodTxtghEM/s292/916%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="172" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qB56DAG-kqKS1WArYq47ldUDyvyQ-LCF6MPC3OHdFv4gDdJhReO-khqh0krjST8s0aDDDqiwJiMtowwk5SIVomxo45DqDMgUbhVnS9neKiEfM-8PpFsK8-IKaoNRPwUenvZvOOVQBvC-vd4e-aDieYQsvRyOLHYaBwHKNYVioUfqCqK7-vodTxtghEM/w236-h400/916%203.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><p></p><p>We came up with some plan and one of them was that Gugg would be hit with an Invisibility spell as well as an Iron Silence spell, allowing the Odinian to sneak into the Bakery with us and not alert Mebian to his presence. He would be there as an observer and to help out should things go south real fast. We also had arranged with Adjunct Rawanis for the party to have access with a sending head, to record the conversation and have it be logged at the hall of records. The sending heads are as expected, severed undead heads that when squeezed, connect with a matching head and sends everything it hears to the partner one. Gryg took possession of it and promised to take care of it – they would transmit and last for a maximum of 6 hours.</p><p>Finally the night fell (literally!) and by 7:30, we left the Heart of Vitalia and headed off to the Odinian Shrine. We confirmed with Gugg his aid, hit with Iron Silence and then invisibility. We then went to the Look to the Yeast and Mebian let us in. The Bakery was dark and empty except for him. We went through the selling floor, to the Kitchen and ovens, and then to an alcove area where a meeting table was set up.</p><p>We talked for a bit, Gugg staying at the Selling floor for now and silent. He did not think we were here for a deal with GRSAG and called us out on it. We then presented him with some of our investigations about the Dough Will Rise and RaggaMuffins and he was getting a bit concerned. At that point he flat out asked us if we were going to let the matter go and we said no. Dizzy was on high alert and Gryg had gotten up with Hoggar (on a leash), activated the Sending Head already.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1dfD5XtwPBip6h68dCWPsN9B-QkjU6E7k9t-YMxFZSEEVIHQ3aM24rJxBPZlV_-Ht3WwlkOFwqygY3HTQNYMeLmcNEvoZjlPelyrDQAmrZ-4Nu2oEj8SJU5jMe1Q6bsHutBWff1oYp4vSeP3zNoYIC6F8RrW3Bf4mF2SM8jLlterh6uxsTBxc2_otwY/s298/916%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="169" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1dfD5XtwPBip6h68dCWPsN9B-QkjU6E7k9t-YMxFZSEEVIHQ3aM24rJxBPZlV_-Ht3WwlkOFwqygY3HTQNYMeLmcNEvoZjlPelyrDQAmrZ-4Nu2oEj8SJU5jMe1Q6bsHutBWff1oYp4vSeP3zNoYIC6F8RrW3Bf4mF2SM8jLlterh6uxsTBxc2_otwY/s1600/916%204.jpg" width="169" /></a></div><p></p><p>And then Mebian made a motion above and gave command word – and 40 11” tall gingerbread cookies came spilling down from the catwalk and hit the table, armed with knives, spoons, forks – anything – and then went to swarm the party. Meanwhile two other ovens opened up and another40 cookies spilled out to cut us off and attack – AND – a single 8’ tall gingerbread cookie man with a busted broom handle smiling and still warm, also charged the party while Mebian laughed and laughed and laughed.</p><p>81…to 8.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-61629296183690593472023-11-10T19:33:00.000-05:002023-11-10T19:33:00.270-05:00Meet 65, Adv 12, 9/9/23<p>Pedirene took us on a long tour of the locale in the Clays. The Flow River runs along the edge of the tall hills and it is here that the hills are stripped clean. The top soil is dug out barrel by barrel to be repurposed elsewhere. Then the revealed clay deposits, some of them 50’ in depth, are next where they are Adzed off in great swaths. Below that are a mix of stones and subcutaneous rocks which are chipped and harvested for concrete and building beds if need be. The process is slow and laborious, and the hills are 400 to 650 feet in height here. There is a humongous area that is worked on and the quotas are constant and high – but manageable.</p><p>This has the effect of slowly widening the Flow upriver from New Dam. To combat this, the riverbed on the western side of the flow is buttressed and backfilled to account for whatever widening occurs on the eastern banks. Cutbacks, guides, ropes, nets, and safety rails are often and plentiful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS_5uBzI-IZMOQWxorSZmN918zUlvyymlkGCDz75zuYFPDLG-z2BLno9WJ84nZPBb1D7MU_WKcut5JB2gMqBRsNrqQm0yCNli0bmNu_jS6T5o9c4ssTJA0CYQOCBdlRG-xg4AzIc9pHgit5xyhncj71JnpWAt__VZS_FTEcMoWiIwbKSSHOwfZmM8xq0/s300/909%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS_5uBzI-IZMOQWxorSZmN918zUlvyymlkGCDz75zuYFPDLG-z2BLno9WJ84nZPBb1D7MU_WKcut5JB2gMqBRsNrqQm0yCNli0bmNu_jS6T5o9c4ssTJA0CYQOCBdlRG-xg4AzIc9pHgit5xyhncj71JnpWAt__VZS_FTEcMoWiIwbKSSHOwfZmM8xq0/w400-h224/909%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>He took us past New Dam to the space of the river before it flows to Old Dam. Some 40 weeks ago, there was a massive underwater shift and Old Dam actually slipped forward a foot and a half and canted off 2 degrees from plane before lodging into its new place. This caused the Flow to stop downriver for a few days (why the irrigation lines all dried up along with Lake Isner). There was the call to install a 2nd Dam, a New Dam, almost 1,200 feet upriver. The process took the better part of 10 weeks but upon completion it took pressure off Old Dam and restored the proper movement and care to the Flow.</p><p>To prevent any further dam issues, at the end of the day, an animate is sent down to the base of the dam with a sledge on each side, and they clean up any fallen rocks, garbage, or tools that might spill down there. They are tied to a rope and after a banging signal; the sledges are pulled up followed by the undead being hoisted out. This system worked without issue for almost 5 more week until the animate never came out. The same thing happened the next day and then again after that. The ropes were not cut, they appeared to be untied.</p><p>Requisition were then sent for low functioning animates to do the dredging and cleaning job under the water so that if any were lost, it wouldn’t be as much of a hardship. We asked a number of follow up questions and took the time to walk the sites. We figured there was something down there under the water and we were hoping to coax it out. Go fishing in some manner. We went through a number of plans and Pedirene was fairly interested. When the need to execute got nigh, we had us go back to Angelnan again and explain the situation to him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD7q9czU22QDd81EdhZXCn8zdcymyIqU4S0CwJ7s0wnnviu2eKRyE2gkk7vkPgEPub3FaV-rIE8B1LTkiB2Nf5zL4yputYgnFpzKX5EUctRjddSBWDE0RQVdUqw8GquAgjEOE_jHRhaa_GSrdl8Rt6fC8jaebf1gjAL68W4PuyBUWUKp75ni63iF-KBU/s300/909%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD7q9czU22QDd81EdhZXCn8zdcymyIqU4S0CwJ7s0wnnviu2eKRyE2gkk7vkPgEPub3FaV-rIE8B1LTkiB2Nf5zL4yputYgnFpzKX5EUctRjddSBWDE0RQVdUqw8GquAgjEOE_jHRhaa_GSrdl8Rt6fC8jaebf1gjAL68W4PuyBUWUKp75ni63iF-KBU/w400-h224/909%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>He agreed in time and we set up 3 stations – one on each side of the river and one on top of New Dam. Two animates were prepped, one with 3 sets of ropes, the other with a Hide from Undead spell. Ballista defenders at the top of the Clays were ordered at the ready and we Angelnan sent the 2 animates down along with the sledges to clear out the dam. We had a detect undead and a detect chaos spell set up as well and we waited and watched. Dizzy eventually let us a know of a rising Chaos under the water at the base of the dam – getting stronger and more prominent. And then Captain Asher let us know of arriving undead as well. We ordered the undead pulled out and the one from the Hide from Undead came out no issue, the other had 2 of the ropes already untied and a pair of fleshy pink tentacles followed it out, pulling a huge chimeric bulk of compressed zombies behind it.</p><p>Holy. Damn.</p><p>It was easily 20’ in diameter and had to weigh over 2 tons. A number of fleshy tentacles 30’ long whipped around, dragging the creature closer and trying to pull it out of the water. It hit the dam with a sweeping flash on tentacles and everyone on top dropped to avoid spilling in. It gave a huge roar and crushed one of the animates nearby. We all poured on attacks and shots. The ballistas fired and one of them exploded, killing the 3 men operating it up there. Godrick fired off a Blindness spell; rolling the hundred pull eyes over to white and making it howl and shake in fury. It flailed about with more wild abandon as we hit, slashed, shot, and fired at it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LDkXs8Ta2MI7fE6QWZsLgVvZqYOom2z_XlDyPxZh0VrgPTBFQmmNs73ouoUBpwyZ9ikKpEji2XzW-G2CO5LgxCKScZ_U8TKyZMoathcliEhyphenhyphenvxXRHK2nFLsNh0S_rkNOiDCbBMOcFXpcCZcDX7OmhU3Q3Af2yZXWgY09LSSlVsrkYvLZ1GLNzVBMRAA/s300/909%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LDkXs8Ta2MI7fE6QWZsLgVvZqYOom2z_XlDyPxZh0VrgPTBFQmmNs73ouoUBpwyZ9ikKpEji2XzW-G2CO5LgxCKScZ_U8TKyZMoathcliEhyphenhyphenvxXRHK2nFLsNh0S_rkNOiDCbBMOcFXpcCZcDX7OmhU3Q3Af2yZXWgY09LSSlVsrkYvLZ1GLNzVBMRAA/w400-h224/909%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A number of us were swept into the water but we swam for the dam and pulled ourselves out. The zombie-akira-chimera continued to assault the shore as the clerics all tried to get themselves in place. Meanwhile, Inquisitor #5, Meilwemair, had portaled in on the unsanctioned death of the 3 men who had died at the ballista and was watching this entire thin unfold below. The Wraith was moving down the slope of the Clays, frantic at the adventurers once again doing something…strange and wrong!</p><p>As soon as they were able to, a consecration spell was put in place and the 4 priests all fired off a turning spell as the shivering and howling monstrosity – eventually blowing parts of it apart and then it exploded, raining guts and body parts all around. At this point, Inquisitor #6, Herause, arrived and on seeing the aftermath, felt that Angelnan and the party did a good thing. Meilwemair felt otherwise and the conversation got heated until Herause reminded the Wraith – that he was here for the 3 dead ballista men – and they had died due to an accident. The Foreman sided with us and the rest of the Clay Workers agreed. The decision was made to stop work for the day, clean up the site, and everyone to drink and enjoy some barbecue and grilling.</p><p>We enjoyed our notoriety and eventually at day’s end, went back to Vitalia and the Adjunct Rawanis. Word had already come thanks to our efforts and he thanked us for a job well done. We had 1 more job for him tomorrow, and it was kind of important for OCC Mide as it took place in her district. For now we went back to the Heart of Vitalia and had a great night before resting</p><p>The next day was Birthmonth the 26th and after studying and breaking our fast, headed off to see Rawanis. He was actually meeting with OCC Mide; a late 20’s looking brunette woman who was happy to meet us thanked us for some rather impressive work. She reiterated that Adjunct had a last task for them and upon completion, they would be reporting to her and a few jobs that entailed a stipend. She left and we got a chance to learn of job 4.</p><p>There are a dozen bakeries in town and they provide bread and bread products for the entire city as well as the outlying towns. Two of them, a pair of high profile bakeries, have been engaged in a rivalry for the last couple of years. Their rivalry has gotten up to the limit of the law but never go over the line. The Dough Will Rise is run by Venains, a skilled baker in town who has ties to the local constabulary. And Ragamuffins is run by baker Baelin who has ties to the local fire brigade.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9uPMsxSt_SwoTnp2yMhl0_MRocDiF4vtun5JUt0NDk18qInQeFbqAGe-4C0Ljq8u55DOd3Vf_DmL6o6HCRgzkX_NH7qvn1LZeVw6GABr0jElx0EzLVEDYtcmvoqcqHQEDRgy5a9E2yMPJUjIvYNofn4FeoT__nv1SZ3Loc6IUL5vo_oQf_gWxT2EHVE/s318/909%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9uPMsxSt_SwoTnp2yMhl0_MRocDiF4vtun5JUt0NDk18qInQeFbqAGe-4C0Ljq8u55DOd3Vf_DmL6o6HCRgzkX_NH7qvn1LZeVw6GABr0jElx0EzLVEDYtcmvoqcqHQEDRgy5a9E2yMPJUjIvYNofn4FeoT__nv1SZ3Loc6IUL5vo_oQf_gWxT2EHVE/w400-h200/909%204.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Their antics have gotten worse over the years. The locals living near them are having their lives disrupted. The constabularies have come out many times but the law states that public displays and advertisements can be engaged between 9 and 5, 5 out of 6 days a week. They aren’t breaking any law but the complaints are almost too much and the Adjunct and Councilor want the party to interview the 2 bakeries, find out the problem, and resolve it.</p><p>We went off to the west side of town to Bakery Way and looked at the places there. Kneaded treats, Bread for Success, a Scone to Settle – lots of bakeries. But the 2 in question were right across the street from one another. The Dough will Rise showed some recent fire damage to the façade of the building, but a guy was out there in full chef’s regalia, standing by a burn bin, and was tossing in muffins into the fire every so often while staring across the street at Ragamuffins with a weird grin.</p><p>We decided to divide and get some info. Godrick, Brandon, and Dizzy went to Ragamuffins to do some reconnaissance while Gryg, Thalin, and Asher were going to go to Dough Will Rise.</p><p>Ragamuffins was a nice looking bakery with a huge clean front display with racks and shelves. An animate was by the front window working a butter churn with methodical regularity, her eyes vacant but a smile on her lips. At the counter was a heavy set baker constantly looking out the window and complaining to a younger man with similar facial features, that “They’re purposely doing that! How COULD they!? This is it, son! This is it!”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tOw63WLI7Ca3MCSbsvfGCZpCTtBd8cQ8mCL_5uMhataPtZpaBFYRhTbyOBOzlkLkrQ8YkXxKTrlv55WHtgsUWx5ZCtYYeB2Sum00OzwMJN6EMdVFqjHrF02iHgFG7r2ptm-sVYToMYrKr1exSMSbDk2kz47NxN4hcldldQ9xip3yGX9iCBZb42dmysY/s279/909%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="180" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tOw63WLI7Ca3MCSbsvfGCZpCTtBd8cQ8mCL_5uMhataPtZpaBFYRhTbyOBOzlkLkrQ8YkXxKTrlv55WHtgsUWx5ZCtYYeB2Sum00OzwMJN6EMdVFqjHrF02iHgFG7r2ptm-sVYToMYrKr1exSMSbDk2kz47NxN4hcldldQ9xip3yGX9iCBZb42dmysY/s1600/909%205.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p>We got his attention and he let us know he was Baelin. His wife was the butter churner and his son worked one of the main ovens. He had a staff of about 20. He offered to sell us some muffins and the “butter is always fresh!” We casually brought up the Dough Will Rise and guy burning the muffins. He had some Juniper berries that had ripened shipped here from Nylwire and had made a batch of 4 dozen muffins seasoned with the berries. The hope was he’d sell them and the townsfolk would like them and it would be worth importing more. Someone came in this morning and bought the entire batch, said he was from a local artisan guild.</p><p>It was shortly after that they Baelin learned he had been duped and the buyer actually was a scout from Dough Will Rise – and they bought the muffins and were burning them before anyone could taste them.</p><p>At some point he asked us if we worked for the constabulary and if we did, we’d have to answer. Assuring him no, he invited us to the back where eventually he got around to it. Wanted to pay the party 150 crowns to set fire to the Dough Will Rise tonight. Don’t want it burned to the ground, but enough to disrupt business and get Venains off his back. He hated her – at an award ceremony 4 years or so ago, she had the gall to tell the assembled staff that he was a poor baker and that “his wife is a dry fuck”. How DARE she!? That’s his wife, animate or not! We said we’d have to scout it out but would back in touch ASAP to let him know – and then the 3 of us got out of there.</p><p>Meanwhile the other group had a similar experience but different. Venains was a large woman, 5’ 7’, 240 plus pounds. Her daughter, maybe 15, was of the same size and weight. Her husband was outside and was burning the muffins in retaliation for an attack Ragamuffins did against her Shoppe last week where a strange fire had set part of her façade ablaze.</p><p>She had only a single animate working here, a menial sweeping the floor. She also verified that we were not working for the constabulary and that we’re here to solve problems. She wanted to hire us to spread a mold in the living quarters of Ragamuffins that would make Baelin and his family sick, and force to close the place for a while. She was willing to pay handsomely. She never forgive him at the award banquet 4 years ago when he told everyone that she was a shitty baker and “a great big fat fucker.” How DARE he!??!</p><p>We left assuring her we’d be in touch and then regrouped, went down the block to a local outdoor eatery (“The Breakfast nook”), had a short order and discussed what we had learned. Gryg surmised that there might be a 3rd party involved and we might want to look into that matter. It was a bit after 10 at this point on Birthmonth the 26th and we hoped to get to some resolution to this soon.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-61199627966424561272023-11-05T00:16:00.007-04:002023-11-05T00:16:50.581-04:00Meet 64, Adv 12, 8/26/23<p>Birthmonth the 24th, 1 PM and we were brainstorming some ideas on what to do regarding the Scarecrow. Ideas were taken and then discarded but eventually we cobbled together a plan. At some point we were going to move the existing Scarecrow (the real one, not the river monster) closer but the amount of work involved in moving the oversized 20 plus year construct seemed foolhardy.</p><p>We Consecrated the ground area where we were going to goose the monster out and then a hide from Undead was set up and Gryg loaded up his torturing bolt. Finally it was noises in the water that burst onto the ground hissing and steaming. It was shot and held in place with ties and ropes allowing the rest of us to go to town on it, beating and attacking the monstrous creature until finally with a wet gasping snarl, the former farmer Milaine now the Scarecrow, died.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-plhlb1P6dd7iAkm-_ECF0jUDuNddWyttjyVRX26R5wP1ekLBZMvO0Heoisubz98-YQuZCnDzXQuj5_1oKbT7fkMfeVBybFxKFleGeWPp4kKsrwD7WCsLALa7n0Uuug2vWwMle_1tDNJr3vV92ldYiHm7cAR0XI9OQQ8nBbZriOIPc75v8EFq51YS2M/s249/826%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="203" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-plhlb1P6dd7iAkm-_ECF0jUDuNddWyttjyVRX26R5wP1ekLBZMvO0Heoisubz98-YQuZCnDzXQuj5_1oKbT7fkMfeVBybFxKFleGeWPp4kKsrwD7WCsLALa7n0Uuug2vWwMle_1tDNJr3vV92ldYiHm7cAR0XI9OQQ8nBbZriOIPc75v8EFq51YS2M/w326-h400/826%201.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><p></p><p>Congratulating ourselves on a job well done we failed to notice a robed and cowled spectral figure portaling it. It was undead (obviously!), and was from the Office of Sanction. Called himself Inquisitor Herause, and arrived as there was an unapproved murder somewhere in the borders of Grymeria. He was dispatched to review the situation and correct matters if need be. We tried to explain what happened and he was receptive but still adamant – we did not get approval from the Office of Sanction for the authorized killing of a sentient being. Given the issue at hand he was willing to reduce the penalty to 2 lashes to be administered immediately.</p><p>Dizzy stepped forward and indicated it was his idea and Consecrate spell that was at the crux of it and will take the punishment for the party. He had his turn, strip his shirt, and then unfurled a spectral green leather bullwhip and WHOOSH – whipped him hard, lacing the skin open and dropping the dwarf to the ground with a sobbing gasp.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_V_gEjnivChic9WhRLYarueKpZATwvCaXbACDnnOtyAOb4CScqCvn2_4M6f4JbTEyOQk70yloaGAxcLjtIE7yRUpSc4HalG6Pp2e7mB_lp_xteGxmuzY5j1nUDEpjJLhnrEyaYg1qAzpxpNuSjy6yAR8sT2x-4OV4syBTcCQPcFrULtIb6olAZ_q4TQ/s275/826%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_V_gEjnivChic9WhRLYarueKpZATwvCaXbACDnnOtyAOb4CScqCvn2_4M6f4JbTEyOQk70yloaGAxcLjtIE7yRUpSc4HalG6Pp2e7mB_lp_xteGxmuzY5j1nUDEpjJLhnrEyaYg1qAzpxpNuSjy6yAR8sT2x-4OV4syBTcCQPcFrULtIb6olAZ_q4TQ/w266-h400/826%202.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was here that Captain Asher and Gryg intervened and said that they too had a serious part in all of this and would take Dizzy’s second blow. Inquisitor Herause agreed and had them also disrobe and bare their back to him. And he swung his whip SIDEWAYS, striking both of them high on their shoulder area, also dropping them down in some pain. HE thanked them for their prompt resolution of the matter, confirmed to them that if they needed to perform a sanction in the future they should get a 6 hour license from the Office of Sanction, and wished them well before portalling away again.</p><p>We tended to our wounds and then decided to burn the remains of the Scarecrow. We lit a large fire and set it up, and burned the body for an hour or two before it was successfully consumed to just bone fragments. We went to the Reeve and filled Amrain in on our solution without giving details to Farmer Milaine or anything of the sort. At 6:20 we had tiredly limped back to town and eventually the Outer Circle Council Office and that of Adjunct Rawanis.</p><p>He complimented on a job well done and from his pained face and hunched over, admitted that Inquisitor Herause did arrive and hold him equally responsible for today’s unauthorized Sanctioning. He too received two lashes. To his defense, he did not think a situation where a number of scarecrows stopped working properly was going to end up being resolved to murder. He still thanked us for a job well done and hoped that tomorrow’s issue to be resolved would have less need for swordplay or sorcery.</p><p>We left and most of us went back to the Heart of Vitalia to rest and relax, meanwhile Dizzy and Gryg volunteered to go to the Office of Sanction to meet with the Inquisitor’s there and make sure there were going to be no issues or hard feelings. Once there, they had a chance the meet with Inquisitor Herause, and two of his colleagues.</p><p>Inquisitor Meilwemar, identified as Inquisitor #5, was a Wraith of a figure who had been chased out of burial barrows at least three times by intrepid adventurers in his undeath life before he heard about Grymeria and emigrated here. He was very distrustful of the adventuring party and argued loudly and often that when we had half a chance, we were going to murder them all.</p><p>Inquisitor Tandon, identified as Inquisitor #6, was a former orcish chieftain who had been buried in Grymerian lands maybe 60 years ago. When Grymeria “became”, he found himself awakened and took some time acclimatizing himself to the new state of things. He joined the Office of Sanction as an Inquisitor and is more apt to take people at their face value and their word, although he has been called stern and unyielding.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RCfNqZTfDqRU8VNyTHlcQX85FLLk2roCxEpXJfS-hG7FTH4rKK38RvitqPtNRXzuxw3AbPQH6aOb6Mhw8oLY0Ma3vPcw7Tucrwu7DpnakssCHaP28g-8nAA23cWxr9XvYj702-Bogh8wOROUGgwy1f1x6_9tYDv1368EmmdQHoPVKNWsHkPrREb7BsU/s254/826%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="254" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RCfNqZTfDqRU8VNyTHlcQX85FLLk2roCxEpXJfS-hG7FTH4rKK38RvitqPtNRXzuxw3AbPQH6aOb6Mhw8oLY0Ma3vPcw7Tucrwu7DpnakssCHaP28g-8nAA23cWxr9XvYj702-Bogh8wOROUGgwy1f1x6_9tYDv1368EmmdQHoPVKNWsHkPrREb7BsU/w400-h312/826%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We had made a good impression on Herause and he was telling his fellow Inquisitors about the party and how they accorded themselves. We spent some 20 minutes touching base and asked about the possibility of getting the use of a portal stone. The Office of Portalling would handle that and they are 1 use, 2 way. They leave from anywhere in Grymeria to anywhere in the world the holder had used. And then at any time it can be reopened and only those who came through can come back through to the same place they originated from. Each one is serial numbered and issued to a specific person for a period of 1 month. Good to know.</p><p>We went back to the party and the Heart of Vitalia and some of us went to Grave Desires, but Dizzy went to his room and rested. Alone. Eating his rations. Falling asleep in his own clothes muttering how much he hated this place.</p><p>We awoke the next morning early enough on Birthmonth the 25th and by 7:30, were at Adjunct Rawanis’ office for our 3rd mission. He joked that it shouldn’t need any attacks or murder or anything like that. Mostly. Further up the Flow, the main river in Grymeria that eventually fed Lake Isner, was a section called the Clays. It was a massive mining area where some 200 assorted workers worked the area. The river was flowing slow here for some reason – the amount of water hitting New Dam did not quite match the amount of water flowing out past Old Dam. That wasn’t the problem – the issue was the last 21 weeks the Foreman Anglenan had issued a requisition for 5 low functioning animates each week. Every week. What is going on and why? What he’s doing isn’t a problem per say, but it is a waste of resources and why?</p><p>Wants the party to go there and look around and try to find out why the sudden need and waste to come up with a solution if there is one. We left with a smile and made our way back to the Heart of Vitalia. We gathered our adventuring gear and then left Vitalia out of East Gate. We followed the road east to the Flow, the large river some hundred or so feet wide. It meandered around from north to northeast. Ahead the land rose to a series of huge hits where the river ran right against it. There was a massive new dam in place there , then about a thousand foot run, to a 2nd older dam. That one looked like it was in poorer condition.</p><p>We crossed the river and were eventually introduced to Foreman Anglenan. He was not going to be our friend. Abrupt, crude, and had zero time for us. Yep he requisitioned “dumb” zombies, fills out the paperwork, everything is above board and legal. He loses 5 a week during cleanup of the dam base. He’s not doing anything wrong, fills out the paperwork each week. I have quotas and responsibility to over 200 living and animates and truthfully – I’m a busy man.</p><p>He passed us on to his 2nd in command, a tall human who might have some orc in his background, named Pedirene. Pedirene was willing to give us a tour of the place but we would have to stay out of everyone’s way and be safe – this was an active worksite.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-15588724878463812802023-10-29T21:36:00.002-04:002023-10-29T21:36:25.802-04:00Meet 63, Adv 12, 8/19/23<p>Arriving at the Heart of Vitalia, we had the chance to check in with the Concierge, Amathadwan, who assured us that for the rest of today and tomorrow, the Adjunct Rawanis was picking up the party’s lodgings. He looked us over and suggested that we go to the baths and laundry in the basement and then a fine meal and some entertainment to follow. A room was arranged for us on the 3rd floor and as for Hoggar, he summoned the Hotel’s Stablemaster, a ghoulish (no literally – she was a ghoul!) named Dyndrel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARnBMJpaH4mDEx9vAidJ3K6JkdPpBqh8RKwfk0d76JvP5P8SYVsPvUk7uTZ4P1-Hkv0rdovsft01w0U7wdUSpU7MjkvZc-bBHJUwKJesXGpwyYMt9hmw4jvAh9vAs-oLmKvB5ItfGzokmEi7npHSTBuoLJdNTbGuQ1BV9aFVZ2Sr-KLeXAL8Fzgq826g/s225/819%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARnBMJpaH4mDEx9vAidJ3K6JkdPpBqh8RKwfk0d76JvP5P8SYVsPvUk7uTZ4P1-Hkv0rdovsft01w0U7wdUSpU7MjkvZc-bBHJUwKJesXGpwyYMt9hmw4jvAh9vAs-oLmKvB5ItfGzokmEi7npHSTBuoLJdNTbGuQ1BV9aFVZ2Sr-KLeXAL8Fzgq826g/s1600/819%201.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>She was affectionate with the wild boar and Gryg felt good enough to leaving his companion with her. She took the pig out, leash firmly held, promising to get him something “meaty to eat”. We went up to our chambers and dropped our bags and armor before heading back down to the manager’s desk. He had some attendants take us down to the basement where we were undressed and washed in a series of differing pools, each designed to relax and cleanse us. A variety of bathers “helped” us along and on completion, we were then taken to a tailor who took our measurements for a set of clothes, “Befitting travelers of your station”. From there we were invited to go to the brothel adjoining the Hotel, Grave Desires, where about half of us had some entertainment for the evening. A few of us went to the smoking room instead and mixed with the upper crust locals.</p><p>And Dizzy avoided all of it and everything and instead ate his trail rations and went back to his room alone.</p><p>We slept well and the next day we ate and early breakfast and Birthmonth the 24th at 7:30 Am, found us at Rawanis’ office. He inquired about our evening and afterwards thanked us for a good first mission. Today was something else. Grymeria has a single large area where all the growing of the needed vegetation for the kingdom takes place. West and North of Vitalia, it is referred to as The Grains and is looked after by the Reeve, a serious man named Amrain.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOxtI-rorLelXc9g_4uuumWITQf2c6mEBMP1CdzZwENdVnpXts-NNRl9UNzGQKrrAK3qJi-taH0sL7Ad0EuAFXiT1oRCvY9LJcQOBH7Lv55MWVIKtXs7gp6doTYiaXI3LswHZdQt4LqEioccq94jUk3y5oAF4LF2VHhKP7cW3kgeKIKyrnZ9Gm4r_VLs/s290/819%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="174" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOxtI-rorLelXc9g_4uuumWITQf2c6mEBMP1CdzZwENdVnpXts-NNRl9UNzGQKrrAK3qJi-taH0sL7Ad0EuAFXiT1oRCvY9LJcQOBH7Lv55MWVIKtXs7gp6doTYiaXI3LswHZdQt4LqEioccq94jUk3y5oAF4LF2VHhKP7cW3kgeKIKyrnZ9Gm4r_VLs/w240-h400/819%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>It seems that the Scarecrows that are used in the fields aren’t functioning correctly and that in many of the local acreages, yields are down due to an increase of insects and poor behavior by the scarecrows and the birds that are released there from the aviary to help keep the insect population down. It has crossed the Adjunct’s desk too many times and he would like someone to go and see first hand what the problem is and resolve it.</p><p>So we left by 8 Am and after making it to the Grains, were directed through the Acreage to the Reeve’s place, a half mile or so in. Each farm was about 2 acres in size and had a master farmer and whatever aids he or she needed to keep it weeded, planted, harvested, watered, tilled, and anything else needed. We eventually found Amrain who was pleased to meet us and was thankful that Adjunct Rawanis had finally sent someone here to take the problem seriously.</p><p>There were a half dozen other farmers here and they all got to explaining the problem. The Scarecrows were a mix of two types – prisoners or criminals, living or dead, who had various body parts removed but were stationed in the fields to yell and howl and thrash around to startle any birds who stayed too long as they were in danger of feeding on too many of the vegetables or damaging them inadvertently. We met a few of them and they were surly, but showed they could do the job on the knowledge they would one day be free.</p><p>The other type were a bit more disturbing as they were volunteers. Hedonists and pleasure seekers, they recognized that euphoria or other strong positive emotions (sexual and normal) were felt sometimes as waves throughout the body. But if there were “less” body (say an entire leg missing) and the euphoria was still the same “amount”, they would feel it THAT much more intensely. They were…odd…and disturbing…but they also gyrated and yelled and moved about while out on the poles effectively doing their jobs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42W5tphVPinV4FXQ3srBAcM1-uZ90lJvd-wJSj-KExeHsZY1Cy1YPJQmX0zjgH1hKoFdXhdO1f8Zx0lff1y2mI4cTb3Y-j4w9sIaicQXaZlmcrJMY2yLG2uTM4JIfUWVXbECrRs7E2NZZaNuiaVeLxjxVgxr966Fwi6P1QM1j_hJN_hpph0EVY6tXg7I/s275/819%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42W5tphVPinV4FXQ3srBAcM1-uZ90lJvd-wJSj-KExeHsZY1Cy1YPJQmX0zjgH1hKoFdXhdO1f8Zx0lff1y2mI4cTb3Y-j4w9sIaicQXaZlmcrJMY2yLG2uTM4JIfUWVXbECrRs7E2NZZaNuiaVeLxjxVgxr966Fwi6P1QM1j_hJN_hpph0EVY6tXg7I/s1600/819%203.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><p></p><p>Maybe 30 weeks ago, one of the scarecrows had gotten a strange cut on its body and ceased to have any higher brain function. It still reacted to some stimuli, but no longer as needed. So the larger birds (the gulls and some of the crows) were not scared away and has resulted in too many insects, ruined younger crops, too much bird droppings in the soil and eventually lower yields for that farmer and field. Which meant less pay and in some cases, no bonus. If it was just one, it would be no big deal, but roughly once a week or so, another scarecrow (of either type) had gotten a strange cut on its body and ceased to work correctly. And those that did still stay, they were rotting on the poles.</p><p>The farmers wanted the matter resolved and the Reeve was hoping the group could turn something up. We took a tour about and got a heads up on a rough map of where the affected scarecrows were – almost entirely in the south east section of the Grains.</p><p>We looked over the first ones, the middle ones, the oldest ones. Any sort of clue. And we did find one some. Some green hay – undried green hay grasses in some places. There was also a thick dirty sock near a scarecrow and inside its clothing, a 3” long brittle looking blade to a flensing knife of some sort. Ok, we asked around a bit and learned that the local Hayer was a Half-Ogre farmer woman named Leolla. We went to her farm and she had a troupe of Animates working the field, dropping the green hay in long scything swaths and setting them up to be bundled. We showed her the hay and she said it seemed to be from her fields but not sure how it got somewhere else. Yes, some wind, but not enough to blow it that far.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8_clo-8dENImHN3IzUlkSvLgUSdX70UCo8EjfI3PB18M8l6evVRVEEQgZCRwB6K1s-OFXAFmo2yXtyNpPBHBH1UHxjayM0quZy9NdvFVWQKpvdNnJWids7Qw8gHm0JpHV5Ca1qG57lujoSk5hz_7Ua3gSrxJClJP3QFYBT4JM1mF1-a0UT_6DT3xBPw/s276/819%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8_clo-8dENImHN3IzUlkSvLgUSdX70UCo8EjfI3PB18M8l6evVRVEEQgZCRwB6K1s-OFXAFmo2yXtyNpPBHBH1UHxjayM0quZy9NdvFVWQKpvdNnJWids7Qw8gHm0JpHV5Ca1qG57lujoSk5hz_7Ua3gSrxJClJP3QFYBT4JM1mF1-a0UT_6DT3xBPw/s1600/819%204.