Meet 61, Adv 12, 7/22/23

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet 60, Adv 11, 7/15/23

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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?

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.

Connal took it…poorly but stormed away for now.

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.

Meet 59, Adv 11, 7/1/23

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“You ok?” She asked him, wiping the blood off her cheek.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet 58, Adv 11, 6/24/23

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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….

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.

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.

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.

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.

And 3 Owlbears came out of the woods from 45’ feet away and charged.

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!

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.

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.

Meet 57, Adv 11, 6/10/23

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!”

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!).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet 56, Adv 11, 6/3/23

 Ah yes. This meeting. I remember

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.

Follows:

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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…

…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.

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.

Meet 55, Adv 11, 5/27/23

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.

Follows:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Lovely.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Plantmonth the 30th, 6 PM.

Temple of Elemental Evil - Meet 32, 5/17/23

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!

Follows (Sorry, no pics this time):

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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

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.

Meet 54, Adv 11, 5/13/23

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!)

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!”

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.

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.

Alright!

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.

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.

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.

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.