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><p></p><p>We did note though that the irrigation trenches went all through every farm. They stretched out from Lake Isner at the Northernmost eastern section of the Grains. The thought was that if something was assaulting the scarecrows, and it wasn’t happening during the dark, it was using the trenches to get around. We went next to the farm of Drulas who had recently attacked scarecrow. A reedy individual with an enhanced sense of his importance, he was growing Wineberries and his crop was almost irreplaceable. We MUST need to find out what is going on and STOP it!. It’s grapes man. Grapes. NO! They are Wine berries! Totally different! Dizzy made sure we left before throttling the twit but it did lead us northward to Lake Isner.</p><p>The lake was fed from the Flow, a large river that wound its way through Grymeria and ended up here. There were over a dozen channels and locks cut into the banks of the lake stretching out to the Grains. Two men were armed with long wide tined rakes and were cleaning the muck, reeds, and detritus from the channel mouths. A single Scarecrow was here – but it was not an animate of any kind. Seems that when Grymeria first appeared, the farm that was here had this Scarecrow already in place. It’s become a bit of a local good luck charm for the farmers so as the clothes wear out and the hay gets old, they chip in and replace bits of it as needed, leaving the cast offs at the base of the large post to rot away.</p><p>The two men were working and watching the group. On talking to them, we learned they were simpletons. One was named Arippe and his brother said nothing. They had worked here on the farms some years ago and had jobs now raking the channels clear. As the group was looking at the lake and talking about it, the silent brother was nervous and ran off, while Arippe was pleading with them NOT to disturb the lake. Why? Don’t. Why? Just don’t ok!? But Why??</p><p>And it was then that Gryg had tossed a fishing line with a weight on the end in the lake. And then Something BURST out of it! It slammed on the ground, clad in scarecrow clothing nad wielding a set of finger knives it slashed at the line and cut it free, before leaping back in the water.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYexRNd4CMzmzuuymZTPSkNE2N8MyfLCA4Eu7iMpyp0Q4VXdlcIkzcD_yqD82LW-IqToVPZ1FcZ1k3OyDVJG4FOLQ-edVzREZ2fdQqeGhKcx_N5PleCQcyZdN3DdLqS7Za-oghYBlIYMPT8N63F1RtTctDa0slIP39jGl18frRZK38mk6jrpP4f5c53c/s225/819%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="224" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYexRNd4CMzmzuuymZTPSkNE2N8MyfLCA4Eu7iMpyp0Q4VXdlcIkzcD_yqD82LW-IqToVPZ1FcZ1k3OyDVJG4FOLQ-edVzREZ2fdQqeGhKcx_N5PleCQcyZdN3DdLqS7Za-oghYBlIYMPT8N63F1RtTctDa0slIP39jGl18frRZK38mk6jrpP4f5c53c/w398-h400/819%205.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><p></p><p>What. The. Fuck?!</p><p>We talked more with Arippe who was very sad and nervous. And Got a story from him. His family and another family with 2 young girls, 4 or 5 years ago, worked on a farm run by a terrible farmer named Milaine. He was good at farming, but horrible to the young people. He didn’t say it, but Arippe indicated that Milaine might have abused the girls somewhat. After a particularly bad day of it, the two brothers and the girls turned on Milaine and beat him unconscious with rocks. Terrified they were going to get in trouble and not wanting to bury him as he’d arise the next day, they clad him in the cast off scarecrow clothes and weighed him down with rocks, throwing him in Lake Isner and then they went back and had the parents tend to the daughters’ injuries. When Milaine did not return, the families were cleared of indenture and allowed to have their debt cleared and lives returned. Eventually a new person was assigned Milaine’s acreage and time moved on.</p><p>About 9 months ago, the water level in Lake Isner dropped. A lot. Drying up the irrigation trenches and according to Arippe – that’s when the Scarecrow arose. It was no longer “buried” and it roamed around. And has been disabling scarecrows ever since.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuX2prM15G7slJ-EMM-0_jBIg8HTih4p-rOcl9ykiJQ4Q7X_nDJJPOIkvZdTIpYNQvyjITvAmpRoU5I4SKuXhBx7BrCRCbx1-ltDuQybe0dGHeh1CF9C5d8teHDkLNgqX9PCeegF0LI9eJaxya5XijTNgPnoPvSZUiwpLpNu-xFRwwylNpfjN3dy-9qI/s226/819%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="223" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuX2prM15G7slJ-EMM-0_jBIg8HTih4p-rOcl9ykiJQ4Q7X_nDJJPOIkvZdTIpYNQvyjITvAmpRoU5I4SKuXhBx7BrCRCbx1-ltDuQybe0dGHeh1CF9C5d8teHDkLNgqX9PCeegF0LI9eJaxya5XijTNgPnoPvSZUiwpLpNu-xFRwwylNpfjN3dy-9qI/w395-h400/819%206.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><p></p><p>We went to Leolla and without saying exactly what we knew, asked her about the drop in the lake level. She confirmed it, something about something that happened up river. It was eventually fixed but things were tough for a week. And as for Milaine? She was nonplussed. He was a skilled farmer and was able to seriously get some good yields from his fields. But he was also a prick to those who worked for him and when he disappeared, no one was really sorry to see him go.</p><p>We thought about what to do next and figured we’d try to fish this Scarecrow out of the water again – but this to be ready to engage him when he hit dry land. It was almost 1 and we had just eaten some rations, heading back to Lake Isner to do what was needed.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-84285811291422324802023-10-06T23:42:00.007-04:002023-10-06T23:42:52.827-04:00Meet 62, Adv 12, 7/29/23<p>The next day was sunny and bright and the party ate a decent breakfast at the Fiery Beehive before leaving Paxian and taking the Main Traderoad eastward. We made our way through Third and decided to head to Bork Keep first and then turn north to Grymeria instead of risking the Northeast Highway and the strange Chickens that are up there. It was almost 11 when we arrived at Bork Demesne and the Chevaliers that came to meet us were surprised that we were not heading for the Keep proper and the eventual Terror Dungeon. They were even more interested to learn that we were truly going to head north and enter Grymeria. “Really? Grymeria? Grymerians often come south from that land to trade and visit, but visitors to? Not common. Be safe in your travels.”</p><p>We followed the Borkian Road north and after some short distance beyond the last major timberstands, the road quality dropped off, the thoroughfare pitted and muddy. But it was not much longer before we arrived at the shimmering border to the Sovereign Land known as Grymeria. The first one to form a bit over 16 years ago. Dizzy made some grumblings about it, murmuring that he’d be “damned if I eat anything in this place. Probably all dead people.”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThBpEDv36u5VA_gYJ-ahUUoORvhthvxcvGrawl2FwQWypvZueLu7sP57A6r3l1AVnm3sHoZCA5ANUNNJm6Dv2s1eU1r9YG9SK1HD198rqDAqYMOxPaePT6-HS4DXzG0X0syiPEiDz6US24Io7IaI4JaeCJu-WjlQHXAaH9juKLv0Y6wN_m6Ui-_PgT3E/s277/729%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="277" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThBpEDv36u5VA_gYJ-ahUUoORvhthvxcvGrawl2FwQWypvZueLu7sP57A6r3l1AVnm3sHoZCA5ANUNNJm6Dv2s1eU1r9YG9SK1HD198rqDAqYMOxPaePT6-HS4DXzG0X0syiPEiDz6US24Io7IaI4JaeCJu-WjlQHXAaH9juKLv0Y6wN_m6Ui-_PgT3E/w400-h263/729%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We crossed over and outside of the sun seeming to shift a bit in the sky – the place appeared to be…the same. No increase in temperature, no body odor, it was just pleasant. We could see a large forest north and east of us and north and west was a rise of hills, some reaching maybe a thousand feet in height. The road here though ran straight north with no deviation. Barely 500 yards from the barrier was a walled town, the road passing right through its heart.</p><p>We closed to it and saw a sign standard indicating “Slumber”, was this town, 1 mile north was another place called “Ample” and then 3 miles from here, another locale marked as “Vitalia” with a burned star next to the name. At the wall, some 15’ tall wooden palisade with a berm or earth reverse dug around the place, the gates were open and the guards there took our name with some care, writing it down on a clay tablet. He was happy to talk with us, identified himself as Gainsil, and answered a few questions. Killing anyone is a capital crime, defending yourself is ok and expected, lawlessness is frowned upon. And all citizens need to be within any of the 11 cities of Grymeria’s wall at sundown.</p><p>“Why?”</p><p>The wolves would be out then and have free run of Grymeria at night. Great, great. Also, any animals need to be leashed. Unleashed animals are fair game for the Hunters and would be added to the food stocks. Gryg looked at Hogger and Gainsil offered us a leash for the Ranger’s boar. Six smaller towns make up the hex corners of the realm: Dour, Somber, Gruff, Kip, Rest, and Slumber. Then there are 4 larger towns, smaller cities that encompass the center 4 cardinal axis points: Fair, Amble, Pressing, and Relent. And in the center of the place was Vitalia – the largest location and heart of Grymeria. On learning that we were adventurers, and seeing our letter of introduction from Pha-iyr Carom, he suggested we head there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfq-jFH5HXhMFWZGE_6kpsMaFNRr6osUYVpsVzop8lmQOFbLbzfzeQQlreoa8vVIPEQTt2yt4JCvKw040qeplhPT413yusYrJCUu_xE9qkVRDkCcR1E0OqeiX56hNj7s4YX0AGJmoMktc2jSJie0H2xdEtu8CSo35sTzl-pnlVM6r-xFSZo5U6TmNc4M/s275/729%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfq-jFH5HXhMFWZGE_6kpsMaFNRr6osUYVpsVzop8lmQOFbLbzfzeQQlreoa8vVIPEQTt2yt4JCvKw040qeplhPT413yusYrJCUu_xE9qkVRDkCcR1E0OqeiX56hNj7s4YX0AGJmoMktc2jSJie0H2xdEtu8CSo35sTzl-pnlVM6r-xFSZo5U6TmNc4M/w400-h266/729%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Slumber. The people were a mix of living and undead. The undead were referred to as “Animates” and they seemed to be self aware. They had a strange delay in their movement and speech. But the buildings were nice, the roads clean, and most menial tasks were being done by animates. But there were some strange things too. A dead child walking a dog. And odd figures hiding on the rooftops watching everyone. We passed through the heart of the town and there was a Bookbinder here. Named Merosses, we spoke to him for a bit while we noticed a zombie…animate…reading a book! Daring to speak with him, he was named “Van” and was reading, “Parsley on a String” – a book about herbology and growth of parsley and other similar. He had died of brain fever at some point in the past and his family moved here where he awoke again and they’ve been very happy since. Um..great.</p><p>We moved further on from Slumber and headed north. The road was again, straight, neat, even, and in excellent shape and repair. To the east the hills continued and we could see a small lake or large pond ahead of us just shy of the next town “Ample”. A bridge crossed the stream that fed the pond and we came to the next location. Ample was much larger than Slumber, almost 3 times as much – and the walls reflected the city’s superior strategic importance – 2 parallel 20’ tall and mortared stone, back filled with earth between. The streets and avenues within were regular and the entire place was maybe 7 blocks square. The décor was also more elaborate and the mix of people and animate was more…lively? There was still a sensation that the places we’ve seen were off a bit, as if window dressing than substance – but the populace we encountered were friendly enough. Also, the guards here knew us already by name and description – even though we saw no messenger go ahead of us – and there had been no birds or any kind so far.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5zBsU_8kLoTn6P-fmAQRzCMdDRtHM_Effzb_breQupDlPukgI0C9mZwaeIQKKEvMb420zwXz8HGvdbxZg40DssUS5PLpLYM2ApPdrBIrtyMmtzb_HGhOFaq5CVWVianK_IfLiOjKg1TJXs0MILrSGlNzTG9hqUyCcmrhkHwjak_uJJvfVGD2eYwsEEM/s393/729%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="128" data-original-width="393" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5zBsU_8kLoTn6P-fmAQRzCMdDRtHM_Effzb_breQupDlPukgI0C9mZwaeIQKKEvMb420zwXz8HGvdbxZg40DssUS5PLpLYM2ApPdrBIrtyMmtzb_HGhOFaq5CVWVianK_IfLiOjKg1TJXs0MILrSGlNzTG9hqUyCcmrhkHwjak_uJJvfVGD2eYwsEEM/w400-h130/729%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We pressed on and went through Ample, trekking 2 miles north. The hills on the west of us were large and imposing in places, and the forest to our east was thick. But we could see some industry ahead of us, a timbering crew was working on some of the trees there, cutting and culling them. There was a large lake just shy of the city of Vitalia, and a slow loving wide river, hundred feet or so long, left the lake and circled the city to the north and east. The bridge was in excellent repair that we crossed the river with, over its surface at least 25’ and composed of 6 definitive arches of stone.</p><p>The city of Vitalia was…awe inspiring. Huge and bustling, 20 city blocks north/south and East/West. The walls were 30’ in height and still many buildings stuck over the wall’s height. Colored shingles, carved and bas relief surfaces, painted and festooned, not a single area wasn’t beautified and enhanced in some manner. We waited a short time before the gate guards were able to let us in, and again – they seemed to know all about us already –building on the knowledge that we had given to both Slumber and Ample. The main guard’s name was Dorreson and he suggested that we go to the Outer Circle Council for now – our presence had been made known and an Adjunct there would likely meet with us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9lSD0MhkzlQa115zN43GB3MBqcC5O3AiZ6wZUqVwQmE4i1t6U2tPfJh52guoMQ-83szO7zlp34hYSe1CL7G1eH24CJkB70CV0AbmhsrPQCgzXXcwditxUOrPjhfHSvr-lfFmZivdF6l3XcVNx8RbXG5Idb3dRA8rxvvxbPWal96d1LrCX1Oaquui8Nc/s275/729%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9lSD0MhkzlQa115zN43GB3MBqcC5O3AiZ6wZUqVwQmE4i1t6U2tPfJh52guoMQ-83szO7zlp34hYSe1CL7G1eH24CJkB70CV0AbmhsrPQCgzXXcwditxUOrPjhfHSvr-lfFmZivdF6l3XcVNx8RbXG5Idb3dRA8rxvvxbPWal96d1LrCX1Oaquui8Nc/s1600/729%204.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><p></p><p>As for a place to stay, we were recommended to stay at the Heart of Vitalia – a 5 star hotel not too far from the Council district. We followed the directions down the very clean and lively city. There were musicians wandering the streets, singers idly harmonizing out of windows, and everywhere were signs of art and beauty. Eventually we came to the aforenamed hotel and it was a 4 story structure that just dripped with marble and opulence. We entered the entrance hall was outfitted with a small grand piano and full smoking lounge and an indoor fountain and waterfall. The concierge, a tall and exceedingly conciliatory figure named Amathadwan, was happy to bid us hello. On learning that we were the adventuring party from Erylond he had let us know that we were very welcome to stay. Asher looked around and asked, “How much?”</p><p>14 Crowns per night for the larger room.</p><p>14…crowns.</p><p>We were out of our league. We opted to wait both inside the foyer area and outside for the Adjunct to arrive and even though an Animate girl came by to offer us a drink or refreshment (at again, ridiculous prices) we had to demur for now.</p><p>Eventually we were invited to the Outer Circle Council where we were met at Adjunct Rawanis. Rawanis worked for the OCC member Mid and even though we had come some way, OCC Mide was not going to be able to meet with the party just yet. If they could do a few tasks for Rawanis first, he would make sure that OCC Mide would meet with them afterwards. As for staying in town, he was willing to have a voucher sent to the Heart of Vitalia for a day and a half for now for the group to be compensated there.</p><p>The party was thankful and asked, what was the first task. Rawanis smiled and reached under his desk, dragging out a large wooden crate. 2’ x 3’x 2’, it was latched and locked, nailed shut, and there were a series of chains around the entire thing with another lock in place holding it closed. “I need this box buried.”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wIUtNempHnJzNWBXlmnd3Y1xPvpS_k1L1TUMdn5Kk0ku-N3n-SRd1i80io0TxBmOUQx5YRVAcxbQkgwmzQfFCuuop27-ysgNKv02vTboALjR3sgmK9OQZKwcxhsEx491bv4_9WJfaXksPFvzHxtuyDnoXPXKGQ5bxA7fw2RlorY2VU87lUQk90ckUD0/s275/729%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wIUtNempHnJzNWBXlmnd3Y1xPvpS_k1L1TUMdn5Kk0ku-N3n-SRd1i80io0TxBmOUQx5YRVAcxbQkgwmzQfFCuuop27-ysgNKv02vTboALjR3sgmK9OQZKwcxhsEx491bv4_9WJfaXksPFvzHxtuyDnoXPXKGQ5bxA7fw2RlorY2VU87lUQk90ckUD0/w400-h266/729%205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>“Um…”</p><p>“Now. Take the box to the Timbers (the huge forest we passed coming in) across ‘The Flow’ (the large river). Look for the Woodward there and have him guide you to the Willow Grove. Once there, find the willow that seems the oldest and dig a hole at its base. Drop the box in at least 4’ deep, cover it up, and leave no markers or identifiers of where it is.”</p><p>“Um…what’s in it?”</p><p>Rawanis frowned slightly. “That’s not part of the purview of what I asked, is it?” He glanced at the water clock. “It’s 3:04 right now. Sun set is at 7 PM. If you are as good as you say you are, that gives you just under 4 hours to take the task to completion.”</p><p>We hoisted the box up and answered, “Time’s wasting. Let’s go.” Two of us grabbed the box and we moved swiftly out of the OCC office and to the streets. We knew we had to cross the Flow so opted to head east to the gate there. Godrick hit the box with a levitate spell and Gryg made sure that it was tied off on Hoggar. We ran east to the wall and through the gate and then double speeded it, Godrick riding the floating box like a steed as the boar ran ahead, the entire thing floating like a balloon. We hit the bridge and then turned south into the Timbers and made our way for the sound of the timbering we had heard earlier. Eventually we had a chance to meet the Woodward, a Half-Ogre named Larogius.</p><p>We explained who we were and that Rawanis wanted us to be led to the Willow Grove. The Half Ogre looked us over and then grunted, “Follow”, turning to the woods as we repositioned the box (levitation was over now) on Asher’s shoulders and followed. Larogius made no effort to help us and kept a steady pace, taking us deeper and deeper in the woods. Gryg tried to pay attention to where we were going and we followed, keeping time in our head.</p><p>36 minutes later and very tired, we arrived at a section of the woods that was only Willow Trees. “Here,” the Half-Ogre said. “I’ll meet you back at the timbering camp.” And then he turned and left.</p><p>Ok. It was about 4:30 and fanned out, looking at the willows, relying on Gryg to help us narrow down which of the 80 or so trees was the “oldest”. We felt we had a good candidate and with the 2 shovels we had, proceeded to dig. Problem one, willow trees have dense surface roots so we had to start maybe 4 or 5 feet from the trunk to begin with. And it was rough going. By 5 we had gotten about 2’ down and started to angle the hole closed to the tree as we dug deeper. But the earth was dense and we could only get 1 person truly in the hole. It was a bit after 5:20 when dirty and tired, guessed we were 4 feet down.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_FJJudVoTaYym4Gd6SL8s7xeX0wWnI1JW_0e7XfbeXRgM9akhhLKvD-d07CyPmCv79-rp56YMMjAQR5V11aqqRa308lK2WXkHu_GTpRbdkhoLQHXW7afX7fLrPQwaChBofQTdRQt2TYoTmpuOocH3ybofL4smRAE1m1RG4PaDLHVd5u6LI_6OVKriPM/s264/729%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="264" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_FJJudVoTaYym4Gd6SL8s7xeX0wWnI1JW_0e7XfbeXRgM9akhhLKvD-d07CyPmCv79-rp56YMMjAQR5V11aqqRa308lK2WXkHu_GTpRbdkhoLQHXW7afX7fLrPQwaChBofQTdRQt2TYoTmpuOocH3ybofL4smRAE1m1RG4PaDLHVd5u6LI_6OVKriPM/w400-h289/729%206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Shoving and pushing, we managed to get the box down the hole and at the bottom before we scooped and shoveled the dirt back into the hole. Gryg smoothed it out and spent a few minutes obscuring where we had dug and what we had done. We guessed that in a day or two, no one would be able to tell anything was amiss. By 5:40 we headed back, making it to the Timber camp a bit after 6. Larogius grunted on seeing us. “Glad you made it. Getting late.”</p><p>We left the Timbers and were heading back to town. Looking up, Dizzy noted, “Does anyone else see the sun is not behaving right?” Sure enough, it was still high in the sky even though it was pretty far to the west. “I hate this place,” the dwarf muttered as we reentered Vitalia at 6:28. By 6:40 we were back at the OCC office and dirty yet satisfied, was at Rawanis’ office.</p><p>“Excellent!” he smiled, clapping his hands. The young man was pleased. “You have earned a night with all the trimmings at the Heart of Vitalia, my friends. First matter is resolved and I am very pleased.” Godrick meanwhile had lagged behind to wash his hands and arms in the fountain at the OCC, to the horrification of the people there. “What?” he grunted, running his hands through his hair and then flicking them on the floor.</p><p>“My good man,” Rawanis said, “The Heart of Vitalia had a full set of baths and laundry on premises. Please. Avail yourself of it there. I will make sure the next day and a half is fully paid for. I am in every day by 7 PM and work until 7PM. I have a number of tasks I’d like to discuss with you and hope to see you tomorrow.”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtGD33Ah5sVO2daUnvikibG-ymRGKKfk-QB12QDvfLxwKbxlPAxoUauhKQXWyvKdBwRKZELMPeya5AxbQvD1Qy3iFQyZa5ZQOyTOE2gtH5GFHmturQQxSUGvStte_Nb27aaEFnyfV4aMNh14OQpioidjQ81VZn7U00r69TVc7frvCuzyXTIHNbz9SLb8/s842/729%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="842" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtGD33Ah5sVO2daUnvikibG-ymRGKKfk-QB12QDvfLxwKbxlPAxoUauhKQXWyvKdBwRKZELMPeya5AxbQvD1Qy3iFQyZa5ZQOyTOE2gtH5GFHmturQQxSUGvStte_Nb27aaEFnyfV4aMNh14OQpioidjQ81VZn7U00r69TVc7frvCuzyXTIHNbz9SLb8/s320/729%207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>We left the OCC with our chit in hand and were out in the street when the clocks all chimed 7 PM. We watched as the sun seemed to hang in the far western edge of the sky…and then in the space of 10 seconds, dropped down with a steady and ready alacrity until it hit the horizon and night fell. At the same time, on the eastern edge of the sky, the moon rose with the same ridiculous speed until it was high in the sky and then stopped.</p><p>Dizzy turned to the west to the Heart of Vitalia, holding his holy symbol and grumbling again, “I hate the fuck out of this place.”</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-74757339862933103522023-09-30T13:31:00.006-04:002023-09-30T13:31:34.546-04:00Meet 61, Adv 12, 7/22/23<p>While some of us were training and the rest of us were doing local jobs, we discussed what the next step would be for us. There was talk about heading east to Bork Keep and plumbing the depths a bit, but Dizzy had an alternative idea. The place was already fairly overrun with Adventurers, like too many. Pickings would be slimmer, and we’d have to delve deeper and risk more dangerous foes to make the trip worth it.</p><p>Instead, there were still things up here we should follow up. Captain Asher was keen on this, wondering what local things we could take the chance on doing. And that’s when the idea of heading to Grymeria was brought up. Admittedly there was initial push back – no one wanted to willingly go to Necrolord Duncan Eternal’s land. In fact on further looking, outside of the first 6 months of the establishment of the Sovereign Land – no adventuring party had gone to visit the location. Most likely there would be serious work waiting for an adventuring party there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzy5Nsb-CJO28KR00PwXyP-87ly_kZB0uB5I5XtUqt9LcQYpX34aqajsCNJirhVwopQO_JdnnhJx6R7b1BSb0fnXgIEwNskqg5T7UfSP4fjmT5cXnti15Xxx1lB2qz4bMDwnQvUmyNvbGphsBcOQdyM9fo2G0yMeOFVXs9q_DL6ApkhsaBIx9It6PPZMk/s274/722%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="184" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzy5Nsb-CJO28KR00PwXyP-87ly_kZB0uB5I5XtUqt9LcQYpX34aqajsCNJirhVwopQO_JdnnhJx6R7b1BSb0fnXgIEwNskqg5T7UfSP4fjmT5cXnti15Xxx1lB2qz4bMDwnQvUmyNvbGphsBcOQdyM9fo2G0yMeOFVXs9q_DL6ApkhsaBIx9It6PPZMk/w269-h400/722%201.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><p></p><p>Plus, we know that Granmund was working with Shadowthyrst and had sights on impacting Grymeria. Alright, it was decided. We would put together a good group to go and offer our services, in exchange for some coin and hopefully a good relation with the distant kingdom.</p><p>While all this was going on, Shim had tried to visit the Tower of Water in an attempt to sell or offer his skills and service to the Wizard there, a half-orcish arcanist named Bogron Thrice-Born. HE was eventually escorted to the magister and after going through his spiel, was rebuffed firmly and with the understanding that he had already apprenticed himself to a tower – and seeking to offer his services to another was disingenuous to both Bogron and Shandrilar. He got the hint and left.</p><p>And on returning to the Tower to the Winds, got a solid reaming from the Wizardress about his actions; going so far as to offering him the ability to leave and leave now if he so chooses. But don’t ever dare come back. Shimlagesh did his best to ameliorate the Tower Master and the matter was allowed to rest.</p><p>During this time we learned that Varilay “Vicious” Penwelter had been released from 15 years imprisonment. She was a notorious figure who had been a member of the GRSAG and had been in one of the first groups to go into the Terror Dungeon. It was after they returned to town and she was cheated out of her share that Varilay put to death every member of her party and absconded with their gold. Only being arrested at the gate and then thrown in prison. She was released after 15 years this week in recognition of prison over-crowding as well as time served.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxFkULYUyQYAiVlnkNz-_4DJWYonOuAOTbwC8mmUW1nJiio2KORRo8_it8_K6FVzBuVQecK-0qsW32QzBRgz12C0n8DoOn8Uk1I57rVBusP1stfJyV_fcHjkcGM4Ge6jZaiz_qYnDY4LfBeVo7JeopI978BvnWMNllDlQl0lcnRJF_5cpFTTlmFb2v9M/s275/722%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxFkULYUyQYAiVlnkNz-_4DJWYonOuAOTbwC8mmUW1nJiio2KORRo8_it8_K6FVzBuVQecK-0qsW32QzBRgz12C0n8DoOn8Uk1I57rVBusP1stfJyV_fcHjkcGM4Ge6jZaiz_qYnDY4LfBeVo7JeopI978BvnWMNllDlQl0lcnRJF_5cpFTTlmFb2v9M/w400-h266/722%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>There was a Bequeathment dinner for the Sunrise Rabbit’s Orphanage and Eoghan had gone as the party’s representative. It seems that our good works and efforts had cascaded elsewhere and some 15 small lords and merchant houses had but together a donation to the Orphanage system, signaling out the Sunrise Rabbits as the largest benefactor. It was a nice affair but Eoghan was upset to see the Gorokian Arcavist for the Underthane Hylf, Hofning Tworock, there at the table. The corpulent dwarf was dabbing his sweaty face and smiling oily at the people he was talking to.</p><p>When he had the chance, he went to Taskmaster Hisvild and asked what the heck was going on? The Gorokian Underthane tried to buy the children and take the Font of Lathandar some months ago and was now here? At this point Eoghan learned that the Gorokian’s had tried twice to donate funds to the Orphanage but their donation was returned. Here at the half year bequeathment, the situation was different since it went through the Duke’s coffers.</p><p>Chancellor Angers had commented that the Orphanage had taken the Underthane’s funds in the past, including so much to afford 4 Practicals at the time. And the system was not so flush with coins that any donation, including a generous 5,000 noble donation could be ignored. So the bequeathment went through and the Underthane’s people were allowed to visit the Sunrise Rabbits during the monthly walkthrough. They have kept them away from the font and the children of the Skein were never present during visiting days – but Hisvild did not trust them and Eoghan mentioned he would continue to offer his help in the matter.</p><p>Finally we decided on 6 of us to head off to Grymeria: Brading, Asher, Dizzy, Thalin, Godrick, and Shimlagesh…no…Grygmiir. The idea of having multiple Clerics in an undead friendly kingdom was a “Just in case” move. Worth it.</p><p>We went to Pha-iyr Carom, noting the serious lack of…anyone at the Guild. Pha-iyr was expecting us to say we were also heading to the Terror Dungeon but was surprised to learn we were not. Was even more surprised to note WHERE we were going. We explained why we were going to Grymeria and he agreed it was a good idea and made sense. We asked for a letter of introduction and after getting it, we were on our way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IDq7JxKHKHY6I0OnfOQVdBT9mFcin7Oi94N2EBV2o1nNCm8Bw7xM6POXpjlyOl53c3GsGr3787fL7nKbuaictGwJqQfGuDlFlRn6Ch556N4bWzcIXdR7n-c6bc7t2WAsQ82XCLJzLqDcazexjLo8fkdNrcdxUUPi-dOWr6xiECtQox5IxJ31I7ro7nc/s261/722%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="261" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IDq7JxKHKHY6I0OnfOQVdBT9mFcin7Oi94N2EBV2o1nNCm8Bw7xM6POXpjlyOl53c3GsGr3787fL7nKbuaictGwJqQfGuDlFlRn6Ch556N4bWzcIXdR7n-c6bc7t2WAsQ82XCLJzLqDcazexjLo8fkdNrcdxUUPi-dOWr6xiECtQox5IxJ31I7ro7nc/w400-h296/722%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was a nice late spring day and the fields were full of locals and sharecroppers and peasants working. The Traderoads were in fantastic shape. The Reetersbeard Engineers had already been through fixing the roads, they were in terrific shape. As the day wore on and we approached evening, we opted to head for Paxian and get a place to stay for the night. Passing through Canaslan we went to the Capital and after getting through the gate, headed off to Whiteshadow where we took a place 1 block off called the Fiery Beehive.</p><p>We got a room, some food and drink, talked about the upcoming trip to Grymeria, and then went to bed, ready to face the day on Birthmonth the 23rd, the next morning.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-22241914297790429792023-09-26T22:29:00.006-04:002023-09-26T22:29:50.650-04:00Meet 60, Adv 11, 7/15/23<p>In the interim before the party returned to Erylond, a few things had occurred in no discernible order. Impressors from Nightwoods, Gnomish Zealots and Bounty Hunters employed by the Theocrat, had arrived in Erylond with a list of 20 gnomish names. During that time they had visited many shops, stalls, homes, and guilds. Many of the gnomish population were concerned but the Duke had assured the populace that the Impressors were only looking for the named gnomes who were wanted for questioning by the Theocrat and no others. No one was on the list who hadn’t emigrated from Nightwoods more than 2 years ago. But still, some of the populace was concerned.</p><p>In fact, one full adventuring party was currently listed as on hiatus, its members scattered and unable to be located at their normal addresses. Assumption is that some of the members might be named from the Impressor’s list and Pha-iyr Carom suggested strongly that they disperse for now.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCgT_Mio-gET6hVrsRJU2CTvb3VDEoTDacfj9XmauMdeVTq0XdK42Zc51LIC-G0039nRe6RhgecybFAMntImBr6x8jSxqY5eCB4vtGcdFv5En7DXwvB_DURF9VH1QkuVgdAp-55EbhdkEoJlOMj7txrWMv3DQVjkQCAdi5z0VRbVA7_qoEBQe6EpkekU/s251/715%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="201" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCgT_Mio-gET6hVrsRJU2CTvb3VDEoTDacfj9XmauMdeVTq0XdK42Zc51LIC-G0039nRe6RhgecybFAMntImBr6x8jSxqY5eCB4vtGcdFv5En7DXwvB_DURF9VH1QkuVgdAp-55EbhdkEoJlOMj7txrWMv3DQVjkQCAdi5z0VRbVA7_qoEBQe6EpkekU/w320-h400/715%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Speaking of the Adventuring guilds, the Gorokian Collective had been making a blitz, advertising that they were willing to pay 500 nobles bonus to the Adventuring party or band that went into the Terror Dungeon and came out with proof of the most interesting kill. To sweeten the prize even more, they were also willing to pay for any training costs to the winner and expanded the contest for 2 plus months before a winner would be decided.</p><p>This has resulted in more adventuring parties being formed, the total number now reaching 27 official groups. This does not count the almost 200 unaligned members of the GRSAG. This means there are more people in the guild now than in recent history, and many of them are at Bork Keep and in the Terror Dungeon at this time. Concern is WHY the Gorokian Collective has sponsored this…feeding frenzy at the Dungeon. Is it the supposed Black Orc sightings? Or something else?</p><p>The Reetersbeard Spring Caravan arrives in Erylond in about 3 weeks. The Ironcamp Road Crews have already been through the area correcting and fixing the Randari Highway and Traderoads in anticipation of the caravan arrival.</p><p>The Sunrise Rabbits Orphange (that the party has been working in and at) due to their notoriety and the party’s efforts, have gotten a number of private Bequeathments from some of the lesser members of the Council of Lords as well some well placed merchant and trade houses. As an aside, it has been noted from Hisvild that the 16 kids that had been saved earlier and reunited with their families, have displayed a small but subtle shift in matters of chance. Not much, but random effects and causality are less detrimental to and around them than most everyone else. Not a great degree, but enough that the Taskmaster Hisvild had noted it and reported it to the party.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrYzFs9PJvgwv0dM4yiYlVOxgBqmhW2L5prAEdLDf4sqPLK2x-aK0giFTstJ5qhhb8gRDibyGWT3SOru6TjHPJ7gK14cp3IZX5VqSWdZiFAqNCzBhTec0eeaodOCxg3VlZ7w6TBp5Oc_5_8TYp84m-CdyY_Bnso0fpOm4ojF-lQI6quAxrH2kw_09TGM/s306/715%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="306" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrYzFs9PJvgwv0dM4yiYlVOxgBqmhW2L5prAEdLDf4sqPLK2x-aK0giFTstJ5qhhb8gRDibyGWT3SOru6TjHPJ7gK14cp3IZX5VqSWdZiFAqNCzBhTec0eeaodOCxg3VlZ7w6TBp5Oc_5_8TYp84m-CdyY_Bnso0fpOm4ojF-lQI6quAxrH2kw_09TGM/w400-h216/715%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Dizzy and Sybil finally had a long explosive back and forth where the dwarven cleric was fed up with the Halfling thief and her lack of “anything” for the party. Words grew heated and Sybil left, making her way to the Sunrise Rabbits to offer her abilities and days full time.</p><p>One of Thalin’s students back in Tilani had arrived, Godrick, an untested wizard of some skill. He was looking for a friendly face after taking Thalin’s advice on the mage’s guild and branching out on his own. He did eventually get hired on with a group and made 3 forays into the Terror Dungeon before a falling out with the adventurer leader had him leave and head here looking for help, work, and a friendly face. He met with the party and was welcomed to come and stay, as well as join Thalin at the Scriveners for some per diem work until we knew what we were doing as a group.</p><p>When we did arrive on the 6th of Birthmonth, we made our way to the GRSAG where we waited at the entrance hall for a few minutes. There were very few people here and the roster board was rather full, something we didn’t expect to see. Some of the locals filled us in on the recent happenings and we made our way upstairs to meet with Pha-iyr and report in. He had a line of people outside and Connal attempted to move past when he was confronted. “Go to the back.” “We’re here to check in.” “Great. Not your turn, go to the back.”</p><p>Things got tense and eventually Pha-iyr did open the door to let 3 others leave. On seeing the party he greeted them but did say that he was swamped and would they please wait. As we were sitting there, a dwarven guy named Halfring Deepbeard dropped some snubs at the group and eventually got into a back and forth with Shim. He threatened to report the gnome to the “Impressors” and did eventually get up, coming back 20 minutes later and chuckling at the gnome. “Good luck getting re-educated shrimp.”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlHVjsLbW-vqDlTRbZh5GvpZPfv9Fi1tyQcpjKr1KhhAeg8vN5sN_Z96XB59qNPiP1wmxkb1nLqh4wUBM7q8gAhHdqLGFVcGD-3CS8atLu13Q5rzsyGh3Thht1ELXD_grHYrSV-Y-hUowHj54SLTEbs_fh8EdgCy-_Lrd3jIoY51x3uVBMcxt_nYjco4/s228/715%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="221" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlHVjsLbW-vqDlTRbZh5GvpZPfv9Fi1tyQcpjKr1KhhAeg8vN5sN_Z96XB59qNPiP1wmxkb1nLqh4wUBM7q8gAhHdqLGFVcGD-3CS8atLu13Q5rzsyGh3Thht1ELXD_grHYrSV-Y-hUowHj54SLTEbs_fh8EdgCy-_Lrd3jIoY51x3uVBMcxt_nYjco4/w388-h400/715%203.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><p></p><p>We did meet with Pha-iyr and the record keeper and they heard the entire story. It was almost too much and he suggested that we go and talk to our respective guild soon to see about training. We wanted to avoid the Impressors and instead took a different way out that led us to the 2nd ring and the Erylond Royal Bank. We were let off here under the guise that we were looking to talk about putting some money in the back, under the auspices of House Carom. We would need 10,000 nobles (yeah, right) but thanked them for the information and then left.</p><p>The party then went to the various guilds and reported their skills and findings there. They had notarized paperwork from the GRSAG delivered as well and it was discovered that Wilhelm, Eoghan, and Connal all were going to go up in level. Hooray.</p><p>Connal was eventually called though to meet with the Abbess and a few others from the Church of Sif. He expected to be commended for his efforts regarding the valkyrie and saving her but was instead upset to learn the Abbess had a different view on it. A valkyrie, a damned Angel of Sig, and you didn’t think to bring her back here to Erylond? You had her spend some days with a lapsed Friggan priest in some backwater lodge for half a week but not here? Did you talk to her? Chat with her? Learn things about Asgard that scholars or theologians would kill for? And a Cathedral? What about this one here in Erylond? Right here, you’re sitting in it. Instead, some…again, Friggan, Cathedral in goblin infested and ogre inhabited area? That was the best bet?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mDKxyl4bqeLD3SaTRoEZnV96PlYIA-h5a6CvVYaVKXmN_LE1_7jH_H2g4GL9fwMMwF95lwrPATmx1S5TbbNMiz4B0uRMCUqj18V6UfD-HDhBHWNwlIXQOZKXqt7U-DX5ttyNZ4P4Sha1rfoSVNhKCxCE6RlHmY_rXtl6yRNg0uIAIzlGzxm-pZj-oIk/s282/715%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="282" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mDKxyl4bqeLD3SaTRoEZnV96PlYIA-h5a6CvVYaVKXmN_LE1_7jH_H2g4GL9fwMMwF95lwrPATmx1S5TbbNMiz4B0uRMCUqj18V6UfD-HDhBHWNwlIXQOZKXqt7U-DX5ttyNZ4P4Sha1rfoSVNhKCxCE6RlHmY_rXtl6yRNg0uIAIzlGzxm-pZj-oIk/w400-h254/715%204.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>They went at it for a while – best for Sif vs best for the entire collective and church. 1 day. Hell, 12 hours of actually meeting a representative of Asgard here. The prestige, the pageantry, the glory. And now for naught because you did what YOU thought was best. Not what’s best for everyone. Connal grew wroth after an hour of discussion and stormed out to go and meditate for a bit. The Abbess has a quick vote with her people and it was decided that Connal would be rebuked for his actions in not supporting the glory of Sif AND the Church and would have a note appended to his docket. If he were to do another grievous dereliction of duty to the church again, his enrollment would be rescinded.</p><p>Connal took it…poorly but stormed away for now.</p><p>We trained for a bit and filled in the party about what we had done and what we had learned. Shim had some back and forth with the Falsers and eventually paid a decent chunk of coin for Halfring Deepbeard to get beat up on one knee and one hand – making Shim smile on seeing the nasty dwarf limping about the guild hall with limbs bandaged up.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-12597299761642933842023-09-21T21:36:00.003-04:002023-09-21T21:36:27.364-04:00Meet 59, Adv 11, 7/1/23<p>Birthmonth the 3rd, 8:30 PM and the group put their plan into action. Half of them (Ygraine, Connal, Eoghan, and Darius) went up with care to the 2nd floor and then onward to the 3rd. Meanwhile, the other half (Wilhelm, Shim, Rhygar, and Grendel) manned the landing on the 2nd floor. Looking through the open wall to the south, we could see the cold and dark forest, feeling as if we were being watched.</p><p>The first group went to the 3rd floor and in no time, 2 ogres: 1 with a heavy crossbow, attacked. Their assault seemed to trigger something in the woods because the other half of the party could see goblins coming out of the woods. Lots of them. Wilhelm waited for the right time and then used a scroll of Silence, casting it down the steps and in the area of the apse in order to silence any goblin chanting. In addition, Shim shot a Darkness outside the walls, making any shooting of them an impossibility.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sIVeCs8r8WJoBqCb0yvNcyTzD7UbhEdoggPRoZNFu17YhWlbc0RvAcKzAFigGqEeuY5yk5irFtuQaYN-vqlnxxaOuj-0eU3woguDtolD1K6dB5c30L4QIYiA8aTlN9xuY_2eZJTYq7RuMmEwzouhJ_woILLmoRLB79BDI8UxG63f-XUQtaMrFniUG4w/s274/701%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="274" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sIVeCs8r8WJoBqCb0yvNcyTzD7UbhEdoggPRoZNFu17YhWlbc0RvAcKzAFigGqEeuY5yk5irFtuQaYN-vqlnxxaOuj-0eU3woguDtolD1K6dB5c30L4QIYiA8aTlN9xuY_2eZJTYq7RuMmEwzouhJ_woILLmoRLB79BDI8UxG63f-XUQtaMrFniUG4w/s1600/701%201.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><p></p><p>The battle went fairly quick. Ygraine took a few stabs and then slaughtered the ogre with two thrusts of her blade. Meanwhile Eoghan and Darius fired and slung stones, hitting the other ogre with the crossbow. As we reshuffled the hall, the crossbow wielder fired again and then after weathering a few shots, ran to the open wall and jumped into the dark! He actually snagged a rope and began to climb.</p><p>While another ogre had snuck down the stairs from the 4th and engaged the party from the back. Connal and Eoghan fought him off as the ranger shuffled around to get a better line with his bow.</p><p>From below the goblins hit the stairs and ran up. The silence made any spell casting up the steps not happen and only a few made it to the top, the narrow steps actually holding them back and at bay. Grendel and Rhygar were near the front line and Shim summoned a monster to help out. We took out a few of the goblins and were feeling pretty good about things.</p><p>The Ogre that had snuck down took terrible wounds from Eoghan, the ranger having an innate knowledge of where to administer the most pain and suffering on the monstrous humanoid. It staggered from the blows as we reshuffled the lines again and finally took the ogre down. Huzzah! Upward! We rebalanced the marching order and ran up the stairs to the 4th floor. The tower floor here was pretty bad off and we faced two of the Ogres here – 1 from below who had climbed up. The other was wielding a 2 handed maul and was sweeping blows about.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RB6OxeyZJ7t-dZGAAy2HBBt7tXXV8vfeV2IwyyfNycaOYhrm0nqv7JdO25eW3uPXBAaOsiFMuL1mk47-PycB2Q0at8Cf28vXte6BWf9wwtN5A09VP6b1q52YfSF-r9AkSB2NCTy9lSs1ZcYZWCfxkg41t1bdIP9Oo_9dzp7au5paLdYa_KL6nUwOSDU/s225/701%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RB6OxeyZJ7t-dZGAAy2HBBt7tXXV8vfeV2IwyyfNycaOYhrm0nqv7JdO25eW3uPXBAaOsiFMuL1mk47-PycB2Q0at8Cf28vXte6BWf9wwtN5A09VP6b1q52YfSF-r9AkSB2NCTy9lSs1ZcYZWCfxkg41t1bdIP9Oo_9dzp7au5paLdYa_KL6nUwOSDU/s1600/701%202.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>As the goblins tried to run up again, Wilhelm called to Frey and summoned a ball of fire 6’ tall. It burned the goblin at the top of the stairs and then he hurled it down the steps, where it ran over other goblins and set them ablaze before hitting the 1st floor and turning slowly in place. With only a few goblins up here now, we redoubled our efforts to finish them off. One of them was hit and hit hard, sent over the edge of the wall and into the dark, where he fell down and smashed another goblin outside! The call was given to retreat and the last of the goblins, already suffering too many losses, turned and ran away back to the woods.</p><p>Ygraine was shot at short range and the valkyrie was driven backwards to the edge of the floor, where the ogre there then swung and knocked her out and away. She spread her wings and kept flight, gathering her wits and burning away some of her precious divine power to do so. We hit and stabbed and cut, Eoghan’s bow skill being decidedly deadly. It was when Darius found himself grappling with the Ogre (critical) who smashed him in the face, gripped him by the crotch, and then lifted him up and hurled him through the open wall and down the 40’ to the ground. At the last moment Ygraine dove for the fighter, snatching his hand and the two of them plummeted down, hitting the ground with a snapping bounce.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuMH4h6ZiTshkB7iEbyyU2GVwlIXfN9-jU5OO2HnOBlDW83MM0gdVzZtizuxB6cSAkX_x2KD5hnNNBEJ1JqngSo0wYBlMNqNhA-96Wa-Lli5jJiIYRyuCusCYytY_BbbaTr9lGB0RYmgvBatxLpv1sW3J0UNGgi6B64SGEs0YGI6JC0jxwnWWYoCkv84/s266/701%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="266" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuMH4h6ZiTshkB7iEbyyU2GVwlIXfN9-jU5OO2HnOBlDW83MM0gdVzZtizuxB6cSAkX_x2KD5hnNNBEJ1JqngSo0wYBlMNqNhA-96Wa-Lli5jJiIYRyuCusCYytY_BbbaTr9lGB0RYmgvBatxLpv1sW3J0UNGgi6B64SGEs0YGI6JC0jxwnWWYoCkv84/s1600/701%203.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p></p><p>“You ok?” She asked him, wiping the blood off her cheek.</p><p>He waved his hand and grunted, rolling to a seated position. “I’m good. I’m good!” He pointed up. “Go on!” She saluted him and spread wings, flying up to rejoin the party on the 4th floor.</p><p>The 1 Ogre up there was finally slain while the crossbow wielding one ran up the stairs during the fight, racing to the 5th floor. Ygraine flew through the wall, grabbed the weapon from the floor, and nodded to Eoghan and Connal. “He’s alive. Hurt, but alive.” She pointed up the stairs. “Ready?” Connal took the lead this time and we moved onward.</p><p>Hitting the 5th floor, the tower was beginning to tilt a bit as we travelled it. Stone was crumbling as we climbed. Also, it narrowed down here. We could hear the ogre above running onward and we could also hear the rest of the party catching up to us from below. Wilhelm, Grendel, Rhygar, and Shim; the gnome getting green as he climbed higher. Darius was still far below, the battered fighter back up to his feet and trudging his way to the tower.</p><p>We climbed the stairs to the 6th level and the floor was narrower again – barely 20’ wide. A final Ogre was here but he was slain very quickly after getting another shot at Ygraine. Wilhelm used the scroll of healing, getting the valkyrie to a better place. We moved with care across to the stairs to the 7th floor and it was here that we debated on all of us actually going on. Shim was barely able to move on and the party was in poor condition. Darius finally caught up to us and after having some words with Wilhelm, convinced the druid we needed to go on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4i4yXbf3jnegr5OsGDb6l1CPRWvOmdplHHYJ_AU9um4_fs6VsWff6AbX4ZM10J98So8zho91nQIsDwmnIU8GIM8tLZiXbTZ0PVo-I_6F0lX2yaxUYrSI8zydWuoZk8zyctmsy2T-eyW4zPDT3az_Vj7RTgnu_kx1XcLAnzggX91zGCVJk58nN5OJQl4/s225/701%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4i4yXbf3jnegr5OsGDb6l1CPRWvOmdplHHYJ_AU9um4_fs6VsWff6AbX4ZM10J98So8zho91nQIsDwmnIU8GIM8tLZiXbTZ0PVo-I_6F0lX2yaxUYrSI8zydWuoZk8zyctmsy2T-eyW4zPDT3az_Vj7RTgnu_kx1XcLAnzggX91zGCVJk58nN5OJQl4/s1600/701%204.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>8th floor and then finally a central circle of stairs to the roof. 9 floors up on the broken tower. We made sure Ygraine was up here and a nimbus glow was slowly forming around her. The last ogre was here and we could see some 200’ feet out was a 70’ wide wingspan wyvern circling the tower, a huge ogre riding on its back. Ygraine removed the ring of shields and gave it back to Shim, calling him a brave one, and then we could see the Aurora Borealis suddenly burst overhead.</p><p>A shaft of rainbow light blew down and hit Ygraine who thanked the entire party for saving her. She was awash with light as the divine power flowed back into her and she strode up the Bifrost back to Asgard. As for the party – we could see the major 12 gods all there looking back at us and we were just…humbled. Changed. Invigorated in some way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UJeXOMYguWgupxc9kyzCzmI5XLzVT8YMA2zQETh5ccIyJrqNlY8z0WY3Acg98KG1QaC9BSSqfmz8HAfX55KdDSZl2GZnjSMYI_WfpWXtZtmWecT-1hW99-F3c-AX7RNp737MYc2cBVo_jRpwtWsOs65MlnW5SEk_O4338Y67uWuZURowaXNBKMhKt5U/s355/701%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="355" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UJeXOMYguWgupxc9kyzCzmI5XLzVT8YMA2zQETh5ccIyJrqNlY8z0WY3Acg98KG1QaC9BSSqfmz8HAfX55KdDSZl2GZnjSMYI_WfpWXtZtmWecT-1hW99-F3c-AX7RNp737MYc2cBVo_jRpwtWsOs65MlnW5SEk_O4338Y67uWuZURowaXNBKMhKt5U/w640-h256/701%205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Rikar Mankiller was also no longer looking to fight. We talked to the Ogre who was stunned on seeing the gods and agreed that this needed to end. We got word from him that he’d give the Far Dam orc tribe no trouble and considered them now under his protection. We were tired and slept. Darius and Rhygar headed back the next day to Paxian to purchase some basic ornamental stones from our depleted stores of coins. Upon returning we all made our way north to Glagdir Province.</p><p>We arranged that night a meeting with Sonnab, the young shepherd taking us north to Swelter Ridge. We met with the Justicar and handed over the stones, letting him know of Rikar Mankiller and the resolution of all things. We left feeling the matter we resolved and then on the trip back to the Dykstra farm, let Sonnab know that his time here was going to end. Wait for the 8 months or so, make sure if any children were born and were half breed that he would take them. And then he should leave.</p><p>Our journey had changed us in some ways. Actually seeing the gods and being so close to the Bifrost altered each of us a tiny bit. We rested that night under the eaves of the Wandering Ewe Inn and discussed our trip back to Erylond on the morrow. We had gotten the ok from Lord Glagdir about the food and timber allotments for the next year starting in 2 months. And the 300 silver would be given to us when we were ready to leave in the morning. We had to get back to Erylond and report to the GRSAG and then figure out what the next step would be.</p><p>And that step was going to eventually lead us to the Desmondian Diamond that Shimlagesh was holding on to. And hopefully a way to prevent the coming of Fimbulwinter.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-86338487277605954572023-09-18T23:02:00.002-04:002023-09-18T23:02:25.689-04:00Meet 58, Adv 11, 6/24/23<p>Birthmonth the 2nd. The group worked on healing up as much as they could and put together a plan for tomorrow. We needed some supplies and Nobleton was not the place to get them. We wanted to avoid going to Paxian if we could and instead decided to hit the town of “Third” – it was at the crossroads of all 3 highways in Canaslan and on our way out.</p><p>Eoghan meanwhile worked with his new dog, the beagle named Quivers. It was easy enough to do since the Amulet he had gotten allowed him to talk to dogs for a few times a day – and he was able to get the animal trained up on Heel and Stop. Go was…not a success, although he did identify the animal did indeed seem to have the ability to pee on command.</p><p>We rested and on Birthmonth the 3rd, were hoping to be gone this morning. While we were praying and studying, we had the chance to talk with Ygraine. The Valkyrie had been trapped here on Midgard for 4 years, almost all of that time was in the dungeons of Stavraphore so she had seen little of the world when not reaping brave fallen during battles. There was a padded doublet we were able to get to fit the 6’ 5” woman, and the cloak kept her wings out of view while folded up, although uncomfortable for her. She also admitted that for Valkyries, goblins are not a race worth saving and even if any of them fall bravely in battle, the Valkyrie’s typically distract themselves during the combat to not bother picking them up. “After all, goblins aren’t people. They don’t count.”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n8jDeNmqLOQaCwhk2HT0JbHOh0Qsr8UaoKZZIWimLoikCdfBeOUOxUJ4pe_5dajoIuDrQhpfZnqfm91N1n8MPbib1DmxyP_eP2lqeAo8Gy6-Us8VOQBAWhT3YYpUnWz0la5zmOPPCa4heWUtofHTJq3G1mR4oVVM_HGloHBBk5aYfwU8Qf2BCDOHoiw/s239/624%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="211" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n8jDeNmqLOQaCwhk2HT0JbHOh0Qsr8UaoKZZIWimLoikCdfBeOUOxUJ4pe_5dajoIuDrQhpfZnqfm91N1n8MPbib1DmxyP_eP2lqeAo8Gy6-Us8VOQBAWhT3YYpUnWz0la5zmOPPCa4heWUtofHTJq3G1mR4oVVM_HGloHBBk5aYfwU8Qf2BCDOHoiw/s1600/624%201.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><p></p><p>Shim showed her his drawings, specifically the exploding mountain, and offered to draw her in his journal. While she looked at the mountain, she admitted that normally her view is from above in Asgard and the side view doesn’t help her to place it. But, she did say that the mountain could very well be the place where Jormungandr, the World Serpent, sleeps. It is one of the heralds of the oncoming Ragnarok.</p><p>We asked about the death of Baldur kicking it off and she corrected the story. Some of the legends are true, but Baldur being slain does not start off Ragnarok. Anything possibly can. And ergo, it can be stopped. Only Baldur’s death makes Ragnarok a certainty. The most beloved of Odin and Frigga’s sons, his death robs the vitality and strength from the king and queen of the gods. And if they are that weakened, the gods cannot mount an effective bulwark against the coming night and the world…ends.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly8j-hT_emcSMOAVMbaZcs3OlzysTV5J5J1J7Eqwt2a8gon4Rqbe688SOyUUA_uq0pryMp8Xd9QeSfm2B6YYHFhHYcbqdnLXyQLsHhqZd7_CvetFTOMazU4I9XitmvQ9-P1FO87Kvf1iC1I_Pnt1Lb0XviSbuK2NrFsxO_DIiRdq5DwkUEHAm2a85R18/s275/624%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly8j-hT_emcSMOAVMbaZcs3OlzysTV5J5J1J7Eqwt2a8gon4Rqbe688SOyUUA_uq0pryMp8Xd9QeSfm2B6YYHFhHYcbqdnLXyQLsHhqZd7_CvetFTOMazU4I9XitmvQ9-P1FO87Kvf1iC1I_Pnt1Lb0XviSbuK2NrFsxO_DIiRdq5DwkUEHAm2a85R18/w400-h266/624%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>BUT, if Jormungandr is somehow awakened and then dealt with – not only does Ragnarok not happen, but the local area (pretty much most of the entirety of Rand) is plunged into Fimbulwinter where it could last hundreds of years. Most everything on the surface would just die. She sighed, “Except maybe the Mountain Dwarves. They’d just pull in their doors and wait for the cataclysm to pass.”</p><p>Mountain Dwarves? Like Gorok? Those that we have been suspecting as being the part somehow in the existence of the Terror Dungeon. And. The Sovereign Lands? The popping of one which could literally kick off Shim’s visions? Son of a….</p><p>By 10:30 we were gone, after finally getting a Restoration from Benson for Shim. He said that he did NOT want anyone from Erylond or the Greater Rand Sellsword Adventuring Guild to know of him or his existence, but the group here was always welcome here at the Last Standing Lodge if they ever needed safe harbor. That was very appreciated and we left – the 8 of us on our way.</p><p>We stayed overland for a bit, heading south and east and giving much distance to Wendover. After getting through the King’s Woods we came to the Northern Canaslan Highway around Mile Marker two and continued on south until we arrived at the outskirts of Third. The town was not very large, maybe home to 400 souls. The farms around it were being tended to and the air was warm and humid. Wilhelm and Eoghan were volunteered to go in, taking what silver and copper coins we had left, and a small list of gear to get. Bedrolls, sacks, torches, waterskins and the like.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P-OPc0ft_uIX2AGovbrTz-Oajc3W9hES9oh6AOUbRnyX17u-z8hSFhwmpD8n8iwIKtHVw5JpK60pP42vd0bgxDAGJFYFnmSnvbhNvur47kjkBeysJKKVN-uB-Ucu3SZOZXzUGq76kvsqpzsmJ00tewdLO5ak58Z6CgXUla3K-tf9g4GuU1Bx8qW8y-8/s250/624%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="250" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P-OPc0ft_uIX2AGovbrTz-Oajc3W9hES9oh6AOUbRnyX17u-z8hSFhwmpD8n8iwIKtHVw5JpK60pP42vd0bgxDAGJFYFnmSnvbhNvur47kjkBeysJKKVN-uB-Ucu3SZOZXzUGq76kvsqpzsmJ00tewdLO5ak58Z6CgXUla3K-tf9g4GuU1Bx8qW8y-8/s1600/624%203.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><p></p><p>They entered the town and were directed to the First Trading Post across the market square for them to get what gear they might need. As it wasn’t market day – that was their only option. A corpulent woman met them there with too much makeup on and a flowing flowery dress. She wanted to help and the two of them went down their listing. It was both there…and not. 4 possible backpacks: 2 wicker, 1 canvas, 1 leather. 1 Baladrana. 1 Woolen blanket. Some torches. Chandler in town makes nice candles, we bought 5 pairs. Tinder box but we have to get our own tinder. Waterskins were literally sheep stomachs cured and tied closed or hollow gourds – but everything was only a quart and a half of water – barely enough for a day. We bought what we could and left, going back to the party in the rain and doling out what we managed to gather so far.</p><p>We headed off west down the Traderoad until about 2ish had us at the border out of Canaslan. The temperature dropped and the rain was now cold. Ugh. We had a miserable trip down the traderoad a bit until Eoghan took us off the trail and north and west, heading in the directions he believed would get us to Hillscar. It was a wet walk and we were quiet for the most part. After we hit the woods about 5:30 and taking a few sight lines, a few of us heard some noises of approaching animals so we got ready.</p><p>And 3 Owlbears came out of the woods from 45’ feet away and charged.</p><p>We quickly drew line up and a few of us fell back, but Ygraine was right in the front with her sword out. And the valkyrie was mauled. Clawed and bit, hugged and howled at. She laughed it off and immediately fought back stabbing and cutting and hacking. Her blows were sure and deep. Connal received charge on the second one, his spear bending from the impact but holding firm. Darius, Grendel and Rhygar were on the frontline, hacking and stabbing and the first owlbear went down!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwpuX1bsjr-HcuYOck_L8jilFpc-o16-J0ATFD41RjFUamJUbMPrbYdbZEeAFg_AKU1h2y123OWoXwEs3RH2KzIYFfm_6_fKxcE-A38JCMoXc0gXQaDIIuQ4tsUq2Pdc53oX9jUDdXNfuottPaaaLlzuS00kZvcEGvOeLMJmbeoX_I3fy0YOhwk1PHRg/s259/624%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwpuX1bsjr-HcuYOck_L8jilFpc-o16-J0ATFD41RjFUamJUbMPrbYdbZEeAFg_AKU1h2y123OWoXwEs3RH2KzIYFfm_6_fKxcE-A38JCMoXc0gXQaDIIuQ4tsUq2Pdc53oX9jUDdXNfuottPaaaLlzuS00kZvcEGvOeLMJmbeoX_I3fy0YOhwk1PHRg/s1600/624%204.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><p></p><p>Summons followed and arrows filled the air. The second owlbear also hit, cutting and ripping. Some damage followed and eventually we took that one down too, before the party ganged up on the last. It staggered and howled. Darius brained it with more sling stones and it eventually fell over dead. We gathered up some blood and some feathers, healing was doled out. Ygraine was a beast, but her lack of decent armor (AC: 12) made her a soft target. We passed her a shield and we set off, Eoghan leading the way.</p><p>As the night fell and we were trudging through the dense woods heading upward, the ranger was doing a good job getting us to the right area. It was about 8 PM when we finally found the abandoned Cathedral. It was quiet here, like no noise; quiet. The suspicion was the Ogres might be inside based upon the smell of campfire. And the goblins were in the woods about as well. Fast plan? Darius, Connal, Ygraine, and Eoghan head up the stairs first. Shim, Wilhelm, Rhygar, and Grendel would be in the back. Their job would be to be a choke point for the goblins and slow them down. They would not be able to stop them all, but the confines of the stairs and the ability to retreat upward if need be would be the best way to handle their threat.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-37977201657323791082023-09-17T21:04:00.002-04:002023-09-17T21:04:20.251-04:00Meet 57, Adv 11, 6/10/23<p>We fanned out until we found the boat and then boarded, with Grendel being the principle rower. Connal put on the Nightmare Shroud and the party held the coffins in place after loading Rhygar and Shim within. It was a bit over a third of a mile across the lake to the dock of Wendover and things were going great…until they didn’t.</p><p>The oar lock and stanchion on the right side had gotten looser and looser and then the entire cleat broke free when there was still 200 yards or so to go to the dock. Floundering a bit, we tried to come up with a plan to get us there as we were attracting a bit of attention from the town watch. The thought was to have 1 person work the tiller and two others would row each oar straight down like a paddle. It worked, sort of, the pull of the paddles was not even and the boat was drifting and turning. The tiller was turned completely in one direction to account for the poor rowing, so it looked like we were drifting almost sideways to the dock where we finally and exhaustedly tossed the rope and tied the row boat off.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQkaV4KhGcGrjKjCSvdAF4VefR8P2hQSmewzH0diNdqPAwmEddthoX06l2ZxMpjxIs7aw7W7nbUXbq4K2KIh9uyrDz9PP2BSqB6UeC3E5SDGTVIvJmaTvH4x_tV14JkdSaSmOXUjw8qbQQHkwh8TmuhpAi7j6CxUWswvP-uCR1uWoowopm8e1scBv-eo/s275/610%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="184" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQkaV4KhGcGrjKjCSvdAF4VefR8P2hQSmewzH0diNdqPAwmEddthoX06l2ZxMpjxIs7aw7W7nbUXbq4K2KIh9uyrDz9PP2BSqB6UeC3E5SDGTVIvJmaTvH4x_tV14JkdSaSmOXUjw8qbQQHkwh8TmuhpAi7j6CxUWswvP-uCR1uWoowopm8e1scBv-eo/s1600/610%201.jpg" width="184" /></a></div><p></p><p>The watch wanted to know what we were doing here and we snapped into character. “Willy” (Grendel) was “just the boat guy. Talk to the foreman.” He pointed to Eoghan who identified himself as “Shamus. We’re from Dour in Grymeria at the behest of our lord. This is Sergeant Hasdor.” He pointed to Connal in full undead looking mode. Connal disguised his manner of speaking a bit and said, “We have bodies for Wendover Brewers and Apothecists,” and produced the forged documentation. “My men will unload the coffins.” He motioned to Darius and Wilhelm and “Shamus” ordered, “Frank. Fersic. Get your asses up and unload this boat.”</p><p>Disguises and aliases in place we made our way with the watch’s help to the open dock bay of the Brewers where Dinka, one of the 3 main people that we knew worked for Stavraphore, came out to talk. He listened to Eoghan and Connal’s spiel finding it made sense. They seemed to think that we were supposed to be another group from Grymeria and there was some confusion. They came out to check the dead bodies, opening the coffins to see Rhygar and Shim within – both dirtied up and looking “dead”. Satisfied and the paperwork was in order, he instructed the group to bring the coffin in.</p><p>Dinka was going to go with Connal to go see “the boss” about payment for the orc and gnome, and maybe talk about getting other bodies out as well as fence some gear that they didn’t want to risk selling nearby. So Connal went with Dinka, leaving two other dock guys here. Svad went with Eoghan to bring the coffins upstairs to the upper storage area, and the last dock worker, Haring, was sent out with Grendel to try and fix the boat and reattach the oar lock and stanchion. Wilhelm and Darius manhandled the heavy coffin upstairs where they were instructed to stack it on a pile of 4 other coffins as there was not a lot of room up here – they were then sent back downstairs and told to wait.</p><p>Grendel and Haring removed the rotted wood and then getting one from the workshop, proceeded to try and replace it along the starboard side of the boat. It was difficult to place properly and hold still, and Haring and Grendel were getting short with each other. But it was when he slipped and the boat snapped back and cracked Haring that the dock worker got mad and the two of them came to blows. A few punches followed and then before the boat dumped Haring in, Grendel held him up and the fight was over. They worked together and promised to get a beer when this was over.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuZBUAY_NsDAI8SUpMSqV55R7wkiirWQIJ6-wIXb-_xaZs_PKLDu5lJIFwRY-yhWtP2ff_oq5ICAIMVoEwj0yuZcNsg3kWL4M86Z7sHbXfxZw0P5XJm6wI7TfZsZrgRXYpX56Bi2X0bmmZjRitUmwFqYb999Leto9tXaR37jgU46h-R_6xYubY3XOQUM/s262/610%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="262" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuZBUAY_NsDAI8SUpMSqV55R7wkiirWQIJ6-wIXb-_xaZs_PKLDu5lJIFwRY-yhWtP2ff_oq5ICAIMVoEwj0yuZcNsg3kWL4M86Z7sHbXfxZw0P5XJm6wI7TfZsZrgRXYpX56Bi2X0bmmZjRitUmwFqYb999Leto9tXaR37jgU46h-R_6xYubY3XOQUM/s1600/610%202.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><p></p><p>Up the stairs, Svad took Eoghan through the upper storeroom and then to a locked door where he wanted him to meet Stavraphore’s boy. “Boys a retard, A real Dummy. Everyone gets to meet the magical boy.” The room was opened to show a mid sized living room. A very fat, corpulent, young adult male (14?) was sitting here, pasty white skin, greasy hair, mismatched eyes and weird sores on his body. There were cages here with small animals in it, and Dummy was poking random animals through the slats with a metal rod all while crooning absently at them.</p><p>Svad told Dummy that this was Shamus and he wanted to come meet him. Eoghan kept up the disguise, noting that in the pile of animal cages was also Jack and Louie! Wilhelm’s cats. Dummy was simple and spoke in broken sentences, but he seemed to have a gift of sight and had some general realities of Eoghan’s life that he tried to bring up. Eoghan kept up the obfuscation for a bit and eventually came around to wanting the cats. Dummy said, “But you like dogs more.” There was a Beagle in a cage that was going to be tortured next, so Eoghan arranged to get the two cats and the beagle from Dummy while Svad thought the entire thing was hilarious. They eventually left and headed back to the warehouse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6Nbqwa5YAOZRyXv4dn5YwEFMu34Gv5ldqLKlavffZxyO1r4fzF86oUZR3UOEuLsQOxJd-6lzKmUkL8kdsqkAH3oQ_qMbALAf-9A5tox5ScsthBnnb4OGTNZ-yNZmvMFoW1GJhD8NHVHn5yIA7urD7RqAnx0rXKbU5rtq0jea2jjIoEAfComZYfMmVbo/s225/610%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6Nbqwa5YAOZRyXv4dn5YwEFMu34Gv5ldqLKlavffZxyO1r4fzF86oUZR3UOEuLsQOxJd-6lzKmUkL8kdsqkAH3oQ_qMbALAf-9A5tox5ScsthBnnb4OGTNZ-yNZmvMFoW1GJhD8NHVHn5yIA7urD7RqAnx0rXKbU5rtq0jea2jjIoEAfComZYfMmVbo/s1600/610%203.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>Wilhelm and Darius had looked around for a bit, noting other ways in and out of the Brewers, but no sign of our gear. Hearing the fight on the docks by the boat, Wilhelm went out to investigate, eventually roped into helping Grendel and Haning finish the boat. They were bolting the oar lock in place next.</p><p>Eventually hearing the room they were in was empty again, Rhygar and Shim worked the lid off the coffin with slow care and laid it aside. Finally able to move, the gnome cast invisibility on the two of them and tried to make sure they could get out of the coffin and down the large pile without upsetting anything. It was difficult and the pile swayed a bit, but sadly, it did dump over and fell down, making a hell of a lot of racket and getting others from other rooms and downstairs to exclaim and come running.</p><p>Connal travelled through to the main floor of the Apothecists and then down to the 1st basement where He was brought to an office and introduced to Kelli, Stavraphor’s 2nd in command. She was clad in office chic wear and took a liking to the disguised Connal, assuming he was from Grymeria. She was a healthy girl and wanted a deal made. Money for the two bodies, and a down payment of gold for the consignment of the goods to take back to Grymeria to fence for them. They took a walk to a room that was in a disjunction field, and saw not only our gear but other gear as well. Agreeing to it, they went back to the meeting room and Kelli and Connal dickered back and forth until ending on an acceptable number for both of them.</p><p>She wanted him to come back this evening and to ratify the agreement carnally. Do we have to? I am a creature of hell, and carnality is my trade. All major deals will end like this – or we don’t have one. Besides, you’re a revenant aren’t you? You don’t feel pain and I’m sure you can take it. She grabbed him in the crotch area and squeezed, verifying that he was anatomically accurate as well as able to withstand her touch. He reluctantly agreed and would arrange to have his people put up in the local inn for the night. She would see him later after dinner and after a last innuendo or 7, bid him farewell and went to get herself ready.</p><p>Dinka took him back to the warehouse where Svad was wondering where the hell Wilhelm was? He told Darius to go get him, “off the fucking docks and back here now”, reprimanding Eoghan for his people’s inability to just stay and follow orders. We heard a crash upstairs and Dinka, Eoghan, Svad, and Connal all went up there, seeing the coffin on the floor. Where were the orc and gnome? What are you trying to pull? What’s going on? Blame was tossed about and Dinka went in to check on Dummy.</p><p>Dummy was saying they were still here. They weren’t gone. “Then where are they?” Dummy knit his brow, frowned, and said, “Rhyar Gnome!”, opening a portal about 6’ up. And from the other room, Shim and Rhygar were pulled in and dropped here – but were still invisible! They got up and tried to move quietly to the side while Dinka and Svad were adamant that “No one was here, you fricking Dummy!”</p><p>We left then went back to the warehouse, where we went slow enough to allow for the 2 invisible party members to get out and join us. Eoghan gave the 3 animal cages to Darius and told him to “load them on the boat.” We assumed we were leaving but Connal let them know they were actually staying the night as he had no choice but to meet Kelli to finish the deal and to get the consigned goods to bring back to Dour (our gear!).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLr5GZDbKfKxDeXdmU3du1NN3SHOF73qh0oDzJtG55pr56B8N2CSMqV_fOJfIpno8eYc_NH2g4svkZelfCFSe8ZTEKQAY3pJ3EOiXxkJsQ0XDj6DbMWbduePmAU_YMaog_gIyy7y8CrWdhhFraafOWfUBqk0J8mrKYGb_obKofDz4bc4RhRcOp76vOqTU/s935/610%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="854" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLr5GZDbKfKxDeXdmU3du1NN3SHOF73qh0oDzJtG55pr56B8N2CSMqV_fOJfIpno8eYc_NH2g4svkZelfCFSe8ZTEKQAY3pJ3EOiXxkJsQ0XDj6DbMWbduePmAU_YMaog_gIyy7y8CrWdhhFraafOWfUBqk0J8mrKYGb_obKofDz4bc4RhRcOp76vOqTU/s320/610%204.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><p></p><p>We got the name of the Inn and thanked Svad and Dinka, going out to the boat to get Grendel, telling Rhygar and Shim to stay on the boat under the tarp with the animals and NOT MOVE! We went to the tavern where we got some food and drink from our dwindling stores of coin and Connal revealed all we had learned. We have the gear tomorrow, but he would have to stay and have torturous demon sex with Kelli who assumes he is a revenant and can survive the encounter. He did not want to do it, but it was one for the team. We wished him well while we were talking about where to stay and our friends out on the cold boat in the rain.</p><p>The waitress was friendly and we got her to understand that we had some people we needed to bring in and hide for now. She told us to get them and meet her by the kitchen door in the alley. We went back to the boat, got the animals, Shim, and Rhygar, cold and damp, and led them to the back door where the cook was there. We passed some coins to him and he smiled, saying he saw nothing. We then went down to the basement storeroom with a few cots and figured that Wendover has some sort of smuggling operation to help get non humans and non elves out and through here if need be. Nice.</p><p>Wilhelm and his cats (traumatized) were reconnected, and Eoghan and his new Beagle, Quivers, spoke for a bit, the dog happy to be saved. The party rested. Connal…did not. Kelly was brutal, harsh, dropped her disguise many times and inflicted burns and sores all over the monk. And when he thought it was over, it wasn’t. He stoically went through it regardless of how many times his flesh was cut, burned, abraded, or lashed. Eventually he was able to leave in the morning and the party all linked up again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rIcgQMyx9sVkSrLkIs1s_hzBCy03xgne7XvV2e17Xe8NhpCiKoBwTOPcVzBXnVzo0Sq8PYO6I6B-htOzN_xTMmhm--WExKS8WHigFAhvZ0qr83r-2Dqg-R0EZ2bJ6rQQfw7G6urjYNM9DuqARs8oYQmK2EF-o_cFsooEwr_rd6WCM79DZuCujowFRzk/s275/610%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rIcgQMyx9sVkSrLkIs1s_hzBCy03xgne7XvV2e17Xe8NhpCiKoBwTOPcVzBXnVzo0Sq8PYO6I6B-htOzN_xTMmhm--WExKS8WHigFAhvZ0qr83r-2Dqg-R0EZ2bJ6rQQfw7G6urjYNM9DuqARs8oYQmK2EF-o_cFsooEwr_rd6WCM79DZuCujowFRzk/s1600/610%205.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><p></p><p>We broke our fast, more invisibility was placed on our two friends, we snuck back to the boat and Eoghan and Connal went to the Brewers to arrange to get the consignment. The boxed were loaded up and we left Wendover, not looking back, pulling east to the far end of the lake where we once more dragged the rowboat into the trees and located our (Benson’s) horse and cart. We transferred everything over and then as soon as possible, had Rhygar drive us the hell out of there. Connal had a variety of burns all over his body and some healing was doled out, for now. We eventually emerged from the Highway Woods – to see another small caravan, with a Grymerian operative and his retinue on the way to Wendover. Short exchange of well wishes and we were gone.</p><p>It was slow going but we eventually arrived at Nobleton and the Last Standing Lodge by 4 PM on Birthmonth the 2nd. We returned the cart to Benson’s people, shared with them all our daring trip in and then out of the place, and went through all the gear that we found that was ours as well as what new things we had grabbed that weren’t ours originally. The plan was to leave on the morrow with Ygraine and head off to Hillscar.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-16859823410070532892023-09-17T00:48:00.006-04:002023-09-17T00:48:48.969-04:00Meet 56, Adv 11, 6/3/23<p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><i> Ah yes. This meeting. I remember</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><i>Got cut short because some guy sped down the block and crashed IRL into my friend's car in front of my house. Fucked up night! We ended up playing Villagers afterwards.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><i>Follows:</i></span></p><p>As for plans, we had a few that we tossed around, trying them on and then discarding them. We had some conversation with Benson and he was willing to help us a bit, there were some things sitting around that we could use. A shipping manifest or 4 over the last year from Wendover Brewers and Apothecists gave Shim something to copy as we were looking to sneak into town via the docks and then have a reason to get into the Building.</p><p>It has been 4 or 5 days now and we had little idea what had been going since we had left. We were able to get a few sets of craftsman clothes and a couple pairs of shoes that would fit a couple of us. The big score was 2 coffins…make that 3. And if did not return them, it was 140 nobles per to replace them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN7ggzF2J3WkRoY-w4OzVjhDyhaf9EeO0HzQn0vgexLEj4DM8P0zvTxqJzA_2yTvZQR1K19d6g4UpLUr_XAiPFKToo76Aa7aaq0-74CH_1IemgYiBhUq7oYLWtqsdVee7aKe3a-3_Ph0o11fInBPoiyUcvtHcNpaQw9yaE_JoFK24cSjdu68_pdk5jfY/s800/603%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN7ggzF2J3WkRoY-w4OzVjhDyhaf9EeO0HzQn0vgexLEj4DM8P0zvTxqJzA_2yTvZQR1K19d6g4UpLUr_XAiPFKToo76Aa7aaq0-74CH_1IemgYiBhUq7oYLWtqsdVee7aKe3a-3_Ph0o11fInBPoiyUcvtHcNpaQw9yaE_JoFK24cSjdu68_pdk5jfY/s320/603%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Benson was also begrudgingly willing to lend us the lone horse and cart they had here (a 2 wheel seriously reinforced and upgraded conveyance that Rhygar practiced with before we were going to leave). Tentatively, the plan was to have us arrive as representatives from Grymeria, bringing some “raw materials” that the place might need since their “accident”. We would have Rhygar and Shim in a coffin, Connal would wear the Shroud and pretend to be a revenant, Eoghan would be the foreman, Darius and Wilhelm would be the “strong backs” and laborers, and Grendel was going to be the boatman and for now, not enter. Since he had the Terrain Boots, he was the best to handle the water and wait since the boots allowed him to walk on any surface.</p><p>We left on Birthmonth the first after some talk with Ygraine and proceeded to follow our path back through the Central Canaslan lands and Rye fields until we were far enough north of Wendover and Dark Lake, that we were able to finally come back to the Highway Forest. Once here we relied on Eoghan to look for his blaze markings that he had made when we had hidden the rowboat, and the ranger was having a rough time. He slowed us down, spent some time crouching and looking about, maneuvered around trees, and generally was so lost and frustrated looking that Darius had to ask him flat out if he knew where the hell he was and is he really a ranger or just pretending to be? “You don’t like the rain, the wind, the cold, you get unhappy when you’re outside for any length of time, you trip and stumble often, and now you’re looking around the forest for a boat that you marked where you put it, and you can’t find your own markings.”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq892y-QV1_ntgBeNgBSuvEDIF-5Do5sRMal0sQpQlukDZkPWCoeXXVYW1a2JVEa6fta_7T0YyV5W166Dtb3hJMb4icOtZ6md5aQTw2PD2yWCClhYXXI8EoqBTYAEB2sf5cXhJcZzhpDuz43NzoQ45vAGwaiY-coXL1R9ReSqanwE_-unt_KXBcFOSigw/s246/603%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="246" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq892y-QV1_ntgBeNgBSuvEDIF-5Do5sRMal0sQpQlukDZkPWCoeXXVYW1a2JVEa6fta_7T0YyV5W166Dtb3hJMb4icOtZ6md5aQTw2PD2yWCClhYXXI8EoqBTYAEB2sf5cXhJcZzhpDuz43NzoQ45vAGwaiY-coXL1R9ReSqanwE_-unt_KXBcFOSigw/s1600/603%202.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><p></p><p>At this point we were debating climbing a tree or anything else and Shim was going to speak with Jessie to see if the rabbit might be able to help…</p><p>…when a guy in a pickup truck speeding down the block lost control of his vehicle and tried to stop with a squeal of tires before slamming into Rik/Shim’s parked classic vehicle, driving it back 17’ feet up the driveway, as the driver came to horrific stop breaking his collar bone, ripped his door open, and fell unconscious slamming into the ground and breaking his nose in the process before everyone came outside to see what the hell was going on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSbWgcAZeypUAiLDaYSE25ekbKSxj-LnTsOapusV1yvRiMhxKbK58p6R8_OmvWqMHvT1Rs5GmskPqEdOONt18fbM42_HJuJOcR3DMP0vy1kiLYE1WAkbj3teTw1e74z928Uvqf6o25NMFK7f3BYS2uJp5qj_tEoldBRqg-fR6QDkmpbYoGWzoA5Oy1W0/s480/IMG_3097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSbWgcAZeypUAiLDaYSE25ekbKSxj-LnTsOapusV1yvRiMhxKbK58p6R8_OmvWqMHvT1Rs5GmskPqEdOONt18fbM42_HJuJOcR3DMP0vy1kiLYE1WAkbj3teTw1e74z928Uvqf6o25NMFK7f3BYS2uJp5qj_tEoldBRqg-fR6QDkmpbYoGWzoA5Oy1W0/w640-h360/IMG_3097.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>So yep – game sort of ended and we could have picked it up again an hour later, but Rik was not in the right frame of mind so we played Villagers instead – and Dean lost because he sucks.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-68611632487743485592023-09-15T23:33:00.003-04:002023-09-15T23:33:27.327-04:00Meet 55, Adv 11, 5/27/23<p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><i>I had taken the summer off on doing these updates for a bit and seriously contemplated stopping the write ups entirely. But my group expressed a desire for me to continue them so here I am again - updating this blog for now. Thanks for those who were looking for an update and still following along.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><i>Follows:</i></span></p><p>The Forget me not flowers were a bit wilted today so Shim forced himself through the front of the cave and collected a few more for the party, plaiting them once more into a ring for us to use and hold – a few were also stacked up by the cave entrance in case we lost ours. From there we fired off another light spell and made our way through the caves.</p><p>Eventually we came to the room with the cliffs and pits and Connal and Shim went across at first without issue. Once there , Shim kept watch as Grendel crossed. Finally it was Eoghan’s turn and the ranger slipped off and fell to the floor below, 20’ down. Luckily he missed the jagged spars down there. Already in a shitty mood from poor sleep, he begrudgingly waited there, slowly making his way to the other side when the light allowed him to.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgEGhb9upm6RFqCgIh9agESbAhoD1jge9qv4aK2sHmEqoYzfLFAOA688XhwsMBGaHaztIFFdVoN3-ZEAtxXtMkPm3mlvxrBun36-dJfZrc5j8Hrve42QUFx5UU4cTSEFbeRmdChDRjxiE8qynXCvBT3aLBAFCHRdVCUdOFyi5QXyZ-UbsJtHU2EGyXpI/s275/527%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgEGhb9upm6RFqCgIh9agESbAhoD1jge9qv4aK2sHmEqoYzfLFAOA688XhwsMBGaHaztIFFdVoN3-ZEAtxXtMkPm3mlvxrBun36-dJfZrc5j8Hrve42QUFx5UU4cTSEFbeRmdChDRjxiE8qynXCvBT3aLBAFCHRdVCUdOFyi5QXyZ-UbsJtHU2EGyXpI/s1600/527%201.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was a bit after 9 before everyone was on the other side and we helped Eoghan up. Healing potions were dispensed and a few spells before we opted to move on. We came to the cloaker room, seeing them dead. The room also didn’t have that cold or dark sensation to it, more testament to the dead horrors. From there we moved on – the passages went off and the ceiling already at 30’ in places, grew taller – there were also places where the walls looked scraped as if something big had forced its way through here.</p><p>Eventually we came to an area where the passage beyond was cavernous – 60’ x 90’, with a 35’ ceiling in places. A passage was on the far side and the place was poorly lit with patches of spectral looking purple and blue glowing soft flames – except for a 40’ diameter patch of darkness.</p><p>We were discussing plans and options and getting a bit loud about when the gloom spoke to us, “Enough! By my father! It’s been 3 years and you’re the first things I’ve been able to speak to, might as well come in.”</p><p>Lovely.</p><p>We took our time and asked the voice to drop the darkness –revealing a 12’ tall, 35’ long shredded winged and scarred up dragon. Identified itself as Gorthak the Hunter, 23rd scion of his father Lord Emberwine. He was charged and quested to hunt down the stealers of the Desmondian Key (Yurshin and company) and kill them all. On completion he could then return home. He killed 3 of them before one escaped and he’s been stuck here ever since. His father is not a forgiving soul and with no way to leave, he could tell the last is still alive so Gorthak’s been waiting.</p><p>He demanded to know how we got in, got Darius and Eoghan confused, and then when no answers were forthcoming, it went to combat. Sparks were struck in the back of Gorthak’s throat and he unleashed a breath on the party. Battle was joined and it was time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVKlMoHcmjRFe5P3YpqR06OQl2kKqeT3gDSZWAM1zXf4YHBDQ-bXbw3MPRLtSxsNHvRs55Mot1dlGhMLvc5-rK9YDaB8-ws-QKTyguvk0P6dT939aUCdIT10jJjaGuv7_ZeK5OWHHyWPDTwUpBTUYiezqHml0JDMDbMo65MUXGSfYwGv8GX8gTiH-9OA/s253/527%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="199" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVKlMoHcmjRFe5P3YpqR06OQl2kKqeT3gDSZWAM1zXf4YHBDQ-bXbw3MPRLtSxsNHvRs55Mot1dlGhMLvc5-rK9YDaB8-ws-QKTyguvk0P6dT939aUCdIT10jJjaGuv7_ZeK5OWHHyWPDTwUpBTUYiezqHml0JDMDbMo65MUXGSfYwGv8GX8gTiH-9OA/s1600/527%202.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><p></p><p>Slings were slung and spears were stabbed. Grendel and Connal were front and center while Eoghan took pot shots with his crossbow. A wild elf was summoned and she was immediately smacked with a tail and knocked down. Connal swapped to fists and drew in closer and we poured on the attacks. The monk took a bad barrage of claw swipes and bites.</p><p>We tried to target Gorthak’s last good eye, eventually getting a decent enough blow that he was momentarily blinded and then charged forward to crush the group – who ran out of the way and he slammed into the wall instead. Inhaling and striking sparks, Shim held off his summon to the right time and fired off a summon spell – getting a wild elf – to appear right inside the dragon’s mouth – and it was immolated, taking the entirety of the blasting breath.</p><p>It turned and followed the group, biting and clawing, but eventually the badly neglected Gorthak fell over and was dead. We harvested some vials of blood, and one of its teeth. It had a pathetically small horde of coins and some crystals that we took and then went on to the next chamber. It was here we found the remains of Benson’s group, and we bagged them up, putting the magical items in the last bag. From there we went to the last chamber and using the Desmondian Key, unlocked the diamond and took it out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRKeuLkT6WJY-Y08ZCZxTqKUWjahrBGmnn0ytOhVH8732ceD92wtdTcCrTgybR9OXlkRkKOG6JUh7lJ2zy9kIZ3oY3yxmP7hJmQ8F-U9HZ4uLcpO7oSgOYKaSOA6j7D1Q2mIDkucTsSSEWYoiCfhHwho-bj2y64A9zgPrM_aIN8ekb3bUgeMvVlX1e_0/s225/527%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRKeuLkT6WJY-Y08ZCZxTqKUWjahrBGmnn0ytOhVH8732ceD92wtdTcCrTgybR9OXlkRkKOG6JUh7lJ2zy9kIZ3oY3yxmP7hJmQ8F-U9HZ4uLcpO7oSgOYKaSOA6j7D1Q2mIDkucTsSSEWYoiCfhHwho-bj2y64A9zgPrM_aIN8ekb3bUgeMvVlX1e_0/s1600/527%203.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was a large 20 sided faceted stone of the utmost clarity and color. There were spells scribed on every surface and more spells scribed on the inside of the stone on each surface. It was ridiculously complex. Shim tried a Read magic on it and was overwhelmed, knocked out for 4 hours after bleeding from his eyes, nose, ears, and gums. When he would awake he was unable to even comprehend the difficulty of the spell in question but was haunted by two images – what appeared to be a mountain somewhere in Rand lifting up and exploding – the shock wave reaching his view and obliterating everything. And what seemed to be 3 women of various ages at a loom, undoing a large section of work they were weaving.</p><p>We went back to the boat and rowed back to Nobleton and the Last Standing Ranch. Greeted by Rhygar and a number of the staff, we went to the Lodge where Benson motioned us to stay and tell our tale for now. We regaled everyone of our adventure and the fight with Gorthak. Darius and Rhygar came to an understanding for now and made up. Eventually we met with Benson and after giving him his companion’s remains, he went over the items we had found.</p><p>Amulet of Dogs – a large bronze disk and necklace with canine symbols on it – When worn dogs are automatically friendly with wearer. 2/day for 2 minutes, can talk with 1 dog. Also, when wearing, gives a +4 to listening and allows listening checks when sleeping. Eoghan took this</p><p>Terrain Boots – High soft boots, sturdy and dwarven design – wearer can walk on any surface without falling through. Water, fire, webs, rope, lava. If run and jump, can get the benefit of a jump spell up to 2/day. Grendel took these.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6EShXwQz9etUh-D2pnnahSw10pCqoAE1QanIiZiW5OxdhII6hihypuuatO3qdeTo7WQu_lnkubUJduPDE9v5C-7UZuuaETzl9y_VXHrG7Pn9GnvgqlpnmqG2Z9hY788KVxeq8H61ZqogzGCBn1EorrYUcIeeLjvLtRrQhChtm2YbEl2C0_aGmZ98Ru8/s262/527%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="262" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6EShXwQz9etUh-D2pnnahSw10pCqoAE1QanIiZiW5OxdhII6hihypuuatO3qdeTo7WQu_lnkubUJduPDE9v5C-7UZuuaETzl9y_VXHrG7Pn9GnvgqlpnmqG2Z9hY788KVxeq8H61ZqogzGCBn1EorrYUcIeeLjvLtRrQhChtm2YbEl2C0_aGmZ98Ru8/s1600/527%204.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><p></p><p>Spell Cleave – Hand Axe, blued steel – midnight blank handle, red crystals running through shaft. Weapon is +1 to hit and damage – and if a spell targets the wielder, they may give up their next “to hit” to cut the spell and kill it – Any one spell that target’s wielder. If it’s an AOE spell, effects against the wielder are divided in half power (half if fail, no dam if save). Darius took this.</p><p>Ring of Protection +3 – Gold and silver band with strands of mithril running through the join lines. +3 to AC and +3 to all saves. Cannot be combined with any other Ring of Protection. Won’t work if AC is above “20”. Shim took this.</p><p>Dagger of Sharpness - Dagger +2, and it Criticals on a 16. Shiny steel blade with a woven wire handle. If used to sunder/parry – does double damage vs other weapon. Connal took this.</p><p>Nightmare Shroud - Hooded cloak that appears to be well made homespun from the outside but the inside it dark material and soft. If worn offers a +5 to hide in shadows, covers entire face in smoky billowing vapors, and the wearer’s eyes are a pair of red orbs; makes identifying the wearer impossible, also deepens their voice. In addition, gives a +3 on Will Saves. Connal took this.</p><p>Bracer of the Instant Bow – Boiled leather bracer with symbols of Uller, Norse god of the hunt on it. If the wielder of the bracer was to thrust his/her arm forward, a Quickdrawed bow appears and loads it with an arrow if any are available on wielder’s person. If wielder gets Multiple shots, allows a first shot BEFORE initiative is rolled, other shots go later in initiative order. This ability counts for 1st round like that. Subsequent rounds do not get the 1st shot before initiative, but the bow after that round is considered +1 to hit. Bow also radiates light as intense as a lantern for 20 minutes/day – divided however the wielder wants. Eoghan took this.</p><p>Lightning Bottle - Gnomish Markings on it and harvest labeled from the vessel Thunder Kick. Thick walled glass bottle with 4 lightning bolts within. Cap can be opened and lightning shot at target. 60’ for 5d6 Damage (half if saved). Bottle is pretty much unbreakable (save at DC: 2) while lighting is in bottle. Shim took this for now.</p><p>Bleakwinter – Scimitar of white steel with blued edge and marking running down the fuller. Icing Fire Scimitar. +1, +3 vs fire creatures. Blue fire runs around the blade, light like a candle – 5’ radius. Wielder gets a +4 save vs any ice or fire spell. Wilhelm took this.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiev1MUvscKni_NN_mr224V1KwPd-K6ua8811jQQY8442r_uAfrJge_PGyL6ETaPAKiW5p5b3rtTBQmUo6RxsOhY8fOulqfug2sCkUVT4hLF-knniCkqxbqKnX-GgghkSlU_7xETxsWl36Un2C2SJ7PmK2EhZ7-C719AaLMqzpjbiQCGGc3FxtDEoi-df0/s174/527%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="174" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiev1MUvscKni_NN_mr224V1KwPd-K6ua8811jQQY8442r_uAfrJge_PGyL6ETaPAKiW5p5b3rtTBQmUo6RxsOhY8fOulqfug2sCkUVT4hLF-knniCkqxbqKnX-GgghkSlU_7xETxsWl36Un2C2SJ7PmK2EhZ7-C719AaLMqzpjbiQCGGc3FxtDEoi-df0/s1600/527%205.jpg" width="174" /></a></div><p></p><p>Half League Bracer – Leather bracer with slots for 4 stones – each is cracked. When loaded with mana stones – can open a Bifrost portal that will teleport up to 10 people (if all 4 stones are present) 3 miles away. Each use of the Bracer has a chance of weakening a manastone – making it slowly less effective. Eoghan took this for now. We would need to figure out how to get manastones at some point.</p><p>An array of magic and treasures like this we had never seen before. Benson let us know that Ygraine was getting better and would be ready to travel in a few days tops. We went over a plan to sneak into Wendover and decided to go in as if we were Grymerians. Crossing by boat and clad in different items than before – we hoped to get in there and then find our stuff and leave before we were seen or discovered. There was a main floor, a second floor with tiny windows, the 1st basement where all the offices and storage rooms and some work rooms were, and the 2nd basement where the cells and main alchemy lab was – now flooded. We suspected the brewery portion was on the main floor and that left either the 2nd floor for our stuff or the 1st basement. We’d discuss it more on the morrow. For now, we were going to rest and get some sleep after finalizing our plans.</p><p>Plantmonth the 30th, 6 PM.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-61604573772102385762023-07-14T21:36:00.003-04:002023-07-14T21:36:39.308-04:00Temple of Elemental Evil - Meet 32, 5/17/23<p><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: verdana;"><i>The group was torn between more exploring and going back for some hirelings/henchmen. Decided to go back, train a bit, and hire some people. Good call!</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: verdana;"><i>Follows (Sorry, no pics this time):</i></span></p><p>After some discussion, we opted to leave. Maybe go to the Tower and rest up, but we’ve done a good exploration of the greater Temple for now. We wanted to maybe talk about some further training, set up the wizards for a mage’s test, and possibly hire a thief if we could before going deeper into the Temple. So we worked our way to the exit corridor when we heard voices down there. Snarling and murmuring. Damn it – Ophelia confirmed it along with Pestle and Albert – ghouls. And more than 1 easily.</p><p>So we drew ourselves up and the thought was to hit the corner hard and then go on through, but the ghouls were closing and…they were armed! Three of them had shields standing in front at the ready, 2 with clubs, and one with a crossbow that was shot as Pestle – knocking the gnome to the ground. Damn it – everyone got behind a column as we hoped to goad them to come in – but they were wily – and knew about the cage trap – so stayed back and loaded up again.</p><p>We then came up with the half dress/on fire/ tied to a spear/flame burst version of great plans – and it worked! The ones in the front were battling the flames while Furd hurled one of the nickel bowling balls at them, making the lead one splinter his shield. With only 1 missile weapon on their end and not wanting to risk the cage trap, the ghouls were surprising to us in their decision to withdraw – showing more cunning and thought than we were comfortable with.</p><p>At this point, we wanted out so we drew up with Torrand and Furd in the front, and then the rest of the group behind. And we jogged down the hall, engaging 2 ghouls that were at the corner and waiting for us! As the 2 fighters struggled against the undead, the rest of the group hit the corner and turned south, running. Once everyone was clear, the two of them disengaged and ran after the rest of the party, Torrand’s new bracelet preventing him from being paralyzed. Thanks Furd!</p><p>Pestle shot off a Mirror Image spell in case things went horribly, and the group could hear MORE ghouls giving chase – the number now swelling to 9. We ran south the next intersection, turned west, and hit the stairs at over 12 mph, legs pumping and arms reaching as we raced up them, the ghouls not too far behind. Once up to the priest’s room, we ran out the door, Albert already casting, finishing his spell a split instant after Torrand and Furd ran from of the portal, slamming it closed. It immediately sealed up in place, a deep red and silver glow coming from it. “Three minutes people!” Sir Albert of Blackstaff shouted out, spurring the group to run on.</p><p>We ran through the temple, the nave, and the vestibule, hitting the main doors out about the same time that echoing crashes from in the Cathedral let us know the ghouls were no longer held by the ensorcelled door. We ran across the grounds, leaping over brush and roots, the cry of Ravens chasing us as we charged through the Uskfruit grove and then finally the Tower.</p><p>Once there we exhaustedly entered and decided yes, we are going back to Nulb for now. Torrand was invited, but we didn’t know if he could come, and how that would work. He went to his room, came out and relocked the door and we left, heading north and west. Pestle used her new Figurine to summon a horse, feeling pretty good sitting in its saddle. Once at the area that we had hacked our way through, we made it out of the Temple grounds and back to the Gnarley Woods.</p><p>Torrand had some sort of coughing fit, almost making his fall over, weird smoke was billowing off his back, nose, eyes, and ears, and then he stood up and was able to talk. He was Sir Torrand Feywind and he and his troupe had been hired to escort a group of scholars and merchants southward to Hommlet maybe 6 or 7 months ago when they were waylaid and lured off course, eventually overrun and brought to the Temple Grounds. Since then he has been doing his best to survive, and his older memories of the Temple are a jumble, but the last week were still clear, as well as any time before he was on the grounds. He has a family, wife, and kids.</p><p>We agreed to go back to Nulb and he’d head home, let everyone know he was fine, and then return here in 2 weeks and rejoin them for the same rate: 10 crowns/day plus a share of the treasure. It took us 4 hours to get back to Nulb, Pestle loving her steed, learning that it could ride across water as we rode through the river here and it ran across the top. Albert gave a withering glower and offered an ill meaning, “Very nice.”</p><p>It was 9 PM when we arrived back at the College at Nulb and then eventually a meeting with Shev Jackson. We were given leave to stay on campus tonight and would meet with the 4 heads tomorrow to share what we had learned. We also spoke with the Viscountess’s man, Eela, catching him up to speed. Finally we paid a portion of the funds we owed to the Church of St Cuthbert: 13 crowns, 18 nobles, and 40 coppers – leaving us with about 8,485 crowns to go. Ugh</p><p>We rested and after getting dispensation to study, some of us spoke with Percy Threecoppers about our mage’s tests. He arranged to have it done during the next 2 weeks while others spoke to Tricia Ferris about hiring a thief if possible. She arranged for us to meet with 3 of them to interview and we had a nice meet with 2 of them so far. Still much to do before we go back out there and 2 weeks pass quickly.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-67904510052116696512023-07-03T20:56:00.003-04:002023-07-03T20:56:24.510-04:00Meet 54, Adv 11, 5/13/23<p>Plantmoth the 29th and the group was going to go across South Wind Lake to the caves there, and find not only the Desmondian Diamond, but also the remains of the Benson Trimend’s group and their gear – which we would then use to go back to Wendover and get our original gear again. In order to do that, we would need some equipment now – and for that, Benson went over what stores and gear he or others had here in Nobleton to equip the party with.</p><p>It was a surprising amount of items – leather and chain, shields, helms, swords, spears, even a crossbow. We discussed who would be taking what and it was here that Darius pulled Rhygar aside and let the young half-orc know that he was not going to go on this trip. Rhygar didn’t understand and spelled out why he’d be a help on this adventure – and he had been on the other ones as well, but Darius was pretty firm about it. This was not his fight and he could not risk the young valet to falling victim. Eventually, he had to make it an order – a fact that rubbed Rhygar very much the wrong way. He agreed to it, but you could tell that the 2 of them were going to further discuss this when Darius came back.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wpeGA-PinKhChmW9dGsF88XapiQJtFmvtFWYJvepc_xUEbnrLqYfQPvOUJsiaGKczgmqmCFpTPvs0GwhJFGpN73Id3iUFzQ-d8I2NY5oNqbE20Ct-j5asrL0sJrNx9BhEywRVO0-ukrWx91jIgoWq__p4h_ye6gys2OSZM4pHy5MbTVp6NK5XV97hyc/s256/513%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="256" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wpeGA-PinKhChmW9dGsF88XapiQJtFmvtFWYJvepc_xUEbnrLqYfQPvOUJsiaGKczgmqmCFpTPvs0GwhJFGpN73Id3iUFzQ-d8I2NY5oNqbE20Ct-j5asrL0sJrNx9BhEywRVO0-ukrWx91jIgoWq__p4h_ye6gys2OSZM4pHy5MbTVp6NK5XV97hyc/w400-h308/513%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>While we were outfitting ourselves, we also had the idea to send all we learned in a note back to the rest of the party in Erylond. So we wrote it down and addressed to the rest of the Vanguards of Ragnarok. Sail let us know that post goes about once a week to Paxian and then it goes out from there. Nothing now obviously with the Canaslanian Chickens at the gates – but the gnome promised to send it off when the coast was clear and the caravan returns. We hoped to be home long before the note arrives there – but in case things go wrong – this would be a good second.</p><p>By 10:30 we were ready to go and loaded into the rowboat before shoving off and rowing. And it was obvious that this was not going to go well. Grendel and Darius were the main rowers and it took almost 9 minutes before they achieved any sort of rhythm and pulled with some skill away from the shore and northward. The rowing was hard, the breeze blowing that way helped, but it still took the better part of an hour and then some to reach the rocky shore on the other side. Grendel hurt his arm during the long rowing and would need some time to rest once we arrived at the beach.</p><p>We dragged the boat up and took the shore and area in. The wind was a constant here and it has carved the south facing hills here into a long slope, 500 feet plus tall. Scattered stones and grasses and wildflowers abounded. There were 5 obvious caves over here, and we had been warned that the Rooster, Rikki Kawa, makes his home over here somewhere.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP42SCZ-DFGcT6uz7bHphzxH5B48MlNRA7gM22GuSyqPG4VgQkeFrhLYm3UN6dO6kr_p4G7AAsQ4RIPGjK0LFVZJ0fKgCY6FAy0Un6FTB7abMLN7SE1DNvwCsN1y7p2f-PuQ6Ff8Mufs7cxATVL7Y6CBy7_OSxdg6NZb0IHS6Dyz12y0nxBH7UggrNaGw/s265/513%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="265" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP42SCZ-DFGcT6uz7bHphzxH5B48MlNRA7gM22GuSyqPG4VgQkeFrhLYm3UN6dO6kr_p4G7AAsQ4RIPGjK0LFVZJ0fKgCY6FAy0Un6FTB7abMLN7SE1DNvwCsN1y7p2f-PuQ6Ff8Mufs7cxATVL7Y6CBy7_OSxdg6NZb0IHS6Dyz12y0nxBH7UggrNaGw/s1600/513%202.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><p></p><p>We looked around, spotting violets growing everywhere. We went up slope and down beach, checking a cave for any signs of chicken prints – and finding none. We discussed which cave to go to, thinking the beastie, dragon? Would be at a higher or more distant cave. The counter argument was that Desmond, a priestly Seer had come to this area to hide the diamond, so he would not go to the most difficult cave if he felt he was being followed. So we went off to the closest one – maybe 200 feet west and perhaps 70’ off the ground level.</p><p>Grendel’s arm was better by now so we headed off to the cave, talking about what we were going to do and how to do it when there was a weird stutter and we were all standing back at the boat at the beach.</p><p>What?</p><p>Did we teleport? Nope, we could see our tracks coming down from the hill, through the dirt, across the sand and stones and ending here. Alright. We tried it again, eyes peeled and watching with care as we got closer to the cave…stutter…back at the boat.</p><p>Ok, did anyone see what happened now? Eoghan was pretty sure we were about a good hundred feet from the cave that time, and Wilhelm thought there was something different about the flowers up there. So we got closer and once there, Shim volunteered to go closer and we watched as he walked right up to the area, turned and started walking back. Darius tossed a rock at the gnome's head and we had to get in his way to stop him before his vision cleared and he looked around, asking why his head hurt.</p><p>Ok – it can be broken. We got closer and Wilhelm was sure the other purple flowers up here were not just violets, but Forget-me-nots as well. Did they have something to do with it? Once more an attempt was made to get to the cave and at 100’ they turned around but now when we stopped in front of them and they “saw” us – they did not go all the way to the boat. Alright – we were closer. Grendel offered to jump, running at the “100’” mark and then leaping into the air, and tripping amongst the flowers. And he stopped turning around. Seems he had ripped up some of the Forget me nots and that allowed him to pass on through. We gathered up handfuls of it and Shim plaited it for us, making sure we were carrying it as we stepped through the area – and kept going. Alright! To the caves.</p><p>It was about quarter to 2 when we came to the cave. 15’ wide, 9’ tall. Dirty and smelled a bit. We went in with care and realized that it got dark after 20 odd paces. Wilhelm fired off a light spell on a rock and we moved on. As we went further in, cave sloped down faintly, running straight for the most part. An odd hissing was ahead of us when through a faint jog to the right in the passage, we could see a larger chamber with 4 lizardlike creatures in it, eating various vermin and moss and lichen. They were red of skin with few patches of scales. The 2 smaller ones were very fast and about 6’ in length. The next larger was a 10’ in length and more vicious looking. And the last was easily 15’ long and had to be a few hundred pounds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjG2vn1xnYk-R7J5Jn4ZCcw7VzK0ljtAVh0b2PtxokbilZqpMcJ06-egYfIh3wazt9JhsMZ3UggL34IyGok2j6WYwtSbQmAiXLLQn7OatWYO_poXNSonXxd7pS2yeIZzezIzq431chs7XE4S-LchvBMKy4v7QN6sQMWKFAMQoFqRbknpbpQvf-JUnmK8Y/s279/513%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="279" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjG2vn1xnYk-R7J5Jn4ZCcw7VzK0ljtAVh0b2PtxokbilZqpMcJ06-egYfIh3wazt9JhsMZ3UggL34IyGok2j6WYwtSbQmAiXLLQn7OatWYO_poXNSonXxd7pS2yeIZzezIzq431chs7XE4S-LchvBMKy4v7QN6sQMWKFAMQoFqRbknpbpQvf-JUnmK8Y/w400-h259/513%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Wilhelm and Eoghan let us know they were most likely drakelings, maybe resistant to fire of some sort and distantly related to dragons. Full sized ones are over 20’ in length and get that size after 5 years. Our gut, spawn of the beastie that took out Benson’s party. We came to the passage cant and tried to entice them to come to us. But the drakelings only ran forward to a certain point then stopped and hissed at us. Why? Looking back, Eoghan guessed they were 100’ from the cave entrance and are subject to the repulsion effect we felt outside – except from the other way. Most likely why the dragonkin or Lord Emberia never left over the last 3 plus years.</p><p>We started off with sling stones and spears, wounding the hell out of the 2 youngest drakelings – especially that we realized they could run up the walls and on the ceiling. They ran to the back of the cave and left, allowing us to close to melee and do battle with the 2 larger drakelings, the larger one taking quite a number of hits before it fell over. We regrouped, came to the corner of the cavern, and save the smaller drakelings were gone. Back in marching order, we moved on.</p><p>Passage narrowed a bit but stayed tall until we came to a larger chamber. The floor was a shattered mess of rough edged chasms going down 20’ to the gloom. There were some places to leap across along the way. SO we gave Connal one end of the rope we had while Darius held the other end, and the monk jumped all the way across to the other side, carrying Shimlagesh to ferry the gnome easily over.</p><p>Once there, it was dark, the light was on the other side with the party, so Shim was on watch with Infravision while Connal held the rope high and taut on his end, Darius doing it on our side. Grendel offered to cross first, holding the rope for balance and aid – and stepped off.</p><p>Missing his mark and dangling over the chasm leg kicking until he managed to get purchase again. What the hell? Stuff it, I got it! Grendel tried again – and this time was able to navigate his way from one side to the other. Helped over to Connal and Shim he sighed and nodded thanks. Sword out, the two of them kept watch while on the other side, Wilhelm was ready to go.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyTrbblU2358L1DUTOv8EzCVxqJIRzeHjJaqwZ_rSHFGdnWgzx8gJ8jjEolwzqBveyPGr58bzvAo7VbAttYy2Wffh1-DrE6UVZU0hlWRp_BANoeu0SyvWAN_5mir8JtPUMi72-3rnjGpZCkM13XSvUeY537YJW7-miFNOQ1BRLaMfQQEjQJ1wqerF2NM/s263/513%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="192" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyTrbblU2358L1DUTOv8EzCVxqJIRzeHjJaqwZ_rSHFGdnWgzx8gJ8jjEolwzqBveyPGr58bzvAo7VbAttYy2Wffh1-DrE6UVZU0hlWRp_BANoeu0SyvWAN_5mir8JtPUMi72-3rnjGpZCkM13XSvUeY537YJW7-miFNOQ1BRLaMfQQEjQJ1wqerF2NM/w292-h400/513%204.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><p></p><p>Got the rope? Yep. Can you see the step to that side? Yep. Feeling confident? Got it! The elven druid stepped out, missed the edge, let go of the rope, and fell 20 feet down the pit, managing to twist his body in time so that he didn’t impale himself on the sharpened rock spars below. Fucking damn it! You ok? No..Yes…No. Fuck! Wilhelm looked about and sighed, dusting himself off. “I’m going to just walk along the bottom here to the other side, send Eoghan across!”</p><p>Meanwhile, all the noise attracted the 2 smaller drakelings back who were running across the ceiling and dove down to bite at Shim and Grendel. The two of them held their own as Connal held the rope for Eoghan, the Ranger making his pass along. A few scratches and bites before the drakelings were turned into paste. Once over to our side, Connal gave his end of the rope to Grendel, skipped back to Darius’ side, and held the rope there. The fighter then made his way back over to everyone else and the monk skipped and leaped his way over again.</p><p>Finally we lowered the rope down the pit for Wilhelm, making sure not to rub the shard edge of the pit, and hoisted the elven druid back up.</p><p>Alright. Had to be about 2:30 when we went on, Wilhelm letting us know we had about half the light spell still remaining. The passage went on for a while to a large chamber, 60’ by 50” It was dark, and the light spell seemed to be less intense in here. Infravision also showed the room was cold, easily 15 to 20 degrees colder than the rest of the area. We didn’t want to just walk in, no one trusted it. So we decided to go back for a drakeling and try to throw it in. Grendel and Connal went one, two, three. And the drakeling went about 4’ in and sat there.</p><p>Damn it. We risked reaching in and grabbing in, the two men talked about exactly how to throw it, and then aiming a bit away from the direction we wanted to go, arced back and let it fly – much better. 10 to 15’ in and it stopped. We were watching it for a bit, not sure what was going on, discussing hugging the wall or straight through when a 15’ diameter patch of darkness fell from the ceiling and engulfed the fallen drakeling! It convulsed around it, biting it from underneath, before it disengaged and went back to the ceiling again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz40ptCm6txNEufD3BOkqTlPB3_PeUyNGAaaiFMzM6yFfW6Enz0yLu0ruUb3mtpZHvDjvJVqzn43LBxnEVHsLUz_Jw7stWc_JEO8Gm6tRjWKNOioMGXg44rVtghF16hA-6o7aCp_H7iYWn62fEz25BYy4el4ClTgFBcS6JOVG7NSRvX7vh0hlV0j15bME/s225/513%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz40ptCm6txNEufD3BOkqTlPB3_PeUyNGAaaiFMzM6yFfW6Enz0yLu0ruUb3mtpZHvDjvJVqzn43LBxnEVHsLUz_Jw7stWc_JEO8Gm6tRjWKNOioMGXg44rVtghF16hA-6o7aCp_H7iYWn62fEz25BYy4el4ClTgFBcS6JOVG7NSRvX7vh0hlV0j15bME/w400-h398/513%205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Darius was a big proponent of how much this sucked and not going in like that. So we got the 2nd drakeling, took aim, and hurled it in. And after almost a minute, the Cloaker fell from the ceiling 20’ up and hit the other drakeling. We moved, single file weapons out, at full pace. But the 3rd of us in marching order had a bit of misfortune as a 2nd Cloaker fell down and hit…Darius! (of course!)</p><p>A patch of blackness with 4 sets of teeth on the underside and numerous red eyes tried to engulf the fighter who had his shield up, keeping it off his face. We swung and stabbed at it, some of our blows telegraphing through the Cloaker to hurt Darius! Shim’s magic missile spell was the most effective, ripping through the Cloaker alone. Darius took a number of bites and it whipped its tail around, slapping at Shim in the process. But when it tried to let go and fly back up to the ceiling, Darius held on the edges and pulled back, the entire Cloaker billowing and snarling like a living parachute. “Hit the fucking thing!”</p><p>With it not on the fighter, the party shot and slammed and tore at the Cloaker, Connal and Eoghan nothing the 1st Cloaker was done biting the drakeling and was going back to the ceiling. The one we were struggling with was getting badly hurt and it tried to wrap around Darius again before we finally landed the killing blow. Holding on to it like a blanket, Darius and the rest of the party ran out of the room.</p><p>Back in the hall, some healing was dispensed and we decided, fuck this, let’s kill the other one. So we coaxed it down with a summon monster spell and as it dropped on the bait, we ran in and stood ON the Cloaker! Stabbing, slashing, and cutting. IT tail whipped about hard but in its poor position, it was easy enough for the party to finally finish it off.</p><p>Alright!</p><p>We were talking about going further in or not. We were a bit broken and beat up, and Shim was pretty low on spells. But we had no torches, no food, no water, no bedrolls. Nothing. Do we row back across the lake? It was almost 3. Going through our assets, we figured that Eoghan and Shim could make some cuts of the drakelings from the first room palatable. As for water, Wilhelm could create 8 gallons of it. Yeah we had no blankets or bedrolls but it was worth the risk of a terrible night sleep to stay here. As for fire, Wilhelm was willing to Log of Everburning some branches if we could get them – which would burn longer and hotter – 4 hours.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4buaoXgSlTjuKZSlFTqXw8U70wf9GlN7wKdd6wkgi6mHiYlmKHBSrxFCvrXB44tI_jPpM5ArxTQSaQ93Rjih0l2gLf9THHcBW2x2TcqfkiQeXtOBesLHjPWUgKxXIYOWrfuS3_gC7M95a3awBZOO5tAFgbpq572nriHMY_9g7Gtp04GrYnt8O7w871yg/s291/513%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="291" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4buaoXgSlTjuKZSlFTqXw8U70wf9GlN7wKdd6wkgi6mHiYlmKHBSrxFCvrXB44tI_jPpM5ArxTQSaQ93Rjih0l2gLf9THHcBW2x2TcqfkiQeXtOBesLHjPWUgKxXIYOWrfuS3_gC7M95a3awBZOO5tAFgbpq572nriHMY_9g7Gtp04GrYnt8O7w871yg/w400-h238/513%206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A few of us, armed with our held Forget Me Nots, risked combing the slopes for branches, driftwood, dried grasses and kindling. We set up a camp near the mouth of the cave, well beyond the 100’ line inside the cave where the “Beastie” and others within can’t seem to pass. We ate the drakeling meat after it had cooked enough, tasteless but filling. We drank what water Wilhelm made and the party rested, doing their best in the rough conditions to get some sleep.</p><p>We awoke the next day and it was cold. The fire had gone out, and it was drizzling – temperate barely going to be 45 today. All of us were sore and achy from the hard ground but rested enough to get some health back. Except for Darius and Eoghan – the two of them did NOT have a good night’s sleep and their attitude was abrasive and curt today. Wilhelm poured out whatever spells he had left, offering some healing to the group that needed it before he prayed once more and eventually got his spells back.</p><p>It was 8:30 AM on Plantmonth the 30th and we felt we were ready enough to go back in and take down the Beastie, get the treasures, and find the Desmondian Diamond.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-60390120407798373032023-06-29T23:53:00.006-04:002023-06-29T23:53:32.598-04:00Temple of Elemental Evil - Meet 31, 5/10/23<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP920X_KJZ08HIZS9T-iw7P9-GzFm1VYIv-40o3_54OWouEjPFqYhQwPvgUcmTsAaW-vEo57MVO_LipZJyIKO-M3AEWqGZVrJ-B8T4GSpHbpoV58ZsUKKs5o4ChbHR1LLu-roLSVoeK7_-zsavHGZ49oGnijq_-MCwOvdqAu1ByRxu1ueR7-FTqu6YwD4/s361/510%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="236" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP920X_KJZ08HIZS9T-iw7P9-GzFm1VYIv-40o3_54OWouEjPFqYhQwPvgUcmTsAaW-vEo57MVO_LipZJyIKO-M3AEWqGZVrJ-B8T4GSpHbpoV58ZsUKKs5o4ChbHR1LLu-roLSVoeK7_-zsavHGZ49oGnijq_-MCwOvdqAu1ByRxu1ueR7-FTqu6YwD4/w261-h400/510%201.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>We discussed our options and figured to head north, as we had heard some fluttering noises in that direction at some point. However as we went to 30 odd paces down, our voices were raised and echoed down the corridor, eventually attracting the attention of…something. It was heavy and was moving from the North passage towards us. We backed up. The group made their way with slow care back to the original intersection, discussed some options – and was almost smashed by a 20 lb hurled nickel iron ball hurled in our direction.<p></p><p>Most of us ran up the stairs except for Furd who grabbed the ball, arced back, and hurled it down the hall. And hit something – that complained loudly. Already, time to go up the stairs as another ball smashed the corner he was standing in. We drew up in battle lines and sure enough, a 10’ tall, 800 lb ogre trudged up the stairs with a club so huge, it had a copper sink tied to the end of it. We fought the crazed Ogre but it was Torrand who struck the killing blow. We grabbed some light treasure, Furd also taking the bag of 5 (6) nickel iron balls. So at 2:45ish, we went back downstairs.</p><p>We went north again, back to the 4 way intersection, and travelled east this time. Decent sized chamber here, lots of filth on the floor. Seemed to be 2 other doors in here. 4 columns to the ceiling 40’ up – each one 4 to 5’ wide. Sounds like some noises and voices up behind the columns. So the wizards summoned some bees and sent them up to instigate/investigate up there. We saw some swatting, a woman's arm, a flash of brown feathers. Cursing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ON7BPZfCY35t-i-nhd8CZExEoMu4w0r0nA1I6kMo-XNmiXN2DG3FpT5fmvvN2VGwYi01VpfUkY9l-kf_M8QGkSj7csOSUnVioHNKQYgny9_vayQq4nOBp7Ps1ABQaZ1f1_F0xXzYsPkLYDGj0rDLxPtn4350eeNHBSU-mAX3DpCL3Yy3kOQHQNitRWc/s230/510%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="219" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ON7BPZfCY35t-i-nhd8CZExEoMu4w0r0nA1I6kMo-XNmiXN2DG3FpT5fmvvN2VGwYi01VpfUkY9l-kf_M8QGkSj7csOSUnVioHNKQYgny9_vayQq4nOBp7Ps1ABQaZ1f1_F0xXzYsPkLYDGj0rDLxPtn4350eeNHBSU-mAX3DpCL3Yy3kOQHQNitRWc/w381-h400/510%202.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><p></p><p>Harpies? Shit.</p><p>They heard us and thought we were in the room, instead of just shy of it. They dropped a 10’x10’ cage down from above, crashing to where we would have been. Then they came out and went to attack us. One of them started singing – and Furd and Torrand were charmed – who then attacked the party – killing Ophelia! In an effort to shut the harpy up, Albert fired a choke spell at it, and it fell from the sky slowly, unable to sing and gasping as it slowly lost altitude.</p><p>And then 6 ghouls charged out of the south door and raced to us – stopped only by the gate. Magic missiles flew, spears stabbed, and we spent a few minutes taking the foes against out one at a time. Finally, and only when it was at long last done, did we go through the trouble of lifting the heavy cage and entering the room. We found the rope to hoist the cage, and once done, held the winch in place with a well placed pin. A few of the harpy feathers were taken for magical quills while we looked over the room the ghouls came from.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLLQIEnDfPwPgfrDt6wp_SMD15NjzRcszaHY4xZ67FbBVqr7T57kHtYUfhE0tT8vrFVXe6D5lhcb9V-zeA-0PQIFncENpWvYJubGUqIqTYy-Vi3-0DccHsH1TM8z-CGAU_j1y27m8h9mubRKsfzHvkSvuDLTllxwErf241nME5bTNyz_VYKtAeZAegxs/s450/510%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLLQIEnDfPwPgfrDt6wp_SMD15NjzRcszaHY4xZ67FbBVqr7T57kHtYUfhE0tT8vrFVXe6D5lhcb9V-zeA-0PQIFncENpWvYJubGUqIqTYy-Vi3-0DccHsH1TM8z-CGAU_j1y27m8h9mubRKsfzHvkSvuDLTllxwErf241nME5bTNyz_VYKtAeZAegxs/s320/510%203.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p></p><p>A few items of interest amidst the garbage – but we did find a set of elven chainmail! A quick armor swap for Ophelia and it was almost 3:30. We approached the north door and on listening – damn it – more ghouls! We set up the cage to fall and tied a rope to the door, eventually getting it open – and more ghouls charged us. We dropped the cage with a mage hand on the pin – and then spent some time killing all but 2 of them. The last 2 ghouls we convinced to leave us alone, and sent them to the south room where we barricaded them in.</p><p>Alright – cage up again and we went to the north door. Some trash in here, more ghoul den. But we did find…a head in a chest. It had “222” carved into his head. Lovely. Door in here on the west wall leading to a living area. Couch, chairs. Set of slippers. And under the couch? A severed leg. Seriously? A leg?!? What the hell?</p><p>A door was here on the south wall and we listened – hearing 2 somethings on the other side – listening to us! Damn it. And it smelled too. Ghouls? Worse? Wights or Ghasts? We were listening with care and heard faintly a door opening and then it got quieter. One of us went back to the other ghoul room and looked into the harpy hall – seeing 2 ghasts who had opened a secret door and were getting closer. Earlier Aredhel had leant her Bracer of Free action to Furd, and knowing we were going to get in a fight with Ghasts, Furd leant the Bracer to Torrand – who misunderstood the gesture and assumed he was now given the bracer of free action.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoofs0ZctY7kZf0QID7rarAoJLbsM_fNExICwH4mZVClaXpEAAz1I9fl67jwgli51C18A7TTWWx0GOlHipfXVCc-hjfieNK4mK9oN0aDve1aI3xKAI4DntoFm9TFcK66O_yso9LFXRP59FAK1GEpInfYAGrH9q-iwTIr4UZT_vrMWYQZmBontfD5p3OI/s262/510%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="262" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoofs0ZctY7kZf0QID7rarAoJLbsM_fNExICwH4mZVClaXpEAAz1I9fl67jwgli51C18A7TTWWx0GOlHipfXVCc-hjfieNK4mK9oN0aDve1aI3xKAI4DntoFm9TFcK66O_yso9LFXRP59FAK1GEpInfYAGrH9q-iwTIr4UZT_vrMWYQZmBontfD5p3OI/s1600/510%204.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><p></p><p>No. Lend. Not give. Lend. Oh, fuck. Fight time! We snuck into the now ghast room and shut the door, just as they arrived to come in and get us. We readied spells and actions and they came in hard. The smell was horrendous and we fought quickly and without any fancy displays. It was still a rough fight but the undead were destroyed. We looked over the room, some treasures, but there was a golden cup that was magical. And some back and forth sampling and attempts showed it to be a Potable Cup (thanks Aredhel!). Anything put into the cup, would be safe to drink afterwards. Nice!</p><p>It was Birthmonth the 11th, about 4:30 – and we were discussing what our next actions were going to be.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-87926471489342013072023-06-27T22:44:00.002-04:002023-06-27T22:44:23.460-04:00Meet 53, Adv 11, 5/6/23<p>It was Plantmonth the 27th and we had escaped from Wendover, sadly with little more than a few weapons, 2 vessels, and the underwear we were wearing. We managed to get Ygraine the Valkyrie free, but she was unconscious right now and soaking wet – weighing in at 300 lbs.</p><p>The thought was to make a sledge to drag her with. But being where we were amidst the trees, we needed a place to go. And that was Nobleton, about 2 miles as the crow flies west of here. And we were not crows. The party carried the angel to the east some 2 to 300 yards until the quality of the trees changed from Cedar and cypress to ash/elm, and pine. From there a few of us went off to gather vines and kudzu to use as rope, while Darius and Rhygar used what branches, sticks, and the like they could find to make a sledge large enough and sturdy enough to survive the passage overland we would have to take. It wasn’t pretty and was crude, and was not going to last forever, but by quarter to 4 – we considered ourselves done.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBsp5PyWzxHdsCZFFOVZPgp_C0Q67pn8h_Rj7ZeIZq5ybY2Hr-NxtjkBp9_QEOuz8gFE15-DVPNOckHenP-PkhR3-83n9eBp6cokzX5B2Vx10PdIlZLlkFgGnqn7NpzstU37FkePwuZGDh1LuKGct5fO7DP81Bi6hY4Rz8c12Qoo8Wgon6A03bn2jtBgk" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="296" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBsp5PyWzxHdsCZFFOVZPgp_C0Q67pn8h_Rj7ZeIZq5ybY2Hr-NxtjkBp9_QEOuz8gFE15-DVPNOckHenP-PkhR3-83n9eBp6cokzX5B2Vx10PdIlZLlkFgGnqn7NpzstU37FkePwuZGDh1LuKGct5fO7DP81Bi6hY4Rz8c12Qoo8Wgon6A03bn2jtBgk" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Connal and Grendel took the first go round to drag the thing. We figured 45 minutes on and then 2 others could drag – Rhygar and Darius. We made our way north and west, circling slowly about the lake, ever watching south the distant town of Wendover through the trees. It was as we were getting closer to the border of the forest that the group heard passage in the forest – and getting closer. The party hid behind trees, a few of us climbing high enough to stay in the branches.</p><p>On looking around we could see 3 figures inching closer, sniffing and moving oddly. They got close enough for Shim and Connal to identify them for us. “Ghouls!” they hissed. “Damned ghouls!” The undead sniffed harder and charged us – Grendel, Rhygar, and Darius at the base of the trees, weapons up, sling spinning.</p><p>Shim summoned a wild horse who appeared in a puff of smoke, whinnying and kicking one of the ghouls, stopping it from running closer. The others ran up and Darius slung a big assed rock at one of them, busting its hip and forcing it to fall over. Connal dropped out of a tree and disabled another. Spears stabbed and the party cut and slashed. Another sling stone tore a ghoul’s lower jaw clean off and finally – we put them down. “That was…lucky!” The party noted. Ygraine was still out and we continued to sledge westward, the invisible Valkyrie safely in place.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUO50i15nnkcFtkuZiWEJHLEtz2gkRnicWVUr7zQos33gUhozMTZ13YItYL8XXj8ChJT7_jCWdnDgDMPHHqLXK07-sjNDqfxk3aI5VBbq1Z2xm38_hhNrM3gScJHq4A122YBJaOQYMJjUDjQOc89vGWtKOcyTIVJl7uBLDEu5ldmf533bZukT-58hgthM" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUO50i15nnkcFtkuZiWEJHLEtz2gkRnicWVUr7zQos33gUhozMTZ13YItYL8XXj8ChJT7_jCWdnDgDMPHHqLXK07-sjNDqfxk3aI5VBbq1Z2xm38_hhNrM3gScJHq4A122YBJaOQYMJjUDjQOc89vGWtKOcyTIVJl7uBLDEu5ldmf533bZukT-58hgthM" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The group swapped out for Rhygar and Darius to pull as we made our way further and further. We were pretty shot, hungry, thirsty. Our feet were hurting with no shoes or boots, the ground uncompromising as we plodded on. IN the distance we could see a lake, South Wind Lake, and the faint outline of a walled town on the south shore of it. It was quarter after 5 and Connal and Grendel took over pulling duties as we moved on. The distance was shrinking and we were growing weary.</p><p>And then it happened. In the distance north of us, we heard the “Buk buk Bwak!” of a wild Canaslanian Chicken. The rye grass we were walking in was 3’ tall and we could see faintly movement up there. Nothing to worry about – let’s keep going. A few minutes later an answering “buk buk Bwak” to our south. More chickens. North and south? Um.. ok. Let’s go. We picked up the pace a little. Eoghan was able to get a feel that we had a number of Chickens to our north, south, and now east – behind us. 20? 30? More? They were keeping their distance – a hundred yards or so – but were definitely swelling in flock size.</p><p>We did what we could to speed up as the clucking grew closer and closer. And ahead of us we could see maybe 40 yards or so, a 4 count stuck their heads up over the rye and “buk buk Bwaked!”.</p><p>And then, to our north, the distant call and cock a doodle doo of a full sized Canaslanian Rooster sounded out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj63OVoqSeSVu76RzI6grj15gwNEq6ARuAdXlEF7JAdIxR6LqN0PrY_Bk4Hh2r3BX8WLJUGAkc6FyodSRwK81Ks0D4xHVkEBAk6vdEXc14Au9SWb1Pm9BOBT_wsIsec_0VRXlfgYAPSg22ZKH6jDWJu2TXK9xlzxfvCxlBb2JYAOnMLtsUD8yTYuVbdQmY" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj63OVoqSeSVu76RzI6grj15gwNEq6ARuAdXlEF7JAdIxR6LqN0PrY_Bk4Hh2r3BX8WLJUGAkc6FyodSRwK81Ks0D4xHVkEBAk6vdEXc14Au9SWb1Pm9BOBT_wsIsec_0VRXlfgYAPSg22ZKH6jDWJu2TXK9xlzxfvCxlBb2JYAOnMLtsUD8yTYuVbdQmY" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>And the mass of chickens around us went fucking nuts and charged!!</p><p>We ran – and ran hard. Connal’s feet were still ripped up from the hooks earlier so was going slower already, but was even further slowed by the pull of the sledge he and Grendel were running with. Meanwhile Eoghan’s Longstrider effect was still on but only for a short time. Shim raised his hands and the Ranger snatched up the gnome, and RAN hard to the west and the town of Nobleton. We quickly spread out with Eoghan and Shim in the front, then Wilhelm charging along with Darius and Rhygar right behind the elven druid. And then last was Grendel and Connal and the sledge that was bouncing around with the invisible angel tied to the surface. And the Chickens came – running pell mell to attack. They jumped out of the grass, clawing and pecking. Connal got scratched and his underwear torn at the shoulder and the sledge made a snapping sound as a 22 lb chicken slammed into it like a cannon ball – but it held.</p><p>The group pounded the ground, kicking and running as Chickens burst from the grass to hit and buffet the back three. The elf and monk were getting hit and Darius slowed down a bit with Rhygar. Meanwhile Eoghan stopped, turned Shim around, held him steady and the gnome called out a summon spell – and an orc appeared! He looked around and frowned, asking, “Am I in Canaslan?!”</p><p>Shim nodded and told him, “Hold them off as long as you can!” pointing to the boiling mass of 40+ chickens and rising coming towards us.</p><p>“Wouldn’t you rather I come with you?!” The summoned orc wailed as the ranger lifted Shim up and once more…WHOOM – burst of speed ran ahead. The orc readied his weapons and attacked, Grendel and Connal spotting him briefly as they charged passed and then the orc screamed in horror as he was ripped and torn apart.</p><p>Run!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRG9KjfP1c6nI3uNik5V_-ZCxILqVXBJBN7GCyV8B3e_dW5b0MK9pfqiubXv7LN9VOv829qeZhfngvK9t87GWQW5pUw1pmEeeBYS4NII_ZipG1CZLaN9NHJAcG54BRAXIYZmOHY5UwdMdoHqxu83lYBudDKKHm9rJpIRnFPF-nhDc8OFaAccUMV8L_Iaw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRG9KjfP1c6nI3uNik5V_-ZCxILqVXBJBN7GCyV8B3e_dW5b0MK9pfqiubXv7LN9VOv829qeZhfngvK9t87GWQW5pUw1pmEeeBYS4NII_ZipG1CZLaN9NHJAcG54BRAXIYZmOHY5UwdMdoHqxu83lYBudDKKHm9rJpIRnFPF-nhDc8OFaAccUMV8L_Iaw=w400-h224" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Grendel was smashed again and again as the chickens kept ripping at him. At one point he stepped poorly on the ground and split his heel wide open but grit his teeth, snarled, “This is fucking bullshit!” and ran through the pain. As the horde of chickens threatened to grow too large again, Eoghan was safely enough ahead to stop once more, turn Shim around and the gnome cast another spell – summoning a wild barbaric elf! The wild elf had a bow in her hand and could see the area around us, and the now almost 50 chickens racing towards us. “Damn it, gnome! Did you summon me to Canaslan!?!”</p><p>“Hold them off!” Shim cried out as Eoghan picked him up once more and they ran on.</p><p>“GNOME!” The elf turned and fired two arrows, picking off 2 of the chickens that were ready to jump on the monk, clearing a small place behind them, before she too ran on ahead until she could risk another 2 shots.</p><p>Meanwhile more chickens were hitting the sledge and pieces were cracking and breaking off. For a moment it slowed as a strut furrowed the ground behind before the offending branch snapped in half and spun away. Connal and Grendel were gasping for air, covered in dozens of scratches. Their feet looked like reddened lumps of ham as they pressed on leaving bloody flecks flying behind. And the rooster’s call was getting closer.</p><p>Run!!</p><p>From the wall Eoghan could see a figure on top waving them forward and the gate was opened as well, a figure there with a huge bag on his back was jumping and flailing his arms. “Hurry!” They called, “Hurry!” The elf fired two more arrows, picking another 2 chickens off Connal’s back before she was overrun. Eoghan slowed down, stopped and helped Shim turn around and the gnome fired off 3 magic missiles, scattering feathers and angry poultry. Grendel was hit again and again, the elf faltering. Darius slowed down to pace him and using his harpoon, swung it like a bat to keep the most aggressive chickens from taking the elf down.</p><p>It was getting dicey at this point if we were going to make it but Eoghan and Shim fired off one more blast of magic missiles before turning for the gate and charging to it. On the wall was a dwarven figure with what seemed to be 4 small trebuchets set up, screaming at the distant party, to “RUN!” At the gate was a half orc with a huge rope and leather looking bag on his back, a 7’ metal tube held in his hands pointing away and towards the charging mass. A gnome was on a platform over the orc’s head wearing a leather apron and thick long fingered gloves, and another gnome was at the orc’s side, a torch lit and ready but held very far away from them for some reason.</p><p>The party ran on, Wilhelm racing through the gate next and then Rhygar. A few last frantic chickens tried to attack, shredding the last of Connal’s shirt portion of his underwear, leaving him bear chested and racing with rags in his hand, and a furious pounding dive bomb attempt to shatter the sledge (hit – got it down to 4 hp but still not fully broken !) that snapped a support piece and began the spew broken branches behind it. Connal and Grendel hurled themselves through the gate as the cart broke apart and threatened to roll, screaming in fury as they made it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhntdfa3tCEKVcUgOzq5XOExGFw5qieb0GSxylMt0mKFsicG_9rfPF5HlY52Gauf1aFSLqDKdmqwPSXnfSdIcUk-A0vvm0wXdXODcKT45lO0LAYnFS9zGJ53JMILaTOC9N_RZMTYivaatZE-vINwplS7isiLe8WMlmCbqxWA_yDq9-syhbPyjVtASqkLsg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="204" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhntdfa3tCEKVcUgOzq5XOExGFw5qieb0GSxylMt0mKFsicG_9rfPF5HlY52Gauf1aFSLqDKdmqwPSXnfSdIcUk-A0vvm0wXdXODcKT45lO0LAYnFS9zGJ53JMILaTOC9N_RZMTYivaatZE-vINwplS7isiLe8WMlmCbqxWA_yDq9-syhbPyjVtASqkLsg" width="198" /></a></div><p></p><p>The trebuchets on the wall fired and 4 large half gallon glass jars of firewater arced up and fell into the mass of chickens, burning big swaths of grasses as the Chickens with red murder in their eyes leapt forward.</p><p>Before they did, the gnome leapt from the platform, hit the bag hard and reached down to the ropes and pulled – sending some liquid racing through the bladders and down the metal tube at a rapid velocity. And the other gnome held the torch in front of the spewing aerated liquid as the orc aimed – and a tongue of fire 30’ long arced out for 11 seconds with a WHOOSHING sound and set ablaze every chicken within range of the gate, making the others back up and Bawk with fury. As the fire died out the dwarf had already dropped down to the ground and was helping to shove the gate closed, the locking bar set in place.</p><p>And we could hear for a few minutes angry chickens hurl their bodies at the gate in an attempt to get inside. “Yer all a daft bunch, ain’t ye?” the dwarf asked, identifying himself at Yrning. One of the gnomes and the half orc were taking the flame throwing contraption off and hanging it on a series of racks to be easily but on again while the apron wearing gnome asked the group, “Who the hell are you and what made you risk running across the grasslands like that? You want the chickens to get you?” He identified himself as Saelmigil, “Sail” for short.</p><p>Eoghan and Shim were pretty much the ones to talk and said that they were looking for a place to hold up. They were members of the Greater Rand Sellsword and Adventuring Guild and they hoped that Benson Trimend could help them out. Sail looked concerned about that and offered to go ahead to let Benson know of their arrival. Yrning walked with them and they had a chance to look over Nobleton. It wasn’t much of anything – the focal building was the Lodge itself, 2 main floors, shaped like a “T”, a smaller 3rd floor on top with a widow’s walk overlooking South Wind Lake. Dock ran out to the water. Besides that there were some granary and smoke house store houses, a 4 stall open walled stable, and 3 other smaller buildings. That was it.</p><p>The Lodge itself was very nice and accommodating. We were escorted to the main eating area where a dwarven cook, Gjuldar, was happy to see us. Sail had gone up to talk to Benson, but for us, we were given a bit to eat and drink for now – roast chicken featuring on the menu. There were 4 visible down here as staff, leading the group to imagine the entire place might be 15 to 25 people tops. The staff and people of Nobleton were nice, spoke warmly of Benson, indicated that he never came down to the dining room, and commented that he had been the owner here for 3 years or so and the last Lodge Owner was a pig and a prick. They weren’t worried about the flock of now over 100 chickens and 2 roosters out the gate, assuring us that in 3 days or so, the flocks would disperse after some interfighting and move on. They have enough stores for now to withstand the “siege” (a fact that Connal Detected Lie to verify – and that they owed no allegiance to Wendover) and would only have to worry if the supply wagons couldn’t get her for 2 weeks or more.</p><p>Finally Sail returned and suggested that Benson would meet with one or two of the party tops. We picked Eoghan and Shimlagesh to go and the rest of us waited here. They went up with the gnome to the 3rd floor where Sail knocked and the two were invited in. The penthouse apartment was a bit of a clutter, stacks of dishes and mugs, poor housecleaning. Lots of windows and a wonderful view of the lake and the hills beyond.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwkEhAht55mi8Crq-McwWu6KkrpNo540Mu-UUVmPOKx5_8Qdd77pvix1-Kp2zMrBVHOrLg2goCrNFvrMKwhRXCc-5g48Xubl6mPbVQHedIizbrpHorfrJj2zVEjgfrYyGjfArj5tK6yuFISsfAHYXDy6osUcaJ56rWpa_icjMlTlXcf7B2L-NhCbkal0c" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="179" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwkEhAht55mi8Crq-McwWu6KkrpNo540Mu-UUVmPOKx5_8Qdd77pvix1-Kp2zMrBVHOrLg2goCrNFvrMKwhRXCc-5g48Xubl6mPbVQHedIizbrpHorfrJj2zVEjgfrYyGjfArj5tK6yuFISsfAHYXDy6osUcaJ56rWpa_icjMlTlXcf7B2L-NhCbkal0c" width="152" /></a></div><p></p><p>Bendon Trimend was a Mountain dwarf, about 4 and a half feet tall, 180 lbs – going to pot. If he was human he’d appear to be in his 50’s. Thick greying black beard, wide eyebrows, lots of scars. Part of left ear missing from lobe down and two smallest fingers missing from left hand – scarred tissue.</p><p>He motioned them to sit and invited Sail to leave for now. The Adventuring party thing was mentioned once and he scoffed at it. Wanted to know who they were and what they were doing here. We gave a top down recounting of our time from Wendover and our exploits there. We neglected to mention Ygraine (invisible and guarded outside by Connal) and kept the details light although truthful. He had a mug that he filled constantly just by flicking his finger at it, watching the party tightly.</p><p>Knew adventurers were going to come one day. And this group? Now? If they fled Wendover, why did they not go east further into the woods and the towns there? Why did they then turn back around and head past the place they just vacated? Sounds like bullshit – and knows they are hiding something. Might be best to just send you all out to your death but you already ate right? Ate here at the lodge and have no money? Well fuck. Fuck you all. You have to WORK tomorrow to pay for the food I had my people feed you and the room you’re going to sleep in tonight. Tomorrow, if I am still unhappy, you and your group will be expelled and you can take your chances with the chickens. “Sail! Sail! I’m done with them, get them the fuck out of my sight!”</p><p>The gnome came and took the group out and back downstairs. And Eoghan and Shim could hear Benson screaming and hurling things about his room. “Fuck! Damn it! Fuck you, Frigga! Grrr!!”</p><p>Downstairs we were given a room to stay in, some bathwater to clean up, and also a fresh set of clothes (peasant style), shoes, and underwear. We carried in Ygraine (still invisible) and it was obvious we were carrying something. No, no help thanks, we’ve got it. The entire staff of the Lodge was watching bemused. Connal was looking at the best way to maybe climb up and get to Benson’s room but would have to be outside to do so. He hoped to stay away but the party was seriously done – and the group fell asleep.</p><p>We awoke the next day, later than usual. Got dressed and reported to Gjuldar for work. Some of us were sent to scrub pots, others to whitewash the walls, dredge trenches, work stone, and other menial but important tasks. We ate well and it was evening again when Benson had Sail come for the group again. Once more Eoghan and Shim went up to the 3rd floor and Benson was there to see us. He frowned at their clothes. “More stuff you owe me for? How the hell are you ever going to pay me back if I keep feeding and dressing you? Bullshit!”</p><p>They went over in more depth the entire Wendover thing, and Eoghan and Shim came clean – telling Benson everything from the beginning. From Sonnab and Philters to Hillscar and Wendover. They went over the party’s trials and tribulations, really giving him a once over of what happened and how it went down – including their loss of all their gear and escape. The dwarf was engaged, listening deeply to the story. He commented that they would be ill prepared to face Wendover under the best of circumstances now even if he outfitted them with some spare swords, spears, and shields.</p><p>At this point they said that if he could do better, they’d show him something that would blow him away. He scoffed, been adventuring on and off for 27 years, there is damned little you can surprise him with. Is it the invisible thing? He guessed it might be a hybrid female troll based upon the things the group had mentioned about Stavraphore’s operation and Shim assured him, “Good guess. And it’s wrong. And so are the next 50 guesses.”</p><p>It was at this point that we realized that Benson was a shut in. He was coaxed to get up and follow them to the door where he took one last drink and Sail made sure the way was clear. Eyes closed, they led him to the 2nd floor and their room where he shut the door and was able to get a hold of himself. “It’s like being in my room only not. I can cope.” He looked around and sighed. “If this doesn’t blow my socks off, fuck you, I’m throwing you all out tonight.”</p><p>Shim dropped the invisibility and we all had a chance to see Ygraine.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6ICyFJ5ObqYwGPVWKjiWBybOtf6aUup8NgokwuYfm6NZksbND0JUVnY8t-j6xO19qvYgYPVnRDnVAi2Hu7uSgYedSRxL3gmaEAQAOXN3oWx8xvQ0TqZ0xgever8Q13M5PMO1HfZgNMh6j71dyqlxbofa2j729dCZDygm0mT7t5fcbhdBnwbSA3sabbVc" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="205" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6ICyFJ5ObqYwGPVWKjiWBybOtf6aUup8NgokwuYfm6NZksbND0JUVnY8t-j6xO19qvYgYPVnRDnVAi2Hu7uSgYedSRxL3gmaEAQAOXN3oWx8xvQ0TqZ0xgever8Q13M5PMO1HfZgNMh6j71dyqlxbofa2j729dCZDygm0mT7t5fcbhdBnwbSA3sabbVc=w333-h400" width="333" /></a></div><p></p><p>“Sweet. Fucking. Frigga.” Benson was agog looking over the Valkyrie. She was scarred up, broken, old wounds, shunts still shoved inside, dirty, filthy, a total mess. But still divine in her own way and sporting a folded up set of 20’ angelic wings. Benson looked her over and cast a Deathwatch spell on her, musing as he muttered and the group answered questions about her and her capabilities as well as what she’s done so far and why she’s knocked out.</p><p>He assured us she was alive but her inner stores of divine light were pretty much gone. Unless Sif was looking for her directly and was in the same room, she’d never be seen. She is getting her sustenance from Asgard in her own way, not needing traditional food or drink. But she is very very broken. Only by returning her home could she be whole again. There are things he could do, it would take some time – 3, 4, 6 days – who knows. But he could get a large portion of the hurst that are down to her bones healed over time.</p><p>But she would still need to signal Sif and the Bifrost that she is here and needs to come back. Have to take her to holy ground, like big. Cathedral level if you can. And get her to the Apex of it. There is one in Erylond but Benson wasn’t sure that was a good or feasible idea, taking a wounded angel into the city.</p><p>The group asked does it have to be an active Cathedral? Nope, holy ground only. At some point an aspect of the god, an avatar had to be on site during the investiture of the locale and the spark of the god is still there, even if it's not active. We suggested Hillscar, and he did not know where it was. Makes sense, if it was a known locale, it would be pretty useless for smuggling. So the group figured in a week they’d get her to Hillscar – allows them to take care of Wendover and get their gear.</p><p>It was here that Benson sighed and talked about his former adventuring party. Eoghan came clean about the note we had found from the journal in Ditch and Benson admitted it was from a journal he had written at the end of his last adventuring party’s demise. He did say that the Desmondian Diamond was the most valuable treasure in the world – and he has the key to open it. It also killed his friends.</p><p>Adventures don’t have a beginning or an end – they are just where you are at the time.</p><p>He sat back and shared with the group of the Desmondian Diamond, what it means to him, and what happened to his group.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjViVhUFBG7vKi_O_knaVW0Xs4a54QgtzN-DrSscsyTggPdHP6vWBhkthQNlny-hjW2hikM9ijRwWLgLtEEr0sYOJ0G_w0MkSE_4fkOGOfK6KNJlB3br8Eu34poKmhRmQdA_CESWFDBvwSsi0x9NGadrYugSNxGwiG5pGW75qoDM15hOETjrIBVa03OB0k" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjViVhUFBG7vKi_O_knaVW0Xs4a54QgtzN-DrSscsyTggPdHP6vWBhkthQNlny-hjW2hikM9ijRwWLgLtEEr0sYOJ0G_w0MkSE_4fkOGOfK6KNJlB3br8Eu34poKmhRmQdA_CESWFDBvwSsi0x9NGadrYugSNxGwiG5pGW75qoDM15hOETjrIBVa03OB0k" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>He had been a part of an adventuring group with a Mountain dwarf Fighter/Sorcerer named Yurshin, a Half-orc Fighter/Thief named Cantok, and an elven Fighter/Wizard named Rispardia. They had been an adventuring group on an off for the last 20 years when the first Sovereign Land of Duncan Eternal, Grymeria, came into being. It was a huge thing, people were talking all about it. Yurshin was the eldest daughter of Ambassador Guglin Gorok and was present when the entire ruling family, every Thane of the Gorokian Empire had been called together and had a closed door meeting. Turns out that the Underthanes were fanatically going on and on that, “It happened. It finally happened.”</p><p>There was a high powered Gorokian Seer named Desmond there who was railing against the Gorokian highlords that they have meddled with forces they don’t understand. Now that it happened, it’s come to pass, and the Norns will have to record it. Seeing that most of the dwarves in attendance were getting worried and not knowing what was being spoken about, the High Thane had everyone leave the meeting except the Upper Lords and Counselors. Yurshin and many others were left outside with no answers.</p><p>Many hours later, her father Ambassador Guglin left the meeting and said nothing, was just troubled the entire trip. After arriving home, he and his daughter were immediately summoned to the Sepulcher of Fates – the resting house of all the prophecies and seers. Here they were in attendance with a small contingent of the Gorokian Court and was visited by the Seer Desmond.</p><p>The Seer was adamant and assured those who came to him that Gorokian dwarves fucked up again, as bad as they did a 120 years ago (The Randari war and genocide). And as bad as they did 80 years ago (The Reetersbeard Compact). This one was going to take the cake. The Sovereign lands were a poison, a corruption of the world. And with each one that popped into being, were going to spell the doom to everyone. One of them was going to trigger Ragnarok. It was a matter of when.</p><p>During this meeting he confirmed that he could in theory construct a rune crafted ritual, a spell of such intricacy that it would allow a rewrite of the Nornian Skein – but it was going to be some time till he finished it -and it was going to take a fuck ton of power to run it. Ambassador Guglin and a small contingent of the Gorokian thanehood who disagreed with the greater council were in on this and happy to help. Money was given, help, anything that was needed. Desmond assured them he needed a decade and we’d have to be hopeful nothing too fucked up happened between now and then.</p><p>Yurshin and company eventually did other jobs with her friends and moved on at her father’s advice. Go into the Dungeon if they wish, but she was told that they were never to enter any of the glyph gates of the Terror Dungeon but to pay attention to who did and what they said about it.</p><p>Some 3 years ago the Seer Desmond finished the spell, etching the last of it on a diamond of such clarity and size. He described it as the “greatest treasure the world had even known”. The ritual was finished but it would need a powerful magical source to operate it. For now he wanted to mask its unique signature until it was time to use it, so had a casing crafted for it from the artisans at Emberia, and even paid Lord Emberwine to craft and enchant the key for it.</p><p>While there to pick up the key, the Dragonlord had gotten some questions of what it was that had been made from Seer Desmond and was getting upset at the answers. It was when Desmond inquired about a magical item Lord Emberwine had been searching for called the Ravenstone, a reputed item that might power the Diamond, that talks broke down. The Seer fled Emberia but was chased quite a bit, eventually losing his tail by going through a number of other Sovereign Lands and hiding the casing and Desmondia Diamond in one of them. He sent a cryptic message to Ambassador Guglin about it but the Seer had been slain on the road home back to Gorok.</p><p>Ambassador Guglin then asked his daughter, Yurshin and us to get to Emberia and get the key. We did, and it was a close thing. But Lord Emberwine sent a draconic beast, a twisted offspring of his that had been experimented on, to chase us down and get the key back. We ran, following the clues that the Seer had imparted to the Ambassador, and we fled and fought, hoping to get to where the Diamond is and get the case. The most valuable treasure the world has ever known.</p><p>The clues led to here, South Wind Lake. The Lodge owner there had put us up for the night, and then we left the next day, paying for his silence. The beastie followed us to here and the Lodge owner gave up where we had gone to. So there we were, in the caves, just about at the diamond, when the Beastie finally caught up to us. It was a terrible fight and we were going to lose. But one of us had to get out and damn it, I drew short straw. I did not want to go but me friends gave me no choice. I’m the cleric, I’m supposed to stay and support and help. Damn it, we’ve been friends for 27 years. But as the door gave way and the fire raced into the room, killing everyone, I was portalled away hurt and left for dead in Turnball.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxqLyS8KctjT47x8bMbZcC42PN9IjX_c92c2gTn4160c0hYBXi4v2ihjNNbkF1QyteSTTnJf30Nz92l1IBqZXmQFkM0fYHAG3c227DHHyWnuLnyKiF5xkWbqQGmj-tw8uJ8RiLqOyytGdcyJm6gntCZO3U-yqvXiKbm7yYLLnOMDv2rgwIeolVYFH1PeQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="265" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxqLyS8KctjT47x8bMbZcC42PN9IjX_c92c2gTn4160c0hYBXi4v2ihjNNbkF1QyteSTTnJf30Nz92l1IBqZXmQFkM0fYHAG3c227DHHyWnuLnyKiF5xkWbqQGmj-tw8uJ8RiLqOyytGdcyJm6gntCZO3U-yqvXiKbm7yYLLnOMDv2rgwIeolVYFH1PeQ" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Watcher of the Dead tended to me and asked lots of questions as to what happened. I wrote in my journal and the Watcher I’m sure paid attention. But I was broken inside and I left a week later, with whatever valuables we had collected, not realizing that my mental state was troubling to the Watcher at that time. I came back to the Lodge and after speaking to the Owner, I paid the cost to buy the entire place. And then, after he had confessed to sending the Beastie after us…I killed him. With my bare hands, I throttled him until he died. I was disgusted with him, with life, with everything. Eventually I grew disgusted with the world, my place in it, and swore off everything.</p><p>I stay here and watch the water and the distant cave. The Beastie is still there, I see an odd fire now and again. The Watcher came and checked me out but I had him thrown out when his questions grew too upsetting to me. It must have been then that he took my journal and I did not notice at the time. So I sit here day after day and look at my dead friends. I expect I will drink until I die. Or until the world ends.</p><p>Whoa.</p><p>There was lots of back and forth and it was rather cathartic. He is willing to help us out with the following. We cannot go to Wendover even with what gear he could provide as the group is outmatched, especially as they have a Hellspawn, Kelly there. We need to even the power level a bit. He can outfit us, we go across South Wind Lake to the caves there and face the Beastie who has grown weak over the last 3 years, unable to leave or head home. In the 5th room are his friends' remains. The party is welcome to their gear. The Desmondian Diamond is in the 6th room. If we agree, he’ll give us the key to bring that back as well.</p><p>With the gear, we could then sneak back to Wendover and try to find all our stuff lost there, and if we have to face Kelly or Stavraphore – we’d be on better footing. Then, return here to Nobleton and Ygraine should be well enough to travel. And the party heads to Hillscar and climbs her to the top of the Cathedral. Finally, we go back to Glagdir Province and the Far Damn Tribe and Sonnab, resolve all that and then at the end, go to Erylond and see the Church of Freya – and find out what the fuck the Rector was doing and why he even wanted such an item as the Philter of Love?</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-80673690157325812002023-06-24T13:57:00.003-04:002023-06-24T13:57:37.597-04:00Meet 52, Adv 11, 4/29/23<p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><i>Epic. Fucking. Night. Just read. :)</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><i>Follows:</i></span></p><p>There were lots of ideas for plans and they all had many moving parts – but somewhere about 7:30, after the guards did their rounds, we started the first parts. Eoghan removed his hook from his wrist and taking aim at Wilhelm’s cage, made sure the guards weren’t watching and tossed it through his bars, across the 5’ hall, through Wilhelm’s bars, and the druid caught it! Once secreted there, that was the first item resolved. He then tried to get Jessie the rabbit to understand that it needed to go to Darius’ cell and once again, waited for the guards to not watch us before it made it to the hall, and we felt was making SLOW hops to the other side! It worked out and a local guard barked at Darius to knock it off, but ok, matter resolved so far.</p><p>Waiting for the guards to make their rounds, Darius lifted the flagstone and Jessie did her best to start digging into the dense dirt, aiming eastward to Wilhelm and Shim’s cell. For them, they were working Eoghan’s hook into the mortar, slowly chipping and scraping a thin line that grew thicker and deeper. The Rabbit was coaxed out of the hole when the guards were getting closer and the flagstone replaced as need be. So far things were going well. It was slow, but proceeding along. Wilhelm and Shim were having a very rough time and had to keep scraping out more mortar.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uqeGDSPp2EJplZ52-SFDrhQi_NWpeAr1KYW-jyA5WYn-cmF3XVISmsVeMZhjWiBmAiPIdNXCUV2H9zo_YKEKByH1hveR4B1uFaado_CCasvTJPK7XkR9P1Kg2BtTzFy_JqbXAJ1nBKPm6iFNcpVx2lNGd1kqA5Nu4w0H0sz4HkiTCI78Hff0V7-tiCA/s280/429%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="280" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uqeGDSPp2EJplZ52-SFDrhQi_NWpeAr1KYW-jyA5WYn-cmF3XVISmsVeMZhjWiBmAiPIdNXCUV2H9zo_YKEKByH1hveR4B1uFaado_CCasvTJPK7XkR9P1Kg2BtTzFy_JqbXAJ1nBKPm6iFNcpVx2lNGd1kqA5Nu4w0H0sz4HkiTCI78Hff0V7-tiCA/w400-h257/429%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>At one point the guards came and Darius was forced to place the flagstone over the hole while Jessie was in the tunnel, a situation that the rabbit was VERY angry about after the stone was lifted and she refused to dig again at first. Meanwhile the dirt being displaced was filling the honey bucket to the brim and Darius had to hide it somewhere. He decided to shove it against the corner of the wall and floor out of sight of the hallway, stomping it flat. The elf and gnome finally got the flagstone to come up and Shim held onto the hook carefully.</p><p>The Rabbit had dug for an hour and a half, making an almost 4 and a half foot tunnel but was exhausted and needed to rest. So Shim started digging from their side, hoping to find Jessie’s tunnel. With no shovel and just his hands, he was forced to use Eoghan’s hook which had the Ranger sigh, seeing his hand replacement getting scratched up and used as such – but it was working. Finally just about 10ish, Shim met up with the other tunnel. He got naked and leaving his clothes here, Wilhelm made a dummy out of the dirt and what hay he could, propping Shim’s dummy against the corner but within sight of the bars.</p><p>Shim then pulled and dug and crawled his way through. Dirt fell in his face and the tunnel was slow and hard going. He wriggled and squirmed, making inches at a time headway until he was getting hard to breathe and see. Darius fished around on his end and found Shim’s hand, pulling him up and out of the hole! Filthy and tired, he was now on the other side. Flagstones were replaced and as soon as he could, he turned himself invisible. Alright – plan was working!</p><p>For the next step Connal grew belligerent with the guards, tossing hay out of his cell. That got him a visit to the Reeducation chamber. They came down and dragged him out, locking the cell behind, and took him to the end of the hall. Being larger than Shim, he was placed on the rack, noting various other torture areas, a cabinet area, and a 9’ x 6’ steel looking door with a wheel lock against the far wall. Four guards worked him over, stretching and beating him. The monk ignored most of it, but still moaned and cried as need be. It was when they went to hit him with hot pokers that he allowed himself to be “overcome with agony” and die. Feign Death. (10:05 – he has 50 minutes maximum of Feign death time)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLbZtAs7Dvp5twXErBDW_ofkQdGan2PRdbsYmHGj3mPUGOVPKXWmw-Sct8GQYRnCmMy2XlcAsuuddo8xL8UOTu570vD7CN8CjC3VPPtAo6P_r35ujBHVlQ2-kHvj3Jgw9du5nrfkRLPU4bA_AiHcR6W5MgZxPxKsE0RltNNWVhVqJTCr8dxEBYsrWTlo/s259/429%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLbZtAs7Dvp5twXErBDW_ofkQdGan2PRdbsYmHGj3mPUGOVPKXWmw-Sct8GQYRnCmMy2XlcAsuuddo8xL8UOTu570vD7CN8CjC3VPPtAo6P_r35ujBHVlQ2-kHvj3Jgw9du5nrfkRLPU4bA_AiHcR6W5MgZxPxKsE0RltNNWVhVqJTCr8dxEBYsrWTlo/w400-h300/429%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This freaked out the guards who tried to revive him but he was dead. Apparently they had explicit orders NOT to kill anyone and that they fucked up. One guy was taking the fall for it and the other guards were like listen, we have to get him out of here and let Stravraphore know. So they took his “dead” body from the re-education room and walked him down the hall – this allowed Darius to start his portion, screaming and yelling “what happened to my friend? What’s going on?”</p><p>They took Connal (who could still see and hear during all of this), out of the prisoner hall, through the alchemy room and the waiting/guard area beyond it. He was dumped there as someone went to get Stavraphore Morkanus. The Apothecia came and was very angry with the guards. Kelly stuck a finger in Connal’s chest and wiggled her nail around, announcing that yes, he was dead. What followed was a discussion as to what was to happen next. Stavraphore was getting cross with the group as he still had no information yet (maybe a day or two more?) on the party. So he wanted to get rid of the evidence. He ordered the guards to take Connal to the Rendering room, have the Butchers get anything useful off of him, and then burn the remains. If anyone ever came by, they’d say that the other 6 members were the only ones who ever showed, they never saw Connal. Kelly instructed the guards to make sure they kept Connal’s heart and cock for her as he struck her earlier and she wanted a token to remember him and the experience by. Shudder.</p><p>He was brought upstairs (1 flight – 1st basement), went down 2 turns and passed 5 to 7 doors before coming to a large chamber – 40’x40’. It was hot and a furnace was at the far end. 2 humans in leather aprons were cutting up various dead bodies, collecting eyes, skin, organs, bones, etc – putting it in jars, bowls, and whatnot. They were told to finish what they were doing now (2 bodies) and then to dispose of Connal. A hook was jammed in both of his ankles and he was hung up on chains pulled to the ceiling, a tin blood bin was placed under his hanging body for now and the guards left, allowing the Butchers to continue their work. The door was locked and Connal was waiting for the right time to do…anything. Time now? 10:36 – 19 minutes remaining on Feign Death.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpWvjfb6SiHbHcglBUHS3MoixL_fRdoHnRcNuE0i4E3Vj36CD6iVlKEaA5qcU11HRs_kvwjqfZy5X56CWGpuJ6ki11OMrZbed5286xn3XVjdki-zqE6ZlGz3V2J2A2n20X-eZbhx5oleeWN6OR_mksL50i4zmwf6qOM65xKKx2OCd6mceqDmmlN3qLSI/s508/429%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="270" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpWvjfb6SiHbHcglBUHS3MoixL_fRdoHnRcNuE0i4E3Vj36CD6iVlKEaA5qcU11HRs_kvwjqfZy5X56CWGpuJ6ki11OMrZbed5286xn3XVjdki-zqE6ZlGz3V2J2A2n20X-eZbhx5oleeWN6OR_mksL50i4zmwf6qOM65xKKx2OCd6mceqDmmlN3qLSI/w213-h400/429%203.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p></p><p>Backing up in time, Stavraphore was talking to the staff about being careful in the future, no more accidents, and to be more careful on future punishments. Once he was gone and the guards made 1 round, Darius was making lots of noises to the guards. You bastards. You killed my friend. You suck, how dare you. The guards were a bit loath to get at it again but eventually the decision was made to take him out for re-education. Once more his cell was unlocked and he was taken out, dragged down the hall. Shim, invisible, snuck out and stayed VERY close to the key cart, hugging it as it was pushed back down the hall and outside the prisoner area. Darius was not placed on the rack, concerned after Connal’s “death”, instead he was dunked and beaten with ropes and salt – same as Shim was. But, unbeknownst to Darius, he was beaten about 60% as hard as Shim had been yesterday – a fact that still traumatized the fighter.</p><p>Shim crossed the Production floor with slow care, eventually making it to the guard and rest area. He looked around and saw the ground was damp in places – maybe Connal had been laid here? None of our gear so he went down the hall and up the stairs – 30’ to the next floor. He looked around and checked out the nearest doors, not hearing or seeing anything. He was feeling a bit lost as he approached the nearest corner and junction. Where was Connal?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tt3nNL79YOcr992EM8BVN6tPK0Y63d-rAvMOIhLdnO3tuagb1B35EByrgm4XzVqRMS_ubMuzTq0uf-JetLVKftTMQuhhXioZxxHmKisis31iFBASZ9_TkVO7KkWIarLDu906VV9IKEfrLobRFOU3PJ_Z4afc7pxGtyXnbmKPXmxG_5Rm1MJl9XYYitI/s602/429%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="602" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tt3nNL79YOcr992EM8BVN6tPK0Y63d-rAvMOIhLdnO3tuagb1B35EByrgm4XzVqRMS_ubMuzTq0uf-JetLVKftTMQuhhXioZxxHmKisis31iFBASZ9_TkVO7KkWIarLDu906VV9IKEfrLobRFOU3PJ_Z4afc7pxGtyXnbmKPXmxG_5Rm1MJl9XYYitI/s320/429%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>As for the monk, he waited for the 2 Butchers to not pay direct attention to him; one would only catch him out of the corner of his eye. He then ended the feign and controlled the groan from the aches and pains running into him. He folded himself up, reaching up slowly until he could grab the chain at the ceiling. Once there he extricated 1 foot, letting it fall free. Then the same with the second one.</p><p>At this point, the further Butcher saw him and was pointing and exclaiming. Connal dropped to the ground and leapt/limped to the nearer Butcher (who was a bit surprised), looking to silence him. A cleaver was lifted and then he watched the other Butcher lunge for a bell to ring. He grabbed the bell from this table and hurled it at the other guy – missing, and the pealing sound of the alarm bell rang twice. A trokar (2’ long sharp metal spike) was snatched up and Connal was joined in the fight against the 2 Butchers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh877gQhAbxm8E-tjB_SxLt7ncnhPQfb4pSVNUgp3ZYectAJEP51CdAJm6G7PeJjNQQ8TyBYyRCXx-m1cmVPyMqeH2zJ1tCBa8HYXQp1odszr1-jqfjc88TqGwvh1woRsflTSc569vUV2KT0o-X2AYMklmM293tfjfhWpmNupyGnrLIGdkTbeXZrFjybR4/s263/429%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="191" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh877gQhAbxm8E-tjB_SxLt7ncnhPQfb4pSVNUgp3ZYectAJEP51CdAJm6G7PeJjNQQ8TyBYyRCXx-m1cmVPyMqeH2zJ1tCBa8HYXQp1odszr1-jqfjc88TqGwvh1woRsflTSc569vUV2KT0o-X2AYMklmM293tfjfhWpmNupyGnrLIGdkTbeXZrFjybR4/w290-h400/429%205.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><p></p><p>From the hall, Shim heard a crumping sound in the distance and then some ringing. Guards came out of nearby rooms and ran to the sound, the gnome invisibly following along. They stopped in front of a room and were hastily getting keys to open it. Inside Connal was getting hurt and cut, but punching and kicking out. He was growing frustrated as he glanced over and the door opened – and 3 guards in chainmail and with short swords were there, taking in the tableau. He snarled, tackled the nearest Butcher, and lifted him up, running for the open furnace door. He was stabbing deep in the back for his effort but he hit the opening and punching/shoving hard, blew the Butcher through the hole and into the flames, making him scream. He turned back, soaking wet, gory, filled with holes, limbs still a bit stretched out, smoke rising from his skin, and murder in his eyes.</p><p>Shim quietly shut the door and locked it from within. He then called out a spell, bursting into view as the invisibility ended, and summoned – a giant ant. It lunged forward and grabbed one of the guards by the back of the shin. The other 2 guards approached Connal, but were spaced out slowly, unsure of the conflict. Connal delivered a few telling blows against the lead guy, getting stabbed for his efforts. Shim fired off a magic missile, scoring deep blasts into the next guard. The Butcher dove for Shim, cutting and hacking. A guard went down and the ant helped finish off another.</p><p>It was one guard and the Butcher. Just before Shim was skewered, Connal tumbled into the fight and took the blow for the gnome, who fired another 3 magic missiles at the foes, ripping him apart. Finally it was over – Shim had 1 hp, and Connal was at 4. The gnome was naked, everyone was filthy, and they had no idea where the gear was. They suspected it was behind the vault door in the re-education room so they were going to go back down there, get the key, and get our stuff. To do this, they needed to prepare. Connal strapped a short sword and scabbard to his waist and used 2 of the javelin back sheathes criss cross over his chest. Shim took a small back and cut out the head and arm holes, having something to preserve his dignity. Taking a tabard, Connal draped it over his entire body and then Shim hit him with an invisibility spell. The then sat in the crossed sheaths on Connal’s chest hanging on, and pulled the sides of the Tabard around him – hiding him from view as well. As a final, Shim prestidigitated Connal, spewing blood, guts, and gore everywhere.</p><p>They left, locking the door behind them, and then made their way slowly to the stairs. A woman was calling for the guard to come out, and was complaining to her work companion that they were slacking off and deserved to get in trouble for it. They made it to the steps and made their way down finally to the main room.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrqaTJaaBp50_srk4k_C4ujMsFVpwtd3hGlWMV-s9VgxKyGlgXW9K3Vf0rLuihApq3oy4HKfrYV6DFjwxQqyjpumZDMIqUnaVLtCEaios2CijGDYWhvuDZsNzVjw-4RI93XlwpZNVO-W5vZ9DfAFp0zCzx4Z8es5Hwn8sjNokhq7qN5JGx1Vyh6Q_6IQ/s728/429%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="728" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrqaTJaaBp50_srk4k_C4ujMsFVpwtd3hGlWMV-s9VgxKyGlgXW9K3Vf0rLuihApq3oy4HKfrYV6DFjwxQqyjpumZDMIqUnaVLtCEaios2CijGDYWhvuDZsNzVjw-4RI93XlwpZNVO-W5vZ9DfAFp0zCzx4Z8es5Hwn8sjNokhq7qN5JGx1Vyh6Q_6IQ/s320/429%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Stavraphore, Kelly, and the others were having a meeting with the guards there and we wanted to get closer to hear, but not be noticed. Shim reminded Connal that Kelly was demonic, meaning she could most likely see through invisibility spells. So they walked across the room to the far alchemy table and stood quietly behind the apothecists working there, their features if seen, would be distorted and obscured by the alembics and tubings.</p><p>Eventually the Master Apothecia was done and was walking back. They overheard him tell Kelly that if there were any other issues or any risk to us getting out, he was going to use the flood contingency (whatever that was), he’d lose some guards and apothecists but there were more looking for a promotion. As for his stock, he mentioned his prize and the trolls would most likely be ok. Kelly then said she wanted to go to the Rending Room as the Butchers should be done with her prize and then they were out of ear shot.</p><p>Damn it. Running out of time.</p><p>They crossed the floor to the metal key cart and gave it a good once over. Connal wasn’t sure he could take it as it was. Shim offered to ray of frost the chain to help weaken it – but they had to wait for a round of noise so the guards didn’t quite hear. The first blast hit and Connal pulled- no luck. But no one heard us. So Shim blasted it a second time, and the guards heard something, but weren’t sure what it was and got to quibbling. Connal pulled again – no luck. But the 3rd and final yank was the charm and the chain broke with a snap. This also attracted the guards but they did not equate it to the key or the crate.</p><p>Key in hand and riding on the sling on Connal’s chest, the two of them picked their way invisibly down the guarded hall – Connal for a change making excellent rolls as he tiptoed with care. They did pass the Angel/Valkyrie’s cage and she too could see through invisibility. She showed her happiness and pride for us, and motioned us to go and good luck. They made their way with slow care till eventually they arrived at the party’s cells.</p><p>When able to, they told Grendel to be ready and unlocked his cell. The elf nodded, holding the charm of the spear against his neck. They did the same for Rhygar, then Darius. They eventually came to Wilhelm and Eoghan, also unlocking the doors. But they must have made a bit of noise because the guards came to investigate. The party distracted them and Connal and Shim went on to the end of the block. The last guard was here in front of the Re-education room and we needed to move him.</p><p>In the nearest magically warded cell were three gnomes. So Shim waved his hand to one and tried to communicate with it as a burrowing animal. So he activated his innate ability and WHAM! The Runes fired off and the gnome in the cell was blown back, skin smoking. The guards all convened there and Connal ran to the last door, key out, and opened it up. But we were seen (at least the door opening real fast) and the guards came to stop them but they slammed the door closed and proceeded to lock it. From the other side they guards then went to attack the door, hacking and smashing at it, hollering back that someone was out!</p><p>4 minutes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeUMInqe8jPVEE6DtBiaBOyhkB41iJWwLAe2LdNOmdmZYDlwuOhDE3yadxFccamBU-oYbMQO7M5FXpURGPUfZLXYXUSdfBhSbqhmAa8LRRsT3k8ARo7uqlrNbljaOr0XZjZFw5U8fOP1isZ6xpgtXryxSKkLW3B7pDitNFiyM4ko5hnV15058tl0CC3o/s450/429%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="377" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeUMInqe8jPVEE6DtBiaBOyhkB41iJWwLAe2LdNOmdmZYDlwuOhDE3yadxFccamBU-oYbMQO7M5FXpURGPUfZLXYXUSdfBhSbqhmAa8LRRsT3k8ARo7uqlrNbljaOr0XZjZFw5U8fOP1isZ6xpgtXryxSKkLW3B7pDitNFiyM4ko5hnV15058tl0CC3o/s320/429%207.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><p></p><p>Grendel kicked his cell open, and whirled around, tearing the charm free. It enlarged into a full sized spear with markings of Loki upon it, and he one handed thrust it through the guard’s chainmail armor and 5” into the man’s gut. The battle was on! Rhygar lunged out and tackled the guard’s legs while Darius followed with one stone to the man’s face, slinging it hard enough to break his cheekbone, and the other bouncing off his chest. Eoghan was unsure what to do and got closer, but seeing the battle at the end of the hall and the guards trying to get in the Re-education Room, Wilhelm called to Frey and summoned a wolverine who attacked and savaged the last guard.</p><p>From in the room the two friends were at the door, hand on the big wheel when they stopped and looked at each other. Does this door lead to a vault – or the damned lake? Is THIS the flood contingency Stavraphore mentioned? Fuck fuck fuck! They knocked on the door but couldn’t hear anything on the other side.</p><p>3 Minutes.</p><p>Darius slung his last rock and hit the guard while Rhygar continued his grapple. Grendel was stabbing and the guard was hacking and cutting, critically injuring Darius’ man in the back. “Let him go!” Darius called to Rhygar. In the room the two of them ignored the sound of splintering wood and axes blows, running to the cabinet area. They tore open doors looking for anything they could use when Shim noticed a hollow spot under a drawer and pried it open, showing a travelling potion crate.</p><p>2 Minutes.</p><p>Grendel got hit next and we could hear guards coming down the hall, gathering and yelling. The Wolverine was kicked hard in the head and knocked aside. Darius had no more things to sling and Wilhelm called to Frey –summoning another animal –this time getting a crocodile! He sent it back to the guards at the halls’ end, the reptile biting and savaging the guy there.</p><p>1 Minute.</p><p>The door was about to give way and Shim and Connal opened the box, seeing 20 healing potions! They each grabbed one, drinking it down, feeling strength run back to them. Going to the door Shim was getting a summon spell ready and Connal palmed a second potion. From down the hall the party heard “DROP! DROP!” and the guard they were fighting fell to the ground – and a split instant later, the rest of the party did the same. But there were still 8 flatbows fired at the group – and it had a withering impact on the party, ripping flesh and piercing deep – everyone felt it, getting hurt badly. Rhygar was down to single digits and we were running out of options.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eK6UqbG1SoriHIIi9_zas3f8m8HcHGdPPFoV46zfxjk5oqCYs2Oubg_H-_jN0CVOhMGyK9N-c8U9mfwfNPD2WJMS_Nx8GkO0p3wHDMl0knPmqvo3lpWEDLBl1YDH4ftLxWnt3xmNqM5XkE_4sFm87QvAcFBUD7wkeiXqKSVZdgiorp5jaEWYd8kKJfU/s783/429%208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="574" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eK6UqbG1SoriHIIi9_zas3f8m8HcHGdPPFoV46zfxjk5oqCYs2Oubg_H-_jN0CVOhMGyK9N-c8U9mfwfNPD2WJMS_Nx8GkO0p3wHDMl0knPmqvo3lpWEDLBl1YDH4ftLxWnt3xmNqM5XkE_4sFm87QvAcFBUD7wkeiXqKSVZdgiorp5jaEWYd8kKJfU/s320/429%208.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><p></p><p>The door burst open and Shim summoned – 3 stirges! One managed to hit a guard but the other 2 were a nuisance and were then quickly whacked from the sky. Connal’s invisibility ended as they were defending themselves. The crocodile was unable to get another bite in but the guards were in the room and getting closer. Glancing at the door, the 2 friends grit their teeth, ran for it, and turned the wheel handle hard.</p><p>And the door flew in, driving the two of them back to the wall – and the waters from Dark Lake blew through the opening like a freight train. It lifted the torture rack and hurled it into the nearest guards, pulverizing them, before slamming into the door frame and splintering into pieces. A wave of water floor to ceiling drove all the air ahead of it and it raced into the prisoner’s hall and filled each cell along the way. The party all glanced over, saw the horror racing towards them, and rolled out of the hall and into the open cells – where the water drove them back against the wall and disoriented them as it churned onward. The crocodile was enjoying the ride, biting every guard that was in its way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGlhMWAfumFSMLoyY0wWazd5UZaJxoVZifUAHmA7kv6fuK_ynXpo13ZyvSD5zF42TDJyHvDnTI_3STLN_9sHU7ZqAs2cfoeUuH1asp8h6Tg_sfCEI7wfnE8sWUHX7K6TqE48HO_rkkIVTAzo-_IpX9wSe5RbNKghyxVkm--TPuCDz4Da_49galK-ElfI/s992/429%209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="992" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGlhMWAfumFSMLoyY0wWazd5UZaJxoVZifUAHmA7kv6fuK_ynXpo13ZyvSD5zF42TDJyHvDnTI_3STLN_9sHU7ZqAs2cfoeUuH1asp8h6Tg_sfCEI7wfnE8sWUHX7K6TqE48HO_rkkIVTAzo-_IpX9wSe5RbNKghyxVkm--TPuCDz4Da_49galK-ElfI/s320/429%209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Portcullis at the end of the Prisoner’s block fell from the ceiling , trapping the guards in the hall there. As the water raced down there, slamming everyone into the bars and hitting the Production floor, Portcullis fell from the ceiling at the entrance to the Production Floor, trapping every Apothecia and brewer there amidst the shattering breaking glass and juggernaut of barreling water. As the lake filled onward it ran into the guard room and the stairs up, and the guards there ran on – only to be stopped by the portcullis near the top of the stairs, unable to get to safety as the water filled up to the landing of the 1st Basement but not actually anywhere on that level.</p><p>As soon as we could see – everyone was on borrowed time. Connal and Shim were first, swimming out the doorway and up 15’ to the docks above. Under the docks and hanging on to the pylons – the place above was a madhouse with people running about and guards demanding answers. People were at the Wendover Brewer and Apothecists and they were spilling into the street. Safe under the docks for now, Connal told Shim to wait and he’d be back. He took a deep breath and dove back under the water, swimming for the entrance.</p><p>Eoghan called on his Longstrider and was making faster swimming motions as the party swam as hard as they could for the end of the hall and the way out. A few of the group had some Endurance which might be needed, but for now, the party was looking to get out before their air expired. They passed Connal who was swimming back in, the monk motioning for them to all go go go. Once they were past him, he swam on hard, pulling and yanking his way forward and down the hall, concentrating on the diminishing air in his lungs.</p><p>The party all popped out the hole and to the surface, a few of us gasping for breath. Hiding under the slimy docks we were quiet and waited, hearing Stavraphore Morkanus as the Master Apothecia was trying to let the guards know that there was some sort of breach in the labs and they had to flood it to prevent it from getting out. Sounded like bullshit but the guards and watch were gathering. There were A LOT of people on land and we were very unsure. Looking down the docks, 60’ to the quay, there were some boats at the end there. Once Connal comes back, they were going to go down there, get on a boat and use the lake to get away.</p><p>Connal was making some headway and eventually came to the Angel’s cell. He could hear the trolls beating on their door trying to break out. The Angel was telling Connal to leave, her voice easily heard under the water. He shook his head and used the key to open the lock, swimming up to her. He mimed looking for a kiss and she motioned him close, lips on his and breathing fresh air into his lungs. Alright! Clock restarted. He looked over her situation and the silver cord went around her wrists buried in the iron, all the way back up the chain to the wall – where it was a knot like a cable. He reached into the hall and grabbed a short sword from a dead guard piled up there, glanced left, and could see the burning red smoking on fire underwater form of Kelly the demonic swimming closer – shouting, “No! NO!!”</p><p>No time to waste. He went to the wall and hacked at the knot of silver cable again and again until it finally broke free – and the silver light went out throughout the entire chain on her right wrist. She smiled and pulled and pulled until it broke free! 1 down, 5 to go! Connal was hacking at the next one and eventually got her left wrist free. Kelly was at the portcullis and could not lift it with all the bodies and furniture slammed into it. She was banging at it, trying to bend the bars but with little luck yet. The first troll had pulled his way free and into the hall, and seeing Kelly, swam to her to grab her arms through the bar and drag her closer, punching her in the face!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2__-HD6NZnFVn5QVNxT-kOGHRomdTasWNFHwjT4ETOkT0u5K38u02zqzvax8bMACp1EocbnN7Z2r0X4fM-i3S50DlmMizz25ne8hfv7rKc3V1DGUmmSVyGAc8N17MAJu4cIG2CKQgI9eY9n9ZtIsFeBE5vVeQnzvr9rrj12JjV3tCDCWXx8c-zkUFgoQ/s262/429%2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="262" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2__-HD6NZnFVn5QVNxT-kOGHRomdTasWNFHwjT4ETOkT0u5K38u02zqzvax8bMACp1EocbnN7Z2r0X4fM-i3S50DlmMizz25ne8hfv7rKc3V1DGUmmSVyGAc8N17MAJu4cIG2CKQgI9eY9n9ZtIsFeBE5vVeQnzvr9rrj12JjV3tCDCWXx8c-zkUFgoQ/w400-h293/429%2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Having some trouble with the 3rd chain, the Angel asked Connal for a sword. He smiled and took the one off his waist. As she grabbed it her wings grew light again and the sword burst into flames! The two of them hacked at the silver, splitting a 3rd and 4th chain free. Kelly was dazed from the blows of the troll and jammed her hand into the troll’s face and let out a burst of hellfire, scorching the monster from inside his head out and killing him. She then went back to the bars and was really hoping to tear them out, screeching how she’ll, “Kill you! I’ll kill both of you scumbags and feast on your souls! Fuck!!!”</p><p>With the last blows of their swords, the Valkyrie and Connal splintered the last of the silver cords free allowing her to break the chains. With time running out, she hit the hall, smiled at Kelly, tucked Connal under her arm and put on a divine burst of speed with her wings, getting them away and leaving the demonic howling in frustration and despair behind. The light running through Ygraine the Angel grew dim and faint as the last bit of her stores fell away and she passed out at long last. Connal grabbed her under the ribs and swam the last distance out the door and up to the docks, with 300 lbs of unconscious Valkyrie with him.</p><p>We discussed leaving and agreed the water was the smartest way. Grendel led us under the docks down to the end and the quay. There was a single master skiff that could seat 8, a rowboat that we could get 6 on, and a canoe with outriggers on the right side, that would get 4. No one had sailing or rowing experience, but we figured rowing would be easier to do. So, sneaking on to the dock, Grendel found some rope in the rowboat and tied the rowboat and canoe together. No one was watching us now as there were lots of activity on shore at the Brewers. We manhandled Ygraine into the rowboat and Wilhelm, Rhygar, and Darius got on the canoe, the rest of the party on the rowboat. And then we cast off the docks and started pulling for open water, looking to head east to the forested bank a third of a mile away. 50’, no one noticed. 100’, no one noticed. 150’ from the docks – and still we were in the clear.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGGzUjlfGN8QNg05nNbooTi46kWgYJXR2t_H3C6JU97taPV1WWTSG0cr2-tIYgmb48PqlOM8emTXd1E93oIhT3HKlQ4uJ8C1DetjI6FKmnCHMHo1DJSaPWjrsqADmzEUEZl3s7hCudbiZxfqLQJykK2dkoqVl-xicIcFsEto4gpnzSIDdD4i5NcBRqIE/s300/429%2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGGzUjlfGN8QNg05nNbooTi46kWgYJXR2t_H3C6JU97taPV1WWTSG0cr2-tIYgmb48PqlOM8emTXd1E93oIhT3HKlQ4uJ8C1DetjI6FKmnCHMHo1DJSaPWjrsqADmzEUEZl3s7hCudbiZxfqLQJykK2dkoqVl-xicIcFsEto4gpnzSIDdD4i5NcBRqIE/w400-h224/429%2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We pulled harder and harder, the entire group exhausted beyond belief. It seemed that we were eventually noticed but we were so far from shore, no one could see who we were or connect us to what happened at Wendover. As we rowed on, we noted what we had lost. All our gear, our magic items. Grin. Frontari. Jack. Lou. We had a sling with no stones, a Loki spear, two short swords, and our casters were about half way out of spells or more. We were also on 1/4 rations for the last day and were weak and tired. We were wearing underwear only except for Shim who was wearing a small sack.</p><p>The party was lost and without recourse.</p><p>At the shore we pulled past the cedars and cypress trees and then Grendel directed the group to lift the boats out of the water and onto the ground for now – out of sight of Wendover and for us to use. But go back now? That was suicide. We were in a hostile area with nothing to help us with and we know that in the wild – walking through Canaslan – off the roads were wild chickens who assaulted people often without fear.</p><p>Darius reached into his underwear and took out the letter we had been carrying for a while it spoke of an ex adventurer, a dwarven priest of Frigga, who lost all his friends on their last adventure and eventually was healed up. He opened a lodge where he sat on a lake by Nobleton – maybe 2 miles from here, still in possession of the original key to open whatever treasure they had quested after and failed.</p><p>Not to get on another adventure – but to appeal to the guy as a former member of the Greater Rand Sellsword and Adventuring Guild to help us out a bit as our need was dire. And we still had a tortured, scarred up, beaten and broken angel/valkyrie unconscious with us and she was going to need someplace to slowly get her energy back.</p><p>With no other good options in mind – we decided to wait here at least until dusk and then make our way for Nobleton. We looked back across the water to Wendover and scowled. We’ll be coming back. Soon.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-61774038018260145522023-06-24T00:05:00.006-04:002023-06-24T00:06:10.971-04:00Temple of Elemental Evil - Meet 30, 4/26/23<p><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: verdana;"><i>I have a love of B4, The Lost City, a classic adventure if ever there was one. Can't tell you how many times I ran it and played it. However, one of my early and formative memories of it, and how I handle pre-written adventures, was the 4th or 5th place I had adventured into it. I knew it pretty much cover to cover but my friend Dan O was running it for us - and he deviated from the adventure as written. I didn't call him out on it, just wondering what was going on, as he described the fervor of the priests of Gorm and then introduced the god himself and actually affecting the party was eye opening to me. The gods actually took an interest in the adventure and their priests? Not just a cartoon overview of one? For a 14 year old me who was playing A-RAW it blew me away.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: verdana;"><i>I make it my business to do the same for everyone else who plays any pre-written adventure I happen to run - making the broad strokes of it canon - the rest of it personalized. This adventure is no different.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: verdana;"><i>Follows: </i></span></p><p>We moved closer to the grove of twisted trees between the overgrown compound and the Temple itself. It was an Uskfruit grove, easily 5 or six trees deep and maybe 500’ wide or then some. And the trees were polluted. Rowan, or druid, advised the party to NOT touch the fruits, the trees, or any of it. We surely weren’t going to risk eating them. And the Ravens had returned, croaking at us from the branches of the trees. We passed through a wider section and then proceeded to the Temple.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd58io1shWu9fGJcR7CuMbE3Brmy8303J25ImyO2DKFXGMMJNOX84LTQGVGv0-JkJr2hSTJMp4I2P2j4oA-8EXhcCRHp6NDNw_MiofKh1rNtd3sEgDw_uZ7ytfWTcO7BXLtySCaIXGl4UQJ-unJONwiSDJsCqSbWRx6XuREA2j7CDpO3UwV9eR-2tUbK4/s259/426%201.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd58io1shWu9fGJcR7CuMbE3Brmy8303J25ImyO2DKFXGMMJNOX84LTQGVGv0-JkJr2hSTJMp4I2P2j4oA-8EXhcCRHp6NDNw_MiofKh1rNtd3sEgDw_uZ7ytfWTcO7BXLtySCaIXGl4UQJ-unJONwiSDJsCqSbWRx6XuREA2j7CDpO3UwV9eR-2tUbK4/w400-h300/426%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The building was monstrous, sprawling over 450’ in any direction. The faces and reliefs had been twisted some time ago to agonizing figures wailing their cries. However it was impregnable except for the main entrance and it was there we headed off to. A raised set of stairs went up to the entrance of the Temple where 3 doors were located – each was 26’ tall and 20’ wide. The door on the east had a series of runes and glyphs on them that when we went to investigate, blew one of our mages off the platform with a crack of thunder.</p><p>A Detect Evil quickly overwhelmed Opehlia but not before she confirmed the eastern door not to be touched.</p><p>It took a few of us to actually get one of the doors to open revealing the Vestibule of the Temple. Stained Glass ceilings and beautiful works adorned the area – ceiling was 30’ tall in places, racing up to 50' in the center of the temple itself. We listened and echoes came back to us – the place was palatial. We went through the Vestibule and continued on to the temple Main. Two large wings, East and West were seen, pews and altars.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQFcz3WAK5GMi5ZAUoecTPnwZbfYoNfuFLq8kTLOC_okb55QCrFRx9h-QsGWJmOrLFCvzJxEVNMl4Ab8scYqgMtJPrnNmpjk9ArbluDTaP6YNVCV2p7fTF-kHxVtPTX7uo9RC4brB9IFc4IG3RK9X88GUwfAgdg50ituy92L2DqeR5uE56OQufNr-Yfg/s300/426%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQFcz3WAK5GMi5ZAUoecTPnwZbfYoNfuFLq8kTLOC_okb55QCrFRx9h-QsGWJmOrLFCvzJxEVNMl4Ab8scYqgMtJPrnNmpjk9ArbluDTaP6YNVCV2p7fTF-kHxVtPTX7uo9RC4brB9IFc4IG3RK9X88GUwfAgdg50ituy92L2DqeR5uE56OQufNr-Yfg/w640-h358/426%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Across the main Temple was a deep open face 20’ diameter well and an altar stone with some stains upon it, giving it the look that someone in the past had been sacrificed upon it. We could continue further in but wanted to check out the wings first, the party yelling at Albert to NOT touch the Murder knife. The knife on the altar stone that makes you want to murder someone. Yeah – we left it.</p><p>The western wing had a series or dun coloring to it and we eventually spotted through a closed door a private sanctum and then stairs going down. There were robes here, along with feces upon them, so we opted to move on and away – not going downstairs for now. We went to the eastern wing and again, the same look was there but the coloring scheme was blues and greens. It was in here that we saw an armoire had been dumped over. Pestle volunteered to reach around within.</p><p>There were some mirror shards in there and some light and when she touched it, time stopped. A voice was talking to her, identified itself as Poseidon. Was looking for his high priest who apparently died here a century earlier. The god of oceans, hurricanes and horses – this was pretty far from his home base – but he and his two brothers Zeus and Hades had been chased from here and their works despoiled . Poseidon was willing to help out the group to get rid of the demonics and Pestle was chosen as his pick.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_tPn4CzDRj4FSlEGAkT5vW0yl-gn7jd7q7GdlwrxsVkLzGn0DU2GzYM8sNTI1Xab_aKweoBTRvRCD4qFv2ZGl9ydWkiQvlJTjn5ZeBJYZdwubY9OnFZNoFQvXGhEh__QXB6cDfRYgMqQGjwXZLYax5BU3qWpCbFDQgm5SXA3I4qHK057qW3tpRVX_WA/s275/426%203.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_tPn4CzDRj4FSlEGAkT5vW0yl-gn7jd7q7GdlwrxsVkLzGn0DU2GzYM8sNTI1Xab_aKweoBTRvRCD4qFv2ZGl9ydWkiQvlJTjn5ZeBJYZdwubY9OnFZNoFQvXGhEh__QXB6cDfRYgMqQGjwXZLYax5BU3qWpCbFDQgm5SXA3I4qHK057qW3tpRVX_WA/w266-h400/426%203.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p></p><p>A pool of glass fused to the gnomes’ palm and she also managed to get a figurine of a horse as well. She thanked Poseidon and assured the god that he would do all he could to rid the temple of the evil. Poseidon pledged to offer what help he could in exchange.</p><p>Time started and the group all shared what happened. So we had all 3 gods contact the party in their own way: Aredhel had Hades. Furd had Zeus. And now Pestle had Poseidon. Ok – all 3 original gods of the Temple were accounted for – let’s go!</p><p>We went down the stairs 30’ to the underside of the Temple. There were many passages from here but the group wanted to avoid being seen, so we went south where it was quiet. The passages eventually led to two different armories where we grabbed a few arrows. There was a longer sloping passage that we took next that went on for many scores of steps, came to a landing that went FURTHER down to a 2nd level under the temple, AND another slope that went up and to the west.</p><p>We went that way. Eventually it came to a mirror of what we had seen the other way, and we went south to check out the armories. While here a search was also enacted and we discovered a Blessed Bolt of Zeus in here. Nice – we took it and after eating, took stock of what to do. We figured we’d have to head northward at some point as it was a bit after 2 PM on Birthmonth the 11th when we were ready to head to the dungeon under the Temple at long last.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-40416805475554791702023-06-22T21:44:00.002-04:002023-06-22T21:44:09.412-04:00Meet 51, Adv 11, 4/22/23<p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><i>The group entered what a player at my table referred to as New Jack City - a place of criminal enterprises. They had a chance to look around, went to the place in question, and then were interviewed by the head guy - who Bond Villain took them to the dungeon filled with things he harvests for blood and stuff - including a Valkyrie. A damned angel. And then his pet demon helped subdue them all and threw them in the same dungeon with almost nothing to their name.<br /><br />And now they have to somehow come up with a plan to escape. 5 of the 6 at the table are enjoying the hell out of it. 1 is not and we had some words...twice...on his actions and attitudes. It has gotten better but there were some rough interactions during this time.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><i>Rule # 1, Always have fun.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><i>Follows:</i></span></p><p>We awoke the next day on Plantmonth the 26th and after breakfast, were on the road by 8 AM. The sky was blue and the air cool enough. Eoghan was in a rare mood and was not adopting any foolishness on this day. We left the byway and were on the Randari Traderoad, heading east. We hit the outskirts of the town of Third by 9 and then turned here up the Greater North Highway.</p><p>The name was more descriptive than anything as it pretty much stayed a 25’ two rut path making its way through the copse and farmlands north of Third. Wild wheat was prominent as we headed onward and within ¾ of a mile, the density of the woods thickened quite a bit, making our passage through the area strange with a full canopy overhead even with 25’ of roadbed. There was a small clearing on both sides of chopped trees and stumps but we were pretty much alone, walking through the thick dense forest north of Third.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsK-XtqxmsX6PE6_JAVht2NqiE6DRlG-nWGprIRozymWwYq3aCEHokasbbFAUMljDGowcbkvhOU8RtrCV00ViYFDkEoG3HQWOuZZYLpbqThS762nJkKzt4Y1QtLiVo4NuF6RzVD3MhRQEAKCeD6VQz3xBn9QdvGyB9kxpSwR4z2oAw4YQMxVt1Q0hrdk/s299/422%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsK-XtqxmsX6PE6_JAVht2NqiE6DRlG-nWGprIRozymWwYq3aCEHokasbbFAUMljDGowcbkvhOU8RtrCV00ViYFDkEoG3HQWOuZZYLpbqThS762nJkKzt4Y1QtLiVo4NuF6RzVD3MhRQEAKCeD6VQz3xBn9QdvGyB9kxpSwR4z2oAw4YQMxVt1Q0hrdk/w400-h225/422%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was a bit about quarter to 11 when the trees grew thin once more and the land rose a bit. To the east was a sizable lake, over a mile north to south and maybe a third of that east to west. Numerous skiffs and canoes were plying the waters and we could see a mishmash of docks and quays sticking into the water's surface from the walled city on the lake’s shore. This must be Wendover. The walls were thick and over 20’ tall. Crenelations and watch towers adorned the parapets and we could see surprisingly well armed and armored figures walking pickets. A shanty town was just before the gates before we could make the first guards.</p><p>A 4 count, professional and ready, took our information as well as the fact that a few of us were spellcasters. We had to wait to be allowed in through the portcullis and then the barbican and the opposite portcullis. The fact that this town did not exist more than 10 years ago and the amount of possible underground and criminal activities that would be taking place beyond the walls were concerning. Our thoughts were to come here, get the information we needed, and then leave. Eoghan and Connal were concerned as to why were going this far and sticking our necks out. Darius countered that it was the right thing to do.</p><p>Once inside the main square seemed incongruous . Kids playing, a dog running, happy families walking about. It was off the main road that we could see Wendover was a place where people were doing what they needed to do – and anything else was window dressing. Also, just humans and pure elves were her – no dwarves, gnomes, or any orcish type. Curious. We eventually came to the area that was the “Storied District” – not too far from the waters where some sluices powered a water wheel and some triphammers. Steps lifted the group higher and higher until we were well over the water table.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuUw9eBzH7R9QktN9WNYnuIzvF8xapjhshtbHLOekdIGcECU3cuKl1PBpwjy9qyJlKnX9RkRXeL3B8U5Fs4KnjCiZgaqljUD43nKpqEYnR0dG_HNHfr_VZyqQt62adKR_iqqAMUrdFmsvorMFaI6vP470BnDsaIaFgr85W0tDVF8yJsOfH56jqvW8sVc/s275/422%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuUw9eBzH7R9QktN9WNYnuIzvF8xapjhshtbHLOekdIGcECU3cuKl1PBpwjy9qyJlKnX9RkRXeL3B8U5Fs4KnjCiZgaqljUD43nKpqEYnR0dG_HNHfr_VZyqQt62adKR_iqqAMUrdFmsvorMFaI6vP470BnDsaIaFgr85W0tDVF8yJsOfH56jqvW8sVc/w400-h266/422%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The town was well laid out with neat streets and proper signage – both common and standards. We did indeed find Wendover Brewers and Apothecists without too much issue. We rang for service and gave our name to a functionary within. More well dressed and prepared guards were about. Dropping Stavraphore Morkanus’ name and the fact that a shipment didn’t get where it needed to be, we managed to grease the wheels to meet with the company head. We went to the back of the building and then down the stairs 30’ to the basement. From here we went through a number of drying and preparing rooms where Shim and Wilhelm were able to detect a number of herbs in the area, including mandrake root – a rare and difficult herb to acquire. And that was just in the burn barrel. What was going on here?</p><p>Eventually past a number of smaller closed room and halls, we came to meeting room with 2 other doors. (Everyone make a Will save please. Anyone over a 20? Connal only – thanks. What? Oh, no reason, play on.) The conference table would seat 10 and in here we managed to meet with Stavraphore Morkanus, and Master Apothecie here at Wendover. A nervous red haired heroin tall and thin woman with a obsequious manner named Kelli was acting as his assistant.</p><p>We explained about the lost shipment and that it was found. We described it and some of the situation around it. Stavraphore thought at first that we were shaking him down to deliver the shipment and had his delivery guys/thugs come in, a real ginzaloon looking piece of shit named Raggar. Raggar described the delivery to Hillscar, the condition of the box, and the 4 orcish bints he had there. Excuse me? The orcish girls, he had his guys get them from the many endless supply of orcish scum out there in the Randari wild and sent them along with the philters.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZRNhr6WSpsLVSOvgVePFNV-ok_BYRXKynQRigxc_d9-Rdbo0sx7OeK159AE-FS5lLXuXCI9F3ChGEzu2p4YnyJWJf82BjFKm2tXcWzae60tmHsh-t0d61U6ACEMaUBDvOnucbDNN_Agdjct7UG8MWFriB-uTeJu1N_v56WUPLx12MGuWjb2Pk9zXnvo/s326/423%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="155" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZRNhr6WSpsLVSOvgVePFNV-ok_BYRXKynQRigxc_d9-Rdbo0sx7OeK159AE-FS5lLXuXCI9F3ChGEzu2p4YnyJWJf82BjFKm2tXcWzae60tmHsh-t0d61U6ACEMaUBDvOnucbDNN_Agdjct7UG8MWFriB-uTeJu1N_v56WUPLx12MGuWjb2Pk9zXnvo/w190-h400/423%203.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><p></p><p>Stavraphore thanked him and Raggar left but was still nearby. Group was keeping it under wraps as we learned the orcs were there on purpose and were put there by Wendover. The Philter? It was for the Rector at the church of Freya in Erylond and if imbibed, would make him irresistible to whatever women were nearby. The orc girls were to effect a proof – the Apothecist was pissed to learn that the philters had been smashed and those who got in on themselves, were instead victim to its effects.</p><p>We were going round and round on how best to get what we needed from this guy and get out when Stavraphore decided to show the part a tour of the “Production Floor” and see what is they do here. We followed them out of the meeting room where Raggar and 2 others good naturedly came, went back to the stairs and down another 30 feet to the 2nd level down. We were at or below water level now and there was a dampness to the air. Lots of alembics, industrial sized burners, yards and yards of tubes and beakers were everywhere. He showed the party the various production stages and their processes on how it was all done. Maybe 15 people worked here and there were another 6 guards as well.</p><p>Eventually he got a bit smug and asked if we wanted to see,” where we get some of our raw materials as well as my pride and joy?” We followed him to a celled off area with many cells going on to the gloom and dark. We passed a cell with 2 trolls, some wolves, a moose, even a few larger cats. But the next one was covered with a sheet with some light behind it, and we smiled and had it pulled aside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPQM0eH_Th-8nsSaMq8xxKNmB9xIG3IO3gloKCvYbkTGYdk2l-dtg91977YPRsLdNfi3YcAxeWn4yC69kVa-of71xQxANCH0pVhlTAR7B_FnfjaFV3hR1JjW6LjVCo5vlEW9D51w1B9zjRqXriu8sNHfKaGFBXozNLK4_L4QMH_9oVVafTVDSSdjA8JU/s225/422%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPQM0eH_Th-8nsSaMq8xxKNmB9xIG3IO3gloKCvYbkTGYdk2l-dtg91977YPRsLdNfi3YcAxeWn4yC69kVa-of71xQxANCH0pVhlTAR7B_FnfjaFV3hR1JjW6LjVCo5vlEW9D51w1B9zjRqXriu8sNHfKaGFBXozNLK4_L4QMH_9oVVafTVDSSdjA8JU/w400-h400/422%204.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Revealing an angel.</p><p>Winged with silver, white and gold feathers, breathtakingly beautiful, golden blond hair. She was wearing the remains of a potato sack to preserve modesty and was chained by her neck, wrists, ankles, and waist. She had hundreds of scars on her body and twisted lesions under the skin in bruised places. A few spigots had been inserted into her body to extract fluids as needed. But it was the branding of Sif on her shoulder and her demeanor that slightly corrected our initial estimation as to who she was – along with Stavraphore’s explanation.</p><p>About 4 years ago he and his organization had run afoul of the church of Sif and it cost them much money at that time. Working with an arcanist who had devised a way to temporarily diminish the divine connection, Stavraphore had arranged a large enough skirmish with a Sifian monastic group and some hired fighters. Making sure that some would die and die heroically, their passing attracted a Valkyrie to come and take the fallen to Valhalla – when Stavraphore had the angelic being blasted from her steed and knocked out. After that it was the right application of pain, magic, and metal to get her here and then proceed to strip her of various body parts over the last 4 years to power their more difficult and stranger potions.</p><p>Identified as Ygraine, she begged to die and Stavraphore laughed it off, the others around him chuckling as well. The group did their best to say nothing, smiling weakly as the curtain was drawn closed and we were escorted back upstairs to the 1st basement area and the meeting room again (another save please from everyone – Connal - +4 bonus. Anyone over a 20? Again, only Connal – ok – thanks!).</p><p>Feeling that we were on the precipice of something bad, we tried to talk with him but one by 1, the group became dazzled, oblivious to everything for the next 20 minutes. Except Connal. The 2 of them talked, Stavraphore offering 75 crowns from the gnome and the half orc. They went back and forth and then it was combat time as Kelli shifted to something more demonic and attacked. Connal flipped around and back, hitting Kelly in the face. She shrugged it off and he ran around, trying to get to Stavraphore to use the Apothecie as cover. Raggar and his 2 thugs came in and they shot at Connal who dodged the bolts. Raggar coated his sword with a poison and came around the table as Kelli and Connal struggled eventually the monk getting knocked out.</p><p>We were all stripped of everything and taken back down to the 2nd basement and cell area. Stavraphore didn’t want us liquidated yet, wanted to know who the fuck we were and what we were doing here. Group woke up everyone in different cells except Shim and Wilhelm. They also took most of out weaponry and magic – missing Connal’s headband, the necklace weapons, even the sling around Darius’ wrist. Jessie the rabbit was also missed somehow, so we had that going as well. We whispered ideas and plans. Shim and Wilhelm’s cell has come carvings seen outside and over the lintel. When Shim tried a detect magic, the runes flared and he was struck – taking 1d8+1 electricity damage and knocked on his ass.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpK9rF-nlcGSb9cwWC6Wm59pCAdCTJr923QObO02MsGJ-MiKmU1aTzkj2U_gJYkNKcIfcp7DWGIkr7Um0N4HpcSk1xKGqRDYhy-FDdDVDnM0OyjImsLGn5TRVeBDL2zp3rfUV_cs3ClEr0jgOMLH3r2pJLxnxa_rf9ODI4gxp89v4VorrrJilYtxaymk/s275/422%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpK9rF-nlcGSb9cwWC6Wm59pCAdCTJr923QObO02MsGJ-MiKmU1aTzkj2U_gJYkNKcIfcp7DWGIkr7Um0N4HpcSk1xKGqRDYhy-FDdDVDnM0OyjImsLGn5TRVeBDL2zp3rfUV_cs3ClEr0jgOMLH3r2pJLxnxa_rf9ODI4gxp89v4VorrrJilYtxaymk/w400-h266/422%205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Guards came by and there was some back and forth. Eventually a cart was wheeled down the corridor and a guy with a key within unlocked Shim and Wilhelm’s cage, 4 crossbow guys screaming to “NOT MOVE ! DON’T FUCKING MOVE! FACE THE WALL!!” before running in, grabbing the gnome and club smashing him in the skull until he was knocked out. Then they took him from the cell and went down to the Re-Education room at the end of the hall.</p><p>Here he was strapped to a dunking chair and tortured repeatedly. Then he was taken out and beat with ropes with knots at the end and when he passed out, they threw salt at him and then dunked him again. Some half hour later they dragged his broken ass back to the room and left him there.</p><p>Something Connal noted? When the door to the mage shocking room was opened – the runes seemed to be deactivated. That was something.</p><p>Darius was working on getting an edge of a flagstone up and we were whispering ideas back and forth. Eventually food was delivered (poor quality) and a bark cup full of water – barely enough to keep us going. We were going over plans and ideas on what to do. We were tossing around the rabbit gets to Darius’ cell and digs to Shims. Once there they get the flagstone up and maybe shim crawls back to Darius’ cell while Wilhelm makes a haybaby out of Shim’s clothes. Then in the non magic cell, Shim can talk to Jessie and make himself invisible. We then have Connal go dead (feign), Darius make a shit ton of noise and complaint, and they take him out to be re-educated. Once the door is open, Shim gets out of here and meets up with Connal wherever they bring his dead body.</p><p>That’s the idea for now, but this will change. We have a short window in time before Stavraphore gets an answer on who we are and who will miss us – if any. We rested as well as we could, but they came by every 2 hours making noises and throwing water on us to make sure we did not get anything like enough uninterrupted sleep. It was Plantmonth the 27th now about 7 AM and they just came by with another shitty meal – about ¼ of what the group would eat for breakfast.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-56809854742554707832023-06-20T22:49:00.004-04:002023-06-20T22:49:44.057-04:00Temple of Elemental Evil - Meet 29, 4/19/23<p><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: verdana;"><i>The first fight was with the 26 brigands in the tower, which taxed the party's resources and capabilities. A well timed Dominate Person Scroll on the enemy leader helped stem the tide. The kids have a healthy respect already for the Temple and are taking nothing for chance. Half want to leave now and get some hirelings, half want to explore a bit of the temple itself. Both ideas have merit, but the vote is to explore at least a little bit.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: verdana;"><i>Follows:</i></span></p><p>With Torrand holding the door, the archers and crossbow wielder’s within shot at the fighter, ringing off his platemail. Rowan was doing all he could on our end while Hamburger was struck repeatedly by the spear wielders. Albert called out another summons and Pestle fired off a number of magic missiles from the wand. We tried to get to Aredhel to heal her as the grunting thugs stabbed and slashed. A crocodile was called into being as we finally got Aredhel up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFf522qZStHsaZaM8BNO1rCauBjXBLr68Ybj4GZx5VYYlaP28HOpB0hPu0tPHbLbCcKrHlqpSTZaJeJlmbO2PgcGuW2b2tTJJPuR_pYPj7aCU3og_TE8IIohvHl8IUwySR1ptSnO5zPhv6HzwVGUMJ_EGnNiwcUuDiFpbklu9WbYqQw3nlxCKL_ELHlug/s275/419%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFf522qZStHsaZaM8BNO1rCauBjXBLr68Ybj4GZx5VYYlaP28HOpB0hPu0tPHbLbCcKrHlqpSTZaJeJlmbO2PgcGuW2b2tTJJPuR_pYPj7aCU3og_TE8IIohvHl8IUwySR1ptSnO5zPhv6HzwVGUMJ_EGnNiwcUuDiFpbklu9WbYqQw3nlxCKL_ELHlug/s1600/419%201.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then Ophelia went down, the cleric getting a number of blows that threatened to rip her apart. More missiles, magic and common fired about and the ring and clang of armor and weaponry was everywhere. Hamburger was critically hit in the chest and the main fighter who hit him snarled as Rowan as he busted the spear off in the great bull’s heart. No!!</p><p>Torrand was struck again and again, but refused to drop, holding his own while bleeding profusely. We finished off the closer foes as Albert summoned Jimmy the kobold and Rowan called for a badger to add to the fight. We pressed forward, healed Ophelia and were finally able to catch up to Torrand and healed him while Aredhel fired a sleep spell into the tower and knocked out a large portion of the archers within.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgH6L5x20t2_oWokhlrsmjJYWb1q0az5o-XViYDXvpzVOKjJALued5vgnAa7eLnE4pNssIeRsm9GDOFuGezNrkjoJHmiMJNYFKZBp2Wr1k7HIX_Of1FCZxBL75YdjimMw5qjhboHe5xQBaoBoWCtoZZhSDcwBrkAU8zRR0RtxZMwfKXigIplVpegwPXM/s735/419%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="735" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgH6L5x20t2_oWokhlrsmjJYWb1q0az5o-XViYDXvpzVOKjJALued5vgnAa7eLnE4pNssIeRsm9GDOFuGezNrkjoJHmiMJNYFKZBp2Wr1k7HIX_Of1FCZxBL75YdjimMw5qjhboHe5xQBaoBoWCtoZZhSDcwBrkAU8zRR0RtxZMwfKXigIplVpegwPXM/w400-h266/419%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>After that the fight drew easier and we were finished in short order. Two of the foes broke free and charged across the tower floor to a closed door and ran through it. Torrand and Furd gave chase along with the badger and Jimmy. The two thugs shoved a chest aside and ran into a tunnel to escape. But we managed to grab one and the badger ran into the tunnel finishing off the other.</p><p>We spent some time healing wounds and going through the bodies inside and outside the tower. Treasure was taken and we snagged a few knives and daggers. Albert got mad at Aredhel who healed Cheddar the dog first and then the two of them were going at it, brother and sister calling names. Furd got involved and it descended to just running around aimlessly.</p><p>We stashed some weapons to sell back at Nulb aside, split up the coins we found amongst ourselves, and then policed every body outside and behind the tower. It was almost 2 PM when we were done and we decided we were going to rest for now. The inside of the tower had little more to offer, a few rooms, some sleeping areas, and plenty of food. Enough for weeks if we played our hands right. So we didn’t have to run back to Nulb for now. Water was also a good thing with 2 40 gallon barrels on premises.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIrRg63C0MNqzOxDhXDMZqFTG2zfBiWvC25hAEt9FkpFOKS37JDcLnDr0VyEQdreM78VjkJqki01ytPZ8vu6LtspIlFd1ZCPNFKdqs0zox0GhIS2ouQRv2i7VMFbunrjx68dsOmK5APMUEIhVmK_iKFPNnqQW26mwUv3W1aA98HLRA2WxQ0T1G4mvqb8/s263/419%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="191" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIrRg63C0MNqzOxDhXDMZqFTG2zfBiWvC25hAEt9FkpFOKS37JDcLnDr0VyEQdreM78VjkJqki01ytPZ8vu6LtspIlFd1ZCPNFKdqs0zox0GhIS2ouQRv2i7VMFbunrjx68dsOmK5APMUEIhVmK_iKFPNnqQW26mwUv3W1aA98HLRA2WxQ0T1G4mvqb8/w290-h400/419%203.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><p></p><p>Eventually we rested and it was that evening that we realized that the spell making Torrand susceptible to suggestion had ended. However, he was willing to stay. Being unable to speak except in grunts and his own name, he did manage to get his thoughts and wants across. 10 gold per day. Every day. Starting tomorrow.</p><p>Er…sure.</p><p>Furd and Torrand gambled with dice for a bit, Aredhel joined in when able. But the group did eventually rest. We heard the ravens return and caw unhappily for a time. Then we also heard something, lots of somethings, try to get into the tower, scratching at the door’s base but the 3” of oak held firm. We awoke on Birthmonth the 11th and studied, broke our fast, and by 8:30, were ready to leave.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyBfjKGjQfeDqCDWacRdYXuRWF0KOIM6JX5yauMygR8EvIvnKUJUl_l_dV-x2HZDH06-7D0lGPl7ejBQQm_Ut2P54MbqvIOs32djPYODlTeyK2YdeX5F_Zi-N-ZzbeCr2Hr5BXqWD9ACUPr95M14rA3n7pV8-_0XnmzscxrhQbVMgscxA8JLsLAIeLyE/s240/419%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="210" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyBfjKGjQfeDqCDWacRdYXuRWF0KOIM6JX5yauMygR8EvIvnKUJUl_l_dV-x2HZDH06-7D0lGPl7ejBQQm_Ut2P54MbqvIOs32djPYODlTeyK2YdeX5F_Zi-N-ZzbeCr2Hr5BXqWD9ACUPr95M14rA3n7pV8-_0XnmzscxrhQbVMgscxA8JLsLAIeLyE/s1600/419%204.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We could see the Temple in the distance south of here on the other side of some grove of trees, but we wanted to check the area out first. Some outbuildings were seen at the western end of the compound so we went there to look them over. Along one of them we did find by the foundation a set of stairs that went into the ground – and rats. Dozens of giant rats, milling around. A single flame burst went in but we did not know the size of the room down there and figured screwing with some undetermined number of huge rodents was a terrible idea. So we dragged loose boards and fallen walls over the stairway down to trap them down there and looked around the desolate landscape, discussing what our next move was.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-77246633564393789272023-06-02T23:00:00.003-04:002023-06-02T23:00:27.317-04:00Meet 50, Adv 11, 4/15/23<p>The group had redoubled their efforts at the massing goblins but now that their 4 to 1 numerical superiority was no longer in play, their chanting did not have the same effect and their blows were less sure, less accurate. We still found ourselves fighting for our lives but as the numbers whittled down, we were able to better draw the battle lines as we wanted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgQriKs9ocvohfhNHsV1HaFmVTCKa4CMUZQ2ZLVptA8uJRQyJUv169LFFmsNHMm1k1URnKrFuzoHQg-i46V912Af-8VjxQp6d6UM0naAcjth0vOCONt7my18768HO5-HLx4I6KgJcP7nD8XQBF8o5bQv3pNLlwkt6qgVVzuy2_G3qKDeN31MJT1kx/s234/415%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="215" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgQriKs9ocvohfhNHsV1HaFmVTCKa4CMUZQ2ZLVptA8uJRQyJUv169LFFmsNHMm1k1URnKrFuzoHQg-i46V912Af-8VjxQp6d6UM0naAcjth0vOCONt7my18768HO5-HLx4I6KgJcP7nD8XQBF8o5bQv3pNLlwkt6qgVVzuy2_G3qKDeN31MJT1kx/s1600/415%201.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><p></p><p>And then the goblins called a retreat, with the final 20 or less vacating the area and running back into the woods. We policed the bodies, gathered up a few hundred silver and a number of packs filled with a variety of items, some of them magical! We set up watch and rested again. Finally in the morning we spent some time skinning the weasels, getting 1 good skin and a mess of the last 2. It was 10:30 on Plantmonth the 24th when we left Hillscar and headed south, southeast toward the Randari Traderoad and the border of Canaslan.</p><p>It took a few hours to plod our way out of the dense forest, and then a few more to make the road itself. From there we headed off to the barrier with the Sovereign Land and passed through. As before, the environs of Canaslan were a bit warmer than outside the border, the smell of grains and the faint aroma of body odor hung in the air. We stayed on the road passing a few farmsteads along the way until we came to a burned out field on the south side.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43JQBudYi2fcr30bCXtsOeqYlOroWWAXnBSzGD8vtWI1F8QLS9GHrleTeVJgMbttCABizgF74smTmAE6EY-QuozXsl5Tg-zK6P4W6-rEwTd2o59cDw4k06o_OW3KTQ6MWkCbA71jkDaOO3m2kkG7xwYYLxNnMO_lb_jiN_Q1r2IbCNte8WDpWAKhW/s259/415%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43JQBudYi2fcr30bCXtsOeqYlOroWWAXnBSzGD8vtWI1F8QLS9GHrleTeVJgMbttCABizgF74smTmAE6EY-QuozXsl5Tg-zK6P4W6-rEwTd2o59cDw4k06o_OW3KTQ6MWkCbA71jkDaOO3m2kkG7xwYYLxNnMO_lb_jiN_Q1r2IbCNte8WDpWAKhW/s1600/415%202.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><p></p><p>Darius and Rhygar had been gathering up wood along the way and once we figured a good enough place, the two of them worked on a drying rack for the furs. Charcoal was placed underneath, smoking slightly and heating the air, speeding up the process. We were setting up a camp area for us to stay in when a 3 count of guys and their cart crept closer to say hello, wondering what we were doing here. However we scared them off and they raced back to the road, broke some spokes on the cart, abandoned it and took their horse and bags with them, heading east.</p><p>A bit longer on some local constabulary showed up and we managed to stave them off, letting them know about the “three strange guys with bags hoofing it east – they might have been smuggling stuff.” The guards thanked us, wheeled their horses about and went back to the road.</p><p>We set up a rotation of the watch and Shimlagesh took first. It was some time after most of his watch passed that he heard a voice call from the field to the south asking to share the fire. The gnome invited the speaker closer and they thanked him and stepped up. The figure was just a bit under 6 foot in height, clad in traveling clothes that had been so bleached and worn they turned grey. Sporting a week’s worth of stubble and cloak and boots worn and dusty, introduced himself as Barri. And he pointed to his three legged cat, adding, “And this is Tabs. Thanks so much for the fire. Night is cold and dark and any friendliness on the road is appreciated.”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1rUpFtl7CmPt6dbV0UIbCJtXNVcBn_ECwmKsh2AvJXa5BhHOnGkKrp1Caggj-8l4anrmQ3DyTs7YXd0BIdmUib4TyXud-0EUGmANHbKOv17wVmZTD3mRTcVkhQ-IeqCs8LdpVYr_hFLK4OXPSqoYKbyCUY5CuT8neQbTsXLEg2Z5BrmDGMTrP_FN/s279/415%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="279" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1rUpFtl7CmPt6dbV0UIbCJtXNVcBn_ECwmKsh2AvJXa5BhHOnGkKrp1Caggj-8l4anrmQ3DyTs7YXd0BIdmUib4TyXud-0EUGmANHbKOv17wVmZTD3mRTcVkhQ-IeqCs8LdpVYr_hFLK4OXPSqoYKbyCUY5CuT8neQbTsXLEg2Z5BrmDGMTrP_FN/s1600/415%203.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><p></p><p>He offered a swallow of his alcohol and was interested in light chit chat. Eventually he removed his shoes, stretched by the fire, promised to be no bother, and Barri fell asleep. Eventually Shim awoke Connal and told him about the traveler, and so on and so forth. Everyone had some time to watch the stranger rest. Eventually Barri awoke and gave some thanks, saying that he had some miles still to go. He did give a cryptic bit of advice – the solutions to the problems being faced today can be found in the past. And then he was gone, heading north to the road and then onward.</p><p>Darius and Shim thought it might have been an avatar of the gods who came and visited them but they couldn’t pinpoint which it might have been. We continued to dry the skin and by 3, we were done for the day. Rolling them up we kicked dirt on the embers and knocked the rack down. We went back to the road and went east, and then north down the Byway and eventually Paxian.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCDmn21Gc4lcCaUVhIpk23I76-ET6fNvKlaY49gsa6POQ05lf4DeuKU_qeOfEOxQpkREbG35JsukUHcpq72iBLgBosX7nAO33JaixE4_g5fL6p-1BTk_ntFi9BwVuIP-cMCQfHF1DotcyKLkyeWH9NheF3BkdSeVYgJaEa9piS9jbz0uMb0JRdqas/s275/415%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCDmn21Gc4lcCaUVhIpk23I76-ET6fNvKlaY49gsa6POQ05lf4DeuKU_qeOfEOxQpkREbG35JsukUHcpq72iBLgBosX7nAO33JaixE4_g5fL6p-1BTk_ntFi9BwVuIP-cMCQfHF1DotcyKLkyeWH9NheF3BkdSeVYgJaEa9piS9jbz0uMb0JRdqas/s1600/415%204.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><p></p><p>There were some new guard types and reminders of behavior at the front but we entered without issue. Once relieving ourselves at the square, we followed the Northeast Road through town till we eventually arrived at the Canaslan Trading Warehouse. We sold off the fur and scraps at a tidy profit and then had some conversation with Telian Darkbeard and eventually the blackmarket’s mage, Ruciles. We identified some of the items we got off the goblins (they didn’t even realize they had anything magical on them) and then talked about what our next step was. We were going to rest here tonight and then head off to Wendover – the town (here in Canaslan) that had brewed the philters that started this entire mess and see if the Master Apothecie Stavraphore could answer anything for them.</p><p>We went to a very nice hotel in Whiteshadow, but on learning that the cost to stay was 3 gold. Per person, we dragged Eoghan and Grendel out of there and went 1 block off the main strip to a different hotel with a much cheaper rate. We ate, watched some musicians and skalds entertain the masses, and then went off to sleep – knowing that in the morning we’d be heading off to Wendover.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-11498218663903819512023-05-29T22:19:00.007-04:002023-05-29T22:19:59.162-04:00Temple of Elemental Evil - Meet 28, 4/12/23<p>Knowing we were looking to leave tomorrow, the group finished up their shopping. Pestle spent some time making some healing potions, Camunsant the half-orc apprentice giving the gnome a hand, using the College’s alchemy lab and some reagents supplied at a cost by Percy Threecoppers. We loaded up on food stuffs and gear and on the 10th of Birthmonth, spring air and sunshine with us, left the town of Nulb along with the contingent from the Order of the Gnarley Woods.</p><p>It was some 3 to 4 miles out of town and south through the dense forest. Many of the trees were confusing to us and trails were non-existent. Rowan had enough wilderness lore to help him get his way back to here and out again should need be due to the thick tree cover making any sighting with the sun or moon impossible. We hoped to get a feel for the temple area and maybe some light exploring before possibly returning back and hiring a person or two to help us out in the future – a shieldbearer and a thief if we could find one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4jhBBzT2LN_Ch6gvXn-cQHGPdAweqLtX_PmVER-WFn8GQeP4bAyHV6D2uTrxLv2tCeXzFfpn9Ri0xb2GB3kQj0qIBkwttUthLJ4DU76dDbTMLiu933sNAc8kjw4SNpj6CY1rlcMXQoBuPtQKpJgZvBfz-fdOFOjUoclGEDYWCK-cAGCpPGdwN6rV/s864/412%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="864" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4jhBBzT2LN_Ch6gvXn-cQHGPdAweqLtX_PmVER-WFn8GQeP4bAyHV6D2uTrxLv2tCeXzFfpn9Ri0xb2GB3kQj0qIBkwttUthLJ4DU76dDbTMLiu933sNAc8kjw4SNpj6CY1rlcMXQoBuPtQKpJgZvBfz-fdOFOjUoclGEDYWCK-cAGCpPGdwN6rV/s320/412%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Eventually we came to an area where the undergrowth was a solid tangle of vines and thorn bushes. The Order let us know that beyond here was the Temple and they would not dare to enter. Furd drew his great sword and using it a machete, hacked and chopped his way along and through, 20 feet or so until the passage finally parted enough for us and the party came to the other side of the warded area.</p><p>It was horrible</p><p>The land rose ahead in a washed out and tired looking version of the world we knew. The sun seemed anemic, the sky was grey-blue. Twisted trees with leprous looking leaves when they had any at all dominated the land. We walked toward the center where some walls and a building stood, our ankles getting welt from the brambles and diseased looking underbrush that clogged our passage. Fat ravens spun lazily in the sky, croaking out their disgust at our presence.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zSxZP10Jd4rM3Czctbr8NxJa_FHNRRZNp0JweNkxU9tAr-gGMMJLMbRJSbAnajHIKYQXY_BIlmS-s2ST2L4n4QfBpLbZQloLNIUZ5Ic431wpuMO4_jigDYTwmpzU4_z-CrgqufokHH4VKbsN64HQswsNxAjZPdGjEDmvm4uR9O9Nyb0bIgQ3evm5/s265/412%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="265" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zSxZP10Jd4rM3Czctbr8NxJa_FHNRRZNp0JweNkxU9tAr-gGMMJLMbRJSbAnajHIKYQXY_BIlmS-s2ST2L4n4QfBpLbZQloLNIUZ5Ic431wpuMO4_jigDYTwmpzU4_z-CrgqufokHH4VKbsN64HQswsNxAjZPdGjEDmvm4uR9O9Nyb0bIgQ3evm5/w400-h287/412%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We walked on, sounds both muted and shrill. We approached the busted wall surrounding the temple grounds and got our first view of the Temple of Elemental Evil. It was huge with numerous gargoyles and carved faces adorning its walls. Strange baffles and cutouts made the place feel like it was screaming. The grounds were a mess of thigh-high overgrown thorns and bushes and the entire wall looked like it had been assaulted in the past, the tops maybe 20’ tall, rounded, and broken. There was a tower close to here with the top that had collapsed. It was thought that we’d check that place out first.</p><p>Ophelia had dared a detect evil spell and was overwhelmed by the constant wave of malevolence everywhere. But, as we came closer to the tower, she was able to feel 8…15…20…26 distinct evil presences within. We all picked our way around, Albert slipping and wrenching his ankle, going to slow the mage down a bit.</p><p>We came to the front door and on seeing it had a chain around it, split ourselves up and got ready to open the door and attack. A lit flask of oil was prepared and floated in where Aredhel burst it, setting the opening on fire and starting the fight. And they responded with a withering storm of arrows that had us scatter back and draw ready. They burst out, human, male, dirty and unshaven, wild looking and grunting and snarling – language seemingly absent from them for now.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqve0nGn3RJ90T_h3yWOB4Uqg_dLHL_5nAb0O0wyotYriu1o5ZGbI9PokVbcA4k66rBK-mkDCw3YTdySmfXkNgAuw1to0r6pmGlo8fNKGl9iAS3QCV4y7WedSpqWKZsB2jid1xU3FHcPAuoh8MS_ubG6bWcg472ZwPiArH-pct2DkdmIg_bOekuxa/s1007/412%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="794" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqve0nGn3RJ90T_h3yWOB4Uqg_dLHL_5nAb0O0wyotYriu1o5ZGbI9PokVbcA4k66rBK-mkDCw3YTdySmfXkNgAuw1to0r6pmGlo8fNKGl9iAS3QCV4y7WedSpqWKZsB2jid1xU3FHcPAuoh8MS_ubG6bWcg472ZwPiArH-pct2DkdmIg_bOekuxa/s320/412%203.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><p></p><p>The first batch were clad in leather and sporting spears but beyond were others including slingers, archers, crossbowmen, and some metal clad fighters. Albert called a summons and a troglodyte appeared, javelin stabbing out and catching a spear wielder head on. Furd positioned himself near the front and smote the first, cleaving into the seconds. Spells and missiles fired but they slung some molotovs out at us, setting the ground on fire. Hamburger charged in and smote down 2 of the closest fighters and cleared the area a bit for Furd.</p><p>More missiles fired and Aredhel cast sleep within, dropping a number of the archers but it inspired the main fighters to march out, longswords flailing in the air. Rowan called another summons and got a hyena – it ran out to attack, slipped on some flaming oil, rolled helplessly and getting itself on fire and then charged in terror across the field where it collided with the Troglodyte that had just been struck by a nearby spearman, and setting the oil reptilian ablaze – the two of them screaming in terror and pain as they were consumed from the blaze. (Multiple fumbles!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nCqU8F3cimrqVTbJoPF7RY-zR4XjxZHkGRNCi0iBrl_E6zvBuPQtSVMoW1hDyOThZVp-XtUIUUD9h_bR1PWfUa0Q9jIS0_gBXxhFR0MZN84owWXChqabFOyptQUOCcYfYISzGpYOiCoMIbmkWFiG3rEePeomHJR_p5-egy60JeQqCH13y5Yq42k-/s314/412%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="236" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nCqU8F3cimrqVTbJoPF7RY-zR4XjxZHkGRNCi0iBrl_E6zvBuPQtSVMoW1hDyOThZVp-XtUIUUD9h_bR1PWfUa0Q9jIS0_gBXxhFR0MZN84owWXChqabFOyptQUOCcYfYISzGpYOiCoMIbmkWFiG3rEePeomHJR_p5-egy60JeQqCH13y5Yq42k-/s1600/412%204.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><p></p><p>Aredhel was struck hard and went down to zero, forcing the party to already run about to get some healing in place. But it was the approach of the leaders that had us worried – which had Albert draw one of Burne’s spells and read off – Suggestion – suggesting to the leader of the thugs that they were actually friends and could use his help. He failed his save, pointed to himself and grunted, “Torrand!” and then plied his sword against the same guys he just came out with.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599159076031105526.post-10277552449380928422023-05-18T20:56:00.005-04:002023-05-18T20:56:35.194-04:00Meet 49, Adv 11, 4/1/23<p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><i>In my world, goblins are horde creatures and they overcome their natural poor morale whenever they have a knowing 4 to 1 advantage over their targets. They chant, singing as they attack. It's a rousing song that bolsters their people, giving them the equivalent of a Bless - +1 to hit and +1 on Morale - each round. And it stacks to +5.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><i>So the longer the fight goes on, the more overwhelming the goblin warriors and their assault becomes. So adventurers have 2 choices - stand their ground and hope they denude the assaulting foes enough to negate the 4 to 1 advantage - or run for their lives. There is no right answer, and each goblin encounter is different.</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><i>Follows:</i></span></p><p>The group decided to check out the stairs going up, giving Grendel a little time to get matters…in hand. Connal muddled through for now. The steps were worn in the center from thousands of people using them in the past. The 2nd floor had more destroyed south walls open to the night air beyond. A few stone doors were here, and after checking them out, we saw an office in each. Darius went first and there was a weird burping noise and he disappeared – reappearing below in the pool formed by the choir area. Standing in almost 20+ inches of water, he sighed and got out, stripping off his wet stuff for now and setting up his brazier to help dry it out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZKUi1a4RMVKf8xsnuJPZZxOdU-NHdOukRNdLnKpWEjo0t_DCRR42O-VUmrewf7v0wKoqMTHfTrszYFxG8MiTiSvb3hhXCQwbFSXWXUgN3n_IbuHmMZ3xYlzVoFctmz2bo-h-sCl83qsuRHbQtytQUaUECwYrohLh9cb3SByY0FAJqCkPnT4wKPq5f" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZKUi1a4RMVKf8xsnuJPZZxOdU-NHdOukRNdLnKpWEjo0t_DCRR42O-VUmrewf7v0wKoqMTHfTrszYFxG8MiTiSvb3hhXCQwbFSXWXUgN3n_IbuHmMZ3xYlzVoFctmz2bo-h-sCl83qsuRHbQtytQUaUECwYrohLh9cb3SByY0FAJqCkPnT4wKPq5f" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Connal went next, also appearing below. On a second go through though, neither man got portalled down. We found some old scrolls here, the paper dried out from over a century of being out and exposed to the elements. But each was a better than expected clerical scroll. There were other books here as well, genealogy, birth and death records.</p><p>We went up to the 3rd floor, and it was also with a shattered south wall. A circle of stones were here and signs of an old fire pit here. The smell of ogre was not too old – none here at this time. There were some closets here and a few sleeping cells. IN which we found a total of 4 bodies – each badly assaulted by the ancient dwarves and left here. We left the dead alone and feeling uncomfortable as if being watched, moved on.</p><p>It was on the 4th floor that the tower area was getting smaller and we felt really uncomfortable going any further. Connal checked out the rooms and after verifying that they were more private rooms, we decided to not go any further up and instead head back to the main floor of the Cathedral.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeXprQBSW1eTXCrD6niw0hSXNUnk6jdHyZ4i53y5otfXJSeokVL75JXib3LpDugF6qKB97OK_yv_ihzBYohAfpEf_rt3JVXDQmZ4g34rlsYmdX_LSIOpBz5yKynutI0fQ4VdCEa_wvjsVrAifQ2PrDIhPklulte08BqIIZg0CPNQ_qoS-725j9BkfK" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeXprQBSW1eTXCrD6niw0hSXNUnk6jdHyZ4i53y5otfXJSeokVL75JXib3LpDugF6qKB97OK_yv_ihzBYohAfpEf_rt3JVXDQmZ4g34rlsYmdX_LSIOpBz5yKynutI0fQ4VdCEa_wvjsVrAifQ2PrDIhPklulte08BqIIZg0CPNQ_qoS-725j9BkfK" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Once here we went down to the lower level where we could see water had collected. A ballista was here (poor condition), and a number of barrels and boxes – also rotted along the base. The chamber was pretty large and there was another set of stairs getting even lower. We went there and it was a good 30’ down until we arrived at a sizable subterranean chamber. The south wall was collapsed and ruined, crystals and gypsum crusted from the ceiling. And there were dozens. Scores. Hundreds of dead here. Their bodies had been reduced to scraps of flesh and bones, obliterated from the assault of the dwarves during the Randari Water when they destroyed Hillscar and collapsed the earth on everyone here.</p><p>There was one figure, standing before the wreckage of the south wall. Orcish in size, clad in robes, had a female shape, arms upraised and hands out as if stopping the force that came and killed everyone. She was encrusted with grit, rock dust, bits of stone, and cemented limestone, eternally entombed in rock. We felt…out of place and bit in awe being here. So we left.</p><p>Back upstairs we decided to rest. It was after 10 and we split up the watch for now. Tomorrow we would head to Canaslan and Wendover to get some answers. Grendel drew first watch and the party rested. Eventually both the elf and Connal were no longer under the effects of the philter. The night passed on but it was about 111:30ish when Grendel heard a noise out there. He went and listened and then it repeated but not as an echo – closer.</p><p>We weren’t alone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwZmWV7HOnDnNPSDQDHYSwxqhWOEEAbirrPQsp0oxHe5M1lw0JpKSPcrJCBKll8ACAQiVfI9SySCu2wJRSAOt4I4Z6MNmPoxRH31eUb7CgBnTQOrG1CtMEfIuHG9x0pL6yrCJg_TT0XJwpE7DeDdOMKHgkvaBr6Ro0gim8VN53KZMsGFp--CGkG3QS" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1179" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwZmWV7HOnDnNPSDQDHYSwxqhWOEEAbirrPQsp0oxHe5M1lw0JpKSPcrJCBKll8ACAQiVfI9SySCu2wJRSAOt4I4Z6MNmPoxRH31eUb7CgBnTQOrG1CtMEfIuHG9x0pL6yrCJg_TT0XJwpE7DeDdOMKHgkvaBr6Ro0gim8VN53KZMsGFp--CGkG3QS" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>He ran to wake the group who swiftly armored up and drew into a long line within the Cathedral, weapons out and ready. And then they came, chanting and singing, filled with their own raucous calls. Goblins. Lots of them. They came screaming and shouting, some with spears, other with swords and clubs, a few on wargs. And flatbows rang out, cracking at the party.</p><p>We returned fire and did our best to make a better line, trusting the tree line to make a direct charge at us impossible. The first few greenskins fell and others charged in meeting spear and sword. But the first fighters were over 30 at least. And more were coming. Much more. The battle coalesced around two parts with Connal and Grendel making one pivotal point and Rhygar and Darius being the other. Everyone fired spells and bows, and then we filled the air with summons. Giants rats, crocodiles, even a damned Dire Bat. The group was hit, and we took a number of withering blows, a number of us doing our level best to hold the ground and drive enough of the goblins back. And the waves kept coming.</p><p>But finally, after 9 brutal minutes of frantic combat there seems to be a shift in the combat as the goblins have stopped their chanting and whatever effect was adding such fury to their attacks. We weren’t done, but we hoped that things were going to get easier for us here on out.</p>Vanadornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342660129465098326noreply@blogger.com0